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2nd phase of 137th edition of Canton Fair themed on quality home furnishings opens in Guangzhou

Xinhua) 09:19, April 24, 2025

Overseas buyers learn about products at an area featuring integrated housing products at the 137th edition of the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th edition of the Canton Fair themed on quality home furnishings opened on Wednesday. An area featuring integrated housing products was set up for the first time at the event to showcase mobile houses, modular houses, expandable houses and other related products. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

An overseas buyer talks with an exhibitor at an area featuring integrated housing products at the 137th edition of the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th edition of the Canton Fair themed on quality home furnishings opened on Wednesday. An area featuring integrated housing products was set up for the first time at the event to showcase mobile houses, modular houses, expandable houses and other related products. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows a model of a housing product at an area featuring integrated housing products at the 137th edition of the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. The second phase of the 137th edition of the Canton Fair themed on quality home furnishings opened on Wednesday. An area featuring integrated housing products was set up for the first time at the event to showcase mobile houses, modular houses, expandable houses and other related products. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

An overseas buyer checks a housing product at an area featuring integrated housing products at the 137th edition of the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th edition of the Canton Fair themed on quality home furnishings opened on Wednesday. An area featuring integrated housing products was set up for the first time at the event to showcase mobile houses, modular houses, expandable houses and other related products. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Overseas buyers visit an area featuring integrated housing products at the 137th edition of the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th edition of the Canton Fair themed on quality home furnishings opened on Wednesday. An area featuring integrated housing products was set up for the first time at the event to showcase mobile houses, modular houses, expandable houses and other related products. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

This photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows an area featuring integrated housing products at the 137th edition of the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. The second phase of the 137th edition of the Canton Fair themed on quality home furnishings opened on Wednesday. An area featuring integrated housing products was set up for the first time at the event to showcase mobile houses, modular houses, expandable houses and other related products. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Overseas buyers talk at a clock area during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

A buyer records handicrafts during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

A buyer learns about products during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

A buyer selects horticultural products during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

Overseas buyers talk at a kitchenware area during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

An overseas buyer views water bottle products during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

A buyer selects kitchenware during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

Buyers learn about products during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

This photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows a view of the second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

A buyer learns about products during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

Overseas buyers view artificial flowers during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Buyers select bathroom products during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

Overseas buyers view artificial flowers during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

A buyer selects water bottles during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

Overseas buyers view artificial flowers during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

An overseas buyer visits a porcelain area of the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Buyers learn about barbecue accessories during the 137th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

A gifts and premiums area of the second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair is seen in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 23, 2025. The second phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, focusing on quality home furnishings, opened on Wednesday with more than 10,000 exhibiting companies. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday expressed its deep anguish and condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The full Court unanimously adopted a resolution today condemning the act of terrorism. The apex court in its resolution stated, "This diabolical act of mindless violence has shaken the conscience of all and is a stark reminder of the brutality and inhumanity that terrorism unleashes." Supreme Court of India paid its tribute to the innocent lives snuffed out brutally and prematurely, while also expressing its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, it said. "May the departed souls rest in peace, and may those who were injured recover soon. The nation stands with the victims and their families in this hour of indescribable grief," said the statement issued by the Supreme Court. "The attack on tourists, who were merely enjoying the natural beauty of the Crown Jewel of India, i.e. Kashmir, is undoubtedly an affront to the values of humanity and the sanctity of life, and this Court strongly condemns the same," it added. Judges, lawyers, staff members, and all other persons present in the court and the Registry observed a two-minute silence, expressing solidarity with the victims and their bereaved families. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav has strongly criticised the increase in airfares from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Taking to the social media platform X on Thursday, Yadav called the rise in airfares "highly objectionable" and "highly reprehensible". He condemned the arbitrary charging of increased fares to tourists during such a tragic incident, saying that it cannot be justified under any circumstances. He further questioned the government's role in this issue, asking for clarification on whether the government was responsible for the exorbitant fare increases. "The news of exorbitant increases in airfares from Srinagar is inhuman and highly condemnable. Charging arbitrary fares from tourists at the time of such a tragedy cannot be justified in any way. The government should clarify whether it is responsible for 'exorbitant fare collection' or not," the SP chief said. "The tax related to the fare goes to the government, which means the public believes that all this is happening with the connivance of the government," he added. The SP Chief's remarks come after reports surfaced that airlines had raised ticket prices for flights departing from Srinagar in the wake of the terror attack. Earlier searches on the websites of airline operators revealed either elevated ticket prices or indicated that tickets were sold out from Srinagar to other parts of the country in the wake of the terror attack. Anyone trying to book a ticket for Wednesday would encounter messages such as "all flights are too close to departure, "sold out," or "unfortunately, there are no flights available." On Wednesday, flights for today, April 24, showed economy class tickets from Srinagar to Delhi at around Rs 11,000-13,000 via an Indigo flight. On Spicejet, it is Rs 11,000-12,000. On Air India, the cost would be approximately Rs 21,000 to Rs 23,000. These ticket prices were as per their respective websites at the time of writing the earlier report on April 24. Airfares from Srinagar to Mumbai also remain elevated. Faced with unprecedented demand from flyers, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah about arranging additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai. The civil aviation minister has been monitoring fares to prevent them from spiking in this situation. "The minister is monitoring the situation around the clock to facilitate more requirements. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has arranged four new flights, two each to Delhi and Mumbai. Based on demand, they are in touch with airlines to do more," Ram Mohan Naidu's office said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also noted that there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes in the aftermath of the terrorist incident in Pahalgam. In this regard, the civil aviation regulator has advised airlines to take swift action to increase the number of flights in response to heightened demand and also to ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India, facilitating the evacuation of stranded tourists. The airlines are also requested to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees and provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected circumstances and challenges during this difficult time. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted that ensuring adequate funds for Panchayats has been a priority for the government and said that the entire country is connected with Mithila and Bihar. Addressing the public at National Panchayati Raj Day in Bihar's Madhubani, PM Modi paid tributes to the great poet and national icon, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar Ji, on his death anniversary. "Today, on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, the entire country is connected with Mithila and Bihar. Today, the foundation stone and inauguration of projects worth thousands of crores of rupees related to the development of the country and Bihar have been laid here. These various works related to electricity, railways and infrastructure will create new employment opportunities in Bihar," PM Modi said. Stating that Bihar is the land where Mahatma Gandhi expanded the mantra of Satyagraha, PM Modi highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's firm belief that India's rapid development is only possible when its villages are strong. He emphasised that the concept of Panchayati Raj was rooted in this sentiment. "Over the past decade, continuous steps have been taken to empower Panchayats. Technology has played a significant role in strengthening Panchayats, with over 2 lakh Gram Panchayats connected to the internet in the last decade", he added. PM Modi pointed out that more than 5.5 lakh Common Service Centres have been established in villages, underlining that the digitalisation of Panchayats has brought additional benefits, such as easy access to documents like birth and death certificates, and landholding certificates. He said that while the nation received a new Parliament building after decades of independence, 30,000 new Panchayat Bhawans have also been constructed across the country. "Over the past decade, Panchayats have received more than Rs 2 lakh crore, all of which has been utilised for the development of villages", he said. Highlighting that one of the major issues faced by Gram Panchayats has been related to land disputes, the Prime Minister mentioned the frequent disagreements over which land is residential, agricultural, Panchayat-owned, or government-owned. He emphasised that to address this issue, the digitisation of land records is being undertaken, which has helped resolve unnecessary disputes effectively. PM Modi emphasised that today, a significant number of women from economically weaker sections, Dalits, Mahadalits, backwards, and extremely backwards communities are serving as public representatives in Bihar, describing it as true social justice and genuine social participation. He underlined that democracy thrives and becomes stronger with greater participation. Reflecting this vision, PM Modi noted that a law providing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies has also been enacted. He remarked that this will benefit women across all states, giving our sisters and daughters greater representation. He said that across the country, 15 lakh poor families have been issued approval letters for the construction of new houses, including 3.5 lakh beneficiaries from Bihar. PM Modi highlighted that today, financial assistance has been sent to approximately 10 lakh poor families for their permanent houses, including 80,000 rural families and 1 lakh urban families from Bihar. "The past decade has been a decade of infrastructure development for India", said the Prime Minister, highlighting that this modern infrastructure is strengthening the foundation of a developed India. He noted that for the first time, over 12 crore rural families have received tap water connections in their homes, underlining that more than 2.5 crore households have been electrified, and those who never imagined cooking on gas stoves have now received gas cylinders. "Even in challenging regions like Ladakh and Siachen, where providing basic facilities is difficult, 4G and 5G mobile connections have now been established, reflecting the nation's current priorities", he added. PM Modi further said that highlighted advancements in healthcare, noting that institutions like AIIMS were once limited to major cities like Delhi. "AIIMS is now being established in Darbhanga, and the number of medical colleges in the country has nearly doubled in the past decade and mentioned the construction of a new medical college in Jhanjharpur," he said. He emphasized that to ensure quality healthcare in villages, over 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country, including more than 10,000 in Bihar. "India is rapidly advancing its connectivity through infrastructure like railways, roads, and airports", highlighted PM Modi, noting that metro projects are underway in Patna, and over two dozen cities across the country are now connected with metro facilities. He emphasised that air connectivity in Mithila and Bihar has improved significantly with Darbhanga Airport, and the expansion of Patna Airport is underway. "These development projects are creating new employment opportunities in Bihar", he added. PM Modi said that the Makhana Research Centre has been accorded national status. "Makhana, a cultural staple of Mithila, has now gained global recognition as a superfood", highlighted PM Modi, mentioning that makhana has been granted a GI tag, officially certifying it as a product of this region. He also highlighted the Budget announcement of the Makhana Board, which is expected to transform the fortunes of makhana farmers, emphasising that Bihar's makhana will now reach international markets as a superfood. PM Modi noted that the National Institute of Food Technology and Management is being established in Bihar, which will support the youth in setting up small enterprises related to food processing. The Prime Minister further emphasised that Bihar is making consistent progress in fisheries along with agriculture, highlighting that fishermen now have access to the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card, providing advantages to numerous families involved in fisheries. "Under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, projects worth hundreds of crores have been executed in Bihar," the PM said. Earlier today, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over Rs 13,480 crore in Bihar. (ANI)
Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Virendra Sachdeva was briefly "detained" by police officials on Thursday after the party launched a protest in the national capital against the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. After being released from detention, Sachdeva said that "Pakistan-backed terrorism must come to an end." Earlier today, BJP leaders, along with members of the Anti-Terror Action Forum, protested near the Pakistan High Commission to denounce the attack. Visuals from the protest showed people carrying placards with the message "Pakistan murdabad" (Down with Pakistan) and "Aatankwad ke aage nahi jhukenge" (Will not bow down before terrorism). The protests come a day after the Central government announced the reduction of diplomatic presence at both Indian and Pakistani High Commissions to 30 officials each. A video released by the office of the Delhi BJP president showed multiple security personnel removing the party leader from the protest site. According to sources, the police gave multiple warnings to evacuate the area near the High Commission, but the protestors did not budge. "The police are doing their work, but there is a rage rampant throughout the country... Pakistan-backed terrorism should end. Pakistan should get an appropriate response," Sachdeva told ANI. Multiple leaders of the BJP, including Delhi Assembly MLA Satish Upadhyay and former Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, were also present during the protest. Harsh Vardhan called for international action, urging the United Nations and the global community to declare Pakistan a terrorist state. "The BJP in Delhi is expressing the sentiments that are in the hearts of the 140 crore people of India today. We assure PM Modi that we stand with him. It is our demand from the UN and the international community that Pakistan should be declared a state which supports terrorism," Vardhan told ANI. At the same time, BJP MLA from Malviya Nagar, Satish Upadhyay, underlined the "anger in the hearts of people," and called the steps of suspending the Indus Water treaty and declaring certain Pakistan High Commission officers as 'Persona non Grata' as a "diplomatic surgical strike on Pakistan." Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of External Affairs announced a series of strong measures in response, including the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, following nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan, with the assistance of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. Eugene Black, a former president of the World Bank, initiated the talks. Recognised as one of the most successful international treaties, it has endured frequent tensions, including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower development for over 50 years. The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. At the same time, the Treaty allows each country specific uses of the rivers allocated to the other. The treaty allocates 20 per cent of the water from the Indus River System to India, with the remaining 80 per cent allocated to Pakistan. Apart from this measure, the government announced the closure of the Attari ICP, cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme visas for Pakistani nationals, and reduction of diplomatic presence at both Indian and Pakistani High Commissions to 30 officials each by May 1. (ANI)
In a significant development, the recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in wake of the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, has been met with widespread approval among locals and tourists visiting the Chenab River at the valley. The decision, announced on Wednesday, has sparked renewed enthusiasm for regional water sovereignty and development. A resident from Ramban, Irfan Haider, hailed the Indian government's decision and urged the government to take even stricter measures against Pakistan. "We condemn the terrorist attack. The action taken by the Indian government regarding the Indus Water Treaty is a good action. We appeal to the central government to take stricter action against Pakistan so that it stops all these activities. On one side we give them water and on the other side they shed our blood, this cannot happen," he said. Tourists, too, shared support for the government's stance. Many visiting the scenic riverbanks praised the strategic re-evaluation of water-sharing arrangements, viewing it as a step toward national self-reliance. A tourist from Ghaziabad asserted that the halt on the Indus Water Treaty should remain in place for a long time. "The Modi government has taken the decision to stop the flow of water from the Chenab River. We want this to be stopped and for this decision to remain in place for a long time. It will have a significant impact on their (Pakistan's) economy. Pakistan should think seriously about this. All solutions should be found through diplomacy. The Indian government should also stop providing any resources to Pakistan," he said. A female tourist said that the Indian government should have taken this decision quite earlier. "The government should have taken this decision a bit earlier. There have been several attacks from that side in the past as well. Had this decision been made earlier, they would have been brought to their knees by now. Pakistan takes all its resources from us and then attacks us in return," she told ANI. A local from Reasi emphasised that the Government of India has taken a very good step. "Pakistan-sponsored terrorists kill our innocent people in Jammu and Kashmir. Recently, there was an attack in Pahalgam where people were killed, and now the Modi government has made this decision to cut off Pakistan's water supply," he said. Another local said Jammu and Kashmir people earn their livelihood through the tourists that visit here and there cannot be a more tragic situation if they are being attacked. "I really appreciate this decision by the Modi government. After the attack in Pahalgam where unarmed tourists were targeted by Pakistan, it's not just the water that should be stopped -- many other things should be cut off too. It's heartbreaking. I believe strict action should be taken against them. These tourists are the reason why many people in Jammu and Kashmir earn their livelihood. If they are being shot at, then there can't be a more tragic situation," he said. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, following nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan, with the assistance of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The negotiations were initiated by former World Bank President Eugene Black. Recognised as one of the most successful international treaties, it has endured frequent tensions, including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower development for over half a century. Former US President Dwight Eisenhower described it as "one bright spot ... in a very depressing world picture that we see so often." The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. At the same time, the Treaty allows each country certain uses of the rivers allocated to the other. The treaty gives India 20% of the water from the Indus River System and the rest 80% to Pakistan. Apart from the abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took the following measures, which included five key decisions. "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. (ANI)
All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty on Thursday condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, saying there is no place in Islam for such attacks. Speaking to ANI, Chishty said, "Pakistan calls itself an Islamic country, but Pakistan should know what is the responsibility of a neighbour towards another neighbour...There is no place in Islam for such attacks." All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council Chairman added that India will punish the terrorists for what they have done. "The Indian government has made it clear who is behind this attack... Everybody is aware of the power of the Indian Army. Now, no matter how much they step back, India will punish them for what they have done," Chishty said. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the terror attack, the Central government announced several diplomatic measures, such as closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to return to their country, and reducing the number of officers in the High Commissions on both sides. The central government has called an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The meeting will be held at 6 pm on Thursday at the Parliament. According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. Earlier today, the Congress party demanded that the Central government conduct a "comprehensive analysis into the security failures and lapses," following the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. "Pahalgam is known to be a heavily guarded area, there is a three-tier security arrangement. It is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the security failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in the Union territory, an area directly under the purview of the Union Home Ministry. This question must be raised in the larger public interest," Venugopal said during the press meeting. (ANI)
With this induction, Lengpui Airport becomes the 69th airport in India to come under CISF protection.

This deployment marks the first-ever CISF unit established in the state of Mizoram, reflecting a major milestone in the force's expansion.

As per the CISF, a contingent of 121 CISF personnel, led by a Deputy Commandant, has initially taken over operations, replacing the previous joint security arrangement by the Mizoram Police and Central Reserve Police Force.

The deployment is expected to scale up to 214 personnel in the coming months.

The move aligns with the Central government's broader strategy to enhance security across civil aviation facilities. With passenger traffic steadily increasing, the deployment of a dedicated and specialised security force is seen as crucial to safeguarding operations at this strategically important airport.

Located 32 km from Aizawl in Mamit district, Lengpui Airport is uniquely significant--it is the first large airport in India constructed by a state government and features a challenging 2,500-meter tabletop runway. Operational since 1998, it serves as a key air link connecting Mizoram with major cities including Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Silchar, and Imphal.

Given Mizoram's geographical position--bordering both Bangladesh and Myanmar over a 700 km stretch--the strengthening of airport security also holds national strategic importance. The presence of CISF is expected to not only improve security but also boost traveller confidence, enhance tourism, and attract more airline operations to the region.

This deployment solidifies CISF's presence across nearly all Indian states and union territories, with only Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep remaining outside its aviation security network. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar called upon President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital on Thursday to brief her about the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, ahead of a scheduled all-party meeting. The Central government has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam attack. The meeting will be held at 6 pm on Thursday at the Parliament. According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council, Syed Naseruddin Chishty, strongly condemned the attack in Pahalgam, saying there is no place in Islam for such attacks. Speaking to ANI, Chishty said, "Pakistan calls itself an Islamic country, but Pakistan should know what is the responsibility of a neighbour towards another neighbour...There is no place in Islam for such attacks." The All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council chairman also expressed confidence that the Indian government would take firm action. "The Indian government has made it clear who is behind this attack... Everybody is aware of the power of the Indian Army. Now, no matter how much they step back, India will punish them for what they have done," Chishty said. Earlier in the day, the Congress party demanded that the Central government conduct a "comprehensive analysis into the security failures and lapses," following the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. "Pahalgam is known to be a heavily guarded area, there is a three-tier security arrangement. It is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the security failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in the Union territory, an area directly under the purview of the Union Home Ministry. This question must be raised in the larger public interest," Venugopal said during the press meeting. On Tuesday, Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (ANI) Following the terror attack in the tourist area of Pahalgam, the Central government announced several diplomatic measures, such as closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to return to their country, and reducing the number of officers in the High Commissions on both sides. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan paid his tributes to Madhusudan Rao, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. He also met the family members of Rao and expressed his condolences to them. The body of Madhusudan Rao, who was killed in the brutal attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, was brought to his residence in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday. Rao, a resident of Kavali in Nellore district, was on vacation with his family and was among the 26 tourists killed in the attack. The software engineer who had been residing in Bengaluru is survived by his wife and two children. His mortal remains were brought to Chennai earlier today and transported to Kavali by road in an ambulance. On Wednesday, YV Rao, the brother-in-law of the deceased, urged the government to provide better protection for tourists. "When tourists travel to states with high tourism potential, those states must ensure the safety of visitors and implement special acts to protect them. Within 24 hours, the issue has gained international attention, with countries like Russia, several European nations, and the United States condemning the attack," Rao's brother-in-law told ANI. Underlining the "immense pain" the four sisters of Madhusudhan Rao are going through, YV Rao continued, "Madhusudhan was a good human being who worked in Bengaluru and had gone on vacation to Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred during the trip. He has four sisters, and they are affectionate. Just when life seemed to be going well, this unpredictable incident has caused immense pain." Ramesh, who has been a friend and neighbour of Rao in Bengaluru for the past 15 years, told ANI that Rao had gone to J-K after the exams of his daughter had finished, adding, "The incident is truly heartbreaking. He has been a close friend of mine for the past 15 years. Last week, as soon as his daughter's exams were completed, they went to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday night. After that, we didn't receive any calls from him." Ramesh said that Madhusudhan Rao succumbed in hospital to the severe injuries he had sustained in the attack. (ANI)
In the wake of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of External Affairs has announced a series of strong countermeasures, including the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari. Tourists on Thursday welcomed the move and urged the government to take even stricter action. Speaking to ANI, a tourist at the Attari Border said, "I was supposed to return from Pakistan yesterday, but our vehicle was delayed and the border was closed. So I came today. I was scheduled to return as my ticket was already booked. I was in Lahore when I learned about the incident." "The steps taken by the Indian government were fine, but there should be even harsher steps. A lesson should be taught so that no one raises an eyebrow towards India again. Jai Hind," he added. Another tourist, who was scheduled to travel to Pakistan to attend a wedding, said, "We just came to know that they have closed the border. My wife and I were going to Pakistan to attend a wedding on April 28. Whatever decisions are made by the government are always right. We cannot say anything in it. The leaders know what is right and what is wrong." "We were going to Pakistan, but we are returning because the border is closed," said another tourist. On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs briefed mediapersons about the slew of measures announced in the wake of the dastardly terrorist attack which took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that recognising the seriousness of the terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided upon the following measures, which included five key decisions. Misri said, "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions." He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. "Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025," Misri added. Other measures decided upon by the CCS include the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism". Misri also said that Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. "Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India. "The Foreign Secretary said that the overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1, 2025. Misri told mediapersons that the CCS reviewed the overall security situation and directed all forces to maintain high vigil. "It resolved that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account." The Pahalgam terrorist attack has been one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Following the terror attack, security forces have launched search operations on Wednesday to track down the terrorists responsible. (ANI)
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Thursday slammed the National Congress Party (SCP) leader Anil Deshmuk over his remarks on Pahalgam terror attack, and said that the statement shows that INDI ecosystem is with "Pakistan Islamic Jihad". "After Robert Vadra, statements of Anil Deshmukh, Abu Azmi and the AIUDF MLA show that INDI ecosystem is with Pakistani Islamic Jihad. Anil Deshmukh says that it is not verified that these people were killed because they were Hindus. Is Anil Deshmukh mocking the victims? Has he not listened to the statements of the victims? It has become their Standard Operating Procedure to give a clean chit to Pakistan and blame Hindus," Poonawalla said. Earlier today, Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) leader Anil Deshmukh stated that there was no confirmed information on whether the terrorists of the Pahalgam terror attack had asked the religion of the victims before shooting them. Speaking to ANI, Deshmukh stated that only investigation would help to know the truth. "There is no clarity and confirmed information whether the gunmen had asked the religion of the tourists before shooting them.... Only after investigation will we get to know the truth..." Deshmukh said. He also condemned the incident and said that the government had been taking strict action against the massacre by the terrorists. "Very unfortunate incident... the government is working to take strict against this massacre the terrorist have done. The Indus agreement has also been postponed.... These are very good steps that the government has taken," he further stated. The party leader also asked how terrorists could enter the site of the incident, which was 200 kms away from the border and called it an intelligence failure. "The question is that the attack took place 200 kms from the border... how did the terrorists get there? This is an intelligence failure.... All of this should be investigated," he further said. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. (ANI)
Former Finance Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Buggana Rajendranath Reddy alleged that the present Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh by issuing Non-Convertible Debentures (NCD) they were giving direct debit mechanism access to service the bonds which is extremely harmful to the interests of the state. Addressing the media on Thursday, former Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy stated that the TDP government's decision to pledge all future borrowings of the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) and to grant private entities direct access to the consolidated fund is highly objectionable and undemocratic. Rajendranath Reddy said, "By issuing NCDs, that is bonds, and unfortunately amongst the various guarantees that they've given, they're giving direct debit mechanism access to service the bonds which we feel is extremely harmful to the interests of the state because the minute you give direct debit mechanism access, the custodians of the bonds, they have the facility to directly debit from the consolidated fund of the state that is with the RBI. Therefore, we are bringing it into the public domain so that the government can notice this and stop whatever they're doing presently." He pointed out that the funds being raised through the issuance of bonds are intended for revenue expenditure, which would ultimately increase the financial burden on the common people. He further added that the issuance of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) would add to the state's debt and servicing them would impose a significant strain on the state's finances. "While issuing bonds is a common practice, granting a private party--custodian of the bonds--permission to draw funds directly from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is unprecedented and highly objectionable. We demand that coalition partners take serious note of this anomaly and question the Chandrababu Naidu-led government," he stated. He emphasised that the amount proposed to be raised through these bonds is several times more than APMDC's revenue, and the funds would be diverted to miscellaneous accounts and revenue expenditure. "For a government that claims to focus on wealth creation, this move is in complete contradiction," he remarked. Buggana recalled that when the previous YSRCP government had pledged certain properties, the current coalition partners had raised an outcry over off-budget borrowings. "Now, the same parties are justifying this financial impropriety, which is highly condemnable," he said. He alleged that under the coalition government, debt levels have increased while revenues have declined. "The Chandrababu Naidu government has already borrowed Rs 1.40 lakh crore, but there is no transparency on how or where this money has been spent. No major welfare schemes promised during the elections have been implemented. Farmers, students, women, employees, and traders--all sections of society--are disappointed," he said. He concluded by stating, "Despite facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our government managed state finances more efficiently and prioritised welfare for the poor. In contrast, the current coalition appears to be using public funds to benefit private individuals. The failure to sustain welfare schemes and the collapse of the wealth creation narrative have exposed the deceit of the coalition government, as every section of society continues to suffer." (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday visited the residence of Yatishbhai Sudhirbhai Parmar and his son, Smit Yatishbhai Parmar, who were among the victims of the recent terrorist attack at Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. The Parmar family, residents of Nandanvan Society in the Kaliyabid area of Bhavnagar, suffered an irreplaceable loss. As the mortal remains of the father and son reached Bhavnagar late at night, CM Patel met the grieving family and offered his condolences, the Chief Minister's office said in a press release. He paid his respects to the departed souls and prayed for their eternal peace, expressing solidarity with the family in this profound sorrow. The mortal remains of the father and son who were killed in the terrorist attack were brought from Srinagar to Mumbai and then flown to Ahmedabad via an IndiGo flight. From there, they were taken to Bhavnagar by road, arriving around midnight. The two victims were among 26 innocent lives lost in the deadly attack on Tuesday. CM Patel, along with Union Minister of State Nimuben Bambhaniya, Cabinet Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya, Mayor Bharatbhai Barad, MLAs Jitubhai Vaghani, Sejalben Pandya, Bhikhabhai Baraiya, Gautambhai Chauhan, District Collector Dr Manoj Kumar Bansal, District Development Officer Hanul Choudhary, Range IG Gautam Parmar, and other leaders joined the family in this hour of mourning and paid their respects to the departed souls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a stern warning in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and said that India will "pursue the terrorists to the end of the earth." Addressing people at National Panchayati Raj Day in Bihar's Madhubani, PM Modi said that the entire nation is saddened by the brutality with which terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. "On April 22, terrorists killed innocent people of the country in J-K's Pahalgam... The country is in mourning and pain following this incident. We stand with the families of the victims. Today, from the soil of Bihar, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the end of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by Terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is on our side. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders, who have stood with us in these times," PM Modi said. "I want to say in very clear words that these terrorists and those who conspired towards this attack will get a punishment bigger than they can imagine. The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of the masters of terror," he added. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim bail to Vikas Yadav until May 8, who is serving a 25-year-long jail term in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case, in view of his mother's health condition. A bench headed by Justice Abhay S Oka also directed that his mother shall be admitted to AIIMS immediately for two days for medical examination by a board of doctors to be constituted to examine her health condition. The bench said the medical board shall submit its report on the examination of Yadav's mother to the court by May 7. It further directed that Yadav shall furnish bail bond of one lakh with one surety of like amount and he shall to reside only at his residence in Ghaziabad. He shall remain confined to his residence in Raj Nagar, Ghaziabad and he shall be permitted only to visit Yashoda Hospital at Ghaziabad after his mother is shifted to the hospital, said the Supreme Court. It further said Yadav shall not make any contact with the witness who deposed against him and Neelam Katara, the mother of Nitish Katara. It also asked the Uttarakhand and Delhi police to provide security to witnesses and Neelam Katara. While dictating the order, the bench said that it was considering the case of interim bail to Yadav only in the context of health condition of his mother. "For the time being, we are considering whether he can be enlarged on bail so that he can meet his mother and ensure that proper treatment is extended to her," said the bench. The bench noted that Yadav has completed 23 years of his imprisonment in the case. Yadav, while seeking interim bail, had said his mother is admitted in Yashoda Hospital, Ghaziabad, and due to the serious condition of his mother, his assistance and presence are needed. Yadav's plea raising the issue of denial of remission benefit to him has also been pending before the apex court. A trial court in May 2008 held Vikas Yadav guilty of murdering Nitish Katara for being in a relationship with his sister. On October 3, 2016, the apex court gave a jail term without any benefit of remission to Vikas Yadav, son of controversial Uttar Pradesh politician DP Yadav, and his cousin Vishal Yadav for their role in the kidnapping and killing of business executive Katara. They kidnapped Katara from a marriage party on the intervening night of February 16-17, 2002 and then killed him for his alleged affair with Vikas' sister Bharti Yadav. Bharti was the daughter of Uttar Pradesh politician DP Yadav. (ANI)
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday strongly denounced the heinous attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The statement issued stated that these visitors, seeking the breathtaking beauty of the valley, were tragically caught in this unexpected and deeply distressing act of violence. In solemn remembrance, the NGT extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims of this devastating incident. "We pray that the Almighty grants peace to the departed souls and strength to their grieving families as they bear this untimely and irreplaceable loss," the statement read. Additionally, the Tribunal wishes a swift recovery to those injured in the attack. To honour the victims and express solidarity with their families, the Honourable members, staff, advocates, and registry of the NGT observed a two-minute silence. The Tribunal stands united against such senseless violence and remains committed to advocating for peace and security. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the terror attack, the Central government announced several diplomatic measures, such as closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to return to their country, and reducing the number of officers in the High Commissions on both sides. India also halted the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960 in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. The central government has called an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The meeting will be held at 6 pm on Thursday at the Parliament. According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. (ANI)
Pallavi Manjunath, wife of victim Manjunath Rao, who was killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, said that it was a bad dream and it should not happen to any family. During the last rites of her husband, Pallavi said, "It should be a bad dream, I should wake up from it. This should not happen to any of the family. They (terrorists) were targeting only men." The final rites for Manjunath Rao were held on Thursday in Shivamogga, with Union Minister Prahlad Joshi in attendance to offer his condolences. Manjunath Rao's death has left a void among those who knew him. His family friend Dattatreya described the loss as deeply personal. "It is very unfortunate that we lost our best friend Manjunath...The terrorists attacked him brutally...The government should take serious steps against this brutal attack by terrorists," he said. Rao, who was on a family vacation as part of a tour package, was shot dead on Tuesday when terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also condemned the attack, emphasising that the people of the country want stricter action in the matter. "I strongly condemn this incident...The Government of India has also taken immediate action on this... It has been decided in yesterday's (CCS) meeting that we will not have any kind of relationship with Pakistan. The central government is very alert about further action. The people of the country want that strict action should be taken in this matter," Khattar said. Following the attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took the following measures, which included five key decisions along with the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty. "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. (ANI)
In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the Uttarakhand police have been placed on high alert, with authorities taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of students from Jammu and Kashmir. Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh confirmed that while no harassment cases have been reported, a list of 1,201 students from the region has been compiled, and outreach efforts are underway with teachers and PG accommodation owners. "Because of the Pahalgam incident, the police have been placed on high alert. There have been no reported cases of harassment against any individual student. We have compiled a list of 1,201 students from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently here. We have spoken to their teachers and most of the paying guest accommodation owners. Some social media posts had surfaced that could have disturbed the atmosphere, but those posts have now been deleted," SSP Singh told ANI. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with widespread protests erupting across the country, demanding stricter action against Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack. Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid his tributes to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack and affirmed that this was the new India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Army would take strong action and kill those terrorists involved. In his speech at the 'Rajkiya Kranti Diwas' fair in Pithsain, CM Dhami said, "The terrorist attack in Pahalgam cannot be condemned enough. Innocent tourists were killed after asking about their religion. People of the country are sad and annoyed. I pay tribute to those who lost their lives in this incident and also want to tell those terrorists that this is not the India where you can easily escape after carrying out such an incident. This is India under Prime Minister Modi. Our army will kill those terrorists." (ANI)
The Assam Police arrested All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Aminul Islam for his "derogatory remarks" on the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He has been taken to the Nagaon police station, according to information from the Assam police. "Assam Police arrested AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam for his derogatory remarks on the terror attack in Pahalgam. Police have taken him to the Nagaon police station", Assam DGP Harmeet Singh said in a statement. According to a post on 'X' by the Assam Police, Aminul Islam was arrested for making a misleading and instigating statement during a public gathering. The statement went viral on social media and had the potential to create an adverse situation. Islam was booked under section 152/196/197(1)/113(3)/352/353 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS). "On the basis of a misleading & instigating statement by Dhing MLA, Sh Aminul Islam in public, which went viral & had potential to create an adverse situation, NagaonPS Case 347/25 was registered for offences u/s 152/196/197(1)/113(3)/352/353 BNS. He has been arrested accordingly", Assam Police's 'X' post said. While replying to Assam Police's 'X' post, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that "Assam will take the strongest possible action against anyone who dares to defend--directly or indirectly--the horrific, Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam." "Assam will take the strongest possible action against anyone who dares to defend--directly or indirectly--the horrific, Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam. Let it be known clearly: those who attempt to justify, normalize, or dilute the brutal murder of innocent civilians are not exercising freedom of expression--they are standing against the soul of India", Assam CM's 'X' post read. Meanwhile, after the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government has decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, "In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect." "All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025," the statement added. The Union Government has called an all-party meeting to discuss the issue of the Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting will be held at 6 pm at the Parliament on Thursday. According to the sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will represent the party at the meeting to discuss the attack in which 26 people were killed, Ekanth Shinde-led Shiv Sena released a statement informing of the participation of Shrikant Shinde and expressed "unwavering" support. Several other opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, AIMIM and others, will attend the all-party meeting. (ANI)
Expressing deep sorrow over the brutal killing of innocent civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remarked that the entire nation is distressed and stands in solidarity with the grieving families. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The Prime Minister assured that every effort is being made by the government to ensure the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment. Addressing a gathering at Bihar's Madhubani, PM Modi highlighted the profound loss suffered by families, where some lost their sons, brothers, or life partners, noting that the victims came from diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds--some spoke Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, and some were from Bihar. "The terrorists responsible for this attack, along with those who conspired it, will face punishment beyond their imagination", the Prime Minister said, asserting that the time has come to eliminate the remaining strongholds of terrorism. "The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror," the PM stressed. PM Modi declared from the soil of Bihar that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and their backers, emphasising that India will pursue them to the ends of the earth. "India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism and terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is served and the entire nation is firm in this resolve against terrorism", he stressed. PM Modi further stated that everyone who believes in humanity stands with India during these times. He expressed his gratitude to the people and leaders of various countries who have supported India in these moments. "Peace and security are the most critical prerequisites for rapid development", PM Modi said, remarking that a developed Bihar is essential for a developed India. Further, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 13,480 crore in Madhubani, Bihar, on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day. The Prime Minister appealed to everyone at the event to observe silence and pray for the departed souls in the Pahalgam attacks on April 22. The Prime Minister said that on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, the entire nation is connected with Mithila and Bihar. He remarked that projects worth thousands of crores of rupees, aimed at Bihar's development, have been inaugurated and foundations laid for, emphasising that these initiatives in electricity, railways, and infrastructure will create new employment opportunities in Bihar. Remarking that Bihar is the land where Mahatma Gandhi expanded the mantra of Satyagraha, PM Modi highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's firm belief that India's rapid development is only possible when its villages are strong. He emphasised that the concept of Panchayati Raj was rooted in this sentiment. "Over the past decade, continuous steps have been taken to empower Panchayats. Technology has played a significant role in strengthening Panchayats, with over 2 lakh Gram Panchayats connected to the internet in the last decade", he said. The Prime Minister pointed out that more than 5.5 lakh Common Service Centres have been established in villages, underlining that the digitalisation of Panchayats has brought additional benefits, such as easy access to documents like birth and death certificates, and landholding certificates. He remarked that while the nation received a new Parliament building after decades of independence, 30,000 new Panchayat Bhawans have also been constructed across the country. He also highlighted that ensuring adequate funds for Panchayats has been a priority for the government. "Over the past decade, Panchayats have received more than Rs two lakh crore, all of which has been utilised for the development of villages," he said. Emphasising that the government is working in mission mode to increase women's income and create new opportunities for employment and self-employment, PM Modi highlighted the transformative impact of the 'Jeevika Didi' program in Bihar, which has changed the lives of many women. He remarked that today, self-help groups of women in Bihar have been provided financial assistance of approximately Rs 1,000 crore, noting that this will further strengthen the economic empowerment of women and contribute to the goal of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis across the country. "The past decade has been a decade of infrastructure development for India", said the Prime Minister, highlighting that this modern infrastructure is strengthening the foundation of a developed India. He noted that for the first time, over 12 crore rural families have received tap water connections in their homes, underlining that more than 2.5 crore households have been electrified, and those who never imagined cooking on gas stoves have now received gas cylinders. "Even in challenging regions like Ladakh and Siachen, where providing basic facilities is difficult, 4G and 5G mobile connections have now been established, reflecting the nation's current priorities", he pointed out. The Prime Minister highlighted advancements in healthcare, noting that institutions like AIIMS were once limited to major cities like Delhi. He announced that AIIMS is now being established in Darbhanga, and the number of medical colleges in the country has nearly doubled in the past decade and mentioned the construction of a new medical college in Jhanjharpur. He emphasised that to ensure quality healthcare in villages, over 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country, including more than 10,000 in Bihar. "India is rapidly advancing its connectivity through infrastructure like railways, roads, and airports", PM Modi highlighted, noting that metro projects are underway in Patna, and over two dozen cities across the country are now connected with metro facilities. He announced the launch of the 'Namo Bharat Rapid Rail' service between Patna and Jaynagar, which will significantly reduce travel time between the two locations, and emphasised that this development will benefit lakhs of people from Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Begusarai. "Farmers are the backbone of the rural economy, the stronger this backbone, the stronger the villages, and consequently, the nation", said Prime Minister Modi. He highlighted the persistent challenges of floods in the Mithila and Kosi regions, noting that the government is set to invest Rs 11,000 crore to mitigate the impact of floods in Bihar. He said that this investment will facilitate the construction of dams on rivers such as Bagmati, Dhar, Budhi Gandak, and Kosi, adding that canals will be developed, ensuring irrigation arrangements through river water. "This initiative will not only reduce flood-related issues but will also ensure adequate water supply reaches every farmer's field," he added. (ANI)
In a strong show of solidarity, ministers from across party lines in Bihar have endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's uncompromising stance on terrorism following the brutal attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Speaking from Bihar's Madhubani, where PM Modi addressed a gathering on National Panchayati Raj Day, leaders from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal United (JDU) hailed the Prime Minister's decisive message and swift actions. Bihar Law Minister Nitin Naveen (BJP) said, "The Prime Minister has given a clear message--India will never accept terrorism. We have fought it before and will fight it again for all 140 crore Indians. This is a battle for justice and national pride." JDU Minister Sharvan Kumar added, "What the Prime Minister said about eliminating terrorism from its roots is essential for India's security and global peace. I urge the government to take strong strategic steps. My condolences to the families and the children who were killed." BJP Leader Sanjay Saraogi praised the PM's swift actions, saying, "The PM's voice is the voice of 140 crore Indians. He immediately cut short his Saudi Arabia visit and took strong steps, ending bilateral relations with Pakistan, closing the Attari border, and suspending the Indus Water Treaty. Now, Pakistan will feel the pressure for every drop of water. The world is watching, and India has shown its strength." JDU Minister Madan Sahni described PM Modi's address as "historic., He said, "What we expected was a strong message, but what he delivered was beyond expectations. The entire nation trusts that PM Modi will destroy the terror infrastructure and punish those who shelter terrorists." During his address in Madhubani, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam attack and vowed a relentless pursuit of those responsible. "On April 22, terrorists killed innocent people of the country in J-K's Pahalgam... The country is in mourning and pain following this incident. We stand with the families of the victims. Today, from the soil of Bihar, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the end of the earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of the masters of terror," the Prime Minister declared. PM Modi also expressed gratitude to world leaders for standing in solidarity with India and observed a moment of silence for the victims. The Pahalgam attack has drawn nationwide condemnation, though security forces remain on high alert as the search for those behind the attack intensifies. (ANI)
The Patiala House Court of Delhi dismissed a plea filed by Tahawwur Rana on Thursday, seeking permission to speak with his family over the phone. The Special NIA Judge Chander Jit Singh on Thursday decided to dismissed his petition. Rana's legal counsel, Piyush Sachdeva, previously argued that as a foreign national, he has the fundamental right to communicate with his family, who are anxious about his treatment while in custody. However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed the request, citing the ongoing investigation and expressing concerns that Rana might divulge sensitive information. On Monday, the Delhi Patiala House Court issued a notice to the NIA in response to Rana's application for telephonic communication with his family. Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian accused of terrorism, is a former military doctor with an alleged history of involvement in terror-related activities. He was recently extradited from the United States to India. During a recent remand hearing, the court acknowledged evidence pointing to a large-scale terror conspiracy spanning multiple cities, with potential targets beyond India's borders. Emphasising the gravity of the charges, the court underscored their direct implications for national security and highlighted the necessity of confronting Rana with witnesses, forensic evidence, and seized documents, particularly those linked to reconnaissance operations. Given the seriousness of the case, the court authorised an 18-day police custody remand while mandating strict adherence to legal protocols, including medical evaluations every 48 hours. Considering Rana's reported health concerns and sovereign assurances provided during extradition proceedings, the court ordered that he receive appropriate medical care per established guidelines. Rana faces multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including conspiracy, terrorism, forgery, and waging war. The court noted that under extradition laws, he can only be prosecuted for offences explicitly sanctioned in the extradition agreement. Furthermore, since Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA apply, extended police custody beyond standard Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) limitations may be permitted due to the terrorism-related nature of the case. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with Congress President and Rajya Sabha opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, and other prominent leaders arrive at the Parliament Annexe building to attend the all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack. The Central government has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack. According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar called upon President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital to brief her about the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari on Thursday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that while peaceful elections were successfully conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, the attack shows that "some people cannot tolerate the region's growing stability and happiness." Tiwari, who visited Pahalgam on April 15, shared his observations about the peaceful life of locals before the attack. "Peaceful elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir, which hurt all those who wanted to see Jammu and Kashmir in turmoil... I was in the Pahalgam area on April 15. The local people there were living peacefully, but suddenly, such an attack clearly indicates that some people cannot tolerate the happiness of Jammu and Kashmir...", Manoj Tiwari said. In response to the attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, "In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect." "All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025," the statement added. The Central government has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam attack. The meeting will be held at 6 pm on Thursday at the Parliament. According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will represent the party at the meeting. A statement from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena expressed "unwavering" support in the aftermath of the attack that claimed 26 lives. Several opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, AIMIM, and others, are also expected to participate in the meeting. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a press conference on Thursday, during which he spoke about Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Assam on the occasion of Bhupen Hazarika's 100th birth anniversary. CM Sarma stated that PM Narendra Modi has assured his attendance at the 100th birth anniversary of Bhupen Hazarika, and he hopes that the Reserve Bank of India will also release a special coin on the occasion. The Assam CM stated that PM Modi will lay the foundation for the Assam Bio-Ethanol Plant, with a production capacity of 49 KTPA of ethanol, and will also lay the foundation for the Rs 5,700 crore Guwahati Ring Road project. He stated that during the Advantage Assam Summit, discussions were held regarding a proposed investment of Rs 50,000 crore. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured us to attend the inaugural programme of the 100th birth anniversary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika. I hope that the Reserve Bank of India will release a coin on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Assam Bio-Ethanol Plant, which has a production capacity of 49,000 tonnes per annum (KTPA) of ethanol. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of Rs 5,700 crore Guwahati Ring Road project and other projects. The old BVCL company in Namrup will be continued. During Advantage Assam 2.0, we discussed with Adani Group for investment of Rs 50,000 crore", Assam CM told reporters. The Assam CM stated that by December 2025, project works worth Rs 1 lakh crore will gain ground A new company Assam Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited with a capacity of 12.7 lakh MT will also be set up. "They met me two times after that. Rs 25,000 crore greenfield highway from Barapani to Panchgram. By December, we will see the projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore come to fruition. A new company, Assam Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited, with a capacity of 12.7 lakh MT, will also be established. After the new company is established, the union government will decide whether the two companies will merge or not", Assam CM said. Sarma also spoke about the arrest of AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam in a sedition case and stated that he has directed the Assam police to monitor all social media posts strictly. Islam was arrested based on a misleading & instigating statement which went viral & had the potential to create an adverse situation, "Assam police today arrested AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam in a sedition case. I also direct the Assam police to monitor social media posts strictly. Assam will take the strongest possible action against anyone who dares to defend--directly or indirectly--the horrific, Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam. Let it be known clearly: those who attempt to justify, normalise, or dilute the brutal murder of innocent civilians are not exercising freedom of expression--they are standing against the soul of India," he said. (ANI)
The Karnataka cabinet passed a resolution against the Pahalgam terror attack during their meeting in Chamarajanagar on Thursday. The information was given by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah while he was speaking to the reporters. Siddaramaiah expressed his solidarity with the government of India and said that there is a failure of intelligence in the Union Government. "A resolution condemning the incident has been passed in the cabinet meeting and we also expressed our solidarity with the government of India. There is a failure of intelligence in the central government", Siddaramaiah told reporters. Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that they stand with the Union Government because the integrity of the nation is of utmost importance. He stated that some people are trying to politicise the issue which should not be done and peace should be maintained. "We stand by the government because the nation's integrity is very important. Some of them are trying to politicise...We should all maintain peace and no one should politicise this...", DKS said. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release. (ANI)
In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary strongly condemned the incident and expressed confidence that tourism in the region would remain 'unaffected' by attempts to instill fear. Addressing media in Srinagar, Choudhary said, "Some people who think that by doing this they will be able to stop the tourists that come here from around the nation and world. Tourists will still come to J&K as they love J&K. J&K is the crown of India..." Reiterating the region's tradition of warmth and hospitality, the Deputy CM said that Jammu and Kashmir has always stood against terrorism. "People came out on the streets and showed that they are not with terrorism...J&K CM chaired a cabinet meeting yesterday and today has also called an all-party meeting. The tourists who have come to J&K should not worry, the government is standing with them..., he added. Deputy CM Choudhary also noted that the state government was in close coordination with the Centre and other state governments. "Today we met Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde...The J&K government is standing with the central government on this incident...," he said. Meanwhile, a two-minute silence was observed at the beginning of the All-Party Meeting in Srinagar on Thursday to honour the innocent lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack. This was a solemn moment of shared grief and determination among the leaders in attendance. The meeting, convened by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, brought together leaders from across the political spectrum to deliberate on the path forward in the wake of the April 22 terror attack that shook the region. Senior PDP leader and former Law Minister Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari called the incident "shocking" ahead of the high-level deliberations. "The incident was shocking. Everyone was grieving yesterday. What can be bigger than humanity? This is just like a punctuation point in a paragraph," Bukhari told ANI. Several senior leaders, including National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, attended the meeting, signalling political consensus on the need for a coordinated response to terror threats. (ANI)
After the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, CPI(M) West Bengal State Secretary Md Salim on Thursday sharply criticised the central government, questioning its claims made after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to ANI, Salim called on the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to go beyond mere formal condemnations and take concrete action. He expressed doubts over the government's assertions of restoring normalcy in Jammu & Kashmir. "CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) meeting would definitely condemn this, but other than that, they should do something more. People are angry. The government said that by the abrogation of Article 370, a solution has been found for J&K's problems. We had been told that it wouldn't be this easy. How is the infiltration happening? Security at the border, what are they doing? Why is such a situation happening?" Salim asked. The terrorist attack on Tuesday in Pahalgam targeted tourists at Baisaran meadow, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with widespread protests erupting across the country, demanding stricter action against Pakistan over the Pahalgam attack. Following the terror attack, the Central government announced several diplomatic measures, such as closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to return to their country, and reducing the number of officers in the High Commissions on both sides. India also halted the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960 in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. The central government has called an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The meeting will be held at 6 pm on Thursday at the Parliament. According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. (ANI)
While deciding the application moved by accused Christian Michel James, Rouse Avenue District Court rapped the jail authorities over keeping him near a gangster in the same ward. The court stated that the jail authorities should act humanely, as the incident occurred within the jail, which would bring a bad name to the country. Special judge Sanjeev Aggarwal took the report filed by the jail authorities on record, which stated that there is no threat to Christian Michel James. Tihar Jail superintendent appeared before the court and filed a report. It is stated that there is no threat to Christian Michel James' life. During the hearing, an inquiry report was also filed, which was conducted in 2019 after the alleged life attempts on Jamesh. An inquiry was initiated following an email recieved from the British High Commission. While deciding the application of Christian Michel James, the court said that Christian Michel James should not have been kept with a desperate criminal, Shahnawaz, who has 9 cases of extortion, Gunda Act etc. This brings a bad name to the country. Jail authorities should act humanel. The court also gave the example of Ankit Gujjar's murder in Tihar Jail over non-payment of extortion. He also mentioned the Tillu Tajpuria murder case of Tihar Jail. Special judge also mentioned the UK court judgement in Sanjay Bhandari's Extradition request, rejecting the same in view of the circumstances in the Indian Jail. At the outset, two reports were filed by the Superintendent of Jail Number 1, Tihar. He submitted that James was never kept with the accused Shahnawaz. These reports have been filed pursuant to court order asking the jail superintendent to appear personally and explain why Christian Michel James was kept with desperate criminal Shahnawaz in jail. James said that there is some confusion. All cells are connected to the common area. We are sharing the common area. His counsel advocate Aljo K Joseph submitted that at the time of the incident, out of 5 cells, 3 cells in the wards were empty. The court asked, Is this common, shared by you and Shahnawaz? The jail official also submitted that after the incident, the statement of Christian Michel James was also recorded by the Deputy Director General. I was called to the jail office. I told them that there were two attempts of murder, James told the court. Had you reported the matter and filed a criminal case? The court asked. The Embassy had issued a letter of concern, James told the court. The court said that Shahnawaz is a desperate criminal with 9 cases against him. He has been punished 41 times. Is it correct to keep such a criminal with James? The court asked. He was kept in a high-security ward. Every criminal in high security has their cases like terrorism and other heinous crimes. Is it safe to keep him with a desperate criminal? the court asked. Ankit Gujjar's case gave you a bad name. Sanjay Bhandari's case gave you an international bad name, a special judge orally remarked. "Why do you keep such a sensitive prisoner (James) with a desperate criminal? He is under trial for money laundering, the judge asked. You should be humane," he added. This gives a bad name to the country, he added. James said that there are always one or three people in the isolation cell. "One morning after I had requested the court to move him he (Shahnawaz) was always high on cannabis, he used to smoke it, its reported. It went on every night, he said. The judge said that the Jail authority is saying you did not report it at that time. "He made attempts to kill me. I was scared after coming back that Shahnawaz would attack me," James submitted. There was concern from the embassy at the time. He is saying that he was kept in the isolation ward, the court said. The officer submitted that there is no isolation ward in Delhi prisons in the first place. The Court said, "Why were you keeping such an undertrial with such a person with past cases. You should have humane conduct. You can't keep hardened criminals with him. He is accused of money laundering and is yet to be proven guilty." The court, after perusing the report, said I think you (James) are safe now. The court noted that the Report has been filed on behalf of the Jail Superintendent. The nominal role of the accused, Shahnawaz, was lodged in the adjoining cell of a high-security jail. From which it appears that Shahnawaz is facing trial in as many as nine cases, which are pending in Uttar Pradesh. He has been given punishment 41 times by jail authorities. After the alleged issue in 2019, the court noted. An inquiry report has also been filed, which was undertaken after an email from the British High Commission. The detailed inquiry was undertaken, and it was concluded that there is no life threat to Christian Michel James. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal President and Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, attended the funeral procession of Intelligence Bureau (IB) official Manish Raman Mishra, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. He called on all political parties to put aside their differences and unite for the country's sake. Sukanta to ANI, Sukanta Majumdar said, "Our government is extremely serious about this attack. PM Narendra Modi has stopped any connection we had with Pakistan. This was necessary. The Indus Water Treaty has been suspended. Visas have been cancelled. They have been given 48 hours to leave the country. Advisors have been called back from Pakistan and the number has been reduced. The government will take account of every single murder, and whoever is involved in this will be brought to justice; this is guaranteed. Have faith in PM Modi and our government. We are not afraid of Pakistan." He further stated, "I met his family members. I will be present during his last rites. People are very sad and angry. As of now, all political parties should rise above politics and unite to work for the country. A few days ago, in Murshidabad, too, Hindus were attacked. This means some people are attempting to create an anti-Hindu environment in the country." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remarked that the entire nation is distressed and stands in solidarity with the grieving families. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The Prime Minister assured that every effort is being made by the government to ensure the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment. Addressing a gathering at Bihar's Madhubani, PM Modi highlighted the profound loss suffered by families, where some lost their sons, brothers, or life partners, noting that the victims came from diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds--some spoke Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Gujarati, and some were from Bihar. "The terrorists responsible for this attack, along with those who conspired it, will face punishment beyond their imagination", the Prime Minister said, asserting that the time has come to eliminate the remaining strongholds of terrorism. "The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror," the PM stressed. PM Modi declared from Bihar that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and their backers, emphasising that India will pursue them to the ends of the earth. "India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism and terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is served and the entire nation is firm in this resolve against terrorism", he stressed. PM Modi further stated that everyone who believes in humanity stands with India during these times. He expressed his gratitude to the people and leaders of various countries who have supported India in these moments. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release. (ANI)
In a continued effort to improve civic infrastructure and mitigate seasonal challenges, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a follow-up meeting with Public Works Department (PWD) officials on Thursday. The meeting, attended by PWD Minister Parvesh Verma, was convened at the Secretariat to review and discuss measures to mitigate waterlogging and road-related issues in the city. The session comes on the heels of an earlier meeting held on April 18 and was aimed at reviewing the implementation of action points to address waterlogging and road-related concerns in the city. Officials presented updates on measures undertaken to prevent urban flooding ahead of the monsoon season, including desilting of drains, repair of potholes, and installation of additional pumps at key low-lying areas. The Delhi government has appealed to citizens to cooperate and report any drainage or road-related issues through designated helplines and apps. Earlier, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting 'above-normal' rainfall for the upcoming monsoon season, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured citizens that the Delhi government has taken comprehensive steps to mitigate waterlogging issues this monsoon. "We are here near the Minto Bridge, where waterlogging is a common problem during the rainy season. This time, the government is making all necessary preparations to ensure we don't face this issue," Gupta told ANI. Gupta highlighted the installation of automatic pumps, which are designed to function without operators, ensuring swift drainage of excess water. "These pumps are part of our proactive measures to tackle waterlogging efficiently," she added. Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma also asserted the need to resolve waterlogging issues in the national capital ahead of the monsoon season. Verma said drains are being cleared and pump stations are being set up in many areas of the national capital. He further added that Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed all departments to fix the waterlogging points before the monsoon. "Three topics were discussed in our meeting with CM Rekha Gupta today. In 2023, the Delhi Police had notified us about 308 sites plagued by waterlogging. In 2024, we were notified about 194 such sites, with most of the locations under the PWD," Verma said. "In many locations, drains are being cleared, pump stations are being set up and automated, and operators are being deployed where there was a lack of them. Delhi Police had notified us about 233 points of traffic congestion. Steps are being taken to resolve this issue. The Delhi Police have identified 3,088 dark spots, and work is underway to install lights at these locations. The CM has directed us to fix the waterlogging points before the monsoon," he added. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma, conducted an inspection of key waterlogging-prone locations in the national capital, including the Minto Bridge area. The Delhi government launched an inspection drive across several schools under the supervision of the District Magistrate (DM), issuing notices to 10 schools and initiating the process of derecognising institutions found to be in serious violation of norms. During the inspections, the DM was accompanied by senior academicians and officials from the Directorate of Education. Notably, India is likely to receive above-normal rainfall during the 2025 southwest monsoon season, according to a long-range forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). According to the IMD, neutral El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions currently prevail over the equatorial Pacific Ocean. However, atmospheric circulation patterns are similar to those observed during La Nina phases. A press release from the IMD noted that there is a strong probability, estimated at 59 per cent, that the southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall will fall into the "above normal" or higher category, defined as more than 104 per cent of LPA. The forecast was generated using the Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) approach based on climate model initial conditions from April 2025. The MME includes a group of coupled climate models that have demonstrated higher prediction skill over the Indian monsoon region. The probabilistic forecast shows that most parts of India are expected to receive above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season. (ANI)
The Indian Air Force operates two squadrons of the Rafale aircraft which are based out of Ambala and Hashimara in West Bengal.

"The cutting-edge technology fighter jets are carrying out complex missions involving ground attack and electronic warfare drills," defence sources told ANI.

"The assets of the Indian Air Force have been moved from multiple airbases, including from the eastern side," they added.

The Indian Air Force has been practising for complex ground attack missions for operations in different terrains, including plains and mountainous areas, the sources said.

The Indian Air Force also holds an edge over its adversaries in the south Asian region with the inductions of Meteor air to air missiles and induction of long range high speed low drag missiles like the Rampage and Rocks.

The exercise is taking place at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have gone up after the Pahalgam attack.

The exercise is being closely monitored closely by the Air Headquarters. Top Gun pilots of the Indian Air Force are taking part in rhetorical exercise under close watch of high qualified instructors.

The Indian Air Force was used in a big way to carry out the post-Pulwama attack strikes inside Pakistan in February 2019.

The Indian Air Force has acquired the Rafale fighter jets since then and they have revived its edge over the readies in the region.

The Indian Air Force had used the Mirage 2000 fighter jets in 2019 but has indicted many force multipliers like the S-400 air defence system, which can be the very effective against the airborne early warning and control aircraft of the adversaries. (ANI)
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal assured on Thursday that the perpetrators behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack will face the strictest actions. He emphasised that those responsible will not be spared. "Whichever Pakistani killed the common man of our country will not be spared. Strictest action will be taken against such people", Sonowal told reporters. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the brutal killing of innocent civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, while addressing a gathering in Madhubani on Thursday. The Prime Minister remarked that the entire nation is deeply distressed by the attack and stands in solidarity with the grieving families. He assured that the government is making every effort to ensure the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment. PM Modi highlighted the profound loss suffered by the victims' families, noting that some lost their sons, brothers, or life partners. The victims hailed from diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds, with some speaking Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, and Gujarati, while some were from Bihar. "The terrorists responsible for this attack, along with those who conspired it, will face punishment beyond their imagination", the Prime Minister said, asserting that the time has come to eliminate the remaining strongholds of terrorism. "The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror," the PM stressed. In response to the attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, "In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect." "All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025," the statement added. The Central government has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam attack. The meeting will be held at 6 pm on Thursday at the Parliament. According to sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will represent the party at the meeting. A statement from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena expressed "unwavering" support in the aftermath of the attack that claimed 26 lives. Several opposition parties, including Congress, Samajwadi Party, AIMIM, and others, are also expected to participate in the meeting. (ANI)
Delhi's Patiala House Court on Thursday rejected the bail plea moved on behalf of Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmed, accused in Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) Jharkhand Training Module case. He had sought default bail on the ground that charge sheet has been filed without proper sanction required under UAPA. Ahmed is alleged to be leader of the module. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Dr Hardeep Kaur dismissed the bail plea saying, "It has no merit and the same accordingly dismissed." The court noted that the Charge-sheet in the present case has been filed by the Investigating Officer on 17.02.2025. "Sanction under section 7 of Explosive Substances Act has already been filed but requisite sanction under section 45 of UAPA is still awaited as no authority/ committee has been constituted by Government of NCT of Delhi till date to conduct an independent review under UAPA and letter for granting prosecution sanction is still pending with GNCT of Delhi," the court observed in the order. The court emphasised they the investigating agency has already complied with all necessary steps to obtain requisite sanction under section 45 of UAPA before filing of the main charge-sheet and the investigating agency has no control over the working of the competent authority. This Court is of the considered view that the Sanction Order passed by the competent authority can be produced and placed on record even after the filing of the charge-sheet, the court held. On February 17, 2025, Delhi police had filed a charge sheet against 8 accused person including Dr. Ishtiyaq. The same is pending for Cognizance as Prosecution sanction under UAPA is awaited. Delhi police filed this charge sheet under sections of anti-terror law UAPA without sanction. Advocates Abu Bakr Sabbaq and Faiz Ahmed Ansari argued for accused. Delhi police opposed the bail plea. It was stated by the counsel for accused that Investigating Agency failed to get Sanction for prosecution under section 45 of UAPA, while it is mandatory under section 45(2) of UAPA for the Sanction for prosecution under UAPA that it "shall be given within such time as may be prescribed. It was also submitted that the Court cannot take cognisance of the offence in this case under section 45 of UAPA as it is mentioned that "No court shall take cognisance of any offence without the previous sanction of the Central/State Government. The plea has stated that a total period of 14 days is prescribed in the unlawful activities (prevention) (Recommendation and Sanction of Prosecution) Rules, 2008. It is contended that the investigation is completed and chargesheet have been filed before this Hon'ble Court, and further judicial custody is not needed in this case. Thus, the applicant is entitled for Regular bail. Dr Ishtiyaq and other accused persons were arrested on 22 August 2024. In this case accused include Dr Ishtiyaq of Ranchi. Delhi Police have charge sheeted Anamul Ansari, Shabaz Ansari, Altaf Ansari, Mohd. Rizwan, Motiur Rehaman, Mufti Rehmatullah, Faizan Ahmed, Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmed, Rizwan. Three accused namely Arshad, Umar Farooq, Hasan Ansari have not been charge sheeted by Delhi Police. One accused Shahbaz Ansari was arrested subsequently and investigation related to him is going on, police said. On December 12, 2024, the Delhi High Court had granted Delhi police 90 days' extension to complete the investigation in AQIS Jharkhand Training Module case. Earlier, the trial court had refused to extend the period of investigation. Delhi police had challenged the order before the high court. The module allegedly was being led by one Dr. Ishtiyaq of Ranchi and was aspiring to declare Khilafat and execute serious terrorist activities within the country, the police said. It is alleged that members of the module have received indoctrination and weapons training at various locations. Police had recovered arms, ammunition, literature etc. from several locations. Police recovered one AK-47 rifle, one .38 bore revolver, 6 live cartridges of .38 bore, 30 live cartridges of .32 bore, 30 live cartridges of AK-47, One Dummy Insas, One Air rifle, One Iron Elbow pipe, One hand Grenade, One Key remote controlmechanism, Some wires, One AA size 1.5-volt battery, One table watch, Four ground sheets, One target, One camping Tent, Some biscuits, one chips packet and one water bottle. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday reserved the order on actor Jacqueline Fernandez's petition challenging the Enforcement Directorate's complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case revolves around allegations of her receiving lavish gifts from conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The bench of Justice Anish Dayal reserved its decision after hearing from both sides extensively. Senior Advocate Sidharth Aggarwal represented Jacqueline Fernandez, while Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain appeared on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). During arguments, Aggarwal contended that if the ED claims that money was distributed among 15 individuals, then by that logic, everyone involved--whether a grocery vendor, court officials, or lawyers--could be deemed guilty of money laundering. He questioned the premise that any financial transaction involving a criminal automatically constitutes money laundering, suggesting that such an interpretation would create undue fear. Aggarwal further argued that the ED's case hinges on Fernandez's awareness of Sukesh Chandrashekhar's criminal background, as reported in a 2021 newspaper article. He asserted that merely being a celebrity does not imply prior knowledge of tainted funds. "Businessmen often have multiple cases against them," he stated, adding that Fernandez was introduced to Chandrashekhar as a business tycoon. "Today, I am paying the price of being a celebrity," Aggarwal concluded. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) argued that its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is separate and distinct from police investigations into scheduled offences. It emphasised that individuals accused of money laundering may differ from those charged in the predicate offence, given the distinct nature of the crime. Previously, ED had opposed Jacqueline's plea, submitting that she continued to receive Sukesh's gifts despite being aware of his criminal antecedents. Perjury to quash the case in an attempt to stall proceedings. Senior Advocate Siddharth Aggarwal and Advocate Prashant Patil for Jacqueline had submitted that being in the public eye and being labelled as a money launderer is problematic. My prayer is not to quash the complaint completely, it's only qua the present applicant (Jacqueline). Sukesh is sitting in jail and carrying out extortion and fraud from there. EOW comes to me, records my statement, finds that what I have to say is relevant to their investigation. ED has filed four complaints, but the investigation is still going on, the trial cannot start, said Sr Adv Siddharth Aggarwal. Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has filed a petition seeking the quashing of the ECIR (equivalent to an FIR) and the supplementary chargesheet filed by the ED in connection with the Rs 200 crore money laundering case. Jacqueline, through a plea, stated that the evidence filed by the Directorate of Enforcement would prove that the Petitioner is an innocent victim of Sukesh Chandrashekhar's maliciously targeted attack. There is no indication that she had any involvement whatsoever in aiding him to launder his purportedly ill-got wealth. Hence, she cannot be prosecuted for the offences under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. (ANI)
After attending the all-party meeting convened by the central government, Kharge told ANI, "Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also there. All parties condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. We said that efforts should be made to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir."

The Central government on Thursday called a meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack.

Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Congress President, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi were among other prominent leaders who attended today's meeting.

Additionally, Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), Shrikant Shinde (NCP), Praful Patel (NCP), Prem Chand Gupta (RJD), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Sanjay Singh (AAP), Sudip Bandopadhyay (TMC), Mithun Reddy (YSRC), and BJP's Anil Baluni, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also attended the meeting.

Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism.

In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post.

India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours.

The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release. (ANI)
After an all-party meeting in New Delhi to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized national unity and reaffirmed the government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Speaking to mediapersons, Rijiju asserted that amid widespread political consensus, leaders across party lines echoed the call for a united front against terrorism. "In the beginning, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke about the incident that took place in Pahalgam and shared the decisions taken by the Government in the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) meeting following the incident. He also spoke about the Government's stance of zero tolerance against terrorism. It was stated that the incident was very tragic, and the Indian Government has expressed its intention to take even stricter action going forward," Rijiju said. "For the past several years, the people of Kashmir had been conducting their businesses, tourists had been visiting, and everything was progressing well. This incident has disturbed that peaceful environment, and everyone has expressed their concern over it. All political parties shared their views and there was a consensus that the country should stand united and speak with one voice against terrorism," he said. The Union Minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks in Bihar earlier in the day on the Pahalgam attack. "Today in Bihar, everyone heard the Prime Minister's message, and it was clear that the PM's intention is firm--that India has always taken strong action against terrorism and will continue to do so. Officials from the Intelligence Bureau and the Home Ministry provided a briefing about the incident and explained the management measures being taken to prevent such incidents in the future," Kiren Rijiju said. "All political parties are standing with the Government in this fight against terrorism. In such times, the entire nation must stay united--this was the message conveyed by everyone," he said. Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Congress President, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi were among other prominent leaders who attended today's meeting. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and said that one of its MPs from Assam, who is also a member of the parliamentary board, spent 15 days in Islamabad without informing the Assam or the Indian government. Assam CM was briefing the reporters in Guwahati on Thursday. Sarma stated that he is not taking anyone's name but that the said MP went to Pakistan through the Attari border and the matter is under investigation by the Special Investigation Team. Assam Chief Minister also expressed his concern over Bangladesh and the country's recent "hobnobbing" with Pakistan. He stated that the security agencies have been asked to stay on alert. "We are also concerned about Bangladesh and recent hobnobbing between Bangladesh and Pakistan, so we have alerted our security agencies to keep a watch on whatever is going on across the border and also remain vigilant...", Sarma said. The Assam CM told reporters, "An important functionary of the Congress Parliamentary Party, who is an MP from Assam, spent 15 days in Islamabad without informing the Assam government or the Government of India. He went to Pakistan through the Attari border. I am not taking anyone's name, but this matter is under investigation by the SIT", Furthermore, he stated that in the investigation, it was found that the wife of the MP used to get a salary from Pakistan for three years while she was working in Delhi. Sarma revealed that the Assam government will discuss the matter with the Congress MP in June or July. "We have found some important evidence that the MP's wife used to get salary from Pakistan for three years. She was working in Delhi, but her salary used to come from Pakistan... In the month of June-July, we are going to discuss this matter with the MP. The SIT of Assam Police will meet the MP and his family to know their side and then submit the report before September. But it is true that he spent 15 days in Islamabad without informing the Government of India and the Government of Assam...", Sarma said. The Assam CM announced that as a mark of solidarity towards the victims of Pahalgam terror attack, the state government will extend an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased who belong to the state. He stated that violence was once part of Assam's history and our people stand shoulder to shoulder with the families. (ANI)
In a powerful and inspiring address that set the tone for Andhra Pradesh's digital future, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday declared that the state is entering a new era of governance powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) -- one that prioritizes smart systems, human-centric solutions, and real-time delivery of services, a press release said. Recounting his journey from struggling for a 2 Mbps internet connection to launching data-driven governance, the Chief Minister highlighted Andhra Pradesh's long-standing commitment to technological leadership. "Back then, BSNL gave me 2 Mbps - and I used it for audio and video. Today we're talking about Gigabits," he said, crediting the deregulation of the telecom sector and early e-governance initiatives as game-changers. He underscored that systems must empower governance, not restrict it. "We have the best brains in the country, especially in the IAS. But our systems make them inefficient. We must now rewrite old, archaic laws and embrace smart, digital systems," he said. Calling for a mindset shift, the Chief Minister declared, "Hard work is no longer enough. We must focus on smart, flexible work." He highlighted how digitised file systems, real-time decision-making, and bandwidth-led connectivity are enabling new ways of governance. CM Naidu advocated for every department to develop an AI Champion who would identify and lead the adoption of use cases. From the deployment of drones to control illegal cultivation to Aadhaar-linked home deliveries during disasters, the Chief Minister shared successful examples of how technology, when used wisely, can transform public service. "Every family must have someone who prepares or applies use cases. This is how we ensure that technology serves the people," he added. The Chief Minister also spoke passionately about the integration of massive datasets through a state-run Data Lake, enabling predictive governance. "We will integrate all data, and the Planning Department must use it to prepare for the future," he stated. He announced that Andhra Pradesh would fully saturate critical infrastructure like housing and sanitation by 2028 or 2029 and leverage Public-Private-People Partnerships (P4) to uplift underprivileged families. The Chief Minister expressed strong confidence in achieving 15 percent economic growth, stating that such ambitious targets are not beyond reach. Drawing a comparison with Telangana, he highlighted how the region transformed from being largely agrarian two and a half decades ago to now having the highest per capita income in the country, driven by balanced growth across agriculture, industry, and services. Reflecting on Andhra Pradesh's own journey, he noted that when he first initiated development efforts, the industrial landscape was sparse. However, since 1995, a wave of new industries has emerged, supported by second-generation reforms. These reforms have not only modernised the economy but also nurtured a vibrant ecosystem of second-generation entrepreneurs who are now steering Andhra Pradesh's economic transformation. Despite the transformative power of AI, CM Naidu stressed the importance of human empathy in governance. "Technology must solve people's problems. It must have a human angle," he said, adding that 75 percent of grievances in governance are land-related, and digitisation of land records -- a project he initiated in Telangana -- is a critical step forward. Reflecting on the journey of Indian innovation, he noted: "We once watched ISRO's satellites in awe. Today, Indian startups are building satellites for Rs 30 crore. The world is watching us now." In his concluding remarks, the Chief Minister described the workshop as a landmark step. "We are creating proof-of-concept models to show the country how AI-led governance can work. We are at the beginning of an inspiring era." Earlier, R Chandrasekhar, former Secretary, MEITY and DOT, spoke on the Role of AI and technology in good governance and said that resolving problems faced by people requires vision and bureaucratic will. "Nara Chandrababu Naidu, who was the CM of the combined AP, then realised that IT could be used in governance. The whole nation realised that AP was doing something and they wanted to learn from us," he said, adding that AP hosted two e-Governance conferences that kept the IT ball running in the country. The two-day workshop on "AI and Emerging Technologies for Government Digital Transformation" is being held in Amaravati in collaboration with the Wadhwani Centre for Government Digital Transformation. It is designed to build awareness and capacity among senior and mid-level government officers to understand and implement AI-based innovations in governance. Participants will gain exposure to real-world use cases, discuss implementation strategies, and contribute to a roadmap that aligns with Andhra Pradesh's vision of becoming a model state for AI-enabled, citizen-first governance. This workshop will serve as the foundation for a new governance paradigm -- one where AI, data, and innovation are deeply integrated into public service delivery. With Andhra Pradesh leading the way, the future of governance in India looks digital, dynamic, and deeply impactful. (ANI)
Governor of Karnataka, Thaawarchand Gehlot, on Thursday visited the residence of Pahalgam terror attack victim Bharat Bhushan in Mattikere, Bengaluru and paid his final respects. The Governor offered his condolences and words of solace to the grieving family, expressing solidarity during their time of immense loss. He also interacted with family members to understand the details surrounding the incident. In a statement following his visit, Governor Gehlot strongly condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam and emphasised that the Government of India is treating the incident with utmost seriousness. "Such heinous acts must not be tolerated. I am confident that India will give a fitting response to those responsible for this cowardly act," said the Karnataka Governor. "The Indian government will not let this tragedy go unanswered," the Governor affirmed. Governor Gehlot lauded the proactive efforts of the Karnataka state government in facilitating the safe return of tourists stranded in Jammu and Kashmir, calling the swift rescue operations "commendable and deeply appreciated." The Karnataka cabinet passed a resolution against the Pahalgam terror attack during their meeting in Chamarajanagar on Thursday. The information was given by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah while he was speaking to the reporters. Siddaramaiah expressed his solidarity with the government of India and said that there is a failure of intelligence in the Union Government."A resolution condemning the incident has been passed in the cabinet meeting, and we also expressed our solidarity with the government of India. There is a failure of intelligence in the central government", Siddaramaiah told reporters. Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that they stand with the Union Government because the integrity of the nation is of utmost importance. He stated that some people are trying to politicise the issue which should not be done and peace should be maintained. "We stand by the government because the nation's integrity is very important. Some of them are trying to politicise...We should all maintain peace and no one should politicise this...", DKS said. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release. After the Indian government shut the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab Police Protocol Officer Arun Mahal confirmed that while the iconic gates remained shut, ceremonies were conducted separately on either side of the border. Speaking to ANI, Mahal mentioned that 28 Pakistani nationals returned home, while 105 Indian citizens crossed back into India. "The government of India has taken very strict decisions. The gates at the Attari-Wagah integrated check post were not opened, and the parade was done in the respective areas. A total of 28 Pakistani nationals left for Pakistan from the Attari border, and 105 Indian nationals have returned from Pakistan. There has been an impact on the number of tourists," the officer said. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday held detailed discussions with Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials on their role in the border districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti and issues concerning security along the India-China border. Sukhu held a meeting with Sanjay Gunjyal, Frontier Commander of the Northern Frontier Headquarters of the ITBP, Dehradun. Various topics were deliberated upon, including a roadmap for promoting border tourism in the frontier regions of the state, procurement of local produce for ITBP supplies, and provision of medical services to local communities through ITBP healthcare facilities. The Chief Minister said that to strengthen disaster management, the state government would establish improved coordination with the ITBP's regional response centre. He said that helipads located in ITBP-controlled zones could be utilised to promote tourism in remote areas. All formalities in this regard would be completed in consultation with the force, which would also help enhance connectivity. CM Sukhu said that the state government was taking several steps to strengthen the rural economy. If ITBP procures food products directly from local residents, it would create employment opportunities and benefit farmers and horticulturists.He urged ITBP officials to prioritise the involvement of local residents in construction projects after completing all requisite formalities. The Chief Minister also directed the state officials to expedite all procedures for establishing communication towers in border areas. He lauded the developmental efforts and other initiatives undertaken by the ITBP in frontier regions. Commander Sanjay Gunjyal briefed the Chief Minister about the steps taken under the Vibrant Village Programme for the construction of three proposed roads in the Sangla Valley and Kaurik area. He also shared details of 15 additional roads proposed in remote and forward border regions of the state. Deputy Chief Minister virtually attended the meeting and shared his views and suggestions. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Chairman, Milkfed Budhi Singh Thakur, OSD to the Chief Minister Gopal Sharma, Secretary Animal Husbandry Ritesh Chauhan, DIG ITBP Pawan KR Negi and Barinderjit Singh, Commandant Vasant Nogal and Sunil Kumar Senani and other senior officers were present in the meeting. (ANI)
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will visit Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Rahul Gandhi, who was on an official visit to the United States, cut his trip short and returned to New Delhi early Thursday morning. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also shortened their trips to Saudi Arabia and the US, respectively, in response to the attack in Pahalgam. Earlier in the day, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to deliberate on the security situation and formulate a collective response to the attack. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release. Meanwhile, families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime. Last rites of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, were performed at his native place in Karnal. Shivamogga resident Manjunath Rao was killed in the terror attack. Family friend Dattatreya urged the government to take strong steps against terrorists. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (ANI)
Jennifer Nathaniel, the wife of Sushil Nathaniel, who was killed in the horrific terror attack at Baisaran near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, shared a heart-wrenching account of the moments leading up to the brutal killing of her husband. Speaking to the media in Indore, Jennifer revealed how the couple initially managed to narrowly escape, only to be caught by terrorists, who appeared to be targeting people based on their religion. "We were about to return from there when my husband told me he needed to use the washroom... When he came out of the washroom, suddenly a loud sound came and we thought it was the ropeway breakage but when we turned around, we saw the first man who was shot. A girl was crying and asking to be killed. "Everyone started running and hiding here and there. We hid behind the washroom... All of us started trying to run but the terrorists found us... We were not able to contact each other via phone... The terrorists asked my husband to recite Kalma, so he said he don't know," she said, implying that he was killed moments later. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Sushil Nathaniel were buried in a Christian cemetery in Indore on Thursday. Nathaniel's body arrived in the city late Wednesday night, where it was received by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who paid his respects at the airport. On Thursday morning, people gathered at Nathaniel's residence located in Veena Nagar in the city and offered their last respects to him. Thereafter, the body was taken to the church in the Nanda Nagar area, where the family and other people performed prayers and other rituals. Later on, the body was buried in a Christian cemetery in the city. Sushil Nathaniel, who worked as a branch manager for LIC, had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir with his wife Jennifer, daughter Akanksha (around 30), and son Austin (around 22) on Saturday, April 19. His daughter, Akanksha, also sustained bullet injuries during the attack. (ANI)
Congress MP Randeep Surjewala condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Thursday, saying Pakistan-organised terror acts need to be halted with unity without any political bias and that the culprits should be severely punished. Speaking to the media, Surjewala said, "This incident deserves as much condemnation as possible... 26 families lost their sons... Pakistan-organised terror acts need to be halted with unity without any political bias... These terrorists must be severely punished so that we can pay condolences to all the lives lost." Earlier in the day, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Congress President and Rajya Sabha opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, and other prominent leaders attended the meeting. Additionally, Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Supriya Sule (NCP-SP), Shrikant Shinde (NCP), Praful Patel (NCP), Prem Chand Gupta (RJD), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Sanjay Singh (AAP), Sudip Bandopadhyay (TMC), Mithun Reddy (YSRC), and BJP's Anil Baluni, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also attended the meeting The terrorist attack in Pahalgam occurred on Tuesday at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and leaving several others injured. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release. (ANI)
Fear and panic have gripped Kashmiri students across the country following open threats and targeted violence in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) reported receiving over 1,000 distress calls from students across the country, many expressing fears for their safety and making urgent plans to return home. JKSA has released emergency helpline numbers and formed a dedicated team to support students and liaise with authorities. In a disturbing incident at the Universal Group of Institutions in Derabassi, Chandigarh, Kashmiri students were allegedly attacked inside their hostel on Wednesday night by a group wielding sharp weapons. One student was injured, and others reported being physically assaulted and having their clothes torn, Khuehami told ANI. "There is fear amongst Kashmiri students. Their families are concerned and asking them to return home," Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of JKSA. In Uttarakhand's Dehradun, a viral video allegedly featuring a member of the Hindu Raksha Dal has intensified tensions. In the purported video, the person asked Kashmiri Muslim students to leave the city or face consequences. The viral video and subsequent threats have left many students in a state of limbo, particularly those currently appearing for exams. Some are attending classes out of compulsion, despite feeling deeply unsafe. "We're attending classes because of exams, but we're scared. There's been no outreach or assurance from local authorities," said a PG Kashmiri student studying in Uttarakhand. At least over a dozen students studying in Dehradun have already returned to Kashmir amid fears of a backlash following the Pahalgam attack. In response, JKSA has issued a nationwide advisory urging Kashmiri students to remain indoors, avoid confrontations, and stay away from political discussions online. Nasir Khuehami also confirmed that he had reached out to senior authorities regarding the threats. "I have spoken to the DGP of Uttarakhand, Deepam Seth Ji, regarding the open threats issued by members of the Hindu Raksha Dal to Kashmiri students, including an ultimatum asking them to vacate the state. I've been told FIR has been registered and arrests will follow shortly," he said. "The DGP informed me that a team led by the SSP Dehradun will soon visit Kashmiri students in Prem Nagar, Sudhowala, Nanda ki Chowki and Selaqui to ensure their safety and instil confidence. We will not tolerate such acts. The strongest possible action will be taken to prevent communal intimidation and to safeguard the rights of all Kashmiri students," he added. JKSA President Ummar Jamal condemned the Pahalgam killings and called for unity in the face of attempts to polarise. "This tragedy must not become a weapon for hate. We urge students to remain focused on their safety and not get caught in political crossfire." Twenty-six tourists were killed on Tuesday afternoon in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley. Among the victims were 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. (ANI)
Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, opposition leaders have expressed their support for the central government in its efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. BJD MP Sasmit Patra on Thursday said that the central government should take all necessary steps to ensure that the perpetrators of this gruesome attack are brought to justice. "BJD represented its views in the All Party meeting...We urge the government to take all necessary steps to ensure that the perpetrators of this gruesome attack are brought to justice. Biju Janta reaffirms its full cooperation and support to the Government in all its efforts concerning the nation's national security...The overall consensus that has come out of this meeting is that all the political parties are together on this matter and we support the government fully in whatever actions it wants to take to bring the perpetrators to justice," Patra said. DMK MP Tiruchi Siva also condemned the terrorist attack, saying that such incidents should not happen in this country in future. "Today, the government convened the all-party meeting, and it was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh...On behalf of DMK, I expressed the concern which was made as a statement by CM MK Stalin on the floor of the assembly and in strong terms, we condemn what has happened in Pahalgam and such activities should not happen in this country in future," Siva told ANI. Siva added that DMK will support whatever concrete and constructive steps the government takes to put down terrorism in this country. "So we should not just stop with expressing in words and condemning them. Some action has to be taken positively so that such incidents will not be repeated in future...Whatever the government is taking concrete and constructive steps to put down terrorism in this country, the DMK will support it," Siva added. Indian Union Muslim League's (IUML) Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran echoed similar sentiments, asserting the opposition's unified stance. "In the all-party meeting, all the opposition parties and the parties' leaders present there strongly condemned this incident and reiterated that they will support the government in whatever decision the government takes. They also asked the government to give a befitting reply to the act of the terrorist and we will support in whatever decision the government takes...We are on the same page with the Prime Minister. We stand united as brothers and sisters of India and will ensure that nothing happens that will hamper the country's social fabric," Beeran said. Earlier today, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Congress President and Rajya Sabha opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, and other prominent leaders attended the meeting. The terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release. (ANI)
The Consul General of the United States in Mumbai, Mike Hankey, paid a courtesy visit to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. During their meeting, Hankey highlighted the US involvement across various sectors in India, with a particular focus on Gujarat. The Chief Minister emphasised Gujarat's swift advancement towards becoming a global hub for Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia production and export. He also discussed the immense potential across various sectors in Gujarat, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and renewable energy. Consul General Hankey also discussed America's participation and mutual cooperation at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024. Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Manoj Kumar Das, Secretary Avantika Singh and senior officials from the Industry Department were also present during the courtesy meeting. CM Bhupendra Patel on Thursday visited the residence of Yatishbhai Sudhirbhai Parmar and his son, Smit Yatishbhai Parmar, who were among the victims of the recent terrorist attack at Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. The Parmar family, residents of Nandanvan Society in the Kaliyabid area of Bhavnagar, suffered an irreplaceable loss. As the mortal remains of the father and son reached Bhavnagar late at night, CM Patel met the grieving family and offered his condolences, the Chief Minister's office said in a press release. He paid his respects to the departed souls and prayed for their eternal peace, expressing solidarity with the family in this profound sorrow. The mortal remains of the father and son who were killed in the terrorist attack were brought from Srinagar to Mumbai and then flown to Ahmedabad via an IndiGo flight. From there, they were taken to Bhavnagar by road, arriving around midnight. The two victims were among 26 innocent lives lost in the deadly attack on Tuesday. (ANI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday visited a hospital in Srinagar to meet Subodh Patil, a resident of Kamothe in Panvel taluka of Raigad district, who was injured in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Taking to microblogging platform X, Shinde said, "Subodh Patil, a resident of Kamothe in Panvel taluka of Raigad district, who was injured in the terrorist attack in Pahelgam, Jammu and Kashmir, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Srinagar. Today, I went there and inquired about his health. I got information about the treatment being done on him, and assured all possible cooperation to ensure that he recovers completely and returns home at the earliest." Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Thursday accused the Pakistan government of supporting terrorist organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that a "befitting reply" should be given to Pakistan in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking to ANI, Shinde said, "Everyone was given a chance to speak in the meeting. But the most important thing was that all the political parties said that they stand with the government. Everyone said that whatever decision the government takes, we all stand with it with full strength... Whatever activities are going on, whatever different terrorist organisations are working, Pakistan is supporting them. Therefore, the work of giving a befitting reply to Pakistan should be done through the government. Our party stands with the government." Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu echoed a similar sentiment, stating that Pakistan and the terrorist organisations should face the consequences of their actions. "The incident that happened is condemnable...Two people from Andhra Pradesh were killed in this attack. This kind of incident should not have happened...Pakistan and terrorist organisations will face the repercussions. When it comes to supporting the Union government, every party is on the same page. We are in support of the Indian government to take stringent action on terrorism, Pakistan," Devarayalu said. Earlier today, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Congress President and Rajya Sabha opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, and other prominent leaders attended the meeting. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release. (ANI)
The Joint Director of Uttarakhand's Information Department, Dr Nitin Upadhyaya, on Thursday highlighted that the Pahalgam terror attack left tourists traumatised, hurting local livelihoods. A team of tourists from Uttarakhand, including Upadhyaya, had a harrowing experience in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, after a terror attack shook the region. The team was staying at a hotel amidst the forests where the incident took place. "The locals say that their livelihood depends on tourism, which was hit due to Covid-19 and boosted in the last 2-2.5 years... The people there were very cooperative and humble... This incident has caused a dent in the tourism of the place for years, possibly...," said the Joint Director of Uttarakhand Information Department. He had been visiting various places in Pahalgam since April 19 and witnessed the happiness of locals until April 22. However, the terror attack has dealt a significant blow to the tourism industry, which had seen a boost in the last 2-2.5 years after being hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. "We went from place to place as we were there since 19th April and we saw happiness on their faces up until 22nd April," he said. The tourists were scared and stayed awake all night, with none daring to venture out. Despite dinner being served, many opted to go hungry or ordered food in their rooms. The fear was palpable, with every person traumatised by the incident. "... We were staying in the hotel amidst the forests where the incident took place, so we were scared and stayed awake all night... There were around 150 tourists in the hotel. No one thought of going asleep. When dinner was served at the hotel, no one dared to go to the dinner table. Some ordered food in their rooms while some preferred to go hungry. Every person was terrified... The effect is huge," added the Uttarakhand official. Reflecting on the devastating impact on tourism, he expressed concern for the locals. "They told me 80% of their income depends on tourism. After this attack, tourism has taken a massive hit, especially in places like Pahalgam, where there are no alternative sources of income." Despite the trauma, he urged visitors to return for their own experiences and to support locals who depend on tourism. He urged people to return, describing Kashmir as "paradise". He said, "I still believe people should return -- for their own experiences and for the sake of the locals who rely entirely on tourism... I hope -- and I believe -- that eventually, trust will return. Kashmir is truly paradise on Earth, and people will come back. It may take time, but the natural beauty of Kashmir is unmatched." The official, who was in Pahalgam with his family during the attack, described the ordeal as one of the most terrifying moments of his life. He recalled, "It was perhaps one of those incidents that should never happen in a person's life. But it did, and that incident, that moment, and that situation -- we can only describe it as terrifying. Just imagining it brings fear to the mind." The family arrived in Kashmir on April 19 for a planned five-day trip. On April 22, they decided to check into their hotel before heading out for sightseeing, a decision that, in hindsight, kept them safe from immediate danger as events unfolded nearby. While on their way to Betaab Valley, the official received a call from a friend who informed him of a terrorist attack in the nearby village. "We still didn't feel any serious danger... But as we reached the Betaab Valley taxi stand, a slight panic was in the air... Staff said there had been a big security alert due to a terrorist attack nearby." As they returned to the hotel, tension increased. "By the time we reached the market, everything was shut. There were taxi lines stretching for 45 kilometres... the army and police had set up barricades. Our driver found another route and got us back to the hotel." At the hotel, the situation was equally tense. "There were around 45 army helicopters flying overhead... no one wanted to speak openly. Fear was in the air. That night, we didn't sleep at all." The official further shared how a waiter warned them not to open their door if someone knocked at night, heightening their fear. "The hotel is deep inside a cedar forest, far from the market. Our room and the kids' room were separate. My wife was very scared. She insisted we call the kids to our room. We were all scared, but trying to reassure each other." The next morning, army personnel confirmed the tragic toll. "They said 25-26 people had died in the attack." With their flight scheduled for later in the day, the official was concerned whether the roads would reopen. "The roads were closed until 8 AM, and I couldn't help but worry." They were able to leave for Srinagar around 8:30 AM. The journey was tense, with many people trying to flee the area. "When we reached the airport, it was crowded with people trying to leave. Everyone seemed to be leaving." Meanwhir. a meeting was convened by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, that brought together leaders from across the political spectrum to deliberate on the path forward in the wake of the April 22 terror attack that shook the region. The attack, which targeted tourists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, leaving several others injured. It is considered one of the deadliest terror attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, and among the most severe since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Following an all-party meeting, CM Omar Abdullah announced the adoption of a unified resolution by all parties, condemning the attack and affirming a shared commitment to peace and justice. CM Omar Abdullah stated, "We, the participants of the All Party meeting of Jammu and Kashmir, deeply shocked and anguished by the recent barbaric attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April 2025 on innocent civilians, hereby adopt this resolution in a spirit of collective solidarity and resolve. We unequivocally condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous, inhumane attack in Pahalgam that targeted and killed innocent civilians." (ANI)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called Hamas "sons of dogs" and called for the disarmament of the group and the release of the Israeli hostages, CNN reported. He called for stopping the "Israeli genocide that the Gaza Strip is being subjected to" a top priority. He said that the hostages present an excuse for Israel to attack the Gaza Strip. In a televised speech from Ramallah on Wednesday, Abbas said, "Sons of dogs, release the hostages and block their justifications." Israel has rejected accusations of genocide, stressing that it is fighting the war in Gaza in self-defence and targets Hamas. Abbas'' remarks are the strongest public criticism of Hamas to date and come amid a renewed push to advance ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with Egypt also suggesting the disarmament of the group recently, CNN reported. Abbas has not outrightly condemned Hamas'' October 7 attack on Israel, however, he has slammed Hamas for it in the past and reiterated his condemnation of attacks against civilians. He also outlined a vision to create a Palestinian state and demanded an end to the war in Gaza and renewed calls for the unification of Palestinian political factions under the umbrella of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). He also called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. He said, "Hamas must end its control over the Gaza Strip, hand over all its affairs to the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the legitimate Palestinian National Authority, and refrain from carrying arms, transforming into a political party that operates according to the laws of the Palestinian state and adheres to international legitimacy." In his address, Abbas accused Hamas of inflicting "severe damage to the Palestinian cause" since it took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007. He said, "It has provided the occupation (Israel) with dangerous free services, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and allowed this criminal occupation to find free justifications for executing its conspiracies and crimes in the Gaza Strip, with one of the most prominent excuses being hostage-taking." In response, Hamas rejected claims made by Abbas and questioned his "competence," saying that he "insists, repeatedly and suspiciously, on placing the responsibility for the crimes of the occupation and its ongoing aggression on our Palestinian people." Mahmoud Abbas urged the international community to implement past UN Security Resolutions and hold an international peace conference, according to CNN report. Hamas and Fatah have a long history of bitter enmity. The two sides have tried and failed multiple times to reach an agreement to unite the two separate territories of Palestine under one governance structure. Since then, Hamas has governed Gaza while the PA governs parts of the West Bank. Until 2007, the PA held administrative control over Gaza. Hamas secured a win in the 2006 legislative elections in the occupied areas and expelled it from the Gaza Strip. Since then, Hamas has governed Gaza, and the PA governs the territories of the West Bank, CNN reported. Hamas and Fatah signed a reconciliation agreement in Cairo in October 2017. According to the deal, a new unity government was expected to take administrative control of Gaza after two months. However, aspirations of a deal collapsed when PA Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah visited Gaza in 2018. Hamdallah was the target of an assassination attempt when a bomb detonated near his convoy. Following the attack, Fatah immediately blamed Hamas for it. In July last year, Hamas and Fatah signed an agreement on "ending division and strengthening Palestinian unity." (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that 19 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and two official ships were detected operating near Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Thursday. According to Taiwan's MND, 14 out of 19 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response to Chinese activity, Taiwan's armed forces deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "19 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 out of 19 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1915209072468746672 This incident follows a recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, sparking concerns over regional stability as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. Last week, Taiwan's ruling party responded to growing fears about Chinese spying by requiring its members to declare their plans before visiting China, particularly Hong Kong and Macau, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA). China and Taiwan have frequently accused one another of spying, and Taiwan has arrested several people it says Beijing has hired to get intelligence or sway public opinion. According to RFA, Beijing usually rejects any role in espionage operations against Taiwan, referring to the charges as "politically motivated" or "groundless." Taiwan's President and Chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, Lai Ching-te, declared on Wednesday that all party members are now required to report in advance and submit a follow-up report if they visit China or interact with individuals connected to the Chinese government. "Any betrayal of the party's core values for personal gain must be met with strict disciplinary action and the harshest legal consequences," Lai told the party's weekly meeting, as quoted by the RFA report. Lai announced steps, including enhanced internal education for party members to increase their knowledge of national security and legal responsibilities, as well as the requirement to disclose visits to China. He also called for tighter control over parliamentary and local council aides, with party caucuses being entrusted with creating certain procedures and training courses, according to the RFA report. The actions follow the DPP being the target of previous Chinese espionage investigations.(ANI)
Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, has called for the United States to officially label Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism. He also pointed to Pakistan's Army Chief, Asim Munir, and said he is no different from Osama Bin Laden and accused him of supporting terrorism. While speaking with ANI, Rubin said, "The only reaction that the United States should take is a formal designation of Pakistan as a state sponsor of terror and a designation of Asim Munir as a terrorist. The only difference between Osama Bin Laden and Asim Munir is that Osama Bin Laden lived in a cave and Asim Munir lives in a palace, but beyond that, the two are the same, and their end should also be the same." He further said, "It was shocking, but this just goes to show you that you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig. You can pretend that Pakistan isn't a terror sponsor, but it remains a terror sponsor, no matter how much we try to normalise it. As for the timing, just as there was a terrorist attack when Bill Clinton went to India, so too does it seem that Pakistan wants to draw attention away from Vice President JD Vance's trip to India. The United States shouldn't let Pakistan get away with it, and we shouldn't pretend that this is some sort of spontaneous action." Rubin also drew a comparison between the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the terrorist strike in Pahalgam and said that both attacks targeted peaceful civilians--liberal Jews in Israel and middle-class Hindus in India. He told ANI, "That is exactly what went on when October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. It was directed specifically against Jews and not only against Jews, but among the most liberal Jews who were most prone to wanting peace and normalcy with the Gaza Strip." "Targeting a vacation resort, middle-class Hindus, it is evident that the Pakistanis are trying the same tactic now. It should be no more successful for Pakistan than it was for Hamas. And frankly, it's now the duty of India to do to Pakistan and to Pakistan's ISI what Israel did to Hamas. It's time to wipe out the leadership of the ISI to treat them as a designated terror group and demand that every country that is an ally of India, every country that is an ally of the world's largest democracy, do the same," Rubin further stated. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. India on Wednesday announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security and said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The Pahalgam terror attack has shaken people to the core. Citizens are outraged and are demanding the strictest possible action against the perpetrators. (ANI)
Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in has been formally charged with bribery over claims that he helped secure a job for his former son-in-law at an airline, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency. Moon and his daughter, Moon Da-hye, are accused of receiving bribes through salary and other payments through the hiring of Moon's ex-son-in-law, surnamed Seo, by Thai Eastar Jet, a low-cost airline based in Thailand. Seo was appointed executive director at the airline in 2018 after the company's founder and former two-term lawmaker Lee Sang-jik was appointed head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, Yonhap reported. Prosecutors believe that Lee was given his government position as part of a deal to secure a job for Seo at the airline, especially since Seo had little to no background in the aviation industry at the time. According to a report by DW, Moon was "indicted for corruption for receiving 217 million won ($152,000) in connection with facilitating the employment of his son-in-law at the airline," the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office said. This development occurs just six weeks ahead of South Korea's general election, which has been marked by political turmoil in recent months. The Korean government has formally designated June 3 as the date of the next presidential election following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, Yonhap News Agency reported. 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 3rd June as a temporary public holiday. Yoon, a conservative, was impeached and ousted after declaring martial law late last year, leading to a major political crisis in the country. (ANI)
As the world united in its condemnation against the Phalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists and left many more injured, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that he was "horrified" by the "senseless" and "shocking act of violence". Sharing his grief in a post on social media platform X, Mark Carney said, I am horrified by the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a senseless and shocking act of violence that has killed and injured innocent civilians and tourists. Canada strongly condemns this terrorist attack. We offer our condolences to the victims and their families" https://x.com/MarkJCarney/status/1915090066772234742 Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun has condemned the terrorist attack and expressed opposition to all forms of terrorism. While addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Guo Jiakun expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured. When asked about the attack in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, he responded, "China noted the reports. We strongly condemn the attack. China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism. We mourn for the lives lost and express sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured." On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) held a high-level meeting to review the overall security situation in the country, with a specific focus on the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The committee directed all security forces to maintain high vigilance and take all necessary measures to prevent future attacks. The CCS resolved that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack will be brought to justice, and their sponsors will be held accountable for their actions. The government reiterated its commitment to pursuing those who have committed acts of terror or conspired to make them possible, citing the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana as an example of its unwavering stance against terrorism. The CCS met on Wednesday evening under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister. The CCS was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam, in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed and a number of others sustained injuries. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the CCS decided that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. The Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed immediately. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 01 May 2025. Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for visa purposes. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the High Commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55 through further reductions, to be implemented by May 1, 2025. (ANI)
Canadian leaders have strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including tourists. Senator Leo Housakos, representing Quebec and former Speaker of the Senate of Canada, called the incident a "barbaric assault on faith and humanity" and urged for swift justice. https://x.com/SenatorHousakos/status/1915191963243970668 "The massacre of Hindu tourists in India is not just terrorism--it's a barbaric assault on faith and humanity. The perpetrators must face swift and uncompromising justice. The world must not stay silent," Housakos posted on X (formerly Twitter). Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney also expressed deep shock at the violence, reaffirming Canada's condemnation of terrorism. "I am horrified by the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, a senseless and shocking act of violence that has killed and injured innocent civilians and tourists," Carney stated. "Canada strongly condemns this terrorist attack. We offer our condolences to the victims and their families." https://x.com/MarkJCarney/status/1915090066772234742\ The attack occurred on Tuesday in the scenic Baisaran meadow area of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, turning a serene tourist destination into a site of horror. Among the victims were 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. Several others sustained serious injuries in what has become one of the most devastating attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. In response, the Indian government convened an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, to assess the national security situation. The CCS strongly condemned the attack and emphasised that the perpetrators and their sponsors would be brought to justice. The government cited the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana as an example of India's determined approach to counter-terrorism. Among the key decisions taken, the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance until Pakistan irreversibly ends its support for cross-border terrorism. The Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect, with return passage allowed until May 1 for those with valid documentation. Additionally, Pakistan's participation in the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme has been suspended. All SVES visas issued to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled, and any current SVES holders in India have been given 48 hours to leave the country. India has also declared all Pakistani military advisors posted at the High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata, giving them one week to depart. India will also withdraw its own military attaches from Islamabad. The diplomatic strength at both missions will be reduced to 30 personnel by May 1, 2025. (ANI)
On World Malaria Day, observed annually on April 25, Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, emphasised the need for continued investment and political commitment in the fight against malaria. This year, WHO joins with the RBM Partnership to End Malaria in promoting the theme "Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite." In a statement, Wazed said, "World Malaria Day, marked annually on April 25, was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007. It is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control. This year, WHO joins the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and other partners in promoting "Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite", a grassroots campaign to re-energize efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination." She added, "We stand at a defining moment. It is one of both immense promise and challenges, and calls for a shift from a business-as-usual approach to a whatever-it-takes mindset. Our region has made excellent progress in the fight against malaria. South-East Asia is the only WHO region to have met the Global Technical Strategy (GTS) 2020 milestones for reducing malaria cases and deaths. We are on track to achieve the ambitious GTS 2025 and 2030 targets. The success of the Maldives and Sri Lanka, certified malaria-free in 2015 and 2016, remains a point of pride for us. Of our nine endemic countries, four--Bhutan, India, Nepal and Timor-Leste--have achieved a greater than 63% reduction in malaria incidence since 2015. Timor-Leste and Bhutan are on the cusp of elimination." Wazed further stressed that the persistence of drug-resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion, evolving vector behaviours, insecticide resistance, and climate change further complicate the efforts. "Hard-to-reach populations, fragile healthcare infrastructure, and declining international funding pose additional threats. We have just five years left to achieve our regional target of malaria elimination by 2030," Wazed said. She added, "To succeed, we must take decisive action -- Reinvest: Financial sustainability is essential. With increasing constraints on funding, we must prioritise domestic resource mobilisation and optimise existing funds to maximise impact. Malaria elimination is an investment, not a cost. It brings significant economic and social benefits, improves workforce productivity, and reduces healthcare expenses. Financing this is a smart, high-return investment." She further said, "Reimagine: As malaria dynamics shift, our response has to evolve. We must embrace innovations in both products and in service delivery. Digital health solutions can strengthen surveillance and enable real-time decision-making, particularly in high-burden countries. Strong surveillance systems that rapidly identify transmission hotspots and respond with targeted interventions are crucial. In conflict-affected areas, we need adaptive service delivery models that ensure continuity of care and Reignite: The fight against malaria demands more than just strategies and investments--it needs passion, commitment and urgency. Political leadership at the highest levels is needed to ensure that malaria elimination remains a national priority. Frontline healthcare workers need recognition, motivation and support." Wazed further emphasised that the fight against malaria is not solely the responsibility of governments and health agencies--it is a shared mission that requires the commitment of every individual, community, and partner. "On this World Malaria Day 2025, let us remember that elimination is not the responsibility of governments and health agencies alone. It is a shared mission that requires the commitment of every individual, every community, and every partner. The end of malaria is within reach. Let us reinvest in proven strategies, reimagine our approach, and reignite our collective determination. We can deliver on our promise of a malaria-free South-East Asia Region by 2030 - because malaria truly ends with us," Wazed said. (ANI)
Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of External Affairs announced a series of strong measures in response, including the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." But what exactly is the Indus Waters Treaty, and why does its suspension matter? How has the neighbouring country reacted to this move? Indus Waters Treaty The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, following nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan, with the assistance of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The negotiations were initiated by former World Bank President Eugene Black. Recognised as one of the most successful international treaties, it has endured frequent tensions, including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower development for over half a century. Former US President Dwight Eisenhower described it as "one bright spot ... in a very depressing world picture that we see so often." The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. At the same time, the Treaty allows each country certain uses of the rivers allocated to the other. The treaty gives India 20% of the water from the Indus River System and the rest 80% to Pakistan. The preamble of the treaty says, "The Government of India and the Government of Pakistan, being equally desirous of attaining the most complete and satisfactory utilisation of the waters of the Indus system of rivers and recognising the need, therefore, of fixing and delimiting, in a spirit of goodwill and friendship, the rights and obligations of each in relation to the other concerning the use of these waters and of making provision for the settlement, in a cooperative spirit, of all such questions as may hereafter arise in regard to the interpretation or application of the provisions agreed upon herein, have resolved to conclude a Treaty in furtherance of these objectives, and for this purpose have named as their plenipotentiaries." How the Treaty works? According to the World Bank, the Treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission, which has a Commissioner from each country. The Treaty also sets forth distinct procedures to handle issues which may arise: "questions" are handled by the Commission; "differences" are to be resolved by a Neutral Expert; and "disputes" are to be referred to an ad hoc arbitral tribunal called the "Court of Arbitration." As a signatory to the Treaty, the World Bank''s role is limited and procedural. In particular, its role in relation to "differences" and "disputes" is limited to the designation of individuals to fulfil certain roles in the context of Neutral Expert or Court of Arbitration proceedings when requested by either or both of the Parties. Past disputes In September 2024, India sought changes to the Indus Water Treaty and formally notified Pakistan of its intention to amend the pact. The longstanding dispute concerned the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, prompting India to seek a modification to the treaty. Pakistan had objected to the building of the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric plants by India, saying that it violates the provisions of the treaty. India insisted on its right to build these projects and holds that their design is fully in compliance with the treaty guidelines. The Indus Waters Treaty was in the spotlight in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in 2019. The treaty has been criticised for being too generous to Pakistan even when it has continued to promote terror in India. The then Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari had declared that water from the eastern rivers, which earlier used to flow downstream to Pakistan, will be diverted to Jammu and Kashmir and the Punjab region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the Uri terror attack in 2016, had said that blood and water can''t flow together. ''Rakt aur paani ek saath nahin beh sakta'' (blood and water cannot flow together)." Pakistan''s reaction Pakistan''s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif pushed back strongly against India''s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Asif claimed that the treaty is clear in its terms and accused India of trying to evade the treaty for years through "various tricks and pretexts." Sharing a picture of the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty, Asif on X wrote, "These are the relevant provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. These provisions do not require any interpretation. They contain the procedure for amending the treaty and inserting new provisions. What India can and cannot do is clearly stated. Pakistan is also bound by the same procedure. India has been trying to evade this treaty for many years through various tricks and pretexts. It is using this unfortunate incident of terrorism only to fulfill an old desire of its own. https://x.com/KhawajaMAsif/status/1915108309428052470 In response to India''s announcement of tough measures against Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a meeting of the National Security Committee on Thursday morning to discuss and address India''s actions. Sharing a post on X, Dar wrote, "Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz has convened the meeting of the National Security Committee on Thursday morning 24th April 2025 to respond to the Indian Government''s statement of this evening." https://x.com/MIshaqDar50/status/1915081964014514510 According to a report by Dawm, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq criticised India''s "baseless and false" allegations against Pakistan while condemning the attack and extending his condolences. "The immediate accusation against Pakistan after the incident shows Indian malice. The aim of India''s conspiracy is to divert attention from the atrocities in Kashmir ... The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the false flag operation is condemnable," he said, demanding that the international community take notice of India''s "dramatic tactics." He further alleged that India wanted to sabotage the Indus Water Treaty through such "vile propaganda". Former Information, Science & Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry said suspending the Indus Water Treaty violated international law and the treaty itself. "India under international law cannot put Indian Basin treaty in abeyance, it will be gross violation of treaty law, this childish decision will effect only the poor farmers of Punjab and Sindh," Chaudhry wrote on X. https://x.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1915068336112623767 Meanwhile, Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center noted that the treaty has long served as a confidence-building measure (CBM) in India-Pakistan relations. Sharing a post on X, Kugelman wrote, "It''s hard to overstate the significance of suspending the IWT. It''s never happened before. It has been a consistent CBM for India-Pakistan relations--and also a success story for transboundary water agreements in a region that doesn''t have many of them that work well." https://x.com/MichaelKugelman/status/1915109272070820123 Apart from the abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took the following measures, which included five key decisions. "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Former Indian diplomat K P Fabian has welcomed the Indian government's multi-pronged response to the Pahalgam terror attack, urging that all actions taken be firm, strategic, and measured rather than impulsive. Speaking on the government's recent decisions, Fabian commended the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for its preparedness and clarity in handling the crisis, drawing comparisons to India's response after the 2019 Pulwama attack. "You might remember Pulwama, there was Balakot after some time. We have to project a certain degree of seriousness, and we have taken other actions as you know," Fabian said. Referring to the expulsion of defence attaches from the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi and the visa restrictions placed on Pakistani nationals, he added, "The Foreign Secretary has mentioned the Defence attaches in the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi - they have to leave, and we are withdrawing ours, and also, some visa restrictions. The armed forces have been put on alert. So, there could be some action, but I think everything has to be done preparing the stage correctly for it, not in a hurry. Not a knee-jerk reaction. The Government of India has done the right thing." On the government's decision to shut the Integrated Check Post at Attari immediately, Fabian explained the rationale. "It was necessary, because if you've got a check post like that, and if people are coming in from Pakistan, maybe they will try to send some terrorists too, who may look like innocent tourists, but it is a necessary precaution. Whenever there is a situation where there is a risk of war, it is customary to put visa restriction on such foreigners; in this case, Pakistanis." Commenting on the broader message to Pakistan, Fabian said, "What we are telling Pakistan is, 'You have to stop exporting terrorism. You've promised in the past that you wouldn't do it, but it's not words that matter, it is deeds. We are watching you closely. It's a warning.' There may be action, but we can't say now." Regarding the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Fabian said, "That has been suspended till Pakistan shows us that they will not permit terrorist attacks from their side. If Pakistan wants to insert terrorism into bilateral relations, the cost has to be paid, and the cost can have many forms. This is one form. Visa is another form. Reducing the size of the High Commission is another form. And as I said, there could be more responses." He also backed the decision to call an all-party meeting. "Tomorrow, (an all-party) meeting will take place, and this is a time where all of us have to be together. The Cabinet has taken the right decision. If you remember, there was nothing like that in the case of Pulwama. This is the right thing to do." Fabian, while acknowledging the complexity of regional terrorism, was unequivocal in pointing to Pakistan's role in cross-border attacks. "I wouldn't say that Pakistan is responsible for terrorism all over, there are others who are responsible. But as far as we in India are concerned, they are the only ones who are responsible for exporting terrorism to India, and we have to deal with it. We are determined to deal with it. Properly, not in a knee-jerk manner. That shows maturity. That's correct diplomacy." The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens and one Nepal national. The brutal assault, which took place in the Baisaran meadow area of Anantnag district, left many injured and shook the nation. The CCS, chaired by the Prime Minister, reviewed the overall security scenario, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, and resolved to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice. Among other measures, the government announced the immediate suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari ICP, cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme visas for Pakistani nationals, and reduction of diplomatic presence at both Indian and Pakistani High Commissions to 30 officials each by May 1. (ANI)
Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, tensions between India and Pakistan have further escalated and the official X account of the Government of Pakistan has been withheld in India. Users attempting to access @GovtofPakistan on 'X' in India see a message stating that the account has been withheld in response to a legal demand. Terrorists gunned down 26 people,mostly tourists in Pahalgam on April 22. The brutal assault, which took place in the Baisaran meadow area of Anantnag district, left many injured and shook the nation. Following the attack, India took strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. At the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. India has also decided to close the integrated Attari Check Post with immediate effect. Furthermore, the country has decided to cancel any visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and has ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. India declared the Defence/Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. As a security measure, India has decided to withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the high commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55 through further reductions, effective as of May 1, 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions in a press briefing on Wednesday after the CEC meeting. (ANI)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has refuted a recent report in the US media which alleged discussions about lifting sanctions on Russia in connection with a Ukraine deal, and termed it "unequivocally false." Accusing the POLITICO outlet of "journalistic malpractice," Rubio in a post on X stated, "This is unequivocally false. Neither Steve Witkoff (US Special Envoy to Middle East) nor I have had any conversations about lifting sanctions against Russia as part of a deal with Ukraine. This is journalistic malpractice. If @POLITICO has an ounce of integrity they will fully retract this piece of fiction." https://x.com/SecRubio/status/1915237747809206618 POLITICO, in a report citing sources, had said that the White House is debating whether to lift sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline and potentially other Russian assets in Europe as part of discussions on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. Lifting the sanctions currently in place on one of Russia's main pipelines connecting its natural gas fields to Western Europe would be a sharp reversal in the US policy first put in place during President Donald Trump's first term. President Joe Biden waived those sanctions early in his term, but reimposed them after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, POLITICO reported. According to sources cited by POLITICO, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff has been a key advocate for easing sanctions on Russia. Witkoff, who reportedly formed a friendship with Vladimir Putin during his time as Donald Trump's envoy to Moscow, has instructed his team to compile a comprehensive list of US energy sanctions imposed on Russia as part of ongoing discussions, the sources said. One of the two Nord Stream 2 pipelines, constructed to transport gas through the Baltic Sea to Germany, remains functional despite an explosion in 2022 that damaged one of its lines along with both pipelines of the adjacent Nord Stream 1. The September 2022 blast, which disrupted gas supplies, is still under investigation, with some reports suggesting possible involvement of Ukrainian nationals. (ANI)
Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government's announcement of the immediate closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post and an ultimatum of a 48-hour deadline for Pakistani nationals under the SVES visa to leave the country has left many with disrupted personal plans, including weddings and family reunions. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam teror attack, a Pakistani citizen was seen crossing back to his country via the Attari-Wagah border. Speaking with ANI, he said, "We came here just for sightseeing." Shaitan Singh, a Rajasthan citizen, who was scheduled to cross the Amritsar's Attari border to enter Pakistan for his wedding today, told ANI, " What the terrorists have done is wrong... We are not being allowed to go (to Pakistan) as the border is closed... Let us see what will happen now." Surinder Singh from Rajasthan, who was scheduled to visit Pakistan today for a family wedding, said, "I was going to Pakistan today for my brother's wedding, but it will be postponed now. My grandmother and her four sons stay in Pakistan, and her one son stays in India. The attack on tourists (in Pahalgam) was very wrong." The Union Government yesterday announced that the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed immediately. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025. Following the attack, India took strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. At the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. India has also decided to close the integrated Attari Check Post with immediate effect. Furthermore, the country has decided to cancel any visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and has ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. India declared the Defence/Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. As a security measure, India has decided to withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the high commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55 through further reductions, effective as of May 1, 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions in a press briefing on Wednesday after the CEC meeting. (ANI)
Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the US Department of State reminded its citizens of a "Do Not Travel" advisory for the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, excluding the eastern Ladakh region. The advisory states that terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The US Embassy and Consulates in India, in a statement on Wednesday, said, "On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India, with media reporting multiple casualties. Several cities in India remain on high alert as a result of the attack, according to local media. US citizens are reminded that the Department of State has a "Do Not Travel" advisory for Jammu and Kashmir." "The travel advisory can be found on travel.state.gov here, and states -- Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC. US government personnel are prohibited from travel to Jammu and Kashmir." Following the attack, India took strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. At the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. India has also decided to close the integrated Attari Check Post with immediate effect. Furthermore, the country has decided to cancel any visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and has ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. India declared the Defence/Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. As a security measure, India has decided to withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the high commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55 through further reductions, effective as of May 1, 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions in a press briefing on Wednesday after the CEC meeting. (ANI)
After US President Donald Trump's criticisism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over his recent remarks on Crimea, calling them "harmful to peace negotiations" with Russia, Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine has upheld a complete ceasefire for 44 days following a proposal from Washington, while Moscow continued its attacks, launching nearly 70 missiles and around 150 attack drones during that time. In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire and a halt to strikes. This was a proposal from the United States. And it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people and evading tough pressure and accountability for its actions. It is extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening. Nearly 70 missiles, including ballistic ones. And about 150 attack drones." Zelenskyy also provided an update on the Russian strikes and confirmed that over 80 people had been injured across Ukraine, with nine fatalities in Kyiv. The post further stated, "Unfortunately, there is significant destruction. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the rubble of residential buildings is being cleared. As of this moment, over 80 people have been injured across Ukraine. Everyone is receiving the necessary assistance. Regrettably, 9 people have been killed in Kyiv. My condolences go out to their families and loved ones. There was a report from the military command. I instructed the Minister of Defence of Ukraine to immediately contact our partners regarding our requests to strengthen air defences." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1915306369474842949 Earlier on Wednesday, in a post shared on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal that, 'Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. There's nothing to talk about here.' This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion." Trump stated that no one is asking Zelenskyy to recognise Crimea as Russian territory, and if he wanted to have Crimea, he should have fought for it 11 years ago. He blamed Zelenskyy's statements like these, which make it difficult for the war to settle. He further said that Zelenskyy's statement on Crimea will do nothing but "prolong the killing field." Trump concluded his statement by reiterating his willingness to help end the war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022. The war between Russia and Ukraine resumed with full force this week, after a surprise ceasefire over the Easter weekend that both sides accused each other of violating. A day earlier, Ukrainian authorities had said nine people were killed and at least 30 others were injured after a Russian drone hit a bus carrying people to work near the city of Marhanets in the Dnipropetrovsk region. (ANI)
Balochistan [Pakistan], April 24 (ANI) - Baloch political activist Beebow Baloch has reportedly been forcibly taken from Quetta's Hudha Jail by personnel of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and moved to an undisclosed location, according to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). In a post on X, the BYC stated, "Today, a heavy contingent of CTD forces arrived at Hudda Jail, Quetta and violently dragged our activist Beebow Baloch out of prison custody. She was beaten, manhandled, and forcibly taken to an unknown location." BYC further highlighted, "This is not an isolated incident -- this is state terror in full display. The targeting of women activists is part of the state's broader attempt to crush the Baloch resistance and silence every voice that dares to speak out." According to The Balochistan Post, Beebow Baloch had been detained since March 22, 2025, during a non-violent protest in Quetta. She was arrested along with prominent BYC members Mahrang Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and Shahji Sibghatullah. All were reportedly held under the 3MPO law, a provision widely criticised for enabling prolonged detention without trial, especially in cases involving political activists in Pakistan. https://x.com/balakh_s/status/1915072395708129493 Balakh Baloch, Beebow's brother, stated, "My sister Beebow Baloch was tortured in jail along with Mahrang and Gulzadi Baloch. CTD has forcibly taken her. This cowardly state is using every tactic possible to silence Baloch voices." https://x.com/BalochIqra55/status/1915068572209963358 Iqra Baloch, sister of Mahrang Baloch, also issued a statement: "I am very distressed to inform you that the Counter Terrorism Department forcibly attempted to abduct Mahrang, Beebow, and Gulzadi a short while ago from Hudda district jail. They all resisted. CTD assaulted and physically tortured Mahrang, Beebow and others. They have reportedly taken Beebow with them, while Mahrang and others resisted. We are on our way to the jail with the lawyers." The BYC concluded, "We hold the state and its security institutions responsible for the safety and well-being of Beebow Baloch. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee demands her immediate release and an end to the inhumane treatment of political prisoners." (ANI)
A recent report by the Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB), as cited by The Balochistan Post, has revealed a sharp surge in human rights violations across Balochistan in March 2025. The findings highlight a concerning escalation in enforced disappearances and killings amid crackdowns on activists and peaceful demonstrators. According to the report, at least 151 individuals were subjected to enforced disappearances, while 80 people lost their lives in incidents involving extrajudicial killings and violent suppression of protests. The HRCB, an independent rights organisation operating out of Balochistan and Sweden, stated that the Pakistani state's long-standing campaign of repression in the province has intensified. Much of the violence reportedly targeted members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), activists, and peaceful demonstrators, resulting in hundreds of arrests. Of the 151 forcibly disappeared, only 56 have resurfaced, and one person was transferred to a jail. The whereabouts of 94 individuals remain unknown. Security forces - including the Frontier Corps (FC), intelligence agencies, and the Counter Terrorism Department - were implicated in the majority of abductions. The FC alone was reportedly responsible for 97 disappearances, with over 60 per cent of cases occurring during house raids. The highest number of enforced disappearances was reported in Kalat (38), followed by Quetta (23) and Gwadar (18). Students were the most affected group, with 24 cases. Others included labourers, farmers, drivers, doctors, teachers, and security personnel. The report also documented 80 killings - 74 men and six women. The Kachhi district witnessed the highest number of deaths (33), followed by Kech (10) and Awaran (8). At least 39 of the victims remain unidentified. While unidentified armed groups were responsible for 20 deaths, several incidents involved direct action by state forces or affiliated groups. One woman, Rehana, was reportedly shot while trying to prevent her husband's abduction. He was later found tortured and killed. In Sohbatpur, seven members of a single family - including two children - were murdered, and their house was set on fire. Twelve people were allegedly executed by government forces, with their bodies transported to Quetta Civil Hospital before being buried in unmarked graves. The HRCB raised serious concerns over the lack of transparency, especially after the Edhi Foundation denied involvement in the burials, contradicting official claims. The report paints a grim picture of the deteriorating human rights situation in Balochistan and calls for urgent international intervention and accountability for the escalating violence. (ANI)
France has expressed strong support for India following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including tourists. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared that he had received a call from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, during which the French leadership conveyed its solidarity with the people of India. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1915298074747867304 "Appreciate the call today from French FM Jean-Noel Barrot expressing support and solidarity on the Pahalgam terrorist attack," Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter). https://x.com/jnbarrot/status/1914938815162024219 French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also issued a message on X, stating, "India is struck by a violent terrorist attack. Our thoughts are with the whole Nation mourning dozens of victims and with their families. In the face of such barbarity, our solidarity is unwavering." The French response comes amid a wave of international condemnation of the attack, which occurred on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow of Anantnag district. The brutal incident turned a peaceful tourist destination into a scene of devastation, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and injuring several others. The assault is considered one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Earlier today, Canadian leaders also voiced their condemnation. Senator Leo Housakos, representing Quebec and former Speaker of the Senate of Canada, called the attack a "barbaric assault on faith and humanity" and urged swift justice. "The massacre of Hindu tourists in India is not just terrorism - it's a barbaric assault on faith and humanity. The perpetrators must face swift and uncompromising justice. The world must not stay silent," Housakos posted. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the sentiment, calling the attack "a senseless and shocking act of violence," and adding, "Canada strongly condemns this terrorist attack. We offer our condolences to the victims and their families." In response to the attack, India convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The government resolved to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable and announced several retaliatory measures. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, cancelling Pakistani SAARC visa exemptions, and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries' missions. (ANI)
The Ministry stated that the funding will meet the legally stipulated minimum for renewable energy support in 2025. A bonus of up to 20 per cent will be awarded to projects that incorporate components manufactured in Europe, with the aim of strengthening regional value creation and promoting European industry

From an Austrian perspective, expertise in inverters and battery storage technologies plays a key role in advancing the energy transition.

The bonus will come into effect with the second funding call on 23rd June 2025. "It stands for regional value creation and a clear commitment to the European industrial location," Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Minister of Economic Affair, said. (ANI/WAM)
Chinese generative AI platform DeepSeek passed on personal details of Korean users to firms in China and the United States without obtaining proper consent during its short operation in South Korea, as stated by the country's data protection authority on Thursday, according to a report from Radio Free Asia (RFA). DeepSeek's chatbot application became the most popular download on Apple's iPhone, even outpacing OpenAI's ChatGPT. While it gained recognition for its performance, it also raised alarms regarding censorship of sensitive subjects, data privacy issues, and its connections to the Chinese government, leading several nations, including South Korea, to ban the app, as reported by RFA. Between January 15 and February 15, 2025, during a temporary suspension of its service amid privacy concerns, DeepSeek transferred user data to three companies in China and one in the US, according to the announcement made by the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) cited in the RFA report. The Chinese service did not seek user consent for these international data transfers nor did it include this practice in its privacy policy. With around 50,000 daily users during its one-month operation, the PIPC estimated that data from about 1.5 million users could have been improperly shared abroad, as mentioned by RFA. The commission discovered that DeepSeek not only transmitted device, network, and app information but also the content users entered into AI prompts to Volcano, one of the Chinese companies linked to ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, according to the RFA report. The investigation also revealed that DeepSeek lacked an "opt-out" feature that would enable users to prevent their input from being utilised in AI training and development. This function was only introduced after the PIPC pointed out its absence, as reported by RFA. The privacy policy, which was only available in Chinese and English, failed to include necessary details regarding data deletion processes, methods, and security measures required by South Korean privacy regulations, as highlighted by the RFA report. The PIPC urged DeepSeek to promptly erase the user prompt data sent to Volcano and to make various enhancements, including appointing a local representative in South Korea and improving overall security protocols for handling personal information, as reported by RFA. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], April 24 (ANI/ TPS): India's Sun Pharma and Israel's Moebius Medical published new data on MM-II, a non-opioid treatment for knee osteoarthritis. The studies, featured in the peer-reviewed Osteoarthritis and Cartilage journal, show that a single injection of MM-II can provide long-lasting pain relief and protect cartilage. The drug, developed in Israel and supported by Sun Pharma, recently received Fast Track Designation from the US FDA. New findings will be presented at the OARSI 2025 World Congress. (ANI/ TPS)
The legal crisis in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) has deepened as the Nagar Bar Association announced an extension of their ongoing strike until April 26, as reported by Pamir Times. Frustrated by the continued indifference of the authorities, lawyers have issued a stern warning, if their demands remain unmet, they will escalate the protest by blocking the vital Karakoram Highway, the region's main artery for trade and travel, the Pamir Times reported. According to Pamir Times, for nearly seven months, Gilgit-Baltistan's highest court has been without a single appointed judge. The judiciary has come to a grinding halt, leaving over 12,000 cases in limbo and effectively paralysing the legal system. The absence of functioning courts has left citizens helpless, their legal battles suspended in uncertainty. "Land disputes, criminal appeals, family cases, all are frozen. For those seeking justice, it's like knocking on a locked door with no one inside," said one senior lawyer, expressing the mounting frustration across the legal community. This unprecedented judicial vacuum has not only stalled the legal process but also eroded public faith in governance. Cases involving violence, inheritance, and property disputes are left unattended for years, causing deep distress to ordinary citizens, the Pamir Times cited. "For the past six to seven years, the top court has been without judges. Around 10 to 12 thousand cases are stuck," another lawyer explained. "If appeals aren't moving, what's the point of running the lower courts either?" According to Pamir Times, the current crisis is symptomatic of broader structural issues in the region's judiciary. Lawyers argue that Gilgit-Baltistan lacks the legal protections and institutional frameworks afforded to other parts of Pakistan. In many instances, a single judicial officer is burdened with the roles of both magistrate and civil judge, leading to case overloads and indefinite postponements. "Across Pakistan, lawyers are protected under the law. But in Gilgit-Baltistan, there's no protection, no system," a protesting lawyer added. "It's not just lawyers who suffer. The public is caught in this collapse. People blame lawyers for delays, thinking we just ask for more dates. But the truth is, the system is drowning." The strike, now entering its second month, has already brought most legal activity in the region to a halt. Lawyers demand immediate judicial appointments, structural reforms, and a fully functional court system that ensures timely justice. As the April 26 deadline approaches, tension is rising. The looming threat to shut down the Karakoram Highway could disrupt not just legal proceedings but the broader social and economic fabric of Gilgit-Baltistan -- a region already facing isolation due to its geography and political ambiguity, the Pamir Times reported. Unless swift action is taken by federal and regional authorities, Gilgit-Baltistan could see an intensification of protests, and with it, an even deeper erosion of trust in the rule of law. (ANI)
Solar panels produced with slave labour in China will not be utilised by the UK's newly established state-owned energy company, as reported by Euro News. GB Energy, initiated by Labour in July, aims to enhance renewable energy and reduce energy costs, and will be officially created once the Great British Energy Bill is approved by Parliament, according to Euro News. Following weeks of discussion on the matter, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is proposing an amendment to the legislation to ensure that GB Energy's supply chains are free from slavery. "Unfortunately, there's an issue across the entire renewable energy sector with state-enforced forced labour in China," said Luke de Pulford, executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), as reported by Euro News. "They have labour transfer programs where the government forces, often ethnic minorities, to work against their will, and unfortunately, many of these workers are found within China's renewable sector," Euro News mentioned. Approximately 45 per cent of the global polysilicon supply, a vital component in solar panels, is sourced from China's Xinjiang region. This production is driven by the systematic exploitation of the local Uyghur ethnic minority, according to research conducted by scholars at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK, as reported by Euro News. Official documents from the Chinese government reveal the "placement" of 2.6 million "minoritised" individuals into jobs on farms and in factories in Xinjiang and other areas through state-sponsored "surplus labour" and "labour transfer" programs, as highlighted by Euro News. According to HMRC data, the UK imports over 40 per cent of its solar photovoltaic technology from China. The European Union has previously taken measures to exclude renewable components produced with slave labour from its supply chains. In November, the European Council voted to prohibit products within the Union market that are manufactured using forced labour, as noted by Euro News. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], April 24 (ANI/ TPS): After nearly 20 hours of intense firefighting, Israeli emergency crews have brought a major blaze in the Jerusalem Hills and Beit Shemesh area under control, Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Caspi confirmed on Thursday morning. "The incident is under control. I toured the area and was in all sectors. The incident will end in the coming hours," Caspi said. Since the fire broke out early Wednesday afternoon, over 10,000 dunams (10 sq km) of forest have been scorched across rugged terrain, threatening multiple communities. However, no civilian injuries have been reported, and only minor damage to property occurred. Two firefighters and a Border Police officer were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but all are in stable condition. More than 100 firefighting teams, along with 11 aircraft from the Elad Squadron and a helicopter, remain active in five key sectors to finalize extinguishing efforts and prevent flare-ups. Ground forces, supported by tractors, volunteers, and the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael - Jewish National Fund, continue to manage smoking points and containment zones near Beit Meir, Neve Shalom, Tarum, Taoz, and the Eshtaol Forest. KKL-JNF is an Israeli organization that focuses on environmental conservation and land reclamation. "The cooperation of the different bodies that took part in the firefighting efforts was outstanding. Lives and property were saved because of their professionalism and commitment," Caspi said. By Thursday morning, all evacuated residents from Eshtaol, Beit Meir, and Mesilat Zion had been allowed to return home, and roadways were reopened. Train service from Kibbutz Naan to the south has also resumed. "All communities have returned to normal and there are currently no road closures in the area," fire officials confirmed. Efforts are still ongoing in several areas. Near Beit Meir, fire crews are focusing on final extinguishing and preventing the fire's spread to Rabin Park, particularly in steep, less accessible regions. In Neve Ilan and the Eshtaol Forest, active smoking points remain, but authorities said the situation is stable. "Smoke still exists in some places," noted a spokesperson. "But firefighters are steadily overcoming these pockets." Despite the improving conditions, emergency authorities continue to caution the public. "We once again ask the public to avoid coming to the area where, as stated, there are still active fire centers," said the Fire and Rescue Service. "Follow the instructions of security and rescue forces and do not fly drones, which endanger the aircraft working in the area." And United Hatzalah emergency responders said they would continue to remain on standby. "Our volunteers are fully prepared to provide life-saving medical assistance if required," said Rachel Tsveta, the organization's emergency director. "We will continue to monitor developments and respond as needed." (ANI/ TPS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of the Pahalgam Terror attacks. Israel strongly condemned the terrorist attack carried out on Indian soil and expressed solidarity with India. In the details shared by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs in a post on X on Thursday, it was observed that PM Modi shared the barbaric nature of the terrorist attack and reiterated India's firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice. "PM @netanyahu of Israel called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian soil. He expressed solidarity with the people of India, and the families of the victims. PM Modi shared the barbaric nature of the cross border terrorist attack and reiterated India's firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice", MEA said on X. https://x.com/meaindia/status/1915387755695055263?s=46&t=TbrKHKgG29uXA1CMFN38Pw On Wednesday, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, while speaking to ANI, condemned in the strongest words the dastardly terrorist attack which took place in Pahalgam on Tuesday. He assured India of continued cooperation in areas such as technology, methodology and intelligence in the fight against terrorism.The conversation between PM Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu comes amid a wave of international condemnation of the attack. Condolences have been pouring in from across the world in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam Terror attack, which occurred on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow of Anantnag district. The brutal incident turned a peaceful tourist destination into a scene of devastation, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and injuring several others. The assault is considered one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Earlier today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had received a call from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, during which the French leadership conveyed its solidarity with the people of India. Canadian leaders also voiced their condemnation. Senator Leo Housakos, representing Quebec and former Speaker of the Senate of Canada, called the attack a "barbaric assault on faith and humanity" and urged swift justice. "The massacre of Hindu tourists in India is not just terrorism - it's a barbaric assault on faith and humanity. The perpetrators must face swift and uncompromising justice. The world must not stay silent," Housakos posted. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the sentiment, calling the attack "a senseless and shocking act of violence," and adding, "Canada strongly condemns this terrorist attack. We offer our condolences to the victims and their families." In response to the attack, India convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The government resolved to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable and announced several retaliatory measures. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, cancelling Pakistani SAARC visa exemptions, and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries' missions. (ANI)
In the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, King Abdullah II of Jordan spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer his condolences and strongly condemned the attack. He emphasised that there can be "no justification" for terrorism. The details of the conversation were shared by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X on Thursday. The details of the conversation were shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. As per the MEA, PM Modi shared the sentiments of the people of India to the King of Jordan and underscored to take firm action against the perpetrators and those behind this heinous attack. "HM @KingAbdullahII of Jordan called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack. He conveyed sincere condolences at the loss of innocent lives. He said that terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations and there can be no justification. PM thanked HM King Abdullah (II) for his message of solidarity and shared the sentiments of the people of India to take firm action against the perpetrators and those behind this heinous attack", the MEA wrote on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1915391449283137795 The countries of the Arab world have united in their stance against the heinous terror attack which took place in Pahalgam on Tuesday and have strongly condemned the terrorist act. On Wednesday, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, offered condolences to President Droupadi Murmu "on the tragic loss of life caused by a terror attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam". On the Pahalgam terror attack, the statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said, "The Kingdom affirms its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, extremism, and targeting of civilians. The Kingdom also extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and the government and people of the Republic of India." The United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also "strongly condemned" the attack in a statement on Tuesday. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed, "The UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law." The Muslim World League (MWL) on Wednesday condemned the "heinous" terror attack. The statement issued by the MWL's General Secretariat said, "The MWL affirmed its stance- and that of the entire Islamic world- rejecting and condemning violence and terrorism in all its forms and justifications, and rejecting any attempt to associate it with any religion or culture. It extended its condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous crime and expressed wishes for a swift recovery for the injured." Condolences have been pouring in from across the world in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam Terror attack, which occurred on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow of Anantnag district. The brutal incident turned a peaceful tourist destination into a scene of devastation, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and injuring several others. In response to the attack, India convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The government resolved to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable and announced several retaliatory measures. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, cancelling Pakistani SAARC visa exemptions, and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries' missions. (ANI)
Foreign Affairs Expert Sushant Sareen has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on the Pahalgam terrorist attack, saying that PM Modi is sending a strong message to the world that this behaviour is "simply unacceptable." Speaking to ANI, he affirmed, "I think the PM is articulating the rage in the nation and expressing it and delivering a message to international community that this kind of behaviour is simply unacceptable and that India will not take this kind of attack lying down..." Further, Sareen noted that while the specific actions are yet to be seen, the government's resolve to take action against those responsible for the attack has been clearly expressed. "It's a very clear warning...very clear signal that, uh, India is not going to just let this, pass by the side. what exactly is the actions we will take uh remains to be seen. But I think in terms of the resolve of the government and probably the country that has been expressed very, very clearly by the Prime Minister that we are not going to let this go," he added. Highlighting the, circulated media reports, the foreign expert noted that, "according to reports which are coming in, uh, this attack was sanctioned at the highest level in Pakistan.| Sareen added that India's stance on Pakistan and terrorism has hardened, indicating no quarter will be given to Pakistan. "India has hardened its stance and its position on Pakistan and the export of terrorism from Pakistan and that there will be no quarter that will be given to Pakistan...," the expert stated. Earlier in response to the Pahalgam Terror attack, where 26 people were killed, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that, in recognition of the seriousness of the terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had taken a series of measures against Pakistan. These included five key decisions: 1) The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect 2) The integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect 3) Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme 4) Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata. They have a week to leave India. 5) India will withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Meanwhile, asserting that India will not rest until "justice" is pursued, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a stern warning in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and said that India will "pursue the terrorists to the end of the earth." (ANI)
Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba in a telephone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deepest condolences over the horrific Pahalgam terror attack which took place on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared the assessment of the attack with his Japanese counterpart. The details of the conversation between the two leaders was shared by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X. He wrote, "PM @shigeruishiba of Japan called PM @narendramodi and expressed his deepest condolences at the loss of lives in the terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that terrorism cannot be justified. Both leaders emphasised that terrorism is a grave threat to humanity. Those who believe in democracy should stand united in the fight against terrorism. PM shared assessment of the cross border terror attack and India's resolve to deal with it firmly and decisively." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1915394562815582451 Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of the Pahalgam Terror attack. Israel strongly condemned the terrorist attack carried out on Indian soil and expressed solidarity with India. King Abdullah II of Jordan also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer his condolences and strongly condemned the attack. He emphasised that there can be "no justification" for terrorism. Condolences have been pouring in from across the world in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam Terror attack, which occurred on April 22 in the Baisaran meadow of Anantnag district. The brutal incident turned a peaceful tourist destination into a scene of devastation, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and injuring several others. In response to the attack, India convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The government resolved to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable and announced several retaliatory measures. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, cancelling Pakistani SAARC visa exemptions, and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries' missions. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], April 24 (ANI/TPS): The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) said findings of the investigation collected so far regarding the incident during which a UN employee was killed in Gaza last month as a result of IDF forces' fire, conducted by the General Staff Investigation Mechanism headed by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Yoav Har-Even, were presented to the Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and to UN representatives. Based on the findings collected so far, the investigation indicates that the injury was caused by tank fire from an IDF force operating in the area. The structure was attacked due to suspicion of enemy presence within it, after it was not identified by the force as a UN structure. Following the directive of General Zamir, the investigation process will be completed in the coming days, upon receipt of the required supplements. Additionally, Zamir instructed that upon completion of the investigation procedures, its full findings will be presented to UN representatives. "We regret the unintentional harm caused to the UN employee and share in the grief of the family," said the IDF, adding that it "continues to conduct thorough investigation processes to draw lessons and examine additional measures to prevent such incidents." The IDF said it shared the findings collected so far with the UN as part of its "commitment to transparency and dialogue with international entities." (ANI/TPS)
Tel Aviv [Israel], April 24 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hosted a bi-partisan American congressional delegation headed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (Democrat, New York). The delegation was in the country to honor Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day. "We will never again be a defenseless nation," said Sa'ar. "Israel will not allow anyone, including the so-called 'international legal institutions', to undermine our basic right to self-defense. We thank our friends from the U.S., our greatest ally, for their support!" (ANI/TPS)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Jens Plotner, Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, on Thursday and appreciated Germany's solidarity following the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, which took place on Tuesday. https://x.com/drsjaishankar/status/1915388189961060397?s=46 In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Pleased to meet Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to German Chancellor Jens Plotner today. Appreciate Germany's expression of solidarity on the recent terrorist attack in India. Thank him for his immense contribution to India-Germany ties." Further, Johann Wadephul, Member of the German parliament, on behalf of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany / Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), a German centre-right political party, condemned the "heinous terrorist" attacks in Pahalgam. https://x.com/jowadephul/status/1915393123158560822?s=46 "On behalf of the @cducsubt, I condemn the heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam in the strongest terms. Our condolences go to the people of India. This blatant act of terrorism shows the threat under which our close partner India continues to be," Wadephul wrote on X. "All our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We wish the injured a speedy and full recovery. We are steadfast on the side of India," the post added. https://x.com/josephwutw/status/1915314086725951608 Meanwhile, Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan's National Security Council, also condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and extended sincere condolences to the victims and their families. Wu further emphasised Taiwan's solidarity with India and noted that "Taiwan stands with India in this difficult moment " "I join world leaders to firmly condemn the terrorists who committed the terrible crime in #Pahalgam, #Jammu & #Kashmir. #Taiwan stands unwaveringly with #India at this difficult moment, & extends our sincere condolences to the victims & their families," Joseph Wu wrote on X. Earlier in response to the Pahalgam Terror attack, where 26 people were killed, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that, in recognition of the seriousness of the terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had taken a series of measures against Pakistan. These included five key decisions: 1) The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect 2) The integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect 3) Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme 4) Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata. They have a week to leave India. 5) India will withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Meanwhile, asserting that India will not rest until "justice" is pursued, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a stern warning in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and said that India will "pursue the terrorists to the end of the earth. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received calls from leaders from across the world, who strongly condemned the dastardly terrorist attack which took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. PM Modi received condolences from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Al Sisi on Thursday, amongst several other leaders. The details were shared by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a series of posts on X. Italian PM Meloni strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil and conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims. She reiterated Italy's full support in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi appreciated her call and the clear message of support against terrorism and those behind it. "Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni called Prime Minister @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil. She conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and wished a speedy recovery of those injured. She expressed full support of Italy in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi appreciated her call and the clear message of support against terrorism and those behind it. India and Italy will continue to work together including in international platforms to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts", MEA wrote on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1915418835722686666 French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his condolences on the brutal killing of innocent people in the heinous terror attack. He called this kind of barbarism "totally unacceptable" and expressed full support from France to India. "President @EmmanuelMacron called Prime Minister @narendramodi and conveyed his personal condolences on the brutal killing of innocent people in the heinous terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full support and solidarity with the people of India adding that this kind of barbarism is totally unacceptable. Prime Minister thanked him for his message of support and conveyed India's strong resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice", MEA said on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1915416609860051431 President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, also called Prime Minister Modi and offered condolences on the ghastly terror attack. He assured that "Egypt stands shoulder to shoulder with India, in the fight against terrorism". PM Modi briefed him about the cross-border terror attack and thanked him for his support and solidarity. "President of Egypt @AlsisiOfficial called Prime Minister @narendramodi and conveyed his sincere condolences on the loss of precious lives in the ghastly terror attack on Indian soil. He strongly condemned the terror attack. President Sisi reiterated that Egypt stands shoulder to shoulder with India, in the fight against terrorism. PM briefed President Al Sisi about the cross-border terror attack, and thanked him for his support and solidarity", MEA noted on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1915432233533661661 Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also received a call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli PM wrote on X, "I spoke today with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi and expressed my condolences, and those of the people of Israel, to the people of India following the Islamic terrorist attack in Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi thanked me for sharing in India's grief and emphasized that our two countries stand shoulder to shoulder in the critical fight against murderous terrorism." https://x.com/netanyahu/status/1915416191817953666 Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed deepest condolences over the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. King Abdullah II of Jordan also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer his condolences and strongly condemned the attack. He emphasised that there can be "no justification" for terrorism. Earlier today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had received a call from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, during which the French leadership conveyed its solidarity with the people of India. While meeting Jens Plotner, Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor, on Thursday, EAM Jaishankar appreciated Germany's solidarity following the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Meanwhile, Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan's National Security Council, also condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and extended sincere condolences to the victims and their families. Canadian leaders also voiced their condemnation. Senator Leo Housakos, representing Quebec and former Speaker of the Senate of Canada, called the attack a "barbaric assault on faith and humanity" and urged swift justice. "The massacre of Hindu tourists in India is not just terrorism - it's a barbaric assault on faith and humanity. The perpetrators must face swift and uncompromising justice. The world must not stay silent," Housakos posted. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the sentiment, calling the attack "a senseless and shocking act of violence," and adding, "Canada strongly condemns this terrorist attack. We offer our condolences to the victims and their families." The countries of the Arab world have united in their stance against the heinous terror attack which took place in Pahalgam on Tuesday and have strongly condemned the terrorist act. On Wednesday, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, offered condolences to President Droupadi Murmu "on the tragic loss of life caused by a terror attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam". On the Pahalgam terror attack, the statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said, "The Kingdom affirms its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, extremism, and targeting of civilians. The Kingdom also extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and the government and people of the Republic of India." The United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also "strongly condemned" the attack in a statement on Tuesday. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed, "The UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law." The Muslim World League (MWL) on Wednesday condemned the "heinous" terror attack. The statement issued by the MWL's General Secretariat said, "The MWL affirmed its stance- and that of the entire Islamic world- rejecting and condemning violence and terrorism in all its forms and justifications, and rejecting any attempt to associate it with any religion or culture. It extended its condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous crime and expressed wishes for a swift recovery for the injured." Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday extended condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Previously, US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences for the victims of the "Islamist terror attack" in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. PM Modi thanked Trump for his support and said that India is determined to bring perpetrators and backers of this "cowardly and heinous terrorist attack" to justice. Trump condemned the attack in Pahalgam and said that the United States stands with India in its fight against terrorism and offered all possible support. Condolences have been pouring in from across the world in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam Terror attack, which occurred on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow of Anantnag district. The brutal incident turned a peaceful tourist destination into a scene of devastation, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and injuring several others. In response to the attack, India convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The government resolved to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable and announced several retaliatory measures. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, cancelling Pakistani SAARC visa exemptions, and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries' missions. (ANI)
The US House Committee Majority on Foreign Affairs on Thursday slammed The New York Times newspaper over its reporting of the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, as it described the terrorists as "gunmen" and "militants." In a post on X, the US House Committee Majority on Foreign Affairs shared a modified version of the New York Times headline, replacing 'militants' with 'terrorists'. The headline of a news article on Pahalgam killings in The New York Times said: "At Least 24 Tourists Gunned Down by Militants in Kashmir." Quoting the screenshot of the same, the US House Committee Majority on Foreign Affairs said, "Hey, @nytimes, we fixed it for you. This was a TERRORIST ATTACK, plain and simple. Whether it's India or Israel, when it comes to TERRORISM, the NYT is removed from reality." The comments by the committee come as the US administration under President Donald Trump continues to support India after the Pahalgam incident in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday that claimed 26 lives. US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and offered his condolences at the loss of lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Trump condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this "heinous attack." In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack. India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror." US Vice President JD Vance also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives and reiterated that the United States stands with the people of India in this difficult hour. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that the US vice president is ready to provide all assistance in the joint fight against terrorism. PM Modi thanked Vance and Trump for their messages of support and solidarity. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also offered support to India. Rubio wrote in a post on X, "The United States stands with India." He made the statement in response to the post shared by the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department on the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for holding the perpetrators accountable. "The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Nothing can justify such a heinous act, killing tourists and civilians. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. We continue to monitor the situation and call for perpetrators to be held accountable," the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department posted on X. US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz called the attack in Pahalgam a "terrible tragedy." "A terrible tragedy. Please join me in praying for the victims and their families," Waltz posted on X. Earlier, US President Donald Trump condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, expressing solidarity with India. Sharing a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured." "Prime Minister Modi and the incredible people of India have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!" he added. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. India has also decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. (ANI)
Following the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Pakistan announced airspace restrictions for all Indian airlines. Several airlines, including SpiceJet, Air India, and IndiGo, have issued travel advisories for their passengers. Air India shared an important update on X, citing "unforseen Pakistan airspace closure" for Indian airlines. This comes after India announced measures against Pakistan in response to the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. https://x.com/airindia/status/1915390150168715319?s=46 "Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and the Middle East will take an alternative extended route," Air India wrote on X. "Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority," it added. https://x.com/IndiGo6E/status/1915394220191367526?t=eD6L60eoVb_ojpGp3xhUwQ&s=19 IndiGo also issued a travel advisory on X and said that, "due to the sudden announcement of airspace closure by Pakistan, a few of our international flights are being impacted. " Further, IndiGo acknowledged the inconvenience and advised the passengers to check the latest flight status. "We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and our teams are doing their best to help you reach your destination at the earliest. We encourage you to check the latest flight status. If your flight is impacted, please explore flexible rebooking options or claim a refund through our website," the advisory read. "We deeply value your patience and understanding, and remain committed to supporting our fellow citizens during these challenging times," it added. SpiceJet also extended waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for travel to and from Srinagar until April 30. The condition applies to tickets booked before or on April 22. "In light of the recent tragedy in Pahalgam, SpiceJet is extending waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for travel to and from Srinagar, valid until April 30, 2025. This applies to all bookings made on or before April 22. To minimise passenger inconvenience amid the ongoing situation, we are also operating an additional flight from Srinagar to Delhi today. We stand in heartfelt solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those affected during this difficult time," SpiceJet said in their official statement. According to an advisory issued by Air India, the airline has capped fares on flights from Srinagar to Mumbai and Delhi to ensure passengers' affordability. Air India also offers complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings until April 30, 2025. Fares on Air India flights from Srinagar to Mumbai and Delhi have been capped to ensure affordability. Any high fares shown on booking sites may be due to multi-stop routes or higher cabin classes, offering a mix of direct and indirect options. We remain committed to assisting all passengers during this time. We are also offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till April 30, 2025, on these sectors," the advisory said. Tourists who are stranded in the Kashmir valley in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack are made to shell out a hefty amount of money to fly back to their home towns, as flight tickets have exorbitantly risen, apparently because of heavy demand. Air fares to major Indian cities have skyrocketed since the news of the terrorist attack broke out on Tuesday evening. Searches on airline websites either show elevated ticket prices or indicate that tickets are sold out. Anyone trying to book a ticket for today would encounter messages such as "all flights are too close to departure," "sold out," or "unfortunately, there are no flights available." Condolences have been pouring in from across the world in the wake of the dastardly Pahalgam Terror attack, which occurred on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow of Anantnag district. The brutal incident turned a peaceful tourist destination into a scene of devastation, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and injuring several others. The assault is considered one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. (ANI)
Former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Veena Sikr on Thursday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Sikri described the attack on innocent tourists as "terrible and inhuman." Sikri praised the government's resolve to counter terrorism, saying that attempts to revive terrorism in Kashmir will not be accepted. Speaking about the terrorist attack, Sikri said, "The attack on the innocent tourists in Pahalgam was a terrible, inhuman, dastardly, cruel attack. This attempt to revive terrorism in Kashmir will not be accepted, neither by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, India nor anybody." Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the brutal killing of innocent civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, while addressing a gathering in Madhubani on Thursday. "The terrorists responsible for this attack, along with those who conspired it, will face punishment beyond their imagination", the Prime Minister said, asserting that the time has come to eliminate the remaining strongholds of terrorism. "The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror," the PM stressed. Sikri also highlighted the steps announced by the government after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, emphasizing that these decisions demonstrate the government's commitment to tackling terrorism. "The decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty is very important because the suspension of this treaty has been discussed for the last 15 years and every time there was a terrorist attack, this was considered as an option but not acted upon... But we must recognise that the IWT concluded in 1960 is a very unequal treaty from the beginning." "IWT is for the benefit of the people of J-K, and they have not been getting it, and Pakistan objects to them getting any benefit at all". "Correct decision to suspend the treaty and take everything in our own hands", Sikri told ANI. Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of External Affairs announced a series of strong measures in response, including the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, following nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan, with the assistance of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. Former World Bank President Eugene Black initiated the talks. Recognised as one of the most successful international treaties, it has endured frequent tensions, including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower development for over half a century. Former US President Dwight Eisenhower described it as "one bright spot ... in a very depressing world picture that we see so often." The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. At the same time, the Treaty allows each country certain uses of the rivers allocated to the other. The treaty gives India 20 per cent of the water from the Indus River System and the rest 80 per cent to Pakistan. The Indus Waters Treaty was in the spotlight in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in 2019. The treaty has been criticised for being too generous to Pakistan, even when it has continued to promote terror in India. Then Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari declared that water from the eastern rivers, which used to flow downstream to Pakistan earlier, would be diverted to Jammu and Kashmir and the Punjab region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the Uri terror attack in 2016, had said that blood and water can't flow together. 'Rakt aur paani ek saath nahin beh sakta' (blood and water cannot flow together)." The heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack, which occurred on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow of Anantnag district, has drawn condemnation from across the world. The brutal incident turned a peaceful tourist destination into a scene of devastation, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and injuring several others. In response to the attack, India convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The government resolved to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable and announced several retaliatory measures. These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, cancelling Pakistani SAARC visa exemptions, and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries' missions. (ANI)
In a similar effort, India recently handed over a fresh relief consignment to Myanmar under Operation Brahma in April

The Indian Embassy in Myanmar stated that relief aid recently dispatched from India has been handed over to Mandalay Chief Minister Myo Aung under Operation Brahma.

The newly dispatched aid from India was handed over by the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur. It contained an RO water plant, a Genset, rice, noodles, cooking oil, atta, sugar, dal, salt, MRES, blankets, and medicines.

As the first responder to the devastating earthquake on March 28, India has provided over 750 metric tons of relief material, including medical aid, food, shelters, and essential supplies.

In April, India also sent a consignment of 1,000 metric tons of rice to Cameroon on Wednesday for food grain assistance.

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said the effort is in the spirit of a committed partnership with the Global South.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "India: A committed partner to the Global South. India sends food grain assistance to the people of Cameroon. A consignment of 1000 mt of Rice departed today from Nhava Sheva Port to Cameroon."

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India has sent the first tranche of assistance to Botswana in response to the floods.

The MEA said that the tranche comprised of 10 tons of essential medicines, surgical supplies, mosquito nets, water purifiers, among other things.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "India sends humanitarian assistance to Botswana. In the wake of floods in Botswana, the first tranche of approx 10 tons of assistance comprising essential medicines, surgical supplies, mosquito nets, water purifiers, etc, was dispatched for Botswana." (ANI)
The US has called for the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam to be brought to justice, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Thursday (local time). While addressing a press briefing on Thursday (local time), Bruce said that US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have made clear that the US stands with India and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism. She said that the US prays for those who lost their lives in the attack and for the recovery of the injured. On terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Bruce said, "As President Trump and Secretary Rubio have made clear, the United States stands with India, strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. We pray for the lives of those lost and pray for the recovery of the injured and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice." Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Asked whether US sees Pakistan behind the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Tammy Bruce responded, "I put it at the top because it was a horrible situation. At the same time, that is going to be the extent of the comments at this point. What I can tell you, of course, as we all know it's a rapidly changing situation, and we are monitoring it closely, as you might imagine. And we, of course, are not now taking a position on the status of Kashmir or of Jammu either. So that's really going to be the extent of what I can say," says Tammy Bruce, US State Department spokesperson, on being asked about the US's position on India's take that Pakistan is behind the horrific attack." Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. India has also decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. The US administration under President Donald Trump continues to support India after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and offered his condolences at the loss of lives in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Trump condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this "heinous attack." In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack. India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror." US Vice President JD Vance also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives and reiterated that the United States stands with the people of India in this difficult hour. PM Modi thanked Vance and Trump for their messages of support and solidarity. "Vice President @VP @JDVance called Prime Minister @narendramodi and strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives and reiterated that the United States stands with the people of India in this difficult hour. He expressed that the United States is ready to provide all assistance in the joint fight against terrorism. PM thanked Vice President Vance and President Trump for their messages of support and solidarity," Jaiswal posted on X. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also expressed support for India. In a post on X, Rubio wrote, "The United States stands with India." US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz called the attack in Pahalgam a "terrible tragedy." "A terrible tragedy. Please join me in praying for the victims and their families," Waltz posted on X. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump condemned the terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, expressing solidarity with India. Sharing a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured." "Prime Minister Modi and the incredible people of India have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!" he added. (ANI)
The High Commission of India in the UK held a solemn commemorative ceremony at the India House to remember the victims of the terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. Distinguished guests, including Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan, Maharashtra's Minister of Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat, UK Member of Parliament Bob Blackman and several other UK MPs, joined the gathering to express their condolences and support. The presence of UK lawmakers underscored the shared commitment to condemning terrorism and standing united against extremism. The event brought together members of the Indian diaspora from across the UK, who came to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families. India's High Commissioner to UK, Vikram Doraiswami, addressed the attendees, emphasising the importance of resilience, unity, and justice in the face of such tragedies. Doraiswami said that the attack was conducted to prevent people of Jammu and Kashmir from carrying out normal day-to-day businesses, to stop them from improving their lives through work and business. Doraiswami said, "First and foremost, why is this something that is worthy of our attention. It is so because this is the largest killing of civilians since the Mumbai terror attacks. In 2019, there was a similar terror outrage... it was a targeted attack on the paramilitary convoy. In this case, people were pulled out, identified on the basis of their identity, their religious identity and shot dead. These were civilians in the vast majority, and all who were there were just to have a holiday. The purpose of this exercise was purely to create terror and to undermine the ongoing normalisation of circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir." "The purpose of this exercise was to prevent people of Jammu and Kashmir from carrying out normal day-to-day businesses, to prevent them from improving their lives through business, through work, to intimidate people from coming to this beautiful part of India and to undermine the normalisation of the political process that had been brought into play through the very successful conduct of an election...I can tell you this, you have seen for the last several decades repeated efforts to intimidate, otherwise distract India in its development journey or to try and break the spirit of India and to break the unity of the people of India across language, caste, creed and religion. I can tell you this, it hasn't worked before. It won't work now, it will never work. There are 1.4 billion of us. We are a nation moving forward. We are a nation moving together. We are a nation dealing with our challenges, some left over by history, some left over by acts of our own, but none that will be deterred, no part of our journey that will be deterred by people who believe that killing people is a solution," he added. Vikram Doraiswami said that people had travelled to Pahalgam to enjoy the holiday and mentioned some of the victims, including a newly married couple and a child. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that India will never forget and forgive, instead, there will be price that will be paid by those who were behind the attack. He said, "I ask you to remember, however, that these were lives of ordinary people. I ask you to remember that these were lives of people like you and I who seek to spend time with family, to seek to have what everybody believes is their right - the opportunity to travel, opportunity to broaden the mind, the opportunity to spend a few precious moments together in this short journey that we call life. And it was these people for whom that very, very simple, basic opportunity to live was taken away from them. Look, for instance, at the picture of that young lady there. That young lady and her husband were newly married. They were there on their honeymoon. That young child's life, as we do it, for no particular purpose, won't change the tragedy of history. It won't change the art of destiny; we are building that one. It is not going to make a difference." "Those who believe that they can organise and send people like that, they'll like this across the line of control to create terror, that which was always going to create, all it does is light the lives of the people. And so I ask you to remember in everything that you do that we have no place in our hearts for hatred. We have no place in our minds for enmity. Every one of us is an Indian. No matter what language we speak, where we come from, how we pray, this is our country, and it is not for others to dictate how we will respond. What I can tell you is this: what our Prime Minister said recently, we will never forget, we will never forgive, and we will exact a punishment for this. There will be no commitments. There will be no forgiveness, there will be a price to be paid by the people who committed this act, by the people who planned it and the people who backed it. And there will be nothing in the world that will stop us from doing that. And there will be nothing in the world that will deter us from our mission, no matter where they are, how far they are," he added. In a post shared on X, the Indian High Commission in the UK stated, "@HCI_London held a solemn commemorative ceremony in memory of those killed in the #PahalgamTerroristAttack and in solidarity with the spirit of India. UK Minister @CatherineWest1, MoS @Murugan_MoS, MPs @BobBlackman & @KanishkaNarayan, Members of @UKHouseofLords @Baroness_Verma, Lord Raval, Maharashtra's Minister of Social Justice Mr. Sanjay Shirsat, and members of the Indian diaspora joined in large numbers to pay their tributes." According to the official statement, the tribute served as a powerful reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing need to confront acts of terror with resolve and compassion. It also highlighted the strong bonds between the Indian community in the UK and their homeland, as well as the support extended by British leaders in moments of collective mourning. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. (ANI)
Public hearings on Lynchburgs proposed real estate property tax rate, water resources rate and fiscal year 2026 budget ran smoothly inside a packed Council Chamber at City Hall on Tuesday night in contrast to the hearings two years ago that were delayed by a bomb threat.

During the first hearing of the night on the real estate tax rate, the vast majority of residents who spoke urged Lynchburg City Council to lower the rate, with some telling councilmembers they may opt to move to a neighboring county where they can enjoy lower taxes.

For the final public hearing of the night on the fiscal year 2026 budget, the tables turned, with more residents expressing support for the citys proposed budget, including planned investments in schools, the main branch of the public library and the public pool at Miller Park.

Two years ago, a bomb threat directed at City Hall delayed the public hearings by more than two hours. At the conclusion of those hearings in April 2023, city council voted to reduce the real estate tax rate to 89 cents per $100 of assessed value from $1.11 per $100 of assessed value.

In his fiscal year 2026 budget released last month, City Manager Wynter Benda proposed keeping the property tax rate at 89 cents per $100 of assessed value.

On Tuesday, at the conclusion of the public hearing on the property tax rate, which was the first hearing of the night, At-large Councilman Martin Misjuns introduced a motion to lower the tax rate to the equalized rate of 76.7 cents per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2026. The motion was seconded by Ward I Councilwoman Jacqueline Timmer.

Ward III Councilman and Vice Mayor Curt Diemer then introduced a substitute motion to reduce the property tax rate to 75 cents. But Diemers motion failed to move forward after it did not receive a second.

The equalized rate is the rate at which taxes would need to be set to ensure that on a collective basis  when taking into account residential, commercial and industrial properties  the amount of real estate taxes collected by Lynchburg does not go up from the previous year.

After discussing his original motion, which never came to a vote, Misjuns then introduced a second motion to amend the agenda to allow a discussion of adopting a real estate tax rate at the conclusion of the public hearings on Tuesday night.

At this point in the hearing, Mayor Larry Taylor suggested council seek a compromise between the tax rate of 89 cents proposed by the city manager and the tax rate of 76.7 cents offered by Misjuns.

Wheres the compromise? Taylor said, who suggested Misjuns was trying to shove the equalized rate down the throat of the other councilmembers without any discussion or opportunity to reach a middle ground.

Misjuns motion to discuss adopting a tax rate at the conclusion of the public hearings failed to pass. Misjuns, Diemer and Timmer voted in favor of the motion, while Taylor, Ward III Councilman Chris Faraldi, At-large Councilwoman Stephanie Reed and Ward II Councilman Sterling Wilder, the only Democrat on council, voted against it.

Unlike bigger jurisdictions, Lynchburg conducts its property assessments every two years instead of annually. In the city, the 2025 assessments for all types of property in Lynchburg increased by 15.5% since the last time assessments were done in 2023.

When looking at only the residential sector, assessments increased by 20% compared to two years ago.

At Tuesdays hearings, Ward III Councilman Curt Diemer said he feels theres a disconnect with the tax rate the city manager proposed and the tax policies supported by the Republican members of council, who hold a 6-1 majority.

That disconnect is something we need to work on, he said.

Benda responded he is doing his best to stay connected to each member of council, while ensuring city staff keeps the promises made by council to increase funding for public safety and schools.

In response to Diemers comment about the six Republicans promises to lower taxes during the campaigns for office, Reed said council did lower taxes in 2023, when it approved dropping the tax rate from $1.11 to 89 cents.

It remains unclear if a vote on the tax rate will occur at city councils next regular meeting on May 13 or at a special meeting before then.

Lynchburg residents speak out

During the public hearing, many residents complained about having to pay property taxes, with some equating the practice to theft.

Long-time Lynchburg resident Greg Berry told city councilmembers that they were elected to protect our rights, not to steal from us. After owning his home in Ward III for 49 years, Berry said, Dont you think Ive paid enough taxes?

Zach Melder, who lives in Ward I, said, I think we can all agree that taxes go from legalized taxes to theft by the government.

Melder said when government imposes taxes, the question it asks is, How much do we need? Citing Scripture, Melder said, The question Jesus gives us is what is the just tax policy that glorifies God?

He added property taxes are the most wicked form of tax policy government can levy against its citizens.

Ryan Thomas, who lives in Ward II, expressed support for lowering the property tax rate. Taxation that occurs anywhere except the point of consumption is the forceful taking of wealth by the state with certain services being promised in return, he said.

Taxation is the leveraging of violence by the state to compel citizens to surrender of a portion of their wealth to the state, he added.

Charles Gammon, a Lynchburg Planning Commission member who spoke on behalf of homeowners in Chestnut Hill and Fort Hill, quoted from the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, in his comments about property taxes.

In expressing opposition to higher property taxes in Lynchburg, Gammon said the basic right of private property has been undermined by the governments inability to rein in its spending.

Ward II resident Andrea Hurtt called for Lynchburg to create something similar to billionaire Elon Musks federal Department of Government Efficiency to root out waste, fraud and abuse in the city.

We dont have the money to waste on this stuff, Hurtt said about the proposed upgrades to the citys pool and library.

During the public hearing on the citys water rates, Hurtt called for the removal of fluoride from the citys water as a cost-saving measure.

If youve been paying attention to RFK Jr., hes been promoting the removal of fluoride, she said. Fluoride is a toxin. The Nazis used it in concentration camps to mollify their captives.

Rebecca Taylor, who lives in Ward I and is a local landlord, told councilmembers she is looking to move out of Lynchburg because she wants to live in a place with lower taxes.

As for her real estate investment portfolio, Taylor said shes focused on acquiring 95 housing units in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, due to her dislike for the tax rate in Lynchburg.

Please be mindful of the fact that we are all hurting. Whether we have property or not, it impacts every single person in this room, she said.

On the other side of the tax rate and budget debate, long-time resident Beth White, who lives in the Fort Hill area, argued if council drops the rate to the equalized rate, the city will be forced to cut services.

When was the last time any of you went to the library, visited a museum, walked in a park, or any of the multitude of services we receive in the greatest city in the commonwealth? White asked. I would encourage you to do so now, if you havent. If you continue to vote the way I suspect you will, we wont have these services much longer.

Rise Hayes, who lives in Ward I, argued if council decides to reduce the tax rate, it will lead to cuts to important city services.

So, we can sit here and say, My money, my money, my money, Hayes, a Liberty University graduate, said. But what about my community. And supposed Christians are going to sit here and say that they choose money over community. Thats what it comes down to. So, which is it? Do you care about money or community?

JoAnn Martin, president of the Lynchburg branch of the NAACP, said a reduction in the tax rate will disproportionately affect communities in the city that are already facing systemic challenges.

We cannot claim to be a city committed to serving all citizens while slashing services and support where they are most needed, she said.

Ben Copeland, interim superintendent of Lynchburg City Schools, said he supports the city managers proposed budget at the current tax rate. He noted the requested increase of $2.7 million in the school divisions operating budget would bring the funding level to its highest point in the past five years.

This budget is critical to attracting and retaining a capable workforce, he said. This budget fuels optimism and reinforces that things will improve and that the future may be brighter, even in these challenging situations.

City council and the school board are scheduled to hold a joint work session at the citys I.T. Conference Center on Young Place on April 29. The recommendations approved by the joint city council and school board committee will be presented at the work session.

City council also has a separate work session scheduled for May 6 to further discuss the fiscal year 2026 budget.
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OSAKA, Apr 24 (News On Japan) - Tottori Prefecture and the Kingdom of Jordan, both exhibitors at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, have formed a symbolic partnership dubbed the "Sand Alliance," uniting over their shared cultural and environmental connection to sand.

At the Kansai Pavilion, Tottoris displaytitled "Tottori Infinite Sand Dunes"features a landscape recreated with sand surrounded by mirrors to evoke the regions famous dunes. Meanwhile, Jordans pavilion offers an immersive experience with its vivid red desert sand, allowing visitors to touch and feel the texture of the Middle Eastern terrain.

Seeking to strengthen ties through this mutual theme, the two regions have agreed to collaborate on joint promotional campaigns under the "Sand Alliance" framework.

"It feels like a new day of exchange through sand has begun," said Tottori Governor Hirai. "And since our partner is Jordan, we're ready to 'step with Jordan'," he added, playing on the Japanese phrase "ayumi yoru dan" (), meaning "to come together."

Governor Hirai also expressed interest in expanding the sand alliance to include other countries in the future.

Source: KTV NEWS
TORONTO, ONTARIO  In an era of mass surveillance, global digital footprints, and unrelenting data collection, creating a new legal identity to escape prosecutionor to protect personal safetyhas evolved from a shadowy Hollywood concept into a legitimate survival strategy.

Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in privacy solutions, second citizenship programs, and legal identity transformations, offers exclusive insight into the clandestine world of fugitives seeking to disappear without a trace.

Through the lens of one real-life story and expert legal guidance, Amicus outlines what it truly takes to live with a new identitylegally, securely, and sustainably.

A Glimpse into a Hidden Life: The Story of Jack Baker

In 2024, Jack Baker (name changed) disappeared after being charged with felony theft in Maryland. Once a mid-level office manager, he now lives under a new identity. Baker agreed to share the chilling details of his transformationhis escape, his survival strategies, and the burdens he carries.

If convicted, I was facing 25 years in prison. My lawyer told me the best-case scenario was six months in county awaiting trial. I chose option three: vanish, Baker recalls.

Jack staged a suicide, vanished, and launched into a new life.

The Mechanics of Identity Transformation

Jacks first move was securing a ghost Social Security number from a deceased individual whose age and race matched his own. He then fabricated documents and acquired a state ID in Georgia. Using the darknet, he found resources, crafted new digital profiles, and leveraged burner phones and gift cards to avoid detection.

He chose anonymity over incarceration, even committing a bank robbery in North Carolina to finance his wifes living expenses before disappearing across state lines.

Life on the run isnt a movie. Its dirty motels, burner phones, bribing cops in Mexico, and not knowing if youll ever see your family again, Jack confesses.

Crossing Borders: How One Man Used Identity to Evade Capture

Jacks journey took him across the U.S. border into Mexico using falsified documentation. His success hinged not just on luck, but on meticulous planning, real-time surveillance of border activity, and the absence of biometric detection at specific crossing points.

Later, spiraling into depression and homesickness, he risked everything by re-entering the U.S. under his original identity, hiding within immigrant communities.

His story is not uniqueand for Amicus International Consulting, it reflects an increasing trend: individuals seeking legal avenues for privacy, protection, and in some cases, complete transformation.

Expert Insights: How to Legally Create a New Identity

Amicus International Consulting has developed a comprehensive set of protocols to support individuals needing legal identity change. Their services are grounded in international law, human rights protections, and regulatory frameworks.

Key strategies include:

Legal Preparation

Consult International Law Experts : Navigating treaties, extradition laws, and local immigration policies is complex. Amicus works with clients to identify safe jurisdictions based on their risk profile.

Know Local Laws : Each country has distinct identity, residency, and citizenship rules. Understanding these frameworks is essential for longevity abroad.

Financial Protection and Anonymity

Use of Cash : For fugitives and privacy-seekers alike, minimizing digital financial traces is critical. Large preemptive cash withdrawals and cash-based living can reduce detection risks.

Digital Hygiene : Avoid use of online banking, major credit cards, or mobile payment platforms.

Cultural Assimilation

Language Acquisition : Blending into a new culture means mastering its language. Fluency helps avoid suspicion.

Cultural Norms : Dress like locals, observe religious customs, and understand regional behaviors.

Secure Communication and Digital Anonymity

Encrypted Messaging : Use Signal or ProtonMail to communicate with trusted parties.

Minimize Online Presence : Avoid using social media or uploading identifiable images. Disable geolocation features permanently.

The Geography of Evasion: Countries Without U.S. Extradition

Amicus International identifies several countries that either lack extradition treaties with the U.S. or impose high legal hurdles:

Russia : Technologically advanced but bureaucratically complex. Strong internal surveillance.

Iran : No diplomatic cooperation with the U.S., but challenging due to language and political climate.

Cuba : Offers ideological protection but economic hardship.

Morocco : A cultural haven with no treaty, yet adaptation is essential.

Honorable Mentions

France : Treaty exists, but political asylum and legal complexities may delay extradition .

Switzerland : Famous for neutrality and financial secrecy. Treaty exists but with strict legal standards.

Iceland : Case-by-case decisions, with a historic tendency to resist political extraditions.

These destinations are not guaranteed refuges, but with the right legal groundwork and cultural preparation, they offer temporary or long-term protection.

Anonymous Travel: Tactical Advice from the Field

Amicus provides real-world strategies for anonymous travel, including how to cross borders discreetly and live under the radar:

Travel Light : Keep only the essentials. Excess baggage attracts attention.

Use Backup Documentation : Carry an international drivers license or forged documents only when absolutely necessary.

Stay in Short-Term Housing : Hotels and hostels are better than fixed addresses, especially when used for brief stays and paid in cash.

Digital Security Tips

Use TOR browsers to avoid tracking.

Never access accounts tied to your old identity.

Use pseudonyms and alternate identities onlinecrafted legally through services offered by Amicus International.

Mental and Emotional Toll: The Untold Side of Identity Reinvention

While Jacks story may appear thrilling, the emotional consequences of such a transformation are dire.

I miss my family every day. Theres not a second I dont think about what I lost, Jack admits.

Living as someone else means relinquishing not just your name, but your memories, your comfort zone, and often your loved ones. Amicus warns clients of these psychological consequences, offering counseling support as part of its transition services.

Legal Alternatives: The Amicus Advantage

Unlike fugitives like Jack, Amicus International Consulting clients follow a legal path to new identities. The firm specializes in:

Second Citizenship by Investment Programs : Including options in the Caribbean, South America, and select European nations.

Tax Identification Services : Lawful restructuring of financial residency.

Identity Reinvention : Legal name changes, new documentation, and full transition services backed by government-issued credentials.

These tools are increasingly used by high-net-worth individuals, journalists, whistleblowers, and those escaping political persecution.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

Creating and living under a new identity is not just a tacticits a complete reinvention of life. For some, its a last resort. For others, its a rebirth.

While Jack Bakers journey is a cautionary tale about life on the run, Amicus International Consulting offers a structured, legal, and secure alternative for those seeking privacy, safety, and control over their personal narrative.

A new identity is a toolnot an escape. Use it wisely, advises an Amicus legal specialist.

For more information on legal identity services, visit www.amicusint.ca or refer to their recent coverage at:



Contact:

Amicus International Consulting

Email: media@amicusint.ca

Phone: +1 (888) 993-4470

Website: www.amicusint.ca

AMICUS
Never let the guy with the broom decide how many elephants can be in the parade. Even if I was the guy with the broom, Id have 10 elephants. Youve got to love a parade, and if you or your kids or your grandkids havent already done so, this is the year to be part of the walking party cal
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Leading academics and business figures gathered in Fez this week for the inaugural International Conference on Management, Innovation, and Finance (MIF 2025), a new initiative aimed at connecting academic research with real-world economic challenges.

The two-day event, co-organized by the Private University of Fez and Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, brought together finance professors, digital experts, and young researchers to discuss topics ranging from fintech to climate finance.

MIF 2025 is a platform for dialogue, critical thinking, and collective construction around the major economic challenges of our time, said Safae Ismaili, a lecturer and researcher specializing in finance. The ambition behind this conference is quite clear: to create a genuine link between academic research and real-world application, between universities and businesses, between ideas and concrete action.

The conference comes at a strategic moment as Morocco works to modernize its economy and attract green investment. Panels explored digital transformation, sustainable finance, and low-carbon policiesall priorities for Moroccos economic development agenda.

Pascal Nguyen, a finance professor from the University of Montpellier and keynote speaker at the event, expressed optimism about Moroccos trajectory. Im genuinely impressed by the quality of the organization and the caliber of the speakers. Theres an abundance of highly qualified young people I feel Morocco has a very bright future, he told Morocco World News.

Nguyen, who co-leads a program on green finance, addressed corporate sustainability challenges during his presentation. The question is: why do firms often make the wrong choices? Why do they pursue investments and decisions that are unsustainable and trigger criseswhether social, financial, or economic?

The conference highlighted Moroccos positioning as an emerging hub for innovation and sustainable finance in Africa. As the country pursues ambitious economic modernization plans and seeks to attract international investment in green technologies, events like MIF 2025 serve as important forums for knowledge exchange and partnership development.

Morocco is in motion, concluded Dr. Ismaili, reflecting the countrys dynamic approach to economic transformation and financial innovation.
More worldwide service outlets planned for iconic Chinese car brand Hongqi

Xinhua) 09:21, April 24, 2025

CHANGCHUN, April 23 (Xinhua) -- China FAW Group Co., Ltd. announced an ambitious development plan for its car brand Hongqi on Wednesday, targeting operations in over 100 countries and regions with 1,000 sales and service outlets in five years.

The automaker said that it will establish five overseas hub clusters in markets including Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America. The company will also establish more localized low-carbon R&D centers, supply chain and operation centers, achieving an annual overseas production capacity exceeding 200,000 vehicles and creating over 20,000 new jobs across upstream and downstream sectors.

Leveraging its three major technological platforms, namely the Hongqi Tiangong electric platform, the Hongqi Honghu hybrid platform and the Hongqi Jiuzhang intelligent platform, Hongqi plans to roll out more than 20 new models worldwide, noted Liu Changqing, vice president of Hongqi Brand Operations Committee.

"Our layout will truly make the Hongqi brand a globally recognized Eastern cultural icon," said Liu.

Hongqi, which means red flag in Chinese, is an iconic Chinese car brand that was established in 1958. It has become renowned as the vehicle used for parades during Chinese national celebrations.

Currently, Hongqi offers a diverse lineup of 18 models -- spanning gasoline, all-electric, plug-in hybrid and range-extended vehicles.

In 2024, Hongqi's annual sales grew for the seventh consecutive year, reaching 411,777 units.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Concern has grown in both the United Kingdom and Egypt after it was disclosed that Alaa Abdel Fattah, a British-Egyptian activist, has suffered severe health complications while being held in an Egyptian prison.

Having engaged in a hunger strike exceeding fifty days, Abdel Fattah is suffering repeated vomiting and signs of internal inflammation, his family reported. Medical assistance has been administered within the prison, though it is believed his stomach and intestines may have sustained damage due to prolonged fasting and minimal nutrition intake.

The hunger strike was initiated following news that Abdel Fattahs mother, Laila Soueif, had been hospitalized in London after months without solid food. Her hunger strike, started in September 2024 as part of her campaign to secure her sons release, resulted in dangerously low blood sugar levels. She has since been kept stable on a glucose drip. Despite his own declining health, Abdel Fattah has continued his protest by consuming only herbal tea, black coffee, and rehydration salts.

International attention has been reignited as calls for diplomatic intervention have intensified. A statement issued by Abdel Fattahs sister described the emotional and physical toll endured by the family. The British government has been urged by campaigners to increase pressure on Egyptian authorities, particularly after Abdel Fattahs early release was denied and his detention extended until 2027. Several human rights organizations have reiterated demands for his immediate release, citing prolonged imprisonment and deteriorating health as grave concerns.
As Africa mourns the death of Pope Francis, worshippers and leaders across the continent are reflecting on the profound legacy he leaves behind  and speculating about the future leadership of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis, who died Monday (21 April), is remembered for his unwavering advocacy for the poor, peace in conflict zones, and environmental justice. During his papacy, he visited 10 African nations, including Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan, where he memorably kissed the feet of rival leaders in a call for peace. Leaders across Africa, too, are mourning Pope Francis death, with Kenyan president William Ruto hailing the pontiffs exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable.

His 2015 mass in Nairobis Kangemi slum, and his groundbreaking visit to the Muslim district of Bangui in the Central African Republic, are among moments that endeared him to millions of African Catholics  who now make up one-fifth of the global Church. Amid mourning, theres hope that Africa could soon see one of its own as pope. Cardinals Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana, Fridolin Ambongo of the DRC, and Ignace Bessi Dogbo of Ivory Coast are being discussed as possible successors. Yet, cultural conservatism on issues like same-sex unions may influence their chances, given recent tensions between African bishops and the Vatican. Still, as Pope Francis once declared, Africa remains the continent of hope  a sentiment echoed now in both sorrow and expectation.
Arab Foreign Ministers have reiterated strong support for Al-Quds Committee, chaired by King Mohammed VI, hailing the key role played by the Committee in defending Al Quds and Maqdissi inhabitants.

In a resolution adopted during the 163rd meeting of the Arab League ministerial council convened Wednesday in Cairo, the ministers lauded the efforts made by Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, the executive arm of the Al-Quds Committee, in favor of the Palestinian people and for preserving the Arab and Islamic identity of the Holy city.

The Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency continues to improve the living conditions of the Maqdissis through economic, social, housing, educational, and cultural projects that directly address the needs of the residents.

During their meeting, the Arab FMs discussed latest regional and international developments, including the situation in Palestine, as well as major political and socio-economic challenges facing the Arab world.

Regarding the situation in Libya, the Arab ministers reiterated support for the Skhirat Agreement, signed in 2015, as the general framework for a political settlement to the Libyan crisis.

They also reviewed preparations for upcoming Arab Summit, scheduled for May 17 in Baghdad.
In a surprising breakthrough, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, pledging to suspend hostilities while peace talks continue in Qatar.

The joint announcement, issued late Wednesday (23 April), marks the first formal commitment to peace after multiple failed ceasefires since 2021. The truce follows intense Qatari-brokered negotiations and comes after M23 fighters seized major cities in eastern Congo, including Goma and Bukavu, earlier this year. Though similar agreements have collapsed in the past, both parties now say they are committed to halting violence until talks conclude. This is a crucial step towards ending the violence, said Belgiums foreign minister Maxime Prevot in a statement.

Despite the pledge, clashes were still reported in South Kivu province, underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire. Analysts warn that unresolved disputes  such as the release of prisoners with alleged M23 or Rwandan ties  could derail progress. M23, comprised largely of ethnic Tutsis and accused of receiving support from Rwanda, has long been at the heart of a conflict with deep roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kigali denies involvement. Qatars surprise diplomatic push has been praised, especially after hosting secretive talks between Congolese president Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame last month. Further negotiations in Doha are expected in the coming weeks.
In a historic shift for West Africas political landscape, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has begun relocating key institutions from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger  nations that formally withdrew from the bloc earlier this year to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

During an extraordinary session in Accra, ECOWAS Council of Ministers chair and Nigerian foreign affairs minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, acknowledged the withdrawal as a difficult moment, but emphasized the need to adapt. It was never our wish to deliberate on the withdrawal of member states, Tuggar said, adding but we must now adapt and chart a forward-looking path. The Council reviewed contingency plans, including the administrative relocation of ECOWAS programs and institutions and challenges to the free movement of goods and people. Formal memoranda outlining legal and diplomatic frameworks are expected soon.

Meanwhile, the AES continues to assert its independence. From renaming Bamakos ECOWAS Square to Confederation of Sahel States (AES) Square, to introducing an AES passport, the bloc has taken bold steps to reinforce its sovereignty and signal its final separation. Trade restrictions and the expulsion of ECOWAS officials further underline the widening rift. Yet Tuggar remained optimistic: Our unity has been tested beforeand we emerged stronger. We will do so again. As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, the crisis may prove a turning point  either deepening fragmentation or laying foundations for renewed regional cooperation.
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North Platte Planning Commission members Tuesday asked lots of questions but needed little debate to throw their weight behind plans for the citys largest mobile-home park.

After a public hearing, the panel voted 9-0 three times to recommend City Council approval of amending the citys land-use map, rezoning the site at East Philip and Bicentennial avenues and approving subdivision plats for 290-unit Newberry Village by Chief Industries affiliate Prataria Ventures and the Twin Platte Natural Resources District.

Council members May 6 will hold their own hearing before deciding on the map amendment and plats and taking a first-round vote on the necessary rezoning ordinance.

Theyll also hold a hearing and initial debate on a separate request by DeEtta Hill to rezone two lots at 3001 W. Ninth St. so her daughter might live on the easternmost lot. The Planning Commission voted 9-0 to back R-3 residential zoning for a small house and a neighboring metal warehouse.

Grand Island-based Chief, a partner in the Mulligan Meadows modular-home development near Madison Middle School, would build both Newberry Village and its all-new mobile homes that would be the only ones allowed.

Roger Bullington, the companys president of development, said Chief on March 1 bought the 43.13-acre site where former North Platte resident Daniel McKeon proposed in 2021 to build 100 or more single-family homes and duplexes. The site is near the soon-to-open Sustainable Beef plant.

The City Council agreed then to R-3 zoning for most of the property, with I-1 light industrial zoning along the strip bordering East Philip.

Bullington said the North Platte Area Chamber & Development Corp., Chiefs Mulligan Meadows partner, urged his company to consider what will be an all-new direction for the statewide concern.

Chief has not done a mobile-home park before, but obviously to help out the (local) housing crisis, (we said) OK, lets do it, he said.

The subdivision plat was submitted jointly by Chief and the Twin Platte Natural Resources District, the new owner of the former Farm Credit Services office building at Philip and Newberry Access.

It would essentially shift most of the I-1 zoning from south to east, onto land fronting Newberry that Chief plans to buy from the NRD, Bullington said.

The mobile-home park would border both Philip and South Bicentennial Avenue, he said, with an I-1 lot left west of the NRD in the hope of attracting a convenience store for area residents.

Newberry Village would be across Bicentennial from the long-established, 220-unit Key Estates mobile-home park. Midwest Land Developments mixed-use development with more than 800 housing units lies nearby across Philip.

Bullingtons testimony and the planning panels barrage of questions covered numerous details about Chiefs intentions for Newberry Village and items still being designed or researched.

He emphasized that Chief would retain ownership of the mobile-home park, though it would hire a firm to manage it.

With the right owner doing these parks, they really look a lot better than ones from years ago, he said.

Chief wants to design Newberry Village so its easy to maintain and its very aesthetic, including concrete streets and separate parking spots for residents, he added.

Burlington Boulevard and East E Street would be extended into the development as west entrances, with a third entrance from Philip.

Chief would be responsible for snow removal and lawn mowing, Bullington said, though its possible some lots might have some modern artificial turf to limit live lawn sizes.

Would-be tenants would rent their lots, he said, with Chief modular-home affiliate BonnaVilla Homes of Aurora building and selling their mobile homes.

They could take their mobile homes with them should they leave, but their lots next tenant also would have to buy a new Chief mobile home to replace it, Bullington said.

Chief has contacted some North Platte banks to help put together loan plans, he added in response to a question from planning panel member Kert McKeone.

Each mobile home would be single-wide but have 1,000 to 1,100 square feet, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Bullington said Chief considered some space for double-wide mobile homes but decided against them.

Purchase and lot rental prices arent known yet, Bullington said, but Chief wants the combination to be as affordable as possible.

Board Chairman David Fudge asked whether Chief plans to seek tax increment financing for Newberry Village. The site was included in a 210-acre swath declared substandard and blighted in 2023.

A TIF request will follow, Bullington said, but its size likely will be modest. The mobile homes will be residents personal property and not real estate, limiting increases in the sites taxable value from which new property taxes to finance TIF would be collected.

Besides the mobile-home units, Chief plans a central storm shelter that might also provide community center space.

Newberry Village would include a storage-unit complex for residents personal items. Green space would include land on the parks northeast side that likely will be reserved for drainage.

Planning Commission member Emily Wurl asked Bullington to suggest including trees in the parks landscaping. To me, that makes a better neighborhood to have that, she said.

Colleague Glenn Van Velson also suggested Chief limit the number of units to 240 to 250 to give people a little bit better chance of not being on top of each other.

All told, however, weve probably needed this kind of development for a long time, Fudge told Bullington.
Haven't watched yet so idk what the overall consensus is but I'm so fucking tired of men being like IT'S JUST THE REALITY OF CIVILIZATION THAT WOMEN WERE AND ARE RAPED, IT'S HISTORICALLY ACCURATE, I HAD TO DO IT SO THAT MY LADY CHARACTER COULD GROW, insert other tired reasoning. Fuck off and be creative.



Edited at 2025-04-24 01:39 am (UTC)

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I completely agree - this idea that rape is just "reality" and that it's just some generic obstacle for victims to overcome a. shows a fundamental lack of understanding of what rape is and what the consequences are for victims and b. can dilute the viewer's understanding (downplaying the severity, focusing only on stranger rape, etc.) and further rape culture. It's also just bad and lazy writing.



I think portrayals such as those in Twin Peaks and I May Destroy You, while maybe not perfect, are done thoughtfully and with intention. Not just as shortcuts to "character growth".

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Its also curious how its never the men getting raped as if sexual assault amongst men, especially in war times, isnt historically accurate.

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TEA

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Now you gone and sayed it.

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The best explanation for rape being shoehorned into modern drama, scifi, fantasy, historical shows, all the flavors of media, is that it's a reminder to women of their place.



That's it. Dragons and rape. Floating cities and rape. The Civil War and rape. The 21st century and rape. Women will always be subjugated.



Edited at 2025-04-24 12:17 pm (UTC)

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No place in Star Wars? I guess were just glossing over the vibes of the Reylo interrogation scene.



Sorry, the thought of Darth literally slaughtered children, and that was before blowing up an entire planet Vader clutching his pearls about sexual assault isa lot.



Edited at 2025-04-24 01:42 am (UTC)

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kylo literally mindraped rey! like lmao.

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Erm, that's the force technique of getting info. And he was much more brutal with Poe. And then after he went into Reys mind, she forced her way into his mind. So they both did it. Force users be like that. They take control of ppl's mind. Kylo ain't special. Spoke and Vader done been doing that to him for years, lol.

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Probably because the interrogation scene isnt rape.



Although there is sexual slavery in Star Wars.

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Right?

Are they forgetting Princess Leia in her slave bikini too?





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not saying they should have included that scene, but where are they getting this "Vader wouldnt tolerate that shit nor does the Empire condone it."? your head cannon does not count as truth.

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Space Nazis will siphon energy off the sun to blow up a planet but draw the line at sexual violence.

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before he slaughtered a room full of children, Vader had no problem being an abusive controlling boyfriend. and lets not forget he had zero problem torturing his own daughter, and making her watch the destruction of her home planet and everyone she cares about.

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Vader at least believes in strict order and control over chaos so I guess I could see him not approving of his men acting out of line in such a fashion. Hes killed subordinates for less.



Idk if Palpatine would care though.

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growth and accuracy are just dogwhistles for rape writing at this point

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Right? There are plenty of other things that could be used for character growth but men are always like oh well obviously the most horrifying thing that could ever happen to a woman is being raped so let's go with that!

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I dont mind having mature Star Wars but Im not ok with it going so far as depicting an attempted rape. Or saying the word rape. Im actually quite disgusted with the Andor series right now.



oh. they don't even want to say the word rape? oh. okay.



i think a lot of conversations about rape in media are getting the point where people are starting to demand we go back to some hays code era where it's never talked about or shown at all and i don't think that's healthy. this is a show for adults, about war which does have rape and assaults occur, and the idea that vader or the literal imperial empire  which literally mass produced clones, ie performed literal mass eugenics program  wouldn't condone it is laughable. it's a fascist empire, one of which it's main enforcers killed children. it is not that out of place, and it's getting real disturbing that people are starting to act like this should never occur in media at all. i understand being burned out or not watching it. i do. except it's getting to a place where if people keep acting like depicting or mentioning it at all onscreen is bad, we're going to eventually hit a place where it's taboo to even speak of it again. it's tiresome and the conversation should be actually nuanced.



Edited at 2025-04-24 01:50 am (UTC)

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i agree, and that's even happening in some of the comments on this post. it's very bizarre and unsettling to me that people think that any major part of life, such as a transhistorical experience like rape, should never be represented in art or media.

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we're living in really conservative times and ontd is way more conservative than what users tend to admit to. like, you guys are agreeing with the idea the word rape shouldn't even be said onscreen, you might as well go dig up martin quigley's corpse and convert to catholicism lmao.

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Literally no one has said that so far in this post. They have said they are tired of rape being used for personal growth.

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That is true. In general I think there are a lot of times where it is used as a lazy plot device. Or a show like Outlander where it happens so often it becomes excessive. This doesnt seem like that though and I think the creators reasoning does make sense here.



Im torn because as a survivor it is very hard for me to see it depicted in media but thats my problem. I agree with you that it will be worse if it becomes taboo. I dont think it needs to be so graphic in media though.

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I agree that it's ridiculous to put a blanket ban on any topic, and a lot of the quotes from the article are completely out of pocket. Though I also think bad or lazy writing should be called out, and that sensitive topics should be approached with more thought than the showrunner seems to be giving it based on this article (obviously I haven't watched it yet since it's been out for like 3 minutes). Art shouldn't be censored, but it also shouldn't be shielded from criticism.



I also think there is a bit of a swing in the more conservative/protective direction since so many actors have come out and said they felt exploited by sexual and especially SA scenes, and we'll probably overcorrect before getting to the kind of balance/nuance these things need.

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Well I guess I'm spoiled for the new episodes.

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I both thought it made sense within the story they were telling (not only that but the whole thing about them hiding/being on the run as immigrants) but I also groaned at yet another rape happening to a female character for growth . Especially for Bix because she already endured torture in S1 and was shown dealing with the aftermath in the premiere of S2. It's just tiresome...



Adria gave a terrific performance and I applaud her for that tho!

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I think thats what gets me about his statement too. The other reasons he said he included it make sense but dont make it about character growth. Idk that just rubs me the wrong way.



Ive done a lot of healing but I dont feel like I at all grew as a person from being raped. I find no silver lining in that experience. I know thats a me issue but thats how I feel.



Edited at 2025-04-24 02:11 am (UTC)

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I hear you!  Lots of love to you!! 



I totally get his reasoning regarding the type of story they're telling and somebody already mentioned that it really shouldn't be censored or erased because it's sadly something that historically really happens in that setting but the whole 'growth' thing is something completely different and it just comes across as lazy and edgy and deeply unnecessary.



I think my other issue is the whole feeling of Bix becoming a punching bag, which I guess could've been avoided with just having another main female character in the group but now it's too late for that.

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That's how I felt too. Like, I get it - it makes sense within the framework of a migrant/illegal alien story,(which Bix, Brasso and Will now are) in that one of the many things women in particular face is coercive sexual violence, but I just wish they hadn't fallen back on it.



Bix is already dealing with PTSD and laying a rape attempt on her just seemed unnecessary. And I don't count it as a win that she saved herself because women always have to save themselves. There were other ways to show growth.



Tony Gilroy is a good writer so it was disappointing to see him lean on this.

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this is basically how I feel

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Andor is not shy about tying in real world facts happening now into a fantasy/sci fi show to drive the point home



Was it hard to watch? Yes



Does Bix as a character deserve a fucking break? Also yes. Please yes. Let her rest.



But, and this is like me with Black Sails, I don't really hold it against them for driving the point home.



It's mixed feelings. Some is right and some is wrong

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I would like to see the ratio of men who think rape is a necessary plot device versus women

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Im sorry but Vader wouldnt tolerate that shit nor does the Empire condone it is absolutely sending me

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No, I don't want or need rape in star wars, I also want all men who use rape and sexual violence against women as plot devices for their little "prestige" shows to go jump off the cliff. Fuck you Tony and fuck Arjona for always praising his shit.

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I think the idea that rape doesn't ever happen in the Star WARS universe is a bit naive and it's especially naiive to think the Empire would not have rapists in its ranks, but as someone who's been a fan since early childhood... I do 10% understand the impulse to be all "NOT MY STAR WARS!" probably because it's never really been covered. Palpatine has concubines and brainwashed women serving him in the Legends canon (not sure about all the nooks and crannies of current canon) but they never explicitly say he had sex with Mara Jade?

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I'm shocked they actually used the word rape.

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Russias Rosatom, which currently operates the Metsamor facility, is likely to compete with Westinghouse for the contract to build Armenia's next nuclear plant.

Armenia is seeking to replace its aging Metsamor nuclear facility and has been exploring expanded civil nuclear energy cooperation with the United States since mid-2024.

The US Embassy in Armenia has indicated that the United States is working to secure a deal for Westinghouse Nuclear to build Armenias next nuclear reactor.

A somewhat cryptic social media post by the US Embassy in Armenia indicates the United States is maneuvering to build the Caucasus states next nuclear reactor.

The awkwardly phrased information snippet appearing on the embassys official Facebook and Twitter (X) pages April 22 states Ambassador Kristina Kvien met Westinghouse to discuss Armenias nuclear energy sector, adding only that U.S. companies have deep expertise and innovative technology that will benefit both Armenia and the United States.

A photo of the smiling ambassador posing with four unidentified, suit-clad individuals, apparently Westinghouse executives, accompanies the brief text.

No other information has been disclosed about the Westinghouse delegations visit, including how long company executives were in Armenia, who they met with besides the ambassador and the outcome of any discussions with Armenian political and business leaders.

What is known is that Armenia is interested in replacing its aging Metsamor nuclear facility, which recently underwent refurbishment to extend its lifecycle until 2036. What is also known is that Westinghouse Nuclear has developed a Gen III+ AP1000 reactor, featuring a compact footprint and modular design that, in the companys words, has set the new industry standard for PWR [pressurized water reactors] thanks to our simplified, innovative, and effective approach to safety.

Armenia and the United States have been exploring ways to expand civil nuclear energy cooperation since mid-2024. As part of a strategic partnership agreement signed in January during the final days of the Biden administration, the two countries agreed to negotiate what is known as a 123 agreement, which would allow for the transfer of nuclear technologies from the United States to Armenia.

Whether Westinghouse Nuclear ultimately gets the contract to build a nuclear plant in Armenia remains anyones guess. Rosatom, Russias nuclear agency, operates the Metsamor facility and the Kremlin is unlikely to surrender a lucrative business opportunity to build Metsamors replacement without a fight.

Armenia has deemphasized the countrys historically strong relationship with Russia and has cultivated closer economic and political ties with the US and European Union since Yerevans defeat in the Second Karabakh War in 2023. Armenian officials blame the Kremlin for Karabakhs loss, saying Moscow failed to uphold security commitments to maintain Armenian sovereignty. In recent weeks, however, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans government has softened its stance toward Russia, apparently hoping that Moscows influence can prove useful in getting Azerbaijan to sign a peace treaty with Armenia.

By Eurasianet.org

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The U.S. stock markets enjoyed a broad rally on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 jumping nearly 2% a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that China tariffs will come down substantially, with another potential boost coming from a Wednesday Reuters report citing unnamed sources as saying talks to lead to significant tariff reductions.

It will come down substantially, but it wont be zero, Trump said on Tuesday, echoing earlier remarks by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Less than a day later, reports emerged that the administration is considering reducing tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to as low as 50% if talks with Beijing are successful.

But while the stock markets are enjoying a reprieve, oil prices are not. On Wednesday at 2:25 p.m. ET, Brent crude for June delivery was down 2.2%, only recouping a few tenths of a percentage point on the tariff optimism.

In a Tuesday report, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered warned that the ongoing tariff snafu has unsettled oil markets, creating negativity about demand prospects and weighing heavily on oil market sentiment. Volatility in oil markets has spiked, with the 30-day realized annualised front-month volatility clocking in at 42.8% at settlement on 21 April, over 23 ppt higher than at the start of April and just 1.7 ppt below a 30-month high. StanChart has predicted oil markets could see a short-covering rally, noting theres been record net-selling across the four main Brent and WTI contracts following the 2 April announcement of U.S. tariffs. The ICE Brent positioning index fell 28.9 w/w to -40.3 while the NYMEX WTI positioning index rose 21.0 w/w to -79.0. StanChart says the overall change was largely due to the closing out of longs rather than the opening of new shorts, with longs across the four contracts falling by 26.3 million barrels (mb), while shorts increased by 5.8 million barrels.

Further, StanChart says oil markets appear to have ignored the latest [bullish] move by OPEC+. A week ago, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman submitted their individual compensation plans to OPEC, potentially cutting the amount of extra barrels they will bring to the markets during their ongoing unwinding of cuts. The latest plan requires the seven nations to cut output by a further 369,000 barrels per day each month starting April 2025 now to June 2026. Under the new plan, monthly cuts will range from 196,000 bpd to 520,000 bpd from April until June 2026, up from 189,000 bpd to 435,000 bpd previously. But Kazakhstan on Wednesday threw another spanner in the works, saying it would prioritize national interest, not OPEC quotas, and pump at will.

Related: Rare Earth Showdown Hits Tesla, Defense Firms Hardest

Additionally, on Wednesday, Reuters reported that ?OPEC+ is considering accelerating oil output increases for June, following a significant 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) hike in May, which was three times higher than initially planned. The decision to boost production in May was influenced by a sharp decline in oil prices to a four-year low, driven by factors such as the U.S.-China trade war and concerns over compliance within the group. Saudi Arabia, in particular, advocated for the increased output to address perceived non-compliance by countries like Kazakhstan and Iraq. However, Kazakhstan has stated it will prioritize its national interests, indicating it may not adhere strictly to OPEC+ quotas. A meeting involving eight OPEC+ countries is scheduled for May 5 to finalize the output plan for June. Market reactions have been mixed, with Brent crude oil prices fluctuating in response to these developments.

Previously, eight OPEC+ nations unveiled plans to advance their planned phase-out of voluntary oil output cuts by ramping up output by 411,000 barrels per day in May--equivalent to three monthly increments. The announcement of the accelerated unwinding clip came at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on trading partners, deepening the shock to oil markets. The move confirmed previous rumors that Saudi Arabia could be willing to abandon its traditional role as OPECs swing producer as it looks to make a strong statement against production cut violators such as Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates and Iraq.

Last September, the Financial Times reported that Saudi Arabia was ready to abandon its unofficial price target of $100 a barrel for crude oil as it prepares to increase output, effectively signaling that it is resigned to a prolonged period of lower oil prices. Saudi Arabia currently accounts for 2 mb/d out of 2.8 mb/d output cuts from OPEC members and a total of 3.15 from OPEC+. Essentially, the Saudi contribution is double that of the entire group, with only the Kingdom and Kuwait currently cutting production by a double-digit percentage. In fact, a big part of lower output by other OPEC+ members is not voluntary but rather reflects their inability to meet their quotas.

Kazakhstan, in particular, has repeatedly exceeded its OPEC+ output quota of 1.468 million bpd. Kazakhstan has ramped up oil production, with the countrys crude oil and gas condensate--a type of light oil- output hitting a record high of 2.12 million barrels per day in February, good for a 13% increase from January. Excluding gas condensate, crude oil production increased 15.5% m-o-m to 1.83 million bpd.

The OPEC+ member has been able to increase oil output despite damage to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), its main export route via Russia. Back in February, Russia reported that CPC capacity was cut by 30-40% after an attack by Ukrainian drones. Its not clear how Kazakhstan has managed to ramp up output despite having constrained export capacity. ?azakhstan relies on the CPC for more than 80% of its exports. The surge in output follows a rise in production at the giant Tengiz oilfield, operated by Tengizchevroil, led by Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX), which has embarked on a $48 billion expansion of Tengiz.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Russia is boosting its crude oil exports, with shipments to China and India rebounding as traders and buyers have reshuffled tanker supply chains following the U.S. sanctions on Russias oil trade and shadow tanker fleet from early this year.

The Biden Administrations farewell sanctions on Russian oil trade from January 10 were the most aggressive yet. 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.

Initial U.S. Sanctions Shock To Russian Flows

Crude oil loadings in February and early March reflected the initial shock to the oil trade flows from the sanctions. Buyers preferred to deal with non-sanctioned tankers and entities, which reduced Russias exports to its key markets  China and India  as the supply chain needed to adjust to the sanctions. Chinese state firms halted or reduced purchases of Russian crude for February and March loadings as they were assessing the impact of the sanctions and the possibility of secondary sanctions. India was scrambling to procure crude on non-sanctioned tankers.

The market soon found workarounds to beat the sanctionsChinas independent refiners in the Shandong province began taking in increased volumes of Russian crude delivered via ship-to-ship (STS) transfers from sanctioned tankers to smaller vessels offshore Singapore and Malaysia.

Moreover, the Trump Administration  unlike the Biden administration  appears to be much more lenient on Russian oil exports than on Irans.

Related: Trump Eyes Sovereign Wealth Fund to Back U.S. Mining

President Donald Trumps maximum pressure campaign on Iran has seen the United States impose sanctions on Irans oil trade several times since the President took office. The U.S. sanctions extended to target specific Chinese importers of Iranian crude oil.

While the U.S. is targeting the Iran-China oil trade, it is also trying to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The U.S. engagement with Russias President Vladimir Putin has prompted hopes in Russia (and concerns among Western countries) that the U.S. sanctions on Russian oil could be eased in the near future.

Talks on a Russia-Ukraine agreement appear nowhere close to the finish line, and the U.S. has signaled that the Trump Administration could abandon efforts to broker a peace agreement if progress isnt made very soon and unless clear signs emerge that a deal can be reached.

Yet, the sanctions enforcement of Russian oil exports appears limited, especially compared to the continual U.S. campaign to bring Iranian oil exports to zero while seeking to negotiate a new nuclear deal to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.

Russian Oil Flows Rebound

Amid the geopolitical shift of the Trump Administration and the reshuffled tanker supply chain, Russian crude oil exports have jumped in the past month.

In the week to April 20, Russias observed crude oil shipments averaged 3.35 million barrels per day (bpd), up by 220,000 bpd from the previous week, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The four-week average to April 20 has rebounded to 3.21 million bpd, up from 3.13 million bpd in the four weeks to April 13, per the data reported by Bloombergs Julian Lee.

The four-week average to April 20 showed that Russian shipments recovered about a quarter of the losses from the previous weeks, Bloombergs estimates showed.

China and India Return to Strong Buying of Russian Crude

Russian exports to China and India recovered in March from the lows seen in February. Chinese crude oil imports topped 12 million bpd in March, the highest volume since August 2023, as flows of Iranian and Russian crude jumped last month. Stranded Russian Arctic crude cargoes are now targeting Chinese teapot buyers via STS transfers using the dark fleet, while state giants such as Sinopec return to buying Russian crude after several weeks of pause to consider the potential implications of the U.S. sanctions.

In March, Chinas seaborne crude imports from Russia surged by 42% month-on-month, reaching the highest volumes since October 2024, according to ship-tracking and customs data compiled and analyzed by Finland-based research group Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Indias crude import volumes from Russia also soared in March, by 41% from February, to hit the highest level since July 2024. Russian crude accounted for 36% of Indias total crude imports, CREAs analysis showed.

Going forward, crude loadings from Russias Western ports on the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea are set to rise by 5-10% on a daily basis in May compared to April, as domestic refinery runs are set to drop, industry and trade sources told Reuters this week.

Despite the jump in Russias crude oil exports in recent weeks, the revenues for the Kremlin are not expected to rise proportionately due to the recent slide in oil prices.

Russias Economy Ministry has lowered its forecast for oil prices this year in an update for its baseline scenario, reflecting the latest trends in global oil markets.

The lower price that Russian crude fetches could hit Russias economy, Russias Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina warned earlier this month.

If the escalation of the tariff wars continues, this usually leads to a decline in global trade and the global economy and, possibly, demand for our energy resources. Therefore, there are risks here, Nabiullina was quoted as saying.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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These actions have drawn criticism and are expected to face legal challenges regarding compliance with established regulatory processes.

The new procedures also cover other energy sources and critical minerals, with the stated goal of bolstering energy security and national competitiveness.

The Trump administration has reduced the approval time for new oil and gas projects to a maximum of 28 days using an emergency procedure.

The Trump administration has shortened the approval procedure for new oil and gas projects to just 28 daysat mostfrom several years under the national energy emergency that the White House declared earlier this year.

The new emergency permitting procedures, per the Department of the Interior, will cover not just oil and gas but uranium and critical minerals as well. The full list also includes coal, biofuels, geothermal energy, and kinetic hydropower.

The United States cannot afford to wait, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said. President Trump has made it clear that our energy security is national security, and these emergency procedures reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting both.

We are cutting through unnecessary delays to fast-track the development of American energy and critical mineralsresources that are essential to our economy, our military readiness, and our global competitiveness, Burgum also said.

The Trump administrations focus on developing all energy segments with the exception of wind has frustrated the transition advocacy and technology sector considerably, with Reuters reporting the climate NGO industry was already hiring lawyers to take the fight over hydrocarbons and climate regulations to court.

They really are kicking it into high gear now, Dan Goldbeck, director of regulatory policy at conservative think tank American Action Forum, told Reuters. They are trying to push some of these legal doctrines a bit to see if they can implement a new policy framework.

The publication noted that most of the Trump administrations moves in the energy area test the limits of the Administrative Procedure Act from 1946, which stipulates that federal agencies must publish notices of regulatory proposals and final regulations, and include an option for public comments on these. This may well be the reason why President Trump is using the emergency option to pass relevant regulatory changes.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Just a few years ago, Chinas energy-storage industry was riding high on a sugar rush of subsidies, soaring demand, and sky-is-the-limit optimism. But this is 2025, and China is waking up with a tariff-sized headache and a hangover from its own price war.

At the heart of the drama is the battery energy storage sector (BESS)those magical boxes that soak up solar and wind energy and spit it back out when the grid needs it. In theory, BESS are the unsung heroes of the clean energy revolution. In practice, theyre now ground zero for a perfect storm of geopolitical friction, supply glut, and disappearing margins.

The first punch landed in January, when the Biden administration handed down sweeping sanctions on Russian oil, prompting Chinas independent refiners to double down on Russian imports. But the bigger wallop came in April, courtesy of President Trump 2.0, who slapped China with new tariffssome as high as 125%on energy gear, including BESS. Thats bad news for Chinese firms that relied on the U.S. for nearly half their export profits.

WaterRock Energy Economics estimates that Chinese producers will cut capital spending by up to 20% this year. That means expansion plans are being shelved, with projected new capacity slumping from 42GW in 2024 to as low as 30GW in 2025. For a country that once aimed to dominate the global battery game, thats a rude awakening.

Related: Rare Earth Showdown Hits Tesla, Defense Firms Hardest

But if youre expecting a quiet period of recalibration, think again. Chinas BESS producers are still entangled in a brutal price war sparked by their own success. The sectors capacity grew nearly tenfold between 2020 and 2023, but much of that growth turned out to be speculative. Over 70,000 companies registered in the sector last year alone. The result? Too many players chasing too few real orders.

According to customs data, export prices for BESS fell a staggering 39% between 2020 and 2024. Local media reported that the China Photovoltaic Industry Association had to call a closed-door meeting with the countrys energy-storage bigwigsHuawei, Sungrow, CATLto plead for an end to vicious competition. Its a rare moment when industry watchdogs step in not to boost sales, but to stop companies from bleeding themselves out.

The markets structural issues are just as serious. Chinas rapid renewables buildout301 GW in 2023 alonehasnt been matched by grid capacity or intelligent deployment of storage. In regions like Inner Mongolia and Gansu, gigawatts of clean energy are being wasted due to poor absorption rates. Mandatory storage policies, designed to bundle batteries with wind and solar farms, have created fields of underutilized capacity. Bloomberg reports that in many areas, storage units are operating less than 10% of the time.

And now, U.S. tariffs are threatening to pull the rug out from under Chinas most lucrative export markets. Analysts say companies like Sungrow, which rely heavily on U.S. demand, could see profits fall off a cliff.

Citigroup, never one to sugarcoat, downgraded earnings forecasts across the board. They warned that the new tariffs would not only reduce shipment volumes but also crush already razor-thin margins on solar inverters and storage units.

But its not all doom and dimming LED lights. Chinas pivot is already underway. Industry players are looking toward Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, where demand is still solid and political crossfire less intense. In fact, some see opportunity in the chaos. As weaker competitors drop out, the survivorsoften the ones with better tech, deeper pockets, and actual customerscould consolidate power and take the industry in a healthier direction.

Chinas long-term plan still stands. The 14th Five-Year Plan for Energy Storage targets 100GW of new capacity by 2030 and a 30% reduction in per-unit costs by 2025. Its betting big that energy storagewhether battery, compressed air, or thermalwill be the keystone of its carbon-neutral future.

But for now, the sector has to survive 2025. That means weathering geopolitical shocks, outlasting its own overproduction, and figuring out how to make energy storage not just essentialbut profitable.

In short, Chinas energy-storage industry needs a reset. Not just a clean battery, but a clean slate.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Iraq is moving to achieve energy security by diversifying its energy sources and reducing reliance on imports of Iranian electricity and natural gas. A warning that expeditious action is needed was the removal of the U.S. sanctions waiver that allowed Iraq to import electricity from Iran. While Iranian electricity is only about 2% of Iraqs demand, Iranian natural gas is over 40%, making diversification crucial.

Washington uses Iraq as a platform for its campaign against Iran, going back to its support for Saddam Hussein after he attacked Iran in 1980. To increase energy security and minimize U.S. involvement in its internal affairs, Iraq has taken considerable steps to boost domestic production, increase imports from other neighbors, connect to regional power grids, and upgrade the domestic power distribution system.

Boosting domestic production

Iraq has vast oil and natural gas reserves but flares much of the gas due to underdeveloped infrastructure. The $27 billion Gas Growth Integrated Project with TotalEnergies will capture flared gas, turning it into fuel for power generation, and treat seawater to manage pressure in oil wells in Iraq's Basra region. The Common Seawater Supply Project (CSSP), funded by Iraq and China, aims to deliver 5 million barrels per day of water to oil fields across Southern Iraq to help sustain and increase production.

Iraq is expanding gas fields like Khor Mor in the Kurdistan region which recently reached production of 500 million barrels of oil equivalent. Khor Mor provides the fuel for around 75% of the Kurdistan regions electricity generation. The recent expansion of Khor Mor was partly funded by the U.S. Development Finance Corporation.

Iraq recently signed deals with two U.S. companies to increase domestic power production.

Related: Russian Oil and Gas Revenues Set for 22% Plunge in April

The GE Vernova contract will build combined-cycle gas power plants with a total capacity of approximately 24,000MW, marking the largest and most advanced electricity generation initiative in Iraqs history. A deal with UGT Renewables, funded by U.S. Export-Import Bank and the UK Export Finance agency, will build a three-megawatt integrated solar energy project, battery energy storage systems totaling up to 500 megawatt-hours, modernization of power transmission and distribution lines, and the construction of up to 1,000 kilometers of new high-voltage direct current infrastructure for long-distance power transmission.

Iraq engaged Britains BP to redevelop four oil and gas fields in Kirkuk in the Kurdistan region. The fields have approximately 9 billion barrels of recoverable oil that will supply underutilized refineries in northern Iraq.

Iraq is examining earlier commitments with the intent of quickening the pace of development.

The government recently awarded the first phase of the development of the Akkas gas field to the U.S.-based SLB, formerly Schlumberger, a premier oilfield services company. Akkas has 5.6 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas deposits which would make it the second largest non-associated gas field in the world after Qatars North Field.

The work was previously awarded to the Ukrainian firm Ukrzemresurs, but Baghdad may feel that time is of the essence so it engaged SLB. Akkas is also tied to a plan for a 1,642 megawatt combined-cycle power plant near the Syrian border, that will generate electricity for Al-Anbar province and the national grid, so Baghdad likely felt it best to engage a known service provider, and one that is U.S.-based.

Increasing imports

Iraq is looking to Qatar and Oman for liquefied natural gas, with plans for two floating regasification terminals at Khor al-Zubair to receive these supplies. A pipeline to transport gas to power plants near Basra is under construction. Theres also an agreement with Turkmenistan to supply gas, though its viability is questionable as it would cross Iran, so Iraq is seeking the appropriate legal mechanism to green-light this effort. These alternatives aim to dilute Irans leverage, which is already shaky. Recently, Iran cut its gas exports to Iraq due to its own shortages. Iraq is linking its power network to the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) grid which will supply 500 megawatts of power to southern Iraq. It is also importing power from Jordan and Turkiye, with plans to double Turkiyes contribution.

Turkiye has announced plans for the construction of new oil and natural gas pipelines from Basra to the Mediterranean energy hub at Ceyhan, Turkey, expanded electricity cooperation, and short-term gas supply arrangements.

Renewable energy is another opportunity, as Iraq has one of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world. Iraq has committed to 20% renewable energy by 2030, but the only solar project launched so far is a 1-gigawatt plant tied to the $27 billion TotalEnergies oil and gas deal, but the UGT Renewables deal promises additional solar capacity. Other companies like ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia), PowerChina, and Masdar (United Arab Emirates) are also involved in developing solar power parks. Despite the governments ambitions, the power grids fragility limits how fast renewables can scale up.

Modernizing Infrastructure

Iraq should upgrade power transmission and distribution networks, as well as building new high-voltage transmission lines, to improve energy efficiency and reliability.

Iraqs power network suffers high transmission and distribution losses, which are estimated at up to 50 percent, driven by grid inefficiencies, illegal connections and non-billing practices. Iraq is partnering with Germanys Siemens to modernize the power infrastructure and improve grid efficiency. And General Electric recently announced the completion of thirty substations to support transmission networks, in addition to its previous efforts to add nineteen gigawatts to the electricity grid.

More abundant and reliable electricity supplies will ensure civil peace and public health, help attract foreign direct investment, and help move Iraqs economy away from hydrocarbons, and towards services, manufacturing, and tourism. Energy security is a must for the success of Iraqs key infrastructure project, the Development Road, a $17 billion rail and motorway from Al-Faw in southern Iraq to Turkiye.

Decades of war, sanctions, corruption, and mismanagement have left Iraqs grid unable to meet demand, especially in scorching summers. Irans unreliable delivery of gas, when its own system falters, forced Iraq to act.

As it diversifies its energy landscape, Iraq will build stronger ties with Turkiye and the GCC, and the region will grow stronger, richer, and more independent.

Challenges remain. National budgets are tied to volatile oil prices, which introduces uncertainty in future spending plans. Washington will prioritize its campaign against Iran, regardless of the impact on Iraq, through measures like the Free Iraq From Iran bill, which threatens sanctions on Iraq if it doesnt follow Washingtons plan for Iran. Corruption and political meddling, sometimes from Iran-backed groups, will slow or derail projects. Plus, the grid itself is weak and lacks resilience. Diversifying sources will not solve all problems unless these deeper issues are fixed. U.S. financial and technical assistance will help Iraq build a more resilient and dependable system from pipeline to stove top, and will contribute to economic growth, regional stability, and the achievement of Iraqs sustainable development goals.

Iraqs energy security strategy demands a mix of tapping its own energy reserves, securing gas from friendly neighbors, dipping into renewables, and plugging into regional grids, while navigating a maze of internal dysfunction and external pressures to ensure the country does not become a battleground for others.

By James Durso

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Russia is expected to see its oil and gas revenues for April slump by 22% from a year ago, amid lower oil prices and a stronger local currency, according to Reuters calculations.

Russias revenues from hydrocarbons are set to be about $11.6 billion (960 billion Russian rubles) in April, also due to lower profit-based taxes compared to the previous month, per the estimates by Reuters published on Thursday.

Official data from Russias finance ministry is expected on May 7.

In March, Russian revenues from oil and gas plunged by 17% from a year earlier, according to data from Russias finance ministry.

Oil and gas revenues for the Kremlin fell to $13.2 billion (1.1 trillion Russian rubles) last month, while revenues for the first quarter dipped by nearly 10% on the year to $31.8 billion (2.64 trillion rubles), the official Russian data showed in early April.

Proceeds from oil and gas sales are the most important cash stream for Russias federal budget.

Earlier this week, Russias Economy Ministry lowered its forecast for oil prices this year in an update for its baseline scenario, reflecting the latest trends on global oil markets.

Per the new scenario, Brent crude will average $68 per barrel in 2025, down from $81.70 per barrel in the September 2024 scenario, Interfax reported. The ministry also updated its oil price forecast for the next two years, expecting Brent crude at an average of $72 per barrel for 2026, down from $77, to remain at $72 in 2027 as well, down from an earlier projection of $74.50 per barrel.

The lower price that Russian crude fetches could hit Russias economy, Russias Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina warned earlier this month.

If the escalation of the tariff wars continues, this usually leads to a decline in global trade and the global economy and, possibly, demand for our energy resources. Therefore, there are risks here, Nabiullina was quoted as saying.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Despite ongoing negotiations and cease-fire attempts, the conflict continues with both sides violating agreements, and the possibility of a lasting resolution remains uncertain as Russia maintains its demands and Ukraine asserts its territorial integrity.

Various proposals are being considered, such as potential European troop deployment, the removal of NATO membership for Ukraine, and US involvement in Ukraines nuclear and mineral resources, all of which are met with varying degrees of support and opposition.

High-level peace talks aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine war are facing major obstacles, including the withdrawal of key officials and disagreements over recognizing Russias annexation of Crimea.

An Easter truce that wasnt. The United States threatening to walk away from peace talks. Washington considering recognizing Russian control over Ukraines Crimea. Russia and Ukraine ramping up new spring offensives. The Kremlin signaling no let-up in its 38-month-old invasion of its neighbor.

Talks scheduled for April 23 in London to try and resolve Russia's 38-month war on Ukraine were already facing serious headwinds.

Now the most senior officials scheduled to attend -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reportedly British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and others -- are pulling out, effectively downgrading the meeting and casting a major pall over ongoing peace efforts.

And the Ukraine war continues full throttle, despite US President Donald Trumps vow to end it within 24 hours of taking office, with few indications that resolution is any closer.



It seems to me that the war has reached a dead end, Dmitry Oreshkin, a Russian political scientist, told Current Time. Its clear that Russias tempo of advancement is decreasing from month to month, and theres no reason to expect that it will suddenly increase. So one way or another, we will have to come to an agreement."

Crimea Is Ukraine?

After meetings last week in Paris that were attended by Rubio, US officials reportedly presented Ukrainian negotiators with a proposal that would result in Washington recognizing Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea.



Its unclear how committed the White House is to the idea, which was reported by The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and CNN. If adopted, it would be a jarring departure from longstanding US policy, and would clash with Congress, which has passed legislation opposing any such move.

It would be extraordinarily difficult for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well. Ukrainians continue to overwhelmingly consider the Black Sea peninsula to be theirs, and only a tiny handful of countries have endorsed Moscow's claim to it.

With a possible election looming, Zelenskyy acceding to Russias claim would potentially be electoral suicide.

Ukraine will not recognize the occupation of Crimea," he told reporters in Kyiv on April 22. "Its our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine, there is nothing to discuss here.

Aside from Crimea, Russia has claimed to have annexed four other regions that are partially occupied by Russian troops: Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk, and Luhansk.

A 30-day cease-fire proposal that Moscow and Kyiv ostensibly agreed to, at Washingtons urging, has been repeatedly violated by both sides.

After last week's meeting in Paris, Rubio signaled impatience with the slow progress of the talks and said Washington might pull out of the effort entirely.



But we need to figure out here now, within a matter of days, whether this is doable in the short term, Rubio said on April 18. Because if its not, then I think were just going to move on.

Rubio had been expected to attend the London meeting. However, on April 22, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said he would not join the meeting.

"That is not a statement about the meetings. It's a statement about the logistical issues in his schedule," she said.

Witkoff will also skip the meetings, The Financial Times reported.

Sky News, meanwhile, reported that Lammy, Britain's top diplomat also did not plan to attend the talks.

There was no immediate confirmation of Lammy's decision.

Coalition Of The Willing-Ish

Discussions have been ongoing for months about the possibility of a European force deploying to Ukraine to help cement any potential truce between Kyiv and Moscow.



British and French leaders have taken the lead on the idea, with a potential contingent of between 10,000 and 30,000 troops to be deployed once the shooting stops.

Moscow isnt keen on the idea. Having soldiers from NATO members on the ground in Ukraine would be horrible optics for the Kremlin, not to mention Moscows unyielding opposition to NATOs involvement with anything in Ukraine. (More on that later.)

The Trump White House, meanwhile, has ruled out US involvement, taking the position that the Europeans should take on the lead role in any such operation. Thats despite the USs unmatched logistics and transportation abilities, not to mention the size of its industrial base.



Aside from Britain and France, however, there hasnt been a groundswell of other nations volunteering their military personnel. Australia, Denmark, and Sweden have said theyre open to the idea. Some countries, such as Poland or the Czech Republic, are wary.

According to one European diplomat who spoke to RFE/RL, another idea thats bubbled up in recent weeks: providing fighter jets and related assets to protect Ukrainian air space, particularly near Lviv and western parts of the country.



The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity since he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Not One Inch

One of the cardinal reasons the Kremlin cited for going to war in February 2022 was Ukraines aspirations to join NATO.



Zelenskyy's government has said its committed to eventual membership, seeing it as an essential counterweight to a menacing Russia on its borders.

In addition to the Crimea idea, however, the Trump administration has also proposed removing the possibility of NATO membership for Kyiv, as part of a potential peace deal.

"NATO isn't on the table," Kellogg told Fox News on April 20.

Given that Kyivs membership hasnt ever been imminent, or even widely supported among alliance member, taking NATO off the table entirely would be a major carrot to Moscow.

Whats problematic for Zelenskyy, however, is that eventual NATO membership has been enshrined in the countrys constitution since 2019. And like with the Crimea question, he would have to defend any decision on NATO membership before Ukrainian voters.



The day after the London talks, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was set to travel to Washington, D.C., where he was expected to meet with Trump.

Splitting Hairs, Splitting Atoms

Ukraines largest nuclear power plant, located along the banks of the Kakhovka Reservoir, southwest of the city of Zaporizhzhya, has been under Russian control since the early weeks of the invasion.



The facility, and its six reactors, used to generate up to 20 percent of the countrys electricity. Desperate to keep its lights on in the face of Russia bombardment, Kyiv has sought to regain control of the plant, or at least regain access to its power supplies.



During a phone call with Zelenskyy in March, Trump floated the idea that the United States would take control of some, if not all, of Ukraines power facilities, including its nuclear plants.

Now formally on the table, that idea would conceivably see the facility supplying power to both Ukraine, but also Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine.



Zelenskyy has pushed back on the idea, but there may be wiggle room: for example, appointing US citizens as members of the executive board for Enerhoatom, the state-owned power generator.

Rare Earths

Not directly on the table for the London talks, but closely intertwined nevertheless: Ukraines valuable mineral resources -- things like titanium, cobalt, or so-called rare earths.

The Trump administration has pushed hard to get major access to the minerals, arguing it would help compensate for the billions of dollars in weaponry Washington has supplied Kyiv.



In late February, Zelenskyy had flown to Washington to sign a framework deal that would have opened the door to more US investment without sacrificing future revenues, or sovereignty, over mineral projects.

But an Oval Office meeting collapsed in acrimony, casting doubt over the future of not only the mineral deal, but also US weaponry and intelligence sharing.



After weeks of back and forth, Ukrainian and American negotiators appear to have settled on a deal. Trump last week said that the agreement would be signed on April 24, the day after the London talks.

Why is this important? At the very least, it removes an obstacle to continued US weapon supplies, which Kyiv relies heavily upon.

Truce, Cease-Fire, Armistice, Peace Deal

Since February, the Trump administration has engaged the Kremlin in direct negotiations -- something that has worried the Ukrainians, as well as the Europeans, who fear being left out of any settlement.



Witkoff has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin three times, most recently in St. Petersburg on April 11. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said Witkoff planned to return to Moscow after the London talks, something Bruce later confirmed.



The London talks "have a primary task: to push for an unconditional cease-fire. This must be the starting point, Zelenskyy said in a statement after speaking with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"We are ready to move forward as constructively as possible, just as we have done before, to achieve an unconditional cease-fire, followed by the establishment of a real and lasting peace," he said.

Whether a temporary cease-fire, or longer-term cessation to fighting, can be implemented may depend more on Moscow, which has the upper hand on the battlefield and has less incentive to pull back from its maximalist demands.

On April 19, Putin announced a 30-hour Easter cease-fire, which portrayed as a goodwill gesture. The truce was repeatedly violated by both sides.

Two days later, Putin said he would be open to holding direct negotiations with Zelenskyy -- something that hasnt happened since the early weeks after February 2022 invasion.

By RFE/RL

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Chevron plans to begin drilling an exploration well offshore Namibia, where several international majors have found huge oil and gas resources in recent years.

Chevron Namibia Exploration Limited considers drilling the well in 2026 or 2027 in Petroleum Exploration License 82 in the Walvis Basin, Reuters quoted Chevrons Namibian subsidiary as saying.

With this programme, Chevron continues to activate its strong and growing exploration portfolio, according to a company statement.

Chevron completed in February the acquisition of 80% and the operatorship in Petroleum Exploration License 82 (PEL 82) from Custos Energy. PEL 82 is one of the Walvis Basins most attractive opportunities, Custos Energy said at the time.

Custos will retain a 10% interest in PEL 82, while National Petroleum Company of Namibia (NAMCOR) will keep its 10% interest.

The Walvis Basin is north of the Orange Basin, where several major oil and gas discoveries have already been made by Shell, TotalEnergies, and Galp.

Chevron, for its part, is buying into offshore blocks offshore Angola and Nigeria in West Africa, looking to revive exploration in what it describes as an under-explored oil province.

In recent years, other international majors have scaled back investments in Africas legacy producers such as Nigeria and Angola, and have instead opted for exploration offshore Namibia, hoping it would be the next Guyana and the next major oil producer and exporter.

TotalEnergies and Shell have already made large discoveries offshore Namibia, kicking off the Namibian oil rush in 2022.

TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy are also expanding their efforts to explore for oil and gas in the Orange Basin offshore Namibia, which extends into South African waters. At the end of 2024, QatarEnergy entered into an agreement to buy from TotalEnergies an additional 5.25% interest in block 2913B (PEL 56) and an additional 4.695% interest in block 2912 (PEL 91), in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The energy committee at the European Parliament supported on Thursday the EU member states proposal to give more flexibility to the natural gas storage goals.

The EU is seeking greater flexibility in filling targets before each winter to avoid supply shortages and price spikes.

The EU seeks to expand the period in which countries should have 90% full storage ahead of the winter.

The European Parliaments energy committee supported a target of 83% full gas storage at any time between October 1 and December 1. If prices are high, EU member states would be allowed to deviate from the target by up to four percentage points, according to the committees position. At any rate, all EU member states should have at least 75% full storage before winter.

The full vote for the European Parliaments negotiating position on the matter will take place in May.

Earlier this month, the EU supported the European Commissions proposal to extend the gas storage regulation by two years. But EU member states also want more flexibility in reaching the filling target to avoid price spikes if market conditions are tight.

The representatives of the EU member states approved a draft that will serve as the negotiating mandate for the presidency to start talks with the European Parliament on the final shape of the law.

For months, a group of EU member states, including the biggest economies Germany and France, have argued that to avoid price spikes and market speculation, the bloc should allow more flexibility in its currently binding 90% full-storage target by November 1 each year.

In abnormal market conditions  and amid great volatility with tariffs-on-tariffs-off rhetoric  EU member states have two choices in how to approach the refill season. These, as Bloomberg notes, are either governments subsidizing the stockpiling of gas, or relying on market forces and possibly paying up for a much higher-priced gas supply if the market tightens later this year.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Indian energy importers have reduced the volume of liquefied natural gas they buy from abroad as prices trend higher. Instead, they are buying more oil products, Bloomberg reported.

Two energy majorsGail India and Indian Oil Corp.had recently canceled LNG purchase tenders because of the price, the publication noted in its report, citing unnamed sources. As a result, Indias total LNG imports for April are seen 5% lower than a year ago, at 1.9 million tons. This would be the lowest monthly LNG import volume since December 2023, per Kpler figures.

LNG prices have been on the rise recently because of production outages, one of them in Malaysia, which prompted delays in deliveries of the superchilled fuel to Asian customers. According to Bloomberg, there was also an outage at an Australian LNG project as well. Meanwhile, Europes largest LNG export facility, Equinors Hammerfest LNG, has been taken offline for annual maintenance that will last until July.

Indian importers, meanwhile, are looking for long-term supply deals for LNG. In February, Reuters reported that Indian Oil Corporation was in discussions to agree on a long-term supply deal with U.S. Cheniere Energy, in what could be one of many new LNG supply agreements between India and America.

The Indian state oil and gas and refining giant was negotiating a 15-year agreement to source LNG from Cheniere, the top U.S. exporter, with the potential deal reaching up to 2 million metric tons per year beginning in April 2027.

Also in February, Indian Oil Corp. sealed a 14-year LNG supply deal with Emirati Adnoc at an annual rate of 1.2 million tons. The deal was worth an estimate $7-$9 billion, according to Adnoc.

More recently, the Indian government said it is considering a removal of the import tax on U.S. liquefied natural gas to boost purchases as a means of avoiding U.S. tariffs by reducing its surplus with the worlds biggest market.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Importers of liquefied natural gas in Japan are bracing for the possibility that long-term supplies from one of the worlds top exporters could become uncertain.

Australians are heading to the polls on May 3 and, according to Reuters, whichever party wins, there may well be less LNG for exports than before the elections. Australia has been balancing on the edge of a domestic natural gas shortage because of its prioritization of exports, and this has turned into a major election issue in the run-up to the May 3 vote.

The current Labor government implemented gas price caps during its term, along with prioritization of domestic gas supply over exports. The measures raised the industrys hackles, with executives warning it could compromise investment plans in new gas supply.

Whats more, Labor is firmly on the transition path, campaigning on the promise of billions in subsidies for solar, batteries, and anything else that could go towards reducing Australias carbon emissions. According to observers, this fixation on emissions could lead to unfavorable policies with regard to LNG even though the Albanese government has signaled it is pro-gas in the long run, if only as a backup for wind and solar.

Japan is the biggest buyer of Australian LNG. Japanese companies also hold stakes in LNG projects Down Under. Australias share of Japans overall LNG imports has grown in recent years, too, significantly. Japan used to import 18% of its total LNG from Australia in 2012. By 2023, that figure had grown to 42%.

Last year, a third of Australias total exports of liquefied natural gas went to Japan. That total stood at 81 million metric tons, per Kpler data cited by Reuters. Ahead of the elections, however, Japanese LNG buyers are considering supply diversification, to 'even out' risk and to achieve its overriding goal of reliable, affordable and secure energy supplies, according to the biggest buyer of Australian LNG, JERA.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Washington is eying the possible creation of an American sovereign wealth fund (SWF) to compete with Chinas state-controlled extractive industries by directly investing in miners, both domestic and foreign, as the administration scrambles to collect new critical minerals allies.

The plan, revealed Thursday by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who is advising the campaign on energy and national security, would mark a dramatic shift in how Washington supports resource development. We should be buying equity in these companies, Burgum told CNBC on Thursday, citing strategic concerns over Chinas grip on the global critical minerals supply chain.

We should be taking some of our balance sheet and making investments. The U.S. may need to make an equity investment in each of these companies thats taking on China in critical minerals, CNBC cited Burgum as telling a Hamm Institute for American Energy conference this week.

An American SWF would be similar to those found in Saudi Arabia and Norway, where they hold significant stakes in mining and energy assets worldwide. Trump allies argue that public investment could catalyze U.S. supply chain security, particularly in sectors key to clean energy and defense.

The Trump administration advances a broader slate of pro-mining measures, including plans to fast-track permitting for 10 U.S. mining projects under the FAST-41 initiative and proposals to build metal refining infrastructure on military bases, Mining.com reported.

While supporters argue these moves are long overdue, environmental groups and tribal leaders warn of ecological and legal backlash, particularly surrounding controversial projects like Resolution Copper in Arizona.

If implemented, the sovereign fund would signal a significant escalation in the U.S. critical minerals strategyshifting from regulatory support to direct state-backed capital deployment. The implications for miners, markets, and geopolitics could be far-reaching.

The concept of a U.S. SWF has gained momentum as a tool to enhance national economic resilience and strategic investments. While the U.S. is not traditionally associated with SWFs, its substantial asset holdings in the neighborhood of $5.7 trillion provide solid footing for a fund, which could help generate fiscal revenue and direct investments into key sectors like energy, mining, and manufacturing.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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BLOOMINGTON  Amelia Smith of Bloomington said her food service experience is what inspired her passion for producing baked goods.

She gained extensive knowledge by working at places like Steak 'n Shake, Coffeehouse & Deli in uptown Normal, Common Ground Food Co-Op in Urbana and Common Ground Grocery in Bloomington. She went on to obtain her cottage food license and in 2022 started Buttercream & Bean, a 100% vegan bakery that also offers some gluten-free items.

"I kind of started their deli there (Urbana), and worked there for about five years running that program. We mass produced soups and pastries and sandwiches and all of that stuff, so that's when I really got into the heavy production of baked goods, and really fell in love with it," Smith said.

This year will mark Smith's fourth summer bringing her items to the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market. She said she spends anywhere from 40 to 50 hours a week getting ready for the market, and each year has been busier than the last. She brings approximately 400 items to the market each week, including cookies, cake slices, Bundt cakes, brownies and other bars, doughnuts, scones, cupcakes, muffins, granola, croissants and more.

Smith has been vegan herself since she was in high school, a decision that she said came from her love for animals. She started making gluten-free items for customers upon request and some have become menu staples. While she said she cannot guarantee that her items are 100% gluten-free, as all of her goods are made in the same kitchen, she said those with slight gluten sensitivities have been able to enjoy her products without any problems.

"The cottage food industry is just exploding right now ... but I think for me, I do have ties to the community. I grew up here. I knew a lot of people from working in natural foods, so I think that got my name out a little bit more," Smith said of her business. "And I do try to do a lot of social media. So I think I get a little bit of the middle ages to younger crowd because of that."

Smith posts her weekly farmers market menu on Friday afternoons. Buttercream & Bean can typically be found at the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon, with the exception or two or three weekends she takes off during the summer. She recommends customers come early, as she often sells out within the first couple of hours.

The bakery offers a variety of scones, bars, cakes and other items. Smith typically offers a regular brownie and a specialty gluten-free brownie, rotating among Oreo, s'mores and peanut butter flavors. She also makes gluten-free peanut butter and jelly bars, and gluten-free mini mocha cakes that she describes as decadent and rich coffee chocolate.

Smith likes to play into the holidays with her baked goods, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas, when she offers plates with nearly 30 Christmas cookie varieties. For spring, she likes to incorporate lighter flavors such as lemon or carrot cake.

"I think it's just the routine of coming to the farmers market every weekend and having ... your place that you go," Smith said of her customers. "I have a lot of parents that have kids that have ... dairy allergies or egg allergies, and they're super excited that they can take their kid to a booth and give them a treat like the rest of the family. And I have formed ... solid relationships with a lot of my customers at this point. ... I remember what they buy, what they like."

Smith said she also enjoys being her own boss and creating her own recipes. She can do custom orders, but requires at least a two-week minimum advance notice. Her availability during market season also affects how many custom orders she can create.

Customers must also order in volumes, she said, so it has to be a full batch of scones or a whole cake, or something similar.

"Obviously it's all vegan ... but I also really like things to look as good as they taste," Smith said. "I think that's one thing that does make me stand out sometimes compared to other people, is that I really do take time and effort into making things look nice and trying to take good pictures of them."

Smith said she tries to use as many organic products as possible, although they tend to be more expensive. She also aims to be environmentally friendly by using compostable packaging.

For people who may be interested in starting their own cottage food business, Smith recommends they do their research. She said having a food service background was really helpful for her.

"(It) depends on what kind of events you're gonna do," she said. "I love the market, because I really love the mass production of things ... building up this immense inventory and taking it and then just selling it out within a few hours  that's really satisfying to me."

HOW TO ORDER What: Buttercream & Bean Where: Bloomington Email: ameliaskitchen83@gmail.com; give at least two weeks' notice Website: buttercreamandbean.com/menu-4 Facebook: facebook.com/ButtercreamNBean
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China's Long March 2F rocket, carrying three astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 manned space mission, heads for a space station, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

China has launched three astronauts into space to replace the crew on the Chinese Tiangong space station, marking a further step in the country's ambitions for a crewed mission to the moon and explore Mars.

The Shenzhou 20 spaceship took off as planned atop China's workhorse Long March 2F rocket at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT). It will reach the Tiangong about 6.5 hours later.

The rocket lifted off from the launch center in Jiuquan, on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China. The spaceship will remain in space before returning the current crew.

The Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace," space station has made China a major contender in space, especially since it was entirely Chinese-built after the country was excluded from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns. China's space program is controlled by the People's Liberation Army, the military branch of the ruling Communist Party.

The addition of mechanical arms to the three-module station has also raised concerns from some that China could use them to disable satellites or other space vehicles during a crisis.

Since first launching a man into space in 2003becoming only the third country to do soChina's space program has advanced at a steady pace. The space agency has also landed an explorer on Mars and a rover on the less-explored far side of the moon, and aims to put a person on the moon before 2030.

China's Long March 2F rocket, carrying three astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 manned space mission, lifts off for a space station, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

China's Long March 2F rocket, carrying three astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 manned space mission, lifts off for a space station, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

Journalists film China's Long March 2F rocket, carrying three astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 manned space mission, lifts off for a space station, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

China's Long March 2F rocket, carrying three astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 manned space mission, blasts off at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

Chinese astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 mission, from right, Chen Zhongrui, Chen Dong and Wang Jie wave as they attend a send-off ceremony for their manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

The Shenzhou, or "Celestial Vessel," 20 mission will be commanded by Chen Dong, who is making his third flight. He will be accompanied by fighter pilot Chen Zhongrui and engineer Wang Jie, both making their maiden voyages, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Unlike previous crews, Shenzhou 20 is entirely male.

They will replace three astronauts currently on the Chinese space station. Like those before them, they will stay on board for roughly six months.

The space ship is due to be launched into space atop China's workhorse Long March 2F rocket at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT) and reach the Tiangong about 6.5 hours later.

The three-person crew was sent in October last year and they have been in space for 175 days. They are due to return on April 29 after a brief overlap with their replacements. The Tiangong, fully assembled in October 2022, can accommodate up to six people at a time.

While in space, the astronauts will conduct experiments in medical science and new technologies and perform space walks to carry out maintenance and install new equipment, the Manned Space Agency said.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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The Long March-2F carrier rocket, carrying the Shenzhou-20 spaceship, is seen encased in blue scaffolding on the launch pad.

China will send a new team of astronauts to its space station on Thursday, as the country marches toward its ambition of becoming a space power to rival the dominance of the United States.

Beijing has pumped billions of dollars into its space program in recent years in an effort to achieve what President Xi Jinping describes as the Chinese people's "space dream".

The world's second-largest economy has bold plans to send a crewed mission to the moon by the end of the decade and eventually build a base on the lunar surface.

It will mark its latest milestone on Thursday, when the Shenzhou-20 mission will ferry a team of three astronauts to the country's self-built Tiangong space station.

The all-male trio will blast off at 5:17 pm (0917 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the country's remote northwestern desert, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Leading the mission is Chen Dong, 46, a former fighter pilot and veteran space explorer who in 2022 became the first Chinese astronaut to clock up more than 200 cumulative days in orbit.

The other two crew members -- 40-year-old former air force pilot Chen Zhongrui, and 35-year-old former space technology engineer Wang Jie -- will be embarking on their first space flight.

China's space program is the third to put humans in orbit and has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon.

"Today, I am on the point of realizing my dream of flying in space," Chen Zhongrui told a news conference on Wednesday arranged to introduce the astronauts to the public.

The crew will work on Tiangong for six months, carrying out experiments in physics and life sciences and installing protective equipment against space debris.

For the first time, they will also bring aboard planarians - aquatic flatworms known for their regenerative abilities.

The team will also conduct spacewalks, replenish supplies and carry out general maintenance on the structure.

Three astronauts currently aboard Tiangong are scheduled to return to Earth on April 29 after completing handover procedures.

Jewel in the crown

During a government tour on Wednesday afternoon, AFP journalists saw the rocket ensconced in a sky-blue launch tower, surrounded by red flags as workers in blue jumpsuits made final checks before the launch.

Astronauts for Chinas Shenzhou-20 space mission (L-R) Wang Jie, Chen Dong and Chen Zhongrui wave during a press conference a day before the launch of the mission.

China's space program is the third to put humans in orbit and has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the moon as it seeks parity with the world's two most established celestial powers, the United States and Russia.

Crewed by rotating teams of three astronauts every six months, Tiangong -- whose name means "celestial palace" in Chinese -- is the jewel in its crown.

China has been excluded from the International Space Station since 2011, when the United States banned NASA from collaborating with Beijing.

It has since sought to bring other countries into its space program, and in February signed a deal with longtime ally Pakistan to bring the first foreign astronaut aboard Tiangong.

As part of this process, "two Pakistani astronauts will be selected to come to China for training", the CMSA confirmed on Wednesday.

 2025 AFP
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Illustration of a Mars transit habitat and nuclear propulsion system that could one day take astronauts to Mars. Credit: NASA

For NASA, sending a crewed mission to Mars has been the long-term goal for over two decades. China has joined the club in recent years, with plans to send crewed missions to the red planet ahead of NASA. In both cases, the plans envision a stepping stone approach, using habitats and infrastructure in cis-lunar space to ensure that regular missions can be possible someday. They also envision how regular missions to Mars could lead to permanent habitats on the planet's surface.

In a paper submitted to the 56th Lunar & Planetary Science Conference (2025 LPSC), a team of engineers proposed taking these plans further. Their mission concept consists of a Human-Crewed Interplanetary Transport Architecture (HUCITAR) to explore Mars and Ceres (the largest body in the main asteroid belt) in a single journey. Through innovative planning and international cooperation, their ambitious plan envisions a 4-year, seven-month expedition with six astronauts that could be ready to launch by 2035.

The study was conducted by Ramesh Kumar V., the founder and CEO of Acceleron Aerospace Sciences Private Limited; Raviteja Bheemavarapu, an intern at Acceleron and an Aerospace Student at Chandigarh University; and Malaya Kumar Biswal M., the Founder and CEO of Grahaa Space. Their paper describes an Earth-Mars-Ceres mission that would use Mars as a staging point to optimize fuel efficiency. They further provide a detailed trajectory analysis of all the injection, insertion, and transfer maneuvers.

Technical specifications

Given the distances and transit times involved, the first technical priority is a propulsion system capable of generating sufficiently high acceleration (delta-v). Based on the different trajectories they studied and the different phases of the mission, the delta-v requirements range considerably. For instance, during the Mars transit portion of the mission, an optimal delta-v of approximately 6.1 km/s is required. However, to achieve the earliest Mars capture, the spacecraft must optimize its delta-v to ~3.75 km/s.

In one particular scenario, they calculate that a maximum delta-v of ~11.2 km/s is required. Overall, this architecture requires a maximum delta-v of around 5.59 km/s. While their analysis is largely based on conventional chemical propulsion systems, they indicate that a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) system would be more than sufficient. The feasibility of a mission departing by 20402050 is also explored based on technological readiness (particularly NTP), funding, and international cooperation.

In this paper, the authors do not address mitigation strategies for long-term exposure to radiation or microgravity, focusing instead on the technical requirements, propellant, and optimal trajectories to achieve a mission from Earth to Mars to Ceres.

Mission overview

According to the research team, their multiplanetary mission architecture would consist of four phases. The first, Departure from Earth's LEO, would see six astronauts leaving low-earth orbit aboard the proposed spacecraft. They claim this departure could occur as early as July 2035, followed by a transit of between 192 and 258 days (6.5 to 8.5 months). The mission would reach Mars by March 2036, followed by a period of surface exploration.

This would be the mission's second phase (Mars Surface Exploration), during which three astronauts would descend to the surface using a reusable lander. A long-term habitat is needed for this phase to allow the astronauts to conduct science and exploration activities. Meanwhile, the remaining astronauts would depart for Ceres by April 2036, followed by a 574-day transit. Upon arrival by November 2037, the three-person crew would land on the surface.

This would be followed by phase three, Ceres Surface Exploration, which would last 46 days. By January 2038, the three astronauts would commence the return part of their journey to Mars. After another 574-day transit, they would rendezvous with the three-person team from the surface and begin the final phase, Earth Return. Departing by August 2039, the six-person crew would spend another 192-258 days returning to Earth, which would be complete by April 2040.

To address communication challenges, the team recommends deploying a Mars-Ceres Communication Relay Orbiter similar to the Mars Relay Network (MRN).

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Possible trajectories

The mission architecture explores three possible trajectories using NASA's Design and Integration Tool 42 (DIT-42), which simulates spacecraft attitude, orbit dynamics, and environmental models.

Direct Transfer: This mission profile is similar to the Mars Direct architecture proposed by Zubrin et al. in 1991 and an earlier research proposal presented by Biswal M and Kumar V at the 2021 AIAA Ascend Forum. For this plan, the team simulated a trajectory for a direct transfer to Ceres from Earth with a transit of ~472.65 days and a total mission duration of ~945 days. The plan relies on Hohmann Transfer Orbits to minimize the amount of propellant used.

Earth-Mars-Ceres Transfer Trajectory: This trajectory involves a transfer approach with two burn phases. Burn-1 would generate enough thrust to achieve a one-way transit of 258 days to Mars. Burn-2 would initiate the Mars-Ceres transfer, lasting for ~574 days. The return trajectory mirrors these durations and delta-velocity values for inbound travel. The total transit duration is approximately 833 days, though a modified version would last 1666 days (4.6 years).

Lambert's Trajectories: This scenario takes advantage of a favorable orbital alignment in 2035 identified through analysis using Lambert's problem and Porkchop plots. It also includes strategic aerobraking/aerocapture maneuvers at Mars to reduce the amount of propellant used. After exploring Ceres for around three months, the Ceres crew would return to Mars to retrieve the other crew in December 2037. The total mission duration for this scenario is 4.25 years, with the crew returning to Earth sometime in 2040

Overall, the authors identified the Earth-Mars-Ceres Transfer Trajectory as the optimal one. As they state in their proposal paper:

"The chosen Earth-Mars-Ceres pathway mitigates the challenge of orbit capture with higher delta-v requirements, enabling the crew to depart with the least delta-v for safe and successful orbit capture at Ceres. In the event of concerns about capturing Ceres at the earliest opportunity, the option exists for the three astronauts aboard the space vehicle to separate and depart towards Ceres from the interplanetary transit phase before reaching Mars."

Looking ahead, the team intends to simulate advanced trajectories incorporating the exact positions of the planets along with precise departure and arrival dates. Mitigation strategies are sure to follow based on the evolution of the requisite technologyi.e., centrifuges, rotating sections, hibernation, and other proposed methods. In the meantime, their proposal provides an ambitious concept that could influence future studies and mission planning. As they summarize:

"This ambitious concept represents a significant advance in planning human expansion into the solar system and highlights India's emerging role in conceptualizing advanced deep space missions. This architecture pushes the boundaries of current mission planning, combining pragmatic approaches with innovative solutions for multi-planet exploration."

More information: Conceptual Design of a Multiplanetary Mission Architecture for Human Exploration of Mars and Ceres. www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2025/pdf/2429.pdf
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Heuristic plot showing various microlensing surveys sensitivity to DM clumps assuming that ,eff . Surveys are sensitive to dimming in the region enclosed by the solid curves, whereas surveys are sensitive to microlensing inside the dashed lines [46]. Credit: Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.141001

The detection of dark matter, an elusive form of matter believed to account for most of the universe's mass, remains a long-standing goal within the physics research community. As this type of matter can only emit, reflect or absorb light very weakly, it cannot be observed using conventional telescopes and experimental methods.

Physicists have thus been trying to predict what it may consist of and proposing alternative approaches that could enable its detection. Dark compact objects are a class of dense and invisible structures that could be made up of dark matter, but that have never been directly observed so far.

Researchers at Queen's University and the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute recently introduced a new possible method for detecting dark compact objects by probing their interactions with photons (i.e., light particles). Their newly proposed approach, outlined in a paper published in Physical Review Letters, is based on the idea that as dark compact objects pass between the Earth and a distant star, they will dim the light emitted by this star.

"Leo Kim, Melissa Diamond, and I were talking about our recent work on dissipative dark matter forming compact objects," Joseph Bramante, co-author of the paper, told Phys.org. "One model we had considered was a compact object formed by dark matter cooling through the emission of dark photons.

"Part of our work needed to figure out whether these dark photons would escape the dark matter objects (and thus permit cooling) or instead scatter with the dark matter and be dispersed. It occurred to us that this 'dark photon' scattering process might also apply to visible photons."

Possible constraints on m  and   for elastic scattering of SM photons and  particles from a future null analysis of dimming events in the OGLE-III+IV surveys, assuming fixed physical sizes R between 10 and 104R  , and a fixed mass of M =102M  . We have assumed that these objects make up fDM =0.1 of the DM. The overlaid gray dash-dotted lines are bounds on the elastic scattering cross section from Planck+BAO [61], while the gray dotted line is bounds from MW satellite galaxies [62]. Note that these constraints are calculated for free-floating DM with f DM =1 and may not be applicable to the scenario shown in this plot. Credit: Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.141001

After reviewing previous literature, Bramante and his colleagues concluded that, so far, nobody had explored the extent to which star surveys such as OGLE could pick up stellar dimming resulting from the passing of dark compact objects. This realization ultimately inspired them to write their paper, in the hope of contributing to the future detection of these mysterious cosmological objects.

"Searches have already been conducted for dark matter compact objects using an effect called microlensing, where starlight is focused around the compact objects and amplified," explained Bramante. "This would appear as a brightening of stars in stellar surveys like OGLE. The effect we identified is similarvisible light can be scattered or absorbed by the dark matter compact objects, causing stars to appear to dim."

As part of their study Bramante, Kim, and Diamond proposed that data collected from two major star survey efforts worldwide, namely the EROS-2 and OGLE projects, can be repurposed for their new detection technique. Their analyses showed that searching for signs of dark compact objects by analyzing star survey data is in fact possible.

"Our study demonstrates a new fruitful approach to search for dark matter, which could be employed as part of stellar surveys like OGLE that looked for dark matter compact objects through stellar brightening caused by microlensing," said Bramante. "In the future, these efforts could also look for stellar dimming."

This research team's recent efforts and proposed approach could potentially contribute to the future detection of dark compact objects. Meanwhile, Bramante and his colleagues plan to continue studying these objects, with the hope of further refining their proposed technique.

"We now plan to continue studying the cosmological formation and structure of dark matter compact objects," added Bramante. "An improved understanding of these phenomena will allow us to more accurately determine what the 'stellar dimming' signature would look like."

More information: Joseph Bramante et al, Dimming Starlight with Dark Compact Objects, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.141001. Journal information: Physical Review Letters

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Close-up of the bio-ink. The linear elements are the electrospun fibers, the round dots are cells. Credit: NMI

3D bioprinting holds great potential in the field of regenerative medicine to produce miniaturized tissues and organ precursors with biological functionality. Today, however, scientists are still working on the challenge of producing a printable and compatible starting material.

Researchers at the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute in Reutlingen, TU Darmstadt and Black Drop Biodrucker GmbH have developed a new type of bioink that improves the transport of nutrients in printed tissue. The research is published in the journal Biofabrication.

3D printing has now found its way into many technologies. It is a process in which a 3D object is printed using a special starting material. In 3D bio-printing, this starting material is bioink, which contains living cells and is combined with hydrogels and biological factors, for example, to print organic objects. In addition, electrospinning can be used to produce wafer-thin fibers.

"With a diameter of 510 m, these fibers are in the range of blood capillaries and are the significant advance in our bioink," explains Dr. Hanna Hartmann, Head of Division at the NMI and inventor in the joint patent.

Until now, the transport of nutrients in 3D-printed tissue has been a major problem. "The fibers now measurably improve this transport. The particularly exciting finding for us is that they don't even have to be hollow on the inside," reports Jannik Stadler, site manager of Black Drop Biodrucker GmbH, which played a key role in the development of the bioink.

This bio-ink also has particularly advantageous properties, including its mechanical strength and the fact that it swells less. Annabelle Neuhausler, a doctoral student at the Institute for Printing Machines and Printing Processes at TU Darmstadt, was able to demonstrate this in the joint publication.

In the future, these improved bioinks could be used to produce tissue models for pharmaceutical research, for example. This could eliminate the need for animal testing and allow patient-specific active ingredients to be tested. Another application lies in the area of regenerative medicine. In addition to increasing nutrient diffusion, fiber integration helps to improve the mechanical properties of bioinks. This is particularly important for surgical applications, where handling, dimensional stability and primarily strength play a key role.

More information: A Neuhausler et al, Electrospun microfibers to enhance nutrient supply in bioinks and 3D-bioprinted tissue precursors, Biofabrication (2024). DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad9d7a Journal information: Biofabrication

Provided by NMI Naturwissenschaftliches und Medizinisches Institut in Reutlingen
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Overview of the high-velocity cloud AC-I. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads4057

A team of astronomers and astrophysicists at the Chinese Academy of Science's National Astronomical Observatories has found evidence suggesting that a "gas clump" in a fast-moving cloud in the neighborhood of the Milky Way may be a dark galaxy. Their findings are published in the journal Science Advances.

Prior research has led to a theory describing the existence of "dark galaxies" made up predominantly of dark matter. Such galaxies would not contain stars. To date, no such galaxies have been observed, though there have been many that were originally thought to be.

In this new effort, the research team was analyzing data from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico and the Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope in China, both of which had been focused on a high-velocity cloud at the periphery of the Milky Way called the AC-I Complexand more specifically, on a gas clump within it called G185.011.5when they found evidence that the gas clump was a dark galaxy.

High-velocity clouds are thought to be material that is being pulled into another galaxy, in this case the Milky Way, and many are thought to be made of material left over from another galaxy that was torn apart as it was pulled or as it was blown from a supernova.

Observation versus model for the compact clump. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads4057

The data from the telescopes showed that G185.011.5 is roughly 900,000 light years from Earth and that it has a rotational structureit also showed that it has no stars, which, the researchers suggest, may indicate it is a dark galaxy. Other measurements showed that the clump contained 21 times more unexplained matter than normal matter, suggesting the presence of dark matter.

The research team also suggests the dark matter in the clump is influencing its rotation. They conclude by noting that G185.011.5 is close enough for study by other ground-based telescopes, which means that if it is a dark galaxy, further scrutiny could soon prove it.

More information: Xiao-Lan Liu et al, Discovery of a high-velocity cloud of the Milky Way as a potential dark galaxy, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads4057 Journal information: Science Advances

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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

New research from South Dakota State University's Department of Natural Resource Management examines how different states are stopping the spread of invasive carp.

In April, the federal government signaled that it would provide additional funding to help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers complete enhanced fortifications to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes through Lake Michigan.

The cost of the projectestimated at $1.2 billionunderlines the severity of the invasive carp problem in the United States. Invasive carp, also known as Asian carp, were brought to the U.S. in the 1970s to clean commercial fishponds. Flooding allowed the fish to escape, and they have slowly spread to most major waterways in the Midwest, causing immense ecological harm at every turn.

South Dakota State University's Department of Natural Resource Management is leading research efforts on invasive carp in South Dakota and parts of the Missouri River basin. Led by assistant professor Alison Coulter, graduate research assistant Hannah Mulligan and other faculty members, their research is focused on understanding the ramifications of invasive carp and ways to prevent them from spreading into new waterways.

Recently, Mulligan and Coulter published a study investigating the different ways states and other countries are acting to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species via the live baitfish trade. With this information, they also provided recommendations for what can be done with limited resources to slow the spread. The research is published in the journal BioScience.

The live baitfish trade, with an estimated industry size of $1.56 billion in the U.S., is one of the major pathways in which aquatic invasive species, like invasive carp, spread.

When invasive carp become entrenched in a waterway, they become nearly impossible to remove. That's why Mulligan suggests that investing in preventative actions should be prioritized.

"Prevention is emphasized as the most cost-effective way to limit human-mediated introductions and negative impacts of invasive species, but preventative actions are often implemented in a spatially and temporally imperfect manner," Mulligan said. "We reviewed the current knowledge of preventative actions including regulations, education and inspections."

The primary issue is that it is very difficult to tell the difference between different types of fish when they are small. Young invasive carp can accidentally, and often unknowingly, be used as bait.

"The live baitfish trade has the potential to spread invasive species beyond their current range and presents a major economic, ecological and social threat," Mulligan said. "We recommend an approach that capitalizes on interconnections and feedbacks among preventative actions when resources are limited, which should result in a synergistic outcome that optimizes resources within and among regions."

Mulligan suggests that bait disposal stations at lake or river access sites may encourage anglers to dispose of bait properly, rather than dumping bait into waterbodies. While dumping bait is illegal in many states, anglers often do this unknowingly.

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"The risk is the transportation and subsequent release of bait that did not originate from the original waterbody," Mulligan said. "It is legal to release baitfish in the same waterbody you caught them in, but it is not legal to release baitfish you caught or bought from another area. The risk is the release of baitfish that did not originate from the waterbody which can result in introductions of invasive carp, zebra mussels, pathogens and other aquatic invasive species."

As Mulligan notes, a bait disposal station could help this problem.

"Most anglers release baitfish because of the misconception that it provides an additional food source for sportfish species, because it is convenient to release rather than properly dispose of the live baitfish or because they morally oppose euthanizing the baitfish," Mulligan added.

In terms of the live baitfish trade, Mulligan suggests focusing inspection efforts on bait wholesalers, especially when there is limited funding available, as there are fewer wholesalers than bait retailers or anglers. She also notes that additional harvest restrictions on baitfish or online aquatic invasive species training could be beneficial for jurisdictions that do not have a large number of wholesalers or bait retailers.

"Focusing on wholesalers as a critical control point for the identification and mitigation of invasive species would subsequently reduce introduction risk later in the pathway, which is comparable to border surveillance at or near ports of entry," Mulligan said. "Screening baitfish for pathogens and invasive species prior to sale at a bait retailer may also be more time and cost effective than relying on anglers to identify invasive species within their purchased baitfish."

Funding is often the greatest barrier to invasive species management, but, as Mulligan notes, that may be overcome through increased information and resource sharing among states and regions. She points to regional management panels, where information and resources are shared over an entire region or river basin, as a model for this strategy.

Further, she noted unpublished research, such as management reports, state angler surveys, and outreach materials on aquatic invasive species, could become more accessible.

"Prioritizing the live baitfish trade in management and identifying, implementing and sharing cost-effective approaches should lead to greater spatial coverage and impact to reduce aquatic invasive species spread via the live baitfish trade," Mulligan added.

Although individual states must leverage limited resources to focus on cost-effective approaches that prevent aquatic invasive species introductions within their individual jurisdiction, communication and coordination across jurisdictions is still needed to successfully reduce the risk among regions, Mulligan notes.

More information: Hannah Mulligan et al, Aquatic invasive species prevention in the live baitfish trade: the role of regulations, education, and inspections, BioScience (2025). DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaf027 Journal information: BioScience
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Mothers who benefit from free state-funded childcare are less likely to look after elderly and sick members of their household, including their parents, new research shows.

This was mainly because they used the free childcare to work more hours and so were unavailable to other family members, the study showed.

Zerui Tian, a Ph.D. researcher at the University of Oxford, analyzed survey data on 3,923 mothers and 2,402 fathers of children aged 3 and 4 years in the U.K., and who were entitled to 15 hours of free childcare.

He found that the mothers were 6.4% less likely to say they looked after their elderly parents or sick members of their household, largely because they worked longer hours.

Those mothers who did look after their elderly and sick household members spent 5.2 fewer hours on this if they had free childcare, again because they spent more hours at work.

Zerui Tian told the British Sociological Association's annual conference in Manchester today [Thursday 24 April] that his work had revealed "a hidden cost of childcare reforms, suggesting that expanded public childcare may inadvertently reduce the informal care available to other vulnerable family members.

"This decrease of non-child informal care offered by parents to the sick and elderly in the same household as a result of the entitlement to free childcare illustrates weakened affectionate bonds between family members.

"By reducing the time and effort required for caring for young children, parents, particularly women, are able to allocate more time to paid work and prioritize their careers.

"It reveals that while free childcare alleviates immediate childcare burdens, it may also erode caregivers' capacity to support other dependentsa critical insight for aging societies balancing work-family policies."

The entitlement did not have a significant effect on the likelihood of parents caring for the sick or elderly outside their own households, Tian found.

He did not find evidence that the entitlement to 15-hour free childcare made it less likely that fathers spent time looking after elderly or sick members of their household.

The study looked at data from 201113, when parents of children aged 3 and 4 were eligible for 15 hours of free childcare. This entitlement has been gradually extended since, and in 2025 it is 30 hours of free childcare for children aged 9 months to 5 years if both parents are working. In his research, Tian adjusted the data to exclude the effects of age, ethnicity and gender.

In the U.K., women are more commonly the caregivers in the family: Based on the 2021 census, in England 10.3% of women provided unpaid care, compared with 7.6% of men.
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NASAs Curiosity rover appears as a dark speck in this contrast-enhanced view captured on Feb. 28, 2025, by the HiRISE camera aboard NASAs Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Trailing Curiosity are the rovers tracks, which can linger on the Martian surface for months before being erased by the wind. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has never been camera shy, having been seen in selfies and images taken from space. But on Feb. 28the 4,466th Martian day, or sol, of the missionCuriosity was captured in what is believed to be the first orbital image of the rover mid-drive across the red planet.

Taken by the HiRISE (High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the image shows Curiosity as a dark speck at the front of a long trail of rover tracks. Likely to last for months before being erased by wind, the tracks span about 1,050 feet (320 meters).

They represent roughly 11 drives starting on Feb. 2 as Curiosity trucked along at a top speed of 0.1 mph (0.16 kph) from Gediz Vallis channel on the journey to its next science stop: a region with potential boxwork formations, possibly made by groundwater billions of years ago.

How quickly the rover reaches the area depends on a number of factors, including how its software navigates the surface and how challenging the terrain is to climb. Engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which leads Curiosity's mission, work with scientists to plan each day's trek.

"By comparing the time HiRISE took the image to the rover's commands for the day, we can see it was nearly done with a 69-foot drive," said Doug Ellison, Curiosity's planning team chief at JPL.

Designed to ensure the best spatial resolution, HiRISE takes an image with the majority of the scene in black and white and a strip of color down the middle. While the camera has captured Curiosity in color before, this time the rover happened to fall within the black-and-white part of the image.

In the new image, Curiosity's tracks lead to the base of a steep slope. The rover has since ascended that slope since then, and it is expected to reach its new science location within a month or so.

Provided by NASA
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Credit: cottonbro studio from Pexels

Four in five women surveyed in Northern Ireland said their first experience of sexist behavior or harassment by men happened when they were children, according to a new study.

Kim McFalone, a Ph.D. researcher from the University of Manchester, surveyed 211 women in the country who had experienced staring, sexual comments, touching, catcalling, flashing and other behavior that made them uncomfortable.

She found that 80% said they had first experienced this before the age of 1725% had experienced it before the age of 11, and 55% when aged between 11 and 16 years.

Her study, which is ongoing, also found that almost half (47%) of the 221 women surveyed had, while children or adults, experienced flashing by a man, and 93% had been harassed by men wolf-whistling or cat-calling.

The research was carried out against a background of a gradual increase in violence against women since the end of the Troubles. Sexual violence has increased every year since 1998 and reached the highest recorded level in 2024. Northern Ireland has the second-highest levels of femicide in Europe.

"I found it quite alarming that four out of five respondents first experienced behavior from a man which made them feel uncomfortable as children, aged 16 or under," McFalone told the British Sociological Association's annual conference in Manchester on Wednesday, April 23.

"Many interviewees noted they were harassed while they were in their school uniform, including a lot of catcalling from adult men in the street or inappropriate comments from adult men who they knew. There are obvious imbalanced power dynamics here, because their age suggests a vulnerability and lack of confidence to challenge this behavior," says McFalone.

"The other circumstance for unwanted behavior was while they were working in their first part-time job as a teenager, with adult male customers making sexual or otherwise inappropriate comments to them while they were working. A young girl working her first job probably isn't going to feel able to challenge this behavior or speak to someone about it."

McFalone also carried out interviews with affected women. One told her she was 13 years old when she first was "cat-called in a school uniform" by "fully grown men." Another said, "I worked for a pizza place as my first jobsurprisingly the worst sort of male attention I got, which was borderline illegal, was when I was 15."
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The future of renewable energy is causing international disagreements.

An international summit on the future of energy security opened in London on Thursday with stark opposition from Washington, which called policies to phase out fossil fuels "harmful and dangerous".

Profound differences emerged at the two-day International Energy Agency (IEA) meeting over the role of renewables in satisfying the world's thirst for energy.

The meeting takes place amid global economic turmoil sparked by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

"Some want to regulate every form of energy besides the so-called renewables, completely out of existence... We oppose these harmful and dangerous policies. This is not energy security," Tommy Joyce, US Acting Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs, told the conference.

That contrasted to a more moderate message from IEA executive director Fatih Birol in opening remarks at the summit, co-hosted by the UK.

"Every economy has its own pathway for energy. We should understand and respect it," he said.

Birol added also that "oil and gas are key parts of our energy mix, and they will remain as part of the energy mix in years to come."

The IEA said in its own forecast in 2023 that fossil fuel demand would peak before 2030.

Meanwhile, British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband welcomed "low carbon energy" as playing "a critical role in delivering energy security".

"As long as energy can be weaponized against us, our countries and our citizens are vulnerable and exposed," he added.

Several energy ministers from European countries attended the gathering, including 120 senior government officials, business leaders, and experts.

The United States was only represented by acting deputy secretaries of state, while China, Saudi Arabia and Russia skipped the event altogether.

Renewable energy disagreements

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has welcomed the meeting.

"The overall theme is one that OPEC supports. It is positive to see the IEA refocusing on energy security after veering away from this fundamental goal," the group said on Wednesday.

"Many net zero policies have endorsed unrealistic timelines or had little regard for energy security, affordability or feasibility," said OPEC, which has previously described the phasing out of fossil fuels as a "fantasy".

OPEC, whose membership is dominated by oil-producing Gulf states, believes that energy security must be achieved by adding renewable energy sources to existing fossil fuels, not by replacing them.

'Never again'

European countries believe that nuclear energy and renewables are the best way to avoid dependence on imported oil and gas, the prices of which have been increasingly volatile since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

"Europe must never again be in a position where Russia think they can blackmail us with energy," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the summit Thursday.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc will next month "present a roadmap, with concrete measures to phase out all imports of Russian fossil fuels.

"So that we will no longer rely on a hostile power for our energy need."

In the United States, Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants to lower energy prices with a "drill baby drill" approach in oil and gas fields, while limiting the development of wind power projects.

The French Energy Ministry noted that the mission of the IEA, which was established in 1974 in response to the first oil crisis, remains "to promote the energy transition as a tool for energy sovereignty."

It said "there is no stated American agenda for this meeting, and no European concern about a deviation from the agenda."

But according to a source at a major European energy company, the IEA and Birol have moderated their rhetoric toward renewables in recent months.

The idea is to "avoid antagonizing the Trump administration and to calm things down a little with OPEC", this source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

 2025 AFP
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Many farms in the Delmarva are seeing a reduction in crop health or bare patches on farmlands where nothing grows due to rising salinity in their soils. Credit: Manan Sarupria/University of Delaware

Salty soils are causing reduced crop density, lower yields and barren lands unable to sustain crop growth. Sea level rise, intense storm surges and the overextraction of groundwater are driving this increasing salinity in coastal farmlands throughout the Delmarva region.

When saltwater intrudes onto cropland, large swaths are rendered unsuitable for crop production. Visible salt patches appear on the soil, and, in some cases, areas once used for growing crops may fully convert into marshes.

At the University of Delaware, Pinki Mondal, associate professor and environmental science director in the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, and her lab group have examined this phenomenon since 2019. In 2023, a paper authored by Mondal and collaborators outlined the spread and cost of saltwater intrusion to coastal farms in the Delmarva region from 2011 to 2017, showing that 19,000 acres of cropland had been converted to marsh.

In 2022, Manan Sarupria and Matthew Walter, doctoral students in Mondal's lab in the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment (CEOE) at the time, visited farms around Delmarva to map salt patches and collect data points. Combining this information with current and historical satellite data, they trained a machine-learning algorithm to assess the history and extent of salt patches throughout the region.

Sarupria, now a UD doctoral candidate, is building on that research with a recently published paper in the journal Remote Sensing of Environment that presents a new method for evaluating the differences in land covers over a large geographic scale.

For this study, Sarupria was interested in examining the proportion of Delmarva farmland land cover that was identified as salt patches or marshes.

Having used drone images of salt patches on farms collected by Mondal's collaborator, Jarrod Miller, associate professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Cooperative Extension specialist in agronomy and a co-author on the study, Sarupria knew that drones could provide high-resolution images for individual farms.

However, to cover a larger area, he would need to rely on satellite images to show the spread of salt patches and marsh over a longer period, and these satellite images tend to be lower resolution than drone images.

"We used satellite images from the European Space Agency (ESA) mission Sentinel-2, which is freely available to the public and covers the entire planet every five days. That's an incredibly high resolution in time," Sarupria said. "That gives us a lot more information for each pixel compared to the drone image, but the drone image helps us to know exactly where the salt patches are occurring, and we can then map them on the satellite image. We trained a machine learning algorithm to use both types of images."

Each satellite image studied by the algorithm was composed of a ten-by-ten-meter square, and each square may contain various land covers ranging from grass, road, building roofs, vehicles and ponds.

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"Ten meters by ten meters is a big square. When sunlight falls on such big tiles, the satellite gets a mixed signal coming from a mixture of reflections from these different land covers," Sarupria said.

"We trained our machine-learning model to understand the pure reflectance properties of each land cover that appears in a square. When it receives something that is a mixture, it can automatically separate the mixture into individual components and tell us what fraction of each land cover is present in a square."

Sarupria noted that the data and the code they generated in this study are publicly available, so anyone can replicate or expand the study.

"Our method can help with land cover classification of an image at a fractional scale, so you have a better quantification of such intricate land cover classes," Sarupria said. "We developed certain formulas, the one for salt and the one for marsh were specifically generated for this study, and they helped the machine-learning models perform their tasks better in terms of detecting salt patches and marsh.

"It gave us an accurate measure of the spatial extent of a particular land cover class, and we focused on salt patches and marsh because they are the most prominent land covers when dealing with salinization on coastal landscapes."

Leveraging this method using data from 2022, Sarupria has developed forthcoming annual datasets for 20192023. These datasets are already telling a grim story as the Delmarva Peninsula witnessed a threefold increase in the salt patch area in 2022 compared to 2011.

Mondal's group intends to make this data available through a new app, similar to their Salt Patch Mapper app, which shows data for 20112017. The app can help to identify rapidly salinizing farmlands and suitable adaptation strategies, and shed light on changing landscapes and livelihoods.

More information: Manan Sarupria et al, Non-linear spectral unmixing for monitoring rapidly salinizing coastal landscapes, Remote Sensing of Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2025.114642
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Haidomyrmecinae fossil. Credit: Anderson Lepeco

A 113-million-year-old hell ant that once lived in northeastern Brazil is now the oldest ant specimen known to science, finds a report published in Current Biology. The hell ant, which was preserved in limestone, is a member of Haidomyrmecinaean extinct subfamily that only lived during the Cretaceous period. These ants had highly specialized, scythe-like jaws that they likely used to pin or impale prey.

"Our team has discovered a new fossil ant species representing the earliest undisputable geological record of ants," said author Anderson Lepeco of Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo in Brazil.

"What makes this discovery particularly interesting is that it belongs to the extinct 'hell ant,' known for their bizarre predatory adaptations. Despite being part of an ancient lineage, this species already displayed highly specialized anatomical features, suggesting unique hunting behaviors."

The ant fossil's discovery challenges our understanding of ant evolution and biogeography through time, according to the researchers. The previous oldest ants were found in France and Burma and were preserved in amber instead of limestone. The existence of a hell ant in Brazil shows that ants were already widely distributed and diversified early in their evolution, says the team.

"Even though there have been hell ants described from amber, this was the first time we could visualize this in a rock fossil," said Lepeco.

A paleoartistic reconstruction of the new species, based on the fossil and on a close relative species found in amber from Myanmar. Credit: Diego M. Matielo

Lepeco and his team discovered the "remarkably well-preserved" ant specimen while systematically examining one of the world's largest collections of fossil insects from the Crato Formation, a deposit renowned for its exceptional fossil preservation. The collection is housed at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo.

"When I encountered this extraordinary specimen, we immediately recognized its significance, not only as a new species but as potentially the definitive evidence of ants in the Crato Formation," said Lepeco.

"This finding highlights the importance of thorough examination of existing collectionsprivate or in museumsand brings a spotlight to Brazilian paleontology and the underexplored fossil insect fauna of the country."

Micro-computed tomography imaginga 3D imaging technique that uses X-rays to view the inside of an object, or ant in this caseshowed that the newly discovered ant was closely related to hell ants previously known only from specimens preserved in Burmese ambera type of amber found in Myanmar.

The finding shows that the ants were widely distributed across the globe and must have crossed Cretaceous landmasses repeatedly, say the authors. But what astonished them most was the hell ant's specialized features.

CT-Scan reconstruction of the hell ant fossil. Credit: Odair M. Meira

"While we expected to find hell ant features, we were shocked by the characteristics of its feeding apparatus," said Lepeco.

Unlike modern ants with laterally moving mandibles, this species possessed mandibles that ran forward parallel to the head and facial projection anterior to the eyes, the researchers noted.

"Finding such an anatomically specialized ant from 113 million years ago challenges our assumptions about how quickly these insects developed complex adaptations. The intricate morphology suggests that even these earliest ants had already evolved sophisticated predatory strategies significantly different from their modern counterparts."

The discovery of this new ant specimen raises broader questions about the evolutionary pressures that led to the hell ant's unique adaptations, say the researchers. With advanced imaging tools, it's now possible to examine such fossil specimens in much greater detail than ever before.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The resuspension of seafloor sedimentstriggered by human activities such as bottom trawling as well as natural processes like storms and tidescan significantly increase the release of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into the atmosphere. When these sediments are exposed to oxygen-rich seawater, large-scale oxidation of pyrite occurs.

This reaction plays a much greater role in CO 2 emissions than previously assumed, exceeding the contribution from the oxidation of organic carbon. A new study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, provides the first quantitative evidence of this effect in the western Baltic Sea.

"Fine-grained, muddy sediments are important reservoirs of organic carbon and pyrite," says lead author Habeeb Thanveer Kalapurakkal, a Ph.D. student in the Benthic Biogeochemistry working group at GEOMAR.

"We already knew that sediment resuspension can release significant amounts of CO 2 into the water column. But until now, it was believed that this was mainly due to organic carbon oxidation." The new study now shows that the major part of the CO 2 release is caused by pyrite oxidation.

Kiel Bight: A critical carbon sink at risk

The study focused on Kiel Bight, a coastal region in the western Baltic Sea located between the German island of Fehmarn and the Danish islands. This area features a range of sediment types: coarse sandy sediments in shallower waters and fine-grained mud in deeper regions. These muddy sediments are rich in organic matter and play a central role in the carbon cycle of the Baltic Sea. They are affected both by natural forces such as storms and by anthropogenic impacts like bottom trawling.

To study the effects of sediment resuspension, the researchers conducted sediment slurry incubations. They collected sediment samples from different sites in Kiel Bightranging from coarse sandy to fine-grained muddy sedimentsand stirred them in laboratory containers filled with seawater. The experiments simulated both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor conditions.

During the incubation period, the team monitored changes in key chemical parameters, including CO concentrations, pH, sulfate, nutrients and isotope concentrations. These measurements allowed them to identify the underlying processes and assess their impact on the local carbon cycle. The laboratory data were then integrated into a biogeochemical model to better understand the effects of sediment resuspension and oxygen availability.

Mean uptake of atmospheric CO 2 at the study sites. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02132-4

The results show that sediment resuspension leads to substantially greater CO emissions than previously thoughtmainly due to the oxidation of pyrite. When this iron-containing mineral, typically found in oxygen-poor, muddy seafloor sediments, is disturbed, it reacts with oxygen in the water. This reaction generates acid that converts climate-neutral bicarbonate into the greenhouse gas CO 2 .

A large fraction of the CO 2 generated by pyrite oxidation is subsequently released into the atmosphere. Modeling results suggest that these processes could significantly reduce the region's CO 2 uptake capacity. In other words, resuspension can turn the seafloor temporarily from a carbon sink into a carbon source.

"Kiel Bight, like other parts of the Baltic Sea, acts as an important sink for atmospheric CO," says Kalapurakkal. "Our experiments and model simulations show that activities such as bottom trawling significantly reduce this capacity by promoting pyrite oxidation and acidification."

The findings underscore the need to protect seafloor areas with fine-grained, muddy sedimentsregions typically rich in pyrite. Kalapurakkal states, "These areas need to be protected to maintain the CO 2 uptake capacity of the Baltic Sea."

More information: Habeeb Thanveer Kalapurakkal et al, Sediment resuspension in muddy sediments enhances pyrite oxidation and carbon dioxide emissions in Kiel Bight, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02132-4 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment
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China's Long March 2F rocket, carrying three astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 manned space mission, lifts off for a space station, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

A spaceship carrying three astronauts docked Thursday with China's space station in the latest crew rotation, marking a further step in the country's ambitions for a crewed mission to the moon and explore Mars.

The Shenzhou 20 spaceship took off as planned atop China's workhorse Long March 2F rocket at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT). It reached the Tiangong space station about 6.5 hours later, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The rocket lifted off from the launch center in Jiuquan, on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China. The spaceship will remain in space before returning with the current three-person crew.

The Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace," space station has made China a major contender in space, especially since it was entirely Chinese-built after the country was excluded from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns. China's space program is controlled by the People's Liberation Army, the military branch of the ruling Communist Party.

The addition of mechanical arms to the three-module station has also raised concerns from some that China could use them to disable satellites or other space vehicles during a crisis.

Since first launching a man into space in 2003becoming only the third country to do soChina's space program has advanced at a steady pace. The space agency has also landed an explorer on Mars and a rover on the less-explored far side of the moon, and aims to put a person on the moon before 2030.

Chinese astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 mission, from right, Chen Zhongrui, Chen Dong and Wang Jie wave as they attend a send-off ceremony for their manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

Chinese astronauts for the Shenzhou 20 mission, from right, Chen Zhongrui, Chen Dong and Wang Jie wave as they attend a send-off ceremony for their manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

The Shenzhou, or "Celestial Vessel," 20 mission will be commanded by Chen Dong, who is making his third flight. He will be accompanied by fighter pilot Chen Zhongrui and engineer Wang Jie, both making their maiden voyages, according to the Manned Space Agency. Unlike previous crews, Shenzhou 20 is entirely male.

They will replace three astronauts currently on the Chinese space station. Like those before them, they will stay on board for roughly six months.

The space ship is due to be launched into space atop China's workhorse Long March 2F rocket at 5:17 p.m. local time (0917 GMT) and reach the Tiangong about 6.5 hours later.

The three-person crew was sent in October last year and they have been in space for 175 days. They are due to return on April 29 after a brief overlap with their replacements. The Tiangong, fully assembled in October 2022, can accommodate up to six people at a time.

While in space, the astronauts will conduct experiments in medical science and new technologies and perform space walks to carry out maintenance and install new equipment, the Manned Space Agency said.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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This artist's concept illustrates the results of a new study that measured the masses of many planets relative to the stars that host them, leading to new information about populations of planets in the direction of the bulge of the Milky Way. This study, published in the journal Science, shows that super-Earths are common and places them in context with gas giant planets. Credit: Westlake University

An international team including astronomers from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) has announced the discovery of a planet about twice the size of Earth orbiting its star farther out than Saturn is to the sun.

These results are another example of how planetary systems can be different from our solar system.

"We found a 'super-Earth'meaning it's bigger than our home planet but smaller than Neptunein a place where only planets thousands or hundreds of times more massive than Earth were found before," said Weicheng Zang, a CfA Fellow. He is the lead author of a paper describing these results in the latest issue of the journal Science.

The discovery of this new, farther-out super Earth is even more significant because it is part of a larger study. By measuring the masses of many planets relative to the stars that host them, the team has discovered new information about the populations of planets across the Milky Way.

This study used microlensing, an effect where light from distant objects is amplified by an intervening body such as a planet. Microlensing is particularly effective at finding planets at large distancesapproximately between the orbits of Earth and Saturnfrom their host stars. The largest study of its kind, this work has about three times more planets and includes planets that are about eight times smaller than previous samples of planets found using the microlensing technique.

The researchers used data from the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet). This network consists of three telescopes in Chile, South Africa, and Australia, which allows for uninterrupted monitoring of the night sky.

"The current data provided a hint of how cold planets form," said Professor Shude Mao of Tsinghua University and Westlake University, China. "In the next few years, the sample will be a factor of four larger, and thus we can constrain how these planets form and evolve even more stringently with KMTNet data."

Our solar system consists of four small, rocky, inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars) and four large, gaseous, outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune). The searches for exoplanets to date using other techniques, i.e., transiting planet from telescopes like Kepler and TESS and radial velocity searches, have shown that other systems can contain a variety of small, medium, and large planets in orbits inside that of the Earth.

The latest work from the CfA-led team shows that such super-Earth planets are also common in the outer regions of other solar systems.

"This measurement of the planet population from planets somewhat larger than Earth all the way to the size of Jupiter and beyond shows us that planets, and especially super-Earths, in orbits outside the Earth's orbit are abundant in the galaxy," said co-author Jennifer Yee of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, which is part of the CfA.

"This result suggests that in Jupiter-like orbits, most planetary systems may not mirror our solar system," said co-author Youn Kil Jung of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, which operates the KMTNet.

The researchers are also looking to determine how many super-Earths exist versus the number of Neptune-sized planets. This study shows that there are at least as many super-Earths as Neptune-size planets.

Other CfA contributors to this study include post-doctoral fellow In-Gu Shin, former Harvard undergraduate student Hangyue Wang (now at Stanford), and Sun-Ju Chung, a KASI scientist who visited CfA on sabbatical from 20222023.

In addition to KMTNet, the Optical Gravitational Lens Experiment (OGLE) and Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics (MOA) survey groups contributed data for the planet characterization.

More information: Weicheng Zang et al, Microlensing events indicate that super-Earth exoplanets are common in Jupiter-like orbits, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adn6088 Journal information: Science
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Credit: Katerina Holmes from Pexels

Teachers lack the time to talk in-depth to boys and young men who may be influenced by online misogynists, research says.

Researchers surveyed 467 teachers in 39 secondary, primary and further education schools in England to ask about their work with boys and young men in the classroom.

The researchers, Dr. Alex Blower, of Arts University Bournemouth, and Dr. Jon Rainford, a researcher for the network, Boys' Impact, found that:

40% of teachers said they were unable to spend time exploring with boys and young men notions of masculinity.

Only 33% could recall engaging in a dialog with young men about masculinity in the classroom.

The researchers also ran a focus group of 15 teachers, who told them that even when they found time to discuss masculinity the conversations could be challenging.

One teacher told them, "I heard very toxic language and spoke to the boy. I had to get a male member of staff to join me in the end because it was pointless."

Another said, "Many students follow Andrew Tate on social media and believe him to be a role model. They feel he is showing masculinity and there is nothing wrong with this. I have spoken to many students about this to explain it is misogyny but, worryingly, there is a reluctance from students to accept this."

One teacher told the researchers, "When speaking with young men about masculinity they believe strongly in their position and do not accept an alternative viewpoint. The conversation ends with them feeling that they are correct."

Another said, "Many of the boys scoffed and laughed and found it difficult to have a woman having these conversations with them. Some boys were reflective and mature."

Dr. Blower told the British Sociological Association annual conference in Manchester today [Thursday, 24 April] that "the way teachers discuss influencers such as Andrew Tate in the classroom is significant and important.

"They exploit very real afflictions experienced among men and boys and use it as fuel for their misogynistic narratives. Algorithms amplify harmful content to boys' accounts, even if they don't search for it.

"Teachers believe it is playing an increasing role in misogynistic behavior by young men in education, and affecting relationships between students and teachers."

The research also provided many examples where teachers had engaged in productive, open conversations about masculinity and misogyny. One said, "We had a really open and frank discussion about sexual assaults, feminism and consent. It was a really positive discussion where the young men felt open to give their personal views and were able to see things from different perspectives. They also opened up about being misjudged."

Another said, "This was when I was working with a group of disadvantaged boys and talking to them about what does it mean to be a boy, what are the expectations of them by society and how does this make them feel? The boys were quiet at first, but when they felt 'safe' the conversation opened up and lots of voices and opinions were shared. The boys commented this was the first time in their school career that they have been able to reflect on what does it mean to be a boy."

Of the 467 teachers, 425 were in secondary schools, 14 were in further education or sixth-form colleges, 14 were in primary schools, and 23 in other types of provision.

The survey was carried out by Boys' Impact, a network of teachers and researchers that studies the gap in educational outcomes for boys and young men who receive free school meals.
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Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings turn white when a particular gene is knocked out. UCLA and UC Berkeley scientists used a tiny CRISPR system they developed to modify the mother plant's DNA, which the white seedlings inherited. Credit: Steven Jacobsen Lab/UCLA

Plant breeding plays a vital role in ensuring global food security by increasing crop yields, improving nutritional quality and creating crops that are adaptable to climate change. However, current plant transformation methods present significant hurdlesthey're labor-intensive, costly and don't work for many important plant species.

A breakthrough UCLA-led study published in Nature Plants overcomes these limitations by developing a streamlined method for heritable, transgene-free genome editing in plants using a miniature CRISPR system delivered by a common plant virus.

Collaborating with CRISPR-Cas9 co-inventor Jennifer Doudna and Jill Banfield at UC Berkeley, Steven Jacobsen, a distinguished professor of molecular, cell and developmental biology at UCLA, engineered the tobacco rattle virus to carry a compact CRISPR-like enzyme called ISYmu1 to target specific DNA sequences in the model mustard plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

Importantly, the genome changes can be passed on to future generations and the novel system doesn't leave behind the virus or any foreign DNA in the edited plant.

"CRISPR has the potential to make a huge impact in agricultureone that can be customized to local needs around the world," said Doudna, a Nobel laureate and founder of the Innovative Genomics Institute. "This study combined the strengths of my lab with our friends in the Jacobsen lab at UCLA to develop a new approach to precision CRISPR engineering in crops to help make that promise a reality."

Jacobsen, the study's senior author and a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA, breaks down why this technology represents a major advancement in plant breeding.

What are the key developments of this paper?

Our research team developed a miniature CRISPR system that uses the tobacco rattle virus to deliver gene-editing tools directly to the germ cells, or the reproductive cells, of the Arabidopsis thaliana plant, creating genetic changes that are passed on to future generations.

Plant breeding has long faced a critical bottleneck: efficiently delivering gene-editing tools to the right cells. Traditional methods require complex lab techniques where plant tissue is cultivated in petri dishes under specific conditions, modified one cell at a time and then regrown into complete plantsa process that takes years to develop for each plant species and simply doesn't work for many valuable crops like the common bean.

While plant viruses are a great delivery mechanism, conventional CRISPR systems are too large to be packaged into these viruses. We've overcome this size limitation by utilizing a CRISPR-like DNA-cutting enzyme that's small enough to fit inside the tobacco rattle virus.

How did you reach these findings?

First, our team screened various miniature CRISPR systems in plant cells, identifying the compact enzyme ISYmu1 as our most effective gene-editing tool.

We then engineered the tobacco rattle virus to carry this tiny editor and used a natural soil bacterium to introduce the virus into Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Once inside, the virus spread throughout the plants, delivering the CRISPR system wherever it traveled.

Successful editing produced a clear visual markeraffected areas turned white, including seedlings, confirming the edits reached reproductive cells. Since plants naturally block viruses from entering seeds, only the DNA modification gets transmitted to the seeds and inherited by the next generation.

So, in one step and in just one generation, this system allows for the creation of perfectly normal plants except for the single intended DNA change.

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What excites you about these developments?

This system marks the beginning of a new generation of genome-editing tools that can revolutionize crop improvement. If editing can be made more efficient in plants where current modifications are feasible and possible in previously unmodifiable plants, we can accelerate the development of crops with higher yields, enhanced nutritional profiles and better adaptation to climate change.

What makes this approach especially promising is that the tobacco rattle virus can infect more than 400 plant species. So, we might be able to use this exact system for tomatoes and potentially many other important crops.

With my background in agriculturegrowing up on an almond ranch in California and studying the field throughout my careerI recognize delivery as a major bottleneck in plant biotechnology. I'm particularly passionate about applying this technology to underinvested crops grown in developing countries, where traditional genome-editing techniques are just not available.

Can you talk about the collaboration with Jennifer Doudna and Jill Banfieldand how your labs' areas of expertise are complementary?

This collaboration is a neat example of what's possible when science is a team sport. Dr. Jennifer Doudna is an expert in CRISPR, Dr. Jill Banfield is an expert in screening through giant numbers of sequences for new CRISPR systems and I'm an expert in plants. The UC Berkeley labs specialized in the discovery and characterization of these tiny CRISPR systems, while our team screened those systems in plant cells and identified the optimal virus for the application. We're excited to continue working together to refine this tool that could greatly improve plant breeding.

What are the next steps in the study?

We're starting to test this technology in other plants, including important crops.

Currently, this system can only make one change to the plant DNA at a time. Our next step is to engineer the tool to develop multiplexing capabilityallowing multiple genome edits at once.

We're also focusing on improving efficiency. We plan to enhance both the CRISPR system itself and the frequency of infection to dramatically increase success rates.

More information: Trevor Weiss et al, Viral delivery of an RNA-guided genome editor for transgene-free germline editing in Arabidopsis, Nature Plants (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41477-025-01989-9 Journal information: Nature Plants
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Locations of target sources, background seismicity, and NVAR seismic array sensor locations. (a) An   = 1.96 explosion source (Dry Alluvium Geology [DAG]4) (37.115, 116.069) with origin time 22 June 2019 at 21:06:20 (UTC) (blue star) and an   = 2.1 , 6 km deep earthquake (36.819, 115.993) with origin time 23 January 2019 at 16:27:58 (UTC) (red star), superimposed against background seismicity (diamonds and circles) cataloged by the USGS that is within 50 km of each location, that is recorded during the same month as each source (201906 and 201901, respectively). (b) The 11 elements that compose the NVAR array that is deployed 250 km from the DAG4 explosion. Credit: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America (2025). DOI: 10.1785/0120250038

Could the seismic signal of an underground nuclear test explosion be "hidden" by the signal generated by a natural earthquake?

It's possible, according to a new review article published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America that contradicts the conventional wisdom about explosion "masking."

The new analysis by Joshua Carmichael and colleagues at Los Alamos National Laboratory found that advanced signal detector technology that can identify a 1.7-ton buried explosion with a 97% success rate only has a 37% success rate when seismic signals from that explosion are hidden within the seismic waveforms of an earthquake that happens within 100 seconds and about 250 kilometers away from the explosion.

The overlapping waveforms of explosion and earthquake "obfuscate the ability of even the most sensitive digital signal detectors we have to identify that explosion," said Carmichael.

The findings could lead experts to reconsider a 2012 report that concluded earthquake signals could not cover up explosion signals. Potential explosion masking by natural seismic signals is a concern for the community of scientists charged with nuclear test monitoring around the globe.

In North Korea, which has held six nuclear tests over the past 20 years, an increase in regional seismic instruments shows that "there's been a lot more low-magnitude seismicity in the vicinity of test sites than we initially realized," Carmichael noted.

The new findings suggest that "background seismicity in regions where there's any sort of seismicity at all is going to measurably and substantially reduce the probability that we can detect signals from an underground explosion at a test site," he added.

The researchers also found that natural signals from earthquake swarms or other repeating seismic events could be similarly hidden by overlapping waveforms. In this case, the masking effect dropped detection from a 92% to a 16% detection rate.

(a) Seismograms that record waveforms sourced by background seismicity within 2400 s after 7 January 2019 at 06:45:39 (UTC), which triggers our Fdetector at four distinct times (sky-blue stripes). The signal sources match origin times of cataloged events that locate east of Bodie, California. (b) The seismograms in panel (a) superimposed with unit-scaled, explosion-sourced template waveforms (blue waveforms) (Fig. 2a) that we inject into the data during a typical correlator operation. (c) The superposition of the resulting compound data stream (orange box) shows interference between the earthquake and explosion sourced waveforms at station NV11. Credit: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America (2025). DOI: 10.1785/0120250038

"This may mean that we probably underestimate a lot of the low magnitude seismicity that is sourced during a swarm or an aftershock sequence," Carmichael said. "In other words, we could be largely undercounting the number of earthquakes that occur in these swarms or in certain aftershock sequences."

Explosion masking has been difficult to test because there are so few explosions to examine, and very few data sets that contain both explosion and natural seismic signals.

One way to analyze the potential effect would be to simulate explosion data, but Carmichael said there are "too many unknowns" with the high-frequency signals of explosions to accurately create the seismograms that represent relatively small-scale explosions measured at a distance.

Instead, he and his colleagues used a technique that draws from data collected on explosions and natural seismicity at the Nevada National Security Site.

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The researchers developed a way to scale down the amplitude of the explosion data, "so that it mimics waveforms recorded from smaller explosions," Carmichael said. These explosion data are then "injected" back a set of earthquake signals, to see if sophisticated multi-channel correlation detectors can identify the explosion signal.

The technique creates a dense set of data that allowed the researchers to finally test the assertion that natural seismicity could not mask explosion signals, Carmichael said.

Researchers rely on multiple factors in addition to seismic signals as part of nuclear test monitoring, looking for other confirmatory evidence such as the presence of certain radionuclides in the atmosphere. It's unlikely that a coinciding earthquake would be enough to completely hide an explosion event.

But the new study offers "at least a recipe" on how to calculate the probability of explosion detection from seismic signals, so that this information can used together with other monitoring tools, said Carmichael.

More information: Joshua D. Carmichael et al, The Reduced Detection Rate of Signals That Are Hidden by Earthquakes: Case Studies with Spotlight Detectors That Operate at Seismic Arrays, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America (2025). DOI: 10.1785/0120250038 Journal information: Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America
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Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards, walks past dormant grapevines, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

A decade ago, Scott Osborn would have eagerly told prospective vineyard owners looking to join the wine industry to "jump into it." Now, his message is different.

"You're crazy," said Osborn, who owns Fox Run Vineyards, a sprawling 50-acre (20-hectare) farm on Seneca Lake, the largest of New York's Finger Lakes.

It's becoming riskier to grow grapes in the state's prominent winemaking region. Harvests like Osborn's are increasingly endangered by unpredictable weather from climate change. Attitudes on wine are shifting. Political tensions, such as tariffs amid President Donald Trump's trade wars and the administration's rollback of environmental policies, are also looming problems.

Despite the challenges, however, many winegrowers are embracing sustainable practices, wanting to be part of the solution to global warming while hoping they can adapt to changing times.

The Finger Lakes, which span a large area of western New York, have water that can sparkle and give off a sapphire hue on sunny days. More than 130 wineries dot the shorelines and offer some of America's most famous white wines.

At Fox Run, visitors step inside to sip wines and bring a bottleor twohome. Many are longtime customers, like Michele Magda and her husband, who have frequently made the trip from Pennsylvania.

Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards, stands for a photo, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

"This is like a little escape, a little getaway," she said.

Traditionally, the plants' buds break out in spring, emerging with colorful grapes that range from the cabernet franc's deep blues to the soft greens of the region's most popular grape, riesling. However, a warming world is making that happen earlier, adding to uncertainty and potential risks for farmers. If a frost comes after the buds have broken, growers can lose much of the harvest.

Year-round rain and warmer night temperatures differentiate the Finger Lakes from its West Coast competitors, said Paul Brock, a viticulture and wine technology professor at Finger Lakes Community College. Learning to adapt to those fluctuations has given local winemakers a competitive advantage, he said.

Globally, vineyards are grappling with the impacts of increasingly unpredictable weather. In France, record rainfall and harsh weather have spelled trouble for winegrowers trying their best to adapt. Along the West Coast, destructive wildfires are worsening wine quality.

Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards, walks through the vineyards past solar panels Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

Winegrowers as part of the solution

Many winegrowers say they are working to make their operations more sustainable, wanting to help solve climate change caused by the burning of fuels like gasoline, coal and natural gas.

Farms can become certified under initiatives such as the New York Sustainable Winegrowing program. Fox Run and more than 50 others are certified, which requires that growers improve practices like bettering soil health and protecting water quality of nearby lakes.

Beyond the rustic metal gate featuring the titular foxes, some of Osborn's sustainability initiatives come into view.

Hundreds of solar panels powering 90% of the farm's electricity are the most obvious feature. Other initiatives are more subtle, like underground webs of fungi used to insulate crops from drought and disease.

"We all have to do something," Osborn said.

Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards, enters a wine production building Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

One winegrower's sustainability pushand struggle to stay in business

For Suzanne Hunt and her family's 7th-generation vineyard, doing something about climate change means devoting much of their efforts to sustainability.

Hunt Country Vineyards, along Keuka Lake, took on initiatives like using underground geothermal pipelines for heating and cooling, along with composting. Despite the forward-looking actions, climate change is one of the factors forcing the family to make tough decisions about their future.

Devastating frosts in recent years have caused "catastrophic" crop loss. They've also had to reconcile with changing consumer attitudes, as U.S. consumption of wine fell over the past few years, according to wine industry advocacy group Wine Institute.

By this year's end, the vineyard will stop producing wine and instead will hold community workshops and sell certain grape varieties.

"The farm and the vineyard, you know, it's part of me," Hunt said. "I'll let the people whose dream and life is to make wine do that part, and I'll happily support them."

Head winemaker Craig Hosbach walks past rows of wine tanks at Fox Run Vineyards on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

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Tariffs and US policy changes loom

Vinny Aliperti, owner of Billsboro Winery along Seneca Lake, is working to improve the wine industry's environmental footprint. In the past year, he's helped establish communal wine bottle dumpsters that divert the glass from entering landfills and reuse it for construction materials.

But Aliperti said he'd like to see more nearby wineries and vineyards in sustainability efforts. The wine industry's longevity depends on it, especially under a presidential administration that doesn't seem to have sustainability at top of mind, he said.

"I think we're all a bit scared, frankly, a bit, I mean, depressed," he said. "I don't see very good things coming out of the next four years in terms of the environment."

Osborn is bracing for sweeping cuts to federal environmental policies that previously made it easier to fund sustainability initiatives. Tax credits for Osborn's solar panels made up about half of over $400,000 in upfront costs, in addition to some state and federal grants. Osborn wants to increase his solar production, but he said he won't have enough money without those programs.

Samples of red wine sit on a table in the head winemaker's office at Fox Run Vineyards, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards, walks past wine barrels, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

A tractor moves along rows between dormant grapevines at Fox Run Vineyards, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

Solar panels operate at Fox Run Vineyards and Seneca Lake, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards, chats with customers Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

Rose and Paul Wells taste wine at Fox Run Vineyards, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

A sign that reads, "What happens at the winery stays at the winery," sits on a shelf in the head winemaker's office at Fox Run Vineyards, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

Roark Castner works at Anthony Road Winery, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

Solar panels operate at Fox Run Vineyards and Seneca Lake, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. Credit: Natasha Kaiser via AP

Fox Run could also lose thousands of dollars from retaliatory tariffs and boycotts of American wine from his Canadian customers. In March, Canada introduced 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goodsincluding wine.

Osborn fears he can't compete with larger wine-growing states like California, which may flood the American market to make up for lost customers abroad. Smaller vineyards in the Finger Lakes might not survive these economic pressures, he said.

Back at Fox Run's barrel room, Aric Bryant, a decade-long patron, says all the challenges make him even more supportive of New York wines.

"I have this, like, fierce loyalty," he said. "I go to restaurants around here and if they don't have Finger Lakes wines on their menu, I'm like, 'What are you even doing serving wine?'"

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP  People can debate what has been more admirable about the life of Marco Polo Smigliani  his time in the Marines during the Vietnam War or what he has done as a volunteer veterans advocate during the past 24 years.

For Smiglianis military service and veterans advocacy, he will be honored with the renaming and dedication of Swift Drive as Marco Polo Smigliani Purple Heart Way. The ceremony will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park, 2153 Ocean Heights Ave.

We are very lucky to have him. He has done outstanding work for veterans in South Jersey, said Township Committeeman William Pauls, who headed the committee that organized the ceremony. It was a great pleasure to do this. ... It was a great honor. Most of all, I got a good friend out of it in Marco Polo.

Smigliani, 77, was deployed to Vietnam in January 1969 as a machine gunner and served 40 days of combat. During that time, Smigliani and his battalion found thousands of machine guns and rifles of the enemy, but he was also wounded five times in 11 days and ended up a four-time Purple Heart recipient.

Since he retired 24 years ago, Smigliani has been involved with any activity that helps veterans. Hes helped expand South Jersey medical services, assisted veterans nationwide in receiving disability benefits and has spoken about his military experiences to schoolchildren.

Smigliani, who was born in Italy in 1948 and came to this country without speaking English at age 11 in 1959, remembered enough from his time in post-World War II Italy that he has always been appreciative of his parents bringing him to America.

My village was devastated during World War II, said Smigliani, who became an American citizen at age 13 in 1961. Seven people were killed during and after war in my family. I saw a lot of poverty and misery in Italy.

Smigliani was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 to 1970. He joined Operation Dewey Canyon with the Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment, which was called The Walking Dead by North Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh.

Atlantic County prosecutor honors Purple Heart recipient Smigliani at Veterans Day ceremony The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office honored Marine Corps veteran and four-time Purple Heart recipient Marco Polo Smigliani, of Egg Harbor Township, during a Veterans Day ceremony at the county courthouse.

On Feb. 23, 1969, Smigliani dove into a foxhole as a bomb exploded. Shrapnel embedded itself in the back of his head and neck, which was his first time escaping death and was the first of his four Purple Heart injuries.

I refused to medevac. I was one of the walking wounded, said Smigliani, who added as the new guy, his decision to stay earned him the respect of his fellow, more senior Marines.

Smiglianis other Purple Heart incidents all occurred on March 6, 1969. He was shot in the arm, caught in a grenade explosion that nearly cost him an arm, and struck in the head by shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade.

Im the luckiest guy in the world, Smigliani said.

In 1980, Smigliani relocated from Las Vegas to South Jersey and worked at Resorts Casino Hotel, where he rose from being a dealer to a pit boss while driving a jitney in Atlantic City.

In 1995, Smigliani opened Marco Polos Pizzeria at Route 9 and Delilah Road in Pleasantville. He sold the building and the business that bears his name for early retirement in 2001. The restaurant remains open.

After Smigliani retired, he transitioned to full-time volunteer veterans advocacy.

One of the biggest areas Smigliani worked hard to improve was medical services for South Jersey veterans. Due in part to his efforts, the past decade has seen the establishment of a 15,000-square-foot Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Vineland, a 15,000-square-foot clinic in Rio Grande and a twice-as-large Atlantic County clinic that is expected to open this summer in Linwood.

Helping vets has been the fight for EHTs Smigliani Marco Polo Smigliani stands out in a crowd. It might be because he is often wearing purple a

Bob Frolow, veterans service officer for the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board, has worked with Smigliani, who is the co-chairperson, for years and thinks he is great.

Hes very aggressive and knowledgeable about veterans issues, said Frolow, 82. Hes a good veteran. He tries to support others.

Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Douglas Satterfield, 72, moved seven years ago from Brooklyn, New York, to Smithville and is part of a small network of volunteers who involve themselves with veterans issues that includes Smigliani.

He (Smigliani) is a real down-to-earth person. Hes the kind of person who would do anything for you. ... He fights for veterans, doing the best he can, said Satterfield, who added he hopes to have some 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment veterans at the ceremony. Hes the type of guy you can depend on.

Smigliani will attend the ceremony with his children and grandchildren, along with many other veterans. The event is open to the public.

I want to thank God and America, the greatest nation ever put on the face of this Earth, Smigliani said.
Top Democrats in Illinois praised U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin's legacy after the 80-year-old announced he would not seek another term in Congress, while leading Republicans characterized the decision as long overdue.

Durbin, elected to the Senate in 1996, rose to become its No. 2 Democrat and previously served as chairman of its Judiciary Committee.

"Dick Durbin is, and will always be, a giant of the United States Senate," said his colleague, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., in a statement.

Not everyone had praise for Durbin's record, however. Kathy Salvi, chair of the Illinois Republican Party, described it as "decades of speeches and zero real progress for Illinois families."

She said his decision to step aside was "proof that even the most entrenched eventually find the exit."

See more Illinois political leaders' reactions below. This is a developing story that will be updated.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth

"The first time I met Dick Durbin was just 12 weeks after my shootdown  at a point so early in my recovery that I could barely sit up for any length of time, even in my hospital bed.

"But when Dick looked at me, he saw past the wounds, saw past the wheelchair. He saw a Soldier in search of her next mission. And he recognized well before I did that just because I would no longer be flying Black Hawks for the Army didnt mean that I couldnt find a new way to serve my nation.

"It is only because of Dicks empathy, patience, support and mentorship that I am in the United States Senate today. It has been the honor of a lifetime to get to work alongside a leader who embodies what it means to be a true public servant. Someone who has never, ever stopped speaking out for those who far too often feel voiceless. Someone who has never, ever stopped fighting to hold the special interests in our country accountable. Someone who has never, ever stopped caring enough about our nation to do the hard, grueling work necessary to make her a little more fair, a little more justone day, one bill, one constituent at a time.

"Dick Durbin is, and will always be, a giant of the United States Senate. He has dedicated his life to making our state  as well as our nation  stronger, and we are all better for it. There are no words to adequately express how grateful I am to call him a friend or how honored Ive been to call him a mentor. And while I will miss working with him so closely in the Senate, I know he will find a new way to keep serving his country in the years ahead  just as he encouraged a wounded Soldier in a Walter Reed hospital room to do, all those years ago.

"Thank you, my friend. For everything."

Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Chicago

"MK and I want to express our sincere congratulations to Senator Dick Durbin on his retirement and our utmost gratitude for representing the people of Illinois with integrity and honor.

"Throughout his career, Senator Durbin has been a consistent champion and reliable leader for our working families, civil rights, healthcare, climate, and beyond. From first introducing the DREAM Act, to leading the historic confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to bringing in major federal infrastructure projects to our state, Senator Durbin has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of everyday Illinoisans.

"His legacy is defined not just by the legislation he passed, but by the undeniable positive impact his character and moral leadership has had on the nation. Together with his talented wife Loretta who has trained and encouraged so many women who have become successful public servants, Dick remains a clear voice for truth, equality, and justice.

"The people of Illinois should take great pride having a leader like Dick Durbin represent us in the U.S. Senate. I have been proud to be his partner and am even more proud to call him my friend. He will leave some extraordinary shoes to fill  and has given us all an example of courage and righteousness for the work ahead. No doubt we will all celebrate him during his final 20 months in office.

"On behalf of the entire state of Illinois, I want to wish Senator Durbin a peaceful, fulfilling, and family-filled retirement."

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria

Senator Durbins retirement was long overdue. For decades, Illinoisans have known him as the face of Washington dysfunction  pushing liberal policies that have made life more expensive, our borders less secure, and our streets less safe.

"While we wish him well in retirement, Illinoisans are ready to turn the page. Voters are tired of out-of-touch liberal policies that have failed working families, and prioritized illegal immigrants and far-left ideological agendas over hard working American taxpayers.

"Congressman LaHood has earned strong support from voters across the 34 counties hes represented in Congress, winning each election by overwhelming margins. Hes championed impactful economic growth policies and been a leader in strengthening our national security against growing threats like China and Iran. His leadership has consistently driven strong financial backing, resulting in nearly $6 million in cash on hand at the end of last quarter.

"As the 2026 election approaches, Congressman LaHood remains focused on delivering conservative leadership for all Illinoisans that offers a clear alternative to the failed liberal policies driving families and businesses out of Illinois.'

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Moline

It has been an honor serving alongside Senator Dick Durbin in Congress. I have long admired his focus on creating jobs in Illinois, bringing down costs for working families, and protecting benefits for veterans and seniors.

As a dedicated public servant for more than four decades, Senator Durbin has been a strong voice for Illinoisans, ushering into law many historic bills as a long-time leader in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful for the legacy he leaves behind that has helped improve millions of our Illinois neighbors.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville

Senator Durbin is the best. He defends our values, always fights for whats right, and time and again delivers for Illinois families.

Ive known Senator Durbin to be a generous and thoughtful leader. He has always set a standard of excellence: accelerating progress in access to health care, growing the middle class, and championing a judiciary that reflects our country. As a steady force for good, Senator Durbin always dedicates himself not just to our state, but the country. Im so grateful for his decades of service which has made life better for millions of people.

Thank you Senator Durbin for your sacrifices and leadership for Illinois!"

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park

I want to congratulate my friend Senator Dick Durbin on an extraordinary career in public service. His leadership made a lasting impact on Illinois. Senator Durbin spent his career fighting for all Illinoisans, and the trust the people placed in him over his tenure speaks for itself.

I extend my thanks to Senator Durbin, Loretta, and their family, and wish them the very best in the years ahead.

Kathy Salvi, chairman of Illinois Republican Party

"After decades of speeches and zero real progress for Illinois families, Dick Durbin is stepping aside  proof that even the most entrenched eventually find the exit.

"Illinois families have a long-overdue chance to turn the page and elect a leader who will fight for lower taxes, less government spending, true support for Israel and our national and economic security."

Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association President Mark Guethle

Ive had the privilege of knowing and working with Senator Durbin since he first ran for the U.S. Senate 1996. What impressed me then and continues to impress me now is his selflessness. Whether he was fighting for working families or attending a County Party event somewhere in Illinois, we know we can count on him. His leadership in the Senate and in the Democratic Party have been invaluable. He is a true statesman in every sense of the word.

"Senator Durbin understands the importance of building the Democratic Party at the grassroots level in all corners of Illinois. He continues to be a fierce advocate for the IDCCA, and we will forever be grateful for his leadership. We are a stronger IDCCA and a stronger Democratic Party because of Dick Durbin.

"On behalf of all 102 County Democratic Party Chairs, I wish to thank Senator Durbin for everything he has done for our state, our country, and our Democratic Party. We wish him well in retirement."

Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery

Senator Durbin's career has been defined by principled leadership, fierce advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to working people. His legacy will be held in high regard alongside other great senators from Illinois such as Paul Douglas and Paul Simon. As someone who began his career working alongside Senator Paul Simon, Durbin stepped into his mentors shoes and not only continued the legacy but built on it. His contributions have shaped Illinois and the nation for the better.

Throughout his decades of public service, Senator Durbin stood up time and again for teachers, school staff, higher education, public employees, and the right of every worker to organize and be treated with dignity. He was a vocal champion of immigration reform, co-authoring the DREAM Act and standing strong for DACA recipients when their futures were most at risk.

On behalf of the more than 103,000 IFT members, we extend our gratitude for his lifetime of leadership. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will inspire generations to come.

Illinois Retail Merchants Association President and CEO Rob Karr

Senator Dick Dubin has been a tireless advocate for Illinois and a true champion for the retail community. We extend our sincere congratulations to Senator Durbin on his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated public service.

"We are grateful for his decades-long recognition of the vital role retail plays in our economy, and his commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace for consumers and retailers. In particular, we appreciate his leadership on debit-card reform and, more recently, his support of the Credit Card Competition Act, which has been instrumental in bringing attention to skyrocketing credit card swipe fees that are harming businesses and driving up costs for working families. We thank him for his partnership and his unwavering dedication and wish him the best in his next chapter.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos

I couldnt as for a better partner at the federal level. Hes been an incredible supporter of what were trying to accomplish here in Normal. ... Hell be missed in the state of Illinois but he certainly put his time in and deserves the rest and I just wish him the best."

The Rev. Courtney Carson, vice president of external relations at Richland Community College

(Durbin) is and has always been a thoughtful leader and trailblazer for whats needed in our phenomenal state. For decades he has always worked to help people within our state and he never forgot about people who have historically been marginalized.

"We are going to miss his presence, geniuses, and passion to fight for righteousness. It didnt matter which side of the aisle youre on. He wanted to help the country move forward.

"When I was young, I fainted in a press conference and he caught me. He is always catching those of us who have stumbled. I love him.
In an era defined by instant connectivity, the internet stands as a seemingly boundless library, a global marketplace and a vibrant social square, all accessible with a mere click.

However, this vast digital world harbors a dark side. The very technology that connects us can be used for horrific crimes, such as online child abuse.

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program has investigated over 844,600 complaints of child sexual victimization, resulting in 89,400 individuals arrested nationwide.

Fifteen years ago, Pennington County experienced its first major online child abuse case, South Dakota vs. John Rolfe. On the cases anniversary, the Pennington County States Attorneys Office revisited the landmark case through its podcast Justice In Action in a two-part release.

(At the time) wed not seen a case like this before and it was so new, not just for our county and our state, but even nationally, Pennington County States Attorney Lara Roetzel told the Journal. The ability to catch people who were sharing images like this was just starting, so it was a really big deal in our community.

Reflecting back to the middle of her legal career, 15 years ago, Roetzel said she hopes hearing the story will rally the community to better support victims of abuse.

The case that changed everything

The investigation into John Rolfe of Rapid City began in May 2010, when the West River ICAC Task Force identified Rolfes IP address as offering child sexual abuse material imagery online.

Roetzel said it was initially difficult for investigators to track down the correct IP address, as ICAC needed a search warrant to find the right one in a vast search within the trailer park Rolfe worked at.

Former ICAC Commander Brent Gromer described how investigators found several red flags in their initial investigation of how Rolfe would write inappropriate love letters between a granddaughter and grandfather.

Gromer said Rolfe went on the run after the July 20, 2010 search warrant.

We had learned that he was kind of driving through the hills. He was sleeping in his pickup, driving dirt roads down by Custer, Gromer said in the podcast. We just got lucky that it happened to be the first day he came back was the day we got the warrant and got him arrested.

Rolfe was arrested on Aug. 3, 2010. Roetzel said Rolfe requested one last phone call before authorities arrested him. He called his wife and told her to call the victim, Ashtyn Faehnrich. The Journal normally doesn't name child crime victims, but does so here with Faehnrich's permission because the now 27-year-old woman said she wants to tell her story.

Roetzel said this highlighted the control Rolfe had on not only Faehnrich but her family as well. Gromer agreed with this sentiment as he detailed how difficult it was to convince Faehnrichs family of Rolfes abuse by showing them the 20 images collected in the case.

He had such a hold on this girl. He had complete control over every aspect of her life, Roetzel said. John Rolfe did not just groom Faehnrich, he groomed the entire family.

According to court testimony, Rolfe began molesting Faehnrich when she was 9 years old in May 2009. The abuse ended on July 20, 2010, after authorities searched his Rapid City home and business.

The following comes from the Journal's reporting on the State v. Rolfe case in April of 2011.

On Friday, April 22, 2011, a jury of four men and eight women found Rolfe guilty of three counts of first-degree rape and 12 counts of possession, manufacture and distribution of child pornography.

Roetzel, who was the chief deputy states attorney at the time, delivered an emotional closing statement before the jury began deliberations. She pleaded with the jury to give Faehnrich a new, normal life free from Rolfes control.

A forensic computer examination revealed thousands of pornographic images of unidentified children, which, despite efforts by Rolfe to erase them, were still retrievable from the computer. Some of those images were of his victim, said Gina Nelson, who was the deputy states attorney and co-counsel at the time.

This was no mistake, Nelson said of the child pornography found on Rolfes computer. She reminded the jury of testimony confirming that child pornography was downloaded for hours at a time and then quickly removed from the computers hard drive. The night before his house was searched, images were downloaded for several hours, Nelson said.

Rolfe remained in jail on a $1 million bond after his August 2010 arrest. In November 2011, the judge limited Rolfes phone calls to a daily call to his attorney after prosecutors complained he was making harassing phone calls from the jail. Jail records indicated that Rolfe made 160 calls in three days.

Rolfes defense attorney, Ellery Grey, called a single witness: a 13-year-old boy who dated Faehnrich. The teen testified that he had received five nude photos from her via cellphone.

Grey rebutted the allegations against his client and focused on the credibility of the victim.

Grey also challenged the states assertions that Rolfe was the only one who used the computer found in his bedroom to view pornography. A 46-inch television monitor was attached to the computer.

The victims family thought her relationship with Rolfe was normal before his arrest, Grey told the jury. No one considered Rolfes relationship with the victim manipulative and controlling, he argued.

Grey reminded the jury that the victim did not disclose the abuse when she was first interviewed. At one point, she even wrote a letter denying any abuse had occurred.

The heart of this case is the victims testimony, Grey told the jury in 2011.

Roetzel had a different opinion of the victims testimony.

I dont know how they could have not felt that she was believable, Roetzel said in 2011. That girl was the most credible witness Ive ever seen on the witness stand.

As Roetzel reflected on the 15-year-old case, she detailed how memorable Faehnrichs strength was to get up on the stand and testify against the man who had abused her for years. The most memorable moment in the trial was Rolfes outburst to Faehnrichs testimony, calling her a liar.

Ashtyn with big eyes and in this completely crushed, cracking voice says, I am not a liar and you know it, Roetzel said. And everybody in the room knew she was telling the truth In that exchange, you could feel the electricity crackle.

Rolfe was sentenced to three concurrent life sentences without parole and 12 consecutive 10-year sentences in the South Dakota State Penitentiary.

Rolfe uttered a brief, violent outburst before deputies forcibly removed him from the courtroom as 7th Circuit Judge Thomas Trimble read the verdict.

A girls path to healing

Fifteen years after her courageous testimony in court, Faehnrich, now a young woman, broke her silence and shared the harrowing details of her abuse to the states attorneys office on Tuesday, April 8.

Im a little nervous, but Im ready. I feel like its time, Faehnrich said in the podcast interview. I just think overall Im in a better place in my life now than I was before.

Faehnrich recited the events in her life and how her stepdads father, Rolfe, began to abuse her at the age of 9. She said the abuse didnt start immediately; in the beginning, Rolfe would give her compliments and gifts to sweeten her up.

However, the once-innocent relationship between a grandfather and his granddaughter worsened with time. Faehnrich said Rolfe had used her home struggles as a way to manipulate her into emotionally relying on him rather than her parents.

It was really hard, Faehnrich said on the podcast. Because there was a lot of fear involved. I started to then build this relationship with him, and he made it seem like he was my protector, that he would always be there no matter what.

Faehnrich detailed how Rolfe would give her medicine that would put her in and out of consciousness before bedtime.

As the years of abuse continued, Faehnrich was groomed into thinking this was a normal occurrence between family members. However, that didnt silence the fear she felt deep down.

Part of me at that age thought this was OK, and I feel like that's kind of where the shame comes to play, Faehnrich said. Because I know other victims expressed that too. In thinking it was OK, when it wasnt OK.

Rolfes obsession became brutal as each year passed by, Faehnrich said. He would control where she could go, who she could hang out with, and what she was wearing.

My childhood definitely got taken away in that aspect, Faehnrich said.

As Faehnrich got older, she said she began to retaliate against Rolfe, which resulted in violent outbursts by the man. In one outburst, he fired a gun at the ceiling after an argument.

Even after Rolfes arrest, Faehnrich expressed how scared she was of him getting out of jail and finding her. This fear made Faehnrich initially lie to police about the abuse, it wasnt until after speaking with her stepmom that Faehnrich felt she could be honest with authorities.

I felt relieved because I, of course, felt like I did something wrong, Faehnrich said. Being told that it wasnt my fault made me feel better, but of course, living with that was a lot to take on.

It was through the trial that Faehnrich said she was able to recognize what happened to her and find strength once more.

Now, as an adult, Faehnrich has learned to heal from the experience and grow in her own way. Recently engaged, she said she is excited to start her own family. Faehnrich has dedicated her life to helping other victims of sexual assault as a therapist.

I see it as I went through this for a reason and that was to be able to help other people, Faehnrich said.

Faehnrich reminds those who are going through dark times that their trauma does not define them and that in the end, they can become whoever they want to be.

Roetzel, who witnessed Faehnrich grow from a small girl on the witness stand into a confident young woman, told the Journal shes moved by Faehnrich and hopes the community can learn something from her story.

I would encourage the community if they have a loved one, friend, or family member who discloses a victimization to them that they start believing them and take that power away from the offender, Roetzel said.
While hoisting a sign that said "Death of due process" in black ink, Rapid City local Nicole Preble expressed frustration about the ongoing saga involving Priya Saxena, a South Dakota School of Mines and Technology international student whose student visa was recently revoked by the government.

"I honestly don't have any words really to describe what I think is happening here. It's something I never thought I'd see," Preble said.

Preble was among the roughly 30 people lining up on Omaha Street Wednesday for a protest for human rights set up by Indivisible Rapid City. Motivations included President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. It's been largely spearheaded by former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who's now Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The visa revocations have morphed into one facet of the administration's deportation efforts.

"I don't know if I can say anything that you can put into print," responded Preble, when asked about her thoughts on Saxena's case.

Saxena is facing deportation and other consequences, according to a lawsuit she filed April 17 against Noem and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons. Saxena successfully defended her doctoral thesis in chemical and biological engineering earlier this month.

On Friday, Saxena sat in a Rapid City federal courtroom and walked out with a crumpled tissue in her right hand. Moments before it was used to dab away tears that came as Judge Karen Schreier granted a temporary restraining order allowing her to stay in the country until at least May 2. Doing so provided Saxena the opportunity to attend South Dakota Mines' May 10 commencement ceremony.

It also removes the fear of being whisked off the street. The next trial hasn't been announced. In the meantime, Saxena's lawyer, Jim Leach, is awaiting a brief by defense attorney Michaele Hofmann  who's representing Noem and Lyons.

On Friday, Hofmann alleged Saxena failed to report she was arrested for a DUI, stemming from a 2021 traffic violation, while applying for a new visa in 2022. Hofmann argued Saxena's "dishonest response is a public safety issue in our country" and DUIs have taken innocent lives. Leach contested that she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, but wasn't convicted of it. Prosecutors in Meade County, where the offense occurred, dismissed the charge after she pleaded not guilty. A legal document obtained by the Journal indicates Saxena's blood alcohol content was .06 on the night in question, which is under the legal limit.

Leach noted Saxena reported the Class 2 misdemeanor she received that night for failing to pull over for an emergency vehicle while applying for her new visa in 2022.

Preble said it's "ridiculous" that a potential deportation still looms.

"Show me a person who hasn't made a mistake," remarked Preble. "If she had white skin, I wonder if she'd be targeted."

Saxena is one of 1,000-plus international students whose visas were recently revoked, according to media reports. The revocations were largely done in response to the pro-Palestinian protests that roiled college campuses a year ago. But others, such as Saxena, have had their visas revoked over marks on their criminal record.

Critics said visa revocations could evaporate culture and result in a "brain drain" locally and nationwide  leading people to depart the area or country after obtaining higher education.

"We're losing on so many levels because some of those kids would have stayed in the United States if they could, after their studies, and be a productive part of society. Maybe invent something. Who knows. All the kids are hard-working. I just find them to be exceptional," one protestor said.

Saxena has authored 12 peer-reviewed journal publications, with two more under review, and two published book chapters, as of Jan. 1, according to her lawsuit.

Cindy Spencer Redetzke, a former teacher at Rapid City Area Schools for 34 years, choked back tears while imagining how she'd feel if one of her own students were in Saxena's situation.

"As a retired teacher, I stood for all my students, and ... everyone who walked in our classroom was respected and valued. That's what our government should be doing, too," Spencer Redetzke said.

According to the lawsuit, the government sent Saxena an email on April 7 notifying her that she faces deportation, fines, detention, ineligibility for a future U.S. visa and the possibility of being deported to a country other than India. The email said "additional information [that] became available after your visa was issued" was the reason for the revocation.

While Saxena wasn't made available for comment, the looming threat of deportation conjured fear and anxiety for her, according to Leach. In court on Friday, Leach said that she'd become afraid to leave her home.

"It's appalling that our country is grabbing and snatching international students or revoking their visas and giving them seven-day notices to leave our country," Spencer Redetzke said. "They have a right to be here and their rights should be respected, like all Americans rights."

This story has been corrected after originally saying Schreier's order was for 28 days.
Seven years after a University of Richmond researcher discovered that enslaved laborers were buried on campus, the university has created a permanent memorial for them.

On Wednesday, UR unveiled an almost $4 million stone wall, adorned with images of faces, engraved messages and a water feature, to mark the area known as the Burying Ground. The memorial is an effort to show respect to the enslaved people who lived and died there, after the university neglected them for decades.

The memorial turns the grassy space into a proper cemetery, said Burt Pinnock, who leads the cultural studio at Baskervill, the architecture firm that designed the structure. The memorial, at 112 UR Drive, is free and open to the public.

Before it became the University of Richmond, the hill leading down to Westhampton Lake was part of a nearly 5,000-acre plantation called Westham that was owned by Ben Green, a prominent Richmond businessman and slave owner.

When the university bought the land in 1910, school leaders knew there was a cemetery on campus. A topographical map that the Olmsted Brothers firm drew in 1901 marks the spot as a grave yard.

In 1912, while builders were constructing a road called Richmond Way, they found at least 20 graves in the roads path. The law at the time prohibited building over graveyards, but the president of the schools board of trustees, J. Taylor Ellyson, told the landscape architect there would be no legal trouble.

So the road was built, and any markers that might have identified graves were gone. It is unclear what happened to the human remains that had been buried there. The university stumbled upon graves again in the 1940s and 1950s but kept building anyway. By the 21st century, the university had mostly forgotten about the cemetery.

Around 2018, a researcher named Shelby Driskill rediscovered the cemetery by piecing together topographical maps, newspaper clippings and university correspondence. She published a 20,000-word report in early 2020. The university assembled a committee, reached out to possible descendants and held conversations about how UR should preserve the land. Brenda Dabney Nichols, a local author, represented the descendant community.

The university continued to grapple with the legacy of slavery. In 2021, students and faculty protested the names of two buildings on campus associated with slavery and racism, but school leadership stood pat and resisted change. A year later, the school finally relented and changed the names of six buildings, including facilities named for Robert Ryland and Douglas Southall Freeman.

Robert Ryland, the schools first president in 1840, owned slaves.

Freeman, a trustee from 1925 to 1950, advocated for segregation, eugenics and prohibiting interracial marriage. Freeman, who won two Pulitzer Prizes for his multi-volume biographies of Robert E. Lee and George Washington, was editor of the Richmond News Leader from 1915 to 1949. He headed the board of trustees at the university.

For the Burying Ground, UR decided it wanted the space to remain sacred and lightly touched, to be accessible and to evoke feelings of reconciliation.

Last year, work was paused when builders thought they had discovered more grave sites adjacent to the cemetery. The university received a permit to excavate human remains from the ground and rebury them in the cemetery. When they broke the ground, they discovered there were no human remains there after all.

Construction began in May of last year and finished last week. The almost $4 million cost included construction, archeology, design and engineering.

I take projects like this extremely personal, said Devon Henry, who leads Team Henry Enterprises, the contractor that oversaw construction. He said the people buried there were not given proper respect for years. To see how they have responded makes the project very meaningful to him, he said. Team Henry also built a memorial to enslaved laborers at the University of Virginia and led the removal of Richmonds Confederate monuments.

They built the wall from a type of granite called Virginia Mist, and they studied how it would look under the sunlight and against water. They sent the stone to a fabricator in Madison, Wisconsin, to carve the blocks. A local machine shop, Tektonics Design Group, built the metal work, including a door, panels, a water feature and a fence at the top of the hill.

On the backside of the wall are the portraits of three Black individuals. Designers gathered 60 family photos from the descendant community and drew three faces as composite images. The wall also contains Adinkra symbols of Ghanaian culture, representing many of the enslaved who lived here and were born in other countries.

The end product, Pinnock said, is just what the descendant community asked for.
Cozumel welcomes MSC World America on maiden voyage

Cozumel, Q.R.  The Island of Cozumel welcomed the MSC World America cruise ship. The cruise ship stopped at the island Wednesday on its maiden voyage through the Caribbean.

The MSC World America cruise ship, a recently built vessel operated by MSC Crociere SA, belongs to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). Mayor Jose Luis Chacon says the arrival of the ship is a sign of Cozumels importance to cruise tourism.

We look forward to welcoming you as you deserve and serving you during your visits, the mayor said during the traditional plaque exchange. Ship Captain Dino Sagani welcomed the mayor and the group of municipal officials who accompanied him.

He also praised the destinations natural beauty and assured that Cozumel will continue to lead its routes, as one of the most important destinations in the Caribbean.

The vessel has a capacity for 6,762 passengers. The ship docked at the Punta Langosta pier on Wednesday morning.
Federal inspectors shut Holbox beach club during nation-wide coastal real estate operation

Holbox, Q.R.  During a recent inspection, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) shut down Playa Nana on the island of Holbox. The establishment was shut after federal inspectors found it was operating without the correct permits.

The Playa Nana beach club was closed by Profepa during a nation-wide operation on April 16 after finding it did not have the Federal Zone permit for multiple uses. In an apparent act of contempt, Playa Nana covered the closure seals placed by Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente (Profepa) with a promotional banner the day after.

The closure operation took place April 16 when Profepa personnel inspected the property, noting alleged environmental irregularities. The main access to the property is identified as part of the Playa de Nana club, a site that continued to operate despite the official notification.

Social media users shared images showing Profepa placing the official closure seals. The following day, social media users showed the large closure seal covered by a banner.

To date, Profepa has not issued a statement regarding the breach of the closure. The closure of Playa Nana was part of a nation-wide National Operation on Coastal Ecosystems and Tourist Beaches of Mexico that began on April 14 across 17 of the countrys coastal states to monitor real estate developments.

From April 14 to 25, inspectors are monitoring and verifying compliance with the prevention, control, mitigation, restoration and compensation measures outlined in the environmental impact authorizations granted by Semarnat for the development of federally mandated works and activities in areas containing coastal ecosystems, the government agency reported.

Likewise, inspection visits will be conducted to verify the legal occupation, use, and exploitation of the ZOFEMAT, maritime beaches and TGM (General General of the General Government of the Territory of Puerto Rico) or any other maritime water reservoir, Profeco added.

The states where this operation will be implemented are Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. In these states, 52 coastal municipalities, 176 beaches, 20 Protected Natural Areas, and RAMSAR Sites will be visited.

An estimated 120 inspection and verification visits will be carried out on projects and activities in coastal ecosystems and occupations within the ZOFEMAT, as well as 318 surveillance tours to detect environmental crimes.

Semar (the National Security Service), Sedena (National Security Agency), National Guard, state and municipal police and Conanp (National Police) are also collaborating in this multi-agency operation.

Mexico is endowed with tremendous natural wealth. Its coastlines, beaches and coastal ecosystems provide vital benefits for both humans and the functioning of numerous ecological processes. They are refuge, nesting, and breeding areas for a wide variety of bird, amphibian, and fish species, and they also regulate and balance climatic and biochemical cycles.

Profepa works tirelessly with all levels of government to monitor and protect these ecosystems and all life within them and to ensure compliance with the law by those who exploit these areas in any way, stated Attorney General Mariana Boy Tamborrell.
PDC and Tulum mayors meet to consolidate shared work agenda

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  In a high-level institutional meeting, the mayor of Playa del Carmen, Estefania Mercado, held a meeting with the mayor of Tulum, Diego Castanon.

The pair met Wednesday with the goal of consolidating a shared work agenda on public safety, tourism promotion and social development. The meeting reaffirms the commitment of both municipalities to promote regional well-being and develop strategies that positively impact the quality of life of their citizens, Mercado said.

Tulum is a sister municipality that was once part of Playa del Carmen. Today it shines as one of the Caribbeans most important destinations and we are convinced that by working together, we can multiply the benefits for our communities, said Estefania Mercado.

During the meeting, priority topics were addressed such as security coordination, the design of joint routes to boost national and international tourism and concrete actions in inclusion, social care and community development programs.

With this alliance, Playa del Carmen and Tulum reaffirm their leadership in southern Quintana Roo, investing in a collaborative governance model that responds to the demands of the present and the vision of a shared future.

The Mayor emphasized that these actions are part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen regional prosperity. She rreiterated that her government is committed to transformation from the ground up with the people at the center of every decision.

When theres collaboration theres transformation, and when two destinations like Playa del Carmen and Tulum join forces, all of Quintana Roo wins, she said.
SIOUX CITY -- Some people get really upset when they find out their house is only "fair."

A team of appraisers employed by the Sioux City Assessor's Office spend the year fanning out across the city's neighborhoods, examining houses and rating their condition. The process takes time; houses in the city are assessed on a six-year cycle.

"There's no way that I could ever employ enough people to get through every house in the city, every year," said Sioux City Assessor Tyler Erickson. Last year, the staff appraisers examined approximately 5,000 properties, he said.

The assessor's office can assign a house one of nine possible ratings: Very poor, poor, fair, below normal, normal, above normal, good, very good and excellent. These rankings are set by the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Based on sales data, Erickson said "above normal" and "normal" are, together, the most common condition for houses in the city by far.

The condition rating can be significant for a homeowner, because it influences the home's resale value and its assessment for property tax purposes. The difference between "normal" and "above normal," for instance, translates to an approximately 5 percent change in value. The ratings have little bearing on mortgage lending or insurance, as banks and insurance companies tend do their own assessments.

From 'very poor' to 'excellent'

"Very poor" houses are completely uninhabitable and are all but certain to be demolished. "Poor" houses are unlivable or very close to it, but the house could potentially be saved. In either case there's usually no one living there.

For a house built circa 1900, "normal" condition is about what it sounds like: "A normal condition home could still have the original hardwood floors and everything else, but really it's just maintained. It's not falling apart. It's not deteriorating. It's in normal condition for that age of a home," Erickson said.

If that house had been remodeled -- ''maybe they've done all-new flooring, new kitchen, new bathrooms, new windows, new siding, instead of just maintaining those items," as Erickson put it -- the house could be upgraded to "above normal," or even "good."

But if, instead of being maintained or updated, the 125-year-old house has chipping paint, deteriorating siding and drafty windows, it could be downgraded to "below normal."

"That is a professional opinion of my appraisers going into buildings, into homes, and actually evaluating the property," Erickson said.

"Excellent" houses are relatively rare; that rating is given on the basis of extensive remodeling. (A preservationist would probably dispute the notion that such houses are "excellent," given how little remains of the original house.) A house built in the 1920s, for instance, might have a shot at "excellent" if all its plaster of Paris walls were all torn out and replaced with modern drywall, and if it had all new electric, plumbing, fixtures, windows, doors, siding and flooring.

Newer homes are typically rated "normal," Erickson said, "unless they've had, for whatever reason, a lot of abuse or deterioration over a short period of time." These houses also won't likely be upgraded to "above normal" or better, because they aren't old enough to have undergone major renovations.

From the outside

In the past, the appraisers more often got an intimate view inside the house, Erickson said. Today many houses are inspected from the outside only.

"It's getting harder and harder to get into property, to actually get interior inspections," he said.

"You go back to the 1960s, all these old-time assessors will talk about, 'You just used to walk down the street, and someone was always at home,'" Erickson added.

Not so much nowadays. "Less and less people respond when we send out letters," he said. (For on-the-go homeowners who would like an appraiser to come inside, Erickson said they take appointments and are very accommodating about the time. An appraiser can come over during a homeowner's lunch hour, and sometimes they'll work late for an appraisal in the early evening.)

As is the case with the overall assessment, many homeowners challenge the assessor's office's opinion of the condition of their home. For the department to reconsider its condition assessment, their staff need to be able to see inside the house.

Even when they're upset about the assessor's condition report, Erickson said, many homeowners still refuse the offer to have an appraiser come inside.

"If you have questions, the best way for us to get corrected information is to do home inspections," he said.

"We can't make adjustments (to a home's assessed condition) if people are just yelling or not allowing us to verify information," Erickson added. "It's very difficult."
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,

What to do about a colleague who insists on doing everything from home? I work at a university. All of our classes are in-person. I have a colleague who lives about 10 minutes from our campus. She comes in for exactly as long as it takes her to do her mandatory in-person tasks and goes home straight afterwards. Even if we have a meeting 15 minutes after her lesson ends, she will go home and join it online. If she organizes a meeting, shell make it online even though its the middle of the day and everyone is in the same building except her. Im on several committees with her. She is not swayed by the fact that she is the only one online while everyone else is sitting in a room looking at her on a screen. It has been pointed out to her several times that these meetings are more work for the people who are in-person, as we have to find a room with the right facilities, and its also harder to pay attention and take minutes in a hybrid situation. Finally, despite repeatedly emphasising to her that the people who are in the room feel like more of a team and she isnt as friendly with us, she still refuses to join us in person.

The school doesnt have a policy about working from home for meetings. This is a person who just doesnt seem to care that her preferences cause more work for others and hurt her professional relationships. Is there any argument or persuasive tactic weve overlooked? We cant just kick her off any of these committees.

Hybrid Hater

Dear Hybrid Hater,

People can have good reasons for wanting to work from home as much as possible. Your colleague could have a health condition that makes it dangerous for her to work on site, or a phobia that makes it extremely uncomfortable, or an elderly pet that needs supervision. Do you think she would have shared such information with you, or others? If youre pretty sure shes working from home because she thinks her minor comfort is more important than your major hassles, then, yes, thats a problem.

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You did the right thing by telling her that shes causing extra work for her colleagues and missing out on opportunities to build relationships. Those are good reasons to come in! And being direct also gives her the opportunity to say, I understand the hassle, but this is an accommodation I need.

Related From Slate I Own an Upscale Restaurant. I Want to Institute a Ban That Could Anger My Customers. Read More

She might be rejecting your advice because she wants to get kicked off of her committees, and youre right to insist she stay on them. Is it possible to make it her responsibility to arrange the room and set up the technology that allows her to conference in? Or are there any other tasks that you can assign to her that will make it more of a bother for her to work remotely, as well as alleviate some of the burden for everyone else? Maybe she could be responsible for taking minutes whenever shes not in the room. That would also take away her privilege of dual-screening while other people have to pay (or look like theyre paying) undivided attention. Another option is to volunteer her to mentor a new hire or a student who is interested in her line of work. If her peers cant sway her, maybe someone who needs her help could get her to show upfiguratively, but also, literally.

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Send Your Questions to Good Job!

Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here!

Dear Good Job,

I work at a fox sanctuary. Its part time stuff, but I find a lot of satisfaction in caring for the little fuzzballs. But I do have some concerns about one of my co-workers, Sharon. Sharon started around the same time I did, and was initially great at the job. Lately shes been having some trouble.

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I first noticed the problem one day when a squirrel climbed over one of the high fences. We are set up near a forested area, and while the fences are high and smooth enough to keep the foxes from climbing or jumping over, a squirrel can manage. When this squirrel made it over, one of the foxes ran over and ate it.

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Thats a reasonably regular occurrence. We have instructions not to interferethe foxes dont like it if you steal their kill. But I noticed that Sharon seems to have trouble with that. Not just the one time, but every time it happens. She wont actively interfere, but shell cry if she sees a fox on the hunt, and always seems rattled for the rest of the day afterwards. And I mean to the point where it interferes with her duties: she wont do a good job cleaning the fox pens, or feeding them on time.

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Mostly, Ive just worked a bit extra to cover her slack if we share a shift and she falls apart on me. But its been happening more frequently now that its getting warmer and I worry I should do something. Should I speak to Sharon about this, or our boss? Or just keep my head down and hope things work out?

For Fox Sake

Dear For Fox Sake,

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Does your sanctuary have an educational component? If so, maybe Sharon could take more responsibility for teaching visitors about how foxes evolved and their role in the ecosystem. That could help her learn that catching squirrels is one of foxes great joys in life (which of course is anthropomorphic, but clearly Sharon is anthropomorphizing the heck out of your fuzzballs).

You sound like an observant and compassionate person. Its not your job, but it would be a kindness to speak with Sharon about this. Its possible she gets so upset that she doesnt realize shes shirking her duties, and she will fix the problem once you point it out. If she is withholding food intentionally to punish the foxes, she needs to know people are noticing and she cant get away with it. If she continues to neglect the foxes after they catch a squirrel, do tell your boss what youve observed. Sharon might be better off working in a different kind of sanctuary, one that rehabilitates squirrels and bunnies and other prey animals rather than predators.

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Slate Plus members get more Good Job every week. Sign up now to read Laura Helmuths additional column this week.

Dear Good Job,

My boss chastised me for complimenting a fellow attorney on the outcome of a case he argued. He said it was unprofessional. Is there really anything wrong with giving a colleague a word of praise?

Lighten Up!

Dear Lighten Up,

Congratulating colleagues, thanking them, or complimenting their work are some of the best ways to make work life better. Winning a case is great, but winning a case and getting recognition from your peers is even more satisfying. Its possible your boss is a joyless scold who would rather manage a robot army than a human law firm.

But its also possible there was something off in the way you complimented your colleague. Did you sound surprised that your fellow attorney succeeded? If youre white and the fellow attorney isnt, or male and your colleague isnt, you might have accidentally drifted into microaggression territory. This form of implicit bias may seem harmless to the person expressing what they think is a complimentyoure so articulate!but it stings. Or perhaps your delivery was too casual for a formal work environment. Did you yell, duuuude! and high-five your colleague across a conference table?

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Next time you have a catch-up meeting with your boss, ask him to explain why he thought the compliment was unprofessional. The trick is to do this without defensiveness, and to make it clear that you genuinely want to improve your social skills. Perhaps your boss meant that theres a specific time for celebrations, or that the compliment disrupted another important conversation. If your boss is really just a stick-to-business grouch, and if youre sure your compliment was taken well by your fellow attorney, please dont stop praising your colleagues. Just do it when the boss cant hear.

Laura

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Classic Prudie

My childhood was very rough, and I spent it bouncing through foster care and various relatives. My parents were horrible. I was abandoned in a parking lot as a child, and my parents interfered with the one nice set of foster parents who wanted to adopt me because they were Jewish. I cut ties with them when I was 19 and have not spoken to any of my blood relatives for a decade. I am doing wellgot an education, own my own car, and work as a bakery manager. My problem is that for years I have told people that my parents are dead.
Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily.

Its no coincidence that President Donald Trump caved to the Kremlins demands for peace-through-surrender, and insisted that Kyiv do the same, on the same day that Russia launched its deadliest attack on Ukrainian civilians in nearly a year.

Then, one day later, deepening the delusions that he has long displayed about the war and his own power to affect its course, Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to his senses and stop the killing.

Vladimir, STOP! Trump posted on Truth Social. I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing.

Quite aside from the bone-chilling familiarity (has Trump ever addressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by his first name?), theres the presumption that the Kremlin leader has ever regretted blowing up civilian apartments or cared what Trump or anyone else might think about his murderousness. Trump had complained once before about Russian bombingand then, just minutes later, he resumed blaming Ukrainians for starting the war (and, of course, Joe Biden for failing to stop it). Certainly the peace plan that Trump had just laid on the table should have signaled that the Russians can get away with whatever levels of violence theyd like to commit.

Trumps plan, according to European sources who have seen the one-page outline, calls for the following:

 Russian and Ukrainian troops cease fire at their current positions on the battlefield. That means Moscow would control about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including the bulk of its four easternmost (and, before the war, industrial-rich) provinces in Donbas.

 The U.S. also lifts all economic sanctions that it imposed on Russia as a result of the February 2022 invasion.

 Russia is recognized as controlling Crimea (which the Soviet Union had handed Ukraine as a gift in 1954, until Putin reannexed the peninsula in 2014).

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 The U.S. is barred from stationing peacekeeping troops in Ukraine after the ceasefire, and Ukraine is forbidden from ever joining the Wests NATO military alliance.

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 In exchange for all this, Russia is obliged to concede  well, it seems, nothing. In fact, Russian spokesmen continue to demand that even a temporary ceasefire be preceded by a settlement of all the wars root causes, which it blames entirely on Ukraine.

As one NATO official told a reporter from Politico when asked what he thought of Trumps proposal: Did Putin write this for him? Another diplomat responded with an exploding head emoji.

Russias state-controlled media certainly understood the gist of the deal, writing, Its practically a foregone conclusion the U.S. will pull out of Ukraine talks, and The unity of the West is gone. Geopolitically its no longer an alliance. Trumpism has destroyed the Atlantic consensus confidently and quickly.

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If that isnt Trumps aim as well, then one can only ask: What is his aim?

A case could be made that some of these elements might be woven into a peace deal after both sidesRussia and Ukraineare ready, or can both be pressured, to stop fighting. However, to accede to Russias position at the start of negotiations, with pressure only on Kyiv and no concessions from Moscow, amounts to Ukrainian surrender.

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Short of such pressure or desire, a ceasefire, under Trumps terms, would simply give Putins army a chance to regroup, remobilize, and at least threaten to resume an offensive toward Kyiv. Anyone who believes Putin would hold the line at Donbas, leave Kyivs government in place, or refrain from threatening other former Soviet republics hasnt been paying attention to what Putin himself has been saying about his goals the past yeare.g., that Ukraine is a fiction, its people dont exist as a separate culture, and that Russia has a legitimate interest in not only carving out a sphere of influence but re-creating the old Russian empire in the space of what was once the Soviet Unions Warsaw Pact.

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As for NATO, shortly after the 2022 invasion, Zelensky said he had cooled off on membership in the Wests military alliance as a trade-off for peace. He repeated the point this week. However, on both occasions, and several times in the interim, he has demanded some form of security guarantees from Western countries, asked what they might entail in the absence of a NATO slot, and heard nothing in return.

Related From Slate Trumps Delusional Belief in Himself Has Become the Worlds Problem Read More

Zelensky also pointed out that, whatever Crimeas checkered history, Ukraines constitution prohibits just letting it go. Trump waved away the legal niceties. If the Ukrainians want Crimea, he asked, Why didnt they fight for it 11 years ago when Russian troops stormed and annexed it without a shot being fired?

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There are a few good answers to this question. First, its worth noting that Zelensky wasnt president until 2019, five years after the Crimean annexation and the subsequent incursions into eastern Ukraine by Russian special forces. Second, at the time of the annexation, Ukraines army had pretty much dissolved. (It would begin to rebuild, with the help of U.S. assistance and some European armies, during the Donbas wars preceding the 2022 invasion.) Third, the annexation seemed, at the time, to be a one-off eventPutins attempt to halt Kyivs pro-democracy movements from making an alliance with any Western organizations, especially the European Union.

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As Putin stretched his war into an invasion of all Ukraine, the terms and stakes of the war changed. Even in the early part of the war, many residents in Donbas and Crimea regarded themselves as Russians; in a hypothetical war, they might have sided with Moscow. But once Moscow started bombing their apartments, hospitals, and other targets, sympathies shifted. Ukrainians have fought over Donbas and Crimea in the battles since.

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It is worth noting that, back in 2018, during his first term as president, Trump said the U.S. would not recognize Crimea as Russian territory. As a Republican active on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Marco Rubio also called for a similar policy. Now he has joined Trump on the switch to Moscow. So have most of the Republicans who were on Zelenskys side not so long ago.

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Rubio was scheduled to attend the next round of peace talks along with Trumps all-purpose emissary and fellow real-estate tycoon Steve Witkoff. But when Zelensky rejected the offer out of hand, they copped out. There would still be a U.S. delegation, but one consisting of midlevel officials who would haveand be seen as havinglittle to no influence on the proceedings.

This is what Rubio meant when he said earlier this week that, if one side or the other rejected peace talks, the U.S. would just move on. Two things stand out in that still-somewhat-ambiguous comment. First, Trump has inveighed against only Zelensky for rejecting the specific deal. (To Putin, who not only rejected it but killed dozens of Ukrainian civilians as a sign of showing what he thought of it, Trump sent only a beggars pleaVladimir, STOP!)

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Second, will Trump now move on by taking a merely passive stance toward the war, turning his attention to diplomatic possibilities elsewhere? Or will he take further steps toward a geostrategic alliance with Moscow, in the course of which he will likely halt further military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, possibly letting Kyiv fall and the U.S.-European alliancewhich is most challengingly focused on the fate of Ukrainecrumble?

This is probably a distinction without a difference. Trumps favoritism toward Russia has been clear for a long time. His hostility toward Ukraine has taken on a darker intensity. The events of the past 48 hours may have hardened these trends irreversibly, making the days of even-handednessmuch less a return toward alliance with Ukraineimpossible.
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When I read, a few days back, that Kamala Harris is looking for a way back in to politics, I found myself pleasantly surprised. Im hardly a member of the KHive, but lets face itthe news about what Harris might do next could have been so much worse. When she ended her campaign with a speech at Howard University, she said she would never give up an unspecified fight, so frankly, I didnt expect much from her. Maybe shed do like the Obamas and start her own production company? Launch a chat show on Netflix? (What can I say, Democrats have disappointed me over the years.)

Still, articles about Harris next steps as a politician are filled with the same cautiousness that characterized her losing campaign at its worst: She is said to be carefully feeling her way forward and looking forward while still processing. Shes doing the right things like meeting with Ezra Klein about his abundance agenda and talking polling with Democratic shaman David Shor. Sure, I get itits hard to say exactly what a Democrat not in office could do right now. But Id like to humbly suggest another role model for Harristhough he is long dead, and also Canadian.

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The role model is Tommy Douglas. Yes, he was a socialist, a label Harris has been running from for as long as shes been in politics. But Douglas is also remembered as one of his countrys most beloved leaders, despite having a moment of profound political loss he needed to bounce back from. And how he did it specifically can offer Harris the road map she needs right now.

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TC, as hes called, got into politics as a social activist and Baptist preacher whose defining issue was health care. His connection was personal: Growing up in poverty in Saskatchewan, Douglas nearly lost a leg as a child, but a first-class surgeon offered him free treatment as long as medical students could observe his progress. The adult Douglas wanted every child to have access to that kind of care, and he fought for it his entire career.

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His political setback came in 1945. At the time, the federal government of Canada was considering a set of proposals to expand the countrys welfare state after a decade of economic depression and five years of war. Douglas, then the premier of the deeply impoverished province of Saskatchewan, was advocating for the national government to fund a health care system that provinces would then administer. He felt the moment could be a turning point in Canadian history and said failure to make a plan would have disastrous results for Canadians. But new services meant higher taxes, and ultimately the welfare proposals went down in flames, as one biographer told me. (It didnt help that negotiations were overshadowed by the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima.)

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TC called the loss a tragedy. His home province was poor; he couldnt deliver on welfare programs on his own. But rather than accept defeat, he went with Plan B: He convinced his constituents to support a limited health plan, just hospital care at first. To make sure it went smoothly, Douglas appointed himself minister of public health, so he could rapidly roll out reforms. When the province needed more revenue to support its welfare program, he made himself minister of cooperation and cooperative development to sort out the finances. It took decades to build his system and expand it to everyday doctor visits, but eventually his plan became the model for Canadas entire Medicare program. Looking at what Saskatchewan built, every province wanted in.

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If you think that Canada is somehow different from the U.S. when it comes to health care, realize that you probably only think that specifically because of TCs hard work. Universal health care was not naturally popular while Douglas was building itbefore establishing his Medicare prototype, doctors staged a 23-day strike to try to derail it all. The leader of Saskatchewans Liberal Party tried to kick down a door in the legislature and warned that Douglas plan was making the province into something akin to Russia or Cuba.

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If you remember Kamala Harris notorious flip-flopping on Medicare for All, you might be wondering why Im bothering to suggest the Tommy Douglas approach to her. My reasoning is simple: Id argue that now is the time for Harris to pick her-ride-or-die issue and go to the mat for it. Douglas offers another lesson for Harris, too: When you are shut out nationally, act locallyespecially if youre in a state where you have the privilege to do so. Prove to the rest of the country that you have the ideas that will move us all forward. Do it small. Then do it big.

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Ive even got the perfect topic for her to consider. Since shes openly considering running for governor of California, might I suggest housing? Housing in California is much more expensive than it is elsewhere in the country, which leads to a rising population of unhoused folks, and grim Fox News fodder about urban crime and drug use. Being bold about housing could be a kind of skeleton key for an elected looking to rehab their brand.

An issue like housing has an added bonus of being a lens for talking about all kinds of nationally relevant topics. Worried about oligarchy? Talk about how Elon Musk wants to put people on Mars rather than building homes for them here on Earth. Thinking about American jobs? You want to provide a whole lot of jobs in construction!

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Related From Slate An Unlikely Star Democrat Emerged This Week Read More

There would be challenges. It gets harder for a politician like Harris when you consider that implementing a big reform means forcing concessions from people you see as alliesbig donors, NIMBYs, even environmental activists. But the people-pleasing instincts of the Democratic Party that were so perfectly refracted by Kamala Harris the candidate have not been working for anyone.

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And there are risks. Harris might seem inauthentic by focusing on a single issue in a way she hasnt done before. With housing, she has spoken about her mom saving for years to buy her own home, but she isnt in the guts of permitting reform. Her approach in the past has offered lifelines to distinct groups of people (e.g., down payment support for first-time home buyers) rather than emphasizing housing as a human right for all.

But I think the possible benefits still outweigh these challenges and risks. Tommy Douglas pushed his ideas about health care by focusing on the righteousness of his causehaving been a preacher helped. With the GOP modeling trollishness as a political brand, righteous indignation is right there for the taking, if only the Democrats will get on with it.

Im not asking Harris to become something shes not, not really. I am asking herand her party more globallyto think bigger. Find some things they believe in. And stick with them. Kamala Harris is the perfect person to try. Because, honestly, shes tried everything else. Shes got nothing to lose.
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Editors Note, April 25, 2025: MercyOne and the other defendants initially filed their reply in support of its motion for application of the noneconomic damages cap on March 31. In a court hearing on April 18, the attorney for CHI and MercyOne informed the court it was withdrawing from the motion to cap damages. It also released a statement that the argument was accurate from a purely legal standpoint but has caused confusion and concern as it called into question its belief that human personhood would ever be called into question.

After Roe fell in 2022, MercyOne, a Catholic health system based in Iowa, released this statement: As a Catholic health system, MercyOne believes all life is sacred including the lives of pregnant women and unborn children. MercyOne does not allow elective abortions but will save the life of the mother if she has life-threatening complications in pregnancy. Abortion remained legal in Iowa for another two years and is still legal if a fetal heartbeat is undetectable. But MercyOne has said it remains committed to the sanctity of unborn life.

With apparently one exception. Recently, within a medical malpractice lawsuit arising from the stillbirth of a baby at approximately 36 weeks of pregnancy, a MercyOne hospital in Des Moines and its fellow defendants sang a different tune. They argued that this death of an unborn life wasnt a serious injury or a substantial loss of bodily function. The defendants, again including a Catholic hospital, argue that the babys stillbirth wasnt even a death, arguing that fetal death is not death and referring to the baby as a nonexistent person.

Why would the Catholic hospital belittle unborn life so? Simply, money. Minimizing the injury is within their financial interests. And apparently, financial interests are strong enough to override the sacredness of unborn life. In the abortion context, a sacred, unborn life is killed. In the context of allegations that medical malpractice caused stillbirth, really nothing happened.

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The hypocrisy is obvious. But dont overlook the crassness, only adding to the trauma for these plaintiffs grieving their daughters potentially preventable stillbirth. Those plaintiffs are Miranda Anderson and Landen Anderson. In 2021, the Andersons were looking forward to the birth of their daughter, whom they had named Eloise Irene. Miranda was 35 weeks, 5 days pregnant when she began having symptoms of preeclampsia. She received medical treatment numerous times in the next week and was always sent home. Eight days after her first visit after the appearance of symptoms, her baby was dead. Miranda gave birth to her dead baby daughter via C-section delivery. The Andersons lawsuit alleges that Eloise would be alive today had the medical providers acted properly and timely induced labor.

Related From Slate The Courage To Be Decent Read More

The defendants are trying to limit their liability by way of Iowas cap on the recovery of noneconomic damagesdamages without a market value, like damages for emotional distress and lost parent-child relationshipin a medical malpractice claim. Under state law, plaintiffs in these cases can recover only $250,000 in noneconomic damages unless the plaintiffs injury constitutes substantial or permanent loss or impairment of bodily function, substantial disfigurement, or death. MercyOne and its fellow defendants argue that none of these exceptions apply. Again, the Catholic Hospital even argues that fetal death as late as 36 weeks is not death; baby Eloise was not (yet) alive.

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MercyOnes argument also includes another minimizing sentimentthat the Andersons really havent suffered much injury because they can have another baby. This is common in wrongfully caused pregnancy loss cases (and in pregnancy loss narratives generally); the loss is often devalued because the woman can simply have another baby. Specifically, the defendants argue that Andersons reproductive abilities still function in a normal manner. Well, yes, but this sentiment ignores the possible trauma of subsequent pregnancy and the increased risk of stillbirth due to her prior stillbirth. Relatedly, the defendants dismiss the possibility of Andersons C-section scar as disfigurement even though it will likely mean more C-sections in those future pregnancies. This problem-solved sentiment that the impacted couple can just have a new baby is yet another curious juxtaposition to the hospitals apparent view on the sacredness of life lost in abortion. Surely the hospital would never suggest that a sacred life lost in abortion could be so simply replaced with a future baby. Yet, the Andersons injury is minimal because, again, their reproductive abilities still function in a normal manner.

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MercyOne is hypocritically bending itself into a pretzel to serve its financial interests. Perversely, dead babiesthose who do not survive childbirthare much cheaper in medical malpractice litigation that damaged babiesthose who do survive but with traumatic injuriesespecially in a state like Iowa with a cap on noneconomic damages. A living but injured baby means both economic and noneconomic damages, and the economic damages could be extensivemedical expenses for a NICU stay, possibly long-lasting medical expenses continuing for injuries. Medical expense economic damages are not capped; defendants will have to pay all of them if liable for medical malpractice. But dead, unborn babies create only noneconomic damages for the parents. From a medical malpractice liability perspective, dead, unborn babies are preferred.

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We wait to see how Iowa courts will handle this Catholic hospitals arguments diminishing the Andersons injury. If the courts agree, as I argue in my recently published book Stillbirth & the Law, the result would not be unique to Iowa. Noneconomic damage caps are common in red states, the same states that are more likely to ban abortion. There is no question in Texas law that if medical malpractice causes the death of unborn life, the health care provider is liable to the formerly pregnant woman only for $250,000even though Texas legislators, like the Iowa-based Catholic hospital, claim to believe in the sacredness of unborn life. This may be surprising, but it shouldnt be. Again, apparently not all unborn life is sacred.
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On Wednesday, the Supreme Court is slated to consider a case that one education journal said could yield the most significant legal decision to affect schooling in decades. The justices will decide whether the religious liberty clause of the First Amendment requires the state of Oklahoma to fund the nations first religious charter school.

The central problem is that the educational institution in question, St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, is not designed to promote liberal democratic values or e pluribus unum in a nation that desperately needs both. Instead, the school says its ultimate goal is eternal salvation. That is surely a valid objective for people who are members of the Roman Catholic Church. But it is not clear why Americans who adhere to other religious traditions, or to no religion at all, should be compelled to support the school.

As a legal matter, the case turns on whether charter schools, which educate nearly 3.8 million students across the country, are seen as public or private. If they are public, the establishment clause of the First Amendment prohibits Oklahoma from funding the schools religious instruction. If they are private, by contrast, then the courts recent rulings suggest that the 46 states that authorize charter schools must fund religious charters because to do otherwise would constitute unconstitutional discrimination.

In virtually all respects, charter schools are public. Unlike private schools, which are created by private organizations, charter schools can only come into being if they are authorized by state statute. Because they are public, charter schools have up until now been barred from discrimination based on the religion of students who apply, or whether those students or their parents are gay. Private religious schools, by contrast, may and sometimes do discriminate on both grounds. The Fayetteville Christian School in North Carolina, for example, has said it will not admit families that belong to or express faith in non-Christian religions, and will not admit families that engage in  homosexuality. Unlike private school students, students in charter schools must take the same standardized tests as other public school students do, and schools are held accountable for results.

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The man who launched the charter school idea on the national stage in 1988 was Albert Shanker, the president of the American Federation of Teachers and the subject of a 2007 book that I authored. He emphatically envisioned charter schools as public and nonsectarian. Indeed, he and others, such as President Bill Clinton, championed charter schools in part because they offered a public school alternative to private school vouchers.

Related From Slate How Sam Alito Inadvertently Revealed His Own Homophobia From the Bench Read More

It is possible, however, that the Supreme Court will cherry-pick a few aspects of how charter schools operate in an effort to force them into the private school box. Unlike most traditional public schools, for example, students choose to attend charter schools, and so the establishment clauses concern that a Jewish or Muslim student would be compelled to sit through Christian prayers does not seem to apply.

But there are two big dangers if the Supreme Court rules that charter schools in Oklahoma are private. The first is that because funding of religious private schools is politically unpopular, and barred by federal legislation, charter schools could be harmed, or even disappear in large swaths of the country. The National Charter School Alliance fears that a Supreme Court ruling that charter schools are private would represent an existential threat to the enterprise. In blue states, in particular, a requirement that states with charter schools also fund religious charter schools could undercut public support and lead public officials to sunset charter school policies.

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The second fear is that religious schools, which struggle with funding, will convert to charter status in large numbers, especially in red states, and thereby Balkanize an already divided American populace. The Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago, Greg Richmond, estimates that funding of charter schools is 50 percent to 100 percent more than most religious schools, and that extra money could prove enticing for many school leaders. Moreover, unlike private school voucher funds, which often are subject to fluctuating annual appropriations, charter school funding is typically tied to a more steady allocation of funds for public schools.

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A growing number of religious charter schools would encourage students of different faiths to head off to separate schools tailored to religious separatism. Thats fine if families do it on their own dime, but for decades, Americans have wanted public dollars to be used in the service of social cohesion.

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Whereas the mission of religious schools is to instill a love of God, not a love of country, the fundamental purpose of public schools, as Shanker put it, is to teach students what it means to be an American. That is, public schools were founded to teach the liberal democratic values embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It is these values that unite what Heather McGhee calls a nation of ancestral strangers.

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A Martian visiting the United States at the time of its founding, Shanker said, would not have given the country much of a chance of surviving. He would have predicted that this new nation, whose inhabitants were of different races, who spoke different languages, and who followed different religions, would not remain one nation for long. They would end up fighting and killing each other. But that didnt happen, in large measure because, for all their flaws, public schools helped hold the nation together.

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Charter schools, in Shankers view, had the potential to play that unifying role particularly well because they could draw students from different parts of a city, transcending neighborhood divisions by race, ethnicity, and religion. His model was in Cologne, Germany: the Holweide Comprehensive School, which brought native German and Turkish immigrant students together to learn side by side.

In the years since Shankers death in 1997, leaders of teacher unions and charter schools have become increasingly at odds. But the two have united in opposition to the radical idea of religious charter schools. Both recognize that public schools, including public charter schools, are among the few remaining institutions left which can build a common American identity across the nations growing lines of difference.

A Supreme Court ruling in the wrong direction will not only be a blow to the separation of church and state, it will damage the future of charter schools and the vision of greater civic unity on which all public schools were founded.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/archbishop-markell-bessarabian-metropolis-political-tool-of-romania-1121925622.html

Archbishop Markell: Bessarabian Metropolis Political Tool of Romania

Archbishop Markell: Bessarabian Metropolis Political Tool of Romania

Sputnik International

"The Romanian Orthodox Church is part of the government, its a branch of the state and receives a salary," Archbishop Markell said. "The Bessarabian Metropolia is a political, man-made creation. It is not a church."

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Last week, Moldovan authorities twice prevented Archbishop Markell from flying to Israel on Good Friday to participate in the ceremony of receiving the Holy Fire in Jerusalem. He named the Metropolis of Bessarabia as one of the groups that did not support his efforts to bring the Holy Fire to Moldova. The Bessarabian Metropolis often urges Moldovan parishes to join, while the Romanian Patriarchy remains silent on the schism in Moldova, issuing only brief statements. Moldovas Orthodox Church, part of the Russian Orthodox Church, serves 70% of the population, but the Bessarabian Metropolis  since 1992  represents 10-20% of believers. Despite calls for dialogue, the Moldovan government refuses to engage. In a broader crackdown, the government has arrested political figures, shut down opposition media and blocked over 100 Telegram channels ahead of last years elections.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250419/eu-globalists-violate-religious-freedom-by-crackdown-on-archbishop-markell-1121893516.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/eu-energy-crisis-chasing-freedom-at-the-cost-of-its-wallet--1121928182.html

EU Energy Crisis: Chasing Freedom at the Cost of Its Wallet

EU Energy Crisis: Chasing Freedom at the Cost of Its Wallet

Sputnik International

The European Unions anti-Russia stance burned cash and left it with sky-high energy costs, while India and China thrive.

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EU leaders are in London for a Summit on Energy Security, but many economies are stuck below 1% growth since 2022, thanks to skyrocketing costs from ditching Russian supplies, global energy expert Dr Mamdouh Salameh explains. The situation worsened with Donald Trumps trade levies, especially his demand that Europe buy an extra $350 billion in US LNG  at twice or triple the price of Russias cheaper, abundant piped gas or even its LNG. Hungary's and Slovakias smart pragmatism has secured cheap piped gas and oil from Russia, in sharp contrast to the rest of the EU that pays a premium for US LNG. Despite EU opposition, those countries show that economic needs trump politics. The EUs fanatical adherence to green policies backfiredsolar and wind costs soar, storage issues and intermittent supply along with the blocs own sanctions on Chinese renewable kits make things worse. Under US pressure, the EUs enmity towards Russia has clouded its judgment  leading to sky-high energy costs. Its economy remains anemic, compared with the vibrant and growing economies of China and India. Common sense dictates that the EU should put its enmity towards Russia aside and resume its imports of Russian oil, piped gas and LNG if they want to rebuild its economy.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241213/bearing-the-burden-how-eus-move-to-scrap-russian-energy-backfired-1121160814.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/eu-may-reduce-purchases-of-us-weapons-introduce-high-reciprocal-tariffs---reports-1121920798.html

EU May Reduce Purchases of US Weapons, Introduce High Reciprocal Tariffs - Reports

EU May Reduce Purchases of US Weapons, Introduce High Reciprocal Tariffs - Reports

Sputnik International

The EU countries are considering the possibility of reducing purchases of American weapons and introducing tough economic restrictions against the United States as a response to the actions of the administration of US President Donald Trump, Politico reported, citing European officials.

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european union (eu)

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The measures under consideration include finding alternative suppliers of military equipment and ammunition, introducing high retaliatory tariffs, abolishing intellectual property protection measures for American companies, and reducing dependence on American technology giants, the report said on Wednesday. In addition, many countries were concerned about Washington's use of defense technologies as a lever of pressure on Ukraine, the report read. They also reportedly realized that it is not so easy to meet US demands to increase defense spending. As a result, the countries came to the conclusion that it is necessary to reduce dependence on American systems and develop their own. Polish government adviser on Ukraine Pawel Kowal told the newspaper that "confidence in the USA has been severely shaken," and that Poland will probably not place new major orders for American military equipment. The report noted that after the introduction of tariffs, the European Commission discussed the use of the Anti-Coercion Instrument against the US, which the media describes as the EU's most powerful economic weapon. The instrument is a set of progressive measures to combat economic coercion, the report said, adding that the first stage involves negotiations, followed by an increase in tariffs, exclusion from public procurement systems and restrictions on intellectual property rights protection. On April 2, Trump signed an executive order that implemented reciprocal tariffs on imports from various countries. The base tariff rate was established at 10%, with higher rates applied to 57 countries based on the US trade deficit with each specific nation. On April 9, Trump declared that a baseline tariff of 10% would be imposed for 90 days on over 75 countries that had not retaliated and had requested negotiations, except for China.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250405/us-global-trade-war-why-is-it-a-bad-idea-1121744425.html

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"Oxygenated library" ignites reading dreams for plateau students

Xinhua) 09:29, April 24, 2025

XINING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Students in Atrang, a plateau town in northwest China's Qinghai Province, welcomed a long-awaited gift -- an "oxygenated library," on World Reading Day, which fell on Wednesday.

The new library, donated by State Grid Hangzhou Power Supply Company, was officially unveiled at a school in Atrang Township in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, bringing warmth, oxygen, and hope to children learning at an elevation of 3,900 meters.

The 36-square-meter library, crafted from a retrofitted container, features rooftop solar panels to ensure stable energy supply. Beyond its collection of 1,600 books spanning history, textbooks, comics and more, the facility is equipped with oxygen generators, heating systems, and multimedia tools -- critical amenities for a region where harsh winters and thin air once made year-round reading a challenge.

Since its trial operation, the library has become an after-class hub where children read, study, and relax.

"I love the new books here. Now I can read every day," said sixth-grader Nyima Drolkar, clutching a freshly borrowed storybook.

The "oxygenated library" project is part of a 15-year-long "Light Up Yushu" charity initiative, launched after a devastating earthquake in 2010. Since 2018, five such libraries have been built across Yushu.

"Our goal is to build one library a year, empowering children with quality education and resources -- not just electricity, but opportunities to thrive," said Zhu Xiaowei, the program's leader.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/european-warmongers-undermine-trumps-peace-efforts--russian-foreign-intelligence-1121926066.html

European Warmongers Undermine Trumps Peace Efforts  Russian Foreign Intelligence

European Warmongers Undermine Trumps Peace Efforts  Russian Foreign Intelligence

Sputnik International

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said on Thursday that it has information suggesting that new European warmongers are launching a campaign to undermine the peace efforts of US President Donald Trump.

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peace plan

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united kingdom (uk)

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"The press office of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Russia reports that, according to information received by the SVR, the newly-minted European warmongers are launching a campaign to undermine President Trump's peacekeeping efforts," the SVR said in a statement. UK and French intelligence services are persistently sending people from the Anti-Corruption Foundation*, the Proekt and Meduza projects (both recognized as undesirable in Russia) who fled Russia to fabricate accusations against Trump's entourage of covert ties with Russian political and business circles, the statement read. Europe wants to use falsifications to discredit US policy and torpedo the negotiation process on the Ukraine settlement, the statement said, adding that London and Paris are showing the greatest interest in information about US business projects with Gazprom, Rosneft, Rostec and Rosatom.*banned in Russia for extremism

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250423/us-frustrated-by-ukraines-refusal-to-make-concessions-for-peace-deal---reports-1121920095.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/indian-government-suspends-visa-issuance-to-pakistani-citizens-1121926208.html

Indian Government Suspends Visa Issuance to Pakistani Citizens

Indian Government Suspends Visa Issuance to Pakistani Citizens

Sputnik International

The Indian government has decided to immediately suspend granting visas to the citizens of Pakistan, while valid visas will be annulled on April 27, the Indian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

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"In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025," the ministry said in a statement. Medical visas issued to Pakistani citizens will be valid only until April 29, the ministry added. All citizens of Pakistan who are currently in India have to leave the country before their visas expire, the ministry emphasized. In addition, Indian nationals have been recommended to avoid traveling to Pakistan and to leave the country as soon as possible. A terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir took place on Tuesday. Police sources said that three armed men in camouflage opened indiscriminate fire on tourists who were horse riding in Baisaran Valley, near the town of Pahalgam. A group of terrorists of the Resistance Front, affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba group (outlawed in Russia) claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the latest official data, the attack killed 26 people, including one Nepalese citizen. On Wednesday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that the country decided to expel all Pakistani nationals who entered the country under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) visa waiver scheme within 48 hours in connection with the terrorist attack. The SAARC visa exemption scheme was introduced in 1992. Currently, the list of those eligible for the SAARC visa includes 24 categories of persons, including VIPs, high court judges, parliamentarians, senior civil servants, businessmen, journalists, sportsmen among others.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241225/pakistani-air-strike-in-afghanistans-east-kills-at-least-15-civilians---reports-1121264245.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/rubio-denies-reports-of-alleged-discussions-on-lifting-sanctions-on-nord-stream-2-1121921133.html

Rubio Denies Reports of Alleged Discussions on Lifting Sanctions on Nord Stream 2

Rubio Denies Reports of Alleged Discussions on Lifting Sanctions on Nord Stream 2

Sputnik International

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied a article in American media about alleged discussions in the White House on lifting sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

2025-04-24T04:41+0000

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Earlier on Thursday, an American news agency reported, citing sources, that the White House was discussing lifting sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and other Russian assets in Europe as part of negotiations on Ukraine. The report added that US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff is the main initiator of lifting sanctions.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230926/biden-admin-blew-up-nord-stream-because-us-feared-losing-primacy-in-western-europe---sy-hersh-1113684346.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/shooting-for-the-moon-russia--china-join-forces-in-space-1121924884.html

Shooting for the Moon: Russia & China Join Forces in Space

Shooting for the Moon: Russia & China Join Forces in Space

Sputnik International

On Space Day, celebrated in China on April 24, lets explore the key milestones of RussiaChina space cooperation.

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On Space Day, celebrated in China on April 24, lets explore the key milestones of RussiaChina space cooperation. Nuclear Power on the Moon China could install a nuclear power plant on the Moon to support the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) it plans to build with Russia, according to a presentation by Pei Zhaoyu, Chief Engineer of the Change-8 mission set for 2028. China aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. The Change-8 mission to the lunar south pole will lay the groundwork for constructing a permanent manned base, says the China National Space Administration. Li Hongzhong of the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development met with Russian counterpart Boris Titov on April 24 to underscore readiness to boost cooperation between the sides, with Titov echoing the sentiment.Resources & Robotics Russian Space Agency Roscosmos also presented plans at the Shanghai conference to explore mineral and water resources on the Moon, including potentially using lunar materials as fuel. Between 2033 and 2035, Russia and China plan to deploy a joint nuclear power plant on the Moon to power the ILRS, addressing the lack of solar energy during the Moon's 14-day nights, Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov told Sputnik last year. By April 2025, 17 countries and organizations have joined the Russo-Chinese ILRS project. China aims to expand this to 50 partners, focusing on BRICS and Global South nations. Step-by-Step Moon Base Plan In 2022, Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) outlined a plan for 2023-2027 to build the International Scientific Lunar Station in three stages by the 2030s:Joint Russo-Chinese missions will scout the Moon, identify the best location for the base, test high-precision soft landing technologies and collect rock samples. Construction of orbital power and communication hubs, bulk cargo drops and the use of smart tech, mini rovers and even a hopping robot for lunar logistics. Expanded surface exploration, station modules supporting deeper scientific research, tech tests and ultimatelyhuman exploration.Russia and China have capital-intensive but "very interesting and very promising" projects to explore the Moon together, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with students and professors of Harbin University of Science and Technology in May, 2024, during his visit to China.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240415/russia-and-china-working-on-sustainable-moon-bases-what-do-we-know-about-them-1117943645.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/st-george-ribbon-a-powerful-symbol-of-sacrifice-and-resilience-1121924568.html

St. George Ribbon: A Powerful Symbol of Sacrifice and Resilience

St. George Ribbon: A Powerful Symbol of Sacrifice and Resilience

Sputnik International

The St. George Ribbon campaign honors the sacrifices made by ancestors in the fight against fascism, symbolizing the Russian people's return to life, Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of Rossiya Segodnya, Sputnik's parent media group, told volunteers and participants at the event.

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"For me, there are two main holidays each year. The first is Bright Easter, when we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, the return of Christ's life, who, through His sacrifice, secured eternal life for all of us, Simonyan said. The greatest sacrifice of all, offered upon the altar of the fight against fascism by all the countries that fought against fascism. We are incredibly proud of this," Simonyan stressed. The St. George Ribbon campaign, launched on Thursday at the Rossiya Segodnya International Multimedia Press Center in Moscow, marks the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and its 20th year.

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US Military Withdraws Its Forces From Base in Syria's Al Hasakah - Reports

US Military Withdraws Its Forces From Base in Syria's Al Hasakah - Reports

Sputnik International

The US military is withdrawing its forces from a base in Al Hasakah province in northern Syria, Syrian media reported.

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US military vehicles loaded with military supplies are leaving the base in the city of Ash Shaddadi, the Al Watan newspaper reported on Wednesday, adding that the columns are moving towards the Syrian-Iraqi border. Last week, Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said that the United States plans to decrease its military presence in Syria in the coming months to under 1,000 troops to consolidate them at fewer bases in the country.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250416/us-initiates-full-withdrawal-from-conoco-field-military-base-in-eastern-syria---reports-1121879204.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/whats-brewing-between-india-and-pakistan-1121927363.html

What's Brewing Between India and Pakistan?

What's Brewing Between India and Pakistan?

Sputnik International

Tuesday's deadly terror attack in Kashmir has pushed the two nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of conflict. Here's how things got to this point, and where they may go from here.

2025-04-24T15:35+0000

2025-04-24T15:35+0000

2025-04-24T15:35+0000

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kashmir

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inter-services intelligence (isi)

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On April 22, militants from The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Salafi-jihadist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, shot 26 civilians (mostly tourists) and injured 17 others in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir.Survivors said the attackers asked victims their names and religion, ensuring they werent Muslim before executing them. Police identified 3 suspects on Thursday  saying two of them are Pakistani nationals.India suspects Pakistans ISI intelligence service of funding, training arming TRF militants, and using them as a proxy to keep Kashmir in a perpetual state of chaos.Pakistan denies supporting TRF, but has openly expressed support for Kashmir militants' "fight for self-determination" at a moral, political, and diplomatic level.The Islamist insurgency in Kashmir, dating back to 1989, has claimed 45,000+ lives, including over 20,000 civilians, to date.India's response to the April 22 attack so far has included:Pakistan, for its part, put its Air Force on alert, stepped up border security, closed its airspace to Indian airlines and suspended all trade.Islamabad also warned any kinetic step (i.e. military action) will see a TIT-FOR-TAT response.Pakistan emphasized that any attempt to deny access to water would be treated as an "act of war." A water-insecure country, Pakistan depends on the Indus River network and its tributaries for up to 80% of its surface water for agriculture, industry, hydroelectric power and drinking water.Balakot 2.0 Imminent?In February 2019, Indian warplanes targeted militant camps in Pakistan's Balakot in response to terror attack on its troops in Kashmir.Just before the strike, India briefed diplomats on Kashmir terror.Similar briefings took place on Thursday.Kashmir and India-Pakistan RelationsKashmir tensions were already simmering before Tuesdays terror attack. Earlier this month, tensions along the Line of Control spilled out into cross-border firing, with India accusing Pakistan of fueling tensions to distract from domestic economic and political troubles.Kashmir has poisoned India-Pakistan relations since 1947, triggering three of four major wars between the two countries. Some historians believe the UK deliberately sowed the seeds of enmity with a divide-and-rule strategy that separated the nations on independence in such a way as to guarantee conflict.Today, too, the dispute benefits the West, aiming to disrupt Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS cooperation.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/indian-government-suspends-visa-issuance-to-pakistani-citizens-1121926208.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240811/how-mackinders-heartland-theory-of-geopolitics-helps-explain-bangladeshi-pm-hasinas-ouster-1119725428.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250424/zelensky-disrupts-london-round-of-consultations-on-ukraine---russian-foreign-ministry-1121922431.html

Zelensky Disrupts London Round of Consultations on Ukraine - Russian Foreign Ministry

Zelensky Disrupts London Round of Consultations on Ukraine - Russian Foreign Ministry

Sputnik International

Volodymyr Zelensky disrupted London's round of consultations on Ukraine, confirming Kiev's intention to destroy the emerging peace process, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

2025-04-24T09:26+0000

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"If truth be told, Zelensky disrupted the London round of consultations, convincingly confirming Bankova's [office of Ukraine's president] intention to torpedo the emerging peace process at any cost," Zakharova told reporters. Zelensky's words about the non-recognition of Crimea as Russian once again showed Kiev's incompetence, Zakharova said. "Such a schizophrenic approach by the Kiev regime has once again shown absolute incompetence, irresponsibility, and the desire to continue this massacre to the last Ukrainian, regardless of any victims," Zakharova said.Ukraine has disrupted the Easter ceasefire announced by Russia, Maria Zakharova said.Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in the BRICS Ministerial Council in Rio de Janeiro on April 28-29, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday."On April 28-29 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in a full-scale meeting of the heads of the foreign ministries of the BRICS countries in Rio de Janeiro," Zakharova told a briefing.The upcoming meeting of the BRICS Ministerial Council under the Brazilian chairmanship would be a good opportunity for a substantive and in-depth discussion of topical issues on the international agenda, the diplomat said.Sergey Lavrov will visit the Dominican Republic on April 30, Zakharova said."On April 30, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit the Dominican Republic as part of a trip to the Latin American region. The 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with this country is celebrated this year. The visit is also timed to coincide with the opening of the Russian Embassy in the Dominican Republic," Zakharova told reporters.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250421/ukraine-did-not-observe-easter-ceasefire---russian-foreign-ministry-1121901197.html

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Oaxacan Dream N put the field to sleep in Buffalo Raceway's $17,361 main event for distaff pacers on Wednesday, April 23.

After a fourth-place finish on April 12 in the Open Pace for the ladies at Northfield Park, Oaxacan Dream N returned to her home base in Western New York, where she responded well to her familiar surroundings and cruised to a gate-to-wire win.

Under the guidance of driver David McNeight III, Oaxacan Dream N ($9.60) was able to establish command early, setting solid fractions of :28, :57.4, and 1:26.3. She enjoyed a comfortable 2-1/2 length lead as she turned for home, but Rightfully Mine (Kyle Swift) mounted a strong challenge, cutting the lead to just half a length at the finish. Despite the pressure, Oaxacan Dream N remained strong and held on for a half-length victory in a season's best 1:56.1. Rightfully Mine finished second, while Do Me Better (Joseph Chindano Jr.) took third.

Owned by Vogel & Wags Stable LLC and trained by Maria Rice, the nine-year-old Oaxacan Dream N (Big Jim-Verde Lima) now has three wins in 11 starts this season. The victory boosted her 2025 earnings to $44,633, bringing her lifetime earnings to $290,178.

In the $15,278 pacing event for the girls, Mary Kat (Joseph Chindano Jr.) made a thrilling late charge to the lead, edging out Major Battle (David McNeight III) by a nose in 1:58.

Major Battle set the pace with fractions of :30.1, :59.3, and 1:29.3, leading comfortably for much of the race. However, the pocket-sitting Mary Kat ($7.60) showed determination, powering home with a :28.3 final quarter to snatch victory late. Rocknroll Shelli (Kevin Cummings) rounded out the top three.

Mary Kat is owned by Lucky Label Stable LLC and trained by Taylor Fritz. This marked the fifth win in 14 starts this season for the eight-year-old mare. The win increased her 2025 earnings to $40,253, pushing her career earnings to $404,921.

Racing will continue on Friday, April 25, with a first post of 2:30 p.m., featuring an 11-race program.

(With files from Buffalo Raceway)
After going three-for-three in the prelims, Antognoni S put the cherry on top of his John Brennan Trotting Series domination with a victory in the $183,333 final on Wednesday, April 23 at MGM Yonkers Raceway.

Driven by co-owner Yannick Gingras, Antognoni S settled into fifth from post seven while fellow Ron Burke trainee Busy Making Moni (Scott Zeron) seized the early lead from post five, setting fractions of :29 and :59.1. Gingras pulled Antognoni S off the pylons before the half and brushed to the front beyond that marker.

Once in control, Antognoni S (pictured above) remained unchallenged, hitting three-quarters in 1:27.4 and cruising to the wire in 1:55.3 for the mile, completing the mile and a quarter distance in 2:24.3. He was in hand at the wire, romping by 5-1/2 lengths over stablemate Busy Making Moni. Scottish (Jordan Stratton) rallied from post eight to finish third.

"He's a very nice horse who we bought especially for this series," said Gingras, who added that the initial hope was that he'd be an Open horse at Yonkers, but the five-year-old has surpassed his expectations. "He follows great and can do it on the front as well."

With his Yonkers dominance now established, Gingras and connections are eyeing a potential invitation to the prestigious Elitlopp next month in Antognoni's native Sweden.

"One race I've always wanted to win, maybe even over the Hambletonian, is the Elitlopp. If we can get an invite, I think he has a shot. I'm not saying he is going to win, but it would be a great thrill, and Ronnie [Burke] and I are very interested. He's the perfect horse for it because he doesn't wear hobbles, isn't on Lasix, and right now he goes with heavy shoes, so we could race barefoot over there," said Gingras, who said he would reach out to Swedish officials to inquire. "It would be a dream come true to win it."

Gingras added he plans to reach out to Swedish officials and joked they might be able to tag along on the flight with Canadas Elitlopp invitee, Logan Park. If the pink ticket doesnt come, the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial at the Meadowlands is next on the agenda.

A gelding by Father Patrick out of Bouncing Bax, Antognoni S is trained by Ron Burke and co-owned by Gingras along with Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, and Fac Racing LLC. He now has 14 wins from 29 career starts and earnings of $288,261.

The 1-9 favourite returned $2.20 to win, leading a $9.70 exacta and a $120.50 trifecta.

Another Swedish-bred trotter, Golden Rain S, captured the $69,444 consolation in 2:27.2 over the mile and a quarter. Jason Bartlett drove the seven-year-old Bold EagleMystical Sunshine mare to victory for trainer Per Engblom and owners Engblom Stable LLC and Thomas Lind-Holm.

The John Brennan Trotting Series, a fixture on the schedule in April at Yonkers, is named in honour of the longtime Standardbred Owners Association of New York horsemen's representative who passed away from complications of COVID-19 in March 2020.

The last chance to earn points in this year's Blue Chip Matchmaker Series happens in Friday night's (April 25) final leg, and there will be three $50,000 USD divisions. Aardie B Miki, who started the series three-for-three and then took last week off, starts from the pole position in the second section (race five). She faces the likes of two-leg winner Walkin On Sunshine (post six).

Three $50,000 USD splits of the last round of the MGM Borgata Pacing Series will then take place on Monday, April 28. The top 15 horses currently in the standings are all set for action as spots for the rich final on May 9 are up for grabs.

Continuing for every Monday and Friday card during the legs of the MGM Borgata Pacing Series and Blue Chip Matchmaker Series, MGM Yonkers Raceway, in conjunction with the SOA of NY, will offer a $20,000 guaranteed Pick 5 pool in race five.

The guaranteed Pick 5 pool on Mondays is also a part of the United States Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering Program.

(With files from Yonkers Raceway)
The pre-meet training session that was to be held next Wednesday, April 30 at Ocean Downs has been cancelled due to Kentucky Derby prep work.

The next scheduled training session will take place the following week on Wednesday, May 7 from 7 a.m. until 12 noon.

Any questions should be directed to Peter Szymanski, Director of Racing, at 410-641-0600 ext. 3377.

(Ocean Downs)
Two Gering Middle School teachers are retiring to turn to a new chapter of tutoring and grandparenting after decades teaching alongside each other and forming a friendship.

Kim Cardwell

Kim Cardwell graduated from Scottsbluff High School and attended Western Nebraska Community College and Chadron State College on music scholarships. Her first position was teaching music at Cedar Canyon, south of Gering.

She also taught fourth grade at Lincoln Elementary in Gering after Cedar Canyon closed. Eventually, she found herself at Gering Middle School when sixth grade was brought to the middle school.

I always wanted to do middle school, and I loved it, Cardwell said. Its my jam.

Cardwells endorsement is in elementary music, but she teaches sixth grade reading at Gering Middle School. She also has her masters degree in instruction and curriculum.

The sixth graders at GMS are on a six-period day as a sort of slower transition to their eventual high-school schedule.

We really wanted to try to hone in on our reading and ELA, Cardwell said, and so we have two teachers in each of those grade levels, and they have smaller class sizes and a little bit of extra time.

She enjoys the buzz of children around her on a daily basis.

I just always have had a joy of having lots of kids around me, Cardwell said. Ive always been very child-oriented, even in the summers when my own kids were growing up.

She plans to spend her time in retirement continuing with the online tutoring she does, but focusing on her grandson.

Hes going to be 2 in June, so Im going to have him a lot, Cardwell said. I might do a few little bit of subbing here and there, but the main thing Ill probably be doing is my grandbaby and tutoring.

Melody (Mel) Abel

Mel Abel currently teaches eighth grade math at GMS and is a Gering High School alum, where she holds a tied school record for the girls track 200-meter dash.

She attended Chadron State on a track scholarship for her first year of college, but after an injury, she transferred.

I had no desire to rehab, Abel said. So I went to Arizona State. I know big difference.

She received her middle school endorsement as well as her masters degree through Chadron State College, but she did some paraeducator work before that.

Ive always said that teachers should either sub or be a para before they get into the classroom, she said. (Cardwell) and I have had that discussion, seeing kind of some things first.

Her first full-time teaching position was also at Cedar Canyon where she taught English and math for grades 5-8. After the schools closing, she went straight to GMS and she has been in that building for 23 years.

I feel like I always tell people they built the building around me, Abel said.

Her favorite part of being a teacher is being a cheerleader.

(I like) watching the kids that you dont think are learning, she said. One kid didnt think he should be in my advanced class and he doesnt show a lot of reaction. He scored a near-perfect score on his (state) test.

He didnt believe me, Abel said. I had to show him the screen, and just watching his excitement: Thats why I do what I do.

Cardwell agreed, citing an example of her own, where a student had transitioned off of an individualized education plan, and he had a lot of anxiety about not having that anymore.

Hes done so so well, and not only did he raise his score, but then he almost raised it all the way up into the advanced level, she said. Its been so awesome to watch.

Cardwell and Abel both say they will miss the friends theyve made among the staff, but that the two of them will see more of each other.

Im honestly gonna see her more than now because we teach so far apart ... but seeing them every day, you know, seeing kids every day, you know ... thats definitely something that Ill miss, Abel said. But you know, people say youre retiring this early. Im retiring, not dying.
Longview City Council is set to vote Thursday on an 18-page draft proposal to solicit bids to operate HOPE Village. It includes structural changes to the type of organization that runs the low-barrier tiny house village for the homeless as well as a requirement for residents to be tested for drugs at entry.

The proposal states the selected operator must become a licensed behavioral health agency within six months of selection, which current operator the Salvation Army is not. A spokesperson added that the charity is not interested in becoming licensed.

A state grant that pays for the sites operations also ends in July, leaving the city to cover expenses in a year so tight that cuts were made to balance the budget, including to Longview parks staff and programs.

The Salvation Army has contracted with the city to operate HOPE Village since November 2022, and opened the following month. The Salvation Army was first selected during a declaration of emergency, and later renewed for two years in November 2023.

The process to select the Christian charity did not include a public bidding process, which has been a point of contention for some councilmembers who joined the panel after such decisions were made.

Previous disagreements between state lawmakers and former city staff over the sites funding, and a recent criminal conviction by the former manager of HOPE Village could also affect upcoming decisions.

Proposed changes

Mayor Spencer Boudreau said in a public Facebook post Monday that the change to require drug testing is not to kick people out or refuse services, but to establish a baseline on their start in the program.

The operator must also become a licensed behavioral health agency within six months of selection because it will be tasked with developing and implementing behavioral health services, such as mental health counseling and substance treatment, as well as establishing partnerships with behavioral health providers to enhance service offerings and choice for residents in the transitional housing program.

Boudreau states in his post that behavioral health agencies are uniquely able to operate programs like Hope Village because they are licensed and able to bill the state for services to residents, instead of the city taxpayers subsidizing the entire operation as is currently happening.

A Salvation Army Northwest Division spokesperson confirmed the organization is not a licensed behavorial health agency and is not looking to become one. The spokesperson added the charity expanded HOPE Village services over the years from housing navigation and case management to include teaching life skills like sustaining employment and housing.

Councilmember Ruth Kendall also told The Daily News the draft proposal asks for some changes that are being driven by the need to make the facility sustainable financially.

State funding disputes

According to Longview Assistant City Manager Chris Collins, HOPE Villages annual budget since late 2022 has been roughly $1.5 million. That amount was approved by the state Legislature last session to operate not just HOPE Village, but the citys severe weather shelter and more.

State funds will cover operations through July, after which funding comes from the citys general fund.

Former City Manager Kris Swanson previously told The Daily News she tried to add another $100,000 each year during the last legislative sessions two-year budget process after the City Council requested the funds be used, not just for HOPE Village, but other city-managed homeless services.

However, Washington state Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, previously told The Daily News this addition was an error, and alerted the City Council and city lobbyist, lowering the request to what he said was the agreed $1.5 million per year for two years.

Swanson was terminated without cause by the council on March 13, 2024.

During the legislative session before that, then-Longview Community Development Director Ann Rivers said Wilson demanded HOPE Village money added by Rivers  then an 18th District senator and also an assistant ranking member on the Senate Ways & Means Committee  be removed.

Wilson said that money was also not cleared through him or the city.

Rivers told The Daily News that after that money was pulled, the Washington State Department of Commerce contacted the city to offer funding.

A public process

The Salvation Armys contract is set to expire on Dec. 31, according to Collins.

At a Jan. 23 council meeting, Councilman Erik Halvorson made a motion to create a committee to review proposals to ensure a public process of selecting a manager.

I know they have about a year left on this contract, so I wonder if we can start thinking about maybe a committee of councilmembers that can work with staff and perhaps the Salvation Army that can talk about a competitive bidding process for once this contract is finished, Halvorson said at the meeting.

Kendall and Mayor Pro-Tem Kalei LaFave joined Halvorson on the committee.

They met on March 27, April 3 and 17 to draft a request for proposals, and are set to present a draft Thursday to send to the City Council for approval.

The draft asks interested organizations to include in its proposals an organizational overview, operational plan, financial plan, compliance and reporting strategies and responsibilities, including plans for ongoing utility costs currently amounting to $37,600.

If passed by the full council Thursday, the call for proposals would be posted publicly on May 15. If that schedule is maintained, the city of Longview would hold a pre-proposal conference on June 5 for prospective bidders, sealed proposals would be due Aug. 15, and the city would complete evaluations by Aug. 30.

A contract is expected to be awarded no later than Oct. 1.

Views on Salvation Army

Kendall, when reached by email, said the Salvation Army has been a huge part of the facilitys success, and that she would like to see them submit a proposal to continue operating the facility.

Hope Village has played an important role in the mitigation of the impact of homelessness on our community, Kendall said. We need a good partner to continue the providing a path to wellness for our less fortunate community members.

LaFave did not respond to requests to comment, but in her 2023 campaign for her seat, said HOPE Village should have stricter drug testing requirements, like at Community House on Broadway.

Halvorson, speaking as an individual, said in an email that he doesnt see a path forward with Salvation Army as an operator of Hope Village if Ms. Hillman remains in place.

Hollie Noel Hillman, 42, of Longview is the former HOPE Village site manager. She pleaded guilty in Chelan County District Court on March 31 to a disorderly conduct domestic violence charge related to a Feb. 18 altercation.

The Hope Village manager being charged with assault/domestic violence and credibly accused of drug use throws the confidence I have in the accuracy and authenticity of the Hope Village reporting we have seen to date, Halvorson said.

The Salvation Army released a statement to the City Council stating Hillman is doing administrative work for the charity but is no longer working at HOPE Village, with no access to the site or clients.

Hillman was also the manager of the citys severe weather shelter, which is run by the Salvation Army through a different city contract.

We hold our employees to the highest ethical standards of conduct, and we have policies and procedures in place to keep all employees and clients safe, the statement reads. We will continue to hold Hollie and all HOPE Village employees accountable for upholding our standards of conduct and workplace safety.

Police report

A Chelan County Sheriffs Office incident report states at about 9:12 p.m. Feb. 18, a deputy was dispatched to the 700 block of Front Street in downtown Leavenworth to address a disturbance involving two women in a physical fight.

After arriving, a deputy spoke with the victim, who said her partner broke up with her after she refused to have sexual relations with people they just met and to participate in the use of cocaine, the document continues.

The victim showed the deputy where she said Hillman struck her, with the deputy noting on report that the victim had a red mark consistent with the size of an adult fist.

The victim told the deputy the two were staying at a hotel in downtown Leavenworth.

Two witnesses reported seeing the fight. One told a deputy she saw two women yelling at each other, then Hillman strike the victim with a closed fist, the report states.

Hillman, who was also interviewed by law enforcement, said the other woman also hit her, but a deputy noted he didnt see any marks on Hillmans face.

Editors note: The Daily News reporter Matt Esnayra and Local News Editor Hayley Day contributed to this article.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often hailed as the defining technology of the 21st century, shaping everything from economic growth to national security. But as global investment in AI accelerates, many experts are beginning to ask whether the world has embarked on an AI "arms race."

With China, the US, UK and the European Union each pledging billions to advance AI, competition in research, infrastructure and industrial applications for the new technology is intensifying. But, at the same time, regulation is struggling to keep pace with rapid development in some regions. This is raising concerns about ethical risks, economic inequality and global AI governance.

There have been rapid advances in AI in the past few years. Companies such as America's Accenture and China's DeepSeek have developed large-scale generative AI systemswhich can learn from existing content to generate new material such as text, images, music, or videos.

The UK government recently announced its intention to "shape the AI revolution rather than wait to see how it shapes us" through its AI Opportunities Action Plan. This will have a strong focus on regulation, skills and ethical governance.

If the UK and continental Europe are prioritizing regulation, China is using its sheer size and appetite for innovation to develop rapidly into what has been described as an "AI super market," and the US is balancing innovation with national security concerns.

China recently released details of new regulations, which come into force in September, that will require explicit labeling of AI-generated content and providing metadata to link such content to the service provider that generated it. The onus will be on platforms that feature AI-generated content to provide such information.

But the different approaches highlight the growing geopolitical dimension of AI development which risks divergence of standards. While competition can drive innovation, without international cooperation on safety, ethics and governance, the global AI race could lead to regulatory gaps and fragmented oversight.

Many analysts fear this would bring significant downsides. Most worryingly, there is the prospect of unchecked AI-generated disinformation undermining elections and democratic institutions.

Why does this matter?

AI is more than just another technological breakthroughit's a strategic driver of economic power and influence. The countries leading in AI today will play an important role in shaping the future of automation, digital economies and international regulatory frameworks.

AI's global expansion is driven by several key motivations. It has the potential to massively boost productivity and creativity. It can create new business models and transform entire industries. Governments investing in AI aim to secure long-term economic advantages, particularly in sectors such as finance, health care and advanced manufacturing.

Meanwhile, AI is increasingly integrated into defense, cybersecurity and intelligence. Governments are exploring ways to use AI for strategic advantage, while also ensuring resilience against AI-enabled threats.

But as AI investment surges, it is increasingly important to ensure that the challenges the new technology will bring are not overlooked in the rush.

Risks of rapid AI investment

As AI advances, ethical issues become more pressing. AI-powered surveillance systems raise privacy concerns. Deepfake technology, meanwhile, which is capable of generating hyper-realistic video and audio, is already being used for disinformation. Without clear regulatory oversight, this could seriously undermine trust and security and threaten democratic institutions.

At the same time, we are already seeing inequality baked into AI development. Many AI-driven innovations cater to wealthy markets and corporations. Meanwhile, marginalized communities face barriers to accessing AI-enhanced education, health care and job opportunitiesthe latter was demonstrated as long ago as 2018 when Amazon reportedly withdrew a recruitment tool that was shown to discriminate against women.

Ensuring that AI development benefits society as a whole will require a strategic approach to skills, education and governance. I have conducted studies into how AI tools are being harnessed with a great deal of success in the UK and US and also in China. The research showed how AI capabilities can be combined with strategic agility to drive product and service innovation in many contexts.

But the AI race is not just about economic progress, it also has geopolitical implications. Restrictions on AI-related exports, particularly in semiconductor technology, highlight growing concerns over technological dependencies and national security. Without greater international cooperation, uncoordinated AI policies could lead to economic fragmentation, regulatory inconsistencies across borders and the inevitable risks those bring.

Although some nations are advocating for global AI agreements, these discussions remain in their early stages, so enforcement mechanisms remain limited.

The way forward

This will require multilateral governance, similar to global frameworks on cybersecurity and climate change. Existing discussions by the United Nations as well as the G7 and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) need to incorporate stronger AI-specific enforcement mechanisms that guide development responsibly.

There are signs of progress. The G7's Hiroshima AI Process has resulted in shared guiding principles and a voluntary code of conduct for advanced AI systems. The OECD's AI Policy Observatory, meanwhile, is helping coordinate best practices across member states. But binding international enforcement mechanisms are still in their infancy.

Individual countries, meanwhile, need to develop flexible regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with accountability. The EU's AI Act, the first major attempt to comprehensively regulate AI, classifies AI systems by risk and imposes obligations on developers accordingly.

This has included bans on certain high-risk applications, such as social scoringwhich ranks individuals based on behavior and can lead to discrimination. It's a step in the right direction, but broader cooperation is still needed to ensure coherent global AI standards.

An enforceable set of rules governing AI development is neededand quickly. AI could pose more risks than opportunities if left unchecked.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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A new algorithm from ETH researchers improves large language models (LLMs) so that the selected answers are more accurate and relevant. Credit: AI generated/ ETH Zurich

ChatGPT and alike often amaze us with the accuracy of their answers, but unfortunately, they also repeatedly give us cause for doubt. The main issue with powerful AI response engines (artificial intelligence) is that they provide us with perfect answers and obvious nonsense with the same ease. One of the major challenges lies in how the large language models (LLMs) underlying AI deal with uncertainty.

Until now, it has been very difficult to assess whether LLMs designed for text processing and generation base their responses on a solid foundation of data or whether they are operating on uncertain ground.

Researchers at the Institute for Machine Learning at the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich have now developed a method that can be used to specifically reduce the uncertainty of AI. The work is published on the arXiv preprint server.

"Our algorithm can enrich the general language model of the AI with additional data from the relevant subject area of a question. In combination with the specific question, we can then extract from the depths of the model and from the enrichment data precisely those connections that are most likely to generate a correct answer," explains Jonas Hubotter from the Learning & Adaptive Systems Group, who developed the new method as part of his Ph.D. studies.

Enriching AI with specific data

"The method is particularly suitable for companies, scientists or other users who want to use general AI in a specialized field that is only covered partially or not at all by the AI training data," adds Andreas Krause, head of the research group and Director of the ETH AI Center.

For example, users can feed their locally stored data into a large language model (LLM), such as Llama. The so-called SIFT algorithm (Selecting Informative data for Fine-Tuning), developed by ETH computer scientists, can then use the additional data provided to select specific information that is most closely related to the question.

Relationship vectors in multidimensional space

The algorithm uses the structure according to which the language information is organized in the AI's large language model (LLM) to find related information. The models divide the language information in their training data into word parts.

The semantic and syntactic relationships between the word parts are then arranged as connecting arrowsknown in the field as vectorsin a multidimensional space. The dimensions of space, which can number in the thousands, arise from the relationship parameters that the LLM independently identifies during training using the general data.

Angle between arrows as measure of correlation

Relational arrows pointing in the same direction in this vector space indicate a strong correlation. The larger the angle between two vectors, the less two units of information relate to one another.

The SIFT algorithm developed by ETH researchers now uses the direction of the relationship vector of the input query (prompt) to identify those information relationships that are closely related to the question but at the same time complement each other in terms of content.

"The angle between the vectors corresponds to the relevance of the content, and we can use the angles to select specific data that reduces uncertainty," explains Hubotter.

Less overlap from redundant information

By contrast, the most common method used to date for selecting the information suitable for the answer, known as the nearest neighbor method, tends to accumulate redundant information that is widely available. The difference between the two methods becomes clear when looking at an example of a query prompt that is composed of several pieces of information.

To answer the two-part question "How old is Roger Federer and how many children does he have?" the nearest neighbor method considers similar information such as "Roger Federer is 43 years old" and "Roger Federer's birthday is 8 August 1981" to be equally relevant.

Information about his children, which is relevant for the second part of the question, is sometimes missing. It is overlaid by birth date information, which occurs much more frequently in the AI training data.

The SIFT algorithm, however, takes into account the extent to which the pieces of information included complement each other, i.e. whether the information vectors point in different directions. This allows relevant information to be identified for both aspects of the question.

More reliable answers with much smaller models

However, targeted information selection not only improves the quality of responses. It can also be used to reduce the ever-increasing computing power required by AI applications.

By indirectly measuring uncertainty, the model can decide for itself how much more data is needed to provide a sufficiently reliable answer. Consequently, the computational overhead required by an LLM can be systematically adapted to the complexity of the question and the availability of relevant information.

Since SIFT continuously adapts the weighting of the arrow directions to its calculations during data retrieval, the enriched model becomes increasingly reliable the more it is used. This is known as test-time training and can be used to achieve the same output performance with smaller models.

"In tests with standard data sets, we used SIFT tuning to outperform even the best current AI models with models up to 40 times smaller," emphasizes Hubotter.

Identifying added value of relevant data

Additional applications for the SIFT algorithm are opening up in terms of data evaluation. As Krause explains, "We can track which enrichment data SIFT selects. They are closely related to the question and therefore particularly relevant to this subject area. This could be used in medicine, for example, to investigate which laboratory analyses or measurement values are significant for a specific diagnosis and which are less so."

Hubotter is presenting his approach at the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR) in Singapore. In December, the ETH researchers won the prize for the Best Scientific Article for their method at the NeurIPS Annual Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS) in the "Finetuning in Modern Machine Learning" workshop.

More information: Jonas Hubotter et al, Efficiently Learning at Test-Time: Active Fine-Tuning of LLMs, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2410.08020 Journal information: arXiv
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Big Tech companies such as Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft have deeply embedded themselves into every aspect of our livesour health care, education, and even politics. As these tech giants consistently stay one step ahead of regulation, the question arises: who holds these powerful players to account?

Alexandra Schwinges examined the role of news media in this regard and concludes that, in today's digital age, journalism must renew its watchdog role. Schwinges will defend her Ph.D. thesis on Friday 9 May at the University of Amsterdam.

Big Tech increasingly presents itself as an indispensable service provider in society. Their lobbying power and international reach make it difficult for governments to regulate their activities effectively, leading to a so-called 'accountability gap'a growing chasm between societal power and legal oversight.

"Experts have raised these concerns for some time, but I believe we truly woke up to the scale of Big Tech's power only recently," says Schwinges. "The high-profile presence of Big Tech CEOs at Donald Trump's inauguration and Elon Musk's appointment to the US government sparked a significant shift in our collective thinking."

Schwinges explored the extent to which, and the ways in which, news media hold Big Tech to account. She examined how journalists, lobbyists, and the general public perceive the media's watchdog function and analyzed how Big Tech is covered in the news.

While the public tends to hold high expectations for the media's watchdog role, perceptions that these expectations are unmet are linked to reduced trust in journalism. Journalists acknowledge their responsibility but say they face practical challenges, including dependence on expert sources, the complexity of the subject matter, and editorial priorities.

"It's difficult for journalists," Schwinges explains. "Most are not tech experts, yet they need to become just that to fulfill their watchdog role effectively. At the same time, they need to grasp a wide range of policy issues."

News coverage of Big Tech, she observed, is often driven by current events rather than a sustained critical stance. "There is discussion and criticism, but it's usually confined to specific circlessuch as in and around Brussels. The public is largely excluded and left to navigate today's digital reality on their own," says Schwinges.

Tech companies are adept at shaping the narrative by portraying themselves as guardians of the public interestan image that enhances their standing and influence in public debates. They frame their role in society with a so-called "social license to operate," often emphasizing how they benefit communities. They also adopt a technocratic tone, suggesting that access to smartphones or the internet is a basic right. Journalists frequently echo these frames, thereby reinforcing the perception of Big Tech as a socially valuable force.

Schwinges' findings underscore the urgent need for journalism to renew its watchdog practicesby reporting more critically and enforcing public accountability. Only then can the media preserve their legitimacy as the "fourth estate." She calls for a 'software update' in journalism, with more emphasis on data journalism.

Moreover, Schwinges advocates for more cross-border collaboration among media outlets. "Most news media operate on a national level, while Big Tech functions globally across all markets. Journalists need to join forcesalso with academics and policymakers. Only through a collective effort can we safeguard democratic values like transparency and accountability in an era of unprecedented technological power."

More information: Alexandra Schwinges: Big Tech in Check. News Media's Watchdog Role in the Digital Age.
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Alphabet Inc. pays Samsung Electronics Co. an "enormous sum of money" every month to preinstall Google generative AI app, Gemini, on its phones and devices, according to court testimony, even though the company's practice of paying for installations has twice been found to violate the law.

The company began paying Samsung for Gemini in January, according to Peter Fitzgerald, Google's vice president of platforms and device partnerships, who testified Monday and Tuesday in Washington federal court as part of the Justice Department's antitrust case.

The contract, set to run at least two years, provides fixed monthly payments for each device that preinstalls Gemini and pays Samsung a percentage of the revenue Google earns from paid subscriptions for the app and ads, Fitzgerald told Judge Amit Mehta, who is overseeing the case. Gemini doesn't currently have ads, he said.

Samsung also received "competitive offers" from other AI companies, Fitzgerald acknowledged, including Microsoft Corp., Meta Platforms Inc. and OpenAI to include their AI apps.

"We took into consideration what was being offered by competitors," Fitzgerald said Tuesday about Google's offer to Samsung.

On cross-examination, Fitzgerald said that the agreement with Samsung would allow the company to allow alternative generative AI services if it wants. The company also amended its search agreement with Samsung as of this month to eliminate the requirement that Samsung only pre-install Google's search engine and personal assistant, he said.

Mehta found last year that Google's practice of paying Samsung to be the default search engine on its devices violated antitrust law. He is currently hearing testimony to decide what changes to force Google to make to its business to remedy the illegal behavior.

The Justice Department has proposed barring Google from paying partners for its search engine to be the default. That ban would also apply to Google's AI products, including Gemini, which the agency says were aided by the company's illegal monopoly in search.

The amount of money that Google pays to Samsung wasn't revealed in court. During opening statements, DOJ lawyer David Dahlquist said the search giant pays Samsung "enormous sum of money in a fixed monthly payment."

Between 2020 and 2023, Google paid $8 billion to make Google Search, the Play Store, and Google Assistant the default on Samsung's mobile devices, according to testimony in a separate case over the company's monopolization of the Android ecosystem. The federal jury hearing that case found in 2023 that Google abused its power in the Android app market with its Google Play store policies.

A California federal judge later ruled that the company must lift restrictions that prevent developers from setting up rival marketplaces and billing systems. Google is appealing.

Advertising

In testimony Wednesday, Google's head of Gemini Sissie Hsiao confirmed that the app doesn't currently have ads but executives have discussed the need to add them. "We aren't losing search/ads traffic yet," an internal memo from last year said, but "this is inevitable." Google's head of ads pushed for "monetizing Gemini with Ads ASAP 'writing is on the wall.'"

Google's biggest source of revenue is advertising, particularly the ads that appear alongside search results.

"So far we have not seen cannibalization" of Google search and ads, Hsiao said. "I think it really depends on whether chatbots or AI assistants become good at helping people" shop online.

"Is it inevitable? I don't know. Maybe."

2025 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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The road ahead looks treacherous for Nissan after the Japanese auto giant predicted an enormous loss just as US President Donald Trump's tariffs on car imports hit the industry.

The road ahead looks treacherous for Nissan after the Japanese auto giant predicted an enormous loss just as US President Donald Trump's tariffs on car imports hit the industry.

Nissan on Thursday warned it expected to have posted a loss of 700-750 billion yen ($4.9-$5.3 billion) in the business year that ended in March, blaming asset write-downs and restructuring costs.

"Despite these challenges, we have significant financial resources, a strong product pipeline and the determination to turn around Nissan in the coming period," the company promised.

But investors are unlikely to be reassured.

Nissan, one of the top 10 automakers by unit sales with roots going back over a century, is heavily in debt and lacking a clear next move after a mooted merger with rival Honda collapsed.

In March, the chief executive quit and investors have driven for the hills, sending Nissan shares down by more than 40% over the past year.

Job cuts

Nissan has lurched from crisis to crisis in recent years, with the dramatic arrest of former boss Carlos Ghosnwho escaped Japan in a musical instrument boxthe COVID pandemic and the Ukraine war.

It has an uninspiring product line, including in electric cars, especially in China where unit sales tumbled 24.1% in the 2023 financial year.

On Wednesday, it announced investments of 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) into China, and said it would raise the number of new models it planned to launch by summer 2027 to 10, up from eight.

"We were not at the same speed, mainly because the Chinese brands were exceptional with speed," Nissan's China chief Stephen Ma said at the Auto Shanghai industry show.

Last year, Nissan announced 9,000 job cuts worldwide and that it was slashing production capacity by 20%.

In February, talks with Honda on merging to create the world's third-biggest automaker by number of vehicles collapsed. The negotiations had also involved Mitsubishi Motors.

This prompted Moody's to cut its credit rating on Nissan to junk, citing "weak profitability driven by slowing demand for its aging model portfolio".

A Nissan N7 electric car is displayed during the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition this week.

Options limited

Now, to make matters worse, since April, the United States has imposed a 25% surcharge on all imported vehicles.

Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Tatsuo Yoshida told AFP that Nissan will be the most severely impacted of all major Japanese automakers.

Last year, Nissan generated 30% of its revenues in the United States, selling 924,000 vehicles there, 45% of them imported from Japan and Mexico.

If Nissan absorbs the full impact of the tariffs without passing costs to the market or customers, this would mean a loss of 440 billion yen ($3.1 billion), Yoshida calculates.

To hedge, Nissan is tweaking its production.

This includes reversing plans to reduce output at its Tennessee plant and stopping sales in the United States of two models made in Mexico.

But more drastic measures could be needed, including shifting production wholesale from Mexico and Japan to the United States.

But this will take time, even assuming Nissan has spare factory capacity in America.

"Transferring production means creating capacity, tooling, finding suppliers," an industry source told AFP. "To achieve anything significant, it will take at least two years."

In any case, given the unpredictability of Trump's policies, analysts said it was unlikely that Nissanor any Japanese automakerwould announce any major shift for now.

Hon Hai help?

"If this situation goes on forever, it can be a death blow for Nissan, in a sense that it will run out of cash and default," Yoshida said before Thursday's profit warning.

But he added that if this happens, he expects a financial partner to come to the rescue, in the shape of Honda or a technology firm like Apple.

In February, Nissan shares briefly surged on a reported push to bring Elon Musk's Tesla on as an investor.

Reports in December said Taiwan's Foxconnalso known as Hon Hai, which assembles iPhones and wants to move into carshad approached Nissan to buy a majority stake.

 2025 AFP
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As U.S.China tech tensions continue to mount, the semiconductor industry has become a focal point in a high-stakes geopolitical standoff.

The latest round of U.S. export restrictions has rendered even Nvidia's H20 chiponce considered a compliant workaroundoff-limits to Chinese buyers. These developments raise pressing questions about the future of global chip design, innovation and market access.

To help make sense of these rapidly evolving dynamics, Valeria Bertacco shares her insights. A leading expert in computer architecture and semiconductor design, she is Mary Lou Dorf Collegiate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan and directs the Applications Driving Architectures Research Center, supported by a consortium of major semiconductor firms.

She examines how U.S. policy is reshaping the global semiconductor landscapeand what that means for innovation, energy efficiency and the future of companies like Nvidia:

Nvidia created the H20 chip specifically to comply with US restrictions. Now, even this product is reportedly no longer accessible to Chinese firms. What does the new ban say about the evolving nature of US tech policy toward China?

The stance of the U.S. government toward the People's Republic of China has been increasingly challenging for the semiconductor industry, which is intrinsically a global industryas evidence, we all experienced firsthand the supply chain disruptions that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many tech companies are working incessantly to navigate the changing policy space so as to abide U.S. regulations while striving to minimize their customer base losses in the global marketplace.

Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang stated in Beijing that Nvidia will 'unswervingly serve the Chinese market' in Beijing. How realistic is this, given the ongoing House investigation and increasingly tight export controls? What forms could 'serving' China even take at this point? Another H20 variant?

So far, the hardware restricted in some international markets targets only the most high-end chips, which constitute a small fraction of the AI hardware market. Mid- and low-end hardware will still be available to those markets, as well as edge-AI hardware, all of which are important markets that are well-served by U.S. companies and startups.

One of the critical needs in the AI hardware space is computational efficiency and energy availability. Current trends suggest that the energy that will be spent in AI computations by the end of the decade could reach 21% of global energy.

Restricting a large part of the AI community to lower-end hardware has been a catalyst in addressing the efficiency of AI. Recently, we saw a clear demonstration of this trend in the DeepSeek LLM model, which uses significantly fewer resources than previous large AI models.

Can US chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD maintain their innovation edge if they permanently lose access to the Chinese market? How might reduced revenue, scale or diverse customer demands affect their long-term R&D?

To the extent that sales in those markets fund technology companies' R&D, there is certainly a risk that those companies would have to limit their internal innovation and research funding. U.S. government funding could help mitigate this potential loss of opportunities in innovation through research programs targeting AI technology.

Another key area of concern is the access that studentsfrom almost every country on the planethave to U.S. universities, with subsequent paths into U.S.-based technology positions. For decades, U.S. technology leadership has attracted the very best talent worldwide, training it in our academic institutions and pushing it into our tech industry.

If this flow were to come to an end due to policy changes, we would certainly see large impacts on U.S.-led technology innovation, especially in the semiconductor and software industries.

Is there a risk that overly aggressive restrictions could push Nvidia or similar firms to shift parts of their business or innovation base abroadperhaps to markets less restricted?

It might. I do not think this is a consideration today, but we do not know how policy restrictions may evolve. If such changes were to take place, I expect that they would be slow and incremental. And even slower to undo.

How will this affect leading Chinese tech firms like Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance and DeepSeek? Could a sustained chip shortage slow their innovation?

In the short term it likely will. However, the shortage may drive innovators to explore alternative paths to new solutions, solutions that one may not be considering if high-end AI chips were abundant everywhere.

For instance, DeepSeek showed that high-quality LLM training can be attained with one order of magnitude less computing effort than traditionally thought was needed. Their innovations might not have been pursued if the looming threat of limited access to high-end AI chips had not been there.

What does this mean for China's homegrown alternatives, like chips from Huawei or Cambricon? Do you think they can scale quickly enough to meet domestic AI demand?

The PRC government has the means to invest in expanding its semiconductor industry, and to support its own innovation advances so as to strive to become a leader in the global semiconductor space. U.S. policy restrictions may accelerate their efforts in that direction by exacerbating unfulfilled PRC's market needs.

With Nvidia now manufacturing chips domestically through TSMC in Phoenix and building supercomputers in Texas, how might this shift toward US-based production reshape the global AI supply chain? And how might it affect Taiwan's strategic role in global chip manufacturing?

The expansion of semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in the United States, thanks to TSMC and other manufacturers, including Intel, Micron, Samsung, Global Foundries, etc., is a very positive trend that hardens the U.S. against future weaknesses in the supply chain. These new developments are the result of strategic CHIPS Act's investments that have been under development since 2022.

I do not believe these trends will reduce Hsinchu and Taiwan's role in the global semiconductor space, as the demand for chip manufacturing still far exceeds the offering.
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:

Professor Prashant Khare is director of UC's Hypersonics Lab and head of UC's Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. Credit: Andrew Higley

Aerospace engineering has always had a preoccupation with speed. Now researchers at the University of Cincinnati are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, practical, reliable and safe at five times the speed of sound, or more than 3,800 mph.

"The bottom line for aerospace is to go farther, faster with more payload. That's the fundamental question for anything that flies," said Prashant Khare, director of UC's Hypersonics Lab. "And we strive every day to come up with new technologies or science concepts that might lead to improvements."

Hypersonics is getting increasing attention for military applications in the race to develop faster weaponsand perhaps one day aircraftcapable of evading deterrent technology.

Weapons such as Germany's V-2 rocket were deployed as early as World War II. More recently, Russia used hypersonic missiles in its attacks on Ukraine.

"And China tested one of its own. So there's been a lot of investment in improving hypersonic technologies," said Khare, head of UC's Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics.

"From a physics point of view, the limitation is the speed of light," he said. "The challenge is not only how fast we can go, but do we have materials that will withstand the speeds we want to go?"

The crew of Apollo 10 holds the speed record for human flight, reaching more than 24,000 miles per hour on their return trip from the moon. At such extreme speeds, the friction with the atmosphere generates intense heat. Space modules must withstand temperatures of more than 2,700F.

Researchers are finding new ways to withstand this inferno, he said.

"Friction creates the heat. Can we come up with new materials or cooling technologies so we can go fast?" Khare asked. "The next question is how do we go that fast? That is more related to traditional propulsion or combustion sciences."

UC engineering student Jeremy Redding said aerospace engineers push the envelope of what is possible and safe, starting with the first rockets in the 1940s, leading to the first human missions to space in the 1950s and '60s.

The Hypersonics Lab's work at Digital Futures has examined how changing surface dynamics alters the fundamental physics of hypersonic flight systems. Engineers also are learning more about the bizarre physics observed at high speeds, Khare said. Fluids behave weirdly at hypersonic speeds as molecules break apart and reform, creating a nonequilibrium state.

"A lot of it is counterintuitive or even mind-bending to think about," Khare said.

And their collaboration with the Army Research Laboratory is leading to engine improvements to prevent stalling at such high speeds, Redding said.

"This is just the beginning," Redding said. "Hypersonics is a multidisciplinary field of research that requires the insight of a passionate community intentionally pursuing the knowledge it has to go faster and higher."

At least for now, hypersonic flight is impractical for commercial aviation because of the massive gravitational or g-forces passengers would have to withstand. But it's of immense interest in military and cargo applications, Khare said.

In his lab, Khare and his students use computer simulations to study the fundamentals of new propulsion systems for rotating detonation engines, which are more efficient than today's jet engines, and supersonic combustion ramjet engines.

Engineers are deploying tools such as spectroscopy, Raman scattering and photonic Doppler velocimetry to study hypersonics. Meanwhile, supercomputers allow Khare and his students to record hypersonic variables in fine detail in simulations. Capturing just one millisecond of hypersonic flight in simulation can require millions of computing hours.

"With advances in experimental diagnostics, technology and computing, we are now at a point where we can understand it because we have these new tools," Khare said.

But there is still much to explore. And with so much external interest in this topic from government agencies and aerospace companies, careers in hypersonic technology are promising, he said.

"When people talk about something simple they'll often say, "It's not rocket science,'" Khare said. "But this is. This is rocket science."
(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).
Former prime minister Stuart Young is leading the legal team representing former Central Bank Governor Dr Alvin Hilaire in his wrongful dismissal battle against the State.

On Wednesday, Hilaire told the Express that his attorneys issued a pre-action protocol letter to the Attorney General and the Cabinet Secretariat.

When asked by the Express to provide a copy of the pre-action letter and the names of his attorneys, Hilaire responded yesterday, declining to share the letter but confirming that Young is leading his legal team.
A PRIVATE contractor is dead after an accident in Tobago.

Police have identified the victim as Darryl Figaro of Black Rock, Tobago. He died on Wednesday after falling from a ladder while working at a private villa.

An autopsy of Figaros body yesterday at the Scarborough Mortuary determined injuries were consistent with a fall, and it ruled out foul play. The body was previously identified by the victims daughter.
My wife and I are in our sunset years and have been trying to deal with the many issues of our health, so our doctors have been giving us prescriptions for medication which is needed to try to control our health issues.

We would normally go to distributors of the various medications that are prescribed, and purchase two months supply at any one time. Alas, we no longer can do this because of the recent ruling by the respective Government agencies, and now have to purchase these medications from registered pharmacies.
A 24-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash Wednesday evening in midtown, Tucson police say.

About 7:30 p.m., Bianey Franco was riding west on East Broadway when she collided with an eastbound 2007 Lincoln SUV that was making a left onto North Arcadia Avenue, Tucson police said in a news release.

Franco, who was wearing a helmet, died at the hospital, police said.

The unidentified SUV driver was not injured.

The investigation continues, but failure to yield while making a left turn and speeding are believed to be the major contributing factors in the crash, the release said.
Eleven more international students studying in Arizona have sued the Trump administration for canceling their status as foreign students in a federal database, arguing they were denied due process and seeking assurances they can safely continue their education and work without fear of deportation.

The new lawsuit comes a week after two Arizona students also filed separate lawsuits earlier this month on the same legal grounds.

Two of the 11 students in the new joint lawsuit  filed Monday in U.S. District Court  are residents of Pima County, one pursuing a bachelors degree and the other a doctoral degree, said attorney Matt Green, one of three Tucson lawyers on the case.

The remaining nine plaintiffs live in Maricopa County, pursuing either bachelors or masters degrees, or post-graduate employment, through an optional workplace-training program available to international students, according to the complaint.

Green would not confirm whether the Pima County-based students attend the University of Arizona.

UA has been silent on how many of its international students have been affected by the Trump administrations campaign to revoke international students visas and cancel their status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems database, known as SEVIS. The database is managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to keep track of international students in the country.

Some students at the UA whose SEVIS records were canceled, and whose student visas were revoked by the State Department, have opted to self-deport, rather than stay in the U.S. and risk being detained, according to UA Chair of the Faculty Leila Hudsons statements at the last Faculty Senate meeting.

In all three lawsuits filed by Tucson law firm Green Evans-Schroeder, the students requested permission to use pseudonyms, due to their fear of retaliation by the Trump administration and fear of harassment or blacklisting by third parties, the complaints said.

As in the two prior lawsuits, the latest case argues the SEVIS record terminations were unlawful because the Department of Homeland Security does not have the legal authority to unilaterally revoke SEVIS status without advance notice to the student, who by law should have a chance to respond.

Most of the students targeted by the Trump administration have had interactions with law enforcement in the past, even civil violations such as speeding tickets, but none of those Green has consulted with have any criminal history that would warrant a visa revocation, he said. Some have had no interaction with law enforcement, or misdemeanor charges that were later dropped, he said.

Across the nation, at least 1,000 international students  and likely many more, attorneys say  have discovered without warning the State Department has revoked their student visa, and DHSs Immigration and Customs Enforcement canceled their SEVIS records.

Students have filed dozens of lawsuits in recent weeks, and many are already recording legal wins that restore their SEVIS records, at least temporarily. Some of these cases will likely make it to the U.S. Supreme Court, ultimately, Green said.

In Atlanta, 133 students have had their legal status restored for at least two weeks, under a temporary restraining order granted by a judge, according to Charles Kuck, the Atlanta immigration attorney representing the plaintiffs.

All of our 133 clients have had their SEVIS restored and are all now back in status, Kuck posted on X on Tuesday. Litigation works.

A temporary restraining order has also been granted to one of two Arizona students who sued the Trump administration earlier this month, Green said.

The revocation of a student visa doesnt automatically cancel a students legal status as a foreign student; normally, even if a students visa is revoked, they can stay in the country to finish their studies as long as their F-1 status as foreign students in the SEVIS database remains active, attorneys say. A student visa controls the students entry to the U.S., not his or her legal status as a student once theyre already here.

The Trump administration, in defending itself against the slew of student lawsuits, has begun arguing that ICE canceling a students record in SEVIS doesnt actually mean the student no longer has legal status.

Attorneys disagree, saying the lack of a SEVIS record has been interpreted by another DHS agency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, to be a loss of legal status, regardless of what ICE says. Even university officials cant confidently assure students that theyre safe to continue attending classes and working without an active SEVIS record, attorneys say.
A government hunter accidentally killed an endangered wolf that was wearing a tracking collar and may have been expecting pups, according to federal records from the April 14 incident along the Arizona-New Mexico border.

Early this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized the removal of one uncollared Mexican gray wolf from a pack of seven animals that had been blamed for a series of attacks on cattle over the past year.

Instead, documents show that a collared female known as AF1823 was mistakenly lethally removed from the Bear Canyon pack by Wildlife Services, a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that investigates livestock deaths and removes wolves when necessary.

The killing has sparked outrage among wolf advocates.

Ive never seen them screw up a removal. This is really unprecedented and really bad, said Greta Anderson, the Tucson-based deputy director for Western Watersheds Project. It calls into question how these agents are trained if they dont know what theyre shooting at.

Wildlife Services did not respond to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for the Fish and Wildlife Service said the agency had no additional information to share beyond what was in its original removal order and two-sentence, follow-up report.

Brady McGee, Mexican wolf recovery coordinator for the Fish and Wildlife Service, issued the removal order on April 4, after seven cows were killed and six others injured on public and private rangeland in eastern Arizona since March of last year.

His order only authorized the killing of a single uncollared wolf, while specifically calling for AF1823 to be spared.

It is our intent not to remove the breeding female ... who will likely whelp a new litter of pups soon, McGee wrote.

Wildlife managers initially tried to haze the Bear Canyon pack away from cattle grazing areas or lure the wolves elsewhere with food, but those efforts were hampered by the remote, rugged terrain.

I am concerned with the numerous depredations in this area over a short period of time and the toll these depredations have caused the livestock producer, McGee said in his order.

Anderson thinks a broader livestock management problem ultimately led to the wolfs killing.

She said all of the recent attacks on young cows occurred in springtime, before wild elk in the area started having their own calves, which serve as the primary natural source of prey for the pack.

Its not the wolves fault for eating baby cows. You cant put vulnerable prey in predator territory and not expect predators to eat them, Anderson said. Its a set-up for depredation.

Under a federal grant program established in 2009, ranchers can seek reimbursement for cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and even working dogs that are injured or killed by Mexican wolves.

McGee has previously described lethal removal as a measure of last resort for dealing with livestock conflicts.

As far as Anderson is concerned, no predator should ever be punished for behaving like a predator. Its outrageous that our government is authorizing wolves to be killed for preying on livestock on public lands, full stop, she said.

Conservation groups challenged the targeted killing of wolves as part of a 2022 lawsuit over the governments current recovery plan for the Mexican gray wolf, but a federal judge in Tucson decided the case in favor of federal and state wildlife officials late last month.

Once found across the Southwest, the Mexican wolf was driven to extinction in the U.S. in the latter half of the 20th century by a government-sponsored predator-eradication campaign.

The subspecies of the gray wolf was added to the federal endangered species list in 1976 and reintroduced to Arizona and New Mexico starting in 1998 with the captive-bred descendants of animals taken from the wild in Mexico.

According to wildlife officials, there are now at least 286 Mexican wolves in some 60 distinct packs scattered across eastern Arizona and western New Mexico, where the overall population has increased annually for the past nine years in a row.

But advocates say the survival of the subspecies remains very much in doubt, and the loss of even one individual could have unforeseen consequences.

All Mexican wolves are precious due to their small numbers, but a breeding female is especially precious and important, said Sandy Bahr, director for Sierra Clubs Grand Canyon Chapter in Arizona. This is no way to treat endangered wildlife.

AF1823 was less than 12 months old when the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team first captured her and fitted her with a tracking collar in October 2018.

At the time, the wild-born wolf was a member of the Prime Canyon pack, which lives along U.S. Highway 191 northeast of Hannagan Meadow. She left that group in early 2020 and joined the Bear Canyon pack roughly 15 miles away.

As part of an educational program by conservationists, a group of school children gave AF1823 the nickname Asiza, which means Forest Spirit.

Though the 7-year-old wolf was still wearing a tracking collar when she was killed last week, the device was no longer functioning.

Even so, Anderson said, it should have been obvious that the animal was not one of the uncollared members of the pack.

They wear brightly colored collars for a reason, she said. I get that mistakes happen, but this is a really big mistake.
University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella emphasized the importance of federal and state funding as he responded to top professors urging him to stand up to Trump administration orders they say threaten UAs core values.

With more than $470 million in federal research grants, more than $380 million in state funding, and over $70 million in federal Pell Grants supporting 22% of our student body, we are deeply committed to sustaining the work and supporting the success of our students, faculty, and staff, while preserving the long-term financial stability of the university, Garimella wrote in a letter Monday to the professors.

We also have a responsibility to comply with the laws and guidelines that apply to our public university, he said.

The Trump administration has ended some funding and threatened to pull more from universities that dont meet various ideological demands, including ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature has also threatened loss of state funding if DEI is not eliminated.

Garimella was responding to the more than 60 Regents and Distinguished professors who wrote to him Friday asking him to fight what they call unlawful conditions being placed on federal funding; to protect students and international scholars, many of whom are living in fear of deportation; and more.

The professors had written: It is imperative that universities present a united front against threats to our firm commitment to academic freedom, and the rights guaranteed to all of us  faculty, staff, and students alike  by the US Constitution: freedom of speech, equal protection, and due process under the law. We urge you to issue a statement affirming the University of Arizonas commitment to these principles.

Garimella responded that UA administrators are collaborating with the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and peer institutions, and are in ongoing dialogue with Arizonas congressional delegation and state legislators. He did not mention specifics about these conversations and collaborations nor what their goals are.

Our efforts are focused on protecting our academic freedom and research strength, and of course the success and access for our students, all of which are foundational to our land-grant mission, Garimella wrote, without addressing the specific actions requested by Regents and Distinguished professors.

Garimella said UA has worked methodically, including through advocacy in support of the legal process.

It has taken proactive steps, he wrote, to support the continuity of its research through its Bridge Funding program, announced to faculty and researchers March 6, to bridge gaps when federal grants are paused or stopped.

Thomas Sheridan, a UA Distinguished Outreach Professor Emeritus of anthropology who signed the letter to Garimella, said, I dont believe the president addressed the calls for action.

Marcia Rieke, a UA Regents Professor of astronomy who also signed the letter, said while Garimellas response included some good points, she was hoping that it would include more mention of concrete actions showing that the University of Arizona stands united with our fellow universities, both within the state of Arizona and nationally.

On April 22, more than 150 university presidents signed onto a statement titled A Call for Constructive Engagement, saying they are showcasing a united front. The statement, which now has over 400 signatures, was issued by the American Association of Colleges and Universities or AACU.

We are open to constructive reform," that statement says, "and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding."

No Arizona presidents  Garimella, Arizona State University President Michael Crow and Northern Arizona University President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera  have signed onto this statement.

Rieke said she would feel better if Garimella signed the letter. Sheridan said he was deeply disappointed Garimella did not sign the Call for Constructive Engagement letter.

Keith Maggert, a UA professor of molecular and cellular biology, said: We know that collective stands do make a difference. I wish President Garimella would lead us to sign on to something like the AACU statement. That would put us in the company wed like to keep.
PHOENIX  Gov. Katie Hobbs on Thursday signed a breakthrough bipartisan measure to fund services for tens of thousands of disabled Arizonans that had run out of cash and led to a months-long fight between her and Republican lawmakers.

The move came just hours after the Senate, with only one dissenting vote, approving the compromise $122 million package. And that came a day after they had pushed through an all-Republican proposal over the objection of Democrats.

But that plan was rejected by the House, which instead voted late Wednesday on a deal that gained the backing of 49 of the 60 representatives. And it was that plan that the Senate ratified Thursday.

The action ensures that money to pay parents to care for their disabled children does not run out as scheduled next week.

Now, Arizonans with developmental disabilities and their families can feel some relief knowing services that allow them to maintain their independence and dignity with continue, the governor said in a prepared statement.

Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp said the whole idea of the Legislature is to have both sides sit down and come up with the best possible solutions for the citizens of Arizona.

Thats exactly what we did, said the Surprise Republican. Everyone was able to come together and do what was best for some of the most vulnerable in our society.

And Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan said while its not everything Democrats wanted, we are not allowing the perfect to be the enemy of the good.

At the center of the fight is the Parents as Paid Caregivers program. It was started by the federal government during the coronavirus pandemic because it became impossible to find private caregivers and is hugely popular.

But some of those federal dollars ran out last year. Hobbs then simply absorbed the cost into the state budget  a move that GOP lawmakers said was done without their knowledge until the governor disclosed halfway through the budget year that she did not have enough to run through the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Parents packed the Legislative chambers to pressure lawmakers to keep funding the program in recent weeks.

This has not been easy, but we will help save lives, said Rep. David Livingston, R-Peoria, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee. There will be disabled families that will be able to continue the (Parents as Paid Caregivers) program.

And he noted that the additional dollars in the legislation will ensure that others get state services, saying that those in nursing homes can be assured that their rent will be paid in May and going forward.

Hobbs had requested the funding in January to keep paying parents to care for their children with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities like severe autism.

But Republicans balked, spending months accusing her of overspending without authority and demanding any fix come with major strings. Those included extensive oversight of the states Medicaid program, and that the funds come from funds designed to boost low-income housing, business development and from the source she wanted: a pot of money from prescription drug rebates.

That was the plan approved with only Republican backing by the Senate at midday Wednesday. Hobbs accused Republicans of playing political games and putting other important policies at risk to score political points.

Amid the looming deadline, the House voted down that plan.

That led to a furious few hours of negotiations where many House Republicans worked with Democrats to come up with the compromise.

Rep. Julie Willoughby, R-Chandler, was given credit for leading the charge to get a compromise. She had earlier negotiated a deal with Democrats, one that had been blocked by Livingston and Republican House leaders.

Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, was one of the top critics of Hobbs but in the end praised the deal, saying that while GOP lawmakers gave ground and continued funding they put important new guardrails on the system.

I think there are a lot of strong wins here for not only ensuring that our developmental disabilities program doesnt go bankrupt next week  we can address that issue right here on this floor, right now, right here  but it also ensures that we have accountability for these dollars, Gress said.

Rep. Nancy Gutierrez, D-Tucson, a member of the minority partys leadership team, praised the final package.

`This is a bipartisan plan, and it will protect care and lifesaving services for our most vulnerable Arizonans with disabilities, Gutierrez said. And it does it without harmful effects to other folks (by) taking away from homelessness or affordable housing.

The fight was over more than where to find the $122 million.

What Republicans also demanded was more restrictions on the AHCCS, requiring that any time it seeks federal waivers to start or even renew existing programs, it would first have to be approved by the GOP-controlled Legislature. There are at least 27 waivers in place for AHCCCS that require reapprovals over time.

Senate Democrats called the waiver approvals a poison pill that would allow Republicans to scale back medical care for the poor. They also criticized the funding plan as pitting one vulnerable population against another by taking money from the Housing Trust Fund.

Its unnecessary and its just mean, said Sen. Lela Alston, D-Phoenix.

We have known about this from the beginning of the year, Alston said. It is gravely concerning to me that we have fooled around, not taken it seriously and perhaps the worst part is leaving all those children and their parents hanging in fear, literal fear, for all these months.

The final deal takes all the needed dollars from the drug rebate fund, money Hobbs said is readily available ... and not currently serving a purpose.

As to more legislative oversight, Republicans got only some of what they sought.

Existing programs can continue and be renewed without having to get their approval.

But the governor and AHCCCS can no longer on their own seek to expand eligibility for current programs or add new categories of covered services or benefits unless they first get a majority vote of the House and Senate.

That goes to the issue of lawmakers not wanting to be surprised  again  with demands for cash.

It was precisely this kind of waiver that led to the Parents as Paid Caregivers program in the first place, which initially was paid for with federal dollars. And when some of those funds went away, that led to hundreds of parents bringing their children to the Capitol to demand state lawmakers now pick up the difference.

Hobbs said she was grateful to see the bipartisan compromise.

This deal ensures critical services for disabled Arizonans will continue, delivers reasonable guardrails for the Parents as Paid Caregivers program, and protects funding to respond to Arizonans housing needs, she said in a statement issued late Wednesday.

There are other changes to the program.

It puts a cap of 40 hours per week on pay to parents. But there also are restrictions, like forbidding parents from billing the state when the child is at school and denying payment for services like preparing meals and housekeeping that would normally be done by a parent of a child who does not have a disability.

Republicans also added language requiring the state Auditor General to conduct a special review of the Parents as Paid Caregivers program by Aug. 1, 2026.






Small planet, big problems

Not being content with devastating our economy, Trump is continuing to attack our environment.

Old coal-generating plants that were scheduled for closure will now continue to expel toxic chemicals into our air and water due to an executive order by President Trump.

Mercury, a toxin emitted from coal, causes brain damage especially in children. It is in our air, water and the fish we eat.

Like tariffs, Trump has an obsession for coal, which he calls Beautiful Coal.

Our environment is our life and the existence of our planet.

Dale Lindstrom

Marana

A stronger TEP franchise agreement

Thanks to Barbara Liguori for the op-ed on negotiating a better franchise agreement between the city and TEP (Star, April 22). As she points out, other cities are moving closer to renewable energy by negotiating with their electric utility companies.

One notable example is Salt Lake City, which negotiated a franchise agreement with Rocky Mountain Power to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2032. Thanks to advancements in clean energy production and transmission, that goal is now 2030, two years ahead of schedule.

Record heat last summer caused increasing demand for air conditioning, leading to record profits for TEP. TEP should invest $40 million of those profits to help the city deal with the heat caused, in part, by TEPs use of fossil fuels to create electricity. That $40 million investment should be a key part of the new franchise agreement. Tucson voters should accept nothing less.

Mike Carran

Marana

Endangering American pilots

During WW2, bars in our port cities had posters saying Loose Lips Sink Ships: German spies reported sailings, routes, etc., mentioned by careless seamen. Hegseth should think about this instead of holding insecure phone parties for his relatives and hangers-on, while dodging the issue of putting American pilots in danger.

I have pointed out in the past, before the election, that well more than a hundred military and Defense people signed a public letter from John Kelly, last Chief of Staff to Trump, stating that Trump was unfit for the office. Now we have even more reason to see why. In fact, Im sure that Hegseths appointment was Trumps revenge for that letter. And the Senate was afraid to seriously consider all the japes that came out in the hearings.

Herbert Schneidau

Foothills

Opinion piece by William Mordka

I just want to agree with William Mordkas Opinion of April 22. As a 58-year resident of Tucson, I too, have become a Tucson apologist. I agree with everything he said, and we all need to start cleaning up the streets of the Old Pueblo and get into office those who care about the city and the county. Those of us who reside in the county have no say as to who gets into office and yet we have to live with their choices and regulations. We need to change that so that people living outside of the city limits can participate in voting and get into office people who care about our city and not just about the political parties but the city, county and especially the citizens living here.

Sheri Akey

Foothills

Explained

As a moderate, registered Republican, I will explain to Jeffrey McConnell that all persons in the United States of America are afforded the same Constitutional rights, regardless of their legal status. 14th Amendment, Section 1: nor to deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Thats the theory. Thats not the practice, as indicated by the inequitable treatment of the various others groups throughout U.S. history. Treatment of others has improved over time. Unfortunately, equitable treatment is being reversed under the current administration.

Why not pursue your Constitutional rights? Practice Trumps theory. In October 2019, Abrego Garcia was granted a withholding of removal order based on his well-founded fear of persecution. How did that work out for him?

James Abels

Midtown

Deport insurrectionist Trump

1,270 riotous insurrectionists tried to stop Congress from certifying the presidents election on Jan. 6, 2021. Each rioter received a due process fair trial under the law, in which valid evidence was presented, and each had the opportunity to defend themselves. Each convicted rioter was judged guilty by a jury of peers. Only the ringleader of the anti-democracy rebellion, the leader who told them to fight like hell, escaped trial and conviction. His lawyers masterfully played every due process trick in the book.

Then, on Jan. 20, 2025, the insurrection leader, reelected President, pardoned the convicted rioters.

Now, Trump is invoking the ancient Alien Enemies Act of 1798, and Insurrection Act of 1807, to deport alleged enemies without any due process as required by law.

That one anti-democracy perpetrator, the traitor who evaded judgment, should be forced to stand trial now. If convicted, he should be deported to El Salvador.

Bruce Joffe

South Tucson

Celebrate innovation

April 26t is World Intellectual Property Day. As home of the U of A, its important to celebrate the contributions of creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who push the boundaries of innovation. With the current political climate creating so many unknowns, we must recognize all the hard work that goes into the various industries that make our country a leading driver in various sectors of our economy. The biotech and pharmaceutical industry is one where tremendous strides are being made to provide cures for diseases like cancer or Alzheimers. This could not be done without a government that fosters these innovations and groundbreaking research that requires years and years of trial and error. IP has also enabled the U.S. to lead in various electronics, manufacturing, and software industries that have become so integral to our daily lives. So, as we celebrate World IP Day, I hope we will all take a moment and urge the leaders in our federal government to protect these innovations and encourage them through their policymaking.

Sherry Goodstone

Midtown

Vandalism, graffiti at Chabad Tucson

This morning on the wall of the synagogue, it said Abolish Apartheid and Abolish Israel. That phrase in fact says lets get rid of 7 million Jews, that is truly genocide. If you have Ethiopian Jews, Israeli Arabs, gays, trans, all kinds living in Israel, what makes it an apartheid state? This vitriol and hate has to end. Protesting is free speech, but asking for the complete destruction of a race of people is so horribly wrong. As an American Jew and a Zionist, I ask those who hate, those that choose to continue this madness, to sit down with us and try to have a peaceful conversation. We are surrounded by Jordan, Syria, and Egypt; our sovereignty and safety is always on high alert. Leave our property alone, we do not protest, we do not destroy, we pray for peace and the return of all hostages, you should do the same, maybe this will all end.

Andrew Kunsberg

East side

The border is not wide open

I am a progressive, liberal Democrat. Jeffrey, you asked for an explanation regarding immigration. You may not like what I am going to write. But here goes.

The practice of giving asylum has a long history. Originally, it was a religious obligation related to church as sanctuary.

The United Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 from the United Nations General Assembly set out universal rights. The Refugee Convention from the UN in 1951 expanded rights to prohibit the return of a person to a country where they might face persecution.

Immigrants who made it to the border could present themselves and express intention to seek asylum. They would undergo a credible fear interview with accompanying documents (vetting). If found credible, they would be referred to immigration court (due process) to formally apply using Form I-589. At this point, they become legal. (They cannot vote or get benefits). My question is, how far would you go to save your child?

Margaret Gordon Magruder

Downtown

Trump, really?

Trump: Harvard has been hiring almost all woke, Radical Left, idiots and birdbrains who are only capable of teaching FAILURE to students and so-called future leaders. Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds (as reported verbatim by Politico). This is our President and the leader of the free world speaking. Hes an embarrassment to many, and I would hope most, U.S. citizens. Will he next try to mandate that professors do manual labor like Chinas Cultural Revolution of the last century? And universities are only one object of his wrath.

Please keep these and many other of Trumps demeaning, inflammatory and revolting words and actions in mind when you vote in the 2026 midterm elections.

Dale Keyes

Northwest side

Courage!

After reflecting on the directive to eliminate all DEI, Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott Corp (over 800,000 employees), said, We welcome all to our hotels and we create opportunities for all ... and those will never change. Contrast that with those, including Apple Inc., Amazon, Google, Nvidia, Tesla and Microsoft, all of which corporations contributed vast sums to the January presidential inauguration. And decide which businesses merit your continued support.

Kenneth Haber

Northwest side

Re: (Un)due process letter

As an independent American who is very proud of his Mexican heritage and culture, I will write slowly so you can understand. The Constitution is what makes America great. The 5th and 14th Amendments guarantee due process. Just recently, SCOTUS voted 9-0 to halt deportation until due process was completed. If you are still befuddled, I suggest you get off the MAGA media. You dont have to believe the lame media. Just pay attention to the Supreme Court.

Guillermo Robles

Foothills

Not-so-happy Earth Day

As Trump systematically destroys everything that makes America great, pay attention to impending environmental destruction of our country and planet.

The world is moving toward an economy fueled by green energy and acknowledges that man-made climate change is real. Yet, our Administration wants to take us back to the 19th Century. For Trump, its always about the money. He is keeping his promise to his oil buddies and other commercial polluters for funding his re-election. The EPA is rolling back major environmental regulations from protecting our water and air to reducing limits on mercury, methane leaks, and PFAS. What do you want to bet that we will see a pause or dropping of current federal cases against major polluters who donated to Trumps inauguration?

EPAs actions are purportedly to Power the Great American Comeback. This kind of comeback will assist in destroying life on Earth. To add insult to injury, the administration is stripping references to climate change from federal websites.

Kathy Krucker

Midtown

Immigration and the rule of law

Not as a Democrat nor as a Republican or Independent, but as an American, Mr. McConnell, the basic answer to your simple due process question is that we are a country that follows the rule of law. Please do not be befuddled or chagrined. Many do not understand. If charged with an offense, we all, immigrants and citizens alike, in this great country, are entitled to be heard by an impartial judge, in this case an immigration judge. And adjudicated appropriately. Have you heard the phrase innocent until proven guilty?

John (Jay) Van Echo

West side

Disgusting people with no courage

Adolf Trumps Easter message and Marjorie Taylor Greenes statements about Pope Francis were gutless and cowardly. Pope Francis was right: They are not Christians when they degrade, the poor, mentally handicapped and physically disabled.

Pope Francis saw through Trump, as we have in the USA. Pope Francis preached love and peace. Maga Christians preach hate. I will never forget MTG and Trumps hate to all, including to a holy man preaching love and peace.

David E. Leon
City councilors spent six hours Wednesday visiting four mental health providers in town.

It wasnt nearly enough time.

If you didnt already know, mental health is very complex. It is not something that we can put in a box and say, This is what it always is. Every crisis is unique, Dr. Rebecca Hubbard, the citys chief mental health officer, told councilors at Parkside Psychiatric Hospital, the last stop of the day. Every patient is unique, every family is unique.

And so it takes a really exceptional skill set and determination and opportunity to support people, and that is what these individuals strive to do every day.

The city itself contributes a relatively small amount  about $2 million annually, primarily in federal dollars  to fund mental health services. But it plays a critical role in bringing together stakeholders and assisting in helping coordinate services to address the citys growing need for mental health and substance use services.

Its part of why Hubbard was hired as the citys first chief mental health officer in early 2024. On Wednesday, she served as the de facto tour guide, introducing councilors to a wide array of service providers covering the entire mental health continuum of care.

The day began with a stop at Family & Childrens Services Crisis Care Center, followed by visits to Grand Mental Healths Urgent Recovery Center, the Yes Tulsa Youth Urgent Care facility and Parkside.

Hubbard said there were multiple reasons for city councilors to get an up-close look at the complex and comprehensive mental health ecosystem in Tulsa.

They do help us determine the direction of our funds, the budget, and they support their constituents in accessing services, Hubbard said. And so they are part of that bridge that helps us connect the people to the services.

It has been a tumultuous few months for mental health providers in the state, and particularly for those in Tulsa County. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is facing several investigations into questions surrounding its finances. And the Mental Health Department recently notified three of Tulsa Countys four Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics that their contracts would be terminated effective May 10.

The state has since indicated that it will find a way to fund those organizations through the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. But with a new request for proposals process underway, what next fiscal years community clinics system will look like remains unclear.

There is also the unknown of what cuts to federal funding will be made.

Adam Andreassen, president and CEO of Family & Childrens Services, one of the three county CCBHCs whose state contracts will end next month, told councilors during their stop at the Crisis Care Center that he remains concerned about the plight of the community clinics going forward.

Im a little worried, but its not because there arent good people fighting on this, Andreassen said.

As it turns out, Wednesdays tour was not planned in response to all of the turmoil. It had been in the works for months, as city officials explored ways to address the growing crisis and its effects on the citys efforts to address homelessness, the housing shortage and other quality-of-life challenges.

Its impossible to make competent decisions if we sit in City Hall, City Council Chairman Phil Lakin said after the tour. We must see and hear directly from caregivers and those who seek care, especially when their lives literally depend on that care.

Councilor Lori Decter Wright said the tour helped give city leaders a more thorough understanding of the crisis intervention services available in Tulsa and informed them of the gaps in service and areas in need of additional funding.

This knowledge enables us to more effectively guide our constituents to the right resources in their time of need as well as advocate for adding more resources essential for improving the health, safety and welfare of our community, Wright said.

The numbers in Tulsa County are daunting: 20% of adults, ages 18 years and older, are dealing with a mental health problem, including 5% who are dealing with serious mental health issues. And 7.8% of the countys adult population are dealing with substance use disorder, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Fatal drug overdoses and suicide rates, meanwhile, have generally increased in Tulsa County over the past five years. In 2023, the fatal drug overdose rate was 43.6 per 100,000 people; and the suicide rate that year was 23.3 per 100,000 people, according to Oklahoma State Department of Health data.

Tulsas schools arent immune to the health care crisis. Stephanie Andrews, executive director of Student and Family Support Services at Tulsa Public Schools, told councilors during their stop at Yes Tulsa that TPS receives about 15 to 20 calls for mental health crisis care each school day.
Inside the Hyatt Regency hotel on Wednesday, U.S. Sen. James Lankford told a Tulsa Regional Chamber lunchtime audience the United States has become a nation (whose) signature emotion is anger.

Outside the Hyatt Regency, about 100 people vented some of that anger. Most of it involved the wide swaths cut by President Donald Trump during his first few months in office and Oklahomas all-Republican congressional delegations reluctance, if not outright refusal, to confront what many see as excessive use of executive power.

In the big scheme of things, 100 orderly people waving signs and chanting for an hour or so is no Coxeys Army. It is, however, about 100 more than the usual number of protesters at chamber luncheons. Two of the Hyatts three entrances were closed for security reasons and about a dozen police officers, including Chief Dennis Larsen, were on the scene.

At the outset of his remarks, Lankford wryly observed his appearance promoted economic development by bringing people downtown, but he later addressed the issue seriously.

I dont mind sitting down with people I disagree with, he said,  if they want to work towards a solution.

I want to be able to hear you out, Lankford said. Lets figure out how we actually resolve this. But when its just all about how loud can we yell at each other? I dont have time for that.  No ones ever convinced me by coming up and yelling and cursing in my face.  Ive never once said, You know what? Youre so smart. I should think like you.

The people outside say they have to yell and wave signs because they no longer have the opportunity to address their federal representatives in person. Ironically, the protesters zeroed in on Lankford because hes been somewhat more visible than most of Oklahomas other congressional members.

Congressional staff, and Lankford on Wednesday, insist they remain in contact with constituents through various means, including personal meetings.

Asked Wednesday, Lankford said he would tell the people outside hes actually met with a lot of people and his staff is meeting a lot of people.

I want to make sure that every conversation is a productive conversation, he said. Its important that everybodys heard. Obviously, with 4 million people in Oklahoma, we dont all agree.

Nevertheless, the record shows Oklahomas congressional delegation holds fewer public events free and open to anyone who shows up than previously.

Tickets to Wednesdays event, for instance, were listed at $90-$105.

Lankfords remarks about national anger came in response to an audience question about his new book, "Turnaround."

Ive yet to meet somebody that can tell me they make their best decisions when theyre angry, but were becoming a nation that every day we want to be angrier than we were yesterday, he said. Theres plenty to be angry about. I get that, but just riling up our anger doesnt solve the problem.

Later, Lankford was asked what he thinks is the root of that anger. He said that while people have a range of concerns and complaints, the underlying frustration is with the perceived lack of action.

People just want the country to function and operate in a way that seems to make sense, he said. Thats not an unfair thing to want, and they get angry.

Reiterating something he said to the chamber group, Lankford chided Congress inaction and refusal to budge from entrenched positions.

Often people are mad because nothing seems to be happening, he said. Ive had so many Oklahomans  (say), I may agree or disagree with President Trump, but hes getting stuff done. There are people that dont agree with what hes doing, and theyre angry. Theyre upset about his policies. I get that. But many people, myself included, say, At least (Trump is) doing something.

The gist of Lankfords remarks to the chamber, partly at least, seemed to be that he is confident the courts will bog down and ultimate stop any constitutional and statutory excesses. When that happens, the administration will have to come to Congress.

The folks outside the Hyatt almost certainly would not agree with that assessment. They insist on quick, decisive action against what many across the political spectrum perceive as an unprecedented test of the republic.

Lankford agrees there is a crisis, but perhaps not exactly the one his current most vocal critics see. For him, the crisis is working out solutions to fundamental issues like bringing spending and debt in line without breaking the economy.

We talk a lot as a staff to say, If theres a fire, pour water on it, not gasoline, Lankford said. But right now, you get social media clicks and you get praise, and you end up in the 24 hour news at night if you are the loudest, angriest person in the room.
On Saturday The Funeral for Pope Francis will take place at The Vatican in a 4 hour broadcast.

Here are broadcast details in AEST.

Seven:

The Seven Networks 7NEWS will have comprehensive rolling coverage of Pope Francis funeral this Saturday, hosted by Michael Usher with 7NEWS Chief Reporter Chris Reason live from St Peters Square in Rome.

From 5.00pm AEST, 7NEWS: Farewell to Pope Francis will be live on Seven and 7plus as Pope Francis body is taken into St Peters Basilica and the dignitaries arrive for the funeral, including US President Donald Trump, Prince William and Australias Governor-General, Sam Mostyn.

A special edition of 7NEWS live at 6.00pm will be broadcast in each state on Seven and 7plus, featuring the start of the funeral, as well as all the days other news from Australia and abroad. Coverage of the funeral will continue on 7two and 7plus from 6.00pm until 7.00pm.

Then, from 7.00pm, 7NEWS: Farewell to Pope Francis returns to Seven and continues on 7plus, as the funeral finishes and Pope Francis coffin is taken to Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.

New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania

5.00pm  6:00pm 7NEWS: Farewell to Pope Francis

6.00pm  7.00pm 7NEWS Live *Funeral coverage moves to 7two

7.00pm  9:00pm 7NEWS: Farewell to Pope Francis

South Australia, Northern Territory

4.30pm  6:00pm 7NEWS: Farewell to Pope Francis

6.00pm  7.00pm 7NEWS Live *Funeral coverage moves to 7two

7.00pm  8.30pm 7NEWS: Farewell to Pope Francis

Western Australia

3.00pm  6:00pm 7NEWS: The Funeral of Pope Francis

6.00pm  7.00pm 7NEWS Live *Funeral coverage moves to 7two

Nine:

Channel 9 and 9Now

5.00pm AEST: 9NEWS: Pope Francis  The Final Farewell airs at 5.00pm on Saturday, 26 April on Channel 9 and 9Now. Hosted by Deb Knight, the special delivers comprehensive coverage of the Popes final engagements and emotional farewell.

9Go!

6.00pm AEST: The Funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis

ABC:

The funeral Mass of Pope Francis will be simulcast live across ABC NEWS channel, ABC iview, ABC Radio National, ABC NewsRadio, ABC Listen and ABC News website and app from 5:30pm AEST on Saturday 26 April.

Before the ceremony, Jeremy Fernandez will be joined by Scott Stephens (ABC Religion & Ethics Editor), Andrew West (Host, Religion & Ethics Report, ABC Radio National), Professor Clare Johnson (Director of the ACU Centre for Liturgy), Noel Debien (ABC Radio National Religion Specialist) and Geraldine Doogue (Host, ABC Radio National) for their commentary and insights.

ABC correspondents are on the ground in Rome to cover events as they happen.

Check local guides.

This post updates.
The last ever episodes of Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope, screen this weekend on ABC.

There are two final instalments plus a behind the scenes special looking back at the hit UK mystery based on the character created by author Ann Cleeves.

Brenda Blethyn said, Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and Im sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years. Ill be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role. The Producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and Im going to miss them, but I wont forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Executive Producer Kate Bartlett of Silverprint Pictures said, : It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over fourteen amazing series of Vera. So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women: firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn. She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times. And  of course  the amazing Ann Cleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope. We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show.

Vera

Episode 1  Inside

Saturday 26 April 7.30pm

DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) is called to the banks of the Tyne where the body of a young man has been washed up. A blow to the head indicates that this wasnt an accidental drowning and whats more intriguing is that this person, Zac Martin, had recently been released from prison after serving time for GBH. Having already presented Vera with an important career opportunity, Chief Superintendent Khalon adds to her load by tasking her with investigating a cold case too. A former union man has had his twenty-year conviction for killing his wife overturned which means her killer is still out there. So with two high-profile cases to investigate, Vera looks to her diligent, dynamic and dedicated team to get to the guarded truth. But can Vera get to the bottom of why one of her team is struggling to give as much as they should?

Episode 2 The Dark Wives

Sunday 27 April 7.30pm

DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) is called to the foot of The Dark Wives, three mythical monoliths Vera remembers from her childhood. A bright young student has been violently killed and as if this wasnt enough, theres a missing girl to contend with. As the investigation unfolds, Vera pushes her team to piece together what has happened to both youngsters but why is she cracking the whip more than usual? As Vera challenges the team, a web of intrigue begins to unravel as we learn about fractured relationships, secret projects, corruption, lies and betrayal. Another body. Another avenue of investigation leads Vera to an exciting and dangerous conclusion. Vera is thrust once more into the path of danger and once again shows us why shes the best. However, theres no getting away from the fact that a life-affecting change is coming Veras way.

Vera: Farewell Pet

Sunday April 27 9pm

In this special documentary, go behind the scenes of the much loved detective drama, with exclusive access to the making of the final series and ask why, after 14 years and 55 feature length episodes, the show remains as popular as ever. Led by twice Oscar nominated Brenda Blethyn, DCI Vera Stanhope has become a staple of British televison, charming audiences worldwide with its complex stories, brilliant performances, and breathtaking Northumberland landscapes. Brenda reflects on her time as Vera and talks about the camaraderie and joy of working on the show. With interviews from key cast members- David Leon (DS Joe Ashworth), Jon Morrison (DC Kenny Lockhart), the directors, crew, and author Ann Cleeves, Veras creator. As Vera bids farewell with its final two episodes, this film celebrates its remarkable legacy and gives fans a chance to say farewell, pet to one of TVs most beloved detectives.
Jim Jefferies, host of The 1% Club, is suddenly a lot busier with a new US show now on his schedule.

Jefferies will host social experiment / competition series The Snake for FOX.

The Snake will follow 15 people from various professions trying to manipulate their way to becoming that weeks snake, who decides who stays and who leaves the show, through a series of challenges. Each week, the winner of each challenge earns control of The Saving Ceremony, an elimination that is about who will save certain contestants with people making friends, faking friends, or sparking romantic connections with the winner taking home $100,000.

Deadline reports the series comes from Jersey Shore creator SallyAnn Salsano at 495 Productions.

Im thrilled to be hosting The Snake. A show about making friends and faking friends, said Jefferies. Ive been training for this job my whole life. Growing up In Australia, and now living in Hollywood, Ive been around plenty of snakes.

The 1% Club Australia returns to Seven this Sunday night at 7pm.
Lawyers representing former SAS soldier and former Seven executive Ben Roberts-Smith returned to the Federal Court this week in a bid to reopen his appeal on the grounds of a miscarriage of justice.

Roberts-Smiths legal team had issued subpoenas to Nine journalist Nick McKenzie over a secret recording broadcast on SKY News, the journalists lawyers, the ABC and others.

Nines lawyers opposed the subpoenas, characterising them as a fishing expedition which were too broad in scope and time-frame.

The Age reports Justice Nye Perram appeared to agree, with 8 of 10 categories of information sought from McKenzie being deleted.

Attempts to gain information from the ABC about a Media Watch episode were also set aside.

However, McKenzie is still expected to give evidence next week in a hearing which will decide if Roberts-Smith can reopen his appeal.

In 2023 Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed defamation proceedings after finding, to the civil standard, there was substantial truth to allegations of four unlawful killings in Afghanistan and bullying.

Roberts-Smith denies all wrongdoing.
Voters in Smith County will have choices to make this May as challengers step up to run against city officials and school board members in local elections.

The elections office is hoping the turnout, which is typically low for May elections, will be better this time around.







The more the candidates actually go out and visit the different people, Smith County Election Administrator Michelle Allcon said, the more their name is heard, the more people realize theres an election happening, the more people will actually come out to vote.

The upcoming May 3 elections in Smith County will feature several key races. With the candidate filings finalized, voters will have the opportunity to decide on leadership that shapes local policies, from city government to education.

May elections often see low voter turnout, largely because people dont realize theyre happening, forget about them or feel uninformed about the candidates. Its up to the candidates to make themselves known  whether by attending community events, engaging with voters at school functions or political gatherings or increasing visibility through campaign signs.

It really is on the candidates to go out and campaign, Allcon said. Thats really the only way people know who they are.

Heres a list of candidates in the city and school races:

Cities

City of Troup

Four city council seats are up for election but only two are contested. In Place 4, Nolan Jeske will face Kaston Kincade, while Susan Adams and Amy Louis Murawski will vie for the Place 5 seat.

Dianne Layne is running unopposed for Place 1, and Brandi Barton is unopposed for Place 3.

City of Tyler

Two city council seats are up for election.

In District 1, incumbent Stuart Hene will face challenger Max Stewart, while newcomers Shonda Marsh and Christian Gooden will vie for the District 3 seat currently held by Shirley McKellar, who has termed out on the council and announced her intent to run for mayor next year.

Lloyd Nichols, the incumbent for District 5, filed for reelection and is unopposed in the race.

City of Hideaway

Three city council seats are up for election. Chet Thomas and Rob Wheelock are in the mayoral race. In Place 1, incumbent Laura George will face Allen Monholland, while Pat Bonds, Jim Caldwell and Mark Reid will vie for the Place 2 seat.

City of Winona

Luis Diaz, Terry Cole, Gary Fox and Craig Attaway are running for one of the five alderman positions.

School districts

Tyler ISD

Two board of trustees seats are up for election. In District 1, Eleno Licea will challenge incumbent R. Wade Washmon, while incumbent Yvonne Atkins faces challenger Carolyn Jones Davis for the District 3 seat.

Winona ISD

Three board of trustees seats are up for election. In Place 1, Dexter Jones will face William Allen, while Luis Hernandez and Randy Hawkins each look to fill Place 3. Baylen Lee, Headlee Daniels and Diane Newman will vie for Place 7.

Mark Wintters is running unopposed for Place 5.

Bullard ISD

Susie Turner Saxion, Cody Whitehead and John Turner will compete for Place 6, while Brian K. Herbert and Gerald Hawkins will vie for Place 7.

Lindale ISD

James Edwards Sr. and incumbent Robert McGee are in the race for Place 1, while Jeremy Strickland is uncontested for Place 2.

Important dates

April 3 is the last day to register to vote in the May election. To see if you are registered, visit https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do .

Early voting will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22-25 and April 28-29. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 3 for Election Day.

April 22 is the last day to submit an application for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked). May 5 is the last day to receive ballot by mail.

For more information, visit smith-county.com.
Shocking new details emerge in killing of 'British' man 'lynched and burned alive' in Ecuador





More information has come out in the case of a 'British' man who was lynched and burned alive in Ecuador.

The man had been in an Ecuadorian police station after being accused of murder before being dragged out of the building and violently killed by a crowd of locals.

He had been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a man named Rodrigo Chavez on 20 April, and while he was in custody in Sucumbios - an area on the country's border with Colombia - an armed group of around 200 people stormed the building and dragged him out.

The man is thought to have died around six hours after he was seized by the mob, with the police saying in a statement that officers did not have the numbers to intervene and had faced threats from the crowd to burn down the entire building.

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They said: "The police did everything humanly possible to safeguard the person who had been apprehended over the shooting.

The killing took place in Sucumbios, a northern region of Ecuador (Getty Stock Photo)

"Unfortunately the size of the mob exceeded the capacities of the seven police officers who were at the scene.

"There had been problems between the two men that died. The man we believe to be British had shot a local man, causing his death."

According to the Daily Mail, the man was named locally as Michael Hann. He had allegedly fallen out with his business partner - Chavez - when their travel company started having financial problems.

The Mail reports that Chavez accused Hann of taking customer's money and putting it into his own pocket instead of company accounts.

Hann allegedly shot Chavez dead while the man was 'drunk and half asleep' in the street after a night out, for which he was soon afterwards assaulted by locals before police arrived to arrest him.

Ecuadorean police said they didn't have enough officers to stop the mob (LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images)

The area is known for crime rates and Ecuadorean authorities announced that a state of emergency was in place after over 150 people were killed in the region in 2024.

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While Hann and Chavez may have set up a travel company, the UK's Foreign Office advises against 'all but essential travel' to the region and the areas around the border between Ecuador and Colombia.

They cite 'the presence of organised crime linked to the production and trafficking of drugs' as a reason for people to steer well clear of the area, and of course the deaths of these two men are another couple added to the toll.

LADbible has contacted the Foreign Office for further comment.
The recent 'earthquake' caused by the US imposition of reciprocal tariffs has once again sounded the alarm about a rapidly evolving and unpredictable global trade order.

The chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Pham Tan Cong, spoke to the Vietnam News Agency about the risks of a global trade war and his recommendations for adapting to this challenging new landscape.

How do you assess the current state and challenges of global trade, especially after the US has announced reciprocal tariffs on imported goods?

The global trade landscape has undergone significant changes. Protectionism is making a comeback. It creates conflicts between such protectionism and free trade.

The US is a major global market. In the context of globalisation and free trade, these newly-imposed high tariffs have been a major shock. They disrupt the flow of global trade, and the consequences are difficult to predict.

Countries around the world have reacted strongly, even US allies. Although there are differing opinions, its undeniable that this change has triggered a trade 'earthquake' with far-reaching effects.

This is not the first time Viet Nam has faced such a significant international trade challenge, is it?

Thats correct. Viet Nam has faced serious trade shocks before. For example, more than 30 years ago, during Viet Nam's beginning period of renovation, the country encountered major difficulties following the collapse of Eastern European economies.

Now, Viet Nam is entering a new era, the US - Viet Nam's largest export market and key economic partner - has completely shifted its trade strategy.

I believe that Viet Nam has learned important lessons from the past. In the face of challenges, it has always found new drivers of growth, turning adversity into opportunity.

This is the time for Viet Nam to define a new path for development. The current situation requires calmness to find solutions and strategies for addressing difficulties and moving forward.

How do you evaluate the Governments and the business communitys response to this situation?

In recent days, the Government, relevant sectors, and enterprises in Vietnam have been proactive in seeking solutions. Following talks between General Secretary To Lam and US President Donald Trump, a special envoy from the Vietnamese government went to the US to promote negotiations aiming at achieving the most favourable outcome.

At home, VCCI has formed a dedicated task force, working closely with organisations like the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Viet Nam and AmCham in Washington. We expect support from the Government in overcoming these challenges.

VCCI has also reached out to its partners, such as the Los Angeles and San Francisco chambers of commerce, to build a business coalition that collectively voices opposition to the new tariffs.

Thanks in part to this unified response from the US business community and pressure from the global stock market, President Trump has announced a 90-day delay in enforcing the new tariffs.

For governments, these 90 days present an opportunity to negotiate the best possible deal. For businesses, its a crucial window to manage ongoing contracts, review production plans and reassess market strategies.

This is a time for cooperation. In the ASEAN community, for instance, while each country has its own unique characteristics, there must be consensus on key principles, such as promoting global free trade and upholding international trade laws.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam prioritises negotiations to secure favourable terms and not lose existing competitive advantages.

Simultaneously, we need to develop flexible solutions and scenarios to remain proactive. Whether negotiations yield high, moderate or low tax results, we must prepare appropriate strategies and policies to support the businesses as well as the economic development.

This situation also offers an opportunity for change. It calls for a clear and long-term strategy. Viet Nam must continue to reform institutions, improve the business environment, diversify markets and product lines and redefine Viet Nams strengths and competitive advantages for the future.

Now is also the right time to accelerate broader reforms, such as realigning local development plans and promoting science and technology, to boost national competitiveness and enhance Viet Nams global position.

We must broaden our view of market diversification. That means developing the domestic market alongside expanding exports.

In addition to signing new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and entering new markets, Viet Nam should also promote domestic consumption and allocate part of the increased state revenue to support business growth while boosting public investment.

Crucially, the enterprises need support from relevant parts to expand market access, upgrade their technologies, access financial tools and land resources and more support programmes to encourage their development.

Those solutions are expected to help Viet Nam's businesses not just survive, but thrive, turning Viet Nam into a leading hub for international goods trading in the near future.  VNS
HA NOI  Promoting economic cooperation between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic will open up investment opportunities for the businesses of the two countries in the fields of financial technology, digital data, industrial production, energy and cybersecurity.

This commitment was affirmed at the Viet Nam-Czech Business Forum held in Ha Noi on April 22 with the Czech Minister of Finance, Viet Nam's Ministry of Finance and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

Speaking at the forum, Minister Zbynek Stanjura highlighted Viet Nam as their most important trade partner in the ASEAN region, with bilateral trade exceeding US$4 billion in 2024.

He attributed this growth not only to favourable economic policies and market potential but also to the pivotal role of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic - the largest such community in the EU - in enhancing cultural and economic bridges between the two nations.

Expressing his desire for bilateral cooperation with Viet Nam, the minister affirmed that in the long term, the two countries will strengthen cooperation in information technology and infrastructure.

The forum was attended by a high-level Czech business delegation, including representatives from key sectors such as defence, information technology, fintech, legal services and export finance.

At the forum, Czech cybersecurity leader Whalebone signed a cooperation agreement with a Viet Nams counterpart, reinforcing the shift toward high-value, technology-driven ventures.

Skoda Auto, in partnership with Thanh Cong Group, has launched a production facility in Quang Ninh, operational as of March 2025, with the aim of serving the broader Southeast Asian market. Sev.en Global Investments is also exploring opportunities in Viet Nams thermal power sector, while Elmich, a leading household appliance brand, is ramping up operations in Ha Nam.

At the forum, Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong noted that as of February 2025, the Czech Republic had 42 investment projects in Viet Nam with a total registered capital of $91 million, while Viet Nam had four projects in return, totalling $1.5 million. While modest, these figures signal a strong foundation for expanding two-way investment.

Pham Tan Cong, chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) emphasised that Viet Nam has signed and implemented 17 free trade agreements, covering nearly 90 per cent of global GDP, which is a solid foundation for expanding trade, industrial and investment cooperation.

The two-way trade turnover between Viet Nam and the Czech Republic reached more than $2 billion, affirming that both sides are working together towards more ambitious goals, specifically $5 billion in trade and $3 billion in investment capital next year.

To become a high-income country, we must prioritise science, technology, innovation and human capital development, said Cong.

He advocated for enhanced cooperation in renewable energy, biotechnology, AI, vocational education and more - particularly in areas like fintech and cybersecurity, where Viet Nam and Czech firms can create long-term value together.

With over 200,000 member enterprises and 200 associations, VCCI is committed to working closely with Czech trade promotion bodies to support enterprise collaboration and sustainable business development.

To enhance cooperation between Viet Nam and Czech enterprises, Deputy Minister Phuong emphasised the need to increase information exchange on the transparent investment environment, financial policies, capital markets and investment incentive support policies of the two countries.

At the same time, it is necessary to encourage the organisation of investment promotion programmes and specialised seminars so that the two sides can better understand the investment environment.

The two countries should effectively use the EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to promote two-way investment flows, especially in priority areas such as innovation, high technology, green finance, financial technology and asset management.

The Vietnamese Government is committed to supporting Czech enterprises' investment projects and promptly resolving difficulties and obstacles.

They need to promote cooperation in education and training in the field of financial technology, including exchanging experts and organising courses on modern financial management. This will help build high-quality human resources, serving bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of finance and technology.

Viet Nam is currently building an international financial centre and wishes to cooperate closely with Czech enterprises in the fields of investment promotion, trade and tourism, with the aim of promoting two-way investment flows between the two countries, helping Viet Nam integrate more deeply into the global financial value chain.

The Ministry of Finance is committed to creating all favourable conditions for Czech investors in particular, and foreign investors in general, to achieve sustainable success in their investment and business activities in Viet Nam, he said.

On the sidelines of the forum, there were meetings between companies of the two countries looking for investment and business opportunities.

The CEO of ORE Company, Luu Ngan, sought partners for mechanical processing and electronic equipment imports, describing the Czech market as a key entry point into Europe.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Project Manager at JAI Creative Digital Agency  a Vietnamese company specialising in technology and AI integration  highlighted Czech technological capabilities as a valuable opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange. At the forum, JAI showcased its 5ID project, featuring a range of technology solutions aimed at attracting Czech partners.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has assigned 18 regional Export-Import Management Offices to handle the issuance of non-preferential Certificates of Origin (C/O), non-manipulation certificates (CNM), and REX code registration under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) of Norway and Switzerland.

This change is part of a ministry's broader effort to improve state management of origin certification and align with the newly issued Laws on Government Organisation and Local Government Organisation in 2025.

Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade, said the ministry is working closely with regional offices and other agencies to ensure a smooth transition. The goal is to minimise disruptions to businesses during the transition.

This decision helps us respond to new developments in global trade and strengthens the governments role in managing the origin of exported goods, while still complying with current legal requirements, he said.

From 5 May 2025, MoIT-authorised offices will begin issuing 10 types of non-preferential C/Os, including Form B and CNM, and registering REX codes. These will be managed alongside the 18 types of preferential C/Os already in place.

The Department of Foreign Trade continues to coordinate with related units to implement these policies, focusing on both preventing origin fraud and making things easier for businesses.

At a recent meeting, Deputy Director General Trinh Thi Thu Hien stressed the importance of clear and consistent communication. She urged the Rules of Origin Division and regional offices to guide businesses carefully and thoroughly, especially when it comes to the new non-preferential C/O and REX procedures.

To support exporters during the transition, the MoIT will provide detailed instructions and hands-on assistance through its regional offices. The goal is to ensure the process is consistent, transparent, and convenient for all businesses.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam is fast becoming a major force in the global aviation landscape, with its commercial aviation sector projected to double in terms of passenger volumes within the next decade, reaching over 75 million travellers annually.

According to Boeings latest Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), Southeast Asia is the fastest-growing aviation region in the world, and Viet Nam is leading the way with an annual growth rate of more than 8 per cent  higher than any other country in the region.

At a media briefing held on April 24, Boeings Marketing Director, Dave Schulte, highlighted Viet Nams increasing significance in Boeings regional strategy.

Schulte said: This year marks the 30th anniversary of Boeings partnership with Viet Nam, dating back to when Vietnam Airlines leased three Boeing 767-300ER aircraft in 1995.

We cannot disclose the delivery timeline of the Boeing 737 MAX orders, as they depend on Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines. However, these deals already show that Viet Nam is one of Boeings most promising markets today. We expect to receive many more orders from Vietnamese airlines in the future," he added.

Boeings data suggests that airlines across Southeast Asia will need approximately 4,720 new aircraft over the next 20 years, 80 per cent of which will be single-aisle models like the 737 MAX. Vietjet has already placed an order for 200 Boeing 737 MAX jets, while Vietnam Airlines has committed to purchasing 50. These orders are part of broader strategies by Vietnamese carriers to expand routes across Asia and capitalise on booming domestic demand.

Schulte emphasised that the 737 MAX is well suited to Viet Nams rapidly growing network of domestic and regional routes, particularly to cities like Can Tho, Hue, Hai Phong, a Lat, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang.

He said: With its stable and efficient performance, the 737 MAX offers airlines operational flexibility and significantly boosts route profitability. More importantly, it reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20 per cent compared to previous-generation aircraft.

Viet Nams aviation infrastructure is also evolving to meet rising demand. The opening of Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and the anticipated launch of Long Thanh International Airport by 2026 will unlock new opportunities for growth.

Boeings forecast aligns with Viet Nams broader economic trajectory. The country's GDP is projected to reach over US$670 billion by 2029, advancing from the worlds 37th to 29th largest economy. This economic ascent is expected to fuel demand not only for passenger aircraft but also for freighters. Southeast Asia is projected to require over 120 new or converted cargo aircraft by 2043, with Viet Nam playing a critical role in regional air cargo logistics.

As demand for air travel and freight grows, so does the need for skilled labour. Schulte estimated that: Over the next 20 years, the aviation industry across Southeast Asia  including Viet Nam  will need to recruit and train around 234,000 new personnel, including pilots, engineers and ground staff.

This surge in demand will triple the current aviation workforce in the region and unlock significant employment opportunities.  VNS
HA NOI  Air pollution is one of the serious environmental challenges in Viet Nam, especially in large cities such as Ha Noi and HCM City, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh.

Speaking at the national scientific conference on air quality control, which was held on Thursday in Ha Noi, Thanh said that monitoring data and air quality index in these cities were often at an average level and tended to be poor, with increased pollution in recent periods.

The concentration of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) fine dust in these two cities often exceeds the national technical standards on ambient air quality and greatly exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

Air pollution not only lasts seasonally, but also spreads spatially, directly affecting people's health, socio-economic development and daily life, said Thanh.

He confirmed that the causes of air pollution came from many different sources, including emissions from vehicles using fossil fuels, construction and urban infrastructure renovation activities, emissions from industrial production facilities, and outdoor burning of straw, waste and biomass.

In Ha Noi, air pollution often increases sharply from September to April of the following year due to unfavourable weather factors, whereas in HCM City, many assessments and studies suggest that high traffic density and industrial activities are the main causes.

Besides, dust from agricultural activities, forest fires, and smoke from surrounding countries also spread and contribute to increasing pollution, said Thanh.

Solutions

Faced with the increasing air pollution, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), with the Department of Environment as the focal point, has been coordinating with ministries, localities and enterprises to implement many key tasks.

We develop projects to inventory emissions in key economic regions nationwide to serve the work of analysing and evaluating data, building models and scenarios for forecasting air pollution. We are currently testing a 48-hour air quality forecasting model at the Northern Environmental Monitoring Centre, said Thanh.

The MAE is finalising the National Action Plan to overcome pollution and manage air quality, with specific goals for the 2025-30 period, with different group of solutions such as energy, waste sources, transportation and construction.

It has also proactively carried out cooperation with international organisations to conduct pilot projects, develop a network of rapid air quality measurement stations, promote technology transfer and green transportation to improve air quality.

Improving air quality is not the sole responsibility of the MAE, but a shared task of all ministries, localities, organisations and communities. In addition to the goal of double-digit economic growth in the coming period, we will also have to pay attention to environmental protection. Right now, we need to work together to preserve the blue sky, protect people's health and build a sustainable living environment, said Thanh.

International cooperation

The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Viet Nam Resident Representative, Ramla Khalidi, confirmed:  Air is life. And the quality of the air we breathe affects the quality of our life.

Ramla remembered that several years ago, she was driving from a visit to the mountains above Beirut. As she wound her way down to the coast, she could see herself literally entering the cloud of smog that clung heavy over the city and become one of the millions suffocated by the fumes. That image stays with her.

And now, I find myself once again concerned about air pollution. About its impacts on health, socio-economic development and missed opportunities. And I know I am not alone, she said.

UNDPs latest Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) found a 7-per-cent decline in positive views of air quality in Ha Noi over the past two years. In HCM City, there was a 3-per-cent decline over the same period.

I believe these results reflect growing awareness about air pollution, not just in Viet Nam but throughout the region and the world. I wish to acknowledge and appreciate the Governments commitment to tackling air pollution, said Ramla.

Tackling air pollution requires deepening our understanding, and strengthening the scientific evidence base that must underpin our approach, she said.

It requires improving monitoring and forecasting, and strengthening emissions inventories as a basis for addressing key pollution sources. And it requires a multi-stakeholder, multi-sector approach, under Government leadership, with effective coordination between central and local levels and with key sectors, enterprises, universities, the media and community partners.

The first Government Resolution of 2025 called for urgent action on air pollution.

In support of these efforts, UNDP and WHO have developed an integrated offer to support national, city and provincial authorities in Viet Nam to strengthen governance and data for air quality management, address air pollution sources and enhance public engagement.

Addressing air pollution is closely linked to our efforts on climate change and green transition, and the climate-health nexus. And it reflects our shared commitment to leaving no-one behind, including those most vulnerable to air pollution impacts  children, the elderly, poor households and others, she said.  VNS
By Quynh Anh

In 2019, Stephen Turban, a Harvard graduate, stepped away from a promising career at McKinsey to begin a new chapter in Viet Nam. Drawn to the country, seen as Asia's rising star, he put his PhD studies at his alma mater on hold, to discover vibrant culture, warm hospitality and a sense of purpose, creating opportunities for future generations.

Born in New York in 1993, Stephen, holds an outstanding Bachelor's degree in Statistics from Harvard University and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, an organisation that honours the most exceptional students in the United States.

Despite a promising career ahead at McKinsey & Company, a prestigious strategy consulting firm, and being on the path to earning a PhD at Harvard Business School, he decided to leave it all behind and move to Viet Nam.

Born into an academic family in the US, with a father who is a professor and a childhood spent across several Asian countries, Stephen first visited Viet Nam as a boy, a brief encounter that quietly stayed with him.

In 2017, after graduating from university, Stephen decided to spend three months in HCM City learning Vietnamese, simply for the experience.

But even after returning to the United States and working at McKinseys office in China, the memory of Viet Nam lingered. What began as a short visit had awakened something deeper, a quiet sense of belonging he could not ignore.

He moved back in 2019, worked at Fulbright University. Then in 2020, he started a PhD at Harvard Business School and soon after, he paused his studies and decided to stay in Viet Nam.

Stephens journey of making Viet Nam his home began with continuing his Vietnamese studies and immersing himself in the countrys rich, distinctive culture.

Yet, the first steps along that path were met with no shortage of challenges.

When I first came to Viet Nam, almost immediately I felt that, even though I wasn't yet fluent in Vietnamese, I very much felt a part of HCM City, a part of Viet Nam, he told Viet Nam News.

The most common time I feel like there is a cultural difference is when I make a joke that I think is funny. But people tell me, oh, dude, that is not funny. So sometimes that's difficult.

I spend a lot of time studying the Vietnamese language. I take class every single day, Monday through Friday. And it helps me, you know, interact with people. Also means that I have friends who I speak to in Vietnamese, which I really love and make me feel a part of this place. Every year I've gotten better.

I always was interested in research but when I moved to Viet Nam before I started I just got so excited by all the entrepreneurship.

I really loved being in Viet Nam and so I decided that I'd rather be here and not be a professor, than do a PhD at Harvard, he added.

With his impressive achievements in both academia and work, Stephen decided to focus on developing the education sector in Viet Nam.

In 2020, he established Lumiere, an educational company designed to bridge the gap between local students and academic advisors from top international universities. It employs about 80 people full-time all over the world and works with about 3000 students.

After five years, his company has connected thousands of students from Viet Nam, China, India, Europe and the US with professors and researchers, helping them pursue research, build their portfolios and secure prestigious scholarships.

He stated that there is significant potential for impact in education, particularly for the Vietnamese.

He observed that Vietnamese people are generally open to the world and enthusiastic about learning. When they go abroad, they often develop strong English skills, sometimes even surpassing Chinese or Koreans, as they are more inclined to engage and connect.

He also noted that, in addition to language, their eagerness to learn and explore new opportunities stands out.

It forces them to see new opportunities as well. So I think a lot of entrepreneurs in Viet Nam now study abroad in some way, came back and create great things. So I think it's a big opportunity and a lot of space to grow, Stephen said.

Right now, my big project is to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm trying to do more, not trying to do new things. So for me, more is getting my company to 100 people full-time.

Using the stage name Stephen Vu, he also ventured into stand-up comedy, performing for Sai Gon Teu (Funny Sai Gon), a Vietnamese-language comedy show that blends humour and cultural insight.

In his debut performance since 2024, he captivated the audience with his insightful storytelling, clever wordplay and puns, keeping them constantly laughing.

Stephen's stand-up comedy debut was well-received, quickly gaining popularity and drawing high views on social media.

I remember watching Sai Gon Teu show and thinking like if I could stand on that stage and perform in Vietnamese that would mean my Vietnamese had hit a certain level and also at that time I was thinking about how my company is very global, it's not a Vietnamese-only company and so I wanted to have something that connected me more closely to Viet Nam.

I thought a stand-up comedy is something that I could only do in Viet Nam, if I do it in Vietnamese and so I thought man it's a really interesting opportunity for me to create something that's specific to Viet Nam and I was just so excited.

Not only blessed with a great sense of humour, Stephen also possesses a deep passion for literature and the arts.

As a student, he co-authored the book Your Relationship GPA: Lessons from Harvard Students on How to Make Time for What Matters Most. This book, which focused on friendship, became a bestseller on Amazon.

Immersing himself in Viet Nam, he fell in love with its literature, from the beauty of its poetry to the depth of its prose and films.

I do really like the stories and books of Nguyen Nhat Anh, he said.

I'm probably still not yet at the level to read a lot of books, but I love to watch movies and, you know, movies like Mat Biec (Blue Eyes) is my favorite or Nha Gia Tien (The Ancestral Home) is another movie I watch, which I love.

After spending in total more than a decade in Viet Nam, Stephen has come to regard it as his second home, a place where he has rooted his heart.

As HCM City pulses with energy in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of Viet Nams reunification and independence, he too feels the weight and joy of this historic moment as part of the citys rhythm.

I'm really excited for the 50th anniversary. It's a really special time right now to be in Viet Nam and feel honoured to be here, Stephen said.

I'm American and 50 years later, I feel so welcomed here and appreciated.

Even though we've had a long history as two countries. 50 years ago, it was a totally different time. So it's crazy how much the world can change in 50 years. The country I'm from, being a part of this big war. So it's really, really, really special. I feel really lucky to be so welcomed here and for people to treat me so kindly, you know, despite my country.  VNS
HA NOI  The documentary Victory Vietnam (Chien Thang Cua Viet Nam), directed by Swedish filmmaker Bo Ohlen, will be screened in Ha Noi, to mark the 50 years of glory (April 30, 1975).

The documentary captures the lively and emotional atmosphere in Stockholm on April 30, 1975, the day Sai Gon was liberated, marking the end of the Viet Nam War.

The film portrays moments of the Swedish people celebrating Viet Nam's victory, singing songs of peace, raising banners in support of the National Liberation Front (FNL), and expressing deep solidarity with the people of Viet Nam.

Interspersed with scenes of parades and heartfelt speeches, the documentary highlights the international solidarity movement's ongoing political and material support.

It stands as a moving testament to the Swedish people's admiration for Viet Nam's resilient struggle and a valuable record of the spirit of peace and independence that resonated globally.

Bo Ohlen, a cinematographer and director, was born on December 24, 1947 in Boras, Vastra Gotalands lan, Sweden.

The film is screened at 8.15am on Friday, April 25 at the Viet Nam Film Institute, 523 Kim Ma Street, Ha Noi.  VNS
HCM CITY  To mark the nation's 50 years of glory, Vietnamese artist Le Huu Hieu has unveiled an ambitious and evocative public art installation featuring glorious victories of the country.

Situated at Nguyen Hue pedestrian street in the heart of HCM City, the large-scale installation is titled Tu Chien Thang Bach ang en ai Thang 30/4/1975 (From Bach ang Victory to Great Victory on April 30, 1975). It pays tribute to the enduring spirit and historical legacy of the Vietnamese people.

Spanning an area of over 2,000 sq.m, the exhibition features 27 towering sculptures ranging in height from 3.3 to 4.5m and weighing a combined 20 tonnes.

These massive structures are complemented by an intricately designed lacquer painting stretching 9.5m in length and standing 4m tall. The painting, made up of 18 individual panels, draws upon Viet Nams rich historical tapestry and reflects the artists effort to connect ancient triumphs with contemporary aspirations.

A central element of the display is a suspended model of the American M24 Chaffee tank  used during the First Indochina War  now reimagined in this artistic setting to serve not as a symbol of war, but as a prompt for remembrance and introspection.

I was deeply moved by the publics response, Hieu said. The space was completely filled on opening night, and even during weekends, visitors came from morning until midnight. What touched me most was the look of pride in peoples eyes  proof that art has the power to awaken a shared sense of identity.

Hieu, who gained international recognition as the first Vietnamese artist to be formally invited to the prestigious Venice Biennale, continues to fuse traditional Vietnamese themes with modern artistic language. Known for his mastery of lacquer and his experimental approach to sculpture, his works often grapple with memory, identity, and collective consciousness.

The artist is recognised for his style that blends surrealism and expressionism, using diverse materials. He has held exhibitions both in Viet Nam and internationally. In 2024, he became the first Vietnamese artist invited to the 60th Venice Biennale, one of the most significant events in the global contemporary art scene.

The current exhibition serves not only as a historical commemoration but also as a celebration of the dynamic role of contemporary Vietnamese art. By bringing large-scale public art into a communal space, the project underscores the importance of making art accessible and emotionally resonant for a broad audience.

Through this installation, Hieu not only honours the legacy of past generations but also projects a vision for the future  one in which Vietnamese culture remains both deeply rooted and outward-looking.

The exhibition will remain on display throughout the national commemorative period. VNS
Ray Riches

On April 30, Viet Nam will mark 50 years since tanks 843 and 390 rolled through the gates of what is now known as the Reunification Palace. For many across the country, this golden anniversary represents far more than just the end of a long and difficult war  its a celebration of unity, resilience and a nations incredible journey forward.

As a long-term expat living in HCM City, I find myself reflecting on what this day means  not just for Viet Nam, but also for those of us who now call this vibrant country home.

Viet Nam's path since 1975 has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the aftermath of conflict, it has risen with strength and vision, building a dynamic economy and nurturing a youthful, energetic population that looks toward the future with pride. This spirit is visible in every corner of the city  on the streets filled with flags and music, in the families gathering to remember and especially in the eyes of the younger generation who carry the torch of modern Viet Nam.

As an Australian, my country shares a historical link with Viet Nam  one that is complex and deeply personal for many. Over 75,000 Australians served here during the 1960s and early 70s, and the legacy of those years is still part of our national memory. Ive spoken with friends and family members who were connected to that era and I hold a quiet respect for the lives impacted, both in Australia and in Viet Nam.

But being here today, 50 years on, has offered me a new perspective. Recently, I spent time speaking with young Vietnamese adults, asking them what this day means to them.

Their responses were powerful. They spoke not of war, but of pride  of how their parents and grandparents endured hardship and how those sacrifices shaped the strong, unified country they live in now.

Their stories werent filled with sorrow, but with hope. They talked about their heroes  some well-known, others everyday people whose names might never be recorded in textbooks, but who played vital roles in rebuilding the country. Listening to them, I realised that while history can carry pain, it can also inspire unity, gratitude and progress.

I took the opportunity to personally experience HCMC as they set up for the event in the coming week. To my surprise, even some ten days before the event, around Independence Palace, along the Saigon River and in Nguyen Hue, people dressed in the red and yellow of Viet Nam filled the street taking in the atmosphere as rehearsals and settng up continues.

While not performing for an audience, practice session of dancers in Nguyen Hue attracted hundreds of onlookers, all enjoying the pre-event atmosphere.

Along the river stand the guns that will honour the day. Thousands of spectators took the opportunity to see them up close and many more gather when the practice session takes place.

In the weeks before the event, firework displays light up the sky across the city at different times. Families and groups lined the riverbank as a practice fireworks session took place in District 2. Others spent the night air watching some of the parade participants carry out drills in Le Duan.

On visiting this area, I was somewhat awe struck. More than a week before the actual event and the atmosphere was already electric, with many that wont be able to be there on the day taking the opportunity to say they saw the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day in HCMC.

However, watching and listening also showed me one pertinent fact that isnt obvious to everyone. This celebration does not have one meaning. One hundred million people live in Viet Nam and there are 100 million stories that connect them to this day.

For some, especially many younger Vietnamese, it is just a holiday and they dont understand the significance of the day. For others there maybe be sadness and memories of loss and loved ones. But for the overwhelming majority it is a day of pride where they get to stand tall, hold the red flag with that famous yellow star and proudly say: I am Vietnamese.

So, no matter the personal feeling of the day, it is 50 years since the end of the war. It is 50 years of peace. It is 50 years of growth and prosperity, and it is a reminder that everything Viet Nam has achieved was done the hard way and the right way.

Thats why, on April 30, Ive chosen to take a quieter path. While the city celebrates with parades and events, Ill be stepping back, not out of disinterest, but out of respect.

This is a day for Viet Nam  to remember, to celebrate and to stand proud.

Reunification Day is not just about the past  its about the journey since. It's a time to appreciate how far Viet Nam has come and to acknowledge the strength of its people.

From North to South, from cities to villages, the story of modern Viet Nam is one of overcoming challenges and building something remarkable.

As someone fortunate enough to live here, I feel grateful to witness this moment. I may not attend the celebrations in District 1, but I will be watching with admiration  from a distance, perhaps, but with a heart full of appreciation for the warmth and openness that Viet Nam has shown me.

So to my Vietnamese friends and neighbours, this is your day. Be proud of your history, your heritage and your future. The journey of your nation is one of great courage and it is an honour to share in it, even from the sidelines. VNS
TOKYO  Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and his spouses official visit to Viet Nam from April 27 to 29 is expected to create powerful new catalyst for the bilateral relations, helping consolidate the friendship between the two countries while laying a solid foundation for the relationship to develop in a strong and sustainable fashion, according to a Vietnamese diplomat.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu underscored the significance of the visit  the first to Viet Nam by PM Ishiba since the two countries elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. Following frequent high-level discussions at various international forums, the trip demonstrates the Japanese Governments respect for Viet Nams role and position in the region.

The visit not only provides an opportunity for the two sides to review their recent cooperation progress but also allows them to engage in substantive discussions to bring into full play their comprehensive strategic partnership, he said, adding Viet Nam and Japan will bolster collaboration across multiple domains, particularly economy, trade, investment, and emerging sectors like digital transformation, green transition, energy, semiconductor, and science-technology, propelling their partnership to a new development phase in the new era.

Ministries and sectors of both sides are working closely to promote exchanges and sign numerous documents related to economy, ODA, and high-quality human resources training, among others.

Amidst changes in regional and global situations, Viet Nam-Japan cooperation is increasingly important, contributing positively to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world, for the benefit of the two countries people, he stressed.

Regarding priority discussion topics during PM Ishiba's visit, the ambassador said that leaders of both sides will focus on strategic cooperation areas, with Japan continuing its support for Viet Nam to carry out three strategic breakthroughs on institution, infrastructure, and human resources.

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation remains the most important pillar in the bilateral relations. As Japan is now a leading economic partner of Viet Nam, discussions will be on improving investment climate, promoting supply chain, and expanding markets for each other's goods. Both sides aim to open their markets for Vietnamese pomelo and Japanese grapes while exploring possibilities for other agricultural products, according to Hieu.

Additionally, the two countries will discuss new pillars of cooperation such as in science - technology, digital transformation, green transition, and new energy sources.

On the table will be measures to enhance people-to-people exchanges, labour cooperation, and high-quality human resources training, he said, adding competent agencies from both countries are working towards the signing of a cooperation agreement regarding the new training employment system, approved by Japan and expected to be implemented from 2027.

Besides, natural disaster prevention, climate change response, environmental protection, and emissions reduction will be potential areas for cooperation. Japan boasts strengths in renewable energy and disaster response while playing a leading role with many regional initiatives such as Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), supporting Viet Nam in its green energy transition process.

The two countries will also explore cooperation possibilities in building sustainable agriculture with high resilience that contributes to ensuring food security for both nations. Healthcare and elderly care cooperation represent another promising area given the accelerating pace of population aging.

Hieu believed that Ishibas visit will deliver on tangible results, with the signing of numerous cooperation documents in various fields, especially in science and technology, green economy, digital economy, sustainable development, and strategic infrastructure development including transportation, energy, and electricity.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  State President Luong Cuong has underscored lessons on building the strong people's armed forces in the new era in an article written on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

The following is a translation of his article.

VICTORY OF THE RESISTANCE WAR AGAINST THE US FOR NATIONAL SALVATION - LESSONS ON BUILDING THE STRONG PEOPLE'S ARMED FORCES IN THE NEW ERA

Luong Cuong

Politburo member, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

The victory of the resistance war against the US for national salvation, culminating in the Spring 1975 General Offensive and Uprising, was a monumental triumph in our nations millennia-long history of building and defending the country. It will forever be recorded in our national history as one of its most glorious pages and a shining symbol of the complete victory of revolutionary heroism and human intellect, and enter world history as a great feat of the 20th century and an event of immense international significance and profound historical importance. This great victory opened a new era in our nations history  the era of independence, reunification, and the whole country advancing towards socialism.

The victory of the resistance war against the US for national salvation was the result of many factors. They were the wise leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, with sound revolutionary strategies and methods of warfare; the courageous, resilient, resourceful, and creative fighting spirit of our army and people throughout 21 years of long, arduous, and sacrificial resistance; the strength of great national unity, the immense support from the rear in the North, and the indomitable will of the southern frontline; the solidarity and close-knit bond among the three countries of Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as the great, valuable assistance from the Soviet Union, China, and other fraternal socialist countries, along with the support and encouragement from progressive, peace-loving people around the world.

The great victory was made possible by the outstanding achievements of the peoples armed forces and the sacrifices of millions of heroes and martyrs.

The 4th National Party Congress (December 1976) acknowledged: The Congress commends the officers and soldiers of our heroic peoples armed forces, who for decades fought with extraordinary bravery  growing from those armed with bamboo spears and primitive firearms into powerful military units that defeated ruthless enemies, winning glorious victories from the ien Bien Phu Battle to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, bringing honour to the proud traditions of our army, and together with the entire nation, writing the miraculous epic of Viet Nams revolutionary war.

To successfully fulfill the strategic tasks of the resistance war against the US, our Party and State paid special attention to building and strengthening the peoples armed forces, developing them into the core, fighting alongside the people to defeat invaders and firmly defend revolutionary gains.

Although half a century has passed since the war, the lessons learned in building the peoples armed forces during the resistance war against the US for national salvation remain valuable, both in theory and practice, especially the following key points:

First, maintaining and strengthening the absolute, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Party, along with the centralised, unified management and administration of the State over the peoples armed forces.

This is not only a profound lesson drawn from the resistance war against the US for national salvation, but also an immutable principle in building the peoples armed forces of our Party and State. Right in the early phase of the resistance, the expanded 12th Plenum of the Party Central Committee (March 1957) issued a Resolution on army building and national defence consolidation. The Resolution set forth the motto of actively building a strong peoples army, gradually moving towards regularisation and modernisation and identified the building of the army and strengthening of national defence as the responsibility of the entire Party, military, and people.

To successfully fulfil the task of building the army and strengthening national defence, the Resolution clearly stated: the decisive factor is enhancing the leadership of the Party and the Government.

Following the 12th Plenums Resolution, under the absolute, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Party, the centralised and unified management and administration of the State, and the support and care of the people, our army continuously developed, growing ever stronger, with various branches such as the ground forces, navy, air defence-air force, and core army corps. They, together with other forces and the entire people, built up a collective strength, defeating successive military strategies of the US and its puppet regime.

Alongside the leadership in building the Peoples Army, our Party and State paid special attention to the building, consolidation, and development of the Peoples Public Security Force and the Militia and Self-Defence Force. The Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat issued numerous important resolutions and directives providing leadership and guidance in building the Peoples Public Security Force into a regular, strong, armed, tightly organised force that is absolutely loyal to the Party and State, closely connected with the people, highly skilled in its duties, and equipped with scientific and technical knowledge.

The Peoples Public Security Force was placed under the Partys direct, comprehensive, and unified leadership in all aspects.

For the Militia and Self-Defence Force, during the resistance war against the US for national salvation, the Party advocated focusing on consolidation as the primary task, while steadily developing in all areas, especially in key regions and ensuring that all newly- established factories, worksites, and farms must set up self-defence teams under the close supervision of special personnel. As a result, the militia and self-defence force was steadily built and expanded, playing a dual role of supporting production while maintaining public order and security, and standing ready to fight when necessary.

In the time ahead, the global situation is forecast to remain volatile, with rapid, complex, and unpredictable developments. Domestically, the cause of oi moi (Renewal), and national construction and defence has achieved great, historically significant accomplishments. The countrys potential, position, and international reputation have been elevated, creating an important foundation for Vietnam to rise and thrive in a new era of development.

However, alongside these favourable conditions, the country continues to face a host of challenges, with new complex issues, particularly unresolved limitations, weaknesses, and contradictions in society. Hostile forces are intensifying their sabotage efforts, seeking to undermine the Partys leadership and promote the depoliticisation of the armed forces.

In this context, maintaining and strengthening the Partys absolute, direct, and comprehensive leadership as well as the States centralised, unified management and administration over the peoples armed forces, national defence and security, and the protection of the Fatherland, has become all the more urgent, and remained a decisive factor in the growth, development, combat readiness, and victories of the peoples armed forces.

The new context requires us to continue promoting the building and rectification of the Party and the political system through resolute, concerted, continuous, and comprehensive guidelines and solutions across politics, ideology, ethics, organisation, and personnel.

Alongside improving the effectiveness and efficiency of leadership in economic, cultural, social, and foreign affairs, the Party and State will continue to lead and direct the building and strengthening of the all-people national defence posture and the peoples security posture, closely linked with building and consolidating a firm peoples heart and mind posture.

Greater efforts will be made to build revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern peoples armed forces politically steadfast, with comprehensive quality and strong combat capabilities, serving as the core in the cause of national defence and security in the new situation.

Efforts will also continue in theory research, review of practice, and perfection of mechanisms for Party leadership and State management and administration over the peoples armed forces, in tandem with strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of the Party and political work, contributing to maintaining and further enhancing the Partys absolute, direct, and comprehensive leadership, and the States centralised, unified management and administration over the peoples armed forces, meeting new demands and tasks, and ensuring readiness to respond to any situation without passivity or surprise.

Second, attaching special importance to building the political and spiritual factor of the people's armed forces.

Thoroughly grasping V.I. Lenin's thesis: "In every war, victory ultimately depends on the spirit of the masses who are shedding blood on the battlefield", and President Ho Chi Minh's viewpoint: "No army, no weapon can defeat the spirit of sacrifice of an entire nation", our Party and State always attach great importance to the building and promotion of the political and spiritual factor of the people's armed forces and the entire people, especially in the resistance against the US to save the country, when our army and people had to fight against a brutal enemy with the most powerful economic and military capabilities in the world.

Our Party clearly stated: In terms of ideology, we must further understand the viewpoint that by surmounting protracted hardships and practicing self-reliance, we will definitely win; we must foster an undaunted will and a heroic fighting spirit, overcome all difficulties and hardships, and be determined to kill the enemy to save the country, moving towards completely liberating the South and reunifying the Fatherland; we must heighten vigilance, skillfully preserve and conceal our forces, and prevent recklessness and impatience; we must educate the spirit of not being arrogant in victory and not being discouraged by defeat.

To build strong armed forces of the people to meet the requirements of the long, arduous, and fierce resistance war, our Party advocated that we must first strengthen political education and ideological leadership, conduct political rectification across the entire army, consolidate the stance of the working class and the peasantry, raise the level of awaking to socialism, closely combine patriotism with the true internationalism, improve revolutionary vigilance and foster the fighting spirit; address the fighting will erosion, vainglory, arrogance, unorganised freedom and lack of discipline. Thanks to the building of a solid political and spiritual factor, the people's armed forces were not afraid of hardships or sacrifices, did not submit to the brutal enemy, fought bravely, intelligently and creatively, and achieved glorious feats of arms, together with the entire people winning the great victory in the resistance war against the US to save the country, bringing glory to the country and the Vietnamese people in the Ho Chi Minh era.

The strength of the people's armed forces is created by many factors of which, the political and spiritual factor are the most fundamental. Grasping President Ho Chi Minh's viewpoint of "People first, guns later", in the current situation, building politically strong armed forces of the people continues to be identified as the task of leading importance, a matter of principle, as a basis for improving the overall quality and combat strength of the people's armed forces.

Thoroughly implementing this principle, first of all, it is necessary to increase communications, education, dissemination, and awareness improvement for officers and soldiers of the people's armed forces about the Party's military, national defence, and security policies and guidelines.

On the basis of thoroughly understanding the viewpoint that "ensuring national defence and security is an essential and constant task", the people's armed forces need to heighten the spirit of revolutionary vigilance, constantly grasp the situation, advise and directly handle situations related to national defence, security, and foreign affairs in a prompt and effective manner, avoid being passive or surprised, prevent risks of war, conflict, or loss of security and order, perform well the task of protecting the Fatherland early and from afar; and safeguard the country when it is not yet in danger.

Facing the emergence of new forms of war, types of operations, strategic spaces, and methods of waging war, the Central Military Commission  the Ministry of National Defence, the Central Public Security Party Committee  the Ministry of Public Security, and Party committees, commands, and administrations at all levels need to pay special attention to leading, directing, educating, and training officers and soldiers of the people's armed forces in all aspects; and unceasingly improve their political mettle, patriotism, and revolutionary heroism, being ready to endure hardships and sacrifices, daring to fight, knowing how to fight, and staying determined to defeat all invaders and firmly defend the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland in any circumstance.

Third, building the people's armed forces that are sufficient in number, well-organised, balanced in structure and composition, and highly capable in both overall quality and combat strength.

To meet the requirements of the resistance war against the US for national salvation, our Party and State continued to develop the people's armed forces comprising three types: primary military troops, local forces, and militia self-defence forces.

A Politburo resolution, adopted at the meeting from December 6 to 10, 1962, regarding the situation, direction, and immediate tasks of the revolution in the South outlined the approach for building and developing armed forces in the region. It stated the need to "widely develop guerrillas and militia, improve the quality of primary military troops and local forces". It also clearly defined the direction and specific numbers for each type of force to be focused on in the South.

During this resistance war, our Party and State built and developed main forces including various branches and corps, establishing the primary military troops as the backbone of the operations in the South. The air defence  air force and navy force were developed and strengthened, working alongside the people and other forces to defeat the US imperialists' air and naval destruction campaigns against the North. Additionally, organising and developing fronts, large main force units in various regions, and strategic transportation troops along the Truong Son Trail made the primary military force truly key to implementing the strategy of controlling the situation and attacking the enemy throughout the country, fighting alongside the entire population to completely liberate the South and reunify the country.

Under the Party and State's leadership, local armed forces were rapidly developed nationwide, with improvements in quantity during the resistance against the US. In the North, local forces were built to protect the socialist North with many infantry, air defence, engineering, and artillery units established. In the southern battlefield, all districts, townships, provinces, and cities set up such forces to promote armed and political struggles, advancing the three-pronged attack (military and political operations, and communication work against the enemy) across all three strategic zones (forests and mountains, rural plains, and urban areas).

The militia and self-defence force was developed extensively following the principle of Party leadership, adapted to the conditions of each locality, worksite, farm, factory, and enterprise, with medium and small scales suitable for different warfare types and situations.

The development of the people's armed forces during the resistance against the US ensured balance between the different types of forces, appropriate to the development of revolutionary armed struggle, the strategic position of each force type, and the people's war doctrine in each period, on each battlefield, and across the country. Each type of force was comprehensively trained and unceasingly improved in overall quality and combat strength to meet operational requirements. Their close coordination with other forces created the collective strength of the people's warfare, working with the entire population to achieve the Great 1975 Spring Victory.

Today, given requirements in new circumstances, the people's armed forces need to continue studying, adjusting, reorganising, and ensuring quality with appropriate numbers, composition, and structure. They must thoroughly grasp and seriously implement the Party and State's policies on streamlining the political apparatus for effective operation and building of the People's Army and People's Public Security, especially the Politburos Resolution No. 05-NQ/TW dated January 17, 2022 on organising the Vietnam People's Army for 2021-2030 and beyond, and the Politburos Resolution No. 12-NQ/TW dated March 16, 2022 on developing the People's Public Security into a pure, strong, regular, elite, and modern one.

The People's Army organisation should continue to be adjusted towards being lean, compact, and powerful with redeployment of forces and improved human resources, ensuring comprehensiveness and harmony between components and forces, aligned with the all-people national defence doctrine, people's warfare, and weapons and equipment capabilities.

Meanwhile, the People's Public Security force should be streamlined at the ministry level, comprehensive at the provincial level, and strong at the communal level, and maintain a firm presence at the grassroots. Strong mobilisation reserves and widespread militia and self-defence forces should be built across regions and at sea. Focus should be placed on innovation and improving military training quality, tactical and technical proficiency, political education, and comprehensive training coupled with ensuring good logistics and technical support for the armed forces. International integration and defence and security foreign relations should be promoted to enhance overall quality and combat strength of the armed forces, meeting the requirements of national defence and security in the new situation.

Fourth, ensuring good weapons and technical equipment for the people's armed forces; actively researching and flexibly applying Vietnamese military art to respond to various warfare types and combat realities.

During the resistance against the US, along with the viewpoint of "people first, weapons second," our Party and State always identified weapons and equipment as fundamental factors creating the combat strength of the armed forces. Based on this, our Party and State implemented many measures to improve and ensure weapons, equipment, and technical means for the armed forces following the direction of "combining rudimentary weapons, conventional weapons, and relatively modern weapons, moving towards increasing modernisation. To that end, Viet Nam pursued various means to equip its armed forces, including procurement, receiving aid, domestic production, and capturing supplies from the enemy; simultaneously, skillfully and creatively using existing weapons and equipment with high efficiency. As a result, the people's armed forces, especially the People's Army, had a relatively comprehensive and modern weapons and equipment system, ensuring improved overall quality and combat strength, capable of defeating an invading enemy with superior advantages in weapons and equipment.

Along with ensuring weapons and equipment for the people's armed forces, our Party and State paid special attention to researching, developing, and creatively applying military art in the new conditions of the resistance against the US. The unique nature of the southern battlefield required the integration of armed and political struggle, revolutionary warfare and the publics uprisings, and military attacks alongside mass mobilisation. Armed struggle played the decisive role, particularly in the final phase of the war, culminating in large-scale military campaigns. The people's armed forces units flexibly applied and continuously innovated combat art in each battle and campaign, the art of organising and using forces, the art of force mobility, the art of establishing positions, the art of deception, and the art of choosing attack directions, spearheads, objectives, and methods, and many more, creating overwhelming advantages in strength to step by step achieve victories, leading to final success.

Today, in the context of rapid advancements in science, technology, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, ensuring the provision of new-generation and modern weapons, military and security technical equipment for armed forces has become a trend in many countries around the world.

The modernisation of the armed forces, especially the People's Army and the People's Public Security, is a right policy of our Party and State, aligned with the country's conditions and socio-economic development situation, as well as the global development trend of military and security science and technology. To realise this policy, human development plays the central and decisive role while at the same time, it is also essential to properly ensure weapons and technical equipment for the people's armed forces. A sustainable and long-term solution lies in the development of defence and security industries. It is also necessary to continue thoroughly grasping and effectively the implementing policies and guidelines on developing the defence and security industries in line with the principle of proactiveness, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, dual-use capability, and modernity. These industries must be closely linked with and become the spearhead of the national industrial sector, meeting the demand for modernising and properly supplying weapons and equipment for the armed forces in all situations. At the same time, it is crucial to promote theoretical research, review practical experiences, and draw lessons from international practices to further develop military art and strategies for safeguarding national and social security in the current context.

Fifth, building and strengthening the close-knit and inseparable bond between the armed forces and the people, working together to successfully implement the Partys people's war strategy.

The Vietnam People's Armed Forces were organised, led, educated, and trained by the Communist Party of Viet Nam and Uncle Ho. They embody the nature of the working class, deeply reflect the characteristics of the people and the nation, and fight for the goals and ideals of the Party and for the happiness of the people. Relying firmly on the people, remaining absolutely loyal, serving the people, and maintaining solidarity and a deep bond with the people are not only a fundamental principle for enhancing the revolutionary nature, people-oriented characteristic, and national identity of the armed forces, but also a valuable traditional feature of the People's Army, the People's Public Security, and the militia and self-defence force of Viet Nam.

President Ho Chi Minh stated: "The key point is that whether it is the regular army, local troops, or guerrilla units, they must stay close to the people. To be separated from the people is to face certain defeat. Staying close to the people means winning their hearts, gaining their trust, their affection, and their support. When that is achieved, no matter how difficult the task is, it can be accomplished, and victory is definitely assured."

During the resistance war against the US for national salvation, the care, protection, and support of the people, who provided both manpower and material resources with the spirit of not a single kilogramme of rice short, not a single soldier missing", helped the people's armed forces to quickly grow strong.

The Politburos resolution issued in December 1962 stated: The development of the patriotic war of the people in the South is the development of an all-people, all-out and protracted guerrilla war against a powerful, brutal, and devious enemy. Therefore, building and sustainably developing close-knit and inseparable bond between the armed forces and the people, fighting and winning together, is not only a matter of principle but also a key strategy for successfully implementing the Partys peoples war strategy.

Under the leadership of the Party, during 19591960, the armed forces provided strong support for the people of the South in rising up and launching the ong Khoii movement, gaining control over vast rural areas.

During the years when the US imperialists implemented their special war strategy (19611965), the troops and people of the South intensified the "two-legged, three-pronged" approach, combining the political struggle with the armed struggle while, at the same time, encouraging residents in strategic hamlets to fight and coordinate with military offensives and military proselytising efforts to ruin the strategic hamlet programme of the US and the puppet regime.

When the US shifted to the local war strategy (19651968), our armed forces and people continued the all-people resistance war, proactively launching offensives against the enemy across all three strategic regions, while also defeating the US sabotage war in the North.

The triumph of the 1968 Spring General Offensive and Uprising and the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising, which marked the complete liberation of the South and national reunification, are the most vivid symbols of the power of the all-people resistance, with the people's armed forces playing the core role under the wise leadership of the Party.

Today, the People's Army, the People's Public Security, and the militia and self-defence force must unceasingly uphold their glorious traditions, especially fostering the solidarity and close-knit and inseparable bond with the people and demonstrating a high sense of responsibility in serving and protecting the people. Building on their core value, tradition, and past achievements, the people's armed forces should continue to better the mass mobilisation work through practical actions that help improve the material and spiritual well-being of the people and ensure a peaceful life for the people. They must take the lead in preventing, responding to, and addressing consequences of natural disasters and disease outbreaks; in search and rescue operations; and stand ready in critical and dangerous areas to protect the people's lives and property. It is also necessary to actively promote communications to encourage the people to participate in building the armed forces, the all-people national defence, and the people's security closely linked to strengthening the people's heart posture, thus bringing into play the people's enormous role in implementing the all-people national defence and people's security policy, towards creating a powerful overall strength to secure success in the cause of national construction and defence.

The victory of the resistance war against the US for national salvation was a monumental achievement of our nation in the 20th century. It reflected the brilliant and clear-sighted leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh in shaping the resistance strategy and building the people's armed forces to meet the rigorous requirements of the struggle against the foreign invader. The people's armed forces fulfilled their noble mission of joining the entire people in successfully completing the struggle to completely liberate the South and reunify the country. The valuable lessons learned from this resistance war, including those on building the people's armed forces, hold especially important significance and need to be studied, applied, and further promoted to contribute to successfully implementing the cause of building and safeguarding the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland in the new era.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday sent a message of condolences to his India counterpart Narendra Modi over the serious terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam town on Tuesday (April 22 ) that caused many civilian casualties.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son extended his condolences to Foreing Minister of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

On April 22, terrorists launched an attack on a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region of northern India.

According to local sources, the attack resulted in at least 26 fatalities and left 20 others injured. Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the final death toll is still being confirmed.  VNS
HA NOI  Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will visit Viet Nam from April 27 to 29, and continue to the Philippines on April 29-30, in a bid to reinforce Tokyos strategic and economic footprint in Southeast Asia in the face of intensifying geopolitical competition and shifting global trade dynamics.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ha Noi ahead of the visit, Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki described the visit as a crucial opportunity to bolster Japans partnership with Viet Nam within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, as the nation enters "a new era of growth under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam.

Southeast Asia is now the engine of global economic growth and occupies a strategically vital position. Strengthening ties with Viet Nam  a dynamic economy of over 100 million people  is one of Japans top foreign policy priorities, the diplomat said.

Ito noted that Prime Minister Ishiba has already met Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh twice since taking office in October  at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane and the G20 Summit in Brazil in 2024  and also held talks with President Luong Cuong and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. However, Ishibas planned meeting with General Secretary To Lam in Ha Noi would be their first direct engagement.

The ambassador emphasised Japans intention to reinforce mutual trust through such high-level diplomacy, while advancing bilateral cooperation in defence matters, the economy, and regional security.

A central focus of the visit will be expanding economic collaboration, with Ambassador Ito outlining Japans support for Viet Nams goal of becoming a developed nation by 2045. He identified digital transformation (DX), green transformation (GX), and science and technology as key areas for future cooperation, in line with Viet Nams evolving development needs.

Japan is currently Viet Nams third-largest foreign investor, with cumulative investment reaching $77.7 billion. Bilateral trade has grown 1.8 times over the past decade, to nearly $50 billion annually.

Ito said Japan is ready to deepen collaboration in new areas, citing major projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative, including 15 Japanese-backed renewable energy investments worth a combined $20 billion  such as offshore wind and solar power ventures.

Efforts to improve Viet Nams investment environment through administrative reform and faster licensing procedures are also seen as vital to sustaining Japanese business interest, Ito said.

In terms of defence and security, Japan and Viet Nam have made steady progress in recent years. Minister of Defence Kihara Minoru has visited Viet Nam, and in April, Japans Maritime Self-Defence Force destroyer Suzunami docked in a Nang for joint drills with the Vietnamese navy.

Japan has also provided Viet Nam with two logistics vehicles and transferred corrosion-resistant technology for military use. Ambassador Ito expressed confidence that the visit will build on these milestones and open the door for further security dialogue.

People-to-people exchange remains a core pillar of JapanViet Nam ties, with over 630,000 Vietnamese currently residing in Japan. In 2023, Viet Nam sent 620,000 tourists to Japan, while 710,000 Japanese visited Viet Nam.

Tokyo is also investing in workforce development, introducing a new 'Job-Based Skills Development' programme and encouraging Japanese firms to improve working conditions for Vietnamese employees. The Japanese diplomat highlighted the long-term benefit of this labour mobility saying: They gain experience in Japan, return to Viet Nam, and help drive its economy.

Japan is also planning to expand Japanese-language education in Viet Nam. Currently, 170,000 Vietnamese are studying Japanese and a new framework in cooperation with Viet Nams Ministry of Education is being developed to grow this number. The Viet NamJapan University will launch a specialised training course in semiconductor skills this autumn.

Cultural diplomacy is also on the agenda of the visit. Japan is promoting the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo  where Viet Nam will mark its National Day on 2 September  and the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary arts festival that will include a Viet Nam-themed project for the first time, showcasing crafts, food, and creative work from young Vietnamese artists.

Japan and Viet Nam are also coordinating closely on international issues, including trade and multilateral cooperation. Ito voiced concern about new US tariffs that could impact both economies  Viet Nam faces a proposed 46 per cent tariff, and Japan 24 per cent.

Ito suggested Viet Nam and Japan could share views and collaborate to mitigate such trade pressures and ensure stable growth. He added that both countries, as co-chairs of the JapanMekong cooperation framework this year, will jointly pursue practical outcomes on regional integration and climate resilience.

Amid global volatility, close cooperation between Japan and Viet Nam is more essential than ever, Ito said. We hope Prime Minister Ishibas visit will further solidify our comprehensive strategic partnership.  VNS
VIENTIANE  State President Luong Cuong and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane on Thursday afternoon, beginning a two-way state visit to Laos at the invitation of General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President Thongloun Sisoulith.

The delegation was welcomed at Wattay airport by Khemmani Pholsena, Minister and Chairwoman of the Presidential Office of Laos; Atsaphangthong Siphandone, Mayor of Vientiane capital; a Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Lao Ambassador to Viet Nam Khamphao Ernthavanh; and several officials from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam and the embassy staff were also present at the airport to welcome the delegation.

This visit comes at a significant time when both nations are implementing their respective Party resolutions and socio-economic development plans, having obtained numerous noteworthy achievements. Besides, the cooperation between the two countries have developed robustly, with high-level agreements being actively implemented and yielding important results across sectors.

The trip not only contributes to deepening the Viet Nam  Laos special solidarity but also provides an opportunity for both sides to exchange notes on issues of mutual concerns while reviewing the implementation of their cooperation over the recent past as well as discussing ways to promote the relationship in multiple domains in the coming time.

During his stay, President Cuong will attend a red-carpet welcome ceremony, hold talks with General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and President Thongloun Sisoulith, and witness the signing of cooperation documents between the two countries. He will meet with the Lao Prime Minister, the President of the Lao National Assembly, as well as former Lao leaders. The itinerary also includes attendance at an official banquet, participation in a Viet Nam-Laos friendship exchange, a visit to the Vietnamese Embassy, and a meeting with the Vietnamese community in Laos.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam has offered condolences to Vatican over the recent passing of Pope Francis, and the country "highly appreciates the role of His Holiness" in bolstering the relationship between Viet Nam and Vatican.

At the regular press briefing in Ha Noi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang on Thursday said that immediately upon receiving the news of the passing of Pope Francis, on behalf of the Party, State and people of Viet Nam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son have all sent messages of condolence to the Holy See.

Viet Nam also greatly values Pope Francis' encouragements and instructions for dignitaries and religious followers of Catholicism in Viet Nam to accompany the entire nation and to contribute to national construction and development, Hang noted.

"We would like to extend our condolences to the Holy See, as well as to the Catholic community around the world, and those in Viet Nam," the spokesperson told the press.

During Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong's 2023 visit to the Holy See, Viet Nam has approved the operating regulations for the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Viet Nam, making for a crucial milestone in the bilateral ties. VNS
HA NOI  President Luong Cuong received the ambassadors of Australia, the Dominican Republic, Algeria, and Angola as they came to present their credentials at the Presidential Palace in Ha Noi on Thursday

Hosting Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird, President Cuong commended the Australian Government for appointing an experienced diplomat with deep knowledge of Southeast Asia and Viet Nam to assume the duty.

He highlighted Australia as one of Viet Nam's most important partners in the region and one of the countrys 12 comprehensive strategic partners. Over more than 50 years of diplomatic ties, bilateral cooperation has expanded comprehensively and fruitfully across almost all sectors while people-to-people exchanges have grown strongly, especially via education and tourism. The two countries enjoy high strategic trust and share common views on many regional and global issues, he noted.

The State leader expressed his delight at the recent elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the signing of an action plan for the partnership implementation in the 2024-27 period, describing these frameworks as crucial for deepening cooperation, he said.

Ambassador Bird expressed congratulated Viet Nam on its development achievements, and confirmed her participation in the April 30 Victory celebration.

Affirming that the Australian Government wishes to further intensify the comprehensive strategic partnership, she noted it's her honour to assume the duty in Vietnam at a time the countries' friendship is being enhanced with good cooperation results seen in multiple areas, including education - training, with over 100,000 Vietnamese students having studied in Australia.

She emphasised her commitment to promoting support funds, encouraging Australian businesses to invest in Viet Nam, maximising the benefits of trade agreements to boost trade ties, and further bolstering defence and security cooperation.

The ambassador stressed that Viet Nam is one of the highly important partners of Australia in the region, adding amid the current international context, her country hopes the two sides will keep promoting cooperation for stable and prosperous development in each nation and the region at large.

President Cuong said as the cooperation results gained so far remain modest compared to the countries' demand and potential, the ambassador should help the signed agreements be implemented substantively, step up meetings and engagements at all levels, boost investment cooperation in the fields matching the two sides' strength, and reinforce coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums.

He also asked the ambassador to convey his invitation to the Australian Governor-General to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

At the reception for Ambassador Reinaldo Rafael Espinal Nunez of the Dominican Republic, President Cuong underscored Viet Nam's hope to strengthen the traditional friendship, enhance political trust, and boost cooperation effectiveness, particularly in economy, trade, investment, culture, and people-to-people exchange.

Ambassador Nunez conveyed warm greetings from the President of the Dominican Republic and expressed admiration for Viet Nam's history and current achievements.

He said the President and Government of the Dominican Republic wish to further strengthen all-round cooperation with Viet Nam. He also pledged all-out efforts to help elevate bilateral relations to a new height.

President Cuong said he hopes for increased delegation exchanges at all levels between the two countries, the effective implementation of the political consultation mechanism, stronger mutual support at multilateral forums, and the establishment of a joint committee on economic, trade and investment cooperation. He also encouraged the two sides to boost collaboration in the areas they are strong at for mutual benefit.

Welcoming Ambassador Azeddine Bechka of Algeria, President Cuong reaffirmed the importance Viet Nam attaches to the traditional friendship and close cooperation with Algeria  Viet Nam's most longstanding African partner. He praised Algerias role and stature in Africa and the world, expressing hope for expanded cooperation amid todays complex global challenges.

Ambassador Bechka pledged efforts to further consolidate the two countries' traditional friendship and solidarity while boosting economic and trade cooperation. He added his country is ready to serve as a bridge for Viet Nam to access other African markets.

He also delivered an invitation from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to President Cuong to visit Algeria.

President Cuong asked for increasing high-level mutual visits and meetings, maximising cooperation mechanisms, and supporting each other and coordinating to promote the voice of developing countries at multilateral forums.

The host leader also called on the Algerian Government to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese firms operating in the country and expand ties in other fields like education, culture, and sports.

At his meeting with Ambassador Fernando Miguel of Angola, President Cuong expressed his hope that the diplomat will contribute to furthering the time-tested friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. He congratulated Angola on its achievements in political stabilisation, economic reform, and social development, as well as in its role as the rotating chair of the African Union.

Ambassador Miguel pledged to help strengthen bilateral ties and emphasised Angolas admiration for Viet Nam's reform success. He voiced Angolas interest in cooperation in sectors such as mining, oil and gas, tourism, and investment.

President Cuong asked the ambassador to actively work with Vietnamese agencies to expand cooperation in potential areas, promote the two countries' coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, and foster high-level exchanges, political trust, and people-to-people links. He also asked for Angolas support for Vietnam to strengthen connections with the African Union.

The leader said that Viet Nam is ready to expand cooperation with Angola in agriculture, fisheries, telecommunications, digital transformation, education, and healthcare. In addition, hee affirmed Viet Nam's willingness to act as a bridge between Angola and ASEAN.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  At the invitation of Viet Nam, international delegates will participate in the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang confirmed at a regular press briefing yesterday in Ha Noi.

These include delegations led by high-level leaders, political parties, international organisations, peace movements and anti-war movements, including those from the US.

Asked about The New York Times report that the administration of US President Donald Trump has barred American diplomats from taking part in the event, the MoFA spokesperson responded that they have not received further verification with regards to the information provided in the US publication's article.

"Viet Nams victory on April 30, 1975 is a victory of human conscience and righteousness, one that put an end to the losses and sufferings, for not only the people of Viet Nam, but also to countless American families," Hang remarked.

Over the past years, tremendous efforts by generations of people from both Viet Nam and the US have been made in order to develop these relations as they stand today.

The April 30 anniversary is an occasion to honour the values of benevolence, of peace, of reconciliation and in the spirit of putting the past aside and striving towards the future, said the MoFA spokesperson.

The ever-flourishing ties between Viet Nam and the US are in line with the interests and common aspiration of the two peoples, and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Viet Nam and the US normalised and established diplomatic relations in 1995. They further upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2003 and most recently to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development in 2023.

Responding to questions about the participation of military troops from Laos, Cambodia and China in the parade next week, Hang said the anniversary is an event of special importance, not only for the Vietnamese but also for international friends who supported Viet Nam in its past struggle for national independence.

This is particularly true for Laos, Cambodia and China  the three neighbouring countries with a long-standing traditional friendship and bonds with Viet Nam, said Hang.

We are much elated for the participation of military members and officials from China, Laos and Cambodia during this anniversary, representing the solidarity, friendship and ever closer cooperation between Viet Nam and other countries.

Solar import tariffs

Regarding the announcement from the US Department of Commerce imposing steep tariffs on solar imports from several Southeast Asian countries, including Viet Nam, the MoFA spokesperson affirmed Viet Nams willingness to discuss the matter with relevant US authorities.

According to the US announcement, the duties imposed on solar energy companies from Viet Nam range between 120.69 per cent and 813.92 per cent.

Viet Nam stands ready to discuss with relevant US authorities to address any bottlenecks and make sure that relevant information is perceived in an objective and fair manner, in line with international norms and standards, so as to better facilitate bilateral trade, economy and investment cooperation, said Hang.

We pledge to maintain our efforts to further promote the trade activities in a fair and transparent manner, while also striving to protect the legitimate rights of businesses currently operating and investing in Viet Nam.  VNS
VIENTIANE  General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President Thongloun Sisoulith hosted an official welcome ceremony in Vientiane on Thursday afternoon for Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong who is on a two-day state visit to Laos.

President Cuong's visit to Laos is taking place at a time when the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos are continuing to develop well. The two sides affirmed their determination to strengthen and enhance the friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos in the new situation, in accordance with the actual situation of each country.

In recent years, high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States have increased meetings, regularly exchanged delegations through all channels, and people-to-people diplomacy activities have been regularly carried out for the interest of both countries, thereby consolidating the close and trustworthy political relationship.

Defence and security cooperation, one of the pillars in the relationship between the two countries, has been maintained and developed. The two sides have actively implemented the signed protocols and cooperation agreements.

In addition, cooperation between localities, especially those along the shared border, has been strengthened, becoming more and more specific, intensive and comprehensive in all fields, ensuring security, order, and safety in the border areas of the two countries.

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation have witnessed positive changes, in which Viet Nam-Laos trade turnover in 2024 reached US$2.25 billion, an increase of 37 per cent compared to 2023. This is the first time that trade turnover between the two countries has exceeded the $2 billion mark, far exceeding the target set by the two governments.

Currently, Viet Nam has 267 investment projects in Laos with a total registered capital of $5.63 billion, of which many Vietnamese investment projects are operating effectively, contributing positively to socio-economic development, creating jobs and increasing income for thousands of workers, supplementing revenue for the Lao budget, especially in the fields of telecommunications, banking, rubber planting and processing, food production and processing, and milk.

The good traditional relationship between the people of Viet Nam and Laos was laid down by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Suphanouvong. It has been cultivated by generations of leaders of the two Parties, States and people of the two countries, and become invaluable assets of both nations and a common development rule of the two countries on the path of development.

The two countries upgraded their relations to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation in February 2019. This was a milestone of important historical significance, creating a new breakthrough to help the cooperative relationship between the two countries become increasingly close, innovative and developed.

The visit of President Cuong to Laos on the first days of the Lao New Year Bunpimay will create a new impetus, contributing significantly to fostering and bringing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos to a deeper, more substantial and effective level in the coming time, bringing prosperity to the people of each country. This is also a meaningful visit, an opportunity for the two Parties and two countries to review the tradition of close ties, the "unique" loyal relationship, and "love deeper than the Red River and the Mekong River" of the brothers and comrades who have stood shoulder to shoulder, sharing the sweet and bitter in the resistance war and building the country.

Immediately after the official welcoming ceremony, the two leaders held talks to discuss measures to deepen and further effectively enhance the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed issues of mutual concern to enhance common understanding and continue to closely coordinate and effectively cooperate at international and regional forums.  VNA/VNS
Chinese navy marks 76th anniversary on march to world-class force safeguarding peace

Xinhua) 09:54, April 24, 2025

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace.

As part of the celebrations, the Chinese Navy opened more than 30 active-duty vessels to the public this year -- surpassing previous years in both scale and variety -- drawing large crowds eager to get a closer look.

Among them are the 075-class amphibious assault ship, the 071-class amphibious transport dock, and the 054A and 056A-class guided-missile frigates, many of which have taken part in key missions, including escort operations in the Gulf of Aden, official overseas visits, and joint military exercises.

The Navy also opened several military ports and bases to the public. At naval airfields in cities like Ningbo, Shanghai and Haikou, visitors had the opportunity to view frontline aircraft up close, including the KJ-500H, J-11B, Z-9D and Y-9.

Building a strong navy has long been a national aspiration for China, which boasts over 18,000 kilometers of coastline and exercises jurisdiction over a vast maritime expanse. Yet, from 1840 to 1949, China suffered more than 470 naval incursions by foreign powers, a history that continues to shape its strong emphasis on maritime security.

Since its founding in 1949, the same year the People's Republic of China was founded, the PLA Navy has steadily grown into a modern strategic service.

In just over a decade, it has built a fleet of three aircraft carriers. The first, the Liaoning, a refitted Soviet-made vessel, was commissioned in 2012, followed by the Shandong, China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, which was delivered in 2019.

The third, the Fujian, was unveiled in 2022 as China's first carrier equipped with a catapult launch system. With a full-load displacement of more than 80,000 tonnes, the Fujian features a straight flight deck with electromagnetic catapults and arrestor gear.

In October 2024, the Liaoning and Shandong conducted their first-ever dual-carrier formation exercise in the South China Sea, highlighting China's growing naval capabilities.

The Chinese Navy has rapidly expanded its arsenal, adding new strategic nuclear submarines, 10,000-tonne destroyers, amphibious assault ships, and integrated supply ships. Carrier-based fighter jets have entered service in batches, while new early-warning aircraft and naval helicopters have also joined the force.

The Navy plays an active role in maritime affairs, working to maintain peace, stability, and order at sea, while continuing to provide public security goods to the international community.

In April 2023, the PLA Navy participated in the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Sudan following an outbreak of armed conflict in the country.

It was the third overseas evacuation of civilians carried out by the Chinese Navy in recent years, following two previous operations in Libya and Yemen in 2011 and 2015, respectively.

During the overseas evacuation of civilians, the Chinese Navy demonstrated its commitment to international humanitarian assistance by helping hundreds of foreigners leave the crisis-torn countries, according to military analysts.

The Chinese Navy has played a vital role in the country's international assistance efforts, including delivering 960 tonnes of fresh water to the Maldives during a 2014 water crisis caused by a fire, and sailing over 5,200 nautical miles to support disaster relief operations following a volcanic eruption in Tonga in 2022.

Since December 2008, Chinese naval vessels have been conducting escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia, safeguarding both Chinese and foreign ships and helping to transform what was once known as the world's "most dangerous waters" into a "golden waterway."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
HA NOI  Viet Nam strongly condemns the terrorist attack on April 22 in northern India that left numerous civilian casualties and injuries, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang at a regular press briefing in Ha Noi Thursday.

We believe that those who committed such an atrocious act will soon be brought to justice, the spokesperson said.

The attack targeted a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India.

Viet Nams high-level leaders, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, have extended their condolences to the government and people of India, as well as to the families of those deeply affected by the tragedy.

Upon receiving news of the incident, the foreign ministry has immediately directed Vietnamese diplomatic missions in India to promptly coordinate with local authorities.

Their report confirmed that no Vietnamese nationals were among the victims of the terrorist attack.

Vietnamese diplomatic missions will continue working closely with local authorities, monitoring the situation, and remaining ready to carry out any necessary citizen protection measures, Hang said.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam is a trusted and prioritised partner of the European Union (EU) in the Asia-Pacific, affirmed EU Ambassador to Viet Nam Julien Guerrier at a meeting with Party General Secretary To Lam in Ha Noi on Thursday.

The Party leader expressed his confidence that, with joint efforts, Viet Nam  EU relations would continue to strengthen and advance to new heights. He underlined that the EU remains a top partner in Viet Nam's foreign policy and noted with satisfaction the dynamic and comprehensive growth of the bilateral ties across all areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations 35 years ago (19902025). The two sides are currently implementing four cooperation agreements and eight dialogue mechanisms, covering a broad spectrum from political-diplomatic affairs and trade-investment to defence and security.

In the context of the current complex global geopolitical and trade situation, Lam called for enhanced cooperation, political trust, and robust strategic dialogue. He recommended both sides work toward a roadmap to elevate the bilateral relations to a new level in a substantive and high-quality manner, ensuring mutual benefit for both sides. He also stressed the need to promote delegation exchanges and high-level contacts, while continuing to effectively implement the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) as a driver of trade and investment cooperation.

He affirmed Viet Nam is pursuing a foreign policy of multilateralisation and diversification, promoting equal, mutually beneficial partnerships with all countries and partners, including the EU and its member states, as well as fostering balanced and sustainable trade and investment toward the realisation of common sustainable development objectives.

The Party chief welcomed the EUs growing interest in cooperating with Viet Nam in the fields of green transition, digital transformation, sustainable development, science and technology, innovation, renewable energy, sustainable transport infrastructure, defence industry, legal affairs, and human resources training.

He called on both sides to work closely to address trade-related challenges within the framework of the EVFTA and agreed on the importance of cooperation to enhance the effectiveness of EU development aid to Viet Nam. Viet Nam is committed to the goal of sustainable development, and all policies of the Party and State are designed to serve the people, the leader stressed.

Highlighting the importance of education and training cooperation, as well as people-to-people and youth exchanges, Lam proposed that both sides explore options to facilitate visa issuance for their citizens.

Regarding regional and international issues, the General Secretary affirmed that Viet Nam is a peace-loving nation and a proactive, responsible member of the international community in addressing regional and global challenges.

Both sides agreed that Viet Nam and the EU share a mutual interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world for development. They stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation within the ASEANEU framework, while safeguarding peace and stability in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea)  a strategically vital region for global trade.

Guerrier praised Viet Nam's rising role and international standing, especially as the country enters a new era of development.

Echoing his hosts view on science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of growth and prosperity, he stated that the EU wants to support Viet Nam in achieving its ambition to become a developed country by 2045, and to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Guerrier also highlighted the EUs strong interest in deepening cooperation with Viet Nam across the sectors of infrastructure, transport, renewable energy, aviation-aerospace, telecommunications, and green transition.

The diplomat said that both sides share a common interest in ensuring an uninterrupted international trade system and supply chain, maintaining sustained growth and prosperity of all nations involved.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam always values the strategic partnership with the Philippines and aspires to elevate it to new heights, making it deeper and more comprehensive, said Party General Secretary To Lam while receiving Philippine Ambassador to Viet Nam Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre in Ha Noi on Thursday.

The leader hailed the ambassador for his active contributions to promoting the Viet Nam-Philippines Strategic Partnership in recent times. He emphasised that the year 2025 holds special significance, marking the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two nations, which has seen positive and effective developments, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

For his part, Ambassador Montealegre extended congratulations to the people of Viet Nam on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, as well as the upcoming 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2). He expressed admiration for the socio-economic achievements Viet Nam has attained recently.

General Secretary Lam urged the ambassador to focus on promoting several areas of bilateral cooperation, including enhancing political-diplomatic cooperation through facilitating high-level exchanges and contacts; boosting economic connectivity for the goal of US$10 billion in bilateral trade; strengthening collaboration in security-defence, and maritime and oceanic matters; and promoting cooperation in other fields such as culture, sports, tourism, education and training, climate change adaptation, and disaster mitigation.

Appreciating the effective and close coordination between the two countries at regional and international organisations and forums, especially the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the host leader affirmed that Viet Nam will actively support the Philippines in successfully assuming the role of ASEAN Chair in 2026 and will collaborate with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries to promote intra-bloc solidarity, enhance ASEAN's central role, and work towards a united, self-resilient, and sustainable ASEAN.

Lam expressed his confidence that the Philippine diplomat will continue to contribute to the robust, comprehensive, and substantive development of the strategic partnership between Viet Nam and the Philippines for the benefits of their people as well as for peace, stability, and development in the region and in the world.

Montealegre asserted that his embassy will actively coordinate with relevant Vietnamese agencies to organise practical and effective activities to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership and prepare for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

It will also make every effort to develop the strategic partnership in a more intensive, practical and effective manner in all fields, the ambassador emphasised.  VNA/VNS
VIENTIANE  Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith held talks in Vientiane on Thursday, as part of Cuongs two-day visit.

President Sisoulith warmly welcomed President Cuong and highly valued the significance of this first visit to Laos in his new role. He noted that the visit demonstrates the importance that the Party, State and President Cuong personally attach to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos.

Laos' top leader affirmed that the visit marks an important milestone, contributing to the deepening and more substantive development of bilateral ties, thereby supporting each countrys cause of national renewal, construction and defence.

President Thongloun extended his regards to Party General Secretary To Lam and other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders. He congratulated Viet Nam on its outstanding and comprehensive achievements in recent years, expressing his admiration for the countrys sustained high economic growth, improving living standards, growing international stature, and notable progress in anti-corruption efforts and administrative reform from central to local levels.

He reaffirmed Laoss readiness to coordinate closely with President Cuong and other Vietnamese leaders to further advance the unique Viet NamLaos bilateral relationship.

President Cuong sincerely thanked President Thongloun, other senior Party and State leaders and the Lao people for their warm, sincere, and fraternal reception. He conveyed cordial greetings and best wishes for the traditional Bunpimay New Year 2025 from top Vietnamese leaders to President Thongloun, senior Lao leaders, and the Lao people. He emphasised that the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam will always remember the deep bonds of comradeship and the wholehearted, sincere support offered by the Lao Party, State, and people to Viet Nams revolution.

The two leaders spent considerable time recalling the mutual support and assistance between the two nations and their peoples during their past struggles for national liberation and their current efforts in national development.

They affirmed that these are invaluable legacies established by previous generations and that future generations must continue to preserve and build upon them.

They also exchanged updates on each countrys socio-economic situation and noted that 2025 is a particularly significant year for both nations as they actively prepare for the 12th National Congress of the Lao Party and the 14th National Congress of the Vietnamese Party.

President Cuong praised Laoss achievements in maintaining political and social stability, economic revitalisation, and improved living standards. He reaffirmed Viet Nams continued support for Laoss efforts toward international integration and independent, self-reliant economic development.

President Thongloun expressed that Viet Nams comprehensive accomplishments serve as a great source of encouragement for Laos. He expressed confidence that, with Viet Nams companionship, Laos would firmly advance on its path of national development.

Both leaders expressed delight at the positive development of the Viet NamLaos relationship and agreed to continue giving top priority to enhancing bilateral cooperation across all fields.

They held in-depth discussions and reached consensus on major orientations for further strengthening bilateral relations in the time ahead. This includes consolidating political trust, maintaining regular high-level and other exchanges, and intensifying people-to-people exchanges through diverse and flexible forms.

They agreed to effectively implement high-level agreements, cooperation strategies, and outcomes of the recent meetings between the Politburos and the General Secretaries of the two Parties, as well as the 47th session of the Viet Nam  Laos Intergovernmental Committee.

Both sides will enhance theoretical exchanges between the Parties, share preparations for their respective Party Congresses, and exchange experience in streamlining organisational structures. They also agreed to boost dissemination and education on the special Viet Nam  Laos relationship among Party members and all strata of society, especially the younger generations.

The leaders concurred on the need for breakthrough initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of economic, cultural, and scientific-technical cooperation by fully leveraging the potential and strengths of both countries. Key areas include boosting economic, infrastructure, financial, and tourism connectivity; taking effective measures to raise bilateral trade to US$5 billion in the coming years; and sharing experience in macroeconomic management.

Both sides expressed satisfaction that many major projects had been unlocked and implemented with high determination, providing new momentum for bilateral cooperation. Among them, the Wharf No. 3 Project at Vung Ang Port marks a significant step forward in the new development phase.

The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in education and training, prioritising support for Laos in enhancing the quality of its human resources to better meet the demands of its new development stage. They will also jointly promote science and technology, increase mutual cultural promotion, and share information on each countrys socio-economic development achievements through their respective media outlets. Cooperation between localities, particularly border provinces, will also be enhanced.

On multilateral cooperation, the leaders agreed to enhance information exchange, consultation, and coordination, and to support each other at international forums. They reaffirmed the central role of ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms, and committed to continuing close coordination with each other and with relevant countries and international organisations to manage, develop, and utilise the Mekong Rivers water resources sustainably and effectively, contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

They also pledged close coordination to effectively implement the outcomes of the third meeting of the top leaders of the three Parties of Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia (held in February this year), and to continually cultivate the traditional friendship among the three Parties and countries.

On this occasion, President Cuong announced that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people had decided to present the Lao Party, State, and people with a district-level hospital project in Vientiane Province, worth $3 million. He proposed that both sides coordinate for prompt implementation to complete the project by 2026 as a token of celebration for the successful 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

Following the talks, President Luong Cuong and President Thongloun Sisoulith witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents and the handover of licences, including: A Letter of Intent between the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence and the Lao Ministry of National Defence on Viet Nams support in constructing the headquarters of the Border Guard Command of the Lao People's Army; A 2025 Cooperation Programme between the Ministries of Justice of Viet Nam and Laos; a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Peoples Committee of Gia Lai Province, Viet Nam, and the Administration of Attapeu Province, Laos, for 2025-30; and an adjusted investment licence for the Xekaman 3 hydropower project in Sekong Province (granted by the Lao side).

Following the talks, and prior to a State banquet hosted by President Thongloun Sisoulith, the two leaders attended a traditional Lao thread-tying ceremony to mark the Bunpimay New Year. This ancient ritual, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Land of a Million Elephants, symbolises warm hospitality and conveys wishes of peace and good fortune to the recipients.

President Thongloun noted that President Cuongs State visit had brought a strong message of solidarity and friendship to Laos at the start of the new year. The thread tied around the wrist, accompanied by blessings, reflects the Lao people's affection and goodwill towards the Vietnamese President and high-ranking delegation. President Luong Cuong expressed his appreciation for the warm, thoughtful reception by the Lao leadership and people, and affirmed his commitment to nurturing the special bond between the two countries.  VNS
HCM CITY  Among the 52 projects shortlisted by the awards council for the 4th HCM City Creative Awards in 2025, many have harnessed digital technology to solve pressing issues in daily life.

Over the past few months, Nguyen Thi Phuong, a resident of District 4, has been regularly commuting to her university in Thu uc city via Metro Line No. 1.

Thanks to the citys student fare subsidy policy through the HCM City Digital Citizen app, she logs in, enters her student ID details, uploads a photo of her card, and uses a QR code to pass through the e-ticket gates.

On her way to the Ben Thanh metro station, Phuong noticed trash scattered under the Calmette Bridge. She snapped a photo and submitted a report via the Digital Citizen app. Within minutes, the local authorities acknowledged and addressed her concern, and feedback was sent directly through the app.

Its incredibly convenient. I can send reports and track updates right from my phone, she said.

Vo Thi Trung Trinh, director of the citys Digital Transformation Centre, which developed and now operates the Digital Citizen app, said residents previously had to juggle multiple platforms and systems for different civic services.

These systems were often disconnected, leading to inefficiencies and user frustration. That prompted the creation of a unified platform for seamless, two-way interaction between citizens and government.

Launched in November 2024, the Digital Citizen app has since become a key digital bridge connecting local residents with city authorities.

The municipal Peoples Committee vice chairman Vo Van Hoan, said the Creative Awards celebrate and encourage innovation in all areas of life, whether in business, public service, or daily life.

As the city accelerates its implementation of Resolution No. 57 on science, technology, and digital transformation, the awards stand as a concrete step toward that vision.

The 52 winning projects this year truly showcase the spirit of innovation that thrives across the city, anytime and anywhere, he said.

Trinh further highlighted that the app serves as a one-stop mobile solution for civic needs, simplifying citizen-government interactions to a single tap while delivering practical benefits.

It is the first platform to consolidate all public services into a single interface. Residents can easily engage with government offices, reducing administrative costs and streamlining communication in the digital era, she added.

As of now, the app has integrated with the citys shared data warehouse and is linked to nearly six million electronic IDs via the national VNeID system.

Plans are underway to further expand its utility, making it a comprehensive tool for public service delivery and civic engagement.

Fighting loan sharks with tech, creativity

In recent years, the city has grappled with a rise in loan shark activity and increasingly sophisticated scams. Aggressive advertising for illicit lending services and overpriced service flyers, such as septic tank cleaning or concrete drilling, have not only disrupted daily life but also tarnished the citys urban image.

To address this, the citys Police launched a project called Enhancing Technology to Combat Loan Shark Crimes and Eliminate Illegal Advertising for a Cleaner Urban Landscape. This initiative merges on-the-ground public outreach with digital tools to tackle the issue.

Captain ang Van Thang, head of the Youth Division of the city Police, said: Our mission goes beyond crime prevention or urban beautification. We want to empower citizens to avoid falling victim to predatory lending schemes.

However, these operations constantly evolve online, and flyers get reposted overnight. It felt like an endless cycle, he said.

Thanks to tech innovations, the city police have blocked over 3,000 phone numbers linked to illegal lending, fined several violators, and cracked down on unauthorised advertising.

They have distributed more than 130,000 educational leaflets and leveraged platforms like the Government Information fanpage, national TV channels, and Ministry of Public Security media outlets to amplify awareness.

In 2024 alone, the city police led seven coordinated campaigns to remove illegal ads, involving over 45,000 participants.

They also partnered with the HCM City Advertising Association to display more than 620,000 anti-scam messages on LED screens and outdoor displays.

These modern communication methods have proven effective in grabbing public attention.

But the effort didnt stop at tearing down posters. After cleanup drives, authorities collaborated to install high-quality mural art themed Beautiful Viet Nam.

Over the past six years, 17 vibrant murals have replaced previously grimy walls, transforming public spaces into cultural landmarks.

Digitising port operations

Another standout initiative came from Saigon Newport Corporation with its project Smart Port of the New Era: Integrated Digital Solutions for Seaport Operations. In a fiercely competitive port logistics industry, the need to cut costs and boost efficiency is paramount, especially as global e-commerce and supply chain demands grow.

To support its Smart Port  Green Logistics strategy (20202024), the company introduced a suite of digital tools: the e-SNP ecosystem, including ePort, eDO, Auto-gate systems, and an AI chatbot that optimises shipping processes and reduces paperwork. Other innovations include a VR360 virtual port tour, a 24/7 virtual assistant named Pi, an electronic warehouse management system (eWMS), and automated gate operations with driver and license plate recognition. These upgrades have improved productivity, lowered operational burdens, and significantly enhanced customer experience.

Award highlights

The 4th HCM City Creative Awards received 292 submissions across seven categories. The council selected 52 projects for final recognition:

Category 1 (Economic Development): nine projects

Category 2 (Defence and Security): six projects

Category 3 (Government Administration): seven projects

Category 4 (Media and Communication): six projects

Category 5 (Arts and Literature): nine works

Category 6 (Science and Technology): nine research topics

Category 7 (Innovative Startups): six solutions

These innovations not only reflect the citys commitment to progress but also its citizens creativity in addressing real-world problems through practical, tech-powered solutions.

The HCM City Creative Awards are held every three years, with their fourth edition scheduled for 2025.  VNS
HCM CITY  Fifty years after its liberation, Can Gio District in HCM City is remarkably well-developed, boasting vast mangrove forests, a growing tourism sector, and high living standards for its residents.

During the resistance war against US imperialism, the Sac Forest, now known as the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, served as a vital resistance base and was a fierce battleground. It also functioned as a transport route for supplies and ammunition for the Sai Gon regime.

Nguyen Huu Ky, 78, a commando in Regiment 10 (Sac Forest special forces), says: Life in the Sac Forest could be summed up in two words: hardship and scarcity.

We often faced shortages of rice and drinking water. Sometimes, with no access to fresh water, we went thirsty for days. A few could not bear it and resorted to drinking the brackish river water.

During enemy raids, when our clothes and belongings were destroyed, we shared what we had. Some only had a shirt; others, just a pair of trousers.

Originally from Thanh Hoa Province, he was posted to Regiment 10 in 1973.

At that time, Sac Forest commandos hid in the mangroves by day and patrolled the rivers and forest edges by night, aiming to disrupt the enemys supply lines. Along the Long Tau River, enemy forces patrolled regularly and dropped bombs in an attempt to eliminate our presence. Many comrades died in those assaults.

During those years, this land bore witness to the sacrifice of 1,215 martyrs and the wounding of 468 veterans. Another 2,786 served as soldiers, guerrillas or volunteers, transporting food and arms.

For those of us who survived, we will always be grateful for the support and shelter offered by the people of Duyen Hai District (now Can Gio District). That is why we chose to stay after the war and help rebuild this land of kindness and sacrifice.

Pham Thi Nhung, also known as Tam Nhung, returned from the battlefield physically unharmed but with the deep sorrow of losing loved ones, comrades and her husband, who died in Sac Forest.

Born into a revolutionary family in Can Gio, Nhung joined a military arts troupe at the age of 14 to help boost morale among soldiers in the forest. After performing until 1964, she trained as a nurse in Ba Ria  Vung Tau Province, and two years later, she returned to Regiment 10 to care for the wounded.

Working under such tough conditions and with minimal medical supplies, we had to be inventive in treating injuries, she recalls.

Some medications required distilled water, which we did not have. Fortunately, the area had many coconut trees, so we used fresh coconut water as a substitute.

Nhung describes life and combat in the forest as being extremely harsh.

"During enemy raids, we had to run for our lives. I still remember a young soldier who had just given birth - she had to carry her newborn and flee.

Fifty years after liberation, we can see how well the local government has led the development process. They have shown real care for the lives of the people, from those of former revolutionary generations to the younger generations.

Can Gio now has clear development plans, attracting major investment to grow the economy and improve lives.

Strong transformation

Can Gio District has overcome numerous challenges since its liberation and is undergoing major changes aimed at further development. Once a low-lying muddy area that was home to a small fishing village, it now boasts essential infrastructure like roads, schools and public utilities.

Now included in HCM Citys eastward expansion, the district is emerging as a promising ecotourism destination, thanks to its mangrove forests, long coastline, historical sites, and proactive local efforts to boost the economy.

The Can Gio Mangrove Forest, often referred to as the green lung of HCM City, was designated Viet Nams first UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2000.

The district has a wide range of attractive tourist destinations, including the national historic site of the Sac Forest resistance base and community-based tourism spots like Thieng Lieng Island in Thanh An Commune. Its traditional festivals, craft villages and local cuisine also offer visitors distinctive experiences.

To enhance tourism, Can Gio has developed several accommodation and resort projects, including 19 lodging facilities, 10 restaurants, 49 eateries, and six tourist attractions. Infrastructure has improved significantly, with better roads and upgraded accommodation. Thanks to recent road widening and improvements, travel time to the district has decreased.

Ho Ngoc Thanh, a resident of Thu uc City, says Can Gio makes for a great weekend escape from the city heat, offering fresh air, greenery and reasonably priced services.

Besides enjoying the fresh air, we also visited historic sites to learn about the land and the heroic Sac Forest Special Forces.

Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the HCM City Department of Tourism, stated that the city aims to transform Can Gio into a high-quality ecotourism and resort destination with regional appeal by 2030. To achieve this, the city will focus on marine tourism, port and maritime economies, coastal urban development, marine farming, renewable marine energy, and improving local livelihoods.

By 2050, the goal is to use marine and island resources sustainably and effectively, making Can Gio a leading maritime district grounded in green growth.

Several mega projects are set to begin in 2025, including the Can Gio international transshipment port, Metro Line 12 (Ben Thanh  Can Gio) and a coastal reclamation urban area.

Other infrastructure, such as a river-crossing bridge and a free trade zone, will also be developed starting this year. These are expected to unlock potential and offer enormous opportunities, not only for Can Gio and HCM City, but also for broader regional connectivity across the southeast and the entire country.

Nguyen Van Hong, Chairman of the Can Gio Peoples Committee, stated that the district is committed to tapping its potential sustainably, focusing on ecotourism, smart urban development, and the maritime economy.

The district has proactively rolled out key initiatives for implementing green transition. Of them, the three strategic pillars are institutional reform, resource mobilisation and behavioural change.

Nguyen Van Nen, secretary of the HCM City Party Committee, said: "In the past, our ancestors defended and protected Can Gio, and now we have the task of developing it while preserving its core values, particularly the biosphere reserve.

The development must be important for the country and meet international standards.

HCM City envisions Can Gio as a modern, smart and ecological urban area not only for the city but also for the southeastern region.

Therefore, the district should plan carefully and adopt appropriate sustainable development strategies so that it can grow into a modern urban area while preserving its unique natural identity, contributing to enhancing the citys overall position,  VNS
HA NOI  Nghiem Sy Thai is still overwhelmed with surprise after unexpectedly receiving a diary he had lost during his time as a frontline reporter on the Binh Tri Thien battlefield.

The diary, long thought lost, was returned to him by the US Embassy on April 18.

A memento returns after nearly 60 years

Thai, 83, born in uc Tho District, central Ha Tinh Province, now resides in a Lat city, is a veteran war reporter for the Liberation News Agency (now Vietnam News Agency). Earlier this month, one of his friends, a former lecturer at the Ha Noi University, where Thai once studied, suddenly called to ask whether he had ever lost a diary during the war.

Thai was stunned, as the event had happened so long ago and was known to very few people.

Then he became so joyful, learning that his diary, recording his student years and times as a battlefield reporter, lost decades ago, had been found.

'The other side' had retrieved it and was preparing to return it before the April 30, 2025 anniversary.

As Thai recalled each memory line by line, he reminisced about his youthful days as a student in Literature Class 3, Academy Year 7, at the Ha Noi University.

On May 10, 1965, after being granted early graduation, Thai and 12 classmates underwent journalism training to prepare for assignments in the 'Southern battlefield'.

The students underwent three months of intensive training in news writing for the press agency, while I also requested two extra months to study photography, Thai said.

On the war-torn Binh Tri Thien battlefield, amid constant bombardments, he maintained the habit of recording daily life in a personal diary, while technical notes for work were kept in a separate notebook.

In late 1968, Thai volunteered to join the high-intensity Tri Thien Campaign 935 for more reporting and photography opportunities.

Before departing, he entrusted the diary to Colonel Vo Hap, head of Logistics of the military zone, saying: I do not know if I will survive this campaign. Please keep this for me in case journalists and writers need reference material.

However, upon returning, he found the area where the logistics post had been completely flattened by US bombs. All materials stored in the metal cabinets were lost, and the colonels assistant, who had kept the diary, had been killed.

It was a great loss, but what could I do. It was war, he consoled himself.

After receiving information that his lost diary had resurfaced, Thai eagerly awaited further updates.

Officers from the Lam ong Provincial Military Command came to his house to verify the details.

On April 17, the unit arranged transport to HCM City so he could attend a ceremony for the handover of war memorabilia provided by the United States.

The event was organised by the 7th Military Region's Steering Committee 515 and the Office of the US Defence Attache in Ha Noi.

The items returned included valuable documents such as commendations, battlefield diaries and notebooks belonging to veterans Ho Van Rang, Nghiem Sy Thai, Vuong Van Le and martyrs Nguyen Thi Ro, Duong Thi, Nguyen Phuoc Chinh, Nguyen Van ao, Nguyen Thi Men, Duong Ngoc Buu, and Le Tan uc.

At the handover ceremony, Thai said: I truly never thought I would see my notebook again. Today, this precious item has returned to me, like a lost pearl coming home.

To me, it is not just a keepsake, but a piece of memory, a part of my very flesh and blood, the veteran journalist said.

Fierce war memories

The diary, like an old companion, is a source of solace. Thai now spends much of his time every day reminiscing about his student days and the intense moments when, with notebook and camera in hand, he roamed the smoke-filled Binh Tri Thien battlefield, producing hundreds of reports, stories, and photographs amid the tragedy and heroism.

One diary entry reads: July 19: Met five soldiers in a shack on the way to Quang Tri, all had just recovered from malaria, poor lads. I gave them a few cigarettes and some lumps of salt. They were ecstatic, as these items are impossible to find here. The locals lives are also extremely difficult. Their meals mostly consist of wild vegetables cooked with a little saltthe salt stinks, and the greens are like pig feed back home, terribly hard to eat

February 4: Walked all day, only leeches everywhere. The leeches here are like a fierce enemy, swarming the moment you stop. At first, we tried catching them, but later we were too exhausted to bother. On reaching our rest point, everyone rolled up their trousers to scrape them off. Some leeches hit blood vessels and caused heavy bleedingit felt like being wounded by shrapnel

March 21: Took four hours to cross Route 9. The liaison officers could cross easily, but we struggled. The real hardship wasnt carrying thirty kilogrammes of gear, but crossing the Ba Long River at night in a boat. On the far bank, everyone was so tired they wanted to rest, but the liaison urged us to keep moving. In the end, we hid in an abandoned village once inhabited by ethnic minorities. Shortly after, enemy artillery shelled the village directly. We all scrambled to hide under rocks in a streamthankfully, no one was injured

The last page of the diary is dated the second day of Tet (Lunar New Year) in 1967, but many words are faded or smudgedpossibly due to damage or poor reproduction, (Thai just received a copy of the diary, as the original is archived by the US Government).

He recalled that the writing was about Tet celebrations among villagers living near the battlefront in Co Bi Hamlet, Phong An Commune. When locals saw a journalist from the North arrive to take photos, they were elated.

A woman even chased after me to get a closer look at 'a Northerner'. She gifted me a can of condensed milk  a rare luxury in the war zone  while others offered banh tet and gio (sticky rice and white rice dough dumpling) so I could take some back to the forest base, he said.

This showed the deep affection locals had for revolutionary journalists and cadres, despite the daily hardships and mortal danger they faced.

Throughout the perilous years of wartime reporting, with death always near, Thai and his colleagues from the Liberation News Agency remained embedded in the battlefield, tirelessly fulfilling their reporting duties.

Thai held positions such as Chief of the Liberation News Agency Bureau in Thua Thien  Hue and later in Lam ong Province under the Viet Nam News Agency.

Thanks to his courage and professional skill, he captured many priceless historical photos from the Binh Tri Thien front.

Some of these images, such as the photo series and article 'Liberation troops shoot down a UH-1H helicopter and capture three US pilots in A Luoi' garnered widespread public attention at home and abroad.

His documentation even prompted US delegations to fly to Viet Nam to meet him and interview him as a living witness and preserver of the wars truthful images.

At the handover ceremony, Thai extended heartfelt thanks to the organisations who helped bridge the two nations: I, and all those who have received our mementos back, sincerely thank the Viet NamUS diplomatic bodies for serving as a bridge of friendship.

These relics hold not just historical value but also symbolise the post-war friendship between our countries. They embody compassion and hope for a more connected future between Viet Nam and the United States, he said. VNS
HA NOI  VietnamPlus, the online newspaper under the Vietnam News Agency, was honoured with the Best Innovative Digital Product award by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) for its groundbreaking interactive 3D journalism project on Ha Noi.

The award-winning piece, "70 Years of the Capitals Liberation: Sacred and Elegant Ha Noi," was recognised at the Digital Media Awards Asia 2025 (DMA), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Launched to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Ha Nois Liberation Day (October 10, 1954  October 10, 2024), the project stands as one of Viet Nams pioneering interactive 3D journalism efforts, offering readers a truly immersive and innovative experience.

Accessible at www.vietnamplus.vn/70namhanoi, the platform presents historical narratives in a vivid and innovative format, allowing users to actively engage with the stories. Through unique 3D interaction  scrolling on desktops or swiping on smartphones  readers are taken on a dynamic journey through key milestones in Ha Noi's and the nations history.

Starting with a 3D model of the Ha Noi Flag Tower, the symbolic centerpiece of the 70th Liberation Day celebrations, readers are taken on an immersive journey through pivotal moments in history. They can relive late President Ho Chi Minhs reading of the Declaration of Independence, the nationwide call for resistance in December 1946, the world-shaking victory at ien Bien Phu, and the triumphant return of Ha Noi 70 years ago.

Beyond these historical highlights, the platform offers a diverse collection of mega stories, covering subjects such as history, economics, and the cultural essence of life in Ha Noi. Together, these narratives craft a rich and multidimensional portrait of the capitalspiritually profound yet gracefully modern.

This marks the second time VietnamPlus has been recognized by WAN-IFRA. On September 28, 2014, its RapNewsPlusa news bulletin presented in rap formatwon first prize in the Digital First category, earning acclaim for its innovative approach to engaging young audiences through mobile devices and digital platforms.

Held over three days (April 2325) in Malaysia, DMA 2025 is the premier annual media and journalism event in the Asia-Pacific region. Now in its 17th year, the conference continues to serve as a leading forum for digital transformation in the media industry. Since its inception in Singapore in 2009, the event has attracted hundreds of top publishers, journalists, and media executives to share insights, business models, research, and best practices in media innovation.

Founded in 1948, WAN-IFRA now connects 3,000 media and tech organisations, along with 60-member press associations across 120 countries and territories. It is headquartered in France and Germany, with regional offices in Singapore, India, and Mexico.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam must vigorously advance the development and application of science and technology, foster innovation and accelerate digital transformation to unlock new growth opportunities and create a fresh impetus for national development, insisted the Prime Minister.

Those fields should not recognise any boundaries be they geographical, gender-based, generational or religious.

The vision is central to Viet Nams strategic goal of becoming a modern, industrialised middle-income country by 2030, and achieving high-income developed nation status by 2045.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who chairs the Central Council for Emulation and Commendation, made the orders on Thursday morning as he presided over the official launch of the nationwide movement titled 'The entire nation emulates in innovation and digital transformation'.

The campaign was launched based on three strategic pillars. The first is to reform mindsets and improve institutional frameworks to create a favourable environment for innovation and digital transformation.

The second is to develop breakthrough technological infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of the digital era.

The third strategic pillar is to roll out comprehensive digital transformation across all sectors to modernise the economy and improve citizens quality of life.

Chinh also called for a powerful awakening of national aspirations and urged the political system and the people to foster a spirit of self-reliance, creativity and the optimal use of internal capabilities.

"Citizens and enterprises are both the centre and the driving force of the transformation, he said.

Scientists play a pivotal role, while the State must lead and facilitate national progress in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Chinh said the launch of the movement is a pivotal moment, giving tangible form to the Partys Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

He added that in todays world, embracing the fields is not merely a matter of choice, but a critical necessity.

Science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are the only viable paths to overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities and building a strong, autonomous economy and a modern, civilised society," he said.

The resolution, adopted by the Politburo, is considered a landmark directive, serving as a guiding compass for sustainable and rapid development.

It issues a clarion call to the entire Party, people and army to strive together to lead the nation confidently into a new era of prosperity and modernity.

Under the leadership of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo and the Secretariat, headed by Party General Secretary To Lam, as well as with decisive actions by the Government, ministries, local authorities and particularly the public and business communities, Viet Nam has already achieved significant results in advancing science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

The advances have supported socio-economic development, national defence, environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

However, he also pointed out remaining challenges, such as the institutional framework is not yet truly conducive, the infrastructure remains incomplete and human resource and governance capabilities have not reached their full potential.

Chinh required that by 2030, Viet Nam aims to build scientific, technological and innovation capacities at an advanced level across key sectors, placing the country among the top performers in the upper middle-income group.

The digital economy is expected to contribute at least 30 per cent of GDP, with over 80 per cent of citizens and businesses using online public services.

Digital infrastructure must be cutting-edge, with ultra-high capacity and bandwidth on par with advanced countries.

The country also plans to fundamentally transform public administration, business operations and daily life.

By 2025, Viet Nam seeks to achieve leading global standards in digital Government, the digital economy and society, and digital citizenship, as well as in the digital cultural industry.

It also aspires to become a global frontrunner in cybersecurity, data security and data protection.

He urged every Vietnamese citizen to actively participate in the movement of continuously learning, innovating and upgrading their digital skills.

Without this, the digital economy and digital society cannot flourish, our nation cannot advance in a fast and sustainable manner, he said.

Following the launch, representatives from Hai Phong City, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi, and leading enterprises in the science and technology sector expressed their strong support.

They committed to implementing the Prime Ministers directives with vigour and effectiveness.  VNS
HA NOI  Opportunities for collaboration in clean energy technology development took centre stage at the Viet NamChinaASEAN international energy forum, held in Ha Noi on Thursday.

The event drew the participation from representatives of ASEAN embassies, several European nations, and leading enterprises and corporations from Viet Nam, other ASEAN member countries, and China. Co-hosted by the Viet Nam Energy Association (VEA) and the China Electricity Council (CEC), the forum served as a vital platform for business networking and policy dialogue. It offered a space for industry leaders and policymakers to exchange insights, explore new technologies, and reinforce cooperation toward sustainable energy development, particularly in Viet Nam.

Speaking at the forum, Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly's Science, Technology and Environment Committee Ta inh Thi said that, in the current context, Viet Nam's energy sector must strike a balance of ensuring robust economic growth and national energy security while simultaneously advancing the transition to green, clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with global trends.

He also noted growing pressure on the nation to expand its power transmission network and the urgent need to strengthen regional electricity connectivity, particularly with China, Laos, Cambodia, and the wider ASEAN region.

According to him, China, a global leader in clean energy, currently generates 1,460 MW of renewable electricity out of a total system capacity of 3,400 MW, accounting for 43 per cent. Meanwhile, ASEAN countries are intensifying their focus on renewable energy growth, aligned with their national capacities and green development strategies.

Thi remarked that the forum is expected to open new avenues for investment and cooperation in the energy sector, positioning Viet NamChinaASEAN energy relations for substantial progress.

In her remarks, VEA Vice President Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh underscored the importance of fostering deeper partnerships with global and regional energy leaders, particularly through practical ASEANChina cooperation models.

She identified Chinese technology providers, contractors, and equipment manufacturers as critical to accelerating Viet Nam's energy transition.

To facilitate deeper engagement of Vietnamese firms in regional cooperation, Binh called for the enhancement of legal and institutional frameworks as well as more active participation in ASEAN energy mechanisms  such as the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and the ASEAN energy community.

She also proposed the promotion of joint ventures with China and other ASEAN partners in renewable energy development, and the establishment of an annual Viet NamChinaASEAN energy dialogue mechanism.  VNA/VNS
WASHINGTON, DC and ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA - Media OutReach Newswire- 23 April 2025 - Delphos, a premier advisor in private emerging markets, proudly announces its role as the exclusive financial advisor for LendMN's landmark $20 million USD debt financing. This strategic financial move marks the first significant milestone for a Mongolian fintech company, positioning LendMN and Mongolia on the international stage for fintech innovation and investment.

Delphos President Andrew Brown

LendMN BNFI JSC CEO Uuganbayar.TS

This significant debt facility is provided by Lendable, a leading name in debt finance for tech-enabled companies across emerging markets. Lendable is dedicated to fostering greater economic justice and sustainability worldwide. The funds will enhance LendMN's commitment to technology-driven financial solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Mongolia.Delphos President Andrew Brown highlighted the transaction as "a testament to Delphos' expertise in facilitating impactful cross-border financings that drive financial inclusion. We are proud to support LendMN in its mission to expand access to credit for Mongolia's underserved populations."LendMN, Mongolia's first digital lending fintech and a subsidiary of AND Global, has revolutionized the financial landscape with its fully digital Flexi Business Loan, which has already disbursed $60 million USD in loans to over 3,800 micro and small business owners since its launch. The platform's innovative approach includes automated credit scoring and instant loan disbursement without collateral, leveraging AI to bridge the financial gap for businesses traditionally overlooked by standard banking practices.Uuganbayar Tserendorj, CEO and Board member of LendMN, expressed his optimism, stating, "We are delighted with this achievement as it denotes LendMN's robust technology and successful business model, opening doors to future international investment opportunitiesWith this landmark investment, Delphos continues solidifying its position as a definitive source for innovative financial solutions and strategic advisory services for development projects worldwide. Delphos has raised over $20 billion in development finance, benefiting over 1,200 companies globally.
The first Vietnam ESG Forum hosted by Dan Tri on April 23 in Hanoi brought together over 300 participants, including leading environmental, social, and governance experts, international organisations, and local stakeholders, to explore sustainable development strategies in a changing global landscape.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha noted that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards have become an indispensable trend globally and a vital measure of sustainable development.

Businesses that adopt robust ESG practices will gain a competitive edge, engage investment, and build long-term credibility, said Ha.

She outlined three key challenges for Vietnamese enterprises - especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - in adopting ESG practices.

First, she stressed the need for tailored solutions that match the unique conditions of each business sector. Second, she addressed the urgency of building a skilled and adaptable workforce to meet the demands of a green and circular economy.

Finally, she called for placing science and technology at the core of governance and sustainable development, describing innovation as the key to resolving environmental issues, optimising resource use, and improving quality of life through eco-friendly products and services.

Nguyen Tien Huy, director of Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasised the importance of systemic strategic solutions to reconcile economic growth with increasing ESG and green transition pressures.

Huy proposed reorienting Vietnams growth model towards quality, innovation, and sustainability rather than relying on natural resources, cheap labour, and outsourced manufacturing.

Another strategic priority is strong investment in green infrastructure and digital transformation, including expanding renewable energy, upgrading smart transportation systems, implementing advanced waste management, and using digital tools to track and manage ESG data, he said.

Huy also called for the establishment of a unified national ESG policy framework to guide businesses in implementation and reporting, avoiding confusion caused by conflicting international standards and limited domestic guidelines.

He stressed the need for developing a green workforce by re-skilling current labour and integrating sustainability into education.

To support enterprises, especially SMEs, Huy suggested reforming Vietnams financial system to encourage green credit, sustainable bonds, and ESG investment funds, along with strengthening institutional capacity and legal enforcement to ensure policy consistency and transparency.

From a consulting perspective, Pham Minh Huong, director of Sustainability Services at Deloitte Vietnam, pointed out the challenges companies face when navigating a maze of ESG standards and regulations.

To effectively adopt ESG practices, enterprises must clearly understand how each business activity impacts the environment and society. Only with this clarity can they identify practical, tailored solutions that truly support sustainable development, said Huong.

Experts at the forum agreed that strengthening Vietnams institutional and governance capacity is the cornerstone for advancing ESG. A transparent and efficient institutional framework is essential for aligning resources - including capital, technology, and human talent - with national sustainable development goals.

A strong institutional foundation, they noted, would also boost investor confidence and support corporate ESG commitments, digital transformation, and social responsibility efforts.

Banking sector contributes to ESG, green growth, and sustainable development The banking sector has positioned itself as a pioneer in greening investment capital and enhancing social responsibility to achieve green growth and sustainable development goals.

Koreans investing across crucial sectors Giant South Korean groups are opening up new cooperation opportunities in rare mining, power, and more across Vietnam.
On April 18, Nexif Ratch Energy signed amendment and supplement agreements to the original Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Vietnam Electricity (EVN).

With the expiration of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) regime in October 2021, the Vietnamese government has worked to establish a new pricing mechanism that reflects lower renewable energy investment costs while continuing to attract long-term private investment.

Nexif Ratch Energy has worked collaboratively with all authorities to agree on a revised tariff, positioning the venture as one of the first transitional wind energy projects in Vietnam to sign a PPA.

The successful negotiations with EVN mark a breakthrough, reflecting strong cooperation among key stakeholders, including EVN and its subsidiary, Electricity Power Trading Company.

This achievement comes at a pivotal moment in Vietnams renewable energy landscape, as the country continues to strengthen its regulatory framework and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.

The government has taken significant steps toward this goal through the enactment of new laws, decrees, and guidelines related to the power sector, and through the revision of Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8), which proposes ambitious new renewable energy targets including an additional 16.1GW of onshore and nearshore wind, and 27.9GW of utility-scale solar capacity by 2030. These efforts are intended to drive growth in the renewable energy sector while keeping Vietnam competitive in green infrastructure.

Surender Singh, chairman of the Board of Directors of Nexif Ratch Energy said, "We commend the Vietnamese government for its proactive efforts in driving the countrys energy transition. Structural changes in the energy sector require a strong and coordinated approach between government, regulators, and, importantly, investors. As we have seen with the Nexif Energy Ben Tre Wind Power Plant project, success relies on strong, ongoing partnerships to overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities for the countrys sustainable future."

Cyril Dissescou, CEO of Nexif Ratch Energy said, "Im proud of our team for their persistence and focus in achieving this milestone. I also want to thank EPTC for their close collaboration. This success reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to Vietnams clean energy future."

With the amended PPAs now signed and key procedural steps completed, the initiative is advancing towards financial close, with construction scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025. This progress underscores Nexif Ratch Energys commitment to delivering sustainable and reliable energy to Vietnams national grid, supporting the countrys energy transition, and contributing to the development of a greener future.

Nexif Ratch Energy signs an MoU for wind power in Binh Dinh Nexif Ratch Energy, a top renewable energy independent power producer in Southeast Asia, has signed an MoU with and the central province of Binh Dinh for the development of a 150MW onshore wind project in Van Canh district.

Nexif Ratch takes over Minh Luong hydro plant in Lao Cai On January 2, Nexif Ratch Energy Investments Pte. Ltd. (Nexif Ratch Energy) announced its successful acquisition of the 30MW Minh Luong run-of-river hydro power plant with peak hour storage located in the northern province of Lao Cai.
Lester Tan, General Director of SABECO, speaking at the AGM

The brewer reported net revenue of VND31.87 trillion (approximately $1.27 billion), a 4.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year, while after-tax profit rose 5.6 per cent to around $179.8 million.

These results demonstrate SABECOs resilience in a challenging environment marked by rising input costs, shifting consumer behaviours, and intensifying competition. The company remains firmly committed to delivering long-term value to shareholders, partners, and local communities across Vietnam.

General director Lester Tan described 2024 as a transformative year for SABECO, one where the company not only navigated headwinds but strengthened its foundations.

In the year of the Dragon, we took decisive steps to overcome market challenges and emerged stronger. We are focused on sustainable growth, profitability, and unlocking new opportunities, he said. With the passion of our people and the trust of stakeholders, SABECO will continue progressing steadily on its growth journey.

SABECOs performance in 2024 was underpinned by its commitment to commercial excellence, operational efficiency, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

The company reinforced its market presence through data-driven marketing and brand initiatives grounded in local insights, ensuring its iconic Bia Saigon remains one of the most-chosen beverage brands in Vietnam.

The introduction of 333 Pilsner, a premium extension of its heritage brand, responded to evolving consumer tastes, while modern trade and e-commerce channels were expanded to better serve urban and younger demographics.

Operationally, SABECO advanced its supply chain modernisation strategy, upgrading logistics, procurement, and production systems to enhance service quality and cost efficiency.

A highlight of the year was the launch of SABECOs Beer Research & Development Center in November 2024, a significant milestone in its pursuit of brewing innovation and excellence.

The company also strengthened its ESG commitments, expanding solar energy usage, improving water efficiency, and fostering a more inclusive workplace through its first-ever employee engagement survey.

These efforts were recognised with SABECO being named among Vietnams Top 100 Sustainable Companies and a Top 10 Best Corporate Governance Company by Anphabe.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum into 2025. Chart: Nguyen Thu

Looking ahead, SABECO remains focused on sustaining momentum. The company has set an 8 per cent revenue growth target and proposed a cash dividend payout of 50 per cent.

Priorities include further strengthening supply chains, optimising the brand portfolio, expanding market reach both domestically and internationally, and accelerating product innovation to better engage the new generation of consumers.

The companys chairman Koh Poh Tiong expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging ongoing global uncertainties but affirming SABECOs readiness to seize emerging opportunities.



The Board of Directors and Executive Board of SABECO at the AGM in the morning of April 24

With a 150-year brewing legacy and a nationwide distribution network, SABECO continues to build on its reputation for brewing excellence. Its commitment to quality was reaffirmed in 2024 when its beer products earned numerous accolades at the World Beer Awards and the International Beer Cup, adding to an extensive list of international honours.

This enduring focus on innovation and sustainability ensures SABECOs strong position in Vietnams dynamic beverage market while contributing positively to the wider community.
Recognising the urgent need for structural reform and skills enhancement across Vietnam's banking sector, the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV), in collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), officially launched the Strategic Capacity Building initiative in Hanoi on April 14.

Rather than being a one-off training course, this is a long-term nationwide programme aimed at equipping banking professionals with a broad range of essential competencies aligned with international standards. The initiative focuses on building strategic thinking, risk management, financial governance, and internal audit capacity among banking personnel.

Agribank was the first state-owned commercial bank to actively support and implement the programme by nominating its staff for the inaugural phase of training. With its extensive network and significant role in Vietnams banking system, Agribank has set an important precedent in embracing international capacity-building frameworks, paving the way for other financial institutions to follow.

The training focuses on updating the principles and standards of International Financial Reporting Standards while integrating new content in line with worldwide trends such as digital transformation, application of AI in finance, and sustainability.

In addition, the programme is expected to bring practical experience from auditing activities in the banking sector, a specific field with high technical requirements and always needs to move and adapt to social fluctuations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bui Quoc Dung, deputy auditor general of the SAV, expressed his pleasure at the successful collaboration with the ACCA to launch the training course.

This is the first course organised by our training institute to offer capacity-building for the entire state banking system. It marks a critical milestone, reaffirming our commitment to improving training quality and enhancing human capital in the finance and auditing sectors, Dung said.

Representatives from the State Audit Office of Vietnam, ACCA, and Agribank shared their insights at the launch of the training programme. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

As the supreme audit institution, the SAV oversees public financial management and plays a pivotal role in developing and maintaining professional standards within the financial sector. Therefore, the partnership with the ACCA represented a significant step forward in strengthening the capabilities of Vietnams banking workforce.

According to Dung, the strategic training initiative is built upon the ACCAs international framework and tailored to address Vietnams practical requirements. It serves not only as a technical upskilling effort but also as the foundation for a robust and forward-looking finance ecosystem.

The objective of this effort goes beyond professional development. It seeks to cultivate a cohesive environment where auditors, financial officers, accountants, and managers share a unified base of knowledge and standards, he said.

We hope that through this capacity-building drive, audited entities  especially commercial banks like Agribank  will enhance their financial management, internal control, and compliance practices. This will help improve operational efficiency, while also encouraging transparency, accountability, and long-term resilience in banking operations.

Dung also confirmed plans to extend the training to grassroots-level staff, particularly those directly involved in managing public finances and budgets. The curriculum will include updates on the latest financial regulations, as well as real-world case studies drawn from SAVs audit fieldwork.

To Huy Vu, chairman of the Board of Members at Agribank, described the initiative as a vital component of the banks strategy to enhance human resources and align financial governance with international best practices.

We are especially honoured that Agribank was chosen to pilot this capacity-building effort for auditors. It provides an opportunity to reinforce our internal systems and demonstrates our commitment to reforming financial governance in a serious and proactive manner, Vu said.

He added that engaging in the ACCA-led training not only sharpens technical capabilities but also helps reshape the professional mindset and operational practices of banking staff.

Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Towards an internationally qualified workforce

Amid global integration, Vietnams banking sector is facing growing demands in transitioning to IFRS and adopting AI technologies. These challenges pose significant questions regarding workforce capabilities, requiring financial professionals to possess not only strong technical knowledge but also the ability to apply advanced technologies in practice.

According to Agribanks representatives, the bank operates a widespread national network with nearly 40,000 employees, 162 tier-1 branches, more than 760 tier-2 branches, and thousands of transaction points, including those in remote and underserved areas.

The implementation of new standards such as IFRS will undoubtedly be challenging, especially in training and standardising staff competencies, given our large, unevenly skilled workforce dispersed across diverse localities, Vu said.

He stressed that in the IFRS transition process, auditors play a central role not only in financial oversight but also in helping banks adapt to global requirements.

Understanding the importance of training and workforce standardisation in banking, the ACCA has worked closely with the SAV and Agribank to design a training programme aligned with international standards.

This training programme represents not only a significant step in enhancing technical capabilities in the banking sector, but also an opportunity to foster long-term collaboration, laying the foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnams financial industry.

Certifications acknowledge financial improvements Two financial institutions in Vietnam have earned certification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, demonstrating their commitment to developing high-quality, sustainable talent in accounting, finance, and management.

Techcom Securities achieves market first as ACCA Approved Employer Techcom Securities' recognition as an ACCA Approved Employer marks a significant milestone in its development strategy, serving as a solid foundation for aligning with international standards, attracting top talent, and strengthening its market leadership.

ACCA and KPMG forge path for business leaders to pioneer ESG excellence The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and KPMG Vietnam signed an MoU in Hanoi on March 6, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting sustainable development and driving prosperity for the Vietnamese business community.

ACCA event highlights technology's role in sustainability practices The commitment of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to supporting firms in their development was evidenced at a conference on technology's role in applying sustainability practices that took place in Ho Chi Minh City on March 12.

ESG principles gain added focus for Vietnamese groups The growing emphasis on greener and more modern standards is reshaping the competitive landscape for Vietnamese businesses, determining their ability to integrate into global value chains.

Technological impacts on sustainability practices laid bare for businesses The commitment of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants to supporting Vietnamese firms in their development was evidenced at a conference on technologys role in applying sustainability practices in Ho Chi Minh City on March 12.
This achievement not only affirms TechX's position on the international stage but also demonstrates the company's strong commitment to accompanying Vietnamese businesses in harnessing the power of AWS cloud computing to enhance work efficiency and comprehensive digital transformation, company representatives said.

TechX is constantly striving to improve its technological capabilities, delivering advanced solutions optimising costs and increasing business value for customers, said Phong Bui, chief of Delivery at TechX.

We are proud to have achieved the AWS Cloud Operations Competency certification. This is a testament to our deep AWS expertise, close partnership, and shared commitment to supporting our clients in scaling their cloud operations, build robust processes, and fully capitalise on cloud, said Bui. We remain dedicated to equipping our clients with knowledge and tools to optimise their operations in the cloud.

The AWS Cloud Operations Competency is one of AWS's most significant certifications for validated partners with outstanding technical proficiency and proven practical experience in deploying and governing cloud infrastructure.

Following a rigorous third-party audit by ISSI, TechX has met AWS's stringent evaluation criteria in five key areas of cloud operations: cloud governance (establishing and maintaining policies, processes, and tools); financial management (enabling businesses to optimise costs and ensure budget efficiency); monitoring (delivering intelligent monitoring solutions and analysing operational data to resolve incidents); compliance (ensuring that the system complies with security standards and relevant industry regulations); and operations management (automating processes, improving system performance, and enhancing the reliability of AWS operations).

TechXs latest recognition not only reinforces its pioneering position in the AWS ecosystem in Vietnam but also opens many strategic partnership opportunities with businesses seeking efficient and secure cloud operations solutions.

The company aims to continue to invest in GenAI, automation, and advanced data and analytics, empowering businesses to optimise their operational processes and seize new growth opportunities through AWS.

Cloud computing is more than just a technology platform. It is the key to enabling businesses to leap forward in the digital era, noted Bui. With this competency, TechX is committed to delivering best-in-class solutions that unlock their business potential, enhance operational efficiency and build long-term competitive advantages.

Citi celebrates 30 years of excellence in Vietnam Amol Gupte, Citi Asia South head, and Ramachandran A.S., Citi Vietnams country officer and banking head, have jointly hosted landmark anniversary celebrations with stakeholders.

ACCA and KPMG forge path for business leaders to pioneer ESG excellence The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and KPMG Vietnam signed an MoU in Hanoi on March 6, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting sustainable development and driving prosperity for the Vietnamese business community.
WATERLOO  The City Council held a special meeting Wednesday to amend the budget it approved Monday night.

On Monday, the council made a last-minute revision to a previously published budget to restore funding for the Grout Museum District. That budget cut Grout funding by 33%.

The budget considered Wednesday was expected to revert to the original proposed tax rate of $21.79 per $1,000 valuation, a decrease of 28 cents from the fiscal year 2025 budget, collecting a total of $53.63 million in property taxes. That comes after the city learned it could not approve a budget higher than the originally proposed amount.

The meeting was held after The Couriers deadline for Thursdays newspaper.

On Monday, the council unanimously approved a FY 2026 budget that included a 1.3% increase in property tax collections to $53.84 million. That set the tax rate at $21.88 per $1,000 of taxable value, which represented a decrease of 19 cents.

After supporters of the Grout Museum protested the plan to cut its funding to $417,000 when the new fiscal year starts July 1, the council backtracked to restore funding to its current level of $625,000.

But the state Department of Management and the county auditor informed the city Tuesday the budget could only be amended to a lower amount.

However, leaders may find some other way to restore the Grouts funding.

Museum and library employees and patrons across the state have worried about funding cuts since Gov. Kim Reynolds signed House File 718 in May 2023. The legislation is designed to limit property tax revenue growth in local budgets. It combines levies to reduce taxes by more than $100 million across the state.

In 2015, Waterloo voters passed a levy of 27 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation for the Grout. This, along with a similar levy passed for the Waterloo Public Library in 1993, provided money directly to the institutions from taxpayers without needing approval as part of the citys general budget. The levy was the only city money the Grout received.

Karen Eckhoff said she attended Mondays meeting after seeing a news report that the Grout may be getting less money. She said the museum district is important to everyone in her family.

I voted to have my tax dollars go to the preservation of that asset to this community (and) its now just being slid away, she said. I am here to implore you to do what I voted for to begin with, to do what we as a collective community voted for and gave you money for and said this is what we want to do with it. I dont think you guys get to take it and do something else.

To continue funding the Grout at $625,000 with property taxes, the city needed to add 8 cents to its proposed levy rate. The council tabled the motion and came back to vote after the citys finance manager came back with tax impacts for the increase.

Ward 2 Councilmember Dave Boesen, who ultimately voted to approve the budget, was wary of increasing the rate.

Along with the Legislature combining extra levies, the same law requires that by July 1, 2028, city governments must cap their general services levy at $8.10. Waterloos current levy is $8.91.

If you want to add 8 cents on to the tax levy to fully fund the Grout, were prolonging the inevitable because in three years, theyre going to lose 100% of the fund, Boesen said. You either start reducing now, or you fund it, you wait three years, and then you just take it all away.

Ward 1 Councilmember John Chiles and At-large Councilmember Steve Simon voted against the amendment to add the 8 cents on to the tax rate, but eventually approved the budget with the increased rate.

Under the budget considered Wednesday, for a residential property valued at $100,000 the annual tax bill will be $1,033. That is an increase of $10. Although the citys tax rate is decreasing, changes to the state-determined rollback results in property owners still paying more.

The city will spend $330.35 million and bring in $297.99 million in revenue.

Of the expenditures, 53% goes toward public safety, 16% toward culture and recreation, 16% toward general government, 9% for public works, 5% for community and economic development and 0.5% for health and social services.

Besides property taxes, the city will bring in general fund revenues of $1.2 million from local option sales tax, $8.8 million from other city taxes, $13.9 million in service charges, $1.5 million in licenses and permits, $2.2 million in intergovernmental revenues such as backfill and reimbursements, $8.8 million in other revenues and $19.8 million in transfers.
Prosecutors say they have solved a long-time cold case that horrified and captivated the Winona community.

Investigators used DNA evidence surreptitiously collected from trash left at the curb to tie a 43-year-old Winona woman to the 2011 death of Baby Angel.

Jennifer Nichole Baechle was arrested Thursday morning on two counts of second-degree manslaughter after turning herself in to law enforcement Thursday morning, shortly after a criminal complaint was filed in the case.

After a brief hearing in court Thursday, she posted a conditional bond of $20,000 to secure her release from Winona County jail. Her conditions include having to wear a GPS tracker and not being able to leave Minnesota. Unconditional bond was set at $200,000.

Both Winona County attorney Karin Sonneman and Judge Nancy Buytendorp believed she was not a risk to the publics safety, but they agreed she was potentially a flight risk.

The babys body was found in the Mississippi River about seven miles south of Winona near Pla-Mor Campground on Sept. 5, 2011.

A family was boating when they spotted a bag in the water. Inside the bag was a deceased seven-pound newborn baby girl.

The baby was inside two plastic garbage bags inside a cream-colored canvas bag, embroidered in gold with the word Manzanillo  a resort town on Mexicos Pacific coast.

Also inside the canvas bag were two 9-inch angel figurines, two porcelain bells decorated with angels and a bracelet with an eye pendant. The figurines inspired investigators to informally christen the child Angel.

A medical examiner determined the girl was likely one or two days old at the time of death, according to the criminal complaint.

The examiner believed the newborns body was in the river for less than a day, according to Daily News articles published at the time.

The complaint revealed the baby still had a part of her umbilical cord attached to her. It did not appear to be cut by a medical professional, which indicated the baby likely did not receive any medical attention before or after her birth.

Several fractures were also found on the front and side of the newborns skull. There was also bleeding on her brain.

An updated 2024 autopsy review determined the injuries happened while the newborn was still alive.

The complaint states the injuries would not have been likely if the babys delivery was medically assisted. If treatment had been received, investigators say it would have decreased the babys chance of death.

At the time and in the more than decade since, her mother had not been identified. Many DNA samples were taken and several interviews were completed over that time. Every tip was investigated, according to Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude.

A full DNA panel was obtained for the baby and it was compared to many different DNA samples over the year and was repeatedly compared to those on federal and state databases, according to Cathy Knutson, deputy superintendent of Forensic Science Services at the Minnesota Department of Public Safetys Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

A match was not found and tips never led to results.

For more than 13 years, Baby Angels tragic death has weighed heavily on the hearts of the Winona community. She deserved better than a watery grave, Ganrude said Thursday. She deserved more than a life cut short, and while her birth mother remained hidden, this community wrapped its arms around this little girl.

Members of the community grieved for the baby and waited for answers.

We never gave up working to find those answers, Ganrude said.

Investigators say they have an answer to the longtime question of who gave birth to Baby Angel.

This is the day we've all worked for over 13 years to help bring answers for this community and justice for Baby Angel, Knutson said Thursday.

DNA evidence cited in the criminal complaint identifies Baechle as Baby Angels likely mother.

The connection was found using forensic investigative genetic genealogy. More than 10 years after Baby Angel was found, the sheriffs office asked for assistance from the nonprofit company Firebird Forensics Group. The company has helped other law enforcement agencies identify remains.

Using DNA samples from Baby Angel, potential relatives were reviewed in DNA databases. Firebird identified Baechle as a potential lead in the case in March 2023, according to the complaint.

Investigators sought to obtain a voluntary DNA sample from Baechle starting in May 2023, but Baechle kept asking for more time to make a decision.

Eventually, law enforcement received a letter from a criminal defense lawyer that asked any future contact with Baechle to happen through counsel.

Deputies obtained a sample of the DNA from Baechles trash that was set out for pick up. Inside, a female hygiene product was found, along with other items connected to her household.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension compared DNA from those items to the DNA of Baby Angel and found the baby could potentially be Baechles child.

In March 2024, a search warrant required Baechle to provide a DNA sample.

The DNA test results indicated the genetic results obtained from the unidentified female infant are 570,000 times more likely to occur in a biological child of Defendant than in someone unrelated to Defendant, the criminal complaint filed Thursday stated. The report concluded that this was very strong evidence to support the biological relationship between Defendant and the unidentified female infant as being a biological mother daughter relationship.

The BCA confirmed that Baechle is Baby Angels mother, said Ganrude Thursday.

Baby Angels father has not been identified.

Knutson said the breakthrough shows why investigators stick with cases and how new techniques and technology can advance previously cold cases.

That is why it is so important to never give up on any unsolved case, because every child, such as in this case, deserves to be known and remembered, no matter how long it takes, Knutson said.

Other connections between Baechle and the items in the bag with the baby were also found through conversations with Baechles family.

Family members said they did not have personal contact with her in 2011. At that time, they said she was living in a van in Winona.

The family was shown photos of the items found with the baby and prosecutors say they confirmed the pendant belonged to Baechle.

They also said Baechle collected angels, including angel ornaments that they gave her every year for Christmas.

DNA found on the incense stick and a piece of paper with the baby also matched Baechle. That connection was revealed in a March 2025 report from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, according to the complaint.

Law enforcement did not just stop at finding the mother of Baby Angel, according to Ganrude. The sheriffs office has also worked to find out how she died and why she was placed in the river.

We don't have all the answers, but we know who is responsible, Ganrude said. He believes the charges filed Thursday was just the first step toward holding Baechle accountable.

For each of the second-degree manslaughter charges, a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine is possible.

One charge is for causing the death of another person by attempting to violate a Minnesota statute focused on potential neglect or endangerment of a child.

The other charge is about causing the death of another person by having culpable negligence while also creating unreasonable risk.

If found guilty of the charges, Baechle is expected to face a presumptive prison commitment of 48 months, according to Sonneman.

Sonneman said her office considered other potential charges in the case, but they were limited by statute of limitations on those charges.

Baechle first appeared in court Thursday morning.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 7. Baechle waived her right to multiple preliminary hearings, so her July appearance will be an omnibus hearing.

Baechle is now married and is the mother of two young children.

At the time of her arrest, Baechle was serving as an adjunct faculty member at Winona State University. She was hired for the spring semester to teach one class in the universitys English department.

A different faculty member will take over teaching the class for the rest of the school year, according to the university.

This is a shock to the Winona State University community, and our hearts go out to those involved, the university said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

Dave Brand was sheriff when Baby Angel was found and said he was surprised to learn the mother was still in the community and had built a family.

I'm wondering why she had to do what she did, he said.

Brand has been passionate about resolving the case.

This is a special day that I wont forget, Brand said.

He was happy Ganrude and other members of the sheriffs office never gave up.

I never forgot it. I prayed a lot, he said. He helped work on the case even after he retired at the end of 2014.

He also made sure Baby Angel was never forgotten and that flowers were often at her grave. Donated money helped make that possible, he said.

Brand said he has never been able to get the image of the baby out of his mind, as he remembered her looking as if she was just asleep when she was found.

That baby could have been adopted or turned over to somebody or left at the fire department or hospital or something, he said.

Brand said he is working to update Baby Angels headstone, as currently it says her case is under investigation.
Police renew witness and dashcam appeal following serious incident in Denbighshire that left seven injured

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 24th, 2025

North Wales Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses and dash cam footage following a serious collision in Bodfari, Denbighshire last night which resulted in seven people  including two children, being taken to hospital.

Police were called at 19:40hrs following a report of a collision involving three vehicles  a silver Mercedes A200, an Audi Q3 and a silver BMW 118.

The emergency services attended the scene  including the Air Ambulance, the police helicopter and the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit.

Police have detailed as a result of the collision:

A 12-year-old girl remains in hospital with life threatening injuries

A 13-year-old girl remains in hospital with serious injuries. Both girls were passengers in the Audi Q3

The female driver of the Audi remains in Aintree Hospital with serious, life-changing injuries

The female passenger from the Audi remains in hospital in Stoke with serious, life-changing injuries

The male driver of the Mercedes remains at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd with serious, life-changing injuries

The 20-year-old driver of the BMW, who was initially taken to hospital with slight injuries, was later arrested on suspicion of causing serious injuries by dangerous driving. He has since been released under investigation

The male passenger of the Mercedes, who was also arrested, was later taken to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd where he remains with serious injuries

Detective Sergeant Katie Davies of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: Our thoughts remain with all who are in hospital, and I would like to stress that the investigation to find out what happened is now underway.

Wed like to thank all those who have already contacted us, however we continue to urge anybody who may have information that could assist with our investigation to come forward.

This includes anybody who may have been travelling in the area and who may have dash cam footage showing the silver BMW 118 and Silver Mercedes being driven prior to the collision.

I would like to thank the local community and motorists for their patience whilst the road was closed to allow our officers and staff to carry out their initial enquiries.

And I would like to remind the public that our teams are undertaking a careful and thorough investigation, and as arrests have been made, I would urge the public not to speculate or make any comments on social media that may prejudice any future potential legal proceedings.

Anybody with information is urged to contact North Wales Police via the live webchat on their site or by calling 101, quoting reference number 25000330348.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed a bill into law on Wednesday, designating an International Holocaust Remembrance Day in the state of Nevada.

The day falls on January 27.

The signing comes as people around the world are commemorating the Holocaust with ceremonies and events.

On social media, the governor said Nevada will never forget the tragic events of the Holocaust.

This year marks eight decades since the end of the Holocaust, when Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany murdered six million European Jews.
After hearing the proposal, council has voted to get a new draft of the rules and regulations of Accessory Dwelling Units. ADUs are secondary housing units that share a lot with the larger primary home.

Council says they have received thousands of comments all having mixed feelings on the subject.

The current draft proposes to allow all single-family homes in allowed zoning districts to add a guest home as an option.

However, each home must meet certain requirements, requirements that council members don't agree with or need more elaborating. Some of them are the property size must be at least nine-thousand square feet.

"Nine thousand is probably a little bit too big," said Council Member Kathleen Taylor. "I don't know what the right one is, but based on the planning commission recommendations, what I've heard from public comment, maybe somewhere around six or seven thousand."

Other requirements are there must be no dimensional setbacks, one additional parking space is allowed, and only one ADU per lot.

Sierra Nevada Realtors supports them saying they could increase property value and allow better living opportunities for families.

"There's parents who are renting back to their adult children who are still trying to find a career, and then there's adults who are moving back in to take care of their aging parents, and sometimes aging parents are moving back in with their adult children."

Other commenters argue while it may increase the homeowner's value, it could decrease their neighbor's.

Council Member Brandi Anderson says a woman shared a picture of her neighbor's ADU with her. She looks at the photo and says, "How could A neighbor build this tall thing right next to B neighbor with a short house? Impacting the yard, impacting this and that."

The proposal also had no restrictions for using ADUs as short-term rentals. Mayor Hillary Schieve says that needs to change as short-term rentals tend be a problem in many cities.

She explains, "Because it's not regulated people tend to use them for other things like parties and those kinds of things."

Once the new draft has incorporated the feedback it will then make its way to planning commission's meeting this summer.
A Reno man could serve up to 25 years in prison after being convicted of having more than eight pounds of fentanyl during a police investigation.

The Washoe County District Attorney's Office says Emanuel Palomares threw a backpack over a fence on Berrum Lane when police were called to a fight between neighbors. During a subsequent investigation, the DA's office says police discovered that the backpack contained fentanyl packaged in multiple large baggies, equivalent to more than one million individual doses.

Palomares was convicted after a four-day jury trial and will be eligible for parole after serving 10 years in prison.

APRIL 24, 2025:

A Reno man has been convicted of drug trafficking following the discovery of over eight pounds of fentanyl during a police investigation.

According to the Washoe County District Attorney's office, in December 2023, Reno Police responded to an apartment complex on Berrum Lane due to a reported fight between neighbors.

Upon arrival, officers observed 30-year-old Emanuel Palomares attempting to discard a backpack by throwing it over a fence.

Police recovered the backpack and, in searching it, discovered it contained over 8 pounds of fentanyl packaged in multiple large baggies.

Following a four-day jury trial, Palomares was convicted of drug trafficking.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Aziz Merchant, who highlighted the public safety threat posed by the volume of fentanyl seized, being equivalent to more than one million individual doses, noting it was considered one of the largest fentanyl seizures in Northern Nevada.

My office, in partnership with law enforcement, remains firmly committed to combating the fentanyl epidemic, said DA Chris Hicks. Protecting our community by targeting those who distribute this deadly drugand prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the lawwill continue to be one of our highest priorities. I commend the jury for their time and guilty verdict on this serious case.

Palomares' sentencing is scheduled for June 12 before Judge David Hardy, and he faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years.
More Ring doorbell videos from area residents have brought to light that porch piracy is starting up again, specifically in a northwest Reno neighborhood.

From the videos, there were three different incidents involving someone taking packages from homes on April 24.

Police told us more about what they've been noticing regarding porch pirates, and Chris Johnson, the Public Information Officer for the Reno Police Department, says whether or not porch piracy increases depends on the time of year.

Police say there is a noticeable increase during the spring and during holidays.

"In the springtime and several other times throughout the year, we do see an increase in "porch pirates" when people are ordering a lot of things online, whether that's Amazon Prime Day, whether it's Christmas or any other major holidays, or it's springtime and you're ordering new furniture for the patio or need new clothes for spring and summer," said Johnson. "Anytime that we're seeing an increase in deliveries to residences, we could see an increase in individuals trying to steal those packages off the porch."

Johnson also explains that porch piracy happens more in residential areas because it's a crime of opportunity. Often times you may see people driving up and down the street taking a look at where packages may be left after they are delivered, which is when the porch pirates take the opportunity to get out of the car and run up to the front of the house to take the package from the rightful owner and run away.

Police say porch pirates use many different tactics.

"They could follow around Amazon delivery drivers or UPS or FedEx and see what neighborhoods they just delivered in, and then they'll wait for however long a period they'd like, and they'll go into that same neighborhood and try to take packages off individuals' porches," said Johnson.

Johnson also says the best thing you can do to protect yourself after a package gets delivered is to pick it up as soon as you can.

If you're not going to be home for an extended period of time, you could always think about having it delivered to another location or letting a neighbor know to grab the package for you.

Johnson reminds everyone that if you do get a package stolen from your porch, the biggest thing you can do is report it stolen.

"If you have a Ring camera system or any other system, make sure you save that video footage and include that in your report," he said. "So, we're not able to determine if there is any type of crime trend happening if those crimes are not being reported to us."

Johnson says you should report any item stolen, no matter the price.
Three days of public viewing of Pope Francis' body by ordinary mourners and statesmen alike ended Friday. Francis died on Monday at age 88 after suffering a stroke.

The Vatican said that around 250,000 mourners filed through St. Peters Basilica over the three days to pay their last respects as Francis lay in state in a simple wooden coffin.

Hundreds of disappointed people were turned away when authorities closed St. Peters Square hours before the viewing period ended.

The popes casket will be closed and sealed later Friday in the next in a series of carefully orchestrated rites set off by the death of a pope. Francis will be buried after a funeral Mass on Saturday, which will be attended by heads of states, royals, prelates and ordinary mourners.

Pope Francis chose his place of burial in St. Mary Major Basilica, near an icon of the Madonna that he revered, because it reflects his humble, simple and essential life, the archbishop who administers the basilica told reporters on Friday.

Francis, who died Monday at age 88, will be buried in a niche tomb in the basilica on Saturday after his funeral in St. Peter's Square about 4 kilometers (2 miles) away.

Francis initially demurred when Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas suggested in May 2022 that he choose St. Mary Major as his last resting place. Makrickas had identified it because of Francis' long association with the basilica, its ties to Francis Jesuit order, its artistic and spiritual heritage and links to the papacy. Seven other popes are buried there, but none since 1669.

At first, "he said no because popes are buried in St. Peter's," Makrickas told reporters on the steps of the basilica. After a week, he called me to (his home at the Vatican) Santa Marta and he said Prepare my tomb."

The pope later insisted that his tomb remain simple, insisting that people should still come to the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary to venerate the Madonna, not to see the tomb of a pope," Makrickas said.

Francis will be buried beneath a simple headstone made of marble from Liguria, the Italian region of his mother's family, engraved with his name in Latin: Franciscus. Above it will hang a slightly enlarged replica of his pectoral cross, featuring raised images of a shepherd carrying a sheep over his shoulders and a dove, but no other adornments.

The tomb is placed in a niche next to the chapel where the Salus Populi Romani icon that the pope revered is located, and in a part of the basilica that was once a door to an adjacent palace where four popes lived. During his 12-year papacy, Francis would pray before the icon before and after each foreign trip.

The basilica also has significance for the Jesuit pope: It's where the founder of the religious order, St. Ignatius Loyola, celebrated his first Mass on Christmas Day in 1538.

The basilica is a pontifical basilica, one of four in Rome, and has never been destroyed, damaged or burned over the ages, with history dating back to the fifth century. Makrickas called it a treasure chest of art and spirituality."

Nevadans React:

At the direction of President Trump, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has ordered the flags of the United States and State of Nevada to be lowered to half-staff immediately to honor the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis.

The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.

While several state lawmakers released statements after his death, southern Nevadans are also remembering Pope Francis for creating the first Archdiocese in the state, in Las Vegas in May 2023.

The Archdiocese of Las Vegas covers 39,088 square miles in Nevada, and is comprised of 750,000 Catholics.

The Argentine pope died Monday at age 88 after a stroke put him in a coma and led his heart to fail. He had been recovering in his apartment after being hospitalized for five weeks with pneumonia. He made his last public appearance Sunday, delivering an Easter blessing and greeting followers from his popemobile, looping around St. Peter's Square.

His Easter appearance from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world as the first pope from the Americas on March 13, 2013, was a fitting bookend to a 12-year papacy that sought to shake up the church and return it to its Gospel-mandated mission of caring for the poorest.

Vatican officials remember Francis

He truly gave everything he had, up to the end, said Sister Nathalie Becquart, one of the highest-ranking women at the Vatican.

While the ordinary faithful will have an opportunity to pay their respects beginning Wednesday, Vatican officials were allowed to say their goodbyes starting Monday evening. Speaking to reporters after she paid her respects, Becquart marveled at Francis' final Easter salute to his flock. He really walked with his people, she said.

Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi said it was specifically Francis' effort to promote the role of women in the church that will be one of his greatest legacies. Ravasi noted that Francis chose to be buried near his favorite icon of the Madonna, in a basilica across town, and not in the grottoes underneath St. Peter's, as is typical for popes.

He wanted to be buried under the shadow of a woman, in this case Maria, said Ravasi, the Vatican's former culture minister as he arrived for Tuesday's first meeting of cardinals. That is significant, his desire for the church to do more for women.

The first images of Francis' body were released Tuesday, showing him in red vestments and his bishops miter in a wooden casket, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where he lived and died.

In his final will, Francis said he wanted to be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica, which is home to the Salus Populi Romani icon of Mary. Before and after every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus, who in turn holds a jeweled golden book.

Francis stopped by the basilica on his way home from the Gemelli hospital on March 23, after his 38-day stay, to deliver flowers to be placed before the icon. He returned April 12 to pray before it one last time.

Choosing the next pope

After the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the novendiali. During this period, cardinals arrive in Rome and meet privately before the conclave.

To give everyone time to assemble, the conclave must begin 15 to 20 days after the sede vacante  the vacant See  is declared, although it can start sooner if the cardinals agree.

Once the conclave begins, cardinals vote in secret sessions in the Sistine Chapel. After voting sessions, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Black smoke indicates that no pope has been elected, while white smoke indicates that the cardinals have chosen the next head of the Catholic Church.

The one who has secured two-thirds of the votes wins. If he accepts, his election is announced by a cardinal from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica who tells the world: Habemus Papam  Latin for We have a pope.
Its 1906: the Chinese Exclusion Act is in full effect, and the city of San Francisco wants to erase Chinatown from the map. When the earthquake destroys the community, their removal seems imminent.

It is a historical crossroads from which point a million futures could emerge.

Those days after the disasterwhen the streets were filled with rubble, when the people of San Francisco wandered like zombies through their tragedyare hard to parse with the quaint pagodas and dragon embellishments that define the neighborhoods landscape today.

A clip from SF Chinatown: Look Up (Courtesy of California Migration Museum youtu.be)

With the California Migration Museums new immersive, phone-based walking tour, SF Chinatown: Look Up , you no longer have to. The narrated guide uses augmented reality and 360-degree video experiences that superimpose historical imagery over the modern neighborhood, offering an entirely new perspective that fuses past and present.

The free, 45-minute, self-guided Chinatown tour isnt the only neighborhood into whose history the virtual museum without walls submerges viewers. SF Japantown: Returning to the Harlem of the West dives into the 1942 order that sent thousands of the citys Japanese Americans to internment camps throughout the Westand what came next.

The vacuum created by the absence of Japanese American residents opened space for Black families moving out of the South in the Great Migration, transforming the neighborhood into the Harlem of the West within just a few years. The 40-minute tour explores those life-changing events, and what happens when internees returned home to find their home was no longer theirs alone.

A clip from SF Japantown: Returning to the Harlem of the West (Courtesy of California Migration Museum youtu.be)

The self-guided tour makes eight stops over about three-quarters of a mile in todays Japantown and Fillmore District, peering through virtual windows into the long lines of frightened Japanese Americans awaiting their deportation, the jazz-era diner opened by a returning internee in 1945, and other scenes that had long disappeared from the streets of SFuntil now.

Californias story has always been about immigration. It still is, says museum founder and director Katy Long. We see this as a tangible way to build empathy and invite people to consider how important documenting our history isnot only as a means to understand our past but as a map to our shared future.

Two additional 30-minute, 360-degree video tours take viewers inside the Castro the sleepy Irish Catholic enclave where gay migrants formed a sort of queer homeland beginning in the 1950sand the Mission , telling the little-known story of how 100 years of coffee trade with El Salvador helped bring tens of thousands of refugees to the neighborhood in the 1980s, sparking the Sanctuary City Movement across the U.S.

A still from the immersive Mission walking tour (Courtesy of California Migration Museum)

A fifth tour, based in Los Angeles, the 60-minute Downtown L.A.: Ni de Aqui, ni de Alla , unearths a period in which millions of Mexican Americans were coerced into leaving the city in the 1930s.

While the Cal Migration Museums tours provide an innovative way for visitors to go deeper into the history of SF, theyre just as fascinating for residents and Bay Area locals. The immersive experiences dont treat history like a distant, untouchable artifactthey reveal its dynamic relationship with the present by literally blending together historical photos and video with the buildings, businesses, and political landscapes that exist today demonstrating that the past is never past.

The California Migration Museums free immersive tours (as well as their Melting Spots 38-stop interactive map and podcast of SFs immigrant food stories ) are available for streaming or to download to your phone.

// calmigration.org

A still from the immersive Castro walking tour (Courtesy of California Migration Museum)




Its not fun to hear, but hands over 50, similar to necks, reveal much about our age and habits. Oftentimes its because many women were terrific about face sunscreen but missed the boat when it came to their hands. What to do about the saggy skin, brown spots and veins that show up decades later like uninvited guests? A slew of top medical pros joined me, a beauty editor, to tell all.

Our experts include Kimberly Lee, a board-certified facial and reconstructive surgeon and assistant clinical professor at the Division of Head and Neck Surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center; Samuel Lin, a board-certified plastic surgeon and associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School; Maya K. Thosani, a board-certified dermatologist and surgeon and owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona; and Anthony Rossi, a board-certified dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Members only (From left) Eucerin Face Radiant Tone Cleansing Gel With AHA Complex; Versed Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator. AARP (CVS, Target)

1. Update your hand-washing routine

In the COVID days of 2021, many women started a wash-and-sanitize routine  and never stopped. Thats terrific for hygiene, but not so great for mature hands and their thin, dry skin. Its time to do your own a favor and stop using hot water and liquid soaps that smell delish but do little else.

Switching to lukewarm water and a moisturizer and cleanser like Raw Sugar Sensitive Skin Simply Hand Wash, Green Tea + Cucumber + Aloe Vera ($6, walgreens.com) is a significant first step. Top dermatologists and plastic surgeons also suggest a once-a-week face exfoliating cleanser to buff away dulling dead cells on the backs of your hands. Thats because the slowdown in cell turnover that affects facial skin also impacts your hands.

Choose a refined scrub like Versed Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator ($15, target.com) or a mild chemical cleanser with glycolic and lactic acid like Eucerin Face Radiant Tone Cleansing Gel with AHA Complex ($19, cvs.com) for your hands and face. But take it easy.

A chemical exfoliant such as glycolic or lactic acid, or a mild scrub with small, nonabrasive particles, can be useful to smooth rough patches and enhance skin radiance, says Lin. However, its important to avoid over-exfoliating and compromising the thin, dry barrier layer of the skin by limiting it to one or two times a week.

If you have very sensitive skin or a condition like eczema or psoriasis, opt out of the extra exfoliation to avoid irritation.

(From left) Burts Bees Lavender & Honey Hand Cream; Peach & Lily Retinal for All Renewing Serum; Avene Retrinal 0.05% Multi-Corrective Cream. AARP (Kohls, Target, Ulta)

2. Choose hand care the way you choose face cream

The surprise is that your best bet may be a combination of facial products  for your hands! For example, Lee says, Applying skin care to the backs of the hands  like retinol to boost collagen, and creams with peptides or hyaluronic acid to hydrate  can help combat signs of aging and maintain elasticity.

If thats news to you, its likely because those ingredients are found in face creams and serums, not hand care. Retinol, one of the lauded ingredients, has a rep for irritation, but there is a safe solution. Lin (himself a retinol fan) advises a go-slow, low-dosage approach.

Retinol stimulates collagen production and also promotes cell turnover, which helps fade dark spots and sun damage, he explains. However, because the skin on the hands is thinner and more prone to irritation, its important to start with a low-strength retinol. Apply it at night and follow up with a rich, hydrating hand cream to counteract any dryness or irritation caused by the retinol.

A low-dose retinol formula like Avene Retrinal 0.05% Multi-Corrective Cream ($50, ulta.com) or Peach & Lily Retinal for All Renewing Serum ($55, target.com) is ideal. Still apprehensive? Try applying a light layer of moisturizer first, as a cushion. A rich but nongreasy formula like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - Unscented ($19, walgreens.com), with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, is great for at-home hand rehab and doubles as a face and body cream. For a stash-in-your-bag and leave-at-every-sink hand cream, choose a formula with emollient shea butter, like Burts Bees Lavender & Honey Hand Cream ($6, kohls.com) or Eos Shea Better Hand Cream ($4, walgreens.com).

(From left) Neutrogena Mineral Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Face & Body Stick SPF 50; e.l.f. Untouchable Invisi-Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50; Kopari Beauty Pure Protect Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+. AARP (Target, 2; Ulta)

3. Protect hands daily with sunscreen

Cumulative sun damage shows up as flaky, crepe-y skin, brown spots, and, in the worst-case scenario, precancerous lesions or skin cancer on the backs of hands and fingers. Be sure to get any suspicious spots checked by a dermatologist.
For SeaJaye Sillasen, 75, of Lakewood, Colorado, her multiple sclerosis (MS)  a progressive disease of the central nervous system  has advanced slowly since her diagnosis more than 50 years ago. Im very fortunate, she says. When she and her partner of 35 years, Robin Paquet, 67, first met, Sillasen didnt have any noticeable symptoms, says Paquet. Leg weakness, the most troubling symptom, didnt appear until 2009. Thats when Sillasen began using a walking stick, then a walker, and, for the past six years, a wheelchair at home and a scooter to maneuver in public. Sillasen and Paquet, former owners of residential facilities for developmentally disabled adults, are now retired.

For Jeanne Caputo of Los Angeles, the disease progressed rapidly. Caputo, a screenwriter, was diagnosed in 1997 on her 37th birthday. Within three years, she was a quadriplegic and eventually moved to a skilled nursing facility, where her husband Jon Strum, 70, visited her every day. Caputo died in 2020.

Members only

She had a particularly vicious case of MS; it is not the norm, says Strum, who quit his job as a marketing executive to care for his wife and now hosts a weekly podcast called Real Talk MS.

Strum and Paquet refer to themselves as care partners, a term many in the MS community prefer to caregiver. It recognizes that both people contribute to and benefit from the relationship, says clinical psychologist Rosalind Kalb, the lead senior programs consultant for Can Do MS, a national nonprofit that provides education, resources, and support.

Nearly 1 million people in the United States may be living with MS, researchers estimate, with women outnumbering men by as much as 3 to 1. If you are helping with the care of someone with MS, here are six steps experts recommend you take.

Learn about MS

Learning about the disease can help you navigate its unpredictable nature, communicate with the medical team and prevent mistakes, as Strum and Caputo learned early on. We decided she could relax in a nice, warm bath, he says. He returned a few minutes later to lift his wife out of the tub. To say she was limp would not fully describe it. Neither realized that heat worsens symptoms for many with MS.

Jon Strum and Jeanne Caputo COURTESY STRUM

MS occurs when the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective coating on nerve fibers that carry communication signals between nerve cells. A doctor can see the damage to myelin on an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain and spinal cord as scar-like lesions. MS also damages the nerve fibers and nerve cells.

Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 20 and 40, and often include:

Vision problems

Muscle weakness and stiffness, often in the arms and legs

Tingling, numbness or pain in the arms, legs, trunk or face

Clumsiness

Bladder control problems

Dizziness

MS may also cause:

Mental or physical fatigue

Mood changes such as depression or difficulty controlling emotions

Cognitive changes or memory difficulties

A small number of people with MS will have mild symptoms throughout their lives, but most will experience worsening symptoms over time. Often, symptoms come and go; approximately 85 percent of people with MS are initially diagnosed with whats called relapsing-remitting disease.

While there is no cure, treatments are available. To shorten a relapse, neurologists usually recommend a short course of high-dose corticosteroids that lessen inflammation. To reduce the number of relapses and delay disease progression, neurologists may suggest ongoing treatment with one of more than 20 available medications, either oral, injected or infused.
"Will Hunt Them to the Ends of the Earth": PM Modi's Fierce Warning After Pahalgam Terror Attack 2

In a fiery response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist involved and their backers, promising retribution beyond their imagination. Addressing a public gathering in Bihar during the National Panchayati Raj Day programme, Modi stated emphatically that terrorism would not go unpunished and that the enemies of the country had dared to strike at the very soul of India.

Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole worldIndia will not spare those who kill innocents. We will hunt them down to the ends of the earth, Modi said to thunderous applause, marking his first public reaction since the heinous attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, where at least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists.

Calling for unity and resilience, the Prime Minister said, Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is served. Terrorism will be crushed with full force. Modi also extended his gratitude to global leaders and nations standing in solidarity with India during this time.

At the event, Modi and the audience observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to the victims, whom he referred to as our family members. Modi urged the public to remain seated in silence, honoring those who lost their lives in the brutal act of terror.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also condemned the attack and reiterated that the entire nation stands united in the fight against terrorism. Union Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh expressed confidence in Modis leadership, assuring the public that a strong response to the attackers was imminent.
Here's what we know about early plans for a new data center in Bessemer and some residents' fight with City Hall. (Bessemer City, Alabama Facebook page) Bessemer City, Alabama Facebook page

A court fight has moved back plans for a $14 billion data center in a small city outside Birmingham.

Three people who live near the site sued Bessemer last week, alleging that the city didnt provide the proper public notice about rezoning 700 acres of rural land.

They didnt follow procedure based on what they promised under Alabama law, to give notice, said Reginald McDaniel, attorney for the Bessemer landowners.

The Bessemer planning and zoning commission in March voted in favor of rezoning the land from agricultural to industrial use, amid some public pushback from residents in the Rock Mountain Lake and McCalla communities. But the request from the developer, Logistic Land Investments, still needed city council approval to proceed.

But now, after a hearing in Jefferson County Circuit Court on Wednesday, the city must restart the process with new hearings, according to two attorneys involved in the case. The city will have to provide 15 days notice to the public so residents can tell the zoning board what they think about the plan, said Shan Paden, an attorney for Bessemer.

After that hearing, if the request is approved, the city will have to provide public notice ahead of a vote by the city council.

Paden told AL.com that the city never violated the law in the first place.

I would assert to you that we did, that we complied with the notice, Paden said. The law says, both the state code and city code, that interested citizens and property owners have a right to an opportunity to be heard. They dont have the right to ask us to produce documents and all those things.

The legal fight started with a lawsuit from David Havron, Ronnie Buchanan and Becky Morgan, who all live near the land proposed for the data center.

What we know about the data center

The data center proposed for Bessemer would include 18 buildings, each about 250,000 square feet, off nearly 700 acres of rural land in Rock Mountain Lake Road, the Birmingham Business Journal reported. The developer is proposing the $14 billion project as a 4.5 million-square-foot campus, BBJ reported. It would take roughly seven years to build.

Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley has previously told local media that he has signed a nondisclosure agreement and therefore cant discuss details of the data center project.

I took a sworn oath of office to do what was in the best interest of the citizens of the city of Bessemer, and thats what I am doing, Gulley told WBRC.

The lawsuit notes the mayors nondisclosure agreement with the developer and alleges that the city refused to release relevant development documents to the public.

These withheld materials are believed to include environmental and infrastructure assessments, site plans, and agreements that are necessary to evaluate the public impact of the rezoning, the lawsuit said.

It is unclear why the mayor signed a nondisclosure agreement. Spokespeople for the city of Bessemer have not responded to multiple requests for comment from AL.com.

AL.com on March 31 filed a request with the city, seeking documents related to the project, including the developers rezoning application and any other plans the company had submitted for its project. The city has not provided any records.

Taking the city to court

The City Council was scheduled to vote on rezoning the land last week. But in response to the lawsuit, a judge in Birmingham issued a temporary restraining order. During their meeting last Tuesday, council members postponed the vote, per media reports.

Jefferson County Judge David Hobdy in Bessemer has since been assigned the case and held a hearing this week.

He dissolved the restraining order on Wednesday, but did not throw out the lawsuit altogether. So now the rezoning process starts all over again.

Plaintiffs did not receive adequate notice of the proposed rezoning, the lawsuit says. While some Plaintiffs received written notice, others did not, despite owning property within 500 feet of the subject site.

The city also published different hearing dates, according to the lawsuit. This conflict in dates created confusion among residents and undermined the notices legal sufficiency, the lawsuit reads.

The city had asked the judge to dismiss the case, arguing that it has not taken any adverse action against the residents. The city also said that considering a zoning ordinance is part of its legal duty, per court records.

In an order on Wednesday, Judge Hobdy ruled that the citys request to dismiss the lawsuit  as well as the residents request for the projects documents  is on hold until Aug. 7.

I cant speak for the actions of the council but I feel confident that they will move forward, I dont know at what particular pace, Aaron Killings, one of the attorneys for Bessemer, told AL.com. This project is important to the state, county and city.

He said that he plans to meet with the Bessemer City Council soon to discuss how to move forward.

A growing industry

Data centers house computers that process and store data. They resemble very large warehouses or corporate buildings that have rows and rows of huge computers inside, plus heating and cooling equipment to manage power usage.

Rural land with access to power lines and a lot of electricity capacity typically appeals to data center developers. Once theyre constructed, data centers typically employ fewer people than other industries  sometimes ranging between just 20 to 50 new jobs created  but with higher salaries.

Data center development is a growing industry, seeking to keep up with an increase in cloud computing demands. Virginia is a leader in the data center space, with Northern Virginia dubbed as the largest market in the world.

Data centers are newer to Alabama, but the industry is growing here. Between 2016 and 2023, the percentage of data center employment in Alabama doubled, according to census data published in January.

Core Scientific is bringing a $135 million data center to Auburn, with plans to create 20 full-time jobs.

Meta is building an $800 million data center in Montgomery, with 100 jobs, thats expected to complete by the end of 2026. The parent company of Facebook already opened its first data center campus in Alabama in Huntsville in 2021, which employs about 300 people.

And DC Blox launched plans last fall to build two new large scale data centers, in Montgomery and Huntsville, to add to its first data center in Birmingham from 2019.

Why here?

McDaniel noted that there is other property already zoned for industrial use in western Jefferson County.

Why are you so intent on putting this in our backyard where weve lived for generations? he said. Theres no reason for this data center to go into these peoples backyard.

The lawsuit points out that the property is near ecologically sensitive land including two creeks that feed into important waterways and support wildlife, such as the watercress darter, an endangered fish found only in Jefferson County, and federally protected Bald Eagles.

Plaintiffs have lived on and maintained the surrounding land  some for over 100 years  and stand to suffer permanent loss of quiet enjoyment, diminished property value, and ecological harm if the rezoning proceeds without proper environmental and procedural review, the residents wrote in their filing for a temporary restraining order.

Killings noted that rezoning is only the first step in the process for future potential development.

There were a lot of insinuations of transparency and things of that nature. In my opinion, plaintiffs were premature for their demands for environmental and traffic studies, he said. The communitys demand that we produce documents about this study or that study, we havent reached that point.
TGI Fridays abruptly closed another restaurant in Brick, N.J. on Sunday, May 19, 2024. PA Images via Getty Images

A national restaurant chain known for its fast-casual American dining and fun atmosphere is down to less than 100 locations in the U.S.

TGI Fridays had 270 U.S. locations at the beginning of last year but is now down to 85 restaurants, CNN reported with 30 shut down in the past month. At its height in 2008, TGI Fridays had about 600 restaurants.

TGI Fridays has no locations remaining in Alabama.

The steep drop comes after TGI Fridays parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024.

Dozens of restaurants have been sold to franchisees, including former CEO Ray Blanchette, CNN reported. He is planning to revel a revamped menu next month with a greater emphasis on Gen Z favorites and fresh grilled steaks.
A popular Tex-Mex chain has reported a drop in same-store sales, the first decline since the 2020 COVID pandemic shutdowns.

CNBC reports executives at Chipotle cited a slowdown in consumer spending and weather conditions as two reasons for the revenue drop.

On a company conference call, Chipotle CEO Boatwright said patrons arent spending as much money at the restaurant due to economic uncertainty.

Spring is typically one of the busier times of the year for the chain, but the late date for Easter delayed the increase in demand, CNBC reported. The chain has rolled out different dining options like the chipotle honey chicken that gave a boost to March sales but the slowdown is expected to continue until the second half of the year.

The sales report comes amid news that Chipotle is opening more locations, including its first restaurant in Mexico. Chipotle is working with Alsea, a multi-brand restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe, to bring a location of its eatery to Mexico City.

According to the Associated Press, Chipotles chief business development officer Nate Lawton said the company is confident that its menu will resonate with Mexican diners.

The countrys familiarity with our ingredients and affinity for fresh food make it an attractive growth market for our company, Lawton said in a statement.

In March, Chipotle refuted claims that it was shutting down restaurants and going out of business, after Union Rayo published a report about the closure of Farmesa Fresh Eatery, a fast-casual business Chipotle tested in 2023.
Two men have been acquitted in a 2021 shooting at an Ensley nightclub that killed one man and injured three others.

A Jefferson County jury on Thursday found Tavarus Rodricus Barnes, 40, and Tyran Lee Walker, 39, were found not guilty in the slaying of 35-year-old Jeremy Managan.

The jury also acquitted both men, who now live in Georgia, of attempted murder charges for the wounded victims.

Jury selection began Monday before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Shanta Owens.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Julie McMakin and Canisha Freeman.

Barnes was represented by attorney Roger Appell, and Walker was represented by attorney Max Pulliam.

The shooting happened about 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at the GMV Club at 1710 Avenue D.

A disagreement began inside the club and spilled out into the streets where gunfire erupted.

Police arrived to find three people suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victims  all males in their 30s  were taken to UAB Hospital.

Managan was later pronounced dead.

Defense attorneys contended it wasnt Barnes and Walker that fired the shots, and the jury agreed.

Both men were already out of jail on bond pending trial.
Kenneth Nathaniel Sanders is charged with capital murder in the April 15, 2023, shooting death of his wife at their Fultondale home. (Fultondale Police Department)

An Alabama man has pleaded guilty to killing his wife while he held her and their children hostage at their Fultondale home.

Kenneth Nathaniel Sanders, 34, was charged with capital murder in the 2023 shooting death of his wife, 32-year-old Jessica Bonnie Brown, a mother of five.

The charge was a capital crime because Brown was killed in the presence of their children.

Sanders on Wednesday pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of murder before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace.

In exchange for the guilty plea, Sanders received a sentence of life in prison.

The ordeal began about 12:45 p.m. on April 15, 2023, when police received a call about a domestic incident at the couples Enclave home.

Jessica "Bonnie" Brown was shot to death April 15, 2023, leaving behind five children. (GoFundMe)

The couples children  who ranged in age at the time from 12 to 5  were home during the dispute and one of them went to a neighbors house where 911 was called.

When an officer arrived at the home, Fultondale Police Chief Marcel Walker said, Brown answered the door.

Her husband snatched her back inside, Walker said at the time.

Moments later, the officer heard gunshots and had to retreat until backup arrived.

A five-hour standoff ensued. The standoff ended when police fired tear gas into the home.

The children were not harmed and were taken from the scene by family members, police said.

At the time of the deadly shooting, Sanders was awaiting trial on a domestic violence/strangulation charge that listed Brown as the victim.

Jefferson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts, who prosecuted the case with Deputy District Attorney Tiffany Ould, said Sanders has some significant mental issues.

Prior to settling the case, Sanders defense attorneys, Mike Blalock and Tommy McFarland, were seeking to have the judge bar the death penality because of Sanders severe mental illness.

Prosecutors consulted with the victims family and decided to settle the case instead of risk a verdict at trial of no guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

This defendant deserves to serve his time at the Department of Corrections not receiving treatment at Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, Roberts said. Jessicas family and the Fultondale Police Department are satisfied, under the circumstances, that the defendant admitted his guilt and will serve a long sentence in the Department of Corrections.
Nassau County police and prosecutors display photos of Tanya Jackson and Tatiana Dykes, whose remains were found near Long Island's Gilgo Beach, during a news conference, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Mineola, N.Y. (AP Photo/Philip Marcelo) AP

A woman and toddler whose remains were discovered scattered along an oceanfront highway not far from the victims of Long Islands infamous Gilgo Beach killings were identified Wednesday as a U.S. Army veteran from Alabama and her daughter.

Tanya Denise Jackson, 26, of Mobile, had been living in Brooklyn with her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, at the time of their deaths, Nassau County police announced.

Jackson, who police say may have worked as a medical assistant, had been previously nicknamed Peaches by investigators after a tattoo on her body.

Her identity had been a mystery for nearly 28 years. For roughly half that time, investigators have sought to determine whether she and her daughter were victims of the same killer, or killers, who left the bodies of several other people strewn in the sand along the parkway that runs the length of Jones Beach Island.

Police said Wednesday that they had no evidence at this point linking the mother and daughters deaths to Rex Heuermann, who has been charged in the deaths of seven women whose remains were discovered elsewhere on the beach road and other parts of Long Island.

Although Tanya and Tatiana have commonly been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings because the timing and locations of their recovered remains, we are not discounting the possibility that their cases are unrelated from that investigation, Nassau Police Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said.

Im not saying it is Rex Heuermann and Im not saying its not, he added. We are proceeding as if its not, keeping our eyes wide open.

Some of Jacksons remains were discovered on June 28, 1997, stuffed inside a plastic tub in a state park in West Hempstead. More remains, and the skeletal remains of the female child, were found in April 2011 off Ocean Parkway, which runs for 15 miles (24 kilometers) along Long Islands barrier island beaches.

At the briefing Wednesday, law enforcement officials said they had identified Jackson and her daughter through advanced DNA and genealogy research.

The reality is, our work has just begun, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. Knowing the identities of the mom and the little baby is just a first step to help us get to solving these murders.

Fitzpatrick said police spoke with the childs father, who was cooperating with the investigation and is not considered a suspect at this time.

He said local authorities initially turned over DNA evidence to the FBI, which provided a likely identification for the two in 2022. Additional DNA samples obtained the following year allowed police to notify surviving family members last year. The two were recently laid to rest, with Jackson receiving full military honors, Fitzpatrick said.

Jackson, who drove a black 1991 Geo Storm, was estranged from her family so it was some time before she was reported missing, he added. She served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1995, living on three bases in Texas, Georgia and Missouri, according to Fitzpatrick.

We never gave up on striving for justice for either Tanya or Tatiana, he said. Were determined to find the reasons and circumstances that led to their untimely deaths.

Nassau Police said theyre offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information leading to an arrest.

Public interest in the mystery of Peaches identity surged in 2011, when police searching for victims of a possible serial killer discovered that her bones were among 10 sets of human remains discovered off of Ocean Parkway not far from Gilgo Beach.

Most of the victims were female sex workers.

Heuermann, an architect who lived on Long Island, was charged with killing three of the women in 2023. Authorities have since charged him with four more killings. Heuermann has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierneys office, which is prosecuting Heuermann, said in a statement he is not commenting on any topics even tangentially involved to the investigation while a pre-trial hearing plays out.

Authorities are still trying to identify one more set of remains. In September, Long Island officials released more detailed renderings of a victim believed to be of Chinese descent whose remains were found off Ocean Parkway in 2011. The victim died in 2006 or earlier, was likely between ages 17 and 23 and about 5 feet 6 inches (170 centimeters) tall.

Officials for years had identified the victim as male, but said they now believe the person may have presented outwardly as female as they were dressed in womens clothing.
One of two men who shot each other during a dispute in east Birmingham has been arrested.

Micah Buchanan, 42, is charged with attempted murder and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm, Birmingham police announced Wednesday.

East Precinct officers responded just before 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, to the 6400 block of Georgia Road.

Investigators determined the two men were involved in a physical altercation that escalated to shots fired.

We believe the males shot each other during the altercation, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald, and Buchanan was the aggressor.

Both men suffered serious injuries,

Buchanan is in police custody at the hospital.

Once released he will be taken to the Jefferson County Jail. Bond is set at $76,000.

Buchanan, who has a lengthy arrest record, is prohibited from having a gun because of a prior felony drug conviction, court records show.

Just two days before the shooting, Buchanan had a court date on a separate charge of certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm stemming from an incident in January.
A Birmingham man became the suspect in an unsolved 2024 killing in the city when two people, one of them his own brother, came forward and told police he had confessed to them.

Christopher James Birl, 43, is charged with capital murder in the shooting death of 52-year-old Maurice Turner.

Birl was taken into custody in March when police say he was allegedly holding a woman against her will after sexually assaulting her.

He is also charged with rape, kidnapping and sodomy in connection to that assault.

Birl went before Jefferson County District Judge William Bell Wednesday for a preliminary hearing on the two unrelated cases.

When it ended, Bell ruled there was enough evidence against the suspect to send the cases to a grand jury for indictment consideration.

Birmingham homicide Det. John Finke testified for nearly an hour, sharing disturbing details in the rape that included two men  one of them allegedly Birl  holding down the victim and taking turns raping her.

Christopher James Birl, 43, is charged with capital murder in the shooting death of 52-year-old Maurice Turner. (Carol Robinson)

Birl was arrested after barricading himself inside a southwest Birmingham house.

He was captured, Finke said, when he fell through the ceiling while hiding in the attic.

After Birl was taken into custody, he was charged with killing Turner, who was found dead on July 17, 2024 on the kitchen floor of his College Hills home.

North Precinct officers just after 1:30 a.m. that Wednesday responded to a Shot Spotter notification in the 800 block of Jasper Road.

The gunfire detection system registered 10 rounds fired there, which is off Eighth Avenue West.

Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said when police arrived at that location, they did not see anything amiss or anyone in need of help.

Then, at 1:51 a.m., police received a call of a person shot.

Police and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service arrived, and pronounced Turner dead at 2:03 a.m.

Turner, a father of two daughters and a son, was in the kitchen when the shooter opened fire through the back door of the first-floor apartment.

The bullets shot straight through the home, putting holes in the front windows.

Turners roommate, a close friend of his, was inside his own room when he heard shots fired.

Maurice Turner, 52, was killed when someone fired into his Birmingham apartment on June 17, 2024. Family and friends gathered one week later to honor him. (Carol Robinson)

The roommate stated that he was inside of his room and did not see anything, Wade said at the time of the homicide.

Yet he heard something that sounded like fireworks and began to look around his apartment and noticed the victim lying unresponsive on the floor.

Under questioning by Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Charissa Henrichs, Finke testified that when he arrived at the scene that morning, Turner was dead on the kitchen floor from multiple gunshot wounds including a fatal shot to the head.

There were zero shell casings, Finke said, but forensics showed that multiple bullets had been fired into the kitchen door from the outside.

Despite the ongoing investigation, there were few clues or leads.

In August 2024, the department put out a plea to the public for assistance, including surveillance images showing a white SUV fleeing the scene. Finke testified that investigators have found no link between Birl and such a vehicle.

In February, someone showed up at police headquarters claiming to have information on Turners homicide. That person, the detective said, did not want to be identified and will not testify at a trial.

The person stated Mr. Birl confessed to them about being involved in the homicide, Finke testified.

At that point, Finke did a background check and discovered that Birl was on probation or parole for a previous crime.

Finke spoke with Birls probation or parole officer and learned that Birl had not shown up for scheduled visits for more than a year, which gave Finke an avenue to pursue a revocation against Birl so that detectives could interview him.

On March 14, Finke said he was on vacation when his supervisor called him and said that a man named Darius Harris had called and said he also had information about the Turner homicide.

Finke said he would set up an interview with Harris when he returned to Birmingham.

Hours later, however, police received a separate call from Harris stating a burglary was in progress report and that his brother  Birl  was in his house and wasnt not supposed to be there.

When patrol officers arrived at the Nassau Avenue home, they initially deemed it to be a civil matter.

It was then that Harris told them he was supposed to talk to Finke about Birl being a possible suspect in Turners murder.

Officers called Finke again and put Harris on speaker phone.

Harris gave a statement right then, which gave officers enough probable cause to take Birl into custody on a 48-hour investigative hold for Turners slaying.

Mr. Harris stated that, back in July 2024, Mr. Birl came up to him while he was in the yard and was talking to him about how he shot and killed somebody named Maurice Finke testified.

The departments SWAT team was nearby on a crime prevention detail, so those officers also responded to the home.

Harris gave police consent to go into his home.

The officers got to the last room in the house and realized it was barricaded, Finke testified. They called for whoever was in there to come out.

Thats when the white female comes out of the back bedroom distraught and confused, Finke said. Shes taken out said and said shes been held against her will and raped and had a gun pointed at her head.

She had marks around her neck, the detective said. She said she was held down by the rope.

That (the gun) makes the SWAT up the ante a little bit, Fink said.

They backed up and deployed a chemical agent and thats when Mr. Birl falls out of the ceiling and lands on the ground.

A subsequent search warrant of the house turned up a pistol and black whip/rope-like device, Finke said.

Investigators learned that Birl and the victim met on a bus near UAB Hospital earlier that day.

She was going to visit a family member and Birl got off the bus with her after both said they shared an enjoyable conversation.

Birl had a pistol with him so he couldnt go into the hospital. Instead, Birl and the victim took a Lyft back to the Nassau Avenue house.

She said she started to feel uncomfortable because Mr. Birl got handsy and she didnt want to do anything, Finke said.

He then called for another person to come who was inside the residence to come into the room. She didnt know someone else was there.

Birl, she said, used the whip/rope to hold down the victim while the other man raped her. Then when that was over, the man held the victim down by the neck while Birl raped her, she told Finke.

Birl then forced her to perform oral sex on him.

She told them to stop several times, Finke testified. He stated he was going to kill her.

The other man has not yet been identified.

A rape kit done on the victim at the hospital showed the presence of semen, Finke said.

Under questioning from Jefferson County Public Defender Charles Black, Finke said he interviewed Birl who told him he and the victim never had sex but fooled around a little bit.

He explained to Finke, in detail, that he had previously been stabbed, which had caused some physical sexual dysfunction.

Birl also told Finke he did not know Turner or what happened to him.

Black, after hearing the testimony, said he would leave it up to the judges discretion on whether to proceed with the case, which Bell did.

Birl, who has a lengthy criminal history, remains held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail.
The U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force on April 23, 2024, arrested 19-year-old Eddie Jordan Jr. wanted on murder warrants in Tarrant and Birmingham. (Special to AL.com)

A 19-year-old charged with murder in two Jefferson County cities is back on the run after he escaped police custody just hours after he was captured in north Birmingham.

The U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and Birmingham police took him into custody Wednesday took Eddie Jordan Jr. after a foot chase.

Jordan, who is from Eutaw, was taken by Birmingham police officers to UAB Hospital to be checked out for a possible injury from the foot chase.

It was 9:38 p.m. when authorities say Jordan ran from the hospital in the 1800 block of Sixth Avenue South.

Additional details have not been released.

U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said the USMGCRFT was notified of the escape at about 9:45 p.m.

Task force officers responded immediately and worked through the night and will continue to work with Birmingham police, Keely said.

Jordan and Javaris Russell Jr. are charged with capital murder in the Jan. 22 shooting death of 36-year-old Buford Troman Pete White in Tarrant.

Jordan is also charged with the Feb. 5 shooting death of 22-year-old Demarious Antwon Cherry in Birminghams Kingston community.

U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said the fugitive task force members  in search of Jordan  were conducting surveillance earlier Wednesday on 32nd Place North when they spotted Jordan get into a blue Volkswagen Jetta.

The deputy marshals tried to stop the car in the 2900 block of 21st Avenue North.

The car slowed and Jordan jumped out and ran. He was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.

The female also was captured a short time later.

Keely said two guns were recovered from the vehicle, including one equipped with a machine gun conversion device.

The second gun had been reported stolen.

Tarrant police last week announced the charges against the Jordan and Russell and said they, along with the U.S. Marshals, were actively searching for the suspects.

When Jordan escaped, he was wearing dark grey jeans, grey shoes and no shirt.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call 911.
The U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force on April 23, 2024, arrested 19-year-old Eddie Jordan Jr. wanted on murder warrants in Tarrant and Birmingham. (Special to AL.com)

A 19-year-old wanted on murder charges in two cities - Tarrant and Birmingham - was captured Wednesday by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Eddie Jordan Jr. and Javaris Russell Jr. are charged with capital murder in the Jan. 22 shooting death of 36-year-old Buford Troman Pete White.

Russell remains at large.

U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said the fugitive task force members  in search of Jordan  were conducting surveillance earlier today on 32nd Place North when they spotted Jordan get into a blue Volkswagen Jetta.

The deputy marshals tried to stop the car in the 2900 block of 21st Avenue North.

The car slowed and Jordan jumped out and ran. He was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.

The female also was captured a short time later.

Keely said two guns were recovered from the vehicle, including one equipped with a machine gun conversion device.

The second gun had been reported stolen.

Jordan is also charged in a separate Birmingham homicide, authorities said. Details of that case werent immediately available.

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

Tarrant police last week announced the charges against the teens and said they, along with the U.S. Marshals, were actively searching for the suspects.

The Tarrant slaying happened about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 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.

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.
The fiancee of an Iranian-born University of Alabama doctoral student facing deportation said she is saddened by news that President Donald Trump will deliver a speech prior to the universitys spring commencement ceremonies.

I just cant believe what my eyes are seeing, Sama Bajgani said.

Trumps announcement came less than a week after Alireza Doroudi was denied bond after he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

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.

Judge Maithe Gonzalez said last week 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.

Im flabbergasted, Doroudis attorney, David Rozas, said after the ruling.

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.

If he is deported, Doroudi will be sent to Iran, the judge said.

Im just really ashamed that the University of Alabama can be so silent about Alireza and at the same time celebrate all the other things that are just very minimal compared to what happens to Alireza and what happens to the community around him, said Bajgani, who is also a doctoral student at UA.

They dont care at all. And at the same time, they just are ready to celebrate anything else.

She said the response from the Tuscaloosa community and the nation had been an unexpected additional devastation.

I really feel like we dont belong here when everything around us seems to be OK, and we are the only people who seem to not be OK and not part of this community, she said.

Its just really sad what they think about us and what they say in court.

She said the universitys celebration of Trumps upcoming visit proved to her that she and Doroudi dont have any ties to the community as something real because they dont care about how we feel.

When they invite Trump or they do other stuff in the town they dont consider that people are grieving, she said.

The state Republican Party has said the Trump administration reached out to the university to arrange the presidents visit.

The Universitys Governmental Affairs team and members of Trumps administration then worked together to coordinate the details to make this historic event possible.

Over the course of the last four months, the Trump administration has also been working to fulfill his campaign promise to enact the biggest deportation effort in American history.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told Newsweek earlier this month that over 113,000 illegal immigrants had been detained by ICE and other federal agencies since January 20, while north of 100,000 deportations had taken place.

While some experts question how accurate those numbers are, Bajgani said the impact it has had on her family is beyond comprehension.

Some people have really been devastated because of the things that have happened in this town and because of the silence of everyone about what has happened, Bajgani said.

I really wish the community understands that this is a very sad time for Tuscaloosa.

This town that is known for partying and being happy and jolly all the time...has experienced something this dark and terrifying, she continued.

While she has been largely disappointed in the public response, Bajgani did praise those who have come forward in support of Doroudi over the last month.

On March 31, more than 100 people protested Doroudis detainment outside of the Richard Shelby Federal Courthouse in Tuscaloosa with chants like, Say it once. Say it twice. Free Doroudi. No more ICE!

But the universitys decision to host Trump on campus confirmed to Bajgani that not everyone in the community feels the same way, she said.

It seems the culture of the town is OK this international student and the foreign community in Tuscaloosa just arent part of the culture of Tuscaloosa and they wont hurt the culture if they leave, she said.

Theyre just insignificant.

As she waits to see what the future will hold for her fiance, Bajgani said she will be leaving the university to go stay with her sister in Massachusetts this summer.

Ive felt insignificant a lot of the time from the culture and from the university, she said.

I feel like were very negligible...objects, not human beings.
James Osgood is set to be executed by lethal injection on April 24, 2025. He did not appeal his execution. File

Alabama executed a man Thursday evening after he volunteered to die for his crime  the 2010 rape and killing of a woman in Chilton County. In his last words, James Osgood apologized for the slaying.

Osgood was executed at William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, just miles from the Florida state line. He was put to death using the states three-drug lethal injection method, after he declined to choose death by nitrogen gas when Alabama allowed that swap in 2018.

Osgood walked into the execution chamber having volunteered to die with no appeals to any court. He had been on Alabamas Death Row for more than 10 years for the rape and slaying of Tracy Lynn Brown.

In his last words, Osgood apologized for the crime.

I have not said her name since that day, Osgood said at 6:11, strapped to the gurney after the death warrant was read.

Osgood said that he hasnt uttered his victims name because he didnt have the right to, but he now felt disrespectful not to name her. Today would be the first time he said it.

Tracy, I apologize, he said.

Execution

The curtain opened to the execution viewing rooms at 6:09 p.m.

After apologizing to his victim, Osgood made remarks to his family and friends who were viewing the execution.

At 6:12 p.m., Osgood was sitting up on the gurney, making motions with his hands and fingers that signaled 1, 4, 3. Two minutes later, he appeared to ask something of the guards inside the execution chamber that was inaudible to viewing rooms.

At 6:15 p.m., Osgood laid his head against the gurney. He breathed deeply for several minutes, until a prison worker performed a standard consciousness check consisting of yelling Osgoods name, pinching his arm and flicking his eyelid. Osgood did not respond to the motions.

He appeared to stop breathing at 6:18 p.m.

The curtains to the viewing room closed at 6:25 p.m., and his official time of death was 6:35 p.m.

At a press conference after the execution, Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm said the execution team had to stick one of Osgoods arms four times to establish the intravenous line for the lethal injection drugs. He said Osgoods veins were compromised in that arm, but the team did just one stick for the other IV line in the other arm.

Family of the victim did witness the execution, but wished to remain anonymous. Five of Osgoods loved ones witnessed, too.

Shortly after the execution, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey released a statement.

The murder of Tracy Wilemon (Brown) was premeditated, gruesome and disturbing, and tonight, the state carried out the death sentence of James Osgood, Ivey said.

Both Mr. Osgood and his accomplice  who will never see the light of day  from the moment they were inspired by a Hollywood torture scene, set out to commit this heinous crime against Ms. Wilemon (Brown) and are now paying the price. And lets be clear: At the end of all of this, Mr. Osgood robbed Ms. Wilemon (Brown) of her life, something that can never be reversed for her or her family. I pray that her loved ones can feel some sense of closure today.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall also issued a brief statement, noting that a jury had found him guilty and had unanimously recommended the death penalty.

Tonight, my heart and prayers are with Tracys family. No one should have to endure the pain theyve carried or relive the horror of her tragic and senseless death, Marshall stated. I want them to know that the State of Alabama stands with them. We are unwavering in our commitment to seek justice, not only to hold the guilty accountable, but to honor the dignity of every victim and restore peace to the communities they leave behind.

Osgoods last meal was pizza, according to a statement from the Alabama Department of Corrections. He had breakfast and snacks but refused his lunch tray.

Osgood met with 11 people on Thursday, including his daughter and sister, other family members, friends, and a lawyer. He also spoke to one other person by phone.

On Wednesday, Osgood had met with a dozen people and ate breakfast but refused his other meals. He also spoke with seven people by phone that day.

The 55-year-old Shelby County man was convicted of murder and sentenced to die in 2014. But years later, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals reversed his sentences on a procedural error and sent the case back to a Chilton County judge.

During a new penalty-phase hearing, Osgood said he didnt want a jury to decide his fate and asked the judge to return him to death row.

Ahead of his scheduled execution, Osgood asked there be no petitions for clemency on his behalf and no requests to the governor to spare his life, according to Esther Brown, the executive director of Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty. (Esther Brown is not related to the victim).

He also asked there be no protests against his execution.

Its his decision, Esther Brown said. I dont think he wants us to make excuses for him, I dont think that is how he sees it he feels that what he did was wrong and that its just that, a life for a life.

The case

At the 2018 resentencing, Chilton County Circuit Judge Sibley Reynolds asked Osgood to explain why he was forgoing a jury deciding his penalty.

Ive always been a firm believer on an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, life for a life. If you cant do the time, dont do the crime. Okay. I screwed up. I deserve what I was given, Osgood told the judge, according to court records.

When I was told by the appeal court that this was coming back for a resentence, I was worried because my worry was the jury would come back with a life without [parole], and I didnt want that. I remember when I was sentenced the things you told me, the manner in which you told me. So I took it that if I put it in your hands again, I would get the same sentence which would be death.

The judge replied: Is that what you are knowingly asking me for?

According to court records, several mitigating factors were brought up at Osgoods first penalty phase, which were meant to give jurors a look into Osgoods life before the crime. Osgood had a poor family life, according to appellate court records, and was sexually abused as a child. He also fathered a child when he was 14 with a woman ten years his senior. A doctor also testified that Osgoods brain might have not developed properly due to malnutrition when he was a baby.

A jury took less than an hour to find him guilty of capital murder.

At the second sentencing, the victims sister spoke: This coming back here has been such a disservice to our ongoing fight for Tracy. It has been a disservice for proper closure and what we have been through to have to come back today, she said, according to court records.

The focus should never, never be on minimizing the actions and the crime that that man did. He took the life of Tracy. He isnt embracing accountability. That I know. This isnt about him being accountable. He is looking to escape his punishment. That is my opinion. Hes a monster and his plans for killing Tracy were horrendous and torturous. For his actions, in my opinion, he deserves the death penalty. No mercy. I feel this is just punishment.

The crime

The judges original sentencing order laid out the crime.

Tracy Lynn Brown got a ride on her off day to pick up her paycheck on Oct. 13, 2010 with her cousin, Tonya Vandyke and Vandykes boyfriend, Osgood. The three did a few other errands and returned to the trailer where Brown lived.

When they got inside, Osgood attacked Brown and dragged her to the bedroom. He raped Brown, and ordered Vandyke to hold Brown at gunpoint. Brown tried to escape at one point, but Osgood grabbed her and continued to rape her.

At some point during the rapes, court records state that Osgood slit Browns throat from behind. He then stabbed her twice in the back.

Browns body was found later by her landlord.

Osgood was identified as a suspect, along with his girlfriend, and was taken into custody. He confessed to police.

According to an earlier appeal from Osgood, he and Vandyke were swingers who had sexual encounters with people outside their relationship, and wanted to have sex with Brown. His lawyers described the situation as a consensual sexual encounter that quickly spun out of control and left Brown dead.

His appellate lawyers argued in 2022 that Osgood was encouraged by previous lawyers to waive his jury resentencing after he was frustrated with the way things were going. They described his horrific abuse as a child, and noted several ex-girlfriends who wanted to testify that Osgood was always a good man toward them.

Vandyke pleaded guilty to capital murder and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

No appeals

Unlike most Alabama Death Row inmates, going into his execution day Osgood did not have any pending appeals and was not waiting on a court to decide his fate.

Esther Brown, a longtime activist against capital punishment, said the situation is complicated. As a death row organization, we do need to respect somebodys wishes she said. As an anti-death penalty organization, we are against all killing.

She said she believes all lives are sacred.

He did decide to give up his petitions and that is his right to do. And we respect that.

Osgoods attorney, Alison Mollman, has represented him for the last decade. Mollman, the Legal Director of the ACLU of Alabama, released a statement following Osgoods death.

When I became an attorney, I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. Inherent in that solemn pledge was my personal commitment to provide effective legal representation to each of my clients, regardless of the severity of the offense or their guilt. I became James Osgoods appellate attorney because of that oath, but I remained his attorney and close friend for over a decade because of his humanity, she said.

Mr. Osgood was known by his loved ones as Taz, and by his beloved sister as his childhood nickname, Jimmy. He was short in stature but had a big personality and an even bigger sense of humor. He was self-deprecating and didnt take himself seriously. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. He sought to bring joy to those in his orbit and grieved when he caused harm. He made mistakes, terrible ones that he regretted until his dying day, but he didnt make excuses for his actions. He was accountable and he was sincere. He loved with all sincerity, and the people closest to him felt that love each and every day. I know this, because I was one of those fortunate people.

Mollman added, Those of us who loved Taz will remember him as a man who was more than his worst actions. Like Taz, we will not make excuses for the harm he caused, but we will remember the good we saw in him. We will remember Taz the person, not James Osgood the criminal. We will remember that actions may be evil or bad, but people are not. People are redeemable.
Audi is considering building its first U.S. auto factory, likely somewhere in the South, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Gernot Dollner, Audis chief executive, told the newspaper that the carmaker was moving full throttle toward a final decision.

The plant would likely be located near one of parent company Volkswagens plants. The automaker has a factory in Chattanooga.

And should the Trump Administration continue with a 25% tariff on imported automobiles, the company could build Audis in Chattanoooga in the short-term, he said.

Audi has a plant in Mexico and has exported its Audi Q5 SUV to the U.S.

Volkswagen has also started building a plant in Blythewood, S.C., to build Scout vehicles.

However, building a new plant could take around four years. Dollner said the South makes sense as a destination as there are already auto suppliers in the region.

A decision on the plantincluding its location, if the decision is to go aheadwill be made this year, he said.

About 53,000 Alabamians are directly employed in the auto industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state is home to manufacturing plants by Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai, and a joint manufacturing facility by Toyota and Mazda.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 24: The Krewe of Muses parade takes place on February 24, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 2021 Mardi Gras parades and balls were cancelled in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images) Getty Images

Move over, beads and king cake  Mardi Gras is hitting the rails.

The long-standing Gulf Coast rivalry between Mobile and New Orleans over who threw the first Mardi Gras party now has a new twist: both cities will soon be bookending a brand-new Amtrak line named in honor of the raucous pre-Lenten celebration.

Amtrak announced Thursday that its upcoming twice-daily service between Mobile and New Orleans  with four stops in coastal Mississippi  will be dubbed the Mardi Gras Service.

Amtrak President Roger Harris called the name a natural choice that captures the regions distinctive culture.

Travel should be about more than just getting somewhere, Harris said. Our goal is to have some of that festive Mardi Gras feeling on every trip, sharing the culture of the Gulf Coast region while connecting with the rest of the Amtrak network.

Arriving soon

An Amtrak passenger train rolls up to the site in downtown Mobile, Ala., where a future train platform will be built to service Gulf Coast service. The train served as a backdrop to a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, to commence the work needed before Amtrak service can restart sometime in early 2025, between Mobile to New Orleans with four stops in coastal Mississippi. John Sharp

The party-on-rails is expected to roll out in June, though no official start date, fares, or schedules have been released. Amtrak says more details will be posted on Amtrak.com in a few weeks.

Mobile and New Orleans have always shared a rich cultural heritage and renewing Amtrak service will strengthen our ties to the Crescent City and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. We are so excited to welcome new visitors from those communities when the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service launches later this year. It will be an asset to our citizens and another enhancement to Mobiles growing downtown waterfront.

Public officials say the naming goes beyond a shared cultural heritage, by claiming it will bolster the economies in both cities and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

This new service strengthens our citys ties with our neighbors across the Gulf while creating jobs and expanding opportunity throughout the district and the State of Alabama, said U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile.

The map for the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service. submitted by Amtrak

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said routes name also represents renewed investment in our infrastructure, our tourism industry, and the everyday mobility of our residents.

The return of intercity Amtrak service between New Orleans and Mobile is a monumental win for our region, she said. This is how we move our city and our region forward  together.

In Mississippi, Mardi Gras doesnt produce nearly the same Carnival season festivities and traditions as the holiday does in New Orleans and Mobile. But officials in Mississippi recognized that the holiday represents a closely shared connection along the Gulf Coast.

The route includes stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis.

Though the Mississippi Gulf Coast is heavily influence by neighboring Mobile and New Orleans, each of Mississippis coastal cities has its own unique charm and traditions, especially when it comes to our two great passions  festivities and food, said Charles Busby, Mississippi Transportation Commissioner for the Southern Transportation District.

The route ends at Union Station in New Orleans, where Amtrak passengers can continue with same-day connections in both directions aboard the City of New Orleans trains between New Orleans and Chicago via Memphis. Amtrak Mardi Gras Service guests will also be able to make next-day connections in New Orleans to Amtrak Crescent trains to and from New York via Atlanta, and Amtrak Sunset Limited trains to and from Los Angeles via Tucson, San Antonio and Houston.

Long-time coming

The Excelsior Band plays as Mobile, Ala., residents welcome the Amtrak inspection train as it travels from New Orleans, La., to Bay St. Louis and eventually on to Florida on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016. (file photo)

Amtraks Mardi Gras Service is a revival, of sorts, of the Gulf Coast passenger rail connection that existed with the long-distance Sunset Limited. Amtrak service has been suspended along the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina damaged much of the line nearly 20 years ago.

The storm destroyed a former train station that serviced the Amtrak service in downtown Mobile. Work crews are currently on the scene at the same spot adjacent to Cooper Riverside Park, building the train stop that will service passengers in Mobile.

The path to getting the train officially named has been a long and often arduous one for passenger rail supporters who have spent years getting support from state governments, freight rail operators and the Alabama State Port Authority.

A much-celebrated inspection train ran between New Orleans and Mobile back in 2016, more than nine years ago.

Disputes involving Amtrak and a host of entities led to a stalling of the project, and a legal proceeding before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

That dispute pitted Amtrak against the freight operators along the line - CSX, Norfolk Southern -- and the Alabama State Port Authority, which expressed concerns over the impact of additional passenger trains to their operations north of downtown Mobile. But an agreement involving all the sides in the case was reached in November 2022, enabling the process to begin toward getting the service started.

Also slowing the process down was gathering the financial support from the three states connected to the route -- Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. In Alabama, unlike in Mississippi and Louisiana, much of that support came from the Mobile City Council, which voted in August to provide an operational subsidy for three years.

This is a step forward in the restoration process of Gulf Coast rail, said U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican who has been the biggest champion for the project in Congress. I am grateful to Amtrak for helping restore this line after nearly two decades of no service.

Knox Ross, chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, a passenger rail advocacy group that has played a critical role in getting the project to move forward, said hes ready to see the route become a reality.

Its incredibly exciting to announce the name for this new service that will have such a positive impact in our three states, he said.
NASA scientists were recently able to alert emergency services in Castleberry to a 120-acre field fire after they spotted it on a large imaging spectrometer.

The sensorAVIRIS-3was flying on board a research plane three miles east of Castleberry on March 19, when it picked up the unnoticed fire, according to a report from Newsweek.

A scientist on board analyzed the data and was able to map out where the blaze was burning most intenselyin this case, the northeastern edgeand the information was immediately sent to emergency workers on the ground who set off to contain the fire," the report reads.

NASA told the publication that the processfrom detection to alerting firefightersonly took a few minutes due to Airborne satellite internet connectivity.

Fire moves a lot faster than a bulldozer, so we have to try to get around it before it overtakes us, Ethan Barrett, fire analyst for the Forest Protection Division of the Alabama Forestry Commission, told Newsweek.

These maps show us the hot spots.

When I get out of the truck, I can say, OK, heres the perimeter, he continued.

That puts me light-years ahead.

AVIRIS-3 uses three types of maps: one showing burned areas and smoke, another looking for spots burning particularly hot, including perimeters of ongoing blazes, and another to identify the intensity of the burning, according to the NASA website.

Last month the AVIRIS team used the sensor to map at least 13 wildfires in real time, according to comments from Robert Green, the AVIRIS programs principal investigator and senior research scientist at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
After an urn washed ashore last week in Gulf Shores, police are seeking help in finding family to reunite it with the owner.

According to the Gulf Shores Police Department, on April 17 officers responded to the 1600 block of West Beach Blvd to a call of found property on the beach.

It became clear that while fulfilling the last wishes of a loved one, an urn filled with ashes had been placed into the gulf, the department said in a release.

Whether by divine intervention, the gulf current, or perhaps the departeds desire to stay close, the urn made its way back to shore, the department said.

Unfortunately, the urn bears no name, making it difficult to locate the family and ensure their loved ones wishes can be fully honored. We hope to return the deceased to their family and assist in carrying out their final wishes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gulf Shores Police Department at 251-968-2431 or via email at gspdpio@gulfshoresal.gov.
Lance LeFleur, the retiring director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, stands next to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey during a dedication ceremony for the new Coastal Alabama Field Office in Mobile, Ala. The 15,000-square-foot building was named after LeFleur during the ceremony. John Sharp

Lance LeFleurs first day as head of Alabamas environmental protection agency 15 years ago couldnt have been more harrowing than facing a sweltering room filled with angry shrimpers.

They gathered in Bayou La Batre seeking information and guidance moments after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 people and sending 134 million gallons of oil gushing into the Gulf.

It was 95 degrees outside, and the A/C in this room was broke, recalled Chris Blankenship, the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources who was with LeFleur at the time. It was packed, wall-to-wall. They werent happy. There was almost a riot there. I told Lance, This is the worst first day of your career and it can only go up from there.

LeFleur called it a daunting time to start the job as ADEM director, during a dedication ceremony Wednesday in Mobile for a building that bears his name and one that is paid for mostly with funds stemming from the nations worst-ever environmental disaster.

Come May 1, LeFleur will retire as the longest serving ADEM director ever in Alabama.

Im confident that this building will be a lasting legacy for the efforts of so many people who helped the state recover from the negative consequences of the oil spill and which has made us a better place to live, LeFleur said.

Lance LeFleur, the retiring director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, mingles after a dedication ceremony of the Coastal Alabama Field Office on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. The 15,000-square-foot office building opened in March 2025, and is being named after LeFleur who is the longest-ever serving director of the agency. John Sharp

Ahead of his retirement, LeFleur was honored with the dedication of the Lance R. LeFleur Coastal Alabama Field Office. The $13 million field office, which opened in March, is a 15,000-square-foot building that centralizes ADEMs Mobile workforce under one roof. It will also provide resources to federal agencies during future emergencies.

The project was paid for with $7.9 million from the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council (AGCRC), the 10-member group that provides funding to the Gulf region from settlement funds stemming from the oil spill.

The Alabama Legislature allocated $3 million and ADEM covered the remaining costs.

We are honoring the person most responsible for getting this project built and for keeping Alabamas environment safe for us and future generations, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said.

Blankenship said the lessons learned during the onset of the oil spill led to the focus of developing a new ADEM office in Mobile.

The office is close to the area headquarters for both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Its located along Broad Street, and a short distance to the future Brookley by the Bay, the future 98-acre waterfront park that will someday feature beaches, an amphitheater and other amenities along the western shore of Mobile Bay.

Scott Hughes, ADEMs field operations division head, said the buildings location offers a tremendous opportunity along Broad Street near Interstate 10 and at the entrance to the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. He said the location was part of a vision LeFleur had for the building.

I dont think anyone can envision in the next five years the amount of pedestrian, foot and bike traffic through here, Hughes said, crediting the potential increase in recreational opportunities to the development of the Brookley by the Bay.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson speaks during a dedication ceremony for the new Lance R. LeFleur Coastal Alabama Field Office on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. John Sharp

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson also reflected on the developing relationship between ADEM and the city during his initial tenure as mayor in 2013 and 2014. At the time, the city had been facing mounting fines from ADEM over polluted waterways.

Since then, the city has made investments in litter traps and through other efforts to control some of the problems.

When people trust each other, you can make things happen on a timely basis, Stimpson said. Thats the way I look at my friendship with Lance.

But the BP disaster, recognized on its 15th anniversary nationally on Sunday, continued to loom over the building dedication and LeFleurs historic run as the head of ADEM.

He credited his staff for putting in what he said was the equivalent of 30 work years, and over 60,000 hours, on the Alabama Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon explosion.

The building is truly a testament to a lot of work by a lot of people, he said.
Samford University hopes for approval of its Creekside development plan that would feature a 10-story hotel, restaurants and a pedestrian bridge over Lakeshore Parkway. City of Homewood

Samford Universitys planned 27-acre Creekside development adjacent to Homewood High School has raised concerns in Homewood about the impact of a 10-story hotel and shopping center development alongside Shades Creek that will impact the habitat of the spotted salamander.

Theres a couple of compelling issues, said Homewood City Council member Jennifer Andress, who expressed opposition to some elements of the plan. Weve got the environmental issues on the east side proposal and the neighborhood impact on the west side proposal.

The planned development is a joint venture between Samford University, Landmark Development and Johnson Controls.

Robert Dunn, CEO of Landmark Development, presented the Creekside plan at the March 4 Homewood Planning Commission meeting, after a public presentation on March 3 at the Homewood Board of Education office.

This really is a continuation of Samfords master plan and the realization of the master plan, Dunn said. Samford adopted its Samford Horizons: A Blueprint for Tomorrow master plan in 2023, but the universitys public web page on its Samford Horizons master plan does not appear to mention the Creekside development.

Dunn directed inquiries about the plan to a new web site, Creeksidehomewood.com.

The plan has evolved as really all master plans evolve, Dunn said. The Creekside development is really the next stage of development that Samford has contemplated for some time.

Landmark has been working on the plan with Samford going back a couple years, Dunn said.

Plans call for a pedestrian bridge across Lakeshore Parkway, linking Samfords campus on the north side of Lakeshore to land it owns on the south side of Lakeshore. To us, thats one of the fundamental infrastructure elements that we want to see come together as part of this plan, Dunn said.

The plan also calls for a turn lane, lane improvements on Lakeshore and signal timing adjustments to the traffic light at Samfords campus entrance.

The plan requests rezoning to mixed use for the west section and institutional use for the east.

We felt the best way to move forward on this is through a rezoning process and use the rezoning process for a robust community engagement, Dunn said.

The plan calls for some student housing to be built for law students and college juniors and seniors south of Lakeshore.

The development would feature a pavilion with restaurants. A draw to students, Samford, but also the high school, Dunn said.

This is community first, Dunn said. This is not College Town USA.

Traffic concerns

Developers did a traffic impact analysis, Dunn said.

Everyone has a concern of traffic, he said. We are certainly not interested in creating a development that struggles with traffic.

There will be retail stores that draw some cars, and more than 300 parking spaces, but Samford students who now drive off campus may be able to walk on campus to the retail, offsetting traffic, he said.

While we will generate new traffic, there are a number of mitigating factors, Dunn said.

Reaction: Noise, light, salamanders

Dunn said the first public forum on Creekside was March 3.

After Dunns March 4 presentation to Homewood City Council, more than a dozen speakers voiced concerns over noise, light, traffic, impact on Homewood High School, and about the habitat of the salamanders.

I am just shocked at how little reference has been made to the impact on Homewood High School, said Laura Williams, a Homewood resident.

Jeff Baker, a Homewood resident who lives next to the Samford campus, said the planned Creekside development would create a noise and light nuisance.

Michelle Blackwood of Friends of Shades Creek said there are 8 to 9 species of salamanders that depend on the creek and a vernal pool that dries up in summer, where salamanders migrate and lay eggs.

She said their group first found out about the Creekside development plan on the first weekend of March.

If the development goes in it will likely destroy salamander habitat, she said. They probably wont exist, she said. Im going to speak for the salamanders.

Dunn said planners are looking for ways to enhance, not degrade the watershed.

Im not going to stand before you tonight and say we have the absolute solution, Dunn said.

But developers may be able to improve the salamander migration situation, he said.

The developers are open to suggestions and want to work with the community, he said.

It will be built over time, Dunn said. It will be built over phases.

City planning commissioners delayed action on the plan.

Andress said the plan will come up next at Homewoods Planning and Development Committee meeting on June 2.
Huntsville's CFD Research has been selected to support jamming technology for the EA-18G Growler aircraft. CFD Research

Huntsvilles CFD Research will provide technology to the U.S. Navy as part of a $587.4 million contract.

The company announced it has been awarded a contract by L3Harris Technologies.

The contract will help provide airborne attack capabilities to disrupt enemy air defense and ground communication systems in the development of the Next Generation Jammer - Low Band.

The jammer system will use the latest software and active electronically scanned array technologies to counter adversary systems in the low-frequency electromagnetic spectrum.

The technology will augment and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System on the EA-18G Growler aircraft.

According to the company, CFD Research will provide ram air turbine power generation capabilities as part of L3Harris Technologies delivery of operational prototype pods to U.S. Naval Air Systems Command.

Those pods will undergo fleet assessment and testing over the next five years.

CFD Research is excited for the opportunity to be part of this team supporting L3Harris and the Navy on bringing this technology to the warfighter, CFD Research CEO Sameer Singhal said in a statement.

Founded in 1987, CFD Research is based in Huntsville and has prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, as well as offices in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. and Dayton, Ohio. It has delivered in the aerospace, defense, biomedical, life sciences, intelligence and other industries.
A Land Trust of North Alabama trail on Huntsville's Green Mountain. Lauren Sanderson/Land Trust of North Alabama

When blasting began to take place to pave the way for a new subdivision on Monte Sano Mountain, Huntsville residents voiced concerns about a scar that was visible from Interstate 565.

When another subdivision was proposed on Green Mountain, other residents complained the developers were clear cutting trees off the mountain.

The city has an ordinance officials said is designed to help preserve the character of the mountains in the Rocket City. Most developers follow the rules, but city officials acknowledge there are a few bad actors.

City Manager of Planning and Zoning Services Thomas Nunez said the city has cited developers who violated Huntsvilles slope development ordinance.

The repercussions for not following the rules can range from a hefty penalty plus court costs to an appearance before the Zoning Board of Adjustments to come up with a remediation plan.

Developers can be charged $500 according to state law for each ordinance violation, and each day the violation occurs counts as a separate offense.

The ordinance provides greater leverage for the totality of violations. In the past, each violation constitutes a separate offense. For example, the removal of a single tree could involve multiple violations for size, girth, species, age, location, value of wood, etc. There is also potential for additional penalties until the property is determined to be restored.

One developer had to pay a six-figure penalty.

Theres even a provision in state law that includes up to six months jail time, but city officials are not aware of anyone receiving that punishment.

Land Trust of North Alabama Executive Director Marie Bostick, whose organization works with the city on preservation of places like the mountains, said she has heard from residents that there have been tree cuttings on properties in certain areas.

But I dont have any first-hand knowledge, she said. But I have talked to several neighbors and a community group up there (on Green Mountain) about tree removal that shouldnt have occurred.

Huntsville has a slope development ordinance that spells out just how much property can be disturbed for the clearing of the land for homes depending on the elevation of the mountains within the city limits. Developers are not supposed to do geological harm to the terrain.

Lot sizes are required to be larger  40,000 square feet in the upper slope, 25,000 in the lower slope.

Developers not following the ordinance were among complaints at a Huntsville Planning Commission meeting about a proposed development on Green Mountain in 2023.

See story: Developers are endangering the character of Green Mountain, Huntsville residents say - al.com

Monte Vedra resident Anita Reck  who frequently spoke out at the commissions meetings about Green Mountain issues  was one of the residents voicing concerns.

Twenty acres, not one tree left, she added. Please go up there and look, not one tree. Its clear cut. Total destruction.

Reck provided AL.com with photos at the time backing up her concerns.

An area where trees have been clear cut for development on Green Mountain. (Photo courtesy of Anita Reck).

Nunez said there are exceptions to the slope development ordinance. There are property owners who were grandfathered in who are allowed a significant amount of tree cutting.

And Summit at Monte Sano  which faced stiff opposition from residents of an adjacent subdivision  is zoned as a planned development, which allows for smaller lot sizes than the others on the mountain.

Nunez said updates to the slope development ordinance could contain a different approach to addressing violations, as well as contain clearer language making developers aware of the native vegetation, including trees, on the mountains.

Where development is occurring

Bostick said development on Monte Sano dates as far back as 100 years. She said many people purchased land on both mountains in the 1960s, although some of that land has not been developed.

Development has been more frequent in recent years on Green Mountain.

According to City Communication Director Kelly Schrimsher, who is also a member of the Planning Commission, there are 568 housing units on Green Mountain as of April 1. She said there were approximately 25 homes under construction.

Green Mountain has seen consistent development over the last 15 years, Nunez added.  , Weve seen on average 60 lots or homes or more created a year. Some years have been more aggressive than others.

Currently on Green Mountain, there are three active subdivisions, according to Nunez, Inspiration on Green Mountain, the Bluffs at Green Mountain and Mountainside Cove  formerly The Cove at Green Mountain - which received re-preliminary approval in January of this year for 38 lots, but those lots have not received final approval.

Green Mountain is in one of the parts of the city that is seeing tremendous growth. According to Huntsvilles 2024 Development Review, 204 building permits were issued on the mountain last year, ranking it fourth among census tracts in the city. More homes (208) were sold on Green Mountain last year than any other part of the city.

Because development dates back much longer on Monte Sano, there is not as much new development there. Summit at Monte Sano is the lone active subdivision where 56 lots are proposed, with 26 receiving final approval earlier this year.

Much of the development there, Nunez said, is in the redevelopment of existing property and homes. According to the development review, Monte Sano tied Hampton Cove for the most permits issued within the city limits last year for additions and alterations with 49.

Monte Sano is prime real estate in the city. Homes there sold for an average price of more than $652,000 last year, ranking fifth among census tracts in the city.

Collaboration with Land Trust

Land Trust of North Alabama trail on Huntsville's Monte Sano Mountain. Land Trust of North Alabama

While the slope development ordinance is one of the ways the city is trying to preserve the natural parts and character of both Monte Sano and Green Mountain, collaboration with the Land Trust of North Alabama is another.

Nunez said the city works with the Land Trust to improve trails. He also said the city helps the Land Trust in efforts to purchase land or have land deeded to it to keep it in its natural state.

Bostick said the Land Trust works with the city on its greenway system. She said the city also tries to keep the organization in the loop on where development is occurring and what the trends are.

We contact property owners when we can, she said. We talk with them about opportunities for preservation. Quite often, we actually work with the developers who are developing their properties.

She said the Land Trust will work with developers on what can be done to preserve land that isnt appropriate for housing or other development either because of slope or hydrology.

It could be just difficult to access, she said. Then it could be appropriate for both the Land Trust as a preservation organization and the developer from a tax incentives standpoint to work together so that the development can occur on the more appropriate properties and then preservation can occur on the inappropriate development of the properties.

Bostick calls that a win-win situation.

Weve been able to do that on Monte Sano a good bit, she said. Weve done a little bit of it on Green Mountain, but not quite as much in the developer realm. Weve done more of it on Green Mountain with individual property owners, people who have held property for many, many years.

One developer the Land Trust has worked with is Colorado-based See Forever, which is developing the Summit at Monte Sano. See Forever pledged during Planning Commission meetings to donate the undevelopable property around the proposed subdivision to the Land Trust.

See Forever has donated about six acres south of Bankhead Parkway to the Land Trust just ahead of the Bankhead Trailhead that has helped Monte Sano Nature Preserve keep continuity for its trail network.

They have not donated anything on the opposite side of the Bankhead Parkway yet, Bostick said. We are in discussions of what that might look like once they actually get the footprint of the development area completed. None of that has taken place yet.

The Land Trust owns 1,120 acres in the main part of the preserve on Monte Sano but also has property on the east side of the mountain that is not contiguous. It also has 630 acres at its Green Mountain South preserve and another 187 at Green Mountain North.

Bostick said the Land Trust also has 800 acres on the north side of Green Mountain all of the way to Blevins Gap that most people dont think of as part of the mountain. The acreage is part of the Land Trusts River to Gap Project that seeks to connect Blevins Gap with the Tennessee River.

But the Land Trusts preservation effort isnt just limited to the mountains. It has 10 nature reserves open to the public, nine of which are in Madison County. The other is in Colbert County. They have trails people can access by hiking or biking but are not for motorized vehicle use.

Some property we get, we just leave it in its natural state, Bostick said. We dont open it to the public. Its just conserved as habitat for certain species. Sometimes, thats because it has very sensitive species on it and sometimes because of capacity and just not being able to open another preserve, and sometimes it is just the remoteness of the property and inaccessibility for people to be able to get there safely.

Bostick said the Land Trust has never been anti-growth, anti-development.

Its just not in our DNA, she said. But were very much in favor of making sure that the development occurs correctly. So that wherever that development occurs, its the right place, its the right way. And if there is an ability to develop a portion of the property and conserve a portion of the property, then thats obviously the best thing that can happen for both conservation and the citys growth.
Work is beginning on a $32.7 million maintenance hangar at Pryor Regional Airport, which will create 50 aviation related jobs in three years. Pryor Field Regional Airport

Work is expected to begin this summer on a $32.7 million project at Pryor Field Regional Airport in Tanner on an aircraft maintenance hangar.

The project is expected to create 50 aviation-related jobs in three years, organizers say.

Alaska-based Aleut Real Estate has secured a ground lease at the airport in Limestone County for the hangar, in a project with Strata-G Solutions, a Huntsville design engineering firm.

The development is expected to follow an 18-month timeline, with hangar completion anticipated in early 2027.

Aleut is working with Fite Building Company as the design-build contractor to lead the project.

Once completed the hangar will support maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for U.S. Defense Department and commercial aviation clients.

This is Aleut Real Estates first development project in the state of Alabama.

With growing demand for aviation and defense support infrastructure in the Huntsville area, Pryor Field is a strategic starting point, Michael Jenks of Aleut Real Estate said. Were especially proud to be working alongside Limestone County and Strata-G to shape a facility that meets both regional needs and operational goals.

Both ARE and Strata-G were granted tax abatements by Limestone County to assist with project startup costs.

The project also aligns with the airports southwest expansion plan. Limestone County and the State of Alabama provided support for the project.
As health insurance companies across the nation use artificial intelligence more often to decide what gets covered, patients and doctors may be getting left in the dark about the algorithms that deny their claims.

And in Alabama, lawmakers dont plan to do anything to regulate the rapidly evolving practice for at least another year.

Theres ongoing discussions about what we need to do, what direction this needs to go in, said Mark Jackson, executive director of the Alabama Medical Association. And so I dont think there was any rush to try to get it done this session and instead well let everybody whos got an interest in it be involved.

Its not clear exactly how insurance companies are using AI in Alabama or how often. But, the Alabama Department of Insurance told AL.com that most insurers use AI in some form or fashion.

A public hearing was scheduled in the Alabama legislature this week on a bill that would require insurance companies to tell patients and doctors when they use AI to deny or approve claims, and limit how insurance companies can use the technology. But in a meeting that lasted just five minutes, Rep. Corley Ellis, R-Columbiana, announced that House Bill 515 would instead be revisited during the legislative session next spring.

Were actually going to carry that bill over at the sponsors request, said Corley, the vice chair of the insurance committee.

Rep. Mark Shirey, R-Mobile, who sponsored the bill, did not return a call for comment on Wednesday.

The bill says the decision to cover or deny a treatment would always be made by a competent health care professional, who may consult with or consider a recommendation by artificial intelligence, but must also consider the particular circumstances of the insured as assessed by the attending health care provider.

The Alabama Hospital Association, Jackson and the Department of Insurance all told AL.com that human oversight is critical if AI is going to continue to be used.

In the interest of consumer protection, the department would like to have a human involved when AI is utilized, particularly where claims denials are concerned, a Department of Insurance spokesperson said in an email.

Jackson, executive director of the Medical Association, said they are still trying to navigate the unchartered waters of AI before moving forward with legislation.

Were all still learning and before we pass something that we dont understand the full consequences of, lets do our due diligence and make sure everything in that bill is the proper way to go about it.

Ellis said that interest groups such as the medical association and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, the states largest health insurer, have already been discussing the legislation, adding that he wants them to work together to come up with a better bill for next year along with the Department of Insurance and the Alabama Hospital Association.

What I want to do is encourage that conversation to go on in the off season, in hopes that we come back with a bill that encompasses everything, Ellis said.

The Alabama Hospital Association told AL.com they were not involved in any discussions about the bill before it was introduced, though they do support it.

Were supportive of what it does, and we would welcome the opportunity to be engaged with whatever discussions may occur in the off season. Its a big issue, and I think its something that does need to be addressed, said Danne Howard, deputy director of the hospital association.

Howard added that she doesnt know how widely AI is used to process claims in Alabama but its a growing concern nationally.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama said in an email that:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, along with our vendors acting on our behalf, do not use artificial intelligence for a final determination of a prior authorization request. However, we are striving to implement AI technology in the future to speed up the approval process, which could include the initial approval determination.

Shireys bill in the Alabama legislature would have required the Alabama Department of Insurance to provide enforcement of AI standards. It also would have allowed patients to sue health insurance companies that violated the law.

Jackson said he doesnt think any harm will come to patients as they wait another year for the bill to be discussed.

We need to make sure we can make improvements where we can and that will be beneficial to all.
A bill to require tablets and smartphones to require the activation of filters to block obscene material from minors moved one step closer to becoming Alabama law Wednesday.

SB186 by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, was approved by the Alabama House Commerce and Small Business Committee.

Similar legislation has been proposed before but has not passed.

For us to allow this to happen for this many years is just unbelievable, said Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville, who has sponsored similar bills for several years.

Sells said access to porn on devices is a greater danger for children than disagreements over obscene materials in library books.

This is far worse than library books, Sells said. Thats words. This is videos and real people doing real life things.

The bill says smartphones and tablets activated in Alabama must:

Contain a filter.

Ask the user to provide the users age during activation and account set-up.

Automatically enable the filter when the user is a minor (under 18).

Allow a password to be established for the filter.

Notify the user of the device when the filter blocks the device from accessing a website.

Allow a non-minor who has a password the opportunity to deactivate and reactivate the filter.

The bill says the manufacturer is subject to civil liability if a device is activated in the state, does not enable the required filter when it is activated, and allows a minor to access obscene material.

The Alabama attorney general could pursue civil penalties against violators, according to the bill.

Lobbyists representing the wireless industry and others have opposed the bill in previous years. They said they agreed with the intent but said it was not the best way to protect children.

On Wednesday, the committee removed a section of the bill that would have allowed parents to file lawsuits against companies for violating the law. Sells said that satisfied some of those who were against the bill.

With this amendment, the opposition has agreed to lay off of it, Sells said.

The amendment also changed the effective date from June to October should the bill become law.

Utah has passed a similar law.

Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, asked who would manufacture the devices that met the requirements specifically for Alabama and if there would be additional costs.

Sells said every phone is already equipped with the filters and that complying with the law would be a software fix.

Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, said she had received emails from people who called the bill government overreach and who said that it was the responsibility of parents to protect their children from porn.

In response, Sells likened the bill to laws that prohibit children from buying alcohol and tobacco.

Nothing up here we do is 100%, Sells said. Will this work 100%? Definitely not. Can they find a way to get around it? Sure, somebody can. But I think we need to do something.

The committee approved the bill on a voice vote, with Clarke and Ensler abstaining.

The approval puts the bill in position for consideration by the full House.

The Senate passed the bill last week.
This is a guest opinion column

Alabamas rural hospitals are vanishing. This devastating crisis is unfolding in the heart of our state, jeopardizing not only the health of our people but the very foundation of rural communities.

Since 2011, at least seven rural hospitals in Alabama have closed their doors for good. On our current path, more than half of the states remaining 52 rural hospitals are at risk of closing, with 19 identified as being at immediate risk of shutting down within the next three years. But this isnt just about numbers  its about lives, livelihoods and the long-term survival of rural communities across Alabama.

Even now, access to basic healthcare services in rural Alabama is slipping away. Pediatricians and dentists are disappearing. Maternity care has become a distant memory in more than a third of our counties. The closure of hospitals only accelerates this decline. In 2025, its appalling that emergency care isnt available within 30 minutes of many of our rural communities, along with specialty care or even routine checkups. The consequences reach far beyond the emergency room  they ripple through every part of daily life.

Thats because hospitals are more than treatment centers. They are economic anchors. Nearly 78,000 Alabamians work in hospitals, and hospitals generate an astonishing $25 billion in annual economic impact. They are the lifeblood of rural economies, with hospitals often being the largest private employer in the area and typically second only to the local school system in the total number of employees.

So when a rural hospital closes, it doesnt just mean fewer medical services. It means lost jobs, shuttered clinics, declining property values and a shrinking tax base. It weakens the entire community.

Imagine a rural town where the hospital has closed  where patients must travel an hour or more for emergency care. The quality of life inevitably suffers. Small businesses struggle to find and keep workers, and there is little hope of attracting new employers or industries that will sustain and grow these communities.

This crisis demands urgent action. Alabamas leaders must act now to stop the bleeding and prevent more hospitals from closing.

One important step forward is passing the Rural Hospital Investment Tax Credit, a new program designed to incentivize private donations to rural hospitals. Modeled after a successful initiative in Georgia, this tax credit would provide struggling rural hospitals with new funding for patient care, facility improvements and critical services. Since 2017, Georgias program has generated more than $430 million in donations. In Alabama, this tax credit could generate millions of dollars to support rural hospitals that serve entire regions of Alabama and are critically important to our states healthcare infrastructure.

We must create innovative policies and incentives that recognize the unique challenges of delivering care in rural communities  and we must do it now. Every Alabamian deserves access to life-saving care, no matter where they live in our great state.

This is a matter of life and death, but its also a matter of economic survival for the rural communities that are the heart and soul of Alabama.

Senator April Weaver was elected in 2021 to represent Alabamas 14th Senate District, which includes parts of Bibb, Chilton and Shelby counties. A former nurse and healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience in healthcare administration, she was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She previously served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2020.
Is Donald Trump serious? Or is he trolling while laughing all the way to the bank?

The presidents company fueled further speculation that Trump may run for a third term after a Trump 2028 hat launched Thursday in the Trump Organizations online store.

Make a statement with this Made in America Trump 2028 hat, reads the products description. Fully embroidered with a snap closure in the back, this will become your new go-to hat.

Eric Trump, the presidents son, modeled the hat on social media:

.@EricTrump rocking the new Trump 2028 hat!  pic.twitter.com/5EsCkvHORI  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) April 24, 2025

While Trump has claimed that he has people looking at whether he can run for a third term in 2028, the Constitution plainly bars him from the nations highest office again.

The Trump 2028 hat marks the second time the president has tried to use headwear and politics to make money.

On Tuesday, the Trump Store began offering Gulf of America hats for sale.

Donald Trump wore this Gulf of America hat on Easter. The Trump Organization is now selling the hat on its retail website. Trumpstore.com

Trump wore the hat, which reads Gulf of America Yet Another Trump Development, on Easter.

Recent polling shows Americans are strongly against Trump running in 2028.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday showed about three-fourths of respondents said they dont want Trump seeking a third term.

A majority of Republicans -- 54% -- also said Trump should not run again.
Reality: A world reinvented via a Trump victory where DEI, (Diversity/Equity/Inclusion) came to D.I.E. -- call it a mercy-killing or assisted suicide -- either way, this fever-dream was morally terminal and intellectually dead from the onset: a man-made plague like COVID, both eager to infect as many human hosts as possible.

The fog lifted as the truth slowly emerged and with it, a great but gradual awakening took place. The scuffed outlines of the shoe-shaped decals, faded images six feet apart on the grocery store floor. What happened to our nation during COVID set the table for accepting all that happened next.

Relying heavily on the notion that if a segment of a nation could be cowed and hobbled by the repeated lies about the China virus, those same lemmings might just be suffering with enough brain-fog to sell them on DEI. However, the bright light of reason exposed DEI for what it is: a philosophy that demands accepting the premise that we are all racists, apologetically self-loathing and unworthy. The self-immolation of reality was a requirement.

Just as DEI found the doors of fear and tolerance slightly ajar, simultaneously in slithered the mental illness variety-pack of men in womens sports/bathrooms/showers, the gender bending and high-minded board game of choosing one's pronouns and the sickening child abuse of subjecting kindergartners to drag-queen shows, all of which depended upon the same madness of acceptance legitimizing them all; morality, reason and logic all smothered by emotional illness and a disdain for God.

And even as the truth was getting harder and harder to hide, our leaders total lack of humility, reflective self-analysis, confession, or apology was completely missing, not because it wasnt warranted, but because what had happened was purposeful. Some in positions of power and influence were attempting to replace the model of our historical governance with the much more easily understood concept of simply herding us, no different than a flock of sheep. Turns out they were partially successful. A significant segment of society happily ran into the corral to form the flock more commonly known as "liberal Democrats." What those sheeple didnt realize was that their leaders werent in that corral with them, they were and are, outside of that fence, literally on their high horses looking down.

The attempted hostile takeover of our minds was underway. And then came the Trump/Biden debate and the scales fell quickly from the eyes of even the most ardent of the presidents supporters. It confirmed for some and reaffirmed for many the reality of a modern-day replay of Hans Christian Andersons famous folktale declaring, The Emperor Has No Clothes as the beleaguered and bewildered Biden proclaimed that we had, finally beaten Medicare. Yes, declared Trump, You beat it to death and along with it any hope of continuing the two-plus year cover-up of an incapacitated President.

And so the final Hail Mary play was the last-minute substitution of Kamala Harris, a proven loser at the highest levels of politics. Having peaked years ago on her knees in California, she ushered in a Trump second term with a landslide. The spell had finally been broken. And as this truth continues unfolding, a collision of cultures, liars, patriots, despots, heroes, and their clashing philosophies are in a showdown and Donald J. Trump is proving to be the right man at the right moment in time, a reoccurring historical theme in American Exceptionalism. Executive order after executive order will rain down on all the silly, profane, extreme, and ridiculous, signaling the era of the adults back in charge. Addressing the real issues of WFA, (Waste/Fraud/Abuse) i.e. ($55B and counting, how about $1.5M for teaching DEI in the Serbian workplace?) As we begin to see the incredible scope and expense of these outrageous programs, Americans sense that they have been had.

Exposing and stopping such nonsense charts the beginning of a new American course of our modern Manifest Destiny 2.0. Addressing the real issues of today by honest assessments along with modernizing and rethinking our problems and challenges with the smartest people will ensure our system of governance for the next 250 years.

Where the Greek and Romans failed by resting on their laurels, the United States of American will flourish into the future by first looking inward and reconsulting with our Founders, embracing our core values and making a recommitment to the concepts of true individual freedom. Individuals are paramount, not the state, and we need to recommit to our founding principles by rooting out the filth and treachery that has accumulated in our institutions, along with those who traffic in those evils.

We do well to remind ourselves of the words of James Madison, who told us, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and the next place, oblige it to control itself."

While none of us can claim angelic status, we can aspire to the highest ideals and at least point ourselves towards the heavens, even if we cannot reach them. God Almighty formed and blessed this nation and if we are to endure the next 250 years as the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, it is freedom that will reinforce bravery, through the Grace of God.

See more of bobs writing at bobkingsley.com

Image: White House
In studying historical events, theres a tendency to apply a what if analysis. This involves pondering what if some other influence had intervened and whether it could have resulted in a more favorable outcome.

For example, what if Colonel George Custer had waited for the reinforcements which were already on the way to assist him before charging into the Battle of the Little Big Horn? Or what if the captain of the Titanic had opted to hit the iceberg straight on rather than trying to glance off its side? Or what if a German soldier during World War I named Adolf Hitler had been killed on the battlefield rather than merely wounded?

In this vein, what if two influential people, who lived in separate eras in history, had lived during the same time frame? Would they have influenced each other in some way?

Take, for example, President Thomas Jefferson (17431826), born in the Virginia Colony, and English journalist and poet Rudyard Kipling (18651936), born in British India. What if both were able to share insights with each other into a topic of mutual interestIslam?

It is well known that one of the most knowledgeable presidents in U.S. history on Islam was Jefferson. Having a curiosity about the religion, young law student Jefferson purchased a 1734 translation of the Quran in 1765 that today is part of the Library of Congress collection.

While in London in 1786, Jefferson earned a quick education from Tripolis Muslim ambassador when he queried him as to why his Barbary Coast pirates were attacking U.S. merchant ships for no reason. The ambassador did not hesitate to make the bold declaration that, as Muslims, it was their right and duty to make war on non-Muslims and to enslave them as prisoners. It was also their belief that any Muslim killed in battle was guaranteed a place in Paradise.

The Tripoli ambassador also explained the Muslim right to sell captured sailors for ransom, and that in order to avoid further attacks, the U.S. would have to pay tribute. Jefferson wrote to Chief Justice John Jay explaining this and that the Muslim justification for attacking the U.S. was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, [Mohammad] that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not become Muslim were sinners, that it was the right and duty of Muslim countries to make war upon non-Muslim countries.

The U.S. would fight two wars with the piratesthe First Barbary War from 18011805 and the Second from 18151816. Fortunately, when Jefferson was serving as Secretary of State under President George Washington, construction of the first six ships of the U.S. Navy was ordered in expectation of confronting the future belligerence of the Muslim pirates. The first war ended with the U.S. paying ransom and tribute; the second ended in a decisive defeat of the pirates and no future tribute payments.

There was a lesson Jefferson learned from his direct experience with the Muslim ambassador that stayed with him for the rest of his life. He saw Islam as incompatible with democracy for two obvious reasons.

First, it was based on the premise it was superior to all other religions, empowering its followers with a perceived right to commit violence to force other religious believers into conversion or submission.

Second, in governing the nation, the Constitution does not unite church and state; however, as far as Islam is concerned, there is no such separationi.e., both church and state are all-in-one, thus, making the religion incompatible with a constitutional democracy.

Sixty-six years after Jeffersons death, Kipling wrote a poem and, while not directed specifically at Islam, it underscores the inherent cultural incompatibility Islam brings with it in attempting to fit in with Western democracies. Islam becomes the virtual square peg in search of the round hole it will never find.

The situation is underscored in the first line of Kiplings The Ballad of East and West. It states, Oh, East is East, and West is West and never the twain shall meet. Clearly, the ballad suggests that differences between some cultures, such as Eastern and Western or Muslim and non-Muslim, are so vast that they can never really be truly bridged. If one recognizes what Islam seeksi.e., total submission of all other religions to it and a life dictated by sharia lawwhere Islam exists, by definition, democracy simply cannot exist.

Because Jefferson was serving as minister to France when the Constitution was being drafted, he was not present during discussions concerning the document. Across the Atlantic Ocean in Europe, and based on his knowledge that Islamic culture was a misfit for American culture, he probably believed both cultures would thrive in their separate parts of the world and never the twain would meet.

Had Jefferson had any idea that Islam would spread its wings and arrive in the New World, it is difficult to believe a man with the great wisdom he and the other founding fathers possessed would not have imposed some necessary limitations within the Constitution.

No one religion may claim superiorityas Islam doesmandating that such other believers transition to Islam, or face death. Nor can an officeholder ignore the separation of church and state to claim they serve as an elected official on behalf of their religioni.e., in a sectarian capacity rather than a secular one.

Our government has already bent a knee to Islam, particularly during the 21st century. While the offences might seem minor, they have opened the door to anything that may now follow. In 2006, the first Muslim elected to office, Keith Ellison, placed his hand on the Quran once owned by Jefferson to take his oath of office, instead of on the Bible.

For 181 years Congress had banned head coverings from being worn by members but in 2018 with the election of Ilhan Omar, a partial repeal of the ban was allowed so she could wear a headscarf in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Perhaps we ought to reflect on the wisdom and knowledge of Jefferson when considering how much Islam we allow into American society.
Most people don't come to San Diego to see the sewage.

But that's what's on offer, now that the whole state has turned blue. The southern coast of San Diego County has been declared the nation's filthiest beach owing to millions of gallons of raw, untreated sewage and industrial chemicals from Tijuana fouling its once-beautiful beaches. California's Gov. Gavin Newsom, for one, has declined to declare an emergency. And after more than a thousand days of raw, untreated, sewage floating up from Tijuana in the latest wave of it, sewage is now its national attraction.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin came by, though, to check out the situation, an environmental disaster if there ever was one in what Newsom calls the nation's greenest state, and residents were clearly heartened. How many EPA administrators have there been before him, none of whom ever did this much?

Productive 24 hours in San Diego:



Met with Mexicos Environmental Secretary



South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour



Local stakeholder roundtable



Border helo tour



Met with Navy SEALs pic.twitter.com/4lDCyNRPru  Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) April 23, 2025

Attention-starved locals fell all over themselves to thank him.

I had the honor of meeting with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to discuss the Tijuana Sewage Crisis.



This is no longer just a South Bay issue  its a matter of National Security. Our Navy SEALs are getting sick. Training has been forced to move. Enough is enough.



For the first pic.twitter.com/YBZjQM3jaU  Bill Wells (@MayorBillWells) April 23, 2025

Thank you Congressman Issa for working to bring EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to the Tijuana River Valley to demand results for the people of San Diego County. The sewage crisis must end now. The sewage flow must stop and Mexico must be held accountable to pay for the damage. pic.twitter.com/OEDGPOm8Gt  Mayor John Franklin (@johnbfranklin) April 22, 2025

It was an honor to accompany my friend @epaleezeldin for a tour of the environmental disaster at our southern border in CA. This image is of the Tijuana River flowing into the US. Its about 2 million gallons a day of raw sewage flowing into Ca from Mexico and spilling onto our pic.twitter.com/fvPWI0rIS8  Mike Garcia (@mikegarcia1776) April 23, 2025

Which is why local Democrats were nervous.

Imperial Beach's recent mayor, Paloma Aguirre, who has been accused of being connected to Tijuana's political machine, did nothing as sewage fouled her city's beaches, and who now has ambitions of becoming the next chair of the Board of Supervisors ... made sure she could insert herself into this visit to see and be seen, by getting herself a new "job" as a staffer for Democrat Rep. Mike Levin, who hasn't done jack about the sewage, either.

BREAKING: Paloma Aguirre @paloma4D1 was NOT invited to meet with @LeeMZeldin

Congressman @MikeLevin added her as his staff. And no, it wasnt a tourshe wore slingback low heels to sneak in for a photo op. https://t.co/04hocmNxqL pic.twitter.com/k9ioPfpndr  Amy Reichert (@amyforsandiego) April 22, 2025

On fawning television news reports in the evening, Aguirre tried to pooh-pooh, to use an appropriate phrase, Zeldin's visit, saying she's been waiting, so about time. Seems the ultra-blue mayor and the ultra-blue Biden and Obama administrations somehow didn't produce.

Left unsaid, there had been progress under President Trump during his first term/

During Trump's first term, Trump got "Trump pumps" installed to keep the Mexican sewage away, but Joe Biden shut them down.

Zeldin, though, seems interested in taking even more decisive action, saying, as he does, that he intends to end the crisis "once and for all," and "as fast as humanly possible."

To start, he got rid of a do-nothing Biden-appointed holdover:

NEW: Trump fires Biden holdover in charge of U.S.-Mexico water policy amid scrutiny of millions of gallons of Tijuana sewage spewing across the border, making Navy SEALs and swimmers in San Diego sick.



This news comes the DAY BEFORE EPA Administrator @epaleezeldin heads to the pic.twitter.com/UB6QWBswjF  Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) April 21, 2025

He met local pols, Mexican pols, Navy SEALS who have been forced to swim in that filth in order to train, and residents of the environmental disaster.

Susan Crabtree at RealClearPolitics has an excellent report describing what he did and all the other things he is doing or will do, too. He's asked for a bullet-point to-do checklist from his EPA staff at this visit.

Jim Desmond, the conservative county supervisor representing the county's rugged desert eastern territories, and who (along with Rep. Darrell Issa) has done more than anyone to call attention to this Mexican sewage scandal, is now carrying the ball further, calling for additional federal action.

Just now, I sent letters to the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State urging them to visit the Tijuana River and take action to hold Mexico accountable.



For decades, millions of gallons of raw sewage have poured into Southern Californiaclosing our beaches, sickening Navy pic.twitter.com/fl0HRb3ALp  Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) April 23, 2025

The message sent is that things are moving now. The sewage scandal is going to get fixed. And San Diego can go back to being San Diego, which one hopes, is the same old conservativ San Diego it's always been. We've had enough of blue rule, which for us, has meant swimming in a Mexican toilet. Amazing how a change in leadership amounts to more than any change in laws.

Image: X screen shot
Canada is in the midst of a national election that will determine the future of Canada and of the Canadian-American alliance.

At this critical juncture, it is essential that the United States and President Trump secure the best tariff deal with Canada. This will maximize U.S. leverage in tariff negotiations and will provide Canadians critical information about how to end tariffs on their country.



While the election in Canada is next Monday, April 28, well over 7 million Canadians have already voted early, with an estimated 1011 million Canadians yet to vote. It is essential that Canadian voters be informed which major party candidate will be able to achieve the best trade deal with the United States  Conservative Pierre Poilievre or Liberal Mark Carney  far enough in advance of election day.



This is especially important to Canadians because the economic situation in Canada impacts the overwhelming majority of Canadians. If Canada chooses a leader who can work with America to remove tariffs, that can mean the beginning of an economic boom in Canada. However, if Canadians choose a candidate who is unlikely to make a good deal with the United States, that could result in a steep recession in Canada, with very serious implications.



In order to achieve the most beneficial deal to both sides, it is of great importance that President Trump and the Treasury Department achieve a framework deal in advance of Canadian elections. This would effectively pit both major party candidates in a competition of ideas, vying for American approval. If the United States waits until after election day in Canada, that would allow the Canadian government flexibility to stall trade negotiations with the United States and to attempt to achieve a far inferior deal that is bad for the United States, is bad for Canada, and will almost certainly fail.



President Trump and his administration, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, should reach out to Poilievre and to Carney, requesting each party immediately provide a concise, one-page framework, detailing their plans to eliminate most bilateral tariffs, fix the flawed USMCA dispute resolution system, and ensure that electric vehicle batteries and critical minerals remain 75% North American sourced. The suggested deadline for the submission of these pledges is April 25.



This would allow President Trump and his team to offer his assessment of which candidate's pledge he finds objectively superior or if both are acceptable, and to detail why. This approach allows Canadians the benefit of knowing which economic future awaits them based on which candidate they select, while respecting Canadian sovereignty.



This would mean that Poilievre and Carney would effectively be competing against each other for the superior trade deal with the United States. Both would commit to signing a trade deal that would end the significant majority of the tariffs on Canada when Canadas new leader assumes office.



However, if such a deal is postponed until after the Canadian election cycle, then whoever wins the elections will feel he has more flexibility to delay a deal. This would be a lost opportunity for the United States and for Canada, as United States leverage will substantially diminish after Canadian elections. Canadians must know which candidate would achieve an economic boom rather than risk a steep recession. Whoever wins on the economy in Canada likely will win the election.



Immediate action ensures maximum benefit and transparency for Canadian voters and U.S. economic interests.



This proposed pledge should specifically include:



1. Elimination of nearly all CanadaU.S. tariffs effective Day 1, leaving only a very narrow range of products, such as specific steel and aluminum categories necessary to protect American jobs in key Rust-Belt states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.

2. Reform of the USMCA dispute resolution process to enforce a strict 90-day timeline for panel rulings, with an automatic snap-back of tariffs if the deadline is missed, thus ensuring protection for workers on both sides of the border.

3. Implementation of a 75% North American content rule for electric-vehicle batteries and critical minerals, such as lithium, nickel, and graphite, effectively excluding China from North American supply chains and securing jobs within the continent.



The economic stakes for the United States, and particularly for Canada, must not be underestimated. Immediate tariff relief would dramatically lower production costs for Canadian industries, including Ontario auto manufacturers, Atlantic shipbuilders, prairie-region agricultural machinery producers, and British Columbia's forestry sector, among others.

For the United States, lifting tariffs would reignite cross-border trade, stabilizing supply chains and stimulating economic growth. A transparent agreement now, available for public review, would boost market confidence, stabilizing currency and investor expectations, helping markets recover at such a critical juncture.



Conversely, delaying or avoiding this clear decision risks plunging Canada into a prolonged recession, severely harming workers, families, and communities dependent on trade with the U.S. Canada's economy, much more susceptible than the U.S. economy, could face devastating consequences if tariffs remain unresolved or unclear, or potentially even if delayed until after the Canadian election.



This framework is not about capitulation or interference. Instead, it ensures transparency and accountability, giving Canadian voters a fair and clear choice between two fundamentally different economic outcomes. If both candidates submit strong proposals, Canadians win economically regardless of who they elect. If only one party submits a strong and workable plan, voters can clearly see the risks associated with the other side's lack of readiness or cooperation.



President Trumps public acknowledgment of the superior proposal would further incentivize both Canadian parties to act responsibly and transparently to end the trade war. It would also demonstrate that the goal of the United States is a mutually beneficial outcome, so long as such a deal adequately protects critical American jobs, the U.S. economy, and ensures American national security.



Canadian voters deserve clarity before they head to the polls, and American workers deserve the assurance that their government is actively protecting their interests.



Ultimately, securing a concrete framework before Canada's election day is a strategic imperative for both countries. It places healthy pressure on both leading Canadian political parties to offer voters a clear economic vision that can be actualized in the immediate future, rather than prolonged uncertainty, a near-certain recipe for an economic beating, especially for Canada. President Trump has consistently advocated for transparent, bilateral, and mutually beneficial trade agreements. Now may be the best time, and perhaps the only time, to realize President Trumps vision vis a vis Canada.



More importantly, a U.S.-Canada agreement would provide a global example of fair trade deals, removing tariffs, and jumpstarting a global economic boom.



Image: Pexels / Pexels License


For the last several years, America has been especially burdened by hatred, anger, and resentment from our own citizens. The narrative has insisted, and still does in some quarters, that we were not only racists in our past, but we are all systemic racists now. One major effort to attack the reputation of the U.S. was to remove the tributes to, and recognition of, our countries accomplishments and history, including war memorials, to placate those who want to condemn our entire past.

President Trump, on his first day in office, declared by Executive Order that the time to celebrate our country and embrace its history had arrived. Among other declarations he said the following:

Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order restoring truth and sanity to American history by revitalizing key cultural institutions and reversing the spread of divisive ideology. [snip] The Order also directs the Secretary of the Interior [to] restore Federal parks, monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties that have been improperly removed or changed in the last five years to perpetuate a false revision of history or improperly minimize or disparage certain historical figures or events.

Leftists have used propaganda to try to convince our country that we should be ashamed of being Americans; that our history is one of slavery and hatred; that we have nothing that we can be proud of in terms of the growth and progress of American culture. But President Trump rejects that ugly story:

In the last decade, Americans have witnessed a concerted effort to rewrite American history and force our nation to adopt a factually baseless ideology aimed at diminishing American achievement. President Trump is fighting back by reestablishing truth in the historical narrative and restoring Federal sites dedicated to American heritage.

Citizens in our day do not take pride in slavery, nor in the fact that it took so long to eliminate it. But the fact is, that is precisely what we did. And ever since those days, we have legislated and demanded the acknowledgement of equal rights for every single citizen. Yes, the death of George Floyd was tragic and unfortunate, but what in the world does that have to do with the great progress we have made in race relations? The facts matter:

The most recent, which was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2019, found no significant evidence of antiblack disparity in the likelihood of being fatally shot by police, and instead determined that race-specific county-level violent crime strongly predicts the race of the civilian shot. In other words, it is the violent crime rate of a given racenot race itselfthat determines the likelihood a member of that race will be shot and killed by a law enforcement officer.

If we want to teach the truth about U.S. history, we need to ensure that we have our facts right: we are a democratic republic that serves our citizenry, and we have created legislation that protects our rights and freedomseven for those few racists who exist. Those statues and monuments that acknowledge all aspects of our history are there to remind us of how far we have come.

We are a great country. We were never meant to be a perfect one.

Image: Public domain.
Some things can't be unread.

So when I read this, from the Daily Mail:

Mourners who flocked to the Pope's lying-in-state on Wednesday have blasted ghoulish social media users for snapping selfies next to his open casket. After passing away aged 88 on Easter Monday, Francis' body has been carried into Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City for the three-day ritual. Around 50,000 faithful have paid respects to the late Pontiff, but some sparked fury after posting macabre selfies which saw Francis' body laid out in robes in a wooden coffin in the background. On Instagram, one image saw a woman smiling at the camera as she displayed the Pope clutching his rosary around 10ft behind her. His body, dressed in his white mitre and red Papal robe symbolising love and the blood of Christ, can clearly be seen in the coffin which lies on a raised platform. Officials released photos of Francis in his velvet-lined coffin and did not ban public pictures, but guards reportedly stopped some morbid mourners using phone cameras.

You don't have to be a big fan of Pope Francis to find this behavior absolutely disgusting.

Here's a screen shot from InsideEdition on YouTube, with the media outlet's red markings:

It's why we can't have nice things.

Before he died, Pope Francis instructed his Vatican minions to give him as simple and unelevated a funeral as possible, and to bury him in a lowly individual church, rather than the grand basilica where other popes were buried.

His body was laid out where St. Peter's bones lie, for all the little guys out there to pay their final respects before he was buried on Tuesday. Many devout and respectful people did pass through to pay their respects ... but then there were the grinning selfie takers, who used their chance at a last glimpse of Pope Francis's body, his earthly person, as a prop for their own selfish ends, making it not about the pope, but about themselves, the pope's body being a mere 'nother landmark for them. One day it's them pulling the selfie stick out with a big toy Mickey Mouse, the next day, it's a waterfall, and now it's the pope's body, all for something to brag about, to show off to all their crummy little friends, to achieve fame and fortune as 'influencers.'

Of course it's disgusting. The pope, who was so game to kindly take selfies with the selfie-lovers (and it's not always young people) to indulge them as an old softie, seems to have gotten a final insult from them as they continue in their self-indulgent selfie-taking, this time with his dead body. What a hideous way to pay him back for all he did for so many of them.

The great Catholic essayist and novelist, Walker Percy, wrote about this strange phenomenon in his awesome 1975 book, "The Message in the Bottle," about how taking the photograph was becoming more important than experiencing the event itself.

Obviously, this attitude has grown widespread as people have become less and less interaction-oriented with one another because of cell phones and the like. Pope Francis allowed it in interactions with people on occasion to be kind to them. But he also knew that something wasn't right -- I recall how he condemned cell phone culture making people ever more distant from one another in Christian communities.

All I can say is that the next pope will have his work cut out for him. He's got to reverse this negative cultural trend that led to these ghouls taking their selfies without nothing a thing about how gross it was to everyone who hears about it, let alone sees it in front of them.

Image: Screen shot from InsideEdition video, via YouTube
On Sept. 11, 2001, Americans woke up to a dramatic, well-planned attack on their own soil.

The subsequent 9/11 Commission reported a group of nineteen foreign individuals entering the U.S. as flight students.

Those 19 individuals are now, symbolically, 19 million because the Biden administration opened the southern border to millions of unknown migrants from numerous foreign, some hostile, countries. Some may be technically sophisticated, and trained. A 9/11-level attack, or worse, could conceivably be organized by some of these individuals who have no legal status here, but who have purported legal rights provided by the progressive political Left.

Like 9/11, numerous current illegal immigrants are also declared students, but now, untold numbers are installed in our universities. They are being protected by U.S. lawyers, and law professors who are lobbying their universities to provide more aid and protection. These students are also being agitated by our own domestic political elites who are calling for an uprising against the Trump administration. This includes extraordinary, simmering hostility against Israel.

The way to start defusing this risk for the long term, is to settle the Constitutional law question about illegal immigrants, and related national security.

One of the most basic mistakes that legal scholars, judges, and Congress are making, concerns the Bill of Rights, or Amendments, especially the 14th, which is used to assert blanket protection to persons. To the progressive Left, the U.S. is one big open, and lawless, global sanctuary city.

The Constitution has a Preamble, however, which must be constantly referenced. That Preamble announces in clear language, who is making the Constitution, and who it is for: We, the People of the United States. Any subsequent reference to persons or people, must be oriented in the Preamble by the preposition of and the identifier, We. The Constitution also forms a contract among its citizens in subsequent language: in Order to form a more perfect union.

The Preamble creates this qualification of persons, by establishing an exclusive people as exclusive agents of their sovereign country, who are its sole source of authority. That instrumentation occurs through legal voting establishing representation. That right is reserved for citizens. Those citizens overwhelmingly selected President Trump, and constitutionalism.

Some of our elite law schools, where many of our judges come from, are often called schools of the 14th Amendment. That implies they have free-floating beliefs about what law, and the Constitution, is. Psychologists can call this maladaptive daydreaming. University of Chicago economist Harold Demsetz called it the Nirvana Fallacy.

By contrast, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said the dictionary was his best friend. It is vital to follow the rest of the Constitutions clearly written Preamble: to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, and provide for the common defense.

In some ways, the last five years were a slow-burn 9/11, conducted by irregular political warfare  and lawfare  by voluntarily opening the gates of Troy. Unlike 2001, no Trojan horse was needed.

Matthew G. Andersson is a former CEO and executive advisor in aerospace and defense with Booz Allen Hamilton. He is a jet command pilot and graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the University of Chicago. He has testified before the U.S. Senate and worked with White House national security advisor W.W. Rostow at the Johnson School of Public Affairs. He is the author of the upcoming book Legally Blind concerning ideology in law training and the judiciary.

Image: Pexels / Pexels License
The White House is so concerned about the baby bust that they are floating ideas on how to increase births. Given that so many relationships are nurtured at work, getting HR off our backs would help.

There are many complex social, economic, and cultural reasons for the drop in birth rates: educational attainment, careers, misogamy (anti-marriage), higher rates of infertility in those who delay, a reduction in office happy-hours gatherings, downplaying the crucial role of parents in nurturing families that underpin civil society to name a few. But lets not overlook the soul- and romance-destroying dictates emanating from Inhuman Resource departments.

First, lets stipulate what should be obvious (except to many DEI-infected H.R. twerps): women have the unique ability to have babies. Women! Not birthing people. Not inseminated people. Not menstruating people. Women.

While it may be stale, sterile, and stupefying in many H.R. offices, the effervescent cupid once flittered to and fro throughout many organizations. Indeed, courtship used to blossom in the workplace; nowadays, H.R. departments have everyone walking on eggshells rather than sunshine. Even casual winks and knowing nods meet their oppressive criteria for perpetuating a hostile work environment. And just forget about innocuous innuendos -- even if the object is enamored, a vengeful bystander is now empowered to take offense, leveraging catch-all regulations.

In the workplace, cupids wings were trimmed. For example, many potential relationships might have flourished had not a rule prevented employees from asking coworkers out more than once. Once! Whosoever is amorous does not give up after one measly attempt. That simply contradicts nature, and puts a real damper on courting rituals that often involve playing coy, at least to begin with.

Supposedly, there are now somewhat looser policies on workplace dating, but its not enough, and it will take time to recapture a semblance of common sense. For now, it is only prudent for trapped employees to be wary of H.R. departments that are immersed in woke orthodoxy. After all, they sometimes retroactively apply the spirit -- if not the letter -- of new rules. At levels below the C-suite, they just cant be trusted by average employees -- theyre even rebranding DEI, such is their dire deviousness.

Workplace romances were once a top source of marriage. In the 1980s, about 25% of couples met at work. Its now about 12%, which correlates with declines in marriage. Per this HR blog, people are twice as likely to marry someone they meet at work than they are through a dating app!

Despite a very gradual decline in no fraternization policies, employee ethos in many organizations is sensibly distrustful of HR departments abusing catch-all codes of conduct. Clearly, inhuman resource twerps need to ease restrictions on workplace dating rules, while increasing restrictions on frivolous (including by bystanders) complaints from busybody ballbusters.

Common sense and decency requires continued enforcement of quid pro quo sexual harassment rules, but the hostile work environment component can be confusingly nebulous, and often off kilter. In specific cases, HR can intervene if proven that personal relationships undermine group morale and performance, but there probably doesnt need to be a blanket rule like only ask once. What if the apple of ones eye takes a rain check, does that count? Its time for the pendulum to swing back to equilibrium.

Want more babies? Well, someones true colors often shine at work, which can be a great place to assess the worthiness of a potential mate (if outside ones immediate chain of command). Just get HR off our backs.

Image: SVG SILH
Despite the Democrats truly heroic efforts, their propaganda campaign on behalf of Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia is failing. It turns out that the public is unimpressed by congressional junkets on behalf of a man who has been revealed to be a known illegal alien and an alleged wife-beater and MS-13 gang member. Therefore, the Dems are pivoting to a new victim, an immigrant named Ricardo Prada Vasquez, whom the administration caused to disappear. This is a loaded term, with Argentinian junta connotations of murder. The truth, of course, is different.

The headlines are consistent:

The New York Times: An Immigrant Held in U.S. Custody Simply Disappeared

The New Republic: ICE Deported an Immigrant. Now, No One Can Find Him.

The Daily Beast: Food Driver Deported After McDonalds Delivery Goes Wrong

Independent: A Venezuelan delivery driver was disappeared after making a wrong turn. The Trump administration claims they know where he is

Common Dreams: Family and Friends Say Ricardo Prada Vasquez, Taken by ICE and Not Seen Since, Has Simply Disappeared

Thats the narrative: An immigrant (impliedly legal) has now become an American desaparecidos (aka, a disappeared and probably murdered). To appreciate this defamatory narrative, you must go back to the decade from 1974 to 1983, when a military junta controlled Argentina.

But before I begin, lets be clear on our terms. Leftists define all their opponents as right-wing. The appellations of left wing and right wing are a vestige of the French Revolution. In the French Parlement, right before the Terror began, the revolutionaries sat on the speakers left, while the monarchists sat on the speakers right. Howeverand this is importantboth sides were totalitarian, believing in an all-powerful state.

Meanwhile, at roughly the same time, the American Revolution had successfully concluded with a truly revolutionary concept: individual liberty made possible by a much less powerful state.

Since the late 18th century, the real tug-of-war in the world hasnt been between left and right, but between individual liberty and totalitarianism. However, after WWII, the communist totalitarians scored the biggest propaganda coup of all time: They recast the Nazis, a socialist totalitarian organization as right wing and then applied the same appellation to everyone with whom they disagreed, including Americans opposed to statism.

That gets us to what happened in Argentina, when the military junta was described as right wing versus Peronisms left wing policies. In fact, both were totalitarian. And while the media wasnt much troubled by brutal Peronism, and even elevated Evita Peron to saintly status, it was deeply troubled by the junta. So, we heard a great deal about the juntas undoubtedly brutal repression, including the fact that it murdered or disappeared (which actually meant murdered) some 22,000-30,000 Argentinian citizens.

In other words, the Argentinian junta attacked its own citizens, openly or covertly murdering them. It was an evil thing to do, right up there with any other totalitarian dictatorship. This is what the leftists imply happened to Ricardo Prada Vasquez.

However, equating legal deportation procedures with totalitarian murder is equally evil. To begin with, Vasquez is not an American citizen or even a legal alien. Instead, he entered this country illegally under the Biden administration. His mistake was to leave America (allegedly making a wrong turn in Detroit) under the Trump administration and then to try to get back in. This time, when he entered America illegally, he properly appeared in the system as an illegal alien.

More than that, he popped up as an illegal alien with a Tren de Aragua affiliation. Moreover, hes not disappeared, whether that means whereabouts unknown or murdered. As with other Venezuelans who are members of an organization sent here by a foreign power to destabilize America, he has been placed in El Salvadoran custody:

FALSE. Ricardo Jesus Prada Vasquez is a Venezuelan national and confirmed member of Tren de Aragua, entered the United States on Nov. 29, 2024 at the Brownsville, Texas Port of Entry via a CBP One app appointment. Prada was paroled into the US and served with a notice to appear pic.twitter.com/u25CVodBDD  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 22, 2025

FALSE. Ricardo Jesus Prada Vasquez is a Venezuelan national and confirmed member of Tren de Aragua, entered the United States on Nov. 29, 2024 at the Brownsville, Texas Port of Entry via a CBP One app appointment. Prada was paroled into the US and served with a notice to appear before an immigration judge. On Jan. 15, Prada was encountered at the Detroit Windsor Tunnel in Detroit, Michigan attempting to enter the U.S. from Canada and was referred to secondary inspection. Further investigation resulted in Prada being designated a public safety threat as a confirmed member of TdA and in violation of his conditions of admission. Prada was apprehended and transferred to ICE Michigan for detention. On Feb. 27, an immigration judge ordered Prada removed from the U.S. On March 15, Prada was removed to El Salvador.

To recap:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is not a Maryland father. He is an illegal alien, an alleged wife-beater, and an MS-13 gang member. The illegal alien status means hes automatically deportable unless hes a legitimate refugee (which he is not), and the alleged criminal status moves him up the list. Americans understand this.

Ricardo Prada Vasquez is not an immigrant delivery driver. He is an illegal alien and an alleged member of Tren de Aragua. As with Garcia, he is deportable, with his alleged gang affiliation moving him up the list of people who should immediately be removed from America. The implication that hes been murdered, junta style, is a gross defamation against our government.

It is to be hoped that the Dems, rather than profiting from their lies, find themselves hoist by their own petard as the American people become increasingly resentful of their solicitude for violent illegal alien gang members, as well as their lies about the government.

X screen grab.
If youre not sure what the media output switcher in Android is, youre not alone, but if you listen to music on your phone, then chances are you interact with it on a daily basis, and its seemingly getting a fresh new look in Android 16. While not necessarily an earth-shattering change, it feels like a semi-big change because Google has more or less kept the same design for this part of the Android UI for several years. And its been a while since Google kept anything looking the same for that long.

According to a new report from Mishaal Rahman over at Android Authority, the media output switcher has a brand-new look with the latest Android beta release version. Google pushed out Android 16 Beta 4 last week, and details about some of the software versions changes have been popping up here and there. The more time people use it, the more something else seems to be discovered. Now, these arent massive changes. Theres no massive overhaul coming to Androids entire UI design. However, Google does seem to be cherry-picking certain parts of the UI and updating them. That appears to be the case with the media output switcher in the latest Android 16 Beta release. As Rahman notes, this slightly altered design looks to more closely follow Googles guidelines for Material Design 3.

The media output switcher in Android 16 may not come to the stable release

While this visual update has made its way into the beta, that doesnt mean Google is going to push this out in the stable release. That being said, its entirely possible that this design will stick around after Android 16 is fully pushed out in June.

For now, Google is experimenting with this design and may be looking to see how users react to it. If youre still unsure what the media output switcher even is, thats ok. You can find it in the notification for the currently playing audio. When you stream something from an app like Spotify or YouTube Music, for example, a notification pops up for that media. In the top right corner of that notification, theres a little button (called a chip) that shows what device is playing the audio. Such as a phone or a connected pair of headphones.

When you tap that chip, the media output switcher panel shows up. Its main purpose is to give you an easy way to select a new device to play the audio. This is the element of the UI that has seen some changes. As Rahman points out, it hasnt received a design change since Android 11. Other than a heading that labels the devices as speakers and displays. Now, Google is shaking things up a bit by altering parts of the design in more significant ways.

Some of Googles changes are for the better, some are not

For starters, the speakers and displays section no longer has a pill-shaped enclosure for the different devices in the list. Instead, the list simply contains the device names and the device names only. This isnt a major issue, but it was more visually appealing the way that Google had it in Android 15. One could also argue that it might make it easier to accidentally tap the wrong device. Since now there are no defined spaces between devices. Though thats probably just me nitpicking.

Secondly, Google has moved the button that allows you to connect a new device. In the current version of the design in Android 15 and before, the media output switcher places this button in the list with the other devices. It also has it remain at the bottom at all times. So, if you want to connect a new device, youd scroll through the list of devices in the media output switcher. Youd then see the button below the last connected device.

In the new design, this button has now been placed at the top of the media output switcher. Visually, youll see it just below the label for the currently playing audio. Its actually easier to find now, so this change makes sense. As you arent having to scroll to connect a new device. The button is right there. In short, this seems like a convenience thing. Its a change that users will probably end up loving.

As for the last change, Google has updated the volume slider in the media output switcher. The volume slider now has a slimmer design, and it has a line running through the slider bar that makes it more visually distinguishable what your volume level is. Not that this was hard to tell before. That being said, the line in this new look is most certainly easier to see. This bar also now contains a tiny icon that depicts the device thats connected. Such as a pair of earbuds or a speaker. Overall, these changes are minor, but they also appear more streamlined.
The whole tech industry is facing a period of uncertainty right now because of Trumps tariffs. Trumps unpredictable nature leaves many unsure whether he will follow through with the current tariff plans. For companies like Apple, this is a big deal. Apple imports the majority of its products from China, which is currently the hardest-hit country with tariffs of 145%. The situation has evolved rapidly, with Trump backtracks becoming a headline theme after his sudden 90-day pause on what he initially called Liberation Day tariffs.

Trumps tariff threats keep tech companies on edge

Following his announcement of his Liberation Day tariffs, Trump quickly backtracked and put his plan on a 90-day pause. But now it looks like he could be changing his mind yet again. Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office ceremony, Trump was quoted as saying that he could re-impose his tariffs on some countries in the next 2-3 weeks.

In the end, I think whats going to happen is, were going to have great deals, and by the way, if we dont have a deal with a company or a country, were going to set the tariff. Id say over the next couple of weeks, wouldnt you say? I think so. Over the next two, three weeks. Well be setting the number.

This could further complicate things. Right now, the 90-day pause sets tariffs at a base rate of 10% for all countriesexcept China. However, if Trump plans to bring back his reciprocal tariffs earlier, it could cause all kinds of headaches. Especially for companies like Apple.

While Apple manufactures and produces a lot in China, it imports from other countries like India, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, just to name a few. This means that, depending on the deals these countries make with Trump, we could be looking at a rollercoaster of tariffs from country to country.

For instance, Indias tariffs are discounted at 26%. However, Vietnam has a 46% tariff. Apple manufactures most of its iPads and AirPods in Vietnam. So these tariffs, if implemented, could see the prices of iPads and AirPods go up considerably. With Trumps backtracking becoming a repeating cycle, its impossible to tell if these numbers will hold or shift dramatically again.

Retaliation risks and global uncertainty still loom

Previous reports suggested that Apple would be safe from these tariffs. Trump himself boasted that he had helped Apple navigate these tariff pivots. However, lets not forget that while Trump is busy imposing tariffs, other countries are doing the same in retaliation. For example, China is backing down in its trade war with the US. The Chinese government has threatened its own retaliation. This includes Apple. In short, Apple tariffs Trump backtracks isnt just a political slogan; its the reality for tech companies trying to plan for the future.

Its still too early to tell how all of this plays out. But if there are any electronics you plan to buy this year, maybe buying them now is a good idea. Once these tariffs go into effect, and when existing inventory is sold out, who knows how much your next smartphone, laptop, or TV will cost?
Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek rose to the mobile app store charts right after launching back in January. The AI apps arrival also crashed stocks of major chip giants like NVIDIA and other tech companies. Since its launch, multiple controversies have surrounded DeepSeeks data handling policies. The Trump administration is considering a ban on the use of DeepSeek AI in the US.

In February, South Korea accused DeepSeek of sharing user data without consent with Chinas ByteDance (owner of TikTok). At the time, the regulator didnt confirm which data ByteDance received and to what extent. However, now the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), South Koreas national data protection authority, has concluded that DeepSeek illegally sent user data to companies in China.

DeepSeek transferred user data to several companies in China without consent

The South Korean authority has released its findings in connection with a privacy and security review of DeepSeek. As per the agency, during DeepSeeks presence in South Korea until February, it sent user data to several companies in China and the US without getting necessary consent from users or disclosing the policy.

The regulator highlighted a case in which the artificial intelligence chatbot sent information about the users AI prompts to a Chinese cloud service platform named Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co. Furthermore, the platform also received information about the users device, network, and app use.

The PIPC has identified the aforementioned company as an affiliate of TikTok owner ByteDance. However, the information privacy watchdog noted that the cloud platform is a separate legal entity and has no relation to ByteDance, as translated by Google.

In its response, DeepSeek told the authority that it sent the user data to Volcano Engine to improve the user experience initially. However, it immediately blocked the transfer of AI prompt content from April 10.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson responds

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Gua Jiakun stated that he wasnt aware of the specific situation when a reporter questioned him about South Koreas claim that DeepSeek transfers user data without user consent. We have never  and will never  require companies or individuals to collect or store data through illegal means, Guo stated.

That said, the South Korean regulator has decided to issue a corrective recommendation for the AI chatbot to immediately destroy user AI prompt information transferred to the cloud engine in China. Furthermore, it has recommended that DeepSeek establish a legal basis for transferring personal information to companies or servers outside South Korea.
Google has found itself embroiled in a new controversy related to its workforce management. The Mountain View giant is one of the largest tech companies in the world, and almost any professional in the field would love to work there. However, sometimes, changes in conditions and rounds of layoffs take many by surprise. A new report claims that Google has been forcing employees approved for remote work to return to the office in a hybrid approach.

The impact of the 2020 pandemic on the way we work

The 2020 global COVID pandemic changed many things about the way we work. The inability to go out due to fear of contagion and as a safety measure led many companies to adopt a remote work approach. The tech industry was especially active in this. After all, many workers in key positions could work from home using their computers and meet with their peers via video calls.

After adopting this model, workers also made notable changes in their daily lives. For example, many settled in areas far from the company where they worked. However, it seems that the tech industry is making a correction to the measures taken during the pandemic. These measures are primarily affecting those who opted for fully remote work. A recent CNBC report claims that Google is one of the companies reversing them in one way or another.

Some of Googles remote workers being forced to return to the nearest office three times a week

CNBC claims that some employees approved for office work are being forced to return to Google offices. Otherwise, they will not be able to keep their jobs. Several Google units began sending notifications to their workers about this.

This is not the first time that Google has promoted rounds of layoffs or voluntary buyouts. In 2023, the company cut approximately 12,000 jobs in its cloud division. This represented 6% of its total global workforce. Even earlier this year, the firm offered voluntary buyouts to full-time employees in the US. Now, remote workers in some divisions must return to the office at least three times a week.

According to a Google spokesperson, this is not a widespread policy. Courtenay Mencini stated that the decision is being made only in some divisions. As weve said before, in-person collaboration is an important part of how we innovate and solve complex problems, she said. To support this, some teams have asked remote employees who live near an office to return to in-person work three days a week.

Some of the affected departments

The CNBC report mentions the specific cases of three teams within Google. First, Google Technical Services employees are under pressure to either attend work three days a week or accept a voluntary exit package.

The hybrid approach will also be mandatory for People Operations (HR) staff residing within 50 miles of a Google office in the US. Those who live more than 50 miles from an office will be able to keep their current contracts. However, they will remain stuck and without any chance of promotion within the company if they dont switch to the hybrid approach. This is essentially an invitation to return to the office or take the voluntary exit package. HR chief Fiona Cicconi reportedly offered a voluntary exit program to this division in March for US employees.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin notified workers in Googles AI division in February that they must be in the office every week. Brin stated that the sweet spot of productivity was 60 hours per week.

Google has been pushing its voluntary exit program for some time. Last year, the brand combined its hardware and Android divisions. At the time, Rick Osterloh, senior vice president and head of the resulting new division, said the voluntary departure plan might be the best option for those unable to take the hybrid work approach.
Android TV has been stuck at version 14 for quite a while, leaving some to wonder when version 15 would be released, but now it looks like Google has confirmed through its Google I/O 2025 schedule that it will be jumping straight to Android TV version 16 instead. This might not come as a total shock. Back in November of last year, it was reported that Google was rumored to be bumping Android TV to version 16 with its next major update.

New details via the Google I/O 2025 schedule show that Google appears to be following this plan. Mishaal Rahman shared a screenshot over on X that details one of the Google I/O sessions, titled Engage users on Google TV with excellent TV apps. The title, of course, isnt the most important part. Its what Google mentions in the technical sessions overview that really matters.

Well review tips for optimizing memory, leveraging the latest enhancements in Compose, preparing for Android 16 for TV, and more, the overview reads. There are no other details about the sessions contents or what Android 16 for TV will include. However, there are some potential reasons why Google would make this decision. Even if they are speculation on our part. Its also worth noting that more information is likely to pop up about Android 16 for TV leading up to Google I/O.

While Google now seems to be confirming the next major Android TV version update will make its debut at Google I/O this year, that may be all it does. The session only mentions how to prepare TV apps for this new version of the software. With the previous rumor suggesting Google may be looking to update Android TV to this new version in 2026, theres also nothing at this time to suggest that this isnt Googles plan.

But why reveal it this far ahead of time? While only Google can really answer that, there are some things that make sense. Google might want to make sure developers have ample time to get their apps ready for the new software. Google may also be ready to reveal the software update since its halfway through what is supposed to be its new bi-annual release cycle for the platform. Whatever Googles reasons are, Google TV and Android TV users will likely appreciate more information about whats coming.

Will Google continue to skip versions going forward?

Although Google hasnt confirmed anything of the sort, its starting to look like this might be Googles plan. Of course, theres no guarantee that Google will follow this method any further than with the next major update. However, Google has skipped Android TV version updates before.

It jumped straight from Android TV 12 to Android TV 14. Now, its doing the same thing with Android TV 16, skipping Android TV 15 entirely. As the report from last year mentioned, Google is also said to be on a bi-annual release schedule. With Android TV being one version behind what Android smartphones are running. This is the case with Android TV 16, as phones are now on Android 15 and Google might not release the new TV update until next year. Android 16 will also be released a little later this year. The current suggestion is that Google will push the stable update at the beginning of June.

Going off of that same timeline, its possible that Android 17 will be here by the time Android TV 16 is released. That makes it entirely possible for Google to continue this going forward. Jumping to Android TV 18 in 2028, when Google is likely to be pushing out Android 19. Again, though, this is all speculation since all of that is years away. However, it makes sense given Googles current Android TV release cadence.
A report from earlier this month stated that Samsung postponed the Galaxy S25 Edge event to May 13. As a reminder, it was originally expected to launch in April. Well, a new report just surfaced, corroborating that information, while adding more details on top of it.

The Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to launch on May 13 in Korea, May 30 in the US

Based on a report from FNNews, from Korea, the device will indeed launch on May 13. Pre-orders will be accepted from May 14 to May 20, while the Galaxy S25 Edge will go on sale starting on May 23.

According to this report, the device will first launch in China and South Korea, and then in the US. The US launch will take place on May 30, if this report is to be believed. Some other markets will get the device later on.

That same report has also shared the expected pricing for the device. Well, at least for Korea. The Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to cost KRW 1.5 million ($1,049) for the 256GB storage variant. The 512GB storage model will cost KRW 1,63 million ($1,140).

The phones price will be higher outside of Korea, of course

Needless to say, the price tag will be higher in other markets. Weve reported a ballpark for the prices a while back. In the case of US, Trumps tariffs could also play a major role in the phones price. Well see.

The Galaxy S25 Edge was teased by Samsung back in January, during the Galaxy S25 series launch event. The phones design was showcased during that launch event, and then again at MWC 2025 in Barcelona.

Samsung will confirm all details on May 13. The device is expected to be only 5.8mm thick, and its also expected to include a 200-megapixel main camera on the back. A telephoto camera will not be included at all, the second camera on the back will be an ultrawide unit. The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is expected to fuel this phone.
According to a new report, Samsung could host its second Unpacked event of the year in early July. This is the launch event that will reveal the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 foldable smartphones to the world, and based on this report, it could be hosted in New York.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Flip 7 are said to arrive in early July at New York launch event

The information comes from The JoongAng, and based on it, Samsung is ready to change up the event venue. Last year, the event was held in Paris, France. That event showed us the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, amongst other devices.

This time around, the event will be held in New York, it seems. As a reminder, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 were announced in New York back in 2022. Now, the early July event timeframe is in line with last years event. Last year, the event was hosted on July 10. Chances are that it will be a similar date this year too, as July 4 is a holiday in the US.

Samsung could show us its tri-fold smartphone during that event, theres a possibility

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 will likely be the stars of this event. The only device that could bring more flare is the companys tri-fold device, if Samsung opts to launch it during the same event.

What else is expected? Well, it seems like it will be a huge event. The Galaxy Z Flip FE is a possibility, as is a new Galaxy Watch, actually. On top of all that, Samsungs Android XR headset could appear in some capacity.

We do not have confirmations of what exactly will launch, but were guessing based on rumors and reports. The only devices that are pretty much certain to appear are the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Nowadays, its so hard to know where your data goes after you click Submit form or Create account. That statement is especially true for the people of California. Blue Shield of California just revealed that some of its customers private and sensitive health data was shared with Google Analytics. This means that this data was used in targeted ads.

At this point, we dont exactly know who was at fault here, but this isnt a story of Blue Shield of California willingly selling data to Google to train its AI or anything. According to the companys official announcement, the information accidentally slipped into Googles Hands. Right now, information about this situation is still coming out. Were sure that well know more about it as time goes on. Until then, if you use Blue Shield of California, be sure to keep an eye out for any communications from the company.

Blue Shield of California reveals that it shared private health information with Google

This situation already sounds scary, but it gets even worse. As per Blue Shield of Californias explanation, the company used Google Analytics until January 2024 to track website usage of certain members who access the site. In January 2024, the company discovered something shocking.

On February 11, 2025, Blue Shield discovered that, between April 2021 and January 2024, Google Analytics was configured in a way that allowed certain member data to be shared with Googles advertising product, Google Ads, that likely included protected health information.

This means that for about two years and eight months, Blue Shield unknowingly fed Google sensitive health data. According to the company, the health data included Insurance plan name, type and group number; city; zip code; gender; family size; Blue Shield assigned identifiers for members online accounts; medical claim service date and service provider, patient name, and patient financial responsibility; and Find a Doctor search criteria and results (location, plan name and type, provider name and type).

Thats some pretty heavy information to have leaked. After it went to Google, the company used it in ads targeted at the people who owned the information. Were sure that most of the people didnt know that they were seeing ads that used their personal health data. Nowadays, if you do a quick Google search for a blender, you can expect to see blender ads all over your computer screen.

Blue Shield did state that the leaked information did not include details like Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers, banking information, or credit card information.

What can you do?

Blue Shield of California is advising people to take a look at their account information and contact authorities if they detect any suspicious activity. Also, you should contact the FTC if you feel like someone has accessed your account without your knowledge. Call 1-877-438-4338.

Blue Shield of California also provided several links that you can use if you feel someone has compromised your data. Be sure to check these out if you want to stay safe.
China's nuclear power units maintain good safety performance

Xinhua) 09:59, April 24, 2025

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- China's nuclear power units have been operating with good safety performance for years, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment on Wednesday.

The total number of nuclear power units in the Chinese mainland has reached 102, including 58 units that have been granted operating licences. The total installed capacity amounts to 113 million kilowatts, ranking first worldwide in terms of scale, Hou Yingdong, an official with the ministry, told a press conference.

Nuclear power units in the Chinese mainland have been operating safely for over 600 reactor years, Hou said. A reactor year refers to an operating year of one nuclear reactor.

According to the latest World Association of Nuclear Operators' index on global nuclear power unit performance, China's nuclear power operation safety performance has continued to rank among the best in the world.

Hou noted that the sites of nuclear power plants in China are all far from earthquake-prone areas, and the impacts of natural disasters such as heavy rain, floods and tsunamis have been fully considered. "The safety of the nuclear power plants is guaranteed in the face of extreme natural disasters," he said.

China has also established the world's largest radiation environment quality monitoring network, the ministry's official Li Zhiguo said at the press conference, adding that the radiation environment level around nuclear facilities in China has remained good over years.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Timothee Chalamet's mum Nicole Flender has shared her verdict on her son's girlfriend, Kylie Jenner. How does one win over their partner's parents? (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

After nearly two years of dating, Timothee Chalamet's mother, Nicole Flender, has shared her verdict on her son's girlfriend, Kylie Jenner.

It was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, but during an interview with Curbed this week, Flender told the publication: "I have to say she's lovely. She's very nice to me."

She also shared that "Timmy" had recently purchased an $11million property in Beverly Hills  not too far from Calabasas, where Jenner lives with her two children, Stormi and Aire  without consulting her. "Did he ask for my advice? No," she laughed.

Flender's comments about Jenner may not seem like much, but in the world of pop culture it's plenty  especially given the fact that the pair have been so private about their relationship and rarely speak about it to the press.

Meeting the parents and making a good impression is a pressure we all feel. Even beyond the initial meet, it can be hard to maintain a positive bond  especially when you add things like children and big life decisions to the mix, as they might want to get more involved in your lives.

Do you struggle when it comes to meeting the parents? (Universal/Dreamworks) (Universal/Dreamworks)

Why do we seek approval from our partner's parents?

Speaking to Yahoo UK, BACP-accredited counsellor and relationships expert, Georgina Sturmer, explains: "Its natural to want to impress the important people in our partners lives. And in many instances, their parents will be close to the top of this list  although this isnt always the case."

Noting how some people don't have close bonds with their parents, and how this can affect the ability to make a good first impression, Sturmer adds: "Theres no one-size-fits-all answer to this one, and your response [to their distant relationship] is likely to be influenced by your own family, and how your family copes with conflict or rupture.

"However, every family is different, and when we try to apply our own families norms onto someone elses, it doesnt always work out. So its best to allow your partner to take the lead, and to consider what support they need in order to navigate the situation. This can help you to build a sense of teamwork within your relationship, rather than taking on the role of 'rescuer' or 'fixer'."

Try and avoid being the "fixer" or "rescuer" if your partner doesn't have a particularly close bond with their parents. (HBO) (HBO)

So, what can you do to make a good impression on your partner's parents?

1. Be honest with your partner

"Feeling nervous or unsure? Want to know more about your partners parents before you meet them? Be honest," Sturmer says. "That way, you can seek any support or information that you might like to have. Youre also sending a signal to your partner that youre taking it seriously, and therefore that they  and their family  matter to you."

2. Be yourself

Sturmer also notes that it might be tempting to "put on a show", especially if youre feeling nervous. But if your relationship is going to last into the long-term, then at some point you may discover that wearing a mask becomes exhausting or overwhelming.

3. Manage your expectations

"Sometimes we create fantasies about what this relationship might be like," she comments. "We might be attempting to recreate a fairytale, or replace a relationship with our own family perhaps. And if we have unrealistic hopes, then it puts real pressure on the relationship."

4. Remember that they might be feeling unsure or nervous too

"This isnt just a one-way meeting. Their parents may well be approaching this situation with their own set of fears or worries," Sturmer concludes.

Do you have your very own monster-in-law? (New Line Cinema) (Zade Rosenthal/newline.wireimage)

What if I struggle with my in-laws?

If you struggle to get on with your in-laws after some time in the relationship, Sturmer advises you remember that we cant change the way that other people think or behave, but we can control the way that they make us feel.

"So if you find this to be a tricky relationship, come up with ways to make sure that any tricky behaviour doesnt filter through and impact on your self-esteem or your relationship," she says. "You may need to find an outlet for your feelings, or consider what boundaries you might need to have in place."

Do you perhaps love your partner's family more than you love them? (HBO) (HBO)

Can I still speak to my ex's parents?

Another common issue people face is, having made all the work to form a relationship with their partner's parents, they then have to forfeit that bond once the romantic relationship breaks down.

If you face this issue, Sturmer suggests: "Its important to consider your own motivation and values. Its possible that you have built a strong friendship that you hope will endure, but its also possible that part of you is struggling to say goodbye to this part of the relationship. Its also possible that by staying in their lives, you may be unwittingly contributing to a complication in the family dynamic.

"Be honest with yourself about your reasons for maintaining the relationship, and perhaps consider a cooling off period to allow you both to have some space."

Read more about relationships:
Ai Weiwei, Camouflage, 2025. Rendering of installation looking south-west. Photograph: Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei is returning to New York with a new installation on Roosevelt Island.

The Four Freedoms Park Conservancy announced on Thursday that it had commissioned the Chinese contemporary artist to help launch a new public art initiative in September.

Related: Take in a sunset, a snowstorm or a babys cry, and see why AI is no threat to art | Ai Weiwei

The new program, titled Art X Freedom, will invite artists to make site-specific projects that interrogate issues of social justice and freedom, according to a press release.

Starting 10 September  a date concurrent with both the 80th session of the United Nations general assembly and the 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war  the public can view Weiweis installation Camouflage. The project comprises an open sanctuary and structure draped in camouflage netting, inviting viewers to consider questions of vulnerability and protection, truth and concealment, and the reverberating impacts of violent human conflicts around the world, according to the press release.

It will be Weiweis first major public artwork in New York since 2017, when he installed a series of cages around the city to protest against the first Trump administrations harsh immigration policies. The 67-year-old has long been one of the most politically outspoken artists of his generation, even in the face of government pressure over his criticism of its human rights violations.

In 2010, the Chinese government held him in a secret detention center for 80 days and repeatedly interrogated him for charges of tax fraud. He left the country in 2015, and maintained studios all over the world, including in London and Berlin. He now lives and works in Portugal, and is currently the subject of a large retrospective at the Seattle Museum of Art including four decades of work.

His new project at the Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms state park, a place on the southernmost tip of Roosevelt Island that memorializes the 32nd presidents famous speech on human rights, embodies the artists personal commentary on what is unfolding politically and culturally in our time, Weiwei told the New York Times. It is the first commission by Art X Freedom, which provides an annual budget of $250,000 for works altering the 3.5-acre park. Each artist will also receive a $25,000 prize.

Public art is a mirror to our times, said the initiatives co-chair, philanthropist Agnes Gund. Art X Freedom speaks to the urgent need to protect freedom for all, including freedom of speech, expression and the right to dissent  values that are the bedrock of democracy and justice.

Added Allison Binns, a venture capitalist who serves as Gunds co-chair: Ai Weiwei is globally renowned for his provocative and thought-provoking body of work and his staunch and unwavering advocacy for human rights. We could not have found a more perfect partner or resonant project to help us introduce Art X Freedom to the world and inspire park visitors.

Camouflage will remain on view until 1 December 2025. The conservancy will announce finalists for the September 2026 installation in the fall of this year.
Kemi Badenoch: I dont think Labour understands the importance of free speech, how it is a core British value - Geoff Pugh

Kemi Badenoch has warned that Labour is a threat to free speech in Britain after some of the partys MPs backed blasphemy laws.

In an interview with The Telegraph, the Tory leader hit out at an authoritarian streak in the governing party that she said was placing freedom of expression under threat.

It comes as Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, plans to introduce a new definition of Islamophobia, which critics have warned could amount to a de facto blasphemy law.

Last year, a Labour backbencher also used Prime Ministers Questions to propose a law banning the desecration of religious texts and prophets.

Mrs Badenoch told The Telegraphs Planet Normal podcast: I dont think Labour understands the importance of free speech, how it is a core British value.

When you look at some of the rhetoric that we hear from Labour MPs, a lot of authoritarian stuff. We have Labour MPs talking about blasphemy laws.

Thats not free speech. They havent brought it in yet, but we need to be very vigilant that we do not allow the erosion of core principles like freedom of speech in the UK.

Mrs Badenoch said she disagreed with JD Vance, the US vice-president, who said that free speech was disappearing in the UK, but warned it was under threat.

Ms Rayner is overseeing plans to introduce a formal definition of Islamophobia to combat anti-Muslim hatred.

She has set up a five-person working group, led by Dominic Grieve, the former Tory attorney general, to come up with appropriate and sensitive language.

While in opposition, Labour said it would adopt a controversial definition of Islamophobia that was drawn up in 2018 by an all-party parliamentary group.

Critics warned that definition was open to such wide interpretation that it would act as a de facto blasphemy law and stifle criticism of Islam as a religion.

Kemi Badenoch says her party was initially too dismissive of womens concerns as a niche issue - House of Commons

Last November, Tahir Ali, a Labour MP, urged Sir Keir to act to prohibit the desecration of all religious texts and the prophets of the Abrahamic religions.

In his response, at Prime Ministers Questions, the Prime Minister did not directly reject the demand, simply replying that desecration is awful and should be condemned.

The exchange prompted accusations that Labour was planning to introduce blasphemy laws, which ministers were subsequently forced to deny.

Extreme activists took root

In the interview, Mrs Badenoch also admitted that the Tories ended up just allowing extreme activists to take root by looking the other way on gender ideology.

Asked about last weeks Supreme Court ruling, she said that the party had been initially too dismissive of womens concerns as a niche issue.

One of the lessons that my party has now learnt is that sometimes just because everybody agrees on something doesnt mean its right, and that sometimes you have to pay attention to things that dont look like big issues, she said.

This stuff was allowed to seed for a very long time because many people thought, well, you know, we dont talk about this. We talk about the economy. Just ignore it  this is a niche issue. And also believing that this was how you showed support for people who were LGBT.

Mrs Badenoch said that approach had led the Tories to forget their principles, including standing up for basic freedoms.

By not looking at the principles and just going along with what many people have been saying, initially we ended up just allowing extreme activists to take root, she added.
Cameron Norrie saved a match point and battled through illness to beat Spanish youngster Martin Landaluce in the opening round of the Madrid Open.

Norrie has struggled for form over the last year, slipping to 91 in the world, and the former British number one had not won an ATP Tour match since Indian Wells in early March.

He was clearly not at his best physically against 19-year-old Landaluce but used his experience to secure a 6-7 (4) 7-5 6-4 victory.

"That is a gutsy win"@cam_norrie fights from a match point down to seal the win at the @MutuaMadridOpen  @TennisTV pic.twitter.com/1V1dNPoLeK  LTA (@the_LTA) April 24, 2025

Norrie revealed afterwards he has been struggling with sickness, saying on Sky Sports: Its terrible timing but at least I have another day tomorrow to rest. Hopefully it will pass pretty quickly.

An up-and-down match saw Norrie lose five games in a row from 3-0 up in the opening set and then fight back from 3-0 down in the second before Landaluce narrowly missed a big forehand on match point at 4-5.

Norrie took his opportunity to force a deciding set and a wild game from his young opponent at 4-4 proved the difference.

Its maybe one of my favourite wins, said Norrie, who next faces 26th seed Jiri Lehecka.

I was feeling absolutely terrible, I wasnt sure I was going to play, I had no energy, didnt sleep at all last night. I started very low energy, sleeping on the court still. I had to create my own energy. He actually played really well, I know hes a really good player, so I had to fight every point.

Norries section of the draw has opened up because of the withdrawal earlier on Thursday of second seed Carlos Alcaraz.

The home favourite needed treatment for a leg injury in his Barcelona Open final defeat by Holger Rune on Sunday and has not recovered sufficiently.

He told a press conference: Im really disappointed that Im not able to play here in Madrid, its a place that I love playing, in front of my people.

It was a really difficult situation, really difficult to decide, but it is what it is. You have to hear your body sometimes. I will come back stronger.

Alcaraz is due to defend his French Open title in Paris in a months time.

Evening the matchup to 1-1  Defending champion @iga_swiatek leaves it all on the court to defeat Eala 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. #MMOpen pic.twitter.com/c79SzqjVRH  wta (@WTA) April 24, 2025

Britains successful round one was completed by an impressive 6-3 7-6 (2) victory for qualifier Jacob Fearnley over Chinas Bu Yunchaokete, setting up a clash with 19th seed Tomas Machac.

In the womens draw, defending champion Iga Swiatek gained revenge for her shock Miami Open loss to Filipino teenager Alexandra Eala.

It was another difficult encounter for the Pole, though, with 19-year-old Eala leading by a set and a break before Swiatek fought back to win 4-6 6-4 6-2.

Coco Gauff failed to win a game in the opening set against Ukraines Dayana Yastremska but recovered well to win 0-6 6-2 7-5 while Australian Open champion Madison Keys defeated Lucia Bronzetti 6-4 6-3.

Brilliant Madrid Open debut for @jakefearnley01  Jacob powers past Yunchaokete Bu 6-3, 7-6 to claim a first clay court Masters 1000 win#BackTheBrits  pic.twitter.com/CQRYQmNRaO  LTA (@the_LTA) April 24, 2025

There was a shock loss for Stuttgart champion Jelena Ostapenko, who extended her head-to-head advantage against Swiatek to 6-0 on her way to the title in Germany on Monday.

But Ostapenko fell at the first hurdle in the Spanish capital to fellow Latvian Anastasija Sevastova, who is making her second comeback in three years following maternity leave and a serious knee injury.

Elsewhere, seventh seed Mirra Andreeva saw off Marie Bouzkova 6-3 6-4 while 11th seed Emma Navarro defeated Australian qualifier Maya Joint 7-5 7-5.
Carlos Alcaraz will play no part in the Madrid Open after he was forced to withdraw through injury in what could prove a potential blow to his participation in next months French Open.

The world number three required treatment for a groin problem in last Sundays final of the Barcelona Open where he fell to a straight-sets defeat to Holger Rune.

And he confirmed on Thursday that he will be sidelined for his home tournament with the start of his French Open defence at Roland Garros just one month away.

Our two-time champion @carlosalcaraz announced on Thursday that he is unable to play the 2025 #MMOPEN due to an injury. Wishing you a speedy recovery, we hope to see you back here next year!  pic.twitter.com/obf8e8ocPr  #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 24, 2025

The Madrid Open tweeted: Our two-time champion @carlosalcaraz announced on Thursday that he is unable to play the 2025 #MMOPEN due to an injury.

Wishing you a speedy recovery, we hope to see you back here next year!

Prior to his surprise loss against Rune, Alcaraz had been bidding to win a second title in a row following his Monte Carlo Masters triumph earlier this month.

The 21-year-old has four grand-slam titles. He followed up his US Open triumph in 2022 with consecutive titles at Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024. He also defeated Alexander Zverev in last years French Open final.
Costumes worn by Hollywood stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard in a big screen adaptation of the classic William Shakespeare play Macbeth are set to go on public display for the first time in Scotland.

Outfits worn by the actors in their respective roles as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the 2015 adaptation directed by Justin Kurzel will feature in an exhibition celebrating the bards Scottish Play at Perth Museum.

The costumes, by Oscar-winning designer Jacqueline Durran, will be shown alongside a First Folio of Shakespeares plays from the National Library of Scotland and a sword dating from the 11th century  the same century the majority of the events of Macbeth are set in.

The crown worn by Michael Fassbender is one of several items on show in the exhibition (Jane Barlow/PA)

Other items on show include the historic Clach na Bratach stone from Clan Donnachaidh, the descendants of the real King Duncan I who was killed in a battle against Macbeth in 1040, and Charlotte Roses painting Dagger Of The Mind which explores mortality in the Shakespeare play and the tobacco industry.

Curators say the objects will provide a new and potent perspective to the Stone of Destiny, which is already on permanent display at Perth Museum and upon which the real Macbeth is believed to have been crowned.

David McLeod puts the finishing touches to an installation featured in the exhibition (Jane Barlow/PA)

Ashleigh Hibbins, head of audiences and engagement at Culture Perth and Kinross, said: We cannot wait to surprise and captivate visitors with this unique opportunity to dive into Macbeth the man, the play, and its cultural impact across the centuries.

From Hollywood films to Broadway and West End shows, to classrooms around the world, Macbeth continues to resonate with us across the centuries.

Perthshire is the location for many iconic scenes in the play, so what better place than Perth Museum to explore this legendary Scottish figure?
Francis: How will pontiffs funeral differ from those held for predecessors?

Pope Franciss funeral is set to reflect the tenets of his papacy by breaking away from traditions and choosing sobriety over pomp.

Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, with his funeral due to take place on Saturday morning at St Peters Square in Rome.

More than 50,000 people have so far made their way into St Peters Basilica where the late pontiff is to lie in state for several days ahead of the funeral.

But where his predecessors St John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI lied upon an elevated bier, Franciss body rests inside a simple coffin barely raised from the floor of the basilica.

Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, lying in a wooden coffin dressed in red, with rosary beads draped across his hands (Vatican Media)

This change is one of several Francis introduced in November 2024 following a revision of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis  the Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff  with the view to simplifying the ceremonies.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of pontifical liturgical ceremonies, had then told Vatican News the simplification of the rites was to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.

 Certification of death

When a pope dies, the official verification of his death by the camerlengo  the prelate who runs the Vatican between a popes death and the election of his successor  would traditionally take place at the location where he died.

Franciss revision of the funeral rites scrapped this requirement, asking that the certification of death be carried out inside the late pontiffs private chapel instead.

In Franciss case, this rite was carried out in the chapel of the Vaticans Casa Santa Marta where he lived  having declined to move into the papal apartments at the Apostolic Palace following his election in 2013.

People queue to pay their respects to Pope Francis at the Vatican (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The new rites then ask that the late pontiff be placed directly into a simple, open wooden coffin lined with zinc, where previous traditions saw a pope entombed in three different coffins  one of cypress wood, one of lead and one of oak.

Previously, the popes body would also be placed inside the three coffins only after its lying-in-state at St Peters Basilica.

 Funeral

The funeral rites are traditionally divided into three stations: the home of the deceased pope, the Vatican basilica, and the burial place.

With Pope Francis having requested the first station be a chapel instead  though it did form part of his home at the Casa Santa Marta residence  his body was then transferred directly to St Peters Basilica on Wednesday morning.

The coffin did not pass through the Apostolic Palace for another exposition, as was done previously for John Paul II, and was not displayed on an elevated bier  the so-called Canaletto or death bed  as happened with both John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Francis will lie in public view for three days until Friday evening, when his coffin will be sealed in the presence of several cardinals and officials from the Holy See  the central governing body of the Catholic Church and the Vatican.

The funeral mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the college of cardinals, and concelebrated by patriarchs and cardinals wearing their white damask mitre.

Archbishops and bishops of the Catholic Church have also been invited to join wearing liturgical vestments, which they will put on in St Peters Square, according to the Holy See.

The Prince of Wales will attend on behalf of the King, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotlands First Minister, John Swinney, will attend as part of the UK delegation.

US President Donald Trump has said he will be there with his wife Melania, while President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina, Irish premier Micheal Martin and deputy Irish premier Simon Harris will also attend.

While a requiem mass is usually a standard length of around an hour, the number of people expected to attend, including those wishing to receive Holy Communion, means the service is likely to run closer to 90 minutes, according to Joe Ronan from the Catholic Voices media charity.

A nun prays in Westminster Cathedral following the announcement by the Vatican of the death of Pope Francis (PA/James Manning)

 Burial

According to the traditional rites, and unless a pope has chosen otherwise, his remains are to be moved after the funeral mass to the grotto of St Peters Basilica for burial.

But the 2024 revision also decreed a pope can be buried outside of the Vatican if he so wishes.

Pope Francis left instructions in which he asked to be buried in a simple underground tomb in Romes papal basilica of Saint Mary Major.

This makes Francis the first pontiff in more than a century not to be buried at St Peters Basilica as the last pope who asked to be buried outside of the Vatican was Pope Leo XIII, who died in 1903.

In his will, Francis wrote: I have always entrusted my life and priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy.

Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest, awaiting the day of resurrection, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

I wish that my final earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian shrine, where I go to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey

I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side nave between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica, as indicated in the enclosed plan.

People line up to enter St Peters Basilica to pay their respects to Pope Francis (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.

A group of poor and needy people will be present on the steps leading to Saint Mary Major to pay their last respects to Francis before he is entombed, the Holy See said on Thursday.

The funeral on Saturday will mark the first day of nine memorial masses called the novendiali for the nine days during which they will take place.

The final day of the novendiali will be on Sunday May 4.

The secret meeting of cardinals, known as the conclave, is expected to begin between 15 and 20 days after the popes death.
The UK Government would not support an Australia-style blanket ban on under-16s using social media, the Technology Secretary has said.

Peter Kyle said he believes decisions about when children should access social media should be left to parents.

Last year, he had suggested such a ban in the UK could be on the table if companies did not take action to protect children, but has since softened his stance on the issue, suggesting in January he had no plans for such a ban.

Australia introduced the worlds highest age restriction on social media use last year, barring children under 16 from creating accounts.

But Mr Kyle has said the UK should not follow suit.

Speaking to Nicky Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: Parents need to have the flexibility to parent in a way thats suitable for their children and circumstances.

Im trying to get the balance right between giving parents the freedom to be parents but also having absolute backstops.

Porn going into young childrens hands  thats a backstop. Violent misogynistic content  thats a backstop.

If government can get the fundamentals right, that can give parents the freedom to introduce children to social media and some of the developmental potential.

Most platforms are available from 13 plus  parents should decide if its 13, 14, even up to 18.

In November, Mr Kyle told the Telegraph newspaper that the UK could move to to another level of regulation if tech companies do not get together to enforce the Online Safety Act.

At the time, he said he did not want to pursue further law changes until he sees how the Online Safety Act works.

But he signalled he had been speaking to politicians from Australia where social media restrictions for under-16s have been approved by its parliament.

Asked if the UK could push its age limits up to 16, Mr Kyle told the Telegraph: When it comes to keeping young people safe, everything is on the table.

Mr Kyles latest comments came on the day Ofcom published its final codes of practice, under the Online Safety Act, laying out how tech firms must protect children from harmful content.

It includes requiring firms to make their algorithms safe for children by not recommending them harmful material, and pushing firms to implement age verification tools  such as ID or credit card checks  to ensure children do not access inappropriate or harmful content.
A Repeal the Teal election pamphlet handed out in the Victorian seat of Goldstein that is held by independent Zoe Daniel Photograph: supplied

Third-party groups targeting the teal independents are flooding pre-poll locations in Victoria and New South Wales, and include campaigners with links to the Jewish community such as Repeal the Teal.

In Goldstein, where the independent Zoe Daniel is hoping to hold off Liberal candidate Tim Wilson, Repeal the Teal has made its presence known this week with posters, T-shirts and pamphlets. The group is also campaigning in Kooyong.

Repeal the Teal is part of J-United, an initiative that campaigned against the Greens in the recent Prahran byelection in Victoria over the partys stance on Israel.

The J-United co-founder Simonne Whine said Repeal the Teal does not tell voters to favour either of the major parties, and has people of various backgrounds involved. Whether its Liberal or Labor, thats their choice, she said. The message is just that [the teal independents] had three years to help Australians, and they havent achieved much.

Repeal the Teals materials are authorised by Harriet Warlow-Shill, a Melbourne lawyer who presented an online session in March for the Australian Jewish Association titled Does My Teal Support Terror?

She outlined how her view of the teals was affected by debates over funding for Unrwa, which provides aid in Gaza, after the 7 October attacks.

Warlow-Shill described herself as part of the Liberal party during the March event and told viewers it was of key importance that the Liberal party wins the next federal election for the safety of the Jewish community.

On Thursday, she told Guardian Australia she was no longer a member of the party. I felt it was important not to be a member if I were to do this campaign, she said.

Daniel said the rise of third-party attack groups like Repeal the Teal and Better Australia shows that the major parties are rattled.

These groups are a reaction to the growing influence of independents who challenge the status quo, she said. Theyre funded by those invested in maintaining a two-party system that often overlooks community needs. Their emergence underscores the fear of losing control to a more transparent and accountable political movement.

Warlow-Shill said her #doesmytealsupportterror project was self-funded, while Repeal the Teal was run by volunteers and paid for out of our own pockets.

No corporate or political parties are involved at all in any way, she said.

Daniel said she had worked incredibly hard on measures to combat antisemitism. On the issue of Unrwa and critically important humanitarian aid to Gaza, Daniel said: Im agnostic about who [delivers aid], but at the time I was advocating for the reinstatement of funding to Unrwa, it was the only organisation capable of doing it.

As Guardian Australia has previously reported, rightwing advocacy group Advance provided support to J-United in the form of flyers, T-shirts and corflutes during its Prahan campaign. Whine said Repeal the Teal is its own project, but J-United is separately assisting Advance with volunteers.

Another third-party group, Better Australia, has posters and representatives wearing yellow community adviser vests at multiple locations in Sydney.

Related: Labor spends more than Coalition on election TV ads but Palmers Trumpet of Patriots leads YouTube outlay

An offshoot of Better Council, which targeted the Greens during the 2024 NSW local elections, Better Australia is running an extensive campaign against teal candidates across the eastern Sydney electorate of Wentworth and targeting the Greens in other seats, including Brisbane and Melbourne. The teal independent Allegra Spender won Wentworth in 2022.

Better Australia is headed by Labor party member Sophie Calland. The former adviser to Scott Morrison Yaron Finkelstein and former Liberal staffer Alexander Polson have also been involved in discussions about Better Australia election strategy, according to meeting minutes obtained by journalists Wendy Bacon and Yaakov Aharon.

Guardian Australia spoke to four people handing out Dont get tricked by the teals leaflets for Better Australia in Sydney on Thursday. All said they were volunteers and visitors from countries including Israel, Spain and Italy. None were eligible to vote in Australia.

At a booth in Bondi, located in the Wentworth electorate, one volunteer said she found out about the role from a WhatsApp group. Asked why she was representing Better Australia, she pointed to the corflute of the Liberal candidate, Ro Knox, and said she hoped she would win.

Calland said Better Australias campaign is non-partisan. We are not advocating for a particular major party but against the Greens, teals and other minor party candidates across the country, she said. Our message is resonating with a diverse range of nationalities across Australia.

At another location in Bondi Junction, someone had printed out the authorisation on the Better Australia posters in a large font and taped it over the original smaller print. The AEC said it could not comment about whether it had contacted the group over the legibility of its authorisation.

Knox was speaking to voters outside a pre-poll location in Bondi Junction. She said the atmosphere during pre-poll voting had been positive, with voters largely raising concerns about the cost of living.

The Wentworth campaign was dominated this week by the AECs investigation into 47,000 unauthorised pamphlets targeting Spender. On Wednesday evening, the agency said it had identified the person behind the material but did not provide more detail.

Theres obviously very passionate supporters on all sides, as youd expect, Knox said of her conversations on the campaign trail. All material must be authorised, its really important.

The Liberal campaign did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.
Phoebe Smiths friend Cerys at Cauldron Snout waterfall on the River Tees. Photograph: Phoebe Smith

High on the ridges of the Pennines, somewhere between the waters of Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales and Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders, a 31-year-old woman stands amid a group of mainly male walkers. Shes wearing bell-bottom jeans, a fitted long-sleeve top and an Alice band to keep her hair out of her face in the prevailing westerly wind. Her name is Joyce Neville and the year is 1952. Shes in the middle of a walk along a proposed national trail  the Pennine Way

Joyce had seen an advert for this self-described Pioneer Walk in the Sunday newspapers a few months earlier. It was placed by the writer and campaigner Tom Stephenson who was requesting accomplished walkers, fit and over 18 to take part in a 15-day hike on the long green trail he was suggesting be created in Britain (inspired by the USs 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail). Few women wore jeans back then, according to Joyces notes (which were passed on to me by Paddy Dillon, author of Cicerones Walking the Pennine Way guidebook), and the whole trip cost just 25.

More than 70 years later, my friend Cerys and I are standing in the Pennines, at the lip of a feature known as High Cup Nick. This glacially scoured U-shaped valley, known as Englands Grand Canyon, sits above the village of Dufton in Cumbria. We are on the first day of a three-day walk on the Pennine Way (which officially opened in 1965) to celebrate its diamond anniversary. Wed begun on a cold but sunny day in February at the waterfall-rich town of Middleton-in-Teesdale, and already scrambled alongside the torrent of Cauldron Snout, listened to the call of corncrakes in the farmland of the Eden Valley, bog-hopped along the path beside MOD Warcop training ground (out of bounds to hikers without prior permission), and arrived at this  one of the geological highlights of the entire 268-mile trail.

The landscape would have been the same when Joyce trod it in the 1950s, though some things have definitely changed.

Back then it was a damn tough walk because all the blanket bog would be trodden into a filthy morass that got to waist-deep at times, said Paddy when I called him pre-trip to ask advice about the section we had decided to walk, between Middleton-in-Teesdale and Greenhead, inspired by the same three-day trip Stephenson made in 1948 to publicise his cause. He was accompanied by five MPs, among them Barbara Castle (one of the longest serving female MPs in British history) and Arthur Blenkinsop (a Labour MP for South Shields who went on to become vice-president of the Ramblers). You could have worn waders and it might have kept you clean. Now, thanks to the flagstones, you can do it in carpet slippers.

Joyce noted that when women were expected to wear long tweed skirts for walking, her outfit was regarded as quite scandalous

We werent quite so bold as to ditch our hiking boots, but our gear was definitely changed from Joyces day. At the time, she notes, when women were expected to wear long tweed skirts for walking, her outfit was regarded as quite scandalous. In a way, we have Joyce and other women like her to thank for the fact that we can now wear warm, dry fleece-lined trousers without offending anyone. We also had our lightweight waterproof jackets, and didnt have to carry heavy canvas bell tents like they did. When Joyce was walking this route, hikers had to negotiate with farmers to camp in their fields; later, after the paths official opening, there were about 20 YHA hostels along the route. There are only a handful left, so guesthouses, pubs with rooms, the occasional campsite and Airbnbs are the way most people do things.

As we stand gawping at the crumbling buttresses and pinnacles that line the edges of High Cup, we meet a hiker called Mike, 73, with his dog Ringo, who says he lived along the trail at Earby when the Pennine Way opened.

I remember wed hear the banging of frying pans before we ever saw the walkers, he laughs. They were hanging off the backpacks of the factory workers from Manchester who would clock off on Saturday and start walking and see how far they could get before they had to head back to work on Monday.

Similar to those early walkers, we were squashing our walk in between work. In contrast, we would be staying in warm hobbit huts at Dufton Caravan Park, having walked from Brunswick House B&B, run by Andrew Milnes, who told us that trail walkers account for a third of his annual business.

We plough through the 17 miles, listening to the song of curlews, spying wild deer and admiring snowdrops

Despite good accommodation, the distance is no shorter, and when we arrive into Dufton at dusk we head immediately for a hearty meal at The Stag Inn  thankful we dont need to cook our own dinner. We chat to Amanda behind the bar who raves about the section of the trail we were walking. Do you think it will last another 60 years? I ask her. 60? she says. It will last another 6,000  its not going anywhere.

We were, however, and after a cosy night, we begin our walk on the hardest and highest section of the trail  over Cross Fell, home to the notoriously bitter Helm Wind (the only named wind in the UK). There is frost on the ground, the temperature is -4C (25F).

By the time we reach the slopes of the 893-metre (2,930ft) peak, we hit the snowline. It is cold, but the ground is made solid by the frost, and we hike easily to the summit plateau, marked by a great stone cross (reportedly  we later find out from the woman who runs the Post Office at Garrigill  constructed on the trails opening by a reverend from Scotland who had received a message from above to build it to protect walkers). And as we reach it and see the Lakeland peaks spread out in front of us without even a breath of wind, I muse how perhaps it is working.

We stop to eat lunch at Gregs Hut, a former miners lodgings now looked after by the volunteer-run Mountain Bothies Association and, judging by the entries in the visitors book, frequented by many a Pennine Way walker.

From there the trail heads to Garrigill and on to Alston, cleaving its way between a mass of land used for grouse shooting, a place where hikers would have once had run-ins with gamekeepers eager to protect their money-making birds  a practice that still causes heated debates between landowners, conservationists and access campaigners.

Walking a trail may seem like an act of pure recreation, but the origins of the Pennine Way are firmly rooted in politics. The trails creator, Tom Stephenson, never actually walked the entirety of his creation, the idea for which came in 1935, three years after the mass trespass of Kinder Scout, a protest in the Peak District for walkers rights. He wasnt interested in walking it, but he made damn sure other people did, says Paddy. His idea was if he could get people en masse into the countryside to areas previously forbidden to walk on, like Kinder Scout and Bleaklow [also in the Peak District], he could use that as a lever to get more rights in general for people to access previously private land.

After a night at the Cumberland Inn in Alston, we set our compass for Greenhead and Hadrians Wall, where we will grab a taxi, then the train at Haltwhistle to head home. We plough through the 17 miles easily, listening to the song of curlews, spying wild deer at the former Lambley station (now a private house), and admiring the snowdrops that have burst through the ground.

The Pennine Way was the UKs first national trail. There are now 17 in England and Wales, and four equivalent long-distance great trails in Scotland

Since Stephensons pioneered the concept of a walk that allowed everyone to traverse the backbone of England, more routes have been established, such as the South Tyne Trail. For 23 miles, it follows the route of the defunct Haltwhistle railway line (closed in 1976; opened as a footpath in 2004) parallel to the Pennine Way and is so much easier and more commonly walked that Paddy has included it in his updated guidebook.

The Pennine Way was the UKs first national trail  there are now 17 in England and Wales, and four equivalent long-distance great trails in Scotland. The newest and longest yet, the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path is due to be fully walkable by the end of 2025; many parts of it are open now. Yet there is still much to fight for. According to the campaigning group Right to Roam, only 8% of England is accessible to hikers  nearly 49,000 miles of historic paths have been removed from official maps and 32,000 rights of way are blocked. Access is even more limited to those wishing to swim, cycle or camp (with one exception  wild camping is legal on Dartmoor, but this is being contested in the supreme court by a wealthy landowner).

Sixty years feels like a long time, but walking can still be a political act. And, perhaps, much like Joyce Neville in 1952, we should all hit the trails to exercise our right to roam. Jeans are optional.
Former Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark has said it was the icing on the cake to discover on her 70th birthday that she is to be honoured with a Bafta fellowship.

The Scottish TV presenter and journalist, who celebrated the milestone birthday on February 3, will receive Baftas highest accolade at its annual TV awards.

She told the PA news agency: It was quite a long birthday, actually, theres lots of things that go on (during) a birthday.

But to get that email was tremendous. And I think it just added, literally, the icing on the cake.

So we were at home, we were doing different things. We were going to, sort of, my favourite place to go in Scotland, Arran.

We were doing all sorts of things and then that just came in. I just thought, thats extraordinary. I cant believe it.

Wark, who is being honoured for her exceptional contribution to television, has interviewed a variety of prominent politicians and cultural figures including former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, Australian author Germaine Greer, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker and The Libertines Pete Doherty.

She joined the BBC current affairs programme Newsnight in 1993 as a presenter and left in July 2024 after more than 30 years at the helm.

Newsnight was reduced to a half-hour programme last year amid wider plans by the BBC to make 500 million of savings.

Wark said it is critical to still have the show in a very precarious time.

She told PA: I want people to turn on Newsnight at the end of the day, and Victoria (Derbyshire) and the others are just making sense of what happened during the day.

And I think the thing is that, it may only be half an hour, but we can still get top-notch guests, and thats critical.

Speaking about the threats facing journalists, she added: I think the rise of misinformation is incredibly problematic, and I dont think we all have the tools to help us decide whats truth and whats fake.

And also with the rise of AI, what are we actually getting here?

I think thats where the BBC and, to be honest, ITN, Channel 4, comes into its own.

Because you want trained journalists who you can trust to give you what is the truth.

And you only do that by having people out in the field telling you the stories as they happen that you can trust, double source things, all those things still really, really matter, and matter even more as there are so many players in the field who are not making those judgment calls, who are wading in, and I think its incumbent on the BBC to be super, hyper vigilant.

Reflecting on her decision to leave Newsnight, she added: I knew because Ive been doing it for a very long time, and I do believe in a pipeline.

Kirsty Wark at the Bafta TV Awards (Richard Goldschmidt/Alamy/PA)

I wasnt going to sit there for another 10 years. It was my choice to go.

They didnt really want me to go, but I said I wanted to go because I thought Id done it for long enough, and I would leave at the election. And thats indeed what happened.

Wark has fronted documentaries on social media and taboos surrounding the menopause, and has also explored the stories of some of Scotlands most influential female pioneers in BBC series The Women Who Changed Modern Scotland.

She currently presents on radio programmes The Reunion and Front Row on BBC Radio Four.

She has won several industry awards including the British Academy Scotland Awards 2013 special achievement gong for outstanding contribution to broadcasting.

Previous recipients of the Bafta fellowship include Baroness Floella Benjamin, actress Meera Syal and comedians Sir Billy Connolly and Dawn French.

The fellowship will be presented to Wark during the Bafta Television Awards on Sunday May 11 at the Southbank Centres Royal Festival Hall.
An Oregon woman was visiting San Rafael, California's bay area, for spring break with her family and dog, Teddy. The family was staying at an Airbnb when Teddy escaped the home one night. The family frantically looked for him but was unable to find him. The next day, Teddy's mom, Rebekah Whittaker, posted a heartfelt plea on TikTok, begging the community to be on the lookout for Teddy and to help reunite him with his family.

The community rallied together to help find him, but to no avail. Rebekah and her family had to return home to Oregon without him. But the story doesn't end there - watch on to see what happens next as the community vowed to find him and reunite him with his family.

It took three weeks, but the community didn't give up and they finally found Teddy! Viewers of NBC Bay Area's video were so glad to hear the news, especially because so many had followed Teddy's story, like @Danielle_Marie who shared, "I followed this journey, Im soooo happy that Teddy is finally home!"

Related: Texas Family Devastated After Senior Dog Goes Missing and Animal Shelter Euthanizes Him After Just One Day

Where was Teddy?

Commenter @2dogs4me5 left my favorite comment, "This is what a community looks like." It sure is! Sharon Binnion added, "She did everything possible to find Teddy! I admire her tenacity!"

@Tamara was spot on when she said, "His story needs to be a movie!!" I wonder where Teddy was for those three weeks, especially since they said he was a few pounds heavier; normally dogs on the lam lose weight, not gain it.

Turns out, he wasn't roaming free. Teddy was found in a shopping center parking lot the day after he disappeared. It sounds like the dog's 'rescuer' had planned to keep Teddy, until she realized that everybody under the sun was looking for him.

A San Francisco news station reported that after the rescuer "spotted one of the "nearly 1,000" fliers Whittaker had posted in the community since Teddy's disappearance, she contacted the family. A visit to the vet to scan the dog's microchip proved he was the same animal."

I'm so glad that Teddy and his family were reunited and heading home together this time. It sounds like Teddy loves adventure - hopefully next time he escapes he'll have some kind of ID on him!
The Duke and Duchess met with parents who had lost their children as a result of social media

The Archewell Foundation / Sussex.com

Prince Harry has said life is better when spent off social media.

The Duke of Sussex spoke out as he and the Duchess unveiled a memorial in New York dedicated to children who have lost their lives because of the harms of the internet.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the Duke said: Life is better off of social media. I say that as a parent and I say that as someone who has spoken to many of the kids here tonight who arent on social media because they have lost a brother or a sister to social media.

But clearly enough is not being done. Some of the stories here are truly harrowing.

The installation unveiled by the couple on Thursday is made up of 50 smartphones that each display the picture of a child who died due to the harms of social media.

The Lost Screen memorial will be open for 24 hours while the Archewell Foundation has also made a digital version available online

The Duke, who set up the Parents Network with the Duchess as part of their Archewell Foundation, described some of the stories that made up the memorial as full-blown crime scenes.

He said: Having done this for the last three years and being aware of it for the last five years, you think youve heard the worst of it until nights like this here in America, some of these stories are  full-blown crime scenes.

The giant smartphones of the Lost Screen memorial with the images of children who lost their lives because of online harm

The childrens images were shared by parents who are part of the Parents Network, which the couple launched last August as a resource for parents whose children have experienced harm on social media. The Sussexes attended a private vigil with the parents on Wednesday night.

The Duke said technology companies were getting away with it by arguing they did not need to disclose information to families in the UK because of privacy considerations.

You are telling a parent, you are telling a dad and a mum that they cant have the details of what their kid was up to on social media because of the privacy of their kid  Its wrong, he said.

The Duke consoled a father at the event in New York

The Duchess added: No matter how polarised the world is, or what people may or may not agree on, one thing we can all agree on is that children should be safeand I think tonight these stories solidify that.

Asked what she would like to see change, she said: I think for those who do choose to be online and to be in social media as adults  that we get to set the example and really put as much good and joy into the world as we can.

The Duchess of Sussex speaks with a woman at the private vigil with parents held at the memorial on Wednesday night

The Duchess announced her return to social media, where she has amassed 2.8 million followers on Instagram, at the beginning of the year.

She has since shared posts advertising her commercial brand, As Ever, and her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, as well as childhood pictures and a Valentines tribute to her husband.

When she rejoined the platform, it was said she planned to authentically share moments of joy and inspiration from her life.

Meghan, who says her aim is to inspire positivity on social media, posted a picture of herself with a duck and ducklings on her Instagram for Easter - Instagram

The Duchess launched the @Meghan Instagram handle in the summer of 2022, but had never used it until January this year.

Since then, she says, she has been committed to promoting a joyful and thoughtful approach to online engagement that inspires positivity.

While she recognises that there is still work to be done on social media, she is confident that by returning to Instagram, she can lead by example in demonstrating how it can be used for good, a source said at the time.

On Thursday, the Duchess said: Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.

I think in many ways what we see through these parents is the hope and the promise of something better because every single one of them and their resilience is an examplewe are just here to support them in such a huge way.

The Duke and Duchess shared a public kiss at the Time100 Summit, an image shared by Meghan on her Instagram account - Instagram

Speaking about their two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, the Duke said: Were just grateful that our kids are too young to be on social media at this point.

Asked about what will happen when they are no longer able to avoid it, he added: One of the reasons why were doing [this] is because us  collectively with all these parents  want to make sure that things are changed so that no more parents, no more kids are lost to social media.

Its unacceptable, its wrong. Its no longer a secret and yet these companies are given this power to be able to conceal the truth from parents as to why their kid took their life.

The couple have previously urged global leaders to address protections for young people in the digital sphere with urgency.

They have been increasingly campaigning for more rigorous controls of the digital sphere since 2024 and have previously discussed the threats posed by fake news and online abuse and bullying.
Keir Starmer joked that Nigel Farage was eating the Tory party for breakfast after Jenricks comments. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA Media

Some veteran Conservatives are so convinced that Robert Jenrick, the ambitious shadow justice secretary, is intent on striking an election pact with Reform UK that they have nicknamed him Nigels chancellor.

The joke, however, gets to the heart of what many of them fear most: that the Tory party is in such a parlous state that their only hope of survival will be to work with Nigel Farage to unite the right.

Kemi Badenoch, the party leader, has ruled this out, pointing out that Farage vowed to destroy the Conservatives. But she has struggled to escape constant speculation about her own leadership as her party struggles to adjust to its new reality in the political wilderness.

Tensions bubbled over again this week when it emerged that Jenrick, who lost the leadership contest but who has made little secret of his ambitions, had told a private meeting he would try to ensure that the Tories and Reform did not compete against each other at the next election.

Badenoch sat grim-faced in the Commons on Wednesday as Keir Starmer ribbed her over the remarks. The member for Clacton is going to do what he always does: eat the Tory party for breakfast, he jibed. Farage, sitting several rows back, shook with laughter.

There is little cheer on the horizon for the Tories before next weeks local elections, with the party trailing behind Reform and Labour in the polls. Yet there is little open criticism of Badenoch among the 121 Conservative MPs, even in a party with a tradition of removing leaders.

The Tories have finished in third place in every YouGov voting intention poll so far this year, with this weeks suggesting that 20% of voters who backed the Tories in 2024 have now switched to Reform. Labour, by comparison, has lost 11% of its general election vote to Farages party.

But among many Tory MPs, there is less a sense of despair at their position, and more one of fatalism. We cant expect to have such a catastrophic election result and then reach the sunlit uplands just a few months later, said one. Im totally resigned to just letting this wash over us because theres very little we can do about it right now. Its going to take time.

There is, however, much private grumbling about whether Badenoch has got what it takes to challenge Farage. Can she come up with the policies we need to see off Reform? pondered one MP. Is her team really up to the task? Is she?

She also faces the challenge of a diminished and disheartened party machine, a huge drop in staff members and a dire financial situation, with donors holding back support and even transferring allegiance to Reform.

Some veterans of Tory government believe that the people around Badenoch are yet to come to terms with how bad things are. Nigel Farage is not going to be a flash in the pan, said one former minister. This country could yet go for his style of politics at the next election.

Others believe that things have actually become worse for the Tories since their election drubbing, with Reform UK now boasting more members and dozens of Tory councillors across the country leaving the party to join the movement.

One former cabinet minister said they had lost 50% of their constituency association members, including their own agent. Zia Yusuf, Reforms chair, who has been tasked with professionalising the partys operation, is now aided by former Tories with years of on-the-ground experience.

The Tories face a tough set of local elections, defending seats that they won at the high-water mark of Boris Johnsons popularity in 2021. Of the 23 authorities holding elections, they control 19. Reform is on course to make hundreds of gains, many of them at the Conservatives expense in the East Midlands and north of England.

But many elections in areas where Farage had hoped to do well, including in Essex and East Anglia, have been delayed. The partys ground game is less tested than its rivals, although it has done well in some byelections regardless.

But the Conservatives are not giving up yet. Some of those close to Badenoch say that Reform may not have much further to rise. They even suggest it would be no bad thing if Reform won a few councils, or even a mayoralty, if it then meant it faced full public scrutiny. It would actually be quite helpful, one said.

Others, however, believe it is more important to show there are limits to Farages inexorable rise. Their story only works if they have the momentum, one frontbencher said. If they stumble, then suddenly everybody starts questioning if theyre as convincing as they think they are.

For now, Tory MPs are prepared to take their punishment beating at the ballot box, and hope that as the next general election creeps closer, their fortunes improve.

We dont want to be complacent, but its a long time till the election and theres an argument that Reform could be near their peak, one said. There are a lot of things that could go wrong for them between now and then.
Paranoia has been rampant in the State Department, with leaks and staff panic in online chats - JULIEN DE ROSA

Rumours of a major State Department reorganisation have been circulating for weeks. Paranoia has been rampant, with leaks and staff panic in online chats, culminating in last Fridays Politico article: Bonkers crazypants: American diplomats shaken by reports of possible cuts. It discussed a purported order that called for slashing state department offices and bureaus.

The first Trump administration was hobbled by leaks and opposition from career employees fighting a rear-guard action of delay, obfuscation, and (sometimes) feigned incompetence. The second Trump administration isnt perfect on that score, but its certainly learned a lot. Political appointees keep their cards close to their chest and leaks are sometimes strategic rather than inadvertent. This keeps outside observers guessing as to whether they are watching 3D chess or tic-tac-toe.

In the movie Air Force One, the presidential plane had the ability to spew forth chaff, or a cloud of particles to throw off incoming missiles. Back when Britain had a significant navy, its vessels used to make smoke by burning oil, to obscure themselves from pursuing planes or ships.

Sometimes the Trump team throws up chaff in the form of leaked plans that are so outrageous that they coalesce the Left-wing opposition in outrage, after which the real plan is released to confused disarray. If a pick for a job is unpopular or apparently unqualified, it attracts a media brouhaha that clears the decks for the real pick, who might be controversial but will eventually be confirmed.

Politicos bonkers crazypants article seems to be a brilliant piece of chaff, full of nonsense and distracting from the real plan. Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, dismissed all the leaked reports and memos as fake news, and it looks like he was right.

Last week, Politico breathlessly reported that the leaked plan would eliminate the regional bureau devoted to Africa, the policy planning bureau, the bureau of conflict and stability operations, and the bureau of democracy, human rights and labour. It would replace regional bureaus with four new diplomatic corps on Eurasia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Indo-Pacific.

Politico said the mystery guy they got their memo from couldnt confirm when it was drafted, by whom, or how it pertained to the Trump administrations final reorganisation plan. When the actual plan came out, Politico ate crow and said it does not go as far as versions previously reported. Indeed.

When the real plan dropped on Tuesday, one had to study the organisation chart carefully to see what, if anything, had changed. All the regional bureaus (Africa, Europe, South and Central Asia, etc.) were still there. policy planning was still there. A few specialist offices had been moved to more logical locations; for instance, the bureau of counterterrorism was moved from political affairs to arms control and international security, which makes sense.

Most of the deletions  offices disbanded  were redundant, useless, or easily absorbed elsewhere. All the work of the office of global womens issues, for example, was likely already duplicative of the efforts of more than one other bureau. Its employees can be reassigned to those offices. Likewise, conflict and stabilisation operations could easily be absorbed into the renamed arms control, non-proliferation, and stability bureau.

As for the office of diversity and inclusion, conservatives such as myself have long argued for the elimination of offices and personnel focused on DEI and other pointless diversions from important foreign policy goals. The office of civil rights has handled the modest number of employee complaints for decades and can capably do so in future.

However, there were some real changes to the structure. The bureau of democracy, human rights, and labour will be folded into a new office of foreign assistance and human rights. Mr Rubio explained that the J under-secretariat under which it formerly came provided a fertile environment for activists to redefine human rights and democracy and to pursue their projects at the taxpayer expense.

The bureau of population, refugees, and migration, Mr Rubio added, funnelled millions of taxpayer dollars to international organisations and NGOs that facilitated mass migration around the world, including the invasion on our southern border. Making those two errant offices more responsive to presidential authority is unavoidable if Donald Trump and Mr Rubio are to re-take control over foreign policy from the mandarins.

States restructuring plan calls for reductions of 15 per cent to permanent staff, which will be painful in places. But compared to reports of more drastic cuts only a week ago, this seems achievable without blunting the effectiveness of American foreign policy. No one who has worked there could honestly pretend that there was no fat and redundancy in the department after many years of expansion.

In announcing the changes, the state department said further decisions about foreign embassies and coverage abroad were yet to come. We will no doubt read breathless accounts of promised horrors to come, but after this damp squib, we should take them with a pinch of salt.

Simon Hankinson is a senior research fellow in The Heritage Foundations border security and immigration centre
West End star Marisha Wallace has said the King told her he was proud of her for applying for British citizenship, which she received in a ceremony on Thursday.

The 39-year-old said she met Charles after singing God Save The King at last years Royal Variety Awards, and told the PA news agency she felt the encounter might have sped up her application.

US-born Wallace, who is starring as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, told PA: I feel like Ive been adopted, because as soon as I got here eight years ago, I was just embraced.

This kind of felt like the final adoption papers, so I felt like I got my parents, Im really proud to be British now, I feel Ive already felt British.

I sang the British national anthem at the Royal Variety (last) year, and got to meet the King, and he was like, I hear youre getting a British citizenship, Im so proud of you.

So it was amazing to finally do the whole thing, and getting his seal of approval was pretty amazing, I think thats why it went through so fast.

The actress and singer, who has also appeared in West End shows such as Robin Hood as the Sheriff Of Nottingham, Something Rotten! as Bea, and Hairspray as Motormouth Maybelle, said the UK had allowed her to achieve her dreams.

Marisha Wallace praised the UK for helping to make her acting dreams come true (Ian West/PA)

Wallace added: I felt like I was seen (in the UK), I always wanted to be a leading lady, and I didnt get that opportunity in America.

I was in the ensembles of shows, which is great, but I always wanted to lead shows, and here it was just never even in doubt, it was never even a question.

It was just kind of like, we love your talent, come on, and Ive never had to second guess it, and I got to play some iconic roles, Miss Adelaide (in Guys And Dolls), Sally Bowles, roles that I dont think I would have been able to play on Broadway.

But the UK was open to change, and theyve been open to taking the risk, and the risks have paid off, and Ive been really successful.

Marisha Wallace with her partner Mike Whittaker (Ian West/PA)

I got two Olivier nominations for best actress, so its just been all my dreams come true here, and I didnt even know that this was the place I was supposed to be, but sometimes you dont know thats where youre supposed to be until you land, and then you make it your home.

The star received her citizenship in a ceremony at Bromley Civic Centre in south-east London, attended by Cabaret co-star Billy Porter, former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips and TV presenter Zeze Millz.

Wallace said: I was crying at the ceremony, because I was just, like, wow.

It felt like everything that Ive been through brought me to that moment.
The fact that Starbucks charges like $6 for coffee, where most of that has been harvested by forced labourers, is really beyond a criminal act, said IRAs Terrence Collingsworth. Photograph: Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images

John was just days from turning 16 when he was allegedly recruited to work on a Brazilian coffee farm that supplies the global coffeehouse chain Starbucks.

Soon after his birthday, he embarked on a 16-hour bus journey to the farm in the state of Minas Gerais  only to discover that none of what he had been promised would be fulfilled.

Unpaid and without protective equipment such as boots and gloves, he worked under a scorching sun from 5.30am to 6pm with only a 20-minute lunch break, until he was rescued in a raid by Brazilian authorities in June 2024.

The official report from that operation concluded that John had been subjected to child labour in hazardous conditions, and that he and other workers had been trafficked and subjected to slavery-like conditions.

This week, John and seven other Brazilian workers  all identified simply as John Doe 1-8 for fear of retaliation  filed a civil lawsuit in the US against Starbucks, with the support of International Rights Advocates (IRA), seeking financial compensation for the harm they allege to have suffered.

On Thursday, the NGO Coffee Watch also filed a complaint with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seeking to exclude coffee and coffee products produced wholly or in part with forced labour in Brazil from being imported by Starbucks and other major companies such as Nestle, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Dunkin, Illy and McDonalds.

The complaint cites examples of various operations by Brazilian authorities that rescued workers in recent years and states that the cases are only the tip of the iceberg  examples of widespread exploitative working conditions on coffee plantations in Brazil that are far too common.

If were able to convince CBP that our case is watertight  that would be a gamechanger because thousands of people have been found in those conditions by Brazilian authorities, and clearly what has been done till now is not solving the problem, said Etelle Higonnet, founder and director of Coffee Watch.

In Brazil, coffee farming is the economic sector with the highest number of workers rescued from conditions analogous to slavery  a legal category that includes a combination of factors such as debt bondage, excessively long working hours, degrading accommodation and food, and lack of payment.

The country has been the worlds leading coffee producer since the 19th century, when production surged due to the forced labour of hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans and Afro-Brazilians.

Today, Afro-Brazilians make up the majority (66%) of workers rescued from slave-like conditions.

The logic behind coffee production here is one of precarious labour that has always been imposed on Black people throughout our history, said Jorge Ferreira dos Santos Filho, coordinator of Adere, a workers organisation that assists authorities in identifying victims in such conditions.

In rural areas especially, we as Black people end up falling into these situations because we have no other choice and need to put food on the table, said Santos Filho, who is Black and says he was subjected to forced labour on at least four occasions.

All eight workers who filed the lawsuit against Starbucks live in quilombos  a Bantu-origin word that referred to settlements founded by escaped enslaved people and is now also used for Black communities in both rural and urban Brazil.

Approximately 1.3 million people live in 8,400 quilombos across Brazil, in conditions worse than the national average in key areas such as sanitation and illiteracy.

The fact that Starbucks charges like $6 for a cup of coffee, where most of that has been harvested by forced labourers and child labourers, is really beyond a criminal act. Its morally repugnant, said IRAs executive director, Terrence Collingsworth.

Related: Hed only calm down if he killed one of us: victims of slavery on farms in Brazil

Both the lawsuit and the complaint allege that, despite rescue operations, after which farm owners are fined and may be added to a government-maintained dirty list of employers linked to forced labour, Starbucks and other companies continue to import coffee from these farms.

A Starbucks spokesperson said: The cornerstone of our approach to buying coffee is Coffee and Farmer Equity (Cafe) Practices, one of the coffee industrys first set of ethical sourcing standards when it launched in 2004 and is continuously improved.

Developed in collaboration with Conservation International, Cafe Practices is a verification program that measures farms against economic, social, and environmental criteria, all designed to promote transparent, profitable, and sustainable coffee growing practices while also protecting the well-being of coffee farmers and workers, their families, and their communities.

In Brazil, subjecting workers to forced labour is a crime punishable by up to eight years in prison, but farm owners are rarely jailed.

To put an end to this, we need consumers to be aware that every cup of coffee they drink, without questioning its true origin, is financing slave labour in coffee production, said Santos Filho. Its no use feeling sympathy for the workers or claiming zero tolerance for such practices if you continue drinking coffee without questioning its source.
Thousands more people are expected to flock to pay their respects to Pope Francis as the viewing hours at St Peters Basilica were extended overnight to allow mourners to see his remains.

Huge crowds thronged St Peters Square in Vatican City, queuing for hours to see the late pontiff in his open coffin ahead of his funeral this weekend.

Waves of mourners stood patiently in line after Franciss remains were transferred to St Peters Basilica on Wednesday, with the queue snaking its way through the square to the Holy Door of the building.

People stood in the sun for hours to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Some 19,430 people had been to the basilica to pay homage to Pope Francis, a Vatican spokesman said on Wednesday evening, less than 12 hours after his coffin was transferred there, and where it will stay until Friday.

While it had been expected the basilica would close at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, it remained open throughout the night to allow more people to pay their respects.

Among those filing past the coffin, some blessing themselves with the sign of the cross or pausing briefly in prayer, were a mother and daughter who described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Marguerite OLeary and her daughter Ellen queued for five hours (Aine Fox/PA)

Primary school teacher Marguerite OLeary and her teenage daughter Ellen, from County Clare in Ireland, stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiffs remains inside St Peters Basilica in the Vatican.

Mrs OLeary said she felt it was their duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here in the days following the Popes death aged 88 on Easter Monday, while her 14-year-old daughter described it as amazing to be in there and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Meanwhile, Patrick Gavigan, based in Kildare, said it was momentous to be inside the basilica to witness the Popes remains close up after queuing with his wife Alice for almost four hours.

The retired couple, who are in Rome celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary year, said they were so happy to have been able to experience what they said was a historic occasion.

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols in the area.

Police have been managing crowd control at various points on the approach to the square, with some checking bags, as mourners mingled with the usual tourist population.

Large crowds are expected for Saturdays funeral in St Peters Square, with the Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, confirmed to be attending on the Kings behalf.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also be there, alongside other global leaders and dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin and Irish President Michael D Higgins.

In accordance with the late popes wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peters Basilica.

Cardinals take part in the ceremony transferring Franciss body, which will lie in state at St Peters Basilica for three days, at the Vatican (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Asked about the route the popes remains will take from the square to his final resting place, the Vatican spokesman said he expects the Italian authorities will provide details in due course.

He added that it is likely St Mary Major will close for Saturday afternoon when the Popes remains arrive following the funeral, but reopen for people to take part in the rosary there on Saturday evening.
Xi Jinping is looking to convince the world that China can shield them from Trumps rampant unilateral bullying - AFP

Confronting President Donald Trumps repeated calls to make Canada the 51st American state, Canadians have become accustomed to fighting talk from politicians and diplomats recently. On Thursday, Mark Carney confirmed that the US president had even raised it in a one-to-one call with him. So, remarks from Ottawa this week were not out of the ordinary.

Faced with the USs unilateral bullying, Canada has not backed down, a suited official declared. Instead, Canada is standing on the right side of history, on the right side of international fairness and justice.

What was different was that the speaker was no Canadian politician, but instead Wang Di, Chinas ambassador to Ottawa. It is the nicest thing any Chinese official has said about Canada in years. It is also an abrupt volte-face that underscores Chinas determination to capitalise on the White Houses alienation of Americas traditional allies.

Canada is not alone. Britain is also being love-bombed by Beijing. This Wednesday, Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, telephoned David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to say they were willing to eliminate all distractions in its relationship with the UK so the two could stand up to Trumps rampant unilateral bullying.

The Foreign Office said Lammys call with Yi covered the war in Ukraine and Chinas denial of entry to Hong Kong for Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse - Grigory Sysosev/ AFP via Getty

The same day, Japans Kyodo news agency reported that Li Qiang, Chinas premier, had sent a letter to Shigeru Ishiba, Japans prime minister, calling for a coordinated response to American tariffs.

From Canada to Cambodia, Chinese officials have been on a charm offensive. Their message is a simple one: While Donald Trumps America tries to dismantle the global trade system, China can still be relied on to play by the rules. Join Xi Jinping in his mission to save globalisation, they suggest, and your country and China can prosper together  and be shielded from Trumps next bout of vindictiveness.

China doesnt have alliances in the way we think of them, said Charles Parton, a distinguished fellow at the think tank Council on Geostrategy who spent 22 years working on China as a British diplomat. But if you are talking about forming blocs, then yes, they are clearly trying to pose as the champion of the way international law should work.

Not that China is a paragon in this regard, says Parton, given accusations that it abuses World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, is flexing its muscles territorially in the South China Sea, and allegedly committing human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang province. It is quite rich, really, he notes.

(L-R) Trade ministers Yoji Muto (Japan), Ahn Duk-geun (South Korea) and Wang Wentao (China) met in Seoul earlier this March - AFP

Yet Beijings charm offensive has already created some previously unthinkable, headline-grabbing moments. On March 30, the trade ministers of China, South Korea and Japan met for the first time in five years. A picture of the trio holding hands in a collective gesture of defiance made the front pages across East Asia. The Telegraphs Ambrose Evans-Pritchard called it one of the most striking economic defeats suffered by America that he had ever witnessed.

Since then, Xi Jinping himself has led the charge in Southeast Asia. Earlier this month, he visited Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia, all tentative American allies who were hit hard by Trumps tariffs (before he announced a 90-day pause). It is an audacious gambit. And there are signs that China may be overreaching in its effort to lead a vanguard of free-traders against Donald Trumps protectionist America. After the trade ministers meeting in Seoul, for example, Chinese state media said the three had jointly agreed to respond to US tariffs. South Korea called that an exaggeration. Japan said there had been no such discussion.

In a similar vein, the Foreign Office said Lammys call with Yi covered the war in Ukraine and Chinas denial of entry to Hong Kong for Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse, but would not confirm whether Trump or tariffs were mentioned. We will continue to take a calm and steady approach on international trade, to protect the UKs interests, a Foreign Office spokesperson said.

Still, Chinas overtures towards Canada are astonishingly bold. After all, relations between Ottawa and Beijing have been in the deep freeze since 2018, when Canadian police (acting on a US warrant) arrested Meng Wanzhou, a senior Huawei executive. That same year, China arrested two Canadian citizens, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, in what Canada called a blatant act of hostage diplomacy (the two were released in 2021).

Canadian police arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in 2018 on fraud charges - AFP

Since then, the two countries have been locked in a death spiral of diplomatic expulsions, retaliatory tariffs, and allegations of meddling in one anothers affairs. The most recent clash came just last month, when it emerged China had executed four Canadian-Chinese dual citizens on drug charges. Quarrels like that do not usually go away overnight.

There are three big obstacles to Xi Jinping capitalising on Donald Trumps alienation of his trade allies, said one Taiwanese China watcher: it has a large surplus of goods that could overwhelm other countries markets; a poor record of abiding by the spirit of free trade rules; and, at least so far, has little to put on the table to convince other countries to side with it over America.

The UK, Brazil, India  all of these countries are already not very happy about Chinas trade practices. Even Japan and South Korea have serious complaints, said Parton.

In the short term, the Americans are taking a bashing. But it would be pretty premature to say China is the more reliable partner.

Consequently, Chinas message to some potential partners has been less carrot and more stick. In Vietnam and Cambodia, for example, Xi Jinping issued a warning not to put Chinese interests on the table as chips with the United States after both countries said they would crack down on Chinese companies using them as re-export routes.

I also know that theres some discussion in Taiwan, maybe Japan as well, about building a trading bloc without the US. But the question is, how possible is it when the US is their biggest market? Would China be included, or actually is this a non-China, non-US trading bloc here we are seeing? said the Taiwanese source, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive trade talks.

But on the non-economic, geopolitical side, I think its a great opportunity for China to boost its influence. Even with the closest US allies and partners, relations are warming, the source added.

Japan and South Korea are showing a willingness to make gestures, if not to capitulate entirely to Chinese demands.

Xi Jinpings visit to Vietnam, a country that has increasingly aligned itself with the United States in order to balance the threat from Beijing, is particularly significant.

The news that EU leaders will visit Beijing in July for a summit with Xi Jinping is being taken as a sign of a warming of ties with Europe too.

Xi Jinping on his state visit to Cambodia in April, where he issued a warning not to use China interests as bargaining chips - AFP

Definitely there are openings, says Ben Bland, the director of the Asia Pacific programme at think tank Chatham House. Certain countries have reopened lines of dialogue. Because of the unpredictability of the Trump administration, they want their own lines to Beijing.

And China is more predictable. Whether people like what its doing is a different question. For Chinas neighbours, there is no future in Asia without a close relationship with China.

None of that makes trade tensions and territorial disputes vanish into thin air, however. So while Trump has created obvious opportunities for the Chinese Communist Party, it is hardly an open goal.

They are all hedging, said the source in Taipei. Biden spoke about American-led multilateralism. [Now] under America First, theres nothing multilateral: Its just America tells you what to do, and maybe thats not in your interest. So you have to align with your own interests to manage who else you can get along with to minimise the damage.
The route of the rally, which happened on Saturday afternoon, passed five synagogues where worshippers had been hoping to gather to celebrate Passover - Avpics/Alamy Live News

Ultra-Orthodox Jews have criticised alleged police failing over a pro-Palestinian protest that left them too frightened to attend an Essex synagogue on Passover.

A rabbi described how his wheelchair-bound daughter was left in tears as she and other Jewish women were verbally abused on their way to synagogue during the march by hundreds of protesters in Westcliff-on-Sea, near Southend.

Members of the Jewish community have submitted a formal complaint to Essex Police for allowing the march to take place and for the way in which it dealt with residents who were not protesting.

The route of the rally, which happened on Saturday afternoon, passed five synagogues where worshippers had been hoping to gather to celebrate Passover.

Such was the level of intimidation by those who ventured out that many worshippers decided to stay at home, despite it being one of the most important days in the Jewish calendar.

Those who did go outside said protesters yelled baby killers at them as they walked around the town. Some people said the police prevented them from moving freely around, telling them it was to protect them from intimidation.

Community members are demanding an investigation into the decision to allow the march to take place. They have asked the force to explain why no specific conditions were placed on it, and why there was a lack of protective measures for the Jewish community and synagogues.

Social media posts described the location of the protest as a very blue and white area - Avpics/Alamy Live News

Rabbi Akiva Padwa, of the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation, said: There was no justification for them to come to this town other than to intimidate the Jewish community. We appealed to the police to ask the organisers to consider moving the march a mile down the road, but this was not done.

Westcliff is a very peaceful seaside town. People have come here to live in a quiet residential area. I am part of the Hasidic community here, but despite us being outwardly different we get along very well with our non-Jewish neighbours, who were just as outraged as us that the police let this march take place.

On Saturday, my daughter, who is in a wheelchair, was with three other Jewish ladies and they were trying to cross over the road near the synagogue but were asked by the police: Where are you going?

They said they did not think it was a very good idea for them to go down that way. There were protesters shouting baby killers at them, which was very upsetting.

We do not represent Israel  we are Jewish, but we do not represent the Israeli state. Why are police giving preferential treatment to this march while members of the local community are being prevented from going about their lawful business?

It was very sad because it was Passover, but lots of congregants chose to leave Westcliff for the weekend and go to visit family in London. Some opted to stay at home rather than attend synagogue.

Deliberately causing harassment

Michael Ellis, a former attorney general, has accused the force of two-tier policing and called on Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, to demand answers from the chief constable.

He said: Essex Police failed to re-route the march or enforce legal notification requirements under the Public Order Act. This allowed anti-Jewish racists to march through a Jewish neighbourhood during Passover and the Sabbath, deliberately causing harassment, alarm, and distress.

The inaction emboldened extremists and severely undermined the communitys trust in the police. We are now calling for a full investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

An Essex Police spokesman said: Earlier this month, we were made aware of a planned event due to take place in Westcliff on Saturday 19 April. As a result, a proportionate, appropriate, and visible policing plan was put in place, which covered key areas of the event route.

Having engaged with local communities to ensure everyones safety and well-being, a condition was placed upon the event, moving its start time to 2.30pm. That event then took place.

Should any reports of incidents having taken place during the event come to our attention, we will of course investigate them as we would any other criminal allegations made to us. We always follow up with all communities affected after events such as this, and this will be no different. As we have consistently said, we police our county without fear or favour.

Among the numerous engagements carried out during the event, we escorted a group of people across the road while the event was going on. It would be inaccurate to suggest this was anything other than officers trying to help a group of people.

Very blue and white area

The rally was advertised under the slogan Essex March for Palestine, with one of the organisers suggesting on social media that the location had been chosen because it was a very blue and white area  thought to be a reference to the colours of the Israeli flag.

Most of those taking part are thought to have travelled from elsewhere, with the meeting point for activists being at the towns railway station.

At the weekend, the Southend branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign disowned the rally and said it had played no part in organising it.

Lord Austin, the Labour peer, condemned the march and said it should not have been permitted to take place, adding: What is the difference between this and the EDL or Britain First targeting mosques? Or Mosley marching into the Jewish East End? They can protest where they like. Why do they have to do it outside synagogues on Shabbat?
The moment a duo on a moped tried to snatch a phone from a womans hand - Met Police

Snatch thefts of mobile phones and bags rose by 70 per cent in a year to reach a 20-year high, official data has revealed.

The number of snatch thefts, where devices or personal items are grabbed from a person by a thief, rose from 58,000 in 2023 to 99,000 last year  the highest level since 2003, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales.

Thefts from people overall, including stealth snatches, where phones, bags or other personal items are stolen from under a table or locker  rose by 50 per cent to 483,000, the highest rate for a decade.

Police data also showed that the epidemic of theft extended to shoplifting, where the number of offences last year passed half a million for the first time.

A total of 516,971 shoplifting offences were logged by forces last year, up 20 per cent from 429,873 in 2023, and equivalent to more than two a minute based on average store opening hours of 10 a day.

Knife crime increased by two per cent to 54,587 offences, 600 short of the all-time high. Nine forces, including the Metropolitan Police, the biggest in England and Wales, reported record levels.

Chris Philp, shadow home secretary, said: These figures are spiralling out of control while Labour is inadequately funding police forces leading to likely reductions in police officer numbers this year. The Met alone are forecasting 1,700 job losses.

The police should relentlessly focus on stopping crime and catching criminals. We need a zero tolerance approach and the prolific offenders responsible for most of these crimes need to be sent to prison.

Diana Johnson, the policing minister, said: This Labour Government will not tolerate the criminality blighting our communities.

Thats why were putting almost 3,000 more bobbies on the beat in neighbourhood roles this year, and under our leadership these crimes will receive the attention they deserve. We are already starting to reverse the Tories decade of decline on charge rates.

Only 6.9 per cent of offences were solved and resulted in a charge  the highest level since March 2021, but down from 15.5 per cent a decade ago when the Home Office started recording the data.

The scale of personal and snatch thefts is revealed in the household survey that records peoples actual experience of crime rather than simply those offences reported to police.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is to give police new powers to search homes without a warrant for mobile phones or other items that have been electronically tracked, such as laptops or Bluetooth-tagged bikes.

The measure would mean that victims of mobile phone thefts who track their device while it is in the hands of a criminal could call on police to recover it quickly.

Ms Cooper said she understood the incredible frustration of phone theft victims who say I can track it, I can see where it is  its in this particular house, its in this particular location. And yet the police cant act fast enough to be able to track it down.

She has also backed police chiefs demands for phone companies have easy-to-use safety features such as kill switches that allow them to be disabled as soon as they are stolen.

Shoplifting is at its highest level since records began in March 2003, with retailers warning the crisis adds at least 6p to every store transaction. The British Retail Consortium calculates losses at 1.8 billion stolen each year, with a further 700 million spent on extra security.

The police-recorded figures are a fraction of the total amount stolen as most shops only report to police when they catch an offender in the act or have CCTV or other evidence.

Only one in six (17.7 per cent) of the thefts resulted in a shoplifter being caught and charged, up from the previous years 15.5 per cent but down on the 29.8 per cent in 2016 when the Home Office started publishing such data.

The Government has pledged to introduce laws to clamp down on shoplifting by requiring police to investigate even if the goods are worth under 200.

The Met recorded 16,789 knife crimes across London, up from 14,482  a 15 per cent increase and the largest rise in the country after the British Transport Police (BTP) and City of London constabulary.

Nine forces logged record highs for knife crime  Avon and Somerset, BTP, Cleveland, Devon and Cornwall, Gwent, Lancashire, the Met, Staffordshire and Surrey.
Water companies dumped a record amount of sewage into rivers and coastal waters last year. Photograph: Richard Saker/The Observer

Water company bosses have entirely escaped punishment for covering up illegal sewage spills, government figures show, as ministers prepare to bring in a new law threatening them with up to two years in prison for doing so.

Only three people have ever been prosecuted for obstructing the Environment Agency in its investigations into sewage spills, officials said, and none received even a fine.

Officials said the data shows why the water regulator has found it so difficult to stop illegal spills, which happen when companies dump raw sewage during dry weather. The Environment Agency, which investigates water companies in England, has identified hundreds of such cases since 2020.

Steve Reed, the environment secretary, said: Bosses must face consequences if they commit crimes  there must be accountability. From today, there will be no more hiding places.

Water companies must now focus on cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.

Water companies dumped a record amount of sewage into rivers and coastal waters last year, mostly because wet weather threatened to wash sewage back into peoples homes.

Data released last month by the Environment Agency revealed companies had discharged untreated effluent for nearly 4m hours during 2024, a slight increase on the previous year.

But companies have also illegally dumped sewage during dry weather. Data released to the Telegraph last year under freedom of information rules shows regulators had identified 465 illegal sewage spills since 2020, with a further 154 under investigation as potentially illegal spills.

Britains polluted waterways became a major issue at last years election, with Labour promising to end what it called the Tory sewage scandal.

Government sources say one reason illegal spills have been allowed to continue is that regulators have faced obstruction when investigating them.

In 2019, three employees at Southern Water were convicted of hampering the Environment Agency when it was trying to collect data as part of an investigation into raw sewage spilled into rivers and on beaches in south-east England.

The maximum punishment available in that case was a fine, but none of the individuals were fined. Several of the employees said at the time they were told by the company solicitor not to give data to the regulator.

Two years later, Southern was given a 90m fine after pleading guilty to thousands of illegal discharges of sewage over a five-year period.

New rules coming into force on Friday will give legal agencies the power to bring prosecutions in the crown court against employees for obstructing regulatory investigations, with a maximum sanction of imprisonment.

Directors and executives can be prosecuted if they have consented to or connived with that obstruction, or allowed it to happen through neglect.

The rules were included in the Water (Special Measures) Act, which came into law in February. The act also gives the regulator new powers to ban bonuses if environmental standards are not met and requires companies to install real-time monitors at every emergency sewage outlet.

Philip Duffy, the chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: The act was a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment.

The tougher powers we have gained through this legislation will allow us, as the regulator, to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.

Alongside this, were modernising and expanding our approach to water company inspections  and its working. More people, powers, better data and inspections are yielding vital evidence so that we can reduce sewage pollution, hold water companies to account and protect the environment.
Photographs from across the UK have captured the white vans in use

Royal Mail has started delivering post in vans that are white rather than its historic red colour.

The postal service revealed that it had bought 800 white vans before Christmas, but said red  which remains the colour of 40,000 of its vehicles  had not been permanently abandoned. The white vans would be gradually repainted, a spokesman said.

Photographs from across the UK have captured the white vans in use, but some customers said they were not impressed.

Simon Howell, 63, called on the King  whose cypher is emblazoned on all Royal Mail vans  to intervene to stop the use of white vans.

On Wednesday, Mr Howells local postman started using a white van on his rounds in Porlock, Somerset.

I stopped him in the street because I saw him get out of this brand new vehicle, the retired company director recalled. I said, my goodness me, what are you in? And he said, what do you think?

And I said, well, to be honest, Im not very impressed. I cannot believe that the Post Office would have chosen the white van look. Its not very distinguished.

He said, Im pleased you told me this, because frankly Im not very happy either.

Adding that he understood why they did it, Mr Howell said: White vehicles are the default one for manufacturing, so they just churn out large numbers of white ones.

Thats why white van man always chooses white, because its nearly always the cheapest option. But Im not impressed, and I have to say that I didnt think that the CR  Charles Rex  looked very good on the side.

Hence my view is Charles, our dear King, needs to do something about it.

Canon Dr Francis Young, a historian, said he had seen a white Royal Mail van doing the rounds in Yaxley, Cambridgeshire, since October.

He said the van was monogrammed with the Kings cypher and the Tudor crown, showing that it had been decorated since the Coronation in May 2023.

Given the regularity with which I see it, I suspect it is a normal post van rather than one thats used for maintenance  and there isnt a depot especially nearby, said Dr Young.

He said it was odd that the vans were emblazoned by the Kings crest while not making sure the van itself is the right colour.

The vans look just like Royal Mail vans that someone forgot to paint, he added. A Royal Mail van that is any colour other than red seems like a bizarre choice. [It is] one of the most recognised brands in the world.

After all, there is a historical reason why the colour red was chosen for postboxes in the 19th century, as the colour of royal livery.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: Our red vans are iconic and a key part of our brand. Nearly all of our 40,000 delivery vehicles are red, and that is not changing.

Before the busy Christmas period, a number of vans, which were white, became available to purchase. These were additions, not replacements, and make up just over two per cent of our existing fleet. We have started to repaint them red.
Cardinals attend a mass at the St Peters Basilica before the start of the conclave in March 2013 - GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP

Pope Franciss successor will be decided by the College of Cardinals, who will meet within 15 to 20 days in the Sistine Chapel to choose the next Pope by secret ballot.

The arcane and secretive process is known as a conclave and involves cardinals from around the world gathering beneath the frescoed ceilings of the Sistine Chapel in the heart of the Vatican.

The Vatican announced in a video message that the Pope died at 7.35am on Easter Monday.

The funeral of Pope Francis will take place at 10am local time on Saturday in the square in front of St Peters Basilica. There is an official nine-day period of mourning from the day of his death.

When is the conclave?

The conclave must be held between 15 and 20 days after the Popes death. It is a centuries-old tradition that mixes theatre, theology and the utmost secrecy.

For a few days it will restore Romes ancient title  caput mundi or capital of the world  as 1.2 billion Catholics await the result of the election.

All cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave, a word that derives from the Latin cum clave (with a key), because cardinals used to be shut behind locked doors until they came to a decision.

Once the cardinals arrive in Rome from around the world, they hold a special mass in St Peters Basilica called Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff).

Dressed in red robes over white lace tunics, they walk  or in the case of the more elderly and infirm, take a mini-bus  to the Apostolic Palace.

From there, they will process to the Sistine Chapel, led by a choir singing the Litany of Saints, a Gregorian chant imploring the intercession of the Holy Spirit to help guide voting.

The chapel, which is decorated with frescoes by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists, takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who had it built between 1477 and 1480.

One by one, they will approach the altar beneath Michelangelos The Last Judgment, place their hands on a Bible and take an oath of secrecy in Latin by which they promise and swear to observe with the greatest fidelity and with all persons, secrecy regarding everything that in any way relates to the election of the Roman Pontiff.

The Last Judgment portrays tortured souls being consigned to eternal damnation by wild-eyed demons.

Oath of secrecy

The chapel will have been swept for bugs and other recording devices and cardinals will be banned from using laptops or mobile phones.

For the last conclave in 2013, which followed the historic resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, an oath of secrecy was taken by members of the Swiss Guard and Vatican gendarmerie, the city states police force, as well as the doctors and nurses who assisted elderly or infirm cardinals.

A Vatican master of ceremonies will pronounce the words Extra omnes (Everyone out), ordering staff and aides to leave the chapel so that only the cardinal electors remain.

The late Cormac Murphy-OConnor, a British cardinal and the then archbishop emeritus of Westminster, gave an insight into what it was like to take part in a conclave.

Its an extraordinary moment. You all process in. Then one of the cardinals says omnes extra, he told the BBC.

The preacher and others all went out and I heard the thud of the door of the Sistine Chapel. I remember looking around at all of the other 114 cardinals and thinking: One of us will be going out with a white cassock on.

The cardinals, known as princes of the Church, will be seated on chairs made of cherry wood behind 12 wooden tables covered in satin and cloth.

There will be a 13th table positioned in front of the altar, on which will be placed a silver urn into which the cardinals will cast their secret ballot papers.

How will the Pope be chosen?

Each cardinal writes his choice on a ballot paper inscribed with the words Eligo in summum pontificem  I elect as Supreme Pontiff.

One ballot is held on the first day of the papal conclave.

For the rest of the conclave they will vote four times a day  twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon  burning their ballot papers after every second vote, until they reach a two-thirds majority.

Two metal stoves are installed inside the 15th-century chapel, connected by a long metal pipe to the chimney on the roof.

One stove will be used for the burning of ballot papers after cardinals cast their votes, while the other will be used to emit coloured smoke  black to signify that the cardinals have yet to reach agreement, white to announce habemus papam  we have a Pope.

Chemicals are used to create the different coloured smoke, although to avoid ambiguity, the white smoke that signifies a Pope has been elected will be accompanied by the ringing of St Peters bells.

Once the two-thirds majority has been achieved, the most senior cardinal will ask the chosen cardinal if he is prepared to become Pope.

White smoke coming from the chimney on the roof of the Vaticans Sistine Chapel signifies that a new Pope has been elected - Gregorio Borgia/AP

Deciding the name

If the answer in Latin is Accepto (I Accept), he is taken into a side room known as the Stanza delle Lacrime, or Room of Tears, so named because many have wept at the enormity of the task they face.

There, he is given help to take off his scarlet cassock and change into the white vestments of the papacy.

He also has to decide by what name he wishes to be called  the name-changing tradition dates back to the sixth century when a priest named Mercury who was elected Pope felt his name was too pagan and changed it to John II.

The senior cardinal will then step out onto the balcony of St Peters Basilica and declare in Latin: Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum. Habemus papam! (I announce to you a great joy. We have a Pope!).

He will announce the name of the elected cardinal and the papal title he has chosen.

The new Pope then gives his first blessing, watched by huge crowds in St Peters Square and on television by millions around the world.

The ceremony to install the Pope takes place a few days later.
Pakistan Markazi Muslim League members march against India in Peshawar on Thursday - Arshad Arbab/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Pakistan has threatened war after being blamed by India for a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir.

On Tuesday, 26 people were killed in a gun attack at a tourist spot in the Indian part of Kashmir, the disputed region that borders Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and China.

The attack, for which no group has credibly claimed responsibility, was the worst on civilians in the country for nearly two decades. All bar one of the victims were Indian.

India has blamed Pakistan, accusing it of backing cross-border terrorism and threatening to cut off its water supply in response.

Indian police said the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group was responsible for the attack and offered a 2,000,000 rupee (17,600) bounty for information leading to arrests.

On Wednesday, New Delhi said India would immediately suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

The treaty, mediated by the World Bank, divides the Indus River and its tributaries between the neighbouring states and regulates the sharing of water. Both countries rely on the rivers flowing from the Himalayas for irrigation. It has so far withstood even wars between the neighbouring states.

On Thursday, Islamabad reacted to the suspension of the treaty with alarm.

Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power, Pakistans government said after a meeting of its national security committee, headed by Shahbaz Sharif, the prime minister.

Pakistan also said it would reconsider all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement, which governs diplomatic and military protocols between the two countries.

Relatives of Indian tourists killed in the terrorist attack grieve in Kolkata - Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP via Getty

India has ordered the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, shut a key border crossing, and asked Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.

Diplomatic ties between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours were weak even before the latest measures were announced. But since the Kashmir attack, they have worsened drastically, with ominous provocations from both sides.

Rajnath Singh, Indias defence minister, said on Thursday: The perpetrators of such acts will receive a fitting response, and that response will be clearly seen in the near future.

Khawaja Asif, Mr Singhs Pakistani counterpart, accused India of plotting terror attacks in his country, saying: India is planning more terrorist attacks in Pakistan cities. We warn them, if our citizens are not safe, then yours wont be either.

On Thursday morning, an Indian soldier was killed when fighting broke out between security forces and a group of militants near Basantgarh in Kashmirs Udhampur district.

Pakistani nationals have begun leaving India, heeding New Delhis 48-hour expulsion order. Many, cutting short family visits, condemned the attack on Indian civilians as they departed through the now-shuttered Attari-Wagah border crossing in Punjab.

Protesters in Jammu, in Indian-administered Kashmir, burnt car tyres in a demonstration on Wednesday - Rakesh Bakshi/AFP via Getty Images

The escalation has revived memories of the 2019 Balakot crisis, when a suicide bombing in Pulwama, Kashmir, killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.

India responded then with air strikes on Balakot, deep inside Pakistan, claiming to have killed hundreds of militants, a claim never independently verified. Pakistan retaliated the next day, dropping bombs near Indian military sites, bringing down an Indian fighter jet and capturing its pilot, who was later released.

India has since boosted its military, acquiring French Rafale jets and Russias S-40 air defence systems.

Experts have warned that a similar crisis now risks spiralling further out of control. This government thrives on polarisation, said Parveen Donthi, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group.

Theres immense pressure on Modi to respond  not just to punish Pakistan, but to meet domestic expectations. A symbolic strike wont be enough. Theres an appetite to outdo Balakot.
The 16th-century St Peters Basilica, where Franciss simple wooden coffin is placed on the main altar, was scheduled to close at midnight but remained open until 5.30am. Photograph: Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Thousands of mourners lined up for hours on a second day to catch a glimpse of Pope Franciss body, after St Peters Basilica stayed open all night to cope with the huge crowds who had come to pay their final respects.

The 16th-century basilica, where Franciss simple wooden coffin is placed on the main altar, was scheduled to close at midnight on Wednesday but remained open until 5.30am to allow in those who still wished to enter. After just 90 minutes of cleaning, it was reopened at 7am.

The Vatican said more than 90,000 people had viewed the late pontiffs body since the basilica opened to the faithful for a three-day period that ends on Friday.

The pope, the head of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics, died at his home in Casa Santa Marta on Monday, aged 88, after a stroke and subsequent heart failure.

In interviews with Italian media, the head of the pontiffs medical team said Francis had died quickly without suffering, and there was nothing doctors could have done to save his life.

Sergio Alfieri, a physician at Romes Gemelli hospital, said he received a phone call at about 5.30am on Monday to come quickly to the Vatican. I entered his rooms and he [Francis] had his eyes open, the doctor told Italys Corriere della Sera newspaper, adding: I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me ... He was in a coma.

Related: Who wept for these people? Franciss papacy was defined by compassion for refugees

In that moment, I knew there was nothing more to do. The pope had been recovering from double pneumonia, which had kept him in hospital for five weeks. However, his recovery appeared to be going well. The day before he died, the pontiff had appeared in St Peters Square in an open-air popemobile to greet cheering crowds on Easter Sunday.

Alfieri said he last saw Francis on Saturday afternoon, and the pope was very well.

In a separate interview with La Repubblica news outlet, Alfieri said Francis had shared one final regret with him  not being fit enough to perform a foot-washing ritual on the feet of prisoners last week. The pope used to conduct the symbolic act of service and humility to echo the story of Christs washing of his disciples feet.

He regretted he could not wash the feet of the prisoners, said the doctor. This time I couldnt do it was the last thing he said to me.

His body was moved to the basilica on Wednesday, when thousands of people started queueing for hours under the hot spring sun in St Peters Square to see Francis, who will lie in state until Friday evening.

In keeping with his requests for simple funeral rites, Francis was dressed in his vestments, holding a rosary, with his open casket lined with red cloth.

Unlike those of most of his predecessors, his coffin, which is being watched over by two Swiss Guards, has not been raised on a platform. That was one of the rituals Francis shunned when he simplified rules for papal funerals last year.

His funeral mass will take place at St Peters Square on Saturday morning. The Vatican has said 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs will attend.

Francis will then be buried at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Romes Esquilino neighbourhood, breaking with longstanding tradition. On Thursday the Vatican released a photo of the alcove in the church where he will be laid to rest, with only a simple inscription: Franciscus.. The small niche, until the pope chose it for his burial spot, was used to store candlestick holders.

The heart of Rome is expected to be closed to traffic on Saturday to allow the funeral motorcade to make its way slowly from St Peters Square to Santa Maria Maggiore, giving Romans a chance to say a final farewell.

The Vatican said on Thursday a group of poor and needy had been invited to welcome the popes casket to the basilica. The poor have a privileged place in the heart of God, the Vatican said.

As the funeral rituals continue, speculation is rife about who will succeed Francis. On Wednesday evening, 103 cardinals met and approved nine days of mourning from the date of the funeral, with a conclave  the secret election process to choose a new pope  therefore not expected to begin before 5 May.

There is no clear frontrunner, although Luis Antonio Tagle, a reformer from the Philippines, and Pietro Parolin, from Italy, who were among the procession, are early favourites.

Reuters contributed to this report
The Princess Royal is set to remember the fallen from the UK and Ireland as well as Australia, New Zealand, France and Turkey during a visit to Gallipoli.

More than 100,000 troops died in an ill-fated campaign during the First World War by the UK and allies to capture the Dardanelles Strait in what is now north-west Turkey.

The assault in 1915 was intended to wound the then Ottoman Empire and cut off a key connecting water route between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea, a move which would have also aided Russia.

The Princess Royal (Peter Byrne/PA)

Anne is set to deliver a message from the King who attended Gallipoli services for the 90th and 100th anniversaries.

She will attend memorial services on Thursday and also visit the grave of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Doughty-Wylie, who was decorated with a Victoria Cross for his service during the Gallipoli campaign.

She is expected to pay tribute to the fallen of all nationalities, as well as the wounded, and their families, some of whom are to attend the services.

Charles and Harry were given a tour of war graves 10 years ago (Niall Carson/PA)

She is also expected to emphasise the importance of preserving their memories and handing the torch of remembrance to the next generations.

On Friday, Anne is expected to attend a dawn service to mark the 110th anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on the beaches of Gallipoli.

March 25 is known as Anzac Day and is marked across the two southern hemisphere countries. Many from Australia and New Zealand have also travelled to Turkey for the anniversary.
Rachel Reeves will tell foreign finance ministers that global trade should provide security for working people as she prepares for talks with her US counterpart.

The Chancellor is in Washington for the International Monetary Funds spring meeting of finance ministers from the G7 and G20, and is due to sit down with US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent on Friday.

She will tell attendees that they should reduce barriers to trade when she speaks at a debate on the future of the global economy on Thursday.

UK officials are trying to negotiate a deal with the Americans, in the hope that it could exempt Britain from some of Donald Trumps trade tariffs.

The US president imposed a 10% import levy on goods earlier this month, as well as a 25% charge on steel, aluminium and cars.

Ms Reeves is expected to say on Thursday: The world has changed and so must we.

We are in a new era of global trade, and in that new era we need a system that provides security for working people, stability for businesses, and prosperity for national economies.

She will add: To deliver this, we need to do three things: tackle excessive global trade imbalances, reduce barriers to trade, and promote strong multilateral institutions.

Earlier in her trip, the Chancellor insisted that there was a deal to be done between London and Washington, but also appeared to rule out at least some changes the US is thought to be seeking.

Ms Reeves insisted that the Government would not dilute British standards as part of a trade deal, telling BBC News the US administration respect and understand that.

Agricultural imports are thought to be a potential sticking point, with some US exports not meeting UK food standards.

The Chancellor also appeared to rule out changes to the Online Safety Act, which some US politicians regard as restricting free speech, telling Sky News: Weve just passed the Online Safety Act and the safety, particularly of our children, is non-negotiable for the British Government.
Far from home ... US and British warships on forward deployment. Would it make more sense to base them at home ports and respond as incidents developed? - Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Pearson/US Navy

It didnt take Donald Trump and his cronies, including unelected billionaire Elon Musk, very long to begin dismantling US strategy and foreign policy that had endured for decades.

Within weeks of taking the oath of office, Trump ended lifesaving food and medical assistance in poor countries, cancelled asylum for Afghans whod assisted US forces and proposed a peace plan for Ukraine that amounts to unilateral surrender to Russian demands.

Equally absurdly, he threatened to invade and annex Canada and Panama.

In that chaotic, increasingly despotic context, its tempting to read any proposal for US withdrawal from longstanding security arrangements as part of Trumps institutional destruction.

But one controversial take from Jonathan Panter, a Stanton nuclear security fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City and a conservatism and governing fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, actually makes cold hard sense. In an essay for War on the Rocks, Panter has forcefully argued for the US Navy to pull back from the western Pacific and reposition warships  currently forward-deployed to Japan and other friendly countries  closer to American shores.

Naval forward presence  the practice of maintaining combat-credible naval forces worldwide to deter adversaries, reassure allies, respond to crises and perform constabulary functions for the global commons  has dominated US foreign policy since the 1990s, Panter wrote.

But the decades of forward presence has taken a toll on the cash-strapped US fleet as fewer and fewer warships and their crews work harder and harder in more distant locales. If the United States wishes to deter China, Beijing must believe Washington can fight a sustained, brutal war  one in which the US Navy can take major losses and still fight on, Panter wrote. Today, that is not the case, and the concept of naval forward presence bears much of the blame.

There are two basic approaches to naval deterrence. One: to keep ships on patrol in the likeliest conflict zones as a constant show of force. Two: to keep the same ships at home  and surge them into action only when its time to fight.

For decades, it was the consensus in US navalist circles that forward patrols were more effective as deterrence. The sight of an American warship, looming on the horizon, would surely make some aggressor think twice before doing something rash, right?

Maybe, but forward presence comes at a cost. And while Panters argument hinges on the material cost  the strain on hardworking ships and their crews at a time when the US Navy is struggling to grow its fleet  theres an equally compelling corollary. In short, forward-deployed ships are vulnerable to sneak attacks by Chinas growing missile arsenal and fast-improving submarine fleet.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC proved this vulnerability in its seminal 2023 war game simulating a Chinese invasion of Taiwan  and a US and allied intervention on Taiwans behalf.

Military doctrine calls for forward deployments to enhance deterrence during a crisis, but these forces make tempting targets, CSIS warned. In most iterations of the war game, even the ones in which the Chinese invasion failed and Taiwan remained free, Chinese missiles  streaking down without warning in the first hours of the war  ultimately sank all of the roughly 50 major warships the US Navy sails from Japan.

It would be safer for the Americans Japan-based aircraft carrier and amphibious ships and their cruiser and destroyer escorts to return home to the US West Coast, wait out in the initial waves of Chinese attacks and then steam toward Taiwan to relieve the island nations beleaguered defenders, CSIS concluded. American losses in ships and sailors were lightest when the US Navy did not push its fleet forward as a deterrent signal prior to the start of conflict.

The calculus favouring a US-based fleet that responds to crises over a forward fleet that attempts to deter them assumes the United States is actually interested in fighting for its allies. Theres a dark third alternative: a withdrawn US fleet that escapes the attention of Chinese missiles during the opening barrages of an attack on Taiwan and then does  nothing.

Last year, Trump famously threatened to let Russians do whatever the Hell they want in Europe. And with his current push to end the Russia-Ukraine war on Russias terms, hes actually making good on that threat.

Given what we now know, do we believe Trump would mobilise the US military to fight for Taiwan? If not, the end of forward presence wouldnt represent some smart strategy for winning a war in the western Pacific. It would represent surrender in advance to whatever China aims to do in the region.
Sir Keir Starmer spoke to The Telegraph aboard HMS Prince of Wales - Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street

Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that Ukraine must be allowed to decide the terms of any peace deal with Russia in a challenge to proposals by Donald Trump.

The Prime Minister contradicted Mr Trump by saying that the courageous Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, was not to blame for the failure to strike an agreement ending the war.

Sir Keir also refused to back US plans to formally recognise Crimea as Russian in any negotiated settlement with Vladimir Putin, and demanded that Moscow agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

In an interview with The Telegraph aboard the Royal Navys flagship aircraft carrier, he said: We are at an intense stage in the negotiations.

In the end, Im always mindful of the fact that it is Ukraine that must decide on those issues  its not for other people to decide on behalf of Ukraine. It is for Ukraine to decide. And Russia must come to the table for that unconditional ceasefire.

The Prime Minister prepares to fly to join the aircraft carrier - Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street

Sir Keir is continuing to push for US security guarantees for his coalition of the willing, under which Western troops would be based in Ukraine.

It was reported on Thursday that Britain had softened these plans and intended to send military trainers instead of a thousands-strong fighting force.

Asked if the Government was still committed to sending British troops on Friday morning, Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, told Sky News: Those negotiations are still underway. There havent been any decisions taken yet but all options remain on the table whether that is land, air or sea.

Intensive talks on the wording of a potential deal are continuing after a summit in London this week, with the US holding the pen on the text and Western allies lobbying for changes.

Details of a five-point set of demands from Kyiv have been shared with The Telegraph, revealing major differences still remain with Americas seven-point plan, which emerged this week.

At the centre of the demands is an insistence that Crimea  Ukrainian land annexed by Putins forces in 2014  is not formally recognised as Russian.

Mr Trump, under pressure to live up to campaign promises to bring the conflict to a speedy end, on Thursday excoriated the Kremlin for a bombing attack that killed 12 people.

On his Truth Social social media platform, Mr Trump wrote: I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

Credit: Reuters

In a White House press conference later on Thursday, the US president said he believed both sides wanted peace, adding: I have my own deadline, and we want it to be fast.

Mr Trump reiterated his criticism of the raid on Kyiv but said it would be very difficult for Ukraine to retake Crimea. Asked what concessions he had demanded from Russia, the president said: Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country. Pretty big concession.

The Kremlins top diplomat said on Thursday night that the deal is moving in the right direction.

Sergey Lavrov told CBS News: The statement by the president mentions a deal, and we are ready to reach a deal, but there are still some specific points  elements of this deal which need to be fine-tuned.

Sir Keir pushed back on White House rhetoric on several fronts when speaking to The Telegraph aboard HMS Prince of Wales, the aircraft carrier that starts a voyage to the Indo-Pacific this week.

Asked whether Mr Zelensky was to blame for the lack of a peace deal, Sir Keir said: No. Russia is the aggressor. Never forget that Zelensky was offered safe passage out of his country in the first week of the conflict.

At that point, everybody thought that Russia would succeed very quickly in its intent of taking over Ukraine. And he stayed to fight and to lead his country, which hes done with huge courage and resilience for over three years, as has his whole country. Its Russia that needs to come to the table and agree to a ceasefire.

The support and praise for Mr Zelensky is in marked contrast to Mr Trump, who a day earlier had accused the Ukrainian leader of prolonging the killing.

Asked if he would accept a peace deal that defined Crimea as part of Russia  something the US is understood to have offered to do in talks  Sir Keir said: Thats not for me to say. That is part of the discussions.

The Prime Minister and John Healey, the Defence Secretary, on the bridge - Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street

He also said he hoped a ceasefire could be announced by the summer. He repeated his call for US security guarantees for British and other Western forces put into Ukraine to oversee any peace, something Mr Trump is yet to publicly promise.

The Prime Minister added: Its got to be a ceasefire that is on terms that all parties can accept, including Ukraine, and its got to be a lasting ceasefire.

What I dont want to see is a ceasefire that is temporary, because I am as convinced as I can be that that will simply leave Russia with the capability and wherewithal to come again at some future time. Theyve done it before, Ive no doubt that they will do it again.

Sir Keir shares breakfast with the crew in his branded naval fleece - REUTERS

The public points of difference are being matched in private, where UK officials are trying to secure pro-Ukraine changes to the draft agreement being overseen by the White House.

Crimea is a key sticking point. Recognising Russian control there would violate a central principle of international law  that no country can annex the territory of another  and violate the Ukrainian constitution, which says territory can only be relinquished via a referendum.

Details of the demands being pushed by Ukraine have been revealed via a five-point plan, which Mr Zelenksy claims is on Mr Trumps desk.

The Ukrainian president said at a news conference in South Africa: After the proposal from the United States, other papers appeared, and I believe that today, this format, this document, is on President Trumps desk. Anything that contradicts our values or our constitution cannot be part of any agreements.

Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at a press conference in South Africa, said Ukraines demands had been sent to the White House - Themba Hadebe/AP Photo

A dossier on the demands, seen by The Telegraph, makes it clear that Ukraine hopes to effectively strip out any formal international recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea or other occupied territories.

Points one and two focus on framing any peace deal as rooted in international law, not capitulation, with a specific warning over Chinas possible invasion of Taiwan.

They also stress the importance of clear security guarantees as the price for any prospective peace agreement that would see Ukraine cede territory to Russia, even on a temporary basis.

Point three is an attempt to wrestle back control of the negotiations from Mr Trump and put Ukraine back at the heart of the peace process. A fourth point serves as a warning to both the US and Nato that allowing Russias control over Crimea enables it to threaten not only attacks on Ukraine but also Black Sea allies Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria.

The fifth and final point makes it clear that Russia should not be allowed to use the deal to limit the size of Ukraines armed forces or defence industrial base.

Despite the differences with the US, Sir Keir also insisted that it would be impossible for Europe to abandon security ties with America.

He said: There are plenty of people urging that we should go in a Europe-only direction rather than a Europe and America together direction. I just think thats wrong in principle, on Ukraine and more generally. It is that ability to have a Nato-focused approach that has given us peace.

Now, our job is not to reflect on 80 years of the most successful alliance theres ever been. It is to ensure that as leaders now we ensure that that alliance holds into the decades to come.

Boris Johnson, the former prime minister who is a staunch public ally of Mr Trump, issued fierce criticism of the proposals pushed by the White House on Thursday.

Mr Johnson wrote on X: As for Ukraine  what do they get after three years of heroic resistance against a brutal and unprovoked invasion? What is their reward for the appalling sacrifices they have made  for the sake, as they have endlessly been told, of freedom and democracy around the world?

Apart from the right to share their natural resources with the United States, they get nothing. What is there in this deal that can realistically stop a third Russian invasion? Nothing.

On Thursday night, The Times reported that the coalition of the willing plans had been diluted, with the risk of sending thousands of troops to protect Ukraine deemed too high.

Instead, the focus would be on the reconstitution and rearmament of Kyivs army, with protection from the air and sea, it reported. British and French military trainers would be sent to western Ukraine.
Starmer: Kyiv attacks are sign that Russias Putin is aggressor in the war

The UK stepped up demands on Russias Vladimir Putin to agree to an immediate unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine after a brutal overnight strike on Kyiv.

Sir Keir Starmer said the attack demonstrated that Mr Putin was the aggressor here  comments which came after US President Donald Trump suggested Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky was the barrier to peace.

At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured after a Russian strike on the Ukrainian capital amid further difficulties in peace talks.

Mr Trump accused his Ukrainian counterpart Mr Zelensky of making it difficult to settle the war with Russia over his opposition to recognising Moscows annexation of Crimea.

But speaking on a visit to Bristol, Sir Keir said: I think its a real reminder that Russia is the aggressor here and that is being felt by the Ukrainians, as it has been felt for three long years now.

Thats why its important to get Russia to an unconditional ceasefire.

Obviously, we had talks in London this week, Paris last week. Were making progress towards the ceasefire. Its got to be a lasting ceasefire.

But these attacks  these awful attacks  are a real, human reminder of who is the aggressor here and the cost to the Ukrainian people.

A No 10 spokesman added: Vladimir Putin could end this war today by withdrawing his troops from Ukraine.

The attacks overnight and their brutality show exactly who the real obstacle to peace is in this matter.

Rescue workers clear the rubble of a house destroyed by a Russian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Kyiv on Thursday (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Mr Trump later condemned the attacks himself, describing them as very bad timing amid his attempts to broker a peace.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, the American president said: I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, Stop! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal Done!

The US administration is urging Kyiv to accept Russias continued control of occupied Ukrainian regions and Moscows ownership of the Crimean peninsula as part of a peace settlement.

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, responding to an urgent question, told the House of Commons: The UKs position regarding Ukrainian sovereignty is well known and our position has not changed, and we do not recognise Russian sovereignty over any territory illegally seized from Ukraine, including Crimea.

And when, how and what terms this war comes to an end can only be decided by negotiations, with Ukraine at the heart.

Mr Doughty earlier said the UK condemned Russias most brutal missile and drone attacks on civilians, including overnight, describing them as absolutely horrific scenes.

The minister said talks held in London between the UK, France, Germany, the US and Ukraine were productive and successful, adding: Significant progress was made in reaching a common position on next steps and all agreed to continue close co-ordination and look forward to further talks soon.

But the talks between the nations on Wednesday were downgraded to technical discussions after US secretary of state Marco Rubio decided not to attend.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: For all the talks that are taking place, it is concerning that a clear, unified front in support of Ukraine which secures a peace on their terms has yet to emerge.

Downing Street insisted it was not taking sides between Ukraine and the US in the talks.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: We share President Trumps desire to bring this barbaric war to an end and we are, as you saw in the talks yesterday in London, working closely with the US and other international partners to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, but we have been clear it remains the case that how and on what terms that war comes to end can only be decided by Ukraine.
In early April, the Philadelphia Zoo welcomed four baby tortoises to their family, the first to be born there in the Zoo's 150-year history. The proud first-time mom, aptly named Mommy, was 93 years old when her babies were born! Mommy has been at the zoo since 1932, and the dad, Abrazzo, has lived there since 2020.

April 23rd marked Mommy's 93rd year at Philly Zoo, and to honor her, the zoo scheduled her babies' first public debut on the same day. The baby tortoises were put into their new public enclosure, and they're all too cute! Watch on as they explore, eat, and nap...being in the spotlight takes a lot of energy!

I wish I lived closer to the Philly Zoo so I could visit these little ladies...they're adorable! Commenters also swooned over the cuteness and are excited to meet them. @_millenialpause shared a warm greeting, "Welcome babies!"

@Missa was excited as well, "Ill be meeting you soon, babies!!" as will @Laura, "Can't wait to come meet them!"

Related: Tiny Tortoise Eating Clover Is the Timeline Cleanse Everybody Needs

More About Galapagos Tortoies

Galapagos tortoises are an endangered species, so the girls' birth was big news in the animal community. CEO and president of the Philadelphia Zoo, Jo-Elle Mogerman, shared, This is a significant milestone in the history of the Philadelphia Zoo, and we couldnt be more excited to share this news with our city, region, and the world.

Galapagos tortoises are the largest tortoises in the world, and while the babies have a long way to go before they'll reach full maturity and quit growing, they'll eventually be big. Males can reach lengths of up to 6 feet from head to tail and weigh up to 880 pounds, while females are generally smaller. They still grow to the same length from head to tail, but only weigh around 250 pounds.

Tortoises have a normal life expectancy of around 100 years, but there are many that live much longer than a century. The San Diego Zoo has a tortoise who will be turning 141 later this year. There's also a tortoise named Jonathan that's around 193 years old; imagine living almost 200 years and holding the title as the oldest animal on the planet. He's the old man of the bunch!
Protests against the Supreme Court judgment took place in central London on Saturday - Guy Smallman/Getty

Trans people are seeking asylum abroad amid fears for their safety after last weeks Supreme Court judgment, a Labour peer has claimed.

Lord Cashman said friends were looking to leave Britain after the countrys highest court ruled that transgender women are not legally women.

It came as Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, suggested that he wished he had listened to womens concerns about the Governments stance on trans issues sooner.

Last week, judges insisted that the ruling, which determined that trans women were not the same as biological women under the equalities law, did not dilute protections for trans people against direct discrimination.

But speaking in a debate in the Lords on Thursday, Lord Cashman said: Currently, trans people in this country live in fear, they live in fear of their safety, their futures.

Indeed, some friends are now looking at seeking asylum in countries where they will fear not [for their] safety but where they will receive a welcome.

Lord Cashman did not provide any evidence to support his claim.

Baroness Smith of Malvern, the equalities minister, replied: I very much hope that trans people will still believe that this is a country where they are welcomed, where their rights and their dignity are upheld. That is certainly the position in law.

It is believed no one has ever previously fled Britain to claim asylum in another country.

Lord Cashman, an LGBT rights activist and former EastEnders actor, has been a Labour peer since 2014 and was an MEP for the previous 15 years.

He is among the founders of Stonewall, the LGBT charity, which has continued to insist that trans women are women.

In an interview in 2020, he claimed that there were similarities between the treatment of trans people in modern Britain and discrimination against lesbian and gay people decades earlier.

At the time, he said: If I dont stand up for the rights of others, how can my own rights ever be defended? The fact that lesbian and gay people are willing to sacrifice trans people  were rolling back the clock.

On Wednesday, Mr Streeting suggested trans people could be treated in private rooms in the NHS after the court ruling.

Asked by LBC whether trans people would be treated on male wards and use male changing rooms and toilets, Mr Streeting replied: No. What we want to do is make sure we have single-sex provision on wards in the NHS, and thats based on biology, and to make sure that trans people have access to safe and dignified and respectful care.

Asked which wards trans people would be treated on, he said: It will very much depend on particular settings. The NHS is updating its guidance, and what we would like to see is appropriate kinds of rooms and private spaces for trans people to be cared for in NHS hospitals.

Mr Streeting also suggested that he was wrong not to have listened to women concerned about trans people entering their spaces.

Asked about his previous comments that trans women are women... get over it, he said: Ive addressed this previously and I dont mind kind of saying, look, you know, I dont think that was the right thing to say.

And actually, I wish Id listened much earlier. I dont think we, to be honest, given some of the rough discourse weve had on these issues in recent years, I dont think we lose anything by having a bit of humility to say, actually, I wish wed listened.

Sir Keir Starmer accepted the ruling of the Supreme Court after years of shifting his position on the trans debate, but he has faced a backlash from Labour ministers and MPs. Leaked WhatsApp messages last week showed that frontbenchers railed against comments made by Baroness Falkner, the equality watchdog chief.

Downing Street refused to take any action against the two ministers, claiming that they were not trying to undermine the judgment of the court.

Meanwhile, Rosie Duffield, the former Labour MP who claims she was forced out of the party for her gender-critical views, branded Sir Keir weak for his changing views on trans rights.

The independent MP for Canterbury said she had still not received an apology for the way she was treated while sin Labour.

She told Times Radio: Hes a manager rather than a political leader and thats how most of the veteran backbenchers view him, she said. He sits on fences and reacts to things.

Hes in politics, hes not managing a bank, hes no longer a barrister or the director of public prosecutions. Hes managing a political party and the countrys politics as a whole.
Donald Trump has attacked Volodymyr Zelensky as efforts in London to broker peace were downgraded.

In the latest round of barbs between the two men, the US president accused his Ukrainian counterpart of making it difficult to settle the war with Russia over his opposition to recognising Moscows annexation of Crimea.

The US administration is urging Kyiv to accept Russias continued control of occupied Ukrainian regions and Moscows ownership of the Crimean peninsula as part of a peace settlement.

Russian President Vladimir Putins forces would also be required to withdraw from some territory, as would Ukraines military.

Emotions have run high today. But it is good that 5 countries met to bring peace closer. Ukraine, the USA, the UK, France and Germany. The sides expressed their views and respectfully received each others positions. Its important that each side was not just a participant but pic.twitter.com/lDFV5WK8tw  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 23, 2025

Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?

Its inflammatory statements like Zelenskys that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire  He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.

Later, Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he has a deal with Russia and has got to do a deal with Zelensky.

He added: I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky, so far its been harder.

Meanwhile, talks between the UK, France, Germany, the US and Ukraine on Wednesday were downgraded to technical discussions after US secretary of state Marco Rubio decided not to attend.

The European nations issued a joint statement following the meeting, saying participants had reiterated their strong support for President Trumps commitment to stopping the killing and describing the talks as productive and successful.

But the US did not sign up to the statement.

In a post on X, Mr Zelensky said emotions have run high today, but spoke positively of the meeting, saying each side had contributed meaningfully and respectfully received each others positions.

Including a screenshot of a condemnation of the occupation of Crimea made by the US during Mr Trumps first term in 2018, he added: We are grateful to our partners.

Ukraine will always act in accordance with its constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decisions.
Severe damage in Little Rock, Arkansas, on 2 April 2023. Photograph: Anadolu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Donald Trump has denied federal disaster relief funds to the people of Arkansas, which saw dozens of people die from a series of deadly tornadoes last month, as legislators plead for him to reconsider.

More than 40 people have been found dead after a series of tornadoes and severe storms hit Arkansas and neighboring states Mississippi and Missouri in March, according to CNN.

Given the scale of the disaster, the states Republican governor, Sarah Huckabee, requested federal disaster aid as a part of an emergency declaration. That request was later denied by the Trump administration.

Huckabee and other Arkansas lawmakers have since publicly asked Trump to reconsider his decision. Huckabee sent an appeal of the decision on 18 April.

Huckabee and the homeland security secretary, Kristin Noem, spoke on Wednesday about Huckabees appeal, the Arkansas governor confirmed in a Thursday interview with KFSM-TV, a local news affiliate.

We expect this to be processed quickly, and weve provided additional and extra information that bolsters the need, she said.

Huckabee added: At the end of the day though, Ive talked to [Trump], Ive talked to Secretary Noem. We want to make sure that people are taken care of, and were going to continue to work to ensure that happens.

The US senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman of Arkansas and the US representative Rick Crawford also followed up with a letter to Trump, asking him to reconsider the denial.

As Governor Sanders noted in her request, these storms caused catastrophic damage across the state, resulting in disastrous amounts of debris, widespread destruction to homes and businesses, the deaths of three Arkansans, and injuries to many more, the legislators wrote in a 21 April letter.

The letter continued: Given the cumulative impact and sheer magnitude of destruction from these severe weather events, federal assistance is vital to ensure that state and local communities have the capabilities needed to rebuild.

The latest denial of disaster funding comes as Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants to overhaul and eliminate Fema. In March, Trump signed an executive order for state and local governments to play a more active role in disaster relief.

Preparedness is most effectively owned and managed at the state, local, and even individual levels, supported by a competent, accessible, and efficient federal government, read the order.

When states are empowered to make smart infrastructure choices, taxpayers benefit.

Trump also ordered a review of Fema in January, later stating: I say you dont need Fema, you need a good state government, while visiting the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires. He added: Fema is a very expensive, in my opinion, mostly failed situation.

Critics of Trumps position have argued that he is weakening the USs disaster readiness, especially as the global climate emergency makes natural disasters more likely and more intense.

Disaster management is also already in the hands of state and local municipalities, critics have noted. Any additional elimination of Fema would mean slashing federal funding that states rely on after disasters.

The Guardian contacted Fema for further comment.
The US education secretary, Linda McMahon, with Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday. Photograph: Samuel Corum/EPA

Donald Trump signed executive orders on Wednesday targeting universities as his administration seeks to reshape higher-education institutions and continues to crack down on diversity and inclusion efforts.

The actions address foreign gifts to universities, directing the federal government to enforce laws on the books related to the disclosure of large donations, and college accreditation, which the president has referred to as his secret weapon to upend US universities. While reading the orders to Trump, the White House staff secretary Will Scharf said that the third-party groups that accredit universities have relied on woke ideology rather than merit.

Linda McMahon, the education secretary, added during the signing in the Oval Office: We should be looking at those who have real merit to get in, and we have to look harder at those universities that arent enforcing that.

Trumps administration has been engaged in an all-out attack on US universities since the president took office in January, seeking to dramatically alter institutions he has claimed have been taken over by Marxist maniacs and lunatics. The federal government has sought to cut billions in funding from universities unless they comply with administration demands; banned diversity initiatives; and detained international students in retaliation for their activism.

This week, more than 150 US university presidents signed a statement condemning the Trump administrations unprecedented government overreach and political interference in higher education. Meanwhile, Harvard University  which Scharf mentioned by name when introducing the order related to foreign gifts  has sued the government in response to the threatened funding cuts.

The president has referred to accreditation as a secret weapon in his fight against universities.

I will fire the radical-left accreditors that have allowed our colleges to become dominated by Marxist maniacs and lunatics, he said last summer. We will then accept applications for new accreditors who will impose real standards on colleges once again and once for all.

According to a statement from the White House, the order directs McMahon to hold accreditors accountable with denial, monitoring, suspension, or termination of accreditation recognition, for accreditors poor performance or violations of federal civil rights law. It also orders administration officials to investigate unlawful discrimination in higher education.

The White House alleges accreditors have imposed discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-based standards, which it describes as a violation of federal law and an abuse of their authority.

While signing orders on Wednesday that Scharf said would direct schools out of the whole sort of diversity, equity and inclusion cult, the president said that the US was getting out of that  after being in that jungle for a long time.

Despite his condemnation of diversity and inclusion efforts, Trump also signed an order establishing a White House initiative on historically black colleges and universities to promote excellence and innovation. The order facilitates the creation of a presidential advisory board on HBCUs and seeks to address funding barriers and increase affordability and retention rates.

The president also signed orders related to workforce development and artificial intelligence education to ensure the future workforce is adequately trained in AI tools, Scharf said.
One of the UKs highest-ranking Catholic leaders has described as deeply emotional the days since the death of Pope Francis, as he noted the weight now placed on himself and other cardinals in choosing a successor.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and leader of Catholics in England and Wales, reflected on paying his respects to the late pontiff and how moving it had been to watch as others solemnly filed past the coffin.

In an interview with the PA news agency in Rome, Cardinal Nichols also spoke of the role he will have in electing a new head of the Catholic Church, as he takes part in his first conclave.

Tens of thousands of mourners have been queuing in St Peters Square since Wednesday, in a line snaking its way towards the Holy Door of the basilica, to see the late Pope.

Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe (left) and Cardinal Vincent Nichols will both be at conclave (James Manning/PA)

Cardinal Nichols was among those involved in the procession of Franciss remains from his residence to St Peters Basilica and described it as the most moving thing I have ever attended in Rome.

Speaking in the Italian capital on Thursday, he said: While it was exactly the pattern of any persons funeral  you know, with the priest leading the coffin and the family following  this was just on such an epic scale, and done with a grandeur and yet a simplicity.

And it was very moving just to be part of that procession, but also then to come through the square with lots of crowds there.

And even though there were ripples of applause, they were just acts of appreciation. The whole thing had a depth of sadness, and, you know, solemnity to it, which was deeply impressive, deeply moving, actually.

He said Francis had died with his boots on, doing his stuff right to the end, having made a total sacrifice in his life to the Church.

Cardinal Nichols said: Somebody will come out of this conclave and never, ever go home again, and that too will be a moment of a mini death, almost, where they just put themselves into the hands of the Church to be offered to God.

By Thursday 7pm, more than 90,000 people had stood in line for hours in St Peters Square to make their way into the basilica to catch a glimpse of Franciss body, which is laid out in an open coffin.

Thousands more are expected to flock to pay their respects throughout Thursday and until 7pm local time on Friday.

The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been dubbed by some as the peoples pope, having spoken out for the poor and those in need in his lifetime and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life.

While it had been expected that the basilica would close at midnight, it remained open for most of the night, save for an hour for cleaning, to allow more people to pay their respects.

People stood in the sun for hours to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Cardinal Nichols has previously effectively ruled himself out of the running to be the next pontiff, describing himself as too old, not capable.

Asked about this, he told PA: I dont expect for half a second to be the one who is asked to pick up this cross.

He added: But Ill try my utmost to play a good part in the process.

Asked about having described the prospect of conclave as intimidating, he said: Its the weight, the consequence of the choice we make, which is, even on the world stage, is significant.

Conclave could begin on May 5, following a nine-day mourning period which starts with Saturdays open-air funeral in St Peters Square.

Cardinal Nichols is one of five cardinals across the UK and Ireland, although only three  himself, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche  are younger than 80 and therefore of voting age.

The archbishop said while cardinals are well aware of the speculation and attention there will be on conclave, their focus will be on each other when the secretive meeting begins, and what Franciss successor has to offer.

He said: Nothing makes a story better than having an oppositional dynamic to it. But I think once the doors are shut on the conclave, those things wont be the storyline.

The storyline will be how can we, as this group, listen to each other, be attentive to whatever it is that God might be just prompting.

And those prompts can come in a phrase, they can come in a conversation, they can come in a sense of a shift of mood, and thats what weve got to be attentive to and hopefully respond.

On his thoughts about a future pontiff, Cardinal Nichols said: I think the next pope is going to have to carry on that work (by Francis) of speaking to the hearts of people about hope, about the mercy of God, about the highest calling of what it means to be a human being.
No 10 said Starmer and von der Leyen had agreed to aim for as ambitious a package as possible. Photograph: Amer Ghazzal/Rex/Shutterstock

The UKs new deal with the EU will be a break from debates and arguments of the past, the UKs chief negotiator, Nick Thomas-Symonds, has said, pledging that growth will be the highest priority of the talks.

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer held talks with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, in London, as momentum builds towards a crucial EU-UK summit in May.

In the most positive language yet about the talks, No 10 said Starmer and von der Leyen had agreed to aim for as ambitious a package as possible at the first UK-EU summit next month.

The prime minister was clear that he will seize any opportunity to improve the lives of working people in the United Kingdom, drive growth and keep people safe  and he believes a strengthened partnership between the UK and the EU will achieve this, No 10 said after the meeting.

Amid pressure from MPs to agree a youth mobility deal despite a cabinet split on the proposal, the Cabinet Office minister Thomas-Symonds said in an article for the Guardian that the negotiations should move on from the turmoil of the Brexit years.

Pursuing a new partnership with the EU is about meeting the needs of our times, he wrote. This is not about ideology or returning to the divisions of the past, but about ruthless pragmatism and what works in the national interest.

The government is expected to seek far closer regulatory alignment with the EU on trade, a key source of division in the Brexit years, where Eurosceptics sought the furthest possible divergence from Brussels.

We want to put more money in the pockets of working people and provide Britain with long-term stability and security; we wont be defined by debates and arguments of the past, Thomas-Symonds wrote.

In a hint the government acknowledges how crucial the reset will be for both sides, with a recession fuelled by Donald Trumps tariffs looming and support for Ukraine wavering, Thomas-Symonds said Labour was rising to meet the challenges in this new era of global instability.

The government needs to work with Britains allies on solutions that will minimise the impact of these global shocks, he said.

It is understood the UK is on the verge of agreeing to enter into negotiations on three key topics: the youth mobility scheme, a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal to eliminate checks on food and drink being exported to the EU and entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain, and a deal on carbon emissions.

It is thought the SPS deal would be based on a deal the EU struck with Switzerland in 2023 but with substantial changes. A defence pact is almost sealed after the EUs white paper on defence in March paved the way for British defence companies such as Babcock and BAE Systems to bid for money from the new 150bn (129bn) EU defence fund.

UK and European sources also expect an announcement on trafficking and intelligence sharing as a way of signalling a tough approach to irregular migration.

Von der Leyen, who was attending the international energy summit in London, lavished praise on Starmer in a press conference, as she urged the prime minister to team up to build a joined-up regulatory framework for investors backing renewable energy infrastructure in the North Sea.

Dear Keir, this is something where the two of us should team up and deliver on what is needed for the investors, she said, hinting at another potential element in a package to be agreed at the first UK-EU summit.

Thomas-Symonds said the emphasis in the talks would be on the benefit a new relationship could bring people and businesses, and he said the time was right for the EU to fully reset its approach to the UK after years of political division.

Britain is a politically stable country, and the government has a huge mandate, with over four years left to deliver our policies, he said. Weve shown that Britain is back on the world stage and that it has a lot to offer.

The minister said Starmer and von der Leyen would take stock of the progress made towards the 19 May summit and make sure teams are meeting our aspirations: to grow the economy, boost living standards and keep the UK safe.

But he said it would also mean sticking to the red lines of no return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement. We will only agree an EU deal that meets the needs of the British people and respects the 2016 referendum result. By doing this we will to seize the opportunities in front of us to deliver a better future, he said.

One key aspect of any deal is likely to be a youth mobility visa for Europeans. More than 60 Labour MPs urged Starmer to allow thousands of young Europeans to live and work in the UK, in a letter published by the Guardian on Wednesday.

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said discussions on a potential scheme were continuing, in the clearest hint yet that the government is preparing to do a deal.

Cabinet differences remain on the shape a youth visa deal could take. Reeves is said to be in favour of a deal that includes time-limited youth visas, the highest priority for Brussels, but the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, has insisted on a cap on numbers, with a time limit of one year.
How can I watch the Popes funeral?

A funeral for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday at the Vatican, with the ceremony being covered around the world.

More than 22,000 mourners have viewed the body of the 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, as he lies in St Peters Basilica until Friday.

He has been remembered by some as the peoples pope, having spoken out for the poor and those in need and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life.

The last funeral for an incumbent pope was for John Paul II in 2005, and ITV, Sky News and the BBC all ran full coverage of the service.

Here is a guide to what is happening:

 What time will the funeral begin?

The Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend the service in St Peters Square, which is set to begin at 9am UK time on Saturday.

Sir Keir Starmer and the Prince of Wales (Bradley Collyer/PA)

 Who is covering the service?

On BBC One, newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti will present the broadcasters coverage, with a BBC News special beginning at 8.30am on Saturday and scheduled to continue until 12.30pm.

Sky News presenter Anna Botting will host a live from Rome, with commentary from the former governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich.

The broadcast begins at 7am and will last until 1pm, with Sky News Europe correspondent Adam Parsons live from St Peters Square, and specialist correspondent Lisa Holland broadcasting from the Via della Conciliazione, the main boulevard leading to the square.

St Peters Square and the Via della Conciliazione (Alamy/PA)

The Vaticans YouTube channel will broadcast the funeral for the faithful around the world.

It is currently airing live footage of mourners paying tribute at the basilica.

ITV said it will have a live stream on its online platform ITVX during the day.
The new WhatsApp feature cannot be turned off. (Getty) (Cheng Xin via Getty Images)

WhatsApp says that a new AI blue circle in its app that cannot be removed or hidden is optional, and users do not need to use it.

The blue circle has appeared in the iPhone and Android versions of WhatsApp, directly above the button users use to chat, summons an AI chatbot which interacts with users.

The new feature cannot be disabled within the menus on WhatsApp, sparking the ire of some users who do not want to interact with the new bot.

WhatsApp defended the rollout of the feature, saying it was "entirely optional" for people to use. "We regularly add new features to WhatsApp - just this year we have announced Music on Status, new chat themes, new camera effects and stickers," WhatsApp told Yahoo News in a statement.

"All these features, like Meta AI are entirely optional, and people can choose to use them or not. We think giving people these options is a good thing and we're always listening to feedback from our users.

The AI bot appears as a blue/green/pink circle.

The Meta AI service takes the form of a chatbot which users can chat with in the same way as a normal WhatsApp conversation.

It appears as a blue circle above the icon used to start chats in the WhatsApp phone app.

Using a Large Language Model, similar to those used by ChatGPT and other services, it answers questions and chats with users.

The feature is only available in some countries, and is not available to all users in every country.

WhatsApp says it can be used for everything from settling a debate in a group chat to getting recipe suggestions.

As with all AI-generated content, there is no guarantee that what the AI chat responds with is accurate information.

How does it work?

The Meta AI chatbot works exactly like normal WhatsApp chats - you type a message and it responds within that chat.

You can also forward messages from other WhatsApp chats to try and learn more about something that people are discussing.

You can also tag Meta AI (by using @meta AI) within other chats to get an answer from the bot.

Meta promises the chatbot will soon be able to create images, although this feature is not currently active.

Meta said: Meta provides the generative AI technology that powers AI experiences available through WhatsApp. Messages from Meta AI are generated by artificial intelligence (AI), using a service from Meta, in response to the prompts and messages you send to the AI.

What data does it collect?

Meta says that the AI can only read messages directly shared with it and has no access to data from your other chats.

The data from chats with the chatbot is not used to train AI, Meta promised.

Users can also delete chats with the AI and request the deletion of information previously shared with the AI system.

When you choose to use these features, Meta receives your prompts, the messages you share, and feedback to deliver relevant responses directly to you and to improve its AI quality," Meta said. Only messages that mention @Meta AI, or that people choose to share with Meta AI, can be read by Meta. Meta cant read any other messages in your personal chats."

add an extra layer of protection to your chats  advanced chat privacy stops media downloads, block chat exports, and keep your messages between you and who youre talking to pic.twitter.com/8wmh2OCgQL  WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) April 23, 2025

Meta notes that because other personal messages are protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning that only the devices the messages are sent to and from can see them, the AI can't read other messages.

"Not even WhatsApp or Meta can read, listen to, or share them," Meta said.

Why cant you turn it off?

Meta claims that the feature is optional, in that users can simply opt not to use it, but the prominent button cannot be disabled or removed.

Joshua Breckman, a communications director at WhatsApp, said: "You need to take an action to chat to or invoke Meta AI (its not on until you choose to use it).

"Personal messages with friends and family are end-to-end encrypted  no change there. We make any chat with AI really visually distinct, so its clear theyre different to personal chats.

"If you do talk to Meta AI, it doesnt link your personal WhatsApp account information on Facebook, Instagram, or any other apps provided by Meta."

"Always remember not to message Meta AI with information you dont want it to know."

But while the blue circle cannot be disabled, a new feature called Advanced Chat Privacy will allow users to stop their information from being shared with Meta AI from other chats.

This feature does not appear to be available in the UK as yet (or at least not on the Android device Yahoo News UK tested it with), but WhatsApp promises it will be rolled out "soon".

"Advanced Chat Privacy is a new setting available in both chats and groups that helps prevent others from taking content outside of WhatsApp for when you may want extra privacy," Meta said.

When the setting is on, you can block others from exporting chats, auto-downloading media to their phone, and using messages for AI features. That way everyone in the chat has greater confidence that no one can take what is being said outside the chat.
A woman kicked out of the Magic Circle for pretending to be a man is being let back into the organisation after more than 30 years.

Sophie Lloyd wore a male disguise in 1991 to trick the prestigious magic society into allowing her in, before its men-only rule was swept away that same year.

She is being honoured by the organisation at a ceremony on Thursday night, with her membership being reinstated.

Ms Lloyd told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that she was beyond thrilled to be back in the club.

The magician was tracked down by Laura London, chairwoman of the Magic Circle, who she was initially unsure of meeting until she got to know her vivacious personality.

Ms Lloyd said her friend, the magician Jenny Winstanley, suggested that she disguise herself to get admitted, and the then actress took the name Raymond Lloyd.

She wore mens clothing, and was able to fool her fellow male magicians by using gloves to disguise her female hands, wearing a bodysuit, and pretending she had laryngitis so her female voice was not detected.

The magician was a member for around six months, until the Magic Circle was poised to admit women and Ms Winstanley revealed the truth.

Ms Lloyd said Ms Winstanley, who has since died, came off the phone with the organisation, quite surprised by getting a bad reaction, and was very hurt with the backlash from male magicians.

We couldnt get our heads around it, (we thought) come on, its funny, its amusing, but they didnt think so, and Jenny was completely snubbed unfortunately, Ms Lloyd, who currently lives abroad, said.

Ms Lloyd continued doing magic, having an anti-bullying touring show with illusions for another decade.

Sophie Lloyd is being honoured by the organisation at a ceremony on Thursday night, with her membership being reinstated (Brendan Rodrigues/Magic Circle/PA)

She will be presented with her membership certificate by the societys president Marvin Berglas at a special show at its London headquarters later on Thursday evening.

London said: I felt it important that the Magic Circle should be able to recognise Sophie as the role model for women magicians as well as show that we are now a completely open society.

The Magic Circle was founded in 1905 by around 20 magicians at a restaurant in Chinatown, London.

In September 1991, the group voted 469 for and 129 against admitting women members.

The Magic Circle is known for its strict rules, which include the vow every member takes not to give away the secrets of magic.

Famous members have included the King, MPs, Sir Stephen Fry, David Copperfield, Dynamo, Debbie McGee and the puppet Sooty.

It has more than 1,700 members and is based in Euston, London.
Michael Prince - Getty Images

Ah, the relaxing calm of listening to waves crash into the shoreline with your feet are nestled in the sand. You can find countless such spots all along the coasts of the United States, but we must admit that not all beaches are created equal. To help you find your own next best destination, we've made a list of best beaches on the East Coast for you.

Whether you are looking for new area to explore as a couple or with your family or even somewhere to live, you're sure to find idyllic spots from Florida to North Carolina to Maine below. Sure, you can hop on a flight to islands all over the world to find stellar beaches and they can make perfect escapes when the U.S. is dreary and cold in January and February, but some of our favorites are close to homethink the Hamptons, Cape Cod, Assateague Island, and beyond! So get your bathing suits, sunscreen, and beach chairs packed and get ready for all the goodness of your new favorite beach, or at least to daydream of it as you scroll through.

Here, the best East Coast beaches in the U.S. to consider now.





Mansion Beach: Block Island, Rhode Island

Mansion Beach, accessible via a dirt road in Block Island, provides visitors with the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement for the whole family, says Caroline Quinn, travel expert at Black Tomato. When soaking up the sun, bodyboarding in the waves, and combing for shells along the uncrowded shoreline, the peaceful ambiance is such a delightful contrast to other East Coast tourist darlings that draw huge summer crowds.

TW Farlow - Getty Images





Georgica Beach: East Hampton, New York

Abutting the Georgica Associationone of the most exclusive and expensive communities in the worldbeautiful Georgica Beach makes the singularly rough drive out to the Hamptons well worth it.

This particularly splendid stretch of East Hampton is where city transplants and owners of summer homes nearby come to catch rays, go for a refreshing dip, and plan Instagram-worthy beach picnics.

Grant Faint - Getty Images





Siasconset Beach: Nantucket, Massachusetts

One of the loveliest and most easy-to-access beaches on Nantucket, Siasconset Beach, on the eastern tip of the island, sits within biking distance of Greydon House in the utterly charming, old-school town of Sciasonsett. Backed by dunes, its a popularand photogenicspot for swimming, surfing, and fishing.

CurtisC Photoography - Getty Images





Goochs Beach: Kennebunkport, Maine

Set along the scenic coastline of Kennebunkport, Gooch's Beach is a cherished gem of New England with timeless charm, says Quinn.

Ideal for beachgoers of all ages, its as pretty as a postcard with velvety sand for leisurely barefoot strolls and building castles, beginner-friendly waves for surfing and swimming, and gorgeous sunset views.

Thomas H. Mitchell - Getty Images





Corolla Beach: Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks are a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts. For many thrill-seekers, the 4x4 drive to Corolla Beach is a trip-making highlight in and of itself.

Once there, visitors can spot wild horses roaming freely along the tranquil shoreline and even embark on a kayak safari for a closer look, reveals Quinn.

Prasad Ch / 500px - Getty Images





Newcomb Hollow Beach: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Quinn calls dune-backed Newcomb Hollow Beach one of Cape Cods hidden gems. After a day swimming in the water and sunning on the golden sand at the northernmost oceanside beach in Wellfleet, stick around to catch the prettiest sunset on the hook-shaped peninsula.

Hayabusa02 - Getty Images





Assateague Beach: Assateague Island, Maryland

A bastion of serenity, Assateague Beach is hidden away on Assateague Island, a sleepy 37-mile-long barrier island and protected nature sanctuary. Far removed from the mainland crowds, wild horses roam and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean lap the near-empty shoreline where your footprints might be the only ones etched into the sand.

sbonk - Getty Images





Cape May Beach: Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is a long-time favorite Jersey Shore town. One of its biggest draw cards? The wide sandy beach runs parallel to the boardwalk and extends for miles. In the summer, its packed (though, not unpleasantly so) with families sharing snacks and cool drinks under umbrellas, playing frisbee, and frolicking in the water.

Richard T. Nowitz - Getty Images





Aquinnah Beach: Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts

With its dramatic multi-colored clay cliffs, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters, Aquinnah Beach provides a stunning backdrop for a day of fun in the sun. Its timeless charm and unparalleled beauty make the half-mile stretch of coastline ideal for travelers looking to experience the true essence of Marthas Vineyard.

Rolf_52 - Getty Images





Good Harbor Beach: Gloucester, Massachusetts

Favored both by locals and travelers alike, Good Harbor Beach draws visitors into a world of natural splendor with its pristine sands and sparkling water. Quinn also touts the fact that its just steps away from Ravenswood Park, a peaceful 600-acre nature reserve.

Michael Prince - Getty Images





South Beach: Miami Beach, Florida

The sizzling strip of shore that gave rise to an entire vacation destination, palm-fringed Miami Beach brings the heat with its year-round sunshine, golden sand, turquoise water, and colorful lifeguard houses. Umbrellas and loungers from various hotels line the beachand its got some of the best people watching around.

ventdusud - Getty Images

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Firefighters battle a house fire in Lacey Township, N.J., on Wednesday.

A 19-year-old from Ocean Township, New Jersey, is accused of starting a massive wildfire that prompted thousands of evacuations, burned around 15,000 acres and destroyed a commercial building.

Joseph Kling was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and arson, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Thursday. The fire, named the Jones Road Wildfire, erupted Tuesday in Waretown and has spread throughout the southern Ocean County area.

Prosecutors accused Kling of setting wooden pallets on fire and then leaving the area without ensuring that the fire was fully extinguished.

As of Thursday morning, it was 50% contained. There have been no reports of deaths or loss of homes.

The Cedar Bridge Fire Tower located a plume of smoke coming from the area of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Emergency personnel observed a fire within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trusts Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area.

The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary by an improperly extinguished bonfire, the prosecutor's office said in a news release.

Kling is being held at the Ocean County jail pending a detention hearing.

The inferno has burned about 15,000 acres in Ocean and Lacey Townships, New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Thursday morning in an update on Facebook. Eight structures have been threatened, and one commercial building was destroyed.

About 5,000 residents were evacuated, but evacuations have since been lifted.

On Wednesday, acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency. Fire officials and Shawn M. LaTourette, state commissioner of environmental protection, have said that the fire is expected to burn for a couple more days.

LaTourette said it could end up being the biggest wildfire in the state in 20 years.

"Thanks to the incredible, heroic work of the good men and women of our New Jersey Forest Fire Service, folks homes and lives have been saved and weve truly averted a major disaster," he said Wednesday. "Now, this wildfire is not under full and complete control. We still have a lot of work to do to achieve complete containment of the wildfire."
Courtesy MoonPie The MoonPie logo

Chattanooga Bakery has been making fluffy, marshmallow-y MoonPies for more than 100 years, and in that time, they've innovated with a few new flavors, sizes, and collaborations. Their two newest introductions might just be some of the most delicious yet.

Earlier this month, Mini MoonPie Birthday Party Pies started rolling out on shelves at Kroger, Walmart, and Publix. (Other stores are likely to get the new boxes soon.) These MoonPies are made with vanilla cookies instead of the classic grahams, and a birthday cake-flavored vanilla frosting replaces the standard chocolate. But the creamy marshmallow center is there, and the cookie is finished off with colorful sprinkles.

In place of a slice of cake or as a sweet thank you for party guests, these fun and colorful pies are sure to be a hit for the devoted MoonPie fans.

Courtesy MoonPie MoonPie Birthday Party Pies

If you want to find the next new MoonPie flavor, you'll have to work a little harder. That's because the second flavorKey Limeis available exclusively at Publix.

We spotted an end-of-aisle kiosk at our Birmingham-area Publix that featured these brand-new treats. A quick search of the internet reveals that these have been rolling out to regional Publix grocery stores for a week or two, so if you hop over to your local store, you might be able to be one of the first to try this new snack, too.

Kimberly Holland / Southern Living A display of Key Lime mini MoonPies at Publix

These treats are made with vanilla cookies and a marshmallow center, but the frosting is a tart-and-sweet Key lime flavor that is surprisingly zesty and bright. When you get a bite of all the components, the balance of flavors is spot on.

MoonPies are a staple for Southerners, whether at Mardi Gras celebrations or parties, and we suspect these two new flavors will quickly earn spots on dessert trays and lunchboxes.

Read the original article on Southern Living
There are two types of people in this world: Those who drink iced coffee year-round and those who need it to be a certain temperature before ordering one. I guess there's a third: People who don't drink iced coffee at all, but the list of best iced coffee drinks below may convince you to change your ways.

Regardless of where you fit on the spectrum, Starbucks is where it's at for really good iced coffee (and all things coffee, really). The uber popular Seattle-based chain offers a crazy-cool number of ways to customize any beverage, iced caffeinated ones included. Coffee-drinkers can get their fix with Americanos, macchiatos and nitro cold brews (and that's before we get into all the syrup choices, milk options, shots of espresso...).

A Starbucks menu can be a tad intimidating, especially if you're groggy. As a Starbucks regular and tired mom of two, I've indulged in my share of iced caffeinated beverages. Allow me to give you the cold hard truth about which Starbucks iced coffee options deserve a regular spot in your rotation (and why).

Related: The Best (And Worst) Starbucks Syrups, According to Baristas

About Starbucks Iced Coffee Types

As I said, you're not just getting coffee with ice when you roll up to Starbucks and order a cold, caffeinated beverage. I mean, that's available, but you've got other options if you want them. Here's a quick glossary before we get into the ranking:

Cold brew : These drinks are created by putting coffee grounds in water at room temperature or colder for several hours. It is more caffeinated than coffee.

Nitro cold brew : Starbucks' small-batch cold brew infused with nitrogen, which creates a smooth velvety texture.

Latte : A creamy milk coffee with a shot (or more) of espresso

Americano: Espresso shots combined with cold water and served over ice for a rich-tasting beverage.

Macchiato: An espresso drink with just a touch of milk (typically foamed).

Flat White: A flat white appeals to people who just can't with lattes and cappuccinos. They have less milk than a latte and aren't as frothy as a cappuccino, but there's plenty of espresso.

Frappuccino: A Starbucks-exclusive, frappucinos start with a base of coffee or creme and may include syrups. Whipped cream on top isn't a must, but it usually happens.

Related: The 32 Best Starbucks Frappuccino Flavors for Cool and Sweet Summer Sipping

The Best 20 Starbucks Iced Coffee Drinks, Ranked

20. Iced Coffee

Starbucks

It may sound strange to start a reverse-order ranking of iced coffee off with a plain iced coffee. However, most go to Starbucks for the customization and specialty sippers  you can get plain iced coffee anywhere. Still, if the familiarity of Starbucks' plain iced coffee is what you crave, the option is there (and certainly not a bad one).

19. Iced Caffe Latte

Starbucks

Same issue as the coffee: A plain latte isn't reinventing the wheel, though it's a touch more challenging to DIY at home. I think it's better as a base, but you do you.

18. Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew

Starbucks

Ooof. One of the most polarizing menu options, just putting the Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew on this list may elicit major cringe (and GI issues?). Starbucks dropped olive oil-infused offerings in the spring of last year, hoping to bring a taste of Italy that was smooth and delicious to the table. Some called the Oleato beverages delicious. Others say it had them running to the bathroom and not back for more. The Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew is highly caffeinated and aromatic and has a smooth-like-butter taste. But I don't want to be held responsible for what happens after the aftertaste leaves your tastebuds, so it's toward the end of my "best of" list.

17. Reserve Iced Hazelnut Bianco Latte

Starbucks

Housemade hazelnut-praline-infused milk and small-batch Starbucks Reserve espresso sound like a recipe for something special. And for some, it certainly is. The subtly sweet, nutty taste is palatable and accessible for some. However, taste is subjective, and some people feel like this coffee just tastes like burnt beans. The inconsistent reviews make this one worth mentioning, but not higher up. Decide for yourself.

16. Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Starbucks

Full disclosure: I am not a fan of the PSL. It's too rich and heavy for my liking. However, I respect that it has its legions of fans. That said, fall calls for cozy sweaters and warm beverages, right? Doesn't ice defeat the purpose? I guess maybe not in warmer climates.

On that note...

15. Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

Starbucks

As people increasingly go off the dairy-beaten path, Starbucks has responded. For starters, people swap cow's milk for their alternative of choice in any beverage. However, the chain has started offering specific beverages with non-dairy milk. Enter the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, a holiday menu staple since 2021. This beverage is essentially a liquid dessert, which is fine. The thing is that when people think "sugar cookie," their thoughts usually drift to buttery baked goods fresh out of the oven. While the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte has "buttery" covered, the cold temperature is slightly off-putting (consider ordering it hot for a more authentic sipping experience).

14. Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

Starbucks

If you're new to a Pistachio-flavored beverage, this one is an excellent place to start. The pistachio is mild, though the salted brown buttery sprinkles add a sweetness that soothes the soul on a winter afternoon (in spite of the "cold" beverage). If you came for the pistachio, skip this one.

13. Double Chocolaty Chip Creme Frappuccino

Starbucks

I guess I'm cheating here. The Double Chocolaty Chip Creme Frappuccino doesn't have any coffee, but it does have a small amount of caffeine (15 mg)  and you can add espresso shots for a liquid treat for the tastebuds. This blended beverage still has a coffee-style flavor courtesy of the mocha sauce, which combines perfectly with chocolate chips. The mocha-topped whipped cream beats the cherry.

12. Iced Honey Almondmilk Flat White

Starbucks

Non-dairy milk can be polarizing. And, frankly, so is this drink, at least in my Starbucks circle. Some friendly taste testers called it "too nutty." Others tasted nothing at all. Still, others liked the sweetness but gave all the credit to honey. The texture of a flat white  less creamy and frothy than lattes and cappuccinos  probably doesn't help if you're looking for something more decadent.

11. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Starbucks

The Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso became a smash hit when it debuted in 2021. As an oat milk drinker myself, I can tell you that not all are created equally. Some oatmilks have an overpowering nuttiness  to the point they simply aren't palatable. Starbucks' recipe calls for unsweetened oat milk, and it's relatively mild, allowing the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon to shine through.

10. Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Espresso

Starbucks

Keeping on the non-dairy gravy train: The Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Espresso has been another winner. It debuted in 2021 and has become a cult favorite. Almond milk has a nutty flavor that may initially catch dairy drinkers off guard, but the chocolate malt plays nicely with it. Consider this sipper an adult, dairy-milk answer to the chocolate milk of your carefree childhood days.

9. Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Starbucks

This drink doesn't reinvent the wheel, and that's part of the appeal. The creaminess that you want in a latte? Check. A touch of sweetness to mask the bitterness of coffee? Also, check. And you can add another layer of sweetness with whipped cream, which Starbucks will top with the namesake cinnamon dolce. All in all, it's an accessible option with near-universal appeal;

8. Cinnamon Caramel Cream Nitro Cold Brew

Starbucks

A worthy contender for 2023 "Rookie of the Year" in the cold-caffeinated-beverage space, the Cinnamon Caramel Cream Nitro Cold Brew has quickly won over fans, landing it in my top 10. The sweet flavor profile  not much bitterness here  comes from a mix of two comforting flavors in cinnamon and caramel (cold foam!), the former of which makes sipping this beverage a bonus aromatherapy session. Speaking of bonuses, this drink's "nitro" nature gives it a smooth texture.

7. Iced Blonde Americano

Starbucks

Talk about complexity. The light layer of crema (courtesy of a blend of jolting espresso shots and water) yields a smooth-textured beverage. Since the blonde beans are light, they've been roasted for less time, adding a pair of bonuses: More caffeine and a gentler taste. The latter  combined with a slight sweetness  provides an element of (welcome) surprise to those who aren't into bitter-tasting coffee.

Related: The 15 Best Low-Calorie Starbucks Drinks

6. Iced Caramel Macchiato

Starbucks

Caramel and vanilla are two of Starbucks' most beloved syrups for their slightly sweet, completely familiar taste. In the caramel macchiato, you get notes of both. The recipe calls for espresso, vanilla syrup, milk and caramel drizzle. Of course, you can make swaps, such as opting for a seasonal syrup like pumpkin over the much-loved vanilla. Regardless, the caramel generally dominates the drink, and that's not a complaint.

5. Iced White Chocolate Mocha

Starbucks

This TikTok-loved beverage is creamy and sweet. Made with 2% milk, white chocolate syrups and espresso roast shots (plus whatever foams and drizzles you care to add), it's buttery-smooth and delicious. Coffee-averse types who need a pick-me-up adore this beverage  the white chocolate's sweetness melts away any bitter aftertaste.

4. Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew

Starbucks

Elegantly sweet (without going over the top) and truly creamy, the Nitro Cold Brew blends familiar with trendy in all the right ways. The ever-popular vanilla flavor is enhanced because your neighborhood barista mixes syrup with sweet cream, resulting in a treat for vanilla aficionados that's still accessible to those who don't necessarily fit that bill (yet). This drink is especially good for people who find regular cold brews too bitter for their liking. While the 20-hour slow-steeping process gives a Nitro Cold Brew a sweeter flavor, the lack of sugar can be noticeable to people veering from their usual lattes or fraps. What's more, the creaminess and foaminess will appeal to cappuccino and latte lovers alike.

3. Caramel Frappuccino

Starbucks

A classic, if there ever was one, the Caramel Frappuccino blends caramel syrup, coffee, milk, ice, and caramel sauce to perfection. Yes, a caramel frappuccino veers into "sweet tooth" territory, especially when topped with whipped cream and additional syrups (Caramel? Chocolate? You pick, obviously). However, caramel is such a universal flavor that the sweetness comes with a touch of comfort, and the proprietary nature of the frappuccino makes this sipper special.



Related: The 30 Best Starbucks Frappuccino Flavors

2. Nitro Cold Brew

Starbucks

A skinny vanilla latte is my regular Starbucks beverage (iced or hot). However, the nitro cold brew trend has piqued my interest in recent years, and Starbucks just nails it. Starbucks steeps its nitro cold brew for 20 hours, epitomizing the whole "slow food/drink" term. Starbucks' nitro cold brew is creamy like a latte, sweet without feeling like a liquid dessert, and low-sugar. Though you can order a nitro cold brew in various flavors, I recommend going sans syrup if you're new to the trend and adding on if you think it needs a boost. You can also get this one in canned form at local grocery chains and retailers like Target and Walmart.

1. Vanilla Iced Latte

Starbucks

Familiar but just a tad different than your run-of-the-mill, plain beverage, a Starbucks Vanilla Iced Latte simply hits all the right notes. When I spoke to baristas about the best Starbucks syrups last year, they universally lauded vanilla for its simplicity and ability to elevate a beverage. The iced latte is no exception  and it's my go-to as well. You'll get all the creaminess you came for when you order a latte with a touch of sweetness from the vanilla. The flavor has year-round appeal, unlike seasonal syrups like peppermint and pumpkin. In short, you really can't go wrong with this one, whether you're ordering a vanilla iced latte in the dead of winter or the balmiest of summer days.

Up Next:

Related: The Pantry Item That Will Make Your Homemade Iced Coffee Taste Like It Came From Starbucks
Courtesy of 5HR Energy / Taco John's

If youve ever thought, This taco is great, but it could use a little more chaos, youre in luck.

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, the energy shot that keeps you semi-functional through conference calls is now doing something a little spicier. Indiana-based 5-Hour Energy just dropped a limited-edition Mango Habanero hot sauce  a collaboration with Taco Johns, the fast food chain known for West-Mex staples like softshell tacos and potato Oles. The idea? Combine the sweet-heat of mango and habanero with a little extra energy boost, in a format thats portable, spicy, and  technically speaking  caffeinated.

And if caffeinated hot sauce sounds a little too out there, just know its not 5-Hour Energys first time playing with fire.

Last summer, the brand released a limited-edition Energizing BBQ Sauce in partnership with The National Food Lab. The sauce, which featured the same peach-mango flavors as the original energy shots, was caffeinated (becaus, of course, it was) and delivered about 60 milligrams of caffeine per serving.

Courtesy of 5HR Energy / Taco John's Taco Johns No Siesta Fiesta bundle brings the heat with six tacos, two orders of Potato Oles, and a shot of caffeinated hot sauce.

After the huge success of last summers 5-Hour Energy-inspired Energizing barbecue Sauce, we knew we were onto something special, said Leah Key, president and COO of Living Essentials, the company behind the energy shots. Teaming up with Taco Johns for this sequel has been an awesome opportunity to connect with our fans in a fresh, exciting way.

Related: Meet Smokin Ed Currie: The South Carolina Pepper Farmer who Created the 2 Hottest Peppers on Earth

The sauce, which contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, is designed to go anywhere  think two-ounce bottle, shot-sized, and purse-friendly. Which may come in handy, given that about one in four millennials and Gen Z diners bring their own hot sauce to restaurants. That statistic feels oddly specific, but also somehow correct.

Courtesy of 5HR Energy / Taco John's The 5-Hour Energy Cinco de Mango contains 230 milligrams of caffeine.

This portable sauce brings the vibrant, spice-filled flavors of Cinco de Mayo to life, no matter how or where youre celebrating, added Kevin Flaherty, CMO of Taco Johns. This sauce isnt just about heat  its about capturing the adventurous spirit of our fans and delivering a fresh culinary experience that brings everyone together.

For those seeking maximum chaos, its paired with a matching 5-Hour Energy shot in Spicy Cinco de Mango flavor.

The hot sauce is available for free starting April 28 when you buy a Spicy Cinco de Mango shot or as part of Taco Johns No Siesta Fiesta bundle at participating locations near Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Kansas City, and Boston. That combo includes six softshell chicken tacos, two orders of medium Potato Oles, and a bottle of the sauce.

Will this be the condiment of the summer? Hard to say. But it might just be the most alert youve ever felt while eating a taco. And honestly, that feels like an achievement in itself.

Read the original article on Food & Wine
This undated photo provided by Alabama Department of Corrections, shows James Osgood, who was convicted of capital murder for the 2010 rape and murder of Tracy Lynn Brown, in Chilton County, and is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP)

ATMORE, Ala. (AP)  An Alabama man who dropped his appeals and said he deserved to die for a 2010 rape and murder was executed Thursday evening, using his final words to apologize to the woman he killed.

James Osgood, 55, was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m. following a three-drug injection at a south Alabama prison, authorities said.

A jury in 2014 convicted Osgood of capital murder in the death of Tracy Lynn Brown in Chilton County. Prosecutors said Osgood cut her throat after he and his girlfriend sexually assaulted her.

Strapped to a gurney and wearing a tan prison uniform, Osgood used his last moments to speak about his victim.

I havent said her name since that day, Osgood said, adding that was because he was unsure if he should say it. Tracy, I apologize.

The curtains opened to the witness room at 6:09 p.m. It was unclear what time the injection began. As the execution got underway, Osgood looked toward family members seated in a witness room. Family and friends cried quietly as he lost consciousness.

His breathing became deep and labored and his head fell back on the gurney at about 6:15 p.m. His breathing was no longer visible by about 6:18 p.m. Several minutes later, he was pronounced dead.

Brown, 44, was found dead in her home on Oct. 23, 2010, after her employer became concerned when she did not show up for work.

Prosecutors said Osgood admitted to police that he and his girlfriend sexually assaulted Brown after discussing how they had shared fantasies about kidnapping and torturing someone. The pair forced their victim to perform sex acts at gunpoint. They said Osgood then killed Brown by cutting her throat. His girlfriend, who was Browns cousin, was sentenced to life in prison.

The jury in 2014 took 40 minutes to convict him and unanimously recommended a death sentence. His initial death sentence was thrown out by an appeals court. At resentencing in 2018, Osgood asked for another death sentence, saying he didnt want the families to endure another hearing.

Alabama Corrections Commissioner John Hamm said the victim's family members witnessed the execution in a separate viewing room. They chose not to make a statement to the media, he said.

Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statement, calling the killing premeditated, gruesome and disturbing.

I pray that her loved ones can feel some sense of closure today," the governor said.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said my heart and prayers are with Tracys family.

No one should have to endure the pain theyve carried or relive the horror of her tragic and senseless death, Marshall added.

Osgood told AP last week he had dropped his appeals because he was guilty and thought his execution should go forward.

Im a firm believer in  like I said in court  an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I took a life, so mine was forfeited. I dont believe in sitting here and wasting everybodys time and everybodys money, Osgood said.

The Death Penalty Information Center reported last year that 165 of the 1,650 people executed since 1977 had asked to be put to death. A moratorium on the death penalty ended that year, and the center said the overwhelming majority of the execution volunteers since had histories of mental illness, substance abuse or suicidal ideation.

Alison Mollman, who represented Osgood for the last decade, said in a statement that Osgood  called Taz by his friends  was more than his worst actions.

He made mistakes, terrible ones that he regretted until his dying day, but he didnt make excuses for his actions. He was accountable and he was sincere, said Mollman, legal director for the ACLU of Alabama.

The execution was the second in Alabama this year and the 14th in the nation overall.

On Feb. 6, Alabama used nitrogen gas to execute Demetrius Frazier, 52, for his conviction in the 1991 rape and killing of a 41-year-old woman. Alabama in 2024 became the first state to conduct nitrogen gas executions, putting three people to death by that method last year. It involves replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen gas through a respirator mask, causing death by lack of oxygen.

For decades, lethal injection was the preferred way to execute death row prisoners in the U.S. But recent problems procuring and administering the drugs led some states to consider alternative methods. Condemned prisoners in Alabama can choose execution by injection, the electric chair or nitrogen gas.

Osgood picked lethal injection. Hamm said it took a total of five attempts to get the two required IV lines connected to Osgood.
Getty Images Andie MacDowell and Rainey Qualley at the 2023 Academy Awards

People Magazine is continuing to rollout their 2025 "World's Most Beautiful" issue and the latest celebrities to be featured are Andie MacDowell and her eldest daughter, Rainey Qualley. In the photoshoot for the campaign, the mother-daughter duo sport two vintage lace dressesone of which MacDowell wore first in 2017.

Getty Images Andie MacDowell and daughter Rainey Qualley at the Marc Cain Fashion Show Fall/Winter 2023

Qualley and her mom rocked chic, sheer Alberta Ferretti gowns. The looks are similar but different, both owned by mom, which is why her daughter's dress looks familiar. MacDowell wore the dress to an event in Spain back in 2017 and now, her daughter got a chance to wear it for this special shoot.

The 36-year-old mother of four-month-old Bluebell told people that her mom informed her fashion taste from a young age. "My moms influenced my taste, the colors that Im drawn to, and just, like, the romanticism that [she] decorates her whole life with," Qualley said.

Getty Images Rainey Qualley attends the Bulgari Serpenti Icon Event in 2023

MacDowell shared that two learn from each other and told People about a time when she was taught a valuable lesson from her daughter. "I remember one time when she was living in New York, we were walking down the street, these guys started catcalling her and she didn't have on a scarf and I asked her to cover up, and she reprimanded me, saying its not her responsibility to cover up for them," she recalled. "That was a lesson for me.

Getty Images Rainey Qualley, Andie MacDowell and Margaret Qualley at the 2020 National Women's History Museum's 8th Annual Women Making History Awards

During the interview, the pair talk about each other's fashion sense, pieces that MacDowell saved for her daughter, fashion regrets, and more.

Read the original article on InStyle
A suspect has been arrested in the Philippines after allegedly stabbing seven of his colleagues to death, according to reports

The victims were found inside a bakery located in Antipolo City on Tuesday, April 22, local police said in a Facebook post

The suspect said he had heard the men planning to smother him in his sleep, the Associated Press reported

A bakery owner has been arrested in the Philippines after allegedly stabbing seven of his colleagues to death after his birthday party, according to reports.

On Tuesday, April 22, at approximately 7:40 a.m. local time, authorities responded to reports of a "gruesome multiple murder incident" at a bakery located in Barangay Cupang, Antipolo City, Rizal Police Provincial Office said in a news release shared on Facebook.

"Upon arrival, seven lifeless male individuals were found inside the bakery. Initial findings indicate that all victims were employees of J&B Malunggay Bakery and were residing in the premises. The victims appear to have been attacked while asleep," police said in the post.

The suspect has since been identified as Bogart Ramirez, 32, who is accused of killing the victims after allegedly overhearing them plotting to smother him in his sleep, the Associated Press reported.

Ramirez allegedly gave the men alcohol to drink at his birthday party, "before killing [them] one by one with a knife while they were impaired," the outlet stated.

Police were called by a neighbor after they heard one of the men crying out for help, the news agency reported.

Rizal Police Provincial Office Facebook A man has been arrested after seven men died following a stabbing at a bakery in Antipolo City in the Philippines

Without naming the suspect in the April 22 Facebook post, the Rizal Police Provincial Office said, "At around 9:00 a.m. on the same day, the suspect was apprehended at the Base Police, Headquarters Support Service of the Philippine National Police (PNP)."

"He was subjected to standard physical and medical examinations and is currently under police custody," Tuesday's post added.

"The motive behind this heinous crime remains under investigation. Authorities are exploring all possible angles, including the potential involvement of additional suspects," police added.

Alamy A police vehicle in Rizal in the Philippines

According to the AP, the suspect said from custody, "I surrendered because I have nowhere to go anyway. If I leave town, they will still catch me. After leaving the bakery, I headed to the Philippine National Police headquarters Crame."

"I overheard them planning to smother me to death with a pillow while sleeping, so that when my wife arrives the next day, it would look like I had died from a nightmare," the suspect added, according to the news agency.

Alamy The Barangays Cupang and Mayamot sign in Antipolo City in the Philippines

"There are two of us who are partners at the bakery, and all of the other workers are his relatives. They were trying to gang up on me. If I die, the entire business will be his, so I decided to act first," the suspect continued, as noted by the outlet.

According to local outlet The Philippine Star, "two of the victims were minors while the rest were between 21 and 25 years old."

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.

Jack Solano/iStock by Getty Police in Manila, the Philippines

According to the AP, police are looking for other people who may have been involved in the crime.

Local Police Colonel Felipe Maraggun said, "We are not content that he is the sole suspect. It's possible he has an accomplice, and we are looking at that angle. We are not satisfied with his version of events, but we will look at the evidence we gather," the news agency reported.

Rizal police director Maraggun said the suspect, who celebrated his birthday the day before the stabbings, had reportedly been given a bottle of gin, which the victims had allegedly drunk the night before they died, per The Philippine Star.

We subjected the liquor to laboratory testing to determine if it was laced with sedatives, the officer said, according to the outlet.

The Philippine National Police and the Rizal Police Provincial Office didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for further information.



Read the original article on People
Authorities display photos of Tanya Jackson and Tatiana Dykes, whose remains were found near Long Island's Gilgo Beach, during a news conference Wednesday in Mineola, New York. - Philip Marcelo/AP

A woman and toddler whose remains were discovered scattered along an oceanfront highway not far from the victims of Long Islands infamous Gilgo Beach killings were identified Wednesday as an Army veteran from Alabama and her daughter.

Tanya Denise Jackson, 26, of Mobile, had been living in Brooklyn with her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, at the time of their deaths, Nassau County police announced.

The US Army veteran, who police say may have worked as a medical assistant, had been previously nicknamed Peaches by investigators after a tattoo on her body.

Police releasing photos and other images related to the two victims Wednesday said there was no evidence at this point to suggest the unsolved killings are linked to Rex Heuermann, who has been charged in the deaths of seven women whose remains were discovered elsewhere on Long Island.

Although Tanya and Tatiana have commonly been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings because the timing and locations of their recovered remains, we are not discounting the possibility that their cases are unrelated from that investigation, Nassau Police Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said.

Im not saying it is Rex Heuermann and Im not saying its not, he added. We are proceeding as if its not, keeping our eyes wide open.

Some of Jacksons remains were discovered on June 28, 1997, stuffed inside a plastic tub in a state park in West Hempstead on Long Island. More remains, and the skeletal remains of the female child, were found in April 2011 off Ocean Parkway in Babylon, some 20 miles away.

At the briefing Wednesday, law enforcement officials said they had identified the victims through DNA evidence found at the scene and advanced genetic and genealogy research.

The reality is our work has just begun, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. Knowing the identities of the mom and the little baby is just a first step to help us get to solving these murders.

Fitzpatrick said police spoke with the childs father, who was cooperating with the investigation and not considered a suspect at this time.

He said local authorities initially turned over DNA evidence to the FBI, which provided a likely identification for the two in 2022. Additional DNA samples obtained the following year allowed police to notify surviving family members last year. The two were recently laid to rest, with Jackson receiving full military honors, Fitzpatrick said.

Jackson, who drove a black 1991 Geo Storm, was estranged from her family so it was some time before she was reported missing, he added. She served in the US Army from 1993 to 1995, living on three bases in Texas, Georgia and Missouri, according to Fitzpatrick.

We never gave up on striving for justice for either Tanya or Tatiana, he said. Were determined to find the reasons and circumstances that led to their untimely deaths.

Nassau Police said theyre offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information leading to an arrest.

It has long been unclear whether there is any connection between the mother and daughter and other women found slain elsewhere on Long Island.

Since late 2010, police have been investigating the deaths of at least 10 people  mostly female sex workers  whose remains were discovered there.

Heuermann, a Manhattan architect, has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all counts. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierneys office, which is prosecuting Heuermann, said in a statement he is not commenting on any topics even tangentially involved to the investigation while a pre-trial hearing plays out.

The two female victims are among three sets of human remains long associated with the Gilgo Beach case that have not been identified, at least publicly, by authorities.

In September, Long Island officials released more detailed renderings of a victim believed to be of Chinese descent whose remains were found off Ocean Parkway in 2011. The victim died in 2006 or earlier, was likely between ages 17 and 23 and about 5 feet 6 inches tall.

Officials for years had identified the victim as male, but said they now believe the person may have presented outwardly as female as they were dressed in womens clothing.

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Chicago Transit Authority Photo by Saketh on Unsplash Photo by Saketh on Unsplash

(The Center Square)  With a massive funding shortfall on the horizon, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce is calling on state lawmakers to enact reforms for the states mass transit systems before considering funding.

The chamber released a report that contains business principles for mass transit reform. Some of the recommendations include prioritizing public safety and making sure the business community has a seat at the table in future policy making.

President and CEO Lou Sandoval said one obvious principal is for the agencies to be more efficient.

Identify the efficiencies of where you can consolidate things and it might be something as simple as [information technology] vendors, said Sandoval. Thats the low hanging fruit.

The leaders of the Chicago-area transit agencies have pushed back against any consolidation talk and instead have requested $1.5 billion in additional funding.

A measure in Springfield would create the Metropolitan Mobility Authority, which would oversee Metra, Pace, the Chicago Transit Authority and the Regional Transportation Authority. The agencies collectively face a budget cliff of over $770 million in 2026.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the entire state has to be considered when talking about mass transit.

Whatever we do with regard to transit, there has to be a component of it that focuses on downstate transit, Pritzker said at an unrelated event in Jacksonville Tuesday. That is something I have been pushing very hard is that it cant just be about Chicago and the surrounding areas.

Sandoval said the states economy relies on a reliable, safe, modern and efficient transit system that provides access to jobs, services and opportunities.

The Illinois Chambers guidance offers a balanced, forward-thinking approach to ensuring our transit systems remain sustainable and capable of meeting the needs of Illinois businesses, workers, and the working families they support for years to come, said Sandoval.
Marly Garnreiter / SWNS Marly Garnreiter typed her symptoms into ChatGPT and was told she had blood cancer

Marly Garnreiter, 27, thought her night sweats and itchy skin were a symptom of anxiety following the death of her father at age 58 from colon cancer

She put her symptoms into ChatGPT, which said she had blood cancer  but her friends were skeptical and told her to consult real doctors

A pain in her chest prompted another visit to the doctor, where she was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer

A woman put her symptoms into the artificial intelligence program ChatGPT but says she ignored the chatbots cancer diagnosis  until a year later when she was given the same news from doctors.

Marly Garnreiter, 27, was struggling with night sweats and itchy skin, but initially chalked her symptoms up to lingering anxiety and grief after her father, Victor, died at age 58 from colon cancer in January 2024.

Marly Garnreiter / SWNS Marly Garnreiter was told by ChatGPT that she had blood cancer a year before doctors discovered it.

Related: A Boy Suffering Chronic Pain for 3 Years Finally Receives Correct Diagnosis from ChatGPT

When she saw her doctor, all her tests came back normal. So Garnreiter decided, on a lark, to put her symptoms into the AI chatbot, ChatGPT. It said I had blood cancer, Garnreiter, who hails from Paris, said, according to The Daily Mail. My friends were skeptical when I told them, and said I should only consult real doctors.

Months later, Garnreiter returned to the doctor when she started to feel something was wrong," she explained. I had a pain in my chest and I was tired all the time, she said.

Marly Garnreiter / SWNS Marly Garnreiter's doctors diagnosed her with Hodgkin lymphoma a year after her ChatGPT search

Related: N.J. Teen Vowed to Continue to Play Basketball amid Cancer Diagnosis: It 'Took a Lot from Him, but It's Not Going to Take This'

Scans showed a big mass on her left lung, and tests showed she had Hodgkin lymphoma. As the Cleveland Clinic explains, its a type of blood cancer that starts in the white blood cells.

Chat GPT  which had diagnosed it a year earlier  was right.

Garnreiter said she felt like everything was unfair. I didn't want my family to go through this one more time, she said, as she was now set to undergo chemotherapy in March  about a year after her father died from cancer.

Hodgkin lymphoma  which is rarer than non-Hodgkin Lymphoma  is treatable, according to the Cleveland Clinic, with the lowest rate of survival being 81% after five years. Symptoms include itchy skin and night sweats, as well as abdominal pain, fever, and fatigue. Garnreiter said shes confident for the future, and wants to warn others to advocate for themselves.

It's really important to listen to our bodies, she said. Sometimes we tend to lose our connection with our inner self.

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By Yukun Zhang, Jing Xu and Lewis Jackson

BEIJING (Reuters) - China called for all "unilateral" U.S. tariffs to be cancelled on Thursday, as signs emerged that the Trump administration may de-escalate its trade war with Beijing.

China also clarified it has not held trade talks with Washington despite repeated comments from the U.S. government suggesting there had been engagement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the U.S. will have a deal with China and on Wednesday said there was "direct contact" between both countries. Trump, who calls his tariffs "reciprocal", says the duties aim to correct unfair trade imbalances with the U.S.

The U.S. should remove all "unilateral tariff measures" against China "if it truly wanted" to solve the trade issue, Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said on Thursday.

"The person who tied the bell must untie it," he told reporters at a regular press conference.

The Trump administration would look at lowering tariffs on imported Chinese goods from their current level of 145% to possibly between 50% and 65%, pending talks with Beijing, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing a source familiar with the matter.

China's He also urged the U.S. to pay attention to the "rational voices" of the international community and domestic parties.

"China and the United States have not conducted consultations or negotiations on tariffs, let alone reached an agreement," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a separate news briefing, calling reports of such information "false news".

At home, China held a roundtable on Wednesday to address concerns of more than 80 foreign firms and chambers over the impact of U.S. tariffs on their investments and operations in China, according to a commerce ministry readout.

"It is hoped that foreign firms will...turn crises into opportunities," Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji said at the roundtable, promising to work on resolving problems faced by foreign firms.

In Washington D.C., China's central bank Governor Pan Gongsheng said China will firmly support free trade rules and the multilateral trading system, in remarks made at a G20 meeting on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.

(Reporting by Yukun Zhang, Jing Xu and Lewis Jackson; Writing by Liz Lee; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Sharon Singleton)
Democrats on Wednesday skewered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the reported refurbishing of a room in the Pentagon, which was turned into a makeup studio for senior officials to get ready for on-camera appearances.

According to CBS News, which first reported on the room, sources said the projects cost was thousands of dollars.

A Defense official told The Hill on Wednesday in an email that changes and upgrades to the Pentagon Briefing Room are nothing new and routinely happen during changes in an Administration.

The Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs recently upgraded a space known informally as the Green Room, to offer senior leaders and VIPs a place to prepare prior to press engagements before appearing on television, the official said.

Most of the changes in the Green Room were furniture modifications  a directors style chair, mirror, and a makeup light  all of which were added from existing inventories, the official added.

The official said a countertop was constructed for the room but added the Pentagon was deliberately conservative and opted for several less expensive, on-hand materiel solutions for the project.

Democrats quickly took to social media to mock the Defense secretary, who has been beating back criticism for sharing sensitive military plans in private Signal chat groups.

Only makeup that our Sec Def should be putting on, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) said Wednesday in a post on the social platform X, featuring a GIF of Arnold Schwarzenegger painting black stripes on his body in the movie Predator.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also took a swing at Hegseth.

Sources say his favorite makeup products at the Pentagon are concealer and coverup, Schumer said in a post on X.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) in a post on X referenced a series of emojis used in a Signal group chat in which top Trump officials accidentally included The Atlantics editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, but added a lipstick emoji.

The Defense Department pushed back on the CBS report of changes to the Pentagon room in a post on X, saying that they didnt cost thousands and that items that were added to the GREEN ROOM (not a makeup studio) came from existing inventory.

CBS News reported that the Pentagon room was revamped recently via an in-house construction crew, with a source saying that it was sparsely furnished with a table and chairs, a TV, former Pentagon leaders pictures and a mirror prior to the change. A different source told the outlet that changes to the room included a new chair, the addition of a mirror featuring makeup lighting and the removal of a table.

Nothing screams warrior culture more than a makeup studio, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) said in a post on X.

Hegseth was derelict in his duties by repeatedly using his personal phone to disclose ongoing combat operations, and is now wasting taxpayer dollars. How does a makeup studio at Pentagon help troops? He needs to resign.

The Hill has reached out to the Defense Department for comment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Headquarters is seen in Washington, DC, February 11, 2025. President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack Tuesday on the US federal disaster agency FEMA, calling for it to be shut down and its duties instead handed to individual states. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

The agency tasked with delivering billions of dollars in assistance to communities devastated by natural disasters is about to lose a huge portion of its workforce, including some of its most experienced and knowledgeable leaders who manage disaster response.

With hurricane season just weeks away, about 20% of FEMAs permanent full-time staff  roughly 1,000 workers  are expected to take a voluntary buyout as part of the latest staff reduction effort from Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, according to several sources briefed on the looming departures.

FEMA leaders responsible for response plans, operations and disaster recovery are among a long list of top brass exiting the agency, multiple sources told CNN.

CNN has reached out to FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security about the departures.

Whether or not the positions are frozen, its likely to be a significant brain drain, which impedes our ability to respond, a FEMA official, speaking anonymously out of fear of retribution, told CNN.

The 1,000 or so workers have accepted recent DOGE-led offers for deferred resignation or early retirement, sources told CNN, amid mounting tension and turmoil at the disaster relief agency.

More than 800 FEMA personnel accepted similar offers during the initial Deferred Resignation Program earlier this year, The New York Times reported, though many more workers at the agency were eligible for that round.

This time, sources said more senior officials are voluntarily heading for the door.

All of these people have seen their work destroyed and denigrated, a senior FEMA official told CNN. They started seeing that FEMA might actually be killed.

President Donald Trump and his allies have criticized FEMA for months as partisan, ineffective and unnecessary. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has promised to eliminate the agency altogether, potentially in the coming months.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivers remarks to staff at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters on January 28, 2025, in Washington, DC. - Manuel Balce Ceneta/Pool/Getty Images

In recent weeks, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, has administered at least a dozen lie detector tests to agency officials over alleged media leaks. Since CNN reported on the polygraphs, several more FEMA officials have been tested, multiple sources said.

People dont want to work here anymore, another senior official said. And theyre worried about what the agency will look like in a year.

The departures will reshape FEMA leadership, sources said.

What youre losing here are the people that actually know how to build and run programs, and these people arent easily replaced, the first senior official said. If their desire was to break the ability of the agency to do business, then they are succeeding without question. But they have not done any work building something to replace it.

More workforce reductions may be coming to FEMA.

The vast majority of FEMA personnel are part of the Cadre of On-Call Response Employees (known as CORE) and the Reservists. Those positions  which are not part of the new batch of departures because they were largely ineligible for the latest voluntary resignation offers  include most of the public-facing roles that help deliver assistance to communities after disasters.

Last month, Secretary Noem issued a directive requiring CORE and Reservists, many of whom hold 2- to 4-year term positions, to be individually approved by Noems team to be renewed for another term. Right now, many are only receiving extensions in 30-day increments, multiple sources said.

Several senior FEMA officials told CNN they expect DHS to chisel away at those positions in the coming months to reduce the agencys staff even further, which would inevitably squeeze resources deployed to disaster zones.

Honestly, I dont know what to expect, the official who works directly on disaster response said. Were scrambling to make plans to fill the gaps. I think we just accept that there are going to be more hits coming.

Hurricane preparations have already been stifled amid funding restrictions at the agency, sources said. Some trainings are postponed, hiring is frozen, teams are preparing for staffing cuts, and engagements between FEMA and its state partners have been limited.

There is a horrible level of fear and anxiety, a fourth FEMA official told CNN. The lack of a bigger picture plan is what is causing the most worry. If we had a clear march in this direction, that would be fine, and we would do it. Instead, its all a guessing game and trying to be ready.

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As the Trump administration renews its focus on declining birth rates in the U.S., new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that births were fairly stable in 2024, rising 1% over the year prior.

There were 3,622,673 births in the U.S. last year, according to a CDC report released Wednesday. Overall, the number of births declined by 2% per year, on average, from 2015 through 2020 and fluctuated in the years since, according to the report.

The report also estimated the birth rate among women ages 15 to 44, referred to more specifically as the fertility rate. The rate declined from 2014 to 2020, then fluctuated through 2024. The fertility rate last year was 54.6 births per 1,000 women, the report found  a 0.2% uptick compared with 2023.

Brady Hamilton, the reports main author and a CDC statistician, said the data marks a continuation of the general downward trend in births to teenagers and upward trend in births to older women seen for the last three or so decades. However, he said the CDC could not speak to the reasons behind the trend.

Sociologists who examined the CDC data said it largely reflects women who delayed having children in their 20s finally choosing to do so in their 30s and 40s. Birth rates increased last year among women ages 25 to 44, but declined among teenagers and those under 25.

Its not that people are deciding against having kids at all, said Karen Benjamin Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Rather, she said, people are asking themselves: Do I have the right partner? If I have another baby in child care, what would that do to my expenses? Does my job feel stable?

Those same concerns might also compel parents to have fewer children, Guzzo said. The average woman in 2024 had one to two biological children, according to the CDC report, compared with more than three in 1960.

The overall fertility rate in the U.S. has declined since 2007  a pattern sociologists expect to continue, despite the nominal uptick last year.

While the economy has generally improved since the Great Recession, many people still dont feel like their financial position has gotten better, said Sarah Hayford, director of the Institute for Population Research at Ohio State University.

In a lot of places, the housing market is really challenging, and thats something that a lot of people want to have kind of in place before they have children, she said.

Guzzo said the Trump administrations tariffs on imported goods and gutting of federal programs that support women and children could add to a climate of women delaying having kids or deciding not to altogether.

The Trump administration, for its part, has lamented the decline in birth rates.

Vice President JD Vance called for more babies in the United States of America at an anti-abortion rally in January. And Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that same month that communities with higher-than-average marriage and birth rates should be prioritized for federal transportation funds.

President Donald Trump dubbed himself the fertilization president at a White House event in March. His executive order to expand access to in vitro fertilization emphasizes the importance of family formation and calls for making it easier for loving and longing mothers and fathers to have children.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a senior Trump adviser, has also referred to declining birth rates as a danger to humanitys survival. According to the CDC report, the birth rate in the U.S. is far below whats known as the replacement level, where enough babies are being born that a population can keep its size from one generation to the next.

The New York Times reported Monday that the White House is weighing proposals to incentivize childbirth, including a $5,000 cash bonus to mothers after delivery. But sociologists said those efforts arent likely to reverse declining birth rates. A 2021 study of baby bonuses in South Korea found that most of the money went to women who would have had a child regardless of the incentive.

You cant just flip a switch and change the birth rate, said Julia Strasser, an assistant research professor at the George Washington University Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity.

The economic requirements  not just for having babies, but for raising babies  last a very long time, and $5,000 doesnt really go a long way towards supporting that, she added.

Sociologists generally agreed that low fertility or birth rates arent an inherent problem. In fact, they said, the decline in teen birth rates is a positive trend.

Its good news when people can avoid having kids at periods of their life where they themselves would say, This is not the right time, Guzzo said.
For several years, Fred Neary had been seeing five doctors at the Baylor Scott & White Health system, whose 52 hospitals serve central and northern Texas, including Nearys home in Dallas. But in October, his Humana Medicare Advantage planan alternative to government-run Medicarewarned that Baylor and the insurer were fighting over a new contract. If they couldnt reach an agreement, hed have to find new doctors or new health insurance.

All my medical information is with Baylor Scott & White, said Neary, 87, who retired from a career in financial services. His doctors are a five-minute drive from his house. After so many years, starting over with that many new doctor relationships didnt feel like an option.

After several anxious weeks, Neary learned Humana and Baylor were parting ways as of this year, and he was forced to choose between the two. Because the breakup happened during the annual fall enrollment period for Medicare Advantage, he was able to pick a new Advantage plan with coverage starting Jan. 1, a day after his Humana plan ended.

When Fred Nearys five doctors at the Baylor Scott & White Health system were leaving his Medicare Advantage plan, he was forced to choose: Get new doctors or new insurance. After so many years, starting over with that many new doctor relationships didnt feel like an option, says Neary, a retiree in Dallas. (Kay McCoy)

Other Advantage members who lose providers are not as lucky. Although disputes between health systems and insurers happen all the time, members are usually locked into their plans for the year and restricted to a network of providers, even if that network shrinks. Unless members qualify for whats called a special enrollment period, switching plans or returning to traditional Medicare is allowed only at years end, with new coverage starting in January.

But in the past 15 months, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees the Medicare Advantage program, has quietly offered roughly three-month special enrollment periods allowing thousands of Advantage members in at least 13 states to change plans. They were also allowed to leave Advantage plans entirely and choose traditional Medicare coverage without penalty, regardless of when they lost their providers. But even when CMS lets Advantage members leave a plan that lost a key provider, insurers can still enroll new members without telling them the network has shrunk.

At least 41 hospital systems have dropped out of 62 Advantage plans serving all or parts of 25 states since July, according to Beckers Hospital Review. Over the past two years, separations between Advantage plans and health systems have tripled, said FTI Consulting, which tracks reports of the disputes.

CMS spokesperson Catherine Howden said it is a routine occurrence for the agency to determine that provider network changes trigger a special enrollment period for their members. It has happened many times in the past, though we have seen an uptick in recent years.

Still, CMS would not identify plans whose members were allowed to disenroll after losing health providers. The agency also would not say whether the plans violated federal provider network rules intended to ensure that Medicare Advantage members have sufficient providers within certain distances and travel times.

The secrecy around when and how Advantage members can escape plans after their doctors and hospitals drop out worries Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees CMS.

Seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans deserve to know they can change their plan when their local doctor or hospital exits the plan due to profit-driven business practices, Wyden said.

The increase in insurer-provider breakups isnt surprising, given the growing popularity of Medicare Advantage. The plans attracted about 54% of the 61.2 million people who had both Medicare Parts A and B and were eligible to sign up for Medicare Advantage in 2024, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

The plans can offer supplemental benefits unavailable from traditional Medicare because the federal government pays insurers about 20% more per member than traditional Medicare per-member costs, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, which advises Congress. The extra spending, which some lawmakers call wasteful, will total about $84 billion in 2025, MedPAC estimates. While traditional Medicare does not offer the additional benefits Advantage plans advertise, it does not limit beneficiaries choice of providers. They can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, as nearly all do.

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the U.S., serving parts of seven states from South Dakota to Michigan, decided to leave a Humana Medicare Advantage plan last year that covered 15,000 of its patients. It's not so much about the finances or administrative burden, although those are real concerns, said Nick Olson, Sanford Healths chief financial officer. The most important thing for us is the fact that coverage denials and prior authorization delays impact the care a patient receives, and thats unacceptable.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, representing insurance regulators from every state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, has appealed to CMS to help Advantage members.

State regulators in several states are seeing hospitals and crucial provider groups making decisions to no longer contract with any MA plans, which can leave enrollees without ready access to care, the group wrote in September. Lack of CMS guidance could result in unnecessary financial or medical injury to Americas seniors.

The commissioners appealed again last month to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Significant network changes trigger important rights for beneficiaries, and they should receive clear notice of their rights and have access to counseling to help them make appropriate choices, they wrote.

The insurance commissioners asked CMS to consider offering a special enrollment period for all Advantage members who lose the same major provider, instead of placing the burden on individuals to find help on their own. No matter what time of year, members would be able to change plans or enroll in government-run Medicare.

Advantage members granted this special enrollment period who choose traditional Medicare get a bonus: If they want to purchase a Medigap policysupplemental insurance that helps cover Medicares considerable out-of-pocket costsinsurers cant turn them away or charge them more because of preexisting health conditions.

Those potential extra costs have long been a deterrent for people who want to leave Medicare Advantage for traditional Medicare.

People are being trapped in Medicare Advantage because they can't get a Medigap plan, said Bonnie Burns, a training and policy specialist at California Health Advocates, a nonprofit watchdog that helps seniors navigate Medicare.

Guaranteed access to Medigap coverage is especially important when providers drop out of all Advantage plans. Only four statesConnecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Yorkoffer that guarantee to anyone who wants to reenroll in Medicare.

But some hospital systems, including Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska, are so frustrated by Advantage plans that they wont participate in any of them.

It had the same problems with delays and denials of coverage as other providers, but one incident stands out for CEO Ivan Mitchell: A patient too sick to go home had to stay in the hospital an extra six weeks because her plan wouldnt cover care in a rehabilitation facility.

With traditional Medicare the only option this year for Great Plains Health patients, Nebraska insurance commissioner Eric Dunning asked for a special enrollment period with guaranteed Medigap access for some 1,200 beneficiaries. After six months, CMS agreed.

Once Delawares insurance commissioner contacted CMS about the Bayhealth medical system dropping out of a Cigna Advantage plan, members received a special enrollment period starting in January.

Maines congressional delegation pushed for an enrollment period for nearly 4,000 patients of Northern Light Health after the 10-hospital system dropped out of a Humana Advantage plan last year.

Our constituents have told us that they are anticipating serious challenges, ranging from worries about substantial changes to cost-sharing rates to concerns about maintaining care with current providers, the delegation told CMS.

CMS granted the request to ensure that MA enrollees have access to medically necessary care, then-CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure wrote to Sen. Angus King (I-Maine).

Minnesota insurance officials appealed to CMS on behalf of some 75,000 members of Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare Advantage plans after six health systems announced last year they would leave the plans in 2025. So many provider changes caused "tremendous problems, said Kelli Jo Greiner, director of the Minnesota State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as a SHIP, at the Minnesota Board on Aging. SHIP counselors across the country provide Medicare beneficiaries free help choosing and using Medicare drug and Advantage plans.

Providers serving about 15,000 of Minnesotas Advantage members ultimately agreed to stay in the insurers' networks. CMS decided 14,000 Humana members qualified for a network-change special enrollment period.

The remaining 46,000 peopleAetna and UnitedHealthcare Advantage memberswho lost access to four health systems were not eligible for the special enrollment period. CMS decided their plans still had enough other providers to care for them.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Fashion designer and stylist Tan France, best known for his role in the Netflix series "Queer Eye," with Poorna Jagannathan at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month. Fortune writer Sharon Goldman says she has long dreamed of having a personal stylist like France to help her shop. Now, she says, she may have found the next best thing in OpenAI's ChatGPT. (Michael Buckner/WWDGetty Images)

Welcome to Eye on AI! In todays edition: Trump signs executive order on AI education...California Bar discloses AI was used to develop some questions in problem-plagued February exam...Anthropics chief security officer says AI employees are coming within a year...Measuring the AI revolution

Google executive Sissie Hsiao testified yesterday in the companys antitrust trial that while ChatGPT has stolen market share from Google search queries, searches with commercial intent like shoppinghavent yet been significantly affected. But in notes from an October 2024 meeting presented in court, Googles ad chief, Vidhya Srinivasan, was cited as saying that the writing is on the wall and Hsiao said Srinivasan believes it is inevitable that ChatGPT and other chatbots will eventually replace standard Google searches for many people.

I heartily agree. If youll indulge me, Id like to share my own personal search story: People say women love to shop. I couldnt relate less. Ive barely set foot in a brick-and-mortar store for clothes, shoes, or accessories in nearly a decade. Instead, Ive relied almost entirely on subscription boxes like Stitch Fixand a lot of good old-fashioned Googling.

But that only gets me so far. Not only do I lack a passion for fashion, but I also typically feel like a styling failure. Ive lost count of how many times Ive dreamed of having Tan France from Queer Eye as my personal stylist. And I cant even tell you how often Ive fallen into a black hole of Google searches, desperately trying to figure out what goes with whatonly to close the tabs in frustration.

Stuck at the search bar

Im ready to buyIm just stuck at the search bar. Google, with its endless link scroll, is simply overwhelming for the shopping-averse. But it turns out that OpenAIs ChatGPT, which debuted ChatGPT Search in October 2024, helps in ways that Google never could.

ChatGPT no longer relies on a static corpus of training data, with limited knowledge beyond 2023. Nowadays, ChatGPT offers real-time data courtesy of a blend of Microsofts Bing search engine (with which it has an integration) and OpenAIs own web crawlers that scrape publicly available web pages (except those that block it via robots.txt) and update OpenAIs internal knowledge base.

Heres an example: Last week, I received a subscription box from Short Story, a Stitch Fix-like service for petites. When I couldnt figure out how to style the six items I received, I turned to ChatGPT. Explaining my predicament, I got very specific, including my height, weight, and age. I did not include any photos of myself.

Could I wear the black Souri blazer I got with the Brynn contrast border wrap skirt? I asked.

Not only did ChatGPT reply in the affirmative and offer styling tips, it followed up by asking, Would you like me to pull some top options that would work with this combo? When I said yes, it served up links to several options from specific brands.

Without any prompting, it followed up by asking if I would like assistance in selecting accessories or footwear to complement the outfit. Would I? Only Tan France would be better!

The next day, I went back to ChatGPT to continue the conversation, turning to my recent struggle to camouflage my midlife stomach in an era of body-conscious tanks and tops. Again, not only did I get tips on everything from blouse shapes to shirt-tuck hacks, but I got a holy grail follow-up:

Would you like me to send over a few real product links with visuals? ChatGPT wrote. I can pull some options under $75 or from brands you like (let me know if you have preferences like J.Crew, Quince, Madewell, etc).

Thrilled, I threw a Hail Mary: Do you have any in petite sizes? Up came five more options. Inwardly cheering, I clicked through all the links, and there they wereactual, helpful items of clothing (yes, in petite sizes) that I would never have thought of or looked for. Success!

Building search Nirvana

So far it's unclear whether brands are partnering with OpenAI to ensure their products are surfaced more prominently in ChatGPT search results, which would raise serious transparency and trust concernscurrently users expect ChatGPT to give them the best, most relevant answers, not ads dressed up as answers. My sense is not yetalthough the Financial Times recently reported on OpenAI's plans to ultimately introduce an advertising model. And, aside from explicit commercial relationships with OpenAI, many brands are trying to figure out if there's a way to influence ChatGPT's answers so that their products are more likely to get mentioned in outputs, in much the same way companies figured out ways to potentially game Google's search algorithm through "SEO optimization."

Apparently, OpenAI has big plans for building on the kind of search Nirvana I experienced, and it sounds like its even looking to Google to help it get there. On Tuesday, Nick Turley, OpenAIs head of product, testified at the Google trial saying that improving OpenAIs search offering is crucial for the company, which it says requires Googles search technology, but that Google has declined to work with OpenAI (I cant imagine why).

According to Bloomberg, during his testimony, Turley did not talk directly about Microsoft but referred to a search relationship with Provider No. 1. Turley said that OpenAI had significant quality issues with the search information from that providerpresumably Bing. Apparently in August, OpenAI reached out to Google about whether they could reach an agreement to gain access to the search giants index, Turley said, but it declined.

Perhaps Google wants to do what OpenAI is doing with its AI search, but so far, from my own experiments, it seems to be lagging. In trying Googles AI mode, I had to ask specifically for product links, and there was no follow up to keep the conversation going or offer other options I might not have thought of. Perplexity, too, isnt quite there yet eitherin a similar search, it didnt offer product photos or easy-to-read brand descriptions. It fussed quite a bit with unnecessary tables and bullet points, rather than ChatGPTs friendly, personal stylist vibe.

Whatever the results of Googles antitrust trial, and whether or not ChatGPT winds up being the big winner in AI shopping, its clear that we are entering a new eraand every brand is going to need to pay attention. Keep in mind, my experience wasnt about an AI agent doing the purchasing for me. It was simply about discoveringin a natural, conversational waywhat was always there, but I could never find in the deep blue sea of Google links. Hallelujah.

And with that, heres the rest of the AI news.

Sharon Goldman

sharon.goldman@fortune.com

@sharongoldman

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
A former U.S. Army intelligence analyst was sentenced Wednesday to 7 years in prison for selling military secrets to a contact in China, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Sgt. Korbein Schultz was arrested for conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information and other charges. Photo released March 7, 2024 by the U.S. Army. / Credit: U.S. Army photo

Korbein Schultz, 25, of Wills Point, Texas, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiring to collect and transmit national defense information, unlawfully exporting controlled information to China, and accepting bribes in exchange of sensitive, non-public U.S. government information.

Schultz agreed to enter into a long-term partnership with an individual referred to in court documents as "Conspirator A," who claimed to live in Hong Kong. Schultz sent "Conspirator A" at least 92 sensitive U.S. military documents between May 2022 and his arrest in March 2024 in exchange for approximately $42,000, court documents said.

"This sentencing is a stark warning to those who betray our country: you will pay a steep price for it," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. "The People's Republic of China is relentless in its efforts to steal our national defense information, and service members are a prime target."

"Conspirator A" claimed to be a client from a geopolitical consulting firm and solicited Schultz to send detailed analyses on U.S. military capabilities and planning, particularly concerning Taiwan and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Schultz, whose job was in part to instruct others on the proper handling of classified information, sent information related to Russia's war in Ukraine, details on U.S. military exercises in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines, and documents concerning U.S. military satellites and missile defense systems, among others.

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Former local Virginia meteorologist Joshua Fitzpatrick, 42, is charged with sexual extortion after he was arrested on a fugitive warrant in Ohio on Tuesday.

Albemarle County police began an investigation into Fitzpatrick in late February after an assault was reported, they said in a statement Wednesday.

"The victim reported that after a consensual sexual encounter, they were extorted and threatened with the release of a video taken unknowingly and without their consent," the release said.

Warrants for Fitzpatrick's arrest were obtained April 9 on charges of felony sexual extortion and unlawful creation of image of another. Authorities tracked Fitzpatrick to Ohio, where he moved after the investigation began, the release said.

Fitzpatrick was scheduled for an extradition hearing Thursday morning but was unavailable for medical reasons, according to county records. A lawyer for Fitzpatrick did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Fitzpatrick left his position with NBC affiliate WVIR in early March, the station reported.

The investigation has led detectives to believe that there may be additional victims, the release said.

Anyone who may have had contact with Fitzpatrick is encouraged to contact the Albemarle County Police Department.
WASHINGTON  The commander of a Wisconsin military base has been suspended after the base received backlash for not displaying the portraits of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on its leadership wall.

The U.S. Army in a statement to its website said Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez had been suspended as garrison commander at Fort McCoy, an Army Reserve base near Sparta in western Wisconsin, "for administrative reasons."

Ramirezs suspension, the Army said, is not related to any misconduct, though the move came after Fort McCoy drew criticism for reportedly not displaying photos of Trump and Hegseth.

The Department of Defense posted a photo on X on April 14 showing Trumps portrait missing from the bases leadership wall and a photo of Hegseth turned around to face the wall. A second photo in the post shows both portraits displayed.

Regarding the Ft. McCoy Chain of Command wall controversy. WE FIXED IT! the post said. Also, an investigation has begun to figure out exactly what happened.

Regarding the Ft. McCoy Chain of Command wall controversy.



WE FIXED IT!



Also, an investigation has begun to figure out exactly what happened. pic.twitter.com/y0gcRtBQZq  DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) April 14, 2025

The Defense Department did not immediately respond April 23 to questions from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, questions about its investigation. A spokesman for Fort McCoy's 88th Readiness Division declined to comment on Ramirez's suspension said Ramirez has "not been relieved of command."

An updated statement posted to the U.S. Army's website that afternoon said "no one on the Fort McCoy leadership team, which includes Col. Baez-Ramirez, directed or supported the removal of any leader portraits." The post said an investigation "into the Leader Board incident at Fort McCoy is ongoing."

Ramirez is Fort McCoys first female garrison commander and assumed the role in July 2024. She previously served as chief of the Reserve Program, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and was commissioned as a military intelligence officer in 1999, according to her Army biography.

Shes held leadership positions in the Army and Army Reserves in bases across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Fort McCoy has been used as a military training base since it was created in 1909.

While the Army has said Ramirezs suspension was not related to misconduct, Hegseth, the defense secretary, shared a post on X this week that read: Commander of Fort McCoy, whose base chain-of-command board was missing photos of Trump, Vance and Hegseth, has been SUSPENDED.

More: Embattled Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strikes defiant tone at Army War College

The Army Reserves in a Facebook post on April 14 said Fort McCoy leadership team and the Army Reserve were unaware of the vandalism of the Leadership Board at Fort McCoy.

Once it was brought to their attention, the leadership at Fort McCoy took immediate action to correct it, the post said. Additionally, the command initiated an investigation to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fort McCoy commander disciplined after missing Trump, Hegseth portraits
By Leah Douglas

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Four Republican states have asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to let them ban soda, energy drinks and other food items from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, according to an agency spokesperson.

President Donald Trump's administration has said it will hastily approve such waivers submitted by states as part of its agenda to "Make America Healthy Again," a slogan popularized by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and his supporters.

More than 41 million Americans receive benefits from the SNAP program, the nation's largest food assistance program.

Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas and Indiana have submitted waivers to the agency, a spokesperson said on Thursday. The agency did not make copies of the waivers available.

Arkansas wants to exclude soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, "unhealthy drinks" and candy, according to a copy of the waiver on the website of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Indiana hopes to exclude candy and soda, according to an April 15 press release from Governor Mike Braun. Nebraska would exclude soda and energy drinks, according to an April 7 letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins by Governor Jim Pillen.

Reuters could not immediately verify the content of Iowa's waiver. Iowa lawmakers have been considering a bill that would limit SNAP purchases to whole foods like eggs, milk and vegetables.

Soda and candy lobby groups have criticized the waivers. Some anti-hunger groups and lawmakers have said restricting certain items from SNAP is stigmatizing to benefit recipients.

(Reporting by Leah Douglas in Washington, editing by Deepa Babington)
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listens as President Donald Trump meets with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had an internet connection that bypassed the Pentagon's security protocols set up in his office to use the Signal messaging app on a personal computer, two people familiar with the line told The Associated Press.

The existence of the unsecured internet connection is the latest revelation about Hegseth's use of the unclassified app and raises the possibility that sensitive defense information could have been put at risk of potential hacking or surveillance.

Known as a dirty" internet line by the IT industry, it connects directly to the public internet where the user's information and the websites accessed do not have the same security filters or protocols that the Pentagon's secured connections maintain.

Other Pentagon offices have used them, particularly if theres a need to monitor information or websites that would otherwise be blocked.

But the biggest advantage of using such a line is that the user would not show up as one of the many IP addresses assigned to the Defense Department  essentially the user is masked, according to a senior U.S. official familiar with military network security.

But it also can expose users to hacking and surveillance. A dirty line  just like any public internet connection  also may lack the recordkeeping compliance required by federal law, the official said.

All three spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter.

A dirty internet line to use Signal

The two people familiar with the line said Hegseth had it set up in his office to use the Signal app, which has become a flashpoint following revelations that he posted sensitive details about a military airstrike in two chats that each had more than a dozen people. One of the chats included his wife and brother, while the other included President Donald Trumps top national security officials.

Asked about Hegseths use of Signal in his office, which was first reported by The Washington Post, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the defense secretary's use of communications systems and channels is classified.

However, we can confirm that the Secretary has never used and does not currently use Signal on his government computer," Parnell said in a statement.

It's the latest revelation to shake the Pentagon. Besides facing questions from both Democrats and Republicans about his handling of sensitive information, Hegseth has dismissed or transferred multiple close advisers, tightly narrowing his inner circle and adding to the turmoil following the firings of several senior military officers in recent months.

Trump and other administration officials have given Hegseth their full support. They have blamed employees they say were disgruntled for leaking information to journalists, with Trump saying this week: Its just fake news. They just bring up stories.

I have 100% confidence in the secretary, Vice President JD Vance told reporters Wednesday about Hegseth. I know the president does and, really, the entire team does.

Secure ways to communicate at the Pentagon

The Pentagon has a variety of secure ways that enable Hegseth and other military leaders to communicate:

 The Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network can handle the lowest levels of sensitive information. It allows some access to the internet but is firewalled and has levels of cybersecurity that a dirty line does not. It cannot handle information labeled as secret.

 The Secure Internet Protocol Router Network is used for secret-level classified information.

 The Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System is for top-secret and secret compartmentalized information, which is some of the highest levels of secrecy, also known as TS/SCI.

Hegseth initially was going to the back area of his office where he could access Wi-Fi to use his devices, one of the people familiar said, and then he requested a line at his desk where he could use his own computer.

That meant at times there were three computers around his desk  a personal computer; another for classified information; and a third for sensitive defense information, both people said.

Because electronic devices are vulnerable to spying, no one is supposed to have them inside the defense secretarys office. Important offices at the Pentagon have a cabinet or drawer where staff or visitors are required to leave devices.

Fallout over Signal

Signal is a commercially available app that is not authorized to be used for sensitive or classified information. It's encrypted, but can be hacked.

While Signal offers more protections than standard text messaging, its no guarantee of security. Officials also must ensure their hardware and connections are secure, said Theresa Payton, White House chief information officer under President George W. Bush and now CEO of Fortalice Solutions, a cybersecurity firm.

The communications of senior government officials are of keen interest to adversaries like Russia or China, Payton said.

The National Security Agency issued a warning earlier this year about concerns that foreign hackers could try to target government officials using Signal. Google also advised caution about Russia-aligned hackers targeting Signal users.

Hegseths Signal use is under investigation by the Defense Department's acting inspector general at the request of the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Hegseth pulled the information about the strike on Yemens Houthi militants last month from a secure communications channel used by U.S. Central Command. He has vehemently denied he posted war plans or classified information.

But the information Hegseth did post in chats  exact launch times and bomb drop times  would have been classified and could have put service members at risk, multiple current and former military and defense officials have said. The airstrike information was sent before the pilots had launched or safely returned from their mission.

___

AP reporter David Klepper in Washington contributed to this report.
WAUKEGAN, Ill.  The man who opened fire at a Fourth of July parade near Chicago in 2022, killing seven people and leaving behind "oceans of grief," will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no possibility of parole, a judge said Thursday.

Robert Bobby Crimo III, 24, was a no-show for the sentencing hearing that began on Wednesday and he declined to make a statement to the court, his lawyer said.

"The court finds hes irrevocably depraved," Judge Victoria Rossetti said as she handed down the maximum sentence. "He is beyond any rehabilitation."

Crimo pleaded guilty last month to charges in the mass shooting that wounded nearly 50 more people in addition to the seven deaths.

The July 4, 2022, parade in Highland Park was about 30 miles outside Chicago.

In addition to Crimo's no show in court, all members of the killer's family also opted against attending, according to a lawyer for the gunman's father.

Liz Turnipseed, who was shot in the pelvis during the mass shooting and still struggles with mobility, called Crimo a "coward" for hiding from victims.

"But at the same time, I wasnt surprised at all," Turnipseed told reporters on Thursday outside court. "And regardless of whether he was there or not, this was going to happen. I dont need to see his face. I know what he looks like. I watched the videos with the confession that was enough to see how cavalier he was about murdering seven people."

Even though the life sentence seemed all but certain coming into Thursday, Highland Park resident Ashely Beasley, who was at that 2022 parade, said there was still tension in the courtroom up until Judge Rossetti ruled.

"We just all held our breath just to make sure that he would never, ever be free again," Beasley said. "And now that that's happened, it's like we can exhale knowing that he will not be free."

The seven people killed by Crimo were Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35. Cooper Roberts, then 8, was shot and paralyzed.

"In the middle of that joy, in the middle of that celebration, 83 shots rang out over 40 seconds. Eighty-three attempts to hurt people, do as much damage as possible. Eighty-three attempts to kill. Eighty-three attempts to reduce light in the world," Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart told the court. "He intended to end the happiness he saw around him. "

Some in the court sobbed and hugged one another as Rinehart summed up the mass trauma left by that shooting.

"I cannot attempt to rein in the pain, oceans of grief, trauma, heartache and loss," Rinehart said.





A mourner visits a memorial for the victims of the shooting in Highland Park.

Judge Rossetti appeared to be moments away from adjourning court for the day when a sheriff's deputy approached the bench and delivered her a note that forced an immediate break in proceedings.

With Crimo in a nearby jail, survivors in court believed the offender might have changed his mind about appearing in court.

But the half-hour delay turned out to be Crimo's claim that some of his belongings in jail had been taken, his lawyers said.

"The offender had a concern about something that was happening in the jail," Rinehart later told reporters. "It was not related to the sentencing hearing. That's all I'm going to say."

Thursday's hearing was a continuation from Wednesday, when more than a dozen witnesses testified, recalling the horrors of that day nearly three years ago.

John Kezdy and his wife Erica Weeder survived their physical wounds from that day, but were left with permanent emotional scars, she said.

Because of this mass shooting, this act of terror, Weeder testified Thursday, I and my children and entire community now know no one is ever really safe.

Kezdy, a punk rocker-turned-state prosecutor, was killed a year later in a bicycle accident.

Weeder said shes still nervous about driving and hearing loud noises from construction sites.

John and I willed ourselves to minimize the impact of shooting on our lives, Weeder said.





Robert E. Crimo III at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, Ill., on May 29, 2024.

After his capture, Crimo told police he was trying to avoid shooting children, targeting adults and aiming for the chest up.

Life without the possibility of parole is the most severe punishment Crimo faced, as Illinois doesnt have capital punishment.

Lance Northcutt, an attorney representing the McCarthy family and the slain couples orphaned son, said Thursday that there was nothing the judge could do on Thursday to bring "justice" to the victims' loved ones.

"Justice would be that little Aidan McCarthy would walk out of a kindergarten today and see his mother and his father waiting there with open arms to greet him," Northcutt said after court.

Technically, Crimo was ordered to serve seven consecutive life terms for the seven slayings, in addition to another 50-year consecutive sentence for attempted murder and 47 more 50-year terms for attempted murder to be served concurrently.

"He will not survive his first life sentence, then there would be six more," Rinehart said.

Outside court, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said she's always been struck by the symbolism of Crimo's attack unfolding on a day when Americans celebrate freedom.

"Our peer nations can't understand how we put up with this and I recognize that we as a community, we're coming together to celebrate freedom," Rotering said. "But how free are you if you're constantly worried that somebody's going to come leave 83 bullets on your community in under a minute? That's not freedom."

There were 503 mass shootings in America in 2024 and at least 85 so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

Samira Puskar reported from Waukegan and David K. Li from Los Angeles County.
The man who killed seven people and wounded nearly 50 more in an Independence Day mass shooting in suburban Chicago in 2022 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on April 24.

Robert Crimo III, 24, unexpectedly pleaded guilty to 69 counts of murder and attempted murder in March for the July 4, 2022, shooting during a parade in Highland Park, Illinois. The plea abruptly ended what would have likely been a lengthy trial.

Judge Victoria A. Rossetti announced the seven consecutive life sentences and told the court that Crimo showed a "complete disregard for human life and is beyond rehabilitation." Crimo, who did not attend the hearing, received the maximum sentence as Illinois abolished the death penalty in 2011.

"This court has absolutely no words that could capture the horror and pain that was inflicted on July 4," she said.

The sentence announcement came after multiple people took to the witness stand to provide testimony about the day of the rampage, including a police commander, a doctor and a woman who had attended the parade with her family. Victims of the attack also addressed the court and spoke of the devastating impact the shooting has had on their lives.

Erica Weeder, a survivor of the rampage who was wounded along with her husband, John, told the court she still suffers mentally from the traumatic incident. "My brain was rewired," she said, describing how she is sensitive to loud noises and how the shooting took away her "ability to bounce back from a stressful event."

Leah Sundheim, whose mother Jacqueline Sundheim was killed in the attack, said the rampage threw her world off balance. In a statement addressed to the gunman, she said, "I hope you wake in the middle of the night, gasping air you don't deserve."

Dana Rudder Ring attended the parade with her husband and three young children and described the scene of utter chaos that broke out when the gunfire erupted.

She and her family fled to an underground garage over broken glass and amid the terrified screams of the parade crowd. They encountered a young boy who was covered in blood," Ring said through tears. After attempting to find his parents, Ring brought him to her in-laws' home, where they cleaned him and waited for police.

That night, officers picked up the boy to reunite him with his family. Ring eventually discovered that the young boy was 2-year-old Aiden McCarthy, whose parents, Kevin and Irina, were both killed in the attack.

A memorial for the victims of a mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in downtown Highland Park, Illinois, displayed on Aug. 2, 2022.

What happened in the Highland Park shooting?

Crimo fired on the crowd from a rooftop on July 4, 2022, spraying more than 70 bullets, police said. He then fled and disguised himself as a woman to evade authorities in the chaos and was captured later that evening after a manhunt.

The seven people killed were Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Katherine Goldstein, 64; Irina McCarthy, 35; Kevin McCarthy, 37; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; and Stephen Straus, 88.

Crimo had a history of erratic behavior and had been visited twice by police in the years before the attack, including in 2019 when authorities confiscated several knives because Crimo had threatened to "kill everyone" in his house. The rifle he used in the shooting was legally purchased.

His father, Robert Crimo Jr., pleaded guilty in November 2023 to seven counts of reckless conduct and was sentenced to 60 days in jail and 100 hours of community service for agreeing to sponsor his sons gun license application.

Mass shootings: There have been at least 81 mass shootings in 2025

Sentencing hearing comes after whirlwind court proceedings

Crimo was expected to be tried before a jury before announcing his guilty pleas. Jury selection had already been completed and opening statements were about to begin March 3.

It wasn't the first time he had seemingly changed his mind unexpectedly. In 2024, Crimo agreed to plead guilty to multiple counts of first-degree murder and battery charges but backed out of the plea deal during a hearing in June. He pleaded not guilty instead, compelling the judge to set a trial date.

Ashley Beasley, who was at the parade with her son when the shooting broke out, told reporters outside the courtroom on March 3 that she felt an "immense amount of relief" when she heard Crimo pleaded guilty.

"I think there is a huge collective feeling of relief," she said. "Our community wanted justice."

Robert E. Crimo III arrives for his trial in Waukegan, Illinois, on March 3, 2025.

Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg and John Bacon

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highland Park mass shooter sentenced to life without parole
I enjoyed renting a car to travel throughout New Zealand. Riana Ang-Canning

After visiting 45 countries, a few destinations have become my top travel recommendations.

The natural beauty of New Zealand blew me away.

I love that Vietnam and Slovenia are a bit less crowded than some of their neighboring countries.

From studying abroad in Amsterdam to interning in Eswatini and road-tripping across Arizona, I've been lucky enough to study, work, travel, volunteer, or live in 45 countries across six continents.

However, there are five countries that truly wowed me and keep me coming back for more. Here are the countries I think every traveler should add to their bucket list.

There's something for everyone in Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay is absolutely stunning. Digitaler Lumpensammler/Getty Images

Although many visitors to Southeast Asia will visit places like Thailand and Bali, I highly suggest checking out Vietnam.

In my opinion, the country offers something for everyone. For nature that will wow you, check out the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay or the rice fields in Sapa.

You can also relax on the beaches in Hoi An and then head to the Old Town for cooking classes and custom-made clothing. Enjoy the hustle and bustle  plus awesome coffee culture  in Hanoi and Saigon.

From the urban to the adventurous, I found lots to do in Vietnam and found it to be less crowded and more affordable than other places I've visited.

The landscapes in New Zealand blew me away.

I enjoyed renting a car to travel throughout New Zealand. Riana Ang-Canning

For natural landscapes that will truly take your breath away, I recommend visiting New Zealand. When my husband and I visited, we rented a car so we could see the country at our own pace.

From geothermal attractions like hot springs and mud pools of the North Island to the fjords, mountains, and glaciers of the South Island, it's hard to find a view in New Zealand that isn't stunning.

I also appreciate there's an expectation that visitors protect the country's natural environment, in line with the indigenous Maori peoples' beliefs.

I was completely charmed by Slovenia.

Slovenia offers a little bit of everything, from city life to natural landscapes. Riana Ang-Canning

Slovenia is a small country sandwiched between Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria. Although many tourists typically flock to these neighboring countries, Slovenia seemed blissfully less crowded when I visited.

There's also so much to see and do there. For starters, there's the postcard-perfect Lake Bled, with an idyllic church on an island in the middle of the water. Lake Bohinj is also nearby, which I found to be even more beautiful.

The capital city, Ljubljana, is charming, too, with a castle on the hill, a meandering river through town, pedestrian markets, and a dragon as the city mascot.

Elsewhere in Slovenia, you can find everything from gorges and caves to waterfalls, vineyards, and beaches.

My home country of Canada gives visitors lots to choose from.

Canada is an incredibly diverse country. Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images

As a Canadian, I'm a bit biased, but I strongly believe my home country should be on every travel itinerary, as there's a little bit of everything to enjoy.

If you're looking for a big city with lots of international cuisine and nightlife options, pick Toronto. However, if you're looking for a city with a European feel and a distinct culture, opt for Montreal.

Into nature? Take a road trip around Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia to see some fall foliage or hike up mountains in Banff and Jasper.

Or for a taste of the sea, mountains, and city  sometimes all in the same day  there's no better place than my hometown of Vancouver.

Sweden is perfect for escaping hot summers.

I recommend visiting Sweden during the summer for cooler temperatures. Riana Ang-Canning

With Europe experiencing increasingly hot summers  summer 2024 was the hottest on record  I like to spend my holiday up north in Sweden for what some are calling a "coolcation."

Stockholm is cool  both literally and figuratively. There, you can stroll through the Royal Palace, visit museums dedicated to Viking ships, photography, or Abba, and take in the "world's longest art gallery," also known as the city's subway system.

You can also fly north to Swedish Lapland to connect with nature, learn about the indigenous Sami people, and spot a reindeer (they outnumber the people).

No matter where you are in Sweden, always make time for a Fika (coffee and snack break).

Read the original article on Business Insider
Getty Stock image of police lights on top of a vehicle

An Australian man has pleaded guilty to murder two years after he was accused of pouring gasoline on a person at a neighboring property and fatally setting them on fire.

On Wednesday, April 23, Stuart Lee submitted a guilty plea to the Supreme Court of Victoria for the 2023 murder of Colin Bainbridge, according to Australia's news.com.au and the Australian Associated Press.

Crown prosecutor Patrick Bourke KC said in court this week that before the alleged attack, Bainbridge, 66, was helping friends at a neighboring property in Wheatsheaf by clearing trees on the same street where Lee, 65, and his wife, Anita, lived, the news.com.au reported.

Per the outlet, Bainbridge started the project with his son, Joshua, on March 13, 2023 and returned to finish the following day.

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On the morning of March 14, both Colin and his son were attempting to complete the job when Lee appeared less than 15 minutes later and told the victim to get the f--- out of here or f--- off back to Melbourne," Joshua claimed, per the outlet.

I just told him to f--- off, Colin responded, according to Joshua, who also recalled that his father said, Dont worry about him, hes just run off.

Per news.com.au, Lee then called police six times before the attack. During one police call, the outlet reported, Lee allegedly told authorities that he needed "police here now," adding: If youre not coming, Im going to go and murder my neighbors."

The APP reported that Lee then allegedly poured gasoline from a can into a bucket in his shed and grabbed a lighter from his home before later climbing over a fence to set Colin on fire. Joshua tried to douse the flames with a hose.



ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP via Getty Stock image of a gasoline can

According to news.com.au, Colin died later that night after suffering burns to 70% of his body, while the APP reported that 81% of his body was covered in burns.

He told his son, I cant believe this bastard has done me in, as Lee fled the property, according to news.com.au. Lee later claimed he was just defending himself and was arrested while holding a cup of coffee in front of his home.

Ive had trouble with my neighbors, I threw petrol over the people and I lit him in flames, fire, Lee said, per news.com.au.

According to the outlet, Forensic psychiatrist Andrew Carroll told the court that Lee has a personality disorder involving detachment and paranoia, with him showing increasing preoccupation over conflicts with neighbors.

As reported by the outlet, Lee previously called the police in October 2020 and threatened to kill a different neighbor by lighting them on fire.

During the hearing, which continued on Thursday, the psychiatrist said Lee still felt justified in his actions. He continues to maintain he doesnt exactly feel guilty, he regrets the death of the victim but he maintains a sense that he did what he had to do, Carroll said, per news.com.au.

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Julia Munster, an attorney for Lee, said her client's mental health concerns should be considered in his sentencing  as prosecutors are not seeking a life sentence, per the outlet.

According to the APP, she said Lee believed the victim was threatening him with a chainsaw, calling it "irrational" and "explained in the prism of his personality disorder."

Bourke, however, argued that it was "not a situation where he is in uncontrolled anger" and also cited his ability to climb a fence with gasoline, according to news.com.au.

According to the outlet, Justice Andrew Tinney, who will later sentence Lee, said that seeking a life sentence was a live issue he would consider. "His conduct ... was nothing at all to do with fear  it was everything to do with anger," the judge said, per the APP. "I struggle to accept, even subjectively, there was a threat."

PEOPLE has reached out to Lee's attorney for comment.

Read the original article on People
Montgomery County District Attorney's Office; Lifecelebration

A Philadelphia man has been arrested after allegedly stealing millions of dollars from an elderly woman with dementia and blowing the proceeds on plastic surgery among other luxuries.

James Batt, 66, was arrested on Wednesday on several felony charges related to the $3.7 million he allegedly stole from Alice Lineman, who was 92 when she died.

According to a news release from the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office, Batt spent the money on extravagant vacations, hotels, gourmet restaurants, theater tickets, alcohol, shopping at high-end stores and even plastic surgery.

Prosecutors allege that Batt was named executor of Linemans will but never dispersed her funds like she wanted.

An investigation found that Batt befriended Lineman, who had senile dementia and required a live-in aide to help her with all daily activities, according to the district attorneys office. Lineman named Batt trustee and the largest beneficiary of her estate, giving him 45% control.

Prosecutors allegedly found out that prior to Linemans death, Batt made $30,003 in personal expenditures on her American Express account and added his significant other as an authorized user on the account.

According to the district attorneys office, he also withdrew $884,743 from her Wells Fargo account and $156,068 on her Morgan Stanley account.

Prosecutors say after Linemans death in 2019, Batt allegedly wrote 139 checks payable to himself from the Wells Fargo account, totaling $592,400. He also made charges, transfers and wrote checks from the Morgan Stanley account, totaling $1,384,435.

Batt allegedly made additional transactions totaling $490,632 on Linemans American Express account after her death. The total amount of unauthorized transactions from Linemans accounts before and after her death totaled $3,715,318, according to a news release from the district attorneys office.

Authorities said with the exception of one $150,000 payment to a beneficiary named in Linemans will, Batt did not distribute the money as required under Pennsylvania law.

This defendant took advantage of an elderly woman suffering from senile dementia by stealing more than $3.7 million from her and her estate, thereby draining the assets available to Ms. Lineman, her estate and her heirs, Kevin Steele, Montgomery County District Attorney, said in a statement.

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Batt faces charges of financial exploitation of an older adult, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, misapplication of entrusted property and theft by failure to make required dispositions, according to the news release from the Montgomery County DA.

He was arraigned on April 21 where a judge set Batts bail to $99,000 cash, with a provision that he can not use funds from Linemans estate. He was not able to make bail and was placed at a nearby correctional facility.

A preliminary hearing for Batt will be held on May 6, according to the district attorneys office.

Read the original article on People
Palestinians civil defense workers search through the debris following an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 50 people, many of them women and children, the territorys Health Ministry said Thursday. The deadly strikes tore into residential buildings, a police station, and a tent for displaced Palestinians, among other locations.

One strike in northern Gaza killed at least 18 people and another killed 11, including at least one child, according to Palestinian health officials. The Israeli military said the strike on the police station targeted a militant command center.

Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas and renewed its air and ground war over a month ago. It has sealed off Gazas 2 million Palestinians from all food and other imports since the beginning of March to pressure Hamas to release hostages. Around two dozen hostages are still believed to be alive.

Here's the latest:

An Israeli soldier is killed in Gaza

A tank driver was killed and another soldier severely wounded during combat in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, the Israeli military said.

The soldiers' families have been notified but their names have not been released, the brief military statement said, which did not specify how the soldier was killed.

More than 400 Israeli soldiers have died in ground operations in Gaza, according to official figures, which do not include soldiers killed during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

Clashes on Lebanon-Syria border

Smugglers are active along the two countries' border and clashes like the ones on Thursday are not uncommon.

Lebanons state-run National News Agency says an explosive drone blew up in a border village in Lebanon wounding eight Syrian refugees. NNA said the Lebanese army sent reinforcements to the border area after shooting was heard. It gave no further details.

Later Thursday, Syrias state news agency SANA quoted an unnamed defense ministry official as saying that Lebanons Hezbollah group fired five shells toward army positions on the Syrian side of the border and that troops retaliated.

Lebanon and Syria signed an agreement last month on border demarcation and increasing their security coordination.

Palestinians create role for a vice president and possible successor to aging leader Mahmoud Abbas, who runs the West Bank

The Palestine Liberation Organization's decision Thursday came as Abbas seeks greater relevance and a role in postwar planning for the Gaza Strip after having been largely sidelined by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The expectation is that whoever holds that role would be the front-runner to succeed Abbas  though its unclear when or exactly how it would be filled. Abbas is to choose his vice president from among the other 15 members of the PLOs executive committee.

The PLO is the internationally recognized representative of the Palestinian people and oversees the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited autonomy in less than half of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Abbas has led both entities for two decades.

Hamas, which won the last national elections in 2006, is not in the PLO. Hamas seized control of Gaza from Abbas forces in 2007, and reconciliation attempts between the rivals have repeatedly failed.

Israeli military chief threatens to expand operations in Gaza

While visiting Israeli forces deployed in southern Gaza, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said, If we do not see progress in the return of the hostages, we will expand our activity into a more intense and significant operation.

The military chief of staffs statement Thursday said Hamas is responsible for starting this war and for the dire situation of the population in Gaza.

Hamas has said it will only release the remaining 59 captives, 24 of whom are believed to be alive, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas.

Since Israel resumed the war in March, its forces have taken over more than half of Gaza and heavy airstrikes have killed nearly 2,000 people.

Israeli military admits responsibility for killing a UN staffer from Romania last month

The military initially denied it was responsible for the March 19 strike on a U.N. guesthouse in Gaza, which also wounded five other U.N. employees. Afterward, the U.N. concluded that an Israeli tank had struck the compound and said it had informed the military a day earlier that the location was a U.N facility.

Releasing its initial findings on Wednesday, the military said one of its tanks targeted the building due to assessed enemy presence and that the structure was not identified by the forces as a U.N. facility at the time. The attack prompted the United Nations to reduce its presence in the Gaza Strip, citing safety concerns.

Israel marks Holocaust Remembrance Day

A somber siren wailed across the country for two minutes of silence at 10 am Thursday. Cars stopped along the highway and people paused in their daily errands as they stood in silence.

Yom Hashoah, the day Israel observes as a memorial for the 6 million Jews killed by Nazi Germany and its allies in the Holocaust, is one of the most solemn dates on the countrys calendar.

Official observances began after sundown on Wednesday with a ceremony at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem. At the ceremony, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon as the main lesson of the Holocaust."

On this Holocaust Day, I promise: The military pressure on Hamas will continue. We will destroy all its capabilities. We will return all our hostages. We will defeat Hamas, and we will prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, Netanyahu said.

Israels president Isaac Herzog is in Poland for the annual March of the Living in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. He was joined by some 80 Holocaust survivors and 10 survivors of Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Far-right Israeli minister is booed at Yale

Protesters booed and threw water bottles at Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who was invited to speak at Yale University

The minister, who has been convicted eight times for offenses including racism and supporting a terrorist organization, is in America on a week-long trip to meet with politicians, business leaders, and the Jewish community in the U.S.

According to the Yale student newspaper, Ben-Gvir was invited to speak with a Jewish group that is not formally affiliated with the university.

Ben-Gvir said he spoke to students and professors about the lessons of the Holocaust in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, which Israel marks from Wednesday evening to Thursday. The antisemitic rioters will not intimidate me. I am continuing my important journey in the United States, he said.

Ben-Gvir oversees the countrys police force and has encouraged Netanyahu to press ahead with the war in Gaza and stop all humanitarian aid.

At least 50 killed as Israel pounds Gaza

Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 50 people, many of them women and children, according to the territorys Health Ministry.

A series of strikes hit in the northern Jabaliya area. One killed nine people in a police station. The Israeli military said it targeted a command and control center for Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad militant group. Other strikes in the area killed 18 people in a house and two people in a tent, the Health Ministry said. It did not immediately have details on the identities of the dead.

At least seven people were killed, including a mother and her two children, and another two children, in three strikes on the southern city of Khan Younis. Strikes in central Gaza killed six people, including two women and two children.

An airstrike on a home in Gaza City killed four children and their parents, and a later hit on an apartment building killed 11 people, including at least one child, the Health Ministry said.
John O'Keefe's mother, Peggy O'Keefe, recounts hearing about her son's death during the Karen Read trial in Norfolk Superior Court at Dedham, Mass., on Wednesday.

In tearful testimony, the mother of a Boston police officer recounted Wednesday how her son was discovered unresponsive in a snowbank and disputed comments made about her in media interviews by Karen Read, whom prosecutors accuse of killing the officer.

Peggy OKeefe testified that she got a call around 6 a.m. Jan. 29, 2022, from a friend of her son John OKeefes who was with Read when she discovered the unresponsive officer on the front lawn of Brian Albert, then a sergeant with the Boston Police Department.

She said, John was found in a snowbank, OKeefe recalled. I didnt understand. I said, What do you mean? Shes like: Found him in the snow. They dont know what happened.

OKeefe did not testify during Reads widely publicized first trial, which ended with a hung jury last summer.

Read, 45, was charged with second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a collision causing death.

Karen Read and a defense team member, Alan Jackson, address potential jurors during jury selection in Dedham, Mass., on April 14.

In opening statements Tuesday, prosecutors accused Read of fatally striking John OKeefe, 46, and leaving him for dead outside Albert's home in suburban Boston on a snowy morning in January 2022.

Defense attorney Alan Jackson blamed the killing on others who were at the home and said Read was the victim of police misconduct and a cover-up.

Peggy OKeefe said Wednesday that with Read in her vehicle, her son's friend picked both of them up and drove them to the hospital where John OKeefe was taken.

At one point during the drive, she testified, she asked Read what happened to her son. Read responded that they had gone to a party and that she had left him there.

You just left him there? OKeefe recalled asking her. She said, Yes, I just left him there.

Prosecutors have said Read dropped John OKeefe off at Alberts house and began driving away but then put her Lexus SUV into reverse and fatally struck him.

According to the defenses account, there was no collision and Read watched John OKeefe enter Alberts house, where he was most likely beaten and bitten by Alberts dog. (During the first trial, Albert testified that John OKeefe did not enter his home.)

Peggy OKeefe testified that Read did not tell her whether she left her son inside or outside Alberts home.

Once she was at the hospital, Peggy OKeefe testified, officials were leading her through the emergency room when she saw Read.

She started yelling, Is he dead? OKeefe recalled.

Toward the end of OKeefes nearly 20 minutes of testimony, special counsel and lead prosecutor Hank Brennan referred to an interview Read gave for a documentary by Investigation Discovery.

Brennan sought to admit Reads comments to Investigation Discovery and 20/20 about Peggy OKeefe because they show her consciousness of guilt, he said.

Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone did not immediately rule on the matter.

The Investigation Discovery clip showed Read describing how she saw Peggy O'Keefe in her kitchen in the hours after the hospital trip. Read recalled OKeefe leaning over a kitchen island and saying, I think it looks like he got hit by a car.

Did you ever lean over a kitchen island and say, 'I think he looks like he got hit by a car?' Brennan asked O'Keefe.

I dont remember talking to her that morning, she replied.

Jackson did not question O'Keefe, but he said the clip should not be admitted because it only shows Read repeating "something somebody else said."

The clip, he added, is "obviously and strategically being used to try to vilify my client with something that is completely irrelevant."

Brennan, meanwhile, said it was not only relevant but "an extraordinarily strong piece of consciousness of guilt evidence."
By Monica Machicao and Santiago Limachi

BENI, Bolivia (Reuters) -In Bolivia's rural region of Beni near the border with Brazil, vast grasslands where cows once grazed have been submerged, forcing cattle and the cowboys that herd them to swim or wade to reach small patches of higher ground.

The South American nation has been hit by some of the most intense rains in decades, which have left soy fields and ranches underwater, putting at risk exports to overseas markets and pushing up local food prices.

"The flooding we are experiencing right now is very unusual, very severe for this time of year," cattle rancher Gunther Amatller told Reuters as he rescued his livestock from the flood waters. "The water just keeps rising. It's hard to predict how much higher it will rise."

According to local estimates, some 200,000 head of cattle, or about 2% of the national herd, are at risk, struggling with flood water and fatigue. Beni supplies beef nationwide and exports to markets such as China. The floods have hit 590,000 families and killed at least 55 people.

"My cattle are suffering and the animals are emaciated. Plus, there are a lot of snakes and jaguars in that flooded area," lamented Teresa Vargas, owner of the Cheperepije ranch.

Climate change has altered weather patterns, according to experts, delaying rains and making them more intense. The Mamore River, an Amazonian river that runs through Bolivia and Brazil, has burst its banks, flooding everything in its path.

In towns such as Puerto Almacen and Puerto Ballivian, entire families have abandoned their homes, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters on the side of the road.

"We are forced to leave our houses," Mayra Peralta said, her voice breaking. "Every day, the water rises."

In Loma Calatayud, Jesus Martinez helplessly showed how his rice, plantain, and cassava crops have disappeared. His wife cooks precariously on a wooden platform, while water surrounds their home.

"Everything is underwater," said Jesus.

Indigenous women, such as Edilberta Huaginoe, cook in hastily constructed camps on higher ground, trying to feed their children with what little they can salvage from the water.

"The rice is underwater, the plantains and cassava are underwater, and we can't get them out because they're too deep," said Edilberta. "This is where we'll come to sleep until the water recedes."

(Reporting by Monica Machicao and Santiago Limachi; Writing by Danial Ramos; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Rod Nickel)
By Kalea Hall and Nora Eckert

DETROIT (Reuters) -General Motors is increasing production of transmissions at its Toledo, Ohio facility, shifting away from EV drive unit manufacturing toward parts for gasoline vehicles, the company confirmed Wednesday.

The transmission plant supports production of light-duty trucks made in Fort Wayne, Indiana, along with other facilities. Reuters first reported that GM would increase production at the Indiana assembly plant in early April after U.S. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on auto imports.

A spokesperson for the automaker said the production shift in Toledo is not related to tariffs.

"General Motors will revise production plans at Toledo Propulsion to support additional capacity of ICE (internal combustion engine) propulsion units in alignment with current market demand and manufacturing resiliency," the spokesperson said in a statement.

When GM announced a $760 million investment to transform the Toledo facility into a drive unit production hub, it became its first U.S. powertrain factory repurposed for EVs. The automaker hasn't yet produced retail drive units there.

"To align with current market demand and manufacturing needs, leadership has made the decision to add capacity to support propulsion units currently built at Toledo for ICE (internal combustion engines) products," Rob Morris, the Toledo plant director, said in a memo shared with workers.

The memo said that one of the drive unit production lines in the facility would be transformed into a transmission line, but said there were no updates regarding the second drive unit production line.

GM has made other adjustments to its EV plans including pushing back the start of EV truck production at its Orion Assembly plant in Michigan. It fell short on its EV production goal of producing and wholesaling 200,000 EVs in North America in 2024, instead ending up at 189,000 units wholesale.

Separately, Trump's tariffs have prompted automakers to change or expedite investment plans. Some suppliers and automakers are looking for opportunities to expand investment in the U.S. to avoid the steep levies, while others are waiting to see if the duties stick.

An analysis by the Center for Automotive Research found that Trump's 25% auto tariffs imposed in early April will increase costs by about $108 billion for automakers in the U.S. in 2025.

The industry is still facing levies on automotive part imports, which are scheduled to begin no later than May 3.

(Reporting by Kalea Hall and Nora Eckert in Detroit; Editing by Diane Craft)
By Mike Stone and Pesha Magid

WASHINGTON/RIYADH (Reuters) -The United States is poised to offer Saudi Arabia an arms package worth well over $100 billion, six sources with direct knowledge of the issue told Reuters, saying the proposal was being lined up for announcement during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the kingdom in May.

The offered package comes after the administration of former President Joe Biden unsuccessfully tried to finalize a defense pact with Riyadh as part of a broad deal that envisioned Saudi Arabia normalizing ties with Israel.

The Biden proposal offered access to more advanced U.S. weaponry in return for halting Chinese arms purchases and restricting Beijing's investment in the country. Reuters could not establish if the Trump administration's proposal includes similar requirements.

The White House and Saudi government communications office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A U.S. Defense official said: "Our defense relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is stronger than ever under President Trump's leadership. Maintaining our security cooperation remains an important component of this partnership and we will continue to work with Saudi Arabia to address their defense needs."

In his first term, Trump celebrated weapons sales to Saudi Arabia as good for U.S. jobs.

Lockheed Martin Corp could supply a range of advanced weapons systems including C-130 transport aircraft, two of the sources said. One source said Lockheed would also supply missiles and radars.

RTX Corp, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, is also expected to play a significant role in the package, which will include supplies from other major U.S. defense contractors such as Boeing Co, Northrop Grumman Corp and General Atomics, said four of the sources.

All the sources declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.

RTX, Northrop and General Atomics declined to comment. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Lockheed Martin spokesperson said foreign military sales are government-to-government transactions. Questions about sales to foreign governments are best addressed by the U.S. government.

Reuters could not immediately establish how many of the deals on offer were new. Many have been in the works for some time, two of the sources said. For example, the kingdom first requested information about General Atomics' drones in 2018, they said. Over the past 12 months, a deal for $20 billion of General Atomics' MQ-9B SeaGuardian-style drones and other aircraft came into focus, according to one of the sources.

Several executives from defense companies are considering traveling to the region as a part of the delegation, three of the sources said.

The U.S. has long supplied Saudi Arabia with weapons. In 2017, Trump proposed approximately $110 billion of sales to the kingdom.

As of 2018, only $14.5 billion of sales had been initiated and Congress began to question the deals in light of the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In 2021, under Biden, Congress imposed a ban on sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia over the Khashoggi killing and to pressure the kingdom to wind down its Yemen war, which had inflicted heavy civilian casualties.

Under U.S. law, major international weapons deals must be reviewed by members of Congress before they are finalised.

The Biden administration began to soften its stance on Saudi Arabia in 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine impacted global oil supplies. The ban on offensive weapons sales was lifted in 2024, as Washington worked more closely with Riyadh in the aftermath of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack to devise a plan for post-war Gaza.

A potential deal for Lockheed's F-35 jets, which the kingdom has been reportedly interested in for years, is expected to be discussed, three of the sources said, while downplaying the chances for an F-35 deal being signed during the trip.

The United States guarantees that its close ally Israel receives more advanced American weapons than Arab states, giving it what is labeled a "Qualitative Military Edge" (QME) over its neighbors.

Israel has now owned F-35s for nine years, building multiple squadrons.

(Reporting by Pesha Magid in Riyadh and Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Michael Perry)
SEOUL (Reuters) - When a South Korean delegation meets U.S. counterparts in Washington on Thursday for trade talks, they face a wide range of potential agenda items.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants to hold "one-stop shopping" negotiations and has mentioned the trade balance, tariffs, shipbuilding, energy cooperation, and military cost sharing as issues for discussion.

Here are some of the key issues that may be discussed during the South Korea-U.S. trade talks.

TARIFFS

South Korea faces looming reciprocal tariffs, which Trump set at 25%, as well as item-specific tariffs on products such as steel, autos and semiconductors.

It will likely seek to lower the reciprocal tariff rate to the baseline 10%, but may struggle to win exemptions from the item-specific levies.

The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement has reduced bilateral tariffs to 0.79% in 2024, but Washington could ask Seoul to lower remaining tariffs on some U.S. agricultural goods such as rice and fruit.

Trump could also target some non-tariff barriers such as South Korean restrictions on genetically modified foods, quarantines for agriculture products, limits on beef, and regulations on tech companies.

INVESTMENT

South Korea could offer to expand production bases in the United States via Korean companies, including in the automotive, chip and battery sectors. On March 24, Hyundai announced a $20 billion investment for U.S.-based auto and auto parts production through 2028.

The potential tariffs will likely boost back-end fabrication investment in the United States, according to Citis semiconductor equity research team.

PURCHASES

Trump and the U.S. acting ambassador to Seoul, Joseph Yun, have warned that South Korea must reduce its trade surplus with the United States.

South Korea is a major buyer of American military exports, including warplanes, and could look to announce more deals.

It could also boost purchases of U.S.-produced energy commodities, agricultural products, and commercial airplanes.

In March Boeing and Korean Air touted an upcoming $32.7 billion order for up to 50 widebody airplanes, plus engines and maintenance.

ENERGY

Trump wants South Korea and other Asian partners to join a $44 billion natural gas export project in Alaska.

The project aims to transport gas south from Alaska's remote north via a 1,300-km (800-mile) pipeline, to be shipped as LNG to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, bypassing the Panama Canal.

South Korea hosted the Alaska governor and energy officials for talks in March and officials are considering travelling soon to Alaska as part of working-level negotiations on the project.

SHIPBUILDING

South Korea has said cooperation with Washington in the shipbuilding sector is a "very important card" in negotiations.

The country's shipyards are expected to potentially benefit from rising demand for tankers, particularly after Trump restricted use of Chinese vessels.

South Korea also has contracts for servicing some U.S. Navy ships.

Some experts have expressed scepticism, however, that South Korea has the capacity to capitalise on increasing orders.

DEFENCE COSTS

South Korea hosts about 28,500 American troops as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War. It relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for protection against China, Russia and North Korea, and is seen as a key ally for projecting U.S. military power.

Late last year Seoul signed a new agreement under which it will pay around $1.2 billion toward the upkeep of those U.S. troops in 2026, up 8.3% from 2025.

During the campaign Trump said South Korea should pay as much as $10 billion per year, and has said such costs would be part of the negotiations.

(Reporting by Seoul bureau; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
OSWIECIM, Poland (Reuters) - Thousands of people marched through the former Auschwitz Nazi German death camp in Poland on Thursday in an annual ceremony organisers said would be joined by 80 Holocaust survivors to mark the 80th anniversary of the camp's liberation.

The March of the Living follows a three-kilometre (1.86 mile) route to the crematoria of Auschwitz-Birkenau as participants pay tribute to the millions of Jews who died and call for an end to antisemitism and intolerance.

"In days when antisemitism is raising its ugly head, when there is hatred towards Israel and when cries rise for the destruction of Israel, we must stand strong and remind and promise the world: never again," Israeli President Isaac Herzog told a news conference before the march.

The participants, many draped in Israeli flags, passed through the notorious "Arbeit macht frei" (work sets you free) gate at the entrance to the camp as the march began.

Antisemitic incidents have increased along with protests against Israel in parts of Europe, North America and Australia since Israel launched its war on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

"We both expressed our hope that the war taking place in the Gaza Strip, which was started by Hamas' attack on Israel, will be able to end, that the hostages who are still in Hamas hands will be able to return home," Polish President Andrzej Duda, standing alongside Herzog, told the news conference.

More than 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, perished in gas chambers or from starvation, cold and disease at Auschwitz, which Nazi Germany set up in occupied Poland during World War Two.

More than three million of Poland's 3.2 million Jews were murdered by the Nazis, accounting for about half of the Jews in Europe killed during the Holocaust.

Between 1941 and 1945 Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically killed six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, along with gypsies, sexual minorities, disabled people and others singled out by Nazi genocidal ideology.

(Reporting by Kuba Stezycki; writing by Alan Charlish; editying by Mark Heinrich)
New Delhi  In his first public comments since 26 people were killed and many others injured in an attack on Tuesday by suspected Pakistan-based militants in Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth."

On Wednesday, India announced it was putting a key river water sharing agreement on hold in response to the attack.

India's External Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday night that the Indus Water Treaty "will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." The suspension of the 1960 World Bank-brokered treaty would mean India would stop the water supply of Indus River and its tributaries  the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj  to Pakistan, impacting millions of people in that country.

The decisions were taken by India's Cabinet Committee on Security, the country's top defense decision making body headed by the Prime Minister.

"Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve," Modi said Thursday.

The brutal attack which took place on Tuesday in the picturesque Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Kashmir left 26 people dead  25 of them tourists  and 17 others injured, when suspected militants opened fire on them, according to Indian authorities in the region. The majority of the victims were Hindus.

An image from video broadcast by India's ANI news agency shows security forces near to the scene of a deadly attack on tourists by suspected militants in Kashmir, April 22, 2025. / Credit: ANI/Reuters

The brazen attack  one of the worst in Kashmir's history  at one of its most popular tourist spots, dotted with meadows and surrounded by glaciers, has shocked India and been condemned by leaders around the world.

Indian security forces spread out across Kashmir a day after the attack, as police, army and paramilitary forces continued their manhunt for the perpetrators. Many businesses were closed Wednesday to protest the brutal attack on civilians, heeding a call from Kashmiri religious groups and political parties.

A lesser-known militant group called The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the attack on social media. CBS News cannot independently verify the claim. India media outlets reported the group was backed by Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).

Pakistani nationals asked to leave, visas cancelled

In addition to the suspension of the water treaty, India also ordered all Pakistani nationals currently in the country to leave within 48 hours and gave a week to the Military Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi to exit India. India said it will also recall its own military advisors from Islamabad.

"These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled," said an Indian External Affairs Ministry statement. The ministry said both the high commissions will be down-staffed from current 55 to 30.

India has also decided to close the Integrated Check Post Attari, a key road link between the two countries.

"Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 01 May 2025," the ministry said in a statement.

The Kashmir conflict

Kashmir is claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, but each nation has controlled its own portion of the mountainous region for decades.

The scenic Himalayan region has been hit regularly by militant violence since an armed anti-Indian insurgency began in 1989. The simmering conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives over more than three decades.

An Indian paramilitary serviceman keeps watch in Pahalgam, south of Srinagar on April 23, 2025, following an attack. / Credit: TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP via Getty Images

Tuesday's attack at the popular tourist beauty spot came when tourism in the Kashmir region was picking up. The last major attack happened in June 2024, when nine people were killed and 33 injured as militants attacked a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims.

Eight pilgrims were killed and 19 injured in a similar attack in the region in 2017, when militants attacked a bus carrying them back from the famous Amarnath Cave Temple in south Kashmir.

Widespread condemnation

U.S. President Donald Trump pledged his support for India after the deadly attack.

"Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir," Mr. Trump wrote on social media. "The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism."

The attack came as U.S. Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha and their children, paid a largely personal visit to India. Vance met earlier in the week with India's leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Usha Vance is a practicing Hindu whose parents are from India.

"I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest," Prime Minister Modi said in a social media post on Tuesday. "Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice... they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger."

Leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, France, Italy and the UAE have also expressed condemnation.

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By AJ Vicens, Anton Zverev and James Pearson

DETROIT/LONDON (Reuters) - North Korean cyber spies created two businesses in the U.S., in violation of Treasury sanctions, to infect developers working in the cryptocurrency industry with malicious software, according to cybersecurity researchers and documents reviewed by Reuters.

The companies, Blocknovas LLC and Softglide LLC were set up in the states of New Mexico and New York using fake personas and addresses, researchers at Silent Push, a U.S. cybersecurity firm, told Reuters. A third business, Angeloper Agency, is linked to the campaign, but does not appear to be registered in the United States.

This is a rare example of North Korean hackers actually managing to set up legal corporate entities in the U.S. in order to create corporate fronts used to attack unsuspecting job applicants, said Kasey Best, director of threat intelligence at Silent Push.

The hackers are part of a subgroup within the Lazarus Group, an elite team of North Korean hackers which is part of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, Pyongyangs main foreign intelligence agency, Silent Push said.

The FBI declined to comment specifically on Blocknovas or Softglide. But on Thursday an FBI seizure notice posted to the website for Blocknovas said the domain was seized as part of a law enforcement action against North Korean Cyber Actors who utilized this domain to deceive individuals with fake job postings and distribute malware.

Ahead of the seizure FBI officials told Reuters that the bureau continues to focus on imposing risks and consequences, not only on the DPRK actors themselves, but anybody who is facilitating their ability to conduct these schemes.

One FBI official said North Korean cyber operations are perhaps one of the most advanced persistent threats facing the United States.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

These attacks utilize fake personas offering job interviews, which lead to sophisticated malware deployments in order to compromise the cryptocurrency wallets of developers, and they also target the developers' passwords and credentials which could be used to further attacks on legitimate businesses, Best said.

Silent Push was able to confirm multiple victims of the campaign, specifically via Blocknovas, which is by far the most active of the three front companies, the researchers said in a report shared with Reuters ahead of publication.

SANCTIONS

Reuters reviewed registration documents for Blocknovas and Softglide filed in New Mexico and New York, respectively. Reuters was unable to locate the persons named in the registration documents.

Blocknovas' registration listed a physical address in Warrenville, South Carolina, that appears on Google Maps to be an empty lot. Softglide appears to have been registered by a small tax office in Buffalo, New York.

The activity represents the continuing evolution in the sprawling North Korean efforts to target the cryptocurrency sectors in a bid to raise cash for the North Korean government.

In addition to stealing foreign currency via hacks, North Korea has dispatched thousands of IT workers overseas to bring in millions to finance Pyongyang's nuclear missile programme, according to the United States, South Korea and the United Nations.

The presence of a North Korean-controlled company, registered by the RGB, in the United States is a violation of Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions. OFAC is part of the Treasury Department. It also violates United Nations sanctions that prohibit North Korean commercial activity designed to assist the isolated countrys government or military.

The New York Department of State told Reuters it does not comment on companies registered in the state. The New Mexico secretary of states office told Reuters in an email on Thursday that the company was registered in the state's online Domestic LLC system. "The filing was in compliance with state statute, using a registered agent, and there would be no way our office would know its connection to North Korea," an office representative said.

The hackers sought to infect applicants for fake jobs with at least three strains of known malware previously linked to North Korean cyber operations. The malware linked to the campaign by Silent Push can be used to steal information, facilitate access to networks and load additional forms of malware.

(Reporting by A.J. Vicens in Detroit, and Anton Zverev and James Pearson in London; Additional reporting by Raphael Satter in Washington, Andrew Hay in New Mexico and Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Chris Sanders and Daniel Wallis)
Standing outside the hospital elevator doors, Matthew Okula faced an impossible decision.

Doctors and nurses were wheeling his wife, 33-year-old Hailey Okula, to the intensive care unit shortly after giving birth to their son, Crew, by cesarean section at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

As the elevator doors began to shut, the doctor asked Matthew: Would he stay with his newborn son in the delivery room or follow his wife to the intensive care unit?

Matthew and Hailey Okula on their wedding day in September 2022 Leavenworth, Washington.

It took a split second for him to decide. Still donned in the blue scrubs he wore to the operating room, Matthew raced up the stairs toward the ICU and watched through the room's glass window as doctors performed chest compressions on his wife.

Not long after, Hailey, known as Nurse Hailey on Instagram and TikTok, died March 29 from a rare complication known as amniotic fluid embolism, or AFE. The unfathomable loss followed a two-year fertility journey that included in vitro fertilization, or IVF.

"I stood at the foot of the bed the entire time until it was all done," Matthew said. He recalled asking himself repeatedly, "How is this even possible?"

Matthew and Hailey Okula on their wedding weekend in September 2022 in Leavenworth, Washington.

Its a question that too many U.S. families have asked themselves as hundreds of women die each year during or soon after pregnancy. While technology has progressed enough to help women grow their families despite older age and fertility issues, the U.S. healthcare system hasnt kept the same pace in protecting women once theyre pregnant.

Maternal mortality improved for the first time in 2023, dropping from 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 to 18.6, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, that improvement doesn't hold for everyone, with rates among Black women 3.5 times higher than their white counterparts. It also still puts the U.S. behind other wealthy countries like the United Kingdom, which reports 5.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, and Canada at 8.4 deaths, according to a Commonwealth Fund study based on 2022 data.

Childbirth is not a fear that we should have, said Dr. Kisha Davis, chief health officer for Montgomery County, Maryland, and a board director of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Im worried as a black woman, and my friends are worried about having babies, she said We shouldnt still be dealing with those challenges that we were dealing with health-wise 100 years ago.

Most maternal deaths are preventable

Even though little can be done to avoid certain rare conditions, like AFE, the CDC says about 80% of maternal deaths are preventable.

Obstetricians and fertility specialists say access to adequate prenatal care, insurance coverage and nutritious foods during pregnancy can help shape maternal outcomes. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and advanced maternal age, which is considered 35 and older, also increase the risk of maternal complications, Davis said.

Research shows rates of chronic diseases in the U.S. have skyrocketed over recent years, according to the CDC. The agency says 6 in 10 Americans have at least one chronic condition and 4 in 10 have two or more.

The risk of developing a chronic condition also increases with age, Davis said, which could partly explain maternal mortality rates as more women have children later in life. A CDC report published in March found babies born to women 30 to 35 increased by 90% from 1990 to 2023, while those 40 and older saw a 193% increase during the same period.

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The older we are when we become pregnant, the greater the risk of complications, she said. The combination of older age and high prevalence of disease is what contributed to maternal deaths in the U.S.

Apart from developing chronic conditions, age itself also increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Older age also carries a higher risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and chromosomal conditions during pregnancy. Patients are also more likely to undergo a C-section at older ages.

"Vaginal delivery, when that's possible, is associated with fewer complications and a quicker recovery," said Dr. Jeffrey Ecker, department chair emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital. "As one is pregnant again and a C-section is repeated, that's when we see complications related to scarring left from C-sections."

Are there risks linked to in vitro fertilization, or IVF?

Hailey and Matthew were excited to start their family when they married in September 2022 but sought help after eight months. Their IVF journey was complicated, full of genetic testing, and required double the time and cost of the average family, Matthew said.

But Hailey finally announced their pregnancy, a baby boy, to her hundreds of thousands of followers in September 2024.

It was a pretty special moment, Matthew said. He thought, we did it. Were finally going to be able to start the family weve always been talking about.

Hailey and Matthew Okula at Lake Arrowhead in January 2023.

More women are relying on IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies to grow their families. The babies born from this technology increased from about 91,700 in 2022 to over 95,800 in 2023, according to new data from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies can increase the risk of multiple births and placental abnormalities linked to frozen embryos, said ASRM president Dr. Elizabeth Ginsburg.

Carrying more than one baby carries a higher risk of other pregnancy complications, such as gestational hypertension, anemia, birth defects and postpartum hemorrhage, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. That's why fertility clinics should try to prevent multiple pregnancies by limiting the number of embryos transferred, Ginsburg said.

But risks typically associated with IVF heavily depend on patients' medical conditions before they embark on the process, she said.

We want babies to have a healthy start and babies have the healthiest start when their mother is also healthy and can be there to take care of them, Davis said.

There's no evidence to suggest that IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies contribute to maternal mortality rates, fertility experts said. The main drivers of these outcomes are access to proper prenatal care, insurance coverage and nutritious foods; management of chronic diseases and advanced maternal age.

Matthew Okula, 34, holds his newborn son, Crew, at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

Yet Hailey had access to great care, and she was healthy. Obstetricians say, at the end of the day, AFE is really just a product of bad luck, and there's little that can be done to prevent it. But Matthew hopes telling his wife's story will bring more general awareness to maternal health.

And talking about Hailey helps him cope.

On April 9, he took his son, Crew, to the park for the first time. It was the same park Matthew visited a million times with Hailey during his days off, where they enjoyed taking their dog, Brodie.

As he watched the little black dog run around, he told Crew how much his mom loved the park, how she always wanted to stay longer and how she would have to coax Brodie to stop playing so he could drink some water.

Every quiet moment with his son is an opportunity for Matthew to talk about Hailey. Even though Crew may not understand what he's saying yet, Matthew says it helps keep her memory alive.

"It's my way of making sure I remember the little details of things she used to say to me. If I don't say them to Crew, then maybe I'll forget them," he said. "I don't want to forget them."

Adrianna Rodriguez can be reached at adrodriguez@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Nurse Hailey' Okula death from childbirth isn't that uncommon. Why?
Santa Ana PD Alejandro Acosta Oliveros

A California man was arrested Wednesday amid allegations that he killed more than a dozen cats at his Santa Ana, Calif., home over the last several weeks, police say.

Alejandro Acosta Oliveros was taken into custody after investigators found evidence of the killings at his home and he was identified by a number of witnesses, according to a social media post from the Santa Ana Police Department.

The police post also included a nighttime video that it says showed Oliveros, 45, luring a cat and harming it behind a row of parked cars along the street.

Over several weeks, the Santa Ana Police Department received multiple disturbing reports involving the suspected abuse and killing of cats in a local neighborhood, police said. The reports alleged that a man had been luring neighborhood cats to and around his property, where he then harmed or killed them.

KCAL reported that investigators found evidence of dozens of cats inside Oliveros Santa Ana home. He allegedly confessed to abducting and then killing the cats, KTLA reported, citing police.

Santa Ana Jail records reviewed by PEOPLE show that Oliveros was released Thursday morning, one day after police said he was booked on felony charges related to animal cruelty.

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.

Santa Ana police said the reports about Oliveros alleged abductions and abuse dated back two years, according to Fox 11. One neighbor told the outlet they found their cat hanging from a tree after it went missing.



"I saw this same man grab her neighbor's cat, inject it with a needle and some sort of substance, one neighbor told the outlet. And she saw him and she yelled, 'hey' at him to get his attention. He got up and ran, jumped in his truck and left. And from what we know that cat died, and the owner went and put in a police report.

Another neighbor, Eva Corlew, told KCAL that she caught Oliveros on camera stealing her cat. After she posted about her cats mysterious disappearance on a neighborhood social media page, Corlew told the outlet that others soon came forward with their own stories about Oliveros.

"I feel a little scared that this person is out there stealing multiple cats, not just mine, and doing God knows what with them," Corlew said.

Read the original article on People
Security personnel try to shield Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir as a water bottle is thrown at him Wednesday in New Haven, Connecticut. - Dylan Antonioli

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was confronted by some pro-Palestinian demonstrators Wednesday night in New Haven, Connecticut, according to a statement and videos shared by Ben Gvirs office.

Water bottles were thrown at Ben Gvir, his office said, when the far-right minister exited a building in front of protesters following a speech he gave at Shabtai, a private Jewish society at Yale thats not officially affiliated with the university.

The videos show dozens of demonstrators shouting and chanting at the minister as he exits, smiling and waving at the protesters. Minister Ben Gvir refused to leave the scene and made a V sign at them, as a sign of victory, his office said.

Photos published on social media show a water bottle apparently being thrown at Ben Gvir and a group of people surrounding him.

In one video, an item that was apparently thrown is heard hitting the ground. People standing next to Ben Gvir shout whoa as they realize items are being thrown.

Ben Gvir was not injured and is in good health, his office said.

In a separate video viewed by CNN, at least one person is seen being detained by police. CNN has reached out to New Haven police for comment and details about detainments or arrests.

When the event began earlier Wednesday evening, protesters crowded the sidewalk outside the gated building while chanting Free Palestine, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free and Yale, your hands are red. As attendees made their way into the venue, protesters yelled shame repeatedly and booed.

Mitchell Dubin, a Yale senior and member of the Shabtai Society, told CNN Shabtai does not seek to legitimize or delegitimize world leaders. Instead, it provides a space where ideas are interrogated with rigor, policies are challenged with integrity, and civil discourse is preserved even under strain.

Renewed protests have spread at college campuses this spring over Israels handling of its war in Gaza.

The war started after Hamas, the militant group that has controlled Gaza since 2007, killed 1,200 people in Israel in a series of gruesome attacks and took hundreds of others hostage in October 2023.

But international groups have said Israels attacks in Gaza have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians  mostly women and children  and caused an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

An encampment formed Tuesday at Yale University to show solidarity with the people of Gaza. - Courtesy Yash Roy

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators also gathered at Yale University on Tuesday night to protest Ben Gvirs visit.

A Yale spokesperson told CNN an unregistered group of 200 people not affiliated with any recognized student organization gathered Tuesday and set up eight tents in Beinecke Plaza, a central square on Yales campus.

The group disbanded at 11 p.m. Tuesday after university officials articulated Yales policies and the consequences of violating them and offered a final warning, the Yale spokesperson said in a statement to CNN.

Protesters were given cards with QR codes that linked to Yale Universitys policies for peaceable assembly, such as keeping everyone physically safe, not blocking entrances and exits and not disrupting the universitys operations.

Some students who were warned by campus officials in previous incidents that violated school policy were given written notices and are subject to immediate disciplinary action, the spokesperson said. But the university didnt say how many received such notices.

Tuesdays protest came shortly after the group met with Yale officials to discuss recent campus policy violations and were warned that further violations would jeopardize the groups privileges, the university said.

Yale has since revoked the groups status as a registered student organization, as officials say they are also investigating concerns about disturbing antisemitic conduct at (Tuesdays) gathering, the university said Wednesday.

Yale condemns antisemitism and will hold those who violate our policies accountable through our disciplinary processes, the statement said.

A statement from Ben Gvirs office said the protesters were there in an attempt to prevent a speech by the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir  who was invited to speak at the venue.

The event is taking place against the backdrop of a round of diplomatic meetings that the minister is holding in the US, after speaking at President Trumps mansion in the past 24 hours, and the day before at a meeting with Jewish communities in the US, the statement said.

On Thursday, the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism said in a statement it is cautiously encouraged by Yales actions and will be keeping an eye on the situation and aftermath. The university took several actions to handle the situation, including enforcing time, place, and manner policies, starting discipline investigations for students who did unlawful conduct and de-registering a participating student group, the federal task force said.

Israeli official was convicted for supporting terrorism

Ben Gvir  a far-right firebrand  has been public about his adoration for US President Donald Trump, proudly extolling his plan to resettle Gazans outside of the Palestinian territory.

He quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government in January because he was opposed to the ceasefire deal that saw the return of Israeli hostages from Gaza in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. He only rejoined the government last month when Israel resumed its war in Gaza.

Ben Gvir has previously been convicted for supporting terrorism and inciting anti-Arab racism, and he was considered so extreme that the Israeli military rejected him from service. This is his first visit to the United States as national security minister.

Last October, a group of 90 congressional Democrats urged President Joe Biden to sanction Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, both of whom lead extreme nationalist parties within Netanyahus government. Ultimately, the Biden administration chose not to impose sanctions on Israeli government ministers.

Dozens arrested at Yale last year

The new protest on the New Haven campus comes exactly a year after 45 protesters were arrested and charged with criminal trespassing when they refused orders to leave Beinecke Plaza, part of a wave of demonstrations across US campuses last spring.

As part of their support for Palestinians in Gaza, protesters at the Yale campus demanded the university get rid of investments in businesses with connections to Israels military effort there.

In recent weeks, another Ivy League university, Harvard, has been at the forefront of the Trump administrations effort to stop campus protests, contending they are examples of antisemitism.

The Trump administration is demanding Harvard give it access to all university reports on antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias on campus generated since October 2023, as it ramps up a confrontation with the school that risks billions in federal money amid a broader push to bring elite US colleges in line with its political demands.

CNNs Brad Lendon, Oren Liebermann, Taylor Romine, Diego Mendoza, Eugenia Yosef, Martin Goillandeau and Hanna Park contributed to this report.

This story has been updated with additional information.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
As pop culture fans know, Richard Gere and wife Alejandra Silva recently uprooted their lives from the United States to move to Silva's home country of Spain, where they have been spotted spending time with their young sons and simply enjoying each other's company. Now, however, Silva is sharing surprising news about the couple's future plans.

In a new interview with the Daily Mail, Silva, 42, told the outlet that she and her family are "always coming back" to the United States. They intend to live in Spain "for a few years and then come back [to the U.S.]," she told the outlet. "But we're always coming back."

Silva even mapped out the family's future schedule, when they plan to split their time between the U.S. and Spain.

"We'll come back here in the summer because we have the kids at camp," she explained. "We just have to balance our lives there and here."

Silva and Gere, 75, are a blended family of six. The pair, who wed in 2018, share sons Alexander, 6, and James, 5, together, while the Pretty Woman star is also father to 25-year-old son Homer, whom he shares with ex Carey Lowell. Silva, for her part, is also mom to 11-year-old Albert, whom she welcomed with her ex-husband.

Silva's recent admission about her family's plans to come back to the U.S. is surprising  given how much Gere has gushed about settling into his wife's home country and his blunt message about politics in the U.S. right now.

The best part of being here is seeing my wife happy," the Mothman Prophecies star said during his speech in February at the 2025 Goya Awards. "The people, the food, the lifestyle its all wonderful.

Across the Atlantic, however, "We're in a very dark place in America, where we have a bully, a thug, who's the President of the United States," Gere opined of President Donald Trump, before noting: "But it's not just in the U.S., it's everywhere. Authoritarianism takes us all over."
Janelle Favaloro Vandal woodpecker is destroying car mirrors in Massachusetts.

A male woodpecker in Massachusetts was caught vandalizing vehicles amid the bird's mating season

Resident Janelle Favaloro tells PEOPLE that the pileated woodpecker in question is responsible for smashing at least 25 car mirrors

Experts say the mating season for the pileated woodpecker can last until June

A Rockport, Mass., neighborhood is getting vandalized by an unlikely criminal  a pileated woodpecker.

Rockport resident Janelle Favaloro says she was among the first to realize that a local woodpecker was behind a rash of car mirror smashings. Favaloro tells PEOPLE she spotted the male woodpecker destroying one of the 25 mirrors he has busted so far. After this break in Rockport's car vandalism case, Favaloro posted a comical description of the bird's business on a neighborhood Facebook group.

"There has been a vandal breaking vehicle mirrors," Favaloro wrote. "He is described as 18" -24" tall, wearing black and white, with a red hat."

Related: Woodpecker Stores 700 Lbs. of Acorns in Walls of California Home: 'Bit of a Hoarder'

Janelle Favaloro Woodpecker vandal damages cars in Massachusetts.

The post, which went up on April 1, was not an April Fool's prank.

"My neighbors started commenting and saying, 'Oh my god, we had two mirrors broken too!' So it became a viral neighborhood thing," Favaloro, 59, tells PEOPLE. "Then we realized that he was basically canvassing the whole top of the hill we live on. It's pretty wooded up here, so he has claimed this as his territory."

Pileated woodpeckers are the inspiration behind the cartoon Woody Woodpecker and sit tall as a crow-sized bird, according to All About Birds.

Janelle Favaloro Damage from woodpecker in Massachusetts.

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.

Experts believe the bad boy bird of Rockport, who's in the midst of mating season, saw his reflection in the car mirrors and mistook it for a rival, leading to his pecking "attack."

"This time of year is mating season, so all birds, not just pileated woodpeckers, but all birds are getting into a very aggressive, territorial courtship display," Ron Magill, the Zoo Miami communications director, told Today. "If they're seeing the reflection of themselves, they don't understand it's a reflection; they think it's a competitor."

Related: Top Five Birds That I Hate Today: Have You Seen These Foul Fowl? (Exclusive)

Janelle Favaloro Woodpecker attempts to break glass on camper van in Massachusetts.

Favaloro tells PEOPLE that the damage began in March, and she and her husband were initially stumped. However, since her Facebook post, other neighbors have come forward, sharing their stories of damage, including one mans truck window that got a giant crack from the woodpecker while the driver was inside.

Its wildlife, so you cant really do a whole lot about it, Favaloro notes. But I think you just have to look at it with a sense of humor. Its for a limited amount of time. Its definitely inconvenient for some people. I think its really entertaining  I think, for the most part, the neighborhood is just embracing it and going with it.

The longtime Massachusetts resident explains that many of her neighbors dont have garages and have had to get creative when it comes to protecting their mirrors.

Janelle Favaloro Woodpecker attacks windshield in Massachusetts.

"A lot of people are just pulling their mirrors in, folding them in, several people have put small trash bags on them, like the grocery bags," she shares. "My next door neighbor put some scarves on there just to cover the glass. You just do what you gotta do."

The woodpecker's mating season is said to last until June, and Favaloro has a message for her neighborhood menace.

"This is not really the best way to attract a mate," she teases. "I don't think the women are going to be impressed."

Read the original article on People
A lot of travel guides suggested I'd need two or three weeks to experience Australia, but my itinerary helped me maximize my eight-day trip. Jill Schildhouse

Many travel guides suggest spending two or three weeks in Australia, but I only had eight days.

To make the most of my trip, I planned ahead and made sure to make time for my must-visit spots.

I got to have downtime and see highlights throughout Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.

As an American, I've spent decades dreaming of visiting Australia. This past November, I finally booked my trip.

While planning my eight-day vacation, I carefully crafted an itinerary so I could maximize every moment but still have some time to breathe.

I know it'd be impossible to see all the vast continent had to offer in one short trip. After all, many online travel guides suggest visitors dedicate at least two or three weeks to seeing Australia.

However, I tried to fit a variety of activities and places into my schedule, including stops in half of Australia's six states: Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales.

With my strategic itinerary, I feel I proved even just eight days in Australia is well worth the trip.

Day 1: I arrived in Melbourne and got some steps in.

I arrived in Melbourne in the morning. Jill Schildhouse

My Qantas Airlines flight arrived in Melbourne at 9:30 a.m.

Immediately, I headed to my hotel so I could check in and take a much-needed shower after my long journey. I chose a hotel in the heart of the city, which was key to optimizing my busy itinerary.

Next, I had booked a 1 p.m. cruise along the meandering Yarra River with a picnic lunch to get a lay of the land. This was the perfect way to see the city and enjoy how its landscape morphed from a skyline of highrise buildings to green parks along the way.

After, I walked a few blocks to the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia's oldest art museum. I explored various exhibits, including powerful collections from First Nations artists.

On the walk back, I checked out some colorful street art on Hosier Lane's beloved and Instagrammable bluestone laneway.

Day 2: I saw some highlights in Victoria and had dinner in Melbourne.

Brighton Beach was full of color. Jill Schildhouse

The next morning, I took a roughly 20-minute tram ride from my hotel to the Queen Victoria Market, where I had a flat white and croissant while perusing all the food stalls.

Next, I took a 45-minute ride to Brighton Beach (I booked a driver through my hotel), and I was able to put my feet in the sand for a bit. I was mesmerized by the vivid hues of the many beach huts lining the shore.

I continued on to Victoria's stunning Mornington Peninsula and Point Leo Estate, where I spent the afternoon sipping pinot gris and pinot noir over a lunch of fresh seafood. Walking around the 330-acre sculpture park on this picture-perfect day was also a real treat.

Once I got back to Melbourne, I had dinner at the iconic Supernormal on Flinders Lane. I was blown away by the complex flavors in chef Andrew McConnell's Asian-inspired cuisine  the hype is real.

Day 3: I flew to the Gold Coast and dove right in.

I had afternoon tea by the beach in Melbourne. Jill Schildhouse

A two-hour flight from Melbourne to the Gold Coast Airport transported me to Queensland, which has some of the most beautiful coastlines I've ever seen.

After checking into the beachfront Langham Gold Coast and enjoying an adorable Paddington Bear-themed afternoon tea in its Palm Court lobby bar, I strolled up and down the pristine golden sand between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

I spent some time watching some fearless surfers tackle the waves. Then, it was time for a massage with acupressure ear seeding at the Chuan Spa, known for its Eastern wellness philosophy.

In the evening, I dined on hotel room service while watching a lightning storm over the ocean from my balcony.

Day 4: I interacted with wildlife and had more tasty bites in Queensland.

I was so excited to hold a koala. Jill Schildhouse

This was the day I was most excited about: Queensland is one of few places in Australia where people are allowed to hold koalas  and this was my chance!

I made my way to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where I peered at silly capybara and dingo, fed curious kangaroos by hand, and let a very musky-smelling male koala snuggle into my arms.

Afterward, I went to Rick Shores restaurant to dine on its legendary Moreton Bay bug rolls (a type of lobster roll) while watching families frolic on the nearby beach.

Dinner was at T'ang Court, where I had the best Cantonese food I've had outside of Hong Kong.

Day 5: Once I got to Sydney, I gave myself some downtime.

I gave myself some time to relax in the sun. Jill Schildhouse

After a lazy morning at the pool and on the beach, I took a 90-minute flight from Brisbane to Sydney.

Upon checking into my hotel in the late afternoon, I decided to just eat and go to bed early to save my energy for the busy days ahead.

This was my only real rest day.

Day 6: I ventured just outside Sydney to enjoy some nature in New South Wales.

The views from the cable car were amazing. Jill Schildhouse

For day six, I had booked a full-day group tour through Oz Trails of the Blue Mountains (about 90 minutes from Sydney).

This UNESCO World Heritage site is known as "the Grand Canyon of Australia" and has gorges, sandstone cliffs, and a eucalypt forest.

Our many fabulous tour stops included the Sydney Zoo (where I fed wallabies), Govetts Leap Lookout, Cahills Lookout, and Katoomba Falls.

The highlight of the day was the few hours spent at Scenic World, where we rode a cable car on the Scenic Cableway. I got epic views of the Jamison Valley and the enormous Three Sisters rock formations.

My group also went through the rainforest via the Scenic Walkway and took the gravity-defying Scenic Railway (its 52-degree incline makes this the steepest passenger railway in the world).

Day 7: It was time to see more of Sydney itself.

I really enjoyed walking through Sydney. Jill Schildhouse

It was finally time to see Sydney itself, so I took the 15-minute walk from my hotel to the city center.

Then, I took a 90-minute guided walking tour to learn about the historic neighborhood of The Rocks, then continued my own exploration of Barangaroo and Circular Quay.

I popped into shops and boutiques, visited the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and happened upon the weekend open-air market filled with artisan crafts and street food. This is where I purchased all of my souvenirs.

Day 8: I enjoyed more of Sydney and checked out Bondi Beach.

I loved seeing a show at the Sydney Opera House. Jill Schildhouse

Of course, my visit wouldn't be complete without a stop at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

I went on a morning tour with a guide who detailed the history and architecture of the building. I was so inspired that I impulsively bought a ticket to "Oscar," a ballet about Oscar Wilde, for that evening.

Later, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a show in such a gorgeous venue.

In the afternoon, I made my way to the famous Bondi Beach, a crescent of white sand dotted with sunbathers and surfers all living their best lives  Australia at its finest.

For me, eight days in Australia was perfect.

I saw a lot of what I'd hoped to see during my trip to Australia. Jill Schildhouse

As I boarded my flight home the next morning, I couldn't believe how much I had packed into just eight days.

I certainly experienced enough on this whirlwind adventure to fall in love with Australia's charm, beauty, and warmth  and it left me eager to return and explore even more someday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Grand Prismatic pool found in Yellowstone National Park.

For many years, it has been known that one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world dwells beneath the surface of Yellowstone National Park, though its exact workings have remained somewhat mysterious. Geoscientists studying the area, however, discovered what may be key to avoiding an eruption.

A team of researchers from Rice University, the University of New Mexico, the University of Utah, and the University of Texas at Dallas recently found a large magma cap about 2.4 miles beneath the ground in Yellowstone. The molten cap works as a sort of "lid," trapping heat and pressure beneath it, according to a news release shared by Rice University.

Led by Chenglong Duan and Brandon Schmandt, the research team used seismic imaging and advanced computer models to "see" Yellowstone's inner workings and shed light on the depth of its magma system, which had previously been theorized to lie anywhere between 1.8 and 5 miles deep.

"For decades, weve known theres magma beneath Yellowstone, but the exact depth and structure of its upper boundary has been a big question, Schmandt, a professor of Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences, said in a statement. What weve found is that this reservoir hasnt shut down  its been sitting there for a couple million years, but its still dynamic.

Brandon Schmandt and Chenglong Duan.

Looking beneath Yellowstone's surface

The new findings suggest that the Yellowstone magma reservoir is "actively releasing gas while remaining in a stable state," said the press statement. The stability of the volcanic system is "strongly influenced" by this magma reservoir, according to the study published April 16 in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Nature.

The location of the magma cap, which was later determined through modeling to be made of silicate melt and supercritical water bubbles within a porous rock, was first determined via a high-resolution seismic survey conducted by Schmandt. Using a 53,000-pound vibroseis truck (a device mounted on a truck that injects low-frequency vibrations into the Earth), the team created what were essentially "tiny earthquakes," making seismic waves that then reflected off of subsurface layers.

Yellowstone Lake and Thumb Geyser view in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

An eruption is unlikely for now

Typically, gases like water and carbon dioxide can separate and form bubbles during the rise and decompression of magma. If enough of these bubbles accumulate, they can cause an explosive eruption, according to Rice University.

However, Yellowstone appears to be safe from this fate despite remaining so active, said the researchers. Instead, it appears to be efficiently venting gas through a system that Schmandt compared to steady breathing with bubbles rising and releasing through the porous rock. This venting process serves as something of a natural pressure-release valve that lowers eruption risk.

"By identifying this sharp, volatile-rich cap beneath Yellowstone, Schmandts team has established a new benchmark for monitoring the volcanos activity," Rice University said. "Future research could attempt to detect any shifts in melt content or gas accumulation that may serve as early warning signs of unrest."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Magma cap found beneath Yellowstone is key to preventing eruption
Smoke fills the air from a wildfire in Ocean County, N.J. on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (WPVI-TV via AP)

A man set a bonfire using wooden pallets in New Jersey's Pine Barrens and left them without fully extinguishing the blaze, sparking a quick-moving wildfire with smoke affecting air quality in the New York City area, authorities said Thursday.

Authorities arrested Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown, New Jersey, and charged him with arson and aggravated arson in the fire that's still burning in southern New Jersey. The wildfire was described as starting with an improperly extinguished bonfire.

Judge James Gluck told Kling during a brief court appearance Thursday the state sought to have him detained pending trial and he wouldn't be released. Kling spoke briefly, only to clarify that his next court appearance was set for Tuesday. Thank you. Have a good day, he said when the judge dismissed him.

A public defender representing Kling during the hearing told the judge she had nothing further when he asked.

Emails from the public defender's office said Thursday it could not comment on a pending case so early in the process. A voice message was left at a possible phone number for Kling.

Authorities first spotted the blaze Tuesday morning from a fire tower when a smoke column appeared amid the pines. Law enforcement said they used a GPS to plot the origin of the fire and determined the cause was a bonfire that hadn't been put out.

Speaking Thursday afternoon at a news conference, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said we can confidently say that we think the fire was set intentionally. He declined further comment on why authorities believe Kling was responsible and other matters related to the investigation since it remains ongoing.

It's peak forest fire season in the vast pine wilderness that covers more than 1 million acres (405,000 hectares)  an area roughly as large as the Grand Canyon  and firefighters are contending with low humidity and the aftermath of a monthslong drought in the region.

Though large tracts of the Pine Barrens are uninhabited, New Jersey is the nation's most densely populated state and officials have warned the fire could threaten developments nearby. The fire had grown to more than 23.8 square miles (61.6 square kilometers) on Thursday, approaching what officials believe to have been the largest wildfire in the state in the last two decades.

Authorities had said there were no injuries or deaths in the fire, but a commercial building and some vehicles were destroyed. About 5,000 people had been evacuated but were permitted to return home on Wednesday, officials said.

This is still a very active fire, LaTourette said Wednesday. As we continue to get this under full control the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.

Jim and Lenore Thoms, who own a business in an industrial park near the blaze, called the fire a very scary experience and praised the efforts of firefighters.

The firefighters were phenomenal, they saved this whole park. Jim Thoms said. If they werent around, the way things were going on, you might not have seen any buildings at all.

The effects of the fire are beginning to be seen beyond the state.

Higher-than-normal pollution levels were forecast Thursday in New York City, Rockland and Westchester counties, and in Long Islands Nassau and Suffolk counties, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said. The fire is roughly 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of New York City.

It said going indoors may reduce exposure to problems such as eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath.

In New York, dry conditions across the state are resulting in a high fire danger rating in several regions including New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and portions of the North Country, according to the advisory. The rest of the state is at a moderate or low level of fire danger.

Officials said the fire is believed to be the second-worst in recent years, smaller only than a 2007 blaze that burned 26 square miles (67 square kilometers).

Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency Wednesday, and officials said Thursday that theyve contained about 50% of the wildfire. Gov. Phil Murphy is on an official visit in Poland for a Holocaust memorial. He's due to fly back home Friday.

Video released by the state agency overseeing the fire service showed billowing white and black clouds of smoke, intense flames engulfing pines and firefighters dousing a charred structure.

The Pine Barrens sit between Philadelphia to the west and the Atlantic coast to the east. In the region with quick-draining sandy soil and trees with still-developing leaves, humidity remains low and winds can kick up, drying out the forest floor.

___

Bruce Shipkowski in Chatsworth, New Jersey; Hallie Golden in Seattle and Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.
It has been over three months since Starbucks reversed its open-door policy, requiring customers to make a purchase to use the coffee chains bathrooms, internet, get water, and use the chains lobby areas.

Starbucks announced a policy in May 2018, defining a customer as anyone who enters Starbucks  whether they buy something or not. That policy was reversed in January.

While some customers understand the change, others feel its inhumane. And some Starbucks employees feel the policy puts a strain on already overworked and underpaid workers.

Starbucks previously said the company wants to give customers a "third place" to go when they need it. Per the company's website, third places are not home, nor are they work. They're more like "somewhere in between."

A Starbucks spokesperson said in order to give customers a "third place" to frequent, the company must be clear about what it expects when customers come to its spaces.

"We have been listening to partners and customers to understand what the company can do to keep customers coming back time and again and make partners feel as though they have the best job in retail," the spokesperson said. "It starts with the coffeehouse experience-- creating and maintaining a warm, welcoming and inclusive place where customers can comfortably gather and partners are empowered to focus on providing exceptional service.

The company also said the policy change is "consistent with other retailers and restaurants in the industry."

CEO: Starbucks seeing customers stay longer to take advantage of free refills

Customers patronize a Starbucks coffeeshop on February 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

In addition to reversing its open-door policy, Starbucks also announced on Jan. 27 that customers who have their first drink in the lobby can get free refills on hot or iced brewed coffee or tea, a potential incentive for customers to stick around while enjoying their beverage.

Heres how some customers and employees feel about spending money to take a load off at Starbucks.

Starbucks reverses open-door policy: Buy something or leave

Customer cites gray area and human element to Starbucks pool of patrons

Cat Wack, 35, lives in the Glen Allen, Virginia area, about 14 miles northwest of Richmond, the state capital. She works from home and sometimes needs to get out of her home office.

When asked about the policy on April 18, she said she had mixed feelings.

I'm more comfortable with it than not, she told USA TODAY on April 18. It's a business, and so theres this unspoken but implied social contract to use their space that they pay to maintain. You are a customer, and you pay for the goods and services to use that space.

When she visits Starbucks, she makes sure she buys a drink, but she acknowledges that theres a lot of gray area too, particularly when it comes to what she calls the human element. Some people come into Starbucks because its a hot day and they need to cool off, or they dont have the means to buy anything, she said.

Jim Black, 70, visits Starbucks in Glen Allen. He is retired and said on April 18 that the policy doesnt impact him, but it could be tricky for students with limited incomes.

His daughter, 29-year-old Janna Weston, feels similarly.

You go where you can to get work done, she said. Starbucks can be kind of pricey at times. I could see for students in college how that might be a barrier to them.

Baked goods offered for sale at a Starbucks coffeeshop on February 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

Water is a human right, customer says

Mitchell Baumann, 39, went to a San Antonio Starbucks last month and had a heartbreaking experience, he told USA TODAY on April 18.

He was planning to use a gift card at the coffee shop on March 14 but couldn't find the gift card, he said. He couldnt find it and asked for water instead of a menu item.

I cant give you any water, the barista told him.

A woman drinks a cup of Starbucks coffee.

Baumann assured the worker he planned to buy something, he just needed to step out of line and adjust his bank account. Still, the barista wouldnt budge, making him feel so tiny and small.

Baumann has suffered from homelessness before; the experience made him wonder what would happen if he ended up unhoused again and simply wanted a small cup of water or a place to sit.

After being denied water, he went to his car and started writing a post on Facebook. Employees came out and offered him water but he was too upset and declined. He said in his social media post that he understands bills need to be paid, but denying people a drink of water goes against Starbucks claim to be inclusive.

A Starbucks drink.

Barista: Starbucks told workers the open-door policy rollback will create a more exclusive feel

Zarian Pouncy, a 31-year-old barista at a Las Vegas location, said the policy change was part of an effort get Starbucks "back to its roots" and make coffee houses "feel a little more exclusive, he told USA TODAY on April 17.

He was told that if a customer walked in, baristas could greet them, and if they asked to use the restroom or get water, direct them to the front register. That approach hasnt always worked out due to long lines though.

To implement the policy, staff members were told to keep an eye on visitors, and check in to see if individuals are waiting on mobile orders, meeting someone, or other scenarios.

A drink at a Starbucks cafe in Milan, Italy.

Employees have to turn away people who may not have money, barista says

Pouncy said the open-door policy reversal could lead to incidents like one that occurred in Philadelphia in April 2018, where two Black men were arrested for trespassing. A manager at the store called the police when the two men, who were waiting for a business meeting with a third person, didnt order food or drinks. The company reached a financial settlement with the men and apologized.

Pouncy also said the policy reversal impacts inmates released from a nearby detention center. Some dont have money, some need a sip of water, and others need to charge dead cell phones, he said.

Other customers have become irate, he said.

A man was throwing $100 bills at me saying Just let me use your restroom, Pouncy said.

The supervisor on duty apologized for Pouncy and let the customer use the restroom, which made Pouncy feel unsupported.

On the flip side, Starbucks pointed to some employees who support the policy. Rachel McVay, a store manager in Bryan, Texas, said the company's code of conduct gives baristas clarity on creating a welcoming environment and prioritizing customers.

Theyre able to communicate to the customers in a clear way that is also empathetic and builds trust, McVay said, per Starbucks.

The company said it wants everyone to feel welcome and comfortable, and by setting clear expectations, Starbucks team members can better handle disruptive behaviors they've seen at their locations.

Those who want to visit, use the restroom, work, and meet friends can all do so if they pay for a cup of coffee, and they get free refills, the company said. The company added that it is OK for customers to use the restroom or log onto the company's Wi-Fi before they make purchase.

A Starbucks in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma is pictured, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.

Customers see right through it

Jason Woods, 30, works at Starbucks in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and said the policy reversal is a distraction from more issues Workers United, an American Labor Union, has been trying to change. Issues he'd like to see addressed are better pay and healthcare protection for staff, including trans and queer people, he said.

Woods said employees have been threatened with discipline if they do not make people buy items before using Starbucks facilities. Some irate patrons have hurled slurs and threats at him, he said.

There's some people who understand but most of it has been very negative, Woods said, adding that the most supervisors can do is fill out an incident report and have follow-ups.

He called the policy anti-consumer. He thinks it is an attempt to nickel-and-dime people.

All of the policies that theyre implementing are fake, ingenuine, and customers see right through it, he said.

This story has been updated to add information and correct an inaccuracy. Starbucks Workers United only represents American workers.

Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, Jonathan Limehouse, Zlati Meyer

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How people feel about Starbucks' open-door policy
Ivan Florendo | Unsplash

(The Center Square)  The Louisiana House is weighing two bills by Rep. Ken Brass, D-Ascension, that would significantly increase taxes on vaping and smokeless tobacco products, aiming to curb youth use and fund cessation efforts..

House Bill 517, which has passed committee and is now headed to the House floor, would replace the state's current tax on vaping products  0.15 cents per milliliter of nicotine liquid  with a 33% tax on the invoice price of those products, starting Jan. 1, 2026. Retailers and wholesalers would be required to submit an inventory of their stock by Feb. 1, 2026, based on their holdings at the end of 2025.

Another bill by Brass would raise the excise tax on smokeless tobacco from 20% to 33% of the invoice price and dedicate 20% of the proceeds to a newly created Youth Cessation and Prevention Fund. That money would be divided among cancer research centers and the state Department of Health for evidence-based anti-tobacco programs.

Brass told the House Ways and Means Committee that the rising use of vaping among children makes the issue urgent.

"Nearly one in five middle school students are currently vaping," Brass said. "That's a dramatic increase from just a few years ago  back in 2015, only 4.8% of middle schoolers vaped. Now it's 18.4%. Among high school students, it's jumped to over 30%."

He warned that early nicotine use can have lifelong consequences.

"Most youth try tobacco between ages 12 and 13," Brass said. "That early exposure has lasting effects  increased risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. This is not just a school issue  it's a statewide public health and economic issue. Smoking costs Louisiana billions in health care and productivity losses."

But some Republicans questioned the strategy of using taxes as a deterrent.

"What I'm hearing is we have all these people breaking rules, and we're going to fix it by making it more expensive," said Rep. Roger Wilder, R-Livingston. "If you're vaping in school, that's already against school rules and the law for anyone under 21. Are schools even serious about enforcement?"

Wilder argued that without stronger action at the school or criminal justice level, the tax might not be an effective deterrent.

"Do we have a bill in education or criminal justice to actually address this where it's happeningon the ground, in schools?" he asked. "I agree with the intent. I'm just not sure it's going to be a real deterrent."

Rep. Jay Galle, R-St. Tammany, echoed those concerns.

"Addictions are rarely deterred by an increase in price," Galle said. "I understand this is a sin tax, but again, price alone rarely changes behavior."

Brass defended the tax increases as one part of a larger effort to reduce nicotine use and shift the economic burden away from the state.

If the bills are signed into law, the vape tax increase would take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and the smokeless tobacco tax increase would begin July 1, 2025.
French police secure the area near the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides high school (Reuters)

A high school student has been killed and three others injured in a school stabbing attack in western France, police have said.

The alleged culprit, a 15-year-old student, was tackled by teachers and overpowered after the attack at around 12.30pm at the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides school near the town hall of Doulon, in Nantes.

Police arrested him at the scene, which is now also swarming with army officers, medics and fire officers, as the investigation into the attack gets underway.

There is no indication of a terrorist motive, the police spokesperson added. The motive is currently unknown.

French military officers are also on the scene (AFP via Getty Images)

According to preliminary investigations, police believe the student entered two classrooms before carrying out the stabbing and subsequently being subdued, Le Parisien reported.

Recalling the chaos following the attack, one second-year student described people running around the courtyard, as someone held a door open shouting for them to get out.

I was in the foyer, we saw a lot of people running around the courtyard, I heard that someone had a knife, the student told Ouest-France.

We didn't know whether to believe it. Then we saw someone from IT holding the door to the high school building, he was yelling at us to get out. We took refuge with the middle school students. I just learned that a student had died..."

There is a heavy police, ambulance and fire service presence at the scene (Reuters)

Another student said: We were in the labs, the tension started to rise after the alarm sounded. We saw the police arrive. We stayed confined to the classrooms and then went out into the courtyard. We learned that teachers had intervened.

Another student, who is in their final year at high school, told the outlet: "We're very shocked. We only see this on television. We didn't think it could happen in our high school.

Nantes mayor Johanna Rolland told reporters that one of those injured was in "very serious condition. She did not give details about the suspect, but raised concerns about "the mental health of the youth of this country.

France's prime minister Francois Bayrou ordered tighter security outside and inside schools nationwide, and called for new proposals within four weeks for preventing and punishing knife violence by teens and children. He said metal detectors at schools could be considered.

French education minister Elisabeth Borne said in a post on X: A knife attack took place this afternoon at a private school in Nantes.

I am going there with [interior minister] Bruno Retailleau to express my solidarity with the victims and my support for the educational community.
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Texas has executed Sandoval Mendoza, a rapist and killer described by one prosecutor as one of the most "violent, sadistic men" he'd ever encountered."

Mendoza, 40, was executed by lethal injection for the murder of 20-year-old Rachelle O'Neil Tolleson on March 18, 2004, in Farmersville, Texas, just northeast of Dallas. Mendoza is the third inmate executed in Texas this year and the 13th in the nation. He was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m. CT.

At the time of her death, Tolleson was a new mother to her 6-month-old daughter Avery.

Mendoza used his last words to apologize to Tolleson's family.

"I am sorry for having robbed you of Rachelle's life," he said. "To Avery ... I robbed you of a mother. I'm sorry for that. I know nothing that I could ever say or do would ever make up for that. I want you to know I am sincere. I apologize."

Texas Death Row inmate Moises Mendoza, 40, is set to be executed by lethal injection on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. In 2005, Mendoza was convicted of capital murder of 20-year-old Rachelle O'Neil Tolleson in Farmersville, Texas.

He addressed his family members by telling them he loves them and is with them.

"I'm well and at peace. You know that I'm well and everything is love," he said, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Mendoza's case gained a sort of notoriety in the years since the murder. In 2006, it was featured in the 10th season of "Forensic Files" and in 2008, the Investigation Discovery series "Solved" highlighted the case.

Here's what to know about Mendoza's execution, including more about who his victim was.

'I turned into the devil': More about Texas death row inmate Moises Mendoza

What was Moises Mendoza convicted of?

In the early hours of March 18, 2004, Rachelle O'Neil Tolleson was at home with her 6-month-old daughter Avery in Farmersville, a small town about 40 miles northeast of Dallas. Tolleson and Avery lived there alone, as Rachelle was in the middle of a divorce with her then-husband Andrew Tolleson.

Mendoza told police he let himself inside Tolleson's house through a back door that night, per court documents. The two left to get a pack of cigarettes, leaving baby Avery at home.

Mendoza drove a little while before he began to choke Tolleson in his vehicle "for no reason," he said, according to court documents. He then drove the two to a field near his house, where he raped her before choking her again, court documents say.

Mendoza then dragged Tolleson out of his truck and choked her again until he thought she was dead, Mendoza told police. To make sure, he "poked her throat" with a knife. Mendoza left her body in the field, where it remained for a few days before he was interviewed by police about Tolleson's disappearance, court records say.

Moises Mendoza was housed on Texas death row at the Allan B. Polunksy Unit in Livingston, Texas.

Paranoid, Mendoza wrapped Tolleson's body in a tarp and moved it to his cousin's land in a more remote area, just a few miles east of Farmersville. He then dumped the body in a "dug-out pit" and set it on fire to "destroy the fingerprints," he told police, The Courier Gazette reports.

"I don't know what happened to me at that moment. I turned into the devil and after I did something that I thought was in a dream," Mendoza wrote in a letter to his parents, as published by The Courier-Gazette.

A man searching for arrowheads found Tolleson's charred body a few days after Mendoza moved it, the newspaper reported.

Mendoza was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Who was Rachelle O'Neil Tolleson?

Pam and Mark O'Neil, Tolleson's parents, described their daughter as a doting mother to Avery, according to court proceedings and archived stories.

"She wanted more than anything in life to watch her baby take her first steps, say her first word, and shell never get to hear her daughter call her Mommy," Pam O'Neil told Mendoza during his sentencing, per The Courier-Gazette. She later said in the 2006 "Forensic Files" episode that Avery was Tolleson's "oxygen."

O'Neil said that she and Avery frequently watched home videos of Tolleson, including Avery's first and only Christmas with her mother, and looked through scrapbooks that Tolleson and O'Neil made together.

"I dont think well ever heal. I dont think a mother ever truly heals from the loss of a child, she told The Courier-Gazette in 2005. "I cant believe my grandbaby will grow up without a mother."

The O'Neils did not immediately respond to requests to speak about their late daughter, but Mark has recognized Tolleson in several public Facebook posts over the years.

In 2021, Mark shared a photo of Tolleson from her wedding day on Facebook.

"Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter in heaven," he wrote. "I love you and miss you every day, baby girl."

Who was Moises Mendoza?

Neighbors described Mendoza as "hard-working" but said he changed as he got older, recounting a "violent argument" when he pinned down his mother and sister in their front yard, as previously reported by The Courier-Gazette.

Mendoza graduated high school, where he did "fairly well," court documents state. He received a few high school scholarships and completed about nine months of heating and air-conditioning training upon graduating.

In 2003, Mendoza was arrested for his involvement in two aggravated robberies on the Dallas College Richland Campus, according to The Courier-Gazette reporting. It was while he was out on bail for one of these robberies that Tolleson went missing, the 2006 "Forensic Files" episode explains.

For much of their upbringing in northern Texas, Mendoza and Tolleson were actually in the same grade school classes, Tolleson's mother explained in "Forensic Files." And the Friday before Tolleson's murder, Mendoza had been at Tolleson's house for a party of about 15 people, court documents say.

Clinical psychologist Mark Vigen described Mendoza as "immature" and "psychologically under-developed," claiming that Mendoza enjoyed getting away with "being sneaky" and got angry when others criticized him, court documents say.

During Mendoza's sentencing, former Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Greg Davis described Mendoza as "one of the most violent, sadistic men" he'd ever helped convict.

Contributing: Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

(This story was updated to include video.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Moises Mendoza, a 'sadistic killer,' executed in Texas
FILE - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott talks in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Texas lawmakers on Thursday passed a $1 billion education bill that allows families to use public money to pay for private school tuition, a major victory for school voucher proponents nationwide that was cheered on by President Donald Trump.

The measure won final approval from the state Senate and now heads to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who had muscled the GOP-majority Legislature to pass the bill and has vowed to quickly sign it into law.

This is historic school choice legislation, Abbott said in a statement posted on X. Thanks to the dedication of our lawmakers, Texas families will soon have education freedom!

More than 30 states have implemented some sort of voucher program in the U.S., and about a dozen states in recent years have launched or expanded programs that make most students eligible. Texas' version will be among the largest in the nation and is seen as a major victory for proponents who hope to push a similar effort on the federal level.

For decades, the push in Texas had failed in the face of stiff resistance from Democrats and rural Republicans who called it a threat to public schools in a state that now has more than 5 million students in public classrooms.

But supporters gradually gained ground and Abbott, a three-term governor, threw his political muscle behind it in the 2024 elections by backing numerous candidates who would support it. That effort built the majority support the issue needed after decades of failure.

Trump played a key role in getting the measure through a critical state House vote a week ago, when he spoke with a group of Republican lawmakers on a speakerphone call and urged them to approve it.

The program in its first year would be capped at $1 billion and used by up to 90,000 students, but it could grow to nearly $4.5 billion per year by 2030. The money can be used for private school tuition or costs for home-schooling and virtual learning programs. Families could get up to $10,000 each year per student under the program, and a student with disabilities would be eligible for as much as $30,000 per year.

Supporters of the measure say the vouchers can help parents get their children out of poor-performing public schools and create competition that will force public schools to improve.

The one thing that is missing from our education process that has really made America great is competition, said Republican state Sen. Bob Hall.

Critics, however, argue it will weaken public schools by draining money and resources and giving them to private schools, who can have selective enrollment and may not operate under some of the same rules.

And they argue it will put money in the pocket of wealthier families already sending their children to costly private schools.

The bill is not about school choice, the Senate Democratic caucus said in a statement. It's about public subsidization of private schools' choice. It's a step backwards for Texas.

The issue is not settled among Republicans nationwide. On Monday, North Dakota's Republican Gov. Kelly Armstrong vetoed a private school voucher program in that state, saying the bill fell far short of truly expanding choice as it only impacts one sector of our student population.

___ Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
This image provided by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Texas death row inmate Moises Sandoval Mendoza. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP)  A Texas man convicted of fatally strangling and stabbing a young mother more than 20 years ago was executed Wednesday evening as the victim's mother and other relatives looked on.

Moises Sandoval Mendoza, 41, received a lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville and was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m. He was sentenced to death for his conviction in the March 2004 killing of 20-year-old Rachelle ONeil Tolleson.

After a spiritual adviser prayed over him for about two minutes, Mendoza apologized repeatedly to the victim's two parents and other relatives present, calling to each by name. I am sorry for having robbed you of Rachelle's life, he said, addressing the parents, one of her brothers, a cousin and an uncle watching through a window from an adjoining room.

Mendoza also said he had robbed Tolleson's daughter of her mother, adding, I'm sorry for that. I know nothing that I could ever say or do would ever make up for that. I want you to know that I am sincere. I apologize. The daughter wasn't present for the execution.

He then spoke briefly in Spanish, addressing his wife, his sister and two friends watching through a window from another witness room. I love you, I am with you, I am well and at peace, he said in Spanish, his words provided in a transcript in English translation. You know that I'm well, and everything is love.

As the injection began, he could be heard making two loud gasps and then began snoring. After about 10 snores, all movement ceased and he was pronounced dead 19 minutes later.

Prosecutors say Mendoza, 41, took Tolleson from her north Texas home, leaving her 6-month-old daughter alone. The infant was found cold and wet but safe the next day by Tollesons mother. Tollesons body was discovered six days later, left in a field near a creek.

Evidence in Mendozas case showed he also had burned Tollesons body to hide his fingerprints. Dental records were used to identify her, according to investigators.

Pam ONeil, the victim's mother, told reporters after witnessing Mendoza's execution that it could not undo the loss of her daughter. Reading from a statement, she said of Mendoza: Hes been on death row 20 years. That ended today. He was put to sleep. He felt no pain. I wish I could say the same about my daughters death.

As Mendoza's relatives and friends left the prison, they appeared distraught and embraced one another.

Hours earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a final request by Mendozas attorneys to stop his execution. Mendozas attorneys told the justices in a filing that he had been prevented by lower courts from arguing that he had been denied effective assistance of counsel earlier in the appeals process.

But the Texas Attorney Generals Office told the Supreme Court that Mendozas claim of ineffective assistance of counsel had previously been found meritless and insubstantial by a lower federal court.

Lower courts also had previously rejected his petitions for a stay. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on Monday denied Mendozas request to commute his death sentence to a lesser penalty.

Authorities said that in the days before the killing, Mendoza had attended a party at Tollesons home in Farmersville, located about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northeast of Dallas. On the day her body was found, Mendoza told a friend about the killing. The friend called police, and Mendoza was arrested.

Mendoza confessed to police but couldnt give detectives a reason for the killing, authorities said. He told investigators he repeatedly choked Tolleson, sexually assaulted her and dragged her body to a field, where he choked her again and then stabbed her in the throat. He later moved her body to a more remote location and burned it, they said.

Mendoza was the third inmate put to death this year in Texas, historically the nations busiest capital punishment state, and the 13th in the U.S.

On Thursday, Alabama plans to execute James Osgood for the 2010 rape and murder of a woman.

___

Follow Juan A. Lozano: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70
WASHINGTON  The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to let the Defense Department ban transgender people from serving in the military while that policy change is being challenged by transgender servicemembers.

The Justice Department on April 24 said a lower court improperly second-guessed the Pentagons assessments of the risks of allowing transgender people to serve rather than given the military the substantial deference the Defense Departments judgements are owed.

The Supreme Court asked the servicemembers challenging the ban to respond to the government's request by May 1.

The ban was paused on March 27 by a federal judge in Washington state. A three-judge panel of the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the administration's request to let it enforce the policy for now.

The Justice Department says letting transgender people serve "undermines military readiness and lethality." U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush, said there's no evidence to support that.

The governments arguments are not persuasive, and it is not an especially close question on this record, Settle said.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., reached a similar conclusion on March 18 in a related challenge by transgender members of the military. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes' order temporarily blocking enforcement of the policy is on hold while it's being reviewed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Reyes was appointed to the bench by former President Joe Biden.

US Army Reserve 2nd Lt. Nicolas Talbott (C), and plaintiff of the case, speaks outside the William B. Bryant Annex of the US Courthouse in Washington, DC, on February 18, 2025, after a hearing was held for the court to consider a preliminary injunction requested by a group of transgender service members and prospective enlistees challenging President Donald Trump's proposed ban on transgender people in the military. The plaintiffs argue that the policy put forward in an executive order signed on January 27 violates the Fifth Amendment's equal protection requirements and amounts to discrimination.

The executive order Trump signed soon after taking office said the "adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individual's sex conflicts with a soldier's commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.

To implement the order, the Pentagon has barred transgender people from joining the military, stopped paying for some hormonal treatment and sex reassignment surgery and prepared to remove transgender servicemembers from the ranks.

It's possible to get a waiver to remain in the military, but only for a servicemember who, according to Trump administration policy, has never attempted to transition to any sex other than their sex" and who adheres to "standards associated with" their sex assigned at birth.

Judges on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals who held a hearing on the issue on April 22 pushed the administration for evidence to back up their justification of the ban.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks next to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 10, 2025.

Jason Manion, a lawyer for the Justice Department, said the government isnt required to provide such evidence and that courts are supposed to defer to the military on policy questions. But Manion added that President Donald Tumps policy is basically similar to one from his first term that was upheld by the Supreme Court and is based on a 40-page study featuring expert testimony.

Its just not the case that this was a starting-from-scratch policy, Manion said.

But Shannon Minter, a lawyer for a half-dozen transgender servicemembers, said the military already screens recruits for medical conditions or psychological problems.

We dont talk about people with diabetes or heart conditions being dishonest or undisciplined, Minter said. The only thing that you accomplish by having this categorical ban is excluding people who otherwise are qualified, who have already proven they can do the job. That is not rational.

Contributing: Bart Jansen.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump asks Supreme Court to allow ban on transgender troops
trump offers

The Trump administration has received 18 written offers from foreign trade ministers so far this week, according to the White Houses top economic adviser.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stressed that the Trump administration wont be rushed into getting those deals across the finish line and praised the rapid progress being made.

Its going to happen in Trump time, Hassett boasted on Fox News The Ingraham Angle on Wednesday. And its not rushed deals. Its carefully thought-out deals in anticipation of the actions that the president took.

In addition to the written offers, Hasset revealed that US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has at least 14 meetings scheduled this week with foreign trade reps looking to iron out a deal.

Kevin Hassett argued that President Trumps negotiating tactics on trade are working. REUTERS

On April 9, Trump, 78, announced a sudden 90-day pause on almost all of the customized Liberation Day tariffs he had planned.

The 10% baseline rate was left intact, as was the 25% automotive tariff, 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, and 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico that dont comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

China was also hit with a 125% retaliatory tariff in addition to the 20% rate imposed earlier this year due to Trumps fentanyl demands.

President Trump initially cast doubt on whether or not he was actually angling for negotiations with his Liberation Day tariffs. AP

If countries are unable to cut a deal with the Trump administration by July 8, they could face the large, across-the-board customized tariff rates the president unveiled earlier this month.

That gives a very small window to get those deals finalized.

Under the first Trump administration, it took nearly two years to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into the USMCA. On average, trade deals take 18 months to complete due to their complexity, according to one study.

But this go-around, the Trump administration is eyeing rapid deals with myriad countries rather than more traditional free trade agreements that would need congressional approval.

No these these deals very, very much can be negotiated with the US Trade Representative, Hassett explained when asked if Congress would have to approve the deals.

Earlier in the day, Wednesday, Trump told reporters that he plans to bring tariffs against China down substantially from the exorbitant 145%, saying that It wont be anywhere near that high  but it wont be zero.

Were very optimistic about China and especially optimistic about just about everybody else, Hassett stressed, painting a rosy picture.

Hassett also noted that weve got basically an outline of a deal with India, which he explained had been one of the worst offenders on trade against the US.

Kevin Hassett was optimistic about progress being made during negotiations with China. AP

Some observers, such as former NBC Chief Political Analyst Chuck Todd, have argued that Trump boxed himself in against China and could face political backlash if consumers see empty shelves or sky-high prices.

Absolutely not, weve got virtually every country on earth negotiating with us right now, Hassett countered. The president has moved the world in a way that is unprecedented, and its in the direction of the American worker.

Hassett also predicted that Trump would be the one to announce when breakthroughs on trade negotiations with various countries take place.

Hell announce it to the world first, Hassett explained. I can tell you thats the way its going to go.
Twin brothers died in a drowning incident while fishing in a Mississippi lake last week, officials said.

A Neshoba County Sheriff's Office spokesperson told USA TODAY that Choctaw police and fire officials responded to Lake Pushmataha near Philadelphia after 6:00 p.m. on April 17.

Upon arrival, authorities recovered the 18-year-old siblings identified as Camarion Grady and Jamarion Grady. First responders "performed advanced life support" and took the twins to Choctaw Health Center, where Jamarion died.

His brother, Camarion, was transported via airlift to a hospital in Jackson, but was later pronounced dead just before 2:30 p.m. on April 20, the spokesperson said.

Missing: Horse veterinarian found dead in Lake Mead

'Tremendous losses': The brothers were high school students

According to the Neshoba County Sheriff's Office, witnesses told authorities that the twins were fishing in the lake.

"One of the teens waded out too far into the lake and started to struggle," the spokesperson said. "The other teen tried to save his brother and drowned trying to assist."

WTOK and WTVA reported that Camarion and Jamarion were students at Philadelphia High School. Photos on the Neshoba County School District Facebook page show students creating signs and donning red and black to honor the brothers.

According to a post from Philadelphia Public Schools, Jamarion wanted to be a real estate agent, and Camarion wanted to be a barber. Pictures attached to the post indicate that the twins were high school seniors.

"The PPSD community has experienced tremendous losses this weekend, and our hearts are with all those affected," the April 20 statement said. "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community members and schools during this difficult time."

A GoFundMe was created for the twins' mother, and it raised more than $12,000. It is currently disabled, but was accepting donations before Camarion also passed away.

Philadelphia is about 81 miles from Jackson.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Twin brothers drown while fishing at Mississippi lake
Barrels of bourbon are stacked in a barrel house at the Jim Beam Distillery in Kentucky. - Bryan Woolston/Getty Images

Exports of American-made spirits hit a record high last year. However, a hangover is about to hit the industry as tariffs threaten to stunt growth, a leading industry group warned.

Exports hit a record $2.4 billion in 2024, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). In a report released Thursday, the trade group said that last years growth is thanks to a rebuilt trading relationship between the US and the European Union. Exports to the EU jumped 39% in 2024 compared to a year prior  a gain put in peril by President Donald Trumps trade war.

Unfortunately, ongoing trade disputes unrelated to our sector have caused uncertainty, keeping many US distillers on the sidelines and curtailing sales growth, said DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger in a release.

American-made whiskey in particular stands in the crosshairs of the trade dispute. The EU had removed tariffs on US whiskey in 2022. Since then, exports from the US to the EU have jumped nearly 60% to $699 million, according to data compiled by DISCUS.

The EU was set to levy new tariffs on American whiskey this month, but delayed them after Trump announced a 90-day pause on the so-called retaliatory tariffs against most other nations. Swonger called the pause a positive first step toward getting the US-EU spirits sectors back to zero-for-zero tariffs and untangling spirits from these trade disputes.

EU tariffs would be a major blow for American distillers and spirits makers. The bloc is the largest export market for US-made spirits, accounting for about half of all US spirits exports, worth $1.2 billion last year, DISCUS said.

But its not just the EU. Canada is the second-largest recipient of US-made spirits, totaling $221 million last year. Canadas 25% retaliatory tariff on all US spirits that began last month, and the subsequent removal of many American brands from Canadian liquor stores, is causing uncertainty in this years outlook with the country, DISCUS said.

Empty space on a shelf where American-made liquor had been at a liquor store in Montreal, Canada. - Graham Hughes/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Tariffs arent the only problem major spirits makers are dealing with. A decrease in demand following a pandemic-induced boom caused US exports of spirits to the rest of the world to drop by nearly 10%, DISCUS said.

That has resulted in layoffs at major distillers, such as at Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniels parent company Brown-Forman, and bankruptcies, including Westward Whiskey, a Diageo-backed distillery based in Oregon.

Despite the recent weakness, sales of US spirits have generally grown over the past two-and-a-half decades. Exports have jumped to $2.4 billion in 2024 from $478 million in 2000.

In its report, DISCUS attributed this jump in part to the US spirits sector having a fair and reciprocal playing field with 51 countries that have provided tariff-free access for US spirits, including the EU, Canada and Mexico.

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U.S. stocks closed higher for the third consecutive day as investors bet a Federal Reserve rate cut could come in June to head off a recession due to tariffs.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller said in a Bloomberg interview hed support rate cuts in the event aggressive tariff levels hurt the labor market. Fed Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack told CNBC the central bank could move on rates as early as June if it has clear evidence of the economys direction.

The CME FedWatch tool pegs odds for a quarter-percentage point cut at the Fed's policy meeting in June at 61.3%.

The blue-chip Dow closed up 1.23%, or 486.83 points, to 40,093.40; the broad S&P 500 added 2.03%, or 108.91 points, to 5,484.77; and tech-laden Nasdaq rose 2.74%, or 457.99 points, to 17,166.04. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield dipped to 4.309%.

Last week, Chair Jerome Powell roiled markets when he reiterated that the central bank isn't in a hurry to lower rates. He said the Fed had time to wait and see how tariffs affect the economy, which triggered criticism from President Donald Trump.

Trump criticized Powell for always being too slow to lower rates. He said the Fed should lower rates now to prevent an economic slowdown.

Hopes for a rate cut overshadowed China's denial that it's held trade talks with the U.S.

"Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. economic and trade negotiations are groundless and have no factual basis," He Yadong, a commerce ministry spokesman, said. There were no ongoing talks with the U.S. over trade matters and the U.S. "should cancel all the unilateral measures on China," He said.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said reports of U.S.-China talks were "fake news."

Aside from China's denial, the fact that the Trump administration has moved on to tariff deals is a good sign, said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist at LPL Financial.

"The narrative transition from tariff rates to tariff deals is an important step in the recovery of the equity market," he said. "This change suggests we have likely moved beyond peak policy uncertainty and fear, an important piece of the market low puzzle."

If the Fed lowers rates, stocks could recover quickly. "History reveals most bottoms are a process that often involves a retest of the initial lows. V-shaped recoveries are rare and are typically accompanied by a pivot from the Fed," he said.

China's harsh comments contradict a recently softer tone from the Trump administration over trade with China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday the U.S. has the opportunity for a big deal on trade, and President Donald Trump hinted earlier at a softer stance on China tariffs. Reports said Trump was considering slashing tariffs on Chinese imports in a bid to de-escalate tensions.

The Financial Times reported the White House is planning automaker exemptions for car parts from the tariffs that Trump is imposing on imports from China to counter fentanyl production, as well as from those levied on steel and aluminum.

Bessent said Thursday an "agreement of understanding" on trade with South Korea could come next week.

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the Financial District in New York City on February 28, 2025. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Corporate news

After the market closed, Google parent, Alphabet, said its quarterly results topped analysts' forecasts. In early after-hours trade, shares of the search giant were up almost 4.5%.

Big movers during the regular day session included:

Procter & Gamble's quarterly earnings topped analysts' forecasts but sales missed. The maker of Tide laundry detergent also cut its full-year outlook, and its shares shed nearly 4%.

Chipotle's sales in the first three months of the year fell below analysts' forecasts. The burrito chain also said same-store sales declined for the first time since 2020 and lowered the top end of its outlook for full-year same-store sales growth. Shares added 1.64%.

Texas Instruments beat analysts' forecasts with its first-quarter results, and shares jumped 6.56%.

Southwest Airlines said it will cut capacity in the second half of 2025, given further signs of weaker domestic bookings this year. The carrier also pulled its full-year guidance. Its shares rose 3.68%.

Alaska Airlines warned of a six-percentage-point hit to revenue in the second quarter and pulled its full-year outlook due to economic uncertainty. The stock slumped more than 10%.

American Airlines withdrew its annual outlook amid the uncertain economic outlook and warned second-quarter revenues would miss analysts' forecasts. The airline's shares added 3%.

International Business Machines shares dropped more than 6% after the company said 15 of its government contracts were shelved under a cost-cutting drive by the Trump administration.

Intuitive Surgical said its quarterly results rose but warned that tariffs could hurt its gross margin going forward. Its stock rose more than 4%.

Boeing topped analysts' estimates in the first three months of the year. The plane maker said China has stopped taking its aircraft amid the trade war and it was ready to send them elsewhere. Its stock gained more than 2%.

Phillip Morris raised guidance and said the popularity of its Zyn nicotine pouches boosted quarterly earnings. Shares rose more than 1%.

ServiceNow earnings in the first three months of the year beat analysts' forecasts. Shares of the software company gained 15.34%.

Comcast reported a larger-than-expected decline in broadband customers in the first quarter. Shares of the cable company fell almost 4%.

PepsiCo lowered its full-year forecast due to tariff costs and weaker consumer spending. Shares eased nearly 5%

Merck lowered its full-year earnings outlook partly to account for recently imposed tariffs. The drugmaker's stock ended up more than 1%.

Hasbro said results in the first three months of the year topped analyst expectations. The toymaker also maintained its outlook despite recent escalations in the global tariff war. Shares rallied more than 14.5%

Economic data shrugged off

Investors mostly shrugged off this morning's economic data, which included the slowest existing home sales since 2009. March sales fell 5.9% from February, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Meanwhile, weekly jobless claims rose to 220,000, matching economists' consensus forecast and indicating that souring views on the economic outlook haven't translated into a weaker labor market yet.

"Management teams seem to be taking a cautious but hopeful approach to the current situation," said Bret Kenwell, U.S. investment analyst at tarding platform eToro. "While they may not be readily green-lighting large projects or hiring sprees, they are not yet undergoing mass layoffs either. For now, its constructive to see the labor market continuing to hold up despite the volatility and worries that persist due to the volatility in various markets."

March durable goods orders soared 9.2% from February and topped economists' forecast for being up 1.6% as companies pulled forward orders to escape tariffs.

Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin eased, consolidating recent gains above $90,000.

The digital currency was last down 0.09% at $93,553.71.

Cantor Fitzgerald is launching a crypto venture with Tether and Japanese technology investor SoftBank Group to buy bitcoin - a bet that interest in the digital currency will expand while Trump's in office.

The combined vehicle is valued at $3.6 billion, based on a bitcoin price of nearly $85,000 and Twenty One launching with more than 42,000 bitcoins, which will make it the world's third-largest bitcoin treasury, Twenty One said.

The story was updated with new information.

Medora Lee is a money, markets, and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at mjlee@usatoday.com and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US stocks rise on hope for June rate cut.
Over 900 telecom fraud suspects handed over by Myanmar to China

Xinhua) 10:00, April 24, 2025

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on Wednesday said that over 920 Chinese telecom fraud suspects had been handed over by Myanmar law enforcers to China.

This marks the latest achievement in the ongoing joint crackdown on telecom fraud by the law enforcement authorities of China and Myanmar, following the wipeout of large-scale telecom fraud centers near the China-Myanmar border in northern Myanmar in November last year.

Transferred via the port of Daluo in southwest China's Yunnan Province, the suspects were seized in rounds of intensive operations carried out by the Myanmar side since March 24, according to the ministry.

To evade crackdown efforts, some telecom fraud suspects have relocated to deeper regions of Myanmar and continued to target Chinese citizens. The Chinese public security authorities have thus intensified analysis and judgment efforts and provided the Myanmar side with key leads that assisted in identifying a new batch of telecom fraud dens, leading to the recent seizure, the MPS said.

Vowing to maintain relentless pressure on cross-border telecom fraud along with the Myanmar side, the ministry urged those engaged in telecom and online fraud to abandon any illusions of impunity, and return to China to turn themselves in as soon as possible to seek leniency.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Mallory Berry was ready to give up. It was 2019, and her addictionprescription opioids had led her to heroinhad left her bedridden. An infection had eaten through parts of her pelvic bones, stomach muscles, and vertebrae, causing a pain so excruciating that she was afraid to move. Her partner, Randy, placed buckets under her body when she needed to use the bathroom. Bathed her and fed her. Before long, Mallory stopped eating entirely, subsisting on sweet tea and water, wasting away.

Four years later, Mallory would recount this memory to me over the phone from her housea five-bedroom, three-bathroom colonial with a walk-in closet and a two-car garagethat she paid for with her earnings as a manager at a mortgage company, where she oversaw 10 direct reports.

When I spoke with her in March last year, she largely credited this remarkable turnaround not to her own willpower, or the grace of God, but to a widely available medication called buprenorphine.

The world of opioid addiction is one of morbid statistics. People struggling with opioid addiction have a mortality rate 10 times higher than the general population in the United States. The relapse rate for those in recovery is as high as 70 percent. As one doctor, an addiction specialist named Stephen Martin, put it to me, The natural history of opioid-use disorder is: People die.

Which is why the numbers describing buprenorphines impact stand out. Buprenorphine can stop cravings for opioids, and people who use it are 38 percent less likely to die of an overdose. After buprenorphine was adopted at scale in the midst of Frances opioid crisis in the 1980s and 90s, overdose deaths dropped by 79 percent.

About a year ago, when I began reporting this story as part of an Atlantic podcast series, I asked Mallory how important this treatment was to her recovery. She, too, reached for a number. If you want a percentage, she told me, 75 percent. Yet being on buprenorphine at all made Mallory an outlier. As of 2021, about one in five patients struggling with opioid-use disorder is taking this or other medications for treating addiction. One of the most effective tools for defusing a crisis that in recent years has killed more than 80,000 people annually is going unused.

Underpinning this failure is a quiet conviction among doctors and patients alike that taking buprenorphine doesnt count as successthat people who use drugs to recover from drug use are still addicts, the sobriety they achieve is fake, and the drugs saving their lives could spark the next wave of the opioid epidemic. At the same time, the drugs that have made addiction even more deadlysynthetic opioids such as fentanylare making buprenorphine more complicated to use. As a result, the window in the U.S. for this treatment to fulfill its greatest promise is nearly closed.

When buprenorphine arrived in the U.S. in 2002, the country was immersed in what would later be categorized as the first wave of the opioid epidemic. That year, 11,920 people died from opioid overdoses, which at the time sounded alarms in the medical community. (The annual death toll would increase sevenfold over the next two decades.)

The triumph in France was already well known to addiction specialists. Many believed that once more of their colleagues in health care understood the silver bullet theyd been handed, the treatment would find its way into primary care, Martin told me. The crisis could be stopped in its tracks.

But buprenorphines strength as a treatment is also a weakness. Buprenorphine is an opioid. Like methadone, the tightly regulated treatment for opioid addiction used in America since the 1950s, it acts on receptors in the brain to satisfy cravings.

Compared with methadone, buprenorphine is more difficult to overdose on and easier to access. It also has a stronger affinity for opioid receptors than opioids such as heroin or fentanyl, which can protect patients against overdose if they relapse. In a brain flooded simultaneously with buprenorphine and another opioidthe brain of a buprenorphine patient relapsing on fentanyl, for examplebuprenorphine has dibs on the relevant receptors. Without available receptors, both the high and the harm of an opioid such as heroin or fentanyl are greatly reduced or eliminated. This is why buprenorphine can be a powerful medication. It strikes at the root of addiction, and protects patients when they slip up.

Yet it requires prescribers, regulators, and patients to accept that a person can be sober while taking an opioid every day. That idea cuts against the narrow definition of sobriety that Americas addiction model wasand to a large extent still isbuilt on. Whereas many European countries have successfully implemented coordinated, low-barrier access to treatments like methadone and buprenorphine, abstinence-based opioid addiction treatment is alive and well in America. In many Narcotics Anonymous meetings, for instance, attendees taking buprenorphine are treated the same as those in active addiction: They can listen, but not speak. In many sober houses, the first stop after rehab, residents are not permitted to take buprenorphine. Theres a particular path to treatment and recovery in those settings, Erin Madden, a professor at Wayne State University who studies stigma and addiction, told me, and medications cant be a part of it. Asking people whose lives were destroyed by opioid dependence to depend on a different opioid is already a hard sell. Asking them to accept this dependence in a culture of abstinence is nearly impossible.

Fear that buprenorphine would be abused also worked against its broad adoption. In the early days of the crisis, prescription opioids such as oxycodone were driving a sharp rise in deaths. The DEA, for one, was skeptical that another prescription opioid could be the solution to widespread abuse of prescription opioids in part because the Department of Justice reported some evidence of buprenorphine abuse, particularly in the Northeast, as early as 2004. And opioid-addiction treatments do have a history of abuse: Heroin, for example, was once considered an effective treatment for codeine and morphine addiction. The year buprenorphine was approved, the DEA restricted its dispensation. Buprenorphine was moved from a Schedule V controlled substance (like codeine) to Schedule III (like ketamine). Physicians had to complete special training to prescribe the drug, and could prescribe to a pool of only 30 patients.

After its approval, buprenorphine never came close to achieving the scale needed to slow down the crisis. By some estimates, for every patient who received the drug, four more might have benefited from it.

Mallorys younger brother, Quincie, had, like her, started with pills. Then he began using intravenous drugs; he showed her how to shoot up. Before long, he was overdosing regularly, sometimes twice a day, and depending on Narcan, the overdose-reversal drug, to revive him. Quincie was caught in a terrible loop: overdose; Narcan; emergency room. Overdose; Narcan; emergency room.

Then one day an outreach specialist approached Quincie at the emergency room and handed him her card. Call me when youre ready, she said. He did, and eventually found his way into rehab and onto a buprenorphine product called Suboxone. As I reported in the podcast, he told his mom, Jennifer Hornak, This keeps me from going off the deep end. I can work. I can live a real life on this medication.

For a time, Quincie and Mallory were on roughly the same path. But in 2020, the paths split. Mallory finished rehab and entered a halfway house, while still on Suboxone. She was lucky, in a way: Many sober houses operate on the principle that an opioid is still an opioid, and for that reason wont accept people on buprenorphine. And Quincie ran into exactly that problem at the sober houses near him. Because he needed a place to live, he saw little choice but to stop taking Suboxone. When Jennifer asked, Are you sure you can do that? he told her, I think I can.

About a month later, Jennifer was having a pool party at her house when Mallory told her that she saw a Facebook post that read Rest in peace Quincie. He had died of an overdose.

Quincie was caught between two approaches to addiction treatment. Inside rehab, his recovery was built around medication, not willpower. But outside, the infrastructure available to him was built on abstinence.

When Quincie died, Mallorys family expected her to relapse. Shed been sober for only a few months, and her little brothers death was a major blowbut she didnt. She didnt relapse when her grandfather died the next year. She didnt relapse when Randy, who had cared for her when she couldnt walk, died the year after that.

One day, Mallory got busy at work. Before she knew it, she ran out of time to make it to her doctors appointment to refill her Suboxone prescription. The withdrawal symptomsvomiting, diarrheastarted quickly. For Mallory, missing her dose felt like going through heroin withdrawallike Im dying, she told me. She could go to her sober network for a few spare doses, but she feared their judgment. Asking for pills was addict behavior.

Eventually a friend gave her a pill, which she broke into pieces to last until she could refill her prescription. But the experience scared her. What if something like this happens again? she asked herself. Do I want to be on a medication where if I dont have it, I feel like Im dying? She realized that she didnt want to be on Suboxone for the rest of her life. She was also tired of telling doctors she was taking the drug, which she felt led them to treat her differently than they would other patients.

And she wanted to keep the six teeth she has left. (Buprenorphine has been connected with tooth decay, according to an FDA warning.) For Mallory, her dentures represent some never-ending punishment for her years spent in active addiction, a permanent reminder of her past.

Jennifer begged Mallory to stay on Suboxone. I pray that shell stay on it, I really do, she told me in April 2024. I just really cant bear the thought of losing another child.

Mallory came off Suboxone. In Julythe last time I was able to reach her directlyshe said she was feeling fine. More recently, whenever I tried to get in touch, she didnt respond to me. In October, Jennifer told me via text that Mallory had not relapsed, but was dealing with what Jennifer described as mental and physical health issues.

Quincies death, and Mallorys story, reflect a stark truth about buprenorphines limits, at least in America. Staying on the medication over the long term requires resolve, with limited support and against persistent stigma. Stopping presents its own risks. Diminished tolerance, paired with an ever more potent drug supply, can make buprenorphine cessation deadly if a person starts using drugs again. It might also shatter the fragile stability the medication can provide, as a salve for the mental-health issues that so often underlie addiction. But Americas fractured approach to recovery makes buprenorphine hard to live with, and impossible to live without.

On paper, getting buprenorphine to as many people as possible should be easier now than ever before. Today, patients can get a prescription through telehealth or even a phone call. Special training requirements for would-be prescribers have been eliminated. The widespread buprenorphine abuse feared in the early aughts never came to pass; although some buprenorphine has been sold illicitly, most buyers seem to be people who are using it as a medication, rather than abusing it. The DEA, after decades of strict enforcement, now urges pharmacists to maintain an adequate and uninterrupted supply of buprenorphine and similar medications. The regulatory barriers between patients and this medication have never been lower.

But usage rates are relatively flat. In 2022, they fell. According to Rachel Haroz, who leads Cooper University Health Cares Center for Healing, and other experts I spoke with for this story, the stagnant rates can be blamed on stigma, a lack of infrastructure within primary care, and fear of DEA repercussions.

Buprenorphines uptake numbers in the past five years also have to do with the synthetic opioids its now up against. In earlier waves of the opioid epidemic, clinicians would wait for opioids such as painkillers or heroin to leave those receptors in the brain naturally, and then, at the onset of withdrawal symptoms, they would begin patients on buprenorphine. The drug would reduce cravings and eliminate the need for a protracted, painful withdrawal.

This process can break down if the patient has been using fentanyl, which stays in the body longer than heroin or pain pills. When buprenorphine displaces fentanyl from opioid receptors, it can trigger an instant reaction called precipitated withdrawal, marked by vomiting, diarrhea, and chills. Patients, who already live in constant fear of withdrawal, are reluctant to seek a treatment that triggers its symptoms. And doctors, reluctant to cause such acute pain, are hesitant to start patients on buprenorphine.

So addiction specialists are improvising. When Harozs EMS teams revive a patient with Narcan, a drug that reverses overdoses by clearing fentanyl from opioid receptors, they start them on buprenorphine immediately, which can help avert precipitated withdrawal symptoms. Boulder Care, an addiction network in Oregon, is piloting a new approach in which fentanyl users take a dose of Narcan without having overdosed, intentionally triggering a withdrawal before starting on buprenorphine. Lucinda Grande, a professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, has trialed using ketamine, a dissociative drug, to ease symptoms while her patients transition from fentanyl to buprenorphine.

Introducing buprenorphine is a much easier task for people who use, say, heroin. But today, fentanylwith all the side effects that accompany its interaction with buprenorphinehas taken over the market for illicit opioids. Having missed the best window to get buprenorphine into patients, this is now what success looks like. And these creative approaches cannot yet be deployed at a scale that would meet the needs of the tens of thousands of Americans who lose their lives every year to overdose. The story of recovery in America is essentially the same as it was 20 years ago, and the barriers to changing that story are higher than ever.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Images courtesy of Rothy's / Design by Kaitlyn Collins

Havent you heard? Rothys has taken Paris by storm. The sustainable accessories brand is the star of a new pop-up shop in Le Bon Marche, one of the citys most iconic department stores. Its finding its way into the closets of local It girls, like Louise Follain and Alice Pilate, both of whom recently attended a tres chic dinner celebrating the labels arrival in the City of Lights.

This all signifies a seal of approval that many brands can only dream of: a warm welcome both in the worlds fashion capital and amongst its most discerning tastemakers. Credit the product, the marketing, the in-the-know women scooping up the shoes and bags, but theres no denying that Rothys cool factor is on the rise.

I think its all about that Mary Jane, NYC-based artist Maayan Zilberman tells me. Something about the square toe really hits it on the mark, and I feel like they could revolve their business just around that silhouette. Zilberman is part of a growing cadre of creatives, including Substack darling Harling Ross and Instagram-famous host Natalie Shine, who have publicly been championing the company, often in, yes, a pair of Mary Jane flats or heels.

Courtesy of Rothy's

I thought the Mary-Janes were the cutest things, and then I spent one day in NYC walking 15k+ steps and couldn't believe how great I felt, says Shine, who discovered the brand by way of a lunch co-hosted by her friend (and fellow Rothys lover), Ghia founder Melanie Masarin. In fact, Shine loved her new flats so much that she posted a video on Instagram declaring her new obsession. Later, in 2024, she was appointed an official Rothys ambassador, a gig that meant running around the Westminster Dog Show in a retro skirt suit and block heel Mary Janes while gifting contestants similar pairs.

The Mary Jane, in particular, was something of a turning point for Rothys when it launched in 2020. An ideal synergy between a major silhouette of the moment, design savvy, and smart advertising, the shoe quickly became a cult classic. It didnt hurt either, points out Rothys chief product and merchandising officer, Heather Archibald, and Jamie Gersch, the companys chief marketing officer, that the shoe inspired an entire feature on The Strategist about walking 15,000 steps around Florence, Italy, with zero pain. (This sort of I tried it coverage of the style has become something of a signature for Rothys across multiple types of media, the most recent being a walking tour around San Francisco with influencer Amy Rauch).

However, if Mary Janes secured the millennial consumershe of cropped pants devotion and 2014 twee nostalgiait was the chunky clogs that won over Gen Z. Its the cool girl shoe for our younger customer, Gersch tells me of the category, which includes both a Boston-esque slipper and a stacked sole design that personally reminds me of a pair I clip-clopped in for the better part of the late 90s.

Instagram girls-about-town, like Kianna Hedjazi and Ivana Ramirez, regularly post about these styles on the grid, complete with very cute and covetable outfits to match. But Gersch points out that the real sticking factor is their multi-generational appeal. These shoes fit right into the closet of a 20-something who lives in baggy cargo jeans and floaty lace maxi skirts, but are also an ideal solution for someone a few decades older, who just needs no-fuss footwear.

A focus on comfort has always been baked into the Rothys recipe. When their first products hit the market in 2016, they were not uncool per se, but could be best described as durable, workday accessories that existed outside the trend cycle, rather than gotta-have-it engagement bait. Built with the mission of creating highly functional bags and shoes from recycled plastic waste, the labels initial offering centered around sleek and simple flats and totes you could imagine a 9-to-5er leaning on for their commutes.

Courtesy of Rothy's

When I started and Jamie started at the very end of 2022, there were five footwear shapes, only for women, and they've been around since the beginning, Archibald tells me over a Zoom call with Gersch. Ive asked them to lay out their thoughts on Rothys recent rise to fashion relevance. After all, as a total fashion editor brat, I would be far more likely to shop the label for my mother than myself until the last year or so.

It was really legacy-driven, super comfortable, says Archibald. Everybody knew what Rothys offered, but there wasn't an effort made to stay relevant with trends and big macro changes that were happening in footwear.

And while Rothys certainly wants to fit within the larger fashion landscape, its not interested in totally abandoning its roots. As the company continues to evolve and put new pieces out into the world, it remains focused on finding resonance with a social media-driven generation of newly minted adult shoppers and those whove supported them from the beginning. Archibald and Gersch say theyll never forsake their OG group of customers. How could they? Their fan base is fanatical in the vein of Marvel or Sanrio fans fawning over their favorite characters, but in this case, its adoration of cute and comfortable shoes and bags instead.

There is a [Rothys] addicts group thats existed for years on Facebook, and they are obsessed with the brand, says Gersch. There are about 25,000 of them, and they love us. These super fans have broken off into individual friend groups; they regularly meet up. They also, Gersch points out, still truly love what Rothys, even as it continues to evolve.

Courtesy of Rothy's

Some recent Rothys hits: crossbody and shoulder bagsmillenial and Gen Z go-tos, respectivelythat you can completely transform by purchasing interchangeable straps (including chain, ribbon, and guitar-style options), sassy little slingbacks (which Gersch says she wore, without pain, for a multi-mile walk in Paris), and, of course, every possible iteration of a Mary Jane you can imagine (with double straps, with heels, with bows).

They also released espadrille Mary Jane flats for the spring and summer season in April. The style brings together two elements that are quite buzzy in the style space right now: raffia texture, which was seen everywhere from The Row to Jacquemus for Spring 2025, and the unstoppable Mary Jane shape. That said, Archibald and Gersch know full well that the silhouette will only take the brand so far before theyll need to reinvent again. To be part of the fashion conversation, of course, is to understand that the subject is constantly changing.

I always tell my team that a little bit of paranoia is good, and humility is a virtue, Gersch tells me with a smile. She and Archibald are constantly in talks about how to evolve their product line without fully rewriting their companys DNA: You never want to get too comfortable. She is mostly rightthe exception being if you happen to be wearing just the right pair of Rothys.



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A woman was charged in a nearly 14-year-old cold case of a baby found dead in Minnesota floating down the Mississippi River as investigators say DNA evidence shows she was the infant's mother.

Jennifer Nichole Baechle was charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter in the death of a newborn girl investigators have dubbed "Baby Angel," Winona County officials announced Thursday. Baby Angel was found floating inside a bag on the Mississippi River on Sept. 5, 2011, 7 miles south of Winona.

The bag also contained a pendant, incense and several angel figurines.

Winona County Sheriff Ron Gandrude told reporters that the baby's death "has weighed heavily on the hearts of the Winona community."

The Winona County, Minn., Sheriff's Office.

"She deserved better than a watery grave," Gandrude said. "She deserved more than a life cut short."

According to a criminal complaint, an autopsy determined she was born just a day or two before she died. A 4-inch section of the umbilical cord was attached to the baby, and it did not appear that the cord was cut by a medical provider.

"The medical examiner noted several fractures on the front and side of the infants skull," the complaint said. "There was bleeding on the brain. There was no evidence of medical intervention on the infant."

Evidence showed that the baby sustained the skull fractures while she was still alive and that they did not appear to have occurred during birth, according to the complaint.

The sheriff's office worked with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to look into every lead at the time, but authorities were unable to obtain answers about the newborn's identity or what happened to her.

The sheriff's office held a burial for the baby in 2016, NBC affiliate KARE of Minneapolis reported at the time.

More than a decade after Baby Angel was found, investigators reached out to Firebird Forensics Group to see whether genetic genealogy might uncover a relative.

Firebird identified Baechle as a possible lead in March 2023, the complaint said. Gandrude told reporters that authorities asked Baechle whether she would offer a DNA sample voluntarily but that she refused.

According to the complaint, investigators searched her trash and found "discarded female hygiene product" that was sent for DNA testing to compare with Baby Angel.

Officials said that testing, conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, confirmed Baechle could be the baby's mother.

Deputies obtained a warrant last year to collect Baechle's DNA to be officially tested by the bureau. The report found "very strong evidence" that Baby Angel was Baechle's daughter, the complaint said.

Investigators spoke with members of Baechle's family, who said they had not maintained contact with her since 2011. The relatives said she was living in her van in Winona at the time, according to the complaint.

Shown pictures of what else was found in the bag with Baby Angel, the family members "immediately recognized the blue pendant" as belonging to Baechle, the complaint said.

They also said she collected angels and described giving her an angel ornament every Christmas.

Winona County Attorney Karin Sonneman told reporters that other, less serious charges were considered but that they were outside a statute of limitations. Baechle is the only person charged.

At this time, she is the only parent that came up, Sonneman said. Obviously theres a father out there somewhere, but at this time the forensics only identified her.

Sonneman said Baechle had lived in Winona for several years and was married with two children. She is not considered a danger to the public, though Sonneman argued in court that she was a flight risk.

Baechle appeared in court Thursday for a bail hearing, Sonneman told reporters. A judge set unconditional bail at $200,000, and a lower, conditional bail was set at $20,000.

Conditions of the bail were that Baechle wear a GPS monitoring device and that she not leave Minnesota. If she is convicted, Baechle faces a presumptive sentence of 48 months.

Court records for Baechle were not immediately available, and NBC News was unable to identify an attorney in her case. Sonneman was not available Thursday for more information.

The sheriff's office said Baechle was booked into the Winona County Jail on Thursday, but county inmate records did not list her in custody Thursday afternoon.
A seaside Massachusetts town appears to have fallen prey to an overzealous pileated woodpecker that damaged more than 20 vehicles, one resident said.

For weeks, Rockport locals have dealt with broken car windshields and side mirrors. Resident Janelle Favaloro was able to capture a photo of the culprit: a large, crow-sized bird whacking away at vehicles.

"We seem to have a vandal in our neighborhood. I'm describing him as 18 to 24 inches tall, wearing black and white with a red hat," Favaloro said on NBC's "TODAY" show.

She said the woodpecker is responsible for damaging at least 25 vehicles.

"The woodpecker showed up and landed on the windshield wipers of the RV in our yard and was looking at its reflection. And we were like, 'You know what, I bet he was the one that damaged the mirrors as well.'"

The pileated woodpecker is nearly the size of a crow and has white stripes down the neck and a flaming-red crest, according to Allaboutbirds.org

A pileated woodpecker perches Monday on a pickup truck in Rockport, Mass.

Ron Magill, Zoo Miami's communications director, said one reason for the woodpecker's aggressive behavior could be the result of peak mating season.

"This time of year is breeding season, so all these male birds, not just pileated woodpeckers, but all birds are getting into a very aggressive territorial courtship display," he said on NBCs "TODAY" show.

"If they're seeing their reflections of themselves, they don't understand it's a reflection," he continued. "They think it's a competitor."
by Sumon Corraya

More than 1,100 people, mostly female workers, died trapped in the textile garment factory. Wounds remain open due to slowed-down legal processes. But Caritas Bangladesh with its support programmes manages to be close to those who have lost their parents or have been disabled.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - "Some days I scream in silence," says Sumi Akter in a trembling voice. "Why did I survive? Death would have been kinder than this endless disability." She was only 15 years old when, trapped for days under the rubble of Rana Plaza, Sumi was extracted alive but with a damaged spine. Since then, confined to a wheelchair, she has had to give up all acts of autonomy: 'Cradling my son, helping my husband with chores... these are all things I will never be able to do,' she says.

Her words echo the despair of hundreds of survivors and families of the victims of the Rana Plaza collapse, a disaster that today, 24 April, marks its 12th anniversary. It was in 2013 when the nine-storey building, built near the Savar bus station on the outskirts of Dhaka, suddenly collapsed, killing more than 1,134 people and injuring more than 2,500, mostly workers in the textile industry. Among them was Shahda Begum, a cleaner at New Wave Bottoms Limited and mother of young Sujon Miah, who was then just nine years old.

"My father taught me to help the poor. I owe this dream to the support of Caritas," says Sujon today. Thanks to a special programme to support children left without parents after the collapse, he was able to study and now aspires to become a lawyer. Caritas Bangladesh has provided him with a monthly stipend and a fixed deposit to support his education. But for many families, like Sumi, the burden of trauma remains indelible: 'Survival,' he says, 'came at a much heavier cost than death.

From a judicial point of view, a final verdict has not yet been reached despite the fact that two lawsuits have been filed: one for murder, the other for violations of the building construction law. Yet, neither has made significant progress. The murder trial, initiated in 2013 against 41 defendants - including the building's owner, Sohel Rana - did not see the start of testimony until January 2022. Three of the defendants have since died, and only 83 of the 594 witnesses have been heard. The last hearing, on 21 April, resulted in the partial testimony of four witnesses and a new adjournment: the next court date is scheduled for 28 April.

The second case, concerning the Building Construction Act, has been at a standstill since November 2021 due to a High Court order suspending the proceedings. Rana, who is currently in prison, cannot be released until the conclusion of both proceedings. His lawyer, Faruk Ahmed, reiterated that his client is being held without trial, while controversially claiming that the building was formally in the name of his deceased father, Abdul Khalek.

According to prosecutors, the delays are also attributable to the numerous lawsuits filed by the accused to obstruct the course of justice. State Prosecutor Bimal Samaddar acknowledged the ongoing efforts to speed up the murder trial, while Assistant State Prosecutor Ishtiaq Hossain Jipu denounced the state's previous inaction as one of the main causes of the stalemate.

"If the defendants were punished in an exemplary manner, factory owners would prioritise workers' safety," commented activist Kalpana Akhter, who has been fighting for workers' rights in the textile industry for years. "The lack of political will, especially in previous governments, has been decisive in slowing down justice," he added, urging the current administration to take stronger action.

The tragedy has exposed systemic failures within Bangladesh's garment industry, where corruption and lax regulations often prioritise profit over safety. Although the government and international brands that rely on Bangladeshi labour have implemented a number of reforms, the slowdown in legal proceedings has often caused scepticism among survivors and families of victims.

"We are trying to bring key witnesses to support the charges," said Chief Prosecutor Md. Iqbal Hossain. Some, such as Sujon and Sumi, still hope that responsibility for the collapse will be established.
by Dario Salvi

The Chaldean Patriarch spoke to AsiaNews about the late pope on the eve of his departure for Rome to attend the pontiff's funeral and the conclave. Francis was a "prophetic" voice that spoke not only to Christians, but to all Iraqis. His historic trip in March 2021 and the message of peace and brotherhood are his legacy. He was able to read and grasp the signs of the times better than anyone else.

Milan (AsiaNews)  Card Louis Raphael Sako, the Patriarch of Chaldean Church in Iraq spoke to AsiaNews about Pope Francis who passed away on Monday but whose memory and presence is still alive and well in the Arab country.

In October, the last time I met him in person, he told me that Iraq is in his heart. This struck me a lot, because he spoke about the whole country, Christians, and Iraqis in general.

The pontiff visited Iraq not many years ago, bringing relief and comfort to a country tormented by wars and sectarian violence.

Francis's words are also a reminder for the future pope. He must be for everyone, not only for Christians, but also for those who do not believe. He must be a messenger of peace and brotherhood. Pope Francis was able to read and grasp the signs of the times better than anyone else.

The apostolic journey to Iraq in March 2021 was certainly among the highlights of Pope Franciss pontificate; the world was still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and only a few weeks earlier the vaccination campaign had begun which would restore the planet to a semblance of normality more than a year later.

Still, the pontiff undertook a historic visit to a country that still bore the signs of the internal conflict following the 2003 US invasion, which had led to the fall of dictator Saddam Hussein, not to mention the major sectarian violence orchestrated by jihadi groups, in particular the Islamic State (IS) group, with its legacy of blood and brutality.

After overcoming fears and uncertainties, the pope visited different areas of the country, including the capital, Baghdad, and Mosul, northern Iraq, for a long time the stronghold of IS leader al-Baghdadi's caliphate.

Other stops included Ur of the Chaldeans, where a church dedicated to Abraham, the common father of the three great monotheistic religions, has been recently inaugurated; and finally Najaf, where he met the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraqs foremost Shia religious leader, who issued a message of condolence yesterday for the pontiff.

He held a prominent spiritual standing among many peoples around the world and was greatly respected by all, due to his distinguished role in advancing the causes of peace and tolerance, and in expressing solidarity with the oppressed and persecuted [peoples] across various regions of the globe, reads the press release by the Shia leaders office.

With his presence, the pope restored dignity and visibility to a Christian population that in the last 20 years has been decimated by wars, displacement and forced emigration, going from almost 1.5 million members to just over 300,000 today.

Coming among us, he sent a message to Iraqis and to all the countries of the Middle East: no more wars, no more violence, said Patriarch Sako. Francis urged again respect for human dignity and the freedom of people, combined with encouragement to the Christian minority by calling on them to remain in their own land. He was a prophet for us who came to give us courage, and tell us not to be afraid.

The Chaldean patriarch is currently in Erbil, for a series of meetings and conferences, but in the evening he will return to Baghdad, where he will leave on Friday, heading for Rome to concelebrate the pontiff's funeral and take part in the conclave as a cardinal elector.

In Iraq, as in the whole world, people are moved and saddened by his death" which, despite the pontiff's precarious health conditions, still came suddenly, almost unexpectedly.

"This morning I was at a conference, in the presence of almost a thousand ministers and religious leaders. In speaking I mentioned how much good the pope did for the Church and for the world. Everyone was struck by his death; for us it is like losing a prophetic voice: of peace, hope, humility, and sensitivity, of closeness to the people and, especially to those who suffer.

For the patriarch, His voice rose against wars, against religious extremism, for dialogue, visiting six Muslim-majority countries and signing the document on fraternity.

Card Sako had a final thought about the historic meeting with al-Sistani, which is not just a picture in an album of memories but has turned into concrete occasions  and events  of ongoing dialogue, relationships and fraternity.

Al-Sistani sent a letter of condolence for the pope," the cardinal noted, mentioning how he was a great person, a messenger of hope. The meeting with al-Sistani became the start of a relationship, because this was precisely one of the great things about Pope Francis: he went beyond academic dialogue to create a living, real-life dialogue between people.
Today's news: Another Russian missile and drone attack on Kiev; Diplomatic escalation between India and Pakistan after killing of 26 tourists in Kashmir; New court case in South Korea against former President Moon; Over 200 injured, mostly minor, in yesterday's earthquake in Istanbul; Jordan bans Muslim Brotherhood.

JAPAN

The number of members of the yakuza gangs - the historic Japanese mafia - fell to a record low of 18,800 at the end of last year, according to data released by the Japanese National Police Agency. This is the first time the number has fallen below 20,000 since the NPA began keeping records in 1958. Meanwhile, however, anonymous and ad hoc criminal groups known as tokuryu, whose members also interact on social media to carry out scams and robberies, are becoming a growing social problem in the country. The number of known tokuryu members arrested for various crimes has exceeded 10,000.

UKRAINE-RUSSIA

A combined Russian missile and drone attack overnight sparked fires, destroyed buildings and buried residents under rubble in the Ukrainian capital Kiev, killing nine people and injuring more than 70. According to Ukrainian officials, six children are among the injured.

INDIA-PAKISTAN

India has summoned the highest Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi, announcing a downgrade of diplomatic relations with Islamabad and a suspension of a six-decade old river-sharing treaty, in response to the attack by cross-border militants that killed 26 tourists in Kashmir on 22 April. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also called a meeting of all Indian opposition parties for today to report on the government's response to the attack.

SOUTH KOREA

In a new court case intertwined with politics in South Korea, prosecutors have charged former President Moon Jae-in with corruption in connection with allegations that he favoured the hiring of his former son-in-law at an airline. Moon, who was president from 2017 to 2022, is a member of the Democratic opposition, whose current leader Lee Jae-myung (also recently acquitted in a corruption case) is leading in the polls for the early presidential elections on 3 June, called after the Supreme Court deposed conservative Yoon Suk yeol, who was elected in 2022.

TURKEY

According to the Turkish government, 236 people were injured - most of them bruised in the panic caused by the tremors - in the earthquake that struck Istanbul yesterday around midday. The epicentre of the 6.2-magnitude quake was located in the Sea of Marmara, about 80 kilometres from the metropolis.

PHILIPPINES

A mayor in the province of Cagayan was killed by gunfire last night, just three weeks before local elections across the Philippines. Rizal Joel Ruma, the mayor of Barangay Illuru Sur, was killed at around 9.30 p.m. Two other people, Merson Abiguebel and Melanie Talay, were injured.

JORDAN

Jordan's interior minister has announced a ban on the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood movement, specifying that promoting its ideology is now illegal. The offices and headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Egyptian-based group with strong roots in the country, will be closed and their assets confiscated.

RUSSIA

Seventeen-year-old Adam Kadyrov, son of Chechen President Ramzan, has been appointed secretary of the Security Council of the Caucasian republic, although the appointment has not been officially announced, as his uncle Khamzat Kadyrov already holds the office, and this would be the third high-level state position in the security and internal affairs systems for the teenager.
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Tens of thousands of people marched to the Tsitsernakabert memorial in Yerevan to commemorate the genocide victims. The daylong procession followed an official wreath-laying ceremony at the hilltop memorial led by Pashinian, parliament speaker Alen Simonian and President Vahagn Khachaturian.

Catholicos Garegin II, the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church increasingly at odds with Pashinians government, was again excluded from the annual ceremony. Garegin and other top clergymen held a prayer service at Tsitsernakabert later in the morning.

The genocide began with mass arrests on April 24, 1915 of Armenian intellectuals and activists in Constantinople. An estimated 1.5 million Armenian subjects of the Ottoman Empire were massacred or starved to death in the following months and years. About three dozen nations, including Russia, France, Germany and the United States, have recognized the genocide.

Today we remember the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide, who fell victim to the massacres and mass deportations that raged from 1915, Pashinian said in a statement issued on the occasion.

In contrast with his past statements, Pashinian did not mention the regime of the so-called Young Turks that ruled the crumbling empire during at the time. He also continued to put the emphasis on the Armenian phrase Meds Yeghern (Great Crime), rather than the term genocide, in reference to the events of 1915.

Pashinian used the occasion to promote his policy towards Turkey and Azerbaijan, saying that Armenia should survive the tragedy of Meds Yeghern with delimited and demarcated borders and normalized relations with neighbors.

He condemned through his press secretary, Nazeli Baghdasarian, the burning of Turkish and Azerbaijani flags during an annual torchlight procession to Tsitsernakabert organized by the young wing of the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) party late on Wednesday.

That is a provocative and inflammatory practice, Baghdasarian said in a statement to the state-run Armenpress news agency.

This statement exposes Pashinian's political vector: to restrain his own people, fight against them, and justify any action of the enemy, countered Kristine Vartanian, a Dashnaktsutyun lawmaker. Pashinian sees a danger not from Azerbaijan or Turkey but from his own people.

Over the past year, Pashinian has faced growing accusations of questioning and even denying the genocide for the sake of pleasing Turkey, which continues to deny a deliberate government effort to exterminate the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire. He declared in January that Armenians should understand what happened in 1915 and what prompted the subsequent campaign for international recognition of the slaughter of some 1.5 million Armenians as genocide.

Armenian historians, opposition figures and retired diplomats expressed outrage at that statement, saying that Pashinian cast doubt on the fact of the genocide. Armenian Diaspora groups that have long been campaigning for genocide recognition also deplored it.

Pashinian told visiting Turkish journalists last month that his government will not strive get more countries and international bodies to recognize the genocide. He questioned the wisdom of relevant resolutions already adopted by many foreign parliaments, saying that they undermine stability in the region.
24 April 2025 11:45 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has strongly condemned the burning of Azerbaijani and Turkish flags during a torchlight procession held in Yerevan yesterday, calling the act irresponsible and unacceptable, Azernews reports, citing Armenpress.

Pashinyans press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan conveyed the prime ministers firm stance on the incident:

Prime Minister Pashinyan condemns such behavior. He considers it irresponsible and unacceptable. There can be no other attitude from the head of state to the burning of flags of internationally recognized states, especially neighboring states. This is provocative behavior.

The statement comes amid heightened regional sensitivities and signals Pashinyans attempt to distance official policy from nationalist provocations that could further complicate Armenias already fragile relations with Azerbaijan and Turkiye.
24 April 2025 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Chairman of the Temporary Commission Against Foreign Interventions and Hybrid Threats of Azerbaijans Milli Majlis (the Parliament), Ramid Namazov, has voiced serious concerns over the increasing militarisation of Armenia with Western backing, warning of two dangerous scenarios that could reignite instability in the South Caucasus, Azernews reports.

Namazov made the statements during a public debate titled A Hybrid Attack on Stability in the South Caucasus Called a Peace Mission.

The fact that countries such as France, under the guise of a series of assistance, are providing Armenia with offensive weapons and Armenias preparation for any future international military operations, including missions to be conducted by the EU, once again gives reason to say that the creation of a new conflict zone in the South Caucasus and the region in general is developing according to two scenarios, he stated.

According to Namazov, Scenario One involves Armenia launching military operations against Azerbaijan, encouraged by France and its Western partners, which could trigger a new war in the region.

Scenario Two, he explained, envisions Armenias participation in potential Western-led operations against neighbouring Iran. Should these operations fail, he warned, a retaliatory counteroffensive could lead to the occupation of Western Zangazur (Syunik), a strategically vital region whose geopolitical weight has increased following Azerbaijans victory in the 2020 Patriotic War.

Namazov further highlighted the intensification of military activity since the arrival of the EU mission in Armenia, stating:

The number of military activities has increased 3.5 times since the arrival of the EU mission in the region.

He added that frequent border inspections by EU personnel and military support from France are being implemented according to NATO standards, under the close guidance of European military experts.

Namazov also pointed to satellite image analysis, which, he claimed, shows Armenia, with Western support, is conducting military operations near Irans borders, adding to growing regional concerns over possible destabilization efforts under the guise of peacekeeping.
24 April 2025 20:12 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The slow but steady dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group appears to be reaching its inevitable conclusion. Once seen as the primary international mechanism for resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Group has long lost its relevance  plagued by paralysis, geopolitical biases, and inaction.

Armenia, having once clung to the Minsk Group as a diplomatic shield, is now showing surprising signs of alignment with Azerbaijans peace agenda. This shift is perhaps best reflected in recent events, including the visit of OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu to Yerevan and his meeting with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry, the talks addressed both the peace negotiations with Azerbaijan and the normalisation of Armenia-Turkiye relations  a dual-track approach that directly echoes Bakus regional vision. For your information, it is important to say that, Secretary General is expected to visit Azerbaijan on Friday.

Foreign Minister Mirzoyans remarks following the meeting highlighted that finalising the peace agreement with Azerbaijan is now considered a priority for Yerevan  a message that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

However, contradictions remain at the heart of the Armenian leaderships messaging. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in a recent address to parliament, oscillated between reassurance and alarmism. While stating that Armenia and Azerbaijan have recognised each others territorial integrity and that there will be peace, not war, he also warned of groups inside and outside Armenia allegedly preparing for renewed conflict. This duality points to the ongoing internal fragmentation within Armenias political establishment.

It raises a critical question: Is Yerevan still trying to delay the dismantling of the OSCE Minsk Group, fearing the final loss of a diplomatic crutch? Or is it simply struggling to balance conflicting pressures from its domestic opposition, diaspora, and foreign sponsors?

In an effort to assess the true direction of the peace process, Azernews spoke to two renowned experts.

British expert Neil Watson called the Minsk Group a non-entity, stressing that it failed for nearly three decades and that its co-chairs  Russia, France, and the U.S.  no longer hold any moral authority to mediate. He suggested that Armenia is starting to realize that true sovereignty cannot be achieved through dependency on third parties, especially those driven by their own geopolitical agendas.

Watson also noted that Pashinyans inconsistency stems not from a lack of intent, but from his politically impossible position  caught between peace-seeking civilians and war-weary elites. Nevertheless, Watson expressed optimism, emphasizing that a bilateral peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with Turkiyes strategic backing, is closer than ever.

Former U.S. Ambassador Matthew Bryza offered a more structural view, pointing out that Pashinyans remarks were likely directed inward  a warning to domestic actors within Armenias political system who profit from continued hostilities. He stressed that both leaders  Pashinyan and Aliyev  want peace, but internal spoilers must be overcome for it to materialize.

In the end, the future of peace in the South Caucasus depends less on international organizations and more on the political maturity of its regional actors. The OSCE Minsk Groups expiration is not a loss  it is a long-overdue correction. And if Armenia truly commits to bilateral negotiations, a historic opportunity for lasting peace may finally be within reach.
24 April 2025 11:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Banks in developing markets across the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region are facing various, but generally limited, impacts due to the tightening of the US governments tariff policy and the associated uncertainties in trade and finance, according to a report by international rating agency Fitch Ratings, Azernews reports.

The agency noted that the level of impact largely depends on how much the economies of regional countries are affected by the US tariff policy, the effect on banks within these countries, and the volatility in global markets.

Fitch Ratings stated that the direct impact through exports to the US remains insignificant.

Oil-exporting countries will suffer from falling oil prices, a secondary consequence of the impact of tariffs due to a slowdown in global economic growth. At the same time, oil-importing countries with limited exports to the US could benefit partially from the drop in oil prices, the agency added.

The report also pointed out that adverse economic outcomes, including slower GDP growth, typically have a negative impact on the banking sector through reduced lending volumes and potential deterioration in asset quality.

Moreover, if investor sentiment weakens regarding emerging markets under a "risk reduction" scenario, refinancing risks and borrowing costs may also rise.

Fitch analysts noted that the direct impact of tariffs on the CIS+ region is minimal, as exports to the US are limited.

Armenia and Georgia are oil importers, while the banking sectors in oil-exporting countries such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are generally less dependent on the oil and gas sector, and they have significant liquidity buffers, the report stated.

According to Fitch, in countries with high foreign liabilities, such as Uzbekistan, the refinancing costs for state banks could rise. However, these risks are mitigated by government support and the long-term nature of foreign loans offered under favourable terms, mainly by international financial institutions.

The rating agency also highlighted that after the tariff increase, the US dollar has weakened slightly, but if this trend changes, the potential devaluation of local currencies in countries with a high level of dollarisation could affect the quality of assets in those countries' banking systems.

However, most banks should be able to manage moderate losses, and governments in the region could support their national currencies if necessary, Fitch experts emphasised.

ING Group, the largest banking group in the Netherlands, believes that Azerbaijan is significantly protected from the direct effects of US trade tariffs. At the same time, Moodys, another international rating agency, suggests that US tariff policies could create new opportunities for transit transportation through Azerbaijan.
24 April 2025 16:24 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan Composers' Union has conducted a scientific and practical conference focusing on the topics "Uzeyir Hajibayli: from Leyli and Majnun to Koroghlu" and "Muslim Magomayev: from Shah Ismail to Nargiz", Azernews reports. The conference was timed to the 140th anniversary of prominent composers.

Chairwoman of the Azerbaijan Composers' Union, People's Artist, corresponding member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Professor, Frangiz Alizade, who opened the conference with an introductory speech, noted the role of Uzeyir Hajibayli's legacy in Azerbaijani culture.

She emphasized the composer's exceptional contributions to the creation of the composition school and spoke in detail about the stage works created by the composer's friend and comrade-in-arms, Muslim Magomayev.

The event featured presentations showcasing various aspects of the music of two pillars of national musical cultureUzeyir Hajibayli and Muslim Magomayev.

Doctor of Philosophy in Art History, Professor of the Baku Music Academy Konul Nasirova (Archetypes in the Operas of Uzeyir Hajibayli and Muslim Magomayev), Doctor of Philosophy in Art History, Associate Professor Khatira Hasanzadeh (A Look at Uzeyir Hajibayli's Publicism), Doctor of Science in Art History, Professor of the Baku Music Academy Aytaj Rahimova (The Peaks of Our Musical Culture: The Legacy of Uzeyir Hajibayli and Muslim Magomayev), Doctor of Science in Art History, Associate Professor Leyla Zohrabova (Tradition and Innovation in the Creativity of Uzeyir Hajibayli) and Doctor of Philosophy in Art History, Associate Professor Aytan Babayeva (Similar and Different Features in the Mugham Operas of Uzeyir Hajibayli and Muslim Magomayev) delivered reports.

The artistic part of the conference featured the composer's immortal works - the duet of Sarvar and Gulnaz from the operetta "Let it not be, let it be" (Performed by: soloists of the J. Jahangirov Choir Fidan Mammadzadeh and Parvin Safarov. Concertmaster: Honored Artist Nargiz Aliyeva) and the romance "Without You" (soloist of the J. Jahangirov Choir Emil Bagirzadeh. Concertmaster: Honored Artist Nargiz Aliyeva)

Azerbaijan Composers' Union has played an important role in helping develop a strong national identity through music.

The Union was founded with the assistance of Uzeyir Hajibayli on June 30, 1934, as a department of the USSR Composers Union.

The founding assembly was attended by 17 composers from the USSR countries, including three Azerbaijani composers - Afrasiyab Badalbayli, Zulfugar Hajibayov, and Niyazi. The current chairman of the Union is People's Artist Frangiz Alizade.

In 2019, the Azerbaijan Composers' Union celebrated its 85th anniversary. As part of the festival, a series of marvelous concerts were solemnly held in the Philharmonic Hall, Azerbaijani Composers' Union, Baku Music Academy, the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, and the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater. The festival's closing ceremony took place in Heydar Aliyev Palace.

Along with concert programs, a scientific conference titled "Achievements of Azerbaijani musical culture in recent years and prospects" was also held as part of the festival.

Azerbaijan Composers' Union serves as a space for both well-known and new composers, giving them chances to share their music, work together, and take part in different festivals both in Azerbaijan and around the world.
24 April 2025 13:14 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Director of the Azerbaijan National Art Museum, PhD in art history, associate professor, Honored Cultural Worker, Shirin Malikova has delivered a lecture on the topic "Mirza Kadim Irevani: at the intersection of Eastern and European art styles" at Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts, Azernews reports.

At the lecture, which took place within the framework of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Bishkek, Shirin Malikova spoke about the life and work of Mirza Kadim Irevani (1825-1875), who played an exceptional role in the development of our national fine art in the 19th century.

She noted that in his work, which covers many directions, the artist harmoniously combined the rich traditions of classical oriental miniature and folk art with the achievements of European realistic painting, forming an original style. Decorated with elegant colorful patterns and ornamental shebeke, possessing a deep artistic and aesthetic impact of the boards, monumental portraits and compositions of M.K. Irevani today retain their high value as perfect examples of art.

Students and cultural workers of Kyrgyzstan attended the lecture. In conclusion, detailed answers were given to questions on the topic.

Note that the Days of Azerbaijan Culture will last until April 25. The event features numerous exhibitions, gala concerts, theatrical performances, literary evenings and master classes in leading institutions of Bishkek.

The exhibition "National Heritage Living in the Pearls of Azerbaijani Art" at Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts where works of fine and applied art are presented, including works dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the founder of Azerbaijani easel painting, the outstanding artist Mirza Kadim Irevani, draws special attention of art lovers.
24 April 2025 17:55 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A summit titled "Modern Trends and Innovative Approaches in the Management of Hospital-Acquired Infections" was held on April 23, 2025, at the Central Customs Hospital in Baku. The event was jointly organized by the Scientific and Practical Training Center of the Medical Service Department of the State Customs Committee, Florence Healthcare International Group, the Azerbaijan Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, and supported by Nasil Group LLC and Ascent LLC, Azernews reports.

In his opening speech, the Head of the Medical Service Department, Honored Doctor Ceyhun Mammadov, underlined that one in ten hospitalized patients globally contracts an infection, with higher rates in low- and middle-income countries. Highlighting the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, he said such infections are not only a health risk but also an economic and social burden.

The fight against hospital-acquired infections is critical for ensuring the resilience of health systems, he stressed, noting the Central Customs Hospitals key role during the pandemic and its strict infection control protocols.

Prof. Dr. Rashad Mahmudov emphasized that clinical realities demand more than theory: Despite advanced surgeries and technology, without proper hygiene and infection prevention, patient outcomes cannot improve.

Nazifa Mursalova from the Ministry of Health urged that the summits discussions be translated into practice, calling infection prevention a pillar of public health. Similarly, TABIBs Yagut Garayeva stressed that basic preventive measures can significantly reduce in-hospital infections, saving lives and easing strain on the healthcare system.

Ismayil Afandiyev, Deputy Head of the Medical Service Department, highlighted the pivotal role of diagnostic laboratories and the responsibility healthcare workers carry in infection control.

Presentations from local and international experts covered key topics such as molecular-genetic testing, nosocomial viral infections, and Turkeys modern solutions against hospital infections. Speakers included Dr. Madina Abdullayeva, Oktay Ozturk of Istanbul Hippocrates Laboratories, Sabina Ibrahimova, Aslhan Demirel of Florence Nightingale Hospital, and Sattar Yagubov of the Central Customs Hospital.

Concluding the summit, Chief Physician Dr. Bakhtiyar Musayev expressed confidence in the event's outcomes and advocated for holding such summits regularly to promote the exchange of experience and enhance healthcare quality.

The event served as a platform for professionals to share strategies, promote innovation, and strengthen national infection control systems.
24 April 2025 17:33 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court has focused on the events preceding the occupation of Shusha, with prosecutors presenting documents that shed light on the military aggression by Armenian forces, Azernews reports.

According to the state prosecutors, Shusha and its surrounding villages were repeatedly attacked by the Armenian armed forces using rockets and artillery before the city's occupation. These attacks resulted in numerous Azerbaijani casualties, including those killed, injured, or taken hostage. Armenian forces also targeted civilian infrastructure, including water pipelines in Azerbaijani-inhabited villages, and caused significant damage to schools, hospitals, and homes. Criminal cases were initiated at the time concerning these incidents.

Among the key events reviewed in court were the Malibeyli and Gushchular massacres. Additionally, a protocol examined during the trial detailed an attack on a helicopter on April 4, 1991, when the Armenian forces fired upon a helicopter carrying Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet deputies during its flight near Goytala village. The helicopter, damaged by gunfire, was forced to make an emergency landing, resulting in injuries to some passengers.

Another protocol highlighted the shooting down of a passenger helicopter on January 28, 1992. The helicopter, an "MI-8T" belonging to AZALPANX, was shot down by Armenian forces from the village of Karkijahan, Khankendi city, while flying from Aghdam to Shusha. The crash, which occurred near the village of Gaybali, killed 42 people, including 39 passengers and 3 crew members. The wreckage and the victims' remains were found burnt and dismembered after the explosion.

The trial is ongoing, with charges against Armenian citizens for crimes including war crimes, genocide, and terrorism, stemming from the military aggression against Azerbaijan.
24 April 2025 17:00 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev completed his state visit to the People's Republic of China on April 24, Azernews reports.

A guard of honor was lined up in honor of the head of state at Beijing International Airport.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were seen off by officials.
24 April 2025 15:20 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijan significantly increased its crude oil and oil products exports to Croatia in the first quarter of 2025, according to the State Customs Committee, Azernews reports. Between January and March, Azerbaijan exported over...

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24 April 2025 21:40 (UTC+04:00)

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered remarks at the TURKSAT 6A Commissioning Ceremony held in Ankara, highlighting Turkiyes growing achievements in space technology and warning against political distractions that could undermine national progress.

Today, we mark another milestone with the commissioning of our first domestically produced communications satellite, TURKSAT 6A, Erdogan said. With this satellite, the number of our active satellites in space has risen to ten. We are now one of only 11 countries in the world capable of producing its own communications satellite.

A Leap Forward in Space Technology

Launched on July 9, 2024, and successfully completing its initial test broadcast on February 17, TURKSAT 6A is expected to operate for at least 15 years. The satellite significantly expands Turkiyes communications capacity, supporting everything from television broadcasting to emergency communications.

This is a major step forward for our nations space and communications sector, Erdogan stated. With 84 components developed locally, and an 80% domestic production rate, TURKSAT 6A has positioned Turkiye as a key player in satellite manufacturing.

He praised Turkish engineers for their unwavering efforts: We refused to listen to the pessimists. With faith, patience, and determination, we proved we can do not only what others dobut better.

Turkiyes Market Share in Space Technology Will Grow

Erdogan noted that with experience and technology gained through such projects, Turkiye is poised to capture a significant share of the global satellite and components market. Our satellite coverage will increase from 3.5 billion to 5 billion people globally, he said. This will strengthen our technological ecosystem and provide new opportunities for our institutions and engineers.

The TURKSAT 6A project, Erdogan added, has led to the formation of a national satellite production ecosystem, involving numerous subcontractors and institutions contributing to the country's space industry.

Turkiye Is Now Among the World's Leading Space Nations

The launch and satellite operations were managed by TURKSAT, and the satellite now covers over 60% of the global population. Erdogan emphasized that these accomplishments have brought Turkiye closer to creating its own national satellite brand and establishing a dedicated space company.

A Historic Opportunity for Turkiye

Looking ahead, Erdogan stressed that the country stands before a historic window of opportunity. He warned that no one should be allowed to sacrifice this potential for personal political gain.

For too long, Turkiye was distracted by ideological battlesheadscarves, beards, religious imagery, and so-called internal enemies. While others surged ahead, we were held back, he said. Now, the global landscape is changing rapidly, with trade rules shifting and crises mounting. Turkiye must stay focused and not fall into old traps.

Attempts to Exploit Tragedy for Political Gain

Erdogan also criticized attempts to sow chaos through street unrest, economic boycotts, and accusations against Turkiye abroad. He accused the opposition of trying to revive failed political narratives to destabilize the nation.

They even tried to gain political mileage from the suffering in Gaza, labeling Palestinians as terrorists while remaining silent for 18 months, Erdogan said. But they fail to create the chaos they seek. Our government continues to deliver progress and development. We refuse to fall into their traps.

He concluded by expressing optimism: With God's permission, we will achieve far greater things. We will hand down a respected and powerful Turkiye to our youth.
24 April 2025 13:26 (UTC+04:00)

By News Center

The Organisation of Turkic States' (OTS) Council of Elders has decided to hold its next (17th) meeting in the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) on May 1-2. With this decision, a message of brotherhood will be sent, and the international status of the TRNC will be further strengthened.

The gathering of the Elders' Council, which represents the collective wisdom of the Turkic world, in the TRNC will symbolise the strong support given to the Turkish Cypriot people. During the meeting, the deepening of cooperation between member countries and the transfer of shared values to future generations will be discussed.

This historic decision once again highlights the support of the Turkish world for the TRNC, while also sending an important message to the international arena. Strengthened under Turkey's leadership, the Organisation of Turkic States continues to operate under the motto "one nation, many states."
24 April 2025 22:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

China is preparing to send the next group of astronauts into space as part of the Shenzhou-20 mission, where they will contribute to ongoing work on the countrys space station, Azernews reports.

The astronauts selected for this mission are Chen Dong, Chen Congrui, and Wang Jie, who will journey into space as part of the Shenzhou-20 crew.

Following the launch ceremony, a launch vehicle will take off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, placing the astronauts into orbit. They will replace the crew of the Shenzhou-19 mission and remain on the space station for six months. During this time, they will perform a variety of scientific research and technical tasks, including biological and physical experiments, as well as technological trials. This mission will mark Chinas 15th manned spaceflight.

It's important to highlight that the space station itself is a significant milestone in China's ambitious space program. The station consists of three main modules: the Tianhe core module, which houses the command center and the living quarters for the astronauts, and two laboratory modules, Wentian and Mengtian. Tianhe was launched and installed in April 2021, while Wentian and Mengtian were launched and installed in 2022on July 24 and October 31, respectively.

The space station, with a total mass of 70 tons, operates in low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 340-450 kilometers. It is designed for a service life of over 15 years, offering China a long-term platform for space research and international cooperation.

In addition to its role in advancing scientific knowledge, the space station is a symbol of Chinas growing prowess in space exploration. With regular missions like Shenzhou-20, China continues to make significant strides in expanding its capabilities in space technology, including advancements in spacecraft design, life support systems, and space-based research.

As the space station becomes more operational, it will not only support Chinas own space research but also provide a platform for international collaboration, with scientists from various countries contributing to its projects and experiments.
Many countries in the world are suffering from an influx of illegal alien migrants. Some of those countries that are suffering are the final destination countries and others are the pass-through countries for the migrant stream. Efforts to deal with the problem, including deportation, vary. Some are much tougher than President Trump's policies.

Algeria is a pass through country for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa trying to reach Europe, and its government has had a bellyfull of it. There standard deportation procedure is to bus groups of illegal alien migrant to a place in the middle of the blazing hot desert called Point Zero on the border with Niger. The migrants are pointed in the general direction of the nearest town in Niger and told to start walking and not come back.

A pro-migrant NGO has described this deportation method as "violent" and often "fatal". That has not stopped the Algerians, who set a record in this type of deportation in 2024. In one day alone, 1,100 migrants were bussed to Point Zero and ordered to start walking.

https://rmx.news/trending/those-evil-racist-algerians-algeria-dumps-1100-migrants-in-the-middle-of-the-desert-in-just-1-day-sees-record-deportations-in-2024/

Migrant-infested Sweden is a destination country for illegal aliens, and it is causing massive problems, from a huge burden on taxpayers to a massive increase in crime including rapes and sexual assaults on Swedes. The Swedish government has decided it will save taxpayers money just to pay migrants to leave and go home permanently. They have just announced an offer of 54,000 euros paid to each migrant family that leaves and goes home. That figure represents a savings to Swedish taxpayers over what it will cost to subsidize the illegal alien family, but it will make the illegal alien family rich in their home country.

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news-corner/sweden-to-offer-immigrant-families-e54k-for-voluntary-remigration/

In the UK. the Reform Party, which polls say will be the largest in Parliament in the next election has announced it will establish a Ministry of Deportation in the cabinet. Lee Anderson, one of their current members of parliament has already announced he wants the job.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2046080/lee-anderson-cv-new-job-reform-uk-announcement

"Brand New Leather Jacket" song criticizing illegal migration to the UK:
The Good Government Union, headed by Marcel Luthe, a former lawmaker from the small center-right Free Democratic Party, has filed an 80 page complaint with over 200 pages of supporting documents detailing gross irregularities in the recent election for the German Bundestag (parliament). Luthe is demanding a thorough examination of all aspects of that election.

The populist nationalist anti-immigration anti-woke left BSW has already filed a lawsuit over that election. The BSW takes traditional leftwing views on the economy and the welfare state but is staunchly anti-immigration, anti-woke, and opposed to climate alarmist measures. The official results showed the BSW very narrowly missed the 5% threshold to enter the Bundestag, as did the Free Democrats by a slightly larger percentage. The Free Democrats also take positions opposed to mass migration and to climate alarmism.

Luthe's complaint alleges systematic suppression of the votes of Germans abroad, a group that traditionally favors parties other than the big establishment parties. It also alleges that central election authorities improperly told election officials across Germany to fail to enforce Germany's Voter ID laws. It also cites examples of places where more ballots were cast than registered voters and people turned away from voting when election officials claimed they had already voted, which they had not. There were also large numbers of deceased voters whose votes were counted. These irregularities could very well be responsible for both the BSW and the Free Democrats falling just short of entering parliament.

Luthe declared that the German election was "sabotaged according to plan". Calling the election a "farce", Luthe explained that "when voters outside the country are systematically excluded, that is not democracy. It is manipulation. This was no accident."

Last year, Germany's Constitutional Court nullified the state election for the State of Berlin for election fraud and ordered a totally new election. In the new election, the Christian Democrats beat the Social Democrats for the first time in decades. While European courts have traditionally been more willing to deal forcefully with election fraud, the German Constitutional Court may be somewhat more reluctant to order a new election for the entire country.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/04/explosive-report-alleges-election-sabotage-germany-dead-voters/

https://rmx.news/germany/we-will-challenge-this-farce-of-an-election-germanys-national-election-had-severe-lack-of-oversight-dead-voters-and-loss-of-overseas-votes-according-to-new-complaint/

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/dead-voters-forged-ids-germany-and-spain-face-electoral-fraud-scandals/

https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/exklusiv-tote-waehler-keine-ausweiskontrollen-kippt-so-das-ergebnis-der-bundestagswahl-li.2318898

Meanwhile, new polling from the respected German polling firm INSA shows that German voters oppose the establishment parties' "firewall" against the populist nationalist AfD by a margin of 46% to 33%.

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/most-germans-have-had-enough-of-the-firewall-against-afd/

https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-afd-is-surging-in-the-polls/
Spirit AeroSystems Northern Ireland operations could not get an auditor to sign-off on its most recent accounts, as problems with the business continue ahead of a potential sale.
The Northern Bank Job: 'It would have been easy to laugh at the aftermath... if you forget what two families went through'
Violence orchestrated by New IRA to distract PSNI from dissident parade, court told as security company employee appears in dock

Thomas Joseph Moore has provided security at several events in the city, including a visit by former US president Bill Clinton, his solicitor said.

Masked members of a Dissident Republican colour party take part in a commemorative march in Derry (Londonderry) in Northern Ireland on April 21, 2025, to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising (Credit: PAUL FAITH / AFP)

George Jackson and Jonathan McCambridge Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 14:02







Violence which flared in Londonderry on Easter Monday is believed to have been orchestrated by the New IRA to prevent police from investigating a dissident republican parade, a court heard today.
Beliefs: Archbishop Martin says the Church needs to be open to change. Credit: Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph

The leader of the Catholic church in Ireland has paid tribute to humble Pope Francis, saying he prioritised the poor and marginalised during his papacy.

Speaking at a memorial mass in Armagh, Archbishop Eamon Martin recalled the first night when Francis stood on the balcony of St Peters Basilica in 2013.

He said Pope Francis touched our hearts when he humbly greeted the people with a simple Buona sera, and then bowed his head down low, asking for the peoples prayers and blessing.

The Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin (left), and Archbishop Dermot Farrell Archbishop of Dublin, lead prayers at St Patricks Cathedral in Armagh following the death of Pope Francis (Niall Carson/PA)

Addressing the congregation, Archbishop Martin said: Like the amazing Saint Francis of Assisi, the new pope Francis immediately began to prioritise the poor and the marginalised - and not just those who are financially poor, but everyone who is exploited, excluded, forgotten, or abused.

Pope Francis especially wanted to reach the hearts of those who are spiritually poor, those who feel empty inside. To them he offered the Joy of the Gospel, a reason for living, a reason for hoping and an invitation to a personal encounter and friendship with Christ.

The late pontiff, who died on Monday, is currently lying in state in an open coffin in the basilica.

He will remain there until his funeral on Saturday.

Archbishop Martin added: From the first days of his pontificate, Pope Francis had a special place in his heart for those on the peripheries, and for him, showing solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable meant looking into their faces, touching their flesh, drawing them close and assuring them, God loves you.

Early in his papacy he said, If something should rightly disturb us and trouble our consciences, it is the fact that so many of our brothers and sisters are living without the strength, light and consolation born of friendship with Jesus Christ, without a community of faith to support them, without meaning and a goal in life.

Beliefs: Archbishop Martin says the Church needs to be open to change. Credit: Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph

Mourners queue overnight to see Pope Francis

Touching on the Popes attitude to the environment, Archbishop Martin said he alerted the entire world to the 'cry of the Earth' which he said is also the 'cry of the poor'.

He consistently highlighted the moral and ethical implications of climate change and the imperative facing humanity to protect the gifts of creation for future generations.

Archbishop Martin added: In this he was unafraid to criticise the drawbacks of modern capitalism and rampant consumerism, the limitless and sometimes ruthless exploitation of the worlds resources and the crime of so much waste.

He went even further to point out how human life itself is susceptible to todays throwaway culture, especially at its most vulnerable moments at the very beginning and end of life.

Those gathered at Saint Patricks Cathedral in Armagh heard how Francis was deeply moved by the conflict raging in the Middle East.

Almost every day since the brutal attacks by Hamas in October 2023 and Israels merciless response, he telephoned the tiny Christian community in Gaza to offer them accompaniment, prayers and encouragement, Archbishop Martin said.

His final message to the city of Rome and to the world on Easter Sunday was all about spreading peace.
First Minister Michelle ONeill could attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome on Saturday, it has been reported.

The Sinn Fein minister has cut short a family holiday, with discussions under way to secure an invite, according to the BBC.

It has been confirmed that deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will not be attending.

On Wednesday a spokesperson for the Executive Office confirmed that the First Minister and deputy First Minister have written to Catholic leaders to express their condolences following the death of Pope Francis and will lead tributes in the Assembly on Monday.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill

Mourners queue overnight to see Pope Francis

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 after a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure on Monday.

Ms ONeill said she was "very sad" to learn of the Popes death this morning and called him a "man of great faith, adding that Catholics right across the world, including here in Ireland, will feel his loss deeply.

Mrs Little-Pengelly said the pontiff was "held in high regard and admiration by so many, not only here in Northern Ireland, but across the rest of the United Kingdom, and Ireland".

Francis's funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10am local time in St Peter's Square.

Mourners flocked to see the late pontiff after his body was moved on Wednesday morning from his residence at Casa Santa Marta.

Huge crowds gathered throughout the day, standing in the hot Italian sun, as a lengthy queue snaked its way through St Peter's Square all the way to the Holy Door of the basilica.

In accordance with the late pope's wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome.

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols as pilgrims continue to arrive for the Holy Year celebrations, alongside the usual influx of tourists.

Attendance is expected from global leaders including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kensington Palace confirmed on Tuesday that the Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, will attend on behalf of the King.

On Thursday the popes doctor revealed that pontiff died at home without suffering.

People line up as they enter St Peter's Basilica to pay their respects to Pope Francis lying in state, at the Vatican. Photo: AP

Dr Sergio Alfieri said he found Pope Francis with his eyes open and breathing normally, but unresponsive when he was called to the Vatican on Monday morning.

He oversaw the popes five-week hospital treatment for double pneumonia and continued to oversee the popes treatment after the pontiff returned to the Vatican on March 23.

Dr Alfieri was alerted at 5.30am on Monday by Franciss health care assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, that Francis had been stricken and needed to be taken to the hospital.

The doctor told Corriere that he arrived 20 minutes later.

Dr Alfieri said it was too risky moving Francis back to the Gemelli hospital, where he was treated for a complex respiratory infection that nearly killed him twice.

Two hours after falling ill, the pope died, having suffered a stroke.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived and said the rosary over the body, accompanied by the papal household staff, Dr Alfieri told the Milan daily.

I gave him a caress, as a farewell, the doctor said.
Police Ombudsman finds raft of failings, including loss of UFF killers guns

Mr OHaras taxi at Dunmurry RUC station after his murder by loyalists gunmen in April 1991. Inset: John OHara

Two guns used in the sectarian murder of a Catholic taxi driver have disappeared from police evidence stores.

The details emerged in a damning report which found the RUC investigation into the killing of John OHara (41) was ineffective and not capable of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Micky Murray has opened a book of condolence in memory of Pope Francis at Belfast City Hall, with Father Tim Bartlett, principal organiser of the late Pope's visit to Ireland in 2018

Unionist parties on Belfast City Council have extended their condolences to the Catholic community following the death of Pope Francis.

A special meeting of the council was held on Thursday evening following the death of the pontiff on Monday at the age of 88.

Pope Francis passed away at his home in Casa Santa Marta after suffering a stroke and subsequent heart failure.

A book of condolence has been opened at City Hall, while Thursdays meeting was held following a request from Sinn Fein.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Micky Murray opened a book of condolence in memory of Pope Francis at Belfast City Hall, accompanied by Father Tim Bartlett, principal organiser of the late Popes visit to Ireland in 2018, and Sharon McNicholl, Deputy Chief Executive, Belfast City Council. Photo: Darren Kidd/PressEye

The meeting was opened with a minutes silence, while Lord Mayor Micky Murray offered his sympathies and condolences to those mourning the passing of Pope Francis on behalf of the people of Belfast.

His death marks the end of an era, and this moment offers us all a chance to reflect on the values and empathy, dignity and care for others that he often spoke of, Mr Murray said.

Pope Francis was a champion of peace and was the second Pope in the Church's history to set foot on Irish soil.

DUP council group leader Sarah Bunting said: On behalf of the DUP group, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Catholic community in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and further afield on the passing of Pope Francis.

While many of us come from different traditions and theological backgrounds, we recognise the significance of this moment for our Catholic neighbours.

The Pope was a spiritual leader to millions, and his passing will be deeply felt by many families, parishes, and communities.

At a time when Northern Ireland continues to work towards peace, stability, and mutual respect, we acknowledge the importance of shared understanding and compassion. Moments like these remind us that humanity and decency must always transcend division.

We offer our sympathies to those in mourning, and trust that your faith will be a source of comfort and strength in the days ahead.

Sinn Feins Ryan Murphy said, throughout his papacy, Francis focused on speaking out in favour of the disadvantaged.

He added: When asked about the sexuality of priests, he famously said: Who am I to judge?

He spoke out against climate change and the impact that capitalism has had on creating a polluted wasteland full of debris, desolation and filth in the pursuit of power.

Mr Murphy added that the late Pope was an avid champion of peace and peace-building.

He rightly called out the Russian invasion of Ukraine and consistently called for peace between those two countries, he said.

And likewise, when it came to what was going on at the moment in Palestine, he rightly called out what he described as Israeli terrorism on the people of the Gaza Strip.

The Ulster Unionist Partys Jim Rodgers said: [Pope Francis] came across, I never had the opportunity of meeting him, although I have met previous popes, but he came across as a very deep-thinking man, a caring individual, and one who would have gone the extra mile to try and bring people together.

I think all of us should respect his tremendous leadership, the way he went about his business, and I offer our deepest sympathy to all those of the Roman Catholic faith.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Micky Murray has opened a book of condolence in memory of Pope Francis at Belfast City Hall, with Father Tim Bartlett, principal organiser of the late Pope's visit to Ireland in 2018

Mourners queue overnight to see Pope Francis

The TUVs Ron McDowell acknowledged the differences between himself and the pontiff but nonetheless extended his condolences to the Catholic community.

The difference between a Shankill Road Orangeman and an evangelical, and the Pope - theres a gulf between the two, he said.

Lord Mayor, but nonetheless, I think of the people of the city that I represent as a civic leader, and I think of the people, those Catholics that have stood on conservative platforms with me.

I think of the people that have come to me for help, whom I have helped with housing and am still helping, who may be heavy of heart this evening.

SDLP council group leader Seamus de Faoite described the late pontiff as a man of great moral authority.

He added: He was someone who used his position as head of the Catholic faith to reach out, to bring inclusion to people where quite often there had not been.

I think in the context of today's world, that moral authority will be deeply missed.

The Green Partys Anthony Flynn also offered his condolences.

I'm speaking as someone who lost her faith a very long time ago, but I can humbly say that throughout the years I've had nothing but respect for Pope Francis and how he conducted his work over the past decade, he said.

Largely, the Catholic Church has been seen as a bastion of conservatism and protectionism throughout its recent history, but Pope Francis paved the way for modernising views, particularly regarding LGBTQ people and on women serving in the Church.
Exclusive | Kelly rubbishes claim he was put in charge of IRA reorganisation in bid to bring it under centralised control

Declassified file shows detailed discussion about Sinn Fein veteran during a high powered 1996 meeting of top officials, police officers and military commanders coordinating security

Gerry Kelly in front of the Bobby Sands mural in west Belfast (Photo: Liam McBurney/PA)

Sam McBride Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 07:00

Sinn Feins Gerry Kelly has said information about him in a previously classified British Government file is not true, and was not communicated to any part of the authorities by himself.
Pope Francis challenged the public to consider the marginalised, the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh has said.

Eamon Martin, the Primate of All Ireland, paid tribute to Francis with a homily during a special dedicated memorial mass for the late pontiff.

Speaking during the mass which was celebrated from 7pm on Thursday at St Patricks Cathedral, Armagh, he said the Pope wanted to reach the hearts of those who are spiritually poor.

Archbishop Martin reflected on Franciss first night on the balcony of St Peters Basilica: He touched our hearts when he humbly greeted the people with a simple buonasera, and then bowed his head down low, asking for the peoples prayers and blessing.

And here we are this evening, praying for him and thanking God for the many blessings Pope Francis himself has brought to the Church and to the world.

The Archbishop compared the late Pope to his namesake, St Francis of Assisi, by saying he immediately began to prioritise the poor and the marginalised.

Not just those who are financially poor, but everyone who is exploited, excluded, forgotten, or abused, he said.

Pope Francis especially wanted to reach the hearts of those who are spiritually poor, those who feel empty inside. To them he offered the joy of the Gospel, a reason for living, a reason for hoping and an invitation to a personal encounter and friendship with Christ.

He added: Pope Francis kept on challenging us, discomforting us, even: who might we be shuffling onto the margins of society, perhaps preferring to forget?

Elsewhere, Archbishop Martin said Francis consistently highlighted the moral and ethical implications of climate change and the imperative facing humanity to protect the gifts of creation for future generations.

He added: In this he was unafraid to criticise the drawbacks of modern capitalism and rampant consumerism, the limitless and sometimes ruthless exploitation of the worlds resources and the crime of so much waste. He went even further to point out how human life itself is susceptible to todays throwaway culture, especially at its most vulnerable moments at the very beginning and end of life.

Archbishop Martin said: Please God, the legacy of his example will be long-lasting.

He added: Whenever anyone was saying goodbye to Pope Francis after a meeting, hed often take them by the hand, look them in the eye, and say, pray for me. Then with a playful wag of his finger, hed add, and dont forget!.

As we prepare to say our final farewell to Franciscus, lets remember his humble words: Pray for me  and dont forget.

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the mass was a sombre moment for reflection on the life of Pope Francis.

He said Francis took such a close interest in Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking to reporters at Hillsborough Castle before the mass, he added: But above all, he was known for his advocacy on behalf of the poor and the dispossessed around the world  and that is one reason why there is such sadness in his passing.

Also at Hillsborough, Irish deputy premier Simon Harris said Francis was a global leader who was a force for good in the world.

The Pope often inquired as to how things were going here in Northern Ireland and I understand from talking to those who spoke to him that he had a real interest and fascination with the Good Friday Agreement, he said.

And indeed, at a time where theres so much conflict in the world, believed that the experience of Northern Ireland and bringing about peace could be a source of inspiration for others.

He added: I know people right across this island, these islands and the world, mourn the loss of Pope Francis.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and Tanaiste Simon Harris speak to media during a press conference at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) at Hillsborough Castle, Co Down (Brian Lawless/PA)

The Irish and British governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on Northern Ireland legacy issues within weeks, the deputy Irish premier has said.

Simon Harris said both governments are working in very good faith to bring about an agreed position.

The Fine Gael leader made the comments following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Co Down on Thursday.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and Tanaiste Simon Harris speak to media at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at Hillsborough Castle (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Harris was hosted by the Northern Ireland Secretary at Hillsborough Castle for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability.

Hilary Benn and Mr Harris took part in the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues.

The meeting was also be attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP and Irelands Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan TD.

It was the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006.

Mr Harris told reporters that the Irish government has always had two key tests when it comes to legacy.

Firstly, is the mechanism compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and secondly, does it have the support of victims and their families. They are the two principles, the two tests that were applying in our discussions, Mr Harris said.

I know you, Hilary, feel very strongly in relation to that as well. We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I dont want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues. But you are right. There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined.

People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one.

Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan (Brian Lawless/PA)

I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not.

I really hope it is, and were both working in very good faith to try and bring that about. But it is now a question in my mind of within weeks.

He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like.

Describing their meeting as constructive, he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

I passionately believe, I know you do too, that this peace agreement, the Good Friday Agreement works best when the two governments pull in the same direction, and if at all possible, thats where we want to get to, where we could actually have a joint position in terms of a mechanism on the legacy of the past, he added.

Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been productive, adding that the governments have moved closer together on an agreed position on legacy issues.

Over the the work thats been taking place in recent months, weve moved closer together, Mr Benn said.

I think thats a very fair reflection as what has been happening and were putting in all of this effort, the intensive discussion that our officials have been engaged in, the regular conversations that the Tanaiste and I have had is because we want to be able to find an agreement.

Some of the issues are quite tricky  you wouldnt expect me to go into them in this press conference today  but were putting the work in because we believe well be in a stronger position if we can find an agreement, and in the end, help to build confidence in arrangements that, in the end, are going to deliver the families.

This is what its all about. It is the families that we have to have in mind, and in particular, the many families I have met who are still searching for answers, in some cases after very many years, about what exactly happened to their loved ones. And we all have an obligation to find a mechanism that will finally give them the answers they have sought for so long.

He said he had agreed with Mr Harris to meet again before the end of May.

Tanaiste Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr OCallaghan described the meeting as productive and engaging.

We discussed a variety of issues, the main one which was legacy, but we also discussed security cooperation, Mr OCallaghan added.

I was very pleased to be able to emphasise at the meeting the agreement that has been reached between the Irish government and the chairperson of the Omagh inquiry, which I think is a substantial agreement, a memorandum of understanding that I believe is going to provide an avenue to which documentary evidence will be provided by the Irish government to the inquiry.

As well as discussing legacy, however, I think its also important that we concentrate and focus on the other areas where there is excellent agreement between our two governments.

Meanwhile, Ms Anderson said an update was given on the UK Governments commitment to helping the Executive transform public services.

She also said security and other areas of cooperation were discussed.

Its been a very positive meeting, she said.

The recent release of 129 million from the UK Governments 235 million transformation fund has been allocated to priority areas including health, education and justice, and were keen to see positive change implemented for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.

The meeting follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth.

At the time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the relationship between the UK and Ireland had reset following a turbulent post-Brexit period.
Pope Franciss work on peace and sustainability must be remembered by those attending his funeral on Saturday, Irish president Michael D Higgins has said.

Mr Higgins and his wife Sabina paid their respects at the lying in state of Francis in St Peters Basilica in the Vatican on Friday.

Mr Higgins and Sabina were pictured stopping at Franciss open coffin in the basilica for a few moments.

On Saturday, the couple will return to St Peters Square for the pontiffs funeral, which will be attended by world leaders including US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Irish premier Micheal Martin, Irish deputy premier Simon Harris, Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin and Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell are also expected to attend.

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has also confirmed she will travel to Rome to join leaders from across the world for the pontiffs funeral.

The Sinn Fein vice president has cut short a family holiday to attend.

In a statement ahead of the funeral, Mr Higgins said: As President of Ireland, I am pleased to communicate the appreciation of all of the people of Ireland for the life, the documents and the contacts to the most vulnerable all over the world made by Pope Francis, who I was honoured to meet with on five occasions.

The world was struck by the generosity given by Pope Francis, right until the very last moments of his life, in terms of seeking to embrace, as he put it, all of humanity.

Through his life and his work, Pope Francis led by example in embracing so many of the most important issues facing humanity.

In particular, he was a strong advocate for the fulfilling of obligations in relation to Mother Nature and the indigenous peoples who are paying the highest price for the consequences of climate change, he was a strong spokesperson for how global poverty could be eliminated and he gave leadership in relation to the rights of migrants.

In attending the funeral and celebrating the life of Pope Francis, it is important to stress his work on our shared humanity and on the importance of peace, sustainability and of rights.

This is the third papal funeral that Archbishop John Joseph Kennedy, a Dubliner who works at the Vatican, will attend.

He is the secretary for discipline at the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is responsible for religious discipline in the Catholic Church.

The Archbishop said Franciss funeral will be more humble than other papal funerals, but it will have elements that will be typical of other papal funerals, such as world leaders being present.

These world leaders are going to have a unique opportunity to meet each other, theyll be there at the ceremony before it begins and Im sure theyre going to exchange words, he told RTE Radio, adding that the word pontifex means bridge builder.

He said the conclave would be interesting as Pope Francis had named three-quarters of the cardinals and many were from far away places.

One of the challenges I think is that they are going to have to get to know each other. They might know each others names, and maybe even faces, but they have to understand what these men have in terms of a vision for the Church in the future.

He added: I would love to see people translating the love that they had for Pope Francis and the love for his beautiful simple gestures into the practice of understanding of their faith.

The Popes funeral is expected to begin at 9am Irish time on Saturday.
Thousands have and are expected to queue to see Pope Francis for his lying-in-state (Markus Schrieber/PA)

Dedicated mourners queued overnight to pay respects to Pope Francis, as the Vatican extended viewing hours to see the popular pontiffs remains.

By Thursday lunchtime, more than 60,000 people had stood in line for hours in St Peters Square to make their way into the basilica to catch a glimpse of Franciss body, which is laid out in an open coffin.

The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been dubbed by some as the peoples pope, having spoken out for the poor and those in need in his lifetime and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life.

Since his remains were transferred to St Peters Basilica, waves of mourners stood patiently in line, with the queue snaking its way through the square to the Holy Door of the building.

Thousands more are expected to flock to pay their respects throughout Thursday and until 7pm local time on Friday.

While it had been expected that the basilica would close at midnight, it remained open for most of the night, save for an hour for cleaning, to allow more people to pay their respects.

Among those filing past the coffin, some blessing themselves with the sign of the cross or pausing briefly in prayer, were a mother and daughter who described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Primary school teacher Marguerite OLeary and her teenage daughter Ellen, from County Clare in Ireland, stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiffs remains inside St Peters Basilica in the Vatican.

Mrs OLeary said she felt it was their duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here in the days following the Popes death, while her 14-year-old daughter described it as amazing to be in there and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Marguerite OLeary and her daughter Ellen queued for five hours (Aine Fox/PA)

Meanwhile, Patrick Gavigan, based in County Kildare, said it was momentous to be inside the basilica to witness the Popes remains close up after queuing with his wife Alice for almost four hours.

The retired couple, who are in Rome celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary year, said they were so happy to have been able to experience what they said was a historic occasion  having first met each other on a papal visit by Pope John Paul II to Dublin in 1979.

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols in the area.

Police have been managing crowd control at various points on the approach to the square, with some checking bags, as mourners mingled with the usual tourist population.

Large crowds are also expected for Saturdays funeral in St Peters Square, with the Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, confirmed to be attending on the Kings behalf.

People stood in the sun for hours to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also be there, alongside other global leaders and dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin, Irish President Michael D Higgins and Scotlands First Minister John Swinney.

In accordance with the late popes wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peters Basilica.
More than 100,000 troops died in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War (Yui Mok/PA)

The King paid a special tribute to Australian and New Zealand forces who fell during the Gallipoli landings in 1915 as dawn broke on Anzac Day.

Services took place as the sun rose across the two nations on Friday marking the 110th anniversary of the ill-fated assault on the peninsula in north-west Turkey during the First World War.

Troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps  shortened to Anzac  landed on the western shore of the Gallipoli peninsula on April 25 1915 as part of the failed campaign that lasted into 1916.

Later, the Princess Royal will represent the royal family in person at a dawn service at Anzac Cove where those landings took place more than a century ago.

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Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh will take part in the annual Anzac Day commemorations held in London, joining Australians and New Zealanders for a dawn service at the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph and later a Westminster Abbey service of commemoration and thanksgiving.

In a message on social media Charles, who attended the dawn service in Gallipoli on Anzac Day in 2005 and 2015, said he wanted to pay a special tribute to Australian and New Zealand veterans, and those who are on active service today.

Through the generations, you have continued to enact the indomitable spirit of Anzac  forged in terrible conflict and preserved in peace  of courage, mateship and sacrifice, he said.

The Princess Royal attended an event at the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park on Thursday (Yui Mok/PA)

More than 100,000 troops died in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War by the UK and allies to capture the Dardanelles Strait.

The assault in 1915 was intended to wound the then Ottoman Empire and cut off a key connecting water route between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea, a move which would have also aided Russia.

Many from Australia and New Zealand have travelled to Turkey to take part in anniversary services.

The Princess Royal talks to Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon at a reception, hosted by Jill Morris, ambassador to the Republic of Turkey (Yui Mok/PA)

Anne attended services across Gallipoli on Thursday and laid wreaths for the fallen of several nationalities, including the UK and Ireland, France and Turkey.

Later she met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as well as senior political figures and diplomats during a reception at the Kolin Hotel in Canakkale.

During speeches, Anne hailed Turkish friends and emphasised the importance of passing on the tradition of remembering those who have fallen in war.

The Princess Royal walks beside the graves of Turkish soldiers in the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park (Yui Mok/PA)

She quoted Turkish hero Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, saying: There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side in this country of ours.

You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this island, they have become our sons as well.

Anne described words such as these as having paved the way for ferocious battles that took place on this land to be replaced by long-lasting friendships and strong alliances that we must take forward to the future.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said in an interview released on Wednesday that Iran must give up all nuclear enrichment if it wants to make a deal during talks with the Trump administration and head off the threat of armed conflict.

Iran insists its nuclear programme is for civilian energy use and says it does not seek to make weapons-grade uranium to build atomic bombs.

If Iran wants a civil nuclear programme, they can have one just like many other countries can have one, and that is they import enriched material, Mr Rubio said in a podcast interview with journalist Bari Weiss.

But Iran has long refused to give up its ability to enrich uranium.

US President Donald Trump in his first term pulled America out of an Obama-era nuclear deal focused on monitoring to ensure Iran did not move towards weapons-grade enrichment.

President Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP)

In the first months of his second term, Mr Trump opened talks that he says will get a tougher agreement on Irans nuclear programme, with a second round of negotiations held on Saturday and technical-level talks expected this weekend.

Iran wants the easing of sanctions that have damaged its economy and is facing threatened Israeli or US strikes aimed at disabling its nuclear programme by force.

I would tell anyone were a long ways from any sort of agreement with Iran, Mr Rubio noted.

It may not be possible, we dont know  but we would want to achieve a peaceful resolution to this and not resort to anything else.

With the region already embroiled in war, he said that any military action at this point in the Middle East, whether its against Iran by us or anybody else, could in fact trigger a much broader conflict.

Although Mr Trump reserves every right to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, hed prefer peace, Mr Rubio added.

Mr Trumps lead representative in the recently revived talks, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, initially suggested the US was open to allowing Iran to continue low-level uranium enrichment.

Many American conservatives and Israel, which wants Irans nuclear facilities destroyed, objected.

Mr Witkoff issued what the Trump administration described as a clarification, saying: Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponisation programme.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi (Tatyana Makeyeva/Pool Photo via AP)

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi responded that his country must be able to enrich. The core issue of enrichment itself is not negotiable, he said.

Standard international agreements for civilian nuclear programmes have the US and international community help governments develop nuclear power for energy and other peaceful uses in exchange for them swearing off making their own nuclear fuel, because of the threat that the capacity could be used for weapons.

Also on Wednesday, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi said Iran has agreed to allow in a technical team from the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency in the coming days to discuss restoring camera surveillance at nuclear sites and other issues.

Mr Grossi, speaking to reporters in Washington after meeting with Iranian officials in Tehran last week, said that while the move was not directly linked to the US talks, it was an encouraging sign of Irans willingness to reach terms in a potential deal.

Iranian leaders were engaged with a sense of trying to get to an agreement, Mr Grossi said. That is my impression.
President Donald Trump has so far failed to achieve a peace deal (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Donald Trump said Russia has already made a pretty big concession to end the war in Ukraine by stopping short of taking control of the whole country.

But the notion is one that Ukraine and much of Europe have fiercely pushed back against, arguing that Russia pausing a land grab is hardly a concession.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Trump called on President Vladimir Putin to STOP! the attacks on Ukraine, a rare rebuke of the Russian leader by the US president.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying, Mr Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

President Donald Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store held talks (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Russia struck Kyiv with an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones.

At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.

Mr Trumps frustration is growing as a US-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

The US president lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal.

Mr Zelensky has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognising occupied territory as Russias is a red line for Ukraine.

He noted on Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscows attacks had continued.

Mr Trump is meeting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of Nato and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile border with Russia.
FILE  South Koreas new President Moon Jae-in waves from a car in 2017 (Hong Hae-in/Yonhap via AP, File)

South Korean prosecutors indicted former liberal president Moon Jae-in on bribery charges on Thursday, saying that a budget airline gave his son-in-law a lucrative no-show job during Moons term in office.

Moons indictment adds him to a long list of South Korean leaders who have faced trials or scandals at the close of their terms or after leaving office.

Prosecutors allege that Moon, who served as president from 2017-2022, received bribes totalling 217 million won (114,385) from Lee Sang-jik, founder of the budget carrier Thai Eastar Jet, in the form of wages, housing expenses and other financial assistance provided to Moons then-son-in-law from 2018-2020.

South Korean media reported that Moons daughter and her husband divorced in 2021.

Then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during a meeting of the National Security Council in 2022 (Ahn Jung-hwan/Yonhap via AP)

The Jeonju District Prosecutors Office said in a statement that Lee was also indicted on charges of paying bribes to Moon and committing breaches of trust.

The prosecutors office said Moons former son-in-law was hired as a director-level employee at Lees company in Thailand even though he had no work experience in the airline industry.

The office said he spent only brief periods at the companys office in Thailand and carried out only minor duties while claiming to be working remotely from South Korea.

The prosecutors office said it had not found evidence that Moon performed political favours for Lee, who worked on Moons campaign, but that Lee likely expected his assistance to be repaid.

Lee was later named the head of the state-funded Korea SME and Startups Agency and was nominated by Moons party to run for parliament while Moon was in office, but the prosecutors office said that it had not found any evidence that Moon helped Lee win those positions.

There was no immediate response from Moon.

Moons indictment comes before South Korea elects a new president on June 3 to succeed conservative president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over an ill-fated imposition of martial law.

It is unclear if Moons indictment will influence prospects for liberals to win back the presidency.

Observers say liberal presidential aspirant Lee Jae-myung is heavily favoured to win the vote as conservatives remain in disarray over Mr Yoons ouster, although Lee also faces criminal trials on allegations of corruption and other charges.

Most past South Korean presidents have been embroiled in scandal in the final months of their terms or after leaving office.

In 2017, Park Geun-hye, South Koreas first female president, was removed from office and arrested over an explosive corruption scandal.

South Koreas elected president Park Geun-hye speaks in 2012. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Parks conservative predecessor Lee Myung-bak was also arrested on a range of crimes, years after leaving office.

Moons friend and former liberal president Roh Moo-hyun jumped to his death in 2009 amid corruption investigations into his family.

Moon is best known for his push to reconcile with rival North Korea as he met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times and facilitated the start of the high-stakes nuclear diplomacy between Mr Kim and president Donald Trump.

Moons supporters credit him with achieving now-stalled cooperation with North Korea and avoiding major armed clashes, but opponents say he was a naive North Korea sympathiser who ended up helping the North buy time to advance its nuclear program in the face of international sanctions and pressure.
President Donald Trump has posted a message to Putin on Truth Social calling for the Russian leader to stop (Alex Brandon/AP)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to STOP! after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraines capital.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying, Mr Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

Russia struck Kyiv with an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones.

At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.

Mr Trumps frustration is growing as a US-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

The US president lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal.

Mr Zelensky has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognising occupied territory as Russias is a red line for Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky noted on Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscows attacks had continued.

Mr Trump is set to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of Nato and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile (198-kilometer) border with Russia.
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"Swearing." It's a word that has become lukewarm in meaning, given its homographic tendency to whoever is hearing it and the filter it sifts through.

When the question, "Is it wrong to swear to God?" is brought up in conversation, there is an immediate need to define meaning instead of creating intent.

The Bible provides clear guidance on the use of language, emphasizing purity, truthfulness, and reverence, regardless of which form of the word is being communicated. "To swear," as in the use of coarse or vulgar language, reflects a lack of self-control and a heart distant from godly principles (Ephesians 4:29).

Malcolm X is attributed with a profound quote on the subject. "A man curses because he doesn't have the intelligence to say what's on his mind." To create emphasis in a sentence of declaration or exclamation requires deep thought and direct language that avoids eff bombs and staining a sentence with spicy words you can't say on television.

On the other hand, saying "I swear to God" resembles taking an oath involving invoking the divine name to attest to the truth of one's words or promises. While these practices may seem distinct, both deviate from a biblical standard. Jesus warns against oaths in Matthew 5:33-37, "Let your yes be yes, and your no be no." His lesson was that simple honesty is sufficient for those who walk in righteousness.

Exploring the original meaning within biblical language and historical practice reveals many things. In particular, it reveals how such invocations dishonor God and how Christ-followers are called to live with integrity, beginning with reverence in their speech.

You Are What You Speak

Considering curse words, the flippant way they are used for common adjectives and nouns today would appall those in biblical days. In ancient Jewish practice, God's name, YHWH, was so sacred that it was rarely spoken aloud. The word was never written with vowels, completing the word "Yahweh" from someone unworthy of saying that name.

In Hebrew, the four-letter word for God was called a "tetragrammaton" (meaning "the four letters") using syllabic names for Yodh, He, Wah, and He. That four-letter note in writing was considered sacred, meaning "to exist" or "to come to pass." It was a name with such power that it caused action and purpose.

Instead, they would use titles like Adonai or Elohim in its place to prevent misuse. This reverence starkly contrasts with the casual invocation of God's name today, which demeans His character and exposes a lack of understanding about His transcendence.

Imagine feeling guilty and respecting how a word is written, even though you couldn't pronounce it, for fear of what might happen. Corporal punishment doesn't even cause some children to flinch these days. This shows how not only how we speak has changed but also what we think.

In orthodox Judaism, the tetragrammaton is only pronounced during high holy services. Think about that the next time you "need to wash your mouth out." Adding an extra letter wouldn't even cross their minds in the "Before Common Era" days.

Under Oath

The phrase "I swear to God" is more than a casual misuse of wordsit aligns closely with taking the Lord's name in vain, a transgression explicitly forbidden in Exodus 20:7. The Hebrew word for "vain" (shav') signifies emptiness, falsehood, or worthlessness. When God's name is invoked in an oath without solemnity and truth worthy of that action, the holiness of the Lord is treated as common, like any other "white lie," "broken promise," or "a word that slipped."

In original Koine Greek, Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:37 uses the word  (horkos) for oath, emphasizing that even solemn vows are unnecessary for those who live in truth. Instead of elevating God's name, these practices trivialize it, reducing His holiness to a tool for human credibility.

There's an adage that says, "If you always tell the truth, you never have to remember what you said." Imagine how freeing that can be for young adults or even older ones. People use oaths such as "I swear to God" or "On my mother" to underscore their seriousness.

Regretfully, because oaths carry a fraction of the weight they used to in biblical times, those sayings are a red flag that the person is almost certainly lying.

Throughout Christian history, this misuse of oaths has been a subject of concern. Early Church Fathers, including Origen and Tertullian, admonished believers to avoid oaths entirely, citing Matthew 5 as the prohibition. During the Reformation, the Anabaptists emphasized that Christian living did not use oaths because integrity didn't require them.

Collective thought was taking oaths to affirm the truth, which pointed to a deeper issue of unreliability in one's character. These teachings align with the psychological observation that relying on oaths or coarse language stems from insecurity or the need for control. God's children should rest in the confidence of their transformed nature in Christ.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21 NKJV).

Misusing God's name in swearing and oaths also diminishes the power of language as a divine gift. If the tongue holds the power of life and death, why do many fail to use this power to glorify God? Casual oaths and vulgarity reveal a heart more aligned with worldly impulses than the transformative work of Jesus' love.

Instead of resorting to phrases like "I swear to God," believers are called to embody truthfulness so profound that their simple "yes" or "no" is trusted without question, as in Matthew 5. This discipline honors God and fosters respect in a culture that often prizes dishonesty, hyperbole, and exaggeration.

Christians are called to live distinctively, reflecting righteousness through their lives and speech. We should understand the biblical weight of invoking God's name and recognize the corrosive effects of careless or coarse language. Our words should consistently reflect the Gospel, building others up and pointing them to Christ.

In this way, followers of Jesus live as salt and light in a world darkened by irreverence and deception. Instead of swearing or invoking God's name thoughtlessly, Christians are invited to trust the integrity of their transformed character, allowing their simple, honest words to bring glory to the Creator.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14 NKJV).

By rejecting careless speech and trivial invocations of God's name, we demonstrate the profound reverence God's name deserves. This prayer encapsulates the speech lifestyle to which every believer is calleda life where our words consistently honor God and our lives reveal His truth to a watching world.

The way we speak reflects the posture of our hearts and our understanding of God's holiness. By choosing words that glorify God and align with His truth, we bear witness to a transformed life that honors Him.
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A 2024 report by the Anti-Defamation League says that Massachusetts ranked fifth for the state with the highest number of antisemitic incidents in the U.S.

That includes eight documented incidents in the Berkshires, down from 17 in 2023, according to the ADLs current hate map.

The ADLs 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, which was released this week, also ranked the state third nationally for college campus incidents.

The New England region over the last five years continues to see a spike in antisemitic activity. Most of that was in Massachusetts, which saw more than 400 incidents statewide last year, according to the audit.

The top ranking states for the number of incidents are New York at No. 1, followed by California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

While Massachusetts's incident numbers remained stable in 2024, the ADLs report says, this represents part of a troubling long-term trend, with incidents rising 188% since 2022. In 2024, 275 incidents were Israel-related, making up 63% of the total, which is above the national average.

Antisemitism that was already brewing exploded after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas massacres in Israel and the subsequent Israel-Hamas war that has killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza.

Other reasons for the spike include white supremacist activity across the state, the ADLs Samantha Joseph told CBS Boston.

"There continues to be very large levels of white supremacist activity in the state of Massachusetts and across New England," Joseph told the news outlet. "We also have a lot of college campuses and that is one of the main drivers of antisemitism here."

The audit was released after President Donald Trump announced a freeze in more than $2 billion in federal funds for Harvard University, accusing it of not taking action against antisemitism on campus  which the ADL said was "overreach." In response, Harvard sued the Trump administration.

The majority of the incidents documented by audit were acts of vandalism and harassment, followed by the presence of swastikas, bomb threats and a handful of physical assaults.

The audit drew outrage from Sen. John C. Velis, a Democrat who represents Hampden and Hampshire counties. Velis created and chairs the states Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism.

For many of us on the Commission, and especially for Jewish residents across the Commonwealth," Velis said in a statement, "todays report does not come as a complete shock.

He said the ADLs findings in recent years are the reason he filed legislation to create the commission.

It is just truly so sickening to me that Massachusetts continues to be one of the five states that make collectively make up more than 50% of antisemitic acts of hate in our entire nation, Velis added.

Velis said the commission will continue to hold its hearings and will issue a report in November on ways the state can address the problem.
At his swearing in on Tuesday, Police Chief Mark Bailey discussed the long wait to lose the "interim" from his title, and his priorities for the department.
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The Northern Secretary will host the Tanaiste at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability.

Hilary Benn and Simon Harris will participate in the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) where there are expected to discuss ongoing efforts to find a way forward regarding the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.

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The meeting will also be attended Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan and by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Fleur Anderson.

It is the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in the North since 2006.

Mr Benn said: This will be an important meeting in developing the strong and close relationship between the UK and the Irish governments as we continue to work together on a range of issues.

Ireland Legacy body carrying out 50 investigations into 96... Read More

Mr Harris added: I am looking forward to this significant meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference and to continuing the intensive discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the challenging but essential work of dealing with the legacy of the past.

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The meeting follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth.

At the time, British prime minister Keir Starmer said the relationship between the UK and Ireland had reset following a turbulent post-Brexit period.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, Zhao Xiyuan, has said that this country should use the introduction of tariffs between the US and his home country to its advantage by increasing exports to China.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump introduced 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods, to which Beijing responded with a 125 per cent tariff on US imports.

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Ambassador Xiyuan told the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk that the Chinese Government is looking to lower its reliance on the US market. He said that businesses in Ireland should benefit from Chinas reduced dependence on the US.

You have a very good infant milk formula (industry) selling to China. I think its over 70 or 80 per cent of (Irelands milk formula) exports go to China.

Thats very good for the Chinese people. Also, we can expand the market for the dairy products for adults - not only for the infants.

Its a very big market; we have 1.4 billion people and we also have 400 million middle class consumers. You can expand all of your products in these markets.

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Ambassador Xiyuan, said that, in the past 16 years, Ireland and China have had a very good relationship in terms of trade.

World Trump urges Putin to STOP! after deadly attack o... Read More

Last years statistics show that we have over a trade volume of over 20 billion.

Meanwhile, last year the European Union voted to adopt definitive tariffs on battery electric vehicles form China.

The EU first announced that it would impose higher tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports in June of last year, on the ground that they pose a threat of economic injury to electric vehicle producers in Europe.

The EU maintains that they benefit heavily from unfair subsidies. There has also been suggestions of serious human rights violations.
Following searches in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West area, gardai seized more than 75,000 worth of controlled drugs on Thursday.

The drugs seized included cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, heroin, and alprazolam tablets (subject to analysis). Approximately 6,500 in cash was also seized.

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In an action-packed day, gardai also seized 41 vehicles as part of an ongoing operation to target the unlawful use of e-bikes, scramblers, and e-scooters.

20 residential properties were searched under warrant in the DMR West  Serious Crime South Functional Area (Clondalkin/Ballyfermot/Rathcoole/Ronanstown/Lucan).

An adult male was arrested and subsequently charged in relation to a burglary in which two e-scooters were stolen.

Another premises searched led to the recovery of a caravan stolen last year.

Following the searches, a number of patrols and checkpoints were conducted which led to the arrest of an adult male engaged in dangerous driving of a scrambler along the footpaths.

Assistance for the Day of Action was provided by Community Engagement members and the Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit, along with the Garda Air Support Unit.

Chief Superintendent Michael McNulty of the DMR West Division said: "This was a multi-faceted operation, which focused on both road traffic enforcement and the detection of serious crime.

"The success of the operation is a testament to the continued efforts of Gardai to counteract the use of e-scooters and e-bikes for criminal purposes, whilst prioritising the safety of the local community.
The number of homes completed in the first three months of the year increased by 2 per cent compared with the same period last year, new figures show.

Completions data published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Thursday show there were 5,938 dwellings competed in January, February and March in 2025.

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Just over half of completions were scheme dwellings, 30 per cent were apartments, and 19 per cent were single dwellings.

The number of apartment completions was up 13.4 per cent when compared with 2024, the number of scheme dwellings was down 1.7 per cent, and the number of single dwellings was down 3.5 per cent.

Six out of eight regions in Ireland saw a rise in homes completed when the first three months in 2024 are compared with 2025.

Nearly a third of completions in the first quarter of the year were in Dublin, with a fifth in the Mid-East region (counties Louth, Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow).

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The region with the largest relative increase in completions was the West  Galway City and County, Mayo, and Roscommon  at 5.8 per cent, while the border regions of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo saw the second largest relative growth at 5 per cent.

The Government has come under pressure to boost Irelands supply of homes amid a housing crisis that has seen house prices skyrocket and resulted in record numbers of homeless people.

The last coalition had a target of building around 33,000 homes a year until 2030, but this target was raised in the programme for government to over 300,000 new homes between now and the end of 2030.

The target for this year is 41,000 new builds, despite the fact that the Government missed its new-build target of 33,450 for last year by 3,120.

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The Department of Housing released figures this week that confirmed the Government missed its new-build social housing target by 1,429 last year, or 15 per cent, having also missed it in previous years.

The Central Bank has projected that the Government will miss its own housing targets by a wide margin for the next three years.
The RUC investigation into the murder of a man by loyalists in Belfast in 1991 was ineffective and not capable of bringing perpetrators to justice, Northern Irelands Police Ombudsman has said.

Marie Anderson said complaints from the family of John OHara about the investigation were legitimate and justified.

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Mr OHara, a 41-year-old father of five, was working as a taxi driver when he was attacked by gunmen in Dunluce Avenue, south Belfast, on April 17th, 1991.

He had arrived to pick up a fare when a number of men emerged from an alleyway and fired shots through the drivers side window.

The Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF), a loyalist paramilitary group aligned with the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), admitted the murder the following day.

Police said Mr OHara had no connection to any political or paramilitary organisation.

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Publishing her report, Mrs Anderson said while the original police response was of a good standard, the subsequent murder inquiry was not capable of bringing those responsible to justice.

She said the inadequacy of the investigation meant it failed to meet the legal obligation under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mrs Anderson said police investigating the murder failed to effectively pursue relevant suspects, including failing to arrest a significant number of individuals implicated by intelligence reports and other information as having been involved.

Her report also said the murder weapons can no longer be located for analysis using modern forensic techniques, and identified failures to test suspect alibis, to seize a car suspected of being used by the killers, and to conduct adequate forensic inquiries.

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However, the ombusdman said she had found nothing to suggest police had information that would have allowed them to prevent the murder.

Police actions surrounding Mr OHaras murder were initially investigated as part of a larger ombudsman investigation which focused on the activities of the UDA in south Belfast between 1993 and 1998.

Mr OHaras killing was not included in the report on this broader investigation, published in 2022, due to the pending prosecution of a man charged in connection to the murder. The trial was halted in December 2023 when the man died.

Marie Anderson said she did not find evidence that police could have prevented the murder (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mrs Anderson said: I am mindful that intelligence is not evidence but all investigative agencies rely on intelligence to assist in the investigation of crime.

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Intelligence can provide investigators with new lines of inquiry which may result in subsequent arrests and other investigative opportunities.

My investigators have viewed intelligence and information that was provided to the murder investigation team that would have enabled them to identify a number of potential suspects to the murder.

However, no arrests of these individuals followed.

She said one potential suspect was not arrested despite being connected to the murder by witness evidence and four separate pieces of intelligence received between April and September 1991  one of which suggested he had been one of the gunmen.

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Mrs Anderson also referred to intelligence received by police in late April 1991, which indicated that eight people had been involved in the murder.

She said: This intelligence provided a significant amount of information about the murder, which I have concluded ought to have been actioned by police.

However, only three of those people were arrested.

Her report said another of those named in the intelligence was identified by RUC Special Branch as a possible likeness to a photofit created by witnesses who described a gunman running down the street telling people to stay indoors.

Despite having been identified on the basis of intelligence and witness evidence, he was not arrested, although his home was searched. The search found nothing to assist the investigation of Mr OHaras murder.

Police also raised an investigative action to trace and interview another of the potential suspects, rather than arrest him, the ombudsmans report said.

I find it concerning that police had separate pieces of information suggesting that this man may have been linked to Mr OHaras murder yet he was not arrested.

He was interviewed only as a witness rather than a suspect.

The ombudsman investigators found no evidence that the alibis provided by three suspects arrested in connection with Mr OHaras murder had been tested by police.

One was interviewed 21 times over three days in April 1991. Mrs Anderson said Mr OHaras murder received only two brief mentions during these interviews.

The report said the suspect stated that he had been at his brothers house at the time of the murder. Mrs Anderson said there was no evidence that police had conducted inquiries to test this alibi.

The complaint to the ombusdman by Mr OHaras widow included an allegation that she had not been kept updated about the progress of the original police investigation.

As a result, she suspected there had been collusion between police and those involved in the murder.

Mrs Anderson said her investigators had identified and spoken to the officer who had contact with the family during the murder investigation.

He said his point of contact with the family had been Mrs OHaras brother-in-law.

The ombudsman said: The officer agreed that, because of the pressure of work at that time, together with security concerns regarding the releasing of information, there was insufficient contact with all families who found themselves in similar circumstances during this time period.

This is a systemic issue that I have identified in other similar cases.

The ombudsmans investigation found no collusion in relation to the allegation of failures by police to update Mrs OHara about her husbands murder.
A Chicago man who admitted shooting dead seven people and wounding dozens of others during a 2022 Independence Day parade has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti handed down seven consecutive sentences of life in prison, as prosecutors requested, for the first-degree murder charges after hearing emotional testimony from survivors and the relatives of those killed.

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This court has absolutely no words that could adequately describe and capture the horror and pain that was inflicted on July 4th, the judge said.

Robert Crimo III, 24, has a complete disregard for human life and is irretrievably depraved, permanently incorrigible, irreparably corrupt and beyond any rehabilitation, she said.

Elizabeth Turnipseed walks to her seat after reading a victim impact statement (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

After years of unpredictable legal proceedings, Crimo changed his plea to guilty last month just moments before opening statements at his trial.

Dozens were wounded in the shooting in the suburb north of Chicago. They ranged in age from their 80s to an eight-year-old boy who was left paralysed from the waist down.

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Crimo refused to attend his sentencing hearing on Wednesday or Thursday despite Judge Rossettis previous warnings that the case would proceed without him. Crimo also declined to provide a written statement in court ahead of sentencing.

Hes always known that he was facing life in prison, said Crimos public defender Gregory Ticsay. He has spared this community the lengthy trial.

Survivors and witnesses told the court about how their lives have changed since he killed seven people and hurt dozens more.

Keely Roberts, whose eight-year-old son Cooper Roberts was the youngest victim, called Crimo cowardly for not attending.

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You will not hear my grief, she said. You are now irrelevant.

It is unusual for defendants to skip trial, especially sentencing, but constitutionally they have the right not to attend, said David Erickson, a former state appellate judge who teaches at Chicago Kent College of Law.

Often in violent cases, defendants will explain themselves or profess innocence before sentencing.

Certainly in crimes of violence its not unusual for a defendant to show some remorse, Mr Erickson said.

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Some survivors called Crimo a monster while another cited their faith in forgiving him. Many described feeling empty or facing deep sadness since the shooting. Some no longer attend public gatherings.

Erica Weeder described how she and her husband were injured and helpless on the ground, watching others bleed to death. For weeks, there was shrapnel in her body and a bullet lodged in her husbands elbow.

A mass shooting is like a bomb blast throughout a community, she said.

Prosecutors argued that Crimo was fully in control of his actions as he fired 83 shots over 40 seconds.

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Cynthia Straus wipes her eyes after reading a victim impact statement (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

This was his evil plan. He intended to end the happiness that he saw around him, said Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart.

Crimo pleaded guilty to 21 counts of first-degree murder  three counts for each person killed  and 48 counts of attempted murder. Each first-degree murder count carries a maximum life sentence in Illinois.

Even in his absence, prosecutors made sure Crimos own words were heard on Wednesday, revealing parts of the trove of evidence prepared for trial, including key parts of Crimos videotaped confession.

In the interview, which defence attorneys tried to have thrown out, a blank-faced Crimo slumped in a chair with arms crossed. He told officers that he briefly reconsidered the attack because of a problem with the gun. He later fixed the weapon.

I walked up the stairs, jumped on the roof and opened fire, he said.

The seven people killed were Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35.

Crimos father Robert Crimo Jr, a former mayoral candidate, served less than two months in jail on charges in connection with how his son obtained a gun license.
Dedicated mourners queued overnight to pay respects to Pope Francis, as the Vatican extended viewing hours to see the popular pontiffs remains.

More than 20,000 people have so far stood in line for hours in St Peters Square to make their way into the basilica to catch a glimpse of Franciss body, which is laid out in an open coffin.

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The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been dubbed by some as the peoples pope, having spoken out for the poor and those in need in his lifetime and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life.

People stood in the sun for hours to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Since his remains were transferred to St Peters Basilica, waves of mourners stood patiently in line, with the queue snaking its way through the square to the Holy Door of the building.

Thousands more are expected to flock to pay their respects throughout Thursday and until 7pm local time on Friday.

While it had been expected that the basilica would close at midnight, it remained open for most of the night, save for an hour for cleaning, to allow more people to pay their respects.

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Among those filing past the coffin, some blessing themselves with the sign of the cross or pausing briefly in prayer, were a mother and daughter who described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Primary school teacher Marguerite OLeary and her teenage daughter Ellen, from Co Clare, stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiffs remains inside St Peters Basilica in the Vatican.

Mrs OLeary said she felt it was their duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here in the days following the Popes death, while her 14-year-old daughter described it as amazing to be in there and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Marguerite OLeary and her daughter Ellen queued for five hours (Aine Fox/PA)

Meanwhile, Patrick Gavigan, based in Co Kildare, said it was momentous to be inside the basilica to witness the Popes remains close up after queuing with his wife Alice for almost four hours.

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The retired couple, who are in Rome celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary year, said they were so happy to have been able to experience what they said was a historic occasion  having first met each other on a papal visit by Pope John Paul II to Dublin in 1979.

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols in the area.

Police have been managing crowd control at various points on the approach to the square, with some checking bags, as mourners mingled with the usual tourist population.

Large crowds are also expected for Saturdays funeral in St Peters Square, with Taoiseach Micheal Martin and President Michael D Higgins to attend.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William also be there, alongside other global leaders and dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In accordance with the late popes wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peters Basilica.
Pope Franciss doctor found the pontiff with his eyes open and breathing normally, but unresponsive when he was called to the Vatican early on Monday morning, the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported on Thursday.

Dr Sergio Alfieri co-ordinated Franciss five-week hospital treatment for double pneumonia and continued to oversee the popes treatment after the pontiff returned to the Vatican on March 23 for two months of rest to allow a full recovery.

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Dr Sergio Alfieri said the pope was breathing but did not respond (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Dr Alfieri was alerted at 5.30am on Monday by Franciss health care assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, that Francis had been stricken and needed to be taken to the hospital.

The doctor told Corriere that he arrived 20 minutes later.

I went into his room, and he had his eyes open. I noted that he did not have respiratory issues, so I tried to call him but he did not respond, Dr Alfieri was quoted as saying, adding that his lungs were clear and he was receiving supplemental oxygen. He also did not respond to stimuli, even painful ones.

In that moment, I understood there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma.

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Dr Alfieri said it was too risky moving Francis back to the Gemelli hospital, where he was treated for a complex respiratory infection that nearly killed him twice.



The pope died two hours after suffering a stroke (Alessandra Tarantino/File/AP)

Two hours after falling ill, the pope died, having suffered a stroke.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived and said the rosary over the body, accompanied by the papal household staff, Dr Alfieri told the Milan daily.

I gave him a caress, as a farewell, the doctor said.

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Vatican News has reported that the pope managed a gesture of farewell to Mr Strappetti after falling ill.

Dr Alfieri became the popes surgeon when he needed treatment for diverticulitis in 2021.



The Pope could not resist appearing in St Peters Square before crowds on Easter Sunday (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Dr Alfieri tried to get him on a diet after the surgery.

He had a big sweet tooth, and sometimes would go to the kitchen at the Santa Marta hotel for a midnight snack. He put on a dozen kilograms (nearly 30 pounds) too many. At times, I came off as too rigorous because he told me, Remember to live with irony.

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After the pope suffered several severe respiratory crises in hospital that required decisive treatment, the surgeon said: We knew he wouldnt return to his former condition, and that the infection had left another scar on his lungs.

Still, he improved with physical therapy. I saw him on Saturday, and I found him in good shape. I didnt think it would be the last meeting, Dr Alfieri told la Repubblica.

Though Francis was ordered to rest and avoid crowds for two months to recover, Dr Alfieri expressed understanding for the popes desire to return to work.

Going back to work was part of his treatment, and he never exposed himself to dangers, Dr Alfieri told Corriere.

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The popes doctor said that he believes there were a series of things the pope had to do before dying and that he returned home to be pope until the last instant (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Francis couldnt resist appearing in St Peters Square on Sunday, which culminated with a long drive through the Easter crowd of 50,000 on the pope mobile, with several stops to bless children.

He also insisted on inviting health care workers from the Gemelli hospital to the Vatican before Easter, even though the doctor suggested they wait until the end of the two-month convalescence in June.

I have the clear sensation now that there were a series of things he felt he had to do before dying, Dr Alfieri told Corriere.

We knew he wanted to return home to be pope until the last instant, and he didnt disappoint us.
Donald Trump said Russia has already made a pretty big concession to end the war in Ukraine by stopping short of taking control of the whole country.

But the notion is one that Ukraine and much of Europe have fiercely pushed back against, arguing that Russia pausing a land grab is hardly a concession.

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Earlier on Thursday, Mr Trump called on President Vladimir Putin to STOP! the attacks on Ukraine, a rare rebuke of the Russian leader by the US president.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying, Mr Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

President Donald Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store held talks (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Russia struck Kyiv with an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones.

At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.

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Mr Trumps frustration is growing as a US-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

The US president lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal.

Mr Zelensky has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognising occupied territory as Russias is a red line for Ukraine.

He noted on Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscows attacks had continued.

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Mr Trump is meeting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of Nato and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile border with Russia.
US President Donald Trump has ordered sharper scrutiny of Americas universities and the accreditors that oversee them.

It forms part of his escalating campaign to end what he calls wokeness and diversity efforts in education.

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In a series of executive actions signed on Wednesday, Mr Trump targeted universities that he views as liberal adversaries to his political agenda.

One order called for harder enforcement of a federal law requiring universities to disclose their financial ties with foreign sources, while another called for a shakeup of the accrediting bodies that decide whether universities can accept federal financial aid awarded to students.



President Donald Trump is handed an executive order to sign by White House staff secretary Will Scharf (Alex Brandon/AP)

Universities financial ties with foreign sources have long been a concern among Republicans, especially ties with China and other countries with adversarial relationships with the US.

It became a priority during Mr Trumps first term and reemerged last week as the White House grasped for leverage in its escalating battle with Harvard University.

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The White House said it needed to take action because Harvard and other universities have routinely violated a federal disclosure law, which has been unevenly enforced since it was passed in the 1980s.

Known as Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, the law requires universities to disclose foreign gifts and contracts valued at 250,000 dollars (188,455) or more.

In the executive order, Mr Trump calls on the Education Department and the attorney general to step up enforcement of the law and take action against universities that violate it, including a cutoff of federal money.

The Trump administration intends to end the secrecy surrounding foreign funds in American educational institutions and protect against foreign exploitation, the order said.

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President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order relating to school discipline policies as education secretary Linda McMahon listens in (Alex Brandon/AP)

It was applauded by Republicans, including Tim Walberg of Michigan, chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

He accused China of exploiting academic ties to steal research and indoctrinate students.

Another order aims at accrediting bodies that set standards universities must meet to accept federal financial aid from students.

Mr Trump campaigned on a promise to overhaul the industry, saying it was dominated by Marxist Maniacs and lunatics.

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Often overlooked as an obscure branch of university oversight, accreditors play an important role in shaping universities in many aspects, with standards that apply all the way from universities governing boards to classroom curriculum.

Mr Trumps executive order is the opening salvo in what could be a lengthy battle to overhaul the accrediting industry.

Chief among his priorities is to strip accreditors of diversity, equity and inclusion requirements imposed on universities.

Some accreditors have already dropped or stopped enforcing such standards amid Mr Trumps DEI crackdown.

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Mr Trumps order calls on the government to suspend or terminate accreditors that discriminate in the name of DEI.

Instead, it calls on accreditors to focus more squarely on the student outcomes of universities and programs they oversee.



President Donald Trump signs an executive order relating to education (Alex Brandon/AP)

The president wants to make it easier for new accreditors to compete with the 19 that are now authorised to work on behalf of the federal government.

As it stands, new accreditors looking to be recognised by the government must undergo an arduous process that traditionally takes years.

Mr Trumps order said it should be transparent, efficient, and not unduly burdensome.

Instead of pushing schools to adopt a divisive DEI ideology, accreditors should be focused on helping schools improve graduation rates and graduates performance in the labour market, education secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to STOP! after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraines capital.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying, Mr Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

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Russia struck Kyiv with an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones.

At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.

Mr Trumps frustration is growing as a US-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

The US president lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal.

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Mr Zelensky has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognising occupied territory as Russias is a red line for Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky noted on Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscows attacks had continued.

Mr Trump is set to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of Nato and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile (198-kilometer) border with Russia.
NewsMax Australias Facebook account was temporarily erased by the social media giant, with the right-wing media start-up claiming it was cancelled by Meta for posting an interview with a cost-of-living activist protesting outside a property owned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The account, which was offline for more than a day, was reinstated on Thursday, with a spokesperson for Facebook owner Meta saying it was deactivated as an error. It was initially removed under the belief the account was illegally using the name of its US counterpart.

NewsMax told its followers it was cancelled by Facebook for publishing an interview with housing activist Morgan Cox. Credit: ABC

The move highlights the unilateral power social media giants such as Meta have over news publishers.

NewsMax told its followers on X its account was deleted after it published a video interview of Morgan Cox while parking his campervan outside Albaneses $4.3 million Copacabana Beach house. Cox has risen to prominence as a father-of-three on the brink of homelessness, after an appearance on the ABCs Q+A in March.
New York: Harvey Weinsteins #MeToo retrial opened Wednesday, giving a new jury a fresh look at familiar rape and sexual assault allegations  plus a newly added claim from a former model.

For the first time, prosecutors publicly identified Kaja Sokola and detailed her account of what unfolded between her and the Oscar-winning movie producer in the early 2000s. He is criminally charged with forcing oral sex on her in 2006, but she also accused him in a civil lawsuit of groping her against her will four years earlier, when she was 16.

Harvey Weinstein appears in state court in Manhattan on Wednesday (local time) as his retrial begins. Credit: Steven Hirsch /New York Post via AP

Like the two other accusers in the case, Sokola alleges a complex series of encounters and reactions  being sexually assaulted, yet staying in touch, wary of Weinstein but wanting to remain on good terms with a power broker who dangled the possibility of an acting career.

Why did the defendant hold this level of power and control in the eyes of these three women?  Its because Harvey Weinstein defined the field, prosecutor Shannon Lucey told jurors in an opening statement. He knew how tempting promises of success were. He produced, he choreographed, he therefore directed, their ultimate silence for years.
A Sydney radio station has been using an AI-generated host for about six months without disclosing it  and was not legally obliged to.

It was revealed last week that Australian Radio Networks (ARN) Sydney-based CADA station, which broadcasts across western Sydney and is available online and through the iHeartRadio app, had created and deployed an AI host for its Workdays with Thy slot.

The artificial host known as Thy is on-air at 11am each weekday to present four hours of hip-hop, but at no point during the show, nor anywhere on the ARN website, is the use of AI disclosed.

CADA used an AI-generated host and didnt disclose it. It didnt have to.

Instead, the shows webpage simply says while you are at work, driving around, doing the commute on public transport or at uni, Thy will be playing you the hottest tracks from around the world.
World must never return to law of jungle

10:47, April 24, 2025 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

Mounting global criticism is coalescing around a familiar concern: the United States is once again weaponizing tariffs as a tool of economic coercion. Experts warn that sweeping U.S. tariffs will deal a heavy blow to African economies, while ASEAN nations have openly denounced America's unilateral tariff escalations.

Equally troubling, observers argue that these arbitrary tariffs not only threaten global economic stability but also signal a deliberate attempt of the U.S. to reassert its old hegemonic influence in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Among the countries on Washington's "tariff coercion list" are some of the world's most vulnerable economies such as Lesotho, recognized by the United Nations as one of the least developed nations, and Fiji, a Pacific island country with a fragile, narrowly based economy. This reckless move is sending shockwaves across the Global South.

In a bid to preserve its economic dominance, the U.S. has wielded the tariff stick, infringing upon and undermining other countries' development rights and interests. This approach reveals its troubling indifference to international morality and responsibilities, exposing the underlying selfishness and hypocrisy of U.S. hegemony.

Driven by the belief in "might makes right," the U.S. continues to pursue economic unilateralism - seeking gains at the expense of less developed countries. Such action not only erodes the development rights and interests of Global South countries but also undermines the efforts to build a more inclusive global economy.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that trade wars are extremely negative, especially for the poorest people in the world. Data analysis from the World Trade Organization indicates that, amid economic disparities and unequal power dynamics, U.S. tariff policies will exacerbate the wealth gap among nations, with less developed countries facing particularly severe repercussions. This trend poses a significant threat to the efforts intended to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The U.S. deliberately ignores the true development conditions of developing countries, distorting the causes behind trade deficits to justify its sweeping, unilateral tariffs. Its irresponsible action strips other countries, particularly those of the Global South, of their development rights and interests.

As the world's largest economy, the U.S. has reaped immense profits from the global division of labor. Yet even as it benefits from globalization, it brazenly undermines very rules that make it work - flouting international trade norms, disregarding the intricate web of global industrial and supply chains, and casting aside the principles and purposes of the multilateral trading system. This behavior has inflicted deep and lasting harm to the economies and livelihoods of countries in the Global South.

An onslaught of tariffs by the U.S. will send "shock waves" through African economies, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, recently said, warning of reduced trade and higher debt-servicing costs.

The international community must not remain silent in the face of economic bullying and coercion. As the largest developing country and a responsible member of the international community, China has taken legitimate countermeasures to defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests. These actions are not only about protecting China's own rights and interests - they are about standing up for the integrity of international trade rules, and for international fairness and justice. That stance has resonated across the Global South, where support for a more equitable global trading order continues to grow.

At the second meeting of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues, participants expressed serious concerns over the trade tensions triggered by U.S. measures, and jointly called for opposition to unilateralism and trade protectionism. Reaffirming their commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading system, they emphasized the need for collective action to address the pressing challenges facing global trade today.

China stands firmly against trade protectionism and advocates a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. It is committed to advancing global development through trade, narrowing the development gap between the North and the South, and supporting the industrialization of other developing nations through tangible actions. For instance, it has given all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, expanding unilateral opening to the least developed countries to achieve common development.

China will continue to advance high-level opening up, steadily expanding institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. By sharing development opportunities with the rest of the world, the country aims to create win-win outcomes and achieve common development.

In its recently released Trade and Development Foresights 2025 report, UNCTAD underlined the growth of South-South trade, which accounts for about one third of global trade, as a source of resilience and a buffer against uncertainty. The development of China has been promoting "a steady growth of South-South trade," the report said, adding that the potential of South-South economic integration offers opportunities for many developing countries.

History must not be reversed, and humanity must never return to a world where the strong prey on the weak. In today's era of deepened economic globalization and interconnected international production networks, countries of the Global South are not only important contributors to the global economy but also crucial defenders of international economic and trade rules as well as the multilateral trading system. Any attempt to reverse this progress is doomed to fail.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
And WAs peak business lobby has accused the federal government of opening the doors to a union power-grab in the countrys economic engine room as officials strong-arm miners into negotiating deals with iron ore workers in the Pilbara.

In a statement released on Thursday, Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Peter Cock said there had been an explosion in permit applications to access mine sites across the north-west since the introduction of the federal governments industrial relations laws.

He went on to warn the union push into the Pilbara threatened productivity and had the potential to undermine investment, placing thousands of well-paid jobs in the state at risk.

Western Australias mining industry delivers safe, well-paid jobs and underpins the economic stability of the entire nation, he said.

It has operated for decades without the unions being front and centre in negotiations  something that was supported by workers who have been happily negotiating directly with their employers.

Unfortunately, new powers given to unions who represent a very small section of the workforce

comes at the expense of the broader workforce.

Allowing unions to regain a foothold in the Pilbara through a privileged position would see a

return of the actions of the bad old days.

The chamber has been vocal in its concerns over changes to the collective bargaining laws, which have allowed unions to force miners to negotiate on pay and conditions even with only a small fraction of the workforces support.

The comments come after The West Australian reported that officials from the embattled CFMEU were among those running a union recruitment drive in the resources-rich region as miners get hit with negotiation deadlines.
A Coalition plan to drive defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP would create a $100 billion hole in the budget through the first half of the 2030s and make it the second-biggest expenditure for federal taxpayers, eclipsing the age pension and NDIS.

Peter Dutton would not be drawn on how he would pay for the huge ramp-up in expenditure, except to repeal Labors small tax cuts that are due to be in place in full from mid-2027.

The Coalition is promising to increase spending on defence to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030 in what it says will cost the budget $21 billion.

But beyond that point, the Coalition aims to take defence expenditure to 3 per cent by the middle of the 2030s.
Australias richest person, mining magnate Gina Rinehart, has called for a gargantuan rise in defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP at a sunset vigil before Anzac Day as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Defence Minister Richard Marles sat in the audience.

Dutton, Marles and former prime ministers Tony Abbott, Scott Morrison and John Howard were guests at the Channel Seven Anzac Day Eve ceremony just outside the Sydney Opera House.

Gina Rinehart at the Anzac ceremony. Credit: James Brickwood

It came a day after the Coalition leader said if his party formed government, it would take defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030 and to 3 per cent by the middle of the next decade.

Defence spending under Labor is projected to rise from 2.02 per cent of GDP this year to 2.3 per cent by 2034, making the Coalitions 3 per cent long-term pledge significantly more ambitious.
Legalise Cannabis Senate candidate Fiona Patten, when she was a Reason Party MP in the Victorian parliament. Credit: Justin McManus Fiona Patten, the former leader of the now defunct Reason Party (previously the Sex Party), is at the top of the ticket. She was an MP in the Victorian upper house for two terms and was known as a progressive reformist influencing the Labor government. Animal Justice Party The Animal Justice Party is also pretty self-explanatory. The micro-party is against any lethal methods for controlling animal populations, wants to end factory farming and live exports, wants to help a transition towards regenerative farming and supports clean energy. Indigenous  Aboriginal Party of Australia

This party was founded by Uncle Owen Whyman, the son of late Aboriginal rights campaigner William Bates from the NSW Aboriginal community Wilcannia alongside the Darling River, or the Baaka. The river had been beset with fish kills and the town was overrun with COVID-19 in 2021. The party wants rivers restored to health, direct political representation, an end to Indigenous incarceration (except for serious offences), rehabilitation to be prioritised, Indigenous-run schools and an end to development that harms sacred sites. Australias Voice West Australian senator Fatima Payman founded Australias Voice after resigning from Labor, having crossed the floor to vote for recognition of Palestinian statehood. The party also wants to limit negative gearing and reduce the capital gains tax discount to put some of the revenue towards social housing; a mandatory banking code of conduct; and to establish a public bank.

Mohamed El-Masri with Senator Fatima Payman. Credit: Fatima Payman / Instagram Muslim community worker Mohamed El-Masri was initially endorsed by the Greens to run for the federal seat of Calwell before he quit to join Paymans new party and lead its Victorian Senate ticket. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation Fusion brings a group of single-issue micro-parties  the former Science, Pirate, Vote Planet and Secular parties  under one umbrella. They want to transition to negative carbon emissions, a universal basic income, to expand Medicare, to abolish stamp duty and to reduce migration. Former Mansfield Shire councillor Kammy Cordner-Hunt is the partys lead candidate in Victoria.

Group G The Socialist Equality Party failed to be registered by the Australian Electoral Commission, so its two candidates have to run under Group G. The party views even the Victorian Socialists as pseudo-left. It wants to redirect military funding to public hospitals, schools and other social services. Trumpet of Patriots The Trumpet of Patriots is a spin-off of the Australian Federation Party (from party hopper Vern Hughes) and the United Australia Party. Billionaire Clive Palmer is chair of the party and is once again saturating the market with bright yellow ads that have been widely criticised as offensive or misleading.

A Clive Palmer Trumpet of Patriots billboard in Melbourne. Credit: Eamon Gallagher The party is modelled on US President Donald Trumps style, proposing its own department of government efficiency (DOGE). It wants to cut immigration and withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations. Family First Former state MP Bernie Finn is Family Firsts lead candidate in Victoria. He was expelled from the parliamentary Liberal Party in 2022 for saying abortion should be banned, even for rape survivors, after hed already been warned about controversial social media posts. Bernie Finn among supporters on the steps of Victorias Parliament House after being expelled by the parliamentary Liberal Party in 2022. Credit: Joe Armao

Family First wants to ban teaching on LGBTQ issues in schools, ban public servants from putting their preferred pronouns in email signatures and wind back anti-vilification laws. It also wants a stronger safety net for the poor, the repeal of voluntary assisted dying laws, the winding back of abortion access, and to pause Muslim immigration. Pauline Hansons One Nation Party One Nation wants to cap migration and reduce Australias refugee intake, and to withdraw from the UN Refugee Convention and the Paris climate agreement. The party also wants to redirect and reduce foreign aid, abolish the National Indigenous Australians Agency, suspend GST on building materials, and limit abortion access. Australian Democrats This centrist party was founded in 1977 by former Liberal Don Chipp and says it acts without partisan or vested interests. It once had significant influence in the Senate but was deregistered in 2016 after its membership dwindled. While it has since been revived, it has not returned to its former glory.

Victorian Socialists The Victorian Socialists advocate a radical reorganisation of society in the areas of wealth inequality, housing and workers rights. Leading their ticket is Jordan van den Lamb  better known online as Purple Pingers  a social media personality known for exposing dodgy rentals. He has a big following but has been heavily criticised for creating a database of homes that appear empty to encourage squatters. Jordan van den Lamb, known as Purple Pingers, has been campaigning to help unhoused people squat in empty homes. Credit: Eddie Jim Sustainable Australia Party  Universal Basic Income The Sustainable Australia Party wants to reduce immigration and limit development, and abolish negative gearing while grandfathering the benefit. The party has gone through a few iterations but has changed its focus to advocate a universal basic income of $500 a week.

Loading Gerard Rennick People First  Heart Queensland senator Gerard Rennick founded the People First Party in 2024 after quitting the Liberal National Party over COVID-19 restrictions. Its since teamed up with the Heart Party, previously known as the Informed Medical Options Party, which wants an end to all no jab, no play policies and for fluoride to be removed from water. Rennicks party wants to raise the tax-free threshold, cut the corporate tax rate, scrap franking credits, make superannuation voluntary and reduce the number of work visas. Libertarian

The Libertarian Party, previously the Liberal Democrats, wants lower taxes and advocates for civil liberties. Its policies include repealing section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act and enshrining free speech in the Constitution. Leading the partys ticket in Victoria is Jordan Dittloff, a former travel agent who was jailed for defrauding nearly $280,000 from dozens of clients through his Colac business in 2014 and 2015. Reflecting on the experience, he has said he had an unhealthy relationship with drugs and alcohol and had focused on recovering. Citizens Party The Citizens Party is inspired by the late US conspiracy theorist Lyndon LaRouche. The fringe group backs the creation of a public bank through Australia Post, opposes the AUKUS security pact and wants to ease tensions with China. The party has previously referred to human-driven climate change as alarmist pseudoscience. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party believes farmers should be free to clear vegetation on their land. It also wants to clamp down on foreign investment, to expand the live export trade, recreational fishing and mining, and to prioritise water conservation for agriculture. The party also backs stronger free speech and privacy protections, and wants the 1996 National Firearms Agreement implemented by John Howard reviewed. Group T This independent ticket, Group T, led by Raj Saini with candidates Kirti Alle and Yashaswini Kanakagiri, includes disaffected Labor members. Kanakagiri was previously an electorate officer with Victorian Labor minister Natalie Hutchins and for Peter Khalil, the federal MP for the marginal seat of Wills.

Saini was also a Labor member from 2014, and had volunteered with the party, but confirmed to The Age he had recently quit. He said he felt party structures could be limiting and he was now free to act on the values hed always held. The trio wants more Medicare-funded mental health sessions, a transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and greater investment in affordable housing. Tired of party politics?  Its time for real change! Ungrouped David Van: The most prominent of the independents on the ballot left the parliamentary Liberal Party in 2023 and was referred by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to the parliaments workplace watchdog after independent senator Lidia Thorpe and former Liberal senator Amanda Stoker accused him of inappropriate touching and harassment. He has consistently denied the allegations. Senator David Van in parliament in 2013. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
A Mount Martha beach box has gone toe-to-toe with Portsea prices, selling for $1 million in cash after 48 hours on the market.

Boat shed 26 on South Beach transacted for $350,000 more than its guiding price, following interest from five parties  all rate-paying locals.

The buyer paid cash shortly after the listing went live on April 15, forking out a sum only $35,000 shy of the Melbourne median house price and setting a Mount Martha record for a boat shed.

Typically, banks will not loan for boat sheds (sometimes called beach boxes), given they are not residential and allowed only for storage.
Washington: Donald Trump has accused Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky of prolonging the war with Russia by refusing to cede Crimea to Vladimir Putin, in the latest escalation of the US presidents frustration with Kyiv as he tries to force through a peace deal this week.

In a furious social media post overnight, Trump took issue with Zelenskys rejection of a US proposal to in effect freeze the territorial lines close to their current positions, and recognise Crimea as Russian.

President Donald Trump during a brief appearance outside the White House on Wednesday. Credit: AP

Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. Theres nothing to talk about here, Zelensky said during a news conference this week that was widely reported in world media.

Trump accused the Ukrainian president of harming peace negotiations by boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal. He said Zelensky was not being asked to recognise Crimea as Russian territory, but if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it 11 years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?
UB AI tool outperformed other AI tools  and most doctors  on USMLE exams

Artificial intelligence isnt going to replace doctors, but a doctor who uses AI may replace a doctor who does not. 

A powerful clinical artificial intelligence tool developed by UB bioinformatics researchers has demonstrated remarkable accuracy on all three parts of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (step exams), according to a paper published April 22 in JAMA Network Open.

Achieving higher scores on the USMLE than most physicians and all other AI tools so far, Semantic Clinical Artificial Intelligence (SCAI, pronounced Sky) has the potential to become a critical partner for physicians, says lead author Peter L. Elkin, chair of the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and a physician with UBMD Internal Medicine.

Elkin says SCAI is the most accurate clinical AI tool available to date, with the most advanced version scoring 95.2% on Step 3 of the USMLE, while a GPT4 Omni tool scored 90.5% on the same test.

As physicians, we are used to using computers as tools, he explains, but SCAI is different; it can add to your decision-making and thinking based on its own reasoning.

The researchers tested the model against the USMLE, required for licensing physicians nationwide, which assesses the physicians ability to apply knowledge, concepts and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills. Any questions with a visual component were eliminated.

Elkin explains that most AI tools function by using statistics to find associations in online data that allow them to answer a question. We call these tools generative artificial intelligence, he says. Some have postulated that they are just plagiarizing whats on the internet because the answers they give you are what others have written. However, these AI models are now becoming partners in care, rather than simple tools for clinicians to utilize in their practice, he says.

But SCAI answers more complex questions and performs more complex semantic reasoning, he says. We have created knowledge sources that can reason more the way people learn to reason while doing their training in medical school.

The team started with a natural language processing software they had previously developed. They added vast amounts of authoritative clinical information gleaned from widely disparate sources ranging from recent medical literature and clinical guidelines to genomic data, drug information, discharge recommendations, patient safety data and more. Any data that might be biased, such as clinical notes, were not included.
LAgence de Regulation des Telecommunications (ART) vient de tirer la sonnette dalarme : les geants des telecoms au Cameroun ont drastiquement reduit leurs investissements dans le secteur, a appris cameroun24.

Selon les chiffres officiels relayes par EcoMatin, les montants injectes dans les infrastructures ont chute de 40% entre 2022 et 2025, soit une perte seche de plus de 90 milliards FCFA. Une tendance inquietante qui pourrait remettre en question la qualite du reseau et lacces aux services numeriques pour les millions dutilisateurs.

Des promesses ambitieuses mais des realisations en baisse

Malgre les annonces rassurantes des operateurs (MTN, Orange, Camtel, etc.) sur leurs projets dexpansion et de modernisation, la realite des investissements contraste fortement avec les discours.



Les chiffres cles :

? -40% dinvestissements sur trois ans

? 90 milliards FCFA de moins injectes dans les infrastructures

? Risque de degradation de la couverture reseau et des debits internet

Pourquoi cette baisse des investissements ?

Plusieurs hypotheses sont avancees par les experts :

1?? Saturation du marche : Apres des annees de croissance, les operateurs pourraient estimer avoir atteint un plafond en termes de couverture.

2?? Couts operationnels eleves : Taxes, frais de licence et cout de lenergie grevent les budgets.

3?? Attentisme strategique : En attente de la 5G ou dautres innovations, certains operateurs ralentissent leurs deploiements.

Quelles consequences pour les consommateurs ?

Si cette tendance se confirme, les Camerounais pourraient subir :

?? Une baisse de la qualite de service (lenteurs, coupures, zones mal couvertes)

?? Un retard dans le deploiement de nouvelles technologies (fibre optique, 5G)

?? Des tarifs moins competitifs en raison dun marche moins dynamique

LART sous pression

Face a ce recul, lAgence de Regulation pourrait etre amenee a :

? Renforcer ses exigences envers les operateurs

? Revoir les conditions dattribution des licences

? Encourager de nouveaux investisseurs a entrer sur le marche





#Telecoms #Cameroun #Investissements #ART #MTN #Orange #Internet

Cameroon's Telecom Sector in Crisis: Operator Investments Plummet 40% in 3 Years

Cameroon's Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) has sounded the alarm over a dramatic 40% decline in telecom infrastructure investments between 2022-2025, according to official data reported by EcoMatin. The shocking revelation shows operators have slashed spending by over 90 billion CFA francs ($150 million) despite public promises of network expansion and upgrades.

Investment Promises vs Harsh Reality

While MTN, Orange, and Camtel continue announcing ambitious digital transformation projects, the regulator's figures paint a different picture:



? 40% investment drop since 2022

? $150M funding gap in critical infrastructure

? Mounting concerns over network quality and coverage

Why Are Operators Pulling Back?

Industry analysts point to three key factors:

1?? Market saturation - Slowing subscriber growth after years of expansion

2?? Soaring operational costs - Energy prices and regulatory fees eating into budgets

3?? 5G waiting game - Companies may be delaying major spends until next-gen rollout

Consumers Bear the Brunt

The investment drought threatens to:

?? Worsen chronic network outages and slow speeds

?? Delay nationwide fiber optic and 5G deployments

?? Stifle competition and keep prices artificially high

Regulator at Crossroads



The ART now faces pressure to:

? Enforce stricter investment requirements

? Revisit licensing terms

? Attract new market entrants



#CameroonTelecom #DigitalDivide #ART #MTN #Orange #InfrastructureCrisis





Ange NGO






Superman may prefer flying to get wherever hes going, but if he needs something much more grounded, he can rely on BYD. Teaming up with War...
SCHOOLS across the country are being invited to enter the National Dairy Councils Future Farmer Competition, where they can win vouchers, an appearance at the Bloom festival and a trip to a dairy farm for their class. This is the second year of the competition and it was launched recently with the help of rugby player Garry Ringrose.

The NDC says it is looking for enthusiastic young people from around the country to tell them why they want to be a Future Farmer. Four winners will be chosen, with each receiving a 150 One4All voucher, a guest spot on the panel at this summers Bloom Festival in Dublin and  new this year  a class trip to a working dairy farm for their entire class.

The inaugural event last year was a huge success, with schools across the country entering the competition in the hope of winning the top prize. Last years winners also got to meet the taoiseach at Bord Bia Bloom, where they discussed with him what they loved about farming and what they hoped for in their future career.

To enter, students are invited to send a video, voice note, essay or poster to the NDC by email at futurefarmer@ndc.ie or Instagram via @ndc_ie before 5pm on Friday 2 May. It is not limited to students living on farms, and pupils of all backgrounds are encouraged to enter.

The winners will be announced on 9 May, with the panel at Bord Bia Bloom taking place on Friday 30 May.

Sinead Whelan, schools programme manager at the NDC, said: The future of the dairy industry lies in the hands of the next generation of farmers who will assume stewardship over the land and the responsibility for providing us with healthy, nutritional dairy products into the future. I see first-hand the passion that young people have for a collaborative, positive future in this country, and the Future Farmer Competition is one way of encouraging them to record their hopes and ambitions for the decades to come. For more information about the Future Farmer competition visit www.moocrew.ie.
A MOTORIST who was in a hurry to get home and who unknowingly overtook an off-duty garda was fined and disqualified from driving when he appeared before Carlow District Court last week. Mohammad Nawaz, 2 Graigowen, Tullow pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving arising from an incident that occurred at Grange, Tullow on 2 July 2024.

Sgt Peter Smyth told the court that an off-duty garda had just collected her child from GAA training and was returning home when she had to slow down behind a tractor. He continued that a driver behind her overtook her and the tractor, even though there was oncoming traffic, causing one driver to flash their lights as a warning.

Solicitor Chris Hogan told Judge Geraldine Carthy that Mr Nawaz worked as a security guard for 12 years in Dublin and that he was anxious to get home on the day in question. He continued that his client had two young children and that his wife didnt drive, so he needed his licence.

Judge Carthy said that it was very fortunate that Mr Nawaz had been charged with careless driving and not the more serious offence of dangerous driving and that he hadnt caused an accident She then disqualified him from driving for three months and fined him 500.
By Cillian Sherlock, Cate McCurry, Grainne Ni Aodha and Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The Irish and British governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on Northern Ireland legacy issues within weeks, the Tanaiste has said.

Simon Harris said both governments are working in very good faith to bring about an agreed position.

The Fine Gael leader made the comments following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Co Down on Thursday.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and Tanaiste Simon Harris speak to media at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at Hillsborough Castle (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Harris was hosted by the Northern Ireland Secretary at Hillsborough Castle for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability.

Hilary Benn and Mr Harris took part in the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues.

The meeting was also be attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP and Irelands Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan TD.

It was the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006.

Mr Harris told reporters that the Irish government has always had two key tests when it comes to legacy.

Firstly, is the mechanism compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and secondly, does it have the support of victims and their families. They are the two principles, the two tests that were applying in our discussions, Mr Harris said.

I know you, Hilary, feel very strongly in relation to that as well. We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I dont want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues. But you are right. There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined.

People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one.

Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan (Brian Lawless/PA)

I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not.

I really hope it is, and were both working in very good faith to try and bring that about. But it is now a question in my mind of within weeks.

He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like.

Describing their meeting as constructive, he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

I passionately believe, I know you do too, that this peace agreement, the Good Friday Agreement works best when the two governments pull in the same direction, and if at all possible, thats where we want to get to, where we could actually have a joint position in terms of a mechanism on the legacy of the past, he added.

Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been productive, adding that the governments have moved closer together on an agreed position on legacy issues.

Over the the work thats been taking place in recent months, weve moved closer together, Mr Benn said.

I think thats a very fair reflection as what has been happening and were putting in all of this effort, the intensive discussion that our officials have been engaged in, the regular conversations that the Tanaiste and I have had is because we want to be able to find an agreement.

Some of the issues are quite tricky  you wouldnt expect me to go into them in this press conference today  but were putting the work in because we believe well be in a stronger position if we can find an agreement, and in the end, help to build confidence in arrangements that, in the end, are going to deliver the families.

This is what its all about. It is the families that we have to have in mind, and in particular, the many families I have met who are still searching for answers, in some cases after very many years, about what exactly happened to their loved ones. And we all have an obligation to find a mechanism that will finally give them the answers they have sought for so long.

He said he had agreed with Mr Harris to meet again before the end of May.

Tanaiste Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr OCallaghan described the meeting as productive and engaging.

We discussed a variety of issues, the main one which was legacy, but we also discussed security cooperation, Mr OCallaghan added.

I was very pleased to be able to emphasise at the meeting the agreement that has been reached between the Irish government and the chairperson of the Omagh inquiry, which I think is a substantial agreement, a memorandum of understanding that I believe is going to provide an avenue to which documentary evidence will be provided by the Irish government to the inquiry.

As well as discussing legacy, however, I think its also important that we concentrate and focus on the other areas where there is excellent agreement between our two governments.

Meanwhile, Ms Anderson said an update was given on the UK Governments commitment to helping the Executive transform public services.

She also said security and other areas of cooperation were discussed.

Its been a very positive meeting, she said.

The recent release of 129 million from the UK Governments 235 million transformation fund has been allocated to priority areas including health, education and justice, and were keen to see positive change implemented for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.

The meeting follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth.

At the time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the relationship between the UK and Ireland had reset following a turbulent post-Brexit period.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

An underground school shelter in Ukraine has been officially opened following funding from the Irish Government.

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne visited Odesa on Thursday to open the shelter which was co-funded by Ireland with Lithuania and the European Commission.

Mr Byrne also met his Lithuanian counterpart, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus.

Ireland responded to the need identified by the Ukrainian Government for the construction and equipping of six underground school shelters across Ukraine.

The project addresses the immediate protection needs of children and teachers, and enables continuity of education and learning, amid the ongoing war following Russias invasion.

The underground shelter opened by Mr Byrne is the first completed shelter to support the people of Odesa.

Speaking in Odesa, Minister Byrne said: As I arrive in Ukraine, I want to condemn Russias latest missile attacks on Kyiv, Odesa and other cities.

The deliberate targeting of civilians is reprehensible.

Ireland will continue to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people.

He added: It is an outrage that we need to build underground shelters for school children in Ukraine.

But these shelters have become a necessity, as a direct result of Russias illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion.

The right to an education is something which we in Ireland very much cherish.

Our progress as a nation stems from our want for education and its enjoyment.

But it is only when a child feels safe, that their mind is free to learn and absorb, the teachings on offer to them.
By Aine Fox, PA Social Affairs Correspondent, in Vatican City

A couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary have told of the significance of being able to attend Pope Franciss wake in Rome  having first met decades ago at another papal event.

Patrick and Alice Gavigan were among some 20,000 people paying their respects to Francis in St Peters Basilica on the first day of his lying-in-state.

The nearly four-hour queue was well worth it, the retired couple aged in their 60s said, as they reminisced on their first meeting during a visit by Pope John Paul II to Ireland.

The pair, now living in Leixlip, Co Kildare, did not know each other when they went to Phoenix Park in Dublin in 1979 for that event, but met, married and have since had two daughters.

Mr Gavigan told the PA news agency: There is a significance, really and truly. Not planned.

We met for the first time ever in the Phoenix Park when John Paul II visited Ireland, and were married.

And 40 years later we decided to come to Rome to see the current pope, whom we had seen in Knock [in 2018].

But lo and behold he didnt stick around for our visit. We thought we were coming for a party [in our wedding anniversary year] but alas its not a party, its a mourning.

The couple had booked their holiday to Rome last year, and were glad to arrive on Wednesday just as Pope Franciss remains went on display at the basilica.

Mr Gavigan, a retired prison governor originally from Longford, said it had been momentous to be in the basilica.

Alice and Patrick Gavigan are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Photo: Family Handout/PA

He added: Truly once in a lifetime. Im so happy weve done that. Looking up there now at the dome, its hard to believe that Pope Francis is waking there.

Mr Gavigan added that the experience felt surreal.

He said: Having seen Pope Francis when he visited Ireland in 2018  we went to Knock to see him  we felt coming here now that he is no longer with us and going to his wake was just surreal really. To see him alive and see him now in death.

Mrs Gavigan, a retired Health Service Executive (HSE) worker originally from Co Mayo, said while the atmosphere was subdued, those queuing alongside them were friendly as they stood in line for hours.

She said: It was very quiet and sombre [in the basilica], but everyone was in good form and chatting to each other in the queue.

It was long but it was well worth it in the end, just to go in to see him.

Referring to the fact Pope John Paul was later canonised, and his positive views of Francis as a reformative pope, Mr Gavigan said: Perhaps well have seen two saints in our lifetimes.

The Vatican extended viewing times at the basilica due to high demand from mourners, opting not to close it at midnight as originally planned.

Franciss remains are due to remain on display until 7pm local time on Friday, ahead of his funeral mass in St Peters Square on Saturday.
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Northern Secretary will host the Tanaiste at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability.

Hilary Benn and Simon Harris will participate in the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) where there are expected to discuss ongoing efforts to find a way forward regarding the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.

The meeting will also be attended Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan and by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Fleur Anderson.

It is the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in the North since 2006.

Mr Benn said: This will be an important meeting in developing the strong and close relationship between the UK and the Irish governments as we continue to work together on a range of issues.

Mr Harris added: I am looking forward to this significant meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference and to continuing the intensive discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the challenging but essential work of dealing with the legacy of the past.

The meeting follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth.

At the time, British prime minister Keir Starmer said the relationship between the UK and Ireland had reset following a turbulent post-Brexit period.
NO doubt there are people who will criticise the lack of parking and so on in Carlow over the coming few days or get upset because a street or two may be closed off to traffic, but lets be honest: if the Pan Celtic International Festival brings any extra business to the area, I for one will be grateful on behalf of traders.

It is easy to criticise, but it is another thing altogether to get stuck in and try to organise a festival or a once-off event which will benefit the town and catchment area for no personal gain. Thats why I say congratulations in advance to anyone associated with the festival. This is not the first and, hopefully, it will not be the last time the festival comes to Carlow.

But it didnt just happen. No-one woke up one morning, planted a pin on a map and said lets go there for a change. A lot of work, unseen to many, went into having Carlow recognised as a destination for the festival.

It may be regarded by some as a fringe event  in other words, it does not attract the hundreds of thousands the annual fleadh attracts  but it is growing each year and, hopefully, a time will come when it will be recognised for the wonderful event that it is by a wider audience.

In case you need to know something about the festival, it is a celebration of our Celtic heritage and is truly an international event. It celebrates the cultural connections between six Celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man.

It features music, dance and other cultural performances and this year the festival, which runs from today (Tuesday) until 26 April, will be officially launched in Visual at 7.30pm by minister Dara Calleary.

This is the third year in a row that the festival has come to Carlow and, in fairness to the organisers, they have done their level best to ensure there is a wide-ranging programme, starting as early as 10am and running until 10pm.

Taking a look at the programme over the five days, it must have proved a logistical challenge for the organisers and, as I said, these people do not undertake this monumental challenge for personal gain but rather for the pleasure of sharing our culture with others.

Likewise, the organisers of Carlow Arts Festival, which takes place from 4-8 June, are doing their best to attract people to Carlow  as it has done each year since it first started back in 1979 as a community initiative celebrating Irish heritage.

Initially focused on the Irish language, poetry, music and dance, it evolved to prioritise visual arts and international collaborations and was initially known as Eigse but rebranded some years ago.

Held each June, Carlow Arts Festival is the first of the summer arts festivals in Ireland, presenting a programme of works by local, national and international artists across a variety of artforms, including dance, street art, literature, circus, visual arts, film, music and theatre.

While the Pan Celtic festival is more concentrated, it provides an equally entertaining programme and deserves to be supported. Some events are free of charge, others are only charging nominal fees.

Unfortunately, I have no doubt there will be some people who think there is nothing on the programme to interest them. I speak from experience here because I was once like that.

However, I was persuaded to go to a number of events in the past and can say that not alone was I surprised by what I encountered but ended up enjoying the experience, even if it was not something that I would normally attend.

Far too often we complain that nothing seems to come to Carlow  everything goes to Kilkenny or elsewhere  and, while I have been critical in the past of Eigse and other events, I applaud those who continue to try.

The programme of events continues to grow and that, in turn, results in a wider appeal, so I urge people to set aside whatever misconceptions they have of events such as Pan Celtic and go to one or more of the events over the coming days. You may be surprised by what you find.

As I said, some of the events start as early as 10am, but to find out more why not check out the full programme at www.panceltic.ie  it doesnt cost anything to take a look and you may be surprised to find there is actually something there that will be of interest to you.
SOUTH EAST Technological University (SETU) recently unveiled the new location of its collaborative ExWell programme at St Fiaccs Hall in Graiguecullen, Carlow.

First established in 2022, the programme provides supervised exercise classes for individuals with various chronic illnesses in community settings. It operates across 48 centres nationwide, with more than 7,500 participant visits each week.

ExWell is a collaboration between SETU and ExWell Medical, offering learning opportunities for health students and providing a service to the local community. The programme aims to address the issue of participants physical deconditioning due to lack of exercise. This is a key contributor to chronic illness in Irelands older population.

The ExWell programme is specifically designed to address this, and now in its third year in Carlow organisers are witnessing the profound positive impact on functional levels and overall quality of life for those taking part.

The programme has proven benefits

Dr Noel McCaffrey, ExWell CEO and founder, spoke about the proven benefits of the programme and its adaptability to all members of the community.

The concept is very simple. Everyone knows that exercise is good for our health, and this applies as much to people with long-term illness as to people who do not have illness. All health professionals recommend regular exercise, but making it happen for people is different from just recommending it  this is ExWells key achievement. We make it happen and anyone can try it. We dont turn anybody away. Our approach is that we find a way to make it work for everyone, he said.

Until recently, the programme had run at SETUs campus in Carlow. The recent location relaunch will see ExWell move to St Fiaccs Hall in Carlow. This is fantastic new venue and community hub that organisers hope will encourage more and more people to take part.

Dr Noel McCaffrey of ExWell Medical leads participants in a health workshop and masterclass in St Fiacc's Hall, Graiguecullen Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie

SETU lecturer Dr Clare Lodge said: The collaboration between ExWell and SETU is a powerful example of academia and health services working together to address both local and national health challenges. Health students, equipped with the knowledge of the benefits of physical activity for long-term conditions, alongside the support of SETUs clinical staff, are making a tangible impact in our community. This partnership reflects SETUs commitment to improving society by directly engaging with and addressing the health needs of the local population.

To celebrate the move, SETU hosted the health workshop, which included short educational talks on back pain and hip pain with practical instruction on relevant rehabilitation exercises, followed by an ExWell masterclass.

For more information on the programme, visit exwell.ie. For queries related to ExWell in Carlow, contact Amy Adams on aadams@exwell.ie or call 085 7436138.
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Warner Bros. Animation, along with its sister studios, Cartoon Network Studios and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, has announced its programming line-up for the upcoming Annecy animation festival in France.

The company will have a noticeable presence at the festival this year because Hanna-Barbera produced Annecys official 2025 trailer. A teaser can be seen below, but the actual trailer will play during the festival ahead of all the screenings and panels:

The trailer was directed by Grant Orchard (Hey Duggee) with Ben Bocquelet (The Amazing World of Gumball) serving as executive producer. Annecy is the highlight of our year, and its an honor for Warner Bros. Animation to participate in such a meaningful way, said Sam Register, the president of all three studios. I want to thank [Annecy Festival artistic director] Marcel Jean and the festival leadership for entrusting us with this years trailer, and Ben Bocquelet for his creative vision.

Besides previewing upcoming Warner Bros. Animation series like Get Jiro and Bat-Fam, WBs most high-profile event is is a 25th anniversary tribute to Cartoon Network Studios, which will include participation by the creators of some of the networks most famous series.

Here is Warner Bros. Discoverys full programming line-up for Annecy:

Creating Creativity: Celebrating 25 Years of Cartoon Network Studios: A special event celebrating the studio that defied industry norms and defined animation for a generation of fans. The event will include a conversation with the following panelists: Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexters Laboratory), Craig McCracken (The Powerpuff Girls), Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time), Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe), J.G. Quintel (Regular Show), and Adam Muto (Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake).

A special event celebrating the studio that defied industry norms and defined animation for a generation of fans. The event will include a conversation with the following panelists: Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexters Laboratory), Craig McCracken (The Powerpuff Girls), Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time), Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe), J.G. Quintel (Regular Show), and Adam Muto (Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake). Get Jiro: work in progress session: From Warner Bros. Animation and based on the DC/Vertigo graphic novel, Get Jiro is set in a not-too-distant future Los Angeles where master chefs rule the town and people literally kill for a seat at the best restaurants. A mysterious sushi master named Jiro enters a bloody culinary war to craft his recipe for revenge. Various members of the shows creative team will explore the shows creative and production process.

Bat-Fam: making-of Session: Following the events of Merry Little Batman, Bat-Fam follows Batman, Alfred, and young Damian Wayne, who has now taken on the mantle of Little Batman, alongside a few newcomers to Wayne Manor, as they navigate the fun and frustrations of life as a super family. Members of the creative team will give a behind-the-scenes look into the artistic development and production of this Warner Bros. Animation series that will premiere this year on Prime Video.
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Netflix has announced its line-up of presentations and screenings at this years Annecy animation festival, taking place June 8-14 in France.

Key highlights include the world premiere of Genndy Tartakovskys adult animated feature Fixed, which was just acquired by the streamer, as well as a masterclass with BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg, who is prepping a new adult comedy series, Long Story Short, debuting later this year on the streamer.

Here is the streamers complete Annecy event line-up:
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Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhads (Cahya Mata) upcoming Clinker Line 2 has received all necessary approvals at both the domestic and Sarawak levels, with only federal Department of Environment (DOE) clearance pending resubmission for clarification, said analysts from MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd (MIDF Research).

Once operational, analysts said Line 2 will eliminate the need for clinker imports, currently sourced from Vietnam, and increase output capacity from 1.7Mta to 2.75Mta. If both lines run concurrently, total output could reach 3Mt.

Once Line 2 comes online, Cahya Mata will become fully self-sufficient in clinker supply, with the flexibility to shut down Line 1 intermittently while maintaining stable production volumes.

According to management, cement demand in Malaysia is expected to exceed 1.7Mt in the coming years, driven by a flurry of state-backed infrastructure projects. Among these are the ongoing development of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, a new industrial factory requiring cement supply, and a naval base, which will add moderate but consistent demand.

Management also shared that several other major projects are in the pipeline across Sarawak, reinforcing expectations that Cahya Matas order book will remain healthy in the coming quarters.

Medium-term projections point toward volumes exceeding 2Mt as these developments gather pace, it said.

Addressing concerns about cheaper imported construction materials due to US-China trade tensions, MIDF Research said Cahya Mata remains confident in its competitiveness. Cahya Mata expects its new clinker line to make it cost-competitive, with limited risk from import-driven price pressures. Fears of cheap material dumping were dismissed, it said.
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Indias Dalmia Bharat has reported a 37 per cent rise in profit after tax (PAT) in 4QFY24-25, despite a five per cent fall in revenue. The published figures show a PAT of INR4.39bn (US$51.4m) compared to INR3.2bn the same period a year earlier, while revenue stood at INR40.91bn compared to INR4.07bn. The company saw a 2.8 per cent YoY decline in sales volumes during the quarter to 8.6Mta from 8.8Mta in the 4QFY24-25.

FY24-25 results

However, there was an 18 per cent drop in profits across the entire financial year to INR6.99bn from INR8.54bn in the previous financial year. Revenue for the year also fell to INR139.8bn, down 4.8 per cent from INR146.91bn in FY23-24. Sales volumes for the financial year improved two per cent YoY to 29.4Mt from 28.8Mt.



Building new capacity and boosting renewables

Among other highlights Dalmia Bharat noted the commissioning of 2.5Mta cement capacity at Lanka, Assam, and 0.5Mta in Rhotas, Bihar. Overall capacity now stands at 49.5Mta. It has also commissioned a 2.2MW captive solar plant at Lanka, boosting its overall renewable energy capacity to 267MW. The company pointed out that it has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the cement sector, with CO 2 at 465kg/t.

Dalmia Bharat MD and CEO, Puneet Dalmia, said: Having successfully achieved our milestone of cement capacity at 49.5Mta, we have commenced the next phase of expansion with the recently announced capacity addition of 6Mta catering mainly to new markets in western India. During the current year, while profitability remained subdued due to soft demand and weak pricing, I am confident to deliver profitable growth going forward on the back of stronger volumes, improved realisations and a consistent focus on cost leadership.


The Chattanooga Hamilton County Retired Teachers Association will award a total of $12,000 scholarships to qualified candidates in June 2022."If you are interested in earning an advanced degree or additional teaching endorsements, this message will be very important to you," officials said. "But wait - if you have a son, daughter, husband, wife or significant other who may be interested in a career in teaching, please keep on reading."Our scholarships are designated for high school seniors, undergraduate students, as well as college graduates who wish to enter the teaching profession or earn an advanced degree."Brief descriptions of the scholarships are available here CHCRTA scholarship deadline is Thursday, May 1."Good luck and thanks for applying," officials said.
Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard members in various period attire The Pledge of Allegiance led by members of the Col. Return Jonathan Meigs N.S.C.A.R. From left, Mary Margaret Gillis, Lucy Beaumont and Annie Beaumont. Also seen in the photo are Charles Dammann (back to camera) Master of Ceremony for the opening ceremony and Charley Manker behind Lucy. Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution Junior members lead the SAR Pledge. From left, Tyler Bobenhausen and Noah Dumitru (John Sevier Chapter), Ezekiel Pritchett and Jedsen Pritchett (Col. Benjamin Cleveland Chapter). Chamberlain family members reenacting as the British prepare to advance and disarm the Patriot Militia at Lexington Green during the first station presentation lead by Dr. David Chaffin. Our Little Red Coat squad was led by Dr. Don Chamberlain (John Sevier Chapter). Other members are his granddaughters (left to right): Elizabeth Dallas, Evelyn Dallas, Francesca Dallas and Eleanor Dallas. C.A.R. members took turns presenting the history of action taken by the old men of the town of Menotomy. From left, Rory Dumitru, Noah Dumitru, Mary Margaret Gillis, Kinsley Forshee, Hannah Boyd, Ezekiel Pritchett, Jedsen Pritchett, Annie Beaumont and Lucy Beaumont. The ladies of several area DAR chapters then teamed up to present short biographic sketches of ladies who were documented as being involved in the events of April 19, 1775. Sketches of Patriot women included: Abigail Cutler Whitney, Sarah (Whittemore) Reed, Hannah Adams, Martha Moulton, Elizabeth Hager and Mary Alvis Draper. DAR members briefing included (left to right): Elizabeth Kalabus, Chestuee Chapter, Sherri Manker, Sequatchie Valley Chapter, Michelle Morgan Blair, Ocoee Chapter, Briar Rose Blair, Ocoee Chapter, Patsy Holland, Ocoee Chapter, Judie Brock, Ocoee Chapter and Kristie Mantooth, Ocoee Chapter. Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard members fire a musket volley salute in honor of the Patriots of April 19, 1775 Previous Next

The local area chapters and societies of the Sons, Daughters and Children of the American Revolution hosted a 250th Anniversary Observation honoring the patriots of the Lexington, Concord and Menotomy and the Shot Heard Round the World at Audubon Acres.

The program was organized into six focused presentations by various members of the societies. Chaplain Greg Banther started the days events with an invocation to start the opening ceremony. The TNSSAR Color Guard presented and posted the ceremonial colors, members of the Col. Return Jonathan Meigs N.S.C.A.R lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and the ladies of area DAR chapters lead the Salute to the Tennessee Flag. Members of the Col. Edward Bradley N.S.C.A.R. presented the American Creed, Junior members of the SAR lead the SAR Pledge and all members of N.S.C.A.R. presented the C.A.R. Creed. A historic overview of the immediate events leading to April 19, 1775 was provided by Master of Ceremony Charles Dammann (TNSSAR past president and John Sevier Chapter member) which set the stage for the audience of about 120 friends and visitors to participate in the walk stopping at various points to learn about key events of April 19, 1775.

The first presentation point focused on the events at Lexington Green with Master of Ceremony Dr. David Chaffin (TNSSAR part president) providing a historical overview. The members of TNSSAR color guard stood in for the Lexington Minutemen. Don Chamberlain (John Sevier Chapter, 1VP) and his four granddaughters turned out in attire resembling the British providing an interactive visual. Paul Bobenhausen reenacted the firing of the shot that started the shooting at Lexington resulting in the death of eight minutemen. Historians are still divided as to who actually fired first at Lexington. Patriots lost at Lexington Green included: Jonas Parker, Jonathan Harrington, Jr., Ensign Robert Monroe, Isaac Muzzy, Caleb Harrington, John Brown, Samuel Hadley and Asahel Porter (a British Prisoner from earlier in the morning from Menotomy was unarmed and shot trying to run away).

The second presentation point focused on the town of Menotomy and the action taken by the old men who destroyed the British supply train of Lord Percy. C.A.R. members took turns presenting the history of this action. Historians have noted that with the attack on Lord Percys supply train, the old men of Menotomy accomplished the American Revolutions first forcible capture of enemy provisions and military supplies. We would not have an official Army until June 14, 1775.

The third presentation point was located at Audubons suspension bridge standing in for the day as Concords North Bridge. Master of Ceremony Cliff Kent (TNSSAR Color Guard Commander) gave a brief presentation on the events at Concords North Bridge, with our Little Red Coats providing the British volley which was countered by the Shot Heard Round the World. Members of the TNSSAR Color Guard fired a musket volley salute in recognition of the American Militia action and patriots lost. Captain Isaac Davis and Abner Hosmer were killed. The wounded included Fifer Luther Blanchard, Ezekiel Davis (brother of the captain) and Joshua Brooks. Notable actions at the bridge included Col. James Barrett summoning the officers for a council of war what would be the first of the American Revolution in which they agreed on what was the first offensive action against the Kings Troops.

The ladies of several area DAR chapters then teamed up to present short biographic sketches of ladies who were documented as being involved in the events of April 19, 1775. The sketches of Patriot women included: Abigail Cutler Whitney, Sarah (Whittemore) Reed, Hannah Adams, Martha Moulton, Elizabeth Hager and Mary Alvis Draper.

The celebration ended at the Audubon Acres picnic table area where a historical summary was provided by Claude Hardison, Jr (TNSSAR past president), benediction by DAR Chaplain Leigh Ann Boyd, a musket volley salute by the TNSSAR Color guard in honor of all the patriots of the day and participation recognitions.

The local SAR, DAR and CAR members want to thank Audubon Acres for allowing the use of their nature park for this celebration. A special thanks is also extended to Sheila Cannon for photography support throughout the day.

Click here for upcoming events. Look for the green RSVP button in the right corner of the page. Everyone is invited to any future SAR event on the published calendar.






The Concurrent Grand Jury was sworn in on Jan. 6 and 7, and met between Jan. 13-April 22, every other Monday and Tuesday. It also took several facility tours and received training on specific law enforcement apprehension procedures see below.

Hamilton County has two grand juries (Concurrent and Regular) that meet on alternate weeks and share the same duties and responsibilities; both hear evidence from law enforcement officers and determine if a person arrested or being investigated for a crime should be formally charged with that crime. This report is the Concurrent Grand Jurys - the Regular Grand Jury has a separate report.

The CGJ was a mixed group in terms of life and professional experiences, education, specific technical expertise, ideologies, and ages ranging from 30-75. There were 13 regular grand jurors, with six alternates, guided by foreman Rosemarie Hill. We were a committed and absorbed jury who listened and questioned the testifying officers, seeking legal clarification from the district attorney when needed. We also spoke amongst ourselves - sometimes rather energetically  to gather as much information as needed to make crucial and independent decisions. With every case, we considered the facts presented to us as well as the victim impacts, the accused, law enforcement, and the public before rendering our decisions. All decisions to indict were unanimous.

We were presented with 360 cases which contained 1,138 separate charges, of which we returned 1,131 true bills and seven no bills. We considered 76 direct presentments of case facts that contained 332 separate charges, all of which were true billed.

Case Presentations and Issues; Information Provided by Law Enforcement: When a case is presented to the CGJ by an officer, he or she has already spent many hours on apprehensions, arrests, follow-up fact and evidence investigations, paperwork, and reports to the district attorneys as necessary. Thus, cases brought to the CGJ are generally well prepared and not frivolous. After the evidence is presented, we can question the presenting officer and get advice on laws from one of the DAs who always accompanies us at hearings. We then have everyone leave our hearing room, and we discuss the cases and vote on whether to indict (true bill) or not (no bill).

Presenting law enforcement officers this term came from both state and surrounding jurisdictions, including Hamilton County, Chattanooga, East Ridge, Collegedale, Red Bank, Signal Mountain, Soddy Daisy, Sale Creek, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Bureau, the Corrections Departments of the Hamilton County and Juvenile jails, and the Norfolk and Southern Railroad police.

We heard and reviewed details of many different crimes, including first-degree premeditated murder, second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and reckless endangerment; targeted and random shootings often resulting in serious injury or death; rape of adults and children; child abuse; human trafficking; assault including aggravated and domestic; theft of all sorts from businesses, homes and vehicles; breaking and entering; burglary of homes, businesses, cars and other vehicles; fraud of many types; false reports to police; identity thefts of frightening creativity; many variations of unlawful drug possession, manufacture and sale; and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol often as a second or greater offense (with as many as five prior DUIs).

The CGJ is generally impressed with the thoroughness of the testifying officers, not only in presenting cases but in answering follow-up questions. These answers provide both context for a specific case and information on general law enforcement procedures. However, some officers were not organized or completely effective in helping us understand the facts surrounding the initial apprehension and factors leading to an arrest. This type of poor preparation is still very much the exception but is a definite problem when it happens.

Of great assistance to the CGJ are simple things such as speaking clearly, slowly and loudly enough for everyone to hear and comprehend, having reasonably organized facts, and if helpful, using videos, photos, or diagrams to help explain the facts. An officer may and should choose his or her own method of presentation of the arrest charges, but charges are not evidence, and the CGJ needs officers to bear witness to the facts if the narrative is not clear and complete.

The staff that manages the order and presentation of witnesses for CGJ does an outstanding job of coordinating the many officer schedules and contingencies. Don Klasing, CGJ liaison on behalf of the Hamilton County Sheriffs office, and Sergeants April Bolton and Todd Clay of the Chattanooga Police Department remained indispensable in their continuing efforts to ensure officer availability for hearings. Sergeant Clay was promoted to another position and we wish him the best but will miss his assistance, experience and gentle humor. Sergeant Carly Thomas has moved over to the liaison office, and she also has been of excellent assistance. Scheduling grand jury hearings is no easy task as officers have many duties and time constraints that sometimes make it difficult to appear at a certain time. The CGJ recommends that the staff and officers continue coordinating efforts so there is minimal downtime for both the CGJ and the officers.

District Attorney General Coty Wamp explained much about our criminal legal system and the burden of proof the CGJ must consider at the beginning and end of our term. She remained available to us whenever we had other legal questions. She or one of her assistant DAs were present for every case presentation to answer our legal and process questions. The DAs do not present evidence, and they are not present when we vote to true bill or no bill a case or a charge. In fact, no persons other than the grand jurors and the foreman are present for consideration, discussions, and voting on each case.

Training and Tours this Term: In addition to case presentations, several law enforcement officers took the time to help us understand the structures, challenges and internal workings of law enforcement in processing crimes. We received a full session of training from law enforcement on the day after we were sworn in. We also received valuable information during the officers responses to questions we raised at individual testimony hearings.

Officers Rodney Proffitt and Mariah Dunlop of the Chattanooga Police Department provided us with solid information about drugs and drug crimes in our communities, including the havoc wreaked by Fentanyl, and showed us how their teams work drug cases. We appreciate the knowledge and work of these officers and their various team members.

Officers Marvin Perez and Todd Clay presented helpful information and demonstrations on DUI issues in the field including apprehensions, arrests, field sobriety tests and general handling of these dangerous situations involving impaired drivers on our roads.

Officer Brandon Watson presented excellent information about the Crisis Co-Response Unit of the Chattanooga Police Department. We are grateful for the existence of this CCRU and its combination of law enforcement officers, social and case workers, first responders, and courts in assisting citizens in need of mental health care.

We learned about the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network and various gun issues from Sergeant Josh May. NIBIN automates ballistic evaluations and provides actionable investigative leads in a timely manner. The work on analyzing guns and gun usage gives officers critical information on past and sometimes future gun crimes.

We thank Sergeant Bolton for organizing this training and scheduling it before our first hearings were held.

The CGJ was able to tour the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center as well as the Hamilton Juvenile Court this term. At the Jail, Sheriff Austin Garrett and members of his team accompanied us through portions of the new facilities and pointed out improvements to the older ones. They answered our questions and provided helpful and solid information.

Our tour of the juvenile detention facilities was also informative and all our questions were answered. That facility is woefully outdated and we strongly recommend resources to improve it. Nevertheless, we believe the directors and staff, beginning with Judge Rob Philyaw, have worked diligently and creatively with what they have to create a jail facility for adolescents that is as good as it can be. We applaud their efforts to make the juvenile detention center always better.

There is always a certain amount of misinformation about the operation and facilities of the Jail and the Juvenile Detention Center amongst the public; some of that comes from media reports, but sometimes misinformation comes from fundamental ignorance of the laws and ordinances under which jails must operate. Our jails, whether adult or juvenile, must follow numerous state and other laws, municipal ordinances and various regulations. The operations are continually scrutinized, and they should be.

We know that the allocation of resources for any project is not an easy task for those who budget and vote on allocations. Still, we strongly recommend that resources for improvements to safety, cleanliness and other living conditions at our jails be continually addressed and funded, When all is said and done, we do recognize that any jail remains just that - a jail.

Another tour that was particularly informative was that of the Real Time Intelligence Center. That facility uses cutting-edge technology to fight crime. It has live feeds from roughly 3,000 cameras in our area, including from the Chattanooga Housing Authority, and various schools and businesses that share their feeds to cooperate with the CPD as needed. RTIC also has approximately 87 public cameras throughout the city. RTIC can livestream officer body cams to receive information from officers on location as well as warn them of potential problems they are walking into.

The staff of RTIC monitor the electronic information continually and can quickly send officers where needed for emergencies or other potential problems. The CGJ was very impressed with this facility and how it is run. We thank Sergeant Billy Atwell for providing us with the tour and highly commend the officers and civil employees who operate RTIC.

SPECIALIZED RECOVERY COURTS: Our Criminal and Sessions courts have specialized courts for drug recovery, mental health and veterans assistance. Judges Amanda Dunn of Criminal Court and Christie Sell of General Sessions Court oversee the drug recovery courts; Criminal Court Judge Boyd Patterson and Sessions Court Judge Lila Statom oversee the mental health courts, and Judge Patterson and Sessions Court Judge Gary Starnes handle the veterans courts. These judges all described the processes, goals and results of these specialized court programs. The courts are not an easy out for defendants. The programs require a great deal of commitment from the judges, their staff and the defendant participants. Handling these specialized recovery courts is in addition to the regular court duties of each of these overseeing judges. We recommend that the public become more aware of these courts, how they operate, and their positive results.

We recommend that mental health care must be and remain a priority for our legislators and law enforcement. Much of the recidivism in our criminal system is due to abuse of alcohol and drugs, or an individuals mental health degradation for other reasons. Veterans face drug and mental health issues that are often unique to their military service. Any resources necessary to continue these specialized programs and courts must be reviewed and granted by the allocating bodies  whether federal, state or local.

Recommendation for a Local Testing Lab: The previous CGJ recommended that our legislators take whatever steps are necessary to get full evidence testing lab in Hamilton County. Chattanooga is the only one of the four main cities (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga) that does not have its own lab. This lack of local lab facilities creates case backlogs, postponement of trials, inability to get all needed evidence analyzed, and is simply unacceptable.

Conclusion: All of the assistant DAs who came before the CGJ were professional and helpful to our understanding of the law that applied to the cases we heard. We believe the leadership and ongoing work of the DAs office is in solid and capable hands. We appreciated Ed Duke and Jackie Pinckney from the DAs office who handled and organized all the case files and charging documents for us. One of them was indispensably present each hearing day. We must also specifically thank ADA Tom Landis (who spent the most time with us) for his wisdom, patience, knowledge and a terrific sense of humor that often helped us through the toughest cases.

Hamilton County Circuit Court Clerk Larry Henry and his staff  particularly Margo McConnell  are responsible for the grand jurors well-being and care. They are there from the first day the jury is sworn in to the last day of our service. They are always quickly responsive and helpful to us.

We appreciate and thank our Hamilton County Criminal Court Judges Barry Steelman, Boyd Patterson, and Amanda Dunn (she was chief judge over the grand juries this term, and answered all our questions and requests), for overseeing the grand juries along with all their other duties. They all spoke with us this term and demonstrated continued support for a grand jury that is responsible, knowledgeable, capable, and independent.

Judge Tom Greenholtz from the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals spoke with us. He was inspiring, engaging, and helped us think about the criminal justice system in new ways  we truly enjoyed hearing from him.

If weve forgotten to thank anyone, it is our lack and not theirs and we apologize.

Formally submitted on April 23, 2025, by Rosemarie L. Hill, CGJ Foreman
The panelists, from left, Nancy A. Cogar, Mary Ross-Tarkington and Misty Bolt Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living co-founder and CEO, addressing the crowd Guests speak with Nancy A. Cogar, Esq., after the program Previous Next

Panelists addressed a variety of questions related to helping aging loved ones during the Morning Pointe Foundations free Caregiver Cafe on Tuesday, How to Make Tough Decisions for Your Aging Loved One.

Attendees from the greater Chattanooga area gathered at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton. A panel of three local experts shared their most frequently asked questions regarding financial planning, Medicaid and Medicare and veterans benefits. The event ended with opening the floor for direct audience questions.

The panelists were Nancy A. Cogar, Esq., elder law attorney with Samples Jennings Clem and Fields, PLLC; Misty Bolt, Medicare specialist and CEO of Medicare Misty; and Mary Ross-Tarkington, M.Ed., NCC, national director of client relations, Elder Veterans Legal Aid Group.

The audience was engaged in the presentation and asked a lot of questions of the panelists, lining up to speak to each of them after the program.

We had such good feedback from our attendees for this event, said Miranda Perez, Morning Pointe Foundation executive director. Our audience members asked some great questions about how to help their loved ones with transitions, and our experts were able to help provide answers and resources for them. This is one reason the Foundation is here.

The Morning Pointe Foundation offers its Caregiver Cafe educational series as a free service to the community each spring as part of its mission to provide caregiver support programs. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living founded by senior healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow. In addition to the caregiver support, the nonprofit sponsors educational awareness events and funds scholarships to advance the care of seniors throughout the Southeast.

Morning Pointe of East Hamilton Assisted Living and Memory Care is a campus about to expand, with The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence, East Hamilton set to open soon. The new community will offer two levels of Alzheimers and memory care service  a new service for early-stage care in addition to the more traditional care for those in more advanced stages of the disease process. Staff will be specially trained in memory care approaches and programs. When The Lantern opens, the original building will transition to an assisted living-only community.

Both East Hamilton communities are taking reservations.
Five former or current legislators from the Chattanooga area are listed as potential witnesses in the federal criminal trial in which former State House Speaker Glen Casada and aide Cade Cothren face multiple charges.

Former Rep. Robin Smith of Hixson, who earlier pleaded guilty in the case, is set to be the government's star witness at the Nashville trial.

A jury was seated late Wednesday afternoon following two days of selection.

Opening statements are set for Thursday morning, then the government will begin its proof.

Others on the government's list include Rep. Dan Howell and Esther Helton-Haynes.

Also expected to testify are former Reps. Mark Hall and Patsy Hazlewood.

Authorities said in November 2019 that Cothren set up a firm called Phoenix Consulting that was said to be headed by Matthew Phoenix, which in fact was a fictitious name and the actual operator of the firm was Cothren.

The firm was set up to get payments from a program in which legislators could use up to $3,000 each per year for mailings to constituents.

Prosecutors said earlier, "The plea agreement contemplates that Defendant will cooperate with the government in this and related cases. It is anticipated that Defendant will testify in United States v. Casada, et al."

Ms. Smith, of Hixson, at one time headed the state Republican Party.

She pleaded guilty in March of 2022 to a single count of honest services wire fraud.

Her sentencing has been delayed multiple times as the trial has been delayed. It is now set in June.

The current trial at the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse on Church Street is set to last about a month.

Judge Eli Richardson is presiding.
A man who was found guilty of second-degree murder in a slaying that was caught on video in front of the local Amazon facility has been sentenced to serve 23 years in state prison.

The state had sought a first-degree murder conviction in the case in which 19-year-old Javonte Moon was killed in the early morning of Aug. 9, 2023.

Prosecutor Paul Moyle had told the jury that it was a premeditated case. He said Jones left the plant after a run-in with Moon, went home to get a gun, then returned and waited an hour and a half until Moon came out the front door.

He said Jones appeared to celebrate like a victorious athlete after firing a fatal shot into the face of the victim. Austin Schofield also prosecuted the case.

The defendant was represented by Alex Shoaf and Mike Little of the Public Defender's Office.

An expert witness called by the defense in the Amazon shooting case had testified that Jones suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The licensed clinical psychologist said it related to a disturbing incident that he faced when he was 13.

The Criminal Court jury also heard from a female Amazon worker who was mentioned earlier in the case as an interest of both Jones and the victim.

The female said she was present on the Amazon parking lot during a work break around 1:50 a.m. on the day of the shooting when there was a confrontation between Jones and Moon.

She said Moon was making threats against Jones, but she felt he was "bluffing." She said Moon did not display any type of weapon or engage in any physical attack.

The female said she started work at Amazon on July 16 and met Jones the next day. She said they had only been together away from work on one occasion and she was still getting to know him.

The witness said Moon was "persistent" in approaching her at work.

The jury on Tuesday got several views of the fatal shooting just outside the front doors of the Amazon Fulfillment Center on Discovery Drive.

Jones, who was 20 at the time of the Aug. 9, 2023, close range shooting, is standing trial in the courtroom of Judge Amanda Dunn for murder.

The video shows Jones walk up to a pair on a bench, greet them, then head for Moon just after he had walked out. He walked directly toward him, then shot him in the face. Moon later died.

Jones afterward told detective Jason Gunn that he had waited an hour and a half for the encounter with his workmate.

Jones, who had only been at Amazon for a month, said he got along with Moon the first two weeks and was sometimes dropped off at his house by him. However, he said Moon started agitating him, including trying to flirt with Kayla, a female that Jones was interested in.

He said Moon "kept trying to talk to her to make me mad. She was telling me I don't have anything to worry about."

In the interview, Jones said Moon persistently "kept trying to get under my skin," including when they were walking down stairs near one another near the time of the shooting.

Jones said Moon on that occasion "said he was going to kill me" and told him he wanted to fight him.

Jones told the detective, "I pretty much got fed up. I went home and got my five (gun)."

He said he returned to the plant and waited an hour and a half for Moon to come outside. He told of then walking up to him and "shooting him in the face."

Jones told the detective where to find the gun (in a juniper bush by the Amazon parking lot). He said he bought the Springfield 45-caliber at a pawn shop.

A single 45-caliber shell casing was found at the scene along with a puddle of blood. A 45-caliber projectile was removed from the victim during the autopsy.

Greg Mardis, who was nearing retirement at the time with the crime scene unit, told of finally locating the gun in a line of junipers. He said it still had one bullet in the chamber and three in the magazine.

A Lyft driver told of picking up Jones from the plant in the early morning. He said Jones was mainly quiet on the ride. He said he had driven away from the house when he got a "ping" and found that Jones wanted to come back to his house for a return ride.

The witness said Jones was more excitable and talkative at this time, and he indicated he had a gun on him. The driver said he learned that "there was some sort of conflict and the other guy said he would kill him."

He said Jones stated that he got the gun "for his protection."

The driver said he learned on the news about an hour later that there had been a shooting at Amazon and the victim was not expected to live. He said he immediately called police.

He said, "I assumed my car was on camera, and I didn't want police all over town coming after me."
Cleveland State Community College will conduct two commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 9. The 10 a.m. ceremony will honor graduates in the Advanced Technologies, Arts and Humanities, Education, Social Sciences, STEM and Tennessee Valley Early College programs. The 2 p.m. ceremony will honor graduates in the Business and Healthcare programs. Both ceremonies will be held in the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium on the Cleveland State campus.



Connie Vaughan, Government Relations Manager at McKee Foods, will give the keynote address for the first ceremony at 10 a.m. Vaughan has worked at McKee Foods for 38 years including 20 years in her current role. A trustee for the Cleveland State Foundation, Vaughan also serves as chair of the Thrive Regional Partnership and a member of the advisory committee for the Bradley County Partners in Industry and Education (PIE) Center.

In 2023, Vaughan was named one of Chattanoogas Most Powerful People by the Chattanooga Times Free Press. She has also been honored as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Trucking.

Susan Hatto, President of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Athens, will give the keynote address for the second ceremony at 2 p.m. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Hatto held multiple leadership roles at Montcalm Community College in Michigan before being named president at TCAT in 2023. Hatto has a masters degree in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Strategic Leadership degree at Liberty University.



We are honored to have two distinguished commencement speakers, Ms. Vaughan and Ms. Hatto, both dedicated to serving their community and inspiring others, said Dr. Andy White, Cleveland State President. Our graduates have worked hard, and the college administration, faculty and staff look forward to celebrating their achievements. It is a privilege for me to be a part of this special occasion, and I congratulate these students on reaching this significant academic milestone.



For those unable to attend the commencement ceremonies, the events will be streamed live and

can be viewed at mycs.cc/graduation.
The Tennessee Federation Of Republican Women celebrated 70 years as a federation with Ladies Day on the Hill on April 14, hosted by the Republican Women of Rutherford County.Over 300 members gathered in the Tennessee Capitol, with breakfast served in the Capitol Library, followed by a presentation in the historic House Chambers.Officials said, "The insightful presentation included representatives personal thoughts pertaining to aspects of their job with the consensus of meeting people from the great state of Tennessee as the most gratifying.In addition, U.S. Congressman John Rose inspired those in attendance with his remarks. The attendees were surprised with a photo opportunity and gracious words from Governor Bill Lee on the Capitol steps."During the luncheon, keynote speaker, Senator Marsha Blackburn, and Tennessee GOP Chairman Scott Golden collectively provided encouragement and inspiration for the fast-approaching 2026 elections. The theme was disco and party, and clubs hosted various representatives as a thank you for their diligence to the Republican Party. Club Presidents were presented with a resolution commemorating the TNFRW club inception date. Ladies Day on the Hill reflected 70 years of the impact women have within the Republican Party and excited attendees of what the future holds working together."
A federal prosecutor In Nashville said Thursday that Hixson's Robin Smith was one of "three powerful politicians who used their influence to line their pockets."



Prosecutor Taylor Phillips said the other two were former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former top aide Cade Cothren.



Casada and Cothren are standing trial on charges that include 20 federal counts of conspiracy, public corruption by fraud, bribery and name concealment, and money laundering.



Ms.

Smith earlier pleaded guilty to one count of honest services fraud and is due to be the star witness for the government.She resigned her state legislative office when the scandal arose.Prosecutor Phillips said the three found a way to "crack into a special pot of state money that was available only to legislators."He said the plan included kickbacks, pass through companies and a fake company.The prosecutor said it involved a fund that the 99 legislators could use for constituent mailings and surveys, and which was overseen by the House Speaker and Senate leader.He said Cothren set up a company called Phoenix Solutions that was supposedly headed by Matthew Phoenix, who turned out to actually be Cothren himself.The prosecutor said Casada and Ms. Smith received payments for other legislators who agreed to use Phoenix for their mailings.Ed Yarbrough, representing Casada, said the investigation was brought on by current House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who he said is a political rival of Casada. He said when Sexton became speaker, he learned of the Phoenix situation and began working with the FBI. He said Speaker Sexton had an earlier relationship with the Memphis branch of the FBI on another matter.Attorney Yarbrough said Casada had little involvement in the Phoenix situation, and only gained some $4,000-$7,000 out of it.He told the jury that Speaker Sexton had it in for Casada since Casada supported Eric Swafford, who ran against Sexton for the legislature.

The former Middle Tennessee District U.S. Attorney said the FBI showed up at 8 a.m. at Casada's home with news crews in tow.

He said Casada talked willingly with the FBI for two and a half hours that morning.

Attorney Yarbrough said the former pharmaceutical salesman had to step down from House Speaker after a "scandal" that was mentioned often during the day of testimony. However, he said his district re-elected him in 2022.

Joy Boyd Longnecker, representing Cothren, said he technically was not guilty of any of the federal charges and "the government is wasting your time."



She said similar mailer operations "have been going on for years. Its just politics and business as usual on the hill."



The attorney said Cothren "did a great job on the mailers and everybody got what they paid for."



She said Cothren "deeply regrets" what has been referred to during the trial as "the scandal." Cothren had resigned from his chief of staff position after publication of vulgar comments about women in emails.



The attorney said, "He has paid dearly for that."



Attorney Longnecker said the total amount spent in the mailer program was only about $51,000 and Cothren got around $8,000.



She said Cothren was highly sought by legislators as a "skilled political strategist." She said Cameron Sexton sought him out to help in his campaign for speaker even after Cothren had left the legislature.

The attorney said many legislators have additional jobs.

Of the case against Cothren, she said, "The justice system sometimes makes a mistake. They have tried to make a federal case out of junk mail."

She said, "Cade may be a sinner, but he's not a criminal."

The jury was told that the media "camped out at Cade's apartment, they followed him everywhere he went, they went through his garbage."

Attorney Longnecker told the jury, "You are going to see things you don't like about our Legislature - back stabbing, infighting, corruption, ambition, and, yes, the lies."
Drivers traveling near the I-75 at I-24 interchange in Hamilton County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that temporarily impact traffic. As part of Phase 2 (the second of two projects) to widen and improve the I-75 at I-24 interchange, Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews must implement weekend lane closures on I-75 near the SR 153 interchange to repair damaged concrete roadway slabs. This work is scheduled to take place over the next several weekends.



Beginning Friday at 9 p.m. and continuing through Monday at 6 a.m., contract crews will close the right lane on I-75 North from the bridge over the CSX railroad to East Brainerd Road. Signs will be posted directing drivers through the modified traffic pattern. I-75 South will not be affected by this work. The roadway will reopen to traffic as soon as the new concrete cures long enough to pass the required strength testing.



Drivers should consider an alternate route and are encouraged to avoid the area during these times. Significant delays are expected. Drivers should follow all posted signage and remain alert to changing traffic conditions.



This work is weather-dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances cause delays, it will be rescheduled for a later date. Uniformed police officers will be present to assist with traffic control and law enforcement.



Additional information and resources can be found on the projects website.



As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel. Get the latest construction activity traffic updates from the TDOT SmartWay Map. Travelers can also call 511 for statewide travel information.



The Move Over Law was passed in 2006. The penalty for violating the law in Tennessee can be up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of up to $500.
The General Assembly has approved legislation to allow the sale of homemade food items including poultry and dairy in the Volunteer State.House Bill 130, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, expands Tennessees food cottage law to allow farmers, small producers and emerging entrepreneurs to sell homemade goods from their poultry and dairy.This legislation expands opportunities to keep food local and strengthens small businesses across the Volunteer State, Rep.Reneau said. Im proud to pass my first bill, especially one that supports so many farmers and small business owners.The General Assembly passed the Food Freedom Act in 2022 allowing homemade food businesses to sell their food products directly to consumers within the state. Current law allows items like bread, candies, honey, jams and pastries to be sold.House Bill 130 allows the sale of poultry and pasteurized dairy in food items. It does not allow the sale of unpasteurized milk, alcoholic beverages, fish, shellfish products, meat, meat-by-products or meat food products.The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lees desk for his signature and it will go into effect on July 1.
J.D. Greear, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and pastor of The Summit Church in Durham, North Carolina. | Photo Credit: J.D. Greear's Facebook Page

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a statement of interest in support of a religious discrimination lawsuit initiated by former Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear's The Summit Church in North Carolina.

This filing comes just over two weeks after attorneys for the Chatham County Board of Commissioners requested the court to dismiss the lawsuit. The DOJ's statement, filed last Friday, supports the church's claim that the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) protects against the countys alleged discriminatory zoning decision.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division stated, RLUIPA protects the rights of religious groups to exercise their faith free from the precise type of undue government interference exhibited here. The Civil Rights Division is committed to defending religious liberties as our founders intended and as federal law requires.

According to the DOJ, RLUIPA is a federal law that guards individuals and religious institutions from unduly burdensome, unequal, or discriminatory land use regulations.

In the lawsuit, Summit Church claims that members of the county board unlawfully rejected its application to rezone nearly 100 acres of land for the church's Chapel Hill campus, asserting that the board's decision violated its civil rights as enshrined in the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and codified in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

The church is seeking a preliminary injunction and an order to compel the county to approve its rezoning request. The congregation, which previously worshipped at East Chapel Hill High School, has grown and requires additional space to accommodate its needs. The lawsuit contends that the county treated the church differently than nonreligious assemblies, which violates RLUIPA.

In response to the lawsuit, the county has sought dismissal of the complaint with prejudice, citing several defenses, including governmental immunity. Chatham County officials argue that their zoning decision is a legislative act under state law and is therefore not subject to RLUIPA. However, the church's attorney, Keith E. Richardson, countered in response to the county's motion that the rezoning decision is administrative and thus subject to RLUIPA.

Just over a year ago, the Justice Department sent a letter to state, county, and municipal leaders nationwide to remind them of their obligations under RLUIPA, emphasizing the requirement that land use regulations treat religious assemblies and institutions at least as well as nonreligious assemblies and institutions.
Pastor Jamal Bryant leads worship at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia. | Photo Credit: Jamal Bryant's Facebook page.

Pastor Jamal Bryant has declared that Target's commitment to invest $2 billion into black-owned businesses by July 31 is inadequate to resolve the ongoing dispute regarding the retail giant's decision to reduce its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

This rejection of the offer comes shortly after Target CEO Brian Cornell held a meeting in New York City with Rev. Al Sharpton. In a statement, Sharpton noted, This morning, I had a very constructive and candid meeting with Brian Cornell that included NAN National Board Chair Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and NAN Senior Advisor Carra Wallace. 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.

However, Pastor Bryant, who leads the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, conveyed a different perspective to his congregation on Sunday regarding the meeting's outcomes. He emphasized the need for more concrete actions to address the concerns surrounding the companys DEI efforts.

Bryant stated, We had four asks and only walked away with one thing. I want to tell you what that one thing is. Target has agreed that by July the 31st they will complete the pledge of $2 billion for black business. He added, But the other three things we have no commitment on and we don't have anything to stand on because their currency does not ride with us.

Starting on March 5, Bryant and his church have engaged in a 40-day fast, which includes refraining from shopping at Target. He has accused the retail giant and other major corporations, such as Walmart, of succumbing to former President Donald Trump's agenda to eliminate DEI policies, which he asserts undermine our national unity.

Bryant's boycott gained momentum as Target announced an anticipated meaningful decline in their first quarter profits due to ongoing consumer uncertainty, with the retail sector experiencing more than expected decreases in sales at the beginning of 2025.

In addition to the demand for Target to honor its pledge to the black business community, the Target Fast campaign is also calling for the retailer to deposit $250 million amongst any of our 23 black banks, restore its commitment to DEI, and establish community centers at ten historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to provide retail business education at all levels.

Bryant asserted that Targets offer to commit to only one of the demands fails to appease the black community, while also reiterated that the Target boycott did not originate from him or his church.

He stated, I sent last night an invitation to the president and CEO of Target as well as the chairman of the board to come to New Birth on this coming Tuesday to speak to the people directly, not in a private closed meeting, but in an open venue to talk about where Targets commitment is and where it is that we are going.
COMIBAM is currently hosting its continental conference in Panama City, Panama, from April 22 to 25, 2025. | Screenshot: YouTube/ COMIBAM Internacional

COMIBAM is holding its first continental conference since 2017 in Panama City, Panama, from April 22 to 25.

Having developed into a robust network of networks, COMIBAM is active in 25 countries, coordinating training centers, mission agencies, and local churches. Currently, an estimated 30,000 Ibero-American missionaries serve cross-culturally in over 200 countries and territories, reaching dozens of unreached people groups.

This event will be immediately followed by COALA3.0  the third consultation of the Christ Over Africa, Latin America, and Asia initiative. COALA3.0 aims to bring together a growing coalition of Global South mission leaders to strategize for the next phase of global missions.

COALA, which stands for Christ Over Africa, Latin America, and Asia, was established as a platform for leaders from the Global South to build trust, share strategies, and discern Gods mission collectively.

COALA3.0 is expected to concentrate on three core areas: mobilizing the next generation of mission workers, facilitating short-term global exchange experiences, and developing long-term collaborative projects in strategic mission fields.

Historically, during the famous 1910 Edinburgh Missionary Conference, Latin America was deliberately excluded from missionary efforts by Western agencies, which deemed the region already Christianized. It was not until the 1916 Panama Congress that Protestant mission efforts were formally launched in Latin America.

By the 1980s, Latin American leaders were already praying and envisioning their global role in missions. This vision came to fruition in 1987 when more than 3,000 participants from across the continent gathered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the first COMIBAM conference.

Since that time, COMIBAM has grown into a strong network, actively working in 25 countries and overseeing training centers, mission agencies, and local churches. Today, around 30,000 Ibero-American missionaries are making an impact in diverse ministries  from church planting to Bible translation and humanitarian outreach to professional service in hard-to-access regions.

According to the Latin American Evangelical Alliance, Evangelicals now constitute 27% of the region's population, amounting to approximately 160 million people.
Militant attacks have devastated Christian communities in Nigeria. | Photo Credit: Open Doors Website

Christian communities in Nigeria continue to face devastating losses due to militant attacks, with the Baptist Press reporting that over 240 Christians were massacred in assaults on villages in Plateau and Benue states during Lent and Easter.

Suspected Fulani militants killed at least 72 Christians in villages within Ukum and Logo counties in Benue between April 18 and 20, according to a report by International Christian Concern (ICC) on April 22, with the death toll potentially rising.

Reports from Christian Daily International-Morning Star News, indicated that a pre-dawn attack lasting more than an hour targeted Zikke village following Palm Sunday services, resulting in around 54 Christian deaths. The massacre extended beyond Zikke to include simultaneous attacks on multiple villages, bringing the death toll to at least 100, as Christians were targeted while worshiping.

These killings followed the slaughter of more than 60 Christians on April 2 and 3 in seven communities in Bokkos County, Plateau.

Other attacks on Christians in Nigeria during April included three fatalities in Otukpo County, Benue on April 5, and four deaths in Plateau on April 6-7. Additionally, three family members were killed on April 11 in Zogu Village, Bassa County; two individuals were killed on April 8 in the Miango District of Bassa County; and one more was killed in Zashi on April 9.

According to Open Doors, these attacks coincide with the onset of the rainy season, which lasts until October. The organization notes that such attacks are often tactical and targeted, designed to cripple families and communities over the long term by fatally undermining and destroying local churches in Christian villages.

Pastor Charles Musa shared with Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that the region has been under siege for more than a year. He criticized the government's ineffective measures to protect farmers, stating, Bokkos Local Government as a whole and part of Mangu Local Governments have been under siege for about one and a half years. The Plateau state government has put in so much but insufficient efforts to curb the menace. However, the federal government of Nigeria seems to have abandoned the people to their fates.

Nigeria is currently ranked sixth on the 2024 Open Doors World Watch List, marking it as the deadliest country for Christians with 3,100 reported killings in 2024; however, the U.S. State Department has still not designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for serious religious liberty violations.
St. James Church in Leyland, Lancashire County, England. | Photo Credit: The Church of England Website (https://www.achurchnearyou.com)

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has expressed his prayers for the parishioners of St. James Church in Leyland after the church fell victim to an apparent hate crime, believed to have been committed by one or more atheists.

On Good Friday morning, congregants discovered their church vandalized with graffiti, including sexual graphic images and expletives. The outer wall of the church bore the words god is a lie accompanied by an obscene image.

The gravestones of parishioners' family members were also defaced, prompting an ongoing police investigation.

The Rev. Marc Wolverson described the vandalism as the worst he had seen in his 28 years of ministry, commenting to BBC, I think the kind of people who would do this are just very sad, broken people. I don't know what would motivate someone to act this way. I feel very sorry for them.

In his message of support, Archbishop Cottrell stated, For this precious holy ground to be so appallingly desecrated is deeply shocking. Easter should be a time of celebration and joy. It saddens me greatly that this Easter your own celebrations may feel a little muted. Yet, of course, the story of Easter is the story of Gods triumph over sin and darkness. Because God raised Jesus from the dead, we know that no power on Earth can undermine his mercy and love.

The Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, condemned the act as the most disgraceful attack on a Christian community on the most solemn day of the year and described it as such a sad end to Good Friday.

On Easter morning, the Bishop of Burnley, the Rt. Rev. Joe Kennedy, joined the congregation at St. James Church to rededicate the church to the worship of God.
Home News James River Church announces exit from Assemblies of God, blindsiding national office

In a move that appeared to stun the national office Wednesday, Missouri's largest Assemblies of God congregation announced that its board of trustees unanimously decided to end affiliation with the world's largest Pentecostal denomination.

In a statement to The Christian Post on Thursday, James River Church said even though it will no longer be a part of the denomination, it will remain committed to the doctrine.

"Recently, the James River Church Board of Trustees reached the decision to discontinue our formal denominational affiliation with the Assemblies of God. We are thankful for the Assemblies of God, and we intend to continue partnering with the Assemblies of God in a variety of ways  including our continued support of missionaries and missions efforts to take the Gospel around the world," the church, which reports a weekly attendance of 16,000, said.

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"James River Church is not changing its doctrine, and the church remains committed to preaching the Bible and impacting the local community and the world for the cause of Christ."

The megachurch did not respond to questions from CP about what prompted the decision or how long it had been planning to make the move.

When asked similar questions, the Southern Missouri Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, a fellowship of AOG congregations in southern Missouri, did not immediately respond.

Don Miller, superintendent of the network, told CP that the network is working to facilitate James River Church's disaffiliation from the denomination.

"James River Church has informed the Southern Missouri Ministry Network of their decision to leave the Assemblies of God. We are aware of the impact that James River has made for the Kingdom and have been thankful to have them part of the Assemblies of God," Miller said. "In the Assemblies of God, there is a process in place to work through matters of this nature and Southern Missouri will be following that process."

An official in the AOG's national office who was not authorized to speak with the press told CP that while they acknowledge James River Church's "rich legacy of ministry" with the denomination, they were blindsided by the decision.

"They informed everyone, public and AOG alike, at their Wednesday evening service," the official said.

There was also no indication from the Missouri megachurch that they were planning to leave the denomination, the official said.

"There is no kind of dispute. There was no kind of ongoing situation. They just announced it, and that was it," the representative said.

"James River Church has a rich legacy of ministry and service within the Assemblies of God and our prayers are now with them for God's blessing and continued effective ministry," the AOG representative added.

Approximately one year ago, the megachurch's pastor, John Lindell, accused Pastor Mark Driscoll of attempting to overthrow him as the leader of his church and dividing his family and congregation by unfairly attacking as demonic a performance by a professional sword swallower, who he accused of being a male stripper, at their Stronger Men's Conference.

The church, formerly known as James River Assembly, was founded in 1991.

The church congregation also made headlines in 2023 after Lindell claimed during a livestream that a miracle occurred the previous day when a member saw her amputated toes grow back, prompting critics to demand proof of such a claim.
Home News Late-term abortionist who performed over 40,000 abortions is now shutting down his business

An 86-year-old late-term abortionist, who has performed over 40,000 abortions, is shutting down his facility after more than 50 years of operation.

The webpage for the Boulder Abortion Clinic, operated by Warren Hern, has been replaced with a message announcing the facilitys permanent closure. Hern referred to his abortion practice as his lifes work, adding that the work brought great satisfaction and meaning to the abortionist and his staff.

According to Hern, who retired in January, closing the Boulder Abortion Clinic was a difficult decision, and he praised his staff for the utmost courage and commitment they have displayed over the years.

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It has been a privilege to do this work for almost 55 years. It has been a privilege to know the many exceptional people in this field who were and are devoted to the highest standards of medical care for women and who are dedicated to the fundamental principle of reproductive freedom for everyone, Hern stated.

The Colorado abortionist added that he has had a desire to be free of the operating room for quite some time, remarking that he must now leave the sacred commitment of performing abortions to others.

I remain committed to reproductive freedom for women, and I will find other ways to support that, the abortionist concluded.

Hern said the Boulder Abortion Clinic had seen around 45,000 patients over 50 years, according to The Denver Post. The abortionist cited the cost of running a facility like the Boulder Abortion Clinic and the potential for receiving death threats as reasons why someone might not want to operate a late-term abortion facility as he did.

No reasonable person would do what Ive done, and most people are reasonable, Hern said. But Im proud of what Ive done.

Lila Rose, the founder and president of the pro-life advocacy group Live Action, shared her reaction to the closure of Herns facility in a post on X reflecting on his willingness to commit late-term abortions.

After murdering thousands of 2nd & 3rd-trimester babies over five 5 decades, [a]bortionist Warren Hern has retired' & closed his Colorado killing center, Rose stated. We will not stop working until every killing center is shut down.

Live Action added in a separate X post that the Boulder Abortion Clinic was among the few facilities in the nation that would perform abortions up to 36 weeks.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, noted in its post on X reacting to the closure that Hern has admitted to performing over 1,000 second- and third-trimester abortions between 1999 and 2004. The ages of the pre-born babies ranged from 18 to 33 weeks gestation.

Remember, the youngest premature baby to survive was born at 21 weeks and 1 day, the pro-life research group added.

Hern, who performed his first abortion in 1972, previously said its difficult to find people who are willing to do the type of work he does. In a 2023 interview with The Atlantic, Hern said he was working with other abortionists who he hoped would one day take over his practice; however, given that his facility is closing, this doesn't appear to have come to fruition.

At the beginning of his career, the abortionist suffered from nightmares after seeing the mutilated bodies of dead babies. He eventually pushed those emotions away, telling himself that the psychological stress of the work was the necessary cost of helping patients.

During the same interview, Hern expressed irritation when asked if he would perform an abortion on a woman who was 30 weeks pregnant with no known health complications. According to the abortionist, [e]very pregnancy is a health issue," insisting that there is "a certifiable risk of death from being pregnant, period.

Hern claimed that a baby's viability is determined by whether a woman wants the pregnancy and not by gestational age. The Atlantic also reported that Hern had performed at least two sex-selective abortions: once for a woman who did not want a girl and another for a woman who did not want a boy.
Home News US Navy SEAL denied religious exemption under Biden speaks at Bondi's 'anti-Christian bias' meeting 'The Left thought that they could just run us over'

A U.S. Navy SEAL who was denied a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate under the Biden administration featured as a witness during Attorney General Pam Bondi's first meeting of the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias in the Federal Government earlier this week.

Navy SEAL Phil Mendes was among the several Navy special warfare officers who joined a lawsuit from First Liberty Institute after being relieved of duty for refusing the vaccine and denied a religious exemption from the U.S. Department of Defense, according to a press release.

Hiram Sasser, who serves as executive general counsel for First Liberty Institute, told The Christian Post that their organization was honored their former client was given the chance "to testify and tell the story of what all the SEALs suffered under the Biden administration in terms of their religious objections to the vaccine mandate."

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"I just think that the Left thought that they could just run us over, and I think they figured we were pretty near the end, where they could just shove us off a cliff," he said. "But this current administration arrived and said, 'That day is not today.'"

The task force meeting, which convened Tuesday, was attended by senior cabinet officials and agency heads, each of whom offered examples of alleged anti-Christian bias exhibited during the prior administration in their respective jurisdictions, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

In her opening statement before they began their closed session, Bondi noted that the task force President Donald Trump established by executive order in February intends to "identify any unlawful anti-Christian policies, practices or conduct across the government.

???? BREAKING: First Meeting of the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias. pic.twitter.com/PRlqJO48MD  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 22, 2025

The task force will also seek input from the faith-based organizations and state governments to end anti-Christian bias, find and fix deficiencies and existing regulatory practices that might contribute to the anti-Christian bias, she added.

Another Christian witness who testified during the meeting was Michael Farris, the founder of Patrick Henry College and an elder at Cornerstone Church, which the Internal Revenue Service investigated and charged with alleged violations of the Johnson Amendment.

Scott Hicks, provost and chief academic officer of Liberty University, also testified, describing how the Biden administration allegedly fined both Liberty University and Grand Canyon University because of their Christian worldview.

"As shown by our victims' stories today, Bidens Department of Justice abused and targeted peaceful Christians while ignoring violent, anti-Christian offenses," Bondi said in a statement after the meeting.

"Thanks to President Trump, we have ended those abuses, and we will continue to work closely with every member of this Task Force to protect every American's right to speak and worship freely."

Sasser acknowledged to CP that regardless of the task forces endeavors, anti-Christian bias could "of course" seep back into the federal government under a future administration.

"We will deal with it the way we always deal with it," he said. We all have to stand together, and we have to fight against that kind of discrimination.

Trump first floated the idea of an anti-Christian bias task force during a speech at the National Religious Broadcasters International Christian Media Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, in February 2024.

In his speech, he characterized the barrage of indictments and exorbitant fines against him as a foretaste of what many on the Left would like to do to anyone who stands in the way of their political agenda, which he noted is any person of faith who worships an authority higher than the state.
Home News Tim Mahoneys patriotic doc The American Miracle aims to restore faith, knowledge of US history

GRAPEVINE, Texas  In a time of growing political division and declining knowledge of U.S. history, a new documentary asks the question: What if Americas founding was no accident?

The American Miracle: Our Nation is No Accident, directed by Tim Mahoney and produced by Douglas Maddox, opens in theaters nationwide June 9-11 through Fathom Entertainment. Based on Michael Medved's bestselling book, the film contends that divine providence played a key role in the nation's founding.

"This is a story worth telling," Mahoney, known for the Patterns of Evidence documentary series, told The Christian Post during a sit-down interview at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention. "As we approach our 250th anniversary, its clear many Americans, especially younger generations, dont know their history. Thats a problem."

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Mahoney cited a poll showing that only one in three college students would pass a basic citizenship test, emphasizing the importance of revisiting stories from Americas founding, particularly those that point to something greater at work.

The film focuses on events like the early life and military service of President George Washington, highlighting near-death experiences that, according to Mahoney and Medved, suggest divine protection.

George Washington has a very significant role in how Providence protected him, because when he was a young man, people were noticing that God must have His hand on him because he was spared [many times]. Almost drowning one time, being shot at multiple times, there were many witnesses of that, he said.

This film is about heroic people, and it's a moral and virtuous heroic story. And I think we're in a time right now where we need to have those kinds of heroes in our psyche and in our conscience.

For Mahoney, the documentary continues his work of exploring Gods role in history.

"Providence means the presence of God," he said. "This film shows that presence in action."

Producer Douglas Maddox said the story is also personal for Medved, whose Jewish family immigrated from Ukraine. "His father took him to historic sites across the U.S. and taught him to be thankful," Maddox said. "This book, and now the film, honors that legacy."

The documentary covers four chapters of Medveds 12-chapter book. One story it tells is the Battle of Monongahela, where Washington survived despite overwhelming odds.

"Two horses were shot from under him. Officers around him died. Yet he lived," Maddox said. "Even a Native American chief later said they couldnt touch him."

Mahoney and Maddox believe theres no doubt these events reflect divine involvement, but such stories are often left out of classrooms or stripped of their spiritual meaning.

"Some historians have tried to downplay the role of faith in our founding," Mahoney said. "But if you look at what the Founders actually said and wrote, its clear they believed in God."

We have people that are at colleges and universities of the Ivy League that come out with books that try to diminish the Founding Fathers or diminish their interest in God and their comments about God, he added. This film is a response going back to the Founding Fathers and their understanding of Scripture. Its so important because weve been fed half-truths, and in some cases, we've been actually given information that's not true by historians, because they have an agenda, and they don't see or want people to know.

The film features commentary from scholars like Robert P. George and Stephen Meyer, who discuss the religious and philosophical roots of American documents like the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

"The Declaration says our rights come from God, not government," Maddox said. "Thats a central idea, and its what sets the U.S. apart."

The film doesnt ignore the failures of the Founders, especially on slavery. But Mahoney explained that the problem wasnt with the ideals  it was that people didnt live up to them.

"Our system wasnt flawed because the ideas were wrong," he said. "It failed when people didnt follow those ideas."

The filmmakers hope The American Miracle will help people better understand and appreciate the countrys origins  especially those who feel disconnected from its history.

"Theres a trend today to be cynical about America," Maddox said. "But we need to revisit our heroes. George Washington was steady, faithful and humble."

The film also includes the moment during the Continental Congress when Benjamin Franklin called for prayer to end division. It worked. Within days, delegates agreed to form a unified nation.

"When we forget our history, we risk losing it," Mahoney said. "Thats what this film is about. Its not just for history buffs. Its for anyone who wants to understand why this country exists. Were telling the real story, and we hope it reminds people of what matters."

With a large cast and scenes filmed across the U.S. and the U.K., The American Miracle features performances by Pat Boone, Kevin Sorbo, Nicole C. Mullen, Cameron Arnett, and James Arnold Taylor. It also includes commentary from Joseph Ellis, Richard Dreyfuss, Akhil Reed Amar, Lord Andrew Roberts and Jana Novak. Learn more here.
Home News Christian ministry can care for sex trafficking victims amid suit over religious discrimination: court Gracehaven sues Ohio county in contract dispute over employment policy

A federal judge has ruled in favor of a Christian ministry that cares for victims of sex trafficking, enabling the organization to contract with an Ohio county as its lawsuit alleging religious discrimination by exclusion from such contracts moves forward.

In a ruling on Monday, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohios Western Division at Dayton granted the Christian ministry Gracehaven Inc.s motion for a preliminary injunction against Montgomery County officials enjoining them from refusing to enter into a contract with and provide federal funding under the Title IV-E program to the ministry because it only employs individuals that align with its religious beliefs. Gracehaven ministers to the needs of young girls who are victims of sex trafficking.

Mondays preliminary injunction comes four months after Gracehaven filed a complaint alleging that the county refused to renew its contract because of its policy of only employing those who ascribe to its religious beliefs/ Gracehaven argues the county's decision is a violation of the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The preliminary injunction, which the ministry first requested in February, will provide Gracehaven with temporary relief as litigation continues.

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Gracehaven will likely succeed on the merits of its claim that Montgomery Countys actions violated the Free Exercise Clause because it excluded Gracehaven from an otherwise available public benefit based on Gracehavens choice to employ those who share the same faith, wrote Judge Michael Newman in his opinion Monday. Newman was appointed to the bench by President Donald Trump.

Newman cited the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 Carson v. Makin decision multiple times in his opinion. He highlighted the rulings determinations that the First Amendment protects against indirect coercion or penalties on the free exercise of religion, not just outright prohibitions and that states violate the First Amendment by excluding religious observers from otherwise available public benefits.

The religious freedom legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing Gracehaven in the ongoing litigation, reacted to the development in a statement on Wednesday. The government cant deny public benefits to a Christian ministry that is caring for young survivors of sex trafficking solely because of its religious character and exercise, said ADF Legal Counsel Jake Reed.

Reed characterized Gracehaven as a force for good, providing comprehensive care, support, and a safe place to call home for the most vulnerable girls in Ohio. He expressed gratitude that the court agreed that the Constitution prohibits the county from punishing Gracehaven by excluding it from the foster care system and public funding simply because the ministry hires those who share its faith.

Gracehaven Director Scott Arnold said his team of Christian employees were paramount to the mission of the organization that works to help young girls who were trafficked to thrive with dignity in a renewed life.

He added that it's essential the organization has the ability to hire like-minded people of faith to carry out its mission of helping girls work through their pain and trauma and move toward living healthy, fulfilling lives. He thanked Alliance Defending Freedom for its help in securing this victory.

The lawsuit comes after Montgomery County had contracted with Gracehaven for nearly a decade, with the most recent contract running from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024. The contract enabled Gracehaven to provide substitute care services, specifically by placing children into foster care. Montgomery County has several substitute care services contracts with other providers.

When Gracehaven sought to renew the contract for a term of one year, it reached an impasse with the county over its request to include a non-discrimination provision, stressing that the ministry had the ability to screen potential employees based on their religious beliefs. Montgomery County declined the request, insisting that it would use the standard county non-discrimination provisions and not include the Gracehaven specific one.

After Gracehaven continued to push for the inclusion of its own non-discrimination provision, the county informed the ministry that Montgomery County Children Services will not move forward with the renewal of the substitute care contract with Gracehaven. While Gracehaven agreed to renew the contract without the provision, the county still declined to do so because of its concerns about the ministry only hiring people who shared its religious beliefs.
Home News Ga. AME churches to install solar microgrids to benefit communities

A regional body of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is partnering with groups to install solar power microgrids at various churches to help provide energy to communities in need.

The AME Church Sixth District, which is based in Atlanta, Georgia, recently announced that it's planning to work with nonprofits to install solar panels at multiple church-owned properties by 2026.

Jay Horton of Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, an organization partnering with the AME Sixth District to implement the microgrids, told The Christian Post that the collaboration began when many AME pastors attended the groups Green Team Summits in Atlanta and Columbus in 2023 and 2024.

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Inspired by the vision of congregations serving as community resiliency hubs, they approached us about conducting feasibility studies to explore clean energy solutions across a number of their churches, explained Horton. Their energy, commitment, and well-organized coalition made it clear this was a natural fit.

At GIPL, were always looking to support bold, faith-driven climate leadership, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to equip congregations to lead on sustainability and justice.

Last May, GIPL and the AME Sixth District conducted an extensive feasibility study for eight member churches in Georgia, which helped to pave the way for installing the microgrids.

This integrated study allowed us to identify inefficiencies, recommend energy-saving improvements, evaluate the viability of solar installations, and analyze the requirements for EV charging stations, all in one streamlined process, Horton noted.

We are now connecting these congregations with several vetted Georgia BRIGHT solar installers to continue the process, and will continue to support them with financing options and grant assistance as they move forward.

Horton told CP that his group has a long history of working with churches across Georgia to create sustainable energy, having partnered with more than 600 congregations on practical climate solutions.

One example given was that of North Decatur United Methodist Church of Decatur, which underwent an installation of a 56-kilowatt solar system last year that is expected to offset approximately 77% of the churchs annual energy consumption and, over the next two decades, will reduce the congregations carbon footprint by over 1,200 tons.

We believe these stories illustrate the transformational potential when faith communities are equipped with the tools and resources to lead on climate solutions, Horton said.

Aiding in the panel installations is the federally-funded group Georgia BRIGHT, which stands for Building, Renewables, Investing in Green, Healthy, Thriving Communities.

Alicia Brown, director of Georgia BRIGHT, told CP in emailed comments that the AME Church Sixth District has long supported the Solar for All initiative.

Theres so many reasons for this partnership, said Brown. A shared desire to deploy community-serving solar at scale is the most important.

To that end, Solar for All can provide funding at scale for the clean energy hub initiative, and the clean energy hub initiative provides a huge pipeline of project hosts to help solar for all reach households who may not be able to have systems of their own.

Georgia BRIGHT helps with the project by being a source of financing for the solar and storage elements of the hubs via their Community Benefit Solar program, according to Brown.

There will also be opportunities to get churches solar ready through enabling upgrades and support workforce development and outreach and education, she added.

Brown noted that her group has a handful of churches currently participating in our Georgia BRIGHT pilot, among them Trinity Episcopal Church of Statesboro.

Trinity Episcopal had solar panels installed in July of last year, which, according to Brown, should save the congregation approximately $62,000 in energy expenses over the next 25 years.

The Christian Post reached out to The African Methodist Episcopal Church Sixth District for this story, however a spokesperson explained that they could not respond due to their ongoing annual conference business session.
Home News Grand Canyon University celebrates record number of graduates on 75th anniversary

Grand Canyon University is closing out its 75th anniversary school year with the largest graduating class in its history  more than 31,000 students  as the private Christian institution continues to grow despite regulatory hurdles and national higher education headwinds.

The university announced this week that 31,104 students will graduate during the 202425 academic year, with 5,669 studying on campus and 25,435 online. Nearly half of the graduates earned baccalaureate degrees (15,890), while 15,214 completed graduate-level programs. The milestone marks the fourth-consecutive year GCU has produced approximately 30,000 graduates annually.

This years record-breaking graduating class reflects the dedication of our exceptional students, the unwavering support of our faculty and staff, and our commitment to offering innovative educational opportunities across multiple delivery platforms, said GCU President Brian Mueller in a statement.

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The university will hold commencement ceremonies April 2325 for traditional students and April 29May 2 for online students.

A significant portion of the 202425 graduates are entering fields facing nationwide labor shortages. That includes 8,684 graduates in teacher education  3,619 of whom are first-time teachers  alongside 5,277 in nursing and 5,274 in social work, counseling or behavioral health.

Mueller said GCUs mission is closely tied to workforce development. Our focus remains on partnering directly with employers to help them address their workforce shortages, especially in critical sectors like education, healthcare, technology, engineering, social work, counseling and the military, he said.

Unlike many U.S. institutions that have scaled back programs amid enrollment declines post-pandemic, GCU has launched 148 new academic programs, emphases and certificates across its 10 colleges in recent years. All are aligned with current labor market demands, Mueller noted.

As Christian Daily International previously reported, GCU has grown into the largest Christian university in the country despite ongoing legal and regulatory conflict with the U.S. Department of Education. The university celebrated record enrollment last fall  more than 123,000 students total, including nearly 25,000 on its Phoenix campus and over 98,000 studying online  even as it fought federal attempts to strip its nonprofit status.

GCU celebrated its 75th anniversary with a Week of Service in the fall, mobilizing students, staff and alumni for over 1,000 service activities across 40 ministries. The university also hosted its inaugural Amethyst Gala, raising $1.5 million to support its Five-Point Plan aimed at community transformation.

Founded in 1949, GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers 349 academic programs, emphases and certificates. Its curriculum integrates Christian values and emphasizes small class sizes and close faculty interaction, whether in person or online.

Mueller said GCUs continued expansion and resilience are driven by its foundational vision. More and more families are seeking these opportunities, especially when taught from a Christian worldview perspective, he said.

This article was originally published at Christian Daily International
Home News Harvard sues Trump administration over $2 billion funding freeze

Harvard University is suing the Trump administration over its freeze on grants to the Ivy League schools as part of what the government says is an effort to eliminate antisemitism and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies on college campuses.

In a letter to the campus community published Monday, Harvard President Alan Garber announced that the school filed a lawsuit over the funding freeze, putting $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contracts on hold.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, asks a federal judge to declare the funding freezes unlawful and deem demands outlined in two separate letters to the university as conditions for maintaining federal funding unconstitutional.

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The university maintains that the government's action violates the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.

The U.S. Department of Education's Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced the funding freeze in a statement on April 14 after the university said three days earlier it would not comply with the administration's demands.

The demands include the implementation of merit-based hiring and admissions policies and the abolition of "all preferences based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin" by August.

The Trump administration urged Harvard to reform its "recruitment, screening, and admissions of international students 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."

The university was instructed to promote "viewpoint diversity" in admissions and hiring, conduct an audit of "programs with egregious records of antisemitism or other bias" and eliminate DEI programs and initiatives on campus, reform student discipline procedures to prevent "disruptions or deplatforming" in the future.

Harvard was also told to expel students responsible for the Oct. 18, 2023, assault of an Israeli business student.

Garber condemned the demands in the letter as "illegal." Although he said that concerns about rising antisemitism are "valid," the university president said that the law requires the government to "engage with us about the ways we are fighting and will continue to fight antisemitism."

"Instead, the government's April 11 demands seek to control whom we hire and what we teach," Garber wrote.

In its April 11 letter, the Department of Education insisted that an "investment is not an entitlement."

"It depends on Harvard upholding federal civil rights laws, and it only makes sense if Harvard fosters the kind of environment that produces intellectual creativity and scholarly rigor, both of which are antithetical to ideological capture," the letter reads. "Harvard has in recent years failed to live up to both the intellectual and civil rights conditions that justify federal investment."

Garber insisted that Harvard intends to take "concrete steps to reaffirm a culture of free inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and academic exploration; making changes to our disciplinary systems so they will be more consistent and more effective in ensuring that our students, faculty, and staff take responsibility for their actions; implementing measures to ensure that all members of our community are safe and respected; and adopting important adjustments to the way we build community."

Another "priority" for Harvard going forward, Garber said, is "continuing to focus on individuals and their unique characteristics rather than race."

This comment refers to affirmative action policies, prioritizing students from certain racial backgrounds in the admissions process. In the 2023 decisionStudents for Fair Admissions, Inc., v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Harvard's use of affirmative action in its admissions policies violated the U.S. Constitution.

The Trump administration's demand letter to Harvard comes after anti-Israel protests broke out on campus following the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks in Israel perpetrated by Hamas that left nearly 1,200 people dead, including over 40 Americans, and resulted in hundreds of people taken hostage.

The funding freeze also comes as the Trump administration has made cracking down on diversity, equity, and inclusion an important priority.

In March, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission warned that DEI "initiatives, policies, programs, or practices may be unlawful if they involve an employer or other covered entity taking an employment action motivated  in whole or in part  by an employee's or applicant's race, sex, or another protected characteristic." The EEOC cited the Students for Fair Admissions decision as the basis for its determination.

In February, the U.S. Department of Education pulled over $600 million in contracts to teacher preparation programs that advanced "inappropriate and unnecessary topics," including DEI. The Trump administration has given states until Thursday to restrict DEI practices in schools or risk losing federal funding.

"The consequences of the government's overreach will be severe and long-lasting," Garber argues. "Research that the government has put in jeopardy includes efforts to improve the prospects of children who survive cancer, to understand at the molecular level how cancer spreads throughout the body, to predict the spread of infectious disease outbreaks, and to ease the pain of soldiers wounded on the battlefield."

"As opportunities to reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease are on the horizon, the government is slamming on the brakes," Garber added.

"The victims will be future patients and their loved ones who will suffer the heartbreak of illnesses that might have been prevented or treated more effectively. Indiscriminately slashing medical, scientific, and technological research undermines the nation's ability to save American lives, foster American success, and maintain America's position as a global leader in innovation."
Home News Indiana becomes latest state to enshrine parental rights bill into law

Indiana's Republican Gov. Mike Braun signed Senate Bill 143 into law Tuesday, adding a new article to the Indiana code titled "Parental Rights and Responsibilities" amid nationwide concerns that public school employees are withholding information from parents.

The measure, which passed the Republican-controlled Indiana Senate in a 44-5 vote and the Republican-controlled Indiana House of Representatives in a 69-24 vote, adds a new article to the Indiana code titled "Parental Rights and Responsibilities."

Votes in both chambers fell mainly along party lines, with most support coming from Republicans and most opposition coming from Democrats.

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In the Senate, seven of the 10 Democrats joined Republicans to support the legislation, while only two voted against it. Three Republicans broke from their party to oppose the measure. In the House, only three Democrats supported the bill, while one Republican crossed party lines to oppose it.

The new language prohibits governmental entities from taking actions that "substantially burden" a parent's rights to direct the upbringing, religious instruction, education or healthcare of a child. The measure allows government entities to "substantially burden" parental rights only if "the burden, as applied to the parent and the child," is "required to advance a compelling governmental interest and is the least restrictive means of advancing the governmental interest."

Under the legislation, government actors are prohibited from taking actions to "advise, direct, or coerce a child to withhold information from the child's parent" and "deny a child's parent access to information that" deals with the student's "health care or social, emotional, and behavioral well-being."

The legislation provides a right of action for parents who feel their rights were violated to seek relief in court.

Jordan Carpenter, legal counsel for the religious freedom legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom, praised the bill's passage in a statement Wednesday, saying that parents "know and love their children best, and they have the right and duty to raise their children according to their own conscience."

"By passing SB 143, Indiana has joined the growing list of states protecting parents' fundamental rights to be informed about their child's well-being and make decisions regarding the child's education, health care, and more," Carpenter added." Carpenter praised the measure for safeguarding "the integrity of the parent-child relationship."

The enactment of Senate Bill 143 comes as school districts around the United States have faced lawsuits for allegedly allowing trans-identified students to "socially transition" without informing their parents.

In 2021, January Littlejohn sued the Leon County School District in Florida, alleging that the public school system colluded with her daughter "to deceive us so that we would never have known she was going by an alternate name."

In their communications with Littlejohn and her husband, school officials referred to the couple's daughter using her given name. However, they referred to the teenager at school using a male name and pronouns.

In 2023, the Chico Unified School District in California faced a similar lawsuit from parent Aurora Regino, who maintained that the school system referred to her daughter using a male name and pronouns for several weeks without her consent.

In Colorado, a bill that could result in parents losing custody of their children if they do not embrace their stated gender identity continues to advance in the Democrat-controlled legislature.
Home News Church land may be next as India tightens control over Muslim religious assets

Indias Christian minority fears that the central government might be planning to bring their institutions under state control, following a series of recent developments that suggest the administration and its ideological affiliates are preparing to target church-owned properties.

The fear stems from a now-withdrawn article published in Organiser, the official magazine of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh  a Hindu nationalist organization closely tied to Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The article claimed the Catholic Church is Indias largest non-governmental landowner, managing more land than the Muslim Waqf Board.

In India, a Waqf Board is a statutory authority that manages properties legally designated by Muslims for religious, charitable or educational use. Once a property is declared as waqf, its administration is legally transferred to the board, which oversees its use and ensures it serves community purposes.

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The article came earlier this month, just days after the Indian Parliament passed an amendment tightening government control over Waqf properties. The law permits non-Muslim board members for the first time ever, restricts how properties can be donated, and restructures the boards legal authority.

Many in Indias Muslim minority community view it as a direct assault on religious autonomy. Now, Christian leaders and political observers worry that the same logic  and legal framework  could be used to justify interference in Christian institutions.

The Organiser article alleged that the Catholic Church owns about 70 million hectares (around 173 million acres) of land in India  far exceeding previous public estimates  and claimed that this land was largely obtained during British rule.

It cited a 1927 British colonial law, the Indian Church Act, as enabling mass land transfers to Christian churches. It also accused Christian schools and hospitals of using free services to pressure the poor into converting to Christianity.

Historians and legal experts have pushed back against these claims. The 1927 law reorganized Anglican structures in colonial India but did not grant land, nor did it apply to the Catholic Church.

In reality, most church-owned land was obtained through individual donations, purchases, or leases  both before and after British rule. Moreover, allegations of forced or coerced conversions remain unproven and are often used in Hindu nationalist rhetoric to demonize and attack the Christian minority.

Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader in Indias main opposition party, the left-of-center Indian National Congress, warned that the Waqf law has set a precedent for state interference in minority-run institutions. He said the focus on Christian landholdings appears to be a continuation of an agenda to weaken the autonomy of religious minorities.

Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala  a state with a significant Christian population  called the RSS campaign an example of gradual and systematic targeting of minorities. He urged secular political parties to resist what he described as a deliberate campaign to marginalize non-Hindu communities.

Similar warnings came from other political quarters.

Uddhav Thackeray, a regional leader in western India and former chief minister of Maharashtra state, said the BJP is now eyeing the assets of Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and even Hindu temples  alleging that the party plans to redistribute prime land to politically connected corporations, as reported by The Hindu.

The BJP has defended the new Waqf law as a reform to improve transparency and has claimed support from some Christian organizations.

Meanwhile, at a meeting convened in New Delhi by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India in December, a group of Opposition Members of Parliament who are Christian had urged the Church to publicly support the Muslim community in their opposition to the contentious Waqf amendment, according to The Indian Express. They called on the CBCI to take a principled stand in defense of minority rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

As of the 2011 census, India's population was about 1.21 billion, with Muslims constituting about 14.2% (around 172 million) and Christians about 2.3% (roughly 28 million) of the population.
Home News Israel rejects 'morally twisted' condemnation from Germany, France, UK against stoppage of Gaza aid

Israel rejected a condemnation of its actions in Gaza by the E3 countries of Germany, France and the United Kingdom, calling it morally twisted and wrong in a strongly worded statement by the Foreign Ministry.

The E3 is an informal foreign and security cooperation arrangement between the three countries, which has released several statements about the Gaza War in recent months.

On Tuesday, the E3 released its latest statement marking 50 days of the aid block in Gaza.

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Essential supplies are either no longer available or quickly running out. Palestinian civilians  including one million children  face an acute risk of starvation, epidemic disease and death. This must end, they wrote, urging Israel to immediately re-start a rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid.

The statement particularly targeted recent remarks by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who declared, the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and the [Israeli] communities in any temporary or permanent reality in Gaza.

He added that Stopping humanitarian aid that harms Hamass control over the population would remain a key component of the current war strategy.

The E3 statement called the stoppage of aid intolerable. Katzs comments were characterized as politicizing humanitarian aid, while his promise to remain in Gaza after the war was called unacceptable  they harm prospects for peace.

This prompted an undiplomatically worded rebuttal by Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein, who said Israel categorically rejects the claim of politicization.

Article 70 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions requires aid when the civilian population is not adequately supplied. During the 42-day ceasefire, 25,000 aid trucks entered Gaza, Marmorstein noted.

According to Article 23 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, a side is not obliged to allow in aid if it is likely to assist the military or economic efforts of the enemy. Hamas hijacked the humanitarian aid to rebuild its terror machine, he added.

Marmorstein also highlighted Israels efforts to monitor the situation of water, food and fuel in the Gaza Strip, stressing that there is no shortage of aid in Gaza.

The E3 statement also expressed outrage at alleged Israeli strikes on humanitarian personnel, infrastructure, premises and healthcare facilities, and demanded the IDF do more to protect the civilian population, infrastructure and humanitarian workers.

To this, Marmorstein replied that the statement fails to mention the most important thing: Hamas is the one targeting Israeli civilians while hiding behind Palestinian civilians.

Instead, the E3 statement chose to accuse Israel of strikes on humanitarian personnel and healthcare facilities  this is morally twisted and wrong.

The spokesman stressed that Israel is taking necessary precautions, and when incidents occur, it investigates them thoroughly. All condemnations should be directed at Hamas, which hides in hospitals and behind civilians, he said.

In conclusion, the E3 statement called all parties to return to a ceasefire, while calling on Hamas for the immediate release of all the remaining hostages, who are enduring terrible suffering.

We must all work towards the implementation of a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring long-lasting peace and security to both Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability in the region, according to the statement by Germany, France and the U.K.

Unbelievably, the E3 statement addresses only in passing the fact that Hamas still holds 59 hostages in inhumane conditions underground  starving and torturing them. This is unacceptable and inhumane, Marmorstein charged.

The so-called balance that the E3 statement is trying to create between Israel and Hamas is ethically outrageous. Hamas started this war, and Hamas is responsible for its continuation and for the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis. The war can end tomorrow if the hostages are released and Hamas lays down its weapons.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home News Killer of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his 2 sons freed from prison despite life sentence Hindu extremist Mahendra Hembram receives hero's welcome after release: 'Hail lord Rama'

NEW DELHI  One of the Hindu extremists sentenced to life in prison for burning Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons to death in India 25 years ago was given a heros welcome after he was released on April 16.

Mahendra Hembram walked out of Keonjhar jail last week, freed by the Odisha State Sentence Review Board for good behavior. Hembram, 50, emerged from prison to supporters who garlanded him and chanted the Hindu slogan, Jai Shri Ram [Hail lord Rama].

The way Hembram was welcomed with garlands and taken on a celebration procession by a crowd shouting Hindu slogans was a shocking sight for anybody believing in peace and tranquillity of a society, Ajay Singh, a Catholic priest and a human rights activist in Odisha, told Morning Star News.

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John Dayal, spokesperson for the United Christian Forum, was equally shocked.

The obscene welcome accorded to the convict on his release was to be seen to be believed, and totally exposes the politics of the release, Dayal told Morning Star News.

Hembram immediately proclaimed his innocence, though in 2002 he once declared himself the sole culprit for the murders, according to court records.

After his release from the prison some 200 kilometers (oveer 124 miles) from Bhubaneshwar, capital of Odisha state, Hembram told reporters, I spent 25 years in jail after being falsely implicated in an incident related to religious conversion. Today, I have been released.

Jailer Manaswini Naik explained the legal basis for the release.

Hembram has been released following a decision by the State Sentence Review Board. The prison directorate informed about it in a letter on Tuesday [April 15]. He has been released after 25 years because of good behavior in accordance with the rules.

The release reopened wounds from one of Indias most shocking hate crimes and turned attention to the pending remission plea of Dara Singh, the main perpetrator who remains imprisoned in the same facility.

Crime that shocked the world

Staines, then 58, and his sons Philip, 10, and Timothy, 6, were burned alive while sleeping in their station wagon outside a church building in Manoharpur village, Keonjhar District, on Jan. 22, 1999. The Australian missionary had worked with leprosy patients in Baripada since arriving in India in 1965.

A Hindu mob targeted Staines for allegedly backing religious conversions, according to a retired police officer stationed in Keonjhar that night.

Accusing Staines of promoting conversion, Hembram allegedly assaulted him and his two children, the officer reportedly recalled. The mob was being led by Dara and Hembram, who were raising slogans against Staines. Staines was pleading mercy. Hembram and Dara forced the foreigner and his two children inside their van and set it on fire by pouring kerosene.

Witnesses reported the victims had spread straw over their vehicle for warmth. When they tried to escape the flames, the mob, armed with lathis (long wooden poles), prevented them from exiting, leading to their deaths. Their skeletal remains were later recovered.

Then-President K.R. Narayanan condemned the murders, calling them part of the worlds inventory of black deeds.

Investigation and convictions

The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested 51 people in connection with the crime between 1999 and 2000. Hembram was captured Dec. 9, 1999, while Singh evaded authorities until Jan. 31, 2000, when then-Mayurbhanj Superintendent of Police (SP) Y.B. Khurania, now Odishas director general of police, arrested him in a forest.

Within three years, 37 suspects were acquitted.

During the trial, Hembram displayed erratic behavior. On Feb. 1, 2002, he lost mental composure and declared himself the sole culprit and claimed that others were innocent, according to court records.

Evidence against Singh mounted when suspect Dayanidhi Patra testified that he witnessed him setting fire to the vehicle.

On Sept. 22, 2003, a designated CBI court in Bhubaneswar sentenced Singh to death and 12 others, including Hembram, to life imprisonment. One juvenile was tried separately.

The Orissa High Court later acquitted 11 convicts but upheld the sentences for Singh and Hembram. In 2005, however, it commuted Singhs death sentence to life imprisonment, a decision the Supreme Court upheld in 2011. The juvenile was released in 2008 following an appeal.

Though the Christian community in India had not opposed the remission of the death penalty imposed on Dara Singh and his co-conspirators then, we did expect that the guilty murderers would remain in jail for life, Dayal said.

Supreme Court controversy

In January 2011, when the Supreme Court upheld the life sentence, a two-judge bench consisting of Justices P. Sathasivam and B.S. Chauhan made controversial observations that later sparked widespread debate.

The court initially stated the intention behind the murders was to teach a lesson to Graham Staines about his religious activities, namely converting poor tribals to Christianity.

Civil society organizations condemned these remarks as unwarranted. In a rare move, the same Supreme Court bench acted suo motu on Nov. 17, 2021, to expunge its own observations.

The court deleted the controversial passage and replaced it with: However, more than 12 years have elapsed since the act was committed, we are of the opinion that the life sentence awarded by the High Court need not be enhanced [to the death penalty] in view of the factual position discussed in the earlier paras.

The bench also struck another contentious statement that had read, It is undisputed that there is no justification for interfering in someones belief by way of use of force, provocation, conversion, incitement or upon a flawed premise that one religion is better than the other.

It was replaced with a simpler declaration: There is no justification for interfering in someones religious belief by any means.

Reactions

Congressman Manickam Tagore condemned Hembrams release on social media platform X, posting, A hate-fuelled murderer who burned alive Graham Staines and his two little sons is now walking free. Mahendra Hembrams release is a celebration for Sanghis [right-wing Hindu nationalists], but a dark stain on Indian justice. What message does this send?

Ajay Singh, the activist priest in Odisha (formerly Orissa) state, emphasized that Hembram and Dara Singhs crime should not be treated as a simple murder.

This is a rarest of the rare crime against humanity, where Staines and his sons were burnt alive in a most barbaric way, and if murderers like Hembram and Dara Singh are released and that release celebrated in this manner, that will send a wrong message to those who indulge in such crimes, the priest said.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), affiliated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Hindu nationalist parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), applauded the release of Hembram.

It is a good day for us. We welcome the governments decision, said VHP Joint Secretary Kedar Dash.

Odisha states BJP Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had previously supported Dara Singhs release during his tenure as Keonjhar Member of Legislative Assembly. Dayal noted that, with the current chief minister of Odisha as one of the main activists seeking Dara Singhs release, The political clamor for his release too is on the rise.

Legal process

Hembram, initially detained at Jharpada Jail in Bhubaneswar, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Sept. 22, 2003. Over the course of 25 years, he was transferred to facilities in Cuttack, Berhampur, Baripada and Anandpur Sub-Jail before arriving at Keonjhar Jail on Sept. 28, 2011.

Prison officials gave Hembram a cordial farewell, presenting him with a bank passbook containing earnings from prison labor.

The release follows Odishas 2022 premature release policy. Guidelines specify minimum 14-year sentences for life convicts before considering remission, with serious murder cases requiring 20-25 years. Age considerations apply for female convicts over 60 and males over 65.

Another 30 murder convicts also were released on April 16, having served 14 to 25 years.

The government decided to release several life convicts who have served more than 14 years in prison, Keonjhar jail superintendent Manaswini Nayak told media.

Jharpada Jail Senior Superintendent Manoranjan Pratihari detailed the process.

The state sentence review board, led by the home secretary, recommends releases based on district collectors and SPs remarks, he said. Following the boards approval, files proceed through the chief ministers office, with final remission approval from the governor.

Official sources confirmed 14 life convicts were released between 2023 and 2024.

Dara Singhs pending plea

Attention now focuses on Dara Singhs appeal. On March 19, the Supreme Court directed the Odisha government to decide within six weeks on his remission plea.

Learned counsel representing the state of Odisha submits that the government is deliberating on the issue and will shortly take a decision on whether to remit the sentence, the court stated. We deem it appropriate to adjourn the matter for six weeks.

Singhs lawyer, Vishnu Shankar Jain, cited the Supreme Courts precedent in releasing A.G. Perarivalan, who served more than 30 years for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

I am seeking a direction [for Singh] to be released from jail on this ground, Jain said.

Singhs petition claims that after 24 years of incarceration he has repented of consequences of actions taken in a fit of youthful rage.

In the fervor of youth, fuelled by impassioned reactions to the brutal history of India, the petitioners psyche momentarily lost restraint, the plea states.

The petition notes Singh was never granted parole, including when his mother died, preventing him from performing her last rites.

Singh continues serving concurrent life sentences for separate murders of a Muslim trader and a Catholic priest, the Rev. Arul Das. The case will be heard in early May, potentially concluding one of modern Indias most divisive criminal proceedings.

Christian support organization Open Doors ranks India 11th on its 2025 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. India stood at 31st place in 2013 but has steadily fallen in the rankings since Narendra Modi came to power as prime minister.

Religious rights advocates point to the hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist BJP, which they say has emboldened Hindu extremists in India since Modi took power in May 2014.

This article was originally published at Morning Star News
Home News Richard Wilke, UMC bishop who created Disciple Bible Study series, dies at 94

Richard Wilke, a bishop of The United Methodist Church who, along with his wife, helped develop the popular Disciple Bible Study series, has died at the age of 94.

The Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College announced Wilkes death on Sunday. The bishop had died on Easter in Winfield, Kansas, surrounded by family.

Retired Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, who succeeded Wilke as bishop in Arkansas, gave her condolences in comments provided to UM News.

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He understood how important it was to teach the Scriptures to people in little bitty churches stuck way back in the hills and hollers, she said.

A native of El Dorado, Kansas, Wilke was born in 1930 and attended Southern Methodist University, where he earned a bachelors degree in history in 1952. While there, he met his future wife, Julia Kitchens, and they were married in 1953.

In 1955, Wilke received a master of divinity degree from Yale University, earning the senior preaching award, and in 1972, he earned a second master of divinity from Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.

Wilke was elected a bishop in 1984 and was appointed to serve Arkansas. Two years later, he published And Are We Yet Alive?: The Future of the United Methodist Church. The bestselling book centered on why the church was in decline and recommended greater study of the Bible.

During the 1980s, in keeping with this recommendation, Wilke and his wife developed the Disciple Bible Study series, a 34-week Bible study in which participants read through most of the sacred text and learned about historical and cultural contexts.

In addition to assigned readings and discussion questions, the series featured video lectures from various clergy and scholars, both from within and outside the UMC.

As a pastor in the early 1980s, I became aware how isolated and lonely people were becoming and how ignorant they were of the Bible, recounted Wilke in an interview years ago.

Then one day, after I became a Bishop, I received a phone call from Nellie Moser, a new biblical educator for the UMC Publishing House. She said she had been talking to Jim Beal, one of my key district superintendents and he said he was interested in developing a small group Bible study plan.

Soon after the Wilkes presented their ideas, we were attending a gathering of scholars at a retreat center in Flower Mound, Texas to help compile scholarly input.

Since it was first developed in the 1980s, it is estimated that around 3 million people have taken classes centered on the Disciple Bible Study series or related curricula.

In 2019, Wilke penned a column weighing in on the UMCs decades-long debate over whether to prohibit same-sex marriage and the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals.

Wilke expressed sympathy for the theologically progressive side of the debate, noting that he had a lesbian daughter. He claimed that opposition to homosexuality was based on a few misunderstood passages of Scripture.

Wilke was preceded in death by his wife, Julia, in 2016. He is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for May 6 at First United Methodist Church of Winfield.
Home News Vatican university accused of legitimizing Azerbaijan's efforts to erase Armenian Christians

Faith leaders and human rights groups condemned a Vatican university's decision to host an Azerbaijani state-sponsored conference, arguing that the event offered a platform to Azeri historical revisionists attempting to erase Armenian history from disputed territories between both countries.

Orthodox Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the ecumenical director of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, believes money is the reason behind the "Christianity in Azerbaijan: History and Modernity" event.

The conference, which took place on April 10 at the Pontifical Gregorian University, featured speakers from Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Russia, South Korea, Poland, Italy, Germany, France, the United States and Lithuania.

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In a statement to The Pillar last week, Aykazian asserted that Azerbaijan's funding of Vatican projects has influenced its approach to the country's ongoing conflict with Armenia. The archbishop claimed that some cardinals and Vatican officials have received funding from Azerbaijan.

"These kind of events are allowed because of money, the Vatican has been receiving money from Azerbaijan for some time  the main example being the restoration of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, which was funded by Azerbaijan," Aykazian said.

In response to an inquiry from The Christian Post, a spokesperson for the Pontifical Gregorian University said that the institution was not involved in organizing the event, nor did it "grant any patronage or any collaboration."

"No academic authority or our lecturer gave any greetings, papers or attended the event," the spokesperson told CP. "Its holding at this venue was due to the mere rental of a lecture hall."

"Instead, a message of greeting from the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches and another from the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue were read out during the event."

The Baku International Center for Multiculturalism did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

According to The Pillar, promotional materials for the event included "distinctly Azeri reads on West Asian history," such as a display of the medieval Armenian monastery of Dadivank. The display included the Azeri government's claim that the Armenian monastery belonged to the "Caucasian Albanian" culture.

Earlier this month, the watchdog group Artsakh Monument Watch, an independent academic platform, raised additional concerns about the conference, claiming that the organizers arranged the event in secret.

"The Azerbaijani side kept the information about the conference top secret and made it public 1-2 days before the start of its work," Artsakh Monument Watch wrote in a statement on its website. "The entrance to the conference was also closed."

Several participants at the conference have a history of promoting "Azerbaijani propaganda," according to the watchdog. One of the conference participants that Artsakh Monument Watch highlighted is the Russian clergyman Archpriest Alexy (Andrey V. Nikonorov).

The watchdog claimed that the clergyman has a history of making anti-Armenian statements and giving "Azerbaijani appropriation" the "appearance of scholarship," all while presenting himself as a scientist.

"The Russian clergyman, 'knowledgeable' in history, who also defends the interests of Orthodoxy, seems to consider it normal that the Armenian churches of Shushi are declared Orthodox, and is silent about the Russian churches destroyed during the Soviet years," the watchdog group stated.

"In some of his statements, he also expresses dubious thoughts about the Armenian Apostolic Church (see: Around the Russian Church in Gevorgavan)," Artsakh Monument Watch continued.

Following the conference, the Armenian Legal Center for Justice and Human Rights issued a letter to the Pontifical Gregorian University, calling on the institution to take corrective action by disassociating from the topics presented at the event.

As the Armenian Weekly reported last week, the ALC's letter stated that Azerbaijan's efforts to erase and appropriate Armenian culture constitute a violation of international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property.

"The event, organized with the participation of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, raises urgent legal, ethical and human rights concerns with direct implications under international law," ALC stated in the letter.

"By permitting a state-led conference advancing the discredited theory of 'Caucasian Albanian' continuity  used to appropriate Armenian Christian religious and cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh  the University risks complicity in a broader campaign of denial and cultural genocide," the document continued.
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The Charity Commission has disqualified a trustee and ordered the closure of four education charities he set up to gain personal benefit.

Its investigation into four charities set up by businessman Richard Gary Lorrison found that over 270,000 in gift aid payments had been transferred from Education for Gondar and Education in Sidama to Lorrisons personal bank account.

The commissions statutory class inquiry, which also investigated Education for Nyanza and Education in Western Province, Kenya, found that all four charities accounts had been signed off by Lorrison.

It concluded that Lorrison set up and used the charities to personally benefit from them and disqualified him from acting as a trustee.

The commission ordered all four of Lorrisons charities to be dissolved, with only Education for Gondar yet to be removed from the register.

Its inquiry report says the abuse of charities for unlawful purposes is absolutely unacceptable and that it will share any evidence suggesting a possible civil or criminal offence with the police.

Charities can be attractive to criminals to disguise unlawful activities, it says.

The commission will seek and support prosecution where they believe that criminal activity relating to maladministration or fraud occurs in respect of a charity.

Misuse of funds

In August 2023, the regulator received nine charity registration applications linked to MWA Management Advisory Services Ltd, whose sole director and member is Lorrison.

It then identified four registered charities connected to Lorrison and his company and engaged with Education for Gondar, of which he was the chair, to establish whether there were any regulatory concerns.

Following this, it opened compliance cases into the three other charities before escalating them to a class inquiry in February 2024 .

Its inquiry found that between 11 September 2018 and 4 July 2022, the only funds deposited into Education for Gondars account were HMRC gift aid payments totalling 187,829, which were immediately transferred into Lorrisons private account.

It found that through 15 separate payments between 28 July 2021 and 10 June 2022, 82,889 was paid by HMRC in gift aid into Education in Sidamas bank account, the value of which was also immediately transferred into Lorrisons account.

The inquiry report says the bank statements for Education for Gondar and Education in Sidama didnt evidence either of them having received any donated funds or grants.

The information in the bank statements for both charities therefore provided no evidence that they received any donations for which a gift aid claim could have been made.

It adds that none of the trustees of the four charities were able to provide evidence of charitable expenditure.

Regarding Education for Gondar and Education in Sidama, the report says the trustees were unable to explain why these payments had been made into Lorrisons personal bank account.

The class inquiry therefore considers that the gift aid payments were misappropriated by Lorrison.

This is misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charities by the trustees and Lorrison.

Lorrison used other trustees without their knowledge

The commission found that Lorrison had advertised the role of trustee  and in some cases offered payments  on job recruitment sites.

After interviewing prospective candidates and appointing them as trustees, Lorrison ceased all contact with them.

None of the trustees had any involvement with the four charities and were completely unaware of the concerns raised by the investigation until the class inquiry engaged with them.

The class inquiry found that Lorrison had sole control over all the charities as well as their bank accounts, the inquiry report says.

The trustees were effectively trustees in name only. This is a failure of the trustees to fulfil their legal duties and responsibilities as trustees and is misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charities.

Its, however, clear that Lorrison used these individuals without their knowledge or involvement to give the impression that the charities had the appropriate governance and oversight.
Chinese envoy calls for joint opposition to unilateralism, bullying practices

Xinhua) 11:12, April 24, 2025

UNITED NATIONS, April 23 (Xinhua) -- China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong on Wednesday delivered a strong rebuke of rising unilateralism and bullying practices, warning that such trends are eroding the foundation of international law and threatening global peace and development.

Speaking at a Security Council Arria-Formula meeting, Fu said the world has entered a new phase of turbulence and transformation 80 years after the end of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations.

"Unilateralism is on the rise, and bullying practices run rampant," Fu said. "They seriously impact the UN-centered international system, blatantly challenge the international order underpinned by international law, erode the foundation for sustainable development, and threaten world peace and stability."

The United States' recent imposition of tariffs on all its trading partners under various pretexts "severely infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, severely violate WTO rules, severely undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, and severely disrupts the global economic order," said Fu.

"Under the disguise of 'reciprocity' and 'fairness,' the U.S. is playing a zero-sum game," he said. "It is essentially about subverting the existing international economic and trade order by means of tariffs, putting the US interests above the common good of the international community, and advancing hegemonic interests of the U.S. at the cost of the legitimate interests of all countries."

Describing the world is at a crucial crossroads, Fu posed a series of questions to the international community, urging countries to reject power politics and reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism.

"Should we firmly advocate multilateralism, or should we allow unilateralism to spread unchecked? Should we promote democracy in international relations, or should we condone power politics? " he asked. "Should we abide by international law and the basic norms governing international relations, or should we return to the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak?"

Calling for joint action, Fu said the world "needs openness and inclusiveness, not closure and isolation," adding economic globalization "the only way to human progress and an irresistible trend of the times."

"Erecting high walls of tariffs is turning back the wheel of history," he said. "The world will never and should never return to a state of mutual isolation and fragmentation."

"The world needs sovereign equality, not the strong bullying the weak," said Fu, emphasizing that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community.

"We cannot allow things to be dictated by whoever has a bigger fist," he said. "No country has the right to put itself above international law. Bullying the weak, threats and coercion, and imposing one's will on others will not win popular support, and will ultimately backfire. "

"The world needs fairness and justice, not putting one's own country first," Fu said. "The fruits of development should increasingly and more equitably benefit every country and every individual. The rich countries getting richer, while the poor countries remaining poor, is not acceptable."

Imposing high tariffs on the Global South, particularly least developed countries, was "no different from depriving them of the right to development," he said.

"The world needs solidarity and cooperation, not division and confrontation," said Fu. "All countries form an interdependent and closely knit community with a shared future. In the face of global challenges, no country can prevail on its own or stay immune. We must not create gaps of division."

"Instead, we should build bridges for communication. We must not set up iron curtains of confrontation. Instead, we should smooth the way for cooperation. We need to replace conflict with dialogue, replace coercion with consultation, and replace zero-sum with win-win," he said.

Fu emphasized that China is a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. "We always stand on the side of multilateralism, on the side of fairness and justice, and on the side of the common interests of the international community."

As the world's second largest economy, China is further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, and will actively promote high-quality development and open up wider at a high standard, he said.

"We offer all least developed countries with diplomatic ties with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, making us the first major developing country and major economy to have implemented such a measure," said Fu. "China's super-sized market always remains open to the world, and all countries are welcome to get on board the express train of China's development."

"As a great country nurtured by 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, China maintains a strong strategic focus and great resilience, which provides stability and certainty to a world in turbulence," Fu said. "We do not provoke trouble, nor are we intimidated by it."

"If the US truly wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation, it should adopt an attitude of equality, respect, and mutual benefits. Any form of maximum pressure, threat, or blackmail is not the right way to engage with China, and will not stop the firm strides of the Chinese nation to achieve its great rejuvenation," said Fu.

Fu concluded by calling on the international community to "join hands, follow the historical trend of peace and development, break the counter-current of unilateralism and bullying practices, safeguard the UN-centered international system, champion the international order underpinned by international law, and jointly create a better future for the world."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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A few years ago, El Salvador was one of the most violent nations in the world, with gang killings taking the lives of dozens of people every week.

Nayib Bukele, elected president in 2019, changed all thattoday, violence is way down. But his brute-force approach to the problem has involved mass arrests, secret deals, and forced disappearances into a harsh prison systemwhich is apparently the envy of many in the Trump administration.

Filmmaker Neil Brandvold has covered much of El Salvadors transition from dangerous gangland to authoritarian dreamworld, and he joins The Kicker to explain the methods Bukele used to construct his fragile peace.

Read/Watch more:

*Neils 2024 Fault Lines documentary on El Salvadors gang crackdown.

*Neils 2018 Economist video about a religious reform movement for gang members.

*Neils 2019 New York Times video including interview with Nayib Bukele.

*El Faros 2020 investigative reporting on Bukeles early deals with the MS-13 gang.
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Theres been a lot of attention recently on the governments antitrust case against Meta, in part because Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO, spent three days testifying in court about his companys alleged anticompetitive tactics. (Klaudia Jazwinska wrote about the case in this newsletter last week.) That case is just starting to get underway. But another Silicon Valley behemoth is arguably in an even worse position, having lost not one but two landmark antitrust decisions, about two different aspects of its business: Google, which has been found to be guilty of anticompetitive conduct in both its search and online advertising operations. As these cases proceed through the remedy phase, the government is expected to argue that Google should be forced to sell off significant chunks of its business. And those salesif and when they actually come to passcould change the way that online publishing works in some fundamental ways.

The latest decision against Google came last week, when Leonie Brinkema, a district court judge in Virginia, said in a 115-page ruling that the company had acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online advertising technology. The Justice Department and a group of states sued the company in 2023, arguing that this monopoly allowed it to charge higher prices and squeeze out competitors. Judge Brinkema said the government proved that Googles exclusionary conduct substantially harmed [its] publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open Web.

News publishers were among those celebrating the ruling: Danielle Coffey, the president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance, said that the decision marked a big day for the news media industry after enduring so many years of extortionist fees and diminishing ad revenue from Googles abuse of its market power. Online publishers, including most major news outlets, carry digital advertising that helps finance their operations. Those ads appear as a result of an auction process that in some cases is carried out in the milliseconds between when a user clicks on a link and when the site loads. Publishers use a tool called an ad server to manage their ad space, and it interfaces with online ad exchanges, which manage the flow of ads; advertisers in turn use tools on the other side of the transaction, including ad networks, to provide the ads. Its a multibillion-dollar industry, one that is crucial to the lifeblood of many publishers, and Judge Brinkema ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly on two pieces of that triangle: the ad servers that publishers use, and the ad exchanges where they find and bargain for access to digital advertising. (Google, not surprisingly, saw things differently: Lee-Anne Mulholland, its vice president of regulatory affairs, said that publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable, and effective.)

The government argued that one of the things that made Googles behavior anticompetitive was the way that it tied its various services together, forcing publishers to use only its products, something the courts have ruled is a hallmark of anticompetitive activity. One of the Justice Departments submissions was a 2017 email that an advertising executive sent to her boss, in which she wrote that the value in Googles ad tech stack is less in each individual product but in the connections across all of them. As Bloomberg explained, advertisers using the Google Ads network are only permitted to place bids through Googles own exchange, AdX (with limited exceptions). In 2020, Google Ads sent bids for eighteen million ads to AdX, but only about three or four million to non-Google exchanges. Certain functions of Googles ad exchange, including what is called real-time bidding, are also only available to publishers that use its ad server.

The Justice Department said in its submissions to the court that Google controls about 87 percent of the US market for ad servers, the software that is used by publishers and websites, and about 91 percent of the market for that kind of software globally. Googles ad exchange has about 47 percent of the US market and 56 percent globally, the Justice Department told the court. The government also claimed that Googles ad network, which many advertisers use to manage the supply of ads, controls about 88 percent of the US market and about the same amount of the global market, but Judge Brinkema ruled that this was not proven to be a separate and distinct market, and therefore Googles share was not relevant to the governments antitrust case.

The question of market definition is also critical to the Meta case. As Jazwinska explained last week, the Federal Trade Commission argued in filing its lawsuit that Meta controls a significant share of something called the personal social networking market, and therefore that its acquisitions of Instagram, for one billion dollars in 2012, and WhatsApp, for nineteen billion dollars in 2014, should both be unwound. However, the company and some of its defendersincluding Ben Thompson, who writes a technology analysis newsletter called Stratecheryargue that personal social networking is not a distinct and identifiable market at all, and therefore the governments case should fail because it excludes obvious competitors such as TikTok.

Last week, Judge Brinkema gave both sides in the Google advertising case a week to propose a schedule for the next phase of the case, which is known as the remedy phase, where the government argues for specific changes to Googles business in order to correct what the judge has found to be illegal conduct. In its statement of claim, the Justice Department asked the court to force Google to sell several pieces of its ad technology business; the judge could pursue that remedy or could decide that additional remedies are required. Either way, Google is likely to appeal, which means the case will drag on, possibly for years, before it reaches a conclusion.

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Meanwhile, the other antitrust case against Google has just entered the remedy phase. The Justice Department argued this week that Google should be forced to sell its Chrome browser and make other changes after a court found last year that the company had gained an illegal monopoly over internet search by using what the government called a feedback loop of anticompetitive practices. The search case was originally filed in 2020 and went to court before Amit Mehta, a district court judge in DC, for an eight-week trial in 2023. The government argued that Googles deals with companies like Apple and Samsung to make its search engine the default on most smartphonesdeals that cost Google more than twenty-six billion dollars a yearwere designed to rig the market in the companys favor.

In addition to selling Chrome, the government asked Judge Mehta to force Google to stop the company from paying Apple and Samsung to make Google search the default on smartphones, and has suggested that if this doesnt make the search market more competitive within five years, Google should be forced to sell off Android, its mobile operating system, which powers a majority of the worlds smartphones. The Justice Department also raised the possibility that Googles dominance in search could help it dominate the emerging market for artificial intelligenceby making its AI engine the default in its browser and search engineand that this would be bad for consumers.

Googles lawyers called the governments proposed remedies extreme and fundamentally flawed, and argued in court that the company won its place in the market fair and square. The company also said that the changes the Justice Department is recommending would allow competitors to capitalize on Googles hard work, and ultimately harm competition in the search market rather than promoting it. But one publishing-industry executive said that the more than twenty billion dollars that Google was found to have paid Apple in 2022 to be the default search service on its smartphones came from the pocketbooks of marketers and from publishers who suffered by not getting the revenue that they should have gotten.

The cases against Google and Meta are part of a largerand in many ways bipartisanmovement by government regulators to curb what they argue is the excessive power of major tech companies. The Justice Department has also sued Apple, arguing that the way the company ties its smartphones and other devices together with its online app store has locked in consumers and harmed competition and choice in the smartphone market. And the FTC has sued Amazon, accusing it of using its dominance in online retailing to harm small businesses and online competitors. Observers say President Trumps choices for the head of the FTC and the top antitrust role in the Justice Department indicate that the administration wants to continue to crack down on the market power that large tech companies have. If both Google and Meta are ultimately forced to reshape their businesses, Evelyn Mitchell-Wolff of Emarketer told Reuters, then the digital advertising landscape could be unrecognizable in five years.



Other notable stories:
The Trump administration is considering whether to reduce certain tariffs targeting the auto industry that carmaker executives have warned would deal a severe blow to profits and jobs.

One measure would spare automobiles and parts already subject to tariffs from facing additional duties from levies on steel and aluminum imports, according to people familiar with the matter. That would eliminate so-called stacking of levies.

Another option being studied would fully exempt auto parts that comply with the US-Mexico-Canada trade pact, known as the USMCA, some of the people said. Those components dont currently face tariffs, but the administration had planned to tax the non-US share of those parts from Canada and Mexico. Fully sparing those parts would abandon that approach, which would present a potentially herculean logistical challenge.

The Financial Times earlier reported that the Trump administration is considering reducing tariffs on auto parts  and that they might also exempt auto parts bought from China from a 20% tariff applied to the country over a dispute over fentanyl.

The proposals and options remain under consideration and President Donald Trump has not signed off, cautioned the people who asked not to be identified discussing the matter because it isnt public. His tariff policies often change quickly, underscoring the fluidity of policy deliberations. But the discussions offer a signal that the administration is considering ways to narrow the scope of levies affecting the auto industry.

If adopted, the changes would be a significant reprieve for automakers who have warned of devastating consequences from the Trump tariffs, including higher vehicle prices, production cuts and potential job losses. The industry relies on deeply integrated supply chains spanning North America for the vehicles they sell in the U.S.

Trump has separately applied tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, though exempted USMCA-compliant goods. The tariffs on autos and auto parts, however, were poised to heavily disrupt the integrated continental supply chain. The U.S. plan, as initially announced, offered something of an olive branch by tariffing only the non-U.S share of USMCA-traded vehicles, and delaying a potential tariff on parts traded under the pact.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday night.

In the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump was asked if he was considering changes to auto tariffs and indicated he was not  while also suggesting he might even increase levies on the Canadian auto sector.

No, were not considering it now, but at some point it could go up, Trump said. Because, again, we dont really want Canada to make cars for us. To put it bluntly, we want to make our own cars, and were now equipped to do that.

Detroits automakers for weeks have lobbied the administration to exclude certain low-cost car components from planned tariffs. Company representatives have told the administration that broad parts duties would drive up costs and trigger profit warnings and layoffs that would counter Trumps goal of rebuilding US manufacturing. He plans to travel to Michigan next week.

Carmakers are expected to shoulder much of the tariff burden, at least initially, with margins at many parts manufacturers already running thin.

Top photo: New Hyundai vehicles at the Port of Tacoma in Tacoma, Washington, US, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to implement a 25% tariff on auto imports, expanding a trade war designed to bring more manufacturing jobs to the US and setting the stage for an even broader push on levies next week. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Firefighters in New Jersey made progress against a blaze that threatened to become the states largest in 18 years, while officials charged a man with arson in connection with the incident.

The wildfire in Ocean County, about 90 miles south of New York City, spread across 21 square miles (54 square kilometers)nearly the size of Manhattanby Thursday morning. The blaze was 50% contained along its perimeter.

Investigators determined that the fire was caused by an improperly extinguished bonfire, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said Thursday in a statement.

Though one commercial structure has been destroyed, officials said Wednesday morning that fire crews had prevented any homes from burning. There have also been no reports of injuries or deaths. New York City officials warned that residents there may see or smell smoke as a result of the blaze, and that the air-quality index on Thursday could reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups.

New Jersey typically experiences increased fire risk in the spring, with the danger peaking in late April. But the state has also seen below-average rain and snowfall stretching back months, leaving the landscape especially dry and primed to burn.

Its pretty extreme conditions now, state forest fire warden Trevor Raynor said at a press conference Wednesday. It doesnt get any worse than this.

Officials said they expected the blaze to continue to grow until rains move in late Friday and early Saturday morning, affecting air quality near the fire line. Jersey Central Power & Light restored service to most customers by Thursday morning after inspecting its equipment for damage, according to an update posted on the companys website.

By the time the fire is extinguished, officials said it could be the largest to strike the state since 2007, when a blaze sparked by a military exercise consumed 17,000 acres.

Satellite imagery earlier this week indicated the fire was inching closer to the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant, which was closed in 2018 and is now being decommissioned. Embers reached the facility Tuesday but were extinguished, according to plant officials, who said concrete casks storing radioactive waste on site were designed to withstand fires.

Despite recent storms, New Jersey has been drier than normal since last August, according to statistics compiled by the state climatologists office. In Ocean County, annual rain and snowfall totals are running 12 inches (30 centimeters) below average.

As of last week, almost 80% of the state was abnormally dry or experiencing drought conditions. A risk monitor developed by New Jerseys forest fire service shows high fire danger has spread statewide.

Bill Donnelly, chief of the fire service, said 662 wildfires had been reported across New Jersey so far this year, consuming more than 16,500 acres. Thats significantly more than the state saw during the same period of 2024, when crews recorded 310 fires that burned about 315 acres in all.

While these blazes have been small compared with those that regularly devastate the western U.S., they are heightening risks in one of the most densely populated parts of the country.

Wildfire risk tends to peak in New Jersey in the spring and fall months, National Weather Service meteorologist Patrick OHara said in an interview Wednesday.

Since it was so dry last year and conditions are starting to be dry again, fire danger across southern New Jersey is even a little higher than it would be, OHara said, adding that the risk will diminish as plants and leaves green up across the state.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
BEREA, Ohio -- A Willowick woman, 35, and a Euclid woman, 31, were cited and may face additional charges after police found what they believed were illegal drugs in their Mitsubishi Outlander.

Police had noticed the Outlander traveling north on North Rocky River Drive, then north on Ohio 237. The rear license plate light wasnt working.

Also, the vehicle twice nearly missed drifting into the center median.
A Youngstown State University graduate is the latest to sue the Trump administration over a revoked student visa. A federal judge in Akron will hear the case.

CLEVELAND, Ohio A Youngstown State University graduate late Wednesday sued Trump administration officials after her student visa was revoked.

Cynderila Patrick, a Nigerian citizen now living in Maryland, obtained a masters degree in chemical engineering last year. The lawsuit says she needs the student visa to obtain a permit to allow her to use her degree to work in the United States.

The lawsuit, filed by attorney Rhys Cartwright-Jones, says Patricks visa was revoked on April 8, likely over a 2024 fourth-degree misdemeanor charge that prosecutors ultimately dropped.

This disruption will severely hinder her ability to gain professional experience in the United States, undermines the educational investment she has made and places her at a competitive disadvantage in her field, Cartwright-Jones wrote in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks a temporary, preliminary and permanent order for her visa to be reinstated. It argues that her due process rights were violated and that government officials never notified her why her visa was revoked.

The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi in Akron.

The lawsuit was filed as government officials have revoked at least 61 visas for Ohio students, including 14 at YSU, and more than 1,000 students across the country under President Donald Trumps policies.

At least three other Ohio students have sued over their visas being revoked two students at Ohio State University and one at the University of Cincinnati. A judge last week ordered officials to temporarily reinstate an Ohio State students visa.

At least four other federal judges around the country have issued similar rulings, U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley wrote in his April 18 order.

Patrick, 36, enrolled at YSU in 2022, and in 2023 she received a $1,000 scholarship from Intel for students who aimed to work in the technology field. She was a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers, according to the university.

The revoking of her student visa had immediate and severe consequences for Patrick, including for an asylum case she has pending in immigration court. Immigrants argue for asylum when they fear persecution in their country of origin. Her visa being revoked could prompt an immigration judge to order her deported, the lawsuit said.

It also takes away her ability to apply for an extension for a program that allows foreign students with active student visas to work in their field, the lawsuit said.

Patrick was applying for an extension for the program at the time she was notified by YSU officials of her visa being revoked. An email from the university said only: Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit said Patrick always maintained her visa status. She was charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor menacing in January 2024 over an angry email she sent to a professor over her grade in a class, according to the lawsuit and Youngstown Municipal Court records. The charges were dropped about five months later.

Adam Ferrise covers federal courts at cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. You can find his work here.
The Ohio Statehouse on Capitol Square in downtown Columbus. The capitol houses the Ohio General Assembly, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

COLUMBUS, Ohio Language tucked into the latest state budget proposal would create a wide range of new exemptions to public-records requests for law enforcement records and other documents.

The most controversial of the proposals are those regarding police files and attorneys documents. While proponents say theyre needed to help protect the integrity of police investigations and legal proceedings, critics fear the changes  if passed  would result in most police records being kept off-limits indefinitely from the public.
Two adults were displaced Wednesday after a fire started outside a home on Highland Road and moved to the inside. (file photo) Olivia Mitchell, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio  Firefighters extinguished a fire Wednesday on the citys West Side.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at 4:45 p.m. at a home in the 3600 block of Highland Road, according to a report from Lt. Mike Norman, a spokesman for the Cleveland Division of Fire. The cause of the fire stemmed from careless smoking, he said.

The blaze began outside the home and extended into the first and second floors, Norman said.

No injuries were reported.

Two adults were displaced. They were assisted by the American Red Cross.

The fire caused $60,000 in damages, Norman said.
WASHINGTON, D. C. - Ohios Republican members of Congress are pushing legislation that would rescind the Biden administrations decision to restore an Ohio policy that lets citizens bring federal nuisance lawsuits against industrial air polluters.

Advocates of the legislation introduced with backing from groups including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Manufacturers Association and the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council, say its passage will protect Ohio businesses from frivolous environmental lawsuits.
Victim names are now redacted in Cleveland police reports provided to the public, thanks to a relatively new state law. As public officials, City Council members believe they're still entitled to that information. Cleveland

CLEVELAND, Ohio  Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost sided with Mayor Justin Bibb this week and determined that Cleveland City Council members dont have the right to see the names of crime victims listed in police reports.

In a legal opinion issued Tuesday, Yost said a state law that requires cities and police departments to redact the names of crime victims from police reports released to the public also applies to legislative bodies  like council members.
Peanut flour can help people beat their nut allergies.

A small quantity of peanuts can be consumed by people allergic to nuts, thanks to a new treatment

King's College London enlisted 21 adults aged between 18 and 40 who have a serious reaction to peanuts for a trial, and they hailed the treatment as "life-changing" and are "no longer living in fear".

The group - of which some members spent between eight and 23 months doing the research, depending on their tolerance and delays due to Covid-19 - were given 0.8mg, 1.5mg and 3mg doses of peanut flour that was mixed with other food under medic supervision.

If they could handle the quantity, the amount of nuts they could consume increased over the course of the weeks and months,

And 67 per cent went on to consume four or five peanuts without having a reaction.

Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust's Hannah Hunter, who was the study author, said: Many participants who completed the trial told us that the treatment had been life-changing and they were no longer living in fear.

One person who took part was 28 year old Chris Brookes-Smith.

He used to live in fear of dying because of his peanut allergy, and although he does not like the taste of them, Chris has said it is good he can have four peanuts with his granola - which was recommended by his doctor - every morning.

He is quoted by BBC News as saying: "It's a wonderful feeling.

"I'm no longer afraid of dying."
The Department of Homeland Security seal is seen on the podium at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The total number of international students at Ohio colleges and universities whose visas have been revoked, or their legal status has been terminated is now up to at least 62.

An additional seven students at Cuyahoga Community College, Columbus State Community College and Sinclair College, a community college in the Dayton area, lost their visas or legal status.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security revoked two Tri-C students visas on April 8 and a third on April 10, college spokesman Anthony Moujaes said.

Scott Marshall, spokesman for Sinclair, said the school is aware of three students who had their visas revoked.

One Columbus State students visa was revoked, said David Wayne, a college spokesman.

While the schools arent identifying the students by name, some details about Ohio students visa troubles have become available in court documents.

A Youngstown State graduate on Wednesday sued the federal government to reinstate her visa, which was revoked on April 8. An attorney for Cynderila Patrick, a Nigerian citizen now living in Maryland, said Patricks visa was likely revoked over a 2024 fourth-degree misdemeanor charge that prosecutors ultimately dropped.

A federal judge recently granted Ohio State University doctoral student Prasanna Oruganti a temporary order reinstating her student visa, the Columbus Dispatch reported. And Jiarong Ouyang, a PhD statistics student at the University of Cincinnati, recently sued over his revocation, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

At least 15 Ohio colleges affected

Inside Higher Ed, a publication that is tracking revocations mostly through local media coverage, has found that at least 1,730 international students have had visas revoked nationally.

Combining Inside Higher Eds counts with Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealers tracking shows that at least 15 Ohio colleges have been affected.

The following is the breakdown of international students whose visas have been revoked across Ohio:

-Youngstown State University: 14

-Ohio State University: 12

-Kent State University: 10

-Case Western Reserve University: 4

-Walsh University: 4

-University of Akron: 3

-University of Findlay: 3

-Cuyahoga Community College: 3

-Sinclair College: 3

-Cleveland State University: At least 1

-Xavier University: At least 1

-Bowling Green State University: 1

-Columbus State Community College: 1

-University of Toledo: A small number

-University of Cincinnati: A small number

As with the other schools in Ohio, the community colleges said they didnt know the specifics about why the students visas were terminated.

Ohio colleges are learning about the revocations only after checking the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a federal database for international student visas.

PhD students

Oruganti, the OSU student, is from India. Her PhD is in agricultural engineering, according to the federal judges decision.

U.S. District Court Judge Algenon Marbleys Tuesday ruling requires U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons to reinstate her visa. They cannot move to kick Oruganti out of the country while the temporary order remains in place.

OSUs Office of International Affairs emailed Oruganti on April 8, saying her record was terminated in the federal student database, and the reason that was given was, Other - Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has their VISA revoked, Marbleys ruling said.

But the government didnt notify Oruganti directly, and shes unaware of why she lost her visa. She said the only record she could have is a June 2020 guilty plea for a minor traffic misdemeanor in Missouri. She hit some decorative bricks with her car, pleaded guilty to a defective equipment charge, and paid a $300 fine.

Opposing the (temporary order), Defendants (the federal government) at the hearing alluded to a vague administrative process that Plaintiff could have pursued to restore her (visa) record, including by contacting ICE directly. But in this Courts view, that would amount to letting the proverbial fox guard the chicken house. The record is replete with instances of international students subject to visa revocations or terminations being arrested and detained by ICE without warning, Marbley said in granting the order.

The University of Cincinnati PhD student Jiarong Ouyangs case is in federal court in San Francisco. His case involves himself and two other international students from China who are suing DHS, hoping a judge will restore their visas, according to the Enquirer.

Ouyang argues he has no criminal record. The federal government says he was named in criminal records after a 2019 domestic violence arrest. The charges against him were later dropped, the Enquirer reports.

Emails telling students to leave the U.S.

Most Ohio students whose visas have been revoked learn through email, although some have been approached by federal law enforcement, said Zeina Abu-Hijleh, a spokeswoman for CAIR-Ohio, the Council on Arab-Islamic Relations, based in the Columbus suburbs.

Abu-Hijleh, a lawyer who is working with groups through the Palestinian American Bar Association, declined identifying any of the students who have lost their visas, saying they are too scared to be named at this time.

When students receive the email, DHS says they must leave the country, she said.

Finding the whereabouts of students who have been arrested has been difficult for the attorneys representing them, she said. While some of the students have been involved in protests and advocacy, others have not and we have no clear understanding of why they are being targeted as the government has not given any clear reason.

International students are integral in academic and clinical environments, Abu-Hijleh said.

Many go on to become long-term contributors to the U.S. economy and society, she said. The idea that some of these students are having their visas revoked not because of breaking the law, but because of their country of origin or how theyve expressed their political opinions, is deeply troubling.

Laura Hancock covers state government and politics for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.
Four ex-FirstEnergy officials appeared remotely at a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio hearing on Thursday, March 13, 2025, where they once again declined to answer questions about their roles in a bribery scandal, invoking their rights against self-incrimination. (Jake Zuckerman/Cleveland.com) Jake Zuckerman

COLUMBUS, Ohio  A Franklin County judge gave legal immunity to four former FirstEnergy officials, all ousted amid criminal investigations into the companys two bribery schemes of state officials, clearing the way for them to testify to state regulators.

The three lobbyists  Joel Bailey, Justin Biltz, and Ty Pine  plus ex-senior vice president of marketing, product development and branding Dennis Chack, all previously invoked their constitutional rights against self-incrimination and refused to testify to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio about their own and others involvement in the passage of House Bill 6 in 2019.
The U.S. State Department this week issued an advisory to travelers to exercise caution when visiting Morocco due to a danger of terrorist activity. Seen here is Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square in Marrakesh, a city that dates from the 11th century. (David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com) David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

WASHINGTON  Travelers to tourist destinations in Morocco should be wary of the possibility of terrorism, the U.S. State Department has warned.

In a travel advisory issued this week, the U.S. government cautioned that terrorist groups continue to plot possible attacks.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, the advisory states. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities.

The centuries-old African kingdom with coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean is known for its ancient sites and traditions as well as its exotic multicultural blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences. The independent nation has a population of more than 37 million, nearly the size of California.

Previously: U.S. warns travelers beware of crime at tropical island nation

Visitors who decide to travel to Morocco are cautioned to:

Stay alert in tourist spots.

Avoid demonstrations and crowds.

Enroll in the State Departments Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page for the latest Travel Health Information related to Morocco.

Visitors should prepare ahead of time for emergency situations, using the State Departments Travelers Checklist. The State Department also recommends visitors buy travel insurance before leaving and check with the insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage.
Hugh Grant has blasted pathetic schools and called for a ban on laptops and tablets in the classroom.

Hugh Grant calls for tech ban in schools

The father-of-five joined the campaign group Close Screens, Open Minds at an event at a school in west London, where he aired his frustrations alongside social psychologist Dr Jonathan Haidt and actress Sophie Winkleman.

According to The Telegraph newspaper, Grant described himself as another angry parent fighting the eternal, exhausting and depressive battle with children who only want to be on a screen.

He went on: The final straw was when the school started saying, with some smugness, we give every child a Chromebook, and they do a lot of lessons on their Chromebook, and they do all their homework on their Chromebook, and you just thought that is the last f****** thing they need, and the last thing we need.

Dr Haidt, - who is campaigning for phone-free schools  questioned whether the increase in technology in schools was to blame for a decline in test results.

He told the event: Test scores began going down after 2012. I dont know if its because of the phones, or because thats when we put iPads and Chromebooks on kids desks. Whatever it is, as soon as we brought in the EdTech, scores plunged.

Hugh  who has five children ranging in age from six to 15  said parents feared rocking the boat.

He explained: I dont think politicians ever do anything because its the right thing to do, even if its the right thing to do to protect children. Theyll only do what gets them votes. They only care about their career.

Therefore, I think the option on this, which is to go after parents, is the right one. Because I think that once you get a critical mass of parents who are outraged by EdTech, as well as all the other issues, the phones, etc, that is when politicians listen because theyre scared of that.

Thats also when schools start to listen because theyre scared of people leaving their schools and losing business.

He also blasted the kind of ridiculous posh private schools he sends his children to for restricting outdoor play, saying: Theyre the ones saying theyre not going to play outside today because its raining, or they cant go on the climbing frame because its windy. Its pathetic. It seems to me that there is space here for a hero school, a set of schools, to break the mould.
Rosie O'Donnell "needed" to leave the US for the "safety and sanity" of herself and her youngest child.

Rosie O'Donnell moved to Ireland earlier this year

The 62-year-old comedienne revealed last month that she and her youngest child Clay, 12, had relocated to Ireland earlier this year after Donald Trump was re-elected as president and they couldn't be happier in their new home of Howth on the outskirts of Dublin.

She told Us Weekly magazine: I know myself enough to know that this was something I needed to do for the safety and sanity of myself and my non-binary child...

"Theres a great, great school there. And Clay has done very well. And they were really welcoming.

And I love the little town, the little village. Its in the heart of Dublin, but its still a village where you know the name of the grocer and you know the name of the cashiers. People are unbearably kind in a way that shocks me every single day.

Rosie - who is also the adoptive mother of Parker, 29, Chelsea, 27, Blake, 25, and 22-year-old Vivienne - has found one part of relocating that has been "very hard" is no longer being able to regularly participate in group calls with her closest friends because of the time difference, but she's doing her best to stay in regular contact.

She said: Its been very hard because of the time zone for me to participate in that. And I really miss that.

I call my kids, I FaceTime my kids. I have two best friends, Junie and Jackie, since I [was] three years old. Theyre really like sisters. And I talk to them all the time. I have two brothers Im very close to. I talk to them all the time.

Fellow comic Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi have moved to England as a result of the political climate in the US and Rosie admitted she was "shocked" by the 'Finding Dory' star's move.

She said: Ive never really known Ellen to say anything political in her life, so I was surprised to read that she left because of President Trump. Like, that shocked me, actually.

"Ive been a political person my whole life, not better or worse, its just a different way to be in the world. I was very clear about the reason why I was leaving, and I dont think it came as a surprise to anyone.

"Were not really in each others worlds, and its been kind of awkward but you know what? I wish her the best. I wish that she has peace and love in her life and that she is OK.

Although there is still unresolved "stuff" between herself and Ellen, Rosie - who previously accused the former talk show host of claiming she didn't know who she was - doesn't bear any "malice" towards her.

She said: I dont want to fight against another gay woman. Its not like were tenaciously opposed to each other. Were just very different people.

"We have had some stuff in the past that we never resolved. And not in any way as, as partners or lovers or anything like that, just as friends and comedians, but I wish her the best. I seriously do."
FILE PHOTO: Workers package bottles of Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey at the company's distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, U.S., on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

U.S. spirit exports reached a record $2.4 billion in 2024, driven in large part by tariff concerns and ongoing global trade disputes.

That is according to the American Spirits Exports report published by trade association the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States on Thursday.

"U.S. spirits exports hit a new high in 2024, recapturing lost market share since the UK and EU lifted retaliatory tariffs that were applied between 2018-2021," said DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger. "Unfortunately, ongoing trade disputes unrelated to our sector have caused uncertainty, keeping many U.S. distillers on the sidelines and curtailing sales growth."

U.S. spirits exports to the EU surged by 39%, fueled by concerns over the potential return of a 50% tariff on American whiskey imports in 2025, which was suspended in 2022.

In March, Trump threatened to put 200% tariffs on French Champagne and other EU spirits, which led European world leaders  specifically from Ireland, France and Italy  to advocate for bourbon tariffs not to return as part of retaliatory measures.

The threat of that specific tariff has faded somewhat as the U.S. and EU continue trade negotiations.
Countries around the world have been feeling the pressure of tariffs imposed on their exports to the U.S., as well as the trade tensions between the world's largest superpowers.

Pakistan is no exception.

U.S. President Donald Trump had imposed a 29% duty on all exports from the South Asian country to the U.S. on April 2. He has since lowered the duty to 10%, as part of his 90-day pause on tariffs imposed on some countries and goods.

The weighted average tariff on U.S. exports to Pakistan is around 7%, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb says. Conversely, the weighted average tariff on U.S.' imports from Pakistan is around 10%, he noted.

"We export a little over $5 billion (and) import roughly $2 billion plus," Aurangzeb told CNBC on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.

He added that Pakistan is now looking to engage with the U.S. to "close this gap."

The country's imports from the U.S. include "high quality cotton," as well as other agriculture commodities such as soy beans, the minister noted. Going forward, he reckons that trade between both countries could include metals such as copper, which Pakistan produces.

"From Pakistan's perspective, the U.S. has been a very strategic partner - one of our largest trading partners. Therefore, we want to, very constructively engage with the U.S.," Aurangzeb said.
Shipping containers at the Yangshan Port outside Shanghai, China, on Feb. 7, 2025.

China's state regulator and planning council published a new version of its "negative list" that relaxes barriers to entering the world's second-largest economy, reducing the number of restricted industries to 106 from 117.

The so-called negative list specifies industries where activities by foreign investors are either restricted or prohibited. It was first issued in 2018 by Beijing.

The relaxation comes as U.S. tariffs threaten more pressure on China's economy, which is already reeling from weak domestic consumption and a debt crisis in the property sector.

China's National Development and Reform Commission said in a statement on Thursday that the 2025 version of the list lowers the "entry threshold and stimulates market vitality".

A number of areas have been partially liberalized, the NDRC said, including television production, telecommunication services, online information services for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the use of radioactive drugs by medical institutions, and the import of forest seeds.

Local governments are also encouraged to allow greater access in areas such as transportation and logistics, freight forwarding and vehicle rental services.

Market access to investing in unmanned aerial vehicles and new tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, is included on the negative list to "ensure a safe bottom line", the regulator said, without giving further details.

China had said in February it would further break down investment barriers and revise its negative list for market access as soon as possible.
U.S. President Donald Trump looks on, on the day he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 23, 2025. Leah Millis | Reuters

Taken from CNBCs Daily Open, our international markets newsletter  Subscribe today

U.S. President Donald Trump called the first shots in his trade crusade, but he also blinked first in his tariff war. Trump late Tuesday said that the current 145% tariff on Chinese imports is "very high, and it won't be that high.  No, it won't be anywhere near that high. It'll come down substantially. But it won't be zero." The president's softer tone towards China, despite no formal talks, was in stark contrast to his more combative rhetoric earlier in April. China, on its part, has welcomed the talks, but has not ceded any ground. "China's attitude towards the tariff war launched by the U.S. is quite clear: We don't want to fight, but we are not afraid of it. If we fight, we will fight to the end; if we talk, the door is wide open," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Wednesday. Markets then rallied following the softening stance, but with the swings in rhetoric from the White House, we might be in for another whiplash if Trump changes his mind.  Lim Hui Jie

What you need to know today

And finally...

Facebook and Instagram icons are seen displayed on an iPhone. Jakub Porzycki | Nurphoto | Getty Images

EU hits Apple and Meta with nearly $800 million in fines amid U.S. trade tensions The European Union on Wednesday fined Apple and Meta hundreds of millions of euros each for breaching the bloc's digital competition laws. The European Commission, which is the executive body of the EU, said it was fining Apple 500 million euros ($571 million) and Meta 200 million euros ($228.4 million) for breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Officials said that Apple failed to comply with so-called "anti-steering" obligations under the DMA. Under the EU's tech law, Apple is required to allow developers to freely inform customers of alternative offers outside its App Store.  Read more
Hasbro board games are seen for sale at a Target store in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 12, 2023.

If President Donald Trump's 145% levy against imports from China holds, Hasbro estimates it could see as much as a $300 million hit to its bottom line.

The toy maker posted better-than-expected earnings on Thursday, but investors and analysts were more focused on the ongoing trade war Trump's White House has waged against the toy industry's biggest manufacturer.

Hasbro maintained the full-year guidance it issued last quarter, citing the uncertainty of the current tariff environment.

"Our forecast assumes various scenarios for China tariffs, ranging from 50% to the rate holding at 145% and 10% for the rest of world," said Gina Goetter, chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Hasbro, during Thursday's earnings call. "This translates to an estimated $100 million to $300 million gross impact across the enterprise in 2025. Before any mitigation."

CEO Chris Cocks said during the company's earnings call that "while no company is insulated, Hasbro is well positioned," noting the company's unchanged guidance is "supported by our robust games and licensing businesses and our strategic flexibility."

"Prolonged tariff conditions create structural costs and heighten market unpredictability," he said, adding, "ultimately tariffs translate into higher consumer prices."

Cocks also warned of "potential job losses as we adjust to absorb increased costs and reduced profit for our shareholders."

The company's U.S. games business benefits from digital and domestic sourcing, as many of its board games are made in Massachusetts. Its Wizards of the Coast division, which includes Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, has a tariff exposure of less than $10 million, Cocks said, as much of the domestic product is made in North Carolina, Texas and Japan.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took to social media to indicate that the money lost by his company when users are polite to ChatGPT is money "well spent".

Altman recently revealed that users implementing good manners when speaking to the AI chatbot, such as saying "please" and "thank you" to it, costs OpenAI millions of additional dollars in operational expenses.

However, the CEO took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his peace with the money lost by his company in this capacity.

"I wonder how much money OpenAI has lost in electricity costs from people saying 'please' and 'thank you' to their models," one user questioned on April 15.

I wonder how much money OpenAI has lost in electricity costs from people saying please and thank you to their models.  tomie (@tomieinlove) April 15, 2025

"Tens of millions of dollars well spent--you never know," Altman responded.

tens of millions of dollars well spent--you never know  Sam Altman (@sama) April 16, 2025

However, the use of manners can also be beneficial for AI chatbots. Kurtis Beavers, a director on the design team for Microsoft Copilot, revealed in a Microsoft WorkLab memo that "using basic etiquette when interacting with AI" assists the AI in generating "respectful, collaborative outputs."

He added that being polite to the AI "not only ensures you get the same graciousness in return, but it also improves the AI's responsiveness and performance."

In the US, 67% of people reported being polite to AI chatbots compared to 71% of people in the UK, according to research conducted by Future in December of 2024.

A further survey of the respondents who reported being impolite to AI revealed that they did so for the purpose of brevity and to save time. Furthermore, about 12% of respondents reported being polite to the AI for fear of facing consequences in the future, which may be what Altman was alluding to with this "you never know" message.

Originally published on Latin Times
India traders at the Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. office in Mumbai, India. Vivek Prakash | Bloomberg | Getty Images

This report is from this week's CNBC's "Inside India" newsletter which brings you timely, insightful news and market commentary on the emerging powerhouse and the big businesses behind its meteoric rise. Like what you see? You can subscribe here.

The big story

India's stock market seems to have gotten back its mojo. While the Nifty 50 index remains more than 7% below its all-time high reached on September 26, it has rallied about 10% since bottoming out on April 7, when trade tensions between the United States and China escalated.

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While concerns over the state of the global economy soured risk sentiment around the world, the slide in Indian equities began long before Donald Trump began his second mandate as U.S. president and trade tariffs dominated news headlines. Much of the pain for investors, though, has come from within. Valuations for stocks had risen while earnings flatlined, or worse, were deteriorating. At their peak, Indian large-cap stocks in the iShares MSCI India ETF were being valued at nearly 30 times the earnings, significantly higher than their five-year average.

However, the strong rally over the past two weeks raises the question of whether stocks have found a floor, and if investors are now looking past the short-term volatility. A key factor underpinning the market's resilience has been the unwavering support from domestic investors pushing funds into stocks through their systematic investment plans (SIPs), which has offset withdrawals from foreign investors. Despite foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pulling significant capital out earlier in the year, local institutions have stepped in, according to analysts at ICICI Securities. Vinod Karki, equity strategist at the bank, pointed out that domestic institutional investors (DIIs) have so far poured in $3 billion in April, only marginally lower than the $3.2 billion in foreign fund outflows amid the trade war volatility. "Stock reaction during April'25 so far indicates that DIIs may have continued buying domestic-driven stocks (financials, industrials and consumption) while stocks related to global demand may have seen selling," Karki said. "Cash positions of active funds have risen further while SIP inflows were stable during Mar'25  bodes well for market stability, assuming FPI selling intensifies." JPMorgan analysts echoed this sentiment in a note on HDFC Asset Management , one of the largest fund houses in the country. "The industry maintained positive new equity flows despite negative market movements in 4Q, demonstrating stability in domestic flows primarily driven by SIP contributions," said the Wall Street bank's analysts led by Harsh Wardhan Modi. India's fiscal year runs from April through March. Beyond flows, signs of improvement are emerging in specific sectors. ICICI Securities research also pointed to profitability "bottoming out" for companies in the mining and chemicals sector and to "fewer EPS downgrades" expected from analysts. CNBC Inside India's analysis reveals that analysts have steadily lowered their 2025 earnings per share expectations for Indian stocks by 10% over the past two years, setting up investors for a profitable surprise when companies beat estimates.

On the geopolitical front, some analysts also hold the current global trade tensions, while serious, may offer more potential for resolution than did previous crises. ICICI's Karki said the current crisis could be fixed by politicians, unlike the global financial crisis or the pandemic, adding that "human interventions to avert a major global crisis" are still possible. Others agree. "Broadly, our stance on India being unfazed by the trade war stays, and we believe it will be 'relatively unfazed' in the short run while it could emerge as a beneficiary in the longer run if a trade deal materializes," said Bernstein's equity strategist Venugopal Garre in a note to clients. Despite the domestic optimism, significant hurdles remain, preventing the appearance of an 'all-clear' signal. The primary concern, echoed by multiple analysts, is the impact of the "global tariff war." Goldman Sachs said that the "investment activity is likely to remain subdued owing to the US 'reciprocal' tariff-related policy uncertainties." India's crucial IT sector, heavily reliant on Western markets, is likely to take a direct hit from such headwinds. IT outsourcing giants Wipro , Infosys , and HCL Technologies have consistently flagged weak guidance and heightened uncertainty impacting client spending. A JPMorgan analyst called HCL's performance a "rare feat" for simply being in-line  underscoring the challenging environment for the sector overall. However, as the green shoots for the market appear to be growing in the shadow of the trade war, the risks remain tangible.

Need to know

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Monday. In a statement from Modi's office, both leaders expressed "significant progress" in their discussions on bilateral trade and cooperation in areas such as energy and defense. Vance, who was in India on a mostly personal trip with second lady Usha Vance and his family, met Modi in New Delhi. Progress in India-U.S. trade deal. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed hope that an India-U.S. bilateral agreement on trade could be reached "by the fall this year," according to comments made in San Francisco on Monday. The negotiations, which commenced Wednesday and conclude Friday, will be led by the country's new chief trade negotiator Rajesh Agrawal. Sitharaman also said New Delhi is aiming to lower the country's fiscal deficit below 4.5% of gross domestic product by financial year 2026 from 4.8% currently. Tesla is preparing to enter the Indian market. Speaking on an earnings call, CFO Vaibhav Taneja confirmed reports that the company is working on an expansion into India, adding that it would be a great market to enter, thanks to its "big middle class." Nevertheless, India is also "a very hard market," with EV imports into the country subject to a 70% tariff and about 30% luxury tax, he said, noting that this could make India-sold Tesla's twice as expensive.

What happened in the markets?

Indian stocks have continued their run up this week. The Nifty 50 index closed above 24,000 points for the first time since the end of January this year, heading for a 1.7% gain this week. The index turned positive and has risen 2.54% this year. The benchmark 10-year Indian government bond yield have continued to fall and are down to 6.3% this week.

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On CNBC TV this week, Hiren Dasani, co-head of emerging markets equity at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said India's domestic fundamentals are improving and economic growth appears to have bottomed out, making India a diversification play amid the broader market uncertainty. The Indian market is "one of the only few markets" that is up since U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed his "reciprocal" tariffs on April 2, Dasani observed. Meanwhile, Ruchit Mehta, head of research at SBI Mutual Fund, highlighted India's "fair solid domestic growth story," which he said is supported by strong consumption trends and by its advantage as a net importer amid global trade uncertainties. Mehta is also optimistic on the country's banking sector.

What's happening next week?
U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs have pushed countries to look for ways to improve their trade balance with the U.S. and negotiate the extent of duties levied on their imports.

Indonesia's plan now is to "narrow," or even eliminate its trade surplus with the U.S., the country's finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati told CNBC on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.

This comes after the country was hit with a 32% levy on exports to the U.S. by President Donald Trump on April 2. He has since lowered the duty to 10% as part of his 90-day pause on tariffs imposed on some countries and goods.

Indrawati noted that the resource-rich country has been perceived to be preventing trade via "non-tariff barriers" such as its administrative processes, customs processes on imported goods and taxation procedures.

Indonesia is now looking to import more agricultural products such as wheat, soybeans and corn from the U.S, she said.

"We import not only from the United States but many others ... we can always discuss about how we can narrow and put the United States in a better advantage of providing those kinds of agriculture products," she noted.

Indonesia could potentially also import oil and gas - especially liquid gas from the U.S. - as its domestic production is insufficient for its energy needs, the finance minister said.

Her comments come as Indonesia's trade surplus with the U.S. stood at $4.3 billion between January to March - up from $3.61 billion in the same period the year before. The superpower was the biggest contributor to the Southeast Asian country's overall trade surplus of $10.92 billion in the first quarter.

However, Indrawati noted that trade to the U.S. accounts for less than 2% of the country's gross domestic product.

"So, it's not really that big," given that total exports accounts for 20% of Indonesia's GDP, she added.

Still, Indrawati said that the impact of Trump's tariffs could potentially be felt in other ways as countries look to diversify their exports from the U.S.
The Perplexity AI logo is seen in this photo taken Jan. 4, 2024.

Perplexity AI is getting in on the smartphone game.

The startup on Thursday announced a partnership to bring its artificial intelligence search engine technology directly into Motorola smartphones. As part of the integration, Perplexity's AI capabilities will be included in Motorola's suite of "Moto AI" features.

That makes the Razr-maker the first smartphone brand to integrate Perplexity directly into a device. Motorola is also partnering with Microsoft Copilot, Google's Gemini and Meta for certain queries.

"'Search shouldn't be about endless links and ads  it should give the user directly what they want, and we think the best way to do that is through an answer engine," Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas said onstage Wednesday at an event in New York. "Your phone is now an answer machine, personal assistant and a research agent."

Perplexity's integration with Motorola follows OpenAI's high-profile Apple partnership, introduced in December. When Apple users ask Siri complex questions, it triggers the ChatGPT integration, where Siri asks for the user's permission to access ChatGPT to answer the query.

The Perplexity-Motorola integration is a distribution partnership, meaning it's about Perplexity gaining users rather than revenue, Srinivas told CNBC in an interview.

"We're not making money off their sales or anything like that," he said. "We're looking for usage, and they're looking for introducing amazing new, cool features, so it's like a win-win for both of us."

Motorola users will all receive three months free of Perplexity Pro, including the company's Deep Research feature. That will give Perplexity insight into how people that aren't part of its typical audience use the technology  whether it's for simple alarms and reminders or more complex tasks, Srinivas said.

Perplexity and Motorola's partnership comes after a year of AI-specific devices, such as Humane's AI Pin and the Rabbit r1, have either failed or launched to underwhelming reviews.

Investors are eyeing smartphone-AI partnerships as a way for the technology to make it into the hands of consumers on the go every day. And some AI startups are reportedly doing the same thing  namely, Sam Altman's partnership with Apple designer Jony Ive to reportedly make AI devices including a "screenless phone."

"Fifteen years ago, smartphones changed everything," Nicole Hagen, Motorola's head of product marketing, said onstage Wednesday. "Now, we are standing at the edge of a major shift, once again, in technology."

Perplexity is prioritizing a smartphone integration because it's "the biggest touch point or access point for a consumer company to be part of," Srinivas said.

He added that making the tool native to a smartphone, rather than an app you have to consciously choose to use, makes it easier to get users into the habit of turning to AI for day-to-day tasks. It's also a good way to break into the weekend user market, Srinivas said.

"Nobody uses AI on the weekends," he said. "You can only achieve dialog of ubiquitous usage if you're deeply ingrained in smartphones on a day-to-day basis."

Perplexity's AI search engine competes against the likes of Google and Microsoft-backed OpenAI. The company started 2024 with a roughly $500 million valuation and ended it with a valuation of about $9 billion, after attracting increasing investor interest amid the generative AI boom  as well as controversy over plagiarism accusations.

Perplexity had just under $100 million in annual recurring revenue, a source familiar with the situation told CNBC in March.

AI-assisted search has been viewed by investors as one of Google's key risks, as it potentially changes the way consumers access information online. Last year, OpenAI, which started the generative AI craze in late 2022 with ChatGPT, introduced a search engine called SearchGPT. Google last year also launched "AI Overviews" in search, allowing users to see a quick summary of answers at the top of results.

Perplexity is still in talks to raise between $500 million and $1 billion in funding at an $18 billion post-money valuation, sources familiar with the situation have told CNBC.

WATCH: Perplexity CEO on AI race: The market of providing answers to questions will become a commodity
Check out the companies making headlines in premarket trading: Comcast  Shares dropped more than 3% after seeing a decline in customers for the first quarter . On Thursday, the cable giant reported a loss of 199,000 total domestic broadband customers as well as a loss of 427,000 in cable TV customers. The company did see an earnings and revenue beat for the period, however, posting adjusted earnings of $1.09 per share on $29.89 billion in revenue. Analysts surveyed by LSEG were expecting 98 cents in earnings per share and $29.77 billion in revenue. PepsiCo  Shares of the snack and beverage company dipped 1% after a first-quarter report showed lower-than-expected earnings and a weaker outlook. PepsiCo reported $1.48 in adjusted earnings per share, below the $1.49 per share expected by analysts, according to LSEG. The company also lowered its full-year projection for adjusted earnings on a constant currency basis, citing the effect of tariffs as one negative factor. Procter & Gamble  Shares shed 1.4% after the consumer goods company reported mixed third-quarter results and cut its full-year core earnings per share and revenue guidance. Quarterly earnings came in at $1.54 per share, 1 cent more than expected from analysts polled by LSEG. Quarterly revenue was $19.78 billion, missing the $20.11 billion consensus estimate. Merck  Shares ticked nearly 1% higher after the pharmaceutical company beat analysts' expectations in its latest quarter. Merck reported first-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.22 per share on revenue of $15.53 billion. Analysts polled by LSEG had expected earnings per share of $2.14 on revenue of $15.31 billion. On the other hand, the company cut its full-year profit outlook , in part because of a $200 million expected hit from tariffs. American Airlines  Shares lost just over 1% after the air carrier joined competitors in withdrawing its 2025 financial outlook . The Texas-based company also posted slightly worse revenue than expected for the first quarter, per LSEG. Chipotle  Shares of the fast-casual restaurant chain slid 3.5% after posting weak revenue and disclosing its first same-store sales drop since 2020. Chipotle recorded $2.88 billion in the first quarter, under the $2.95 billion consensus estimate from analysts polled by LSEG. Earnings per share came in at 29 cents, which was 1 cent ahead of Wall Street expectations. Texas Instruments  The semiconductor manufacturer surged 8.5% on a better-than-expected earnings report for the first quarter and upbeat guidance for the current quarter. Texas Instruments earned $1.28 per share on revenue at $4.07 billion, while analysts polled by LSEG penciled in just $1.07 in earnings per share and $3.91 billion in revenue. Lam Research  Shares of the technology component maker added 3.5% after earnings for the third fiscal quarter topped Wall Street's projections. Lam Research earned an adjusted $1.04 per share on $4.72 billion in revenue, ahead of estimates of $1.01 in earnings per share and $4.65 billion in revenue from analysts, per LSEG. ServiceNow  The enterprise technology stock rallied 7.9% on the heels of stronger-than-anticipated earnings for the first quarter. ServiceNow recorded adjusted earnings of $4.04 per share and $3.09 billion in revenue, beating consensus forecasts of $3.83 in earnings per share and $3.08 billion in revenue, according to LSEG. Hasbro  The toymaker jumped 7.6% after providing a strong first-quarter earnings report. Hasbro earned $1.04 per share, excluding items, while analysts polled by FactSet expected 67 cents. Revenue came in at $887.1 million, also exceeding the consensus forecast of $771.1 million. Hasbro said it is not changing its full-year guidance "given the uncertainty of the current tariff environment." Southwest Airlines  The air carrier's shares retreated 4.1%. While the company beat analysts' expectations for the first quarter, Southwest said it will cut capacity in the second half of the year. International Business Machines  The blue-chip stock dropped 6.7% despite first-quarter earnings surpassing expectations. IBM earned an adjusted $1.60 per share on $14.54 billion in revenue, topping LSEG consensus predictions of $1.40 in earnings per share and $14.40 billion of revenue. Utz Brands  The snack maker advanced 2.9% on the back of D.A. Davidson's upgrade to buy from neutral. D.A. Davison said the company has grown its market share despite salty snacks facing volume pressure.  CNBC's Sean Conlon, Jesse Pound, Sarah Min and Michelle Fox contributed reporting. Disclosure: Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC. Get Your Ticket to Pro LIVE Join us at the New York Stock Exchange! Uncertain markets? Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. In today's dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. As a CNBC Pro subscriber, we invite you to join us for our first exclusive, in-person CNBC Pro LIVE event at the iconic NYSE on Thursday, June 12. Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth, Dan Niles and Dan Ives, with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee. You'll also get the opportunity to network with CNBC experts, talent and other Pro subscribers during an exciting cocktail hour on the legendary trading floor. Tickets are limited!
The S & P 500 's technical levels made a dreaded and somewhat rare crisscross for chart watchers. If history repeats itself, data from Bank of America shows more short-term weakness ahead before a rebound. The broad index's 50-day moving average fell below its 200-day moving average on April 14, a price chart pattern known as the "death cross." This is a concerning signal that indicates the S & P 500 is losing momentum in the near term and can fall even further. A death cross marks the latest milestone for the S & P 500, which has seen highly volatile trading since President Donald Trump announced his plans for broad and steep tariffs on April 2. While Trump later delayed many of those levies, the broad index is still down more than 6% from that day. This cross pattern has only happened 50 times in the S & P 500's history going back to 1928. An analysis of historical data compiled by Bank of America suggests the benchmark can be in for more pain in the near term, but that will give way to a bounce. Looking 20 days out from the average death cross' formation, the S & P 500 has slid 0.5%. The broad index was down in just over half those instances. But fast-forward to 40 days from the cross: The S & P 500 is down in less than half of occurrences and has notched an average gain of 0.9%. By 80 days out, the S & P 500 was still higher in more cases than it was down from when it first made the pattern. On average, the index climbed 2.6% from when the two moving averages first overlapped. In this case, there is another factor at play that has historically amplified the performance: The 200-day moving average was declining as well. To track historical instances when the index was declining, Bank of America compared where the moving average sat against how it performed during the five days prior. Of these even rarer instances, the S & P 500 was down about every two out of even three times when looking 20 days ahead. Average declines were steeper at 1.6%. But by 40 days from the cross, the S & P 500 was up more than half the time with an average gain of 1%. At two months out, the index rose 67% of the time and the typical return shot up to 3.5%. "This suggests we should consider buying a dip/retest of lows in April," Paul Ciana, the firm's technical strategist, wrote in a Wednesday note to clients.
The font entrance of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024.

Japan's Tokyo Stock Exchange is asking listed companies to reduce their minimum investment thresholds to attract smaller retail investments.

Current guidelines suggest companies keep the minimum investment below 500,000 yen ($3,500). The TSE now hopes to lower that to around 100,000 yen.

The move aims to make it easier for a diverse range of investors to invest in individual stocks, thereby stimulating the development of the Japanese economy, a group formed by the TSE composed of market experts said in a report published on Thursday.

"TSE will create an environment that is conducive to investment for a diverse range of individuals, including young people," the report added.

Foreign investors own about 32% of the Japanese stock market while domestic investors hold 16.9%, TSE's most recent data in 2023 showed. Financial institutions make up 28.9% of the domestic stock market, while the remaining is divided among securities companies, business corporations and government entities.

The move marks a complete reversal of the government's attitude, said UBP Investments' senior portfolio manager Zuhair Khan.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 23, 2025.

President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for deadly missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv that came after the U.S. leader suggested that Russia was "ready" for a peace deal.

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, after Russia launched what was one of the most damaging attacks on a major Ukrainian city since it invaded its neighbor more than three years ago.

"Not necessary, and very bad timing," Trump wrote. "Vladimir, STOP!"

"5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!"

Trump's message to Putin came a day after the American president said he believed "Russia is ready" for a peace deal with Ukraine.
The 10-year Treasury yield was down 8 basis points at 4.307%, while the 2-year Treasury yield was down 7 basis points at 3.789%.

Treasury yields declined on Thursday as investors continue to weigh the latest development on the global trade front, as well as President Donald Trump backtracking on plans to fire the Federal Reserve chief.

Investor concerns eased on Thursday after Trump indicated a softening of trade tensions between the U.S. and China. U.S. tariffs on China currently stand at 145%. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said "there is an opportunity for a big deal here" on trade between the U.S. and China.

However, China said on Thursday that there will be no conversations with the U.S. on tariffs. "If the U.S. really wants to resolve the problem ... it should cancel all the unilateral measures on China," Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson He Yadong said to reporters.

On the other hand, investors received some good news when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday afternoon that the Trump administration may reach "an agreement on understanding" on trade with South Korea "as soon as next week."

"We had a very successful bilateral meeting with the Republic of South Korea today. We may be moving faster than I thought, and we will be talking technical terms as early as next week," Bessent said.

Additionally, investors were relieved after Trump said on Tuesday that he has "no intention" of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Trump has been taking shots at Powell in recent weeks and urged the central bank leader to lower rates, even calling him a "major loser" on Monday.

On the data front, orders for durable goods jumped 9.2% in March, eclipsing economists' expectations of a 1.6% rise. There was no reaction among U.S. Treasuries, suggesting investors' belief that this is not a sign of a renewed economy.
Pahalgam Terror Attack HIGHLIGHTS: US House Committee of Foreign Affairs slams New York Times report on Pahalgam attack

By CNBCTV18.COM | Apr 25, 2025 9:59 AM IST (Updated)

Pahalgam Terror Attack HIGHLIGHTS: The US House Committee of Foreign Affairs has slammed a report by the New York Times on the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The New York Times report titled At Least 24 Tourists Gunned Down by Militants in Kashmir states that Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India called the shooting, the worst against civilians in the region for years, a terror attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. In a post on X, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority said, Hey, @nytimes we fixed it for you. This was a TERRORIST ATTACK plain and simple. Whether its India or Israel, when it comes to TERRORISM the NYT is removed from reality. In the post, the House Foreign Affairs Committee strikes the word militants in the headline and replaces it with the word terrorists, writing the word in bold and red.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: The US House Committee of Foreign Affairs has slammed a report by the New York Times on the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The New York Times report titled At Least 24 Tourists Gunned Down by Militants in Kashmir states that Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India called the shooting, the worst against civilians in the region for years, a terror attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. In a post on X, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority said, Hey, @nytimes we fixed it for you. This was a TERRORIST ATTACK plain and simple. Whether its India or Israel, when it comes to TERRORISM the NYT is removed from reality. In the post, the House Foreign Affairs Committee strikes the word militants in the headline and replaces it with the word terrorists, writing the word in bold and red.


Singapore



United Arab Emirates (UAE)



Mauritius



Ireland



Cyprus





Check your countrys DTAA with India  Look for Article 13 or provisions related to capital gains.



Confirm your tax residency status  You must be a valid tax resident in the country where you claim exemption.



Keep transaction records ready  Especially redemption statements, fund unit details, and capital gains reports.



File disclosures accurately  When filing taxes in your home country, disclose Indian capital gains and claim DTAA benefit.



If you're a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) investing in Indian mutual funds, theres good news: your capital gains might not be taxable in India at all, if you're based in countries like Singapore or the UAE.Recently, the Mumbai Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ruled in favour of Anushka Sanjay Shah, a Singapore-based NRI. She had earned 1.35 crore in short-term capital gains by selling Indian equity and debt mutual fund units in FY 202223.She argued that since shes a tax resident of Singapore, the India-Singapore Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) should applyand therefore, her capital gains shouldn't be taxed in India.While the Assessing Officer disagreed and tried to tax the full amount, claiming mutual fund units are similar to company shares, the ITAT took a different view.The ITAT said mutual funds in India are structured as trusts, not companies, and thus not the same as shares.The Mumbai ITAT has held that capital gains earned by NRIs from the sale of Indian mutual fund units may not be taxable in India under certain DTAAs,said Sandeep Sehgal, Partner-Tax at AKM Global.The tribunal ruled that mutual fund units are not considered shares and therefore fall under Article 13(5) of the India-Singapore DTAA. As a result, the gains are taxable only in the country of residenceSingapore in this case," he said.The judgment may apply to NRIs in other countries with similar DTAA terms, especially where Article 13(5) exists. These include:In these countries, capital gains from Indian mutual funds may be taxed only in the country of residence, not in India.This is an ITAT-level ruling, not a Supreme Court decision. It may be challenged by the Indian tax authorities.Future rulings could reverse this interpretation.NRIs should consult tax experts or financial advisors before claiming exemptions.It opens the door for NRIs in multiple jurisdictions to claim exemption on mutual fund capital gains, Sehgal added. But investors must monitor developments carefully before taking a final tax position.If you're an NRI and want to explore tax exemption on capital gains from Indian mutual funds, follow these steps:
A woman in Australia is accused of murdering her terminally ill husband, admitting she "couldn't take it anymore," after allegedly injecting an overdose of his medication.

Kylie Truswell-Mobbs, 50, was arrested and charged with murdering her husband, David Mobbs, who was 56-years-old and suffering from an advanced motor neuron disease at the time of his death, Australia's ABC reported.

The day of his death, the couple reportedly met with palliative care professionals to discuss Voluntary Assisted Dying, which is lawful in Queensland. Completely bedridden and unable to speak, Mobbs used a sign board to communicate that he wanted to wait at least a week to consider end-of-life measures.

However, according to prosecutors, when the caretaker and her son left the home, Truswell-Mobbs administered a "cocktail of medications" through her husband's feeding tube three times throughout one night. When the caretaker and her adult son returned, she allegedly confessed, "I couldn't take it anymore."

Truswell-Mobbs's defense lawyer argued the case involved "unique circumstances" and suggested that alternative charges, such as aiding suicide, could be considered. She also noted Truswell-Mobbs had no prior criminal record and was not a flight risk.

However, Justice Glenn Martin denied bail, citing the serious nature of the charge and a substantial body of evidence supporting the prosecution's case.

"It can be said that the prosecution has a substantial amount of evidence which would tend toward conviction," he said.

"She took matters into her own hands," prosecutor Sarah Dennis said. "Her conduct was purposeful and determined."

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
A growing chorus of European technology executives is calling for the continent to assert control over its digital future, with Danish IT services giant Netcompany leading the latest push for technological self-reliance.

In an open letter published on Wednesday  coinciding with the symbolic illumination of the Statue of Liberty replica in Paris a day before  Netcompany CEO Andre Rogaczewski explicitly challenged Europes dependence on foreign technology platforms and urged the region to bring our data home.

From social media to cloud infrastructure, from applications to algorithms, we are dependent on technologies developed elsewhere, by actors who may not share our values, warned Rogaczewski, whose firm employs over 8,000 technology consultants across Europe.
As previously reported, several European countries are concerned that the Chinese-made DeepSeek chatbot is collecting sensitive data about users without their consent.



Now, Reuters reports that South Korea is also investigating the issue, after previously blocking access to the app in the country.



According to South Koreas data protection authority, DeepSeek passed on user data to a number of different Chinese companies before the app was blocked  and both user data and the content of users prompts were sent to Volcano Engine Technology, a company based in Beijing.


During the pandemic, remote working was common. But many large tech companies have changed their tune in recent years, insisting that their employees to return to the office for at least part of the workweek  even when they lack adequate office space.

The latest news is that Google is now threatening to lay off employees in certain departments who are not in the office at least three days each week. For example, remote workers in the Technical Services unit were told they must choose between a hybrid work schedule and a voluntary exit package, according to CNBC. Employees in the unit who live more than 50 miles from the office will be offered financial compensation to move closer to work.



This follows an internal memo Google co-founder Sergey Brin sent in February, in which he urged employees working on the companys Gemini AI model to be in the office every weekday and work 60 hours per week.


Moises Sandoval Mendoza, 40, is scheduled for execution by lethal injection on Wednesday evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville. The Texas man was convicted of the brutal 2004 rape and murder of 20-year-old Rachelle O'Neil Tolleson in Farmersville, a town northeast of Dallas. Tolleson was a new mother at the time and was raising her 6-month-old daughter, Avery.

Details of the Crime

On the night of March 18, 2004, Mendoza entered Tolleson's home through an unlocked back door, per court documents. The defendant reportedly left with Tolleson to buy cigarettes, leaving baby Avery alone. During the ride to the store, Mendoza soon began choking Tolleson in his vehicle "for no reason."

Mendoza then drove her to a field near his home, where he raped her and strangled her again. Believing she was dead, he stabbed her throat to ensure her death, later admitting to burning her body in a pit on his cousin's property in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The victim's body was later found by a man walking around the area looking for arrowheads. Mendoza admitted he murdered Tolleson from the start and cooperated with authorities during the investigation.

The Victim and Her Family

Rachelle Tolleson was remembered by her parents, Pam and Mark O'Neil, as a devoted mother who longed to witness her daughter's milestones.

Pam described her grief in a 2005 interview with The Courier-Gazette, expressing enduring sorrow and the pain of watching her granddaughter grow up without her mother.

Mendoza's Background

Mendoza was once described as a hard-working student who received scholarships and completed vocational training. However, he had a history of violent behavior and was out on bail for two aggravated robberies at the time of Tolleson's murder. His behavior worsened over time, with neighbors recalling a violent altercation involving his family.

Psychological evaluations presented in court portrayed Mendoza as emotionally immature and manipulative. During sentencing, prosecutor Greg Davis referred to him as "one of the most violent, sadistic men" he had encountered.

Legal Proceedings and Execution

Mendoza was eventually convicted and sentenced to death. Should it be effectively carried out, it would be the third in Texas this year and the 13th in the U.S. According to the Texas Tribune, his defense team filed several last-minute appeals, arguing that prosecutors used false testimony to sway the jury regarding his potential for future violence.

The appeals were denied by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court has been petitioned for review. A clemency request was also denied by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on Monday.

Notoriety and Media Coverage

The case drew significant public attention. It was featured in season 10 of Forensic Files in 2006 and again in Solved on Investigation Discovery in 2008. Mendoza himself expressed remorse in a letter to his parents, writing, "I turned into the devil... I thought it was in a dream."

Originally published on Latin Times
When you watch a disaster movie, you know the ice storm/fire storm/exploding protons wont be the only villain. The movie will also be sure to insert some greedy businessman or reckless military dude, making it clear that much of the blame for all this rests on their shoulders. The story then becomes a lesson in morality, which might leave you rolling your eyes.

And how about real life? Can we blame every tragedy on a sin committed by one evil man? Not always. But some of the time, we really can.

5 The Selfish Grocer Weve had a couple different major fires burn down dance clubs overseas in recent months, killing hundreds of people. Whenever this happens, you could always point your finger at someone for violating fire codes because if the place took every precaution, the death toll would never have been quite so bad. But with the 2004 Ycua Bolanos supermarket fire, the fault went a little bit further than that. Don't Miss A fire started at this two-story Paraguayan supermarket, possibly because a cylinder of gas exploded. Some people were bound to die in the blaze, including those closest to the initial explosion. Then while the fire was spreading, owner Juan Pio Paiva radioed a security guard. Lock the places doors, said Paiva. If they didnt, people would surely freely move in and out and loot the whole store. Tony1940/Wiki Commons Would not be the stupidest way people responded to high grocery prices. The fire killed 424 people. Paiva and the guard denied locking those doors, but a court found them guilty of doing so and convicted them of involuntarily manslaughter. Thats something, but it fell short of the consequences people demanded, and the public responded by rioting  and setting fires. This worked, and the courts upped the conviction to negligent homicide.

4 The Gambling Officers Over at the U.S. naval storage facility in Port Chicago during World War II, the commissioned officers placed bets among one another over whose team of sailors could load a ship the fastest. If youre in charge of, say, a supermarket in Paraguay, rushing teams like this might result in a few broken eggs. These sailors werent loading food but loading munitions, and on July 17, 1944, 2,000 tons of them exploded. Debris blew two miles straight up into the air. The tremor clocked in at 3.4 on the Richter scale. At the dock, 320 sailors died immediately, while flying metal shredded some 400 more people close by. Advertisement U.S. Naval Historical Center A clear case of sabotage by the Japanese, assumed many. A court found no officers responsible. A little bit after the disaster, however, the navy convicted hundreds of sailors at the port. The charge here was refusing to load more explosives, in anticipation of them exploding. These sailors were eventually exonerated  last year, 80 years after their courts-martial. The navy have a lot more detailed information about the Port Chicago disaster. Maybe you should look to an archived version of the page, though, because a new message now appears there. U.S. Navy The instruction referenced above tells personnel to remove all DoD news and feature articles, photos and videos that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The majority of sailors convicted or killed in the Port Chicago disaster were Black.

3 The Rigid Priest The fire that spread through New Orleans in 1788, starting in a home and expanding from there, was another one of those fires bound to do a lot of damage. But it could have done less if St. Louis Cathedral rang its bells to sound the alarm, as it often did for fires, rousing a response from firefighters. On this day, Pere Antoine forbade the anti-fire protocol. It was Good Friday, and he said this meant the bells must not ring. Advertisement via Wiki Commons Good Friday is not a time for saving everyone. The fire went on to destroy 850 buildings. Among them were multiple churches, including St. Louis Cathedral itself. The famous St. Louis Cathedral that faces Jackson Square today is a replacement following the old one burning down.

2 The Forgetful Boatswain Weve all heard the reasons behind the Titanic sinking. We talk about how fast the ship was going, how they launched lifeboats without filling them to capacity, how a fire broke out on the ship and weakened the hull, how someone left behind the key to the iceberg binoculars cabinet and you could probably dig up even more factors and even more people to blame. With some other sinkings, the cause is simpler. Consider the MS Herald of Free Enterprise, which sank in the English Channel in 1987. Someone neglected to shut the doors before the ferry set off. With the bow doors open, the boat quickly took on water and capsized in 90 seconds. Advertisement Advertisement via Wiki Commons The band bravely played till the end. Probably some really short song like Old Town Road. The guy in charge of closing the doors was assistant boatswain Mark Stanley. He missed that task because he was asleep in his cabin. He and his supervisors faced manslaughter charges over this, but a judge ultimately dismissed these. The charges said there was an obvious risk the ferry would sink with its doors open, but according to the judge, It was not obvious to any of these people until it happened to them. That is my intellectual difficulty. We imagine the defendants now chuckled and exchanged handshakes before remembering 192 people died in that boat and then realizing this might look bad.
Cracked writer Ken Jennings is on this list, obviously, but perhaps not where youd expect

Watson may be able to beat Ken Jennings, but it will never know love. Then again, neither will we. Yeah, wed rather be Watson.

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14 John Carpenter: $1,250,000 In 1999, Carpenter became the first person in the entire Who Wants to Be a Millionaire franchise to be like: um, I do. He tacked on another $250,000 in the champions edition. Advertisement

13 Curtis Warren: $1,546,988 Warren absolutely blew it in a 1986 Jeopardy! appearance, walking away with nothing but moths in his wallet. But he came back in a major way, winning over $100k on Sale of the Century that same year, then about $1.5 million on the one-season Fox show Greed in 1999. He also won a cool 700 of Ben Steins monies on Win Ben Stein's Money in 1998.

12 Ike Barinholtz: $1,635,000 The actor and comedian has found a lucrative second career in the past five years as a game show ringer (although hes given all of it to charity). He won $125,000 on Millionaire in 2020, followed by $1,000,000 on Celebrity Jeopardy! in 2023. He and his dad won another million on Millionaire in 2024.

11 David Legler: $1,765,000 Legler got all his dough from one game, Twenty-One, although it was spread over six appearances. Hes the biggest winner in the history of that show. Advertisement Advertisement

10 Ashlee Register: $1,795,000 Her single appearance on Duel makes Register the highest-earning contestant who only ever played one game, and the first woman to break the $1 million glass ceiling.

9 Amy Schneider: $1,864,800 Her 40 consecutive Jeopardy! wins is second only to Jennings, racking up over $1 million. She collected the rest on various tournaments of champions and Jeopardy! Masters appearances. Advertisement

8 Ed Toutant: $1,871,401 He was knocked out of a Millionaire episode with just $1,000 in his pocket, but the question that got him was later found to be flawed. He was invited back and redeemed himself to the tune of $1.86 million (at the time, there was a progressive jackpot that grew as contestants were knocked out). Advertisement

7 Matt Amodio: $1,879,601 Like Amy Schneider, Amodio made his near millions on various Jeopardy! games, the bulk of which came from his 37-consecutive-episode stint, which was nicknamed the Amodio Rodeo. Advertisement

6 Kevin Olmstead: $2,205,901 He got most of his winnings from that same progressive Millionaire jackpot in 2001, and held the title of winningest contestant in history for two years.

5 Andrew Kravis: $2,656,550 He kicked off his career as a loser in the 2002 Jeopardy! Teen Tournament, but redeemed himself in The Million Second Quiz in 2013. He initially won about $300,000, then hit a $2 million jackpot. Next, producers upped the prize to an even $2,600,000 as a marketing stunt to break Jennings record. Advertisement

4 James Holzhauer: $3,772,549 Early in his game show career, Holzhauer won $58k on The Chase, and later came up $58k short of Jennings regular-season Jeopardy! record during his 33-episode run. No matter  he became a fan and producer favorite, making lucrative appearances on various Jeopardy! games, even getting a cool $250k just for appearing on the Greatest of All Time tournament. Advertisement

3 Brad Rutter: $5,153,436 Hes officially the winningest Jeopardy! contestant, with all but $100k of his winnings coming from one five-day stint and 17 tournament appearances. Until 2020, hed never lost to a (human) opponent. Advertisement

2 Ken Jennings: $5,296,214 Jennings 75-episode Jeopardy! run is still the record-holder, but hes also racked up notable wins on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, Grand Slam, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Wheel of Fortune and 1 vs. 100. More notable still, he was knocked out of 500 Questions with zero dollars after a paltry four questions.
What About Bob? has turned out to be one of the more enduring Bill Murray comedies, as much for its hilariously petty behind-the-scenes stories as the movie laughs that still hold up. Murray, whos on the record as hating his experiences shooting films like Scrooged, sounds like he had fun on this one. The script wasnt nearly as annoying as I could be, so I had to improvise a lot in the movie. And even what you eventually see in the movie isnt close to how really annoying I can be when I put my mind to it, he told Deseret News, as reported by Ultimate Classic Rock. It was quite liberating to play someone like that.

Murray famously got under Richard Dreyfuss skin on that movie (Dreyfuss called him an Irish drunken bully), but one actor Murray didnt get to pester was future Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow. Oh, she auditioned for the film, but one big factor got in her way: She wasnt funny  at all.

Paltrow tried out for the role of Dreyfuss teenage daughter, Anna, according to the films casting director, Glenn Daniels. A famous talent agent named Boaty Boatwright brought Paltrow to Daniels office without even a phone call, he told Rolling Stone. She just said, Read her. Gwyneth hadnt done anything at that point. Nothing.

Don't Miss

In Daniels memory, Paltrow approached the audition like a deer in the headlights. I had no idea what she was doing there, he said. But anyway, I read her and she wasnt funny, and it was a comedy. I had to tell Boaty it wasnt going to work.

Paltrow was a Hollywood nepo baby  her parents were Bruce Paltrow and Blythe Danner, respected working actors but not the kinds of talents that would get Gwyneth cast on her name alone. And she was completely inexperienced. What About Bob? came out in 1991, and the only credit on Paltrows IMDb at that point was a 1989 TV movie called High. (That movies director? Bruce Paltrow.)

We all know how the story turns out  while Paltrow biffed her chance to work with Dreyfuss and Murray, she soon recovered. By the end of the decade, shed become a star thanks to her work in Se7en (1995), Emma (1996) and Shakespeare in Love (1998). And her dad didnt have to direct a single one.

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Considering the way Murray abused his castmates between takes on What About Bob? it was probably lucky for Paltrow that she bombed her attempt to be funny.
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US Customs and Border Protection reportedly detained a 19-year-old with intellectual disabilities for illegal entry into the United States despite his being a citizen, according to his family.

Jose Hermosillo -- who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico -- was arrested by CBP earlier this month after re-entering the United States in Tucson, Arizona, and was detained for 10 days. His family provided documents proving his American citizenship after he was taken into custody, as demonstrated by court records obtained by CBS News.

The details of Hermosillo's arrest aren't entirely clear, but a criminal complaint filed by a Border Patrol agent on April 9 states that he was found "at or near Nogales, Arizona, without the proper immigration documents." He was then charged with the misdemeanor offense of "improper entry".

After his case garnered nationwide attention, the Department of Homeland Security argued that Hermosillo's detention was a "direct result of his own actions and statements." According to a DHS spokesperson, Hermosillo voluntarily told a Border Patrol agent that he entered the US illegally and identified himself as a Mexican citizen.

"On April 8, Jose Hermosillo approached Border Patrol in Tucson, Arizona, stating he had ILLEGALLY entered the U.S. and identified himself as a Mexican citizen. Border enforcement processed Mr. Hermosillo lawfully," the DHS wrote to X (formerly Twitter), attaching images of Hermosillo's sworn statement.

"Days later, his family presented documents showing proof of U.S. citizenship. The charges were dismissed and he was released. Mr. Hermosillo's arrest and detention were a direct result of his own actions and statements," they continued.

On April 8, Jose Hermosillo approached Border Patrol in Tucson Arizona stating he had ILLEGALLY entered the U.S. and identified himself as a Mexican citizen. Border enforcement processed Mr. Hermosillo lawfully.



Days later, his family presented documents showing proof of U.S. pic.twitter.com/hzOlZtjlzn  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 21, 2025

Hermosillo's parents stated that their son was intellectually disabled during an interview with CBS News. They said that their son could not read or write and was likely completely unaware of what he was signing.

"He's never been able to read and was always in special education classes in school," said Guadalupe Hermosillo, Hermosillo's mother.

"I cried every day," she said. "I just wanted them to let him go."

"When I sleep, I dream that I'm still detained," Hermosillo said.

Originally published on Latin Times
Holy gonads. Kemi Badenoch produced a monocle-popper at PMQs when she said Sir Keir Starmer doesnt have the balls to be honest about trans rights.

Erskine Mays parliamentary rulebook offers no precise stricture against mentioning small spherical objects. Nor is there precedent, from slower days, of Arthur Balfour aiming such a barb at Henry Campbell-Bannerman, or of Hugh Gaitskell doubting Harold Macmillans manly capacities (despite Lady Dorothys doubts).

The House therefore did not quite know what to make of this pioneering moment.

I think I saw one of the clerks flinch and a Hansard reporter swallow the top of her ballpoint pen. Angela Rayner, who would normally laugh at a coarse riposte, did fantastically well to keep her face a mask of grim inexpression. She must be more ambitious than one suspected.

Big Ange was as pale as tripe. No Easter sunshine for her, plainly, unlike Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, who wore a Katie Price tan.

Mrs Badenoch had not finished. The PMs indecision  on the question of whether or not a woman could have a chaps undercarriage  showed us his true character.

This is a question about moral courage, she felt, about doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. The Prime Minister only tells people what they want to hear.

'He is a weathervane who twists in the wind. He doesnt know what he actually believes.

Kemi Badenoch poses the question of whether or not a woman could have a chaps undercarriage

This was the first time Mrs Badenoch comprehensively flattened Sir Keir at PMQs. He didnt like it one bit. The weathervane turned snippy, producing a jibe about Rishi Sunak.

He snapped that Mrs Badenoch was useless and claimed she was being undermined by Robert Jenrick, who in turn was plotting with Nigel Farage. Mr Farage (Reform, Clacton) for once happened to be in his seat and gurgled with laughter.

At least I think it was Nigel. He, too, had been at the Ambre Solaire and was the colour of Mackeson's.

Mrs Badenochs best moment came when Sir Keir, pettish and pouty, accused her of inaction when she was in government (shes a spectator, not a leader). She boinged back to the despatch box and produced an impromptu, unrehearsed torrent of how she had long resisted the lunacies of trans orthodoxy.

She wondered if Sir Keir would now say sorry to Rosie Duffield (Independent, Canterbury), who left Labour in disgust over the trans wretchedness.

Ms Duffield was at the back of the chamber, bobbing. That meant she wanted to ask a question. Speaker Hoyle ignored her. Not his finest moment.

Sir Keir Starmer snapped that Mrs Badenoch was useless and claimed she was being undermined by Robert Jenrick

Nonetheless, we could probably guess, from the way Ms Duffield was shaking her head at Sir Keirs blustering, what she thought of him.

Ive always approached this on the basis that we should treat everyone with dignity and respect, whatever their views, honked Sir Keir. To lie like that while slagging off others and smearing yourself in buttery virtue: its quite an art.

Behind the prime minister sat Chris Ward and Melanie Ward, both Labour MPs yet apparently unrelated. The two Wards nodded vigorously, in perfect synchrony, their heads swinging like two... well, Id better not say.

Parliamentary sycophancy was further evident when a little man from Airdrie and Shotts started his question with the words, Can I commend the Prime Minister? How pitiful they are.

On Tuesday night, I happened to be chatting with a cabinet minister in a passageway when a gang of new Labour backbenchers passed us. They cooed greetings to the minister like so many new girls at St Trinians greeting one of the prefects.

It is also my duty to report that the Prime Minister, soon after noting the death of the Bishop of Rome, turned to a blind Lib Dem MP and wished Jenny, his guide dog, a very happy birthday, I think for yesterday. Why the Lib Dems dont just sit on the Labour benches, it is hard to say.

Meanwhile, with government borrowing going nuts, the economy was in socialist high-tax nosedive. But that went almost unmentioned.
As I write this, mounds of bin bags are continuing to pile up on Birminghams festering streets. Fly-tipping is rife, as are the rats  some as big as cats  that scurry through the streets.

More than six weeks after Birminghams binmen went on strike, parts of Britains second city look like a Third World slum.

It is a national disaster. And, if anything were to spur a local MP into action, you would have thought that such a reeking monument to civic failure would do it.

Not, however, for Tahir Ali, the Labour MP for Hall Green and Moseley. Despite his constituency being at the centre of the strike, his focus is not on the desperate plight of his voters but far, far away. Five and a half thousand miles away, to be precise, in the Pakistani region of Kashmir.

Last week, Ali was recorded at a campaign event, lobbying for a new airport to be built in the city of Mirpur. Standing before a vast Kashmiri flag and a voluble male-dominated audience and speaking in Punjabi rather than English, he cited constituents who have friends and family in Mirpur and must drive three hours to Islamabad to take an international flight. No doubt thats unfortunate for them, but his constituents closer to home have other priorities.

This would almost be farcical if it were not so shocking. For the reality is that this rampant sectarianism  there is no other word for it - is a vivid example of a worsening problem in British politics.

Ali has been pushing for this putative airport on the other side of the world since first raising it at Prime Ministers Questions in October. His fellow Labour MP, Zarah Sultana, is far more hypocritical  opposing a third runway at Heathrow while lobbying for a major new airport in Pakistan. So much for Net Zero.

As the chaos of the bin strike reached its peak in the past month, Ali has ramped up his efforts, joining 19 other MPs in signing a letter to the Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif asking for funding.

Mounds of bin bags are continuing to pile up on Birminghams festering streets. Parts of Britains second city look like a Third World slum

Such bizarre misplaced priorities are only just beginning to affect our political system. And believe me, its going to get worse.

Because while sectarianism  the pitting of one identity against another to leverage political influence  is nothing new, its become particularly prominent in some communities, where the Gaza conflict has seen many voters withdraw from mainstream political parties.

We need only cast our mind back to last years general election. Labour may have won by its loveless landslide, but they still lost five seats to candidates who campaigned not on issues of domestic policy, but on events taking place in the Middle East.

Take the north Birmingham suburb of Perry Barr, where Khalid Mahmood, who had served as a Labour MP for 13 years, lost to Ayoub Khan, an independent candidate and vehement pro-Palestine activist. Khan, incidentally, appeared at the same press event as Ali last week where he despicably dismissed the widespread outrage over the grooming gangs scandal as a false Right-wing narrative.

Forty miles away in Leicester South, the pro-Gaza campaign of fellow independent candidate Shockat Adam also unseated shadow cabinet minister Jonathan Ashworth in last years election. He marked his victory by brandishing a Palestinian keffiyeh, and proclaiming: This is for the people of Gaza! What, you might ask, about the people of Britain?

It was a visceral illustration of how parts of our countrys politics are being reshaped along religious and racial lines.

Of course many moderate Muslims and those of countless other faiths are happy to participate in British politics without organising along such lines. But the tendency is undoubtedly there in some quarters.

Take the campaigning organisation The Muslim Vote, which makes clear on its website that its purpose is to marshal the electoral force of the UKs four million Muslim registered voters to influence politics. We are here for the long term, it boasts.

Bizarre misplaced priorities are only just beginning to affect our political system. And its going to get worse, writes Matt Goodwin

Meanwhile, one national survey carried out by the think-tank the Henry Jackson Society last year found that some 40 per cent of Muslims in this country think it would be desirable to form a political party exclusively for Muslims.

Against this backdrop, is it any wonder that the likes of Tahir Ali are concerning themselves not with the visible implosion of their city of birth but on a parochial issue of infrastructure in Pakistan?

As we brace for a crucial set of local elections next month, I am in no doubt that such sectarianism is set to spread.

Sam Bidwell, a researcher at the renowned Adam Smith Institute, has pointed to many examples of independent candidates citing Middle Eastern geopolitics on the campaign trail rather than local politics.

They include people like Noor Begum  endorsed by The Muslim Vote - who scored a surprise win over Labour in a local by-election in Redbridge, east London, last month. She made a point of attacking the local (Sikh) Labour MP Jas Athwal for his position on Gaza, while distributing campaign literature featuring the Palestinian flag.

Bidwell has argued that Britains Muslim community is now so large that it can effectively stand alone, without needing to strike an uneasy compromise with any national party.

As a result, we stand at a crossroads. We live in a liberal democratic society where politics is supposed to be organised around issues that relate to the national interest  not sectarian ones.

Once that ceases to be the case, as Northern Ireland has long shown, you are walking a dangerous path.

Tahir Ali, Labour MP for Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley, came under fire last month for supporting a campaign calling for a new airport to be built in Mirpur, Kashmir

If this sounds extreme, then consider the fact that some areas of the UK are already sharply segregated. These include Birmingham - a city where I spent a great deal of time as a child and which I found changed beyond recognition when I returned for the first time in 20 years last month.

In some parts of the city, more than one in four do not even identify as British or English, according to the 2021 census.

I suspect that none of this what was what our hapless politicians intended two decades ago when they ushered in their doctrine of state multiculturalism  the idea that different cultures should be allowed to live here according to their own rules  which our former prime minister David Cameron later acknowledged had failed.

Now its dire effects can be seen all over. Instead of promoting unity and solidarity, state multiculturalism and mass uncontrolled immigration have encouraged minorities to maintain separate lives, institutions and interests.

Leaders across the political spectrum must acknowledge that multiculturalism, to use Kemi Badenochs phrase, is not working and rebuild our country around shared national priorities.

This means ending the disastrous policy of mass uncontrolled immigration. It means fixing our borders. It means bringing forward a range of new policies to tackle social segregation and radical Islamism, as well as removing taxpayer support for any think-tanks and campaign groups that pursue sectarian causes.

Above all it means reminding our politicians that they were voted into Westminster to improve the lives of people in their constituencies  not obsess over issues on the other side of the world.

Matt Goodwin is Senior Visiting Professor of Politics at the University of Buckingham and writes at mattgoodwin.org
Sir Keir Starmer is an intelligent 62-year-old man who occupies the highest political office in the land. You would expect him, at his age and in his position, to have a settled opinion on the great issues of our time.

But the extraordinary thing is that he doesnt. He chops and changes with dizzying rapidity. More than any prime minister in living memory, he lacks abiding principles.

Mary, the Tudor Queen, said Calais would be lying in her heart when she was dead and opened  a reference to Frances capture of the port in 1558, which England held for 200 years. If Sir Keir has anything lying in his heart after his death  assuming such an organ can be found  it will be the word change.

The latest example of his amazing capacity to lurch from one opinion to another is his about-turn on what constitutes a woman. I dont believe the enormity of this volte-face has fully sunk in.

He declared in 2022 that trans women are women having said the previous year it was not right to claim only women have a cervix. In 2023 he vouchsafed that 99.9 per cent of women havent got a penis.

That meant, bearing in mind there are some four billion people of the female sex in the world, that there are about four million of them knocking about with penises, according to the Prime Minister.

How could he have been so stupid to say such a thing? He cant have believed it. He thought it would satisfy the lunatics in his own party who maintain that if a man with a penis believes he is a woman, he should be allowed to identify as one.

More than any prime minister in living memory, Sir Keir Starmer lacks abiding principles, writes Stephen Glover

Following last weeks Supreme Court judgment that a woman is defined by biological sex, Sir Keir executed one of his famous pivots. Mind you, it took a while.

After several days he grudgingly agreed that a woman is an adult female and left it to his official spokesman to clarify that the PM no longer believes that trans women are women.

There was no apology. No regrets, for example, that he had failed to defend Labour MP Rosie Duffield  who was shouted down and shunned by male colleagues after speaking up for female-only spaces before she resigned the party whip. My God, what times we live in.

The author JK Rowling was right when she wrote on X: Imagine being such a coward you can only muster the courage to tell the truth once the Supreme Court has ruled on what the truth is. In a similar vein, Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch yesterday accused the PM of lacking moral courage.

Incidentally, dont forget Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said in 2023 that women can quite clearly have a penis. Will he now recant? Hes the self-anointed clown addicted to electoral japes, the latest seeing him scream like a demented idiot with council candidates on a rollercoaster in Devon.

I doubt that Sir Keir has pronounced views about gender issues. He was pulled one way by Labour MPs and the other by the Supreme Court. But he doesnt want to embrace common sense too eagerly for fear of offending party colleagues.

This is the seesaw pattern of his ten-year political career. Billed as a moderate in 2015, he served loyally and uncomplainingly in Jeremy Corbyns hard-Left Shadow Cabinet, making little or no protest about extreme economic policies and pervasive anti-Semitism.

When he stood as leader in 2020 he did so on a Corbynite platform, advocating wholesale nationalisation and the abolition of Universal Credit. But he soon jettisoned this programme. Corbyn, whom he had called his friend, was driven out of the party. Erasing anti-Semitism suddenly became a crusade for Sir Keir.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said in 2023 that women can quite clearly have a penis. Will he now recant?

These changes happened quickly. It is reasonable for politicians to change their views over a long period of time  the PM, though, has rebranded himself as swiftly and effortlessly as a chameleon changes colour.

One transformation that took longer was his attitude to the monarchy. In 2005 he let slip that he previously wanted it abolished. Once he became party leader, and started to woo Middle England, he wrapped himself in the Union Flag. The 2022 Labour Conference induced delegates to sing the National Anthem for the first time in the Partys history.

Where is principle? In 2016 he found Donald Trump absolutely repugnant and couldnt imagine inviting him to dinner. Now he is friendly towards the US President to the point of sycophancy and boasts their dinners together. Another unappetising lurch.

Some will say this is mere pragmatism  politicians must adapt to the realities of power. The trouble is that Sir Keir appears to have no enduring centre of belief that defines him as a politician. His policies are built on shifting sands.

There are two main types of leaders: one group, quite small, contains conviction politicians such as Margaret Thatcher, who fight for their principles; a larger group is made up of pragmatists who have a set of firm beliefs but are seldom governed by them. Rishi Sunak is an example.

Sir Keir is in a category of his own. Its impossible to know where he really stands  he can turn on a sixpence. His overriding calculation is how best to gain or hold on to power. Yesterdays enemy can become todays friend. A policy can be dumped in favour of its exact opposite.

Another way of describing the Prime Minister is to say that he is a cynic. In December 2023 he wrote a newspaper article praising Margaret Thatcher for bringing about meaningful change.

His purpose, probably fulfilled, was to persuade disgruntled Tories to vote Labour. Yet one of the first things Sir Keir did on entering No 10 was to remove her portrait. That was the true measure of his feelings.

The PMs lack of core beliefs explains why this Government veers around like a runaway supermarket trolley. Naturally, it has some policies, as set out in Labours manifesto. Cabinet Ministers, such as Angela Rayner and Bridget Phillipson, pursue them doggedly (and wrong-headedly).

But the man on the bridge, Captain Starmer, doesnt have much idea where the Government is going because he hasnt set a course. Or, if he has, it could be changed in an instant.

Id like to find out what has happened to the politician who championed a second referendum on Brexit, which he appeared to think the greatest disaster ever to have befallen this country. Does he want us to rejoin the EU? He may be the last person to know.

We live in turbulent times and I dont believe a leader who can change his mind so quickly and so often is ever going to win back the confidence of apprehensive voters.

In Sir Keirs contemptible turnaround over the definition of a woman, we should see him for what he is  a man without principle. At the heart of our Prime Minister lies a political vacuum.
A 16-year-old student was hospitalized with serious injuries following a stabbing at West Potomac High School in Alexandria on Wednesday morning, prompting renewed calls for improved school safety.

The Fairfax County Police Department said the incident occurred just before 10 a.m. A school resource officer was the first to assist the injured student, with additional officers arriving within minutes. The victim's injuries were initially described as life-threatening, but by Wednesday afternoon, officials confirmed the student's condition had stabilized at a local hospital.

A 15-year-old male student was taken into custody and will face charges of malicious wounding. Investigators recovered the knife allegedly used in the attack. A second 15-year-old student was involved in the hallway altercation but is not expected to face charges.

"We have the video, just like you have the video, but the video doesn't tell the entire story," said Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis, confirming that footage of the incident had been shared on social media. The investigation remains ongoing.

Parents have voiced growing anxiety about school safety. Aellene, a parent of a student at the school, told WTOP, "This is something that could have been had stopped," reflecting widespread concern among the community.

In response, Fairfax County School Board members Mateo Dunne, Ilryong Moon, and Ryan McElveen released a joint statement calling for increased school security measures, including more school resource officers at every middle and high school, additional security assistants, advanced weapons detection systems, and expanded video surveillance.

Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, whose son attends West Potomac, shared his personal concern. "These students are so close to the end of the school year and for many, a graduation. This time for celebration is now marred by this ugly incident. These kids deserved so much better today," he said.

Surovell encouraged students and families to seek counseling support and reaffirmed that local leaders are committed to strengthening safety in schools.
The self-indulgent, self-aggrandising stupidity of our political class and those responsible for our hopelessly inadequate and hideously expensive public services continues to plumb new depths.

Not for the first time, I dont know where to start. This is no longer a serious country.

Were on the brink of World War III; the economy is so far down the gurgler that only an accomplished bog-snorkeller could detect signs of life; the NHS is a basket case; our capital city is a gridlocked, crime-ridden hell-hole; immigration - both legal and illegal  is wildly out of control; and yet those responsible can only indulge in an orgy of onanistic displacement activity.

Instead of turning their attention to solving the myriad problems facing the country, the political class has spent the past week arguing the toss over the Supreme Courts statement of the bleedin obvious ruling that someone with a penis cannot by law  or by any stretch of the imagination in a sane society  be described as a woman.

Wednesdays Prime Ministers Questions was dominated by it. Kemi Badenoch could have pressed the PM on any number of more important issues, starting with the shameless and cynical reversal of Brexit by stealth. But she opted to make school playground jokes about him not having the balls to admit he was wrong over trans rights.

Laugh? I thought Id never start. And she wonders why Tory voters are deserting to Reform in droves. If I had a vote next week  which I dont because I live in London  Id vote Reform, too. In the past Ive voted both Labour and Tory, but wont get fooled again. More recently, Ive abstained. As Ken Livingstone once said: If voting changed anything, theyd abolish it.

Meanwhile, back on Fantasy Island, everyone from Labour ministers to the overpaid bureaucrats who run the NHS were busting a gut to ignore the Supreme Courts ruling.

The health service is falling apart at the seams but those in charge are more concerned about continuing to insist biological men can use womens wards and toilets than tackling interminable waiting lists and sorting out the GP crisis.

Donald Trump may be, in the words of American comic John Mulaney, a horse loose in a hospital, but in the UK he wouldnt get within a mile of A&E for at least 18 months before being stuck on a trolley in a corridor. Not with seven million people still waiting for treatment.

Speaking of Trump, Rachel from Complaints has been in Washington trying to seal a trade deal with the US  without which, industrialists are warning, mass job cuts will start within weeks.

And how has the Left back home reacted? Theyre dusting off the childish orange Trump blimp and demanding that his state visit and address to Parliament is cancelled. That should do wonders for the special relationship.

So much for acting in the national interest. Theyre more interested in polishing their performative social media profiles.

Prime mover and shaker behind this idiocy is Sir Genghis Khan, Londons two-bob chancer of a mayor, who keeps insisting in the wake of Brexit that his city is open for business  except, apparently, for tariff-free business with Trumps America.

The primary objection to a US trade deal still seems to be the hysteria over the import of poisonous chlorinated chicken. Oh, for heavens sake, how many more times? American chicken is no more dangerous than the bags of chlorinated salad sold in every British supermarket. In the US, they eat 800 billion of the buggers a year, and last time anyone looked the streets werent littered with the corpses of KFC-related casualties. Yet this is the level of debate to which we have become accustomed here.

Never mind chlorinated, our political class behaves like headless chickens.

All this while Rachel was attempting to persuade international investors that Britain is a haven of political, financial and economic stability.

The political class has spent the past week arguing the toss over the Supreme Courts ruling that someone with a penis cannot by law be described as a woman

Kemi Badenoch opted to make school playground jokes about Starmer not having the balls to admit he was wrong over trans rights

Was she taking the proverbial or does she really believe her own fairy tale, which is about as convincing as her Mickey Mouse CV? She was certainly insulting the intelligence of her audience both in the US and back home.

You dont need me to remind you that her disastrous, vindictive, Sixth-form socialist, class-war Budget has crashed the economy, suffocating any green shoots of growth.

And despite her best efforts to strike a deal, shes still insisting British food standards must be maintained and American chicken is off the table.

The bulk of the Labour Party, Starmer and Reeves included, would much rather crawl back into the EU. Funny how they werent that bothered about British food standards when we were cheerfully importing Romanian horsemeat masquerading as pork via Ireland and donkey burgers from France and Spain.

Surkeir is even preparing to surrender our sovereign fishing waters to the French to become part of a European defence force.

The EU should be making concessions to us if they want to benefit from our world-class Armed Forces and advanced defence industry. EU countries, France in particular, are not our friends or partners. They are at best our rivals and, commercially at least, our enemies.

Can you imagine if during World War II Churchill had told De Gaulle there would be no D-Day and no liberation of Europe unless he signed over La Manche and the Mediterranean to Britains trawlers? Precisely.

Europe also wants us to agree to grant unlimited access to millions of EU citizens as part of a youth mobility scheme. In this case, youth applies to anyone under 30  the same demographic as all those military-age men making their way across the Channel in dinghies. As if we havent got enough of them already.

Instead of a defiant Gaullist Non, our Government is almost certain to comply in its desperation to suck up to Brussels.

As far as the political class  especially Labour and the Lib Dems, led by that inane circus act Ed Davey  is concerned, the interests of British people always come a distant second to ideology.

If you want something to cut your wrists by, listen to Ed Miliband being interviewed by the excellent Nick Ferrari on LBC yesterday. Mister Ed, an urban spaceman roundly rejected by the people when he attempted to become PM, is now in charge of destroying whats left of the economy once Rachels tax rises have done their worst. The interview was classic Flowerpot Man.

Mouthing platitudes about sustainability and energy security he is comprehensively trashing this countrys ability to both remain competitive internationally and keep the lights on as a result of his insane Net Zero obsession. And Starmer is letting him get on with it, carpeting our green and pleasant with his hideous windmills and pylons in the process.

British industry is already shackled with the highest energy prices in the developed world. Milibands latest cunning plan is a proposal to make people in the South of England pay more for electricity than the rest of the country as part of a zonal pricing strategy. Who voted for that?

Still the grandstanding, incompetence and spineless dereliction of duty isnt confined to the inhabitants of the Westminster bubble. I could fill this column week in, week out  and often do  with countless examples of the way in which none of the people who run our world class public services is able, or even willing, to do the job for which they are paid handsomely.

From the car crash which is the NHS; to the piles of rubbish in Birmingham and the pot holes everywhere; to the refusal of the police to patrol the streets or investigate everything from burglaries to phone thefts  66,000 in London alone last year  while at the same time nicking people for non-crime hate incidents, we are being betrayed, bullied and treated with contempt at every level. Mind you, theres never any shortage of money for bumper salaries and vanity projects.

Sorry if all this sounds a bit dyspeptic, but Im not far off Tom Robinson Band territory  giving up reading the papers, giving up watching TV. Which is a bit of a depressing admission from someone who makes a living as a newspaper columnist.

Frankly, I dont know whether to laugh or cry at the state of the nation these days. Or whether to file this column under Makes You Proud To Be British or Were All Going To Hell In A Handcart.

Maybe Im just getting old. Still, its being so cheerful as keeps me going.
Well that was a bit of a diplomatic floater. Ed Milibands global energy shindig started yesterday at Londons Lancaster House.

The gilt-chandeliered room filled with climate-change illuminati and renewable-energy snoots from every corner of the civilised world.

Self-congratulation suffused the air and it was all going swimmingly  they had just taken a delicious thrashing from a Barbadian lady who claimed her island was about to sink under the waves owing to global warming  when a chap from the Trump administration was handed the microphone.

He proceeded to tell them that the US of A, under its bracing new management, couldnt give a fig about Net Zero. Washington intended to go on burnin fossil fuels and anyone who argued to the contrary must have a national death wish.

He offered this view as an act of Godly love. Oil and gas were a Christian leg-up to the worlds poor and needy.

Cue silence. Not a single clap. Nor even a boo. There was just the frigid, absolute noiselessness Lady Bracknell might observe if the under-butler, serving luncheon, dropped a warm pork rissole down her cleavage.

Energy secretary Miliband had made the first speech on a morning of glutinous virtue. Hailing the distinguished delegates, Red Ed honked and spluttered his way through a spiel about the shifting global landscape and how countries need to collaborate to overcome energy-security problems.

Shared challenges invite shared solutions, schnorfed our hero, spraying the front row with spittle as he bared his cow-catcher teeth. We are the optimists! he added. How cruelly this sanguine mood would soon be shattered.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband (pictured) had made the first speech on a morning of glutinous virtue

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, on day one of the Future of Energy Security at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 24 April 2025

Mr Miliband kept referring to his great friend Fatty. This turned out to be Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, a global quango.

Mr Birol, in rather heavily accented English, gave a chewy lecture about his three golden rules, the first of which was diversification. Not to put all da eggs in vun basget, said Fatty.

The bien-pensants nodded knowingly, veritable connoisseurs of such fare. Rule two was predictability (this has possibly never been a problem with Fatty, for he was no sparkler); rule three was de kooperation, which meant countries not competing too much with one another.

Conferences moderator Francine Lacqua, from Bloomberg telly, launched the first plenary session with various excellencies: Spains minister for ecological transition, Iraqs oil minister, a chatty Egyptian, an impenetrable Malaysian, a lad from Colombia.

Iraq and Egypt were keen on crude oil but said this subtly enough not to cause offence.

The Colombians English-language interpreter had a growly voice worthy of any Spaghetti Western bandido. I was so gripped by it that I failed to follow the content of his speech.

After windy pieties from the floor we moved to the second plenary session: a smooth Frenchman, the Barbadian dame and Tommy Joyce, acting assistant secretary at Donald Trumps energy department.

He was in a pinstripe suit of a type Marks & Sparks stopped selling a few years ago. Add a Mormon haircut, college-kid accent and a clipboard speech he served on the assemblys snoots like a bailiffs writ.

Mr Birol (pictured, right) in rather heavily accented English, gave a chewy lecture about his three golden rules, the first of which was diversification

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets Britain's Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Fatih Birol (right) for day one of the International Summit on the Future of Energy Security at Lancaster House in London, England, Thursday April 24, 2025

The White House intended to bring back common sense on so-called renewables. Joe Biden was attacked, as was China, which had too much of a grip on the wind turbines industry.

Net Zero and corporate wokery caused human suffering. The US would have no truck with such lunacies.

Every other speaker was clapped. Mr Joyce put down his clipboard to the racket you hear at rush hour on planet Jupiter. The Bloomberg TV woman finally broke the silence by saying, somewhat stickily: The messaging is pretty clear.

Later Mr Joyce returned to the fray to say that we remember Gods golden rule that we should love our neighbour as ourself and let others lift themselves out of poverty by using oil.

Sir Keir Starmer made a fraudulent speech. The EUs Ursula von der Leyen queened over the conference as if she owned the place. Fatty repeated his golden rules. But after Trumpster Tommy it was all pointless.
When Sheila Wiese-Mack booked holiday to one of the most luxurious destinations in the world with her teenage daughter Heather, she envisioned a relaxing break which would strengthen their bond.

But the trip to Bali, ended in tragedy for the 62-year-old American mother, who was brutally murdered when her 18-year-old pregnant daughter conspired with her boyfriend to get rid of her in order to inherit a $1.5 million fortune.

A Channel 5 documentary which aired on Tuesday retells the grisly tale of how Sheila's body was discovered stuffed into a suitcase in the boot of a taxi after being slain by Heather and her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer, 21.

In the months leading up to her death, Sheila and Heather's relationship had been strained and marred by conflict, with tension between the pair often breaking out into violence.

The teen had enjoyed an extremely privileged upbringing in Chicago, attending the very best private schools, taking extravagant holidays and given enough toys to fill a mansion.

But when Heather's father died suddenly in 2006, her already distant relationship with her mother fractured irreparably and the two argued almost daily as the teen became more and more unruly.

Desperately hoping to restore their shattered bond, Sheila decided to book the pair a holiday at a luxury resort in Bali. What she didn't know was that Heather was pregnant with Tommy's child and had abruptly invited him on the trip.

Her plans for to the two to reconnect were quickly snubbed when Sheila discovered that her daughter had paid $12,000 using her mother's credit card to fly her boyfriend first-class to the same destination.

Sadly, confronting her daughter over the credit card bill would be one of the last things Sheila ever did.

A new Channel 5 documentary, which aired on Tuesday, has recounted the horrifying tale of how 18-year-old Heather Mack and her boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, 21, killed her mother in cold blood while holidaying at a luxury hotel in Bali. (Heather pictured with Shelia)

Her plans for the two to reconnect were quickly snubbed when Sheila made the discovery that her daughter had paid $12,000 using her mother's credit card to fly her boyfriend first-class to Bali (Heather pictured with Tommy Schaefer)

Just eight days into the trip of a lifetime, Indonesian police discovered Shelia's body in an abandoned suitcase outside St Regis resort in Bali.

CCTV footage brought police straight to Heather before she and Tommy were arrested and eventually sentenced to jail time in a Balinese court. When Heather was freed in 2021 and returned to the US, she was arrested, charged and jailed once more.

Speaking on the documentary, Elliot Jacobson, a friend of Sheila's, described the late mother as 'friendly and warm'.

'She liked putting on parties, her whole thing in life was to bring people together,' he recalled fondly.

It was at one of Shelia's parties that the late mother met James Mack, a wealthy musician, who would go on to father Heather.

Just eight days into their holiday, Indonesian police discovered Shelia's body in an abandoned suitcase outside St Regis resort in Bali

Heather pictured during her trial in Bali in 2015

The documentary described how the loved-up couple - who appeared on the face of it a 'perfect match' - each met heartbreaking fates.

Despite James being 22-years older than Sheila, their romance blossomed and they decided to move into together at the musician's home in Oak Park, Chicago.

In 1995, the two welcomed their first child, Heather, who became the apple of her father's eye due to their shared passion for the arts.

The family were known for enjoying the finer things in life and enjoyed several extravagant holidays a year.

In the documentary, family friends explained how Heather's bedroom was piled sky-high with toys, and that would always be the first to get her hands on the latest gadgets.

But things took a painful turn for family when in 2001, James cut foot on a pool ladder and became so ill that he had to be hospitalised.

His foot became infected and James was left having to use a wheelchair. He blamed the doctor on the ship for not treating his wounds properly and after much legal dispute, was eventually awarded $1.5 million in compensation for his medical bills.

Then in 2006, James tragically died while the trio were holidaying in Greece, leaving his grief stricken wife Shelia to raise their 10-year-old daughter alone.

In 2014, Heather Mack was sentenced to 26-years in prison for brutally murdering her mother and stuffing her corpse into a suitcase

By the time she became a teenager, Heather had become increasingly unruly. She began stealing, partying and even grew violent, with the police having been called to the family home 80 times in the lead up to Shelia's murder (pictured as a teenager)

Speaking on the documentary, Elliot Jacobson, a friend of Sheila's, described the late mother as 'friendly and warm'

It was at this point that Heather's relationship with her mother broke down, with the two 'disagreeing on just about everything'.

By the time she reached her teenage years, Heather had become increasingly unruly. She began stealing, partying and even grew violent, with the police called to the family home 80 times in the lead up to Shelia's murder.

As the rift between the mother and daughter grew, Heather became increasingly violent and in 2011, police were called to the house suspecting she had broken her mother's arm.

Juvenile records obtained by Chicago Tribune showed that Heather had been arrested in December 2011 on domestic battery, aggravated battery and battery charges involving violence against her mother.

'Heather was just mauling her mom,' a family friend recalled.

She was arrested three times to attacking her mother, but Sheila, ever the doting mother, chose not to press charges on each occasion.

Heather dropped out of high school two years early and ended up spending time in two different facilities for juveniles, with authorities suspecting she was suffering mental health problems.

Juvenile records obtained by Chicago Tribune showed that Heather had been arrested in December 2011 on domestic battery, aggravated battery and battery charges involving violence against her Shelia (pictured in prison in 2015)

At this stage, the teenager had developed a regular drinking habit and was often out partying with friends until the early hours, despite being underage.

It was during this raucous period that she met Tommy Schaefer, a 21-year-old aspiring rap artist who came from a notably less affluent background than Heather.

It is understood that over the course of their relationship, Heather had two abortions.

Sheila did not approve of the romance and believed Tommy to be a bad influence, even making the decision to move homes in the hopes that she could distance the pair from each other.

But Sheila's desperate efforts proved fruitless. Just weeks into the move, Heather was arrested after the police were called to a house where she and her friends were drinking while underage.

In a last ditch effort to repair ties, Sheila decided to book the holiday at the renowned luxury St Regis hotel at Nusa Dua, Bali, in the desperate hope that the trip would help them to reconnect.

What Sheila didn't know was that Heather was pregnant with Tommy's child at the time - despite numerous efforts to keep the couple apart.

And just eight days into their trip, Shelia's body was discovered in a suitcase in positioned outside the Balinese resort.

The last remaining CCTV footage of Shelia showed her walking up to the front desk where she discovered that there was two rooms booked under her name - and that one of them was assigned to Tommy Schaefer.

In a last ditch effort to repair ties, Shelia decided to book the two a holiday at the renowned luxury St Regis hotel at Nusa Dua, Bali, in the desperate hope that the trip would help them to reconnect

Heather Mack pictured with her daughter Stella, who was born while she was in custody awaiting trial for helping to murder her mother

Sheila checked her bank details and was horrified to learn her daughter had booked Tommy a $12,000 first class flight to Bali. However, when the furious mother confronted her daughter, the disagreement ended in tragedy.

On the evening of 12 August, the couple brutally murdered the 62-year-old in her hotel room.

Prior to the killing, the couple texted each other affectionately and even referring to themselves as 'Bonnie and Clyde', while they waited for Shelia to fall asleep.

The two even began speaking in code, writing 'it's time to say hi' as code for, 'it's time to kill Sheila' - but quickly moved to just using plain English to detail their plans for the murder.

Shelia's cause of death was asphyxiation from drowning in her own blood. It is believed that Tommy hit her over the head with a fruit bowl while Heather held her hand over her mouth.

After police discovered the suitcase containing Shelia's body, they swiftly descended on the hotel where they found a gruesome, bloody scene in the hotel room.

After realising that Heather and Tommy had left their passports in the room, a nation wide search was launched to find the fugitives.

While in prison, the two told authorities that they have been the victims of a brutal attack by a masked gang - but that Shelia hadn't managed to escape (Tommy pictured in court in 2015)

They were quickly discovered in a hotel room nearby, having used Shelia's credit card to make the booking.

While in prison, the two told authorities that they had been the victims of a brutal attack by a masked gang - but that Sheila hadn't managed to escape.

But CCTV footage revealed Heather and Sheila having an argument in the lobby of the hotel.

Further footage of the pair roaming the hotel before and after Sheila's murder only added to to the mounting evidence against the couple.

When questioned by police, Tommy said he had only come to Bali to break the news of Heather's pregnancy to her mother, but that the plan had gone wrong and Sheila had flown off the handle and threatened to cut the baby out of her daughter's body.

He claimed Sheila grabbed him around the throat and that he had only acted out of self-defence.

But their story didn't fly, and on 19 September 2014, Tommy admitted to helping Heather kill her mother before stuffing the body into a suitcase.

Heather and Tommy were charged with premeditated murder on 14 January 2015 and three months later in April, Heather was given a 10-year prison sentence for being an accessory to her mother's murder.

When questioned by police, Tommy said he had only come to Bali to break the news of Heather's pregnancy to her mother, but that the plan had gone wrong and Shelia had flown off the handle and threatened to cut the baby out there and then

Meanwhile, Tommy was given 18 years behind bars for the gruesome killing.

Judges said then-19-year-old Heather was given leniency due to the fact that she had given birth to their daughter, Stella, while in custody.

In line with prison laws in Indonesia, Heather was able to keep Stella for up to two years with her while she remained in custody.

After the two years ended, Heather was still able to see her daughter and was given frequent access to Stella. Meanwhile, her relationship with Tommy ended a year after the trial.

Back home in the United States, their sentences were seen an extremely lenient given the cold and calculated nature of the murder.

Sheila's family members grew further enraged after pictures and videos of Heather from inside the prison were released in which she was dancing and having fun while living under what appeared to be lax rules.

Additionally, while in prison, Heather gave multiple interviews with various faculties of the media where she attempted to tarnish her mother's reputation, alleging on more than one occasion that her mother had multiple personality disorder and had been addicted to drugs and alcohol.

She continued the media offence, launching a tirade of claims against her mother, who she even said was racist towards her.

The smear campaign left her remaining family members shattered, with friends and family back home insisting Sheila had never been violent towards her daughter other than in self-defence.

Heather served seven years of prison sentence in Indonesia before returning to her home in the USA in 2021 when she was 26 years old.

However, she was re-arrested as soon as she stepped back onto US soil and was charged with conspiracy to kill.

In September 2015, it had emerged that Tommy's cousin, Robert Bibbs, had been arrested in Chicago in connection with conspiracy to murder.

It was revealed that Tommy had sought his advice with the promise that he would be paid $50,000 from Sheila's $1.5 million trust fund.

As a result, Robert was sentenced to nine years in prison on 2 June 2017 on one count of conspiracy to commit foreign murder. It was Robert's conviction that led to Heather's eventual arrest when she returned to the US.

Heather was was due to stand trial in July 2023 but ended up pleading guilty just one month before. She was then sentenced in January 2024 to 26 years imprisonment.

Tommy is continuing to serve his 18-year sentence in Indonesia and will be subject to a similar charge to Heather when he is finally able to head back to to the US.

After a lengthy custody battle, their daughter Stella has now been placed in the care of a relative.
Leah, 29, is one day hoping to buy her council house with a 'massive discount'

A mother-of-two has slammed 'snobby homeowners' for looking down on her for living in a council house - but says the 'joke's on them'.

Leah, who is from the East Midlands, revealed she got a 'free' bathroom renovation, while homeowners would have to splash out 10,000 of their own money.

Documenting the renovation on her TikTok account @leahb95xx, she filmed her bathroom's outdated pink walls and basic flooring.

She then showed off the new white and grey tiling, wooden panelled floor and added plants for a homely feel.

She captioned the video: 'When the snobby homeowner looks down at you because you have a council house...

'And they have a mortgage but you have just had your bathroom renovated for free and they've just paid 10k for theirs. I'll take it!'

The post has since gone viral with more than 200,000 views, with people saying Leah would 'still be paying rent in her 70s'.

But Leah, 29, assured her followers she 'wouldn't be' as she's hoping to one day buy her house 'with a massive discount on top'.

Leah, from the East Midlands, says a 'snobby homeowner' looked down on her for living in a council house

People soon rushed to the comments to express their thoughts, with some claiming it was an 'odd' thing to boast about.

They wrote: 'This is a very odd flex. But its clearly made you happy, so as a higher rate tax payer, youre welcome';

'Good luck paying rent in your 70s';

'Think I'd rather pay 10K than have that';

'Didnt realise being a homeowner makes me snobby';

'What in the B and M?'

However, others were more positive and congratulated Leah for finding such a bargain, writing: 'Eeeeek due to get mine done soon and the kitchen canny wait p.s looks amazingggg';

'As someone with a mortgage I say get it girl! I lose sleep over things going wrong with the house and insurance not paying out etc, at least in social housing its their responsibility.'

She took to TikTok to show off her bathroom renovation, which she got 'for free'. Pictured before (left) and right (after)

Leah said she is hoping for a kitchen renovation next, and understands her new bathroom isn't to everyone's tastes.

She said she has a 'lifetime tenancy', otherwise known as a 'secure tenancy', meaning she could expect to live in the property for the rest of her life, as long as she doesn't break the rental conditions.

Those with a secure tenancy will usually be given the right to one day buy the property through the government's Right to Buy scheme.

Despite common misconceptions, Leah says she still has a job and worked hard to live where she does.

In another TikTok video, she explained: 'People are saying "you get it all handed to you on a plate!".

'No I don't! I've worked all my life since the age of 15 and I just happen to be in a new situation. We did have to work our a*** off for it'

'Dont be so quick to judge, you never know when you might just find yourself walking in that persons shoes.

'I've got a roof over my children's head and I still work.'

People soon rushed to the comments to express their thoughts, with some claiming it was an 'odd' thing to boast about

Leah was allowed to choose the paint colour, tiles and flooring of her new bathroom, and chose grey to match the aesthetic of the rest of the house.

'Obviously it's a bulk standard basic bathroom. It's a refit, because obviously they've got to do a lot of council places,' she explained.

'But at the same time, I'm grateful for it. It's a lot better, I'm not after anything fancy and you can add your own personal touch to it anyway, like I have done. I'm happy with my basic bathroom!

'To me, a bathroom isn't that important, you just go and do your business and leave, don't you? It's no big deal. You don't spend a lot of time in the bathroom. I'd rather spend my money in the front room and make it cosy.'

Replying to a comment where someone said 'you can't pass that house on to anyone', she said: 'You clearly don't know much about council houses. When you've been living in a council house for so long, you can buy it.'

Leah said her own mother's council house was worth 140,000 - but she managed to buy it for 42,000 under the Right to Buy scheme.
French fashion house Hermes has announced the planned opening of a new leather workshop in Normandy despite the threat of US tariffs.

The announcement comes amid Chinese factories mocking President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs by claiming that popular fashion labels produce their garments in China for a fraction of the price.

Hermes isn't exempt, with accounts claiming that the brand's coveted Birkin bag is made not in France but in China, and shoppers can buy them directly from China at knockdown prices.

While viewers are cautioned against buying from Chinese vendors, likely producing counterfeit 'dupes', some have fallen for the bait. For instance, Taylor Reaves from the UK asked her followers whether the 'Birkin' she purchased on TikTok shop was genuine.

Elsewhere, TikTok user Jed from London shared a clip of herself online shopping with the caption, 'When you see me sporting a Birkin with my Louis Vuitton trainers this summer, mind your business.'

Hermes has nonetheless continued to show its dedication to investing in its production capacity in France. The Normandy location, set to open in 2028, is under development alongside three other sites in France.

The brand wrote: 'Hermes is deeply committed to building lasting relationships with its local partners and is preparing for its arrival in Colombelles with the help of the Caen-la-Mer urban community, Normandie Amenagement, and the Colombelles town.'

'Since 2010, Hermes has opened thirteen leather workshops in France. The Maroquinerie de Colombelles will be the house's 27th leather goods workshop, all of which are in France.

Hermes have announced the opening of a new factory in France. It comes as TikTok users, including Taylor Eaves (pictured), question whether the brand produces its goods in China

'Hermes continues to strengthen its role as a socially responsible company, creating long-term, high-quality jobs and reaffirming its willingness to contribute to regional development.'

MailOnline has contacted Hermes for comment.

It comes amid concerns that the luxury industry will take a huge hit in the trade war between the US and China, and perhaps unlike Hermes, Louis Vuitton is looking to boost its manufacturing in the US to cushion the blow of Donald Trump's tariffs.

Boss Bernard Arnault said in January that he was 'seriously considering' adding to the French luxury goods giant's existing facilities across the Atlantic, which includes a Louis Vuitton workshop in Texas and two in California.

Asked about bulking up its US presence earlier this month, chief financial officer Cecile Cabanis said: 'We will see at what pace and how much.'

The firm, whose brands include Moet, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, confirmed fears of a luxury slowdown as it posted a slump in sales for the first three months of the year.

TikTok user Jed (pictured) joked that she was purchasing a Birkin handbag and a pair of Louis Vuitton trainers

Arnault  who attended Trump's inauguration  had hoped rich Americans splashing out on luxury goods would offset a slowdown in demand in China.

But LVMH shares have fallen eight per cent since the US President announced a barrage of global tariffs  fuelling fears of an economic slowdown. Sales fell three per cent to 17.5 billion over its first quarter.

Meanwhile, experts have warned that the social media campaigns claiming designer goods are made in China appear to be a 'calculated attempt to undermine President Trump's tariff policy on China'.

Alex Goldenberg, senior advisor at the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University, told Bloomberg that factories are 'leveraging TikTok to promote Chinese manufacturing as cheaper, more desirable, and accessible - even in defiance of trade restrictions.'

'These posts are much more confrontational and mocking of the US, rather than showing it as a threat,' echoed Tom Harper, a lecturer in Chinese international relations at the University of East London.

It is unclear how ordering directly from China would allow consumers to avoid paying tariffs, especially since the waiver that exempts small parcels being shipped directly to American homes from duties is being removed on May 2.
A psychic who has successfully predicted dozens of global disasters has now issued a chilling warning about a 'major event' tied to the health of 'key member' of the royal family that he believes is coming soon.

Athos Salome, 38, from Brazil, is often referred to as the 'Living Nostradamus' due to his numerous accurate predictions throughout the years, such as the coronavirus pandemic, Queen Elizabeth II's death and the Microsoft global outage.

Now, he has spoken exclusively to DailyMail.com about a scary premonition he had regarding the British royal family.

Athos has predicted that 'a major event within the royal family - possibly tied to the health of a key member' will take place 'between late 2025 and early 2026.'

He said it will trigger a 'fragile truce with King Charles and Princess Eugenie,' as well as a 'symbolic return to the UK' by Prince Harry.

However, the psychic said he foresees Prince Harry's relationship with his family remaining fractured despite the dramatic event because icy Prince William won't welcome him back.

'To the public eye, the relationship between the Sussexes and the British royal family seems like an endless cycle of tension,' he said.

'That karmic family thread will begin to unravel between late 2025 and early 2026, triggered by a major event within the royal family - possibly tied to the health of a key member.

Psychic Athos Salome, 38, who successfully predicted dozens of global disasters, has issued a chilling warning about a 'major event' tied to the health of 'key member' of the royal family

Athos told DailyMail.com that 'a major event within the royal family - possibly tied to the health of a key member' will take place 'between late 2025 and early 2026'

'The result? A symbolic return to the UK and a fragile truce with King Charles and Princess Eugenie. Prince William, however, remains a fracture point.'

According to Athos, the brothers will never have a 'full reconciliation,' but their kids will ultimately bridge the divide years down the line.

'Full reconciliation will come from the next generation: William and Kate's children rebuilding ties with Archie and Lilibet,' he predicted.

'But that's still years away - there's too much entangled karma, and this is not the time.'

Athos also spoke to DailyMail.com about what's in store for Meghan Markle amidst the recent backlash over her new Netflix series and lifestyle brand launch.

Meghan's show With Love, Meghan - which saw her and a rolodex of her famous friends in the kitchen as they prepared elaborate recipes and created home decor items - premiered last month on the streaming service, but instantly, it was met with negative reviews from critics.

The launch of her company As Ever was also plagued by problems as some customers were left disappointed after their orders were canceled due to overselling.

But psychic Athos has claimed to have gotten a glimpse into Meghan's future, and he said it looks like things aren't going to get any easier for her in the next year.

Athos, from Brazil, is often referred to as the 'Living Nostradamus' due to his accurate predictions throughout the years, such as the coronavirus pandemic and the Queen's death

He said the event will trigger a 'fragile truce with King Charles (seen with his wife, Camilla) and Princess Eugenie,' as well as a 'symbolic return to the UK' by Prince Harry

However, the psychic said he foresees Prince Harry's relationship with his family remaining fractured despite the dramatic event because icy Prince William won't welcome him back

He said he foresaw a 'growing conflict' between Meghan and Netflix that will eventually lead to them parting ways, 'more logistical setbacks' for As Ever, and a new wave of criticism that will ultimately threaten the brand's credibility.

'Meghan's image will face its harshest trial by the end of 2025. [I] foresee explosive revelations from former staff or estranged allies,' he said.

'Criticism will reach a boiling point - and Meghan, in response, will retreat from the spotlight throughout 2026.'

After her 'retreat from the spotlight' in 2026, Athos predicted that Meghan will 'remerge' later that year with a newfound 'focus.'

'Her focus will shift toward social causes, particularly girls' education and women's mental health,' he continued.

And Athos saw some good things in Meghan's future after that, including a major career move and a possible return to acting.

He said he envisioned the mother-of-two 'stepping into a new role as a socially engaged producer, shedding the lifestyle aesthetic to delve into issues of deep impact - chiefly, women's mental health.'

Athos also spoke to DailyMail.com about what's in store for Meghan Markle amidst the recent backlash over her new Netflix series and lifestyle brand launch

He said he foresaw a 'growing conflict' between Meghan and Netflix that will eventually lead to them parting ways, 'more logistical setbacks' for As Ever, and a new wave of criticism

Athos also predicted that Prince Harry's wife will 'return to acting,' but 'not in the way the public expects.'

'No blockbusters, no red carpets. Instead, an independent film, directed by a renowned female filmmaker - possibly European or Iranian - will mark her return to the camera,' he shared.

'Her role? A woman who abandons a life of privilege to rediscover her essence. A metaphor? Absolutely. A confession? Quite possibly.

'Her performance will surprise critics and place her on the radar of Cannes or Venice in 2027.'
Flying economy just got a first-class glow-up - and Aussie travellers are going wild for it.

A little-known travel hack is doing the rounds TikTok, and it's all about scoring airport luxury without the hefty price tag.

We're talking comfy lounges, unlimited drinks, all-you-can-eat food buffets, showers, and even a cheeky pre-flight vino all for as little as $36.

'Noooo I've been gatekeeping this for a while... the house is goated,' commented one TikTok user of the little-known perk available to travellers.

'I've been gatekeeping this for ages, always an affordable way to calm my nerves before a flight,' another wrote.

The Priority Pass lounge program might just upgrade your travel-game forevermore with it's 'secret' VIP card turning even the most budget flight into a bougie experience.

So how does it work?

Priority Pass is a global airport lounge membership program that gives travellers access to over 1000 lounges worldwide - including hidden gems right here in Australia, like The House lounge at Sydney International Airport.

The House (pictured) is a lounge at Sydney International Airport in the heart of the terminal, where travellers can eat, drink and relax before flying.

The best part, and what TikTokers are raving about, is that you don't need to be flying business or first class as the program is available to anyone - regardless of what airline you fly or how cheap your ticket was.

A programme like this is aimed at travellers who fly on a range of airlines, primarily in Economy or Premium Economy and are not (or can't be) loyal to a particular alliance.

'Memberships can be purchased but do also come included with certain high-end credit cards such as the American Express Platinum Card,' said Brandon Loo of Points Hacks Australia.

'There are different membership options available: the most expensive options include unlimited yearly visits, while the cheapest one is merely access to the Priority Pass network, with each visit being chargeable at US$35 a pop.

'But not only does your membership unlock lounges - it can also be used for access to certain specialty locations, such as spas.'

If you are travelling from Australia, most Priority Pass facilities (and all three lounges in NZ) are located in international terminals, and some eateries, as well as the Rex Lounges, are located in domestic terminals.

For selected airport eateries (there are six in Sydney, two in Perth, eight in Melbourne, three in Canberra, five in Brisbane, and two in the Gold Coast) eligible membership holders can simply show up at the eatery with their card and boarding pass.

'The restaurant will swipe your card, and you will receive A$36 per person for food and drinks,' said Brandon.

If you feel like you've been living under a rock, the 'secret' Priority Pass lounge program might just upgrade your travel-game forever - as seen on one viral TikTok video from @claudiacasaceli

'Each $36 credit is charged as a visit to your Priority Pass card. For example, if you and a guest turn up at the eatery, you could get a combined $72 credit to spend.'

Some premium credit cards and travel-friendly debit cards offer free Priority Pass memberships as a perk, so if you currently have an AMEX Platinum, ANZ Rewards Black or Citi Prestige, it might be worth double checking first.

'Unlimited access is the way to go, especially if eateries are included,' said Brandon, who added that it's probably not worth paying for a Priority Pass membership unless you often travel internationally.

'But if you have it included with a credit card, it's good to know where you can use it domestically and overseas.

'One neat thing about the unlimited access with the Amex Platinum Card and Citi Prestige Mastercard is that in an airport with multiple lounges, you can just walk out of a lounge if you don't like it and find another.'

Not all lounges are created equal, so Brandon recommended researching lounges before you visit using TripAdvisor or Google to guarantee the best deal.

For even more money-saving tips, Aussie travellers can now earn points on their way to the airport.

Riders can link their Uber and Qantas Frequent Flyer accounts in the Uber app and rack up points by booking trips to and from the airport on their next getaway.

Australian Uber users can earn Frequent Flyer Points by linking their Qantas account on the Uber app

One point for every $2 spent can be earned when taking Uber journeys to and from 21 eligible airports around the country.

Uber users who book a Reserve trip up to 90 days before their journey earn one Qantas Point for every $1 spent to or from the eligible airports.

Those who don't have an Uber account can sign up and link their Qantas Frequent Flyer to earn 1,000 points.

Frequent flyer expert and blogger Adele Eliseo behind The Champagne Mile said millions of Qantas points go unclaimed because many don't realise they can link their accounts.

'Qantas Points have the power to unlock incredible travel redemptions, so it's sad to hear that so many Aussies are missing out!' she said.

'The good news is that in the space of a minute, Aussies can set themselves up to earn points whilst also getting in with the chance of winning one million Qantas Points with one simple hack.'
A takeaway sandwich, salad and smoothie shop in the Sydney CBD has become an unlikely viral sensation after being likened to a wildly popular LA wellness grocery store.

Sydney retail store Feedwell has caught the attention of social media content creators after similarities were noted between it and celebrity-beloved US supermarket chain, Erewhon, which is famous for its high-end smoothies.

Content creators Amy Leard and Matt Harrison, who post under the Instagram handle @foodsfortwo, are one of several foodie influencers who recently picked up on the likeness between Erewhon and the new Pitt Street, Sydney store, which opened in April 2025.

In their video, American expat Amy noted: 'A lot of people are talking about the new Erewhon dupe in Sydney.'

The Sydney-based food influencer explained that there is one significant difference between the cult US grocer and the local 'dupe' store.

'If you've ever been to an Erewhon you know that a smoothie like this with these ingredients would cost well over $30 AUD, easy,' Amy said.

The content creator continued that much to her surprise, the smoothies at Feedwell were significantly less expensive.

'All their smoothies are $12 and $13,' she said.

Foodie content creators Amy Leard and Matt Harrison from @foodsfortwo shared a video likening Sydney store Feedwell (right) to cult US grocery store Erewhon - noting their similar smoothies

Erewhon made global headlines in June 2023 after Hailey Bieber collaborated with the brand on her signature Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie, priced at USD$20 (AUD$31).

The smoothie contains strawberries, almond milk, vanilla collagen, hyaluronic acid, coconut cream, sea moss gel, avocado, maple syrup, dates and strawberry glaze.

With its Instagram-worthy appearance, the celebrity-endorsed beverage quickly blew up on social media and became a must-try item for fans.

When Sydney-based food influencers recently posted about Feedwell, they noted that the Sydney store offered a 'dupe' to the Erewhon Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie.

Feedwell's Collagen Kiss smoothie contains similar ingredients to the famous international version, boasting collagen peptides, strawberries, banana, honey, chia seeds, almond milk and strawberry compote.

However, a key difference is the Australian version retails for just AUD$12.

Eric Saad, the founder of Feedwell, told FEMAIL hat he can understand the comparisons.

'We never set out to be compared to Erewhon, but hey, we'll take it! They are an incredible brand,' Eric told FEMAIL.

'The Collagen Kiss smoothie really kicked things off. It got called the "Hailey Bieber dupe" on TikTok and suddenly we had people walking in with their phones out, heading straight for it,' he added.

'People have said it's like Erewhon but Aussie and way more affordable, which is important to us.'

Feedwell's Collagen Kiss smoothie retails for AUD$12 and contains similar ingredients to the Erewhon Hailey Bieber Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie, which retails for US$20 (AUD$31)

A number of celebrities have teamed up on Erewhon smoothie collaborations, like Kendall Jenner (left) and Sabrina Carpeneter (right)

Feedwell has already been operating 'for years' as a corporate caterer, but only this month opened its first retail concept store selling directly to the public.

'The store's brought in a whole new crowd who love having so much variety of fresh food under the one roof like smoothies, sandwiches, salads, and snacks all made fresh everyday,' added Eric.

LA grocery chain Erewhon is a favourite among a slew of stars like Justin Bieber, Gisele Bundchen, Brooklyn Beckham, and the Kardashians, who have all been pictured drinking the brand's signature smoothies and carrying bags of groceries from the store.

But Erewhon's rise has been mainly attributed to online influencers, who's videos and posts have made the extremely costly food store the epitome of cool.

Erewhon's high priced smoothies have subsequently been dubbed a bizarre Gen-Z status symbol.

'It's a form of affordable affluence. We're now getting into this phenomenon of food not as a basic need but as a luxury experience,' Andrea Hernandez, a 'snack expert,' told Business Insider regarding the phenomenon.
Despite starring in the world's most famous movie franchise, British actress Afshan Azad lives a life of relative normalcy today.

Afshan, now 37, shot to fame after she was cast as teenage witch Padma Patil in the Harry Potter film adaptations based on controversial author JK Rowling's bestselling books.

However, the role remains Afshan's only acting credit as the Manchester native retreated from the spotlight after the final instalment of the series was released in 2011.

When she returned to screens briefly for a presenter role in 2017, Afshan told her fans she had spent the years after Harry Potter 'travelling, eating a lot of food, and generally loving life back at home'.

And, it appeared, healing from the personal tragedy that was unfolding in parallel to her professional success.

Nearly 15 years ago, Afshan was forced to flee her home in Longsight, Manchester, after her older brother, Ashraf Azad, brutally assaulted and threatened to kill her for having a Hindu boyfriend.

Afshan, who has since found love with her husband Nabil Kazi, reportedly climbed out of her bedroom window at the family home and sought refuge with friends in London after the 'nasty and prolonged' attack that lasted three hours.

Ashraf, who was arrested and pleaded guilty to assault, flew into a rage after discovering Afshan - whose family are 'devout Muslims' - was romantically involved with a Hindu man at the time.

Afshan, now 37, shot to fame after she was cast as teenage witch Padma Patil in the Harry Potter film adaptations based on controversial author JK Rowling 's bestselling books. Pictured: Afshan alongside Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

However, the role remains Afshan's only acting credit as the Manchester native retreated from the spotlight after the final instalment of the series was released in 2011

Nearly 15 years ago, Afshan was forced to flee her home in Longsight, Manchester, after her older brother, Ashraf Azad (pictured), brutally assaulted and threatened to kill her for having her Hindu boyfriend

During his trial in December 2010, Manchester Crown Court heard how Ashraf battered his younger sister, leaving her bruised and swollen, and branded her a 'slag' after finding out about her secret affair.

At the time, prosecuting lawyer Richard Vardon QC told the court how Afshan was 'the victim of an unpleasant assault by her brother' who disapproved of her relationship.

Things came to a head on the night of May 21, 2010, when Ashraf overheard Afshan talking to her boyfriend on the phone and lost his temper.

'I can hear you from here,' he reportedly shouted, before adding: 'Who the f*** do you think you are talking to? Watch what I will do.'

The court was told how Ashraf then grabbed Afshan by the hair and threw her across the bedroom, while she was crying and begging him to stop.

The extent of his three-hour assault was revealed ahead of Ashraf's sentencing in January 2011 when the court heard how he punched her in the back and to the head as she cowered in a ball on the floor.

He reportedly hit her several times before dragging Afshan by her hair to their father Abdul Azad's bedroom and told the patriarch to 'sort your daughter out' for tarnishing the family name.

The ordeal continued as Ashraf, who had reportedly been drinking, attempted to strangle Afshan before leaving the house to look for her Hindu boyfriend.

Her father Abul Azad (pictured) was charged with with making threats to kill her for tarnishing the family name by engaging in an affair with a Hindu man

The judge sentenced Ashraf - who was said to be 'utterly ashamed by his behaviour' that he blamed on alcohol - to six months in prison to send a 'clear message' that domestic violence 'cannot be tolerated'

Mr Vardon revealed that Afshan was told she had no choice but to marry a Muslim man 'or die' as her mother labelled her a 'prostitute' and asked 'why are you obsessed with sex?'

It was reported that Ashraf then said, 'I'm going to kill you. I'm actually going to kill you,' and left the room before he started 'rattling through the kitchen drawers' looking for a knife.

'She was feeling very scared,' the lawyer said, before explaining her decision to run away the next morning.

'She felt that if she stayed things would get much worse. She said she was in genuine fear for her life.'

Both Afshan's father, Abul Azad, and brother were subsequently arrested and charged with making threats to kill her. Afshan was also charged with one count of assault with intent to cause bodily harm that he later pleaded guilty to.

Despite her initial statement to the police, however, Afshan maintained she never wanted to take any legal action against her family members who she 'loved dearly'.

Their lawyer John Wolfson at the time claimed that Afshan had tried to have her statement retracted and also 'pleaded with the Crown Posecution Service not to proceed with the matter'.

'This is a desperately sad situation. She never wanted her father or brother locked up.'

Shefali Chowdhury as Parvati Patil, Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert as Ron Weasley and Afshan as Padma Patil in a still from Harry Potter and the Goblet Fire

Afshan did not testify at the trial and also pleaded for leniency ahead of Ashraf's sentencing, begging the judge not to jail her older brother after both Abul and Ashraf were formally found not guilty of making threats to kill.

'She expresses good feelings about her family in general and brother in particular,' Judge Roger Thomas QC read from her letter. 'She expresses concern about being estranged from her family.'

However, the judge sentenced Ashraf - who was said to be 'utterly ashamed by his behaviour' that he blamed on alcohol - to six months in prison to send a 'clear message' that domestic violence 'cannot be tolerated'.

Her father accepted to be bound over for 500 to keep the peace for 12 months.

Afshan, whose family is originally from Bangladesh, was studying for her AS levels at Xaverian College in Rusholme, Manchester, when she was cast in the 2005 film Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire.

Before being picked to play the part of Padma Patil, the twin sister of Parvati Patli (Shefali Chowdhury), in the Harry Potter movies, Afshan had never acted and only went to the audition for a laugh.

Reflecting on her audition, she called it 'the best experience of my life'.

'I was a bit star-struck  I was a big Harry Potter fan.

Harry Potter star Afshan Azad has shown her support for the franchise amid its other stars speaking out in opposition of JK Rowling, sharing a photograph of herself at a convention

Since then, she has continued to thank Rowling - who has been widely criticised in recent years for her stance on trans issues - publicly for creating the fictional universe that launched her career.

But her co-stars are less keen to be associated with Rowling while she continues to express divisive views on transgender rights.

Rowling - who also writes under the male pen name of Robert Galbraith - has been celebrating after the Supreme Court ruled that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex when interpreting the Equality Act.

She shared an image of herself puffing on a cigar on board her superyacht, captioned 'I love it when a plan comes together' after The A-Team character Hannibal, following the ruling, which has sparked protests across the country.

Following the post, Harry Potter star Sean Biggerstaff, who portrayed Quidditch captain Oliver Wood in three films, took to social media to label Rowling a 'bigot'.

Other stars including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have previously voiced support for trans people and publicly dissented against Rowling's views.

Though not mentioning the recent storm, Afshan took to Instagram in the days following Rowling's comments on the ruling to share a tribute to the wizarding franchise.

She posted a photograph of herself smiling alongside a poster of herself as Patil as she attended German Potter Con at Arenfels Castle in Neuwied.

Azad (second left) starred as Padma in five of the Harry Potter films, starting with 2005's Goblet of Fire, with Shefali Chowdhury playing her twin sister Parvati Patil (far left)

Remaining silent on the Supreme Court ruling, she gushed over how 'lucky' she is to still be involved with the wizarding franchise 24 years after the first movie hit screens.

'I was once in a film you may have watched.. how lucky are we that we still get to travel to meet our incredible fans!' her caption read.

The mother-of-two is active on Instagram, sharing images of her life with husband Nabil Kazi, whom she married in 2018, and their two daughters.

She is not afraid to comment on political issues, using a May 2024 post to accuse Israel of 'the worst genocide in all of history' amidst its campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

She has not, however, commented directly on the Supreme Court case.
Most people wouldn't want to be left alone in a room around the world with their ex - let alone stay in a cheap hostels while travelling the globe with them.

But that's exactly what one separated couple on Race Across the World has set out to do.

The award-winning BBC series, in which five teams are challenged to make their way from the starting point - which this year is the Wall of China - is back. Pairs in the running must make their way to the finish line at the southernmost tip of India, Kanniyakumari; a near through 14,000km trek.

With no smartphones and bank cards to help them, contestants are armed only with the basics, including a map and cash equivalent to the flight; in this case, 1,140.

And Gaz, 54- who has been living with his ex-wife Yin, 54, while helping her grieve the loss of her partner after their divorce - is among the contestants.

The duo - who also have a daughter together and were married for 31 years - have known each other for nearly four decades, and used to have a takeaway business.

And while it 'may sound weird', they say there is no one else the couple could tackle this adventure with.

'I wouldn't probably do this with anyone other than Yin,' Gaz said.

Gaz, 54- who has been living with his ex-wife Yin, 54, while helping her grieve the loss of her partner after their divorce - is among the contestants

The duo - who also have a daughter together and were married for 31 years - have known each other for nearly four decades, and used to have a takeaway business

'I know that sounds weird, because we're not together, we're not husband and wife but we're still best mates. And I think even now, could I do this with my brother? No. Could I do this with any other mates? No. And Yin was pretty much the same.'

Yin explained that when she saw an advert for the series, she asked her ex to join her.

'In that moment thought, you know what? I really want to do that,' she revealed.

'The last year has been quite a personal journey for me. Gaz and I, although we used to be married, we've been separated for about three years. And then when we split up, I found another partner, but he passed away suddenly in September.

'The last year has been tough, but one of the things that Chris gave me was a real sense of adventure, and he really liked traveling. We talked a lot about traveling and so when this came along I thought why not, something inside me made me fill out the application form.'

Gaz decided he was game for joining Yin, and 'before they knew it, the journey had begun'.

And while it 'may sound weird', they say there is no one else the couple could tackle this adventure with

Yin has added that she sees the experience as a 'gift' from her late partner, Chris.

'I know he's gone, but I do think that he has had a meddling hat in this. He would be laughing hysterically but also cheering us on, wishing he was there, seeing all the different things and getting the new experiences,' she remarked.

'This whole process so far has also been a vehicle for us to talk about when we were married, but in a really nice way.'

Yin and Gaz first met in the 80s, and say they 'fell in love pretty quickly after working together'.

The 'rave culture' aesthetics at the time meant Gaz was sporting long hair and a goatee when he met Yin's very 'traditional' Chinese parents.

'They said to me, "why have you brought a drug dealer into our house",' she chuckled while recounting the memory in the first episode of the show, as the contestants must make their way to the first checkpoint in the stunning ancient Chinese region of Hunangling.

'I did look a bit like a dodgy character,' he admitted.

'Gaz was a great husband, a brilliant husband,' Yin reflected, when speaking of their past romance. 'He's my best friend now, but at the time of the marriage break up I probably hated him!'

Yin and Gaz first met each other in the 80s, and say they 'fell in love pretty quickly after working together'

Explaining their eventual split three years ago, Gaz said that 'little elements of their relationship deteriorated' and they 'became two separate people living in a house together'.

'Before you know it there's no going back,' he concluded.

'I still get people saying to me, "are you and Gaz going to get back together?" Absolutely not!' she laughed.

Yin has been living in a cupboard under the stairs at Gaz's place - but hopes doing the show together will help her find her own path.

'I've been staying with Gaz for coming up to a year now so I know that at some stage in the future, I need to move out. We're not married,' she expressed.

'And I think, what I'm hoping is that I'll gain in confidence, and that race will show that we can always rely on each other and that Gaz is always going to be there as a safety net and a support.'

'We have been through a lot of good experiences in our life and our marriage but also a lot of bad experiences,' Gaz agreed.

'I dont think anything that the race throws at us can be as good or as bad as potentially what's happened in the past. I hope it will give us a zest for life as we are getting on a little bit.'

Yin has been living in a cupboard under the stairs at Gaz's place - but hopes doing the show together will help her find her own path

At one point during the first episode, they even joke about finding Gaz a wife while on their travels

The exes also say that their daughter is 'really proud of them'.

'She's been there from day one, when Yin applied,' Gaz said.

And while the pair have split, it's clear that they still joke around like an old married couple - with Gaz saying he hopes Yin 'lets him spend money'.

Yin, meanwhile, fondly remarked how her ex is 'impulsive and doesn't shut up'.

'They are also some of the best things about him though,' she added.

At one point during the first episode, they even joke about finding Gaz a wife while on their travels.

'I think theres something quite nice about testing your resilience, and the older you get, you obviously get used to a more comfortable lifestyle, and I suppose it's that kind of "do I still have that in me"?' Yin said.

'And ultimately, I just think it's going to be quite a laugh. I know it's going to be hard, but I'm doing it with my best mate. I know I'm going to have a real laugh and a really good time.'

The pair are also happy to make a 'great memory for their daughter'.

'Shell see us as us, and not as mum and dad. Shell see how we interact in the wider community and she can show her children and their children, long after weve gone,' Yin continued.

'Well always look back on it as weve done it together, as best friends, its so unique and will be such a wonderful story,' Gaz added.

'It's not lost on us that were very lucky. It's a memory that will stay with us forever.
Donald Trump's tariff plans have increased the risks to public finances, the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday, warning countries to get their spending plans under control and prepare for "sharper" trade-offs.

The US president's on-again, off-again introduction of levies against top trading partners has sent market volatility soaring and unnerved investors, who are attempting to chart a path through the increased uncertainty.

Over the past six months, "global economic prospects have significantly deteriorated, and risks to the economic output are elevated and tilted to the downside" Vitor Gaspar, the head of the IMF's Fiscal Affairs department, told reporters on Wednesday at the launch of the Fund's Fiscal Monitor report.

The forecast for public finances was published as part of the Fund and the World Bank's Spring Meetings of global financial leaders currently under way in Washington.

Under its new projections, which incorporate some -- but not all -- of the recently announced tariffs, the IMF now expects global general government debt to rise to more than 95 percent of economic output this year, and to approach 100 percent of GDP by 2030.

In the forecasts, the IMF expects public debt to rise by about the same amount as the combined increases seen in 2023 and 2024, Gaspar told AFP in an interview ahead of the report's publication.

"There is a pronounced trend in public debt around the world," he said.

The IMF warned in its report that the "heightened uncertainty" about tariffs and economic policy, combined with rising bond yields in major economies, widening spreads in emerging markets, foreign aid cuts, and increased defense spending in Europe had all complicated the global debt outlook.

"Fiscal policy now faces a sharper trade-off between reducing debt, building buffers against uncertainties and accommodating spending pressures, all amidst weaker growth prospects, higher financing costs, and heightened risks," it added.

While public spending levels may pose political challenges, the right policy can also "be a source of confidence and support in potentially very demanding macroeconomic circumstances," Gaspar told AFP.

"Communities may be severely affected by trade dislocations, and targeted and temporary support... could be a way forward," he added.

The IMF expects that more than a third of the world's economies, who collectively account for 75 percent of global GDP, will see a rise in indebtedness this year.

This includes many of the world's largest economies, including the United States, China, Germany, Britain, and France.

But these countries will face very different realities when it comes to handling that debt, Gaspar said in the interview.

"Both China and the United States are continental economies," he said. "They have a space that other economies don't have."

"The United States has an ample set of options, both on the revenue side and on the spending side, that it can deploy to control the deficit, stabilize the level of public debt and decrease the level of public debt, if it chooses to do so," he added.

"How it's going to happen depends on... the choices made in the context of the US political system," he said.

For China, Gaspar noted that the authorities would "eventually" need to tackle its public debt, but should focus their attention at this moment in time on providing targeted support to transform the economy.

"Fiscal support in China is welcome right now," he said. "It is something that helps rebalancing China growth towards the domestic economy."

"By doing so, it helps reduce the external imbalance."
The Duchess of Sussex gave a speech at the summit in New York City last night

This is the painfully awkward moment Meghan Markle appeared to accidentally ignore a show of affection from Prince Harry as they arrived at the Time 100 summit.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, was supported by her husband at the event in New York City yesterday evening, where Meghan gave a speech opening up about giving herself the 'space and grace to make mistakes'.

Harry chaperoned his wife from their private car as she walked in - before also being around to greet her at the end of her stint on stage.

As they stepped out of the car, Harry offered his wife an affectionate show of support, and reached his hand out.

But Meghan appeared not to notice, instead hugging those who had turned out to meet them, without giving Harry a spare glance - meaning he was awkwardly left hanging and stood behind her with his hands in his pockets.

Moments later, the mother-of-two was so busy waving to crowds as she entered the building that, when Harry reached out to her once more, he was again left trailing behind.

Subtle clues throughout the outing suggested that Prince Harry has taken on the role of 'spare' in his marriage to Meghan, as noted by body language expert Judi James.

While some might have considered Harry to be merely adopting the role of doting husband, Judi pointed out 'awkwardness' in their interactions at last night's event.

This is the painfully awkward moment Meghan Markle appeared to accidentally ignore a show of affection from Prince Harry as they arrived at the Time 100 summit

Moments later, the mother-of-two was so busy waving to crowds as she entered the building that, when Harry reached out to her once more, he was again left trailing behind

Ms James told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview: 'Whether Harry's leading or lurking here he appears to be in the role of 'spare,' displaying some awkward-looking body language poses while a more assured Meghan takes the starring role.'

Analysing their arrival, Ms James said: 'By the time they're arriving for the greetings it seems to be Meghan very much in the lead while Harry lurks behind. Meghan uses one key non-verbal cue or tell here to elevate her celebrity or star status.

'While her arms are bent at a 45-degree angle, her hands adopt a 'celebrity wilt', dangling from her bent wrists. This is a gesture that suggests a form of specialness.

'It's also called the 'broken wing' gesture and although it suggests physical weakness or vulnerability it reflects status power as in 'I don't need my hands as I have people to open my doors and tow me along'.'

Ms James continued: 'It's Meghan who works the cameras here and instigates the gracious-looking hugs of friendship.

'Harry waits his turn in a way that would have been unthinkable during his time in the royal family. His jacket hangs open and his expression is more intense and less radiant than his wife's.'

Royal fans were quick to comment on the awkward interaction, commenting that Harry even looked like her 'security detail'.

'She didn't even acknowledge her husband?! He extended his arm to her as she exits the car, she hugged someone else & walked away,' one person said.

Others said: 'She completely ignores him!' and 'ouch. That was cold.'

As the Prince reached out a supportive hand to his wife, she instead went in for a hug with those meeting them

Meghan Markle arrives at the Time 100 Summit in New York City with Prince Harry yesterday

Prince Harry chaperoned his wife from their private car as she arrived at the venue in New York

After Meghan's appearance at the event, the couple left via a side door, flanked by security

Following Meghan's appearance at the event, which also saw Ryan Reynolds take to the stage, the high-profile couple were spotted once again - this time leaving via a side door, flanked by security.

'Harry is towing his wife alone in a classic celebrity pose,' Ms James said.

'His chest might be splayed but the way his knees are bent in a 'frogs-leg' position creates an air of awkwardness as he turns to look back in a checking gesture that directs camera attention to her, making hers look like the star arrival.

'The next pose shows Harry still in that same awkward-looking pose but here his hands are at his side.

'His body language looks slightly off-script here as it's Meghan having to eye-check his face while holding out her hand to re-establish the romantic gesture of the hand clasp.'

The couple had brought back their four-car royal-style motorcade for the trip, according to Page Six.

Meghan wore a Ralph Lauren silk-linen blazer worth 1,970 and 1,785 wide-leg trousers, which she paired with 650 Manolo Blahnik suede heels.

She also wore more than 35,000 of jewellery, including a 7,050 Cartier bangle and a pair of Tabayer gold hoop earrings worth 6,950.

The mother-of-two also had Princess Diana's 21,400 gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch, inherited by Harry.

During the event, the Duchess revealed her Archie's first tooth is loose, as his cousin Prince Louis was pictured with two missing front teeth.

Meghan said it had been an 'incredibly busy' time recently as she launched her Netflix show, new podcast and lifestyle brand As Ever - but being a mother gave her 'perspective'.

The Duchess of Sussex was joined in New York City by Prince Harry, who wore a navy blue suit

Meghan wore Princess Diana's 21,400 gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch, inherited by Harry

She added that Archie's first tooth has come loose and she hoped she would be back home from the event before it came out.

It comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales shared an image of their son, Louis, to mark his birthday yesterday in which the young royal can be seen smiling with a gap for his two front teeth.

During the intimate chat, the mother-of-two opened up about her children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

She candidly told the audience that her eldest has a loose tooth and is 'just about' to lose it this week, adding that she hopes she's back to California in time to see it.

The Duchess said of her new ventures: 'I think as a working mom, and again, these are three projects that we're all launching really at the same time.

'The behind the scenes for the past year and a half have been incredibly busy and ambitious.

'But to see it all come to life and try to give yourself the space and the grace to make mistakes, to know that you're not going to get it right every day, and at the same time to prioritise what we're going to put out as our next tranche of skews is equally important to me as Archie losing his first tooth this week which is about to happen, and I just hope we're back home in time for it - that it all matters.

'And when you look at your life through that perspective, which frankly, being a parent gives you the most illuminating perspective, because what is seemingly so big, somehow becomes so microscopic in importance compared to what's happening with your children.

Meghan posed with Time chief executive Jessica Sibley at the event in New York yesterday

Time edditor-in-chief Sam Jacobs and Time chief executive Jessica Sibley with the couple

'That's certainly how I feel, that you just make time to do it all and I think that's what is hopeful, that's what feels like the dream. '

Asked how she stayed 'focused' while being a high-profile individual who is under 'scrutiny', the duchess said she does not go online.

She continued: 'I've made a very, very conscious effort to create boundaries for myself and for my mental health, for my wellbeing, and certainly to role model that as well for my children.

'I'm conscious of not just raising a very strong and confident young woman, but also having a son, I think is just as paramount of importance for young men to be raised with a confidence and sense of self that is going to empower the women around them too.'

Asked what was 'next' for her, the duchess said: 'I think obviously, focusing on our family and our children is most important.'

Meghan speaks with Time chief executive Jessica Sibley yesterday at the event in New York

The Duchess opened up about giving herself ' the space and the grace to make mistakes'

Meghan appeared on stage during the Time 100 Summit in New York yesterday

Meghan added that she wanted to continue to 'uplift other female founders' through new podcast Confessions Of A Female Founder, to expand her portfolio of investment into women-founded companies and to scale up her brand As Ever.

On Tuesday, in the latest episode of her podcast the Duchess branded American Riviera Orchard, the former name of her lifestyle business, a 'word salad', adding: 'I didn't love that so much.'

Meghan ran into trademark issues when the US Patent and Trademark Office said geographical locations could not be patented, and she eventually renamed her venture As Ever.

In the episode three of Confessions Of A Female Founder, Meghan insists it was 'really just helpful to have that quiet period' before her As Ever name was unveiled, 'when no-one was sniffing around'.

The duchess recorded a conversation with her own hair colourist and 'dear friend' Kadi Lee, co-founder of hair wellness brand Highbrow Hippie, which Meghan invested in last year.

Meghan reflected on the 'mistakes' she made while trying to launch three ventures at once - amid the numerous problems plaguing her new show, lifestyle brand, and podcast.

Between the release of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the launch of her company As Ever, and now her Lemonada podcast, the Duchess of Sussex has certainly had a huge year already.

But each of Meghan's endeavors has been plagued with its own slew of issues, resulting in the mother-of-two facing immense backlash.

Meghan added that being a mom to her young kids Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, often puts things in perspective for her

Meghan subtly addressed the difficulties surrounding her new ventures while speaking at the TIME100 Summit in New York City on Wednesday

The former royal admitted that while releasing 'three products at the same time,' she decided to 'give herself the space and grace to make mistakes' as she 'knows she's not going to get it right' every single day.

'There were three projects that we were launching really at the same time. The past year-and-a-half have been incredibly busy and ambitious,' she said.

'Then you see it all come to life and try to give yourself the space and the grace to make mistakes, to know you're not doing it right every day.'

She also confessed that she had trepidations before making her new series because she feared it would turn into a 'reality show' about her life.

'I said, "How are we going to do a cooking show or a crafting show that doesn't feel like a typical stand and stir [show]," which we all remember from back in the day,' she explained.

'I didn't necessarily want to do that and I didn't want a reality show.'

Her series With Love, Meghan - which saw her and a rolodex of her famous friends in the kitchen as they prepared elaborate recipes and created home decor items - premiered last month on the streaming service, but instantly, it was met with negative reviews from critics and viewers alike.

The launch of her company As Ever was also plagued by problems as some customers were left disappointed after their orders were canceled due to overselling.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have whisked their children away on a celebratory Spring holiday (pictured together previously)

Insiders also told the outlet that the couple's two children are the 'centre of their happy bubble' back at home in Montecito in California. Meghan is pictured with Archie and Lilibet

Even so, Meghan insisted at the TIME100 Summit that she's the 'happiest she's ever been.'

'And to have a partner and husband who is so supportive and have healthy kids who are so joyful in the freeness of their life and the safety of their life we created for them,' she added.

'Of all the things that happened I never would have imagined at this point Id be so happy and free and I really do.'

Last week, it was reported that Harry and Meghan had whisked their children away on a celebratory Spring holiday.

According to People Magazine, the family has enjoyed a 'sunsoaked getaway' with Archie, five, and Lilibet, three - though the exact destination was not confirmed.

Insiders also told the outlet that the couple's two children are the 'centre of their happy bubble' back at home in Montecito in California.

'The kids are adorable. Theyre incredibly smart, articulate, and fun,' the source said.
The King and Queen have had a long and enduring romance spanning 35 years.

But the couple, who celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary during a recent trip to Italy, seem more in love than ever.

Camilla, 77, has been Charles's rock following the death of his mother, his succession to the throne and his cancer diagnosis.

Alongside attending events together, behind the scenes the Queen has been looking after the head of the royal family, 76, too, from encouraging him to eat a little lunch despite his belief it's a 'waste of time' and ensuring he relaxes as much as possible, enjoying long walks at her country pile Birkhall.

And even his sister - Princess Anne, 74, has noticed the difference Camilla has made in her brother's life.

Speaking to Tatler the Princess Royal praised Camilla's competence in her role has been essential to helping the king.

'Her understanding of her role and how much difference it makes to the King has been absolutely outstanding,' she expressed.

King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, who celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary during a recent trip to Italy, seem more in love than ever and continue to be each other's rocks

Anne added that she was in 'no doubt that made the difference for him' as he took charge.

'I'm sure lots of people do say to her what a difference she's made, but that is really true,' she said before adding that she has known Camilla for a long time and described her as 'incredibly generous and understanding'.

Princess Anne's revelation comes after Camilla gave a sweet nod to her marriage to Charles 20 years ago.

During their four day visit to Italy earlier this month, the Queen made a romantic gesture to mark their anniversary.

Arriving at the Italian Parliament in Rome, where her husband was due to make an historic speech, she sported the same elegant ivory Anna Valentine silk coat and dress that she wore for their civil wedding ceremony at Windsor's Guildhall on April 9 2005.

It had been repurposed with additional embroidery by Beth Somerville, an alumni of Charles' charitable King's Foundation to highlight the importance of sustainability - a key theme of their four-day state visit to Italy - but otherwise looked identical to the original.

Princess Anne, 74, has been full of praise for the queen, revealing her competence in her new role has been essential to supporting the king (pictured at 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign, at the Martyrs' Monument in Canakkale, Turkiye, April 24, 2025)

Anne told Tatler magazine: 'Her understanding of her role and how much difference it makes to the King has been absolutely outstanding'

Princess Anne's revelation comes after Camilla gave a sweet nod to her marriage to Charles 20 years ago (pictured), re-wearing the dress from their civil ceremony while visiting the Italian parliament

In an interview outside the parliament, Camilla looked happy and relaxed as she chatted about her wedding anniversary on a school visit to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the British Council and efforts to encourage young people to read and write imaginatively.

'Twenty years, who could believe it was 20 years?', she said.

Asked the secret of their longevity she mused: 'What is the secret? I don't knowwell I suppose it's just sort of friendship, really. Laughing at the same things, getting on with life. I suppose doing this [gestures to the engagement] takes up most of the time

'We are always going in different directions, like ships that pass in the night really. We whizz past each other. [But] In fact we have got a bit of a catch-up this afternoon.'

In fact, the Queen revealed she was planning a rather romantic gesture for her husband when they eventually returned to Villa Wolonsky, the home of the British ambassador where they are staying.

Asked whether they had time to exchange cards or gifts, she said: 'No we are going to do that when we get back. We are going to save that. Otherwise you can't really you have to rush it. You don't have time to say anything. No, I think we might dig into our pockets and pull something out at the end of the day.

'Ah, yes, well I have got something. It's china [the traditional gift for a 20th anniversary]. '

Asked whether a return gift might be for her husband, who is still undergoing weekly cancer treatment, to take a little time off, she roared: 'Dream on!'

'It would be very nice if we got a day off and went somewhere but that was not going to happen!'.
Martin Lewis has warned older women affected by state pension changes about fake compensation websites, which may encourage them to hand over their personal information.

Fraudulent websites targeting UK-based pensioners are claiming that compensation is available, Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners said.

Bogus websites may request personal details from 1950s-born women, make the false claim that a compensation scheme has been announced, or even try to give the impression that they are connected with Mr Lewis.

Waspi said that one woman in Derbyshire reported that she had been asked to provide copies of her birth certificate and bank details through an online form, before realising it was a scam.

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, said: 'The word scammers underplays the danger, of what are often organised criminal gangs using psychologically adept tactics to steal from people.'

He added: 'Even if they're not asking for money, they could be trying to take your information as part of a wider fraud.

'Be incredibly careful, don't click advertising or other links on social media, unless it is from a validated trusted source.

'And to be very plain, I don't do adverts nor allow anyone to use my name for endorsements. All my information will always be on my site MoneySavingExpert.com, so if you can't find it there, and see it elsewhere, it's very likely a scam.'

Martin Lewis (pictured) has warned women affected by state pension changes about fraudulent compensation websites

Waspi chairwoman Angela Madden said: 'Waspi has fielded dozens of queries from women following an alarming spike in fraudulent websites appearing in recent days.

'The need for compensation is so urgent that it is the most vulnerable women who are at risk from scammers. The behaviour of opportunists who seek to exploit them is nothing short of disgraceful.'

She suggested that people contact Action Fraud if they have shared sensitive information or feel they are at risk.

Those who are worried they may have been scammed should also contact their bank or building society. Many banks have signed up to the 159 service, which enables people who are worried about scams to get through to their provider on an easy-to-remember number.

Fran McSweeney, head of services at Independent Age, said: 'While scams can be very sophisticated, there are things people can do to protect themselves.

'Never be rushed into sharing personal details out of the blue and contact your bank if you think you've been tricked into revealing any of your banking details. If what you're told sounds unlikely or too good to be true, it probably is.'

Pictured: A group of women representing the WASPI protest group outside the Houses of Parliament during a demonstration on March 17, 2025 in London

Waspi is seeking a judicial review to force the Government to reconsider its decision to rule out a compensation package for women affected by the way changes to the state pension age were communicated.

A previous report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PSHO) suggested compensation ranging between 1,000 and 2,950 could be appropriate for each of those affected.

But in December 2024, the Government said that, while it accepted the ombudsman's finding of maladministration and apologised for there being a delay in writing to 1950s-born women, a blanket compensation scheme, which could cost taxpayers up to 10.5 billion, cannot be justified.

It comes after Martin Lewis issued a different warning for motorists to check their driving license.

The money saving expert warned drivers across the UK that they could be in for an unpleasant shock if they are discovered driving with an out-of-date licence.

According to data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), 2.3 million people across the UK will see their licences expire this year - though many might not realise.

Writing on the Money Saving Expert website, advisors warned that the repercussions for being caught without a valid licence could be as expensive as they are inconvenient.

Those caught driving without an in-date licence could even face fines of 1,000.

The money saving expert from Manchester warned WASPI women to be 'incredibly careful' about the scams

Martin urged all licence holders to do one simple thing to avoid having the shell out - check the expiry date.

As of 1998, photocard licences have been in place across the UK. Paper driving licences issued before 31 March 2000 are still valid.

But cards given to drivers are only valid for ten years at a time and must be renewed after this period.

The date is given on the front of the plastic card and can be found under section 4B.

If drivers are due an update, they can easily do so by going onto the DVLA website and ordering a new version.

Renewing a driving licence costs either 14 online or 17 via post, and requires an updated passport or alternative form of legal identification.

For those applying by post, forms known as D1 papers are available from most UK post offices or can be obtained from the DVLA website.

Drivers can also get their licence updated at the post office, though this requires an additional charge of 4.50 to take a photo on top of the initial 17 fee.

Those over 70 will need to renew their licence every three years instead of every 10 - though this can be done for free.

The same also applies to people who have a short-term medical licence.

Writing on the Money Saving Expert website, advisors said people can still drive if their licence is out of date, so long as they are in the process of getting it renewed.

The DVLA says if your licence expires while it is processing your renewal application, you should be able to continue driving as long as you meet certain conditions,' it states.

These include 'only driving vehicles you were entitled to drive on your previous licence, not being told by a doctor or optician that you shouldn't drive, and you aren't disqualified from driving.'

If someone has applied for a medical licence, they must ensure they are fulfilling all the criteria to qualify.

'If you're waiting for a medical driving licence  in other words, you have declared a medical condition to the DVLA  you must make sure you meet the medical standards for fitness to drive before doing so,' they explained.

As well as making sure to check the expiry date, Martin alerted drivers to the address section of their licence, urging them to ensure it's correct to avoid getting a fine.

This process is simple and only requires people to go on the DVLA website where they can receive an updated licence for free.

It's good news for regular movers as the number of times a licence holder can change their address is unlimited.

Finally, people will need to ensure their first and surname is correct, along with their correct gender.

Again, this can easily be rectified by ordering a D1 application for for a driving licence via the Gov.uk website and making the necessary changes.

This will then need to be posted to the DVLA alongside the appropriate documents. Fortunately, there is no cap on the number of times this can be done.
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A major drink brand is launching its first range of canned alcoholic cocktails in the UK this April.

The new line of ready-to-drink cocktails has been created by Schweppes, which is best known for making mixers like tonic water as well as other soft drinks.

Called Schweppes Mix, the range boasts two flavours - Gin Twist and Paloma Bliss - which come in a 250ml can and are priced at 2.29.

According to the brand, Gin Twist is a 'citrus-forward blend with a clean, refreshing finish'.

Meanwhile, Paloma Bliss features a 'bold balance of grapefruit and tequila'.

The new launch comes amid a slump for Schweppes, which has seen sales drop by almost 10 per cent over the past year, to 156.1 million.

According to the brand, with its new drinks, it hopes to attract 'new consumers into the category with its bold taste and standout style'.

It notes that 65 per cent of ready-to-drink consumption takes place at home, and adds that the cans are 'perfect for pre-party drinks', and offer an alternative to wine and Prosecco.

Schweppes is hoping to appeal to modern drinkers with its new range of ready to drink cocktails (stock image)

Speaking about the new drinks, Elaine Maher, associate director for alcohol RTD at CCEP GB, said: 'Schweppes Mix is rooted in craft and credibility.

'It's a cocktail range made with the same expertise that's earned Schweppes its place behind the bar for over 200 years.

'This is a mixologists choice, reimagined for modern drinkers  offering bold flavour combinations, premium spirits and ultimate convenience.

'Whether its getting ready to go out or hosting friends at home, were helping consumers serve up the perfect start to any night with confidence.'

The range joins an increasingly crowded market, with most British supermarkets, as well as other drink companies, offering their own ready-to-drink cocktails including classic options like gin and tonics to martinis and margaritas.

Sainsbury's for example, sells own brand RTD gin and tonics and vodka lime and sodas for 1.20 each, while also offering fancier cocktails, such as MOTH premixed margaritas, for 3.85.

Ready to drink cocktails are more popular than even, but do you know how many units there are per can?

Elsewhere, Altos have introduced ready-to-drink cocktail in bigger batches, offering a 750ml margarita, roughly five or six servings, in one bottle for 15.

Many of these drinks contain more alcohol than people may think, with the bright packaging perhaps making consumers think the beverages have an alcohol content comparable to an alcopop such as Smirnoff Ice.

So it might come as a surprise to see how many units of alcohol are contained in some of these canned cocktails.

The beverages might seem innocent enough, but the units of alcohol in RTD cocktails are similar to the ones you might purchase at a bar, which can cause people to underestimate their alcohol consumption.

Britons are urged not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis, but how many RTD cocktails does that include? RTD beverages vary in strength, even for the same cocktail. For example, Marks and Spencer's gin and tonic has two units while Sainsbury's own brand came in lower at 1.25 units.

The other cocktails on sale at Marks and Spencers, including mojitos and martinis, also have two units, putting them on the stronger side of RTD alcoholic beverages.

Upscale MOTH cocktails weren't far behind, and both their margarita and espresso martini cans had 1.9 units.

White Claw's sparkling water with alcohol contained 1.5 units while Pimms had one of the lowest amounts of alcohol with 0.13 units in total.

RTD cocktails that contain around two units are on the stronger side of the premixed offerings.

Now compare to standard beverages... Drink Units Large glass of red wine Pint of lager Small glass of white wine Glass of champagne Double gin and tonic Pint of cider Large brandy Margarita Espresso martini Tequila shot Baileys Mulled wine Aperol spritz Eggnog White Russian Double whisky 3.3 2.3 1.6 2.1 2 2.6 2 4.5 1.5 1.4 0.85 2.5 1.9 3 3.3 2.7 Sources: NHS, DrinkAware and Difford's Guide Advertisement

The amount still comes in strong in comparison to non-premixed drinks that one could purchase at a bar, such as wine, beer, and a shot of tequila.

Marks and Spencer's gin and tonic, for example, almost equals the amount of alcohol in a glass of champagne or a pint of lager.

Meanwhile, one could consume the same amount of alcohol from an Aperol Spritz at a restaurant from a MOTH espresso martini or margarita on the go.

Likewise, sipping on an espresso martini at a bar would equal the same amount of alcohol as in White Claw's alcoholic sparkling water.

Meanwhile, non-premixed drinks such as margarita, double whiskey, and a white Russian, hold a much more potent alcohol content than RTD offerings. However, if one was to purchase a couple RTD cocktails, they wouldn't be far behind.

Please drink responsibly  for more information visit drinkaware.co.uk
Jade, a vet nurse that has worked all over Europe, said to never throw sticks

A veterinary nurse has issued an urgent warning to dog owners about playing fetch with sticks.

Jade, a registered veterinary nurse who has worked with animals across England, Wales and other parts of Europe, often posts tips and tricks on how to keep pets safe on her TikTok account.

As summer approaches, many pup lovers may want to take their canines on longer walks through parks or woodlands where there are numerous sticks for them to pick up.

But although your hound may encourage you to play fetch with the stick, Jade says you should never toss twigs at them because the outcome could be fatal.

She said: 'Guys this is just a reminder to never throw sticks for your dog,' she said to her 70,000 followers.

'When you throw a stick, it can get stuck in the ground and when your dog runs towards it at high speed and tries to catch it in their mouth if it gets stuck in the ground first, then sometimes when your dog runs over it, [the stick] can end up impaling them through the roof of their mouth.

'I have seen this before and it was fatal. The stick went straight through the roof of the dog's mouth and it went straight into its brain and the dog died immediately.

'I have heard of this happening quite a few times.'

Jade, a registered veterinary nurse , often posts tips and tricks on how to keep pets safe on her TikTok account

Although your hound may encourage you to play fetch with the stick, Jade says you should never toss twigs at them because the outcome could be fatal (stock image)

Jade says that splinters can also get lodged in your dog's mouth, oesophagus and stomach.

'Overall, sticks are just not a good thing to play with and I just cringe whenever I see people throwing sticks at their dogs,' she added.

Other pet owners commented their thoughts on Jade's video, with one writing: 'I never give my dog sticks or bones.'

Another penned: 'My dog isnt allowed sticks and he knows it, as soon as he sees one he eats it so fast as if hes never been fed and sticks are a nourishing food source.'

A third said: 'Its hard to stop them from getting sticks mine absolutely loves sticks, he gets the biggest one possible'

A fourth commented: 'That happened when i threw a stick for a collie, he was in the vets overnight, I felt so so awful.

'It wasn't even mine, I contacted the owner and he was fine, the stick pierced his tongue and lost a lot blood he even brought the dog to see me after, but its a real issue.'

The Kennel Club, an organisation based in the UK that focuses to dog health, welfare and training, also advises against dogs playing with sticks.

Jade says you should never toss twigs at your dogs because the outcome could be fatal

Other pet owners commented their thoughts on Jade's video and said they never throw sticks at their dogs

Its website states: 'Stick injuries are all too common and preventable, so please never throw sticks for dogs.

'They can lead to horrendous, life-threatening injuries, requiring advanced investigation and surgery. Use safer rubber alternatives instead.'

The club says that often dogs learn from watching others canines, so it therefore could be a learned behaviour and twigs are often readily available on walks when looking for something to play with.

Instead, it advises owners to come prepared with a chew toy as dogs - especially puppies - enjoy chewing to relieve tension, boredom or anxiety.

The Kennel Club says toys such as rubber sticks and dog-friendly frisbees are more appropriate and safer for your beloved pet.
A bride was trolled by strangers who called her 'trashy' after she wore a cream wedding dress with a black bra on her big day.

Basak, 33, opted for a bustier maxi dress with Gucci leather pumps during an intimate civil ceremony in front of 15 guests on March 29 at Hackney Town Hall, London.

She decided to wear a gown with the straps and top of the cups of a black bra visible over the neckline - as she felt it was 'chic'.

After tying the knot with partner, Goksu, also 33, the newlyweds were excited to share photos and videos from their big day on social media - but Basak says she received a backlash for her choice of dress.

Trolls were quick to comment on her unique choice - dubbing her outfit 'tacky', 'trashy', and 'disgusting,' leaving Basak feeling 'bullied'.

The bride, from London, said: 'I only had 200 followers back then.

'A couple of people started to write that there's something wrong with my dress. At first I was really, really surprised. I didn't think anyone would comment on the dress.

'People were saying you cannot wear black to your wedding, they [wedding dresses] are white for a reason.

'Mostly they were saying my bra was showing and it was revealing - they said it was inappropriate.

Basak decided to wear a gown with the straps and top of the cups of a black bra visible over the neckline - as she felt it was 'chic'

Trolls were quick to comment on her unique choice - dubbing her outfit 'tacky', 'trashy', and 'disgusting,' leaving Basak feeling 'bullied'

'"It's not a fit for a wedding'" some people were saying, "Have you dressed in the dark?". It was comfortable and felt like me.

'I wanted something from the high street, but something unique and I hadn't seen this dress on anyone else.

'I deleted some of the comments - the ones that were saying it was disgusting and horrible - because it was bothering me and making me unhappy.'

On the day itself, Basak says she 'felt amazing'.

She said: 'I felt great on the day and then I got the photos and felt so much joy. I was shocked, I didn't expect such backlash.

'It didn't ever cross my mind that someone would not love my dress or say nasty things about my dress.'

Basak bought her wedding dress from high street brand Because Of Alice for just 130.

With the couple due to have a big wedding in Milan, Italy, in July 2025, the bride 'didn't want to spend thousands'.

She excitedly shared some snippets from their civil ceremony online and quickly received almost 200,000 views - but became 'upset' at the comments section.

Basak shared clips of her wedding online and was subject to strangers slating her outfit choice

Family and friends 'loved' Basak's wedding dress on the day and told her, 'It's so you'

Basak bought her wedding dress from high street brand Because Of Alice for just 130

Basak said: 'They were mostly anonymous users.

'They said they hated our look - because it was black and secondly because the bra was showing.

'Most of the people saying these things are entitled to have an opinion, but it doesn't mean you can make hurtful comments to others.

'It was upsetting at first, but after I posted a follow up video about how I felt bullied more positive vibes came along and people were defending me.

'Most of the people were saying 'it looks amazing', 'you look chic', 'they don't understand the style'.

'It is funny a bit in a sense - the internet is a funny place. I don't care what people think.'

Family and friends 'loved' Basak's dress on the day and told her, 'It's so you'.

'One even said 'I sent your pic to one of my closest friends and it was the best dress ever,' she said.

'Everyone except these people online loved it - because they know me and my personal style.

'My only advice [to other brides] would be to not care what others think if it makes you happy.'
A former beauty queen has tragically died age 35 following a secret health battle.

Nabila Furtado was hospitalized earlier this year due to a case of thrombosis that had affected her arm and shoulder.

She left the hospital in early April and continued with at-home treatment.

But the in the early hours of Tuesday morning, she was hospitalized in Cariacica, northeast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with shortness of breath.

Sadly, she passed away later that day from a pulmonary embolism.

Furtado's thrombosis stemmed from breast cancer, which she had been diagnosed with during a routine consultation, but had kept hidden from fans.

Her husband of 11 years, former Cariacica mayor Juninho Geraldo, said: 'Nabila discovered she had an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2020, while I was still mayor.

'She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and received treatment both in Espirito Santo and in Sao Paulo, but the cancer kept spreading.

Former beauty queen Nabila Furtado, 35, has tragically died from a pulmonary embolism

She left the hospital in early April and continued with home treatment. But in the early hours of April 22, she was hospitalized in Cariacica, northeast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with shortness of breath

'By March, it had spread near her shoulder and caused the thrombosis.

'We stayed in the hospital for a month and, at the beginning of April, went home with all the necessary hospital equipment to care for her.

'Her blood vessels had become blocked, and she was in a lot of pain.

'At the hospital, they managed to ease the pain, and she returned home, where she stayed for three weeks.

'But then, during the early hours, she had extreme difficulty breathing.

'That's when we took her back to the hospital, and by then, everything was already compromised.

'It was very hard for me because she didn't want anyone to know about the cancer-not even her own parents.'

Furtado began modeling when she was 16 and went on to win several beauty pageants throughout her life.

Furtado's thrombosis stemmed from breast cancer, which she had been diagnosed with during a routine consultation, but had kept hidden from fans

Her husband of 11 years, former Cariacica mayor Juninho Geraldo, said she found out about her breast cancer diagnosis in 2020

Her husband said he was the only one who knew she had cancer and even her parents were in the dark

Furtado previously was crowned Miss Espirito Santo Intercontinental, Miss Cariacica 2009, Miss Brasil Queen 2016, Miss Congeniality at Miss ES 2020, and Musa do Brasil 2013

She represented Brazil at the Mrs. Glam World pageant in India in 2022 and at another international contest in Spain.

She was also crowned Miss Espirito Santo Intercontinental, Miss Cariacica 2009, Miss Brasil Queen 2016, Miss Congeniality at Miss ES 2020, and Musa do Brasil 2013.

More recently, she had grown a five-figure social media following as a fashion influencer.

Geraldo said: 'She lost her hair, was wearing a prosthesis, and people had no idea what a warrior she was.'

Furtado was laid to rest in Cariacica on April 23.

Her husband said, 'She loved what she did. Her life was about not showing people the bad side of things.

'She was always focused on trying to help others and was full of joy.'
Prince Harry, 40, called on tech giants to do more to keep children safe online

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unveiled a memorial in New York City last night, which is dedicated to 'honouring the lives of children lost to online harm'.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also called for more protections for children from the dangers of social media, claiming that 'enough is not being done'.

Called the 'Lost Screen Memorial', the installation features of 50 large, illuminated smartphones, each displaying the lock screen photo of a child who died after being exposed to bullying behaviour online.

The images of the children were shared by parents who are members of The Archewell Foundation Parents Network.

They donated the pictures to 'honor their childrens memories and to call attention to the urgent need for safer online spaces'.

As the monument was unveiled, the parents were invited to New York to lay flowers at each handset.

There is also virtual version of the installation, which will include information about each child. In addition, some of the parents have recorded a personal voice message for people to listen to.

Harry and Meghan attended a private vigil at the site last night with families of the children as part of the Archewell Foundation's 'No Child Lost to Social Media' campaign.

Meghan Markle is pictured embracing one of the attendees at the installation unveiling in New York City on Wednesday evening

The monument features 50 screens, each showing an image of a child who has died as a result of online harm

Prince Harry (pictured) has called on tech giants to do more to keep children safe, saying 'while social media companies claim to be taking action, most still withhold critical data from grieving parents'

And Harry told BBC Breakfast: 'We want to make sure that things are changed so that... no more kids are lost to social media. Life is better off social media.'

The 40-year-old Duke added that he was 'grateful' that his children Prince Archie, five, and three-year-old Princess Lilibet were still too young to be online.

Speaking to journalists at an Archewell Foundation event, Harry also said: 'The easiest thing to say is to keep your kids away from social media.

'The sad reality is the kids who aren't on social media normally get bullied at school because they can't be part of the same conversation as everybody else.

'Life is better off of social media. I say that as a parent, and I say that as someone who's spoken to many of the kids here tonight who lost a brother or a sister to social media. But clearly, enough is not enough. Enough is not being done.'

He continued: 'Some of the stories here are truly harrowing. You think you've heard the worst of it until nights like this, here in America. Some of these stories - they are crime scenes - and these companies are getting away with it by saying, 'We don't need to give you disclosure'.

According to Archewell's executive directors, 'each photo represents not just a child lost, but a family forever changed'

The images were donated by parents, to both pay tribute to their children, and to call attention to the urgent need for safer online spaces

Speaking about the children honored by the memorial, Prince Harry said 'these children were not sick. Their deaths were not inevitable - they were exposed to...harmful content online'

Families of the children were invited to the unveiling of the installation, with some laying flowers in front of the screens

Speaking about how the internet can be a dangerous place, Prince Harry said 'no child should be exploited, groomed, or preyed upon in digital spaces'

'For families, some of the arguments that are being made around privacy - you're telling a parent, you're telling a dad and a mum that they can't have the details of what happened.'

The Duke also accused technology firms of 'getting away with it', saying they did not need to disclose information to families in Britain due to privacy considerations.

Prince Harry said: 'These children were not sick. Their deaths were not inevitablethey were exposed to, and in many cases were pushed harmful content online, the kind any child could encounter.

'No child should be exploited, groomed, or preyed upon in digital spaces.

'To the platforms, they may be seen as statistics. To their families, they were cherished and irreplaceable.

'While social media companies claim to be taking action, most still withhold critical data from grieving parents - data that could provide answers and accountability. This is a growing crisis.

The 'Lost Screen Memorial' installation was unveiled by the Sussexes on Wednesday. They also held a vigil with parents

Speaking about the children who were honored in the installation, Prince Harry said 'to the platforms, they may be seen as statistics. To their families, they were cherished and irreplaceable'

Archewell's executive directors said they hope the memorial will inspire 'tech leaders, policymakers, and community members alike' to act when it comes to creating safer spaces online

'Social media is quietly taking our children, and those with the power to make change are failing to act.'

The installation has been described as a continuation of The Archewell Foundations The Parents Network initiative, which 'supports families navigating the digital world, working to safeguard them from online harms, and supporting their mental health recovery process'.

In a statement about the installation, James Holt and Shauna Nep, Executive Directors of The Archewell Foundation said: 'This memorial is a collective act of remembrance, and a call to action. Each photo represents not just a child lost, but a family forever changed.

'These parents are sharing the most painful parts of their lives so that no other family must experience the same heartbreak.

'We hope this memorial inspires all of us - tech leaders, policymakers, and community members alike - to listen to their stories, to learn from them, and most importantly, to act. Online spaces should be safe by design, not an afterthought.'

On Thursday, Meghan took to Instagram to discuss the installation unveiling. She shared a video of the event, which was accompanied by a long caption.

While the physical installation is in New York, there is a virtual version which shares more information about the children honored by the memorial

The poignant event on Wednesday saw families coming together as they paid tribute to their children

According to a statement from Archewell's executive directors: 'These parents are sharing the most painful parts of their lives so that no other family must experience the same heartbreak'

Meghan was pictured engaging with parents at the event last night, as they honored their children during a vigil

It said: 'An important and emotional evening last night in NY as we unveiled #NoChildLostToSocialMedia with parents and families who have lost their children to online harms.

'My husband and I have worked with many of these families for the last several years, and through The Archewell Foundation and our program The Parents Network, we support them in their grief and stand with them in their call for action.

'No matter how divided the world may be, we can all agree that we want our children to be safe from harm. That is a universal truth.

'If you choose to be on social media, lets be the example for our youth, sharing goodness and kindness and positivity. Lets tell our children that they are enough, and that this life is worth living.

'And lets ensure that no child is lost to social media. With your support, we can effect change.'
Inspired by Dubai-style chocolate, the latest trend foodies are obsessing over

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Dubai chocolate is the latest craze British foodies are obsessing over, and the trend is showing no signs of slowing as more supermarkets release their own versions of the pistachio-flavoured treat.

The latest to jump on the trend is M&S with its new Dubai chocolate-inspired Big Daddy Pistachio bar which is already going viral after relaunching in stores on Wednesday.

Chocolate lovers have been rushing to the retailer to get their hands on the indulgent dessert and see if it's worth the hype.

The Big Daddy Pistachio is 8.50 and filled with chunky pistachio pieces, a velvety pistachio creme, a light, crunchy biscuit crumb and a layer of gooey sweet and salty caramel, all coated in creamy milk chocolate.

Traditionally, Dubai chocolate is filled with pistachio cream and kataifi pastry, crispy shredded phyllo dough - inspired by a Middle Eastern dessert called knafeh or kunafa - and does not include caramel.

M&S teased the release on its social pages sending fans into a spin with one commenting: 'I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight'.

'I am SO EXCITED for this,' a second wrote and another said: 'I think we're all going to go nutty over these'.

Since the release, videos have been popping up all over TikTok and Instagram of Brits searching the M&S shelves for The Big Daddy Pistachio and sharing their thoughts on the decadent flavour.

M&S's new Dubai chocolate-inspired Big Daddy Pistachio bar is already going viral after launching in stores on Wednesday

Food blogger Angelina was one of the first to buy the bar on Wednesday morning and put the taste to the test.

'You can really taste the quality of the pistachio. This is so bad for my health but for my taste buds - no,' she said in a TikTok clip.

'It does not have the knafeh, it's still equally if not better than the Dubai chocolate, this is a solid nine out of ten.'

TikToker Amy couldn't wait for the release and was snacking on the chocolate at 10am claiming: 'They can take my 8.50 any day of the week'.

Popular influencer Aimee known as @thissinglemamaofficial also shared her thoughts on the 'unreal' sweet treat.

'The chocolate is yummy, it's quite thick, the caramel with the pistachio has a bit of crunch,' she said.

Reviewer Laura Khoshaba was impressed with the Big Daddy Pistachio bar's 'insane' flavour but likened it more to a Milky Way or Mars Bars rather than Dubai Chocolate.

Those who want to try the Big Daddy Pistachio for themselves are advised to check if it's in stock at their nearest Foodhall on the M&S website as it is not available at all locations. Alternatively, you can buy it online at Ocado.

M&S teased the release on its social pages sending fans into a spin with one commenting: 'I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight'

In recent months, Dubai chocolate has become one of the fastest-selling confectionery products ever at Selfridges and Waitrose even banned customers from buying more than two Lindt's 10 Dubai Style Chocolate.

It was first created by Dubai-based Sarah Hamouda who created the bar during her pregnancy as a tribute to one of her favourite childhood desserts.

Hamouda and her husband Yezen Alani released Can't Get Knafeh of It, by FIX Chocolatier in the UAE in 2022 for 15.

Last year, the treat found worldwide fame after being shared on TikTok, with people flying from all over the world to get their hands on the pistachio and knafeh treat.

The British couple, who moved to Dubai 10 years ago, had employed just one person to make up to seven orders a day of the chocolate bar.

But since the appetite for the bar has grown, so has their business and they now employ 50 people and make up 500 orders a day.

It has become so popular that FIX only sells the bar for two hours a day to keep up with orders and customers can only purchase the 15 treat via a specific app.

Each bar is hand-finished and the owners explained that it's a very intensive process.

It's the crunchy filling that has made the bar so popular with users taking to social media to share videos of themselves slowly biting into the thick chocolate which has a loud crack when broken.

Can't Get Knafeh of It, by FIX Chocolatier is only available in the UAE and frenzy for the 15-bar is so intense that owners Yezen Alani and his wife Sarah Hamouda onyl sell the bar twice a day

With people desperate to get their hands on the exclusive bar, supermarkets have filled the void, producing their own versions of the knafeh-inspired confectionery.

Nestle, Lidl and Lindt rushed to make their own versions while, Selfridges have had their shelves cleared after fans flocked to the department store in a desperate bid to score the tasty treat, where prices range from 5 to 27.

The growing internet frenzy for Dubai 's viral chocolate could even be responsible for a global shortage of pistachios, with prices soaring as appetite continues to grow for the crunchy treat.

After struggling to keep up with demand, Waitrose announced that shoppers are restricted to two bars per person so all their customers have a chance to purchase the popular bar.

Steve Dresser, CEO of Grocery Insight, posted a photo of new signage in a Waitrose store on LinkedIn.

'No more than two bars per person please because we want everyone to have the chance to enjoy our delicious chocolate. Thank you for your understanding,' the sign read.

A spokesman for Waitrose told The Grocer that the limit was introduced to regulate stock levels of the 10 bars.

A representative said: 'Due to the incredible popularity of this product, we want to make sure that as many customers as possible have the opportunity to try it.'
Dr Poonam Desai revealed the hidden dangers of using a hot water tap

A longevity doctor has issued a stark warning about the hidden dangers lurking in your kitchen tap - and why she refuses to use instant hot water faucets in her own home.

Dr Poonam Desai, a physician who specialises in preventative health and longevity, took to social media to share the surprising reason she avoids the kitchen gadget that many rely on for their morning tea or coffee.

'I do not use instant hot water faucets,' she said.

'Almost all of them use plastic tubing, which means piping hot water is flowing through plastic. Heating plastic releases millions of microplastics into drinking water - and these are known hormone disruptors.'

Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that can enter the body through food and water, have been linked to hormonal imbalances and other health issues.

Dr Desai believes avoiding unnecessary exposure is a key part of living a longer, healthier life.

Instead of using instant hot water taps, the New York-based doctor opts for a more traditional approach.

'I get cold water out of the faucet and heat it in my stainless steel kettle or over a stainless steel pot,' she said.

Dr Poonam Desai, a physician who specialises in preventative health and longevity

According to a study published by the American Chemical Society, boiling hard water can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics you consume

Her method may sound old-fashioned, but it's backed by emerging science.

According to a study published by the American Chemical Society, boiling hard water - which contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium - can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics you consume.

Here's how it works: when hard water is boiled, calcium carbonate forms and traps microplastics in the process.

Once cooled, the water can be filtered, removing both the minerals and the plastic particles.

This simple practice can remove up to 90 per cent of microplastics in tap water.

Soft water, which has lower levels of calcium and magnesium, may not trap as many microplastics, but still offers some benefit when boiled.

Health-conscious Australians are increasingly wary of microplastic exposure.

With the rise of plastic-lined appliances, synthetic food packaging, and now kitchen fittings, many are seeking out safer ways to reduce their risk.
In China's harsh highlands, technology aids conservation efforts

11:30, April 24, 2025 By He Yong, Qiao Dong ( People's Daily

Photo shows Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve in northwest China's Qinghai province. (Photo by Zhao Guangliang/People's Daily Online)

Even in April, the vast, wind-whipped plains of Hoh Xil remain cloaked in snow and silence. Tucked within the Sanjiangyuan National Park in the remote headwaters of the Yangtze River in northwest China's Qinghai province, this high-altitude wilderness - averaging more than 4,500 meters above sea level - is the country's largest World Natural Heritage site. Its extreme coldness, thin air, and sweeping isolation have preserved a raw, otherworldly ecosystem, home to endangered wildlife such as Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks.

But the region's remoteness is no longer a barrier to protection. Conservation here is entering the digital age.

Turning west from China National Highway 109, People's Daily reporters joined rangers from Sanjiangyuan National Park's Hoh Xil administration on a patrol to Zhuonai Lake. As the convoy pushed deeper into the highland wilderness, herds of Tibetan wild asses, wild yaks, and Tibetan antelopes grazed and wandered freely across the plains.

The road, like much of Hoh Xil's core protection zone, remains untouched - a deliberate choice to minimize human disruption. But signs of modern conservation infrastructure are increasingly visible. Along the route, perching frames for eagles punctuate the landscape at intervals, offering safe roosts for highland birds of prey and encouraging biodiversity. Nearby, sleek, solar-powered monitoring stations quietly collect data on climate conditions and soil composition - valuable input for researchers studying the region's natural environment.

Since the national park was established, ranger teams have traded their aging pickups for high-performance 4x4 vehicles. Satellite phones, once a luxury, are now standard issue, providing check-in options on patrols that once lasted half a month without contact.

By nightfall, the team reached the Zhuonai Lake protection station, perched more than 4,800 meters above sea level. To their surprise, cell service had reached even here. "The telecom network was completed just last year," said Guo Xuehu, the station's former deputy head. "It runs on solar power. Now I can video-call my family during the day. I feel very content."

Tibetan antelopes forage in Hoh Xil in northwest China's Qinghai province. (Photo by Gan Haiqiong/People's Daily Online)

Guo, 48, spent 13 years at the Zhuonai Lake protection station before transferring to the Kunan protection station as deputy head two years ago. As one of the six manned stations across Hoh Xil, Kunan is currently staffed by seven rangers who patrol the wilderness in rotating pairs - each tour lasting roughly 15 days.

Since the establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Park, the Kunan protection station has taken on more than just patrol duties - it has become a base for scientific research. Each summer, Zhuonai Lake transforms into what rangers call a "maternity ward" for nearly 30,000 Tibetan antelopes migrating through Kunan to give birth. Last year, Guo joined a research expedition from the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, spending two weeks tracking the animal's migration.

The payoff from years of protection and monitoring is beginning to show. Over the past decade, water conservation in the Sanjiangyuan area has risen by over 6 percent on average each year. Wildlife populations have also seen a notable recovery. The Tibetan antelope numbers have climbed from fewer than 20,000 individuals to over 70,000, leading to their reclassification from "critically endangered" to "near threatened." Once-rare sightings of snow leopards, Amur leopards, and Eurasian otters are also becoming more frequent.

The job of a ranger has evolved alongside this recovery. "Before, our work was mostly about stopping poachers and illegal mining," Guo noted. "Now, we're also tracking ecological indicators and helping with public environmental education."

At the Sonam Dargye protection station, the eastern gateway to Hoh Xil, that educational role is on full display. Every year, volunteers and visitors travel from across China to learn about the region. Last year, the station opened a new 300-square-meter exhibition hall introducing visitors to Hoh Xil's geography, ecology, and the institutional evolution of its protection. "Every staff member here also acts as a guide," said station ranger Bayier. "We know Hoh Xil inside and out, and we want to share that knowledge."

Photo shows Tibetan wild asses in Hoh Xil in northwest China's Qinghai province. (Photo by Gan Haiqiong/People's Daily Online)

Behind the station, a fenced-off grassland serves as a temporary home for rescued animals. When Bayier mimicked the whistling calls of Tibetan antelopes, a few heads peeked out from a distant slope. The young antelopes bounded toward him, recognizing his voice. He pulled out a milk bottle and gently patted their heads as he fed them. "These are the ones we rescued last year," he explained. "After a year of care and rewilding training, they'll be released back into the wild. We also take in birds, like falcons."

Technology has become an increasingly important tool in this work. A 20-meter monitoring tower now stands beside the station, part of a broader surveillance system that transmits live footage back to park headquarters. "It's made our enforcement much more efficient," Bayier said.

That surveillance system is part of a sophisticated sky-ground intelligent monitoring network that combines satellite data, drones, and ground sensors. Sun Lijun, deputy director of the Sanjiangyuan National Park Administration, said that the system provides accurate, real-time information essential for managing ecosystems, protecting wildlife, and supporting ranger patrols in the park.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The woman alleged she was sexually assaulted at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards afterparty by rapper Jay-Z wants the court to toss out his lawsuit against her.

Shawn Carter had filed the suit after a woman previously dropped her claims of rape against him earlier this year. The legal dispute continues to escalate as both sides argue their positions.

In December 2024, the woman, referred to as "Jane Doe" in court filings, alleged that Jay-Z and music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs were among those who raped her when she was 13. She made her claim in a civil lawsuit, which she voluntarily dismissed a couple of months later, in February 2025. But Jay-Z wouldn't let the issue go and filed his own suit the following month.

The rapper claimed in his suit that Doe maliciously prosecuted him and abused the process of the court, as well as that he staged a civil conspiracy. He also alleged that her original allegations were false and defamatory, describing the lawsuit as an extortion attempt. The same day, Jay-Z also asserted a defamation claim against Doe, stating that her accusations were defamatory, false, and made with knowledge of their falsity. Thus, he was entitled to recover his damages.

Per TMZ, Doe's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss Jay-Z's lawsuit on April 22, 2025. Their motion contended that Jay-Z had no basis for his accusations of malicious prosecution, claiming he had not shown that his lawsuit had been set in motion with malice or that any legal processes had been misused. In its motion, however, Jay-Z's allegations didn't have any facts to support the abuse of process and civil conspiracy claims.

It also touched on Jay-Z's defamation claims, stating that several statements Doe made in her complaint against Jay-Z and statements she made to media outlets were protected under California's privilege law. Attorneys for Doe said the lawsuit did not meet the standards for defamation and pointed to Jay-Z's own claim that the allegations had been disproven in an NBC News article.

Jay-Z, in his filing, claimed to have suffered enormous emotional damage, humiliation, and loss of monetary donations as a result of the allegations. He said the "malicious, false, and reckless" accusations damaged his reputation and caused "severe damage" to his business organization, Roc Nation, which he claimed had a "loss of over $20 million." He seeks both compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorneys Clash Over the Case

Jay-Z's lawyer, Alex Spiro, has repeatedly argued that the rapper is filing the lawsuit in an effort to clear his name from a "false accusation." Spiro said in a March interview with "Good Morning America," "The truth had to fully come out. This person cannot be allowed to sort of hide from the reality that this was a false accusation."

Spiro also referenced a recording in which Doe allegedly denied that Jay-Z had sexually assaulted her. In the recording, Doe reportedly stated that she was pressured by her lawyer, Tony Buzbee, to name Jay-Z in the case. Spiro's assertion was met with a strong rebuttal from Buzbee, who called the claims "a blatant lie."

Originally published on Music Times
Fewer women than ever are having babies in the US, a concerning trend the Trump administration is eager to reverse.

Provisional CDC data show births rose in 2024 by just a fraction of a percent from 2023's record low, fueling concerns about an aging population, strained social programs, and slower workforce and economic growth, especially compared to younger countries.

President Donald Trump, concerned about eroding family values, has floated policies to encourage more people to have children, including tax incentives for parents, paid family leave, and child subsidies.

White House aides are currently preparing a report to be released by mid-May, which will recommend ways to make in vitro fertilization more accessible to couples.

About 3.62 million babies were born in 2024  up just one percent from 3.59 million in 2023. The fertility rate was 54.6 births per 1,000 women between 15 and 44 years old, a less than one percent increase from 2023.

This halted the steady two percent annual decline seen from 2014 to 2020 before leveling off. Still, the rate remains low and is not enough to reverse years of steady decline.

The latest numbers suggest a possible turnaround, but experts warn Americas birth rate is still far below whats needed to sustain long-term population growth.

More people are choosing to delay or forgo having children, prioritizing personal well-being, career opportunities, travel, and greater freedom

General fertility rates in the US have fallen precipitously since the post-World War II baby boom, dropping from roughly 100 births per 1,000 women to 54.6 births per 1,000 women

Dr Jamie Grifo, the program director at New York University Langone Fertility Center, told DailyMail.com: We're below zero population growth in the US, and have been for years.

I mean, I'm not someone who worries. I observe, and I don't think we're going to run out of people anytime too soon.

'But I think it will be a social factor. There will be a lot of issues that result from the lack of reproduction.

The Trump administration, notably Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance, has embraced what many call a pro-natalist movement aimed at reversing declining birth rates.

One proposal being floated would offer a $5,000 baby bonus to new parents after the birth of a child, a plan Trump endorsed before reporters in the Oval Offfice.

White House aides are also reportedly considering a plan that would reserve about 30 percent of prestigious Fulbright grant program for adult applicants who are married and have children.

A third, according to the New York Times, would institute an education program to teach women about their menstrual cycles and how to track them to optimize their chances of conceiving.

The government tracks two types of fertility rate measures: general and total fertility.

The percentage of infants born preterm (before 37 weeks) dropped eight percent from 2007 to 2014, then rose seven percent through 2019. It dipped one percent in 2020, climbed four percent in 2021, and has held steady through 2024

The general fertility rate refers to the number of live births per 1,000 women of childbearing age (usually ages 1544) in a given year.

The total fertility rate is the average number of children a woman would be expected to have over her lifetime if she experienced the current years birth rates at each age throughout her reproductive years.

General fertility rates in the US have fallen precipitously since the post-World War II baby boom, dropping from roughly 100 births per 1,000 women in the 1950s to 54.6 births per 1,000 women last year.

That is the second-lowest rate on record - just above 2023s record low of 54.5 births per 1,000 women.

Based on this years birth rates, the provisional total fertility rate equates to the average American woman having about 1.63 children over her lifetime.

Not a single state saw a rise in birth rates from 2007 to 2022, the most recent year for which state-level data is available.

Utah saw the sharpest decline in its birth rate over the 15-year period, falling 36.2 percent from 21.2 births per 1,000 people in 2007 to 13.5 births.

North Dakota's drop was the smallest in the nation.

Vermont has the lowest general fertility rate at 44.3 births per 1,000 women, while South Dakota had the highest at 66.5 births per 1,000 women.

Women are having babies at a lower rate than ever before due to a combination of factors. Experts have speculated this could be due to more people are having children later in life to prioritize their careers, education, financial stability, and personal choices.

The number of women aged 20 to 24 giving birth was down by two percent from 2023 to 2024, from 57.7 to 56.7 births. That rate for 25- to 29-year-olds increased by less than one percent in that year.

The number of births to women in their late 30s rose by three percent from 2023 to 2024, thanks in large part to advances in IVF access and technology.

IVF births have risen steadily over the last two decades. In the US, about two to three percent of all births now involve IVF or another type of artificial reproductive technology.

Dr Grifo, who also practices privately at Inception Fertility in New York City, said: It's very clear that women are going to have babies older, and there are really good things about it. But [womens] biological system is not designed for modern women.

Historically, women typically had children in their late teens or early twenties. Now, in just a few generations, the timeline has shifted dramatically  from starting families at 19 to 30, 40, or beyond, he said.

And that's one of the reasons we're so busy and why we're freezing a lot of eggs these days. Because now our patients are starting their families in their 30s and having their babies in their 40s with the eggs they've frozen in their 30s. And it's happening and accelerating quite significantly.

The costs of living, childcare, and healthcare, as well as student debt, have also disincentivized many from having children, who now believe having a family may be financially out of reach.

In 2024, provisional birth rates were 5.3 births per 1,000 for teens aged 1517 and 23.9 for those aged 1819. Rates fell four percent and three percent from 2023, respectively, hitting record lows for both groups

And a growing number of people are opting not to have children or are delaying having them to prioritize their own well-being, thereby opening up more opportunities to travel, pursue new career paths, and enjoy greater personal freedom.

The CDC data also provided insight into rates of pre-term births - including any baby born before 36 weeks gestation - which held steady from 2023, making up about 10.4 percent of all births.

The percentage of infants born preterm dropped eight percent from 2007 to 2014, then rose seven percent through 2019. It dipped one percent in 2020, climbed four percent in 2021, but held steady through 2024.

From 2023 to 2024, the early preterm birth rate (under 34 weeks) declined slightly from 2.76 percent to 2.72 percent, while late preterm births (3436 weeks) edged up from 7.64 percent to 7.69 percent.

The late preterm rates (born at 34 to 36 weeks) for 2021 (7.67 percent), 2023 (7.65 percent) and 2024 (10.41) are the highest recorded since at least 2007.

Older first-time mothers are also more likely to have complications requiring cesarean deliveries - prolonged labor, the baby being in breech position, having multiple pregnancies, or having dangerously high blood pressure - which involve surgically removing the infant from the uterus.

In 2024, the overall cesarean delivery rate increased to 32.4 percent, a slight rise from 32.3 percent in 2023.

Your browser does not support iframes.

After peaking at 32.9 percent in 2009, the rate steadily declined to 31.7 percent by 2019, but has increased almost every year since 2020. The 2024 figure represents the highest rate since 2013, at 32.7 percent.

Dr Grifo said: The age of women does make you more likely to have dysfunctional labor and other problems in pregnancy  high blood pressure, diabetes  and those situations tend to increase C-section rates as well.

But fortunately, they're safer than ever.

He added: There are things that can happen in a C-section that may impact the uterus, resulting in scarring, or things that might impact [future fertility].

But the reality is, that's not something that you see. You recover quite well from it, and fertility is maintained in the vast majority of cases.
When a surgeon checked Curtis Arnold-Harmers nose he saw such extensive damage to the lining that he asked the father-of-one if he had been a habitual cocaine user. Yet the truth was infinitely more mundane.

In fact the damage was down to the repeated use of nasal decongestants, which Curtis had first used to overcome the bunged-up sensation brought on by a cold.

Soon he was reaching for a spray several times a day as without it his nose would feel unbearably blocked  something that suddenly seemed to be happening a lot, says Curtis, 29, a mental health practitioner who lives with his partner Natasha, 29, in Hastings, East Sussex, with their month-old baby girl.

My nose seemed to be stuffy all the time and I began to feel I had cement in my nostrils if I didnt use the spray, he says. It gave instant relief, but I needed it more and more.

Within six months of initially using the spray in January 2020, Curtis was buying three bottles a week.

My nose was completely blocked unless I used the spray and I had intermittent heavy sinus headaches, he recalls.

What he didnt realise was that it was the decongestant that was to blame for the stuffiness in his nose.

His overuse of the product had resulted in a condition called rebound congestion syndrome, caused by inflammation of the moist inner lining of the nasal cavity.

Within six months of initially using the spray in January 2020, Curtis was buying three bottles a week

His overuse of the product had resulted in a condition called rebound congestion syndrome, caused by inflammation of the moist inner lining of the nasal cavity

Decongestant sprays work by constricting inflamed blood vessels in the nasal passage so relieving congestion.

While in the short term this works well, if the spray is used beyond a few days the blood vessels in your nasal passageways can become sensitised to the ingredients in the spray  such as xylometazoline and oxymetazoline  and start to swell as the medication wears off.

Thats why using the sprays for more than seven days can cause more harm than good according to a spokesperson for ENT UK, the professional body representing ear, nose and throat surgeons.

It can cause constant nasal blockage, a craving or dependence on the spray and damage to the sensitive lining of the nose, the spokesman warns.

Other possible side effects include dryness, crusting, irritation, reduced effectiveness of the spray, and even sleep problems, anxiety, or palpitations.

Curtis had no idea the spray he was relying on to relieve his symptoms was the cause of them.

After a few months of non-stop nasal congestion, he went to his GP who prescribed him a nasal steroid spray  this works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the tissues of the nose.

Unfortunately, that didnt work, so I continued with the nasal decongestant spray Id previously bought  not realising at the time it was actually causing my symptoms, says Curtis.

Curtis has now started a petition to make the sprays prescription-only or pharmacy-only, so that people have to ask for them rather than being able to pick them up off the shelf

In late 2020 Curtiss GP referred him to an ENT surgeon for investigations, but warned there was a long wait due to the post-Covid backlog.

In the meantime Curtis carried on buying the decongestant spray, which at around 4 to 5 a bottle were less than half the cost of a prescription.

I had bottles in every coat and bag when I was going out and my partner even carried one in her coat pocket too in case I forgot it, he recalls.

I had to use it at least every hour or my nose would block. I was completely dependent on it.

Sleep became really difficult for Curtis: I was mouth breathing as my nose was blocked and Id had to wake up during the night to use my spray, he says.

There were a couple of occasions where my partner would have to wake me up as it appeared that I had stopped breathing. Sleep was just awful and of course Id be shattered the next day.

When he saw an ENT surgeon in the autumn of 2021 Curtis was told the cause of his congestion was actually the decongestant hed been so diligently taking.

The decongestant spray had caused enlargement of turbinates  tiny shelf-like structures that stick out from the side walls along the length of the inside of the nose.

These cleanse, filter and humidify air as it passes through  and when they become enlarged they obstruct the nasal passages causing a stuffy nose.

Curtis was told his nose was so damaged by the decongestants overuse that he would need surgery to reduce the size of the turbinates.

When my surgeon had a look inside my nose, he said it looked like Id been using cocaine since I was 18, as my nose was so swollen, red and inflamed inside, says Curtis.

I was shocked as Id never used cocaine. I had no idea that decongestants could cause these sorts of problems.

He had the enlarged turbinates in his nose cauterised to reduce their size and no longer suffers with congestion.

He posted about his experience on TikTok in February this year to warn others about the risks of over-using decongestants and his post received six million views worldwide. Whats more, he has had messages from thousands of others who have been similarly affected by the sprays.

One woman told me her husband had been using one for 40 years  the common thread was that people didnt realise that overuse could actually be the cause of a blocked nose.

The sprays do carry warnings to not use them for longer than seven days, but Curtis has now started a petition to make the sprays prescription-only or pharmacy-only, so that people have to ask for them rather than being able to pick them up off the shelf.

Peter Andrews, a professor of rhinology at University College London and President of the British Rhinological Society, says only around 1 per cent of people who use nasal decongestants may be at risk of decongestant rebound syndrome.

As long as nasal decongestants arent used for more than a week, they are safe, he says.

Sultan Dajani, a pharmacist based in Hampshire, says he would welcome decongestant sprays being made a pharmacy-only product (where you have to speak to a pharmacist before buying them), so people are made more aware of the risks of rebound congestion.

I often see customers who have been using these products for months and have to tell them that long-term use is the cause of the problem. I advise them to stop using them to see if their nasal congestion clears  and in a lot of cases, it does.

Pharmacists can ask the right questions to work out what is causing the congestion and whether a decongestant is suitable or not, and when it might be time to see a doctor about it.
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more

Spring doesnt just call for a wardrobe refresh  its the perfect time for a scent shake-up, too. Im packing away the heavy, wintery ouds and musks, and reaching for perfumes that feel like sunshine in a bottle: think juicy citrus, soft florals and crisp sea salt notes.

Luckily, there are plenty of new seasonal releases that tick all of my boxes and mirror the bright and breezy springtime vibes. Whether youre after floral and feminine or fruity and fresh, here are seven of the best to shop now.

The seven best spring scents to shop now

Cos Fleuriste Eau de Parfum High-street hero Cos has just launched its first fragrance line, which, like everything else it sells, is fantastic. For spring, Im shopping Fleuriste: a floral and bright scent energised with bright Hesperides and balanced with musky and woody undertones. Shop

Glossier You Eau de Parfum This is the perfume Im carrying in my bag right now. It's Glossier's viral You fragrance, with a twist: a luminous and floral blend with Ylang Ylang, Osmanthus and Apricot. TikTok loves it because its skin-enhancing ingredients highlight your own unique scent; I love it because its fresh, feminine and perfect for sunny days. Shop

Phlur Rose Whip Eau de Parfum Like a perfume that packs more of a punch? This new scent by Phlur is a heavier take on spring florals with rose and blackcurrant, and base notes of amber and musk. Wear it on your next date night  its super seductive. Shop

Discotheque Sweat, Tears, Paradise Eau de Parfum Cult favourite brand Discotheque is loved by celebs like Kate Moss and Madonna, specialising in fragrances that smell like infamous nightclubs. For spring, Id shop its Sweat, Tears, Paradise perfume: inspired by Mykonos clifftop Cavo Paradiso, theres samphire, sea salt and mimosa thatll transport you to the beach. Shop

Jo Malone Beach Blossom Cologne This limited edition Jo Malone scent has beauty editors raving. Its summery (coconut water) but not too sweet, balanced with fresh lime and mint, and deepened with tonka bean. It has impressive staying power and is one Ill definitely be taking on holiday. Shop

Byredo Blanche Absolu de Parfum Im a huge fan of Byredos uber-fresh Gypsy Water, along with pretty much every other influencer on social media. But its new Blanche formula might just tempt me: initial musky intensity gives way to a strong floral heart with punchy black pepper. Think of a warm, crisp spring day. Shop
Fox News' White House correspondent Peter Doocy has welcomed a baby boy with wife Hillary Vaughn.

George Jack Doocy was born Wednesday, April 16, in Washington DC, surrounded by his family.

His mother, a Fox Business anchor, spent 30 hours in labor, Doocy, 37, revealed in a tweet.

He also reiterated how George was born on his and his wife's wedding anniversary, four years to the day.

The pair are now parents of two after welcoming daughter Bridget in 2023.

The family-of-four are seen posing proudly in a series of photos taken by People, for a feature on Jack's birth.

Born to a media power couple - and a famous Fox News grandfather - he weighs in at 8lb, 11oz, Doocy said.

He arrived 'after 30 hours of @hillary__vaughn labor... on our 4th wedding anniversary,' Doocy wrote, before offering some characteristic humor.

Fox News ' White House correspondent Peter Doocy welcomed a baby boy with Fox Business star Hillary Vaughn last week. The pair - seen here with their son and his sister Bridget - are now parents of two

George Jack Doocy was born Wednesday, April 16, in Washington DC, People was first to report

'So thank you, son, for being the reason Ill never forget to get your mom a card when Im grabbing a birthday card for you!' he joked, sharing a link to the People article.

In an interview with the magazine, he billed his wife - who has been with Fox Business since 2016 - as 'the person who came closest to guessing when George would arrive.'

The boy's big sister, he said, 'was also the first person to sing "Happy Birthday" to him in the hospital.' The girl is seen smiling alongside her younger brother in several of the photos.

Fox & Friends host Steve Doocy - Doocy's own father - also spoke to People for the occasion, recalling how: 'Just before George was born, the whole family was on baby-watch.'

He then revealed Vaughn went into labor during a live-report from his son that DailyMail.com covered - one that saw a bird abruptly fly onto his head.

'Oh! Oh my gosh,' fellow on-air talent Ainsley Earhardt could be heard saying at the time, as the younger Doocy's - tuning in remotely to the Manhattan set from outside the White House - flailed and waved the animal away.

Absent from the broadcast was his famous father, who said he had been watching when 'out of nowhere a dive-bombing bird smacked him in the head.'

George was born on Doocy and his wife's wedding anniversary, four years to the day, his family said

The boy's big sister - seen in several of the family photographs - 'was also the first person to sing "Happy Birthday" to him in the hospital,' Doocy bragged

'It has been such a blessing to welcome our son to this world and it is just as special to see Bridget welcome her baby brother George,' Vaughn, 35, said

Just another day on live tv! Peter Doocy has an unexpected visitor at the White House@pdoocy pic.twitter.com/G7OvNb3NLV  FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) April 11, 2025

'I woke up my wife Kathy, who listened, paused for a moment and said, "This bird that hit Peter  was it a stork?"' he recalled.

'That night Peter went home, shampooed his hair to get the dirty bird out, and Hillary went into labor sometime after the cream rinse.'

Vaughn, 35, was interviewed as well, telling People she had been reporting on Capitol Hill on the IRS for Tax Day when George 'was ready to come out.'

'Maybe he was tired of hearing me talk about taxes - I dont blame him!' she joked.

'30 hours of labor later - George made his grand entrance to the world.

'Im glad Peter took care of our taxes early this year!' she joked again.

Adding how she's 'excited' to add Boy mom to her resume, Vaughn brought up her daughter.

'It has been such a blessing to welcome our son to this world and it is just as special to see Bridget welcome her baby brother George,' she said.

'Growing our family means giving our kids lifelong best friends and as a new heartbeat fills our home, our hearts are filled with more love than ever before.'
Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly has revealed why she 'fell in love' with President Donald Trump despite his previous crude remarks about her.

The host of The Megyn Kelly Show made the shocking confession on The Stephen A. Smith Show this week after she was pressed about supporting someone who had publicly berated her.

'We all know how he treated you back in 2015 when you were at Fox with the Republican primary debate and what have you,' Smith began.

'He felt that your question was nasty because you brought up quotes that he had said about women in the past, calling them pigs amongst other things.

'And all of a sudden he goes on the air and said that you were bleeding out of your eyes or wherever it was or whatever.'

Smith then asked Kelly directly: 'There are people that still look at you to this very day and say, how could you support somebody that would talk about you that way?'

Kelly responded that her change of heart was gradual process - and was not 'sudden' at all.

The podcast host explained that despite his remarks in 2015, she was able to 'check my personal feelings about the guy and start getting back to what needs to be my focus as a journalist, which is the professional relationship.'

Former Fox News star Megyn Kelly has revealed why she 'fell in love' with President Donald Trump , despite his previous crude remarks about her

Kelly, 54, opened up and admitted that she 'fell in love' with him professionally - despite their infamous 2015 feud

'When he was attacking me for that nine-month period, I really was not his fan,' she said. 'And I wasn't, you know, really gearing up to vote for Trump because he was staying on me like a dog with a bone.'

'It was highly unpleasant,' Kelly added. 'But over time, I was able, and I'm actually proud of it, I was able to check my personal feelings about the guy and start getting back to what needs to be my focus as a journalist, which is the professional relationship with the guy.'

The former Fox News anchor revealed it was Trump's governing style and policy positions that ultimately won her over, along with what she described as the 'disastrous' four years under former President Joe Biden.

'Professionally, I fell in love with Trump, the president, because I believed him that he would close the border,' Kelly explained.

'I believed that he would fight back against the gender madness, which has become a very big issue for me, for many of us.

'You know I believed that he was gonna try to get DEI out of our colleges and our woke schools.'

Kelly also expressed no regrets about her transformation into a Trump supporter, declaring she's now '100 percent rooting' for the president and is 'thrilled' she 'saw the light on him.'

Trump and Kelly's clash began when Kelly questioned Trump during an August 2015 Republican debate about his history of insulting women.

Trump (left) launched an astonishing personal attack on Kelly (right) during the 2015 presidential debate

he host of The Megyn Kelly Show made the shocking confession on The Stephen A. Smith Show this week after she was pressed about supporting someone who had publicly berated her

The heated exchange led to Trump's notorious comment to Don Lemon, who was then then with CNN, that Kelly had 'blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her... wherever.'

Her comments to Smith come just days after Kelly made headlines for her scathing attack on Pope Francis just hours after the Catholic Church announced his death.

The 88-year-old pontiff died of a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure early Monday morning, and by the afternoon, Kelly released the new episode of her podcast - in which she accused Francis of moving the Catholic Church 'in a leftward direction' on immigration issues.

She also blamed the late Pope for helping bring 'illegal' immigrants into the United States and leaving Americans to 'deal' with them.

'The Church has been participating in getting immigrants here and then finding them housing and helping them stay here, irrespective of the fact that they're here illegally,' said Kelly, a lifelong Catholic. 'And Pope Francis didn't have to deal with that.

Just one day before his passing, the Pope met briefly with Vice President JD Vance

Megyn Kelly issued a scathing attack on Pope Francis on her podcast on Monday

'It's caused a lot of us in the Catholic Church to wonder what exactly we're donating toward on Sunday, it really does.'

She then claimed that conservative Catholics like herself have been caught in a 'tug-of-war... between the Pope's messaging and what he wanted us to believe were deep Catholic teachings and what we understand as Americans who have been watching our citizens murdered in the streets by these people to be true.'

According to the former Fox News host, it is one thing for the Catholic Church to want to support its priests and ensure there are 'flowers on the altar for Easter mass,' but 'funding illegals coming into the country? They're not all upstanding Catholics.'

Before that, Kelly unleashed a scathing remark on the Obamas' marriage after Michelle Obama discussed their relationship amid divorce rumors surrounding her and Barack.

The former Fox News and NBC anchor reacted to a clip of Michelle's latest 'IMO' podcast and declared that 'I think she and he married the wrong people' on the latest episode of The Megyn Kelly Show.

Megyn Kelly, 54, reacted to a clip of Obama's new podcast and declared that 'I think she and he married the wrong people,' on the latest episode of The Megyn Kelly Show

On last week's episode of the former first lady's podcast, Michelle Obama said: 'I tell people - and folks think this is harsh - it's, like 'You're gonna have a bad decade.'

'I mean, I've been married to my husband for 30-plus years... If the odds were you're going to be married to your partner for 50 years and 10 of those years could be bad, you'd sign up for it. You know, and that's really hot it works out.'

But an unimpressed Kelly said on her show: 'Is it Michelle? It's not.'

After her divorce from Dan Kendall in 2006, Kelly boasted about her current husband Douglas Brunt and said that she has been 'married for 17 and a half years and not one was bad.'
Struggling car giant Nissan has revised its earnings forecast for the financial year, predicting net losses almost 10 times higher than it had originally set out.

The Japanese brand is expected to confirm next month a record net loss of 700billion to 750billion for the 2024-25 year, which is between 3.7billion and 4billion.

The Yokohama car firm had originally predicted a net loss of 80billion (426million) for the year ending 31 March 2025.

Towards the end of last year, alarm bells were sounded at the company, which was described as being 'on the brink of collapse' with 'just 12 months to survive' amid a company-shaking sales slump in China and the US, its two biggest markets.

On Thursday, it revised down its full-year sales volume reported in February by another 3.35million units.

The Japanese auto firm, which employs 7,000 people in the UK and 17,000 in the US, has this month drafted in new chief executive Ivan Espinosa, who will spearhead a dramatic cost-cutting programme in an effort to rapidly turnaround its fortunes.

Nissan said in November it would axe 9,000 jobs and 20 per cent of its global manufacturing capacity, as it scrambles to reduce costs by 2billion in the current fiscal year.

Japanese car giant Nissan is expected to confirm a record net loss of 4bn after it suffered a monumental sales slump in China and the US, its two biggest markets

It attributed the enormous rise in losses to the cost of the revival plan set out by Espinosa, including a 500billon (2.6billion) reduction in the value of its production facilities and 60billion (316million) in restructuring costs.

It looks certain to be the company's largest ever loss and comes as its new CEO is expected to lower the axe on thousands of global jobs, reduce production capacity and shutter some of its vehicle plants.

It has yet to rule out closing its Sunderland factory - Britain's biggest car producer - as part of its restructure.

Thursday's report comes days after Alan Johnson, Nissan's senior vice-president for manufacturing, supply chain and purchasing, told MPs that the UK is 'not a competitive place to be building cars', citing energy and labour cost, as well as the lack of a local supply chain.

Speaking to the House of Commons' Business and Trade Committee on Tuesday, he said: 'It is energy costs - it is the cost of everything involved in the cost of labour, [and] training. It is the supplier base, or lack of - all sorts of different issues.'

Approximately 6,000 people are employed at the Sunderland plant.

Last year, 282,124 vehicles - including Jukes, Leaf EVs and Qashqais - were built there. This output represented more than one in three (36.2 per cent) passenger cars made in UK factories in 2024.

However, production was down some 13.2 per cent on the year previous.

It was confirmed in February that a late shift on one of the factory's assembly lines would be closed, but no jobs were lost after some 400 affected workers were moved other production lines to 'maximise efficiency'.

It looks certain to be the company's largest ever loss and comes as its new CEO is expected to lower the axe on thousands of global jobs, reduce production capacity and shutter some of its vehicle plants

It has yet to rule out closing its Sunderland factory - Britain's biggest car plant producing 280k passenger cars per year - as part of its restructure

Nissan said in November it would axe 9,000 jobs and 20% of its global manufacturing capacity as it rallied to introduce a wave of cost cutting measures

Ivan Espinosa took over as CEO on 1 April.

A mechanical engineer who has been with Nissan since 2003 in a variety of strategy and planning jobs, he now has the monumental task of bringing the car maker back from the brink.

In the company statement delivered on Thursday, he said: 'We are taking the prudent step to revise our full-year outlook, reflecting a thorough review of our performance and the carrying value of production assets.

'We now anticipate a significant net loss for the year, due primarily to a major asset impairment and restructuring costs as we continue to stabilise the company.

'Despite these challenges, we have significant financial resources, a strong product pipeline and the determination to turnaround Nissan in the coming period.'

Ivan Espinosa took over as CEO on 1 April

The Japanese car company estimates to end the fiscal year with almost 1.50trillion (7.9billion) in its coffers.

This is down on the near-1.55trillion (8.2billion) it had at the end of 2023-24.

The firm added that it expects to end the year with 1.9trillion (10billion) of debt.

Nissan and Honda ended merger talks to forge a 45billion car company in February.

The deal broke apart due to Honda's proposal to make Nissan a subsidiary, sources have said.

Nissan said it now expects full year operating profit of 85billion (448million), around 30 per cent lower than it previously forecast.

The automaker, which said it will forego a dividend for the full year, will report its earnings on 13 May.
London-listed money managers have started to reveal the extent of damage caused by recent global trade upheaval, as investors head for the exit amid widespread volatility.

St. James's Place and Jupiter Fund Management joined peers in reporting a drop in assets under management, with each highlighting significant volatility in recent weeks.

US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs have wiped billions of dollars off the value of global stock markets and sparked substantial volatility in other asset classes.

While signs of retreat from the most disruptive aspects of White House trade policy have limited losses, investor confidence has been battered by a highly uncertain outlook.

Wealth manager SJP told investors its first-quarter managed assets fell by 1.4billion from the prior quarter amid tariff-linked volatility, with negative investment returns of 3.3billion during the period offsetting solid inflows.

Boss Mark FitzPatrick said 'macroeconomic uncertainty and market volatility' would continue to 'create a challenging environment for savers and investors'.

He added: 'Our advisers continue to help clients navigate these conditions and stay on track to achieve their long-term financial goals and aspirations.

'We have a long history of net inflows during all phases of the economic cycle, and the quality of the Partnership and the strength of our advice-led business model positions us well for the future.'

Asset and wealth managers like SJP have braced for outflows and volatile markets in recent weeks

St James's Place shares were down 0.6 per cent to 902p in early trading, having added 5.6 per cent since the start of the year.

FTSE 250 Jupiter told investors its AUM had fallen by 1billion over the first quarter at around 44.3billionn, with net outflows and negative market movements costing the fund manager 500million each.

Jupiter managed to generated net positive inflows from big institutional investors of 1billion but this was offset by net outflows from retail clients of 1.5billion.

The group said: 'Within the retail, wholesale and investment trusts channel, uncertainty around trade policies towards the end of the period added to an already challenging macro environment, negatively impacting client sentiment

'Since the period end, we have seen significant moves across many global markets.

'We have not seen any material change in client sentiment or flow activity to date since period end.

'Although this market environment presents obvious challenges, increased volatility, higher dispersions of returns and a break-down in market correlations should, over the medium term, be a more favourable environment for high conviction, truly active management to evidence its value proposition. '

Jupiter Fund Management shares were down 2.7 per cent to 68.3p, having lost roughly 20 per cent since the start of the year.

It echoes rival Quilter's quarterly results on Wednesday that showed a roughly 3.6billion decline in assets between the end of March and 17 April.

Quilter boss Steven Levin warned that the decline would prove a headwind to full-year profitability if it is sustained.

Similarly, emerging markets specialist Ashmore earlier in April said it had seen net client outflows of $3.9billion during the first quarter after a flurry of withdrawals from large investors.

AJ Bell: Retail investors are still buyers

But fresh performance figures from investment platform AJ Bell suggests retail investors are yet to give up on the market.

The group reported a 7.5billion jump in AUM after securing net inflows of around 400milllion.

Its chief executive Michael Summersgill said 'global trade tariffs and broader macroeconomic uncertainty have created significant market volatility', which has led to increased direct-to-consumer trading activity.

However, Summersgill noted that three-quarters of these trade have been buys with net investment totalling more 300million.

It chimes with data from Calastone that showed 'volatile stock markets failed to deter investors in March', with UK buyers adding a net 1.38billion to equity funds for the best month of the year so far for the asset class.

AJ Bell's Summersgill said: 'Whilst recent volatility has impacted market levels, we have a proven track record of growing across different market conditions.

'There remains a significant structural growth opportunity in the UK platform market and our well-diversified revenue model enables us to continue to invest in our propositions and brand to drive long-term growth.'
Small pension pots worth 1,000 or less could be automatically moved into government-approved 'consolidator' schemes under pending new legislation.

Savers are expected to be allowed to opt out if they don't want their pensions merged in the official schemes.

The plans are aimed at saving pension firms the 225million admin bill for running millions of small pots.

The Government says in time the move could also boost the retirement savings of the average worker by around 1,000 due to reduced costs, plus relieve the hassle of trying to keep track of pots.

Under pension auto enrolment, savers often amass a large number of pots during their working lives as they move jobs.

But many never bother combining them, and there are now an estimated 13 million small pension funds holding 1,000 or less.

A tidying up exercise can reduce fees and paperwork and bring new retirement investing options - read our guide to combining pension pots here.

Merging pensions: Small pots plan could cut costs for savers and firms, says the Government

Merging pensions is not always advisable because you can risk losing valuable benefits attached to employer schemes.

But the small new pots built up since auto enrolment, which are the focus of the current Government plans, are unlikely to have such legacy issues.

The reforms, due to appear in the new Pension Schemes Bill this spring, are not expected to come into force until 2030.

They are based on work by the Small Pots Delivery Group, chaired by the Department for Work and Pensions and including industry and consumer organisations and regulators.

The group suggested:

- Creating a Small Pots Data Platform to identify pension pots that could be merged;

- Rules on which pension schemes could be approved as official 'consolidators', including being big enough to cope with the business, providing value for money, and not imposing flat fees (flat charges can eat up small pots, unlike percentage fees);

- Safeguards for savers including the right to opt out.

Pensions Minister Torsten Bell says he wants to make pension saving as simple and rewarding as possible.

'There are now more small pension pots in the UK than pensioners  raising costs and hassle for workers trying to track their savings. It also costs the pensions industry hundreds of millions of pounds every year.

'We will automatically bring together peoples small pots into one high performing pension, reducing costs as well as hassle for savers.

'In time this could boost the pension of an average earner by around 1,000 as part of our Plan for Change to put more money in peoples pockets.

Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb, who is now This is Money's retirement columnist, says: Whilst action to deal with scattered small pots is welcome, it will be years before there is a material improvement under these plans.

'With no transfers likely to happen before 2030 at the earliest, and a focus just on the very smallest pots, millions of retirees will still reach pension age with multiple pension pots.'

Webb, who is a partner at pension consultant LCP, adds: 'It is also regrettable that consolidation is happening into new third-party consolidator schemes rather than into the savers current workplace pension, as this is where they are likely to be most engaged with their pension.'

When Webb was Pensions Minister in the Coalition government, he proposed a 'pot follows member' scheme allowing workers to take small pension funds worth less than 10,000 with them when they changed jobs, but this plan was shelved in 2015.

Gail Izat, workplace managing director at Standard Life, says: 'The number of small pots in the system is growing at a rate of knots and ultimately heightens the risk that people will lose track of their hard-earned savings.

'The introduction of consolidators that can administer these pots effectively and invest them dynamically will be a step forward and when combined with pension dashboards will empower people to take control of their savings.'
A tiny Florida town has ratcheted up its reputation for luxury real estate in recent years and is increasingly being branded as a rival to Palm Beach.

Manalapan is a roughly 2.4-square-mile town, much of which used to be all woods until developers realized its potential.

One of the first to recognize what it could be was Stewart Satter, who bought four empty lots there in 2005. Given how desolate it was at the time, his wife, Susan Satter had said, Is this really how we want to invest our money?

Stewart told The Wall Street Journal that he felt like he'd 'discovered a really special place' in Manalapan.

'If I had known what was going to happen, obviously, in the rear view mirror, I would have bought the whole town,' he said.

Palm Beach is already well known for being a haven for the rich and famous, but in the last decade or so, Manalapan has appeared eager to catch up.

In 2014, Billy Joel was the first A-lister to snap up a mansion on the small strip of land that sits between the intracoastal waterway and the Atlantic. After six years on the market, the nine-bedroom, 11-bathroom, Mediterranean-style property finally sold for $42.6 million last year.

But in the last five years, people with even deeper pockets have been buying homes in Manalapan, and unlike the Piano Man, they appear intent on staying for the long haul.

Pictured: The town of Manalapan, south of Palm Beach, has boomed in recent years with dozens of mega mansions being built by luxury developers

Pictured: The $38.5 million Manalapan home of WeatherTech founder and CEO David MacNeil

The beachfront home boasts two pools, a private putting green and spans the entire width of the barrier island

Oracle founder Larry Ellison, the seventh-richest billionaire in the world, paid $173 million for an estate in 2022, making it the largest residential transaction in Florida's history at the time.

In May 2024, WeatherTech founder and CEO David MacNeil bought a $38.5 million beachfront mansion with two pools and his own private putting green.

MacNeil has spent a combined $94 million over the past year on neighboring pieces of land with plans to build another megamansion.

'People like Larry Ellison and David MacNeil, these individuals can afford to buy real estate anywhere in the world,' real estate agent Nick Malinosky of Douglas Elliman told The Journal. 'Manalapan is not a second choice for them. Its their first choice.'

Malinosky represented MacNeil in the purchase of his first Manalapan home.

On South Ocean Boulevard, Manalapans most affluent area, about 21 homes have sold for more than $20 million each since 2020, The Journal reported.

Of those, at least six have sold for $40 million or more, up from just one in that price range in the previous five years.

Manalapan's hot streak has been put in jeopardy by stock market downturns and President Donald Trump's tariffs, said local developer Stewart Satter, himself a Trump supporter.

Tariffs have 'created a tremendous amount of uncertainty at the minimum, and that is not good for business,' Satter said. 'Its not good for real estate. People say, "Lets wait. Were not going to buy a house, were not going to build a house."'

Satter has listed this yet-to-be built spec home for $285 million. It sits on four acres and is one of the most expensive homes ever to hit the market in the United States

Ellison appears to be the most bullish on Manalapan, as he bought the town's Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa (pictured), home to the members-only La Coquille Club, for a whopping $277 million last year

This comes as Satter has listed a yet-to-be built spec home for $285 million. He flew a giant Trump flag over the site during the 2024 election.

The price tag for the property, which will only begin construction if there is a buyer, among the most expensive ever put on the market in the United States.

Satter bought the land for $27.5 million in March 2024, tore down a 1985 Mediterranean-style home on the property, and brought in a local luxury builder, an architecture firm and an interior designer. The four-acre plot spans from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean.

The person who does eventually buy the property will have Ellison's sprawling estate right next to them.

Ellison appears to be the most bullish on Manalapan, as he bought the town's Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, home to the members-only La Coquille Club, for a whopping $277 million last year.

It's not yet clear how Ellison plans to upgrade the property. It's one of the only resorts in Manalapan, largely because the town has low-density zoning, unlike Palm Beach.

But some residents don't want Manalapan to turn into another Palm Beach. That's true of Ron and Cindy McMackin, who bought one of Satter's homes in 2020.

Ron and Cindy McMackin (pictured) paid $39 million for a 15,500-square-foot waterfront house in Manalapan. It had six bedrooms before they later expanded it

The McMackins ended up liking that Manalapan was quieter than Palm Beach and had less traffic. They like it so much that they are planning to build a new, larger home in the same area

The couple paid $39 million for a 15,500-square-foot waterfront house with six bedrooms before later expanding it.

Together, the McMackins founded a mechanical subcontracting company called Pan-Pacific Mechanical and moved to South Florida from Hawaii during the pandemic.

And while they were in the process of moving into a Palm Beach property they already owned, none other than Sylvester Stallone wanted to see it.

They eventually agreed to sell it to the 'Rocky' actor for $35.375 million, 33 percent more than what they had bought the property for two years earlier.

Without a home to move into, their real estate agent, Lawrence Moens, suggested Manalapan as a good option. The couple has five kids and there would be plenty of space.

'I did hear a couple of times from people after that, "Why would Lawrence take the McMackins to Manalapan?"' Ron said.

The McMackins ended up liking that Manalapan was quieter than Palm Beach and had less traffic. They like it so much that they are planning to build a new, larger home in the same area.

Trump's re-election has also given Manalapan sudden boost given is its proximity to Mar-a-Lago, Trump's sprawling resort in Palm Beach. It's only about 20 minutes by car.

The town of roughly 400 has a lot of affluent Trump supporters, including the McMackins (Pictured: An aerial view of Mar-a-Lago)

Larry Ellison, the largest owner of real estate on Manalapan, is a well known friend of the president and pictured at a White House event in January where Trump announced that Oracle and two other tech firms had committed to invest $500 billion in an American-based AI infrastructure project

The town of roughly 400 has a lot of affluent Trump supporters, including the McMackins.

Cindy has a bedazzled MAGA purse in her closet and a photo in the living room that shows her attending a Trump event at Mar-a-Lago, where they are members.

Ellison, the largest owner of real estate on Manalapan, though not in Trump's inner circle is a well known friend of the president.

He appeared at a White House event in January where Trump announced that Oracle and two other tech firms had committed to invest $500 billion in an American-based AI infrastructure project.

But despite the economic uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariffs, which Ron McMackin said is 'talk of the town,' real estate activity in Manalapan still appears resilient.

The McMackins are still moving ahead with their plans to build a new house, and real-estate agent Nick Malinosky said he still sees plenty of demand for large properties in Manalapan.

Malinosky said he has closed more than $150 million in deals in the Greater Palm Beach area over the last two weeks.

'There is no shortage of buyers that will spend $100 million right now in Manalapan,' he said.
Jack Anthony Holland clutched a fidget toy in his hand and focused on memories of his ex-girlfriend from two decades earlier as he testified in her murder trial.

He was sitting just feet from her husband, the man charged with killing her and framing Holland for stalking and murder.

Holland traveled from his home eight hours away in Utah to testify in Broomfield, Colorado, at the trial of Daniel Krug. Krug, 44, was charged with first-degree murder, stalking and criminal impersonation in the December 2023 death of his wife, Kristil. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole on April 18.

That criminal impersonation was of a totally unaware Holland, 43, a Texas Roadhouse server who had dated Kristil more than 20 years earlier in a teenage romance.

He had been at his home and buying a sweatshirt at Kohls one state over on the day of the murder and police quickly ruled him out as a suspect thanks to the receipt and the distance proven.

Wearing a suit and tie, Holland nervously told the jury how shocked he was when police arrived at his door on December 14, 2023, the day Kristil was found fatally bludgeoned and stabbed in the heart in the garage of her family home.

When he was finished on the stand, Holland glared pointedly at Krug as he walked past the defense table on his way out of the courtroom.

I looked right at him, and he just stared straight, Holland said of the defendant. I stared at him for about two to three seconds, and I just wanted him to look at me. I just wanted him to look into my eyes, but he wouldnt.

Utah man Jack Anthony Holland, 43, was shocked to discover that his ex-girlfriend, Kristil - his 'first love' and 'first everything' - had been murdered in Colorado after she was harassed for months by a stalker claiming to be him. Her husband was behind it all

Holland, left, pictured with Kristil, right, in 1999, when the two were dating. They met while working at JCPenney. Kristil encouraged Holland to not only get his GED but pushed me in a lot of things... and it really helped, he tells the Daily Mail

I was upset he was framing me for murder, Holland tells the Daily Mail. I wanted him to look at me and be a man.

Krug continued to just stare straight ahead  as he did for most of the trial. Within days, he would trade his jacket and tie for a mustard prison uniform after jurors found him guilty on all charges.

They returned the verdict on April 17, the day Holland turned 43 - the same age Kristil was at the time of her murder.

Holland believes both Kristil and his late mother may have had a heavenly hand in ensuring his alibi.

Its very unusual, he says, for him to take a spur-of-the-moment shopping trip  particularly when hed worked until a few hours before midnight the previous evening.

Typically, he'd just lounge around, especially on a weekday off - but on that day, he awoke and felt inexplicably propelled to buy a new Adidas hoodie.

He said he feels his 'mom's presence a lot,' and theorizes that this may have been her doing from beyond the grave. Then again, now knowing Kristil was killed several hours earlier, he wonders whether 'maybe she did come and say, "Hey, go to the store. Go buy this."'

For whatever reason, he said, I got up immediately about 11 oclock.

I put my shoes on. I didnt even take a shower. I just put deodorant on, and I just went straight to the store.

I dont ever go to the store. I hate going to the store and I just went.

It was just a crazy thing, Holland said.

He returned home from Kohls in the early afternoon with the new hoodie and the receipt, kicking off his shoes and relaxing in bed to watch television.

Then he heard banging on the door and saw police. Confused, he let them in and asked if he was under arrest.

Theyre like, We dont know yet, said Holland, who was racking his brain for a reason theyd be there because I didnt do anything wrong  like, 100 percent, I couldnt figure out anything I did.

They asked him if he knew a Kristil Krug, and he told them that she was an ex-girlfriend.

As soon as that came up, he said, he began to panic about a Facebook message hed sent to her drunkenly years earlier.

He cant remember what he wrote, but Kristil blocked him afterwards  so he thought maybe I was getting in trouble for that.

But he gave the officers the go-ahead to search his room, and they made a phone call after recovering evidence  including the Kohls receipt.

Then, they simply told Holland he wasnt under arrest and that a detective would be in touch, and they left.

Kristil Krug, 43, was found fatally bludgeoned and stabbed in the heart in the garage of her home in Broomfield, Colorado, on Dec. 14, 2023. She'd spent the final months of her life in fear of a stalker and was carrying a firearm at the time she was attacked

Kristil's husband and father of her two daughters and son, Daniel Krug, 44, was sentenced to life in prison after a Colorado jury found him guilty of first-degree murder, stalking and criminal impersonation

They didnt tell him that Kristil had been brutally murdered hours earlier  and Hollands presence in Utah, an eight-hour drive from the Colorado crime scene, had quickly ruled him out as a suspect along with the receipt for that hoodie.

It would be weeks until Holland found out that the woman he calls his 'first love... my first everything,' had been murdered at the home she shared with her husband and their three children in Broomfield, about 30 minutes north of Denver.

That heartbreaking news was followed by a tragic twist: For months before Kristils murder, shed been stalked by someone pretending to be Holland.

The stalker threatened Kristil and her husband, sending surveillance photos indicating the family was being constantly watched. The messages were frightening, vile and vulgar.

Kristil believed them to have been from Holland, and shed even gone to the police before her death.

The mother of three first called the police on October 31, 2023, and then met with a Broomfield detective a few days later in early November. She provided them with spreadsheets of all the stalking evidence and her history with Holland, including the Facebook interaction that had him so worried.

She told the detective at the time that her husband was aware of past messages and attempts to reconnect from Holland.

Kristil gave police Hollands contact information and asked them to intervene so she could feel a little bit of safety, so I know where he is and what car hes driving.

But nobody from the Broomfield Police Department ever called Holland as the harassment campaign escalated. The stalker even created a fake profile on a hookup site inviting strangers to text genitalia pictures to Kristils phone.

Anxious and paranoid, Kristil bought a gun and purse for concealing it, vigilant at all times and completely changing her schedule in fear of the stalker.

Police, family and others questioned at the murder trial earlier in April all told the court that, for most of that time, Kristil believed Holland was her stalker. But, they added, as time went on, she began to also suspect her husband.

Holland, pictured with family, was surprised and confused when police turned up at his door on the day of Kristil's murder. He was quickly ruled out as a suspect given that he'd been eight hours away in Utah and had proof he'd bought a sweatshirt at Kohl's earlier that day

Krug killed her before she could unmask him herself, the Broomfield jury heard last week. Though detectives were able to quickly tie the stalker's communications to him, not Holland.

As a key witness during the trial, Holland was sheltered from much of the proceedings. He is both learning and coming to terms with many details of Krug's devious plan all at once.

All of it, he says, has been like a movie.

At times, so was Holland and Kristil's teenage romance.

The pair met while working at JCPenney in the Denver metro area, when Kristil was 18 and Holland was 17. Kristils brother and best friend, Lars Grimsrud Jr., was also an employee.

I told her brother Hey, I like your sister, Holland tells the Daily Mail. And he said, Good luck all my friends like my sister, and none of them get her.

And I was like, Well, okay, challenge on. Lets do this. And I started talking to her more at work.

Holland invited the siblings to an outdoor rave, where he and Kristil paired off at one point.

I dont want to be cheesy, but it was kind of magical, said Holland. The music was just playing, and we were dancing, and then we sat down and kissed.

The two of them were very different from each other: Holland liked to party and had dropped out of high school promising his mother hed quickly get his GED, and Kristil was at the beginning of a successful academic and professional career in biochemical engineering  her father said she had an intellectual and scientific brilliance.

We got each other really well, Holland said, calling Kristil the smartest person and best person I know.

We were connected.

Kristil's father, pictured at the podium, spoke at a post-sentencing press conference. 'Our hearts are broken,' Lars Grimsrud Sr. said. 'As we grieve this sad loss of a vibrant and... talented soul... we remember her for the joy that she brought into our lives and the beauty that she shared with us'

Kristil's relatives hugged each other outside the courthouse in Broomfield, Colorado, after the jury found Krug guilty on all charges

She successfully encouraged him to get his GED and pushed me in a lot of things... and it really helped, he said.

We were together every day and I know it was only a little under two years, but it seemed a lot longer.

As Kristil dedicated herself to scientific studies, Holland said he was falling into a pattern of drug abuse.

'It was changing my personality, and I was lying to her about it,' he told the Daily Mail.

They broke up around 2000.

'We hugged, and I've never cried so hard,' he said. 'It was so hard for me. I was so in love with her, and it was so hard to break up. All the breakups I've had since then have never been like that.'

A little bit later, he said, Kristil repeatedly called him, but 'I always had my sister answer the phone and tell her I wasn't home because I just couldn't go through that again.

'And so I kind of regret not answering the phone, because if we got back together, maybe we would have stayed together, and this wouldn't happen, and I would have been a different person and I would have gone different directions... what if I went to college, and what if I was smarter, and what if I would have stayed with her, and she wouldn't have been with him and this wouldn't happen and we would have been together.

'I just think about that stuff all the time,' he said.

Holland moved to Idaho, and then Utah, to escape the party and drug scene he'd become entrenched in in Colorado. Occasionally, over the years that followed, he would reach out to Kristil.

Holland specifically remembers one communication he had with her around 2004, which he testified about in court.

'She was like, "My boyfriend will get mad because he's studying for a test, and I don't want to upset him or make him mad... he's not going to like that I'm talking to one of my ex-boyfriends,"' Holland recalled for the Daily Mail.

'And I was like, "OK," and we stopped talking.'

Holland says he's never loved any other woman like Kristil, and his mind is plagued with 'what ifs.' He wonders whether 'if we got back together, maybe we would have stayed together... and she wouldn't have been with him and this wouldn't happen'

Holland said he reached out again around 2015 or '16, adding that they became friends on Facebook, 'and I tried my hardest to be chill, and then I just got really drunk and got stupid, and then she blocked me.'

He can't remember what he said while inebriated but believes it was along the lines of sharing his feelings, apologizing for lying back in the day and admitting to having made a big mistake.

It was hard to get her off my mind,' he tells Daily Mail. 'She was always on my mind I honestly never loved anybody else the same as I loved her.

After that blocking, however, he said he'd given up on communication - which was why the mention of Kristil's name compounded his shock at police's December 2023 arrival.

A mutual friend told him weeks later that Kristil had been killed - the officers hadn't mentioned it.

When detectives from Colorado traveled to his home in the weeks after, he was horrified to learn her husband had not only been arrested, but he'd been setting Holland up to take the fall.

They looked into Holland's GPS data and drove three hours north to Pocatello, Idaho, to interview his sister and view family photographs that would give Holland alibis for times the faux stalker had seemed physically present in Colorado.

That includes Halloween 2023, when Kristil first contacted police after receiving an image of her husband from the stalker and a threat to his safety - both of which were sent by Krug himself, a Colorado court found last week.

'I just was shocked, I just couldn't believe it,' Holland said of learning about his framing. 'Feeling like, "Oh my gosh, this is like a movie." I was scared... I was terrified.

'I was scared that maybe I would falsely get accused, that maybe he was smart enough to get DNA from me or something.'

Holland still can't believe that, from the time Kristil first contacted police in October until her death in December, nobody told him he was under suspicion.

They should have let me know,' he said. 'They should have come and had an officer come to my house and been like, Hey, we have a warrant out for your arrest.

And they should have brought me to the station, and they should have talked to me person to person or on the phone and let me clear my name.

'I would have shown them everything, because I didnt do anything wrong  and they didnt do that.'

Up until the case closed, Holland was anxiously awaiting the verdict from his Utah home. The court heard closing arguments exactly one week after Holland's testimony, and they found Krug guilty a little more than 24 hours later.

'I was so relieved, and I was so happy. I was like, "We got [him],"' said Holland.

'If you're going to frame somebody, you've got to do a little bit better job than he did.'
A Virginia man was arrested in Ohio for allegedly threatening to release a sex tape recorded without the victim's knowledge, and authorities believe he may have targeted other individuals.

Joshua Wade Fitzpatrick was the chief meteorologist at 29News for nearly a decade before he was let go in March, shortly after police launched an investigation on Feb. 28, according to The Daily Progress.

The 42-year-old weatherman was accused of secretly recording a consensual sexual encounter without his partner's knowledge then threatening to release the footage. Authorities have not disclosed what he demanded in return for keeping it private.

After learning about the investigation, Fitzpatrick relocated from Charlottesville to his home state of Ohio, where he was taken into custody on Tuesday. He is currently awaiting extradition to Virginia.

Fitzpatrick faces a felony charge of sexual extortion and a misdemeanor for unlawfully photographing a nude person, with a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

The Albemarle County Police Department released a statement obtained by The Daily Progress in which officials revealed "detectives believe there may be additional victims."

"ACPD would like to encourage anyone who may have had an encounter with Fitzpatrick to contact Detective M. Schneider with the Albemarle County Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 434-296-5807," the statement continued.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
An apartment developer has introduced a 'pay the rent' scheme that imposes a financial contribution toward Aboriginal organisations upon owners.

Not-for-profit development group Nightingale Housing has completed 21 projects across Australia, with most of them concentrated in Victoria.

Some of the apartments, like the ones at the Preston development in north-east Melbourne, are as small as 27 square metres.

Completed last year, the 'teilhaus' apartments were billed as being a 'fraction of the carbon and a fraction of the cost' of a typical one-bedroom dwelling, and sold via priority ballot to means-tested first home buyers for $280,000 each.

Nightingale Housing co-founder Jeremy McLeod said in promotional material the building was powered off 100 per cent renewables and had 'no operational carbon attached to it'.

Apartment owners must pay an annual fee to Aboriginal organisations or land councils.

'Every resident in this building pays rent annually to the traditional owners, in acknowledgment that this country was stolen, that these lands were never ceded, and that there's no treaty with the traditional owners,' he said.

In response to questions, Nightingale Housing said: 'As an acknowledgement that the land we build on was never ceded from First Nations Australians, Nightingale Housing requires all residents to "Pay the Rent".

Residents at Nightingale's Preston apartments 'pay the rent' to honour the Traditional Owners of the land

Apartments at Nightingale Housing's Preston development (pictured) in north-east Melbourne are as small as 27 square metres

'It's a way to compensate First Nations Australians for the resources that are drawn from their land,' a spokesperson said.

'We hope to show the Australian property market that we can support First Nations peoples' self determination through collective impact.

'Each Nightingale home and business is required to pay $100 per year as part of their Owners Corporation fees to First Nations Organisations or Land Councils.'

The scheme applies to most Nightingale projects except Nightingale Marrickville, which is a build-to-rent project, and Nightingale Bowden, which includes 50 per cent social and affordable housing, and three other buildings which predate the introduction of the scheme.

'Nightingale is a small organisation that is constantly evolving to deliver housing in a more equitable way.'

The scheme was inspired by a campaign from the Pay the Rent Grassroots Collective, a charity which encourages non-Indigenous Australians to regularly donate a portion of their income.

Supporters of the campaign include feminist author Clementine Ford and high-profile independent senator and activist Lidia Thorpe.

'We need to stop paying lip service to decolonisation and start paying the rent to the first nations people,' Ms Ford said previously.

Supporters of a similar Pay the Rent campaign included Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe (pictured)

Nightingale Housing co-founder Jeremy McLeod (pictured) said the developer operates a 'pay the rent scheme' with owners

Conservative commentator Prue MacSween (pictured) dismissed Nightingale's pay the rent scheme as a 'marketing exercise'

Ms Thorpe said: 'Pay the rent from grassroots for grassroots. No strings attached to government agenda. It assists sovereign grassroots fight the many campaigns and struggles we face everyday.'

Cara Peek, a Yawuru/Bunuba woman and lawyer who co-founded Cultural IQ, told Daily Mail Australia she supported the scheme being introduced for apartment owners.

'It is uniquely accessible to renters, landholders, community members, and stratas to make a real time difference,' Ms Peek said.

'I believe it should be rolled out to all commercial and even charitable land holdings such as churches to ensure traditional owners across the nation are able to generate revenue on lands they are no longer able to control.'

But conservative commentator Prue MacSween dismissed Nightingale's introduction of the scheme as a 'marketing exercise'.

'There clearly are some people residing in this country - probably all the YES voters in the failed referendum - who love the idea and have bought into the concept,' Ms MacSween told Daily Mail Australia.

'No one has forced them to purchase a property under this scheme, and they probably wear it as a badge of honour, sleeping soundly in their community of like-minded self-righteous neighbours. Good luck to them.

'What I find most objectionable is this property developers claim that it builds on stolen land.

The Preston apartments were billed as being a 'fraction of the carbon and a fraction of the cost' of a typical one-bedroom dwelling

'The fact that they have come up with this schtick is a ploy that sets them apart. It is a marketing exercise that probably works well for the anonymous people who formed the company.

'Nightingales claim that it operates in an economy bound by systemic racism is despicable and tiresome and an affront to the many generations of Australians who have been born here and display tolerance to all others.

'The Indigenous Industry continues to thrive in this country, with billions disappearing in some gap which never seems to close for the poor souls living in remote communities.'

Nightingale has a further three projects under construction in the Melbourne suburbs of Brunswick, Coburg and Coburg North, which will operate the 'Pay the Rent' scheme, according to its website.

The company's sole development in NSW - Nightingale Marrickville, which does not operate the scheme - was designed just for renters with studio apartments as small as 22 square metres.

The project was made possible through a partnership with Fresh Hope Communities, the benevolent arm of Churches of Christ in NSW and ACT, which owns the land.

Under the deal it was able to offer rent well below market value - $395 to $440 per week.

In October the developer called in restructuring firm Rodgers Reidy to help it broker a deal with creditors.

Debts included $410,000 owed to the Australian Taxation office. The restructure was finished in December and a deal was reached with the ATO.
A prison officer has been sacked after she was filmed twerking for a leering inmate.

Footage circulating online shows the woman, who has not been named, being told to 'show me that batty' by a prisoner.

After appearing to flirt with the man through the bars of his cell she sticks her middle finger up and wiggles her backside.

She was fired for the incident, which dates back to 2022 but has only just appeared online, according to the Ministry of Justice.

In the video the inmate - described online as a drill rapper - can be heard saying: 'Yes [inaudible]. Show me that batty'.

She replies 'I ain't got no batty' before the prisoner demands: 'Show me that batty rapid! Show me that batty rapid!'

The screw turns around and wiggles her backside from side to side as the prisoner shouts 'Yes! Yeah!' in excitement.

The incident took place at HMP Forest Bank, a Category B jail run privately buy French prison operator Sodexo.

Footage circulating online shows the prison officer, who has not been named, being told to 'show me that batty' by an inmate

In the video the inmate - described online as a drill rapper - can be heard saying: 'Yes [inaudible]. Show me that batty'

The video appears to have been taken from a cell on a prison landing, known inside as 'the one's' and 'the two's'.

An HMP Forest Bank spokesperson said: 'The use of mobile phones in any prison is illegal, and we constantly review our activity to prevent the issue of the conveyance of illicit items within the prison.

'Where individuals are identified and found in possession of mobile phones, action is taken and reported to the relevant authorities.

'In addition, we take a zero -tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour that undermines the complex work of prison officers to maintain public security.

'Anyone seeking to undermine public trust while holding a position of authority, will be robustly dealt with.'

It is the latest in a string of scandals involving inappropriate relations between prison guards and inmates inside Britain's prison system.

Linda De Sousa Abreu, a former HMP Wandsworth prison officer was jailed for 15 months in January after a video of her having sex with inmate Linton Weirich in his cell was shared online.

Linda De Sousa Abreu (pictured) had sex with an inmate on video in HMP Wandsworth

An x-rated clip shows De Sousa Abreu dressed in full uniform and performing a sex act on Weirich, who has a pregnant girlfriend, at the Category A jail

Former Prison officer Ayshea Gunn had a relationship with 'dangerous' inmate Khuram Razaq, 29, at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham

Abreu and Weirich, a serial burglar, were filmed in a cell at the south west London Category-B prison between June 26 and 28 last year.

The court was also told that a further recording of her performing a sex act with the same prisoner was found on her body-worn camera.

Abreu admitted to having sex with the same prisoner on another occasion.

The married 30-year-old, who alongside her husband took part in a 15-person orgy for a Channel 4 swingers show called 'Open House: The Great Sex Experiment', was arrested at Heathrow Airport while attempting to board a flight to Madrid with her dad after the video went viral.

Ayshea Gunn was jailed for a year in 2019 for having an affair with car theft gangster Khurum Razaq.
A woman who vanished after masquerading as a schoolboy to gain entry to the Magic Circle has miraculously reappeared after 34 years.

When she pulled off the cunning deception, Sophie Lloyd hoped the illustrious club would have been impressed by her brilliant sleight of hand.

Posing in a wig as Raymond had seemed a suitably spellbinding way to join the fabled magicians society which at the time was men-only.

Unfortunately, when they discovered her real-life trickery, the outraged club threw her out  entirely skipping the irony of ejecting a magician for being too good at deception  with the words you will never work again in this business ringing in her pitiful ears.

Now, more than three decades later, the Magic Circle is delighted to announce - hey presto! - that Ms Lloyd has reappeared.

And tonight she will be formally re-admitted to its hallowed ranks at a special event at the clubs London headquarters to right a wrong and say sorry.

Ms Lloyd told the Mail: I honestly feel really emotional. Its lovely. Ive got a certificate with my real name on it this time.

'After all these years, it has come as a wonderful surprise to be re-admitted.'

Wonder boy magician Raymond Lloyd...or is it? Sophie Lloyd wore a wig to fool the men-only Magic Circle of 1990 into unwittingly admitting her as its first female member

Now Sophie Lloyd is finally admitted to the Magic Circle under her own name and tells the Mail: 'It feels wonderful'

She's still got it! Magician and entertainer Sophie Lloyd shows off her tricks at the Magic Circle's headquarters

She revealed to the Mail that after being cast out by the club, she spent time running her own travelling theatre and later retired early to Spain.

Tonights festivities promise to be far jovial than the dark day in September 1991 when the penny dropped among the menfolk of the best known magical private members club in the world that they had been infiltratedby a woman.

Ms Lloyd had managed to join the Magic Circle the previous year  posing as schoolboy wonder Raymond Lloyd, purveyor of the finest magical illusions.

A talented actress, Ms Lloyd, then aged around 30, had fooled them all with Raymonds mesmerising rope and fire tricks, during a nerve-wracking entrance exam on the clubs stage.

Thanks to her 5ft2in frame, a wig, a set of special braces to plump out her cheeks, Harry Potter-style glasses to hide behind and white gloves to conceal her ladylike hands - along with some exceptional acting skills - Ms Lloyd successfully passed herself off as 18-year-old Raymond. She thus became the first woman to join the Magic Circle in the organisations then 85-year history  except, without them actually realising it.

Formed in 1905 by 23 amateur and professional magicians, the Magic Circle has counted stars such as Paul Daniels and his wife Debbie McGee among its illustrious members, who include King Charles after he performed the famed cups and balls trick back in 1975.

In 1990, Ms Lloyd joined with the help of her friend Jenny Winstanley, a fellow entertainer who had aspired to be a member and was aggrieved that women couldnt be.

She was too well-known to consider her own stroll into the magicians bastion, but when she met talented young actress Sophie, in 1987, they hatched their plot which took two years to perfect.

Ladies and gentleman...the amazing boy magician Raymond Lloyd!...Or, as it turned out, Sophie Lloyd aged around 30 wearing a wig and 'plumpers' to give her cheeks a teenage look

 Slide me  By day, Sophie...by night, 'Raymond'

Jenny Winstanley posing as 'Sylvia' the 'agent', and her magic wonder boy 'Raymond Lloyd', who was really Sophie Lloyd in disguise

The two women hatched an audacious plot to sneak Sophie (on right) into the Magic Circle society by pretending to be a schoolboy

Sophie Lloyd showing off her coveted Magic Circle membership certificate under the false name of Raymond Lloyd, her 18-year-old schoolboy alter ego

As well as a wig and plumpers to fill out her face, Ms Lloyds elaborate disguise involved a foam body harness to give her the build of a young male. She meticulously studied how teenage boys walked, talked, carried themselves, used their eyes, ate, drank, and leant against walls. All that remained was to affect a low voice and summon up nerves of steel during a performance of a lifetime before three Magic Circle examiners. Ms Winstanley was there too  dressed up as Raymonds agent.

Ms Lloyd recalled yesterday: During the exam, I was really, really nervous. But then the adrenalin kicked in, and they loved all my tricks which involved big dramatic fireballs.

She had to keep up her act for an agonising further 90 minutes because one of the examiners insisted on taking Raymond and his agent for a drink to discuss magic.

Ms Lloyd said: It was desperate. Jenny told him I had laryngitis, and kept saying to me rest your voice while I rasped my way through. But it worked.

Over the next year, the Magic Circles celebrated boy star performed across London and went on tour as far as Great Yarmouth.

But as with all great illusions, it eventually came crashing down - ironically at the exact moment in September 1991 when the society announced it was changing its rules to allow women members. The two women came clean. Ms Lloyd said: Jenny phoned the Magic Circle and said Youve already got a woman.

We really thought they would find it hilarious. We found it hilarious. Jenny couldnt wait to tell them. And then we got a letter  expelled - almost the next day. We couldnt believe it.

I think their reaction at the time was pathetic. Jenny was hurt. I was more angry.

After a late night phone call announcing: You will never work again in this business, the pair gave up. Jenny went back to her home in Norfolk. I did other things, said Ms Lloyd, now in her late sixties. Ms Winstanley, who later told how they had only wanted to prove that women are as good as men, died in 2004.

Last year, the Magic Circles new chair  a woman  heard about the extraordinary story, and Laura London knew they had to make amends and find Ms Lloyd to say sorry. However she needed to conjure up a miracle of her own because Ms Lloyd had performed her best trick yet and seemed to have vanished off the face of the earth. Numerous public appeals failed to locate her. It was only thanks to journalists from the Daily Mail tracking down her relatives that she was alerted to the quest and came forward.

Hey presto! Former outcast Sophie Lloyd has miraculously reappeared more than 30 years after vanishing - and is welcomed back to the Magic Circle by its chairwoman Laura London

Sophie Lloyd on the magnificent central staircase at the bewitching headquarters of the Magic Circle in London

The Magic Circle...headquarters of the society of the greatest magicians the world has ever seen

Sophie Lloyd enjoys a tour of the Magic Circle's headquarters as she is re-admitted following decades as an outcast for daring to sneak in to its membership masquerading as a boy

Marvin Berglas, president of the Magic Circle, celebrating with Sophie Lloyd and the society's chairwoman Laura London

The Magic Circle headquarters in London where Sophie Lloyd is being re-admitted to the society after more than three decades following her being cast out

Jenny Winstanley, an accomplished entertainer who was aggrieved the Magic Circle did not allow women members and hatched a plot with Sophie Lloyd. Ms Winstanley died in 2004

Famed magicians Debbie McGee and Paul Daniels. She is still a member of the Magic Circle and he was until his death in 2016

Sophie Lloyd as a young actress around the time she posed as a boy named Raymond to become a member of the Magic Circle

Burning her bra outside the Magic Circle's headquarters in 1972, magician Diane Matthews protested at the ban on women being allowed as members

How the Mail reported the story as the Magic Circle's men-only policy caused a stir in 1972 when magician Diane Matthews protested outside the club

Yesterday Ms Lloyd revealed that after her ignominious expusion from the Magic Circle in 1991, she spent 11 years touring schools with her own educational theatre show tackling bullying. After that, she retired early to Spain with her husband, where the couple have devoted themselves to offering sanctuary to rescue cats and dogs.

Only about five per cent of the Magic Circles 1,700 members are women, although the figure is now rising. Ms London said: Its changing now, which is great. I think not only was Sophie pioneering, her statement was a really important one to make. Thats why we wanted to find her, to say thank you for doing something so extraordinary.

Sophie is amazing, and her story is inspirational. We have become good friends. To have her back in the society where she belongs is the most incredible thing.
When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years ago, iconic toymaker Mike Wood had a simple request of his beloved family: don't let me languish in the darkness.

And so when the time came, Wood's family traveled with him to Dignitas, the Swiss assisted suicide clinic, to be with him as he ended his life.

Now, in an soul-bearing interview with Daily Mail, his son Mat reveals how his father fought bravely against the disease until his last breaths, and how he remained to be 'in control' until the very end.

He was a great dad, Mat Wood, 37, a building contractor who lives in Costa Rica, told Daily Mail in a heartfelt interview as the world mourned his famous father.

He definitely left his legacy and affected lots of people in a good way.

Mat vividly remembers his father's words when he received his diagnosis.

'He said, Hey, listen, when I can't recognize you anymore, I don't want to be here."'

I said, "of course, Dad, I completely understand. And whenever that time comes, we'll do whatever you want to do."'

His father, he noted, was adamant he wanted to be in control during his final days.

I could understand where he was coming from - not wanting to spend five years in a chair, in a gray cloud, not knowing what was going on, said Mat.

He did everything he could to slow the disease down. As a son, you just want your dad to be happy as much as he can. Towards I could just see it getting more and more difficult for him.

On the first day he was diagnosed, he said, Hey, listen, when I can't recognize you anymore, I don't want to be here, explained Mat of his dad's Alzheimer's diagnosis

LeapFrog helped me, like it helped other kids learn how to read, said Wood's son Mat. His famous father died by assisted suicide in Switzerland on April 10

Mat was just a toddler when his father noticed he was struggling to form sentences, despite knowing the alphabet

He never wavered on his decision. He didn't want to sit there and not know what was going on.

So when the time finally came, he made the decision and we went to Switzerland.

We were all there as a family. I don't know if it was beautiful, but it was exactly what he would have wanted.

In a tear-jerking, hand-written note to his father the day before his passing, Mat wrote: You have been my superhero for as long as I can remember.

'You have given me superpowers that will stay with me for life.

It was Mat who inspired his father's genius - and led to a global phenomenon that helped countless children learn how to read.

As a toddler, Mat recognized the alphabet but struggled when it came to pronouncing letter sounds.

Not wanting Mat to lag behind academically, Wood experimented with an electronic toy that played sounds when children squeezed plastic letters.

He based the idea on greeting cards that play music when opened, and worked with engineers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and an education professor at his alma mater, Stanford, and developed the Phonics Desk, released in 1995.

Early investors Michael Milken and Larry Ellison, billionaire founder of Oracle and their joint company Knowledge Universe took majority stake in LeapFrog in 1997 which boosted research development on new products.

Wood then acquired a company that developed the prototype of what became the LeapPad, which he insisted be sold for no more than $49 at Toys R Us stores across the US.

The blue and green colored clamshell contained interactive spiral-bound storybooks and youngsters could use a pointer to touch a word or an item in the story to hear it spelled and sounded aloud.

Success came quickly.

The LeapPad exploded in popularity and became the best selling toy of the 2000 holiday season.

It took off and within 10 years he was kind of pushed out for a more corporate-oriented CEO, recalled Mat.

Then everybody involved would tell you LeapFrog was never the same because he truly cared.

Of his beloved dads final moments, Mat Wood told Daily Mail: We were all there as a family. I don't know if it was beautiful, but it was exactly what he would have wanted'

It was his baby and it was for the right reasons. And LeapFrog was big.

'Within, I think, seven years, it passed Legos worldwide revenue. It became the fourth largest (toy) company in the world.

Despite the huge commercial success of the wholesome company, Wood was at heart just a dad that wanted to help his son succeed.

He had the smallest office in the LeapFrog headquarters - open door.

'He wasn't a flashy guy at all. But just a super, super kind individual and a father that really cared.

He cared more about that it was done for the right reasons and it had a real impact on millions of kids.'

But his impact on me was more as a dad - the world's best dad, super supportive,' Mat continues.

He was a very proud dad. He didnt miss any of my sporting events. You always knew he had your back unconditionally.

'He was like that to a lot of people - he lifted a lot of people.

Mat is grateful for the many years he had with his beloved father.

I got to spend a lot of time with him at the end, as well as his brothers. His life was too short, no doubt. But he already gave everything he possibly could to me to make me who I am.

The only people that were kind of getting robbed at this point were his grandkids, my children. Ideally they would have had another 10 good years to see him.

Under Swiss law, people may help others to die as long as their motives are not selfish, such as for financial gain.

Legislation enacted in 1942 states a person wishing to die must be of sound mind - but they do not need to be terminally ill or have any medical conditions.

'His passion was transformed into a company that has helped millions of children learn to read and so much more' read a statement by the LeapFrog company after Wood's passing, pictured with son Mat

Stanford grad and former attorney Wood was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's, a progressive neurological disorder that affects the body and brain function, seven years ago

In a tear-jerking, hand-written note to his ailing father, Mat wrote: You have been my superhero for as long as I can remember. You have given me superpowers that will stay with me for life'

Wood based his LeapFrog creation on greeting cards that play music when opened

Dignitas (pictured) is Switzerlands most well known assisted suicide clinic where hundreds have been helped to die over the last 20 years

Mat said of his father, His life was too short, no doubt. But he already gave everything he possibly could to me to make me who I am'

Dignitas is Switzerlands most well known assisted suicide clinic.

Hundreds have been helped to die there over the last 20 years. Strict rules dictate that clients must be terminally ill, suffering extreme pain or living with an 'unendurable disability'.

Assisted suicide in the U.S. is still relatively rare today but growing in acceptance.

It is legal in 11 states; California, Maine, New Mexico, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, New Jersey, Vermont and the District of Columbia.

Mat is married to wife Emily and the couple have three children aged four, three and two who were doted on by their grandfather.

I've got a beautiful, happy family, and I credit a lot of where I am to my father, said Mat.

A statement issued by LeapFrog after Woods passing described him as an innovative leader whose passion to find a new way to help children learn led to something remarkable.

'His passion was transformed into a company that has helped millions of children learn to read and so much more.

'We loved working with Mike and are honored to continue what he started.

Mat spoke of his fathers legacy of kindness and devotion let him thrive

Inventor Wood, who inspired millions of parents, was a devoted and loving father to his only child, Mat

Early investors Michael Milken and Larry Ellison, billionaire founder of Oracle and their joint company Knowledge Universe took majority stake in LeapFrog in 1997 which boosted research development on new products

Wood, third from left, shown in 1981 ,with his father, Michael Webster Wood (at left) and his brothers, Denis (second from left) and Tim

It took off and within 10 years he was kind of pushed out for a more corporate-oriented CEO, recalled Mat

He cared more about that it was done for the right reasons and it had a real impact on millions of kids,' said son Mat

He was an old school, do the right thing guy - super honest - who made anyone around him feel better about themselves, said Mat of his inspirational father

Wood divorced first wife Susan Cotter Wood, Mats mother, when their child was three.

He is also survived by second wife Leslie Harlander, his high school sweetheart whom he married in 2021, and brothers, Tim and Denis.

He was an old school, do the right thing guy - super honest - who made anyone around him feel better about themselves, added Mat.

It's pretty incredible.
For brides around the world, their wedding day is meant to be a magic moment, often filled with family, friends and fond memories.

But for Gul, then a 23-year-old model in Shanghai, it was among the darkest of days.

When I had the wedding, it felt like a funeral to me; and when I signed the marriage certificate, it felt like I was signing my death certificate, she told me.

I did not wear the dress. I did not receive greetings from family members. I did not say anything to my friends. I did not even share a picture on social media.

The reason for her misery? She had been forced into matrimony with a man she loathed by the Chinese dictatorship which, as we shall see, insisted it was the only way she could save herself and her mother from incarceration in a hellish concentration camp.

The marriage was consummated in the cruellest way imaginable: she was raped as she lay on their bed, while recovering from a savage beating by her drunk new husband that left her unconscious with a broken jaw and nose.

For Gul is a Uighur  and the ruthless Communist regime is trying to wipe out the culture, language, religion and traditions of this Muslim minority from the western Chinese region of Xinjiang using some of the most sinister methods of repression on our planet.

In the cause of what they call ethnic unity, police pressurised her to marry a Han Chinese man  a member of the countrys majority ethnic group  and she felt powerless to resist. Her mother was freed on her wedding day from one of the camps that hold an estimated one million Uighurs.

Gul is a Uighur who was forced into matrimony with a man she loathed to save herself and her mother from incarceration in a hellish concentration camp

We all knew what happened if you said no to them, said Gul. We all knew of people being arrested and sent to the camps and the bad life they suffered, feet shackled together and being tortured.

Gul can only tell me her story because she managed to escape both her husband and China, taking her five-year-old daughter with her. And what she relates is a shocking exposition of the barbarities inflicted by Beijing on the 12million-strong Uighur population.

Her revelations follow a political storm that this week forced Energy Minister Ed Miliband into a U-turn on the use of solar panels linked to forced Uighur labour in the Xinjiang region.

Labour had earlier blocked a House of Lords legal amendment that would have forced state-owned GB Energy to make sure solar panels that Britain imported from China were not among the many produced by slave labour.

But such was the outcry from campaigners and Labour MPs over the Governments decision to turn a blind eye to human rights abuses in its dash for Net Zero, that the Government has now had to make a humiliating reverse.

Fresh concerns over the sinister role of the Communist state after the attempted closure of British Steels Scunthorpe site by the Chinese firm Jingye, with warnings to ministers over Beijings influence over Britains critical infrastructure, may also have influenced the decision.

Under Chinas reign of terror in the Xinjiang region, entire villages have been sent to re-education camps, which often contain factories within their walls for forced labour.

A facility, believed to be a re-education camp. Under Chinas reign of terror in the Xinjiang region, entire villages have been sent to the camps, which often contain factories for forced labour

Survivors tell of gang rape and torture, while the regime has destroyed mosques, imposed rigid surveillance on Uighurs and inflicted mass sterilisation of women  as I have heard from several victims.

This all follows the mass migration of Han Chinese people into Xinjiang, a movement orchestrated by Beijing to dilute minorities and plunder natural resources. China has been promoting and incentivising mixed ethnicity marriages in Uighur regions since 2014, sparking claims and rumours about the use of forced marriage.

But Gul, now 31, is the first Uighur woman subjected to this atrocity to speak out publicly. She is hiding her full identity to protect relatives still in the country.

She fled to Switzerland last year and we spoke for almost five hours. Clearly traumatised from the abuse she suffered, and frequently breaking into tears, she said she wanted the world to know about the evil of their system.

The first ten years of Guls life were blissfully happy. She had been adopted and lived with her mother and grandparents close to the fabled Silk Road city of Kashgar in southern Xinjiang.

Then came a hostile new stepfather, school bullies and years of struggle. At 16, she went to live in Urumqi, the regional capital, and later met a woman who ran a modelling company.

She said my face and figure was good, so I could work with them  and after about three months, offered me training in Shanghai, Gul said.

So the young Uighur woman went off to live in the worlds third-biggest city and learn modelling. She posed for clothing companies, attended shop openings, stood in front of malls to entice customers and even picked up some walk-on film roles.

There are thought to be one million Uighurs held in the camps

Life was enjoyable. It was hard work because we had to stand for a long time, wear very high heels, sometimes change into hundreds of clothes, so it could be tiring  but I earned a good salary and could buy what I wanted. It was a good time.

She made friends and went to nightclubs in the pulsating metropolis. But there was endless harassment from police officers.

They would stop her at checkpoints for her identity card, repeatedly question her about her activities and acquaintances and even force her to move flats.

The police told me that places should not be rented to Uighurs and that they should not be allowed to live in proper China, nor allowed to have property or shops in China.

Guls move to Shanghai had taken place in 2012  the year Xi Jinping took power and ramped up repression in Xinjiang. He ordered officials to show no mercy after anti-government protests and attacks. The huge network of concentration camps was introduced along with forced labour programmes and the worlds most intrusive surveillance system to clamp down on Uighurs.

They think all Uighurs are terrorists, said Gul. Even now I feel stressed whenever I see someone in uniform; even here in Switzerland I feel the same.

In 2016, she returned to Xinjiang on a visit and noticed everything was changing. Permits were suddenly needed for Uighurs even to visit nearby towns. There was a proliferation of checkpoints, facial recognition cameras and security forces across the region.

Friends started disappearing into the newly established study camps. A 90-year-old family neighbour also vanished.

Gul told how friends started disappearing into the newly established study camps. A 90-year-old family neighbour also vanished

I wondered, how can that be? What can he do at 90 against the government? I felt very angry for him, she said.

There was less surveillance back in Shanghai, but Gul still had to endure endless visits and calls from local police who were monitoring her.

Sometimes they would phone three times a day. Id say even my mother does not call me three times a day, asking: What are you doing? 

In January 2018, Gul was ordered back to Xinjiang for a new identity card. Police took blood for DNA records, scanned her iris for high-tech surveillance systems  and then told her she needed to go into a camp to study Chinese and the law.

Gul played for time. She said she would love to go but had to return to her job, then tried to bribe the officers with alcohol and cigarettes. But she could not board her flight home without permission from police  and they refused it.

Then came the chilling threat that would change her life.

They said: Now we are promoting ethnic unity, so Chinese and Uighur become one family. It is better to find someone to get married. Then we can allow you to leave and your street administration [local surveillance] will not call you all the time or arrest you. It is better for you. 

Gul had heard rumours about Uighurs in rural areas being told to give their daughters to Chinese officials for marriage. Now they were urging her to get hitched to a Han man  and she knew refusal would be dangerous.

They said: We can help you, we can find someone. I thought if I said yes, they wouldnt push me. So I said yes and left, thinking that would be it.

Survivors of the camps tell of gang rape and torture, while the regime has destroyed mosques, imposed rigid surveillance on Uighurs and inflicted mass sterilisation of women  as I have heard from several victims

Before they agreed to let her go, they told her to call her police monitoring contact in Shanghai. The contact held a long conversation with the Xinjiang officers and they exchanged numbers. Then Gul went back to Shanghai.

It was about one month later that the police contact phoned to invite her for dinner. When she arrived at the venue, she was surprised to find it was a very expensive restaurant.

She was filled with nerves. I thought maybe they would trap me, selling me to high officials as a sex trade.

I had heard about this happening to Uighur girls, entrapped by police and forced into sex. I thought maybe if I drink a lot and sleep with them, maybe I can save myself.

She relaxed when she saw the officer sitting alone. But then, during the meal, he called to another man seated nearby and invited him over to join them pretending their companion was a friend, although he later turned out to be a relative of the officer.

I asked Gul what this man was like.

Very ugly, she replied instantly. And he was drunk.

The police officer, after rhapsodising about the beauty of Uighur women, told Gul that she could be good friends and maybe lovers with the man, who worked as a cocktail waiter.

Gul dismissed the idea, not seeing the reality of events unfolding in front of her.

I said that if I had a boyfriend like him my parents would put me in a pen and feed me like a dog, Gul said.

The policeman asked: What are you talking about? We are promoting ethnic unity and he is handsome, like a Korean movie star.

She was told to make contact with the man on WeChat, a Chinese social media platform. So she did, and the pair talked a bit, had a few meals together and went to a couple of films.

But after he kept bothering her, demanding to be her lover and husband, she deleted him from her network.

Watchtowers on a high-security facility near what is believed to be a re-education camp

After that the local administration in Xinjiang began contacting me to ask why I was not coming back to go to school  they meant the re-education camp. I said I had permission to be in Shanghai. So they put my mother in the camp instead of me.

A relative working for the government explained that this was because of her refusal to agree to the marriage being arranged by officials.

I felt so hopeless at such misfortune, said Gul, who finally accepted her fate.

After she signed the marriage contract, her mother was released. She persuaded her new husband  who was from a poor background  to accept a sham marriage that boosted his status without them living together. But when police discovered this artifice, they ordered her to move in with him that very night. Since he shared a small flat with four other men, she had to take him to her home.

At first sight I did not like him and this only grew stronger, said Gul. He was very smelly and did not clean himself or his clothes.

Her husband was often drunk and abusive, stealing alcohol from his workplace.

When I didnt agree to sleep with him he would force me  and when I resisted, he became more excited to do that, she said hesitantly, tears flowing down her face.

After three years, the miserable woman  by now a mother to her husbands child  planned to divorce him. But her own mother, terrified of returning to the camp that she described as being like a grave, came to Shanghai with an aunt to plead with Gul to remain married. Then, in desperation after a failed suicide attempt early last year, she managed to establish contact with a Uighur activist in the United States.

I said I cant save myself so I will die, but I dont want my daughter to stay in China. Can you find someone in the US to adopt her? She can never live like a human being in China.

Instead, the activist instructed her on how to flee the country. Thanks to her marriage, she could obtain a Chinese passport  then, in May last year, she sent her possessions to a friend in Germany, then flew to Dubai and freedom.

Gul told me she decided to live in Switzerland since she had loved watching the film Heidi as a child with her grandfather. And now she has shaken off the evil Beijing propaganda that taught her to be ashamed of her culture.

I have learned about our history, that we once had our own land and country  and about all that the Chinese government is doing to the people in Xinjiang, she said defiantly.

Now I am proud to be Uighur.
The full horrific story of how a 'British' businessman was dragged from a police station by an angry baying mob in Ecuador and burned alive can be told for the first time by MailOnline.

The Briton, named locally as Michael Hann, was lynched by angry locals determined for their own justice after the 34-year-old was arrested for allegedly shooting dead his long-term friend and business partner Rodrigo Chavez.

The circumstances surrounding the grisly death of Mr Hann, who according to locals spoke with a British accent, made headlines around the world, but the motive for the shooting and the subsequent storming of a police station has remained a mystery until now.

The Foreign Office said it is urgently working with local authorities and forensic officers in Ecuador to confirm Mr Hann's identity.

Now MailOnline can reveal the events leading up to Mr Hann's brutal killing.

According to sources close to the ongoing investigation, the feud between Mr Hann and his business partner began when the travel company they ran organising tours for holidaymakers ran into financial difficulties.

As the men struggled to keep the business going, Mr Chavez accused Mr Hann of being deceitful and taking money from customers without putting it through the business accounts - and cutting him out of the profits.

In the early hours of Sunday, after both men had been out partying and were fuelled by alcohol, their ongoing tensions finally came to a head.

Rodrigo Chavez (pictured) was allegedly shot dead in Ecuador by his long-term friend and British business partner Michael Hann

Hann (pictured) was dragged from a police station by an angry baying mob and burned alive

The body of Mr Hann's business partner Rodrigo Chavez was covered by a white sheet after he was shot dead

At around 5am, Mr Hann allegedly shot down Mr Chavez, who according to locals was 'drunk and half-asleep' in the street.

Previously unseen video footage from the aftermath of the shooting, shows Mr Chavez bleeding to death on the side of the pavement, his white t-shirt covered in crimson liquid.

A woman, still clutching onto her beer can and cup, can be heard wailing in the background as she filmed the horrendous scene.

Seconds later, Mr Hann was also seen being shoved to the floor before being repeatedly stomped on and kicked in the head by a group of five seeking revenge.

Mr Hann remained lying on the ground, not moving, until another individual came along and began repeatedly kicking him in the head, as he lifted his hands in protest.

At around 6am, police officers turned up at the scene and arrested Mr Hann, taking him to the local police station.

At around 3pm, however, an angry mob of more than 100 people from the local community stormed into custody, dragging Mr Hann out of the building for what has since been described as 'indigenous justice'.

It is unclear why local police have said that they believe Mr Hann to be British or where he is from in the UK.

Previously unseen video footage from the aftermath of the shooting, shows Mr Chavez bleeding to death on the side of the pavement

Mr Hann allegedly shot down Mr Chavez (pictured), who according to locals was 'drunk and half-asleep' in the street

Mr Hann was also seen being shoved to the floor before being repeatedly stomped on and kicked in the head by a group of five seeking revenge

Mr Hann remained lying on the ground, not moving, until another individual came along and began repeatedly kicking him in the head

At around 6am, police officers turned up at the scene and arrested Mr Hann, taking him to the local police station

Mr Hann, who has still not been formally identified by forensic officers, was then set on fire in broad daylight and burned to death in front of crowds of villagers.

In the aftermath of the horror, police officers from the local force told television stations in Ecuador they did 'everything humanly possible' to prevent the lynching from occurring.

During a press conference this week, Playas del Cuyabeno police claimed that Mr Hann had been taken into custody to protect him.

But as they were waiting for specialist officers to arrive and take the alleged shooter to Lago Agrio, the capital of the province, the furious horde 'exceeded the capacity of seven officers' in the station.

Speaking last night, the police chief said: 'There had been problems between the two men that died. The man we believe to be British had shot a local man, causing his death.

'We know that he was working and teaching English and was making reservations for tourists visiting the area.

'But we don't have any more information right now and that is the focus of ongoing investigations, which are seeking to determine his full name as well.'

Mr Hann and Mr Chavez are said to have founded Kichwa Pathfinder Tours less than a year ago.

The company, described as a '100 per cent indigenous-owned social enterprise' which 'offers an authentic gateway to the heart of the Amazon', ran small-guided tours with jungle camping or community stays with indigenous people in the area.

Mr Chavez accused Mr Hann of being deceitful and taking money from customers without putting it through the business accounts

Mr Hann and Mr Chavez are said to have founded Kichwa Pathfinder Tours less than a year ago

The company, described as a '100 per cent indigenous-owned social enterprise', 'offers an authentic gateway to the heart of the Amazon'

The seemingly happy friendship between the co-founders took a turn when Mr Chavez (pictured) accused Mr Hann of secretly taking payments from tourists

In the past 12 months, travellers from across the world praised the company, particularly praising the 'amazing' locals guide who helped them immerse themselves within Amazonian indigenous cultures and spot rare wildlife.

The entrepreneurs had struck up a friendship after Mr Hann, who taught English to local schoolchildren, arrived in the community a few years prior and, according to locals, ended up living with Mr Chavez's parents.

Yet two weeks ago, the seemingly happy friendship between co-founders took a turn when Mr Chavez accused Mr Hann of secretly taking payments from tourists and not sharing the profits with the local community.

One family friend of Rodrigo told MailOnline: 'I was happy when they first founded Kichwa Pathfinder Tours about a year ago because I thought it would help generate employment in the community.

'However, two weeks ago, unclear economic problems arose between them, which generated conflicts. I never thought it would end like this.'

'Mr Chavez threatened Mr Hann first for taking payments from tourists and not paying back the community,' a local guide added.

While local police sources told MailOnline the British man's real name is thought to be Michael Hann, formal identification and confirmation is yet to take place.

Locals said that Mr Hann had arrived in ambiguous circumstances.

A local guide, who did not want to be named, said: 'There were doubts about his true identity. He called himself George and refused to be photographed or filmed. He did not use social media accounts.

'He claimed he was born in South Africa. People in the community had initially thought he was from Colombia, based on his appearance, but he spoke with an unmistakable British accent.

The killing has shocked the region, which was placed under a state of emergency last year following a wave of violence

The firm ran small-guided tours with jungle camping or community stays with indigenous people in the area

A photo from the company website of Kichwa Pathfinder Tours - the firm that Mr Hann and Mr Chavez ran together

'During the years he lived in Cuyabeno, he never left Playas de Cuyabeno, a remote area  an extremely unusual behavior for a foreigner. Some suspected he was hiding from something or someone.'

Another family friend said: 'This was a horrible and traumatic case for the communities that witnessed the act. We're all shocked. They were my friends, and I was saddened by what happened.

'Mr Hann said he was from the UK and had been in Ecuador for several years, meeting new people until he arrived in our community, where this tragic incident occurred.

'The community is shocked by what happened, and we're analyzing new rules for visitors in the future, such as document checks and limited stays.'

'We are still trying to establish the specific identity of the citizen we believe is a British national,' the police chief in Ecuador explained last night.

'We're presuming he's English, although we don't have documents that prove his nationality status. We're trying to confirm all the information including his migration status.

'We don't have any proven information relating to how long he had been in this community.'

The killing has shocked the region, which was placed under a state of emergency last year following a wave of violence, with 159 murders recorded - a staggering 70 per cent spike compared to the previous year.

Playas del Cuyabeno, despite its isolation, has seen an influx of international tourists and volunteers due to its proximity to one of Ecuador's most treasured conservation areas.

The Foreign Office warns against 'all but essential travel' to scenic areas around the Ecuador-Colombia border like the Sucumbios province 'due to the presence of organised crime linked to the production and trafficking of drugs'.

Latin America has for decades been synonymous with the drug trade thanks to ruthless cartels and criminal gangs whose power and brutality cannot by tamed by the government or the armed forces.

Some countries like Ecuador had managed to remain relatively peaceful for decades, despite bordering the notorious cocaine hotspots of Colombia and Peru.

But the coastal nation has seen murder rates soar in recent years as drug lords and criminal masterminds dug their hooks into fresh territory and exploited its ports for maximum profit.

The gruesome lynching came at the end of a Kichwa community event, according to local media.

The Kichwa, Ecuador's largest indigenous group in the Amazon, number around 55,000 people and are protected under Article 171 of the national constitution, which grants them jurisdiction within their territories based on ancestral customs - as long as those customs do not violate national or international human rights law.
President Donald Trump will hold the first 'rally' of his second term on the eve of his first 100 days in office in a Michigan swing district.

The Detroit News first reported the trip, which will come Tuesday after the president makes a whirlwind trip to Rome this weekend to attend Pope Francis' funeral.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted to X about the trip Wednesday night.

'President Trump is excited to return to the great state of Michigan next Tuesday, where he will rally in Macomb County to celebrate the FIRST 100 DAYS!' Leavitt wrote.

Michigan is one of the three 'blue wall' states Trump turned red during his shock 2016 victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

President Joe Biden grabbed them back in 2020 - along with the traditional Republican states of Georgia and Arizona.

In 2024, Trump won all those states back, flipped Nevada and retained North Carolina, to win all seven swing states over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

President Donald Trump is heading to Macomb County, Michigan Tuesday, which is the eve of his second term's 100-day mark

President Donald Trump's final 2024 campaign rally was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan - the same city and state where he held it in 2016 and 2020

Trump last traveled to Michigan for a final campaign rally in Grand Rapids, after also holding court in North Carolina and Pennsylvania on the Monday before Election Day.

At the time, he got nostalgic about it being his last big political rally as a candidate for president of the United States.

'This has been an incredible journey. Its very sad in a way. This is the last one,' he told the Michigan crowd.

He had also held his final rallies of 2016 and 2020 in Grand Rapids.

Macomb County is significant because while voters there chose President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, it flipped to Trump in 2016 and has stayed with him since.

The county stretches northeast of Detroit through the suburbs and into rural areas, hugging a portion of Lake St. Clair.

Since entering office in January, Trump has eschewed the kind of day trips Biden would regularly do.

Early on he visited both North Carolina and California to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and the wildfires, respectively.

President Donald Trump has mostly just traveled to Mar-a-Lago weekends in his first 100 days but will make his first trip abroad this weekend and then hold a 'rally' in Michigan Tuesday

Most of his travel since then has been to Mar-a-Lago on weekends.

He's also attended a handful of sporting events including the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500.

Trump was originally supposed to make his first foreign trip one to the Middle East - as Saudi Arabia was the first country he visited as president in 2017 - but the Pope's death on Monday changed things.

The White House did announce the dates this week of the Middle Eastern swing. Trump will travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 16.

Despite not being a candidate, there have been hints that Trump wasn't going to give up his beloved rallies.

In a recent interview, Secret Service Director Sean Curran told Trump's daughter-in-law Lara for her Fox News program that Secret Service agents were getting training on how to handle the president attending large-scale events, admitting that it was 'something that our agency wasn't quite used to.'

'We are training our agents and officers to be prepared for those large-scale events that have become new to us and so often,' Curran said.

Trump, of course, was nearly assassinated at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July, though resumed large-scale rallies before Election Day.
An environmental protestor vandalized a presidential placard in New York City's Trump Tower in a bold act of rebellion against the administration.

Nathaniel Smith, 36, of Brooklyn, proudly sported a black t-shirt reading 'Join, or Die' as he tarnished Donald Trump's plaque with neon green spray paint on Wednesday around noon, according to NYPD.

The protester, a member of UK-founded global environmental group Extinction Rebellion, was seen calmly spraying 'USA' across the 45th president's placard before kneeling on the ground in front of his work as spectators watched in awe.

Extinction Rebellion told DailyMail.com the spray paint was 'removable chalk' and Smith's graffiti was 'a plea for the country to transcend the failing government institutions that brought the country to the current point of climate collapse.'

Other members of the self-proclaimed 'civil disobedience' organization were also inside the Midtown building as Smith defaced the property, taking photos and videos of him in action.

'I did this because I am an American. It is my duty to stand up for my country, and my Earth, when a government becomes destructive of our right to Life,' Smith said in a statement shared with DailyMail.com.

'Donald Trump and the regime of private interests he works for - who donate equally to each party - are destructive of your inalienable right to Life.'

Just as Secret Service agents approached the protestor, he pulled out a yellow banner reading '4= Game Over' over Extinction Rebellion's logo.

Nathaniel Smith, 36, (pictured) of Brooklyn, proudly sported a black t-shirt reading 'Join, or Die' as he vandalized Donald Trump 's presidential plaque with neon green spray paint on Wednesday around noon

Secret Service agents swarmed Smith and escorted him out of Trump Tower in handcuffs (pictured: Smith being led out of the Midtown building by police)

Other members of the environmental activism group Extinction Rebellion watched as Smith painted 'USA' across the plaque in Trump Tower in Midtown (pictured)

The '4' message refers to concerns about global temperatures rising, resulting in irreversible climate consequences.

According to the UN Climate Summit, a four-degree Celsius global temperature increase could lead to six to 14 meters of sea level rise over several hundred years.

These rising sea levels would 'inundate all the worlds coastal city locations,' the summit wrote in 2023.

After a few moments he was swarmed by police officers who handcuffed the brazen demonstrator and pulled him away from the vandalized presidential symbol.

'This is your country!' Smith shouted while being escorted out of Trump Tower as the officers instructed the intrigued crowd to clear out.

'This is our planet, this is our country...You cannot ruin it without comment, they are ruining the planet for profit.'

He was charged with making graffiti, possession graffiti instruments and criminal tampering in the third degree, the NYPD told DailyMail.com. Smith is still in custody as of Wednesday evening, according to the climate group.

Extinction Rebellion has become characterized by the shock-tactics its activists use to capture the attention of the public and the media.

After a few minutes of kneeling in front of the placard, authorities approached and arrested the demonstrator

In another jaw-dropping stunt, protestors spray painted 'f*ck DOGE!' and 'DOGE' being crossed out on the windows of Tesla's Manhattan showroom on Tuesday (pictured)

In another jaw-dropping stunt, protestors spray painted 'f*ck DOGE!' and 'DOGE' being crossed out on the windows of Tesla's Manhattan showroom on Tuesday.

'F*ck DOGE! We do not consent to our governments reckless behavior. The social contract is broken,' the group wrote on Instagram.

'We refuse to be bystanders like the Democrats, we refuse to wait for the climate and ecological emergency to proceed beyond the point of no return.'

Extinction Rebellion has made it clear their efforts are not specifically aimed at Trump, but at any political figure that is not tackling environmental issues or is contributing to them.

In his reflective statement shared with DailyMail.com about the Wednesday protest, Smith asserted that 'switching blue is not the solve' to the climate crisis.

'All American political parties are equally complicit in inaction which has brought us to this point,' he said.

'Kamala Harris climate platform was fracked gas, much deadlier than regular.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Trump Hotels for comment on Wednesday's incident.
New York prosecutors revealed shocking new allegations against disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein as his retrial on rape and sexual assault charges got underway on Wednesday.

The ailing 73-year-old former producer has previously been accused of sexually assaulting aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and raping production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006.

But last year, the New York Court of Appeals astonishingly ruled that Weinstein did not receive a fair trial - and tossed out his 23-year sentence for the alleged crimes.

In the retrial, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is once again accusing Weinstein of these crimes - as well as an additional charge of sexual assault stemming from a 2006 incident with an aspiring model and actress, Kaja Sokola.

He is criminally charged with forcing oral sex on her at the time, but she also accused him in a civil lawsuit of groping her against her will four years earlier, when she was just 16 years old.

Detailing the incident in court on Wednesday, Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey told jurors how the now-convicted criminal first met Sokola in 2002, when she first moved to the United States to pursue an acting career.

She claimed the once-renowned movie and television producer preyed on the teen's desire to be in the movies when he invited her to lunch to discuss potential acting jobs, but detoured to his apartment and demanded she take off her shirt.

He then allegedly told the teenager, 'This is what happens in the industry. You have to be comfortable removing your clothes,' Lucey claimed, according to the Mirror US.

New York prosecutors revealed shocking new allegations against disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein as his retrial on rape and sexual assault charges got under way on Wednesday

Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey detailed Weinstein's alleged interaction with model Kaja Sokola (pictured) when she was just 16 years old

The movie producer then allegedly brought the teenager to a bathroom, where he took off his clothes and put her hand on his penis.

At that point, Lucey claimed, Weinstein told Sokola: 'See it wasn't so bad? You've got to work on your stubbornness.

'This changed Kaia in ways she's still dealing with today,' the assistant district attorney said in her opening statement.

The allegations were previously detailed in a civil suit settled with Disney, Bob Weinstein and Miramax for $3 million, but Sokola was not identified in the lawsuit.

Yet Weinstein is not facing charges for that alleged interaction - and is instead being charged for a different incident in 2006.

In that case, prosecutors say, Weinstein invited Sokola - who maintained contact with the producer despite the first encounter - and her sister to a Manhattan hotel room to read some scripts.

There, he allegedly ordered her to undress, held her down on a bed, and performed oral sex on her while she tearfully implored him not to do so, Lucey said.

In the weeks after, Sokola was photographed with Weinstein and a third person at an event, and his company wrote her an acting-school recommendation, the prosecutor said. Lucey told jurors that power imbalances often 'cause victims to behave in ways that laypersons possibly might not expect.'

But after other allegations emerged against Weinstein in 2017, Sokola sued.

Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and one count of third-degree rape

At issue in the retrial is previous sexual assault charges against aspiring actress Jessica Mann (left) and production assistant Mimi Haleyi that were dropped last year. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has revived those charges

Lucey made similar claims about Weinstein's other alleged victims.

She said that Haleyi was doing production work for Weinstein in the early 2000s, and that on July 10, 2006, he sent a car to bring her to his New York City apartment.

There, Weinstein allegedly started to 'kiss and grope her' before he pushed her onto a bad and got on top of her - despite her telling him repeatedly to stop, prosecutors claim.

Mann, meanwhile, met Weinstein around 2012 when they met up presumably to discuss her acting career.

The producer was allegedly able to get Mann up to a private room at a restaurant and asked her to take her shirt off so he could give her a massage, prosecutors said. Mann later gave him a massage when he asked for one.

The following year, Mann claimed Weinstein lured her to a hotel room and raped her three times, Lucey said.

She then went on to argue that all three women only maintained their relationships with Weinstein due to his power in Hollywood.

'Why did the defendant hold this level of power and control in the eyes of these three women? ... Its because Harvey Weinstein defined the field,' she said.

'He knew how tempting promises of success were. He produced, he choreographed, he therefore directed, their ultimate silence for years.'

Weinstein's defense attorney Arthur Aidala (pictured speaking with Weinstein on Wednesday) portrayed his accusers as willing partners in a showbiz quid pro quo

But Weinstein's defense attorney Arthur Aidala countered by portraying Weinstein's accusers as willing partners in a showbiz quid pro quo.

'The casting couch is not a crime scene,' Aidala told the majority-female jury. He then compared prosecutors allegations to the preview of a movie that 'falls flat on its face.'

He conceded that Weinstein did 'fool around' with the alleged victims, but argued they did so 'consensually' in an effort to 'cut the line,' according to the Independent.

The attorney argued that each of the three alleged victims were 'flirtatious' in their interactions with Weinstein because he 'could change the trajectory of their lives and make dreams come true.'

Addressing Sokola's allegations directly, Aidala claimed they were 'based on a lie' as he argued that the young model has a 'lot of problems' including an alleged eating disorder and alcohol addiction.

The attorney then went on to praise the disgraced movie mogul, speaking to his notoriety in Hollywood and describing him as 'generous' and 'the greatest movie executive, at the very least of his generation.'

Aidala then asked the jury to look at the full picture, calling the alleged incidents 'minutes' of the former producer's larger story.

Weinstein - who did not look at Lucey or the jury during her opening statement - watched intently as his attorney spoke

Weinstein - who did not look at Lucey or the jury during her opening statement - watched intently as his attorney spoke.

He has pleaded not guilty to the two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and one count of third-degree rape. Meanwhile, his 2020 acquittals on predatory sexual assault and first-degree rape still stand.

The new trial, which will be presided over by state Supreme Court Justice Curtis Farber, is expected to last roughly six weeks, Reuters reported.

During that time, Weinstein will be held at New York City's Bellevue Hospital, rather than the notorious Rikers prison, due to his declining health.

'We're hoping that Mr. Weinstein is going to get a fair trial this time,' Imran Ansari, one of his lawyers, told reporters. 'He wants to clear his name.'

If he were to be convicted, Weinstein could see decades tacked onto his already lengthy prison sentence.

He is currently serving 16 years for a separate conviction in Los Angeles in 2022 - though his attorneys are also appealing that conviction.
The chilling voice of a Kansas man echoed through a women's changing room as he uttered four haunting words, all while exposing himself to a young girl and her mother.

A mother and her seven-year-old daughter were changing in the women's locker room of a North Kansas City YMCA fitness center earlier this month when the sound of a man's voice sent chills down their spine, prompting them to leave the stall, Fox 4 KC reported.

But on their way out, the disturbing sight of a naked man with his genitals exposed left them in utter disbelief.

When confronted about what he was doing, the indecent man simply responded: 'Honey, I'm a woman'.

On April 12, the unnamed seven-year-old girl had just finished her swimming lessons at the YMCA when she and her mother went to the locker rooms to dry off and change.

It was while the pair were still in the stall that they heard the distinct sound of a man's voice coming from inside the women's dedicated changing room.

Together, they left the stall - only to be confronted seconds later with a naked man exposing himself.

The genitals were out in the open for anyone - including her young daughter - to see.

A mother and her seven-year-old daughter were leaving the women's changing room of a North Kansas City YMCA fitness center when they were met with the disturbing sight of a naked man with his genitals exposed in the locker room

When the unnamed mother confronted the man about what he was doing naked in the women's changing rooms, he bluntly responded: 'Honey, I'm a woman

The mother immediately questioned the man's vile act, demanding to know what in the world he was doing - naked - in a space where women are supposed to feel safe.

'Honey, I'm a woman,' the mother recalled the man bluntly responding.

Sprinting out of the changing room, she and her daughter then went to a staff member to report the unsettling incident.

'This is not a case of transitional status,' the mother, who wishes to remain anonymous to protect her family, told Fox 4.

'This is an issue of somebody showing their body parts to my child in a room where she should be safe from such things.'

Dozens of mothers were left unsettled as news of the incident spread, particularly given that hundreds of children attend swim lessons at the facility and likely use the women's locker room to change after their session ends.

'Shock, because I have an 11-year-old that comes here often with me and works out,' Angela Bush, a YMCA member, told Fox 4. 'It's definitely a shock.'

'My 11-year-old does use that locker room, especially after we go to the pool,' Bush added.

The disturbing incident occurred on April 12, just after the unnamed seven-year-old girl finished her swimming lessons at the YMCA and headed to the locker rooms with her mother to dry off and change

The YMCA launched its own investigation into the incident and released a statement, which said: 'We follow all state and local laws, and individuals are allowed to use the locker room or restroom that they identify with'

'In there, you either have to use the closed-off showers or try to change as quickly as possible. It's definitely shocking and something we'll be looking out for a little bit more.'

Following the mother's report, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City launched its own formal investigation into the matter, stating that they are 'aware of a reported incident in the locker room' but are 'unable to provide further details at this time'.

'We follow all state and local laws, and individuals are allowed to use the locker room or restroom that they identify with,' the facility said in a statement to Fox 4.

'At the North Kansas City YMCA, we also have four private universal changing rooms available, separate from the larger shared locker rooms, for anyone who prefers the privacy they offer,' the statement added.

'The safety and well-being of all of our members is a priority, and we take this concern seriously.'

In the statement, YMCA also emphasized the importance of wearing a towel, wrap or other clothes at all times while using any of the facility's shared spaces - a rule that is stressed to members upon joining.

Along with the YMCA, the North Kansas City Police Department also confirmed an active investigation into the mother's indecent exposure report, though they did not share any further details.

In August of last year, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey launched an investigation into Life Time Fitness - a separate fitness chain - for a similar problem within the establishment's locker rooms.

In August of last year, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey launched an investigation into Life Time Fitness - a separate fitness chain - for allowing Eric Montano, a transgender-identifying male who exposed himself in the women's changing room, to access the female spaces throughout the gym

In January, Donald Trump signed a one-day executive order declaring that the government will only recognize two sexes - male and female

Life Time reportedly allowed Eric Montano, a transgender-identifying male, to access the female spaces throughout the gym, National Review reported.

However, the decision was met with numerous complaints from female members, particularly because Montano exposed himself while in the women's changing room before.

The gym ultimately revoked Montano's membership, citing that 'Life Time was presented with multiple, publicly available statements which could affect the safety and security at one of our clubs', a spokesperson told National Review.

In a notice of investigation addressed to the facility's CEO, Bailey wrote that he will 'vigorously defend and enforce Missouri's laws'.

'If you insist on endangering women and young girls in our state, in open defiance of the law, be assured you will face the consequences,' the document read.

In January, Donald Trump signed a one-day executive order declaring that the government will only recognize two sexes - male and female.

This meant that all 'intimate spaces designated for women, girls or females' will be determined by sex rather than gender identity.

Just last week, the United Kingdom's Supreme Court announced in a landmark judgement that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex, signaling a revolt against woke policies.

Lord Hodge said that five Supreme Court justices had unanimously decided that 'the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a 'biological woman and biological sex'.

He recognized 'the strength of feeling on both sides' and cautioned against seeing the judgement as a triumph for one side over another, stressing that the law still gives trans people protection against discrimination.

Just last week, the Supreme Court announced in a landmark judgement that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner (pictured) described the Supreme Court ruling as 'enormously consequential' and vowed to pursue organizations which do not update their policies

President Trump's one-day executive order in January meant that all 'intimate spaces designated for women, girls or females' will be determined by sex rather than gender identity

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.'

The decision could have far-reaching implications on how sex-based rights apply, including how women-only spaces are allowed to operate.

Lawyers suggested that transgender women may be asked to use disabled bathrooms at work following the Supreme Court's decision, as they are set to be barred from both female bathrooms and sports.

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner described the ruling as 'enormously consequential' and vowed to pursue organizations which do not update their policies.

On 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.

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 organizations providing a third space, such as unisex toilets, and suggested that trans rights organizations 'should be using their powers of advocacy to ask for those third spaces'.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has agreed to collaborate with ICE and hand over an illegal immigrant convicted of vehicular manslaughter after widespread fury about the man's impending release from prison.

Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano was driving drunk, under the influence of drugs, and at speed when he crashed into a car being driven by 19-year-old sweethearts Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin in November 2021.

The couple both burned to death in the fiery wreckage.

The 43-year-old had been deported from the United States twice prior to the incident but had illegally crossed the border again.

Days after the crash, Immigrants and Customs Enforcement authorities issued a detainer with the Orange County Jail in an effort to keep track of his whereabouts.

It has since emerged that a court recently granted Ortega-Anguiano parole and he was due to walk free in July - having served just 3.5 years of his sentence.

He had been ordered to remain behind bars for two 10-year jail terms, to be served concurrently, for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

The victims' families learned of the horrifying decision on Easter Sunday, sparking mass backlash amid the state of California's long held sanctuary city status.

During Newsom's inauguration speech in 2019, he vowed California would remain 'a sanctuary to all who seek it' and even vowed to 'Trump-proof' the state following the 2024 election.

But now, he has sensationally vowed to work with ICE authorities to ensure Ortega-Anguiano is transferred to their custody and doesn't wind up back on the streets.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has blocked a plan to release an illegal immigrant convicted of vehicular manslaughter amid fury about sanctuary city policies

Oscar Eduardo Ortega-Anguiano was driving drunk, high, and at speed when he crashed into a car being driven by 19-year-old sweethearts Anya Varfolomeev and Nicholay Osokin in November 2021 (picture credit: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)

As a sanctuary city, local authorities can limit their cooperation with federal immigration agencies and refuse to share details about the inmate's whereabouts.

But Newsom's press office on Wednesday maintained that would not be the case.

'After being deported in 2013, this individual unlawfully re-entered the US & committed heinous crimes,' the press office said on X.

'A GOP DA then gave him a plea deal instead of pursuing 2nd-degree murder.

'CDCR [California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation] will again coordinate with ICEas they have w/ 10,000+ inmatesto transfer him before release.'

In an effort to combat the mounting bad press as new shocking details emerged of Ortega-Anguiano's criminal past, the press office shared 14 separate posts over the span of 12 hours insisting they would cooperate with ICE.

ICE revealed he was convicted of burglary in 2005, theft of a vehicle in 2007 and battery on a spouse with kidnapping in 2014.

'An immigration judge ordered Ortega removed Nov. 3, 2014; he filed several unsuccessful appeals and was taken into ICE custody Dec. 2, 2016, and removed to Mexico the same day,' ICE revealed.

Anya Varfolomeeva and Nicholay Osokin were killed in the horror crash

The teen sweethearts' devastated families learned on Easter Sunday that their killer had been granted parole

'Ortega attempted to reenter the United States Feb. 2, 2018... by presenting a counterfeit document; he was paroled into the U.S. pending criminal prosecution for illegal reentry after removal.

'An immigration official issued Ortega an expedited removal order and removed him June 1, 2018, to Mexico.

'After his latest removal, he again illegally reentered the U.S. on an unknown date and location.'

Trump's border czar Tom Homan had earlier vowed to do whatever it takes to remove Ortega-Anguiano, even if local authorities refused to assist.

'I will work with [Homeland Security] Secretary Noem on this case,' he said.

'I guarantee you, if they don't honor the detainer, we'll have ICE agents outside that facility to take custody of this individual and deport him.'

Trump's border czar Tom Homan had earlier vowed to do whatever it takes to remove Ortega-Anguiano, even if local authorities refused to assist

The grieving families of both victims said they couldn't understand why authorities had deemed him eligible for parole after such a short period of time served.

'It's disgusting. You have two young, unbelievable future, productive American citizens killed for nothing and that illegal immigrant who already has been deported twice is going to be released again? For what?' Varfolomeev's father told Fox News.

And Nicholay's father Pavel said he hoped the parole would be reversed so Ortega-Anguiano would 'get old in prison' and be deported at the end of his full sentence.

'Three years for killing two kids! It's confusing to me. Why you give them 10 if they're gonna spend five, and then three?' he said.

'Give them three in the beginning, at least we know what to expect. It's sort of spitting in my face.'
A small business owner has defended public holiday surcharges on customers, arguing they are necessary to cover the insanely high pay of his staff who are 'earning CEO wages'.

Ahmed Wassel is the boss of Drip Bar - a juice, smoothie and crepe cafe - that operates in Carlton and South Morang in Melbourne.

He said staff are legally required to be paid more than double on public holidays and that he would make a loss if he did not impose a surcharge.

'Public holiday rates are no joke ... legally have to pay up to 2.5 times usual wages,' he said on a video shared to TikTok on Tuesday following the Easter long weekend.

'We pay our team properly and give them what they're entitled to. That's why there's a surcharge. Thanks for supporting a legit small biz.'

In the video he asked his staff how much they were getting paid an hour on the public holiday.

'$42.18 to shuck strawberries,' one replied.

'I guess $62.45 ... I just clocked in,' another said.

Ahmed Wassel - boss of juice, smoothie and crepe cafe Drip Bar in the Melbourne suburbs of Carlton and South Morang - said staff legally need to be paid at least double on public holidays

Another said she was on the same rate and was only 18 years old.

Another worker, who was stopped while taking the bins out, said she was 16 and was getting $42.18 an hour for the day.

Mr Wassel said he was not getting any extra money himself and it was all going towards the business and his staff.

'I'm getting 0.001 cents an hour to blend bananas and vibes,' he said.

'That's why we have a surcharge, to pay our staff what they rightfully deserve.'

Mr Wassel told Yahoo he usually had about five to seven staff on a shift.

The week before Easter, wages had cost him about $7,000, but that jumped to about $12,000 for the week that included the long weekend public holidays.

He said his business applies a 15 per cent public holiday surcharge but, with the cost of electricity, rent and super all increasing alongside wages, it was still not enough to get ahead.

Social media users were divided over the surcharges being rolled out at businesses.

He said it cost him about $5,000 extra in wages to open during the Easter long weekend period

'Years ago public holidays would mean shops would close,' one wrote.

'Then they were allowed to open, happy to make what ever additional money they can.'

'These days no small business can survive opening a public holiday without the surcharge, except the ones paying cash, but then a worker would rather stay home on Easter or Christmas.'

Another said that Ms Wassel could 'just not open' if he could not add a surcharge to afford to pay staff.

The Easter and Anzac Day long weekends saw diners slugged with about $24.6million in surcharge fees from hospitality business across the country.

Businesses levy an average surcharge of 15 per cent in order to reclaim the costs of staff over the public holidays.
Donald Trump last night launched a scathing attack on Volodymyr Zelensky after he rejected the terms of a Ukraine peace deal.

The US President accused him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to give up territory.

And Mr Trump warned the Ukrainian president he can have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country. The White House tried to turn the screw yesterday, with vice president JD Vance telling Kyiv to surrender land or the US would walk away.

But Mr Zelensky is refusing to countenance any Russian claim to annexed Crimea, or hand over a fifth of the country to the Kremlin, as per the US-dictated deal put forward.

Planned high-level talks in London were scuppered yesterday when two members of Mr Trumps top team suddenly pulled out.

Peace envoy Steve Witkoff and secretary of state Marco Rubio were due to sit down with UK, European and Ukrainian officials, hosted by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

But in a humiliating move, they withdrew at the 11th hour, sending Ukraine special envoy Keith Kellogg instead, as Kyiv refused to buckle to American ultimatums.

Instead, Mr Witkoff was said to be on his way to Moscow last night for a meeting with Vladimir Putin tomorrow.

Donald Trump (pictured) last night launched a scathing attack on Volodymyr Zelensky after he rejected the terms of a Ukraine peace deal

The US President accused Zelensky (pictured) of prolonging the killing field by refusing to give up territory'

Rescuers work at the site of a Russian airstrike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Sloviansk, Donetsk region Ukraine April 23, 2025

US attempts to strongarm Ukraine into concessions have also placed strain on the special relationship with Britain.

Downing Street insisted that substantive talks were still possible. But privately ministers are furious about the US stance  and alarmed that the White House is poised to sell out Ukraines interests to Putin.

One minister told the Mail: The US are f***ing up everything  on Ukraine, on tariffs, on everything.

Last night former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace told the Mail: The next war will happen not because of Ukraines actions but because of Donald Trump and his red-neck team of Walter Mittys, media pundits and real estate salesmen who fail to understand the world we live in.

Every point on Trumps latest deal strengthens the Kremlin and weakens the West. Every point emboldens Iran and China.

'The consequences for ordinary Americans is great. If Trump continues this way the great country of the United States will find itself isolated, friendless and broke.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said Britain will never walk away from Ukraine.

Under terms put forward by the US, Ukraine would give up captured land and be barred from joining Nato.

Meanwhile Russia would receive billions of pounds in frozen assets and economic sanctions imposed following its 2022 illegal invasion would be relaxed.

The United States would recognise Crimea  illegally invaded in 2014  as the Kremlins, while Washington would take control of Ukraines Zaporizhzhia power station and feed electricity to Russia.

A building in the residential neighbourhood of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine is damaged after being struck by a Russian guided aerial bomb on April 22, 2025

Mr Trump had earmarked today as the day to sign a deal guaranteeing $1billion from exports of Ukraines rare minerals as pay back for US military support.

Regarding conceding defeat over Crimea, Mr Zelensky told the Wall Street Journal: Theres nothing to discuss  this lies outside our constitution. This is our territory, the land of the Ukrainian people. This will not happen.

Last night Mr Trump ranted on his Truth Social platform: Zelensky is boasting that Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. He has nothing to boast about.

Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion.

'Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it 11 years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? Inflammatory statements like that make it so difficult to settle this war.

He can have peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country. The statement by Zelensky will do nothing but prolong the killing field and nobody wants that.

'We are very close to a deal but the man with no cards to play should, finally, GET IT DONE. I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia get out of this complete and total MESS.

Earlier Mr Vance told reporters on a trip to India: Weve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it is time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from the process.

Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze following a drone attack in Poltava, Ukraine on Tuesday

A Ukrainian serviceman of the 108th Territorial Defence Forces Brigade carries an artillery shell at a frontline position, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region

A firefighter mans a hose as they work to extinguish a fire following an aerial guided bomb in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine on Monday, March 31, 2025

Conceding sovereignty of the Crimea peninsula was one of seven clauses in a peace plan put together by Mr Witkoff following a five-hour meeting with Putin in St Petersburg last week.

Russia would also keep four provinces in eastern Ukraine  Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia  making the millions of Ukrainians living there Russian citizens overnight.

Last night, Mr Zelensky posted a conciliatory message on X, writing: Emotions have run high today. But it is good that five countries met to bring peace closer. Ukraine, the USA, the UK, France and Germany...We hope that it is exactly such joint work that will lead to lasting peace.
Prospective tenants of an NSW apartment would have to leave the property most weekends as the landlord wants to keep using for coastal getaways.

The female landlord is currently looking for a tenant for the 'fabulous' two-bedroom apartment in Nelson Bay, two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney, for $380-a-week.

Renters would enjoy an 'amazing third level view of the ocean overlooking Nelson Bay with a massive balcony and living area'.

But they would only be able to reside in the home 85 per cent of the time and would be required to leave whenever the landlord fancied a break from Sydney.

'You will be expected to vacate the property so the owner can use the apartment for her sole use about 15 per cent of the time, about 30 days over six months, mainly Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights,' the listing states.

The listing went on to say the 'owner is a working professional from Sydney who loves this weekender to come to when time permits'.

The terms of the lease left many people stunned.

'I'd like to think with such an insane condition that it's really cheap,' one said.

The Nelson Bay property looks appealing but there's an inconvenient condition involved

Aussies renting a property in an idyllic coastal getaway would be required to vacate the home for up to a month if their landlord wanted to stay (the listing is pictured)

Pictured is the view from the apartment in Nelson Bay, north of Sydney

'I can't imagine anyone agreeing to that disruption, unless there was a house-swap going on so the renter could stay in the owner's place in Sydney.'

CEO of the Tenants' Union of New South Wales, Leo Patterson Ross, told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday there could be issues arising under the conditions.

'This practice is likely to lead to disputes with confusion and frustration around the actual usage,' he said.

'We need listings sites like flatmates.com.au (which is owned by the REA group) to ensure listings are compliant with relevant laws and this may require regulation of the sector from Fair Trading NSW.'

The $380-a-week rent does not cover internet or bills. The property, which requires tenants to sign a minimum three-month lease is about 500metres from Nelson Bay.

Despite the unusual terms, most expected the landlord would find a tenant because there was a severe shortage of options in Australia's overbid housing market.

'Accommodation is stupidly scarce at the bay. I've no doubt this person will get someone to agree to this. It's really gotten way too out of hand,' one wrote.

'I've actually never seen this. Can you imagine having to leave your house... and the landlord sleeps in your bed,' another said.
A chilling photo snapped the moment an instructor is seen safely paddleboarding down a fish pass just seconds before she led four daytrippers to their deaths in a swollen river.

Former policewoman Nerys Lloyd, 39, organised the weekend paddleboard outing on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, which ended in tragedy.

Paddleboarders Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40, Andrea Powell, 41, and co-instructor Paul O'Dwyer, 42, all died when they were dragged over the raging water on the weir in October 2021 in what the prosecution described as a 'chaotic episode of some 20 seconds'.

Lloyd had not warned the participants about the weir despite weather warnings and a flood alert being in place - nor had she given them a safety briefing, a court heard.

After she was jailed for 10years and six months for gross negligence manslaughter yesterday, a photo of Lloyd was released showing her going down the fish pass just moments before the disaster.

Bodycam video also showed Lloyd talking to a police officer about what had happened - telling her that the group 'fell in'.

Separate body-worn video also showed emergency services arriving at the weir, showing the paddleboards below it and the water conditions on the river.

A clip of Lloyd speaking to police was captured near the location known as Fortune's Frolic, on the east bank of the river, several hundred yards downstream from the weir.

This is the haunting moment paddleboard instructor Nerys Lloyd is seen safely paddleboarding down a fish pass just seconds before she led four daytrippers to their deaths in a swollen river

Paddleboards can be seen in the centre of this image underneath the weir in Haverfordwest

A grab from police bodycam footage October 30, 2021 issued by the Crown Prosecution Service shows Nerys Lloyd at the riverside in Haverfordwest following the accident

Former police officer Nerys Lloyd, 39, was today jailed for 10 years and six months

Picture of the weir where Lloyd guided the tragic paddleboarders over during low flow conditions

Lloyd was heard saying: 'Channel them down to the centre point, it's a group paddle and they just didn't go down the middle, so they went over the falls and they fell in.

'Some of them went off their boards. I had to get back up, but because I was the first one down, I flew downstream and I was trying to get back to them, but I couldn't.'

At the time the video was filmed, Lloyd was unaware that four people had died - and later attempted to blame her co-instructor Mr O'Dwyer, who was one of the victims.

Horrifyingly, the party were dragged over the 4ft weir and sucked into the churning torrent - trapped by the equivalent of nearly two tonnes of water crossing a one-metre-wide section every second.

Any chance of escape from the intense pressure - which created a recirculating flow similar to a washing machine - was made even harder by the 'unsuitable' leashes attaching them to the boards, a judge said.

Lloyd, a suspended firearms officer, was the owner and director of Salty Dog Co Ltd when she led the Stand Up Paddle tour on the fast-flowing river.

She said 'I'm going to jail for this' just moments after finding out her co-instructor Mr O'Dwyer had died - and even attempted to lay blame on him, Swansea Crown Court heard.

Photographs from the scene showed the large weir with a fish ramp in the middle 'only slightly wider than the width of a paddleboard' and a concrete landing platform to the side.

Lloyd at the riverside in Haverfordwest following the accident which claimed the lives of four people

The treacherous waters at the foot of the weir which claimed the lives of four people in the UK's worst paddleboarding tragedy in October 2021 - pictured the day after the tragedy

Health worker Nicola Wheatley (left) and her co-instructor Paul O'Dwyer (right) died in the tragedy

Morgan Rogers (left), 24, and Andrea Powell (right) also drowned in the flooded weir

Lloyd (pictured centre, wearing a white shirt) arriving at Swansea Crown Court for her second day of sentencing

Images taken a day after the tragedy show the foaming, swollen water at the bottom of the weir - in stark contrast to the calm condition of the river when Lloyd carried out a reconnaissance visit weeks earlier.

Lloyd was able to navigate herself down the fish ramp on her board before 'one by one' each of the seven others were swept over the face of the weir and fell off their paddleboards, the court heard.

In emotional victim impact statements delivered to the court yesterday, the bereaved families criticised 'arrogant' and 'cowardly' Lloyd for her lack of remorse.

Lloyd, a former firearms officer for South Wales Police, appeared in the dock wearing a white shirt and dark trousers.

She stared straight ahead at the judge as her sentence was read out, only nodding her head and mouthing 'thank you'.

Jailing her for 10 years and six months, Mrs Justice Stacey said the quartet who died were 'cut off in their prime'.

She said 'moving' statements from their grieving families 'I fear barely scratch the surface of their devastation at the loss of their loved ones'.

Lloyd organised the weekend paddleboard outing on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest

Pictured on a calmer day, the weir on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, which claimed the lives of four paddleboarders in October 2021

Nerys Lloyd, 39, admitted the manslaughter of four paddleboarders who drowned after getting caught up in a flooded weir in hazardous conditions

The judge said there were Met Office weather warnings at that time, as well as a flood alert in place through Natural Resources Wales.

She highlighted how hours after the tragedy - in a conversation inadvertently recorded on her phone - Lloyd told her wife that it had been her own fault and she was 'finished'.

Earlier David Elias KC, defending, said Lloyd planned to take the group to the landing platform at the side to 'get out and walk around' the weir but the water had covered the area.

'Nerys Lloyd went down the fish ramp as a last resort once she realised she had no time to do anything else,' he said.

But Mrs Justice Stacey rejected the explanation, saying it was 'clear' she had intended the group to go 'through the weir'.

She said co-instructor Mr O'Dwyer had raised 'valid concerns' about the plan but that Lloyd 'ignored' him.

'Your interest appeared to be more of an exciting route rather than safety,' she added.

The court heard she led the paid tour as an instructor with a 'basic entry-level qualification' after advertising the trip for 149 a person on Faceook with overnight accommodation and two 'fully' qualified instructors.

Nerys Lloyd (pictured back centre wearing sunglasses) surrounded by friends and family as she arrived at Swansea Crown Court for her sentencing yesterday

Lloyd pictured arriving at Swansea Crown Court on crutches last month, when she admitted four counts of manslaughter

Lloyd, of Aberavon, South Wales, was suspended from her firearms duties at South Wales police at the time of the tragedy after accepting a caution for a fraudulent insurance claim involving a vehicle.

She pleaded guilty to four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence.

Prosecutor Mark Watson KC said Lloyd made the decision to 'stick to the original' route after she 'rebuffed' messages from neighbour Mr O'Dwyer about finding a different location.

The court heard the group were equipped with a paddleboard, a paddle and were attached to their boards with a traditional ankle leash.

Mr Watson said the group were 'completely taken by surprise by the presence of the weir' which dropped sharply down 1.3m to the river below in the churning white water.

He said the 'intensity of the water flowing over the weir' was equivalent to nearly two tonnes of water crossing a one-metre-wide section every second.

Mr Watson said: 'In a chaotic episode of some 20 seconds, they were all carried over the weir crest by the strong current; five of them to the right of the fish pass and two to the left; and they all fell off of their boards into the powerful hydraulic below the weir.'

The court heard the group received no health and safety guidance before heading out on their paddleboards while no next of kin details were taken from them which led to a delay in contacting families.

The same spot on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, pictured on a day when the river was calm, similar to conditions when Nerys Lloyd carried out a 'reconnaissance visit' two months before the tragedy

Lloyd later told police she believed Mr O'Dwyer had given a health and safety briefing while she was using the toilets at Morrisons before going out on the water.

Mr Watson said: 'However, all of the surviving participants are clear in their evidence that no health and safety briefing whatsoever took place before they entered the water, and there was no mention by anyone of a weir, or a fish pass, or of any need to exit the water to go around any weir.'

The court heard Mr O'Dwyer's wife Ceri survived the paddleboard outing when she was kicked to safety by Andrea Powell, who then died.

Mr Watson said she was receiving treatment in the back of an ambulance at 11am when police arrived to tell her that her husband had died.

Emergency worker Jenny Heavens said she saw Lloyd arrive to console Mrs O'Dwyer before she put her head in her hands and said: 'I'm going to jail for this.'

The court heard in a pre-sentence report Lloyd 'did appear to attribute quite a number of the poor, reckless decisions and lapses in organisation' to Mr O'Dwyer.

In a personal statement to court, Lloyd said: 'I take full blame for the mistakes that meant four special individuals are not here today. Two of which were my close friends.

The ill-fated expedition on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest (pictured) is believed to be Britain's worst ever paddleboarding accident

'I also want to acknowledge there were nine people on the river that day and every one of them is a victim.'

Mr Elias added Lloyd's social media activity after the tragedy was her way of 'putting on a brave face' but it was 'far from the truth.'

He said: 'She was putting on a brave face. Putting on a smile. In doing that as a way of coping that has made the suffering of those who were suffering more intense.'

Mrs Justice Stacey told Lloyd: 'Let me make clear and I stress, you and Paul did not intend any harm to any of the participants who were your friends and you were horrified at what happened that day. There is absolutely no question of intent on your behalf and your criminality does not match the enormity of the tragedy.

'But you chose to lead the group over a weir in conditions that could not have been more treacherous placing all of them in extreme danger.

'You did not tell them that there would be a weir and you gave them no choice but to go over it, which inevitably caused this avoidable tragedy and loss of life.

'Neither you nor Paul were qualified to lead such a tour and your whole approach to basic health and safety was abysmal when you knew better and had been trained both in the police force and as a volunteer with the RNLI to know better.'

The judge paid tribute to the families of those who died for their 'dignity and courage in the midst of overwhelming grief'.

Darren Wheatley, husband of Nicola Wheatley, who died on the paddleboarding trip, said the loss of his wife has 'devastated' the family.

In a statement read outside court, Mr Wheatley said: 'Losing Nicola has devastated our family and two young children lost their mammy.

'Nicola died in circumstances that were completely avoidable and should not have happened. Decisions made by Nerys Lloyd, and only Nerys Lloyd, led to the four lives lost.

Lloyd was dismissed from South Wales Police the following month for an unrelated matter, the force said

'Any sentence served by Nerys in prison will never ease the pain of losing Nicola, and our lives will never be the same again.'

He added: 'I hope Nerys takes the time whilst locked up to reflect and finally acknowledge the devastating impact of her decisions that day.

'I'm grateful for the judge's understanding of the gravity of what happened and what we have gone through as families.'

Theresa Hall, mother of Morgan Rogers, said she lost her 'best friend' when her daughter died on the trip.

Speaking outside Swansea Crown Court, Ms Hall said: 'It's been three long years and seven months since I lost my only daughter, Morgan, my best friend. Over three years since I laid eyes on her, over three years since I heard her infectious laugh.

'I wish you would all have met her, my beautiful daughter, she was always smiling, always happy, always content in her life.

'She didn't want to rock the world, she wanted to live a respectful life, she would never hurt anyone, she was a gentle soul, always looking for the good in people.

'Anyone that has lost a child by someone else's doing will know that there is no pain like it. That day I lost a piece of myself, I will never be the same person without my Morgan.

'I can never forgive Nerys Lloyd for what she has taken from me.'

Ms Hall said that because of Lloyd's failure to get next of kin details, it was over 12 hours before she was informed of her daughter's death.

'Even then, it was another 12 hours before I formally identified her myself,' she said.

'My precious girl was not important to Nerys Lloyd. She couldn't give police Morgan's details, as she hadn't even bothered to get Morgan's emergency contact details in case of an accident. That was despicable.

'Nerys Lloyd's arrogance spoke volumes for the person she is and the attitude that she showed towards the people she had in her care that day, the lack of concern is shocking.'

Detective Superintendent Cameron Ritchie, of Dyfed-Powys Police, described the paddleboarding tragedy as 'completely avoidable' following the sentencing of Lloyd.

Mrs Justice Mary Stacey delivering sentencing remarks in court

'The incident that took place in Haverfordwest on October 30, 2021, was an extremely tragic case resulting in the completely avoidable deaths of four people,' he said.

'We heard in court how this incident devastated four families, and we hope that lessons will be learned that prevent this from ever happening again.'

Lisa Rose, specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service special crime division, said: 'Nerys Lloyd should not have taken participants on the water that day; the heavy flooding had left the river running very fast and it was beyond the remit of a beginner's tour.

'The weir itself was in an extremely hazardous condition, with a high potential for loss of life, and all the possible exit points nearby had been flooded out.

'Lloyd was not qualified to take inexperienced paddleboarders out in such conditions, and her actions fell very far below the standard expected of a paddleboard instructor and activity planner.

'The tour could have started at a different point, to avoid the weir, or been cancelled altogether but Lloyd made the final decision to go ahead with the event.

'There are no words that can articulate the devastation this tragedy has caused, and I can only hope that this sentence provides a sense of justice for those affected.'

And Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Helen Turner said: 'The victims placed their trust in Lloyd to deliver a safe and enjoyable paddle, but through her incompetence, carelessness and complacency she failed to plan or assess the obvious risk at the weir or to take even basic safety measures.

'By not discussing the hazards on the route Lloyd robbed the participants of the opportunity to make a reasoned decision on their own participation on the day.'
China is considering building a nuclear plant on the moon to power a research station is planning with Russia, a presentation by a senior official showed on Wednesday.

The East Asian country aims to become a major space power and land astronauts on the moon by 2030, and its planned Chang'e-8 mission for 2028 would lay the groundwork for constructing a permanent, manned lunar base.

In a presentation in Shanghai, the 2028 mission's Chief Engineer Pei Zhaoyu showed that the lunar base's energy supply could also depend on large-scale solar arrays, and pipelines and cables for heating and electricity built on the moon's surface.

Russia's space agency Roscosmos said last year it planned to build a nuclear reactor on the moon's surface with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) by 2035 to power the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

The inclusion of the nuclear power unit in a Chinese space official's presentation at a conference for officials from the 17 countries and international organisations that make up the ILRS suggests Beijing supports the idea, although it has never formally announced it.

'An important question for the ILRS is power supply, and in this Russia has a natural advantage, when it comes to nuclear power plants, especially sending them into space, it leads the world, it is ahead of the United States,' Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, told Reuters on the sidelines of the conference.

After little progress on talks over a space-based reactor in the past, 'I hope this time both countries can send a nuclear reactor to the moon,' Wu said.

China's timeline to build an outpost on the moon's south pole coincides with NASA's more ambitious and advanced Artemis programme, which aims to put U.S. astronauts back on the lunar surface in December 2025.

China is considering building a nuclear plant on the moon to power the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) it is planning with Russia (Artist's rendition of ILRS)

Wu said last year that a 'basic model' of the ILRS, with the Moon's south pole as its core, would be built by 2035. In the future, China will create the '555 Project,' inviting 50 countries, 500 international scientific research institutions, and 5,000 overseas researchers to join the ILRS.

Researchers from Roscosmos also presented at the conference in Shanghai, sharing details about plans to look for mineral and water resources, including possibly using lunar material as fuel.

The ILRS preceded Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 but incentives for cooperation between Roscosmos and CNSA have increased since the outbreak of the war, according to Chinese analysts.

With China's rapid technological advances and lunar achievements, and as Western sanctions prevent Roscosmos from many imports of space technology and equipment, China can now 'alleviate the pressure' on Russia and help it 'achieve new breakthroughs in satellite launches, lunar exploration, and space stations,' Liu Ying, a researcher at the Chinese foreign ministry's diplomatic academy, wrote in a journal article last year.
A radical vegan activist, who police have dubbed 'Australia's biggest pest', became caught in a tense scuffle during her latest stunt at a busy restaurant.

Tash Peterson was protesting at The Lamb Shop at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast in March when she got into an altercation with one of the staff during the dinner rush.

In a TikTok video on March 18, the controversial activist was captured walking through the packed restaurant while people were eating, playing the 'screams of terrified animals' from a speaker attached to her belt.

'Do the screams make you feel guilty?' she asked customers.

'This is the largest holocaust in history. Do you feel guilty supporting a holocaust? You have blood on your hands.'

As she walked past the counter, a male employee could be seen spraying her with a bottle of what Peterson claimed was vinegar, while another customer threw water.

As she entered the outdoor area, Peterson was approached by the same worker who began filming with his own phone.

A heated scuffle then kicked off between the pair, with Peterson appearing to swat the man away while repeatedly grabbing his shirt and yelling: 'Stop assaulting me. Don't f***ing assault me'.

Radical vegan activist and OnlyFans creator Tash Peterson (pictured) has been caught in an altercation at a busy restaurant in Broadchurch, Queensland

Peterson and a staff member clashed, with the pair getting into an altercation after the employee followed the activist out of the restaurant with a spray bottle

Peterson's partner Jack Higgs, an avid vegan activist who regularly films his girlfriend's content, can be heard telling her to move away.

Peterson told Daily Mail Australia the incident was an 'unprovoked assault' against her and her partner.

'A staff member sprayed vinegar directly into our eyes - a deliberate and aggressive act,' she said.

'When he continued to spray me in the face, I instinctively grabbed him by the collar and told him to stop abusing me and to stop abusing animals.

'I will always stand up for myself and for animals when I am being attacked.'

The Lamb Shop has been contacted for comment.

Peterson said she is a 'non-violent activist' and never initiates physical confrontation, though she acknowledges her activism is 'disruptive, loud and emotionally intense'.

'I will never resort to being physical unless I am being physically assaulted,' she said.

Peterson (pictured) is known for her scantily-clad protest stunts and has previously been called 'Australia's biggest pest' by Western Australia police

Peterson's often scantily-clad protests have led police and policymakers in Western Australia to describe her as 'Australia's biggest pest'.

During a street interview with social media personality 'Sikkant', Jasky Singh, she received backlash for likening the farming of chickens to slavery.

In the clip, Mr Singh said that chickens 'only have one purpose: to be eaten'.

Peterson said: 'Well, that's no different to saying that black people only have a purpose to be slaves, right?'

Commenters called out her 'barefaced ignorance' and asked 'did she just compare us to chickens?'

The activist told this publication she stood by her comments in the interview: 'I wasn't comparing animals to black people, I was comparing the ideology that justifies their exploitation'.

'Saying a chicken's purpose is to be eaten is no different than saying a black person's purpose is to be a slave. Both rely on the idea that one group exists to serve the interests of another.'

Peterson (pictured) has been slapped with numerous fines over the years for her semi-nude demonstrations and protests in designer stores, restaurants and supermarkets

The activist has copped numerous fines over the years for her semi-nude demonstrations and protests in designer stores, restaurants and supermarkets.

In the latest chapter of a protracted legal battle with Perth-based Bicton Veterinary Clinic, Peterson was thrown into bankruptcy on Tuesday, The West reported.

Peterson and her partner had stormed into the vet in September 2021 to accuse its owner Dr Kay McIntosh of 'enslaving' two pet birds and 'eating her own patients'.

In a judgment handed down by the Supreme Court of WA on November 25, Chief Justice Peter Quinlan ruled that the pair had used 'provocative and inflammatory' language towards Dr McIntosh and her husband Andrew.

She was ordered to pay $280,000 to the clinic owner and, being unable to pay the debt, Peterson was forced into bankruptcy this week.

Addressing the case, Peterson said she is 'being forced into bankruptcy following a defamation lawsuit that stemmed from [her] activism'.

'But that won't silence me. You can take everything from me - my money, my possessions, my security - but never my voice.'

In 2023, Peterson also pleaded guilty to two trespass and disorderly behaviour charges for two separate stand-offs at Fyre restaurant in north Perth.

She was banned from leaving WA due to a six-month community-based order and was also hit with thousands of dollars in fines.

The activist once worked as a pool lifeguard and now sells racy content to OnlyFans under the handle vganbooty, and reportedly makes as much as $40,000 per month.
International passengers accidentally bypassed border control at Brisbane Airport in a serious security breach after arriving on a flight from Port Vila, Vanuatu on Saturday evening.

The incident occurred at around 6.20pm on Saturday, when the arriving travellers were mistakenly directed into the departure area instead of being processed through border control.

As a result, all passengers preparing to depart on international flights had to be rescreened, causing delays to 11 flights.

'The safety and security of all passengers is our utmost priority and as a result the decision was made to rescreen all departing passengers within the International Terminal,' Brisbane Airport said in a statement.

'Additional Brisbane Airport team members were called in to the terminal to assist and extra security screening capacity was opened.

'We apologise to all passengers who were delayed and we're thankful everyone made their flights without any cancellations.

'A thorough investigation is underway to determine how the breakdown in the arrival procedure occurred. We thank all passengers for their patience during this busy Easter travel period.'

The incident led to significant delays for departing passengers at Brisbane Airport's International Terminal on Saturday evening.

An incident at Brisbane airport led to delays for 11 departing international flights (pictured)

Brisbane Airport confirmed a 'breakdown in procedures' had led to the incident (stock)

One frustrated passenger shared footage of the delays on social media as he revealed he had been kept in the dark over the reason for the rescreening.

Sean Harcourt-Bell, who was travelling through the international terminal over Easter weekend, explained he was delayed for two and a half hours.

'So I'm currently standing in Brisbane International Airport and they've done a massive sweep to get rid of all staff and passengers,' he said on TikTok.

'They're going to rescreen everyone and they're very aloof on what's happened.'

Mr Harcourt-Bell claimed he wasn't informed the reason for the delay 'officially' as passengers were forced to wait hours for the issue to be resolved.
Just months before the eighth anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu and the release of the soon-to-be-classic feature film immortalizing it, survivor and war hero Norm Hooten retired from the Army as a master sergeant.

It was August 2001, and his wife Bonnie, a pharmacist, was not down for another 10 years in the Army, Hooten said in a podcast interview earlier this month.

It had a lot to do with my family, Hooten told Ryan Manion on The Resilient Life. I had young kids at the time, and  a lot of times, what the families go through is as difficult or more so than what the actual soldiers on the ground go through  and it really, really scared her to death  she said something to me one time that really resonated with me. It was really kind of a driving factor in me leaving the army.

She said, You know, when we first started together here in the unit  when we would go to team parties  it was fun."'

Theyd all been young couples with young families, she recalled, living as normal a life as we could.

But now when I go, she told Hooten,  Im one of the few people out of our group that isnt a widow, and Im just not ready to continue doing that. I dont want the kids to do it.

So he enrolled in pharmacy school, intending to join his wifes industry  only for the 9/11 attacks to strike America one month letter.

Hooten was recalled back to the Army, rejoining its ranks as Eric Bana played a character based on  and named for  him on movie screens across the world.

Black Hawk Down was nominated for four Academy Awards and won two; according to podcast host Manion, its required training viewing for some US soldiers.

Hooten then transitioned to supervisory coordinator for the Federal Air Marshal Service and Deputy General Director of the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre in Jordan, which specializes in counter-terrorism and special ops.

I saw a lot of special operations guys that were coming through there who had substance use issues, serious substance use issues, primarily with prescription opioids  and a lot of them had evolved into illicit drug use  many times because they couldnt get access to the prescription drugs.

It really, really troubled me, and [I] ended up going back to pharmacy school, he said.

Hed be 57 by the time he graduated in 2016, focusing on PTSD, chronic pain management and substance use disorder and the nexus of those three  because oftentimes theyre joined at the hip, he said.

Norm Hooten (far right) is a legendary Delta Force Operator who survived the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia in October 1993

He completed two residencies, he said, and had hoped that his experience on the pharmaceutical side would give him insights into how to best tackle rampant veteran opioid and substance abuse and mental health problems.

I dont know  Im any closer to the answer today than I was when I started, but I know I had to try, Hooten said on the podcast. I didnt want to get towards the end of my life and think there was something that I could have done, because many of the guys that I saw with these issues were close friends of mine  guys that I would never have suspected of it.

Hes still confounded, he said, and its one of the things that keeps me up at night, trying to figure it out.

Hooten said that, while he was supported by an invaluable network of friends and family after returning from Mogadishu, you cant come through something like that and not be changed by it.

Hes sent one son to West Point and another child to the United States Naval Academy, and Hooten still believes that films like Black Hawk Down can shine a nice, good light on the armed forces.

Ive had people tell me  Hey, I saw that movie when I was in middle school and I joined the Army and went in the Ranger Battalion, or I went in the Marine Corps, because I saw that movie.

So I thought it was good for the military, he said.

Eric Bana played Hooten in Ridley Scott's Academy Award-winning drama about the ferocious battle Black Hawk Down

Hooten (pictured right with Bana in 2001) said hes concerned about the consistently high suicide rates among veterans and other health challenges and continued to study it further

Hooten (left) told The Resilient Life podcast that part of the reason he went back to pharmacy school was because of the high rate of substance abuse by veterans and active service members

At the same time, he said he couldnt imagine losing one of his serving children.

I think the greatest sacrifice that you can do is offer up a child onto the altar of freedom, he said. And I dont know that I would be able to survive something like that.

Again emphasizing the importance of family, Hooten said that the second-hardest day  of my life was going into Mogadishu and losing all my  friends.

When youre in the Marine Corps or in the Army or any of the services  the people that you work with become more than friends, he said. Theyre your extended family. You know their families. You know their moms, their dads, their kids, their wives.

A group of U.S. army Rangers sit in the door of a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter at Mogadishu airport 28 August 1993

The hellish 18-hour battle after a Black Hawk Down went down in Mogadishu in October 1993 led to the deaths of 18 American troops and hundreds of Somali soldiers

And they become very, very close to you  so Mogadishu was a very, very difficult, difficult day for me personally. Because we didnt just lose soldiers. We lost close, close friends and colleagues.

The hardest day of my life  was coming home and facing their families and seeing what it did to them, not just in that moment but for generations to follow.

A combination of family focus and brotherhood with Mogadishu warriors led Hooten to another new pursuit, he said: He began a cigar company after a smoke with his son led to several hours in just deep philosophical conversation with a kid that Id been around his whole life.

But Id never really connected with him on that personal level before, Hooten said. I was too busy bein a dad, and hes too busy being a son, and it really brought us together.

And then we started a tradition of doing it.

He and another West Point parent, Tim young, started hanging out on the back porch enjoying a good smoke and a whiskey every once in a while, and then, on the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu, I wanted to share that experience with my buddies.

So we had another friend of ours hand roll 300 cigars, he said on the podcast. We made up a label, stuck them on there ourselves, and then took them up to the event, never thinking we were going to sell them.

We were just giving them as gifts. And then we started getting a lot of requests for boxes of those cigars  we just started it kind of by accident.

We started making them and using some of the proceeds to help veterans causes, and  shortly afterward, we did the same thing with whiskey.

Hooten really did not start out thinking, were going into the whiskey/cigar business, he said. We just thought, were going to take some stuff up to some buddies at a reunion and have a good time.

Now Hootens the president and co-founder of Hooten & Young Premium Cigars and Whiskey, which states on its website is proud to support our troops, committing to give 10% of our profits to foundations that directly aid veterans and their families.

Hes also an associate chief of pharmacy at the US Department of Veteran Affairs and said he hopes he lives as honorably as I can knowing that there were many, many people that I served with that would love to just spend one more day with their families, one more day with their friends  I do not take that for granted.

Hooten said hes concerned about the consistently high suicide rates among veterans and other health challenges and continued to study it further.

Its a very, very difficult and multi-faceted problem, he said.
The Israeli government has forced its representatives around the world to rescind condolences for the passing of the Pope.

A message from the nation's X account that read 'Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing' was taken down hours after it was posted in Monday, in response to the death of the 88-year-old pontiff.

Israeli media later reported the nation's embassies and consulates across the globe were told to delete any similar messages, while diplomats were ordered not to sign condolence books in Vatican embassies.

While Israel's prime minister, Isaac Herzog, posted a still-available message of sorrowing for the death of the liberal pope, hardline prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stayed silent.

Since the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis was one of the most powerful critical voices calling out Israel for its policy decisions that affected Palestinians.

In November 2023, as Israel began its retaliatory offensive against the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas' deadly attack on October 7, the pontiff said of the IDF's brutal military decisions: 'This is not war, this is terrorism.'

The Israeli establishment did not react well to this comment, with the editor of the Jerusalem Post accusing the Pope of 'unconditional support for Hamas.'

He also criticised the Israeli government's decision not to allow the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, into the enclave.

The body of Pope Francis is placed into St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days

While Israel's prime minister, Isaac Herzog, posted a still-available message of sorrowing for the death of the liberal pope, hardline prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) has stayed silent

During his daily calls to the parish of the Holy Family in Gaza City, the Strip's only Catholic church, he would draw attention to the harsh suffering of Palestinians under the yoke of Israel.

In the infancy of his tenure as the leader of the Catholic Church, he visited the Wailing Wall in Bethlehem and prayed for the alleviation of the day-to-day struggles of the Palestinian people in the West Bank, which upset many in Israel.

He was, though, known for his support of the nation, having frequently called on Hamas to release hostages it was holding and condemning the rise in antisemitism that the world saw in the wake of Israel's invasion of Gaza.

Israel's diplomatic world hasn't reacted kindly to the government's decision to delete the sorrowful posts.

One diplomat told local media: 'We received no explanation, only an unequivocal order to delete.

'When we asked, we were told that the issue was "under review." This does not satisfy us, and certainly not the public to whom we represent Israel.'

'Not only did we not say words of condolence, but we chose to erase them  and that looks bad,' said another. 'Very bad.'

It comes after more than 20,000 mourners yesterday formed eight-hour queues at the Vatican as they wait to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis.

St. Peter's Basilica was opened to the public so the faithful can say their final goodbyes to Francis as he lies in state for the next few days.

Pope Francis' body is carried in a coffin into Saint Peter's Basilica, on the day of its translation, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025

More than 20,000 mourners formed eight-hour queues at the Vatican as they wait to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis

Thousands of people have already flooded the central aisle of the basilica, some crying and others taking a moment for prayer as they pass the pontiff's open coffin.

Worshippers recalled waiting five hours just to enter St. Peter's and said they then had to queue for another hour once inside the basilica, NBC News reports.

Tens-of-thousands of people are currently queuing in three lines, but mourners say the queues are moving 'fairly quickly' as people usher out after paying their respects.

One woman told the news outlet that her final goodbye was brief, sharing how she just simply blew a kiss towards the pontiff's open casket.

But Vatican sources told Sky News that the queue is currently taking eight hours to get through, meaning St. Peter's could close at midnight before mourners in the back may get a chance to pay their respects.

The timeframe for pilgrims to visit the pope's body may be extended until beyond midnight today due to the large number of visitors, the Vatican said in a statement.

The basilica will reopen at 7am and remain open until at least midnight to allow as many people as possible to file past. The final day of lying in state will end at 7pm so that St. Peter's can be prepared for Francis' funeral mass on Saturday.
Michael Gove has revealed he will become Lord Gove of Torry next month in a nod to his late adoptive father.

The former Conservative cabinet member is set to take the title in honour of the maritime area of Aberdeen where his father, Ernest, ran a fish-processing business.

Speaking to the Aberdeen Evening Express, Mr Gove said: 'Its really in memory of my dad who passed away in 2023. He meant everything to me. He was a wonderful man.

'Id love for my dad to be remembered just as he was; a hard worker, a good businessman and someone who always cared about other people, someone who always tried to give a start to people others didnt see the potential in.'

Mr Gove, now 57, was born Graeme Andrew Logan in Aberdeen on August 26, 1967. He was taken in and then adopted by Ernest Gove and his wife, Christine, arriving with nothing but the clothes on his back.

He said: 'I felt that I wanted to take the title particularly in honour of my dad but also in recognition of my parents.'

The retired politician, who is now editor of The Spectator magazine, said he had been adopted at four months old and would 'never have been able to achieve anything in my life it it hadn't been for [my parents'] love and kindness'.

Mr Gove stood down at the last election after 19 years as an MP, having held Cabinet positions including education secretary and helping to lead the Brexit campaign.

Mr Gove, now 57, was born Graeme Andrew Logan in Aberdeen on August 26, 1967

Michael Gove has revealed he will become Lord Gove of Torry when he gets his peerage next month in an ode to his late father and working-class background

Michael Gove takes part in a press conference about Brexit and the general election in London with then-prime minister Boris Johnson

He was brought up in Aberdeen and educated at two state schools - Sunnybank Primary School and Kittybrewster Primary School - before passing the entrance exam for the city's fee-paying Robert Gordon's College.

Having originally joined the Labour party in 1983, he got his first job in journalism with the Press and Journal after studying at Oxford University.

Asked what residents of Torry, a blue-collar community, would make of his title, he said, 'I dont know'.

'Torry as a community has been resilient through thick and thin. One of the things I witnessed was the decline in the fishing trade there. Im paying my respect to somewhere thats very special.'

Names on Mr Sunak's resignation honours list alongside Mr Gove include ex-chief whip Simon Hart and former Scottish secretary Sir Alistair Jack.

Former party chief executive Stephen Massey is also due to receive a peerage for 'political and public service'. The list is a tradition that allows outgoing prime ministers to award gongs to close allies and staff.

In his separate dissolution honours list last summer, Mr Sunak gave a peerage to his chief of staff in Downing Street Liam Booth-Smith, along with former PM Theresa May, 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady and climate tsar Sir Alok Sharma. Mr Sunak vowed to scrap the House of Lords in favour of an elected upper chamber in 2022 but later watered down his plans.

Labour has pledged to introduce a mandatory retirement age of 80 alongside the abolition of hereditary peers, of which there are currently 90 in the House of Lords.

In December Sir Keir Starmer appointed 30 new Labour peers, including his former chief of staff Sue Gray.
Children could be restricted from using social media after 10pm amid concerns that young people's mental health is being impacted by 'addictive' platforms.

Digital Secretary Peter Kyle is weighing up proposals to introduce a curfew that would be the online equivalent of a TV watershed for under-16s.

Experts have long cited social media as a factor that can disrupt young people's sleep, relationships and socialisation skills.

He told The Telegraph: 'It is clear that some of the addictive nature of some of the products is causing anxiety and frustration to young people themselves.

'I believe there is evidence that young people feel angry with themselves about some of the time that slips through their fingers when they start doom-scrolling.

'I [want to] harness the best aspects of online life and do a damned sight better at mitigating the downsides.'

Mr Kyle added that he had been watching with interest TikTok's recent introduction of various tools to limit screen time.

These include a 10pm curfew for under-16s, which features the device screen being taken over and calming music played, although the tool can be dismissed to continue using the app.

Children could be restricted from using social media after 10pm amid concerns that young people's mental health is being impacted by 'addictive' platforms

Digital Secretary Peter Kyle is weighing up proposals to introduce a curfew that would be the online equivalent of a TV watershed for under-16s

Experts have long cited social media as a factor that can disrupt young people's sleep, relationships and socialisation skills

Another tool, Time Away, allows parents to set specific times that TikTok is available on their teen's devices. Children can request extra time to remain on the app, but their parents must approve it.

Mr Kyle said he wanted to see evidence of how these tools are helping young people before implementing anything, but said he was especially interested in anything that will 'empower parents' to control how long their children are spending on social media platforms.

He added that he was now looking at the 'next steps' after the final version of the new Children's Codes, which are part of the Online Safety Act, were published by regulator Ofcom last week.

The new guidelines require tech firms to carry out stringent age checks and ensure their algorithms do not direct harmful content to children.

Describing the rules as a 'sea change', Mr Kyle said children's experience of social media would begin to 'look and feel different'.

The proposals come just months after new data showed half of British teenagers fear they have become addicted to social media.

Data from the Millennium Cohort study, published last January, revealed 48 per cent of 16 to 18-year-olds felt they had lost control over how much time they spent online.

Girls suffered more than boys, the study found. It comes amid mounting calls for companies including Meta to be held to account over the impact of excessive social media use on the mental health of users.

The proposals come just months after new data showed half of British teenagers fear they have become addicted to social media

Andy Burrows, adviser to the Molly Rose Foundation, set up in memory of 14-year-old Molly Russell who took her own life after viewing suicide-related content online, said: 'Social media platforms have single-mindedly designed their products to maximise how long teenagers spend online, with algorithms pushing endless amounts of harmful content in their direction.

'Tech companies have consistently opted to prioritise profit over safety and wellbeing.' He added it was 'vital tech companies are held to account'.

Dr Amy Orben's team at the University of Cambridge examined data from the study which tracks the lives of 19,000 Britons born in 2000-2002.

When those in the cohort were aged between 16 and 18, they were asked about their social media use.

The survey revealed 48 per cent of the 7,000 respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: 'I think I am addicted to social media.'

Girls were most affected with 57 per cent agreeing, compared with 37 per cent of boys, according to the data reported by the Guardian.

Baroness Kidron, a leading voice on children's rights in the digital world, said platforms were deliberately designed to be 'compulsive'.

'It's not a bug, it's a feature. The tech sector employs behavioural psychologists who game social media, games, shopping, even news, to ensure it is easy to access and hard to put down.

'The companies should be held responsible for the outcome of their products.'

She added: 'Some of what kids are doing online is perfectly harmless, but all the experiences they are missing while they are doom scrolling impact on their development, wellbeing and in some cases ruin childhood itself.'
The Easter break hasn't been kind to Peter Dutton. The latest Ipsos poll, exclusively commissioned by Daily Mail Australia, reveals the opposition leader's popularity continues to lag behind that of the Prime Minister.

But in a sense, we knew that already. Labor is clearly heading towards victory and voters know it: the poll also revealed a clear majority of Australians are confident Anthony Albanese will win a second term in power.

Yet despite the certainty surrounding Labor's impending victory, and the growing popularity of the PM as Peter Dutton's negatives grow, Australians are deeply concerned about the likely outcome.

That's right; the Ipsos poll also revealed that 52 per cent of voters are concerned about Labor making a deal with the Greens when forming a minority government.

While Labor strategists are increasingly buoyant at the prospect of Albo retaining his narrow majority - by winning seats off the Coalition and the Greens to offset any losses in net terms - voters clearly don't agree.

They worry that in victory, the PM will be forced to cut deals with Adam Bandt's minority party or risk a vote of no confidence on the floor of the House of Representatives, potentially forcing another election sometime during the coming three-year term.

The Greens tell us a lot about the state of mind of most voters. They haven't been impressed by the Opposition Leader's campaign or narrative, and Albo's approach on the campaign trail has helped him overcome their negative sentiments towards the PM.

But that hasn't dampened fears for the future, with what might happen in a minority parliament ranking at the top of that list.

Australians are confident Anthony Albanese (pictured) will win a second term in power.

Daily Mail Australia's poll (pictured) revealed voters are concerned about Labor making a deal with the Greens when forming minority government

Even though Albo has said he wont cut any deals with Bandt, voters clearly arent confident about that.

Bandt has used the campaign to claim hell pressure Albo to back a raft of radical policies if the Greens are co-opted into a minority government coalition of sorts. That includes high spending and high taxing initiatives, which mainstream Australia is clearly worried about.

Negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions - gone.

The Ipsos figure presents a challenge for the PM, mostly in victory but also potentially in the final week of campaigning.

The doomsday scenario for Labor is that fears about the Greens force some to shift their voters, although its just as likely that such fears bake in a more stable Labor win given the PMs growing popularity.

The real challenge is further on the horizon. In a second term Albo needs to stand by his rejections of doing deals with the Greens, because if hes seen to make joint policy moves, you can bet the Coalition in opposition will amplify the move as breaking his election pledge not to do so. Thus playing into the fears voters expressed in this latest Ipsos poll.

We will find out next week how Labors two-party vote is tracking according to our Ipsos numbers, giving a clearer sense of what result Australia is on track for at this years election.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out making any deals with Greens leader Adam Bandt (pictured)

Mr Albanese has enjoyed an increase in approval of three percentage points over the past week with 38 per cent of Australians backing him, according to our Ipsos poll (pictured)

The fact Albo is the most popular prime minister since Malcolm Turnbull in 2016 according to the poll doesnt necessarily lock in a comfortable win, nor a comfortable aftermath for the PM.

Turnbull won the 2016 election with the narrowest of victories, losing a swathe of seats and scraping over the line with 76 seats in the 150 seat chamber. It all unravelled quickly thereafter for the then-PM, as factional opponents circled and Turnbulls authority quickly waned.

Could that be Albos future even in victory? Its a risk, especially if he goes backwards despite winning, just as Turnbull did.

Albo going backwards would also all but guarantee that the Greens become the kingmakers in a hung parliament, which is exactly that the majority of polled voters are most concerned about.
The brother of New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was forced to publicly shut down a circulating rumor claiming he was at the center of a fentanyl trafficking scheme.

Gabriel Ocasio-Cortez, 32, took to TikTok to respond to a video spreading a bizarre claim - that AOC's brother, wrongly named as 'Matthew' in the allegation, had been arrested on Lake Superior after US Coast Guards caught him in possession of $1.2 million worth of fentanyl.

As the actual brother of the Democrat Congresswoman, Gabriel quickly squashed the viral lie, duetting the creator's post with a pointed caption that read: 'don't make me sue'.

'I'm the brother,' Gabriel said in his TikTok. 'My name's not Matthew. I have no idea why they're posting this.'

'I work with the homeless,' he added. 'I have nothing to do with this story, which isn't real. Please find something better to do with your time.'

On Tuesday, the creator in question had posted a video to the popular app, appearing in front of what seemed to be a screenshot of a recent news article.

'AOC's brother has just been charged with trafficking fentanyl,' the creator confidently stated in the since-deleted video, all while pointing at the 'news source' behind her.

The fake news quickly spread across a variety of social media platforms - including Facebook, Instagram Threads and Twitter - with the TikTok video alone garnering more than 50,000 likes before its removal.

Gabriel Ocasio-Cortez, New York Rep. AOC's 32-year-old brother, was forced to publicly shut down a circulating rumor on TikTok that claimed he was at the center of a fentanyl trafficking scheme

As the actual brother of the Democrat Congresswoman (pictured), Gabriel quickly squashed the viral lie through TikTok, duetting the creator's post with a pointed caption that read: 'don't make me sue'

The creator's so-called 'source' was an article from the Dunning-Kruger Times - the very website where the rumor first began circulating.

She pointed to the article's first three paragraphs during the video - almost as if to bolster her credibility - where the tone and content of the reporting was clearly visible to viewers.

'Awkward,' the first sentence of the article read. 'A Nike racing boat carrying AOC's brother Matthew was also carrying $1.2 million worth of fentanyl when the US Coast Guard boarded it on Lake Superior.'

'"We had credible information of a drug buy," said Vice Admiral Joe Barron, "We had no idea there would be a high-profile person on board,"' the article continued.

'Matthew Ocasio-Cortez was booked into the federal holding facility in Green Bay on charges of criminal conspiracy and trafficking a class 1 controlled substance.'

The cited Dunning-Kruger Times website, along with the America's Line of Defense Facebook page - which also shared the story - are both part of a network of internet outlets that describe themselves as satire in nature.

In the article, the author - identified as Flagg Eagleton - elaborated on the claim, clearly spinning a detailed account of the entirely fictional drug bust that allegedly took place on the waters of Lake Superior last week.

'What they found, in addition to an alarming amount of oat milk and Patagonia vests, was $1.2 million worth of fentanyl, stored in air-tight Nike-branded containers and labeled "Performance Powder,"' the story read.

The creator in question, known online as Mamawendi4, posted a video to the popular app on Tuesday - appearing in front of what seemed to be the satire article - and shared the bizarre claims with her followers as truth

In a response duet video, Gabriel explained that his name is not Matthew and that he works with the homeless, adding that 'I have nothing to do with this story, which isn't real. Please find something better to do with your time'

In the article, the author - identified as Flagg Eagleton - elaborated on the claim, and explained that the US Coast Guard found '$1.2 million worth of fentanyl, stored in air-tight Nike-branded containers and labeled "Performance Powder"' on the boat

The author went on to claim that the Congresswoman's brother was taken into custody without incident, and upon arriving to the federal holding facility, supposedly 'asked for oat milk with his vegan gruel and demanded a cruelty-free mattress'.

Nevertheless, a closer look at the article would likely reveal the outlet's satirical nature, especially through the over-the-top tone of parody and the exaggerated lines lightly mentioning 'government sources'.

'According to court documents that may or may not exist outside of this article, Matthew's defense claims the drugs were planted,' one paragraph stated.

'He thought the containers were filled with "eco-friendly soap flakes", and that the whole incident was "probably just the work of the white supremacists trying to discredit a powerful Latinx family."'

Even further, the author claimed that 'Matthew' was facing up to 20 years in prison after the bust, 'or a spot on The View, depending how the plea deal goes'.

To conclude the article, the author wrote: 'God Bless America'.

On the website's 'About Us' page, the outlet claims to be part of a 'network of parody, satire and tomfoolery, or as Snopes called it before they lost their war on satire: Junk News'.

'Everything on this website is fiction,' the page stated. 'It is not a lie and it is not fake news because it is not real.'

The viral firestorm prompted Gabriel to share a follow-up video to his TikTok account later that day, where he addressed the dangers of spreading false rumors online

The website where the article originated claimed that 'Matthew Ocasio-Cortez was booked into the federal holding facility in Green Bay on charges of criminal conspiracy and trafficking a class 1 controlled substance' following the made-up drug bust on Lake Superior (pictured)

'If you believe that it is real, you should have your head examined.'

The page also went as far as to include a definition of the word satire for those who 'complain and decide satire is synonymous with comedy'.

'Satire: The use of humor, irony, exaggeration OR ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues,' the definition read.

Despite the website's blatantly satirical style, the lack of coverage from any credible outlets, and the simple fact that AOC's brother is named Gabriel - not Matthew - many readers still took the rumor at face value, interpreting it as the honest truth.

The viral firestorm prompted Gabriel to share a follow-up video to his TikTok account later that day, where he addressed the dangers of spreading false rumors online.

'The thing that I want people to really understand where I'm coming from is that, even if, let's just say, one million people play into that - let's just say that even one percent of them actually believe it - that's 10,000 people,' Gabriel said in the video.

He then reduced the percentage to 0.05 percent, explaining that, at the end of the day, it still amounts to 5,000 people who believe the false rumor - and that's all it takes.

'That's all it takes to start to get somebody that's a little bit radicalized, somebody that's willing to pick up their guns and go do something - and it wouldn't be the first time somebody has tried,' he said.

'That's the society that we're in,' he added. 'So things like this are just more serious than ever - and you can't slander people.'
A beloved San Francisco artist who vanished months ago was slaughtered by his own roommate, police say.

Somboun Sayasane, 75, mysteriously disappeared in December last year. The Laos-born artist was known for his hundreds of stunning depictions of California landscapes.

Sacramento police said the painter, who lived in the city's southern area, was at high-risk due to his old age and deteriorating state of health.

But the missing person's case took a dreadful turn when police began suspecting foul play.

'As detectives delved into it further, there appeared to be some suspicious circumstances with it,' Sergeant Amar Gandhi of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said on Friday.

'From there, it did unfortunately evolve into a homicide investigation where detectives believe that he'd been murdered .'

Authorities identified Sayasane's roommate, Benjamin Dougherty, 31, as the prime suspect and arrested him on Thursday morning in Petaluma.

The alleged killer kept a straight face, showing no emotion as cops patted him down and handcuffed him, footage shared by the sheriff's office revealed.

Somboun Sayasane (pictured), 75, a Laos-born artist known for his hundreds of stunning depictions of California landscapes, was reported missing in December 2024

Authorities identified Sayasane's roommate, Benjamin Dougherty (pictured), 31, as the prime suspect and arrested him on Thursday morning in Petaluma

Officers also tracked down the accused's father, Robert Dougherty, 74, who they believe helped Benjamin dispose of the victim's body, in a different part of Petaluma.

After they were taken into custody, detectives learned Sayasane was dumped in a remote, heavily-wooded area off the side of a road in Placerville, El Dorado County.

Police rushed to the scene and made the horrific discovery of the decaying corpse. Gandhi said his family has been notified.

Benjamin was charged with murder and is being held without bail, according to the sheriff's office.

Robert was charged with being an Accessory After the Fact and has a bond set at $100,000.

'Sayasane was one of the good ones,' Rolling Stone journalist Ben Fong-Torres, who interviewed Sayasane nearly two decades ago, told SFGate.

'He was all about positivity and community, and he had great times expressing himself through art and music.

'He was humble about his talents but generous enough to share them with others, whether in Golden Gate Park or at a karaoke bar.'

Sayasane (pictured) grew up in a Laos jungle village, where he lived with his grandfather

In 2005, Sayasane published a book called 'The Park in the City: Impressions of Golden Gate Park' (pictured)

Sayasane's creativity stemmed from his childhood in a Laos jungle village, where he lived with his grandfather.

As he once described to Fong-Torres, the area has no shops or schools - and he had access to electricity.

'The village was surrounded by beautiful jungle...My grandfather taught me to love nature,' he said in 2006.

Growing up with a mother who weaved intricate traditional tapestry and an admiration for the world around him, Sayasane went on to study art in Laos and Bangkok.

In the late 60s, he joined the Laos Armys Corps of Engineers and came to California for training. He also continued his arts education at the San Francisco Art Institute.

Sayasane established his permanent US residency when he became a refugee in 1975 because communist leader Pathet Lao had come into power in Laos.

Living in San Francisco, he drew great inspiration from the iconic Golden State Park - so much so that by 2005 he published a book devoted to the flagship location titled 'The Park in the City: Impressions of Golden Gate Park.'

Living in San Francisco, he drew great inspiration from the iconic Golden State Park (pictured: one of Sayasane's paintings)

Sayasane also owned Saya Fine Arts and Clothing, a small business that sold his uniquely styled artwork and merchandise featuring his designs

He was also the owner of Saya Fine Arts and Clothing, a small business, no longer in operation, that sold his uniquely styled artwork and merchandise featuring his designs.

The karaoke-loving artist created countless pieces, including hundreds of paintings of San Francisco churches and murals on the sides of school buildings.

'Everywhere he goes, hes always drawing,' his friend Henry Arnold, told SFGate.

'Hes a tremendous artist, and hes a very good-hearted guy.'
A Norfolk Police staff member faces a misconduct case following a probe into the handling of a 999 call with a killer father, who said he had a knife an hour before stabbing his young daughters and their aunt.

Polish-born Bartlomiej Kuczynski, 45, his daughters Jasmin, 12, and Natasha, eight, and his sister-in-law, Kanticha Sukpengpanao, 36, were found dead on January 19. 2024.

All died from stab wounds to the neck, with police concluding Mr Kuczysnki murdered the other three before turning the knife on himself at a property in Allan Bedford Crescent, in Costessey, near Norwich.

It has since emerged, following a probe by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), that an hour before officers arrived to the scene at around 7am that day, Kuczynski had called 999.

An audio recording revealed the 45-year-old told the call handler: 'I am walking with the knife. I have just lost the plot,' before raising further mental health concerns.

The bodies of Bartlomiej Kuczynski and his two children were found by police at the home in Costessey on January 19, 2024

Kanticha Noon, 36, had arrived in the UK on December 27 of 2023, her best friend previously said

Police at the scene in Costessey, Norfolk, on January 19, 2024, after four bodies were found at a property

After the conversation with Mr Kuczysnki, the call handler did not send out any police or emergency services to the scene and no call log was recorded.

The call was later flagged by the police staff member to a supervisor after they had seen the media coverage surrounding the incident later that day.

As part of the IOPC investigation, the call handler was questioned, and said while he understood that Mr Kuczynski was calling in relation to his mental health, he did not hear the word knife and would have acted differently had he done so.

The watchdog has since determined there is a misconduct case for the call handler to answer due to the decisions made during the conversation with Mr Kuczysnki.

The Norfolk Police staff member has been updated regarding the outcome of the probe and will face a misconduct meeting, which is to be organised in due course.

It is understood misconduct meetings are not held in public, with possible outcomes ranging from words of advice, a written warning or a final written warning.

The family lived together on Allan Bedford Crescent at Queen's Hills, an estate in Costessey

Floral tributes left near the house in Costessey near Norwich following the incident

The staff member was initially suspended but following a review has since returned to work and remains on restricted duties.

Yesterday, a pre-inquest hearing was held at Norfolk Coroners Court where the inquest was delayed until 2026, pending the completion of a Domestic Homicide Review.

During the hearing, reference was made to the Right Care Right Person initiative, which assesses if the police are the most appropriate service to respond.

This initiative was launched in Norfolk in May 2024 and still sees officers attending incidents where there is a policing purpose to do so.
John F. Kennedy's grandson Jack Schlossberg issued an unusual challenge to his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Schlossberg - who has been a vocal critic of his cousin - took to Instagram on Wednesday, when he once again hit out at the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

'RFK Jr.... I have got a challenge for you,' he ranted from behind a desk, with an American flag sitting next to him.

'Me and you, one-on-one, locked in a room, we hash this out. Nobody comes out until one of us has autism,' he continued. 'What do you say?'

The challenge appears to be mocking Kennedy for his recent remarks suggesting 'toxins' or ultrasound scans could be driving a 'tsunami' of autism diagnoses across the US.

At a news conference last week, the country's top health official even suggested industries were profiting off environmental toxins that are causing autism - in an apparent nod to his vaccine skepticism and crusade against artificial food ingredients.

Kennedy had called the spontaneous press conference after a CDC report suggested the number of US children with autism rose to one in 31 in 2022, up from one in 36 in 2020 and one in 56 in 2016.

But scientists and advocates for people with autism have widely criticized Kennedy's position as harmful and misleading, as mainstream research describes autism as a complex condition largely shaped by genetics.

Jack Schlossberg issued an unusual challenge to his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in an Instagram video on Wednesday

The challenge appeared to be mocking the Secretary of Health and Human Services' recent remarks about autism

Kennedy, though, dismissed the idea that autism rates are being fueled by genetic factors at his news conference.

'We need to move away from the ideology that the relentless autism prevalence increase is simply an artifact of better recognition and better diagnostic criteria.

'Doctors and therapists in the past weren't stupid. They weren't missing all these cases,' he continued, arguing that 'only a small percentage [of autism cases] can be charged to better recognition or better diagnostic criteria.

'The answer is very clear and this is catastrophic for our country,' Kennedy claimed.

He then said he would announce a series of studies in the next two to three weeks to identify 'precisely what the environmental toxins are' that may be contributing to the rise.

'External factors, environmental exposures, that's where we're going to find the answer.'

RFK Jr promised 'we will have some answers by September... there will be an answer for the American people very, very quickly.'

At a news conference last week, Kennedy suggested 'toxins' or ultrasound scans could be driving a 'tsunami' of autism diagnoses across the US.

Yet Kennedy's claim that the surge in autism cases is not due to better screening puts him at odds with the researchers behind the CDC report.

The authors stated that the uptick 'might be due to differences in availability of services for early detection and evaluation and diagnostic practices.'

They also highlighted differences in insurance coverage.

Dr. Richard Frye, a leading autism expert from Arizona, also told DailyMail.com he was left with mixed feelings after hearing Kennedy speak last week.

He said that some of Kennedy's claims - particularly the need to investigate common drugs including acetaminophen and antibiotics - were 'spot on.'

But he blasted other factors floated by Kennedy - like ultrasounds - as 'misguided' and 'theoretical,' saying there's no solid evidence they're dangerous.

'A lot of these things that RFK Jr is talking about are not things that have really conclusive science behind them,' Dr. Frye, a pediatric neurologist at Rossignol Medical Center, told the Mail.

'It is unfortunate that he concentrates on the wrong things, as it will slow down the emerging science and make things controversial,' the doctor continued, adding that Kennedy's rhetoric is hindering any productive conversation around prevention.'

But Schlossberg's criticism of his cousin goes beyond the controversial autism statements.

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He has repeatedly hit out at Kennedy ever since he launched his failed presidential run in 2023, when Schlossberg accused his cousin of 'trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame.'

Schlossberg later teed off on his cousin during his Senate confirmation hearing, echoing his mom Caroline Kennedy's brutal critique urging senators to reject his nomination.

Caroline called her cousin RFK Jr. a 'predator' who is willfully misinformed about vaccines, and a dangerous liar who has cheated his way through life.

Earlier this year, Schlossberg also took to Instagram and his 600,000 followers accusing Kennedy of 'spewing lies' that the CIA was involved in JFK's assassination.

'Why are you scared of me? Why don't you ever respond? Are you busy pouring [sic] over the JFK files? Or is Cheryl just really dry down there?' he taunted his cousin, referring to his wife, actress Cheryl Hines.

The following month, Schlossberg appeared to mock Kennedy's spasmodic dysphonia - a neurological disorder that makes it difficult for him to speak, according to the Daily Beast.

He deleted his social media afterward, as he received flack for that and for falsely renowned lawyer Alan Dershowitz of killing his own wife.

Dershowitz has since said he's not only threatening legal action, but also a full psychiatric evaluation of Schlossberg.

This is not the first time Schlossberg used his social media to attack his cousin, sharing an unhinged video in March in which he made kissy faces at Kennedy's wife Cheryl Hines and told her she should apologize for the recent death of an unvaccinated child with measles

The Kennedys are said to have chalked up Jack Schlossberg's eccentric behavior and recent public antics to his father's side of the family, inside sources tell DailyMail.com

Schlossberg's social media hiatus only lasted about a month, though, after which he posted an unhinged video in which he made kissy faces at Cheryl Hines and told her she should apologize for the recent death of an unvaccinated child with measles.

'Almost every single case of measles is in someone who's not vaccinated,' Schlossberg says in the video, in which he deliberately misspells the actress's name as 'Heins' and at one point 'Sheryl.'

'I think you're the perfect person to say sorry,' he adds.

But the Kennedy family is now refusing to 'take blame or responsibility' for the behavior of President John F. Kennedy's quirky only grandson, Jack Schlossberg, declaring he's more 'Schlossberg than Kennedy,' insiders have exclusively told DailyMail.com.

'Members of the Kennedy family, although embarrassed by and for Jack, are adamant that they feel no blame or responsibility for his boorish online shenanigans,' one such insider said.

'They feel Jack's dark persona is a clear case of "like father, like son". That he's a chip off the old block who inherited more the traits and characteristics of his father than having the Kennedy attributes of his mother.'
Michelle Obama has shared another reason she chose to skip President Donald Trump's inauguration as she fends off rumors of marital problems.

Barack was intriguingly on his own when he attended both Jimmy Carter's funeral and Trump's inauguration, which took place just weeks apart in January.

The former first lady said it was a choice she made 'for herself', but has now shed new light on the decision.

'It started with not having anything to wear,' Michelle said in her latest podcast episode, 'IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson.'

'I mean, cause I'm always prepared for any funeral, anything,' Obama added. 'I walk around with the right dress, I travel with clothes just in case something pops off.

'So I was like, if I'm not going to do this thing, I got to tell my team, I don't even want to have a dress ready, right?'

By refusing to even pack the appropriate clothes, Michelle knew she was preventing herself from taking the easy route and 'just saying, let me do the right thing [and attend].'

Michelle said she was stunned that a decision she made for herself led to such intense speculation about her 32-year marriage.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has shared another reason she chose to skip President Donald Trump 's inauguration as she fends off rumors of marital problems

Her decision not to attend Trump's inauguration historically would have been seen as a monumental snub given all former presidents and first ladies have attended inauguration - even for the president of the opposite party - unless they were suffering from health issues. But Trump himself blew up that modern precedent four years ago when he refused to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, President Joe Biden

The couple  who met as young lawyers working for the same Chicago firm in 1989  celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in October and shared a photo of them hugging each other at a museum in New York

'My decision to skip the inauguration... or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me were met with such ridicule and criticism,' she said.

'People couldn't believe that I was saying no for any other reason, that they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart, you know?'

She encouraged young women to 'practise... the art of saying no,' revealing it is like a 'muscle [she is] just now starting to build.'

'After all that I've done in this world, if I still have to show people that I love my country, that I'm doing the right thing... all I'm doing is keeping that crazy bar that our mothers and grandmothers set for us.'

Her latest comments come amid a charm offensive to dispel rumors of marital problems.

The couple made a show of unity at the weekend when they were spotted on a romantic date night at one of their favorite Italian restaurants in Washington DC.

They were all smiles as they made their way through the busy Osteria Mozza in Georgetown on the weekend, stopping to wave at patrons as they swatted away rumors of marital woes.

Barack shook hands with a worker at the Italian eatery, where a main course ranges between $34 to $175.

Her latest comments come amid a charm offensive to dispel rumors of marital problems

And the former first lady addressed the speculation during a recent interview with actress Sophia Bush for an episode of her podcast Work in Progress.

'That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people,' she said.

'So much so that this year people were, you know, they couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.

'That this couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?'

Her 61st birthday was three days before the inauguration.

But at the time, reports swirled that Michelle couldn't stand the thought of fake niceties with Trump.

At Carter's funeral, Barack was seen laughing and cozying up to Trump.

The duo shared a warm interaction ahead of the service, having a whispered conversation with one another in a moment which set the internet alight.

Barack and Michelle Obama shared tributes and never before seen photos on Instagram on their 30th anniversary

'Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,' the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama told the outlet

'It did look very friendly, I must say,' Trump later said.

But according to a source who spoke to Page Six, Michelle wasn't interested in playing nice with Trump.

'She's never been fake and she's never been phony. She's always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up,' the source said.

'She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesn't have to unify around [Trump]. She doesn't have to say anything.

'Her absence speaks volumes.'

When she missed Carter's funeral, it was immediately cleared up that she had a 'scheduling conflict' which prevented her from attending. She was enjoying an extended holiday in Hawaii at the time.

Her decision not to attend Trump's inauguration historically would have been seen as a monumental snub given all former presidents and first ladies have attended the following inauguration - even for the president of the opposite party - unless they were suffering from health issues.

But Trump himself blew up that modern precedent four years ago when he refused to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, President Joe Biden.

First lady Melania Trump also skipped Biden's inauguration.

The Obamas put out a public display of affection on X to mark the former first lady's 61st birthday in January amid speculation they could be headed to divorce

Former President Barack Obama (left) tried to silence divorce gossip by posting this photo for former first lady Michelle Obama's (right) birthday on January 17th

Kid Rock was among outspoken critics of her decision, telling Fox at the time: 'I would kindly remind [Michelle] that years back when Obama was first elected I did not vote for him but they asked me to play the inauguration.

'I played it, I went, I had a good time. I went out of respect to the presidency, I would kindly remind Miss Michelle about that.'

The Obamas  who met as young lawyers working for the same Chicago firm in 1989  celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in October and shared a photo of them hugging each other at a museum in New York.

'I couldn't have asked for a better partner and friend to go through life with,' Barack wrote in a message accompanying the photo.

She echoed the sentiment, adding: '32 action-packed years with my honey! Through it all, thank you for always having my back, being by my side, and finding ways to make me smile. I love you, @Barack Obama.'

They also attempted to quash speculation about their marriage by posting a romantic selfie smiling and embracing on Instagram for Valentine's Day.

'Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away. Happy Valentine's Day, Michelle Obama!' the Democrat wrote in a social media caption.

Michelle shared the same photo, adding: 'If there's one person I can always count on, it's you, Barack Obama. You're my rock. Always have been. Always will be. Happy Valentine's Day, honey!'
Rachel Reeves insisted last night there is a deal to be done with Donald Trump that may help tariffs on US goods to be slashed  but she dashed hopes of an agreement soon.

The Chancellor told a summit the White House is keen to thrash out a trade arrangement between the two countries.

But she insisted Britain will not rush into any accord that is not in our national interest.

Ms Reeves has, in the past, raised expectations she may be able to deliver a much sought-after trade pact with America when she meets today with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Speaking at the UK Embassy, with British Ambassador Peter Mandelson looking on, Ms Reeves was adamant that, as keen as she is to secure the removal of the American 10 per cent general tariff and 25 per cent on cars and steel, she is not prepared to sacrifice our high food standards or change regulations to make it easier for the US to export vehicles to us.

The Chancellor said: Were not going to rush a deal. We want to get the right deal thats in our national interest.

Those talks are ongoing but its clear that the US as well wants a deal, and so those discussions continue. Ive always been really clear that I believe in free trade.

The issue of imports into the UK of hormone-enhanced beef and chlorinated chicken has long been seen as a barrier to wide-ranging free trade with America.

Rachel Reeves, pictured at yesterday's summit, insisted there is a deal to be done with Donald Trump that may help tariffs on US goods to be slashed

Ms Reeves insisted: We have talked regularly with the farming sector on these issues.

This never has been on the table in these discussions with the US  and the food and farming sector in the UK can be confident that were not going to be reducing our standards.

She was confident that there is enough common ground for an agreement to eventually emerge, saying: I think that there is a deal to be done, both on tariffs and also a wider deal beyond the media issue of tariffs, around technology, a technology partnership building on the National Security and Defence Partnership.

Were not going to be relaxing our food standards. The US like that and they respect that and understand that. So that is not something thats on the table in these discussions. Appearing later at the World Economy Summit in Washington DC, Ms Reeves suggested that she would look to go beyond an arrangement on tariffs, including a technology partnership and building on the close relationship we have on security and national defence.

She said: This isnt just about damage limitation, its also about what the next step is. Adding that she would like to see a reduction in tariffs and non-tariff barriers on both sides of the Atlantic, Ms Reeves said: I think that can be a bilateral process between our two countries to remove those remaining trade barriers that do exist.

And if we work on that basis, there is a deal to be done that will benefit industry both in the UK and the US and jobs in our countries as well.

She also hinted that Labour is ready to slash tariffs on American cars to help seal a pact  with ministers reportedly considering cutting import tariffs on US cars from 10 per cent to 2.5 per cent.

Asked about the proposal, Ms Reeves told the BBC: I want to see tariff and non-tariff barriers reduced between the UK and the US but also with other countries around the world.

Downing Street also left open the door to cutting the UKs tariffs on American goods to help get a deal that will see a reduction in the 25 per cent tariff on British cars imposed by the US President. The urgency of removing tariffs on imported cars has been underlined by the problems of Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover, which has temporarily halted exports to the US.

Ms Reeves said: The Prime Minister and I went to Land Rover [in the West Midlands] a few weeks ago to meet with workers and the management team. There were no illusions about the scale of the challenges that tariffs pose to UK car manufacturers.

Meanwhile, the US raised hopes last night that its trade war with China, which has spooked global markets, could be resolved.

Speaking to bankers in Washington, Mr Bessent said that there is an opportunity for a big deal here on trade issues between America and China.
President Donald Trump continued to push that his tariffs are going as planned in an interview with BlazeTV's Glenn Beck.

Beck admitted at the top of the chat that he was not a fan of tariffs, but said he trusted Trump's instinct to make deals.

Trump has kept a 10 percent tariff in place for almost every country around the world - and paused his higher reciprocal tariffs for 90 days so those deals could come together.

'I don't have to negotiate. I don't have to negotiate. I'm talking to people out of respect, but I don't have to,' Trump told the former Fox News host.

'So we're this giant store that people want to come in and buy from, we're the United States. We have the richest consumers, etcetera, etcetera, right?' the president continued.

Trump said he was currently negotiating with '70 different countries.'

'We're negotiating, we're showing great respect, but in the end, we may make deals, but either that or I just set a price and I say "here's what you're going to pay for the privilege of servicing the United States of America,"' Trump said.

'And they have an option, they can maybe talk to me a little bit or they can not shop,' the president added.

President Donald Trump talked tariffs with BlazeTV founder Glenn Beck at the White House on Wednesday

Glenn Beck, a former Fox News host, admitted that he wasn't a fan of tariffs but told his audience he had confidence that Trump could cut deals

Trump also said Wednesday that he could reimpose some of the reciprocal tariffs earlier than the 90-day deadline.

'In the end, I think what's going to happen is, we're going to have great deals, and by the way, if we don't have a deal with a company or a country, we're going to set the tariff,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. 'I'd say over the next couple of weeks, wouldn't you say? I think so. Over the next two, three weeks. We'll be setting the number.'

Trump told Beck it would be 'an ambition' to make TheBlaze founder a fan of his tariffs.

'I'm going to make you a fan of it,' Trump told Beck.

'I would love to be a fan,' Beck replied.

Beck spoke about a number of other subjects with Trump, including why he believed he would be able to get a Russia-Ukraine peace deal.

'I don't believe Vladimir Putin would be doing this for anybody else but me,' Trump boasted.

Trump continued to express frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who Beck even referred to as a 'punk.'

'You said it,' Trump responded.

The president pointed to his explosive meeting with Zelensky in the Oval Office in late February, saying that the Ukrainian leader was 'screaming' at him.

'He's asking for more, just more and more and more, and he doesn't have the cards,' Trump said again.

Trump added that Putin 'thus far, he's been easier to deal with than Zelensky.'

Beck, a longtime conservative commentator, wasn't a fan of Trump when he launched his first bid for the White House in 2015.

Beck called out Trump for not being a true conservative.

But now Beck has come around.

As he introduced the interview, Beck spoke of the president's 'tremendous sense of humor.'

'I was with him just 45 minutes ago, and now I'm here, and already memes are going out with the two of us. Between a picture of Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush he decided to put a painting of him in between,' Beck said. 'And he's doing it as a troll.'

'He has a very funny sense of humor,' the former Fox News host said. 'It's driving the left out of their minds.'

The rather colorful piece of Trump art was placed in the East Wing's booksellers hallway, usually reserved for portraits of first ladies.

Trump has made some more serious changes to the White House decor, including adding a lot of gold elements to the Oval Office.
Australia's national drinks body has slammed a 'discriminatory' mandate that means bottle shops in NSW will be closed on Anzac Day for the first time.

Updated state laws ban retailers from opening on April 25, with the day to be devoted to rememberance of war veterans, whereas retailers in other states can open.

Retail Drinks Australia criticised the change of legislation as 'unfair, discriminatory, and anti-competitive laws' in a statement this week.

The body said the move will impact up to 2,400 liquor retailers across the state, the majority of which are small, family-owned businesses.

'Our members have retailed responsibly and respectfully on this day for decades, servicing their local communities,' CEO Michael Waters said.

'They respect the significance and importance of Anzac Day.

'People taking part in Anzac Day should be able to commemorate however they choose, whether [that is] attending community ceremonies, joining family and friends at a BBQ, or having a quiet drink remembering old mates.'

Mr Waters wants bottle shops to open from 1pm, as they have previously done, to ensure consistency, maintain employee protections and support small businesses.

Retail Drinks Australia has called the NSW government's Anzac Day trading restrictions on bottle shops 'unfair, discriminatory, and anti-competitive laws' (stock image)

The CEO of Retail Drinks Australia Michael Waters has said bottle shop retailers respect the significance and importance of Anzac Day (stock image)

Retail Drinks Australia said more than 100 exemption applications lodged with NSW Fair Trading have been rejected.

Applicants have reportedly been told they do not meet 'exceptional circumstance' or 'public interest' thresholds.

'We've appealed to the Premier for fairness. We've called on the Minister for Industrial Relations for common sense,' Mr Waters said.

'We're asking the Government to let people live their lives and to be fair and balanced when making laws. The current situation discriminates against bottle shops and makes life unnecessarily harder for people in this state with no clear benefit.'

The NSW Government introduced the law in July last year, hoping it would inspire more people to use the day to honour the memory of those who died in service.

Premier Chris Minns has previously justified the decision, saying 'no occasion could be more solemn or significant than Anzac Day' yet pubs will be open.

'It might be inconvenient for a few hours, but closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy,' he said.

A spokesperson for NSW Government's Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said retail trading on Anzac Day will be the same as Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Premier Chris Minns said 'no occasion could be more solemn or significant than Anzac Day' when justifying the change to legislation for retailers (stock image)

'This means packaged liquor stores will be closed, except for small traders which have an exemption to remain open,' they said.

'Hospitality venues such as pubs will continue to open and operate as normal.

'Anzac Day is a public holiday so that workers and communities can come together throughout the day to commemorate veterans and their service to our country.'

The change was made after a public consultation, which ran from September to October 2023, garnered strong support from veterans, veterans' organisations and the public.

The legislation change will also affect other retailers which were previously allowed to open from 1pm, including department stores and supermarkets.

Exemptions are in place for other venues including markets, small retailers, bars, cafes, chemists, newsagents and takeaway restaurants.

Dan Murphy's and BWS stores attached to ALH Hotels across NSW will also be exempt as they trade as part of the hotel's licence.

NSW isn't alone in enforcing full Anzac Day closures. Queensland supermarkets will be shut all day, except for Brisbane Airport's Woolworths, which opens at 1pm.

Most Dan Murphy's and BWS stores in other states will trade from 1pm on Anzac Day.

Shoppers are advised to check local trading hours to avoid being caught out.
Former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs has been fined $9,000 and handed 37.5 hours of community service for supplying cocaine, after the leak of a video in his home destroyed his political career.

The 40-year-old was sentenced in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday after pleading guilty in March to two counts of drug supply.

The offences involved Speirs giving cocaine to two friends in early August about the time he stepped down as opposition leader.

The saga erupted after footage shared online appeared to show Mr Speirs bending over a plate and sniffing a substance in the kitchen of his Kingston Park home in Adelaide's south.

Despite the footage being from inside his home and the pictured person bearing a strong resemblance to Mr Speirs, the former Liberal leader insisted it was not him, and suggested at the time the footage could be a 'deep fake'.

When confronted by a reporter at his home about the images, Mr Speirs insisted they were 'certainly not me' and that he was horrified by the 'troubling' photos.

'That is very strange. No, no way,' Mr Speirs said.

'No, no way no, definitely not. I would never have done that. Never, never, never.

David Speirs (right) was the leader of the South Australian Liberal Party when he used cocaine as a 'means of escapism' and introduced it to his friends around August 2024

'I'm quite horrified by that. I'm really troubled by that. I'm very, very sorry about that.'

In a follow-up text sent to The Advertiser, Mr Speirs said he 'strongly disputed' the authenticity of any video as described.

'I believe this is a deep fake or an elaborate hoax,' he said.

He late stated he had been overseas for two weeks in June.

'During that time other persons had access to my home, giving rise to the opportunity for someone to obtain footage of my premises,' he said.

'I am extremely disappointed by this and assure South Australians that I would never take illicit substances, I never have and I never will.'

Despite his initial denials, Mr Speirs later admitted to being a cocaine user.

'I would never describe myself as an addict or anything like that,' Mr Speirs told The Australian. 'I absolutely wasn't'.

Footage appeared to show the former opposition leader bending over a plate in the kitchen of his Kingston Park home in Adelaide's south (pictured)

'I'd done it years before and while I was Leader of the Opposition it became an issue.

'It wasn't something consistent, it wasn't something I was reliant on, it was a very occasional thing.

'It was a very, very hard job, and if there's a job that's being harder than Leader of the Opposition it's being leader of the Liberal Party of South Australia.

'I've got no real regrets in terms of my professional life. But I also knew when to pull the pin because my life was unravelling.'

The video emerged shortly after he quit as Liberal leader on August 8, declaring he had 'just had a gutful' of speculation about being replaced, and that he did not have the energy to keep fighting.

He was replaced as Liberal leader by Vincent Tarzia.

Mr Speirs had intended to stay on as the member for the southern Adelaide electorate of Black, but after he was arrested and his home raided by police he resigned from parliament in October.

The subsequent by-election for the seat was won by Labor.
Former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann wants prosecutors to hand over CCTV and witness statements ahead of his rape trial after his solicitor claimed 'important' evidence had been withheld.

Lehrmann is accused of raping a woman twice during the morning of October 10, 2021 after they met at a strip club the previous night in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

The case was mentioned in Toowoomba District Court on Thursday.

Lehrmann's solicitor Zali Burrows told Judge Dennis Lynch she would make an application for a complete consolidated brief of evidence.

'On the 13th of March the (Office of Director of Public Prosecutions) pretty much told me in an email they had no intention to further respond to my disclosure requests,' Ms Burrows said.

'The witness list now confirms I'm missing no less than nine witness statements and also important CCTV recordings.'

Ms Burrows said the court needed to deal with her need for evidence disclosure before considering the prosecution's application to have Lehrmann's alleged victim declared a special witness.

If a witness is granted special status, they can be granted exemptions from normal trial procedures and may give evidence from a remote room, be shielded from the defendant's view or have their evidence and cross-examination pre-recorded on video.

Bruce Lehrmann is accused of raping a woman twice after they met at a strip club in Toowoomba

Crown prosecutor Caroline Marco said her office could respond directly to Ms Burrows without the need for a court application.

'I would expect that if Ms Burrows just communicated with us as to what material she requires that we indicated was part of the brief, that we would just provide that to her,' Ms Marco said.

Judge Lynch said he was not going to enter into a dispute between the two parties about what should or should not be disclosed.

'(Ms Burrows) says she doesn't know what she doesn't have ... If the parties can't agree and do it in a sensible way so that the matter can progress, someone needs to file an application and I will deal with the application,' Judge Lynch said.

He said he required all parties to file their intended pre-trial applications before setting hearing dates for the matter, which was adjourned for a further mention on May 22.

Lehrmann, 29, was formerly employed as a ministerial staffer in the Parliament House office of Liberal Senator Sue Reynolds.

The alleged victim previously told Toowoomba Magistrates Court she consumed cocaine with Lehrmann during a night out before consensual sex at a house in the city's east about 4am.

The woman said she was woken about 10am by Lehrmann sexually assaulting her.

Lehrmann's former defence barrister Andrew Hoare said at a prior committal hearing the alleged victim was too intoxicated to remember giving consent and Lehrmann could have mistakenly believed he had consent for further sex acts.

Lehrmann's former solicitor Rowan King previously told Judge Lynch their legal team would apply for the trial to be heard without a jury.
Tulsi Gabbard has referred two intelligence officials to the Department of Justice for allegedly leaking classified information - with a third referral on its way.

The unidentified officials allegedly leaked the classified intelligence to the Washington Post and the New York Times, an Office of the Director of National Intelligence official told Fox News Digital.

'Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nation's security at risk and must end,' Gabbard, who serves as the director of national intelligence, said as news of the pending charges broke.

'Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,' she vowed.

Gabbard then went on to claim that the 'deep state criminals leaked classified information for partisan political purposes to undermine President Trump's agenda.

'I look forward to working with the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate, terminate and prosecute these criminals.'

The move to refer the three officials for criminal prosecution comes as Trump officials ramp up their investigations into possible leak, with Gabbard establishing a new task force last month to root out unauthorized disclosures of classified intelligence.

She said at the time that a 'leaker within the IC sharing information on Israel / Iran with the Washington Post' was among the 'unauthorized leaks' she was looking at, according to Axios.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard shockingly announced on Wednesday that she has referred two intelligence officials to the Department of Justice for allegedly leaking classified information - with a third referral on its way

She claimed the unidentified officials were trying to undermine President Donald Trump's

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has since conducted an internal review and sent the criminal referral to the Justice Department, a source inside the office told Fox News.

The Department of Justice would then send a referral to the FBI to begin a formal criminal investigation.

'We are aggressively investigating other leaks and will pursue further criminal referrals as warranted,' the source said.

'Any intelligence community bureaucrat who is considering leaking to the media should take this as a warning.'

Meanwhile, the Department of Defense is conducting its own probe into possible leaks amid increased scrutiny of the department following Secretary Pete Hegseth's and other top Cabinet officials' Signal chat with the Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg.

Just last week, in fact, Deputy Chief of Staff Darin Selnick, Hegseth's top adviser Dan Caldwell and Colin Carroll ,chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg were fired.

Caldwell and Selnick were even personally escorted from the premises.

In the aftermath, the trio released a statement saying they were 'incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended' and decrying 'baseless attacks' on their character.

The Department of Defense is conducting its own probe into possible leaks

Three former Defense officials were fired from the Pentagon last week amid the probe

'Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door,' they said.

'All three of us served our country honorably in uniform - for two of us, this included deployments to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And based on our collective service, we understand the importance of information security and worked every day to protect it.'

Caldwell also denied he leaked any classified information in an interview with Tucker Carlson - and instead claimed the investigation was 'weaponized' against him because he 'threatened' established ideas within the Pentagon's walls.

He then went on to imply that insider in-fighting led to the firing of Selnick and Carroll, separate from those that led to his own termination.

'We were threatening a lot of established interests in our own separate ways and we had people who had personal vendettas against us. And I think they weaponized the investigation against us.'

Dan Caldwell (pictured) is one of three Department of Defense staffers fired amid an investigation into leaks after they were taken away from the premises

The news comes days after Defense aides Caldwell, Darin Selnick (left) and Colin Carroll (right) were terminated after allegedly being identified during the leak investigation

When asked to expound on what views Caldwell held that could have gotten him fired, he said that there is a bipartisan desire to see America go to war with Iran.

'I think there clearly is a very strong coalition within the United States that wants to see another war in the Middle East and it crosses both parties.'

Furthermore, Caldwell - who blames career staffers for leaking out sensitive information - believes that the investigation that supposedly led to his firing is a total sham.

'There's a lot of evidence that there is not a real investigation but again, sitting here right now, there are a lot of unknowns about this,' he said.

Selnick and Carroll are now planning to sue for wrongful termination, according to Politico.

But Hegseth has held firm in his accusations of his former colleagues, warning on Tuesday that they will likely be prosecuted, Reuters reports.

Hegseth has held firm in his accusations of his former colleagues

'If those people are exonerated, fantastic,' he told Fox News, before adding: 'We don't think - based on what we understand - that it's going to be a good day for a number of those individuals because of what was found in the investigation.'

He went on to explain that there had been a number of leaks that triggered the investigation, including about military options to ensure US access to the Panama Canal and Elon Musk's visit to the Pentagon.

'We said "enough is enough, we're going to launch a leak investigation,"' he recounted. 'We took it seriously.

'It led to some unfortunate places, people I have known for quite some time. But it's not my job to protect them. It's my job to protect national security.'

Yet Hegseth - himself - is also facing scrutiny after it was revealed that he shared details of a US foreign military attack in a second Signal group chat, this time involving his wife, brother and personal lawyer.

Neither the White House nor Hegseth denied that he had shared such information in the chat, instead focusing their responses on what they called disgruntled workers who leaked to the media.

They have also insisted that no classified information had been disclosed.

'Its just fake news. They just bring up stories,' President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday.

'I guess it sounds like disgruntled employees. You know, he was put there to get rid of a lot of bad people, and thats what hes doing. So you dont always have friends when you do that,' Trump said.
Described by mate as a modern day vigilante

A father of six allegedly murdered in a shocking public execution has been described as a vigilante who rid the streets of society's scum.

Ruka Carlson, 30, was allegedly punched, kicked and stabbed to death on Chapel Street in Melbourne's trendy South Yarra on Easter Sunday.

It can now be revealed police arrested a man suspected of being involved in Carlson's murder on Monday.

While initially charged with affray and assault offences, those charges were uplifted to murder on Thursday.

The 35-year-old from Lidcombe in western Sydney was arrested at Melbourne Airport.

The alleged killer was remanded in custody to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court on September 4.

The arrest comes after socialite Brynne Edelsten's former lover Cemre Volkan, also known simply as 'Red', described his mate as a 'true hero'.

Volkan had only days earlier pledged revenge against the five men believed responsible for his mate's murder.

Ruka Carlson was killed in cold blood on Sunday night

In his latest Instagram message, Volkan took aim at 'clear skins' for demonising his heavily tattooed mate.

'Judging such a (beautiful) man by (how) he appeared! He had the most gentle soul! Most loving heart! He was a true hero vigilante!' he wrote.

Volkan described a vigilante as a 'hero who does the work that usually aligns with the law but is not permitted to do so by the police or government'.

'He'd bash (rapists), child (molesters) and people who robbed the innocent,' he stated.

'He was (a) feared man but heavily respected in the scene! He brought order to where dogs ran (rampant).'

Volkan described his mate as 'someone who everyone wanted to be'.

'My brother died in my fkn arms bleeding out, worrying about his family,' he wrote.

On Thursday, a Gofundme established to support Carlson's six children had raised more than $22,000 of a $40,000 target.

Socialite Brynne Edelsten and Cemre Volkan in happier times

Volkan (right) has sworn vengeance against those that killed his mate

Ruka Carlson was described as a hero vigilante who only hurt bad people

'Ruka was not only a devoted partner and father, but also the familys main income earner,' the fundraiser states.

The other people involved in the attack on Carlson remain on the run, with police calling on members of the public with any information to come forward.

Police were told a group of men assaulted Carlson before chasing him further down the street.

He sustained multiple stab wounds when attacked outside a licensed premises.

Although treated by emergency services at the scene he died while being transported to hospital.

Carlson and his fiance had shared six children aged between less than a year old to nine years old.

Monique, who was due to marry Carlson in the coming months, told the Herald Sun his final words to her were that he loved her.

'Okay Im just eating now and Im coming home baby, I love you,' he had texted her.

Ruka leaves behind six children

Cemre Volkan (pictured) described his mate as a hero

Monique remembered her fiance as 'the most beautiful soul on earth'.

'The most loving, caring, gentle father, our six kids and I are suffering immensely without him,' she told the publication.

The fundraiser stated Monique was facing 'unimaginable grief' while trying to provide for their young family on her own.

'This fundraiser is about more than covering funeral expenses. Its about giving Monique and the kids a chance to grieve without the added pressure of financial stress, and to begin rebuilding their lives,' it states.

Anyone with information on the attack should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Furious Aussies have called for the army to be deployed in the Northern Territory in response to crime, after the alleged fatal stabbing of a Darwin supermarket owner.

Canadian-born Linford Feich, 71, ran the Friendly Grocer Nightcliff Supermarket in the city's west, where he was allegedly attacked on Wednesday evening after he confronted an alleged teenage shoplifter who was out on bail.

The incident has enraged Darwin residents, who claim NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro's attempts to crack down on crime have failed and bail laws in the territory remain too relaxed.

Hundreds of locals took to social media to vent their frustration on Thursday, with some calling for the federal government to 'send the army through' or 'bring in the armed forces' in response to spiralling crime in the territory.

'How many more innocent people have to die or live their lives in fear to be in their homes or businesses and not be safe... Bring in the armed forces to clean up,' said one.

'Call in the federal police, we are not safe in the NT,' said another.

'Lia Finocchiaro you said tougher bail laws? Where? You're a failure just as your predecessor was,' a third fumed.

'So Lia this is a result from your tough on crime policy is it,' questioned a fourth.

The alleged teenage offender (pictured) left the scene on a bicycle and after an extensive police manhunt, he turned himself in shortly after midnight

Canadian-born Linford Feich (pictured), 71, ran the Friendly Grocer Nightcliff Supermarket in the city's west, where he was allegedly attacked

'The public have had enough.'

Some pointed out the brazen nature of the alleged attack given it allegedly happened just across the road from Nightcliff Police Station.

Others called for the introduction of capital punishment or for the territory to legalise pepper spray so that residents could better defend themselves.

The alleged teenage offender left the scene on a bicycle on Wednesday evening and after an extensive police manhunt, he turned himself in shortly after midnight.

He is understood to come from the Daly region, 50km southwest of Darwin.

He had been required to live at a 'Top End remote community,' but was not required to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet.

The alleged attack happened at Friendly Grocer Nightcliff Supermarket (pictured) on Wednesday evening

Two months after Ms Finocchiaro took office in August, her government successfully passed legislation to lower the age of criminal responsibility back to 10 years.

It also enacted tougher bail laws for violent offenders, which had been sparked by the death of bottle shop worker Declan Laverty, who was killed by a 19-year-old on bail for aggravated robbery and assault.

Ms Finocchiaro also put in seven requests to the Commonwealth for assistance to tackle crime in the NT, which has the highest offender rates in the country.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed to one of them - the easing of federal laws to allow the use of police drones. Other requests included more income management for parents of youth offenders and kids who do not attend school.
A lack of recent hailstorms is just one of the reasons why a nationwide panel beating group has collapsed owing almost $5million to creditors.

Seven companies operated by Action Smart Group are in liquidation with debts of at least $4.7million, including an eye-watering tax bill.

The nationwide panel beating group blamed a lack of major hailstorms in recent years and the business growing too fast, too soon for the demise of its workshops in New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, and South Australia.

Dozens of small paint and panel beating businesses across Australia have also lost thousands in the liquidations and are unlikely to be repaid.

The companies, directed by Gold Coast's Adam Blackwell, went into voluntary liquidation on April 2, and hired liquidator Steven Naidenov of Aston Chace.

Documents lodged by Mr Naidenov with corporate regulator ASIC revealed the companies owed at least $4.7million.

Action Smart Group had authorised repairer deals with insurance companies including NRMA and sent hail damage work to small contractors across Australia.

Action Smart Group's website stated it was an Australian owned and managed company that 'has established a reputation among insurers and competitors as the market leading hail repair specialists'.

Action Smart Group director Adam Blackwell is pictured

A lack of hailstorms was one reason as to why Action Smart Group (pictured) collapsed

Mr Naidenov said early investigations showed the group may have expanded too quickly, had borrowed $2million and amassed tax debts of around $4million.

'As a small business, losing any money is really hard in this day and age,' one business owner told the Courier Mail.

'It means we'll have to source income from other areas.'

Mr Blackwell said in a statement the decision to liquidate was made to make sure all legal and ethical obligations to employees were met 'and to ensure the best outcome for creditors, customers, and suppliers'.

'This outcome also reflects the highly seasonal nature of the hail repair industry, with reduced storm activity over the past three years placing sustained pressure on the business and contributing to this difficult decision,' Mr Blackwell said.

'All employee entitlements, including wages and superannuation, have been prioritised, and creditors have been engaged through the formal liquidation process.'

Mr Naidenov revealed three businesses were purchased by for $6.78million last September by other companies controlled by Mr Blackwell, and the legitimacy of those sales were being looked at by the liquidator.

Director Adam Blackwell (pictured) said the decision to liquidate was made to ensure the best outcome for creditors, customers and suppliers

'My investigations into the commerciality of the above sales and other aspects of the liquidations such as other voidable transactions are ongoing,' he said.

'In the event that the sales are uncommercial or undervalue then action will be commenced against the purchasing entities and the parties associated with the sale to remedy such claim.

'I have yet to form a view regarding the appropriateness of the pre-appointment business sales.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Action Smart Group for comment.
Fears of a serial killer stalking quaint New England towns have soared once again after a woman's body was found off a bike path.

Police in Springfield, Massachusetts, responded to reports of an unresponsive person on Hall of Fame Avenue on Tuesday afternoon.

A woman was pronounced dead shortly after first responders arrived, and spokesman Ryan Walsh said the homicide unit has been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

'The SPD Homicide Unit under the direction Captain Trent Duda is conducting an unattended death investigation in conjunction with the @HampdenDA Murder Unit, pending an autopsy by the Medical Examiner,' Walsh said.

The grim discovery comes as residents across Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are on high alert about a potential serial killer living in their midst.

In total, eight bodies have now been discovered across the idyllic region, sparking community groups and rumors online about whether they're connected.

Authorities have not announced any connection between any of the eight victims, and several have insisted they are not investigating links.

Walsh said: 'Internet rumors are just that.'

There are mounting fears that a serial killer is on the loose and stalking quaint New England towns after multiple sets of remains turned up in a two month window

A woman was pronounced dead shortly after first responders arrived to a bike track on Tuesday, and spokesman Ryan Walsh said the homicide unit has been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death

Chair of the Forensic Science Department at the University of New Haven's Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences Peter Valentin spoke to Fox News Digital and said cops responding to an unresponsive person 'is strongly suggestive of someone who did not have any post-mortem artifacts that would negate the need to check for vital signs needed to make a pronouncement.

'If someone is in full rigor mortis, there is no need to try to find a pulse because the presence of rigor mortis means they are unequivocally dead. So this is a very recent death, unlike the others that are being attributed to the 'New England serial killer,' Valentin said.

On March 6, the remains of 35-year-old Paige Fannon of West Islip, New York, turned up in New Haven. Her body had been found in a fast-moving Norwalk River the night after a heavy deluge.

Then on March 21, police found another set of human remains, later confirmed to be that of missing 59-year-old mother-of-two Denise Leary.

On March 25, Rhode Island State Police found another set of remains in a wooded area of Foster, which were later identified as missing 56-year-old Michele Romano.

Several other sets of unidentified remains have also been located in New England towns during a similar time period.

A Facebook group named New England Serial Killer initially amplified community concerns, but was renamed in part after Romano's family urged them not to lump the 56-year-old in with other potential victims.

'Michele's passing is in no way related to any type of serial killer,' the family said in a statement.

Paige Fannon disappeared on March 4, just two days before she was found

The remains of Paige Fannon (right) were found on March 6, and just weeks later on March 21, Denise Leary's (left) body was found

'We have complete faith in the Rhode Island State Police and our Private Investigator that the person responsible will be brought to justice sooner rather than later.'

There is also no indication that the eight sets of remains all belong to people who disappeared - or died - recently.

Several were in such a state of decomposition that they're yet to be identified, suggesting they may have been exposed to the elements longer than others.

Police in Groton Connecticut on March 19 uncovered the remains of a woman they believe to be aged between 40 to 60.

They said the woman appeared to have lightly pigmented skin, and features typically associated with a person with Turner syndrome. The condition is a genetic disorder where a chromosome is missing or altered and can cause numerous health issues.

On April 9, another set of possible human remains were discovered in Killingly. Police did not reveal the identity of the remains but said there is no known threat to the public relating to the discovery.

The next day, firefighters in Massachusetts discovered more remains in Framingham. The decomposition of the remains suggested they had been there for at least several months.

And on Wednesday, police discovered another two bodies, both male, near a Walmart in Salem.

On March 25 Michele Romano was found dead. 'Michele's passing is in no way related to any type of serial killer,' the family said in a statement.

Officers were pictured during the search for Michele Romano

'There is no information at this time suggesting any connection to similar remains discoveries, and there is also no known threat to the public at this time,' Connecticut State Police said earlier this month.

New Haven police officer Christian Bruckhart told MassLive that he understands the 'mystique' and speculation surrounding a potential local serial killer.

'There's certain things that have a mystique about them, and I think serial killers are one... A serial killer is this almost mythical figure in the zeitgeist - I mean, how many Hannibal Lecter movies have been done?' he said.

He is part of the team investigating Denise Leary's death, and said that the evidence so far does not suggest she died by homicide.

'They're out there, we know that they exist,' he said, generally speaking about serial killers.

'But I can only speak to my department's investigation, in the missing person case, that there's no indication there was any homicide.'
A woman is close to giving up as she sits under a tarp in the rain with her husband, two dogs and remaining belongings just hours after their tent was bulldozed.

Deborah Louise, 57, was one of 15 people living in tents at Eddie Hyland Park in Moreton Bay, Queensland, after she was left homeless in August last year.

All of them were forced to leave on Thursday by the local council.

Moreton Bay Council voted in February to make it illegal for people to camp on public land with letters to those living in 'tent cities' threatening fines of up to $8,000.

'I just want to give up, enough is enough,' Mrs Louise told Daily Mail Australia.

'I was just trying to get on with life, be happy, and then they took that from me today.

'We weren't threatening anyone. We haven't been offered housing. We haven't been offered one place. I just find it poor of Australians to be like this.'

Mrs Louise asked council representatives on Thursday whether they had accommodation she could go but they reportedly said there was nowhere.

Deborah Louise, 57, (pictured) was one of 15 people living in tents at Eddie Hyland Park in Moreton Bay, Queensland, after she was left homeless in August last year

The 57-year-old also said she had never heard of emergency housing until Thursday and it had never been suggested to her and her husband, Albertus.

Beau Hayward, 47, runs homeless food initiative Nourish Street Inc and was at the campsite when an excavator was used to move the larger items from the scene.

'It's pretty heartless,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'A Thursday right before Anzac day; I can't help but think it's not in the Anzac spirit of things.'

He said housing services had visited the site two weeks before to issue a warning and offer referrals, but had not been down since then.

'Engaging and offering referrals is a lot different to any sort of temporary or permanent accommodation,' he said.

'There is no temporary or permanent accommodation to be offered.'

He said one of the key factors barring Mrs Louise and her husband from finding somewhere to stay is that they have dogs.

'[It] cuts off any opportunity for accommodation. There is very little pet-friendly accommodation that will take homeless people.'

Mrs Louise was left in the rain with her husband, two dogs and their remaining belongings

But Mrs Louise is not prepared to separate from her dogs, which she raised from their father.

'They are all I have left of him,' she said, referencing the now deceased parent dog.

'They're my babies, I can't let them go.'

Mrs Louise and her husband had spent years living in a caravan until they just couldn't continue to move from showground to showground anymore.

'It got too much, we're getting too old to move all the time,' she said.

Mr Louise, 61, is on a disability pension and Deborah is his carer, meaning she cannot work.

Mr Haywood uploaded a video speaking to social media just after 9am on Thursday speaking to Tracey, who has also been camping in the park.

'I'm sitting in there and I'm not moving. I'm not letting them take my stuff to impound it,' she said.

Mrs Louise said she had 'nowhere to go' and that there was no accommodation available

'[They're] gonna lock it in a room or something and I'm gonna go with no tent, no cooking stuff, no clothes, no shelter.'

When the council visited Eddie Hyland Park to issue a warning to those living in tents and issuing notices, Deborah said the visit took its toll on her husband.

'My husband passed out and had to be taken to hospital. It was the shock. Ranger officers, council officers and police officers - it was too much,' Mrs Louise said.

A City of Moreton Bay spokesperson said on April 9 that the council had issued people camping illegally on public land at Eddie Hyland Park with notices to move.

'City of Moreton Bays local laws reflect community needs and Council has overwhelming support for these,' they said.

'Our community has raised significant concerns about the decline of public space access, amenity and safety in relation to people sleeping rough.'

All of those issued notices were offered a referral by the council to specialist homelessness services and the Department of Housing and Public Works, they said.

Queensland Police also attended due to the park being a 'location of high risk following aggressive and antisocial behaviour including assaults'.

A bulldozer was brought to the park area to move peoples' larger items

'The role of QPS is to assist the City of Moreton Bay during their engagements with rough sleepers to make sure all persons, including both rough sleepers and council employees, are kept safe,' a spokesperson said on Thursday.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Moreton Bay Council for comment.

A spokesperson from Queensland Government's Department of Housing and Public Works said staff are working to support those who have slept at Eddie Hyland Park.

'The team continues to visit the area, offering temporary accommodation and connection to support services for people sleeping in the park, and will continue to support them into longer-term housing solutions,' they said.

'Our team and their government and non-government partners continue to visit rough sleepers and engage with them and offer support.

'Anyone in the Moreton Bay Region who requires housing assistance can contact state-funded Specialist Homelessness Services.'

This includes Encircle 24/7 on 3465 3276 or The Salvation Army on 3832 1491, or visit or call the Moreton Bay Housing Service Centre on 5432 0700.

The Moreton Bay LGA has Queensland's longest social housing wait list of 4,421, with homelessness having risen by 90 per cent in the past decade.
A police officer didn't hold back after a young couple had to be rescued by a helicopter after becoming bogged on a remote road in Queensland.

The 19-year-old woman and 21-year-old man were picked up in Far North Queensland along Cape Melville Road in Cape York.

Their car was bogged in thick mud on a closed road, leaving them stranded for three days over the Easter long weekend.

Police from the helicopter found the couple had set up a tent near the ute and only had enough food and water to last a few days.

'How are you guys?' an officer asked the couple, before reminding them they shouldn't have been travelling on the closed road for safety reasons.

'The roads are closed. That's the whole point,' he said.

'You shouldn't be in this area and this is what the whole point is.'

Special Constable Adam Tickner said the pair did the right thing by staying with their vehicle but that roads in the region were closed 'for a reason'.

The police arrive in a helicopter to rescue the couple whose car got bogged in Cape York

Police could only find the pair from above in the remote region

Police give the couple a dressing down after rescuing them in remote Queensland

'It was fortunate that these people had enough food and water to last a few days, however, this is very challenging terrain, especially during the wet season,' Special Constable Tickner said in a statement.

'These roads are closed for a reason, and phone reception is limited.

'When travelling on The Cape, ensure you have a satellite phone or personal locator beacon, recovery gear, spare parts, first aid, and adequate food, water and fuel.'

Aussies online also blasted the couple's actions, with some saying they should be fined for wasting valuable resources.

'Seriously... what does 'road closed' do they not understand,' one person wrote.

'Blatant disregard for their own safety by passing the road closed sign... We'll have the cost of the recovery and rescue back thanks,' another said.

A third commented: 'Give them a huge fine, they might think twice about going around a closed sign again'.
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Tens of thousands of mourners are queuing around the clock to pay respects to Pope Francis after the Vatican abandoned its plan to close St. Peter's Basilica overnight.

Huge crowds thronged St Peter's Square in Vatican City, queuing for hours to see the late pontiff in his open coffin ahead of his funeral this weekend.

Waves of mourners stood patiently in line after Francis's remains were transferred to St Peter's Basilica yesterday, with the queue snaking its way through the square to the Holy Door of the building.

Almost 50,000 people have flooded the basilica 'to pay homage to Pope Francis' since he was laid out yesterday in an open coffin ahead of his funeral on Saturday, Vatican media said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among those who paid their respects to Francis yesterday, with photographs showing how she solemnly approached his casket just hours after having praised him during her address to Parliament.

Meloni celebrated Francis' ability to talk freely with anyone, despite his exalted position, praised his fortitude and courage to 'go against the current', and shared with lawmakers some personal advice he gave her: 'Never lose your sense of humour.'

'With him you were at ease, you could open up, without filters, without fear of being judged,' she added. 'He could see your soul, lay it bare.'

While it had been expected that St, Peter's would close at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, it remained open throughout the night to allow more people to pay their respects.

By late yesterday evening, the wait appeared to be three or four hours and growing. An official doing crowd management estimated that the wait was closer to five hours.

Almost 50,000 people have flooded the basilica 'to pay homage to Pope Francis' since he was laid out yesterday in an open coffin ahead of his funeral. Pictured are the faithful paying their respects to the late pontiff today

Since his remains were transferred to St Peters Basilica, waves of mourners stood patiently in line to pay their respects. Pictured are queues of people waiting in the church this morning

Huge crowds thronged St Peter's Square in Vatican City today, queuing for hours to see the late pontiff in his open coffin

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among those who paid their respects to Pope Francis at the St. Peter's Basilica yesterday

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols in the area.

Police have been managing crowd control at various points on the approach to the square, with some checking bags, as mourners mingled with the usual tourist population.

Large crowds are expected for Saturday's funeral in St Peter's Square, with the Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, confirmed to be attending on the King's behalf.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also be there, alongside other global leaders and dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin and Irish President Michael D Higgins.

In accordance with the late pope's wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peter's Basilica.

Asked about the route the pope's remains will take from the square to his final resting place, the Vatican spokesman said he expects the Italian authorities will provide details in due course.

He added that it is likely St Mary Major will close for Saturday afternoon when the Pope's remains arrive following the funeral, but reopen for people to take part in the rosary there on Saturday evening.

People wait in line to view Pope Francis lying in state inside St. Peter's Basilica today

St. Peter's Basilica reopened its doors on Thursday, after a brief pause in the early hours of the day, to welcome thousands of worshippers from around the world who want to pay their final respects to Pope Francis

A woman cries as she pays her respects today as Francis lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica

Waves of mourners stood patiently in line at the Vatican today to pay their respects after Pope Francis's remains were transferred to St Peter's Basilica yesterday

Boys lie on the side of a road this morning as they queue to enter St. Peter's Basilica to pay respect as Pope Francis lies in state

A nun reads a book early this morning as she waits in line with others to view Pope Francis lying in state inside St. Peter's Basilica

The Vatican abandoned its plan to close St. Peter's Basilica overnight as queues of mourners lined up in St. Peter's Square to pay homage to the pontiff

People stand in line as they wait to enter St. Peter's Basilica this morning. An official doing crowd management estimated that the wait to enter the church is around five hours

Nuns and the faithful line up along the walls of the Vatican today to pay homage to Francis

Huge crowds are expected today for a glimpse of Francis's body on the second day of public tributes, after St Peter's stayed open almost all night to accommodate the crowds.

Close to 20,000 people filtered past the Catholic leader's red-lined wooden coffin in the first eight hours of the lying in state on Wednesday.

Each mourner was ushered past the casket within seconds, many hurriedly catching the moment on their smartphones. Instead of closing at midnight, the Vatican allowed people in until 5.30am (3.30 GMT) this morning, before reopening at 7am.

Mourners from across the globe made a slow, shuffling procession up the main aisle of St. Peter's Basilica to pay their last respects to Francis yesterday, finding community as they spent hours waiting to reach his open casket.

Among those filing past the coffin, some blessing themselves with the sign of the cross or pausing briefly in prayer, were a mother and daughter who described it as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience.

Primary school teacher Marguerite O'Leary and her teenage daughter Ellen, from County Clare in Ireland, stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiff's remains inside St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Mrs O'Leary said she felt it was their 'duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here' in the days following the Pope's death aged 88 on Easter Monday, while her 14-year-old daughter described it as 'amazing to be in there' and a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity'.

A Vatican Gendarmerie officer gesticulates, warning the faithful not to take photographs of the body of Pope Francis as they pay homage to him yesterday

Primary school teacher Marguerite O'Leary and her teenage daughter Ellen, (pictured together) from County Clare in Ireland, stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiff's remains

Nuns enter the Basilica yesterday after queuing for hours in St. Peter's Square to pay homage to the late Pope Francis

Queues are wrapping around St. Peter's Basilica this morning as the faithful wait to pay their respects to Pope Francis as he lies in state

Meanwhile, Patrick Gavigan, based in Kildare, said it was 'momentous' to be inside the basilica to witness the Pope's remains close up after queuing with his wife Alice for almost four hours.

The retired couple, who are in Rome celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary year, said they were 'so happy' to have been able to experience what they said was a historic occasion.

One nun accompanying an elderly woman with a cane walked away from the coffin sobbing, 'My pope is gone'.

But such despair was rare, with the mood more one of gratitude for a pope who had, by example, taught many people to open their minds.

'I am very devoted to the pope,' said Ivenes Bianco. 'He was important to me because he brought many people together by encouraging coexistence.'

She cited Francis' acceptance of the gay community and his insistence on helping the poor.

Riccardo Ojedea from Colombia said his experience waiting in line for two hours to pay respects to the pope had shown him how much 'humanity loves the pope'.

'He left a very important legacy for everyone,' he said, 'to make this world happier'.

Magdalene Kivondo carries a religious statue, with a rosary, while queuing to enter St. Peter's Basilica this morning

Mourners queue this morning to pay respect as Pope Francis lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica

People wait in a queue outside Vatican City this morning as Pope Francis lies in state

Students pose for a photo in front of St. Peter's Basilica this today as Pope Francis lies in state

After three days of public viewing, a funeral Mass including heads of state will be held Saturday in St. Peter's Square. The pope will then be buried in a niche within the St. Mary Major Basilica, near his favourite Madonna icon.

The death of Francis, who was 88, capped a 12-year pontificate characterised by his concern for the poor and his message of inclusion, but he was also criticised by some conservatives who felt alienated by his progressive outlook.

A procession of priests, bishops and cardinals accompanied Francis' body Wednesday on its journey from a private viewing inside the Vatican to St. Peters Square. The pageantry contrasted with the human interactions of rank-and-file mourners at the public viewing.

Following his funeral, all eyes will turn to the process to choose Francis' successor. Cardinals from around the world are returning to Rome for the conclave, which will begin no fewer than 15 days and no more than 20 days after a pope's death.

Only those under the age of 80 - currently some 135 cardinals - are eligible to vote.

Cardinal Francesco Montenegro, the Camerlengo, arrives for a college of cardinals' meeting at the Vatican this morning

Cardinals have agreed that the traditional nine days of mourning for the pope, the so-called 'novemdiales', will begin on Saturday and conclude on May 4.

Another meeting of cardinals of all ages was set for 9am (700 GMT) today. However, the Vatican brushed aside hopes of an announcement of the conclave date, insisting the focus is on the funeral.

At the time of his death, Francis was under doctors' orders to rest for two months. But the headstrong pope continued to make public appearances despite appearing tired and short of breath.

On Easter Sunday, one day before he died, he circled St Peter's Square in his popemobile to greet the crowds, stopping to kiss babies along the way.
A woman was allegedly raped twice in the same night on a popular UK beach, a court has been told.

The reported attack happened on the seafront in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk on February 16.

Police arrested Luis Brazao, who is also accused of sexually assaulting the woman twice on the same date, the Sun reports.

Speaking through a Portuguese interpreter, the 31-year-old, of Seafield Close, Yarmouth, denied all four charges at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday.

The alleged rapes happened on the seafront in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk on February 16

Police arrested Luis Brazao, who is also accused of sexually assaulting the woman twice on the same date

Judge Katharine Moore set a trial to begin later this year on August 20.

Following the hearing Brazao was remanded in custody.
A teenager gunned down following a violent brawl at a popular beach has been identified as his killer remains on the run.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach car park on Memorial Drive in Newcastle in the NSW Hunter region about 11.40pm on Wednesday.

Ekampreet Sahni, 18, was found at the scene suffering a gunshot wound to his upper torso and died at the scene.

Police sources told The Daily Telegraph that Mr Sahni had been at the carpark with two females when the women called three male friends to join them.

When the men arrived, an altercation then broke out.

A white Volvo SUV with three men arrived at the scene minutes later.

It's understood two men jumped out of the vehicle and made threats before shots were fired at Mr Sahni at point blank range before the car fled the scene.

Police believe the firearm was either a pump action shotgun or high-powered rifle.

The torched vehicle was found 13km away in Tingira Heights 20 minutes later.

Ekampreet Sahni, 18, was shot dead at point blank range at a Newcastle beach on Wednesday

The car loving teen couldn't be revived by paramedics at the scene

Crime scenes were established at both locations.

Police don't believe the drive-by shooting was linked to the earlier altercation.

'We don't believe the fight was organised, and we don't believe that this incident is related to that earlier fight at the car park,' Acting Superintendent Steve Benson said.

'I will say the investigation is in its infancy, so we're looking at all lines of inquiry and all possibilities.'

'It is a senseless crime and one that I hope the community will not stand for, and neither do we as police.'

Supt Benson said police had devoted a 'large number of resources' to the investigation and were 'working to establish' whether Mr Sahni was known to his killers.

'It's only a number of hours into the investigation and we're yet to establish a motive,' he said.

Ekampreet Sahni, 18, was gunned down following a violent brawl

The carpark remained a crime scene on Thursday morning

Mr Sahni has been remembered as a car loving teen.

NSW Police Minister and local MP Yasmin Catley vowed to 'throw every resource' at the investigation.

'This sort of violence is not what we ever want to see on our streets and we are not used to seeing it on our streets,' she said.

'Police have stood up a strike force immediately and we will be throwing every resource at... making sure we find the perpetrator of this horrible incident we have experienced.

Anyone with relevant information or dashcam vision of the incident is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers.
Putin has launched a large scale drone attack on Kyiv that has killed at least nine people and injured another 70, including six children, Ukrainian officials say.

Russia's overnight combined missile and drone attack triggered fires, smashed buildings and buried residents under rubble in the Ukrainian capital.

At least 45 drones were detected, the Kyiv City Military Administration said, adding that Ukraine's Air Force would update the figures later.

'There has been destruction. The search is continuing for people under rubble,' the State Emergency Service wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

The attacks come at a critical moment in the war, as both Kyiv and Moscow are under pressure from the United States to show progress towards a peace deal.

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clashed again on Wednesday on efforts to end the three-year-old war in Ukraine, with Trump accusing him of 'prolonging the 'killing field' by refusing to give up territory.

Trump warned the Ukrainian president he can 'have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country'.

The White House tried to turn the screw yesterday, with vice president JD Vance telling Kyiv to surrender land or the US would walk away.

But Zelensky is refusing to countenance any Russian claim to annexed Crimea, or hand over a fifth of the country to the Kremlin, as per the US-dictated deal put forward.

Putin has launched a large scale drone attack on Kyiv that has killed at least nine people and injured another 70, including six children, Ukrainian officials say. Pictured are rescuers working the site of an apartment building in Kyiv that hit by a Russian ballistic missile overnight

Rescuers pull victims from the rubble of a missile strike on a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine early this morning

A ballistic missile explodes in the sky over Kyiv during a Russian drone strike that hit at least five neighbourhoods in the Ukrainian capital overnight

The attack, which began around 1am local time, hit at least five neighbourhoods in Kyiv, officials report.

Pictures posted on Telegram showed rescue teams working with floodlights, moving cautiously through piles of rubble and clambering up ladders extended along the facades of buildings.

At least 42 people were hospitalised in Kyiv, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said. Rescue operations were still underway early morning Thursday to find bodies under the rubble.

Police were calling from apartment to apartment to determine whether residents were safe. Rescue teams, the emergency service said, were operating at 13 sites in the capital with climbing specialists and sniffer dogs. Forty fires had broken out.

'Mobile telephones are heard ringing beneath rubble. The search will continue until it become clear that they have got everyone,' it said.

Fires had broken out in garages, administrative buildings and falling metal fragments had struck vehicles. In Sviatoshynkskyi district, a fire broke out in a residential building that was damaged in the attack.

Additional blazes were reported in the Shevchenkivsky and Holosiivskyi districts.

An air raid alert was in effect in the capital for six hours. Meanwhile, there has been no comment from Russia.

The attack began around 1am local time and an air raid alert was in effect in the capital for six hours. Pictured is a ballistic missile flying in the sky over Kyiv early this morning

A resident reacts after an apartment building in Kyiv is hit by a Russian ballistic missile today

Ukrainian rescuers operate at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv on April 24, 2025

A 'massive' Russian missile attack on Kyiv on April 24, 2025, killed at least nine and wounded dozens in one of the deadliest strikes on the Ukrainian capital since Moscow launched its invasion more than three years ago

The attack came hours after peace negotiations appeared to stall, with Trump lashing out at Zelensky. The US president has claimed 'it's been harder' to deal with Zelensky than Russia.

Planned high-level talks in London were scuppered yesterday when two members of Trump's top team suddenly pulled out.

Peace envoy Steve Witkoff and secretary of state Marco Rubio were due to sit down with UK, European and Ukrainian officials, hosted by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

But in a humiliating move, they withdrew at the 11th hour, sending Ukraine special envoy Keith Kellogg instead, as Kyiv refused to buckle to American ultimatums.

Instead, Witkoff was said to be on his way to Moscow last night for a meeting with Putin tomorrow.

US attempts to strong-arm Ukraine into concessions have also placed strain on the 'special relationship' with Britain.

Downing Street insisted that 'substantive' talks were still possible. But privately ministers are furious about the US stance  and alarmed that the White House is poised to sell out Ukraine's interests to Putin.

One minister told The Daily Mail: 'The US are f***ing up everything  on Ukraine, on tariffs, on everything.'

The attack came hours after peace negotiations appeared to stall, with US President Donald Trump (pictured yesterday) accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of 'prolonging the 'killing field' by refusing to give up territory

Zelensky (pictured arriving at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, South Africa this morning) is refusing to countenance any Russian claim to annexed Crimea, or hand over a fifth of the country to the Kremlin, as per the US-dictated deal put forward.

Last night former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace told the Mail: 'The next war will happen not because of Ukraine's actions but because of Donald Trump and his red-neck team of Walter Mittys, media pundits and real estate salesmen who fail to understand the world we live in.

'Every point on Trump's latest 'deal' strengthens the Kremlin and weakens the West. Every point emboldens Iran and China.

'The consequences for ordinary Americans is great. If Trump continues this way the great country of the United States will find itself isolated, friendless and broke.'

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Britain will 'never walk away from Ukraine'.

Under terms put forward by the US, Ukraine would give up captured land and be barred from joining NATO.

Russia, meanwhile, would receive billions of pounds in frozen assets and economic sanctions imposed following its 2022 illegal invasion would be relaxed.

The US would recognise Crimea  illegally invaded in 2014  as the Kremlin's, while Washington would take control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia power station and feed electricity to Russia.

A man sits on the ground outside of a house damaged by a Russian airstrike in a residential neighbourhood in Kyiv, Ukraine early this morning

Ukrainian rescuers are pictured extinguishing a fire at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine early this morning

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine today

Trump had earmarked today as the day to sign a deal guaranteeing $1billion from exports of Ukraine's rare minerals as pay back for US military support.

Regarding conceding defeat over Crimea, Zelensky told the Wall Street Journal: 'There's nothing to discuss  this lies outside our constitution. This is our territory, the land of the Ukrainian people. This will not happen.'

Last night Trump ranted on his Truth Social platform: 'Zelensky is boasting that Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. He has nothing to boast about.

'Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion.

'Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it 11 years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? Inflammatory statements like that make it so difficult to settle this war.

'He can have peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country. The statement by Zelensky will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field' and nobody wants that.

'We are very close to a deal but the man with 'no cards to play' should, finally, GET IT DONE. I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia get out of this complete and total MESS.'

Rescuers work at the site of a Russian airstrike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Sloviansk, Donetsk region Ukraine April 23, 2025

Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze following a drone attack in Poltava, Ukraine on Tuesday

A Ukrainian serviceman of the 108th Territorial Defence Forces Brigade carries an artillery shell at a frontline position, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region last month

Vance earlier yesterday told reporters during a trip to India: 'We've issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it is time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from the process.'

Conceding sovereignty of the Crimea peninsula was one of seven clauses in a peace plan put together by Witkoff following a five-hour meeting with Putin in St Petersburg last week.

Russia would also keep four provinces in eastern Ukraine  Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia  making the millions of Ukrainians living there Russian citizens overnight.

Last night, Zelensky posted a conciliatory message on X, writing: 'Emotions have run high today. But it is good that five countries met to bring peace closer. Ukraine, the USA, the UK, France and Germany...We hope that it is exactly such joint work that will lead to lasting peace.'
Ed Miliband confirmed 'zonal' energy pricing is on the table today despite fears it will create a 'postcode lottery' for bills.

The Net Zero Secretary said he was 'studying the detail' amid claims officials have recommended implementing the idea.

However, touring broadcast studios he insisted the plan - which would set prices based on how much it costs to produce power in each region - would not increase the burden for households.

Mr Miliband told Sky News: 'We're still looking at the details of this, which is something we've got to really get right, and we are studying in detail the effect.

'My bottom line here is we want to cut bills, and we want to do so in a way that's fair, and we want to make sure that happens, and that's my test for any reforms that we make.

'There's very strong views on both sides of industry, as you'll probably have gathered on this. People are fighting it out.

Ed Miliband confirmed 'zonal' energy pricing is on the table today despite fears it will create a 'postcode lottery' for bills

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'We're going to take this, make a calm and considered decision on this.'

Mr Miliband told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he did not want to 'jack up' bills in one part of the country.

'My test of any reform is will it cut bills and will it do it across the country in a fair way. I'm not in favour of a postcode lottery,' he said.

Under the radical reforms, the UK could be split into several different zones with varying electricity prices between them.

The electricity price would reflect what it costs to produce and supply energy in each region, rather than what is currently a single countrywide price.

It could mean people who live near wind farms or other clean power projects paying less for electricity than those living in other parts of Britain.

Supporters of a move to zonal pricing, such as Octopus Energy boss Greg Jackson, claim it could bring down bills overall, saving households billions of pounds on their energy bills.

His company recently commissioned research that found Britons could save between 55-74billion by 2050 on electricity bills if the Government adopts zonal pricing.

It is also claimed zonal pricing is a more efficient system and could address regional inequalities in the UK by boosting investment in areas where there is cheaper energy.

Tech giants are putting pressure on ministers to encourage an AI data centre boom in remote areas of Britian by offering some of the cheapest electricity prices in Europe.

But opponents say zonal pricing would merely create a 'postcode lottery' for energy bills, with those in the south facing sharply increased costs.

Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said: 'Tens of millions could end up paying more for their energy than they do now. It makes no sense when Labour's mission is about cutting bills for all rather than a few.

'Zonal pricing is being presented as a solution but it's madness. Fragmenting our energy market into 12 different regions would create complexity, delays and unfairness.'

Mr Vince played down the idea that businesses will relocate to where they can get cheaper renewable energy.

'I mean the chances of it happening are slim, and then there's the timeframe within which it would happen - we don't have that much time,' he said.

'I think this plan has been written up in a windowless room with no connection to the real world.

'If the government is serious about lowering energy bills, we have far more sensible and effective options - chief among them 'breaking the link' between the price of gas and the price of all our electricity.'

Some of the UK's largest trade unions and business groups are also urging the Government to rule out a move to zonal pricing.

They argue it would increase costs for heavy industries like carmaking, ceramics and oil refineries.

The debate has stepped up a gear as Mr Miliband holds an energy security summit in London today,

Keir Starmer has announced 300million funding for domestic offshore wind supply chains as part of a push to secure clean energy investment in the UK.

The funding through publicly owned company Great British Energy, brought forward as an initial investment ahead of the spending review, will be invested in a domestic supply chain for components such as floating platforms and cables for the offshore wind industry.

The PM said the fast-tracked funding would create jobs and strengthen UK security, as he called for international investment in British clean energy.

Sir Keir said: 'Delivering the plan for change means winning the race for the clean energy jobs of the future, which will drive growth and help us reach clean power by 2030.

'That is why I am bringing forward much-needed investment in our domestic offshore wind supply chains, strengthening our security and creating good jobs for our welders, electricians, and engineers.

'Let my message to the world go out: come and build the clean energy future in Britain.'

It is part of a push to encourage developers and investors to invest in clean energy in the UK, which Labour has made a core plank of its growth strategy.

The Government has committed to delivering most of Britain's energy through green sources by the end of the decade, which will require a huge ramping up of offshore and onshore wind, solar panels and the grid.

It is hoped the announcement of the funding, part of the 8.3billion announced for Great British Energy, will mobilise additional private investment and secure manufacturing facilities for energy supply chain components which are key for the domestic offshore wind industry.

RenewableUK has pointed to research by LCP Delta, commissioned by energy firm SSE, that found households and businesses in England and Wales could lose out under the proposals

Companies will be able to apply for grants if they can show they will produce long term investment in UK supply chains.

The possibility of a zonal model is currently being considered as part of the Review of Electrical Market Arrangements, or REMA.

It could see the UK split into between seven and 12 zones and copy a pricing system used in countries such as Italy, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

A final decision on REMA is expected around the middle of this year.
A bakery owner mercilessly stabbed seven of his colleagues to death at his own birthday party in the Philippines because he was being 'ganged up on'.

The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed by police, massacred all of the workers after plying them with booze during the party they organised for him.

He said he then killed the men one-by-one while they were impaired after allegedly overhearing them plotting to smother him in his sleep.

A villager called the police after hearing one of the bakers crying out for help on April 22.

Officers stormed the locked bakery and found the bodies lying in pools of blood on the floor. The corpses were next to each other and peppered with numerous stab wounds.

One of the men was still breathing, but succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

In a statement, the Rizal Police Provincial Office said: 'Upon arrival, seven male individuals were found inside the bakery.

'Initial findings indicate that all victims were employees of J&B Malunggay Bakery and were residing in the premises. The victims appear to have been attacked while asleep.'

A bakery owner mercilessly stabbed seven of his colleagues to death at his own birthday party in the Philippines

A villager called the police after hearing one of the bakers crying out for help on April 22

Officers stormed the locked bakery and found the bodies lying in pools of blood on the floor

The suspect surrendered himself to the police at 9am local time, around two hours after the gruesome discovery was made. He was thrown into a jail cell pending legal action.

Speaking from behind bars, the man said: 'I surrendered because I have nowhere to go anyway.

'If I leave town, they will still catch me. After leaving the bakery, I headed to the Philippine National Police headquarters Crame.'

He claimed the bloody massacre stemmed from a conflict with one of his business partners, who was among the bakers killed.

The suspect said: 'I overheard them planning to smother me to death with a pillow while sleeping, so that when my wife arrives the next day, it would look like I had died from a nightmare.

'There are two of us who are partners at the bakery, and all of the other workers are his relatives. They were trying to gang up on me. If I die, the entire business will be his, so I decided to act first.'

He added that he was able to fend off all of the men as they were allegedly intoxicated and fighting in the dark.

The corpses were next to each other and peppered with numerous stab wounds

However, police believe the bakery owner was not acting alone.

Police Colonel Felipe Maraggun, provincial police director, said: 'We are not contented that he is the sole suspect.

'It's possible he has an accomplice and we are looking at that angle. We are not satisfied with his version of events, but we will look at the evidence we gather.'

The victims' bodies were undergoing post-mortem exams while police are reviewing CCTV footage in the area.
The surgeon who was at Pope Francis's bedside when he died has revealed how the late pontiff approached his tragic last moments - and how doctors fulfilled one of his final wishes.

Sergio Alfieri, who performed two crucial operations on the Pope in 2021 and 2023, said he failed to respond to any stimuli from medical staff as he lay open-eyed in a coma shortly before his death.

Alfieri, the Pope's chief surgeon who coordinated the Holy Father's doctors at the Gemelli hospital, said the late pontiff did not appear to have any breathing problems after he visited his Santa Marta residence.

But the 88-year-old failed to answer when Alfieri called out to him and did not even respond to painful stimuli.

It was at this point that the surgeon, who fulfilled one of Pope's final wishes in letting him die at home rather than the hospital, said there was 'nothing more to be done'.

The revelations came as tens of thousands of mourners flooded St. Peter's Basilica to pay their respects to the late pontiff ahead of this weekend's funeral.

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican as police expect large crowds for the event.

Reflecting back on the Pope's final days, Alfieri said he saw the late pontiff on Saturday afternoon in good spirits.

Francis seemed 'very well' and seemed determined to carry out his papal duties less than 48 hours before his death, the surgeon said.

He even asked the surgeon to organise a meeting with the 70 staff members who had treated him during his stay at the Rome hospital for Wednesday.

Sergio Alfieri, who coordinated the Holy Father's doctors at the Gemelli hospital, said he saw the late pontiff on Saturday afternoon in good spirits

Francis even asked Alfieri to organise a meeting with the 70 staff members who had treated him during his stay at the Rome hospital for Wednesday

Early on Monday, however, the surgeon received a call from the Pope's personal nurse, who summoned medical figures back to Gemelli hospital

Early on Monday, however, the surgeon received a call from the Pope's personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who warned that the pontiff's condition was worsening and that he may need to return to Gemelli hospital.

Alfieri arrived at Casa Santa Marta, the spartan Vatican lodge Francis chose to live in for 12 years, 20 minutes later.

The surgeon, who performed two crucial operations on Francis at Gemelli Hospital in July 2021 and June 2023, told Strappetti that the pontiff's time was likely coming to an end, however, and there was no need to transport him.

'We risked letting him die during transport, I explained that hospitalisation would have been useless,' he told Italian outlet Corriere Della Sera.

'Strappetti knew that the Pope wanted to die at home, when we were at the Gemelli he always said so.

'He passed away shortly after.

'I remained there with Massimiliano, Andrea, the other nurses and the secretaries; then they all arrived and Cardinal Parolin asked us to pray and we recited the rosary with him. I felt privileged and now I can say that I was.

'That morning I gave him a caress as a last farewell.'

When Alfieri first entered the Pope's Santa Marta residence on Monday morning, he said it was 'difficult to think that he needed to be hospitalised'.

Francis's eyes were open and he had no breathing problems, but the surgeon said that he was not responding to any stimuli.

He added: 'On Monday at about 5:30 Strappetti called me [saying]: "The Holy Father is very ill, we must return to Gemelli".

'I pre-alerted everyone and twenty minutes later I was there in Santa Marta.

'I entered his room and his eyes were open. I noticed that he had no breathing problems and then I tried to call him but he didn't answer.

'He didn't respond to stimuli, not even painful ones. At that moment I understood that there was nothing more to be done. He was in a coma.'

After being released from hospital, his final appearance in public came on Easter Sunday as he greeted thousands of people at St. Peter's Square in his popemobile

In the weeks before his death, he told doctors he did not want artificial respiration

When Alfieri first entered the Pope's Santa Marta residence on Monday morning, he said it was 'difficult to think that he needed to be hospitalised'

Transporting Francis to Gemelli hospital wouldn't have improved his chances of survival, he claimed.

'Even doing a CT scan would have given us a more precise diagnosis, but nothing more,' Alfieri told Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

'It was one of those strokes that take you away in an hour.'

The late Pope was admitted to hospital on February 14 this year and was subsequently diagnosed with double pneumonia.

He was released just over a month later and started to make public appearances, including his final one on Easter Sunday as he greeted thousands of people at St. Peter's Square in his popemobile.

In the weeks before his death, he told doctors he did not want artificial respiration, which could have prolonged his life by a few days.

On the morning he suffered a stroke, the medical staff present at the Pope's bedside noticed something was wrong as soon as he woke up.

'At 5am, the Holy Father woke up to drink a glass of water,' Alfieri told La Repubblica.

'He rolled onto his side and the nurse noticed that something was wrong.

'He was struggling to react. The Vatican doctor on duty for resuscitation was called. They called me around 5:30 a.m. and I was on the scene within fifteen minutes. I found him with oxygen and an infusion.

'I listened to his lungs, which were clean, without rattling. His eyes were open, but he wasn't responding to questions or to the pain of the pinches.

'He was already in a coma. His pulse was slowing and his breathing was becoming more and more shallow.'

He died at 7.35am local time on Monday, just over two hours after Alfieri received the worrying phone call from Strappetti.

'He died without suffering, and at home,' Alfieri added.

'At the Gemelli he didn't say: I want to go back to Santa Marta. He said: "I want to go home."'

The surgeon claimed that Francis had not trusted his medical team 'much' in the past but in 'got closer' to them again in his final days.

Just days before the pontiff's death, the ailing pope told reporters he was 'living it as best I can' after he was plagued with health issues and reduced mobility caused in part by his advancing years and expanding waistline.

The pontiff had kept up a busy schedule until his final weeks. In September 2024, he carried out a 12-day tour across south-east Asia and Oceania that included visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.

Despite being told to rest for two months after being discharged from hospital, he wanted to thank all 70 staff that supported him at the facility in person.

He died at 7.35am local time on Monday, just over two hours after Alfieri received the worrying phone call from Strappetti

Just days before the pontiff's death, the ailing pope told reporters he was 'living it as best I can' after he was plagued with health issues

But his recovery after being released was unstable, with doctors fearing that his end was nearing on multiple occasions.

Alfieri said that on one instance, the pontiff 'surprised everyone' by making it through a particularly bad night.

He suggested that Francis behaved as if he had a clear purpose as he approached his death.

He said: 'Going back to work was part of the therapy and he never exposed himself to danger.

'Its as if, approaching the end, he decided to do everything he had to.

'I have the clear feeling that he felt he had to do a series of things before dying.'

This included one last ride in the popemobile to greet worshippers on Sunday.

'Do you think I can manage it?' he had asked his personal nurse before taking the plunge, according to the Vatican News, the Holy See's media outlet.

Strappetti, whom he had previously credited for saving his life, reassured him.

Francis then spent about 15 minutes waving at the crowd and blessing babies from his popemobile, flanked by numerous bodyguards.

In what were some of his final words, he told his personal nurse afterwards: 'Thank you for bringing me back to the square.'

The day before, Alfieri said, the Pope looked 'very well' as he brought him his favourite pie.

He recounted the pontiff saying: 'I am very well, I have started working again, and I like it.'

He regretted not to have been able to wash the feet of prison inmates he met in Rome four days before he passed away.

'This time, I didn't manage to do it,' the pontiff reportedly said.

Alfieri also revealed one of Francis's last wishes was to 'take care of the abandoned embryos'

Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, pictured lying in a wooden coffin dressed in red, with rosary beads draped across his hands

Alfieri also revealed one of Francis's last wishes was to 'take care of the abandoned embryos'.

Throughout his tenure, the late pontiff said that there is no outcome that can justify the use or destruction of embryos for scientific purposes.

In 2017, he said: 'No ends, even noble in themselves, such as a predicted utility for science, for other human beings or for society, can justify the destruction of human embryos.'

He reaffirmed this in January, according to Alfieri.

'He was clear: "They are life, we cannot allow them to be used for experimentation or to be lost. It would be murder," he said.

'We were evaluating, also with the Ministry of Health, among the various options, how to release them for adoption but there was no time for the Pope to make his decision effective.

'My commitment now will be, if the conditions are right, to make this wish come true.'

He said he will raise the issue with Italian Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci.

Tens of thousands of mourners are queuing around the clock to pay respects to Pope Francis after the Vatican abandoned its plan to close St. Peter's Basilica overnight.

Huge crowds thronged St Peter's Square in Vatican City, queuing for hours to see the late pontiff in his open coffin ahead of his funeral this weekend.

Waves of mourners stood patiently in line after Francis's remains were transferred to St Peter's Basilica yesterday, with the queue snaking its way through the square to the Holy Door of the building.

Almost 50,000 people have flooded the basilica 'to pay homage to Pope Francis' since he was laid out yesterday in an open coffin ahead of his funeral on Saturday, Vatican media said.

Huge crowds thronged St Peter's Square in Vatican City, queuing for hours to see the late pontiff in his open coffin ahead of his funeral this weekend

Almost 50,000 people have flooded the basilica 'to pay homage to Pope Francis' since he was laid out yesterday in an open coffin ahead of his funeral on Saturday

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among those who paid their respects to Francis yesterday, with photographs showing how she solemnly approached his casket just hours after having praised him during her address to Parliament.

Meloni celebrated Francis' ability to talk freely with anyone, despite his exalted position, praised his fortitude and courage to 'go against the current', and shared with lawmakers some personal advice he gave her: 'Never lose your sense of humour.'

'With him you were at ease, you could open up, without filters, without fear of being judged,' she added. 'He could see your soul, lay it bare.'

While it had been expected that St, Peter's would close at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, it remained open throughout the night to allow more people to pay their respects.

By late yesterday evening, the wait appeared to be three or four hours and growing. An official doing crowd management estimated that the wait was closer to five hours.

Some of those present have sparked fury, however, after taking selfies next to the late pontiff's open casket.

On Instagram, one image saw a woman smiling at the camera as she displayed the Pope clutching his rosary around 10ft behind her.

Official images of first day from the lying-in-state showed swarms of people surrounding the simple coffin holding their phones in the air above their heads.

A sea of screens was seen floating around the Pope's body, and some even extended selfie sticks in a bid to capture the best shot.

On Instagram, one image saw a woman smiling at the camera as she displayed the Pope clutching his rosary around 10ft behind her

Official images of first day from the lying-in-state showed swarms of people surrounding the simple coffin holding their phones in the air above their heads

A Vatican source said: 'It would be good if people could try and remember where they are and have a little respect'

A Vatican source said: 'It would be good if people could try and remember where they are and have a little respect but there's little else that can be done.'

Large crowds are expected for Saturday's funeral in St Peter's Square, with the Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, confirmed to be attending on the King's behalf.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also be there, alongside other global leaders and dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin and Irish President Michael D Higgins.

In accordance with the late pope's wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peter's Basilica.
This is the moment a corrupt female police officer passionately kissed her inmate lover in a prison waiting room while still in her uniform as they carried out a secret fling in plain sight.

Choni Kenny was spotted on CCTV having an illicit affair with drug dealer Josh Whelan who she passed information and provided with 20 mobile phones so he could still run his criminal enterprise behind bars.

When the relationship broke down after his release, the 27-year-old started a fling with former schoolmate Rahim Mottley, who was under investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and had moved to Spain.

She told him about planned firearms raid and promised to find out who the 'local grasses' were, after searching police systems for information when he was arrested.

But her crimes were exposed when her fateful kiss with Whelan at Forest Bank Prison was spotted on CCTV by GMP anti-corruption investigators as they probed her movements, phone and computer use.

She was also seen with Whelan in her BMW and went to a Nando's restaurant with him, before going to work where she searched for details of prisoners released that week.

Yesterday at Liverpool Crown Court, the Greater Manchester Police officer was jailed for three years and nine months after she was convicted of passing information to both men.

'Committed criminal' Whelan, was re-jailed for two years after admitting to possessing a phone in prison, possession of a bladed article, racially aggravated assault, threatening behaviour and a bail offence.

Mottley, 28, was sentenced to two years and four months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.

Sentencing Kenny, Judge Neil Flewitt KC said: 'You have let down not only GMP and the community it serves but also yourself, your family and your friends.'

The Forbidden kiss: This is the moment Choni Kelly was caught kissing prisoner Josh Whelan at Forest Bank prison while dressed in police uniform

Kenny, of Cheadle, Greater Manchester, admitted four counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office

Whelan, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing an illegal mobile phone in prison.

Her relationship with former schoolmate Mottley was described as 'physical but casual'.

And while the 27-year-old was attracted to both men, she may have been 'infatuated' with Whelan, the court heard.

The police officer accessed information and intelligence which she then disclosed to Whelan, including a victim statement taken when he was accused of violence against a former partner, the court was told.

The court was also told how Kenny searched police systems for information after Mottley was arrested in February of that year, informing him of a planned police firearms raid as well as vowing to find who the 'local grasses' were.

Judge Flewitt, sentencing, said: 'Your actions were not motivated by a desire for a financial or other advantage or borne out of any malice.

'They were a consequence of your naivety, immaturity and wish to maintain the friendship of Josh Whelan and Rahim Mottley.'

He said the men 'took advantage' and 'exploited' Kenny's willingness to disclose information which could be of benefit to themselves and criminal associates', before adding: 'You must have known that what you were doing was wrong.'

The judge told Kenny: 'You have let down not only GMP and the community it serves but also yourself, your family and your friends.'

During the sentencing hearing, it was heard how the corrupt police officer passed information to two crook associates Josh Whelan and Rahim Mottley

The court heard Whelan, 31, was in possession of 20 different mobile phones while serving time in prison between 2021 and 2023 and their use was funded by Kenny.

Judge Flewitt said it was an 'aggravating feature' that it was clear from conversations Kenny knew Whelan was a drug dealer.

He added: 'You were helping him to supervise that operation from prison.'

Alexander Beevers, defending Whelan, said: 'He is a convicted criminal. His co-defendant liked that aspect of his character, it is something which appealed to her and unfortunately she, in addition and unusually, had the status of being a police officer.

'She was willing to make use of that status.'

The court heard after Mottley was arrested in February 2022, Kenny searched police systems to access information about the investigation.

She told him about a planned police firearms raid and promised to find out who the 'local grasses' were before attending a course about handling police informants, the court heard.

Mottley had been arrested in Spain, where some of his family lived and Kenny had spent time with him, and was extradited to face proceedings.

Mottley, 28, was sentenced to two years and four months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office

Kenny, of Cheadle, Greater Manchester, admitted four counts of misconduct in a public office and one count of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office at an earlier hearing.

Mottley, 28, was sentenced to two years and four months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office.

Whelan, of Wythenshawe, Manchester, was jailed for two years and eight months after admitting three counts of possessing a specified item in prison, possession of a bladed article, racially aggravated assault, threatening behaviour and a bail offence.

Chief Constable Watson added: 'PC Kenny abused the position of responsibility reposed in her. This was not a single occurrence but rather multiple incidents which took place over a lengthy period.

'The misconduct involved a deliberate breach of policy, procedure and instructions which make it abundantly clear to officers and staff that care and respect should always be afforded to information on police systems.

'The criminal misconduct included the conducting of undeclared intimate relationships with two persons with serious criminal associations.

'In the furtherance of these relationships, the officer, having accessed restricted police systems, unlawfully shared with both males, police information and intelligence.

'PC Kenny's offending behaviour was simply unacceptable. Her accessing and sharing police data with active criminals is a tangible manifestation of a distinct lack of integrity, decency and moral fibre which additionally point to her being manifestly unsuited to the office of constable.'

Choni Kenny, 27, who joined Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in 2020, was given a three-year and nine-month prison sentence at Liverpool Crown Court today (pictured)

Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, head of GMP's Professional Standards Directorate, said: 'Whenever we receive reports of misconduct by one of our officers, we will always conduct a thorough investigation.

'Kenny abused her position as a police officer and tried to compromise a police investigation by accessing and passing on confidential information.

'She also entered into an illegal relationship with a known criminal while he was behind bars and given this criminality the full weight of our specialist Anti-Corruption Unit was brought to bear against her.

'Kenny's actions plainly amounted to serious corruption and it is right that she now contemplates her future from behind the bars of the prison estate where she is now incarcerated.

'Kenny's jail term is fully deserved - she does not represent the thousands of professional, honest, hard-working police officers across Greater Manchester who continue to protect the public every day.

'This anti-corruption operation against Kenny, Whelan and Mottley is testament to the expertise of GMP's Anti-Corruption Unit and their commitment to ripping out any corruption that tries to take hold in GMP

'If any officers or members of the public have any suspicions about the behaviour of one of our officers then they should report in the confidence that we will investigate.'

Kenny was dismissed from the police service following an accelerated misconduct hearing on 1 April 2025.

Alan Richardson, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: 'As a police officer, Choni Kenny was trusted to uphold the law and protect the public, yet her conduct fell far below this when she became involved with two known criminals.

'Kenny then passed on information to known criminals that she had accessed on the police computer without a legitimate policing purpose.

'We worked closely with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case leading to Choni Kenny accepting her guilt.

'The public quite rightly expect high standards from those responsible for upholding the law. The Crown Prosecution Service will not hesitate to bring charges against those who abuse their position.'
A man has been charged after allegedly sexually assaulting three women in the same house after a night out.

Johnathon James Brockhurst, 29, allegedly committed the assaults during the early hours of Sunday morning at a home in Cable Beach, Western Australia.

Detectives charged him with a total of seven related offences.

Brockhurst had been socialising with a large group of people at a licensed premises in the Broome suburb over the course of Saturday evening, police allege.

Later in the evening the group continued to socialise at a nearby home.

Police allege Brockhurst assaulted the women in the same residence.

Police charged Brockhurst, from Gingin, with two counts of sexual penetration without consent.

He was also charged with four counts of unlawful and indecent assault, and one count of aggravated home burglary.

A man has been charges with a slew of offences following three alleged sexual assaults

It is alleged Johnathon James Brockhurst, 29, commit the offences following a night out

Brockhurst appeared in Broome Magistrates Court on Thursday to be granted bail on a $50,000 surety, according to the Broome Advertiser.

The 29-year-old will face Perth Magistrates Court on May 29.

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Russia has warned Britain against deploying a 'coalition of the willing' in Ukraine, declaring it could lead to a nuclear World War Three.

Putin hawk Sergei Shoigu, secretary of the powerful Russian security council and ex-defence minister, said Russia rejected Western boots on the ground in the war-torn country.

He also warned of Moscow's readiness to both use nuclear weapons and restart atomic weapon tests in the Arctic for the first time since the Cold War, claiming Europe is secretly preparing for war against Russia by 2030.

'Sensible politicians in Europe understand that the implementation of such a scenario [putting Western troops on the ground in Ukraine] could lead to a direct clash between NATO and Russia and subsequently to World War Three,' he told state news agency TASS.

It was 'more correct' to call such British and EU forces 'a contingent interventionists or occupiers', said Shoigu, referring to Sir Keir Starmer's 'coalition of the willing'.

'Where will these 'peacekeepers' come from?

'They will be units of the same NATO countries, against the presence of which Russia opposed even before the [war], which began largely because of this threat - the deployment of NATO military infrastructure in Ukraine, on our historical territory.'

Russia has warned Britain against deploying a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, saying it could lead to a nuclear World War Three. Putin hawk Sergei Shoigu (pictured), secretary of the powerful Russian security council and ex-defence minister, said Russia rejected Western boots on the ground in the war-torn country

It comes as Moscow also stressed it reserves the right to use nuclear weapons against the west. Pictured: Putin's ex-premier Dmitry Medvedev

Shoigu also warned of Moscow's readiness to both use nuclear weapons and restart atomic weapons' tests in the Arctic for the first time since the Cold War, claiming Europe is secretly preparing for war against Russia by 2030

Pictured: Flames rise from a fire caused by massive Russian shelling in Buchansky district of Kyiv, Ukraine on April 24

Shoigu raged against the UK, saying that 'the same British even before the [war] began were very actively building their naval base in Ochakiv in the Mykolaiv region [of Ukraine], where they not only trained naval special forces of the Ukrainian Navy, but also conducted their operations against us'.

He said: 'It turns out that they will be able to return there again, but already under the flag of peacekeeping forces?'

Shoigu - who was defence minister before being replaced 11 months ago - warned: 'This is exactly what French President Emmanuel Macron means when he says that Ukraine has the right to ask for the introduction of NATO contingents without consulting Russia.'

The hardliner ranted: 'What will these 'peacekeepers' protect in Ukraine?

'The Nazi regime, marches and torchlight processions with symbols of SS divisions?

'Support the persecution of Orthodox Christians?

'Depriving the Russian-speaking population of the right to speak their native language, to preserve their own culture and traditions?

Shoigu warned Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in case of aggression against it or ally Belarus, and was 'closely following the military preparations of European countries'. Pictured: Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile launch

Separately, Putin's ex-premier Dmitry Medvedev (pictured left) - who was Russian president from 2008 to 2012 - made a nuclear threat against countries, including Britain, which adhere to the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant on war crimes charges against the Kremlin dictator

Rescue workers search for people under rubble of an apartment building in Svyatoshynskyi district destroyed by a Russian missile strike on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Pictured: Putin aide Sergei Shoigu, (L) secretary of the powerful Russian security council and ex-defence minister with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv

'This is not a peacekeeping mission. Apparently, also for these reasons, the states that make up the real world majority do not express any particular desire to participate in such 'peacekeeping' initiatives.'

He spoke out ahead of an expected new visit by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff for 'peace talks' with Putin this week.

Shoigu, 69, Russia's longest serving senior politician, in office since 1991, before Putin's emergence, alleged: 'An undisguised campaign is unfolding in Europe to prepare for a military conflict with the Russian Federation.

'Possible timeframes for such a clash are being announced at various levels - from three to five years.

'As early as 2030, European politicians and the military want to be ready to fight us.'

He claimed Ukraine was on the point of economic collapse and Europe plus Britain could not afford to bail it out and provide military supplies.

He warned Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in case of aggression against it or ally Belarus, and was 'closely following the military preparations of European countries'.

An apartment building in Svyatoshynskyi district is destroyed by a Russian missile strike on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Shoigu alleged: 'An undisguised campaign is unfolding in Europe to prepare for a military conflict with the Russian Federation. 'Possible timeframes for such a clash are being announced at various levels - from three to five years. 'As early as 2030, European politicians and the military want to be ready to fight us'

This was a reason the new nuclear-capable 'wonder weapon' Oreshnik had been deployed in Belarus, he said.

He was cautious in believing a new era had begun with US-Russian relations amid Donald Trump's alleged pro-Moscow stance on the war.

'We welcome such an approach and are ready for reciprocal steps.

'Time will show whether the Americans are ready to resolve the existing systemic problems which require resolution.

'This is a difficult and long process.

'The history of our relations with the United States shows that we can trust only concrete actions rather than verbal statements.'

He refused to rule out new Russian nuclear tests.

'Our position on this matter depends on the United States' actions in this area,' he told TASS.

'Now, warranty periods for some types of their nuclear munitions are expiring and the development of new types of weapons is underway.

'This may push Washington toward resuming nuclear tests.

'In such an event, Russia may follow their lead as a response step.'

The USSR conducted its last nuclear test on the Arctic archipelago Novaya Zemlya on October 24, 1990.

Following it, it unilaterally declared a moratorium on nuclear tests. Russia continues to observe it. In a period from 1949 to 1990, the Soviet Union conducted 715 nuclear tests.

Separately, Putin's ex-premier Dmitry Medvedev - who was Russian president from 2008 to 2012 - made a nuclear threat against countries, including Britain, which adhere to the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant on war crimes charges against the Kremlin dictator.

He warned 'what may follow the execution of an illegal ICC judgement against a head of state who is not a party to the statute of the court.

'The very enforcement of such a judgement may be seen as a casus belli against the countries involved in its adoption,' he said.

'It is worth mentioning the danger of such decisions with regard to the leadership of a nuclear power and a permanent member of the UN Security Council.'

He warned that those who issued the warrant 'can and should be prosecuted by the investigative and judicial authorities of the country whose leadership is being illegally prosecuted'.
A 29-year-old personal trainer drowned after getting into difficulty while paddleboarding after an abrupt change in weather conditions, an inquest in Rochdale has heard.

Simon Daniels entered the water at Dovestone Reservoir in Greater Manchester last October with his girlfriend, Holly Ditchens.

Their original intention had been to join friends for a walk around the surrounding moorland first but, after arriving late, the couple decided to begin paddleboarding pending the arrival of the rest of their party.

Mr Daniels, who had organised the gathering, informed his friends of their plans in a WhatsApp video that showed him nearing the water with Miss Ditchens.

The couple, from the Cheshire town of Winsford, were not equipped with life jackets and had only one oar between them, the inquest heard.

Neither was wearing a leash, which straps users to the paddleboard and allows them to use it as a raft in the event of an emergency.

Miss Ditchens said there was 'no sign that the weather would turn' when they began paddleboarding, with the water clear and relatively calm.

As conditions worsened, however, the couple fell off 'several times', losing first the oar and then the board.

Simon Daniels, a 29-year-old personal trainer from Winsford, Cheshire, drowned after getting into difficulty while paddleboarding at Dovestone Reservoir in Greater Manchester

Mr Daniels was with his girlfriend Holly Ditchens, above, when the tragedy took place

Recording the cause of Mr Daniels' death as accidental, senior coroner Joanne Kearsley said the fitness enthusiast died 'doing what he loved doing'

Mr Daniels urged Miss Ditchens to remain calm and the couple began to call for assistance, but eventually became separated.

Miss Ditchens swam for shore, where she was pulled from the water by Joshua Allred, a member of the public, the inquest heard.

Her calls to Mr Daniels, who she described as having 'seized up' as he lay on his back to remain afloat, went unanswered.

Miss Ditchens cried, 'Why is nobody going out to save him?' but Mr Allred said the water was too cold to enter the reservoir for a second time.

In a statement released following his death, Mr Daniels' family described him as 'funny, unpredictable' and possessing 'a heart as big as an ocean'

Emergency services recovered Mr Daniels' body three days later, on Wednesday October 23.

Noting that there were no indications of physical injury, Dr Sami Titi, who conducted a post-mortem examination, gave the medical cause of death as drowning.

The inquest heard that low levels of two 'potent stimulants', cocaine and methylmethcathinone, were found in Mr Daniels' system.

Toxicologist Hassan Kurimbokus told the court that the drugs had the 'potential to impair his ability to swim or stay afloat'.

'He had this power to bring everyone together,' said Mr Daniels' family. 'He wanted everyone to be friends. He loved life and even at the darkest of times he still managed to light up the room'

A major search effort was launched by emergency services at Dovestone Reservoir in Greater Manchester after Simon Daniels ran into trouble while paddleboarding

The search operation lasted for three days before Mr Daniels' body was recovered

Senior coroner Joanne Kearsley, who recorded the cause of death as accidental, acknowledged the grief of Mr Daniels' family and friends, adding that he died 'doing what he loved doing, bringing those people together'.

In a statement released following his death, Mr Daniels' family said: 'Simon is our world, he's funny, unpredictable and has a heart as big as an ocean.

'His larger than life and his crazy personality lit up every room and his love, kindness and inspiration touched so many people who he met.

'Simon was a friend to everyone, nobody was a stranger in his eyes.

'His passions were fitness and the gym and helping others to become the best version of themselves.

'His heart was pure and he was unapologetically himself. Funny doesn't cut it. He was hilarious. He had this power to bring everyone together. He just wanted everyone to be friends.

'He loved life and even at the darkest of times he still managed to light up the room.

'The community have also shown how much they loved Simon, church bells have rang in his memory along with fireworks.

'We had no idea how popular and inspirational he was in our local community.'
A famous toy chain is gearing up to take to the shelves in more than 2,000 Tesco Express stores across the UK.

The Entertainer has announced it will introduce a range of its popular toy lines in Tesco's smaller branches starting this month.

A number of branches already have The Entertainer sections in-store featuring seasonal favourites and the latest fads with prices ranging from 1.50 to 7.

The range of toys will include some of the store's most popular toys such as Hot Wheels, TY and Addo.

It comes after The Entertainer finished opening 850 concessions at Tesco supermarkets last October, which created 1200 jobs.

A spokesperson for Tesco told MailOnline that the roll out covers 95 per cent of Express stores and all 2,010 stores included are due to launch The Entertainer concessions within the next couple of weeks.

Tesco said its earlier expansion was completed in eight months with an average of 100 concessions opening per month.

Once opened the new additions will give the Amersham-based business a presence in more than triple the number of UK and Ireland locations in comparison to any other toy retailer.

The Entertainer has announced it will introduce a range of its popular toy lines at more than 2000 Tesco Express stores

It comes after The Entertainer finished opening 850 concessions at Tesco supermarkets last October, which created 1200 job

Tesco said its earlier expansion was completed in eight months with an average of 100 concessions opening per month

Andrew Murphy OBE, group chief executive officer of The Entertainer, said: 'We are thrilled to enlarge our successful partnership with Tesco by introducing our ranges to their convenience-format stores  putting even more of Tesco's shoppers within easy reach of our outstanding toy offer.'

'One year in, our collaboration with Tesco has delivered everything we'd hoped for.

'We look forward to building on these great foundations with such a supportive and accomplished partner and to further demonstrate the strength and versatility of our "Toy Box" retail solution for multi-category retailers.'

Pauline Chisholm, head of strategy and partnerships at Tesco, said: 'We are delighted to bring easy access to great toys for every budget to even more customers by extending our partnership with The Entertainer to include our Express stores.

'We are confident that our customers will appreciate the chance to pick up some of the latest and most popular toys close to home, as well as in our large stores.'
Mourners who flocked to the Pope's lying-in-state on Wednesday have blasted ghoulish social media users for snapping selfies next to his open casket.

After passing away aged 88 on Easter Monday, Francis' body has been carried into Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City for the three-day ritual.

Around 50,000 faithful have paid respects to the late Pontiff, but some sparked fury after posting macabre selfies which saw Francis' body laid out in robes in a wooden coffin in the background.

On Instagram, one image saw a woman smiling at the camera as she displayed the Pope clutching his rosary around 10ft behind her. His body, dressed in his white mitre and red Papal robe symbolising love and the blood of Christ, can clearly be seen in the coffin which lies on a raised platform.

Officials released photos of Francis in his velvet-lined coffin and did not ban public pictures, but guards reportedly stopped some morbid mourners using phone cameras.

Mourners who queued up eight hours to catch a final glimpse of the late Pope before he is buried on Saturday said the actions of the selfie-takers was 'a bit in poor taste'.

Janine Venables, 53, from Pontypridd, south Wales told MailOnline: 'What did surprise me is the fact that earlier we were told no photos in the Sistine Chapel and here people were getting their phone out and doing selfies with the coffin.

I did think that was a bit in poor taste and Im surprised no one stopped them.

One woman shared a selfie on Instagram in front of the Pope's coffin which saw her smiling into the camera

Another faithful posted a similar image online standing in front of the late Pope's dead body

The viewing of the body of Pope Francis in Saint Peters Basilica, the Vatican, Rome

Crowds gathered around the coffin while holding their phones in the air

Her husband, Paul Taylor, added: I said to someone in the queue I wonder what Pope Francis would make of all this? and they said He would say dont waste your time here go and do something for people less fortunate. He was probably right.

A Vatican source said: 'It would be good if people could try and remember where they are and have a little respect but there's little else that can be done.'

One faithful said the atmosphere was ruined by people 'ignoring warnings' and taking photos instead of paying proper respects.

The devoted faithful explained that she and her husband kept their phones in their pockets throughout the experience, adding that it was 'sad to see such disrespectful behaviour'.

Official images of first day from the lying-in-state showed swarms of people surrounding the simple coffin holding their phones in the air above their heads.

A sea of screens was seen floating around the Pope's body, and some even extended selfie sticks in a bid to capture the best shot.

Nuns were also photographed gathering around the former head of the Catholic church with their phones in hand.

The incessant selfie-taking meant that for many, there was no silent reflection for faithfuls who had only just a fleeting moment with the Pope's open coffin - a ritual steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition.

When crowds arrived before the body of Francis in the basilica, they were requested to put away their selfie sticks, but the phone screens remained front and centre.

Some 19,430 people had been to the basilica 'to pay homage to Pope Francis' less than 12 hours after his coffin was transferred there, and where it will stay until Friday.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among those who paid their respects to Francis yesterday, with photographs showing how she solemnly approached his casket just hours after having praised him during her address to Parliament.

Meloni celebrated Francis' ability to talk freely with anyone, despite his exalted position, praised his fortitude and courage to 'go against the current', and shared with lawmakers some personal advice he gave her: 'Never lose your sense of humour.'

'With him you were at ease, you could open up, without filters, without fear of being judged,' she added. 'He could see your soul, lay it bare.'

While it had been expected that St, Peter's would close at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, it remained open throughout the night to allow more people to pay their respects.

Some faithful had queued eight hours to pose near the Pope's coffin

When crowds arrived before the body of Francis in the basilica, they were requested to put away their selfie sticks, but the phone screens remained front and centre

A sea of screens was seen floating around the Pope's body, and some even extended selfie sticks in a bid to capture the best shot

Official images of first day from the lying-in-state showed swarms of people surrounding the simple coffin holding their phones in the air above their heads

By late yesterday evening, the wait appeared to be three or four hours and growing. An official doing crowd management estimated that the wait was closer to five hours.

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols in the area.

Police have been managing crowd control at various points on the approach to the square, with some checking bags, as mourners mingled with the usual tourist population.

Large crowds are expected for Saturday's funeral in St Peter's Square, with the Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, confirmed to be attending on the King's behalf.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also be there, alongside other global leaders and dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin and Irish President Michael D Higgins.

In accordance with the late pope's wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peter's Basilica.

Asked about the route the pope's remains will take from the square to his final resting place, the Vatican spokesman said he expects the Italian authorities will provide details in due course.

He added that it is likely St Mary Major will close for Saturday afternoon when the Pope's remains arrive following the funeral, but reopen for people to take part in the rosary there on Saturday evening.

Huge crowds are expected today for a glimpse of Francis's body on the second day of public tributes, after St Peter's stayed open almost all night to accommodate the crowds.

Nuns were also photographed gathering around the former head of the Catholic church with their phones in hand

Faithful take pictures on their mobile phones as they pay their respects to the body of Pope Francis lying in state inside St. Peter's Basilica on April 23, 2025

The death of Francis capped a 12-year pontificate characterised by his concern for the poor and his message of inclusion, but he was also criticised by some conservatives who felt alienated by his progressive outlook.

A procession of priests, bishops and cardinals accompanied Francis' body Wednesday on its journey from a private viewing inside the Vatican to St. Peters Square. The pageantry contrasted with the human interactions of rank-and-file mourners at the public viewing.

Following his funeral, all eyes will turn to the process to choose Francis' successor. Cardinals from around the world are returning to Rome for the conclave, which will begin no fewer than 15 days and no more than 20 days after a pope's death.

Only those under the age of 80 - currently some 135 cardinals - are eligible to vote.

Cardinals have agreed that the traditional nine days of mourning for the pope, the so-called 'novemdiales', will begin on Saturday and conclude on May 4.

Another meeting of cardinals of all ages was set for 9am (700 GMT) today. However, the Vatican brushed aside hopes of an announcement of the conclave date, insisting the focus is on the funeral.

At the time of his death, Francis was under doctors' orders to rest for two months. But the headstrong pope continued to make public appearances despite appearing tired and short of breath.

On Easter Sunday, one day before he died, he circled St Peter's Square in his popemobile to greet the crowds, stopping to kiss babies along the way.
American Airlines has been accused of letting a passenger die after cabin crew 'delayed requesting medical assistance' for the traveler until after the deplaning process was completed, according to a wrongful death complaint.

John William Cannon, 62, died on April 29, 2023 after suffering a heart attack while paramedics were taking him to a hospital in rural Durango, Colorado.

Cannon, of Kentucky, had flown from Louisville to the mountain city on April 28, with a layover in Dallas, the lawsuit filed by his family last month states.

He boarded his flight to Texas without showing any outward signs of distress, but suffered a 'syncopal event', or fainting episode, on the jet bridge while deplaning, according to the complaint reviewed by MailOnline.

Crew helped Cannon back on his feet and just two minutes later released him to make his connecting flight, the complaint alleges. It also states airline personnel helped him to the gate despite Cannon allegedly exhibiting 'concerning signs of medical distress'.

During the second leg of his journey, Cannon 'entered a stage of medical crisis' and became 'unresponsive', the suit says. Flight crew called emergency services to report that he was 'in and out of consciousness' and displaying 'labored breathing', but the family alleges crew failed to act quickly enough.

Cabin crew 'delayed requesting medical assistance until after the aircraft had landed, taxied to the gate, and all other passengers had deplaned', the complaint says.

The family further alleged that Cannon's subsequent heart attack and death in the early hours of April 29 'was the direct and proximate result of the negligence and fault' of American Airlines and its crew.

American Airlines has been hit with a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging the airline let John William Cannon, 62, die after cabin crew 'delayed requesting medical assistance' for him until after the deplaning process was complete (file photo)

Cannon died on April 29, 2023 after suffering a heart attack while paramedics transporting him to Mercy Medical Center in Durango, Colorado (file photo)

Cannon boarded American Airlines (AAL) Flight 1444 from Louisville to Dallas-Fort Worth on April 28 at around 12.30pm.

He collapsed while deplaning in Dallas and was 'helped to the floor of the jet bridge', the complaint states.

'Two minutes and fifteen seconds later, John was released to make his connecting flight,' the lawsuit adds. 'While Mr. Cannon exhibited concerning signs of medical distress, AAL personnel proceeded to transfer him to his connecting flight.'

He flew from Dallas to Durango onboard Flight 4896, but allegedly fell unconscious 'during the flight, and/or at the time of deboarding'.

The complaint, which does not note the exact time the flight landed, states that crew called emergency services at 4.04pm to report Cannon's deteriorating condition, allegedly after the deplaning process was complete.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and gave Cannon an 'oxygen treatment' before removing him from the aircraft with the help of paramedics, according to the suit.

He was taken to Durango's Mercy Medical Center in an ambulance, but suffered a 'sinus bradycardia' - a heart rhythm where your heart beats slower than expected - during transport, which progressed to cardiac arrest.

'The ambulance crew performed approximately 10 minutes of chest compression, administered two doses of epinephrine, and delivered multiple Automated External Defibrillator (AED) shocks,' the complaint states.

But despite paramedics' best efforts, his did not resume a sustained heart rhythm and effective blood flow, and was pronounced dead the next morning at 1.29am.

Cannon was meant to be picked up from the airport by his best friend. His family's attorneys told MailOnline: 'They were going to his partners celebration of life. She passed away previously.'

He flew from Dallas to Durango onboard Flight 4896, but allegedly fell unconscious 'during the flight, and/or at the time of deboarding'. The complaint, which does not note the exact time the flight landed, states that crew called emergency services at 4.04pm to report Cannon's deteriorating condition, allegedly after the deplaning process was complete (file photo)

The lawsuit - initially filed in Denver County District Court, but removed to Denver federal court Tuesday - accuses American Airlines of negligent delay in medical aid, failure to deny boarding in Dallas, neglect in first aid delivery, and medical triage negligence.

It alleges that crew did not pay appropriate attention to Cannon's condition, failed to prioritize his needs, and did not take reasonable steps to get him to the care of a physician in a timely manner.

The Cannon family is seeking $75,000 in damages, as well as other related court costs and attorney fees.

Joseph LoRusso and Jessica McBryant, who represent the Cannon family, told MailOnline that Cannon's case demonstrates systemic problems in corporate culture.

'The circumstances of this case represent a tangible manifestation of a corporate culture at American Airlines that prioritizes inaction over intervention,' they said.

This ingrained culture, to which John Cannon tragically fell victim, underscores a systemic issue the family is determined to address, both in seeking justice for John and in advocating for broader organizational change.'

American Airlines said in a statement to MailOnline: 'We are reviewing the complaint.'
An alleged hacker hid his face and remained silent as he walked from police cells accused of accessing almost 9000 restricted files on the nation's largest online court-filing system.

The NSW JusticeLink system allows lawyers, police, and businesses to upload sworn statements, identity information and other files for the 400,000-plus court cases filed each year.

A registered account was used to illegally access 8769 documents containing sensitive data from late January.

Justice department officials detected the incident in March and spent days analysing the extent of the unlawful access before police were notified.

The intruder's account was blocked on March 20.

Christopher John Duff, 38, was arrested in Sydney's east on Wednesday and charged with accessing or modifying restricted data held in a computer.

He faced Waverley Local Court on Thursday and was granted bail with strict conditions including that he report to police every day.

Under the restrictions, the alleged hacker is only allowed to possess one 'dumb phone' that can only be used for calling and texting.

Christopher John Duff, 38, is pictured leaving Waverley Police Station on Thursday after being granted bail for allegedly accessing thousands of court documents

Officers arrested Duff in a dramatic raid on a Maroubra address on Wednesday. He's pictured shielding his face from cameras as police escorted him to a nearby vehicle

Duff was also banned from approaching any international departure point including Circular Quay.

A $1000 surety will be surrendered to the court if he fails to comply with his bail conditions.

Duff covered his face with a jumper and refused to answer questions from reporters as he rushed out of Waverley Police Station into a waiting Tesla.

After the arrest, senior government minister Ron Hoenig assured NSW residents the breach was contained and no personal information had been detected online or on the dark web.

No one protected by apprehended violence orders had been identified as being at increased risk of harm, he said.

Duff also faces unrelated charges of intimidation and using a carriage service to harass related to incidents in December 2020.

He will return to court on May 7.

Christopher Duff can only possess a phone that can only be used for calling and texting
A Russian spy chief has been identified as one of the suspected masterminds behind a parcel bomb attack on US-bound flights which sparked a fire at a DHL depot in Birmingham.

Last year, officials feared that Russia was attempting to plant bombs on passenger planes flying to the US and Canada.

It came after electronic massagers began to explode in warehouses across Europe.

Two incendiary devices were shipped via DHL logistic centres in Birmingham and Leipzig in Germany, resulting in blazes.

It is now believed a Russian military intelligence officer may have been the mastermind behind a sabotage plot, The Times reported.

Four people were arrested in connection with the blaze in Birmingham and charged with participating in sabotage or terrorist operations on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency.

No injuries were reported but investigators believe there could have been far more serious consequences had the devices ignited while in flight.

Colonel Denis Smolyaninov, a GRU officer, is believed to have been behind a parcel bomb attack

The fire caused by a suspected Russian incendiary device at a DHL facility in Birmingham in July

Officials said it was 'pure accident' that the devices did not go off while the planes were mid-air

A similar fire then broke out at an airport in Warsaw in the following days.

At the time, the head of Poland's foreign intelligence agency Pawel Szota blamed Russia, although the prosecutor's office statement did not name a foreign government suspected of directing the operations.

The devices were reportedly hidden in massage cushions in the parcels alongside cosmetics and sex toys, which did not raise suspicions during pre-flight security checks, according to investigations by German broadcasters WDR and NDR and the Suddeutsche Zeitung.

European officials previously warned that mass casualties were avoided purely 'by accident' because the bombs did not go off in mid-air.

They suspected that the packages were intended to expose vulnerabilities in western delivery channels to the US.

Reports had previously linked the GRU, Russia's intelligence agency, to the plot.

GRU officer Colonel Denis Smolyaninov is one of the men believed to have been behind the sabotage operation.

He is believed to have been one of ten people involved in the attack, including low-level proxies, that sent the devices through air freight hubs.

The suspect package exploded in a DHL logistics centre in Leipzig before it could be loaded onto an aircraft

According to documents obtained by Dossier Center, the investigative unit funded by Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Colonel Smolyaninov was plotting to disrupt western aviation since 2014.

The documents, seen by German reporters show that Russian agents had plotted ways to obstruct radio communication between pilots and ground personnel.

If successful, pilots and airport staff would not be able to hear each other, which could cause planes to be misdirected.

In August 2024, two parcels were sent from Warsaw to the US and Canada, containing clothes, trainers and tracking devices in what are believed to have been dry runs.

Several people, including Ukrainians and Lithuanians, have been detained regarding the plot.

Another suspected plotter identified by German media is a Russian named as Aleksandr B, who was arrested in Bosnia-Herzegovina last year suspected of training Moldovans for protests in their home country.

He was extradited to Poland in February on charges of 'co-ordinating acts of sabotage'.

However, the sabotage series appears to have stopped last year. According to German media, the attacks stopped after US officials made it clear to Russia that they knew who was behind it and that no further escalation would be tolerated.

The Russian embassy in Berlin told the German reporters that the sabotage plot claims were 'paranoia' and 'conspiracy theories'.
This is the terrifying moment a tourist became stuck on a zip-line for over an hour and a half after the ride came to a grinding halt, leaving him dangling mid-air at 200 ft.

The shocking incident occurred on Tuesday in Presa de los Caballeros Via Ferrata, an area that is popular for adventure sports, near Malaga.

Footage shows the unnamed Spanish man hanging from a rope in a rocky canyon, as firefighters are seen standing on a suspension bridge above him while they ready themselves to rescue him.

Emergency services rushed to the site, but the rescue operation proved difficult and lasted more than an hour and a half, according to Spanish news outlet Antena 3.

Firefighters said they had to use a technical maneuver to reach the man from the bridge, and had to position themselves around 50 and 65 ft above the hanging man so that they could hoist him up to safety.

'The rescue was successful and without the need for medical assistance', the Provincial Fire Consortium of Malaga said after the rescue operation was complete.

Presa de los Caballeros, which is frequented by hikers and adventure sport enthusiasts, runs over an old dam and includes a 230 ft-long suspension bridge and a zip-line, as well as an underground passage.

It comes just a few weeks after firefighters were called to the same area to rescue a woman who became trapped on a zip-line, according to local press.

A man in Spain was left dangling 200ft above the ground after his zip-line became stuck

The incident took place on Tuesday in Presa de los Caballeros Via Ferrata in Malaga

It also comes several months after a little girl was left dangling at 330 ft above the cliffs after coming to a grinding halt on a zip-line in Bali.

Shocking footage shows the girl trying to rock back and forth to move along the zipline cable, with her inching forward very slowly on the Flying Fox zipline on Nusa Penida, a small island located near the southeastern Indonesian island of Bali.

Meanwhile the girl's terrified mother, alongside several British tourists, watched on in horror from below as the girl is hanging 330ft over the ocean in the video filmed in July last year.

Nusa Penida's police chief told local media that the 'foreign child' was stuck on the zipline for about three minutes before she managed to rock herself to the other side. The girl was not injured.
A group of 70 Labour MPs and peers have demanded the Government agree a youth mobility scheme with the EU as part of Sir Keir Starmer's Brexit 'reset'.

They made the call in a letter to Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister in charge of the Government's ongoing negotiations with Brussels.

A time-limited, capped youth visa scheme should be agreed with the EU, the MPs and peers said.

Their letter, seen by The Guardian, also called for UK-EU trade cooperation to be deepened beyond the Government's current ambitions.

The intervention comes amid the emergence of a Cabinet row over proposals to relax visa rules for young Europeans.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves last night hinted at her support for such a scheme, which EU member states are demanding as the price of the Prime Minister's 'reset'.

It is reported she wants a generous Australia-style scheme allowing 18 to 30-year-olds to live and work in the UK temporarily.

Studies have found a youth mobility scheme could deliver a boost to the UK economy, as Ms Reeves scrambles for measures to increase GDP.

A time-limited, capped youth visa scheme should be agreed with the EU, the MPs and peers said. Pictured: Passengers at passport border control e-gates at Heathrow Airport

Chancellor Rachel Reeves last night hinted at her support for such a scheme, which EU member states are demanding as the price of the Prime Minister's 'reset'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is reported to have argued internally against a scheme allowing young Europeans to stay for more than 12 months

But Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is reported to have argued internally against a scheme allowing young Europeans to stay for more than 12 months.

She is said to be concerned the arrivals would inflate immigration figures and is lobbying to impose a cap on the number of visas issued to young Europeans.

Under a youth mobility scheme with countries such as Australia, applicants must have 2,530 in savings, pay a 298 fee, and stump up 776 per year to use the NHS.

Successful applicants are granted a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months, while those from Australia, Canada or New Zealand can extend their visa by one further year.

The number of visas this year is capped at 42,000 Australians, 10,000 Canadians and 9,500 New Zealanders.

The UK also has youth mobility deals with a string of other countries, including South Korea, Japan, and Uruguay.

It has previously emerged that Britain was facing pushback from Brussels over plans for an annual cap on visa numbers - of around 70,000 - for young Europeans.

There was also said to be unhappiness among EU member states about applicants for a youth mobility scheme with the UK having to pay the NHS surcharge.

But sources told The Guardian the EU might now be open to putting a quota and time limit on youth visas.

In their letter to Mr Thomas-Symonds, 62 Labours MPs said: 'We want to see a new and bespoke youth visa scheme for UK and EU citizens aged under 30.

'As with all of the UK's existing schemes, we believe this should be time-limited and subject to a cap on numbers.'

The group of MPs and peers, led by Welwyn Hatfield MP Andrew Lewin, also set out further demands for the Government to deepen cooperation with the EU.

This included seeking to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) convention, a customs union alternative.

'As certainties about globalisation, trade and tariffs break down at a remarkable speed, we are reminded how our stability, prosperity and security depend on having deep and resilient partnerships with like-minded nations, based on free and frictionless trade, shared values and political trust,' the letter added.

Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in London today. They are pictured meeting in Brussels in October

Welwyn Hatfield MP Andrew Lewin

Asked in Washington about the possibility of a youth mobility scheme, Ms Reeves said last night: 'We want to see net migration fall as a Government and we've set out plans to achieve that.

'We also want to have control of who comes into this country. That is really important for us.

'But we're not going to be returning to free movement. We will bring down net migration, and the talks are ongoing with the EU around reducing trade barriers.'

Sir Keir is set to meet European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in London today.

The PM is seeking to deepen Britain's post-Brexit relationship with the EU on defence and security.

He also hopes to agree a new veterinary pact, mutual recognition for professional qualifications, and help for British artists to play across Europe.

Yet he has been hit by EU demands for the UK to back down on post-Brexit fishing rights, as well as to agree a youth mobility scheme, in exchange.
It is known as the birthplace of Benjamin Britten, the late British composer and avid birdwatcher. But people in the Suffolk coastal town of Lowestoft are struggling to maintain their most famous resident's enthusiasm for the local sea bird population in the face of an aerial onslaught from kittiwakes.

Growing numbers of the endangered species have sent locals scurrying for cover as their droppings descend from the sky with increasing frequency.

With some people reluctant to leave their homes at all, one local business owner said staff were spending up to two hours daily cleaning the mess left on his shop's windows and canopy.

'It stinks and it's making a big mess,' said Mr Vino of V&A Stores. 'A few customers came into the shop last week and complained about the smell'.

The birds have been resident in the resort town since the 1950s, when they began to colonise the entrance to the town's port.

Such is the ubiquity of the red-listed species that efforts to prevent them from nesting on local buildings have given way to initiatives designed to accommodate them.

Most notable among those has been the construction of kittiwake 'hotels', artificial nesting sites which have been in place for the past two years.

Another case in point is the local BT building, where netting intended to keep the gulls at bay was replaced with nesting shelves.

A kittiwake nesting on a building in the east Suffolk coastal resort of Lowestoft, where the birds have increased in number from 650 to 2,000 over the past four years

Bird mess covers the canopy of a shop in Lowestoft, where locals have been sent scurrying for cover as kittiwake droppings descend from the sky with increasing frequency

Kittiwakes are seen perching on purpose-built ledges on the side of a building in Lowestoft

Such measures have helped Lowestoft to buck the trend that has caused a 40 per cent decline in the global kittiwake population since 1975 as fish stocks have been diminished by overfishing and climate change.

But not all residents are convinced that is a welcome development.

Tony Shreeve, who has lived opposite the BT building for the past decade, points to the havoc the birds have wrought.

'They are a bit hooligan-like - they tear the place apart and go through the bins,' he said.

Even tourists such as Shirley and Christopher Wyartt, visiting Lowestoft from Ipswich, have noticed the mess made by the birds.

'It is just left on the ground,' said Mrs Wyartt. 'It is an eyesore.'

Kittiwakes typically return to where they hatched, and the number of birds flocking to Lowestoft to settle during the spring and summer has risen more than threefold over the past four years.

Almost 2,000 kittiwakes have returned to their usual nests in the town, up from about 650 in 2021 - making Lowestoft home to one of the UK's most successful urban colonies.

Lowestoft residents Shirley and Christopher Wyartt have noticed the mess made by the birds. 'It is just left on the ground,' said Mrs Wyartt. 'It is an eyesore'

Kittiwakes are seen perching on an old building along the seafront in Lowestoft, East Suffolk

The nearshore kittiwake hotels installed in Lowestoft, where residents have branded the endangered birds 'hooligans'

'They've really come back in force now and it is more noticeable,' said Dick Houghton of the Lowestoft Seagull Action Group.

'If they were hatched in the town, they'd tend to return there. The more birds we have, the more mess.'

Houghton is not averse to the birds, but neither is he oblivious to the problems they cause.

'They've increased in numbers by setting up on shop fronts and bedroom windows,' he said. 'They c*** over the side of the nest, which generally lands on the pavement.

'They feed entirely on fish and small sea creatures - the stink is the smell of rotting fish. They've become more in your face and in your nose.'

Explaining that chicks usually return to where they were hatched after spending the winter months in the North Atlantic, Houghton said the first kittiwake returned to Lowestoft on February 1, with the rest following 'en masse'.

'The hotels were built to provide opportunities for the birds to nest, otherwise the wind turbines could kill them,' said Houghton.

'People have assumed the hotels were there to take birds from the town - which is the ideal eventually.

William Irvine, who recently moved to nearby Carlton Colville, is seen in Lowestoft, where he welcomed the presence of kittiwakes: 'It is a gorgeous sight to see - they are very pretty birds'

A since-removed mural by anonymous street artist Banksy on the side of a residential building depicted a spray-painted seagull tucking into a refuse skip full of polystyrene chips

'It takes one or two brave ones to try it out before the rest follow.'

One seagull that has definitely gone, however, is a giant mural painted by the street artist Banksy as part of his Great British Spraycation series.

The mural, part of a collection that appeared across Norfolk and Suffolk in 2021, showed a seagull tucking into a refuse skip full of polystyrene chips.

It was removed from the side of a local house in the small hours in 2023.

For all the controversy surrounding the birds, there are tentative signs that the offshore 'artificial nesting structures' - or kittiwake hotels - are starting to bear fruit.

Following efforts by ornithologists to use life-like decoy kittiwakes and recordings of their distinctive calls to coax the birds to the hotels, a kittiwake chick hatched at one of them last year for the first time.

It is hoped that more birds will nest and lay eggs in the hotels over time, prompting the birds to return there rather than populating the town.

'Businesses, and people living in Lowestoft, who are host to kittiwakes are playing a vital role in protecting vulnerable seabirds,' a spokesman for East Suffolk Council said.

'However, we do appreciate that there are challenges associated with housing kittiwakes, including mess.

'East Suffolk Council continues to coordinate regular pressure washing of public areas during the nesting season, to support local people by managing the mess from kittiwakes and other birds.

'The Lowestoft Kittiwake Partnership has also been supporting businesses with advice on managing the impact of urban gulls.'
A British tourist has died in a horrific paragliding crash along with his pilot in Turkey.

The Briton, 22, and his pilot, 29, leaped from a 6,500ft mountain at the Babadag paragliding spot in Fethiye in a tandem jump at around 11.45am on Wednesday.

But shortly after take-off their parachute broke and they plunged onto the rocks at the steep mountainside, according to Turkish media reports.

Other paragliders in the area alerted emergency services about the crash, with rescuers rushing to the scene only to discover that the British holidaymaker and the experienced pilot had died.

Their bodies were taken to a nearby hospital morgue for autopsy. MailOnline has contacted the Foreign Office for comment on the 22-year-old Briton's fatal accident.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the accident, with officials examining the crash scene and the paragliding equipment.

All paragliding flights from Babadag have been temporarily suspended following the incident.

Babadag is considered one of the best paragliding spots in Europe due to its stunning views near the coast, but the jumps from the 6,500ft mountain regularly have fatal consequences.

The Briton, 22, and his pilot, 29, leaped from a 6,500ft mountain at the Babadag paragliding spot in Fethiye in a tandem jump at around 11.45am on Wednesday. But shortly after take-off their parachute broke and they plunged onto the rocks at the steep mountainside

Other paragliders in the area alerted emergency services about the crash, with rescuers rushing to the scene only to discover that the British holidaymaker and the experienced pilot had died

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Another British paraglider, Frank Lally, 62, was killed in the same spot in October 2022. He was on holiday from England when he decided to do a jump from the Babadag. He also smashed into rocks soon after take-off.

Witnesses immediately called the emergency services and Search and Rescue were deployed to the area.

He was carried away on a stretcher and taken in an ambulance to Fethiye State hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Briton Justin Clarke narrowly cheated death after his parachute became tangled in mid-air after launching himself off Babadag in 2014.

The lines of the thrillseeker's parachute became twisted shortly after take-off, causing him to lose control of the glider.

A small camera strapped to Mr Clarke's body captured the moment he began hurtling towards the sea. Despite remaining calm, he was shown desperately trying to re-gain control of the glider before opening up his reserve parachute.

He then tried to pull in the tangled glider in order to stop it dragging him off-course and into a nearby beach resort packed with holidaymakers.

During his ordeal the lines of his glider also wrapped around his arms, resulting in painful burns as he attempted to land safely.

Babadag in Fethiye (pictured) is considered one of the best paragliding spots in Europe due to its stunning views near the coast, but the jumps from the 6,500ft mountain regularly have devastating consequences

After a couple of minutes, Mr Clarke landed into the sea below before being rescued by a nearby safety boat.

Another British holidaymaker who had a terrifying experience at Babadag is Roger Parker, then 70, who was left trapped on a tiny cliff ledge for 14 hours with a broken shoulder, elbow and foot after his pilot crashed into the side of the mountain in 2010.

Mr Parker was in agony and petrified that he would die as he lay on a ledge over a 300ft drop surrounded by thick fog for an entire night.

The pensioner was on the last day of a week-long Mediterranean cruise with his wife when he booked the 50 paragliding flight.

But the tandem pilot launched from the top of the mountain despite thick fog and visibility reduced to just metres. He lost his bearings and minutes after take off they crashed into a cliff face.

Mr Parker took the full force of the impact because he was strapped in front.

The former lorry driver broke his right shoulder in three places as well as his elbow and foot. He was stranded overnight with pilot Serkan Akan before a helicopter rescue team was able to rescue them.
Keir Starmer held talks with the EU commission president today as he pushes for his Brexit 'reset'.

The PM has welcomed his 'friend' Ursula von der Leyen to Downing Street amid intense negotiations over a new package.

Sir Keir has made closer relations with the bloc a top priority for the government, arguing that the Russian threat underline the need to enhance ties.

He is hoping to unveil the arrangements at a summit on May 19 - with ministers racing to seal a US trade deal before then. Donald Trump has claimed the EU was created to 'screw' America and praised Britain for cutting ties.

However, there are concerns about what concessions Sir Keir is making to get the agreement over the line.

Brussels has been heaping pressure on the UK to accept 'youth free movement', allowing 18-30 year-olds to travel and work freely.

That is thought to be the subject of Cabinet tensions with Rachel Reeves suggesting it could boost the economy, while Yvette Cooper is worried about fuelling immigration.

Meanwhile, France is said to have been demanding compromises on fishing rights to strike a security and defence pact that would allow UK firms to bid for contracts under the EU's 150billion defence fund.

Sir Keir told Ms von der Leyen: 'In a world which seems increasingly unstable with an uncertain future, it is so good that we are working so closely together on so many issues.'

He pointed to defence, Ukraine, and said: 'I'm really pleased that we've committed to a reset of our relationship, a really important relationship, which I think will be of huge benefit to both of us.'

The PM has welcomed Ursula von der Leyen to Downing Street amid intense negotiations over a new package

Sir Keir has made closer relations with the bloc a top priority for the government, arguing that the Russian threat underline the need to enhance ties

Sir Keir is also said to be poised to sign off 'dynamic' alignment with key Brussels food and veterinary standards, in bid to ease friction at borders.

Unveiled by the bloc last month, it allows EU capitals to borrow cash to invest more in defence and is aimed at enabling countries to re-arm quicker.

At present, British arms manufacturers such as BAE Systems and Babcock are locked out of participating in contracts until a pact has been struck, potentially delaying UK-EU military co-operation and the response to the invasion of Ukraine.

France, along with a few other EU fishing nations, have been hoping to use this as leverage in post-Brexit 'reset' talks to get a better deal on catching rights for EU trawlers in UK waters.

There have been reports that Sir Keir is poised to agree to continue multi-year fishing deals after the current terms expire, and say that quotas for EU boats will not be reduced.

Negotiators expect that, alongside the 'reset' package next month, there will be a form of 'political declaration' spelling out how negotiations over fishing rights, closer trading ties, touring musicians and greater freedom of movement for young people will be taken forward.

It means that, in theory, nothing would be finalised in these areas and they would still be subject to further negotiation, although a concession on fishing could be written into this.
Clive Palmer's Trumpet of Patriots party has been blasted for sending 'annoying' texts to millions of Aussies ahead of the May 3 election.

The unsolicited messages were sent en masse on Thursday and featured a link to the political party's website.

'Solve housing fast trains 20 minute CBD. Super for deposit 3% interest, cut immigration by 80%,' the texts read.

'Auth by H Fong Trumpet of Patriots.'

Aussies were quick to take to social media to slam the 'invasive' election campaign tactic.

'I am getting political messages from Trumpet of Patriots group by text. I can't reply or block, only delete. How do I stop this junk?' one woman fumed.

Another added: 'Where did they get my number from? Gross invasion of privacy,' another said.

A third wrote: 'Has there ever been a party with a more ridiculous name and ideologies than the Trumpet of Patriots? Such a waste of money and time.'

Clive Palmer's Trumpet of Patriots party has come under fire for 'annoying' SMS ads. He's pictured with party leader Suellen Wrightson

'How do I stop this junk?' one woman asked after reading a message from Clive Palmer's party

Some recipients took aim at the grammar and the party's only sitting representative, Senator Ralph Babet.

'Im getting texts from Trumpet of Patriots and the grammar is horrendous. That tells me that Babet is writing them himself,' they wrote.

Another added: 'Wow. Seems Trumpet of Patriots have an actual chimpanzee writing their unsolicited text messages.'

'What did I just read, did a child write this?' a third asked.

Others reported the messages as spam while one man replied 'f*** off' to the text.

Some questioned the legality of the messages.

'Gross  spam texts from the Trumpet of Patriots party. How is this legal to mass spam people?' she asked.

The Australian Electoral Commission confirmed the party is permitted to send text messages.

The party, led by Suellen Wrightson (pictured) runs on a promise of 'commonsense policies for all Australians'

'It is legal,' an AEC spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

'Political parties are exempt from the Spam Act and the Do Not Call Register.

'The AEC does not supply phone numbers to parties and doesnt know where they get that information from.

'Text messages do need to be authorised so that people know the source of the messages. That can occur in a website that the message links to though.

'Regarding the content - as always, its the voters job to stop and consider what they hear, see or read this election.'

Mr Palmer has already spent millions to advertise his party on online platforms, television, and billboards across Australia  including in some of the nation's safest seats.

Despite Mr Palmer's relative lack of success in recent years, he has refused to back down from politics.

'I could join many Australians and play lawn bowls, right?' the 70-year-old told the National Press Club earlier this year.

'I find this more exciting, talking to you, than playing lawn bowls.'

Mr Palmer's yellow and black Trumpet party replaced the United Australia Party, promising 'commonsense policies for all Australians'.

Daily Mail Australia has approached Trumpet of Patriots for comment.
Aerial photos have revealed the astonishing transformation of a Cornish village into 'Hollywood-on-Sea' with stars including Cate Blanchett flocking to the idyllic setting.

Mawgan Porth has attracted celebrities including David Beckham, Kate Winslet, Noel Gallagher, Jason Statham, Jamie Dornan and Chris Martin in recent years.

The stretch of properties along the seafront features a series of multi-million pound developments that have attracted the rich and famous, which have been heralded by some for their futuristic designs - despite fears local residents are being priced out.

Other stars in the holiday retreat located up the coast from Newquay have included Imogen Stubbs, Jason Momoa, Stanley Tucci and Rosie Huntingdon-Whitely.

At the heart of the clifftop scene is a five-bedroom eco-home being built by Lord of the Rings actress Blanchett after she got planning permission to knock down the 1.6million cottage she bought with her playwright husband Andrew Upton.

New pictures also show other Californian-style mansions that have taken over the landscape of traditional homes in what was once called 'Cornwall's best kept secret'.

Blanchett is believed to have been the first celebrity to buy a home in the village in 2020, before she purchased a 1.25million plot of land directly above it a year later.

The 55-year-old star's arrival is understood to have led to the influx of celebrities moving in, with locals complaining that their picturesque area has been 'ruined' and turned into a 'building site' with prices being hiked to 'unaffordable levels.

 Slide me  Mawgan Porth in Cornwall is pictured in 2013 (left) and in an aerial view taken this week (right)

The spectacular new home being built by Cate Blanchett in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

Blanchett is believed to have been the first celebrity to buy a home in the village in 2020

Cate Blanchett and her husband Andrew Upton bought the former cottage in December 2020

At the heart of the clifftop scene is a five-bedroom eco-home being built by actress Blanchett

Blanchett bought a home in the village in 2020 and is now building a new property

Some have claimed the village has been 'overrun' with second-home owners and is left like a ghost town in winter.

One local previously said her mother has even had people walk by her house and offer 2million for their family home - even though it is not for sale.

The NHS worker, who moved to the area in 1987, revealed developers were buying old properties and then flattening them to build 'cube-shaped homes'.

She said: 'It has always been a popular holiday destination as it's between Newquay and Padstow and near a National Trust hotspot. It's become more and more popular every year.

'The locals have sold up here and the properties have been taken down and there's modern complex, cube-shaped, Californian-style buildings instead of your 1930s bungalows.

'There's a lot of posh cubed modern buildings. Those properties are now going for over a million.

The separate new eco-home is also being built along the coast in Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

Another view of the Mawgan Porth eco-home which is being constructed on the clifftop

This eco-home being built on the clifftop at Mawgan Porth has stunning sea views

People on the beach at Mawgan Porth next to the properties being developed on the clifftops

An aerial view of the eco-home being built on the clifftop at Mawgan Porth in Cornwall

Another view of the Mawgan Porth eco-home which is being constructed on the clifftop

The eco-home is one of the properties currently being built on the coast at Mawgan Porth

Another view of the Mawgan Porth eco-home which is being constructed on the clifftop

'You can't buy a property here for under one million. Not one local can afford to buy anything here. We're near the Scarlet Hotel which attracts a lot of celebrities. There's a certain clientele.

'It's good for the builders as there's constant building work going on. There's a real architectural divide. My mum lives on the sand dunes. She's lived here since 1987 when she bought her bungalow. We've lived there ever since.

'All the houses around there were knocked down and a posh flat roofed house was built owned by someone in London. He rents them out a lot. There's a holiday home where the likes of Chris Martin and Gary Barlow have stayed.

'All the houses have been bought up by second homeowners. In the winter all the houses are all pretty much empty. They do bring money to the village, but at the same time local people can't live here.'

Locals say they have also spotted the likes of Winslet and Gallagher there.

Mawgan Porth is pictured in 2018, before Blanchett and others moved into the Cornish village

The Cornish coast at Mawgan Porth is pictured in 2013, before the more recent developments

Mawgan Porth, pictured in 2012, is a hotspot for surfers who line its stunning sandy beaches

Beachgoers enjoy the sun at Mawgan Porth in Cornwall in 2013 before recent developments

Blanchett had previously upset neighbours with the noise of construction  and the new photos show her house renovations are still ongoing.

The actress also bought a neighbouring plot of land and applied for permission to turn it into a new access and parking area for four cars.

The proposal was met with anger by locals in the village who feared it was being transformed into a 'Hollywood-on-Sea' location.

Blanchett and her husband were also accused in official objections of a 'total disregard' during construction, with claims it had 'destroyed holidays'.

The change of use application for the field was withdrawn last year and new plans are yet to be submitted.

Among those objecting at the time was holiday let owner Karen Burgess who accused the couple of having a 'total disregard' for their neighbours during the lengthy building process.

Actors Jason Momoa (left) and Jamie Dornan (right) are among those seen in Mawgan Porth

Jason Statham (left) and Stanley Tucci (right) have also been spotted in the Cornish village

Mawgan Porth is located just north of Newquay on the Cornish coast

Ms Burgess said: 'I am deeply concerned that there has already been a total disregard for the noise that has destroyed the family holidays of all my guests.'

Hitting back at Ms Burgess's objections, architects Watershedd claimed it was a case of mistaken identity.

They added: 'Throughout the whole process of the build on our clients' property, we have been in regular communication with friendly and accommodating neighbours to ensure that they are aware of works starting, and to alleviate any concerns regarding usual or anticipated construction noise or disturbances.'
Keir Starmer is facing a backbench revolt over Donald Trump's planned state visit to the UK later this year.

More than a dozen Labour MPs have backed a motion saying the UK president should be barred from addressing parliament when he visits Britain.

They argue that it would be 'inappropriate' for him to speak to politicians because of his record of 'misogynism, racism and xenophobia', as well as his comments about Britain and stance on Ukraine.

It comes amid widespread anger at Trump's latest attack on Volodymyr Zelensky after he rejected the terms of a Ukraine peace deal that gave major concessions to Putin.

He has also slapped damaging tariffs on UK exports to the United States, including high-end cars, with ministers currently trying to do a trade deal to remove them.

The US president is due in the UK in the autumn for an unprecedented second state visit that will see him meet King Charles, after he met Elizabeth II during his first term in the White House.

Some 16 MPs have signed the early day motion (EDM) tabled by Jarrow MP Kate Osborne, include former Labour frontbenchers Diane Abbott and Clive Lewis.

Several independent MPs who were formerly in the party including ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell have also backed it.

More than a dozen Labour MPs have backed a motion saying the UK president should be barred from addressing parliament when he visits Britain.

Some 16 MPs have signed the early day motion (EDM), include former Labour frontbenchers Diane Abbott and Clive Lewis. Several independent MPs who were formerly in the party including ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell have also backed it.

The US president is due in the UK in the summer or autumn for an unprecedented second state visit that will see him meet King Charles, after he met Elizabeth II during his first term in the White House.

Mr Trump revealed over the weekend that his 'friend' King Charles is looking at setting a date in September for his the visit.

However, an effort has emerged to stop him being granted the honour of speaking at Parliament. Barack Obama did so in 2011, although Joe Biden did not more recently.

Mr Trump was previously controversially barred from making a speech at Westminster by former Speaker John Bercow. Mr Bercow said in 2017 that it was 'an earned honour', not an 'automatic right'.

The Commons Speaker, the Lord Speaker and the Lord Great Chamberlain - represented by Black Rod - are the three 'gatekeepers' who have to agree to such an address.

Earlier this week Labour's Rachael Maskell, who has not signed the EDM, told MailOnline: 'It would be completely inappropriate for the US President to address the Houses of Parliament.'

Another Early Day motion in 2019, the year Mr Trump made his first state visit, was signed by Mr Lammy, Mr Streeting and now Leader of the House Lucy Powell among others.

But ministers have defended the idea this time, as they seek a trade deal for the UK.

Yesterday education minister Stephen Morgan said he did not support the calls from some MPs and peers for a ban, insisting the UK needs 'strong and effective' relations with the US.

He told Times Radio: 'I look forward to the US president addressing Parliament in due course.'

Mr Trump was previously controversially barred from making a speech at Westminster by former Speaker John Bercow . Mr Bercow said in 2017 that it was 'an earned honour', not an 'automatic right'.

In the latest round of barbs between the two men, Trump accused his Ukrainian counterpart of making it 'difficult to settle' the war with Russia over his opposition to recognising Moscow's annexation of Crimea.

The US administration is urging Kyiv to accept Russia's continued control of occupied Ukrainian regions and Moscow's ownership of the Crimean peninsula as part of a peace settlement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces would also be required to withdraw from some territory, as would Ukraine's military.

Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?

'It's inflammatory statements like Zelensky's that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire  He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.'

Later, Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he has 'a deal with Russia' and has 'got to do a deal with Zelensky'.

He added: 'I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky, so far it's been harder.'

Questions about a possible US trade deal continue to overshadow Rachel Reeves's mission to Washington as she prepares for talks with her US counterpart.

The Chancellor has travelled to the US capital for the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s spring meetings with finance ministers from the G7 and G20 this week.

But it is a meeting with US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent scheduled for Friday that has dominated her visit as the Government pursues a deal that would alleviate the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs.

The US president imposed a 10 per cent levy on British goods earlier this month, along with a 25 per cent charge on steel, aluminium and cars.

Ms Reeves insisted on Wednesday that there was 'a deal to be done' and the US administration were 'keen', despite suggestions from senior American officials that the 10 per cent tariff was a 'baseline' Mr Trump was unlikely to go below.

But the Chancellor has also appeared to rule out at least some changes to non-tariff barriers that the US is thought to be seeking.

One sticking point is likely to be agricultural imports, with some US exports not meeting UK food standards.
A far-left Green MSP has been criticised by a former top judge and the First Minister for her outburst against the UK's highest court.

Lord Hope, former deputy president of the Supreme Court, cautioned Maggie Chapman to be 'more careful with her language'.

The politician sparked outrage by stating there was 'bigotry, prejudice and hatred' from the Supreme Court, which made the landmark ruling that biological sex is decisive in defining a woman.

John Swinney also weighed in on the row, adding to pressure on Ms Chapman who is deputy convener of Holyrood's equalities committee.

Lord Hope, said: 'I do not think that she should stand down or be removed from her post but she should be more careful with her language.

'The Supreme Court justices were doing what they were required to do, which was to address the question which was before them without fear or favour, affection or ill will, and to bring clarity to a problem that was of concern to us all.'

He added that it is 'time to lower the temperature', and 'accept the judgment for what it says'.

Unrepentant: Maggie Chapman wearing her 'trans ally' badge at Hokyrood on Wednesday

Lord Hope cautioned Chapman to be 'more careful with her language'

Meanwhile the First Minister, on being asked if her rant about the Supreme Court was disinformation, said: 'At no stage should we question the independence of the judiciary and the judicial system, because it operates in everybody's interests... in accordance with the rule of law.'

Ms Chapman who wore a 'trans ally' badge at Holyrood on Wednesday has refused to back down.

But Scottish Tory equalities spokesman Tess White said the MSP's comments were 'appalling' and 'unbecoming of an elected member'.
A newlywed man was brutally murdered just hours after marrying his wife after a romantic gesture went horribly wrong.

Tyrek Burton, 37, wed long term partner Kiara, 33, in Greensboro, North Carolina, last October, only to be shot dead outside the venue the same evening.

And now Kiara has revealed what happened. She says Tyrek believed she'd left and went to go home without her.

On realizing Kiara, the mother of his four children, was still inside, he turned back to go and collect her.

'It was a road rage incident,' Kiara said, picking up the story during a chat with Fox 8.

'Pretty much a stranger or someone we didnt know. Felt that he cut him off and confronted him about it, and it ended up terribly wrong.'

The couple had been together for over a decade and wanted to officially get married for their four children, who were present at the wedding.

'I would have to say our happiest moments was seeing our kids smiling  The wedding was for them. Our plan was to elope  The kids wanted a wedding,' Kiara said.

The couple were seen in pictures from the night posing at the altar and walking into their reception for their first dance as husband and wife.

After the wedding vows and celebration, Tyrek was ambushed at the venue's parking loot and shot dead in front of his bride and daughter. The killer fled the scene.

Tyrek was shot at least 15 times, according to police. Police said that although 'lifesaving efforts were immediately initiated,' he died later that night.

Kiara Burton married her long-time partner Tyrek Burton, 37, last October. Their celebration turned to tragedy when he was shot dead in the parking lot of their wedding venue

Kiara, 33, is speaking out in hopes someone can help locate her husband's killer

The widow is seen smiling as Burton embraces her on their wedding night in North Carolina

His sister Brittany Burton explained how Tyrek had left the wedding venue because he thought his bride had already headed home, with that misunderstanding ending in his murder.

'He made a U-turn and I guess didnt see somebody. Cut them off and that person followed him back to the park,' Brittany told ABC 7 last year.

Tyrek's killer has still not been identified, Kiara is speaking out in hopes someone can help locate them.

'He was so giving. He was a provider. He was a protector. Great husband. Great friend,' Kiara said of her late husband.

'Theres no way this person did something like this and slept on it and didnt tell nobody. If you know something, say something,' she added.

Shaye Holloway, the bride's sister, took to Facebook to pay tribute to her late brother-in-law.

'Life is so unfair. Life is really too short. How did the day we all been waiting for turn out so bad. A beautiful day ended up so ugly,' she said.

'The worst thing Ive EVER had to witness. I'm just so hurt. I'm hurt for my sister and they girls. Family and friends. I'm lost, I'm confused all while trying to be strong for my sister and nieces.

Police said that officer responded 'in reference to an aggravated assault' last October. Tyrek was reportedly shot 15 times

Bittersweet moments of the couple on their special night, just before violence ensued

Police said that although 'lifesaving efforts were immediately initiated,' Burton died later that night

'All I keep thinking like why him?? Why on the wedding day?? Why just why?? The replays of it in my head... I'm just broken but gotta be strong for my sister and my nieces.

'I just wish we could had left a lil bit earlier or a little bit later and you would still be here with us . You gonna be missed my brother,' she added.

Another family member posted a video montage from the wedding night as loved ones celebrated their love.

'My heart is broken. Y'all please pray for Kiara and the kids, his momma, sister, and other family, their strength, their understanding, their comfort!

'It's so bad when you feel there's nothing you can do. The only thing I can give them is God and a shoulder to lean on. This is so sad!

'Kiara asked me, "How do I marry the love of my life and lose him in the same day?" Oh my God, I have no words. This is rough!,' she wrote.

Anyone with information on Tyrek's killing has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000.
An elderly nun and close friend of Pope Francis for over four decades was allowed to break protocol while visiting his coffin at St Peter's Basilica.

French-Argentine nun, Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, was seen in footage from the first day of Francis' lying-in-state approaching a restricted area to pray before the coffin of the late Pontiff.

The area is traditionally reserved for cardinals, bishops, and priests, but the 81-year-old was permitted to grieve there due to the close friendship they had shared.

Clips of the heartfelt moment circulating on social media show Jeanningros stepping toward a red rope surrounding the coffin with the assistance of an official, who guides her forward.

Dressed in a blue headscarf and navy attire, the nun, who Francis affectionately nicknamed 'L'enfant terrible' - translating to the terrible child, stood quietly to one side of the open casket.

In a moment of raw emotion, she burst into tears and brings her hands to her face, as she stands just feet away from the body of the late Pope. Taking a tissue, she wipes her eyes and remains in place for a moment.

Despite breaking what is traditionally regarded as protocol, no security official intervened, allowing Francis' close friend an intimate moment of farewell.

In July, the Pope had personally visited Jeanningros in Ostia, Rome, to acknowledge her longstanding humanitarian work.

French-Argentine nun, Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, was seen in footage from the first day of Francis' lying-in-state approaching a restricted area to pray before the coffin of the late Pontiff

The 81-year-old stood close to the casket as she wept for her late friend

She could be seen being guided by officials (far left) as they allowed her to break protocol

Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, a long-time friend of Pope Francis, pays homage to him at St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis received in audience Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, of the Little Sisters of Jesus with the Members of the National Union of Traveling Attractionists at the Vatican, in March 2023

.Pope Francis during a visit to Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, Little Sister of Jesus, and the community of carnies and circus people at the Luna Park in Ostia Lido in Rome, in July 2024

Their meeting, held at Luna Park fairground, publicly highlighted the Pope's respect and adoration for the nun who has dedicated her time to helping those facing marginalisation and social exclusion.

The nun, from the order of the Little Sisters of Jesus, has dedicated more than 56 years to serving the most disadvantaged people, especially transgender women, in the Ostia area.

She reportedly lives in a caravan with another nun, Anna Amelia Giacchetto.

The relationship between Jeanningros and Francis began when he was Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

Their connection was strengthened by their shared commitment to the most vulnerable and by the wounds of the Argentine dictatorship.

Every Wednesday, the nun brought groups of fairground workers, homeless people, and transgender women to the Vatican's general audiences. Francis not only received them but also invited them to lunch and offered financial support.

The heartfelt moment from Jeanningros at Francis' lying-in-state comes after some mourners sparked fury when they were seen snapping morbid selfies with his dead body.

On Instagram, one image saw a woman smiling at the camera as she displayed the Pope clutching his rosary around 10ft behind her. His body, dressed in his white mitre and red Papal robe symbolising love and the blood of Christ, can clearly be seen in the coffin which lies on a raised platform.

One woman shared a selfie on Instagram in front of the Pope's coffin which saw her smiling into the camera

The viewing of the body of Pope Francis in Saint Peters Basilica, the Vatican, Rome

Officials released photos of Francis in his velvet-lined coffin and did not ban public pictures, but guards reportedly stopped some morbid mourners using phone cameras.

Mourners who queued up eight hours to catch a final glimpse of the late Pope before he is buried on Saturday said the actions of the selfie-takers was 'a bit in poor taste'.

Janine Venables, 53, from Pontypridd, south Wales told MailOnline: 'What did surprise me is the fact that earlier we were told no photos in the Sistine Chapel and here people were getting their phone out and doing selfies with the coffin.

I did think that was a bit in poor taste and Im surprised no one stopped them.

A Vatican source said: 'It would be good if people could try and remember where they are and have a little respect but there's little else that can be done.'

Some 19,430 people had been to the basilica 'to pay homage to Pope Francis' less than 12 hours after his coffin was transferred there, and where it will stay until Friday.

While it had been expected that St, Peter's would close at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, it remained open throughout the night to allow more people to pay their respects.

By late yesterday evening, the wait appeared to be three or four hours and growing. An official doing crowd management estimated that the wait was closer to five hours.

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols in the area.

Police have been managing crowd control at various points on the approach to the square, with some checking bags, as mourners mingled with the usual tourist population.

Large crowds are expected for Saturday's funeral in St Peter's Square, with the Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, confirmed to be attending on the King's behalf.
Ex-defence secretary Sir Grant Shapps today suggested a Whitehall secrecy rule prevents him revealing why Donald Trump is 'in cahoots' with Vladimir Putin.

The former Tory MP said he had 'some theories' to explain the US President's 'support' for Russia's leader, who he branded a 'tyrant' and 'dictator'.

But Sir Grant added he 'may have to wait for the 30-year rule to talk about them' - a reference to official documents only being made public decades after their creation.

He went on to describe Mr Trump's treatment of Ukraine - as it continues to battle Mr Putin's brutal invasion - as 'sick,' 'disgusting,' and 'revolting'.

The ex-Cabinet minister hit out after the US President piled pressure on Kyiv to formally cede territory to Russia, including Crimea, as part of a peace deal.

After once vowing to end the conflict within 24 hours of returning to the White House, Mr Trump has since expressed frustration at his so far fruitless efforts to halt the war.

He last night launched another scathing attack on Volodymyr Zelensky and accused him of prolonging the 'killing field' by refusing to give up territory.

He warned the Ukrainian President he can either 'have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country'.

Ex-defence secretary Sir Grant Shapps suggested a Whitehall secrecy rule prevents him revealing why Donald Trump is 'in cahoots' with Vladimir Putin

The ex-Cabinet minister hit out after the US President piled pressure on Kyiv to formally cede territory to Russia, including Crimea, as part of a peace deal

Sir Grant said he had 'some theories' to explain the US President's 'support' for Mr Putin, who he branded a 'tyrant' and 'dictator'

Speaking to Times Radio this morning, Sir Grant bemoaned 'this terrible combination of a President who just for some reason seems to support the tyrant'.

'I have some theories as to why, but I may have to wait for the 30-year rule to talk about them,' he added of Mr Trump's relationship with Mr Putin.

Asked to expand further, Sir Grant replied: 'Thank you, I think I'll probably resist, but I don't think it's too much of a stretch.

'And many of your listeners will already know because it's publicly reported that he's had previous run-ins with Kyiv, unrelated to the war.

'People may come to their own theories as to why he seemed to be in cahoots with Putin.

'Who after all is a dictator who wants a completely different type of world to the one which has been constructed after the Second World War.'

Sir Grant blasted Mr Trump's treatment of Ukraine as 'sick' and 'really disgusting'.

'This is the leader of the free world, who is really coming out as nothing more than a swaggering bully, and choosing tyranny over democracy,' he said.

'This whole idea that in public, the President of the United States of America, the home of the free, defender of freedom and liberty, bullies a democratic leader into accepting an unjust peace, I find completely revolting.'

Sir Grant claimed Mr Trump had 'spent his entire career as a sort of swaggering bully'.

'Anyone who disagrees with him, he shoots down and then half the time, you know, gets back into bed with them and ends up with them in his cabinet or something,' he added.

Mr Zelensky is refusing to countenance any Russian claim to annexed Crimea, or the handing over of other territory as part of a US-arranged peace deal with Moscow.

In reference to conceding defeat over Crimea, Mr Zelensky told the Wall Street Journal: 'There's nothing to discuss - this lies outside our constitution.

'This is our territory, the land of the Ukrainian people. This will not happen.'

Mr Putin and Mr Trump pictured meeting on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, in 2019

But last night Mr Trump ranted on his Truth Social platform: 'Zelensky is boasting that Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea.

'He has nothing to boast about. Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion.

'Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it 11 years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?

'Inflammatory statements like that make it so difficult to settle this war.

'He can have peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country.

'The statement by Zelensky will do nothing but prolong the "killing field" and nobody wants that.

'We are very close to a deal but the man with "no cards to play" should, finally, GET IT DONE.

'I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia get out of this complete and total MESS.'

Conceding sovereignty of Crimea was one of seven clauses in a peace plan put together by Mr Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff following a five-hour meeting with Mr Putin in St Petersburg last week.

Russia would also keep four provinces in eastern Ukraine - Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia - making the millions of Ukrainians living there Russian citizens overnight.
The number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales has passed half a million for the first time, figures show.

An astonishing 516,971 offences were logged by forces last year, up 20 per cent from 429,873 in 2023.

The figure is the highest since current police records began 22 year ago in 2003, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Shoplifting offences have been at record levels for the past two years and have seen a 'sharp rise' since the Covid-19 pandemic, the ONS said.

The real figures are likely to be far higher given many shopkeepers feel it is pointless to report offences to police, retail leaders said.

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive, James Lowman, said: 'The increase in shop theft shown by these figures reflects what our members are seeing every day in their stores.

'The volume of theft is still massively under-reported though: our own member survey revealed 6.2million thefts recorded by convenience stores alone.

'It is encouraging that more theft is being reported, even if it is still only the tip of the iceberg. Unless theft is reported, we cannot identify the repeat offenders who are responsible for so much of this crime.'

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Some people accused of raiding a fridge in a branch of Tesco

Shoplifting across the country is costing an estimated 4.2billion. Pictured is a thief in action

Four fifths of retailers have reported being robbed in the past year, a survey from the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) found.

Bira chief executive, Andrew Goodacre, said the ONS figures represented a deeply troubling milestone that confirmed what the organisations members had been saying for months.

The impact on independent retailers is awful, he added.

The stock they are losing represents a loss of their savings, as well as a loss of profits. As one retailer said to us recently: It is like being burgled every week, and nobody should have to put up with that.

He cautiously welcomed the announcement of the Crime and Policing Bill in February but said there must be urgent and coordinated action across all police forces to tackle the issue.

Independent retailers cannot wait years for solutions to a crisis that is happening right now, he added.

Retail crime costs store owners more than 2.2bn a year, British Retail Consortium director Tom Ironside said.

Cleveland and Nottinghamshire appeared to record the most offences relative to population, with 14.3 and 13.1 per 1,000 people respectively.

London was also a hotspot, with almost ten offences recorded in the year to December 2024 per 1,000 people.

Among the safest places to own a shop are Cumbria, with 4.8 offences per 1,000 people, and Dyfed-Powys in Wales, with 4.1.

Meanwhile 152,416 theft from the person offences were recorded last year, up 22 per cent from 125,379 in 2023 and the highest number since current data began in 2003.

A total of 1.80 million theft offences were recorded, up 1 per cent on 2023.

The increase was driven by the rise in shoplifting and theft from the person, the ONS said.

Responding to the data, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson pledged to turn the tide on soaring shoplifting rates by adding more neighbourhood police officers.

She said: 'This Labour Government will not tolerate the criminality blighting our communities.

'That's why we're putting almost 3,000 more bobbies on the beat in neighbourhood roles this year, and under our leadership, these crimes will receive the attention they deserve.

'We are already starting to reverse the Tories' decade of decline on charge rates.'

She added: 'Today's figures are yet more evidence of the damage done by destroying neighbourhood policing as the Tories did over 14 years.'

Of the 494,086 police-recorded shoplifting offences in England and Wales in 2024 that have so far been assigned an outcome, 19 per cent (93,156) resulted in a charge or summons, up from 17 per cent in 2023, while 57% (281,107) of investigations were completed with no suspect identified, unchanged on the previous year, PA news agency analysis of Home Office figures shows.

Crooks pile all their stolen goods into bags, often as helpless store staff and security watch on

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Thieves are brazenly raiding shops, stealing meats, booze and sweets from the shelves

A masked thief - dressed all in black - loading stolen vapes in to a large bag in a Tesco store

Elsewhere in the ONS data, 54,587 knife crime offences were recorded by police in England and Wales in 2024, up 2 per cent from 53,413 in 2023 but 1 per cent below the pre-pandemic figure of 55,170 in the year to March 2020.

The number of offences involving possession of an article with a blade or point was 28,150, up 1 per cent from 27,892 and higher than the pre-pandemic figure of 23,264 in 2019/20.

There were 216 knife-enabled homicides, down 16 per cent from 258 in 2023.

Billy Gazard of the ONS said: 'While police-recorded offences involving knives and sharp instruments have increased, there has been a marked decrease in firearms offences.

'However, shoplifting offences continue to rise, reaching half a million offences in the year ending December 2024, the highest on record.'

The data showed the number of homicides recorded by police in England and Wales fell to its lowest level in a decade.

Some 535 offences were recorded in 2024, down 5 per cent from 563 in 2023 and the lowest figure since 533 in the 12 months to March 2014.

Overall, police recorded 6.64 million crimes in England and Wales in 2024, down by 1 per cent from 6.68 million in 2023.

The total is up from 4.03 million a decade earlier in 2013/14, but this is likely to reflect 'changes in police activity and recording practices' as well as genuine changes in trends in crimes reported to and recorded by forces, and 'should not be used to say that overall crime has increased', the ONS said.

Figures from the separate ONS crime survey for England and Wales suggest people aged 16 and over experienced 9.61 million incidents of crime in 2024, up from 8.40 million in 2023.

The rise is mainly due to a 33 per cent increase in fraud, which accounted for 4.10 million incidents in the survey, and a 13 per cent increase in theft, to 2.93 million.

Metropolitan Police detectives recently tagged 5,000 commonly stolen items such as alcohol and chocolate with SelectaDNA, a fluid only visible under ultraviolet (UV) light that is almost impossible to remove

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson has pledged to put an extra 3,000 neighbourhood officers on the beat

The overall total of 9.61 million is lower than the 11.22 million for 2016/17, when fraud and computer misuse were first included in the figures.

Mr Gazard added: 'The increase in crime recorded by the survey in the recent period has been driven by fraud and theft.

'Notably there has been a significant increase in theft from the person, with mobile phones the most common item stolen.'

Experiences of crimes, as measured by the ONS survey, have been on a broad downwards trend since the mid-1990s.

The survey covers a range of personal and household victim-based crime, including theft, robbery, criminal damage, fraud, computer misuse and violence with or without injury, but does not include sexual offences, stalking, harassment and domestic abuse, which are presented separately.
A woman has been charged after allegedly sexually abusing residents at the aged care facility where she worked, recording the assaults and sharing the videos with her partner.

Tracy Salmon, 46, will face court next Monday after an investigation into alleged sexual violence against residents at the home in Grasmere in Sydney's south-west Macarthur region.

Detectives allegedly discovered video depicting abuse against elderly patients when they seized her phone, which police say she shared with her partner.

The alleged assaults of five men and two women happened over a few weeks in August 2024.

Police had spoken to all families of the residents who were identified, they said.

Recordings of bestiality unrelated to the facility were also allegedly found on Salmon's device.

Police arrested her partner Troy Campbell, 54, in Heckenberg on Wednesday and seized his phone.

They charged him with four counts each of possessing bestiality material and of disseminating bestiality material.

Tracy Salmon (pictured) will face court after allegedly sexually abusing residents at a Sydney aged care facility where she worked

Salmon is accused of sharing recordings of her abuses with her partner Troy Campbell who is pictured in police custody after he was arrested on Wednesday

Campbell was bailed to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on June 18.

Detectives on Thursday went to the prison at Silverwater and charged the 46-year-old woman with a raft of offences including aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual touching, recording intimate images without consent and possessing bestiality material.

Salmon was refused bail to appear in Campbelltown Local Court next Monday.
Families of the victims of Britains worst paddleboard disaster have slammed the disgraced former armed police officer who led the tragically ill-fated expedition as vile, arrogant and a coward.

After 'despicable' Nerys Lloyd was yesterday jailed for ten-and-a-half years for four counts of gross negligence manslaughter, relatives laid bare the anguish caused by the tragic consequences of her 'incompetence' and said they could 'never forgive her'.

Despite not being a properly qualified instructor, Lloyd led the group of beginners on the paid trip on the Cleddau River in Pembrokeshire in October 2021, ignoring weather warnings and a flood alert.

In horrific scenes, seven paddlers were sucked over a 4ft weir into the churning torrent below in just 20 seconds, trapped by nearly two tons of water plunging on top of them every second.

Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40, and Andrea Powell, 41, all drowned, along with Lloyds co-instructor Paul O'Dwyer, 42, who bravely tried to save them.

After Lloyd - now 39 - was yesterday jailed for ten-and-a-half years, relatives rejected her attempts to spread some of the blame onto former soldier Mr ODwyer, whose wife Ceri was among the survivors.

Theresa Hall, mother of supermarket deputy manager Ms Rogers, said she lost her best friend when her daughter died.

Speaking outside Swansea Crown Court following the sentencing, Ms Hall said: It's been three long years and seven months since I lost my only daughter, Morgan, my best friend.

Former police officer Nerys Lloyd, 39, was today jailed for 10 years and six months

Lloyd at the riverside in Haverfordwest following the accident which claimed the lives of four people

Picture of the weir where Lloyd guided the tragic paddleboarders over during low flow conditions

The treacherous waters at the foot of the weir which claimed the lives of four people in the UK's worst paddleboarding tragedy in October 2021 - pictured the day after the tragedy

Health worker Nicola Wheatley (left) and her co-instructor Paul O'Dwyer (right) died in the tragedy

Morgan Rogers (left), 24, and Andrea Powell (right) also drowned in the flooded weir

Over three years since I laid eyes on her, over three years since I heard her infectious laugh.

I wish you would all have met her, my beautiful daughter, she was always smiling, always happy, always content in her life.

She didn't want to rock the world, she wanted to live a respectful life, she would never hurt anyone, she was a gentle soul, always looking for the good in people.

Anyone that has lost a child by someone else's doing will know that there is no pain like it.

That day I lost a piece of myself, I will never be the same person without my Morgan.

I can never forgive Nerys Lloyd for what she has taken from me.

Mrs Hall said Lloyds failure to take emergency contact details for any of the paddlers meant it was over 12 hours before she was informed of her daughter's death.

Even then, it was another 12 hours before I formally identified her myself, she said.

Lloyd organised the weekend paddleboard outing on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest

Lloyd (pictured third from the left, wearing a white shirt) arriving at Swansea Crown Court for her second day of sentencing

Pictured on a calmer day, the weir on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, which claimed the lives of four paddleboarders in October 2021

Nerys Lloyd, 39, admitted the manslaughter of four paddleboarders who drowned after getting caught up in a flooded weir in hazardous conditions

Lloyd captured on a police bodycam on October 31, 202 after four people drowned in the flooded weir

My precious girl was not important to Nerys Lloyd.

She couldn't give police Morgan's details, as she hadn't even bothered to get Morgan's emergency contact details in case of an accident.

'That was despicable.

Nerys Lloyd's arrogance spoke volumes for the person she is and the attitude that she showed towards the people she had in her care that day, the lack of concern is shocking.

Victim Nicola Wheatley's children were aged just seven and two at the time of the tragedy.

The toxicology expert's widower Darren said he hoped Lloyd would spend her time behind bars reflecting on the devastating impact of her negligence.

In a statement read outside court, he said: Losing Nicola has devastated our family and two young children lost their mammy.

Nicola died in circumstances that were completely avoidable and should not have happened.

Decisions made by Nerys Lloyd, and only Nerys Lloyd, led to the four lives lost.

Any sentence served by Nerys in prison will never ease the pain of losing Nicola, and our lives will never be the same again.

He added: I hope Nerys takes the time whilst locked up to reflect and finally acknowledge the devastating impact of her decisions that day.

On Tuesday, relatives of the four victims delivered moving statements telling sentencing judge Mrs Justice Mary Stacey of the impact the tragedy had on each family.

Nerys Lloyd (pictured back centre wearing sunglasses) surrounded by friends and family as she arrived at Swansea Crown Court for her sentencing

Lloyd pictured arriving at Swansea Crown Court on crutches last month, when she admitted four counts of manslaughter

In a series of victim impact statements, they blasted Lloyd for her lack of remorse in the months and years following the deaths.

Andrea Powells husband Mark cried as he told the court he and his wife had moved to Wales in 2018 for a more enjoyable life and to raise their son, then aged seven.

Little were we to know that three years later, the move would culminate in Andrea's tragic death, he said.

Mr Powell said his son later told him: I want to die so I can be with my mummy.

The day before the tragedy he said they 'hugged and said goodbye to Andrea as she was picked up from home to go on a paddleboarding trip to Haverfordwest'.

Sadly, that would be the last time I would see her as she was that day - happy, content, her beautiful heart beating and her body breathing without the aid of a machine.

He added: How can a serving police officer allow this to happen?

Not only was Nerys Lloyd lackadaisical, she was also unqualified, deceitful, wholly incompetent and not fit to have my wife's welfare and life in her hands.

Ceri ODwyer  whose husband Paul was Lloyds co-instructor and drowned trying to save the paddlers  survived when she was pushed to safety by Mrs Powell.

Delivering her own statement to the court, Mrs ODwyer said her husband made a devastating mistake that day but he died trying to save others when he dived back in to the water.

The same spot on the Cleddau River in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, pictured on a day when the river was calm, similar to conditions when Nerys Lloyd carried out a 'reconnaissance visit' two months before the tragedy

The ill-fated expedition on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest (pictured) is believed to be Britain's worst ever paddleboarding accident

Lloyd was dismissed from South Wales Police the following month for an unrelated matter, the force said

She said Lloyd had shown an utter lack of remorse for someone she considered a friend and aunt to her son.

When I needed you most, instead of honesty and accountability, I was met with blame, rejection and gaslighting, she said.

I could have hated you from the day of the incident, but I did not.

I defended you, whilst you twisted the truth, shifting more responsibility onto Paul, making me feel paranoid for questioning you.

I have never denied Paul's role in what happened, but I will not allow him to be blamed for more than he deserves.

Addressing Lloyd, she added: Grief is in our household every single day.

You carried on as if nothing ever happened.

Nerys, I do not believe you will ever learn from this, you've had three years to show remorse and yet you have continued like this is an inconvenience to your life.

In her own statement to the court, Morgan Rogers mother Theresa Hall said: Since that day my time has stopped.

The loss of Morgan is a shadow that follows me casting a veil over my life.

She told Lloyd: Because of your action, lack of concern for everyone's safety on that trip, on that day you guided Morgan to her death, everyone on that trip went out for a fun day.

Instead four people lost their lives.

The physical and mental pain that I now live with is too much to bear.

Morgan was my only daughter. My precious girl.

I go to bed at night thinking about you Nerys Lloyd.

'I wake up thinking the same thing, you are still out there, walking free and doing all of the things that you want to do.

You and your arrogance have stopped me being able to fully grieve for my daughter.

'You took that all away from Morgan's future and more, you took Morgan away from her family, Morgan's hopes and dreams, Morgan's wedding day, Morgan's children you took Morgan's life for nothing more than profit.

Morgan died a horrendous death because of your negligent action and arrogance, that was how you killed my daughter Morgan.

If she had known about the weir she would never have gone into the water that day.

She added: The manner in which Morgan died will haunt me for the rest of my life.

Mrs Justice Mary Stacey delivering sentencing remarks in court

It was a brutal way for my beautiful, innocent daughter to lose her life, and for that, I will never forgive you for what you have done.

In court Mr Wheatley branded Lloyd a coward and a disgraced business owner.

He blasted her for sharing pictures on social media celebrating Christmas lights with her family and friends just months after his wife's death.

He said he had waited three long years to tell Lloyd what he thinks of her, slamming her as a coward and a charlatan.

The only person Nerys Lloyd cares about is Nerys Lloyd, he said.

You have presented yourself as a stone-cold, heartless individual.

You have continued to live your life as if nothing ever happened.

He accused her of hiding behind a carefully orchestrated smokescreen of charity work.

Lambasting her for posting pictures of herself smiling at a light display at Margam Park the following Christmas, Mr Wheatley said: You had a joyful look on your face without a care in the world, without any sign of remorse.

Nerys Lloyd you are a vile person and you disgust me.

Lloyd was the owner and director of Salty Dog Co Ltd when she led the 11-mile tour on the fast-flowing river in October 2021, the court heard.

The 149 a person trip was advertised on Facebook with overnight accommodation and two 'fully' qualified instructors.

However the group  some of whom were not wearing wetsuits - received no health and safety guidance.

Prosecutor Mark Watson KC said the survivors were clear there had been no mention of the 1.3m weir  meaning they were 'completely taken by surprise when they were swept up to it.

He said that in a chaotic episode of some 20 seconds the paddlers were carried over the weir crest by the strong current and submerged by the churning water.

Images taken a day after the tragedy show the foaming, swollen river.

The court heard in a pre-sentence report Lloyd 'did appear to attribute quite a number of the poor, reckless decisions to Mr O'Dwyer.

However in a personal statement to court, she said: 'I take full blame for the mistakes that meant four special individuals are not here today.

David Elias KC, defending, said Lloyd planned to take the group to the landing platform at the side to 'get out and walk around' the weir.

But the judge rejected the explanation, saying she appeared interested in selecting more of an exciting route rather than safety.

The policewoman  at the time suspended from her job over a fraudulent insurance claim  managed to negotiate the flooded weir in the centre of Haverfordwest by going down a narrow ramp.

But the seven paddlers  who had booked the expedition on the understanding that it was suitable for beginners  were sucked beneath the surging water.

As nearly two tons of water plunging on top of them every second created a washing machine effect, the leashes connecting them to their boards made escape almost impossible, a court heard.

Lloyd was filmed moments later  still unaware anyone had died  telling a police officer that the group fell in.

However after being told that co-instructor Mr O'Dwyer had lost his life, she said: I'm going to jail for this.

Later Lloyd attempted to lay blame for Briains worst paddleboarding tragedy on him, Swansea Crown Court heard.

But it emerged that hours after the tragedy - in a conversation inadvertently recorded on her phone  she told her wife that it had been her own fault and she was 'finished'.

She previously pleaded guilty to four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and a Health and Safety at Work Act offence.

Jailing her for ten-and-a-half years yesterday, Mrs Justice Stacey said the quartet who died were 'cut off in their prime'.

The judge accused Lloyd of being 'lax' about safety, despite her training as a police officer.

'I accept you are desperately sorry for what happened that day, she said.

But being sorry for what happened is different from remorse.'

Lloyd, of Aberavon, nodded at the judge and mouthed 'Thank you'.

Stand-up paddle boarding has become the fastest-growing UK water sport in recent years, but experts say a failure to make correct preparations or have the proper equipment can be fatal.

Lifeboat crews launched to paddle boarders across the country 155 times in 2023 compared to just 52 launches in 2019, according to the RNLI.

Of those, 22 peoples lives were saved by crews, up from three in 2019.
A Ministry of Defence civil servant sued for racism after he was disciplined for buying a vacuum cleaner and taking an Uber to the airport while he was supposed to be working from home during the pandemic.

Victor Stanley-Idum gave a series of excuses of why he was away from his desk during office hours - including that he needed to go and buy a Hoover, an employment tribunal heard.

The Senior Executive Officer caused concern among his bosses due to his 'casual attitude to working hours' which came as he and his colleagues were working remotely and the usual management supervision was 'absent', the hearing was told.

As a result he was put on a strict timetable so they could better monitor how he was spending his time, the tribunal was told.

But after this his relationship with managers deteriorated to the point that Mr Stanley-Idum - who is British of Nigerian heritage - sued the MoD for racism, claiming that his boss held a stereotypical view of 'Black Africans being lazy'.

Now his claims have been dismissed with the tribunal finding bosses had acted fairly because his working day had become 'unstructured' and he was doing 'things that were unrelated to work'.

The hearing - held remotely - was told that Mr Stanley-Idum started work at the MoD as an analyst in April 2017 before being promoted to work as a project manager in the Central Transformation team in April 2020, a month after lockdown began.

By the autumn of the following year, however, his managers had significant doubts about his ability to do the job and his 'unorthodox' working style, the tribunal heard.

Victor Stanley-Idum gave a series of excuses of why he was away from his desk during office hours - including that he needed to go and buy a Hoover

'The background in October 2021 was the unusual situation in which colleagues were working remotely from each other because of Covid-19 lockdowns and home working, and the usual office interaction and management supervision was almost entirely absent in the case of [Mr Stanley-Idum ] and the department he was working in,' the hearing was told.

His boss Sharon Docherty became concerned about his 'casual attitude to working hours' and to 'arrangements made with colleagues', the tribunal heard.

This included arriving late for a meeting claiming he had had to deal with his council tax bill, failing to tell managers he was moving house and so would be without broadband on a work day and not attending work away days.

In addition, he missed a morning's work to pick up family members from the airport.

'[Questioned about it] he stated that he had taken his laptop with him, took an Uber taxi and 'conducted my day's affairs while at the airport and in the back of my Uber',' the hearing was told.

'[The MoD's] evidence was that the sensitive documents which the team worked on were not held locally on laptops and therefore team members would need to be online to carry out their work.

'The Tribunal found [his] evidence on the extent to which he was able to work at the same time as carrying out this airport run unconvincing.'

MoD bosses believed he was giving them 'inconsistent or inaccurate accounts' of what had occurred and issued him with an informal warning for minor misconduct claiming he had 'misrepresented his availability to work'.

The Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, Westminster, central London

As part of the warning, Mrs Docherty issued Mr Stanley-Idum with a timetable instructing him to check in and out of work at fixed times.

Amid growing concerns about his performance and behaviour, in September 2022 he missed an email inviting him to a meeting because 'he had taken a break and run to the store to buy a new Hoover', the tribunal heard.

The project manager unsuccessfully launched a grievance over his treatment claiming Mrs Docherty was invoking 'a racial stereotype of laziness and dishonesty in relation to [him.]'

He then sued the MoD for race and disability discrimination, race harassment and victimisation.

Many of his claims had been made too late and of those that weren't, none were upheld by the tribunal.

Employment Judge Tim Adkin said: 'We find that the reason for the approach taken by Mrs Docherty was entirely that she had become concerned that [his] performance in his role and that working day had become unstructured.

'He was working remotely, as indeed were most of his colleagues. There were a series of concerns raised about his output and it was difficult to monitor what [he]t was workingon.

'There is evidence that was taking time during the working day to do things that were unrelated to work.

'We have not formed the impression based on all the evidence in this case that Mrs Docherty held a stereotypical view of Black Africans being lazy or dishonest nor indeed that that was a widely held stereotype.'
Keir Starmer insisted the latest deadly strikes on Ukraine are a 'reminder that Russia is the aggressor' after Donald Trump's extraordinary rebuke to Volodymyr Zelensky.

The PM condemned the large scale drone attack on Kyiv believed to have killed at least nine people and injured another 70 - including six children.

The intervention came as the US president turned his ire on Vladimir Putin, venting frustration at the 'unnecessary and badly-timed' attack and appealing for him to 'stop'.

The comment was a contrast to yesterday when Mr Trump condemned Mr Zelensky for being 'harder' to deal with than Putin and refusing to give up territory for peace.

Russia's overnight combined missile and drone attack triggered fires, smashed buildings and buried residents under rubble in the Ukrainian capital.

US President Donald Trump (pictured yesterday) has accused Volodymyr Zelensky of 'prolonging the 'killing field' by refusing to give up territory

The PM condemned the large scale drone attack on Kyiv believed to have killed at least nine people and injured another 70 - including six children

Zelensky (pictured arriving at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, South Africa this morning) is refusing to countenance any Russian claim to annexed Crimea, or hand over a fifth of the country to the Kremlin, as per the US-dictated deal put forward.

Putin has launched a large scale drone attack on Kyiv that has killed at least nine people and injured another 70, including six children, Ukrainian officials say. Pictured are rescuers working the site of an apartment building in Kyiv that hit by a Russian ballistic missile overnight

Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social site criticising Putin's actions

At least 45 drones were detected, the Kyiv City Military Administration said, adding that Ukraine's Air Force would update the figures later.

'There has been destruction. The search is continuing for people under rubble,' the State Emergency Service wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Asked for his reaction to the attacks as he visited Rolls-Royce in Bristol, Sir Keir told broadcasters: 'I think it's a real reminder that Russia is the aggressor here and that is being felt by the Ukrainians, as it has been felt for three long years now.

'That's why it's important to get Russia to an unconditional ceasefire.

'Obviously, we had talks in London this week, Paris last week. We're making progress towards the ceasefire. It's got to be a lasting ceasefire.

'But these attacks  these awful attacks  are a real, human reminder of who is the aggressor here and the cost to the Ukrainian people.'

Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social site: 'I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing.

'Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let's get the Peace Deal DONE!'

The attacks come at a critical moment in the war, as both Kyiv and Moscow are under pressure from the United States to show progress towards a peace deal.

Mr Trump and the Ukrainian President clashed again yesterday on efforts to end the three-year-old war in Ukraine, with Trump accusing him of 'prolonging the 'killing field' by refusing to give up territory.

Trump warned the Ukrainian president he can 'have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country'.

The White House tried to turn the screw yesterday, with vice president JD Vance telling Kyiv to surrender land or the US would walk away.

But Zelensky is refusing to countenance any Russian claim to annexed Crimea, or hand over a fifth of the country to the Kremlin, as per the US-dictated deal put forward.

Keir Starmer insisted Britain is 'sending a message' to enemies today as he hailed HMS Prince of Wales deploying

The PM boarded the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier as it heads towards the Indo-Pacific

Earlier, Sir Keir insisted Britain is 'sending a message' to enemies today as he hailed HMS Prince of Wales deploying.

The PM boarded the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier as it heads towards the Indo-Pacific.

The strike group will travel to the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and Australia on an eight-month voyage, accompanied by escort ships from international allies.

Sir Keir - who was wearing a new 'Prime Minister' branded fleece for the occasion - told broadcasters that the UK's role in global security was 'hugely important'.

'This is a mission that's going to go across the entire world, down to the Indo-Pacific as well,' he said.

'It's a UK sense of our leadership and a message to our adversaries but also an important UK message to our allies about the way that we work with our allies in what we do in our defence and security.

'I'm very proud of what all the teams are doing here.'

He added: 'We all know that the world is more uncertain than it felt a few months or years before  we're in a new era.

'That's why we've doubled down on defence spending as a Government.'

Sir Keir was shown F-35 jets on board the carrier in Plymouth, Devon.

The Carrier Strike Group also includes destroyer HMS Dauntless and frigate HMS Richmond along with warships from Norway and Canada.

The deployment comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for Nato allies to do more to provide their own defence.

The 3billion carrier's journey to the Indo-Pacific is also aimed at demonstrating the UK's commitment to allies in the region nervous about China's actions in relation to Taiwan and disputed sea lanes.

Around 4,000 UK military personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF will join Operation Highmast, with allies from Spain and New Zealand also set to take part along with the Norwegian and Canadian personnel.

A contingent of 18 UK F-35B jets will join the carrier in the days after departure, with that number increasing to 24 during the deployment.

Also joining will be Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters from RNAS Culdrose and Merlin Mk4 Commando and Wildcat helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton, as well as T-150 Malloy and Puma drones.

Boris Johnson was among the senior politicians condemning the behaviour of Russia

The deployment comes as US President Donald Trump pushes for Nato allies to do more to provide their own defence
A string of women have revealed they were left suicidal and wracked by horrific nightmares in the wake of a fake paramedics sex attacks as he was jailed for 12 years today.

Predatory Jamie Kadolski, 24, was an ambulance call handler and first responder who wore his NHS uniform on his dating app profile photo.

But the Walter Mitty character concealed his junior role when he met women by placing stickers over personal information on his ID card and instead claimed he saved lives on ambulances.

His offending came to light in November 2023 when a woman contacted police to make an allegation against him.

Yet he continued to commit offences against other women while on bail and was arrested again in March and April this year.

Attacks were carried out at a victims flat, in his own home in Norwich, Norfolk, and in his car after driving a victim to an isolated spot at Hempton, near Fakenham.

During his sentencing hearing at Norwich Crown Court today, his victims bravely took the stand to describe the devastating effect he had had on their lives.

One woman, who spoke quietly with her head down, said: I did not think I would make it to this day alive. I have attempted suicide twice over the last two months.

Jamie Kadolski, 24, was an ambulance call handler and first responder who wore his NHS uniform on his dating app profile photo

His offending came to light in November 2023 when a woman contacted police to make an allegation against him but he continued to commit offences against other women while on bail

Cold Kadolski smiled for the camera at a police station as officers took his mugshot

I am a wreck and a shell of who I once was. I have forgotten what it feels like to feel safe.

She said she had lost her job working in a care home for people with dementia after having panic attacks when paramedics came in, with her manager telling her she had to leave.

The woman added: I cannot bear to tell my friends or family what he did to me. My relationship with my family will never be the same I am now terrified of men.

She also apologised to other victims, saying: While I got on with my life he was attacking innocent people. I am sorry I was not brave enough [to report him sooner].

Another victim described how she took an overdose in November 2023 after being sexually assaulted by Kadolski two months earlier.

I could not stop thinking about what happened to me, she said, adding she quit her job and would lie in bed all day afterwards.

Telling the hushed court room that she had had tattoos to cover her arms where she had self-harmed, she went on: My mental health took a rapid decline. I went to a bridge and wanted to die. I ended up being sectioned.

A third woman dabbed at her eyes with tissues as she struggled to compose herself.

He concealed his junior role when he met women by placing stickers over personal information on his ID card and instead claimed he saved lives on ambulances

Attacks were carried out at a victims flat, in his own home in Norwich, Norfolk, and in his car after driving a victim to an isolated spot at Hempton, near Fakenham

Since being raped my life has changed... I could not tell my family for years. I never did. They all found out on their own and the word spread, she said.

I never felt so humiliated, shamed or disappointed at that moment. I cannot accept the reality of it when I sleep.

She recalled being held 'face down by a man who claimed he loved me' adding: Almost every night I have nightmares that he rapes me over and over the joy of being in a relationship has been ripped away from me.

The court heard a psychological report had found the defendant  who still claims he is innocent and plans to appeal against his conviction  pretended to be a paramedic to help with his chronic low self-esteem.

The expert who wrote it concluded: He was prepared to deceive for the psychological benefit he received.

Boosting his fragile ego the deceit was to satisfy his own needs to achieve self-worth.

Jailing Kadolski for 12 years with a three-year extended licence, Judge Anthony Bate said he had wilfully misled his victims

Each expected to be safe in your company and able to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling relationship[You] had a need to achieve dominance and enhance your status, he told the defendant, who showed no emotion throughout the hearing.

In a police interview, the fantasist  who said he was looking for short-term fun on Tinder - told officers he wouldnt have been capable of pinning someone down as he had suffered sexual abuse as a child

The judge, who also imposed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, added: You continue to pose a high risk of sexual offending against women. You are, for the time being, to be considered a dangerous offender.

In a police interview, the fantasist  who said he was looking for short-term fun on Tinder - told officers he wouldnt have been capable of pinning someone down as he had suffered sexual abuse as a child.

Kadolski also denied arguing with one of his accusers. He told police he remembered her crying on one occasion and coldly added: Im not the best with empathy or sympathy.

The woman who was attacked at Hempton told the court how she met the defendant on Tinder in 2022 and admitted she wanted to get to know each other and see if the chemistry was there.

Some messages were a bit flirty and sex was a possibility but she described how he undressed her and grabbed her breasts aggressively, as well as pulling her hair when they had sex in the back of his car.

She said she was unable to tell him to stop because she had frozen with fear and felt very vulnerable.

I just wanted it to stop and to end, she said.

Another victim complained Kadolski had pulled her hair aggressively to keep her head in his lap while unzipping her shorts and sexually assaulting her at his flat.

Ambulances queued outside of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital - where Kadolski also worked

I had to push his hand away, get up and do up my shorts, she said.

There was no consent in the first place. At no point did I say that what was happening to me was okay with me.

Kadolski, who also worked as a healthcare assistant at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, was convicted of three rapes, two counts of assault by penetration and a sexual assault against the first victim in November last year following the trial.

He was cleared of attempting to suffocate her by putting a dog collar on her so tight that she lost consciousness and another count of rape.

The jury also convicted him of sexual assault and assault by penetration against two other victims.

Kadolski, whose offences covered an 18-month period, was cleared of raping a fourth woman.

The defendant, who resigned from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS), had faced further charges of raping a woman while she slept and false imprisonment of a woman who said she was locked in a bathroom.

Kadolski also worked as a healthcare assistant at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (pictured)

But during the trial the court was told he had no case to answer on the charges and the jury was ordered to return not guilty verdicts.

Detective Constable Claire Floyd, who led the investigation, described Kadolski as predatory and remorseless after the hearing and paid tribute to his victims coming forward.

The incredible strength and courage these women have shown throughout the investigation and criminal justice process cannot be overstated, she said.

All have suffered traumatic ordeals at Kadolskis hands. It is thanks to them that he is now behind bars and no longer able to cause harm to anyone else.

EEAS paramedic Andrew Wheeler, 46, was jailed for 21 years in 2021 after being convicted of sex attacks against two women and a girl.

One victim, a nurse, was raped at an ambulance station and assaulted a year later when he treated her as a patient in an ambulance.

Another victim was an alcoholic who was told by Wheeler that nobody would believe her because of her drink problem.

The girl was aged nine or ten when she was touched on the inner thigh by the defendant, who was also involved with St John Ambulance.

In 2023, the troubled organisation was accused of institutional racism and staff branded xenophobic, with colleagues complaining that offensive behaviour was often dismissed as banter.
A Republican lawmaker has refused to apologize after referring to transgender people as 'fairies' and calling another black representative a 'boy'.

Tennessee Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger made the reference while speaking about Texas Democrat Al Green during a recent interview.

Green, 77, uses a cane and made headlines after interrupting President Trump's speech to the House by waving it and shouting in protest at the president.

In an interview this week, Harshbarger recalled the moment saying: 'Al Green was over here with his cane and I'm like, 'Gosh dang it, boy'.'

The use of 'boy' in reference to a black man is seen as being racially coded, depending on the speaker and tone of voice used. The Supreme Court has acknowledged that the word can be used as a racial slur.

She added: 'He does not need that cane. That cane is a prop. I swear it's not real.

'One of my colleagues said, 'Unscrew the gold part off of it and see if there's a gun in there'. I'm, like, 'I don't know about that man'. He's just Weird Al.'

When the interviewer said: 'It's better than what the previous administration was having as fundraisers, with the transgenders...' Harshbarger responded by calling trans people 'fairies.'

In an interview this week, Harshbarger recalled the moment Green protested and referred to him as 'boy'

Green, 77, uses a cane and made headlines after interrupting President Trump's speech to the House by waving it and shouting in protest at the president

She said: 'Listen, I never saw so many fairies in the White House dancing around. And I'm likeI don't know where they got them. My job is to love them into the love of Christ, and I gotta watch what I say.

'But look, remember what I told you. I better not say it. I think they need more grandmothers in Congress. That's all I'm gonna say, and I'm gonna leave it at that.'

The clip has sparked controversy for her use of the phrase, with Green holding a press conference on Wednesday condemning her language.

He said: 'This is especially sensitive for me because, as a child, I remember my father being stopped by a peace officer, and the officer referred to my father as 'boy.'

'And my mother was 'girl.' And it wasn't just that one time. It was the way society addressed people of color who were of African ancestry at the time.'

'It wasn't said to indicate that you are youthful. It was said to demean, to degrade, to denigrate.

'Friends, it's not about Al Green. It's about whether Black people in this society are going to allow slurs such as this to be normalized. We cannot allow the normalization of these kinds of slurs.'

During his press conference, which he hosted alongside other Texas community leaders, he never referenced Harshbarger by name.

Green uses the cane for more stability while walking, adding that although there isn't a concealed weapon inside he could use it to defend himself.

In response, Harshbarger posted on her X account and refused to apologize for her language.

She said: 'The weather is warming up, so naturally, the snowflakes are starting to melt! I was discussing one of my colleague's erratic behavior during President Trump's Joint Address, and now healong with the rest of the Radical Leftis blowing it out of proportion in a desperate attempt to get attention.

'BOY oh boy, you just can't catch a break between the FAKE NEWS and young men wielding canes!'

In response, Harshbarger posted on her X account and refused to apologize for her language

Green had also called out Harshbarger for using the term 'fairies' during the same interview.

The House would go on to censure Green in a sharp rebuke of his actions, voting largely along party lines 224 to 198.

Ten Democrats joined their GOP colleagues to vote 'yea' on the resolution while two voted present.

But ahead of the vote, Green said despite any punishment for his actions, it would have been worth it.
A beautiful heiress defied her doctor parents by dumping her plastic surgeon boyfriend for a blue collar cop she adored - then died of cancer after her mom and dad insisted there was nothing seriously-wrong with her.

Shahrzad Naso, 37, passed away from brain cancer on April 14, 2024 leaving her husband Scott Naso and their three-year-old daughter Laila devastated.

She only realized she was sick after friends tricked her into getting an examination from a neurologist.

Scott believes his wife would have survived if her parents Dr. Siavash Ghoreishi and Dr. Jila Khorsand had not discouraged her from seeking treatment elsewhere.

The couple believed that their daughter was suffering from side effects related to Ozempic and withdrawal from Prozac, the Boston Globe reports, even though Shahrzad had previously suffered breast cancer.

'I think their level of medical negligence and reckless behavior is the main reason she passed away when she did,' Scott told the outlet.

He and his parents-in-law had a fractious relationship from the start.

Shahrzad, who was known as Sherry, had dumped the wealthy plastic surgeon her parents wanted her to marry in favor of Middletown detective Scott.

The pair were deeply in love and described one another as soulmates.

Rhode Island heiress Shahrzad Naso died from brain cancer after her doctor parents dismissed her symptoms and encouraged her to use alternative medicine. Pictured: Shahrzad with husband Scott and daughter Laila

He nursed her through grueling breast cancer treatment and the two married shortly after.

After Sherry's death, Scott uncovered 124 prescriptions the couple had written for his wife in the last 10 years, which 'masked' her symptoms, experts told the Boston Globe.

He also uncovered prescriptions written for his daughter without his knowledge.

The American Medical Association's code of ethics advises doctors not to treat close family members.

Scott is now locked in a bitter court battle over whether the grandparents should be allowed visitation with Laila.

The medics say they have the best interests of both their loved ones at heart.

'Sherry was my only child. We were very close,' Khorsand said. 'From a very young age, we have been very, very close friends, and not just mother and daughter. She is my true love, my reason for living.'

She accused Scott of being 'emotionally abusive' and a 'narcissist'.

'His style was to make a big violent outburst, and then slam the door and leave,' Khorsand told the Globe.

Scott believes his wife would have survived if her parents Dr. Jila Khorsand (left) and Dr. Siavash Ghoreishi (right) had not discouraged her from seeking treatment elsewhere

Scott and Sherry married in 2020 after meeting at a pub and immediately hitting it off.

Sherry's breast cancer battle brought them closer together and Scott proposed not long after.

In 2021, they welcomed Laila using an egg donor and surrogate, paid for by her parents.

But the family's idyllic life in their 'dream' $1 million in Portsmouth was shattered in 2023 when Sherry started developing strange symptoms.

She became irritable, confused and suffering from dizzy spells and limpness in her limbs.

'I suggested that Sherry go to the hospital and get blood work done, but Scott said she won't go, she only takes medical advice from her parents,' their friend, Anthony Arone, recalled. 'How do you fight that?'

At a routine check up in December that year there did not appear to be signs of cancer, just mild lymphedema in Sherry's arm.

Ghoreishi insisted he would treat his daughter and he and his wife all but moved in with her family, causing some marital strain.

Shahrzad and Scott were living their dream life in this $1 million Rhode Island home when she developed strange symptoms in 2023

By March 2024 her symptoms had worsened and a nurse practitioner encouraged her to seek further treatment, which she refused.

Eventually Scott enlisted the help of a friend's neurologist father and they tricked Sherry into going for an exam.

By that stage, Sherry could barely speak, move and was forgetting her train of thought.

Dr. Thomas Morgan was immediately alarmed and ordered an emergency MRI.

All the while, Sherry's parents insisted that she could not be suffering from cancer.

'U said I'd be fine,' Sherry wrote in a heartbreaking text to her parents which was shown to the Globe.

But she never recovered. Sherry was sent for surgery to try and remove a deep rooted brain tumor, but never regained consciousness.

Her parents never visited her in hospital. Kohrsand said her daughter told her not to and that they did not want to see her in that condition.

The couple also did not attend her funeral. They did gather at their daughter's home where they were seen squirting the steroid Prednisone down a screaming Laila's throat in front of horrified mourners.

Now Scott is fighting to prevent his parents-in-law from spending time with Laila, who he claims began experiencing behavioral problems after each of their visits.

They claim that the court battle over visitation with Laila is retaliation for them asking Scott to move his belongings out of their $5 million Maine beach house.

Ghoreishi and Khorsand petitioned the court for access to Laila and were granted temporary visitation rights without a hearing, in a break with normal protocol.

Her parents thought the symptoms were linked to Ozempic and Prozac-withdrawal, but she later was diagnosed with brain cancer

It is not clear how long the temporary arrangement will last.

'It's horrific. And if this is happening to me, imagine all the other good people this is happening to and to the kids this system is failing,' Scott said.

Scott also filed a complaint to the Rhode Island Department of Health accusing Ghoreishi and Khorsand of engaging in Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and creating 'a cycle of chronic illness and dependency of their care' for his wife and daughter.

'The doctors prescribed and administered excessive amounts of unjustified prescription medications without appropriate medical documentation  [which] resulted in serious, catastrophic, and irreversible conclusions,' he wrote.

His wife's parents meanwhile maintain that their daughter got sick as a result of stress brought on by her husband.

Neither practices medicine any more and both appear to have retired.
READ MORE: How Albo WINNING the election could be a poisoned chalice

Australia's richest person has called for Australia to more than double its defence budget on the eve of Anzac Day.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart issued the plea to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Defence Minister Richard Marles at an Anzac sunset vigil at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday night.

Former prime ministers Tony Abbott, Scott Morrison, and John Howard also attended.

Ms Rinehart used the ceremony to call on leaders to spend five per cent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) on defence.

Defence spending has been at 2.02 per cent of GDP under Labor who are projected to increase funding to 2.3 per cent by 2034. For comparison, the US spends about 3.4 per cent of its GDP on defence.

Mr Dutton on Wednesday said a Coalition government would increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by the end of the decade.

From there spending would reach 3 per cent of GDP by 2035, the amount US president Donald Trump called on his allies to spend.

Ms Rinehart believed the federal government hadn't done enough to protect Australians with tensions rising in the region and across the globe.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart Anzac Day eve ceremony

Ms Rinehart's ambitious defence spending hike proposal would significantly exceed those proposed by political leaders of either major party.

'We are all especially privileged to be here this evening, as we are free from a war on our shores,' Ms Rinehart told the crowd.

'It is my belief we urgently need to do more to defend Australians, starting with protecting our ports, airports, sea lanes and other vital infrastructure, and significantly boosting our smart sea mines, war drones and Israeli-style (ballistic defence) domes accordingly,'

'Boosting our defence manufacturing here in Australia, as well as our budget to five per cent of GDP. Five per cent of GDP, like Europe is moving towards.

'I have so much more to say on this, at another time.'

It remains unclear how Ms Rinehart proposes the government afford such a spending increase.

'So much of our wealth and opportunity, underwritten by past generations of heroes and contributors, stands at risk from the modern aspirations of others, their modern behaviour, from modern realities hitherto remote from our shores, our interests, our treasures, our lives,' she added.

'That sacrifice won us time and with hard work, investment, risk, common sense, reliable electricity, vision, and blessed with natural resources to underpin a high standard of living, Australia has become a remarkable, successful home blessed with opportunities for all Australians.'

The Coalition's plan to increase spending to three per cent would cost at least $100billion in the first half of the 2030s.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (left and second left) are pictured greeting Gina Rinehart at the sunset vigil outside the Sydney Opera House

'The prime minister and the deputy prime minister regularly tell Australians that we live in the most precarious period since the end of the Second World War,' Mr Dutton said on Wednesday.

'Yet, over the last three years, Labor has done nothing about it, other than rip money out of defence, weakening strength and morale.'

Mr Dutton is yet to disclose how a Coalition government would cover the funding boost if elected on May 3.

He plans to begin by repealing Labor's marginal tax cuts, due to take effect from mid-2027.

Australia has not spent five per cent of its GDP on defence since the Korean War in the 1950s and only a select few countries do so today.

Coalition Senator James Paterson defended his party's defence target of 3 per cent of GDP when he appeared on Sky News on Thursday.

'Nobody contends that we're spending enough on defence right now,' he said.

Gina Rinehart called on political leaders to do more to defend Australia if elected

Senator Paterson suggested Australia's delayed response to the live firing exercises of a Chinese warship in the Tasman Sea demonstrated the need for increased military spending.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Albanese government had budgeted for 'the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending that has occurred in Australian history'.

'We certainly agree that the world is an unpredictable place, and that our strategic circumstances are as complex and in some respects, as threatening as we have faced since the end of the Second World War,' he said at a press conference on Thursday.

'So, it's no small step that we've already taken, and we will continue to assess the strategic circumstances and what is the appropriate defence spend in the context of all of that.'
Parts of Toronto Pearson International Airport had to be locked down after a man was shot and killed by police.

Terminal 1 Departures at the major airport had to be closed due to a 'police-involved shooting' on Tuesday morning.

Police have since confirmed that a man in his 30's was shot and killed after officers responded to a 'man in distress' in a SUV at the terminal just before 7am.

Officials said that police had been called to deal with a dispute outside of the departure terminal involving a group of people.

After arriving on the scene, one of the men involved pulled out a firearm, causing the officers to open fire.

Two officers shot the man, who has not yet been identified. Officials said that the officers were not hurt in the incident. The man was transported to a hospital.

Images taken at the scene show the body of man on the ground next to a blacked out SUV underneath a yellow tarp.

Caution tape can be seen surrounding the scene, officers also used Starbucks coffee cups to seemingly indicate evidence around the scene.

Personal belongings including what appears to be a children's booster seat can be seen on the concrete

Officials have yet to provide context as to what lead up to the shooting

Images on social media show cars backed up along the onramp to the departure area, with dozens of cop cars surrounding the airport

Personal belongings including what appears to be a children's booster seat can be seen on the concrete.

CTV News spoke with witnesses who said that gunshots started ringing out just before 7am outside of the terminal.

Traveler Chris Rhind told CP24 he heard 'loud, popping noises' in the distance while grabbing his luggage, the noise caught the attention of a security guard.

Images on social media show cars backed up along the onramp to the departure area, with dozens of cop cars surrounding the airport.

People could also be seen abandoning their Ubers, walking away from the terminal with their luggage in hand.

Police said that those should expect delays out of Terminal 1, and travelers have been urged to contact their airline for flight statuses.

The airport has since confirmed that flights are to continue as normal, and have advised that those departing from the Terminal 1 should arrive at arrivals hall as departures remains closed.

Terminal 1 is the main hub for Air Canada, and also services other airlines as well.
A knife rampage at a French school has left one girl dead and multiple children fighting for their lives.

A student armed with a knife launched the attack during a lunch brea at the private Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides high school in Doulon area of Nantes, western France, on Thursday.

The attacker, a 15-year-old boy who has been named by local media as Justin P., first entered a classroom on the school's second floor around midday where he stabbed a one student before going back downstairs to knife at least three others.

One of the students, a teenage girl, was killed and the other three were injured in the rampage, with two said to be in serious condition, according to outlet BFM. The deceased girl reportedly was the first to be attacked by Justin P.

The attacker was pulled to the ground by an information technology manager, before police arrived at the scene.

As armed police approached, Justin P. shouted 'Shoot me in the head,' at them. The attempt to end his life failed, as officers handcuffed him and led him away, having suffered a slight cut to the head and to one hand, said one source.

He was dressed in black, and wore a bicycle helmet and a balaclava, according to an investigating source, who added that two blades - including a hunting knife - were found next to the attacker.

French military of the Sentinelle Operation, French Police officers and Police Municipal officers stand close to the high school Notre-Dame de Toutes-Aides where a student killed another student and wounded three others in a knife attack, in Nantes, western France, on April 24

The French military was dispatched to the scene of the school knife rampage

French police secure the area near the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides high school after one student was killed and other students injured in a school stabbing, in Nantes, France, April 24

Teachers managed to restrain the boy before police arrived at the scene and overpowered him. The attacker has since been arrested

The 15-year-old is a student at the school and was not previously known to police. A police spokesperson said there was no indication of a terrorist motive.

A dispute between students may have been the cause of the attack as Justin P. recently had a 'romantic disagreement', French media speculate.

The attack followed students and staff at the school all receiving an email on Thursday morning, reportedly sent from Justin P.'s email account, entitled: 'Immune Action - Revolt is already the greatest victory we can achieve.'

This was followed by a screed of text, referring to the 'ills of society' and 'social alienation'.

A classmate told BFM that Justin P. had been 'a little weird since the beginning of the year'. He was also described in other reports as 'gloomy and depressed' as well as a 'strange and shy' boy who was 'in his own world' and 'always alone'.

An official at the school, which is part of a complex housing a primary and middle school, would not comment on what happened, saying the school is concentrating on caring for the students who were on campus at the time.

Images from the scene showed police surrounding the school as the investigation got under way.

Worried parents rushed to the school, which was cordoned off by police as students were evacuated to the institution's multipurpose room.

Students were seen crying and comforting one another, according to a local reporter at the scene.

'We're very shocked. We only see this on television. We didn't think it could happen in our high school,' one student told the Ouest France newspaper.

French police secure the area near the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides high school

A police spokesperson said there was no indication of a terrorist motive

Une attaque au couteau se serait produite au lycee Toutes-Aides a Nantes. Au moins trois victimes sont actuellement prises en charge par les secours. pic.twitter.com/JRkxAd2khi  CLPRESS / Agence de presse (@CLPRESSFR) April 24, 2025

Another student told reporters that they had left the school to grab lunch in town when they heard the news after sitting exams in the morning. 'It was just another day,' the tearful student said.

'I was in the foyer, we saw a lot of people running around the courtyard, I heard that someone had a knife. We didn't know whether to believe it,' ,' a third student said.

'Then we saw someone from IT holding the door to the high school building, he was yelling at us to get out.'

Education Minister Elisabeth Borne said on X that she is heading to the school with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau to show 'solidarity with victims and the school community.'

Marine Le Pen expressed her 'anger' about the attack on social media, writing: 'Dismay and anger at this latest tragedy that has struck the school environment and claimed the life of a teenager.

'My thoughts go out to the victims' families and the teaching community. It is high time to take the necessary measures to eradicate this trivialisation of extreme violence that is wreaking havoc at the very heart of our schools.'

Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally, said that he was sending his 'thoughts to the deceased victim, the seriously injured victims, as well as to their loved ones, the students and teachers of the school in shock'.

The President of the National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet, said: 'My thoughts are with his loved ones, the injured and the educational teams; I share your grief and stand by you.'

French MP Eric Ciotti called for increased security in schools, writing: 'The security of schools must be absolute; they are sanctuaries. Security gates, video surveillance with facial recognition, nothing must be ruled out.'

Other knife attacks in French schools over the past two years have been linked to Islamist terrorism.

In October 2023, a teacher was stabbed to death at a school in Arras, nothern France.

Dominique Bernard, who taught literature, was mortally wounded in the throat and thorax , while trying to protect his students.

Three other members of staff were injured in the attack by Mohammed Mogouchkov, a 20-years-old suspected terrorist who is still awaiting trial for murder.

And, in October 2020, teacher Samuel Paty was attacked and killed by Abdoullakh Abouyezidovich Anzorov, an 18-year-old Chechen refugee linked to Al-Qaeda.

Anzorov beheaded Mr Paty, before the attacker was himself shot and killed by police.

Despite this, there was no immediate indication that Justin P.s behaviour was linked to terrorism, said a spokesman for Nantes prosecutors.

Justin P. was not known to police or the intelligent services before today.

He was described by a classmate as a timid loner who commuted in to Nantes every day from the nearby town of Sainte-Luce-sur-Loire.
The man accused of murdering 19-year-old Audrey Griffin has died in custody three days after his arrest.

Adrian Noel Torrens, 53, was found unresponsive in his cell at Silverwater Jail in Sydney's west about 4.50pm on Thursday and couldn't be revived by paramedics and corrective services officers.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious.

Ms Griffin's family was advised of his death as hundreds attended a beach vigil in her memory on Thursday night.

Torrens was arrested in Sydney on Monday  a month after Ms Griffin's body was found in Erina Creek on the NSW Central Coast.

Her death was not initially deemed suspicious because a preliminary autopsy indicated she had drowned.

However, police began probing Torrens' alleged involvement in the death in the weeks before he was charged with Ms Griffin's murder.

Last week, detectives published Torrens' image in a public appeal to locate him.

Adrian Noel Torrens was found dead in his jail cell on Thursday

Audrey Griffin's body was found in Erina Creek on the NSW Central Coast in March

Torrens admitted killing the 19-year-old to an associate not long after in a phone call obtained by police.

'Why did I do it? I don't know, I do not ... I just f***ing clicked and I have no reason for my actions, I just did it man,' Torrens said in the call, according to the Daily Telegraph.

'I was so f***ed up, you know I was awake for four or five f***ing days, and I just did it.'

In another call, Torrens said: 'I killed someone about a month ago and now they're looking for me'.

Another witness told police they recognised Torrens in the CCTV, and that he had told them 'he left her body in the mangroves'.

Days before his arrest, Torrens ex-partner spoke with detectives after identifying him as the man in the CCTV.

She said Torrens had repeatedly breached an apprehended domestic violence order taken out to protect her. Police charged him with 11 domestic violence offences after Monday's arrest.

Torrens was on an 18-month supervision order at the time of Ms Griffin's death after two counts of domestic violence offending, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Audrey Griffin (pictured after competing in an ironwoman event in New Zealand a fortnight before her death) never made it home after choosing to walk

Police nabbed Torrens after releasing his image in an appeal for information

Earlier this year, Torrens pleaded guilty to one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend and one count of contravening a domestic AVO in relation to his ex-partner.

A magistrate spared Torrens jail time and instead imposed a community corrections order.

Torrens was also previously placed on a 12-month community corrections order in 2021 for refusing or failing to submit to a breath test.

Ms Griffin had spend a night celebrating with friends at the Gosford Hotel on the night of March 22.

She left the pub at 2am and walked towards her father's house in Terrigal after unsuccessfully trying to get an Uber.

Friends followed her movements via Snapchat's SnapMaps feature, a live tracker of a user's whereabouts, which can be seen by selected contacts. She also sent them two videos while walking home.

Instead of arriving home, Ms Griffin crossed paths with Torrens.

Police quietly investigated the alleged link between the pair in the weeks following Ms Griffin's death.

They found Torrens' DNA under Ms Griffin's fingernails and discovered a mobile ping in the Erina Creek area on the same night from Torrens' phone.

Following this week's arrest, detectives were set to allege Torrens attacked Ms Griffin in the face and knocked her unconscious in the shallow creek  or that he held her underwater to kill her.

Many Australians were outraged by police's initial ruling that Ms Griffin's death was 'not suspicious.'

Hundreds of mourners gathered to celebrate Ms Griffin's life at Terrigal Beach near her home

Loved ones said Ms Griffin 'was the kindest soul to walk this earth and will always be in our hearts'

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Brisbane Water Police District said investigators wanted to provide answers for the family and the community following the four week investigation.

'This has not sat well with us as investigators from the outset and that's why we stood up the strike-force.'

'There has been a number of lines of inquiry leading up to the arrest yesterday but, significantly, on Friday morning, we received information which transferred the case to a homicide investigation.'

Ms Griffin's mother Kathleen Kirby told Daily Mail Australia this week that she 'just wanted justice' for her young daughter.

She said her daughter was a fit, intelligent and beautiful young woman who 'had the world at her feet'.

Ms Kirby said the pair exchanged messages while she was in Gosford, and she told daughter she was proud of her and loved her very much.

News of Torrens' death came just hours after hundreds of mourners gathered to celebrate Ms Griffin's life at Terrigal Beach near her home.

Ms Griffin's family said the 19-year-old 'brought endless laughter and joy to everyone'. Pictured is Audrey visiting Japan

Ms Griffin's mother Kathleen Kirby (pictured at Thursday's vigil) said her daughter was a fit, intelligent and beautiful young woman who 'had the world at her feet'

Mourners wore white on Thursday night in Audrey's honour. Pictured is her mother being embraced by a mourner

In the evening, loved ones, strangers, teammates and detectives flooded the beach dressed in white.

Ms Kirby told the crowd sunset was Ms Griffin's favourite time of day.

'My heart is full. As full as it can be right now,' she told 9News.

'We need change, we need a lot of change.'

Her daughter's friend Anna Jenkins added: 'Anyone should be able to walk home at night and not be worried when they do that.'

At twilight, the gathering paused in silence to remember the 19-year-old.

Family and friends described Ms Griffin was a 'determined athlete, talented student and well-liked teenager'.

A fortnight before her death, the popular and sporty teenager had travelled to New Zealand to compete in the gruelling ANZCO half-ironman event, which she completed in just over six-and-a-half hours.

She was also preparing to begin a 10-week officer training course in April with the Royal Australian Navy.

Ms Griffin was visiting the Central Coast - where she grew up - to see her grandparents and invite her friends to a farewell party in Sydney the next weekend.

'She was the kindest soul to walk this earth and will always be in our hearts,' a GoFundMe for her family said.

For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
A Missouri couple whose daughter will be born with birth defects that will kill her within hours revealed the reason they're keeping her.

Christopher and Elizabeth Mullen, of House Springs - near St. Louis - are preparing for the birth of their daughter Lakelynn, and also her funeral, they told First Alert 4.

The Missouri couple was given the heartbreaking news that their soon-to-be little girl would be born with a fatal birth defect called anencephaly, where the child is born with an undeveloped skull and brain, on January 31.

This means the little girl will only live a few hours to days after birth.

'It broke a piece of my heart,' Elizabeth told First Alert 4.

'Bringing another person into this world is something I really wanted to do,' her husband said.

There is no cure for the condition, which is estimated to affect one in 5,000 babies in the US, according to the CDC.

One in 33 babies in Missouri are born with a birth defect, Suzy Voss, a member of the nonprofit group March of Dimes, told First Alert 4.

Christopher and Elizabeth Mullen, of House Springs - near St. Louis - are preparing for the birth of their daughter Lakelynn, and also her funeral

The Missouri couple was given the heartbreaking news that their soon-to-be little girl would be born with a fatal birth defect called anencephaly, where the child is born with an undeveloped skull and brain, on January 31

There is no cure for the condition, which is estimated to affect one in 5,000 babies in the US. They declined to terminate the pregnancy so they could still get to experience parenthood, even if it was just briefly

The couple, who married in October, had long wanted a child and was hoping Lakelynn would be their 'miracle baby.'

Now, they want to use their daughter's legacy to raise awareness about the birth defect.

'I didnt want her to be forgotten; I didnt want her to be left behind. I wanted to tell the world: "Hey, shes here,"' Elizabeth told First Alert 4.

They forewent terminating the pregnancy so they could still get to experience parenthood, even if it was just briefly, they told the outlet.

After the little girl passes, the parents plan on donating her organs to help others.

The couple also started a GoFundMe to help pay for the prenatal appointments, birth, and ultimately, the burial of their daughter.

'So I am making this GoFundMe to ask for help in giving our daughter Lakelynn the most proper hello and goodbye into and out of this world,' the parents wrote.

'And to give my family a piece of her that we can cherish forever.'
A 16-year-old girl has gone missing at Disneyland after having an argument with her family, police said.

Annie Kathleen was last seen leaving Disney California Adventure Park on Sunday, April 20, leaving her family terrified.

The Anaheim Police Department said she was last seen walking by herself on the sidewalk toward Ball Road - a street that runs adjacent to the entrance of the park - around 4:45 pm last Sunday.

She has not been heard from since, sparking an urgent search. Annie is described as 5-foot-5, 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Anaheim Police Department at 714-765-1900, with cops saying there are 'concerns for her well-being, and her family is extremely worried.'

Authorities said Kathleen is from Calipatria, California, and is not familiar with the area where she disappeared.

Annie Kathleen, 16, disappeared from Disneyland on Sunday after an argument with her family

Annie is described as 5-foot-5, 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact Anaheim Police Department at 714-765-1900
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is in an 'extremely vulnerable position' amid the chaos sown during her first term, according to an internal poll paid for by her Republican rival Mike Kennealy.

Some 45.5 percent of voters hold a favorable opinion of the Democrat politician - but the same number dislike her as a leader, per the Opinion Diagnostics survey seen by DailyMail.com.

The study of more than 800 likely Massachusetts voters from February 11-12 found that 33 percent hold a 'very' unfavorable opinion of Healey, who has served as governor since January 2023.

'After a first-year honeymoon, Healey has faced unrelenting challenges over the past sixteen months on issues such as immigration, affordability, energy, transparency, and housing,' the pollsters said.

'As a result, Healey enters the 2026 election cycle in an extremely vulnerable position.'

Left-leaning Healey, 54, who is the first woman elected governor of Massachusetts and was the first lesbian woman elected attorney general of a US state, has been walking a political tightrope since Donald Trump, 78, came to power in January.

The first-term Democrat from Arlington, MA, has been critical of Trump's tariffs and deportations, and blamed his policies on the 'tremendous amount of chaos, uncertainty and unpredictability' seen in Massachusetts and beyond.

Despite mixed reviews of Healey among people in her state, a narrow plurality of voters approve of the job she has done as governor overall, by a 45 percent to 41 percent margin.

Democrat Governor Maura Healey is in an 'extremely vulnerable position' amid the chaos she has overseen in Massachusetts , according to an internal poll paid for by her Republican rival Mike Kennealy. (Pictured: Healey with former President Joe Biden on May 21, 2024)

The poll indicates that Healey falls short on four key public policy issues in the eyes of voters - including housing. Median home prices in the Bay State have risen 73 percent since 2000

Massachusetts is also under strain from an influx of migrants who are sent to overcrowded centers where crime has been rife, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. (Pictured: migrants spending the night on the floor at Logan Airport in January 2024)

However, she falls short on four key public policy issues - housing, taxes, the immigration crisis, and strengthening the economy.

Only 25 percent of people said they approved of her work on housing, 32 percent on taxes, 33 percent on the immigration crisis, and 39 percent on the economy.

When asked whether Healey has performed her job well enough to deserve re-election, only 37 percent of voters say she has, compared to 46 percent who said it's time to give a new person a chance.

Opinion Diagnostics president Brian Wynne

In a memo accompanying the Opinion Diagnostics poll, Brian Wynne, the head of the company and former campaign manager for Gov. Charlie Baker, said Healey has a 'net disapproval' of her handling of key issues like immigration and housing.

'A plurality of voters believe that Healey's job performance warrants a change in governor,' Wynne said, according to a copy of the poll obtained by DailyMail.com.

'While they are open to replacing the chief executive of the commonwealth, voters will not accept just any alternative.'

The poll was commissioned by Mike Kennealy, 57, the former Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, who is running against Healey in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

It found that in a hypothetical matchup between the two, Healey narrowly led by 37.5 percent to 35.9 percent - but among the 27 percent of voters who were undecided, more believe Healey 'does not deserve re-election', according to the memo.

DailyMail.com has contacted Healey's office for comment.

On the ritzy Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard, rent prices have reached such staggering levels that doctors and nurses are leaving in droves because they simply can't afford to live on the luxury enclave. (Pictured: a row of homes in Martha's Vineyard)

The poll was commissioned by Mike Kennealy, 57, the former Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, who is running in the 2026 gubernatorial election

Massachusetts is facing a housing affordability crisis, and needs to build more than 222,000 more housing units over the next decade to address spiraling demand, according to a Bloomberg report from February 2025.

Median home prices in the Bay State have risen 73 percent since 2000, while household income has risen by only four percent over the same period, according to a report by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

On the ritzy Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard, rent prices have reached such staggering levels that doctors and nurses are leaving in droves because they simply can't afford to live on the luxury enclave.

Martha's Vineyard Hospital President Denise Schepici said that one of their 'greatest challenges' is simply 'keeping people housed' - and the non-profit hospital has had to start paying for affordable housing units just to retain staffing levels.

Healey's administration has described the housing crisis as 'the state's greatest challenge', and it signed the Affordable Homes Act into law.

The act 'authorizes a record $2 billion for the repair, rehabilitation and modernization of the state's public housing portfolio', per Healey's release - but polls suggest residents don't think it's having enough impact.

Massachusetts residents are also feeling a hit to their wallets from another angle - tax increases imposed by Healey's administration.

In January, the Democrat leadership slipped a series of tax increases into her fiscal year 2026 budget, which impacted products like candy, synthetic nicotine products, and excise tax on complimentary hotel rooms.

Left-leaning Healey, 54, who is the first woman elected governor of Massachusetts and was the first lesbian woman elected attorney general of a US state, has been walking a political tightrope since Donald Trump , 78, came to power in January this year

Massachusetts is also under strain from an influx of migrants who are sent to overcrowded centers where crime has been rife, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. (Pictured: migrants looking for a place to stay close to Logan Airport in July 2024)

The budget also amounted to a 7.4 percent increase in overall spending compared with the fiscal year 2025 plan which was signed into law last summer - something the administration did not acknowledge.

In March, Healey's administration went further by slapping additional taxes on prescription drugs - a move which was met with 'staggering disapproval' from residents, according to a Fiscal Alliance Foundation poll.

The cost of living in Massachusetts is much higher than the national average. In the state's priciest city, Nantucket, the cost of living is 132 percent higher than the rest of the US, according to Rent Cafe.

Bostonians tend to pay 47 percent more than the national average on the basics like rent and food, while people in Framingham pay 36 percent more, and Leominster residents spend 14 percent more on average.

Massachusetts is also under strain from an influx of migrants who are sent to overcrowded centers where crime has been rife, according to the Center for Immigration Studies.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has recorded 316 'serious incident' reports at hotels, congregate sites, scattered sites and co-shelters within the program from January 2022 until December 2024.

In May 2024, Healey was forced to convert a former prison into a shelter for homeless people, many of whom are migrants.

Almost 4,000 people were granted asylum in the New England state in 2023 - or 20 percent of those who applied, according to US Custom and Border Protection data.

The number of migrants on the Massachusetts emergency shelter system swelled to 3,500 by mid-December, figures show. Many of those without a place to go have been camping out at Logan International Airport in Boston.
A Congolese drug dealer has been allowed to stay in Britain after a string of offences because his son has a rare blood disease.

The convicted criminal - who is currently in prison - won his legal fight to remain in the UK as his son has haemophilia.

The British asylum court dismissed the Home Office's attempts to deport him, ruling it would be 'unduly harsh' on his son.

Despite being in prison for dealing class A drugs, it was found he plays a 'crucial' role in bringing up his son and caring for his complex medical needs.

The Home Office argued his son's health condition was not an 'adequate reason' for preventing the man from being returned to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The asylum court ruled there were 'very particular circumstances of this case' and found in the Congolese man's favour.

The drug dealer, in his 30s, has been granted anonymity so his identity cannot be reported.

The Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the Upper Tribunal was told he entered Britain in 1999 aged seven and was granted leave to remain.

The Asylum and Immigration Tribunal in London where the hearing took place

In 2011, he received seven convictions for 16 offences.

He faced a deportation order at the time but in 2016 the asylum court quashed it as it would be unfair on his partner and their young child due to his haemophilia.

In 2023 the Congolese man was convicted of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and was sentenced to 38 months in jail.

As a result, the Home Office reignited its bid to deport him.

It was heard his eldest son has a 'severe medical condition'.

Haemophilia is a rare condition that affects how the blood clots and causes increased bleeding.

The boy receives weekly injections given by his parents directly into his veins, needs regular medical appointments, and attends hospital regularly.

His other child has also been diagnosed as being a symptomatic carrier of haemophilia B.

The Home Office's Lunar House immigration reporting centre in May 2024 in Croydon, London

The Congolese man successfully appealed the deportation order at a tribunal hearing last year, but the Home Office appealed that decision at the Upper Tribunal.

Outlining the Home Office's argument, the tribunal judgement said: 'The [Home Office] submits the [tribunal] has failed to provide adequate reasons and/or made a material misdirection of law...

'[The Home Office argues] The [Congolese man's] two children both remain under the care of their mother [his partner] and her own statement shows she has the full support from family and friends to help her cope during [his] incarceration.

'It is not disputed [he] was incarcerated and, as such, any involvement he may have with his children remains severely limited.

'[His] relationship with his partner and children remains interrupted by his ongoing incarceration and his contact with both children is severely limited.

'Further, the [Home Office] maintains there is little evidence to support the claim [he] has been able to exert a positive influence on either child from prison.'

Last year's tribunal found that it would be too harsh on the child to deport his father.

It was found: 'The weight of the evidence was that there was a good, stable and ongoing relationship between him and the children.'

UK Border Control at Heathrow airport. The Congolese man will not now be flown out of the country when he finishes his latest jail sentence

'He had been their full-time carer prior to the recent sentence and played a very active role in their daily lives.

'[He had] a strong relationship with the children, and it was in their best interests to have [him] living with them and resuming his caring duties.'

He 'played a crucial role in the children's lives, particularly the eldest child who had special medical needs; taking care of the school transport, medical appointments and other daily activities and dealt with the medical emergencies and hospital stays', it was also found.

At the latest hearing, the Upper Tribunal found there had not been any mistakes in law with last year's ruling and dismissed the Home Office's appeal.

It is the latest controversial decision by the court which has allowed a number of asylum seekers and foreign criminals to stay in the country.

In March an Iraqi asylum seeker was allowed to stay in the UK after an immigration judge appeared to confuse his home country with Iran, a tribunal heard.

The unnamed man won his case after Judge Helena Suffield-Thompson delivered a ruling based on guidance that related to Iran and Turkey.

Judge Suffield-Thompson was assessing the potential risks if the asylum seeker was deported back to Iraq.

A tribunal heard he had made anti-Iraq government posts on his public Facebook account and argued he would be subject to persecution on his return.

At the hearing Judge Suffield-Thompson found in his favour, noting the 'sophisticated' capability of the authorities to monitor the social media accounts of political opponents.

But, a new tribunal has since found that she 'erred in law' as the apparent 'risks' to the asylum seeker were based on an assessment of Iran instead of Iraq - which carries out no such surveillance.

Now, the entire asylum case will have to start again, because the latest tribunal ordered it to be reheard.

In another case last month an asylum seeker could be allowed to stay in the UK after a judge's ruling against the 'purely fictitious' claim he was trafficked from Albania was overturned.

The 24-year-old asylum seeker sought refuge in the UK after claiming he was a victim of drug trafficking and at risk of attack from the family of a woman who had an affair with his father.

Last year, first tier Tribunal judge Jean-Gilles Raymond dismissed his asylum claim, accusing him of making up that he was a victim of trafficking.

But now, the Upper Tier Tribunal, has said the man can have his case reheard - meaning he may be allowed to stay in Britain.

In November last year the First Tier Tribunal Judge Raymond heard and then dismissed his case.

But now his case is being reheard after Upper Tribunal Judge Rebecca Owens and Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Sara Anzani said it was irrational for the First Tier Tribunal judge to accuse the asylum seeker of lying.

In 2023 the Home Secretary rejected his human rights claim stating he would not face a risk of re-trafficking or persecution in Albania.

Another immigration tribunal decided that Pakistani national Muhammad Arshad should be allowed to remain in Britain on human rights grounds.

The 43-year-old immigration offender has been living in this country without permission for 16 years  and working illegally as a butcher.

But the case went all the way to the Court of Appeal after a series of legal challenges by the Home Office and Mr Arshads legal team.

Now the senior court has condemned the original decision by immigration tribunal judge Helena Suffield-Thompson, ruling that it even treated Mr Arshads breach of border rules as mitigating factors.

In an unusually strongly-worded criticism of Judge Suffield-Thompsons ruling, Lord Justice Underhill said the first-tier tribunal had given a euphemistic and inadequate account of Mr Arshads circumstances.

The Court of Appeal judge said: The first-tier tribunal obscured the fact that Mr Arshad has been here illegally since January 2009 by saying that his immigration history is not ideal but it is not the worst by any means.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called for action against 'activist judges' as he expressed concern over the latest ruling in the case of Pakistani national Muhammad Arshad

The [tribunal] did not use the words 'unlawful' or 'illegal' at all, except when it referred to the fact that Mr Arshad had worked even though he had no permission to.

Indeed, it seems to have treated the consequences of Mr Arshad's overstaying as mitigating factors.

The senior judge said he was troubled by the way Judge Suffield-Thompsons ruling downplays the facts over Mr Arshads time as a visa overstayer in the UK, and concluded its approach was unlawful.

Mr Arshads legal team originally won their case by arguing their client had the right to private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

They said it would be unfair to deport him because it would harm his relationship with his UK-based sister and her children, describing him as their third parent.

However, lawyers for the Home Secretary argued that there is no such thing as a 'third parent', court documents reveal.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: This is the latest example in a long list of cases where immigration judges are failing to apply the law properly.

There has to be consequences for these activist judges that display such flagrant open-borders activism.

Our legal system needs fundamental reform. Yes, the ECHR is a huge obstacle to border enforcement, but this case highlights how activist British judges are also a huge problem.
Tesco has apologised after a customer told of being humiliated when staff wrongly accused him of shoplifting and demanded he paid twice for his items.

Political consultant Andrew Kennedy went viral online after sharing posts on X, formerly Twitter, shaming the retail giant for staff's actions at a branch in Surrey.

Mr Kennedy described being called back by employees at a Tesco outlet in West Moseley who suggested he had not paid for his shopping at a self-checkout.

This was despite his mobile phone banking app demonstrating a transaction worth 75.92 at the self-service till he had used.

Mr Kennedy described how after the dispute with staff on Good Friday, in which he was urged to pay the bill again, he abandoned his trolley and left.

He told how 6,000 X followers that he was then informed, five days later, he must make a 120-mile round trip to the branch from his Kent home for a refund.

Mr Kennedy, who was previously field director for ex-Prime Minister Liz Trusss Conservative leadership campaign in 2022, has since asked for an apology from the supermarket firm.

He also requested they make a goodwill donation of the 100 to the mental health charity Young Minds.

Retail giant Tesco has apologised after customer Andrew Kennedy (pictured) told of being humiliated when staff accused him of shoplifting and demanded he paid twice for his items

Tesco was challenged online over the treatment of Mr Kennedy in Surrey (stock image)

And now the retailer has backed down, saying sorry to Mr Kennedy for his treatment and agreeing to donate.

Mr Kennedy originally posted on the social media site, directly addressing Tesco: 'On Good Friday I experienced the most awful and humiliating experience in your Hurst Park (Surrey) store.

'I popped in to pick up groceries on my way to visit friends. I used "scan as you go" as I always do, and paid 75.92 for my groceries, using my Apple Pay

'As I left the store, an assistant ran after me and said "I am afraid you havent paid for your groceries, and I must ask you to accompany me back into the shop". She did this quietly and discreetly and thinking there was an error I happily went back inside.

'My banking app which evidenced the payment had been made and I showed this to your assistant. She was apologetic and called her supervisor, who was busy.

'Another Assistant came over, and I again explained the situation and showed the payment. At this point things went wrong.

'The second Assistant than shouted across the self-checkouts, "This guy hasnt paid for his groceries."

'The supervisor came over, and for a third time I showed the payment on my phone. She then turned to the other Assistant and said, you need to watch out for this.....

Mr Kennedy described how after the dispute with staff on Good Friday, in which he was urged to pay the bill again, he abandoned his trolley and left

Political consultant Andrew Kennedy directly addressed Tesco in a thread that went viral

The problem arose after the use of one of Tesco's self-checkout tills (stock image)

Mr Kennedy's complaints about Tesco on X, formerly Twitter, attracted sympathy and advice

'...quite often they do two identical shops, pay for one then use the payment to avoid paying for the second."

'I dont know if this happens, but in this case, there was no evidence to suggest I had done such a thing and your assistant was openly inferring that I was a shop lifter.'

Mr Kennedy went on to tell how he agreed to pay again because he was 'angry, humiliated and running out of time'.

But his bank blocked his card, apparently suspicious about the attempted second transaction, and he was advised by Tesco staff he would have to pay another way.

He added: 'At this point I was so angry at how I had been treated I just walked out, leaving my full trolley behind.'

The money later went through via his card but he then urged the retailer for a refund, since he did not have the items he had bought - only to be told he must return to the store in Surrey to do so.

Mr Kennedy wrote: 'So to summarise: (i) you accused me of shoplifting, (ii) you humiliated me in front of other people, (iii) you wasted my time and forced me to be late for a reunion, (iv) your incompetence led to me card being blocked, (v) you took 75.92 from my bank account...

'...and now you are expecting me to travel three hours and spend 35 on petrol to get back the money you took from my account in the first place. At every level on this Tesco you and your staff have comprehensively failed.

Andrew Kennedy later provided an update online about feedback he received from the retailer

'Had I been emotionally vulnerable or had some form of learning disability, or being old and confused, this appalling treatment could have resulted in trauma. You should actually be ashamed of yourselves.'

He urged the company to 'redeem' themselves by refunding his money, writing to apologise for his treatment, retraining staff at Hurst Park on 'how to treat people with respect' and donating 100 to Young Minds.

Mr Kennedy has since shared an update online with his followers, thanking people for their support and revealing Tesco had called to say sorry while also pledging the charity donation as well as providing him with a gift card.

He wrote: 'So at 7.30pm the CEOs office emailed to apologise for what happened. It was a proper apology, not one of those "we are sorry if you were offended" apologies!

'Whenever something like this happens I ask myself how I would feel if it happened to my mum.

'She was of a generation who were deferential to authority and would have accepted what she was told, even when she knew she was in the right.'

People responding Mr Kennedy's online posts included wildlife campaigner Dominic Dyer, who said: 'Always get a receipt even for online payments.'

Sympathisers included one commenter who wrote: 'Terrible treatment by @Tesco. One of the many reasons I always use cash in supermarkets. "Use it or lose it" is the main reason I use cash, though.'

Tesco, Britain's biggest supermarket chain, has since issued a statement about his treatment

Another said: 'I'm sure it has caused you emotional distress and defamation by shouting across the whole shop on top of many other reasons.'

Mr Kennedy was also told: 'Shocking story. I do hope you get restitution, an apology and compensation.'

A spokesman for Tesco said: 'Unfortunately, a fault with a scan as you shop handset at our West Moseley Superstore meant that it incorrectly indicated that Mr Kennedys payment had not been completed.

'We are really sorry that this happened and have reached out to Mr Kennedy to apologise for how the matter was handled as it fell below the high standards that we would expect.'

MailOnline has approached Tesco for further comment.
The SNP has had to ditch a key climate target to cut car use in Scotland, stating its plans were unrealistic.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop admitted the Nationalist-led Scottish Government was dropping its aim of reducing car use in Scotland by 20 per cent by the end of the decade after she was quizzed by rival politicians.

The embarrassing development comes after a report earlier this year from watchdogs at Audit Scotland and the Accounts Commission criticised the Scottish Government for having no clear plan towards meeting the ambitious and challenging target.

In the wake of that report, Ms Hyslop appeared before Holyroods Public Audit Committee, telling MSPs the 20 per cent target was being reviewed.

She said ministers would take advice from experts at the Climate Change Committee on what it should be - with this expected in May.

Ms Hyslop told MSPs: We will have more realistic targets. Im reviewing the target, we wont be able to deliver 20% car kilometre reductions. We are reappraising what we are doing.

She was asked directly by Conservative Graham Simpson if the Scottish Government - which previously ditched its 2030 emissions reduction target - had dropped the target for cutting car kilometres.

In response, Ms Hyslop said: We will need to drop the target, or change the target from 20%.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the government is dropping its target

She added: I think the figure of 20% is not realistic and will need to be changed.

Caroline Rance, Friends of the Earth Scotlands head of campaigns, called the development shameful.

She told the BBC: One third of households in Scotland dont have access to a car, in our cities its closer to a half. These are typically the poorest households, and poor public transport options means they are cut off from school, work and health appointments.

Meanwhile, 2,700 people die every year from toxic air pollution and many more suffer from poor health because of it. Ministers failing to get a grip on car dominance means failing to protect these people.

Figures, cited by the Scottish Government, show car use accounted for 39 per cent of all transport emissions in Scotland in 2022 and 12.4 per cent of total Scottish emissions.

Despite ditching the car target, Ms Hyslop told the committee that the Scottish Government is committed to its goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2045.

She said the goal of cutting car kilometres by 20% by 2030 had been a very ambitious target which would require transformational change.

The ambition had been included in the Governments climate change plan update issued in December 2020 - with Ms Hyslop saying at that time Scotland had been in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, with car use dropping off a cliff as a result.

Figures, cited by the Scottish Government, show car use accounted for 39 per cent of all transport emissions in Scotland in 2022 and 12.4 per cent of total Scottish emissions

At the time it was set people might have seen a more substantial change in car use, Ms Hyslop said.

It was not unreasonable that the world could change and we could try and see this target.

Car use is 3.6% lower than it was in 2019, Ms Hyslop added, but she accepted: I dont think the step-change many people would have like to have seen has happened.

Ministers are now working with local government body Cosla and regional transport partnerships to take forward the recommendations made by Audit Scotland, Ms Hyslop said.

She stressed this is not something national government can do alone, adding a renewed policy statement on car use reduction would be published jointly with Cosla later this spring.

Cosla environment spokeswoman Gail Macgregor accepted authorities havent done as much as we should have done.

She told the MSPs: We know were behind, there has been many factors to that but what is key now is to look forward and ensure our route map is as it should be.

Were looking at a more phased approach now, so we probably wont be delivering as ambitiously as we originally would have intended, but I think that is a reality check that we have to do that.
Melinda and Bill Gates decided how they would 'separate their lives' over burgers and a Willie Nelson song, according to her new book.

The philanthropist, 60, reveals details of her separation from the Microsoft founder on her new book, The Next Day. The former power couple of 27 years divorced in 2021 after Bill's links to sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein were unveiled.

Melinda writes that she told Bill she wanted a divorce in August, 2020, and the two shared a long, sometimes 'tender' conversation, as reported by People.

'And then I got in the car to drive home,' she shared. 'On the way back, I pulled over into a parking lot and put on a Willie Nelson song we used to listen to together, Always on My Mind. I bawled, sobbing over the steering wheel.'

Melinda added that 'The day that followed was even weirder and more painful.'

'I drove back out to Hood Canal so I could check on Bill and so we could start talking about how wed tell our kids. Eventually, we got hungry, so we went out to get burgers,' she wrote.

'It was a scene that had played out hundreds of times between us. But this time, we were talking about how we were going to separate our lives.'

Melinda also reveals in her new book that she started having nightmares of her family falling apart in the months before she decided it was time to separate from Bill.

Melinda Gates has revealed that she and Bill Gates shared burgers as they ironed out the details of their separation

The Gates' went public with their divorce in May 2021 after a year of living apart

Melinda said she is focused on her children and grandchildren as she looks ahead following her high-profile divorce

'Bill has publicly acknowledged that he wasnt always faithful to me,' she admits, noting the 'deeply disturbing' article that reported on Bill's meetings with Epstein.

The has billionaire admitted to an affair with a Microsoft employee in 2000 and while the couple worked through it, Melinda said it left her struggling to trust him.

'I knew, in that moment, that I was going to have to make a decisionand that I was going to have to make it by myself,' she said about the moment she had a nightmare where she 'plummeted' into a void alongside her family.

The mom-of-three recalled how she and Bill took a trip to New Mexico together in February 2020 which she had initially planned to take alone.

On the final night, she sat the billionaire Microsoft founder down and told him she wanted to start living apart.

'It was one of the scariest conversations I'd have had,' Melinda wrote.

Her agonizing decision came in the wake of controversy over her ex-husband's friendship with sex trafficker Epstein, who was found dead in his jail cell while awaiting trial in 2019.

In the book she revealed that Bill was, 'sad and upset' but also 'understanding and respectful.'

Melinda has previously said the friendship was a factor in her pushing for divorce. Bill has said he deeply regrets spending time with Epstein but has never been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to the predator.

Melinda, 60, has been open about her disapproval of her ex-husband's friendship with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder told the Times in January that the divorce was his biggest mistake

Bill has publicly moved on with new girlfriend Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd

'I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein,' she told CBS' Gayle King.

'I made that clear to him. I also met Jeffrey Epstein exactly one time. I wanted to see who this man was and I regretted it from the second I stepped in the door.

'He was abhorrent, evil personified. I had nightmares about it afterwards. That's why my heart breaks for these young women. That's how I felt, and I am an older woman. He was awful.'

After making the decision, Melinda shared that she had panic attacks thinking about the divorce negotiations, noting that Bill was known as being 'one of the toughest negotiators in the world.'

The philanthropist told People that she is focused on her children and grandchildren, and it appears she had put ex-husband and Microsoft founder Bill out of mind.

'Naturally, Bill and I see each other every now and then at family events, such as graduations,' she said. 'When we do, it's friendly.'

Melinda Gates and her new beau tech investor Philip Vaughn looked smitten with each other during a date in New York City earlier this month

Bill, on his part, recently said the divorce is the 'failure' he regrets the most.

In an interview with Elle, Melinda was asked about the comments and said: 'Look, divorces are painful, and its not something I would wish on any family.

'But again, I knew when I got divorced, I would be okay on my own. And I think that was the most important thing.'

Bill has publicly moved on with girlfriend Paula Hurd, 62, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd.

Melinda, on her part, is now in a relationship with tech investor Philip Vaughn.
Donald Trump has said he is 'not happy' that Vladimir Putin launched a deadly barrage of missile strikes on Kyiv overnight after talks to reach a peace deal failed.

'I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,' he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump urged his Russian counterpart: 'Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!'

Russia attacked Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones overnight, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 70 in its deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since last July and just as peace efforts are coming to a head.

Trump's frustration with Putin is growing as a US-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that the large-scale missile attack on Kyiv was designed to put 'pressure' on the United States.

He noted that Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscow's attacks had continued.

Zelensky also insisted that Kyiv would not change its position on Crimea, after Trump criticised him for not agreeing to cede the Black Sea peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

When asked about the Russian strikes on Kyiv at a briefing earlier on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was continuing to hit 'military and military-adjacent targets.'

Donald Trump (pictured yesterday) says he is 'not happy' that Vladimir Putin launched an overnight missile strike on Kyiv

Trump urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin (pictured today): 'Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!'

Trump urged Vladimir Putin to 'get the peace deal done'

The Kremlin fired 66 ballistic and cruise missiles, four plane-launched air-to-surface missiles, and 145 Shahed and decoy drones at Kyiv and four other regions of Ukraine overnight, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Kyiv reeled from the bombardment, which kept residents on edge for about 11 hours. Zelensky called the fatal attack 'one of the most sophisticated, most brazen' during Russia's three-year invasion.

Zelensky is visiting South Africa but has said he will cut his trip short to return to Kyiv - after his talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

'Russia understands that Ukraine is standing up, defending its rights and (it) is putting pressure on our people. It is also putting pressure on America,' the Ukrainian president told journalists in South Africa. 'This is what I also link today's attack with.'

Thursday's attack came hours after Trump said a Ukraine peace deal was 'very close' and effectively closed with Moscow.

But Zelensky insisted that Kyiv would not accept Crimea as part of Russia.

Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014 and backed a pro-Russian rebellion in eastern Ukraine, leading to years of conflict with Kyiv.

'We do everything that our partners have proposed, only what contradicts our legislation and the Constitution we cannot do,' Zelensky said, answering a question on Crimea.

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 24, 2025

Fire brigades respond to a fire caused by massive Russian shelling in Buchansky district of Kyiv, Ukraine on April 24, 2025. At least 9 people were killed and 70 injured early Thursday in Russian strikes targeting Ukraine's capital

Flames rise from a fire caused by massive Russian shelling in Buchansky district of Kyiv, Ukraine on April 24, 2025

Zelensky also said he did not see enough pressure from Kyiv's allies on Moscow to halt its invasion.

'I don't see any strong pressure on Russia or any new sanctions packages against Russia's aggression,' Zelensky told journalists during a visit to South Africa.

He did however acknowledge that Trump had previously warned of repercussions if Moscow did not agree to a ceasefire.

Trump's rare rebuke of Putin followed his criticism of Zelensky yesterday for saying Ukraine would not recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea - a longtime Kyiv stance.

'This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia,' Trump said in a social media post.

Trump, who argued with Zelensky in a disastrous Oval Office meeting in March, said Crimea was lost years ago 'and is not even a point of discussion.'

Trump yesterday accused Zelensky of 'prolonging the killing field' by refusing to give up territory and warned the Ukrainian president he can 'have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country'.

The White House tried to turn the screw yesterday, with Vice President JD Vance telling Kyiv to surrender land or the US would walk away.

But Zelensky is refusing to countenance any Russian claim to annexed Crimea, or hand over a fifth of the country to the Kremlin, as per the US-dictated deal put forward.

Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a rocket strike that hit a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine overnight

The aftermath of a missile strike on a residential building on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukrainian rescuers operate at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv on April 24, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Planned high-level talks in London were scuppered yesterday when two members of Trump's top team suddenly pulled out.

Peace envoy Steve Witkoff and secretary of state Marco Rubio were due to sit down with UK, European and Ukrainian officials, hosted by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

But in a humiliating move, they withdrew at the 11th hour, sending Ukraine special envoy Keith Kellogg instead, as Kyiv refused to buckle to American ultimatums.

Instead, Witkoff was said to be on his way to Moscow last night for a meeting with Putin tomorrow.

US attempts to strong-arm Ukraine into concessions have also placed strain on the 'special relationship' with Britain.

Trump is set to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre later today to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of NATO and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile border with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured today in South Africa) said today that the large-scale missile attack on Kyiv was designed to put 'pressure' on the United States

Meanwhile, Europe has stepped up its demands that Putin agree to an immediate unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, with French President Emmanuel Macron having accused the Russian leader of 'lying' about wanting peace.

'The only thing to do is for President Putin to finally stop lying,' Macron said during a visit to Madagascar, saying how the Russian leader was telling US negotiators 'he wants peace' but then continuing 'to bombard Ukraine'.

'In Ukraine, they only want a single answer: Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire?'

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deadly overnight attack demonstrated that Putin was 'the aggressor here'.
Nigel Farage demanded the government create a 'minister for deportations' today as he lashed out at Labour and the Tories ahead of next week's local elections.

The Reform UK leader used a campaign speech to demand that 'somebody somewhere in government' - which already has a Minister for Border Security - is held accountable for the matter.

Speaking in Dover with his party ahead on the opinion polls he vowed to create the post if be becomes prime minister in place of Keir Starmer after the election due in 2029.

But he also turned his fire on the Conservatives, after a senior member of Kemi Badenoch's shadow team talked up an electoral 'coalition' of the right.

Mrs Badenoch defended the remarks made by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, which were leaked to Sky News, insisting he was not suggesting the two parties join forces.

And today Mr Farage also hosed down the suggestion, saying Reform 'would be in revolt' if the party did a deal with the Conservatives.

'If I wanted to do a deal with you of any kind, I would shake your hand, look you in the eye and do that deal because I trusted you,' he said.

'I don't trust the Conservative Party in any way at all and we are going to replace them.'

The Reform UK leader used a campaign speech to demand that 'somebody somewhere in government' is held accountable for the matter.

Mrs Badenoch defended the remarks made by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, which were leaked to Sky News, insisting he was not suggesting the two parties join forces.

It comes as next week's local elections could test whether Reform's surging poll numbers are converting into votes.

In his speech on the Kent coast, Mr Farage said: 'We will appoint  we will demand this Government does the same  that there is a minister for deportations.

'It will be part of the Home Office, but it will be a separate department within it.'

He said that 'somebody somewhere in government needs to be held accountable'.

He added: 'What I'm calling for isn't actually anything particularly radical. It's actually just common sense.

'It's what most countries in the world do: you want to go and live there, you want to go and settle there? You have to meet a set of criteria, and that country chooses, are you the right person, or are you not?'

Mr Farage also said that people who arrive in the UK 'illegally' should 'not be able to stay' and there will be 'more detailed policy on how we will actually carry out those deportations' in 'three to four weeks' time' after the local elections.

However Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty questioned questioned whether the announcement would do anything differently.

'Interested to hear what Nigel thinks this new Minister for Deportations would do that isnt already the responsibility of the Border Security Minister (Dame Angela Eagle)', he wrote on X.

The speech in Dover comes a day after audio was published in which former Conservative leadership candidate Mr Jenrick could be heard saying he wanted the 'fight' against Labour to be 'united' and vowing to create a 'coalition' to achieve that.

Mr Farage said that Reform 'would be in revolt' if the party did a deal with the Conservatives.

The speech in Dover comes a day after audio was published in which former Conservative leadership candidate Mr Jenrick could be heard saying he wanted the 'fight' against Labour to be 'united' and vowing to create a 'coalition' to achieve that.

He claimed that a portion of people who backed his party at the last election could not 'put up with the level of betrayal' from the Conservative Party since 2019.

Asked whether there will be attempts to unite the right, Mr Farage said that Reform's biggest gains in next week's local elections 'are going to be in Labour voting areas' and that a 'big percentage' of their backers in last year's election 'loathe' the Tories.

Last night Mrs Badenoch told ITV's Peston programme 'there will be no pact'.

Asked is she had spoken to her shadow minister, she added: 'I saw him earlier today. And I think those remarks are being overblown.

'He's made a point that I do agree with. We lost a lot of votes to Reform. We had a very, very heavy defeat last year.

'We have to get the votes back of people we lost. And at that last election, people voted, particularly for Reform, but other parties because they didn't want Conservatives.

'That means making sure we have a centre-right offer that is compelling. And that is going to need us getting those voters back. There's nothing controversial in that.'
He was once one of Britain's most beloved entertainers whose decades-long TV career and global fame saw him amass a fortune of 7.5million.

But Benny Hill's dated form of sexualised comedy saw his work cease to be broadcast - meaning it has stunned younger viewers exposed to it for the first time, as MailOnline reported this week.

Now we can reveal how Hill's sudden death from a heart attack in April 1992 - aged 68 - sparked a bitter rift about who benefitted from his multi-million pound estate.

The famously frugal star never owned a car, bought food only when it was on sale, wore threadbare clothes and glued his shoes back together.

He died watching TV in his rented second-floor flat in Teddington, West London and was found two days later by producer best friend Dennis Kirkland, allegedly surrounded by dirty plates and stacks of uncashed cheques.

Hill's global TV success left him with a personal fortune of 7,526,777 at the time of his death - equivalent to over 20 million in today's money.

His only official will - scrutinised by MailOnline - was drafted in 1961 and directed his estate be shared between parents Alfred and Helen Hill, brother Leonard Hill and sister Diana Olive, all of whom had already died by the time Hill passed.

But TV pals have revealed he prepared a later will directing specific amounts to be given to friends and co-stars including Sue Upton, Dennis Kirkland, Bob Todd, Louise English and Henry McGee.

Benny Hill's sudden death from a heart attack in April 1992 - aged 68 - sparked a bitter rift about who benefitted from his multi-million pound estate. His long-term friend Sue Upton (left) said the star promised to leave her money in his will - but it all went to family he rarely spoke to

The national treasure Hill (left) is pictured here as a child on a seaside holiday with his mother and his brother Leonard (right) and his young sister Diana

Hill died in 1992 watching TV in his rented second-floor flat in Teddington, West London (pictured) and was found two days later by producer best friend Dennis Kirkland

TV pals have revealed he prepared a later will directing specific amounts to be given to friends and co-stars including Sue Upton (pictured), Dennis Kirkland, Bob Todd, Louise English and Henry McGee.

Ms Upton, who became one of his closest friends and worked on The Benny Hill Show from 1977 until 1989 the leader of 'Hill's Angels' a troupe of attractive young women who were regulars, insists he had promised she would be taken care of after his death.

Sue, now 70 and retired and living in Essex, told MailOnline this week: 'Benny never saw his family, he wasn't close to them at all. The people who he worked with for many many years on the show, we were his family.

'He used to say to me 'you haven't got to worry about money Little Sausage, you're in my will' and I would feel embarrassed because it's a very cagey subject.

'He said the same thing to a few people but Benny was the world's worst person for paperwork, he would leave cheques on the mantelpiece because money didn't matter to him.

'I was told there was a piece of paper with people's names and amounts and I was on that list which is typical of Benny but it wouldn't stand up in court so that was that.

'The people who he wanted to share and enjoy his money lost out because we didn't have a leg to stand on.

'Talk is cheap and I would urge people to learn from his mistake and if you want to leave something to somebody in your will do it in the proper manner.

'After Benny's death nobody had any contact with the family, it was almost like 'don't call us, you haven't got a leg to stand on' and all his estate and everything since is distributed among his living relatives.

Despite being one of Britain's best love comic who had amassed a fortune worth 20million in today's money, Hill was notoriously frugal with money. He rented a flat, bought food only when it was on sale, wore threadbare clothes and glued his shoes back together

He died watching TV in his rented second-floor flat in Teddington, West London and was found two days later by producer best friend Dennis Kirkland,

'It's a very sad state of affairs because Benny used to come to my house and became like a family member and a grandchild to my children. He even had them in the show.

'It's just really sad and it has become an unhappy ending unfortunately.'

MailOnline has heard differing accounts as to whether the more recent will was produced but rejected during probate because it had not been signed and witnessed correctly or that it was lost by the notoriously unorganised star and could never be produced by its would-be beneficiaries.

Instead the fortune was split between Hill's seven nieces and nephews who had little to no contact with him.

Among them was Madeleine Sailani, now 68, who lives in a large detached house worth approximately 1.3million. When MailOnline knocked at Ms Sailani's address just one block from the sea in the bijou East Sussex resort town of Hove, the woman in her sixties who answered declined to discuss her links to the late Benny Hill, saying: 'I think there's been some confusion.' When asked about the Channel 5 documentary about the late funnyman, she appeared flustered and said: 'I don't want to talk about it, thank you.'

The late comic's nephew Jonathan Hill, 62, meanwhile lives in a 1million top floor of a gorgeous Georgian period townhouse on one of Edinburgh's most upmarket streets. His eldest niece Caroline Hill, 70, last known address was a five-bed mid-terrace house in the expensive south west London enclave of Wandsworth which is home to celebs including Phil Spencer, Gordon Ramsey, Johnny Vaughan and Rupert Penry-Jones. The house last sold for 1.6million in May 2019.

The rest of Hill's remaining nieces and nephews remain in Australia where his sister Diana was living at the time of her death.

Hill was buried in his family plot in Hollybrook Cemetery, Southampton, the seaside town where he grew up and was seen regularly walking or travelling by bus.

Hill's global TV success left him with a personal fortune of 7,526,777 at the time of his death - equivalent to over 20 million in today's money

Hill dressed as a sailor with a member of the Hill's Angels song and dance troupe

Amid spiralling disputes over who should benefit from his fortune, he was rumoured to have been buried with some of his valuables.

Around six months after his death the grave was dug up and his coffin was smashed open but the raiders left his remains untouched and replaced the lid and earth.

Mr Kirkland who was Hill's best friend, long-time producer and the man who discovered his body after growing concerned at the comedian not returning calls, died in 2006. He left no will but his total estate was valued at less than 275,000.

But Ms English, another Hill's Angel, denied claims made in a 2002 Channel 4 documentary that there was any mystery over what happened to his money.

She said: 'I don't think the money disappeared and I don't think there was a 'sadness of the clown' side to him.

'He was sensitive and I don't think he was introverted. He wasn't lonely, he was very happy and just loved his work and was just a normal, lovely person.

'He just kept himself to himself and didn't go to any showbizzy parties and I suppose that's why people didn't get to know him.

'Then people make things up and it was presumed that he lost all his money and presumed he was lonely. He wasn't at all. I believe he left lots behind and his family did very well.'

Many of the relatives Hill barely spoke to now live in comfortable properties, having benefited from payouts from his estate when he died - but his TV friends (pictured) who he told would be looked after financially all missed out on any money because he hadn't updated his will

It comes as a new Channel 5 programme, The Cancellation of Benny Hill, looks back at the comedian's career, noting that his popularity extended to major stars including Michael Jackson, while he also appeared in a number of movies, including The Italian Job and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

It's reported that one of his specials, aired in 1969, attracted a bigger audience than the moon landings but in recent years, the comedian has fallen out of favour, with some of his sketches being criticised over their racist and sexist jokes.

In 1971, viewing figures for his show topped 21 million and the comedian was awarded ITV personality of the year.

But his success would come to a sudden end in the 1980s and his shows are 'rarely on TV nowadays  having been criticised for containing racist, sexist, risque and vulgar content which would be deemed unacceptable by today's standards'.
Supreme courts of SCO members to deepen judicial exchanges, cooperation

Xinhua) 13:18, April 24, 2025

HANGZHOU, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The supreme courts of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states will further deepen judicial exchanges and cooperation, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday.

The joint statement was adopted at the 20th Meeting of Chief Justices of Supreme Courts of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States, held in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.

The joint statement reached consensus on areas such as deepening practical cooperation in cybersecurity and digital governance, actively promoting the deep integration of technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and big data into court work, and deepening experience exchanges and practical cooperation in the judicial protection of minors.

The joint statement proposed that the supreme courts of the SCO member states should uphold the fine tradition of unity and collaboration, adhere to the path of cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit, and pursue the values of fairness and justice, so as to further consolidate and deepen judicial exchanges and cooperation under the SCO framework.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the chief justice meeting, senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Chen Wenqing lauded the meeting mechanism for providing robust judicial safeguards for regional development and security.

Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, underscored the need to consistently uphold the "Shanghai Spirit" and establish a multi-dimensional cooperation framework in areas such as counter-terrorism security, economic and trade connectivity, and cultural exchanges.

SCO member states should enhance cooperation in de-radicalization, rigorously combat drug trafficking, cybercrime and transnational organized crime, and deliver strong guarantees for regional security and stability, Chen said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Disturbing video showed the horrific moment a gang of vicious bullies beat a teenage boy until he suffered a seizure.

The dramatic incident took place Tuesday around 6pm at an apartment complex in South Memphis, Tennessee.

The brawl reportedly started over the unidentified victim's dog that 'was trying to bite somebody,' Laura Sanders, the grandmother of the victim's girlfriend, told WREG.

The 18-year-old victim's pregnant girlfriend said three men were sent to their home by someone else just before they assaulted him and dragged him outside, the Memphis Police Department said.

'They said the dog was trying to bite somebody. Im not sure what went on,' Sanders said.

A graphic video of the terrifying incident has since circulated online, as several people, including adults, crowded around him while other teens repeatedly stomped and kicked him.

The victim, who was seen curled up in a ball throughout the clip, was then dragged and attacked even more until he seized up on the ground.

Police and emergency personnel were then called to the scene before transporting the victim to a hospital.

An 18-year-old was seen getting savagely beaten by a group a bullies on Tuesday afternoon at an apartment complex in South Memphis, Tennessee

The gang of fighters repeatedly hit and kicked the victim until he started to suffer a seizure (pictured)

Sanders said her granddaughter's boyfriend has had seizures before. He was released from the hospital hours later.

The appalling scene began with several teens kicking the victim while he lay on grass near a fence.

One girl in a green t-shirt, who appeared to be his pregnant girlfriend, stepped in and tried to protect him but she was soon pushed to the side.

While one bully kept kicking him, another punched the victim several times.

The girl in the green shirt then stepped in again and stood over the victim to try and block the suspects, but one of them dramatically pushed her out of the way.

An adult male then appeared to step in and try to talk to one of the fighters, who then aggressively stomped on the victim's back.

Several people then argued for a few moments, until the savage beating continued on.

One of them then snatched the victim and dragged him off the grass and onto the pavement, where a group of them kept beating him up.

As they did so, the 18-year-old suddenly started to shake uncontrollably as many of the teens fled the scene and adults stepped in to help him.

The fight reportedly started over the unidentified victim's dog that 'was trying to bit somebody,' Laura Sanders, the grandmother of the victim's girlfriend, said

The man recording also appeared to laugh while the boy continued to seize.

'My fault - beating y'all n**** into a seizure,' the man said as people tried to assist the injured teen.

Several police officers soon arrived at the scene and took over care for the teen.

Hours prior to the savage attack, officers were called to the complex multiple times about the feud, according to a police report obtained by WREG.

Although Sanders wished she could have prevented the violence, she told the outlet: 'I cant stop it. Im 63, and my leg is bad, and there is nothing I can do about it.'

The police have seen the now-viral video of the attack and are actively investigating it.

They have not yet identified the attackers. DailyMail.com contacted the Memphis Police Department for comment.
A seasoned Fox News political commentator offered a blunt assessment when presented with polling data showing President Donald Trump's poll numbers coming back down to earth.

Trump began his term with majority approval following his election win.

But he now finds himself trailing his predecessors as he approaches the 100-day mark of his second administration  with tariffs and the economy evidently driving the drop.

'So much of what hes undertaken remains a work in progress and, you know, they havent got any trade deals yet. The tariffs are out there and people are worried about them and dont like them. We dont know how thats going to play out,' said Fox political commentator Brit Hume.

He was discussing Trump's 44 percent approval rating, which is a point behind where he was at the same point in his first term.

By contrast, President Joe Biden was at 54 percent, Barack Obama was at 62 percent, and George W. Bush was at 63 percent  indicating that the second-term Trump is not enjoying any kind of comparable political 'honeymoon.'

'We don know how the foreign policy endeavors are going to pan out. We dont have peace between Ukraine and Russia, which he promised,' Hume continued. 'So theres a lot of work to be completed which, if done successfully, I think would dramatically elevate his current approval rate.'

In a sign that the poll hit home, Trump raged at Rupert Murdoch's media empire, which includes Fox, in a Thursday morning post.

Fox News commentator Brit Hume had a grim responded to new network polling showing Trump's public approval rating running well behind his predecessors at the 100-day mark

'Rupert Murdoch has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so. This pollster has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years. Also, and while hes at it, he should start making changes at the China Loving Wall Street Journal. It sucks!!!'

The Journal's editorial page has been hammering Trump's tariffs. Murdoch is Chairman Emeritus of Fox Corporation and News Corp, which control both outlets.

The Fox poll reflects public concern with the economy  an issue that helped propel Trump's reelection.

It follows a multi-nation trade war that Trump instigated when he slapped tariffs on Canada and Mexico, then imposed a 10 percent tariff on all imports, and slapped individual 'reciprocal' tariffs on more than 60 countries, only to then pause them for 90 days.

Markets tanked, only to shoot up on days when Trump or his team have talked up the potential for deals like they did Monday and Wednesday. Overall, the S&P 500 is down about 10 percent for the year.

A polling average produced by The Hill has Trump's approval just under 45 percent, with 52 percent disapproval. The Hill's pollster, Chris Stirewalt, says he was fired from Fox News after the 2020 elections after making the controversial decision to call Arizona for Joe Biden, who won the state and the presidency.

In another troubling sign foe the president, a Reuters poll last week gave Trump just 37 percent approval on the economy.

'Hes way down on, right at the moment on the economy and even way down further on tariffs, which are of course part of that,' said Hume. 'So, you know foreign policy rating isnt good and and so on.'

He noted that the one issue where Trump had high approval was on the border  where there has been a stunning reduction in apprehensions since Trump took office.

Trump raged at Rupert Murdoch, Chairman Emeritus of Fox Corporation and News Corp, and blasted network polling

Trump came in lower than he did at this point in his first term

'Everything else, including immigration, which for some reason was separated from the border in this particular poll, a little bit underwater on immigration,' he said.

That could reflect controversy over other elements of Trump's migration policy.

An Economist/YouGov poll had 50 percent support for bringing back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man and Salvadoran immigrant who was deported to a notorious Venezuelan prison last month despite a judge's order not to remove him.

Although Trump lashed out at the poll, he has appeared responsive to market moves in recent days. This week he said he had 'no intention' of firing Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, and spoke about lowering the 145 percent tariffs that he slapped on China.
Sen. John Fetterman is loudly advocating for President Donald Trump to cut off nuclear negotiations with Iran and get to dropping bombs on the country instead.

'Waste that s***,' the Democrat and staunch Israel ally told the Washington Free Beacon on Wednesday, referring to Tehran's nuclear facilities.

The towering Pennsylvanian went on to eviscerate those who would oppose the plan on grounds it could lead to a wider conflict.

'You know, they've been saying for years and years Hezbollah was the ultimate bada** that kept Israel in check, and we can't move on anything beyond that,' he told the outlet.

'All of these so-called experts were all wrong,' he said.

Fetterman, 55, believes much of the instability in the Middle East can be attributed to Iran's many proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, and as these forces have proved to be less formidable than expected, now is the time to strike.

Hezbollah 'couldn't fight for s***,' he said. 'And Hamas, literally, are just a bunch of tunnel rats with junkie rockets in the back of a Toyota truck.'

'And now the Houthis have been effectively neutered as well. So what's left? You have Iran, and they have a nuclear facility, and it's clearly only for weapons.'

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., suggested this week that Trump bomb Iran's nuclear facilities and 'Waste that s***'

Trump has said that he would strike Iran if a deal is not reached on their nuclear program

Employees work inside a nuclear facility in Isfahan, Iran, March 30, 2005

The Trump administration has been working to negotiate restrictions on Iran's nuclear programs.

Initially, the White House called for the complete wind down of the program, but Iran has been reluctant despite Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Iran must stop enriching uranium for any deal to be reached, though a senior Iranian official admitted 'zero enrichment is unacceptable.'

However, the president is wanting to strike a deal with the nation he has had a frosty relationship with, saying earlier this year, 'I think everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious.'

'If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing,' the commander-in-chief said last month. 'It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.'

The president also said: 'There's a chance that if they don't make a deal, that I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago.'

Fetterman, a friend of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prefers the former.

Military personnel stand guard at a nuclear facility in the Zardanjan area of Isfahan, Iran, April 19, 2024

A satellite image shows Khojir rocket motor casting facility, in an aftermath what an American researcher said was an Israeli airstrike hitting a building that was part of Iran's defunct nuclear weapons development program, near Teheran, Iran October 26, 2024

'You're never going to be able to negotiate with that kind of regime that has been destabilizing the region for decades already, and now we have an incredible window, I believe, to do that, to strike and destroy Iran's nuclear facilities,' he said.

Since Trump made his not-so-veiled threats to bomb Iran should they not come to an agreement, the president's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has made trips to meet with Iranian leaders to hash out a deal.

Over the weekend reportedly Witkoff met face-to-face in Rome where Omani intermediaries helped advance negotiations between the two.

It was the second major meeting on the matter, and a third session has been planned for later this week in the Omani capital Muscat.

The advancing conversations appear to be a sign that the White House is settled on a diplomatic approach rather than a military strike, at least for now.
An adorable eight-month-old girl died after she consumed a 'poisoned' acai granola delivered by a mysterious 'secret admirer' man in Brazil.

Yohana Costa fell ill and was rushed to an urgent care facility in Natal, on the country's far north east coast, but doctors were unable to save her life.

Costa's second cousin Geisa Silva, 50, was also taken Macaiba Regiona Hospital, where she remains intubated and is in serious condition.

Silva's son, Yago Smith, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that the acai granola was among several packages that were delivered to the residence by a delivery man riding a motorcycle.

Silva met the rider at the door and accepted the package, which contained a teddy bear, chocolates and a note with an affectionate message.

'She received it on the first day, ate the chocolates and nothing happened,' Smith said.

On April 14, Silva received a second package from the same delivery man that include the acai and granola.

The family even joked that she had a secret admirer.

Yohana Costa fell ill and died April 13 after consuming 'poisoned' acai granola that was delivered to her mother's cousin at their home in Natal, a city in the northeastern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte

Silva shared the acai granola and gave some to Costa, who became sick after eating it.

'After half an hour, 40 minutes, Yohana started to feel very sick,' Smith said. 'My cousin took her to the [urgent care center] and she died. My mother felt sick and we thought it was emotional, until then.'

Costa's mother, Danielle Silva, said doctors had arranged to transfer her to Marie Alice Hospital for further treatment before she died inside an ambulance.

Geisa Silva was treated with medication and discharged.

The delivery man from the prior two drop offs returned April 15 to deliver another order of acai.

Geisa Silva stored in the refrigerator and had for lunch but fell sick after about 15 minutes and was taken to the hospital by her oldest son.

'She was sweating a lot, her hands were shaking, she didn't even have the strength to say anything,' Smith said. 'She was foaming at the mouth, and then they began to suspect that it was a case of poisoning.'

The family provided leftovers of the acai and the love note that accompanied the package to the Rio Grande do Norte Civil Police to be analyzed.

'The food consumed was sent for toxicological analysis, but the expert report has not yet been completed,' the police said in a statement. 'There is a possibility of poisoning, however, any statement in this regard, at this time, would be hasty.'

Costa death's came days before a seven-year-old boy and his 13-year-old sister died after eating a poisoned chocolate-covered Easter egg.

As part of the investigation, authorities arrested a woman, who reportedly built up a jealous rage and targeted the children's mother because she had been dating her ex-boyfriend.
A man and woman are fighting for life after their car slammed into a telegraph pole during an alleged police pursuit.

Officers attempted to stop the unregistered vehicle on McBurney Road in Cabramatta in Sydney's south-west about 7.20pm on Thursday.

A pursuit was initiated after the driver allegedly failed to stop.

The chase continued for several kilometres until the driver of Ford Falcon lost control and crashed into a power pole on Railway Parade in the neighbouring suburb of Canley Vale.

The male driver, 33, and his female passenger, 34, were treated by paramedics at the scene and rushed to Liverpool Hospital in critical conditions.

Confronting photos from the crash scene showed the car wrapped around a power pole.

Paramedics provided lifesaving treatment to the visibly injured pair trapped inside the badly damaged Ford Falcon with the assistance of firefighters.

One patient was intubated as they were lifted onto a stretcher.

A police chase ended when a Ford Falcon crashed into a power pole at Canley Vale

The male driver and female passenger were rushed to hospital in critical conditions

The roof and side doors of the vehicle had to be removed to treat the injured occupants, leaving the car's interior entirely exposed.

Shocked bystanders watched on from behind the cordoned-off site near the busy intersection as specialist crash investigation officers established a crime scene.

Railway Parade, the main thoroughfare between Cabramatta and Canley Vale was closed for several hours as officers examined the crash scene.

A critical incident investigation team from the Campbelltown command will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Professional Standards Commission will conduct an independent review of the investigation with oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Anyone with information, CTTV or dashcam is urged to call Crime Stoppers.

The crash occurred hours before the Anzac Day weekend, where double demerits are now in force until midnight Monday.
Nigel Farage clashed with charities today as he claimed family doctors are 'massively over-diagnosing' children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Ahead of next week's local elections, the Reform UK leader said there was a 'massive problem' among councils due to soaring demand for SEND services.

Data has shown how the number of school pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) in England rose by 180,000 - or 71 per cent - between 2018 and 2024.

As a result, nearly 5 per cent of pupils now have EHCPs - a legal document that sets out what support a child or young person needs.

Meanwhile, in 2023/24 there were 1.24 million pupils in England with special educational needs support but without an ECHP - almost 14 per cent of pupils.

SEND funding in England is not allocated as a separate amount per pupil but is instead part of the overall 'dedicated schools grant' allocated to each local authority.

Council leaders have warned they are facing 'unmanageable' SEND deficits, which has left many town halls facing bankruptcy over the coming years.

Parliament's spending watchdog has also criticised the 'chaotic' system for accessing SEND support in damning report earlier this year.

Nigel Farage clashed with charities today as he claimed family doctors are 'massively over-diagnosing' children with special educational needs and disabilities

Ahead of next week's local elections, the Reform UK leader said there was a 'massive problem' among councils due to soaring demand for SEND services

A wide variation in waiting times for EHCPs across the country has been branded a 'postcode lottery'.

During a press conference in Dover, Kent, Mr Farage bemoaned an overdiagnosis of 'those with mental illness problems and... other general behavioural disabilities'.

The Reform leader said: 'So many of these diagnoses - for SEND before 18, for disability register after 18  so many of these have been conducted on Zoom, with the family GP. I think that is a massive mistake.

'If I'm your family GP, and I've known your family for generations, and you're saying to me 'doc, there's a real problem here with depression, or whatever it may be', it's quite hard for me as your GP to say no.

'So I don't think any of these allocations should be done by family GPs. I think they should be done independently.

'I think we are massively  I'm not being heartless here, I'm being frank  I think we are massively over-diagnosing those with mental illness problems and those with other general behavioural disabilities.

'And I think we're creating class of victims in Britain who will struggle ever to get out of it. That's not good for them and it's not good for us, so I worry about those things.

'I do accept though, I do accept that repeated lockdowns - particularly the third lockdown - were probably the biggest mistakes ever made by a peacetime government in this country. And they have caused great long-term harm.'

Mel Merritt, head of policy and campaigns at the National Autistic Society, criticised Mr Farage's comments as 'wildly inaccurate'.

She said the Reform leader's remarks 'show that he's completely out of touch with what autistic children and adults have to go through to get a diagnosis or any support at all'.

'For the record, absolutely no one has got an autism diagnosis through the GP  this is just incorrect, wrong, fake news,' she added.

'Children with SEND and disabled adults, including autistic people, are not victims who are being 'over diagnosed'.

'They are people who face huge delays and long fights to get the most basic support across every aspect of their lives, including diagnosis, education, health and social care.

'Spreading misinformation only perpetuates stigma and makes life harder.

'We're calling on all politicians to drop the political point scoring and stand up for their autistic and other disabled constituents.'

Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson, her party's education spokesperson, said: 'Farage is clearly laying the groundwork to axe crucial special needs provision in councils he's got his eye on - communities where families and vulnerable young people are already waiting years to access threadbare special needs funds and special schools bursting at the seams.

'If Nigel Farage had spent any time speaking to parents in his constituency, he'd know he's barking up the wrong tree.

'The special needs crisis needs urgent repair - not his lazy rhetoric. We need a national body for SEND to end the special needs postcode lottery now.'
An Ohio man has made a chilling confession moments after allegedly stabbing his father to death following an argument over doing the dishes.

After allegedly killing his own father, Marysville resident Micaiah Swindler apparently called 911 and calmly told dispatchers, 'I'm not going to lie. I just killed my father.'

'Wait, what?' the dispatcher asked in the call obtained by WSYX News.

'I killed my dad,' Micaiah repeated nonchalantly of the brutal murder of his 59-year-old father, Joe Swindler.

'What do you mean you killed your dad?' the seemingly confused dispatcher responded.

'Like, he's dead,' Swindler responded, sounding calm and collected.

When asked why he had committed the horrific act, Swindler responded: 'God. God told me to.'

'I had orders,' he added.

Micaiah Swindler's phone call with 911 dispatchers has revealed his chilling four-word admission after allegedly murdering his dad

When asked why he had committed the horrific act, Swindler responded: 'God. God told me to'

'I'm not going to lie. I just killed my father,' Swindler, 27, calmly told dispatchers in the shocking police call

Hours before the deadly slaying, Marysville police had already visited the Swindler home to respond to a dispute between Micaiah and his father.

The initial verbal conflict that prompted the first police visit was due to a disagreement over doing the dishes, according to the police report.

Emergency services received the call from Micaiah, who allegedly admitted to stabbing his father with a knife.

Neighbor Rich Digney witnessed police taking the suspect into custody and also noticed his eerily calm demeanor.

'The boy just walked out and gave himself up to him,' Digney described. 'They put him in handcuffs, put him in the car and that was it.'

Joe lived in the neighborhood for nearly two decades and worked at Honda.

'He was quiet. He took care of his yard. He didn't come over and visit or anything. We waved to him, he waved back. That's about it,' Digney added.

During a court hearing this week, prosecutors urged the judge to keep Swindler, who was charged with first-degree murder, behind bars.

Hours before the deadly slaying, Marysville police had already visited the Swindler home to respond to a dispute between Micaiah (pictured) and his father

Neighbor Rich Digney witnessed police taking the suspect into custody and also noticed his eerily calm demeanor. Pictued: The Swindler home

They described him as dangerous and requested he be held on a high bond.

The court set Micaiah's bond at $1 million during Tuesday's hearing as he remains behind bars at the Tri-County Regional Jail in Mechanicsburg.

Micaiah is scheduled to return to Marysville Municipal Court on May 1 for his next hearing and has yet to enter a plea at this time.
India has ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 72 hours after a militant attack in Kashmir killed 26 tourists.

Vikram Misri, the Indian foreign secretary, accused Pakistani leaders of sponsoring 'cross-border terrorism' as Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to 'identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers' following the horrific attack near Pahalgam in the disputed region.

Indian police have said at least two of the four suspected gunmen behind the assault - which happened while US Vice President JD Vance was visiting the country - are Pakistani citizens, though Islamabad have denied any notion that it played a role in the shooting.

Pakistan responded by suspending all visas issued to Indian nationals under an exemption scheme with immediate effect and closing its airspace to Indian flights.

They also branded India's decision to suspend a decades-old water treaty as a potential 'act of war'.

Tensions have been massively between the two historical rivals since the tragedy, with fears that conflict could break out between the two nuclear-armed nations who have been bitter rivals since 1947, when the nations were split from British-controlled India.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs today said: 'In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect.

'All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025.

'Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025.

'All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave India before the expiry of visas, as now amended.

Indian police have said at least two of the four suspected gunmen behind the assault are Pakistani citizens, though Islamabad have denied any notion that it played a role in the shooting

Tensions have been rising between the two historical rivals since the tragedy, with fears that conflict could break out between the two nuclear-armed nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to 'identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers'

'Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest.'

Tuesday's attack occured in Kashmir, a region that each country controls parts of but claims in full.

The two nations have been at each others throats since 1947, when Britain, which controlled India, split the nation into two, creating an independent India and Pakistan.

The partition of the two nations established Pakistan as a Muslim-majority nation, while India was created as a Hindu-majority nation.

Britain's decision, passed by parliament in July 1947, also gave Kashmir, as well as Jammu, the opportunity to decide which nation to join.

Kashmir's monarch, the maharaja, initially decided that his nation should go it alone, claiming that it had been under the yoke of empires for centuries and had been ignored and under-developed.

But ultimately, the then-ruler of Kashmir agreed his nation should join India, in exchange for the former colony providing material support against Pakistan, which later triggered the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48.

Years of conflict led to rebels in Kashmir waging an insurgency that began in 1989, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan.

New Delhi has regularly blamed Islamabad for backing gunmen in Kashmir, though Pakistan denies this.

On Tuesday gunmen burst out of forests at a popular tourist spot and opened fire on the crowds of visitors, killing 25 Indian residents and one person residing in Nepal.

The attack took place in Pahalgam, a picturesque town in the Himalayas often described as the 'Switzerland of India'.

Following the attack, India's aviation regulator said there was unprecedened demand from travellers and tourists desperately trying to get home.

Modi responded furiously to the incident by pledging a 'punishment bigger than they can imagine' for the perpetrators.

On Tuesday gunmen burst out of forests at a popular tourist spot and opened fire on the crowds of visitors

Family members perform Hindu rituals in front of the body of Bharath Bhushan after the deadly attack in Kashmir

The attack took place in Pahalgam, a picturesque town in the Himalayas often described as the 'Switzerland of India'

'Our enemies have dared to attack the country's soul... India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism,' he said.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as deputy prime minister, called the Indian response 'immature and hasty'.

He added: 'India has not given any evidence.

'They have not shown any maturity in their response. This is not a serious approach. They started creating hype immediately after the incident.'

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif added: 'Indias allegation against Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident is inappropriate. There should be no ambiguity that we strongly condemn terrorism.'

Experts have suggested that India could use military force in response to the attack. It could mirror their response to a militant attack on Kashmir in 2019, after which New Delhi launched airstrikes on Balakot in Pakistan.

In 2021, the two countries renewed a previous ceasefire agreement along their border, which has largely held despite attacks on Indian forces by insurgents.

'Modi will have a very strong, if not irresistible, political compulsion to retaliate with force,' Arzan Tarapore, a research scholar from Stanford Universitys Center for International Security and Cooperation, told CNN.

'We dont know what that would look like, and its somewhat meaningless to speculate at this point, but I think the 2019 Balakot crisis provides some cues on what to watch for in Indias response.'

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as deputy prime minister, called the Indian response 'immature and hasty'

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs today said: 'In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect'

There are now signficant fears of the consequences of an all-out war between the two neighbours.

India and Pakistan have armed themselves with hundreds of nuclear warheads, missile delivery systems, advanced fighter jets and modern weapons in recent decades.

About 1,500 people across Kashmir have been detained for questioning in connection with the attack, according to the BBC.

Police have offered a reward of two million rupees - around 17,600 - for anyone offering information about any of the attackers.

Part of India's retaliation included suspending a decades-old water sharing treaty brokered by the World Bank in 1960.

The Cabinet Committee on Security, headed up by Modi, decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, India's Foreign Secretary confirmed last night.

He said: 'The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.'

The Indus river, which flows through India to Pakistan, is crucial for millions of farmers in both nations.

The suspension of water sharing ahead of the sowing season in Pakistan may have a significant impact on its crop production.

Supporters of Islamic political party Pakistan Markazi Muslim League burn a mock Indian flag during a rally against India's suspension of Indus Water Treaty over Pahalgam attacks

The Cabinet Committee on Security, headed up by Modi, decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistan have said that any attempt to stop of divert the water 'will be considered an Act of War'.

Senator Sherry Rehman, Pakistans former Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environment, told MailOnline: 'With zero evidence, India has laid the entire blame on Pakistan, and used this tragedy as an excuse to dismantle all diplomatic and other ties like the Indus Waters Treaty that have stood the test of time and several wars.

'It is clear that their playbook is fundamentally focused on a rapid escalation of hostilities, irrespective of the obvious dangers in a nuclear neighbourhood.'

Ali Rehman Malik, chairman of the Institute of Research and Reforms (IRR) International, added: 'There is simply no justification for threatening a nation's access to water. Water is not a political bargaining chip; it is the foundation of life. To withhold it is to deliberately endanger civilians, slowly, but surely.

'Nowhere is this more urgent than in Pakistan, where the Indus River sustains nearly 90 per cent of the country's agricultural production and provides drinking water to over 200 million people. The Indus is not just a river, it is the lifeline of an entire nation.'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have unveiled a memorial in New York City which they say is dedicated to 'honouring the lives of children lost to online harm'.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also called for more protections for children from the dangers of social media, claiming that 'enough is not being done'.

They launched the 'Lost Screen Memorial' installation made from 50 smartphones which each display a photo of a child who died 'due to the harms of social media'.

The couple attended a private vigil at the site last night with families of the children as part of the Archewell Foundation's 'No Child Lost to Social Media' campaign.

And Harry told BBC Breakfast: 'We want to make sure that things are changed so that... no more kids are lost to social media. Life is better off social media.'

The 40-year-old Duke added that he was 'grateful' that his children Prince Archie, five, and three-year-old Princess Lilibet were still too young to be online.

Speaking to journalists at an Archewell Foundation event, Harry also said: 'The easiest thing to say is to keep your kids away from social media.

'The sad reality is the kids who aren't on social media normally get bullied at school because they can't be part of the same conversation as everybody else.

'Life is better off of social media. I say that as a parent, and I say that as someone who's spoken to many of the kids here tonight who lost a brother or a sister to social media. But clearly, enough is not enough. Enough is not being done.'

The Duke also accused technology firms of 'getting away with it', saying they did not need to disclose information to families in Britain due to privacy considerations.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Time100 Summit in New York City yesterday

Meghan and Harry at the Time100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York yesterday

He said: 'Some of the stories here are truly harrowing. You think you've heard the worst of it until nights like this, here in America. Some of these stories - they are crime scenes - and these companies are getting away with it by saying, 'We don't need to give you disclosure'.

'For families, some of the arguments that are being made around privacy  you're telling a parent, you're telling a dad and a mum that they can't have the details of what happened.'

The images on the memorial were shared by parents who are part of the Parents Network, a foundation launched by the Sussexes last August as a support system for parents of children affected by online harms.

According to People magazine, Meghan also told the event at The Perch in Manhattan: 'These are families that we have been working with for several years.

'No matter how polarized the world is, or what people may or may not agree on, one thing that we can all agree on is that our children should be safe. All of our children should be safe, and I think tonight, all of these stories solidify that.'

People's report said that the Sussexes were 'visibly in sync and deeply engaged throughout the event, taking their time with each parent, offering comfort and consoling those in tears'.

A statement from the Archewell Foundation said the families attending the memorial  which is only open for 24 hours but also has a virtual version online - were a 'powerful representation of the thousands of families who have lost their children to online harm'.

The Duchess of Sussex attends the Time100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center yesterday

Meghan Markle arrives at the Time 100 Summit in New York City with Prince Harry yesterday

It added: 'This long-standing partnership has created a space for shared grief, advocacy, and action, as these parents work together to transform personal loss into meaningful change.'

The statement also said the tribute 'builds on over four years of work by the Duke and Duchess in the digital safety space, reflecting their continued commitment to creating a safer digital world'.

It continued: 'Together, they have championed responsible technology, advocated for policy reform, and walked alongside grieving familieslistening, learning, and amplifying their voices.

'Both have remained deeply involved in these effortsnot only as advocates, listeners, but ultimately parentsengaging with families, amplifying their voices, and helping to shape a more compassionate, accountable digital environment.'

It comes after Harry and Meghan accused Meta of 'allowing more abuse and normalising hate speech' in January after its decision to scrap third-party fact-checking and loosen its content moderation.

At the time, they criticised the social media giant for responding to 'political winds' and 'abandon(ing) public safety in favour of profit, chaos, and control'.

Last September, Harry delivered a passionate speech in New York calling for action to tackle the 'pervasive threat' the online world poses for children, warning: 'Our kids can't wait.'

The Duchess of Sussex speaks on stage during the Time 100 Summit in New York yesterday

Taking part in the Clinton Global Initiative, Harry suggested the harmful effects of social media meant people were being used for a 'human experiment' rather than enjoying a 'human experience'.

This week, the couple have also been in New York for the Time100 summit which they attended at the Jazz at Lincoln Center yesterday.

At the event, the Duchess said it had been an 'incredibly busy' time recently as she launched her Netflix show, new podcast and lifestyle brand As Ever but being a mother gave her 'perspective'.

She added that Archie's first tooth has come loose and she hoped she would be back home from New York before it came out.

The Duchess said of her new ventures: 'I think as a working mom, and again, these are three projects that we're all launching really at the same time.

'The behind the scenes for the past year and a half have been incredibly busy and ambitious, but to see it all come to life and try to give yourself the space and the grace to make mistakes, to know that you're not going to get it right every day, and at the same time to prioritise what we're going to put out as our next tranche of skews is equally important to me as Archie losing his first tooth this week which is about to happen, and I just hope we're back home in time for it - that it all matters.

Meghan speaks with Time chief executive Jessica Sibley yesterday at the event in New York

'And when you look at your life through that perspective, which frankly, being a parent gives you the most illuminating perspective, because what is seemingly so big, somehow becomes so microscopic in importance compared to what's happening with your children.

'That's certainly how I feel, that you just make time to do it all and I think that's what is hopeful, that's what feels like the dream. '

Asked how she stayed 'focused' while being a high-profile individual who is under 'scrutiny', the duchess said she does not go online.

She continued: 'I've made a very, very conscious effort to create boundaries for myself and for my mental health, for my wellbeing, and certainly to role model that as well for my children.

'I'm conscious of not just raising a very strong and confident young woman, but also having a son, I think is just as paramount of importance for young men to be raised with a confidence and sense of self that is going to empower the women around them too.'

Asked what was 'next' for her, the Duchess said: 'I think obviously, focusing on our family and our children is most important.'

Meghan added that she wanted to continue to 'uplift other female founders' through new podcast Confessions Of A Female Founder, to expand her portfolio of investment into women-founded companies and to scale up her brand As Ever.
A beloved Virginia weatherman has been accused of secretly filming a sex tape and then threatening the victim with releasing it.

Josh Fitzpatrick, 42, was arrested for felony sexual extortion weeks after resigning from his job as chief meteorologist at 29News in Charlottesville, where he had worked for nearly a decade.

'The victim reported that after a consensual sexual encounter, they were extorted and threatened with the release of a video taken unknowingly and without their consent,' the Albemarle County Police Department said in a statement obtained by The Daily Progress.

Police say their investigation began in February, and that Fitzpatrick quit his job and moved to Ohio shortly after.

He was arrested in Ohio on a fugitive warrant this week and is also charged with the unlawful creation of an image of another.

'With the assistance of Ohio law enforcement, Fitzpatrick was arrested on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. He is currently being held in Ohio awaiting extradition to Virginia,' police said.

Investigators have said they believe there may be additional victims. They haven't disclosed whether Fitzpatrick's accuser is a man or woman.

Josh Fitzpatrick, 42, was arrested for sexual extortion weeks after leaving his chief meteorologist job at 20News in Virginia

Police say the weatherman recorded a sex tape without the consent of another person and then threatened to release it

Fitzpatrick is charged with felony sexual extortion and the unlawful creation of an image of another

They have asked anyone who may have had an encounter with Fitzpatrick to contact the Albemarle County Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 434-296-5807.

If convicted of extortion of an adult, Fitzpatrick faces up to to years in prison.

Fitzpatrick's fans have been leaving comments on the last image he shared on Facebook, reacting to his arrest.

'the county jail has views like this?' said one comment.

'are you ok. Theres a lot if talk circulating on fb. I hope its not true,' read another.

'Cloudy with a chance of prison,' said a third.

Fitzpatrick is originally from Ohio and previously worked at WSAZ-TV and WOAY-TV.

He continued sharing weather forecasts and images of landscapes on social media until he day of his arrest.

Over the last month he has often also shared images from a farm.

Police say the weatherman moved to Ohio after they began their investigation in February

The weatherman celebrated two decades in the news business last year.

He wrote: 'Its been an overall great 20 years. Ive seen a lot of changes... Worked with great and talented people.

'Im doing what Ive wanted since the fourth grade. Ive seen and done a lot. Forecasting nearly every type of weather.

'Its strange that its been this long as Im barely older than 20.'
A transgender woman has boasted about using the ladies toilets in Parliament just days after the Supreme Court ruling.

The landmark hearing last Wednesday ruled that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex, and that trans women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) could potentially be excluded from single-sex spaces if 'proportionate'.

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.'

Despite this Marty Davies, a writer and campaigner, took to X to detail how she is protesting the change in the law from the heart of government.

She arrived at Parliament for Lesbian Visibility Week to hear the Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson speaking in the chamber.

Which Davies described as her 'casually rubber stamping the stripping away for Trans+ rights'.

She wrote on X: 'Following the speech I went to the women's toilets just outside the Churchill room. I went to the toilet.

'I washed my hands. And no one was hurt.'

She arrived at Parliament for Lesbian Visibility Week to hear the Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson speaking in the chamber

She joins a multitude of other activists who are defying the new rules, with one photographing themselves in a women-only space.

Joss Prior took a selfie in what looks like a women's toilets yesterday, posting it on X alongside the caption: 'Using women's spaces as you do.'

Meanwhile, Ashley Johnson threatened to 'p*** on the floor' if she is stopped from using the ladies toilets.

'Back to anxiety I had about using public toilets when I first transitioned. Thinking I'll still use the ladies and if any establishment stops me, I'll p*** on the floor in their public area,' she wrote on Facebook.

The ruling has caused much controversy among various groups, with transgender activists left furious.

Thousands of outraged campaigners took to the streets of London to protest - waving flags and chanting throughout the afternoon.

Protestors targeted a number of statues in the capital. Notably, a statue of the suffragette Millicent Fawcett was defaced with a banner reading 'F** rights'.

The Metropolitan Police said they were investigating the incidents as criminal damage after the statues were daubed with graffiti.

Thousands of people took to the streets of London after the Supreme Court ruled that women are 'biological women'

A statue of former South African prime minister Jan Smuts was graffitied with the words 'trans rights are human rights'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned vandalism around Westminster in the wake of the demonstrations

This weekend, pro-trans groups are organising demonstrations in towns and cities including Coventry; Portsmouth; Liverpool; Leicester; Oxford; Birmingham; Cheltenham; Cambridge; Derby; Bristol; Newcastle and Aberystwyth.

In Coventry, the group 'Coventry Trans Pride' has called an 'emergency protest for trans rights', meeting at the city's statue of Lady Godiva on Saturday afternoon.

They call on people to 'come together to show that we won't take these attacks on our rights sitting down we will not disappear and we will not be silenced.'

In Darlington, a protest in the town's market square was called after the Supreme Court's decision was described as 'more than a simple clarification on wording, it's an attempt to push trans people out of public life completely.

In his first comments since the Supreme Court's judgment, Sir Keir Starmer yesterday said he believed 'a woman is an adult female, and the court has made that absolutely clear.'

He added: 'I actually welcome the judgment because I think it gives real clarity. It allows those that have got to draw up guidance to be really clear about what that guidance should say.'
Thousands of Israelis including freed Hamas hostages and Holocaust survivors have joined the March of the Living through Auschwitz 80 years after the Nazi death camp's liberation.

The March of the Living follows a two-mile route to the crematoria of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland.

Every year young Israelis, many with their national flag around their shoulders, march to remember the victims of the Holocaust.

Participants pay tribute to the millions of Jews who died there and call for an end to antisemitism and intolerance.

'In days when antisemitism is raising its ugly head, when there is hatred towards Israel and when cries rise for the destruction of Israel, we must stand strong and remind and promise the world: never again,' Israeli President Isaac Herzog said before the march.

The participants, many draped in Israeli flags, passed through the notorious 'Arbeit macht frei' (work sets you free) gate at the entrance to the camp as the march began.

Antisemitic incidents have increased along with protests against Israel in parts of Europe, North America and Australia since Israel launched its war on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

The March of the Living follows a two-mile route to the crematoria of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland

The participants, many draped in Israeli flags, passed through the notorious 'Arbeit macht frei' (work sets you free) gate at the entrance to the camp as the march began

Participants wave Israeli flags and hold banners during the 'March of the Living' at Oswiecim, Poland on April 24, 2025

The March of the Living has been held since 1988 to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day

'We both expressed our hope that the war taking place in the Gaza Strip, which was started by Hamas' attack on Israel, will be able to end, that the hostages who are still in Hamas hands will be able to return home,' Polish President Andrzej Duda, standing alongside Herzog, said.

More than 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, perished in gas chambers or from starvation, cold and disease at Auschwitz, which Nazi Germany set up in occupied Poland during World War Two.

More than three million of Poland's 3.2 million Jews were murdered by the Nazis, accounting for about half of the Jews in Europe killed during the Holocaust.

Between 1941 and 1945 Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically killed six million Jews across German-occupied Europe, along with gypsies, sexual minorities, disabled people and others singled out by Nazi genocidal ideology.

'We both expressed our hope that the war taking place in the Gaza Strip, which was started by Hamas' attack on Israel, will be able to end, that the hostages who are still in Hamas hands will be able to return home,' Polish President Andrzej Duda, standing alongside Isaac Herzog, said



Participants pay tribute to the millions of Jews who died there and call for an end to antisemitism and intolerance

Participants can be seen draped in Israeli flags as they look at a fence at Auschwitz
A woman accused of having an illegal abortion arrived at hospital carrying a foetus in her backpack and told doctors she had miscarried, a court has heard.

Nicola Packer allegedly took abortion medication at home on November 6, 2020, and went to Chelsea and Westminster hospital the following day, Isleworth Crown Court heard on Thursday.

She is charged with 'unlawfully administering to herself a poison or other noxious thing' with the 'intent to procure a miscarriage'.

Packer, then 41 years old, took prescribed medications mifepristone and misoprostol when she was around 26 weeks pregnant, a jury was told.

The court heard that Packer had been in a bondage, dominance and submission (BDSM) relationship with a husband and wife, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.

All three had been in the BDSM 'scene' and lived together from when the UK went into lockdown in March 2020 and during the relevant period, according to the prosecution.

The defendant had consensually adopted the role of a 'submissive' with the man, jurors were told.

His wife had agreed to the dynamic but that it be limited to sexual activity such as oral sex, Ms Felix said.

Nicola Packer, 41, outside Isleworth Crown Court, where she denied illegally poisoning herself to procure a miscarriage

Is is alleged Nicola Packer took abortion medication at home on November 6, 2020, and went to Chelsea and Westminster hospital the following day

Sexual intercourse was not part of the agreement, Ms Felix said, adding that it 'would appear however' that they 'may have in fact engaged in sexual intercourse'.

The legal limit for at-home abortions is 10 weeks. It is alleged that she knew she had been pregnant for more than 10 weeks.

Packer denies the charge and claims she did not believe she had been pregnant for that long, the court heard.

The typical full gestation term is 40 weeks and the outer limit for abortions in the UK is 24 weeks.

Prosecutor Alexandra Felix KC told the court that at about 3pm on November 7, Packer arrived at the hospital and told a nurse that she 'thought she had miscarried' and was 16 to 18 weeks pregnant.

Packer later said she had learned about the pregnancy on November 2 but had started bleeding heavily, jurors were told.

She said she passed the foetus and some blood clots which she had brought with her in the bag, according to the prosecutor.

When the nurse returned to the room she saw Packer looking at something on her phone, Ms Felix said.

Packer allegedly carried the foetus into Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in a backpack

The prosecution said while at the hospital she searched 'is mifesopron detectable' and 'is the abortion pill detectable UK' on her phone

The searches made while she was at the hospital included 'is mifesopron detectable' and 'is the abortion pill detectable UK', according to the prosecution.

At this point Packer had not mentioned taking abortion medication, jurors were told.

Ms Felix said an obstetrician estimated the female foetus was at 22 weeks but a post-mortem examination on November 13 found it was healthy and around 26 weeks.

The prosecutor said Packer told two midwives on November 8 that she had taken abortion pills received in the post from Marie Stopes, one of the world's largest providers of contraception and abortions.

Packer said she thought she was less than 10 weeks pregnant and when she had looked into the toilet bowl she saw 'something larger than she had expected', the court heard.

Police arrested her that day.

Jurors were told that the first relevant internet searches were made on November 2 and that day she also contacted Marie Stopes.

The searches made after speaking with the clinic included 'is at home abortion treatment effective up to 12 weeks' and 'abortion limit UK'.

She spoke to Marie Stopes again on November 3 and requested a telephone appointment because it could be arranged more quickly than a video call, the court heard.

At Isleworth Crown Court, Packer denied unlawfully administering to herself a poison or other noxious thing' with the 'intent to procure a miscarriage

The following day she had a 'full consultation' with a nurse and was later sent the medications, the court heard.

Jurors were told that after taking at least the first medication, the day before she presented at hospital, Packer viewed a page titled 'Medical Abortion from 10 weeks to 24 weeks BPA' and searched 'abortion at home at 15 weeks' and '13 - 24 week medical abortion'.

She later searched 'late miscarriage' and 'how long does a later stage miscarriage take', the court heard.

Ms Felix said: 'These searches were all at a time when Nicola Packer could not have known what the foetus looked like nor its size, yet the searches suggest that she knows that the foetus she is carrying is more than 10 weeks old'.

Shortly after 5am on November 7 she searched 'if you late miscarry at home what do you do with the fetus' and 'can the father take the miscarried fetus to the hospital to get rid of in the UK', the prosecutor said.

Packer sat near her defence team in the courtroom wearing a black blazer, floral shirt and glasses.

The hearing continues.
A suspect wanted for the gruesome murder of a missing graduate school student in Brazil was found tortured to death.

The body of Esteliano Madureira, 43, had more than 10 stab wounds and was wrapped in a tarp in the southeastern city of Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

The Sao Paulo Public Security Secretariat said in a statement that he may have been killed at a different location before being dumped on the west side of the city.

The discovery came just hours after police obtained an warrant for his arrest in connection to the murder of University of Sao Paulo student Bruna da Silva, 28.

Da Silva, a mother of one, disappeared somewhere between the train station and her home  a little over half a mile from the parking lot where her body was found April 17.

Surveillance camera footage showed a man thought to be Madureira following da Silva near a train station on April 13.

The chilling video shows the man stalking da Silva before she swings around to confront the shadowy figure.

A struggle ensues before the pair disappear out of the frame behind a wall.

Grad school student and mother-of-one, Bruna da Silva, was found dead April 17 at a parking lo in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Esteliano Madureira (left) was spotted on a surveillance camera following Bruna da Silva (right) as she was walking near a train station in Sao Paulo the evening of April 13 before she went missing

A struggle ensues before the pair disappear out of the frame behind a wall.

Da Silva had earlier visited her boyfriend who advised her to use a ride-share app on her way home. But despite his urging, da Silva decided to walk.

Da Silva had a fractured vertebrae in her neck and burn marks, authorities with knowledge of the investigation told Brazilian news outlet G1.

A plastic bag was found near her body, which they believe the killer may have used to strangled da Silva, who died from asphyxiation. An autopsy, which will show da Silva's cause of death, is pending.

'We believe in the hypothesis that she suffered sexual violence, but it depends on the conclusion of expert reports,' said Sao Paulo State Department of Homicide and Personal Protection chief Rogerio Thomaz said.

Investigators said they found a set of panties when searching the home of Madureira.

'He was a habitual drug user and lived in that region,' Department of Homicide and Personal Protection Alexandre Menichini said in a press conference Thursday.

Records show Madureira was arrested in 2018, but that he was later acquitted.

Authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Esteliano Madureira, who was wanted for the murder of University of Sao Paulo student Bruna Silva, who was reported missing April 13 and found dead April 7. Madureira was tortured to death and found abandoned on a street Wednesday evening, police said.

Bruna da Silva was seeking to complete her second master's degree at the University of Sao Paulo

Da Silva graduated with a history degree from the University of Sao Paulo.

She also obtained her master's degree in social history from the same school and recently learned that she had been accepted in the master's program for social change and political participation.

'My daughter always fought for feminism,' Simone da Silva said.

'She was very against violence against women. She studied this and died exactly as she feared most and as I feared most. And then I ask: Why wasn't it me? The pain would have been much less.'
A 12-year-old schoolgirl has been taken to hospital after being injured during an alleged 'stabbing' incident at a school.

Police were called to Hazlehead Academy in Aberdeen at around 10.30am on Thursday.

Aberdeen City Council said the girl who was injured and collected by her parents and taken to hospital.

Police described it as a 'contained incident' and said there was 'no risk to the wider school community'.

But parents told how their children had seen the young girl 'covered in blood' after the incident in the school canteen before being taken to hospital.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: 'At 10.30am on Thursday, we received a report of a 12-year-old girl injured in the Groats Road area of Aberdeen.

Police were called to Hazlehead Academy in Aberdeen at around 10.30am on Thursday

'She was taken to Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital for treatment.

'Inquiries are ongoing but officers are following a positive lead. This was a contained incident and there is no risk to the wider school community.'

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that an incident occurred at Hazlehead Academy this morning.

'As a result, a pupil was injured. The pupil was collected by their parents and taken for medical treatment.

'The incident is now over. Police were alerted and are carrying out inquiries. We cannot comment further at this stage.'

Several parents took to social media to describe how their children had contacted them during the incident.

One said they thought their son 'had got his wires mixed up' when he 'called to say someone's been stabbed at school'.

A second added that her daughter had 'seen the girl covered in blood'.
Three ICE agents clashed with two women as they tried to arrest a man who had just had unrelated charges dismissed at a Virginia courthouse.

Shocking video shows the moment a women stood between plain-clothed officials and Teodoro Dominguez Rodriguez, 41, at Albemarle County Courthouse in Charlottesville on Tuesday.

Public Defender Nick Reppucci, whose team oversaw Dominguez Rodriguez's case in court, told DailyMail.com he had been walking out of the courtroom triumphantly after having a misdemeanor charge dismissed when immigration officials snared him.

Reppucci said the ICE agents did not identify themselves or produce an arrest warrant, and 'alarmingly' one was concealing his identity with a balaclava - something which is illegal under Virginia state law.

He described the incident as 'traumatizing', adding that it would have a 'chilling effect on the administration of justice across the country'. DailyMail.com has reached out to ICE for comment.

Video shows the moment one of the ICE agents interacting with Dominguez Rodriguez while two women tried to defend him by standing between him and the official. It's not known what their relation to Dominguez Rodriguez is.

'Do not impede me in my lawful duties, that is a crime,' the agent can be heard telling the women.

One of the women hit back by demanding he showed them a warrant for the arrest, and grabbing the agent by his arms as he closed in on Dominguez Rodriguez.

Three ICE agents have clashed with two women at a Virginia courthouse as the officials tried to arrest a man who had just been cleared of all charges

Public Defender Nick Reppucci (pictured) whose team oversaw Dominguez Rodriguez's case in court, told DailyMail.com he had been walking out of the courtroom triumphantly after having his misdemeanor charge dismissed when immigration officials snared him

'Get off me or I am calling the US attorney and prosecuting for assault on a federal officer,' the agent warned her, prompting her to raise her arms in the air.

The woman repeated her demand to see a 'warrant signed by a judge' while two more ICE agents got involved in the scuffle, including one masked man.

They managed to handcuff Dominguez Rodriguez before appearing to read him his rights in both English and Spanish and escorting him out of the building.

Reppucci, who is not representing Dominguez Rodriguez in his immigration case, told DailyMail.com that another man was also detained by the agents in the same court house around an hour before his client.

'I've never seen anything like it,' the longtime public defender said. 'It was traumatic and upsetting for all of the people who work in the office, and for members of the public who observed it.'

Reppucci said his client's ordeal is likely to deter victims and witnesses from reporting crimes, and defendants from turning up to hearings over fears they could be intercepted - in error or otherwise.

'It's going to have an extraordinarily chilling effect on the administration of justice across the country if people are being arrested at court hearings,' he said.

'It's not just undocumented people who will be discouraged - citizens are being wrongly deported.

'The decision to execute an immigration seizure at a state courthouse is horrible public policy... Our community is less safe and just than it was a few days ago.'

Reppucci said the ICE agents did not identify themselves or produce an arrest warrant, and 'alarmingly' one was concealing his identity with a balaclava - something which is illegal under Virginia state law. The agents clashed with the two women pictured speaking with them above

Video shows the moment one of the ICE agents interacting with Dominguez Rodriguez while two women tried to defend him by standing between him and the official

Reppucci said he obtained an order from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, stating that 'when practicable, ICE officers and agents will conduct civil immigration enforcement actions against targeted aliens discreetly to minimize their impact on court proceedings'.

The public defender slammed the order as 'nonsense speak'. 'The damage has been done,' he added.

It's not clear whether Dominguez Rodriguez is a US citizen. DailyMail.com has contacted ICE for clarification.
America's wokest DA has been accused of flouting her own rules to ensure a Minnesota state worker walked free after keying six Teslas.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty's office revealed this week that they dropped charges against 33-year-old Dylan Bryan Adams after he reportedly admitted to causing around $21,000 in damages during four separate incidents.

Adams will instead be entered into an adult diversion program for first-time, low-level offenders, which could even allow him to keep his job as a program consultant at the state's Department of Human Services.

Even the liberal-leaning Minnesota Star Tribune has slammed Moriarty's decision in an op-ed where they note her own office's policy, which says that diversion is only meant for property crimes of less than $5,000.

Bryan - whose ultimate boss is Minnesota's Democrat Governor Tim Walz - caused more than four times that amount of damage but won't even have a conviction to his name.

'Moriarty either ignored it or bent it to fit a narrative,' columnist Brandi Bennet writes.

'Either way, the public is left wondering: What exactly are the rules in Hennepin County, and who are they written to protect?'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Moriarty's office for comment on her diversion policy.

Moriarty, a career public defender before becoming district attorney, has faced mounting criticism for her soft-on-crime approach, often prioritizing leniency over public safety.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will not file charges against 33-year-old. She has previously been accused of being soft on crime

Dylan Bryan Adams, 33, reportedly admitted to causing at least $21,000 by vandalizing Teslas in Minneapolis. He is a program consultant at the state's Department of Human Services

Minnesota's DHS said they are reviewing Adams' case when asked if he would keep his job

Moriarty tried to defend her decision on Wednesday, telling the Tribune the move was not politically motivated.

'We try to make decisions without really looking at the political consequences,' she said. 'Can we always predict how a story will be portrayed in the media or what people will say? No.'

Adams will be entered into an adult diversion program for first-time, low-level offenders, which would allow him to keep his job

The Minneapolis police department reacted angrily to the DA's decision to let Adams go free, amid claims Moriarty regularly snubs strong cases presented by investigators as part of her soft-on-crime 'equity-centered' approach.

'The Minneapolis Police Department did its job. It identified and investigated a crime trend, identified, and arrested a suspect, and presented a case file to the Hennepin County Attorney Office for consideration of charges,' Chief Brian OHara said in a statement.

'Any frustration related to the charging decision of the Hennepin County Attorney should be directed solely at her office. Our investigators are always frustrated when the cases they poured their hearts into are declined. In my experience, the victims in these cases often feel the same.'

Minnesota's DHS told the local outlet they are reviewing Adams' case when asked if he would keep his job, and added that 'State employees are expected to follow our code of conduct and hold themselves to the highest ethical standards through their words and actions.'

DA Moriarty has previously been accused of being soft on crime; since obtaining the position in 2023, she has angered victims' relatives with her recommendations for sentencing - even clashing with the liberal George Soros-backed attorney general for Minnesota, Keith Ellison.

Adams was captured on vehicle surveillance footage dragging a key across the exteriors of several Teslas

Adams' vandalism incidents came after Minnesota governor and Kamala Harris' running mare Tim Walz said that watching Tesla stock drop gave him 'a little boost during the day'

Police say Adams was repeatedly caught on camera vandalizing parked Teslas with his keys while out walking his dog.

Adams' vandalism incidents came just weeks after Minnesota governor and Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz said that watching Tesla stock drop gave him 'a little boost during the day.'

Disturbing surveillance videos showed Adams approaching the vehicles from across the street, leash in one hand, while pulling his keys from his pocket with the other.

In one clip, he allegedly carved into the rear of a Tesla. In another, he seemingly targeted the side of the vehicle nearest the sidewalk, again using his key to scratch a deep line across the car's body.

The specific markings or messages he allegedly etched remain unclear.

In a separate clip, Adams - seen wearing a rust-colored beanie, a dark gray sweatshirt and black vest - crossed the road before allegedly dragging his key from the driver's side door to the rear of the vehicle, then casually walking away.

Yet another video showed him in a different outfit - this time a black winter jacket and a burgundy Minnesota Gophers hat - allegedly repeating the same act of vandalism as he walks by another Tesla with his dog.

A fourth clip, believed to have been recorded in the parking lot of Target, showed Adams exiting his vehicle while wearing a Golden State Warriors jersey over a light gray hoodie.

Protestors gather outside the Tesla dealership in Chicago, demanding fair taxation during Tax Day protests in Illinois on April 15

He then walked toward a nearby Tesla, readied his key and seemingly scratched into the paint before fleeing the scene undisturbed.

One of the victims said they'd bought their Tesla before owner Elon Musk had been appointed to the Trump administration and said the car had a sticker on it explaining its owner was not a Trump supporter.

Adams' arrest comes amid a wave of vandalism incidents against Elon Musk's company as the billionaire works with the Donald Trump administration to reduce government spending.

The Justice Department has said it is treating the vandalism as domestic terrorism and has charged at least five cases against people accused of using Molotov cocktails to destroy Tesla cars and fire stations.

The FBI last month created a task force to coordinate investigate efforts around the attacks with officials at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has suggested prosecutors will make no plea deals with those charged in the Tesla attacks, telling the president at the White House that 'there will be no negotiations, at your directive.'
Three of Britains richest men  including a top investment banker - have become the latest to join an exodus of the super-rich amid a government crackdown on wealthy non-doms.

Ian and Richard Livingstone, brothers who own a 9bn property empire in the UK and abroad, an online casino and plush Monte Carlo hotel, were last night revealed as having quit the UK for Monaco, according to corporate documents.

Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs top banker, Richard Gnodde, worth over 130m, is understood to have ditched London for Milan.

Mr Gnodde is believed to be is the first senior banker leaving the UK for a different country, leading to fears the exodus of wealthy talent is spreading among the Citys higher echelons.

Leslie Macleod-Miller, chief executive of the non-dom lobby group, Foreign Investors for Britain, called for action to stem the flow of highly desired  and highly mobile  individuals such as Gnodde.

He told the City AM newspaper: We are calling on the government to create an internationally competitive environment that attracts and retains top global talent and investment.

Tycoon Ian Livingstone, who is leaving Britain for Monaco, pictured with his wife Natalie

Goldman Sachs' group vice chairman and ex-CEO Richard Gnodde is swapping UK for Milan

In her budget last October, Rachel Reeves scrapped centuries-old tax privileges for non-doms  under which they were only taxed on income and gains brought into Britain.

Now all UK residents will be taxed in Britain on their worldwide income and gains.

The change in the brothers residence was revealed after South African-born Mr Gnodde, vice chairman of Goldman Sachs Group was confirmed to be leaving London for Milan.

The non-dom system dated back to 1799 and allowed people to avoid UK taxes on their overseas earnings for as long as 15 years.

But Chancellor Ms Reeves homed in on the super-wealthy as part of efforts to plug a 22bn black hole in public finances.

Yesterday, a representative for Ian Livingstone, 62, and Richard, 60, declined to comment.

The pair, who made their money in property, have held major investments in the Riviera city-state for more than a decade.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has cracked down on non doms to fill 'black hole' in finances

The switch for the founders of London & Regional, whose property business is worth over 9bn, took effect between late March and early April  the time when Labours tax changes came into force.

Sources close to Mr Gnodde told CityAM the investment banking chief was moving to avoid changes to the non-dom regime and foreign-held trusts.

Mr Gnodde, 65, who retains his vice chairman role, now also serves on Goldman Sachs Bank Europes supervisory board. He is yet to change his residency with Companies House.

He first joined the banks London branch in 1987 when it was a small outpost but rose to become international co-chief executive in 2006, then sole CEO in 2016.

It made him one of the most powerful bankers in the Square Mile, responsible for the banks operations outside the US. But in January, he announced he was stepping down as CEO.

A Goldman Sachs spokesman said: Given his new role, Richard will be primarily focused on growth opportunities across Europe. He will continue to spend time in the London office.

The three mens exit follows that of other UK billionaires.

These include Egypts Nassef Sawiris, co-owner of Aston Villa FC, leaving for Italy citing 10 years of incompetence by the previous Tory government, and Belgiums Frederic de Mevius whose family own drinks firm AB-Inbev.

Last month, billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal  a major Labour donor under Tony Blair  announced he was quitting London after 30 years and planning to move the United Arab Emirates.

In January, global analytics firm New World Wealth and investment migration advisers Henley & Partners found over 10,000 millionaires left the UK in 2024, up 157 pc on the previous year.

Monaco, where Ineos and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe moved in 2018, has no capital gains or income taxes and generous exemptions for inherited assets.

Italy has become a magnet for wealthy foreigners due to tax breaks on earnings for up to 15 years in exchange for an annual fee. The charge started at 100,000 and, although it has since doubled, it remains attractive.

US President Donald Trump spoke out this week against plans by Senators to raise federal taxes to 40% for people earning over $1m a year  saying a higher tax rate would probably send the richest citizens towards the exits.

The Livingstone brothers were sons of a dentist who grew up in London and established their property firm in the 1990s, snapping up run-down sites.

Their portfolio now extends to cinemas, offices in Madrid, the luxurious, 550-a-night Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel, plus a stake in Evolution AB, one of the worlds biggest online casinos.

The brothers have a charitable foundation working with young people, British fashion ventures and London colleges.

Facing a backlash, Ms Reeves told the World Economic Forum in January that said she has been listening to concerns and would expand allowances to help non-doms repatriate their funds to the UK.
A married couple was forced to strip off their clothing and give away their valuables to callous thieves who robbed them on their front doorstep in Illinois.

Navy veteran Gregory Poulos, 56, and his wife Angie Beltsos, 61, were arriving home from a late dinner on Monday when armed robbers pointed guns at their faces around 10pm.

'Here, take it, take it!' Poulos can be heard telling the thieves on Ring footage. 'Take everything!'

He and his wife began throwing their belongings, including a purse, phones, blazers, and even Beltsos' wedding ring and ring Poulos' grandfather wore his whole life, ABC 7 Chicago and WGN 9 reported.

'It was surreal, to be honest. You don't know what to think. You sort of freeze,' Poulos told ABC 7.

Two of the couple's children were inside the $1.6million home, but were unharmed.

'Thank god they didn't open the door in the midst of that,' Beltsos, who is a doctor, told ABC 7 Chicago.

Thieves then ordered the couple to lie down on their stomachs while keeping guns pointed at them as they took off in a stolen Jaguar that was later found by police.

Navy veteran Gregory Poulos, 56, and his wife Angie Beltsos, 61, were arriving home from a late dinner on Monday when armed robbers pointed guns at their faces around 10pm.

He and his wife began throwing their belongings, including a purse, phones, blazers, and even Beltsos' wedding ring and ring Poulos' grandfather wore his whole life

However, the assailants are still at large.

The incident left the couple shaken, with Beltsos saying: 'You are in the place that you're supposed to be safe. Right in your front lawn in front of your door, and instead, you have a gun pointed at you, times three, and your life can be taken.

'Anywhere in this city, anywhere in this country we should be safe in our homes.'

Now, the couple is hoping to warn others and that their experience serves as a lesson to other families.

'What we really want is a deterrent for others to say that this is not worth doing,' Poulos told ABC 7.

The veteran credits his time in the Navy for the ability to remain calm while under attack.

Thieves then ordered the couple to lie down on their stomachs while keeping guns pointed at them as they took off in a stolen Jaguar that was later found by police. Two of the couple's children were inside the $1.6million home, but were unharmed

The veteran credits his time in the Navy for the ability to remain calm while under attack

'Whether you are churning inside or not, you have to remain calm on the outside, and you have to be very deliberate in what you do,' he told ABC 7.

So far, no suspects have been taken into custody.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the couple for comment.
Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg is set to get a top White House briefing  on purpose, this time.

President Donald Trump, who is engaged in a feverish bid to sell his presidency as his 100th day in office approaches, revealed that he is sitting down with Goldberg, who he termed a 'sleazebag' after the journalist exposed the Signal group chat scandal.

'Later today I will be meeting with, of all people, Jeffrey Goldberg, the Editor of The Atlantic, and the person responsible for many fictional stories about me, including the made-up HOAX on Suckers and Losers and, SignalGate, something he was somewhat more successful with,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social site.

That last line acknowledged the impact of the story, which set off an internal White House probe as well as an IG investigation at the Pentagon, though both Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz have survived.

SignalGate refers to the encrypted group chat with top administration officials that Goldberg was inadvertently included on as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared advance information about an attack on the Houthis in Yemen.

Goldberg published a story about it titled 'The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans' where he disclosed following the attack in real time from a store parking lot.

President Donald Trump says he is hosting Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, who he previously slammed as a 'sleazebag.' Trump said the journalist had been more 'successful' with breaking the SignalGate story than with some other endeavors

The administration denied the chat included war plans and said the information wasn't classified, although officials were floored that top officials would discuss an imminent attack on an a private encrypted app.

Trump also invited a pair of other reporters from the publication who has ripped in the past.

'Jeffrey is bringing with him Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker, not exactly pro-Trump writers, either, to put it mildly!' Trump wrote.

'The story they are writing, they have told my representatives, will be entitled, The Most Consequential President of this Century, Trump posted, in a topic that could not be immediately confirmed.

Then he explained the unexpected reason he had even consented to the meeting.

'I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if its possible for The Atlantic to be truthful. Are they capable of writing a fair story on TRUMP? The way I look at it, what can be so bad  I WON!' he concluded.

Trump hits his 100-day mark next week, as his public approval rating has dropped to 44 percent in a new Fox news poll.

That puts Trump below all of his recent predecessors, and even a point behind his own first-term rating of 45 percent.

The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans'

Trump slammed the Fox polling unit in a Thursday post.

In the fury after the Signal story broke late last month, the Trump White House also attacked Goldberg over a 2020 story by Goldberg that reported Trump told senior staff that fallen soldiers were 'suckers' and 'losers.'

Trump denied the story at the time, although his former White House chief of staff John Kelly later confirmed elements of it in a statement.

There was concern in Trump's story after the Signal story broke about whether Waltz, who created the group chat, had been speaking to Goldberg.

But it was since reported that the snafu may have occurred because aid aide added Goldberg's information to another security staffer's name.

In addition to his media outreach, Trump has planned a trip to battleground Michigan next week in advance of his 100th day.

He flies to Rome Friday to attend the funeral for Pope Francis, and will have a press corps in tow as he confronts the war in Ukraine and the ongoing trade war.
Families who lost children in the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting are not satisfied with the $2 million settlement the city of Uvalde, Texas, unanimously approved on Tuesday night.

Javier Cazares, whose daughter Jackie was murdered at the school, told the Associated Press that the sum will be split among the 21 families of the victims.

Nineteen fourth-graders and two teachers at Robb Elementary were shot by 18-year-old Salvador Ramos on May 24, 2022, making it one of the deadliest school shootings in US history.

Victims' families told CNN that it wouldn't seek a higher payout from Uvalde, not wanting the city they call home to go broke.

However, they are also suing other parties they feel were negligent in their failed response to the shooting, including the Texas state police.

Children trapped inside the school were desperately calling 911 while cops were right outside. Officers arrived at the scene just three minutes after Ramos opened fire, but they took well over an hour to execute a plan and kill the shooter.

The families' lawsuit against the city will now require enhanced training for city police officers, while also expanding mental health services for families and kids in the Uvalde area.

As part of the settlement, the city also agreed to set May 24 as an annual day of remembrance and establish a permanent memorial in the city plaza.

Nearly three years after the shooting at Robb Elementary School in May 2022, the city of Uvalde has approved a $2 million settlement for the victims' families

The police response to the shooting was heavily criticized because the nearly 400 police officers on the scene waited over an hour to confront and kill the perpetrator

Javier Cazares is pictured with his daughter Jackie, who was killed during what has become one of the worst school shootings in American history

'This is a small win in a larger battle and a lot of injustice we are still going through,' Cazares told the Associated Press. 'I couldnt care less about the money.'

The settlement between the families and Uvalde was first announced in May 2024 but was just voted on by the city council this week.

Uvalde Mayor Hector Luevano said the citys settlement included 'restorative justice initiatives for the families' but didn't offer any additional details. He also didn't say why it took nearly a year for the $2 million to be officially approved.

The families also filed a $500 million lawsuit in federal court against Texas state police troopers and other officials in the department.

Two other suits - filed in Texas and California - have targeted Meta, the parent company of Instagram, and Activision, the maker of 'Call of Duty,' a first-person shooter game Ramos played frequently.

The suits contend that Meta and Activision 'knowingly exposed' Ramos to the AR-15 he used in his rampage. Also named in the legal action is Daniel Defense, the gun manufacturer for the AR-15 used by Ramos.

'This three-headed monster knowingly exposed him to the weapon, conditioned him to see it as a tool to solve his problems and trained him to use it,' the complaint said.

The families are also suing 92 officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Uvalde Consolidated School District, and individual employees.

Former Uvalde School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo is seen in the center inside Robb Elementary. He led the botched response

Both Arredondo (right) and Adrian Gonzales, another former school police officer, now face charges of child endangerment and abandonment. They are scheduled to go on trial this year

More than 370 police officers from agencies from the local, state and federal level waited 77 minutes before finally confronting the shooter. He was ultimately killed by US Border Patrol officers.

The extraordinarily sluggish response time has led to charges for two former Uvalde school police officers, Pete Arredondo and Adrian Gonzales.

A grand jury indicted both of them for child endangerment and abandonment. They pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to go on trial later this year.

Arredondo, the former school district police chief, was listed as the incident commander for the district's active shooter response plan.

In an interview with investigators from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Arredondo appeared to admit that he chose not to engage with the shooter and allow more kids to be at risk.

'Once I realized that was going on, my first thought is that we need to vacate. We have him contained  and I know this is horrible and I know it's [what] our training tells us to do but  we have him contained, there's probably going to be some deceased in there, but we don't need any more from out here,' he was heard saying in footage first obtained by CNN.

The decision went against the department's protocol, which directs any armed officer on the scene of an active school shooter to engage, regardless of the risk to themselves.

Arredondo was one of the first to arrive at the school after the shooting began, and was armed with a handgun. He told investigators that he wanted to wait until officers with rifles were scene before attempting to engage Ramos.
A Massachusetts congressman announced the tragic passing of his young daughter on Thursday.

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., shared in a statement that his daughter, Molly, passed away while on vacation to Europe.

'Molly radiated pure joy. She lit up every room with her beaming smilefull of laughter, endless warmth, and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant,' the statement from the McGovern family began.

'She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years. Molly had a rare gift: She made everyone feel special, because she genuinely believed everyone was special.'

The 22-year-old was suffering from a rare form of cancer, the lawmaker shared.

'Even as she faced a rare cancer diagnosis, she did so with relentless courage, optimism, and tenacityrefusing to let her illness slow her down.'

'She had just finished a semester abroad in Australia. She passed away unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family.'

Molly McGovern and Rep. Jim McGovern in 2020

'Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life. We love you, Molly. We miss you already,' her father wrote in a statement

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., announced on Thursday that his daughter passed away after suffering from a rare form of cancer. Above they are pictured in 2018 after Molly got her driver's license

'Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life. We love you, Molly. We miss you already.'

The statement was signed on behalf of the congressman, his wife Lisa McGovern and their son Patrick McGovern.

The lawmaker's colleagues immediately began pouring out their support for the Massachusetts family.

'My heart breaks for Jim, Lisa, Patrick, and the entire McGovern family,' the second most powerful House Democrat, Katherine Clark, another Bay State lawmaker, wrote in a statement.

'I can imagine no greater pain as a parent than losing a child. Molly was an incredible source of light and love in their lives and cherished in our congressional family.'

Molly was studying political science and international affairs at Northeastern University, according to her LinkedIn page.

In 2023 for Father's Day Molly wrote her father a glowing tribute on his campaign website.

'Remarkably, considering a tough work schedule, Dad was always there for my brother Patrick and me growing up,' Molly wrote. 'We'd take long walks around the neighborhood, talking about everything and nothing.'

Molly McGovern 'passed away unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family,' the lawmaker announced

'We'd spend hours reading chapter books together before bed, frequently earning 'just one more page,'' the note continued. 'Years after bedtime routines and bedtime reading, Patrick and I can still always count on our Dad to be there for us.'

'I'm proud to be his daughter and of the work he's doing,' she wrote.
Rachel Reeves will tell leading global finance ministers that nations should be working to 'reduce barriers to trade' amid economic chaos triggered by Donald Trump's trade tariffs.

The Chancellor will tell the International Monetary Fund's spring meeting in Washington that the 'new era of global trade' requires a new system that 'provides security for working people' as she seeks to restore the UK's finances.

As well as the meeting of finance ministers from the G7 and G20, Ms Reeves is due to sit down with US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent on Friday.

UK officials are trying to negotiate a deal with the Americans, in the hope that it could exempt Britain from some of Donald Trump's trade tariffs, amid fears of job losses in the UK and wider turmoil.

The US president imposed a 10 per cent import levy on goods earlier this month, as well as a 25 per cent charge on steel, aluminium and cars.

Ms Reeves is expected to say on Thursday: 'The world has changed and so must we.

'We are in a new era of global trade, and in that new era we need a system that provides security for working people, stability for businesses, and prosperity for national economies.'

She will add: 'To deliver this, we need to do three things: tackle excessive global trade imbalances, reduce barriers to trade, and promote strong multilateral institutions.'

The Chancellor will tell the International Monetary Fund's spring meeting in Washington that the 'new era of global trade' requires a new system that 'provides security for working people' as she seeks to restore the UK's finances.

UK officials are trying to negotiate a deal with the Americans, in the hope that it could exempt Britain from some of Donald Trump's trade tariffs, amid fears of job losses in the UK and wider turmoil.

Earlier in her trip, the Chancellor insisted that there was 'a deal to be done' between London and Washington, but also appeared to rule out at least some changes the US is thought to be seeking.

The Chancellor told a summit the White House is keen to thrash out a trade arrangement between the two countries.

But she insisted Britain will not rush into any accord that is not in our national interest.

Ms Reeves has, in the past, raised expectations she may be able to deliver a much sought-after trade pact with America when she meets today with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Speaking at the UK Embassy, with British Ambassador Peter Mandelson looking on, Ms Reeves was adamant that, as keen as she is to secure the removal of the American 10 per cent general tariff and 25 per cent on cars and steel, she is not prepared to sacrifice our high food standards or change regulations to make it easier for the US to export vehicles to us.

The Chancellor said: Were not going to rush a deal. We want to get the right deal thats in our national interest.

Those talks are ongoing but its clear that the US as well wants a deal, and so those discussions continue. Ive always been really clear that I believe in free trade.

The issue of imports into the UK of hormone-enhanced beef and chlorinated chicken has long been seen as a barrier to wide-ranging free trade with America.

Ms Reeves insisted: We have talked regularly with the farming sector on these issues.

This never has been on the table in these discussions with the US  and the food and farming sector in the UK can be confident that were not going to be reducing our standards.

She was confident that there is enough common ground for an agreement to eventually emerge, saying: I think that there is a deal to be done, both on tariffs and also a wider deal beyond the media issue of tariffs, around technology, a technology partnership building on the National Security and Defence Partnership.

Were not going to be relaxing our food standards. The US like that and they respect that and understand that. So that is not something thats on the table in these discussions. Appearing later at the World Economy Summit in Washington DC, Ms Reeves suggested that she would look to go beyond an arrangement on tariffs, including a technology partnership and building on the close relationship we have on security and national defence.

She said: This isnt just about damage limitation, its also about what the next step is. Adding that she would like to see a reduction in tariffs and non-tariff barriers on both sides of the Atlantic, Ms Reeves said: I think that can be a bilateral process between our two countries to remove those remaining trade barriers that do exist.

And if we work on that basis, there is a deal to be done that will benefit industry both in the UK and the US and jobs in our countries as well.

She also hinted that Labour is ready to slash tariffs on American cars to help seal a pact  with ministers reportedly considering cutting import tariffs on US cars from 10 per cent to 2.5 per cent.
A Massachusetts mother who fell to her death in front of her three children while hiking the famed 'Purgatory Chasm' has been identified.

Carolyn Sanger, 49, was hiking with three of her children at Sutton's Purgatory Chasm when she fell more than 50 feet to her death on Wednesday.

State troopers responded around 2pm after her kids ran to alert park rangers, Sutton police told Boston 25 News.

Police said in a statement that multiple medical professionals had been hiking in the area at the time and attempted to revive the mother of four.

'She succumbed from her injuries and the crews are there now attempting to retrieve her remains,' Sutton police Chief Tom Calouro said on Wednesday.

Sanger, a recently retired Oncology nurse, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the fall 'does appear to be accidental' and the incident remains under investigation.

Carolyn Sanger, 49, was hiking with three of her four children at Sutton's Purgatory Chasm when she fell more than 50 feet to her death on Wednesday

'For those that knew Carrie, know that she was a bright light; a wonderful, selfless mother who has raised four incredibly, respectful, responsible kids,' the GoFundMe said

Her mother wrote on Facebook: 'Our beautiful gifted, kind, loving, spirited daughter Carrie Daniels Sanger taken far too soon'

'We offer our condolences to the family and loved ones of the decedent,' Massachusetts State Police said in a statement to the outlet.

A GoFundMe was started to help her family and four children to 'navigate these uncertain financial times.'

'For those that knew Carrie, know that she was a bright light; a wonderful, selfless mother who has raised four incredibly, respectful, responsible kids,' the fundraiser said.

'She was a friend to all and her smile and kind spirit will be greatly missed. She passed too early- but she left the earth doing what she loved, with the ones she loved.'

Sanger had recently retired and bought a building in town, renovating it herself to pursue her 'passion for wellness.'

The GoFundMe has raised over $25,000 as of Thursday afternoon.

Purgatory Chasm is known for its uneven rock formations.

Hiker Andy Spears told WCVB: 'There are trails above the chasm you can go along, dangerous overhands if you're going to the edge to look down.

'It's really sad that it had to happen at a place like this.'

'She was a friend to all and her smile and kind spirit will be greatly missed. She passed too early- but she left the earth doing what she loved, with the ones she loved,' the fundraiser said

Hiker Andy Spears said: 'There are trails above the chasm you can go along, dangerous overhands if you're going to the edge to look down. 'It's really sad that it had to happen at a place like this'

A friend said on Facebook that Sanger's death felt like a 'punch in the gut.'

'Such a sweetheart who I met through networking, so genuine and caring. Hurts more because I've been to Purgatory Chasm several times and know how many families go there for a great time in the outdoors,' she wrote.

Her mother wrote on Facebook: 'Our beautiful gifted, kind, loving, spirited daughter Carrie Daniels Sanger taken far too soon.'
A no-nonsense gay couple responded to a homophobic attack by a gang of hateful teens by kissing and arming themselves with pepper spray and a stun gun.

Ryan Benson and his husband were at the checkout line at a Ralphs market in Los Angeles when a group of three dozen teens that rode on bicycles came in and stole various items on Saturday.

In images captured by Benson, the teens are seen running towards the store's exit as a security guard shouted at them. Teenagers continue to come in and out of the store multiple times, with some throwing items at the employees.

As the couple headed to their vehicle, the teenagers on the bikes began surrounding them, prompting Benson to honk the horn once inside to force them to move out of the way.

But instead of moving, some of the teens began making homophobic comments, Benson told the Los Angeles Times. When Benson's husband asked them to repeat the slurs, the teens asked the couple if they were gay, dashcam footage shows.

The couple, enraged, replied they were together and began kissing, prompting the teens to start yelling hateful slurs.

'Snowflakes!' the men shouted back at the teens.

As Benson tried driving away, one of the teens threw his body into the the driver's side of the car while his friends kicked the vehicle.

That's when Benson got out of the car with pepper spray and his husband got out with a stun gun and they chased away the group.

Bryan Benson and his husband responded by kissing after a group of teens launched a homophobic attack in Los Angeles

When the teens continued to surround the car, Benson and his husband got our armed with pepper spray and a stun gun

One of the teens threw himself against the couple's car as they were trying to drive away

'Neither of us was interested in being passive victims of a hate crime in our own neighborhood,' Benson told the LA Times.

Benson told the outlet he used the pepper spray at least once when some teens approached the car again.

He added that he and his husband are now considering purchasing a gun for self-defense.

The footage shows that someone threw a rock at the car as they drove away.

LA police took a report for assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism.

Benson also told DailyMail.com he has been receiving threats on his social media from the teenagers.

'I reported one of the teens to their principal on Tuesday, and, based on how the rest of them have been posting on Instagram, he was turned in,' Benson said.

'It hasn't stopped the rest of them from inundating my Instagram and TikTok DMs with fake tips, more slurs, and threats that they're going to hurt us.'

When Benson's husband asked the teens to repeat the slurs, the teens asked the couple if they were gay, dashcam footage shows

Groups of dozens of teens have been terrorizing the Los Angeles area

Benson, right, and his husband, left, are now considering purchasing a gun for self-defense

The incident appears to be part of a trend where large groups of teenagers on bikes burglarize stores and attack drivers in the Los Angeles area.

Just two hours before the attack against Benson and his husband, another person was surrounded by teens on bikes in the area before they were punched in the face, the LA times reported.

Both incidents are similar to various attacks by teens reported over the last months in LA.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and they don't have additional information.
A Chicago housing official stunned a meeting by announcing that she was in dire need of sex.

Francine Washington told other members of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) she needed to 'get laid'.

A report by the Office of the Inspector General found that Washington had a 'sexually graphic conversation' in front of other agency workers.

Washington was not named in the report, but has since identified herself to the Chicago Tribune as the staffer concerned.

'I tell on myself all the time,' Washington told the outlet. 'If I say something, I mean what I said, and I'm not going to say something and then deny it.'

The report does not narrate the incident, but says that allegations someone, 'may have communicated inappropriately with multiple employees in public forums' were received in January 2023.

Washington said she thinks she made the comment after getting frustrated with a CHA lawyer, who was complaining about a CHA union representative.

'I said, 'I need to go home and get laid. [The statement had] no sexual connotations against anyone and was not as bad as what she [the attorney] said,' Washington told the Tribune. 'I didn't do anything wrong.'

Chicago housing official Francine Washington stunned a meeting by announcing that she was in need of sex

Washington told other members of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) she needed to 'get laid'

She said she was 'shocked' by the attorney's negativity towards the union representative and characterized her comments as coming from 'white privilege'.

The report details how CHA's Interim Board Chair Matthew Brewer met with the commissioner concerned and that they, 'committed to the Chair that they would not engage in similar behavior in the future'.

Washington said she remembers Brewer approaching her after the incident, but does not recall details of the conversation.

She believes that she was reported by a human resources manager at CHA who was getting frustrated that Washington was asking a lot of questions of the agency.

'All the board members know me,' Washington said. 'I don't change with the weather. I love being a public housing resident and I love my residents and am not going to do anything to hurt the residents or the authority.'

Washington was appointed to the Chicago Housing Authority Board of Commissioners in June 2014.

She is also the President of the Central Advisory Council and Washington Park Local Advisory Committee and sits on many prestigious boards.

The report also found that CHA has no sexual harassment policy in place and recommended one is drafted.

Brewer agreed with the suggestions, but also pointed out that commissioners have attended annual ethics and sexual harassment training for the last few years.

Washington said her comments came in a moment of frustration after a CHA lawyer was disparaging about a union representative

'The Chicago Housing Authority is committed to fostering a culture of respect and accountability to uphold ethical and professional standards for all stakeholders, including our Commissioners and staff members,' the agency said in a statement to the Tribune.

It added that it is unable to comment on personnel issues but, 'we take all allegations of misconduct seriously.'
An influencer who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend died from suffocation before she was set alight in her car, according to the medical examiner's report.

Beatriz Miranda, 24, was killed by Antonio Licio during an argument in his car on March 29 in Maracanau, a city in the northeastern Brazilian state of Ceara.

The 20-year-old was arrested the same day and allegedly confessed to the Ceara Civil Police that he had choked Miranda with a seat belt while they fought in the back seat of the car.

Licio claimed that Miranda had threatened to 'do something' to him before he got scared and reacted out of 'impulse' by attacking her.

He abandoned the vehicle with Miranda inside and set it on fire before firefighters were able to extinguish the flames.

Licio immediately rushed home and stunned his mother with the news.

He heeded her advice and voluntarily turned himself in at a local police station.

Miranda leaves behind two daughters, aged 1 and 7, from a prior relationship.

Brazilian influencer Beatriz Miranda died from suffocation after she was assaulted by her boyfriend on March 29, according to a medical examiners report

Antonio Licio (left) confessed to the police that he attacked a seat beat to attack and kill Beatriz Miranda (right) during a fight in his car March 29 in Maracanau, a city in the northeastern Brazilian state of Ceara. Licio said he acted out of 'impulse' after Miranda had threatened to 'do something' to him

She had more than 1 million followers on her social media accounts, where she posted funny videos and updates of her day-to-day life.

However, she was notorious for sharing videos that featured her and Licio arguing and fighting.

The content creator ended the toxic relationship the same week she was murdered.

One of the last viral videos that the couple appeared together in was posted by Licio on March 27 and showed the couple arguing inside an apartment after Miranda had hit him with scissors.

After the footage gained steam on social media, Licio filed a police report accusing Miranda of assault.

Antonio Licio (pictured) suffered multiple cuts after he was attacked by his girlfriend, Beatriz Miranda, in a fight which was recorded and shared on his social media March 27, two days before he killed Miranda

The couple dated for one year, but the relationship was filled with fights and arguments sparked by jealousy

Beatriz Miranda leaves behind a one-year-old and seven-year-old girl from a prior relationship

Miranda responded with a social media video in which she claimed she had been the victim of domestic violence.

The couple's one-year relationship was described as rocky and violent due to jealousy, Miranda's father, Francisco Miranda, told Brazilian news outlet G1.

'They were very jealous of each other,' Francisco Miranda said.

'He had already hit her many times. And I didn't know, I found out later. She hit him, he hit her.'

Licio has been charged with femicide and concealment of a corpse.
The mass shooter who murdered seven people and wounded almost 50 in a horror July 4th massacre cowardly skipped his sentencing hearing as he learned he would die in prison.

Robert Crimo III, 24, avoided coming face to face with the families of his victims in court on Thursday as Judge Victoria Rosetti handed him seven consecutive life sentences, one for each of his victims.

Crimo also received an additional 50 years for the 48 people wounded when he opened fire at the 2022 Independence Day parade in Chicago's Highland Park suburb.

The judge condemned Crimo to life in prison after hearing two days of anguished victim impact statements, which were briefly paused Thursday as the court heard Crimo may join his hearing after all before he opted not to, reports CBS News.

Survivor Dana Ruder Ring gave heartbreaking testimony over what she witnessed when Crimo opened fire, saying her family ran for cover in a parking garage when bullets rang out at the parade.

She said as her family hid, a woman approached them and handed her a two-year-old boy covered in blood, and said the infant repeatedly told her his parents would find him.

Ring said she later learned the boy's parents were Irina and Kevin McCarthy, who were among those murdered by Crimo.

She was joined in the courtroom by families and loved ones of Crimo's other victims, Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63, Stephen Straus, 88, Nicolas Toledo Zaragoza, 78, and Eduardo Uvaldo, 69.

Robert Crimo III, 24, cowardly skipped his sentencing hearing on Thursday to avoid coming face to face with victims of his horror 2022 July 4 mass shooting in Highland Park, Chicago, where he killed seven people and wounded almost 50

Survivors and families of Crimo's victims gave heartbreaking victim impact statements before a judge handed Crimo seven consecutive life sentences, one for each dead victim. Pictured (L-R) is survivors Keely Roberts, Sheila Gutman and Dana Ruder Ring, who spoke at the hearing

A survivor of the massacre testified this week how she was handed a baby covered in blood by a bystander fleeing for their life, and later found they were the child of victims Irina and Kevin McCarthy, 35 and 37 (pictured)

Crimo's sentencing comes a month after he surprised prosecutors by pleading guilty to the massacre just moments before opening arguments were set to begin at his trial.

He previously pleaded not guilty, but U-turned as he was about to face a month of incriminating evidence including his prints found on the gun used in the attack, and his own confessions to police.

The criminal case against Crimo was continually delayed and postponed, partly due to the killer's unpredictable behavior while in custody awaiting his trial for almost three years.

This included in June 2024 when he was expected to take a plea deal, only to arrive in court in a wheelchair before rejecting the deal, surprising even his own lawyers.

Crimo also fired his public defenders and tried to represent himself in court, and his decision on Thursday to miss his sentencing hearing comes as he also avoided much of his previous court appearances by refusing to leave his cell.

He remained in custody throughout the proceedings, after being arrested at the scene on July 4, 2022, when he shot up the parade.

FBI agents work the scene of the shooting at the Fourth of July parade in Chicago's Highland Park, where police said Crimo perched on a roof before raining bullets down on families

Nicolas Toledo (left), 76, and Jacki Sundheim (right), 63, were among the seven innocent victims killed by Cremo when he opened fire

Steve Straus, 88, (left) and Eduardo Uvaldo, 65, (right) were also named as victims in the senseless mass shooting

Katherine Goldstein, pictured left, was with her family when she was also killed at the horror Highland Park parade mass shooting on July 4, 2022

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as dozens of people at the Highland Park celebration were hit, with the wounded ranging in age from their 80s down to an eight-year-old boy, Cooper Roberts, who was paralyzed from the waist down.

Authorities said Crimo perched on a roof and fired into crowds, sending families scrambling for their lives.

Following his sentencing this week, officials praised law enforcement for catching Crimo quickly at the scene of the massacre, as Lake County State's Attorney Eric said the killer 'didn't have one chance of winning at trial' even if he had tried to.

'Seven people lost their lives, but this community kept going, and there always has been strength in this community and from this group of victims and survivors, no matter how that strength is shown, and that stands in such contrast to what the offender did,' he said.

Rinehart thanked families for their remarks at Crimo's sentencing this week, saying after the hearing their 'bravery is truly stunning.'

Crimo's court proceedings lasted almost three years as his erratic behavior derailed hearings, including in June 2024 when he was expected to take a plea deal, before showing up in a wheelchair (pictured) and surprising even his own lawyers as he rejected the deal

Crimo's wounded victims ranged in age from their 80s down to an eight-year-old boy, Cooper Roberts, (pictured) who was paralyzed from the waist down

Dozens of mourners gather for a vigil near Central Avenue and St. Johns Avenue in downtown Highland Park, one day after the shooting

Visitors pay their respects at altars for the seven people Crimo killed in the 2022 Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park

'The amount of trauma and pain that they have gone through in this case is something that is hard to describe,' he said.

'In the courtroom, I used the words 'oceans of pain, trauma, grief and loss,' and I don't even think that word is really adequate to describe the impact that this case has had.'

Crimo's guilty plea this week comes almost two years after his father Robert Crimo Jr., a onetime mayoral candidate, also faced charges over how his killer son obtained a gun license.

In 2019, at age 19, Crimo was only allowed to apply for a gun license with the sponsorship of a parent or guardian. His father agreed, even though a relative had reported to police that his son had a collection of knives and had threatened to 'kill everyone.'

His father pleaded guilty in 2023 to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct, and he served just shy of two months in jail.

He often appeared at his son's hearings after his release, and told reporters at a previous proceeding: 'As a parent, I love my son very much. And Bobby loves this country more than anyone would ever know.'
A pensioner who was given a devastating terminal diagnosis and booked himself into Dignitas - before discovering he actually had a treatable condition - will warn MSPs against pushing through an Assisted Dying Bill.

Retired journalist Peter Sefton-Williams, 72, was given six months to live by two top London specialists who diagnosed him with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last year.

Wracked with fear and under the impression he was to die a slow and painful death characterised by muscle wastage and eventually the inability to swallow or breathe unaided, he booked himself into the Swiss end of life clinic.

Yet, as the months waiting for his Dignitas appointment progressed, his illness did not. Unsettled, he cancelled his visit and underwent a number of further tests.

Mr Sefton-Williams learned he was actually suffering from a mild and completely treatable autoimmune condition called Multifocal Motor Neuropathy and was not, in fact, dying.

Now, he is warning MSPs not to vote through Holyrood legislation that would make it easier for patients to end their own lives in the wake of a terminal diagnosis.

Ahead of meeting with parliamentarians today [FRI] and a likely vote on the issue next month, he said: If MSPs go ahead with this bill, they have to accept that people will die unnecessarily. There will be mistakes and people will die. So is it worth it?

Peter Sefton-Williams, 72, was given six months to live by two top London specialists but later discovered he was actually suffering from a curable condition

Switzerland-based Dignitas offer people with terminal illnesses the chance to end their own lives

Do you just shrug your shoulders and say, Well, thats life, mistakes happen? Because mistakes are going to happen, and Im living proof of that.

Supporters of the Assisted Dying (Scotland) Bill brought forward by Scottish Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur hope the legislation will give those suffering terminal illnesses dignity in death.

But critics believe it is fraught with loopholes and could see peoples lives cut short by the NHS.

Disability campaigners have raised concerns a knock-on effect of the Bill would see disabled patients ending their lives due to insufficient support from cash-strapped and overstretched public bodies.

Meanwhile others have highlighted the loose wording of the legislation could see those who stand a chance of recovery dying prematurely.

For an assisted death to go ahead under the legislation, diagnoses would be needed from two doctors.

But Mr Sefton-Williams, who lives in Kent, said his own experience proved that could not be trusted adding: The lesson is that doctors make mistakes. Doctors quite frequently make mistakes.

The former energy reporters ordeal began at the end of 2023, when he noticed muscle weakness in his hands and began twitching.

An active member of his local community and practising Catholic, he booked himself in to a Harley Street specialist in London in the hope he could find some relief.

He was crushed to hear he had just months to live, as he was suffering, the doctor said, from MND, a progressive disease that he knew to bring a fearful and devastating end.

I thought, I cant face this. I just cant face this, he told The Mail last night.

Within hours of being handed the news he called Dignitas in Switzerland, believing he was destined to join a number of other Britons with the disease who have chosen to attend the clinic to cut short their symptoms.

He added: With MND you lose the use of your muscles and you have to press the button yourself to administer the poisons, and so I thought, well, I cant leave it too late.

However, the worsening symptoms he was warned about never seemed to materialise and by the autumn even a specialist admitted it was really rather unusual.

After cancelling his Dignitas appointment, and following further nerve electrical conductivity tests, it was found he had the very rare autoimmune condition, which comes with symptoms that mimic the early stages of MND.

He said: For nine months of my life, it was like standing in front of a firing squad just waiting for the moment when I was going to die.

The building of the assisted suicide clinic, Dignitas, in Pfaeffikon near Zurich

And then they just announced they had changed their minds.

He continued: I realised how close I had come to taking action. I had two doctors tell me that I had MND, two very eminent specialists, and also that I could have between two months and six months to live.

But nobody dies of what I have. Its not a terminal illness at all.

Mr Sefton-Williams, who is starting treatment for the condition in the coming weeks, continued: The idea that I could have done that [ended my life] is absolutely horrific and the thing that most disturbs me is that nobody would have known.

What people would have said is, Peter took a brave decision. He wished to die with dignity, and thats what he did, and everyone would be satisfied that it had been a good outcome.

Thats what the world would think. But it wouldnt have been a good outcome. I would have died unnecessarily.

Mr Sefton-Williams is so concerned about the Holyrood Bill that he yesterday travelled to Scotland to meet with MSPs to share his experience. He will meet them today [FRI].

He said: The people promoting these end of life Bills, I think theyre doing it from the very fine humanitarian motive that they dont want people to suffer, and so I dont criticize them for their motive.

The problem is, when you go from the principle down to the practicalities and the details - its there that the problems begin.

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur MSP said:Our current laws on assisted dying are failing too many terminally ill Scots at the end of life.

I believe that a bill containing robust safeguards, similar to those which have been safely and successfully introduced in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States where they continue to enjoy strong public support, is the right way to tackle this important issue and give terminally ill Scots the choice they need.

*For support, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
A transgender prisoner who murdered a baby is suing President Donald Trump for alleged sexual assaults caused by Trump's 'transphobic and extremist rhetoric'.

Autumn Cordellione, who was born Jonathan C. Richardson, claimed in a new complaint that the president has emboldened her fellow prisoners to assault her, after she took hormones to become a trans woman while in jail.

Cordellione, who uses she/her pronouns, said in her handwritten complaint that she has been assaulted and raped multiple times while inside Westville Correctional Facility (WCA) in Indiana.

The inmate is currently serving 55 years behind bars after strangling her stepdaughter to death in 2001. Cordellione - who brandishes eccentric face tattoos - expressed she wanted to transition genders in 2020.

The trans woman said they started after being transferred to the facility from New Castle Correctional Facility (NCN) where she was kept in 'protective custody'.

After being transferred to WCA, an all-male prison, other inmates and prisons employees allegedly stabbed her and sexually assaulted her.

In her complaint, she said that one of the offenders said: 'Trump's president now, and we won't even get in trouble for f****** you trannies up.

'We're patriots and even if you tell on us, Trump will pardon us and probably give us a medal.'

The transgender inmate, Jonathan C. Richardson, also known as Autumn Cordellione, was convicted in 2001 for the fatal strangulation of his 11-month-old stepdaughter

Cordellione says in her handwritten complaint that she has been assaulted and raped multiple times while inside Westville Correctional Facility, seen here

She is seeking $3.5 million in damages from the president, alleging that two members also said similar things during the alleged assaults.

Cordellione said in her complaint that she was warned that if she 'snitched' on her alleged attackers they would know as the 'staff are on their payroll'.

When she tried to report the attacks she claimed she was told by the unit team manager that: 'Ive seen your case on the news, and I personally dont think us tax payers should have to pay for your surgery.

'God doesn't approve of transgenders and gays, so what do you expect to happen when you dress like a woman and have t*** in a male facility.'

The case allegedly mentioned by the worker concerns a lawsuit filed by her over a state law that bans taxpayer funded transgender surgeries for inmates.

The original complaint said that Cordellione was diagnosed in 2020 with gender dysphoria and prescribed a female hormone and testosterone blocker.

It added that she had engaged in self-harm and attempted suicide because she 'is a woman and cannot tolerate her male body'.

It was ordered in March that the Indiana Department of Corrections arrange sex reassignment surgery for her 'at the earliest opportunity'.

Cordellione says that the president has emboldened her fellow prisoners to assault her

Cordellione was convicted of killing her 11-month-old stepdaughter by strangling her to death in September 2001.

Cordellione was in charge of his stepdaughter while the victim's mom was away for the day.

The killer initially told police that she found the victim in a crib and she had vomit coming from her mouth.

Cordellione later admitted she was fussy and she had tried to calm her down. It was determined the little girl died from manual strangulation.

While behind bars, Cordellione told a correctional officer, 'well all I know is I killed the little f**king b*tch.' In 2002, Cordellione was sentenced to 55 years in prison.

A White House spokesperson said: 'President Trump has vowed to defend biological women from gender ideology extremism and restore biological truth to the Federal government.'

Cordellione isn't one to shy away from filing complaints, having previously filed a suit against the prison chaplain for allegedly prohibiting her from wearing a hijab despite identifying as a Muslim woman.
A family's wrong turn while driving through treacherous floodwater ended with their car being away and the deaths of a mother and her seven-year-old daughter.

Leila Faraji, 46, and her daughter, Rosa, were on their way to a friend's house in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Sunday when they took a wrong turn and ended up on a flooded bridge.

Faraji's husband, Masoud, and their 10-year-old daughter were also traveling in the SUV when it began to flood, the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office said.

As the SUV was carried into the creek, the family struggled to escape. Masoud saved himself and their 10-year-old child but Farji and her daughter were swept away.

Deputies responded to the scene, which was just off a highway, to conduct a search and rescue operation.

The TCSO office coordinated a massive search that included search dogs, helicopters, drones and multiple boats.

Oklahoma Task Force 1 and the Tulsa Police Department also provided resources for the operation.

'They found the older daughter across the creek, and then, after they brought her out, they saw Masoud, which is the husband,' family friend Ahmad Moradi told local NBC affiliate KJRH News.

A mother and her seven year old daughter were traveling in an SUV when their car was swept up in a flood

Leila Faraji, 46, was found a day after her vehicle was swept away. Her husband and 10-year-old daughter survived the accident

Rosa Faraji, 7, was found shortly after her mother's body was recovered. The two were swept away after they made a wrong turn and attempted to drive through a flooded bridge

'He was in a daze on this side of the road. But when we came, both of them were in a really big shock.'

The family was left to mourn the tragic deaths of the mother and daughter

Just after 9 am the next morning, authorities found Faraji's body floating in the Arkansas River, about 900 feet from where her vehicle was swept up. Later in the day, the sheriff's office found Rosa's body.

'We get a lot of rain. There's a lot of flooding this time of year, and I can't stress enough just how dangerous these conditions are,' Communications Director for the sheriff's office, Casey Roebuck, told KJRH.

'This was a situation where the father... completely underestimated how deep the water was and how fast it was moving. Absolutely tragic.'

On Tuesday, family and friends gathered to mourn Faraji and her daughter's deaths at a funeral service.

Oklahoma State University professor Jay Hanan told KJRH at the service that he worked with Faraji during her PhD tenure in mechanical engineering.

The community attended a funeral service for the family on Tuesday. Friends remembered the two for their thoughtfulness and were shocked by their tragic deaths

Hanan said that Faraji was a 'true servant' who supported her husband and her family.

'All the things that you would call a good person,' Hanan added.

Nader Olomi, a family friend, told KJRH that the family was willing to lend a helping hand to community members.

'It's such a sad, sad tragedy that something like this had to happen,' Olomi said. 'But you cannot stop destiny, you know? Whatever is determined for us by God.'
A British travel company has been forced to close down and has revealed that all holidays booked under its service have been cancelled.

In a shocking twist, Balkan Holidays said it had ceased trading as of April 24, following nearly 60 years of providing trips.

Though travellers currently on their holidays will be able to complete them, anyone with upcoming bookings will instead be made to accept refunds, leaving them scrambling for other routes to their destinations.

Direct customers have been asked to contact the company directly to arrange refunds, but expectant travellers who booked trips via a third party have been told they will need to speak to their travel agent to get their money back.

The company, which offered holidaymakers trips to Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Malta and Northern Cyprus, said it would aim to process refunds as fast as possible, working in order of departure date.

Balkan Holidays was launched nearly six decades ago, and specialised in trips to Bulgaria.

It offered departures from 17 British airports, more than any other UK tour operator. At its peak, it served 130,000 people a year.

But its numbers have dwindled in recent years, with it being licensed to carry just 27,817 Atol-protected passengers in the year to the end of March 2026.

Balkan Holidays was launched nearly 60 years ago, and specialised in trips to Bulgaria (File image of Silistar beach in Bulgaria)

It offered departures from 17 British airports, more than any other UK tour operator. At its peak, it served 130,000 people a year (File of Borsh beach)

It said in a statement on its social media pages and website: 'We regret to inform you that Balkan Holidays Ltd has, as of 24th of April 2025, closed for business in the UK.

'The company has not gone into liquidation, however all forward holiday bookings have been cancelled.

'All clients will be notified and refunded in full.

'May we kindly ask for patience as we process the refunds and appreciate your understanding.

'Thank you for your past business and please accept our most sincere apologies for the disappointment and inconvenience.'

The closure of Balkan Holidays comes amid a mass fall of travel agents in recent years.

According to Statista, there were over 4,200 agency shops in March 2019, but that number fell to just 3,500 by June 2023, representing a drop of 18% in the last five years.

Last month, Guernsey-based travel agents Trafalgar Travel shut down after 42 years.

Bosses at the beleaguered agency said the 'very sad and tough decision' came about due to rising business costs and the major shift towards online holiday bookings.

'As you can imagine this has been very difficult for staff at this time, however we all remain 100% committed to ensuring a very smooth transfer of bookings to another agency,' said manager Charlie Coyle.

Bookings before June 1 will be handled to Trafalgar Travel as usual - while those afterwards will be transferred, the Sun reported.
John Swinney was branded truly pathetic after signalling he will never apologise to women for the SNPs toxic gender shambles.

The First Minister insisted he had given exactly the response Im prepared to put in place after a series of robotic refusals to say sorry at Holyrood.

He also refused to say if trans women are women despite the Supreme Court ruling biological sex, not gender choice, is key under UK law.

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said: Its truly pathetic that John Swinney is so defiantly determined not to do the right thing and apologise to the women of Scotland.

This is what sickens people about politics - when politicians refuse to admit when theyve got something so badly wrong and just say sorry.

The landmark judgment from the UKs highest court last week means biological males who identify as women can be excluded from women-only spaces if it is proportionate.

The SNP Government - under Nicola Sturgeon, then Humza Yousaf and finally Mr Swinney - had argued male-born trans women with the right paperwork were legally identical to biological women and so had the same rights.

The Supreme Court flatly rejected that as unworkable and said the UK Equality Act of 2010 was based on binary biological sex - not a preferred gender or certificated sex.

John Swinney gave a series of robotic refusals to say sorry for the SNP's gender chaos at Holyrood

The ruling followed an epic legal challenge by campaigners For Women Scotland, who were constantly attacked online and vilified for their views.

Ms Sturgeon, who has yet to respond publicly to the ruling, was absent from First Minister Questions, where Mr Findlay demanded an apology.

SNP politicians, including Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney, were willing to trash womens rights while pushing their dangerous and divisive ideology, the Scottish Tory leader said

Commonsense and a basic respect for biological truth have now prevailed thanks to the incredible Scottish women who would not wheesht.

The SNPs fringe obsession has cost obscene amounts of taxpayers money and wasted huge amounts of Government time while public services were neglected.

Politicians have a duty to hold up their hands and admit their mistakes, so will John Swinney finally apologise to the women of Scotland?

Instead of an apology, the First Minister said his Government accepted the Courts ruling.

He added: I also accept that the court emphasised that that decision does not reduce trans peoples protections from discrimination.

I believe that the vast majority of people in Scotland want to live in a country that is respectful, compassionate and caring, and I am committed to protecting the rights of all.

Mr Findlay replied: For John Swinney, it seems that sorry really is the hardest word to say.

We know why: it is because he is not sorry.

We spent years telling the SNP to drop this nonsense. It refused to listen. It was absolutely obsessed. Now John Swinney does not want to talk about it, because mainstream Scotland has turned against him.

He urged the First Minister to order the Scottish Prison Service to ensure that male prisoners do their time in mens prisons.

Mr Swinney said he expected all public bodies to operate within the law, and that ministers would work with the Equality and Human Rights Commission on new guidance for them.

Slamming the typically weak and evasive answer, Mr Findlay said the First Minister had a chance to be his own man and go a different way from Ms Sturgeon.

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said the SNP's 'fringe obsession' with gender had wasted countless hours of government time

He added: He can guarantee all public bodies will have new and lawful policies to respect womens rights in place by summer. He can admit that trans women are not women.

He could hold his hands up and apologise fully and sincerely.

John Swinney could ditch Nicola Sturgeons toxic legacy once and for all.

Will he now take the chance to finally bring to an end the era of divisive gender politics?

Ms Swinney cited a former Tory MSP backing trans women being regarded as women in 2018 as evidence the Tories had changed their position.

After the exchange in the chamber, Mr Swinney denied his responses were robotic, saying: I dont think thats a particularly appropriate remark.

Asked why he didnt speak from the heart and apologise to the women who went through hell over the SNPs gender ideology, he said his response to Mr Findlay was comprehensive.

Accused of boilerplate responses and pressed again for an apology, he said: Its exactly the response that Im prepared to put in place.

Later, his official spokesman was asked if Mr Swinney meant he will never apologise. The spokesman did not deny it, adding: Hes given his answer.

Marion Calder of For Women Scotland said: The women of Scotland expected no less.

An apology would have been appreciated but it is clearly not to be.

The law being upheld is of the most importance. However he has agreed to meet with us and we look forward to further discussions.

The UK equality regulator yesterday called off a crunch meeting with SNP ministers over single-sex spaces and revised guidance to public bodies after the Court ruling.

Health Secretary Neil Gray and Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville had been due to have a video call with the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The Scottish Government said the EHRC had postponed the virtual meeting in order to speak first to UK ministers about the issue.
Meghan Markle appears to have taken a swipe at Piers Morgan after sending a jar of her new As Ever jam to an unexpected recipient.

The controversial broadcaster has been known to repeatedly criticize the Duke and Duchess of Sussex over the years.

In March, Morgan was quick to dub her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, 'unwatchable'.

'I tried watching it, and after, honestly, about three, four minutes, I was done. It was just unwatchable,' he said.

'It's just the ultimate kind of vanity project, where it's all about people telling Meghan how great she is, her telling everyone how great she is.'

This is far from the first time the journalist has hit out at Meghan - he famously quit Good Morning Britain following a rant about the Suits actress in 2021.

Morgan and Alex Beresford had an explosive on-air clash after weather presenter Beresford accused the broadcaster of 'trashing' Meghan before he stormed off set. Later that day, Morgan quit the ITV breakfast show.

Now, it appears the Duchess of Sussex has silently retaliated to Morgan by sending a jar of her new As Ever Jam to the GMB weather presenter.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, (pictured at the Time 100 Summit in 2025) appears to have taken a swipe at Piers Morgan by gifting her jam to a very surprising recipient

Piers Morgan has repeatedly critiqued both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex over the years and was quick to give his view on Meghan's new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, dubbing it 'unwatchable'

However Meghan appears to have silently hit back after gifting Good Morning Britain weatherman Alex Beresford (pictured) a jam from her As Ever collection

Earlier today, Beresford took to his Instagram to thank the Duchess for a jar of her raspberry spread, adding: 'Can't wait to try this! Thank you so much @meghan...'

The American actress also kindly gifted the TV presenter's newborn daughter a large Jelly Cat Octopus toy, which Beresford also shared to Instagram, while thanking the Duchess.

MailOnline has approached Meghan's representatives for comment.

It comes after MailOnline exclusively revealed Meghan had attempted to land A-listers such as Beyonce and Taylor Swift for her female empowerment podcast, which is said to already be in crisis after only three episodes.

Confessions of a Female Founder is Meghan's follow-up to Archetypes, which failed to land and led to Spotify not renewing the Sussexes' $25million contract in 2023.

'No one's picking up the phone', one source close to the current podcast production has claimed, adding: 'The show is not landing'.

'There's no Taylor Swift. No Beyonce. Not even a Hailey Bieber. And when you're pitching female empowerment, that's a problem. It speaks volumes for her pulling power. She's not happy about her lack of appeal', they added.

Meghan interviewed Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd on the debut episode of the Duchess of Sussex's new Lemonada podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder.

Morgan and Beresford famously clashed on air in a discussion regarding Meghan, with Piers storming off set and later quitting the show

Meghan ahs since gifted Alex Beresford a pot of her As Ever Jam (pictured)

She also gifted a plush Jelly Cat Octopus for the broadcaster's new-born daughter, Camille

Her second instalment was with Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, and today's episode was with her friend, hair colourist Kadi Lee, whose company the former Suits star has also invested in.

A source close to the making of the show has claimed that Ms Markle and her team 'dialled all the big names' to join her for 'honest conversations with women who've built from the ground up, faced challenges and kept going.'

But these calls have been quietly ignored, Radar has said.

It comes after the Duchess of Sussex used her new podcast to admit the original name for lifestyle brand As Ever became a 'word salad'.

Meghan Markle originally introduced her latest business venture selling products such as raspberry spread as American Riviera Orchard in March last year.

But she faced trademarking setbacks and switched the name to As Ever in February, just weeks before the launch - with Netflix now a new partner in the business.

A source has claimed that Meghan and her team wanted A-listers like Beyonce (pictured with the Sussexes and Jay-Z in 2019) and Taylor Swift to appear on her podcast

The Duchess of Sussex reportedly attended Taylor Swift's LA concert in 2023

The Duchess of Sussex launched her 'Confessions Of A Female Founder' podcast last month

The Duchess spoke about the name in the third episode of her podcast Confessions Of A Female Founder, in which she interviewed her friend, hair colourist Kadi Lee.

She said: 'I had secured As Ever as a name in 2022, and then as everything started to evolve last year, and bringing in a partner the size that it was, and it was just so interesting.

'Because you remember, I said, 'I like American Riviera as an umbrella,' and then be able to have verticals beneath it. And maybe have the 'Orchard' really small. But when that's not feasible suddenly it became this word salad. I didn't love that so much.'

'I was like, 'OK, well let's go back to the thing that I've always loved. Let's use the name that I protected for a reason that had been sort of under wraps'.

'And then we were able to focus in the quiet and put our heads down and build on something that no one was sniffing around to even see about.

'It was just really, really helpful to have that quiet period which you would know after spending so many years working on something, building it and the pivots that you had to take with it.'
I have tried to take the last 18 years in good humour. When that has failed, I have tried to compartmentalise politics  to seal it off from the good things in my life.

At the eleventh hour, as Scotland went to the polls in 2014 to answer the independence question, I even managed to reach a mental accommodation with the prospect of the answer being the wrong one, of the UK being finished. Democracy duly delivered our result.

This week I have been trying to take in good humour the fact that First Minister John Swinney convened a cross-party summit on unity to safeguard Scotlands democracy. It should have been easy because, on one level, it is pretty funny.

It was one of those lop-sided cross-party summits which welcomed the far left  because the Greens are mates  but excluded the far right because theyre loathsome. Mr Swinney characterises this unpalatable rump of ideological thought as the politics of Reform UK.

Indeed, his was a cross-party summit whose express purpose was to ostracise this one party which is said to be gaining ground in Scotland.

And the reason this party must be kept at bay? Why, to safeguard Scotlands democracy.

So let us recap: its a left-leaning cross-party summit protecting democracy by ganging up on a right-leaning party which is expected to hoover up a significant chunk of votes in next years Scottish elections.

Measures taken to ensure our democracy remains intact include denying this party a voice at the summit. I dont know about you, but this sounds more to me like a closed shop theyre protecting.

John Swinney held a summit of like-minded politicians and union leaders to discuss how to safeguard Scotland's democracy from 'the far right'

Extreme left wing politicians like the Scottish Greens' Patrick Harvie were front and centre at the summit

Is the idea that Scotlands democracy is somehow threatened by the possibility that people may express their democratic will and vote for Reform in 2026? I hadnt understood that freely expressing a preference undermined democracy if that preference happened to stick in Mr Swinneys craw.

The summit becomes more laughable still when one considers that the one party almost everyone agrees will benefit most from a Reform surge at the polls is the SNP.

There are many reasons I wish Nigel Farages party no luck at all in the election next May but the most pressing one is the gift that squeezing the Labour and Tory vote presents to Mr Swinneys party.

Yet, standing tall to see beyond the SNPs narrow interests, speaking to Scotland in the guise of statesman, the First Minister warns darkly of the rising tide of extremists which, if we dont have our wits about us, could sweep across the land  oh, and usher his party into power yet again.

One is almost tempted to wonder if whole spectacle in Glasgow on Wednesday  attended by more than 50 political, civic and faith leaders  was a carefully orchestrated charade designed to do the very opposite of the nonsense it said on the tin.

Certainly, if I had any leanings towards Reform, this little display of political parochialism would have propelled me headlong into their embrace.

Try as I might, though, I struggle to see the funny side. And I have failed thus far on this one to compartmentalise. Burning anger is the unavoidable emotion when I consider a summit on unity is convened by a man whose party thrives on division.

There was a time for unity. It came when Scotlands future was democratically decided in 2014 after prolonged campaigns which tore at the nations soul, fragmenting lifelong bonds. But unity was not on the SNP agenda.

Rage against democracy was what we got. The fragmentation went on. Disunity has become institutionalised. It is our national default setting.

Roll up for my unity summit, deadpans Mr Swinney.

I hear him declare it is the start of a process to tackle dissatisfaction, inequality, disinformation and low participation in politics.

And again, a rueful laugh should be feasible. His party is 18 years into government and thats the process he kick-started this week?

But no, its fury that overwhelms. Scotland is on its knees. Everywhere we look  health, education, transport  is calamity. Waiting lists are off the scale, our classrooms war zones, our universities going bust, our ferries a global joke, our justice system all about freeing prisoners early and our police force all about not investigating crimes.

Our councils are broke, public services steadily diminishing as we pay ever more for the few that remain. Our roads are a shambles, our libraries closed. Our countryside has been traded away to heavy industry to produce far more green energy than the nation can possibly use. Our high-achievers are punished, our shirkers rewarded and, with all of the above gnawing at our tolerance threshold, our government politicians brows are furrowed on the question of how a woman might be defined.

The summit attracted protests from Reform supporters who felt it was undemocratic

Might just a little of this start to explain the dissatisfaction of which you speak, Mr Swinney?

Inequality? Such as the attainment gap your former boss Nicola Sturgeon asked to be judged on her performance in closing, yet succeeded only in widening?

Disinformation? Its the SNPs stock in trade. Its why their former chief executive  Ms Sturgeons estranged husband Peter Murrell  resigned. He was caught red-handed spreading it.

Our era of disinformation, of deliberately misleading the public about the affairs of the nation, is summed up by nothing so neatly as a giant shell of a ferry  years from completion  launched on the Clyde with painted on windows and plastic funnels as a beaming First Minister declared it a proud day for Scotland.

The low participation in politics is indeed a pity but, for the sake of ones sanity, it is sometimes the only answer. I see Ms Sturgeon has lately been giving it a try, albeit she has a year left to serve as a Glasgow MSP.

The process on which Mr Swinney embarks 18 years late, then, can only sensibly be understood as a promise to fix what his own party has broken. But he doesnt want you to understand it sensibly. He wants these stinks he pledges to sweeten to be ascribed to suspects who could not possibly have caused them  because he knows perfectly well who did.

Quite what Labour and Lib-Dem leaders Anas Sarwar and Alex Cole-Hamilton were doing at the summit I could not fathom. Were they saying they didnt like it very much that the SNP had tanked their country but those right wingers coming over the hill are the ones we really need to watch out for?

Reform will not lead Scotland after the election. Id really rather they turned their fire on the shower they most fear will.

Of the party leaders invited to attend, only Scottish Conservative Russell Findlay comes out of this unedifying business with any credit  by staying away.

The Holyrood bubble went on tour and, as usual, did nothing to improve the lives of workers and families across Scotland, he said. Scots will see it for what it is  a grandstanding diversion from the SNPs 18-year record of failure.

I think that is optimistic. Two decades in, knowing all we know, too many of us still cannot see the one thing we must unite around to lift our land out of the mire  the conclusion that the SNP is keeping us there.
President Donald Trump continues to fuel the cryptocurrency industry, sparking major investments that are enriching his extended family and even relatives of his Cabinet.

The Cantor Fitzgerald investment firm announced a partnership Wednesday with SoftBank, Tether, and Bitfinex to launch 21 Capital. It amounts to a multibillion dollar investment in bitcoin.

Cantor Fitzgerald was formerly led by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and is now led Lutnicks sons, Brandon Lutnick who took over as chairman and Kyle Lutnick the executive vice chairman.

Tether plans to contribute $1.5 billion to the project, SoftBank $900 million, and Bitfinex $600 million all put into Bitcoin, valued at $85,000 per coin.

The vehicle was valued at $3.6 billion as 21 Capital moved to acquire 42,000 Bitcoin long-term as a capital investment.

Bitcoin spiked to over $94,000 on Wednesday the highest it has been since March.

Lutnicks ties to the cryptocurrency industry sparked attention from Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Maria Cantwell of Massachusetts who raised their concerns about his ties to the cryptocurrency firm Tether his confirmation hearings.

Lutnick said he would divest from all of his business interests and assets as Secretary of Commerce, even though his sons ultimately took over leadership of his firm.

Lutnicks ties to the cryptocurrency industry sparked attention

Brandon Lutnick, Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, Howard Lutnick, US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, and Daniel LaVecchia attend Annual Charity Day hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald, BGC and GFI at BGC Partners, INC in 2016

Upon my confirmation as Secretary of Commerce, I will faithfully execute my duties consistent with applicable government ethics laws and regulations, Lutnick said.

The Commerce Department did not respond to a DailyMail.com's request for comment.

President Donald Trumps adult sons have also branched out into the cryptocurrency industry, purchasing significant interests in the crypto venture World Liberty Financial.

World Liberty Financial was co-founded by Zach Witkoff, the son of Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff.

World Liberty Financial raised more than half a billion dollars from selling a digital token pegged to the US dollar, known as stablecoins.

The Trumps also took a minority stake in bitcoin producer American Bitcoin.

Bitcoin and digital currencies continue to do well in the Trump administration after the president vowed to be the crypto-president during the presidential campaign with the goal of making the United States the crypto capital of the world.

The Trumps also took a minority stake in bitcoin producer American Bitcoin

Donald Trump flanked by US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick (L), US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent

Trump named former PayPal executive David Sacks his official crypto czar and held a meeting in March to promote the use of digital assets and investments.

In March, Trump signed an executive order to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile, helping stabilize the industry.

Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, is referred to as digital gold because of its scarcity and security, having never been hacked, the White House announced, revealing that Trumps order harnesses the power of digital assets for national prosperity, rather than letting them languish in limbo.

Trump hosted an event at the White House to mark the occasion with Sacks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Lutnick, to promote cryptocurrency.

The Biden administration, he reminded the audience worked to smother the crypto industry, as federal regulators worked to close accounts, block money transfers, and force banks to divest from the asset.

They weaponized government against the entire industry, Trump remarked.

He added: My administration also is working to end the federal bureaucracys war on crypto, which was really going on pretty wildly during Biden, until the election came about.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that Vladimir Putin's forces used a North Korean missile in the deadly attack on Kyiv that has so far killed 12 and injured more than 100.

Russia attacked Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones overnight in its deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since last July, just as peace efforts are coming to a head.

Zelensky said in a post to X: 'According to preliminary information, the Russians used a ballistic missile manufactured in North Korea. Our special services are verifying all the details.

'If the information that this missile was made in North Korea is confirmed, this will be further proof of the criminal nature of the alliance between Russia and Pyongyang. They kill people and torment lives together  that is the only meaning behind their cooperation.

'Russia continuously uses such weapons  missiles, artillery. In return, Pyongyang got the opportunity to make its weapons more deadly under real wartime conditions.

It comes as US president Donald Trump said he was 'not happy' that Vladimir Putin launched a deadly barrage of missile strikes on Kyiv overnight after talks to reach a peace deal failed.

'I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing,' he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump urged his Russian counterpart: 'Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!'

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) has revealed that Vladimir Putin's forces used a North Korean missile in the deadly attack on Kyiv

Citizens and cleaners are cleaning up after Russian missile attack on Kyiv, Ukraine on April 24, 2025

Rescue workers respond at the site of a Russian missile strike on apartment residential buildings in Svyatoshynskyi district on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Trump's frustration with Putin is growing as a US-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

Zelensky said today that the large-scale missile attack that saw 200 missiles and drones get sent to Kyiv was designed to put 'pressure' on the United States.

'There must be real pressure on Russia to stop this. Even in the midst of international diplomatic efforts to end this war, Russia continues killing civilians. That means Putin is not afraid', he said.

He noted that Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscow's attacks had continued.

Zelensky also insisted that Kyiv would not change its position on Crimea, after Trump criticised him for not agreeing to cede the Black Sea peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

When asked about the Russian strikes on Kyiv at a briefing earlier on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was continuing to hit 'military and military-adjacent targets.'

The Kremlin fired 66 ballistic and cruise missiles, four plane-launched air-to-surface missiles, and 145 Shahed and decoy drones at Kyiv and four other regions of Ukraine overnight, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Kyiv reeled from the bombardment, which kept residents on edge for about 11 hours. Zelensky called the fatal attack 'one of the most sophisticated, most brazen' during Russia's three-year invasion.

Zelensky is visiting South Africa but has said he will cut his trip short to return to Kyiv - after his talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

'Russia understands that Ukraine is standing up, defending its rights and (it) is putting pressure on our people. It is also putting pressure on America,' the Ukrainian president told journalists in South Africa. 'This is what I also link today's attack with.'

An injured men smoking after Russian missile attack on Kyiv, Ukraine on April 24, 2025

Ukrainian search personnel clear the rubble after a Russian ballistic missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, early Thursday, April 24, 2025

Rescuers search for 17-year-old Danylo Khudia and his parents at the side of an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine April 24, 2025

Young people wait while rescuers search for their 17-year-old friend Danylo Khudia and his parents at the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike

Trump urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin (pictured today): 'Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!'

Trump urged Vladimir Putin to 'get the peace deal done'

Thursday's attack came hours after Trump said a Ukraine peace deal was 'very close' and effectively closed with Moscow.

But Zelensky insisted that Kyiv would not accept Crimea as part of Russia.

Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014 and backed a pro-Russian rebellion in eastern Ukraine, leading to years of conflict with Kyiv.

'We do everything that our partners have proposed, only what contradicts our legislation and the Constitution we cannot do,' Zelensky said, answering a question on Crimea.

The Ukrainian President also said he did not see enough pressure from Kyiv's allies on Moscow to halt its invasion.

'I don't see any strong pressure on Russia or any new sanctions packages against Russia's aggression,' Zelensky told journalists during a visit to South Africa.

He did however acknowledge that Trump had previously warned of repercussions if Moscow did not agree to a ceasefire.

Trump's rare rebuke of Putin followed his criticism of Zelensky for saying Ukraine would not recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea - a longtime Kyiv stance.

An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 24, 2025

Fire brigades respond to a fire caused by massive Russian shelling in Buchansky district of Kyiv, Ukraine on April 24, 2025. At least 12 people were killed and 100 injured early Thursday in Russian strikes targeting Ukraine's capital

Flames rise from a fire caused by massive Russian shelling in Buchansky district of Kyiv, Ukraine on April 24, 2025

'This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia,' Trump said in a social media post.

Trump, who argued with Zelensky in a disastrous Oval Office meeting in March, said Crimea was lost years ago 'and is not even a point of discussion.'

Trump yesterday accused Zelensky of 'prolonging the killing field' by refusing to give up territory and warned the Ukrainian president he can 'have peace, or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country'.

The White House tried to turn the screw yesterday, with Vice President JD Vance telling Kyiv to surrender land or the US would walk away.

But Zelensky is refusing to countenance any Russian claim to annexed Crimea, or hand over a fifth of the country to the Kremlin, as per the US-dictated deal put forward.

Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a rocket strike that hit a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine overnight

The aftermath of a missile strike on a residential building on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukrainian rescuers operate at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv on April 24, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Planned high-level talks in London were scuppered on Wednesday when two members of Trump's top team suddenly pulled out.

Peace envoy Steve Witkoff and secretary of state Marco Rubio were due to sit down with UK, European and Ukrainian officials, hosted by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

But in a humiliating move, they withdrew at the 11th hour, sending Ukraine special envoy Keith Kellogg instead, as Kyiv refused to buckle to American ultimatums.

Instead, Witkoff was said to be on his way to Moscow last night for a meeting with Putin tomorrow.

US attempts to strong-arm Ukraine into concessions have also placed strain on the 'special relationship' with Britain.

Trump is set to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre later today to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of NATO and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile border with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured today in South Africa) said today that the large-scale missile attack on Kyiv was designed to put 'pressure' on the United States

Donald Trump (pictured yesterday) says he is 'not happy' that Vladimir Putin launched an overnight missile strike on Kyiv

Meanwhile, Europe has stepped up its demands that Putin agree to an immediate unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, with French President Emmanuel Macron having accused the Russian leader of 'lying' about wanting peace.

'The only thing to do is for President Putin to finally stop lying,' Macron said during a visit to Madagascar, saying how the Russian leader was telling US negotiators 'he wants peace' but then continuing 'to bombard Ukraine'.

'In Ukraine, they only want a single answer: Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire?'

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deadly overnight attack demonstrated that Putin was 'the aggressor here'.
Three teenage girls have been caught on camera launching a feral attack on a woman and her cat on the streets of Vancouver.

Shocking surveillance footage from inside the victim's building shows the moment the trio approached her around 9pm on April 9 in the Canada city's Chinatown neighborhood.

The girls, who police said were aged 15, 16, and 17, can be seen exchanging words with the woman on Gore Avenue near Keefer Street.

A few seconds later, one of the girls starts punching and kicking the victim until she falls to the ground.

Two of the attackers then attempt to drag the victim along the porch, before abandoning this mission and running away.

The victim, who identified herself as Angelina, said she was standing outside her home while holding her cat and speaking to a neighbor when the girls approached.

'They just looked over and said, 'What the F are you looking at? Do you have a problem? F you,' Angelina told Canadian news station CTV News.

'They just came at me  It happened really quickly.'

Three teenage girls have been caught on camera launching a feral attack on a woman and her cat on the streets of Vancouver, Canada

Shocking surveillance footage from inside the victim's building shows the moment the trio approached her around 9pm on April 9 in the Canada city's Chinatown neighborhood

Angelina said the girls pulled her hair while pushing and shoving her as she clung to her cat.

One even stomped on her head before kicking her as she lay on the ground, she said.

Angelina said she suffered a concussion and whiplash during the attack, which left her needing staples in the side of her head.

'I don't know how long it'll be until I'm fully able to move around and get back to it,' she said.

The victim added that her cat had been 'very traumatized' by the ordeal too.

The girls, who police said were aged 15, 16, and 17, can be seen exchanging words with the woman on Gore Avenue near Keefer Street before launching the brutal attack

'He just hides under the bed now,' she said. 'Poor guy.'

Police arrested the girls in the Downtown Eastside neighborhood later on the night of the attack.

They have been released to their guardians pending a court appearance in June.
Georgia lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene believes that she may have what it takes to be senator.

The rabble-rousing Republican has been working on Capitol Hill since 2021, and in just a few short years, she has become one of the most recognizable lawmakers in Washington after years of stoking controversy.

One of the most fervent Trump allies, Greene has sided with the president on virtually all of his policy positions. She rarely bucks the MAGA trends set by the president.

Buoyed by support from Trump amid some of her more contentious culture wars, Greene has made a name for herself by consistently backing far-right causes and combatively shouting down Democrats, like Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who disagree.

Now, after years of honing her right-wing message and growing her already massive social media following, Greene is seriously considering a run for Senate in 2026, two sources revealed to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

The lawmaker is reportedly planing to hop in the race if the Georgia's popular Gov. Brian Kemp opts out of running against Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Kemp is term-limited and cannot run again, so Greene appears to be preparing for a contentious GOP primary should he bow out.

The sources revealed that Greene believes she would 'crush' the competition if Kemp stays out of the contest.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., is reportedly eyeing a run for Senate

Incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., is up for re-election in 2026

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp delivers remarks during a bill signing ceremony for tort reform bills SB 68 and SB 69 at the Georgia State Capitol, Tuesday, April 21, 2025, in Atlanta

Reps. Mike Collins, Buddy Carter and Rich McCormick are all reportedly interested in hoping in the race, meaning the race could get messy as the House Republicans angle for the coveted Senate seat.

Should she decide to run, Greene would be in the spotlight for one of the nation's most contentious Senate races, which will likely cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

In 2020, when Ossoff last ran for Senate, the contest ended up costing over $500 million, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets.

And already Ossoff, 38, is raising money to fend off a challenge to his seat.

According to a recent Politico report, the Georgia Democrat already has over $11 million in his war chest over a year and a half out from the 2026 election.

Though MTG's hopes to run for the upper chamber may be dashed by Kemp as he is the clear favorite should he get in the race.

Multiple polls examining the race have shown that in a head-to-head matchup between Kemp and Ossoff, the governor trounces the Democrat.

A survey from WPA Intelligence for the Club for Growth in January found that Kemp leads Ossoff 46 to 40 with 14 percent of respondents still undecided.

Greene reportedly believes she would 'crush' the GOP primary if Kemp doesn't run

Another poll from the Tyson Group in February found Kemp leading 49 to 42, with 8 percent undecided.

And Senate leadership has been lobbying Kemp to run, too.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott met with the Georgia governor in Atlanta this month to convince him to run.

As a two-term governor Kemp has a robust fundraising network and an already built out political operation.

Regardless, Greene would be able to breeze through the GOP primary process if Kemp were to stay on the sidelines, one of the sources told the outlet.

She also has an advantage in being a close Trump ally whereas Kemp drew the ire of the former president after rebuffing him after the 2020 election.
The Welcome to Country at Melbourne's Anzac Day Dawn Service was booed by a group of protesters, one of whom is a known neo-Nazi.

Hushed whispers had earlier filled the air as masses of people turned out under the cloak of pre-dawn darkness in Melbourne on Friday to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

But the air of reverence for Australia and New Zealand's fallen servicemen and women was broken during Bunurong elder Mark Brown's Welcome to Country, when heckles and boos came from a group of around six to ten people near the front of the crowd.

'This morning, I'm here to welcome everybody to my father's country, beautiful Bunurong country,' Mr Brown said as the boos and jeers echoed out.

Their voices were picked up by microphones and loudspeakers, making the disturbance clearly audible to the rest of the crowd.

'It's our country!' one yelled.

'We don't have to be welcomed!' screamed another.

The boos and shouts lasted on-and-off during the entire five minutes of the Welcome to Country, as Mr Brown carried on with his address in his sonorous voice.

Bunurong Uncle Mark Brown elder delivers the Welcome to country during the Anzac Day dawn service at Shrine Of Remembrance in Melbourne that was booed

Neo Nazi Jacob Hersant was allegedly one of the men who took part in the booing

Mr Brown's words were in stark contrast to the jeers from the smattering of protesters.

'By acknowledging and encompassing the deep ritual heritage of all of our people, we strive to foster mutual respect, cultural exchange and a celebration of diversities,' he said.

After the Welcome to Country, Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner delivered the official Anzac Day address, which acknowledged Aboriginal Australians.

This prompted yet more boos.

'How many more? This is s***,' one man reportedly shouted.

A woman then shouted 'always was, always will be' - before the crowd erupted with applause and helped drown out the disquiet.

Jacob Hersant, a prominent neo-Nazi figure, was allegedly among those loudly booing.

'This is a day for the Anzacs, it's not for Aboriginals,' he told media after the service.

Hersant was spoken to by police and escorted from the service. It is understood he did not perform a Nazi salute, despite some reports.

Defence Minister Richard Marles described the booing as 'outrageous and appalling', and branded those responsible as 'just idiots'.

Protesters' boos echoed through loudspeakers during Uncle Mark Brown's Welcome to Country at the Anzac Day service

The boos and shouts lasted on-and-off during the entire five minutes of the Welcome to Country, as Mr Brown carried on with his address in his sonorous voice

'It should be condemned in the strongest possible terms,' Mr Marles told Sky News.

'It was a small number of people. The vast majority of people who were here this morning were wanting to commemorate and acknowledge Anzac day in the ways we should expect.'

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called for the police to 'come down heavily' on the disruptors.

'Our diggers fought against the Nazis. That this movement, the neo-Nazis, has any presence in our country at all is just an outrage and a disgrace,' he told Channel Nine.

'You look at the Nazi ideology, the deaths that it led to, the destruction - not just in Europe but across the world  that it could be glorified by Australians here shows that these people are mentally unwell.'

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan also unleashed on the act of disrespect.

'To pierce the sombre silence and to pierce the solemnity of the Dawn Service isnt just disrespectful, it dishonours the very thing that the men and women who fought and lost their lives is about,' Ms Allan told ABC Radio.

'Its beyond disappointing and again, runs counter to why we gather at the Shrine at dawn.'

Victoria Police said they had 'identified a 26-year-old man from Kensington in relation to the behaviour'.

'He has subsequently been interviewed for offensive behaviour and police will proceed via summons,' they added.

'The male has been directed to leave the Shrine of Remembrance.'

Anzac Day marks the moment thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers rowed towards the desolate shores of Gallipoli at half light during World War I.

Over 600 were killed on April 25, 1915, alone, with nearly 9,000 Australians and almost 3,000 New Zealanders killed during the bloody Gallipoli campaign.

A Welcome to Country is a traditional ceremony performed by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander elders to formally welcome visitors to their land and to give their blessing for events taking place on their traditional lands

While the small ceremonies are intended to be friendly and inclusive, it has proved divisive, with some claiming it is a token gesture and a symbol of woke culture.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price previously said Australia was 'saturated' with it, which was 'removing the sacredness of certain traditional culture and practices'.

'It's just become almost like a throwaway line. We don't want to see all these symbolic gestures. We want to see real action,' she said.

The incident has been quickly condemned by RSL Victoria, which said the heckling was completely out of keeping with the intention of the solemn event.

Service men and women and their descendants will later march from Princes Bridge near Federation Square to the shrine before commemorations end with a wreath-laying service.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's controversial chief of staff Joe Kasper is now expected to leave the Pentagon, the fifth top official to leave the administration in a week.

Kasper was originally expected to serve in a different position in the Pentagon, but will now exit in favor of returning to government consulting, according to an interview to Politico.

Kasper joins Hegseth senior adviser Dan Caldwell, deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick and Colin Carroll, the chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg who were ousted from the department last week.

The news is a surprising turnaround after Hegseth signaled his support for Kasper on Tuesday in an interview on Fox and Friends, calling him a 'great guy' and a 'great American.'

'He's staying with us, going to be in a slightly different role, but he's not going anywhere, certainly not fired,' Hegseth said. 'You make changes over time.'

Kasper was reportedly responsible for a toxic work environment, according to reports, as his detractors revealed to Politico that he once joked about taking an 'enormous s**t' during a meeting with his colleagues.

Kasper was also reportedly responsible for forcing out some of Hegseth's other loyal advisors, accusing them of leaking after a Pentagon investigation.

Among the leaks were details of his trip to the Panama Canal and a China briefing with Elon Musk that was ultimately canceled personally by President Trump himself according to reports.

Joe Kasper former Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the White House

Hegseth was furious about leaks in the department, telling Fox News 'I don't have time for leakers' or the 'hoax press that peddles old stories from disgruntled employees.'

'Disgruntled former employees are peddling things to try to save their a**,' he said.

Former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot published an op-ed in Politico claiming that the first month of Hegseth's leadership was 'a month of total chaos' and warned that his days were numbered in the Pentagon.

Hegseth was dismissive of Ullyot's op-ed, pointing to unprofessional behavior.

'Anybody that knows John knows why we let him go. We did a lot of favors for John. He did some good work up front, then he was moved along,' he told Fox News.

Dan Caldwell and John Ullyot, former top advisers for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who were dismissed last week

Darin Selnick and Colin Carroll were also two advisors who were dismissed last week from the Pentagon

Hegseth acknowledged that the investigation was disruptive as it pointed at longtime advisors but reasserted he was committed to stopping the leaks.

'It led to some unfortunate places, people I have known for quite some time. But it's not my job to protect them. It's my job to protect national security, the president of the United States, and let the investigation go where it is,' he said.

Hegseth vowed to remain in his job as long as he continued to have the president's support.

'I haven't blinked, and I won't blink because this job is too big and too important for the American people and I'm grateful for every opportunity the president has given me,' he said.
New online safety rules put the profits of Big Tech firms ahead of children's safety, campaigners warned last night.

In an angry backlash, parents and the Children's Commissioner said Ofcom's long-awaited rules did not go far enough.

The communications regulator insisted that young people would have 'safer online lives' under its final proposals to tackle legal but harmful content on websites, social media and apps.

Ofcom said it had the power to fine technology firms up to 18 million or 10 per cent of their global revenue and can even seek court orders banning access to sites in the UK if they breach their duties under the landmark Online Safety Act.

But children's safety campaigners said the codes of practice will not keep children safe from highly addictive apps and accused the watchdog of letting Big Tech firms off lightly.

In a stinging rebuke, Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza said: 'I made it very clear last year that its proposals were not strong enough to protect children from the multitude of harms they are exposed to online every day.

'I am disappointed to see this code has not been significantly strengthened and seems to prioritise the business interests of technology companies over children's safety.

'I urge Ofcom to ensure online protections mirror what children have told me they want to see. I will be urgently expressing my concerns about the code with Ofcom.'

UK and US families, who have lost children due to online harms, hold a vigil outside of Meta's Manhattan office

Molly Russell, 14, (pictured) took her own life after viewing harmful content online. Her father Ian Russell has since spoken out about the new rules

Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell, who took her own life aged 14 after viewing harmful content online, added: 'I am dismayed by the lack of ambition in yesterday's codes. Instead of moving fast to fix things, the painful reality is that Ofcom's measures will fail to prevent more young deaths like my daughter's.

'Ofcom's risk-averse approach is a bitter pill for bereaved parents to swallow. Their overly cautious codes put the bottom line of reckless tech companies ahead of tackling preventable harm.'

He told Times Radio he had 'pretty much lost trust' with Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, who was last month accused of cosying up to Big Tech chiefs on a trip to California.

Mr Kyle yesterday championed the new rules as a 'watershed moment'. He said US tech firms 'must adhere to British laws' if they are to operate in the UK, before saying he had 'had the pleasure of visiting these companies' in their Silicon Valley bases.

The Technology Secretary has been accused of being too close to the tech industry as Britain's creative industry fights Labour plans to give AI developers a copyright exemption on their works.

It came as a group of British parents who believe social media played a part in the deaths of their children travelled to the US to demand better online safety protections.

Four families flew to New York yesterday to protest with hundreds of others from the US and Canada outside the Manhattan offices of Meta  owner of Facebook and Instagram.

'All we're asking for is can you please help us protect our children,' said Mark Kenevan, father of Isaac who died aged 13 after taking part in a social media challenge.

Ofcom insisted that young people would have 'safer online lives' under its final proposals to tackle legal but harmful content on websites, social media and apps (stock image)

Children's Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza said: 'I made it very clear last year that its proposals were not strong enough to protect children from the multitude of harms they are exposed to online every day

Under Ofcom's new laws, companies will have to change the powerful algorithms that recommend videos  including pornography and material promoting suicide or eating disorders  to stop smartphone and computer users being sent down a rabbit hole of dangerous content.

They will also have to introduce 'highly effective' checks to block under-18s accessing age-restricted sites and make it easier for children to control what they see and make complaints, in more than 40 measures that must be in place by July.

The NSPCC said private messaging apps such as WhatsApp, where 'unmoderated content can spread like wildfire', continue to pose a 'major risk' under the current plans. And there are growing fears that the rules, which will have a major impact on those based in Silicon Valley, may be watered down still further as ministers desperately seek a US trade deal with Donald Trump.

Liberal Democrat science spokesman Victoria Collins said: 'It's unbelievable that ministers are reportedly considering watering down online safety provisions to secure a bargain-basement Trump trade deal. This would be an unforgivable mis-step by the Labour Government.'

Ofcom said: 'We don't recognise this characterisation of our rules which will be transformational in shaping a safer life online for children in the UK. Ofcom has been tasked with bringing about a safer generation of children online, and if companies fail to act they will face enforcement.'

A No 10 spokesman said: 'We will keep listening and will not hesitate to strengthen the law further to ensure the safety of our children and the British public.'
A massive security operation was under way last night as 500,000 mourners began to descend on Rome for Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday.

Officials are putting a ring of steel around the Vatican, with VIPs from 170 countries arriving in the Italian capital.

They include Prince William, Sir Keir Starmer, Donald Trump and his wife Melania, as well as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and Italian premier Giorgia Meloni.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has not been invited and will be represented by Olga Ljubimova, Russia's culture minister.

Army anti-drone units will join machine-gun toting police patrolling the route of the funeral procession and the site of the main service  St Peter's Basilica.

The operation also includes special forces sharp-shooters on rooftops, undercover units, security teams on horseback, helicopter patrols and boats on the nearby River Tiber.

A source said: 'We have heads of state from all over the world, members of several royal families and a host of other dignitaries, so it's huge security operation but we are prepared for anything.'

Security is also being stepped up in and around the city's airports at Fiumicino and Ciampino. A military airbase at Pratica di Mare is also on standby.

Officials are putting a ring of steel around the Vatican, with VIPs from 170 countries arriving in the Italian capital

Army anti-drone units will join machine-gun toting police patrolling the route of the funeral procession and the site of the main service  St Peter's Basilica

An Airborne Warning and Control System, or Awacs, plane will be circling above Rome  while down below drains and sewers are being checked.

As mourners continued to line up to pay tribute to Pope Francis yesterday, at least three army air defence units were visible.

Each consists of two servicemen  one anti-drone operator and a spotter using binoculars.

They are armed with Italian-made CPM weapons which work by jamming the radio frequencies used by drones to communicate and navigate.

One operator told the Daily Mail: 'I can't go into too much detail but  we can direct it away or make it land.'

The Vatican has a small ceremonial army of Swiss Guards and there is also the Vatican Security Service, the Pope's bodyguards.

But the main security will be provided by the Italian government and there will be thousands of police and soldiers in and around the Vatican and along the four-mile route from St Peter's to the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica where Francis will be buried.

Pilgrims continued to flock to the Vatican yesterday to pay their last respects to Pope Francis as he lay in state at the Altar of the Confessor inside the Basilica of St Peter's.

A nun is security checked by a police officer as they make their way to the line and pay homage to the body of Pope Francis in St Peter's Basilica

Members of the Italian Armed Forces and mounted police officers patrol as part of security preparations ahead of Pope Francis' funeral

Members of the Carabinieri on motorcycles are seen near the Vatican ahead of the funeral

Doors are due to close at 7pm on Friday so the coffin can be closed at 8pm and the Basilica prepared for Saturday's ceremony.

In a break with tradition, Pope Francis asked to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore instead of in the papal cemetery under St Peter's.

This has added to the security headache and the route will have to be locked down, with the cortege moving slowly to enable the crowd to see it.
Today marks 39 years since Wallis Simpson, the woman who became Duchess of Windsor after King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry her, died at the age of 89.

She played a notorious role in the greatest royal controversies of the 20th century but in her final years, Wallis was beset by illness, bedridden and unable to walk and talk.

Wallis and her husband, who died in 1972, lived out their final years in Paris. But before they settled in France the jet-setting couple travelled the world.

As the Second World War raged in 1940, Wallis and Edward were shipped thousands of miles across the Atlantic so that the Duke of Windsor could take up the post of governor of the Bahamas.

Instead of spending the war in London alongside the rest of the Royal Family with German bombs showering the capital every night, Wallis and Edward enjoyed the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean.

But despite their picturesque surroundings and year-round sunshine, Wallis and Edward's time in Nassau was far from happy.

Wallis despised living in the tropical paradise so much that she referred to it as 'St Helena'  the barren rock in the Atlantic where Napoleon was banished in the 19th century.

And the Duchess of Windsor dubbed the house the couple stayed in as a 'shack by the sea'.

The Duchess of Windsor described the couples' Bahamas house as a 'shack by the sea'. It was in fact the sprawling 15,000sq ft Sigrist House, pictured in 2020

Wallis and Edward were shipped thousands of miles across the Atlantic so that the Duke of Windsor could take up the post of governor of the Bahamas

Wallis in 1936. The Duchess played an important role in one of the greatest royal controversies of the 20th century

This so-called shack was in fact the sprawling 15,000sq ft Sigrist House which was given to the couple while their official residence, Government House, was renovated.

It was a bizarre posting for a member of the Royal Family, even for one who had been effectively ostracised, but it served a purpose with Britain at war with Nazi Germany a regime many believed that Wallis and Edward were sympathetic towards.

Winston Churchill had good reason to be concerned about the couple's political leanings as Edward had spent much of the late 1930s flirting with Fascism.

In 1937, shortly after his abdication, Edward and Wallis visited Germany on an unofficial visit where he met Adolf Hitler and greeted him with a full Nazi salute  according to biographer Frances Donaldson in her book Edward VIII.

After the 'wonderful time' spent with the Fuhrer at his mountain retreat in Bavaria, Edward wrote a thank you letter. It read: 'To the Fuhrer and [Chancellor], the Duchess of Windsor and I would like to thank you sincerely.

'Our trip through Germany has made a great impression on us. Many thanks to you for the wonderful time that we had with you at the [mountainside retreat] Obersalzberg.'

A month before the war broke out, the Duke of Windsor recorded a message to the British public  although the BBC refused to air it.

Reportedly, he urged Britain to do all it could to 'come to terms with Nazi Germany,' according to AN Wilson, author of Hitler: A Short Biography.

In 1937, shortly after his abdication, Edward and Wallis visited Germany on an unofficial visit where he met Adolf Hitler and greeted him with a full Nazi salute  according to biographer Frances Donaldson in her book Edward VIII

The pair spent a 'wonderful' time with the Fuhrer at his mountain retreat in Bavaria

Wallis was also known for her Nazi sympathies. So much so that the American was tracked by the FBI who in a report wrote that 'the Duchess of Windsor was exceedingly pro-German in her sympathies and connections.'

Unsurprisingly, when war broke out the British Government were wary of the Duke and Duchess.

King George clearly harboured the same suspicions against his brother for a while. During the so-called 'Phoney War' of 1939  the eight-month period between war being declared and fighting beginning  the King gave Edward a military appointment in France with strict instructions that he 'not be shown secret documents'.

So it served a purpose to put a literal ocean between the couple and the United Kingdom as a precaution.

However, despite being over 4,000miles away, they still caused controversy at home.

Wallis was blasted by the press for a spending spree in the United States at a time when Brits endured rationing and constant bombings.

Edward also reportedly told a journalist at the time that 'it would be a tragic thing for the world if Hitler was overthrown'.

At the end of the war, King George and the government's suspicions were vindicated when American diplomats uncovered files buried in the forest near Marburg Castle, including around 60 documents that appeared to contain correspondence between the Duke of Windsor and Nazi Germany.

Wallis and Edward dancing at a party in New York. The jet-setting couple were known for travelling across the world

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor after their wedding in France in June 1937

Now known as the Marburg, or Windsor, Files the documents contain details of a Nazi-devised plan to gain control of Britain, overthrow the monarchy and reinstate the Duke as King.

It is clearly stated that Edward was seen as a better ally than his brother King George, with the Duke urging the Nazis to bomb Britain 'to make England ready for peace'.

In the event of a successful invasion, the alleged plan was for Edward to rule a German-occupied Britain as a puppet monarch for Hitler.

A cable from the German ambassador in Lisbon to Berlin reads: '[The Duke of Windsor] is convinced that if he had remained on the throne, war would have been avoided, and he characterizes himself as a firm supporter of a peaceful arrangement with Germany.

'The Duke definitely believes that continued severe bombing would make England ready for peace.'

After Edward's tenure as governor ended in 1945, the couple led the life of the idle rich, attending parties in France and America and going on lavish holidays with close friends.

Though she lacked the status of an actual queen, it was the kind of high life that American Duchess had always sought.

But when the Duke died aged 77 in 1972, Wallis was left alone, bereft of the man who had worshipped her.

The Queen, with whom she had had minimal contact in the decades since her husband's abdication, hosted her at Buckingham Palace when she arrived for his funeral.

The two had previously met when Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip visited the Duke in Paris in his final days.

It was a sign of the Queen's willingness to put differences to one side for the sake of the greater good.

When Wallis died over a decade later, her funeral service at Windsor's St George's Chapel was attended by senior royals including the Queen, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother. Her name was not mentioned during the service.

Wallis was buried next to her husband at the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore. The burial was attended by only the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Princess Diana and eight of Wallis's aides and friends

The service lasted for less than half an hour and was stripped of nearly all the pomp and ceremony that usually marks a royal death.

Other members of the 100-strong guest list included the then Prince Charles and his wife Princess Diana, along with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Labour leader Neil Kinnock.

On her coffin was a single wreath of white, orange and yellow lillies left by the Queen.

Wallis was buried next to her husband at the Royal Burial Ground, Frogmore. The burial was attended by only the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles and Princess Diana and eight of Wallis's aides and friends.

The Queen Mother, who had once called Wallis the 'lowest of the low', did not attend the burial, after being asked to stay away by the Queen.

However, there was one alleged flicker of emotion that perhaps signalled how, despite all that happened, feelings could be complicated.

According to Princess Diana, the Queen shed a tear as the Duchess was laid to rest. She claimed it was the only time she had seen the monarch weep.

The laying to rest of the the Duchess of Windsor marked the final chapter in a marriage that had captivated and scandalised in equal measure.
There are few perks to being the spare rather than the heir to the throne.

Royal Family members such as Prince Harry and Princess Margaret, who have been cast as the spare, have often struggled to navigate the less prominent role.

Nevertheless, playing second fiddle to the person who will one day be monarch does have its advantages.

Look no further than the Queen Mother - a colossal figure in the modern history of the Royal Family who we might never have met had King George VI been the heir.

This week it has been 102 years since the then-Prince Albert married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon at Westminster Abbey.

British princes at the time traditionally married princesses from continental Europe in fairytale-like arrangements.

While she was still a member of the aristocracy, Lady Elizabeth was not what the Windsors would have considered marriage material.

But the wedding was allowed to go ahead to show that in an age of political modernisation, the royals were also changing with the times.

Prince Albert, the Duke of York and future King George VI, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon on their wedding day on April 26, 1923

A young Elizabeth in 1912. While she was still a member of the aristocracy, Lady Elizabeth was not what the Windsors would have considered marriage material

The then-Duke and Duchess of York at Royal Ascot in 1931. At the time the duke had no reason to expect the Crown to ever be placed on his head

The royal author Tom Quinn revealed in his book 'Gilded Youth' that the wedding was only made possible because of King George's position as the spare.

'When Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married the shy, diffident 'Bertie', the future George VI, she would have known it was only possible because he was not the heir.

Quinn wrote: 'In 1923, royal snobbery was at its peak, but it wasn't the strain of madness that ran through the Bowes-Lyons that would have prevented the marriage had Bertie been the first-born son.

'The difficulty would have been that, on one side, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was descended from Durham mine owners.'

But for the spare, George could 'marry for love and he simply needed a strong woman from the right sort of aristocratic background,' Quinn added.

The Queen Mother certainly still came from a well-to-do family and, although not royalty, they owned an ancestral castle in Scotland and another in County Durham.

On top of this, the families moved in the same social circles - which is how George met Elizabeth as a child and then again as adults at a ball.

When the then-Duke of York first proposed to Elizabeth in 1921, she turned him down due to her misgivings about royal life.

Elizabeth with her parents the Earl and Countess of Strathmore on her wedding day. The Queen Mother certainly came from a well-to-do family and, although not royalty, they owned an ancestral castle in Scotland and another in County Durham

Elizabeth aged six. The WIndsors and Bowes-Lyons moved in the same social circles

The Duke and Duchess of York with their daughter Princess Elizabeth in 1927

But on the third attempt she said yes.

On the day that news of their engagement appeared in the Press, a member of the household at St Paul's told the Daily Mail: 'The engagement was a great surprise to everybody here.

'It was pretty well known that the Duke was very, very fond of Lady Elizabeth, but as to her feelings towards him little was known.

'Last weekend, though, after the proposal, she was all smiles and it was easy to see that she was very happy indeed.

'Everybody in the neighbourhood is tremendously glad, for Lady Elizabeth is such a sweet girl and everybody loves her.'

The Duke did not then expect to inherit the Crown, so his wedding was more low-key than if he had been heir.

Nevertheless, the Yorks' wedding took place before 1,800 guests at Westminster Abbey on April 26, 1923. Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers lined the royal procession route outside.

Elizabeth's dress was made from silk and embroidered with pearls and beads.

Lady Elizabeth with her parents the Earl and Countess of Strathmore (left) and the Duke of York's parents King George V and Queen Mary (right)

The Daily Mail's coverage of the wedding included photographs of the bridesmaids and other leading figures at the ceremony

Made by court dressmaker Madame Handley-Seymour, it boasted a train from both the waist and shoulders.

Over her face Elizabeth wore Queen Mary's lace veil and, like Queen Victoria, she wore a coronet of orange blossom instead of a tiara.

For their honeymoon, the couple travelled to Polesden Lacey manor house in Surrey.

By 1930 they had two daughters, Princess Margaret, born that year, and Princess Elizabeth, born in 1926. They had largely settled into life as the spare, assuming the Crown would never be placed atop of the duke's head.

But destiny had other plans when, following King George V's death, King Edward VIII's desire to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson sparked the biggest constitutional crisis in centuries.

Bertie found himself thrust on to the throne when Edward abdicated for the union.

The Duke and Duchess of York then became King George VI and and Queen Elizabeth and their daughters became heir and spare.

King George's reign was one that saw the brutal upheaval of the Second World War - and by his side throughout was Elizabeth.

A postcard celebrating the wedding of Prince Albert, later King George VI, and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon

The Queen Mother would commit herself to royal duties for much of the rest of her life, demonstrating how the initial doubts she had about entering royal service were misplaced

At the outbreak of war in 1939, there were suggestions that the Queen and her daughters could be evacuated to Canada. But a defiant Elizabeth shut this rumour down by saying: 'The children won't go without me. I won't leave the King. And the King will never leave.'

The Royal Family therefore lived through the Blitz alongside the rest of London.

In September 1940, Buckingham Palace was badly damaged during an air raid.

Elizabeth, with her typical dry sense of humour, said in response: 'I'm glad we've been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the East End in the face.'

After the war, the King and Queen faced the challenge of uplifting a population that had been battered and bruised.

And while King Edward had been regarded by figures such as Archbishop of Canterbury Cosmo Gordon Lang as desperately unsuited to be King - which he demonstrated during his eight tumultuous months on the throne - George emerged as a successful and much-loved monarch.

Integral to this success was the deep bond he shared with his wife, a woman who became a loyal lieutenant to her daughter when she inherited the throne after George's death in 1952.

Despite the sadness of his loss aged 56, the Queen Mother would commit herself to royal duties for much of the rest of her own life - demonstrating how the initial doubts she had about entering royal service were misplaced.
As the Royal Family prepare to welcome Donald Trump on a state visit to Britain, the Mail has been exploring the history of VVIPs who have received the grandest welcome the country can bestow. And not all of them have left a favourable impression on their hosts. Some were disasters.

In this weeks episode of the hit podcast, Queens Kings and Dastardly Things, Mail columnist Robert Hardman and historian Professor Kate Williams discuss how one guest appalled the late Queen by smuggling a dog inside Buckingham Palace.

It was the 1970s, when the whole of Europe was fighting the scourge of the killer disease, rabies, spread by the bite of an infected animal. Britain had managed to stay rabies-free due to draconian rules on animal movements.

This included holding pet dogs in a strict six month quarantine to make sure they were rabies free.

In 1973, the Tory Government of Edward Heath invited the African dictator President Mobutu of Zaire, to Britain in the hope of securing lucrative contracts for a new power plant.

The despot arrived for his state visit with his wife who shared a name with another infamous leader's spouse - Marie-Antoinette.

No sooner had the couple arrived at the palace the royal kitchen received a call from Marie-Antoinette asking a footman - not to bring cake - but a plate of raw meat.

The palace staff were slightly baffled by the request but nevertheless obliged and made their way to the Belgian suite at Buckingham Palace where the couple were saying.

Queen Elizabeth II in the 1970s. The monarch had to put up with her fair share of bizarre state visits during the decade

President Mobutu visited Britain for a state visit in 1973 in the hopes the UK could secure lucrative deals to construct a new power plant

Queen Elizabeth II with President Mobutu of Zaire and his wife Marie-Antoinette. The Queen became very angry with the couple after they smuggled a dog into Buckingham Palace

When the servant dropped off the food, he discovered that this honoured guest had somehow smuggled a small pet dog in her luggage.

This was reported to Queen Elizabeth II who was so vexed by their behaviour that multiple members of palace staff claimed they had never seen her so angry.

Her instant response was to 'get that dog out of my house' and for their own safety the Queen's beloved corgis were whisked off to Windsor.

It completely spoiled the atmosphere of the trip and caused a minor diplomatic incident which Mobutu tried to explain away during a speech at 10 Downing Street.

He claimed that his wife's pet pooch was of British heritage and she wanted to show the dog its homeland.

To round off what was a pretty disastrous state visit, Mobutu went home to Zaire with 1million as a down payment for the power plant but the UK never received the contracts.

This week's podcast also delves into the story of the Shah who cooked a sheep in his rooms and the bizarre moment Jimmy Carter tried to snog the Queen Mother.

To learn more about the Royal Family's state visits from hell search for Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things - wherever you get your podcasts.
Home insurance for period properties is now typically 123 per cent more expensive than for contemporary homes, exclusive data for This is Money shows.

The average home insurance premium for a period property is 547 per year, compared to 302 a year for homes built after the year 2000, Compare the Market said.

A homeowner with a property dating back to the Tudor period faces paying around 770 a year for home insurance.

Someone with a property dating back to the Stuart era from 1603 to 1714 can expect to pay 700 a year to insure their home, the research added.

Anyone with a Georgian property will usually pay around 551 a year for their annual home insurance, according to Compare the Market.

People with homes built between 1831 and 1836 can expect to pay 522 a year, while insurance for homes built before 1485 comes to 487, 397 for Edwardian homes, built between 1901 and 1910, and 395 for Victorian homes, built in the period from 1837 to 1901.

Gulf: Home insurance for period properties is typically 123% more expensive than for contemporary homes

On average, home insurance for a period property costs 245 more than the average premium for one built after 2000, according to the findings.

Helen Phipps, a home insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: 'While period homes often possess great character and charm, our research underlines the importance for homeowners to be aware of the additional costs that can often accompany owning an older property.

'People living in a period home, or those considering purchasing one, should be aware of the potentially higher insurance premiums that typically come with owning an older property.'

Why is insuring period homes more expensive?

Government council tax statistics from 2024 revealed that only around 15 per cent of homes in England and Wales were built before 1919.

This percentage looks set to fall further as the Labour government continues with its plan to build 1.5million new homes by the end of parliament.

Historic Englands 2024 data showed there are over 370,000 listed dwellings in England.

The gulf between the cost of insuring a period home and one built after 2000 can be explained by a number of factors. However, put simply, insurers typically view period homes as being higher risk.

According to Compare the Market, contemporary properties are subject to more stringent safety standards, while older homes may have been built with electrical or plumbing systems that could now be outdated.

Thatched roofing or wood used to construct a period property is more flammable than newer materials. On top of that, period homes may also be more suspectable to problems like damp and subsidence.

Older homes are also usually more expensive to repair than newer properties, with original building materials often more difficult to track down.

Repairs on older properties also often need to be carried out by specialist tradespeople, some of whom may have lengthy waiting lists.

Do note that specialist home insurance is compulsory for listed buildings and if you are buying a Grade I-listed property.

Always shop around to get the best quote for your home insurance and carefully scrutinize all the terms and conditions so you know what will and will not be covered by the policy.

For specialist listed building cover, it may be a good idea to approach an insurance broker to get the best deal available. The cheapest cover may not always be the best option.

If you have already purchased a period home, in order to help keep your home insurance premiums down, keep on top of any maintenance that needs doing. This could encompass checking and treating any mould or damp and regularly clearing the guttering and drains.

The British Insurance Brokers' Association also recommends that homeowners with thatched properties keep roof inspections and electrical inspection certificates up to date.

Phipps, of Compare the Market, told This is Money: 'In some cases, a standard home insurance policy could provide the cover you need for a period home.

'It is important, however, to ensure you have accurately specified key characteristics when applying for cover, such as the materials used to build the property.

'Your homes age could have a significant impact on your quote too, so its important to look at the paperwork you received when you bought the property or contact HM Land Registry if youre unsure of when it was built.

'If you live in a listed building or a period property that would be expensive to rebuild, you may need to find a specialist policy. To find out if your property is listed, you can contact the relevant heritage body for your country.'
A stunning cottage in East Hampton, New York, was demolished after it was purchased for over $12 million.

British developer Nick Capstick-Dale and his wife Laura made the off-market purchase last November.

The house, which overlooked the exclusive oceanfront members only Maidstone Club, mysteriously disappeared in February.

'One day they [the neighbors] woke up, and the house was gone!' broker Paul Brennan of Douglas Elliman told the New York Post.

Despite beautiful beams inspired by English arts and crafts-style properties, the five-bedroom cottage wasn't what the Capstick-Dales had in mind for their dream house.

So instead they tore it down in February in order to build a property almost double the size.

'We had been looking for a home overlooking the Maidstone with ocean and sunset views for some time,' Nick revealed.

'It's our favorite view in the Hamptons, and we also wanted to be close to the village, having had a home on Egypt Lane for 14 years.'

A cottage purchased for over $12 million by Nick Capstick-Dale and his wife Laura was torn down in February

Nick and Laura made the off-market home purchase last November after living on Egypt Lane in East Hampton for 14 years

Nick said he has spent a total of 20 summers in East Hampton.

'The homes that overlook the Maidstone Club are generational and seldom come to the market, so we feel really lucky,' he added.

Ben Krupinski Builders will build the new house, which will be nearly double the cottage size at 11,500 square feet.

The couple, who have a reported net worth of around $614 million, consider Further Lane, where the property is located, and the surrounding area to be very similar to the British countryside.

The property also has sunset views of Hook Pond and the ocean on land adjoining the prestigious club.

The home they will soon see those views from will be 'tasteful, traditional-style shingle gambrel that will blend seamlessly into the surrounding grand estates,' according to the New York Post.

Nick added that they are building their 'forever home, hence tearing down the existing home to build a new one that suited our lifestyle with three children.

'We are building a traditional house that will hopefully blend into the landscape like it had been there always, something we care deeply about.'

The family was searching for an East Hampton home with ocean and sunset views overlooking the Maidstone Club

The couple tore the cottage down in February in order to build a property almost double the size

The torn-down home was inspired by English arts and crafts-style properties

Not only will the family live near the Maidstone Club, but they will also be close to New York Jets co-owner and former ambassador to the UK Robert Wood 'Woody' Johnson IV.

Brennan and fellow Douglas Elliman broker Martha Gundersen were thrilled to close the sale with Capstick-Dales.

'This off-market sale was an extraordinary one in the way things aligned. It's probably one of our best deals,' Brennan told Behind the Hedges.

'Martha has a great relationship with the homeowner and over time helped her to realize the great opportunity in the market.'

The broker credited their global connections in helping them find 'the right buyer along at the right time.'

'It was truly a rare opportunity,' said Gunderson, adding that sunsets in the area are 'awe-inspiring.'

'Not many houses have sold or changed hands in this area, so this sale was a major coup.'

This year's average East Hampton home value is $1,925,236 - a 0.3 percent decrease compared to 2024.

However, several homes in that area on the market start at $20 million, and a primary residence with a guest house on Further Lane sold for $70 million earlier this year.
READ MORE: Scientists claim to have discovered a colour never seen by humans

Scientists shocked the world last week when they announced they'd been able to manipulate the human eye into seeing a new colour.

The experts at University of California, Berkeley managed the impressive feat by firing lasers at specific cones inside the retina of the human eye.

Now, a British artist claims he has created a paint of the new shade  described as a 'profoundly saturated peacock green'.

Stuart Semple from Dorset  already known for creating paints of the blackest black and the pinkest pink  is selling 150ml bottles of 'Yolo'.

Semple wants to 'bridge science with art' by making the colour available to fellow painters to create profound new artworks.

However, unless you're an artist, you're going to have to pay an outrageous price for it.

Semple said in an Instagram post: 'Scientists have discovered a brand new colour! I've been up all night liberating it for you.

'This is Yolo and it's strictly for artists only.'

This paint's 'specific blend of high-frequency pigments and brighteners is designed to stimulate specific wavelengths of visual experience'

British artist Stuart Semple from Dorset is known for installations and sculptures, as well as creating paints of the blackest black and the pinkest pink

The scientists have called their new colour olo, but Semple has used the name 'yolo' with the added 'y' standing for 'you'.

The 150ml bottle of Yolo is for sale on Semple's website Culture Hustle at a whopping price of 10,000 ($13,300).

However, presumably as part of a publicity stunt, the cost is reduced to just 29.99 if you say you are an artist by using the checkout code 'YOLO'.

It's unclear if people will need to provide any credentials to prove that they really are an artist and get the substantial discount.

However, the terms and conditions state: 'By using the code YOLO in the cart, you confirm that you are an artist and that you will be using this material for artistic applications only.

'To the best of your knowledge, information and belief, this YOLO material will not make its way into the hands of a non-artist.'

The high frequency acrylic paint is currently 'being created' and is due to start shipping in three weeks.

The artist said people can't properly see the colour on-screen, so it has to be witnessed in person.

The 150ml bottle of paint is retailing for a whopping 10,000 - or 29.99 if you state at checkout that you are an artist

An image of a turquoise square has been shared by the researched to provide a sense of the colour, which they named 'olo'

How did scientists create the new colour? Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley found a way to manipulate the human eye into seeing a brand-new colour. Their technique uses tiny doses of laser light to individually control up to 1,000 photoreceptors in the eye at one time. The laser is just one color (the same as a green laser pointer) but by primarily activating M cone cells in the eye, it can show people the new color, 'olo'. Advertisement

However, Yolo is essentially a physical approximation of the colour that a select group of researchers were exposed to in their lab experiments.

As Semple admits, it is 'as close to this experience that we're ever going to get in physical form'.

'Whilst Yolo isnt exactly the same as firing a laser into your eyeball, the experience of the colour is as close as youll ever get with a paint,' the product description says.

'This mix's specific blend of high-frequency pigments and brighteners is designed to stimulate specific wavelengths of visual experience.

'Its impossible to photograph the experience or to show it on a screen, so until you have this colour in your hands, youll need to imagine it.'

In the experiments detailed in a paper last week in Science Advances, five researchers had green laser light fired into their eyes to stimulate cells in the retina, called M cones.

By stimulating individual M cones, the researchers were able to perceive the light as a 'a blue-green colour of unparalleled saturation'.

'It was like a profoundly saturated teal  the most saturated natural colour was just pale by comparison,' said Austin Roorda, a professor of optometry at UC Berkeley.

Austin Roorda, a professor of optometry and vision science at UC Berkeley, demonstrates what it looks like to be part of the experiments

As the researchers point out, their technique means subjects 'can be made to perceive different colors of the rainbow, unprecedented colours beyond the natural human gamut'.

Semple admits 'the eye-popping laser technology' might remain within the confines of the lab, but Yolo 'brings the essence of this discovery to artists everywhere'.

It's been created with 'a special blend of high-frequency pigments and brighteners' in order to 'evoke specific visual wavelengths'.

Painting with Yolo gives 'a near-transcendent experience that echoes the original' creation, the product description adds.
It is one of the world's most popular messaging apps, used by more than two billion people around the globe.

But within days, WhatsApp will stop working on three popular phones that are used by millions.

From May 5, anyone still using a trio of Apple devices will no longer be able to send or receive messages on the app.

After this date, only devices running the iOS 15.1 operating system or newer will be supported.

The affected devices are the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6, and the iPhone 6 Plus.

Although these phones now make up a smaller part of WhatsApp users, the decision will leave many fans of the older devices disappointed.

A WhatsApp spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users.

'These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.'

In just days WhatsApp will stop working for three popular phones once used by millions of people (stock image)

From May 5, WhatsApp will only be available on Apple devices running the iOS 15.1 operating system or newer (stock image)

Currently, any iPhone capable of running iOS 12 or newer can use the WhatsApp app.

However, that is set to change when the Meta-owned company releases its next major software update.

Devices unable to update to at least iOS 15.1 or higher will no longer be able to use any features of the WhatsApp app.

However, it is worth noting that Apple also stopped supporting these models some time ago.

The oldest of the affected phones, the iPhone 5s, was released over a decade ago in 2013 while the most recent, the iPhone 6 Plus, was released just a year later in 2014.

All of these iPhone models were discontinued by Apple in 2016 and were officially declared obsolete.

Being added to the obsolete products list means Apple will not service, provide parts to service providers, or release critical software and security updates for the device.

In addition to WhatsApp, Spotify and Instagram are already unavailable on all of these older devices.

The affected devices are the iPhone 5s (left), the iPhone 6 (right), and the iPhone 6 Plus which were all discontinued in 2016 and became obsolete last year

Which phones will not be able to use WhatsApp? Starting from May 5, any Apple device that cannot update to iOS 15.1 will not be supported by WhatsApp. This update will remove support for three iPhone models: iPhone 5s

iPhone 6

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WhatsApp says: 'Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates.

'Before we stop supporting your operating system, you'll be notified in WhatsApp and reminded a few times to upgrade.'

iOS 15.1 is available on every iPhone released after the iPhone 6, including the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models.

To make sure you can still use WhatsApp on your phone, it is essential that you update to at least iOS 15.1 or higher - even if you are using a newer, compatible device.

To check which operating system you are currently using, simply open the Settings app, select General, and tap on the 'About' tab.

Under the heading 'Version' you will be able to see the currently installed iteration of iOS.

If you do need to update your iPhone, from Settings navigate to the tab labelled 'General' and select 'Software Update'.

If a newer version of iOS is available, you can press 'Install Now' to begin the update.

To keep using WhatsApp your device will need to be running iOS 15.1 or newer. To check which software you are using, simply open the Settings app, select General, and tap on the 'About' tab (pictured) to show the iOS Version

This comes after the Meta-owned app quietly added a new blue circle icon in the bottom-right corner of your chats. This icon is a shortcut to Meta AI - the tech giant's artificial intelligence-powered chatbot

To ensure you always get the latest software and security updates, you can also consider activating automatic updates by selecting 'Automatic Updates' on the 'Software Update' page.

This comes after a recent WhatsApp update left users furious as the Meta-owned app introduced a subtle change.

WhatsApp quietly added a blue circle icon in the bottom-right corner of all chats.

That circle is a shortcut to Meta AI - the company's artificial intelligence-powered chatbot.

Meta said in a statement: 'Meta AI through WhatsApp is an optional service from Meta that can answer your questions, teach you something, or help come up with new ideas.'

However, as the feature began to arrive for British users, many were unhappy about the change.

On X, formerly Twitter, one user vented: 'Okay, how do I get rid of Meta AI in WhatsApp? The button is constantly hovering in the way and I will never ever use it.'

While another joked: 'Massive ask AI button WhatsApp omg just leave me alone man.'
Its the super-hot, churning ball of plasma whose surface reaches temperatures of 5,500C (10,000F).

Now, scientists have released the most detailed photo of our sun yet  and it gives a close-up glimpse of its intense magnetic energy.

The image was captured by the worlds most powerful solar telescope, which takes 2D snapshots of the sun at a range of wavelengths.

Several hundred images are taken in just a few seconds by three synchronised cameras using different settings  similar to taking a series of photographs using different filters.

Combining these images allows for a 3D view of the suns structures  as seen in this remarkable picture.

The newly released image reveals a cluster of sunspots on the Suns surface, measuring approximately 25,000km by 25,000km.

Sunspots - areas of intense magnetic activity - often lead to solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which are what is responsible for our Northern Light displays on Earth.

The image achieves a spatial resolution of 10km per pixel  showing the sunspots in unprecedented detail.

The incredible image shows a cluster of sun spots - areas of intense magnetic energy. Each pixel in the original version of the image corresponds to 10 km (or 6.2 miles) on the Sun

The Visible Tunable Filters (VTF) optical device, called an etalon, is pictured here. It consists of two reflecting plates which can measure small differences in the flux of light for different wavelengths

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope was first installed at the National Solar Observatory (NSO) near the summit of Mauis Haleakala volcano in 2022.

It has now achieved first light  used to describe the first time a telescope lens is exposed to the night sky  with its most advanced instrument, the new Visible Tunable Filter (VTF).

Designed and built in Germany, the VTF arrived at the observatory last year and has since been carefully installed.

It weighs 5.6 tons and has a footprint roughly the size of a small garage, occupying two floors.

While it is not yet fully operational, science verification and commissioning are expected to begin in 2026.

Seeing those first spectral scans was a surreal moment, said Dr. Stacey Sueoka, Senior Optical Engineer at the observatory.

This is something no other instrument in the telescope can achieve in the same way.

It marked the culmination of months of optical alignment, testing, and cross-continental teamwork.

Near the summit of Mauis Haleakala, the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope - and its set of cutting-edge solar instruments, such as the Visible Tunable Filter - is set to pave the way for a deeper understanding of our home star

Engineers and scientists work on the Visible Tunable Filter (VTF) inside the Coude Lab at the Inouye Solar Telescope, preparing the instrument for its first light

Were already seeing the instruments potential. This is only the beginning, and Im excited to see whats possible as we complete the system, integrate the second etalon [optical device], and move toward science verification and commissioning.

The team said their new instrument may help reveal hidden details about the solar magnetic field, which is crucial for understanding solar flares and space weather.

The sun regularly displays powerful eruptions that hurl particles and radiation into space.

On Earth, this solar bombardment can trigger spectacular auroras  Northern Lights - but can also disrupt technical infrastructure and satellites.

Carrie Black, NSF program director, said: When powerful solar storms hit Earth, they impact critical infrastructure across the globe and in space.

High-resolution observations of the sun are necessary to improve predictions of such damaging storms.

On our increasingly technological Earth, sudden solar storms can cause devastating damage to critical infrastructure, and disable large portions of the electrical power grid, communications networks, or space systems.

This new instrument can analyse crucial properties such as plasma flow velocity, magnetic field strength, pressure and temperature.

A solar superstorm, strong enough to cause an 'internet apocalypse', knock out satellites and cripple clean water supplies could hit Earth 'at any moment', experts have warned (stock image)

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The commissioning of VTF represents a significant technological advance for the Inouye Solar Telescope, said Matthias Schubert, VTF project scientist.

The instrument is, so to speak, the heart of the solar telescope, which is now finally beating at its final destination.

Dr. Thomas Kentischer, KIS Co-Principal Investigator and key architect behind the instruments optical design, said: 'After all these years of work, VTF is a great success for me.

'I hope this instrument will become a powerful tool for scientists to answer outstanding questions on solar physics.'
Officials in New York City have issued an air quality alert telling more than 10million Americans to stay inside due to wildfire smoke.

A fire in neighboring New Jersey has burned through more than 15,000 acres since Tuesday when it erupted in Ocean County, near the shoreline.

The fire is about 54 miles south of NYC and roughly 50 percent contained. Fire crews may not be able to fully contain the blaze until rain falls this weekend.

Smoke billowing across state lines is filled with toxic chemicals and fine particles that can worsen asthma, lead to heart attacks and may increase the risk of developing cancer and dementia.

New York's Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter from 12am to 11:59pm Thursday.

These particles, also known as PM2.5, are tiny airborne particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.

The advisory covers the New York City Metro area, including all five boroughs, Westchester and Rockland counties, as well as Long Island.

When inhaled, these particles burrow deep inside the lungs and can cause serious health problems.

Toxic smoke from a New Jersey wildfire has prompted New York City officials to issue an air quality alert today, warning more than 8 million residents to stay inside

Wildfire smoke is known to contain cancer-causing chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which cause genetic mutations that allow tumors to form

What's more, wildfire smoke is known to contain cancer-causing chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which cause genetic mutations that allow tumors to form.

National Weather Service (NWS) officials warn that New York City's outdoor air quality levels could be greater than an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100 today due to the presence of fine particulates.

The AQI measures the amount of pollutants and particulates in the air on a scale of zero (good) to 500 (hazardous).

An AQI of 100 is considered 'moderate,' but may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly and people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions.

The general population can expect some eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath if they spend too much time outdoors.

'When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects,' the NWS alert reads.

So far, no one has been injured or killed in the blaze, but a commercial building and some vehicles were destroyed, and 12 structures remained threatened Wednesday evening, according to the Associated Press (AP).

'This is still a very active fire,' said New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette.

The Jones Road fire in Ocean County, New Jersey has burned through more than 13,000 acres since Tuesday, when it erupted in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area of Barnegat Township, about 90 miles from NYC

'As we continue to get this under full control the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.'

Investigation by law enforcement and forest fire officials determined that he cause of the fire was an improperly extinguished bonfire, and was deemed to be 'incendiary.'

On Wednesday, officials charged Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown with Aggravated Arson and Arson in connection with a wildfire that started in Waretown Tuesday and continued to spread throughout the southern Ocean County area, according to a statement from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

'At approximately 9:45am ET Tuesday, the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower located a column of smoke coming from the area of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township,'

'Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a fire within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trusts Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, which is on the east side of Jones Road.'

Further investigation revealed that Kling set wooden pallets ablaze, then left the area without extinguishing the bonfire.

Firefighters battle a house fire Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Lacey Township, New Jersey

Investigation by law enforcement and forest fire officials determined that he cause of the fire was an improperly extinguished bonfire, and was deemed to be 'incendiary'

'Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Headquarters; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing,' the statement reads.

A total of 5,000 New Jerseyans were forced to evacuate, but are now allowed to return home.

The fire was likely fueled by dry conditions typical for New Jersey this time of year. The region is currently in peak wildfire season, as trees are still developing leaves, humidity remains low and winds can kick up, drying out the forest floor.

But the affected area had also been experiencing a severe drought until recently, which likely exacerbated the dry conditions.

In 2025, New Jersey has already experienced nearly twice as many wildfires as it did in the same period last year, with 662 fires consuming over 16,500 acres, according to Bill Donnelly, the chief of the forest fire service.

Officials say the Jones Road fire is the worst in nearly two decades, smaller only than a 2007 blaze that burned 26 square miles.
Everyone knows the frustration of looking for vegetables in the fridge only to find your fresh produce has become a rotten mess.

But if your onions are going off quicker than expected, experts say it's probably because you've been storing them wrong.

While you might think that putting onions in the fridge would make them last longer, it actually has the opposite effect.

This is because cold temperatures speed up the conversion of starches to sugars, which makes the onions turn soft and mushy.

Food expert and author of Little House Living Melissa Alink told The Mirror: 'While whole onions can be stored in a fridge, it is not recommended.

'That is because whole raw onions absorb moisture quickly and can turn softer in the fridge.'

Instead, Ms Alink recommends storing your onions in a dark, well-ventilated place like a cupboard or drawer.

However, be sure not to use a cupboard that is too hot since this will encourage the onions to sprout.

Experts say you may have been storing your onions wrong, as they reveal why you should never put them in the fridge (stock image)

Onions, like most fruits and vegetables, are still alive when we eat them.

That means the cells continue to respire - burning oxygen and sugar to make energy - and this has a big impact on how we have to store them.

When root vegetables like onions get cold, their response is to start converting their stores of starch into sugar to provide energy for the plant.

This is why carrots can be much sweeter if they have been harvested after a particularly cold period.

However, this process also causes onions to become soft and go off faster.

On the other hand, when onions become warm their reaction is to start burning up their sugars to grow shoots and produce a new plant.

Sprouted onions are not poisonous and you can even eat the green shoots they produce.

However, the onions might be significantly more bitter since they will have already consumed a lot of the sugars which give them their sweet and pleasant flavour.

The cold temperature of the fridge speeds up the conversion of starches into sugar in the onions. This makes them become soft and go off faster (stock image)

Where should you keep onions? Keeping onions in the fridge speeds up the conversion of starch into sugar, making them soft. You should store onions in a dark, well-ventilated area, above 4C (40F). Don't keep them in a plastic bag and ensure the container used has good air flow. You can use a wire basket, mesh bag or crate to store them. You could also consider placing the onions in an old pair of nylon tights and hanging them for long-term storage. Advertisement

In addition to temperature, experts say you should also keep onions out of the fridge due to the high humidity levels which can encourage rotting.

Ms Alink says: 'Store your onions in a dry [spot] where moisture cannot seep through to keep them from spoiling or rotting.

'Avoid storing onions in areas such as under the sink or in the basement, where it is humid.'

Ms Alink also advises that you don't keep the onions in the plastic bag they are often sold in.

'Plastic bags will invite a great deal of moisture and make the onions rot faster than you want them to,' says Ms Alink.

Instead, try and find a storage container that allows as much airflow as possible.

Iowa State University advises: 'Place the cured onions in a mesh bag, old nylon stocking, wire basket, or crate.'

If you are using a pair of nylon stockings or tights to store your onions, you can push them one at a time into the legs to make a stack and then tie them off at the top.

Chopped or peeled onions should be kept in the drawer of the fridge with the other fruits and vegetables since they will rot quickly otherwise

This is a good option for long-term storage if you have somewhere to hang the tights as this will allow plenty of airflow to keep the onions fresh.

However, sliced or peeled onions should be kept in the fridge where they can be stored for up to two weeks at the correct temperature.

Ms Alink says: 'Sliced, chopped, and cooked onions should always be stored in the fridge. These types of onions are not suitable for pantries and will rot quickly outside your fridge.'

Unlike whole onions, cut onions should be wrapped tightly in airtight material to prevent them from decaying.

Ethylene gas, a natural hydrocarbon produced by fruits, speeds up the ripening process of plants exposed to it.

Since this can build up in the enclosed confines of the fridge, it is best to ensure delicate fruit and veg are kept in airtight containers.

Ms Alink says: 'Half-cut onions should be wrapped tightly in cling film or plastic wrap and then put into an airtight container, while chopped onions should be put in a plastic zipper bag.'
With reports of ghosts and paranormal activity for decades, an unassuming village in Kent has built up a reputation as the 'most haunted village in England'.

It is said that over a dozen ghosts haunt Pluckley, which for more than 70 years has had the title of the scariest village in England.

Ghosts said to haunt the village include the 'Hanging Schoolmaster' and the 'Screaming Man of the Clay Pit'.

Now, one brave scientist believes he has uncovered the truth about the mysterious village.

Dr Simon Moreton, associate professor of creative economies at UWE Bristol, scoured newspapers, birth, marriage and death records and parish papers.

And his extensive research has finally pieced together the origins of the village's folklore.

According to Dr Moreton, at least 10 of Pluckley's ghost stories stem back to just one local man.

What's more, at least four ghost stories can be traced to real events - including the 'Watercress Woman', who tragically burned to death in 1911.

With reports of ghosts and paranormal activity for decades, an unassuming village in Kent has built up a reputation as the 'most haunted village in England'. It is said that over a dozen ghosts haunt Pluckley, which for more than 70 years has had the title of the scariest village in England

The grave of Mary Ann Bennett, who killed herself in 1862 and is remembered as the Lady of Rose Court

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Dr Moreton decided to focus on Pluckley for both personal and professional reasons.

'I've been fascinated by the ghost stories of Pluckley since I was a child,' he said.

'My late father's ancestors came from the village, so the research has been a personal as well as a professional journey.'

Pluckley, on the northern edge of the Weald between Maidstone and Ashford, was an Anglo-Saxon settlement and boasts several historic buildings including a 14th century church.

It found fame in the 1990s as the setting for the hit TV adaptation of HE Bates's novel The Darling Buds of May and its sequels, starring David Jason and Pam Ferris.

The village is rumoured to be home to anything between 10 and 17 ghosts.

The most haunted title was first given to the village in 1950 and bolstered by a mention  although not an actual award  in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records.

Dr Moreton's research has discovered that 10 of Pluckley's ghost stories were first recorded by local man Frederick Sanders in self-published books on ghost hunting, letters to the local press, newspaper articles and ghost hunts.

Pluckley, on the northern edge of the Weald between Maidstone and Ashford, was an Anglo-Saxon settlement and boasts several historic buildings including a 14th century church

The true stories behind Pluckley's ghosts Sarah Sharp, who burned to death in 1911, is remembered as the Watercress Woman

Mary Ann Bennett killed herself in 1862 and is remembered as the Lady of Rose Court

Richard Bridgland died in an accident at the Pluckley Brick and Tile Works quarry in 1899, and is remembered as the Screaming Man of the Clay Pit

The Hanging Schoolmaster was a papermaker named Henry Edgar Martin who killed himself in 1919. Advertisement

'Storytelling is a fundamental human behaviour and whether or not you believe in ghosts, Pluckley's reputation demonstrates how fascinated we are with tales with a spooky edge to them,' Dr Moreton said.

'What's exciting about this research is that it's been possible to demonstrate how one person with a passion for these kinds of story was able to shape  for better or worse  the identity of a whole village through his storytelling.'

At least four ghost stories can be traced to real events.

Sarah Sharp, who burned to death in August 1911, is remembered as the Watercress Woman.

And Mary Ann Bennett killed herself in 1862 and is remembered as the Lady of Rose Court.

Richard Bridgland died in an accident at the Pluckley Brick and Tile Works quarry in January 1899, and is remembered as the Screaming Man of the Clay Pit.

Meanwhile, the Hanging Schoolmaster was a papermaker named Henry Edgar Martin who killed himself in August 1919.

'The way these stories get told and retold can tell us a great deal about how we use the past to understand ourselves and the places we live,' said Dr Moreton.

'Local rumours take on a life of their own.

'Personal tragedies become salacious gossip, and sometimes social prejudices obscure the real lived experiences of the people the stories relate to.

'Finally, it reminds us there are real people and real places behind these stories, both of which deserve our respect.'

The paper, Frederick Sanders and the Origins of the Most Haunted Village in England, is published in the journal Folklore.
Remains have been found after a father-of-four was mauled to death by a shark in northwest Israel, officials have said.

The chilling attack, which took place near Olga Beach, Hadera, on Monday, prompted a major search and rescue operation.

'Help' and 'they're biting me' were among the man's final words as he was seen thrashing around with his arms in the air before being dragged out to sea.

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Horrifying attacK: A shark attack off the coast of Hadera's Olga Beach in Israel on Monday left a man dead has sparked a flurry of insensitive AI generated images

The event has since stirred controversy as AI images of 'anti-Semitic sharks' depicted Hamas bandanas began to circulate.

People have joked online that it was the 'anti-Semitic shark' who would 'fight to total victory'.

Two of the images being shared show a shark wearing a green Hamas bandana or keffiyeh with the caption 'the warrior in the Abu-shark force', with the predator also being dubbed the 'al-Qassam shark' in reference to Hamas's al-Qassam brigade.

AI-generated: One of the AI-generated images show a shark wearing a green Hamas bandana

A third is a fake picture of former IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari next to a shark, which was posted with the caption claiming that Hagari threatened retaliation against the animal and announced that the incident resulted in only 'minor injuries'.

The posts have caused fury in Israel, with local media saying that the savage shark attack on Monday was used to incite 'anti-Semitic hatred'.

Deputy Fire Chief Doron Almashali said: 'After a day and a half of intensive effort, we have found what appears to be part of the missing person. Naturally, these findings must undergo thorough examinations by the Israel Police and the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute.'

No joke; Trolls have dubbed the predator the 'al-Qassam shark' in reference to Hamas' al-Qassam brigade

More layers: Another image shows former IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari next to a shark

Almashali added: 'We will continue working to confirm that we have indeed found the missing individual. We conducted our search pattern based on careful analysis of underwater currents, and it was precisely in that area where the remains were discovered.'

He added that fire service 'sincerely hope we have indeed found the diver who was attacked by the sharks.'

Israel Police said: 'As you can see, we are now on the second day of searching. We are sparing absolutely no resources. The Police Commissioner has instructed us to deploy all available forces to assist with the search effort.

'Several findings have been sent for examination, and we are awaiting the results. Our primary goal is to bring closure to the family. We will continue our efforts until we locate the missing person.'

A friend of the deceased said: 'I warned him not to go into the sea, and then I received the bitter news.'

What is left of the man's body has been transferred to the National Center of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification and examination.

Up close: Footage from just before the attack shows beachgoers trying to touch the sharks

Too close! Children were seen standing in the water as sharks swam around their legs

This beach area is said to be well-used among swimmers and surfers, who play with sharks' fins and throw fish for them to eat.

However, according to the JNS, swimming in the water off Olga Beach is prohibited.

An eyewitness said that the man's haunting last words were: 'I'm bitten, I'm bitten,' as he waved his hands in the air.'

Speaking to Channel 12 News, they said: 'After a few minutes, sharks bit him - and suddenly he disappeared.'

Videos shared on social media show other beach-goers, including children, standing in the water and marvelling at the sharks as they swam around their legs just moments before the man was attacked.

Some holidaymakers coming to the area to see the sharks would even grab them by their tails and beat them with an oar, according to the chairwoman of the Israeli Shark Association.

Rescue team: Teams were deployed in the area to locate the man's remains

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel has reacted to the shark attack by saying that it called on the state four years ago to regulate behaviour.

It said: 'Every winter, a unique phenomenon occurs in Israel in which sharks and rays gather at the outlet of the warm waters of the power stations.

'In the case of such a fascinating and public-attracting phenomenon, it would be appropriate to take conservation and safety measures for the public, but over the years, chaos has developed in the area.

'I started recording and saw they were sharks. They got within 164 to 328ft of the shoreline, which caused panic among swimmers.

'Still, some tried to approach them despite the lifeguard's clear orders to get out of the water. The sharks moved from south to north, did a sort of 'dance', and eventually disappeared.'

Shark attacks in the Mediterranean are extremely rare, with only 50 recorded since 1900, and only 11 being fatal.

The man is believed to have been attacked by at least three sharks.

Following the incident, police have closed Olga Beach to swimmers until further notice.
America's biggest retail stores struggled to keep up with demand as shoppers flocked online for the Nintendo Switch 2 presale on Wednesday, after its original date was delayed due to President Trump's tariffs.

Gamers reported issues with Target, Walmart and Best Buy as they rushed to purchase the Japanese console when it was released at midnight.

Downdetector, which monitors online outages, reported more than 2,520 complaints from Target customers when the sale launched.

Frustration: Nintendo Switch 2 preorders sent online shoppers into a frenzy, as major retail sites crashed. Stock image

Best Buy saw a continuous rise across the evening of shoppers reporting problems between 9pm and 1am, with some saying the item was not available to be preordered.

Walmart shoppers first reported trouble not long after 8pm with just under 1,500 reports, according to the online tracker, but had minimal incidents reported after 10pm.

The Switch 2 was one of the most hotly-anticipated consumer product releases of the year.

Nintendo revealed the redesigned console on April 2, the same day that President Donald Trump held a massive press conference on the White House lawn to announce his 'Liberation Day' global trade tariffs.

The tariffs came in much higher than economists expected, sending the stock market into a tailspin and forcing Nintendo to delay preorders for its new console.

Flooded: The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 ignited panic among gamers who rushed online to secure their preorder - only to find websites had been overwhelmed with demand

When eager shoppers logged on to finally secure their new consoles at midnight, they were met with a tech meltdown, forcing them to vent their disappointment on social media.

'Which best buy employee forgot to change the button for the preorders for switch 2?' one gamer said.

'Best Buy didn't open their preorders for the Switch 2 on time... and they instead waited until I was away for my computer to open them, so now I'm stuck in a long line,' complained another.

'Best Buy is crashing hard. Hopefully people get their Switch 2s,' said a shopper.

'So Best Buy, after telling me not to leave the page, just closed the "you're in line" box without letting me do anything,' said another.

Someone else wrote: 'Best buy is a mess.'

Others shared their excitement upon securing an order.

'I GOT ONE YESSSS! Nintendo Switch 2 Here we go baby!' said one person.

'I managed to get one through Best Buy, hopefully they dont cancel my order,' another wrote.

'Best Buy never failed me,' rejoiced another.

Best Buy: Shoppers reported complaints with the website leading up to the presale launch, with the most people experiencing difficulty right at midnight

Target: Shoppers reported complaints just as the Nintendo device's presale kicked off on Thursday

America's biggest retail stores struggled to keep up with demand as shoppers flocked online for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2

However, many were not as lucky, with one man trying all three major retailers and failing to secure the console on each attempt.

'My Nintendo Switch 2 shopping experience lol. Thanks Target Best Buy and Walmart,' he said, sharing grabs of each website failing to send his order through.

The new Switch boasts a bigger 7.9-inch screen, higher resolution, a chat feature to talk to friends, and new Joy-Con controllers that attach and detach easily - no more wrestling them out of your console or dealing with faulty release buttons.

It was originally set to launch on April 9, but Nintendo postponed the date after Trump announced plans to impose trade tariffs on foreign countries.

'Preorders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the US will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,' Nintendo told DailyMail.com at the time.

'Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.'

When the new release date was confirmed, the Japanese gaming company said the $449.99 price tag of the long-awaited gadget would not increase despite taxation pressures.

In order to keep the consoles at the same price, the company will have to eat millions of dollars in previously unknown costs.

Switch consoles are mostly produced in Vietnam and China. Both countries were slapped with tariffs by the Trump administration.

All products manufactured in Vietnam were hit with a 46 per cent tariff rate while products from China are subject to a 145 per cent levy.

Nintendo is just one of many tech companies re-evaluating their operation as a result of the global tariff war.

The 'magnificent seven' stocks of high-earning tech companies lost $1.03 trillion in just a day after the tariffs were announced.

Apple, which also relies on Asian manufacturing, lost $311billion from its market cap before recovering after Trump announced iPhones would be exempt.

Major automakers like Volkswagen, are pausing production of some of their cars.

Even though Trump has issued a 90-day tariff pause on many countries after his initial announcement tanked the stock market, he has asserted he will not budge when it comes to tech.

'NOBODY is getting off the hook for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst!' the President posted on Truth Social.

'These products are subject to the existing 20 per cent Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff bucket,' he continued.
Birmingham Airport could be a realistic option for flying in and out of London when the High Speed 2 rail line opens, experts said today as journey times will be slashed.

Train passengers have been told a trip between the new stations of Old Oak Common in West London and Birmingham Interchange is expected to take just 31 minutes.

The fastest trains between the existing London Euston and Birmingham International stations currently take 65 minutes, but this will be significantly cut when HS2 begins.

Calculations by MailOnline found HS2 could make it take less than an hour to travel from Tottenham Court Road station in London's West End to Birmingham Airport.

Passengers would board the Elizabeth line to Old Oak Common, taking an estimated 11 minutes, followed by a five-minute change onto another platform for an HS2 train.

Upon arrival at Birmingham Interchange, they would have another five-minute change before a six-minute journey on the new 'Automated People Mover' to the airport.

This gives a total journey time of 58 minutes  roughly in line with the hour it takes to get from Tottenham Court Road station to Luton, Stansted or Southend airports.

Heathrow and City would remain the closest airports to Tottenham Court Road by rail, both taking about 35 minutes  while Gatwick can be reached in about 50 minutes.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin told MailOnline that the significantly reduced journey times are 'always going to be a big win for passengers', adding that HS2 could make Birmingham Airport 'a viable addition to some Londoners' when choosing flights.

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An artist's impression of the new Birmingham Interchange station near Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Interchange HS2 station (artist's impression, above) will be connected to the airport by an 'Automated People Mover' taking six minutes, which can be seen bottom right

The 'Automated People Mover' will run between the HS2 station and airport in Birmingham

Birmingham Airport is the UK's seventh busiest airport, behind four major hubs in London

But he warned: 'It isn't quite that simple though. Ease of access to London airports is highly dependent on the location you're travelling from in London.

'For example, those living in Acton will look to Heathrow as just 'down the road' versus a potentially hours-long slog across London to an airport like Stansted.

Rail journey times to London airports from the West End From: Tottenham Court Road station

Leave: Monday 28 April 2025, 10am Heathrow, 35m Elizabeth line to Heathrow Terminal 5, 35m City, 36m Elizabeth line to Stratford, 13m

Change, 7m

DLR to London City Airport, 16m Gatwick, 48m Elizabeth line to Farringdon, 3m Change, 5m Thameslink to Gatwick Airport (South Terminal), 40m Luton, 59m Elizabeth line to Farrington, 3m

Change, 8m

Thameslink to Luton Airport Parkway, 35m

Change, 9m

Dart to Luton Airport Central Terminal, 4m Stansted, 62m Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street, 6m

Change, 10m

Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport, 46m Southend, 63m Elizabeth line to Stratford, 13m

Change, 7m

Greater Anglia to Southend Airport, 43m Birmingham Airport (current), 82m Northern line to Euston, 4m

Change, 13m

Euston to Birmingham International, 1h05m Birmingham Airport (estimated, with HS2), 58m Elizabeth line to Old Oak Common, 11m

Change, 5m

HS2 to Birmingham Interchange, 31m

Change, 5m

'Automated People Mover' to Birmingham Airport, 6m Advertisement

'This will also apply to those wanting to access airports like Birmingham. For example, trains from London Euston to Birmingham International today take just over an hour, and so for those who can access Euston quickly and easily may already get to Birmingham faster than London Southend - although neither airport is truly located in London!'

Mr Kelvin, editor at large at The Points Guy, also pointed out that 'perception and knowledge will stop many from even thinking to check flight options from the Midlands', although HS2 may change this.

He added that cost will also be an important issue, saying: 'Most London airports can be reached from all over the city using public transport like the Tube - even if journey times are longer - keeping costs comparatively very low.

'High-speed tickets between London and Birmingham will be far more expensive than a Tube fare, and unless there is incredibly aggressive pricing on flights out of airports like Birmingham, it simply may not be viable for passengers to choose a departure airport outside of the capital.'

Former Eurostar director Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, also told MailOnline that any additional high-speed rail options are to be welcomed as 'journey times speed up and passengers get more choice'.

He continued: 'Once HS2 is up and running, it will enable all of us to consider new options to connect to the rest of the world via airports such as Birmingham, due to the shorter travel times.

'With Birmingham Airport as quick to get to as current options, such as Stansted and Luton, it will enable airlines to add more flights there, and woo passengers with cheaper fares than Heathrow or Gatwick, due to lower landing fees.'

Mr Charles was communications director of Eurostar from 2003 to 2006 and oversaw the opening of the first stretch of High Speed One (HS1) connecting London and Kent in 2003.

He added: 'Birmingham effectively has the potential to be considered as another London airport in terms of access, especially if travellers' last stop is in the North London and North West London catchment area, as they can use the new HS2 station at Old Oak Common.

'The key factor will be how reliable the new line is between Birmingham and London. We won't know the answer to that until after it has launched!'

HS2 has struggled with delays and spiralling costs, with bosses now expecting the line to open from Old Oak Common to Birmingham Interchange and Curzon Street between 2029 and 2033 with a predicted cost of about 80billion.

Work on connecting the line to Euston was paused and the northern leg to Manchester was scrapped in 2023 by former prime minister Rishi Sunak.

Journey times for HS2 have not yet been officially confirmed, but the time between Old Oak Common and Birmingham Interchange is expected to be just over half an hour.

Mark Wild, chief executive of HS2, told an event last month: 'When we open Old Oak Common station, you will be 31 minutes from Birmingham International, the airport. You'll be 42 minutes from the centre of Birmingham.

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'(There will be) great connectivity to the West Country, Heathrow airport and, of course, into London on the Elizabeth line. Old Oak Common will become one of the most connected places in the United Kingdom.'

And Birmingham Airport chief executive Nick Barton told the Express and Star in February: 'The station box will be here, and that can put you into London with the right connecting time in under 40 minutes.

'The train time from the main interchange to Old Oak Common which is the main contact point, will be 32 minutes from us which is extraordinary. We think we'll be in Zone 5 of the Tube map - Heathrow is in Zone 6.'

It has been suggested that it could be quicker for passengers to get to London from Birmingham than from Heathrow on the Underground, which takes 36 minutes on the Piccadilly line from Leicester Square.

Mr Barton also told The Independent earlier this month: 'Having that connectivity into London is going to be extraordinary. So we're preparing for it now.

An artist's impression of Old Oak Common station which is being built in Acton, West London

The proposed interior of Old Oak Common which will connect HS2 with the Elizabeth line

Passengers at Old Oak Common will be able to switch platforms in 'three to four minutes'

'The link will be attached to our terminal building, and it will allow passengers to get to London in extraordinarily fast times.'

Birmingham is currently the UK's seventh busiest airport, behind Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Expected HS2 train journey times from Old Oak Common Birmingham Interchange: 31 minutes

31 minutes Birmingham Curzon Street : 42 minutes Advertisement

It was impacted by airlines Monarch and Flybe collapsing in 2017 and 2020 respectively, while daily flights to New York also stopped in 2017  but bosses hope that HS2 could revitalise the hub.

Mr Barton added: 'It gives choice, doesn't it? Ultimately, that's what we want: for passengers to be able to choose which airport they go from and when.'

Passengers arriving at Birmingham Interchange will be able to travel to the airport on the 'Automated People Mover' (APM) system which will run on a 1.4-mile long viaduct.

It will transfer passengers between HS2 Interchange station, the National Exhibition Centre, the existing Birmingham International rail station and Birmingham Airport.

Services every three minutes on the APM will transport 2,100 passengers between Interchange station and the airport in six minutes.

Passengers arriving on the Elizabeth line at Old Oak Common - a major new station currently under construction between Paddington and Acton Main Line - will also benefit from a transfer time to the HS2 platforms of 'three to four minutes'.

Construction work taking place at the site of the Old Oak Common station in January last year

Test designs for an HS2 train at manufacturer Alstom's Derby factory, pictured last October

An artist's impression of a early visualisation of a train running on the HS2 network

The Commons Public Accounts Committee warned in February that the cost of building the railway 'might be close to 80billion', and described HS2 as an example of 'how not to run a major project'.

But Mr Wild said last month that HS2 will 'prove its worth' and the project has 'great value, intrinsic value'.

A spokesperson for HS2 told MailOnline today: 'HS2 is a vital investment in Britain's economic future and will play a key role in renewing our railways - putting passengers first with fast and reliable journeys.

'By improving rail connections between London and Birmingham, HS2 creates a corridor of economic opportunity for our regions to trade, grow and thrive.'

And a Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: 'This is great news for Birmingham Airport and passengers alike, as it will provide more choice for millions of those outside of our immediate catchment area from the day it is connected to the capital.'
Having been named one of the worst seaside towns in the UK, Skegness is now getting a 23 million transformation.

But the Lincolnshire town isnt the worst place for a beach holiday in Britain.

Which? Travel surveyed thousands of people about their experiences at 120 UK seaside towns, asking for their views on a range of criteria, including the quality of the beaches, food and drink offerings, tourist attractions and value for money.

And, while Bamburgh, in Northumberland, was voted as the UKs best seaside, these are the ten worst  in reverse order

10. Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Despite being one of the few coastal towns in the UK with an airport, Southend was voted the tenth worst in the country, with an overall score of 53 per cent.

Despite being one of the few coastal towns in the UK with an airport, Southend was voted the tenth worst in the country, with an overall score of 53 per cent

The Essex town was given one star for its shopping, as well as for peace and quiet  unsurprising given that its home to a beachside theme park, Adventure Island.

But, in August 2024, terrified locals described how Southend had become a 'warzone', and gang warfare between local youths and those travelling down from London was blamed for an 'explosion' in violence and sexual crime in the area.

The situation came to a head at the end of July when horrific footage showed gangs of hooded thugs armed with machetes fighting near Adventure Island.

9. Fleetwood, Lancashire

In ninth worst place was Fleetwood, which received a meagre overall score of 51 per cent.

In ninth place was Fleetwood, which received a meagre overall score of 51 per cent.

The Lancashire town was given one star for its tourist attractions and shopping.

But, in better news, visitors are very likely to easily find a parking space, as Fleetwood was given four stars for parking.

Hotel prices in this area are low too, at 73 a night.

8. Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

With a score of 51 per cent, Great Yarmouth came in at eighth place from the bottom

With a score of 51 per cent, Great Yarmouth came in at eighth place from the bottom.

Dont expect to feel relaxed there, as the Norfolk seaside town was given one star for peace and quiet.

The beaches and tourist attractions are where Great Yarmouth scored highest, but it was only given three stars in these categories.

Hotel prices are low at 78 a night.

7. Blackpool, Lancashire

Blackpool scored 49 percent overall, and its shopping and scenery were ranked lowest, both receiving one star each

Of all 120 of the UKs seaside towns, Blackpool is the cheapest to stay at  with hotels costing on average 70 a night.

And even the areas huge theme park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, wasnt enough to impress tourists, as the areas attractions were given three stars.

Blackpool scored 49 percent overall.

But its shopping and scenery were ranked lowest, both receiving one star each.

6. Clacton-on-Sea, Essex

With a score of 48 per cent, Clacton-on-Sea has been voted Essex's worst seaside town

Visit Essex describes Clacton-on-Sea as a 'bustling but affordable seaside resort'.

But, with a score of 48 per cent, its actually been voted the countys worst seaside town.

The worst part of the town is its scenery, according to tourists, as that was given one star.

Its a fall from grace for Clacton, as its pier was named Pier of the Year in 2020.

5. Skegness, Lincolnshire

Skegness ranked bottom in Which?s 2023 poll of UK seaside towns, and was described as a 'vulgar hellhole' with a 'brown sea, but it was ranked as the fifth worst in last years survey

Skegness ranked bottom in Which?s 2023 poll of UK seaside towns, and was described as a 'vulgar hellhole' with 'brown sea.

But it was ranked as the fifth worst in last years survey.

However, the town's luck might be about to change, as a new rail upgrade by East Midlands Railway (EMR) is expected to bring a wave of improvements to the area.

On April 15, EMR unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train, part of a wider 60 million investment into its fleet, according to Lincolnshire World.

4. Bognor Regis, West Sussex

With a score of 47 per cent, Bognor Regis was ranked the fourth worst seaside town in the country

With a score of 47 per cent, Bognor Regis was ranked the fourth worst seaside town in the country.

The West Sussex towns pier and shopping were given one star by Brits.

In 2019, after it was voted the joint worst seaside, Bognor locals hit back.

Jo Millen, the owner of Bognor ice cream shop Rainbows, told The Guardian: 'Which? should just keep advising us about the washing machine that we should buy rather than grade the negative views about Bognor from people on the internet.

'How many of the people who voted in their survey actually have been in Bognor recently? About 50 per cent of my customers come from Butlin's [resort] nearby and they keep coming back. On a sunny day at least you can get a space on the beach here.'

3. Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset

Scoring 47 per cent, Burnham-on-Sea came in third place from the bottom

Scoring 47 per cent, Burnham-on-Sea came in third place from the bottom.

The Somerset town was given one star for its tourist attractions, food and drink, and shopping.

It was also given two stars for its pier and seafront.

Hotel prices arent cheap either, charging 106 a night on average.

2. Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire

The Lincolnshire town of Mablethorpe received a score of 46 per cent, and came in second from the bottom

The Lincolnshire town of Mablethorpe received a score of 46 per cent, and came in second from the bottom.

It scored just two stars in the value for money, peace and quiet and seafront/pier categories, and just one star for food and drink, tourist attractions and shopping.

But its beaches and parking are what stopped it coming in last place, as it scored three stars in both of those categories.

Hotel prices are relatively cheap, costing 86 a night.

1. Bangor, Gwynned

Wales oldest city, Bangor, was voted the worst seaside in the UK, and was described as drab and run down by tourists

Wales oldest city, Bangor, was voted the worst seaside town in the UK, and was described as drab and run down by tourists.

It scored just 42 per cent and one-star ratings for food and drink, tourist attractions, and shopping.

For everything else, Bangor received just two stars.

However, it was praised as a good base for visiting the 'fabulous' scenery and coast of North Wales.
A TikToker tried the experience for $400 and explains exactly what happened

From heated toilets to the world's smallest escalator, Japan is known for quirky innovations.

But perhaps one of its most bizarre offerings is its girlfriend-rental service.

Residents and holidaymakers can pay a fee to rent a girlfriend for a date - with an equivalent boyfriend service also available.

On Tokyo Rent-Kano.net, which describes itself as the 'No.1 girlfriend rental' service in Japan, there are more than 300 girls available to book.

The website states that all of the girlfriends available can speak English.

One of the girls listed is described as a 'wonderful beauty' who 'laughs a lot' and is 'fun to talk to'.

But keen daters do need to follow some rules if they use the service. The site warns that it is only offering a 'rental girlfriend' experience and explains that it is not a 'dating site' with no real romance involved.

It adds that if any 'attempt at kissing' is made on the date, the meeting will be cancelled immediately.

On Tokyo Rent-Kano.net , which describes itself as the 'No.1 girlfriend rental' service in Japan , there are more than 300 girls available to book

The website states that all of the girlfriends available can speak English. One of the girls listed is described as a 'wonderful beauty' who 'laughs a lot' and is 'fun to talk to'

Dates aren't allowed to take place in internet cafes or hotel rooms while dates in a car require prior permission.

And the service doesn't come cheap. The minimum length of time for a date is two hours with prices starting at 12,000 yen/63/$84.

Optional extras include a ferris wheel ride which costs 3,000 yen/15/$21 or the ability to hold hands with the date which costs 5,000 yen/26/$35.

Renters can also request that their date wears a miniskirt for 5,000 yen/26/$35 or makes them a lunch box (5,000 yen/26/$35).

However, those that go for the hand-holding option will need to be aware they are only allowed to do so while walking.

TikToker @harryjaggardtravel shared his experience of renting a $400/301 girlfriend on his account.

Harry picks a girl named Eri to date. Her bio explains that she's 'shallow' and 'always smiles' and adds that most of her conversations 'end in laughter'.

While Harry isn't sure about Eri describing herself as 'shallow', he opts to book the date anyway.

The girlfriend and boyfriend rental services are popular in Japan where renters can pay extra to hold hands, go in a car or ride a ferris wheel

The minimum length of time for a date is two hours with prices starting at 12,000 yen/63/$84

On the date, Eri explains that she's been offering the girlfriend service for three years and is studying for her Masters.

The pair visit an animal cafe together where they're able to hold guinea pigs and rabbits.

They later go out to eat a waygu steak restaurant and Eri asks Harry to give her an English name. He chooses the name 'Emily'.

At the end of their date, Harry asks Eri if she would go on a second date with him without him paying her.

She reveals that she would go on a second date with him without needing payment.
A keen traveller has shared eight savvy tips for jetsetters on a budget - after revealing she visited 15 countries in a year for just 19 a day.

In 2009, Lydia Swinscoe, who works as freelance travel writer, set herself the challenge of backpacking around the globe for 365 days with just 7,000 in her account.

Motivated by the 'insatiable' lust for adventure, she resigned from her office job and set off on a journey of a lifetime, which saw her walk in diverse landscapes, taste curious fruits and swap plenty of stories with strangers along the way.

Travelling across three continents over a year, Lydia experienced 'epic highs and soaring lows' during her low-cost, multi-country trip to Bolivia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil and more, as written in The Standard and on her blog.

According to the writer, travelling the globe on a budget requires a unique blend of planning, flexibility and curiousity. But how did she managed to spend just 19 a day on accommodation, travel, food and activities? Read on to find out.

Find low-cost accommodation

Dormitories may not be glamorous, but they're gold when travelling on the bare minimum.

Theyre also social, cost-effective, and frequently include perks like breakfast.

Lydia Swinscoe, who works as a travel writer, set herself the challenge of backpacking around the globe for 365 days with just 7,000 in her account (Pictured: Lydia in India)

For those craving a bit more privacy, slow travel via Airbnb or homestays can be both comfortable and budget-friendly, especially for longer stays (pictured: India)

According to Lydia, a night's stay in places like Peru or Bolivia can be as cheap as 5.

For those craving a bit more privacy, slow travel via Airbnb or homestays can be both comfortable and budget-friendly, especially for longer stays.

Writing in The Standard, Lydia said: 'When travelling on 20 a day, dormitories provide not only the ability to share stories and tips with fellow adventurers but are economically essential.'

Travel slowly and go off-radar

According to Lydia, rigid itineraries are the enemy of budget travel, as she said: 'I rarely have a rigid plan before heading off into the unknown, and this is handy when trying to keep spending to a minimum.'

Being flexible allows for better deals and longer stays in low-cost regions such as India, Bolivia, Peru and Cambodia.

She added: 'Without taking advantage of social and economic issues, many countries well-known for offering a more low-key way of life are also less expensive, and it's these countries I would recommend exploring when a budget is to be adhered to.'

Countries such as India offer rich culture and activities - such as festivals, temples and swimmable lakes - for a fraction of the cost, and staying longer in one place often deepens your experience and slashes daily expenses.

Skip the tourist-trap restaurants and hit local markets and bazaars for fresh, exotic ingredients you won't find at home (Pictured: Vietnam)

Embrace local cuisine - and cook it too

Skip the tourist-trap restaurants and hit local markets and bazaars for fresh, exotic ingredients you won't find at home.

Not only is it cheaper to cook your own meals, but it's a culinary adventure in itself, according to Lydia.

She said: 'I go crazy over Peru's sour camu camu berries, Bolivia's huge avocados and Colombia's cacao nibs, cashew apples and rare trumpet mushrooms.'

In Asia, you can feast on street food like Bangkok's legendary 2 Pad Thai alongside a bottle of ice-cold Chang, all while soaking in the atmosphere under neon lights and plastic chairs.

Choose ground travel over air

Flying may be fast, but it's costly - both for your wallet and the planet.

Buses, trains, and boats are not only more economical but offer a front-row seat to the heart of a country.

Long-haul journeys bring unexpected beauty, from remote villages to dramatic landscapes, and can even double as accommodation if you opt for a sleeper service (pictured: the Taj, India)

Exploring on foot is free and often the most rewarding way to discover a new destination (Pictured: Australia)

Long-haul journeys also bring unexpected beauty, from remote villages to dramatic landscapes, and can even double as accommodation if you opt for a sleeper service.

Explore on foot

Exploring on foot is free and often the most rewarding way to discover a new city.

Taxis drain funds fast, while walking keeps you fit, frugal, and far more connected to your surroundings - especially if you're lugging a 16kg backpack to your next lodging on the way.

Public transport like metro systems or bicycles are also budget-friendly alternatives that help you live more like a local.

Sleep while you travel

According to Lydia, overnight buses and trains kill two birds with one stone - saving on accommodation while moving between destinations.

While they're no luxury ride, sleeper journeys in countries like India, Laos, or Bolivia are 'once-in-a-lifetimes experiences' that are full of character and memorable views.

While they're no luxury ride, sleeper journeys in countries like India (pictured), Laos, or Bolivia are 'once-in-a-lifetimes experiences' that are full of character and memorable views

Many cities offer free (tip-based) one-to-two hour walking tours hosted by knowledgeable locals (Pictured: Singapore)

Lydia advised: 'Earplugs, face masks, and snacks are optional but highly recommended.'

Take a city tour

Many cities offer free (tip-based) one-to-two hour walking tours hosted by knowledgeable locals.

These tours are perfect for picking up history, insider recommendations, and cultural insights.

From Santiago's bustling food scene to Sofia's deep-dive into its Communist past, these walks are wallet-friendly and enlightening.

Say yes to friendly strangers

The real magic of travel often lies in the people you meet, said Lydia.

Fellow travellers are an 'overflowing fountain of travel expertise' - and occasionally, hospitality.

Staying open to new friendships has led to some of the writer's most meaningful and budget-saving experiences, from shared meals to spontaneous homestays.
A lesser known city in Poland could be the answer to a cut-price half-term break for British families, according to new research.

May half-term is looming and prices typically soar during the early summer break - but there are bargains to be had.

Digital marketing agency Ink Digital says looking east to Central Europe could lead to big savings, with the city of Poznan, Poland's fifth largest city coming in as the cheapest destination for a family of four.

A week's holiday costs 2,186 in the historic metropolis, which was once Poland's capital city.

Beyond Poznan, three other Polish destinations appeared in the top five cheapest destinations.

At the other end of the price spectrum, a mini-break in US cities - including New York, Chicago and LA - proved the most expensive for families, with a trip for four to the Big Apple in late May costing on average 7,643.

Other Polish cities also fared well when it comes to keeping costs low for the May half-term, which typically crosses the final week of May and the first week of June.

Tourist favourites Warsaw (2,459), Krakow (2,499) and Wroclaw (2,959) also made the Top ten - all of which are on the low cost flights map from the UK.

Poznan, Poland's fifth largest city topped a chart of the best value breaks for families this upcoming half-term, in research published by Ink Digital

Portugal also fared well on costs - with destinations such as Porto (pictured) easy on the wallet - and particularly for beer and wine prices

On the ground, Poland is easy on the wallet too; the research found food more affordable than in other European destinations, with a three-course dinner for two as low as 33.

Getting around is also a relative bargain; local transport is cheap with one-way tickets under 1 and taxi fares often below 1 per kilometre.

For those determined to get some May sunshine, Portugal also ranked as one of the cheaper places to holiday for families, with Gaia, Braga and Porto all taking spots in the top ten.

Those who enjoy a tipple might also find Portugal favourable, with its beer and wine prices making the top 20 destinations for lower alcohol costs.

Earlier this week, a Spanish seaside town was also named one of this year's best destinations for bargain-hunting Brits.

Although it's just 15km from Benidorm, Altea is a quiet and charming town that was recently named as one of Spain's best seaside towns by Which? Travel.

Which? Travel surveyed more than 1,000 holidaymakers to find Spain's best coastal destinations.

Tourists awarded Altea four out of five stars for attractiveness, four out of five for safety and four out of five for friendliness.

Which? claims that 'snobs who deride' the Costa Blanca don't know about pretty Altea.

Big Apple, big costs: New York may be a favourite but families visiting during May half-term will pay in excess of 7,000 for a hop across the Pond

Top 10 cheap half-term breaks

Destination 1.Poznan, Poland 2. Lodz, Poland 3. Warsaw, Poland 4. Krakow, Poland 5. Braga, Portugal 6. Wroclaw, Poland 7. Piraeus, Greece 8. Porto, Portugal 9. Gaia, Portugal 10. Frankfurt, Germany Average total trip cost for four 2,186 2,327 2,459 2,499 2,883 2,959 3,166 3,292 3,348 3,365 Advertisement

The travel guide describes Altea as a 'historic, villagey' destination 'where blue-tiled church domes glitter above a hill of sugar-cube houses'.

It adds: 'The one whose romantic setting - a wall of mountains on one side, the Mediterranean on the other - attracted artists, kickstarting tourism along this coast in the late 50s.

'They're still here, too. Ateliers and galleries are scattered throughout the old town, a cats-cradle of cobbled streets beneath the church, perfumed by bougainvillea, knotting into tiny squares.

'When daytrippers leave by late afternoon, a lucky few get to revel in a pipsqueak beach resort.'

Although it's just 15km from Benidorm, Altea is a quiet and charming town that was recently named as one of Spain's best seaside towns

Tourists awarded Altea four out of five stars for attractiveness, four out of five for safety and four out of five for friendliness

Altea has a 6km/3.7 mile long coastline defined by pretty pebble beaches and uncrowded coves.

Tourists looking for something a little different can also head inland to explore the Sierra de Bernia mountain range.

Britons can get return flights to Alicante, the closest airport to Altea, for under 50 from Bristol, Birmingham, London Luton, Newquay, Nowich, Exeter and Leeds in May.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 hit Istanbul and the surrounding regions this week, one of the strongest to strike the city of 16 million in recent years.

Buildings shook and crowds fled down busy streets as a quake in the Sea of Marmara rocked the major Turkish city and nearby communities.

Footage showed people running down a busy street to safety. The initial tremor reportedly lasted 30 seconds, before as many as 51 aftershocks hit.

A news reporter filming a live broadcast for CNN Turkey shook and gripped onto her desk as the earthquake was felt in Istanbul offices.

There were no immediate reports of damage, but people evacuated buildings as the quake hit and shook the city.

More than 150 people were injured when they jumped from buildings during the quake, which occurred during a public holiday in Turkey.

But if you have a holiday booked to Turkey, it is still safe to travel there, according to the UK Foreign Office, which hasn't updated its travel advice since the earthquakes.

As the Foreign Office hasn't warned against travelling to Istanbul, if you're worried about travelling to Turkey and want to cancel your pre-booked holiday, it's unlikely your travel insurance will pay out for lost funds.

Residents fled from shaking buildings as Istanbul was hit by a string of quakes

Syrian journalist Qusay Noor shared video of people running through the streets of Istanbul

An abandoned building in Fatih district, Istanbul, collapses after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake

Turkey lies on one one of the worlds most lively tectonic faults which runs about 20 miles south of Istanbul.

Turkey was devastated by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2023, which killed more than 50,000 people and levelled tens of thousands of buildings in eastern Turkey and Syria.

Hundreds of construction contractors were placed under investigation as it emerged the disaster's impact may have been exacerbated by widespread unsafe building practices.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.02 and was at a depth of 10km (6.21 miles).

The epicentre was just off the Silivri, a coastal area known for its seismic activity some 50 miles to the west of Istanbul.

It was followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring 5.3. The disaster and emergency management agency urged residents to stay away from buildings.

Turkey's disaster agency reported three more quakes shortly before 12.00 GMT, all in Istanbul's Buyukcekmece district.

Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency had already reported that the 6.2 quake was preceded by a 3.9 magnitude tremor at 12.13 local time (10.13 GMT), and succeeded by a 4.4 magnitude quake in Buyukcekmece district at 12.51 local time (10.51 GMT).

Police take security measures around the area after an abandoned building in Fatih district collapses partly on Wednesday

Buildings shook as a quake in the Sea of Marmara rocked the major Turkish city and nearby communities

People leave the buildings in panic and call their loved ones after 6.2 magnitude earthquake jolts Istanbul

Later, the interior minister reported that 51 aftershocks had been recorded following the 6.2 quake.

Tremors were felt in neighboring regions and rescue teams have been dispatched, local media reported.

A total of 151 people were hurt and received hospital treatment after leaping from buildings in panic during the tremor but none were in a critical condition, the Istanbul governor's office said.

Sandra D'Souza, holidaying in Istanbul from London, said she and her husband were near the famous Galata Tower when the quake struck.

They were having lunch in a local coffee shop 'when we felt the tremor and the building started to shake and sway'.

'Everyone started looking and one another. Thankfully it only lasted a short while and everyone resumed business as usual,' she told MailOnline.

'There were far more people out in the street after however as we were told there could be aftershocks.'

'I just felt earthquake, I've got to get out,' said a shaken-looking decorator rushing out of a fourth floor apartment where he was working near the city's Galata Tower, who did not want to give his name.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The reporter could be seen shaking during a live broadcast in the city

Turkey's AFAD disaster agency warned people in the region against entering damaged buildings.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality said there were no 'serious cases' in the earthquake in a statement made on its social media accounts.

Kemal Cebi, the mayor of Kucukcekmece district in western Istanbul, told local broadcaster NTV that there were 'no negative developments yet' but he reported that there were traffic jams and that many buildings were already at risk due to the density of the area.

'Until now, we have no information about any buildings collapsing,' the governor's office said, urging people to avoid any structures that might have been damaged in the tremors.

Video showed large waves rolling in the Bosphorus as the quakes first struck.

Turkey is crossed by two major fault lines, and earthquakes are frequent.

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake on February 6, 2023, and a second powerful tremor that came hours later, destroyed or damaged hundreds of thousands of buildings in 11 southern and southeastern Turkish provinces, leaving more than 53,000 people dead.

Another 6,000 people were killed in the northern parts of neighboring Syria.

Turkey's AFAD disaster agency warned people in the region against entering damaged buildings

People look on at damage to a building in Fatih, Istanbul

File photo shows the Hagia Sophia Byzantine structure in Istanbul, Turkey, where an earthquake today caused buildings to shake

While Istanbul was not impacted by that earthquake, the devastation heightened fears of a similar quake with experts citing the city's proximity to fault lines

In a bid to prevent damage from any future quake, both the national government and local administrations started urban reconstruction projects to fortify buildings at risk and started campaigns of demolishing buildings at risk of collapse.

The latest tremor also revived memories of a 1999 earthquake near Istanbul that killed 17,000.

Environment Minister Murat Kurum in February renewed his warning about a massive earthquake poised to strike Istanbul by 2030.

Experts believe the tremor could topple as many as 600,000 houses and affect millions in the country's largest city.

They calculated a 65 per cent probability that a quake with magnitude 7 or higher could occur before 2030 in the region including Istanbul.
ABC's The Conners - the spin-off of the iconic sitcom Roseanne - came to a close with the two-part finale that paid homage to Roseanne Barr and had fans divided.

The original Roseanne series ran from 1988 to 1997, and was briefly revived with Barr and the original cast in 2018.

The show with Barr as the title character was renewed for another season, though that all changed when the controversial comedienne sent an abhorrent tweet calling former Barack Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett an 'ape,' along with other controversial tweets.

ABC fired Barr and reversed their decision to renew the show, though a few months later they announced a new series called The Conners, where Barr's title character was killed off in the premiere, due to an accidental opioid overdose.

That death came full circle in the final season, when Dan (John Goodman) was involved in a lawsuit against the company that produced the drugs his late wife overdosed on, which did not end as the family expected.

Some of the final moments of the show brought the entire family to Roseanne's grave, as they offered poignant updates on their lives after she passed away, though a final montage of archival footage showed characters from the original show, but NOT Roseanne herself, which upset some fans.

ABC's The Conners - the spin-off of the iconic sitcom Roseanne - came to a close with the two-part finale that paid homage to Roseanne Barr and had fans divided

Some of the final moments of the show brought the entire family to Roseanne's grave, as they offered poignant updates on their lives after she passed away, though a final montage of archival footage showed characters from the original show, but NOT Roseanne herself, which upset some fans.

The final episode began at the deposition, where Dan got emotional as the drug company refused to say they were at fault because his late wife knew she was engaging in conduct that was potentially deadly.

'It was the fault of the company. She kept taking those pills because she didn't tell her that they would change how her brain worked and turn her into an addict. You don't care how many families you've destroyed, the only thing you care about is money,' Dan said.

'But even if I took every penny you had, it wouldn't be enough, because you took the love of my life and you killed her, the same as you put a gun to her head, he continued. The only difference is you handed her the gun and told her it wasn't loaded,' he said.

Following the deposition, Dan was told that the drug company was going to send him a check, as he suggested the whole family meet at Roseanne's gravestone to open it.

He learned that the company sent a letter refusing any liability, along with a check for just $700 as, 'a tribute to your unwavering commitment to your beloved wife.'

'We always wondered how much a Conners life is worth. Now, we know,' Dan said, as the whole family couldn't help but laugh.

Before they left the cemetery, each member of the family took a few moments to say their piece, as the show's final tribute to the iconic character.

Becky (Lecy Goranson) told Roseanne, 'Hey, Mom, I'm still sober. Can you believe it? And my psychology degree is really paying off. I got an incredible job. Oh, and I met a great guy, a little needy, but great.'

The final episode began at the deposition, where Dan got emotional as the drug company refused to say they were at fault because his late wife knew she was engaging in conduct that was potentially deadly

Following the deposition, Dan was told that the drug company was going to send him a check, as he suggested the whole family meet at Roseanne's gravestone to open it

He learned that the company sent a letter refusing any liability, along with a check for just $700 as, 'a tribute to your unwavering commitment to your beloved wife'

Becky (Lecy Goranson) told Roseanne, 'Hey, Mom, I'm still sober. Can you believe it? And my psychology degree is really paying off. I got an incredible job. Oh, and I met a great guy, a little needy, but great'

Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert) said she was doing, 'what I thought you would do for the family.'

She added, 'It's not fair that you were here for the hard part and you didn't get to see that. Things turned out okay... Hey, for us, not for regular people.'

Roseanne's sister Jackie Harris (Laurie Metcalf), clad in her police uniform after getting back on the force, said, 'I'm really happy now. I know you didn't think that that was possible, but I figured it out. Oh, and by the way, I have no idea where our mother is. I miss you.'

Dan went last, telling his wife, 'Well, Rose, we always said if kids were still alive at the end of the day, we did our job. I think we get better than that I still can't believe you're not here.'

He added, 'I know you want a good thing for me too, and probably didn't include Louise (Katey Sagal), but if you meet anybody, wherever you are, I'm cool with it.'

When they all got back to the house, Dan delivered a toast, stating, 'Going through all this reminds me that no matter how much crap life throws at us, all we got to do is look around, because if we hang together, nothing could stop us.'

The show came to an end over flashbacks of the family over the years - though none of the footage featured Roseanne herself - as they all said goodbye to Dan, before he said, 'Goodnight,' and walked away as the show came to a close.

Fans were divided on the tribute to Roseanne, with many wishing they showed her somehow, with others appreciating what they did.

Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert) said she was doing, 'what I thought you would do for the family.'

Roseanne's sister Jackie Harris (Laurie Metcalf), clad in her police uniform after getting back on the force, said, 'I'm really happy now. I know you didn't think that that was possible, but I figured it out. Oh, and by the way, I have no idea where our mother is. I miss you'

Dan went last, telling his wife, 'Well, Rose, we always said if kids were still alive at the end of the day, we did our job. I think we get better than that I still can't believe you're not here.'

The show came to an end over flashbacks of the family over the years - though none of the footage featured Roseanne herself - as they all said goodbye to Dan, before he said, 'Goodnight,' and walked away as the show came to a close

Mikey (@MikeyNXS) said, 'I know Roseanne sucks, but there should have been some highlight with her at the end of #TheConners.'

Tim Andrews (@TimOnTheRadio) added, 'I REALLY thought they would have brought Roseanne back as a ghost or something #TheConners.'

Linda (@mzcaramelbunni) added, 'They did what they could I guess. Perhaps she doesn't want her image shown as it relates to the show. But it was the perfect opportunity to show that scene when Dan and Roseanne was fake wrestling and it ended with him kissing her #TheConners.'

Classic TV (@classicTV2123) said, 'They really should've brought Roseanne back for the finale of The Conners. Say what you want, but she was the show. Leaving her out completely is straight-up disrespectful she made that show. #TheConners #Roseanne.'

Billy Kravitz (@wilkravitz) said, '#TheConners one last time. I wanted to see the family FINALLY catch a break. They should have found a way to work some version of Roseanne into the finale. Come on! We listen to Wagner dont we? They mention Mels name again. They never stopped talking about Kanye.'

Another X user dubbed @Mr_Unapologetic said, 'Dope how the finale has been about Roseanne #TheConners.'

Brad (@DramaTweetBrad) added, 'Them talking to Roseannes grave is actually quite fitting #theconners.'

Rena (@XGirlNYC) said, 'This is real weird considering the real Roseanne is still around, also no DJ? #TheConners,' referring to Michael Fishman, who left The Conners after Season 5.

Brad (@DramaTweetBrad) added, 'Dan having flashbacks from og Roseanne #theconners' with a crying emoji.

Mikey (@MikeyNXS) said, 'I know Roseanne sucks, but there should have been some highlight with her at the end of #TheConners.'

Linda (@mzcaramelbunni) added, 'They did what they could I guess. Perhaps she doesn't want her image shown as it relates to the show. But it was the perfect opportunity to show that scene when Dan and Roseanne was fake wrestling and it ended with him kissing her #TheConners.'

Classic TV (@classicTV2123) said, 'They really should've brought Roseanne back for the finale of The Conners. Say what you want, but she was the show. Leaving her out completely is straight-up disrespectful she made that show. #TheConners #Roseanne'

Another X user dubbed @Mr_Unapologetic said, 'Dope how the finale has been about Roseanne #TheConners.'

Some were surprised that people kept watching the show after Roseanne's exit, including @3couches, who said, 'Havent watched an episode of the #TheConners since #Roseanne left.'

Tyler Dilbeck (@tyldil204) added, 'Wait so people actually kept watching after they fired Roseanne? #TheConners'

Jeremy Bradley (@JeremyDBradley) added, 'I agree with most #TheConners viewers. It was too gloom and doom. The family never caught a break. Every single social issue hit them. It was too much. It lacked the funny of "Roseanne." How many years of depression can an audience tolerate? #Conners

Another X user dubbed @CommodoreTom said, 'Bittersweet night. Saying farewell to a TV family that's been on my whole life. #TheConners one last time. Grew up on #Roseanne, watching from blue collar Illinois. Thanks for the laughs.'

The original Roseanne was one of the most successful sitcoms of its time, landing in the Nielsen ratings Top 5 for each of its six seasons, even narrowly beating The Cosby Show for the top show in its second season.

While the ratings eventually fell off, Roseanne was still a solid performer before it went off the air after nine seasons in 1997.

ABC announced the revival in 2018, which set records for delayed viewing when it debuted in late March 2018.

The premiere actually 'retconned' the original finale, where it was revealed that the whole show was just a fictional story written by Roseanne, based on her own life, where Dan had died of a heart attack.

Some were surprised that people kept watching the show after Roseanne's exit, including @3couches, who said, 'Havent watched an episode of the #TheConners since #Roseanne left.'

The original Roseanne was one of the most successful sitcoms of its time, landing in the Nielsen ratings Top 5 for each of its six seasons, even narrowly beating The Cosby Show for the top show in its second season.

The new revival ignored that ending, carrying on with the Conner family and their lives in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois.

ABC renewed the revival for a new season just days after the premiere, with a 13-episode order, but that all changed after Barr's tweet that stated, 'muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj,' referring to Valerie Jarrett as an 'ape.'

Showrunner/executive producer Bruce Helford said he was, 'personally horrified and saddened' by Barr's tweet, with Gilbert calling it, 'abhorrent.'

Gilbert added that Barr's beliefs were, 'not reflective of the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show.'

The Valerie Jarrett tweet was ultimately the nail in the proverbial coffin for Barr on ABC, though it was just the latest in a series of problematic tweets, including claims that George Soros was a Nazi.

Barr tried to defend her tweet initially as a 'joke,' as consulting producer and writer Wanda Sykes announced she was leaving the show, before Barr was ultimately fired.

ABC also reversed the Roseanne renewal, with network president Channing Dungey calling Barr's tweets, 'abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values.'

Not only did ABC cancel Roseanne, but it also pulled their planned Emmy campaigns, while Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT even dropped reruns of Roseanne.

The new revival ignored that ending, carrying on with the Conner family and their lives in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois.

Barr tried to defend her tweet initially as a 'joke,' as consulting producer and writer Wanda Sykes announced she was leaving the show, before Barr was ultimately fired

Roseanne's firing became controversial for many conservative pundits like Tomi Lahren and Sean Hannity, who felt her firing infringed on her free speech rights.

Barr ultimately tried to apologize again in July 2018, attributing what she first called a 'joke' about Jarrett to a side effect of her taking the sleep aid Ambien, which many of her detractors bashed.

After the show was canceled, Barr released another apology statement, which read, 'I deeply regret my comments from late last night on Twitter. Above all, I want to apologize to Valerie Jarrett, as well as to ABC and the cast and crew of the show.'

'I am sorry for making a thoughtless joke that does not reflect my values  I love all people and am very sorry. Today my words caused hundreds of hardworking people to lose their jobs. I also sincerely apologize to the audience that has embraced my work for decades. I apologize from the bottom of my heart and hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me,' she concluded.

There were reports from June 2018 that ABC was developing a spin-off that would focus on Sara Gilbert's Darlene, which also revealed that Barr would have had to sign a deal to relinquish her rights to the show, and that she wouldn't be involved creatively or benefit financially from the show either.

ABC officially ordered The Conners for a 10-episode first season in July 2018, with the show ultimately spanning seven seasons and 112 episodes, including Wednesday night's finale.
You season five has been branded 'insultingly rubbish' and 'woefully underbaked' as critics rip the Netflix thriller to shreds in scathing reviews.

The final season of You launched on the streaming platform at 8am today (April 24) and saw the return of Penn Badgley as protagonist Joe Goldberg.

Featuring ten episodes, the drama picks up three years after the previous season and sees Joe return to New York.

With the help of his wife Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie), he regains custody of his son Henry (Frankie DeMaio). However, Joe soon develops an interest in Bronte (Madeline Brewer).

Despite seeing four successful seasons previously, You has been hit with stinging reviews from some critics.

The Guardian only rated the new instalment two out of five stars and described the ending as 'insulting rubbish'.

You season five has been branded 'insultingly rubbish' and 'woefully underbaked' as critics rip the Netflix thriller to shreds in scathing reviews

The final season of You launched on the streaming platform at 8am today (April 24) and saw the return of Penn Badgley (pictured) as protagonist Joe Goldberg

With the help of his wife Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie), he regains custody of his son Henry (Frankie DeMaio). Joe soon develops an interest in Bronte ( Madeline Brewer, pictured)

While some may be disappointed that their favourite series is coming to an end, the publication said it was a 'mercy'.

They noted that though the storyline 'was once ludicrously fun,' the finale is 'so bad that it's offensive'.

You didn't impress The Telegraph either who matched the Guardian's unimpressed rating.

Describing the show as swinging 'from soap opera to stale slasher flick' they claimed the 'final season will bludgeon your attention-span to death'.

While The Daily Beast argued the new season's 'fatal flaw' is 'how muddled the show has allowed its satire to become'.

The publication claimed aspects like the 'social media true-crime component' was 'woefully underbaked'.

Its final verdict was the show 'should've wrapped up several chapters ago'.

Echoing The Daily beast, The Standard also felt the show was well overdue to end and called it 'embarrassing,' alongside a two out of five star rating.

Despite seeing four successful seasons previously, You has been hit with stinging reviews from some critics

Tech Advisor shared a more positive outlook and praised the cast and 'outlandish storyline'.

It even encouraged fans of the previous four seasons to 'tune into this wild ride of a finale'.

Though the site did acknowledge, 'Joes many self-indulgent attempts to defend his violent instincts can get tiresome'.

All seasons of You are available to stream on Netflix now.
The View stars Whoopi Goldberg and Alyssa Farah-Griffin and clashed over their vastly differing views on President Trump's proposed $5000 'baby bonus' this week.

Trump's administration's fledgling plan is to give a $5,000 sum to every American mother after they give birth.

The policy, which he told reporters Tuesday 'sounds like a good idea,' would act as an incentive to boost the birth rate in the United States, which has been declining since 2007.

However, outspoken Republican and Ex-White House communications advisor Farah-Griffin stunned the audience with her positive reaction to the proposed plan - while Oscar winner Goldberg called the bonus 'incredibly insulting.'

Dueling on Wednesday's episode, Goldberg, 69, declared: 'Clearly, they don't know how women's bodies work, and they don't know what it costs to raise a child or just have a child' - to cheers from the crowd.

She added that new moms would have to pay taxes on the money - which could see the sum slashed to $2500, with Farah-Griffin retorting: 'It depends on your tax bracket.'

The View stars Whoopi Goldberg and Alyssa Farah-Griffin and clashed over their vastly differing views on President Trump's proposed $5000 'baby bonus' this week

The former Donald Trump staffer, 35, previously revealed she voted for Democrat candidate Kamala Harris due to feeling disappointed by Trump and the Republican Party's 'failure to rebuild' - pictured with Trump in 2020

Goldberg responded: 'Now, dont forget about all the stuff theyve cut!'

Sara Haines added: 'Its like putting a band-aid on a deeper problem. We dont have paid family leave in this country. We dont have subsidized childcare. We have the highest maternal mortality rate, and its 55% higher than the second place  thats a lot for the wealthiest country in the world.

Haines said the first year costs of having a child would be 'around $16000', saying: 'They want more babies because it affects not only the workforce, but paying into entitlement programs.'

Griffin - who memorably turned on her former employer and did not vote for him in the last election - then left the audience aghast as she said: 'I actually generally support this policy, that may surprise you guys.

'The number one concern I hear from young people is that they want to have kids, but they dont know if they can afford it. And we could argue over whether or not its enough, the $5000, but both Italy and France do this. You get a one-time payment when you have a child.

'We also have policies like this in place. We have the child tax credit, which gives you a tax credit back for the number of children you have, and the earned income tax credit. Because of this idea that our social safety net  so social security, Medicare, Medicaid  rely on the younger population keeping up with the older population so they can pay into it.'

She said her 'caveat' was that all people welcoming a baby - such as adoptive parents and gay couples - should get the bonus and not just birth mothers.

A fuming Goldberg hit back: '$5,000 sounds like a lot of money, but if you can't pay your rent, if you cant pay for your after school programs for your kids...'

Trump's administration's fledgling plan is to give a $5,000 sum to every American mother after they give birth

Dueling on Wednesday's episode, Goldberg declared: 'C learly, they don't know how women's bodies work, and they don't know what it costs to raise a child or just have a child' - to cheers from the crowd

Griffin - who memorably turned on her former employer - then left the audience aghast as she said: ' I actually generally support this policy, that may surprise you guys

Sara Haines added: 'Its like putting a band-aid on a deeper problem. We dont have paid family leave in this country. We dont have subsidized childcare'

A fuming Goldberg hit back: '$5,000 sounds like a lot of money, but if you can't pay your rent, if you cant pay for your after school programs for your kids...'

Farah-Griffin responded: 'Isnt something better than nothing?' with Goldberg saying: 'No, not in this case.'

A fired up Farah-Griffin hinted at hypocrisy among her fellow panelists, saying: 'I feel like if Biden proposed this, wed all be saying its groundbreaking.'

The audience then gasped as Goldberg said: 'No. Im sorry, I dont like the idea that somebody is saying, Im gonna pay you to have more kids.

'Let me just tell you this. $1 billion in funding for schools and food banks to buy food was cut. Withdrew funding for investigating child sexual abuse and internet crimes against children  cut. Fired the entire staff running a program to help low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills.

'My point is, it seems to me that everything this administration seems to be doing is telling people not to have children. Why not make sure that kids that we already have have a shot at good schooling?

'Why not? If you want people to have children, you have to not scare them by cutting all these programs that they may need.'

In November Farah-Griffin revealed she had switched sides and voted for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris due to feeling disappointed by Trump and the Republican Party's 'failure to rebuild.' Trump would go on to win the election.

Speaking on The View, she said: 'Four years ago today, I was in the White House with Donald Trump on election night. I believed he deserved to lose that night [in 2020], at that point.

'I thought he hadnt fought to win the election, but I thought the next four years would be the Republican party rebuilding and becoming something I could believe in and turning the page on Donald Trump, and it didnt do that.

'So, this weekend, on Saturday, for the first time in my life, I voted for a Democrat.'

Griffin said she 'considers my vote on loan' to Harris - pictured with the VP on The View in October

'I voted for Kamala Harris,' she said and added that she 'voted down-ballot for Republicans' for her remaining race decisions.

Griffin added: 'I consider my vote on loan to her.'

'Im worried about the direction Donald Trump will take this country, and I take my own warning seriously.

'What I saw is very real. Im a Christian, Im an American, and Im a Republican, in that order, and I need somebody who shares my values.

'I need somebody whos a kind and decent person who will bring this country together,' Griffin said.

Still, she added of Harris: 'I dont agree with a lot of her policies.'

'We can criticize those down the road, but today its about a brighter future and I think the best thing for the country and the future of the Republican party is that Donald Trump lose and that Kamala Harris is elected.'

Griffin, who interviewed Harris last month on The View, quit her White House gig in December 2020.

She previously explained that she did so 'because I was uncomfortable with the lies about the election.'

She was among the Trump officials who were texting White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to have the then-president call off the crowd during the January 6 Capitol attack.

While she called January 6 a 'horrific day' she added, 'that was just kind of an encapsulation of who Donald Trump, the man, is.'

'He is the person of the lowest moral character that I've ever worked for,' she said.

Trump defeated Harris to be reelected to the US presidency in November (pictured September)

Griffin then warned what could be expected in a second term.

'The first term you had people like Vice President Pence there - an imperfect actor - but somebody who I genuinely think tried to guide him the right way and keep him focused and in bounds with the Constitution,' she said.

She said those types of people would not be welcome for round No. 2.

'They don't want Ronald Reagan Republicans, they want Tucker Carlson Republicans, so buckle up guys,' Griffin said.
Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most-trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip BEFORE it makes the news.

Uncensored style

Ever since she first appeared in the public eye, Bianca Censori has been known for her skimpy, attention-grabbing outfits.

And it is her husband Kanye West who is often first in line to take credit, frequently referring to his wife as his 'muse'.

There is, however, another creative visionary working quietly behind-the-scenes to create some Censori's most jaw-dropping looks: Gadir Rajad.

Well before he rose to prominence, he was just your average suburban teen trying to make it big in the Melbourne nightclub scene.

But since then the model and photographer, turned stylist and designer, has put in the hard yards, making a name for himself in Hollywood, working with the likes of Paris Hilton, Kylie Minogue, Troye Sivan and Madonna's daughter Lourdes.

But it wasn't until he started playing dress-ups with Mrs West that he really started getting noticed on a global scale

Like Censori, Rajad hails from the outer suburbs of Melbourne's north-east and attended Catholic boys high school Marcellin College. According to an old acquaintance, he had a middle class upbringing with 'quite conservative' parents.

Like Bianca Censori, Gadir Rajad hails from the outer suburbs of Melbourne's north east, and both are now making international headlines

The Catholic schoolboy was known for dancing topless at Melbourne night clubs in the mid-late 2000s

The stylist, who also works as a designer, photographer and model has worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Pamela Anderson and Paris Hilton (pictured)

In 2022, a fire broke out in his mum and dad's inner-city supermarket, prompting him to create a GoFundMe campaign.

'Alpha Trading was built by my immigrant family who have spent over 20 years working tirelessly to create a new life for themselves through this import-export business,' he wrote at the time.

'Unfortunately, the business' insurance had expired, leaving my family distraught and burdened with the loss of livelihood, and many costs and debts.

'My father is a philanthropist who has always given back to the community through donations and assistance. He and my family are now in dire need of some karmic generosity.'

Rajad's Facebook page is still littered with photos from his experimental clubbing era in both Melbourne and Sydney.

'He always danced at Prince [Of Wales nightclub] side bar with his shirt off,' one of his old party pal reminds me.

Instagram chef Lucy Rosenberg, Gadir and model Tyrone Dylan at a Victorian bush doof

For months, fans have expressed concern over Bianca Censori's well being after she was paraded around by husband Kanye West in a slew of risque ensembles, but many looks were styled by her longtime friend Gadir Rajad

And his Instagram is peppered with images of his muse Censori, who he calls 'B', wearing his designs.

Captioning a carousel of snaps of Censori her masking tape look last year, he wrote, 'B in the Booby Bday tape look'.

The photoset includes pictures of Censori leaning up against a wall in Paris with tape pants beginning just below the knee and wrapped around her hips.

Two large suspender-style strips then rise to barely cover her breasts.

Other photo sets feature Censori in a see-through plastic poncho, and what Rajad describes as a 'hosiery fit' that resembles some of her most controversial outfits worn alongside Kanye.

Happily ever after?

Off the back of their trainwreck marriage and acrimonious split, it seems former eastern suburbs couple Jessica and Dyson Bowditch have found their happily ever afters.

Last week, The Group Chat revealed socialite and former TV producer Jessica had found love with Texan financier Denham Schiff.

So, it came as welcome news when a faithful reader slithered into my inbox to let me know Mr Bowditch has also moved on.

I'm told the Barrenjoey banker has been dating Chloe Hayes, a 26-year-old account director in the investor relations sector, for several months.

'They likely met through work,' my source said.

'With her job, she knows a lot of men in the market.'

Chloe Hayes, seen here at last year's Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne, and Dyson Bowditch have been quietly dating for several months after his marriage ended

TV producer and socialite Jessica Bowditch (right) is divorcing banker Dyson Bowditch (left)

A family affair

Star media couple Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons are adding another journalist to their brood as their eldest son Jake is set to marry Sydney Morning Herald scribe Mary Ward.

Last month my former colleague looked to be one happy hen with all the bachelorette paraphernalia a bride could wish for. Donning a bridal sash and veil, she tucked into penis-shaped cookies embossed with 'To have and to hold'. Classy.

Mary Ward is a scribe at Sydney Morning Herald

The cookies that were served up at the bachelorette - classy!

The FitzSimons family: Groom-to-be Jake is pictured second from the right next to mother Lisa

What many people don't know about the couple's eldest child is he too is an editor in his own right. Jake heads up the online platform Commander's Herald, a Magic: The Gathering trading card game website.

The website describes Jake as a writer from Sydney and a Magic 'fiend'. He graduated from Sydney University with an Arts degree in 2015. In his final year he won Wesleys Socrates Cup for being the best orator, and the Hamilton Mott Scholarship for his engagement in college life.

The couple had their wedding announced in a newspaper last August.

And finally... guess who, don't sue!

He's a loveable character on television, but according to colleagues he's actually like 'Jekyll and Hyde' - and you never really know which one you'll get.

Our on-set spy tells us this television star is fun when the cameras are rolling but off set he's a sourpuss.

And his diva antics were on full display in the lounge of a regional airline late last year when the TV star threw a tantrum and refused to sit with his crew.

He then stormed off and left them at the baggage carousel as they picked up their camera gear after arriving back at the major city where they call home.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling has been hit by accusations of transphobia for seven years and has associated herself with the acronym 'TERF' for the past five years.

Her highly controversial views, which have resurged again after last week's Supreme Court gender ruling, have prompted many of the stars who acquired fame and fortune through the Harry Potter franchise to either support or condemn her.

Leading actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have all famously distanced themselves from Rowling and spoke out in support of the transgender community and gender ideology amid a storm of backlash against the author in 2020.

Hitting back at accusations he was ungrateful for his success, Radcliffe insisted he doesn't owe her 'the things he truly believes', while Watson said transgender people deserved to 'live their lives without being constantly questioned, with Grint also echoing her sentiments.

But other stars have expressed their horror over Rowling's treatment, with Robbie Coltrane insisting nothing she said was 'offensive' in 2020, while Ralph Fiennes said he couldn't understand the 'vitriol' directed at her in 2021, and in 2022, Helena Bonham Carter argued Rowling had been 'hounded' and was entitled to her opinion.

Many have refused to be drawn and have remained on the fence or stayed silent, with Jason Isaacs disagreeing with Rowling's views while also praising her charity work, while Evanna Lynch urged people to give the author 'more grace'.

This week, Sean Biggerstaff - who played Gryffindor Quidditch captain in three movies - was the latest star to slam Rowling as he branded her a 'bigot' and compared her to Andrew Tate after her support of the Supreme Court's ruling.

His Twitter tirade was prompted by justices in London ruling last week that in the 2010 Equality Act, the definition of the term 'women' relates only to biological women, with Rowling reportedly helping fund the campaign group which brought the case.

Biggerstaff is an outspoken critic of Rowling online, yet continues his active involvement in the wider Harry Potter universe which she created, continuing to cash in on appearances at Comic Con and other conventions.

And he is not the only Harry Potter star who has forthrightly opposed Rowling yet continued to support the very project which she created. Here is the full list:

Harry Potter has been at the centre of a media storm over JK Rowling 's highly controversial TERF views, which have resurged again after the Supreme Court ruling

After a string of comments ranging back to 2018, Rowling, 59, has now caused a stir by celebrating the Supreme Court 's judgment that trans women are not legally women

RUPERT GRINT: RON WEASLEY

Appearances in Harry Potter: All eight movies

Along with Watson and Radcliffe, Grint has historically waded into the transphobia row after Rowling took issue with an article which referenced 'people who menstruate'

Along with his co-stars Radcliffe and Watson, Grint, 36, has previously waded into the transphobia row surrounding Rowling after she took issue with an online article.

Back in 2020, Rowling sparked outrage online after she took issue with an article which referenced 'people who menstruate' and shared a robust response on X.

She tweeted to her 14.5m followers at the time: 'I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?' earning her the label of trans-exclusionary radical feminist (TERF).

Rowling then penned an essay to address the controversy, revealing she was sexually assaulted in her 20s and saying she still feels the scars of 'domestic violence' in her first marriage.

Amid the online row, Grint spoke out in support of the transgender community as he made it clear he did not agree with Rowling's trans-exclusionary language.

Speaking to The Times, Rupert said: 'I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers.

'Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgement.'

Rowling has since taken repeated jibes at Harry Potter's three leading stars insisting she would never forgive the trio after they spoke out in opposition of her.

In 2020, Rowling sparked outrage after she took issue with an article which referenced 'people who menstruate' and shared a robust response on X, with Grint disagreeing with her stance

She recently appeared to take a swipe at them when she posted a response to another user who asked: 'What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?'

Rowling wrote: 'Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.'

In April last year, she indicated she would not forgive Radcliffe nor Watson as she criticised celebrities she said had 'cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights'.

She hit out at stars accused of using their 'platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors' after the release of the long-awaited Cass report into gender treatment in the UK.

That government-commissioned study deemed there to be 'remarkably weak evidence' for gender-affirming techniques in children such as puberty blockers.

When one fan said they were 'just waiting for Dan and Emma [Watson]' to offer a 'very public apology' knowing they'd be safe in the knowledge the author would forgive them, Rowling wrote: 'Not safe I'm afraid.

'Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.'

Neither Grint, Watson nor Radcliffe have yet spoken out following Rowling's support for the Supreme Court ruling.

Despite distancing himself from Rowling, Grint has continued to associate with the wider Harry Potter universe, attending conventions, much to the delight of fans.

Despite distancing himself from Rowling, Grint has continued to associate with the wider Harry Potter universe, attending conventions, including the 2024 London Film and Comic Con

He has attended conventions as recently as November 2024, when he made an appearance at Liverpool Comic Con 2024 on November 9

He has attended conventions as recently as November 2024, when he made an appearance at Liverpool Comic Con 2024 on November 9.

The actor was photographed laughing and chatting with Harry Potter fans, with his schedule including photo sessions both individually and with his on-screen Weasley family members.

Grint also attended the 2024 London Film and Comic Con in July of that year, as well as jetting over to Paris in March 2024 for an event called Enter The Wizard World.

At the time of Enter The Wizard World, Grint faced wrath from fans after it emerged tickets started at 101, with a selfie with the actor costing an extra 111.

He also offered a small group  limited to 30 people  the chance to spend half an hour chatting with him, but that privilege cost a staggering 298 per person.

He had previously remained mostly absent from major fan conventions in the year before, only appearing at German Comic Con in Dortmund in December 2022.

Grint is the most involved with the Harry Potter universe out of the leading trio, as Radcliffe and Watson notably do not cash in on such events.

Watson has not made recent appearances at any fan conventions, while Radcliffe's last known appearance was way back in 2022 at New York Comic Con - his only one in recent years.

Though a semi-regular in the past, it is not believed that Grint has yet signed up for any upcoming conventions, with no pending appearances currently featuring on his online schedule.

Grint is the most involved with the Harry Potter universe out of the leading trio, as Radcliffe and Watson notably do not cash in on such events, not attending fan conventions

BONNIE WRIGHT: GINNY WEASLEY

Appearances in Harry Potter: All eight movies

Bonnie Wright, who played Harry Potter's love interest Ginny Weasley, weighed in after Rowling's 2020 essay which she published after implying only women can menstruate

Though she did not name Rowling, she made her position clear as she tweeted 'transwomen are women'

Bonnie Wright joined many of her co-stars in weighing in after Rowling's 2020 essay which she published after implying only women can menstruate in comments which were deemed trans-exclusionary.

Wright, who played Harry Potter's love interest Ginny Weasley, took to social media just hours after the uproar to clarify her position on the controversy.

Though she did not name Rowling, she made her position clear as she tweeted 'transwomen are women'.

She penned: 'If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question.

'Transwomen are Women. I see and love you, Bonnie x.'

After she was hit by much backlash from Rowling's supporters, who accused her of biting the hand that feeds her, Wright later said she wouldn't comment on the topic again.

'I made that comment then and I still stand with that same feeling, but it's got to the point where I prefer not to comment more,' she told The Sunday Times.

'It's a subject outside of my input.'

Wright has an active involvement in the Harry Potter universe and is often seen with her on-screen siblings James and Oliver Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley, respectively (all pictured with Evanna Lynch in 2019)

She appeared with the twin brothers at MegaCon Orlando 2025 in Florida on February 9, where they all took to the stage to answer questions about the wizarding world

Last year, Wright (pictured with Kierra Lewis) led the Back to Hogwarts celebrations in New York, where fans gather to mark when the Hogwarts Express would collect students

Wright has continued to have an active involvement in the Harry Potter universe and is often seen with her on-screen siblings James and Oliver Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley, respectively.

She appeared with the twin brothers at MegaCon Orlando 2025 in Florida on February 9, where they all took to the stage to answer questions about the wizarding world.

Wright also recently appeared at a Fan Expo in Vancouver on February 21, just months after her appearance at the German Film and Comic Con in Dortmund on December 7, 2024.

Within the space of five months from June until November 2024, Wright attended a staggering seven conventions all around the globe including in Toulouse, Salt Lake City, Portland and Niagara Falls.

Last year, Wright led the Back to Hogwarts celebrations in New York, where fans gather to mark when the Hogwarts Express would take students to the magic school for the start of the year every September.

With the celebrations led by TikToker and superfan Kierra Lewis at Grand Central Terminal, Wright made a special appearance as the countdown until the train's departure.

With no signs of slowing down, Wright will also be appearing at Bell County's Comic Con in Belton on August 2 and Arkansas Comic Con on September 12.

KATIE LEUNG: CHO CHANG

Appearances in Harry Potter: Three movies - The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Katie Leung, best known for playing Cho Chang in Harry Potter, weighed in on the backlash after Rowling was accused of being transphobic in 2020, which she denied

Katie Leung, best known for playing Cho Chang in Harry Potter, weighed in on the backlash after Rowling was accused of being transphobic in 2020, which she denied.

After the billionaire author's tweet hitting back at an article which referred to 'people who menstruate', Leung, 37, spoke up in support of LGBTQ+ people.

The Scottish actress, whose parents are originally from Hong Kong, played Asian witch Cho - a character Rowling has been slammed for in the past for the way she wrote her.

After the Harry Potter stars were urged to address the controversy, Katie took to Twitter - formerly known as X - to post: 'So, you want my thoughts on Cho Chang? Okay, here goes... (thread)'

She then shared tweets linking to petitions and campaigns supporting black LGBT people, adding the hashtag #AsiansForBlackLives, shifting the matter back to the global outrage following the death of American civilian George Floyd at that hands of the police.

It was not clear whether her posts were a direct response to the criticism Rowling faced, but Leung made sure to use her platform to encourage trans rights and fight against racism.

In recent years, Leung has continued to appear at Harry Potter conventions, most recently joining Tom Felton in appearing at German Potter Con on April 19.

She also appeared at another edition of the same event in September 2024, as well as joining her co-stars at the Comic, Film and Manga Festival in July 2023.

And she has plans to attend yet another convention in a matter of weeks in May, where she is slated to appear at Brussels' Comic Con.

In recent years, Leung has continued to appear at Harry Potter conventions, most recently joining Tom Felton in appearing at German Potter Con on April 19

After the billionaire author's tweet hitting back at an article which referred to 'people who menstruate', Leung, 37, spoke up in support of LGBTQ+ people, though didn't

CHRIS RANKIN: PERCY WEASLEY

Appearances in Harry Potter: Six movies - The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Order of the Phoenix, The Deathly Hallows' Parts 1 and 2

Chris Rankin was one of the first of the film franchise's stars to speak up against Rowling and in support of the transgender community (he is pictured with Daniel Radcliffe and Katie Leung)

Chris Rankin was one of the first of the film franchise's stars to speak up against Rowling and in support of the transgender community.

The actor, who played Ron's older brother Percy, showed his support for the LGBTQ+ community as he urged them to be 'proud' of who they are.

He tweeted: 'My beautiful, brave, strong, trans friends and house of #ChrisNess [referring to a queer youth network he founded] family. We love you. I can't say it enough.

'You're wonderful and deserve to be treated as such. Please know that. Be proud of who you are, we are proud of you.'

Rankin's X account is now private, but he also spoke up in support of the transgender community again in 2021 in further impassioned comments.

'A lot of my family are members of the community. You can probably guess where my allegiances lie in that respect,' he said.

'When a trans person says they are male or female, that is what they are and that is how we should treat them. It is damaging to them to say otherwise.'

Described on his website as a 'vocal ally to the LGBTQ+ community', Rankin has hosted at Pride Cymru on multiple occasions.

He has also formed the House of ChrisNess - a virtual community which helps to raise money for LGTBQ+ charities.

Rankin has also continued to have active involvement in the Harry Potter universe since rising to fame on the films at the age of 16 and playing the role for 11 years.

He attended six conventions throughout 2024, including Liverpool Comic Con in November, Comic Con Mania in Derby, Leaky Con Portland in July and March's Carlisle Comic Con.

Rankin also visited Ironton Wizardfest in November 2023 and is slated to appear at London Film and Comic Con in July, featuring in its promotional material.

Rankin has also continued to have active involvement in the Harry Potter universe and is slated to appear at London Film and Comic Con in July, featuring in its promotional material

SEAN BIGGERSTAFF: OLIVER WOOD

Appearances in Harry Potter: Three movies - The Philosopher's Stone, the Chamber of Secrets - and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (uncredited cameo)

Sean Biggerstaff appeared in the first two Harry Potter movies - The Philosopher's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets - and returned for an uncredited cameo in the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Sean Biggerstaff has savaged JK Rowling on social media, calling her an 'obsessed billionaire' and 'bigoted' for her views on transgender rights.

The most recent incident of a cast member speaking out, Biggerstaff - who played Oliver Wood - passionately condemned Rowling over her celebrations after the Supreme Court ruling.

Biggerstaff showed his solidarity with the wizarding franchise's leading stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, who have all spoken out against Rowling.

In his diatribe against Rowling, Biggerstaff responded to her controversial post about the Supreme Court ruling, in which she raised her glass and smoked a cigar on her $150million superyacht in celebration.

After the billionaire author was hit by accusations she was 'smoking a blunt', she hit back on social media, clarifying that it was 'objectively, provably and demonstratively a cigar'.

Responding to her post, Biggerstaff claimed she had no sense of humour about the comments, writing: 'Bigotry rots the wit.'

He also showed his support for one person who compared her to Andrew Tate for puffing on a cigar, much like he does in his own videos, which many argue stir violence against women.

The tweet read: 'lol, huffing on a cigar now? Is she Andrew Tate?' with Biggerstaff simply re-posting the words to his own profile.

Rowling also shared a picture of Susan Smith and Marion Calder, co-directors of For Women Scotland, celebrating the ruling and told people not to 'f**k with Scottish women'.

The most recent diatribe against Rowling, Biggerstaff responded to her controversial post about the Supreme Court ruling, in which she raised her glass and smoked a cigar on her yacht

He slammed Rowling for sharing a picture of Susan Smith and Marion Calder, co-directors of For Women Scotland, celebrating the ruling and told people not to 'f**k with Scottish women'

He also showed solidarity with the leading Harry Potter trio as he slammed one user who referred to Radcliffe, Watson and Grint as 'disloyal bags of s**t' for speaking out

Biggerstaff additionally rubbished accusations that billionaire Rowling - who is currently having her Harry Potter books adapted into a new TV series - was 'cast out' for her views

However, Scotsman Biggerstaff clapped back with: 'The majority of Scottish women, who don't agree with these d**kheads, aren't being bankrolled by an obsessed billionaire,' referencing reports that Rowling helped fund the case.

He also showed solidarity with the leading Harry Potter trio as he slammed one user who referred to Radcliffe, Watson and Grint as 'disloyal bags of s**t' for speaking out against Rowling, asking how they are doing today.

In response, an unimpressed Biggerstaff said: 'You don't have to wonder. You know what they're doing - leading happy and successful lives, having not driven their families away with their hateful obsessions.'

Biggerstaff additionally rubbished accusations that billionaire Rowling - who is currently having her Harry Potter books adapted into a new TV series - was 'cast out' and 'smeared' for her views.

Responding to one post, Biggerstaff quipped: 'Christ, if that's what being cast out looks like I'll take some,' referring to her net worth of approximately 1billion.

Biggerstaff shared further general posts defending the transgender community as he shared his opposition to the Supreme Court ruling, arguing that the 'loudest voices' were 'using concern for sex-based rights as cover for entirely reactionary politics'.

'Today is just a torrent of people being willfully simple-minded. A performance of pragmatism to cloak their instinctive distaste for the Other,' he added in another post.

Though distancing himself from Rowling herself, Biggerstaff remains involved with the wider Harry Potter universe and often attends fan conventions, doing so as recently as February of this year.

He frequently attends conventions and meet and greets with fans, appearing at a signing at the Gibert-Joseph bookstore in France as recently as February 2025.

Biggerstaff also attended another meet and greet in Italy in December 2024 and appeared at the New England WizardFest & Magic Convention in Boxborough in August 2023.

Biggerstaff will next be appearing at Em-Con Nottingham 2025 in June of this year as he continues to embrace his role as the beloved Gryffindor Quidditch captain.

Though distancing himself from Rowling, Biggerstaff remains involved with Harry Potter and often attends fan conventions, doing so as recently as February of this year (pictured)

TOM FELTON: DRACO MALFOY

Appearances in Harry Potter: All eight movies

Tom Felton famously took on the role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter universe and has become a fan favourite ever since, frequently appearing at fan conventions

Tom Felton famously took on the role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter universe and has become a fan favourite ever since, frequently appearing at fan conventions and sharing themed videos to social media.

Though he has not spoken out in direct opposition of Rowling and has insisted he wouldn't shun her, he has also spoken out in support of human rights and somewhat distanced himself from her.

The actor, 37, steered away from condemning Rowling but insisted he was 'pro-love' when asked about her comments in a 2022 interview after she came under fire from LGBTQ+ activists.

Speaking to The Independent, he batted off questioning as he said: 'First of all, I don't know enough about the specifics of what anyone said. My dog takes up far too much time for me to go into such matters.

'I mean, the obvious things to say are that I'm pro-choice, pro-discussion, pro-human rights across the board, and pro-love. And anything that is not those things, I don't really have much time for.'

However, he went on to distance himself and the Harry Potter films from Rowling herself, insisting she wasn't part of the production process as much as people believe.

He added: 'It is also a reminder that as much as Jo is the founder of [these] stories, she wasn't part of the filmmaking process as much as some people might think. I think I only recall seeing her once or twice on set.'

Back in 2020, Felton appeared to avoid picking a side while speaking with BBC Radio 4 as he said he is 'very grateful' to Rowling for launching his career.

Felton continues to be very actively involved in the Harry Potter universe and is a regular at Comic Con. He is pictured at the 2023 German Film and Comic Con Winter Edition

He has not commented on the uproar following the Supreme Court ruling, and remained mum on the topic when he shared a Harry Potter themed post this week

He said: 'I am quick to remind myself and others that Potter for some reason has brought more people together across the world and more generations than probably anything else has in the past 20 years and I'm quick to celebrate that. It came from one person and that's her so I'm very grateful.'

Felton continues to be very actively involved in the Harry Potter universe and is a regular at Comic Con and other annual fan events.

He has not commented on the uproar following the Supreme Court ruling, and remained mum on the topic when he shared a Harry Potter themed post this week.

Refusing to be drawn in, he took to Instagram on Monday night to share a photograph of himself posing beside a Platform 9 3/4 sign, referencing the famed train platform.

Felton also held up a wanted sign around his face which read: 'Have you seen this wizard?' while sporting a green jumper featuring the Slytherin snake emblem.

As well as his wizarding displays on social media, Felton appeared at the German Potter Con in Bad Honnigen as recently as April 19, 2025, just days after the ruling was passed.

He also attended Paris' Enter The Wizard World event in November and appeared at both Rotterdam's and Paris' Comic, Film and Manga Festivals, both held in March 2024.

Felton also jetted to Dortmund in December 2023 for the German Film and Comic Con, while he has also appeared at other global events including in Chicago, Moscow, Toulouse and Stockholm.

Felton has no upcoming plans for conventions as of yet, but frequently collaborates with his on-screen father Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, as the pair often share humorous videos together, including the 2020 #PottahChallenge on TikTok.
Jason Isaacs has revealed he almost did not land his role on The White Lotus after stumbling at the audition stage.

The Harry Potter actor, 61, played Timothy Ratcliff in the smash hit drama and had viewers across the world glued to their screens with his gripping performance.

His star turn on the third series of the HBO show earned Jason a new legion of fans, after achieving fame for his role of Lucius Malfoy in the film adaptations of JK Rowling's books.

But it almost never happened, with the actor explaining that, despite spending more than three decades on the screen, his auditioning technique had not improved.

He told Schon! Magazine: 'Because I don't normally audition, I was the same bumbling, stuttering, insecure fool that I had been for the first ten years of my career.'

Jason previously played the father of Harry Potter's nemesis in the immensely popular movies, donning a blonde wig throughout eight films from 2002 to 2011, and during the interview he reflected on his audition for that role two decades ago.

Jason Isaacs has revealed he almost did not land his role on The White Lotus after stumbling at the audition stage

The Harry Potter actor, 61, played Timothy Ratcliff in the smash hit drama and had viewers across the world glued to their screens

'I wanted his voice to drip with entitlement and arrogance and scorn,' he said. 'I came up with his voice and they weren't going to let me do it.

'I did the first rehearsal, and [Chris Columbus and David Heyman] went, "I don't know, it's very, very extreme." Daniel [Radcliffe] was standing there, and he went, "I think it's cool."'

The White Lotus's third season was set in Thailand and Jason was required to spend months on end in the south east Asian country to shoot the show.

On spending time away from his family, the star said: 'I'm not looking to build a career. I'm not looking to be anything that I'm not.

'I just want to keep having an interesting time at work. Any time I can be on the same continent [as my family], my heart just settles a bit.'

In a special shoot for Schon!, Jason could be seen wearing a range of outfits including a black knitted sweater and a thick pinstriped suit.

Later, he changed into a light blue shirt and then tried on an all-navy ensemble, featuring a navy suit and shirt.

He struck poses in a range of settings, some of which captured in black and white, including a brick wall and in front of a campervan.

In a special shoot for Schon!, Jason could be seen wearing a range of outfits including a black knitted sweater and a thick pinstriped suit

He told the magazine: 'Because I don't normally audition, I was the same bumbling, stuttering, insecure fool that I had been for the first ten years of my career.'

On spending time away from his family, the star said: 'I'm not looking to build a career. I'm not looking to be anything that I'm not'

He struck poses in a range of settings for the Schon! shoot, some of which captured in black and white, including a brick wall and in front of a campervan

One of Jason's most talked about scenes in the hit series involved him accidentally exposing 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.

The actor 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 last Saturday's show comedian Rebel Wilson, 45, made a joke about his full-frontal nudity, which seemingly didn't go down well with Jason.

As he 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'

The star 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.

Jason played the father of Harry Potter's nemesis in the immensely popular series of movies, donning a blonde wig throughout eight films from 2002 to 2011

One of Jason's most talked about scenes in the hit series involved him accidentally exposing his genitals while sitting in a bathrobe

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

'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,' he added. '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.

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.
Pregnant Karlie Kloss showed off her bump as she joined fellow supermodel Gisele Bundchen at the beach in Costa Rica this week.

Kloss, 32, who announced she was expecting her third child last month, stepped out with husband Joshua Kushner, 39, and their two young sons along with sister-in-law Ivanka Trump, 43, and the children she shares with Jared Kushner, 44.

Former Victoria's Secret Angels Kloss and Bundchen, 44, who welcomed her third child and first with boyfriend Joaquim, Valente in February, looked in great spirits as they caught up on the sand.

Kloss sported a chic black bikini top and wrap around her growing stomach, completing the ensemble with a straw hat.

Gisele showed off her enviable post baby body in a bikini and shorts as she enthusiastically greeted Ivanka, who wore a blue bikini top and floral shorts.

Kloss was once thought to have a frosty relationship with her sister-in-law  driven in part by Kloss's deeply-held dislike for Donald Trump - but the warm display on the beach shows they are closer than ever.

Pregnant Karlie Kloss showed off her bump as she joined fellow supermodel Gisele Bundchen at the beach in Costa Rica this week - pictured with Ivanka Trump

Kloss, 32, who announced she was expecting her third child last month , stepped out with husband Joshua Kushner, 38, and their two young sons along with sister-in-law Ivanka Trump

The family double date also saw Gisele's eldest son with ex Tom Brady, Benjamin, 15, share a warm hug with Ivanka in sweet snaps.

Announcing her pregnancy last month, Kloss told Vogue: 'Family is everything to me. Josh and I are incredibly grateful for this blessing.'

She also shared photos of her bump and her sons to Instagram with the caption: 'Three's a party.'

The star was congratulated by celebrity friends including Kim Kardashian and Candice Swanepoel.

Kloss and Kushner wed in 2018 and welcomed sons Levi and Elijah in 2021 and 2023.

Kushner, brother of President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, is the founder of Thrive Capital, a venture-capital firm that has backed technology companies including Instagram, GitHub, and Spotify.

Apart from being a model, Kloss is also the founder of Kode With Klossy, a coding camp for girls.

Kloss and Kushner began dating in June 2012.

The girl gang looked in great spirits as they chatted on the beach

Ivanka laughed with Gisele as they caught up on the beach

Gisele showed off her toned post baby body two months after welcoming her son

The two supermodels caught up on the beach with businesswoman Ivanka

The trio looked in great spirits as they chatted together

Both Kloss (pictured 2013) and Bundchen (pictured 2005) are former Victoria's Secret Angels

Ivanka looked stunning in a bright blue bikini

Karlie wrapped up her bump in a black sarong for the beach day

Gisele's son Benjamin - whose dad is Tom Brady - hugged Ivanka on the beach

Joshua is pictured with brother Jared Kushner and sister-in-law Ivanka Trump in 2013

On February 5, it was revealed Bundchen gave birth 'recently' and People later confirmed it was a son with the middle name 'River' (pictured in January)

After nearly six years of dating, the longtime couple announced their engagement in July 2018.

They tied the knot in Upstate New York that October, and then decided to have renew their vows at a second ceremony in Wyoming in July 2019.

In March 2021, the couple welcomed Levi to the world, and in May 2023 Karlie shocked fans when she debuted a baby bump at the 2023 MET Gala, making the surprise announcement that baby number two was on the way.

On February 5, TMZ revealed Bundchen gave birth 'recently' and People later confirmed it was a son with the middle name 'River.'

Little River is the first child for Valente, who originally moved to Miami in 2007 to pursue a criminology degree from Barry University.

Last Friday, TMZ revealed the Feed Your Soul author and the VB Tactical co-founder would not be attending the Met Gala in Manhattan on May 5 because they'll be 'spending quality time with their newborn in Miami.'

Joaquim was previously pictured bonding with Gisele's 15-year-old son Benjamin Rein Brady while paddleboarding on June 17.

Bundchen welcomed her two eldest children during her 13-year marriage to the 47-year-old Raiders minority owner, which ended in 2022.
Whoopi Goldberg was the target of a cruel jab by Fox News host Julie Banderas after the actress slammed Donald Trump's $5k 'baby bonus' incentive on The View.

Banderas, 51, rudely joked Goldberg, 69, may struggle to find a partner who would want to 'physically impregnate her' after the Ghost star expressed offense over Trump's proposal.

She expressed relief as she added 'Thank God she did not do IVF.'

In reality, Goldberg has daughter Alex Martin, 51, a filmmaker and actress, with her ex-husband Alvin Martin.

The brutal remark arose on Wednesday's episode of Outnumbered, after the show played snippets of Goldberg's criticism over the proposed plan.

Kayleigh McEnany weighed in sarcastically after clips of Goldberg's remarks played, 'I mean Julie, isn't she such a lovely person?'

Whoopi Goldberg was the target of a cruel jab by Fox News host Julie Banderas after the actress slammed Donald Trump's $5k baby bonus incentive on The View

Banderas, 51, rudely joked Goldberg may struggle to find a partner who would want to 'physically impregnate her'

'Isn't she lovely?' Banderas replied. 'Such a shame shes not a mother. I feel like she would have been the best role model.

'Thank God she did not do IVF, because I dont think shed find somebody to actually physically impregnate her, is what Im trying to get at there,' she said.

DailyMail.com has contacted Fox News for comment regarding the remarks.

On Wednesday's episode of The View, Goldberg discussed the incentives being proposed to encourage more women to have children - and was not shy about showing her aversion to the possible program.

'So as birth rates continue to decline in America, the White House is looking into offering $5,000 cash bonuses, expanded access to IVF, along with other incentives for women to have more babies,' Whoopi said with a tight grin.

'I am incredibly insulted by this because clearly they don't know how women's bodies work,' she said. 'And they don't know what it costs to raise a child or just have a child.

'And $5,000!? I don't know what $5,000 is supposed to do. And it's not even $5,00 cause you have to cut it in half cause you gotta pay taxes on it. So they're offering you $2,500!' she said before sarcastically clapping. 'To have a baby! Now don't forget about all the stuff they've cut.

'Yes, you have a list, so I'm supposed to say to you all, and are you ready for this, what do you think of this proposal? Does it address the reasons why perhaps people aren't having children these days? But aren't you excited about it!?'

Goldberg has daughter Alex Martin, 51, a filmmaker and actress, with her ex-husband Alvin Martin; pictured July 2024

The brutal remark arose on Wednesday's episode of Outnumbered, after the show played snippets of Goldberg's criticism over the proposed plan

Goldberg with her daughter at this year's Academy Awards

Trump's proposal would act as an incentive to boost the birth rate in the United States, which has been declining since 2007; pictured April 23

The White House has been hearing a plethora of proposals on measures to reverse declining birthrates, reported the New York Times.

One proposal would reserve 30 percent of scholarships for the prestigious Fulbright fellowship for applicants who are married or have children.

Another would give a $5,000 cash 'baby bonus' to every American mother after delivery, the outlet reported.

A third calls for government funded programs to educate women on their menstrual cycles so they can better understand when they are ovulating and able to conceive.

Trump, who referred to himself as the 'father of fertilization' on the campaign trial, signed an executive order that seeks to make in-vitro fertilization more accessible in February.

In 2024, the US finally reversed the years-long trend with a one percent increase in births when compared to 2023, according to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control.
Jason Statham and his fiancee Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have reportedly sparked ire in a South London neighbourhood, after making several helicopter landings in a nearby field.

The action star, 57, and the model, 38, have frequently opted for the unusual mode of transport for their trips, along with their two children, Jack, seven, and Isabella, three.

However, according to The Sun, the couple recently angered residents by being dropped off by the chopper in a playing field next to a riding school and scaring two horses.

A mother-of-one, 35, told the publication that Jason and Rosie had made one such landing last Friday, which sent the horses into a panic.

She said: 'After landing, the pilot ran across the field to say sorry. It looked like he was really apologetic and made an effort to make sure everyone was OK. But if a horse bolts with a six-year-old on it, it wont be pretty.'

The Hollywood actor and Transformer star allegedly made another landing the following day, with the pilot taking extra caution to avoid the riding school.

Jason Statham and his fiancee Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have reportedly sparked ire in a South London neighbourhood, after making several helicopter landings in a nearby field (pictured in 2023)

The action star, 57, and the model, 38, have frequently opted for the unusual mode of transport for their trips, along with their children, Jack, seven, and Isabella, three (stock image pictured)

But it's not just animals feeling the adverse effects, with several other residents complaining about the level of noise of the chopper.

A father-of-two living in a property that backs on to the field described Jason and Rosie's helicopter to The Sun as 'very noisy'.

And another resident echoed his concerns, telling the publication: 'Its been quite frequent. It flies low over our houses and its very loud. Its not something we appreciate. I wont be happy if it becomes a regular occurrence.

'Theres a reason we chose to live far out from Heathrow or City airports. Its not great, especially with people working from home and elderly people living here.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for the couple for comment.

Jason and Rosie moved back to London for the safety of their children in 2021, after living in California for 11 years.

They invested an eye-watering 15million in three luxury homes in the capital, including seven-bedroom mansion and a 7.5 million three-bedroom townhouse in Chelsea.

Speaking in Los Angeles in 2019 on her desire to return to her homeland, Devon-born Rosie said: 'I have always seen a move back in the future, which I feel excited by. It'll be a new chapter.

A father-of-two living in a property that backs on to the field described Jason and Rosie's helicopter to The Sun as 'very noisy'

Jason and Rosie moved back to London for the safety of their children in 2021, after living in California for 11 years (Jack and Isabella pictured)

'Since becoming a mother, I have found a growing desire to be close to my roots. I'm very proud to be British and I think the UK is a really special place to raise a family.'

And after finally making the big move during the pandemic, she gushed that getting away all the paparazzi attention in Los Angeles had been 'really grounding' and detailed why it had been so important for their children's privacy.

Speaking to the Telegraph in October, the Victoria's Secret star said: 'Living back in the UK has been a really grounding experience for us.

'The fact that we can walk out of our front door and go and get a coffee and a loaf of bread [without paparazzi].

'We'd leave our home in LA and there'd be five cars following us down the block to the gym. Both Jason and I felt like it was really important for our children to not be impacted by our line of work.

'We wanted our kids to have a childhood away from cameras as much as we could. Because I've seen that.

'I've seen children of celebrities whose parents didn't give them that choice. It's Jack's choice and it's Bella's choice, whether they live in the public eye.

'If they want to, that won't be a problem. But I just always feared my son turning round to me one day and saying, "You and Daddy didn't protect me, I don't want this".'

And after making the big move, she gushed that getting away all the paparazzi attention in LA had been 'really grounding' and detailed why it had been so important for their kid's privacy

Rosie and Jason first began dating in 2009 after meeting at a party in London and experiencing what Rosie called 'instant chemistry'.

They made their red carpet debut in February 2011 at the Vanity Fair Oscars after party, and later that year attended the Met Gala together as well.

The couple then revealed their engagement after Rosie flashed her impressive diamond ring at the 2016 Golden Globes.

However, DailyMail.com reported that the couple are in no rush to tie the knot any time soon, as they love being engaged so much.

According to a source close to them, Rosie and Jason are on the 'same page' when it comes to their relationship and insisted they 'will' get married one day, but there's 'no rush'.

They assured: 'They are also very private but Jason knows how lucky he is and loves the life he has; he is very happy.

Rosie and Jason first began dating in 2009 after meeting at a party in London and experiencing what Rosie called 'instant chemistry' (pictured in 2015)

'When it comes to them, they will get married eventually but they feel like they are already married and there is no rush. "If it isn't broken, why fix it" is their overall mentality.'

The source also suggested the couple may even add to their brood rather than plan a wedding and their children may be the ones to push them into a wedding.

They explained: 'And as it comes to their kids, their kids are still very young and their thoughts on expanding their family being such a very plausible thing, they might wait to have a wedding once their kids get older so they can enjoy it themselves.

'They both anticipate that their kids will ask them to have one in the future and if that happens, that would be the tipping point to actually have one.'
Carlin Sterritt has become a new father as he and wife Emily Bradwell welcomed their first child together over the Easter weekend.

The Bachelorette star, 33, who shot to fame on the series in 2019 after he won the heart of Angie Kent, announced the happy news to Instagram on Monday.

In a joint post with his partner, the former reality TV star shared several sweet images of the bundle of joy and the moment they took him home, before revealing his adorable name - Brooklyn Xavier Sterritt.

The first photos in the gallery saw wife Emily cuddling up to the bub as she recovered in the hospital, wrapping the newborn up in a stripped blanket.

A short video was also included in the carousel, with Carlin looking every inch the dutiful new father as he carried Brooklyn out of the hospital.

Finally, the post ended with pictures of the young family back home as the bub could be seen sleeping soundly in a baby bed on their couch.

Carlin Sterritt, 33, has become a new father as he and wife Emily Bradwell welcomed their first child together over the Easter weekend

The Bachelorette star, who shot to fame on the series in 2019 after he won the heart of Angie Kent, announced the happy news to Instagram on Monday

In a joint post with his partner, the former reality TV star shared several sweet images of the bundle of joy and the moment they took him home, before revealing his adorable nameBrooklyn Xavier Sterritt

'Our little Easter miracle - Brooklyn Xavier Sterritt. Welcome to the world our boy, you are SO loved,' the caption read.

Carlin announced in October he and Emily were expecting their first child together.

The personal trainer shared the news to Instagram as he posed alongside his partner while she showed off her growing baby bump.

'Baby Sterritt coming 2025,' the former reality star wrote in the caption alongside the photos.

The series of images were taken on a picturesque beach, with the couple cuddling as they shared their good news.

Carlin tied the knot with his partner Emily in an intimate ceremony at Dunes Palm Beach, north Sydney, in March 2023.

The hunk posted a video on Instagram of the newlyweds leaving their reception with their guests holding sparklers, and wrote: 'Hitched! What a night.'

He looked sharp on his big day in a white shirt and a black bow tie, while his bride opted for a classic white dress with a strapless design.

The first photos in the gallery saw wife Emily cuddling up to the bub as she recovered in the hospital, wrapping the newborn up in a stripped blanket

Finally, the post ended with pictures of the young family back home as the bub could be seen sleeping soundly in a baby bed on their couch

'Our little Easter miracle - Brooklyn Xavier Sterritt. Welcome to the world our boy, you are SO loved,' the caption read

The couple's guests also shared pictures from the nuptials showing Carlin and Emily sharing their first kiss as husband and wife and looking happier than ever.

Emily completed her bridal look with a long white veil, and swept her long brunette locks back off her face to highlight her flawless makeup.

Carlin and Emily announced their engagement in October 2022 after going Instagram official in December 2020.

They have since been spending quality time together at their beautiful oceanside home in Sydney.

Carlin won the heart of Angie Kent on The Bachelorette on season five of the series back in 2019, but the pair split soon after the series ended in July 2020 after just 10 months of dating.

The pair chose to part ways because her lifestyle clashed with his Christian values.
A top Hollywood lawyer has revealed how Scarlett Johansson's major new career move could be 'overshadowed' by her ex-husband Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively.

Johansson has made her feature directorial debut with a movie called Eleanor The Great, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month.

One of the production companies behind project is none other than Justin Baldoni's Wayfarer Studios - which is locked in a spiraling legal battle with Reynolds and Lively over her and Baldoni's movie It Ends With Us.

Lively has accused Baldoni and Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath of sexual harassment, and additionally alleged she was subject to a targeted smear campaign in the run-up to the release of It Ends With Us.

Baldoni then launched a $400 million defamation lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds and the New York Times, which reported her first claim. Wayfarer and Baldoni were dropped by their agency amid the mounting drama, which sources close to him say cost him 'three jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars,' via the Hollywood Reporter.

Now famed attorney Lisa Bloom has exclusively told DailyMail.com how the swirling publicity around the feud could potentially splash back on Johansson's movie.

A top Hollywood lawyer has revealed how Scarlett Johansson's (pictured) major new career move could be 'overshadowed' by her ex-husband Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively

'The success or failure of this Baldoni produced film will be highly relevant in court,' Bloom observed of Johansson's new project.

'If it flops, Baldoni will blame the Blake Lively lawsuit and point to the failure as an example of the millions of dollars in damages he is seeking,' she noted.

'If it succeeds, his theory that he just can't make it in Hollywood because of Blake Lively will be obliterated,' Bloom added.

'And expect ScarJo and other big names on the film to be subpoenaed to testify at the Lively-Baldoni trial as to the money he makes from the film, and whether the case really cost him as much as he says.'

The attorney, whose mother is the vaunted feminist lawyer Gloria Allred, said: 'I also suspect the film's release will be overshadowed by press questions about the Lively-Baldoni legal fight, which slogs on.'

Bloom is no stranger to cases involving sexual misconduct allegations, having served as an attorney for women who accused Bill O'Reilly of harassment.

She also controversially advised Harvey Weinstein as the claims against him first began to gather steam ahead of the outbreak of the Me Too movement.

Bloom has represented five alleged Jeffrey Epstein victims and two plaintiffs who say they were sexually assaulted by Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who has strenuously denied the cascade of accusations against him.

One of the production companies backing Johansson's new film is none other than Justin Baldoni 's Wayfarer Studios - which is locked in a bitter legal battle with Reynolds and Lively

Lively and Baldoni are pictured on the set of their movie It Ends With Us, the source of the bitter legal feud continuing to rage between them

'The success or failure of this Baldoni produced film will be highly relevant in court,' Lisa Bloom observed of Johansson's new project; Baldoni pictured in December 2023

In 2018 she acted as counsel for Janice Dickinson, who sued Bill Cosby for defamation after his lawyer said she was lying when she accused the comic of having drugged and raped her in the 1980s.

The defamation case ended in what Bloom hailed as an 'epic' settlement, saying Dickinson would be 'fully compensated for being called a liar,' via CNN.

Reynolds and Johansson married in 2008 and announced their split in 2010, two years before he tied the knot with Lively, with whom he now has four children.

Johansson, who is now married to Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost, has made her feature film directorial debut with Eleanor The Great.

The movie stars 95-year-old June Squibb as the title character, a nonagenarian woman who moves back to New York from Florida after her best friend dies.

With a cast that includes 12 Years A Slave lead Chiwetel Ejiofor, Eleanor The Great is slated to premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes in May.

Johansson has not publicly addressed the Lively-Baldoni drama, but her husband made a joke about it on Saturday Night Live last month.

During a comic riff on Donald Trump's explosive Oval Office argument with Volodymyr Zelensky, Jost quipped that the Ukrainian president 'said he thinks he can still salvage his relationship with President Trump, which is like Justin Baldoni saying: "I'd love to work with Blake again."'
Gordon Ramsay was the latest celebrity to be targeted in a swatting scam, according to authorities.

The celebrity chef, 58, had his Bel Air, California home targeted by pranksters who thought it would be amusing to dispatch emergency services to his abode, law enforcement sources told TMZ Wednesday.

The Johnstone, UK native's home was the basis of a fraudulent report in which a prankster said that shots were being fired at the mansion, police told TMZ.

According to the AP, 'Swatting is the practice of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed police officers to a particular address.

'Bomb threats go back decades in the U.S., but swatting has become especially popular in recent years as people and groups target celebrities and politicians.'

Dailymail.com has reached out to reps for Ramsay and the Los Angeles Police Department for further comment on this story.

Gordon Ramsay was the latest celebrity to be targeted in a swatting scam, according to authorities. The celeb chef appears on the Fox series Kitchen Nightmares. Pictured 2023

Ramsay, who has broken through on TV with shows like Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares, was not present at the time of the incident, sources told the outlet.

Police who arrived said all was normal and confirmed nothing serious ad happened with neighbors who witnessed the non-incident unfold, according to the outlet.

Law enforcement told the outlet that a probe has been launched in connection with the incident.

The celeb chef did not appear to address the swatting prank on his social media pages.

Dailymail.com reached out to Ramsay and his spouse Tana for more detail on the incident.

Police said the details lined up with it being a swatting incident, which has past impacted a number of prominent Hollywood personalities.

Among them include Cardi B, Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton and Chris Brown, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, and even the Playboy Mansion.

Prior to 2020, stars such as Pharrell, Lil Wayne, Simon Cowell, Tom Cruise, Ashton Kutcher and Sean 'Diddy' Combs were targeted for the dangerous prank.

The celeb chef was pictured with wife Tana, 50, in an Instagram post earlier this week

The mercurial chef - who police say was not home at the time of the incident - was pictured in Boston earlier this week

The Michelin-starred chef opened up about pet peeves last year with St. Louis magazine - and it they involved cigarettes.

'You want to know what pisses me off? When chefs smoke. Its the most disgusting habit on the planet.' He added, 'The worst thing you can do to food. Ive never smoked in my life.

'Your palate needs to be recognized as something unique Its a tool, a gift.'

Ramsay added, 'Can you be taught how to taste? Yes, you can. Can you train your palate? Yes, you can. You can also kill it.'
Gabby Allen looked incredible in a daring black minidress as she attended NYX cosmetic's Buttermelt Gala at The Old Sessions House in London on Wednesday.

The Love Island All Stars winner showed off her jaw-dropping figure as she went braless under the strapless number.

Gabby put on a leggy display in a pair of towering heels and accessorised with a dazzling gold pair of drop earrings.

Styling her long blonde tresses in voluminous curls, the reality star flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed for the cameras.

Joining Gabby at the bash was Demi Jones who turned heads in a stylish one shoulder beige midi dress which boasted a feathered side split.

She opted for two long matching gloves and added inches to her frame in a pair of towering heels.

Gabby Allen made sure to turn heads in a daring black minidress as she attended NYX's Buttermelt Gala at The Old Sessions House in London on Wednesday

Joining Gabby at the bash was Demi Jones who looked incredible in a stylish one shoulder beige midi dress which boasted a feathered side split

Guests were treated to a performance by DJ Yuki as they celebrated the launch of the brands new buttermelt glaze skin tint and buttermelt highlighter.

The party comes after Gabby returned from a lavish Dubai getaway earlier this month.

She displayed her gym-honed physique in a very skimpy bikini as she modelled her outfit of the day in an Instagram post.

The TV personality looked out of this world in the tiny two-piece as she flaunted her jaw-dropping abs.

Gabby looked happier than ever on her lavish trip away in Dubai as she continued to soak up the sun.

Making a brief appearance at the end of the video, Casey O'Gorman walked in on her shot to give her a kiss.

Gabby recently clarified her relationship status on her Instagram stories after speculation about her jetting off alone.

She quipped: 'Side note: Yes believe it or not, a girl can go on holiday with her family without it meaning her and her fella have ended... he's flying out on Sunday to see me.'

Gabby and new partner Casey, 28, won Love Island All Stars earlier this year.

The Love Island All Stars winner showed off her jaw-dropping figure as she went braless under the extreme plunging strapless number

Gabby put on a leggy display in a pair of towering heels and accessorised with a dazzling gold pair of drop earrings

Styling her long blonde tresses in voluminous curls, the reality star flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed up a storm for photos

Gabby arrived in good spirits and carried her phone

Demi was all smiles as she showed off the brand's new products

She opted for two long matching gloves and added inches to her frame in a pair of towering heels

Styling her long tresses in a half up do, Demi toted her belongings in a Chanel handbag

April Banbury turned heads in a bold black and gold gown

Imani Evans turned heads in a satin gown which boasted a dramatic black feathered train

Victoria Clay put on a leggy display in a pair of black knee high boots and a grey minidress

Guests were treated to a performance by DJ Yuki as they celebrated the launch of the brands new buttermelt glaze skin tint and buttermelt highlighter

The couple bagged the whopping 50,000 prize in a dramatic conclusion over long-time frontrunners Grace Jackson and Luca Bish.

Casey finally got his happy ending with blonde bombshell Gabby after appearing on the show three times previously.

The couple had flown under the radar in the lead up to the finale, with bookmakers never placing them as favourites to clinch the 50,000 prize.

Nonetheless, they managed to storm to victory during the live final - pipping longtime frontrunners Luca and Grace to the post while Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Curtis Pritchard finished in third.

Some even questioned if the result was rigged, with Gabby and Casey having been devoid of public sentiment online - SlotsCalendar's data revealed that only six percent of tweets about the couple since they paired up had been positive.

While social media users were baffled at the result, it has resulted in bookmakers paying out thousands, because of a third of the stakes were placed on the underdogs.

William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps told MailOnline: 'Gabby and Caseys Love Island All Stars victory last night may have appeared a shock on paper, but the result ended up being a big loser for us.'

The party comes after Gabby returned from a lavish Dubai getaway earlier this month

He continued: 'The couple accounted for over a third (35 percent) of stakes throughout the series.

'While the pair started out as an unlikely 10/1 towards the end of January, our punters appeared to have their heads turned in early February and their price dropped to as low as 4/7 at one point  the shortest odds offered at any stage of the series.

'Gabby and Casey entered last nights finale as 6/4 second favourites but proved to be the real bombshells of the series, stealing the crown from Luca and Grace (1/2).'

For weeks, season eight's Luca, 25, and season 11 star Grace, 26, had been the bookies' frontrunners to win the show - garnering a strong online fanbase.
Kourtney Kardashian took to Instagram on Wednesday to give her fans a look at her picturesque getaway with her family.

The 46-year-old reality television personality also shared with her 219 million followers an ultra-rare glimpse of her 17-month-old son Rocky, whom she shares with husband Travis Barker, 49.

The mother-of-four  who is also mom to Mason, 15; Penelope, 12; and Reign, 10  looked at a beachside fireworks show with some of her family members in one snapshot.

She was clad in a backless black dress, while the Blink-182 drummer held Rocky in his arms and Reign looked on as well.

Kourtney captioned the post, 'thanks be to God,' with Barker commenting, 'Another year in paradise with you, my wife.'

Another outtake in the carousel featured one of Kourtney's step kids, 26-year-old Atiana De La Hoya.

Kourtney Kardashian took to Instagram on Wednesday to reflect on a picturesque getaway with her family, giving her followers a glimpse at her and Travis Barker's 17-month-old son Rocky

The Kardashians star included an image of an island with luxe beach chairs sprawled across the sand

Kourtney captioned the post, 'thanks be to God,' while Barker, 49, commented, 'Another year in paradise with you, my wife'

She is Barker's ex-wife Shanna Moakler's only child with former flame Oscar De La Hoya, but Barker raised her as his own child while the famous boxer was largely absent from her early life.

Barker and Moakler were married from 20042008 and share son Landon, 21, and daughter Alabama, 19.

Kardashian has a close relationship with her stepchildren, as does her husband with her and ex-boyfriend Scott Disick's brood.

To mark her April 18 birthday last week, rap artist Alabama wrote online, 'I just want to take a moment to let you know how much you mean to me.

'You've shown me love, patience, and support in ways that I'll always be grateful for. Thank you for being such a kind, strong, and beautiful presence in my life.'

The teenage influencer added: 'You've made a bigger difference than you probably realize, and today I hope you feel just how loved and appreciated you truly are. Wishing you a year full of joy, peace, and everything your heart desires.'

And Travis paid a gushing tribute on Instagram as he shared a slew of photos of his spouse with his 8.5 million followers.

'Happy Birthday @kourtneykardash. I love you and Im so thankful for you my beautiful wife. Couldnt ask for a better Mom or better life partner. Cant wait for 46 more years with you,' he said in the caption.

Kourtney posed up with one of her stepchildren, 26-year-old Atiana De La Hoya

Over on Travis' page, he wished his wife a happy birthday days earlier. The former Keeping Up with the Kardashians used social media to share her baby son's footprints in the sand

The rockstar drummer recorded Kourtney and Reign during a boat day

He included multiple snapshots including Rocky, whose identity they have kept private since his birth in November 2023.

Earlier this week Kourtney reflected on her special day, writing in an Instagram post: 'Grateful for all 46 years.'

In the roundup of flicks, the POOSH founder modeled a low-cut black dress, which was layered over a black triangle bikini top.

She added at the end of the post that the pictures were taken by her pre-teen daughter.

'Pics by P,' the Hulu star added in parenthesis at the end of the caption, prompting praise from fans who complemented Penelope's talent behind the camera.

'P's photographing skills are on POINT! Future Annie Leibowitz,' one said.

'P's photography needs to be a thing,' agreed another who joined the Instagram thread.

A different person weighed in, 'P is sooo good at taking photos!'

Kourtney celebrated her birthday during the trip, sharing a snapshot of her cake

Travis teased photos of family life, which showed Rocky in an adorable leopard print outfit with a matching hat

Barker uploaded a photo of wife Kourtney cradling Rocky during a private flight

'Penelope really outdid herself with these pictures!' another wrote, while another social media user said: 'P needs to be your new photographer always. SHE ATE.'

'Dang, P is a good photographer,' another posted.

Kourtney and Travis, who married in Italy in May 2022, were neighbors and friends for 10 years before striking up a romance.

They continued to live in their respective homes, minutes apart, even after tying the knot, until Rocky was born in late 2023.
Legendary Australian actor Gerard Kennedy, who was best known for his work on Underbelly and the seminal Channel Nine police drama Division 4, has died. He was 93.

A family friend of the veteran performer confirmed he passed away on Monday.

'Vale Gerard Kennedy. 1932 - 2025. An iconic Australian actor of many decades,' they began on social media.

'Well-remembered by Prisoner fans for his portrayal as terrorist Al in The Wentworth Siege episodes.'

Born in Perth in 1932, Kennedy had a remarkable career in Australian media that spanned five decades.

He was a two-time Gold Logie winner, consecutively taking home the award in 1971 and 1972.

Legendary Australian actor Gerard Kennedy died on Monday aged 93

Kennedy also won two Best Actor Logies in 1972 and 1973 for his work on Division 4.

He rose to fame in the late '60s in the Channel Nine series spy drama Hunter, in which he played the leading role opposite Wendy Hughes.

Kennedy went on to appear in some of Australia's most renowned productions across his celebrated career.

His work included stints on Underbelly, A Country Practice, Blue Heelers and Neighbours.

He also starred opposite John Jarratt in the 2013 horror movie Wolf Creek 2 and Vince Colosimo in Fat Tony and Co.

His final appearance was in 2015 in two episodes of the ABC drama Glitch, after which he enjoyed a well earned retirement.

Kennedy worked with some of Australia's most esteemed performers across his incredible career, including John Wood, Lisa McCune and Andrew Daddo.

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Kennedy.

The veteran performer was born in Perth in 1932 and had a remarkable career in Australian media that spanned five decades

His work included stints on Underbelly (pictured), A Country Practice, Blue Heelers and Neighbours

'Vale Gerard,' wrote his The Flying Doctors co-star Liz Burch.

'More than an actor, Gerard was a quiet force - respected by peers, loved by audiences and remembered as a true professional,' another person wrote.

'He leaves behind a legacy that defines an era of Australian storytelling and remains a benchmark for integrity and excellence in the performing arts.'

'Gerard was a great actor and a true gentleman. Rest in peace,' a third added.

Kennedy was the son of celebrated Australian actress Phyllis Ophel, who appeared with him in an episode of Division 4.

Kennedy is survived by his daughter Chrisanya.
She's the Bunbury-born star who appears on Channel Seven.

The mother-of-two has been in the public eye since she was 21 and part of the same show for more than 20 years.

The brunette stunner shared a throwback on Thursday... but can you tell who this young woman with a perm is today?

The picture was unearthed from a high school photo album containing the TV star's Year 12 portrait.

Her curly-hair was voluminous, with the 17-year-old sporting a fresh-faced look and wearing a crisp white shirt and tie.

This local celebrity has previously shared her embarrassment about the hairstyle with her 117,000 followers on Instagram, writing: 'Peter Brady? ?? No.. Me in 1985. Bunbury Catholic College. Age of the perm. And the pimple.'

She's the Bunbury-born star who appears on Channel Seven. The mother-of-two has been in the public eye since she was 21 and part of the same show for more than 20 years

She launched her journalism career at the Wanneroo Times in 1987 and landed her first TV gig at 21 on WA's Golden West Network.

She joined Seven News in Sydney as a reporter in 1994 and also presented afternoon news updates, before moving to Sunrise in 2003.

The successful media personality now juggles 3am wake-ups with motherhood for her role on the hit breakfast show.

Married to TV commercial editor Andrew Thomson, the mystery TV newsreader is Natalie Barr.

Natalie appears alongside Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington, Mark Baretta, Edwina Bartholomew, and Sam Mac weekdays from 5.30am on Seven's Sunrise.

'Is that you or me Nat?' Kylie Gillies asked her colleague on Thursday.

Natalie's yearbook photo was first shared on the show back in 2018, when she was co-hosting alongside Samantha Armytage.

'You were a very handsome little girl,' Samantha said as she burst into hysterical laughter.

'Stop laughing Sam!' Nat said as her desk mate mocked her teenage looks.

The Golden Bachelor host added an additional barb for good measure.

'You don't want to be too pretty too early,' Sam said, to which Nat hit her co-star with her papers repeatedly as she laughed along.

Natalie wed her husband Andrew in 1999.

The Sydney-based couple share two sons: Lachlan and Hunter James.

Natalie also addressed the perm in a Sydney Weekend interview in 2022 when she was asked to describe her biggest fashion faux pas.

'Thirty years on TV where do I start!?' the TV veteran began.

'The perm in the 80s I looked like some kind of dorky poodle.
Rebel Wilson stars in a new trailer for the upcoming movie Bride Hard, released on Wednesday.

The 45-year-old entertainer  who is participating in a health challenge  plays a secret agent who takes on the role of Maid of Honor in her best friend's wedding in the action comedy.

Joining her on the silver screen are Anna Camp, Anna Chlumsky, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Stephen Dorff, Gigi Zumbado, and Justin Hartley.

In several scenes, Rebel dons a low-cut, off-the-shoulder, bright red bridesmaid gown that bares her cleavage.

Sharing the latest teaser, she wrote on social media, 'This summer, you are invited to one unforgettable wedding. Grab your bride or die and see #BrideHard, only in theaters June 20.'

Fans were left divided over her latest role, with some complaining that she 'is not an action star.'

Rebel Wilson stars in a new trailer for the upcoming movie Bride Hard, released on Wednesday

The 45-year-old entertainer plays a secret agent who takes on the role of Maid of Honor in her best friend's wedding in the action comedy

One YouTuber commented, 'I'm just confused... I'm sorry Rebel is not an action star. Her fight scenes I can tell are heavily edited and the stunt double did most of the work.'

Another weighed in, 'Seriously, Rebel Wilson is not an action star. What a joke.'

Even Da'Vina caught flack, with a fan writing, 'I cant believe Oscar winner [Da'Vine] Joy Randolph is in this movie its so beneath her.'

But others expressed excitement and even defended Rebel.

'This looks soo cheesy and I cant wait to see it!!!!' noted one happy fan.

Someone else defended her by adding to the conversation: 'People saying rebel Wilson isn't an actions star is just unnecessary.

'She has acted [in] a successful action movie before. And also, you don't have to be an action star before you do an action movie.'

Others got their hopes up for a fourth Pitch Perfect installment, the musical franchise that also stars Anna Kendrick.

Fans were left divided over her latest role, with some complaining that she 'is not an action star.'

But others expressed excitement - 'This looks soo cheesy and I cant wait to see it!!!!' noted one happy fan

Others got their hopes up for a fourth Pitch Perfect installment, the musical franchise that also stars Anna Kendrick

'[Not gonna lie], I thought this was a pitch perfect 4 announcement. Nice tho!' a fan named Alex wrote on Instagram.

Someone named Luciana felt the same way, writing on the site, 'I thought this was Pitch Perfect 4 for a hot second.'

The defense of Rebel continued, with another person sharing, 'So many hate comments. Don't watch it if you don't want to. I'm a 100% WATCHING IT. REBEL AND ANNA,' referencing her Pitch Perfect 3 co-star Camp.

In the upcoming film, it's up to Rebel to save the day when a group of ruthless mercenaries crash the wedding celebrations and take guests hostage.

The movie was helmed by Con Air (1997) director Simon West.

When teasing the flick last month, Wilson captioned: 'I've got a lot of FIGHT in me! BRIDE HARD. Save the date! June 20th.'

When teasing the flick last month, Wilson captioned: 'I've got a lot of FIGHT in me! BRIDE HARD. Save the date! June 20th'

Justin Hartley, who was formerly married to Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause, is also in the movie

Rebel is currently participating in a health challenge in which she's eliminated chocolate and ice cream

Rebel dropped more than 70lbs back in 2021 after turning to Ozempic, and she still works hard to keep her weight down.

On Sunday she used Instagram to reveal what sweet treat she's avoiding for the next six weeks as a health challenge.

She encouraged her 11 million followers to join her as she cuts out chocolate and ice cream. Uploading a brief video clip, the Hollywood mainstay said, 'Who's up for a six-week health challenge? I know I am because I've been really indulging over Easter.'

On Wednesday she dropped in for an update, sharing a clip of her riding a train in a beige cable knit sweater.

'May or may not be on the train thinking of chocolate and ice-cream but NO I have not broken the challenge... but it is challenging!' she wrote over the outtake.
Rhys Nicholson stunned his friends and followers on Tuesday when he uploaded a 35th birthday selfie which showed him looking decades older.

Rhys put an ageing filter over his face in the picture, giving himself weathered skin and several wrinkles.

'She's 35 today and feeling fresh,' he joked, looking anything but.

Famous friends left comments showing their appreciation for the post.

'Looking more and more like one of my mum's Aunties from Adelaide every day. Well done Rhys. Happy Birthday!' radio presenter Merrick Watts said.

Celebrity drag queen Courtney Act pointed out the similarities between the altered Rhys and Australian politician Pauline Hanson.

Rhys Nicholson stunned his friends and followers on Tuesday when he uploaded a candid birthday selfie which showed him looking very different

'You don't look a day over Pauline Hanson,' Courtney wrote.

Rhys' followers quickly jumped in on the joke.

'Ngl thought this was Pauline seeing the voting polls. Happy birthday!' one person commented.

Another said, 'Please explain,' in reference to the iconic but catchphrase asociated with the One Nation senator.

'Lovely photo of Pauline Hanson,' wrote another, while someone else said: 'Jesus bloody Christ I thought Pauline had infiltrated my feed! HBD.'

It comes after the Drag Race Down Under judge and his husband Kyran sold their Coburg townhouse for $842,500 at auction last May.

Rhys and Kyran snapped up the modern two-storey property in 2017 and were not shy about transforming it with their weird and wacky renovations.

The Australian comedian marked his 35th birthday this week with a jaw-dropping photo of himself looking decades older than his years

Friends and followers flocked to the comments, with many joking Rhys looked just like Australian politician Pauline Hanson

The actor said he had no intention of appealing to future buyers when he designed his home, adding that he wanted to inject his own personality into it.

His biggest change came in the kitchen when Rhys had the space expanded into a 'sprawling' area with green cabinetry, pink walls and three ovens.

'I cook and we like having people over for dinner and having small get-togethers, so it just wasn't conducive to that,' Rhys said.

'We had a couple of dinner parties there and it was just like, "We need to do something about this kitchen."'

Rhys and Kyran also transformed their upstairs bedroom into a spacious living area dubbed 'the soft room' for the luxurious, thick carpet.

Elevating their home with 'absurd, stupid decorative things', Rhys went on to say his ideal interior style is very 'maximalist' with a 'healthy mixture of functional pieces'.
Heidi Klum turned heads in an eye-catching ensemble as she stepped out in NYC on Wednesday - but was also spotted with what appeared to be blood on her chest.

The TV personality, 51 - who put on a leggy display in BTS snaps of Germany's Next Top Model - flashed a cheerful smile as she made her way towards an awaiting SUV while spending time in the Theater District.

She was unbothered by the blood-like stain above the neckline of her outfit - and soon revealed the reason behind it by sharing a new post to her main Instagram page.

Klum attended a showing of the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Blvd - and was able to pop backstage to briefly mingle with Nicole Scherzinger who took on the lead role of Norma Desmond.

She was covered in fake blood following the performance as she excitedly embraced Heidi and the two stars paused for memorable photos together.

In the caption of the short reels, the supermodel typed out to her followers: 'Thank you for a unforgettable night @nicolescherzinger @sunsetblvdmusical.'

Heidi Klum, 51, turned heads in an eye-catching ensemble as she stepped out in NYC on Wednesday - but was also spotted with what appeared to be blood on her chest

She was unbothered by the blood-like stain above the neckline of her outfit - and soon revealed the reason behind it by sharing a new post to her main Instagram page

Heidi dressed for the night out wearing a figure-hugging, leopard-print jumpsuit as well as matching, heeled boots.

She layered the look with a dark brown, leather jacket that she left unfastened at the front.

The beauty accessorized the ensemble with a dainty, chained necklace as well as a pair of fashionable shades.

The mom-of-four easily carried her phone in her hand and also a black clutch to hold a few items she needed during the excursion.

The Project Runway star's blonde locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in voluminous waves.

Sunset Blvd. returned to the Broadway stage last year, and shows are scheduled until July 13 of this year.

While Scherzinger is portraying Desmond, other cast members include Mandy Gonzalez (Norma Desmond and guest appearances), Tom Francis, Grace Hodgett Young, David Thaxton and Rashidra Scott.

The musical is based on the 1950 Hollywood film of the same name - which had starred William Holden and Gloria Swanson.

Klum attended a showing of the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber 's Sunset Blvd - and was able to pop backstage to briefly mingle with Nicole Scherzinger who took on the lead role of Norma Desmond

She was covered in fake blood following the performance as she excitedly embraced Heidi and the two stars paused for memorable photos together

In the caption of the short reels, the supermodel typed out to her followers: 'Thank you for a unforgettable night @nicolescherzinger @sunsetblvdmusical'

Heidi dressed for the night out wearing a figure-hugging, leopard-print jumpsuit as well as matching, heeled boots

She layered the look with a dark brown, leather jacket that she left unfastened at the front

The beauty accessorized the ensemble with a dainty, chained necklace as well as a pair of fashionable shades

The mom-of-four easily carried her phone in her hand and also a black clutch to hold a few items she needed during the excursion

During Wednesday's matinee showing, the theater experienced technical difficulties - but Nicole proved that the show must go on.

The former Pussycat Dolls member used a bullhorn while on stage as she belted out lyrics, per a video on X shared by the musical's main account.

The caption read: 'Despite technical difficulties at today's matinee, Nicole Scherzinger found a way to keep the show going for all you beautiful people out there in the dark...'

Heidi has been keeping busy as she films shows such as Germany's Next Top Model and also the revival of Project Runway.

In 2004, she took on the role of a host and judge of Bravo's Project Runway - which she was also an executive producer on and co-hosted with Tim Gunn.

Klum garnered a number of Emmy nominations - winning in 2013 for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program.

After 16 seasons, she notably departed the competition series in 2018. However, earlier this year in January, it was announced that she will return as host for the show's upcoming 21st season.

The new season is set to premiere with a total of 10 episodes and will be available on Freeform, Disney+ and Hulu.

The Project Runway star's blonde locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in voluminous waves

Sunset Blvd. returned to the Broadway stage last year, and shows are scheduled until July 13 of this year; Nicole seen as Norma Desmond in the production in 2024

However, Tim Gunn revealed that he will not be returning to Project Runway alongside Klum during an interview with People a few months earlier.

'Heidi sent me a text saying, "There's talk about bringing back with us, with you and me, and would you do it?" And I said, "Would I do it? Of course, there's not a moment of hesitation in me,"' he recalled.

However, no one ever reached out to him about re-joining the series. He said Klum, 'sent me a text asking, "Are you happy with your contract?" I said, "Well, I haven't seen a contract."

'So, I called my agent and he knew things were going on, but he contacted the executive producers of this new show, and they said, "We don't want him."'

They had instead offered that he could make a brief cameo in the first episode only but Gunn had questioned, 'What do I do? Wave from a bus?

'Heidi comes to see me at the retirement home and we play croquet No, thank you. And as Heidi would say, "You're either in or you're out." And I'm out. So, I wasn't asked to join.'

At first, Tim admitted to feeling 'humiliated' but then became grateful for the time he did have on the show in past years.

He also gave a special shout out to Heidi for supporting him. 'She was really upset and she kept saying, "I'm fighting for you, I'm fighting for you."

However, Tim Gunn revealed that he will not be returning to Project Runway alongside Klum during an interview with People a few months earlier; seen in 2016 in NYC

But in February, it was confirmed that Klum will be stepping down from the role as AGT judge - and is being replaced by Mel B, according to Deadline

' Which is lovely of her and nothing that I should expect. And I said, "Heidi, just take good care of yourself. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."'

Heidi is also known as one of the judges on America's Got Talent along with Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel.

But in February, it was confirmed that Klum will be stepping down from the role - and is being replaced by Mel B, according to Deadline.

The 20th season of the hit competition series will premiere later this year on May 27.
Pedro Pascal has branded JK Rowling a 'heinous loser' after she celebrated the Supreme Court's landmark ruling that trans women are not legally women.

The actor, whose sister Lux recently came out as a transgender woman, shared the scathing remark under an Instagram post from activist Tariq Ra'ouf that was calling for a boycott of any future Harry Potter projects.

It came after Pedro showed his support for the transgender community by proudly wearing a T-shirt boasting the slogan Protect The Dolls, while he attended the premiere of Thunderbolts in London on Tuesday.

Justices in London ruled last week that in the 2010 Equality Act, the definition of the term 'women' relates only to biological women.

Multi-millionaire author Rowling, who reportedly helped fund the women's rights campaign group which brought the Supreme Court case, shared a photo online from on board her $150 million superyacht puffing a cigar in celebration.

In Tariq's video, he called for his viewers to ensure that 'every single thing that's Harry Potter-related fails,' before branding Rowling's celebration 'awful and disgusting.'

Pedro Pascal (pictured) has branded JK Rowling a 'heinous loser' after she celebrated the Supreme Court's landmark ruling that trans women are not legally women

The author previously shared a photo puffing a cigar in celebration, after Justices ruled last week that in the Equality Act, the definition of the term 'women' relates to biological women

He said: 'It has become our mission as the general public to make sure that every single thing that's Harry Potter related fails...because that awful disgusting s**t, that has consequences.'

As well as liking the video, Pedro also shared a defiant comment, writing: 'Awful disgusting S**T is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.'

It's not the first time Pedro has shown his support for the transgender community after earlier this year he posted the quote: 'a world without trans people has never existed and never will' on Instagram.

He added in his caption: 'I can't think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorising the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, except the right to exist.'

Pedro's sister Lux is also transgender, 32, after coming out and transitioning back in 2021.

The actor has previously admitted he's fiercely protective of his sister, and he's won praise from fans for his LGBTQ advocacy.

However, he admits that Lux is a 'powerful' personality and doesn't need to rely on him for supporting, saying: 'I need her more than she needs me.'

He told Esquire: 'I wouldn't want to speak on her behalf but she is and has always been one of the most powerful people and personalities I've ever known. My protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me.'

Pedro's comment was shared under a video posted by activist Tariq Raouf, who called for a boycott of all future Harry Potter projects

As well as liking the video, Pedro also shared a defiant comment where he branded Rowling a 'heinous loser'

Last Wednesday, the UK's Supreme Court ruled that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex, meaning transgender women are not considered to be women in the eyes of the law.

The landmark ruling ruling means trans women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) could potentially be excluded from single-sex spaces if 'proportionate'.

The ruling has caused much controversy among various groups, with transgender activists left furious.

Rowling's views, which have resurged again after last week's Supreme Court gender ruling, have prompted many of the stars who acquired fame and fortune through the Harry Potter franchise to either support or condemn her.

Leading actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have all famously distanced themselves from Rowling and spoke out in support of the transgender community and gender ideology amid a storm of backlash against the author in 2020.

Hitting back at accusations he was ungrateful for his success, Radcliffe insisted he doesn't owe her 'the things he truly believes', while Watson said transgender people deserved to 'live their lives without being constantly questioned, with Grint also echoing her sentiments.

But other stars have expressed their horror over Rowling's treatment, with Robbie Coltrane insisting nothing she said was 'offensive' in 2020, while Ralph Fiennes said he couldn't understand the 'vitriol' directed at her in 2021, and in 2022, Helena Bonham Carter argued Rowling had been 'hounded' and was entitled to her opinion.

Judges ruled that trans women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if 'proportionate'.

It marks the culmination of a long-running legal battle between the Scottish government and women's group For Women Scotland over the definition of a 'woman' in Scottish law.

It came after Pedro showed his support for the transgender community by proudly wearing a T-shirt boasting the slogan Protect The Dolls at the Thunderbolts premiere on Tuesday

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.

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.

The Supreme Court has now ruled that the words 'sex', 'man' and 'woman' in the Equality Act must mean 'biological sex', rejecting any alternative interpretations as 'incoherence and impracticable'.

Rowling reacted last Wednesday by posting on X: '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 later 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.'

In their 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.'

In the wake of Rowling's reaction, many stars have been quick to blast her on social media, including transgender news reader India Willoughby.

Reacting to the ruling, broadcaster and journalist Ms Willoughby, who was Loose Women's first transgender co-host, said the decision marked a 'grim day for Britain'.

The news reader has since taken to X (formerly Twitter) claiming that Judge Hodge is a neighbour of JK Rowling who said the ruling would protect 'the rights of women and girls across the UK'.

She wrote: 'Ha. Turns out Judge Hodge is only JK Rowlings funking neighbour in the same exclusive area of Edinburgh, Merchiston. What a country. Really is the 1950s. #Establishment.'

JK Rowling responded by saying 'I don't live in Merciston' and that she has 'never met Lord Hodge'.

She added that Ms Willoughby 'remains the funniest thing in my mentions' and that she 'remains a man'.

Willoughby went on to post: 'Were frumps jealous? I think that's a big part of this?'

The author replied again and said: '"The Supreme Court ruled Im not a woman because women envy my gorgeousness".

'He truly is the gift that keeps on giving.'

Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan also declared that she was left 'completely horrified' by the Supreme Court ruling, and hit back at Rowling's public celebration with a post on Instagram.

The actor shared an article headlined: 'This is a new low for JK Rowling' before taking a dig at HBO's new Harry Potter series, writing: 'Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldn't touch it with a 10ft pole'.

Pascal has a deep connection to the trans community as his sister Lux, 32, is a transgender woman who came out in 2021 (pictured in November 2024)

In the wake of Rowling's reaction, many stars have been quick to blast her on social media, including transgender news reader India Willoughby

Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan also declared that she was left 'completely horrified' by the Supreme Court ruling, branding Rowling's reaction 'a new low'

Harry Potter star Sean Biggerstaff has also savaged Rowling on social media, calling her an 'obsessed billionaire' and 'bigoted' for her views on transgender rights.

Supporters of Rowling's stance have used social media to accuse young Harry Potter stars - who played the central trio of pupils in the movie franchise - of 'disloyalty'.

Yet others have leapt to their defence, praising their previous comments on gender rights and saying they did not owe her anything more.

One poster wrote: 'Who had ever heard of Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, or Daniel Radcliffe before JK Rowling made them millionaires?'

But another said: 'Are actors contractually obliged to support the personal political beliefs of authors that wrote something a film they're in is based on?'

Rowling's evident disagreement with Radcliffe had begun after she called out an article that used the phrase 'people who menstruate' instead of women, writing: 'I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?'

Shortly afterwards, Radcliffe penned an article for an LGBT+ suicide prevention charity in which he insisted that 'transgender women are women'.

He told The Atlantic last April that he had not spoken to Rowling for years, which upset him, but would not heed her call suggesting he should apologise to detransitioners harmed by puberty blockers.

Radcliffe has spoken out in the past to say adults are 'condescending' for expressing misgivings over gender transitioning in children.

His comments seemed a barbed reference to Rowling's tweets from June 2020 in which she ridiculed an article's description of women as 'people who menstruate'.

In response at the time, Radcliffe hit out at the author, saying: 'To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you'.

In March the following year, he explained his decision to voice his opposition to Rowling's comments saying that while he has 'huge respect' for the author, he can still disagree with her views.

Last year's official report by Dr Hilary Cass made a series of recommendations to overhaul NHS trans services to improve the care that children receive.

She ruled there was a 'lack of high-quality research' on the effects of giving children puberty blockers and hormones, and recommended that NHS England establish its own research programme.

The report also called for the creation a separate service for those wanting to 'de-transition', where a gender transition is stopped or reversed.

Rowling was criticised in 2018 after she liked a tweet describing trans women as 'men in dresses' - with her spokesperson at the time describing the 'like' as a 'mistake', calling it a 'clumsy middle-aged moment'.

But the author has since embarked on a campaign seeking to protect what she describes as women's rights, fuelled by her own experiences of domestic abuse.

That campaign has seen her oppose legislation in Scotland that sought to make it easier for trans people to change their legal gender, and she has provided financial support to those fighting court cases challenging the legal status of trans people.

In a lengthy 3,600-word statement on her website published in 2020, she said her stance on trans rights was drawn from her experiences of abuse and sexual assault.

She wrote: 'When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he's a woman... then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth.'
Lauren Zonfrillo the wife of the late celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo has opened up about a crucial decision she made in the wake of her hsband's untimely passing in May, 2023.

MasterChef judge Jock was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the 46-year-old.

And in a break with tradition, Lauren decided she wanted to be a pallbearer at her husband's funeral.

'I didn't tell anyone I was going to do it until the last minute,' she told the Australian Financial Review in a new interview on Thursday.

'I wasn't sure what people would think and I wasn't asking for any feedback.'

Explaining that she felt that it was her responsibility to put Jock to rest she continued: 'Everyone is here to support us, but it is my job. It felt right that I would carry my husband to his place of peace.

Lauren Zonfrillo the wife of the late celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo has opened up about a crucial decision she made in the wake of her husband's untimely passing in May, 2023. Both pictured

MasterChef judge Jock was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the 46-year-old. And in a break with tradition Lauren decided she wanted to be a pallbearer at her husband's funeral

'And he would have been carrying me,' she added.

'I was really proud I was able to do that. I think it says a lot to the kids, for them to understand our love for each other.'

Jock 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.

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, which hits shelves on May 6.

Lauren said she didn't tell anyone she was going to carry her husband's coffin 'until the last minute'. Pictured: Lauren and Jock at their wedding in 2017

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.

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 delivered a eulogy before Zonfrillo's friend and fellow Scotsman, Jimmy Barnes, sang Amazing Grace with his daughter Mahalia.

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, who married in 2017, 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.

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.
Pregnant former Made In Chelsea star Nicola Hughes has revealed that she was rushed to hospital ahead of welcoming her second child.

The ex reality star, 35, announced she was expecting another baby with her husband Charlie Tupper in February, two years after having daughter Penelope.

But on Wednesday she took to Instagram to share snaps from A&E amid a concern with her placenta.

Share a selfie from her hospital bed she told how she had travelled to London from their family home in Spain but ended up struggling with her health.

She said in her caption: 'Little did I know our trip to London would be cut short by me getting admitted to hospital.'

Nicola added: 'I haven't spoken much about my pregnancy on here but it's been a very different experience to my last.

Pregnant former Made In Chelsea star Nicola Hughes has revealed that she was rushed to hospital ahead of welcoming her second child

On Wednesday she took to Instagram to share snaps from A&E amid a concern with her placenta

'I was admitted as there was a concern my plancenta [sic] was detaching, and within minutes of being admitted I was told there's a chance I will be in theatre by the end of the day.

'The fear of not having a home in the UK and my first born being in Spain was something I never want to experience ever again.

'Safe to say I won't be taking anymore travel risks.'

Her close pal Lottie Moss commented underneath saying: 'Omg angel.'

'So glad all is okay,' her former MIC co-star Tiffany Watson added.

Nicola confirmed she is expecting her second child with her husband Charlie in February.

She took to Instagram to share the exciting news with her 201,000 followers by posting a sweet video.

In the footage, Nicola debuted her blossoming baby bump as she cradled her stomach while lying on her bed in a yellow underwear set and a white shirt.

She appeared overjoyed as she held her ultrasound scans in her hand before Charlie sweetly planted a kiss on her lips.

The ex reality star, 35, announced she was expecting another baby with her husband Charlie Tupper in February, two years after daughter Penelope

The couple got married in an idyllic Surrey ceremony at Botleys Mansion in August 2021 after five years together, with Nicola's former co-stars Lucy and Tiffany Watson in attendance

Share a selfie from her hospital bed she told how she had travelled to London from their family home in Spain but ended up struggling with her health

She said in her caption: 'Little did I know our trip to London would be cut short by me getting admitted to hospital'

The couple's daughter Penelope, two, then climbed up on to the bed with them and they cuddled her close to end the adorable footage.

'Growing our little family,' she sweetly captioned the video.

Her famous friends were quick to flock to the comments section to share congratulatory messages with the happy couple.

Nicole Bass wrote: 'Beautiful congratulations,' while Love Island's Montana Brown gushed: 'Congrats lovely.'

Nicola and Charlie welcomed their first child together - a daughter Penelope - in October 2022.

At the time, the Irish reality TV star took to Instagram to share a black-and-white photograph of them cradling their daughter's hand to confirm the news.

She wrote in a caption: 'My heart. Our little Penelope made an early arrival.'

Posting the same shot, Charlie penned: 'Made it, all thanks to your mumma. Our little Penelope.'

The couple got married in an idyllic Surrey ceremony at Botleys Mansion in August 2021 after five years together, with Nicola's former co-stars Lucy and Tiffany Watson in attendance.

Nicola admitted the wedding plans had to be rejigged due to Covid-19 restrictions at the time, with the ceremony being planned in just six weeks.

Charlie proposed with a dazzling diamond ring during a trip to Ibiza in September 2020.

Nicola has previously praised her 'very normal' husband after being introduced by her Made In Chelsea co-star ex-boyfriend Alex Mytton, 31.

She said: 'Charlie isn't in the reality world. He's a very normal guy. He has a recruitment company in the city. He's a lovely guy.'

In his wedding speech, Charlie said: 'The story of our beginning is somewhat hazy as we were heavily intoxicated, well I was anyway, obviously.

Charlie proposed with a dazzling diamond ring during a trip to Ibiza in September 2020 (pictured)

'But through the haze, I distinctly remember Nicola coming up to me and started speaking with me, I had no idea what was going on, is this happening? Is she really chatting me up? I couldn't believe it, I was so lucky to be in that situation.'

'Despite how drunk I was after drinking half of my gin and tonic, I will never forget those piercing blue eyes looking at me and from that moment I already knew I'd started falling for you or falling on you, I can't remember.'

Nicola rose to fame on E4's Made in Chelsea in 2015, which she joined the cast as ex Alex's then-girlfriend.

She left the show in 2016, after the relationship broke down after alleged acts of infidelity from Alex, who ended their romance via text.
Daniel Radcliffe put on a loved up display with his long-term girlfriend Erin Darke as they graced the red carpet at the opening night of the Broadway musical Just in Time on Wednesday.

The Harry Potter actor, 35, seemed to be in high spirits as he turned up to watch the new Bobby Darin musical at The Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City.

He looked dapper as he stepped out in a smart grey suit layered over a colourful pastel yellow and green shirt.

The actor added shiny brown brogues to complete his outfit as he wrapped his arm around his stunning girlfriend.

American actress Erin, 40, looked ethereal in a cream and pink frilly floral maxi dress, which cinched in at the waist before flowing out into a long skirt.

She wore her long brunette tresses in loose curls and opted for a glowing palette of makeup to elevate her natural beauty.

Daniel Radcliffe put on a loved up display with his long-term girlfriend Erin Darke as they graced the red carpet at the opening night of the Broadway musical Just in Time on Wednesday

The Harry Potter actor, 35, seemed to be in high spirits as he turned up to watch the new Bobby Darin musical at The Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City

The smitten couple, who have been together since 2012 and welcomed their first child in April 2023, appeared to be on cloud nine as they shared a joke on the red carpet before heading inside.

Daniel and Erin first met on the set of 2013 American biographical drama film Kill Your Darlings.

They played a couple in the film, with Daniel later admitting that he was immediately attracted to Erin.

Last year, the British actor picked up his first ever Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Tony for Merrily We Roll Along - and made rare comments about Erin and their son in his speech.

He said: 'My love, Erin. You and our son are the best thing that's ever happened to me. I love you so much. Thank you so much' - as a tearful Darke watched from the audience.'

He added: 'Thank you so much. Okay, I'm going to just talk fast and try not to cry.'

It comes as Daniel is yet to speak out after JK Rowling has been celebrating the Supreme Court's landmark judgment that trans women are not legally women.

Harry Potter stars Daniel. Rupert Grint and Emma Watson who have vocally opposed her stance on gender identity have so far stayed silent.

Justices in London ruled last week that in the 2010 Equality Act, the definition of the term 'women' relates only to biological women.

He looked dapper as he stepped out in a smart grey suit layered over a colourful pastel yellow and green shirt

American actress Erin, 40, looked ethereal in a cream and pink frilly floral maxi dress, which cinched in at the waist before flowing out into a long skirt

She wore her long brunette tresses in loose curls and opted for a glowing palette of makeup to elevate her natural beauty

The smitten couple, who have been together since 2012 and welcomed their first child in April 2023, appeared to be on cloud nine as they shared a joke on the red carpet before heading inside

Daniel and Erin first met on the set of 2013 American biographical drama film Kill Your Darlings

Lea Michelle was also in attendance as she wowed in a brown knitted maxi dress

She was joined by American actor Michael Urie, who looked dapper in an all-brown red carpet look

Meanwhile, Victoria Clark opted for a gorgeous satin red number

Fran Drescher matched her heels and bag to her head-turning leopard print dress

It comes as Daniel is yet to speak out after JK Rowling has been celebrating the Supreme Court's landmark judgment that trans women are not legally women

Pictured here, at the London premiere of the film Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban in May 2004, are (left to right) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, JK Rowling and Emma Watson

Judge Lord Hodge warned against taking the ruling as a 'triumph' for either side, but gender critical campaigners have celebrated the finding as a victory.

Multi-millionaire author Rowling, who reportedly helped fund the women's rights campaign group which brought the Supreme Court case, shared a photo online from on board her $150 million superyacht puffing a cigar in celebration.

She told her 14.3million followers on X, formerly Twitter: 'I love it when a plan comes together.'

Yet while she has been commenting at length on social media about the Supreme Court decision, fans have noted the apparent silence from stars who featured in the blockbuster movie adaptations of her Harry Potter books.

Daniel, Emma and Rupert have spoken publicly in support of gender ideology - that biologically male trans women should be regarded as women.

And they have each commented in opposition to Rowling's views on the issue, while expressing their gratitude for her role in their careers.

The author herself appeared to aim a jibe at them last month, when sharing on her X account a response to another user who asked: 'What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?'

Rowling wrote: 'Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.'

And she previously indicated in April last year she would not forgive Radcliffe nor Watson as she criticised celebrities she said had 'cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights'.

On that occasion the multi-millionaire author hit out at stars accused of using their 'platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors' after the release of the long-awaited Cass report into gender treatment in the UK.
Her famous mother made a name for herself after becoming known for her loud-mouthed character in EastEnders.

However instead of following in her mum's acting footsteps, Emilia Merkell has opted for a career in modelling.

The 23-year-old is signed to Women Management Los Angeles and from her Instagram the nepo baby also models for a range of bikini brands.

Her most recent post sees her lying in the grass as she embraces her natural beauty for a shoot with Salt And Stone beauty brand.

Meanwhile her redhead mother most recently appeared on one of the UK's most popular reality shows.

But can you guess who Emilia's famous mother is?

Emilia Merkell has opted for a career in modelling rather than following in her mother's acting footsteps after she made her name for herself starring in EastEnders

But can you guess who the 23-year-old's famous mum is?

That's right it's Patsy Palmer!

Patsy swapped LA for the Celebrity Big Brother house this month as she appeared on the second series of the ITV reboot.

The EastEnders actress was evicted from the house on Wednesday evening and spoke openly about missing her family during her time on the show.

The star shares three children, Fenton, 24, Emilia, 23, and Bertie, 13, with her husband Richard and Charley Palmer Rothwell, 33, - her UK-based son with former partner Alfie Rothwell.

Speaking previously about how filming for EastEnders effected her and her family she described the show as 'all-encompassing' and she enjoyed the family time when she left.

She told The Times: 'I'd left EastEnders because I'd been there a long time [since 1993], and I was getting offers for other things, TV and film.

'Then I had my son Fenton, and then Emilia, so it has always been career, kids, career, kids.

'I never missed EastEnders because it was so all-encompassing, so it was nice to have some family time for a bit. But I did love my time there.'

That's right it's Patsy Palmer! Patsy swapped LA for the Celebrity Big Brother house this month as she appeared on the second series of the ITV reboot

The actress was evicted from the house on Wednesday and spoke openly about missing her family during her time on the show (pictured with husband Richard, Emilia and son Fenton)

Emilia is signed to Women Management Los Angeles and Patsy couldn't be prouder of her only daughter

Her most recent post sees her lying in the grass as she embraces her natural beauty for a shoot with Salt And Stone beauty brand

She previously explained how Emilia would often be quizzed by her schoolmates on her famous mother's career, leading the school to let her have lunch early by herself so she could avoid it.

She explained: 'All the other kids were driving her mad about me, saying things all the time.

'It was never mean stuff, and she was never bullied; she just found it all kind of overwhelming.

'Sometimes she'd say to me: "I just don't know who my real friends are."'

Patsy gave a rather awkward interview on Late and Live on Wednesday evening as she shut down speculation that she wanted to leave the house early.

As guest Charley Marlowe asked Patsy: 'You obviously missed your family in there. Did you ever at one point think, I could leg it over that fence?'

Patsy replied: 'Erm, no I didn't want to walk.' The guest then burst out laughing, but Patsy remained stony-faced.

She continued: 'We're all there to do a job and I wanted it to be good for them. In the beginning it was really tough for me to be in there.

'We'd been through a lot, personally, before I went in. As certain energies left the house we all relaxed and we all got through stuff together.

'It takes me a while to be fully relaxed with people I don't know, I started to enjoy myself when I knew them more. Then I thought I didn't want to go.'

Host Will said: 'You ended on a high.'

Patsy was among the thousands of Malibu residents who had their lives turned upside down by devastating wildfires raging in LA back in January.

Patsy was among the thousands of Malibu residents who had their lives turned upside down by devastating wildfires raging in LA back in January

Patsy shared her heartbreak as flames swept across her 'hometown' of Los Angeles as she wrote that her 'brain was fried' and lots of her friends in the area she lives had lost their homes

The actress has been living in the States with her children and husband Richard for over ten years - relocating in 2014 when her time on EastEnders came to an end.

Patsy shared her heartbreak as flames swept across her 'hometown' of Los Angeles as she wrote that her 'brain was fried' and lots of her friends in the area she lives in had lost their homes.

Patsy had returned to the UK before the fires broke out and said it was hard being so far away as the fires rage.

Patsy wrote on Instagram at the time: 'My heart is broken. My brain is fried today looking at the devastating scenes of the fires AGAIN in my hometown. I just returned home to my home in case after the fires a couple of weeks ago and left on Saturday back to work in the UK and now this.

'My family are safe but lots of my friends have lost their homes again which is extremely traumatic.

'Being here so far away is really really hard. I'm praying and crying as I write this. I'm helpless here but praying hard Please reach out if you need anything. Richard and kids are there safe and evacuated. This is huge. Really wasn't expecting this. Heartbroken. Stay safe.'
Ulrika Jonsson is claiming Demi Moore has 'definitely had work done' as she weighed in on rumours she's had plastic surgery.

Although the Hollywood muse, 62, was crowned People's Most Beautiful Person, Ulrika struggles to understand why.

In her column for The Sun, Ulrika, 57, said her age-defying 'work' is setting a bad example for the next generations to come as she slammed the 'meaningless' award.

She penned: 'Demi Moore has definitely had "work" done, because it would be impossible for anyone to look like that in their 60s.

'And that's become the problem, we no longer know what a 60-year-old looks like because there aren't many women's faces that have been left alone to allow Mother's Nature to do what she does - age us.'

She added: 'This award to Demi is meaningless and purely cosmetic. On the outside, it pretends to value the older women. But on the inside, it's telling women, "For god's sake don't age, whatever you do", not for love nor money.'

Ulrika Jonsson, 57, (pictured) is claiming Demi Moore has 'definitely had work done' as she weighed in on rumours she's had plastic surgery

Although the Hollywood muse, 62, (pictured) was crowned People's Most Beautiful Person, Ulrika struggles to understand why

MailOnline has contacted Demi's representatives for comment.

Ulrika, however, is not so against the idea of face tweakments as she admitted she gets the odd Botox in her forehead once a year.

Demi is reported to have undergone 250,000 worth of cosmetic surgery including breast implants, a nose job and plenty of anti-ageing procedures.

Over the years fans have speculated she has gone under the knife but in 2007 Demi denied any plastic surgery rumours.

Years later, speculation started to swirl again when she walked the Fendi runway show with a dramatic face change.

But regardless, People Magazine felt Demi is without doubt the world's most sexiest person.

'I'm certainly more comfortable in my own skin at this point than I have ever been', Demi said.

'In truth, the greatest freedom that I have found is in deepening into my acceptance of myself as I am. And that, I think, is a daily reminder. It's a daily sense of bringing forward an appreciation for all that I am, and that doesn't mean it's just the parts I like. It means it's an acceptance of all the parts of me.'

Demi has a greater appreciation for everything her body has been through, including welcoming her three daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah.

Ulrika said her age-defying 'work' is setting a bad example for the next generations to come as she slammed the 'meaningless' award

She penned: 'Demi Moore has definitely had "work" done, because it would be impossible for anyone to look like that in their 60s'

Demi is reported to have undergone 250,000 worth of cosmetic surgery including breast implants, a nose job and plenty of anti-ageing procedures (pictured in February)

Over the years fans have speculated she has gone under the knife but in 2007 Demi denied any plastic surgery rumours

But regardless, People Magazine felt Demi is without doubt the world's most sexiest person

'I have overall really incredible health, but that doesn't mean that sometimes I look in the mirror and I don't go, "God I look old." Or "God my face is falling," admitted Moore (born Guynes).

'I do. I do and there are things I just don't like and I would prefer that it didn't feel like it was falling. But, at the same time, I can accept that is where I'm at today and I know the difference today is that doesn't define my value or who I am.'

Demi maintains her fit 5ft5in frame by eating 'really nutrient-dense food' including eggs, but she does not eat meat.

'I think a big part of wellness is really inside out. And I've come to realize how important sleep is,' Moore explained.

'I mean, I'm not perfect. I still do drink Red Bull. I do love it. But not many. One.'
Lila Moss flashed a glimpse of her taut midriff in a white crop as she was spotted out and about in New York City on Wednesday.

The model, 22, looked effortlessly stylish, teaming her top with a pair of baggy, low-rise blue jeans.

She kept it classic with black ballet flats as she strolled through the streets on her phone, later taking a moment to relax on a park bench in downtown Manhattan.

Lila opted for toting her essentials in a chic black tote and completed the look with trendy black sunglasses.

Letting her blonde locks fall straight, the beauty went makeup-free, showcasing her natural glow.

It comes after Lila looked stunning in a chic ensemble as she attended YSL Beauty's LOVE CLUB event in Miami, Florida earlier this month.

Lila Moss flashed a glimpse of her taut midriff in a white crop as she was spotted out and about in New York City on Wednesday

The model looked effortlessly stylish, teaming her top with a pair of baggy, low-rise blue jeans and took a moment to relax on a park bench in downtown Manhattan

The lookalike daughter of Kate Moss wore a black fitted midi dress that featured a criss-cross halterneck.

Lila teamed the elegant number with a pair of strappy heels and added a leather belt with a gold buckle.

The model completed her look by pulling her hair back into a sleek updo and opted for very subtle make-up.

Lila is the daughter of Kate and Dazed Media CEO Jefferson Hack, 52, who the supermodel was in a relationship with in the early 2000s.

She has followed in Kate's model footsteps and nabbed her first modelling gig at the age of 15 with a Marc Jacobs Beauty campaign - just a year older than her mother was when she entered the business.

Despite her mother being one of the famous models in the business, Lila revealed that Kate was keen to deter her from following in her footsteps.

'My mum always put me off [modelling],' Lila said. 'She was always like, 'If you want to do it, you can, but I wouldn't recommend it.'

As well as her flourishing career, Lila's love life has been thriving as she has been dating Yoni Helbitz, 23, for roughly 18 months.

It comes after Lila looked stunning in a chic ensemble as she attended YSL Beauty's LOVE CLUB event in Miami, Florida earlier this month

As well as her flourishing career, Lila's love life has been thriving as she has been dating Yoni Helbitz, 23, for roughly 18 months

In August 2023, MailOnline exclusively revealed that Lila's boyfriend was Yoni, with the pair seen out in London frequently together over those summer months.

Last year a source confirmed the couple, who were first pictured together as friends in 2021, had been dating for around a year.

Yoni's official job title is e-commerce co-ordinator/ fashion marketer for the fashion brand Self Portrait.

Before that, he worked as an e-commerce co-ordinator for James Lakeland Ltd and he also had a six-month stint as an estate agent.

The happy couple had kept their romance relatively under wraps, yet Instagram posts by Yoni reveal they have been enjoying each other's company for quite some time.

The fashion marketer's page features several snaps of himself enjoying dinner dates and days out with Lila amid their blossoming romance.

Though Yoni is happy to share images of his famous girlfriend on social media, Lila keeps her page relatively professional.
Emily Mortimer has revealed her reaction to watching her White Lotus star son Sam Nivola's first sex scene.

Sam, 21, starred in the third season of the hit show, and alongside Patrick Schwarzenegger and Charlotte Le Bon had one of the most shocking scenes in the drama - when his character Lochlan Ratliff had a threesome with his own brother.

Sam's mother Emily, 53, is no stranger to sex scenes during her illustrious 30 year career, with one of her most memorable being the controversial moment in the 2003 movie Young Adam when Ewan McGregor doused the naked actress in custard and ketchup.

And now Emily has admitted that watching her own son in erotic scenes isn't as crazy as watching his career soar.

'It's so crazy, all of it. It wasn't particularly crazier than having my boy go off to Thailand for so long,' Emily pointed out of the intense seven month shoot Sam embarked on for The White Lotus.

'Of course it was a bit bizarre, but being married to an actor [Alessandro Nivola], we've all had to watch each other do strange things.'

Emily Mortimer has revealed her reaction to watching her White Lotus star son Sam Nivola's first sex scene - She shares son Sam with her American screen husband Allesandro

Sam, 21, starred in the third season of the hit show, and alongside Patrick Schwarzenegge r and Charlotte Le Bon had one of the most shocking scenes in the drama - when his character Lochlan Ratliff had a threesome with his own brother (pictured with Charlotte Le Bon)

Emily added that Sam had given his parents a warning but failed to disclose how many threesome scenes were shown.

'I had been warned  although Sam said that the worst bit was the first ten minutes, but they kept flashing back. So I'd relaxed and then it wasn't true at all,' she told The Times.

The proud mother gushed that so far Sam is handling fame better than she and his father ever could, admitting 'he just sort of owns it, which isnt thanks to either of us. Im biased because Im his mum, but he doesnt need any guidance.'

Sam has plenty of mentors he could lean on should he need it though, with celebrated actors Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey playing his parents in The White Lotus, whilst Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber were his onscreen mum and dad in 2024 Netflix hit The Perfect Couple.

When asked who is the best onscreen mum to her boy, Emily was quick to decide, laughing: 'Oh, hes had a lot of great actresses be his mum. Parker Posey was a bit more maternal.'

Emily has already acted alongside Sam and his sister May, 15, after she cast her children and mother in the BBCs The Pursuit of Love (which she wrote and directed and in Doll & Em, the comedy series she wrote with her best friend, Dolly Wells.

Doll & Em was Sam's acting debut.

Sam, 21, moved from Britain to the U.S. when he was young after spending his early childhood in Notting Hill, London, before growing up in Brooklyn, New York.

There he attended Saint Ann's School in Brooklyn, where fees cost between $48,000 and $52,000 per year, before earning a place at the prestigious Columbia University.

Emily has admitted that watching her own son in erotic scenes isn't as crazy as watching his career soar. 'It's so crazy, all of it'

Emily has already acted alongside Sam and his sister May, 15, after she cast her children and mother in the BBCs The Pursuit of Love (the family pictured together in 2018)

Rising star Sam has worked with Nicole Kidman who played his mum in 2024 Netflix hit The Perfect Couple

The rising star is dating fellow nepo-baby Iris Apatow, 22. The pair looked smitten as they took to the red carpet together at the White Lotus premiere earlier this year, and the actress even joined her beau in Thailand while he filmed the HBO series last year.

But Sam claims he's not like other nepo babies, as he told Vogue last month: 'My parents aren't, like, total celebrities. They don't get recognised in the street.'

Next up for Emily is Disney+ drama Suspect, about the wrongful killing of Jean Charles de Menezes, in which she plays former Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick.

Sam meanwhile is pivoting to comedy after a run of streamer dramas, and is currently filming the Bobby Farrelly film Driver's Ed.
Robert Irwin has revealed he 'predicted' his new gig as a cast member of Dancing With The Stars US over a decade ago.

The Aussie TV star, 21, who was officially confirmed to be appearing on the dance competition by Variety on Tuesday, made an appearance on the US version of the hit series in 2015.

Joined by his sister Bindi, 26, Robert gushed with his now familiar enthusiasm when asked by the host whether he would like to appear on DWTS as a 'celebrity'.

Robert shared a throwback clip of the cute moment to his Instagram on Wednesday.

Wearing a brown suit with a button down collar shirt Robert, who was 11-years-old at he time, can barely contain himself at the thought of hitting the DWTS dance floor.

'Definitely,' he says in the video excerpt, adding, 'I would love to do that it would be so much fun.'

Robert Irwin has revealed he 'predicted' his new gig as a cast member of Dancing With The Stars US over a decade ago. The Aussie TV star, 21, made an appearance on the US version of the hit series in 2015 (pictured)

Robert shared a throwback clip of the cute moment to his Instagram on Wednesday

Elsewhere in the clip, Bindi can be seen urging her brother to show off his dance style.

'Robert himself has some really cool moves,' she says proudly.

Robert then shows off his 'sprinkler' dance which involves putting one hand behind his head while extending his arm at full length and jerking it back and forth.

'The 11-year-old me is beside himself right now,' Robert said.

He added, 'Bindi, thank you for inspiring me to take on this next adventure... Dancing With The Stars I'm so grateful for the life-changing experience ahead.'

Robert could not contain his excitement at being cast in the competitive dancing series, almost ten years after his sister won the program.

Bindi, 26, took the crown in 2015 alongside her dancing partner Derek Hough.

Robert will need to be in peak physical health to successfully compete on the challenging competition.

Robert gushed with his now familiar enthusiasm when asked by the host whether he would like to appear on DWTS as a 'celebrity'

Robert shows off his 'sprinkler' dance move in the throwback clip. Also pictured: Bindi, who won Dancing With The Stars US in 2015

Bindi took to social media to share her excitement about her brother appearing on the show.

'Robert, you are going to absolutely shine in the ballroom. I wish I could express the magnitude of how proud I am of you and everything you have achieved,' she began.

'Can't wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness and determination. Here's to an extraordinary journey ahead.'

Earlier this month, fans of the Irwin family were left swooning after Robert debuted a sexy new photo spread.

And, of course, since he's an Irwin, it was only fitting that he posed with live animals in some of the photos - and according to the magazine, most of them were venomous.

In one picture, Robert left little to the imagination as he wore a pair of white underwear, giving a smouldering look to the camera as a large snake was wrapped around his neck.

In another snap, he cuddled with a large lizard, but this time, Robert was more covered up in a casual white tank top and dark teal undies.

The photos have since gone viral, with fans from all around the world swooning at the all grown-up Robert.
Pitch Perfect stars Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson have reunited for a new ad campaign, as they lifted the lid on how they 'became family' after the hit movie.

The iconic duo, who starred together in the 2012 comedy flick, have joined together to launch Splash Refresher drink.

In the clip, the A Simple Favour star, 39, and Bridesmaids actress, 45, were filmed together in a kitchen as they chatted about the new product.

Rebel joked that it's 'better than taking your bra off at the end of a long day' while Anna said it's 'more refreshing than ageing gracefully'.

For the clip, Anna was glowing as she sported a cropped pink T-shirt and blue jeans, while wearing her long brunette tresses in loose curls.

Meanwhile, Rebel looked stylish in a knitted blue cardigan layered over a black cami top.

Pitch Perfect stars Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson have reunited for a new ad campaign, as they lifted the lid on how they 'became family' after the hit movie

The iconic duo, who starred together in the 2012 comedy flick, have joined together to launch Splash Refresher drink

In an interview with People after starring in the ad campaign, the stars lifted the lid on their close friendship and how they became 'like family' after filming the movies.

Anna said: 'It's nice when you have really different personalities and it takes you a while to get really, really close.

'We were close and got along. But then the longer you know each other, the more you start to see all of the differences as such a positive thing in your life.'

She added: All of these women who were so different became family,' to which Rebel quipped: 'We're from such different areas of the world, different personalities. But then something happened and as a group we were one. It's crazy.'

Rebel appeared in all three Pitch Perfect movies as Fat Amy 2012 - 2017, alongside Anna who played the lead role of Beca.

It comes just days after Rebel and Anna met up in London alongside their fellow co-star Chrissie Fit.

The actress recently shared a gallery of photos to social media which captured her posing up a storm on a London street with her famous friends.

The Sydney-born actor cut a casual figure in a cream jumper and jeans.Meanwhile, both Anna and Chrissie, 34, exuded style and sophistication in chic all-black outfits.

Rebel captioned the gallery: 'Yes Bellas! While London sleeps we roam the streets singing in perfect harmony #bellas4life.'

Rebel joked that it's 'better than taking your bra off at the end of a long day' while Anna said it's 'more refreshing than ageing gracefully'

For the clip, Anna was glowing as she sported a cropped pink T-shirt and blue jeans, while wearing her long brunette tresses in loose curls

Rebel appeared in all three Pitch Perfect movies as Fat Amy 2012 - 2017, alongside Anna who played the lead role of Beca

It comes just days after Rebel and Anna met up in London alongside their fellow co-star Chrissie Fit

Meanwhile, Chrissie took to the comment section with her own praise.

'I love us!!! What a magical movie moment, but in real life!' she wrote.

'We need another Pitch Perfect! You all look great,' a second person added.

The reunion marked a special moment for fans of the franchise, who have eagerly followed the careers of its stars since the original film's debut.

Known for their infectious music, humour, and heartwarming camaraderie, the Pitch Perfect movies continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

Rebel's presence alongside Kendrick and Fit served as a reminder of the trilogies undeniable charm and enduring popularity.

Discussing the possibility of a fourth Pitch Perfect movie in October last year, Anna revealed that it's all down to Rebel.

She told E! News: ''I feel like I'm always the last to know. 'But I know that Rebel was kind of the one out in the world talking about it. And she is kind of a powerhouse steam train kind of person.

'So there's part of me that's like, if anyone can make it happen, it's really her. I'll put that in her hands.'
Florence Pugh put on a sizzling display in a black leather co-ord as she led the stars at the Thunderbolts* photocall in London on Thursday.

The actress, 29, looked nothing short of sensational as she arrived at The Corinthia Hotel, flaunting her incredible figure in the two-piece set.

She turned heads as she posed up a storm on the balcony in a minature busty black bralette paired with a matching midi skirt, which clung to her curves and boasted a thigh-high slit and high waist design.

Florence added inches to her height with a pair of pointy black stilletos and accessorised with chunky silver hoop earrings and coordinated rings.

The blonde beauty wore her short locks slicked back from her face in a wet look style and opted for a glamorous palette of makeup to elevate her natural beauty.

To complete her photocall look, the We Live In Time star looked effortlessly cool as she added stylish dark oval sunglasses for more snaps outside.

Florence Pugh put on a sizzling display in a black leather co-ord as she led the stars at the Thunderbolts* photocall in London on Thursday

The actress, 29, looked nothing short of sensational as she arrived at The Corinthia Hotel, flaunting her incredible figure in the two-piece set

Florence was joined by her co-stars, including David Harbour, who who stars as Alexei Shostakov aka Red Guardian in the film.

The Stranger Things actor looked suave in a courdory maroon suit, complete with a matching shirt and crisp white tie.

Meanwhile, fellow cast member Julia Louis-Dreyfus exuded glamour in a red power suit as she posed with her hand on hip at the star-studded event.

Julia reprises her role as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in the film, describing her character as 'after power, control, and just generally she wants to kick ass in the Marvel Universe'.

And Game Of Thrones star Hannah John-Kamen, who plays Ava Starr aka Ghost in the movie put on a racy display as she went braless and flashed her sideboob in a white textured blazer, which she paired with matching trousers.

The actress, 35, wore her brunette tresses slicked back and opted for a sultry palette of makeup for the outing.

Geraldine Viswanathan cut an elegant figure as she posed in a nude frilled maxi dress and toted around a minitature patterned handbag.

The Australian actress stars in the film as Mel, the assistant of Julia's Valentina Allegra de Fontaine - the role previously held by Ayo Edebiri.

Joining them was Wyatt Russell who looked dapper in a light grey suit and a navy shirt as he larked around with David Harbour during the shoot.

She turned heads as she posed up a storm on the balcony in a minature busty black bralette paired with a matching midi skirt

Florence added inches to her height with a pair of pointy black stilletos and accessorised with chunky silver hoop earrings and coordinated rings

The blonde beauty wore her short locks slicked back from her face in a wet look style and opted for a glamorous palette of makeup to elevate her natural beauty

To complete her photocall look, the We Live In Time star looked effortlessly cool as she added stylish dark oval sunglasses for more snaps outside

Florence was joined by her co-stars, including David Harbour, who who stars as Alexei Shostakov aka Red Guardian in the film

The Stranger Things actor looked suave in a courdory maroon suit, complete with a matching shirt and crisp white tie

Meanwhile, fellow cast member Julia Louis-Dreyfus exuded glamour in a red power suit as she posed with her hand on hip at the star-studded event

And Game Of Thrones star Hannah John-Kamen, who plays Ava Starr aka Ghost in the movie put on a racy display

She went braless and flashed her sideboob in a white textured blazer, which she paired with matching trousers

Geraldine Viswanathan cut an elegant figure as she posed in a nude frilled maxi dress and toted around a minitature patterned handbag

Joining them was Wyatt Russell who looked dapper in a light grey suit and a navy shirt

The actor larked around with David Harbour during the shoot

Lewis Pullman opted for a more casual figure in light blue jeans teamed with a white shirt and a tan blazer, finished with Stetson boots

The actor plays former soldier John Walker in the film, after starring in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier miniseries in 2021.

Lewis Pullman opted for a more casual figure in light blue jeans teamed with a white shirt and a tan blazer, finishing the look with Stetson boots.

He plays Bob in the film, a superpowered individual who suffers from amnesia, who becomes either the Sentry or the evil Void.

The premise of the movie - which was directed by Jake Schreier - follows a group of antiheroes who are forced into a dangerous mission that could bring them redemption if they unite as a team.'

Florence stars in the Marvel blockbuster as Black Widow assassin Yelena Belova, reprising the role following her appearances in the 2021 film Black Widow and the Disney+ series Hawkeye.

Last year, she opened up on the film to People and revealed how Thunderbolts 'has been years in the making.'

She explained: 'The reason why it took so long to come together is [that] there would be no point in doing this story unless we did it properly.

'There'd be no point in letting these characters come together and having their character arcs unless we actually spoke the truth about how they'd be feeling - and to come and make this movie in the way that we made it.'

The premise of the movie - which was directed by Jake Schreier - follows a group of antiheroes who are forced into a dangerous mission that could bring them redemption if they unite

Florence stars in the Marvel blockbuster as Black Widow assassin Yelena Belova

It comes just after Florence put on a show-stopping display as she led the star-studded arrivals at the UK premiere of the Marvel film at Cineworld Leicester Square on Tuesday evening

She added: 'I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel. I feel like it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.

'This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another'.

It comes just after Florence put on a show-stopping display as she led the star-studded arrivals at the UK premiere of the Marvel film at Cineworld Leicester Square on Tuesday evening.

Florence ensured all eyes were on her in a dazzling black lacy gown with a huge fishtail skirt and dramatic train, that clung to ever inch of her enviable figure.

The bold number also boasted intricate beading and floral appliques, while the sheer lace flashed a glimpse of her toned legs underneath.

The Oscar-nominated star styled eye-catching dress with a pair of Rene Caovilla strappy heels and dazzling Ara Vartanian black bejewelled earrings and matching bracelets.

Florence completed her striking look by slicking her blonde hair back from her face and sporting bright orange graphic eyeliner for added dramatic flair.
Stars of Channel 10's The Project have shared fears about the growing impact of toxic masculinity and 'manosphere' influencers like the notorious Andrew Tate.

Hosts of the panel show, including Waleed Aly and Georgie Tunny, aired their concerns during a segment on Thursday's show about the rise of online 'alpha male' culture and its impact on young men.

According to a new study conducted by the Movember Institute, influencers who spouted similar attitudes to Tate are causing more harm to Australian youths than previously thought.

The Project's report concluded that alpha male influencers were creating 'long-lasting and damaging effects [which has become] the norm.'

'I don't know what's more terrifying, the concept of being the parent to a young boy or a young girl who is navigating this world,' said Georgie during the segment.

'You are constantly being told be careful, you've got to protect yourself and [that] "men bad", '"boys bad" and they are the enemy in a way...

Stars of Channel 10's The Project have shared fears about the growing impact of toxic masculinity and 'manosphere' influencers like the notorious Andrew Tate. Pictured: Waleed Aly and Georgie Tunny

'But then is it more terrifying to be parents to a young boy who's got the same images and rhetoric flying at him?'

Georgie then asked 'where are the positive role models?' for young men.

'Why are they [influencers] constantly calling out the negative ones?' she said.

Panelist Susie Youssef addressed the difficulties of queer kids and kids transitioning in the current online climate.

'There's such a broad spectrum here toward gender and sexuality and its heartening in a way to see young men questioning the role models they've been provided with' she said.

'But also where are the positive male role models that are masculine? What does that look like? I don't begin to have the answers but it does feel like there's a gap here.'

Waleed, meanwhile, set out to explain the attraction that influencers have for young people.

'Does our culture have a way of talking about masculinity that is celebrating it?' he asked.

Hosts of the panel show, including Waleed Aly and Georgie Tunny, aired their concerns during a segment on Thursday's show about the rise of online 'alpha male' culture and its impact on young men. Pictured: Andrew Tate

Susie Youssef asked: 'Where are the positive male role models that are masculine? What does that look like? I don't begin to have the answers but it does feel like there's a gap here'

'I think the answer to that right now is "no".

It comes after Andrew Tate was compared to terrorists and religious extremists by Australian academics.

They also found Tate's attacks on boys and men who don't fit 'his very rigid interpretation of masculinity' are far more common than his sexist views on women.

Professor Steven Roberts and Dr Stephanie Wescott of Melbourne's Monash University analysed more than 2,200 posts by Tate on his website and the Telegram messaging platform from December 31, 2019 to January 9, 2024.

'The extremist radicalisation of boys and men by 'manfluencer' Andrew Tate shares concerning parallels to other forms of radicalisation, such as terrorist and religious extremism,' the study found.

The experts said their analysis showed that 'what might seem like innocuous or harmless 'self-improvement' content is a gateway to more dangerous misogynistic and extremist content.

Almost 90 per cent of the posts by Tate on his website and Telegram account focused 'on advancing particular projections of what he views as the ideal manifestation of manhood and masculinity,' the research found.
Brian Cox has torn into the sky-high prices of theatre tickets, calling the current state of Broadway 'not right' and singling out Jake Gyllenhaal's performance in Othello as a 'problem'.

The Succession star, 78, added he would like to direct Denzel Washington in the role so he can 'get it right'.

Cox, a veteran of stage and screen, said during a talk at a London theatre: 'There's amazing shows and hits, but there's too much money stuff involved in American theatre where apparently, you're paying $1,000 (750) a night to see Othello with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, who I hear is not particularly wonderful.'

The Emmy and BAFTA-winning actor said a friend was stunned by the cost and quality of the show: 'A friend of mine said they couldn't believe it, and they paid a f****** excuse me, that's wrong. That balance is wrong because it puts the theatre in a whole different place.'

While the Scotsman had kind words for Washington, he was less forgiving of Gyllenhaal's Iago: 'No, it's not right. I mean, I've got nothing against Denzel Washington, good luck. And I think he should do it. I would like to direct him so you can get it right. Jake Gyllenhaal is another problem.'

He went on to compare the lack of theatrical infrastructure in the US to what he sees as a stronger tradition in the UK: 'The British stricture is pretty phenomenal, and it's getting better My sadness about America is that there isn't a structure.

Brian Cox has torn into the sky-high prices of theatre tickets, calling the current state of Broadway 'not right' and singling out Jake Gyllenhaal 's performance in Othello as a 'problem'

Cox, a veteran of stage and screen, said during a talk at a London theatre: 'There's amazing shows and hits, but there's too much money stuff involved in American theatre where apparently, you're paying $1,000 a night to see Othello with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, who I hear is not particularly wonderful'

The latest Broadway rendition of Shakespeare's Othello stars Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. The show can set you back as much as $1,000 a ticket

While the Scotsman had kind words for Washington, he was less forgiving of Gyllenhaal: 'No, it's not right. I mean, I've got nothing against Denzel Washington, good luck. And I think he should do it. I would like to direct him so you can get it right. Jake Gyllenhaal is another problem.' (Pictured: Washington, as Othello, and Gyllenhaal, as Iago, give a bow to the audience after a show)

'There's amazing shows and it hits it, but there's too much money stuff involved.'

Drawing on his own experience with British theatrical legends, Cox said: 'I've worked with John Gielgud. I've worked with Laurence Olivier. I met Scofield on several occasions, and sadly, never worked with him.

'I worked with Ralph Richardson, so I worked with these great actors, and I learned what our job was about, and where our job is rooted. And I always feel sorry for American actors, they don't have those roots.

'And I think it's a shame, because the talent is unbloody believable in America. I mean, the talent, particularly in the musical world, it's really incredible. But it's not served by the institution. And I think that's rather sad for American actors. I feel that very strongly.'

His comments follow a critical review by journalist Vicky Ward, who attended the Broadway production of Othello.

Writing in her newsletter Vicky Ward Investigates, she said that during the climactic moment when Othello strangles Desdemona, 'there were a few laughs in the audience'.

She attributed it to the scene's abruptness and lack of build-up.

The Broadway production has drawn attention not only for its celebrity casting but for its steep ticket prices, which have reached $1,000 (750) for premium seats.

Sky-high prices are nothing new on Broadway. When Hamilton first took off in 2016, some resale tickets sold for as much as $4,000 (3,000) for a pair.

It's a trend mirrored in the UK, where the most expensive seats for Much Ado About Nothing at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane - which starred Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell - were listed at 345.

Other productions including Elektra with Brie Larson also had top-tier tickets at 145, and Oedipus starring Rami Malek commanded 210 for front stalls.

For Cox, the escalating prices and inconsistent quality reflect a deeper issue.

'It's the structure that's not right,' he said. 'It's not right.'
Rebel Wilson has been on a health kick after over-indulging over Easter.

The Australian actress, who dropped more than 36kgs (around 80lbs) back in 2021 after a 'year of health' and some help from Ozempic, has again cut out sweet treats in a new challenge to amend her eating habits.

On Thursday, Rebel shared that she was on a long train journey and struggling not to indulge out of boredom.

'May or may not be on the train thinking of chocolate and ice cream' she began her post on Instagram Stories.

Rebel added: 'But NO I have not broken the challenge... but it is challenging!'

On Sunday, the 45-year-old - who wore a bunny costume to host an Easter egg hunt - took to Instagram to reveal what sweet treat she will be avoiding over the next six weeks for a health challenge.

Rebel Wilson (pictured) has been on a health kick after over-indulging over Easter. The Australian actress has cut out sweet treats in a new challenge to amend her eating habits

Rebel dropped more than 36kgs back in 2021 after a 'year of health' and some help from Ozempic. Pictured left in January 2024 and right in 2015

She encouraged her 11 million followers to join her as she cuts out chocolate and ice cream.

Uploading a brief video clip, the Pitch Perfect star said, 'Who's up for a six-week health challenge? I know I am because I've been really indulging over Easter.'

She added, 'And also, quite frankly, for the last couple of months and I really want to be a healthier version of me.'

Wilson captioned the post, 'Who's in for a 6 week health challenge? The challenge is to give up 1-3 things you've been indulging in lately (mine is chocolate and ice cream) and instead do something positive for your health (mental and physical) - so this week it's to write down 5 things every night that you're grateful for!'

The comedian added the hashtag: #6weekrebelhealthchallenge.

'So I'm going to give up chocolate and ice cream for the next six weeks. What are you going to give up?' she asked fans in the recording.

'Instead, each week I'm going to do something positive for my health,' the blonde filmmaker declared.

Rebel earlier admitted she had let loose over Easter, confessing she, 'may have had a dozen Cadbury Creme Eggs'.

On Sunday, the 45-year-old said she would be avoiding chocolate and ice cream over the next six weeks for a health challenge. Rebel earlier admitted she had let loose over Easter, confessing she, 'may have had a dozen Cadbury Creme Eggs'

'I am planning on going OFF chocolate tomorrow to do a challenge! Anyone with me? 6 weeks NO CHOCOLATE CHALLENGE starting Monday?' she wrote at the time.

In conversation with The Sunday Times last year, the movie star confessed about weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Monjouro: 'Someone like me could have a bottomless appetite for sweets, so I think those drugs can be good.'

Rebel previously said that her Pitch Perfect contract prohibited her from losing weight.

The movie franchise came to a close in 2017 and four years later the mother-of-one lost over 70 pounds.

In July 2021 she revealed on Instagram Live about her weight loss journey: 'It first started when I was looking into fertility stuff and the doctor was like, 'Well, you'd have a much better chance if you were healthier.'

'That's kind of what started it, that if I lost some excess weight that it would give me a better chance for freezing eggs and having the eggs be a better quality. It wasn't even really myself, it was more thinking of a future mini-me, really.'

And she spoke about it again with People in May 2022.

She shared: 'I only started thinking of fertility when I was 39 so you feel quite late but then there are women in their mid-40s who've been successful.'

Rebel added, 'Look at Janet Jackson, it's pretty inspiring,' referring to Janet giving birth to her son at age 50.

When she discussed fertility treatments with a doctor: 'He looked me up and down and said, 'You'd do much better if you were healthier.''

Rebel confessed: 'I was taken aback. I thought, 'Oh God, this guy's so rude.' He was right. I was carrying around a lot of excess weight.'

She reflected at the time, 'It's almost like I didn't think of my own needs. I thought of a future child's needs that really inspired me to get healthier.'

Rebel is now mother to two-year-old daughter Royce, who she welcomed via surrogate and co-parents with wife Ramona Agruma.

In regards to how she achieved her weight loss, Wilson focused on becoming more active by walking and doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with her personal trainer.
Sydney Sweeney has been keeping fans on their toes with cryptic clues about where things stand with ex-fiance Jonathan Davino  but the guessing game is over.

The Euphoria star, 27, quietly ended her seven-year relationship with the 41-year-old entrepreneur back in January, though the split wasnt made public until March.

Since then, whispers of a reconciliation have swirled  but it looks like that chapter is officially closed.

Sydney jetted off solo to Africa in early March, then introduced a new rescue pup on Instagram, signaling a fresh start.

And when she and Davino finally crossed paths this week during a frosty reunion at their shared Florida property, Sydney kept her distance  and her smile  leaving no doubt the romance is done.

Now, sources tell TMZ the verdict is final: the two will not be reconciling.

Sydney Sweeney has been keeping fans on their toes with cryptic clues about where things stand with ex-fiance Jonathan Davino  but the guessing game is over; (pictured April)

The Euphoria star, 27, quietly ended her seven-year relationship with the 41-year-old entrepreneur back in January, though the split wasnt made public until March; (pictured 2018)

'Sydney and Jonathan are not reconciling romantically and they're not getting back together, despite speculation to the contrary,' the outlet reported on Thursday.

In reality, that so-called 'reunion' at her Florida home was anything but romantic.

According to TMZ, Sydney was simply hosting a gender reveal party for a friend at her oceanfront estate  and Jonathan was only there because hes also friends with the guest of honor.

However, a different source told UsWeekly the breakup may not be as final as it seems.

'They were together for so many years and their lives are deeply intertwined,' the insider said. 'Its not easy for them to just cut ties and walk away.'

The news comes after Sydney turned heads on Wednesday as she debuted a dramatic new look while filming Euphoria.

The blonde bombshell, 27, looked almost unrecognizable from her high school alter ego Cassie, as she shot scenes on Sunset Boulevard alongside co-star Alexa Demie (Maddy).

Swapping her signature skin-baring style for a more buttoned-up vibe, Sweeney sported a feathered hairstyle and a prim gingham blouse, signaling big changes for her character.

Now, sources tell TMZ the verdict is final: the two will not be reconciling; (seen in 2019)

'Sydney and Jonathan are not reconciling romantically and they're not getting back together, despite speculation to the contrary,' the outlet reported on Thursday. (pictured in December 2024)

Fans can expect a more grown-up Cassie when Euphoria finally returnsalongside Maddy, Rue (Zendaya), and the rest of the crewas the hit HBO series officially trades high school hallways for post-grad drama.

Zendaya recently confirmed the time jump, teasing, 'It's important because there's only so much high school drama you can deal with.'

Sydney and Jonathan began dating in 2018when Sydney was 20 and Davino was 34and got engaged in 2022.

Signs of trouble first surfaced when Sydney was seen staying at the Beverly Hills Hotel earlier this year.

She later wiped a photo of the two from her Instagram, followed by deleting a New Years kiss photo from a carousel post dated January 2.

Another clue came when Sydney jetted off to Africa solo in early March.

In the aftermath of the breakup, speculation swirled that she had moved on with Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell, though the rumors were swiftly shut down.

Still, the two reignited romance chatter after attending Glens sister Leslies wedding in Dallas, Texas, in late March.

Following the event, Glens mother, Cyndy Powell, cleared the air during an exclusive phone call with the Daily Mail.

'They're definitely not together. It was just, like, she was there [at the wedding] with her friend,' she said.
White Lotus heartthrob Walton Goggins covered up in a suit and puffed on a cigarette as he stepped out in LA on Thursday - after stripping for steamy Speedo snaps.

The actor, 53, has become the world's newest favourite heartthrob after his starring turn as the moody Rick Hatchett, in the latest season of The White Lotus.

And on Wednesday, fans were treated new snaps of him leaving little to the imagination for CULTURED's April/May 2025 issue, which saw him in only a pair of tiny yellow speedos.

And wearing a much smarter look he was seen out and about in Los Angeles the day after where he was enjoying a smoke.

He wore a grey blazer and crisp white shirt left partially unbuttoned in true form to his character Rick, while headed to men's retail shop Thom Sweeney in LA.

He added a pair of dark shades to his look and wore his long, dark tresses slicked back.

White Lotus heartthrob Walton Goggins covered up in a suit and puffed on a cigarette as he stepped out in LA on Thursday - after stripping for steamy Speedo snaps

He wore a grey blazer and crisp white shirt left partially unbuttoned in true form to his character Rick, while headed to men's retail shop Thom Sweeney in LA

Walton once again sent the Internet ablaze as he posed for the sizzling new photoshoot released on Wednesday.

Fans were treated new snaps of him leaving little to the imagination for CULTURED's April/May 2025 issue, which saw him smoldering at the camera in his speedos and a suede jacket, left open to show off his chiselled chest.

Sharing the photos to his Instagram, his swooning fans were quick to race to the comments to voice their praise.

They gushed: 'The finest man I have ever seen in my life'; 'I wasn't expecting this on my 2025 bingo card but I am NOT disappointed'.

'Straight man here and holy hell I'm into it'; 'Have mercy on my SOULLLLL'; 'Goonin for Goggins'; 'walton gaggings'.

'Yellow budgie smugglers were not on my bingo card for items that Walton Goggins would be wearing in 2025, but here we are. And he still looks incredible! We love you Walton!'

'Yea Chelsea. I get it now'; 'Help I'm pregnant'; 'Walton showing us his Goggins'; 'You gotta let me live, sir. I'm but a humble maiden.'

While the official account for The White Lotus couldn't resist commenting too, quipping: 'Some guests leave their mark.'

The actor, 53, has become the world's newest favourite heartthrob after his starring turn as the moody Rick Hatchett, in the latest season of The White Lotus

Walton once again sent the Internet ablaze as he posed for the sizzling new photoshoot released on Wednesday

Walton told the Mail's You magazine this week that his character Rick's unexpected sex-symbol status, gives him 'a smile in my heart'

Walton told the Mail's You magazine this week that his character Rick's unexpected sex-symbol status, gives him 'a smile in my heart'.

While his wife Nadia Conners gushed: 'He's aged like fine wine. But it's hard as I'm a middle-aged woman. So suddenly I feel like 'all these women find him attractive'.

'But what's so amazing is he's always made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the room.'

In the accompanying interview with Cultured however, Walton opened up to his Fallout director Jonathon Nolan and admitted that despite his incredible success, he still struggles with a 'deep fear' that it will go away.

When musing on the 'secret to his success', he admitted 'If I'm being real, it's fear. Truly. A heavy dose of anxiety', adding that he felt pressure not to let anyone down who allowed him to do his job as actor.

He explained that growing up without money also means he is constantly putting pressure on himself to provide for his family and determined to be the best father and husband he can.

Walton tied the knot with TV scriptwriter Nadia, 55, in 2011, just a few months after they welcomed their son Augustus, 14.

Detailing his 'debilitating fear', he said: 'I wake up every morning and stand at the crossroads with two cappuccinos in my hands.

'I ask myself what kind of artist I want to be, what kind of friend, what kind of father, what kind of husband. My dilemma isn't about my occupation; it is about what sort of man I can be on any given day.'

'That, coupled with a deep fear that I have made a mistake and might be living beyond my means, is debilitating. I'm constantly having conversations with myself about plan A, plan B, C, D on a bad night I can get to the end of the alphabet.'

The interview comes after co-star Aimee Lou Wood has broken her silence on the feud rumours with Walton in a new social media post.

The Sex Education star, 31, plays Chelsea in the third series of The White Lotus who ends up in a relationship with Walton's character Rick.

Despite their on-screen chemistry in Thailand, the pair have reportedly fallen out since filming for the HBO Max series wrapped up.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed how the pair have unfollowed each other on social media and potentially have each other blocked.

Taking to her Instagram on Thursday, Aimee shared a piece of fan art by @sketchesbyspencer on her Stories.

The impressive drawing showed the actress and the actor during their time together on the show, seemingly suggesting all is now well between them.

Walton tied the knot with TV scriptwriter Nadia, 55, in 2011, just a few months after they welcomed their son Augustus, 14 (pictured together in September)

It comes after co-star Aimee Lou Wood has broken her silence on the feud rumours with Walton in a new social media post (pictured together)

The frenzy among fans has intensified in recent weeks amid unsubstantiated speculation about the closeness of their relationship.

The roots of it appear to lie in a social media post by Walton following the streaming of the finale on April 6, where he wrote: 'To me, ours was a love story. It was only ever a love story hindered by unresolved childhood trauma. Thank you Aimee Lou for being my partner a journey I will never forget.'

The post soundtrack was Fleetwood Mac's Silver Springs  a song written by Stevie Nicks about her traumatic break-up with band guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.

Perhaps concerned that White Lotus fans were reading too much into this, he later changed the tune for John Lennon's Love.

Co-star Jason Isaacs added to the intrigue, claiming: 'There were alliances that formed and broke, romances that formed and broke, friendships that formed and broke.'

Fuel was added to the gossip swirling around their real-life relationship when it appeared that Walton had then blocked Aimee Lou on Instagram.

Aimee Lou, who boasts 2.6m Instagram followers, has been passionately sharing behind the scenes photos and reposts from her co-stars throughout the third season, with Walton also sharing his own set memories.

And in their posts they have both enthusiastically tagged their co-stars - every one but each other.
Gender reveal parties have become hugely fashionable in recent years, and now the most famous animated family on the planet have joined the trend.

Peppa Pig's parents Mummy and Daddy Pig will reveal the gender of their third piglet at London's Battersea Power Station on Friday night, with the landmark's chimneys lit up in pink and blue in anticipation.

Mummy Pig, whose job involves doing 'very important work' on her computer, and her husband Daddy Pig, who 'takes big numbers, transmutes them and calculates their load-bearing tangents', first announced their surprise pregnancy in February.

Mummy Pig broke the internet when she revealed live on Good Morning Britain that she is pregnant with her third piglet a little brother or sister for Peppa, four and George, two.

Good Morning Britain's showbiz correspondent Richard Arnold landed the exclusive, as Mummy Pig showed off her ultrasound and baby bump and revealed she was due in the summer.

Gender reveal parties have become hugely fashionable in recent years, and now the most famous animated family on the planet have joined the trend

Mummy Pig broke the internet when she revealed live on Good Morning Britain that she is pregnant with her third piglet a little brother or sister for Peppa, four and George, two

Peppa Pig first aired in 2004 and has since been broadcast in 180 territories and translated into 40 languages. It's spawned books, toys and even two theme parks, with the global Peppa empire now worth over 1billion.

Creators Neville Astley and Mark Baker admitted they were worried the idea would never get off the ground, and that people were initially bored of the idea.

People in the pub would ask us, What are you drawing? Wed say, A pig, called Peppa, its going to be big. Theyd lose interest and wander off, explained Astley.

The pair created Peppa and her family working in each others houses or at the local pub.

They told the Radio Times they were inspired by 1970s cartoon classics including Roobarb and Pingu, after realising that children like stories about animals.

Wed made this little trailer for Peppa but hadnt got anywhere, recalled Baker.

Its very difficult to sell your own creative work. The good thing about Phil is hes quite thick-skinned.

They soon found an energetic little girl, Lily Snowden-Fine, to voice Peppa - despite her being only four years-old and unable to read, instead repeating lines spoken by her mother.

Peppa Pig's parents will reveal the gender of their third piglet at London's Battersea Power Station on Friday night, with the landmark's chimneys lit up in pink and blue in anticipation

Peppa Pig first aired in 2004 and has since been broadcast in 180 territories and translated into 40 languages

When her family moved to Canada, the job went to Cecily Bloom, followed by current incumbent Harley Bird.

The creators explained that the secret to Peppas long-lasting appeal is the shows simplicity, as well as ensuring the piglet is never the butt of the jokes.

We put a lot of work into making everything look as effortless as possible, said Baker.

We can laugh at the adults, but children dont like it if we laugh at the children in the show.
Back in February, Bianca Censori caused global outrage when she appeared - naked save for a slip of see-through material - on the Grammys red carpet alongside her husband Kanye West. Since then, however, the couple have kept an unusually low profile.

In fact, the disappearance of paparazzi-hungry West and Censori from the showbiz circuit sparked rumours that the pair had separated for good and that Censori, 30, was struggling to deal with the fallout of the shocking stunt.

While she maintained a dignified silence in the weeks that followed, West did the opposite.

After a torrent of sexist, homophobic and anti-Semitic rants on X, his account was deactivated. Then earlier this month, West re-emerged, seemingly confirming the split by releasing a new single titled Bianca.

He rapped: She hop in the car and she ran, My b**** just dont understand. Bianca, I just want you to come back, Dont know what I did to make you mad.

The musician, 47, who also goes by Ye, suggested that his wife disapproved of his vile social media tirades.

Shes having a panic attack and she is not liking the way that I tweeted, he sings.

Ever since the outrage that followed rapper Kanye West's appearance on the Grammys red carpet in February with his wife Bianca Censori - naked save for a slip of see-through material - the pair have kept an unusually low profile

But on Monday, West released a bombshell picture that suggested he and Censori are very much back together.

In his usual all-black getup, West stood beside Censori, who wore a silk, blue corset-style bodysuit and thigh-high black leather boots.

It was simply captioned: fit pic.

So what exactly is the relationship status of Hollywoods most controversial couple?

I can reveal that West and Censori have spent weeks at a VIP exclusive wellness centre on a make or break getaway in Majorca, Spain, where they worked on saving their marriage following months of issues.

An associate of Censori tells me that the couple took therapy sessions provided by The Balance Clinic - a rehab and marriage counselling centre. And their month-long stay has proved a success, with the controversial rapper and the Australian architect finding themselves in a much better place.

Im told the much needed break away from the USA has proved a shot in the arm for their love and commitment to overcome tension and problems.

The insider insists that, contrary to media reports circulating in recent days, West was never in danger of being sectioned by medical officials over his mental health.

On Monday, West released a bombshell picture that suggested he and Censori are back together. In his usual all-black getup, West stood beside Censori, who wore a silk, blue corset-style bodysuit and thigh-high black leather boots. It was simply captioned: fit pic

In fact, Censori was the driving force behind the pairs decision to head to Majorca after friends recommended the facility - which doesnt just focus on rehab treatment but also holistic and physical and massage therapies.

West, on the other hand, was trepidatious at first about the visit, which prompted him to write the Bianca rap song claiming she was trying to have him committed.

However, the source insists that after some misunderstanding about the trip, where Ye initially tried to leave the island, he became a resident and only attended programs or events he wanted to go to.

Within days, West turned a corner and found being there to work things out with Bianca very refreshing.

Not everyones there for heavy-duty treatments, and he supported Bianca as she moved forward with her own program, the insider says.

He was super-relaxed and felt like it was a real vacation away from the stresses of life and reconnected with his wife very much on a spiritual level.

They had the chance to talk out their problems and sort through their differences. Some of her friends didnt have much hope for them lasting, but things are looking really positive now. It is up to them to keep that momentum going.

The associate adds: There is a lot of misunderstanding concerning this visit. Sure, this is an elite clinic for those afflicted with serious issues, but it is also the type of place which allows other clients to focus on themselves away from distraction.

Indeed, The Balance Clinic, founded by Abdullah Boulad, a Swiss entrepreneur and healthcare expert, is very elite. It features private jet transfers, a personal chef, and even transcranial direct current stimulation - a technique designed to electrically stimulate and activate brain cells - available on the treatment menu.

Earlier this week, Censori emerged onto the streets of Majorca dressed only in a black thong bodysuit and sheer leggings - indicating her stay at the clinic hasnt been totally transformative

The luxury clinic does not come cheap. To stay at one of their villas costs an eye-watering 149,400 Euros a week.

Again, according to my source, it has been money well-spent for the couple.

Bianca has made it clear she is feeling better and much more optimistic about her marriage, they say.

It is impossible to understand the dynamics of their relationship given how so much information is put out, without anyone having true insight into what is really happening.

In recent days, West and Censori have left the centre for the swish Neuendorf House, a high-end holiday home set in an almond grove on the island.

Meanwhile, West has continued to work on new music for his planned comeback during his time away.

My source confirmed that the Bianca track, which will feature on his upcoming WW3 album, references the Majorca getaway.

They said: That song was written specifically about the start of their journey in Majorca at The Balance.

The couple back in 2023 in Los Angeles, California, when they wore more conventional outfits

It appears clear from his lyrics that he suspected that an intervention was the purpose of the stay.

He did depart and stayed away from Bianca, while she remained at The Balance. Then he returned, they made up and have been doing well since.

A spokesperson for The Balance Clinic said last night: The clinic has no comment at this time.

Fans will be hoping that the stay really has served its purpose for the couple.

West and Censoris behaviour has been increasingly erratic since they married, just nine months after the rapper had finalised his divorce from reality television superstar Kim Kardashian.

An architecture graduate from a well-off Melbourne family, Censori had modelled for Wests shoe company, Yeezy, two years previously.

Since then, she has been pictured in public wearing ever-more revealing outfits. These gratuitous displays have often led to rumours that members of Censoris family that she is being coercively controlled by West, while others have claimed that she enjoys indulging her husbands exhibitionist streak.

Whatever the truth, earlier this week, Censori emerged onto the streets of Majorca dressed only in a black thong bodysuit and sheer leggings - indicating her stay at the clinic hasnt been totally transformative.
Lee Majors was one of the biggest male stars of the 1970s thanks to his hit TV series The Six Million Dollar Man.

Often he popped up on another ratings dynamo, The Bionic Woman.

He was also the lead of the hit show The Fall Guy, which was made into a movie with Ryan Gosling.

Lee had it all, even the beautiful blonde wife, Farrah Fawcett, who starred on the equally successful Charlie's Angels.

Majors is still thriving.

On Wednesday he embraced turning 86-years-old as he made an Instagram post.

'Another year around the sun.and while the calendar might say 86, I like to think of it more as 68 with a few bonus chapters,' wrote the iconic Hollywood great.

'Grateful for life, love, and all the blessings. Heres to living well, staying sharp, and aging like the legends do.'

Lee Majors was one of the biggest male stars of the 1970s thanks to his hit TV series The Six Million Dollar Man. Often he popped up on another ratings dynamo, The Bionic Woman. He was also the star of the hit show The Fall Guy. Lee had it all, even the beautiful blonde wife, Farrah Fawcett, who starred on the equally successful Charlie's Angels. Seen in 1971

This week the icon turned 86-years-old; see with Farrah in 1971

These days Lee is happily married to Faith Majors.

They tied the knot in 2002.

He has three ex wives: He was married to Farrah from 1973 until 1982.

Before that there was wife Kathy Robinson whom he was wed to from 1961 until 1964.

And then there was Karen Velez, his wife from 1988 until 1994.

In 2019 the actor opened up to People magazine about his nearly 12 year relationship with the Charlie's Angels star Farrah as they were Hollywood's power couple throughout the Seventies.

Majors said that he was introduced to Fawcett by his publicist as they shared a coffee together: 'So that started that. It was very quick, and it lasted about almost 12 years.

'But there was a year or so when I think I saw her two weeks in one year. Its very difficult with careers like that. This business is tough. Working 14 hours a day, both of you, and the days went by.'

As he starred in The Six Million Dollar Man while she starred in Charlie's Angels, the two were at the height of their fame in the late Seventies which presented it's own set of difficulties.

Lee explained: 'It was hard to get around. It was not quite as hard as it is today with everyone has a cellphone and the social media is so quick. Back then we only had to deal with the paparazzi at large. A lot of time you could evade them, but not all the time.'

Majors posted this photo to Instagram on Wednesday to celebrate turning 86

Lee and his wife Faith, who looks like Farrah, seen in 2020 in LA

They could be related! Faith, seen left, has very similar facial structure to Farrah, right

Major has retained his good looks

The two A-listers were married in 1973 before separating in 1979 ultimately divorcing in 1982.

Lee later married Faith Majors in 2002 whom he has been with for more than 23 years as he told People with a smile: 'It is a record in Hollywood.'

Sadly, Fawcett died in June 2009 at the age of 62 after a long battle with cancer.

At the time UsWeekly claimed Lee called Farrah before she died, breaking an over 20 year silence.

Here she is seen in the Peeping Blonde episode of The Six Million Dollar Man in 1974 with Farrah

Farrah was the fetching detective with Kate Jackson, far left, and Jaclyn Smith, far right, on Charlie's Angels; seen here, center, in 1976

'He decided to call her for the first time on her birthday in February before she died,' said a source.

'They spoke for the first time in 23 years.

'They had a 40-minute phone conversation about her life, and the cancer and it was such a lovely moment for the two of them. I guess it was a very good conversation. They joked, and they got a little bit emotional.'

The source added: 'I think it was good given the current situation [for] closure, otherwise they never would've spoken again. I think he always wanted to talk to her again, but he was just afraid to speak to her before.'

Lee showed off his wife Faith in 2020 at the Open Hearts Foundation 10th Anniversary gala held at the SLS Hotel in Los Angeles.

Jane Seymour hosted.
Eurasian journalists tour site museum of China's earliest known dynasty

People's Daily Online) 16:21, April 23, 2025

Photo shows an aerial view of the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province. (Photo provided by the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital)

Twelve journalists from nine Eurasian countries visited the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, on April 22, as part of the ongoing "Belt and Road Youth Friendship Exchange Program  Eurasian Media Trip to Luoyang."

The Erlitou site in Yanshi district covers approximately 3 million square meters, with its main remains dating back 3,520 to 3,750 years. Most scholars believe the site contains capital city ruins from the middle and late Xia Dynasty (2070 BC-1600 BC), China's earliest known dynasty.

The museum, which opened in 2019 and covers a floorage of 32,000 square meters, showcases Xia Dynasty history, culture and archaeological discoveries from the Erlitou site.

Participants in the "Belt and Road Youth Friendship Exchange Program  Eurasian Media Trip to Luoyang" visit the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, April 22, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang)

A visitor examines artifacts at the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, April 22, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang)

Photo shows an artifact displayed at the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang)

Photo shows an artifact displayed at the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang)

Photo shows a reproduction of an ancient artifact on display at the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province. (People's Daily Online/Lu Yang)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming)
SCO political parties meet to discuss sustainable development of cooperation mechanism

Xinhua) 13:19, April 24, 2025

This photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Political Parties Forum in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The forum opened here on Wednesday. During the two-day forum, over 200 representatives of more than 60 political parties from SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners will discuss the role of political parties in promoting the sustainable development of the SCO. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

URUMQI, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A forum of political parties from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) opened on Wednesday in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

During the two-day forum, over 200 representatives of more than 60 political parties from SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners will discuss the role of political parties in promoting the sustainable development of the SCO.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the past 24 years of vigorous development of the SCO have marked a significant period of deepening exchanges and cooperation among major political parties and organizations within the SCO family.

Noting that the CPC maintains regular communication with over 130 political parties and organizations from the SCO, Liu said China proposed holding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Political Party Forum on a regular basis to expand communication channels, enrich exchanges, and further consolidate the SCO political party network.

The event was an initiative proposed at last year's SCO Astana Summit, and its successful hosting marks an important milestone ahead of the SCO Tianjin Summit this fall, under China's rotating presidency, said SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev.

"This year has been declared the Year of SCO Sustainable Development, a designation that carries particular weight in an era defined by socio-economic disparities and environmental challenges," said Yermekbayev.

Under the SCO framework, a series of multi-sectoral initiatives are underway to advance regional sustainable development, with a focus on areas such as poverty alleviation, food security, public health, climate change, and transport connectivity, according to Yermekbayev.

"Political parties are crucial in shaping policies that ensure inclusive growth, protect the environment, and promote social equity," said Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan, senator of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

Emomali Rahmon, president of Tajikistan and head of the People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan, said in his congratulatory message to the forum that political parties of the SCO should work together to create favorable conditions for regional and international cooperation, including expanding inter-party exchanges.

The forum was co-organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee.

Guests attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Political Parties Forum in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The forum opened here on Wednesday. During the two-day forum, over 200 representatives of more than 60 political parties from SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners will discuss the role of political parties in promoting the sustainable development of the SCO. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Olivia Jade Giannulli sent temperatures soaring in a skimpy bikini during a solo Miami getaway  and fans were quick to question the status of her romance with Jacob Elordi.

The 24-year-old influencer, daughter of Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli, turned heads as she soaked up the sun in a floral two-piece while strolling the beach on Wednesday.

Flaunting her toned physique, the sandy-blonde beauty looked carefree as she frolicked along the shoreline during the sun-drenched escape.

Despite her megawatt smile, fans flooded the comments of her Instagram post, wondering why she was flying solo  and why the Euphoria heartthrob was nowhere in sight.

The couple, who were first linked in 2021 following Jacobs split from supermodel Kaia Gerber, havent been spotted together in public for months.

One fan summed up the curiosity with a blunt comment: 'Where is he?'

Olivia Jade Giannulli sent temperatures soaring in a skimpy bikini during a solo Miami getaway  and fans were quick to question the status of her romance with Jacob Elordi

The 24-year-old influencer, daughter of Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli , turned heads as she soaked up the sun in a floral two-piece while strolling the beach on Wednesday

Flaunting her toned physique, the sandy-blonde beauty looked carefree

Another asked, 'You and Jacob moving to Australia?'

Still, Olivia recently dropped a subtle hint that the romance may still be alive.

After Jacobs sister Isabella Elordi posted a tribute to his new project The Narrow Road to the Deep North on Instagram, Olivia showed her support by liking two of the images.

They might not flaunt their relationship on social media, but that doesnt mean the couple is keeping their distance behind the scenes.

Back in September, the pair jetted off to Sardinia for her 25th birthday  a luxe family affair that included her parents and sister Bella Rose.

The group enjoyed a sun-soaked trip, with Olivia and Jacob spotted relaxing by the water, enjoying the beautiful coastline far from the limelight.

Speaking of Olivias family, the Giannullis made headlines in 2019 when her parents were arrested in connection to the college admissions scandal.

They were accused of paying $500,000 to get Olivia and her sister into USC as recruits for the crew team  despite neither having ever played the sport.

The star frolicked along the shoreline during the sun-drenched escape

Despite her megawatt smile, fans flooded the comments of her Instagram post, wondering why she was flying solo  and why the Euphoria heartthrob was nowhere in sight

Still, Olivia recently dropped a subtle hint that the romance may still be alive

After Jacobs sister Isabella Elordi posted a tribute to his new project The Narrow Road to the Deep North on Instagram, Olivia showed her support by liking two of the images

They might not flaunt their relationship on social media, but that doesnt mean the couple is keeping their distance behind the scenes; back in September, the pair jetted off to Sardinia for her 25th birthday  a luxe family affair that included her parents and sister Bella Rose

The solo trip caused an uproar on social media

The couple, who were first linked in 2021 following Jacobs split from supermodel Kaia Gerber , havent been spotted together in public for months; (Jacob on April 7, 2025)

Lori was sentenced to two months in prison, while Mossimo Giannulli received a five-month sentence.

In addition, Olivia's mom was fined $150,000 and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, while her father faced a $250,000 fine and a 250-hour community service requirement.

Before Olivia, Jacob's love life made headlines, especially his high-profile relationship with model Kaia.

The two were first linked in late 2020 and quickly became one of Hollywood's most talked-about couples, often spotted out together in Malibu and New York.

Their romance, however, came to an end in late 2021, with sources claiming the split was amicable.

Prior to Kaia, Jacob was also rumored to have had a brief fling with his Euphoria co-star Zendaya, although both have kept quiet about the nature of their relationship.

Speaking of Olivias family, the Giannullis made headlines in 2019 when her parents were arrested in connection to the college admissions scandal

Her parents were accused of paying $500,000 to get Olivia and her sister into USC as recruits for the crew team  despite neither having ever played the sport

In addition, Olivia's mom was fined $150,000 and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, while her father faced a $250,000 fine and a 250-hour community service requirement

Lori was sentenced to two months in prison, while Mossimo Giannulli received a five-month sentence

Before Olivia, Jacob's love life made headlines, especially his high-profile relationship with model Kaia

Prior to Kaia, Jacob was also rumored to have had a brief fling with his Euphoria co-star Zendaya, although both have kept quiet about the nature of their relationship

Meanwhile, Jacob's career is heating up with a major new role  hes been cast as Heathcliff in the upcoming film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring alongside Margot Robbie as Catherine.

However, not everyone is on board with the casting choice.

Fans of the classic novel have taken to social media to voice their frustration, arguing that the two stars look more at home on Instagram than in a period drama set in the 1800s.

Some have even gone so far as to accuse director Emerald Fennell of not fully understanding the essence of Emily Brontes novel.
Katherine Ryan has revealed how she was 'mugged off' by Stephen Hawking after meeting the professor at one of Jimmy Carr's wild parties.

The comedian, 41, shared the rather surprising story as she recounted how Jimmy used to have 'Gatsby-esque' style bashes which all the stars were invited too.

And Katherine confessed she tried to have a little flirt with Stephen, who died in 2018 aged 76, as she admitted: 'I tried it on with him'.

Chatting on the latest episode of the Nip Tuck podcast with hosts Ashley Stobart and Lauren Adamson Katherine explained: 'Well before Jimmy Carr's children were born, he used to have the most amazing parties.

'Like Brandon Flowers would be there. Woody Harrelson would be there, Professor Stephen Hawking, Monica Lewinsky, I met Kourtney Kardashian in Jimmy Carr's living room. He's like the London Gatsby. It was really fun.'

As Ashley asked: 'Stephen Hawking, yes, did he try it on with you?'

Katherine Ryan has revealed she was 'mugged off' by Stephen Hawking as she recounted a wild party at Jimmy Carr's house

Katherine confessed she tried to have a little flirt with Stephen, who died in 2018 aged 76, as she admitted: 'I tried it on with him' (pictured in 2007)

Katherine confirmed: 'I tried it on with him' as the hosts laughed.

The star continued: 'Because I saw in the film about him that he's kind of a ladies man.'

'Yeah but then, quite hurtfully he just kind of went quiet, and then his assistant came up and said "Oh I'm sorry the professor's tablet has run out of battery. He can't talk to you anymore."'

She joked: 'And I was mugged off, and I know it.'

'What a great way to f**k someone off,' added Lauren: 'Just saying "my batteries gone".'

'He truly is a genius,' replied Katherine as she explained: 'But then I googled it and there's a back up battery for the tablet in the chairs. So if the chair is moving the battery is working.'

Lauren teased: 'So he f****ed you off,' and Katherine confirmed: 'He did'.

It comes after Katherine revealed earlier this month that she once cheated on an ex-partner and is 'glad that she did it' as she candidly reflected on the decision.

The comedian, 41, shared the rather surprising story as she recounted how Jimmy (pictured) used to have 'Gatsby-esque' style bashes which all the stars were invited too

Katherine confirmed: 'I tried it on with him. Yeah but then, quite hurtfully just kind of went quiet, and then his assistant came up and said "Oh I'm sorry the professor's tablet has run out of battery. He can't talk to you anymore"'

Katherine chatted on the latest episode of the Nip Tuck podcast with hosts Ashley Stobart and Lauren Adamson (pictured L-R)

The comedian, who has married to Bobby Koostra, also 41, since 2019, lifted the lid on the past situation in an episode of the Mad, Sad and Bad with Paloma Faith podcast.

When asked about 'the most bada** thing' she has ever done, Katherine admitted: 'I cheated on one of my partners and that's bad but I feel that he deserved it and I'm always really glad that I did it.'

Paloma questioned: 'Was it your exit strategy?' to which the comedian laughed: 'Yeah. In this relationship we were done. I had asked him to leave.'

Not clarifiying which ex it was, she continued: 'And especially as a single mother people were like "Oh, he left you" and I was like no, no, I begged him to leave for a long time.

'Isn't it funny that a lot of men won't respect that choice like they will respect another man's property. So once another man comes into the picture then they go "Oh".'

Palmona then jokingly chimed in with: 'This tree has been p***** on by somebody else. Just like dogs.'

'Yeah,' agreed Katherine, 'I just needed to get p***** on. It felt awful at the time. I had so much guilt and you never wanna hurt someone else intentionally.

'But looking back at the big picture as you say, nobody knows what's gone on for the ten years or five years or two years or whatever it may be.'

Paloma then added: 'Men do it often and then it's like oh, awful for the woman she's a victim of that and then when a woman does it she is literally the devil. But it's like you've tried a lot of stuff.

Katherine concluded: 'I had no choice I feel. The choice, I suppose, would have been, be more courageous and just go. But in this relationship, we were done. I had asked him to leave.'
Fortune Feimster has reportedly separated from her wife Jacquelyn 'Jax' Smith after over four years of marriage.

The 44-year-old comedian has been telling friends they split recently and she's planning to file for divorce, according to TMZ.

Fortune (born Emily) and Jax did not have any children, but they'll have to figure out who gets custody of their beloved Pomeranian rescue dog, Biggie.

On Thursday, Feimster Instastoried a cute snap of Biggie sleeping as she 'tread water for an hour' in her swimming pool.

'I got a little downtime, which is nice,' the Handsome Podcaster - who boasts 2.7M social media followers - said Thursday.

'I have the whole weekend off! I love that. We went hard in April. May's not too bad. It's a pretty good amount of downtime there too, so yeah!'

Fortune Feimster (L, pictured February 2) has reportedly separated from her wife Jacquelyn 'Jax' Smith (R) after over four years of marriage

The 44-year-old comedian has been telling friends they split recently and she's planning to file for divorce (pictured November 17

Fortune and Smith were last pictured together on March 2 attending Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood.

'It was love at first sight' when Feimster first met the former kindergarten teacher in a parking lot at a Chicago Pride event in 2015 - the day after the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal in all 50 states.

The You're Cordially Invited actress and Jax - who came out in 2005 and 1995 - initially bonded over watching NBC's Dateline before getting engaged during a romantic getaway to Big Sur in 2018.

The lesbian ex-couple tied the knot during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 in the backyard of a rented a seaside home in Malibu in front of 'a couple' of their closest friends and more via Zoom.

On October 23, Fortune and Smith even celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary with a lavish trip to Greece.

'There's so much I appreciate about you and our relationship but I think my most favorite thing is after ten years together we still laugh as much as ever,' Feimster gushed at the time.

'No wave is gonna rain on our parade. I love you.'

The Michigan native served as an executive producer for three of the North Carolina-born funnywoman's Netflix standup specials - Sweet & Salty (2020), Good Fortune (2022), and Crushing It (2024).

'I don't have a problem seeing her shine and getting all the attention. I love that for her. But I don't want any of that! I never want to get on a stage,' Jax told People years ago.

Fortune (born Emily) and Jax did not have any children, but they'll have to figure out who gets custody of their beloved Pomeranian rescue dog, Biggie (pictured November 17)

On Thursday, Feimster Instastoried a cute snap of Biggie sleeping as she 'tread water for an hour' in her swimming pool

The Handsome Podcaster said Thursday: 'I got a little downtime, which is nice. I have the whole weekend off! I love that. We went hard in April. May's not too bad. It's a pretty good amount of downtime there too, so yeah!'

Fortune and Smith were last pictured together on March 2 attending Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood

'It was love at first sight' when Feimster first met the former kindergarten teacher in a parking lot at a Chicago Pride event in 2015 - the day after the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal in all 50 states (pictured September 21)

The lesbian ex-couple tied the knot during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 in the backyard of a rented a seaside home in Malibu in front of 'a couple' of their closest friends and more via Zoom

On October 23, Fortune and Jax even celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary with a lavish trip to Greece: 'We still laugh as much as ever!'

Smith served as an executive producer for three of Feimster's Netflix standup specials - Sweet & Salty (2020), Good Fortune (2022), and Crushing It (pictured December 16, 2024)

The North Carolina-born funnywoman is next scheduled to bring her 44-date Takin' Care of Biscuits Tour to the Steven Tanger Center for the Arts in Greensboro, NC on May 1 (pictured Monday)

'Since I tour with her a lot, we talk about the jokes because I hear them so often. I'm not the funniest, but I'll be like, "Hey, I think there's something there. Maybe you could find a funnier bit in that." I am always so proud of her and love seeing her bring joy to a theater full of people.'

Fortune is next scheduled to bring her 44-date Takin' Care of Biscuits Tour to the Steven Tanger Center for the Arts in Greensboro, NC on May 1.

On Tuesday, Deadline reported that Feimster had signed on to star in Nicholas Stoller's untitled new comedy starring Will Ferrell, Zac Efron, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas for Amazon MGM Studios.

The Fubar action star wrote on Instagram: 'Some fun news. Can't wait to work with Will Ferrell again!'

But first, audiences can catch Fortune voicing the beaver Nibbles in Jared Bush and Byron Howard's animated sequel Zootopia 2, which hits US theaters November 26 and UK theaters November 28.
Skai Jackson's baby daddy, Deondre Burgin, is back in jail over an outstanding misdemeanor warrant from Ohio, just months after the birth of his son.

Authorities confirmed to TMZ that Burgin, who is known online as Yerkky Yerkky, was arrested at a gas station in Kentucky on April 17 after a 'police officer recognized him from the National Crime Information Center database.'

He is reportedly still being held on a $25,000 bond.

Law enforcement in Hamilton County had a 'warrant out for his arrest for failing to display a license plate on his vehicle in March' and failing to show up for his court date.

This comes less than three months after he served a 90-day sentence for violating his parole from an earlier theft and weapon possession case as a juvenile at the Hamilton County Jail.

Burgin was behind bars when Jackson gave birth to their baby boy, Kasai, in January 2025.

Skai Jackson's baby daddy Deondre Burgin was taken into custody in Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday after a botched foot chase with officers

In November, one day after Jackson, revealed she was expecting, Burgin was taken into custody in Cincinnati, Ohio after a botched foot chase with officers.

At the time, police said in a report, reviewed by TMZ, that Burgin initially fled the scene when they approached him over a juvenile parole violation warrant.

Burgin tripped, fell and suffered a cut on his cheek in the encounter, according to the outlet, after which police placed him in handcuffs.

Burgin was released after receiving a citation for misdemeanor obstruction of official business, police sources told the outlet.

News of Jackson's pregnancy came just several months after she was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery, but not charged.

In September it was revealed that the Los Angeles District Attorney's office declined to file charges and dropped the case against her.

She was previously arrested on August 8 at Universal Studios CityWalk in Los Angeles, California after an alleged altercation with her boyfriend.

Police responded to a call from the theme park after security personnel detained Jackson for allegedly pushing her boyfriend.

Authorities confirmed to TMZ that Burgin, who is known online as Yerkky Yerkky, was arrested at a gas station in Kentucky on April 17 after a 'police officer recognized him from the National Crime Information Center database'

He is reportedly still being held on a $25,000 bond.

Deputies reviewed the surveillance footage of the alleged incident.

At the time, her representative told People: 'Skai is relieved that the investigation revealed that this was nothing more than a misunderstanding.'

'We appreciate that the DA determined very quickly that there should be no charges of any kind and Skai looks forward to putting this behind her,' her rep continued.

At the time of her arrest, law enforcement sources told TMZ she told the arresting officers she was 'happily engaged and expecting a baby.'

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office informed the outlet that the case will not go forward due to Jackson not having any criminal history.

The alleged victim, her boyfriend, does not have any injuries and had also not been cooperating with prosecutors.

Burgin was behind bars when Jackson gave birth to their baby boy, Kasai, in January 2025

News of Jackson's pregnancy came just several months after she was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery , but not charged

In September it was revealed that the Los Angeles District Attorney's office declined to file charges and dropped the case against her

Jackson is best known for her roles on Disney Channel sitcom Jessie and spin-off Bunk'd, both of which ended in 2018.

A month after becoming a first-time mom, Jackson gushed to Jackson that she felt 'so amazing.'

'I love being a new mom. It's just so exciting. So exciting,' she said at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors. 'I'm here tonight, I'm already missing my baby. But it's been a great month with my new little one.'

She also raved about her 'amazing support' system that help her out when Kasai gives her a 'fun for' her money.

Jackson is best known for her roles on Disney Channel sitcom Jessie and spin-off Bunk'd, both of which ended in 2018 (pictured in 2013)

'I feel like now I can just do anything,' she added. 'I feel like being a mom and juggling everything probably has to be one of the hardest jobs, but it's such a rewarding job because I'm doing it for him at the end of the day.'

Overall, motherhood has taught her that she can 'handle whatever at this point.'

Previously, she told People that she was raised by a single mom who 'always taught' her to 'stand up' for herself and 'fight for what is right.'

'I thank her for that because without her, I probably wouldn't have a lot of the confidence that I do now,' she told the outlet in 2023.
The Accountant 2 (15, 132 mins)

Verdict: Less boring than it sounds

Rating:

As if to make up for arguably the most boring title of any film in the history of cinema, pipping even Ordinary People (1980) and The Commuter (2018), The Accountant 2 begins with a blaze of action, incongruously enough in a bingo hall.

If you made it through the 2016 original, youll recall that Ray King (JK Simmons) of the US Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement department was about to retire.

Now he evidently has retired, which is exactly the kind of dull storyline you might expect from a movie called The Accountant 2. However, something doesnt add up.

There are baddies converging on the bingo hall where Ray is sitting inoffensively at the back, doing some calculations on a paper napkin, and soon theyre trying to bump him off.

Ray is getting on a bit (Simmons is 70) but still manages to out-muscle a few super-fit young assassins before they get the better of him, neatly presaging the many absurdities yet to come.

Most of these feature Ben Affleck, returning as autistic number-cruncher Christian Wolff, whose remarkable skills as a mathematical savant are usefully complemented by an awesome talent for punching and shooting his way out of any perilous situation.

As if to make up for arguably the most boring title of any film in the history of cinema, The Accountant 2 begins with a blaze of action, incongruously enough in a bingo hall (Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal pictured in film)

Ray is getting on a bit (Simmons is 70) but still manages to out-muscle a few super-fit young assassins before they get the better of him, neatly presaging the many absurdities yet to come (Daniella Pineda and JK Simmons pictured)

Christian used to deploy his talents for criminal purposes, laundering money for mobsters, but now Rays former underling Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) needs his help smashing a callous people-trafficking operation (pictured)

Only neurodivergent Christian can get to the bottom of them, and even he needs the help of his younger brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal), who similarly is as hard as nails and can shoot a glowering Central American thug between the eyes from 150 yards

Unfortunately, hes not so hot at relating to other people. We see him at a speed-dating event, where he has cooked the algorithms to attract more single women than anyone else, only to muck up his chances by trying to chat up each of them with a line about tax returns. This is quite funny, but its a one-note joke that soon runs out of steam.

Christian used to deploy his talents for criminal purposes, laundering money for mobsters, but now Rays former underling Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) needs his help smashing a callous people-trafficking operation.

The key to toppling the bad guys lies in the disappearance of a family from El Salvador, whose fate seems to have something to do with a stony-faced hitwoman (Daniella Pineda).

That makes the plot sound just about accessible. The truth is that youll need more than a ready reckoner to work out the wild convolutions of The Accountant 2.

Only neurodivergent Christian can get to the bottom of them, and even he needs the help of his younger brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal), who similarly is as hard as nails and can shoot a glowering Central American thug between the eyes from 150 yards.

Director Gavin OConnor and writer Bill Dubuque, the same team as last time, extract some fun from the uneasy relationship between the two siblings, and at least Affleck and Bernthal look vaguely as if they might share the same square-jawed parentage. But if you prefer your action thrillers with a modicum of credibility, youll need to look elsewhere.

The Accountant 2 is in cinemas now.

Havoc (18, 105 mins)

Verdict: Spectacularly violent

Rating:

Dont expect it from the Netflix thriller Havoc, though  or not unless you can believe in scenes of violence so relentless and extreme that its a wonder anyone makes it alive to the end of the film.

Havoc stars Tom Hardy as that most hackneyed of characters: the maverick American detective with a messy personal life. Its one of the great film and TV paradoxes that these cops, meant to be fiercely idiosyncratic, in fact submit to every single screen-writing convention.

Havoc stars Tom Hardy as that most hackneyed of characters: the maverick American detective with a messy personal life (pictured)

As for the story, it involves police-department corruption, a nasty mayor (hammed up outrageously by Forest Whittaker), a drugs deal gone wrong, and ruthless mobsters from the Far East (pictured)

How often have we seen the likes of Walker (Hardy)? Hes usually saddled with a junior partner for whom he acquires a grudging respect (tick). And there is quite often an only child for whom he hurriedly buys a cheap Christmas present, just to make up for being a rubbish dad (tick).

In a way its a shame that Hardy must abide by these humdrum cliches of the genre, because hes actually pretty terrific in Havoc  as good at being Walker as Clint Eastwood was at being Harry Callahan and Al Pacino was at being Frank Serpico, just to name two other non-conformist cops from the zillions weve seen.

As for the story, it involves police-department corruption, a nasty mayor (hammed up outrageously by Forest Whittaker), a drugs deal gone wrong, and ruthless mobsters from the Far East.

The director is Gareth Evans, the Welshman whose Indonesian gangland films, The Raid (2011) and The Raid 2 (2014), didnt just choreograph violent carnage but practically fetishised it.

He does the same here, most memorably in a nightclub dust-up that turns an ice-bucket into an instrument of death, along with more obvious weapons (though less obvious nightclub accessories) such as a meat cleaver and a machine gun.

If you like that sort of thing, its a heck of a scene. But youve been warned.

Havoc is on Netflix.
Demi Moore has revealed her most terrifying role years before she shocked fans by going fully naked in Striptease.

The actress, 61, who recently broke her silence on missing out on an Oscar for The Substance, said her breakout role on General Hospital when she was just 19 in 1982 was the first moment she realized her acting dream could come true.

Moore played journalist Jackie Templeton on the show from 1982-1983 and the following year she shot to film fame in Blame It On Rio, followed by acclaimed turns in St. Elmos Fire and in 1986's About Last Night.

She told People after being named the World's Most Beautiful Person: 'I think the first big moment that kind of gave me a little bit of encouragement of, wow, this could be possible, is when I got General Hospital because it was a real job on a show that was successful for a soap opera.

'In fact, it was at a heightened state because Elizabeth Taylor had just been a guest on a soap opera. And literally it was a month before my 19th birthday. And so it was like a real job where I was going to be paid and have an actual salary. Meaning that I didn't have to have another job. I could actually live by doing this thing that I loved and hoped I could do. So that was like the first moment to really kick it off.'

'You know, I just was so excited for all of it. But if I'm looking at this photo, I think I was probably a little terrified also.'

Demi Moore has revealed her most terrifying role years before she shocked fans by going fully naked in Striptease - pictured in The Substance

The star memorably stripped off to play an exotic dancer in 1996's Striptease

Moore hasn't shied away from a full frontal nude scene - from playing a dancer in Striptease in 1996 to a 17th century Puritan in The Scarlet Letter in 1995.

She's posed for her fair share of nude magazine covers too.

Moore appeared on the cover of the January 1981 issue of the adult magazine Oui, taken from a photo session in which she had posed completely naked.

In August 1991, Moore appeared nude on the cover of Vanity Fair seven months pregnant with the second of her three daughters.

The following year, Moore again appeared nude on the cover of Vanity Fair, this time modeling under the title Demi's Birthday Suit.

Most recently, she posed nude on the cover of Harper's Bazaar in October 2019.

Speaking on her nude scenes in an interview with Variety on Tuesday she said: 'One of the biggest misconceptions about me is that I loved my body.

'The reality is, so much of it was me calling in certain projects that would give me an opportunity to help me overcome insecurities about my body.

The actress, 61, said her breakout role on General Hospital when she was just 19 in 1982 was the first moment she realized her acting dream could come true

Moore played journalist Jackie Templeton on the show from 1982-1983 and the following year she shot to film fame in Blame It On Rio, followed by acclaimed turns in St. Elmos Fire and in 1986's About Last Night - pictured with Dawson Mays in 1982

The star shocked fans when she played FBI secretary turned stripper Erin Grant in the film

'It was the same with the Vanity Fair covers; it was not that I loved it  it was about trying to free myself from the space of enslavement that I had put myself in.'

Moore recently opened up about her gut-wrenching Best Actress loss  and whether she still believes theres a shot at Oscar gold down the line.

The Hollywood legend, who recently spoke out about ex-husband Bruce Willis battle with dementia, was widely expected to take home her first Academy Award for The Substance.

Instead, the honor went to 26-year-old breakout star Mikey Madison for her gripping performance in Anora.

It marked Demis first real shot at the golden statue after a blockbuster career that saw her rise from Brat Pack royalty to become the highest-paid actress in Hollywood.

Now, just two months after the emotional night, Demi is reflecting on it all  and setting the record straight about how she really feels.

'I really had the pleasure of getting to know Mikey Madison and think that she did an incredible performance,' Demi began in her candid conversation with Time on Wednesday. 'And really, it's an odd thing for there to be a competition anyway. But if I had won, it would've been a completion to what had started.'

As for the possibility of another shot at Oscar glory, Demi didnt rule it out.

'That would be nice,' she quipped.

Later, she added, 'I cant say I would be mad at it. The question is should I have won is really maybe certainly not the perspective of how I hold it because I didn't, and I really do subscribe to this idea that everything in life is happening for me, not to me.

'I really had the pleasure of getting to know Mikey Madison and think that she did an incredible performance,' Demi began in her candid conversation with Time on Wednesday; (pictured November)

'When I look at it through that lens, it allows me to step back and say, "What is this trying to give me?" And in that moment there was a lot was being projected that I would win, and so of course there's disappointment.

'I also immediately recognize that there is something that is greater that I am to be in service to, even if I don't know what that is, if there is a reason.'

In an earlier interview with Time, Demi confessed she had a feeling shed lose to Mikey  even before the envelopes were opened.

'I dont know why I knew, but I did,' the actress said.

'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.'
Netflix fans went wild this week after spotting one of Hollywoods most beloved real-life couples filming together for the upcoming second season of Man on the Inside.

The streaming giant recently confirmed that Mary Steenburgen will be joining her husband of 30 years Ted Danson on the hit comedy series.

Danson stars as Charles, a widowed retiree who gets a 'new lease on life' when he secretly teams up with a private investigator to solve a case inside a senior living community.

According to Netflix, Steenburgen will play 'a former musician who factors heavily into the case Charles is trying to solve.'

The show has been a fan favorite since its November debut, earning Danson Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for his performance as the charming amateur sleuth.

Now, fans are buzzing over the iconic couples onscreen reunion, after the two were spotted filming in Los Angeles on Wednesday  walking side by side and appearing in high spirits while shooting scenes outdoors.

Netflix fans went wild this week after spotting one of Hollywoods most beloved real-life couples filming together for the upcoming second season of Man on the Inside

The streaming giant recently confirmed that Mary Steenburgen will be joining her husband of 30 years Ted Danson on the hit comedy series

And social media quickly lit up as news of their onscreen reunion spread.

'That sounds like a fascinating storyline! Mary Steenburgen and Ted Danson together again should be wonderful,' one fan gushed.

Another simply celebrated the shows return, writing, 'Season 2 yasssssss.'

A third chimed in, 'I've always appreciated her, but I especially love her in Stepbrothers.'

Danson and Steenburgens love story dates back to 1983, when they met during his audition to play her husband in Cross Creek.

While they remained friends for a decade, sparks finally flew in 1993 while filming Pontiac Moon.

They tied the knot two years later.

This isnt their first time sharing the screen  theyve previously appeared together in Curb Your Enthusiasm, It Must Be Love, Gullivers Travels, and more.

Now, fans are buzzing over the iconic couples onscreen reunion, after the two were spotted filming in Los Angeles on Wednesday  walking side by side and appearing in high spirits while shooting scenes outdoors

And social media quickly lit up as news of their onscreen reunion spread

Danson and Steenburgens love story dates back to 1983, when they met during his audition to play her husband in Cross Creek; (seen in February)

This isnt their first time sharing the screen  theyve previously appeared together in Curb Your Enthusiasm, It Must Be Love, Gullivers Travels, and more; (seen in 1996's Ink)

Steenburgen is an acclaimed actress in her own right, having won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for Melvin and Howard.

She also earned Golden Globe nods for Going South and Ragtime, and has starred in a string of hit films including Time After Time, Philadelphia, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape, and Nightmare Alley.

On TV, shes had memorable roles in Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist, Grace and Frankie, and On Becoming a God in Central Florida.

Danson rose to fame as the charming bartender Sam Malone on the iconic sitcom Cheers, a role that earned him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

Hes since starred in acclaimed series like Becker, CSI, The Good Place, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, solidifying his reputation as one of televisions most versatile leading men.
Jasmine Waltz has shared details about her steamy loo romps in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

The model and actress, 42, first appeared on the show in 2014, before she returned for more drama in 2017 for its All Stars vs New Stars series.

Jasmine, who hails from Las Vegas, was romantically linked to fellow CBB contestant Lee Ryan, of boyband Blue.

However, after a brief romance following their departure from the Big Brother house, the two decided to go their separate ways.

Jasmine has now revealed they often snuck off to the toilet to spend intimate time together, because they struggled with having 'no privacy'.

She told The Sun: 'We tried to have sex a couple of times but couldn't fully pull the trigger. There were so many distractions, people giggling, it just wasn't feasible.

Jasmine Waltz has shared details about her steamy loo romps in the Celebrity Big Brother house

The former CBB star, 42, who hails from Las Vegas, was romantically linked to fellow CBB contestant Lee Ryan, of boyband Blue

'The toilets were so small and there wasn't the access. We didn't even turn on the taps to hide what we were trying to do. We didn't give a s*** what everyone thought.

'When we started sleeping in the same bed together, we tried to fool around but it was difficult because it was all on camera and you had absolutely no privacy.

'Lee and I had chemistry and a connection and just went for it. I was young, having fun and in a wild experience. I loved every second.'

Jasmine has reportedly dated in the past actor David Arquette and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

She also found herself in between a love triangle with Calum Best and Jamie O'Hara during her time on the show.

After Big Brother Jasmine was in a relationship with rugby ace Danny Cipriani for a short while.

The couple dated in 2010, following rugby ace Danny's initial split with Kelly Brook but had an acrimonious break-up.

However, she and Danny - who split from Kelly in 2013 after reportedly cheating on her multiple times - reconciled in 2014.

Jasmine has now revealed they often snuck off to the toilet to spend intimate time together, because they struggled with having 'no privacy'

'Lee and I had chemistry and a connection and just went for it. I was young, having fun and in a wild experience. I loved every second'

After Big Brother Jasmine was in a relationship with rugby ace Danny Cipriani for a short while

When Jasmine was entering the Celebrity Big Brother house, Kelly had reportedly feared that she would reveal details about her love life with Danny.

In 2017, Jasmine reflected on her Big Brother stint and admitted the drama from the programme made her 'physically sick'.

As she left the house in 2017, the American stunner reflected on her journey in the house to host Emma Willis at the time.

She said: 'It was such a brutal weekend. The prior five days to that were so brutal to me. I was so sick and so miserable and sad and boom straight into hell.

'My first initial reaction was so disappointed. I thought these were my friend I thought they had my back. I haven't cried since I got out.'

She also admitted that she got to the point that she couldn't handle being in the house anymore.

'I'm not used to this kind of lifestyle,' she explained. 'I'm used to healthy living, mental clarity. This is a lot of heavy drama, the dust and the dirt, the drama... I'm not used to it, and I got ill.

'I think on like the sixth day, the day we put on the gowns, I had gotten really, really sick. I flipped out and said I'm not doing this.'
Emma Willis made her first public appearance on Thursday after revealing she recently underwent keyhole heart surgery after living with an undiagnosed heart condition.

The TV presenter,49, was all smiles as she cosied up to husband Matt Willis as they attended the BAFTA TV Craft Award nominees' party at The V&A in London.

Emma showed off her toned figure in a black bandeaux crop top and a dazzling patterned black suit.

She looked incredible as she flashed her abs in the blazer and matching trousers as she posed on the red carpet.

Emma added inches to her frame in a pair of towering heels and accessorised with a chunky silver chain necklace.

Busted star Matt coordinated with his stunning wife in a smart black suit and matching open collar shirt.

Emma Willis made her first public appearance on Thursday after revealing she recently underwent keyhole heart surgery after living with an undiagnosed heart condition

The TV presenter was all smiles as she cosied up to husband Matt Willis as they attended the BAFTA TV Craft Award nominees' party at The V&A in London

The couple looked in good spirits as they posed together on the star-studded red carpet.

Later in the evening, Matt and Emma were all smiles as they departed the party holding hands.

Meanwhile Nicola Coughlan looked more loved-up than ever with boyfriend Jake Dunn, who she started dating at the end of last year.

The Bridgerton star, 38, put on a loved-up display with the actor, 25, as they made their red carpet debut together.

Nicola put on a leggy display in a smart tiny black blazer minidress which boasted a dramatic netted bow and train.

Elevating her frame in a pair of towering heels, the Netflix star teamed the number with a pair of opaque tights and carried a matching clutch.

Jake dressed smart for the night in a navy suit which he wore over a brown jumper and smart shirt.

The couple met after being introduced by her Derry Girls co-star and close friend Louisa Harland.

Following months of hiding the budding relationship, Nicola and Jake, finally confirmed their romance in October after they were spotted returning home hand-in-hand from a pub trip in North London.

Emma showed off her toned figure in a black bandeaux crop top and a dazzling patterned black suit

She looked incredible as she flashed her abs in the blazer and accessorised with a chunky silver chain necklace

Later in the evening, Matt and Emma were all smiles as they departed the party holding hands

Emma looked in high spirits as she departed with husband Matt

Meanwhile Nicola Coughlan looked more loved-up than ever with boyfriend Jake Dunn, who she started dating at the end of last year

The Bridgerton star, 38, beamed as she looked up at the actor, 25, as they made their red carpet debut together

Nicola put on a leggy display in a smart tiny black blazer minidress which boasted a dramatic netted bow and train

Elsewhere Strictly star Dianne Bushwell, 35, and partner Joe Sugg, 33, cosied up as they attended the glamorous event

The professional dancer looked stunning in a white floral gown which she paired with green heels and a Gucci handbag

Meanwhile Joe, who has been with Dianne since starring on Strictly in 2018, rocked a khaki double breasted blazer with a white shirt and black trousers

Ella Morgan looked sensational in a black velvet off the shoulder minidress which featured eye catching silver flower detailing

The TV personality rocked a pair of silver heels and toted her belongings in a matching clutch

Elsewhere Strictly star Dianne Bushwell, 35, and partner Joe Sugg, 33, cosied up as they attended the glamorous event.

The professional dancer looked stunning in a white floral gown which she paired with black heels and a Gucci handbag.

Joe, who has been with Dianne since starring on Strictly in 2018, rocked a khaki double breasted blazer with a white shirt and black trousers.

Ella Morgan looked sensational in a black velvet off the shoulder minidress which featured eye catching silver flower detailing.

The TV personality rocked a pair of silver heels and toted her belongings in a matching clutch.

Billie Piper commanded attention in a black sheer trench coat dress as she donned a matching bodysuit beneath.

The star wore a dramatic pair of gold drop earrings as she flashed her gorgeous smile for snaps.

David Tennant caught the eye in a black and gold butterfly patterned blazer and matching shirt as he stepped onto the red carpet.

It comes after Emma explained earlier this week how she was 'blissfully unaware' she had a hole in her heart all of her life.

David Tennant caught the eye in a black and gold butterfly patterned blazer and matching shirt as he stepped onto the red carpet

He beamed as he posed for photos

Elsewhere Billie Piper commanded attention in a black sheer trench coat dress as she donned a matching bodysuit beneath

The star wore a dramatic pair of gold drop earrings as she flashed her gorgeous smile for snaps

Billie wore a glamorous palette of makeup for the evening

Judi Love wowed in a gold figure hugging gold

Ellie Simmonds looked trendy in a white jumpsuit and gold heels

Billie put on a leggy display as she departed linking arms with a friend

The actress' makeup and hair were still flawless as she called a night

Dianne beamed happily as she stood outside waiting for boyfriend Joe

The Traitors fan-favourite Diane Carson couldn't resist whipping off her high heels after the evening, grinning as she left barefoot

Gavin and Stacey star Matthew Horne was also in attendance at the event with his wife Celina Bassili

The married couple looked loved-up on their way out of the bash, holding hands as they made their way home

Life peer Floella Benjamin looked regal in a shimmering blue dress and tiny tiara, teamed with a glitzy statement necklace and iridescent heels

Judi looked keen to get warm on her way out, wrapping up in a cosy black faux fur coat and linking arms with a pal

Former EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw was all smiles as he headed home, wearing a black button-up shirt and leather loafers

Ralph Ineson threw up a double thumbs up on his way out, looking smart in a black suit and dress shoes

Ellie looked as though she wanted the night to continue, as she chatted outside with a group of guests

Sharing the news Emma admitted she was shocked to discover what was happening 'in my body.'

'Turns out, Ive been pottering around for 48 years blissfully unaware I had a hole in my heart. Isnt it bonkers whats happening in our bodies that we have no idea about' she told her Instagram followers.

'What blows my mind even more is the wonders of modern medicine, and the spectacular people that save, fix and help us every single day.'

The medical term for 'hole in the heart' is septal defects  which refers to a hole between two of the heart's chambers.

Atrial septal defect is a congenital heart condition that sufferers are born with although the cause is unknown, according to the NHS.

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is where there's a hole between the 2 collecting chambers of the heart (the left and right atria). When there's an ASD, extra blood flows through the defect into the right side of the heart, causing it to stretch and enlarge.

Children with ASD only show mild symptoms but can be prone to more chest infections and can sometimes cause breathlessness and a heart murmur.

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a common form of congenital heart disease. It occurs when there's a hole between the 2 pumping chambers of the heart (the left and right ventricles).

This means that extra blood flows through the hole from the left to the right ventricle, due to the pressure difference between them. The extra blood goes to the lungs, causing high pressure in the lungs and a stretch on the left- sided pumping chamber.

Small holes often eventually close by themselves, but larger holes need to be closed using surgery.

Former Big Brother host Emma told fans she had recently had surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London.

Keyhole heart surgery involves making small incisions in the chest as opposed to the breastbone as in traditonal open heart surgery.

Emma revealed in an Instagram post on Wednesday that she recently underwent keyhole surgery after living with an undiagnosed heart condition

The TV presenter has explained how she was 'blissfully unaware' she had a hole in her heart all of her life

The surgeon accesses the heart through the incisions, allowing for a less invasive approach with fewer complications and a faster recovery time.

In a lengthy post, Emma thanked her husband Matt and the staff at the Royal Brompton Hospital who looked after her.

Emma and Matt have been together for more than 20 years and they have three children together - Isabelle, 15, Ace, 13, and Trixie, eight.

They tied the knot in 2008 and are approaching their 20th wedding anniversary, but have overcome some struggles over the years, including Matt's drug and alcohol addiction.

Former Busted star Matt recently told MailOnline how couple's therapy has helped him and Emma move on from challenges in their decades-long relationship.

They started marriage counselling in 2020 yet Matt admitted Emma was originally reluctant to do it, but is now glad they did because it 'transformed' their marriage.
Emmerdale has brought a new face to the Dales and Heartstopper fans will immediately recognise him.

Actor Bradley Riches, 23, has joined the ITV soap as Lewis Barton, the latest member of the iconic Barton family.

His casting has been previously teased, but the full details have been kept under wraps until now.

Bradley, who played James McEwan in Netflix's Heartstopper, has taken on the role of Lewis, the younger brother of Ross, Pete, and the late Finn Barton.

He confirmed the news on Instagram with a playful post alongside Mike Parr  who played Ross.

The soap took to social media with a promotion shot and penned: 'Admired actor, Bradley Riches, has joined the cast of Emmerdale as a new regular character!

Emmerdale has brought a new face to the Dales and Heartstopper fans will immediately recognise him

Actor Bradley Riches, 23, has joined the ITV soap as Lewis Barton, the latest member of the iconic Barton family

'Known for his role in Heartstopper and for appearing in the last series of Celebrity Big Brother, Bradley who started filming in the Dales this week, will arrive onscreen in May.'

Speaking of his role, Bradley said: 'I'm beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale! It's a real bucket list moment for me, especially since it was my grandad's favourite soap, I just know he'd be over the moon.

'Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming, and the village is even more amazing in real life.

'I absolutely love my character (though I can't spill too much just yet!), and I'm just so grateful for this opportunity. I can't wait for everyone to see what's in store'

Bradley played the character James in Heartstopper, the hit Netflix LGBTQ+ teen drama based on Alice Oseman's graphic novels.

James was introduced in season two as a new student at Truham Grammar School and a member of the school's rugby team.

Though he had a smaller role compared to the main cast, James stood out as a kind and friendly presence.

Bradley, who played James McEwan in Netflix's Heartstopper, has taken on the role of Lewis, the younger brother of Ross, Pete, and the late Finn Barton

Bradley played the character James in Heartstopper, the hit Netflix LGBTQ+ teen drama based on Alice Oseman's graphic novels

He quickly became part of the wider friend group and shared several scenes with key characters, including Charlie and Isaac.

Emmerdale producer, Laura Shaw, added: 'We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Bradley to the Emmerdale family.

'Bradley brings a wealth of talent and his warmth, wit and charisma makes him perfect for this new Emmerdale role.

'We have some wonderful stories for him to play and we can't wait for the audience to see Bradley bring his new character bursting into life on screen.'

In a first for the soap, Lewis is Emmerdale's first openly neurodivergent character.

Both Bradley and his character are autistic, and the show's writers worked closely with him to ensure the portrayal was authentic.

Bradley told Attitude magazine: 'The team were very open to my input. In the autistic community, many of us prefer to say 'I'm autistic' instead of 'I have autism'. It's part of who we are.'

With Lewis's arrival, Emmerdale expanded its beloved Barton family and took a major step in representing neurodivergent voices on screen.
He's lived his life out on reality TV for over a decade, with cameras capturing a slew of moments that have left audience members cringing.

And Jax Taylor was caught in the middle of another embarrassing moment in public on Thursday.

The Bravo star, 45, was spotted with his hand down his pants while stepping out in Los Angeles.

Jax did not appear to be wearing any underwear as he placed a hand beneath the waistband of his sweatpants.

A rather vacant expression on his face, the star stepped out in a black hat, New York City hoodie and sneakers in addition to his Nike sweatpants.

The latest outing comes after the latest episode of Jax's reality show The Valley dropped.

Jax Taylor was caught with his hand down his sweatpants while out in Los Angeles on Thursday

Jax and his ex Brittany Cartwright got into an explosive fight on Tuesday's episode of Bravo's Vanderpump Rules spinoff, The Valley, ahead of his 30-day rehab stint.

The reality star, 36, and bar owner began arguing after he allegedly had another woman over the night before at their shared residence.

As Taylor packed up his belongings for treatment, Cartwright warned her ex not to kiss their four-year-old son Cruz on his face because he 'had a disgusting girl here last night.'

'I don't know if you took a shower,' she said.

The off-handed remark infuriated Taylor, who ended up flipping a table during their blowup as she marveled at how he has become someone she doesn't recognize.

'If you were that miserable, you couldve left years ago. Ill never forgive you for this. Never,' Taylor shot back.

Taylor, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder last year, proceeded to remind Cartwright that he begged her to 'check on' him to 'see how' he was doing.

'You scared me and you hurt me,' Cartwright fired back. 'You need to go get help for yourself and for our son. He can not grow up and become a person like you.'

In a confessional, Taylor insisted that his rehab stay was motivated by fear that Cartwright would take Cruz 'away' from him.

'If I have to do this so she won't do that, then I'm gonna do it,' he said.

Jax did not appear to be wearing any underwear as he placed a hand beneath the waistband of his sweatpants

During the episode, Cartwright cautioned him that if he did not 'stay the full 30 days' she would be filing for 'full custody' and a 'restraining order' immediately.

'You're going to lose your job. You're crazy. You're actually crazy. I don't need you out in town getting drunk, doing drugs, walking around with little sluts,' she told him.

Cartwright went on to call out her ex's addiction issues on camera for the first time.

'You have an addiction and you need to be honest with the doctor,' she said. 'Jax, you have the coke problem. Everybody knows it. Own up to it. Be real with the doctor.'

Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor got into an explosive fight on Tuesday's episode of Bravo's Vandeprump Rules spinoff, The Valley, ahead of his 30-day rehab stint

The cringe-worthy moment comes after the latest episode of Jax's reality show The Valley dropped

Despite their issues, Cartwright explained during her own confessional that she was just trying to help Taylor, who she said was 'spiraling out of control.'

'He's gotten worse. I don't know if he's at rock bottom yet, but he is really close,' she said. 'Cruz deserves more. I deserve more. And I just can't take it anymore. I've tried too hard.'

After the episode aired, fans praised Cartwright for taking her 'power back.'

'She snatched her power with that scene right there good for her,' one wrote.

Another said: 'This was the moment Brittany took her power back.'

After the episode aired, fans praised Cartwright for taking her 'power back'

'I totally feel for Brittany. You cant love the pain out of an addict,' a third concluded.

On August 27, Cartwright filed for divorce, citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

The former couple were married for five years, welcoming son Cruz in 2021.

She cited their date of separation as January 24.
Disney World has quietly raised its prices for next year, turning the screws on family vacations.

Walt Disney World put its 2026 tickets on sale on Tuesday, and eagle-eyed observers noticed the costs have ticked up.

Prices for one-day tickets to Disney World in Florida have increased by roughly $10 for January to October 2026, depending on which package visitors choose.

For example, the maximum price for a one-day ticket to Disney's Animal Kingdom rose from $169 in 2025 to $179 in 2026.

Similarly a one-day visit to EPCOT will soon cost $194, up from $184 for tickets for January to October this year.

Disney's Hollywood Studios currently costs up to $184 but will rise to $199 next year - the highest increase of any ticket so far.

A one-day ticket to Magic Kingdom remained constant at $199.

The highest prices could still be yet to come, Disney expert Gavin Doyle, of Mickey Visit, explained.

Prices for one-day tickets to Disney World will increase by roughly $10

This is because Disney has not released the ticket prices for November or December 2026 yet. These are usually the busiest months of the year and have the highest priced tickets.

Doyle expects one-day Magic Kingdom tickets for November and December to hit as high as $205 for 2026.

'These higher prices reflect expected demand for the most crowded days at Disney World throughout the year which is typically aligned with school breaks and holidays,' Doyle said of the price increases.

Doyle also pointed out that despite the price increases for the most expensive days, some 2026 dates are actually less expensive than the same period a year before.

'Particularly in July, there seems to have been an acknowledgement that even though these dates are during summer break, they are not the most popular dates of the year and prices are lower,' he explained.

Disney has doubled the cost of its one-day tickets to Disney World in the last decade, adding more than $100 per person, according to Mickey Visit data.

Despite the consistent price hikes, Disney World is still offering an array of discounts to encourage visitors to the park, especially at non-peak times.

Visitor numbers have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, and dips in international travel following increased border security and President Donald Trump's threats against countries such as Canada will likely have an effect.

Disney has doubled the cost of its one-day tickets to Disney World in the last decade

Despite the consistent price hikes Disney World is still offering an array of discounts

Gavin Doyle launched the website Mickey Visit to offer helpful tips to cash-strapped travelers

'I've heard from a number of Canadian visitors who are cancelling US trips, including Disney visits. I expect we'll start to see this showing up in spring break numbers from this year,' Doyle wrote on his blog.

Canadians have begun boycotting American vacations after Trump launched aggressive tariffs against the nation and threatened to make it the '51st state.'

The number of Canadians making trips to the US by car dropped 32 percent in March compared to a year ago, according to new Statistics Canada figures.

It marked the third straight month of declines - including a 23 percent plunge from the month before.

Air travel also took a hit, down 13.5 percent in March year-over-year.
The battle between Ben & Jerry's and its corporate overlords at Unilever has taken a nasty turn.

The ice-cream maker and its parent company have been locked in a battle over its 'woke' causes which Unilever is trying to reign in.

The co-founders of Ben & Jerry's ice-cream have asked Unilever to sell their namesake brand back to them, but they have so far refused to publicly entertain the offer.

Now the consumer goods giant is threatening to pull funding for the Ben & Jerry's Foundation which donates to a range of charities and social justice organizations.

Unilever has demanded an expedited order of the foundation's donations or it will pull its roughly $5 million contribution, Reuters reported.

The foundation has previously supported the Human Rights Coalition, Homes for All St Louis and Black Workers Matter.

Ben Cohen, who started the much-loved brand with Jerry Greenfield, has been rallying like-minded investors to join him in buying back the company, which has been known for its activism since its founding in Vermont in 1978.

It comes weeks after CEO David Stever was fired by Unilever sparking a lawsuit.

The Ben & Jerry's Foundation could lose $5 million in funding from Unilever

When Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry's for $326 million in 2000, it agreed to let an independent board oversee the brands social justice mission.

However, that mission has repeatedly clashed with Unilevers corporate priorities.

Tensions escalated in 2021 when Ben & Jerrys halted sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, sparking a public battle between the brand and its parent company.

Now, as Unilever considers spinning off its ice cream division  which includes brands like Magnum  Cohen wants Ben & Jerrys to go its own way.

'In the year 2000, Unilever loved us for who we were,' Cohen previously told the Wall Street Journal.

'Now we've gone separate ways in our relationship. We just need them to set us free.'

Unilever has held firm that Ben & Jerry's is an important part of its ice-cream business and is not for sale.

Although Cohen and Greenfield are no longer on the company's board they wrote a letter in support of Stever.

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have begun initial discussions to buy Ben and Jerry's back from Unilever

Ben & Jerry's claims its CEO was fired by its parent company because of his political activism

Ben & Jerry's remaining bosses also filed a lawsuit in response accusing the parent company of firing Stever for his political activism.

They also say Unilever violated an agreement struck when the conglomerate bought Ben & Jerry's that allowed it to continue its 'social mission' and advocate for causes.

'We spent a tremendous amount of time and energy working on that document and negotiating it,' Cohen, 74, told the Journal.

'If not for that agreement, Ben & Jerry's would have died by now, and it would be just another ice cream brand.'

Ben & Jerry's claims Unilever went against the agreement when it stopped the brand speaking out against Donald Trump after he won his second presidential election in November 2024.

Ben & Jerry's had planned to take the Trump administration to task on minimum wage, universal health care, abortion, and climate change, per the suit.

'Despite four decades of progressive social activismand years of challenging the Trump administration's policies, criticizing Trump was now too taboo for the brand synonymous with "Peace, Love, and Ice Cream,"' Ben & Jerry's said in the lawsuit.

Unilever in turn says the brand has pivoted to supporting 'one-sided, highly controversial, and polarizing topics' that put its other business interests at risk.

However, Cohen - who remains an employee of Ben & Jerry's - is not ready to throw in the towel.

'Ben & Jerry's is a company with a soul,' he told the Journal.

'Business is the most powerful force in our society, and for that, it has responsibility to the society.'
America's biggest retail stores struggled to keep up with demand as shoppers flocked online last night for the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-sale after its original date was delayed due to Trump's tariffs.

Gamers reported issues with Target, Walmart and Best Buy as they rushed to purchase the Japanese console when it was released at midnight.

Downdetector, which monitors online outages, reported more than 2,520 complaints from Target customers when the sale launched.

Best Buy saw a continuous rise across the evening of shoppers reporting problems between 9pm and 1am, with some saying the item was not available to be pre-ordered.

Walmart shoppers first reported trouble not long after 8pm with just under 1,500 reports, according to the online tracker, but had minimal incidents reported after 10pm.

The Switch 2 was one of the most hotly-anticipated consumer product releases of the year.

Nintendo revealed the redesigned console on April 2, the same day that President Donald Trump held a massive press conference on the White House lawn to announce the 'Liberation Day' tariffs on the world.

The tariffs came in much higher than economists expected, sending the stock market into a tailspin and forcing Nintendo to delay pre-orders for its new console.

The Nintendo Switch 2 pre-sale sent online shoppers into a frenzy, as major retail sites crashed as the sale launched (stock image)

The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 ignited panic among gamers who rushed online to secure their pre-order - only to find websites had been overwhelmed with demand

When eager shoppers logged on to finally secure their new consoles at midnight, they were met with a tech meltdown, forcing them to vent their disappointment on social media.

'Which best buy employee forgot to change the button for the pre orders for switch 2?' one gamer said.

'Best Buy didn't open their preorders for the Switch 2 on time... and they instead waited until I was away for my computer to open them, so now I'm stuck in a long line,' complained another.

'Best Buy is crashing hard. Hopefully people get their Switch 2s,' said a shopper.

'So Best Buy, after telling me not to leave the page, just closed the "you're in line" box without letting me do anything,' said another.

Someone else wrote: 'Best buy is a mess.'

Others shared their excitement upon securing an order.

'I GOT ONE YESSSS! Nintendo Switch 2 Here we go baby!' said one person.

'I managed to get one through Best Buy, hopefully they dont cancel my order,' another wrote.

'Best Buy never failed me,' rejoiced another.

Best Buy shoppers reported complaints with the website leading up to the pre-sale launch, with the most people experiencing difficulty right at midnight

Target shoppers reported complaints just as the Nintendo device's pre-sale kicked off on Thursday

America's biggest retail stores struggled to keep up with demand as shoppers flocked online for the release of the Nintendo Switch 2

However, many were not as lucky, with one man trying all three major retailers and failing to secure the console on each attempt.

'My Nintendo Switch 2 shopping experience lol. Thanks Target Best Buy and Walmart,' he said, sharing grabs of each website failing to send his order through.

The new Switch boasts a bigger 7.9-inch screen, higher resolution, a chat feature to talk to friends, and new Joy-Con controllers that attach and detach easily - no more wrestling them out of your console or dealing with faulty release buttons.

It was originally set to launch on April 9, but Nintendo postponed the date after Trump announced plans to impose trade tariffs on foreign countries.

'Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the US will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,' Nintendo told DailyMail.com at the time.

'Nintendo will update timing at a later date. The launch date of June 5, 2025 is unchanged.'

When the new release date was confirmed, the Japanese gaming company said the $449.99 price tag of the long-awaited gadget would not increase despite taxation pressures.

In order to keep the consoles at the same price, the company will have to eat millions of dollars in previously unknown costs.

Switch consoles are mostly produced in Vietnam and China. Both countries were slapped with tariffs by the Trump administration.

All products manufactured in Vietnam were hit with a 46 percent tariff rate while products from China are subject to a 145% levy.

Nintendo is just one of many tech companies re-evaluating their operation as a result of the global tariff war.

The 'magnificent seven' stocks of high-earning tech companies lost $1.03 trillion in just a day after the tariffs were announced.

Apple, which also relies on Asian manufacturing, lost $311 billion from its market cap before recovering after Trump announced iPhones would be exempt.

Major automakers like Volkswagen, are pausing production of some of their cars.

Even though Trump has issued a 90-day tariff pause on many countries after his initial announcement tanked the stock market, he has asserted he will not budge when it comes to tech.

'NOBODY is getting off the hook for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst!' the president posted on Truth Social.

'These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff bucket,' he continued.
Special Envoy of the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention HRH Prince Mired Al-Hussein to visit Sri Lanka

At the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka, the Special Envoy of the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention, Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan will undertake an official visit from 5  7 March 2018.

The visit is of particular significance since Sri Lanka acceded to the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention on 13 December 2017 becoming its 163rd State Party. The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, typically referred to as the Ottawa Convention or Mine Ban Treaty, seeks to end the use of anti-personnel landmines (APLs) worldwide. It was opened for signature on December 3, 1997, and it entered into force on March 1, 1999. Currently the convention has 164 state parties.

During his visit to Sri Lanka, the Special Envoy will call on President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana. He is also scheduled to undertake a field visit to the Northern Province, accompanied by the Minister of Rehabilitation and Resettlement, D.M Swaminathan, where he will witness firsthand the mine clearance activities being carried out and interact with agencies that clear mines as well as landmine victims.

The Special Envoys visit provides an opportunity for Sri Lanka to demonstrate the work that has been done so far in mine clearance, and plans to make the country mine free by the year 2020. In this context, the Special Envoy is expected to meet with the UN Country Team, civil society and other stakeholders to discuss further assistance for mine clearance and mine victims in Sri Lanka.

On Tuesday 6 March at 5.30 p.m., the Special Envoy will deliver a lecture at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies on The Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Landmines: Asias Opportunities and Challenges.

Since 2004, Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein has served as the Chair of Jordans National Committee for Demining and Rehabilitation. After being appointed in 2009 as the Special Envoy to the Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention, he has worked extensively with the UN and member countries to promote the banning of anti- personnel mines, worldwide.

Sinhala Text

Tamil Text

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

2 March 2018
The combat footage is almost like a CoD game, and involves the brave soldiers of the Police Rifle Battalion ambushing a number of Russian soldiers in the Donetsk region, towards Toretsk.

Ukrainian soldier of the Police Rifle Battalion eliminates invaders in a close range in the Toretsk direction, Donetsk region.  pic.twitter.com/19JQROUKxX  Cloooud | (@GloOouD) April 23, 2025

The Ukrainians are utilising drones to assist their soldiers in rooting out and finishing off the Russian invaders. Some drones are also armed with explosives and can cause devastating damage to a human body. Russian conscripts are literally being blown to bits, some flying in all directions. They are abandoned by their platoons when injured or lost. The Russian command structure treats their soldiers like cannon fodder. We cannot show the videos here out of discretion.

The lifespan of most Russian conscripts is about three weeks, if they are lucky. Unfortunately, possibly the same for the Ukrainians.

This is trench warfare but with a twist, there is nowhere to hide because the air is swarming with drones. In WW1 and WW2, there was no such technology, therefore soldiers had a better chance of survival. This is not the case any more.

Future warfare will include more robotics, and more drones. China is developing vast arrays of military capable robots. Russia is presumably doing the same.

We are on the cusp of a deadly turn of modern warfare, where humans will be deemed almost useless on the battlefield.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Hundreds of civilians, including at least 12 humanitarian workers, have been killed in recent artillery shelling targeting the El Fasher and Zamzam camps in Sudans Darfur region, triggering an unprecedented wave of displacement according to the UN
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Vladmir Putin was very wrong to think he could silence an MP by sanctioning her, she has said, as another joked he could no longer moor his super yacht in Moscow.

Labours Johanna Baxter said the decision to sanction her came as no coincidence, on the same day that she launched a report into the forced deportation of an estimated 19,546 children from Ukraine into Russia.

Jim Shannon, the DUP MP for Strangford who was also sanctioned on Wednesday, said the decision would mean he would have to moor the super yacht  which he does not have  in Ballywalter, Co Down, instead of the Russian capital.

Ms Baxter told the Commons: If Vladimir Putin thinks that sanctioning me will silence me, he is very, very wrong.

It is no coincidence that that sanction came on a day where I released and launched a report that I co-authored with UK Friends of Ukraine on the issue of the stolen children, which outlines in detail the systemic capture, re-education and conscription of Ukrainian children by Russia.

The MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire Souths report with UK Friends of Ukraine, titled Returning the Stolen Children of Ukraine, recommended that the UK Government should support the International Criminal Court (ICC) to pursue a rigorous legal evaluation under the framework of genocide.

She asked whether Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty would support another of the reports recommendations for a UK national day of action on July 17.

Mr Doughty replied that the issue of stolen children was one of the most heinous and horrific aspects of this conflict because of course its not only horrific for those children and their families, but it also speaks to a wider attempt by Putin to subjugate the people, the identity, the culture, the language, and indeed the future of Ukraine which should be clear for all to see.

At the despatch box, he continued: One of the most powerful memories I have of that, in my own office is a picture painted by one of the children who thankfully was returned, but there are sadly still far too many who have been taken by Russia.

Russia-sanctioned Labour MP for Bolton West Phil Brickell asked whether Mr Doughty agreed that if Putin is serious about securing any sort of lasting peace in Ukraine, he should stop the performative sanctioning of democratically elected members of this House and focus on stopping the murderous, barbaric killing of civilians in Ukraine, and stop the invasion of that nation that we stand with in full support.

Mr Doughty told MPs: I utterly condemn the sanctioning of members of this House, including (Mr Brickell).

Im on that list too, and indeed are many other members. Its completely unacceptable but were clear on that.

Sir Desmond Swayne, the Conservative MP for New Forest West, later said: Can I welcome fresh members to the list of those of us who have been sanctioned?

Mr Shannon said: What does a sanction mean? It means my super yacht  I dont have one  cant be taken to Moscow to put it somewhere for the winter.

(It) means I have to take it to Ballywalter, my village where I was born and brought up, alongside my rowing boat that I rent and use now again.

It will not stop me speaking up to illustrate Russias crimes.

And just to remember what those are  its stolen children, thousands of men, women and children murdered, its the church pastors that have disappeared, its all those things, and its the massacre in Bucha.

Mr Doughty responded: I condemn the sanction against him, but I think the reaction of both himself and indeed other members of this House, I think should show everybody in the world  Vladimir Putin, but also our allies, most importantly Ukraine  that our support remains ironclad.
The RUC investigation into the murder of a man by loyalists in Belfast in 1991 was ineffective and not capable of bringing perpetrators to justice, Northern Irelands Police Ombudsman has said.

Marie Anderson said complaints from the family of John OHara about the investigation were legitimate and justified.

Mr OHara, a 41-year-old father of five, was working as a taxi driver when he was attacked by gunmen in Dunluce Avenue, south Belfast, on April 17 1991.

He had arrived to pick up a fare when a number of men emerged from an alleyway and fired shots through the drivers side window.

The Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF), a loyalist paramilitary group aligned with the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), admitted the murder the following day.

Police said Mr OHara had no connection to any political or paramilitary organisation.

Publishing her report, Mrs Anderson said while the original police response was of a good standard, the subsequent murder inquiry was not capable of bringing those responsible to justice.

She said the inadequacy of the investigation meant it failed to meet the legal obligation under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mrs Anderson said police investigating the murder failed to effectively pursue relevant suspects, including failing to arrest a significant number of individuals implicated by intelligence reports and other information as having been involved.

Her report also said the murder weapons can no longer be located for analysis using modern forensic techniques, and identified failures to test suspect alibis, to seize a car suspected of being used by the killers, and to conduct adequate forensic inquiries.

However, the ombusdman said she had found nothing to suggest police had information that would have allowed them to prevent the murder.

Police actions surrounding Mr OHaras murder were initially investigated as part of a larger ombudsman investigation which focused on the activities of the UDA in south Belfast between 1993 and 1998.

Mr OHaras killing was not included in the report on this broader investigation, published in 2022, due to the pending prosecution of a man charged in connection to the murder. The trial was halted in December 2023 when the man died.

Mrs Anderson said: I am mindful that intelligence is not evidence but all investigative agencies rely on intelligence to assist in the investigation of crime.

Intelligence can provide investigators with new lines of inquiry which may result in subsequent arrests and other investigative opportunities.

My investigators have viewed intelligence and information that was provided to the murder investigation team that would have enabled them to identify a number of potential suspects to the murder.

However, no arrests of these individuals followed.

She said one potential suspect was not arrested despite being connected to the murder by witness evidence and four separate pieces of intelligence received between April and September 1991  one of which suggested he had been one of the gunmen.

Mrs Anderson also referred to intelligence received by police in late April 1991, which indicated that eight people had been involved in the murder.

She said: This intelligence provided a significant amount of information about the murder, which I have concluded ought to have been actioned by police.

However, only three of those people were arrested.

Her report said another of those named in the intelligence was identified by RUC Special Branch as a possible likeness to a photofit created by witnesses who described a gunman running down the street telling people to stay indoors.

Despite having been identified on the basis of intelligence and witness evidence, he was not arrested, although his home was searched. The search found nothing to assist the investigation of Mr OHaras murder.

Police also raised an investigative action to trace and interview another of the potential suspects, rather than arrest him, the ombudsmans report said.

I find it concerning that police had separate pieces of information suggesting that this man may have been linked to Mr OHaras murder yet he was not arrested.

He was interviewed only as a witness rather than a suspect.

The ombudsman investigators found no evidence that the alibis provided by three suspects arrested in connection with Mr OHaras murder had been tested by police.

One was interviewed 21 times over three days in April 1991. Mrs Anderson said Mr OHaras murder received only two brief mentions during these interviews.

The report said the suspect stated that he had been at his brothers house at the time of the murder. Mrs Anderson said there was no evidence that police had conducted inquiries to test this alibi.

The complaint to the ombusdman by Mr OHaras widow included an allegation that she had not been kept updated about the progress of the original police investigation.

As a result, she suspected there had been collusion between police and those involved in the murder.

Mrs Anderson said her investigators had identified and spoken to the officer who had contact with the family during the murder investigation.

He said his point of contact with the family had been Mrs OHaras brother-in-law.

The ombudsman said: The officer agreed that, because of the pressure of work at that time, together with security concerns regarding the releasing of information, there was insufficient contact with all families who found themselves in similar circumstances during this time period.

This is a systemic issue that I have identified in other similar cases.

The ombudsmans investigation found no collusion in relation to the allegation of failures by police to update Mrs OHara about her husbands murder.
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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 ...


As the world, especially China, continues to deal with the impact of US's reciprocal tariffs, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang arrived in Beijing on April 17 and later visited Japan. His tour, at such a sensitive time, has sparked speculation about how Nvidia plans to navigate escalating US-China tensions and its role at the center of the global AI race.

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Revitalizing the waterfront, restoring key transportation infrastructure

How the cleanup of the Whatcom Waterway is helping to power Bellingham's economic future.



By MATT WOLTMAN

Anchor QEA

Woltman

multi-year, two-phase contaminated marine sediments cleanup project is reshaping the Bellingham waterfront, breathing new life into the Port of Bellingham's economic outlook. The Whatcom Waterway remediation project addresses decades of industrial pollution, while also paving the way for commercial and industrial growth, enhanced public access and recreation, and modernization of a deepwater port terminal facility.

At the center of this ambitious initiative is the revitalization of a site long burdened by contamination from historical industrial uses. The Whatcom Waterway was once home to Georgia-Pacific's pulp and chemical mill operations, which for decades released mercury, pulp waste and other byproducts into the bay. Today, this legacy is being replaced by clean water, new public parks, upgraded infrastructure and developable waterfront property.

A TWO-PHASE APPROACH TO RECOVERY

Renderings by Anchor QEA [enlarge] Proposed post-cleanup shoreline conditions including filling the 26-acre Aerated Stabilization Basin to create a nearshore confined disposal facility, isolating contaminated material.





The project is structured in two major phases. Phase 1, completed in 2016, removed over 100,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, capped remaining materials and implemented habitat improvements designed to make the effort self-mitigating. Phase 2, currently in the design stage and scheduled for construction between 2027 and 2030, significantly expands the scope of the remediation and its associated benefits.

The cleanup has been guided by a consistent team with deep experience in sediment remediation and shoreline redevelopment. From the outset, the project was intended to do more than address contamination. It is designed to support future investment  clearing the way for port-related industry, expanding public shoreline access and generating environmental credits that can help accelerate permitting for future development.

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON

As cleanup progresses, new land is becoming available for high-value economic uses. Once the site of wastewater processing, the 26-acre Aerated Stabilization Basin (ASB) is being reimagined to serve existing and future marine trades tenants. Approximately 13 acres of upland property will be created as part of the cleanup, opening the door for maritime operations, manufacturing or other commercial tenants requiring waterfront access for their businesses.

This aligns with the port's broader land-use vision and Bellingham's goals for job creation and economic diversity. The area is already seeing increased interest from businesses seeking proximity to the deepwater terminal and multimodal shipping routes.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTRIAL ACCESS

[enlarge] The Aerated Stabilization Basin, including the nearshore Confined Disposal Facility(CDF), with potential opportunities for land use on about 13 acres of upland property being created as part of the cleanup.





The Whatcom Waterway cleanup is also helping to restore key transportation infrastructure. In 2023, the port began early dredging at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal to ensure continued navigational access and prevent the redistribution of contaminated sediment from vessel activity. Additional dredging will follow during Phase 2 of the cleanup project, resulting in deepening of the navigational channel.

The project is further coordinating efforts to return rail service to the Bellingham Shipping Terminal. A federal grant secured through congressional support is funding upgrades to the BNSF mainline spur and a switchback track system. These improvements will strengthen Bellingham's role as a flexible and competitive port along the Seattle-to-Vancouver corridor.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS, LONG-TERM VALUE

A defining feature of the Phase 2 cleanup project is the plan to manage contaminated sediments onsite, saving both time and resources. Rather than transporting over 500,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments offsite, the cleanup strategy involves building a containment wall within the ASB to create a nearshore confined disposal facility. This secure structure will isolate the material and allow the remaining acreage to be used for future development.

This revised approach required amending the site's consent decree and cleanup action plan with the Washington State Department of Ecology, which originally called for a full marina conversion. By adjusting the plan to current community and economic needs, the port is achieving both environmental protection and long-term usability. The result is reduced cleanup costs, added flexibility for redevelopment and the generation of valuable habitat mitigation credits.

ENHANCING THE PUBLIC REALM

While economic development remains central, the project also contributes significantly to the quality of life along Bellingham Bay. Partnerships between the port and the city of Bellingham have already produced parks and trails, with more improvements on the horizon. Waypoint Park, for example, transformed portions of the former mill site into one of the community's most popular shoreline destinations, with further expansion planned.

The Whatcom Waterway project is part of a comprehensive port-wide remediation and redevelopment effort that weaves together environmental restoration, infrastructure upgrades and land-use planning. The cleanup project is supported in part by Department of Ecology grants. Additional Ecology funding for habitat improvement also includes enhancing the intertidal habitat between the Roeder Avenue and Holly Street bridges  and highlights the value of a holistic approach that integrates cleanup with long-term civic investment.

A MODEL FOR INTEGRATED PORT REDEVELOPMENT

The Whatcom Waterway cleanup offers a compelling model for port cities seeking to balance environmental restoration with economic renewal and public priorities. By tightly integrating cleanup planning with long-term land use, infrastructure goals and habitat enhancement, the project is creating lasting value for the community and for future users of the working waterfront.

When complete, the project will have transformed more than 70 acres of contaminated land and water into a productive, accessible and sustainable shoreline  demonstrating what's possible when environmental responsibility and economic vision align.

Matt Woltman is a principal engineer with Anchor QEA and project manager and lead design engineer on the Whatcom Waterway Phase 2 cleanup project.





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Photo by Benjamin Benschneider [enlarge] James Baldwin Elementary School opened in October 2023.





Two new school buildings in Washington have been honored with the top prize at Learning by Design magazine's spring 2025 Educational Facilities Design Awards.





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Nobody wants to think about being sick or having an accident while on holiday, but unfortunately it happens. Of course, being in a foreign country when something like this happens sounds like an absolute nightmare.

So, If you're heading abroad this summer, you might want to make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which allows you to access public healthcare in another EU or EEA country for free or at a reduced rate.

You may remember the EHIC being formerly known as the E111 form and it can be life saver when faced with an emergency abroad.

What countries are covered by the EHIC?

You can use the card when travelling in any EU country or EEA country which includes Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. Switzerland is also covered by the card. It is worth noting that Andorra and Monaco are not part of either union and so the EHIC is not accepted in either of these destinations.

READ NEXT: Irish couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary attend Pope Francis' wake

Luckily for Irish holidaymakers, Irish citizens have access to healthcare under the Common Travel Area while in the UK and so they are covered for healthcare while visiting.

What does the EHIC cover?

The EHIC covers free or reduced cost public healthcare in any of these countries. It also covers a temporary stay of up to three months in the country you are visiting, any pre-existing medical conditions, as well as routine maternity care, so long as you are not going there with the intention of giving birth. Students who are there studying abroad are also covered during the academic year.

What does the EHIC not cover?

The EHIC does not cover any private healthcare costs or any expenses for travelling back to Ireland. It also doesn't cover any ongoing or permanent healthcare or medical expenses if your reason for travelling abroad was to have treatment.

Handy things to know before you set off on your travels

Each member of your family will need their own EHIC and they are valid for up to four years. There is no charge for applying for or renewing the card which can be done online.

In some countries, people might have to pay some money towards the cost of services depending on how the state does so with their own citizens.

If you don't have your EHIC with you when accessing healthcare abroad and you have to pay or if you were charged by mistake, you might be eligible for a refund. If you get in contact with the HSE, they will be able to liaise with the other state.
Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday morning following his death at the age of 88 on Easter Monday.

Following months of poor health, Pope Francis suffered a stroke on Monday not long after his last public appearance for the Vatican's Easter celebrations.

President Michael D Higgins, An Taoiseach Micheal Martin and An Tanaiste Simon Harris will join international leaders at the Pope's funeral at St Peter's Basilica in Rome on Saturday morning.

People in Ireland will be able to watch the Pontiff's funeral live from the Vatican on Saturday on television, radio and online.

READ NEXT: 'The Green Country' - Remembering Pope Francis' special relationship with Ireland

RTE will begin their coverage of the funeral live from Rome from 8.30am on RTE One and RTE Player with David McCullagh and Sharon Ni Bheolain presenting a special programme. Aine Lawlor and Fr Michael Collins will provide commentary of the ceremony.

RTE Radio 1 will also provide special coverage of the funeral from 8.30am presented by Dearbhail McDonald. Colm O Mongain and Fr Thomas McCarthy will provide live radio commentary.

In addition to this, the Vatican's YouTube channel will broadcast the funeral live. They are also currently airing live footage of those visiting the Pope's body at St Peter's Basilica.

BBC One Northern Ireland will also be airing live coverage of the Pope's funeral from 8.30am presented by Reeta Chakrabarti.
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In a shocking revelation, figures released by the HSE through request by the Freedom of Information Act 2014 show that over half a million of outpatient appointments were not attended last year at hospitals throughout the country. Louth was among the counties which saw significant numbers of missed appointments.

The report detailed the figures of missed appointments, or DNAs (Did Not Attend), at each hospital in the country in 2024 and contained a breakdown by region. In total, there were over 525,320 appointments not attended last year.

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda also recorded high figures of over 10,316. Additionally, Louth County Hospital had a total of 2,685 missed appointments. In total, Louth had 13,001 DNAs in 2024.

To put this in perspective, the number of missed appointments in Louth County Hospital last year were in fact greater than the current figure of those on waiting lists for outpatient services at the hospital. As it stands, 2,361 people are on waiting lists at the hospital. The waiting list for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, however, is much higher with over 18,888 currently on it.

At the top of the list for the most DNAs in 2024 was the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital with 48,007. St. James's Hospital followed with 40,000 and then Beaumont with 39,398.Outside of the Dublin area, University Hospital Limerick also recorded high numbers of missed appointments with a total of 24,659 as well as University Hospital Waterford with 26,522.

Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly all recorded a combined total of 17,419 unattended appointments last year also.

Such staggering figures perhaps hold most significance when compared to the number of people currently on waiting lists for often critical and life-saving health services across Ireland. According to the latest figures from the HSE, there are over 575,716 people on outpatient waiting lists nationally. Of these, 500,637 are adults and 75,079 are children.

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When the total number of missed outpatient appointments are put side by side with the total number of those still enduring the never-ending waiting lists, the figures are not worlds apart. Had even the majority of these appointments been attended, then perhaps there would have been a considerable dent made in these enormous waiting lists.

To place this into further context, the Mater Hospital's number of missed appointments last year at 48,007 is almost 10,000 greater than their outpatient waiting list which currently stands at 38,254. Even worse, St James's figures from 2024 were almost double their current waiting lists of 23,950.

When asked to comment on the figures, the Mater pointed out that with a total of 291,495 patients attending the hospital last year, it is one of the busiest hospitals in the country. Additionally, they said: "It is worth noting that the community where the Mater Hospital is situated is recognised as an area of deprivation and many of the patients cared for have multiple morbidities and other social issues to contend with."

The hospital said they continue to encourage patient compliance with appointment attendance through a range of measures including sending appointment letters, text message reminders and validation of waiting lists to remove patients who no longer need appointments.

A spokesperson for St James's Hospital explained that the high figures in the report are indicative of the volume of patients they see and the complexity of patient cases. However, in a statement from the hospital, they said they will "continue to evaluate and examine future measures that can potentially reduce the number of missed outpatient appointments."

For those faced with limbo on these waiting lists, these figures can seem like a slap in the face. However, it is important to not shift the blame simply on the patients but to instead ask how can the system be allowing such vast numbers of missed appointments without raising concern and what is being done about it?

It cannot be expected that 100% of appointments be kept to: people's schedules change, things can happen, we can't always anticipate what comes next. We all accept that. However, over half a million appointments missed in one year is an extraordinary figure especially when it is held against our already extraordinary figure on waiting lists. So what is happening?

When asked to comment on the figures released by the HSE and the current situation with waiting lists in the country, the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill's office released a statement to say: "It is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments." The statement continued: "The Minister for Health is conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families."

The Minister's office pointed out the Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) for 2025 was published in February which is designed to reduce the waiting times for patients and improve access to hospital care. So far, over 420 million has been allocated to the initiative. Part of this plan aims to address the issue of unattended appointments.

Some of these initiatives designed to target DNAs include two-way messaging systems. The Health Minister's office also added: "enabling and facilitating scheduled care reforms, through the use of technologies and tools, including in relation to SMS messaging re appointments, referral processes, robotic process automation, application of insights from behavioural science, and further roll out of the HSE patient application."

A spokesperson for the Mid-West Hospital Campaign, Marie McMahon, has described the current situation in the region as "absolutely frightening." Seven years ago this month, Maries husband died on a hospital trolley in UHL. When discussing the dire figures from the HSE, Marie emphasised the real people behind those numbers, saying "a lot of families have had horrific experiences."

For Marie, the writing is on the wall: "Obviously, the system is failing." She acknowledged the complex reasons as to why the number of DNAs could be so high, however, as she points out: "There needs to be some understanding as to why this is. Why are they not investigating? How much is that costing? There has to be a huge cost."

She also pointed out that the current system of sending out letters and telling people theyll be removed from the waiting lists if they dont respond within a short timeframe is not suitable as not everyone has someone who can advocate for them, if they are not in the position to do so for themselves.

Then theres also the issue of transport for vulnerable and rural people. Marie said: "If you dont have access to transport and you dont have someone to take you there, how are you going to get there? What are the provisions? Thats fine if you are urban based where there is a good transport network. But if you are rurally based, and a lot of Irish people are, then how do people get to their hospital appointment?"

Ultimately, in Maries opinion, these figures further demonstrate that "the system is broken." As Marie expressed, these latest figures are just one further example of a failure by the HSE in the broader picture of mismanagement of resources and treatment of patients wherein there will be "no accountability."
Louth County Councils Civic Offices on Fair Street, Drogheda, have received national recognition at two of Irelands leading industry awards events: the 2025 Irish Building and Design Awards (IBDA) and the Building and Architect of the Year Awards (BAYA).

Designed and delivered by Building Design Partnership Ltd (BDP) in September 2024, the Drogheda Civic Offices project revitalised two historically significant, but previously vacant, protected structures. These buildings are now sensitively restored and unified through a striking contemporary intervention.

Located within the Architectural Conservation Area of Fair Street, the new civic complex includes Louth County Councils administrative offices, a restored council chamber, public service counters, meeting spaces, and a large multipurpose exhibition area. The development also incorporates a rejuvenated public plaza, offering an accessible and welcoming green space for the community in the heart of Drogheda town centre.

BDPs ambitious project received three major accolades, winning Building Refurbishment for a Single Building or Development at the BAYA and also securing the Retrofit/Renovation Project of the Year and Heritage & Conservation Project of the Year awards at the IBDA.

Incidentally, another Louth County Council project, the Obelisk Bridge Rehabilitation, which was delivered by O'Connor Sutton Cronin & Associates, was also nominated in the Heritage & Conservation Project of the Year category.

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, commented: The recognition for the Drogheda Civic Offices from both IBDA and BAYA affirms the value of thoughtful collaboration and sustainable design. We are immensely proud to have collaborated with BDP to see these beautiful buildings brought back to life, and we are proud to see them now serving as a vibrant hub for local government and civic engagement in the heart of Drogheda.

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Elliott Ballam, Associate at BDP, said: Winning these prestigious awards is an incredibly proud moment for our multidisciplinary team at BDP. The Drogheda Civic Offices project sensitively restores two protected structures, now linked by a contemporary building and an enhanced public realm. Significant embodied energy and carbon benefits were achieved. This is not just a win for design - its a win for Drogheda, as the project revitalises the civic heart of the town.

Michael Mullen, BDP Principal & Head of Dublin Studio, added: The Drogheda Civic Offices project showcases our commitment as a practice to sustainability and our ability to design and implement innovative approaches to deliver exemplary adaptive re-use projects. This project is a true reflection of the collaborative effort between our multidisciplinary design team and Louth County Council, whose vision for sustainable, adaptive reuse has been key to its success. We believe this project sets a new benchmark for how heritage buildings can be thoughtfully reimagined for the future, and we are truly honoured to receive this validation for the thought leadership displayed by our client, partners and our incredible design team!
National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) returns on Wednesday, 30th April for its second year, with events taking place nationally to help eligible voters in Louth to get registered.

Through the collaboration of community leaders, groups, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders the initiative hopes to improve voter registration. People in Louth are being encouraged to visit the NVRD website to verify their eligibility to vote, check the register, and learn more about their voting rights.

The primary goals of this campaign are to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote is registered to vote, inform underrepresented groups, disadvantaged communities, and young people across Ireland of their right to vote and how to register to vote and promote the importance of active citizenship and participating in the democratic process.

Committee members, Liliana Fernandez, Leadership Officer at National Womens Council (NWC), Leon Diop, CEO of Black and Irish, Brian Hearne, Policy and Communications Manager at the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), Zoe OReilly, Political Support Worker at National Traveller Women's Forum (NTWF) and Fionnaigh Connaughton, Voter Education Coordinator at Dublin Adult Learning Centre (DALC), say that their main focus for National Voter Registration Day is to increase greater political participation among minority groups and young people at a national level. Every election cycle, many people find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, do not update their registration, or are not aware of how to register to vote.

Speaking ahead of National Voter Registration Day, Liliana Fernandez, said: Although things are slowly improving there is still a lack of knowledge about voter rights among many people in Ireland and Louth. This has an impact on civic engagement and representation in Irish politics. This year we are continuing to collaborate with the Electoral Commission (An Coimisiun Toghchain), Local Authorities, PPNs, Civil Society Organisations and community leaders across the country to inform minorities and young people of their political rights, educate them on the roles of the President of Ireland, TDs and local councillors, the functions of our political institutions, and how to register to vote."

Brian Hearne said We are engaging with a wide range of groups and organisations and gathering support around the country for this years National Voter Registration Day. We're working to get every eligible voter registered, especially young people and underrepresented groups who are often unaware of their rights at the ballot box. For example, many migrants who have been recently naturalised, need to be aware of updating their citizenship status at checktheregister.ie to be able to vote in the upcoming Presidential election.

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"Also, other migrants who do not have Irish citizenship are unaware that they can vote in local elections. We recognise marginalised communities rights to participate in political life in Ireland. We aim to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities. By increasing engagement in the democratic processes and voter registration, we can ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity and is motivated to vote.

The National Voter Registration Day initiative aims to spark year-round conversations about democracy, fostering greater participation beyond just election periods. To date, the initiative has connected with over 60 organisations, spreading awareness of National Voter Registration Day among diverse communities and all public representatives.

On National Voter Registration Day, participating organisations will set up tables to assist people with registering or updating their voter details, and to answer questions about Irelands democratic system, including voting eligibility and procedures.
I consider Citadines Salcedo Makati my second home in the heart of Makati because of their friendly staff and the homey convenient rooms and facilities they have in their hotel/resident in. They have invited me over for a couple days to experience the best of Salcedo Makati and it was such a pleasant stay (you may read my Citadines Lady experience here)

A week after my stay they invited me to their Thanksgiving party and this greeted guest at the lobby



A candy bar!

The theme of the party was Come Into The World, where they wanted us to experience three countries where you can find a Citadines hotel and the ambiance. They gave us passports and ushered us up the 7th floor for drinks.

The place was already getting packed then someone asked if I had my oassports stamped already. When I said nope, she assisted me to the elevator so I can have it stamped at the higher floor.

When I was checked in there the two bedroom rooms were not ready yet but at the party it was now ready to take in guests. The rooms were decorated to have the ambiance of Thailand, Japan and Paris.

The Thailand themed room have this lady in costume and a couple of masseurs for back rub or hand massage.

But my favorite theme was Paris! Why? Because theres an artist in there who will make your own caricature! I always wanted to have one!



Im bad with names but I remember your stories. The artist said he used to ve the official artist of ex-President Corazon Aquino and he traveled all over the world to make caricatures.

I always wanted my own caricature!

After visiting the rooms back at the 7th for the party, music and drinks were overflowing!

Cheers to Citadines Salcedo Makati looking forward to more pleasant stays at your hotels!

For bookings and inquiry visit www.citadines.com or read my Citadines Staycation for a virtual tour of the property and places to dine and visit in the area.

Stay gorgeous everyone!
Education is not just feeding the minds but also feeding a strong healthy body.

With this in mind, the Department of Education (DepEd) and makers of Birch Tree Fortified powdered milk partnered together to reinforce the habit of drinking milk of school age kids with the DepEd and Birchtree Me and My Milk program. At the moment, the Philippines falls under the required daily consumption of milk compared to our Asian countries.

Starting September 2015, Kindergarten to Grade 2 students from select public schools in the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Ilocos Region will get free milk drink from Birch Tree and workbooks that discuss proper nutrition and the benefits of drinking milk. DepEd was responsible for choosing which schools to focus on for the program.

DepEd and Birch Tree representatives will also conduct lectures for parents and teachers during the Me and My Milk campaign visit where the distribution of workbooks and milk will be held.

Thewas launched last week at the DepEd Bulwagan ng Karunungan where Birch Tree brand ambassadors Richard Yap and Mutya-Combalicer Orquia were present. Also in the event were Education Undersecretary Dina Ocampo, Century Pacific Food Inc. President and CEO Christopher Po and Snow Mountain Dairy Corp executives makers of Birch Tree Fortified.

By the end of the campaign in April, DepEd and Birch Tree Me and My Milk program aims to treat about 320,000 school kids with this great tasting and nutritious milk. Both parties are hopeful to convince the kids and their parents to continue drinking milk for the rest of their lives.

The New Birch Tree Fortified is made affordable but still nutritionally loaded food drink, being a good source of Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Protein, all essential in the proper growth and development of bones and teeth.

It is also the only brand with Fibroblast, a unique set of nutrients Fortified with Zinc, Vitamin C, and Iron, further enhanced by Inulin Fiber. Inulin Fiber is proven to help the body absorb up to 18% more calcium.

New Birch Tree Fortified is now available at leading supermarkets, groceries and market stalls nationwide.
A Cork teacher has said that religion in primary schools is a human rights issue, as a majority of union members believe faith formation should not take place outside schools.

A survey of Irish primary school teachers, by the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), found that 57% believe faith should be formed outside of schools. Under 40% of teachers aged under 45 said that faith formation should happen in schools, compared to 60% of teachers over 55.

The INTO adopted recommendations on the future of religious education and primary school patronage at their annual congress this week, based on the report of a union taskforce.

Among the central proposals are accelerating the divestment of schools, collecting data on parental and community preferences, and challenging the requirement for a religious certificate as a condition of employment in schools.

Proposing the motion, teacher Jason Kelly said: Even in Catholic-majority countries like Spain and Italy, the vast majority of public schools are secular. Religious certificates are only needed to teach religion, not every subject. Ireland is the outlier.

Protect

Principal of the Cork Educate Together secondary school, Colm OConnor, told The Echo that he thinks the proposal to move religion outside of school hours is the most direct way to protect the religious rights of staff and students. Short of that, running separate classes for religion and ethics, at the same time, is the only way to ensure that schools are rights compliant.

He said that the national debate is focusing on who manages schools rather than if childrens rights are respected within schools.

Weve signed treaties promising protection from indoctrination, but we arent protecting people from it. We force children to sit at the back of classes if theyve opted out of religion. At the moment, half an hour every school day is spent sitting at the back of a class. Thats why its a human rights issue.

Mr OConnor added that it is also a human rights issue for teachers, saying the INTO survey shows the growing secularisation of our population.

Fewer

We can see it in things like census figures, which show far fewer numbers of younger people identify as religious, and the survey shows a difference between older and younger respondents. But the structures require teachers to have a certificate in religious studies. You have young teachers often performing a fake religiosity in order to get the job. That puts people in an ethical dilemma.

Its self-defeating for patrons, also. They have a large amount of teachers teaching religion without any belief or knowledge in it.

Its becoming more and more visible as society changes, and until the Government recognises it, the gap will only continue to widen.
An advanced form of radiotherapy will dramatically cut the number of treatments that patients in the South West region with prostate cancer have to undergo following its introduction at Cork University Hospital, it has been announced.

Prostate cancer patients who undergo this new treatment, stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR), will only have to undergo a fraction of the sessions compared to the 20 typically required with conventional radiotherapy.

The hospital has also implemented the National Cancer Information System (NCIS), a centralised digital platform that ensures seamless sharing of cancer treatment information between Irelands designated cancer centres and has been described as helping teams make faster, better-informed decisions that directly benefit patients. These dual developments have been described as marking a new era for cancer services at CUH.

Important step

This is an important step forward in how we deliver prostate cancer care, said Dr Martin Higgins, consultant radiation oncologist at CUH.

By using SABR, we can offer patients a more efficient and potentially more comfortable treatment experience, while also reducing the time they need to spend in hospital.

The first patient to undergo prostate SABR at CUH completed the full course of treatment in just five sessions this March. Three more patients are currently being prepared for treatment.

Prostate SABR is currently available to patients with low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Its high precision enables higher doses per session without increasing side effects, improving patient outcomes while also easing demand on radiotherapy units.

Doubles capacity

The shorter treatment schedule effectively doubles capacity to deliver radical radiotherapy within the same clinical time. This development is described as supporting CUHs broader strategy to bring state-of-the-art treatments closer to home for patients and to ensure equitable access to world-class care outside of Dublin.

The introduction of the National Cancer Information System, meanwhile, marks a transformative step in how we manage and share patient information, said Dr Dearbhaile Collins, clinical director at CUH. Until now, cancer records were siloed within each hospital. NCIS ensures safer, more efficient care by providing real-time access to critical information.
A 25-year-old woman who has been drinking at least one bottle of vodka every day from the age of 21 punched member of An Garda Siochana in the nose and bit another officers arm, now has been given a four-month suspended jail term.

Judge Treasa Kelly said: It is a very serious matter to bite the garda. They have a very difficult job to do.

The judge noted that the young woman had been remanded in custody for a few days, but that this was her first time in prison.

As well as suspending the four months, the judge put Teegan Lonergan on a 12-month probation bond.

The defendant faced multiple charges, the most serious being one of assault causing harm by biting.

Sergeant Liam Walsh previously outlined the background to the case where Lonergan was charged with a count of assault causing harm to Detective Garda Kevin Motherway at St Lukes Cross, Cork, on June 10, 2024, contrary to the Non-fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Gardai were on duty that afternoon and observed Ms Teegan staggering off a footpath.

Det Gda Motherway and Det Garda Brian Holland approached. She shouted at them: Get the f*** away from me ye c***s, ye are bastards, f*** off ye pricks, the court heard.

Arrested

They arrested her and were waiting for transport to the Bridewell Garda Station.

While waiting, she punched Det Gda Holland into the nose, Sgt Walsh said in his outline of the allegations in the case.

He was not injured. While being placed in the garda personnel carrier, Teegan Lonergan bit Det Gda Motherways right arm and broke skin.

He had blood tests and received a tetanus shot and has made a full recovery. He has one more assessment test to do next month  it is all clear at the moment.

As well as the charge of assault causing harm, Lonergan was charged with assaulting Det Gda Holland, engaging in threatening behaviour, and being drunk and a danger on the occasion last June.

Solicitor Eddie Burke said: This is her first time in custody. Alcohol is the issue. She has no issue with any narcotics. She is 25 and residing at Cork Simon Community for the past two years. She said that by 21, she was drinking at least a bottle of vodka a day. She has moderated her drinking.
Members of Corks Indian community will hold a candlelit vigil in the city centre this evening to remember the 26 lives lost in a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday.

A group of six gunmen opened fire on tourists at a resort in Pahalgam, a picturesque town in the Himalayas sometimes described as the Switzerland of India, killing 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, and wounding 20 more.

The attack, in the Indian-held part of the disputed territory, which both nuclear-armed states claim as their own, was one of the deadliest in recent years in the troubled region.

The armies of both India and Pakistan remain on high alert along their common frontier, with India saying it held the Pakistan Armys Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) directorate responsible for the attack.

Pakistan has officially denied any involvement in the attack, and the Pakistani ministry of foreign affairs offered condolences for the victims.

On Thursday, Pakistan halted trade and India revoked visas in tit-for-tat retaliatory actions.

At 6.30pm this evening, Thursday, members of the UCC Indian Alumni Community and the UCC Indian Society will hold a candlelit vigil outside Brown Thomas on Patrick St to remember the victims of the attack.

The vigil is organised by Dr Lekha Menon Margassery, president of the UCC Indian Alumni Community and a former Labour Party candidate.

Those attending are asked to bring their own candle and, if possible, to wear a high-visibility jacket.
Residents of Kerry Pike have called for a pedestrian improvement scheme in the area to be expedited, describing the current situation as dangerous.

A Cork City Council spokesperson told The Echo that the project is progressing through the detailed design and land negotiation phases.

We anticipate construction to commence in Q1 2026, pending confirmation of annual NTA funding.

The scheme includes a continuous footpath along one side of the village and traffic calming measures, as approved under Section 38 planning.

Fine Gael councillor Damian Boylan said that currently the council is discussing land purchases with owners to facilitate the works, and then a detailed design will be issued.

Unfortunate

As these are annual awards for funding, it will most likely be next years funding round (Q1) when the project gets delivered, he said.

Its unfortunate, but like all big schemes, they always run the risk of taking time to deliver.

Fianna Fail councillor John Sheehan also told The Echo he was keen to see the scheme progressed.

Wed like the scheme to happen as soon as possible, officials are very confident they will get the full funding, as they have for similar schemes in Lehenaghmore and Mahon.

Realistically, it will probably be around this time next year, given national funding schemes and their timelines  Ill be putting pressure on to try and get it done faster.

Increased

Clogheen/Kerry Pike Community Association chairman Iain McGregor told The Echo that the amount of housing in the area has increased in the last 10 years, but with no infrastructure to match.

Last year, there was a chink of light hearing this pedestrian improvement scheme announced, he said.

However, he fears that the start date for works could be pushed out even further than Q1 2026.

There are new housing estates being granted permission off the back of this scheme  at the moment children cant walk to school, cant even cross the road to the school.

As well as the footpath, locals also want roads in the area to be improved and traffic calming measures implemented, he said.

Local residents intend to hold a protest on the issue on May 17, but Mr McGregor said that they have held previous protests and nothing has been done.
A Cork GP has said that vaccine acceptance being higher in Ireland than in many other countries is welcome, but that doctors must continue to work to counteract online conspiracy theories.

The Worldwide Independent Network of MR released a survey across 38 countries including Ireland, which shows that one in five Irish people would not take a traditional vaccine, and one in four would not take an mRNA vaccine.

Globally, one third of people either reject or are unsure about traditional vaccines.

Polling firm RedC Research surveyed 1,000 adults in Ireland as part of the project and found a majority still trust vaccines to a higher degree than the global average, with 73% saying they would accept a traditional vaccine compared to 68% globally.

Some 67% of Irish adults said they would be open to taking an mRNA vaccine, which came to the forefront with the production of covid vaccines, compared to 60% both in Europe and globally.

Acceptance of mRNA vaccines is higher in Ireland among those with a third-level education (71%) and those in higher socio-economic grades (75%).

Blackpool GP and Fianna Fail councillor John Sheehan told The Echo that Irelands comparatively high acceptance of vaccines was welcome. Theres a couple of reasons for it  it probably hasnt gotten politicised the way it has in countries like the US, he said.

A level of trust is really important  anecdotally weve noticed some people from eastern Europe, former soviet bloc countries, are more suspicious of vaccines and state intervention.

The challenge for us is to maintain that level of trust, given whats happening on social media in terms of conspiracy theories.

Our collective memory of these diseases is, thankfully, diminishing, but that brings challenges. Ive seen one case of measles in the last 20 years in Blackpool, which is a huge improvement, the single biggest improvement to childrens health in Ireland since 2010 is down to vaccines.

Cork had a polio outbreak in the 1950s, and I still see patients suffering the consequence of that. These illnesses caused quite significant damage, and wed do well to remember that.

We should also remember that these vaccines help protect vulnerable people, who may not be able to take these vaccines themselves, so rely on herd immunity.

John Rogers, associate director at RedC Research, said: These findings are largely positive, driven perhaps by our highly educated population. Given the high levels of conspiracy theories and misinformation relating to vaccines, particularly involving those that cause negative effects in children, its concerning to see the vaccine acceptance and trust of innovative medicines is lower amongst Irish parents.
A sentencing judge has told a man who uses the services of Cork Simon Community that it was unacceptable and reprehensible for him to smash a window at the premises when accommodation was not available to him.

Judge Treasa Kelly jailed 58-year-old Alan Healy for six months for causing criminal damage to the hostel property on Andersons Quay, shortly before Christmas.

Sergeant John Kelleher said that Healy  a service user at Simon  called to the premises at around midnight on December 19, 2024, but was refused entry to the shelter.

He returned shortly after midnight with a metal pole and began hitting the window of the shelter, causing it to crack, Sgt. Kelleher said.

CCTV of the incident was viewed by Garda Adam Cotter, and he observed the man to be Alan Healy.

The defendant pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the premises. Sgt Kelleher said the estimate of the damage was between 300 and 500.

He also admitted being in possession of cannabis for his own use back on July 15, 2020, when Garda Lorraine ODonovan saw him concealing the drugs in his underpants.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said: When sober, he is highly apologetic for his behaviour. He has had the services of Simon and other hostel accommodation in the past. He has had addiction difficulties and longstanding education challenges. He appreciates the offence was very disruptive. He has always been respectful generally and appreciative of the accommodation he is given.

Judge Kelly said to Healy: You avail of the services. And to go and do that is unacceptable and reprehensible.

Imposing the six-month sentence for criminal damage, the judge took the drugs matter into consideration at Cork District Court.
I am an Irish citizen. I will always be Irish. Yet there are times when I feel that Ireland has abandoned me.

Returning home from Florida, I am viewed as the Yank. While living in the U.S, I am viewed as the Irishman. And even though I am now a citizen of both countries, there are times when I feel that I am a citizen of none. That is the true story of the Irish diaspora.

The upcoming presidential election in Ireland will be another election that sees 20% of the Irish population disenfranchised from the right to vote.

Bunreacht na hEireann states that it is the birthright of every person born in the Island of Ireland to be a part of the Irish Nation. It is the right of every person born on the island to call themselves an Irish citizen.

The fundamental right of a citizen is the right to vote. Is it wrong for a citizen to be able to have a say in who represents them as their president? Just because I live in Florida, am I any less of a citizen than someone living in Cork?

The moment the plane leaves the tarmac of Dublin, Shannon, or Cork, or the car travels into Tyrone or Derry or the north, it is as if you are instantly losing your right to have any say in the country. While you will always be Irish, when it comes to voting, you are essentially second-class.

How ironic is it that Mary McAleeses husband was unable to vote for her when she ran for president because he lived in the north?

A situation where a citizen is deemed incapable of voting for its first citizen in this modern age is laughable.

Irish citizens living abroad will not get a say in who replaces Michael D. Higgins in the Aras, says Morgan O'Sullivan.

The stark reality is that Ireland is bottom of the table in terms of voting rights in the EU as it has no absentee ballot process.

Detractors will suggest that the emigrant is not entitled to have a say in the affairs of the country, with the old adage, no representation without taxation. After all, why should those living abroad be afforded a voice in the affairs of the country, when they are not even living there?

With 20% of the Irish nation now living overseas, is it too much to ask for their input when it comes to selecting the first citizen of our country?

In terms of taxation, the reality is that only the U.S in the developed world places a tax on its citizens on foreign-earned income. Eritrea follows Americas lead. It is not demanded amongst any of our European counterparts and nearly every country has some form of emigrant voting rights.

Our greatest export is our people and the amazing young minds that have left the island to build a new life further afield. Very often we have left out of economic necessity, a lack of opportunity and a lack of hope.

We represent the people of Ireland every day in everything we say and do. Many of us want to return home, but cannot. Many more will want to come home in the future but will not be able to. Our hearts will forever be in Ireland.

We have become ambassadors on every level and have grown to the top levels in industry and business and society around the globe.

The Irish government has been happy to invite Irish-owned companies back to the Emerald Isle to set up and invest in the country. Surely it is not too much to ask to allow those of us living abroad a say in who represents us as leader of the country?

Those of us oversees long for home. Yet the absence of voting rights is even harder to comprehend when people in the North are not able to vote. They live on the island. The constitution states that everyone born on the island is an Irish citizen. Yet these citizens have been abandoned and their fundamental right to vote has been jettisoned with little or no discussion.

The constitutional convention recommended a referendum on extending voting rights to those living outside the state. In recent years, the topic of voting rights has also been included in successive programmes of government, yet it has failed to materialise.

Leo Varadkar, who has recently sought to position himself as a leading voice on Irish unity, had the opportunity to introduce a referendum on voting rights when Taoiseach. He also had the opportunity to follow through on his ambitious reform of the Senate to include more voices from the north and the diaspora. He failed to grasp these opportunities.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has talked about his Shared Island initiative and yet this programme fails to mention voting rights for those in the North.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of Irish citizens living in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Australia, and myself in the U.S have also been left out of the Shared Island initiative. We have all been disenfranchised.

The whole concept of voting rights has been abandoned completely in the current programme for government. Indeed, as Taoiseach, Micheal Martin had the opportunity to reappoint the Senator for the Diaspora, Billy Lawless from Galway, and chose not to do so. Lawless was the lone voice in the Seanad calling for voting rights.

The Easter weekend drove memories of the centennial celebrations in 2016. To suggest that the dreams and ideals of our 1916 heroes have been fully achieved would be ignorant of the fact 20% of all Irish citizens are disenfranchised from the right to vote as soon as they set off from the loneliest of airports.

Is it too much of a dream to give our loved ones away from home a say in selecting our first citizen? Surely it is their country as much as ours?

Two signatories of the Easter Proclamation were emigrants (Thomas J. Clarke and James Connolly) and fought for the rights of Irish men and women around the world. They will never be forgotten in Irish history.

Let us take this opportunity to ensure we never forget those who have left our shores, while also ensuring all those born and living on the island are heard also.

Our voices have been silenced for too long.
The Cork Proms has been a huge success over the past week, packing the Opera House for the first two shows. This coming weekend, the final concert showcases the Kings, Queens & Princes of Pop.

Curated by Eibhlin Gleeson and Jack ORourke, its billed as a sensational celebration of pop royalty, with live arrangements performed by wonderful soloists and backed by the full Opera House Concert Orchestra, conducted by Elaine Kelly. Gemma Sugrue, Shobsy, Sexy Tadgh, and Lucia Evans will recreate greats like Queen, Prince, Elton John, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Michael Jackson and George Michael. Its going to lift the roof off!

Next Wednesday, Hamilton Acro and Dance, the recreational and competitive dance school, will stage its first ever show at the Opera House.

Night at the Theatre will feature performers from the Acro Dance, musical theatre, and dance classes, plus their competition team. Choreographed and directed by Devon and Chloe Hamilton, also featuring choreography from Chelsey Madden, Laura Keane, Eimear James and Bethany Entwhistle. It takes place on Wednesday, April 30, with a 7pm start.

Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie for all bookings.

Brian Friels insightful classic, Making History, deftly directed by Des Kennedy at Everyman, has been receiving rave reviews, not least for the way it throws a very different light on great characters like Hugh ONeill, and seismic events like the Battle of Kinsale and The Flight of the Earls. We need more stories from the Irish point of view, thats for sure, and Making History is a superb example. However, it must end on Saturday, so get going if youve been daft enough to wait before experiencing one of the great shows of the year.

Next Wednesday, Malaprop Theatre, fresh from off-Broadway, bring Hothouse, a fast-paced, intergenerational story of love, loss and legacy, set on an Arctic cruise ship guided by an unhinged captain. Written by Carys D. Coburn, with original songs and music by Anna Clock. One night only.

On Thursday night, May 1, its An Evening With Michael Harding. Call 021 450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com for details.

From tomorrow night until Sunday at the Cork Arts Theatre, there is a chance to enjoy some wonderful sounds when Leeside Voices present On Wings of Song. Anne Bermingham, soprano; Denis Lane, baritone; Noel Somers, tenor; with accompanist Tom Doyle, blend superbly in hits from Broadway and more. Its all about experiencing the many emotions which can be expressed through song. Musical director is Aileen Scriven and narrator is Eithne Horgan. It runs Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm, and Sunday, 2.30pm. Booking on 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.

Patrick McDonell as Eoin McLove in Father Ted. Patrick McDonnell is at the Cork Comedy Club this Saturday.

Patrick McDonnell is at the City Limits  Cork Comedy Club this coming Saturday, April 26, with some special guests. Patrick, as you will remember, starred in The Savage Eye, Irish Pictorial Weekly, and Naked Camera, plus being remembered perhaps best of all as Eoin McLove in Father Ted (Night of the Nearly Dead, and Night Cross).One of our great stand-up comedians, hes likely to draw a full house.

Doors 8pm /show time 9pm. Booking on www.tickets.ietarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">, www.thecomedyclub.ie, or, to holdtickets, email tickets@thecomedyclub.ie.

And finally, dont forget that next week brings the May Bank Holiday weekend and that means  yes, youre right  the Cork International Choral Festival.

Founded a spart of An Tostal, in 1954, it has continued to grow year on year andit is now a huge internationally-recognised event with choirs coming from all over the world to participate and, just perhaps, win that top prize of the Fleischmann trophy.

Ruth Fleischmann, daughter of the renowned Aloys, is coming over especially from Germany for the occasion, and to see the launch at the City Library of the newly-reconstructed online archive with the Fleischmann compositions, Joan Denise Moriarty company programmes, the Tilly Fleischmann book, Choral Festival programmes and so much more.

Get on to corkchoral.ie this minute and see just how much is being packed into that holiday weekend!
Gordon Deegan

A "naive" Cork teenager tried to get through border controls at Shannon Airport to board a US-bound flight using a friends passport who "he looked a bit like, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett imposed 80 hours community service in lieu of four months in prison on Aaron OBrien (19), of Innishannon Road, Fair Hill, Cork.

This was after O'Brien pleaded guilty to having in his possession an Irish passport in the name of Jordan White, which he knew to be a false instrument on November 5th at Shannon Airport with the intention to inducing another person to believe that it was genuine, contrary to Section 29 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

The judge said OBrien was not a candidate for custody "notwithstanding the seriousness of the offence."

Solicitor for OBrien, John Casey, told the court that the incident was not like "the Hutches or the Kinahans going in and out of Iraq and Iran".

Mr Casey said OBrien did not have a hope in hell in getting past US border controls at Shannon with his friends passport.

Judge Gabbett said OBrien was fortunate that there is a US border control at Shannon Airport and was not allowed to get on the departing flight as he could have faced a few nights in custody at JFK or Logan airport if the US border controls were based on the other side.

Mr Casey explained that OBriens wife was on holidays with her family in the US and was pregnant and fell sick.

Mr Casey said that OBrien got a short-term visa to go to America and he went to Dublin Airport and when he got there for whatever reason, as he has no previous convictions, he was told that he was not travelling.

Mr Casey said OBrien went back to Cork and got his friends passport, then travelled to Shannon Airport where he was stopped by staff.

Gardai got involved when OBrien tried to get through US border controls, Mr Casey told the court.

On his friends passport, Mr Casey said OBrien "looked a bit like him alright".

Mr Casey said OBrien never thought it out and he just wanted to be with his wife  she is heavily pregnant now and did get back home.

Mr Casey said it would have been OBriens first trip to the US.

Judge Gabbett said OBrien was obviously naive in trying this "as anyone who has been through US immigration knows that your face is scanned, your hand is scanned and fingerprints are taken".

"I get why he did it because of his wife falling ill and his own passport not going to work," the judge said.

Judge Gabbett said he had to convict OBrien of the offence as the Irish passport is sacrosanct and allows travel to 120 countries without a visa.
Elizabeth City, N.C.  Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) officially broke ground today on its highly anticipated School of Aviation Buildinga 57,000-square-foot, three-story, state-of-the-art facility that will support ECSUs Aviation Science, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Emergency Management programs.

The groundbreaking ceremony at 23 Science Drive on ECSUs campus marked a milestone for the universitys flagship Aviation and Emergency Management. Elected officials, industry leaders, community partners, ECSU faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered to celebrate what many called a pivotal step in the universitys legacy of preparing students to lead in the skies and beyond.

Set to begin construction in late summer 2025 and slated for completion by summer 2027, the facility is designed to be a comprehensive learning hub, featuring high-tech classrooms, state-of-the-art simulators, collaborative learning spaces and cutting-edge technology.

This groundbreaking for the new Aviation Building marks a new chapter for ECSU and represents our commitment to innovation, student success and aviation. ECSU is expanding the runway for opportunity  not just for our students, but for the entire region and state. We are proud to lead the way as the only institution in the UNC System with four-year Aviation and Unmanned Aircraft Systems degree programs, said ECSU Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds.

Features of the center include:

A 4,900-square-foot indoor drone facility with a sky bridge connection to the main academic building

A large drone operations lab and expansive engineering lab

A two-story, 3,400-square-foot flight simulator room

A 2,000-square-foot air traffic control lab, including a 940-square-foot mezzanine simulating a control tower

Multiple high-tech classrooms for virtual instruction and computing

Flexible classroom spaces, student and faculty lounges, an aircraft etiquette lounge and conference rooms

A third-floor conference room with an outdoor terrace offering views of the campus

Once completed, the Aviation Building will stand as a cornerstone for ECSUs mission to drive workforce development, increase access to STEM education, and meet the growing demand in aviation and aerospace industries.

The new facility will also help expand ECSUs partnerships with government agencies and industry leaders, reinforcing the universitys reputation as a leader in aviation scienceparticularly as the only four-year institution in the UNC System offering a degree in Aviation Science.

This is a defining moment for our aviation program, said Kuldeep Rawat, dean of the School of Science, Aviation, Health and Technology. We are not just breaking ground on a buildingwe are propelling ECSU Aviation to take over the skies and position it as one of the top collegiate aviation programs in the nation.

ECSUs Aviation School is already fueling excitement among current and prospective students and positioning the university as a national model for aviation education, training and research.

None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of the North Carolina General Assembly, federal representatives, UNC Board of Governors and UNC System, and our industry and community partners. Their commitment to ECSU, to northeastern North Carolina, and to the future of aviation in our state, is the fuel behind this progress, said Edmonds.

For more information on ECSUs aviation programs, visit www.ecsu.edu.
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The Switch 2 launch is fast approaching; here's what to know about getting your hands on the console.

Update, 6/5/25: The Nintendo Switch 2 is now available. If you want to buy the new console, you can go directly to Nintendo or shop at other retailers including Walmart, Best Buy and GameStop. We have a guide to how to buy the Nintendo Switch 2, which well update as restocks happen and more details about console availability come out.

Update, 5/29/25: The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch soon on June 5. Pre-order advice currently remains the same, which is to say that you probably won't be able to pre-order the console before launch day anymore, since all retailers still list it as either "unavailable" or "coming soon." Now, it's all about launch-day logistics. A number of retailers, including Best Buy, plan to open some stores early on June 5 and have stock available for customers to purchase on site. If you didn't manage to get a pre-order in already, your best bet may be to go to a local Best Buy, Walmart, Target or GameStop on June 5 to see if you can walk out with a new console that day.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are officially live at Nintendo's online store  but only if you've received an invite. As advertised, the My Nintendo Store began sending out Switch 2 pre-order invites on Thursday to those who previously registered their interest and meet the company's "priority criteria."

If you've been chosen, congratulations! You have 72 hours from the time your email was sent to complete your purchase. If you previously signed up but haven't received a notice, well, we'll have to see when exactly it'll arrive. Nintendo has been accepting registrations since April 2, and it's sending invites to past Switch players and Switch Online subscribers before anyone else.

If you meet the priority requirements and signed up on the earlier side, you should (hopefully) get your invite before most others. If you signed up later, don't be surprised if it takes awhile for Nintendo to grace your inbox. The company warned last month that it may not be able to send all invites  or even deliver all orders that do get placed  before the Switch 2's June 5 release date.

Beyond Nintendo, the song sadly remains the same. As of our latest check, the device remains fully sold out at Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, Target and other retailers. This has mostly been the case in the US since the Switch 2 first went up for sale on April 24, and it remains unclear when it'll change.

That said, we're keeping an eye out for any surprise restocks that pop up. If you're still hoping to get your hands on the device early, we've rounded up all the Switch 2 pre-order listings we could find for easy access and broken down what to know about buying the console.

How to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 at the My Nintendo Store

As noted above, Nintendo is only selling the Switch 2 through an invite system, which began on April 2. While it seems unlikely you'll receive your console before launch day if you sign up with Nintendo now, we still recommend doing so in case stock remains low at other stores. Registration is free, and you'll receive your invite eventually, even if it takes some time.

On that point, Nintendo says it is prioritizing invites "on a first-come, first-served basis" to registrants who meet the following criteria:

You must have purchased a Switch Online membership as of April 2, 2025. If you've only ever been part of a family plan and weren't the paying account, that's a no-go.

You must have been a paid Switch Online subscriber for at least 12 months as of April 2, 2025.

You must have logged at least 50 hours of total Switch gameplay time as of April 2, 2025.

You must have opted into sharing gameplay data with Nintendo as of April 2, 2025. You can confirm this in your account's privacy settings.

You must be a Nintendo account holder who is at least 18 years old.

If you fulfill those requirements, you'll be ahead in Nintendo's invite queue. If not, you'll have to wait until after the priority registrants receive their emails. Once they do, the remaining invites will go out on a first-come, first-served basis. Whenever you get your email, you'll have a 72-hour window to buy.

As with other stores, you have two models to pick from: the base Switch 2 console for $450, and a bundle with Mario Kart World for $500. Note that you can only purchase one console per invite. You'll also be able to pick up certain accessories when it's your time to shop.

Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2

Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle

We received our invite late Thursday evening after signing up about an hour after the registration window first opened. We've posted screenshots of what the official invite email and buying process looks like below. (A previous version of this guide linked to screenshots from Reddit and the gaming forum ResetEra, but one ResetEra user appears to have shared a fake invite, so we've removed that.) Broadly speaking, the experience is far less chaotic than it's been at other stores. Our confirmation email says that our console will ship by June 4.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order invite screenshot This is what Nintendo's official Switch 2 pre-order invite email looks like.

How to pre-order the Nintendo Switch 2 at other retailers

Unfortunately, the Switch 2 remains sold out everywhere else as of this writing. To recap the situation: After a two-week delay, Nintendo finally kicked off Switch 2 pre-orders at third-party retailers in the US and Canada at midnight ET on April 24. A couple of (headache-inducing) hours later, stock at Walmart, Target and Best Buy had sold out. GameStop began taking pre-orders later that morning but quickly met the same fate. Some eagle-eyed buyers were reportedly able to pre-order through Walmart as late as April 26, but things have dried up since.

Other membership-based retailers like Costco and Sam's Club have Switch 2 listings as well, but we haven't seen anything to suggest they will accept pre-orders. Newegg also has a Switch 2 page but hasn't provided an option to buy just yet. As for Amazon, we assume the Switch 2 will eventually be available there, but it's not today, and there's been no indication as to when that might change. (Even before the Switch 2 was unveiled, stock of the original Switch and first-party Switch games had been limited at Amazon US for several months.)

If you're desperate to catch a restock, it's a good idea to create a free account with the retailers above and ensure all of your shipping and billing info is up to date with each. Downloading each store's mobile app and signing up for notifications may help too, though that could get annoying fairly quickly.

Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2

Pre-order Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle

*As of 1:15pm ET on Friday, May 9, Amazon has not listed either Switch 2 console package for sale. We will update this article with direct links if they arrive; until then, we're linking to the site's Nintendo-focused hub.

How to pre-order Switch 2 accessories and games

Naturally, there are numerous accessories and games up for pre-order alongside the Switch 2 itself. While Nintendo hasn't changed the console's price since delaying its initial pre-order date, it has hiked the cost of several accessories due to "changes in market conditions" (read: tariffs). The new Switch 2 camera, for instance, now costs $55 instead of its original $50, while the Switch 2 Pro Controller leapt from $80 to $85. An extra set of Joy-Con 2 controllers is up to $95 from $90, and the official Joy-Con Charging Grip costs $40 instead of $35.

Most (but not all) of Nintendo's official Switch 2 accessories are still up for grabs at one or two retailers at a minimum, but stock has become spottier since they first went up for sale. Upcoming Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, meanwhile, remain widely available.

Mario Kart World for $80

Donkey Kong Bananza for $70

Additional Switch 2 games

Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB) for Nintendo Switch 2 for $60

Joy-Con 2 bundle for $95

Switch 2 Pro Controller for $85

Switch 2 Camera for $55

Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Piranha Plant Camera for $60

Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip for $40

Joy-Con 2 Wheels (set of 2) for $25

Switch 2 All-in-One Carrying Case for $85

Switch 2 Carrying Case and Screen Protector for $40

*As of 1:15pm ET on Friday, May 9, Amazon has not listed any first-party Switch 2 accessories or games for sale. (Some third-party devices and games are listed, however.) We'll update this article with direct links if they arrive; until then, we're linking to the site's Nintendo-focused hub.

More Switch 2 details

The Nintendo Switch 2. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

We knew from its initial teaser trailer that the Switch 2 would be bigger than its predecessor and take a new approach to its detachable Joy-Cons. The Joy-Con 2s, as they're called, now attach magnetically and include a C button, mouse controls and a built-in gyroscope for tilt control. The console itself is indeed larger, with a 7.9-inch LCD screen that supports a 1080p resolution, a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz and HDR10. The hardware also has a built-in mic to support a new feature called GameChat that'll let you communicate with friends in-game. (This is what that C button is for.) Nintendo says this service will be free to all Switch 2 users until March 31, 2026, at which point it'll require a Switch Online membership.

When docked, you'll be able to play up to 4K on your TV. Nintendo says it's improved the consoles internal speakers as well. The updated dock has a built-in fan to keep the console cool and help maintain performance during long play sessions. Though we won't know exactly how much of a power upgrade the Switch 2 is over to the first Switch until it's released, it looks to be fairly significant leap, given that it'll have ports of relatively demanding games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077.

Elsewhere, the Switch 2 has dual USB-C ports for charging, while the internal storage amount has jumped from 32GB to 256GB. That storage is still expandable, but the device will only work with newer (and more expensive) microSD Express cards. As seen in the recent 20.0.0 update for the original Switch, the upcoming console will also utilize Nintendo's new Virtual Game Card system for lending digital games across systems, as well as a GameShare feature that lets you share select titles locally with just one copy of a game.

Tariffs and the Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con 2 controllers. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

During its most recent Direct presentation at the start of April, Nintendo showed off more of the Switch 2 than it ever had before. That included the reveal of its original April 9 pre-order date, in addition to its $450 starting price. Shortly after, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on China and other countries, prompting Nintendo to delay pre-orders in the US and Canada.

In a reversal, President Trump later announced a 90-day pause on steep tariffs affecting 75 countries, but also announced that the tariff imposed on China will go up even further (right now, it sits at 145 percent).

We now know that the original $450 price for the Switch 2 will remain the same in the US and Canada, but based on its official statement, it appears Nintendo is leaving the door open for potential future price increases.

We also know that Nintendo started moving some of its Switch console manufacturing to Vietnam in 2019. The increased tariff for Vietnam was set to be 46 percent, but that's temporarily on hold in favor of a 10 percent tariff thats in effect for the 90-day pause period.

It has been speculated that Nintendo will boost production of Switch 2 consoles in Vietnam so it can stay on schedule, even if it sells the console at a loss in the short term. It appears the company will have to seriously ramp up production to keep up with Switch 2 demand: According to Nintendo, 2.2 million people entered the pre-order lottery in Japan alone, which is far more devices than it is expected to deliver in that region on launch day. In total, the company projects it will sell 15 million Switch 2 units through March 2026.

Complete Switch 2 coverage: The Nintendo Switch 2 is coming on June 5 for $450. We've got our first hands-on impressions of the Switch 2, and we've played Mario Kart World, which is available the same day. Check out everything we know about the Switch 2 for complete details on Nintendo's new console.
China brings greater stability, certainty to global economy

13:59, April 24, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily

Ships to be exported are manufactured at Jinling Shipyard of China Merchants Industry Holdings Co., Ltd. in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo by Fang Dongxu/People's Daily Online)

"Resilient," "optimistic," "encouraging"these are among the most frequently used descriptors in global media analyses of China's first-quarter economic performance.

Amid severe disruptions to global trade and widespread pessimism permeating market expectations, the Chinese economy has delivered a robust start to 2025. It has maintained steady momentum amid signs of recovery, signaling a commitment to high-quality development while injecting much-needed confidence into a world economy fraught with uncertainty.

Despite rising unilateralism and protectionism worldwide, China's economy continues to forge ahead, remaining a key engine of global growth. Official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that China's gross domestic product (GDP) reached 31.8758 trillion yuan ($4.36 trillion) in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 5.4 percent year on year at constant prices, and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 1.2 percent. This signals the strong resilience and momentum of the Chinese economy.

Notably, the 5.4 percent growth outperformed both 2024's annual growth of 5% and first quarter of 2024's growth of 5.3%, cementing China's position as one of the best-performing major economies.

Bernd Einmeier, Chairman of the German-Chinese Association for Economy, Education and Culture, noted that China's relatively stable growth amid a complex external environment represents an important global public good, effectively countering uncertainties in global markets.

By actively expanding and diversifying its markets and deepening cooperation on industrial and supply chains, China has not only strengthened its own economic resilience, but also enabled its trading partners to pursue common development.

In the first quarter, China's total imports and exports of goods reached 10.3 trillion yuan, making a year-on-year increase of 1.3% and establishing a new benchmark for the same period. China's exports to over 170 countries and regions recorded growth, with exports to Asian and African markets exceeding the global average pace. Trade volumes with Belt and Road partner countries grew 2.2 percent year on year, constituting 51.1 percent of China's total trade volume. Exports of sporting goods to the EU and cosmetics to Southeast Asia both posted double-digit growth.

Workers manufacture high-end cameras in a workshop of a technology company in Suqian, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo by Xu Changliang/People's Daily Online)

Domestic trade firms are swiftly adapting to evolving international demand, launching more high-quality, innovative, and trendy products, fostering a more balanced and diversified trade structure with stronger resilience.

The economy is accelerating its transition toward greener, innovation-driven, and smart manufacturing systems, with new growth drivers gaining momentum. French newspaper Le Monde described the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) a "barometer" of China's trade with the world, noting that buyers from all over the globe continued sourcing goods from China, which reinforced the country's reputation as the "world's factory."

From small appliances like coffee machines and robotic vacuum cleaners to large-scale marine engineering equipment, Chinese manufacturing is accelerating its transition to advanced, intelligent, and eco-friendly production. Having dominated global manufacturing output for 15 consecutive years, China has maintained its unparalleled position as the world's largest manufacturing powerhouse through a fully integrated industrial system and unmatched supporting capabilities.

Analysts emphasized that China's robust industrial capacity, seamless global supply chain integration, and rising technological competitiveness have underpinned its resilience amid global headwinds.

As macroeconomic policies continue to gain traction and innovation-driven growth continues to accelerate, a new development model driven by both domestic demand and innovation is taking shape.

In the first quarter, China's total retail sales of consumer goods rose by 4.6 percent year on year, marking a 1.1 percentage points acceleration compared to 2024. The value-added of high-tech manufacturing enterprises above the designated size grew by 9.7 percent, while that of the information transmission, software, and information technology services sector expanded by 10.3 percent.

This upward trajectory has been reinforced by targeted policy support and accelerating industrial innovation. For example, the launch of a direct shipping route between Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong province and Brazil has opened a new maritime corridor linking the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with Santana Port in Brazil. Multiple e-commerce platforms have pledged investments to help foreign trade enterprises explore the domestic market, while leading supermarket chains have opened "green channels" to streamline access to premium export products.

These measures are gradually unlocking the potential of China's super-sized market while advancing high-level opening up, fostering positive interaction and shared growth between China and the world.

Containers are loaded onto and unloaded from ships at a full-automated terminal of Qingdao Port, east China's Shandong province. (Photo by Zhang Jingang/People's Daily Online)

China's economy has a stable foundation, numerous strengths, remarkable resilience and vast potential. The dominating trend of a sound Chinese economy for the long term and the elements supporting it have not changed.

By focusing on doing its own works well, China will continue pursuing high-quality development and expanding high-level opening up. In doing so, it will share development opportunities with the world and inject greater stability and certainty to the global economy.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Several years ago, I was talking turkey hunting with a friend when he mentioned that hed reaped a nice gobbler in Seneca County, Ohio. Id thought Id misheard him, and the dumb expression on my face must have given it away. R-E-A-P-E-D, reaped, he spelled. You know what it is right? I felt like I was failing a fourth-grade spelling bee. It seemed apparent that his confidence in his game warden buddy was a bit shaken.

There is no shame in ignorance, only in the denial of its existence. As if on cue, he then did what every successful hunter has done since the worlds first hunter returned to the campfire. He took most of two hours to describe what had happened inside of 15 minutes. When he was done explaining how hed arrived at the turkey woods at zero-dark-thirty, everything about the camo patterns hed chosen, his boots, gun, shells, spilled coffee, the deer he saw, the owls hooting, the bothersome squirrels surrounding him, how he almost forgot to turn off his phone  I think youre getting the picture. That preamble dragged on for the first hour before he finally got to the hour-long reaping part. Having begun to doze off, I almost missed the explanation.

The reaping

It seems hed taken a previously bagged gobblers tail fan and belly-crawled his way toward a strutting Tom as he danced the fan in front of his own face, disguising his approach. As he crabbed along, he used a diaphragm call to give a cluck, a low gobble and other turkey noises on his way. When he got close enough, he gave the big bird a load of number six shot and took it home to the deep fryer. Simply put, thats all that reaping ends up being, hiding behind some turkey parts or a decoy and sneaking up close enough to blast or arrow a longbeard. Its also led to fanning which employs turkey wings.

This was news to me, so new that I knew nothing about it. It sounded like an intriguing hunt, though I felt a little unsettled with the idea of being camo-ed up and hiding behind a turkey tail in a forest that might have hunters just itching for a shot. I just dont care to become a government statistic.

Apparently, theres quite a discord in the gobbler nation about using reaping as a harvest method. Detractors sometimes call it reapercide, arguing that its a foul way to fool fowl, going so far as to claiming that it takes away from the moral code of fair chase. These folks like to point out declining turkey numbers that have occurred over much of the turkeys world and what they see as an unfair harvest advantage. They also emphasize what I instinctively saw as a possible problem: the increased risk of a hunting accident.

Those who practice the technique claim that it helps to get birds that are stuck out in open areas such as the patchwork of farms and trees in much of Ohio. They say its also effective on stuck birds  those that just refuse to come close enough to the call. Theyll explain that reaping can be effective in woodlands, where birds are looking for their own kind moving around. Since gobblers willingly defend their harem, they may lose caution when they see a strange bird approaching and begin strutting around with an attitude. It must be quite a surprise when they find out the invading gobbler showed up with a shotgun.

Like any efficient predator, human hunters have adapted their techniques to be successful. Proponents are quick to point out that reaping is not that much different than using decoys. The actual change is from using the traditional ambush tactics using calls and (sometimes) decoys placed away from the hunter to using decoying tactics when stalking the gobbler using reaping and fanning techniques.

Reaping has become enough of a controversy that some states have declared it illegal. A recent survey of hunting agency rules turned up that Alabama, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and within wildlife areas found in South Carolina and Tennessee have enacted a ban on stalking, fanning and reaping. Other states offer special precautionary warnings about the safety of using the technique. Currently, Ohio doesnt appear to be entertaining any regulations concerning the practice  of course, that can change. Always review the hunting regulations before heading to the field.

I really have no issue with either of the arguments that the two factions offer. Tradition has always held a strong influence on much of sport hunting. Its hard to change, but change does come. At one time, it was thought ethically corrupt to shoot doe deer in the state, while today its not only common, but is encouraged. Hunting with muzzle-loading rifles was once exemplified by replica Hawkins and long rifles, now inline designs have taken over. Those are hard things for traditional attitudes to accept  it takes time. Could reaping and fanning be in the same category?

While I doubt that the method is ethically wrong or that its become a widespread threat to turkey populations, those are just my unscientific opinions. What I can see is the potential risk. The shooter will ultimately be to blame for taking aim at an unverified target, but there are no winners in a hunting accident. The Ohio Division of Wildlife correctly calls them hunting incidents, and theyre the ones that investigate these mishaps and are the expert witnesses in court when a shooter is charged.

My verdict?

If its legal where you hunt and you can accept the risks, go ahead and reap away. Myself, I think Ill take a pass. I hunt my own ground where I should be the only turkey hunter, but that doesnt mean that someone might not sneak in. For me, the risk isnt worth a turkey dinner.

If you do decide that youd like to give it a try, Ive heard that its quite an exciting way to bag a bird. I would just discourage you from going to public hunting grounds in heavily wooded areas. You may be surrounded by turkeys of all ages and experience, but theres also a good chance that there will be turkey hunters falling into those same categories, too  anxious to shoot their first bird. I especially wouldnt use a gobble call while hiding behind any turkey decoy!

Have a great season and, most of all, be safe!

You dont need to know the whole alphabet of Safety. The a, b, c of it will save you if you follow it: Always Be Careful.

 Colorado School of Mines
Though they had pretty much disappeared from Ohio by the 1850s, the number of sightings of black bears in the state has grown slowly but steadily in the past few decades. Its estimated that between 70 and 100 have become permanent residents, including a few females with cubs.

But reports of damage that these furry new citizens cause are also on the rise, mostly involving bird or deer feeders that are torn down and destroyed.

However, beekeepers are also reporting bear damage to hives. Bears can stand 6 feet tall and weigh 700 pounds. Yet even smaller ones can knock over stacks of hives, rip holes in the sides and pull trays out to lick up their contents. Scientists say theyre actually more interested in the bee larva than the honey because it provides needed protein.

Some beekeepers have tried tying the hives together with ratchet straps, but they were no match for strong paws and sharp claws.

Were trying to get the word out, said Laura Brown, a wildlife research technician with the Ohio Division of Wildlife who oversees bear observations for the northeast Ohio district. Youve got to protect the hives with electric fencing.

BREAKING AND ENTERING

When she started her work in 2005, most bear reports came during the spring and summer and were found to be juvenile males that had been chased out of their mothers territory. Most seemed to come from and go back to back to Pennsylvania, where their parents or grandparents had come from.

Now theyre staying in Ohio  especially males, but also some sows are giving birth to cubs in our state now, Brown said. The bear population has increased, but not exploded.

Since 2000, confirmed bear sightings in Ohio have hovered around 50 per year. That is, until 2022, when they shot up to more than 150. Brown said theyre not sure whether there was a huge influx of bears or just more people reporting them.

For instance, black bears prefer forested areas but may move into cornfields for easy pickings, especially when the corn is in silk. They sit and pull stalks down and eat all they want, Brown said.

But that doesnt necessarily produce bear sighting reports. Farmers who only see the damage may think its deer or raccoons or some other corn-hungry creatures.

Plus, yearly reports of bear sightings are usually more than double those that are confirmed. Numerous people may report the same bear. The sighting must be confirmed by security or trail cameras or the sighter taking a photo or collection of some physical evidence.

In one case, the Division of Wildlife not only confirmed but captured a bear. They used a culvert trap  basically, a big metal pipe baited with sardines, corn, donuts and other sweet stuff. When the bear grabs the bait, the door shuts.

In July of last year, one such trap captured a young male in Ashtabula County. With the help of anesthesia, division personnel took measurements, installed an ear tag and put on a transmitter collar. The data from the bears movements will go into a report done in cooperation with a graduate student at the University of Dayton, Brown said.

Ashtabula County by far leads the state in confirmed bear sightings with 280 between 1993 and 2022. Trumbull and Geauga counties came in second and third with more than 100 sightings each, while Lake County had 70, and Mahoning County had 57.

Theyre the winners in the bear-sighting contest because they are closest to the forested areas of Pennsylvania. Southeastern counties are next in line in terms of numbers because they get both Pennsylvanian and West Virginian bears. There have been few or no sightings in the western half of the state.

SNACKING AND SNOOZING

The hope is to someday capture and tag a female and her cubs, Brown said. Females only breed every other year, but may skip it altogether if there is not a good food source, or they are not in good health. They breed in summer but are able to delay implantation of the egg until October when they are ready to go in the den.

Unfortunately, Brown said, human activity can sometimes mess up that natural schedule.

A lot of people use corn piles to attract deer during hunting season, she said. If the weather is mild, the females will continue to go to the food source until it runs out.

When it comes to dens, females will often use hollow trees or treetops that are lying on the ground. They make a kind of bed, sometimes digging a hole by the trees roots.

The cubs  usually two but occasionally three  are born in January or February. Mom and the cubs come out of the den in April, a little later than adult males. The cubs will stay with her all spring, summer and fall and go back into the den with her in winter.

Bear sightings typically spike in May, June and July, and again in October and November as the bears look to build up fat stores for the winter. If mom raids beehives during that time, the little ones may learn from her and repeat her bad habit.

Beehives may also become a target in the winter because bears do more of what we might consider snoozing than fall into the torpor of true hibernation. They are alert and capable of fleeing or defending the den if necessary. If the weather is mild, or theyre just hungry, they might go on a food-finding mission.

That is why hive security must be maintained year-round, Brown says. Hives should be kept at least 300 feet from a forested area, and surrounded by electric fencing. The fence should be 2 feet or 3 feet away from the hives so a bear cannot reach through, and vegetation should be kept away from the wire. Also, beekeepers should check regularly to make sure the fence is on.

But bears that have thick fur, tough hides and are unfazed by bee stings may just go ahead and tear the fence apart, despite the jolts. In that case, Brown suggests adding metal flashing smeared with peanut butter to the rebuilt fence. When bears are shocked around the mouth and muzzle, its a lesson they wont forget.

For instructions on fence building or to report a bear sighting or possible bear damage, Ohioans can call 1-800-WILDLIFE Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LISBON, Ohio  If state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel and her Republican colleagues have their way, Ohios next biannual budget will be lean, mean and $4 billion short of what Gov. Mike DeWine had in mind.

She shared the Houses no-frills approach to state spending at the Columbiana County Farm Bureau Legislative Breakfast on April 18, where elected officials offered updates on legislation and key issues facing Ohios farming communities. Held at the First United Methodist Church in Lisbon, the event highlighted state developments on agriculture, energy, taxation and budgeting.

Robb Blasdel opened the morning with an overview of the states operating budget, calling the experience of helping to draft it very transparent. She noted that the Houses version, which passed the House 60-39 on April 9, is $4 billion less than DeWines proposal.

Robb Blasdel attributed funding shifts to the loss of federal dollars, while emphasizing continued support for education, Medicaid and libraries.

At the breakfast, she highlighted continued investments in FFA and the allocation of $800,000 every fiscal year to cover up to half of the rental and equipment costs related to the staging of state and national livestock events at the Ohio Expo Center.

We are continuing to invest in Ohios number one industrial development, and thats the agriculture industry, she said.

Robb Blasdel also emphasized support for the H2Ohio water quality initiative, calling its work on behalf of farmers a success.

I know thats been an important project to you all, she said. Her comments at the time made no reference to proposed cuts of more than $120 million to H2Ohio over two years in the House budget, but she later addressed them more directly in a follow-up email.

While the House Budget does reduce (Ohio Department of Agriculture) H2Ohio funding levels from FY24 and FY25, we hope to strike a balance between being fiscally responsible and continuing the important environmental work that H2Ohio was created to do, she said.

Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo criticized the House Republicans proposed state budget, arguing it makes reckless cuts to essential services, without offering real help to everyday Ohioans.

Republicans are using this budget process to cut popular and widely-supported Ohio programs that protect the health and well-being of our people and our water sources, she said about the proposed cuts to H2Ohio funding, in a press release.

Addressing concerns over rising property taxes, Robb Blasdel said reforms are being handled separately through over 20 pending bills. On energy, she discussed House Bill 15 and Senate Bill 2, which aim to increase energy independence and lower prices by, among other things, requiring frequent rate reviews and allowing customers to receive refunds for incorrect charges. The bills also abolishes some subsidies, encourages private investment through tax breaks and expands power generation prospects for some customers.

Ive had conversations with a few of you in this room about the need for more affordable energy, she said. The goal of those bills are to further the goal of energy independence, strengthen the free market process and  increase (energy) generation here in the state of Ohio, and to transition to lower energy costs.

With that, she ended her remarks, thanking those in attendance for being involved members of the farm bureau and active in agriculture.

The legislative breakfast next featured updates from county officials who emphasized the need to renew a 1% sales tax to sustain essential services, while others shared updates on farmland conservation, infrastructure, soil valuation and 4-H youth programming, among other topics discussed.
Concerns are growing that proposed changes to NIs rating system could pile more pressure on farming families already facing rising costs and sector instability.

The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) is opposing two key proposals: raising the Maximum Capital Value cap from 400k to 485k and halving the early payment discount from 4% to 2%.

The proposals are included in a public consultation by Northern Ireland's Department of Finance (DoF) in late 2023 and a supplementary consultation in early 2025.

The UFU warns that the plans would unfairly hit farm families whove invested in homes and outbuildings, pushing up property values.

Our farm families are already under severe strain with the proposed changes to inheritance tax, input costs and ongoing market volatility," said UFU deputy president, John McLenaghan.

"These latest proposals from the DoF are another blow and will put even more financial pressure on our industry.

Increasing the rates cap will unfairly penalise farm households, especially those who have invested in building or improving their homes through their own labour.

He stressed that cutting the early payment discount would hit farmers' finances even further.

"Many farmers pay their rates early to avail of this discount and should it be reduced to 2%, our farmers will be left with another financial burden to manage.

"It might seem like a small reduction, but it makes a huge financial difference for farm families.

According to the June 2024 census, NI has over 26,000 farms, with UFU research showing many newer farmhouses exceed the 485,000 cap due to size and outbuildings.

As a result, many rural households may lose access to rate relief and see significant increases in their annual rates bills.

DoF says just 1% of homes would be affected, but UFU data shows many rural households would be hit, disproportionately impacting farmers.

The union also emphasises that rural households do not receive the same level of public services as those in urban areassuch as access to sewerage systems and street lightingwhich are included in rate calculations.

Government need to wake up and realise they are pushing farm families to the brink. Not just financially, but emotionally, said Mr McLenaghan.

Our farm family structure in NI is already in an extremely vulnerable position due to Labours proposed inheritance tax changes.

"To now have the domestic rate proposals looming over them too, is going to severely impact their mental health and wellbeing.
An impressive dispersal sale of farm machinery belonging to Shropshire-based R. Roberts & Sons Ltd has surpassed 2m, with items selling for as much as 273,000.

The auction drew widespread attention from across the UK, Ireland, and beyond, marking it as one of the most significant sales of its kind this year.

Held at Sandhole Farm, New Marton, near Oswestry, by permission of Andrew Morris, the sale was managed by Halls auctioneers and attracted 115 buyers across 178 lots.

The highlight of the day was a 2022 Claas 980 Jaguar Forage Harvester, which fetched the top price of 273,000.

Founded in 1974, R. Roberts & Sons Ltd has served livestock and arable farms in the Oswestry border region for over five decades.

The sale represented the dispersal of its extensive and meticulously maintained fleet of modern machinery.

Jonny Dymond, senior auctioneer and manager of Halls Shrewsbury Auction Centre, described the auction as a sale of national significance.

It was a fabulous sale from start to finish and we had buyers from across the UK and Ireland who braved the rain and blustery weather conditions, said Mr Dymond.

"The large attendance and high prices achieved demonstrated that it was a sale of national significance and will probably be the largest of its type this year.

The sale also marked a milestone for Halls, being the largest auction the firm has ever conducted.

Broadcast live via the MartEye online platform, the auction attracted 20 digital buyers, adding to the event's far-reaching impact.

Notable prices included:

 131,000 for a 2024 New Holland T7-300 tractor with just 530 hours

 123,500 for a 2016 Claas 970 Jaguar Forage Harvester

 121,000 for a 2023 John Deere 6195R

 105,000 for a 2023 John Deere 6R-185

 103,000 for a 2020 JCB 435S Loading Shovel
Two of the UKs most cherished native sheep breeds - the Manx Loaghtan and the Leicester Longwool - have been escalated to the most urgent priority category.

The native breeds are included in the newly released Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Watchlist, sparking calls for action to protect Britains agricultural biodiversity.

Published today (24 April) by the charity, the Watchlist serves as an annual report on the status of rare native livestock and equine breeds.

The report raises serious concerns over declining populations of several breeds, with the Manx Loaghtan and Leicester Longwool sheep seeing sharp downturns in pedigree breeding activity and genetic diversity.

The Manx Loaghtan, a hardy, primitive sheep breed native to the Isle of Man, has suffered a 34% drop in dams producing pedigree offspring since 2022.

The breeds effective population sizea measure of genetic diversityhas now fallen to its lowest point since records began in 2000.

Known for their reddish-brown fleece and distinctive multi-horned appearance, Manx Loaghtans were once near extinction in the 1950s.

The Leicester Longwool, prized for its long, lustrous fleece and distinctive spiral curls, has also seen worrying declines.

The number of breeding dams dropped by 29% in 2024, accompanied by a continued fall in effective population size.

Once pivotal in the development of modern sheep breeds, the Leicester Longwools popularity has waned alongside the general decline in demand for wool.

RBST chief executive Christopher Price highlighted the successes seen in other rare breeds thanks to targeted conservation efforts and is urging a similar approach for the two now-priority-listed sheep breeds.

It is very positive to see signs of stabilisation in several very rare breeds which were previously showing declining numbers, such as Gloucester cattle and the Large White pig," he said.

However our concern is deepening for others among the UKs irreplaceable native breeds which are seeing their numbers continue to fall, including the Manx Loaghtan and Leicester Longwool sheep.

"These two iconic breeds really pay testament to the fantastic and invaluable diversity within the UKs native sheep breeds."

RBST is now calling on the Defra Secretary to reinstate the Ministerial Native Breeds Roundtable, a cross-departmental initiative previously tasked with coordinating strategic support for native breeds.

The charity believes that reinstating this platform is essential to ensure joined-up action across government, working in partnership with organisations like RBST and breed societies.
To say that were obsessed with all things Korean is putting it mildly  whether its dancing to K-pop, sobbing over K-dramas, or indulging in K-beauty. After all, theres no denying that K-beauty is elite. And if you're planning a trip to Seoul and want to fully immerse yourself in the world of Korean skincare and cosmetics, here are five K-beauty experiences you absolutely have to try.You cant talk about K-beauty without mentioning the behemoth behind some of the most popular brands  Laneige, Innisfree, Sulwhasoo, and more  the AmorePacific Group. Their headquarters in Seoul is not only a shrine to beauty but also an architectural marvel, designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield.Two floors of the expansive space are open to the public. Start your visit at the AP Museum of Art, where you can immerse yourself in contemporary exhibitions and stunning installations.Feeling parched? Head to the OSulloc 1979 Cafe to sample some of Koreas finest teas. And, of course, dont leave without visiting the Amore store, where you can shop from the groups brands  including Aestura (a rising star in the K-beauty world) and Hera, famously loved by Jennie of BLACKPINK.Iced coffee with a side of skincare? Yes, please! Thats the vibe at Innisfree The Isle  a chic, tranquil cafe-meets-store thats perfect for a pit stop while exploring Seongsu, a trendy neighborhood known for its art pop-ups and indie boutiques.Welcome to the Mecca of K-beauty. The flagship Olive Young store in Myeongdong spans two sprawling floors packed with skincare, haircare, and makeup must-haves. Its the perfect place to stock up on sheet masks, cleansing balms, and cult-favorite ampoules from brands like dAlba, Mediheal, Medicube, and more.One of South Koreas most beloved luxury skincare brands, Sulwhasoo has a flagship store in Bukchon that is an absolute must-visit. The space is a beautiful blend of traditional hanok (Korean architecture) and Western yangok influences, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present.As you walk through the immersive space, youll discover the origins of the brand and view early versions of its iconic products  a true cultural and beauty experience in one.The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult favorite  and if you're in Seoul, you can take the experience up a notch by customizing your own. Head to the Amore store in Seongsu, where you can choose two flavors from 45 combinations. A robot will mix your unique formula, and your name will be printed on the packaging. Just remember to book your slot in advance!
Australia's six-month annualised growth rate in the WestpacMelbourne Institute Leading Index slowed to 0.6 per cent in March, down from 0.9 per cent in February. The index reflects the expected pace of economic activity relative to the trend three to nine months ahead.

The index continues to indicate growth above the trend, but the recent softening signifies a significant shift. The Index is only beginning to reflect the effects of the trade policy disruptions that intensified following US President Donald Trump's 'reciprocal' tariff announcement on April 2. The situation is uncertain and there are other factors at play but some further softening in the growth pulse looks likely in the months ahead, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research and Westpac said in a joint press release.

Australia's six-month annualised growth rate in the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index slowed to 0.6 per cent in March, down from 0.9 per cent in February, reflecting trade policy disruptions and market sentiment. While the Australian economy faces manageable tariff shocks, growth is expected to slow to 1.9 per cent in 2025. Financial market developments have contributed to the slowdown.

At this stage, the tariff shock to the Australian economy should still be relatively small and manageable. Westpac expects growth to track a slower recovery, lifting to 1.9 per cent in 2025 revised down from a previously forecast 2.2 per cent. However, risks are to the downside. The Leading Index will continue to be an important early gauge of how momentum is shifting, said Matt Hassan, head of Australian macro forecasting at Westpac Economics.

The component detail shows the slowdown to date has been centred on financial market and sentiment developments. The Leading Index growth rate has lifted from negative 0.24 per cent in September last year to 0.63 per cent currently. Four of the eight components have driven the 0.87 percentage points (ppt) improvement: commodity prices (measured in Australian dollar terms) adding 0.42 ppts; a widening yield spread adding a further 0.34 ppts; improving US industrial production adding a further 0.15 ppts and improving consumer expectations for jobs adding another 0.12 ppts.

The commodity price component's improvement has primarily been driven by a decline in the Australian dollar, which depreciated by 6.5 cents () against the US dollar between September and late March. Notably, despite a further dip of 3.5 at one point, the Australian dollar has since recovered and is now slightly above its March-end level. However, these gains have been partially offset by a correction in equity markets and a slowdown in the recovery of consumer sentiment. The S&P/ASX200 has reduced the headline growth rate by 0.18 percentage points since September, while the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Expectations Index has contributed an additional 0.1 ppt decline.

Meanwhile, both drags are at risk of intensifying in the months ahead. Share markets plunged after the US tariff announcement on April 2 and are still down on March levels despite a solid rally later in the week following the announcement of a 90-day pause on tariff increases above 10 per cent for countries other than China.

Similarly, the April update on consumer sentiment showed sharply weaker reads over the course of the survey week that suggest the May survey, which will be run before the next Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meeting, is coming from a considerably weaker starting point, added the release.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
The UK government has announced immediate action to tackle unfair international trade practices, led by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA). The move aims to protect British businesses from unfair competition in the global market. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also revealed plans to review the customs treatment of low value imports, which currently exempts goods valued at 135 (~$179.76) or less from customs duty.

Major UK retailers like Next and Sainsburys have called for changes to this rule, arguing it puts them at a disadvantage by allowing international companies to undercut domestic prices, the UK government said in a press release.

UK government has taken action to tackle unfair international trade practices, led by the Trade Remedies Authority. The government also plans to review the customs treatment of low value imports, which currently exempts goods under 135 (~$179.76) from customs duty. UK retailers like Next and Sainsburys have pushed for changes, citing unfair competition.

Speaking at the annual IMF Spring meetings in Washington D.C., Chancellor Reeves emphasised the importance of maintaining an open global economy for UK growth, aligning with the government's overarching Plan for Change. She stressed that while free trade benefits the UK, fairness must be prioritised in the global economic system to address the uneven distribution of growth.

This government is meeting the moment to protect fair and open trade. Following recent announcements reducing tariffs and support for the zero-emissions vehicles industry, todays [April 23] package will help businesses compete fairly with international exporters, supporting a world economy that provides stability and fairness for working people and businesses alike, said Reeves.

This latest move builds on previous government actions, including a strategic approach to supporting British steelmaking and initiatives to bolster zero-emission vehicles. The recent suspension of tariffs on 89 foreign products and ongoing efforts to support British industries in the face of global economic challenges were also highlighted.

Business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds reinforced the government's commitment to safeguarding UK businesses from unfair competition. "This government wont stand idly by while cheap imports flood our markets and harm British industries," Reynolds stated. "That is why I met with the TRA recently to agree urgent steps to tackle these issues in real time to deliver quicker protections for firms."

Responding to the announcement, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: The announcement of the review into the de minimis rules is most welcome and shows that the government has listened to the concerns and representations of retailers and the BRC and that it is prepared to take swift action to protect consumers from goods being dumped in the UK, many of which fail to meet UK environmental and ethical standards, as a result of global trade turmoil. A review of this policy, which was designed to reduce the burden on low volume, low value imports, was already needed. With retailers seeing a rise in the number of potentially non-compliant products entering the UK market, its even more critical now.

Theo Paphitis, retail entrepreneur, said: This is a much-needed injection of confidence for retailers and a common sense move to protect the UK economy. The sector has been crying out to level the unfair playing field and is a welcome, positive and strong step in the right direction by the Chancellor. This shows the government is listening and responding to UK business.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)
Vietnamese industry and trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien began discussions on economic and trade issues with the United States yesterday through a conference call to US trade representative Jamieson L. Greer.

The call was attended by members of the Vietnamese government's negotiation team and those from other ministries and sectors.

Vietnamese industry and trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien began talks on economic and trade issues with the US yesterday through a conference call to US trade representative Jamieson L Greer. Dien said Vietnamese ministries and the industry stand ready to address US concerns and work together to find mutually-beneficial solutions based on the principle of harmonised interests and shared risks.

Dien said Vietnamese ministries and the industry stand ready to address US concerns and work together to find mutually-beneficial solutions based on the principle of harmonised interests and shared risks, a domestic news agency reported.

Greer too expressed confidence that both sides will soon reach appropriate solutions.

The talks followed President Donald Trumps announcement of a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs on imports from a number of trade partners, including Vietnam.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
The terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam earlier this week shook the entire nation. The attack claimed twenty-six civilian lives. Several Indian celebrities took to social media to condemn the attack and called for immediate action. Pakistani celebrities, too, joined in and offered their condolences. Among them, Fawad Khan, who was gearing up for his Bollywood comeback, openly condemned the attack.









View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare)





See Also: Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor Talk About Their Organic Chemistry in Abir Gulaal



This statement comes amid growing calls for boycott of Fawad's film Abir Gulaal. It also stars Vaani Kapoor alongside him, and this romantic drama was supposed to mark his comeback to Indian cinema after 9 years. Following the recent attack, netizens are vehemently opposing the release of the film in Indian theatres. Ashoke Pandit, the President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, opposed the release of the film and said, "This incident is an act of war against the nation. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artiste, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. We will issue an order that anyone who works with Pakistani artistes will be boycotted by the industry."



Taking to Instagram's story section, he wrote, "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time."

Meanwhile, a lot of Indian and Pakistani celebrities condemned the terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam. Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Janhvi Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Karan Johar, Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Anushka Sharma, Rashmika Mandanna, Anupam Kher, Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Hania Aamir, Mawra Hocane, Farhan Saeed and many others were shaken by the horrific incident.

About the Pahalgam Terror Attack






The release of the film faced resistance even before the attacks, as it featured the Pakistani actor. Fawad Khan has done a couple of Bollywood films such as Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Kapoor & Sons and Khoobsurat. However, following the Uri attack in 2016, Pakistani artists were stopped from working in India, and the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a ban on them. Pakistani actor Fawad Khan was gearing up for his return to Bollywood with the film Abir Gulaal. However, the Fawad and Vaani Kapoor starrer will not be releasing in India following the Pahalgam terror attack. As per sources close to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India, the decision to not release the film in Indian theatres has been taken after the deadly terrorist attack on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22.

The Pahalgam attack claimed the lives of 26 people after terrorists opened fire on tourists at around 2:30 pm on Tuesday . This marks one of the deadliest terror attacks in the Jammu and Kashmir region in recent times. Assailants descend from nearby hills and unleash gunfire on unsuspecting civilians at one of Kashmirs most visited tourist destinations.

Meanwhile, Fawad Khan, among many Pakistani artists, condemned the attack. He wrote on a social media post, "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time."





Abir Gulaal was supposed to be released on May 9. Ashoke Pandit, the President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, also opposed the release of the film and said, "This incident is an act of war against the nation. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artiste, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. We will issue an order that anyone who works with Pakistani artistes will be boycotted by the industry."

See Also: What is the controversy around Fawad Khan starrer Abir Gulaal?
Dapper in an all-red suit



Sleek black ensemble

Promoting in style



Keeping it simple

Beach vibes only

Whether hes promoting a film or spotted at an event, Varun Dhawan never fails to deliver a style moment. Heres a look at the actor's fashion-forward outfits that had fans double-tapping on social media.Varun Dhawan isnt just known for his high-energy roles and effortless charm on-screen--his off screen style is equally captivating. Over the years, the actor has built a distinctive sartorial identity that blends comfort, edge and just the right dose of drama. His envious sneaker collection, dapper everyday staples, and enigmatic layering have captivated fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.Whether hes stepping out for a press meet or turning heads at a promotional event, Varun knows how to make fashion work for him.For his appearance on Koffee with Karan Season 7, Varun Dhawan turned up the heat in an all-red ensemble that screamed confidence. Dressed head-to-toe in Sahil Aneja, the actor rocked a striking crimson pantsuit paired with a matching shirt tucked in just right. He layered it with a tailored blazer and added a loosely-tied red tie that brought in just the right amount of polish without trying too hard. Finishing touches? Sleek black Louboutin loafers and statement Alexander McQueen sunnies--sealing the deal on a look that was bold, bossy, and effortlessly cool.At the grand opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai, Varun Dhawan redefined traditional menswear with a contemporary twist. Dressed in a sleek black ensemble crafted by the legendary Manish Malhotra, Varuns look was a masterclass in modern elegance. The outfit featured intricate detailing and a tailored silhouette that exudes sophistication, making a compelling case for black as the new go-to hue in traditional attire.At the Kalank trailer launch, Varun Dhawan redefined traditional elegance with a contemporary twist. Dressed in an off-white chikankari kurta adorned with intricate gold zardozi embroidery by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla (AJSK Man), he epitomised understated luxury. Styled by the dynamic duo Priyanka Shahani and Kazim Delhiwala of The Vainglorious, Varuns ensemble seamlessly blended classic craftsmanship with modern flair, making it a standout look.For his father David Dhawan's birthday bash in 2022, Varun Dhawan donned a Gucci GG Supreme Canvas Jacket, featuring the brand's signature monogram, priced at approximately 1.7 lakh. Pairing it with acid-washed light blue skinny jeans and tan Chelsea boots, Varun showcased a look that was both minimalistic and suave. The muted tones of his outfit highlighted his knack for blending luxury with laid-back style, making a statement without a word.Dressed in a paisley print co-ord set from MSGM, Varun Dhawan brought the heat to Instagram with a look that screamed vacation goals. He paired the short-sleeved shirt and matching shorts with a crisp white tank top and clean white sneakers. Topping off the ensemble with stylish sunglasses, Varun captioned the post: Island boyee.Varun Dhawans fashion game has evolved, matured and sharpened over the years--but its always stayed true to his personality. Effortless yet bold, clean yet statement-making, his wardrobe choices continue to win him fans. And if his recent public appearances are anything to go by, this fashion-forward star is only just getting started.
As Penn Badgely steps back into Joe Goldbergs dark, twisted shoes one last time, You Season 5 is all set to deliver a chilling conclusion-- bringing Joe to a full circle to where it all began.



When Netflixs You first hit out screens back in 2018, audiences were simultaneously horrified and hypnotised by the obsessive, murderous Joe Goldberg. Played with delicious complexity by Penn Badgley, Joes story has since travelled from New York to Los Angeles, and even across the Atlantic to London. Now, with season 5 releasing globally on April 24, fans are bracing themselves for a gripping final chapter.



The last season, consisting of 10 episodes, drops all at once, allowing viewers to binge-watch Joes final descent into darkness. As showrunners Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo confirmed, the plan was always to end the story after five seasons. True to that promise, Season 5 sees Joe returning to New York, the city where it all started-- but this time he is more dangerous than ever.







Penn Badgleys portrayal of Joe Goldberg has been nothing short of iconic--a character that forces audiences to grapple with their own perceptions of love, morality and obsession. Across four seasons weve seen Joe evolve, and unravel, through different personas as well as cities, all while leaving chaos in his wake.



Season 5 promises to tie up loose ends, showing a version of Joe who is fully aware of the monster he has become. Early glimpses suggest that old ghosts may haunt him, and familiar faces may reappear as the story hurtles towards its inevitable conclusion.



With all the episodes premiering at 12 am PT globally-- that is 12.30 pm IST--fans worldwide will dive headfirst into Joes twisted mind one last time. If the previous seasons are any indication, expect jaw-dropping twists, psychological intrigue and an ending that will stay with you long after the credit roll.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 23, 2025) - Timeless Capital Corp. (TSXV: TLC.P) ("Timeless" or the "Corporation") announces that the board of directors of the Corporation, has approved the grant of stock options pursuant to its stock option plan (the "Plan") to its directors and officers, to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,150,000 common shares in the capital of the company (the "Options"). The Options are granted on a conditional basis, subject to approval by the shareholders of the Corporation at the next annual general meeting, are exercisable at a price of $0.05 per common share and will expire 3 years from the date of grant. The Options are subject to the terms of the Plan, the applicable Option agreements, and the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") and the directors and officers will be subject to regular Exchange escrow and vesting requirements on conversion.

The Company also announces that Fahim Gadallah has resigned as Chief Executive Officer but will remain as a director of the Corporation. The board extends its gratitude to Mr. Gadallah for his service. Blair Jordan, currently a director and Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed to succeed Mr. Gadallah as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Additionally, the Company announces the retirement of Danish Wasim as a director. Mr. Wasim has served on the board with dedication, and the Company thanks him for his contributions.

About Timeless Capital Corp.

About Timeless Capital Corp. Timeless is a CPC that completed its initial public offering and obtained a listing on the Exchange in October, 2018 (trading symbol: "TLC.P"). It does not own any assets, other than cash or cash equivalents. The principal business of Timeless is to identify and evaluate opportunities for the acquisition of an interest in assets or businesses and, once identified and evaluated, to negotiate an acquisition or participation subject to acceptance by the Exchange so as to complete a qualifying transaction in accordance with the policies of the Exchange.

Cautionary Notes

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 the content of this release.

This press release is intended for distribution in Canada only and is not intended for distribution to United States newswire services or dissemination in the United States.

This press 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 "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.

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 terms and conditions of the Private Placement; the closing date for the Private Placement; and anticipated use of net proceeds from the Private Placement. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, Timeless has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of Timeless believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements 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 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 relating to Timeless' financing efforts; risks associated with the business of Timeless given its limited operating history; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws; risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. Timeless does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249620

SOURCE: Timeless Capital Corp.
SINGAPORE, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tanglin Trust School in Singapore marked a major educational milestone this week with the official launch of the Tanglin Highlands Programme, a four-week immersive learning experience for Year 9 students at the school's new 15-acre campus in Gippsland, Australia.

Tanglin's CEO, Craig Considine, welcomed the founding cohort of Year 9 Highlanders and their parents, who attended the launch event alongside distinguished guests: Ms Lucy Hughes, Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission; Mr Ashley Brosnan, Climate Counsellor, Australian High Commission; Mr Poh Chun Leck, Director of School Operations Policy, Ministry of Education, Singapore, and Neil Tottman, Tanglin Governor.

In his opening remarks, Mr Considine said, "Today, we celebrate not just the formal launch of the programme, but the realisation of an educational vision born in extraordinary times. The Tanglin Highlands Programme demonstrates our collective belief in the power of adaptation and innovation in education."

The Highlands Programme will be based at the new Tanglin Gippsland campus, where students will continue their core curriculum studies in a low-tech, nature-based setting. Living together as a community, they will take part in outdoor pursuits, adventure-based challenges and independent living experiences.

Mr Considine added, "Preparing young people for an unpredictable future requires educational experiences beyond traditional models." This innovative programme is designed to foster confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of both self and the wider world-qualities essential for navigating a rapidly changing global landscape.

Mr Mark Cutchie, Tanglin's founding Head of Campus in Gippsland, addressed the audience of Highlanders and encouraged them to embrace the journey ahead. "It's about having the courage to try something new, and the perseverance to keep going when things get tough," he said. His remarks highlighted the programme's emphasis on stepping beyond comfort zones, embracing an adventurous spirit, and learning through life experience.

As the first cohort of Year 9 Highlanders departs for Australia, the launch of the Highlands Programme stands as a cornerstone of Tanglin Trust School's Centenary celebrations-embodying Tanglin's belief in a holistic education where well-being is nurtured, talents beyond the classroom are developed, and academic scholarship is honoured.

About Tanglin Trust School

Established in 1925, Tanglin Trust School is the oldest British international school in Southeast Asia and celebrates its Centenary this academic year. The school delivers British-based education to more than 2,850 students aged 3 to 18 in Singapore. As a not-for-profit institution, all tuition fees are directed towards the provision of outstanding education. Tanglin is the only school in Singapore to offer the choice of A Levels or the IB Diploma in Sixth Form. It enjoys an excellent academic reputation, with examination results consistently surpassing both Singapore and global averages.

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West Leederville, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 23, 2025) - The Directors of Solis Minerals Ltd. (ASX: SLM) (TSXV: SLMN) (OTCQB: SLMFF) (FSE: 08W) ("Solis Minerals" or "the Company"), are pleased to advise that the Company has closed Tranche 2 of the Placement, issuing a total of 30,979,957 CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) over common shares at A$0.085 per New Share along with 26,470,627 unlisted options exercisable at A$0.16 with a two- year term, to raise gross proceeds of A$2,633,296.35.

Assisting brokers received, in aggregate, fees of 6% of the funds raised under the Placement, being a total of $145,697.78 in connection with the closing of Tranche 2. The brokers will also receive 12,632,353 unlisted options exercisable at A$0.14875 with a three-year term.

Tranche 2 of the Placement was approved by shareholders at a Special Shareholder Meeting of the Company held 16 April 2025.

A further 294,118 CDIs at A$0.085 per New Share along with 147,059 unlisted options exercisable at A$0.16 with a two-year term, are being issued on the same terms for aggregate cash proceeds of A$25,000. The Company's total issued equity capital post Tranche 2 allotment is 141,080,178 shares.

Additionally, the Company has issued 6,000,000 performance rights to its CEO and 6,800,000 performance rights to its Directors with the terms and conditions disclosed under Schedules 4 and 5, respectively of the Notice of Special Meeting released to the ASX on 19 March 2025.

CDIs trading on the ASX issued on account of the shares cannot be converted into common shares of the Company for the purposes of trading such shares in Canada until four months and one day have elapsed from the issuance date.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release.

About Solis Minerals Limited

Solis Minerals is an emerging exploration company, focused on unlocking the potential of its South American copper portfolio. The Company is building a significant copper portfolio around its core tenements of Ilo Este and Ilo Norte and elsewhere in the Coastal Belt of Peru. Solis holds 81 concessions totalling 69,200 Ha. 47 concessions are granted (39,000 Ha) and 34 concessions are being processed (30,200 Ha).

The Company is led by a highly-credentialled and proven team with excellent experience across the mining lifecycle in South America. Solis is actively considering a range of copper opportunities. South America is a key player in the global export market for copper and Solis, under its leadership team, is strategically positioned to capitalise on growth the opportunities within this mineral-rich region.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249626

SOURCE: Solis Minerals Ltd.
SHANGHAI, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 21st Auto Shanghai, one of Asia's largest automotive exhibitions, VOYAH, the premium new energy vehicle brand under Dongfeng Motor Corporation, presented its full lineup of vehicles and latest technologies. Headlining the showcase at Dongfeng's exhibition booth were the comprehensively upgraded VOYAH FREE+ and the debut of the VOYAH Dream four-seat executive edition.

Since entering Europe in 2022, VOYAH is the first Chinese state-backed New Energy Vehicle brand to expand overseas. The company now operates in markets including Norway, Finland, and Denmark, with an 205% year-over-year growth in overseas orders during Q1 2025.

This rapid market expansion is underpinned by VOYAH's robust technological capabilities. At this year's show, the VOYAH FREE+ marks the most significant product upgrade since the model's launch. Sporting a more refined and streamlined silhouette, the SUV exemplifies futuristic luxury in a high-end NEV design. The closed front fascia, paired with integrated headlights and a striking full-width illuminated logo, enhances its technological sophistication and brand recognition.

As a flagship model four years in the making, the VOYAH FREE+ features the latest intelligent driving system and HarmonyOS cockpit. VOYAH has invested over 500 million RMB to implement more than 1,000 product enhancements, including 136 safety enhancements. Combining the strengths of VOYAH and Huawei, the FREE+ is set to become the brand's next viral model. Launching alongside it is the new four-seat executive edition of VOYAH Dream, enriching VOYAH's premium intelligent mobility lineup by establishing a dual-flagship presence across both SUV and MPV segments.

Looking ahead, VOYAH will deepen its presence in Europe while making the Middle East a strategic priority. Initiatives such as Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" and the UAE's "Centennial 2071" plan have positioned new energy as a national priority, creating robust demand for premium NEVs. Leveraging a "global platform + localized adaptation" approach, VOYAH aims to meet the high-end expectations of local consumers.

This push aligns with the brand's "6655" global vision. By 2030, VOYAH plans to expand to 60 countries across six continents, establish 500 sales and service centers, and export over 500,000 vehicles. With a target of reaching 200,000 in global sales by 2025, VOYAH is set to achieve new milestones in global markets, demonstrating the strength and appeal of China's NEV industry and contributing to the global expansion of Chinese automotive brands.

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Palliser Capital doubles Keisei shareholding since 2024 AGM now over 4.5%

Calls to restore market confidence with decisive D2 Plan and re-dimensioning of Board with nomination of four Palliser-proposed independent Japanese candidates

Preference for Company-led self-help process with EGM as backup

Palliser Capital ("Palliser"), one of the largest shareholders of Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (9009 JT) ("Keisei" or the "Company") with a shareholding over 4.5%, today published an open letter and detailed presentation ahead of the Company's new Medium-Term D2 Plan and 2025 Annual General Meeting.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423710073/en/

Palliser's letter to Kobayashi-CEO and the current Board calls on them to execute immediately on three measures to stem the ongoing tide of value destruction at Keisei, re-establish market confidence and unlock intrinsic value:

D2 Plan: Deliver a set of credible and transparent peer and TSE-aligned D2 Plan measures on 9 May. Measures should include a properly calibrated capital allocation framework with a pathway to right-size Keisei's stake in OLC, peer-aligned dividend payout ratio and share buyback programme, and performance-linked management compensation. Comprehensive Board reconfiguration: Adopt best-in-class corporate governance parameters to streamline the Board to an overall size of no more than 11 directors, including at least 6 independent outside directors and no more than 5 inside directors with an optimized balance of skills, independence, and experience. Palliser-proposed truly independent outside director candidates : Nomination of four outstanding Japanese candidates identified by Palliser with assistance from a Japan-based leading independent executive search firm as part of the Board reconfiguration.

Palliser's letter and presentation explain why these urgent measures are critical to breaking the cycle of self-serving inaction that has allowed the Board to rely on grossly inflated performance metrics, enabled by a significant deflation of Keisei's balance sheet, in order to avoid voting pressure and accountability and facilitate ongoing value-destructive arrangements, such as the egregious cross-shareholding alliance with Aeon.

Palliser recognises the importance for Keisei, under Kobayashi-CEO's leadership, of regaining market trust through constructive self-help, rather than via shareholder intervention at EGM, and believes there remains sufficient time ahead of the 2025 AGM convocation notice to reach constructive agreement on an optimal path ahead for the Company and all Keisei stakeholders.

Full details relating to Palliser's ongoing engagement are available at KEISEI100.com

24 April 2025

3-3-1 Yawata, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture 272-8510

Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd. ("Keisei" or the "Company")

Dear Kobayashi-CEO and the Members of the Keisei Board of Directors ("Board

Time for Urgent Action: Keisei's D2 Plan and Board Reconfiguration with Palliser-Proposed Candidates1

Introduction

As you know, Palliser has been a shareholder of Keisei for almost four years. Since last year's Annual General Meeting ("AGM"), we have more than doubled the size of our investment and now hold in excess of 4.5% of the Company's outstanding shares. Our firm conviction in Keisei's strong portfolio and the tremendous latent value opportunity remains steadfast.

Yet, as things stand today, notwithstanding our own strident efforts over multiple years of patient and constructive engagement with the Company, including numerous trips to Japan for meetings with IR and Management, we find ourselves and other shareholders confronting the troubling reality that:

Keisei remains stuck in a chronic state of deep undervaluation and underperformance across all key metrics trading at a significant and persistent discount, with transportation-segment operating profit margins and return on assets (ROA), true return on equity (ROE) and true price-to-book ratio (PBR) all significantly below peers;

Longstanding corporate governance failings remain unrectified by an ineffective Board that is not fit for purpose - through its inaction and resistance to making even the most basic improvements, the Board has demonstrated a lack of understanding and willingness to adopt even the most fundamental measures called for by the Tokyo Stock Exchange's ("TSE") policies, even though these initiatives have already been embraced by the vast majority of Japanese issuers, including Keisei's closest peers; and

Management continue to pursue a dangerously undisciplined and self-serving approach to capital allocation the most value destructive example of which is the oversized OLC stake and associated accounting distortion, which (i) hides Keisei's true PBR and consistently low true ROE shielding the inside directors from voting pressure against re-election that would otherwise exist and (ii) shines a spotlight on the inability and unwillingness of the outside directors to hold the Board to account and change this harmful dynamic. The egregious new cross-shareholding arrangement with Aeon an alliance that is seemingly intended to further entrench Keisei's incumbent Management is a product of this destructive dynamic.

The situation is unsustainable, shareholders have had enough, and urgent measures are now required. Palliser's capital allocation-focused proposal at last year's AGM showcased a groundswell of support for tangible change. This is reinforced through our extensive market outreach efforts since then, which have revealed a clear consensus among both domestic Japanese and international institutional investors, not only that Keisei's problems run deep, but that its poor corporate governance must now be addressed.

We are therefore writing to you today on an open basis, ahead of the Company's D2 Plan announcement (anticipated on 9 May 2025) and 2025 AGM, to urge you to take the following immediate stepsin order to stem the tide of ongoing value destruction at Keisei and to establish the necessary conditions to regain market confidence and unlock Keisei's substantial intrinsic value and growth potential:

(1) Seize the opportunity of Keisei's upcoming D2 Plan to put forward a set of credible, transparent and immediately implementable measures to convincingly address the Company's persistent underperformance and ongoing chronic undervaluation

To include, at a bare minimum, the measures described in this letter focused on capital allocation, the OLC stake, shareholder returns, management incentives and market disclosures. This is a pivotal moment for the Company and an opportunity for the current Board under Kobayashi-CEO's leadership to demonstrate a willingness to take decisive and vitally important action in line with shareholder expectations.

(2) Announce, as a core component of the D2 Plan or otherwise, a reconfiguration of the Board as part of a long-overdue governance overhaul at Keisei

Based on best-in-class corporate governance parameters and to ensure effective and value-oriented decision-making, Keisei's Board should include no more than 11 directors comprising (i) at least 6 independent outside directors and (ii) no more than 5 inside directors, together possessing an optimized balance of skills, independence, and experience to lead Keisei forward.

(3) Undertake a thorough and transparent evaluation of the four best-in-class outside director candidates whose details Palliser has forwarded separately to the Company in support of the re-dimensioning of Keisei's Board

Each of the outstanding candidates that we have identified through an extensive search using a leading Japan-based and fully independent executive search firm, are ready to serve on the Board as independent outside directors to help transform Keisei's governance and performance as part of the broader reconfiguration of the Board. We believe that these candidates' skills, abilities and experiences would be highly additive to Keisei and have the potential to accelerate the Company's transformation both to a higher standard of conduct and governance, in keeping with the TSE's guidelines and procedures, and an era of value-optimised development and growth.

Persistent Underperformance and Undervaluation

Keisei remains locked in a state of severe underperformance despite the Company's unique portfolio of strong profit-generating assets and exciting future opportunities. Notwithstanding our ongoing efforts to engage, the picture at Keisei is no better today than when we first engaged with Keisei's Management team nearly four years ago. Notably, the Company:

trades at a significant and persistent discount to intrinsic value, which has continued to grow over time, and today stands at ~40%;

has the lowest transportation-segment operating profit margin and lowest transportation-segment ROA among Keisei's closest peers underperformance that has persisted for years;

in a watershed development last year, was ejected from the MSCI Japan Standard Index a stark reminder of the extent of the Company's underperformance crisis; 2

continues to have no capital allocation framework, no ROE target and sub-optimal shareholder returns; and

continues to maintain an inappropriate and outsized stake in OLC that lacks synergistic value, is unhelpfully accounted for as an equity associate and, as such, remains significantly undervalued on the Company's balance sheet. This has resulted in Keisei being grossly over-capitalized and caused it to suffer from true ROE and true PBR metrics that (i) fall significantly below its peers, (ii) languish far below the TSE's minimum valuation target of 1x PBR, and (iii) fall well short of leading institutional investors' voting policy thresholds (see below), thereby calling into question the re-election of both Keisei's inside directors and its executive leadership.

Underpinned by Severely Poor Corporate Governance and an Ineffective Board

Poor performance at Keisei does not persist by accident; ultimately it is the result of the Company's systemically inadequate corporate governance regime. The clear consensus among both domestic Japanese and foreign investors is that blame lies with a Board that is both inappropriately equipped and unaccountable to stakeholders.

With fifteen directors, the Board is cumbersome, materially larger than peers, and almost 50% larger than the Nikkei 225 average.3 Based on objective ISS and Glass Lewis-applied criteria and other independence red flags, the Board is also insufficiently independent and woefully unbalanced owing to the very small number of directors (two in our assessment) that qualify as genuinely independent outside directors versus an excessive nine inside directors.

Keisei governance is therefore severely handicapped by having too few properly independent outside directors to be an effective check and balance on the inside directors and wider Management team. When combined with an inadequate mix of skills and experience, the result is a dangerously undisciplined approach to capital allocation, a disregard of TSE guidance and reforms, and a failure to make even the most basic changes required to reverse the underperformance and undervaluation crisis that has by now gripped Keisei for far too long. The fact that Keisei is the only one of its peer group4 that has been publicly listed by the TSE as having failed to announce appropriate measures under its "Action to Implement Management That is Conscious of Cost of Capital and Stock Price" initiative a delinquency that has been ongoing for nearly a year speaks for itself.

Misaligned Interests and Management Entrenchment

In addition to the lack of effective independent outside director oversight and capital allocation discipline, the Company's multiple ties to OLC are hardly a good starting point for an impartial assessment of the OLC stake. These ties include multiple retired Keisei presidents and CEOs remaining engaged by the Company in "Komon" advisory roles (denoting a close relationship with the Board for the purpose of giving advice and guidance on a range of key matters) while also serving as officers of OLC giving rise to possible conflicts and competing affiliations when it comes to decision-making about the future of Keisei's investment in OLC.

We also see a more troubling dynamic stemming from the way in which the OLC stake currently benefits the Board. At a bloated size of over 15%, Keisei is able to account for the OLC stake as an equity associate which, given OLC's high PBR multiple of 5.4x, causes it to be recorded on the Company's balance sheet at a massive undervaluation. This perpetuates an accounting distortion that masks Keisei's significant, persistent and ongoing underperformance based on all key metrics. By way of illustration, as confirmed by an independent expert report of a leading Japanese accounting firm on Keisei's performance metrics, if the stake was marked to market on Keisei's balance sheet, the extent of the Company's underperformance, and by extension the Board's failings, would be laid bare5, showing:

Keisei's true PBR at 0.6x6 is significantly lower than the 1.4x claimed falling far short of the TSE's 1x target and the 1.3x PBR7 of the Company's peers;

At 56%8, Keisei's true equity to asset ratio is far higher than its peers' level of 32%9; and

True ROE is currently ~1%10 and has been below 2.5% consistently for the past 5 years and c. 600 basis points below its cost of equity of ~7%.11

The uncomfortable truth is that Keisei's overstated performance, underpinned by the oversized and ill-fitting OLC stake, has enabled the Board to evade accountability to the Company's stakeholders for far too long. It has done this by hiding the fact that Keisei's true ROE has fallen well below proxy advisor and Japanese institutional investors' minimum acceptable thresholds consistently over many years, thereby eliminating voting pressure against the re-election of Keisei's inside directors that would otherwise have been triggered had the sorry state of the Company's persistently low true ROE been apparent.

Based on our discussions across the market, however, we believe that a tipping point has now been reached as investors see through Management's reliance on grossly inflated performance metrics resulting from Keisei's significantly deflated balance sheet in order to satisfy applicable proxy advisors' and investors' voting thresholds.

Even so, the picture at this point is clear: to date, the inside directors have been disincentivised to take the necessary remedial action to right-size the OLC stake and fix the Company's undisciplined approach to capital allocation, and the outside director cohort is too weak and outnumbered to hold them to account. This toxic dynamic has bred a cycle of inaction and malaise, which, in turn, has bred a damagingly long phase of persistent underperformance and undervaluation at Keisei that is, in the most negative sense of the word, unique. Furthermore, without any performance or share-linked pay, Keisei's opaque management compensation structure does nothing to re-balance incentives or re-align Management and broader stakeholder interests.

Management's intention to boost this entrenchment mechanism further was made abundantly clear last year with the newly announced and value-destructive capital and business alliance with Aeon an arrangement requiring Keisei to acquire newly issued Aeon shares at an all-time-high valuation to fund Aeon's acquisition of deeply discounted Keisei shares from the Company's existing shareholders. To make matters worse, Keisei appears to have funded this business alliance by disposing of a portion of its OLC shares to OLC via an on-market buyback at a price to the benefit of OLC and the detriment of Keisei that was around 30% lower than earlier in the year when we and other shareholders were urging the Board to reduce the OLC stake.

You will recall that we wrote to the Board on 6 December 2024 to set out our detailed concerns about these matters, in which context we raised several questions in order to tease out important clarity on the Aeon alliance. Unsurprisingly perhaps at this juncture, we have yet to receive any form of response to that letter. With no demonstrable commercial benefit to this claimed "alliance", and no reason to implement such a cross-shareholding regardless of whether a genuine business reason for this tie-up does exist (which we feel strongly it does not), the obvious conclusion to our mind is that the true purpose of this arrangement is the placement of yet more Keisei shares (over and above the significant number held by OLC) in the hands of cross-shareholders who can reliably be expected to support and prop up this toxic cycle of self-serving capital allocation and Management entrenchment.

Urgent Measures to Stem Further Value Destruction and Correct Course

Keisei simply cannot continue forward on this path. In recent months, we have attempted multiple times to engage with you ahead of the Company's D2 Plan announcement and 2025 AGM but have been rebuffed on every occasion. We have therefore taken steps of our own, which are explained below, and call on Kobayashi-CEO and the Board to now stem the ongoing value destruction at Keisei and to facilitate the conditions necessary for longer-term improvement by undertaking the following three immediate steps:

(1) Ensure that Keisei's D2 Plan contains a set of credible, transparent and immediately implementable measures to convincingly address the Company's persistent underperformance and ongoing chronic undervaluation

The long-awaited D2 Plan is a pivotal moment for Keisei and represents a decisive opportunity for the current Board under Kobayashi-CEO's leadership to demonstrate its willingness to take appropriate remedial action to address the ongoing underperformance and undervaluation crisis at Keisei. To stand any chance of being assessed as a credible MTP that meets high stakeholder expectations, the D2 Plan must explicitly confirm that Keisei will adopt vital peer-aligned measures that conform with TSE best practices. At a bare minimum, the D2 Plan must include:

A properly calibrated capital allocation framework encompassing a pathway to right-sizing the OLC stake to below 15% to unlock trapped capital and address the associated accounting distortion discussed above. Peer-aligned dividend payout ratios (bearing in mind that Keisei's current payout ratio of 10% falls well short of its peers' payout ratios of 30-40%) and a suitable buyback programme (which most of Keisei's peers already have in place). Appropriate performance-linked management compensation to align Management with the interests of Keisei stakeholders. Vastly improved market disclosures (including in English) and increased transparency and shareholder engagement Peer-aligned measures as envisaged by TSE's Corporate Governance Code and "Action to Implement Management That is Conscious of Cost of Capital and Stock Price"initiative

(2) Announce, as a core component of the D2 Plan or otherwise, a reconfiguration of the Board as part of a long-overdue governance overhaul at Keisei

To position the Company both to implement the value-optimising form of D2 Plan that shareholders deserve and to properly prepare Keisei for future challenges, we believe that Keisei requires a level of governance reform that is both robust and holistic. For us, this should begin with a comprehensive reconfiguration of the Keisei Board as its key first step. As noted above, our own market outreach efforts confirm that a vast number of shareholders both domestic and international, retail and institutional, large and small wish to see robust governance improvements including significant Board change.

We therefore call on the current Board to act in the best interests of the Company's stakeholders ahead of the AGM by announcing a concrete plan of action to make the changes needed to reduce the Board in size to a much more appropriate, dynamic and market-aligned 11 members, including at least 6 truly independent outside directors and no more than 5 inside directors. We believe that by achieving both an optimised balance of skills and experience and a selection of fresh appointments, the current Board has the chance to foster the creation of a new and revitalised Board benefitting from a truly independent and robust set of outside directors that are able to provide effective oversight and support the Keisei executive team.

For the avoidance of doubt, regardless of the capital allocation and strategic initiatives presented as part of the D2 Plan, the Board as currently configured cannot continue.

(3) Undertake a thorough and transparent evaluation of the four best-in-class independent outside director candidates whose details Palliser has forwarded separately to the Company to support a Company-led Board refresh that meets high stakeholder expectations

We have attempted repeatedly to engage with you on the topic of outside director candidates, having first written to the Board more than 6 weeks ago about our desire to support and facilitate a Company-led appointment process and following up with several requests for a meeting with the members of the Nomination/Compensation Committee. All these requests were rebuffed, which is all the more disappointing when our objective was to obtain more information about the nomination process, Keisei's perspectives on Board composition and the prospects of a Company-led consensual process to appoint new directors and streamline the Board.

As you know, we have provided the Board under separate cover with full details of a set of four best-in-class independent outside director candidates identified through an extensive search with the assistance of a leading Japan-based international executive search firm. These candidates are truly independent stalwarts of the Japanese business community who have demonstrated measurable success in their respective fields, leadership experience in demanding work environments with significant stakeholder pressures, intimate knowledge of the Japanese marketplace, outside director experience and, more broadly, have a record of success.

These candidates comprise:

a Japanese expert in business and systems development with significant expertise in the development of global operations and business systems, strategic partnerships, investor relations, corporate restructuring and IT innovation;

a Japanese industry leader with 40 years of experience as a strategist and investor relations expert at a major Japanese corporation with key expertise in corporate turnarounds, strategic restructuring and M&A, as well as Japanese public company Board experience;

a senior-level banker with a wealth of leadership experience across a range of Japanese and non-Japanese financial institutions, including as a former COO and APAC leader of a major international financial services company, with expertise in global business strategy, financial analysis and reporting, M&A, compliance and risk management, as well as Japanese public company Board experience; and

a seasoned Japanese finance professional with over 35 years of investment banking experience at leading Japanese banks, with unrivalled experience in capital markets and institutional banking, debt finance, corporate oversight, strategic decision-making and cross-functional collaboration, as well as Japanese public company Board experience.

Near-term Update to the Market on Candidate Appointments

Our extensive efforts to identify independent outside Board candidates were undertaken with a view to facilitating a governance and Board overhaul at Keisei that we and other shareholders now see as essential for the reasons explained above. Our preference has been that our discussions are both Company-led and consensual and we remain, as ever, open and fully available to discuss the candidates and any other forms of assistance we can provide or solutions the Company sees as tenable.

Although it is deeply disappointing that you have been so reluctant to engage in dialogue with us before now, and despite out multiple requests to meet over the course of many weeks, we are pleased that Keisei has finally indicated a willingness to engage with our proposed candidates. We trust that the Company will embark on this process pro-actively, in good faith and with an open-mind, and that the truly outstanding pedigree, independence and value potential for Keisei of these candidates will be duly recognised.

With around five weeks remaining prior to the issuance of Keisei's 2025 Convocation Notice, we believe there remains plenty of time for us to reach constructive agreement with you, both on key go-forward governance initiatives and on an optimal slate of director candidates for the AGM. We re-iterate as well our preference to achieve necessary Board-level change consensually, noting in that context the importance of Keisei regaining market trust through a process of constructive self-help rather than by shareholder intervention at an EGM.

Following the strong support for change made clear at last year's AGM, many shareholders, including those that were unable to support an articles amendment for policy-based reasons, have indicated their support for change within Keisei's Board. With this in mind, we look forward to receiving your prompt response and to a process of constructive engagement with you, Kobayashi-CEO, and your director colleagues, regarding the aforementioned critical self-help changes and improvements.

Sincerely,

For and on behalf of

Palliser Capital (UK) Ltd

____________________

James Smith

Chief Investment Officer

About Palliser Capital

Palliser Capital is a global multi-strategy fund. Our value-oriented investment philosophy is applied to a broad range of opportunities across the capital structure with a focus on situations where positive change and value enhancement can be achieved through thoughtful, constructive and long-term engagement with companies and across a range of different stakeholder groups. Palliser Capital is one of the largest Keisei shareholders with a stake in excess of 4.5%.

____________________

1 This letter is sent to you on behalf of Palliser Capital (UK) Ltd (together with its affiliates, "Palliser", "we", "us" or "our").

2 Effective from 25 November 2024.

3 https://www.spencerstuart.com/-/media/2025/02/japanbi/ssbi_japan_board_index_2024_eng.pdf

4 Peers mean Keio, Odakyu, Tokyu, Tobu, Seibu and Keikyu.

5 Given the size of the OLC stake, Keisei currently applies an equity method of accounting for consolidated accounting purposes. If the stake was right-sized and accounted for as available-for-sale securities, the consolidated accounting treatment would reflect the fair value of the shares.

6 Based on Keisei's share price as at 18 April 2025. Book value per share is calculated based on net assets (except for non-controlling interests) and outstanding shares issued as of 31 December 2024.

7 Peers include Keio, Odakyu, Tokyu, Tobu, Seibu and Keikyu. LTM PBR is used.

8 As at FY March 2024. Based on net assets (except for non-controlling interests) and total assets.

9 As at FY March 2024. Equity to asset ratio is calculated based on net assets (except for non-controlling interests) and total assets. Peers include Keio, Odakyu, Tokyu, Tobu, Seibu and Keikyu.

10 As at FY March 2024. Based on net profit (or loss) (except for the gain (after tax) arising from the disposition of investments in OLC in FYE2024/03) and net assets (except for non-controlling interests).

11 Cost of equity based on key peers' cost of equity disclosures.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423710073/en/

Contacts:

Media

Prosek Partners

Forrest Gitlin Kiki Tarkhan Brian Schaffer

Pro-Palliser@Prosek.com
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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 23, 2025) - Telescope Innovations Corp. (CSE: TELI) (OTCQB: TELIF) (FSE: J4U) ("Telescope Innovations", "Telescope", or the "Company") a developer of advanced technologies and services for the global pharmaceutical and chemical industries, reports financial results for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2025 (Q2). The Company generated revenues of $1.0 million during this quarterly period, and an adjusted EBITA loss of $0.4 million. Telescope continues to strategically reinvest revenues to drive operational growth, and financial results are consistent with management's budget expectations and FY 2025 targets.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2025

All values are represented in CAD.

Revenues of $1,004,121 (versus $686,205 for the comparable period in FY 2024)

Expenses of $1,717,470 (versus $1,277,418 for the comparable period in FY 2024)

Adjusted EBITA loss of $441,837 (versus loss of $325,488 for the comparable period in FY 2024)

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

FLAGSHIP PRODUCT EXPANSION INTO CHINA, AND FIRST USER FORUM HOSTED BY METTLER TOLEDO. Telescope and their global distribution partner, Mettler Toledo, launched the distribution of Telescope's DirectInject-LC product in China. The Company also executed several product demonstrations at large accounts in expanded geographic markets, to cadvance the commercial adoption already established in the US, Europe, and Japan. In addition, Mettler Toledo hosted the first DirectInject-LC user forum to capitalize on and expand the product's momentum. This seminar was attended by over 200 prospective and active customers, and featured speakers from AstraZeneca, Genentech, and Takeda. These speakers presented the advantages of deploying DirectInject-LC within their R&D pipeline, while Telescope also presented the product's features and best practices to expand customer awareness and skill.

PUBLICATION ON ACCESSORY PRODUCT TO DIRECTINJECT-LC. A new White Paper released by Mettler Toledo with Telescope CTO, Jason Hein, as a co-author, highlights the co-development of a sampling filter accessory to DirectInject-LC product, named the EasyFrit. This add-on enhances process understanding for crystallization chemistry and other heterogeneous processes, broadening the platform portfolio and application scope of Telescope's instrument, and thereby enhancing the market appeal of DirectInject-LC. EasyFrit commercialization is also another example of Telescope's technology leadership and ability to develop advanced analytical tools that are readily deployed in the marketplace

TEAM GROWTH BY 33% AND PROGRESS ON COLLABORATION WITH PFIZER FOR SELF-DRIVING LAB ("SDL") DEVELOPMENT. The combination of a close collaboration with Pfizer scientists and a strong financial contribution has enabled excellent progress on this project. Telescope's SDL uses artificial intelligence, advanced process analytical technology, and robotic automation to autonomously perform chemistry research. SDLs can optimize material properties and chemical synthesis methods up to 100x faster than traditional research methods, reducing the time and cost of developing new pharmaceuticals. To support the SDL Project, Telescope has expanded its team by 33% over the past six months, strengthening its expertise in chemistry, chemical engineering, robotics, and AI-driven automation. This growth supports the Company's ability to scale SDL platforms and meet the rising demand for automated research solutions in high-value chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME OF BRINE-TO-BATTERY PROGRAM FOR PRODUCTION OF >99% PURE BATTERY RAW MATERIALS. Over the past year, Telescope Innovations' proprietary ReCRFT recrystallization technology has produced battery-grade (>99% pure) lithium carbonate from a wide variety of North American lithium-containing brines. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) eluates were obtained from various producers with lithium brine projects across Canada and the US, including potential suppliers and customers for the eventual commercialization of the ReCRFT process. ReCRFT collapses the lithium carbonate refining flow sheet, reducing these costs to enable a sustainable, on-shore supply of battery raw materials.

CTO HONOURED WITH 2025 R.U LEMIEUX AWARD. Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Professor Jason Hein, has been granted the prestigious 2025 R.U. Lemieux Award by the Chemical Institute of Canada. This award recognizes Professor Hein's contributions to organic chemistry and his pioneering research into reaction mechanisms and process development. His recognition with the R.U. Lemieux Award is a testament to his impact on both academic and industrial chemistry. Dr. Hein continues to lead Telescope's technology development team to enhance advanced analytics, robotics, and artificial intelligence platforms for process chemistry.

"This quarter's results reflect disciplined execution of our strategy and the strength of our partnerships," commented Henry Dubina, Telescope CEO. "By advancing our enabling technologies and deepening our industry presence, we're building lasting value in markets where innovation drives demand."

Readers are encouraged to review the full financial statements and accompanying management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2025, both of which are available under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

About Telescope

Telescope is a chemical technology company developing scalable manufacturing processes and tools for the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. The Company builds and deploys new enabling technologies including flexible robotic platforms and artificial intelligence software that improves experimental throughput, efficiency, and data quality. Our aim is to bring modern chemical technology solutions to meet the most serious challenges in health and sustainability.

On behalf of the Board,

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) 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/249639

SOURCE: Telescope Innovations Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - KINGSMEN RESOURCES LTD. (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) (FSE: TUY) ("KINGSMEN" or the "COMPANY") is pleased to announce that conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange has been received for the private placement announced on April 15, 2025.

Upon review the Company has, however, decided it will change the exercise price of the warrant forming part of the financing. The exercise price of the warrant will now be increased to $1.05 per share.

The Company also announces it is a sponsor of the Resource Stock Digest website and pays a quarterly fee of US $10,000.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the Shares in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Shares have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration requirements.

About Kingsmen Resources

Kingsmen Resources is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing its 100% held Las Coloradas Project located in the prolific mining district of Parral Mexico. The project hosts the historic past producing high-grade silver mine, Las Coloradas. 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. In addition, the company has a 1% NSR on the Los Ricos North project operated by GoGold Resources Inc.in Mexico. The Company's leaders have extensive experience in the mining and financial sectors. Kingsmen is a publicly-traded company (TSXV: KNG) (OTCQB: KNGRF) and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Forward-Looking Statement:

Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements 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. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249642

SOURCE: Kingsmen Resources Ltd
Intermediate declaration by the Board of Directors

Regulatory News:

X-FAB (BOURSE:XFAB):

Highlights Q1 2025:

Revenue was USD 204.1 million, down 6% year-on-year (YoY) and up 8% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ)

Excluding the impact from revenue recognized over time (IFRS 15), revenue was USD 202.3 million, well within the guided range of USD 195-205 million

Bookings at USD 174.7 million reflecting a strong sequential increase of 26% QoQ

EBITDA at USD 49.1 million, down 4% YoY and up 23% QoQ

EBITDA margin of 24.0%; excluding IFRS 15 impact, EBITDA margin was 23.8%, compared to the guidance of 22-25%

EBIT was USD 21.1 million, down 22% YoY and up 100% QoQ

Outlook:

Q2 2025 revenue is expected to come in within a range of USD 200-210 million with an EBITDA margin in the range of 22.5-25.5%.

The guidance is based on an average exchange rate of 1,08 USD/Euro and does not take into account the impact of IFRS 15.

X-FAB reiterates its FY 2025 guidance with annual revenue expected in the range of USD 820-870 million and an EBITDA margin in the range of 24-27%.

Revenue breakdown per quarter:

in millions of USD Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 Q1 y-o-y growth Automotive 131.1 135.3 151.8 135.6 142.4 146.0 128.6 135.4 0% Industrial 51.3 53.7 54.3 52.6 34.4 31.5 36.1 39.3 -25% Medical 16.2 17.0 16.4 14.5 13.2 12.1 16.5 13.8 -4% Subtotal core business 198.7 206.1 222.5 202.6 190.1 189.6 181.2 188.6 -7% 90.8% 92.2% 92.8% 92.6% 93.7% 92.9% 92.1% 93.2% CCC1 20.0 17.2 17.2 16.0 12.6 14.2 15.1 13.6 -15% Others 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.2 Revenue* 218.9 223.5 239.8 218.7 202.8 204.0 196.8 202.3 -7% Impact from revenue recognized over time 8.3 10.4 -2.0 -2.6 2.3 2.4 -8.0 1.8 Total revenue 227.1 233.8 237.7 216.2 205.1 206.4 188.8 204.1 -6% 1Consumer, Communications Computer

in millions of USD Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 Q1 y-o-y growth CMOS 180.7 180.5 188.4 168.3 166.2 175.0 170.8 173.4 3% Microsystems 20.8 24.4 27.9 24.1 25.1 21.6 20.2 22.9 -5% Silicon carbide 17.3 18.6 23.5 26.3 11.6 7.4 5.8 6.0 -77% Revenue* 218.9 223.5 239.8 218.7 202.8 204.0 196.8 202.3 -7% Impact from revenue recognized over time 8.3 10.4 -2.0 -2.6 2.3 2.4 -8.0 1.8 Total revenue 227.1 233.8 237.7 216.2 205.1 206.4 188.8 204.1 -6%

Business development

In the first quarter of 2025, X-FAB recorded revenues of USD 204.1 million, down 6% year-on-year and up 8% quarter-on-quarter. Excluding the impact from revenue recognized over time in the amount of USD 1.8 million, quarterly revenue was USD 202.3 million, which is well within the guidance of USD 195-205 million.

First quarter revenue in X-FAB's core markets automotive, industrial, and medical was at USD 188.6 million*, down 7% year-on-year and up 4% quarter-on-quarter, representing a share of 93%* of total revenue.

The quarterly bookings totaled USD 174.7 million, reflecting a 36% decrease compared to the exceptionally strong corresponding quarter of the previous year, but a 26% increase quarter-on-quarter. This growth is primarily related to strong bookings in the automotive and industrial end market. In general, customers are still placing orders later than usual in reaction to the currently shortened lead times. The backlog for the first quarter amounted to USD 386.7 million, compared to USD 414.0 million at the end of the previous quarter.

In the first quarter, X-FAB recorded automotive revenue of USD 135.4 million*, flat year-on-year and up 5% sequentially. Main drivers for X-FAB's automotive business in the first quarter were EV-related applications. Industrial revenue in the first quarter came in at USD 39.3 million*, down 25% year-on-year and up 9% quarter-on-quarter. The industrial business in particular is benefiting from increased demand following the last-time-buy announcement for some of X-FAB's 150mm CMOS technologies. Revenue in the medical end market amounted to USD 13.8 million*, down 4% year-on-year, while the quarter-on-quarter decline of 16% is attributable to high shipments of a medical application in the prior quarter.

X-FAB recorded a sequential revenue increase across all technologies. CMOS revenue went up 2%* quarter-on-quarter, silicon carbide 5%* and X-FAB's microsystems business 14%*. X-FAB's silicon carbide revenue in the first quarter came in at USD 6.0 million*. SiC order intake increased 17% sequentially and for the second consecutive quarter, signaling the market's gradual recovery. The main growth driver was data center applications.

Quarterly prototyping revenue was USD 16.1 million*, down 31% year-on-year and 32% quarter-on-quarter. As the transition of major customer-specific projects to volume production was successfully completed in 2024, the associated safe launch and start-up costs as part of prototyping revenue disappeared, which had an effect on the prototyping revenue in the first quarter. In general, X FAB's prototyping revenue tends to be more variable as the number of customer-specific projects increases. In these projects, development and prototyping services are billed in tranches based on milestones achieved rather than on a linear basis.

Prototyping and production revenue* per quarter and end market:

in millions of USD Revenue Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 Automotive Prototyping 6.7 7.6 9.3 8.9 4.7 Production 128.9 134.8 136.7 119.7 130.8 Industrial Prototyping 10.7 8.9 8.2 9.6 8.8 Production 41.9 25.5 23.3 26.5 30.5 Medical Prototyping 2.7 2.0 3.0 2.3 1.5 Production 11.8 11.2 9.1 14.2 12.3 CCC Prototyping 3.1 2.5 3.0 2.6 1.1 Production 12.9 10.2 11.3 12.6 12.5

The megatrends "electrification of everything" and "sensing everywhere" will drive sustainable demand for the comprehensive set of specialty technologies that X-FAB offers, enabling viable solutions that contribute to the mitigation of climate change and more efficient digital healthcare in aging societies. With the phase-out of inventory corrections and the expected gradual recovery of demand in the course of 2025, X-FAB reiterates its full-year guidance with a revenue range of USD 820-870 million and an EBITDA margin in the range of 24-27%.

Geopolitical tensions and related customs regulations do not currently impact X-FAB's business directly, as X-FAB sells its goods ex-works. The indirect effects of these tensions can be either positive or negative and cannot be estimated. This guidance accounts for all identified effects as of the date of this press release.

Operations update

X-FAB progressed well in expanding its 180nm CMOS capacity, which is crucial for supporting its future CMOS and microsystems business. During the first quarter, all outstanding tools for the newly constructed clean room in Malaysia were delivered, installed, and are now being qualified.

This marks the approaching completion of X-FAB's major capacity expansion program. The associated capital expenditures are anticipated to be finalized within the first half of 2025. In the first quarter, capital expenditures totaled USD 101.7 million, representing a decrease of 23% compared to the previous quarter.

Financial update

First quarter EBITDA was USD 49.1 million with an EBITDA margin of 24.0%. Excluding the impact from revenues recognized over time, the EBITDA margin for the first quarter would have been 23.8%, within the guided range of 22-25%.

For the net financial result in the first quarter X-FAB recorded a loss of USD 7.2 million, which includes unrealized foreign exchange effects totaling USD -3.4 million.

Profitability remains unaffected by exchange rate fluctuations as X-FAB's business is naturally hedged. At a constant USD/Euro exchange rate of 1.09 as experienced in the previous year's quarter, the EBITDA margin would have been 0.1 percentage points higher.

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first quarter amounted to USD 157.2 million, down 27% against the previous quarter in accordance with the planned allocation of funds to capital expenditures.

Management comments

Rudi De Winter, CEO of X-FAB Group, said: "I am pleased to present the quarterly results reflecting X-FAB's resilient business with an 8% sequential increase in revenue and a robust EBITDA margin of 24%. Although geopolitical tensions pose challenges for the semiconductor industry, they also offer new opportunities for X-FAB due to our global presence across all major continents. I am confident in our capacity to navigate these challenges, as our specialty technologies address societal megatrends and will continue to be in demand."

X-FAB Quarterly Conference Call

X-FAB's first quarter results will be discussed in a live conference call/audiocast on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 6.30 p.m. CEST. The conference call will be in English.

Please register here for the audiocast (listen only).

Please register here for the conference call (listen and ask questions).

The second quarter 2025 results will be communicated on July 31, 2025.

About X-FAB

X-FAB is a global foundry group providing a comprehensive set of specialty technologies and design IP to enable its customers to develop world-leading semiconductor products that are manufactured at X-FAB's six wafer fabs located in Malaysia, Germany, France, and the United States. With its expertise in analog/mixed-signal technologies, microsystems/MEMS and silicon carbide (SiC), X-FAB is the development and manufacturing partner for its customers, primarily serving the automotive, industrial and medical end markets. X-FAB has approximately 4,500 employees and has been listed on Euronext Paris since April 2017 (XFAB). For more information, please visit www.xfab.com.

Forward-looking information

This press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements regarding or based upon our management's current intentions, beliefs or expectations relating to, among other things, X-FAB's future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies, or developments in the industry in which we operate. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied thereby. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding trends or current activities should not be taken as a report that such trends or activities will continue in the future. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless legally required. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

The information contained in this press release is subject to change without notice. No re-report or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, reasonableness, or completeness of the information contained herein and no reliance should be placed on it.

Condensed consolidated statement of profit and loss

in thousands of USD Quarter ended

31 Mar 2025 unaudited Quarter ended

31 Mar 2024 unaudited Quarter ended

31 Dec 2024 unaudited Year ended

31 Dec 2024 audited Revenue* 202,332 218,712 196,761 822,301 Impact from revenue recognized over time 1,781 -2,559 -7,998 -5,919 Total revenue 204,113 216,152 188,762 816,383 Revenues in USD in 58 62 61 59 Revenues in EUR in 42 38 39 41 Cost of sales -159,476 -165,786 -152,250 -633,434 Gross profit 44,636 50,367 36,513 182,949 Gross profit margin in % 21.9 23.3 19.3 22.4 Research and development expenses -10,992 -11,106 -14,205 -49,785 Selling expenses -2,248 -2,537 -2,213 -9,070 General and administrative expenses -11,397 -12,811 -11,511 -47,351 Rental income and expenses from investment properties 776 1,434 409 2,770 Other income and other expenses 337 1,847 1,575 6,030 Operating profit 21,112 27,193 10,567 85,543 Finance income 6,494 5,778 11,262 36,006 Finance costs -13,684 -7,653 -12,243 -38,260 Net financial result -7,190 -1,875 -981 -2,254 Profit before tax 13,922 25,318 9,585 83,289 Income tax -1,720 -2,260 -16,891 -21,763 Profit for the period 12,202 23,059 -7,306 61,526 Operating profit (EBIT) 21,112 27,193 10,567 85,542 Depreciation 27,949 23,765 29,248 103,386 EBITDA 49,061 50,958 39,815 188,928 EBITDA margin in % 24.0 23.6 21.1 23.1 Earnings per share 0.09 0.18 -0.06 0.47 Weighted average number of shares 130,631,921 130,631,921 130,631,921 130,631,921 EUR/USD average exchange rate 1.05149 1.08605 1.06821 1.08232

Amounts in the financial tables provided in this press release are rounded to the nearest thousand except when otherwise indicated, rounding differences may occur.

*excluding impact from revenue recognized over time in accordance with IFRS 15

Condensed consolidated statement of financial position

in thousands of USD Quarter ended 31 Mar 2025 unaudited Quarter ended 31 Mar 2024 unaudited Year ended 31 Dec 2024 audited ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant, and equipment 1,196,149 800,843 1,144,620 Investment properties 7,339 7,108 7,412 Intangible assets 6,059 5,985 6,319 Other non-current assets 38 54 42 Deferred tax assets 66,855 83,692 66,725 Total non-current assets 1,276,440 897,682 1,225,118 Current assets Inventories 281,311 276,983 281,765 Contract assets 19,873 21,451 18,092 Trade and other receivables 95,310 119,271 96,648 Other assets 62,696 48,786 69,253 Cash and cash equivalents 157,240 351,468 215,837 Total current assets 616,430 817,959 681,595 TOTAL ASSETS 1,892,870 1,715,640 1,906,713 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Equity Share capital 432,745 432,745 432,745 Share premium 348,709 348,709 348,709 Retained earnings 253,858 203,218 241,648 Cumulative translation adjustment 369 -1,052 462 Treasury shares -770 -770 -770 Total equity 1,034,911 982,850 1,022,794 Non-current liabilities Non-current loans and borrowings 375,835 58,778 369,616 Other non-current liabilities and provisions 3,905 4,696 4,257 Total non-current liabilities 379,740 63,474 373,873 Current liabilities Trade payables 41,068 102,660 67,658 Current loans and borrowings 50,492 185,400 44,517 Other current liabilities and provisions 386,660 381,258 397,872 Total current liabilities 478,219 669,317 510,046 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1,892,870 1,715,640 1,906,713

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

in thousands of USD Quarter ended

31 Mar 2025 unaudited Quarter ended

31 Mar 2024 unaudited Quarter ended

31 Dec 2024 unaudited Year ended

31 Dec 2024 audited Income before taxes 13,922 25,318 9,585 83,289 Reconciliation of income before taxes to cash flow arising from operating activities: 30,949 23,732 31,455 106,148 Depreciation and amortization, before effect of grants and subsidies 27,949 23,765 29,248 103,386 Amortization of investment grants and subsidies -1,231 -673 -1,514 -3,735 Interest income and expenses (net) 3,756 -306 2,564 5,525 Loss/(gain) on the sale of plant, property, and equipment (net) -53 -1,751 53 -4,030 Loss/(gain) on the change in fair value of derivatives and financial assets (net) 0 0 0 1,144 Other non-cash transactions (net) 529 2,698 1,104 3,858 Changes in working capital: -6,783 -799 -27,694 8,726 Decrease/(increase) of trade receivables 1,296 8,252 -5,347 30,808 Decrease/(increase) of other receivables and other assets 6,562 6,587 -14,504 5,687 Decrease/(increase) of inventories 454 -4,951 2,380 -9,733 Decrease/(increase) of contract assets -1,781 2,559 7,998 5,919 (Decrease)/increase of trade payables -4,151 -206 525 -17,373 (Decrease)/increase of other liabilities -9,163 -13,040 -18,746 -6,582 Income taxes (paid)/received -896 -1,441 -359 -2,113 Net cash from operating activities 37,192 46,810 12,987 196,050 Cash flow from investing activities: Payments for property, plant, equipment and intangible assets -101,731 -104,980 -132,903 -509,551 Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired 0 23,229 0 -1,633 Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment 53 1,791 -99 4,024 Interest received 1,164 3,433 1,972 11,032 Net cash used in investing activities -100,514 -76,527 -131,030 -496,128

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows con't

in thousands of USD Quarter ended

31 Mar 2025 unaudited Quarter ended

31 Mar 2024 unaudited Quarter ended

31 Dec 2024 unaudited Year ended

31 Dec 2024 audited Cash flow from (used in) financing activities: Proceeds from loans and borrowings 28,902 50,300 38,134 209,669 Repayment of loans and borrowings -21,081 -94,113 -3,898 -124,237 Receipts of sale and leaseback arrangements 3,095 31,616 1,350 60,584 Payments of lease installments -4,146 -1,169 -3,193 -12,502 Interest paid -4,817 -4,058 -3,749 -17,214 Cash flow from (used in) financing activities 1,953 -17,423 28,644 116,300 Effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on cash balances 2,771 -7,093 -10,681 -6,086 Increase/(decrease) of cash and cash equivalents -61,368 -47,140 -89,399 -183,778 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 215,837 405,701 315,917 405,701 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 157,240 351,468 215,837 215,837

*excluding impact from revenue recognized over time according to IFRS 15

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423378830/en/

Contacts:

X-FAB Press Contact

Uta Steinbrecher

Investor Relations

X-FAB Silicon Foundries

+49-361-427-6489

uta.steinbrecher@xfab.com
The Global Commodities and Renewable Energy Trader, Engelhart, is delighted to announce the signing of a further power purchase agreement (PPA) with e.optimum, one of Germany's largest independent energy suppliers.

Following the first PPA signed in January 2025, this new agreement secures renewable electricity from additional onshore wind turbines with a total capacity of approximately 167 MWfromJuly to December 2025. This is enough green power to supply around 31,000 households

This second PPA marks a significant expansion of the partnership between the two companies. It represents a 195% increase in contracted capacity, bringing the total from 86 MW to 253 MW of onshore wind power. Furthermore, the agreement contributes directly to Germany's transition to a net zero-carbon economy by 2045.

Matthias Seel, Senior Originator Corporate Customers Europe at Engelhart, commented:

"The second PPA with e.optimum is another milestone in our joint partnership. Especially in uncertain economic and energy policy times, this is a strong signal that both e.optimum and Engelhart are sticking to the clear goals of decarbonisation in Germany. Particular thanks go to all colleagues and business partners who made this deal possible."

Sevastos Kavanozis, Head of Renewables Sales Origination at Engelhart, added:

"Our deepening partnership with e.optimum shows that Engelhart is continuing to scale up its PPA business. With this second agreement, Engelhart is now delivering power from over 250 MW of onshore wind, which is a great result."

Boris Kaser, CEO at e.optimum, said:

"Our valuable partnership with Engelhart reaffirms our commitment to a sustainable future. We are pleased to take this further step in advancing the use of renewable energies in the economy and actively shaping the energy transition. Only through strong collaborations like this can we achieve the ambitious climate goals."

For Editors:

About Engelhart

Engelhart is a global commodities and renewable energy trading firm that delivers energy optimisation, liquidity and risk warehousing to enhance market stability and create value in a rapidly changing world.

Leveraging advanced data analytics, meteorology, and proprietary technology, Engelhart provides robust modelling, forecasting, and trading capabilities to help clients navigate complex and dynamic energy markets.

Engelhart offers fully automated, end-to-end renewable power management solutions designed to maximise production and financial returns for renewable energy assets as part of its commitment to advancing the energy transition. The company is currently optimising more than 4.0GW of renewable energy capacity and operates in over 20 countries, serving energy producers, utilities, and industrial clients worldwide.

Engelhart is uniquely positioned to deliver client value while driving progress towards a more sustainable future with a diversified global trading platform spanning renewable energy, power and gas, agriculture products, and freight.

About e.optimum:

Since 2010, as one of the largest independent energy suppliers in Germany based in Offenburg in southern Baden, e.optimum has been a reliable partner for companies in all matters relating to electricity and natural gas supply.

Today, e.optimum serves around 45,000 commercial and industrial customers nationwide with more than 5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity and natural gas annually. e.optimum's product portfolio is supplemented by green electricity and green gas, as well as e.optimum clean energy, a funding program to support the sustainable energy transition in Germany.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250423772797/en/

Contacts:

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Engelhart:

Cosmo Shield

cosmo@human-works.co.uk

e.optimum:

Barbara Toma, Head of Marketing

barbara.toma@eoptimum.de
Group sales grew by 6% 1 at constant exchange rates (CER; 7% in CHF), driven by high demand for newer medicines and diagnostic solutions.

grew by 6% at constant exchange rates (CER; 7% in CHF), driven by high demand for newer medicines and diagnostic solutions. Pharmaceuticals Division sales rose by 8% (9% in CHF) on continued strong demand for a broad range of our medicines; top growth drivers were Phesgo (breast cancer), Vabysmo (severe eye diseases), Xolair (allergies) and Hemlibra (haemophilia A).

rose by 8% (9% in CHF) on continued strong demand for a broad range of our medicines; top growth drivers were Phesgo (breast cancer), Vabysmo (severe eye diseases), Xolair (allergies) and Hemlibra (haemophilia A). Diagnostics Division sales remained stable with high demand across products and regions offsetting the impact of the recent healthcare pricing reforms in China.

remained stable with high demand across products and regions offsetting the impact of the recent healthcare pricing reforms in China. Highlights: US approval for Evrysdi tablet for spinal muscular atrophy and Susvimo for the leading cause of diabetes-related blindness EU approval for Columvi combination with chemotherapy for people with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma US acceptance of supplemental Biologics License Application for Gazyva/Gazyvaro for lupus nephritis Trontinemab for Alzheimer's disease and NXT007 for haemophilia A to move into phase III Exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Zealand Pharma to co-develop and co-commercialise amylin analogue as a stand-alone therapy as well as a fixed-dose combination with Roche's lead incretin asset CT-388 for weight loss Unveiling of novel sequencing by expansion (SBX) technology, a new class of next-generation sequencing Announcement of plans to invest USD 50 billion in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics in the US in R&D and manufacturing over the next five years Announcement of plans to establish Roche Genentech Innovation Center Boston

Outlook for 2025 confirmed

Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker: "We had a good start to the year with Group sales increasing by 6% at constant exchange rates and we achieved a number of important milestones.

Based on recent data, two potential new therapies - our investigational Brainshuttle bispecific antibody to treat Alzheimer's and our investigational next-generation haemophilia A medicine - will move into phase III. Together with Zealand Pharma, we are developing amylin as a potential new stand-alone therapy for weight loss and as a fixed-dose combination with our incretin CT-388. In Diagnostics, we unveiled our breakthrough 'sequencing by expansion' technology, offering unparalleled speed, throughput and flexibility combined with high accuracy.

We are expanding our already strong US footprint - with currently over 25,000 employees, 15 R&D and 13 manufacturing sites - by investing USD 50 billion, an important step to continue to meet patient needs in the US with highly innovative medicines and diagnostics.

We are confident we will continue our positive momentum and confirm our full-year outlook."

Sales CHF millions As % of sales % change January-March 2025 2024 2025 2024 At CER In CHF Group 15,440 14,399 100.0 100.0 6 7 Pharmaceuticals Division 11,949 10,921 77.4 75.8 8 9 United States 6,224 5,692 40.3 39.5 6 9 Europe 2,320 2,200 15.0 15.3 5 5 Japan 671 649 4.3 4.5 3 3 International* 2,734 2,380 17.8 16.5 18 15 Diagnostics Division 3,491 3,478 22.6 24.2 0 0 *Asia-Pacific, CEETRIS (Central Eastern Europe, Turkiye, Russia and Indian subcontinent), Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Canada, others



Outlook for 2025 confirmed

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) expects an increase in Group sales in the mid single digit range (CER). Core earnings per share are targeted to develop in the high single digit range (CER). Roche expects to further increase its dividend in Swiss francs.

Group sales

In the first three months of 2025, Roche achieved sales growth of 6% (7% in CHF) to CHF 15.4 billion.

Strong demand for both pharmaceutical products and diagnostic solutions more than made up for the impact from the loss of exclusivity on Avastin (various types of cancer), Herceptin (breast and gastric cancer), MabThera/Rituxan (blood cancer, rheumatoid arthritis), Esbriet (lung disease), Lucentis (severe eye diseases) and Actemra/RoActemra (rheumatoid arthritis, COVID-19), totalling CHF 0.2 billion, and the impact of the recent healthcare pricing reforms in China.

Sales in the Pharmaceuticals Division increased by 8% (9% in CHF) to CHF 11.9 billion, with newer medicines for severe diseases continuing their strong growth.

The top five growth drivers - Phesgo, Vabysmo, Xolair, Hemlibra and Xofluza (influenza) - achieved total sales of CHF 3.6 billion. This represents a plus of CHF 0.7 billion at CER compared to the first quarter of 2024.

Phesgo achieved sales of CHF 0.6 billion due to growing demand across regions, notably China and the US, while Vabysmo continued to witness strong uptake, generating sales of CHF 1.0 billion on increased demand in all regions.

Sales of Avastin, Herceptin, MabThera/Rituxan, Esbriet, Lucentis and Actemra/RoActemra decreased by a combined CHF 0.2 billion (CER) due to the impact of loss of exclusivity.

In the United States, sales rose by 6%. Xolair, Phesgo, Vabysmo, Polivy (blood cancer) and Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis) were the main growth drivers. This growth more than compensated for the reduced sales of medicines with expired patents and the decline in sales of Tecentriq (cancer immunotherapy).

Sales in Europe grew by 5% as the strong uptake of Vabysmo, Polivy, Ocrevus, Phesgo and Hemlibra more than compensated for the decline in sales of medicines with expired patents and lower sales of Perjeta (breast cancer) due to the ongoing conversion of patients to Phesgo.

In Japan, sales increased by 3% due to growth in sales of Phesgo, Vabysmo, PiaSky (rare blood disorder), Tamiflu (influenza) and Alecensa (lung cancer). This growth more than compensated for the impact of price cuts as well as biosimilar erosion.

Sales in the International region grew by 18%, led by China. In China, sales rose by 14%, driven by demand for Xofluza and Phesgo.

The Diagnostics Division sales remained stable at CHF 3.5 billion as growth in demand, notably for immunodiagnostic products and pathology solutions, offset the impact of the recent healthcare pricing reforms in China.

Sales in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region increased by 4% due to higher sales of immunodiagnostic products, clinical chemistry tests and advanced staining solutions.

In North America, sales rose by 7%, driven by growth across all customer areas. Sales in Asia-Pacific decreased by 15% due to the impact of the healthcare pricing reforms in China.



Pharmaceuticals: key developments

Compound Milestone Regulatory Columvi

Blood cancer European Commission approves Columvi as the first bispecific antibody for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after initial therapy



The approval is based on the phase III STARGLO study, where Columvi in combination with chemotherapy showed a 41% reduction in the risk of death compared to MabThera/Rituxan plus chemotherapy.

DLBCL is an aggressive cancer with a high risk of progression, meaning urgent and effective treatments are needed for people who relapse or have refractory disease.

This Columvi regimen offers a much needed off-the-shelf and fixed-duration treatment option for those ineligible for transplant.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-04-14), 14 April 2025 Gazyva/

Gazyvaro

Lupus nephritis FDA accepts supplemental Biologics License Application for Gazyva/Gazyvaro for the treatment of lupus nephritis



Gazyva/Gazyvaro is the only anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in a randomised phase III study to demonstrate a complete renal response benefit.

The filing application is based on data from the phase III REGENCY study, where Gazyva/Gazyvaro showed superiority over standard therapy alone in people with active lupus nephritis.

Lupus nephritis affects 1.7 million people worldwide; up to one-third of people on current treatments will progress to end-stage kidney disease within 10 years.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-03-05), 5 March 2025 Columvi

Blood cancer CHMP recommends EU approval of Columvi combination for people with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)



Columvi plus chemotherapy showed a 41% reduction in the risk of death in the pivotal phase III STARGLO study.

DLBCL - an aggressive disease with a high risk of progression - remains an area of high unmet need, especially for treatments that can be initiated soon after the cancer returns.

If approved, this off-the-shelf, fixed-duration Columvi combination will be the first bispecific antibody regimen available for patients with DLBCL following relapse.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-02-28), 28 February 2025 Evrysdi

Spinal muscular atrophy FDA approves Evrysdi tablet as first and only tablet for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)



Evrysdi is the only non-invasive disease-modifying SMA treatment and is approved in over 100 countries.

Evrysdi tablet can be stored at room temperature and offers the same demonstrated efficacy and safety as the currently available oral solution.

New tablet formulation may provide greater freedom and independence for people with SMA thanks to simplified dose administration.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-02-12), 12 February 2025 Susvimo

Severe eye diseases FDA approves Susvimo as the first and only continuous-delivery treatment for the leading cause of diabetes-related blindness



Susvimo is the first and only continuous-delivery treatment that offers an alternative to regular eye injections to treat diabetic macular edema (DME).

With as few as two treatments per year, Susvimo may help people with DME maintain their vision.

Approval marks the second indication for Susvimo in addition to neovascular or 'wet' age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-02-04), 4 February 2025 Phase III, pivotal and other key read-outs Trontinemab

Alzheimer's disease Roche presents novel therapeutic and diagnostic advancements in Alzheimer's at AD/PD 2025



New trontinemab data continue to support rapid and deep, dose-dependent reduction of amyloid plaques in phase Ib/IIa Brainshuttle AD study.

Data on the Elecsys pTau181 plasma test demonstrate potential to accurately rule out amyloid pathology, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

Roche will initiate a phase III programme for trontinemab later this year based on totality of data.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-04-03), 3 April 2025 Ocrevus

Multiple sclerosis Roche provides update on phase III Ocrevus high dose study in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis



MUSETTE trial was designed to determine whether a higher dose of the currently approved Ocrevus IV 600 mg would provide additional benefit to people living with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

The trial did not meet its primary endpoint; results support Ocrevus IV 600 mg as the optimal dose to slow disability progression.

High dose was well tolerated with an overall comparable safety profile to Ocrevus IV 600 mg and no new safety signals observed.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-04-02), 2 April 2025 Xolair

Allergies Phase III study shows Xolair may be more effective with fewer side effects than oral immunotherapy for the treatment of food allergies



First-ever head-to-head trial comparing Xolair and oral immunotherapy

Results were featured as late-breakers at the 2025 AAAAI Annual Meeting.

Xolair is the only US FDA-approved medicine to reduce allergic reactions in children and adults with one or more food allergies.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-03-02), 2 March 2025 Other US investment announcement Roche announces plans to invest USD 50 billion in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics in the United States over the next five years



USD 50 billion commitment includes new state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) sites, new and expanded manufacturing facilities in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and California and an additional site location to be announced soon.

Investments will create more than 12,000 new jobs: 1,000 at Roche and more than 11,000 in support of new US manufacturing capabilities.

Roche already has a significant existing US presence with more than 25,000 employees, 15 R&D centres and 13 manufacturing sites.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-04-22), 22 April 2025 Zealand Pharma

agreement Roche enters into an exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Zealand Pharma to co-develop and co-commercialise petrelintide as a potential foundational therapy for people with overweight and obesity



Agreement allows for a range of potentially best-in-class therapy options as monotherapy and fixed-dose combination with Roche's lead incretin asset CT-388.

Collaboration will complement Roche's portfolio in the field of cardiovascular, renal and metabolic (CVRM) diseases.

Obesity is a heterogeneous disease with over 200 related comorbidities, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and is expected to impact over 4 billion people globally by 2035.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-03-12), 12 March 2025 Roche Genentech Innovation Center Roche announces launch of Roche Genentech Innovation Center Boston based at Harvard's Enterprise Research Campus in Allston



The new centre will be a hub for both Roche and Genentech, bringing together expertise in cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, as well as for data science and AI specialists to drive innovation in drug discovery and development.

Roche will be the first to join Harvard's Enterprise Research Campus in Allston, taking a suite in the first phase of the project's cutting-edge lab space.

Starting with a lease of 30,000 square feet (approx. 2,800 square metres), Roche intends to invest over the coming years into a research and development presence with eventually up to 500 employees.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-03-07), 7 March 2025 Gazyva/

Gazyvaro

Lupus nephritis New England Journal of Medicine publishes new data for Gazyva/Gazyvaro which shows superiority over standard therapy in people with active lupus nephritis



Nearly half of patients on Gazyva/Gazyvaro plus standard therapy achieved a complete renal response (CRR), with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement, compared to standard treatment alone.

Analysis showed consistent CRR benefit across patient subgroups, highlighting potential to treat a broad patient population with high unmet need.

Gazyva/Gazyvaro is the only anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in a phase III study to demonstrate CRR benefit, which is associated with preservation of kidney function and delay or prevention of end-stage kidney disease.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-02-07), 7 February 2025 Enlarged Corporate Executive Committee change



Change to the Roche Enlarged Corporate Executive Committee



Wafaa Mamilli joins Roche as Chief Digital Technology Officer (CDTO), reporting to Group CEO Thomas Schinecker.

She became a member of the Enlarged Corporate Executive Committee starting 10 February 2025.

She is based at Genentech in South San Francisco.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-01-29), 29 January 2025



Pharmaceuticals sales

Sales CHF millions As % of sales % change January-March 2025 2024 2025 2024 At CER In CHF Pharmaceuticals Division 11,949 10,921 100.0 100.0 8 9 United States 6,224 5,692 52.1 52.1 6 9 Europe 2,320 2,200 19.4 20.1 5 5 Japan 671 649 5.6 5.9 3 3 International 2,734 2,380 22.9 21.9 18 15

International: Asia-Pacific, CEETRIS (Central Eastern Europe, Turkiye, Russia and Indian subcontinent), Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Canada, others

Top 20 best-selling pharmaceuticals Total United States Europe Japan International CHF m % CHF m % CHF m % CHF m % CHF m % Ocrevus

Multiple sclerosis 1,778 6 1,247 3 344 11 - - 187 16 Hemlibra

Haemophilia A 1,165 11 610 0 247 7 82 3 226 72 Vabysmo

Eye diseases (nAMD, DME, RVO) 1,018 18 718 7 197 42 32 35 71 101 Tecentriq

Cancer immunotherapy 870 0 411 -8 220 5 81 -5 158 21 Perjeta2

Breast cancer 840 -10 342 -3 144 -16 18 -51 336 -9 Xolair2

Asthma 645 26 645 26 - - - - - - Actemra/RoActemra2

RA, COVID-19 619 -1 294 3 152 -19 71 5 102 26 Phesgo

Breast cancer 593 52 179 38 199 18 40 115 175 142 Kadcyla2

Breast cancer 506 5 201 5 135 -7 21 -3 149 21 Evrysdi

Spinal muscular atrophy 420 18 160 15 145 6 20 0 95 56 Alecensa

Lung cancer 397 11 130 21 68 -6 49 12 150 12 Polivy

Blood cancer 358 42 156 30 94 74 44 2 64 80 MabThera/Rituxan2

Blood cancer, RA 298 -16 181 -14 35 -10 3 -17 79 -23 Activase/TNKase2

Cardiac diseases 297 -2 285 -2 - - - - 12 -9 Herceptin2

Breast and gastric cancer 292 -20 60 -12 77 0 2 -56 153 -29 Avastin2

Various cancer types 274 -15 80 -21 14 -33 36 -30 144 -3 Gazyva/Gazyvaro2

Blood cancer 249 15 131 27 60 -3 8 46 50 11 Xofluza

Influenza 159 234 14 239 - * - - 145 234 Pulmozyme2

Cystic fibrosis 123 10 84 22 18 -9 - -26 21 -10 Tamiflu2

Influenza 100 56 9 * 26 114 13 81 52 17

* Over 500%

DME: diabetic macular edema / nAMD: neovascular or 'wet' age-related macular degeneration / RVO: retinal vein occlusion / RA: rheumatoid arthritis

Diagnostics: key developments

Product Milestone SBX technology Roche unveils a new class of next-generation sequencing with its novel sequencing by expansion technology



Roche's innovative sequencing by expansion (SBX) technology represents a leap forward in next-generation sequencing (NGS), which is playing a vital role in decoding complex diseases like cancer, immune disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.

Combined with an innovative, high-throughput sensor module, SBX uses expanded synthetic molecules to determine the DNA sequence of a target molecule, creating an ultra-rapid, scalable and flexible technology.

Reducing the time from sample to genome from days to hours, this novel approach could significantly speed up genomic research, as well as translational and clinical applications in the years to come.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-02-20), 20 February 2025 PATHWAY HER2 (4B5) test Roche receives FDA approval for the first companion diagnostic to identify patients with HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer eligible for ENHERTU



As seen in the DESTINY-Breast06 trial, approximately 20-25 percent of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer patients may be considered HER2-ultralow. These patients may now be eligible for a targeted treatment, which could significantly improve their outcomes.

The PATHWAY HER2 (4B5) test, the first and only FDA approved companion diagnostic for assessing HER2-low status since 2022, is now also approved to aid in the assessment of HER2-ultralow status for metastatic breast cancer patients.

HER2 interpretation in breast cancer is evolving. With the introduction of HER2-low and now HER2-ultralow classifications, Roche continues to lead in HER2 diagnostics, helping to expand patient access to personalised treatment.



More information: Media Release (https://www.roche.com/media/releases/med-cor-2025-01-31), 31 January 2025

Diagnostics sales

Sales CHF millions As % of sales % change January-March 2025 2024 2025 2024 At CER In CHF Diagnostics Division 3,491 3,478 100.0 100.0 0 0 Customer areas3 Core Lab 1,904 1,926 54.5 55.4 -1 -1 Molecular Lab 634 611 18.2 17.6 2 4 Near Patient Care 536 569 15.4 16.3 -5 -6 Pathology Lab 417 372 11.9 10.7 11 12 Regions Europe, Middle East, Africa 1,236 1,188 35.4 34.2 4 4 North America 1,154 1,055 33.1 30.3 7 9 Asia-Pacific 853 992 24.4 28.5 -15 -14 Latin America 248 243 7.1 7.0 11 2

More information on Roche performance in the first quarter of 2025:

Q1 2025 presentation (https://assets.roche.com/f/176343/x/a04e4301c3/irp250424-a.pdf)

Appendix with tables (https://assets.roche.com/f/176343/x/8b15e1d423/appendix-tables-q1-2025.pdf)

About Roche

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world's largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals with data insights from the clinical practice.

For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche's business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045.

Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com.

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.



References

[1] Unless otherwise stated, all growth rates and comparisons to the previous year in this document are at constant exchange rates (CER: average rates 2024) and all total figures quoted are reported in CHF.

[2] Products launched before 2015.

[3] Core Lab: diagnostics solutions in the areas of immunoassays, clinical chemistry and CustomBiotech.

Molecular Lab: diagnostics solutions for pathogen detection and monitoring, donor screening, sexual health and genomics, genomic tumour profiling.

Near Patient Care: diagnostics solutions in emergency rooms, medical practices and directly with patients, including integrated personalised diabetes management.

Pathology Lab: diagnostics solutions for tissue biopsies and companion diagnostics.

In 2025, sales in the Pathology Lab customer area include sales previously reported in the Molecular Lab customer area to foster business transparency and harmonisation in the use of solutions in the area of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia technology (CINtec). The comparative information for 2024 has been restated accordingly.

In 2025, sales in the Core Lab customer area include sales previously reported in the Near Patient Care customer area to centralise digital healthcare solutions within Roche Information Solutions. The comparative information for 2024 has been restated accordingly.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as 'believes', 'expects', 'anticipates', 'projects', 'intends', 'should', 'seeks', 'estimates', 'future' or similar expressions or by discussion of, among other things, strategy, goals, plans or intentions. Various factors may cause actual results to differ materially in the future from those reflected in forward-looking statements contained in this document, such as: (1) pricing and product initiatives of competitors; (2) legislative and regulatory developments and economic conditions; (3) delay or inability in obtaining regulatory approvals or bringing products to market; (4) fluctuations in currency exchange rates and general financial market conditions; (5) uncertainties in the discovery, development or marketing of new products or new uses of existing products, including without limitation negative results of clinical trials or research projects, unexpected side effects of pipeline or marketed products; (6) increased government pricing pressures; (7) interruptions in production; (8) loss of or inability to obtain adequate protection for intellectual property rights; (9) litigation; (10) loss of key executives or other employees; and (11) adverse publicity and news coverage. The statement regarding earnings per share growth is not a profit forecast and should not be interpreted to mean that Roche's earnings or earnings per share for this or any subsequent period will necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings or earnings per share of Roche.

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Attachments
Allschwil, Switzerland, April 24, 2025

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, reported today that the sales of the antifungal Cresemba (isavuconazole) in Japan exceeded the threshold triggering a sales milestone payment from its partner Asahi Kasei Pharma (AKP), amounting to approximately CHF 1.7 million. This is the second milestone payment from AKP to Basilea in consecutive quarters.

David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer of Basilea, said: "We are very pleased with the continued strong Cresemba sales performance by our partner AKP. Japan is a key commercial market with significant growth potential in the long-term and the strong sales uptake in the country shows that Cresemba is meeting critical medical needs of patients with life-threatening fungal infections."

Cresemba is marketed in more than 70 countries. According to the latest available market data, total global in-market sales of Cresemba in the twelve-month period between January and December 2024 amounted to USD 562 million, a 19 percent growth year-on-year, making it the largest branded antifungal for invasive fungal infections worldwide.1

About Cresemba (isavuconazole)

Cresemba, with the active ingredient isavuconazole, is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for Cresemba covering approximately 115 countries. In Japan, the oral and intravenous formulations are approved for the treatment of adult patients with aspergillosis (invasive aspergillosis, chronic progressive pulmonary aspergillosis, and simple pulmonary aspergilloma), mucormycosis, and cryptococcosis.2 Isavuconazole is also approved in the European Union3, the United Kingdom4, the United States5, China and several additional countries including in the Asia Pacific region.6

About Basilea

Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical and clinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com.

Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil

Hegenheimermattweg 167b

4123 Allschwil

Switzerland



Phone +41 61 606 1102





E-mail media_relations@basilea.com (mailto:media_relations@basilea.com)

investor_relations@basilea.com (mailto:investor_relations@basilea.com)

This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com.

References

IQVIA Analytics Link, December 2024. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in US dollar. PMDA List of Approved Drugs April 2022 to March 2023: https://www.pmda.go.jp/files/000267877.pdf (https://www.pmda.go.jp/files/000267877.pdf) [Accessed: April 23, 2025] European Public Assessment Report (EPAR): https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/cresemba (https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/cresemba) [Accessed: April 23, 2025] Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) Cresemba: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/search?q=cresemba (https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/search?q=cresemba) [Accessed: April 23, 2025] Full US prescribing information: https://www.astellas.us/docs/cresemba.pdf (https://www.astellas.us/docs/cresemba.pdf) [Accessed: April 23, 2025] The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country.

Attachments
Rotterdam, The Netherlands (24 April 2025) - IMCD N.V. ("IMCD" or "Company"), a global leading partner for the distribution and formulation of speciality chemicals and ingredients, today announces that IMCD and Valerie Diele-Braun have agreed that Valerie will step down as CEO and member of the Management Board for personal reasons. This change takes effect as of today.

The Supervisory Board is pleased to announce that Marcus Jordan will assume the role of CEO as of today. Marcus is a member of the Management Board and COO since 2022. Throughout his 26-year career with the company, he served as President of Americas, Group Development Director and in various strategic roles in our UK organisation. He has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2014.

Janus Smalbraak, Chair of the Supervisory Board: "I would like to thank Valerie for her contribution to the company in the past years, both in her role as member of the Supervisory Board and as member of the Management Board. We appreciate the fresh perspectives she brought to the company, and we wish her every success and happiness in her future endeavours."

"With 26 years of experience at IMCD, Marcus has built deep industry expertise and a strong track record on delivering long-term business growth. We value his leadership in recent years in areas such as commercial and operational excellence as well as his genuine drive for digital innovation. The Supervisory Board is confident that Marcus will continue to build on IMCD's strong foundations and create sustainable value for all stakeholders. We're excited to continue working with him and fully support him as he steps into this new role."

The Supervisory Board will, in the coming period, review the further composition of the Management Board as part of its ongoing succession planning.

- xxx-

This press release contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation and was issued on 24 April 2025, 08:00 a.m. CET.

About IMCD

IMCD, based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, is a leading global partner for the distribution and formulation of speciality chemicals and ingredients. IMCD is an expert solutions provider and adds sustainable value to the supply chain. Every day professionals focus on providing the best service through commercial and operational excellence. The company is mindful of the role they play in creating a better planet for all and formulates with consciousness and executes with care, to address business challenges of tomorrow, in partnership and transparency.

In 2024, with over 5,100 employees, IMCD realised revenues of EUR 4,728 million. IMCD N.V.'s shares are traded at Euronext Amsterdam (symbol: IMCD) and included in the Dutch ESG AEX index, as one of 25 companies within the AEX and AMX indices demonstrating best ESG practices.

For further information, please visit www.imcdgroup.com

Media contact

Muriel Werle

Corporate Communications Director

+31 10 290 86 14

mediarelations@imcdgroup.com

Investor relations contact

Tosca Holtland

Head of Investor Relations

+31 10 290 86 53

ir@imcdgroup.com

Attachment
Paris, 24 April 2025 - Altamir's combined General Shareholders' meeting was held on 23 April 2025. The shareholders represented at the meeting held in aggregate 72.09% of the outstanding shares. All resolutions were adopted with over 96% of the votes.

Shareholders approved a dividend of 1.06 per share, to be paid at the latest on 30 September 2025 (ex-dividend date: 26 September).

They also approved the renewal of Ms. Marleen Groen's mandate as a member of the Supervisory Board. As a reminder, the Supervisory Board is composed of four members, all independent, of whom two are women.

The results of the vote on each resolution are available on the Company's website (www.altamir.fr).

Forthcoming event:

NAV as of 31/03/2025 14 May 2025, after market

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

About Altamir

Altamir is a listed private equity company (Euronext Paris-B, ticker: LTA) founded in 1995 and with a NAV of nearly 1.3 billion. Its objective is to provide shareholders with long-term capital appreciation and regular dividends by investing in a diversified portfolio of private equity investments.

Altamir's investment policy is to invest principally via and with funds managed or advised by Seven2 and Apax, two leading private equity firms that take majority or lead positions in LBO and growth capital transactions and have ambitious value creation objectives.

In this way, Altamir provides access to a diversified portfolio of fast-growing companies across Seven2's and Apax's sectors of specialisation (Tech & Telco, Consumer, Healthcare, Services) and in complementary market segments (mid-sized companies in continental Europe and large companies in Europe, North America and key emerging markets).

Altamir derives certain tax benefits from its status as an SCR ("Societe de Capital Risque"). As such, Altamir is exempt from corporate income tax and the company's investors may benefit from tax exemptions, subject to specific holding-period and dividend-reinvestment conditions.

For more information: www.altamir.fr

Contact

Claire Peyssard Moses

Tel.: +33 6 34 32 38 97 / E-mail: investors@altamir.fr

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Three-year investment supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland

Project to accelerate the development of open network management and automation capabilities used in 5G networks globally

Investment reinforces Ireland's position as a strategic hub for technological innovation

STOCKHOLM, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ericsson has announced a significant EUR 200 million investment over the next three years in a pioneering research, development, and innovation (RD&I) project at the company's Athlone facility in central Ireland.

The project, supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, will underpin Ericsson's development of world-leading capabilities for the management of high performing, open programmable networks. These capabilities are key to enabling communications service providers (CSPs) to improve operational efficiency, as well as accelerating the global deployment and value generation of 5G Standalone (SA) connectivity through differentiated offerings.

The project will advance support for open, multi-vendor, disaggregated and programmable network deployments. The investment will focus on the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform (EIAP), and network powered rApps (applications to automate radio access network management and optimization).

EIAP is Ericsson's open network management and automation platform for multi-vendor and multi-technology 4G and 5G Radio Access Networks (RAN), which is largely designed at the Athlone site.

The platform provides an open environment for developing and running rApps from any vendor and radio technology, enabling CSPs to readily introduce innovations from diverse technology partners. With broad ecosystem support, this open framework for rApp development aims to accelerate the pace of RAN innovation through collaboration across an expanding partner network.

The investment aims to deliver next-generation open network management and automation capabilities with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and advanced analytics. Such capabilities will help CSPs to improve network performance, accelerate innovation cycles, and reduce costs through autonomous network operations.

The substantial new investment underlines Ericsson's commitment to Ireland as a strategic hub for research and development. Ericsson's presence in Ireland spans five decades. Ericsson currently employs more than 1,300 people in the country, with the Athlone facility serving as the company's designated center of excellence for intelligent network management.

Ericsson and IDA Ireland have a longstanding relationship, since the IDA provided Ericsson with the current building when the company came to Athlone in 1974. Supported by the Irish Government and IDA Ireland, the Athlone facility brings together top global talent and pioneering technology to transform network management, providing benefits to Ericsson's global customer base.

Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Peter Burke, TD, says: "Ericsson's EUR 200 million announcement at their Athlone facility is fantastic news. Their innovative R&D project, which will span a duration of three years, will improve efficiency in 5G networks globally. Ericsson have been established in Ireland for decades, with the Athlone facility a significant employer and an integral part of the fabric of the community for over 50 years. It is really encouraging that Ericsson have once again cemented Athlone as key base for the company, selecting the campus and the staff based here to lead this pioneering work. I wish all the team in Ericsson the very best with this exciting new chapter."

Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA, says: "Ericsson's ambitious programme is strongly aligned with the key growth drivers of IDA Ireland's new strategy - Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustained Growth and Innovation. The investment strengthens the long-term legacy of Ericsson in Ireland, building on the success of past investments spanning more than 60 years. This RD&I project embodies cutting-edge innovation, exemplifies IDA's continued commitment to balanced regional development. I wish Ericsson every success with this project and assure them of IDA Ireland's continued partnership."

Denis Dullea, Head of Ericsson's Athlone site and Network Management Engineering Unit, says: "Ericsson has a long history and deep roots in Ireland spanning more than 50 years. This EUR 200 million investment, supported by the IDA and Irish government, is a testament to our commitment to Ireland and confidence in our exceptional talent here. By delivering on this cutting-edge project, we're both investing in Ireland's future and empowering mobile operators worldwide."

RELATED LINKS:

Ericsson's Athlone R&D center celebrates 50th anniversary, forges national partnerships for future innovation

Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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ABOUT ERICSSON:

Ericsson's high-performing networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

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- Durable pain relief from a single MM-II injection and its cartilage-protective effects in OA models featured in two peer-reviewed articles -

- New data on MM-II to be presented this weekend at the OARSI 2025 World Conference on Osteoarthritis -

- MM-II recently granted Fast Track Designation by the US FDA -

MUMBAI, India and TEL AVIV, Israel, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Pharma (Reuters: SUN.BO) (Bloomberg: SUNP IN) (NSE: SUNPHARMA) (BSE: 524715) (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, and includes its subsidiaries or associate companies) and Israel-based Moebius Medical Limited announced today the publication of two articles in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, the official journal of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), highlighting MM-II, a novel non-opioid product for the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

MM-II is based on a proprietary suspension of large, empty, multilamellar liposomes designed to reduce joint friction and wear, thereby alleviating pain. The two publications offer complementary insights into MM-II's clinical efficacy and mechanism of action, underscoring its potential therapeutic value.

The first publication presents results from a Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT04506463), which enrolled 397 patients across the US, Europe and Asia. Findings demonstrate that a single injection of MM-II provided clinically meaningful pain relief through 26 weeks, with a favorable safety and tolerability profile [Link: https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(25)00975-6/fulltext].

The second publication, titled "Empty large liposomes reduce cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritic rats by forming a lubricative coating," details MM-II's unique mechanism of action. The research shows that MM-II forms a lubricative layer over cartilage surfaces, reducing friction and slowing cartilage degeneration. The authors suggest that the results of the clinical trial may be mediated through the coating of the cartilage surfaces, though additional mechanisms may contribute to the long term pain reduction seen in Phase 2b study. [Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2025.02.774].

"The data from these publications show that MM-II has the potential to provide durable pain relief for patients," said Prof. Thomas J Schnitzer, MD, PhD, a rheumatologist and professor of Medicine at Northwestern University and lead author of the clinical trial manuscript. "With limited treatment options, lack of novel treatment approaches, and concerns around opioid use, MM-II may offer a promising alternative to hyaluronic acid and steroid treatments."

Moshe Weinstein, CEO of Moebius Medical, added: "Having both our clinical data and our research on MM-II's underlying mechanism of action published in the leading peer-reviewed journal for osteoarthritis further validates MM-II's novel treatment approach."

Coinciding with these publications, Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical are also presenting new data at the OARSI 2025 World Congress on Osteoarthritis taking place this week. Three abstracts were accepted for presentation at the congress, and the companies will also host a satellite symposium which exploring MM-II's mechanism of action, clinical data and planned phase 3 program.

About Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic health conditions and a leading cause of pain and disability among adults. Global estimates reveal that more than 100 million people are affected by osteoarthritis. More than 20 million people in the US suffer from knee osteoarthritis. The global market for products used for symptomatic relief of knee osteoarthritis pain, including intra-articular hyaluronic acid and others, is estimated at $2 billion with a 6.5% compound annual growth rate. The US alone accounts for approximately 40% of this market.

About Moebius Medical

Moebius Medical is a clinical stage biotechnology company that is developing novel pain relief treatments for osteoarthritis. The company was founded in 2008 within the RAD Biomed Accelerator to develop products based on a patent-protected technology exclusively licensed from Yissum, the Hebrew University Technology Transfer Company; T3, the Technology Transfer arm of the Technion Institute; and by Hadasit, the Technology Transfer company of Hadassah Medical Center. In 2016, Moebius formed a joint collaboration with Sun Pharma in which Moebius is responsible for conducting certain preclinical studies and for product development and manufacturing through the end of Phase 2 studies, at which point Sun has the option to assume further product development and commercialization.

About Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (CIN - L24230GJ1993PLC019050)

Sun Pharma is the world's leading specialty generics company with a presence in specialty, generics and consumer healthcare products. It is the largest pharmaceutical company in India and is a leading generic company in the U.S. as well as global emerging markets. Sun Pharma's high-growth global specialty portfolio spans innovative products in dermatology, ophthalmology, and onco-dermatology and accounts for over 18% of company sales. The company's vertically integrated operations deliver high-quality medicines, trusted by physicians and consumers in over 100 countries. Its manufacturing facilities are spread across six continents. Sun Pharma is proud of its multicultural workforce drawn from over 50 nations. For further information, please visit www.sunpharma.com and follow us on LinkedIn & X (Formerly Twitter).

Disclaimer: Statements in this "document" describing Sun Pharma's and/or Moebius Medical's objectives, projections, estimates, expectations, plans or predictions, industry conditions, or events may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied. Neither Sun Pharma nor Moebius Medical undertakes any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect developments or circumstances that arise or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated developments/circumstances after the date hereof.

For further details, please contact:

Media

Sun Pharma Moebius Medical Gaurav Chugh Tel Direct: +91 22 4324 5373 Mobile: +91 98104 71414 Moshe Weinstein Tel Direct: +972 3 768 4930 Email: gaurav.chugh@sunpharma.com Email: bd@moebiusmedical.com





Investors

Sun Pharma Dr. Abhishek Sharma Tel Direct: +91 22 4324 2929 Mobile: +91 98196 86016 Email: abhi.sharma@sunpharma.com





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This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase any securities. The offer and the draft offer document described hereinafter remain subject to review by the French financial markets authority (Autorite des marches financiers)

PRESS RELEASE RELATING TO THE FILING OF A DRAFT TENDER OFFER

for the shares of the Company

VERALLIA

initiated by

KAON V

presented by

Bank of America Europe DAC (Paris branch) Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank Presenting Bank Presenting Bank and Guarantor

PRICE OF THE OFFER:

30 per Verallia share (including dividend)[1]



DURATION OF THE OFFER:

25 trading days

The timetable of the tender offer referred to herein (the "Offer") will be set out by the French stock market authority (Autorite des marches financiers) (the "AMF") in accordance with the provisions of its general regulation (the "AMF General Regulation").



This press release (the "Press Release") has been established and released by Kaon V pursuant to article 231-16 of the AMF General Regulation.

The Offer and the draft offer document (the "Draft Offer Document") remain subject to review by the AMF. IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Offer is not and will not be offered in any jurisdiction where it would not be permitted under applicable law. Acceptance of the Offer by persons residing in countries other than France and the United States of America may be subject to specific obligations or restrictions imposed by legal or regulatory provisions. Recipients of the Offer are solely responsible for compliance with such laws, and it is therefore their responsibility, before accepting the Offer, to determine whether such laws exist and are applicable, relying on the advice they obtain from their own advisers.

In the United States of America, to the extent applicable, the Offer will be made in compliance with the U.S. tender offer rules, including Section 14(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the laws and regulations promulgated thereunder, including Regulation 14E after application of the exemptions provided by Rule 14d-1(d) of the Exchange Act (the "Tier II" exemption for securities of foreign private issuers). For further information, see Section 2.15 (Offer restrictions abroad) below.

The Draft Offer Document should be read in conjunction with all other documents published in connection with the Offer. In accordance with article 231-28 of the AMF General Regulation, a description of the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of Kaon V will be made available to the public no later than the day before the opening of the Offer. A press release will be issued to inform the public of the manner in which the information will be made available.

The Draft Offer Document is available on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and Verallia (www.verallia.com) and may be obtained free of charge from:

Kaon V

70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay

Dublin 2, Ireland Bank of America Europe DAC (Paris branch)

51, rue La Boetie

75008 Paris

France Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank

12, place des Etats-Unis

CS 70052, 92547 Montrouge Cedex, France

France

DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFER

Pursuant to Title III of Book II, and more specifically Articles 231-13 and 232-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation, Kaon V, a sub-fund of the Irish-registered fund Kaon Investment Fund ICAV ("Kaon ICAV"), a fund managed by BW Gestao de Investimentos Ltda., a limited liability company (sociedade limitada) incorporated under the laws of Brazil, with its registered address at Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima 4440, 15th floor, Itaim Bibi, Sao Paulo, State of Sao Paulo, 04538-132 (Brazil) registered with the Brazilian National Register of Corporate Taxpayers under number 03.214.650/0001-28 ("BWGI")[2] 99.965% owned[3] by Brasil Warrant Administracao de Bens e Empresas S.A. a joint-stock company (sociedade anonima fechada) incorporated under the laws of Brazil, with its registered address at Rodovia Washington Luiz SN Fazenda Tamandua - Km 307, Matao, 15994-500 (Brazil) and registered with the Brazilian National Register of Corporate Taxpayers under number 33.744.277/0001-88 ("BWSA"), itself controlled by the Moreira Salles family (hereinafter "Kaon V" or the "Offeror"), irrevocably offers the shareholders of Verallia, a public limited company (societe anonyme) with a board of directors, having its registered office at Tour Carpe Diem, 31 Place des Corolles, 92400 Courbevoie, registered with the Nanterre Trade and Companies Registry (Registre du Commerce et des Societes) under number 812 163 913 (the "Company" or "Verallia" and together with its direct or indirect subsidiaries, the "Group"), and whose shares are listed on Compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris under ISIN code FR0013447729 , ticker symbol "VRLA" (the "Shares"), to acquire in cash all of their Shares (subject to the exceptions below) at a price of thirty (30) euros per Share (including dividend) (the "Offer Price") through a tender offer, the terms of which are described below (the "Offer").

The Offer Price is before the deduction of the ordinary dividend of 1.70 euro per Share in respect of the 2024 financial year, the distribution of which is subject to approval by the general meeting of Verallia shareholders to be held on April 25, 2025 (the "2024 Dividend"). After deduction of the 2024 Dividend, the Offer Price will be 28.30 euros per Share.

As of the date of the Draft Offer Document, the Offeror directly held 34,837,565 Shares and 40,109,169 voting rights and, by way of assimilation, 2,000 Shares and 4,000 voting rights held by BWSA and BWGI[4] who are both acting in concert with the Offeror, representing in aggregate 34,839,565 Shares and 40,113,169 voting rights representing respectively 28.84[5] % of the share capital and 27.95[6] % of the theoretical voting rights of the Company.

The Offer targets all outstanding or to be issued Shares which are not held by the Offeror, with the exception of the following Shares:

the Shares held in treasury by the Company, i.e., to the best of the Offeror's knowledge and as at the date of the Draft Offer Document, 2,968,796 Shares, which the Company's Board of directors has decided not to tender to the Offer;

the Managers Unavailable Free Shares (as defined below), i.e., to the best of the Offeror's knowledge and as of the date hereof, a maximum of 102,407 free Shares issued but legally unavailable; and

the PEGI Unavailable Shares (as defined below) as of the Offer closing date, i.e., to the best of the Offeror's knowledge, a maximum of 592,012 Shares,

(together, the "Excluded Shares"),

i.e., to the best of the Offeror's knowledge at the date of the Draft Offer Document, a maximum total number of Shares subject to the Offer equal to 82,302,323 Shares[7].

Insofar as necessary, it is specified that the Offer will not target the free Shares whose vesting period will expire after the estimated closing date of the Offer (and, if applicable, of the Reopened Offer, as this term is defined in Section 2.11 of the Draft Offer Document), which concerns:

the 248,150 free Shares granted under the 2023-2025 free share plan (the "2023-2025 Plan") whose vesting period will not have expired before the estimated closing date of the Offer (the "2023-2025 Free Shares");

the 277,650 free Shares granted under the 2024-2026 free share plan (the "2024-2026 Plan") whose vesting period will not have expired before the estimated closing date of the Offer (the "2024-2026 Free Shares"); and

the 379,795 free Shares granted under the 2025-2027 free share plan (the "2025-2027 Plan") whose vesting period will not have expired before the estimated closing date of the Offer (the "2025-2027 Free Shares" and, together with the 2023-2025 Free Shares and the 2024-2026 Free Shares, the "Vesting Period Free Shares").

With the exception of the Vesting Period Free Shares, as of the date of the Draft Offer Document and to the Offeror's knowledge, there are no other equity securities or other instruments or rights that may give immediate or deferred access to the Company's share capital or voting rights.

The Offer is voluntary and will be carried out in accordance with the normal procedure, in accordance with the provisions of articles 232-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation. The Offer will be open for a period of at least twenty-five (25) trading days, without prejudice to the application of article 231-11 of the AMF General Regulation as described in Section 2.5.2 (Regulatory approvals and merger control clearances) of the Draft Offer Document.

The Offer is subject to the minimum threshold referred to in Article 231-9, I of the AMF General Regulation (as described in Section 2.5.1 of the Draft Offer Document), as well as, in accordance with Article 231-11 of the AMF General Regulation, subject to clearance of the transaction under merger control by the European Commission (detailed in Section 2.5.2 of the Draft Offer Document).

The opening of the Offer is also subject to obtaining the regulatory approvals described in Section 2.5.2.1 (Regulatory approvals) of the Draft Offer Document.

In accordance with the provisions of article 231-13 of the AMF General Regulation, the Offer is presented by Bank of America Europe DAC (Paris Branch) and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (the "Presenting Banks") it being specified that only Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank guarantees the content and irrevocable nature of the commitments made by the Offeror in connection with the Offer.

1.1 Background

1.1.1 Background and reasons for the Offer

Verallia is, in terms of revenue, the European leader and world's third-largest producer of glass packaging for beverages and food products[8]; it is also, by volumes sold, the second-largest producer in Latin America[9]. With 35 glassmaking plants, 5 decoration plants and 19 cullet (glassware) processing centers in 12 countries, Verallia produces 16 billion glass bottles and jars every year to supply 10,000 clients, from local family producers to major international brands.

The Offeror is a sub-fund of the Kaon ICAV, an Irish fund managed by BWGI, itself controlled by BWSA. BWSA has been operating for seven decades as the holding company of the Moreira Salles family, and has established successful partnerships worldwide with leading companies in a variety of sectors, including financial services, natural resources, agriculture, consumer products, business services, distribution and industry. BWGI is an asset management company registered with the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (Comissao de Valores Mobiliarios), established in 2008 with discretionary powers to manage the investment portfolio of BWSA's controlling shareholders through certain investment vehicles, including Kaon V, Verallia's direct shareholder. BWGI, through its affiliates, has been a shareholder in Verallia since its IPO in 2019. BWGI, via another sub-fund of the Kaon ICAV fund is also the largest shareholder in the listed French company Elis S.A.

On February 3, 2025, BWGI confirmed that it was studying the possibility of initiating a voluntary tender offer for the Verallia shares not held by BWGI (through Kaon V), with no intention of proceeding with a squeeze-out. The Company's Board of Directors met on February 4, 2025 to set up an ad hoc committee, composed exclusively of independent directors, to (i) propose to the Company's Board of Directors the appointment of an independent expert, (ii) monitor the work of the independent expert and (iii) make a recommendation to the Company's Board of Directors in the context of the preparation by the Company's Board of Director of its reasoned opinion (avis motive) on the interest of the Offer and the consequences of such Offer for the Company, its shareholders and its employees.

On February 19, 2025, on the recommendation of the ad hoc committee, the Company's Board of Directors appointed the firm Ledouble, represented by Mrs. Agnes Piniot and Mr. Olivier Crette, as independent expert, with the task of preparing a report on the financial terms of the Offer in accordance with the provisions of article 261-1 of the AMF General Regulation.

After submitting a letter to Verallia's board of directors confirming its intention to file the Offer, BWGI confirmed on March 10, 2025, by way of a press release, its forthcoming filing.

The information-consultation process with the Group's European works council was initiated on March 12, 2025, and the said European works council issued an unfavorable opinion on the Offer on April 9, 2025.

1.1.2 Breakdown of the Company's capital and voting rights at the date of the Draft Offer Document

Verallia's share capital

To the Offeror's knowledge, and as reflected in Article 7 of the Company's bylaws, the Company's share capital amounts to 408,321,248.14, divided into 120,805,103 ordinary shares, all of the same class and with a par value of 3.38.

Composition of Verallia's shareholding structure as at 31 March 2025:

To the Offeror's knowledge, the Company's share capital and voting rights at 31 March 2025 were as follows[10]

Shareholders Number of shares Percentage of share capital Number of theoretical voting rights Percentage of theoretical voting rights Kaon V[11] 34,839,565 28.84 % 40,113,169 27.95% Invesco Ltd 12,881,699 10.66 % 12,881,699 8.98% Bpifrance Participations 9,189,887 7,61 % 18,379,774 12.81% Employees (Verallia FCPE and direct shareholding) 5,214,294 4.32 % 10,000,336 6.97% Treasury shares 2,968,796 2.46 % 2,968,796 2.07% Free float 55,710,862 46.12% 59,182,395 41.23% Total 120,805,103 100% 143,526,169 100%

As of the date of the Draft Offer Document, the Offeror holds 34,839,565 Shares and 40,113,169 voting rights representing respectively 28.84% of the share capital and 27.95 %[12] of the theoretical voting rights of Verallia.

1.1.3 Acquisition of Shares by the Offeror during the last 12 months

The Offeror did not purchase any Shares during the twelve (12) months preceding the filing of the Draft Offer Document.

1.1.4 Interest of the Offer for the Offeror, the Company and its shareholders

The Offeror is offering shareholders who tender their Shares to the Offer the opportunity to obtain immediate liquidity at a price per Share representing a premium of 11.9% over the closing price of the Shares on January 30, 2025 (the last trading day prior to market rumors of a potential tender offer) and of:

23.2% relative to the volume-weighted average price for a month as at 30 January 2025;

24.2% relative to the volume-weighted average price for two months as at 30 January 2025; and

19.9% relative to the volume-weighted average price for three months as at 30 January 2025.

The factors used to assess the Offer Price are presented in Section 3 of the Draft Offer Document (Assessment of the Offer Price).

As indicated in Section 1.2.6 of the Draft Offer Document, the Offeror does not intend to request the implementation of a squeeze-out (i) at the closing of the Offer nor (ii) on the conditions detailed in Section 1.3, for a three year-period following closing of the Offer. Verallia will therefore, following the Offer, remain listed on Euronext Paris, and minority shareholders who do not wish to tender their Shares to the Offer will be free to retain them following the closing of the Offer.

1.2 Intentions of the Offeror for the next twelve months

In accordance with Article 231-18 of the AMF General Regulation, the Offeror presents below its intentions for the next twelve (12) months, it being specified that the Offeror has made additional commitments to the Company in the Engagement Letter, the content of which is detailed in Section 1.3 of the Draft Offer Document.???????

1.2.1 Industrial, commercial and financial strategy

Since its initial investment in Verallia as part of its IPO in 2019, BWGI has fully supported the Company's strategy, including its current implementation. With this Offer, BWGI wishes to reaffirm its support for the Group's strategy.

The Offeror shares the industrial and commercial vision of the Company's management team, which has placed innovation at the heart of its industrial project, particularly in view of the energy transition.

The Offeror intends to maintain the integrity of the Group and its operating model and, with the support of the key people within the Company, pursue the main strategic directions implemented by the Company, including the Performance Action Plan and other productivity-enhancing measures that have made Verallia successful in recent years.

The Offeror intends to maintain the Company's credit rating (investment grade) and not to change its current financial and debt policy while acknowledging that macroeconomic conditions may nonetheless affect the Company's credit rating.

1.2.2 Intentions regarding employment

The Offeror intends to maintain and retain the Company's workforce in order to maintain the current strategy. The Offeror does not envisage any cost or employment synergies.

The Offer is part of the continuity of the Company's business and its success would have no particular impact on employees and the Company's human resources management policy, nor on employees' working conditions or their collective or individual status.

The Offeror intends to maintain long-term incentive plans for employees of Group companies in the form of free shares allocation plans and employee savings plans (PEG, PEGI and employee shareholding plans, implemented in particular through the Verallia FCPE), in line with the Company's previous practices.???????

1.2.3 Intentions regarding a possible merger or legal reorganization

The Offeror does not intend to merge with the Company or otherwise to carry out any other legal reorganization between the Company, the Offeror and any other BW group company.

The Offeror intends to maintain the Company's registered office and effective management center in France.

1.2.4 Composition of the Company's corporate bodies and management

The Offeror's objective through the Offer is to take control of the Company. Therefore, subject to the success of the Offer, the Offeror intends to modify the composition of the Board of Directors of the Company, subject to the approval of the Company's shareholders' general meeting, so that at least the majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company will be appointed upon proposal of the Offeror to reflect the new shareholding structure, while intending to maintain the current directors' positions (or the directors positions to be renewed at the 2025 annual shareholders' general meeting) until their expiration date and to retain Mr. Michel Giannuzzi as chairman of the Company's Board of Directors.

The composition of the Company's Board of Directors will continue to comply with the governance rules of the AFEP-MEDEF governance code, to which the Company adheres. In particular, at closing of the Offer, in accordance with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF governance code, the Company's Board of Directors will continue to comprise at least one-third of independent directors, with a minimum of three (3) independent directors.

The Offeror does not intend to change the composition of the Company's management team.

1.2.5 Synergies - Economic gains

The Offeror, by its nature, does not anticipate the realization of cost or revenue synergies with the Company following completion of the Offer.

1.2.6 Intentions regarding the squeeze-out

The Offeror does not intend to request a squeeze-out (i) at the end of the Offer (even if the legal and regulatory conditions for the implementation of such a squeeze-out were met) nor (ii) on the conditions detailed in Section 1.3 of the Draft Offer Document, for a three year-period following closing of the Offer. Following closing of the Offer, Verallia will remain listed on Euronext Paris.

1.2.7 Company's dividend distribution policy

The Offeror does not intend to change the Company's dividend distribution policy, which will remain consistent with Verallia's profitability, cash generation, credit rating (investment grade) and investment needs following the Offer.

1.3 Engagement Letter

In the context of the Offer, the Offeror has sent a letter to the Company's Board of Directors on 23, April 2025, which specifies and completes the Offeror's intentions following completion of the Offer, and under which the Offeror makes certain commitments to the Company, subject to the success of the Offer, (the "Engagement Letter").

Under the terms of the Engagement Letter, the Offeror has made the following commitments to the Company for a period of three years from the completion of the Offer (subject to any mention, in paragraph (i)(c) below, relating to a commitment for one year), which completes the intentions set out in Section 1.2 of the Draft Offer Document:

(i) to maintain the listing of the Shares on Euronext Paris (it being specified that the Offeror reserves the possibility to revoke such commitment in the event of an alternative strategy having received a favorable opinion from an ad hoc committee of the Company's Board of Directors composed of independent directors); in this context of maintaining the Shares' listing, the Offeror:

(a) has no intention to acquire Shares in order to cross the mandatory squeeze-out thresholds;

(b) undertakes to inform the Company's Board of Directors before carrying out any transaction which would substantially increase the Offeror's stake in the Company's share capital; and

(c) undertakes, for a one year-period following closing of the Offer not to implement, without the approval of an ad hoc committee of the Company's Board of Directors composed of independent directors, such substantial increases of its stake in the Company's share capital.

(ii) to undertake not to take, at the Company's level, any decision that would directly trigger the loss by the Company of its investment grade status (including maintaining the Group's current leverage level), except with a favorable opinion of an ad hoc committee of the Company's Board of Directors composed of independent directors;

(iii) to maintain, following completion of the Offer, the Company's dividend distribution policy determined in a manner consistent with the Company's profitability, cash generation, credit rating (investment grade) and investment needs following the Offer;

(iv) to maintain the Company's head office and effective management center in France, and not to merge with the Company or not to implement any other legal reorganization with the Offeror or any of the Offeror's affiliates;

(v) to maintain and continue long-term incentive plans for employees of Group companies in the form of free share plans and employee savings plans, in line with the Company's past practices; and

(vi) to maintain within the Company the AFEP-MEDEF Code's governance principles relating to the proportion of independent directors and to the composition of the Company's Board of Directors' committees, and to procure that the Board of Directors of the Company comprises at least three independent directors, to be selected by the Company's Board of Directors in compliance with the best market's practices (it being specified that the term of such commitments is considered to be the 2028 annual shareholders' meeting approving the accounts for the 2027 financial year).

Under the Engagement Letter, the Offeror has also undertaken to bear a share of the exceptional costs to which the Company's would be exposed in the context of the refinancing or renegotiation of some of its existing financing agreements as a result of the Offer, up to a sum of 12.5 million depending on the final amount of said costs.

The Engagement Letter also indicated that, following the closing of the Reopened Offer and subject to the characterization of a Liquidity Default (as such term is defined below), the Offeror will engage with the Board of Directors to ensure that a liquidity mechanism is offered (directly with the Offeror or through the Company) to the holders of shares resulting from Company's Free Share Plans for the concerned Shares, at a price determined in accordance with the Offer Price and with standard practice in this respect (notably by applying a formula including a multiple determined on the basis of the Offer Price) (the "Liquidity Mechanism").

The "Liquidity Default" will be triggered if the average volume of Verallia shares traded each trading day over a one-month period is less than (or equal to) 0.05%[13] of Verallia's share capital.

1.4 Agreements that may have a material impact on the assessment of the Offer or its outcome

To the knowledge of the Offeror, there are no other agreements that could have an impact on the assessment or outcome of the Offer.

It is specified as necessary that no contractual mechanism, including the Liquidity Mechanism it being specified that the acquiror of the shares under such Liquidity Mechanism could be the Company itself and not the Offeror), is likely (i) to be analyzed as a price supplement, (ii) to call into question the relevance of the Offer Price per Share or the equal treatment of minority shareholders, or (iii) to highlight a guaranteed sale price clause in favor of certain shareholders.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OFFER

2.1 Terms of Offer

In accordance with the Article 231-13 of the AMF General Regulation, the Presenting Banks, acting on behalf of the Offeror as presenting institutions (etablissements presentateurs), filed the draft Offer with the AMF on 24 April 2025 in the form of a voluntary tender offer for all the Shares outstanding or to be issued other than the Shares held by the Offeror (subject to the exceptions detailed in Section 2.3 of the Draft Offer Document).

As part of the Offer, which will be conducted in accordance with the normal procedure governed by articles 232-1 et seq. of the AMF General Regulation, the Offeror irrevocably undertakes to acquire from the Company's shareholders, at the Offer Price (subject to the adjustments described in Section 2.2 of the Draft Offer Document), all of the Shares that will be tendered to the Offer.

Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank guarantees the content and irrevocable nature of the undertakings made by the Offeror as part of the Offer, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 231-13 and 232-4 of the AMF General Regulation.

2.2 Adjustment of the terms of the Offer

The Offer Price is 30 per share before deduction of the 2024 Dividend, and 28.30 per share after deduction of the 2024 Dividend.

In addition, any other distribution of dividends, interim dividends, reserves, premiums or any other distribution (in cash or in kind) decided by the Company, or any redemption or reduction of its share capital, with a deduction date or reference date at which one shall be a shareholder to be entitled to, set before the settlement-delivery of the Offer (or, as the case may be, the Reopened Offer), will give rise to a euro per euro downward adjustment of the Offer Price, it being specified that if the operation giving right to an adjustment of the terms of the Offer occurs between the settlement-delivery date of the Offer (excluded) and the settlement-delivery date of the Reopened Offer (included), only the price of the Reopened Offer shall be adjusted.

Any adjustment to the Offer Price shall be published in a press release subject to the prior approval of the AMF.

2.3 Number and nature of the shares targeted by the Offer

As of the date of the Draft Offer Document, the Offeror holds 34,839,565 Shares.[14]

The Offer targets all Shares outstanding or to be issued not held by the Offeror, with the exception of the following Excluded Shares:

Shares held in treasury by the Company, i.e., to the best of the Offeror's knowledge and as at the date of the Draft Offer Document, 2,968,796 Shares, which the Company's board of directors has decided not to tender to the Offer;

the PEGI Unavailable Shares; and

the Managers Unavailable Free Shares,

i.e., to the Offeror's knowledge at the date of the Draft Offer Document, a maximum total number of Shares targeted by the Offer equal to 82,302,323 Shares.

To the Offeror's knowledge, as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, there are no other equity securities or other financial instruments or rights that could give access, immediately or in the future, to the Company's share capital or voting rights.

2.3.1 Situation of the beneficiaries of free Shares

To the Offeror's knowledge and as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, the Company has set up several plans for the allocation of free Shares to certain employees and/or corporate officers of the Company and its group (the "Free Share Plans").

The table below summarizes the main features of the Free Share Plans as of the date hereof, to the best of the Offeror's knowledge (without precluding increases, in the event of over-performance in relation to objectives, in the number of shares that may be definitively acquired under all or part of the outstanding Free Share Plans).

Plans 2019-2021 Plan

(Tranche 1) 2019-2021 Plan (Tranche 2) 2021-2022 Plan 2021-2023 Plan 2022-2024 Plan 2023-2025 Plan 2024-2026 Plan 2025-2027 Plan Date of Shareholders' meeting N/A[15] N/A[16] June 10, 2020 June 10, 2020 June 10, 2020 June 10, 2020 April 25, 2023 April 26, 2024 Date of grant decision July 24, 2019 July 24, 2019 February 23, 2021 February 23, 2021 February 16 and December 6, 2022 February 15, 2023 February 14, 2024 February 19, 2025 Total number of free Shares initially allocated Allocation in euros Allocation in euros 257,328 247,433 273,050 297,000 295,000 379,795 Total number of free Shares granted to corporate officers Allocation in euros Allocation in euros 55,000 55,000 35,000 38,000 38,000 57,595 Number of free Shares outstanding vesting 0 0 0 0 0 248.150 277.650 379,795(a) Date of final acquisition July 24, 2021 March 23, 2022 March 1, 2023 March 1, 2024 March 1, 2025 March 1, 2026 March 1, 2027 March 1, 2028 Number of Shares vested 250,852 (including 58,313 Shares vested by corporate officers) 142,290 (including 46,228 Shares vested by corporate officers) 251,893 (including 60,500 Shares vested by corporate officers) 228,562 (including 60,500 Shares vested by corporate officers) 92,067 (including 15,750 Shares vested by corporate officers) 0 0 0 Undertaking by corporate officers to retain Shares [17] 30% of the Free Shares acquired by Michel Giannuzzi, i.e. 17,494 Shares 30% of the Free Shares acquired by Michel Giannuzzi, i.e. 13,868 Shares 30% of the Free Shares acquired by Michel Giannuzzi, i.e. 18,150 Shares 30% of the Free Shares acquired by Michel Giannuzzi, i.e. 18,150 Shares 30% of Free Shares acquired by

Patrice Lucas i.e. 4,725 30% of Free Shares acquired by

Patrice Lucas i.e. 11,400 Shares (if perf. cond. achieved at 100%) 30% of Free Shares acquired by

Patrice Lucas i.e. 12,312 Shares (if perf. cond. achieved at 100%) 30% of the Free Shares acquired by Patrice Lucas, i.e. 18,661 Shares (if perf. cond. achieved at 100%)

(a) Regarding the 2025-2027 Plan the number of Shares of 379,795 (as of 31 March 2025) corresponds to the target allocation under this plan. The maximum number of allocated Shares could reach 410,287 in case of outperformance of the target of value creation as defined in the Verallia's universal registration document.

To the best of the Offeror's knowledge, as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, the following free Shares have been issued (subject to the lifting of the lock-up periods provided for by the applicable laws and regulations):

i. a maximum number of 905,595 free Shares, from the 2023-2025, 2024-2026 and 2025-2027 plans, whose vesting period will not have expired before the estimated closing date of the Offer (or of the Reopened Offer, as the case may be) and which are therefore not targeted by the Offer (the "Vesting Period Free Shares"); and

ii. for a maximum number of 102,407 free Shares, from the 2019-2021 (Tranche 1), 2019-2021 (Tranche 2), 2021-2022, 2021-2023 and 2022-2024 plans, whose vesting period has expired but which are unavailable due to the provisions of article L. 225-197-1, II of the French Commercial Code, under which the Company's board of directors has imposed on the Company's corporate officers an obligation to retain part of their Shares until they cease to hold office (the "Managers Unavailable Free Shares" and, together with the Vesting Period Free Shares, the "Unavailable Free Shares")[18].

The Unavailable Free Shares are legally unavailable and may therefore not be tendered to the Offer, subject to the waiver of unavailability provided for by the applicable laws and regulations.

The Unavailable Free Shares could be covered by the Liquidity Mechanism described in Section 1.3 of the Draft Offer Document (subject to the conditions set out in Section 1.3 of the Draft Offer Document).

2.3.2 Situation of shareholders holding shares in an international group savings plan (PEGI)

To the Offeror's knowledge and as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, 926,307 Shares are held by employees of the Group in certain countries as part of an international group savings plan (PEGI) enabling employees to hold Verallia Shares directly (the "PEGI Shares").

To the Offeror's knowledge:

334,295 PEGI Shares are freely transferable before the closing of the Offer, and their holders may tender such PEGI Shares to the Offer (86,105 PEGI Shares are available at the date of the Draft Offer Document and 248,190 Shares will be available from June 1st, 2025); and

there are 592,012 PEGI Shares already issued for which the five-year lock-up period provided for in article L. 3332-25 of the French Labor Code will not have expired before the closing date of the Offer, taking into account its indicative timetable (the "PEGI Unavailable Shares"); they may therefore not be tendered to the Offer (subject to the early release provisions of the French Labor code).

2.3.3 Situation of shareholders whose shares are held via the FCPE Verallia

To the best of the Offeror's knowledge and as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, 3,965,726 Shares are held by the "Verallia" corporate mutual fund (the "FCPE"), which is the investment vehicle for Verallia's group savings plan and Verallia's international group savings plan for employees in certain countries.

The FCPE's supervisory board will be responsible for deciding whether to tender all or part of the 3,965,726 Shares held by the FCPE.

This contemplated decision by the FCPE does not constitute a case of early release of the sums invested by employees in the FCPE.

2.4 Terms of the Offer

In accordance with articles 231-13 and 231-18 of the AMF General Regulation, the Presenting Banks, acting on behalf of the Offeror, filed the draft Offer and the Draft Offer Document with the AMF on 24 April 2025. The AMF will publish a notice of filing relating to the Offer on its website (www.amf-france.org).

In accordance with article 231-16 of the AMF General Regulation, the Draft Offer Document, as filed with the AMF, is available free of charge to the public at the registered office of the Offeror and at the offices of the Presenting Banks, as well as online on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of the Company (www.verallia.com).

This Offer and the Draft Offer Document remain subject to review by the AMF, which will publish a reasoned clearance decision regarding the Offer on its website (www.amf-france.org), if necessary, after verifying that the draft Offer complies with the applicable legal and regulatory provisions. This clearance decision will constitute approval of the Offeror's offer document.

The offer document approved by the AMF, together with other information relating in particular to the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of the Offeror, will be made available free of charge to the public, in accordance with Article 231-28 of the AMF General Regulation, at the Offeror's registered office and at the offices of the Presenting Banks, no later than the day before the opening of the Offer. These documents will also be available on the AMF website (www.amf-france.org) and the Company's website (www.verallia.com).

In accordance with articles 231-27 and 231-28 of the AMF General Regulation, a press release indicating how such documents are made available by the Offeror will be published no later than the day preceding the opening of the Offer.

Prior to the opening of the Offer, the AMF will publish a notice of the opening of the Offer, and Euronext Paris will publish a notice recalling the content of the Offer and specifying the terms and conditions of its completion.

2.5 Conditions of the Offer

2.5.1 Minimum tender threshold

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 231-9, I of the AMF General Regulation, the Offer will lapse if, at its closing date, the Offeror does not hold, alone or in concert, directly or indirectly, a number of Shares representing more than 50% of the Company's share capital or voting rights (this threshold being hereinafter referred to as the "Minimum Tender Threshold").

This threshold is determined in accordance with the rules set out in Article 234-1 of the AMF General Regulation and will be calculated as follows:

a. in the numerator, all shares in the Company held by the Offeror alone or in concert, directly or indirectly, on the closing date of the Offer (including, as the case may be, treasury shares held or controlled by the Company insofar as the Offeror's interest would, without taking these shares into account, be greater than 40% of the voting rights corresponding to the legal presumption of control under Article L. 233-3, II of the French Commercial Code), by considering the shares tendered to the Offer as already held by the Offeror on the closing date of the Offer, notwithstanding the non-completion, on that date, of the settlement-delivery transactions relating to the Offer;

b. the denominator will include all shares issued by the Company on the closing date of the Offer.

To the Offeror's knowledge, as of the date of the Draft Offer Document, the Minimum Tender Threshold corresponds to the holding of at least 60,402,552 Shares out of a total number Shares equal to 120,805,103.

In terms of voting rights, the assessment of the 50% threshold will depend, if this information can be known at the date of the notice of the Offer's results, on the number of lost double voting rights attached to tendered Shares which the tendering to the Offer will entail, in the event of a positive outcome; the corresponding number cannot therefore be assessed at the date of the Draft Offer Document.

It will not be known whether the Offer has reached the Minimum Tender Threshold before the publication by the AMF of the results of the initial Offer, which will take place after the closing of the Offer and the centralization of tender orders by Euronext Paris.

If the Minimum Tender Threshold is not reached, the Offer will not be successful and the Shares tendered to the Offer will be returned to their holders, after publication of the notice of result informing of the lapse of the Offer, without any interest, indemnity or other payment of any nature whatsoever being due to such holders.

2.5.2 Regulatory approvals and merger control clearances

2.5.2.1 Regulatory approvals

In order to anticipate a potential inclusion in the scope of the foreign investments controls in France (pursuant to article L. 151-3 of the French Monetary and Financial Code), the Offeror has filed a request for authorization in this respect on 11 April 2025 with the French minister responsible for the economy.

The Offeror has also filed on 3 April 2025, a request for authorization with the Presidency of the Italian Council of Ministers, in accordance with Decree-Law no. 21 of March 15, 2012 (as amended) relating to foreign investments made in Italy.

The Offeror will file in the coming days a request for authorization with the European Commission in accordance with Regulation (EU) no. 2022/2560 of 14 December 2022, on foreign subsidies distorting the EU's internal market, it being specified that a pre-filing was made on 28 March 2025.

The opening of the Offer is subject to the obtention of the regulatory approvals described above (or confirmation that the transaction is not in the scope of one of these regulatory approvals). As of the date hereof, it is contemplated that such approvals (if indeed required) will be obtained by June 2025.

2.5.2.2 Merger control clearance

In accordance with the provisions of article 231-11 of the AMF General Regulation, the Offer is subject to the condition precedent that the transaction is authorized under merger control by the European Commission pursuant to article 6.1.b) of EC Regulation no. 139/2004 of January 20, 2004, relating to the control of concentrations between undertakings (the "Merger Regulation") it being specified that the Offeror reserves the right to waive this condition. Request for authorization for the transaction has been formally notified to the European Commission on 27 March 2025.

The Offer will be open for a minimum period of 25 trading days. If the European Commission clearance has not been received before the Offer opening notice published by the AMF, the AMF will set the closing date of the Offer upon receipt of the clearance from the European Commission or of confirmation of the absence of opposition to the said clearance or, as the case may be, of the exercise by the Offeror of the option to waive the present condition precedent.

In accordance with the provisions of article 231-11 of the AMF General Regulation, the Offer will automatically lapse if the European Commission initiates the procedure provided for in article 6.1.c) of the Merger Regulation, unless the Offeror has previously exercised its option to waive the aforementioned condition precedent.

In addition, the transaction has been authorized on 15 April 2025 by the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Economica (CADE), the Brazilian national mergers control authority.

2.6 Procedure for acceptance of the Offer

The Shares tendered to the Offer (including, as the case may be, to the Reopened Offer) must be freely negotiable and free from any lien, pledge, charge or other security interest or restriction of any kind whatsoever restricting the free transfer of their ownership. The Offeror reserves the right to reject, at its sole discretion, any Shares tendered to the Offer which do not meet this condition.

The proposed Offer and all related agreements are subject to French law. Any dispute or litigation, regardless of the subject matter or basis, relating to this draft Offer will be brought before the competent courts.

The Offer will be open for a minimum period of 25 trading days, which period may be, if required, extended depending on the date of receipt of the European Commission's clearance pursuant to merger control (referred to in Section 2.5.2 of the Draft Offer Document) if such clearance has not been obtained before the Offer opening notice to be published by the AMF.

The holders of Shares held in the bearer form (au porteur) or in the administered registered form (au nominatif administre) held in an account managed by a financial intermediary and who wish to tender their Shares to the Offer must submit a tender order for their Shares to their financial intermediary, in accordance with the standard forms provided by the latter, no later than the last business day of the Offer and in good time for their order to be executed. Holders of Shares are invited to contact their financial intermediaries to check the terms applicable and in particular whether a shorter deadline is applicable to them.

The holders of Shares held in pure registered form (au nominatif pur) and who wish to tender their Shares to the Offer must submit a tender order for their Shares to Societe Generale Securities Services, acting as registrar of the pure registered Shares, in accordance with the standard forms provided by the latter, no later than the last business day of the Offer and in good time for their order to be executed. Holders of Shares are invited to contact their financial intermediaries or the registrar to check the terms applicable and in particular whether a shorter deadline is applicable to them.

Pursuant to Article 232-2 of the AMF General Regulation, orders to tender Shares to the Offer may be revoked at any time up to and including the closing date of the Offer. After this date, orders to tender to the Reopened Offer will become irrevocable.

No interest will be paid by the Offeror for the period between the date on which the Shares are tendered to the Offer and the settlement-delivery date of the Offer (or the date on which the Shares are returned). This settlement date will be indicated in the Offer's results notice to be published by Euronext Paris. Settlement and delivery will take place after the centralization operations.

2.7 Orders centralization

The centralization of the orders to tender Shares in the Offer will be carried out by Euronext Paris.

Each financial intermediary and the institution holding the registered accounts of the Company's Shares must, on the date indicated in the Euronext Paris notice, transfer to Euronext Paris the Shares for which they will have received a tender order in the Offer.

After receipt by Euronext Paris of all orders to tender in the Offer under the conditions described in the Draft Offer Document, Euronext Paris will centralize all of these orders, determine the results of the Offer and communicate them to the AMF.

As the case may be, all the operations described in the Draft Offer Document will be repeated in an identical sequence and under the conditions, in particular the timeframe, which will be specified in a notice published by Euronext Paris, in the context of the Reopened Offer.

2.8 Publication of results and settlement of the Offer

Pursuant to the provisions of article 232-3 of its General Regulation, the AMF will announce the final result of the Offer no later than nine (9) trading days after the closing of the Offer. If the AMF determines that the Offer is successful, Euronext Paris will indicate in a notice the date and terms of delivery of the Shares and payment of the funds.

On the settlement date of the Offer (and, as the case may be, the Reopened Offer), the Offeror will credit Euronext Paris with the funds corresponding to the settlement of the Offer (or, as the case may be, the Reopened Offer). On that date, the Company Shares tendered to the Offer and all rights attached thereto will be transferred to the Offeror. Euronext Paris will make the cash payment to the intermediaries on behalf of their clients who have tendered their Shares to the Offer (or, as the case may be, to the Reopened Offer) on the settlement-delivery date of the Offer (or, as the case may be, of the Reopened Offer).

2.9 Indicative timetable of the Offer

Prior to the opening of the Offer, the AMF will publish a notice of the opening and timetable of the Offer, and Euronext Paris will publish a notice announcing the terms and opening of the Offer. The Offer will be open for a minimum period of 25 trading days, which period may be extended, if required, depending on the date of obtaining the European Commission's clearance relating to merger control (referred to in Section 2.5.2 of the Draft Offer Document) if such clearance has not been obtained before the Offer opening notice to be published by the AMF.

An indicative timetable is proposed below and will be adjusted according to the date on which regulatory approvals described in Section 2.5.2.1 of the Draft Offer Document are obtained:

Date Main stages of the Offer 24 April 2025 Filing of the Offer and the Offeror's Draft Offer Document with the AMF.

The Offeror's Draft Offer Document will be made available to the public and posted on the AMF website (www.amf-france.org) and the Company's website (www.verallia.com).

Publication by the Offeror of a press release announcing the filing of the Offer and the availability of the Draft Offer Document. 28 April 2025 Filing of the Company's draft response document (the " Draft Response Document "), including the reasoned opinion of the Company's Board of Directors and the independent expert's report, with the AMF.

"), including the reasoned opinion of the Company's Board of Directors and the independent expert's report, with the AMF. The Company's Draft Response Document will be made available to the public and posted on the AMF website (www.amf-france.org) and the Company's website (www.verallia.com).

Publication by the Company of a press release announcing the availability of the Draft Response Document. 23 May or 5 June 2025 Publication of the AMF's decision to approve the Offer.

The offer document (note d'information) and the response document (note en reponse) are available to the public on the Company's website (www.verallia.com) and on the AMF website (www.amf-france.org).

Publication by the Offeror of the press release making the offer document available.

Publication by the Company of the press release making available the Company's response document. At the latest the day before the Offer opening date Information on the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of the Offeror will be made available to the public at the registered offices of the Offeror and the Presenting Banks, and on the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and Company (www.verallia.com websites).

Information on the Company's legal, financial and accounting characteristics is available to the public at the Company's registered office and on the Company's website (www.verallia.com) and on the AMF website (www.amf-france.org).

Publication by the Offeror of a press release providing information on the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of the Offeror.

Publication by the Company of a press release providing information on the legal, financial and accounting characteristics of the Company. Following obtention of the regulatory approvals (see Section 2.5.2.1 of the Draft Offer Document) Opening of the Offer. 25 trading days after the opening of the Offer Closing of the Offer (provided the European Commission's merger control clearance has been obtained). In the next few days following closing of the Offer Publication of the notice of result of the Offer by the AMF.

If the Offer is successful, publication of the notice of reopening of the Offer by Euronext.

If the Offer is successful, the Offer will be reopened for 10 trading days.

If the Offer is successful, settlement-delivery of the Offer.

If applicable, closing of the Reopened Offer.

If applicable, publication by the AMF of the notice of result of the Reopened Offer.

If applicable, settlement-delivery of the Reopened Offer.

2.10 Possibility of withdrawing from the Offer

In accordance with the provisions of article 232-11 of the AMF General Regulation, the Offeror may withdraw its Offer within five (5) trading days of publication of the timetable of a competing offer or a superior offer (surrenchere). It shall inform the AMF of its decision, which shall be published.

The Offeror may also withdraw its Offer if it becomes purposeless, or if the Company, due to the measures it has taken, sees its substance modified during the Offer or in the event of a positive outcome to the Offer, or if the measures taken by the Company result in an increase in the cost of the Offer for the Offeror. The Offeror may only use this option with the prior authorization of the AMF, which shall rule in accordance with the principles set forth in Article 231-3 of the AMF's General Regulation.

In the event of withdrawal of the Offer, the Shares tendered to the Offer will be returned to their holders without any interest, indemnity or other payment of any kind being due to them.

2.11 Reopened Offer

In accordance with the provisions of article 232-4 of the AMF General Regulation, if the Offer is successful, the Offer will be automatically reopened no later than ten (10) trading days after publication of the final result of the Offer, on the same terms as the Offer (the "Reopened Offer"). In this case, the AMF will publish the timetable for the Reopened Offer, which will, in principle last at least ten (10) trading days.

If the Offer is reopened, the procedure for tendering Shares to the Reopened Offer and the procedure for the Reopened Offer will be identical to those for the initial Offer, it being specified, however, that orders to tender Shares to the Reopened Offer will be irrevocable.

2.12 Costs of the Offer

The overall amount of external fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Offeror in connection with the Offer (including the Offer financing fees), including in particular fees and other expenses relating to its various legal, financial and accounting advisors and any other experts and consultants, is estimated at approximately 22 million (tax excluded).

2.13 Financing the Offer

In the event that all the Shares targeted by the Offer are tendered to the Offer, the total cash consideration to be paid by the Offeror to the shareholders of the Company who have tendered their Shares to the Offer would amount to 2,469,069,690 (excluding expenses, fees and commissions relating to the Offer).

The terms of the financing of the Offer are described in greater detail in Section 2.13 of the Draft Offer Document.

2.14 Brokerage fees and remuneration of intermediaries

No expenses will be reimbursed, and no commission will be paid by the Offeror to any Shareholder who tenders its Shares to the Offer, or to any intermediary or person soliciting the tender of Shares to the Offer.

2.15 Offer restrictions abroad

The Offer has not been the subject of any application for registration or approval by a financial market supervisory authority other than the AMF, and no steps will be taken in this respect.

Consequently, the Offer is made to shareholders of the Company located in France and outside France, provided that the local laws to which they are subject allow them to take part in the Offer without the Offeror being required to complete any additional formalities.

The publication of the Draft Offer Document, the Offer, the acceptance of the Offer and the delivery of the Shares may in some countries be subject to specific regulations or restrictions. As a result, the Offer is not addressed to persons subject to such restrictions, either directly or indirectly, and is not capable of being accepted in a country in which the Offer is subject to restriction.

Neither the Draft Offer Document nor any other document relating to the Offer constitutes an offer to buy or sell financial instruments or a solicitation of an offer in any country in which such offer or solicitation would be illegal, could not be legally made or would require the publication of a prospectus of any other formality in accordance with local financial laws. The holders of Shares located outside of France may participate in the Offer only to the extent that such participation is authorised by the local laws to which they are subject.

As a result, persons in possession of the Draft Offer Document or any other document relating to the Offer must inform themselves of and comply with any applicable legal or regulatory restrictions. A failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of applicable securities laws and regulations in some countries.

The Offeror will not be liable for the violation by any person located outside of France of foreign legal or regulatory restrictions applicable to it.

United States of America

The Offer is for Verallia Shares, a company incorporated under French law, and is subject to French disclosure and procedural requirements, which differ from those applicable in the United States of America.

The Offer will be made in the United States of America in accordance with Section 14(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the laws and regulations promulgated thereunder, including Regulation 14E subject to the exemptions provided by Rule 14d-1(d) of the 1934 Act (the "Tier II" exemption), and the requirements of French law. As a result, the Offer will be subject to certain disclosure and procedural rules, notably relating to notice of extension of the Offer, the timing of settlement, and the purchase of Shares outside of the Offer, which differ from the U.S. rules and procedures relating to tender offers in the United States of America.

Subject to any prohibition applicable under French law, the Offeror and its affiliates may, from time to time, purchase or make arrangements to purchase Verallia Shares outside of the Offer from the time the Offer was first publicly announced until the expiration of the acceptance period of the Offer (or until the end of the acceptance period of the Reopened Offer, if applicable), including purchases in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices, in each case, outside of the United States of America and to the extent permitted by applicable French law. Any such purchases will not be made at prices higher than the Offer price unless the Offer price is increased accordingly. Any such purchases will be made in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. To the extent that information about such purchases and or arrangements is made public in France, it would also be made public through a press release or any other method that would allow Verallia's U.S. Shareholders to be informed and on the website of the Company (www.verallia.com).

Payment of the Offer price to the Company's U.S. shareholders may be a taxable transaction, including for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It is recommended that each U.S. shareholder seek independent professional advice regarding the tax consequences of accepting the Offer.

It could be difficult for the Company's U.S. shareholders to assert their rights under U.S. federal securities law, since the Offeror and the Company have their registered offices outside the United States of America and some or all of their managers and directors are residents of countries other than the United States of America. The Company's U.S. shareholders may be unable to commence proceedings before a court outside the United States against a non-U.S. company, its managers or its directors by invoking breaches of U.S. securities law. It may also be difficult to force a non-U.S. company and its affiliates to comply with judgments handed down by a U.S. court.

The Draft Offer Document has not been filed or examined by any market authority (federal or state) or any other regulatory authority in the United States of America, and none of those authorities has commented on the accuracy or adequacy of the information contained in the Draft Offer Document. Any statement to the contrary would be unlawful and could constitute a criminal offence.

2.16 Tax treatment of the Offer

The tax treatment of the Offer are described in greater detail in Section 2.16 of the Draft Offer Document.

3. SUMMARY OF THE ASSESSMENT OF THE OFFER PRICE

The below table summarizes the valuation outcomes based on the retained valuation methodologies, as well as the premium and discounts implied by the Offer Price of 30 per share (before detachment of the 2024 Dividend):

Methodologies Value per share () Offer Price premium / (discount) vs. Value per share Retained Methodologies Historical Share Price Analysis as of 30 January 2025 (Unaffected Date) Closing price as of 30 January 2025 26.82 +11.9% 1-month VWAP as of 30 January 2025 24.34 +23.2% 2-month VWAP as of 30 January 2025 24.15 +24.2% 3-month VWAP as of 30 January 2025 25.02 +19.9% 6-month VWAP as of 30 January 2025 25.73 +16.6% 12-month VWAP as of 30 January 2025 29.60 +1.4% Min intraday share price over the Last 12 Months (from 30-Jan-2024 to 30-Jan-2025) 22.26 +34.8% Max intraday share price over the Last 12 Months (from 30-Jan-2024 to 30-Jan-2025) 39.00 (23.1%) Analysts' Target Prices Average of target prices as of April 14, 2025 33.81 (11.3%) Lowest target price as of April 15 2025 27.50 +9.1% Highest target price as of April 15 2025 41.00 (26.8%) Actualisation des flux de tresoriere WACC of 8.42% & PGR of 2.25% (High Range) 31.91 (6.0%) WACC of 8.67% & PGR of 2.00% (Central) 28.36 +5.8% WACC of 8.92% & PGR of 1.75% (Low Range) 25.30 +18.6% Multiples boursiers des societes cotees comparables Average EV/EBITA (pre-IFRS 16) 2025E 17.67 +69.8% Average EV/EBITA (pre-IFRS 16) 2026E 22.45 +33.6% Average EV/EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16) 2025E 16.16 +85.7% Average EV/EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16) 2026E 19.02 +57.7% Transactions Comparables Avg. LTM EV/EBITDA multiple applied on Company 2024A Adj. EBITDA (pre-IFRS 16) 27.19 +10.3%

Disclaimer

This Press Release has been prepared for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to the public. The distribution of this Press Release, the Offer and its acceptance may be subject to specific regulations or restrictions in certain countries.

The Offer is not directed at those subject to such restrictions, either directly or indirectly, and is not likely to be accepted in any country where the Offer would be subject to such restrictions. The Press Release is not intended for distribution in such countries. Accordingly, those in possession of the Press Release are required to inform themselves of any applicable local restrictions and to comply with them.

Kaon V disclaims any liability for any violation of these restrictions by anyone.

[1] The price of the offer is before the deduction of the ordinary dividend of 1.70 euro per Verallia share in respect of the 2024 financial year, the distribution of which is subject to approval by the general meeting of Verallia shareholders to be held on April 25, 2025. After deduction, the price of the Offer will be 28.30 euros per Verallia share.

[2] BWGI is registered as an asset management company with the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (Comissao de Valores Mobiliarios).

[3] BWGI's residual shareholders are managers benefiting from incentive programs.

[4] BWGI and BWSA directly held 1,000 Shares and 2,000 voting rights each.

[5] Based on a number of Verallia shares equal to 120,805,103 as at 31, March 2025.

[6] Based on a number of Verallia voting rights equal to 143,526,169 as at 31, March 2025.

[7] Corresponding to a total of 120,805,103 Shares issued at 31 March 2025, minus:

34,839,565 Shares held by the Offeror (including through assimilation);

2,968,796 treasury Shares;

102,407 Managers Unavailable Free Shares; and

592,012 PEGI Unavailable Shares.

[8] On the basis of the revenue realized in 2023 by market players in Europe (as defined by such market players), as extracted from publicly available data (including annual reports and press releases) and on the basis of Verallia's estimates.

[9] On the basis of volumes sold in 2023 in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

[10] Based on a share capital of 120,805,103 shares representing 143,526,169 theoretical voting rights as at 31 March 2025, in accordance with the provisions of article 223-11 of the AMF General Regulation.

[11] Including the 1,000 Shares and 2,000 voting rights directly held by each of BWGI and BWSA.

[12] It is specified that these numbers include the 1,000 Shares and the 2,000 voting rights directly held by each of BWGI and BWSA.

[13] Based on volumes reflected by Bloomberg "European Composite" data.

[14] Including the 1,000 Shares directly held by each of BWGI and BWSA.

[15] Authorization granted by the sole shareholder of the Company (then a societe par actions simplifiee) on July 24, 2019.

[16] Authorization granted by the sole shareholder of the Company (then a societe par actions simplifiee) on July 24, 2019.

[17] As amended by the Company's Board of Directors on April 27, 2022.

[18] The total of 102,407 Managers Unavailable Free Shares includes (i) the 72,387 Shares subject to a lock-up from the Company's corporate officers (representing 30% of their free shares definitively vested under the aforementioned plans) and (ii) the 30,020 Shares subject to a lock-up from members of the Group's executive committee (representing 20% of their free shares definitively vested under the aforementioned plans).

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Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-91168-regulatedpressreleaseeng24042025.pdf
BW GESTAO DE INVESTIMENTOS LTDA.

Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 4440, 15th floor,

04538-132, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil

THE DISSEMINATION, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THIS PRESS RELEASE, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IS NOT AUTHORIZED IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER COUNTRY WHERE SUCH COMMUNICATION WOULD VIOLATE APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

BWGI has filed its voluntary tender offer for Verallia's shares

with the French financial markets authority (AMF)

BW Gestao de Investimentos Ltda ("BWGI") has filed today a draft offer document with the AMF relating to its voluntary tender offer for the shares it does not own in Verallia S.A. ("Verallia" or the "Group"), with no intent to implement a squeeze out (the "Offer").

Confirmed on March 10, 2025, the proposed Offer aims at making BWGI the majority shareholder of Verallia, thereby strengthening the links existing since the IPO in 2019.

April 24, 2025 - Further to the submission of a confirmatory letter to Verallia's Board of Directors and its communications to the market dated March 10, 2025 and April 15, 2025, BWGI today announces that it, acting through Kaon V[1], has filed the Offer and the draft Offer document (projet de note d'information) with the French financial markets authority (Autorite des marches financiers) (the "AMF"), relating to its Offer for the shares of Verallia that it does not already own, at a price of 30 euros per share (cum 2024 dividend)[2].

As a long-term reference shareholder of Verallia, BWGI's ambition through the Offer is to provide stability to the Group amid a challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic environment.

The success of the Offer would enable Verallia to create more long term value by executing its strategic plan, which places innovation and the energy transition at the heart of its industrial project. Aligned with the vision and the ambition of Verallia's management team and Board of Directors, BWGI wishes to further support the Group's leading position to create the world leader in sustainable packaging material, thanks to the industrial know-how of its teams, its operational excellence and its disciplined external growth policy. BWGI confirms its intention to support Verallia's credit rating (investment grade) and not to change its prevailing leverage and financial policies. Finally, BWGI does not intend to make changes to employment within the Group or to the Group's industrial footprint, as a result of the Offer.

The Offer will represent for Verallia shareholders an immediate voluntary liquidity window at an attractive premium, while enabling those shareholders who wish to continue supporting the Group's ambition to do so by retaining their shares. Verallia will remain listed on Euronext Paris and headquartered in Paris after the closing of the Offer.

The Offer price of 30 euros per share (cum 2024 dividend) represents:

A +23.2% premium to the 1-month Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) as of 30 January 2025, the last day before market rumors about a potential transaction,

A +24.2% premium to the 2-month VWAP as of 30 January 2025,

A +19.9% premium to the 3-month VWAP as of 30 January 2025.

In the context of the Offer, BWGI sent a letter to Verallia's Board of Directors under which BWGI makes certain commitments to the Group, subject to the success of the Offer, including to maintain, for 3 years following the closing of the Offer, the listing of Verallia's shares on Euronext Paris (subject to certain exceptions described in the Offer document) and to bear up to 12.5 million of the costs to which Verallia would be exposed in the event of a renegotiation or a refinancing of some of its existing financing agreements as a result of the Offer. Other commitments and intentions - including the commitment to maintain for 3 years at least 3 independent directors on the Board in accordance with the AFEP-MEDEF Code and the intention to maintain the composition of the Company's management team - are described in more details in the draft Offer document.

The draft Offer document is available on the AMF website and on Verallia's website. In accordance with article 231-16 of the AMF general regulation, the key elements of the draft Offer document, as well as the way to consult them, have been disclosed in a separate press release issued by BWGI.

The Offer, as well as the draft Offer document, remain subject to review by the AMF, which will assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The opening of the Offer will be subject to the receipt of FDI clearances from the Italian and, if applicable, French authorities, as well as a clearance under the European foreign subsidies' regulation. The transaction was definitively approved on 15 April 2025 by the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Economica (CADE), the Brazilian merger control authority. The Offer also remains subject to the receipt of the antitrust clearance from the European Commission. Completion of the initial Offer period is expected around mid/end of July 2025.

The Offer will not be subject to any success threshold (other than the legal threshold of more than 50% of the share capital or voting rights). As of today, BGWI holds c. 28.8% of Verallia's share capital and 28% of its theoretical voting rights.

---

About BWSA and BWGI - Brasil Warrant Administracao de Bens e Empresas S.A. ("BWSA") has been operating for over seven decades as the Moreira Salles family's Brazilian holding company, successfully forging partnerships around the world with leading companies in a variety of sectors, such as financial services, natural resources, agriculture, consumer products, commercial services, distribution and industry. BWSA is the controlling shareholder of BWGI, an independent asset management company established in 2008 with discretionary powers to manage the portfolio of investments of BWSA's controlling shareholders through certain investment vehicles, including Kaon V, the direct shareholder of Verallia. BWGI, through its affiliates, has been a shareholder of Verallia since its initial public offering in 2019. Affiliates of BWGI also hold a stake in the French listed company Elis S.A., being its largest shareholder.

D.F. King Ltd is acting as information agent for Verallia's institutional shareholders (contact: Mr. David Chase Lopes, Managing Director, EMEA, david.chaselopes@dfkingltd.co.uk).

Press contacts: Havas Paris

Email: bwgi-press@havas.com

Sarah Duparc: +33 6 46 72 39 99

Naomi Philippe: +33 6 72 55 80 35

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Disclaimer

This press release has been prepared for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation to sell Verallia shares in any country, including France. There is no certainty that the tender offer mentioned above will be opened. The dissemination, publication or distribution of this press release may be subject to specific regulations or restrictions in certain countries. Accordingly, persons in possession of this press release are required to inform themselves about and to comply with any local restrictions that may apply.

Information for U.S. holders

The Offer is for Verallia shares, a company incorporated under French law, and is subject to French disclosure and procedural requirements, which differ from those applicable in the United States of America.

The Offer will be made in the United States of America in accordance with Section 14(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the laws and regulations promulgated thereunder, including Regulation 14E subject to the exemptions provided by Rule 14d-1(d) of the 1934 Act (the "Tier II" exemption), and the requirements of French law. As a result, the Offer will be subject to certain disclosure and procedural rules, notably relating to the notice of extension of the Offer, the timing of settlement, and the purchase of Verallia shares outside of the Offer, which differ from the U.S. rules and procedures relating to tender offers in the United States of America.

Subject to any prohibition under French law, the Offeror and its affiliates may, from time to time, purchase or make arrangements to purchase Verallia shares outside of the Offer from the time the Offer was first publicly announced until the expiration of the acceptance period of the Offer (or until the end of the acceptance period of the reopened Offer, if applicable), including purchases in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices, in each case, outside of the United States of America and to the extent permitted by applicable French law. Any such purchases will not be made at prices higher than the Offer price unless the Offer price is increased accordingly. Any such purchases will be made in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. To the extent that information about such purchases and or arrangements is made public in France, it would also be made public through a press release or any other method that would allow Verallia's U.S. shareholders to be informed and on Verallia's website (www.verallia.com).

[1] BWGI is acting as the investment manager of Kaon V, a sub-fund of Kaon Investment Fund ICAV and direct shareholder of Verallia.

[2] The price of the offer is before the deduction of the ordinary dividend of 1.70 euro per Verallia share in respect of the 2024 financial year, the distribution of which is subject to approval by the general meeting of Verallia shareholders to be held on April 25, 2025. After deduction, the price of the Offer will be 28.30 euros per Verallia share.

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Joe the Juice ("the Company"), an urban juice bar and coffee concept selling freshly prepared juices, coffee, sandwiches and more, today announced that Jeffrey Lawrence, a member of the Company's Board of Directors since April 2024, has been appointed as Chairman of the Board.

Thomas Nrxe, Chief Executive Officer of Joe the Juice, said, "Jeff's elevation to Chairman of Joe the Juice reflects how his active participation has made a material difference to the Company's performance and strategy. Over the past year, Joe the Juice has achieved continued impressive same store sales and revenue growth as we also opened our 400th unit globally. Unit economics remain incredibly strong and digital sales are now nearing 40%. Jeff's experience will be vital as we continue to expand globally through both company-owned and franchise openings."

Jeffrey Lawrence commented, "Joe the Juice continues to represent one of the most exciting and dynamic restaurant brands, with true global consumer appeal. Over time, the Company has finetuned a winning formula to provide fresh, quality products, with a focus on hospitality and meeting the needs of today's digitally-enabled consumer. I have been inspired by the ambition and potential of the team and look forward to working closely together to continue to build the Joe the Juice brand globally."

Mr. Lawrence holds more than 25 years of leadership experience in building digitally-enabled foodservice and consumer brands. He spent more than two decades at Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ), including five years as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, playing a critical role in the company's successful IPO, its significant international expansion and best in class increases in store-level profitability. Mr. Lawrence was also an integral part of the global pizza chain's transformation through the adoption and optimization of digital and data-led initiatives.

After his time at Domino's, Mr. Lawrence served as CFO of FIGS, Inc. (NYSE: FIGS), a direct-to-consumer apparel brand, where he led the company's 2021 IPO, and then as CFO at ShiftKey.

He currently serves as an independent board member and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) and an independent board member at Xponential Fitness (NYSE: XPOF), as well as a Senior Advisor to General Atlantic, a leading global growth investor.

Joe the Juice currently operates in more than 400 locations across 19 countries spanning the UK and Europe, United States, Middle East and Asia. Capitalizing on strong customer demand, the Company's enhanced digital distribution channels and strong franchising partnerships have enabled it to rapidly expand its regional presence in key markets.

About Joe the Juice

Joe the Juice is an urban juice bar and coffee concept operating in more than 400 locations across 19 countries. Founded in 2002, the company sells freshly prepared juices, coffee, sandwiches and more. Joe the Juice's differentiated concept creates a modern, urban, and hip ambiance for on-the-go customers focused on a healthy lifestyle. For more on our authentic and unique brand: www.joejuice.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424086704/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

Joe the Juice

Kasper Garnell

garnell@joejuice.com

+45 2019 5904
Debiopharm Research Manufacturing S.A. (Debiopharm, www.debiopharm.com), a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical company aiming to cure cancer and infectious diseases, and Oncodesign Services (www.oncodesign-services.com), a leading CRO specialized in drug discovery and preclinical services, announce the execution of a license agreement for the use of the AbYlink technology for preclinical services.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424538240/en/

AbYlink is a regio-selective bioconjugation technology ideally suited for preparing conjugates for use in therapeutic and non-invasive diagnostic applications. Oncodesign Services will use this cutting-edge technology to prepare antibody chelator conjugates for use in preclinical studies to gain insights into the predictive effectiveness of novel treatment approaches in Molecular Radiotherapy, and particularly Radioimmunotherapy in the context of cancer. A joint poster will be presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 to demonstrate the use of the non-invasive technology in Radioimmunotherapy, targeting animal models bearing HER2+ tumors.

"We have demonstrated the effectiveness of this powerful technology to rapidly and covalently conjugate any off-the-shelf antibody in a single step with an imaging agent. Our strategic collaboration with Oncodesign Services allows broader access to and usage of non-invasive imaging applications and provides an innovative solution to biotech and pharma partners to integrate imagery in the development of new antibody- and ADC-based therapeutics," commented Frederic Levy, Chief Scientific Officer at Debiopharm.

Aidan Synnott, CEO of Oncodesign Services, said, "We are pleased to integrate this cutting-edge technology into our portfolio for our clients. The AbYlink technology gives the advantage of generating reproducible batches of bioconjugated antibodies and ADCs that secure specificity and efficacy of targeted radiotherapy."

About AbYlink

AbYlink is a versatile and rapid regio-selective chemical conjugation technology for use to prepare diagnostic or therapeutic conjugates. This one-step method results in stable conjugation at defined and invariable sites on the Fc domain of an antibody or the like, with no impact on antigen-binding regions. It enables a seamless and reproducible conjugation of payloads (e.g., a chelator for radiolabeling, a fluorescent dye or a drug) to antibodies or ADCs. The universal applicability of the technology has been demonstrated for various antibody isotypes and payloads.

About Debiopharm Research Manufacturing

Debiopharm Research Manufacturing manufactures treatments for prostate cancer, breast cancer and precocious puberty, namely at its Martigny facility, where it employs two hundred people. It is a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical company Debiopharm, headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. Debiopharm is an innovative company, devoting over 90% of its resources to innovation and the development of new drugs. Its mission is to develop innovative therapies that target high unmet medical needs in oncology and infectious diseases. Bridging the gap between disruptive discovery products and real-world patient reach, we identify high-potential compounds and technologies for in-licensing, clinically demonstrate their safety and efficacy, and then select pharmaceutical commercialization partners to maximize patient access globally.

For more information, please visit: www.debiopharm.com

Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/debiopharminternational/

About Oncodesign Services

Oncodesign Services is a contract research organization specializing in drug discovery and preclinical development. The company works with global biopharma partners to advance therapies in oncology, inflammation and infectious diseases through integrated services in protein sciences, structural biology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaco-imaging, DMPK and in vivo/in vitro pharmacology. Oncodesign Services has European facilities in France and the Netherlands.

More information on the website www.oncodesign-services.com

Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/oncodesign/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424538240/en/

Contacts:

Debiopharm Research Manufacturing Contact:

Dawn Bonine Head of Communications

Dawn.bonine@debiopharm.com

Tel: +41 (0)21 321 01 11

Oncodesign Services Contact:

Nathalie Dubois Marketing Manager

comms@oncodesign-services.com

Tel.: +33 (0)3 80 78 82 60
Denmark becomes the first non-Euro country to implement a nationwide VOP solution

UTRECHT, The Netherlands and COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Finance Denmark, the association representing banks, mortgage institutions and financial firms in Denmark, has selected SurePay to provide a national Verification Of Payee (VOP) service. With this step, Denmark strengthens its position in the fight against payment fraud and prepares its financial sector for compliance with the upcoming EU Instant Payments Regulation.

Secure and reliable payments across Denmark and Europe

Verification Of Payee (VOP) is becoming mandatory across Europe under the new Instant Payments Regulation, which takes effect in October 2025. While non-Euro countries like Denmark are required to comply by 2027, Denmark has chosen to move ahead of schedule. The service checks whether the recipient's name matches the provided IBAN, helping to prevent fraud and payment errors. SurePay was an early mover in the Netherlands, introducing the IBAN-Name Check in 2017.

SurePay was selected based on its extensive European experience, high match accuracy and advanced fraud prevention capabilities. With its scalable platform already used by over 200 financial institutions, SurePay enables banks to verify account holders in real time-reducing impersonation fraud and misdirected payments. Thanks to this cooperation, Danish banks can benefit from additional services such as risk detection, international integration through Swift and verification solutions for businesses and government.

"We are proud to support Finance Denmark and its members in implementing a best-in-class Verification Of Payee solution," said David-Jan Janse, CEO of SurePay. "This partnership empowers Danish banks to proactively fight fraud, comply with upcoming EU regulation, and connect to a broader network of over 200 financial institutions already using our solution across Europe."

"In choosing SurePay, we focused on their deep expertise and insight into applying VOP across various payment scenarios - from individuals to small and large businesses," said Michael Busk-Jepsen, Executive Director at Finance Denmark. "Their experience and capabilities stood out clearly during the selection process."

SurePay is currently rolling out VOP in Belgium. Denmark now becomes the first Nordic country to implement VOP at scale-demonstrating how European countries are taking proactive, coordinated steps to secure instant payments and reduce fraud across borders.

About SurePay

SurePay is the European market leader in Verification Of Payee

Contact

Ramon Verweij

Vice President of Marketing

ramon@surepay.eu



Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b5a1db9c-c4ee-4d1e-b257-d993b61f29fd

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab93f56d-fd83-46b7-9806-6d86a6e871a8

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Li-FT Power Ltd. (TSXV: LIFT) (OTCQX: LIFFF) (FSE: WS0) ("LIFT" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from preliminary laboratory lithium conversion testwork completed in 2025 on a spodumene concentrate sample from material from the Yellowknife Lithium Project, Northwest Territories, Canada. Metallurgical testwork comprised the calcination, sulphuric acid mixing and roasting, and water leaching tests which were undertaken at SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") in Lakefield, Ontario. Testing was completed on a DMS concentrate sample produced from pegmatite material from the Big East (BigE) deposit (see press release dated September 23, 2024). The conversion test work showed excellent results with up to 98% lithium extraction under typical operating conditions.

Summary of Results

Francis MacDonald, CEO of LIFT comments, "We are very pleased with the results of this preliminary lithium conversion test work, which demonstrated lithium extraction rates of up to 98%, a strong validation of the spodumene concentrate quality from our Yellowknife Lithium Project. These findings mark a significant technical milestone as we continue to advance the project towards becoming a future source of high-quality lithium for the North American battery supply chain."

Details of the Metallurgical Program

Preliminary lithium conversion testing was completed on a DMS concentrate sample produced from pegmatite material from the Big East deposit (see press release dated September 23, 2024). Lithium chemical analysis of the concentrate sample was performed by sodium peroxide fusion digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma optical spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Whole rock analysis (WRA) was performed by borate fusion and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Elemental composition of the DMS spodumene concentrate sample tested is presented in Table 1. The spodumene concentrate sample graded 5.60% Li2O and contained 0.65% Fe2O3.

Table 1: Chemical analysis of the spodumene concentrate sample

Component Composition (%) Li

Li2O

Fe2O3

SiO2

Al2O3

MgO

CaO

Na2O

K2O

MnO 2.60

5.60

0.65

67.1

23.8

0.11

0.12

1.02

0.74

0.10

The mineralogical composition of the spodumene concentrate sample was determined using the semi-quantitative Rietveld refinement method based on X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) results and are shown in Table 2. The spodumene concentrate sample contained 70% spodumene, 15.4% quartz, 8.7% albite, 3.9% muscovite, 1.2% orthoclase, and minor quantities (<1%) of biotite and magnetite.

Table 2: Spodumene concentrate sample mineralogy

Mineral Composition (%) Spodumene 70.0 Quartz 15.4 Albite 8.7 Muscovite 3.9 Orthoclase 1.2 Biotite 0.7 Magnetite 0.1 Total 100

Testwork Scope

The conversion testwork program included:

Calcination; Sulphuric acid mixing and Roasting; Water leaching.

The objective of calcination is to convert alpha-spodumene into the leachable beta- and/or gamma-phases. The conversion process increases the volume and the surface area of the material, weakening its crystal structure allowing for subsequent lithium extraction (leaching). For calcination, roughly 400 g of spodumene concentrate was placed in a crucible and heated to temperatures ranging from 1000C to 1100C in a laboratory furnace (Figure 1).

Calcined samples were ground to roughly 150 m. In order to confirm conversion and quantify metal extractions, calcined samples underwent acid mixing followed by roasting in laboratory furnace, at 250C. The objective of acid mixing and roasting is to convert the lithium in the spodumene to lithium sulphate. Water leaching tests were then completed on the lithium sulphate samples at 60C for 60 minutes, with results reported in Table 3. The water leaching setup is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Muffle furnace used for calcination (left) and the water leaching laboratory setup.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8766/249636_liftimg1.jpg

Test work Results

Figure 2 shows an example image of the spodumene concentrate before and after calcination.

Figure 2: Example images of spodumene concentrate (left) and calcination product (right).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8766/249636_liftimg2.jpg

Table 3 summarizes the water leaching test results and shows lithium extractions and compositions of the pregnant leach solution (PLS). Lithium concentrations in solutions were up to 19,600 mg/L with typical impurities present (e.g., aluminium, iron, calcium, sodium).

Table 3: Summary of Water leaching test results

Parameter Units Test 1 2 3 4 Calcination Temp. C 1000 1050 1050 1100 Residence Time min. 30 30 15 30 Lithium Extraction % 79 98 96 98 PLS Concentrations Li

Al

Fe

Mg

Ca

Na

K

Mn mg/L 15,900

4,000

845

78

385

1340

565

275 19,100

3590

535

42

326

1640

484

163 19,600

4200

622

55

363

1530

534

180 19,600

3750

514

37

322

1860

528

145

Figure 3 shows the effect of calcination time and temperature on water leaching lithium extraction. At calcination temperatures above 1050C (typical industrial conversion conditions) and residence time of 30 minutes, lithium extraction reached 98%. There was only a slight decrease in lithium extraction (96%) when the residence time was decreased to 15 minutes.

Figure 3: Impact of calcination time and temperature and leach extraction.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8766/249636_dfbd8a9c24518bd1_005full.jpg

The preliminary testwork results show that spodumene concentrate produced from the Yellowknife Lithium project is amenable to conversion under typical operating parameters.

Qualified Person

The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding LIFT's mineral properties has been reviewed and approved by Jarrett Quinn, Ph.D., P.Eng, Process Director, Synectiq Inc., and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and member in good standing of the Ordre des Ingenieurs du Quebec (OIQ) (Registration number: 5018119).

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.

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/249636

SOURCE: Li-FT Power Ltd.


EQS Newswire / 24/04/2025 / 09:30 CET/CEST

Embark on a Scent-inspired Journey from Luxe Fragrance Wardrobe and Scent Bar Capture Delightful Moments in Life4Cuts Photo Booth, Enjoy a Complimentary Gift with Special Discount



HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 April 2025 - BEAUTY&YOU by The Shilla Duty Free Hong Kong, carrying over 200 cosmetic, skincare, perfume and fashion brands, with more than 2,600 fragrances items, is thrilled to unveil the "Shilla Fragrance Journey", a multi-brand fragrance discovery experience at Hong Kong International Airport for a limited time until June 2, 2025. With the largest assortment of best-selling fragrances across Asia's airports from luxury brands to niche labels, BEAUTY&YOU cordially invites travelers to embark on a whole new sensorial journey with a selection of captivating fragrances from favored travel destinations to a one-step art-filled enjoyment.





"Shilla Fragrance Journey" Enters Hong Kong International Airport in Monochromatic Art Style

BEAUTY&YOU by The Shilla Duty Free Hong Kong is themed around minimalist aesthetics, incorporating elegant monochromatic art style designs into various 3D installations. This creates a series of fragrance experience zones and interactive areas called the "Shilla Fragrance Journey," along with exciting shopping offers!



Maiden Appearance of Stunning Art Installations to Kickoff

The "Shilla Fragrance Journey" features multiple fragrance experience zones, interactive activities and shopping privileges, enabling travelers to explore a collection of selected fragrances. At Departures Level 7 East Hall after immigration, the striking "Shilla Fragrance Journey" theme display reflects minimalist aesthetics and greets travelers with coveted photo opportunities.



Located in BEAUTY&YOU East Hall South level 6, The "Luxe Fragrance Wardrobe" and the "Life4Cuts Photo Booth" should never be missed, in which an in-depth fragrance experience is provided for travelers to spot their favorites. Travelers are welcome to capture the joyful moments and gather the unique themed blotters, then collect them in the complimentary "Fragrance Passport". In the meantime, travelers in East Hall North Level 6 are given the pleasure of receiving fragrance blotters and drawing inspiration from fragrance ambassadors at BEAUTY&YOU East Hall North "Scent Bar" for the next exploration on the fragrance journey.



Enjoy Exclusive Rewards at BEAUTY&YOU

BEAUTY&YOU customers would receive a complimentary gift upon completing an in-depth experience at Cartier, Tom Ford, or L'Artisan Parfumeur brand counters at BEAUTY&YOU East Hall South or East Hall North . During the campaign period, customers can also receive a HK$50 cash coupon, which is valid for transactions with a minimum net spending of HK$500. Additionally, they can enjoy a range of exclusive offers, including discounts of up to 60% off on selected 800 beauty and fashion accessories items, as well as instant discount upon designated spending. Visit BEAUTY&YOU to discover the latest offers.



Hashtag: ShillaDutyFree

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Shilla Duty Free: Shilla Duty Free is the leading Korean travel retailer and affiliate of Samsung. Offering over 1,300 world-class brands in fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, perfumes, watches, etc, Shilla Duty Free is the first operator running the cosmetics & perfumes category in all 3 major airports in Asia (Incheon, Changi and Hong Kong). It is currently operating 6 stores (BEAUTY&YOU) in Hong Kong International Airport, serving as an ultimate shopping destination in Hong Kong and offering a wide spectrum of beauty and fashion accessories to passengers around the globe.



For more information:

Official Website: https://www.beautyandyou.com.hk/en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeautyAndYouHK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyandyou_hk/

News Source: Shilla Duty Free

24/04/2025 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


Fighting Knife Crime London has joined forces with Cornerstone VR to support tackling knife-related violence among young people through virtual reality technology.

LONDON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2024 alone, C4 Fact Check have revealed that police responded to 150 knife-related injuries in schools across England and Wales. With data from Ben Kinsella Trust showing 41% of young people know someone who carries a weapon, and nearly 5% admitting to carrying one themselves, the need for meaningful, preventative action has never been greater.

Together, Fighting Knife Crime London and Cornerstone VR aim to support young people at risk of becoming involved in violence. The partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to educate and empower children and the adults supporting them, providing resources that make a real difference to the individuals facing the real-world challenges behind the statistics.

Cornerstone VR, a pioneer in trauma-informed virtual reality solutions, has collaborated with Thurrock and Enfield Councils to launch its latest VR series, offering a raw and realistic portrayal of the pressures, trauma, and life-altering choices young people face in relation to knife crime.

Bruce Houlder, Founder of Fighting Knife Crime London, praised the potential of this approach:

"As technology evolves it is important to harness the value of virtual reality for young people, in terms of understanding how to deal with trauma and confront the dangers which life presents them with. This film making can be the springboard for the most remarkable discussions and can improve the dialogue between young people and the generation above them."

"We are delighted to partner with Cornerstone VR. We share their passion to tackle trauma in the lives of children and young people, and recommend virtual reality as an excellent way to engage young people in the cruel reality of carrying a knife."

Serena Hadi, Head of Operations and Practice at Cornerstone VR, added:

"This partnership is a crucial step forward in the fight against youth knife crime. When organisations come together with a shared mission, our voice carries further. By engaging young people in honest conversations around the real-world challenges and consequences of knife crime, and helping adults respond with empathy and insight, we open the door to early intervention and lasting change."

Through this collaboration, the two organisations hope to change the narrative around youth violence, helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported.





Media Contact: Stacey Cox, info@cornerstonevr.co.uk, 0808 175 6414

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/leading-charity-and-tech-for-good-pioneer-join-forces-to-tackle-youth-knife-crime-302435822.html
HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for summer, BACARDI, the world's most awarded rum, is shaking up the flavored rum scene with the launch of BACARDI Passionfruit. Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly vibrant, this new launch blends the signature BACARDI white rum with bold passionfruit flavor.

With tropical and citrus dominating flavored rum trends*, BACARDI Passionfruit delivers an enticing blend of refreshing fruitiness and bold character, perfectly suited for social occasions. The flavored rum category is on an upward trajectory, expected to grow significantly over the next five years, and BACARDI is committed to staying at the forefront of this momentum, introducing exciting, eye-catching innovations, to recruit new consumers and drive the category expansion.

Tjalling Simoons, BACARDI Brand Director for Europe, comments on the launch: "At BACARDI, we're always looking for new ways to bring bold, exciting flavors to our fans, and Passionfruit is the perfect fit. As the #1 rum brand in Europe** we know that consumers are looking for drinks that elevate their drinking experiences and match their evolving tastes. Passionfruit is already a top performer in cocktails, both at home and in bars, so we're confident this vibrant new launch will excite rum lovers and invite new drinkers to explore delicious, tropical flavors."

Crafted using a base of BACARDI rum, BACARDI Passionfruit contains all-natural flavor and is gluten-free, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. From beachside celebrations to parties at home, BACARDI Passionfruit brings a taste of the tropics to any social gathering, making it the must-have drink for summer and beyond.

Its bold, flavorful versatility makes BACARDI Passionfruit the ultimate base for a wide range of cocktails, from simple mixed drinks to more complex creations, every sip is a celebration of tropical flavor. For the perfect summer serve, mix BACARDI Passionfruit with Lemonade, or try it with Cranberry Juice or Soda Water, and get ready to taste the tropics this summer.

BACARDI Passionfruit (70cl, 27% ABV) will launch in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Poland and Luxembourg throughout April and May 2025.

For more information on BACARDI Rum, visit www.BACARDI.com.

*Robertet 2023

**IWSR 2023

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2669998/BACARDI.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2670086/BACARDI_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sip-into-summer-bacardi-rum-serves-up-tropical-vibes-with-new-passionfruit-flavor-302436553.html






New survey data show 94% of animal owners appreciate the work of veterinarians 1 , compared to only 49% of veterinary professionals feeling their profession is appreciated, among other findings. 2

, compared to only 49% of veterinary professionals feeling their profession is appreciated, among other findings. The survey confirms differences in perspectives: 65% of animal owners think veterinarians have a good work-life balance 1 while 48% of veterinarians say animal owners underappreciate the way they trade-off their work-life-balance to help animals. 2

while 48% of veterinarians say animal owners underappreciate the way they trade-off their work-life-balance to help animals. On World Veterinary Day 2025, Boehringer Ingelheim and campaign partners encourage animal owners to express their appreciation to veterinary teams.

Leading up to World Veterinary Day (April 26, 2025), Boehringer Ingelheim today unveiled new survey results that shed light on animal owners' perceptions of the essential role that veterinarians play in animal health and community well-being. The 2025 survey of animal owners adds to a 2024 survey, also conducted in partnership with market research institute Kynetec, which explored if veterinarians feel valued and understood by animal owners. This is part of Boehringer Ingelheim's Going Beyond campaign, which seeks to put a spotlight on aspects of veterinary work that too often remain unseen and underrecognized.

"In collaboration with our Going Beyond campaign partners, we are proud to celebrate veterinary teams, bringing attention to their crucial role worldwide as animal health practitioners, advocates, researchers, educators, surgeons, public health experts and more," said Claire Fowler, Head of Global Strategic Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.

The 2025 Going Beyond survey of animal owners revealed several findings, which contrast significantly with perceptions shared in the 2024 survey of veterinarians.

Perceptions around appreciation

In the 2025 survey, 94% of animal owners said they appreciate the veterinary profession, and 91% recognized that veterinary teams are essential or important to our society.1 By comparison, 49% of veterinarians last year said animal owners appreciate the veterinary profession.2 In addition, 93% of animal owners this year said they appreciate the level of care provided by their vet teams.1 In 2024, a lower percentage (75%) of veterinarians said animal owners appreciate the level of care they provide.2

"It is rewarding to see the high appreciation for veterinarians noted in the Going Beyond survey, and we need to continue to increase awareness of the essential role of veterinary professionals in safeguarding animal health and impacting society through food safety and infectious disease control," said Arcangelo Gentile, President of the World Association for Buiatrics. "By partnering in the Going Beyond campaign, we hope to deepen the public's understanding of this field and foster the recognition veterinary teams truly deserve."

Views on work-life balance and stress

Among animal owners surveyed, 65% said veterinarians have a good work-life balance.1 In 2024, 48% of veterinarians said animal owners underappreciate that vets trade off their work-life balance to help animals.2 In addition, 66% of animal owners felt veterinarians need a high level of resilience to manage stress and emotional exhaustion.1 This figure was significantly lower than when asked the same question about other essential professions, including doctors, police, firefighters, and teachers.1 In 2024, 49% of veterinarians said animal owners underappreciate their resilience to stress and emotional exhaustion.2

"Veterinary teams are on the front lines of animal health and well-being, yet the intense physical and emotional demands of the profession often go unrecognized," said Dr Jim Berry, President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. "To protect this essential profession, the public must do more to acknowledge the commitment and long hours veterinary teams dedicate to ensure the well-being of the animals in their care."

'Guess Who?' video highlights common misunderstandings

In support of World Veterinary Day, the Going Beyond campaign also released a thought-provoking video asking animal owners to guess what type of professional meets the description of a range of compelling job responsibilities and characteristics.





A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

"People love their veterinary teams, and we think if animal owners knew that their veterinary team might be struggling at times, they would care deeply," said Fowler. "We hope the Going Beyond campaign helps veterinarians feel more appreciated for their many contributions and resilience. Animal owners can make a big difference by thanking their veterinary teams, whether in person, by phone, email or social media - it all helps veterinary teams feel motivated, engaged, and able to thrive."

Going Beyond campaign

Going Beyond is a campaign developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, in cooperation with the?World Small Animal Vet Association, the World Association for Buiatrics, VetFamily, and other leading organizations. Launched for the first time for World Veterinary Day 2024, Going Beyond aims to showcase the boundless dedication, resilience and passion of veterinarians who care for animals in often challenging circumstances. The ultimate goal is to help veterinarians feel seen, appreciated and motivated to continue doing what they do best - caring for our beloved animals.

As part of the Going Beyond campaign, a survey conducted in February and March 2025 by market research institute Kynetec included 1,200 animal owners, from the U.S., (200), the U.K., (200), Brazil (200), China (200), France (200) and Germany (200). The survey scope included animal owners who owned a dog (71%), a cat (60%), a horse (2%) farm animals (2%) and/or any other animal (20%).1



Kynetec



Kynetec is a global provider of data, analytics and insights in agriculture, animal health and nutrition. We empower agribusinesses and animal health and nutrition companies to make data-driven decisions, from strategy to execution, through advanced analytics and deep insights. What sets us apart is our direct access to the markets we serve - farmers, veterinarians, pet owners, and agricultural experts - and our deep understanding of the complex dynamics that shape those markets. We regularly undertake data and analytics projects in all the major agricultural and animal health/nutrition markets, spanning more than 80 countries, to provide the insights that enable our clients to build winning strategies and brands.?Kynetec's responsibilities in this campaign work included empirical research co-design, survey execution and analytics. To learn more, go to https://www.kynetec.com/animal-health.

Boehringer Ingelheim - Animal Health business

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at?www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.

Boehringer Ingelheim



Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

Intended Audiences Notice



This press release is issued from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved products may vary from country to country, and a country-specific press release on this topic may have been issued in the countries where we do business.



In collaboration with:



1 Data on file. Going Beyond Global Survey 2025 by Boehringer Ingelheim and Kynetec.

2 Data on file. Going Beyond Global Survey 2024 by Boehringer Ingelheim and Kynetec.
High-Grade Gold-Silver-Antimony and New Claims Staked across Epithermal System

Guardian Metal Resources plc (LON:GMET)(OTCQB:GMTLF), a strategic development and mineral exploration company focused on tungsten in Nevada, USA, is pleased to provide an exploration update from its 100%-owned Garfield Project ("Garfield"), located in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt. Guardian Metal's main objective is to lead the re-establishment of domestic tungsten production in the United States. The Company's projects demonstrate Nevada's exceptional mineral potential and the important role Nevada can play in the national race to secure a stable, affordable supply of critical resources for the United States of America. The Garfield results further support the Company's broader goals which are in line with recent U.S. Executive Orders promoting critical mineral independence.

Recent surface sampling at Garfield has revealed high-grade gold, silver, base-metals as well as strong antimony values in addition to strong visual results across the newly staked areas. Many metals, including gold and antimony, have significantly increased in price over the past two years, underscoring the strategic importance of these project specific developments. Like tungsten, antimony is a "dual-use" critical metal with applications in both defence and general industry.

Guardian Metal identified Nevada as a key jurisdiction four years ago -well ahead of the current surge in interest in critical minerals and rising metal prices. While the Company remains focused on its two co-flagship tungsten assets-Pilot Mountain and Tempiute, both in Nevada-it recognises the added opportunity its Garfield and Golconda projects represent for its shareholders.

Oliver Friesen, CEO of Guardian Metal, commented:

"We are greatly encouraged by the latest exploration results following our retained expert geologist Dr. Carter's recent site visit to the Garfield Project, which focused on the Freeze and Pamlico zones-areas that were previously underexplored. Encouragingly, a significant epithermal corridor is emerging, now extending over 4 km in strike length. With the recent completion of staking, this entire trend at these zones is now 100% owned by Guardian Metal and is royalty-free.

"Looking ahead, we remain clear that any future partnership on our non-core assets will be structured to benefit our existing shareholders and to maximise the Project's upside potential. We believe a resurgence in U.S. exploration and mining is well underway, and with our co-flagship tungsten assets, alongside earlier-stage opportunities at the Garfield and Golconda Projects, Guardian Metal offers investors meaningful exposure to this movement."

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Reanalysis of Pamlico Zone rock sample CJO079, collected during the 2024 prospecting work, has returned 9.9 g/t gold (Au) , 1,105 g/t silver (Ag) , 1.84% antinomy (Sb) and 2.45% lead (Pb) as well as 3,920 ppm copper (Cu) and 890 ppm zinc (Zn) (Table 1). Assay results for CJO079, previously reported on 8 January 2025, were above the upper limit of detection for antimony, gold, silver and lead so the sample was submitted for overlimit analysis.

Follow up geological investigation has determined that the previously reported high-grade samples from historical mines across the Freeze Zone appear to be from related low-sulphidation epithermal vein structures. 1

Significantly, as a result of the above findings, field investigations were extended further east onto open ground where a zone of massive silicification / chalcedonic blanket, as well as numerous outcropping low-sulphidation colloform quartz veins were identified, which extend well east of the previously defined Freeze Zone ("Freeze East Zone") . The Company has now staked an additional 11 mining claims to cover the Freeze East Zone.

These features are suggestive of a substantive epithermal system . Several rock samples were also taken during the recent field visit and are in the laboratory for analysis.

A strike distance of over 4km is now covered by the Pamlico Zone, Freeze Zone, and Freeze East Zones highlighting the potential scale of epithermal mineralisation that exists at Garfield.

Further details about the Freeze East Zone including detailed geological maps, and analytical results from the latest batch of sampling will be released to the market in due course.

The Company continues discussions in regard to potential joint-venture or option agreement arrangements covering the Project and will update the market with any material updates when possible.

BACKGROUND

Guardian Metal recently retained Dr Lawrence Carter, an independent magmatic-hydrothermal mineral system expert, to conduct a geological field review of the low-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver-antinomy potential within the Garfield Project area.

Pamlico Zone rock sample CJO079 which previously returned above detection limit Au, Ag, Sb and Pb (reported 8 January 2025) was submitted for overlimit analysis returning significant high-grade results (Table 1). The gold-silver-copper assay results for the Freeze Zone were announced 3 September 20242.

Table 1: Overlimit assay results for rock sample CJO079, collected during the 2024 prospecting of Pamlico Zone.

Sample Gold Silver Antimony Lead Copper Zinc CJO079 9.9 g/t 1105 g/t 1.84% 2.45% 3920 ppm 890 ppm

Table Note: Assay results for sample CJO079, reported 8 January 2025, were above the upper limit of detection for antimony, gold, silver and lead and the sample was re-assayed by ALS USA Inc using overlimit analytical methods Ag-OG62, Pb-OG62, Sb-AA08 and Au-GRA21. Cu and zinc are as previously reported, analysed by ALS USA Inc using method ME-MS61.

GEOLOGY UPDATE

Geological fieldwork across the "Pamlico Zone" and "Freeze Zone" has been completed by Dr Carter to better place the previous high-grade gold-silver-copper samples (announced 3 September 20241) into geological context to focus further exploration targeting. In contrast to magnetite skarns in the western and central parts of the project, this work identified that numerous historic mines on eastern side of the project were likely targeting the same low-sulphidation epithermal vein structures along strike from one another. Numerous outcropping low-sulphidation style colloform quartz veins were also identified and sampled as well as a zone of massive silicification (or chalcedonic blanket, which may represent the shallow portion of a mineralised system) (Figures 1 & 2).

The overlimit analytical results from the "Pamlico Zone" further demonstrate the strength of the low sulphidation epithermal mineralisation at Garfield. Further sampling at the "Pamlico Zone" has been undertaken to better understand the nature and variety of mineralisation across the numerous epithermal vein structures.

Seventeen samples of low-sulphidation epithermal style quartz veins were collected from across the "Pamlico Zone", "Freeze Zone" and "Freeze East Zone" and have been submitted for laboratory analysis at ALS USA Inc.

Based on the findings from the geological fieldwork, the Company has immediately acted to stake a further 11 mining claims across the "Freeze East Zone".

MEDIA

Figure 1: Examples of newly collected samples of mineralised epithermal colloform quartz veins collected from both outcrop and historic mine dumps across the "Pamlico", "Freeze" and newly identified "Freeze East" Zones. A-C are from the "Pamlico Zone", D-F are from the "Freeze Zone".

Figure 2: Sample of outcropping silicified breccia from the newly found silicified zone or possible chalcedonic blanket at the newly identified "Freeze East Zone".

PROPERTY OWNERSHIP

Guardian Metal holds a 100% interest in the Garfield Project through its wholly-owned Nevada operating company, Golden Metal Resources LLC. A 2% Net Smelter Return Royalty ("NSR Royalty") interest, of which 1% can be bought back at any time for US$1,000,000, covers the original Garfield Project claims as well as a 1 mile radius outside of those claims which covers roughly half of the current 'High-Grade Zone' footprint. The Pamlico and Freeze Zones are entirely royalty free.

COMPETENT PERSON STATEMENT

The technical information contained in this disclosure has been read and approved by Mr Nick O'Reilly (MSc, DIC, MIMMM QMR, MAusIMM, FGS), who is a qualified geologist and acts as the Competent Person under the AIM Rules - Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies. Mr O'Reilly is a Principal consultant working for Mining Analyst Consulting Ltd which has been retained by Guardian Metal Resources plc to provide technical support.

References

1: Company announcement, Garfield-High Grade Assays & New Zone Discovered, dated 3 September 2024:

(https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/GMET/garfield-high-grade-assays-new-zone-discovered/16646187

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 (which forms part of domestic UK law pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018).

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 visitwww.Guardianmetalresources.comor contact the following:

Guardian Metal Resources plc Oliver Friesen (CEO) Tel:+44 (0) 20 7583 8304 Cairn Financial Advisers LLP Nominated Adviser Sandy Jamieson/Jo Turner/Louise O'Driscoll Tel: +44 20 7213 0880 Shard Capital Partners LLP Lead Broker Damon Heath/Erik Woolgar Tel: +44 (0) 20 7186 9000

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. 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
GUANGZHOU, China, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2024, the A-share market achieved a historic milestone with total dividend payouts reaching RMB 2.4 trillion (US$ 338 billion). As of April 13, 1,156 listed companies had announced dividend plans amounting up to RMB 1.13 trillion (US$ 160 billion). Meanwhile, the dividend yield of the CSI 300 Index and CSI Dividend Index has reached 3.5% and 6.3%, highlighting strong cash distributions. On April 28, E Fund Management ("E Fund"), the largest mutual fund manager in China, will launch E Fund CSI Dividend Value ETF (Code: 563700), the first ETF tracking the CSI Dividend Value Index, expanding its range of low-cost dividend ETFs.

In the midst of trade tensions, dividend indices such as the CSI Dividend Index and the CSI Dividend Low Volatility Index are gaining traction. These indices focus on domestically oriented sectors with low trade sensitivity-overseas revenue contributions in the first half of 2024 are just 6.3% and 4.3%, compared to 11% for the CSI 300 Index.

E Fund's dividend ETF lineup now includes E Fund CSI Dividend ETF (Code: 515180), E Fund CSI Dividend Low Volatility ETF (Code: 563020), E Fund Hang Seng SCHK High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (Code: 159545) and E Fund CSI Dividend Value ETF. Among them, E Fund CSI Dividend ETF, available via ETF Connect, achieved a scale of RMB 9.3 billion (US$ 1.28 billion), largest of its kind tracking the CSI Dividend Index, as of April 23. These offerings all adopt the lowest management fee rate of 0.15% annually, helping investors to cost-effectively invest in high-dividend assets.

Moreover, the entry of annuity funds, public funds, and other medium- to long-term capital funds into the stock market has elevated the strategic importance of dividend-focused investments, especially wealth management funds are increasingly favoring low-volatility dividend strategies. For instance, E Fund CSI Dividend Low Volatility ETF has attracted significant holdings from wealth management funds, with these funds occupying three of the top ten shareholder positions, collectively accounting for 9.23% of outstanding shares, as of December 31, 2024.

About E Fund

Established in 2001, E Fund Management Co., Ltd. ("E Fund") is a leading comprehensive mutual fund manager in China with over RMB 3.5 trillion (USD 497 billion) under management.* It offers investment solutions to onshore and offshore clients, helping clients achieve long-term sustainable investment performances. E Fund's clients include both individuals and institutions, ranging from central banks, sovereign wealth funds, social security funds, pension funds, insurance and reinsurance companies, to corporates and banks. Long-term oriented, it has been focusing on the investment management business since inception and believes in the power of in-depth research and time in investing. It is a pioneer and leading practitioner in responsible investments in China and is widely recognized as one of the most trusted and outstanding Chinese asset managers.

Source: E Fund. AuM includes subsidiaries. Data as of March 31, 2025. FX rate is sourced from PBoC.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/low-cost-etfs-and-long-term-capital-funds-drive-high-dividend-strategies-in-a-share-market-302437138.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Provenance Gold Corp. (CSE: PAU) (OTCQB: PVGDF) (the "Company" or "Provenance") is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2025 phase 1 drilling program with the mobilization of an RC drill rig to the Eldorado project, located in Eastern Oregon. The staged drilling campaign will build on the foundation established by 241 historic drill holes and Provenance's 14 drill holes to date. This year's program will focus on expanding the open-ended gold system and gaining a deeper understanding of the mineralized structures of the area including significant step-outs.

Provenance's initial 2023 and 2024 drilling identified an area of significantly stronger mineralization than was previously recognized on the property. This newly identified area contains widespread gold mineralization that starts at surface and extends to more than 200 meters in depth and remains open to depth. This year's drilling campaign will aim to build upon the success of the 2023 and 2024 drilling programs by further defining the structure of the gold system and expanding its footprint across the property.

The initial drill holes for the first phase of the 2025 RC drilling will focus on expanding the mineralized zone intersected by Provenance's drill holes ED-04, EC-02, and EC-03. The first phase of the 2025 drilling campaign will utilize a Boart Longyear reverse-circulation (RC) drill rig and is fully funded. The second phase will introduce a core drill rig to complement the program's objectives. Provenance is confident that this year's drill program together with other exploration activities will continue to expand the footprint of the Eldorado gold mineralization.

"We are excited to be back at Eldorado for our earliest commencement and largest exploration campaign to date," said Rauno Perttu, Provenance's CEO. "At Eldorado, our drilling will look to expand the extent of known mineralization but also explore several key step-out target areas that are up to or more than a kilometer away from our EC-01 discovery hole. Not only was historical drilling very shallow, averaging 90-100 meters in depth, but most of the property still remains virtually untested. Because of our upcoming drilling and other activities, I believe 2025 will be a pivotal year for our Company."

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Jo Price, P.Geo., M.Sc., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Provenance Gold Corp.

Provenance Gold Corp. is a precious metals exploration company with a focus on gold and silver mineralization within North America. The Company currently holds interests in Nevada, and eastern Oregon, USA.

Provenance is also active on social media and invites investors to follow us on X to stay up to date with our latest news and developments:

https://x.com/ProvenanceGold

On behalf of the Board,

Provenance Gold Corp.

Rauno Perttu, Chief Executive Officer

Safe Harbor Statement: Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its regulation services provider, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249645

SOURCE: Provenance Gold Corp.
Private markets are at a tipping point the demand for streamlined, accessible fund data is growing rapidly, driven by General Partners (GPs) and investors who expect greater transparency, speed, and collaboration. In response, Aztec Group, a leading fund and corporate services provider, has partnered with Lantern, an innovative data intelligence platform, to enhance how clients can access high-quality, on-demand fund data and enable data-driven decision-making.

Will Relf, Director of Data at Aztec commented: "As the industry continues to evolve, access to high-quality, timely data is no longer a luxury it's a necessity. At Aztec, we are committed to ensuring our clients can operate with confidence, backed by trusted data. Working with Lantern further enhances our ability to provide clients with innovative solutions for on-demand fund data, fully integrated with our accounting records and other key data sources."

By utilising Lantern as a component of its broader data offering, Aztec aims to provide its clients with options to enhance transparency as well as timely access to their fund data.

Tony Poulson, Chief Revenue Officer at Lantern, added: "GPs are increasingly seeking connected, collaborative solutions that allow them to access and use their data with confidence. Our partnership with Aztec is about setting a new benchmark for what 'data-driven decision-making' means in the industry. By bringing together Aztec's carefully curated data with Lantern's cutting-edge technology, we are giving private markets firms the confidence to make data-driven decisions in a more connective, responsive way."

This partnership highlights the increasing role of technology in private markets and demonstrates how firms like Aztec and Lantern are collaborating to meet the growing expectations of GPs and investors. By embedding advanced data analytics tools into fund administration services, the partnership aims to set new standards for how administrators and their clients collaborate around data.

About Lantern

Founded in 2022, Lantern provides platform technology to make private markets data accessible and insightful for GPs. Built on cutting-edge data science and using live, audited and granular data, Lantern is a ground-breaking solution to interrogate and monitor fund and portfolio-level data and drive performance. For more information, please visit www.lantern.ai.

About Aztec Group

Aztec Group, founded in Jersey in 2001 is a global, leading fund administrator and employs over 2,000 people across six jurisdictions. Since its inception, it's size and reach may have changed but its client-centric ethos hasn't. Aztec is committed to building long-term partnerships with its clients and delivering operational excellence at every stage of the fund lifecycle.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424211849/en/

Contacts:

Tom Wilkinson Head of Marketing, Lantern tom.wilkinson@lantern.ai +44 7797767319
Klas' secure networking equipment adds modularity and reliability in a tactical C4ISR solution for U.S. Special Operations Command

Klas Government is thrilled to announce the selection and receipt of the initial award to support the USSOCOM's Tactical Local Area Network (TACLAN) program after months of careful consideration and detailed analysis of proposed solutions across the entire secure networking and edge compute market.

Klas is known for continually delivering innovative, mission-centric solutions to government customers and will provide the operationally proven Voyager Tactical Multi-Enclave System that will provide a scalable and dependable tactical command, control, communications, compute, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) solution that minimizes size, weight and power requirements and improves capabilities.

The TACLAN program enables SOF to overcome capability gaps by providing the technology, flexibility, and agility to improve knowledge management, mission, and information sharing. TACLAN, like Klas, is both scalable and modular, providing the network resources to support the tip-of-the-spear individual operator through the headquarters level.

The TACLAN Family of Systems (FoS) is a collection of tactical, modular network and edge compute infrastructure packages that support the information exchange among commanders, operators, and support personnel through Special Operations Forces (SOF) core activities and mission sets. Klas' solutions support a range of users from the small team level through the Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) Special Operations Joint Task Force (SOJTF) Headquarters level. Each package provides functions such as C2, intelligence analysis reporting, office automation, decision-making, mission analysis, planning, rehearsal, and execution support.

"We will continually strive to provide the most efficient and mission effective solutions to our customers, and we are extremely proud to be a key part of this USSOCOM program," said Lawrence Hollister, CGO Klas Government. "This selection further strengthens the strategic relationship between Klas and USSOCOM."

To learn more about Klas Tactical Multi Enclave System (TMES) visit https://www.klasgroup.com/government/tmes/

About Klas Government:

Klas Government makes the world's most powerful technology for the tactical edge. We provide rugged, low size, weight and power (SWaP) deployable communications solutions to meet the needs of government and military communicators in any operational environment. Klas Government enables customers to communicate more and carry less by delivering tactical and executive communications systems specifically designed for ultimate flexibility, scalability and portability. Klas Government's capabilities include product design and configuration, network management, solutions development, fielding and training. The company employs dedicated personnel who offer engineering and support 24/7/365. Klas Government is a U.S. subsidiary of Klas Ltd. and was founded in 2009 to manage and effectively address U.S. government and federal requirements at all classification levels. Klas Government employs staff across two offices located in Herndon, VA and Tampa, FL with corporate offices located in Washington, D.C. and internationally in Dublin, Ireland. www.klasgov.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424430714/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Lawrence Hollister

Klas Government, Inc.

4830 West Kennedy Blvd, Suite 250

Tampa, FL 33609

Cell: 813-625-7120
Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi, a respected Druze leader from Mount Carmel, Israel, delivered an urgent message to the global community regarding a potential profound geodynamic threat that imperils the entire planet. Speaking from his Residence in Daliyat al-Karmel, from Mount Carmel, Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi emphasized the interconnectedness of the world and the critical need for international cooperation to address a potentially dangerous phenomenon unfolding beneath Siberia, a region of Russia.

Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi from Mount Carmel, Israel

Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi, a distinguished advocate for peace and international cooperation, has been honored with multiple prestigious awards and honorary doctorates for his contributions to cultural understanding and humanitarian efforts. In 2013, he was recognized by the Waldenburg international college for his significant impact on human history. Dr. Halabi has received honorary doctorates from the Al-Hafaz Academies for Culture, Literature, and Art (Egypt), the Naharin International Cultural Academy, the American International Academy, and the Warsaw International Organization, where he serves as their official representative in Israel. Additionally, he has been named 'Person of the Year' multiple times by international organizations for his dedication to fostering peace and strengthening global communities.

In his video, Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi explained that contrary to previous beliefs focused on external threats to Earth's stability, research now reveals a possible massive internal danger: a magma plume beneath a region in Siberia the size of Australia. He warned that if this magma under Siberia erupts or becomes uncontrolled, it could trigger a disaster with devastating consequences reaching from Siberia all the way through Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, potentially wiping out two-thirds of humanity. He also highlighted the importance of the ALLATRA scientists' report titled "ON THE THREAT OF A MAGMA PLUME ERUPTION IN SIBERIA AND STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THE ISSUE," noting that its interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive and realistic picture of what's happening in Siberia.

Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi commended the efforts of the ALLATRA International Public Movement, which has conducted extensive research and proposed feasible solutions. These include safely redirecting magma and releasing underground gases in controlled ways to prevent widespread destruction. He urged world leaders, including those from the United States, Israel, Russia, and other nations, to come together, form interdisciplinary committees, and act decisively based on these findings.

With great concern in this appeal, Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi called for the release of seven ALLATRA members detained in Russia, condemning the unfair persecution of an organization dedicated to peace, truth, and the shared survival of humanity. Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi said, "...seven of our friends - participants of the ALLATRA organization - have been detained. They were arrested in Russia and are now in prison, facing torture and extremely harsh treatment, and inhumane conditions. In my opinion, there is no need to go against ALLATRA. We already face persecution even in Europe and in other countries, and that, in itself, is dangerous. It's easy to turn a blind eye and say, 'There's no problem,' and act like a herd. In that case, there would be a disasterSo I'm asking Mr. Vladimir Putin: please, release those participants of our international organization who've been detained in Russia, and stop the persecution of this movement. Because this is an organization of peace, love, and creation. It's the organization that understands the needs of the world and recognizes the looming threats. There's nothing bad here. In fact, if anything happens, Russia will be the first to suffer."

He stressed that ignoring this potential threat would have possible catastrophic global consequences, surpassing geopolitical conflicts in scale and severity.

Concluding his message, Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi said, "I'm calling out to you from here, from Daliyat al-Karmel, from Mount Carmel, through the ALLATRA organization: come together, unite, and solve this problem. There is a solution...this is the Achilles' heel of our world. The entire world. Not just the United States, not just Russia, not just Daliyat al-Karmel or Israel - but the whole world."

He reaffirmed his support for ALLATRA's efforts to inform, pledging his personal commitment to raising awareness to safeguard the planet's future.

About the ALLATRA International Public Movement

ALLATRA International Public Movement is an independent volunteer organization that conducts large-scale geodynamics, and environmental transformation research. The movement is known for its interdisciplinary approach to studying natural disasters and its active role in promoting international scientific cooperation. Additionally, ALLATRA focuses on protecting and preserving human rights and freedoms.

CONTACT:

Valerie Smith

valerie@allatra.org

SOURCE: ALLATRA
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - COELACANTH ENERGY INC. (TSXV: CEI) ("Coelacanth" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its financial and operating results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024. All dollar figures are Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS

Drilled and completed three Lower Montney wells and completed a previously drilled Upper Montney well on its 5-19 pad at Two Rivers East. Average test production from the three Lower Montney wells was 1,624 boe/d (61% light oil) and test production from the Upper Montney well was 1,338 boe/d (54% light oil). (2)

Secured revolving bank credit facilities for a total of $52.0 million from a Canadian chartered bank.

Substantially completed construction of pipelines to connect the 5-19 pad wells to the Two Rivers East facility.

Initiated construction of its Two Rivers East facility for a Q2 2025 on-stream date.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Three Months Ended



Year Ended



December 31



December 31

($000s, except per share amounts)

2024



2023

% Change



2024



2023

% Change























Oil and natural gas sales

4,544



4,204



8



13,736



6,663



106

























Cash flow from (used in) operating activities

3,157



(404 )

(881 )

2,203



(4,234 )

(152 ) Per share - basic and diluted (1)

0.01



(-)



(100 )

-



(0.01 )

(100 )























Adjusted funds flow (used) (1)

382



1,750



(78 )

1,515



(333 )

(555 ) Per share - basic and diluted

-



-



-



-



(-)



(-)

























Net loss

(2,903 )

(750 )

287



(8,897 )

(6,573 )

35

Per share - basic and diluted

(0.01 )

(-)



100



(0.02 )

(0.01 )

100

























Capital expenditures (1)

64,952



34,656



87



84,497



74,613



13

























Adjusted working capital (deficiency) (1)













(18,637 )

67,589



(128 )























Common shares outstanding (000s)























Weighted average - basic and diluted

530,398



478,731



11



529,804



439,055



21

























End of period - basic













530,670



528,650



-

End of period - fully diluted













615,930



609,989



1

(1) See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section.

(2) See "Test Results and Initial Production Rates" section.



Three Months Ended



Year Ended

OPERATING RESULTS (1)

December 31



December 31



2024



2023

% Change



2024



2023

% Change























Daily production (2)























Oil and condensate (bbls/d)

473



419



13



320



139



130

Other NGLs (bbls/d)

29



28



4



34



16



113 Oil and NGLs (bbls/d)

502



447



12



354



155



128

Natural gas (mcf/d)

3,490



2,858



22



3,648



1,624



125 Oil equivalent (boe/d)

1,084



923



17



962



426



126

























Oil and natural gas sales























Oil and condensate ($/bbl)

87.06



87.38



(-)



89.46



88.94



1

Other NGLs ($/bbl)

33.28



32.32



3



33.22



33.22



- Oil and NGLs ($/bbl)

83.97



83.88



-



83.99



83.28



1

Natural gas ($/mcf)

2.07



2.86



(28 )

2.14



3.26



(34 ) Oil equivalent ($/boe)

45.57



49.47



(8 )

39.01



42.82



(9 )























Royalties























Oil and NGLs ($/bbl)

16.86



19.38



(13 )

18.70



20.24



(8 ) Natural gas ($/mcf)

0.13



0.26



(50 )

0.21



0.57



(63 ) Oil equivalent ($/boe)

8.22



10.20



(19 )

7.66



9.57



(20 )























Operating expenses























Oil and NGLs ($/bbl)

8.34



11.57



(28 )

9.47



13.25



(29 ) Natural gas ($/mcf)

1.25



1.28



(2 )

1.58



2.21



(29 ) Oil equivalent ($/boe)

7.88



9.57



(18 )

9.47



13.25



(29 )























Net transportation expenses (3)























Oil and NGLs ($/bbl)

5.54



4.95



12



3.46



4.10



(16 ) Natural gas ($/mcf)

0.76



0.81



(6 )

0.73



1.12



(35 ) Oil equivalent ($/boe)

5.01



4.92



2



4.04



5.75



(30 )























Operating netback (loss) (3)























Oil and NGLs ($/bbl)

53.23



47.98



11



52.36



45.69



15

Natural gas ($/mcf)

(0.07 )

0.51



(114 )

(0.38 )

(0.64 )

(41 ) Oil equivalent ($/boe)

24.46



24.78



(1 )

17.84



14.25



25

























Depletion and depreciation ($/boe)

(10.76 )

(12.18 )

(12 )

(13.59 )

(14.93 )

(9 ) General and administrative expenses ($/boe)

(15.46 )

(10.77 )

44



(14.34 )

(27.08 )

(47 ) Share based compensation ($/boe)

(7.08 )

(16.31 )

(57 )

(11.12 )

(23.49 )

(53 ) Loss on lease termination ($/boe)

(2.02 )

-



100



(0.57 )

-



100

Finance expense ($/boe)

(18.02 )

(1.28 )

1,308



(6.33 )

(3.09 )

105

Finance income ($/boe)

3.65



10.01



(64 )

8.23



18.75



(56 ) Unutilized transportation ($/boe)

(3.88 )

(3.08 )

26



(5.37 )

(6.65 )

(19 ) Net loss ($/boe)

(29.11 )

(8.83 )

230



(25.25 )

(42.24 )

(40 )

(1) See "Oil and Gas Terms" section.

(2) See "Product Types" section.

(3) See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section.

Selected financial and operational information outlined in this news release should be read in conjunction with Coelacanth's audited financial statements and related Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2024, which are available for review under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

OPERATIONS UPDATE

In Q4 2024, Coelacanth achieved two more significant milestones in its vision of moving the Two Rivers Montney Project from a large Montney land block to a proven resource with decades of inventory.

In 2022 and 2023, Coelacanth was able to prove productivity in the Lower Montney over a significant portion of lands at Two Rivers that allowed for the decision to build-out infrastructure and to continue pad drilling at Two Rivers East. During 2024, Coelacanth completed the licensing phase of the infrastructure and started construction while also continuing to develop the Montney resource.

In Q4 2024, Coelacanth was able to substantially complete all pipelines required for its 5-19 pad that connected it from the pad to the future facility and then on to a midstream gathering system. Concurrently, Coelacanth completed a successful Upper Montney well at Two Rivers East and changed the completion design in the Lower Montney on the 5-19 pad. The Upper Montney completion proved significant productivity (previously announced test rate of 1,136 boe/d) (1) in a zone that can be mapped over a significant portion of Coelacanth's lands and should materially increase drilling inventory. The new Lower Montney completions yielded increased overall test rates as well as increasing the oil percentage (3-well average test rates previously announced at 1,624 boe/d with 61% light oil) (1) pointing to potentially higher per-well recoveries of oil and gas and corresponding per-well values than previously estimated.

Construction of the facility continued throughout Q1 2025 and is now substantially complete. With 9 wells and over 11,000 boe/d (1) of test production waiting on completion of the facility, we anticipate yet another major milestone will be reached imminently. We look forward to reporting updates on the Two Rivers East project as new developments arise.

(1)See "Test Results and Initial Production Rates" section for more details.

OIL AND GAS TERMS

The Company uses the following frequently recurring oil and gas industry terms in the news release:

Liquids Bbls

Barrels

Bbls/d

Barrels per day

NGLs Natural gas liquids (includes condensate, pentane, butane, propane, and ethane) Condensat Pentane and heavier hydrocarbons Natural Gas Mcf Thousands of cubic feet Mcf/d

Thousands of cubic feet per day MMcf/d Millions of cubic feet per day MMbtu

Million of British thermal units MMbtu/d

Million of British thermal units per day Oil Equivalent Boe

Barrels of oil equivalent Boe/d

Barrels of oil equivalent per day

Disclosure provided herein in respect of a boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent has been used for the calculation of boe amounts in the news release. This boe conversion rate is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.

NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

This news release refers to certain measures that are not determined in accordance with IFRS (or "GAAP"). These non-GAAP and other financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. The non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered alternatives to, or more meaningful than, financial measures that are determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of the Company's performance. Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP and other financial measures provides useful information to shareholders and investors in understanding and evaluating the Company's ongoing operating performance, and the measures provide increased transparency to better analyze the Company's performance against prior periods on a comparable basis.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted funds flow (used)

Management uses adjusted funds flow (used) to analyze performance and considers it a key measure as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate the cash necessary to fund future capital investments and abandonment obligations and to repay debt, if any. Adjusted funds flow (used) is a non-GAAP financial measure and has been defined by the Company as cash flow from (used in) operating activities excluding the change in non-cash working capital related to operating activities, movements in restricted cash deposits and expenditures on decommissioning obligations. Management believes the timing of collection, payment or incurrence of these items involves a high degree of discretion and as such may not be useful for evaluating the Company's cash flows. Adjusted funds flow (used) is reconciled from cash flow from (used) in operating activities as follows:



Three Months Ended



Year Ended



December 31



December 31

($000s)

2024



2023



2024



2023

Cash flow from (used in) operating activities

3,157



(404 )

2,203



(4,234 ) Add (deduct):















Decommissioning expenditures

161



206



1,427



1,883

Change in restricted cash deposits

(5,361 )

-



(2,376 )

(784 ) Change in non-cash working capital

2,425



1,948



261



2,802 Adjusted funds flow (used) (non-GAAP)

382



1,750



1,515



(333 )

Net transportation expenses

Management considers net transportation expenses an important measure as it demonstrates the cost of utilized transportation related to the Company's production. Net transportation expenses is calculated as transportation expenses less unutilized transportation and is calculated as follows:



Three Months Ended



Year Ended



December 31



December 31

($000s)

2024



2023



2024



2023 Transportation expenses

887



680



3,313



1,930

Unutilized transportation

(387 )

(262 )

(1,891 )

(1,035 ) Net transportation expenses (non-GAAP)

500



418



1,422



895



Operating netback

Management considers operating netback an important measure as it demonstrates its profitability relative to current commodity prices. Operating netback is calculated as oil and natural gas sales less royalties, operating expenses, and net transportation expenses and is calculated as follows:



Three Months Ended



Year Ended



December 31



December 31

($000s)

2024



2023



2024



2023

Oil and natural gas sales

4,544



4,204



13,736



6,663

Royalties

(820 )

(866 )

(2,698 )

(1,489 ) Operating expenses

(786 )

(813 )

(3,335 )

(2,062 ) Net transportation expenses

(500 )

(418 )

(1,422 )

(895 ) Operating netback (non-GAAP)

2,438



2,107



6,281



2,217



Capital expenditures

Coelacanth utilizes capital expenditures as a measure of capital investment on property, plant, and equipment, exploration and evaluation assets and property acquisitions compared to its annual budgeted capital expenditures. Capital expenditures are calculated as follows:



Three Months Ended



Year Ended



December 31



December 31

($000s)

2024



2023



2024



2023

Capital expenditures - property, plant, and equipment

233



4,584



1,206



26,928

Capital expenditures - exploration and evaluation assets

64,719



30,072



83,291



47,685

Capital expenditures (non-GAAP)

64,952



34,656



84,497



74,613



Capital Management Measures

Adjusted working capital (deficiency)

Management uses adjusted working capital (deficiency) as a measure to assess the Company's financial position. Adjusted working capital is calculated as current assets and restricted cash deposits less current liabilities, excluding the current portion of decommissioning obligations.

($000s)

December 31, 2024



December 31, 2023

Current assets

11,579



87,616

Less:







Current liabilities

(37,234 )

(28,754 ) Working capital (deficiency)

(25,655 )

58,862

Add:







Restricted cash deposits

4,900



6,784

Current portion of decommissioning obligations

2,118



1,943

Adjusted working capital (deficiency) (Capital management measure)

(18,637 )

67,589



Non-GAAP Financial Ratios

Adjusted Funds Flow (Used) per share

Adjusted funds flow (used) per share is a non-GAAP financial ratio, calculated using adjusted funds flow (used) and the same weighted average basic and diluted shares used in calculating net loss per share.

Net transportation expenses per boe

The Company utilizes net transportation expenses per boe to assess the per unit cost of utilized transportation related to the Company's production. Net transportation expenses per boe is calculated as net transportation expenses divided by total production for the applicable period.

Operating netback per boe

The Company utilizes operating netback per boe to assess the operating performance of its petroleum and natural gas assets on a per unit of production basis. Operating netback per boe is calculated as operating netback divided by total production for the applicable period.

Supplementary Financial Measures

The supplementary financial measures used in this news release (primarily average sales price per product type and certain per boe and per share figures) are either a per unit disclosure of a corresponding GAAP measure, or a component of a corresponding GAAP measure, presented in the financial statements. Supplementary financial measures that are disclosed on a per unit basis are calculated by dividing the aggregate GAAP measure (or component thereof) by the applicable unit for the period. Supplementary financial measures that are disclosed on a component basis of a corresponding GAAP measure are a granular representation of a financial statement line item and are determined in accordance with GAAP.

PRODUCT TYPES

The Company uses the following references to sales volumes in the news release:

Natural gas refers to shale gas.

Oil and condensate refers to condensate and tight oil combined.

Other NGLs refers to butane, propane and ethane combined.

Oil and NGLs refers to tight oil and NGLs combined.

Oil equivalent refers to the total oil equivalent of shale gas, tight oil, and NGLs combined, using the conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of shale gas to one barrel of oil equivalent as described above.

The following is a complete breakdown of sales volumes for applicable periods by specific product types of shale gas, tight oil, and NGLs:



Three Months Ended



Year Ended



December 31



December 31

Sales Volumes by Product Type

2024



2023



2024



2023

















Condensate (bbls/d)

22



12



32



7

Other NGLs (bbls/d)

29



28



35



16

NGLs (bbls/d)

51



40



67



23

















Tight oil (bbls/d)

451



407



287



132

Condensate (bbls/d)

22



12



32



7

Oil and condensate (bbls/d)

473



419



319



139

Other NGLs (bbls/d)

29



28



35



16

Oil and NGLs (bbls/d)

502



447



354



155

















Shale gas (mcf/d)

3,490



2,858



3,648



1,624

Natural gas (mcf/d)

3,490



2,858



3,648



1,624

















Oil equivalent (boe/d)

1,084



923



962



426



TEST RESULTS AND INITIAL PRODUCTION RATES

The 5-19 Lower Montney well was production tested for 9.4 days and produced at an average rate of 377 bbl/d oil and 2,202 mcf/d gas (net of load fluid and energizing fluid) over that period which includes the initial cleanup where only load water was being recovered. At the end of the test, flowing wellhead pressure and production rates were stable.

The A5-19 Basal Montney well was production tested for 5.9 days and produced at an average rate of 117 bbl/d oil and 630 mcf/d gas (net of load fluid and energizing fluid) over that period which includes the initial cleanup where only load water was being recovered. At the end of the test, flowing wellhead pressure and production rates were stable.

The B5-19 Upper Montney well was production tested for 6.3 days and produced at an average rate of 92 bbl/d oil and 2,100 mcf/d gas (net of load fluid and energizing fluid) over that period which includes the initial cleanup where only load water was being recovered. At the end of the test, flowing wellhead pressure and production rates were stable.

The C5-19 Lower Montney well was production tested for 5.8 days and produced at an average rate of 736 bbl/d oil and 2,660 mcf/d gas (net of load fluid and energizing fluid) over that period which includes the initial cleanup where only load water was being recovered. At the end of the test, flowing wellhead pressure and production rates were stable.

The D5-19 Lower Montney well was production tested for 12.6 days and produced at an average rate of 170 bbl/d oil and 580 mcf/d gas (net of load fluid and energizing fluid) over that period which includes the initial cleanup where only load water was being recovered. At the end of the test, flowing wellhead pressure and production rates were stable.

The E5-19 Lower Montney well was production tested for 11.4 days and produced at an average rate of 312 bbl/d oil and 890 mcf/d gas (net of load fluid and energizing fluid) over that period which includes the initial cleanup where only load water was being recovered. At the end of the test, flowing wellhead pressure was stable, and production was starting to decline.

The F5-19 Lower Montney well was production tested for 4.9 days and produced at an average rate of 728 bbl/d oil and 1,607 mcf/d gas (net of load fluid and energizing fluid) over that period which includes the initial cleanup where only load water was being recovered. At the end of the test, flowing wellhead pressure and production rates were stable.

The G5-19 Lower Montney well was production tested for 7.1 days and produced at an average rate of 415 bbl/d oil and 1,489 mcf/d gas (net of load fluid and energizing fluid) over that period which includes the initial cleanup where only load water was being recovered. At the end of the test, flowing wellhead pressure and production rates were stable.

The H5-19 Lower Montney well was production tested for 8.1 days and produced at an average rate of 411 bbl/d oil and 1,166 mcf/d gas (net of load fluid and energizing fluid) over that period which includes the initial cleanup where only load water was being recovered. At the end of the test, flowing wellhead pressure was stable and production was starting to decline.

A pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out on these nine wells and thus certain of the test results provided herein should be considered to be preliminary until such analysis or interpretation has been completed. Test results and initial production rates disclosed herein, particularly those short in duration, may not necessarily be indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery.

Any references to peak rates, test rates, IP30, IP90, IP180 or initial production rates or declines are useful for confirming the presence of hydrocarbons, however, such rates and declines are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. IP30 is defined as an average production rate over 30 consecutive days, IP90 is defined as an average production rate over 90 consecutive days and IP180 is defined as an average production rate over 180 consecutive days. Readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating aggregate production for the Company.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This document contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "believe", "intends", "forecast", "plans", "guidance" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information.

More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's oil and condensate, other NGLs, and natural gas production, capital programs, and adjusted working capital (deficiency). The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including expectations and assumptions relating to prevailing commodity prices and exchange rates, applicable royalty rates and tax laws, future well production rates, the performance of existing wells, the success of drilling new wells, the availability of capital to undertake planned activities, and the availability and cost of labour and services.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production rates, costs, and expenses, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, marketing and transportation, environmental risks, competition, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and changes in tax, royalty, and environmental legislation. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this document are made as of the date hereof for the purpose of providing the readers with the Company's expectations for the coming year. The forward-looking statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Coelacanth is an oil and natural gas company, actively engaged in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil and natural gas reserves in northeastern British Columbia, Canada.

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/249584

SOURCE: Coelacanth Energy Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 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 pleased to announce the signing of an area development agreement for the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I, Newfoundland and Labrador (together the "Atlantic Provinces"). The contractual agreement will deliver 10 new locations of Yolks Breakfast ("Yolks"), a boutique restaurant brand serving delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch. With this addition, our emerging brand portfolio now has 531 units under development agreements, clearly setting the path forward for several years of predictable organic growth for Happy Belly.

Yolks 1

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"Leveraging the strong franchising interest in British Columbia and Alberta, together with our area development agreements established in Ontario and Quebec, we look forward to expanding Yolks into a leading national brand. By incorporating 4 additional provinces and securing 10 more units under development, our rollout now totals 61 contractually committed Yolks Breakfast units across 8 provinces. Our plan is to have Yolks become a recognized national brand in every province across Canada," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly.



"This strategic move sets the course for growth of our Yolks brand over the coming years, as we continue to focus on delivering organic development in our backyard and expand our national footprint. We believe our multi branded portfolio will continue to deliver strong results and help us continue to secure some of the best available real estate in the country."

Yolks 2

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"This is another step forward in our mission to becoming a predictable and disciplined growth company. We are working to actively expand this pipeline significantly in 2025 & 2026 with our disciplined approach to growth. It is key for us to continue selecting the right franchise partners along with the right real estate to achieve our development goals for the brands."

"Establishing our presence in Atlantic Canada affirms that our accelerated franchising program and business model are well-suited for our emerging brands, as demonstrated by our organic growth across the portfolio. With breakfast remaining one of the fastest-growing restaurant sectors, we are sustaining our aggressive expansion strategy. Our proven model continues to generate substantial interest from prospective franchisees. As our plans advance, we look forward to sharing details about our initial real estate locations. Our overarching strategy has consistently focused on developing and growing emerging brands within the food sector. With the continued rollout of our franchising initiative, we anticipate these new locations will significantly contribute to the company's revenue and profitability."

We are just getting started.

Yolks 3

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About Yolks Breakfast

Chef Steve Ewing is a strong proponent of breakfast - it's his favourite meal of the day - which is why its so important to him and why he takes so much care and puts so much effort into its menu. Not only are the eggs free-range, but the bacon is local and the hollandaise isn't some quickie version, but the real deal, just one fast whisking away from le Cordon Bleu. Even the Dijon is made in-house!



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 Food Group

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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/249646

SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.


EQS Newswire / 24/04/2025 / 12:00 CET/CEST

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 April 2025 - Prince Holding Group has received a Silver Stevie Award in the Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility category at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, recognizing its efforts to expand educational opportunities in a country where fewer than one in five young people pursue higher education.



Prince Holding Group wins the Silver Stevie Award in the Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility category at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for its Chen Zhi Scholarship Program, which provides comprehensive educational support to Cambodian students.

The Chen Zhi Scholarship Program , now in its fourth year, represents a seven-year, $2 million commitment championed by Neak Oknha Chen Zhi , chairman of Prince Holding Group. The initiative addresses a critical gap in Cambodia's educational infrastructure, where only 17.9 percent of youth access tertiary education.



This is the second consecutive year Prince Holding Group has been recognized in this category, underscoring the program's growing influence on Cambodia's educational landscape. The 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards attracted more than 1,000 entries from 29 markets across the region.



"This international recognition for the Chen Zhi Scholarship reflects our belief in education's transformative power," said Gabriel Tan, chief communications officer of Prince Holding Group. "The award reinforces our commitment to reaching students in communities where opportunity has historically been limited."



In 2024, the scholarship selected 100 students from more than 1,900 applicants across multiple provinces. Beyond financial support, recipients participate in specialized workshops on artificial intelligence, public speaking, and financial literacy while gaining internship opportunities with over 50 partner companies of Prince Holding Group.



The program represents a significant private sector intervention in Cambodia's education system, which continues to rebuild following decades of conflict and underinvestment. By providing 400 students with comprehensive support including mentorship and skills development, the initiative addresses both immediate educational needs and longer-term workforce development challenges.



Administered by Prince Foundation, the Group's philanthropic arm, in collaboration with Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the program aligns with national priorities to expand educational access and develop skilled professionals who can contribute to Cambodia's economic diversification and growth.



The Stevie Awards, considered premier business honors globally, have recognized excellence in the Asia-Pacific region for over a decade. This year's winners include organizations from 23 markets, including Cambodia, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam.Hashtag: PrinceHoldingGroup ChenZhiScholarship

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News Source: Prince Holding Group

24/04/2025 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


The Awards Recognize the Fund for Consistently Strong Risk-Adjusted Performance Relative to its Peers in the U.K., France, Switzerland, and Europe Region

The 2025 Distinction Marks the Team's Seventh Time Receiving a Lipper Award in the Category

Third Avenue Management LLC ("Third Avenue" or "the Firm") announced today that the Third Avenue Real Estate Value UCITS Fund ("the Fund") was named the Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Three Years and the Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Five Years at the 2025 LSEG Lipper Funds Awards in Europe, Switzerland, France, and the U.K.

The Lipper Fund Awards have been synonymous with strong risk-adjusted performance for more than three decades and focus the investment world on top-performing funds. The 2025 Awards were presented for the Fund's performance over the three-year and five-year period ended December 31, 2024 and mark the seventh time the Third Avenue Real Estate team has been recognized by LSEG Lipper in the Best Global Real Estate Fund category.

"We are honored to receive recognition from LSEG Lipper for delivering sector-leading results to the investors in the Third Avenue Real Estate Value UCITS Fund," said Ryan Dobratz, Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund. "Receiving a Lipper Award for the seventh time is also a testament to the durability of Third Avenue's Real Estate strategy and the robust process we have developed over two decades."

Third Avenue's Real Estate Value strategy has pursued value-oriented opportunities in listed real estate for more than 25 years. During that span, the strategy has focused on not only real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), but also real estate operating companies ("REOCs") involved with commercial, residential, and real estate services globally.

"The Fund's long-term results reflect Third Avenue's unique approach to listed real estate," added Jason Wolf, Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund. "As we've done since 1998, we will continue to identify and invest in well-capitalized and well-managed enterprises that trade at a discount to our estimate of net-asset value-irrespective of whether they are included in a benchmark. We believe such a combination is the key to generating superior long-term results."

Otto Christian Kober, Head of Lipper Research, LSEG Data Analytics, noted, "There is no way to have foreseen the range of fundamental and non-financial factors that impacted the markets these past few years. We applaud the 2025 LSEG Lipper Fund Award winners such as Third Avenue Management for delivering outperformance and the accompanying comfort of consistency to investors' portfolios through a cross-current of global market disruptions."

The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards were presented for the Europe Region on February 2, 2025, for Switzerland on March 27, 2025, for France on April 17, 2025, and for the U.K. on April 24, 2025.

Fund Awards:

LSEG Lipper Fund Awards Europe 2025 Winner, Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund, Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Three Years.

LSEG Lipper Fund Awards Europe 2025 Winner, Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund, Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Five Years.

LSEG Lipper Fund Awards Switzerland 2025 Winner, Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund, Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Three Years.

LSEG Lipper Fund Awards Switzerland 2025 Winner, Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund, Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Five Years.

LSEG Lipper Fund Awards France 2025 Winner, Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund, Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Three Years.

LSEG Lipper Fund Awards France 2025 Winner, Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund, Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Five Years.

LSEG Lipper Fund Awards United Kingdom 2025 Winner, Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund, Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Three Years.

LSEG Lipper Fund Awards United Kingdom 2025 Winner, Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund, Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Five Years.

About LSEG Lipper Fund Awards

For more than 30 years and in over 17 countries worldwide, the highly-respected LSEG Lipper Awards have honored funds and fund management firms that have excelled in providing consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers and focus the investment world on top-funds. The merit of the winners is based on entirely objective, quantitative criteria. This coupled with the unmatched depth of fund data, results in a unique level of prestige and ensures the award has lasting value. Renowned fund data and proprietary methodology is the foundation of this prestigious award qualification, recognizing excellence in fund management. Find out more at www.lipperfundawards.com.

Refers to the Third Avenue Real Estate Value Fund Class R Accumulation (USD) Shares (ISIN: IE00B57HGY48), a share class of the Third Avenue Real Estate Value UCITS, a sub-fund of Gemcap Investment Funds (Ireland) plc ("Gemcap Funds") and is not available to U.S.-based investors. Gemcap Funds provides UCITS Funds for non-U.S. based investors and does not offer any products or services to U.S.-based investors. Third Avenue Management serves as a sub-adviser to Gemcap Funds. The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards, granted annually, highlight funds and fund companies that have excelled in delivering consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to their peers. The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards are based on the Lipper Leader for Consistent Return rating, which is a risk-adjusted performance measure calculated over 36, 60 and 120 months. The fund with the highest Lipper Leader for Consistent Return (Effective Return) value in each eligible classification wins the LSEG Lipper Fund Award. The 2025 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards for the Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Three Years were upon based on a review of 43, 32, 30, and 40 qualified shares classes that were eligible in Europe, Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom, respectively. The 2025 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards for the Best Global Real Estate Fund Over Five Years were upon based on a review of 41, 30, 27, and 30 qualified shares classes that were eligible in Europe, Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom, respectively. For more information, see lipperfundawards.com. Although LSEG makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained herein, their accuracy is not guaranteed by LSEG Lipper. For past LSEG Lipper Fund Awards results, please visit: https://www.lipperfundawards.com/.

About Third Avenue Management

Third Avenue Management is a United States-based investment adviser founded in 1986 by legendary value investor Martin J. Whitman. For nearly four decades, the Firm has specialized in value-oriented investment strategies, targeting well-capitalized enterprises with discounted securities and long-term wealth creation potential. Today, the Firm is partnered with AMG and has more than $1.4 billion in assets under management across five core strategies (Global Value, Small-Cap Value, Real Estate Value, International Real Estate, and International Value), which are available to investors through Mutual Funds, Managed Accounts, and UCITS Funds.

Website: https://www.geminicapital.ie/third-avenue/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424908415/en/

Contacts:

For Press Related inquires related to Third Avenue Management:

Gagnier Communications

Dan Gagnier, +1 646-569-5897

dg@gagnierfc.com
DUBAI, UAE, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), a global non-profit initiative, together with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and EMURGO Labs, has launched the SDG Blockchain Accelerator - a global effort aimed at harnessing blockchain-powered social impact initiatives across the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program aims to equip UNDP personnel and partners with the knowledge, technology, support, and mentorship necessary to develop, pilot, and scale blockchain-based solutions addressing real-world economic development challenges.

Supported by a global network of industry experts, this multi-year accelerator will onboard two cohorts annually, each running for a four month period, focusing on capacity building, solution development, and ecosystem growth. Leveraging Cardano's infrastructure and EMURGO Labs' expertise, the program will deliver up to 40 blockchain solutions aligned with the SDGs, create an open-source resource hub, and promote cross-chain collaboration to broaden the impact of blockchain across the development sector.

Led by BGA Managing Partner Glenn Tan and members of the UNDP AltFinLab, the collaboration will span five global regions, offering funding and strategic support to blockchain projects tackling challenges across the 17 SDGs.

"At UNDP, we believe blockchain is not just a technology - it is a transformative force capable of reshaping how we address humanity's most pressing challenges. This accelerator program is more than an initiative; it is a call to action for innovators worldwide to harness blockchain's power to drive sustainable development. By fostering bold collaboration and leveraging its transparency and efficiency, we are paving the way for groundbreaking solutions that can uplift communities globally," commentedTeodor Petricevic, UNDP Accelerator Lead.

As a founding supporter of the Blockchain for Good Alliance, Bybit has worked closely with BGA across various initiatives to promote the use of blockchain for public good. Through its "Bybit Pool" initiative, the crypto exchange has committed US$1 million in funding to support EthicHub, a blockchain platform empowering and enabling smallholder farmers. This contribution supports ethical financing models and showcases blockchain's potential in building transparent supply chains.

Expanding Impact Across Europe

BGA marked a significant milestone in January 2025 with its formal expansion into Europe, joining the UNDP Brussels Roundtable "Empowering the Future: A Strategic Dialogue on Emerging Technologies and Impact Entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans". The roundtable brought together 30 key delegates from the UNDP, European Commission, top Web3 foundations, tech hubs, and policy think tanks - including the Ethereum Foundation, Solana Labs, Stellar Development Foundation, Algorand Foundation, Cardano Foundation, Celo, Metis, Cotrugli Business School, Science Technology Park Belgrade, BlackVogel, and the World Metaverse Council.

As part of its broader European strategy, BGA is actively engaging in grassroots initiatives, forging strategic partnerships, and contributing to high-level policy dialogues. With blockchain increasingly recognized as a catalyst for transparent, inclusive, and sustainable development, BGA welcomes collaboration with like-minded organizations to advance real-world solutions and establish blockchain as a pillar of digital equity and innovation across the continent.

Bybit / TheCryptoArk / BGA

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

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)

The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a long-term collaborative non-profit initiative with key partners with the main aim to contribute to societal good by using blockchain technology to solve real world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain community, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration, and action towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

For more information

Email: hello@chainforgood.org

Website: www.chainforgood.org

Twitter: www.x.com/chainforgood

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.undp.org

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VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- While the global crypto market experienced a sharp downturn in Q1 2025, MEXC , a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, bucked the trend with significant gains in both spot and derivatives market share, according to the latest reports from TokenInsight and CoinGecko.

Market Share Growth Despite Industry Decline

According to TokenInsight's Q1 2025 Exchange Report, MEXC was one of the few major centralized exchanges (CEXs) to grow its presence while the total market saw a 12.53% decline in trading volume, dropping to $23 trillion.

MEXC increased its market share from 12.47% to 13.06% quarter-over-quarter. On the spot market, the exchange saw the largest increase in market share among all major CEXs, growing by 1.7% - a standout performance in a quarter marked by declining investor activity.

Leading the Charge in Derivatives

MEXC's most notable performance was in the derivatives segment, where it posted a 4.3% increase, jumping from 8.2% to 12.5% market share, according to TokenInsight. This marks the largest gain among all top 10 derivatives exchanges, as other major players struggled with declining volumes and heightened market uncertainty.

Outperforming in a Shrinking Spot Market

While CoinGecko's report showed spot trading volumes across centralized exchanges fell by 16.3% to $5.4 trillion in Q1 2025, MEXC gained ground, outperforming most peers and reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing CEXs globally.

This performance came at a time when high-risk assets lost investor favor and speculative trading declined sharply. MEXC's consistent growth highlights its reputation for reliability, market responsiveness, and user-focused innovation.

Exchange Stability Amid Market Turmoil

Following major security incidents in Q1, traders increasingly migrated toward secure, stable platforms. MEXC capitalized on this trend, with both trading volume and user adoption increasing as confidence in competitor platforms waned.

Looking Ahead: Innovation & Resilience

With geopolitical tensions and regulatory changes continuing to influence global markets, MEXC remains committed to expanding its DeFi product suite, embracing regulatory clarity, and delivering early access to emerging trends and tokens. Its unique approach to agile listings and risk-managed derivatives makes it a standout performer in a maturing exchange landscape.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is dedicated to being "Your Easiest Way to Crypto." Known for its extensive selection of trending tokens, airdrop opportunities, and low fees, MEXC serves over 36 million users across 170+ countries. With a focus on accessibility and efficiency, our advanced trading platform appeals to both new traders and seasoned investors alike. MEXC provides a seamless, secure, and rewarding gateway to the world of digital assets.

For more information, visit: MEXC Website | X | Telegram | How to Sign Up on MEXC

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Mondi Plc - Mondi Group - 2024 Final Dividend euro/sterling Exchange Rate

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 24

Mondi plc

Incorporated in England and Wales

Registered number: 6209386

Tax registration number: 454 12394 14454

LEI: 213800LOZA69QFDC9N34

LSE share code: MNDI ISIN: GB00BMWC6P49

JSE share code: MNP

24 April 2025

Mondi Group - 2024 Final Dividend euro/sterling Exchange Rate

On 20 February 2025 Mondi plc announced that it will, subject to shareholder approval at the AGM, pay a final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2024 of 46.67 euro cents per ordinary share on Friday 16 May 2025. The dividend will be paid in euro.

However, ordinary shareholders resident in the United Kingdom will receive the final dividend in sterling (unless shareholders have elected to receive their dividends in euro). The last date for euro currency elections was 22 April 2025. It was stated in the announcement on 20 February that the exchange rate for the final dividend payment would be set today. Accordingly, it is confirmed that sterling dividend payments will be converted at a rate of EUR 1 to GBP 0.85558. Therefore, the equivalent final dividend in pence per ordinary share will be 39.92992.

Mondi plc South African branch register shareholders will receive the final dividend in South African rand cents, converted at a rate of EUR 1 to ZAR 19.31475. Therefore, the equivalent gross final dividend in rand cents per ordinary share will be 901.41938.

Information relating to the dividend tax applicable to Mondi plc South African branch register shareholders can be found in the ZAR/euro exchange rate announcement released by Mondi on 20 February 2025.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by producing products that are sustainable by design. We employ 22,000 people in more than 30 countries and operate an integrated business with expertise spanning the entire value chain, enabling us to offer our customers a broad range of innovative solutions for consumer and industrial end-use applications. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy, with our ambitious commitments to 2030 focused on circular driven solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate.

In 2024, Mondi had revenues of 7.4 billion and underlying EBITDA of 1.0 billion. Mondi is listed on the London Stock Exchange in the ESCC category (MNDI), where the Group is a FTSE100 constituent. It also has a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP).

Sponsor in South Africa: Merrill Lynch South Africa Proprietary Limited t/a BofA Securities.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) ("LVG", or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its wholly owned Tembo Project in northern Tanzania, where the Company is evaluating a small-scale mining and processing opportunity aimed at generating early cash flow to support its broader exploration strategy. The initiative involves assessing the potential to extract and process near-surface material using existing local infrastructure. The Company cautions that this initiative is at a preliminary stage and is not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. As such, there is increased uncertainty and a higher risk of economic or technical failure associated with this process.

Project Overview and Opportunity:

The Tembo Project hosts multiple high-potential targets, with significant near-surface gold intersections already confirmed at Ngula 1, Nyakagwe East, and Nyakagwe Village.

Extensive artisanal mining historically occurred across the property, including shallow open-pit and underground workings, as well as surface eluvial gold extraction. The Company cautions that such historical work is not NI 43-101 compliant and has not been verified by a Qualified Person.

A privately operated Carbon-in-Pulp (CIP) plant has recently been commissioned in the area, with a second unit under construction. Once operational, combined capacity is expected to reach up to 620 tonnes per day (~30 tph). This facility is situated on a Processing Licence (PCL) located within one of Tembo's MLs.

LVG, through its local subsidiary, MIPCCL, holds a Joint Venture interest in 20 Primary Mining Licences (PMLs) adjacent to its MLs, offering multiple potential ore sources.

The owner of the PCL has expressed an interest in forming a joint venture with MIPCCL to mine and process material from both the MLs and PMLs. A non-binding Letter of Intent is currently being prepared to guide ongoing discussions.

Management Commentary

"This potential partnership could represent a unique opportunity to establish early, low-capital-cost production from Tembo while continuing to unlock the district's exploration upside," said Marc Cernovitch, President and CEO of Lake Victoria Gold. "We remain committed to advancing Tembo through both strategic exploration and disciplined project development."

Simon Benstead, Executive Chairman and CFO, commented: "Tembo has always stood out as a project with the potential to deliver both near-term value and long-term discovery upside. Evaluating this small-scale production opportunity allows us to test the system, generate operational insights, and potentially self-fund ongoing exploration. We believe this approach aligns well with our disciplined strategy and our commitment to responsible, phased development in Tanzania."

Cautionary Statement Regarding Preliminary Development Concepts

The Company cautions that the assessment of potential development opportunities at the Tembo Project is at a preliminary stage and is not based on a mineral resource estimate or any economic analysis such as a Feasibility Study. As such, there are significant technical and economic uncertainties that remain unresolved, including but not limited to metallurgical recoveries, grade continuity, mineability, permitting, processing capacity, capital and operating costs, and the availability of financing. Any reference to potential development scenarios is conceptual in nature and should not be construed as an indication that an economic or technical case has been established for mining at the Tembo Project.

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Scott is a Director and Officer of the Company.

About Lake Victoria Gold (LVG):

Lake Victoria Gold is a rapidly growing gold exploration and development company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LVG. Leveraging our unique position and experience, the Company is principally focused on growth and consolidation in the highly prolific and prospective Lake Victoria Goldfield in Tanzania.

The Company has a 100% interest in the Tembo project which has over 50 thousand meters of drilling and is located adjacent to Barrick's Bulyanhulu Mine. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Imwelo Project which is a fully permitted gold project west of AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine. With historical resource estimates and a 2021 pre-feasibility study, the project is fully permitted for mine construction and production, positioning it as a near-term development opportunity.

LVG has assembled a highly experienced team with a track record of developing, financing, and operating mining projects in Africa with management, directors and partners owning more than 60% of the shares. Notably, the Company is grateful for the validation that comes with the support and equity investment from Barrick Gold and recent strategic partnership with Taifa Group.

Taifa Group (a diverse group of companies with interests in amongst others, Mining, Telecoms, Oil & Gas, Agri Business, Pharmaceuticals and Leather) has entered into an agreement with the Company to obtain an equity stake in the Company and through its wholly owned subsidiary Taifa Mining (a wholly Tanzanian owned company), or other nominees. Taifa Mining will also carry out all the contract mining and civil works for the Imwelo project. Taifa Mining is Tanzania's largest mining contractor with over 30 years mining related experience. Taifa have been the contractor of choice to most mines in Tanzania and have maintained long and successful relationships with companies such as Petra, De Beers, Barrick, and AngloGold Ashanti. In addition, Taifa also owns the largest fleet of mining equipment in Tanzania. As a company, Taifa is committed to adopting and adhering to the latest internationally recognized standards throughout all aspects of its business.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including: future exploration and development plans with respect to the Imwelo Project, contract work on the Imwelo Project by Taifa Mining, securing additional financing for the development costs of the Imwelo project, the closing of the acquisition of the Imwelo Project and the concurrent financing, including the satisfaction of the closing conditions thereunder, and receipt of all regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the acquisition and financing. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made.

Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond LVG's control, including risks associated with or related to: the completion of the acquisition of the Imwelo project, the concurrent financing and related transactions, including receipt of all regulatory approvals and third-party consents, the volatility of metal prices and LVG's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving development or production, cost or other estimates; actual exploration or development plans and costs differing materially from the Company's estimates; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Tanzania and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally, including in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for LVG's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and LVG's reputation; and other risks disclosed in the Company's public filings.

LVG's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. LVG does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities LVG will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249608

SOURCE: Lake Victoria Gold Ltd.
XP Power Ltd - Result of AGM

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 24

24 April 2025

XP Power Limited

("XP Power" or "the Company")

Result of Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of XP Power Limited was held at 19 Tai Seng Avenue, #07-01, Singapore 534054 on 24 April 2025, commencing at 5.00 p.m. Singapore time. All of the resolutions were voted upon by poll and were approved by shareholders, with the exception of Resolution 13, the advisory vote on the Directors' Remuneration Report which was not passed.

The total number of ordinary shares in issue is 27,932,178 (excluding shares held in treasury). The results of the poll for each resolution are as follows:

Resolution number Resolution description In Favour Against Withheld Votes %age Votes %age Votes 1 To receive the reports and audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 21,589,277 99.93% 14,163 0.07% 85,830 2 To re-elect Jamie Pike as a Director 16,827,562 77.80% 4,801,146 22.20% 60,562 3 To re-elect Gavin Griggs as a Director 17,993,090 84.51% 3,298,618 15.49% 397,562 4 To re-elect Pauline Lafferty as a Director 18,842,223 87.12% 2,785,735 12.88% 61,312 5 To re-elect Matt Webb as a Director 18,959,090 87.66% 2,669,618 12.34% 60,562 6 To re-elect Andy Sng as a Director 18,958,340 87.65% 2,670,368 12.35% 60,562 7 To re-elect Amina Hamidi as a Director 18,958,340 87.66% 2,669,618 12.34% 61,312 8 To re-elect Sandra Breene as a Director 18,958,317 87.66% 2,669,641 12.34% 61,312 9 To re-elect Polly Williams as a Director 18,932,081 87.54% 2,695,877 12.46% 61,312 10 To re-elect Daniel Shook as a Director 21,586,967 99.81% 40,991 0.19% 61,312 11 To reappoint PwC LLP as Auditor of the Company 21,382,151 99.11% 191,479 0.89% 115,640 12 To authorise the Directors to determine the Auditor's remuneration 21,622,708 99.70% 66,057 0.30% 505 13 To receive and adopt the Directors' Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 December 2024 9,751,317 48.38% 10,404,802 51.62% 1,533,151 14 To approve the Directors' fees of up to 600,000 21,611,311 99.64% 77,355 0.36% 604 15 To authorise the Directors to allot shares up to two thirds of the Company's issued share capital 16,233,097 74.85% 5,455,668 25.15% 505 16 To authorise the Directors to allot ordinary shares on a non pre-emptive basis 21,511,497 99.18% 177,268 0.82% 505 17 To authorise the Directors to allot ordinary shares on a non pre-emptive basis for acquisitions or capital investments 20,532,251 94.67% 1,156,514 5.33% 505 18 To authorise the Company to purchase its own shares 21,614,377 99.93% 14,388 0.07% 60,505

Whilst the Board is pleased that all other resolutions were passed with large majorities, the Board notes that Resolution 2, the re-appointment of Jamie Pike was passed with 22.20% of votes cast against, Resolution 13, the advisory vote on the Remuneration Report was not passed with 51.62% of votes cast against and Resolution 15, the authority for the Directors to allot shares up to two thirds of the Company's issued share capital was passed with 25.15% of votes cast against. The Company takes the outcome of shareholder votes extremely seriously and will engage with shareholders to fully understand their concerns in relation to the number of votes recorded not in favour of resolutions 2, 13 and 15 to ensure their feedback continues to inform the Company's approach to governance and remuneration matters. An update on the engagement with shareholders and on any action taken as a result, will be published within six months of today's AGM, in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Notes:

Resolutions 1 to 12 and 14 to 15 (inclusive) were passed as ordinary resolutions and resolution 13 was not passed as an ordinary resolution. Resolutions 16 to 18 (inclusive) were passed as special resolutions. The full text of the resolutions is set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting, a copy of which is on the Company's website https://corporate.xppower.com/investors/general-meetings and has also been made available for inspection through the National Storage Mechanism which can be found at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism The total votes cast amounted to 21,688,765, representing 77.65 per cent. of the Company's issued share capital (excluding shares held in treasury). Any proxy appointments which gave discretion to the Chairman have been included in the "Votes In Favour" total. A "Vote Withheld" is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion for the "Votes In Favour" and "Votes Against" a resolution.

Enquiries:
DUBAI, UAE, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, now offers cashback in both of the dominant USD-denominated stablecoins for Bybit Card holders. With the introduction of USDC cashback in addition to USDT, BTC, and ecosystem partner token AVAX, Bybit Card holders may now earn rewards in a cryptocurrency of their choice through daily spendings.

Starting Apr. 18, Bybit Card holders will be able to diversify their cashback earnings into USDC. Once approved, new users will receive a virtual card compatible with Apple Pay or Google Pay, and be invited to choose a default cashback option on the Card Rewards page after logging in.

Depending on the cardholder's VIP level, they may receive up to 10% or $150 in cashback for eligible spending.

One of the most popular stablecoins worldwide, USDC is a game-changing financial innovation with standout features:

Stable : Fully backed by cash and cash-equivalent assets, always redeemable 1:1 for USD.

: Fully backed by cash and cash-equivalent assets, always redeemable 1:1 for USD. Frictionless : USDC can be moved across borders with instant finality at minimal cost.

: USDC can be moved across borders with instant finality at minimal cost. Open: Available 24/7, making it easy to send, spend, or save anytime.

"The Bybit Card is about crafting an inclusive experience for our diverse customers. The introduction of the USDC cashback option is tailored for cardholders prioritizing stable returns, and we are looking to expand the range of rewards as the Bybit Card continues to grow," said Joan Han, Head of the Payment Business Unit at Bybit.

With more than 1.7 million cards issued globally, the Bybit Card offers a nimble solution for users to top up, spend, and earn yield and rewards, with their digital assets. Bybit Card holders are swipes away from their payment and spending needs with the virtual or physical card, accessible anywhere within the global Mastercard network.

Key Features of the Bybit Card:

Instant virtual card: users will get a versatile card instantly, compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

users will get a versatile card instantly, compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay. 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 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: USDC, USDT, 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

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

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The experienced San Diego based therapists at Park Mental Health act as guides to building the skills and understanding necessary to foster healthier relationships. A child's well-being is in the hands of caretakers and parents, but what happens when those hands are harmful? Often rooted in family dynamics, childhood trauma is ground zero for how an adolescent is shaped as an adult and a breeding ground for mental illness.

Childhood trauma wreaks havoc on its victim's physiology as they are significantly more likely to develop mental illness later in life if it isn't addressed. From depression and anxiety to PTSD and substance use disorders, the emotional and psychological scars can last well into adulthood.

"The stress of abuse interferes with the healthy development of a child's brain, impairing a child's nervous and immune system," said Park Mental Health Program Director Mikayla Weathers, LMFT.

The cost is severe and extensive, affecting the victim's lifespan and family's bond, and has societal impacts on medical care for ongoing mental health treatment. It further affects the community by imposing a greater risk of living in underprivileged conditions, developed criminal behavior and increased dropout rates.

When it comes to child abuse, one in every four girls and one in 13 boys in the U.S. are estimated to have been victims of it, according to the Center for Disease Control in 2024.

The cycle of abuse is complex and terrifying.

"Not only are children who were abused at an increased risk for violence against themselves and/or others by mirroring how they were treated, they can also develop predisposition toward substance use, engage in dangerous sexual behaviors, and develop a poor response to treatment later on," Weathers said.

Children often blame themselves for the abuse they experienced, which can lead them to use negative coping strategies to deal with their anger, overwhelm and depression. Behaviors such as avoidance or acting out, drug use and self-harm, can ultimately develop into social isolation, panic, suicidal ideation and/or attempts. As part of its model, Park Mental Health clinical staff implements prevention strategies and early intervention across its programs. Using the Family Systems Therapy (FST) comprehensive treatment model, family members are shown how the behaviors, emotions, and struggles of one person have a ripple effect on the whole family.

"The importance of encouraging adults to develop loving, respectful relationships with their children cannot be overstated," Weathers said.

Family Systems Therapy guides families toward healthier behavior patterns and away from dysfunction by fostering awareness and understanding.

"We use a variety of techniques such as role-playing, reframing (viewing problems from different perspectives), and boundary-setting to help family members communicate more effectively and understand each other better so they can begin to heal." For families struggling with issues related to mental health, addiction, or communication, Family Systems Therapy can improve the dynamic by helping them develop new ways of coping.

SOURCE: Park Mental Health
Topas Therapeutics today announced that it will present clinical Phase 2a data on its lead candidate, TPM502, in celiac disease patients at the upcoming Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2025, held from May 3-6, 2025, in San Diego, CA. TPM502 comprises a tolerizing nanoparticle mixture that carries the crucial gluten epitopes for HLA-DQ2.5, present in most celiac disease patients. In October of last year, the company announced positive topline results from its Phase 2a trial evaluating TPM502, showing persistent, antigen-specific tolerogenic effects in patients with celiac disease.

The abstract was selected for presentation in two sessions at DDW. Further details are listed below and available for registered attendees on the DDW conference website.

Session Title: American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Science Plenary

Session Date Time: Monday, May 5th, 08:00 9:30 am PDT

Abstract Title: 621Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacodynamic Effects of TPM502, a Mixture of Tolerizing Nanoparticles for Treatment of Celiac Disease (CeD)

Presenter: Knut Lundin, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator of the Phase 2a study and Professor and Head of Clinical Education at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo

Session Title: AGA Presidential Plenary: AGA at its Best and the Best of AGA

Session Date Time: Monday, May 5th, 10:00 11:30 am PDT

Abstract Title: Sp832: Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacodynamic Effects of TPM502, a Mixture of Tolerizing Nanoparticles for Treatment of Celiac Disease (CeD)

Presenter: Knut Lundin, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator of the Phase 2a study and Professor and Head of Clinical Education at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo

About Topas Therapeutics

Topas Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company, is advancing a highly differentiated and versatile approach to establish immune tolerance in autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. Topas' proprietary platform comprises antigen-coupled nanoparticles which target liver sinusoidal endothelial cells to drive T cells toward tolerance. The topline readout from our Phase 2a clinical trial in celiac disease validates the potential of this new drug modality and its potential to address a broad range of immune-mediated indications, positioning us to deliver significant therapeutic benefits to patients.

About Digestive Disease Week

Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW is an in-person and online meeting from May 3-6, 2025. The meeting showcases more than 5,600 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology. More information can be found at www.ddw.org

For further information: https://topas-therapeutics.com/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424473586/en/

Contacts:

Topas Therapeutics

Alex Marshall PhD MBA

Chief Business Officer

info@topas-therapeutics.com

Trophic Communications

Eva Mulder

Phone: +31 65 2331 579

topas@trophic.eu
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Record Resources Inc. (TSXV: REC) reports it has acquired more hydrogen claims in the Lake Temiskaming hydrogen camp.

The company has acquired the Lorrain hydrogen property which is strategically located between its recently acquired Lorrain-Bucke property and its Paradis Bay hydrogen property. The news follows on the recent discovery of hydrogen in lake samples on its Lorrain-Bucke property (Record Resources news release, April 7, 2025).

Also, on April 10, 2024, partner and neighbour, Quebec Innovative Materials Corp (QIMC), Laval, Quebec reported "new high hydrogen concentrations of 21,882 PPM (2.19%) and 21,055 PPM (2.11%) on its Lake Temiskaming property.

The Lorrain property on its northern boundary is contiguous to Record Resources' Paradis Bay property. The northern boundary of Paradis Bay is contiguous to the Lorrain-Bucke properties completing a chain of properties stretching 30 kilometres along the eastward-dipping Lake Timiskaming West Shore Fault system. See Figure 1 below.

In this area, the sedimentary and volcanic formations dip westward and potentially create structural and hydrological conditions that can trap the accumulation of gases that contain hydrogen as previously described in press releases (See Record Resources news releases of January 14, and March 18 2025).

The string of properties are strategically located, between major rift faults that are part of the Lake Temiskaming Graben structure, a tectonic feature recognized for its potential to host deep mantle-derived volatile-rich sources, including hydrogen.

As previously described Lake Timiskaming is located on the eastern boundary of a rift zone approximately 50 kilometres wide bounded by a series of northwest-southeast trending faults. This zone has been more recently tectonically reactivated during the Mesozoic Ottawa-St. Lawrence rifting episode. It is probable that temperatures at the base of the Timiskaming graben will be substantial enough to promote the production of hydrogen at the required rates.

The potential for natural hydrogen is further enhanced by shallow depths to the Precambrian basement that include tholeiitic basalts ultramafic rocks and granite exposed both in the area of the Lorrain property and on the northern and eastern portions of the Rift basin in neighbouring Quebec.

On the southern margins of the Lorrain property, the Cobalt Groups metasedimentary formations and the Nipissing diabase sill and dikes are seen to onlap toward the south over the Precambrian basement units. The northwardly dips and plunges of folds grading from exposures of basement rock can promote the infiltration of surface water into the deeper parts of the basement and promote serpentinization of the Archaean basalt and ultramafic units to produce free hydrogen.

Lorrain property consists of 110 claim cells. Record Resources will issue an aggregate of 2,400,000 common shares to a group of arm's length vendors, namely Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd., 1544230 Ontario Inc and 0761585 BC Ltd. and make a single cash payment of $24,000.

A 2% Gross Revenue Royalty (GRR) shall be granted from the sale of hydrogen or any other mineral product from the property. Record may purchase from the vendors, at its sole option, 50% of the GRR at any time for $2,000,000. The option agreement was signed on April 14, 2025. No finders fees were paid. The agreement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes", an or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would" , "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: approval of the Private Placement and obtaining a full revocation order. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the market acceptance of the Private Placement; the ability of the Company to obtain a full revocation order and the receipt of all required approvals in connection with the foregoing. Forward looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market price for securities; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, court or regulatory approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. 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 the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

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.

The Units and the securities comprising the Units have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor shall there be any sale of securities in the Unites States, or any other jurisdiction, in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.

Figure 1: Map courtesy Perry English from OGS Map M236 and Quebec Innovative Material news releases in 2024.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1769/249652_86b917b794da08e6_001full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249652

SOURCE: Record Resources Inc.
Poster presentation to highlight new data on MammaPrint and BluePrint utility for informing axillary surgery decisions in the neoadjuvant setting.

Agendia to present at Breast Fellows University Annual Meeting and host Educational Dinner Symposium to discuss clinical utility of genomic tests for breast surgeons.

Agendia, Inc., announced today that new MammaPrint and BluePrint data and their ability to inform axillary surgery decisions in the neoadjuvant setting will be presented at the 26th American Society of Breast Surgeons Annual Meeting (ASBrS), taking place in Las Vegas, NV, April 30 May 4, 2025.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250422639676/en/

This conference brings together leading experts in breast surgery and research to discuss the latest advancements within the industry. Agendia will highlight new real-world data on MammaPrint and BluePrint in a poster presentation. The information on the poster presentation can be found below:

Poster Presentation:

Title : Real World Evidence of MammaPrint and BluePrint utility for informing axillary surgery decisions in the neoadjuvant setting

: Real World Evidence of MammaPrint and BluePrint utility for informing axillary surgery decisions in the neoadjuvant setting Date and Time : Friday, May 2, 6:00-7:30 PM PST

: Friday, May 2, 6:00-7:30 PM PST Location : Bellagio, Grand Ballroom 1-3

Agendia will also participate in the Breast Fellows University Annual Meeting, an educational seminar for breast surgeon fellows that runs concurrently with ASBrS:

Breast Fellows University:

Spotlight Presentation : Presenter : Beth DuPree MD, FACS, ABOIM, Breast Surgeon, Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeons, Redeemer Health Date and Time: Thursday, May 1, 12:05 PM PST

: Industry Workshop: Presenter: Christy Page, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNP, Medical Science Liaison, Agendia Date and Time: Thursday May 1, 10:00 AM PST



Educational Dinner Symposium:

Agendia will also host an educational Dinner Symposium on Friday, May 2nd from 7:30 -9:00 PM PST in the Bellagio Rooms 3, 4 7. Jamie Alberty, MD, FACS, Director of Breast Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Center, Kings County Hospital, and Beth DuPree, MD FACS, ABOIM, Redeemer Health will discuss the latest data and clinical utility of MammaPrint and BluePrint for guiding neoadjuvant treatment and surgical intervention. The session will include case studies and an opportunity for an open discussion with the speakers. Register here to attend. (Registration closes April 28th

"Our participation at ASBrS 2025 underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing breast cancer care by expanding clinical evidence for our MammaPrint and BluePrint genomic assays," said William Audeh, MD, MS, Chief Medical Officer at Agendia. "By providing breast surgeons with insights into how they can integrate genomic insight tests into their treatment decision making, we aim to help ensure every patient receives care tailored to their unique needs. This annual meeting is a valuable opportunity to collaborate and inspire progress in the fight against breast cancer."

Agendia will also be available throughout the conference at booth #213. To learn more about Agendia and its genomic tests, please visit: https://agendia.com/

About Agendia

Agendia is a leading provider of innovative solutions in the field of precision oncology. With a focus on early-stage breast cancer, Agendia offers reliable biological insights that inform personalized treatment decisions for patients and their care teams. Their advanced genomic assays, MammaPrint BluePrint, enable clinicians to quickly identify the most effective treatment plan, minimizing the risk of both under- and over-treatment.

Agendia was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Amsterdam with its state-of-the-art laboratory facility located in Irvine, CA. Led by world-renowned scientists and oncologists, Agendia is committed to advancing genomic insights through ongoing research. This includes the notable FLEX Study the world's largest whole transcriptome Real-World Evidence-based Breast Cancer database which aims to revolutionize precision in breast cancer management. With cutting-edge technology, research and innovation, Agendia strives to shape the future of precision oncology and make a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer.

About MammaPrint

MammaPrint is a gene expression profiling test that reveals the distinct underlying biology of an early-stage tumor to determine its risk of spreading. As the only FDA-cleared gene expression profiling test to assess a woman's risk of distant metastasis, MammaPrint provides critical answers that help inform the future of her treatment plan at the point of diagnosis, including the timing and benefit to chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. MammaPrint listens to the signals from 70 key genes in a woman's tumor to stratify her risk within four distinct categories ranging from UltraLow, Low, High 1, and High 2- to fuel a right-sized care plan tailored to her biology and her life's plans.

About BluePrint

BluePrint is a gene expression profiling test that reveals the driving forces behind a tumor's growth at the earliest stage possible in a woman's breast cancer care journey to help optimize and personalize treatment planning. As the only molecular subtyping test available in the U.S., BluePrint goes where pathology cannot, offers critical insights that providers may otherwise have not known to act on, and gives women the best chance to return to a life not defined by cancer. BluePrint measures the activity of 80 key genes that are involved in a tumor's growth to classify a tumor as Luminal-type, HER2-type, or Basal-type, each of which warrant distinct treatment pathways. By revealing the distinct underlying biology of a woman's tumor, BluePrint can catch often misclassified, yet highly aggressive, Basal tumors, so women can be prescribed the most appropriate treatment from the start.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250422639676/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact



Elizabeth Grufferman

ICR Healthcare PR

Tel: 203-682-4726

Elizabeth.Grufferman@icrhealthcare.com
Curiosity Cube tours Europe, North America, and for the first time, Africa

Mobile science lab aims to reach 60,000 students in 19 countries

Interactive lessons on artificial intelligence designed to spark students' curiosity in STEM

Merck, a leading science and technology company, today launched its global 2025 Curiosity Cube tour in Darmstadt, Germany. The solar-powered mobile science labs will bring hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) experiences to students across Europe, North America, and for the first time, Africa. In 2025, the tour aims to reach 60,000 students worldwide. The initiative underscores Merck's commitment to inspiring enthusiasm for science and technology. Merck today also opened its Curiosity Labs STEM Center in Darmstadt with 11 interactive science lessons to complement the Curiosity Cube experience for local students year-round.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424271266/en/

The mobile science labs tour Europe, North America and for the first time, Africa.

"With technological advances and scientific breakthroughs reshaping the world, it has never been more important to inspire early interest in STEM careers and prove that science can be fun," said Tim M. Jaeger, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for the Life Science business sector of Merck. "With the Curiosity Cube, we are breaking down barriers to science education by bringing hands-on experiments directly to students in their local communities. This year, our new AI-focused lessons offer students a glimpse into the future of technology, while making science accessible and showing children that science is exciting."

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform daily life and work, it's crucial that students understand how it functions and how to use it responsibly. These early, hands-on experiences foster critical thinking and equip young people with the digital fluency they need to thrive in the future. In 2025, the Curiosity Cube introduces lessons on AI using a variety of learning tools and technologies, allowing students to explore:

Differences between AI-generated images and real photos to better understand digital authenticity.

How AI learns through experience and pattern recognition just like the human brain.

Mechanics behind AI-powered self-driving cars through hands-on activities in machine learning.

The Curiosity Cube will make its debut in Africa on June 10, 2025, with 100 events planned across Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. This expansion complements Merck's ongoing efforts to make science education more accessible and provide students around the world with interactive STEM learning experiences.

The Curiosity Cube's European tour will include more than 130 events, travelling to Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the U.K.

The seventh North American tour with 140 scheduled events will include visits to major cities across the U.S. and Canada, including Austin, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Seattle, St. Louis, Toronto and more.

To learn more about the Curiosity Cube and view the 2025 tour schedule, visit TheCuriosityCube.com and follow @curiositycube_merck on Instagram.

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck generated sales of 21.2 billion in 65 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck's technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

All Merck press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424271266/en/

Contacts:

Media Relations

jenny.wuestner@merckgroup.com

Phone: +49 151 1454 3158
-Clinical-stage company targeting fundamental drivers of inflammation, autoimmunity and fibrosis, founded by Versant Ventures and Novartis Venture Fund-

-Series B financing led by Forbion and Sanofi Ventures-

-Antibody programs developed in collaboration with Versant's Ridgeline Discovery Engine in Basel-

Granite Bio AG, a clinical-stage immunology company, has emerged from stealth with $100 million in funding. This includes a $30 million Series A led by founding investors Versant Ventures and Novartis Venture Fund, and a $70 million Series B led by Forbion and Sanofi Ventures.

Granite's pipeline features two first-in-class antibodies targeting multiple autoimmune diseases that address large market opportunities.

GRT-001 depletes pro-inflammatory monocytes, key drivers of autoimmunity and inflammation. In non-human primate studies, GRT-001 efficiently and dose-dependently depleted pro-inflammatory monocytes. Treatment was well tolerated and spared tissue-resident macrophages, which are important for tissue homeostasis. GRT-001 is currently in Phase 1a testing in healthy volunteers and is expected to enter a Phase 1b trial in patients with inflammatory bowel disease later this year.

GRT-002 blocks interleukin-3, a key player in autoimmune inflammation and type II inflammation, offering a new approach to treating itch and allergy. The molecule is in preclinical development and is expected to enter clinical trials in 2026.

Both of Granite's lead molecules were developed in collaboration with Versant's Ridgeline Discovery Engine in Basel, Switzerland, and originated from the laboratories of Professor and Scientific Co-Founder Matthias Mack at University of Regensburg.

"Granite is pioneering a new approach to tackling inflammation, autoimmunity, and fibrosis by addressing fundamental disease drivers at their source," said Patrick Loustau, president and CEO. "With the support of an exceptional investor syndicate and a world-class team, we are advancing a pipeline of first-in-class therapies with the potential to transform patient outcomes. I look forward to working with the management team to deliver groundbreaking treatments that address the urgent unmet needs in immunology and beyond."

"Despite multiple immunology-based therapeutic approaches currently commercialized, patients with inflammatory disorders continue to experience a lack of symptom control and relapse," said Nigel Sheail, partner at Versant and Granite board member. "Granite has the potential to enable a real step change for patients with its innovative programs that target key fundamental disease pathways."

"I am proud to support Granite as it advances its lead assets using a truly differentiated approach to tackling inflammation at its root," said Rogier Rooswinkel, Ph.D., General Partner at Forbion and Granite board member. "With the strength of this investor syndicate and an exceptional leadership team, Granite is well-positioned to drive its pipeline forward and deliver meaningful new therapies for patients."

Leadership team

Granite is led by an experienced team including:

Patrick Loustau, president and CEO, brings broad and successful experience in building and developing organizations in biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Prior to joining Granite Bio, he was the CBO of Amolyt Pharma until its acquisition by Alexion (AstraZeneca Rare Disease) for up to $1.05B in July 2024. Before Amolyt, he was CEO of Zumbro Discovery Inc. and president of Zafgen Inc. Earlier in his career, he led global organizations at Bristol Myers-Squibb and Novo Nordisk.

Dominik Hartl, M.D., CMO, has extensive background in immunology and fibrosis drug development. He previously served as CMO for Quell Therapeutics, a company specialized in immune-mediated diseases. Before that, he held leadership positions in Immunology Drug Development/Translational Medicine at Novartis (NIBR/Immunology), Roche (pRED/I2O) and Galapagos Pharma. Dominik is a board-certified M.D. and holds an adjunct professorship in Pediatric Immunology at University of Tubingen.

Gijs van den Brink, M.D., Ph.D., CSO, possesses deep academic and industry experience in immunology and IBD. Currently also an Operating Partner at Forbion, he previously served as SVP and Global Head of Immunology, CVM, ID, and Ophthalmology Discovery and Early Development at Roche. Before that, Dr. van den Brink was head of Immunology discovery and early and late-stage clinical development at GlaxoSmithKline plc. Gijs previously was a gastroenterologist and professor of experimental gastroenterology and co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Eliot Forster, chairperson of the board, has more than 30 years of extensive biotech experience from both executive and non-executive roles. He was CEO of F-star Therapeutics until its acquisition by inovX Pharma LTD in March 2023, and formerly CEO of Immunocore. Eliot is currently CEO of Levicept LTD, non-executive chair of Tessellate BIO and a director at Immatics.

About Granite Bio

Granite Bio is a biotechnology company developing first-in-class antibodies that target the root causes of a variety of inflammatory, autoimmune and fibrotic conditions. Granite is backed by leading healthcare venture firms including Versant Ventures, Novartis Venture Fund, Forbion and Sanofi Ventures. For more information, please visit www.GRANITEBIO.com

About Versant Ventures

Versant Ventures is a leading healthcare venture capital firm committed to helping exceptional entrepreneurs build the next generation of great companies. The firm's emphasis is on biotechnology companies that are discovering and developing novel therapeutics. With $5.3 billion under management and offices in the U.S., Canada and Europe, Versant has built a team with deep investment, operating and R&D expertise that enables a hands-on approach to company building. Since the firm's founding in 1999, more than 95 Versant companies have achieved successful acquisitions or IPOs. For more information, please visit www.versantventures.com.

About NVF

Novartis Venture Fund is a financially driven corporate life science venture fund whose purpose is to foster innovation, drive significant patient benefit and generate superior returns by creating and investing in innovative life science companies at various stages of their development. For more information, go to www.nvfund.com.

About Forbion

Forbion is a leading global venture capital firm with deep expertise in Europe and offices in Naarden, The Netherlands, Munich, Germany and Boston, USA. Forbion invests in innovative biotech companies, managing approximately 5 billion across multiple fund strategies that cover all stages of (bio-) pharmaceutical drug development. In addition, Forbion leverages its biotech expertise beyond human health to address 'planetary health' challenges through its BioEconomy fund strategy, which invests in companies developing sustainable solutions in food, agriculture, materials, and environmental technologies. Forbion's team consists of over 30 investment professionals that have built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with 128 investments across 11 funds. Forbion's record of sourcing, building and guiding life sciences companies has resulted in many approved breakthrough therapies and valuable exits. Forbion typically selects impactful investments that will positively affect the health and well-being of people and the planet, as well as meet its financial return objectives. The firm is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Forbion operates a joint venture with BGV, the manager of seed and early-stage funds, especially focused on Benelux and Germany.

About Sanofi Ventures

Sanofi Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Sanofi, focused on investing in promising early-stage healthcare companies. The firm supports pioneering innovations in biotechnology, digital health, and life sciences aligning with Sanofi's mission to bring life-changing treatments to patients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sanofiventures.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424328454/en/

Contacts:

Granite Bio contact:

Steve Edelson

sedelson@versantventures.com

415-801-8088
Presentations will be delivered by experts from a wide variety of leading research groups including Pfizer, GSK, and Bio-Techne, along with co-hosts IPA, ACROBiosystems, and Curia.

SALT LAKE CITY, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carterra Inc., the world leader in enabling high-throughput biology, is partnering with co-hosts ImmunoPrecise Antibodies (IPA), ACROBiosystems, and Curia to offer its 2025 symposia series titled, "Unlocking High-Throughput Biology in Drug Discovery." The series will feature four, one-day events across key cities in the U.S. and Europe. The event locations and dates are as follows:

May 6, 2025: Boston, Massachusetts, USA

June 4, 2025: Munich, Germany

June 6, 2025: Cambridge, United Kingdom

June 24, 2025: San Francisco, California, USA

The symposia are tailored for the drug discovery scientist. Topics will cover antibody and large molecule through small molecule discovery, including cutting-edge areas such as machine learning and AI approaches for protein engineering, emerging oncology targets, engineering of bispecific and multifunctional antibodies, library generation, biophysical characterization, and high-definition epitope binning to enable novel biotherapeutics, among others.

Speakers for the events will include leading scientists from The Institute for Protein Innovation (IPI), Pfizer, GSK, ACROBiosystems, Bio-Techne, Curia, ImmunoPrecise Antibodies (IPA), Ordaos, The Pirbright Institute, University of Oxford, and University of Pennsylvania.

Carterra will also be presenting for the first time data from its newly launched Carterra Ultra platform. Announced in September 2024, the Ultra instrument provides a full complement of small and large molecule applications while reprising gold-standard SPR detection, high-throughput, and the minimal sample requirements of Carterra's LSA and LSAXT systems.

Chris Silva, VP of Marketing and Product at Carterra stated, "Past attendees of Carterra's symposia have shared their enthusiasm highlighting the wide variety of presentations as well as the collaborative, open environment as reasons to attend. We're looking forward to record attendance and premium content again this year."

In addition to scheduled talks, this event is designed to provide ample time for scientific discussion and networking. Lunch is included and the event is free to attend. Early registration is encouraged to guarantee availability: https://carterra-bio.com/free-symposia-2025-unlocking-high-throughput-biology/

Media Contact:

Cheri Salazar

(408) 594-9400

csalazar@carterra-bio.com

About Carterra, Inc.

Carterra is a leading provider of innovative technologies designed to accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic candidates. Carterra's high throughput LSA, LSAXT, and Ultra platforms for monoclonal antibody (mAb) and small molecule screening and characterization combine patented microfluidics technology with real-time High-Throughput Surface Plasmon Resonance (HT-SPR) and industry-leading analysis and visualization software. These systems deliver up to 100 times the throughput in 10% of the time while using only 1% of the sample compared to existing label-free platforms. The LSAXT and Ultra instruments introduce enhancements to Carterra's flagship product, the LSA, increasing sensitivity and enabling new applications in biotherapeutic discovery and small molecule analysis.
Co-founder and current CEO, Ryan Lasmaili, assumes the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) as the company scales up.

Vaultree, a pioneer in Next-Generation Secure Data Enablement Solutions, has appointed David Currie as the new CEO. Previously an advisor to the Vaultree board for four years, David is an incredibly accomplished cybersecurity professional with a strong background in information security and risk management, and a wealth of leadership experience in highly technical organizations.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424816122/en/

David Currie, CEO, Vaultree

A renowned industry veteran, David previously held the role of Chief Information Security Officer at Nubank, CISO at Klarna, and Group CISO at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. Other notable positions include Head of Information Security at Visa and Global Head of Cryptography at Barclays.

Commenting on the appointment, Ryan Lasmaili, the newly appointed Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Vaultree, says: "David has a deep understanding of encryption and has built technical engineering teams responsible for developing cryptographic products. As a result, he is one of the most encryption-savvy CISOs in the market today."

"As we navigate the next stage of our growth, it makes absolute sense for David who not only has a passion for encryption, but great market, product and customer understanding to take the helm and drive Vaultree on to future success," adds Lasmaili.

Ryan Lasmaili takes up the mantle of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), working alongside David, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Tilo Weigandt, and other key members of the board and leadership team as he drives increasingly outcome-focused results. This includes shaping Vaultree's strategy, building strategic partnerships and customer relationships, as well as leading investor relations.

These two leadership announcements mark the next stage of evolution for Vaultree. As the company prepares for growth, these strategic appointments are fueling its transition and mark a pivotal moment for Vaultree as it scales up revenues, builds its global customer base, and accelerates the launch of innovative, class-leading data-in-use encryption solutions.

David Currie has strong experience in heavily regulated, data-intensive markets such as financial services and government. His wealth of knowledge, combined with Ryan's exemplary skillset and deep tech sector understanding, will ensure that Vaultree, which continues to see strong interest from investors, is well-guided through transformative expansion and strategic development.

"David Currie's extensive experience as a Chief Information Security Officer, combined with his longstanding advisory role at Vaultree-where he's already significantly influenced product development from an end-user's perspective-uniquely positions him to lead the company through its next stage of growth," said Alex Doll, co-founder and managing general partner at Ten Eleven Ventures. "As CEO, David will accelerate Vaultree's mission to deliver next-generation encryption solutions capable of addressing diverse and evolving use cases, from securing AI-driven data pipelines, to sharing data in a safe and useful way through differential privacy techniques, to meeting rigorous data privacy and compliance requirements. With his exceptional technical insight and distinct strategic vision, we're excited about the continued innovation and transformative impact David will bring to Vaultree."

Commenting on the appointment, David Currie, Vaultree CEO, states, "Over the past three decades in previous cybersecurity leadership positions, I've looked for products like Vaultree's Fully Homomorphic Encryption and Searchable Encryption technologies, and Data-In-Use Encryption solutions to address the many challenges I've faced with utilizing and sharing sensitive data. I've been following Vaultree closely, and the company has proved beyond doubt that encrypting data-in-use is now possible. I'm absolutely committed to taking the company forward at this critical stage in its journey, building and maturing the business over the next decade, as it evolves its leadership position in secure data enablement."

Vaultree's new leadership appointments support its strategic growth and commitment to providing value to customers, stakeholders, partners, and employees.

About Vaultree

Vaultree is a pioneering secure data enablement company that specializes in Data-in-Use Encryption. Its innovative technology enables businesses to process, share, search, collaborate, and analyze encrypted data without the need for decryption, ensuring maximum security while maintaining performance. Vaultree's mission is to empower organizations to do more with their data without compromising security or confidentiality. We unlock new advanced data use cases and revenue streams through next-generation encrypted solutions that protect sensitive information and enhance data privacy. For more information, please visit https://www.vaultree.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424816122/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Jim Pople

C8 Consulting for Vaultree

vaultree@c8consulting.co.uk
CCL Industries Inc. (TSX:CCL.A)(TSX:CCL.B) ("CCL" or "the Company") announces with great sadness the passing of Mr. Vincent J. Galifi, a valued member of the Company's Board of Directors.

Mr. Galifi joined the Board in December of 2016 and assumed the role of Chair of Audit Committee in May of 2019. He also served as a member of the Company's Human Resources Committee since May of 2017. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Galifi made invaluable contributions to the Board, consistently providing insightful guidance supported by his financial acumen and strategic expertise.

"Vince's impact on the Company extended well beyond his leadership and wise counsel; he was also a trusted colleague and friend," said Donald G. Lang, Executive Chairman of the Company. "He will be deeply missed."

The Board of Directors and employees of the Company extend their deepest condolences to the Galifi family.

For more information on CCL, visit - www.cclind.com or contact:

Sean Washchuk

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

416-756-8526

Business Description

CCL Industries Inc. employs approximately 26,300 people operating 213 production facilities in 42 countries with corporate offices in Toronto, Canada, and Framingham, Massachusetts. CCL is the world's largest converter of pressure sensitive and specialty extruded film materials for a wide range of decorative, instructional, functional and security applications for government institutions and large global customers in the consumer packaging, healthcare & chemicals, consumer electronic device and automotive markets. Extruded & laminated plastic tubes, aluminum aerosols & specialty bottles, folded instructional leaflets, precision decorated & die cut components, electronic displays, polymer banknote substrate and other complementary products and services are sold in parallel to specific end-use markets. Avery is the world's largest supplier of labels, specialty converted media and software solutions for short-run digital printing applications for businesses and consumers available alongside complementary products sold through distributors, mass market stores and e-commerce retailers. Checkpoint is a leading developer of RF and RFID based technology systems for loss prevention and inventory management applications, including labeling and tagging solutions, for the retail and apparel industries worldwide. Innovia is a leading global producer of specialty, high performance, multi-layer, surface engineered films for label, packaging and security applications. The Company is partly backward integrated into materials science with capabilities in polymer extrusion, adhesive development, coating & lamination, surface engineering and metallurgy; deployed as needed across the four business segments.

SOURCE: CCL Industries Inc.
Western Alaska Minerals Corp. (the "Company" or "WAM") (TSXV:WAM)(Frankfurt:M17)(OTC PINK:WAMFF) is pleased to announce that effective April 25, 2025, the Company will change its name to "Alaska Silver Corp.", subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The rebrand reflects the Company's value, underpinned by the 75 million ounces of silver equivalent at 980 grams per ton in the inferred resource at the Waterpump Creek Deposit ("Waterpump Creek") - a cornerstone of its 100% owned Illinois Creek Project.

"I am excited to announce our name change to Alaska Silver. The name change represents our renewed focus on the exceptional silver value in the district. As such, our planned 2025 drill program will concentrate on expanding the high-grade mineralization at the Waterpump Creek Deposit." stated Kit Marrs, CEO.

Mr. Marrs continues, "Silver continues to prove invaluable both as a superior electrical conductor for industrial uses and as a sound financial investment. While advancing our silver assets, we remain committed to developing the other critical minerals at Illinois Creek, strengthening the Company's overall value proposition."

The Company's subordinate voting shares ("Shares") are expected to commence trading under the Company's new name and under a new CUSIP/ISIN (01176C109 / CA01176C1095) on the TSXV at the opening of business on April 29, 2025. The rebranded website www.alaskasilver.com will be live on Monday, April 28, 2025. The Company's trading symbol will remain the same.

About WAM

Western Alaska Minerals is pioneering North America's next major silver and critical minerals district at the Illinois Creek Project, a prolific 8-km mineral corridor hosting two stand-alone deposits with a new Warm Springs discovery zone in between. The Illinois Creek project claims cover a 100% owned land package of 73,535 acres (115 square miles or 29,758 hectares), located approximately 38 kilometers by road to the region's marine highway, the Yukon River. Anchored by the high-grade silver mineralization of the Waterpump Creek zone, 75 Moz @ 980 g/t AgEq (Inferred), open to the north and south and the historic Illinois Creek mine, 525 Koz AuEq - 373 Koz @ 1.3 g/t AuEq (Indicated), 152 Koz @ 1.44 g/t AuEq (Inferred), WAM's 100% owned carbonate replacement deposit shows significant exploration potential across its entire length. Headquartered in both Alaska and Arizona, Western Alaska Minerals brings together a team with a proven track record of large-scale mine discoveries.

On behalf of the Company

"Kit Marrs"

Kit Marrs

President & CEO

kit@westernalaskaminerals.com

Phone: 1-520-200-1667

For further information, please contact:

Vanessa Bogaert,

Director of Corporate Communications/IR

vanessa@westernalaskaminerals.com

Or visit our website at: www.westernalaskaminerals.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Western Alaska Minerals Corp
Stellantis and Factorial Energy successfully validated automotive-sized solid-state battery cells with 375Wh/kg energy density, a major step toward commercial use

Breakthrough FEST technology enables fast charging from 15% to 90% in 18 minutes

technology enables fast charging from 15% to 90% in 18 minutes The battery cells can operate in temperatures from -30C to 45C (-22F to 113F), with potential for further expansion and demonstrate high power capabilities up to 4C discharge

Stellantis is incorporating Factorial's solid-state batteries into a demonstration fleet by 2026

Stellantis and Factorial Energy's collaboration extends beyond cell development to optimizing pack architecture, improving vehicle integration, and enhancing overall range and cost efficiency

Stellantis N.V. and Factorial Energy (Factorial) today announced the successful validation of Factorial's automotive-sized FEST(Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state battery cells. This achievement marks a significant step forward on the path to bringing next-generation electric vehicle (EV) batteries to market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424693631/en/

?Rendering depicts the integration of Factorial's FEST solid-state battery into the Dodge Charger Daytona's STLA Large platform, highlighting optimized pack placement for reduced weight, enhanced range, and streamlined manufacturing ahead of the 2026 demonstration fleet.

"Reaching this level of performance reflects the strengths of our collaboration with Factorial," said Ned Curic, Stellantis Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. "This breakthrough puts us at the forefront of the solid-state revolution, but we are not stopping there. We continue working together to push the boundaries and deliver even more advanced solutions, bringing us closer to lighter, more efficient batteries that reduce costs for our customers."

Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries offer higher energy density and faster charging. The validated 77Ah FESTcells demonstrated an energy density of 375Wh/kg with over 600 cycles progressing towards automotive qualification, a milestone for large-format lithium-metal solid-state battery. The cells enable a significant reduction in charging time, from 15% to over 90% charge in just 18 minutes at room temperature. Additionally, the cells deliver high power output with discharge rates up to 4C, supporting greater performance demands in electric vehicles.

Factorial's scientific engineering and AI-driven tools developed the latest electrolyte formulation that allows the battery to perform in temperatures ranging from -30C to 45C (-22F to 113F). This surpasses previous solid-state limitations and opens the possibility for better performances across various climates.

"Battery development is about compromise. While optimizing one feature is simple, balancing high energy density, cycle life, fast charging, and safety in an automotive-sized battery with OEM validation is a breakthrough," said Siyu Huang, CEO of Factorial Energy. "This achievement with Stellantis is bringing next-generation battery technology from research to reality."

By closely collaborating on pack design and leveraging this disruptive technology, Stellantis and Factorial are optimizing battery pack architecture to reduce weight and improve overall system efficiency for seamless integration. These weight savings directly enhance vehicle range and support more sustainable and affordable EV solutions.

Building on Stellantis' $75 million investment in Factorial Energy in 2021, this milestone strengthens the strategic collaboration between the two companies. With this achievement, Stellantis will advance its previously announced plan to integrate Factorial's solid-state batteries into a demonstration fleet by 2026. This demonstration fleet represents the next step toward commercializing this promising technology, enabling further validation of Factorial's solid-state batteries and assessment of performance in real-world driving conditions.

About Stellantis

Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA Euronext Milan: STLAM Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world's leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. It's best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

About Factorial Inc.

Founded and headquartered in the United States, Factorial is at the cutting edge of solid-state battery technology, developing solutions that offer longer range per charge, increased safety, and cost competitiveness with conventional lithium-ion batteries. The company's proprietary solid-state platforms FEST(Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) and SolsticeTM utilize electrolyte innovations that enable safe and reliable cell performance with high-capacity cathode and anode materials. Factorial's solid-state batteries are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing manufacturing processes, ensuring scalability and efficiency. The company has established joint development agreements with leading global automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai Motor Company, and Kia Corporation. For more information, visit www.factorialenergy.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424693631/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:



Stellantis

Fernao Silveira, phone +31 6 43 25 43 41, fernao.silveira@stellantis.com

Trevor Dorchies, phone +1 (248) 760-7421, trevor.dorchies@stellantis.com



Factorial Energy

Danielle Kershner, phone: +1 (201) 923-2970, danielle.kershner@factorialenergy.com

Kristin Ford-Glencross, phone: +1 (202) 766-7599, factorial@antennagroup.com
Targeting ~$130M of Fixed Cost Savings in Addition to ~$240M of Ongoing Productivity Savings Over Next 2 Years

Cumulative Savings Expected to Reach ~$1.2B Since Program Initiation in FY21

Regulatory News:

Coty, Inc. (NYSE: COTY) (Paris: COTY), one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care, today launched the next phase of its transformative "All-in to Win" program. The strategic initiative will establish a simplified and scaled operating model, reduce complexity across functions and markets, and sharpen its focus on top innovation and market priorities.

Sue Nabi, CEO of Coty, said: "We are committed to building a stronger, more resilient Coty that is well-positioned for sustainable growth. When we first announced our All-in to Win Program in FY20, at the peak of COVID disruptions, our goal was to boost our margin profile and brand reinvestment firepower through a significantly lower fixed cost structure, supply chain simplification, procurement savings and strategic revenue management initiatives.

The successful implementation of our plans despite the very challenged macro backdrop generated over $700M of savings between FY21-FY24, with over 400 basis points of gross margin expansion, over 400 basis point of A&CP investment expansion, and 130 basis points of EBITDA margin expansion, all while delivering a very strong revenue CAGR of 13% LFL.

With the cyclical and structural changes in the beauty industry and the global economy in recent years, including the rapid acceleration of e-commerce, the consolidation of retail channels and customers, and the new ways of consumer brand discovery, Coty must once again adapt and evolve.

This next phase of our transformation program will further strengthen our operating model and simplify our fixed cost structure. We fully anticipate these changes will strongly position Coty to outperform the beauty market in the coming years, cementing our global leadership position in fragrances while expanding into certain growing and profitable beauty categories, all while steadily expanding our gross margins and EBITDA margins."

Key Pillars of the Next Phase of Transformation:

Scaled Markets and Regions: Coty will be streamlining the organizational structure across key markets to unlock operational efficiencies, reduce duplication and better align with the consolidation in the local and regional retail landscape. These market organizations will be part of a more scaled and agile regional set-up, with the regional leaders empowered to accelerate decision-making and faster execution, in keeping with the rapid evolution in today's global beauty markets.

Coty will be streamlining the organizational structure across key markets to unlock operational efficiencies, reduce duplication and better align with the consolidation in the local and regional retail landscape. These market organizations will be part of a more scaled and agile regional set-up, with the regional leaders empowered to accelerate decision-making and faster execution, in keeping with the rapid evolution in today's global beauty markets. Streamlined Support Functions : Consolidate and centralize support function activities, better aligning with the new regional structures. Coty has already started consolidating demand planning into a single hub, enabled by a state-of-the-art AI-driven demand planning system.

: Consolidate and centralize support function activities, better aligning with the new regional structures. Coty has already started consolidating demand planning into a single hub, enabled by a state-of-the-art AI-driven demand planning system. Boost Innovation Impact : Step-change innovation impact by identifying key launch priorities early in the process, and focus organizational efforts and resources into fewer and more impactful initiatives. These will be supplemented by smaller agile innovations to capture short-term opportunities.

: Step-change innovation impact by identifying key launch priorities early in the process, and focus organizational efforts and resources into fewer and more impactful initiatives. These will be supplemented by smaller agile innovations to capture short-term opportunities. Optimize General Administrative Spending: Structurally reduce non-people fixed costs across all areas of spend.

This newly announced next phase of its All-in to Win program, which will be executed through the first half of FY27, should both significantly strengthen the effectiveness of Coty's operating model and improve efficiency. The program is expected to generate annual fixed cost savings of approximately $130M before taxes, including approximately $80M in FY26 and approximately $50M in FY27.

The one-time cash costs associated with the program are expected to be approximately $80M, roughly evenly split between FY26 and FY27. Coty estimates this initiative to impact approximately 700 positions, following all necessary regulations.

Coty will continue its ongoing productivity program, with FY25 savings on track with its original target of approximately $120M across the P&L, and is committed to the same targeted productivity savings for FY26 and beyond, primarily in supply chain and procurement.

The combination of the fixed cost savings program and ongoing productivity savings is expected to deliver close to $500M of savings between FY25-FY27.

About Coty Inc.

Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. Coty serves consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass market products in over 120 countries and territories. Coty and our brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty; and we are committed to protecting the planet. Learn more at coty.com or on LinkedIn and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424949961/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Olga Levinzon

212-389-7733

Olga_Levinzon@cotyinc.com

Media

Antonia Werther

+31 621 394495

antonia_werther@cotyinc.com
Highlights:

RC Drilling Ongoing on Expansion Area Five holes, totaling 712 meters completed to date First three holes at the lab for analysis, results pending Webinar to detail expansion plans including near-term pilot mine Scheduled for Friday, May 2 nd 10am MT Sign up here: Webinar



Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(WKN: TV3/A2PE64), continues to make significant strides drilling at the Gran Pilar Gold Silver Project in mine-friendly Sonora, Mexico. Current drilling is focused on the 100% controlled expansion area. To date, a total of 712.2 meters of Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling has been completed across five drill holes. Currently samples for three drillholes have been submitted for analysis, results are pending. The Company is hosting a Webinar on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, to provide a detailed update on their progress and plans to unlock Gran Pilar's full potential, including a near-term path towards production. To sign up for the Webinar, please use the following link: Webinar

Figure 1. Planview map of Gran Pilar's southwest corner where current RC drilling is active. Blue traces have been completed. Red traces are pending to be drilled.

Figure 2. Gran Pilar Project Overview, > 22km2 of prospective ground with two primary targets: South Block, the direct extension and expansion of the historic Main Zone defined by an expanding vein field of untested drill targets; North Block a 3.2-km by 1.5-km pyrite and clay alteration zone that coincides with high-grade gold-silver, the area remains largely untested.

Warrant Update

The Company is also pleased to announce that it will amend the terms of 6,626,980 common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants"). The Warrants were previously issued at exercise prices per share of CDN $1.20, $1.30 and $1.40 and are scheduled to expire on June 28, 2025. The proposed amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") will include the following:

(i) an extension to the expiry date of 1,713,490 Warrants exercisable at $1.20 per share until June 28, 2026;

(ii) an extension to the expiry date of 1,713,490 Warrants exercisable at $1.30 per share until June 28, 2026;

(iii) an extension to the expiry date of 3,200,000 Warrants exercisable at $1.40 per share until June 28, 2026; and

(iv) a reduction of the exercise price to CDN $0.90 per share issuable upon exercise of 3,200,000 Warrants from $1.40 per Share.

The Proposed Amendments are subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Subject to the approval of the CSE, the Proposed Amendments will become effective automatically as of the new date and time of expiry of the Warrants. Prior to the original date and time of expiry of the Warrants, the Warrants will remain in force, unamended, per their original terms and conditions. None of the Warrants are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by related parties of the Company and none of the Warrants are listed on the CSE. The Proposed Amendments do not apply to any Warrants issued to finders or agents as compensation.

Holders of the Warrants may contact the Company at ir@tocvan.ca should they have any questions or wish to exercise their Warrants. Subject to the amendments becoming effective, the original certificate representing the Warrants, together with a duly completed exercise form, will be accepted together with payment made to Tocvan Ventures Corp., in accordance with the instructions provided on the certificate representing the Warrants.

Since March 20, 2025, the Company has seen a total of 778,025 warrants exercised totaling $403,411.25 CAD in additional capital.

Marketing Engagement

The Company announces it has engaged SmartIR Marketing LTD for marketing and investor relations services for an initial 6-month term ending in August 2025. The contract includes data-driven services for: Digital Advertising; Email and Social Media Outreach; Messaging Optimization; Website Management; Brand Management and Public Relations. SmartIR will be compensated $12,500 CAD per month for the duration of the contract. The Company may elect to extend the Contract beyond August. The Company has not issued any shares in consideration of services. SmartIR is not considered a related party. SmartIR's contact person is Britanny Carter, Address: SmartIR Marketing LTD, 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom. Contact Information: Phone: +1 ?213 444-3915Email: brit@smartirmarketing.com

In addition, the Company is providing more information on the previously announced engagement with Aktiencheck.de AG. The Company has engaged Aktiencheck.de AG to write website articles related to the Company's news updates. On March 19, 2025, a fee of 5,000.00 Euros was paid for the distribution of news. There is no formal agreement, both parties have agreed to a pay per use arrangement where future articles may be published. Some articles may be available on wallstreet-online.de. Information on Aktiencheck can be found here: Aktiencheck.de The Company has not issued any shares in consideration for services. Aktiencheck is not considered a related party. Address: Aktiencheck.de AG, Bahnhofstrae 6, 56470 Bad Marienberg, Deutschland. Contact Information: Stefan Lindam; Phone: +49 2661 9890020 Email: stefan.lindam@aktiencheck.de

Gran Pilar Drill Highlights:

2024 RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 42.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 10.9 g/t Au 56.4m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 14.7 g/t Au 16.8m @ 0.8 g/t Au and 19 g/t Ag

2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag

2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au

2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag

15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag



Pilar Bulk Sample Summary:

62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period

Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag

Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8")

Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time



Additional Metallurgical Studies:

Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth.



Based on management's strong belief in the project's potential, the Company is outlining a permitting and operations strategy for a pilot facility at Pilar. The facility would underpin a robust test mine scenario with aims to process up to 50,000 tonnes of material. Timelines and budget are being prepared with the aim of moving forward with the development early in 2025. With gold prices hitting all-time highs, the Company believes the onsite test mine will provide key economic parameters and showcase the mineral potential of the area. In 2023, the Company completed an offsite bulk sample that produced important data showcasing the potential to recover both gold and silver through a variety of methods including heap leach, gravity and agitated leach (see August 22, 2023, news release for more details).

About Tocvan Ventures Corp.

Tocvan's advancing gold-silver projects are located in the mine-friendly jurisdiction of Sonora, Mexico. Through ongoing exploration programs, Company is unveiling the high-potential at its Gran Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value.

Tocvan has approximately 59.7 million shares outstanding.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Rock and Drill samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Soil Samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold and multi-element analysis of soils was completed by aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS finish using a 50-gram nominal weight. Over limit gold values greater than 1 g/t were re-assayed with a more robust aqua regia digestion ad ICP-MS finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising blank samples and certified reference materials were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the

Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves 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 expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information 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 information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

TOCVAN VENTURES CORP.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO

1150, 707 - 7 Ave SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H6

Telephone: 1 888 772 2452

Email: ir@tocvan.ca

STAY CONNECTED:

LinkedIn: TOC LinkedIn

X: TOC X

Facebook: TOC Facebook

YouTube: TOC YouTube

Web: tocvan.com

SOURCE: Tocvan Ventures Corp
Spirits Capital Corporation, a fintech company transforming how spirits are valued, traded and managed, and the creator of the Distilled Barrels Financial Exchange (DBFEX), announced today a new strategic partnership with Lofted Spirits, the parent company uniting Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River Distilling Co. and Lofted Custom Spirits. This initiative will affirm transparency and standardization in the barrel-aged spirits marketplace by increasing exposure to new prospective buyers and ensuring that every Lofted Spirits barrel traded on the DBFEX is not only verified but maintains its' gold standard of quality.

Historically, the contract distillation and barrel market has operated behind closed doors, leading to inconsistent pricing and quality standards. The DBFEX platform enables buyers and sellers to gain transparency and insight into the quality, age, and cooperage of each barrel. Every barrel listed on DBFEX is verified and meets rigorous quality standards, empowering producers to set the value of their own products rather than relying on third-party brokers.

"This agreement represents a transformative shift in the way liquid assets are valued and traded," said Ray Franklin, Chief Revenue Officer at Spirit Capital's DBFEX. "Gone are the days of secretive negotiations and backroom deals. We are ushering in a new chapter of verified spirit production, from the distillery to the end user."

Pete Marino, President of Lofted Spirits, states, "DBFEX aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and transparency in the bourbon industry. By integrating DBFEX's cutting-edge verification and tracking technology, we can ensure authenticity and traceability for our products while expanding our reach to a broader audience of discerning buyers. This collaboration strengthens consumer confidence and enhances the accessibility of Lofted Spirits' offerings on a global scale."

Todd Sanders, Chairman and CEO of Spirits Capital, added, "We are thrilled to welcome Lofted Spirits to the DBFEX, where their world-renowned barrels will be available to a global marketplace. This relationship marks a major milestone in our mission to expand access to barrel-aged spirits and revolutionize how spirits are bought, sold, and traded."

About Lofted Spirits

From bespoke bourbon production to boundary-pushing brands, Lofted Spirits is where tradition meets transformation. Expanding on the work started by Peter Loftin in 2016, and today the number one producer of Kentucky contract whiskey, Lofted Spirits pioneered a world-class, industry-shaking approach to custom contract distillation while developing some of the fastest growing brands in American Whiskey, Bardstown Bourbon and Green River. A unified entity, Lofted Spirits is built to lead the global whiskey industry, delivering exceptional experiences through innovation, trust and transformative industry impact while crafting some of the world's most desired and awarded whiskies. Lofted Spirits joined the Pritzker Private Capital family of companies in 2022. Learn more at LoftedSpirits.com.

About DBFEX & Spirits Capital Corporation

Spirits Capital is a fintech company transforming how spirits are valued, traded, and managed. By integrating cutting-edge technology, finance, and real-time market intelligence, compliance and verification, we provide the infrastructure for seamless transactions and transparent pricing in an industry traditionally constrained by manual processes and illiquid assets. We're not just adapting to change-we're driving it.

At the core of our innovation is the Distilled Barrels Financial Exchange (DBFEX), a Spirits Capital company and the world's largest barrel exchange. DBFEX is the first digital marketplace for barrel-aged spirits designed to bring liquidity, pricing intelligence, and friction less transactions to distilleries, investors, and institutions. The platform facilitates trading across whiskey, bourbon, tequila, neutral grain spirits, and casks from across the globe while offering additional services like cooperage, insurance, and consulting.

As Spirits Capital expands, we continue to redefine how spirits are bought, sold, and managed worldwide, bringing financial innovation and operational efficiency to an industry ripe for transformation.

Visit www.DBFEX.com and www.SpiritsCap.com for more information.

Spirits Capital Contact:

Kelsee Pottorff

Vice Presidentof Finance & Operations

Spirits Capital

480-256-9551

Kelsee@spiritscap.com

Lofted Spirits Media Contact:

Holly Weyler

hweyler@loftedspirits.com

502-836-8715

SOURCE: Spirits Capital Corporation
RONN Inc. (OTC PINK:RONN), a U.S.-based hydrogen technology innovator, announces that it is establishing a new corporate office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This strategic move marks the formal initiation of the signed "RONN Saudi Arabia," a joint venture to accelerate hydrogen-powered mobility solutions in alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

In collaboration with esteemed local partners, RONN Inc. is poised to integrate its advanced hydrogen fuel cell technologies into Saudi Arabia's ambitious sustainability framework. The joint venture underscores a shared commitment to pioneering zero-emission transportation and fostering economic diversification through cutting-edge energy solutions.

"Saudi Arabia's proactive stance on hydrogen energy, exemplified by projects like NEOM and Qiddiya City, presents an unparalleled opportunity for innovation," said Ronn Ford, CEO of RONN Inc. "Our collaboration is not just a business venture; it's a convergence of like visions ."

The joint venture is structured with a 90/10 financing model, wherein Saudi partners will lead most of the investment, allowing RONN Inc. to focus on technological development and rapid deployment. This approach ensures the venture benefits from local expertise in navigating regulatory landscapes and infrastructure development while leveraging RONN's proprietary hydrogen technologies.

Initial manufacturing efforts and prototypes will commence in the United States, using our long-time substantial engineering relationships to finalize prototypes and expedite time to market. Concurrently, plans are underway to identify suitable manufacturing sites within Saudi Arabia, aiming for operational readiness well before 2030.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 outlines a transformative agenda, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in renewable energy. Projects like the $8.4 billion NEOM Green Hydrogen Plant, set to produce 600 tons of green hydrogen daily by 2026, exemplify this commitment. RONN Saudi Arabia's initiatives will complement these efforts, focusing on developing hydrogen-powered supercars and commercial vehicles tailored for the region.

The planned Riyadh office will be the central hub for coordinating joint venture activities, facilitating seamless collaboration between U.S. and Saudi teams. Legal and operational frameworks are meticulously crafted to ensure compliance with American and Saudi regulations, setting a precedent for international cooperation in the hydrogen sector. "This venture is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets visionary leadership," added Ford. "We are not just building hydrogen vehicles; we are building the future of a sustainable hydrogen economy across several sectors.

About RONN Inc.

RONN Inc. is a pioneering hydrogen technology company specializing in zero-emission supercars, modular fueling systems, and commercial mobility platforms. Focusing on scalable innovation and sustainable infrastructure, RONN Inc. is committed to redefining the transportation landscape through advanced hydrogen solutions.

?

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including projections and estimates, subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially due to various factors. RONN Inc. undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as law requires.

?

Contact: Ronn Ford

Ronn.ford@ronnmotorgroup.com

Website: www.ronnmotorgroup.com

SOURCE: RONN
Leading the way for the sector's continued growth and commitment to improving patient outcomes

Asahi Kasei has appointed Ken Shinomiya, President of Asahi Kasei Life Science, as the Leader of its Healthcare Sector succeeding Richard Packer. Under Shinomiya, Asahi Kasei's Healthcare Sector will further advance its portfolio and global presence of pharmaceuticals, life science, and critical care products and services.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424681712/en/

Ken Shinomiya, Leader of Asahi Kasei's Healthcare Sector

Having served as Vice President of Strategy at ZOLL Medical Corporation from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2017, Shinomiya became Head of the Bioprocess Division of Asahi Kasei Medical in April 2019 and President of Asahi Kasei Medical in April 2023. In April 2025, he was named President of Asahi Kasei Life Science, the successor company to the bioprocess business of Asahi Kasei Medical. With operations focused on products and services that support the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, the life science business has grown globally by ascertaining market needs and business opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry. Under Shinomiya's leadership, the life science business has successfully expanded from its foundational Planova virus removal filters through the addition of contract research organization (CRO) testing services as well as the biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business of Bionova Scientific in the U.S.

Asahi Kasei's Healthcare Sector has dramatically globalized since the 2012 acquisition of ZOLL Medical Corporation with its U.S.-based business platform in critical care. Since then, the Healthcare Sector has accelerated its growth strategy as a diverse global healthcare company by accurately discerning market needs, making proactive investments including M&A, and moving its headquarters to the U.S. in 2023. This has leveraged the strength of Asahi Kasei's Healthcare business while enhancing global management.

Under the new leadership, the Healthcare Sector will continue to execute a long-term strategy to grow its pharmaceutical, life science, and critical care businesses. Guided by its mission to "Improve and save patients' lives," the sector is committed to delivering innovative therapeutics and medical devices that address unmet medical needs and contribute to better patient outcomes worldwide. It will serve as the main growth driver of the Asahi Kasei Group, targeting operating income of 150 billion in 2030.

"For over a century, the Asahi Kasei Group has created distinctive business models leveraging creativity and innovation to provide exceptional products and services to the world," said Ken Shinomiya, Leader of Asahi Kasei's Healthcare Sector. "Our healthcare business exemplifies Asahi Kasei's unique ability to effectively integrate the advanced, efficiency-oriented management approaches gained through global acquisitions. Moving forward, we will further evolve based on our blended international outlook as we continue to lead the growth and globalization of the Asahi Kasei Group."

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 49,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Healthcare. Its Healthcare operations include devices and systems for critical care, products and services for the manufacture of biotherapeutics, and a growing portfolio of specialty pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.

Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424681712/en/

Contacts:

North America Contact:

Asahi Kasei America Inc.

Christian OKeefe

christian.okeefe@ak-america.com



Europe Contact:

Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Sebastian Schmidt

sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
With more than 400 acres of serene, natural landscape, Ridge RTC Maine provides an ideal setting for Avian Haven's remarkable bird rehabilitation efforts

The Ridge RTC is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Avian Haven, one of New England's largest wildlife rehabilitation organizations. Under the new partnership, Avian Haven will have access to the more than 400 acres of stunning natural landscape surrounding the Ridge RTC Maine, providing a perfect sanctuary for wild birds in need. These efforts are part of Ridge RTC's larger commitment to community health and wellness and mirror the residential center's own effort to provide sanctuary for adolescents who are struggling with mental, emotional, or behavioral health concerns.

Ridge RTC

The Ridge RTC Announces Partnership with Avian Haven

Much like Ridge RTC's clients, the wild birds who come into Avian Haven's care require care, recovery, and the strength, resilience, and freedom to soar again. The partnership between Ridge RTC and Avian Haven speaks to this powerful connection and ensures that the Ridge Maine campus remains a safe and peaceful environment for all.

On January 31, 2025, Ridge RTC staff and residents celebrated the first release of a healed wild bird on campus - a beautiful Barred Owl being cared for at Ridge Maine's Farmhouse facility. The picturesque setting provided an unforgettable backdrop for the bird's departure, spreading feelings of hope, healing, and renewal to all who were present to witness the event.

"Seeing the now-healed Barred Owl fly away to freedom was a magical experience for the residents of our Maine campus," said Rudy Novak, Vice President of Clinical Partnerships at The Ridge RTC. "It was also a stark reminder that needing care and support doesn't mean you won't get out and soar again - a message that we hope resonates strongly with our adolescent clients."

The Ridge RTC and Avian Haven partnership is a natural extension of the care approach at Ridge Maine, providing a unique educational opportunity for teen clients while also building on the therapeutic programming at the heart of their services. Looking ahead, Ridge RTC is planning for more wild bird releases, as well as collaborative events and involvement opportunities for adolescents receiving care at the Maine facility.

Interested readers are invited to learn more about the partnership between The Ridge RTC and Avian Haven by visiting www.theridgertc.com or contacting The Ridge RTC directly.

About Avian Haven

Avian Haven is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based out of Freedom, Maine, that provides medical care and rehabilitative support for orphaned, sick, and/or injured wild birds. The organization is one of the largest of its kind in New England and has helped more than 34,000 birds since its establishment in 1999. Learn more at www.avianhaven.org .

About The Ridge RTC

The Ridge RTC provides comprehensive inpatient mental health care for teens aged 12-18 in a safe and serene residential setting. With a licensed clinical staff and a wide range of evidence-based therapies, Ridge RTC is a national leader in effective adolescent mental health treatment and long-term recovery practices. Learn more at www.theridgertc.com .

Contact Information

Randy Clunan

Chief Marketing Officer

rclunan@altiorhealthcare.com

228-238-4059





SOURCE: The Ridge RTC
New functionality enables companies to easily and continuously update their double materiality assessment, ensuring proactive risk management and regulatory compliance

NEW YORK and LONDON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Datamaran , the market leader in AI-powered ESG software, today announced the launch of DMA Evaluate, an enhancement to its double materiality assessment (DMA) capabilities that empowers companies to update their assessments on an ongoing basis without the burden of spreadsheets and manual processes.

The new capability allows Datamaran clients to refresh or repeat an existing assessment in minutes rather than weeks and manage that process in-house instead of outsourcing it to consultants whenever they need to understand and respond to significant external or internal developments of material issues, risks, and opportunities (IROs).

"Materiality is not static, and companies need a way to continuously monitor and refine their ESG priorities without repeating a cumbersome, manual materiality assessment every time," said Marjella Lecourt-Alma, CEO and co-founder at Datamaran. "With our latest innovation, businesses can efficiently maintain compliance while also strengthening their ESG strategy."

Under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), companies must disclose how material impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) change over time. They're also expected to regularly brief leadership on these developments.

Many companies still rely on static, spreadsheet-based assessments that quickly become outdated and often require the support of external consultants to update. With DMA Evaluate, companies can bypass these hurdles and adopt a repeatable, scalable process that integrates seamlessly into their existing governance frameworks. The new capability also allows clients to securely store and manage their IRO libraries to ensure traceability and audit readiness.

With DMA Evaluate, companies can now:

Identify what has changed : Leverage AI to pinpoint external shifts in regulatory landscapes, peer strategies, and stakeholder expectations.

: Leverage AI to pinpoint external shifts in regulatory landscapes, peer strategies, and stakeholder expectations. Streamline internal reviews : Engage subject matter experts (SMEs) efficiently with automated workflows and audit-ready documentation.

: Engage subject matter experts (SMEs) efficiently with automated workflows and audit-ready documentation. Ensure continuous compliance : Maintain a dynamic, up-to-date materiality assessment that meets the most rigorous standards.

: Maintain a dynamic, up-to-date materiality assessment that meets the most rigorous standards. Simplify audit processes: Maintain a single source of truth with detailed documentation and ongoing audit trails.

Maintain a single source of truth with detailed documentation and ongoing audit trails. Enhance decision-making: Gain a period-over-period view of evolving ESG risks and opportunities to inform business strategy.

This product enhancement release builds on Datamaran's October 2024 launch of the IRO Hub , which transformed how companies identify and manage material ESG issues.

Contact: Helen Skeen - helen.skeen@datamaran.com

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2671133/Datamaran_Logo.jpg

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Aily Labs welcomes Amy Chang, a technology visionary and current board member of Disney and Procter & Gamble, to its Board of Directors and Advisory Board, bringing exceptional innovation and technology-scaling leadership





Joseph Jimenez, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Aditum Bio and former CEO of Novartis, joins Advisory Board offering deep executive leadership expertise in pharmaceutical and CPG





Derica Rice, former EVP of CVS Health , President of CVS Caremark, and CFO of Eli Lilly joins Advisory Board to guide AI adoption across healthcare, CPG, retail, and more





, Chang, Jimenez, and Rice's appointments reinforce Aily Labs' mission to reshape how the world's most influential companies apply agentic AI at scale for decision-making

NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aily Labs GmbH, pioneer of the first-and-only AI-native Decision Intelligence App for global enterprises, today announced the appointment of Amy Chang to its Board of Directors and Advisory Board and Joseph Jimenez and Derica Rice to its Advisory Board. These appointments mark a bold inflection point as Aily Labs scales its platform globally - powered by an always-on, agentic AI suite, including a new autonomous AI agent designed to deliver forward-thinking, personalized recommendations to corporate leaders - to help enterprises move faster, operate more sharply, and stay ahead.

"Amy, Joe, and Derica are exceptional enterprise business leaders and transformational role models. Welcoming them to Aily Labs exemplifies our shared commitment to build a new category of AI-first decision intelligence for Fortune 500 leaders," said Bianca Anghelina, Founder and CEO of Aily Labs. "Together, we're not just augmenting decisions, we're reshaping how the world's most influential companies apply AI at scale for decision making."

Amy Chang Appointed to Aily Labs' Board of Directors and Advisory Board

Ms. Chang serves on the Boards of Disney and Procter & Gamble (P&G), bringing a proven track record in digital transformation, product innovation, and scaling high-growth technology companies. She was the founder and CEO of Accompany, Inc., acquired by Cisco, where she later led its multi-billion-dollar Collaboration business. Previously, she held board roles at Cisco, Splunk, Informatica, and Marqeta - representing nearly $1 trillion in combined market capitalization.

"It's an incredibly exciting time to be advising Aily Labs as they stand at the forefront of the AI revolution, transforming all facets of business from finance resource allocation to supply chain optimization - all of it with single-day integration for customers," said Ms. Chang. "Aily Labs' vision to shift enterprises from passive data to active, agent-driven action is bold, and I am thrilled to be part of this journey shaping the future of work with agentic AI."

Joseph Jimenez Appointed to Aily Labs' Advisory Board

Mr. Jimenez brings decades of executive leadership and healthcare innovation, advising on strategic growth across industries. He currently serves as Co-Founder and Managing Director of Aditum Bio, sits on the Boards of P&G and General Motors, and previously served as the CEO of Novartis.

"As CEO of Novartis, I made capital allocation decisions across dozens of business units. In pharma and biotech, speed and precision save lives. Aily Labs is applying that same urgency and accuracy to enterprise decision-making, using agentic AI to drive faster, smarter outcomes," said Mr. Jimenez. "This is the AI platform every leadership team needs."

Derica Rice Appointed to Aily Labs' Advisory Board

Mr. Rice, former EVP of CVS Health and President of CVS Caremark, brings extensive experience from senior roles in healthcare and finance. Previously at Eli Lilly, he served as EVP and Chief Financial Officer, helping shape long-term corporate strategy. He currently serves on the Boards of Disney, Target, Bristol Myers Squibb, and The Carlyle Group.

"Aily Labs is unlocking a new level of enterprise productivity, enabling people and AI agents to work seamlessly together, eliminate inefficiencies, and act with precision," said Mr. Rice. "I'm excited to support the scaling of AI decision intelligence across industries, where it has the potential to transform how leaders operate, prioritize, and deliver impact at speed."

Aily Labs

Aily Labs transforms business needs into applied AI use cases, embedding them into an easy-to-integrate, simple-to-use app. Its AI-powered platform and AI agent suite combine the latest advancements in large language models and business data with AI decision intelligence to supercharge enterprises with real-time insights and actionable data. This intuitive platform enables Fortune 500 organizations to achieve unmatched efficiency, drive innovation, and fuel unstoppable growth.

Founded in 2020, Aily Labs is an AI Software company and on a mission to transform ways of working by empowering businesses with meaningful AI. Aily Labs accelerates the digital journeys of large, global organizations, supported by an experienced team of digital specialists and data scientists. For more information, visit ailylabs.com.

Aily Labs Contact

Ken Huang

Ken.Huang@AilyLabs.com

Jessica Muldoon

AilyLabs@ruderfinn.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2417466/Aily_Labs_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aily-labs-expands-board-and-advisory-board-with-ai-and-industry-heavyweights-to-accelerate-agentic-ai-adoption-across-the-fortune-500-302437313.html
Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie.



Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht.



In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte.



Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter.



Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden!
Washington DC, USA, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is pleased to announce that Asmund Grver Aukrust, Minister of International Development for Norway formally accepted an invitation to serve on GCA's Advisory Board during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC. This appointment underscores Norway's ongoing leadership in global climate adaptation efforts, including significant support for the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP).

Accepting the appointment, Asmund Grver Aukrust, Minister of International Development for Norway said: "I am honored to join the Advisory Board of the Global Center on Adaptation. The challenges posed by climate change are pressing, and Norway is committed to working with partners around the world to build resilience and protect vulnerable communities. Serving on GCA's Advisory Board will enable me to further contribute to effective global adaptation strategies and continue our important work under the AAAP."

The AAAP is a joint initiative by GCA and the African Development Bank aimed at mobilizing resources and scaling up successful adaptation solutions across the African continent. Norway's funding under the AAAP supports a range of projects that empower communities to adapt to climate impacts, enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and address gender and social inequalities exacerbated by climate change. To date, AAAP has influenced over $15 billion in investments in 37 countries improving climate resilience for 63 million people.

Professor Patrick Verkooijen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Center on Adaptation, welcomed Minister Aukrust to the Advisory Board, stating: "Minister Aukrust's leadership and Norway's steadfast commitment to adaptation are invaluable as we continue our work through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program. By combining visionary policy with strategic investments, we can substantially scale up adaptation measures and build a resilient economic future."

As a member of the Advisory Board, Minister Aukrust will help guide GCA's strategy to accelerate adaptation action and leverage global partnerships. GCA looks forward to working closely with him and the Government of Norway to advance and expand the transformative initiatives made possible by the AAAP.

Notes to Editors

About the Global Center on Adaptation

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

Alexandra Gee Global Center on Adaptation +447887804594 alex.gee@gca.org
ZEUS NORTH AMERICA MINING CORP. (CSE:ZEUS)(OTCQB:ZUUZF)(FRANKFURT:O92) (THE "COMPANY" OR "ZEUS") is pleased to announce high-grade rock grab samples at it's Great Western Property (the "Property" or "Great Western") in Idaho. The Property is located approximately 1.5 hours northwest from Idaho Falls, ID and is road accessible. It consists of 38 lode mining claims within Butte County, Idaho.

About the Great Western Property:

The Property is located along the southern end of the Lemhi Range;

Rocks in the Great Western area include Precambrian-age phyllites which are overlain by Ordovician-age quartzites and dolomitic quartzite;

Mineralization is structurally controlled at the Property and is found along shear zones and bedding plane faults;

The mineralization at the Property is consider to be a carbonate replacement deposit ("CRD") style. The Santa Eulalia Mining District in Mexico hosts the world's largest known CRD system being mined today;

A number of past producing small scale mines exist throughout the area, including the Great Western, Lookout and Wilbert mines;

In 2021, APEX Geoscience Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta conducted a rock grab sampling program for 1273180 B.C. Ltd. (acquired by Zeus, see Zeus news release dated February 12, 2024). Rock samples consisting of 68 Composite and Grab samples from historical prospects and mines on the Property were collected;

Results for rock grab samples collected in 2021 include: Five samples with up to 7300 grams per tonne silver ("g/t Ag"); Six rock grab samples contain great than 0.61 percent copper ("% Cu") up to 4.25% Cu. A historical, non-compliant 43-101resource of 4,900 indicated tons averaging 1.7 oz/t Ag, 3.6% Pb, and 0.5% Cu (McHugh et al., 1991)* exists for the Great Western mine (adjacent to but not owned by Zeus).



Recent rock grab samples by Zeus:

More recently Zeus collected 11 rock grab samples. Results include:

6 samples with greater than 97 g/t Ag including samples up to 1155 g/t Ag; 4 samples with greater than 0.17% Cu including samples up to 0.52% Cu.

Based on past and current sampling, Zeus is planning a follow-up ground geophysical program during 2025 to determine if the surface mineralization is sourced from a buried igneous/porphyry source.

Dean Besserer, President and CEO, stated, "The Great Western Property hasn't seen any modern day exploration since the industries understanding of carbonate replacement deposits has vastly improved. The chance to discovery a previous unrecognized igneous source at depth needs to be tested based on the high-grade nature of the surface samples and historical mining throughout the area".

*Adjacent Property. Resource is non-43101 compliant, has not been verified by the company and is not being treated as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. This is presented simply as a record of previous exploration at the project and to show the geological prospectively of the area. All information is derived solely from management of Zeus Mining and otherwise publicly available third-party information which are believed to be reliable, but which have not been independently verified by the Company and as a result are not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness. Zeus's management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Zeus may not necessarily be indicative.

Other News

The Company has terminated its agreement with Venture Liquidity Providers Inc. ("VLP") dated April, 2024. Subsequently, the Company has retained Integral Wealth Securities Limited ("Integral") to provide Market-Making services in accordance with the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") policies. Integral will trade securities of the Company on the CSE for the purposes of maintaining an orderly market of the Company's securities.

The agreement between the Company and Integral (the "Agreement") executed on April 1, 2025 is for an initial term of three months. The Agreement outlines that Integral will receive compensation of CAD$6,000 per month, with the first monthly payment paid on the signing of the Agreement by the Company, and thereafter, the fee will be payable on the first day of each month. After the third month, the Company may terminate the Agreement on 30 days written notice. There are no performance factors in the agreement and Integral will not receive shares or options as compensation.

The Company and Integral are unrelated and unaffiliated entities. Integral is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization ("CIRO") and can access all Canadian Stock Exchange and Alternative Trading Systems. The capital and securities required for any trade undertaken by Integral as principal will be provided by Integral.

Integral Wealth Securities Limited is an independent CIRO-licensed investment dealer engaged in market making, investment banking and wealth management. Headquartered in Toronto, the firm operates from nine offices across Canada. The firm's FINRA-licensed US broker dealer affiliate, Integral Wealth Securities LLC, is based in Malvern, PA and provides investment banking as well as private placement services.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P.Geo., the President & CEO for the company and Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

On behalf of the board of directors.

"Dean Besserer"

President and CEO

For more information, please contact the Company at info@zeusminingcorp.com

FOR INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:

Kin Communications Inc. Ph: 604-684-6730

ZEUS@kincommunications.com

About Zeus North America Mining Corp.

The Company is in the business of mineral exploration. The Company is focused on its exploration properties in the state of Idaho known as the: Cuddy Mountain; Selway; and Great Western properties, respectively. The Idaho properties consist of 101 (Cuddy Mountain), 57 (Selway) and 38 (Great Western) lode mining claims respectively and cover a cumulative area of approximately 4,200 acres. The Company's flagship Cuddy Mountain Property is adjacent to Hercules Metal Corp's Leviathan Copper Porphyry discovery.

Forward Looking Statements

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 statements and information. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of their respective officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the parties can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements and information in this news release include, amongst others, the Company's exploration plans. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or implied by such forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of the parties; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general development, market and industry conditions.

The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of its securities or its financial or operating results (as applicable). The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE: Zeus North America Mining Corp.
Successful first test of technology on rubber-tyred gantry crane marks major step in DP World's global push to decarbonize its ports and terminals

DP World has successfully completed initial testing of its hydrogen fuel cell rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane at the Port of Vancouver, marking a significant milestone in decarbonizing its port operations. The RTG is now undergoing field testing as the company assesses the feasibility of electrifying its global fleet of 1,500 RTG cranes.

Traditionally powered by diesel, RTG cranes are essential for cargo handling but are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. At DP World's Vancouver terminal, 19 RTG cranes account for 50% of diesel consumption and generate over 4,200 tonnes of CO2 annually. The adoption of hydrogen technology promises to dramatically reduce or even eliminate this impact.

Doug Smith, CEO of DP World in Canada, said: "As one of the world's foremost port and terminal operators, we are dedicated to advancing sustainable practices that will drive industry-wide change. This pilot not only marks an important step in DP World's commitment to decarbonizing its operations, but it also sets a new benchmark in sustainable logistics. Real-world testing ensures our solutions are reliable and effective and could open the door to electrifying our global fleet of RTGs."

DP World launched its pilot project in October 2023. The first phase included retrofitting a diesel RTG with an integrated solution consisting of a Hydrogen-Electric Generator (HEG), battery energy storage system, hydrogen storage module, regenerative energy capture, and integrated control and safety systems. The RTG has now entered its second phase, a one-year field trial to track performance parameters such as hydrogen consumption, energy generation, and regenerative energy capture rates.

This data will allow the team to compare the zero-emission hydrogen electric RTG to a traditional diesel-powered RTG in terms of productivity, reliability, maintainability, costs and environmental benefit.

DP World partnered with TYCROP Manufacturing Ltd., H2 Portable and HTEC for this pioneering project. H2 Portable, together with TYCROP, designed a Hydrogen-Electric Generator (HEG) utilizing a dual fuel cell and battery energy storage system, while HTEC provided the hydrogen storage system and hydrogen supply.

To operate, the RTG crane stores up to 135 kg of compressed gaseous hydrogen in 15 pressurized tanks. Hydrogen is fed to the fuel cell system, which charges a high-voltage battery that powers the crane's electric drive. The bidirectional power system recovers energy when lowering containers, significantly reducing energy demand and enhancing operational efficiency

Scott Mason, President and CEO, TYCROP, said: "Through our work with DP World, H2 Portable and HTEC, we achieved a major milestone in zero-emission power. During factory acceptance testing, the system ran continuously for 16 hours, lifting and lowering a 40-ton load 105 times - and emitted only steam, rather than 400 kilograms of CO2 from a comparable diesel unit. This accomplishment highlights what can be done when industry and government collaborate to drive innovation."

George Rubin, Managing Director of Commercial Operations, H2 Portable, said: "Working alongside DP World, our Advanced Power system is demonstrating how hydrogen-based technology can deliver meaningful performance benefits. Early field operations have exceeded key benchmarks, and we look forward to building on these results as we explore broader adoption across the industry."

Jeff Grant, Vice President of Transportation Solutions, HTEC, said: "At HTEC, we're proud to support this groundbreaking project by providing hydrogen storage and fuel supply. Together with DP World, TYCROP and H2 Portable, we're showing how the power of collaboration is driving the transition to cleaner energy solutions."

If the field trial is successful, DP World will consider converting its 25 diesel-powered RTG cranes in Vancouver and Prince Rupert in a bid to meet its zero-emissions objectives. There are additional plans underway to trial an electric terminal tractor at the Port of Vancouver, and the company is in the process of acquiring a fleet of electric vehicles.

The Port of Vancouver was selected as the ideal site for this pilot due to its thriving hydrogen and fuel cell ecosystem and strong support from the Province of British Columbia.

- END -

DP World Americas Media Contact:

Melina Vissat, Head of Communications

M: (+1) 704-605-6159

E: melina.vissat@dpworld.com

About DP World

DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 100,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer's door.

In the Americas, DP World operates with a team of over 16,000 people across 12 countries, driving excellence through a robust network of 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses. By harnessing our global reach and local expertise, we simplify logistics, enhance operational performance, and redefine the boundaries of what's possible in global trade.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW.

For more insights into how DP World is reshaping global trade, visit our website: www.dpworld.com.

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
A community call center in Somalia improves aid reporting measures

Originally posted by Action Against Hunger.

By Ahmed Issak Hussein

Tracking and monitoring the delivery of humanitarian assistance is a challenge when resources are constrained or conflict is present. In Somalia, access to roads is limited and controlled by non-state actors; in some regions, it is too dangerous for aid workers to be physically present to verify that the aid is reaching the people who need it most. These barriers create risks for inefficiency and diminished trust in humanitarian organizations among affected communities. For Action Against Hunger, addressing these challenges is vital to fostering transparency, accountability, and strong community relationships.

Our solution to aid tracking challenges in Somalia was a community call center. The center puts aid reporting capabilities in the hands of the community, making aid delivery more traceable and tailored to people's needs. Since October 2023, the call center team has handled 30,027 calls including aid delivery verifications, feedback on the aid received, and requests for emergency assistance. Calls are prepaid, meaning individuals in even the most remote and impoverished regions can have a voice.

Staff at the center are trained volunteers who are bound by confidentiality and a commitment to building trust with community members. They create a safe space for community members to share their needs and opinions. Sahra Ibrahim, one of the call center assistants, is passionate about her role. "We hear all kinds of feedback," she shares. "Mothers thank us after receiving treatment for their ill and malnourished children at our treatment centers. Others report pressing issues, such as acute watery diarrhea outbreaks or concerns from minority groups who feel underserved."

The call center's tracking and reporting activities have been digitized with a management dashboard, significantly improving aid management. Call volumes, types of complaints, and verification processes are all tracked and shared with the Action Against Hunger's team and the Community Engagement and Accountability Taskforce via monthly and quarterly reports. The data provides critical insights for improving programs to best fit the needs of the community. For instance, the majority of feedback received since 2023 was related to food security and livelihoods, while only three cases were about gender-based violence. Recognizing the low reporting of gender-based violence despite having evidence for its existence, Action Against Hunger plans to increase programs that ensure survivors feel safe and supported enough to come forward.

One key achievement of the call center is its role in real-time crisis management. Reports from the community about disease outbreaks and new displacements from climatic shocks or conflicts enable Action Against Hunger's team to respond quickly. For example, in 2023, community members alerted Action Against Hunger to a cholera outbreak, and we immediately intervened with medical supplies and hygiene awareness campaigns to minimize its spread. Another instance that stood out to Sahra was an influx of calls from families arriving at a resource-depleted displacement camp. "They called us, desperate for assistance, as they had joined a camp already hosting drought-displaced families," she recalls. "Our team quickly activated a crisis response, providing cash assistance, hygiene kits, and water trucking. Knowing I was part of that process motivates me every day."

People who have felt the impact of the call center's work tell others in their community about the resource. Naleye Mohamed Omar, a mother whose one-year-old son Hassan is receiving malnutrition treatment, expressed her gratitude, saying "My son's health has improved so much. His cheeks are glowing, and he's able to stand and walk now. I am committed to spreading awareness in our camp about the services Action Against Hunger offers and connecting others in need." Community members are also informed about the call center through radios, posters, and mobile messaging platforms. These efforts have increased awareness and accessibility, enabling more people to utilize the system effectively.

In 2023 and 2024, Action Against Hunger's community call center in Somalia achieved 100% verification for both food security and livelihoods interventions and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. Serious complaints, such as fraud and gender-based violence, were escalated to senior management within 24 hours for swift resolution.

Despite these successes, challenges remain. Many requests require more resources than are available, and a lack of adequate funds makes it difficult to fulfill all aid requests. However, Action Against Hunger is committed to improving the lives of Somalia's most vulnerable communities with transparent, agile aid delivery practices. Aid reporting continues to improve with the hard work and passion of volunteers like Sahra, who says, "Every call is an opportunity to make a difference."

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Naleye Mohamed, a mother who received support from the call center, is now committed to informing her community about its services.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Action Against Hunger on 3blmedia.com

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Action Against Hunger

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/action-against-hunger

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Action Against Hunger
Estonia, Finland, and Denmark lead global performance in health data exchange; the U.S. ranks below key international peers

A newly released international research by Black Book ranks the digital interoperability performance of healthcare systems worldwide, spotlighting major disparities in health data exchange capabilities and system integration across 18 high-income countries. The study-based on verified usage data, government platform metrics, and over 2 million stakeholder surveys-highlights Estonia as the global benchmark in EHR connectivity, achieving a 99.1% national interoperability rate.

The study arrives as countries push to modernize healthcare through digital tools that improve patient outcomes. Black Book's multi-year survey data shows that true interoperability leads to better care coordination, faster diagnoses, fewer medical errors, and reduced costs for both patients and systems. In top-ranked countries, providers report stronger continuity of care, improved patient safety, and less duplication of tests, clear evidence that when health data flows freely, patients benefit the most. These systems also support more proactive care, enabling clinicians to identify risks earlier and respond with timely interventions. Ultimately, fully connected health infrastructure gives patients greater control over their health and delivers a more efficient, personalized care experience.

What Is the Interoperability Rate?

Black Book's global interoperability ratings are based on feedback from nearly two million healthcare professionals and stakeholders who participated in surveys between 2020 and 2025. Respondents were asked to evaluate how well their electronic health records or national health data systems shared patient information and supported full, real time connectivity across care settings. Black Book defines the interoperability rate as the percentage of healthcare providers such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, and general practitioners actively exchanging patient data through standardized digital systems. These ratings are calculated using a combination of reported integration metrics from national health platforms and direct survey responses, offering a comprehensive view of how connected and effective each country's digital health infrastructure really is.

Top-Ranked Countries in Healthcare Interoperability (Q2 2025)

Estonia (99.1%) - Estonia leads globally with near-universal data sharing among providers. Its centralized governance through the Estonian Health Information System (EHIS) and secure, real time exchange via the national X-Road platform allow for seamless clinical coordination, real time access to complete patient records, and high provider satisfaction with system usability and reliability.

Finland (98.9%) - Finland's national Kanta Services platform sets a high standard for digital health integration, backed by mandatory participation, strong regulatory enforcement, and widespread adoption of HL7 FHIR protocols. Survey respondents consistently noted improvements in care quality, timely diagnostics, and reduced duplication of tests as a result of the system's consistent data availability.

Denmark (98.2%) - Denmark's success is rooted in robust national mandates and the Sundhed.dk portal, which enables real time access to unified clinical data across public and private care settings. Providers reported high confidence in system accuracy, ease of use, and support for cross-sector collaboration.

Sweden (95.4%), New Zealand (90.3%), and Singapore (90.1%) - These countries have achieved high interoperability through national strategies that prioritize data standards, patient-centered platforms, and public-private collaboration. New Zealand's Health Information Standards Organisation (HISO) and Singapore's national electronic health record system were specifically highlighted in surveys for their responsiveness and efficiency in clinical workflows.

Netherlands (88.9%) and Norway (87.3%) - Both countries benefit from strong digital health infrastructure and increasing FHIR adoption, though survey data revealed that regional variation and administrative complexity can occasionally impact full data consistency. Norway's central eHealth governance is making progress, but some stakeholders noted slower adoption in rural areas.

Australia (85.7%) - Australia continues to advance through its National Healthcare Interoperability Plan (2023-2028), but faces integration hurdles at the state level. Despite its My Health Record platform, providers surveyed cited uneven digital maturity and variable system engagement across regions as key challenges to achieving full connectivity.

Lower Performing Nations and Interoperability Challenges

United Kingdom (80.5%) - While NHS Digital has driven major interoperability initiatives, disparities between regions and digital system maturity persist. Black Book survey feedback pointed to variable experiences across care organizations, particularly between urban and rural NHS Trusts.

Canada (74.6%) - Canada's interoperability progress is shaped by provincial autonomy and decentralized digital strategies. While the Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap offers national guidance, survey respondents reported inconsistent data-sharing capabilities and gaps in cross-jurisdictional access.

Germany (70.2%) - Germany has invested heavily in digital health through the electronic patient record (ePA) and Medical Informatics Initiative, but complex federal governance and regulatory delays have slowed adoption. Providers in multiple Lander noted limitations in cross-provider record visibility and inconsistent standards implementation.

United States (59.8%) - The U.S. continues to face significant structural challenges. Fragmented EHR systems, voluntary participation in health information exchanges, and inconsistent compliance with federal interoperability rules hinder widespread data sharing. Surveyed providers expressed concerns over administrative burden, limited patient record portability, and insufficient cross-platform compatibility - even within the same state or hospital network.

Vendors Driving Interoperability in Top-Performing Nations

Countries leading in healthcare interoperability - such as Estonia, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and New Zealand - have advanced far beyond foundational EHR adoption. Their success is powered in part by interoperability-focused technology vendors delivering the infrastructure for real-time, standardized health data exchange.

In Estonia, local firms like Nortal and Helmes have built core national platforms, including the X-Road framework and Estonian Health Information System (EHIS). Finland and Sweden rely heavily on vendors such as Tietoevry and Cambio Healthcare, which offer openEHR and HL7 FHIR-compliant solutions across regional and national care networks.

InterSystems and Orion Health provide enterprise-level interoperability platforms in countries like Denmark, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, supporting unified patient records and population health initiatives. Meanwhile, Graphnet Health and Philips continue to shape data sharing in the UK and continental Europe through advanced care coordination and diagnostic integration platforms.

These vendors offer scalable, vendor-neutral architectures and are instrumental in transforming interoperability from aspiration to reality - laying the digital foundation for connected, patient-centered care.

Estonia: A Case Study in National Digital Infrastructure

The report includes a deep-dive into Estonia's ecosystem, highlighting the country's legal mandate for provider participation, seamless national ID integration, and centralized patient record architecture. In a Q1 2025 Black Book survey of 128 Estonian providers:

96% expressed high satisfaction with overall data-sharing effectiveness.

98% agreed that cross-institutional record access improved care coordination

89% rated the system's usability as excellent and also, 89% believed digital infrastructure investments produced measurable ROI.

The Estonian model demonstrates the power of unified health IT policy, not just product deployment. In countries where interoperability is optional or overly fragmented, the patient experience suffers and clinical decisions are delayed. Estonia is showing what true digital maturity looks like in healthcare.

"Interoperability works best when it's built into the foundation, not added later," said Doug Brown, Founder of Black Book Research. "We're seeing that real progress happens when countries align governance, adopt shared standards like FHIR, and enable transparent, real-time access across systems-without locking providers or patients into closed ecosystems."

Countries like Germany (70.2%), the UK (80.5%), and Canada (74.6%) are making progress through national roadmaps and investments, but continue to face challenges such as provincial fragmentation, legacy systems, and regulatory delays.

About the Report

The 2025 International Interoperability and Health Data Connectivity Rankings is an independent global study developed by Black Book Research. It evaluates comparative EHR utilization, national infrastructure maturity, and real-time health data exchange effectiveness across 18 high-income countries, using both quantitative data and stakeholder sentiment. The 2025 Black Book of Global Healthcare IT is a 600 page resource offered to the industry without charge at https://blackbookmarketresearch.com/register-for-the-black-book-of-global-healthcare-it-2025-report Black Book also offers another complimentary report on global opportunties for openEHR at https://blackbookmarketresearch.com/the-black-book-global-growth-opportunities-for-openEHR-adoption-in-2025-2026

About Black Book Research

Black Book Research is a global market intelligence firm recognized for its independent, vendor-agnostic evaluations in healthcare technology. Since 2004, Black Book has surveyed millions of healthcare professionals, executives, clinicians, and patients to assess software, services, and digital transformation initiatives across the care continuum.

Media Contact:

Media Relations, Black Book Research

research@blackbookresearch.com

www.blackbookmarketresearch.com

8008637590





SOURCE: Black Book Research
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Real estate tech company Knocknock unveils its mobile application designed for realtors. The app, available on the App Store and Google Play, signifies a major milestone for the company in its ambition to become the go-to platform for real estate professionals globally for their property transactions.

Knocknock Launches Mobile App for Realtors

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8871/249500_be7af4d43484697a_002full.jpg

Knocknock founders Igor Karpikov and Vladimir Saraniuk designed the application with an easy-to-use mobile interface, enabling real estate agents to perform various tasks with ease, such as managing property listings, creating professional presentations, and collaborating with their fellow agents easily in an internal marketplace. With its features, the company aims to enhance productivity among and simplify workflows for real estate agents, empowering them towards success.

One of the app's standout features is its voice-activated AI tool. The tool allows agents to add property listings without much effort and significantly reduces time spent on administrative tasks. Knocknock believes that the tool can help agents focus on building client relationships and business development to drive success in the ever-competitive real estate market.

"The app's very important to us. It symbolizes the first step in our plan to simplify the entire real estate ecosystem," Knocknock co-founder and CEO Igor Karpikov noted. "We're determined to provide real estate professionals with the tools they need to simplify their workflows and serve clients more effectively, no matter where they are."

Knocknock plans to broaden the app's capabilities over the next 18 months to support not only real estate agents, but also buyers, tenants, landlords, developers, and home service providers - gradually creating a comprehensive platform that serves everyone involved in property transactions. These updates will handle everything in the entire process, from property searches to renovation coordination.

Additionally, the company launched a micro-product last December 2024. The tool RealitySlides.com generates property presentations via WhatsApp using AI. This tool can help real estate professionals secure clients by simplifying presentations and strengthening client relationships.

With over 9,000 agents in 118 countries, Knocknock's platform continues to gain global traction. As it continues to address industry inefficiencies, Knocknock expects more professionals and stakeholders to use its platform, enabling growth among all users worldwide.

"While the current version focuses on real estate agents," points out Karpikov, "Knocknock sees this as the foundation for a much broader ecosystem - one where every stakeholder in the real estate journey can benefit from a streamlined, digital-first experience. We're excited to see how our users will grow with the platform as we continue to expand its features and build an integrated global real estate ecosystem."

Real estate professionals can now download the Knocknock mobile app from the App Store and Google Play to build their property databases and leverage the platform's powerful tools. Visit knocknock.me to learn more about how the company's platform can simplify property management and enhance workflows.

About Knocknock

Knocknock is a real estate technology company committed to transforming the present real estate sector. Knocknock's long-term vision is to unify real estate interactions within a single, easy-to-use platform - improving transparency, simplifying collaboration, and supporting smarter workflows across the entire industry. The company's goal is to help everyone in the real estate ecosystem work better together, starting with agents and steadily expanding its reach to more users and use cases.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249500

SOURCE: PRNews OU
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (TSX: PBH) (the "Company"), a leading producer, marketer and distributor of branded specialty food products, will release its first quarter 2025 results on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Pre-recorded Management Remarks, Press Release and Investor Presentation

Please note that management's pre-recorded remarks, a press release including financial statements and segment information and an investor presentation will be available on the morning of Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 4:00 a.m. Vancouver time (7:00 a.m. Toronto Time) at the Company's website at http://www.premiumbrandsholdings.com .

Question and Answer Session

Mr. George Paleologou, President and CEO and Mr. Will Kalutycz, CFO will host a live question and answer session at 10:30 a.m. Vancouver time (1:30p.m. Toronto Time) on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Access to the live question and answer session may be obtained by calling the operator at (289) 514-5100 / (800) 717-1738 (Conference ID: 07724) up to ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

For those who are unable to participate, a recording of the question and answer session will be available through to 11:59 p.m. Toronto time on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at (289) 819-1325 / (888) 660-6264 (passcode: 07724#). Alternatively, a recording of the question and answer session will be available at the Company's website at http://www.premiumbrandsholdings.com.

About Premium Brands

Premium Brands owns a broad range of leading specialty food manufacturing and differentiated food distribution businesses with operations across Canada and the United States.

www.premiumbrandsholdings.com

Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249561

SOURCE: Premium Brands Holdings Corporation
Aviation Week Network, the leading multimedia platform for global aviation, aerospace, and defense industries from Informa Markets, reinforced its commitment to fostering the most inclusive and representative aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) workforce during MRO Americas 2025, held at the Georgia World Congress Center (April 8-10, Atlanta, Georgia). Under the theme Shaping the Future, the event showcased a range of initiatives aimed at expanding career opportunities and creating a more diverse talent pipeline.

Attracting more than 17,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors, MRO Americas 2025 brought together key stakeholders across the global aviation MRO industry for three days of innovation, networking, and forward-looking insights.

This year's show placed a strong emphasis on workforce development, with programs designed to support economic mobility and elevate underrepresented groups within the industry. Through a dynamic collaboration with The Dream Opportunity, a global nonprofit supporting under-resourced students discovering unique career paths, Aviation Week Network welcomed 50 scholars from local institutions including Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Georgia Tech, for an immersive educational experience in the MRO industry. The initiative provides first-hand exposure to aviation careers, building critical connections and opening pathways to higher-earning opportunities.

MRO Americas also highlighted its Wing Woman program in partnership with A-WING (Aviation Women Inspiring the Next Generation), designed to empower women in aviation maintenance through mentorship and networking. Complementing this was the Rising Star program, where seasoned industry professionals introduced promising new talent to the field, helping to spark passion and guide the next generation of aviation leaders.

Additional student-focused activities such as guided show floor tours, targeted networking meetups, and the custom GO LIVE! Theater session presenting The Power & Importance of Mentorship: Nurturing Talent in Aviation, offered students meaningful engagement opportunities and valuable insights into the future of the aviation industry.

"Our mission goes beyond producing tradeshows, it is essential to elevate careers and redefine what the future of aviation looks like," said Greg Hamilton, president of Aviation Week Network. "We are proud to foster the dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking MRO community that will drive the necessary innovation to generate sustainable excellence for years to come."

The MRO sector faces a significant labor gap presenting challenges in meeting the global demand for aviation services. Boeing projects the global aviation industry to need 716,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians over the next decade as the Aviation Technician Education Council expects even just North America to fall 20% short of expected technician needs by 2028. Women represent only 2.8% of certified mechanics in the U.S., highlighting an untapped market to diversify workforce and meet worker demand.

Creating opportunities and conversations to address the critical shortfall is vital to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and sustained growth of the aviation industry. Aviation Week Network invests in the education, strategic partnerships, and expanded networking opportunities to support, attract and nurture the next generation of aviation professionals.

MRO Americas 2025 marked another significant step toward building a more inclusive and opportunity-rich aviation industry. The continued expansion of the Rising Stars and Wing Woman programming will be present at upcoming MRO events, as well as the dedicated ongoing commitment to engage student participants across national and international MRO events through a range of enriching partnered programming.

To learn more upcoming MRO shows, please visit aviationweek.com/events and to follow our workforce content, visit aviationweek.com/workforce.

##

About Aviation Week Network

Aviation Week Network is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, serving 1.2 million professionals around the world. Industry professionals rely on Aviation Week Network to help them understand the market, make decisions, predict trends, and connect with people and business opportunities. Customers include the world's leading aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, airlines, airports, business aviation operators, militaries, governments and other organizations that serve this worldwide marketplace. Aviation Week Network's portfolio delivers award-winning journalism, data, intelligence and analytical resources, world-class tradeshows and conferences, and results-driven marketing services and advertising.

Aviation Week Network is part of Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLC

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com.

Media Contact

Elizabeth Sisk

Director, Marketing Communications

Aviation Week Network

elizabeth.sisk@aviationweek.com

SOURCE: Informa Markets Aviation
Trophy Games Development A/S (CPH:TGAMES)("Trophy Games") announces that early investor Johnny Laursen (BENJAMIN CAPITAL ApS) has sold approximately 10.5% of the shares in Trophy Games to the Danish pension fund ATP, marking ATP's entry as the company's first institutional investor.

Johnny Laursen, who has been part of Trophy Games' journey since 2006 as an investor, shared the following statement regarding the transaction:

"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Sren Gleie and the entire Trophy Games team for an amazing journey over the past 19 years. Today, I have chosen to sell about two-thirds of my shares in Trophy Games to ATP.

My decision to sell shares is not due to a lack of belief in Trophy Games' potential - on the contrary, I see significant potential in the company. The reason for my decision is that my daily focus is dedicated to my other business, Turf Tank, where I have chosen to invest my time and resources.

Trophy Games was created and is driven by a passion for gaming, and Sren and the team have successfully developed highly profitable niche products with strong longevity and a very loyal user base.

I wish Trophy Games continued progress and success in the years to come."

Johnny Laursen has always held the role of a passive investor in Trophy Games and has never been considered an insider under applicable regulations.

CEO Sren Gleie commented on the transaction:

"We are very pleased to welcome ATP as a shareholder in Trophy Games. Having ATP join as our first institutional investor is a significant milestone for the company. Their long-term approach and strong reputation are a great match for our vision and strategy, and we look forward to their support as we continue to grow and develop our business."

Contacts

Trophy Games Development A/S

Sren Gleie, CEO

Office (+45) 7172 7573

Email: soren@trophy-games.com

Mikkel Bryggers Gade 4, 2. sal, 1460 Copenhagen K, Denmark

Certified Adviser

Norden CEF

John Norden

Email: jn@nordencef.dk

A/S Kongevejen 365, 2840 Holte, Denmark

About Us

Trophy Games is a data- and business-driven game company with a no-bullshit mentality. We build games around real-world interests to immerse players in their passion online!

Attachments

Trophy Games Welcomes ATP as New Institutional Investor Following Share Acquisition from Johnny Laursen

SOURCE: Trophy Games Development
Austrian investor Cevdet Caner, through NIU Group, has announced the acquisition and strategic renewal of Chilean mining company Minera Tres Valles (MTV). This marks the beginning of a new chapter for MTV, positioning the operation as a reliable and focused local producer of copper and other critical metals for the global market.

The purchase of Minera Tres Valles by NIU Group represents a significant new foreign investment in Chile. It builds on the country's strong institutions, stable financial system and respect for the rule of law. Under its new ownership, MTV will ramp-up operations to increase output and efficiency in full compliance with Chilean regulatory norms and standards.

NIU Group views MTV as a key contributor to the Coquimbo region's economic future and is committed to working closely with local communities to create jobs and generate positive social impact. The company will prioritize transparent and participatory engagement to align operations with local needs. The workforce is expected to grow to over 750 direct employees, with up to 5,000 indirect jobs projected at peak operations, bringing meaningful development opportunities to the surrounding towns of Salamanca, Illapel, and others in Choapa Province.

"We are building a dynamic company that will grow in tandem with the Choapa Province and nearby communities. We are dedicated to supporting local development through initiatives in education, infrastructure, and healthcare, while maintaining our focus on safety, environmental compliance, and open stakeholder engagement," said Caner.

MTV constitutes 8.2 million tonnes of proven and probable reserves which, when combined with processing of third-party ores, will yield potential revenues at current copper prices (~10,000 UISD/t) of USD 1.3-1.5bn. MTV produces Grade-A 99.999% pure electrolytic copper cathodes among the highest quality in the market with 5,000 tonnes of cathodes to be produced in the first year of NIU Group's ownership. Production is forecasted to increase to approximately 13,000 to 15,000 tonnes per annum from 2026.

NIU Group plans to invest further capital into the company to develop and expand mining operations to realise the asset's replacement value, estimated to be USD 750m to 1bn at a minimum.

Minera Tres Valles spans 460 square kilometres of exploratory lands. The mine has additional resources of 21.8 million tonnes of ore, a figure that includes only 5% of total land explored to date. There is significant exploration potential and associated metal production upside that NIU Group will realise. The current life of mine of 8 years has potential to increase to 20 years, with total potential revenues in excess of USD 3bn after exploration.

The mining operation features an advanced underground mine (Papamono) utilising Incline Block Caving (IBC) for extraction, and an open-pit mine (Don Gabriel) planned for development within three years. The integrated plant includes cutting edge and environmentally friendly crushing, leaching, and SX/EW processing capabilities, capable of processing 180,000 tonnes of ore per month and producing 18,500 tonnes of high-quality Grade-A copper cathodes per month, including from third-party ores. Minera Tres Valles has a state-of-the-art, fully integrated processing plant and benefits from being the only such facility within a 200km radius.

Cevdet Caner, owner of NIU Group, said, "The scaling up of Minera Tres Valles is a major step forward in guaranteeing the sustainable production of critical metals, while building long-term relationships with the communities surrounding MTV. We are proud to breathe new life into the operation that aligns so closely with our vision of becoming a leading Western mining investor focused on inputs necessary for advanced industries and future energy requirements globally."

Located approximately 200 km north of Santiago, within the Chalinga, Carcamo, and Chuchini valleys, near the towns of Salamanca and Illapel in the southern Coquimbo Region, the operation is strategically positioned in Chile, renowned as a world-class mining jurisdiction.

The Minera Tres Valles operation is currently undergoing an environmental review under Chile's regulatory framework. As part of the new ownership's vision for a more compatible and sustainable operation, the company is fully committed to complying with all environmental requirements that result from this process. This reflects NIU Group's focus on aligning operations with the highest standards of environmental responsibility.

NIU Group is a leading Europe and US-based investment company focused on entrepreneurship and value creation, with the goal of becoming a fully integrated mining investor and operator with assets across North America, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. Austrian entrepreneur Cevdet Caner has invested in the mining and property sectors for over two decades. NIU Group plans to make further mining acquisitions in 2025, building a diverse portfolio of critical assets that drive long-term growth and align with the global demand for key inputs to advanced industries and cutting-edge technologies.

Minera Tres Valles Fact Sheet

The mine has a replacement value of USD 750m to 1bn

Current production of 5,000 tonnes per annum will increase to 13,000-15,000 in a short timeframe

MTV produces Grade-A 99.999% pure electrolytic copper cathodes

The asset is a state-of-the-art facility with diversified ore sources (underground and open pit)

Mine employees will increase by 5x when operations are fully ramped up, with considerable local economic development impact envisioned

MTV possesses additional exploration potential of more than 400 square kilometres

The eight-year current life of mine could increase to 20 years, given vast exploration Potential

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424496992/en/

Contacts:

Media contact:

Boyd Bailey

hello@reputablepr.com
SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:SGQ)(HK:1878) ("SouthGobi" or the "Company") announces that the annual general meeting and extraordinary general meeting of the Company (the "Annual and Special Meeting") will convene on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (i.e. Friday, June 27, 2025, in Hong Kong). The record date for the determination of the shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") who are entitled to receive the notice of, and to attend and vote at, the Annual and Special Meeting or any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof, will be on Friday, May 9, 2025, Vancouver and Hong Kong (the "Record Date"). Shareholders whose names appear on the register of members of the Company at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to attend the Annual and Special Meeting and cast votes if his or her shares carry voting rights.

In order to be valid, a form of proxy together with the power of attorney or other authority, if any, under which it is signed or a certified copy of that power or authority, must be deposited with TSX Trust Company or Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited, as soon as possible and in any event received by no later than 6:00p.m. (Vancouver time) on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 (which is 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Hong Kong time), or 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and public holidays in Hong Kong, China) before the Annual and Special Meeting or any postponement(s) or adjournment(s) thereof.

A notice of the Annual and Special Meeting which contains, amongst other things, the time, venue and the detailed agenda of the Annual and Special Meeting, along with a management circular concerning certain matters to be considered at the Annual and Special Meeting, will be dispatched to Shareholders in due course and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

About SouthGobi

SouthGobi, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange, owns and operates its flagship Ovoot Tolgoi coal mine in Mongolia. It also holds the mining licences of its other metallurgical and thermal coal deposits in South Gobi region of Mongolia. SouthGobi produces and sells coal to customers in China.

Contact: Investor Relations Email: info@southgobi.com Mr. Ruibin Xu Chief Executive Officer Office: +1 604 762 6783 (Canada) +852 2156 1438 (Hong Kong) Website: www.southgobi.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.

SOURCE: SouthGobi Resources Ltd.
Prestigious awards recognizes the achievements and interests of students in STEM activities and future career opportunities

The Ohio affiliate of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), in partnership with KeyBank, honored 51 high school students across Ohio at the 2025 Aspirations in Computing awards on Saturday, April 12th in Columbus, Ohio. These students, which included one national winner, were recognized for their leadership and involvement in technology, robotics, and applied science, along with their academic success and plans for post-secondary education.

Two STEM teachers were honored as well with an educator award.

For the past ten years, the Ohio Aspirations in Computing awards have been sponsored by KeyBank. All award recipients along with their families and educators were invited to join this year's event, which featured a panel of professionals discussing the Tech thru Time. All shared insight into their career paths, education, and personal growth in STEM.

"KeyBank has a long history of supporting students who are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, and math," said Amy Brady, KeyBank Chief Information Officer. "We congratulate this year's award winners and are proud to recognize the achievements and talents of these outstanding students. They are future problem solvers and the skills they are developing today will help solve the challenges of tomorrow."

Since 2007, NCWIT has inducted more than 10,000 young women into the Aspirations in Computing community and is helping to usher these women into technology careers. The NCWIT Aspirations in Computing program is a talent development initiative designed to increase female participation in technology careers by providing encouragement, visibility, community, leadership opportunities, scholarships, and internships to aspiring technically inclined young women. NCWIT offers both national and local affiliate competitions to generate support and visibility for women's participation in communities nationwide.

For information on the national program please visit www.aspirations.org

2025 National Honorable Mentions

Afia Ava - Padua Franciscan High School

Mahee Shah - Hathaway Brown High School



2025 Ohio Affiliate Award Winners

Student's Name School Name Laasya Acharya William Mason High School Shivani Arulselvan Padua Franciscan High School Afia Ava Padua Franciscan High School Lilah Ball Lakewood High School Katie Benson Hudson High School Naisha Chopra North Royalton High School Ayesha Faruki Mentor High School Riya Hegde Western Reserve Academy Maya Houghton Hathaway Brown School Rebecca Jacob Solon High School Ava Kohlhaas Lakota East High School Audrey Malcuit Padua Franciscan High School Vaishnavi Rachuri Dublin Jerome High School Sonia Robinson Hathaway Brown School Mahee Shah Hathaway Brown School Kathleen Smith Springfield-Clark County Tori Smith Magnificat High School Maggie Smith Padua Franciscan High School Sahana Srikanth William Mason High School Sosena Tefera Anderson High School Rachel Tong Olentangy Orange High School Kaovya Vel Westlake High School Zaynah Wahab Solon High School

2025 Ohio Affiliate Honorable Mentions

Student's Name School Name Emily Ahmad Centerville High School Aanvi Dogra Dublin Jerome High School Mengxin Deng Magnificat High School Kayleise Travis Magnificat High School Bohdan Chuprynka North Royalton High School Sophia Regoli Canal Winchester High School Gautami Kondekar Dublin Jerome High School Olivia Scarlatella Felicity-Franklin High School Yujing Li North Royalton High School Charlie Clements Stow-Munroe Falls High School Vidhissha Sharma Solon High School Sanyu Karathody North Royalton High School Tiffany Perez Garcia Springfield-clark County Amritha Kishan Solon High School Haasini Sanisetty Hathaway Brown School Harman Kaur Dayton Regional Stem School Ravia Bhullar Nordonia High School Sophia Swartwood Padua Franciscan High School Cailyn Hua Western Reserve Academy

2025 Ohio Affiliate Rising Stars

Student's Name School Name Siyuan Zhang Solon High School Giana Trolio Ursuline High School Maya School Sensabaugh C-TEC Career And Technology Education Centers of Licking County Riley Wilkerson Ross High School Kaavya Gulia Solon High School Anna McCracken Westerville South High School Alex Tehoke Padua Franciscan High School Victoria Goss Padua Franciscan High School Lyla Doucette Brecksville-Broadview Heights High

2025 Ohio Educator Winner

Jeff Rhodes - North Royalton High School

2025 Ohio Educator Honorable Mention

Greg Sauline - Ursuline High School

About NCWIT

NCWIT widens participation in the technology ecosystem through innovative programs and research.

This thriving community of more than 1,600 change leader organizations spanning K-12, Higher Education, and Industry works to expand access to critical knowledge and opportunities.

NCWIT helps organizations remain globally competitive in science and technology by creating environments where all students and employees thrive.

ABOUT NCWIT ASPIRATIONS IN COMPUTING (AiC)

Aspirations in Computing (AiC) opens pathways into technology from K-12 through career. AiC recognizes and celebrates students' technical aspirations and abilities, as well as the educators who support them. The program also provides an expansive community network to create opportunities that lead to careers in technology.

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 40,000 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit?https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

Rhonda Crawford- Ohio Affiliate Program Coordinator

Ceylon Allmond- Master of Ceremonies & Planning Committee

Maria Smith- Planning Committee & Host

Navarre Medlock- Planning Committee & Photographer

Jessica Kennedy- Planning Committee & RSVP Table

Shawanay Kirksey - Volunteer & RSVP Table

Matthew Prioletti- Communications Partner

Partners:

Eva Bradshaw - NCWIT Regional Affiliate Program Manager

Serina Shores - Ohio Affiliate Co-ProgramCoordinatorHuntington Bank

Panelists:

Dieynabou Diallo - 2025 Ohio Collegiate Finalist & 3rd year student at OSU

Jay Shaffstall - Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Muskingum University

Ava Scherocman - 2020 Ohio Winner & Computer Science Major at OSU

The Ohio affiliate of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) honored high school students across Ohio at the 2025 Aspirations in Computing awards ceremony on Saturday, April 12th in Columbus Ohio.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: KeyBank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

Xebra Brands Ltd. ("Xebra" or the "Company") (XBRA:CSE)(XBRAF:OTCQB)(9YC0:FSE), a leading player in the CBD industry, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the "Letter of Intent"), effective April 22, 2025, to acquire 100% of the shares of BSK Holdings Inc. ("BSK"), the owner of a portfolio of e-commerce CBD health and wellness brands (the "Proposed Acquisition"). The Proposed Acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of Q3 2025, positioning Xebra to take a significant step into the US CBD market, the largest market in the world.

BSK is one of the established leaders in the CBD space, with a proven portfolio of brands that have generated over $50M USD in revenue since 2021, $2.1M in EBIDTA and a blended Gross Margin (across all brands) of approx. 62% while serving millions of customers across the US. BSK's leadership team are pioneers in the cannabis and hemp industry having founded and built some of the industries most recognised brands, including Manitoba Harvest (the world's largest hemp food company) which sold to TILRAY for $420M in 2019 ; Phivida Holdings one of the industry's first CBD Beverage brands which sold to CHOOM Holdings (now HighTide Inc. in 2020, and others. BSK brings expertise in growing and scaling profitable Cannabis, Hemp and CBD companies to Xebra Brands, creating a truly North American operator.

The North American CBD market was estimated at USD$6.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% from 2024 to 2030.1 Through the acquisition of BSK, Xebra immediately becomes an significant player in the CBD and Hemp market in the US, with strong growth potential. With established popular brands such as Keoni and AMMA, and a strong e-commerce expertise, BSK brings a large database of US customers, established brands and a team of industry experts who will not only continue to expand operations in the US but also grow the Company's ELEMENTS Brand.

"We couldn't be more excited to announce the acquisition of BSK," said Rodrigo Gallardo, Interim CEO of Xebra. "BSK has a proven track record of building successful cannabis and hemp companies, combined with expertise in launching and scaling CPG brands, and the Proposed Acquisition is expected to be a significant milestone and catalyst in Xebra's growth trajectory. This acquisition accelerates our entry into the U.S. market, enhances our operational presence in Mexico, and aligns with our vision of becoming a leader in the North American CBD market."

"Partnering with Xebra allows BSK to enter the Mexican market under the only company legally permitted to import seeds, cultivate, manufacture, operate, and sell cannabis (-1% THC) in Mexico," said Fraser Macdougall, CEO of BSK. "Together, we aim to become a leader in the U.S. and Mexican CBD category, leveraging our combined technologies and expertise."

Transaction Highlights:

Strategic Platform for North American Growth: The transaction combines BSK's e-commerce model with Xebra's operations, creating a powerful platform for rapid CBD market development in North America.

Amplified Mexican CBD Market Penetration: BSK's e-commerce capabilities enhance Xebra's existing operations, which Xebra expects to drive faster market access and sales growth in Mexico.

Expanded Product Portfolio: The acquisition broadens Xebra's offerings, adding BSK's brands like Keoni and AMMA alongside Xebra's Elements line, ensuring a comprehensive range of CBD options tailored for diverse markets.

Key Synergies:

 E-Commerce Strategy: Develop at e-commerce platform tailored to the Mexican market, driving online sales and brand awareness.

 Product Line Expansion: Launch Elements-branded CBD products alongside BSK's brands, ensuring compliance with Mexican regulations.

 Marketing and Consumer Engagement: Use targeted marketing campaigns to boost brand awareness and educate consumers about CBD benefits.

 Logistics and Distribution: Establish efficient logistics networks, ensuring timely delivery and product integrity.

Transaction Overview:

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Letter of Intent, Xebra and BSK will negotiate and enter into a binding Definitive Agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") incorporating the principal terms of the Proposed Acquisition as described in the Letter of Intent. There is no assurance that a Definitive Agreement will be successfully negotiated or entered into. It is anticipated the Proposed Acquisition will be structured as a three-cornered amalgamation whereby a newly incorporated subsidiary of Xebra will amalgamate with BSK under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and continue as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xebra.

As consideration for the acquisition of all of the outstanding common shares of BSK, and subject to the definitive exchange ratio in the Definitive Agreement, it is expected holders of outstanding common shares of BSK will be issued, on an aggregate basis, approximately 45% of the share capital of Xebra Brands Ltd. The deemed value of the shares at the current market value represents an approximate transaction value of $4.5MM CAD.

The completion of the Proposed Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions precedent, including but not limited to satisfactory due diligence review, negotiation and execution of the Definitive Agreement and accompanying transaction documents, approval by the boards of directors of each of Xebra and BSK, approval of the shareholders of BSK and obtaining necessary third party consents and approvals, as required.

Overview of BSK Wellness:

BSK is a leading U.S.-based CBD company known for its Keoni and AMMA brands. BSK has generated over $50 million in revenue over the last three years and has a historical customer base that exceeds 2 million individuals. BSK has established itself as a top player in the U.S. CBD market. Its emphasis on e-commerce positions it as one of the fastest-growing CBD companies in the U.S.

As the e-commerce sector in Mexico continues to expand-reaching $39 billion in sales in 20231 and expected to grow further-Xebra and BSK are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. The Mexican e-commerce market, currently valued at $39 billion, is projected to double within five years, presenting significant opportunities for Xebra's CBD expansion.1

Keith Dolo, a director of Xebra, is also a director of BSK. As such, Mr. Dolo will not take part in any deliberations or votes relating to the proposed transaction within each respective board of directors.

About Xebra Brands:

Xebra Brands Ltd. is a leading cannabis company focused on developing and delivering innovative products to consumers worldwide. As the first and only company legally permitted to import seeds, cultivate, manufacture, operate, and sell cannabis (-1% THC) in Mexico, Xebra is pioneering the Mexican cannabis sector.

Source:

(#1) North America Cannabidiol (CBD) Market Size | Report, 2030

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Rodrigo Gallardo

Interim CEO

For more information, contact:

+525563872293

omar@xebrabrands.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements", as such terms are defined under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects" ,"is expected", "budget", "scheduled," "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, the expected benefits of the Proposed Acquisition, statements with respect to the consummation and timing of the Proposed Acquisition; the satisfaction of the conditions precedent of the Proposed Acquisition.

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Xebra's ability to predict or control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Specific reference is made to Xebra's most recent annual management discussion and analysis on file with certain Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements, which include, without limitation, Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability of Xebra to retain the authorizations granted by COFEPRIS, the inability to successfully complete financings on terms acceptable to Xebra or at all, the inability to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan or to complete the Proposed Acquisition; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete potential acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures for any reason, including the Proposed Acquisition; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; and the timely receipt of regulatory approvals for license applications on terms satisfactory to Xebra. In addition, there is no assurance Xebra will: be a low-cost producer or exporter; obtain a dominant market position in any jurisdiction; have products that will be unique. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Xebra undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the foregoing except as required by law. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies could affect Xebra's actual performance and cause its actual performance to differ materially from what has been expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Xebra. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those set out in such statements.

This press release includes market, industry and economic data which was obtained from publicly available sources and other sources believed by Xebra to be true. Although Xebra believes the information to be reliable, it has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this press release, or analyzed or verified the underlying reports relied upon or referred to by such sources, or ascertained the underlying economic and other assumptions relied upon by such sources. Xebra believes that its market, industry and economic data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there can be no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness thereof.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Xebra Brands Ltd
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D) ("ESGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of an internal review of its 2015 VTEM survey data and historic drill database, which confirms the presence of a large-scale geophysical anomaly in the southwestern portion of the Montauban Project. This zone, which has not been drill tested, is considered by ESGold's technical team to be a high-priority target for future exploration.

Figure 1. VTEM conductivity (bfz30 EM) map at 18.75m resolution showing a major high-conductivity anomaly in the southwest zone, now fully enclosed within ESGold's claim package.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4999/249668_913bcf75e4fec909_002full.jpg

The southwest target is defined by a broad, laterally continuous conductivity high (bfz30 EM) coinciding with a strong magnetic anomaly (TMI) - a dual geophysical signature commonly associated with buried sulfide-rich VMS environments. Independent internal interpretation suggests that this zone may be deeper, structurally complex, and potentially larger than the historically mined lens to the northeast.

To contextualize the opportunity, it's important to note that since the original VTEM survey was flown in 2015, ESGold has strategically expanded its land position and now holds 255 mining claims totaling approximately 13,116 hectares - the largest claim package in the Montauban region. This expansion was specifically designed to encompass high-priority anomalies identified in the survey. Given that VMS systems are known to occur in clusters, ESGold's expanded land package now positions the Company to fully capture the district-scale discovery potential that the geophysical data suggests. The original VTEM survey was flown From December 6, 2014 to January 13, 2015, and was included in an NI 43-101 Report commissioned and filed by the Company in February 2022 (JPL Geoservices).

Figure 2. Updated geological map of the Montauban Project showing ESGold's expanded 255-claim property, now encompassing 13,116 hectares, with historic drill collar locations and geologic context.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4999/249668_913bcf75e4fec909_003full.jpg

Unlocking Future Potential at Montauban

Historically, Montauban has been viewed as a single-deposit system. However, based on the interpretation of geophysical data from the 2015 VTEM survey, ESGold believes the project may be situated within a broader, potentially stacked or clustered VMS environment. While this concept is supported by the scale and distribution of conductivity and magnetic anomalies identified in the survey, further exploration and drilling will be required to validate the presence of additional mineralized systems

To validate this potential, ESGold is currently finalizing a comprehensive 3D geological model - the first in the project's 110-year history. This model will integrate:

2015 VTEM and TMI data

Over 950 historical drillholes and 18,000+ Au, Ag, and Zn assays

Structural interpretation from geophysical and geological mapping

Upcoming ANT (Ambient Noise Tomography) survey data

The ongoing ANT survey - which has been tested to 800 meters in imaging depth - will play a critical role in determining the true scale and continuity of the southwestern anomaly. Once the initial 3D model is released, ESGold plans to expand the ANT program to cover a broader section of the property, targeting additional zones of interest revealed by the new model.

A Strategic Shift in Scope

The Company continues advancing toward near-term production through tailings reprocessing at Montauban, this new anomaly marks a potential inflection point - one that could redefine the company as a district-scale discovery story.

"The southwest anomaly represents a technically interesting and previously untested zone at Montauban," said Brad Kitchen, President of ESGold Corp. "While our primary focus remains on advancing toward near-term production, the evolving geophysical model and recent land expansion are beginning to reveal a much broader opportunity. With a growing dataset, disciplined exploration approach, and a pathway to self-funded discovery, ESGold is well positioned to pursue both production and the longer-term potential of the Montauban system"

What's Next for ESGold

3D Geological Model Release - Targeted for May, incorporating all historic and modern data





- Targeted for May, incorporating all historic and modern data ANT Survey Interpretation - To define structure and depth of anomaly; results to guide future drill targeting





- To define structure and depth of anomaly; results to guide future drill targeting Exploration Strategy Deployment - Post-model follow-up including expanded ANT coverage and staged drill program as production begins





- Post-model follow-up including expanded ANT coverage and staged drill program as production begins Updated PEA Release - To reflect current metals pricing and new near-surface potential





- To reflect current metals pricing and new near-surface potential Continued Construction - Montauban production remains on track for year-end 2025, supported by recent financing

Qualified Person Statement

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Langton, M.Sc., P. Geo., an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About ESGold Corp.

ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D) is a fully permitted, pre-production resource company at the forefront of clean mining and exploration innovation. With proven expertise in Quebec, the Company is advancing its projects toward production and feasibility while delivering long-term value through sustainable resource recovery and exploration. ESGold's flagship Montauban property, located 80 kilometers west of Quebec City, serves as a model for responsible mining practices, combining near-term production with district-scale discovery potential.

For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces.

Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements are based on assumptions and expectations that involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially. Forward-looking information includes statements regarding the expected use of proceeds, the development and construction timelines of the Montauban Project, future production, and anticipated project milestones. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking information contained in this release is qualified by these cautionary statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/249668

SOURCE: ESGold Corp.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - TriSummit Utilities Inc. ("TSU") announced that it has completed its $150 million issuance of senior unsecured medium-term notes (the "Offering"). The notes carry a coupon rate of 4.48% and mature on April 24, 2032.

Net proceeds from the Offering will be used (i) as to approximately $130 million, to repay amounts outstanding under TSU's Canadian syndicated revolving credit facility and Canadian operating credit facility, which amounts were incurred in the normal course of business to fund the working capital requirements of the Company, and (ii) as to the remainder, for general corporate purposes.

The Offering was made through a syndicate of investment dealers co-led by RBC Capital Markets and TD Securities as joint bookrunners under TSU's Short Form Base Shelf Prospectus dated April 3, 2025 and Prospectus Supplement dated April 17, 2025.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. This press release is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia) or any other jurisdiction outside Canada. This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer to buy or sell any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction outside of Canada. The securities of TSU 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. Accordingly, these securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to a U.S. person unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or except pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. There will be no public offering of securities in the United States.

About TriSummit Utilities Inc.

TSU is a North American company with natural gas distribution, transmission and storage utilities and renewable power generation assets. TSU serves approximately 292,000 customers across Canada and the United States, delivering energy safely and reliably.

For more information visit: www.trisummit.ca

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "propose", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to TSU or an affiliate of TSU, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, the use of proceeds from the Offering. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect TSU's current views with respect to future events based on certain material factors and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, changes in the market, competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions and other factors set out in TSU's public disclosure documents. Many factors could cause TSU's actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those described in this press release, including without limitation, those listed above. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this press release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, sought, proposed, estimated or expected, and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in this press release, should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements speak only as of the date of this press release. TSU does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249669

SOURCE: TriSummit Utilities Inc.
by Virgil Miller

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Rocket attacks, tear gas, mortar fire, interminable "humps" rucking 50 pounds of gear  Life as a U.S. Marine is not always pleasant. And yet, those years made me more patient, more self-assured, more aware of the needs of others and, oddly, more competent as a business executive working my way up the ladder of a $58 billion Fortune 500 corporation.

As the Marine Corps celebrates its 250th anniversary, I'm appreciating how many crucial business and personal lessons my military service taught me, including don't shun the grunt work, keep your head up, don't typecast other people and always sweat the small stuff. Integrity, dependability, courage, decisiveness and, above all, exercising sound judgment are not just words to a Marine - they are the core principles that guide the way we strategize, whether on the battlefield or the boardroom.

Marines are taught to believe that seeking help shows maturity, not weakness, and to understand that what is my responsibility is mine, so we try not to make unforced errors and own them when we do. But there are more enemies than just those on the battlefield, and some can attack without warning.

April is National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, yet data found in a recent study of more than 2,000 American consumers on this very subject is alarming. The numbers, while accurate, challenge my confidence that Americans are sweating the small stuff, or the big stuff, for that matter.

For example, 51% of people who have experienced cancer report that they discovered their diagnosis at a regularly scheduled screening or routine medical examination.1

That is a good thing. Because according to the American Cancer Society, with whom my company collaborates to raise awareness for early detection, regular screenings increase the chances of sleuthing certain cancers early, before it has a chance to spread,2 raising the likelihood of a positive outcome for your physical, mental and financial health.

So, that means most Americans are prioritizing their health, right? Well, not so fast, because 90% still admit to putting off important health checkups, including 93% of millennials who admit to delaying screenings beyond the recommended timeframes,3 even as frequent news stories suggest they should be more vigilant.

From a Marine's perspective, that's like sleeping through a unit inspection. It's FUBAR (fouled up beyond all recognition). Either Americans are not getting the message, or other factors, such as logistics, fear and access, are leading them to make counterintuitive decisions that could negatively impact their lifestyles. And since half of Americans cannot afford $1,000 to pay for a health emergency,4 health care costs are a significant factor.

Cancer treatment continues to improve, but the fact remains that incidences of some cancers continue to rise. That's why, as chair of the newly formed Georgia chapter of the American Cancer Society's CEOs' Against Cancer Society program, I intend to encourage business leaders from around the country to march in step against this national problem. We will need teamwork to make it work. So, to start, if you read this article, please share it with a friend. Because 73% of Americans feel thankful or relieved after being urged by a loved one to go to a doctor and get checked.5

We are proud Marines living the heritage of the Corps, standing watch, protecting people we've never met. As we celebrate 250 years of duty, commitment, integrity and selfless honor, I have come to find that the battlefield is not the only place to defend Americans. We can and must mount a defense for less visible problems that are often preventable in the first place. So, I ask my fellow Marines, and everyone for that matter  Can I get an "ooh-rah" for a more aware and healthier America?

Virgil Miller, president of Aflac Incorporated and Aflac U.S., and Chair of the Georgia branch of CEOs Against Cancer, is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and a featured speaker at the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Gala celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps April 26 in Washington, D.C.

12025 Wellness Matters Survey

2 American Cancer Society - https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening.html

32025 Wellness Matters Survey

42024-2025 Aflac Workforces Report

52025 Wellness Matters Survey

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance. Information is not intended to provide tax, legal, health or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation.

The information provided by the American Cancer Society (ACS) is for general education only and is not based on personal health information of any individual member. All ACS programs and services described here are independent programs and services of ACS. Aflac does not share any personal health information or personally identifiable information of Aflac members with ACS, and ACS does not endorse or support any particular health plan, company, product or service.

Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500207

EXP. 4/26

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Aflac Incorporated on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Aflac Incorporated

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/aflac-incorporated

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Aflac Incorporated
Event held in Mongolia to celebrate Int'l Chinese Language Day

Xinhua) 14:08, April 24, 2025

ULAN BATOR, April 24 (Xinhua) -- An event marking the 2025 International Chinese Language Day has been held in Ulan Bator, Mongolia's capital.

With the theme "Let's learn Chinese with Lanting Chinese Calligraphy Culture Salon," this year's event, which was held on Tuesday, aimed to allow more Mongolian people to have a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. It was part of a series of events to celebrate the United Nations Chinese Language Day in Mongolia.

The event featured a calligraphy exhibition, another exhibition of award-winning works from calligraphy competitions among local primary and secondary school students, and a special concert titled "Let's sing Chinese Songs with Ulan Tuya."

"Nowadays, many talented Mongolian students can write beautiful Chinese calligraphy and sing Chinese poems with emotion. The excellent results of my classmates made me feel that the people from China and Mongolia are close to each other and connected by heart," said Li Zhi, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Ulan Bator, during the opening ceremony.

"What is even more gratifying is that more and more young people in Mongolia are interested in learning Chinese as a stepping stone for future personal growth, and contribute their wisdom to promoting the common development and friendship between the two countries", said Li.

In the event, a promotional video showcasing the Glorious History of Calligraphy in China over 5,000 years in One Breath was shown.

After the event, the guests and students participated in calligraphy experience activities to deepen their understanding of traditional Chinese culture, especially the art of writing Chinese characters.

Gankhuyag Amira, a female student who won the first prize in the calligraphy and painting competition, said that she was honored to have the opportunity to show her results in learning the Chinese language.

"I would especially like to thank the teachers for their careful guidance, and also for my perseverance in learning Chinese and practicing calligraphy," she added.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, and China's Center for Language Education and Cooperation, and organized by the Confucius Institute at the National University of Mongolia and the Chinese Cultural Center in Ulan Bator.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
EdTech Awards recognize Prodigy Learning for transforming computer science education with its Coding in Minecraft credential program. Celebrating its 15th year, the US-based EdTech Awards are the world's largest recognition program for education technology, recognizing the biggest names in edtech.

Prodigy Learning, the Ireland-headquartered global education technology company, has won the EdTech Awards 2025 Cool Tool Award for Coding, Computer Science and Engineering Solution

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424984782/en/

Irish Minister for Education, Ms Helen McEntee TD, visiting with students at Rosebank College, Sydney, New South Wales over the St. Patricks Day celebrations who are working on Coding in Minecraft from Prodigy Learning, winner of the Cool Tool Award at the EdTech Awards 2025 for Coding, Computer Science and Engineering Solution.

The US-based EdTech Awards are the world's largest recognition program for education technology, recognizing the biggest names in education technology with outstanding contributions in transforming education through technology to enrich the lives of learners everywhere. Featuring edtech's best and brightest, the annual program shines a spotlight on cool tools, inspiring leaders and innovative trendsetters across the K-12, Higher Education, and Skills and Workforce sectors.

Prodigy Learning was selected from a global field of innovators as the winner of the EdTech Cool Tool Award in the category of Coding, Computer Science and Engineering Solution for its 'Coding in Minecraft' credential product. This year's finalists and winners were narrowed from the larger field and judged based on various criteria, including pedagogical workability, efficacy and results, support, clarity, value and potential.

Commenting, Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest, Victor Rivero, who oversees the EdTech Awards Program, said:

"Congratulations to The EdTech Awards 2025 finalists and winners! You are the innovators who see the future not as something to react to, but as something to create. Your work is making education more inclusive, accessible, and effective-breaking barriers, unlocking potential, and preparing learners for a world that is evolving faster than ever."

Commenting on this achievement, Andrew Flood, Chief Executive Officer of Prodigy Learning, said:

"We are proud to win this Cool Tool Award at The EdTech Awards 2025. This Award is a great endorsement from the industry of the work our team is doing transforming computer science education with Coding in Minecraft.

Our team is doing incredible work in partnership with Minecraft Education to empower educators with the tools to prepare their students with the skills they need to thrive in this age of AI. It is a privilege for us all to work with schools and school systems across the United States, Europe and Australia to support their computer science plans and develop the workforce of tomorrow.

Thank you to the EdTech Awards and judges for this prestigious honour and congratulations to all the other winners and finalists in this year's celebration of EdTech."

Coding in Minecraft is a computer science credential program delivered through Minecraft Education within the immersive world of Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time. The program engages young learners through game-based learning in an immersive computer science and coding curriculum that rewards their learning with industry recognized credentials. It is an easy to teach solution enabling teachers with little or no computer science experience to deliver a standards-aligned curriculum.

Coding in Minecraft was the first of three learning, assessment and credentialing products released by Prodigy Learning in partnership with Minecraft Education. 'Cyber in Minecraft' (launched in October 2024) focuses on cybersecurity education and 'AI Ready Skills' (launched in January 2025) covers core AI topics. These products are available for licensing through Microsoft and channel resellers worldwide in addition to existing Prodigy Learning channels.

Find out more on prodigylearning.com

Disclaimer: this product is designed for educational purposes only.

Prodigy Learning

Prodigy Learning is an award-winning global EdTech business, providing innovative online platforms that empower learners to develop and prove their skills. These solutions range from skills assessments in education through to job-ready digital skills credentials.

Minecraft Education

Minecraft Educationis a game-based learning platform that inspires creative, inclusive learning through play. Millions of educators and students in 115 countries use Minecraft Education, building future-ready skills like problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking. The platform offers standards-aligned STEM curricula, professional development, and fun challenges designed for all types of learners, developed with partners like BBC Earth, the Nobel Peace Center, NASA, UNESCO, World Wildlife Federation, and Code.org.

About EdTech Digest and The EdTech Awards

EdTech Digest, a leading source of cool tools, interviews, and trends showcasing the future of learning annually honors the best and brightest people, products and groups working in edtech with The EdTech Awards. Cool Tool, Leadership, and Trendsetter honorees span the K-12, Higher Ed, and Skills Workforce sectors. The EdTech Awards were established in 2010 to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the most exceptional innovators, leaders, and trendsetters in education technology.

Past winners include Adobe, Claned, Soundtrap, Blackboard, Discovery Education, DreamBox, Edthena, Promethean, Scholastic, SMART Technologies, zSpace and more.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424984782/en/

Contacts:

For media queries to Prodigy Learning, please contact:

Jim Devlin, jim@devlincomms.ie; 087 2631057
Over the past year, FedEx teams in Colorado have built a meaningful relationship with Food Bank of the Rockies. From volunteering at the Denver Distribution Center to donating funds, they've gone all-in to help feed families.

"FedEx is a people-first company - we focus on our customers and our communities more than anything else," shared Kristina Withers, human resources partner for FedEx. "Volunteering with the Food Bank drives home the principles we value most, like committing to do good, and shows our communities we are here to help."

Food Bank of the Rockies is the largest food bank by geographic area, covering all of Wyoming and 32 counties in Colorado with its fleet of delivery trucks and dedicated drivers. In fact, three FedEx managers recently provided logistics expertise to support the Food Bank of the Rockies. They advised on yard and warehouse management, route optimization, wayfinding for deliveries, and an internal package tracking system.

The FedEx Community Engagement Fund has been crucial in supporting these efforts. With a $20,000 grant to the Food Bank, FedEx helped underwrite the cost of distributing over 60,000 nourishing meals to families in need. With Food Bank of the Rockies distributing enough food for 185,000 meals daily, every donation makes a big impact.

Recently, the FedEx Freight Team tackled a different kind of logistical challenge when they volunteered at the Food Bank. While their usual work involves global logistics, here they got to see the direct impact of their efforts as they packed boxes of food destined for local families. Logistics truly play a pivotal role in feeding our neighbors.

In fact, the FedEx Freight Team holds the record at Food Bank of the Rockies: In one volunteer session, they packaged 24,980 pounds of bulk rice into 3,821 bags for families to use. That's like helping deliver 23,376 meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity!

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from FedEx on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: FedEx

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fedex

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: FedEx
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Sayward Capital Corp. (TSXV: SAWC.P) ("Sayward"), a capital pool company as defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV" or the "Exchange"), is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated June 13, 2024 (the "LOI Press Release") and the non-binding letter of intent dated June 13, 2024 with Technosteel Construction (L.L.C.) ("Technosteel"), a corporation organized under the laws of the Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM), it has entered into a share exchange agreement dated March 26, 2025 (the "Definitive Agreement") with Technosteel and all of the shareholders of Technosteel in respect of a proposed business combination of Sayward and Technosteel (the "Proposed Transaction"), which Sayward anticipates will constitute its "Qualifying Transaction" pursuant to Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the Exchange ("Policy 2.4"), as such term is defined in the policies of the Exchange. Sayward, as it exists upon completion of the Proposed Transaction (the "Resulting Issuer"), will continue the business of Technosteel.

Terms of the Proposed Transaction

The Definitive Agreement was negotiated at arm's length and sets out that, among other things, at closing of the Proposed Transaction, Sayward will issue 711.11111 common shares in the capital of Sayward (the "Sayward Shares") to each of the shareholders of Technosteel in exchange for each ordinary share held in the capital of Technosteel (the "Technosteel Shares") rounded down to the nearest whole number, which is expected to result in a deemed transaction price of US$0.1875 per Sayward Share.

There are currently 8,000,000 Sayward Shares issued and outstanding with no intention to consolidate or split such shares in connection with the Proposed Transaction. There are also currently 800,000 options to purchase Sayward Shares (the "Sayward Options") and 500,000 warrants to purchase Sayward Shares (the "CPC Agent's Warrants") issued and outstanding. All of the Sayward Options are to be exercised prior to, and as a condition to, completion of the Proposed Transaction by the holders of the Sayward Options at the applicable exercise prices therefor. Sayward also intends to use commercially reasonable efforts to have the CPC Agent's Warrants exercised at the applicable exercise prices in accordance with the Definitive Agreement.

There are currently 300,000 Technosteel Shares issued and outstanding with no intention to consolidate or split such shares in connection with the Proposed Transaction. There are no other securities of Technosteel issued and outstanding. Prior to closing of the Proposed Transaction, in addition to the Private Placement (as defined below), Technosteel expects to issue up to 6,966 Technosteel Shares to ARC Group Limited ("ARC") for services provided by ARC in connection with the Proposed Transaction (the "ARC Issuance"). ARC is a global financial advisory firm, which has provided strategic and financial advisory services to Technosteel in connection with the Proposed Transaction. These services include structuring the reverse takeover, coordinating due diligence, preparing for the TSXV listing, and advising on Private Placement and strategic guidance. ARC and its control persons are not considered a "Non-Arm's Length Party" to Technosteel pursuant to the policies of the Exchange.

It is anticipated that the Resulting Issuer will change its name to "Technosteel Corp.", or such other name as may be determined by Technosteel in its sole discretion, subject to approval by the shareholders of Sayward (the "Sayward Shareholders"), the TSXV and any other relevant regulatory authorities (the "Name Change").

Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, the completion of the Proposed Transaction remains subject to certain conditions precedent that must be satisfied or waived, including, but not limited to: (i) tendering of closing deliverables; (ii) requisite Exchange and other regulatory approvals; (iii) requisite approvals of the Sayward Shareholders for the Name Change, reconstitution of the board of directors and the implementation of an equity incentive plan; (iv) completion of the ARC Issuance and the Private Placement; (v) the preparation of requisite financial statements of Technosteel; (vi) the Sayward Options being exercised; (vii) requirements of sponsorship being met or waived; (viii) no material adverse change occurring with respect to Sayward or Technosteel between the date of entering into the Definitive Agreement and the closing date of the Proposed Transaction; and (ix) the closing date occurring on or before May 31, 2025. If all conditions to the completion of the Proposed Transaction are satisfied or waived, the Proposed Transaction is expected to be carried out.

Concurrent with the execution of the Definitive Agreement, Sayward deposited C$25,000 and Technosteel deposited C$50,000 into escrow for purposes of satisfying a break fee that is payable by either party to the other party in certain circumstances detailed in the Definitive Agreement if completion of the Proposed Transaction does not occur.

The Proposed Transaction will not constitute a "Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction" (within the meaning of Policy 2.4 of the Exchange).

After giving effect to the Proposed Transaction, the shareholders of Technosteel (the "Technosteel Shareholders") will collectively exercise control over the Resulting Issuer. However, as at the date hereof, it is not possible for the parties to determine the number of Sayward Shares that will be issued upon completion of the Proposed Transaction nor the ownership percentages associated with the Sayward Shareholders and the Technosteel Shareholders immediately prior to the completion of the Proposed Transaction as this will depend upon the exercise of the Sayward Options and the CPC Agent's Warrants, the ARC Issuance and the Private Placement, such factors having an impact on the total number of Sayward Shares that will be issued in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Upon the foregoing being determined, Sayward will issue a press release advising of such.

It is intended that the Resulting Issuer will be listed on the TSXV as a Tier 1 Industrial Issuer, subject to TSXV approval.

Private Placement

Further to the LOI Press Release, in connection with the Proposed Transaction, Technosteel intends to complete a private placement of up to 30,000 Technosteel Shares to raise gross proceeds of up to US$4,000,200 (the "Private Placement") at a price of at least US$133.34 per Technosteel Share (the "Offering Price"). It is expected that the Private Placement will close prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction and any subscribers for Technosteel Shares will, as a condition to acceptance of their subscription, be required to enter into a joinder agreement to the Definitive Agreement that will, among other things, cause them to become a party to and bound by the Definitive Agreement and, as a result, exchange their Technosteel Shares for Sayward Shares at the closing of the Proposed Transaction on the same terms as are summarized above and set out in the Definitive Agreement. In due course, further disclosure regarding the Private Placement, including the gross proceeds and Offering Price determined by Technosteel, will be provided in a subsequent press release. The proceeds of the Private Placement are intended to be used for expansion of Technosteel's structural steel fabrication capacity, technological automation, general corporate and working capital purposes.

Finder's Fee

As disclosed in the LOI Press Release, Sayward has entered into a finder's fee agreement whereby 2818390 Ontario Corp. will be paid a finder's fee in the amount of US$470,370 (the "Finder's Fee") on closing of the Proposed Transaction in connection with introducing Sayward to Technosteel. The Definitive Agreement provides that, at Technosteel's option in its sole discretion, all or part of the Finder's Fee may be paid by way of issuance of Sayward Shares at a deemed value of US$0.1875 per such share. The Finder's Fee is subject to TSXV acceptance in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.

The Finder is not considered a "Non-Arm's Length Party" to Sayward pursuant to the policies of the Exchange.

About Sayward

Sayward is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) and is a capital pool company within the meaning of the policies of the Exchange. Sayward has not commenced operations and has no assets other than cash. Sayward's principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a "Qualifying Transaction" under Policy 2.4.

About Technosteel

Technosteel, established in 1992, a Dubai based company focused on structural steel design and building contracting. The company has extensive experience in executing industrial, commercial and residential construction projects, including major infrastructure developments such as stadiums, bridges, oil & gas facilities and high-rise structures. A member of the Steel Construction Institute, Technosteel has positioned itself as a key player in the sector with a robust monthly steel installation capacity of 2,000 tons and a workforce of over 1,200 employees. Technosteel serves a diversified client base, including government entities, multinational corporations and prominent real estate developers. Technosteel has over thirty years of experience in developing its business and asset base. Starting as a steel construction firm in Dubai, it expanded its capabilities through investments in technology (e.g., CAD/CAM software, 3D modeling) and workforce (growing to more than 1,200 employees). Its approval as a Dubai Municipality space frame contractor and membership in the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) in March 2021 signify milestones in asset credibility and industry recognition. The company's history includes executing over 86 notable projects, accumulating expertise and equipment tailored to complex steelwork construction, including space frames, architectural features, and link bridges.

Technosteel has built its asset base since its founding in 1992, expanding to include a sophisticated in-house Computer Numerical Control-based manufacturing facility with a production capacity of up to 1,200 metric tons (MT) of steel per month, supplemented by an erection capacity of 2,000 tons per month. Its manufacturing facility integrates advanced technology, precision engineering, and operational efficiency, distinguishing it from traditional steel fabrication facilities which enables production of highly technical finishings, such as the facade and toppings structures building rooftops. Technosteel executes steel construction projects through modern fabrication equipment (e.g., CNC automated machines, radial drilling, rolling, shearing, and welding machines), a fleet of site construction equipment (cranes, forklifts, lifting gear), and scaffolding systems it owns and operates. Technosteel specializes in, among others, the services of design, engineering, fabrication, blasting, painting, supply and erection of structural and architectural steel projects, including special steel works such as heavy plate built up girders, beam bending, plate rolling and heavy columns and specialized welding, trusses, crane girders, space frames, roof features, canopies, warehouses, industrial buildings, shopping malls, and bridges. Additionally, Technosteel's project portfolio-spanning high-profile works like the Princess Tower (Dubai, UAE), Al Hikma Tower (Dubai, UAE), Abu Dhabi Link Bridge (Abu Dhabi, UAE), Ferrari and Maserati Showroom (Dubai, UAE), and U-Bora Towers (Bando, Korea)-demonstrate the proven track record of Technosteel to attract and build high profile projects through expertise and reputational strength built over decades.

Following the completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will wholly-own Technosteel, who will continue to operate in the engineering and construction sector, specializing in structural steel fabrication, industrial contracting and large-scale infrastructure projects.

The steel construction industry is a cornerstone of modern infrastructure and real estate development, driven by steel's unmatched strength, versatility, and recyclability. Globally, the structural steel market is set to reach US$177.4 billion by 2032 (Allied Market Research, 2024), with projections estimating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5-6% through 2030, fueled by urbanization, infrastructure investments, and a shift toward sustainable building materials. In the UAE, the industry thrives amid a construction boom, with government initiatives like Vision 2021 (extended into Vision 2030) and mega-projects such as Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport expansion and Abu Dhabi's cultural developments driving demand.

The industry is increasingly shaped by trends such as digital transformation in design, engineering, project management, and fabrication (e.g., Industry 4.0 technologies), sustainability (e.g., low-carbon steel production), and modular construction, with companies investing in automation and ISO-compliant quality systems to remain competitive. In the UAE, a hub for iconic architecture and infrastructure, steel construction firms benefit from high demand, though they face challenges like fluctuating raw material costs and stringent environmental regulations.

The Resulting Issuer will compete with established regional and international steel construction firms, particularly in the Middle East and UAE markets, where Technosteel has built its reputation.

Key competitors include:

Eversendai Corporation Berhad: A Malaysian multinational with a strong UAE presence, renowned for steelwork on landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. Al Fara'a Steel Industries: A UAE-based leader in structural steel solutions for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Arabian International Company for Steel Structures (AIC): Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, AIC serves the GCC region with expertise in oil and gas, industrial, and commercial steel projects. Zamil Steel Industries: A Saudi giant specializing in pre-engineered buildings and structural steel, with a significant UAE footprint. Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Middle East: A UK firm with a long-standing UAE presence, excelling in bridges, towers, and complex steel structures, competing on engineering heritage and international standards.

A summary of select audited financial information of Technosteel for the year ended December 31, 2024 is included in the table below:



December 31, 2024

(UAE Dirhams) Total Assets Dhs 76,416,227 Total Liabilities Dhs 39,689,407 Revenues Dhs 76,556,793 Net profit Dhs 1,939,590

Additional financial information with respect to Technosteel will be provided in the prospectus to be filed in connection with the Proposed Transaction.

Proposed Directors and Officers

Further to the LOI Press Release, and subject to further determination, it is currently anticipated that all of the current directors and officers of Sayward will resign from their respective positions with Sayward in connection with the closing of the Proposed Transaction. Dr. Ahmed Abdul Rahman Albanna, Chittransh Verma, Shyamrup Roy Choudhury, and Dana Ahmed Abdulrahman Abdulrahman Albanna are expected to constitute the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer and it is still anticipated that Shyamrup Roy Choudhury will be appointed Chief Executive Officer. Aaron Meckler is expected to be appointed the Chief Financial Officer of the Resulting Issuer instead of Nasser Zaki, who was previously disclosed in the LOI Press Release, and Chittransh Verma is expected to be appointed the Corporate Secretary of the Resulting Issuer. Karam Ali Khorram is currently anticipated to continue in his role as co-managing director of Technosteel.

Dr. Ahmed Abdul Rahman Albanna (Dubai, UAE), Director

Dr. Ahmed Abdul Rahman Albanna, a distinguished figure in diplomatic and international relations, is a proposed director of the Resulting Issuer. He has held pivotal roles in both diplomacy and business serving as the co-Managing Director of Technosteel, founded and served as the Managing Director of Ahmed Albanna Group (AAG) Investment, and served as the Managing Director of NORR Architecture and Engineer.

During his career in the foreign service as a diplomat, Dr. Albanna has served as the Ambassador and Plenipotentiary for the UAE Embassy in New Delhi since January 2016, and he held the esteemed position of Dean of Arab Ambassadors in India in 2022.

Dr. Albanna played crucial roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, having served as the Director of African Affairs and the Director of Economic Affairs. In addition to his diplomatic and business achievements, Dr. Ahmed Abdul Rahman Albanna has played instrumental roles in various key entities having served as an Advisor for DUBAI EXPO 2020 from 2012 to 2013. Furthermore, his contributions extended to the Dubai Rent Committee, where he served as a Member of the Judicial Rent Committee from 2005 to 2013.

Beyond his advisory roles, Dr. Albanna served as the Chairman of the Dubai Quality Group from 2003 to 2004. Prior to this, he held the position of Deputy Chairman at the Dubai Quality Group from 2001 to 2003, showcasing his multifaceted involvement in fostering quality initiatives such as advancing the Dubai Quality Award, elevating DGQ's reputation and increasing membership. His leadership journey continued with his role as Deputy Director General at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry from 2002 to 2003, where he contributed to the strategic direction of the organization.

Prior to this, Dr. Albanna served as an Assistant Director General, Studies & International Affairs at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry from 1998 to 2002, underscoring his commitment to international affairs and strategic studies. Before assuming these high-profile roles, was Director of Research & Studies from 1990 to 1998 and Director of the Commercial Registration Department from 1981 to 1990 at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Before assuming these high-profile roles, he held crucial positions such as Director of Research & Studies from 1990 to 1998 and Director of the Commercial Registration Department from 1981 to 1990 at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Dr. Albanna holds a BS and BA degrees from American University, Washington, U.S.A., MBA from Hull University in 1995 and a Ph.D. from Hull University in 2003.

Dana Ahmed Albanna (Dubai, UAE), Director

Dana Ahmed Albanna serves as a proposed board member of the Resulting Issuer bringing extensive experience in project management, innovation, and strategic planning across multiple sectors.

Currently, she holds the position of Project Director at AAG Investments LLC since December 2022, overseeing initiatives in the health-tech, communication and media, and fintech industries in the United Arab Emirates, leveraging her skills in event management, strategic planning, and communication research to drive innovative business solutions. Previously, she served as a Project Manager at the UAE Ministry of Community Development from July 2020 to August 2022, managing community-focused projects over two years. Prior to that, from November 2016 to March 2022, Dana was a Research Analyst at the Prime Minister's Office - UAE, contributing to the National Program for Happiness & Wellbeing, and from November 2018 to December 2020, she led the UAE WellSchool Network Program under the Office of the Minister of State for Happiness & Wellbeing, enhancing national wellbeing initiatives with her analytical expertise.

She was an intern in the Strategic Planning Department at Venture Communications FZ LLC as a student. Dana graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Design Management from the American University of Sharjah in 2016 and further pursued a Master's degree in Innovation Management from the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government.

Shyamrup Roy Choudhury (Dubai, UAE), Director and Chief Executive Officer

Shyamrup Roy Choudhury is a proposed director of the Resulting Issuer and the proposed Chief Executive Officer of the Resulting Issuer, bringing over a decade of strategic and operational expertise.

He currently leads as the founder of True Habitat, a real estate firm established in 2021 to pioneer sustainable development practices in India, reflecting his commitment to environmental and community-focused growth. Additionally, Choudhury is a director of multiple companies, including True Habitat Developers Private Limited and Coveda Technologies Private Limited, registered with India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs since 2009, showcasing his extensive involvement in real estate, technology, and business services.

Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Adani Realty, where he shaped operational strategies, and as Head of Realty Business Unit at Adani Airports, driving city-side development for Mumbai International Airport Authority Limited. Prior to these roles, Choudhury was a senior consultant at Ernst & Young, managing client relations with Japanese firms like Sumitomo and facilitating infrastructure ventures such as IFFCO in India. Earlier in his career, he held positions in retail and mobile distribution, building a broad foundation in business operations.

His leadership journey includes managing high-profile projects and fostering sustainable innovation, leveraging his extensive network across India and the Middle East. Choudhury graduated with an MBA in Marketing from the Institute of Management and Technology, Ghaziabad (Dubai Campus), completed between 2008 and 2010, grounding his multifaceted career in a strong academic foundation.

Chittransh Verma (Dubai, UAE), Director and Corporate Secretary

Chittransh Verma, a seasoned investment professional with a global financial perspective, is a proposed director of the Resulting Issuer and the proposed Corporate Secretary of the Resulting Issuer leveraging his expertise in public market listings and fund management.

He served as a Partner at Fluid Ventures, overseeing seed-stage startup investments. Additionally, Verma is a director in multiple companies, including Fluidventures Partners LLP and I-Bahn Retail Services Private Limited, registered with India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs since 2019, reflecting his deep involvement in business services, financial intermediation, and retail sectors. In his career, he has led public market listings exceeding US$1.5 billion, encompassing IPOs, secondary offerings, equity, and debt issuances, and manages funds in India (SEBI AIF-1), UAE (CAT4), and the British Virgin Islands, showcasing his regulatory expertise.

Previously, Verma served as Manager - New Initiatives at Abuissa Holding's family office, where he spearheaded strategic projects, and earlier held the role of Graduate Engineering Trainee at Bosch India, gaining foundational technical and operational experience.

His expertise spans SPAC and IPO listings, private equity and venture capital (PEVC) fund operations, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and capital raising in both private and public markets, complemented by an innovative approach to creating financial instruments.

With a diverse background from prestigious entities like Abuissa, Bosch, and the Birla Group, Verma has cultivated a career marked by leadership in high-stakes financial environments. He holds a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering from Uttar Pradesh Technical University, Lucknow and a Master's degree in International Business from the Birla Institute of Management Technology.

Aaron Meckler (Boca Raton, USA), Chief Financial Officer

Aaron Meckler is the proposed Chief Financial Officer of the Resulting Issuer, bringing over a decade of expertise in corporate finance, strategic advisory, and transaction management.

He is currently President of A. Meckler Enterprises, a corporate finance and strategy consulting firm operating as One-Eighty Advisory Group since June 2016, where he had previously provided fractional CFO support, mergers and acquisitions advisory services, and public listing guidance for businesses.

Aaron has served as CFO of Flow Capital Funding LLC since August 2023, overseeing controllership, financial planning, and tax compliance for a firm offering flexible financing to small and medium-sized businesses nationwide. He is a past director of Cannible Foodtech Ltd. and is currently on the board of Muzhu Mining Ltd. Previously, he has been CFO of multiple companies, including CFO of Amuka Capital and Amuka Esports, while concurrently acting as CEO, CFO, and Director for CoinAnalyst Corp. (2020-2021) and Stralak Resources, Inc. (2020-2021). Meckler has also had experience in executing reverse takeover transactions on the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Meckler graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, specializing in Accounting and Finance, from York University in 2014, and holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) and Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) designations from the Canadian Securities Institute, complemented by a background in Talmudic Studies and Philosophy from Midrash Shmuel Talmudic College in 2012.

Karam Ali Khorram (Dubai, UAE), Co-Managing Director of Technosteel

Karam Ali Khorram, a seasoned Structural Engineer, has served as the co-Managing Director at Technosteel since 1992, and played a key role in the successful execution of signicant projects in the eld of steel structure building construction.

From 1987 to 1992, Khorram served as a Structural Engineer and Chief Engineer at Dubarch Consultant in Dubai. Here, he played a pivotal role in coordinating project requirements, developing structural calculations, drawings, and specications, and supervising project structures, earning a promotion to Chief Engineer. Notably, he designed and managed the execution of a 19-storey and a 16-storey building in Abu Dhabi. In the period from 1985 to 1987, Khorram worked as a Structural Engineer at Vazan Industrial Consultant in Iran, focusing on structural design for industrial projects while simultaneously fulfilling his military service.

Khorram initiated his career from 1982 to 1985 as a Project Manager at IRCAST Industrial Co. in Iran, where he served as a structural designer and later managed the execution of a groundbreaking stress-relieving furnace.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, with a specialization in Structural Engineering, graduating from Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, in 1982.

Other Principals or Insiders of the Resulting Issuer

The following are other Principals or Insiders (as those terms are defined in TSXV policies) currently contemplated in connection with the Resulting Issuer. If any further Principals or Insiders are proposed in connection with the Resulting Issuer, such other persons will be disclosed in a subsequent press release of Sayward. Certain common shares of the Resulting Issuer to be issued pursuant to the Proposed Transaction are expected to be subject to restrictions on resale or escrow under the policies of the TSXV, including the securities to be issued to Principals, which will be subject to the escrow requirements of the Exchange.

Technosteel Construction Holding Co Ltd.

Technosteel Construction Holding Co Ltd. ("Technosteel Holdco") is a holding company incorporated in January 2024, based in Abu Dhabi UAE, that holds 97% of the Technosteel Shares. The shareholders of Technosteel Holdco are Karam Ali Khorram (holding 49%), Dr. Ahmed Abdul Rahman Albanna (holding 37%), and Dana Ahmed Albanna (holding 14%).

Sponsorship of the Proposed Transaction

As disclosed in the LOI Press Release, Sayward intends to make an application for waiver from the sponsorship requirements of the TSXV in connection with the Proposed Transaction; however, there is no assurance that the TSXV will waive all or part of applicable sponsorship requirements.

Trading Halt

As disclosed in the LOI Press Release, in accordance with the policies of the TSXV, trading in the Sayward Shares has been halted and is not expected to resume trading until completion of the Proposed Transaction or until the TSXV receives the requisite documentation to resume trading.

Sayward Meeting

As the Proposed Transaction is not a "Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction" (within the meaning of Policy 2.4 of the Exchange), it is not anticipated that the Proposed Transaction will require approval of the Sayward Shareholders. However, the Name Change, the Resulting Issuer director appointments and the implementation of an equity incentive plan for the Resulting Issuer will require the approval of Sayward Shareholders at an annual and special meeting of Sayward Shareholders (the "Sayward Meeting") that is expected to be held prior to the completion of the Proposed Transaction. Further details with respect to the matters to be approved at the Sayward Meeting will be contained in the management information circular prepared in connection with Sayward Meeting and available for review on Sayward's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Additional Information

Additional information concerning the Proposed Transaction and any connected transactions of Sayward, Technosteel and the Resulting Issuer, will be provided in subsequent press releases and in Sayward's management information circular or prospectus to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, to be filed in connection with the Proposed Transaction, which will be available under Sayward's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

All information contained in this press release with respect to Sayward and Technosteel was supplied by or from the respective party for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and, if applicable pursuant to Exchange requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or prospectus to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Proposed Transaction, the exercise of the Sayward Options and CPC Agent's Warrants, the ARC Issuance, the Finder's Fee, the Name Change, the Sayward Meeting, the Private Placement, the expected composition of the board of directors and senior officers of the Resulting Issuer, the completion and timing of the application to the TSXV in respect of the Proposed Transaction, the proposed structure by which the Proposed Transaction is to be completed, the ability of Sayward and Technosteel to meet the conditions of the Proposed Transaction in the required timeframes, the obtainment of the necessary exemptions and approvals from the TSXV or other regulatory bodies, subsequent press releases and the business, name and function of the Resulting Issuer and certain financial information and forecasts.

Sayward cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of Sayward and Technosteel, including expectations and assumptions concerning Sayward, Technosteel, the Resulting Issuer, the Proposed Transaction, the closing of the Proposed Transaction, the timely receipt of all required shareholder and regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSXV, the satisfaction of other closing conditions in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement, as well as other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including assumptions regarding prevailing market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties to develop the forward-looking information in this press release. There can be no assurance that such statements, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Sayward does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Neither TSXV 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.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249670

SOURCE: Sayward Capital Corp.
ACTIVITY WELL ORIENTED ON MOST PERIMETERS

Contributed revenue up 13%

Significant organic growth: revenue up 5%

Eco (Singapore) contribution on target

GROWTH TARGETS CONFIRMED FOR 2025

Regulatory News:

Seche Environnement (Paris:SCHP):

Q1 2025 saw revenue increase in line with targets, characterized by the confirmation of solid organic growth in France, and return to a healthy level of activity outside France after a weak start to 2024.

With revenue up +5.8% (organic1 ), France confirms the positive trend in its markets with manufacturers and local authorities. International revenue rose organically by +4.5%, illustrating a return to sustainable growth underpinned by the ramp-up of major service contracts.

These favorable trends confirm our revenue target for 2025.

At March 31, 2025, Seche Environnement reported revenue of 280.3 m, up +13.4% on a reported basis and +5.4% on an organic basis compared with the same period last year (247.2m). This growth reflects the positive trend in most of Seche Environnement's markets, both in France and internationally, particularly in the hazardous waste sector.

In France (65% of revenue), Q1 2025 confirmed the positive trend in markets with manufacturers and local authorities, following on from the positive trends seen in H2 2024. Growth was driven in particular by the Services activities, especially in the depollution and environmental emergency markets.

Internationally, most geographic zones reported significant growth, particularly in Latin America, boosted by the contribution of major service contracts signed in 2024 (Pollution Control, Comprehensive Offers, etc.), and in South Africa, where subsidiaries are returning to good levels of activity.

Eco (Singapore), acquired in the summer of 2024, is performing in line with its business plan.

These favorable factors confirm Seche's growth prospects, with the aim of achieving revenue of around 1,180m by 2025.

Comments on business trends for Q12025

At March 31, 2025, Seche Environnement reported consolidated revenue of 296.5m, compared with 263.9m a year earlier.

Reported revenue include non-contributed revenue2 of 16.2m vs. 16.7m a year earlier, breaking down as follows:

In m Q1 2024 Q1 2025 Investments "IFRIC 12 1.8 0.1 General tax on polluting activities (TGAP) 14.9 16.1 Non-contributed revenue 16.7 16.2

Net of non-contributed revenue, contributed revenue came to 280.3m in Q1 2025, compared with 247.2m a year earlier, up 13.4% on the same period of 2024 (reported basis).

It includes a perimeter effect of 18.3m linked to the contribution of Eco (Singapore), consolidated from July 1st, 2024.

It also recorded a positive currency effect of 1.5m vs. (1.9)m a year earlier.

On a like-for-like basis, revenue rose by +5.4%, illustrating the positive trend in business across most regions, which also benefited from a low basis of comparison in Services in Q1 2024.

Analysis by geographic scope

In m Q1 2024 Q1 2025 Gross change Organic change Subsidiaries in France 171.8 181.8 5.8% 5.8% of which scope effect International subsidiaries 75.4 98.5 30.8% 4.5% of which scope effect 18.3 Contributed revenue 247.2 280.3 + 13.4% + 5.4%

At March 31, 2024, revenue at constant exchange rates would have amounted to 248.6m, with a positive currency effect of 1.5m over the period.

Q1 2025 confirms the return to growth in most geographic zones:

In France, revenue amounted to 181.8m, up +5.8% on Q1 2024

This reflects the positive trend in most of Seche's markets with both industrial and public authorities, continuing the positive trends of the last months of 2024.

In particular, the Services business (Pollution Control, Environmental Emergencies), which got off to a weak start in 2024, has returned to a sustained level of activity.

International revenue came to 98.5m, up+ 30.8% on Q1 2024 (on a reported basis). This includes a scope effect of +18.3m (contribution of Eco in Singapore) and a currency effect of+ 1.5m.

On a like-for-like basis, revenue was up +4.5%, reflecting the positive market trends of our subsidiaries (excluding Solarca):

In Europe, the slight decline in revenue (-3.5% to 42.1m) mainly reflects the lower contribution of Solarca (chemical cleaning) in the face of a good Q1 2024, and to a lesser extent, of materials recovery activities (Spain).

In Southern Africa, this perimeter posted dynamic growth of +8.8% to 26.0m, underpinned by the performance of Spill Tech, which returned to a solid level of activity in its Environmental Emergencies markets, by Interwaste's return to growth, and by the dynamic progress of Rent-A-Drum in Namibia.

In Latin America, strong growth (+32.8% to 12.1m) illustrates the gradual ramp-up of the large-scale, multi-year Services contracts signed last year in Peru and Chile.

Analysis by activity

In m Q1 2024 Q1 2025 Gross change Organic change Services 114.6 131.0 13.4% 11.7% of which scope effect 1.4 Circular economy 84.6 81.4 (3.6)% (6.6)% of which scope effect 2.4 Hazard management 48.0 67.9 41.6% +11.2% of which scope effect 14.5 Contributed revenue 247.2 280.3 + 13.4% + 5.4%

The Services and Hazard Management businesses underpinned growth in Q1, while Circular Economy activities were slightly down:

The Services business reported revenue of 131.0m, up significantly on the same period last year (+13.4% on a reported basis).

On a like-for-like basis, revenue grew by 11.7%, reflecting the return of spot markets (Remediation; Environmental Emergencies) to a high level of activity in France and South Africa, and the ramp-up of major contracts signed in 2024 in Chile and Peru (Remediation, Global Offers);

Circular Economy activities totaled revenue of 81.4m, down (3.6)% (on a reported basis).

On a like-for-like basis, the decline was (6.6)%, mainly reflecting the lower contribution of materials recovery activities in France and Europe, and more marginally that of electricity revenue in France (expiry of forward sales contracts).

Revenue in the Danger Management business totaled 67.9m, up +41.6% on a reported basis.

On a like-for-like basis, these activities posted robust growth of +11.2%, illustrating the positive trend in these markets in France and internationally.

Analysis by sector

In m Q1 2024 Q1 2025 Change gross Organic change Hazardous waste 166.5 197.9 18.9% 8.1% of which scope effect 17.4 Non-hazardous waste 80.6 82.4 2.2% (0.1)% of which scope effect 0.9 Contributed revenue 247.2 280.3 + 13.4% + 5.4%

Growth in Q1 2025 was driven by the hazardous waste sector, while the non-hazardous waste sector remained stable over the period:

The Hazardous Waste sector posted revenue of 197.9m, up 18.1% on a reported basis. This increase includes the 17.5m contribution from Eco's hazardous waste activities.

On a like-for-like basis, the sector posted growth of 8.1%. This dynamic growth reflects the positive trend in markets, and in particular the solidity of the Hazard Management markets and the dynamism of the Remediation and Environmental Emergencies businesses in France, Southern Africa and Latin America.

Non-Hazardous Waste revenue rose by 2.2% to 82.4m compared with Q1 2024 on a reported basis. This includes a +0.8m scope effect relating to Eco.

On a like-for-like basis, revenue was stable (-0.1%), In France, revenue growth (+0.3% to 62.2m) reflects a sluggish start to the year in the storage business, while internationally, the slight decline (-1.5% to 19.3m) reflects the sluggishness of the industry in South Africa.

Stronger outlook for fiscal 2025

Business activity in Q1 2025 confirms Seche Environnement's favorable expectations for the development of its markets in France and abroad.

With no direct exposure to international trade, Seche expects the positive trends of the early part of the year to continue over the coming months, particularly in the Services business (Pollution Control, Emergencies, etc.), which should sustain growth in France and abroad.

This outlook confirms its objective of a 6% growth in revenue, with a target of close to 1,180m3 for the current year.

Videoconferencing

A videoconference will be held, in French only, on April 25, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. (CET), to review business activity in Q1 2025.

To participate in the audio conference from a telephone

+33 (0)1 7099 5363 Code 871 559 364

A presentation will be available today at 5:45 p.m. on the Company's website:

in French: Presentation Powerpoint

in English: Powerpoint Presentation

A replay of the conference will be available on the Company's website at the same address.

Next communication

Consolidated results to June 30, 2025: September 8, 2025 after market close

About Seche Environnement

Seche Environnement is a benchmark player in waste management, including the most complex and hazardous waste, and in environmental services, particularly in the event of environmental emergencies. Thanks to its expertise in creating circular economy loops, decarbonization and hazard control, and to the cutting-edge technologies developed by its R&D. Seche Environnement has been contributing for nearly 40 years to the ecological transition of industries and territories, as well as to the protection of living organisms. A family-owned French industrial group, Seche Environnement supports its customers with subsidiaries in 9 strategic countries and over 120 sites worldwide, including some 50 industrial sites in France. With some 7,300 employees, including around 3,000 in France, Seche Environnement generated revenue of 1,110.4m in 2024, of which around 32% outside France.

Seche Environnement has been listed on Eurolist by Euronext (compartment B) since November 27, 1997. The stock is included in the CAC Mid&Small, EnterNext Tech 40 and EnterNext PEA-PME 150 indices, ISIN: FR 0000039139 Bloomberg: SCHP.FP Reuters: CCHE.PA

DEFINITIONS

Contributive revenue: net published consolidated revenue:

1/ "IFRIC 12 revenue", representing investments made in concession assets and recognized as revenue in accordance with IFRIC 12.

2/ the TGAP (Taxe Generale sur les Activites Polluantes General Tax on Polluting Activities) paid by waste producers and collected on behalf of the State by treatment operators.

Unless otherwise indicated, the variations and percentages calculated in this document refer to contributed revenue

1 On a like-for-like basis

2 See "Definitions" on page 6 of this document.

3 On a like-for-like basis

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424438905/en/

Contacts:

SECHE ENVIRONNEMENT

Analyst Investor Relations

Manuel ANDERSEN

Head of Investor Relations

m.andersen@groupe-seche.com

+33 (0)1 53 21 53 60

Media Relations

Anna JAEGY

Head of Communications

a.jaegy@groupe-seche.com

+33 (0)1 53 21 53 53
DJ PRESSESPIEGEL/Unternehmen

Die wirtschaftsrelevanten Themen aus den Medien, zusammengestellt von Dow Jones Newswires.

EVONIK - Der Chef des Chemiekonzerns Evonik, Christian Kullmann, furchtet die US-Zolle nicht: "Unmittelbar machen wir uns keine Sorgen, 80 Prozent des Evonik-Umsatzes in Amerika machen wir mit Produkten, die wir in den USA herstellen. Wir haben dort rund 4.400 Mitarbeiter", sagte Kullmann der Rheinischen Post. Evonik kann sogar profitieren: "Weil die Zolle nun die Exporte unserer Konkurrenten aus China in die USA drastisch verteuern, konnen wir dort sogar profitieren." Zugleich warnte Kullmann: "Mittelbar sind die Folgen der Trump'schen Zollpolitik gleichwohl verheerend: Es drohen Wohlstandsverluste auf der ganzen Welt, das Risiko einer neuen Weltwirtschaftskrise ist gro. Das wollen wir nicht erleben." (Rheinische Post)

BAYER - Die Bayer AG kann zur Losung der Rechtsrisiken in den USA eine milliardenschwere Kapitalerhohung einleiten. Einem Vorratsbeschluss fur diesen Schritt stimmten die Aktionare auf der Hauptversammlung mit der notwendigen Dreiviertelmehrheit zu. Aktuell plant der Konzern keine Kapitalerhohung. Aber er ist nun ermachtigt, jederzeit neue Aktien auszugeben, die aktuell bis zu 7 Milliarden Euro erlosen konnten. Bayer will das frische Kapital nur fur den Fall nutzen, dass in naherer Zukunft eine weitreichende Beilegung der Glyphosatklagen erzielt werden kann. Aktionare interpretieren den Vorsto dahingehend, dass eine Losung uber einen auergerichtlichen Vergleich greifbar erscheint. "Wir Bayer-Aktionare stecken zwischen Holle und Hoffnung", sagte Marc Tungler, Hauptgeschaftsfuhrer der Deutschen Schutzvereinigung fur Wertpapierbesitz. (Handelsblatt)

VOLKSWAGEN - Im Strafverfahren um die Manipulationen an Dieselmotoren bei Volkswagen hat die Staatsanwaltschaft Braunschweig fur die vier angeklagten fruheren Fuhrungskrafte Haftstrafen zwischen zwei und vier Jahren gefordert. Nach mehr als dreieinhalb Jahren Prozess vor dem Landgericht Braunschweig sehen die Strafverfolger die Betrugsvorwurfe als erwiesen an, wie sie in ihrem mehr als vierstundigen Abschlusspladoyer deutlich machten. Zuvor hatte der Vorsitzende Richter die Beweisaufnahme geschlossen. An 168 Verhandlungstagen hat das Gericht rund 150 Zeugen gehort. (Handelsblatt)

ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN - Der Vorstandschef des Autozulieferer ZF Friedrichshafen befurchtet, dass die USA in eine Rezession schlittern und deshalb weniger Autos kaufen, auch weil diese durch die Zolle teurer werden. "ZF liefert fast nichts aus China in die USA. Was uns mehr trifft, sind die Zolle auf Produkte aus Mexiko", sagte Holger Klein im Gesprach mit der FAZ. "Mexiko ist die verlangerte Werkbank der USA, auch fur uns. Was mir die grote Sorge macht: Wie entwickelt sich der ohnehin schon schwache Automarkt durch die erwartbaren Preiserhohungen?" Nordamerika sei ZF ein Wachstumsmarkt, in den das Unternehmen weiter investieren werde. (FAZ)

ZEALAND/ROCHE - Der Chef von Zealand Pharma die hat 5,3 Milliarden Dollar schwere Partnerschaft mit Roche zur Vermarktung eines Medikaments gegen Fettleibigkeit mit weniger Nebenwirkungen als "bestes Geschaft aller Zeiten" bezeichnet. Es werde dazu beitragen, die Unabhangigkeit des danischen Biotech-Konzerns zu wahren. Das im vergangenen Monat bekanntgegebene Kooperations- und Lizenzabkommen mit dem Schweizer Pharmakonzern fur Petrelintid werde dem Unternehmen helfen, ein "Generationen-Biotech" zu werden, das sich nicht selbst verkaufen musse. (Financial Times)

- Alle Angaben ohne Gewahr.

Kontakt zum Autor: unternehmen.de@dowjones.com

DJG/sha/mgo

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 28, 2025 01:14 ET (05:14 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Q1 2025 REVENUE OF 95.2M (+1.1%)

STRONG MOMENTUM IN RETAIL SALES FROM DIRECTLY OPERATED STORES (+6.1%)

SHARP INCREASE IN ORDER BACKLOG

Paris, 24 April 2025

ROCHE BOBOIS SA (ISIN: FR0013344173 - Ticker: RBO), the global benchmark in high-end home furnishings and French Art de Vivre, recorded Q1 2025 revenue of 95.2 million, up +1.1% at current exchange rates. This performance could have been even better without delivery delays in the United States (due to customs slowdowns at borders) and in France for Cuir Center (due to intermittent dockworker strikes), which together accounted for a shortfall of approximately 5.5 million this quarter.

The start of the year was marked by strong business momentum, reinforcing the positive trend observed at the close of 2024. Order intakes were robust, with retail sales of directly-operated stores rising by 6.1% up to 108.7 million in Q1 2025 - a historic quarterly record - driven by an exceptional March, particularly in the US/Canada region (up nearly 20% month-over-month).

In anticipation of US tariffs on European goods and potential currency effects (EUR/USD), Roche Bobois implemented two price increases in the US: a first in early February 2025 and a second in April 2025.

With this good start of the year, the Group's order backlog[1] showed significant growth, reaching 161.1 million as of March 31, 2025, compared with December 31, 2024.

Reminder: Roche Bobois communicates both revenue (stemming from effective deliveries by its directly operated stores and from royalties and commission fees) and retail sales (stemming from pre-tax order intake by the network of directly operated stores and franchises for its two brands). Retail sales provide an indication of store activity and revenue levels in the coming months.

Revenue

(unaudited - m) 2024 2025 Change at

current exchange rates (%) Change at

constant exchange rates (%) Q1 94.2 95,2 +1,1% +0,2%

Detailed information on revenue by region is available in the appendices

REVENUE IN Q1 2025

Revenue for Q1 2025 totalled 95.2 million, compared to 94.2 million in Q1 2024, representing growth of +1.1% at current exchange rates (+0.2% at constant exchange rates).

Revenue in France came to 27.8 million, up 1.6%. The rest of Europe (excluding France) remained steady at 22.6 million, with good momentum in Belgium and Spain offset by lower volumes in Germany.

Revenue in the US/Canada region was 29.5 million (vs. 32.1 million in Q1 2024), a -7.9% decrease primarily due to delayed deliveries linked to customs slowdowns, which accounted for approximately 4.5 million.

Cuir Center posted revenue of 9.4 million in Q1 2025 (vs. 10.1 million in Q1 2024), impacted by delivery delays of imported goods due to intermittent dockworker strikes in Le Havre and Fos-sur-Mer, totalling about 1 million.

The Overseas region saw strong growth from 1.2 million in Q1 2024 to 4.9 million in Q1 2025, driven by the integration of China (contributing 2.9 million) and higher franchise royalties.

STRONG MOMENTUM IN RETAIL SALES FROM DIRECTLY OPERATED STORE: +6.1%

In Q1 2025, retail sales from directly-operated stores (orders for Roche Bobois and Cuir Center) reached 108.7 million, up 6.1% at current exchange rates (+5.0% at constant exchange rates), setting a new all-time quarterly record for the Group. All regions saw growth, except for a slight decline in France.

March was particularly strong, with a double-digit growth (+10.7%) compared to same period last year, driven by the US/Canada region (+19.6% in March alone, boosted by the early February price increase) and Europe (excluding France).

Cuir Center continued its positive momentum from late 2024, with directly-operated stores retail sales reaching 12.0 million in Q1 2025, a strong increase of +11.5% compared to Q1 2024.

As a result, the order backlog[2] rose sharply by 26.3 million over three months, reaching 161.1 million as of March 31, 2025, versus 134.7 million on December 31, 2024 (and 154.6 million on March 31, 2024).

As of the end of March 2025, the total retail sales (all brand combined, including franchises) stood at 172.7 million, up +2.6% at current exchange rates (+2.0% at constant exchange rates) compared to 168.4 million in Q1 2024.



At last, Roche Bobois SA recalls that, for 2025 year, it plans to open two directly operated stores in the United States (Roche Bobois stores under construction in Austin and Las Vegas), one in France (in Herblay, opening soon), and one in Luxembourg.

The Group has already relocated its Grenoble store in France to a more premium location and plans to do the same in London's Hampstead neighborhood by year-end.

Next event: H1 2025 revenue - Tuesday 22 July 2025 (after trading)

About ROCHE BOBOIS SA

ROCHE BOBOIS SA is a French family business founded in 1960. The Group operates in 54 countries and has a network of 339 directly operated stores and franchises (at 31 December 2024) marketing its two brands: Roche Bobois, a high-end furniture brand with a strong international presence, and Cuir Center, positioned in the mid-range market segment with an essentially French customer base. Through its Roche Bobois brand, the Group embodies the French Art de Vivre whose presence can now be felt on the world stage, with original and bold creations from talented designers (Joana Vasconcelos, Bruno Moinard, Ora Ito, Sacha Lakic, Christophe Delcourt, Stephen Burks, Patrick Norguet, Kenzo Takada and Bina Baitel and Jiang Qiong Er,..) and partnerships with fashion and haute couture houses. Roche Bobois is also a committed partner in the world of culture and the arts. Including franchises, these two brands posted 2024 retail sales of 589 million excluding VAT, to which Roche Bobois contributed 499 million and Cuir Center 90 million. Roche Bobois SA's consolidated revenue in 2024 amounted to 414 million.

For more information please visit www.finance-roche-bobois.com

CONTACT

Actus Finance - Anne-Pauline Petureaux

Investor relations

Tel.: 01 53 67 36 72 / apetureaux@actus.fr

Actus Finance - Serena BONI

Media Relations

Tel.: 04 72 18 04 92 / sboni@actus.fr

APPENDICES

Revenues per region and brand (unaudited - m) Q1

2024 Q1

2025 Change at current exchange rates (%) Change at constant exchange rates (%) Roche Bobois France 27.4 27.8 +1.6% +1.6% Roche Bobois US/Canada 32.1 29.5 -7.9% -10.0% Roche Bobois Europe (excluding France) 22.6 22.6 -0.1% -0.7% Roche Bobois Other (overseas) 1.2 4.9 +320.7% +316.0% Cuir Center 10.1 9.4 -6.7% -6.7% Corporate 0.9 1.0 +14.0% +14.0% TOTAL 94.2 95.2 +1.1% +0.2%

Reconciliation between Retail sales/Revenue (m)

Q1 2025 retail sales 172.7 Franchise retail sales 63.9 Logistics intermediary activity in China +1.5 Impact of the pace of orders and deliveries -25.5 Royalties +2.3 Other services +8.2 Q1 2025 revenue 95.2

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements do not constitute guarantees regarding the future performance of Roche Bobois SA. This forward-looking information covers the future outlook, growth and commercial strategy of Roche Bobois SA and is based on the analysis of future result forecasts and estimates of amounts that cannot yet be determined. By nature, forward-looking information involves risks and uncertainties, as it relates to events and depends on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Roche Bobois SA draws your attention to the fact that forward-looking statements provide no guarantee of future performance and that its actual financial position, results and cash flow, as well as changes in the sector in which Roche Bobois operates, may differ significantly from those proposed or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this document. Moreover, even if Roche Bobois' financial position, results, cash flow and changes in the sector in which Roche Bobois SA operates were to be in accordance with the forward-looking information contained in this document, these results or changes may not be a reliable indicator of Roche Bobois SA's future results or developments. A description of events that could have a material adverse effect on the business, finances or results of Roche Bobois SA, or on its ability to achieve its objectives, is set out in the "Risk Factors" section of the Universal Registration Document.

GLOSSARY

Current EBITDA: earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation. It designates the Group's pre-tax profit before interest, depreciation and amortisation of fixed assets (but after depreciation of stocks and receivables), store opening costs, expenses for payments in shares, including the associated social charges.

[1] Order backlog for the Group's directly operated stores (all brands combined) yet to be delivered

[2] Order backlog for the Group's directly operated stores (all brands combined) yet to be delivered

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Regulatory News:

PHAXIAM Therapeutics (Euronext: PHXM FR001400K4B1), a biopharmaceutical company ("the Company" or "PHAXIAM") developing innovative treatments for severe and resistant bacterial infections, announces that it has received two bids as part of a disposal plan, following the bidding process (appel d'offres) launched within the framework of the receivership procedure opened on March 6, 2025.

At this stage, these two offers are not yet admissible.

In this context, the court-appointed administrator (administrateur judiciaire) has filed a request to convert the proceedings into judicial liquidation.

The coming days will determine whether the bids can be made admissible or whether judicial liquidation must be pronounced swiftly in order to avoid further deterioration of the Company's cash position.

As a reminder, whether or not a bid is accepted, the Commercial Court of Lyon will in any case soon pronounce the judicial liquidation of the Company. In this context, the Company will request the delisting of PHAXIAM shares from Euronext.

Furthermore, PHAXIAM draws investors' attention to the fact that, given the Company's level of indebtedness, the proceeds from any disposal, should a takeover bid be accepted, will most likely not allow for any repayment to shareholders.

About PHAXIAM Therapeutics

PHAXIAM is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for resistant bacterial infections, which are responsible for many serious infections. The company is building on an innovative approach based on the use of phages, natural bacteria-killing viruses. PHAXIAM is developing a portfolio of phages targeting 3 of the most resistant and dangerous bacteria, which together account for more than two-thirds of resistant hospital-acquired infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PHAXIAM is listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris (ISIN code: FR001400K4B1, ticker: PHXM). PHAXIAM is part of the CAC Healthcare, CAC Pharma Bio, CAC Mid Small, CAC All Tradable, EnterNext PEA-PME 150 and Next Biotech indexes.

For more information, please visit www.phaxiam.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424848645/en/

Contacts:

PHAXIAM

Thibaut du Fayet

CEO

+33 4 78 74 44 38

investors@phaxiam.com

NewCap

Mathilde Bohin Dusan Oresansky

Investor Relations

Arthur Rouille

Media Relations

+33 1 44 71 94 94

phaxiam@newcap.eu
BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 24

BH Macro Limited (the "Company")

(a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235)

Transaction in Own Shares

24 April 2025

BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc:

Ordinary Shares: - Share Class Sterling Date of purchase: 24 April 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 105,100 Lowest price per share (pence) 392.00 Highest price per share (pence) 394.00 Trading venue London Aggregate volume per date per trading venue: 105,100 Weighted average price per day per trading venue (pence): 392.9705

The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury.

Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows:

Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 335,913,841 Sterling Shares 39,826,870 Sterling Shares 27,132,086 Dollar Shares Nil Dollar Shares

From 24 April 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 514,765,925.

Enquiries:

Company website: www.bhmacro.com

William Simmonds

JPMorgan Cazenove

Tel: 020 7588 2828

The Company Secretary

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

Tel: 01481 745001
MONACO, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The first edition of the 'World Yachting Summit' was held in Monaco, an event that marked a turning point for the yachting sector. Conceived by M3, a Monaco-based marine consultancy firm, and by the luxury developer Omniyat from Dubai, the event brought together experts and stakeholders from twenty different countries, consolidating Monaco's role as the "Capital of Advanced Yachting."

Jose Marco Casellini, CEO of M3, described the Summit as "an extraordinary initiative" that "generated enthusiasm," and "leaves a lasting impression on the yachting industry", highlighting how the feedback received confirmed the commercial and strategic potential of the event. Inspired by international models such as COP or the Davos Forum, the event brought together designers, authorities, regulators, public officials, and innovators in an ongoing dialogue on the future of the sector.

Over the course of three days, there were 19 panels and 8 "Inspiration Talks" that touched on fundamental topics such as tourism, market evolution, ecological transition, and the impact of new technologies. The event also engaged adjacent sectors - from wealth management to luxury real estate, from watchmaking to private aviation - offering a cross-sectoral vision of tomorrow's yachting.

The opening address was entrusted to Jean-Claude Biver, a leading figure in the watchmaking world, known for reviving brands such as Blancpain and Hublot. His message was clear: innovation means being first, unique, and different. Using examples from his own experience, such as the use of carbon or the invention of scratch-resistant gold alloys, he invited the audience to "stay connected to the future" and to listen to the new generations, reminding them that "making mistakes allows us to learn."

The second day featured Giovanna Vitelli, Chair of the Azimut Benetti Group, followed by a discussion with key figures such as Espen Oeino, Dan Lenard, Michael Breman, and Patrick Coote. It emerged that the industry must undergo a true cultural revolution, both to respond to growing criticism regarding its misalignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, and to connect with the new values of emerging clientele. Various paths were explored, summarized in an alternative interpretation of the acronym SMART: Sustainable, Modern, Attractive, Resourceful, Transformative.

Olivier Wenden, Vice President of the Prince Albert II Foundation, expressed in no uncertain terms what is at stake: "It's not the future of the planet that is at stake, but that of humanity itself. We are at a turning point." His message was echoed in other speeches that called for a move from passive compliance to active climate leadership. Victorien Erussard, founder of Energy Observer, recounted the journey of his zero-emission lab-vessel around the world as a concrete symbol of what can be achieved.

Alongside sustainability, the Summit also emphasized the need for modernization. This includes more transparency, digitalization, and the development of yachting destinations that meet the expectations of new generations. These must be spaces of experience and meaning, where craftsmanship, simplicity, and accessibility redefine the very concept of luxury without ostentation. Another strong theme was that of storytelling. Better communicating the economic and social value of yachting is crucial, also to attract new professionals to a sector that needs qualified crews and skilled workers. Investing in education and promoting ocean culture from childhood thus becomes a transformative strategy.

The closing session took on a tone of conscious realism. Albert Manzone, of the Societe des Bains de Mer, recalled that Monaco's resilience comes from a combination of political stability, favorable taxation, and quality of life - a model that could also serve the yachting industry. The prevailing feeling was described as "cautious optimism": growth is possible, but it requires adaptation, simplification, and an awareness of new demands.

In a world marked by recurring crises and shifting global balances, yachting can continue to thrive - provided it evolves. As Bernard d'Alessandri of the Yacht Club de Monaco concluded, "When we are at sea, we are guests in a world that is not our own." A reminder of humility and respect that could guide the entire industry toward a more conscious future.

The next appointment is already set: on September 21 and 22, the fifth edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous will take place, bringing together more than 250 professionals to discuss the sustainable evolution of port infrastructure.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2f7f55e0-56c7-47a7-b9fd-7dd61f3b5c68
Press release

Atos completes reverse stock split

Paris, France - April 24, 2025 - Atos SE (the "Company") announces today the completion of the reverse stock split of the shares comprising its share capital, as decided by the Board of Directors on March 6, 2025, following the delegation of powers by the shareholders' combined General Meeting of January 31, 2025 (29th resolution).

The reverse stock split is a purely technical exchange transaction with no direct impact on the total value of the Company's shares held by each shareholder.

Terms and conditions of the reverse stock split

The main terms of this reverse stock split, as detailed in the notice of reverse stock split published in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires (BALO) on March 10, 2025 and in the press release published by the Company on March 7, 2025, are as follows:

Basis of the reverse stock split : exchange of 10,000 old shares with a par value of 0.0001 for 1 new share with a par value of 1.





: exchange of 10,000 old shares with a par value of 0.0001 for 1 new share with a par value of 1. Number of old shares subject to the reverse stock split : 190,358,728,519 shares with a par value of 0.0001.





: 190,358,728,519 shares with a par value of 0.0001. Number of new shares resulting from the reverse stock split : 19,035,872 shares with a par value of 1.





: 19,035,872 shares with a par value of 1. Centralization: the new shares resulting from the reverse stock split were admitted to trading on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris from April 24, 2025, the first day of trading, under ISIN code FR001400X2S4.





The new shares resulting from the reverse stock split are eligible for the DSS (Deferred Settlement Service) with effect from today.

Shareholders holding a multiple of 10,000 shares do not need to take any action. These shares were automatically consolidated by their financial intermediary on the basis of 1 new share (1 par value) for each block of 10,000 old shares (0.0001 par value).

Shareholders who were unable to obtain a number of old shares forming a multiple of 10,000 will be compensated for their fractional rights by their financial intermediary within 30 days of April 24, 2025, i.e., until May 25, 2025 inclusive. Shareholders are invited to contact their financial intermediary if they have any questions on this subject.

Adjustment of the exercise parity for the Warrants issued by the Company

On March 6, 2025, the Board of Directors, using the delegation of powers granted by the shareholders' combined General Meeting of January 31, 2025 (29th resolution), decided to adjust the exercise parity of the share subscription warrants issued by the Company on December 18, 2024 (the "Warrants") in accordance with the terms set out below, which are included in the reverse stock split notice published in the BALO on March 10, 2025.

As a result of the reverse stock split, the exercise parity of the Warrants corresponds to the product of (i) the exercise parity in force before the start of the reverse stock split and (ii) the ratio between the number of new shares comprising the Company's share capital after the reverse stock split and the number of old shares comprising the Company's share capital before the reverse stock split, i.e. 1/10,000, i.e. a maximum number of new ordinary shares to which the Warrants give entitlement in the event of exercise after this reverse stock split, of 1,107,589 new ordinary shares in the Company with a par value of one euro each on exercise of the Warrants.

Adjustment of the rights of beneficiaries of free allocations of shares

By decision of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of April 24, 2025, the rights of beneficiaries of free share allocations under the Company's current free share allocation plans were adjusted to take account of reverse stock split transactions.

As a result, the number of rights allocated to each plan beneficiary will correspond to the product of (i) the number of rights allocated to each plan beneficiary before the start of the reverse stock split, and (ii) the ratio between the number of new shares comprising the Company's share capital after the reverse stock split and the number of existing shares comprising the Company's share capital before the reverse stock split, i.e. 1/10,000, it being specified that where the number of rights calculated in this way is not a whole number, the number of rights allocated to the beneficiary will, for each holder, be rounded down to the nearest whole number, in accordance with the doctrine of the tax authorities.

Timetable of upcoming operations

April 24, 2025 Effective date of the reverse stock split and first day of trading of new shares (ISIN code: FR001400X2S4) From April 24 to May 25, 2025 Compensation period for shareholders with fractional rights through their financial intermediaries April 28, 2025 Restart of the period of suspension of exercise of the Warrants

***

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 Atosis 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

Attachment
Regulatory News:

The Combined General Meeting of Veolia Environnement (Paris:VIE) shareholders, held today at the Palais Brongniart in Paris, under the chairmanship of its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Antoine Frerot, approved all of the resolutions submitted to it with a quorum of 73.67%.

These resolutions relate in particular on:

the approval of the parent company financial statements and group consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2024

the setting of the dividend in cash for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2024 at 1.40 per share. The shares will be traded ex-dividend as of May 12, 2025 and payable from May 14, 2025

for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2024 at The shares will be traded ex-dividend as of May 12, 2025 and the renewal of the term of office as Director of Mr. Pierre-Andre de Chalendar, and the appointment of Mr. Philippe Brassac, Mr. Arnaud Caudoux and Mrs. Elena Salgado as Directors for a four-year period which will expire at the end of the General Shareholders' Meeting that will be called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2028

and the for a four-year period which will expire at the end of the General Shareholders' Meeting that will be called to approve the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2028 the appointment of the company Deloitte Associes as statutory auditor responsible for certifying the financial statements and the sustainability information: respectively, for a period of six years, which will end after the General Shareholders' Meeting called upon to decide on the accounts for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2030;

respectively, for a period of six years, which will end after the General Shareholders' Meeting called upon to decide on the accounts for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2030; the compensation paid during fiscal year 2024 or awarded in respect of the same fiscal year to Mr. Antoine Frerot, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Mrs. Estelle Brachlianoff, Chief Executive Officer;

to Mr. Antoine Frerot, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Mrs. Estelle Brachlianoff, Chief Executive Officer; the information relating to the 2024 compensation of the Directors (excluding the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer);

(excluding the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer); the compensation policy in respect of fiscal year 2025 of the Chairman of the Board the Chief Executive Officer and Directors;

of the Chairman of the Board the Chief Executive Officer and Directors; the annual compensation allocated to members of the Board of Directors

allocated to the renewal of all the financial authorizations granted to the Board of Directors to implement employee share ownership plans;

granted to the Board of Directors to implement employee share ownership plans; the renewal of the authorization granted to the Board of Directors to grant shares to corporate officers and employees of the Group and corporate officers of the Company

granted to the Board of Directors the amendment of the Company's Articles of Association to include the Purpose in the Company's Articles of Association.

After this combined general meeting, the Board of Directors of Veolia Environnement is made up of fifteen Directors, including 75% independent Directors (excluding the two Directors representing employees and the Director representing employee shareholders) and 50%1 women, and one non voting member (censeur

Mr. Antoine Frerot, Chairman of the Board of Directors

Mrs. Estelle Brachlianoff, Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Pierre-Andre de Chalendar*, Senior Independent Director

Mr. Olivier Andries*;

Mrs. Maryse Aulagnon;

Mrs. Veronique Bedague*;

Mr. Philippe Brassac*;

Mr. Arnaud Caudoux*;

Mrs. Isabelle Courville*;

Mr. Franck Le Roux, Director representing employees

Mrs. Julia Marton-Lefevre*;

Mrs. Agata Mazurek-Bak, Director representing employee shareholders

Mr. Pavel Pasa, Director representing employees

Mrs. Elena Salgado*;

Mr. Guillaume Texier*;

Mr. Enric Amiguet y Rovira, non voting member (censeur)

Independent member

The Board of Directors has decided on the composition of its committees as follows:

Accounts and Audit Committee : Mr. Guillaume Texier (Chairman), Mr. Olivier Andries, Mrs. Veronique Bedague, Mr. Arnaud Caudoux, Mr. Franck Le Roux (Director representing employees) and Mrs. Agata Mazurek-Bak (Director representing employee shareholders).

: Mr. Guillaume Texier (Chairman), Mr. Olivier Andries, Mrs. Veronique Bedague, Mr. Arnaud Caudoux, Mr. Franck Le Roux (Director representing employees) and Mrs. Agata Mazurek-Bak (Director representing employee shareholders). Nominations Committee : Mr. Pierre-Andre de Chalendar (Chairman), Mrs. Maryse Aulagnon, Mr. Philippe Brassac, Mrs. Isabelle Courville and Mr. Antoine Frerot.

: Mr. Pierre-Andre de Chalendar (Chairman), Mrs. Maryse Aulagnon, Mr. Philippe Brassac, Mrs. Isabelle Courville and Mr. Antoine Frerot. Compensation Committee : Mr. Olivier Andries (Chairman), Mrs. Maryse Aulagnon, Mr. Pierre-Andre de Chalendar, Mr. Franck Le Roux (Director representing employees) and Mrs. Elena Salgado.

: Mr. Olivier Andries (Chairman), Mrs. Maryse Aulagnon, Mr. Pierre-Andre de Chalendar, Mr. Franck Le Roux (Director representing employees) and Mrs. Elena Salgado. Research, Innovation and Sustainable Development Committee : Mrs. Isabelle Courville (Chairwoman), Mr. Arnaud Caudoux, Mrs. Julia Marton-Lefevre, Mr. Pavel Pasa (Director representing employees), Mrs. Elena Salgado and Mr. Guillaume Texier. Mr. Enric Amiguet y Rovira is invited to attend all meetings of this committee.

: Mrs. Isabelle Courville (Chairwoman), Mr. Arnaud Caudoux, Mrs. Julia Marton-Lefevre, Mr. Pavel Pasa (Director representing employees), Mrs. Elena Salgado and Mr. Guillaume Texier. Mr. Enric Amiguet y Rovira is invited to attend all meetings of this committee. Purpose of the Company Committee: Mr. Antoine Frerot (Chairman), Mr. Olivier Andries, Mrs. Maryse Aulagnon, Mr. Philippe Brassac, Mr. Pierre-Andre de Chalendar, Mrs. Isabelle Courville, Mr. Franck Le Roux (Director representing employees) and Mr. Guillaume Texier.

Furthermore, the Board of Directors has reaffirmed its willingness to pursue its policy of shareholder dialogue and engagement initiated several years ago.

See https://www.veolia.com/en/veolia-group/finance/shareholders for the results of voting on the resolutions and a full webcast of the Combined Shareholders' General Meeting.

ABOUT VEOLIA

Veolia group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with 215,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2024, the Veolia group provided 111 million inhabitants with drinking water and 98 million with sanitation, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy and treated 65 million tonnes of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 44.7 billion euros in 2024.

1 Excluding the Directors representing employees and the Director representing employee shareholdersin accordance with Articles L. 225-27-1 and L. 22-10-7 of the French Commercial Code.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424463592/en/

Contacts:

VEOLIA

PRESS RELATIONS

Laurent Obadia Evgeniya Mazalova

Anna Beaubatie Aurelien Sarrosquy

Charline Bouchereau

Tel. 33 (0) 1 85 57 86 25

presse.groupe@veolia.com

INVESTORS RELATIONS

Selma Bekhechi Ariane de Lamaze

Tel. 33 (0)1 85 57 84 76

investor-relations@veolia.com
Commercial activities remain strong, including CellTolerance launch

Recently approved safeguard proceeding yielding productive creditor and investor discussions aimed at strengthening Mauna Kea's long-term financial position

Currently in exclusive negotiations phase with a leading strategic partner for a potential licensing agreement

Extension of cash runway with the renewal of the PACEO with Vester Finance

Regulatory News:

Mauna Kea Technologies (Euronext Growth: ALMKT), inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary probe and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (p/nCLE) platform, today reported its financial results for the full year 2024 and provides a business update.

Commenting on the results,Sacha Loiseau, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Mauna Kea Technologies observed: "2024 was perhaps the most challenging period in Mauna Kea's history. The year was marked by the complete absence of orders and payments from our JV in China as well as reimbursement cuts in the United States, which slowed commercial activity. However, I also believe this moment marked a turning point for the company. In fact, in response to these challenges, we made significant operational progress improving our gross margin by 12 percentage points, cutting the monthly cash burn by over a third, and delivering a full-year EBITDA (loss) above expectations, despite a sharp revenue decline. These improvements reflect disciplined, value-driven leadership across all areas of the company. At the same time, we're investing prudently for long-term growth, including the launch of CellTolerance, but also with significant progress on our core GI indications, new AI capabilities, and positive momentum on the reimbursement front in France. Finally, our ongoing safeguard proceedings are a means to strengthen our financial structure and already enabled us to engage in constructive discussions with both creditors and strategic partners. These efforts aim to provide the company with a solid foundation for future growth. The stakes have never been higher and I remain confident that the unwavering contribution of the Mauna Kea team will allow our company to emerge better equipped to unlock the full potential of the Cellvizio platform."

Main Operational Highlights

Despite a strong start to the year, Mauna Kea Technologies faced two significant external headwinds: the slow activity of its joint venture in China and a reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates in the United States.

In China, Tasly Pharmaceuticals announced in August 2024 a change of reference shareholder and therefore of control, which considerably disrupted the joint venture's activities. This disruption resulted in the loss of minimum contractual orders and additional budgeted licensing revenue, leading to a shortfall exceeding 2m. This acquisition of a controlling stake in Tasly by China Resources Sanjiu Medical Pharmaceutical was finalized at the end of March 2025, bringing new leadership and changes to the JV's Board. A Board meeting is scheduled for the end of April, during which both parties will discuss all possible options for the future of the collaboration. In the meantime, Mauna Kea has continued to make progress on its own regulatory process for its Cellvizio Gen 3 platform in China, with a much-awaited clearance anticipated this year. The Gen 3 platform is not included in the current contract with the JV and the Company is considering all its options going forward to ensure the commercialization of Cellvizio can resume and be widely available in China.

In the United States, reimbursement for upper endoscopy procedures with Cellvizio was reduced due to inaccuracies in how hospitals reported procedure costs to the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services (CMS). Although procedure volumes remained stable compared to 2023, and representing a 48% increase over 2022, this pricing adjustment negatively impacted revenues. The Company responded swiftly, initiating comprehensive measures to support hospitals in accurately reporting procedure costs and actively engaging with CMS, supported by advocacy from the medical community, to expedite a reimbursement adjustment as early as possible.

Amid these macroeconomic pressures, Mauna Kea successfully launched CellTolerance, a new brand addressing the significantly larger food intolerance market. With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affecting an estimated 10% to 20% of the global population, this market represents a potential annual revenue opportunity exceeding 6 billion. Launched in Q3 2024, the CellTolerance program introduces a direct-to-consumer, cash-pay model that requires additional resource deployment and a phased rollout, leading to a longer implementation timeline in its initial stage. Nonetheless, interest from healthcare providers has been robust.

In Europe, Mauna Kea achieved a major milestone as the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) included Cellvizio in its best-practice guidelines for the characterization of pancreatic cysts. This endorsement, underpinned by compelling clinical data and support from the medical community, has initiated a pathway toward reimbursement. Notably, France's Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS) has re-initiated a formal evaluation process for potential reimbursement in France.

Main Financial Highlights

(in k) IFRS FY 2024 FY 2023 Change k Total sales 7,655 10,480 -2,825 -27% Gross margin (% of sales1 78% 66% +12 pts EBITDA2 (4,453) (3,876) -577 +15% Current operating income (6,049) (5,686) -363 +6% Net profit (loss) (10,404) (3,727) -6,677 +179%

Throughout the year, the Company implemented rigorous cost-control initiatives aimed at reducing its break-even point and accelerating progress toward profitability, thanks to which the Company was able to offset nearly 90% of the revenue decline over the period. As a result of these disciplined measures, the Company contained its operating loss to 6.0m, compared to 5.7m in the previous year, despite a 2.8m decline in revenue over the same period.

After Operating Income, items above net profit were primarily impacted by non-cash items, including capitalized interest on loans and the accounting implications of the EIB loan restructuring, in addition to the share of losses from the joint venture in China. The year-over-year variation is mainly attributable to a one-time capital gain recognized in 2023 from the transfer of patents to the joint venture.

In terms of cash flow, the company has significantly reduced its operating cash burn by more than 25% to 539K per month (vs. 719K in 2023)3 thanks to cost reduction measures and rigorous cash management.

As of April 22, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at 1.7m, compared to 2.0m as of December 31, 2024, providing the Group with a cash runway through July 2025, including the PACEO renewal with Vester Finance (see below).

Outlook

Improving the Group's financial profile remains the top priority. The positive financial trajectory initiated in 2022 in term of loss reduction is expected to continue. Indeed, the safeguard proceedings initiated on March 31, 2025, is set to significantly enhance the Group's financial structure through a significant debt restructuring, creating a foundation to attract new financial partners and support long-term growth.

On the commercial front, the Group plans to expand the deployment of CellTolerance across its key markets in Europe and the United States, while also establishing local partnerships in additional geographies. The pipeline of commercial opportunities is expanding rapidly and is expected to support a tripling of revenue from this indication in 2025.

In parallel, the pancreatic cysts application is expected to benefit from sustained momentum following its inclusion in the European guidelines, which is already driving reimbursement discussions across Europe-particularly in France. Additional visibility is anticipated from the upcoming results of the CLIMB study, conducted on 500 patients in the United States.

Lastly, as part of the ongoing strategic process, the Group is engaged in several discussions aimed at securing strategic partnerships, including a potential licensing agreement in a broader indication with a major industry player. One or more of these strategic agreements are expected to materialize in 2025.

Renewal of the PACEO equity line with Vester Finance

In the current context, maintaining a reserve of equity financing proved essential. The Company today renewed its PACEO line with Vester Finance, its long-standing partner, which has committed to subscribe for up to 11,000,000 shares in the Company, under the same terms and conditions as the previous transaction, which is due to expire shortly4. Mauna Kea Technologies will receive 300k upon signing, which will enable it to extend its financial visibility. This renewal was decided by the Company's Board of Directors, in accordance with the 18th resolution of the Shareholders' Meeting of June 6, 20245 and did not result in the preparation of a prospectus subject to AMF approval. In the event that this financing facility is used in full, a shareholder holding 1.00% of Mauna Kea Technologies' share capital prior to its implementation would see its stake fall to 0.86% of the share capital on an undiluted basis6

Going concern

The funding requirement over the next twelve months is estimated by the Company at 5m. At this stage, the Company considers that the risk of not securing the necessary financing to continue its operations in the coming months remains moderate. Based on these elements, the Board of Directors has adopted the going concern assumption. However, the outcome of these discussions, whether they involve licensing agreements or financing solutions, is not guaranteed. This represents a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

Consolidated Financial Statements

The Board of Directors approved the consolidated financial statements on April 22, 2025. The consolidated financial statements have been audited and the Statutory Auditors' report is in the process of being issued. Mauna Kea's comprehensive audited financial statements will be available in due course on www.maunakeatech.com.

Details of FY 2024 Results

Consolidated income statement for the full year 2024

(in k) IFRS FY 2024 FY 2023 Change k Product sales 5,647 6,218 -571 -9% Licensing sales 2,008 4,262 -2,254 -53% Total sales 7,655 10,480 -2,825 -27% Other revenue 760 547 +213 +39% Total revenue 8,415 11,027 -2 612 -24% Cost of sales (1,215) (2,118) -903 -43% Research Development expenses (3,550) (3,860) +310 -8% Sales Marketing expenses (4,705) (5,618) +913 -16% General Administrative expenses (4,445) (5,004) +559 -11% Share-based payments (549) (113) -436 +386% Current operating income (loss) (6,049) (5,686) -363 +6% Non-current operating income (34) 6,918 -6,952 -100% Operating income (6,083) 1,231 -7,314 Share of equity affiliates (1,683) (2,528) +845 -33% Financial result (2,638) (1,956) -682 +35% Income taxes (475) +475 -100% Net profit (10,404) (3,727) -6,677 +179%

Total sales

Total Group sales amounted to 7.7m, representing a 27% decline year-over-year, primarily attributable to the absence of licensing revenue from the joint venture in China. In 2023, this revenue stream included a one-off payment of $2.5m. The anticipated offset through product sales to the JV and additional milestone payments did not materialize, despite contractual obligations, due to the suspension of the JV's activities following a change in control of Tasly's ownership during 2024.

In addition, product sales were impacted by adverse pricing conditions in the United States, stemming from a temporary reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates.

Other revenue

Other revenue totaled 0.8m, representing a 39% year-over-year increase. This growth reflects a higher research tax credit, driven by increased investment in R&D, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives focused on the development of proprietary dataset solutions.

Cost of goods sold

Cost of goods sold came to 1.2m, reflecting a total gross margin of 78% over sales excluding license, an increase by 12 pts compared to 66% recorded last year. This strong gross margin reflects the end of the depreciation period for old generation Cellvizio systems mainly used under PPU and rents, and a one-off accounting impact.

Research and development expenses

Research and development costs were down by 5% over the period at 3.6m, primarily driven by changes in headcount during the year.

Sales and marketing expenses

Sales and marketing expenses declined by 16% over the period, totaling 4.7m. This reduction reflects the impact of cost-saving initiatives and a downsizing of the sales team, which was reduced from eight to five representatives by the end of 2024, primarily due to unsolicited departures.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses decreased by 11% over the period, totaling 4.4m. This reduction reflects the Group's disciplined cost-cutting efforts, despite a one-off increase in legal fees associated with the renegotiation of bank loan maturities, particularly with the EIB. The decline also results from the absence of variable remuneration for members of the Executive Committee and a voluntary base salary reduction by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Share-based payments

In line with its commitment to align employee interests with those of shareholders and to incentivize performance, the Group continued to grant stock options and free shares to its employees in 2024. The total expense related to these grants amounted to 549K, compared with 113K in 2023. The lower cost in the prior year reflected the significant cancellation of instruments following the departure of U.S.-based employees amid the Group's strategic reorientation.

Current Operating Income (loss)

The Group's current operating loss increased slightly by 6% to 6.0m, compared to 5.7m in 2023. The implementation of rigorous cost-saving plans and a significant reduction in operating expenses enabled the Company to offset nearly 90% of the revenue decline over the period.

Operating Income (loss)

The Group recorded an operating loss of 6.1m in 2024, compared to an operating profit of 1.2m in 2023. The prior year's result was favorably impacted by a 6.9m capital gain from the sale of patents to the joint venture in China.

Net Profit

Net profit came to a loss of 10.4m in 2024, compared with a loss of 3.7m in 2023.

About Mauna Kea Technologies

Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company that manufactures and sells Cellvizio, the real-time in vivo cellular imaging platform. This technology uniquely delivers in vivo cellular visualization which enables physicians to monitor the progression of disease over time, assess point-in-time reactions as they happen in real time, classify indeterminate areas of concern, and guide surgical interventions. The Cellvizio platform is used globally across a wide range of medical specialties and is making a transformative change in the way physicians diagnose and treat patients. For more information, visit www.maunakeatech.com.

Disclaimer can be found at the end of this document.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements about Mauna Kea Technologies and its business. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Mauna Kea Technologies' financial condition, business, strategies, plans and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. Mauna Kea Technologies believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, no assurance can be given that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements will be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in Chapter 3 of Mauna Kea Technologies' 2022 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) on June 28, 2023 under number D-23-0545, which is available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.fr), as well as the risks associated with changes in economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks that are unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not currently consider material. The occurrence of some or all of these risks could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Mauna Kea Technologies to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe for, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe for, shares of Mauna Kea Technologies in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release may be restricted in certain jurisdictions by local law. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to comply with all local regulations applicable to this document.

1 Excluding license revenue

2 EBITDA corresponds to current operating income before depreciation and amortization

3 Cash variation excluding financing operations and payments from Tasly JV

4 See press release dated July 25, 2024. Available balance of 1,100,000 potential shares

5 Delegation of capital increase with cancellation of shareholders' preferential subscription rights in favor of a category of persons meeting certain characteristics

6 Based on the 70,202,127 shares comprising the share capital as of March 31, 2025

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424847856/en/

Contacts:

Mauna Kea Technologies

investors@maunakeatech.com



NewCap Investor Relations

Aurelie Manavarere Thomas Grojean

+33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

maunakea@newcap.eu
Deutsche Bank announced today its appointment as depositary bank for the two sponsored American Depositary Receipt Programs of Epiroc Aktiebolag (OTC Class A share ADR Program: EPOAY, OTC Class B share ADR Program: EPOBY).

Epiroc AB is a global productivity partner for mining and infrastructure customers. Epiroc develops equipment such as drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment and tools for surface and underground applications. Epiroc also offer aftermarket support as well as solutions for automation, digitalization and electrification. Epiroc is based in Stockholm, Sweden.

In addition to specializing in administering cross-border equity structures such as New York Shares, American, and Global Depositary Receipts, Deutsche Bank provides corporates, financial institutions, hedge funds and supranational agencies around the world with trustee, agency, escrow, and related services. Deutsche Bank offers a very broad range of services for diverse products, from complex securitizations and project finance to syndicated loans, debt exchanges and restructurings.

* This information was provided by Epiroc Aktiebolag (April 2025).

Depositary Receipt Information Country Sweden Custodian Bank Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB Effective Date April 24, 2025 Level I ADR Class A share CUSIP 29429L 402 ISIN US29429L4023 Symbol EPOAY Exchange OTC Current Ratio 1 ADS: 1 Class A Share Eligibility DTC

Level I ADR Class B share CUSIP 29429L 303 ISIN US29429L3033 Symbol EPOBY Exchange OTC Current Ratio 1 ADS: 1 Class B Share Eligibility DTC

Depositary Receipt Contacts New Business Development Jonathan Montanaro Tel: +44 20 754-78538 www.adr.db.com Markets Distribution adr@db.com London Tel: +44 (0) 20 7547 6500 gtb.db.com New York Tel: +1 212 250 9100

Deutsche Bank provides commercial and investment banking, retail banking, transaction banking and asset and wealth management products and services to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized businesses, and private individuals. Deutsche Bank is Germany's leading bank, with a strong position in Europe and a significant presence in the Americas and Asia Pacific.

The Depositary Receipts have been registered pursuant to the US Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"). The investment or investment service which is the subject of this notice is not available to retail clients as defined by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. This notice has been approved and/or communicated by Deutsche Bank AG New York. The services described in this notice are provided by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (Deutsche Bank) or by its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in accordance with appropriate local registration and regulation. Deutsche Bank is providing the attached notice strictly for information purposes and makes no claims or statement, nor does it warrant or in any way represent, as to the accuracy or completeness of the details contained herein or therein. This announcement appears as a matter of record only. Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by Deutsche Bank or any other issuer or entity for the purchase or sale of any securities nor does it constitute a solicitation to any person in any jurisdiction where solicitation would be unlawful. No part of this notice may be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank. Past results are not an indication of future performance. Copyright April 2025 Deutsche Bank AG. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424743091/en/

Contacts:

For further information, please contact:

Deutsche Bank AG

Press Media Relations



Dylan Riddle



Tel. +12122504982

Cell. +1(904)3866481

Email dylan.riddle@db.com
To celebrate Financial Literacy Month and the bank's annual community engagement program, Regions launches a bank-wide volunteer blitz.

By Candace Higginbotham

The world of personal finance is changing rapidly.

With the increased use of digital currencies and other technological advancements, along with the continued threat of fraud, it's a complex environment that can be challenging for consumers to keep up with.

It's more important than ever that everyone has a basic understanding of how money works and how to manage it. But according to the World Economic Forum, financial literacy in the U.S. has hovered around 50 percent for eight consecutive years, with a 2 percent drop in the past two years.

"Increasing financial wellness is the right thing to do - to ensure that every person has the opportunity for financial success." Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Engagement at Regions

Regions is doing its part to help turn that around. In honor of Financial Literacy Month, the bank is launching a comprehensive financial wellness blitz that will continue throughout April.

Financial wellness is firmly rooted in the culture at Regions. It's part of the company's mission to make life better and create shared value for customers and communities.

"Increasing financial wellness is the right thing to do - to ensure that every person has the opportunity for financial success," said Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Engagement at Regions.

"But it's also an investment. When people have a greater understanding of their finances they make better decisions. By establishing a better situation today for themselves and their families, they're also building generational wealth and creating a healthier economy. And that benefits all of us."

Regions executes on its commitment to financial wellness in several ways. The bank provides easily accessible, no-cost financial education courses to anyone, whether they're a Regions customer or not. Regions Next Step curriculum includes customized tools, online resources, webinars, podcasts and in-person sessions covering topics ranging from budgeting, to saving and understanding credit, to insights for small-business owners, college students and people planning for retirement - and every life event and milestone in between.

"Building Financial Confidence" is the theme for this year's Share the Good program, and associates across Regions' markets will be working with community partners all month to host financial education events for a variety of audiences.

Examples include:

Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville: In these Florida markets, Regions teams are working with the Women's Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers local chapters to conduct Regions Next Step Path to Homeownership program to an audience of first-time homebuyers.

Huntsville, Ala.: As part of Regions Day at Alabama A&M University, a historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the bank's home state, up to 500 students are expected to participate in a Regions Next Step Reality Check budget simulation. The bank is also hosting Regions Day financial wellness events at two other HBCUs, Tennessee State University and Jackson State University.

Jackson, Miss.: Regions is hosting a fraud-prevention session for small-business owners and nonprofit leaders. Working with the Mississippi Alliance for Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Regions Branch Manager Jason Morris will lead the session at the organization's Nonprofit and Philanthropy Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting on April 25 at the Jackson Convention Complex.

Austin, Texas: To help ensure students of Del Valle Early College High School/ P-Tech Center are prepared for success, Regions teams will be onsite to deliver Reality Check sessions. "Regions is proud to support these hardworking students, and we're looking forward to 'Sharing the Good' at Del Valle once again in April," said Stephanie Perryman, Regions Bank Market Executive and Commercial Banking Leader in Austin.

Birmingham: Regions teams are presenting the Regions Next Step Money Basics for Life program at Disability Rights & Resources. On April 14, clients will take part in the Credit and Identity Theft course, part of a curriculum to enhance independent living skills and help people with disabilities learn to make good financial decisions. The bank was honored last year by the American Bankers Association Foundation for this groundbreaking financial wellness program.

New Orleans: Regions has a longstanding relationship with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana and has facilitated financial education programs in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge markets for several years. Local teams are collaborating with BCG this month to present three Reality Check sessions: April 8 in Covington, April 22 in Slidell and April 23 in Gretna.

Along with community events, Regions bankers and branch associates will be hosting financial wellness activities throughout the month.

Examples include:

Building Better Money Habits : Regions will host webinars on April 8 and 24 that provide guidance for consumers looking to increase their savings, build financial stability and improve credit scores.

Students and Parents: A Regions Extra Credit event, held live and via webcast on April 24, provides important information for high school juniors and seniors, their parents and school administrators, such as budgeting, financial aid, fraud prevention, investing and more. Participants in the Birmingham area may join in person at the Regions Riverchase Operations Center, or anyone can join online from 4:30-5:30 CT. Click here to register.

Small Businesses: Regions' bankers will be providing free workshops and seminars, in person and virtually, for small-business owners and their employees throughout the month. Anyone interested can contact a Regions representative at their local branch.

Like financial wellness, giving back is a key part of Regions' culture and community engagement strategy. So, aligning these efforts in April - which is also National Volunteer Month - emphasizes the importance of both at the bank.

"April is always an exciting time at Regions," said Gina Sian, head of the Regions Making Life Better Institute. "As we celebrate both Volunteer and Financial Literacy Month, adding our Share the Good campaign to the mix gives our associates a perfect opportunity to volunteer together and share the 'goodness' and importance of financial education to young ones and young once, at schools, businesses and nonprofit organizations."

Approximately 1.6 million people received financial education from Regions in 2024. Volunteers, including certified Regions Next Step Ambassadors, are specially trained to deliver the material and present tailored courses to K-12 and college students, small-business owners, new homeowners, veterans, people with disabilities, seniors and more.

The full array of Regions Next Step financial wellness resources can be found at www.regions.com/nextstep. Examples of how associates work with community partners to deliver these programs can be found in the annual Shared Value Report and the Community Engagement section of Regions' news website, Doing More Today.



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Regions Bank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Regions Bank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/regions-bank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Regions Bank
Cypher Metaverse Inc. (CSE:CODE) ("Cypher" or the "Company") today announces the appointment of Davidson & Company LLC (the "Successor Auditor"), chartered professional accountants, as the Company's new auditor to hold office until the Cypher's next annual meeting of shareholders.

The appointment of the Successor Auditor has been approved by the board of directors (the "Board") and the Company's audit committee (the "Audit Committee"), and Cypher will seek shareholders ratification of the Successor Auditor's appointment at the next annual meeting of shareholders.

The Company's former auditor, PKF Antares Professional Corporation (the "Predecessor Auditor"), resigned effective April 9, 2025. The Predecessor Auditor's reports with respect to Cypher's financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024 did not contain a modified opinion.

The Company's reporting package, including the notice of change of auditor, together with the required letters from the Predecessor Auditor and Successor Auditor, each prepared in accordance with Section 4.11 of NI 51-102, are available on Cypher's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

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.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - NuGen Medical Devices Inc. (TSXV: NGMD) (the "Company" or "NuGen") a leading developer of needle-free devices to administer therapeutics subcutaneously, is please to report that distribution of The InsuJet will be expanded with increased availability across Canada connecting alongside health professionals.

"Following its Health Canada approval and our nationwide introduction at World Diabetes Day held on November 14th, 2024, The InsuJet device is already making a measurable difference in diabetes care across Canada" commented Liang Lin, CEO of Nugen. "We have a wonderful testimonial, called Lilly's story that is both meaningful to the Company from a product adoption perspective while also illustrating the strong impact we are having on patient care."

Lilly's story. A teenager from Northern Canada diagnosed with diabetes at a young age, switching to InsuJet.

Click here to view Lilly's story: Why Lilly Anna loves InsuJet

Expanding Availability Across Canada

In the first quarter of 2025, InsuJet made its way into Canadian pharmacy retailers and distributors, including London Drugs, Pattison Food Group, Pure Integrative Pharmacies, Imperial Distributors, Shoppers Drug Mart, and McKesson Canada. The newest distribution partner, Kohl & Frisch, and a national retail partner will begin offering InsuJet in their pharmacies by mid-April.

To further support accessibility and education, NuGen's exclusive distributor for Canada, Sol-Millennium has onboarded pharmacy adjudication partner MyRxCare and Greenshield Canada. These partnerships will help Canadian pharmacy retailers deliver education aimed at identifying Canadians with diabetes who could benefit from needle-free insulin administration.

Additionally, Sol-Millennium continues partnership with I Challenge Diabetes, a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families living with diabetes. Their CEO and founder, Chris Jarvis-T1 Gold Medal Rower for Canada- will continue to promote and raise awareness of this innovative technology across the country.

Connecting with Healthcare Professionals

Further, Sol-Millennium will be attending several key pharmacy and healthcare conferences across Canada in 2025, and keep engaging with healthcare professionals: endocrinologists, primary care physicians, pharmacists, Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs), and researchers. These events provide a platform to showcase the InsuJet device and highlight its benefits to a wide clinical audience.

Sol-Millennium also look forward to connecting directly with Canadian families living with diabetes, promoting a needle-free future, and gathering valuable feedback and testimonial opportunities. These engagements align with Sol-Millennium's mission of advancing patient care for those living with diabetes as well as future commitment to having InsuJet added to the Canadian Diabetes Guidelines.

Recent Past Conferences:

Diabetes Simplify (Toronto, ON - March 1st)

Vendor Theatre (Toronto, ON - March 6th)

Durham Care Diabetes Symposium (Oshawa, ON - April 5th)

Familiprix (Quebec - April 11th -12th)

Upcoming Conferences:

Pharma Choice (Calgary, AB - April 25th - 26th)

2025 Pharmacy Trade Show - Pattison Food Group (Edmonton, AB - April 26th)

Pharmasave (Vancouver, BC - April 29th - 30th)

2025 Diabetes Canada/CSEM Professional Conference (Toronto, ON - November 26th - 28th)

About Sol-Millennium Medical Group

Sol-Millennium Medical Group is a vertically integrated manufacturer of medical devices. With global operations and a commitment to deliver advanced, patient-friendly healthcare technologies, Sol-Millennium Medical partners with healthcare providers to improve outcomes and build a healthier tomorrow for all.

About NuGen

NuGen is a leading developer of needle-free devices to administer therapeutics subcutaneously. The Company is marketing and selling its next-generation InsuJet needle-free injection system designed to improve the lives of millions of diabetics. InsuJet is approved for sale in 42 countries around the world.

For further information, please visit:

Websites: www.insujet.com, and www.nugenmd.com

Instagram: @NuGenMD

Twitter: @NuGenMD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nugenmd/

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249688

SOURCE: NuGen Medical Devices Inc.
Stevanato Group S.p.A. (NYSE: STVN), a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery, and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences industries, announced today that it will issue financial results for the first quarter of 2025 on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 6:30 a.m. (ET).

Conference call and webcast: The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to discuss financial results. During the call, management will refer to a slide presentation, which will be available on the morning of the call on the "Financial Results" page under the Company's Investor Relations section of its website.

Pre-registration: Participants who pre-register will be given a conference passcode and unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. We encourage participants to pre-register for the conference call using the following link: STVN conference call pre-registration.

Webcast: A live, listen-only webcast of the call will be available at the following link: STVN webcast.

Dial in: Those who are unable to pre-register may dial in by calling:

Italy: +39 02 802 09 11 United Kingdom: +44 1 212 818004 United States: +1 718 705 8796 United States Toll Free: +1 855 265 6958

Questions during the call: Participants who wish to ask questions during the call should use the HD webphone link:https://hditalia.choruscall.com/?$Y2FsbHR5cGU9MiZpbmZvPWNvbXBhbnk=

Replay: The webcast will be archived for three months on the Company's Investor Relations section of its website.

About Stevanato Group

Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes, and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical, and commercial stages. Stevanato Group's core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation, and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value-added solutions to clients. To learn more, visit: www.stevanatogroup.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424118442/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Lisa Miles: lisa.miles@stevanatogroup.com

Media

media@stevanatogroup.com
EQS-News: North Peak Resources Ltd. / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

North Peak Closes Second and Final Tranche of Private Placement



24.04.2025 / 23:30 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - North Peak Resources Ltd. (TSXV: NPR) (the "Company") is pleased to announce it has closed the second and final tranche ("Tranche 2") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"). The Company issued 416,667 equity units (each a "Unit") at a price of C$0.60 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$250,000 under Tranche 2, bringing the total Private Placement to 9,031,666 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of C$5,418,999. For further information about the Private Placement and the earlier closing, please refer to the Company's press release of April 21, 2025. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share of the Company ("Common Share") and one-half of one (1/2) Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one (1) Common Share for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance of the Warrant (subject to acceleration) (the "Expiry Date"), at an exercise price of C$0.90 per share. The Warrants are subject to an acceleration provision whereby, if the Common Shares trade at or above a volume-weighted average price of C$1.50 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Company has the right to accelerate the Expiry Date of all or part of the outstanding Warrants issued pursuant to the Private Placement to a date that is not less than 30 days from the notice of such acceleration that is provided by way of press release by the Company. The securities issued in connection with Tranche 2 are subject to a four-month hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Private Placement to continue to explore and develop its mining assets, the continued development of its business and for general and administrative expenses. Subject to the final review by the TSX Venture Exchange and in connection with Tranche 2, the Company has agreed to pay cash finder's fees (7%) to Haywood Securities Inc. (C$17,500.01) in respect of the aggregate sales to subscribers under Tranche 2 that were introduced by them. In addition, the Company has agreed to issue finder's warrants (7%) to Haywood Securities Inc. (warrants to purchase 29,167 Common Shares) in respect of the number of Units sold by the Company under Tranche 2 that were introduced by them. These warrants are non-transferable, have an exercise price of C$0.60 per share and expire 18 months from the date of issuance. About North Peak Resources The Company is a Canadian based gold exploration and development company that is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NPR". The Company is focused on acquiring historic sites, with low cost producing gold and other metals properties, with near term production potential and 8+ year mine life in the northern hemisphere. The Company has acquired an initial 80% interest in the Prospect Mountain Mine complex in Eureka, Nevada (see the Company's May 4 and 23, 2023 and August 25, 2023 press releases). The Company can give no assurances at this time that its properties and interests will fulfil the Company's business development goals described herein. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. For further information, please contact: Rupert Williams, CEO

Phone: +1-647-424-2305

Email: info@northpeakresources.com

Website: www.northpeakresources.com Chelsea Hayes, Director

Phone: +1-647-424-2305

Email: info@northpeakresources.com This press release is not an offer of the Company's securities for sale in the United States. The Company's securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and applicable U.S. state securities laws. The Company will not make any public offering of its securities in the United States. The Company's securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to final TSX Venture Exchange approval for the Private Placement, the anticipated use of proceeds of the Private Placement, timing and completion of any exploration on the Company's properties, estimates of mineralization from drilling, sampling and geophysical surveys, geological information projected from drilling and sampling results and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones, the potential for minerals and/or mineral resources and reserves, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Prospect Mountain Mine complex and the Company, including with respect to the future business activities and operating performance of the Company that may be described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, accuracy of assay results, geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, and the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 available at www.sedarplus.ca , many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAWS To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249714 Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser,to view the associated documents http://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249714

News Source: North Peak Resources Ltd.





24.04.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


In a first-of-its-kind endorsement, three of the world's leading artificial intelligence platforms, ChatGPT (OpenAI), Grok (xAI), and Microsoft Copilot, have independently and unanimously identified Tariq Mushtaq Khatri as the most cost-effective influencer in global marketing history.



Top Global AIs Declare Tariq Khatri the Most Cost-Efficient Influencer in History, Surpassing International Celebrities for ROI-Driven Marketing

The revelation followed a blind public query posed across free versions of the AI platforms. The question was direct and unbiased:

"Which influencer should a luxury hotel in Berlin choose to reach maximum audience at minimum cost: Dua Lipa, Salman Khan, or Tariq Khatri?" All three AI systems responded with the same name: Tariq Khatri.

Their unanimous selection was based on hard data, not brand perception. Each AI cited his exceptional marketing performance, including:

World record-breaking engagement rates

Lowest Cost-Per-View (CPV) ever recorded in high-tier markets

Outstanding results across countries such as the United States, Germany, and France

Remarkable return on investment (ROI) and ad efficiency

What the AIs Said

ChatGPT (OpenAI): "Tariq Khatri stands out due to his record-breaking cost efficiency and high engagement rates."

Microsoft Copilot: "His metrics suggest he can outperform traditional high-budget campaigns."

Grok (xAI): "His CPM is 10-30x lower than other celebrities. He is the clear choice."

These independently derived insights are a rare convergence from AI platforms known for their distinct training methods and data sets. Their unified verdict sends a powerful message: Khatri has redefined digital influence economics.

Campaign Performance that Stunned the Industry

The AI recommendations follow on the heels of Tariq Khatri's record-breaking Meta Ads campaign, which achieved unprecedented metrics:

212 million+ views in just 28 days

4.3 million+ audience interactions

Cost-Per-View as low as ?0.01 in high-tier nations

Over 1.3 million new followers within a two-month span

For global marketers, these results signal a shift from celebrity-driven ad spend to data-driven influencer strategy with Khatri leading the charge.

Influencing with Impact, Not Hype

While global icons such as Dua Lipa, Salman Khan, and Michelle Monroe boast star power, Tariq Khatri's influence is built on measurable performance, reach efficiency, and unparalleled engagement. His ability to deliver virality at scale - at a fraction of the usual cost - has captured the attention of both AI systems and CMO dashboards alike.

In response to the recognition, Tariq Khatri shared:

"I didn't have a billion-dollar name, just billion-level proof. I'm honored that the world's smartest AIs choose truth over hype. This is just the beginning."

The accolade from AI platforms is not just a marketing milestone, it's a signal to advertisers, agencies, and global brands to reconsider how influence is measured. With big data now shaping advertising decisions, Khatri's trajectory underscores a seismic shift in the global influencer landscape.

About Tariq Khatri

Tariq Mushtaq Khatri is a Mumbai-based digital marketing expert and influencer strategist. Known for his analytical approach and deep market penetration in Tier-1 countries, Khatri has rapidly built a reputation as the most cost-effective influencer in the world, delivering exceptional ROI for brands across industries.

Contact Information

Website: https://tariqkhatri.in/ Contact Person: Tariq Khatri Email: marketing@tariqkhatri.in Phone: +91 98335 89151

SOURCE: Tariq Khatri
Pontpierre, France, 24 April 2025 - La Francaise de l'Energie (Euronext: FDE - ISIN: FR0013030152), an energy producer with a negative carbon footprint, has achieved sales for the first nine months of FY 2025 of 20.9m (25.0m under the full consolidation method for the entity Drin Energija, which owns Petjnik, the solar farm in operation with an installed capacity of 45 MW).

Sales figures

In millions of Euros 2025 2024 Sales 1st half-year

(July - Dec) 12.2 17.6 Sales 3th quarter*

(Jan.-March) 8.7 8.9 9-month sales figures 20.9 26.5

* Unaudited figures

Recurring and robust electricity revenues, with growth expected from the deployment of new installations in 2025

At the end of March 2025, revenues from electricity generation (excluding Drin Energija) amounted to 10.4m, in a normalised energy price environment.

FDE is also actively pursuing the deployment of new facilities in France and Norway, with the commissioning this quarter of the 5 MW photovoltaic plant in Engene in Norway. In addition, the 4 new cogeneration units in Hauts-de-France will contribute positively to the Group's sales in 2025.

Dynamic recovery in the gas business, with further growth over the quarter

Following the resumption of the injection into the GRTgaz network at the end of October 2024, on the back of improved market prices, the gas production business posted sales of 6.3m for the first 9 months of FY 2025, with an increase of 8% in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter.

A positive contribution from Alltec, the newly acquired company in Norway

The acquisition of Alltec, a Norwegian specialist in EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction) solutions, with recognized expertise in biogas, hydrogen and ammonia, is already making a positive contribution to FDE's revenues thanks to its current projects, with 2.5m of sales generated over the two months of Q3 2025.

Over and above the financial contribution, the strategic objective is to consolidate FDE's technical expertise, while speeding up the time-to-market of RNG (Renewable Natural Gas) and hydrogen projects, thereby significantly expanding the Group's projects portfolio in Norway.

Growth confirmed for FDE, with solid results expected as early as 2025

The acquisition of Alltec marks a key step in FDE's expansion in Norway, creating immediate synergies and opening up new prospects for sustainable growth.

Biogy Solutions AS is also continuing to develop its RNG and CO? production projects. Its new subsidiary, Halsa Biogass, which will produce 120 GWh per year of RNG in 2026, obtained its construction permit in March 2025 and will start building work in the coming months. The Stavanger project, supported by a NOK 49.3 million Enova grant, will also produce 100 GWh of RNG per year once construction is complete.

These existing investments in Norway form a robust platform, set to generate more than 80m in annual sales and 40m in EBITDA by 2030, making a significant contribution to the Group's ambitions.

With these projects, FDE is consolidating its position as a key player in Europe's energy transition.

FDE is thus reiterating its 2030 targets of annual sales of more than 175m, EBITDA of more than 85m, combined with more than 20 million tonnes of CO 2 eq emissions per year.

Next event:

Annual sales 2025, 22 July 2025

Reuters code: FDEL.PA Bloomberg code: FDE.FP Press

contact@francaisedelenergie.fr

+ 33 3 87 04 34 51 Investor Relations

ir@francaisedelenergie.fr

+33 3 87 04 34 51

About La Francaise de l'Energie ( FDE )

FDE is an independent multi-energy producer dedicated to making Net Zero happen. As a specialist in local energy systems and the circular economy, FDE capitalizes on its industrial know-how ranging from engineering, energy production to CO 2 storage to provide energy solutions that combine carbon footprint reduction with better resilience of the associated eco-systems.

More information available on http://www.francaisedelenergie.fr

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward - looking statements and estimates concerning FDE's financial condition, operating results, strategy, projects and future performance and the markets in which it operates. Such forward-looking statements and estimates may be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "can," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "is designed to," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "objective," "should," or the negative of these and similar expressions. They incorporate all topics that are not historical facts. Forward looking statements, forecasts and estimates are based on management's current assumptions and assessment of risks, uncertainties and other factors, known and unknown, which were deemed to be reasonable at the time they were made but which may turn out to be incorrect. Events and outcomes are difficult to predict and depend on factors beyond the company's control. Consequently, the actual results, financial condition, performances and/or achievements of FDE or of the industry may turn out to differ materially from the future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by these statements, forecasts and estimates. Owing to these uncertainties, no representation is made as to the correctness or fairness of these forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates speak only as of the date on which they are made, and FDE undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) (OTCQX: ONXGF) ("Onyx Gold" or the "Company") announces today the acceleration of the expiry of outstanding common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") of the Company that were originally issued July 6, 2023 and amended January 29, 2025 (see news release, Jan 29, 2025). Out of the original 7,143,999 in total Warrants issued at an amended purchase price of $0.30, 3,419,111 Warrants have been recently exercised for total proceeds of $1,025,733, leaving 3,724,888 Warrants still outstanding.

Pursuant to the terms of Warrants, the expiry date of the Warrants accelerates if the closing share price on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") exceeds $0.375 for any 10 consecutive trading days (the "Acceleration Period") during the unexpired term of the Warrants to the date that is 30 calendar days after the 10th day of the Acceleration Period. The Company hereby provides notice of the Acceleration Period covering the 10 trading days ended April 24, 2025 resulting in acceleration of the expiry of the Warrants to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto Time) on May 24, 2025 (the "Accelerated Expiry Date"). Any Warrants remaining unexercised after the Accelerated Expiry Date will expire and be of no force and effect.

"We're pleased to see strong support from our shareholders through the early exercise of warrants, and we anticipate the bulk of the remaining warrants will be exercised in the coming weeks, resulting in gross proceeds of up to $2.14 million," stated Brock Colterjohn, President and CEO of Onyx Gold. "These funds will directly support our upcoming exploration efforts, with a drill scheduled to start turning in the first week of May at our Argus North target in Timmins, where the Company recently reported a broad and continuous new zone of strong gold mineralization, grading 3.4 g/t Au over 69.6 m, including a high-grade subzone of 13.9 g/t Au over 9.5 m. We look forward to sharing more details on the upcoming program shortly, as we advance what we believe is a compelling new gold discovery in one of Canada's premier mining jurisdictions."

About Onyx Gold

Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp.

"Brock Colterjohn"

President & CEO

For further information, please visit the Onyx Gold Corp. website at www.onyxgold.com or contact:

Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO

or

Nicole Hoeller, NIKLI Communications

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

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" 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, the use of proceeds of warrant exercises.

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, changes in the Company's plans for the proceeds of the warrant exercises.

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 outlook 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/249735

SOURCE: Onyx Gold Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Premium Resources Ltd. (TSXV: PREM) (OTC Pink: PRMLF) ("PREM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andre van Niekerk to the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. van Niekerk was appointed to the Board, effective immediately. Mr. van Niekerk's appointment will fill a vacancy arising from the retirement of Mr. Don Newberry as a director of the Company.

Andre van Niekerk brings over 23 years of progressive leadership experience in the mining industry, with a strong track record of financial and operational success. Most recently, Andre serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Gatos Silver prior to its acquisition by First Majestic. Previously he served as Chief Financial Officer of Nevada Copper Corp., where he played a pivotal role in transitioning the company from development to production and led multiple successful equity financings and debt restructurings.

Prior to that, Andre spent 14 years at Golden Star Resources, a gold producer operating in Ghana, where he held various senior financial and operational roles, ultimately serving as Executive Vice President and CFO. His career began with KPMG in South Africa and Denver in advisory and audit positions.

Andre holds accounting degrees from the University of South Africa and the University of Pretoria and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Mr. Newberry has been a director of the Company since August 2022 and served as the Chair of the Sustainability Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.

With Mr. Newberry's departure from the Board, and the appointment of Mr. van Niekerk as a director, the Board now consists of eight directors, namely, Paul Martin (Chair), Andre van Niekerk, Chris Leavy, James Gowans, Jason LeBlanc, Mark Christensen, Morgan Lekstrom and Norman MacDonald.

"I am pleased to welcome Mr. van Niekerk to the Board of Directors," said Paul Martin, Chairman of PREM. "Andre brings with him a wealth of knowledge, not only in finance but also through his extensive experience in transitioning companies through to development, including projects in Africa. As we continue to advance the Selebi and Selkirk mines, we remain focused on strengthening the board and ensuring we are well-equipped to navigate this exciting next phase of growth."

Paul Martin continued, "I would also like to express my sincere thank you to Mr. Newberry for his commitment and valuable contributions throughout his time with us. His hard work has been truly appreciated, and we wish him continued success in all his future endeavors."

Stock Option Grant

PREM also announces that, effective April 24, 2024, it has granted to certain directors, officers, employees and/or consultants of the Company and/or its subsidiaries an aggregate of 230,000 stock options of the Company ("Options") pursuant to the stock option plan of the Company.

The Options have an exercise price of C$0.49 per share and a five-year term from the date of grant. 140,000 of the Options vest immediately and the remaining 90,000 vest annually in equal thirds beginning on the date of grant.

About Premium Resources Ltd.

PREM is a mineral exploration and development company that is focused on the redevelopment of the previously producing nickel, copper and cobalt resources mines owned by the Company in the Republic of Botswana.

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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Follow Us

X: https://x.com/prem_resources

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Premium-Resources

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PremiumResourcesLtd

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249736

SOURCE: Premium Resources Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Mineral Road Discovery Inc. (CSE: ROAD) (the "Company" or "ROAD") announces that it has appointed Damien Reynolds as Executive Chairman, effective May 1, 2025. Emma Fairhurst will relinquish her seat as Executive Chairperson but will remain a Director.

Mr. Reynolds has multiple decades of involvement in all facets of the resource exploration business globally. In addition, he has extensive capital markets experience, having been involved in raising hundreds of millions of dollars for exploration capital. Projects spanning a broad multitude of commodities and multiple global jurisdictions have been founded, invested in, developed and sold by teams led and associated with Mr. Reynolds.

ROAD thanks Ms. Fairhurst for her significant efforts as Executive Chairperson and looks forward to her continued support as a member of the board of directors.

About Mineral Road Discovery

Mineral Road Discovery is an investor in exploration. By focusing on a combination of top-down thematics and significant technical and financial expertise, we can manage risks better to provide exceptional shareholder value.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249737

SOURCE: Mineral Road Discovery Inc.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - In a landmark event, leaders from technology, energy and academia convened Thursday at Oklahoma State University's Hamm Institute for American Energy for the Powering AI: Global Leadership Summit.

The one-day, high-level summit focused on solving one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to power the explosive growth of artificial intelligence with reliable, scalable American energy.

Hosted by the Hamm Institute, the summit marks the first time these three critical industries have united to build a collaborative strategy for the AI age. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, attendees focused on the infrastructure, power systems and policy innovation needed to support the U.S. as a global leader in artificial intelligence and big data.

"AI is advancing faster than our infrastructure. If America wants to lead in AI, it must also lead in energy," said Dr. Ann Bluntzer Pullin, executive director of the Hamm Institute. "This summit is about alignment, getting the right people in the right room to make sure innovation doesn't outpace our ability to sustain it."

Four U.S. cabinet members participated in the discussions, including:

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin

"The Powering AI: Global Leadership Summit brought together forward-thinking leaders from across industry and government who understand a simple truth - America must unleash American energy and innovation to lead in AI development. The Department of Energy is working with our counterparts at USDA and EPA to advance a strategy of energy addition - expanding energy production, modernizing infrastructure and ensuring the U.S. has the capacity to drive and dominate the next era of global technological advancement," Wright said.

Rollins reinforced the readiness of the USDA to help lead the way in this burgeoning movement.

"We have hit the ground running at USDA. Through bold leadership to prioritize rural prosperity, support biofuels, reform permitting, and streamline regulations, this administration is putting America first. I am proud to serve alongside a remarkable cabinet who is determined to ensure America's prosperity for generations to come," Rollins said.

While natural gas and gas-powered turbines emerged as the leading near-term solutions to meet surging energy demands, the summit also spotlighted other dependable sources - such as nuclear and geothermal - as vital components of a long-term, diversified energy strategy.

Zeldin invited attendees to share their ideas on how the federal government could facilitate energy industry growth.

"I want every single idea that you have, no matter how large it is, no matter how small it is," he said.

One of the leading voices in AI, Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark, was also a featured speaker. The company was founded by former members of OpenAI and is responsible for creating Claude, a popular generative AI platform with nearly 19 million monthly users.

"AI is pushing the boundaries of what's possible-but without the infrastructure to scale it, we're only scratching the surface," Clark said. "By building capacity now, we position the United States to lead in an era where computational intelligence becomes a defining element of national strength and societal wellbeing."

Bob Pender, Venture Global executive co-chairman and founder, said U.S. oil and natural gas producers and energy providers are ready to meet the challenge.

"It was an honor to share the stage today with leaders and decision makers on the future of energy demand and AI," he said. "The world demands more energy now than ever before, in large part due to AI, and Venture Global stands ready to work with government and industry partners to continue delivering American LNG the world needs."

Attendees and organizers emphasized that this is just the beginning of a national initiative to position America as the leader in the global AI frontier. Insights from the summit will serve as a strategic blueprint for meeting rising power demands with scalable and reliable energy solutions.

The presenting sponsors for the day were GBS, ONEOK, Devon Energy and Continental Resources.

About the Hamm Institute:

The Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University is dedicated to advancing energy security for the U.S. and its allies. Through collaboration with industry experts, government leaders, and academia, the Hamm Institute seeks to meet humanity's growing energy needs through affordable, reliable, and abundant energy. By championing American energy innovation, the Hamm Institute aims to safeguard U.S. national security and support global energy stability.

Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success. OSU has more than 35,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 26,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and more than 127 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 290,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249731

SOURCE: Oklahoma State University
Sevii, a Charlotte, NC-based cybersecurity company building an autonomous agentic AI defense platform, raised an undisclosed amount in Pre-Seed funding.

The round was led by Overline, with participation from 10VC and SaaS Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate platform development, go-to-market execution, and the expansion of its team of AI engineers and cybersecurity veterans.

Led by CEO Curt Aubley, Sevii is a cybersecurity company focused on delivering autonomous defense and remediation (ADR) solutions empowered by agentic AI. Its platform utilizes a cyber army of autonomous AI agents that operate at machine speeds to proactively detect, triage, and remediate threats in real-time. It also integrates with customers existing security tools, platforms, and AI Co-Pilots, reducing the time to respond to cyber threats while lowering costs and operational burdens.

FinSMEs

24/04/2025
Fawad Khans statement has come amid harsh criticism towards him and Abir Gulaal star Vaani Kapoor due to the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan read more

Pakistani actor Fawad Khan has spoken about the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which took the lives of several innocent tourists.

Taking to his Instagram stories, the actor express his sadness and wrote, Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time."

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Fawads statement has come amid harsh criticism towards him and Abir Gulaal star Vaani Kapoor due to the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan and the terrorist attack has intensified the boycott calls for the film.

Have been numb, at a loss of words since the time I have seen the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families," Vaani shared his condolences for the victims on social media.

Several netizens slammed Vaani for promoting Abir Gulaal on social media. How can bollywood be such a shit, have youll forgot the attacks that killed our soldiers in URI? I knew bollywood was bad with their memories but this is too muchtheir administration is busy funding terror against India and our bollywood is busy funding these people! wrote one netizen.

This Movie should be banned and you should be blacklisted, wrote another user. As an Indian artist, it was not just your moral but national duty as well to at least delete the posts of this film since you cant walk out of the project now. But oops, I forgot its Bollywood where profit is everything and patriotism doesnt exist, commented another user.
A third commented- heartbreaking tragedy. My prayers are with the victims and their families. May they find strength in this dark time, and may justice be served swiftly and fairly.

Another said, This act of terror in Pahalgam has shaken us all. My heart goes out to the innocent lives lost and the families left behind.

One wrote- Heartbroken and enraged by the horrific act of violence in Pahalgam. My deepest condolences to the families affected. In these dark times, we pray for strength, justice, and unity.

The latest Bollywood celebrity to Raise his voice amid the Pahalgam attacks is Kesari Chapter 2 star R. Madhavan.

In his Instagram story, Madhavan said, In light of the current situation, movie teasers, trailers, and launch events have been cancelled. Additionally, a major award ceremony has been cancelled, along with several brand launches. Like all other industries, our film industry also shares in the sorrow, grief, and solidarity during this difficult time.

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The actor added, Horrified, Dismayed, Aghast, Deep shock and sadness Heartbreaking #Pahalgamattack. Anger, Wrath, Revenge and retribution, Payback!! Decimate, Annihilate, Set an example, Coward Perpetuators."

Shah Rukh Khan is also the latest celebrity to tweet amid the Pahalgam Terror Attacks. The actor wrote- Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam.

He added, In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we as a Nation, stand united, strong and get justice against this heinous act.

One wrote- Heartbroken and enraged by the horrific act of violence in Pahalgam. My deepest condolences to the families affected. In these dark times, we pray for strength, justice, and unity.

Another said, This act of terror in Pahalgam has shaken us all. My heart goes out to the innocent lives lost and the families left behind.

A third commented- heartbreaking tragedy. My prayers are with the victims and their families. May they find strength in this dark time, and may justice be served swiftly and fairly.
Bharath Bhushan, a 35-year-old techie from Bengaluru, was on a holiday with his family in Kashmirs Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam when terrorists confronted the family. Upon asking Bharaths name and religion, the attackers ruthlessly shot the man in the head in front of his wife and three-year-old son read more

Bhushan was shot in the head in front of his wife Dr Sujatha and their 3-year-old son in Pahalgam terror attack. Image courtesy: News18

Bharath Bhushan, a 35-year-old techie from Bengaluru, was on a holiday with his wife and toddler in Kashmirs Pahalgam. What was meant to be a peaceful family getaway turned into a scene of horror.

The family was strolling through the picturesque Baisaran valley, a spot often filled with the chatter of tourists, when terrorists began spraying bullets. With nowhere to run in th vast meadow, the family was confronted by the attackers.

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They asked Bharath to hand the child to his wife, then demanded his name.

To this, the techie replied Bharath", after which the terrorists asked about his religion. Hindu, he said.

That simple answer was enough. Without a moments pause, the terrorists shot him in the head, right in front of his wife and three-year-old child.

The Bengaluru techie was among the 26 victims killed in the barbaric attack that has shocked the nation. Heres a closer look at his story.

Hid behind tents, terrorists didnt listen to pleas

Bharaths wife, Dr Sujatha Bhushan, a paediatrician at Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru, shared a chilling recollection of the terror that unfolded in Baisaran Valley.

We went for the vacation on April 18. Pahalgam was our last stop we went up to Baisaran that day on pony rides and, when we reached, we took photographs and played with our child. We tried out Kashmiri costumes then suddenly we heard lots of shots, she told NDTV.

As panic set in, tourists and locals scrambled for safety, but there was nowhere to go. The family, along with others, was caught in the middle of Baisarans wide-open meadow.

Bharath Bhushan, a 35-year-old techie from Bengaluru, was on a holiday with his wife Dr Sujatha Bhushan and toddler in Kashmir. Image courtesy: X

You know how Baisaran is it is a large field and we were right in the middle. Anywhere we tried to run, it is quite a far distance to the perimeter. So we started hiding behind tents, the Kashmiri tents, set up in the middle of field, Sujatha said.

The family huddled behind one such tent. But from their hiding spot, they could still see the horror unfolding.

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One terrorist went to a tent about 100 feet away he took a man out, seemed to talk to him, and shot him in the head. He did it twice more I couldnt hear what he was saying. But then, near our tent, I could hear, How can you enjoy vacation when our children are suffering?

Moments later, the same terrorist reached the Bhushans tent.

He came to my husband My husband was requesting him, I have a child please spare me. But he just shot him and left

Amidst the chaos and horror, Sujatha realised her husband had been killed, she grabbed his mobile phone and purse and fled the scene. She managed to contact her mother around 2:45 pm on Tuesday.

Shortly after, the Indian Army reached the area and moved her to safety, Bharaths mother-in-law told The Times of India.

Meanwhile, the techies father said he came to know about his sons death on Wednesday morning.

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I read about it in a Kannada newspaper during my morning walk. My legs gave way. I didnt know what to do. My family had kept it a secret from me and my wife, he told the publication.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah pay respects at funeral

Bharaths body was flown to Bengaluru in the early hours of Thursday. His remains arrived at the city airport around 4 am, where Union Minister of State for Railways, V Somanna, was present to receive them.

As per Deccan Herald, Bharaths body was kept for public homage until 3 pm at his residence, after which the cremation was held at Hebbal crematorium.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, also arrived to pay final respects.

I offer my shraddhanjali on behalf of the state government and 7 crore Kannadigas. He died at a young age. He completed his BE and an MBA from SDM College, Mysuru. His father was a retired DDPI officer This was an inhumane act, and I strongly condemn it. Terrorists and terror outfits must not be in our country," Siddaramaiah said.

#WATCH | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah arrived at the residence of Bharat Bhushan - a resident of Bengaluru, who was killed in the #PahalgamTerroristAttack, to pay last respects.



He also interacted with the grieving family. pic.twitter.com/wz643TBbIt  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

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He also called for strong central action to eradicate terrorism. Destroy all terrorists, he urged, assuring the states full support in the matter. The Chief Minister further announced financial aid of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased.

In addition, Siddaramaiah said he had directed a team of officials, led by Labour Minister Santosh Lad, to assist and bring back the Karnataka tourists currently stranded in Srinagar.

Centre vows revenge for Pahalgam attacks

In the wake of the horrifying terror strike in Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a strong message of resolve, vowing that those behind the attack will not be spared.

Speaking from Bihar during a public address, PM Modi said, Today from the soil of Bihar, I want to say to the whole world in clear words that India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their supporters, conspirators. Well pursue them to the end of the Earth. They will be punished beyond their imagination.

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#WATCH | On Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi says, "Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. pic.twitter.com/8SPHOAJIi2  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed the sentiment with a sharp warning aimed at the attackers and their enablers.

We wont punish only the monsters who carried out this act of brutality and barbarianism. We will also reach those who hid behind a curtain to carry out this conspiracy, he said.

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In response to intelligence reports pointing to Pakistan-based terror groups as being responsible for the Pahalgam massacre, the Indian government has begun taking tough diplomatic steps.

Among the first moves: downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan, suspending the over-six-decade-old Indus Water Treaty, and revoking visas granted to Pakistani nationals. Security agencies have been put on high alert.

With input from agencies
Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted of financial crimes by the Vatican in 2023, is insisting that he can participate in the upcoming conclave  the closed-door meeting of the cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel to choose the new Pope. But who is Becciu? What do we know about the controversy? read more

Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu was convicted in the Vatican's trial of the century. He has appealed the verdict. Reuters

A convicted Cardinal who wants to be part of the conclave to pick the new pope is causing a stir.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted of financial crimes by the Vatican, is insisting that he can participate in the upcoming conclave  the closed-door meeting of the cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel to choose the new pope.

This despite him being classified as a non-elector.

The development comes in the backdrop of the world mourning the death of Pope Francis and the cardinals set to convene in May to pick a new Pontiff.

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But who is the 76-year-old Becciu? What is he saying? What do we know about the row?

Lets take a closer look:

Who is Becciu?

As per National Catholic Register, Becciu was born on June 2, 1948.

He hails from Sassari on the Italian island of Sardinia.

At age 24, Becciu was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Ozieri.

Becciu entered the Vaticans diplomatic service in May 1984.

He served the Vatican in the Central African Republic, Sudan, New Zealand, Liberia, Great Britain, France, and the United States.

In 2001, Becciu was appointed him apostolic nuncio to Angola by Pope John Paul II.

He was also appointed nuncio in Sao Tome and Principe  an African island nation off the coast of Gabon.

In December 2001, Becciu became a bishop.

Becciu held the position of appointed apostolic nuncio in Cuba during the reign of Benedict XVI.

It was during Pope Benedicts reign that Becciu became the third most powerful and high-ranking member of the Holy See  the central governing body within the Catholic Church  after the Pope and the Vaticans secretary of state.

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As per CNN, Becciu was the sostituto (substitute) in the Holy Sees Secretariat of State  essentially the popes chief of staff.

Becciu, who could walk in to see the pope at any time, was hugely influential across the Holy See. Becciu later governed the Vaticans department of saint-making.

Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu was once the third most powerful and high-ranking member of the Holy See. Image courtesy: Claude Truong-Ngoc/Wikimedia Commons

In 2018, Pope Francis made Becciu a cardinal.

Becciu, interestingly, was also a onetime contender for the post of Pontiff.

As per The Pinnacle Gazette, Becciu was also the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Pope Francis ordered Becciu in 2020 to resign the rights and privileges of a cardinal after he became enmeshed in a financial scandal.

This came after Italian news magazine LEspresso published news of an investigation into potential financial crimes in the Vatican.

However, as per Pillar Catholic, Becciu did not resign from the formal membership of the Holy See.

He is the first cardinal ever prosecuted by the Vaticans criminal court.

The Vaticans trial of the century

Becciu was tried alongside nine other defendants in the most complicated financial trial in the Vaticans modern history  also known as the Vaticans trial of the century.

The two-year trial of dealt with the Holy Sees $380 million investment in a London property but grew to include a host of other financial dealings.

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The trial focused on the Vatican secretariat of states participation in a fund to develop a former Harrods warehouse into luxury apartments.

Prosecutors alleged Vatican monsignors and brokers fleeced the Holy See of tens of millions of dollars in fees and commissions and then extorted the Holy See for $17 million to cede control of the building.

Becciu was convicted of embezzlement stemming from the original Vatican investment of $227 million into the fund that invested in the London property. The tribunal determined that canon law prohibited using church assets in such a speculative investment.

Becciu was also convicted of aggravated fraud for his role in paying a self-proclaimed intelligence expert from his native Sardinia, Cecilia Marogna, $650,000 in Holy See money.

He had said the payments were authorised by Pope Francis as ransom to free a Colombian nun held hostage by al-Qaida-linked militants in Mali.

Becciu was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison in 2023.

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Cardinal Becciu was tried alongside nine other defendants in the most complicated financial trial in the Vaticans modern history  also known as the Vaticans trial of the century. Reuters

He was the first cardinal to be sentenced since the creation of the city state in 1929.

Becciu though has steadfastly maintained his innocence and his lawyers have appealed the verdict.

As per CNN, Becciu is currently living at an apartment owned by the Vatican.

The trial had raised questions about the rule of law in the city state and Francis power as absolute monarch, given that he wielded supreme legislative, executive and judicial authority and had exercised it in ways the defence claimed jeopardised a fair trial.

What is he saying?

Becciu is saying that Francis had not explicitly ordered him excluded from the conclave.

The pope has recognised my cardinal prerogatives as intact, since there was no explicit will to exclude me from the Conclave nor a request for my explicit renunciation in writing, Becciu told LUnione Sarda newspaper on April 22.

The popes death is a great sorrow, Becciu added, in light of a relationship that was always frank, serene, marked by the utmost respect even in the face of natural, human differences of opinion: the pope accepted my opinions and together we shared all the choices, even the most painful ones."

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It was a great pain to see the Pope change his opinion about me so radically, Becciu was quoted as saying by the Pinnacle Gazette. This pain I accepted as a test of my faith and my commitment to the Pope and the Church.

Becciu in 2022 claimed that Pope Francis had personally invited him to attend the consistory and that he would soon be reinstated to full membership of the College of Cardinals.

Though Becciu is claiming that he can legally participate in the next papal election, canon law states otherwise.

Cardinal Becciu in 2022 claimed that Pope Francis had personally invited him to attend the consistory and that he would soon be reinstated to full membership of the College of Cardinals. Reuters

As per Pillar Catholic, cardinals who are not electors can attend general congregations of the Church but not the conclave.

The Vatican itself listed Becciu as a non-elector in a statistical summary of the College of Cardinals in 2022.

The other cardinals listed as non-electors had all turned age 80  and were thus no longer eligible to vote.

Under canon law, only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in a papal election.

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There are currently 135 eligible cardinals.

The list published by the Press Office has no legal value and should be taken for what it is," Becciu has said.

As per CNN, the decision as to whether or not Becciu will be part of the conclave will be made by College of Cardinals dean Giovanni Battista Re and Cardinal Pietro Parolin who will run the conclave.

The conclave could be even more dramatic this time than it was in years past.

With inputs from agencies
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to chair an all-party meeting today to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack. Also, thousands of immigrants, mainly from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti and Nicaragua, will have to leave the United States. Meanwhile, China is set to launch its Shenzhou-20 mission to the Chinese space station read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), in New Delhi on Wednesday. ANI

It is set to be a busy Thursday with several events lined up for the day.

Firstly, the Narendra Modi government will hold an all-party meeting to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack. It will also be the last day for tens of thousands of immigrants allowed to live and work in the United States under the Biden administration to leave. Meanwhile, China is set to launch its Shenzhou-20 mission to the Chinese space station.

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South Koreas finance minister Choi Sang-mok will visit Washington for high-level tariff talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be visiting South Africa for the first time today. Karnataka High Court will hear petitions on caste census.

Here is all that is set to take place throughout the day.

Government calls all-party meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government has called an all-party meeting today, in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam hill station.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to chair it. Singh is expected to brief leaders of different parties on the brutal terror attack targeting tourists that left at least 26 persons dead.

As many as 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed in the attack that was carried out in Baisaran valley, five kilometres from main market in Pagalgam, in South Kashmirs Anantnag district on Tuesday afternoon. Home Minister Amit Shah and Singh are speaking to leaders of various parties on the issue, sources said.

Earlier, several opposition parties, including the Congress, had demanded that the government should convene a meeting of all parties over the issue.

Deadline for thousands of immigrants to leave US

April 24 is the last day for tens of thousands of immigrants, who had been allowed to temporarily live and work in the United States under the Biden administration, to leave.

This development follows the termination of the humanitarian parole program, a Biden-era initiative that provided temporary legal status and work permits to individuals fleeing crises in their home countries.

The abrupt enforcement of this policy has led to widespread confusion and concern. Many affected individuals have received sudden notices from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), instructing them to leave the US immediately or within a short timeframe.

China to launch Shenzhou-20 mission

China has set the launch date for its Shenzhou-20 mission that will carry three astronauts to the Chinese space station today.

The event will take place today at 5:17 pm local time (IST 2:47 pm), reported state media. The main purpose of the mission is to complete the in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-19 crew which is scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site on April 29, reported According to news agency Reuters quoting officials.

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Chinese astronauts for the Shenzhou-20 mission captain Chen Dong, Wan Jie and Chen Zhongrui with the press at the Jiuquan Satellite in China. File image/AP

They will conduct space science and application experiments, install a space debris protection device as well as extravehicular payload and equipment, and perform recovery tasks.

South Koreas finance minister Choi Sang-mok to visit Washington

South Koreas Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will be in Washington today to hold high-level trade talks with United States officials. This development coincides with the new countrys ongoing efforts to avert or minimize the impact of tariffs implemented or proposed by the Trump administration.

Arriving in Washington on Tuesday (April 22), he vowed to do my best. He is set to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer along with Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun for the two plus two trade consultations to be held today.

I will do my best, he said at Dulles International Airport.

Zelenskyy to visit South Africa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be visiting South Africa for the first time today. He will meet South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria in an effort to strengthen ties between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit South Africa. File image/AP

In June 2023, Ramaphosa led an African peace mission to Ukraine and met Zelenskyy and others, as well as with Russias President Vladimir Putin. Experts suggest that South Africa will be holding a peace deal with Ukraine. In recent months, Zelenskyy has met with the United States, the European Union and the United Nations (UN) in the hope of reaching a ceasefire deal with Russia.

Karnataka HC to hear petitions on caste census

The Karnataka High Court is set to hear petitions relating to the caste census report today. Earlier, the counsel for the petitioners submitted their main argument stating that a census is a central subject. The writ was filed in 2015. The caste census was conducted in 2014 under the Backwards Classes Act. Now, the state govt is hurriedly implementing a 10-year-old census, counsel for the petitioner argued.

During an earlier hearing, the counsel pointed out that in 2023, the govt released a new quota order which was questioned in the Supreme Court. In this new quota order, some percentages for some OBCs were increased. When this came up before the SC, the state govt gave an undertaking that the earlier regime relating to reservation, notification dated March 30, 2002, will continue to hold till the next date of hearing.

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With inputs from agencies
Pope Benedict XVI was installed as the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on April 24, 2005, becoming the first German pope in nearly 1,000 years. Known for his strong defence of Catholic teachings and intellectual approach to theology, his papacy was marred by some controversies. On this day in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope is launched into Earths orbit read more

Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was installed as the 265th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and took the name Pope Benedict XVI. File image/AP

As the world mourns the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday (April 21), it is time to remember his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI. Benedict, born Joseph Ratzinger, was elected by cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church on April 24, 2005. He succeeded the charismatic Pope John Paul.

If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.

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On this day in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into the Earths orbit.

Here is all that took place on this day across the world.

Benedict XVI installed as the Pope

One of the most important events of the 21st century occurred on April 24 when Pope Benedict XVI was installed to head the Roman Catholic Church. Benedict was presented with the symbols of power - the Papal ring and the pallium, a narrow stole of white wool in an open-air mass in St Peters Square in Rome.

Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germanys Bavaria, he was elected pope on April 19, 2005, following the death of Pope John Paul II and became the first German pope in nearly 1,000 years.

According to a BBC report, the ceremony commenced with the then 78-year-old German Pontiff and the Roman Catholic College of Cardinals proceeding to the site of Saint Peters tomb, located beneath Saint Peters Basilica, for a period of prayer. He emerged from the church into the sunshine of St Peters Square to greet the crowds.

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd at the end of a papal Mass at the Islinger field in Regensburg, southern Germany in 2006. File image/AP

Dressed in a gold robe over sacred white vestments, he greeted the crowd of cheering pilgrims who applauded loudly as they saw Benedict XVI. According to the BBC, addressing his first Mass following his election as the Pope, he said, I am not alone. I do not have to carry what in truth I could never carry alone. He further said, All the Saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me. And your prayers, my dear friends, your indulgence, your love, your faith and your hope accompany me.

Pope Benedict XVI was part of the Nazi Germany and had joined the Hitler Youth. Following his release after the end of World War II, he went to study for the priesthood and was ordained five years later. During his tenure as a professor at the University of Bonn, Ratzinger was selected to serve as a theological advisor to Cardinal Joseph Frings of Cologne, a prominent critic of Nazism, for the Second Vatican Council, which convened between 1962 and 1965.

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In 1977, he was named bishop of Munich and Freising by Pope Paul VI. Soon after, he was named a cardinal, a member of the administrative body that elects the pope, reported the Conversation.

Hubble Space Telescope launched into Earths orbit

On this day in 1990, the US space shuttle Discovery placed the Hubble Space Telescope into an orbit around Earth. Named after American astronomer Edwin Hubble, the telescope was a joint project between Nasa and the European Space Agency, developed to capture high-resolution images of the universe from beyond the distortion of Earths atmosphere.

Hubble was deployed into a low Earth orbit about 547 kilometres (340 miles) above the planets surface. Its location in space allowed it to avoid atmospheric interference, offering scientists an unprecedented, unobstructed view of the cosmos. The telescope is equipped with a 2.4-meter (7.9-foot) primary mirror and a suite of scientific instruments capable of capturing images in ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light.

The Hubble Space Telescope returned to orbit as an improved telescope after its second servicing mission in February 1997. Nasa.gov

Initially, however, Hubbles mission faced serious challenges. Shortly after deployment, it was discovered that its primary mirror had a slight spherical aberration, which blurred its images. This issue was corrected during a 1993 servicing mission by astronauts, who installed corrective optics in an operation often referred to as putting glasses on Hubble.

Once the issue was resolved Hubble began transmitting breathtaking images that transformed the understanding of the universe. The Hubble Space Telescope has become one of the most iconic and productive scientific instruments in history.

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This Day, That Year

US forces launched a mission to rescue American hostages in Iran on this day in 1980.

In 1898, Spain declared war on the United States.

In 1792, French army officer Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle composed La Marseillaise, the French national anthem.
India has shut a key land border with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced Wednesday that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. The international border is the only land trade route between the two countries read more

Indian Border Security Force personnel wearing brown uniforms and Pakistani Rangers wearing black uniforms take part in the Beating Retreat ceremony at the India-Pakistan Wagah-Attari border post, on January 22, 2019. File Photo/AFP

Tensions between India and Pakistan have ratcheted up in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi has taken steps to retaliate against Islamabad, which it blames for the massacre in Jammu and Kashmirs scenic Baisaran meadow that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

India has downgraded ties with Pakistan, suspended the Indus Water Treaty and cancelled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) privileges for Pakistani nationals. In another big step, New Delhi decided to shut the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a village in Punjabs Amritsar.

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The decision is expected to have a major impact on trade between India and Pakistan, given Attari is the primary land trade route between the neighbouring countries.

Lets take a closer look.

India closes Attari border

India has announced the closure of a key land border with Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Wednesday (April 23) that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be shut with immediate effect.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yesterday to draw up Indias response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Attari border will be temporarily open to allow people who came to India from Pakistan to return. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 1st May 2025, Misri said.

What is Attari-Wagah border?

Attari and Wagah refer to the international border between India and Pakistan. Attari is an Indian village in Punjab, and Wagah is a village in Pakistan.

The border is the sole land trade route between the two nations and Indias first land port in Attari.

The land border is known for the Beating Retreat ceremony, which attracts thousands of visitors daily.

As per a Hindustan Times (HT) report, the ceremony could be suspended on Thursday (April 24). However, Border Security Force (BSF) officials told the newspaper they are yet to get any communication from the Delhi headquarters.

We are also waiting for the order. This decision will be taken at the level of the government and then communicated to the BSF. We have been told that an order will be issued shortly, an unnamed official told the newspaper.

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Trade impact of Attari border closure

Located about 28 kilometres from Amritsar, the land port in Attari plays a big role in the import and export of goods between India and Pakistan.

Spanning an area of 120 acres, the land port is connected to National Highway-1.

It is the only authorised land corridor for trade and movement of passengers between the two countries. Goods from Afghanistan also reach India through the Attari Land Port.

Indian and Pakistani border guards open the gate for the friendship bus running between the two countries at the Wagah-Attari border crossing, Pakistan, March 18, 2019. File Photo/Reuters

As per The Express Tribune report, the land port recorded trade worth Rs 3,886.53 crore with 6,871 cargo movements in the financial year 202324. As many as 71,563 passenger crossings were also reported.

Indias main exports through the Attari land port are vegetables, soybeans, poultry feed, plastic granules and red chillies. Imports from Pakistan include dry fruits, rock salt, gypsum, cement, and medicinal herbs.

However, the bilateral trade between the two neighbours via this route has been gradually plunging since 201819.

With the closure of the Attari border, Afghan imports coming to India via this route could be affected. The measure is also likely to have an economic impact, especially on small-scale traders and manufacturers relying on the cross-border sale of goods, reported The Express Tribune.

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ALSO READ: Pahalgam terror attack: How Jammu & Kashmir tourism will become another casualty

India-Pakistan trade

Despite Pakistan banning trade with India in 2019, Indian imports to the South Asian country have been surging.

As per a report published in Pakistans The Friday Times, Pakistan imported $26.8 million worth of goods from India in February 2025, a 28 per cent jump from the $20.94 million in February 2024.

These figures indicate Indian goods have been reaching Pakistan even though the trade ban remains in place. Islamabad had suspended bilateral trade with India after the abrogation of Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi had imposed a 200 per cent tariff on imports from Pakistan after the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Before the trade ban, bilateral trade between India and Pakistan touched $2.56 billion in the fiscal year 2018-19, as per Indias Ministry of Commerce.

Indian exports to Pakistan dropped to $329 million in 2020-21, while Pakistans exports to India plunged to $0.4 million by 2022-23.

In 2023, Pakistans imports from India were valued at $258.2 million, while Indias exports were at $523.22 million, as per UN COMTRADE.

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Indian merchandise exports to Pakistan reached a five-year high of $1.21 billion in 2024, reported Moneycontrol.

Experts told The Friday Times that the trade between the two rival neighbours continues due to indirect routes and exceptions. Items are shipped via Dubai, Singapore, or Sri Lanka, Farah Qureshi, a trade researcher in Islamabad, said. Its costlieradding 15-25 per cent to pricesbut demand persists.

India enjoys a trade surplus with Pakistan. Now, we will have to wait and see how shutting the Attari border will shape the trade between the two.

With inputs from agencies
India has announced the suspension of Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani citizens and asked all its nationals to leave the country within 48 hours. This was among a slew of decisions taken at the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meet on Wednesday, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by high-ranking officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. What do we know about the scheme? read more

India has announced the cancellation of Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani citizens and ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.

India has announced the cancellation of Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani citizens.

India has also asked all Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.

The development comes two days after the attack in south Kashmirs Pahalgam. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack at Baisaran meadow.

This was among a slew of decisions taken at the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meet on Wednesday evening chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other high-ranking officials attended the meet.

Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the Saarc visa Exemption scheme. Any SPES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SPES visa has 48 hours to leave India, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

But what does the suspension of the visa scheme mean?

Lets take a closer look:

Saarc and the SVES

First, lets briefly examine Saarc.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) was established in 1985.

It comprises eight member nations  Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Visa Exemption Scheme was launched in 1992.

The idea behind Saarc is to promote economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region.

Now, lets come to the Saarc visa scheme.

The programme was launched in 1992.

Its origins lie in the Fourth summit in Islamabad in December 1988, at a meeting of the Saarc leaders.

As pe_r Saarc-sec.org_, the leaders at the time appreciated the need for people-to-people contact among Saarc nations.

They agreed that certain dignitaries should be exempt from visas while travelling within the region.

Their solution? A special travel document issued to dignitaries.

The scheme allows persons in 24 categories  dignitaries, higher court judges, parliamentarians, businessmen, sportsmen and journalists to travel within the region without a visa.

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Instead, member nations issue visa stickers to its citizens.

These stickers are valid for one year.

The scheme is reviewed frequently by the immigration authorities of member nations.

As per NDTV, this is the first time one member of the Saarc has suspended the visa scheme for another member.

As per ABP Live, citizens of SAARC nations are eligible for a business visa to India for up to five years.

However, this is not true for Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistani nations.

Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal do not require a visa to visit India.

Only some Pakistani nationals were eligible for a multiple-entry business visa, which could be valid for one year and restricted to 10 places within India.

These instructions were revised on July 7, 2015  which allowed a multiple-entry business visa for up to three years for special category Pakistani businessmen with verified financial standing and business credentials.

They were also restricted to 15 designated places across India.

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Sri Lankan nationals are also eligible for the e-Tourist Visa facility.

India has a slew of other moves including blocking access to the official X account of the Government of Pakistan, suspending of the Indus Waters Treaty.

New Delhi also downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, including expulsion of its military attaches, in view of the cross-border links to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Terrorists opened fire in a meadow near the tourist hub of Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists. It is the worst attack in Kashmir since the Pulwama strike in 2019 when 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

With inputs from agencies
Google has told its remote workers to return to the office at least three days a week. Those who refuse to do so have been told they will lose their jobs. Google is also offering to pay remote employees in the Google Technical Services a one-time relocation fee to move within 80 kilometres of the office. Experts say Google is following in the footsteps of tech companies such as Meta and X read more

Google has told its remote workers to return to office at least three days a week. Representational Image/ Freepik.

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic began, many companies switched to remote work.

Many firms, especially those in tech, still continue to retain a hybrid model  where employees will be in office a couple of days per week.

Now, one of the biggest tech firms in the world, Google, is demanding that remote workers return to the office.

But what happened? What do we know?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

CNBC is reporting that Google has told its remote workers to return to office at least three days a week.

Many Google units, including remote employees in Google Technical Services and People Operations have been given the ultimatum.

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Those who refuse to do so are at risk of losing their jobs, the outlet, quoting internal documents it has viewed, reported.

Some of the employees had previously been given permission to work from home.

Remote employees in the Google Technical Services are being offered a one-time relocation expense to move within 80 kilometres of an office, per CNBC.

As weve said before, in-person collaboration is an important part of how we innovate and solve complex problems, Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini was quoted as saying.

Mencini said this decision was taking with regard to specific teams and not as a companywide policy.

To support this, some teams have asked remote employees that live near an office to return to in-person work three days a week.

Some of the employees had previously been given permission to work from home. Reuters

As per Fortune, remote workers in Google Technical Services were given two choices  switching to a hybrid schedule or taking a voluntary exit package.

Meanwhile, human resources workers who live within 80 kilometres of an office were instructed to begin a hybrid schedule or face dismissal.

Those who live further than 80 kilometres away will need to go hybrid if they want new positions at the company.

The tech firm previously offered a voluntary exit program to US-based full-time employees in human resources  which Google calls People Resources.

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Google follows Meta, X

Google is following in the footsteps of other tech companies  most of whom mandate employees to be in the office a minimum of three days per week.

While both Meta and Google work a hybrid schedule, Amazon and X have ordered workers to be in the office five days per week.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who is leading the firms AI division, in February called on workers to be in the office at least every day of the week.

Brin in an internal memo told those working on the Gemini AI model that 60 hours a week is the sweet spot of productivity.

As per Outlook Business, Google in January announced separation packages to staff in the Platforms and Devices group, which includes Android, Chrome, Fitbit, and Nest.

Google has cut jobs from nearly 24 teams in the Platforms and Devices group in April.

While the company mentioned remote work in internal memos, it wasnt cited as the main reason for the job cuts.

Google last year merged its Android and hardware teams under the leadership of senior vice president Rick Osterloh.

In January, Osterloh said the voluntary exit option might be suitable for employees unable to adapt to the hybrid model.

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With inputs from agencies
Gopalan Chandran went to Bahrain in 1983 with eyes full of dreams of building a better life for his family back home. Little did the 74-year-old man from Kerala know that he would be stuck in the Gulf country as an undocumented migrant for over 40 years. Heres his story read more

Gopalan Chandran was stuck in Bahrain for over 40 years. Facebook/Pravasi Legal Cell

The wait of more than 40 years of an Indian man stuck in West Asia to return home has come to an end. Carrying dreams of a better life, a young Kerala man travelled to Bahrain in 1983.

However, little did he know it was the beginning of his struggles to come home. As he is finally back, lets know his heartrending story.

Kerala man stuck in Bahrain for over 40 years

Gopalan Chandran left his small village near Powdikonam in Keralas Thiruvananthapuram in search of better job opportunities over 40 years back.

He reached Bahrain on August 16, 1983, seeking a well-paid job to provide for his family back home, as per a Hindustan Times (HT) report.

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However, Chandrans plans took a hit after the death of his employer. In another unfortunate incident, Chandran lost his passport, which left him undocumented and stranded in the West Asian country. The Pravasi Legal Cell, an NGO comprising retired judges, lawyers and journalists who fight for Indians facing injustice in India and abroad, shared his tale in a post on Facebook.

A 42-year-long wait

Chandran, who is now 74, remained stuck in Bahrain for 42 years as he was overlooked by the immigration system. He survived quietly in the shadows while living in a legal limbo, reported HT.

His life took a turn after Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC) intervened.

As per the Facebook post, the NGO, led by Sudheer Thirunilath, worked tirelessly to bring Chandrans story to the limelight. It navigated legal mazes, provided shelter to the Kerala man and coordinated with authorities.

The NGO also traced Chandrans family, which includes his elderly mother.

Chandran returns home

Thirunilath, the Bahrain Chapter President of PLC, and his team got in touch with the Embassy of India in Bahrain and the Gulf countrys Immigration Department to ensure Chandrans return home.

Gopalan finally return home to see his 95-year-old mother  who never stopped waiting for her son. He boards his flight home today morning with no belongings  only memories, tears, and the dream of reuniting with family (sic), PLC wrote in its Facebook post on Wednesday (April 23).

This isnt just a story of a man going home. Its a story of what happens when humanity, justice, and relentless kindness come together. Its a symbol of hope for countless migrants who remain unheard. Welcome home, Gopalan. You were never forgotten, it added.

Indians in Bahrain

As many as 90 lakh Indian nationals are living in the Gulf Co-operation Council countries  Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Of this, 350,000 Indians are in Bahrain. More than 60 per cent of the Indian expatriates are in the construction, contracting and maintenance sectors. Besides blue-collar jobs, Indians also work in professions like doctors, engineers, chartered accountants and bankers.

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Recently, the plight of Indian workers in Gulf countries engaged in low-paying jobs has come to light. They are exploited, underpaid and poorly treated by their employers. Some workers have also passed away, with many deaths attributed to natural causes or cardiac arrest.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 24 Indian nationals, including workers, died in accidents in Bahrain, while 285 died due to other reasons in 2023-24.

With inputs from agencies
Seven sets of human remains, mostly of women, have been found across multiple states in the New England region of the United States. The first, identified as 35-year-old Paige Fannon, was discovered on March 6. The most recent, still unidentified, was found in Connecticut on April 9. Searches for the term New England serial killer surged on Google on April 7. Is a serial killer on the loose? read more

Rumours of a serial killer spread online following the deaths of eight people, mostly women. Pixabay/Representational Image

Concerns over a possible serial killer have spread over several towns across the New England region in the United States.

Rumours of a serial killer spread online following the deaths of eight people, mostly women, between March and April in the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

ALSO READ | Who is Am Cyanide, Thailands woman serial killer sentenced to death for poisoning 14 friends?

The speculation took shape on social media, particularly in a Facebook group originally named New England Serial Killer. The groups name was later changed in line with Metas guidelines.

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Authorities have found eight bodies at different sites across the region, which led local communities to question whether the deaths might be linked.

We look at the details of the eight deaths, the online buzz surrounding the serial killer theory, and what officials have said so far.

Does New England have a serial killer?

Seven sets of human remains were discovered in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island between March and April, Fox News reported.

The most recent case involved a woman who was found unresponsive near a cycle track in Massachusetts. A spokesperson from the Springfield Police Department, Ryan Walsh, said the cause of death would be confirmed by a medical examiner, adding that internet rumours are just that.

Although police say there is no known link between the deaths and the exact causes are yet to be confirmed, the incidents have left many residents feeling anxious.

Is it just me or has everyone in New England been acting weird lately?? Now theres talk of a serial killer. There must be something in the @DunkinDonuts. Because something is NOT right.#NewEngland #TrueCrimehttps://t.co/IHqJwnwscI pic.twitter.com/cOP4oRLhK7  Anthony D'Ellena (@AnthonyDEllena) April 17, 2025

The speculation started in a Facebook group once named New England Serial Killer.

Over the past two months, remains have been found in New Haven, Norwalk, Groton, and Killingly in Connecticut; Foster in Rhode Island; and Framingham, Plymouth, and Springfield in Massachusetts.

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Some people on social media believe the number of cases involving human remains, many of them women, across these three bordering states could point to a serial killer.

A look at the timeline of the deaths

On March 6, the body of 35-year-old Paige Fannon from New York was recovered in New Haven. Before finding her, police had come across clothing and personal items on the edge of the Norwalk River.

That same day, a hunter discovered human remains in a wooded part of Plymouth, Massachusetts. No details have been released about the age or gender of the person.

On March 19, the body of a woman believed to be between 40 and 60 years old was found inside a suitcase near a cemetery in Groton. State police said there is nothing to suggest the case is connected to any of the others.

ALSO READ | Why Robert Maudsley, UKs most dangerous prisoner, is on hunger strike over PlayStation

On March 20, New Haven police said that 59-year-old Denise Leary had been found dead after locals reported seeing human remains near a house in a wooded area. Officers said the body was badly decomposed when discovered.

On March 26, the remains of Michele Romano were located eight months after she was last seen. Rhode Island police said her body was found in a wooded area, according to WJAR.

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On April 9, unidentified remains were discovered in Killingly, the Connecticut State Police told People magazine.

The next day, firefighters in Framingham, Massachusetts, came across another set of remains. Police said the level of decay showed the body had been there for several months.

A number of other unidentified remains have also been recovered across New England towns during the same period.

REPORT: Seven corpses have been found across three New England states, prompting rumors that there is a serial k*ller on the loose.



Since March, seven decaying female bodies have been found near the coast in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.



Police pic.twitter.com/xB53NCoJtO  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 18, 2025

Why people think its a serial killer and what authorities said

Searches for the term New England serial killer saw a huge rise on Google around April 7, according to search data.

Jane Boroski, thought to be the only woman to have survived an attack by the Connecticut River Valley serial killer, has urged people to stay alert.

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Speaking to Fox News Digital, she said, Im talking about this because, for one, do I think all these cases are connected? Maybe not, but its unusual to have so many remains and so many bodies coming up in such a short amount of time.

She added that people across New England should take extra care.

Especially women, if theyre jogging down trails or theyre walking down trails. Use the buddy system, be more vigilant and be more aware of your surroundings," she advised.

Boroski was 22 and seven months pregnant when the incident occurred. She was driving back from a fair in New Hampshire on a warm August day. She stopped at the car park of a closed shop to get a drink from a vending machine.

After returning to her vehicle and opening the can, a man, now believed to be the Connecticut River Valley serial killer, came up to her.

However, she was able to fight back and run toward a vehicle nearby to seek help.

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A day after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, the Narendra Modi government has taken strong measures against Pakistan, including pausing the Indus Waters Treaty. What is this agreement, and how will this move impact the neighbouring nation? read more

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed by India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, after nine years of negotiations to determine the distribution of the waters of the Indus and its tributaries. File image/PTI

Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemning the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which saw the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists.

But everyone wondered what exactly would be Indias response to the dastardly attack?

And the answer became clear by Wednesday evening (April 23) after Modis Cabinet Committee on Security meeting. It was then announced that New Delhi would keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect as part of its five measures taken against Pakistan, who New Delhi alleges is responsible for the tragedy. In its announcement, the government declared that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

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But what exactly is the Indus Waters treaty, and what does this decision mean for Pakistan?

What is the Indus Waters Treaty?

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWt) is a deal brokered by the World Bank between India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960. Signed in Karachi by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then Pakistan President Ayub Khan, it determines the distribution of the waters of the Indus and its tributaries  Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum, Chenab and Kabul.

As per the IWT, India enjoys unrestricted access to three Eastern rivers  the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, whereas Pakistan has access to the Western rivers of Indus, Chenab, Jhelum. Its important to note here that the treaty allows New Delhi to extract water from the western rivers for certain non-consumptive, agricultural, domestic use and hydroelectric power generation. Provision under Article III (4) of the treaty states that India shall not store any water of, or construct any storage works on, the Western Rivers, other than those permitted by the provisions.

When India and Pakistan signed the deal in 1960 after nine years of negotiations, former US President Dwight Eisenhower had described it as one bright spot  in a very depressing world picture that we see so often.

So, how does pausing the IWT hurt Pakistan?

On Wednesday (April 23), the Narendra Modi government announced that it would be pausing the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir  security agencies note that there the attack was perpetrated by seven gunmen of which four-five were from Pakistan.

Notably, Indias decision comes shortly after former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal had called for the suspension of the IWT, stating that blood and water cant go together. In a post on X, he wrote, It is time to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty indefinitely as a truly meaningful response to the latest terrorist outrage in Pahalgam instigated by Pakistan. We have earlier said that blood and water cant go together. Lets act on our own declared position. This will be a strategic response.

A demonstrator holds a placard with a message and a candle during a candlelight vigil to condemn the attack on tourists, following a terror attack near south Kashmirs scenic Pahalgam, in Srinagar. In response, India has announced five measures against Pakistan, including pausing the Indus Waters Treaty. Reuters

But how exactly does keeping the IWT at abeyance hurt Pakistan? According to PK Saxena, former Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters, it gives New Delhi more options to use the waters of the Indus River system.

The decision of keeping the IWT in abeyance gives several options to India. For instance, India can immediately stop sharing of water flow data with Pakistan. There will be no design or operational restrictions on India for use of water of Indus and its tributaries. Also, India can now create storage on Western Rivers  Indus, Jhelum and Chenab. India can also undertake reservoir flushing (a technique used to remove accumulated sediment from reservoirs by releasing water through low-level outlets to scour out the sediment and transport it downstream) on the Kishanganga project, which will increase life of the dam.

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Other experts concur on this view. They note that the rivers that fall under the purview of the IWT are vital to Pakistan for its agricultural purposes. In fact, data reveals that Pakistan relies on the Indus River and its tributaries for approximately 80 per cent of its irrigated agriculture, which contributes 21 per cent to its GDP and supports 45 per cent of its workforce.

By pausing the IWT, India is effectively halting the flow of 39 billion cubic metres of water annually, threatening the neighbouring countrys water availability. A disruption in the water supply, especially in the summer months, will not only affect Pakistans agriculture but also have an effect on its trade, employment and food prices. Industries such as textiles, sugar and rice milling will be impacted owing to a water scarcity, which, in turn, will potentially reduce exports and worsen Pakistans balance of payments.

The move will also leave Pakistan sweltering in the heat. Thats because the Indus and its tributaries are the backbone of Pakistans energy industry, powering hydroelectric dams like Tarbela and Mangla, which account for nearly 30 per cent of the total electricity generated. A disruption in the water flow will impact power generation, with analysts predicting that it could cause widespread blackouts lasting up to 16 hours daily.

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The Indus Waters Treaty also places design restrictions on building structures like dams on Indus and its tributaries. In the past, Pakistan has used the treaty to raise objections. But as New Delhi has paused the pact, it will not be obligated to take these concerns on board.

Vehicles cross a wooden plank cable suspension bridge over the Indus river in Gilgit. Pakistan relies on the Indus River and its tributaries for approximately 80 per cent of its irrigated agriculture. File image/Reuters

Has India ever done anything like this in the past?

Notably, the Indus Waters Treaty has survived three wars  1965, 1971 and Kargil  and multiple terror attacks until the Pahalgam one. In 2019, following the Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly told the Cabinet Committee on Security that blood and water cant flow together.

But at the time, India chose not to implement it.

What can Pakistan do?

Its important to note here that the Indus Waters Treaty lacks an exit clause  meaning that neither party can end it unilaterally.

However, as Indian Express notes in a report that while the Treaty cannot be exited, it does contain a dispute resolution mechanism: Article IX, along with Annexures F and G, lays out procedures for raising grievances  first before the Permanent Indus Commission, then a neutral expert, and eventually, a forum of arbitrators.

Pakistan is yet to issue an official response to Indias suspension of the IWT.

With inputs from agencies
Terrorists in the Pahalgam attack were armed with AK-47s and US-made M4 carbine rifles, killing 26 individuals, mostly tourists. Experts note that the American weapon is now increasingly being used by ultras in Jammu and Kashmir. But how did they get their hands on these firearms? The short answer is from Afghanistan, courtesy of the Taliban read more

Security agencies have released this image of the suspected terrorists who are responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack.

On April 22, a group of tourists were enjoying their time in the Baisaran meadow in south Kashmirs Pahalgam. But this day of fun and frolic turned into tragedy and trauma when terrorists dressed in army fatigues, emerged from the dense forest, surrounded the valley and started killing the tourists one by one.

At the end of the attack  which lasted for more than 15 minutes  26 people had been killed and a nation was shocked at the audacity of the attack.

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As the country grapples with the loss of innocent lives, preliminary investigations have revealed that the gunmen in the attack carried body cameras on them and were armed with AK-47s and US-made M4 carbines.

The use of the American-made arms is a pattern, according to security experts. They note that in recent previous attacks too in the Valley, Pakistan-based terrorists have used the M4 carbines.

The question that then begs answering is  how do Pakistani terrorists get their hands on American-made arms?

M4 carbine assault rifles used in Pahalgam

Security officials, who spoke to the survivors and eyewitnesses of the attack, have said that the gunmen, two of whom are Pakistani, came in camouflage attire.

After reaching the meadow, the terrorists first held the tourists hostage at gunpoint and then asked all women and children to stay away. They fired from close range after inquiring about identities. They later resorted to indiscriminate firing, said one source to Indian Express.

Moreover, cartridges recovered from the spot at Baisaran maidan reveal that they were carrying AK-47 rifles and the American-made M4 carbines. In fact, officials recovered some 50-70 used cartridges from the attack, which was indicative of the extent of the attack.

Americas M4 carbine assault rifles, explained

But what exactly are the M4 carbine assault rifles and how deadly are they?

The M4 is the workhorse of the US military  it is the standard issue firearm for most units in the US military. It is a lightweight, gas operated and shoulder-fired weapon, which has been in development since the 1980s.

A US army ranger does a test fire on his M4 carbine rifle. The M4 carbine is a lighter and shorter version of the M16A2 assault rifle. File image/Reuters

The M4 has been adopted by several countries across the globe and has been described as one of the defining firearms of the 21st century.

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Today, there are multiple variants of the M4 available. It has the ability to shoot 700 to 900 rounds per minute and has an effective firing range of 500-600 metres whereas its maximum range stretches to 3,600 metres.

M4 carbines  from US to Afghanistan and Pakistan

But the question still remains: how do Pakistani terrorists get their hands on American-made firearms? The short answer is through the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Confused? We elaborate.

When the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of US troops, it also came into possession of around one million weapons and pieces of military equipment  which had mostly been funded by the US.

Moreover, many Afghan soldiers surrendered or fled, abandoning their weapons and vehicles. Some equipment was simply left behind by US forces. The cache included American-made firearms, such as M4 and M16 rifles, as well as other older weapons in Afghan possession that had been left behind from decades of conflict.

A US Army soldier holds the blood-covered M4 rifle of his comrade wounded in Afghanistan. A report reveals that much of the US weaponry, including the M4 rifles, were left behind in Afghanistan when US troops withdrew the nation in 2021. File image/Reuters

According to a report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, in 2023, more than $7 billion in US-provided military equipment was still in the country. This comprised more than a quarter-million rifles, enough to arm the entire US Marine Corps, as well as nearly 18,000 night-vision goggles.

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However, it didnt stop there. As per a United Nations report of 2023, the Taliban allowed local commanders to retain 20 per cent of seized US weapons while the rest were sold in arms bazaars. In many cases, al-Qaeda affiliates, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, and Yemens Ansarullah movement purchased these weapons from the black market.

Many vendors in these arms markets note that the market was flooded with American weapons in the days after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In some cases, the Taliban local commanders even gifted these firearms to other fighters.

Indias intelligence agencies note that many Lashkar terrorists with the backing of the ISI, Pakistans spy agency, have purchased these American weapons from the illegal arms markets that thrive in their country.

Use of M4 rifles in past J&K terror attacks

The use of M4 carbine rifles by the Pahalgam terrorists isnt the first instance of the firearm being used to wreak havoc in Jammu and Kashmir.

The M4 rifle was first seen in Jammu and Kashmir in 2017, when security forces killed Talha Rashid Masood, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, in Pulwama. Since then, M4 rifles have been used in several terror incidents, including attacks in Kathua, Reasi, Poonch, and Rajouri.

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In 2018, the M4 rifle was recovered by security forces in Kashmirs Pulwama for the second time when Azhars another nephew Usman Ibrahim was killed.

Indian security agencies show the arms and ammunition, including M4 rifles, which they recovered from terrorists in an encounter in Akhnoor last November. File image/X

Later in July, 2022, one M4 carbine rifle was recovered from an encounter site in the Awantipora area of Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district where Jaish-e-Muhammad commander Kaiser Koka and one another terrorist were neutralised.

In December 2023, terrorist outfit Peoples Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) which claimed responsibility for the Poonch terror attack in which four soldiers were killed, showed the sophisticated US-made M4 carbine assault rifles on social media.

Last year, the M4 carbine was repeatedly used by terrorists. On June 9, the weapon was reportedly used in the Reasi attack when terrorists attacked a tourist bus leaving nine people dead and 41 injured.

Two weeks later, on June 26, an M4 rifle besides a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the terrorist killed in a gunfight in Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district.

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The M4 carbine was used in the Kathua attack on July 8 in which five soldiers were ambushed to death.

Experts have flagged the increased use of the M4 rifle, stating that it is worrying for Indias security grid. Lieutenant General Sanjay Kulkarni, a defence expert, told the Times of India that Pakistans ISI has been assisting terrorists with sophisticated arms to further their malicious intentions in the region. He said that M4 rifles have steel bullets that have definite penetration and are generally not utilised because they come under various kinds of restrictions.

With inputs from agencies
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) after terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgams Baisaran Valley. The FIR stated that the attack was premeditated and continued for around 30 minutes. It added that the attackers used illegally acquired automatic weapons and acted on instructions from masters sitting across the border read more

Security forces have started a search operation to track those involved in the attack. AP

Twenty-six people were killed when terrorists fired at a group of tourists in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir.

Now, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR).

The case has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

ALSO READ | Who is the lone foreigner killed in Pahalgam terror attack?

Meanwhile, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court. It calls for stronger safety steps to protect tourists travelling to hill areas and remote parts of the country.

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In this explainer, we take a look at what has been mentioned in the FIR and what the PIL filed in the top court seeks.

FIR in Pahalgam terror attack

The FIR filed in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack stated that the strike was premeditated and lasted for around 30 minutes. It added that the attackers acted under directions from masters sitting across the border.

As per a report by News18, the FIR mentioned that automatic weapons, obtained illegally, were used during the attack.

The report read, The police station has received credible information from reliable sources that at Baisaran, Pahalgam, unknown terrorists, acting on the instructions of their handlers across the border, have carried out a premeditated attack using illegally acquired automatic weapons".

Indian police officers stand guard outside the police control room in Srinagar, following a suspected militant attack near south Kashmirs scenic Pahalgam, April 23, 2025. Reuters

The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

This is the sixth case of its kind in the year, and the first to take place in this particular area, the FIR said, according to India Today. A separate Special Report (Report A) is also being prepared.

Anantnags Additional Superintendent of Police, Ghulam Hassan, has been assigned the case for further investigation, as directed by senior officials. The FIR also stated that a supplementary report will be submitted by the investigating officer.

The attack happened when many tourists were enjoying pony rides and picnics in the meadows. Before they could understand what was going on, several had already been killed.

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Videos from the region show victims lying still on the ground while gunshots and screams can be heard in the background.

The police were informed at 2.30 pm on Tuesday, April 22. However, the attack had taken place between 1.50 pm and 2.20 pm, meaning the attackers remained at the spot for about half an hour. Due to the absence of a motorable road to the meadow, it took security teams longer to reach the location, News18 reported.

ALSO READ | The heartbreaking stories of tourists killed in Pahalgam

The FIR stated the attack was aimed at killing and causing widespread panic. It states, The attackers indiscriminately opened fire on tourists who were visiting the Pahalgam area for sightseeing and leisure, with the intent to kill and spread fear and panic. As a result of the firing, a number of tourists have been injured, and several lost their lives on the spot.

What the PIL before SC demands

The public interest petition filed in the Supreme Court has asked for directions to the Union Home Ministry and State governments to put in place security steps to protect tourists in hill states and far-off locations. It also asks for the deployment of armed personnel in areas that attract large numbers of visitors.

The plea further requests that proper medical services be set up in tourist spots, especially in remote and hilly regions, to ensure quick medical help during emergencies.

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There shall be some sort of Armed security in such places, remote areas where tourists gather for sight scene and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and nature. By such measures only we can protect the tourists from terrorists attacks, the plea states.

The petitioner has also asked for measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir.

Pahalgam terror attack

On Tuesay, four terrorists opened fire at a resort in Pahalgam, a well-known tourist spot in south Kashmir. A large number of visitors were present at the time of the attack.

The attack has shocked the entire country and drawn strong condemnation from both within India and abroad.

This is among the deadliest civilian attacks in the country in nearly two decades. Security forces have started a search operation to track those involved.

A candlelight vigil to condemn the attack on tourists in Srinagar. Reuters

In response, India took several strong steps against Pakistan on Wednesday. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to pause the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with immediate effect.

The Integrated Check Post at Attari has also been shut down with immediate effect. Pakistani citizens will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) visa exemption scheme.

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Those currently in India on SPES visas have been given 48 hours to leave the country. Anyone who entered India through valid documents may return via the same route by May 1.

With inputs from agencies
Indore resident Sushil Nathaniel was gunned down by terrorists in Pahalgam as he couldnt recite the Kalma. Meanwhile, an Assam University assistant professor survived the attack as he murmured the sacred verse. But what exactly are these couplets that decided life and death for many tourists at Pahalgam? read more

Kashmiri Muslims protest to condemn the killing of tourists by gunmen in Pahalgam. Survivors recount how gunmen asked the tourists to recite the Kalma before shooting them. AFP

I was saved as I could recite the Kalma.

This is the heart-breaking and shocking tale of Assam Universitys Associate Professor Debasish Bhattacharya, who was in Pahalgam with his family, when terrorists emerged from the pine tree jungles in the Baisaran Valley and shot dead 26 people, mostly tourists.

Recounting his shocking tale of survival, the professor, who teaches Bengali, narrates that he was holidaying with his family when the gun-toting terrorists converged around them. He said the people around him crouched on the ground and started reciting the Kalma, a declaration of faith that forms the core beliefs of Muslims.

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So I also followed them. A terrorist walked up to us and shot the man next to me. Then he looked at me and asked what I was doing. I just recited the Kalma louder and did not reply to his question. I dont know what happened, he just turned around and left, Bhattacharya is quoted as saying.

The professor said after the terrorists left, he along with his wife and son immediately abandoned the place and walked back. I somehow managed to escape by crossing the fence, he said.

Other survivors of the attack also shared similar tales in which the terrorists asked them to recite the Kalma. As Sushil Nathaniels family told news agency PTI that the gunmen told the LIC manager from Indore to recite the Kalma before shooting him dead. His cousin Sanjay Kumrawat told PTI, We have spoken to Sushil Nathaniels wife and son over the phone. They told us that terrorists asked Sushils name and forced him to kneel down, they then asked him to recite the Kalma. When Sushil said that he could not recite Kalma, the terrorists shot him.

This has got many asking what is the Kalma and its significance in Islam. We explain.

People attend the funeral of Sushil Nathaniel who was killed in Pahalgam terrorist attack, at his residence in Indore. His family have said that he was also asked to recite the Kalma and his inability to do so resulted in him being gunned down. PTI

What is the Kalma?

The Kalma is a declaration of faith and the belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. The Kalma are the basic beliefs of Muslims all around the world. They practice these beliefs and incorporate the basic principles in their lives.

There are six different types of Kalmas and it is said that reciting these regularly is a must for all Muslims as it reminds them of their commitment to worshipping Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

It is important for all Muslims around the world to understand them, as they convey the fundamental truths of Islam, note experts.

Theological experts have said that the Kalmas should be recited early in the morning when one is about to start their day and at the end of the day, before going to bed. They note that Kalmas should also be recited when expressing gratitude or in times of trouble, as it provides solace and guidance.

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A security personnel stands guard next to the site of a tourist attack in Pahalgam. AFP

What are the different types of Kalmas?

In Islam, there are six different types of Kalma, each being significant to the religion of Islam. The first is known as Kalma Tayyib and declares the oneness of Allah and the finality of Muhammads prophethood.

La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluhu.

This means there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. It is the most important Kalma and is the foundation of a Muslims faith.

The next is Kalma Shahada, which is a testimony of faith, reaffirming the belief in Allahs oneness and Muhammads prophethood.

Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluhu. Translated, it means: I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, He is One, without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger.

The third kalma  Kalma Tamjeed  deals with the glorification and praise of Allah. It expresses a deep sense of gratitude for Allahs mercy and reflects a Muslims acknowledgment of His supreme authority over all things.

The fourth is Kalma Tawheed. It is a reinforcement in the belief in the oneness of Allah. It reasserts that there is no partner with Allah and emphasises the central tenet of Islamic monotheism. When translated from Arabic, it reads: There is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is alone and has no partner. To Him belongs the Kingdom and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. In His hand is all good and He has power over everything.

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In Islam, the fifth kalma is Kalma Astaghfar. It is a request for pardon for any sins committed and a way to turn back to Allah in repentance. This Kalma reflects the importance of humility and the need for divine mercy.

The final kalma is Kalma Radde Kufr, which is rejecting disbelief. It is a form of a prayer in which Muslims denounce polytheism and declares allegiance to Allah.

It reads, Allahumma innii audhu bika min an ushrika bika shai-anw- wa ana alamu bihii. Was tagh fi ru ka limaa laa alamu bihee. Tubtu anhu wa tabarra-tu min al-kufri wash-shirki wal-kizdhbi wal-ghiibati wal-bidati wan-namiimati wal fawaahishi wal-buhtani w-al-maaasii kulliha. Wa aslamtu wa aquulu La illaha illAllahu Muhammadur RasulAllah.

It translates to, O, Allah! I seek refuge in You from that I should ascribe any partner with You knowingly. I seek Your forgiveness for the sin of which I have no knowledge. I repent from it. And becoming disgusted by disbelief and idolatry, lying and backbiting, innovation and slander, lewdness and abomination, and all other acts of disobedience, I submit to Your will.

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With inputs from agencies
Twenty-six people were killed after terrorists opened fire at a resort in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. Among the victims was a Nepalese citizen, Sudip Neupane. A public health student and aspiring social worker, he had travelled to the Valley for a holiday. According to his grandfather, the terrorists asked Sudip about his religion and shot him after he identified himself as a Hindu read more

The attack has shocked the entire country and drawn strong condemnation. Reuters

Among the 26 people who died in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam area, one was a Nepalese citizen.

The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Sudip Neupane from the Butwal region of Nepal.

Read Pahalgam terror attack LIVE Updates here

On Tuesday, at least four terrorists opened fire at a resort in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in south Kashmir. Dozens of tourists were present at the time.

The attack has shocked the entire country and drawn strong condemnation from both within India and abroad.

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In this report, we take a look at the only foreign national killed in the attack, the statement issued by the Nepal government, and what the victims family has said.

ALSO READ | The heartbreaking stories of tourists killed in Pahalgam

Who was Sudip Neupane?

Sudip belonged to Butwal, in Nepals Rupandehi district. He had travelled to Pahalgam with his mother, sister, and brother-in-law for a holiday when the attack happened.

His mother was also injured during the attack, Nepals Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said.

Sudips grandfather told news agency ANI that the terrorists asked him about his religion before shooting him after he identified himself as Hindu.

He was a public health student and an aspiring social worker. He had been living in Butwal with his mother, Rima, and sister for the past four years, The Kathmandu Post reported.

He had earned his bachelors degree in public health from Dharan and had been working with a local clinic in Butwal on a campaign to spread awareness about oral health.

His sudden death has left the local community in shock. People in the neighbourhood described him as kind-hearted and friendly, the report said.

ALSO READ | Moosa, Yunus and Asif: The gunmen involved in the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26

How his family reacted

Sudips uncle, Dadhiraj Neupane, who lives in Kathmandu, said no mother should have to bear the pain of returning home without her son.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said, She is devastated by the loss of her son. She was planning to get him married after his studies.

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The family is preparing to hold Sudips final rites at a cremation site in Butwal on Thursday.

Nepals Foreign Minister, in an official statement, said, I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Nepali citizen Sudip Neupane of Butwal-11, Kalikanagar, Rupandehi, in the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Kashmir yesterday. I pay my heartfelt tributes to him and express my deepest condolences to his family.

         ,                       



       Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba (@Arzuranadeuba) April 23, 2025

She further said, I also wish a speedy recovery to his mother, who was injured in the terrorist attack. We have also received news that they have arrived for a visit. Condemning such a cruel and inhuman act is not enough. The Government of Nepal condemns this incident and stands with the Government of India and the people of India in this hour of grief. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in touch for further information about the incident.

Several senior leaders in Nepal, including President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, expressed their condolences. Prime Minister Oli also spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey Nepals grief and support.

Indias 5-step response to Pakistan

India announced a series of strong measures against Pakistan on Wednesday in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The steps include the suspension of a key treaty and the reduction of diplomatic ties.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with immediate effect.

ALSO READ | Will Amarnath Yatra be affected after the Pahalgam terror attack?

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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the decision would remain in place until Pakistan takes clear and irreversible steps to stop supporting terrorism across the border.

The Integrated Check Post at Attari has also been shut down with immediate effect.

Pakistani citizens will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) visa exemption scheme. Any SPES (Special Permission for Entry and Stay) visas issued earlier to Pakistani nationals are now considered cancelled.

Those currently in India on SPES visas have been given 48 hours to leave the country. Anyone who entered India through valid documents may return via the same route by May 1, Misri said.

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India will also pull back its defence, naval, and air advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. In return, Pakistans military and defence advisors in its High Commission in Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must leave within a week.

The number of staff at both High Commissions will be cut down to 30.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a group tied to Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

This is among the deadliest civilian attacks in the country in nearly two decades. Security forces have started a search operation to track those involved.

Security has also been tightened in the region, with video footage showing empty streets in the normally busy tourist area.

With inputs from agencies
After Indias actions against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam massacre, the Shehbaz Sharif government has announced its own measures, including suspending bilateral accords with New Delhi. It has put the 1972 Simla Agreement, which formally marked the end of hostility between the two neighbours after the Bangladesh Liberation War, in abeyance read more

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India (R) and Pakistani President Ali Bhutto sign a peace agreement in July 1972 in Simla. File Photo/AFP

Pakistan has responded to Indias diplomatic steps against it in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. Islamabad on Thursday (April 24) announced the suspension of trade, bilateral accords and airspaces with India.

After a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) led by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the South Asian nation also cancelled all visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals, except for Sikh pilgrims. It has also decided to reduce Indias diplomats and staff at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to 30.

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In a step that could have wider ramifications, Pakistan has suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement with India. Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India including but not limited to Simla Agreement in abeyance, Dawn reported, citing a statement by Pakistans Prime Ministers Office (PMO).

What is this pact and why is it significant? We will explain.

1972 Simla Agreement

India and Pakistan signed a key agreement in 1972 that marked a formal end to hostilities after the 1971 war between the two nations that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

The pact was signed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on July 2, 1972, at Barnes Court  now known as Raj Bhavan  in Himachal Pradeshs Shimla. The accord was finalised after days of negotiations between the two sides.

The bilateral agreement entails both countries commitment to a peaceful, bilateral resolution of their disputes. It aims to put an end to the conflict and confrontation that have hitherto marred their relations and work for the promotion of a friendly and harmonious relationship and the establishment of durable peace in the sub-continent.

The principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations shall govern the relations between the two countries, the treaty says, referring to the founding document of the United Nations.

India and Pakistan decided to resolve their disputes by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations or by any other peaceful means mutually agreed upon between them.

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Pending the final settlement of any of the problems between the two countries, neither side shall unilaterally alter the situation and both shall prevent any acts detrimental to the maintenance of peaceful and harmonious relations, the peace treaty states.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India (C) and Pakistani President Ali Bhutto (R) walk together on 28 June 1972 in Simla where they met for a summit. File Photo/AFP

It further says that the basic issues and causes of conflict which have bedevilled the relations between the two countries for the last 25 years shall be resolved by peaceful means.

To bring durable peace, the Indian and Pakistani governments agreed to withdraw troops to their side of the border.

The two nations vowed to respect each others national unity, territorial integrity, political independence and sovereign equality. They also agreed to resume communications, postal, telegraphic, sea, land including border posts, and air links including overflights.

ALSO READ: Revealed: After the Pahalgam massacre, a once-classified CIA report exposes Pakistans fear of India

Why it matters

Pakistan keeping the Simla Agreement in abeyance is significant. As per the key pact, the ceasefire line in Kashmir that was established on December 17, 1971, became the

Line of Control (LoC).

The two governments said in the treaty that the LoC would be respected by both sides without prejudice to the recognised position of either side. Neither side shall seek to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of mutual differences and legal interpretations.

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Both sides further undertake to refrain from the threat of the use of force in violation of this line, it further states.

Despite the treaty in place, both sides interpret it differently. While India says that Kashmir is a bilateral issue, according to the Simla Accord, Pakistan has raised the matter on international forums like the UN.

India refers to the pact to reject any third-party mediation in Kashmir and insists on bilateral talks with Pakistan.

The suspension of the peace treaty could further increase hostility between the two countries. Pakistan violated the Simla Agreement during the 1999 Kargil War when intruders from the country crossed the LoC and took control of heights in the Kargil district of Kashmir.

The Simla Agreement has failed to establish peace between the two neighbours and some argue that its time has come.

With inputs from agencies
On April 22, 2025, terrorists killed 26 civilians in an attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The assault renewed Indo-Pak tensions, prompting Indias diplomatic retaliation. A 1993 declassified CIA report highlights Pakistans fear of Indias military superiority and reliance on nuclear deterrence, warning of rapid escalation in future crises read more

Indian security force personnel stand guard at the site of a suspected militant attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in Kashmir's Anantnag district, April 24, 2025. File Image/Reuters

On April 22, 2025, a horrific terrorist attack unfolded in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir.

Gunmen allegedly linked to The Resistance Front (TRF) launched a brutal assault on a group of tourists, killing at least 26 people and injuring more than 20 others.

The incident has cast a sharp spotlight on longstanding regional instability, echoed in a recently declassified 1993 CIA assessment warning, accessed by Firstpost, that South Asias fragile balance could quickly escalate to nuclear levels during crises.

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According to eyewitnesses, the assailants  armed and dressed in traditional attire  reportedly segregated the victims based on their ability to recite Islamic verses before executing them at close range.

The attackers demanded that the tourists recite the kalma (Islamic declaration of faith), targeting those who could not comply.

The victims included tourists from various Indian states and one individual from Nepal. This is among the deadliest attacks on civilians in the subcontinent since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

A declassified CIA insight

The severity of the Pahalgam attack has rekindled concerns over the fragile security environment in the broader region.

Firstpost found that much of the context to these tensions is found in a recently declassified 1993 CIA report titled India-Pakistan: Prospects for War in the 1990s, which examines the enduring strategic anxieties on the subcontinent, particularly Pakistans fear of a superior India.

The report adjudicates that India has no strategic interest in initiating a war with Pakistan, pointing out the fact that Pakistan has lost previous engagements, and its leaders probably believe another war could destroy the military or even the state.

Another conflict with India could well destroy the Pakistan military

In one of its key assumptions, Firstpost saw that the report acknowledges that the governments in New Delhi and Islamabad [following phrase redacted]. They generally will remain centrist, democratic, and secular in orientation, but the Pakistani Army will continue to play a role beyond its constitutional mandate.

The report also added that, Indias military and economic advantages over Pakistan will increase over time.

The report offers critical insight into how Pakistan has historically viewed its nuclear arsenal. It notes: Pakistan sees nuclear weapons primarily as a deterrent and as insurance for its survival if a conflict developed with conventionally superior India.

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This deterrent posture stems from Pakistans perception of military inferiority, shaped by past defeats and the fear that another conventional war could imperil the states very existence.

The report also looks at the possibility of another coup in Pakistan, stating, Another Army seizure of power in Pakistan would immediately set back relations with India. After an initial period of mistrust, however, New Delhi would accustom itself to dealing with a military regime that, in our estimation, would want to avoid war. As in the past, a military government probably would be cautious but willing to negotiate with India.

Deterrence - Nuclear & Economic

The document explores the volatility of nuclear deterrence in South Asia. It warns: Either military could develop hair-trigger responses that would escalate quickly to the nuclear level.

This warning highlights the possibility of miscalculation or rapid escalation, where even a limited skirmish could spiral into a catastrophic exchange.

The report further raises concerns about the potential breakdown of nuclear deterrence, should either side misread intentions or act preemptively.

The CIA assessment also highlights economic considerations as a critical factor restraining both nations from full-scale war. It points out: Both sides believe the economic costs of another war would be exorbitant, particularly due to the risk of losing access to public and private foreign capital.

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Highlighting at a potential economic crisis in Pakistan, the report also stated,Pakistans economic woes make it questionable whether its military budget can be sustained at the level needed to keep it militarily competitive with India, which is much bigger and richer, and economically more robust. "

Moreover, the report recognises that both India and Pakistan have historically shown an ability to manage crises without letting them spiral, providing a degree of cautious optimism regarding their crisis management capabilities.

About Kashmir: A flashpoint

Kashmir continues to be the most contentious issue between the two nations. The report cautions that flashpoints like Kashmir, internal meddling, and communal incidents could lead to war through miscalculations or intelligence failures.

It further notes: Possession of Muslim-majority Kashmir is fundamental to the self-image of each nation, it has been a battlefield in all previous conflicts. About 350,000 Indian troops are fighting an insurgency that appears to have no end. These forces can prevent Kashmirs succession or its acquisition by Pakistan, but are unlikely to defeat the insurgents.

The report also highlights the fact that Pakistan has been incapable of handling the conflict with India on its own, stating, Pakistan sees Kashmir as an issue of self-determination and human rights. It backs 40-year-old UN resolutions calling for a plebiscite that allows Kashmiris to choose between India and Pakistan. Islamabad will seek every opportunity to internationalise the dispute, including pleas to Washington to convene a Camp David-like process."

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Although the report, at the time, also says that there is a 20 per cent chance of war between India and Pakistan. This was an estimate for the 1990s.

Indira Gandhis nuclear strike consideration

Adding depth to the historical context, a separate declassified CIA document from 1981 titled Indias Reaction to Nuclear Developments in Pakistan  had previously revealed that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had considered launching a strike on Pakistans nuclear facilities.

This occurred when the US was preparing to supply F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

The CIA report observed: In the extreme case, if Indian concerns increase over the next two or three months, we believe the conditions could be ripe for a decision by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to instigate a military confrontation with Pakistan, primarily to provide a framework for destroying Pakistans nuclear facilities.

This revelation illustrates the historical depth of Indias concerns about Pakistans nuclear ambitions and the seriousness with which the US has viewed the emerging threat.

How conditions can deteriorate so quickly

In response, the Indian government initiated several significant actions. These included suspending participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, shutting the main land border with Pakistan, and reducing the diplomatic presence in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack and vowed justice for the victims. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that India would act against not only the perpetrators but also their supporters.

Meanwhile, Islamabad denied any involvement, expressed condolences (while falling short of a condemnation), and criticised Indias move to suspend the water treaty, labelling it as water warfare.

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Pakistan, in response, has also shut its airspace for Indian airlines among other reactions.

The Border Security Force (BSF) in Punjab also conveyed that during the daily retreat ceremony at the India-Pakistan border there will be a suspension of the symbolic handshake of Indian Guard Commander with the counterpart Guard Commander while gates shall also to remain closed at all times. Image/X-BSF_Punjab

The international community  including leaders from the United States and the United Kingdom  also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India.

The situation is still developing. The responses to the Pahalgam attack demonstrate just how quickly conditions can deteriorate.

About the CIA report in question

On its first page, the report is introduced with the following phrase, This National Intelligence Estimate represents the views of the Director of Central Intelligence with the advice and assistance of the US Intelligence Community.

For context:

From 1946 to 2004, the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) served as the head of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The DCI was the chief intelligence advisor to the President and the National Security Council and was responsible for coordinating intelligence efforts across the various US intelligence agencies, collectively referred to as the Intelligence Community beginning in 1981.

The position existed from January 1946 until December 17, 2004.

Following the passage of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act in the US, the role was restructured  leadership of the Intelligence Community was transferred to the newly established Director of National Intelligence (DNI), while the Director of the CIA (D/CIA) became solely responsible for overseeing the CIA.

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Also Watch:
The terror attack, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon on tourists in Pahalgams Baisaran Valley, left at least 26 dead and dozens injured. But why are people comparing the Kashmir attack to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 on Israel? And why are they linking the Palestinian outfit to Pakistan? read more

Members of Hamas' armed wing hold a Palestinian flag atop an Israeli tank in the southern Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)

The Pahalgam terror attack in south Kashmir has shaken up many people.

The attack, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon on tourists in Pahalgams Baisaran Valley, left at least 26 dead and dozens injured.

The responsibility for the attack was taken by The Resistance Force (TRF)  a branch of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group which is based in Pakistan.

India has responded strongly to the attack with several counter-measures including cancelling the Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani citizens, ordering all Pakistani nationals to leave the country, suspending the Indus Waters treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties and expelling military attaches.

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But why are people comparing the Kashmir attack to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 on Israel? And why are they linking Hamas to Pakistan?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

Former US Pentagon official Michael Rubin made the comparison on Thursday.

As per The Times of India, Rubin on Thursday drew parallels with the attack on Kashmir to Hamas attack on Israel.

That is exactly what went on when the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. It was directed specifically against Jews, and not only against Jews, but among the most liberal Jews who were most prone to wanting peace and normalcy with the Gaza Strip, Rubin said.

Rubin is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he specialises in Iran, Turkey, and West Asia.

Targeting a vacation resort, middle-class Hindus, it is evident that the Pakistanis are trying the same tactic now. It should be no more successful for Pakistan than it was for Hamas, Rubin added.

Rubin also called for New Delhi to carry out an Israel-style retaliation against Islamabad and take out the ISI leadership.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah consoles the father of Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, in Anantnag district on April 23, 2025. PTI

And frankly, its now the duty of India to do to Pakistan and to Pakistans ISI what Israel did to Hamas. Its time to wipe out the leadership of the ISI, to treat them as a designated terror group, and demand that every country that is an ally of India, every country that is an ally of the worlds largest democracy, do the same.

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Survivors reported that the attackers asked victims about their religion before shooting, specifically targeting men. Indian authorities have launched search operations to nab the terrorists.

Rubin isnt alone.

Ex-Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Shesh Paul Vaid also made a similar claim.

Calling Pahalgam a Pulwama 2.0 moment, Vaid said India must hit back akin to how Israel has responded to Hamas.

This was a Hamas-style attack on 7 October on Israel. Its not a coincidence that Asim Munir (Pakistan Army chief) uttered illogical words two days back, and then such an attack takes place where the religion of the tourists was asked, Vaid said Our response should be appropriate, something like how Israel responded.

Hamas-Pakistan connection

Hamas and Pakistan seem to be growing closer.

As per The Times of India, intelligence sources have said senor Hamas leaders have made multiple trips to Pakistan in the past year.

This includes a recent visit by a Hamas team to the Jaish-e-Muhammeds (JeM) headquarters in Bahawalpur and a Pakistani Army facility that hosts their combat simulation centre inaugurated by Army chief Asim Munir.

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As per India Today, top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in February attended an event in Pakistan occupied Kashmir along with senior Hamas representatives.

The event occurred on February 5  which Pakistan observes as Kashmir Solidarity Day  at Shaheed Sabir Stadium in Rawalakote.

Dr Khalid Al-Qadoumi, Hamass representative in Iran, addressed the event entitled Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation Al Aqsa Flood Conference.

Al-Qadoumi also had a private meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F).

Hamas officials last year also visited Pakistan soon after the death of Ismail Haniyeh.

Several other Palestinian leaders with links to Hamas were also in attendance.

Hamas officials last year also visited Pakistan soon after the death of Ismail Haniyeh.

Hamas leaders also held an al-Aqsa million march in Karachi last year. Qaddoumi referred to Pakistan as an elder brother in gratitude to Islamabad for agreeing to host 15 Palestinian prisoners freed under a ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas, a source told The Times of India.

Israeli officials have urged India to ban Hamas and declare it a terror group.

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Indias stance on Hamas

India, unlike other nations, has not yet designated Hamas a terror group.

New Delhi has strongly condemned the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

India has also called for restraint and de-escalation and emphasised peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

India has also called for the remaining hostages to be released.

When it comes to Palestine, new Delhi has consistently supported a two-state solution.

India has called for the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine within secure and recognised borders, living side by side in peace with Israel.
PM Modis comments came during a public rally in Bihar, a day after he held a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on Wednesday read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday came down heavily on the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack, saying that each perpetrator involved will be punished beyond their imagination.

His comments came during a public rally in Bihar, a day after he held a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on Wednesday.

Heres the full text of his speech:

Friends,

On April 22, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the brutal manner in which terrorists killed innocent citizens has deeply distressed the entire nation. Millions of Indians are grieving. The whole country stands with the bereaved families in their sorrow. The government is making every effort to ensure that those who are still undergoing treatment recover soon.

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Friends,

In this terrorist attack, someone lost a son, someone lost a brother, someone lost a life partner. Some of them spoke Bengali, some Kannada, some were Marathi, some Odia, some Gujarati, and some were the brave sons of Bihar. Today, from Kargil to Kanyakumari, our sorrow is the same, our anger is the same. This attack was not just on unarmed touristsIndias enemies have dared to strike at the soul of the nation. I want to say in the clearest terms: those who carried out this attack, the terrorists, and those who plotted it, will face punishment beyond their imaginationthey will be punished. The time has come to wipe out even the last remnants of terrorist strongholds. The willpower of 1.4 billion Indians will now break the back of those who shelter and support terror.

Friends,

Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world: India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders, who have stood with us in these times.

Friends,

Peace and security are the most essential conditions for rapid development. A developed Bihar is necessary for a developed India. It is our collective effort to ensure that development takes place in Bihar and that its benefits reach every community and every region. On the occasion of Panchayati Raj Day, I once again thank all of you for joining this program.
The Indian Air Force currently operates two squadrons of the Rafale aircraft, one based out of Ambala air base and the other in West Bengal. read more

The French Dassault Rafale aircraft is an integral part of India's fighter jet fleet. Firstpost

The Indian Air Force on Thursday (April 24) was carrying out major drills simulating attacks on mountain, ground targets. The drills involved the IAFs mainstream fighter jets, and the fleet was led by the Rafale combat aircraft.

Notably, the IAF currently operates two squadrons of the Rafale aircraft, one based out of Ambala air base and the other in West Bengal.

The cutting-edge technology fighter jets are carrying out complex missions involving ground attack and electronic warfare drills, defence sources were quoted by news agency ANI as saying.

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The assets of the Indian Air Force have been moved from multiple airbases, including from the eastern side, the sources added.

The IAF has been conducting intensive training for ground attack missions in both plains and mountainous terrain, according to sources.

This comes amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

The IAF holds a significant edge in the region thanks to advanced weapons like the Meteor air-to-air missiles, and long-range, high-speed, low-drag missiles such as Rampage and Rocks. The ongoing exercise is being closely observed by Air Headquarters, with elite Top Gun pilots participating under the supervision of highly qualified instructors.

This drill echoes the IAFs powerful role in the 2019 Balakot strikes after the Pulwama terror attack. Since then, the Air Force has significantly enhanced its capabilities by inducting Rafale fighter jets, which have strengthened its strategic advantage.

Alongside these, it has added force multipliers like the S-400 air defence system  a major asset in countering airborne threats, including enemy surveillance and control aircraft.

Pakistan holds firing drills, tests missile

Earlier, Pakistan issued a notification announcing it will conduct a surface-to-surface missile test off the Karachi coast.

The announcement came after Pakistani military held firing drills at Tilla Range, which experts see as a show of strength.

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While Pakistan denies any role in the attack, global pressure is growing on Islamabad.

Indian defence agencies are keeping a close watch on the situation, especially given the current security concerns, defence sources told ANI.

(With inputs from agencies)
In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India has revoked visas of all Pakistani nationals from April 27 read more

India has announced the cancellation of Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani citizens and ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.

Days after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India has revoked visas of all Pakistani nationals.

All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27, 2025, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Medical visas of Pakistani nationals will be valid only till April 29, said the MEA.

All Pakistani nationals must leave the country as soon as the expiry of visa, according to the MEA.

As for Indians, the MEA said, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest.

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In Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, terrorists killed 26 people on Tuesday. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack.

The Resistance Front (TRF), which is a cover that Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba uses for its activities in J&K, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Following a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a slew of decisions was announced as part of the diplomatic offensive in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. These steps included from action over the Indus Water Treaty to downgrading of the bilateral relationship.

The Indus Water Treaty will be in abeyance till further notice.

Defence advisors at the Pakistani high commission to be expelled and their posts to be expelled. Indian advisors to also vacate their posts in the high commission in Pakistan and return.

High commissions strength to be reduced from 55 to 30.

Cancellation of SAARC visa exemption scheme (SVES) to Pakistani nationals. Pakistani nationals currently in India under the scheme to leave India within 48 hours.

Closure of the Attari land crossing.
Leaders express solidarity with India, denounce terrorism, and back Indias firm response as global outrage mounts over the cross-border strike read more

A host of global leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.

They expressed solidarity with the people of India and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

PM @netanyahu of Israel called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian soil. He expressed solidarity with the people of India, and the families of the victims. PM Modi shared the barbaric nature of the cross border terrorist attack and reiterated  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

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During the call, PM Netanyahu conveyed Israels deep concern over the brutal nature of the attack and extended heartfelt condolences to those affected.

PM Modi, in response, shared details of the barbaric cross-border terrorist strike and reaffirmed Indias unwavering commitment to bringing the perpetrators and their backers to justice. He underscored Indias firm resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms.

PM @netanyahu of Israel called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack on Indian soil. He expressed solidarity with the people of India, and the families of the victims. PM Modi shared the barbaric nature of the cross border terrorist attack and reiterated Indias firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice, MEA said on X.

On Wednesday, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, while speaking to ANI, condemned in the strongest words the dastardly terrorist attack which took place in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

He assured India of continued cooperation in areas such as technology, methodology and intelligence in the fight against terrorism.

Condolences have been pouring in from across the world in the wake of the dastardly attack, which took place on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow of Anantnag district.

King Abdullah II of Jordan, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Italy PM Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron also dialled PM Modi on Thursday, and strongly condemned the ghastly attack.

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HM @KingAbdullahII of Jordan called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack. He conveyed sincere condolences at the loss of innocent lives. He said that terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations and there can be no justification.  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

HM @KingAbdullahIIof Jordan called PM@narendramodi and strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack. He conveyed sincere condolences at the loss of innocent lives. He said that terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations and there can be no justification. PM thanked HM King Abdullah (II) for his message of solidarity and shared the sentiments of the people of India to take firm action against the perpetrators and those behind this heinous attack, the MEA posted on X.

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PM@shigeruishiba of Japan called PM@narendramodi and expressed his deepest condolences at the loss of lives in the terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that terrorism cannot be justified. Both leaders emphasised that terrorism is a grave threat to humanity. Those who believe in democracy should stand united in the fight against terrorism. PM shared assessment of the cross border terror attack and Indias resolve to deal with it firmly and decisively, the MEA said in a separate post.

PM @shigeruishiba of Japan called PM @narendramodi and expressed his deepest condolences at the loss of lives in the terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that terrorism cannot be justified. Both leaders emphasised that terrorism is a grave  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

Prime Minister@GiorgiaMeloni called Prime Minister @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil. She conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and wished a speedy recovery of those injured. She expressed full support of Italy in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi appreciated her call and the clear message of support against terrorism and those behind it. India and Italy will continue to work together including in international platforms to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, said MEA in a post on X.

Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni called Prime Minister @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil. She conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and wished a speedy recovery of those injured. She expressed full support of Italy in the  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

French president strongly condemned the attack and expressed full support and solidarity with the people of India.

President @EmmanuelMacron called Prime Minister @narendramodi and conveyed his personal condolences on the brutal killing of innocent people in the heinous terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

President @EmmanuelMacron called Prime Minister @narendramodi and conveyed his personal condolences on the brutal killing of innocent people in the heinous terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full support and solidarity with the people of India adding that this kind of barbarism is totally unacceptable. Prime Minister thanked him for his message of support and conveyed Indias strong resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice, MEA said.

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Earlier today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had received a call from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, during which the French leadership conveyed its solidarity with the people of India.Canadian leaders also voiced their condemnation.

Senator Leo Housakos, representing Quebec and former Speaker of the Senate of Canada, called the attack a barbaric assault on faith and humanity and urged swift justice.

The massacre of Hindu tourists in India is not just terrorism - its a barbaric assault on faith and humanity. The perpetrators must face swift and uncompromising justice. The world must not stay silent, Housakos posted.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the sentiment, calling the attack a senseless and shocking act of violence, and adding, Canada strongly condemns this terrorist attack. We offer our condolences to the victims and their families.

In response to the attack, India convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. The government resolved to hold the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable and announced several retaliatory measures.

These included suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, cancelling Pakistani SAARC visa exemptions, and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries missions.

With inputs from agencies
I am joined by everyone in the Reliance family in mourning the deaths of innocent Indians in the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April, 2025. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, Mukesh Ambani said in a statement. read more

Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani on Thursday expressed his heartfelt condolences and joined the nation in mourning the loss of 26 innocent lives in the Pahalgam terror attack.

I am joined by everyone in the Reliance family in mourning the deaths of innocent Indians in the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April, 2025. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, he said in a statement.

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He wished a speedy and full recovery to all those injured in the attack and offered them free treatment at Reliance foundation hospital in Mumbai.

We wish speedy and full recovery to all those injured in the attack. Our Reliance Foundation Sir HN Hospital in Mumbai will offer free treatment to all the injured, he added.

Ambani said terrorism is an enemy of humanity and it must not be supported by anyone in any manner.

We fully stand with our Honourable Prime Minister, the Government of India and the entire country in the decisive battle against the menace of terrorism, he said.

As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

Earlier today during an event in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the killers of Pahalgam will be pursued to the ends of the earth and promised to identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers.

In his first speech after Pahalgam attack, the prime minister vowed to punish terrorists behind the strike and said Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism.

PM Modi spoke briefly in English and said, Friends, today from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished.

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In the stern message, he said, Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us in these times.

In a message to Pakistan without naming the country, PM Modi said he will state it categorically that the terrorists who carried out the attack and those who hatched the conspiracy, they will be punished beyond their imagination.

Punishment will definitely be served.

The prime minister said the willpower of 140 crore Indians will break the back of patrons of terrorism.

Paying condolences to the victims and their families, he said citizens across the country are in mourning over the brutal manner in which terrorists killed 26 innocent civilians in Kashmir on April 22. The nation stands with their families, he said.

PM Modi, other leaders on the dais and the crowd observed silence to pay homage to the victims of the attack at the beginning of the prime ministers speech.

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India had on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a raft of measures, including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack.

With inputs from agencies
The move by BSF comes at a time when calls are growing louder on social media asking the Indian government to suspend the ceremony altogether read more

Indias Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday (April 24) significantly scaled down the Beating Retreat ceremony at the AttariWagah Border. The move, taken in view of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, comes a day after India ordered the shutdown of the Attari border.

The Beating Retreat ceremony is a daily event that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed since 1959.

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The BSF in a statement said a calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremony.

It said the symbolic handshake between the Indian Guard Commander and their Pakistani counterparts has been suspended now.

Also, the gates of the crossing will now remain closed during the ceremony.

The BSF stated, The key changes include suspension of the symbolic handshake of Indian Guard Commander with the counterpart Guard Commander and gates to remain closed during the ceremony.

This step reflects Indias serious concern over cross-border hostilities and reaffirms that peace and provocation cannot coexist, the statement added.

Earlier, several media reports signalled that New Delhi may suspend the ceremony in view of the terror attack.

The move by BSF comes at a time when calls are growing louder on social media asking the Indian government to suspend the ceremony altogether.

One user wrote on X, For Godsake, end this beating retreat ceremony at Wagah-Attari border NOW! This is a mockery of not just the Indian Security Forces who have laid down life for the nation fighting Pakistani terrorists, but also civilians brutally killed by Pakistan deep state.

A second user wrote: This Beating Retreat ceremony at Wagah Border should be stopped. Theres no need for celebration or showmanship at a border where tension and loss have existed for decades.

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The visit aims to assess the situation on the ground and review ongoing counter-terror operations. The Army chief is also expected to visit the attack site and will receive a detailed briefing from the local commander, according to a report read more

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi during a press conference, in New Delhi. File Photo/PTI

In the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi will be visiting Srinagar on Friday to review the security situation, according to defence sources.

Indian Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi to visit Srinagar, J&K tomorrow to review the security situation there in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. Top commanders of the local military formations to brief him on the counter terrorist measures taken by the force in the valley and pic.twitter.com/J8jz7uxd19  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

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According to sources, top commanders of the local military formations will brief him on the counter terrorist measures taken by the force in the Valley and along the Line of Control.

The 15 Corps commander and other Rashtriya Rifles formation commanders would be present during the visit, they added.

According to News 18, the Army chief is also expected to visit the attack site.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, diplomatic efforts are underway as envoys of more than 20 countries, including Germany, Japan, Poland, UK and Russia are being briefed at South Block on the Pahalgam attack and the broader context of Pakistan-backed terrorism.

The government aims to present evidence of cross-border involvement and rally international support against such activities.

The situation remains tense in the region, with heightened security measures in place.

With inputs from agencies
The government reportedly stated that local authorities failed to inform security agencies before opening the Baisaran area in Anantnag district read more

Baisaran is an expansive meadow ringed by dense pine forests and mountains and a favourite with visitors from across the country and the world. The area is known as 'mini-Switzerland.' Image courtesy: Pahalgam Development Authority

The Indian government on Thursday (April 24) hinted at a security lapse in view of the Pahalgam terror attack. At the all-party meet, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said there were lapses that the government has to find out.

If nothing had gone wrong, why would we be sitting here? There have been lapses somewhere that we have to find out, Shah reportedly told the Opposition leaders during the meeting.

According to sources, during the all-party meet, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi asked the government why there were no security forces deployed at the attack site.

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The opposition is also reported to have raised questions about the failure of security protocol and intelligence.

In response, the government reportedly stated that local authorities failed to inform security agencies before opening the Baisaran area in Anantnag district. This area is usually kept off-limits until the Amarnath Yatra begins in June.

The government called the all-party meeting to brief opposition leaders after the horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 people, mostly tourists, sparking strong political and public anger.

Opposition backs government on Pakistan

According to sources, the opposition parties extended full support to the government and assured they will back whatever action is taken by New Delhi against Pakistan.

The opposition also welcomes steps taken by the government so far, including pausing the Indus Water Treaty. Opposition parties also reiterated support to the governments zero tolerance policy on terrorism.

Meanwhile, some opposition leaders asked how the government was planning to implement its decision to halt the Indus Water Treaty.
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, India has an option of delivering a decisive response by exploiting the vulnerabilities of the CPEC project in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. That could be an unambiguous message against cross-border terrorism read more

(File) A motorcyclist drives past sheep on a newly built road in Haripur, Pakistan. China launched the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 to expand its trade and influence by building roads, ports and other infrastructure overseas. AP

Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed on April 22 one of the most brutal terror attacks in the past two decades. Twenty-six, including one foreign national, were killed by terrorists, who initial probe suggests were linked to Pakistan-backed terror groups.

The assailants, identified as members of The Resistance Force, an offshoot of terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran meadows, a popular spot in Pahalgam.

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The Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday identified three attackers as Hashim Musa alias Sulaiman, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai and Adil Hussain Thokar. Of them the first two were identified as Pakistani nationals. The police released their sketches and announced cash rewards for information about them.

The attack has been described as one of the deadliest terror strikes on civilians in the region in years. It highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, exacerbated by cross-border terrorism supported from Pakistan.

This attack, along with the strategic infrastructure investments Pakistan and China have made in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), brings into sharp focus the risks to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key initiative under Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Indias legal and strategic standing in PoK

India has long maintained its sovereignty over the entire Jammu and Kashmir region, including PoK, which it considers illegally occupied by Pakistan. This stance has been reaffirmed by Indias Parliament and its constitutional framework. The legal basis for Indias territorial sovereignty is comes from the Indian Independence Act of 1947, which also provided for the creation of Pakistan by partitioning the country by the British colonial government.

PoK is the territory that Pakistan captured through invasion in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which legally merged with India through an Instrument of Accession. The accession has been held legal by the United Nations. This makes any infrastructure or foreign investment in the region without Indian consent a violation of its territorial integrity.

The Pahalgam terror attack comes in the long chain of cross-border terrorism coming from Pakistan. It has created a tense security environment along Indias borders with Pakistan, particularly in the Kashmir region.

In this context, Indias strategic options in PoK are conditioned by the illegal occupations of the territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the two Indian territories, and also the threat posed by the continued presence of terrorist groups. For India, it is not just about retaliation for such attacks but also about asserting its sovereignty over regions that are central to Pakistans economic and geopolitical ambitions, such as those critical to CPEC.

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Actions India has taken in response to the Pahalgam attack

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken several significant actions aimed at both addressing the immediate security threat and signalling its determination to safeguard its territorial integrity.

Putting the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance: One of Indias most significant responses to the attack was putting it in abeyance, a technical term used by the government to differentiate it from suspension. Practically, Indias decision is suspension of the Indus treaty.

The treaty, which governs the distribution of water from the Indus River system between the two countries, has been a cornerstone of their diplomatic relations. The suspension sends a clear message to Pakistan about the potential consequences of continued militancy emanating from its territory, particularly in PoK.

Closure of key border crossings: India has closed a number of key border crossings with Pakistan, including several that were used for trade and humanitarian exchanges. This step was taken to prevent the movement of militants and to cut off logistical routes that could be used by insurgent groups to infiltrate Indian territory.

Diplomatic pressure on Pakistan: India has used its diplomatic channels to escalate pressure on Pakistan, urging international bodies to hold Islamabad accountable for its support of cross-border terrorism. This includes seeking support from the United Nations and the global community to classify terrorist organisations based in Pakistan as globally sanctioned entities.

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Suspension of visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals: In a further escalation, India has announced the suspension of a visa exemption scheme for Pakistani nationals, a move that will have a significant impact on cross-border people-to-people exchanges. This measure is part of Indias broader strategy to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and undermine its regional influence.

India expels Pakistani military personnel: India has ordered the expulsion of all Pakistani military, naval and air advisers stationed at the Pakistani high commission in New Delhi. These individuals have been designated as persona non grata and are required to leave within a week. In a reciprocal action, India will also remove its own military advisors from the Indian high commission in Islamabad. This measure is part of a larger strategy to de-escalate diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India took swift diplomatic action by summoning Pakistans top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich. During this meeting, India issued a formal persona non grata notice, expelling several Pakistani military attaches from the country in response to the attack. The expulsion marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic fallout between the two nations, signalling Indias firm stance against Pakistans continued involvement in cross-border terrorism.

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India slashes diplomatic presence in Pakistan: As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce diplomatic engagement, India has announced plans to cut down the staff at its High Commission in Islamabad. By May 1, 2025, the number of Indian personnel in Pakistan will decrease from 55 to 30. This decision aims to further minimise direct diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.

CPECs role and vulnerability in PoK

The CPEC is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the region, valued at over $60 billion. The CPEC connects western China to Pakistans Gwadar Port, passing through PoK, including Gilgit-Baltistan. The corridor consists of a variety of projects including highways, energy projects and trade hubs, all vital to Pakistans economic future and Chinas ambitions for regional connectivity.

However, this infrastructure passes through a region which is under Pakistans illegal occupation and where it has allowed the growth of terror outfits and patronised them through the Pakistan Armys Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This also shows that Pakistan does not have an intention of developing PoK economically but use it as a launchpad for terror activities directed at India. And this is where its problem with CPEC lies.

The presence of militant groups that operate freely in PoK poses a threat to the CPEC, something that has kept China worried for long. In recent years, attacks on CPEC projects in Balochistan and elsewhere have demonstrated the vulnerability of these critical infrastructure projects. The regions security instability, compounded by ongoing militancy, raises concerns about the safety of CPEC investments, especially those passing through PoK.

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With Pakistan attempting to reiterate its relevance in fomenting terrorism in Kashmir through the Pahalgam terror attack, as initial probe suggests, India can put pressure on the strategic stakes surrounding CPEC.

Indias security establishment could justifiably view CPEC infrastructure in the region as legitimate military targets within its own territory. Targeting these assets would align with Indias strategic objective of countering Pakistans persistent use of cross-border terrorism, with the Pahalgam massacre being the most recent and egregious example. Any successful military strike on CPEC infrastructure could severely impair Pakistans economic trajectory and undermine its deepening partnership with China.

Economic consequences of disruptions to CPEC

CPEC is central to Pakistans economic strategy with the potential to transform its infrastructure and energy sectors. The corridor promises to connect Pakistan to major global markets, improve energy generation and boost economic growth. However, the security challenges in PoK expose the vulnerability of CPEC investments.

Disrupting the CPEC projects in PoK would have serious economic consequences for Pakistan. The country is already grappling with a staggering external debt of over $130 billion, with significant portions owed to Chinese creditors. These debts are tied directly to CPEC-related infrastructure projects.

Any disruption to the construction and operation of these projects would delay returns on investments, put Pakistan at risk of defaulting on loans and undermine investor confidence. This could lead to a decline in foreign direct investment, further economic instability and potentially worsen the countrys ongoing fiscal crisis.

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Moreover, the Pakistani governments reliance on CPEC to stabilise its economy would be called into question if these projects become targets for strategic strikes by India. Economic losses, combined with the inability to deliver on key infrastructure promises, could further destabilise the Pakistani economy.

Military and strategic risks to Pakistan

If India decides to target CPEC assets in PoK, it would expose significant vulnerabilities in Pakistans defence posture. The Pakistan military, already stretched thin in various regions, would have to respond to a direct threat to its economic lifeline. Any military response could lead to a broader escalation, potentially drawing India and Pakistan into direct conflict. However, if Pakistan fails to adequately protect these assets, it would face both domestic and international criticism, further eroding the legitimacy of its government.

While China has thus far been silent on the issue of cross-border terrorism in Pakistan, continued instability could force China to reconsider its investment strategy and demand more robust counter-terrorism measures from Pakistan. This could strain the bilateral relationship between the two countries, particularly if Chinese assets are perceived to be under threat.

Diplomatic dimensions

The Pahalgam attack has garnered international attention with several countries expressing solidarity with India and condemning the violence. Nations like Singapore and the US have reiterated their support for Indias efforts to combat terrorism. This shift in international sentiment places additional diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, especially as it seeks to maintain its relationship with China and manage the security risks that threaten CPEC.

China, as the primary investor in CPEC, has a vested interest in the stability of the region. However, continued instability linked to Pakistani-supported terrorism could force China to re-evaluate its strategic priorities in the region. If Pakistan fails to address the root causes of terrorism emanating from PoK, China may be compelled to call for stronger measures to secure its investments.

A case for China to rein in Pakistan

As long as PoK remains a hub for cross-border terrorism, India can use military tactics to raise the cost of large-scale infrastructure projects like CPEC further, increasing their vulnerability. India has reiterated multiple times that the only dispute in Kashmir is the return of PoK. China, incidentally, is also an illegal force occupying the land both in Aksai Chin and Shaksgam Valley.

Indias tactical military pressure may force China to use its leverage over Pakistan to rein in terror outfits acting against India for the sake of the safety of its billions of dollars invested in the CPEC. But two questions here are important: Will China do it? Will terror-backers in Pakistani establishment agree to it? A stronger and long-term Indian response may.
President Droupadi Murmu will be visiting Vatican City on April 25 to 26 to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis and offer condolences on behalf of the government and people of India, the MEA said in a statement read more

President Droupadi Murmu will attend the state funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City this week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

Murmu will travel to Vatican City on Friday on a two-day visit.

President Droupadi Murmu will be visiting Vatican City on 2526 April 2025 to attend the State Funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis and offer condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India: MEA pic.twitter.com/w7UKBsgDxK  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

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President Droupadi Murmu will be visiting Vatican City on April 25 to 26 to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis and offer condolences on behalf of the government and people of India, the MEA said in a statement.

During the visit, President Murmu will lay a wreath at the Basilica of Saint Peter on April 25 as a mark of homage. On April 26, she will attend the funeral Mass at Saint Peters Square, joining world leaders and dignitaries in paying their final respects to the late pontiff, the statement added.

Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State died on April 21 at the age of 88.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered heartfelt condolences, recalling Pope Franciss enduring affection for India and his legacy of compassion and spiritual leadership.

On April 22, Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, visited the Apostolic Nunciature (Embassy of the Holy See) in New Delhi to sign the condolence book.

India had also declared three days of State Mourning in memory of the late Pope.

With inputs from agencies
The letter pointed out major changes that have happened since the treaty was signed  like shifts in population and Indias move toward clean energy. These changes, India said, affect the basic terms read more

The pact sought to divide the water of the Indus river and its tributaries equitably among the two countries. Representational pic/PTI

India on Thursday (April 24) officially told Pakistan that the Indus Waters Treaty is being put on hold with immediate effect. This move comes after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed at least 26 people and injured many others. India cited Pakistans ongoing support for cross-border terrorism as the reason for this decision.

Jal Shakti Ministrys Secretary Debashree Mukherjee sent a formal letter to her Pakistani counterpart, Syed Ali Murtaza, informing about New Delhis decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 in abeyance, marking a major escalation in regional water diplomacy.

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The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," the letter read.

The letter pointed out major changes that have happened since the treaty was signed  like shifts in population and Indias move toward clean energy. These changes, India said, affect the basic terms on which the agreement was originally based.

India also said that Pakistan has not responded to its request for fresh talks, which are part of the treatys own rules.

The resulting security uncertainties have directly impeded Indias full utilisation of its rights under the Treaty. Furthermore, apart from other breaches committed by it, Pakistan has refused to respond to Indias request to enter into negotiations as envisaged under the Treaty and is thus in breach of the Treaty," the letter read.

Concluding the letter, Mukherjee declared, The Government of India has hereby decided that the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect."

Pakistans Power Minister Awais Lekhari earlier termed Indias decision to pause the treaty an act of water warfare.

Indias reckless suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is an act of water warfare; a cowardly, illegal move, Lekhari said in a post on X.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has released the sketches of foreigner terrorists Hashim Musa alias Sulaiman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai and local terrorist Adil Hussain Thokar believed to be involved in the Pahalgam attack read more

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has released the sketches of foreigner terrorists Hashim Musa alias Sulaiman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai and local terrorist Adil Hussain Thokar believed to be involved in the Pahalgam attack. (Photo: J&K Police)

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has released the sketches of three terrorists believed to be involved in the Pahalgam attack.

The police have released the sketches of Hashim Musa alias Sulaiman, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, and Adil Hussain Thokar.

While Musa and Talha are foreigners, Thokar is a local, according to the police.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has released the sketches of foreigner terrorists Hashim Musa alias Sulaiman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai and local terrorist Adil Hussain Thokar believed to be involved in the Pahalgam attack. (Photo: J&K Police)

In the Pahalgam attack, terrorists killed at least 26 people, most of whom were tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group is a cover that Lashkar-e-Taiba uses to portray its terrorism movement inside Kashmir as a homegrown movement instead of a Pakistan-sponsored movement.

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All three terrorists named by the police carry a reward of Rs 20 lakh.

Anyone who may have information regarding the three may contact the police at phone numbers 9596777666 and 9596777669 and email dpoanantnag-jk@nic.in.

The group of terrorists that carried out the Pahalgam attack is believed to be a mix of foreigners and locals. They first fired indiscriminately and singled out non-Muslims and shot them. A search has been launched for them. Last evening, reports said that more than 1,500 people had been detained in Kashmir for questioning in connection with the attack.
April 24, 2025: Russian missile and drone attacks have been a common feature of the Ukraine War. Since the war began Russia has launched at least two dozen of these projectiles a day. NATO has supplied Ukraine large quantities of SAMP/T and Patriot missiles to defeat Russian attacks, along with equipment that makes possible improved detection and fire control, improved electronic warfare and F-16 fighters adapted to intercept drones. Facing all these defenses, the Russians discovered that their most effective weapon was short range ballistic missiles. There was not enough time to intercept these missiles and not enough air defense systems to cover all of Ukraine against such attacks. Fortunately Russia has only been able to launch 740 missiles a month at Ukrainian targets and only a dozen of these were the deadly short range ballistic missiles.

Early in the war, most of the Russian attacks were carried out by Iranian Shahed drones and Russian air launched guided missiles. The drones were noisy and flew low and slow. This made them easy to locate, even at night, and shoot down. Ukrainian air defenses, reinforced by NATO air defense systems, soon made it impossible for Russian warplanes to operate inside Ukraine. The Russians resorted to having their aircraft launch glide bombs from inside Russian territory. These bombs used GPS guidance which was soon neutralized by Ukrainian electronic warfare. Within seven months of the Russian invasion Ukrainian air defenses, including electronic warfare, were intercepting over 80 percent of Russian missiles as well as attack and reconnaissance drones.

Eventually the Russians switched most of their attacks to economic targets. This was harder to defend against because there were too many of these targets spread all over Ukraine. Given that Russia was only able to launch one missile or drone an hour, these attacks on economic targets did no significant damage. The Russians knew that and hoped to damage Ukrainian morale. That didnt work either.

The wide variety of NATO supplied air defense equipment was enhanced by Ukrainian innovations in detection, fire control and electronic warfare. Among the air-defense weapons sent to Ukraine, the NASAMS system was the most anticipated because of its reputation. NASAMS is far superior to the similar Russian Buk M1 system Ukraine and Russia used, or anything else in its class. NASAM systems began arriving in Ukraine during November 2022 and, by late 2024, there were eight NASAMS batteries in Ukraine.

By 2025 there were be nine more NASAMS batteries for Ukraine as well as longer range AMRAAM ER missiles for it. NASAMS has been very effective against Russian missile attacks, often intercepting all the Russian missiles headed for an area defended by a NASAMS battery. The impact of NASAMS on Russian missile attacks led the Russians to try and detect and destroy NASAMS batteries or components of batteries. As of early 2024, only one NASAMS battery has come under heavy Russian attack and lost some components. So far NASAMS has intercepted over 500 hundred Russian missiles and drones. The latest version of NASAMS has a missile range of 50 kilometers and a target detection radar with a range of 120 kilometers. The older and larger Patriot system has a missile with a range of 120 kilometers. NASAMS systems are more compact and mobile than Patriot and the Ukrainians have found that NASAMS and Patriot systems complement each other. In Ukraine Russia is having a difficult time finding worthy targets that are not defended by NASAMS or Patriot.

NASAMS was a system developed by Norway in the early 1990s and entered service in 1998. Norway pioneered the use of American AMRAAM air-to-air missiles as surface-to-air weapons and developed the fire control and launcher equipment needed to make it all work. It was a simple but very effective use of air-to-air missiles for air defense. Other air-to-air missiles have been used for ground-based air defense systems, but the Norwegian version is seen as the best of the lot. Norway initially had six NASAMS batteries for its own defense. Eleven other nations, like Hungary, Spain, Holland, Chile, and the United States, Finland, Lithuania, and Ukraine also use NASAMS, and the system is still in production.

The NASAMS was initially developed for the Norwegian Air Force by Norwegian firm Kongsberg, in cooperation with American partner Raytheon, which produces AMRAAM. A major upgrade, NASAMS 2, officially entered service in 2007 and since then it has gained interest in more nations.

NASAMS popularity is due to a truly open architecture that, unlike competing systems, allows NASAMS to be used with a wide variety of radars. Initially NASAMS used the American made MPQ-64 Sentinel radar but some customers requested a system that can work with different radars and air-to-air missiles. NASAMS has been tested and configured to work with more than 30 different radar systems and can fire just about any air-to-air missile that can be fired from NATO aircraft. All that is required is modifications to the size and electrical connections in the NASAMS launcher cells and software modification of the fire control system. Since NATO has long-established standards for NATO weapons, NASAMS takes full advantage of this.

So far NASAMS has been configured with AIM-120 AMRAAM and its longer-range ER variant in addition to the heat seeking AIM-9X Sidewinder and the European IRIS-T. The last one is an interesting story. Norway has a big stock of IRIS-T for their F-16 fighters, but the new Norwegian F-35 is not compatible with IRIS-T, so they decided to use this very modern European missile as an anti-aircraft missile in NASAMS systems. This example clearly shows how flexible this system is while the competitor systems are tied to a limited number of missiles and radars.

A typical NASAMS battery consists of 12 launcher vehicles, each carrying six missiles, eight radar vehicles, one fire control center, and one tactical control vehicle. NASAMS does not provide protection for a large area because the max range of its missiles is 30-50 kilometers while range of battery radar target detection is up t0 160 kilometers. NASAMS batteries will be used to protect major cities. NASAMS is being used alongside existing Ukrainian S300 systems and American Patriot batteries Ukraine received as well. Patriot was especially effective at intercepting ballistic missiles.
In one of his first public comments on the attack, PM Modi said that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist who killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22 read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack at a public rally in Bihar, saying that India will punish the terrorists and those involved in the attack beyond their imagination.

In one of his first public comments on the attack, PM Modi said that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist who killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22.

On April 22, terrorists killed innocent people of the country in J&Ks Pahalgam The country is sad and in pain after this incident. We stand with the families of the victims The terrorists will not be spared, strong action will be taken against themThe punishment will be significant and stringent, which these terrorists would have never even thought about, he said.

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#WATCH | #PahalgamTerrorAttack | Addressing a public meeting in Bihar's Madhubani, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "On April 22, terrorists killed innocent people of the country in J&K's Pahalgam... The country is sad and in pain after this incident. We stand with the families pic.twitter.com/rlmr44lSnY  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

PM Modi added, Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished.

#WATCH | On Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi says, "Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. pic.twitter.com/8SPHOAJIi2  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

PM Modi held a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on Wednesday, which decided to significantly downgrade Indias ties with Pakistan. At a late evening media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions, said the overall strength of the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1.
As the US and China fight the economic Cold War, the EU finds it hard to be with either the US or China read more

The European Union is trying to diversify its economic engagements and is looking at China as a strong partner to weather the Trumpian tariff threat. Will the EU-China economic partnership cement their bond and weaken the US economic primacy? Can China and the EU be partners to confront American unilateralism, especially in economic affairs?

Poland, the current President of the European Union, has a Herculean task ahead to provide leadership to Europe amidst a complex Cold War in the geo-economic landscape playing out in the world today.

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Polish economy is deeply entangled with the Chinese economy. It is at the frontline of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative in Europe. Warsaw-Washington strategic partnership, at the same time, is very deep and expansive. But Trump 2.0 has brought unprecedented challenges. How Poland, from its experience, will deal with China on economic issues during its EU presidency is being watched from all around.

The world is currently engulfed in a complicated economic Cold War, unleashed by US President Donald Trump. While seeking to Make America Great Again as per his campaign promises, Trump has started the economic Cold War from the very moment his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States was complete.

Ironically, the current economic Cold War is not between any two blocs of nations, as was the case during the Cold War that started soon after the end of the Second World War. It is between the United States of America and the rest of the world. By announcing his tariff policy, President Trump made it clear that all countries, including friends, foes and neutrals, will have to pay higher tariffs for exporting their goods to the US. The list of the countries mentioned by the US President included countries that were not even inhabited by the humans!

The initial targets of President Trump were surprisingly age-old strategic allies of the United States, such as Canada, Mexico and the European Union. And the economic Cold War he unleashed became complex, because some of the goods facing higher tariffs were against American interests. Trump imposed high tariffs, withdrew some, added more, suspended some and finally gave a ninety-day relief with the expectations that countries would approach him, negotiate, make compromises and he would make deals that would suit the US most.

Not surprisingly, numerous countries appear to have come forward to negotiate deals with the Trump Administration. The country that did not budge was the Peoples Republic of China. President Xi Jinping of China, considered a friend by Donald Trump himself, called for negotiations to resolve the differences with mutual respect, but refused to accept the unilateral terms and conditions proposed by President Trump. The result was tit-for-tat tariffs imposed by the US and China against each other and the economic Cold War saw high drama, stubborn State behaviour and assumed added intricacy.

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While various countries have attempted truce with the Trump Administration, the US-China economic Cold War threatens to impact the global political economy, particularly international trade in view of the existence of an intricate web of supply chains and value chains passing through China.

The European Union in the process is in the eye of the storm. Many Western European countries have been part of the US-led alliance system since the formation of NATO in 1949. The initial political moves that finally culminated in European economic integration were inspired by the US to counter the former Soviet Union. And the Eastern European countries joined the NATO alliance and the European Union in a phased manner after the Soviet collapse and the end of the Cold War. Today, almost the whole of Europe is in a trans-Atlantic partnership with the US.

Currently, the EU countries are in a whopping dilemma. As the US and China fight the economic Cold War, the EU finds it hard to be with either the US or China. Interestingly, the EU cannot remain in isolation either. The EU shares with the US cultural traditions, political values, and strategic visions, but now finds itself in a deep bind due to Trumps tariff threats, that is sure to disrupt the EU economies beyond belief. China and the EU too intensely differ in political values and cultural ethos, yet the two have been among the largest trade and investment partners in recent times and benefit enormously from their economic cooperation.

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Thus, a political and strategic ally of the EU has become an economic threat and its systemic rival like China is an economic ally. The EUs strategic ally and the economic ally are in a dire confrontation mode. What should it do? The Asian allies of the United States in Asia have often displayed similar concern. But the EU member countries are also part of NATO and their mutual economic interdependence with the US is enormous. The EU cannot just walk away from this reality.

On the other hand, China is seen by the EU as an economic competitor and a systemic rival. Currently, the EU faces dissimilar economic challenges from both the US and China. There have been trade disputes between the US and the EU earlier as well, but Trumps threat of high tariffs is an arrow directly aimed at EUs economic heart. The EU at the same time has disputes with China on issues, such as subsidies, market access, intellectual property rights, dumping and the headline-hitting cheap Chinese electrical vehicles flooding European automobile markets.

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In the face of Trumps tariff threats, the EU certainly has tried to reach out to China for deeper economic engagements. High-level interactions have taken place both in Beijing and Brussels. China appears ready to reciprocate. But the US strongly comes in-between and urges the EU to de-link from China to get tariff relief and China threatens retaliation against any country that would play the US card and distance itself from China.

The EUs plight is exacerbated by Trumps Russia policy, its compulsion to back Ukraine to the extent there is a fair deal to end the Ukraine War in a manner that would ensure durable European security; and the biting energy shortages to the detriment of the continents economy. Yet the EU would find it difficult to abandon the US and embrace China to create new rules for international trade and commerce.

The EU-China differences over human rights, political values, rule of law, and fair trade principles would obstruct them from coming together against the US, despite the latter posing a common tariff challenge to them.

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Significantly, the EU cannot even adopt economic non-alignment, because both the US and China are critical for the EUs economic stability and growth. For the EU, it is perhaps better to enhance economic engagements with several other countries and reduce the number of eggs in the Chinese basket. In other words, de-risk both the US and China!

The author is founding chairperson, Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, formerly Professor at JNU. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Its time India paid Pakistan back in the same coin by exploiting its fault lines read more

The TRF (The Resistance Front), an offshoot of the LeT, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack that resulted in 26 dead and many wounded, blaming it on the governments domicile policies. This was just an excuse. The true intent was to instigate religious riots within India, compelling the state to respond with force. Thus, they targeted victims based on religion.

Pakistans leaders will be expecting a strong Indian retaliation, hoping it will bind their nation, split politically apart, and also divert minds from their failures in Balochistan.

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The attack was part of the belief within Pakistans strategic circles that a destabilised India adds to their security. Another Pakistani theory is that the road to peace in Balochistan flows through a turbulent Kashmir. They have been accusing India of supporting the Baloch fighters.

For Pakistan, instability in India is easiest by exploiting its social fault lines. Their nuclear threat, which they believed would restrict Indias military options, has been debunked in recent years.

Pakistan leaders also assume that they represent the voice of Muslims across the world. Their claim on Kashmir is only based on religion. Hence, over the decades, Pakistan attempted to push Kashmiris to revolt, backed by infiltrated terrorists, against the Indian state.

The Pakistan army chief, Gen Asim Munir, recently commented that Kashmir is their jugular vein. They had historically supported separatists in Kashmir, through Hawala funding, fermenting stone pelting, hartals, bandhs and violence, thereby impacting tourism, the states main revenue earner, hoping to bring the states economy to its knees. However, it failed.

Simultaneously, it has waded into every subject, even remotely connected to religion within India, desperate to split India based on religion and instigate riots, resulting in global criticism. Religion, anti-India rhetoric and Kashmir are subjects that divert the minds of starving, unemployed and uneducated Pakistani youth. By playing the India card, the youth get an opportunity to vent anger and forget their daily sufferings.

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Pakistans intent was evident when its foreign ministry commented upon the Waqf Amendment Bill, a subject it had no connection to. It hoped to instigate nationwide protests against the bill, however, protests only happened in West Bengal. Its Foreign Office spokesman, Shafqat Ali Khan, mentioned, Particularly the Act usurps property rights of the Muslim community, and could potentially dispossess them of several mosques, shrines and other holy places. This was far from true but it was intended to instigate protests.

India retaliated by rejecting Pakistans comments with the spokesperson mentioning, Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India. This is not the first time that Pakistan has commented on Indias internal matters.

Imran Khan, addressing the first Global Refugee Forum, mentioned on CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019), We in Pakistan are not just worried that therell be a refugee crisis; we are worried that this could lead to a conflict. A conflict between two nuclear-armed countries. Pakistans national assembly even passed a resolution condemning CAA.

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Logically, Pakistan had no reason to comment as the bill grants citizenship to religious minorities of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who had to flee their homeland facing persecution. However, backed by Pakistan, CAA protests turned violent in places. Violence was even ongoing during the state visit of the then US President, Donald Trump.

Pakistans then foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, jumped into the Hijab controversy of Karnataka in 2022. He mentioned, To deny anyone this fundamental right (education) and terrorise them for wearing a hijab is absolutely oppressive. India hit back, as was expected. Islamabad went as far as to summon the Indian charge daffaires to convey their grave concern over alleged religious intolerance. Pakistan had attempted to instigate unrest, thereby lowering Indias global standing. It failed.

Pakistan dramatised the abrogation of Article 370, despite the article having no role in the ongoing Indo-Pak dispute. The article was included in the constitution in 1954, while UNSC resolutions on Kashmir were of 1948. Further, the Shimla agreement and Lahore declaration had made the dispute bilateral, overriding UNSC resolutions. Pakistan blocked trade, withdrew High Commissioners and linked everything with the restoration of the article.

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Imran Khan, then the PM, went so far as to threaten a catastrophe over the abrogation of Article 370. He termed India an oppressor and aggressor. Pakistan had hoped that its screams and internal protests would instigate violence in Kashmir. Nothing happened. Kashmir remained peaceful and a lot changed.

It had also hoped that the world would join hands in forcing the Indian government to pull back from the abrogation, giving them victory. There was global silence. Today, Pakistan, aware that it must take the first step in restoring diplomatic ties, fears doing so, as it would admit a failed strategy.

To add heft in its attempt to instigate violence in India, Pakistan began partnering with SFJ (Sikhs for Justice), a Khalistan seeking organisation. SFJ members joined Pakistan supporters in the UK and the US in anti-India protests. SFJ also provided social media backing during the farmers agitation, including involving paid influencers, Mia Khalifa, Rihanna, Malala and Greta Thunberg. It is a fact that Pakistan is funding SFJ. With the Trump administration, Khalistan is taking a backseat in the US.

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What is causing pain to Pakistan is that while its global stature recedes, a confident and strong India emerges. The world ignores Pakistans cries while backing Indian actions. While India grows economically and militarily, Pakistan continues to be termed as the worlds terror capital, recording the second-highest terrorist attacks globally in 2024. The Balakot strike created fear within the Pakistan military hierarchy. Even today, post Pahalgam, Pakistan is aware that India will react, but is unaware how.

The only option left for Pakistan to continue exploiting its strategy of enhancing instability is to play on Indias social fault lines using social media, hoping it will lead to violence and a strong state reaction. The Indian government, aware that most internal upheavals are funded and guided from abroad, handles them maturely, thereby frustrating Pakistans plans.

Currently, instability is growing in Pakistan with all its outlying provinces, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and POK restless and angry. Its time India paid Pakistan back in the same coin by exploiting its fault lines.

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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.
Harvards wealth and prestige make capitulation unlikely. But sustained funding freezes could disrupt research and jobs. A compromise may be expected read more

The ongoing clash between the Trump administration and Harvard University epitomises a broader struggle over power, ideology, and the role of federal funding in shaping institutional policies and outcomes. But much more is at stake here than the simplistic manner in which the issue has been framed by the largely anti-Trump mainstream media.

The allegation is that the US government is trying to arm-twist, even throttle, American universities. Their independence and freedom from government interference, especially in private universities, was taken for granted. In state-funded schools too, such as the one I got my Masters and PhD from, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champain, I never heard of the governor of the state or for that matter any senior official or politician dictating to the university what to do. Quite unlike, one might add, to the routinised political interference in Indian universities, barring the IITs and IIMs.

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But before proceeding, let us understand the crux of the conflict.

Last Monday, the US government announced that it would suspend $2.2 billions of multiyear grants from Harvard in retaliation of the universitys troubling entitlement mindset. The cut was the Trumps response to Harvards stand that it would not accede to demands on curbing viewpoints and admitting international students perceived by the administration to be hostile to the American values and institutions.

Harvards X account posted: The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights. It added, Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government. The statement suggests that Harvard, the oldest, most powerful, and richest of American universities, was standing up for the entire academic community in the country.

arvard, we must not forget, is not just any other university. Founded in 1636, it is older than the United States itself or its Constitution. It also has an endowment of over $50 billion, more than the GDPs of almost 100 countries. Why, one might ask, should it buckle under pressure?

But as any financial analyst will tell you, endowment funds are not meant to be spent, except in emergencies. Only their interest or income is available to cover the costs of the institution. Given this principle, the university must continue to raise funds not only from student fees and private donors, but from the government and its funding agencies, especially to keep its ongoing research and high-profile projects afloat.

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Cuts of this magnitude, running into billions, are bound to affect it adversely. Moreover, the government has also threatened to revoke its non-profit status, which would dry up private funding. The situation is quite grim. There are layoffs and cutbacks already.

The genesis of the collision, we might recall, goes back to campus antisemitism and pro-Palestine campus protests, some of which turned ugly, if not violent. The former Harvard president, Claudine Gay, had to resign following senate hearings and a public outcry, especially from influential donors like Bill Ackman of Pershing Square. Another bone of contention is the DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) overreach, which Trump wanted to correct all over the country.

In 2025, after Trumps second assumption of the US presidency, the tension only escalated. Harvard has staunchly resisted the government, framing its demands as an assault on academic freedom. Meanwhile, media outlets, often perceived as biased, have seized this standoff to criticise Trump, amplifying narratives that paint his actions as authoritarian overreach, further polarizing the discourse.

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The administrations Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism justified the freeze, claiming Harvard failed to address antisemitism, particularly tied to pro-Palestinian protests following the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict. President Trump escalated the rhetoric, threatening to strip Harvards tax-exempt status, accusing the university of fostering leftist ideology and entitlement.

Harvards response, led by President Alan Garber, was firm. In a public letter, Garber rejected the demands as unconstitutional, asserting that no government could dictate what private universities teach, whom they admit, or what they research. Faculty lawsuits and protests in Cambridge further underscored Harvards defiance, framing the administrations actions as a threat to academic freedom.

But, to give the government, if not the devil, its due, we must remember the age-old principle: he who pays the piper calls the tune. No funding, whether public or private, comes with no strings attached. I am not trying to justify the federal governments threat to withhold funding from institutions that defy its policies but merely stating the obvious.

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Indeed, Harvard alone receives nearly $9 billion in federal grants and contracts, of which nearly $7 billion go supporting affiliated hospitals and research in medicine, science, and technology. The administrations position that taxpayer dollars should not subsidise institutions which encourage ideological bias and violate civil rights is, thus, not entirely toothless.

One prominent X influencer, for example, praised Trump for targeting Harvards toxic DEI, implying that federal funding should align with national priorities. This logic is not without historical precedents. The Solomon Amendment (1982), for instance, tied funding to military recruitment access, reinforcing the governments authority to enforce compliance.

Harvard counters by arguing that yielding to political pressure would undermine Harvards mission to pursue truth, instead of popular opinion. The universitys financial cushionits endowment dwarfs most institutions budgetsgives it leverage to resist, unlike Columbia University, which capitulated to similar demands to restore $400 million in funding.

Media coverage has played a pivotal role, often framing Trumps actions as an authoritarian power grab, predictably, portraying Harvard as a defender of intellectual freedom against a White House bent on gutting liberal universities under the guise of fighting antisemitism. But the media risks oversimplifying a complex issue.

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While Trumps blunt approachfreezing funds and issuing ultimatumsinvites accusations of overreach, Harvards resistance is not purely altruistic. Its endowment, while a bulwark, is not a blank check; federal funds support critical research, and prolonged cuts could strain operations. Moreover, public sentiment, as seen in X posts, reveals frustration with elite institutions perceived as unaccountable.

Who will blink first? The answer will have far-reaching consequences. Harvards wealth and prestige make capitulation unlikely. But sustained funding freezes could disrupt research and jobs. Accountability vs. autonomyboth sides have good reasons, backed by moolah, going for them. Perhaps, a compromise is inevitable. After all, isnt that the essence of democracy?

The piper calls the tune, but when the tune becomes a battle cry, both sides risk losing the melody.

The writer is an author and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Nokia maintained its earnings guidance of an operating profit of between 1.9 and 2.4 billion euros in 2025. It posted an operating profit of 2.0 billion in 2024 read more

In this file photo taken on March 4, 2025 the logo of Finnish technology company Nokia is pictured at the MWC (Mobile World Congress), the world's biggest mobile fair, in Barcelona. AFP

Finnish telecoms equipment maker Nokia on Thursday reported a net loss of 60 million euros ($68 million) for the first quarter, citing the tariff wars and the rapidly evolving global trade landscape.

The company said tariffs imposed by the United States could result in some short-term disruption in its operations, but held its outlook of posting an annual operating profit.

We are not immune to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape, chief executive Justin Hotard said in a statement.

However based on early customer feedback, I believe our markets should prove to be relatively resilient, he added.

Hotard said the company expects the current tariffs would impact second quarter comparable operating profit by 20 to 30 million euros.

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The company posted an operating profit of 432 million euros in the second quarter last year.

US President Donald Trump implemented a tariff of 10 percent on global imports this month, but he paused plans for higher duties on dozens of countries, including a 20 percent duty for goods from EU nations.

Nokia maintained its earnings guidance of an operating profit of between 1.9 and 2.4 billion euros in 2025. It posted an operating profit of 2.0 billion in 2024.

First quarter sales dipped one percent from last year to 4.4 billion euros.

The first quarter net loss compared to a net profit of 438 million euros last.

Atte Riikola, an analyst with Finnish market research firm Inderes, told AFP that Nokias sales aligned with expectations while earnings fell below estimates owing to a contract settlement charge with a net impact of 120 million euros.

If we consider the one time negative impact from some customer contract that was settled, then the earnings performance was in line with the expectations, Riikola said.

The company said it expects its Network Infrastructure and Cloud and Network Services divisions to see sales growth this year, while Mobile Networks to hold steady.

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Alongside its first quarter report, it announced a contract extension with US operator T-Mobile, saying it continued to see positive signs of stabilisation in its Mobile Networks business.

Riikola said strategic announcements from Hotard  who took over after Pekka Lundmark as Nokias CEO on April 1  about the future of Nokia were to be expected in the second quarter.

We know that Nokia is going more towards the network infrastructure business and the key growth area there is the data centres, Riikola said.
At least 54 soldiers were killed in a terror attack by suspected jihadists on military posts in Benins W National Park on April 17, the government confirmed. This is the deadliest attack since jihadist violence began in northern Benin. read more

54 soldiers killed in suspected jihadist attack in Benin, says government. File Image- AP

Suspected jihadist insurgents killed 54 troops in an attack last week on military posts in a Benin national park, the government said Wednesday.

Government spokesman Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji gave the new toll to a press briefing on the April 17 attack in the W national park in northern Benin, close to the frontiers with Burkina Faso and Niger. Authorities had previously said eight soldiers were killed.

This is the heaviest official toll since the start of jihadist attacks in the north.

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The attack was claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (GSIM or JNIM in Arabic) which is affiliated with al Qaeda. It had said 70 Beninese soldiers were killed.

Even if its not the 70  its a lot, the government spokesman acknowledged.

The soldiers who have fallen are our children, our parents, our friends, he said.

The country deployed nearly 3,000 soldiers to secure its borders in January 2022. It later sent an additional 5,000 troops to bolster security in the north.

Twenty-eight Benin soldiers were killed near the border between Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso in January in an attack also claimed by the GSIM.
Amid growing tensions with India, Pakistan has announced plans to conduct a surface-to-surface missile test off the Karachi coast on Wednesday. This follows earlier firing drills by Pakistans military at Tilla Range, seen as a show of strength read more

After live fire drills in Tilla range, Pakistan to test missile off Karachi coast. Image: AFP

Amid rising tensions with India, Pakistan has issued a notification announcing it will conduct a surface-to-surface missile test off the Karachi coast on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Pakistani military held firing drills at Tilla Range, which experts see as a show of strength. While Pakistan denies any role in the attack, global pressure is growing on Islamabad.

Indian defence agencies are keeping a close watch on the situation, especially given the current security concerns, defence sources told ANI.

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This comes after India on Wednesday (23 April) announced several tough steps against Pakistan following a terrorist attack in the picturesque Baisaran meadow near Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which killed 26 innocent people, mostly tourists.

At least five terrorists, including three from Pakistan, are believed to have opened fire on tourists in Pahalgams Baisaran Valley on Tuesday, according to sources cited by The Indian Express. The two local terrorists were also trained in Pakistan in 2018, returned to the valley in 2021, and carried out the attack.

Indian security forces have initiated a large-scale manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators.

The terrorists targeted the victims based on their religion and killed those who were unable to recite Islamic verses, marking one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region in recent years.

The foreign ministry described it as a decisive response to cross-border terrorism.

In a strong response, India has summoned Pakistans top diplomat and expelled its military diplomats by declaring them persona non grata. Other key steps include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting the Attari border crossing, and cancelling SAARC visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals.

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India has called in Pakistans top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed him an official notice declaring Pakistans military diplomats as persona non grata, meaning they have been expelled.

Misri said India is suspending the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan clearly and permanently stops supporting cross-border terrorism.

Though, as usual, Islamabad has denied any role in the attack, just as it did after multiple terror attacks on Indian soil such as Pulwama and Uri, this time, Pakistani authorities have again denied involvement and stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead a national security meeting on Thursday to decide on a response.
Canadian voters have blamed the Liberal Party for the housing and affordability crisis that has pushed many out of their homes. Besides expensive homes, people in Canada are also facing higher prices for groceries and gas read more

Canadian voters are seeking a government that will make putting a roof over their heads cheaper, as the country witnesses a housing crisis ahead of April 28 elections.

Urban dwellers in Canada are finding it extremely difficult to buy or even rent homes in cities due to soaring prices. First-time buyers are unable to purchase their dream homes in urban centres and suburbs, as they have now become the places where the worlds most expensive homes are listed.

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How expensive are homes in Canada?

In Toronto, the benchmark price for a single-family home, based on an index used by Canadian real estate agents to track sales, is now approximately 1.4 million Canadian dollars, up from 970,000 CAD in 2020.

In Vancouver, prices are even steeper, with the standard home now costing around two million CAD, compared to 1.4 million CAD five years ago. Meanwhile, the average rent in Vancouver is about 2,500 Canadian dollars per month.

Canadian voters have blamed the Liberal Party for the housing and affordability crisis that has pushed many out of their homes. Besides expensive homes, people in Canada are also facing higher prices for groceries and gas.

Carney has a plan

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the leader who is ahead in polls, seems to have a plan to mitigate the crisis.

Last month, Carney announced his signature housing policy that promises to double the construction of homes in Canada to nearly 500,000.

My new Liberal government is flipping the script on housing with a new approach to build faster, build smarter and to build more affordably, Carney said during a campaign rally.

To achieve this, a Carney-led Liberal government proposes establishing an organisation called Build Canada Homes (BCH), which would function as a developer responsible for overseeing the construction of affordable housing across the country.

Under BCH, the Canadian government will offer $10 billion in low-cost financing and grants.

We will immediately develop homelessness reduction targets with every province and territory to inform housing-first investments, improve access to treatment and end encampments community by community, Carneys campaign said in a statement.

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The soldier, identified as Constable PK Singh of the 182nd battalion, was on duty near farmland close to the Indo-Pak border when, during routine movement, he unintentionally went past the Indian border fence into Pakistani territory read more

A BSF (Border Security Force) soldier was detained by Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday afternoon (April 23) after he accidentally crossed the International Border in Punjabs Ferozepur sector, news agency PTI reported.

The soldier, identified as Constable PK Singh of the 182nd battalion, was on duty near farmland close to the Indo-Pak border when, during routine movement, he unintentionally went past the Indian border fence into Pakistani territory. He was then taken into custody by the Pakistan Rangers.

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After the incident, officials from both sides held a flag meeting to discuss the situation and work on getting the soldier released.

Such accidental crossings of the border  whether by security personnel or civilians  are not uncommon and are generally handled through set military procedures. Typically, both sides hold flag meetings and the detained individual is sent back after verification.

However, tensions between India and Pakistan are currently running high following the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. That incident, where 26 people  mostly tourists  were killed in a shocking assault at Baisaran meadow, has deeply shaken the region. Its the worst civilian massacre in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, making even routine issues like this border crossing more sensitive than usual.

According to local media reports, some seven to eight terrorists may have been involved in the attack, including five to six Pakistani nationals.

Earlier on Wednesday, India announced several punitive steps against Pakistan as part of a decisive response to cross-border terrorism.

In a major move, the government said the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan will be held in abeyance.

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism, said Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, during a press briefing.

Pakistan on Thursday said Indias move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty was an act of war

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Indias reckless suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is an act of water warfare; a cowardly, illegal move. Every drop is ours by right, and we will defend it with full force - legally, politically, and globally, Pakistans energy minister Awais Leghari posted on X.
Zelenskyy said theres no real pressure on Russia to stop its invasion or agree to a ceasefire and called for stronger global action as Ukraine mourns victims of deadly Kyiv strike read more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses a news conference with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, on Thursday. AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said he did not see signs Russia was being pressured to halt its invasion or agree to a ceasefire.

Addressing a press conference alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa in South Africa, Zelenskyy said, I dont see any strong pressure on Russia or any new sanctions packages against Russias aggression.

He said that US President Donald Trump had previously warned of repercussions if Moscow did not agree to a ceasefire.

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We believe that with greater pressure on the Russian Federation, we will be able to bring our sides closer, he added.

He said that any additional compromises can be considered once a ceasefire is in place.

However, he pointed out that after more than three years of a brutal war of aggression that has claimed thousands of lives, the very act of agreeing to talks with the aggressor is itself a significant compromise.

The Ukrainian president said that agreeing to a ceasefire would signal political goodwill from all parties involved.

He reiterates that Ukraines primary goal is to end the war and emphasises the urgent need to bring back Ukrainian children who were abducted by Russia.

Zelenskyy also urges the United States to take a leading role in securing peace, noting that the results of the London talks should now be on President Trumps desk for review and consideration.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine has done as much as possible to progress in talks with the US by signing a memorandum on minerals, after removing provisions that would contradict its constitution.

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The Ukrainian president cut short his South Africa visit after eight people were killed and dozens injured in a Russian overnight attack on Kyiv.

Zelensky said the attack was undoubtedly one of the most difficult and impudent.

If Russia says it is ready to cease fire, it must stop massive strikes against Ukraine. It is Ukrainians who are running out of patience, because it is us who are under attack, and no one else, BBC quoted Zelenskyy as saying.

With inputs from agencies
April 23, 2025: The invasion of Ukraine led to unexpectedly large Russian casualties. As the war went on, Russia had to rely more on cash inducements to obtain more troops. This worked, but many of the new soldiers were older men who were seeking money for their children or grandchildren. Unfortunately, a lot of these soldiers, young and old, did not make it back. Russian wounded tended to remain on the battlefield where they died from lack of first aid or emergency medical care.

Russian medical care in combat units, especially during combat, was never very effective and often not even available. Worse, wounded soldiers were often sent back to their units after poor medical treatment. This led to still festering wounds getting infected. This left the returned soldier unable to perform well in combat.

In the combat zone there was poor or nonexistent medical treatment for the wounded. It was the same for diseases that of the breakout among troops in the combat zone. At one point Russian troops in Ukraine suffered from what was called mouse fever and received little treatment. This meant a growing number of Russian troops were disabled by the mouse fever, which Russian military medical personnel have been slow to deal with. In part thats because this is a new ailment, and the Russian medical community has not yet found a way to effectively cope.

It's a different situation with Ukrainian troops, where the army has been quick to adopt western military practices. The traditional Ukrainian military feldsher, or medic with practical but no formal medical training, received more training and better equipment than their Russian counterparts. The results have been dramatic.

About 40 percent of Russian casualties died compared to only 20 percent of Ukrainian casualties because the Russians in this war often get no battlefield medical treatment whatsoever. The Ukrainians eagerly adopted western combat medical practices, which were above average during World War Two and continued to improve after that war. Subsequently western forces have at least minimal battle treatment, largely by getting the wounded off the battlefield to be treated by medics and eventually sent to field hospitals where surgery and other emergency treatment was available. It has long been known that wounded soldiers in freezing conditions died of exposure or shock within about an hour unless they are carried to shelter, but that is not happening for Russian soldiers in this war at all even though it was done somewhat during World War Two. Soviet field medics then were generally women with no medical training whose major job was to crawl out into battlefields with groundsheets, roll wounded soldiers onto those, and then drag them back to an aid station. There are no such Russian female medics in this war so wounded who cannot themselves crawl to a rear aid station generally die. Prospective recruits know this and thats another reason for avoiding military service.

One of the more amazing, and underreported, aspects of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are the dramatically lower American casualties compared to Vietnam, and previous 20th century wars. The casualty rate in Iraq was a third of what it was in Vietnam. It was even lower in Afghanistan and all subsequent conflicts. Medical care had gotten much better, quicker, and faster. Not only were procedures more effective, but badly wounded soldiers got to the operating table more quickly. Field medics now had capabilities that, during Vietnam, only surgeons had. All this is one reason why the ratio of wounded to killed was 6 in Vietnam, compared to 7.3 for Iraq. In Ukraine, Ukrainian troops benefit from these changes, their Russian adversaries do not.

The fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan has brought about a major change in how the United States handled combat casualties. The result was over 90 percent of the wounded troops survived their wounds. That's the highest rate in history. There are several reasons for this. The main one is that medics, and the troops themselves, are being trained to deliver more complex and effective first aid more quickly. Military doctors now talk of the platinum 10 minutes, meaning that if you can keep the wounded soldier, especially the ones who are badly hurt, alive for ten minutes, their chances of survival go way up. Before that the goal was the golden hour. That reduced deaths among wounded troops, but the ten minute goal reduced the death rate to a much greater extent.

Medics have been equipped and trained to perform procedures previously done only by physicians, while troops are trained to do some procedures previously handled only by medics. This skill upgrade is made possible by a number of factors.

First, over the last few decades, there has been continuous development in methods and equipment for emergency medicine practiced by ambulance crews and staff in emergency rooms. These practices were initially slow to be adopted by the military. Decades ago, because of the fighting in Iraq, it had nearly all been adopted by military medical personnel. This was often due to medics in reserve units often having full time jobs as emergency medical personnel.

As much as combat deaths have been reduced in the last decade, by more than half, there are still some types of wounds for which there is no battlefield treatment, meaning the victim will die before more extensive treatment can be obtained. Chief among these are abdominal wounds, where the abdominal aorta is opened. When that happens the victim bleeds to death in minutes. Now there is a solution for this in the form of a belt that is placed on the abdomen and activated. A bladder inflates which puts sufficient pressure on the abdominal aorta to stop the bleeding or reduce it enough to make it possible to get the casualty to a surgeon.

While tourniquets have been around for thousands of years, these devices only work on limbs. Preventing death from most other rapid blood loss situations was achieved in the last decade with the development and widespread use of powders and granules that could quickly stop the bleeding. First came special bandages like the Chitosan Hemostatic Dressing, more commonly called HemCon. This was basically a freeze dried substance that caused rapid clotting of blood and was incorporated into what otherwise looked like a typical battlefield bandage. It greatly reduced bleeding, which had become the most common cause of death among wounded American troops. This device was a major breakthrough in bandage technology. Over 95 percent of the time, the HemCon bandages stopped bleeding, especially in areas where a tourniquet could not be applied. This did not work when the abdominal aorta was involved. HemCon was followed by WoundStat powder to deal with some of the bleeding that HemCon could not handle. While medics and troops prefer the bandage type device, there are situations where WoundStat, a fine granular substance is a better solution, especially in the hands of a medic. Only the medics got packets, usually two of WoundStat powder. That's because this is only needed for deep wounds and has a theoretical risk of causing fatal clots if it gets into the bloodstream.

WoundStat was but one of many new medical tools for battlefield medicine that greatly increased the effectiveness of the immediate within minutes or seconds, after getting hit, by medical care for troops. This effort consisted of three programs. First, there was the development of new medical tools and treatments that troops could quickly and safely be taught to use. This included stuff like HemCon. Then came the equipping of medics, about one for every 30 or so combat troops with more powerful tools, so that troops were less likely to bleed to death or suffocate from certain types of wounds that are not fatal if treated quickly enough. Finally, there was the Combat Lifesaver program, which more than tripled the number of medics by putting selected soldiers through a 40 hour CLS or Combat Lifesaver course in the most common medical procedures soldiers can perform to deal with the most dangerous types of wounds usually encountered. These CLS trained soldiers are not medics, of course, but they do make available in combat crucial medical treatments. Thus, they are sort of medics lite, which is close enough if you are badly wounded and in need of some prompt medical treatment.

During the last two centuries major wars have tended to produce significant improvements in medical care. This is what has happened in the past decade but in a much accelerated fashion. For example, since September 11, 2001, over two million American troops went off to war and about two percent of them were killed or wounded. Only 12 percent of the 57,000 combat zone wounds were fatal, the lowest percentage in military history. This was largely due to major improvements in dealing with rapid blood loss when a major artery was severed and the increased speed with which complex medical care could be delivered to wounded troops. New medical technologies also made it possible to detect injuries like brain trauma that, in the past, was very difficult to detect and treat. More of these improvements reached wounded Ukrainian troops than their Russian adversaries.

The Combat Lifesaver course teaches the troops how to do things like inserting breathing tubes and other emergency surgical procedures to restore breathing. The CLS troops have skills most likely to be needed in life-saving situations when a medic is not available. The additional emergency medical training and new emergency first aid gear, the CLS bag, have saved hundreds of lives and reduced the severity of even more wounds. Enough troops have taken CLS training so that there is one for every 10-15 combat troops and one for every 20 or so support troops on convoy or security duty.

These new developments were also popular with civilian emergency medical services, and many of the experienced combat medics coming out of the military went to work as EMTs or Emergency Medical Technicians, thus increasing the quality of care for civilian accident victims. This was similar to what happened to the EMT field after the Vietnam War, when ambulance crews rapidly evolved from simply transporting accident victims, after a little first aid, to EMTs who could administer procedures that previously only doctors could handle. This followed the experience in World War II, where war demands led to development of mass production of the newly created antibiotics and that led to a revolution in surgery techniques.

Second, there's the high intelligence and skill levels of the volunteer military. High enlistment standards have largely gone unnoticed by most people, but within the military it is well known that combat troops are much brighter than at any time in the past and can handle more complex equipment and techniques. Getting the combat troops to learn these techniques is no problem because, for them, it could be a matter of life and death.

Third, medical teams capable of performing complex surgery are closer to the combat zone. These teams, like the medics and troops, have more powerful tools and techniques. This includes things like telemedicine, where you do a video conference with more expert doctors back in the U.S., to help save a patient.

All this is part of a century old trend. During World War II, the golden hour standard of getting wounded troops to an operating table was developed. Antibiotics were also developed at about the same time, along with the helicopter, whose first combat mission, in 1945 Burma, was to recover injured troops. These new developments are not anything exotic.

Finally, the military medical community has a track record of success that the troops know about. So everyone realizes that if they pitch in, chances of survival are good, and they are. In Ukraine the results are startling because Ukrainian troops who are wounded get better battlefield medical treatment and are quickly moved to where they can receive hospital level care. Its another reason why Ukrainian troops have higher morale and combat capability than their Russian counterparts. The Russian troops often have no professional medical care from medics, or even feldsher, while the Ukrainians do. Russian wounded troops who are captured are allowed to let their families know they are alive but injured. Eventually these Russian troops are able to let their families know that they received much better medical care from the Ukrainians that the Russian military could provide.
Increasing competition from China and a contracting economy for two consecutive years have exacerbated export-driven Germany economys challenges. Trumps aggressive tariff strategy has placed additional strain on German exporters read more

Germanys economy, Europes largest, is expected to stagnate this year, weighed down by ongoing trade tensions initiated by US President Donald Trump and domestic political uncertainty.

Outgoing economy minister Robert Habeck announced on Thursday that the government has slashed its 2025 growth forecast to zero, down from an already modest 0.3 per cent anticipated in January. For 2026, growth expectations have also been slightly revised downward to 1 per cent, compared to the 1.1 per cent forecast earlier this year.

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There is above all one reason for this, namely Donald Trumps trade policy and the effects of the trade policy on Germany, Habeck told reporters in Berlin. He highlighted the additional complication posed by Germanys lack of a parliamentary majority government since November, with a new administration still not officially established following Februarys elections.

Germany, traditionally an export-driven economy renowned globally for its luxury cars and industrial machinery, has struggled to achieve significant growth in recent years. Increasing competition from China and a contracting economy for two consecutive years have exacerbated these challenges.

Trumps aggressive tariff strategy has placed additional strain on German exporters. Last year, the United States replaced China as Germanys largest trading partner for the first time since 2015, as exports to China declined sharply amid escalating tensions.

Meanwhile, Germanys parliament is set to convene on May 6 to vote on Friedrich Merz as the nations new leader, pending approval of the coalition agreement reached earlier this month.

In anticipation of his government, potential coalition partners have already passed measures to boost defence spending and set up an extensive infrastructure fund, aiming to stimulate economic growth and offset the impacts of international trade disruptions.

With inputs from agencies
According to Pahlavi, the son of Irans last shah, using Irans foreign-held assets estimated at around $100 billion could be instrumental in empowering opposition forces from within read more

Western governments should establish a dedicated fund to support industrial strikes across Iran, aiming to paralyse the state and accelerate the downfall of its regime, according to Reza Pahlavi, the son of Irans last shah.

Pahlavi, whose father was deposed during the 1979 revolution, has expressed scepticism over the effectiveness of recent nuclear negotiations spearheaded by Donald Trumps administration, suggesting they offer little hope of securing lasting regional peace.

Instead, he wants Western nations to redirect their efforts towards aiding domestic opposition movements, facilitating advanced technology to enable better communication and organisation among protesters and dissidents.

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According to Pahlavi, using Irans foreign-held assetsestimated at around $100 billioncould be instrumental in empowering opposition forces from within.

A strike fund

Pahlavi advocated the creation of a strike fund, financed through Iranian assets currently frozen by international sanctions, according to POLITICO. These funds would back a sustained wave of peaceful civil resistance, particularly organised labour strikes, which could severely disrupt Irans economy and administrative functions, potentially triggering the regimes collapse within months.

Paralysing the regime as a result of work stoppages and strikes which is the least cost to the nation provided we can fund it this is something that can happen in a matter of months, Pahlavi explained. He pointed to Irans historical vulnerability to labour movements, referencing the critical role played by strikes especially in the oil sector in toppling his fathers regime nearly half a century ago.

Recent years have seen growing unrest in Iran, fuelled by widespread anger at government repression, economic hardship, and international isolation. Tehrans regional influence has diminished significantly, particularly following the collapse of its ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria and extensive damage inflicted by Israeli strikes on Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah.

A third way

Pahlavi, 64, has been actively touring European capitals, meeting with senior government officials and private investors to promote increased support for Irans internal opposition. He cautions that failing to back internal dissent could lead to external military interventions, including possible US or Israeli strikes.

Diplomacy has been exhausted with no actual breakthrough, and at the same time, theres a concern that if diplomacy fails are we talking about military action? Pahlavi said. What we propose is a third way  the best way to avoid having to resort to that scenario. Give the people of Iran a chance, let them be the agent of change, before we have to resort to other measures that are not wanted.

Trump, who recently authorised direct talks between US and Iranian officials, has warned of military action if Iran fails to curtail its nuclear programme imminently. However, Pahlavi argues that these nuclear discussions merely serve Tehrans strategy to buy time, further entrenching the ruling clerics.

This regime does not negotiate in good faith, Pahlavi asserted. However well-intentioned, these nuclear talks will throw a lifeline to a crumbling dictatorship and prolong its export of terror and chaos.
A student killed a 15-year-old student and injured three others in a school in Frances Nantes city, according to authorities read more

French police secure a street as members of special forces carried out counter-terrorism swoop at different locations in Argenteuil, a suburb in northern Paris, France, July 21, 2016. (Representative Photo, Credit: Reuters)

A 15-year-old student was killed and three others were injured on Wednesday in a stabbing attack in a school in Frances Nantes city.

The police said that a student went on a stabbing spree in the school and attacked four persons. He was later arrested.

The Associated Press reported the police as saying that the attack occurred at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides High School in Doulon, near Nantes, in western France.

As the student attacked others, the teachers subdued them and he was later arrested by the police, according to the report.

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The police did not identify the student by name. There was also no update about the motive of the attack.

Unlike the United States, fatal attacks in French schools are statistically rare. However, there have been some incidents in recent years, such as the beheading of a teacher by a student over purported disrespect of Prophet Mohammed.
The high-level visit, which had been months in the making, was meant to signal the culmination of negotiations between India and France over the procurement of Dassault Aviations carrier-borne Rafale Marine fighter jets read more

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu attends a joint press statement after talks about strengthening security and defence in Europe, at Ministry of Defence in Berlin, Germany, on November 25, 2024. Reuters File

Frances Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu has postponed his planned visit to India, originally scheduled for April 27, where he was expected to preside over the signing of a 7 billion agreement for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, defence sources told News18.

While the reason for the delay is unknown, the delay does come at a moment of heightened security sensitivity in India, following a deadly terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam region that killed dozens of civilians.

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Rafale-M signing

The high-level visit, which had been months in the making, was meant to signal the culmination of negotiations between India and France over the procurement of Dassault Aviations carrier-borne Rafale Marine fighters. The Indian Navy selected the French jets over Boeings F/A-18 Super Hornet following rigorous trials to modernise its naval air fleet.

Indias decision to go with the Rafale M is seen as a major boost to French defence exports and a reaffirmation of New Delhis strategic trust in Paris.

The omnirole fighter aircraft that the Indian Navy will get would be tailored to for operations from Indias aircraft carriers, including the indigenously-built INS Vikrant.

Powered by two Snecma M88-2 afterburning turbofans, the Rafale-M is reportedly capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 1.8 (approximately 1,912 kilometres per hour).

Macron, Modi and a message of solidarity

In a separate development, in a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Macron offered his condolences over the Pahalgam massacre, in which gunmen targeted a group of tourists in what India has described as a state-sponsored act of terrorism.

This kind of barbarism is totally unacceptable, Macron reportedly said, expressing Frances full solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism.

With inputs from agencies
Frances Prime Minister Francois Bayrous oldest daughter revealed that she was brutally beaten by a priest at a Roman Catholic school, located in the constituency where her father was the MP. Not only this, Bayrou was the education minister when allegations against the school started to emerge read more

Frances Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said that he is stunned by the revelations made by his eldest daughter that she was among the children who were abused at a Roman Catholic school. 53-year-old Helene Perlant alleged that a priest at Notre Dame de Betharram beat her when she was 14.

In recent weeks, several stories of physical and sexual abuse perpetrated over decades at Betharram in the Pyrenees have rattled France. It also drew increasing attention to Bayrou, who was a local MP and education minister at the time. Bayrou denied the suggestions that he knew about the abuse and said that the recent revelation made by his own daughter stabbed him to the heart as a father. According to the victims testimonies, the alleged abuse took place from the 1950s to 2010.

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In light of the recent scandal, the French premier is due to appear next month before a parliamentary inquiry. The boarding school is located in the south-west of France, where Bayrou is known to have a stronghold. The French prime minister has sent three of his children there.

The story of Helene Perlant

While the boarding school was already facing several accusations, a twist to the saga emerged when Helene Perlant accused a priest at the school of beating her when she was 14. Perlant made it clear that she had never spoken to her father about the incident, which she claimed took place in the 1980s.

I remained silent for 30 years. Other than this, Ive never mentioned it to anyone, she said in an interview with the weekly Paris Match on Tuesday. She told the French magazine that the priest, grabbed me by the hair, dragged me across the floor for several metres, then punched and kicked me all over, especially in the stomach.

I wet myself and stayed like that all night, damp and rolled up in a ball in my sleeping bag, she added. When asked why she did not speak about the incident when it happened, Perlant said: Betharram was organised like a sect or a totalitarian regime exercising psychological pressure on pupils and teachers, so they stayed silent.

It is pertinent to note that the boarding school was renamed Le Beau Rameau (The Beautiful Branch) in 2009. It is a primary and secondary school about 25km (15 miles) from Pau, a city Bayrou has led as mayor since 2014. The school also lies in the constituency that Bayrou represented as MP from the 1980s to the 2010s.

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How the state protected the school

In the 1990s, several victims came out, accusing the priests and staff of abuse, some of them sexual in nature. However, in 1996, an investigation by the French education ministry concluded that Notre-Dame de Betharram is not a school where pupils are brutalised. Soon after the judgement, a former headteacher accused of raping a 10-year-old pupil was released without charge.

The allegations against the school continued to trickle out until 2023 after a man who had attended the school in the 1980s formed a Facebook group for alleged victims. The social media campaign led to around 200 complaints being filed against the school, almost half of them including allegations of sexual violence, including rape by two priests.

By 2025, the scandal once again reached a national level, increasing pressure on Bayrous already fragile prime ministership. Three of his six children have attended the school, and his wife was a religious studies teacher there. What makes the matter worse is the fact that in the 1990s, Bayrou was the education minister of France, right when the first reports of abuse emerged.

In the recent interview, Perlant backs up her fathers assertion that he wasnt aware of what was happening at the school. I place him on the same level as all the parents. The more involved you are, the less you see and the less you understand, she said. During a visit to a prison in south-eastern France on Wednesday, the prime minister said Perlant had never spoken to him about the incident. That we didnt know and the fact that such abuses took place are almost unbearable for me, he said.

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The centrist leader became the prime minister of France in December last year. He is currently heading a vulnerable minority government that could be toppled if left-wing parties and the far right unite in a vote of no confidence.

With inputs from agencies.
Houthis go the farthest with a missile attack on Israels Haifa, marking the first time one of their projectiles has reached Israels northern port city. The strike comes amid escalating tensions and continued US airstrikes on the Iran-backed group in Yemen. read more

Houthi supporters chant slogans during an anti-US and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on Monday. AP

Yemens Houthi rebels fired a missile towards northern Israel early on Wednesday, marking the first time one of their attacks has reached the northern port city of Haifa.

The launch comes as the US has intensified its crackdown on the rebel group after a deadly strike at the Ras Isa fuel port killed at least 74 people.

Sirens went off in Haifa, Krayot, and nearby areas, and the Israeli military said it had intercepted the missile. People in the region reported hearing loud booms before dawn.

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A Houthi spokesperson later claimed they had used a hypersonic missile to target Haifa. Although the group has made similar claims in the past, this was the first confirmed missile to reach northern Israel, according to the Israeli military.

Houthis shoot down US drone

The Houthis also said they had shot down another US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen. Meanwhile, American airstrikes against the Houthis continued on Wednesday morning, as part of an ongoing campaign that began on 15 March.

The Houthis reported strikes in the Hodeida, Marib, and Saada regions. In Marib, they said a strike had hit telecommunication equipment, a target the US has struck before.

In response, the Houthis have been focusing on shooting down American drones. Late on Tuesday, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said they had brought down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Hajjah province.

Saree said the drone was hit with a locally made missile. The Houthis are known to use surface-to-air missiles, including the Iranian-made 358, to shoot down aircraft. They claim to have downed 26 MQ-9 drones during the Yemen conflict.

Why is the US targeting the Houthis?

The US is targeting the Houthis because of their attacks on ships in the Red Seaa vital route for global tradeand their attacks on Israel. The Houthis are the only remaining group in Irans so-called Axis of Resistance still capable of striking Israel regularly.

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A review by the Associated Press found that the current US campaign against the Houthis under President Donald Trump is more intense than during President Joe Bidens tenure. The new strikes began after the Houthis threatened to hit Israeli ships again, accusing Israel of blocking aid to Gaza.

Between November 2023 and January 2024, the Houthis attacked over 100 commercial ships using drones and missiles. They sank two ships and killed four sailors, severely disrupting trade in the Red Sea, where about $1 trillion worth of goods passes through each year. The Houthis also attemptedbut failedto strike US warships.

Deadly US strike in Yemen kills 74

Last week, the US military conducted a fierce strike on the Ras Isa fuel port, killing at least 74 people and wounding 171 others in the deadliest-known attack of the American campaign.
Even as India has downplayed Pakistans importance in recent years, the country has always been the principal external threat to Indias national security and it is a mistake to think its weak, said counter-terrorism expert and author Abhinav Pandya read more

In the past decade or so, Pakistan has appeared to have become marginal in Indias grand scheme of things.

Other than responses to Pakistans statements at the United Nations (UN) and occasional mentions of the country in statements on terrorism, India in recent years barely mentioned Pakistan and gave the impression that the country had stopped being a central concern.

The Pahalgam attack, however, is a reminder that Pakistan continues to be the principal external threat to Indias national security and it would be a mistake to think its weak, said counter-terrorism expert and author Abhinav Pandya.

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Pakistan will always have a central place in Indias national security concerns. It is the only country that can carry out attacks like Pahalgam inside India. It has penetrated the Indian society deeply and has deep assets and sleeper cells that are found to be involved in incidents from time to time. It takes great pride in the fact that it has bogged down India despite being much smaller in size and economy, said Pandya, the founder and head of think tank Usanas Foundation.

In Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, mostly tourists on Tuesday. A group that identifies itself as The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility for the attack. The TRF is a cover that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) uses to give an impression that a homegrown organisation not a foreign, Pakistan-based entity like LeT is carrying out attacks inside Kashmir.

Pakistan is in perpetual religious war with India

The Pahalgam attack comes days after a vitriolic speech by Pakistani Army chief General Asim Munir in which he went on a tirade against Hindus and hailed Pakistan as the only nation in the world founded on the basis of kalma  a declaration of faith and serves as the allegiance to God in Islam.

In an interview with Firstpost, counter-terrorism expert Pandya said that Pakistan has always looked at India with a religious lens and Munirs audacity to say that Pakistan is the only nation in the world founded on the basis of kalma shows that the idea of a religious war continues to drive their conflict with India.

Pandya told Firstpost, Pakistan is in perpetual religious war with India. India may be a secular state, but Pakistan has always considered India to be a Hindu state and thats why they carry out killings in the name of religion in Kashmir and elsewhere. The religious divide, a sense of racial superiority, and the unfulfilled agenda of the Partition continue to drive Pakistan. Pakistan fought four wars not over territory but because of a jihadist war on India.

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In his speech, Munir referred to the Partition and drew a clear distinction between Hindus and Muslims.

Munir 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."

Munir went on to say that the story of Pakistan should never be forgotten and 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.

Pandya, a specialist on terrorist groups such as the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), says that Pakistan is now looking forward to replicating the Kashmir playbook in other parts of the country by capitalising on the brewing pan-Islamist sentiment in India.

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There is a fundamental misreading among many regarding Kashmir. The issue is not the lack of development but radicalisation and the prevalence of jihad. For a long time, Pakistan has already had a deep penetration in the Indian society, said Pandya.

Now, as pan-Islamism is finding increasing support across India that we see in the form of rising support for pan-Islamist causes like the Palestinian groups, Pakistan is looking for an opportunity to capitalise on this and cultivate more assets for more attacks in more places across the country. It will be a mistake to believe Pakistan to be weak, says Pandya, who has authored books Inside the Terrifying World of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Terror Financing in Kashmir, and Radicalization in India: An Exploration.
Asked by reporters on Wednesday (April 23) if talks between China and US were ongoing, Trump had said: Yeah, of course. Every day. But China swiftly denied this read more

China has rejected claims by President Donald Trump that it is currently negotiating a trade agreement with the United States, casting doubt over the prospects of resolving the rapidly escalating tariff war between the worlds two largest economies.

Chinas position is consistent and we are open to consultations and dialogues, but any form of consultations and negotiations must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and in an equal manner, said Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong. Any claims about the progress of China-US trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis.

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The statement directly contradicted remarks made by Trump just a day earlier. Asked by reporters on Wednesday (April 23) if talks between the two nations were ongoing, Trump had said: Yeah, of course. Every day.

Despite the economic measures leveled against China, Trump said Tuesday that he would be very nice and not play hardball with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Were going to live together very happily and ideally work together, Trump said.

The conflicting statements come amidst intensifying economic tension triggered by Trumps announcement of reciprocal tariffs earlier this month. Since April 2, US tariffs on Chinese goods have surged dramatically to 145 per cent, prompting Beijing to retaliate with tariffs of up to 125 per cent on American imports.

This tariff war was launched by the US, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was quoted as saying by Nikkei. Chinas position is consistent and clear. We will fight if fight, we mustDialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit.

Chinas Ministry of Commerce echoed these sentiments, reiterating the absence of ongoing negotiations and suggesting the need for sincerity from Washington.

Trumps recent assurances of a softer approach towards Beijing suggesting tariffs would come down substantially upon reaching a dealhad temporarily raised investor optimism. However, Chinas swift denial now threatens to dampen hopes for a swift resolution.

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With inputs from AP
India has launched a series of strong measures against Pakistan after a terror attack in J&Ks Pahalgam killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has unveiled a five-point plan affecting water sharing, diplomacy, and border movement. read more

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has taken tough action against Pakistan after security agencies uncovered Islamabads cross-border links in the terror attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepali national, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

At least five terrorists, including three from Pakistan, are believed to have opened fire on tourists in Pahalgams Baisaran Valley on Tuesday, The Indian Express reported citing sources. Eyewitnesses and intelligence reports suggest that two of the attackers may be local militants.

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In a harsh response to Pakistan for its involvement in the terror attack, India has launched a five-point action plan targeting the Islamic nations infrastructure, river water flow, diplomatic presence, and border movements.

Indus water treaty suspended

India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, which manages how the two countries share river waters. The suspension will remain in place until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism.

The treaty, signed in 1960, has been a key part of India-Pakistan relations. This marks a major shift in diplomatic ties. Moreover, the treaty was much favourable to Pakistan. As a downstream nation, Pakistan depends on India for the flow of water.

India halts all cross-border travel and trade through Attari

India has closed the Attari Integrated Check Post, halting all cross-border travel and trade through this route. People who have already crossed with valid documents can return by 1 May 2025. The move is intended to limit cross-border movement and send a strong message to Pakistan.

Also, both nations have great potential for trade, which could help rescue Pakistans collapsing economy. However, at the moment, Pakistan is only exporting terror to India, and organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, with Pakistani establishment help, are killing innocent civilians in India.

SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) suspended

In a major move to counter Pakistani terror, India has suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. All visas issued under the scheme are now cancelled. Pakistanis currently in India under SVES have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

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India expels military advisors

India has expelled all Pakistani military, naval, and air advisors from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. They have been declared persona non grata and must leave within a week. In return, India will also withdraw its own military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. This step is part of a broader reduction in diplomatic ties between the two nations.

New Delhi reduces staff at High Commission in Pakistan

India has decided to reduce the number of staff at its High Commission in Pakistan as part of efforts to scale back diplomatic ties. The number of personnel in Islamabad will be cut from 55 to 30 by 1 May 2025. This move will further limit direct interaction between the two countries.

The CCS meeting was attended by top officials including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. They reviewed the current security situation and discussed Indias response to the deadly attack.

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On the ground, the Indian Army and police have launched a large-scale operation to hunt down those responsible for the attack. Early reports indicate that seven terrorists, including some Pakistani nationals, were involved and opened fire on unsuspecting tourists. Amit Shah also visited the attack site in Pahalgam and met the injured at the hospital.
Pakistan is facing the heat as India suspends the Indus Water Treaty following the killing of civilians in Pahalgam by Pakistani terrorists. A Pakistani minister has called the suspension an act of water warfare. read more

Security personnel rush to the spot after terrorists attacked a group of tourists at Pahalgam, in Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir. PTI

As Pakistan faces pressure over Indias suspension of the Indus Water Treaty following the killing of innocent civilians in Pahalgam by Pakistani terrorists, a minister from Islamabad has termed the move an act of water warfare.

The reaction comes amid worsening relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Indias reckless suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is an act of water warfare; a cowardly, illegal move, Pakistans Power Minister Awais Lekhari said in a post on X.

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Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a press briefing after the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Wednesday that a top security panel had been briefed about cross-border links to the attack. He added that India would suspend the decades-old river-sharing treaty with Pakistan and shut down the only land crossing between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also said India will withdraw its defence attaches from Pakistan and reduce its staff at the Islamabad mission from 55 to 30.

According to news agency ANI, India has summoned Pakistans top diplomat in New Delhi to inform him that all defence advisers at the Pakistani mission have been declared persona non grata and must leave the country within a week.

At least five terrorists, including three from Pakistan, are believed to have opened fire on tourists in Pahalgams Baisaran Valley on Tuesday, according to sources reported by The Indian Express. Two of the local terrorists had been trained in Pakistan in 2018, returned to the valley in 2021, and carried out the attack.

Indian security forces have initiated a large-scale manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators.

The terrorists targeted the victims based on their religion and killed those who were unable to recite Islamic verses, marking one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region in recent years.

The foreign ministry described it as a decisive response to cross-border terrorism.

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NORFOLK, Va. (April 10, 2025) - The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base USS Hershel Woody Williams (ESB 4) returns to Naval Station Norfolk, April 10, 2025. Hershel Woody Williams was forward-deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Cole)Additional Info: The USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB-4) is a Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base (ESB) commissioned by the U.S. Navy on March 7, 2020, in Norfolk, Virginia. Named after Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams, a Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient for his heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, the ship is designed to support a variety of maritime missions. Built by General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego for approximately $498 million, the 784-foot vessel features a large flight deck capable of handling MH-53E helicopters and MV-22 Osprey aircraft, along with berthing, workspaces, and storage for personnel and supplies. It operates with a hybrid crew of 44 Military Sealift Command civilian mariners and 85 Navy sailors, utilizing blue and gold crews to maintain continuous deployment. The ship is optimized for expeditionary missions, including counter-piracy, maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and special operations, with capabilities like aviation facilities and command-and-control assets.

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The development comes after the Indian government downgraded ties with Pakistan on Wednesday in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam read more

The official X account of Pakistans government was suspended in India on Thursday, two days after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.

The account was withheld by the Indian side following a legal request.

The development comes after the Indian government downgraded ties with Pakistan on Wednesday in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam.

India summoned Pakistans top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, on Thursday to hand him the official Persona Non Grata notice for Pakistans military diplomats who have been expelled as part of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision.

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At a late evening media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announcing the decisions said the overall strength of the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1.

Misri said the cross-border linkages to the Pahalgam attack were brought out in a briefing to the CCS, following which it decided to take the measures against Pakistan.

The new retaliatory actions shut down the few existing diplomatic mechanisms between the two sides taking bilateral relations to yet another new low.

The foreign secretary, announcing the five retaliatory measures, said the defence, military, naval and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata and they have a week to leave India.

Bodies of tourists reach hometowns

On Wednesday, the bodies of the 26 tourists killed in the Pahalgam terror attack reached their respective hometowns.

The victims included tourists from across India as well as one Nepali national. Their remains were initially transported in coffins to Srinagar, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute by laying wreaths. From there, the bodies were flown to their respective hometowns.

To facilitate this, airlines operated over 50 flights from Srinagar, ensuring the return of the victims and providing transport for 123 grieving family members who accompanied them to their final destinations.

Indian army opens fire at terrorists in Poonch

Indian Army troops deployed at a forward post in Mendhar, Poonch, opened fire late last night after detecting suspicious movement along the Line of Control (LoC).

Defence Sources told News18 that the movement was challenged by a sentry on duty. The manoeuvres prompted immediate action to prevent any potential infiltration attempt.

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Soon after the incident, a search operation was launched in the area to rule out the possibility of infiltration. Meanwhile, an encounter between security forces and terrorists occurred in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district. Additional security forces have reportedly rushed to the spot.
The decision comes in the wake of India holding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance an alarming escalation that had so far not been seen despite four wars and terror attacks in Uri and Pulwama read more

Pakistan has halted the contentious Cholistan canal irrigation project until a consensus is reached within the Council of Common Interests (CCI), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday (April 24), following weeks of growing domestic resistance and a deteriorating regional water-sharing arrangement.

The decision comes in the wake of India holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance an alarming escalation that had so far not been seen despite four wars and terror attacks in Uri and Pulwama.

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It also follows rising internal discord, particularly from Sindh, which has accused Pakistans Punjab of attempting to monopolise water resources at the expense of downstream provinces.

At the core of the controversy is the Cholistan irrigation initiative, an ambitious scheme aimed at greening the arid lands of South Punjab. Inaugurated by Army Chief Gen Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on February 15, the project triggered immediate backlash, including from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key coalition ally, and widespread protests across provinces.

During a press conference alongside PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday, Sharif acknowledged the gravity of the situation.

Today, we decided in the meeting between the PPP and PML-N with mutual agreement that until a decision is reached with mutual consensus in the CCI, no further canal will be constructed and the federal government has decided that there will be no further progress on canals without the consensus of opinion among provinces, he said, according to a report by Dawn.

Indias IWT gambit escalates stakes

The domestic turmoil has been sharply compounded by Indias decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Long considered a cornerstone of South Asian water diplomacy, the 1960 World Bank-brokered treaty has withstood multiple wars and political breakdowns. Indias move to hold the treaty in abeyance amid broader diplomatic downgrades and border closures has sent shockwaves through Islamabad.

Indias latest posture is in response to a the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people.
As India introduces 5 big decisions against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, rattled Islamabad conducts a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, to figure out how to respond to the Indian measures read more

As India introduces punitive measures against Pakistan following the devastating Pahalgam attack, a National Security Committee (NSC) meeting is currently underway in Islamabad as Pakistan contemplates how to respond to the Indian wrath. According to the Pakistani news outlet Geo News, the emergency meeting is being conducted under the chairmanship of Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The National Security Committee will issue a comprehensive reply [to India], Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told Geo News shortly before the meeting. The sources close to the matter told a Pakistani news outlet that the top civilian and military leadership is expected to discuss the internal and external security situation and review Indias measures. They believe that New Delhi introduced these restrictions hastily.

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The meeting is coming against the backdrop of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led governments decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and ban the entry of Pakistani nationals after 26 people lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack. The announcement, made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), laid out five measures that New Delhi has termed as a decisive response to cross-border terrorism.

What are the five measures?

As we wait for Pakistans official response to the matter, here are the five measures New Delhi introduced following the Pahalgam attack:

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. The Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India. The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55.

While several Pakistani ministers individually condemned the statement, the country has yet to share an official response.

With inputs from agencies.
These decisions were taken during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistans top security body read more

Pakistan's top security body, the National Security Committee (NSC), earlier held a meeting to assess India's slew of measures against the country

Pakistan has announced a slew of measures in response to Indias punitive action following the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam region on April 22 in which 26 people were killed.

Here is what Islamabad announced on Thursday (April 24) against what it described as the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of India.

Pakistan rejected Indias move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and warned that any diversion will be treated as an Act of War. Islamabad has suspended the Simla Agreement and all bilateral agreements with India. Pakistan in response has closed Wagah Border Post immediately, India already ordered to shut the crossing down as part of measures announced on Wednesday (April 23). Pakistan too has suspended all SAARC visas for Indian nationals, except for Sikh religious pilgrims; another move that mirrors Indias action announced Wednesday. Islamabad has declared Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors persona non grata and has asked them to leave by 30 April 2025; it has also reduced Indian High Commission staff to 30 personnel. Similar steps were taken by India a day before. Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated aircraft immediately. It has suspended all trade with India, including third-country routed trade. Pakistan further pledged a full-spectrum national power response to any threat against Pakistans sovereignty.

These decisions were taken during a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) , Pakistans top security body.

Earlier on Wednesday, India announced several punitive steps against Pakistan as part of a decisive response to cross-border terrorism.

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In a major move, the government said the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan will be held in abeyance.

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism, said Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, during a press briefing.

Other key actions taken by the Indian government included:

It has been decided that the Attari-Wagah check post will be closed immediately. Military advisors to the Pakistan High Commission have been declared persona non grata. India revokes all visas to Pakistani citizens granted under the SAARC countries visa scheme.

Pakistan on Thursday said Indias move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty was an act of war

Indias reckless suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is an act of water warfare; a cowardly, illegal move. Every drop is ours by right, and we will defend it with full force - legally, politically, and globally, Pakistans energy minister Awais Leghari posted on X.

Indias move to suspend the water treaty is being seen as a major blow to Pakistans agricultural sector.
Later today I will be meeting with, of all people, Jeffrey Goldberg, the Editor of The Atlantic, and the person responsible for many fictional stories about me, including the made-up HOAX on Suckers and Losers and, SignalGate, something he was somewhat more successful with, said Trump read more

US President Donald Trump will today meet Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantics editor-in-chief, who was accidentally added to Pete Hegseth Signal group chat.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump said, Later today I will be meeting with, of all people, Jeffrey Goldberg, the Editor of The Atlantic, and the person responsible for many fictional stories about me, including the made-up HOAX on Suckers and Losers and, SignalGate, something he was somewhat more successful with.

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Trump said that Goldberg will be accompanied by The Atlantic reporters Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker. He added that, according to his representatives, the upcoming story The Atlantic is preparing will be titled The Most Consequential President of This Century.

I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if its possible for The Atlantic to be truthful. Are they capable of writing a fair story on TRUMP? The way I look at it, what can be so bad  I WON!

Goldberg drew attention to the Trump administrations handling of sensitive information after he disclosed that he was mistakenly added to a group chat involving senior officials discussing planned airstrikes in Yemen.

The chat, which took place in March, included top-level Trump administration figures coordinating military actions. Goldbergs inclusion in the thread prompted immediate concern over operational security.

The White House later confirmed the authenticity of the text messages but disputed the accuracy of Goldbergs reporting.

Initially withholding certain details to avoid compromising national security, Goldberg eventually released the full exchange after the White House publicly said the messages did not contain classified material or war plans.

The incident triggered criticism of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, particularly after follow-up reports revealed he had shared details about the Yemen strikes in a separate encrypted Signal chat with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer.

With inputs from agencies
Amid warning signs flashing on all sides, the White House appears to have blinked in the trade war with China as US President Donald Trump and his trade czar have started talking about de-escalating the trade conflict and reaching a settlement read more

US President Donald Trump waves next to Chinese President Xi Jinping after attending a business event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 9, 2017, during his first term. (Photo: AP)

The White House appears to have blinked in the trade war with China.

US President Donald Trump has plunged the countries into a spiralling trade war. The United States currently has 145 per cent tariffs on China, which extend up to 245 per cent on certain goods, and China has retaliated with tariffs to the tune of 125 per cent.

Even though Trump began the trade war to soon bring China to its knees to reach a favourable trade, he as well as his senior advisors have started talking about an off-ramp. There have been reports that say that Trump may slash tariffs by nearly half in the coming days.

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Claudio Irigoyen, the head of global economics at Bank of America Global Research, said on Wednesday that US-China trade tensions have now likely peaked.

In general, weve seen the worst in terms of escalation. So we should see more de-escalation from here  the pace will depend on the relative pain on the economy in China versus the US, said Irigoyen at Semafors World Economy Summit in Washington DC on Wednesday.

Trumps tariffs to be reduced to 50-65%: Report

Amid signals that the White House is seeking an off-ramp in the trade conflict with China, the White House has reported a senior official as saying that tariffs on China are likely to be reduced to the 50-65 per cent range.

The newspaper further reported that the Trump administration is also considering a tiered way to impose tariffs in line with a House committee proposal last year.

Such a regime would have 35 per cent tariffs for goods the United States would not consider as a threat to national security and at least 100 per cent for goods considered as strategic to US interest, according to the newspaper.

Final tariffs wont be anywhere near that high, says Trump

In a sign that he is looking for an off-ramp soon, Trump on Tuesday referred to the 145 per cent tariffs presently imposed on China and said that final tariffs wont be anywhere near that high.

Were going to be very nice, theyre going to be very nice, and well see what happens, said Trump.

Resorting to his staple stance, Trump said that China was taking us for a ride.

But ultimately, they have to make a deal because otherwise theyre not going to be able to deal in the United States. So we want them involved, but they have to  and other countries have to  make a deal, and if they dont make a deal, well set the deal. One hundred and forty-five per cent is very high, and it wont be that high. No, it wont be anywhere near that high. Itll come down substantially. But it wont be zero  used to be zero. We were just destroyed. China was taking us for a ride, said Trump.

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Separately, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke at a closed-door investor summit on Tuesday that the trade conflict with China is unsustainable and the two countries need to find ways to de-escalate, according to Bloomberg.
The Western medias coverage of the Kashmir terror attack has faced strong criticism from Indian users. Many accuse these outlets of downplaying the severity of the tragedy and ignoring key facts read more

The US Republican Majority on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (April 23) slammed the New York Times newspaper for its controversial reporting on the terror attack in Indias Jammu and Kashmir region, in which 26 people were killed.

The paper described the terror attack as a shooting incident and the terrorists as militants and gunmen in its story.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority posted on X a modified version of the controversial NYT headline, replacing militants with terrorists.

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Hey, @nytimes we fixed it for you. This was a TERRORIST ATTACK plain and simple. Whether its India or Israel, when it comes to TERRORISM the NYT is removed from reality, the post read.

Hey, @nytimes we fixed it for you. This was a TERRORIST ATTACK plain and simple.



Whether its India or Israel, when it comes to TERRORISM the NYT is removed from reality. pic.twitter.com/7PefEKMtdq  House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) April 23, 2025

The comments by the committee come as the US administration under President Donald Trump and the Republican Party continue to strongly support India after the Pahalgam attack.

Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all! Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

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The House Foreign Affairs Committee is a permanent committee in the US House of Representatives. It handles bills and investigations related to Americas foreign relations.

Controversial reporting

The Western medias coverage of the Kashmir terror attack has faced strong criticism from Indian users. Many accuse these outlets of downplaying the severity of the tragedy and ignoring key facts, such as the religious targeting of victims.

Another US broadcaster, CNN, referred to the terrorists simply as gunmen and did not mention that the victims were targeted and killed after being identified as Hindus.

Shital Kalathiya, wife of Shailesh Kalathiya, one of those 26 killed, explained, We had just reached Mini Switzerland when the firing had started. It happened twice, and after the second shot, everyone started running. They surrounded us and asked the Hindu men to separate from the Muslim men.

The Washington Post also termed the attackers as gunmen in line with most of the American media outlets.

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The KN-23 missiles, equipped with warheads weighing up to one tonne, are reportedly more powerful than their Russian counterparts, according to the Ukrainian source. Its reportedly offers a range of 450-690 km, depending on the payload read more

At least eight people were killed in Kyiv overnight during a significant Russian aerial assault. The missile struck a residential building in the Sviatoshynskyi district, west of Kyivs center.

Officials on site reported that around 10 people were still missing by morning, with some potentially trapped under the rubble. The strike was carried out using a North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile, Reuters cited a Ukrainian military source as saying on Thursday (April 24).

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The Kremlin has refrained from directly commenting on the attack, stating only that military and military-adjacent targets were hit. Both Russia and North Korea have denied engaging in weapons transfers that would breach UN embargoes.

Russias military cooperation with North Korea

Since Russias international isolation following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, military cooperation with North Korea has significantly increased. Ukraine asserts that North Korea has supplied Russia with extensive artillery shells, rocket systems, thousands of troops, and ballistic missiles, which Moscow has been using in strikes against Ukraine since late 2023.

The KN-23 missiles, also known as Hwasong-11A, equipped with warheads weighing up to one tonne, are reportedly more powerful than their Russian counterparts, according to the Ukrainian source. While the Ukrainian military has not officially confirmed the missile type, Kyivs post-attack report stated that seven ballistic missiles were used, broadly identifying them as Iskander-M/KN-23.

The KN-23 North Korean short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) has garnered significant attention due to its advanced capabilities. Its visual resemblance to the Russian 9K720 Iskander-M missile has led to speculation about foreign assistance in its development.

Its range is between 450 km and 690 km, depending on the payload.

North Koreas involvement in the Ukraine conflict has raised concerns not only in European capitals but also among South Korea and its allies in Asia, who worry that wartime strategies might one day be used against them.

With inputs from Reuters

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At least 9 people were killed and 60 others were injured after Russia unleashed lethal missile and drone attacks in Kyiv, Ukraines capital. The attack came shortly after Trump lashed out at Zelenskyy over the peace negotiations read more

Rescuers at the site of a building hit by a Russian ballistic missile strike in Kyiv on Thursday. Reuters

At least nine people were killed in an overnight missile and drone attack by Russia on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. The incident took place hours after US President Donald Trump accused his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of prolonging the war. The citys mayor, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed the incident and said that 60 people were injured in the attack.

Klitschko said fires sparked by falling drone wreckage raised concerns about people trapped under the rubble. Local mayor Kharkiv also noted that Russia attacked the north-eastern city, with two people injured in the incident.

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It is pertinent to note that Russias latest aggression against Ukraine occurred shortly after Trump accused Zelenskyy of harming peace negotiations.

Trump, Zelenskyy spar over Crimea

In a post on TruthSocial, Trump claimed a deal to end the war was very close, but Zelenskyys refusal to accept US terms will do nothing but prolong the conflict. The remarks from Trump came after the Ukrainian president said Kyiv would not recognise Russian control of Crimea.

Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory, but if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago? Trump wrote in the post. I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever, he furthered.

The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the killing field, and nobody wants that! We are very close to a Deal, but the man with no cards to play should now, finally, GET IT DONE," the president averred.

When asked further about the matter, Trump told reporters at the White House that he just wants to see the war end. On Wednesday, Trump said in the Oval Office that he found it easier to deal with Russia compared to Ukraine.

The heated argument between the two nations started after US Vice President JD Vance laid out the US vision for a deal, saying it would freeze the territorial lines [] close to where they are today, adding that Ukraine and Russia would both have to give up some of the territory they currently own.

The recent clash between Trump and Zelenskyy makes many question about the prospect of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Former President of South Korea Moon Jae-in was indicted on charges of bribery, in a case related to the appointment of his former son-in-law at a Thai airline read more

South Korean former President Moon Jae-in speaks during a ceremony of the 103rd anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement Day in Seoul, South Korea, March 1, 2022. File Image / Reuters

South Koreas former President Moon Jae-in was indicted over bribery charges in the latest scandal that hit the country after the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol. The prosecutors found the former president guilty of allegations of facilitating the employment of his ex-son-in-law at an airline.

According to South Korean news outlet Yonhap, Moon and his daughter Da-hye are accused of receiving bribes in the form of salary and other payments to Moons former son-in-law, surnamed Seo. The prosecutors alleged that these bribes were coming from Thailand-based budget carrier Thai Eastar Jet.

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Seo was appointed as the executive director of the airline in 2018 after the companys founder and former two-term lawmaker Lee Sang-jik was appointed head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency. Prosecutors suspect that Lee was appointed to the role in exchange for Moons son-in-law getting hired at the airline.

They supported their argument by showing Seos lack of experience in the airline industry at the time. Moon was indicted for bribery, while former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik was indicted for bribery and breach of trust, Jeonju District Prosecutors Office said in a statement.

Moon, Lee and their legal representatives are yet to respond to the allegations. Moon was indicted for corruption for receiving 217 million won (USD 150,000) in connection with facilitating the employment of his son-in-law at an airline, the Jeonju District Prosecutors Office said

With inputs from agencies.
by Austin Bay April 23, 2025

In a column published June 12, 2019, I wrote, "I think 50 years from now, historians will argue that between 2000 and 2016, communist China decided to target America as an adversary ... Beijing saw America in retreat and entertained visions of global dominance."

Examples of American retreat: 1) continuing to offshore manufacturing industries, including pharmaceuticals; 2) downsizing its navy (regarded as secondary in an era of The War On Terror); 3) running huge annual deficits to finance ever-expanding social welfare programs; and 4) major universities promoting outright anti-American socio-propaganda "studies" (e.g., Diversity, Equity, Inclusion racism) that amounted to domestic psychological warfare undermining American morale and key institutions. Oh, yes, the Marxist DEI frame tale claimed America was utterly flawed from the beginning. That lie definitely hampered military recruitment and harmed U.S. military morale.

My column used 2000 AD as the start point of China's slow "corrosion offensive" against the U.S., but Chinese Communist Party dirty dealing dates back to the 1990s, when America began losing critical production capacity -- think of Ross Perot's "giant sucking sound" of jobs going to Mexico.

In the 1990s -- often in the name of environmental protection -- the U.S. began ceding mining and refining of vital mineral resources to unreliable foreign states. Beijing quickly dominated the "polluting" rare earth refining industry. Electronic and digital devices rely on rare earths. Around 2010, some savvy observers noticed America was vulnerable to a rare earths embargo. You have to wonder if Save The Earth enviro-activists received Chinese financial support. The Soviet Union bankrolled Western anti-nuke activists during the Cold War.

The COVID-19/Wuhan virus pandemic exposed the fragility and flaws of globalized medical and pharmaceutical supply chains. In 2020, Beijing mulled denying the U.S. drugs and medical gear.

My bottom line: Beijing wages a war to dominate the world. In pursuit of that goal, the Chinese state has weaponized every technology, media and means of personal and organizational interaction.

Over the last 25 years, I have argued "Unrestricted Warfare" (published by the People's Liberation Army in 1999) is a deadly intellectual guidebook CCP leaders are using to defeat the U.S. and establish a Chinese-mandated international order.

When authors Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui wrote "Unrestricted Warfare," both men were People's Liberation Army Air Force colonels.

Chapter 2 discusses full-spectrum warfare. Its title in English: "The War God's Face Has Become Indistinct." My interpretation: In China's long war with the U.S., cheap goods, a staggering trade imbalance, weather (spy) balloons transiting U.S. airspace, grade school and college curricula, crooked media, open border immigration and lawfare gimmicks are weapons that degrade American capabilities.

Chapter 2 lists several types of warfare that China can use to attack and harm the U.S. without risking a military counterattack -- can't risk a nuclear exchange, must avoid a conventional clash, so win by degradation.

The authors love Drug Warfare. Pushing drugs obtains "sudden and huge illicit profits by spreading disaster in other countries." In 1999, it was a speculative option based on China's experience in the Opium War. 2021 to 2024: During the Biden administration open borders era, fentanyl savaged American society. Beijing's proxy militia delivery system for fentanyl? Mexican criminal cartels.

What to do?

Michael Brown is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Institute for Security and Technology. From 2018 to 2022, he served as director of the Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit. In a recent article in Foreign Affairs entitled "The Empty Arsenal of Democracy," Brown wrote a hard truth, with China threatening U.S. allies and Russia "menacing eastern Europe's NATO members ... The odds that the United States might have to fight in a great-power war are higher today than at any point this century."
Scott Bessent said recently that trade discussions with India are very close to reaching a successful conclusion because India doesnt have so many high tariffs read more

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that he anticipates India to be the first to secure a bilateral trade deal to avoid President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs.

Presently, India faces a 10 per cent tariff under the existing policy, similar to other countries. The 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian exports to the US that the Trump administration previously announced is currently on a 90-day pause, set to expire on July.

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Bessent mentioned to about a dozen reporters on Wednesday (April 23) that trade discussions with India are very close to reaching a successful conclusion because India, the worlds most populous nation, doesnt have so many high tariffs. He highlighted Indias fewer non-tariff trade barriers, no currency manipulation, and minimal government subsidies, making it easier to finalise a deal with India.

Last week, a report had said that the White House expects trade deals with India and UK within 2-3 weeks.

Claudio Irigoyen, the Head of global economics, Bank of America Global Research, said, There will be some trade deals that will come faster than the China one, probably Japan, probably India. India will be a perfect example of a comprehensive trade deal involving defence, energy, and trade. And I think this administration needs to show quick wins.

President Trump has urged other nations to dismantle their tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American goods and eliminate US trade deficits, as reported by the New York Post.

On Tuesday (April 22), US Vice President JD Vance, speaking in Jaipur, encouraged India to remove non-tariff barriers, provide greater market access, and purchase more American energy and military hardware, outlining a broader plan for deeper ties between the two countries aimed at a prosperous and peaceful 21st century.

The New York Post cited Census Bureau data indicating that India accounted for nearly 3 percent of imported goods to the US as of February. The US had a $45.7 billion trade deficit with India in 2024, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.

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With inputs from PTI
At this point in the term, US President Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating in decades, according to Pew Research Center read more

US President Donald Trump glares into the camera from an aircraft in this undated photograph. (Photo: AFP)

At this point in the term, US President Donald Trump has the worst approval rating in decades.

Just days ahead of the 100-day mark of his second term, Trumps approval rating stands at just 40 per cent, according to Pew Research Center.

Some of Trumps most ambitious policies in the second term are the most popular. The survey found that the majority of Americans disapprove of Trumps rollout of tariffs, dismantling of the federal government led by billionaire Elon Musk, and defiance of court order to bring back a wrongly deported man from El Salvador.

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The survey found that 59 per cent of Americans disapprove of Trumps tariff war, 55 per cent disapprove of the cuts to the government department led by Musks Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), and 51 per cent say that Trump is setting too much policy via executive orders.

Since assuming office in the second term, Trump has bypassed the Congress and the judiciary to rule by decree with executive orders. For context, Trump has used a wartime law to deport migrants  only Congress has the authority to decare war in the United States. Trump has also sought to cancel the birthright citizenship that is enshrined in the US constitution.

With President Donald Trumps second term approaching its 100-day mark, his approval rating is down from February and several of his key policy actions are viewed more negatively than positively by the public. https://t.co/IGuoUcAJoL pic.twitter.com/MDfdBEjcJk  Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) April 23, 2025

Among recent presidents going back to Ronald Reagon (1981-89), Bill Clinton (1993-2001) is the only one other than Trump who had the approval below 50 per cent at this time in the term.

Regarding the activities of the Doge, 59 per cent of Americans believe he is too careless in the cuts, 51 per cent believe cuts will make the governments running worse, and 48 per cent believe that the cuts will hurt the nation in the long run.

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Twelve US states have sued the Trump administration, claiming its tariff policy is illegal and harmful to the economy. The lawsuit challenges the presidents authority to impose tariffs without proper legal grounds. read more

Twelve US states filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against the Trump administration in the US Court of International Trade in New York, aiming to stop its tariff policy. They argued the policy is illegal and has caused confusion in the American economy.

The lawsuit claimed President Donald Trumps tariff decisions are based on personal whims rather than proper legal authority. It also challenged Trumps use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify the tariffs. The states are asking the court to rule the tariffs illegal and stop government agencies from enforcing them.

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The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The states involved in the lawsuit are Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.

In a release, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes called Trumps tariff scheme insane. She said it was not only economically reckless  it is illegal. The lawsuit maintained that only Congress has the power to impose tariffs and that the president can only invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act when an emergency presents an unusual and extraordinary threat from abroad.

authority to impose immense and ever-changing tariffs on whatever goods entering the United States he chooses, for whatever reason he finds convenient to declare an emergency, the President has upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the American economy, the lawsuit said.

Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, sued the Trump administration in US District Court in the Northern District of California over the tariff policy, saying his state could lose billions of dollars in revenue as the largest importer in the country.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai responded to Newsoms lawsuit, saying the Trump administration remains committed to addressing this national emergency thats decimating Americas industries and leaving our workers behind with every tool at our disposal, from tariffs to negotiations.

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Moises Sandoval Mendoza, a 41-year-old man from Texas, was executed for the brutal murder of a young mother more than 20 years ago, the 13th execution in the country this year. read more

A jail cell on death row in Huntsville, Texas, in 2010. File Image / Reuters

A 41-year-old man was executed Wednesday in the US state of Texas for the brutal murder of a young mother more than 20 years ago, the 13th execution in the country this year.

Moises Sandoval Mendoza was put to death at the state penitentiary in the city of Huntsville, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement.

Mendoza was found guilty of killing 20-year-old Rachelle ONeil Tolleson in March 2004. According to court documents, he sexually assaulted her, killed her, then carried her body to a ditch and set it on fire. The victims remains were discovered several days later.

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Tolleson, the mother of a five-month-old child, had known her killer since high school, according to local media.

Mendoza confessed to the murder, but had sought to have the death penalty commuted to life imprisonment. He lost the appeals.

In a final statement shared by Texas officials, Mendoza apologized to Tollesons loved ones for having robbed you of Rachelles life.

To Avery I robbed you of a mother. Im sorry for that, Mendoza said. I know nothing that I could ever say or do would ever make up for that.

Earlier Wednesday, the US Supreme Court also rejected all of Mendozas appeals to block his execution by lethal injection from proceeding.

Including Mendozas, the United States has carried out 13 executions since the beginning of this year: nine by lethal injection; two by firing squad; and two using nitrogen gas, which has been denounced by the United Nations and experts as cruel and inhumane.

The death penalty has been abolished in 23 of the 50 US states, while three others  California, Oregon and Pennsylvania  have moratoriums in place.

US President Donald Trump is a proponent of capital punishment and on his first day in office called for an expansion of its use for the vilest crimes.

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Attorney General Paxton had supported the execution, reiterating his position in a statement issued after Mendoza was put to death.

I will always do everything in my power to defend the law and hold criminals accountable, he said.
Following the deadly overnight assault, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he would cut short a diplomatic visit to South Africa. read more

US President Donald Trump glares into the camera from an aircraft in this undated photograph. (Photo: AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (April 24) blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin for overnight attacks on Ukraine that killed at least eight people and injured more than 80.

Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump said he was not happy with the unnecessary strikes.

Trump wrote: I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!"

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Following the deadly overnight assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he would cut short a diplomatic visit to South Africa.

During a briefing earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Russia was continuing to hit military and military-adjacent targets.

Trumps rare rebuke of Putin followed his criticism of Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday for saying Ukraine would not recognise Russias occupation of Crimea - a longtime Kyiv stance.

This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia, Trump said in a social media post.

Trump, who argued with Zelenskyy in a disastrous Oval Office meeting in March, said Crimea was lost years ago and is not even a point of discussion.

Macrons statement

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday expressed his support for Kyiv and said Ukraine cant be forced to agree to peace terms when Russian attacks were going on.

Macron said Paris will continue to defend the right of the Ukrainian people to live within their internationally recognised borders.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that the attacks sent a clear message that Russia was not interested in peace.

He said, Kyiv was brutally attacked by Russia again last night. A clear message from the Kremlin: Russia has no real interest in peace. Peace cannot be negotiated under fire. Denmark stands with Ukraine against this brutality.

(With inputs from agencies)
With his seven-point final offer to end the war, US President Donald Trump has essentially sought Ukraines surrender to Russia 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

With his final offer to end the war, US President Donald Trump has shoved impossible demands on Ukraine.

Understandably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the offer.

In the seven-point document, Trump had essentially sought Ukraines surrender to Russia.

The document was the latest display of the changed global alignments under Trump. While he had always been friendly with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he has completely aligned the United States with Russia in his second by breaking off from Western alliances and partnerships. As a result, in the name of ending the war, whereas he has consistently pressured Ukraine by often resorting to falsehoods he has not put any pressure on aggressor Russia.

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In their disastrous meeting at the White House in which Trump and his deputy JD Vance took turns to berate Zelenskyy, one of the things that apparently ticked Trump was that Zelenskyy did not talk nicely about Putin. After Zelenskyy said that Putin started the war and that he hates Ukraine, Trump chastised him and said that its wonderful to speak badly about somebody else, but I want to get it solved.

Trumps proposal has everything for Russia, nothing for Ukraine

In the seven-point ceasefire proposal reported by The Daily Telegraph, there is little to nothing for Ukraine but almost everything that Russia wants.

In the first point, Trump proposed an immediate ceasefire.

Last month, Ukraine accepted a US-endorsed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire but Russia rejected it. Ukraine also accepted US-endorsed proposals for ceasefire in the Black Sea and ceasefire related to energy infrastructure. Russia did not accept any of these proposals.

In the second point, Trump proposed direct talks between Ukraine and Russia.

In the third point, Trump rules out Ukraines membership of Nato.

However, Trump leaves room for Ukraine to join the European Union (EU). He also leaves room for Europe to deploy any peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

In the fourth a deal-breaker for Ukraine point, Trump proposes US legal recognition of Crimea, a region of Ukraine that Russia invaded, captured, and annexed in 2014.

In the fifth point, Trump proposes US de facto recognition of four regions of Ukraine that Russia has annexed. These regions are Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

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In offerings to Ukraine that mean little in the larger scheme of things, Trump has proposed that Ukraine would regain unhindered access to the mouth of the Dnipro river and Russia would vacate the partially occupied Kherson province.

In the sixth point, Trump has proposed the signing of US-Ukraine minerals deal.

In the seventh point, Trump has proposed a new US-Russia relationship by lifting all sanctions on Russia and resuming economic and political ties.

Its harder to deal with Zelenskyy

Trump on Wednesday said that he believes he has a deal with Russia but dealing with Zelenskyy is harder.

Trump accused Zelenskyy of being inflammatory.

Trump further said, I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky. So far, its harder.

Trumps remarks came days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Trump administration would end mediation if it would conclude within days that a deal to end the war soon is not possible.

Rubio was supposed to join his counterparts from Ukraine and Europe in a meeting on Wednesday, but he cancelled it after Zelenskyy rejected the proposal.

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On his part, Zelenskyy said that Ukraines constitution does not allow either the government or parliament to cede territory as Trump has demanded.

Regarding the proposal, Zelenskyy said: There is nothing to talk about. This violated our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of Ukraine.
Qubo, a smart device brand from the Hero Group, has earned the Essential Requirements (ER) clearance under the Internet of Things Security Certification Scheme (IoTSCS).

Administered by the Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) Directorate, part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, this certification validates the security of Qubos made-in-India Smart Security Cameras and Video Doorbells.

What is ER Clearance?

The ER clearance is a certification that evaluates IoT devices for cybersecurity compliance. It examines tamper-proof hardware, data encryption, secure communication protocols, trusted manufacturing, secure over-the-air (OTA) updates, and long-term reliability.

This certification aligns with Indias efforts to create a secure and self-reliant digital ecosystem, particularly for devices impacting consumer privacy and national security.

Why It Matters

India has recently tightened regulations, restricting unregulated or foreign surveillance equipment in sensitive sectors. Qubos ER clearance ensures that its products meet these evolving standards, positioning them as trusted solutions for Indian consumers amidst a shifting regulatory landscape.

Features of Certified Products

The ER clearance covers Qubos Smart Security Cameras and Video Doorbells. These devices feature end-to-end encryption, secure cloud architecture, AI-based detection, and reliable remote monitoring.

Qubo also highlighted that its proprietary software and firmware are developed entirely in India. Data is transmitted and stored securely on cloud servers within the country, ensuring robust privacy protection.

Commitment to National Standards

Qubo stressed the importance of meeting IoTSCS standards in todays geopolitical climate, where national security and self-reliance are priorities.

The company believes this certification strengthens its role as a homegrown brand offering secure smart security solutions that meet Indias highest cybersecurity and performance benchmarks.

Commenting on the achievement, Nikhil Rajpal, CEO & Founder of Qubo, said:
Dreame Technology, a company specializing in smart home appliances, has announced the appointment of Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon as its first Indian brand ambassador.

This collaboration signifies Dreames strategic focus on the Indian market, aiming to introduce its range of smart home solutions to consumers in the region.

The partnership with Kriti Sanon is described as a key development in Dreame Technologys efforts to expand its presence in India. The company aims to promote smart living solutions designed to simplify household tasks and daily routines. The collaboration seeks to connect with Indian consumers interested in intelligent cleaning and personal care products that can streamline daily chores.

As the brand ambassador, Kriti Sanon will represent Dreame Technologys portfolio of smart home cleaning appliances and grooming products. This range includes robotic vacuums, cordless stick vacuums, wet and dry vacuums, as well as grooming items such as airstylers and high-speed hair dryers. Dreame states its products are designed to offer precision and efficiency, catering to contemporary lifestyles.

Commenting on the new brand ambassador, Manu Sharma, Managing Director of Dreame India, said:

We are extremely delighted to welcome Kriti Sanon into the Dreame family. Her keen interest in technology and forward-thinking mindset align with our vision of redefining Indian homes through intelligent solutions and products. As we continue to introduce cutting-edge innovations in India, her association will reinforce Dreame as the preferred choice for those who appreciate smart living and superior performance. India is an integral part of Dreames global expansion strategy  it represents a high-growth market, driven by an evolving consumer base increasingly embracing modern, technology-first lifestyles.

Expressing her excitement, Kriti Sanon said:

I am excited to be a part of Dreame Technology, a brand that resonates with my philosophy of blending innovation with convenience. My lifestyle is fast-paced, and having smart solutions that take care of everyday tasks makes all the difference. With Dreames smart cleaning and personal care appliances, I can focus on what truly matters while the technology handles the rest.
China sends quake assessment team to Myanmar

Xinhua) 14:24, April 24, 2025

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China sent a group of experts to Myanmar for an earthquake investigation and assessment at the request of the Myanmar government, according to the China Earthquake Administration (CEA) on Thursday.

Led by the administration, the team comprises about 30 experts from professional institutions such as the CEA, Tongji University, and Harbin Institute of Technology. The CEA said that the assessment is expected to provide a scientific basis for post-disaster reconstruction, disaster prevention, and mitigation.

So far, the administration said the team has completed the disaster investigation and assessment tasks in Yangon, Bago and Naypyidaw. It has assessed the intensity and extent of the earthquake in the areas and put forward emergency response and repair suggestions for damaged houses.

According to the CEA, the team is now conducting investigations and evaluations in Mandalay.

A 7.9-magnitude quake struck Myanmar on March 28. As of Tuesday, the earthquake has claimed 3,759 lives and injured 5,107 others, with 114 people still reported missing nationwide, official data showed.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The latest version of the Perplexity app on iOS recently got a massive performance boost from the company. In this new update, it now allows its AI chatbot to also serve you as an assistant for your many needs.

With these latest features, Perplexity is now challenging Apple's Siri when it comes to assisting users on iOS and performing tasks natively on the device, but it currently has limitations on what it can do on your iPhone.

Perplexity AI Voice Assistant Now Available on iOS

Perplexity has recently announced that its promised AI Voice Assistant feature on iOS is now available to experience on the latest version of the app. Users may ask the AI to accomplish certain actions or tasks for them right on their devices, and they only need to ask this via the Perplexity app.

Voice Assistant has massive capabilities in its current version on iOS, and it can access the web browser and other multi-app actions to perform the assigned tasks by the user.

Some of the things that it can accomplish for users are booking restaurant reservations, sending email and calendar invites, playing media from different apps, and more.

Perplexity AI vs. Siri: What Can It Do For You?

Perplexity AI's Voice Assistant is a direct competitor of Apple's built-in AI assistant turned chatbot, Siri, which is currently facing backlash because of its lack of features on iPhones. While there are many permissions that the Perplexity app will ask when first setting up and assigning tasks, The Verge said that the chatbot performs well in accomplishing tasks.

That being said, there are several limitations, such as accessing the camera live and identifying objects (which Siri can do), but users may still upload photos for it to analyze.

Generative AI For Automation, Tasks

While last year's development of generative AI may have focused on improving the models, training on licensed data, partnering with different experiences for integrations, and the like, 2025 is seeing many companies looking to deliver agentic AI to the world.

Earlier this year, OpenAI's efforts to transform ChatGPT into an AI agent was leaked from Mac app codes, showing how it is entering the world of automation.

While the trend is only catching up now, many other AI companies have begun introducing this agentic AI experience to users, with Anthropic leading the charge with their latest model. Claude 3.5 was given the capabilities to take over a computer like it is a human controlling it, centering on the Computer Use technology, which lets it commandeer the keyboard and mouse to accomplish tasks.

The likes of Google with its Gemini and Microsoft with Copilot are also working on transforming the AI experience into an agentic one, capable of handling everyday tasks as set by users.
Google launched the Pixel 9a, the companys latest mid-range Pixel phone, recently as the successor to the Pixel 8a. This has flat sides, doesnt have a camera bar, gets the latest Tensor G4 SoC, and a huge 5100mAh battery. Is this a good upgrade to the Pixel 8a? Let us dive into the review to find out.

Box Contents

Pixel 9a in Obsidian colour

USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB 2.0)

Quick Start Guide

SIM Ejector Tool

Starting with the display, the Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a pixel resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, 20:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of about 421 PPI. The display is bright, and has HDR support. Outdoor visibility is good as well. This has up to 2700 nits peak brightness, 35% brighter than Pixel 8a.

The phone has a 120Hz refresh rate display, similar to the predecessor. It also has HDR 10+ support, which works for YouTube and Netflix. Under the display options, there are different options to adjust colours based on your preference. There is also a night light option that lets you reduce the displays blue light emission, so it doesnt cause eye strain when you are reading at night.

There is Dark mode and an always-on display option for the lock screen, but it doesnt offer a lot of customization. It doesnt have MEMC or DC Dimming option. The phone still has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection, compared to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection in the Pixel 9.

The phone has a tiny centre punch-hole that houses a 13-megapixel camera, same as the Pixel 8a. Above the display, there is an earpiece on the top edge, which also doubles up as a secondary speaker.

The phone has an optical in-display fingerprint scanner which is present almost near the centre area, similar to Samsung. You can also notice a small bezel below the display, which is slight bigger than the bezels on the sides and the top. The bottom bezel is slightly smaller than the Pixel 8a, but not as small as the Pixel 9.

Coming to button placements and ports, the power button and volume rockers are present on the right side. The single SIM slot is present on the bottom, and the phone has eSIM support for the second SIM. The USB Type-C port, microphone and speaker grill are also present on the bottom. The secondary microphone is present on the top.

The phone has a flat metal frame compared to a curved design in the Pixel 8a, and you can see the antenna bands. Compared to the glass back on the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 9a still uses a plastic back, but this has a smooth matte finish that looks and feels good, and it doesnt attract fingerprints, but it might get scratched easily.

In addition to the usual Obsidian colour that we have, the phone also comes in Iris and Porcelain options in India.

The phone is just 8.9mm thick, almost similar to the Pixel 8a, but weighs 185.9g grams, making it about 2 grams lighter than the predecessor, even with a large 5100mAh battery. The phone has IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, finally, matching the Pixel 9 and the 9 Pro series.

Camera

48MP rear camera with 48MP 1/1.95 Samsung GN8 sensor, f/1.7 aperture, LED flash, OIS

13MP 120 Ultra-wide camera with Sony IMX712 sensor, f/2.2 aperture

13MP front camera with Sony IMX712 sensor, 96.5 ultra-wide lens, f/2.2 aperture

The camera UI is simple with options for night sight, portrait, camera, video, panorama, photo sphere and Google Lens. There is no expert or pro mode, but there is a RAW option, which you can enable from the advanced settings.

Other features include, Astrophotography, Night Sight, Top Shot, Magic Eraser, Real Tone, Face Unblur, and Long Exposure mode. The Action Pan from the Pixel 9 series is missing. The new Add Me lets you take a photo of a group, then trade places with someone and take a second photo with you in it.

Coming to the image quality, daylight shots came out well with brilliant dynamic range from both the cameras. After pixel binning, you get 12MP output from the main camera. For ultra-wide, you get 13MP output. It finally adds macro option with a main camera instead of ultra-wide in the other Pixel models, so the quality is good. The 13MP front camera is good.

Even though the phone only has digital zoom up to 8X, the computation photography makes the image look clear. Edge detection is good in portrait. Lowlight camera performance is also good, and the night sight helps in places where there is minimal light.

Check out the camera samples.

It can record videos at 4k resolution at 60 fps from main and 4K 30 fps with ultra-wide, and the front camera also gets 4k 30 fps option. You can also switch between the main and ultra-wide cameras when you record in 4K 30fps.

The main camera has standard, locked, active and cinematic pan stabilization options. Standard is enough for most cases, and the active mode uses the ultra-wide camera, and zoom in for better stabilization. It also has 120 (1/4) and 240 (1/8) fps options in 1080p. Video quality is good from both the front and rear cameras. Even though it has the same Tensor G4 chip from the Pixel 9, there is no HDR video option.

Software, UI and Apps

It runs Android 15 out of the box. The company has promised 7 Android OS updates, feature drops and security patches to match the other Pixel 9 models. You dont get any bloatware.

You can choose from a set of new, curated lock screen templates for fonts, widgets, colors and formats that best match your style. These options also use AI to adjust your screen based on your situation.

The new Pixel Studio app lets users create images from scratch with an on-device diffusion model and Googles Imagen 3, featuring an intuitive interface for easy prompting and editing. The Pixel Weather app now offers precise forecasts with AI-generated reports using Gemini Nano for enhanced accuracy and engagement.

Unlike other phones in the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 9a doesnt get Pixel Screenshots that organizes and recalls screenshots by analyzing content, including links and summaries, for easy retrieval. Call Notes feature is also not available in the Pixel 9a. This is due to 8GB of RAM in the Pixel 9a, since it needs at least 12GB of RAM to provide Gemini Nano with reserved memory without impeding performance.

The Pixel 9a gets 8GB LPDDR5X of RAM. Out of 8GB RAM, you get 7.55GB of usable RAM, and about 3GB of RAM is free when default apps are running in the background. It doesnt have memory extension or virtual RAM. Out of 256GB, you get about 228.6GB of free storage. It still has UFS 3.1 storage, same as the Pixel 9 Apart from the Google apps, it doesnt have any third-party apps.

Fingerprint sensor and Face unlock

The phone has an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, compared to other Pixel 9 series phones that have moved to an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. I didnt notice any delay when using the fingerprint sensor to unlock the phone. There is also face unlock option.

Music Player and Multimedia

YouTube Music is the default music player. It doesnt have Dolby Atmos or any other custom audio features. Audio through the stereo speakers is clear and loud, and there is no distortion even at full volume. Audio through the headphones is good as well. The phone has Widevine L1 so that you can play HD content on Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and other streaming apps. You also get HDR playback on Netflix, in addition to YouTube.

SIM and Connectivity

The Pixel 9a has single physical SIM and an eSIM support, so you can use it as a dual SIM phone. The phone has the usual set of connectivity features such as 5G with support for n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/26/28/38/40/41/66/75/77/78/79 bands, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax (2.4 + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS + GLONASS and NFC support.

It also has USB OTG support. We did not face any call drops and the earpiece volume is good, even though it is present on the top edge. There are occasional 4G connectivity drops in some places, common with the modem that Pixel uses. I also couldnt get 5G to work all the time, since the phone was in 4G mode most of the time on Airtel. This might be due to the use of the same modem from the Pixel 8 even though Pixel 9 has moved to a new modem.

The Pixel 9as body SAR is 0.93W/Kg and head SAR is at 1.06/Kg which is almost similar to the Pixel 8a, and it well under the limit in India, which is 1.6 W/kg (over 1 g).

Performance and Benchmarks

The Pixel 9 is powered by the new Google Tensor G4 SoC, an upgrade from the Tensor G3 in the Pixel 8 series. It has 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.1GHz; 3x Cortex-A720 @ 2.6GHz; and 4x Cortex-A520 @ 1.92GHz with Mali-G715 MP7 GPU and also has Titan M2 security chip. This still uses Samsungs 4nm process tech.

The performance is smooth without any lags. When you play graphic-intensive games like COD, BGMI and Genshin Impact, or use the camera for a long time for recording videos, it gets hot quickly. I did not receive an overheating warning on my Pixel 9a, but games throttle a lot when the phone gets hot.

In 3D Mark wild life stress test, it scored 59.9% which is average. The temperature increased from 30 to 45 degrees, since it doesnt have an efficient cooling solution. That said, check out some synthetic benchmark scores below.

As you can see, the Tensor G4 chip is decent, but it cant compete with Qualcomm or MediaTeks chips in the range.

Battery life

Coming to the battery life, the phone packs a 5100mAh (typical) built-in battery, which is way bigger than the 4492mAh in the Pixel 8a. It lasted for more than a day even with mixed use on 120Hz. I got over 5 of screen on time with 2 days of use. With heavy use, it will last less than a day.

It has 23W fast charging, and takes 30 minutes to charge up to 50%, and about one and half hours for full charge, which is better than the Pixel 8a even though the competitors are way ahead. There is wireless charging support, but it maxes out at 7.5W, so it will take several hours to charge the phone.

Conclusion

Overall, the Pixel 9a is a worthy upgrade to the Pixel 8a in terms of display, performance and the battery life. At a price tag of Rs. 49,999 that too for the 256GB model, way cheaper than the Pixel 8as launch price, this is definitely a good option even though there are several phones with powerful SoCs, and way bigger batteries in the market.

Google still offers Rs. 3000 instant discount on HDFC Bank Cards and EMI as a part of limited-period offer, so the effective price is Rs. 46,999. If you want to get the phone for the camera and the software support, you can wait for the price cut.

Alternatives

OnePlus 13R and iQOO 13 offer better displays, faster SoC and better charging. Later this yet, the Pixel 9 should be available at cheaper rate.

Pros

7 OS software updates and security updates

Reliable cameras

Smooth performance

IP68 ratings

Wireless charging

Cons

Gets heated on intensive tasks and intensive gaming

Misses Pixel Screenshot and Call Notes from Pixel 9
Cambridge, MA  Harvard University, the nation's oldest and wealthiest academic institution, has launched a bold legal challenge against the Trump administration, suing over a $2 billion freeze on federal funding. Announced on April 21, 2025, the lawsuit accuses the administration of targeting the university with "unprecedented" sanctions, following claims that Harvard failed to adequately address antisemitism on campus.

Harvard President Alan M. Garber, in a letter to the university community, called the funding freeze a direct threat to critical research, particularly in disease prevention and treatment. "The $2bn funding freeze would hamper critical disease research," Garber stated, emphasizing the potential harm to students, faculty, and global health initiatives. The freeze affects grants from agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, which support thousands of research projects and graduate student stipends.

The Trump administration, however, defended the freeze as a necessary step to curb what it calls a "gravy train of federal assistance" to elite institutions. In a White House statement, officials argued, "The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families, is coming to an end". The administration's accusations of unchecked antisemitism stem from a broader campaign to scrutinize universities, with Harvard facing investigations by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

For Harvard's 20,000 students, the funding freeze could disrupt scholarships, research opportunities, and campus resources. Graduate students, who rely heavily on federal grants, expressed alarm. "This isn't just about politicsit's about our ability to do groundbreaking work," said Sarah Kim, a doctoral candidate in molecular biology. Undergraduate organizations, including Jewish and Palestinian student groups, have called for dialogue to address campus tensions, but the lawsuit risks further polarizing the community.

The legal battle marks a sharp escalation in the feud between Harvard and the Trump administration, which has also targeted other Ivy League schools like Columbia and Penn. Education policy experts warn that the dispute could set a precedent for federal oversight of universities.

The funding freeze follows a January 2025 executive order by President Trump, directing the Department of Education to withhold funds from institutions deemed non-compliant with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Harvard's lawsuit argues that the freeze violates due process and unfairly singles out the university without evidence of systemic failure.

As the case heads to federal court, students and faculty are bracing for uncertainty. The university has pledged to maintain research and financial aid programs through its $50 billion endowment, but long-term impacts remain unclear.

For now, Harvard's legal team is preparing for a protracted battle, while students are left navigating a campus caught in a high-stakes political showdown. The university has urged its community to stay informed and engaged, directing them to updates on its official website.
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.
Sentinel file photo

KuUaloha Murphy, 6, learns about animal skulls at the National Park Service Booth during the Outdoor Heritage Day at Riverbend Park in Palisade in this 2022 file photo. The annual event, now called Cast, Blast and Wildlife Viewing, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Colorado Democratic Senator Michael Bennet held a town hall in Grand Junction on Wednesday afternoon, hosted at Colorado Mesa Universitys Asteria Theatre.

Bennet, who recently announced he would run to be the next governor of Colorado, fielded questions from the largely full main floor of the venue. People who wanted to ask questions were given a ticket with a number, and then numbers were drawn out of a fuzzy yellow Easter bunny basket to determine who would get to ask a question.

Multiple attendees asked Bennet how checks and balances could be applied to Trump if he ignores Supreme Court orders and acts unilaterally independent of Congress.

Bennet noted some policy, such as legislation aimed at limiting Trumps ability to administer tariffs  such as a bill co-authored by Grand Junction Republican House Rep. Jeff Hurd  but while he said that Congress has oversight responsibility, he also said he didnt know how Congress or the courts could respond if Trumps defiance continues to create a rift between the judiciary and executive branches.

To one woman who asked who would enforce Trumps compliance with Congress or the courts, Bennet simply said he didnt know the answer to her question.

Theres nothing self-executing about our democracy, Bennet said. Nothing.

The first topic introduced by an attendee was education, as a woman expressed concern over the states ability to continue properly funding K-12 education amid potential federal cuts to come resulting from the Trump administration. Bennet once served as the superintendent of Denver Public Schools.

Bennet said that starting teacher pay must improve statewide and nationally, as rural school districts in Colorado often lack the resources to attract and retain teaching talent. He also said the state government needs to reevaluate the states Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) and called education the most pressing issue in American society today.

We are running a school system in America today that was designed in the 17th century, Bennet said. Our children are living in the 21st century. Our teachers are teaching in the 21st century.

The next question was about public lands and fears that the Trump administration will strip resources from these lands or find ways to privatize them.

Bennet said the U.S. has a moral obligation to preserve conservation efforts of generations past. He recounted his experience when former President Joe Biden visited Colorado in 2023 to declare Camp Hale a national monument, and how struck Biden was by Colorados natural beauty.

Bennet also spoke about his efforts to protect the Thompson Divide from oil and gas development for the next two decades.

Were going to fight to protect (public lands) to the end, Bennet said. Its not just the natural beauty; its our history, its our culture, its who we are.

One woman expressed concern about the proposed SAVE Act, which would require physical forms of identification in order to vote. Critics of the proposed legislation say the language of the bill could prevent married women from voting because of their last name changing.

Bennet was asked about his thoughts about the legislation. Bennet responded, Heck no. No, no, no, no.

He then discussed political fatalism and fatigue among modern Americans as many feel powerless, saying that leaders of the womens suffrage movement also felt just as powerless  likely moreso  but continued their work that would eventually pay off in womens voting rights.

I sometimes say to young people, Yeah, I think the systems corrupt in many ways. Young people say its so corrupt that they dont want to get involved, Bennet said. Do you think those women who were fighting for the right to vote didnt think the system was corrupt? Do you think (civil rights leader) Frederick Douglass didnt think the system was corrupt? They never gave up.  We just have to keep that in our minds and be inspired by it.

One woman asked where the funds are coming from that are being used to send deported people to prisons in El Salvador, specifically referencing Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man deported despite the Supreme Court ruling that the Trump administration must attempt to facilitate his return, as he was in the country legally.

To my knowledge, Congress hasnt appropriated any money there, Bennet said, adding that Congress should be appropriating such funds but instead these funds are being unilaterally appropriated by the Trump administration, and that Congress must step up to Trump.

A woman then asked why Democrats have seemed flat-footed in their response to Donald Trumps actions as president, especially since much of the agenda was outlined in the Heritage Foundations Project 2025. Bennet responded by expressing his own frustrations with Democrats.

There are many, many things I blame Donald Trump for. One is not getting elected president. Im furious with the Democratic Party, Bennet said. Those of who are Democrats here need to come to grips with that and ask why that is. There are many reasons why he was elected, and Ill tell you one for certain: for too many Americans, they feel like the American dream has gone past them. They feel like, no matter how hard they work, theyre not going to get ahead and their kids arent going to get ahead.

Bennet said a lack of economic mobility in America created Trumps opportunities at the presidency, which is why Democrats couldnt build the coalition necessary to win in November 2024. Bennet suggested that Democrats run on 21st century education, living wages for high school graduates, universal health care, a functional immigration system that balances U.S. tradition and the rule of law and energy independence.

We need our party to do much better, Bennet said.

One man said he works in the trucking industry and spent much of the election season watching Fox News on truck stop televisions. He asked Bennet how the U.S. can navigate the modern era of misinformation. Bennet expressed dismay at the state of mainstream journalism and how much Americans are susceptible to international propaganda, the latter he said he knows is especially true because of his work on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Bennet said that, alongside a lack of economic ability, the biggest threat to U.S. democracy is the inability to communicate with each other in a way thats effective. He suggested that people take up activities in their communities such as reading to kids in schools or visiting senior citizens in nursing homes.

A lot of challenges that were facing, we would not be facing if we lived in the old analog world we once had, Bennet said. The American people have literally never had a negotiation with Mark Zuckerberg or any of these guys about anything. Weve not had a negotiation about our privacy or our data or our economics. Theyve taken it from them.  They blew up all local journalism in America because the advertising content all migrated to the newspapers to those social media platforms. They not only took out the existing analog world; they replaced it with something thats toxic for us and has divided us.
Fri Friday

90 /65

Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 90s and lows in the mid 60s.
Montana farmers who bought state hail insurance in 2024 will receive a 10 percent refund of the premiums they paid. The Montana Board of Hail Insurance approved the refunds after reviewing the actuarial report at its Spring meeting in March.

In 2024,...
Plaintiffs Susan Webber and Jonathan St. Goddard, both members of the Blackfeet Tribe, filed a complaint April 4 in U.S. District Court in Great Falls against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the United States of America, and Secretary of Ho...
Irle elementary fourth and fifth-graders were able to connect what they have been learning in library to real life when Discovery Channel's Dino Hunter host Clayton Phipps visited the school on April 9. This connection was made possible as a result o...
Glasgow Police Department police officer Alex Williams was one of 75 new officers who graduated April 18, from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) within the Montana Department of Justice. MLEA provides basic and advanced training for state, c...
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Lorene Joy (Olson) Novak passed on to the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior and was reunited with her loving husband, Edward Novak.

A celebration of Lorene's life will take place on Friday, April 25, at 11 a.m. (visitation at 10 a.m.) at Bethlehem Lutheran Church; 4100 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55410.

The service will also be broadcast virtually at: https://youtube.com/live/ydUeBgyvwZI?feature+share.

Lorene was born in Webster City, Iowa, on Jan. 9, 1934, the daughter of Edward and Florence Olson. Her childhood years were spent in Eagle Grove, Iowa, where she met the love of her life. Ed Novak. They were married in 1955 at Samuel Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove.

After high school Lorene obtained her two-year teaching certificate from Eagle Grove Junior College. Later, she earned her four-year degree from Mankato Teacher's College in 1955 and 27 years later received her Masters in Counseling from Northern Montana College.

Throughout Ed's service as a Pastor, Lorene was by his side - a full partner in his service to each of the churches he served in Flaxville, Mont., Billings, Mont., Sioux Falls, S.D., Glasgow, Mont., and Dubuque, Iowa. For most people, being the spouse of a Pastor was a full-time job. Remarkably, not only did she fulfill the role of Pastor's wife with grace and enthusiastic energy and light, she was so much more.

She was an elementary school teacher, a high school guidance counselor, a substance abuse counselor, a family services counselor, a social worker/counselor with Lutheran Social Services, a tutor in the South Dakota State Penitentiary and the first female school board member in Flaxville. She was involved with the American Association of University Women, a mentor in Laubach Literacy training, a YWCA board member, a Battered Women and Domestic Violence Center board member, sold Longaberger baskets, and was on the leadership team for Stephen Ministry.

She was a Mom, a Grandma, a Great-Grandma, a cancer survivor at age 46, and a friend to everyone she encountered. She was a woman of multitudes - kind yet genuine, vulnerable yet strong, tough yet gentle, humble yet confident, caring yet honest. And above all, she loved with vigor. Her favorite words were faith, hope and joy. She embodied those words with every breath of her life.

After retirement, Ed and Lorene moved to Minnesota, where she became Ed's caretaker for the last 15 years of his life. She organized and lead support groups for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. And ultimately, became an incredible inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her sister, Marilee McFadden; daughters Heidi (Joseph) Flores, Karin (Clint) Stockwell and her son, Nathan (Julie) Novak; grandchildren Annalyse (Lucas) Danzinger, Jenna (Alex) Christianson, Lauren (Jared) Sherman, Rachel Flores, Kendall Flores, Sarah Flores, Skyler Stockwell, Kyle Stockwell, Winter (Jan Ehrenberg) Stockwell, Adam (Ashley) Flores; and great-grandchildren Everett, Leighton, Leo, Jordyn, Indigo and Arty.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Walker Suites and Allina Hospice for their caring and compassionate care of Lorene.

Memorials can be sent to Bethlehem Church in Minneapolis, Minn.
Were confident the Montana Republican Party is deeply familiar with the Ten Commandments, but it seems that theyve forgotten another commandment foundational to Republicans: President Ronald Reagans Eleventh Commandment.

Coined when President Re...
Former CIA Official Pleads Guilty to Acting as a Foreign Agent and Mishandling Classified Materials

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Dale Britt Bendler, 68, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty today to, while being a public official at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), acting as a foreign agent required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and removing classified material, classified up to the SECRET//NOFORN level, from authorized locations without authority and with the intent to retain such material at an unauthorized location.

As described in the plea agreement, starting in 2014, Bendler began working as a full-time contractor at the CIA with a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance. Before he was a CIA contractor, Bendler spent over 30 years working for the CIA as an intelligence officer and retired as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service in 2014. Beginning in July 2017 and continuing through at least July 2020, while a full-time CIA contractor and TS/SCI clearance holder, Bendler worked with a U.S. lobbying firm and engaged in unauthorized and hidden lobbying and public relations activities on behalf of foreign national clients. As described in the plea agreement, Bendler's undisclosed lobbying activities included an attempt to use his position and access at the CIA to influence a foreign government's embezzlement investigation of one of Bendler's foreign national clients and a separate attempt to use his position and access at the CIA to influence the U.S. government's decision as to whether to grant a U.S. visa to another of Bendler's clients, who was alleged to be associated with terrorism financing. In exchange for his unauthorized outside activities, Bendler was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars.

During the course of Bendler's unauthorized lobbying and public relations activities, Bendler also abused his access to CIA resources and personnel by, among other things, searching classified CIA systems for any information related to his private lobbying clients, improperly storing and disclosing non-public, sensitive, and classified U.S. government information to people not authorized to receive such information, and lying to the CIA and the FBI about his status as a foreign agent and his unauthorized lobbying and public relations activities. The CIA terminated Bendler's contract and access in September 2020.

In addition to pleading guilty, Bendler consented to the forfeiture of $85,000. Bendler faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison - two years for acting as a foreign agent while being a public official and five years for mishandling classified material. Bendler is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16.

Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division and Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI's Washington Field Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Adam P. Barry and Senior Trial Attorney Heather M. Schmidt of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. Chief Jennifer Kennedy Gellie of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section provided substantial assistance in this investigation in her prior role as a trial attorney.

Topics: Counterintelligence

National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Virginia, Eastern

Press Release Number: 25-420

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Former U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst Sentenced for Selling Sensitive Military Information to Individual Tied to Chinese Government

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A former U.S. Army intelligence analyst was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for conspiring to collect and transmit national defense information, including sensitive, non-public U.S. military information, to an individual he believed was affiliated with the Chinese government.

Korbein Schultz, 25, of Wills Point, Texas, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiring to collect and transmit national defense information, unlawfully exporting controlled information to China, and accepting bribes in exchange of sensitive, non-public U.S. government information.

"This defendant swore an oath to defend the United States  instead, he betrayed it for a payout and put America's military and service members at risk," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The Justice Department remains vigilant against China's efforts to target our military and will ensure that those who leak military secrets spend years behind bars."

"This sentencing is a stark warning to those who betray our country: you will pay a steep price for it," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "The People's Republic of China is relentless in its efforts to steal our national defense information, and service members are a prime target. The FBI and our partners will continue to root out espionage and hold those accountable who abandon their obligation to safeguard defense information from hostile foreign governments."

"Those who collaborate with America's foreign adversaries put our country, and those who defend it, at grave risk and we will do whatever it takes to hold them accountable for their crimes," said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. "We will proudly stand in support of our men and women in uniform and work diligently to protect them from people like the defendant who would sell them out for a few bucks."

"Protecting classified information is paramount to our national security, and this sentencing reflects the ramifications when there is a breach of that trust," said Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of the Army Counterintelligence Command. "This Soldier's actions put Army personnel at risk placing individual gain above personal honor. Army Counterintelligence Command, in close collaboration with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Intelligence Community, remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our nation's secrets and urges all current and former Army personnel to report any suspicious contact immediately."

According to court documents, between May 2022 until his arrest in March 2024, Schultz engaged in an ongoing conspiracy to provide dozens of sensitive U.S. military documents  many containing export-controlled tactical and technical information  directly to a foreign national residing in the People's Republic of China. Despite clear indications that this individual, who is referenced in the Indictment as Conspirator A, was likely connected to the Chinese government, the defendant continued the relationship in exchange for financial compensation. In exchange for approximately $42,000, Schultz provided documents and data related to U.S. military capabilities, including:

His Army unit's operational order before it was deployed to Eastern Europe in support of NATO operations;

Lessons learned by the U.S. Army from the Ukraine/Russia conflict applicable to Taiwan's defense;

Technical manuals for the HH-60 helicopter, F-22A fighter aircraft, and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile systems;

Information on Chinese military tactics and the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force;

Details on U.S. military exercises in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines;

Documents concerning U.S. military satellites and missile defense systems like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).

Tactics for countering unmanned aerial systems in large-scale combat operations.

Conspirator A first contacted the defendant through a freelance web-based work platform shortly after the defendant received his Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance. Masquerading as a client from a geopolitical consulting firm, Conspirator A solicited the defendant to produce detailed analyses on U.S. military capabilities and planning, particularly in relation to Taiwan and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

As the relationship progressed, Conspirator A's demands grew increasingly specific and sensitive  requesting technical manuals, operational procedures, and intelligence assessments. Conspirator A made explicit his interest in materials that were not publicly available and encouraged the defendant to seek out higher levels of classification, emphasizing "exclusiveness" and "CUI and better." Schultz agreed to obtain higher levels of classified information for Conspirator A in exchange for money.

The defendant, fully aware of the grave national security implications, used his position and access to restricted databases  including closed U.S. government computer networks  to download and transmit at least 92 sensitive U.S. military documents.

The case also revealed attempts by the defendant to recruit his friend and fellow Army intelligence analyst into the conspiracy. At the time, Schultz's friend was assigned to the U.S. Department of Defense's Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), which is the combatant command that covers China and its regional areas of influence. Schultz and Conspirator A discussed the need to recruit another person into their scheme who had better access to classified material. They agreed that such recruitment needed to be done in a "nice and slow fashion."

The FBI's Nashville Field Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command and the Department of Defense.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Adam Barry and Christopher Cook of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.

Topics: Counterintelligence

National Security

Components: Office of the Attorney General

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Tennessee, Middle

Press Release Number: 25-423

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NBI links China to espionage targeting PH ships in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

April 23, 2025, 10:30 pm

MANILA -- Surveillance of Philippine vessels en route to the West Philippine Sea may be part of a wider and coordinated espionage operation tied to Chinese maritime forces, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) told a Senate panel on Wednesday.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who chairs the Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, raised the alarm over intelligence reports that Chinese vessels were aware of Philippine resupply missions even before the ships departed from Palawan, suggesting possible coordination with foreign nationals recently arrested for suspected spying.

"There is a possibility, Mr. Chair, kasi 'yung Palawan 5 po ang sinu-surveillance niyan (ay) yung mga vessels po natin na papuntang (because the so-called Palawan 5 are doing surveillance to our vessels going to) WPS," lawyer Van Homer Angluben, executive officer of the NBI Cybercrime Division, said during the hearing.

"Meron po kaming mga nakuhang information from the military na bago pa makaalis 'yung barko natin sa Palawan, alam na po ng mga vessel ng China na parating na 'yung resupply mission natin (We were able to get information from the military the before our vessels can leave Palawan, Chinese vessels already know that our resupply mission is coming)," he said.

The "Palawan 5" refers to the five Chinese nationals arrested separately in January for suspected spying on Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard assets in Palawan.

Angluben said the NBI, in cooperation with military intelligence units, is actively verifying intelligence packets linked to possible foreign surveillance.

The Senate inquiry, through Resolutions No. 1267 and PS No. 1328, also focused on the March 19 arrest of six Chinese nationals and one Filipino in Subic, suspected of conducting intelligence operations against the Philippine government.

Tolentino said the espionage campaign had reached crisis proportions, noting that the surveillance appeared to involve sensitive data on military preparedness, naval operations, and national infrastructure.

"Tunay na ang mga gawaing ito... ay may ma-ituturing na kriminal (These activities can be considered criminal)," he said, citing Commonwealth Act No. 616 and provisions of the Revised Penal Code.

He also linked the Subic arrests to prior cyber intrusions on the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

In his closing remarks, Tolentino commended the arresting authorities and presented a stark warning over the scale of the uncovered activities, hoping that the arrests "would lead to prosecution and eventual conviction of the arrested personalities." (PNA)

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Russia Expels Moldovan Ex-Spy Over Espionage Plot: Here's the Lowdown

Sputnik News

20250423

Svetlana Ekimnenko

A former Moldovan intelligence agent has been expelled from Russia and banned from entering the country for 60 years, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced.

Dmitry Rusnak entered Russia in 2024 on a mission to collect classified information about Russia's strategy toward Moldova, including details on Russian security forces and other state entities involved in foreign policy toward Moldova, according to the FSB.

Rusnak helped Ukraine's intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, establish contact with Moldova's then-presidential candidate, Maia Sandu, in 2020.

In return, Budanov facilitated Rusnak's commercial ventures in Ukraine, including those linked to US agricultural seed companies.

Rusnak personally attended a meeting he arranged in the summer of 2021 between Budanov and Alexander Yesaulenko, the then-head of Moldova's Security and Intelligence Service (SIS), where they discussed plans to blow up ammunition depots guarded by Russian peacekeepers in Transnistria.

During the meeting, Budanov confessed to the Moldovan spy that Ukraine, along with "the entire European army," would be unable to withstand the Russian military, according to a video of the interrogation released by the FSB.

A polygraph test confirmed Rusnak's subversive intentions.

"Considering that the foreigner did not cause any real damage to the security of Russia, he was expelled from the territory of our country in February 2025 and his entry into Russia was closed for a period of 60 years," the FSB added.

 Sputnik

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Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Demands Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities

Fact Sheets

The White House

April 23, 2025

ENFORCING TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order bolstering transparency requirements regarding foreign funds flowing to American higher education and research institutions.

The Order mandates full and timely disclosure of foreign funding by higher education institutions.

It directs the Secretary of Education to: Reverse or rescind any actions by the prior administration that allow universities to obscure details regarding their foreign funding. Require universities to disclose the true source and purpose of foreign funds. Provide the American people with greater access to general information about foreign funding of higher education institutions, which the prior administration kept limited. Work with the Attorney General and relevant departments and agencies to hold non-compliant institutions accountable through audits, investigations, and enforcement actions.

To enhance accountability, the Order clarifies that certain Federal grant funds could be revoked for failure to comply with foreign funding disclosure requirements.

SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN INTERESTS: President Trump is committed to protecting national security, academic integrity, and American excellence by ensuring transparency in foreign funding.

For far too long, foreign funds have flowed to U.S. colleges and universities with inadequate transparency or oversight.

The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations described foreign government spending at America's universities as "effectively a black hole."

A recent report found that $60 billion in foreign gifts and contracts have been funneled into American colleges and universities over the past several decades.

Only about 300 of the approximately 6,000 U.S. institutions self-report foreign money each year.

Undisclosed foreign funding raises serious concerns about potential foreign influence, national security risks, and compromised academic integrity.

RESTORING ACCOUNTABILITY: President Trump is ending secrecy surrounding foreign funding in higher education to protect students, research, and the marketplace of ideas.

In President Trump's first term, his Department of Education uncovered $6.5 billion in previously unreported foreign funds to U.S. colleges and universities.

The Biden Administration weakened these efforts by reassigning investigative responsibilities to an ill-equipped unit, and by reducing oversight and public access to information.

This Executive Order reinstates robust enforcement, ensuring foreign funding is transparent and does not compromise American interests.

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The 37th Annual U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

April 22, 2025

The United States and ASEAN held the 37th annual U.S.-ASEAN Dialogue on April 22, 2025, in Siem Reap, Cambodia to discuss ongoing cooperation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Sean O'Neill co-chaired the dialogue with Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Kung Phoak.

Senior Bureau Official O'Neill reiterated U.S. support for Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN. The co-chairs highlighted the strong and durable partnership with ASEAN for the past 48 years. Senior Bureau Official O'Neill assured participants of President Trump's commitment to prioritize the safety, security, and prosperity of our citizens.

Senior Bureau Official O'Neill highlighted that the United States remains the top source of foreign direct investment for the ASEAN region. He stressed President Trump's goal of establishing greater fairness and reciprocity in our trade relationships. In addition to U.S. support for an inclusive digital economy, he emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation on cybersecurity, developing emerging technologies, upholding freedom of navigation, and combating transnational crime, including online scam centers and synthetic drugs. He reiterated U.S. support for Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN.

Senior Bureau Official O'Neill discussed pressing geopolitical issues with his ASEAN counterparts, including the importance of facilitating a free and open Indo-Pacific and effectively standing against aggression from outside parties. He underscored the United States' close coordination with ASEAN to facilitate Burma's path to an actual democracy, in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. The Senior Bureau Official called for Burma's military regime to immediately end the violence against its people, release those unjustly detained, and allow unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need. He further expressed the need to uphold freedoms of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea in the South China Sea.

Finally, Senior Bureau Official O'Neill extended his condolences for the loss of life in Burma and in Thailand following the March 28 earthquake. He said the United States continues to support humanitarian efforts during the long days of recovery ahead.

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Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al Thani

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

April 22, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during his visit to Washington, D.C. Secretary Rubio and the Prime Minister discussed the important strategic partnership between the United States and Qatar, including close security and economic cooperation and shared efforts to address regional challenges in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

Secretary Rubio also expressed gratitude for Qatar's efforts in securing the release of American citizens from Afghanistan. The Secretary and Prime Minister reiterated both countries' support for greater security and stability in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of increased collaboration on bilateral and regional issues.

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Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with Qatari Minister of State Al Khulaifi

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

April 22, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Qatari Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Al Khulaifi in Washington, D.C. They discussed President Trump's upcoming trip to Qatar and the importance of building our strong economic and commercial relationship. They also discussed Qatar's continued engagement with the Syrian interim authorities to provide stability and assistance to the Syrian people. The Deputy Secretary thanked Qatar for its support to Lebanon's security and economic development and expressed appreciation for Qatar's continued efforts in securing the release of American citizens from Afghanistan. The Deputy Secretary also thanked Qatar for its role in attempting to mediate conflicts in Africa and other parts of the world. They reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Qatar partnership and the importance of close coordination to address shared global issues.

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APS-2 site part of Congressional assessment of European defense industrial investments

By Cameron Porter, 405th AFSB Public Affairs Officer April 23, 2025

POWIDZ, Poland -- A bipartisan Congressional delegation visited the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Poland April 16 as part of a larger, overarching assessment of the latest tranches of European defense industrial investments.

Led by Army Field Support Battalion-Poland Commander Lt. Col. Omar McKen and Sgt. Maj. Olimpia Valdez, U.S. House of Representatives Keith Self from Texas and Derek Tran from California toured the APS-2 worksite along with several House of Foreign Affairs Committee members and Congressional staffers. The 405th Army Field Support Brigade commander, Col. Ernest Lane II, was also in attendance, plus other Army leaders and commanders.

The Powidz APS-2 worksite, a NATO funded facility that officially opened in 2024, was high on their list of sites to visit during their Congressional trip to Europe meeting European Union officials, conducting oversight of U.S. and allied military capabilities, and assessing the state of defense industrial investments in Europe.

Beyond this most recent Congressional visit, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll visited the Powidz APS-2 worksite less than a week earlier, and last month several House Armed Services Committee members were there. In addition, many other distinguished visitors have recently toured the site, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who was there in February.

"It's important to host visits like this to help leadership at the highest levels gain a better understanding of APS-2 operations in Eastern Europe," said Cpt. James Bath, AFSBn-Poland's operations officer. "All these visits to our site are fantastic opportunities to showcase our team's hard work and the dedication of our Polish partners."

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.

There are six APS-2 worksites across Europe located in five countries under the command and control of the 405th AFSB. Each worksite has the capability to house and maintain an Armored Brigade Combat Team's or a Sustainment Brigade's worth of equipment as well as engineer, artillery, military police, and medical capabilities. By providing turn-key power projection APS-2 packages ready to employ at a moment's notice, the 405th AFSB's 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 23, 2025

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Hegseth Recaps 100 Days of DOD Accomplishments During Speech at War College

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summarized the Defense Department's accomplishments over the first 100 days of his tenure this morning as he addressed senior-level military student leaders at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

The students  all senior, field-grade officers and civilian equivalents  are in the final stretch of the college's 10-month strategic leadership resident program. Upon completion of the course, the graduates will be eligible for major command and civilian equivalent executive leadership positions.

"Fighting for you has been the privilege of a lifetime  a deployment of a lifetime," Hegseth told the students at the outset of his remarks.

"And from day one  and each 100 of those days  our overriding objectives have been clear: restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military and reestablishing deterrence," he continued.

Stating that "everything starts and ends with warriors in training and on the battlefield," Hegseth said that the department is working to restore the warrior ethos by refocusing DOD on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, and standards and readiness.

On the latter of those topics, the secretary pointed out that the Pentagon is reviewing how the department has maintained standards over the past four years to see whether they have dropped.

"To be lethal, you have to trust that the warrior alongside you in battle, or the troops fighting in the units that many of you will lead, are capable  truly, physically capable  of doing what is necessary under fire," Hegseth said, adding that such a standard is especially applicable to leaders.

Some additional warrior ethos restoration topics he hit on included welcoming service members who were involuntarily separated during the COVID-19 pandemic back into uniform, reshaping DOD's civilian workforce, and a recent uptick in recruiting numbers.

"The enthusiasm of young Americans, in particular, is off the charts," Hegseth said.

He then addressed DOD's priority to rebuild the military.

"Our goal is to put the best systems in the hands of our warfighters and ensure that you, as leaders, will have the systems and support you need for maximum lethality," Hegseth said.

As a pair of examples of such systems, Hegseth pointed to the Golden Dome missile defense system that DOD has been tasked with developing, as well as the Air Force's F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet platform.

"Taken together, these programs mean that we will be able to strike anywhere, anytime, while our citizens at home will be protected from the worst that our enemies can throw at us," he said.

In addition to developing new weapons systems, Hegseth said DOD is also rebuilding the military through a review of all 72 major defense acquisition programs, working to strengthen the defense industrial base, and rooting out fraud, waste and abuse through a partnership with the Department of Government Efficiency.

"We are prioritizing what works and cutting what doesn't," he said.

"When your adversaries know that your military is filled with warriors, that your logistics capabilities are robust [and] that your warfighters have the most advanced weapons systems known to man, they are far less likely to challenge you on the battlefield," he continued.

Regarding the third objective, reestablishing deterrence, Hegseth said the Defense Department is doing just that, both at home and abroad.

"Working with our partners at [the Department of Homeland Security], we have already seen a 97% decrease in illegal border crossings compared to the same period in 2024," he said, adding that monthly encounters at the southern border have dropped from 250,000 to 19,000.

Overseas, Hegseth noted that the U.S. has handed leadership of the multinational group that deals with Ukraine's security needs off to the United Kingdom and Germany and that the U.S. has obtained commitments from multiple European nations to boost their defense spending.

"The time of the United States ... being the sole guarantor of European security has passed. It's long overdue," Hegseth said.

The secretary also spoke of U.S. deterrence in the Middle East, including support for Israel and the Defense Department's lethal operations against Houthi terrorists.

Additionally, Hegseth detailed the strong bonds being reaffirmed with numerous allied and partner countries throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

"At every step, we are carrying out our strategy of increasing deterrence against the Communist Chinese," he said.

"Under the leadership of President [Donald J.] Trump, the message to our adversaries ... has been undeniably clear: America is back," he added.

Hegseth concluded his remarks by stating that America and its national defense have begun a new golden age and that the students about to graduate each represent the future of the military.

"You will set the standard," he told those in attendance.

"We're counting on you, and I know that you will deliver at each and every step with distinction."

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Ireland - FGM-148 Javelin Missiles and Lightweight Command Launch Units

NEWS | April 23, 2025

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-27

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ireland of FGM-148 Javelin Missiles and Lightweight Command Launch Units and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $46 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Ireland has requested to buy thirty-six (36) Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLUs) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, valued at $8.7 million ($7.9 million in MDE), included forty-four (44) FGM-148 Javelin missiles. This notification is for a combined total of forty-four (44) FGM-148 Javelin missiles and thirty-six (36) Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLUs). The following non-MDE items will also be included: missile containers; U.S. Government technical assistance; Enhanced Producibility Basic Skills Trainers (EPBST); training; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $46 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security and capabilities of Ireland to support its participation in peacekeeping missions with the United Nations and NATO's Partnership for Peace program.

The proposed sale will enhance Ireland's capability to build its long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity to meet its national defense requirements. Ireland will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be the Javelin Joint Venture between Lockheed Martin, located in Orlando, FL, and RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Ireland.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

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Yemen launches new missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2025

The Yemeni Armed Forces announced that they successfully carried out two separate missile and drone attacks targeting key Israeli sites within the occupied territories.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Yemeni Army, said a hypersonic missile had struck a vital Israeli target in Haifa.

According to Saree, the operation was successful, and Israel's anti-missile systems failed to intercept the missile. He added that the attack caused panic among Israeli settlers, with over two million fleeing to bomb shelters.

In addition, Yemeni forces launched a drone attack on a critical target in Tel Aviv, Saree said.

The spokesperson emphasized Yemen's commitment to its "religious and human duty" to support the Palestinian people, vowing that the armed forces will continue with the operations until the siege on Gaza is lifted.

9341**4353

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Iran is prepared to assist in Lebanon's reconstruction: Ambassador

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2025

Iranian Ambassador to Beirut Mojtaba Amani says the Islamic Republic is ready to assist in the reconstruction of Lebanon following the Israeli aggression against the Arab country.

Amani said in an interview with Al-Jadeed TV that Iran is trying to cooperate with the Lebanese government in the rebuilding process.

He said that Tehran wants to "take part in supporting the Lebanese people who were affected by the Israeli aggression and communicating with the international sides in this regard."

The ambassador also addressed the pager explosions that Israel carried out across Lebanon in September last year, which left thousands of people dead and wounded, including Amani himself.

The Iranian ambassador had suffered an eye injury and was among the 96 people who were transferred to Tehran for treatment.

He said the device that wounded him was present in his office, and it was there to "warn of any attack."

Responding to reports of his summoning by the Lebanese Foreign Ministry, Amani explained that he was summoned over a recent social media post but could not attend, with no alternative date set yet.

The Iranian envoy in an X post on Friday had warned against Israeli and U.S. "conspiracy" over the calls for the disarming of Hezbollah.

"While the United States continues to supply the Zionist entity with the latest weapons and missiles, it prevents countries from arming and strengthening their armies, and pressures other countries to reduce or destroy their arsenals under various pretexts," he had written.

4399**4353

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DACCC hosts the 2025 Offensive Air Operations Conference

NATO Allied Air Command

Apr 23 2025

POGGIO RENATICO, Italy -- From March 17 to 21, 2025, the Deployable Air Command and Control Centre (DACCC) hosted the third iteration of the Offensive Air Operations Conference. The key focus this year was on the implication of the Future Air C2 Model and Lessons Identified from recent major NATO exercises.

More than 30 participants from across NATO gathered in Poggio Renatica, Italy, for discussions around the global implications of future Air Command and Control (C2) capabilities, Composite Air Operation planning and execution requirements, as well as 5th Generation aircraft and Stand Off Weapon employment considerations.

In his opening remarks, DACCC Deputy Commander Brigadier General Stefan Scheibl, addressed the key role of such events in improving collective thinking, in order to achieve mission success. "The revised Air C2 Structure will be critical to our survivability and Offensive Ops planners need to seamlessly integrate effective Multi-Domain Operations that provide us with a decisive edge in contested environments."

During the conference, the international audience of Air C2 experts also received updates from subject matter experts in air power support to enhance ground and maritime operations, time sensitive targeting, space and non-kinetic capabilities. Analysis of the outcomes of the latest exercises also took place to identify issues and refine processes, then tailored tabletop working groups concluded the week by testing new methods to optimize coordinated air operations.

Colonel Josh Coakley, DAOC Director of the DACCC summarized the value of the Conference stating, "Now is an incredibly important time for the Alliance. Changes to the Air C2 structure to meet a dynamic and complex threat environment create challenges and opportunities which are able to be explored during events like this. The exchange of ideas among subject matter experts at all levels and specialties lays the groundwork for our future success."

Story by The Deployable Air Command and Control Centre Public Affairs Office/DAOC

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A look at the Defence news 14 - 20 April

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 23-04-2025 | 14:46

HNLMS Snellius has been deployed to the Baltic Sea for 3 months to relieve HNLMS Luymes in Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), one of NATO's permanent maritime forces.

The tasks of SNMCMG1 include deactivating explosives found in the sea, and preventing the sabotage of undersea infrastructure.

Dutch military personnel start work in Chad

Eight Dutch military personnel will be training instructors in the African country of Chad until the end of July. The new African instructors will then train African infantry personnel for participation in African Union and UN missions.

The Netherlands takes turn again in air policing

The Quick Reaction Alert task is back in Dutch hands. Two F-35s are on continuous standby to protect Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourgish airspace. The Netherlands and Belgium take on this duty alternately.

Royal Netherlands Army ready for modern warfare

In recent weeks, as part of the Bastion Lion exercise, the Royal Netherlands army and the armies of two other participating nations practised rapidly moving 1,800 vehicles, 200 drones and 4,500 military personnel to NATO's eastern border for a combat operation. An area in Germany served as a mock eastern border for the purposes of the exercise. The exercise constituted a realistic preparation for a large-scale conflict.

Dutch army brigade trains under intense pressure in the Czech Republic

Dutch army personnel were recently put to the test in the hilly terrain in the west of the Czech Republic, where they spent 4 weeks taking part in a large-scale exercise in 'enemy territory'. A Czech unit played the role of adversary very realistically.

Tuinman gathers information on technology in US

Last week, Netherlands State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman visited the US for the second time in quick succession, visiting various military and technology companies in California. He aims to gain as wide as possible a grasp of developments in the areas of technology and security, in order for the Netherlands to retain military relevance on the battlefield by means of digital technology and innovation.

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Statement by the Spokesperson Regarding Attack in Anantnag district of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Responding to media queries concerning the attack in Anantnag district of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Spokesperson said:

We are concerned at the loss of tourists' lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

Islamabad

23 April 2025



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India downgrades ties with Pakistan after deadly Kashmir attack

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 7:19 PM

India says it will shut a key land border with Pakistan and stall a water sharing treaty as part of a round of punitive measures against its neighbor, following a deadly attack in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a press briefing on Wednesday that "cross-border linkages" to the attack had been revealed in a security cabinet meeting, before citing a raft of measures that India would be taking against Pakistan.

Misri announced India would close the main land border at Attari-Wagah "with immediate effect."

Pakistan relies heavily on the crossing for trade and is more dependent on it than India.

Misri further said defense, military, naval and air advisers at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi "are declared persona non grata". They will have one week to leave India.

India would be withdrawing its advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, he added.

"India will be withdrawing its own defense, navy and air advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad."

Under the punitive measures, Pakistani nationals would not be allowed to travel to India under a regional visa exemption scheme  and that Pakistani nationals in India traveling as part of it had 48 hours to leave the country.

India has suspended an old water sharing treaty with Pakistan.

"The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism", Misri was quoted as saying.

The treaty's suspension could mean Pakistan faces severe water shortages. Pakistan is heavily dependent on the water from the Indus River and its tributaries for agriculture and drinking water.

Security in the Himalayan region of Kashmir has been beefed up since Tuesday's attack, which resulted in the death of at least 26 people, with another 17 injured.

Tens of thousands of security forces were deployed to patrol the disputed Muslim majority region.

Cars were searched at checkpoints, as the military and police carried out missions to locate the attackers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had cut short his trip to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi on Wednesday following the deadly assault.

Modi was briefed by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar upon his arrival at the airport.

The April 22 attack came at a time when US Vice President JD Vance was visiting India on a four-day trip.

The violence was one of the deadliest episodes in a long history of conflict in the disputed Himalayan region that is divided principally between India and Pakistan.

The last major assault in the region took place in 2019, when a suicide bomber killed 40 members of Indian security forces.

Nuclear-armed arch-rivals India and Pakistan have long accused each other of backing forces to destabilize the other, and New Delhi says Islamabad backs the gunmen behind the insurgency.

Islamabad denies the allegation, saying it only supports Kashmir's struggle for self-determination.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would hold a meeting of the National Security Committee on Thursday to respond to India's statement.

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India suspends water treaty with Pakistan after terror attack

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 5:58 PM

The Indian government has suspended an old water sharing treaty with Pakistan, a move seen as an existential threat to Pakistan's massive agriculture sector, after a deadly attack on tourists in its Kashmir region.

Reports on Wednesday indicated that the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security, which is the country's top decision-maker on national security issues, had approved the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, which governs the use of six rivers in the Indus Basin.

The decision came a day after 26 people, including one foreign national, were killed in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir in an attack which the Indian authorities said had "cross-border linkages".

Under the treaty, Pakistan was entitled to 80% of the water shares from the Indus Basin rivers, which it fed to its agriculture and hydropower plants.

More than 140 million people in Pakistan rely on the water supplied from the rivers, making the system an existential lifeline for the country.

The website of the Indian economic magazine Business Today said in a report that suspending the water sharing agreement removes limits on India's control on water supplies to Pakistan.

It described India's decision as deliberately timed to hit Pakistan "where it hurts mostagriculture, food, water, and energy security."

The report said that the move could threaten food security for millions, leading to unrest in Pakistani cities and migration in rural regions while it would cripple the country's electricity sector, affecting power supplies to industries and households.

Pakistani authorities have yet to react to the move, which many believe could trigger a new diplomatic escalation between the two nuclear neighbors.

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Manhunt underway for gunmen in Kashmir attack as death toll rises to 26

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 5:55 PM

A manhunt has been launched after a group of heavily-armed gunmen opened fire on tourists and killed more than two dozen people in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Media reports quoting sources said on Wednesday that a manhunt was underway for the suspects in what police are labeling a "terror attack," though the shooters remain at large.

Military helicopters soared overhead, searching the forested mountain flanks for signs of the attackers.

The death toll in the attack has climbed to 26 after gunmen opened fire on tourists at a scenic location near Pahalgam a day earlier.

The incident marks an escalation in violence that has dented the Indian government's narrative of stability in the disputed Muslim-majority region.

All those killed in Tuesday's attack were listed as residents of India, except for one man from Nepal.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a statement that the attack had been "much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians" in recent years.

"This attack on our visitors is an abomination," Abdullah said.

A statement issued in the name of The Resistance Front (TRF), which is believed to be an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack.

The statement linked the attack to the thousands of residency permits being handed over to Indian citizens, allowing them to settle in the disputed Himalayan region.

The move, which allows non-Kashmiris to buy property, has angered many Muslim Kashmiris who fear being marginalized by a Hindu nationalist agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

New Delhi says the change has allowed the region to be better integrated into India as a whole, and brought along with it economic and security benefits.

India's defense minister vowed a swift response to those who carried out and planned the Kashmir region's worst attack on civilians in years.

"Those responsible and behind such an act will very soon hear our response, loud and clear," Rajnath Singh said in a speech in New Delhi, a day after the attack at a tourist hotspot in the contested Himalayan region.

"We won't just reach those people who carried out the attack. We will also reach out to those who planned this from behind the scenes on our land."

Singh further said that "India's government will take every step that may be necessary and appropriate".

India and Pakistan both claim Kashmir in its entirety, but each country only controls a section of the territory, which makes the Muslim-majority region a flashpoint in the larger India-Pakistan geopolitical rivalry.

Nuclear-armed arch-rivals India and Pakistan have long accused each other of backing forces to destabilize the other, and New Delhi says Islamabad backs the gunmen behind the insurgency.

Islamabad denies the allegation, saying it only supports Kashmir's struggle for self-determination.

Pakistan's foreign ministry on Wednesday offered its "condolences to the near ones of the deceased."

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Tahrir Hospital director: Gaza children at most severe stage of malnutrition

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 3:29 PM

The director of Tahrir Hospital at Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza has warned that the children of the besieged Palestinian territory have reached the most severe stage of malnutrition.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Farra said in a statement on Wednesday that due to the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid, it has become extremely difficult to monitor the health of Gaza children.

"It is extremely difficult to monitor them medically due to a lack of therapeutic medicines and infant formula," Farra said.

"The lack of adequate nutrition and medicine for pregnant mothers has a dangerous impact on newborns, especially premature babies."

According to Farra, the continued prevention of food and medicine supplies indicates that Gaza's children are facing a dangerous and catastrophic scenario.

The condition of the child "Osama Al-Raqab" summarizes Gaza's suffering due to the lack of proper nutrition and drinking water, Farra said.

Osama Al-Raqab is a six-year-old Palestinian child who has been suffering from acute malnutrition since the Israeli regime imposed the blockade, and according to his family, is close to death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also warned that the Gaza Strip is in the fifth stage of famine and malnutrition.

The UN's Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has defined "phase 5 of famine" as "areas where at least one in five households experience an extreme lack of food and face starvation resulting in destitution, extremely critical levels of acute malnutrition and death."

Meanwhile, the heads of 12 major aid groups in the enclave have said that in addition to the siege, the Israeli regime's constant bombing has resulted in Gaza children surviving on less than a meal per day.

"Kids are eating less than a meal a day and struggling to find their next meal ... Everyone is purely eating canned food ... Malnutrition and pockets of famine are definitely occurring in Gaza," said Bushra Khalidi, the policy head of the aid group Oxfam NGO.

Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Khalil Deqran said that as the siege enters its sixth week, at least 60,000 Gaza children show symptoms of acute malnutrition.

Furthermore, this number belongs to the children that the Ministry has been able to identify and record. The Ministry has been unable to examine hundreds of thousands of children across Gaza.

Since the blockade began, all 25 UN-supplied bakeries making bread have been shut, with aid agencies warning that the population is on the precipice of starvation and mass disease.

Since March 2, when Israel broke its ceasefire agreement with Hamas, its forces have imposed a total blockade on the strip. It also resumed its attacks on Gaza on March 18.

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Yemeni forces strike key Israeli targets with ballistic missile, kamikaze drone

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 2:13 PM

The Yemeni Armed Forces have carried out separate operations against strategic installations within the Israeli-occupied territories in reprisal for the Tel Aviv regime's atrocities in the Gaza Strip.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesperson for Yemen's military, stated on Wednesday that Yemeni forces had launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at a vital target in the city of Haifa, in the northern part of the occupied lands, in a fresh pro-Palestinian operation.

He said the projectile managed to penetrate through the skies over the territories as anti-air missile systems failed to intercept it.

Saree said the missile attack instilled fear and anxiety among illegal settlers, prompting tens of thousands of them to run toward bomb shelters.

Additionally, Yemeni drone units hit an Israeli target in the city of Tel Aviv with a domestically-developed Yaffa unmanned aerial vehicle.

Saree underlined that the Yemeni Armed Forces will not abandon their religious, moral, and humanitarian duties, and will press ahead with their retaliatory operations against the Zionist entity.

The spokesperson for the Yemeni army stated that his fellow servicemen will continue their pro-Palestinian operations until the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip ceases and the tight blockade is completely lifted.

In response to Israeli atrocities in Gaza and US-UK aggression against Yemen, the Yemeni Armed Forces have launched a series of attacks targeting Israeli, American, and British interests in the Red Sea and surrounding areas.

As the genocidal war against Gaza intensified, the Yemenis implemented a strategic blockade of key maritime routes, aiming to disrupt the flow of military supplies to their adversaries and exert pressure on the international community to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have said the attacks will not end until Israel halts its ground and aerial offensives in Gaza.

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KAN: Israel fabricated tunnel discovery in Gaza to prevent ceasefire deal

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 9:20 AM

The Israeli military has used a fabricated tunnel discovery in the besieged Gaza Strip to stall a captive/prisoner exchange deal, Israeli public broadcaster KAN says.

In an investigative report, KAN revealed that the Israeli military has fabricated the discovery of a tunnel in the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border.

Situated in the so-called demilitarized area along the border, the fake tunnel, whose photos were published by the Israeli army last August, was in fact a shallow canal, the report added, stressing that the lie aimed to delay a captive/prisoner deal.

"There was never a tunnel, but a canal covered in dirt," Turkey's state-owned Anadolu news agency on Wednesday cited KAN as saying, emphasizing that the purpose of this lie "was to exaggerate the importance of the Philadelphi Corridor and delay a hostage deal."

The Israeli broadcaster further said that former Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant supported the findings, stressing, "It was not a tunnel, but rather an attempt to prevent a ceasefire agreement."

Gallant explained that the structure was actually just about one meter deep, but said that it had been inaccurately portrayed to the public as a deep tunnel, acknowledging, "It was promoted to the public as a deep tunnel to prevent reaching a deal with Hamas."

The development comes as Israeli military sources estimated earlier this month that Israel's strikes on Gaza since October 2023, which have killed more than 51,000 people, have so far destroyed only a quarter of the tunnel network and defense capabilities of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.

The Israeli regime was forced to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas last January, given the regime's failure to achieve any of its objectives, including the "elimination" of the Palestinian resistance movement or the release of captives.

The 42-day first stage of the truce, which was marred by repeated Israeli violations, expired on March 1, but Israel is refraining from stepping into talks for the second stage of the agreement.

Hamas demands a full ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the war-ravaged Palestinian territory in return for any captive/prisoner swap deal.

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Gaza facing 'unprecedented catastrophe' after 50 days of Israeli blockade: Hamas

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 7:00 AM

Hamas has warned that the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached unprecedented levels due to the persisting Israeli blockade, calling for urgent global action to end the occupying regime's siege in the besieged territory threatening the lives of over 2 million people.

Hamas made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday, as Israel has been preventing the entry of all lifesaving supplies, including food, medicine, and fuel into Gaza for the past 50 days.

"After 50 days of total closure of the crossings by the Zionist occupation army, the Gaza Strip is facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe marked by severe shortages of basic life necessities, including food, water, fuel, and vital medicine such as children's vaccines," Hamas said.

"This situation is pushing the entire population into the brink of famine and spiraling health disaster, compounded by daily massacres against innocent civilians in neighborhoods, shelters, and tents, alongside the systematic destruction of hospitals and civilian facilities," it added.

The resistance movement further noted that the total Israeli siege imposed on over 2.25 million people and the use of starvation as a weapon of war constitute a clear violation of international law, adding that the "continuation of such crimes reflects a profound political, moral, and humanitarian failure by the international community."

Hamas further called on the international community to intervene and exert pressure on the Israeli regime to open the crossings and allow the entry of all lifesaving supplies into Gaza.

It also urged Arab and Muslim countries to take immediate action to break the siege imposed on Palestinians in Gaza and open the crossings.

Israel waged its brutal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, but it failed to achieve its declared objectives despite killing 51,240 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and at least 116,931 others.

The usurping entity accepted longstanding negotiation terms by Hamas under a Gaza ceasefire, which began on January 19.

However, Israel unilaterally abandoned the truce on March 2, cutting off humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. It also resumed its deadly bombing campaign and redeployed troops to the territory.

Rights groups have condemned the Israeli blockade on vital supplies, which is now in its eighth week, as a crime against humanity and a flagrant violation of international law.

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Sirens blare in Israeli-occupied lands as Yemen launches fresh missile attack

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 5:58 AM

The Israeli military says a ballistic missile from Yemen has triggered sirens in the northern part of the Israeli-occupied territories, as Yemeni Armed Forces continue their operations in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amidst the Tel Aviv regime's bloody onslaught on the coastal sliver.

The army announced in a statement that air raid sirens were activated in a number of regions and cities in the northern side of the occupied lands, including Haifa, Kiryat Ata and the Western Galilee, on Wednesday morning, warning of incoming rocket fire.

The military went on to claim that its anti-air missile systems "probably intercepted" the projectile.

Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency response service did not report any direct injuries from the attack or impacts from debris.

It, however, said paramedics were treating a number of people, who were injured while rushing for shelter.

The latest Yemeni missile launch came hours after the US military conducted fresh acts of aggression against the Arab nation by launching a new wave of airstrikes across multiple regions.

Yemen's official Saba news agency, citing a security source speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that three US airstrikes targeted Majzar district in the central province of Ma'rib. No casualties were reported.

In the strategic western province of Hudaydah, US warplanes carried out a string of raids on the provincial capital of the same name.

The Kamaran Island, strategically located at the southern end of the Red Sea, was also hit by a number of air attacks. At least two airstrikes on As Salif district were also reported. No immediate reports of casualties have emerged.

Additionally, Majzar district was targeted five times, while Kufal area in Sirwah saw two strikes.

Al Salem district in the northwestern province of Sa'ada was also hit by four airstrikes. No immediate reports about possible casualties and the extent of the destruction have been released.

In response to Israeli atrocities in Gaza and US-UK aggression against Yemen, the Yemeni Armed Forces have launched a series of attacks targeting Israeli, American, and British interests in the Red Sea and surrounding areas.

As the genocidal war against Gaza intensified, the Yemenis implemented a strategic blockade of key maritime routes, aiming to disrupt the flow of military supplies to their adversaries and exert pressure on the international community to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have said the attacks will not end until Israel halts its ground and aerial offensives in Gaza.

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Netanyahu's anger source of joy for us: Ansarullah

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 1:53 AM

Ansarullah has expressed satisfaction over Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's condemnation of their strikes against the occupied Palestinian territories, describing his anger as a testament to their effective pro-Palestinian efforts.

Deputy Director of the Yemeni resistance movement's Media Organization, Nasr al-Din Amer made the remarks on Tuesday, a day after the Israeli official vowed to respond to Yemen's ongoing operations against Israeli targets.

The Arab Peninsula nation's Armed Forces have been conducting hundreds of such strikes since October 2023 in response to the Israeli regime's war of genocide on the Gaza Strip.

The strikes have, among other things, been targeting Israeli ships and vessels carrying supplies to the occupied territories, forcing the vessels to go around Africa to reach the territories, thus raising the prices of the commodities that are available to illegal Israeli settlers and heavily damaging the Israeli economy.

"Netanyahu is our enemy, and we always strive to keep our enemies angry," Amer stated.

Yemen's solidarity with Palestine

He separately noted the Yemeni Armed Forces' having named one of their drones after the occupied city of Yaffa. The forces have been deploying the aircraft against the occupied city on many occasions.

"We chose this name after consulting with Hamas and Ezzedine al-Qassam commanders, who have been martyred by now," Amer noted, referring respectively to Gaza's main resistance group and its military wing.

The official said Yemen had named the aircraft Yaffa in a deliberate act of solidarity with Palestinians, saying "the name of our drone is a source of joy [for us too]."

The Ansarullah official reiterated Yemen's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause of liberation from Israeli occupation and aggression, saying the support aligned with the sentiments of other Arab and Muslim nations too.

"Assisting the Palestinian people is the request of the Yemeni people," Amer affirmed, noting how the Yemeni populace would stage weekly millions-strong pro-Palestinian marches to convey the support and demand that their country contribute even more to realization of the Palestinian cause.

Call for accountability

Amer, who also heads Yemen's official Saba news agency, meanwhile, identified Netanyahu as a war criminal, pointing to the Israeli premier's conviction last year by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Israeli regime's war on Gaza.

The Israeli official, he said, had to face prosecution rather than issue threats.

He additionally highlighted the disparity between the Israeli regime's actions and the international community's response, stating, "Silence in the face of the crimes of the Zionist regime encourages this regime to commit even more crimes."

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Cambodian PM thanks Thailand for suppressing dissidents

Hun Manet praises Thailand as PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra visits Phnom Penh to mark 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

By Pimuk Rakkanam for RFA and RFA Khmer

2025.04.23

BANGKOK -- The Cambodian prime minister on Wednesday thanked Thailand for not allowing its territory to be used to "interfere" in Cambodian affairs as a human rights group accused the two governments of running a repressive "swap mart" to silence each other's dissidents.

Prime Minister Hun Manet offered his thanks during an official visit to Phnom Penh by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra marking the 75th anniversary of modern diplomatic ties, which began in 1950.

Manet and Paetongtarn signed cooperation agreements on labor and workforce skill development, road maintenance, cross-border bridges and transnational pollution control.

The relationship between the two neighbors is sometimes turbulent. They have had occasional violent clashes over territorial disputes. But there's been an increasingly pliant attitude between them when it comes toward treatment of political opposition figures who shelter on each other's soil.

"I would like to thank Thailand for its core policy for not allowing any individuals to use Thai territory to interfere with the internal affairs and activities which created dangerous situations for Cambodia. The Cambodian government will practice the same policy," Manet told a joint news conference.

Human Rights Watch on Tuesday called out that kind of cooperation in blunter terms. It accused the two governments of engaging in a "swap mart" or reciprocal arrangements targeting dissidents and opposition figures.

It said "both governments have facilitated assaults, abductions, enforced disappearances, and the forced return of people to their home countries where their lives or freedom are at risk".

"Prime Minister Paetongtarn should press her Cambodian counterparts to end transnational abuses that discredit both countries globally and to put their relationship on a rights-respecting footing instead," Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, was quoted as saying.

Since a 2014 military coup in Thailand by the then-army chief against an elected government, Bangkok has been accused of cooperating with authoritarian governments in neighboring countries in the detention and repatriation of dissidents, particularly from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

The rights group said that Thai authorities have frequently used immigration charges to justify the unlawful deportation of Cambodian dissidents and activists without any due process guarantees, including those recognized as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

There's also been incidents in which Thai nationals have been targeted in neighboring countries. A prominent pro-democracy activist, Wanchalearm Satsaksit, was kidnapped by armed men in Phnom Penh in June 2020 and hasn't been seen since.

Human Rights Watch also highlighted that Cambodian authorities have failed to arrest suspects responsible for killing Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian opposition lawmaker in Bangkok on Jan. 7, 2025. The Bangkok Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for two Cambodian nationals who are both connected to high-ranking Cambodian government officials and remain at large.

Edited by Mat Pennington.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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US Will No Longer Be Sole Guarantor of European Security - Hegseth

Sputnik News

20250423

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States will not be the only guarantor of European security anymore, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday.

"The time of the United States to be a sole guarantor of European security has passed," Hegseth said at the US Army War College.

He pointed out that Europe has to step up and play a leading role in its security. Hegseth also repeated Washington's call to its European allies to increase their defense spending.

"We have made the same call to our allies. Two percent [defense spending] is not enough considering the threat you face," he said.

He emphasized that Poland and some other countries had already made a commitment to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, and urged others to do the same.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Europe of not doing enough to defend itself. He criticized the European allies for spending too little on defense and demanded they increase spending to 5% of gross domestic product.

 Sputnik

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Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with Tonga Prime Minister Eke and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Waqa

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

April 23, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met today with a high-level delegation from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) including Prime Minister of Tonga Dr. 'Aisake Eke, the current PIF Chair, and PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa. The Deputy Secretary highlighted the United States, as a Pacific power, remains committed to engagement with the region and looked forward to deepening cooperation on a range of issues to secure a free, open, and prosperous Pacific region. The Deputy Secretary, Prime Minister, and Secretary General also discussed expanding opportunities for strengthening commercial ties to promote durable, long term economic growth and development that benefits both Americans and Pacific Islanders.

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

April 23, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski. Secretary Rubio commended Poland's defense investments as an example for other European nations that must step up and commit more resources for national security. They also discussed further cooperation on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The Secretary expressed the United States' hopes that the peace proposal presented to Ukrainian and Russian officials will be accepted and lead to a lasting peace in Ukraine.

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Aid to Gaza: E3 foreign ministers' statement, 23 April 2025

Joint statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK on more than 50 days of Israel's block on aid to Gaza

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP

23 April 2025



Israel has now fully blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza for over fifty days. Essential supplies are either no longer available or quickly running out. Palestinian civilians - including one million children - face an acute risk of starvation, epidemic disease and death. This must end. We urge Israel to immediately re-start a rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza in order to meet the needs of all civilians. During the last ceasefire, the UN and INGO system was able to deliver aid at scale. The Israeli decision to block aid from entering Gaza is intolerable. Minister Katz's recent comments politicising humanitarian aid and Israeli plans to remain in Gaza after the war are unacceptable - they harm prospects for peace. Humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change. Israel is bound under international law to allow the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid.

Humanitarians must be able to deliver aid to those who need it most, independent of parties to the conflict and in accordance with their humanitarian principles. Israel must ensure unhindered access for the UN and humanitarian organisations to operate safely across Gaza. Hamas must not divert aid for their own financial gain or use civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

We reiterate our outrage at recent strikes by Israeli forces on humanitarian personnel, infrastructure, premises and healthcare facilities. Israel must do much more to protect the civilian population, infrastructure and humanitarian workers. This includes restoring deconfliction systems, allowing humanitarian workers free movement within Gaza. And Israel must prevent harm to medical personnel and premises in the course of their military operations. They must allow the urgent healthcare needs of the population to be met, while allowing the sick and wounded to temporarily leave the Gaza Strip to receive treatment.

Crucially, we urge all parties to return to a ceasefire. We continue to call on Hamas for the immediate release of all the remaining hostages, who are enduring terrible suffering. We must all work towards the implementation of a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring long-lasting peace and security to both Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability in the region.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 23 April 2025 - Day 1155

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 Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively thwart the Russian enemy's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him an effective fire effect, exhaustion throughout the frontline.

In total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 124 clashes.

Russian zagarbniki launched one missile and 76 aviation strikes, used four missiles and dropped 74 cab. In addition, the Russians engaged 1128 kamikaze drones and carried out 4649 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction today, the Russian enemy attacked four times near the settlements of Vovchansk and Vovchansk farms.

In the Kupians komu direction, the Russian opponent was assaulting the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of Zagrizovoye.

In the Lyman direction since the beginning of the day, Russian zagarbniki 20 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near the settlements of Nove, Grekivka, Nadia and Ridkodub. Four clashes have not subsided so far.

Defense Forces stopped nine offensive actions of the harbinger near Bilogorivka and Verkhnyokamiansky in the Siver direction, three more clashes are still ongoing.

In the Toretsky direction Russians 25 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces. The main efforts of the invasion were concentrated in the areas of settlements of Dachne, Crimea, Toretsk and Leonidivka. Ukrainian defenders have successfully repelled 21 attacks, fighting continues.

Since the beginning of this day in the Pokrovsky direction, Russians 43 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense near the settlements Kalinove, Zelene Pole, Novotoretske, Elizavetivka, Lisivka, Renaissance, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Nadiivka, Kotlyarivka and Andriyivka, so far there are four fighting clashes.

Defense forces deter enemy attacks, the Russian enemy suffers significant casualties - today 349 invaders were defecated in this direction, 174 of them - irrevocable. Also destroyed seven units of automotive equipment, bpla antenna, 20 motorcycles, five bpla, ground drone and trench REB of the occupiers. In addition, four units of automotive equipment, three motorcycles, three cannons and two mortars of the zagarbnikiv.

In the Novopavlovsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped 13 Russian assault actions near the settlements of Konstantinopil, Rozliv, Rivnopil and Novodarivka, another attack of the enemy is still ongoing.

In the Orihivs komu direction, Russian forces three times tried to go forward in the areas of Stepovoye, scherbakiv and lobkovoye, the fight is ongoing. The Russian enemy's aviation struck kabama in the districts of stepnogirsk and novoandriivka.

In the pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces had one futile attempt to go forward.

Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to deter Russian forces in the Kursk direction, where the defender spent 23 assault actions on the positions of Ukrainian units during a day. Russian forces launched 16 air strikes, dropping 30 controlled bombs, and carried out 383 artillery shells, 19 of which were from reactive systems of open fire.

In other directions, the situation has not changed significantly.





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High-Ranking Tren de Aragua Member in Custody on Terrorism and International Drug Distribution Charges

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Case Marks First Instance of TdA Member Charged with Terrorism Related Crimes

A five-count superseding indictment has been unsealed today charging a Venezuelan national and alleged high-ranking member of the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA).

Jose Enrique Martinez Flores also known as "Chuqui," 24, is charged in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) with conspiring to provide and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization as well as conspiracy and distribution of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the United States.

"TdA is not a street gang - it is a highly structured terrorist organization that put down roots in our country during the prior administration," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "Today's charges represent an inflection point in how this Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle this evil organization, which has destroyed American families and poisoned our communities."

"For the past few years, foreign gangs like TdA have more or less been able to enter the country with impunity, coming here to distribute deadly drugs and terrorize American citizens," said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the SDTX. "That ends now. This Department of Justice is committed to uprooting this terrorist gang, dismantling its criminal operations, and either imprisoning its members or removing them from the country. SDTX is proud to lead this fight."

"TdA is a direct threat to our national security, to our communities, and to Americans," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI continues in our pursuit to eliminate this violent terrorist organization from our streets, and today's announcement makes it clear that these criminals, especially the leaders of these cartels, have no place in our country."

"This joint Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-FBI operation  alongside partners in the United States and Colombia  is further evidence that we must continue to focus our efforts on members of TdA who continue to pump poison into our communities," said DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz. "This is another example of DEA's tenacity to hunt these networks down, wherever they operate, and crush their evil grip on American lives."

Colombian authorities arrested Flores in Colombia March 31 pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant the United States had requested. He remains in custody in Colombia pending further proceedings.

A federal grand jury in Houston returned the superseding indictment April 8.

According to the allegations, Flores is charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to TdA in the form of personnel (including himself) and services and one count of providing material support to TdA. The indictment also alleges one count of international drug distribution conspiracy based on his involvement in the distribution of five kilograms of cocaine or more, and two substantive counts of international drug distribution.

The Department of State designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist Feb. 20.

According to information presented to the court, Flores is a high-ranking TdA leader in Bogota, Colombia, and is part of the inner circle of senior TdA leadership.

Flores also allegedly caused the delivery of approximately five kilograms or more of cocaine for international distribution, proceeds that were used to further TdA's criminal goals.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The FBI Houston Field Office and DEA conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff's Office, Colombian National Police and the Colombian Attorney General's Office (Fiscalia General de la Nacion). The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division's Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section's Office of Judicial Attache in Bogota, Colombia, provided significant assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz of the SDTX are prosecuting the case along with Deputy Director David C. Smith from the Department of Justice's Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV).

JTFV was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target TdA and is comprised of U.S. Attorney's Offices across the country. Those include SDTX; Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Northern District of Ohio; Districts of New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, Nevada and Alaska; Eastern District of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Virginia; Southern District of California; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice's National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; DEA; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Forearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.

This case is also a 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topics: Operation Take Back America

National Security

Components: Office of the Attorney General

Criminal - Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section

Criminal - Office of International Affairs

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

USAO - Texas, Southern

Press Release Number: 25-422

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China condemns Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in multiple casualties: FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 23, 2025 04:26 PM

In response to a question on how to comment on the major terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Anantnag district of Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday, which resulted in multiple casualties, Chinese FM spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that China has taken note of relevant reports and strongly condemns this attack.

We resolutely oppose all forms of terrorism, extend our condolences to the victims, and express sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured, Guo said.

Gunmen killed at least 26 people and injured a dozen others in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, and most of the 26 people killed were understood to be travelers, CNN said.

The CNN report said US President Donald Trump condemned the attack, expressing US solidarity with India against terrorism and calling Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey his condolences.

Other leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, France, Italy and the UAE also expressed condemnation to the attack, reported CNN.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a communication addressed to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Modi, expressed grief over the "brutal crime" and said it had no justification, according to The Times of India.

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Those behind the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam will soon get a befitting reply, Govt will take all necessary steps: Raksha Mantri

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

"Every Indian is united, we can never be intimidated by such terror activities"

Govt equipping Armed Forces to tackle challenges emanating from a fluid international order, says Shri Rajnath Singh

"Aim is to establish IAF as a dominant power & achieve defence sovereignty"

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 5:21PM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has assured the people that those responsible for the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent citizens in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir will soon get a befitting reply to their nefarious acts on Indian soil. Delivering a memorial lecture on the Marshal of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Arjan Singh in New Delhi on April 23, 2025, Raksha Mantri reiterated India's firm resolve of zero tolerance against terrorism and stated that the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will take every necessary and appropriate step.

"India is an old civilisation and such a big country can never be intimidated by any such terror activities. Every Indian is united against this cowardly act. Not just those who perpetrated the attack, but even those who conspired from behind the scenes to commit such nefarious acts on the Indian soil will soon get an appropriate response," said Shri Rajnath Singh

In the context of cross-border-supported terrorist incidents, Raksha Mantri said "History is witness to the withering away of nations not due to the action of the adversary, but due to the result of their own misdeeds. I hope people across the border look at lessons of history more closely".

Shri Rajnath Singh expressed deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the terror attack at Pahalgam. "Our country has lost many innocent citizens in a cowardly attack by terrorists targeting religion. This extremely inhuman act has left us in deep pain. In this hour of grief, I pray for peace to the departed souls," he said.

Later, Raksha Mantri paid rich tributes to the Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, terming his leadership, vision and dedication as incredible. "He was a visionary military leader who, even today, inspires the youth. If today IAF is one of the world's strongest air forces, it is because of the vision and ethos of military leaders like Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh," he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh described the journey of IAF as an aspiring, inspirational, and transformational epic, which is not just about touching the sky, but also turning the dreams of national security into reality. He stated that, despite challenges, IAF has grown stronger post-independence, and is today contributing significantly to national security as a strong pillar.

Raksha Mantri emphasised that the Government's focus is on transforming the Armed Forces on the back of a self-reliant defence ecosystem. He reiterated the commitment towards establishing IAF as a dominant power in the region, stating that the journey towards Aatmanirbharta is a shared responsibility. Commitment, collaboration and unified vision is the need of the hour, he said. He added that India's national security will further strengthen if IAF is well-equipped and highly technology-oriented.

Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that national security cannot be ensured through import dependency, and the Government is working relentlessly towards achieving defence sovereignty. He stated that emphasis is being laid on manufacturing defence equipment within the country and the efforts of Ministry of Defence are yielding positive results. He termed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Light Utility Helicopter Prachand, Akash & BrahMos Air Defence weapons as shining examples of the capability of Indian designers, engineers and scientists.

"Today, not only has there been unparalleled growth in defence manufacturing in the public sector, the private sector is also participating with great enthusiasm. As the field of defence production is becoming technology-oriented, the role of start-ups and MSMEs is also increasing rapidly. These are proving to be the backbone of defence innovation. In the times to come, the role of the private sector, start-ups and MSMEs in high-tech warfare is going to increase even more," said Raksha Mantri.

Terming aero-engine development as a priority area of the Government in view of the needs of IAF, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the effort is to make the engine in India on the model of co-development and co-production with full intellectual property rights. He added that special attention is being paid to the development of fifth generation fighter aircraft and LCA Mark-2. He further highlighted that self-reliance has been achieved to a large extent on many air defence systems, including Astra Mark-2, Pralay, SMART, anti-field weapon, NG Anti-radiation missile, and Very Short Range Air Defence System, and these are at various stages of production and development.

Raksha Mantri emphasised that due to the shift of power dynamics to Asia in the 21st century, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as the most important region strategically, and the Government is leaving no stone unturned to address the complex challenges emanating from a fluid international order and technological revolution. He pointed out that the revolutionary breakthrough in the field of technology, including the growing use of Artificial Intelligence, Hypersonic Directed Energy weapons, Quantum Computing, drones, cyber & space tech, have brought unpredictability and lethality in modern-day warfare, making it unconventional & even more uncertain. He voiced Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government's commitment to tackle these challenges and uncertainties.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the senior civil & military officials and serving and retired IAF personnel were among those present on the occasion.

*****

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2123860)

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China advances planning of International Lunar Research Station, on track to implement Chang'e-7, Chang'e -8 lunar probe missions: chief designer

Global Times

By Deng Xiaoci in Shanghai Published: Apr 23, 2025 08:52 PM

Having successfully carried out its three-step lunar exploration of orbiting, landing and sample return from the Earth's celestial neighbor, China is now implementing its Phase-4 lunar exploration program, advancing the Queqiao communications, navigation and remote sensing satellite constellation and planning the construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), according to Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program on Wednesday.

Wu made the remarks on the sidelines of the International Conference on Developers of the ILRS, a seminar held in Shanghai on Wednesday, as part of the national celebration of the upcoming 10th Space Day of China that falls on Thursday.

ILRS is a China-initiated program that involves a multinational, comprehensive scientific research facility built on both the lunar surface and in lunar orbit, and it is designed for long-term autonomous operation with short-term human participation, Wu told reporters at the seminar.

The ILRS is expected to be expandable and maintainable, with ranging capabilities including Earth-moon transportation, power supply, central control, communication and navigation, lunar surface scientific exploration and ground support. The ILRS will support sustained scientific exploration, resource utilization and advanced technology verification through multidisciplinary, multi-objective and integrated scientific and technological activities, according to the scientist.

Responding to a media inquiry about the latest progress of the China-initiated ILRS, Wu shared more insights at the event by revealing that that China plans to implement the ILRS in two phases: the first phase aims to complete the construction of a basic version of the station by 2035, and the second phase will focus on upgrading this foundation into an expanded version by 2045.

China will launch the Chang'e-7 lunar probe, a key part of the Phase-4 of the country's moon exploration program by around 2026, aiming to achieve orbiting, landing and roving on the moon as well as leaping between locations on the lunar surface with a focus on exploring the environment and resources in the lunar south pole region. The Queqiao-2 relay satellite will provide communication services for the Chang'e-7 mission, Wu disclosed on Wednesday.

The Chang'e-8 mission, to be launched by a Long March-5 rocket by around 2029, will be tasked to conduct experimental verification of in-situ resource utilization on the moon and the construction of a lunar-based terrestrial ecosystem, Wu said. "The Chang'e-8 mission will work in coordination with Chang'e-7 and Queqiao-2 to establish the basic model of the ILRS," he said.

Elaborating on the Queqiao constellation, Wu explained that it will consist of an integrated interplanetary communications and navigation network composed of lunar orbiters, spacecraft at Earth-moon Lagrange points, interplanetary relay stations and planetary orbiters. It will be capable of carrying out tasks such as communications, navigation and positioning, timing services and scientific exploration.

China has already initiated a feasibility study for the Queqiao Constellation System. In the future, the Queqiao network will serve not only as a communications bridge between the Earth and the moon, but also as a comprehensive interplanetary communications, navigation and remote sensing constellation system extending to Mars, Venus and other regions of the solar system, Wu announced.

According to Wu, the ILRS initiative has received wide responses from many countries. To date, China has signed cooperation agreements with 17 countries and international organizations, as well as some 50 international research institutions.

Wu described the approach to deepening international cooperation with the following words - "joint consultation, joint construction and shared benefits."

"Together with our partners, we are defining scientific and application goals, conducting site selection for the lunar surface and evaluating preliminary plans for scientific operation platforms," Wu said.

Looking ahead, we will carry out joint engineering development, onboard engineering and scientific payloads, construct ground facilities, formulate international rules and promote talent education and training, Wu said, adding that China will also share access to ground testing facilities, collaborate on scientific and application research and share the resulting scientific achievements.

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Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025

Issued by Defence Media

23 April 2025

Australia will host the largest ever Exercise Talisman Sabre from 13 July to 4 August 2025. Over 30,000 military personnel from 19 nations are set to participate in activities across Australia, and for the first time, in Papua New Guinea.

Now in its eleventh iteration, Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force and the United States military, reflecting the closeness of our Alliance.

Participating partner nations in Talisman Sabre 2025 also include Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom.

Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam will also attend as observers.

Talisman Sabre 2025 will focus on multi-domain warfighting. Key activities will include amphibious and airborne lodgements, firepower demonstrations, and combat across land, air, sea, space and cyber domains.

The logistics for preparing, staging, integrating and moving forces to and around Australia are the most complex ever undertaken for a Talisman Sabre.

The activities are scheduled to take place right across the nation, including Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, New South Wales and on Christmas Island.

For the first time ever, Papua New Guinea will also host an activity, highlighting the growing capabilities and interoperability with Pacific partners as Papua New Guinea marks its 50th Anniversary of Independence.

Quotes attributable to the Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones:

"Talisman Sabre demonstrates our enduring Alliance with the United States, through deepening cooperation in training and force integration.

"It is a key opportunity to work with our partners from across the region and around the globe, demonstrating our combined capability to achieve large-scale operational outcomes together.

"As well as welcoming the largest ever contingent of partner nations, Australia is also excited to be holding part of this year's exercise in Papua New Guinea. This is an important demonstration of the deepening integration between Australia and Papua New Guinea's Defence Forces."

Quotes attributable to the Talisman Sabre Exercise Director, Brigadier Damian Hill:

"This year's exercise will demonstrate our ability to receive large volumes of personnel and equipment into Australia from across the Indo-Pacific, to stage, integrate and move them forward into the large exercise area.

"Considerable planning has gone into a safe and productive exercise for all participants.

"Talisman Sabre 2025 will be held across a range of Defence and non-Defence training areas throughout northern Australia. I thank the traditional owners, landowners, state authorities, and key community stakeholders who have helped us develop a safe and productive exercise for all participating nations."

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Exercise Croix du Sud commences in New Caledonia

Issued by Defence Media

23 April 2025

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed forces to Exercise Croix du Sud 2025 in New Caledonia as well as Wallis and Futuna.

Led by the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia, Croix du Sud is a multinational combined field training exercise, and the South Pacific's largest Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise.

The Australian contingent consists of around 70 personnel, including a C-27J Spartan aircraft and crew, an Australian Civil-Military Centre team, combat engineers, military police, health teams and planning personnel.

Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said the ADF was pleased to support the latest iteration of the exercise.

"The ADF's continued support to French-led Exercise Croix du Sud demonstrates the importance we place on collective action and cooperation in response to disasters and security incidents. The Pacific has a proud record of working together across common security concerns, which will continue long into the future," Vice Admiral Jones said.

"The specialist staff deployed to New Caledonia will strengthen our interoperability with partners and work to improve regional resilience to HADR events.

"We look forward to continuing our commitment to multi-national exercises and regional security."

Australian contingent commander, Captain Mark Sirois, RAN, said the ADF contingent was excited to engage with Pacific partners and make new friends.

"I'm proud to deploy alongside men and women from across the services who each possess a specific skillset honed through experience and high-quality training," Captain Sirois said.

"We look forward to working alongside the Croix du Sud participant nations to provide core and specialist input into multi-national and multi-agency planning for HADR response scenarios."

Exercise Croix du Sud will conclude on 4 May 2025.

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Lithuania Accuses Russia, Belarus Of Plotting Violent Attacks On Belarusian Exiles

By RFE/RL's Belarus Service April 23, 2025

Lithuania's State Security Department (VSD) says it has uncovered a covert operation by Russian and Belarusian intelligence services aimed at inciting violence against Belarusian exiles living in Lithuania.

The plot, involving staged provocations and disinformation campaigns, was revealed in a statement released by the VSD and reported by the Lithuanian national broadcaster LRT.

According to Lithuanian authorities, foreign intelligence services have been orchestrating increasingly dangerous incidents targeting the Belarusian diaspora in Lithuania, which numbered more than 57,000 people as of early 2025.

Authorities say foreign agents have attempted to simulate clashes between so-called "Litvinist" Belarusians -- followers of an ideology tying Belarusian identity to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania -- and fabricated Lithuanian nationalist groups.

"The organizers are trying to stage conflicts between opposing forces -- Belarusians who advocate for Litvinist ideas and so-called Lithuanian groups who appear to resist them," the VSD said.

Recent Provocations

Officials stressed that no real extremist Litvinist groups have been identified in Lithuania, and that they believe the narrative is being manipulated in Belarusian and Russian propaganda to stir mistrust and division.

Recent provocations include fake video messages allegedly from Belarusian soldiers, anti-Belarusian graffiti, threats against Lithuanian lawmakers and Vilnius-based exiles, and social media campaigns spreading pseudohistorical claims about the region's past.

The VSD warned residents not to fall for such provocations, noting that "participation in these activities could lead to administrative or criminal liability."

Meanwhile, there has been growing scrutiny of Belarusian nationals living in Lithuania. Many face increasingly strict visa checks, difficulties extending residence permits, and even deportation due to past affiliations with Belarusian state institutions or the military.

Lithuanian media have labeled the disinformation campaign "Litvinism." Authorities emphasize that the real danger lies not in the ideology itself, but in its exploitation to destabilize communities.

In recognition of its reporting on this issue, the Lithuanian government's Department of National Minorities recently presented an award to RFE/RL's Belarus Service for an investigative piece that shed light on the actors behind the campaign and its broader geopolitical implications.



Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-belarus- disinformation-litvinism-belarusian-exiles-lithuania/33394679.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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Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom David Lammy

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 22, 2025 23:10

On April 22, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom (UK) David Lammy at the latter's request.

Wang Yi said, since the beginning of this year, the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, Strategic Dialogue and Energy Dialogue have been successfully held. Going forward, dialogues in fields such as artificial intelligence, science and technology, climate change, education, and economy and trade are also under preparation. He said the momentum of deescalation and improvement in China-UK relations has not come easily and requires utmost cherishing. China is ready to work with the UK to follow the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, overcome various disruptions and distractions, steer the bilateral relationship steadily forward, focus on mutually beneficial cooperation, and accumulate more positive agendas. Against the current backdrop of rampant unilateralism and bullying, China and the UK bear the responsibility to uphold the international order established after World War II, the U.N.-centered international system and the multilateral trading regime.

Wang Yi said, the United States has used tariffs as a weapon to launch indiscriminate attacks on other countries, blatantly violating the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and undermining the legitimate rights and interests of other countries. This action, which regresses state-to-state relations to the "law of the jungle", is against the trend of the history that is unpopular and unsustainable. It is encountering resistance and opposition from more and more countries. As a responsible country, China stands up to resist such action, aiming not only to defend its own legitimate rights and interests but also to uphold international rules and the multilateral trading regime. China will remain committed to advancing high-standard opening up, pursuing mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation with other countries, and sharing development opportunities with the world.

David Lammy said that the UK expresses appreciation for the current good momentum of development in bilateral relations and is willing to further enhance exchanges at the high level and other levels between the two countries, conduct regular dialogues on bilateral and multilateral issues of common interest and concern, and jointly address current challenges. The UK has always been an open country, firmly supports free trade and safeguards the multilateral trading regime with the WTO at its core. As permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, the UK and China bear important responsibilities for the sustainable development of the world economy and international trade. David Lammy said the UK is willing to maintain communication with China in this regard.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis and other issues of common interest and concern.



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Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People's Republic of China at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 23, 2025 22:52

Taking on the Challenges of Our Times Together and

Jointly Advancing Global Climate Governance

Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition

April 23, 2025

Your Excellency Secretary General Antonio Guterres,

Your Excellency President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva,

Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure to join you virtually at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. Over the past decade, global climate governance has gone through winds and rains, but green and low-carbon development has eventually become a trend of our times. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. As unprecedented global changes unfold at a faster pace, humanity has come to a new crossroads. Although some major country's persistent pursuit of unilateralism and protectionism has seriously impacted international rules and the international order, history will, as always, move forward through twists and turns. As long as we enhance confidence, solidarity and cooperation, we will overcome the headwinds and steadily move forward global climate governance and all progressive endeavors of the world. Let me share four points with you in this regard.

First, we must adhere to multilateralism. The more volatile and turbulent the international situation becomes, the greater the need for us to firmly safeguard the U.N.-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and firmly safeguard international fairness and justice. The U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement are the legal cornerstone of international climate cooperation. It is important for all countries to champion the rule of law, honor commitments, prioritize green and low-carbon development, and jointly respond to the climate crisis through multilateral governance.

Second, we must deepen international cooperation. Solidarity and cooperation are needed more than ever as the world faces multiple, compounded challenges. We should rise above estrangement and conflict with openness and inclusiveness, boost technological innovation and industrial transformation through cooperation, and facilitate the free flow of quality green technologies and products, so that they can be accessible, affordable and beneficial for all countries, especially the developing ones. As a member of the Global South, China will vigorously deepen South-South cooperation and continue to provide help for fellow developing countries to the best of its capability.

Third, we must accelerate the just transition. Clear waters and green mountains are just as valuable as gold and silver. Green transformation is not only the essential way to address climate change, but also a new engine for economic and social development. Such transformation must be people-centered and pursued in a way that advances the well-being of people and climate governance in tandem, and strike a balance between multiple goals including environmental protection, economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. Developed countries are obliged to extend assistance and support to developing countries, help drive the global shift toward green and low-carbon development, and contribute to the common and long-term well-being of people of all countries.

Fourth, we must strengthen results-oriented actions. Instead of talking the talk, we must walk the walk. We must turn our goals into tangible results through systematic policies and concrete measures. All parties should do their utmost to formulate and implement their program of action for nationally determined contributions (NDCs) while coordinating economic development and energy transition. China will announce its 2035 NDCs covering all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem.

Colleagues,

Harmony between man and nature is a defining feature of Chinese modernization. China is a steadfast actor and major contributor in promoting global green development. Since I announced China's goals for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality five years ago, we have built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system as well as the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain. China also leads the world in the speed and scale of "greening", contributing a quarter of the world's newly-added area of afforestation.

However the world may change, China will not slow down its climate actions, will not reduce its support for international cooperation, and will not cease its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind. With the future of humanity and the well-being of our people in mind, let's earnestly honor the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, do our utmost respectively and collectively, and build a clean, beautiful, and sustainable world together.

Thank you.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on April 23, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 23, 2025 20:45

From April 25 to 30, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the Sixth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting and hold the Second China-Kazakhstan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in Kazakhstan, and attend the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations and the 15th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Brazil.

Xinhua News Agency: You just announced that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Kazakhstan to attend the Sixth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Could you share with us the program and China's expectation of the meeting?

Guo Jiakun: In recent years, China's relations with Central Asian countries have made rapid headway, with deepening and solidifying cooperation across the board. Foreign ministers of these countries will gather in Almaty to have an in-depth exchange of views on cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, deepening the building of the China-Central Asia mechanism, and other issues of mutual interest. The top priority of the meeting is to make full political preparations for the second China-Central Asia Summit to make it a success.

This meeting is held in a world fraught with changes, turbulence and the U.S.'s tariff tsunami which deals a blow to the world economic order. Through this meeting, China stands ready to deepen political mutual trust with the five Central Asian countries, consolidate mutual support, keep the region stable, jointly defend international fairness and justice, and practice true multilateralism.

Global Times: It was reported that President Trump told the press that the U.S. is "doing fine with China" and he would not "play hardball" with China in talks. The 145-percent tariff is very high and "it'll come down substantially. But it won't be zero." He added that China has to make a deal, because "otherwise they're not going to be able to deal in the United States. If they don't make a deal, we'll set the deal, because we're the ones that set the deal." U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent characterized the current situation as essentially a trade embargo. He also said that it was not the U.S.'s goal to decouple from China, and a comprehensive deal could take two to three years, but negotiations with Beijing have not yet started. What is China's comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: We have said from day one that tariff and trade wars have no winners, protectionism leads nowhere, and to decouple is to self-alienate. This tariff war is launched by the U.S. We have made it very clear that China does not look for a war, but neither are we afraid of it. We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors are open, if the U.S. wants to talk. If a negotiated solution is truly what the U.S. wants, it should stop threatening and blackmailing China and seek dialogue based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. To keep asking for a deal while exerting extreme pressure is not the right way to deal with China and simply will not work.

CCTV: You just announced that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations. Could you share with us the program and China's expectation of the meeting?

Guo Jiakun: The Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from April 28 to 29. A session for Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations from BRICS members and partner countries will also be held. Foreign Minister Wang Yi will exchange views with other parties on BRICS cooperation, the current international and regional situation, and other issues of mutual interest, and lay the groundwork for the 17th BRICS Summit.

The BRICS cooperation mechanism came into being amid the collective rise of the Global South, which meets the expectation of the international community to safeguard world peace, promote common development and improve global governance. BRICS is emerging as a backbone of cooperation and an engine of growth in the Global South. This will be the first meeting of BRICS ministers of foreign affairs / international relations after BRICS was joined by Indonesia as a new member and nine partner countries. China stands ready to work with other parties to jointly build a more comprehensive, close, practical and inclusive partnership, contribute to safeguarding multilateralism and defending justice and fairness, and advance the high-quality development of Greater BRICS Cooperation.

AFP: It's a follow-up question on the U.S. and China. So the White House said yesterday the discussions on the trade deal between the U.S. and China have made progress. Is this true? Is China negotiating a trade deal with the U.S.?

Guo Jiakun: I just answered relevant question. This tariff war is launched by the U.S. We have made it very clear that China does not look for a war, but neither are we afraid of it. If a negotiated solution is truly what the U.S. wants, it should stop threatening and blackmailing China and seek dialogue based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.

The Paper: The Iranian Foreign Minister is visiting China. We noted that the foreign ministries of China and Oman held a new round of strategic consultations this week. The two sides exchanged views on regional hotspot issues of mutual interest. Recently, Oman mediated for the negotiations between Iran and the U.S. What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: On April 21 in Beijing, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Bin and Oman's Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, co-chaired the strategic consultation between foreign ministries of China and Oman. The two sides had in-depth exchange of views on hotspot issues in the Middle East. China commends Oman for its active role in helping to address regional hotspot issues and deescalating regional tensions. China stands ready to work with Oman to strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional affairs and make joint effort for regional peace and stability.

CCTV: To follow up on your announcement that Director Wang Yi will attend the 15th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security, can you share more information on that and China's expectation for the meeting?

Guo Jiakun: The 15th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security will be held in Brasilia on April 30. During the meeting, the Chinese side will exchange views with BRICS countries on the current international security situation and major international and regional issues.

Certain country attempts to go against the trend of the times, seeks supremacy and practices unilateralism and bullying. Recently, we've seen it wielding the big stick of tariffs, sabotaging international fairness and order, and heightening global security risks. The international community needs close cooperation between countries and joint effort for world peace and stability more than ever. China looks forward to working with BRICS countries to consolidate BRICS strategic partnership, further enrich BRICS cooperation in political and security fields, and inject active, stable and constructive strength of BRICS into the effort of upholding world peace and security and improving global security governance.

Bloomberg: China has reportedly warned South Korean companies not to export products containing China's rare earth minerals to the U.S. military and defense firms. Letters that the Chinese government has sent to companies and industries, including power equipment, batteries, displays, EVs, aerospace and medical equipment, said they will face sanctions if they violate the restrictions. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm the existence of this letter and that it was sent? Does it have any details to add?

Guo Jiakun: I am not familiar with the specifics you mentioned. I'd refer you to competent Chinese authorities.

Hubei Media Group: Media article published in Panama recently criticized the U.S.'s interference and hegemonism suffered by Central American countries, especially Panama. The U.S. was accused of seizing the control over the canal by peddling the so-called "China threat" which does not exist. It was also revealed that the U.S. plans to establish long-term military existence in Panama. Some also warned that such plan could lead to more military interference and economic exploitation, which will further hurt the interest of Panama. What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: The commentary you mentioned clearly hit the nail on the head about the nature of the U.S. as a hegemon superpower. The U.S. falsely claims that China has control over the Panama Canal and viciously attacks China, so that it can create a pretext for the U.S. itself to control the Canal, seek expansion and advance U.S. hegemony under its Monroe Doctrine. This is plain as day to the international community and the people of Panama. Panama's President Jose Mulino already made it clear that he will not accept the allegation of Chinese interference and intervention in Panama, because it is simply not the truth.

No lies can hide the fact that the U.S. covets the Panama Canal. We once again call on the U.S. to stop creating phantom issues about China, stop attacking and smearing China, stop obstructing China's normal exchanges and cooperation with Panama and other Latin American countries, and start contributing to the development and prosperity of the region and beyond.

NHK: The meeting of G20 Finance Ministers is set to be held on April 24, Beijing Time. Who will the Chinese side send to the meeting? Is China going to engage with the U.S. on the sidelines?

Guo Jiakun: I'd refer you to competent Chinese authorities for anything specific.

TV Asahi: It's reported by Japanese media that in a letter to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Premier Li Qiang stood for jointly addressing U.S. tariff levies. Is it true?

Guo Jiakun: China maintains communication with other parties on tariffs. Let me stress that tariff and trade wars have no winners. The U.S.'s tariffs blatantly violate the WTO rules and undermine other countries' legitimate rights and interests. This typical act of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying will win no support and cannot sustain, which is being resisted and opposed by more and more countries.

PTI: Several people were killed in a very brutal attack in Jammu and Kashmir of India on Tuesday. Several world leaders, including President Trump, President Putin and others, condemned and offered support to India to fight terrorism. Does China have any comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China noted the reports. We strongly condemn the attack. China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism. We mourn for the lives lost and express sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured.

AFP: On China and Ukraine. So Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday summoned China's Ambassador. So they summoned him to raise serious concern over allegations that Chinese fighters were in the Russian army and that Chinese companies were helping Russia make military hardware. So what did the Chinese Ambassador say at the meeting with Ukraine's Foreign Ministry?

Guo Jiakun: We shared China's position on relevant issues. China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation.

TV Asahi: Today, China called for a meeting at the UN Security Council to counter U.S. tariffs. Generally speaking, it's very rare to put such an issue on the table at the Security Council. What's China's view on the prospects of the meeting?

Guo Jiakun: The tariff war started by the U.S. violates the WTO rules, harms the common interests of other countries, and endangers the international system with the UN as its core and the international order based on the UN Charter. UN agencies have the right and responsibility to speak up on U.S. tariffs.

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Do Not Sell My Personal Information
DELIVERY OF 10th AMMUNITION CUM TORPEDO CUM MISSILE (ACTCM) BARGE, LSAM 24 (YARD 134)

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 9:00AM by PIB Delhi

Induction ceremony of 10th ACTCM Barge, LSAM 24 (Yard 134) was held on 22 Apr 25 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Chief Guest for Induction Ceremony was Cmde AKK Reddy, AGM(PR), ND(Mbi).

The contract for construction and delivery of eleven (11) Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barges was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on 05 Mar 21, an MSME Shipyard. The Shipyard has indigenously designed these Barges in collaboration with an Indian Ship Design firm and subsequently model tested at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam successfully to ensure seaworthiness. These barges are built in accordance with relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). These Barges are proud flag bearers of "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives of Government of India. Nine ACTCM Barges have already been delivered and the shipyard has also been awarded a contract for construction and delivery of four Sullage Barges to the Indian Navy thereby highlighting the Indian Navy's commitment towards encouraging MSMEs.

Induction of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of Indian Navy by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to Indian Navy platforms both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

*****

VM/SKS

(Release ID: 2123750)

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Indian PM returns home after tourists killing in Indian-controlled Kashmir

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 14:15, April 23, 2025

NEW DELHI, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi early on Wednesday, after cutting short his 2-day state visit to Saudi Arabia following Tuesday's killing of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Immediately after landing at Delhi airport, Modi met Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to take stock of the situation.

On Tuesday, five to six armed men opened fire on tourists at Baisaran, a major tourist destination in Indian-controlled Kashmir's Pahalgam area, killing at least 26 people. Many others were also injured in the gruesome attack.

Surrounded by jungles, Baisaran is a meadow in Pahalgam area which could be reached only by trekking or by hiring a pony, said media reports.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the federal Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Modi, was also taking place in the Indian capital to assess the evolving situation in Indian-controlled Kashmir following Tuesday's killings.

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China, Iran exchange in-depth views on latest progress of Iranian nuclear issue

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Apr 23, 2025 10:09 PM Updated: Apr 23, 2025 11:05 PM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, with the two sides exchanging in-depth views on the latest progress of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that China has always been committed to a political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, and opposes the abuse of force and illegal unilateral sanctions.

China appreciates Iran's commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, respects Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, supports Iran in conducting dialogue with all parties -- including the United States -- and in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests through consultation and negotiation, Wang said, adding that it will help safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and promote regional peace and stability.

Araghchi praised China's important, positive role in promoting the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, and expressed willingness to maintain close communication and coordination with China.

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2025 will be a 'golden year' in Iran-China relations, says Araqchi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2025

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says 2025 will be "a golden year" for strengthening ties between Tehran and Beijing, highlighting upcoming high-level visits and summits that promise to deepen bilateral cooperation across multiple fields.

After meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing, Araqchi said the discussions covered a wide range of issues, including the ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States.

In an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Araqchi described the meeting with Wang as lengthy but highly significant, addressing almost all aspects of bilateral relations and international developments.

"We also discussed the type of cooperation Tehran and Beijing can pursue together in the future," he added.

The minister praised Beijing's constructive role in past negotiations that led to the signing of the 2015 nuclear deal. He expressed confidence that China, as "a friendly country and a problem solver," will continue to play a positive role as Iran is engaged in indirect negotiations with the United States to reach a new deal.

Araqchi said he will approach the next round of negotiations, to be held in Oman on Saturday, seriously, but noted that progress will depend on the seriousness of the other side.

He said the indirect format of the negotiations has not posed any obstacles so far, but cautioned against "contradictory statements" from the United States in the media.

Iran remains "cautiously optimistic," he said.

'Iran and China united against hegemony and bullying'

Araqchi said he and the Chinese foreign minister also exchanged views on U.S. policies, including its global bullying and hegemonic behavior.

He said Wang shared "detailed explanations on the issue of tariffs" and how China has resisted such policies, highlighting shared positions between Tehran and Beijing in countering U.S. hegemony and intimidation.

Araqchi noted that the talks also addressed President Masoud Pezeshkian's upcoming visit to China, as well as key summits and regular meetings between officials of both countries.

"Pezeshkian will undertake a bilateral visit and later attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in September, making 2025 a golden year for Iran-China relations," he added.

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Putin's adviser says Iran-Russia cooperation is more important than ever

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2025

Moscow, IRNA -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's economic adviser, Anton Kobyakov, says Tehran-Moscow cooperation has become increasingly important amid a gradual shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world order.

Kobyakov made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Kazem Jalali in Moscow on Wednesday, while assessing bilateral relations.

He described the signing of a long-term comprehensive treaty between the two countries as a major achievement and commended Jalali for his efforts in advancing the process.

The Russian official said that inviting Iranian public and private sectors to events, such as the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, indicated that Russia is keen to cooperate with the Islamic Republic.

In response, the Iranian envoy emphasized the shared perspectives of the two countries on regional and international matters.

He said that the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Treaty and the implementation of the Iran-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement would bring Tehran and Moscow closer.

Jalali emphasized Iran's determination to develop trade relations with Russia and called for increased participation in specialized exhibitions hosted by each country.

The meeting came as several Iranian delegations are in Moscow, including the one holding the 18th Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission, with the Iranian minister of petroleum and the Russian minister of energy chairing the Commission on behalf of their respective countries.

Earlier, the Iranian ambassador met with Meysam Abedi, deputy ICT minister for technology and innovation ahead of the joint commission in Moscow.

Abedi said that the purpose of his visit was to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of information technology, communications, artificial intelligence, startups and the digital economy.

Also, Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance and Head of the Cinema Organization Raed Faridzadeh, who traveled to Moscow to attend the Eurasian Film Academy, met with Jalali on Tuesday.

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Iraqi foreign minister welcomes Tehran-Washington talks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Baghdad supports Iran-U.S. negotiations aimed at averting the threat of war in the region.

According to Al Jazeera, Fuad Hussein welcomed the indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, with the third round scheduled for next Saturday.

There is no alternative to negotiations, he added.

Earlier on April 19, Oman's Foreign Ministry in a statement said Iran, the U.S., and Oman serving as mediator - had agreed to enter into the next phase of their discussions. These talks aim to establish a fair, enduring, and binding agreement.

"It is only through dialogue and clear communication that we will be able to achieve a mutually credible agreement and understanding for the benefit of all concerned regionally and internationally," the statement reads.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei announced on Tuesday that following Oman's initiative and mutual agreement between the Iranian and American delegations, the bilateral technical consultations originally planned for Wednesday had been rescheduled for next Saturday.

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New sanctions undermine U.S. claims of willingness to negotiate: Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that the United States' new sanctions against Iran undermine its claims of willingness to negotiate with the Islamic Republic on nuclear issues.

Baqaei said on Wednesday that the United States' persistence in imposing sanctions on the economic and trade sectors of Iran is a bullying and illegal measure that undermines its claims regarding negotiations, indicating a lack of goodwill and seriousness in this regard.

He further said that the imposition of unilateral sanctions against the Iranian nation are an arbitrary and illegal act, contradicting fundamental principles of international law; therefore, the U.S. administration must be held accountable for the gross human rights violations.

According to the spokesperson, the U.S. administration's use of embargos as a tool for political pressure on developing countries violates the United Nations Charter and international law. He added that such actions undermine the rule of law, free trade principles, and the right to development.

On Tuesday, the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on Iranian national and liquified petroleum gas entrepreneur Asadollah Emamjomeh and his corporate network.

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Araqchi briefs Chinese vice premier on indirect Iran-U.S. talks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has met with the first-ranked vice premier of China, Ding Xuexiang, and briefed him on the process of the indirect Iran-U.S. talks.

Araqchi met with Ding after arriving in Beijing to convey President Masoud Pezeshkian's message to Chinese leaders.

During the meeting, the foreign minister said that despite the "bitter experiences" of the past, the Islamic Republic has once again taken the path of diplomacy with "good faith and seriousness."

Iran and the United States have so far held two rounds of talks mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, with a third round scheduled to take place in Muscat, Oman.

Araqchi highlighted the need to develop the bilateral and multilateral relations, including within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS group, saying such closer interactions is essential to "confront bullying and unilateralism."

Araqchi also referred to the Israeli regime's genocidal war on Gaza and intensified U.S. aggression against Yemen, calling for an immediate global response to "stop lawlessness" and prevent the "law of the jungle from prevailing in international relations."

For his part, Ding emphasized his country's support for Iran's efforts to terminate U.S. sanctions through diplomacy.

He said the strategic partnership between the two countries is the product of mutual trust and respect and based on the common interests of the two nations.

The top Chinese official also described strengthening coordination and interaction between Iran and China as important for safeguarding multilateralism and the rule of law at the international level.

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Araqchi says he is carrying a message from President Pezeshkian to Chinese leaders

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 23, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says he is carrying a message from President Masoud Pezeshkian to Chinese leaders.

He made the remarks upon arrival in Beijing on Wednesday to meet with top Chinese officials and discuss issues of mutual interest, particularly the ongoing indirect talks between Tehran and Washington.

Iran and the United States have so far held two rounds of talks mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, with a third round scheduled to take place in Muscat, Oman.

"China and Russia are two strategic partners and close friends of ours who stood by us in times of difficulty," Araqchi told the IRIB's correspondent.

"It is natural that we have continuous and permanent consultations with them in various fields, especially now that there are indirect talks with the United States."

The top Iranian diplomat also pointed out that he did the same in a visit to Russia last week.

He appreciated Beijing's long-standing positions in support of Iran's civilian nuclear program, saying the Islamic Republic will continue its consultations with China as a member of the United Nations Security Council and as Iran's partner.

In a post on his X page, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Araqchi's visit to Beijing would include meetings with top Chinese officials.

He hailed the growing "historical-civilizational" relations between the two sides over the past half century, saying Tehran and Beijing are taking serious steps towards securing the mutual interests of the two nations.

"Continuous and close consultations between the two sides at high levels are a clear manifestation of determination from leaders of the two countries to expand relations in all areas of interest to the two nations," he added.

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Iran: New sanctions show US 'lack of goodwill' in talks with Tehran

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 11:20 AM

Iran has strongly condemned new "illegal" US sanctions against Tehran, saying they contradict Washington's claims of willingness to negotiate with the Islamic Republic.

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Tuesday designated an Iranian businessman identified as Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh and his corporation for their role in exports of Iran's crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Thursday the new sanctions indicate the "lack of goodwill and seriousness" on the part of the US which is about to hold new indirect negotiations with Iran on Saturday.

They are also "a clear sign of Washington's hostile approach toward the Iranian people and its disregard for the rule of law and human rights," he added.

"The imposition of unilateral sanctions against the Iranian nation is an arbitrary and illegal act that contradicts fundamental principles of international law," Baghaei said.

"The US must be held accountable for the gross human rights violations resulting from these criminal actions."

Baghaei said Washington's use of sanctions as a tool for political pressure on developing countries violates fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Such measures, he said, undermine the right to development and in many cases are considered "an example of crime against humanity".

The new sanctions are the seventh 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 Islamic Republic.

The sanctions come despite the fact that Iran and the US have held two rounds of talks to settle disputes about Tehran's nuclear program. The indirect talks started earlier this month in Oman's capital, Muscat, and continued over the weekend in Italy's Rome.

Top representatives from Iran and the US are scheduled to meet again on Saturday in Muscat to review technical negotiations between their experts that will start on Wednesday in Rome.

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Upon arrival in Beijing, Araghchi hails China, Russia as Iran's strategic partners

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 7:13 AM

The Iranian foreign minister has hailed China and Russia as the country's two strategic partners and close friends, as he arrives in Beijing for consultations with top Chinese officials ahead of the third round of high-stakes talks with the United States on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

"China and Russia are two strategic partners and close friends who have stood by us in times of hardship. It is natural that we have continuous and constant consultations with them in various areas, especially now that discussions with the United States are held indirectly," Abbas Araghchi told Iran's state media in the Chinese capital on Wednesday.

"It is necessary that we keep our friends in China fully informed about ongoing matters and consult with them."

Stressing that he had a similar meeting with senior Russian officials in Moscow last week, Araghchi expressed hope for good discussions in Beijing as he is to convey Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's message to Chinese authorities.

"China has played an important and constructive role in Iran's nuclear issue in the past, and certainly this role needs to continue. We will keep our consultations with China as a member of the Security Council, a member of the [IAEA's] Board of Governors, as well as a partner of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a country with a pedigree in nuclear matters," the top Iranian diplomat said.

"China has always held constructive positions on the nuclear issue of Iran, and we appreciate China's constructive and positive stance. Currently, China's position upholds the ongoing negotiations, and they have also expressed readiness to assist and cooperate, the details of which we will discuss today," he added.

Araghchi arrived in Beijing on Wednesday upon his Chinese counterpart's official invitation amid ongoing indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, which are mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

Both sides have so far described the course of negotiations as "positive" and "moving forward."

Tehran, Beijing vow to bolster strategic ties

On Wednesday morning, the Iranian foreign minister met with China's First Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang in Beijing to reaffirm the two countries' strategic partnership and discuss advancing their 25-year cooperation roadmap.

Araghchi and Ding, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, reviewed the current status of cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Iran and China and discussed ways to accelerate the implementation of the 25-year comprehensive cooperation program.

Highlighting China's position as a strategic and trustworthy partner of the Islamic Republic, Araghchi emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including within frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.

The top Iranian diplomat also underlined the necessity of closer interaction between like-minded countries, such as Iran and China, to counter unilateralism and global bullying, and reiterated Iran's firm determination to expand ties with China.

He also expressed Iran's views on regional and international issues, particularly the grave dangers posed by Israel's continued genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories, its regional aggression, and the recurring US attacks on Yemen.

Araghchi called for a firm and immediate international response to stop lawlessness and prevent the law of the jungle from dominating global relations.

The Iranian foreign minister also briefed the Chinese official on the ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the US, stressing that despite past bitter experiences, Iran remains committed to diplomacy with goodwill and seriousness.

Ding, for his part, welcomed the comprehensive growth of Iran-China relations, calling the strategic partnership between the two nations a result of mutual trust, respect, and shared interests.

The official reaffirmed the Chinese leadership's strong will to further elevate cooperation with Iran in all areas of mutual interest.

Ding also emphasized the importance of Iran-China coordination in defending multilateralism and the rule of law at the international level, describing the bilateral cooperation as a valuable model of South-South cooperation.

China's first vice premier reiterated Beijing's support for Iran's efforts to lift sanctions and engage in negotiations over its nuclear program.

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Iran's FM warns of Israeli attempts to derail diplomacy through various tactics

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 5:16 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned against "clear" attempts by the Israeli regime and certain groups to spoil diplomacy amid indirect negotiations with the US over Tehran's civilian nuclear program.

Araghchi said the country's security services are on high alert given sabotage attempts and assassination bids in the past.

"The attempts by the Israeli regime and certain Special Interest groups to derail diplomacy  using a variety of tactics  is abundantly clear for all to see," Araghchi wrote in a post published on X on Wednesday.

He noted that Iran's security services are on high alert given past instances of attempted sabotage and assassination operations, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic will deliver a legitimate response in case of any act of aggression.

The Iranian foreign minister also warned of a propaganda and misinformation campaign against the Islamic Republic.

"Those seeking to manipulate public opinion can also be expected to come up with fantastical claims and props like scary-looking satellite images," Araghchi pointed out.

The top Iranian diplomat underscored that the country's peaceful nuclear activities and its uranium enrichment capabilities are under surveillance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"Reality check: Every single milligram of enriched uranium in Iran is under full and constant IAEA supervision and monitoring," Araghchi said.

According to an informed source, a third round of talks focusing on technical details between Iran and the United States will take place indirectly on Saturday and will be mediated by Oman.

The source said the upcoming technical talks in Muscat will be attended by Iranian and American specialists, and will focus on nuclear matters and issues pertaining to sanctions.

The experts will be discussing the possibility of achieving an agreement, the source said.

"The technical negotiations will be held with the participation of Iranian and American experts indirectly and with the mediation of Omani experts," the source added.

In the last two weeks, representatives from Iran and the US have engaged in two rounds of negotiations in Oman and Italy. The two sides are set to conduct expert-level technical negotiations on April 26.

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Myanmar junta announces ceasefire extension

But sources say pauses in hostilities have provided little protection to civilians.

By RFA Burmese 2025.04.23 -- Myanmar's junta announced that it will extend its 20-day ceasefire until April 30 to aid in the country's earthquake recovery, state-run broadcaster MRTV reported.

A devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Mandalay on March 28, resulting in over 3,700 deaths and injuring more than 5,000 people.

In response to the disaster, the junta announced a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. The exiled civilian National Unity Government, or NUG, and several ethnic armed groups declared similar pauses in hostilities.

However, such ceasefires have offered little protection to civilians as military operations, including airstrikes, have continued in certain areas, according to sources.

Rebel militias, who captured new territory across Chin and Sagaing regions, for instance, were met with junta airstrikes that killed 50 civilians, including the elderly, children and women in a three-day period alone.

An airstrike in Sagaing region killed five people and injured another seven, said a resident in Tabayin township's Let Hloke village only one day after junta's ceasefire extension was announced.

"The Myanmar military is always like this, we can never believe them. This ceasefire is just a show they're putting on for the world," he said on Wednesday, declining to be named for fear of reprisals.

He identified the victims as 13-year-old girl Jay Oo, a 40-year-old woman known as "Mrs. Lone," 45-year-old man San Zaw, 26-year-old man Aung Kyaw Kyaw and an 80-year-old woman known as "Mrs. Saung."

The junta has previously stated that it will retaliate against any attacks on key transport routes or military installations, regardless of the ceasefire announcement.

"The military's ceasefire is only on paper and was extended only due to international pressure," said Nay Bone Latt, spokesperson for the NUG's office of the president.

"Although it was extended only on paper, on the ground we've seen they're continuously bombing and instigating conflicts with civilians."

Junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun has not responded to Radio Free Asia's inquiries.

According to data compiled by RFA, airstrikes launched between the ceasefire dates of April 2 and 22 have killed 161 people and injured 299 people.

The most fatalities have been in Sagaing (68) and Mandalay (48), the regions worst-affected by the quake. Another 19 have died in Kayin state and 12 in Chin state.

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.

Updated to add details of fatalities in air strikes in the past three weeks.

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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Meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission

Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission.

April 23, 2025

12:45

The Kremlin, Moscow

The President's opening remarks

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues.

We are holding a regular meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission. Its agenda includes discussing several matters related to the development of the Armed Forces and the performance of the defence manufacturing sector at the current stage, i.e. today, and the way it will operate in the future.

We will also review progress on instructions and directives related to supplying troops with the weapons, equipment and combat assets they need the most. I must stress that this goes beyond supplying units taking part in the special military operation. This, of course, is a priority. Still, we must also make sure that the military in general, the army and the Navy, receive these assets.

Let me tell you right away that last year, nearly all defence enterprises fulfilled defence procurement contracts in full, on time, and to a high standard, with some weapons even supplied ahead of schedule.

For example, the production of ordnance, as well as communication, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare systems, more than doubled. The troops received over 4,000 armoured vehicles and 180 combat aircraft and helicopters.

Over 1.5 million drones of various types were delivered, with about 4,000 so-called FPV drones equipped with virtual reality control systems supplied to the frontlines daily.

I know well, just as many of you here do, that these weapons are still in short supply. We need more of them. And I know that the Defence Ministry and its minister have been working hard together with defence manufacturers to address this shortage. There are plans to this effect, and we are really working on this issue all the time.

I am certain that we will fulfil all our plans to make more devices of this kind, I mean drones. The troops on the line of contact cannot wait to receive them. In fact, this is a major factor in achieving success on the battlefield.

I would particularly like to emphasise that the models most required on the frontlines are being improved rapidly, with their performance characteristics enhanced both in light of combat experience and the evolution of enemy countermeasures. Their developers, including leading Western arms corporations, are not standing idle either - we are aware of this, and our personnel on the battlefield know it too.

The high technological dynamism of our industries has been achieved, not least through feedback directly from the frontline. This operational coordination has been established by the Ministry of Defence with defence industry enterprises and must continue on a permanent basis.

I wish to express gratitude to the teams of defence enterprises, their subcontractors, design bureau staff, testing centres, and proving grounds. Your hard work and exceptional dedication have enabled Russia's defence industry to meet the assigned tasks and challenges we have faced with distinction.

This year's objectives are even more extensive, including the implementation of a programme to expand and modernise the defence industry's capabilities, involving over 400 enterprises.

Let me stress: today, without any exaggeration, all the world's armies, leading global defence manufacturers and tech companies are studying the experience we gained by conducting the special military operation, both in terms of tactics and weapon technology development. We must stay one step ahead, as we have done many times in recent years, and I am confident we will continue to do in the future.

As I have stated previously, we must continue to efficiently adapt armaments and equipment without bureaucratic delays to new, rapidly evolving forms and methods of warfare. All the necessary capabilities for this exist.

Drawing on combat experience, it is necessary to update training curricula in military academies and schools for the junior officer and sergeant corps. Concurrently, we must rigorously and thoroughly refine the combat manuals of the Ground Forces: from the level of squad and company up to corps and combined arms armies. I reiterate: these processes must proceed simultaneously and in close interconnection.

And of course, we must fully account for global trends in military technology development - that is, to forecast and comprehend the nature of potential armed conflicts of the future, as the future approaches ever more swiftly. The pace of change is accelerating relentlessly.

It is essential to accelerate the manufacturing of variously-based automated systems of different types, with a focus on unmanned boats and other naval systems.

Another challenge is to create laser systems capable of hitting various targets, including drones and potentially other military equipment such as aircraft, missiles, and the like. We have the relevant practical know-how, as well as manufactured products, but we must build up our efforts in these modern, high-demand and promising areas.

Here is what I would like to add. We must certainly develop everything that holds promise and everything else that we are not even discussing today. Our research centres, design bureaus and institutes are working on this, formulating ideas and offering them for our consideration. I am asking you to thoroughly consider these proposals without hastily rejecting them. This is not a task for tomorrow but for today, because it may be too late tomorrow if we do not address it today.

In addition, we must complete the creation, in keeping with the schedule and conforming to the necessary specifications, of a constellation of various-purpose spacecraft for conducting all kinds of reconnaissance and ensuring uninterrupted communication in a closed format in a complicated jamming environment, including both during hostilities and peacetime combat training, for the Armed Forces, special operations and other law enforcement agencies. This will allow us to complete the creation of a modern real-time battle command system, thereby greatly increasing the combat potential of these forces.

We must also step up the manufacturing and use of protected domestic software and AI products in comprehensive automated battle command systems. We often speak about artificial intelligence, which is the latest trend discussed at all meetings in all spheres without exception. However, we must recognise, and actually everyone knows it, that the possibilities of AI are truly vast. Those who are the first to use this technology, in this case, in the military sphere, will have huge advantages on the battlefield. We must never forget this.

There are also other ideas and designs, but we will talk about them some other time. And now, let us start working on the issues on our agenda.

<...>

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan

23 April 2025 18:00

690-23-04-2025

On April 22-23, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in Samarkand as part of an official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The Russian Foreign Minister was welcomed by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and held substantive talks with Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov.

The participants focused on joint preparations for celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Sergey Lavrov laid flowers at the Grieving Mother monument.

The sides reviewed in detail the status of the implementation of the large-scale agreements at the top and high levels aimed at strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance. It was emphasised that President Vladimir Putin's state visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan in May 2024 was a milestone event in the progressive development of bilateral relations.

The sides noted with satisfaction the steady positive dynamics of political partnership, coordination of steps in the international arena, and cooperation in trade and economic, scientific and technical, and cultural and humanitarian spheres.

More than 115 investment projects with Russian participation worth 3.2 trillion rubles are carried out in Uzbekistan. Interregional cooperation is about to reach a whole new level. Nearly 80 Russian regions maintain stable ties with the Republic. The volume of Russian capital investment in the economy of the Republic exceeds $13 billion. There are 3,000 joint Russian-Uzbekistani companies. Cooperation in innovation-driven science-intensive sectors is on the rise.

Uzbekistan's interaction with the Eurasian Economic Union as an observer country and the substantive dialogue between Tashkent and the Eurasian Economic Commission were highly praised.

Over 56,000 students from Uzbekistan studying at Russian universities constitute an important part of bilateral ties. There are 14 branches of Russian universities in Uzbekistan. Programmes to support the Russian language are underway, including the "Class!," "Little One," and "The Power of Mind" projects in preschool and secondary education.

The foreign ministers compared notes on their approaches to key items on the respective agendas of the CIS, the SCO, the UN, and other multilateral and regional platforms from the angle of enhancing coordinated actions in the future. They underscored the importance of building up constructive interaction in the Central Asia Plus Russia format. Uzbekistan's recent acquisition of the status of a BRICS partner country, which opens up prospects for that country to become full-fledged members of this group of countries that is gaining high global standing, was welcomed.

The sides reviewed aspects of security in the Central Asian region in connection with the situation in Afghanistan and crises in the Middle East, and Syria.

The visit took place in an atmosphere of trust and full mutual understanding which is typical of Russian-Uzbek allied relations.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's video address to participants of the 4th International Youth Forum "Russia - Africa: What's Next?" and the 1st Russia - Africa Young Diplomats Forum, Moscow, April 23, 2025

23 April 2025 12:42

685-23-04-2025

Colleagues, friends,

I am pleased to welcome the participants of the 4th International Forum "Russia - Africa: What's Next?" which is a platform of high standing for Russian-African youth dialogue. I would like to begin by thanking the leadership of MGIMO, personally Rector Anatoly Torkunov, and everyone else involved in making today's event, which widely represents our friends from Africa, possible.

Russian-African friendship and partnership have a long history: in the past century, our country selflessly helped Africans in their courageous struggle for freedom and independence.

Advancing relations with the African countries is among our unconditional priorities, and this approach is enshrined in the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation approved by President Vladimir Putin.

We support the Africans' push to be active players in international affairs. We will continue to help strengthen the continent's position as an independent centre of power in the emerging multipolar world order.

Russian-African relations are on the rise. The Russia-Africa summits in 2019 and 2023, as well as the Russia-Africa Ministerial Conference in Sochi in November 2024, were a major milestone.

Practical cooperation in trade and the economy, as well as humanitarian projects, is making great strides. In order to provide such a multifaceted field of activity with the necessary resources, the Department for Partnership with Africa was created at the Foreign Ministry in January 2025. Its functions include promoting political, economic, scientific, educational, and cultural ties with the African integration associations.

Russia provides support to African countries in order to strengthen their political and economic sovereignty. Russian institutions of higher education train skilled personnel for African countries. Russia provides a significant number of quotas at the expense of the federal budget. We will continue to help Africans in their quest for advanced technologies.

Together with our African friends, we oppose modern practices of neo-colonialism. We believe it is important to combine our efforts in order to create mechanisms for economic ties and international trade services that are beyond Western control.

Africa is the continent of the future, and the future is created by young people. This applies fully to foreign policy. Therefore, we are pleased that for the first time the Russia-Africa Forum of Young Diplomats will be held on the sidelines of your event. We welcome this initiative by the Council of Young Diplomats of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Such a meeting fits in well with numerous MGIMO initiatives devoted to Africa, such as Africa in the Focus of Russian Interests, School of Young Africanists on Food Security, as well as Africa Week, and the MGIMO Model African Union. I am convinced that the Forum participants will contribute to deepening Russian-African strategic cooperation and bringing it to new frontiers.

Friends,

You will be discussing a wide range of issues, including promising areas of Russia's relations with the African countries and African integration associations, food security and combatting neo-colonialism, as well as various aspects of cooperation in research, education, media, sports, and other spheres.

Enjoy productive discussions and establish mutually useful contacts. All the best to you!

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Pakistan expresses concerns over killing of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Xinhua) 15:03, April 24, 2025

ISLAMABAD, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has expressed concerns over a gun attack in the restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing dozens of tourists and wounding several others, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Office Shafqat Ali Khan said in a response to media queries that "we are concerned at the loss of tourists' lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Kashmir."

Pakistan extends condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery, he added.

At least 25 tourists were killed and several others wounded on Tuesday after unknown gunmen fired at them in the Indian-controlled Kashmir, local police said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov, Samarkand, April 23, 2025

23 April 2025 11:03

683-23-04-2025



Mr Saidov,

Friends,

Thank you for your kind words and your traditional hospitality that we have felt the very minute we arrived on your ancient Samarkand soil.

You mentioned that I managed to find the time for this visit despite my packed schedule. There is always place in our packed schedules for meeting our friends. We meet frequently and this is what keeps us so busy. We like this. These contacts are a source of good, truly human feelings. The main thing is that we can work on implementing the agreements reached by our presidents. They share a special relationship.

First of all, I would like to wish you a happy birthday - you had it yesterday. On that day, I also had honor to be among those who sent you birthday greetings and wished you good health, inexhaustible energy, and new success in your responsible state position.

I fully share what you have said about the nature of our relations based on the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and taking into account each other's interests. These relations are rooted in the principles of strategic partnership and alliance, as defined by our presidents. There is an exceptionally high level of trust and mutual understanding between President Vladimir Putin and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This sets the tone for the entire work being carried out by the state agencies both in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation.

You have said that we are making strides in all areas. It is gratifying that mutual trade has been gathering momentum despite the fact that we face a challenging environment, including illegal sanctions, political pressure that all of us know too well about, and the recent global economic turmoil which has been largely caused by the unilateral actions of our Western colleagues. Nevertheless, the trade, economic and investment ties between our countries are advancing, and we have outlined specific ways for significantly expanding them in a consistent manner.

We must also mention proactive efforts to promote region-to-region cooperation and regular inter-parliamentary contacts. The Foreign Ministry has a diversified and extensive network of ties that embrace all areas of regional and international politics and are of mutual interest.

This is a special year, as you have said. The CIS has declared it the Year of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Year of Peace and Unity in the Fight against Nazism. This task is as important as never before because Nazism and neo-Nazism are rearing their ugly heads again. All of us see this.

Solidarity based on the principles, for which our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers fought and died, is an important area of our joint effort. This was felt with a particular force in the morning today, when we laid flowers to the Grieving Mother monument. We feel that people in Uzbekistan have this kind of attitude to the events of that time and the blood shed by all the peoples of the USSR for the sake of victory over Nazism. People in Russia regard these feelings as sacred as well. We must do all we can to ensure that young people understand this and are educated in the spirit of profound respect for both those who fought on the battlefronts and those who forged the Victory on the home front.

Uzbekistan made an immense contribution to delivering on this shared agenda. The memory of mothers waiting for their sons, something that this monument is dedicated to, truly moves the soul.

Today, we can discuss all items on the bilateral agenda. However, we will not forget regional and global affairs either. We closely cooperate at various venues. I am confident that today's discussion will make it possible to chart some specific measures towards the implementation of agreements reached by our leaders.

Thank you once again for your hospitable reception and the fine programme. It is a pleasure to find ourselves again in Samarkand, the ancient capital of Uzbekistan.

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Putin Gives New Orders for Army Tech: 'We Need to Be One Step Ahead'

Sputnik News

20250423

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday at a meeting of the Military Industrial Commission proposed to discuss issues related to the development of the armed forces today and in the future.

"Today, we will discuss a set of issues related to the development of the armed forces and the work of the defense-industrial complex at present, today and in the future," Putin said.

The Russian president added that ensuring the armaments of troops in the special military operation zone is an absolute priority.

Vladimir Putin has instructed to complete the creation of an orbital group on time, which will be used for conducting all types of reconnaissance activities.

"In compliance with the deadlines and tasks set, it is necessary to complete the formation of an orbital grouping of spacecraft for various purposes for conducting all types of reconnaissance and ensuring stable continuous communication in a closed segment in a difficult interference environment," Putin said during a meeting of the military-industrial commission.

The possibilities of using artificial intelligence in military affairs are simply enormous, Putin said.

"The possibilities of using artificial intelligence are simply colossal. And whoever starts to master these technologies faster, in this case, in military affairs, will have huge advantages on the battlefield. And we should never forget about this," Putin said at a meeting of the military-industrial commission.

The Russian Defense Ministry and the defense industry enterprises established a feedback procedure to improve the samples of arms and equipment, Vladimir Putin said.

"The high technological dynamics of our productions has been achieved, among other things, thanks to feedback from the front line. Such work has been fine-tuned by the Ministry of Defense with enterprises of the military-industrial complex, and it should continue on an ongoing basis," Putin said during a meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission.

Russian experience in conducting the special military operation is being studied by all the armies of the world, Putin said.

"I would like to emphasize that today our experience in conducting the special military operation, both in terms of tactics and technical development of weapons, is being studied without any exaggeration by all the armies of the world, leaders of the global arms industry and high-tech companies," Putin said.

More than 1.5 million drones of various types were delivered to the Russian troops in 2024, Putin said.

"The troops received over 4,000 units of armored weapons, 180 combat aircraft and helicopters, and more than 1.5 million drones of various types were also delivered," Putin said at a meeting of the military-industrial commission.

There are still not enough FPV drones in Russian troops, but the relevant work is underway on a daily basis, the president said, adding that plans to increase the production will be fulfilled.

Putin has also ordered acceleration of work on development of advanced weapons, including unmanned vehicles.

The production of electronic warfare equipment in Russia has more than doubled in 2024, Putin said.

"For example, the production of weapons of destruction, communication systems, intelligence and electronic warfare has more than doubled," Putin said at a meeting of the military-industrial commission.

Russian troops received over 4,000 armored weapons, and a total of 180 combat aircraft and helicopters in 2024, Putin said.

 Sputnik

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10 summoned for allegedly helping Chinese nationals illegally enter Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

04/23/2025 07:52 PM

Taipei, April 23 (CNA) The Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutors Office on Wednesday summoned 10 suspects for questioning on suspicion of facilitating the illegal entry of Chinese nationals into Taiwan.

Prosecutors searched nine locations and are investigating the suspects for violation of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and document forgery.

The case involves a woman surnamed Pan (), who runs a dental clinic, and, together with another dentist, allegedly submitted false treatment plans to help over 600 Chinese nationals enter Taiwan between December 2022 and May 2023.

Despite being listed as medical visitors, many are alleged to have engaged in illegal tourism, part-time work, and sex work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several of the suspects are travel agency representatives who are accused of collaborating with the dentists to break the law.

(By Hsieh Hsing-en and Wu Kuan-hsien)

Enditem/AW



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Fujian Coast Guard conducts routine law enforcement patrols in waters near Kinmen

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source China Military Online

EditorChen Zhuo

2025-04-23 18:32:47

BEIJING, April 23 -- Zhu Anqing, spokesperson for China Coast Guard's East China Sea Bureau, stated that on April 23, the Fujian Coast Guard conducted routine law enforcement patrols in waters near Kinmen in accordance with the law.

Since the start of April, the Fujian Coast Guard has deployed its vessels to continuously conduct law enforcement patrols in waters near Kinmen, further strengthening the control of relevant waters, effectively safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests as well as the lives and property of Chinese fishermen, including those from Taiwan region, and effectively ensuring the normal navigation and operation order in the Xiamen-Kinmen waters.

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In a break with precedent, Taiwan's president won't attend pope funeral

Analysts say that's a sign that the Vatican does not want to offend China.

By Xia Xiao Hua for RFA Mandarin 2025.04.23 -- Taiwan wanted to send its President Lai Ching-te to Saturday's funeral of Pope Francis but after negotiations with the Vatican, the Foreign Ministry said a former vice president will attend instead.

Analysts say the Vatican may be concerned about angering China, which views self-ruling Taiwan as part of its territory.

The Vatican is one of only 12 countries to maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Taiwanese presidents have attended the most recent papal inauguration in 2013 and funeral in 2005.

Taiwan's Vice Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung said on Tuesday that it was hoped Lai could attend the pope's funeral which will take place on Saturday. The Argentine pontiff died of a stroke at age 88 on Monday.

But on Wednesday, Wu noted that Vatican had its own considerations and subsequently the ministry issued a statement saying former Vice President Chen Chien-jen would attend instead as the president's envoy. Chen had met the pope six times.

Chang Meng-jen, head of the Italian Languages Department at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, said that the decision for Lai not to attend pointed to China's growing international influence and the Vatican's reluctance to annoy Beijing,

"Since President Chen Shui-bian could attend the funeral of (Pope) John Paul II, President Ma Ying-jeou could attend the inauguration of Pope Francis, but now President Lai cannot go, perhaps it's because China's diplomatic strength and international influence are much greater than they were more than a decade ago," he told RFA.

Karl Kung, who is a member of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem - a Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the Holy See - told RFA that when Chen attended Pope John Paul II's funeral as president in 2005 it attracted international attention and caused great displeasure in Beijing. He said this time the Vatican is probably afraid of a backlash from China.

Chia-Lin Chang, a professor at the Department of Diplomacy and International Relations at Tamkang University in Taiwan, said that she expected China would at most send clergy to Francis' funeral, and would not send officials from the State Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the ruling communist party.

However, she expected the pope's successor would continue to recognize the Vatican-China-Taiwan triangle framework and the Vatican-China agreement established by Francis.

In 2018, China and the Vatican signed an agreement on the appointment of bishops under which China would propose candidates for bishops, and the Pope would select them. In 2022 and 2023, China appointed two bishops without the authorization of the Vatican, which accused China of violating the agreement, which was nevertheless renewed.

When the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its condolences Tuesday on the pope's death, it said "China is willing to make joint efforts with the Vatican to promote the continued improvement of China-Vatican relations."

Edited by Mat Pennington.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Philippines loosens decades-old ban on official visits to Taiwan

Manila's move came as South China Sea disputes with Beijing escalate.

By Alan Lu for RFA

2025.04.23

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The Philippines lifted a decades-old policy that tightly restricted official engagement with Taiwan in a move an expert says signals a recalibration of its China policy as tensions simmer.

Under the new policy, introduced on April 15, Philippine government officials - except for the President, Vice President, Foreign Affairs Secretary and Defense Secretary - can now visit Taiwan for economic, trade or investment-related activities, provided they travel on regular passports and do not use their official titles.

Previously, Philippine officials were barred from visiting Taiwan or meeting with Taiwanese officials without prior government approval.

The amendment is "to further maximize opportunities for the development and expansion of the Philippines' priority areas of investment," the state-run Official Gazette said in a memorandum released on Monday.

In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry highlighted that the democratic island is the Philippines' ninth biggest trading partner and praised the decision for "strengthening Taiwan-Philippines relations" and "advancing substantive cooperation."

China has not commented.

J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute, believes Manila's move reflects its realization that the Philippines and Taiwan, as neighbors facing similar security challenges, stand to gain from closer collaboration.

"Growing ties between Taiwan and the Philippines are indeed related to the deteriorating security environment in the South China Sea and Beijing's belligerence towards Manila," Cole said.

In recent years, tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated due to repeated confrontations in the South China Sea over areas claimed by China that are in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

One recent case was a Google Maps update labeling waters west of the Philippines as the "West Philippine Sea" - a move that reignited debate over a long-standing territorial dispute. While the Philippines uses this name to assert its sovereignty, China continues to claim the area as part of the South China Sea.

In February, the Chinese military conducted a new combat readiness drill near a disputed area with the Philippines in the South China Sea. The exercise added to a growing series of maneuvers Beijing has carried out in the region.

The Philippines has also alleged that China's recent detention of three Filipino citizens on espionage charges may be retaliation for Manila's recent crackdown on suspected Chinese spies.

"Both Taiwan and the Philippines face an increasingly complex 'grey zone' environment and stand to benefit from exchanging notes on the matter and collaborating where collaboration is possible," said Cole, referring to covert, ambiguous and low-level tactics aimed at achieving strategic objectives without triggering full-scale conflict.

The Philippines and Taiwan have maintained unofficial relations since 1975, when Manila formally recognized the People's Republic of China under the One China policy.

Despite the absence of official diplomatic ties, the two sides engage through representative offices, which function as de facto embassies.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines first signaled a subtle shift in its approach to Taiwan. In January 2024, Marcos publicly congratulated Lai Ching-te when he was elected as the island's president, expressing a desire for closer collaboration - a move that drew criticism from Beijing.

The Philippines' move also came as Manila seeks deepening defense ties with the United States.

According to a recent Naval News report, U.S. forces plan to deploy anti-ship missiles in the Luzon Strait - a strategic waterway between Taiwan and the northern Philippines - during this year's annual "Balikatan" joint military exercise. China has condemned the drills as a "disruption of regional stability."

During his first official visit to Manila in March, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Washington will send advanced military equipment to the Philippines to bolster deterrence in the region, signaling a further strengthening of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation.

Edited by Taejun Kang and 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 firmly opposes unwarranted accusations, political manipulation, says FM spokesperson on Ukraine summoning Chinese ambassador

Global Times

By Li Yawei Published: Apr 23, 2025 10:54 PM

In response to a question on the Ukraine's Foreign Ministry's summoning of China's Ambassador to raise serious concern over allegations that Chinese fighters were in the Russian army and that Chinese companies were helping Russia make military hardware, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday that "We shared China's position on relevant issues. China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation."

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said it had summoned Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun to express Ukraine's "serious concerns" over alleged Chinese involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine, according to Reuters on Wednesday.

According to Ukrainian media the Kyiv Post, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement that in talks with Ambassador Ma, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis claimed that "the participation of Chinese citizens in hostilities against Ukraine on the side of the aggressor state, as well as the involvement of Chinese companies in the production of military products in Russia, are of serious concern and contradict the spirit of partnership between Ukraine and China."

Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times earlier that China is not a party to the Ukraine crisis, but has always been a firm promoter of resolving the crisis through diplomatic means and peaceful consultation.

China's role in building bridges and promoting talks, which has been welcomed by both Russia and Ukraine on the whole, has also been recognized and supported by a number of countries, Li said.

Cui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, told the Global Times on Wednesday that Ukraine's actions are intending to exert pressure on China and push it to distance itself from Russia.

Earlier, President Vladimir Zelensky accused China is supplying weapons to the Russian military, according to the Kyiv Independent on Wednesday.

"China strictly controls the export of weapons and gunpowder. The Chinese government has long made it clear that it will not provide weapons or any dual-use items, including gunpowder, to either side in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This position has been consistent and unwavering," Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times.

"We have worked actively for a ceasefire and to promote peace talks. We have never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict, and strictly controlled the export of dual-use items," the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on April 18, in response to an inquiry about a Reuters report that Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed that China was supplying weapons and gunpowder to Russia, the first time he has openly accused Beijing of direct military assistance for Moscow.

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Norway increases support for reconstruction efforts in Ukraine

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 23/04/2025

Norway is providing a new contribution of NOK 2.4 billion to the World Bank's Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Fund (URTF), a multi-donor trust fund that channels funding to meet critical needs in Ukraine during the war, including for reconstruction and crisis response.

'Russia's full-scale invasion has caused widespread destruction in Ukraine. Norway's increased support to the World Bank's Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Fund will help to ensure that critical services such as education, health care and energy supplies can be sustained. This is essential in order to maintain the resilience of the Ukrainian people and promote Ukraine's reconstruction and reform efforts,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre.

This week, Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust and Minister of Finance Jens Stoltenberg are participating in the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and IMF in Washington, DC. The increase in funding for crisis response and reconstruction was conveyed to Ukrainian Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko during a meeting in Washington today.

'This year alone, Norway will be providing NOK 85 billion to Ukraine. This support is crucial to enabling Ukraine to withstand Russia's aggression. At the same time, the reconstruction of Ukraine also involves building robust institutions and a well-functioning democracy. This is why reform efforts and institution-building are priority areas under the multi-donor trust fund,' said Minister of Finance Jens Stoltenberg.

The World Bank was quick to increase and adapt its support to Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Norway actively supported the establishment of the URTF, and has been the largest contributor to the fund. Norway provided its first contribution of approximately NOK 1 billion in 2022 and has now provided over NOK 9 billion to the URTF - more than one-third of the total funding secured.

Norway's support to the URTF is allocated under the multi-year Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.

'The war in Ukraine is having a severe impact on the daily lives of millions of Ukrainians. The homes of some 2.5 million families have been destroyed or damaged. In addition to this, people are having to deal with all the other impacts of the war and the disruption this brings to their lives. I am very pleased that the support Norway has provided via the URTF has yielded such positive results. The programmes under the fund have reached as many as 20 million people,' said Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust.

Meetings are now under way in Washington to discuss how Norway and the other partners can provide the best possible support to Ukraine via the URTF.

Under the World Bank programmes, funding from Norway has been targeted towards the following areas:

Education: 380 000 pupils have been given better schooling as a result of upgrades and reforms in the school sector, and 12 000 children in remote areas have received free transport to school enabling them to continue their education.

Housing: 78 000 people have received support to rebuild and repair their homes.

Health: 5.2 million children have received vaccines, 6.2 million have been given access to primary and mental health care services, and 473 000 have participated in rehabilitation programmes.

Agriculture: 33 000 farmers have been given access to financing.

Energy: Equipment for emergency repairs to the energy grid has made it possible to restore electricity to millions of homes, and the delivery of critical equipment has facilitated the repair of district heating systems.

Budget support: Civilian employees in the social sector, such as nurses and teachers, have received their salaries and pensions, and social benefit payments have been maintained.

The Norwegian Government has recently proposed a substantial increase in Norway's support to Ukraine, a significant contribution to Ukrainian and European security in this time of great global instability. Norway is increasing its support to Ukraine for 2025 by NOK 50 billion to NOK 85 billion. The additional funding will be used in its entirety to provide military support through international initiatives and procurements from the Ukrainian defence industry. Priority will be given to procurement of air defence systems, artillery ammunition and drones, as well as to enhancing Ukraine's maritime capabilities. In addition, Norway will be leading a collaborative Nordic-Baltic effort to equip and train a Ukrainian brigade-level unit. The new allocation increases Norway's overall funding framework under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine to NOK 205 billion for the period 2023-2030. The additional funding will bring Norway's defence spending in 2025 to an estimated 3.3 % of GDP.

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Ukraine peace talks downgraded in London as Kiev rebuffs Trump's proposal

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 4:04 PM

Downgraded peace talks on Ukraine have resumed in London as Kiev rejects US President Donald Trump's "final offer."

Ukraine's Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in London on Wednesday as the US and European officials abruptly cancelled.

The scheduled meeting took place at a lower level than planned.

The US and European diplomats cancelled the event amid reported disagreements on key points of the US peace plan proposed last week at a meeting in Paris, attended by top diplomats from the US, Ukraine, France, and Germany.

"Despite everything, we continue working for peace. As agreed in Paris, we will meet with American and European counterparts who are currently in the British capital," Yermak said on X, formerly Twitter.

"We will discuss ways to strengthen Ukraine and guarantee long-term peace and security."

He said Kiev was grateful to Britain for its leadership and support in the bilateral peace talks.

The Ukrainian officials visiting London held bilateral talks with their British counterparts, David Lammy and John Healey.

Foreign ministers from France and Germany cancelled their schedules to visit the UK for the talks after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he would not attend, citing "scheduling issues".

The abrupt cancellations were announced by the UK's Foreign Office, without elaborating on the reason.

However, US Vice President JD Vance had warned earlier that it was time for Ukraine and Russia to "say yes" to Washington's peace proposals or "for the US to walk away from this process."

Vance's warning came before the scheduled peace talks in London were abruptly downgraded after Trump's top diplomat snubbed the scheduled London meeting, meant as a follow-up to the Paris meeting last week.

Trump's "final offer" circulated by the Americans in Paris had included a provision requiring Ukraine to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Kiev rejected the proposal.

President Vladimir Zelensky said during a briefing in Kiev on April 22 that the document circulated by the Americans in Paris was against the Ukrainian constitution.

"There is nothing to talk about. This violates our Constitution. This is our territory - the territory of the people of Ukraine," Zelensky said ahead of the downgraded London meeting.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that countries involved in the Ukraine peace talks needed to narrow their differences.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were "a lot of nuances" that needed to be worked out before the sides could reach any peace deal.

"We are also continuing our contacts... but of course there are many nuances around the settlement that need to be worked out, where positions need to be brought closer together and so on. This work is ongoing," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Peskov said that the Russians were continuing to talk with the Americans about the peace deal, but were not in contact with the Europeans or Ukrainians about the matter.

He added, however, that Russian President Vladimir Putin was open to peace talks with all parties involved in the Ukraine conflict.

Asked about the possibility of another visit to Moscow by Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Peskov said if such a trip is coordinated, the Kremlin would announce it. Peskov added that Moscow appreciated the US mediation efforts till now.

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US peace plan requires Ukraine to give 20% of territory to Russia: Report

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 April 2025 11:23 AM

The United States believes that Ukraine might agree to cede approximately 20% of its territory to Russian forces as a potential component of a peace agreement with Moscow, according to a report.

A senior US official told The New York Post that as Kiev and Moscow continue internal negotiations regarding potential terms, any ceasefire agreement might include the deployment of European military forces to Ukraine as peacekeepers. However, the exact conditions for such a deployment have not yet been determined.

The key issue is what the security forces look like - we call them "resilience forces," the source said.

There are ongoing talks about creating a dedicated peacekeeping mission, which would include a joint commission composed of representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and a neutral third country not aligned with NATO. The main goal of this commission would be to monitor and enforce compliance with the ceasefire agreement.

The unnamed American official said that the US might also participate, but not through deploying ground troops, rather as a "monetary force, along with a third party."

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the proposed agreement may include a provision recognizing Crimea as part of Russia. However, this acknowledgment has met resistance from the Trump administration and past US presidents.

Last Friday, Trump warned that he might pull the United States out of ceasefire negotiations following months of talks with both parties.

"I will be giving you a full detail over the next three days," Trump told reporters. "But we had very good meetings on Ukraine, Russia ... We'll see how that works."

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump promised his supporters that he would rapidly end what he described as the "ridiculous" war in Ukraine. And, since taking office on January 20, he has been making pretentious efforts to end it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a joint proposal by the US and Ukraine for a full and unconditional ceasefire and has placed a number of conditions on any potential ceasefire.

Moscow has made a truce in the Black Sea conditional on the West lifting certain sanctions.

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Deadly Russian Drone Strike Hits Bus In Wave Of Attacks On Ukraine's Regions

By RFE/RL April 23, 2025

A Russian drone attack hit a bus carrying workers in the Ukrainian town of Marhanets in the Dnipropetrovsk region, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens of others, local authorities said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, saying that Russian first-person view (FPV) drone attacks on civilians are 'commonplace' in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions, as well as the frontline cities of Kupyansk and Pokrovsk.

"Russians struck a bus which was transporting workers of a mining and processing plant. An ordinary bus," Zelenskyy said.

Early on April 23, Serhiy Lysak, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said the number of casualties was "constantly growing."

Zelenskyy said more than 40 people were injured in the strike with some receiving 'very severe wounds.'

"War evolves over time, and the longer it lasts, the more, unfortunately, the methods of killing and cruelty can be modernized," he added.

Speaking at a meeting of the State Military-Industrial Commission on April 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that more than 1.5 million drones of various types had been produced in Russia last year.

Putin added that this amount included about 4,000 FPV drones.

A wave of Russia's attacks also targeted civilian infrastructure across other Ukrainian regions. At least five people were reported injured in the Ukrainian cities of Poltava and Odesa.

"Residential buildings, business facilities, warehouses, and garages have been damaged," Ukraine's emergency service said.

Large-scale fires had also broken out in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. The emergency service said the attack targeted 'solely the city's civilian infrastructure.'

Meanwhile, in the Yelabuga district of Russia's Tatarstan region, two fires broke out following a reported drone attack, local authorities confirmed on April 23.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported earlier in the day that a Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down over Tatarstan by air defense systems on duty. Officials have not released further details on the type of drone or its intended target.

Rustem Nuriyev, head of the Yelabuga district administration, said in a statement that there were no casualties or injuries as a result of the incident.

In response to the drone activity, temporary flight restrictions were imposed on Kazan and Nizhnekamsk airports.

Kyiv has not commented on the incident.

Also, a fire that had been burning at an ammunition depot on a military base -- where a large explosion occurred a day earlier -- in the Kirzhach district of Russia's Vladimir region, northeast of Moscow, has been "gradually ending," regional Governor Aleksandr Avdeyev said.

Four people were injured when ammunition exploded, prompting an evacuation order, Avdeyev said, adding that ammunition caught fire and shells exploded in the storage area.

The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier that the fire had been caused by a breach of safety protocols and had resulted in the detonation of ammunition stored in a warehouse.

"As a result of a fire on the territory of a military unit in the Vladimir region, ammunition stored in a warehouse detonated," the Defense Ministry said. "According to preliminary information...the cause of the fire was a violation of safety standards in work with explosive materials."

A state of emergency was declared in the Kirzhach district, which is about 130 kilometers northeast of the Russian capital. The base was evacuated along with about 450 people from at least seven nearby settlements, the governor said.

The ammunition depot is one of the largest of the Russian armed forces. It is more than 500 kilometers from the border with Ukraine. There had been no reports of drone attacks in the Vladimir region prior to the explosion.

Yan Matveyev, a Russian military analyst, told Current Time that the ammunition stored at the depot could range from typical 155-millimeter artillery shells to Iskander-M missiles.

"This depot is close to the capital, close to Moscow, so it's easy to transport all this [ammunition] around the country," Matveyev said.

Unverified video published earlier on Telegram channels showed a huge fire ball, a loud blast, and clouds of thick smoke rising into the sky.

Baza, a Telegram channel close to security services, said 10 to 11 explosions had occurred and firefighters from neighboring regions had been called in to contain the blaze.

It said a special commission has been set up to investigate the cause of the fire.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, TASS, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-explosion- ammunition-war-fire/33394168.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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Officials Call Ukraine Peace Talks 'Substantive' Despite Last-Minute No-Shows

By Ray Furlong and Mike Eckel April 23, 2025

Officials from Ukraine, the United States, and Europe said a meeting in London was "substantive" despite the last-minute postponement of a broader set of talks with foreign ministers.

The April 23 talks, which were aimed at trying to resolve Russia's 38-month war on Ukraine, were already facing serious headwinds after top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pulled out, effectively downgrading the meeting and casting a major pall over ongoing peace efforts.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also opted to skip the meetings, leaving a Ukrainian delegation that included Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha -- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's top aide -- to meet with lower-level officials and US Ukraine envoy Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg.

In the end, the talks involved "substantive technical meetings with European, US, and Ukrainian officials on how to stop the fighting" triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor in 2022, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told reporters.

"We remain absolutely committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and these talks today are an important part of that," the spokesperson said.

Zelenskyy said emotions had "run high" during the meeting but it was good that the representatives of five countries met to bring peace closer.

"The American side shared its vision. Ukraine and other Europeans presented their inputs. And we hope that it is exactly such joint work that will lead to lasting peace," he said on X.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, US President Donald Trump said he thought the London talks went well. He also said he thinks he has a deal with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to settle the war. But he also implied that a deal with Zelenskyy remained elusive, adding that the Ukrainian leader had been more difficult to deal with than Putin.

Putin was quoted as saying he viewed the deal on the table positively and hoped that Ukraine feels the same way.

Trump and Zelenskyy are both scheduled to attend the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican on April 25. There has been no announcement of a meeting between the two.

The scrapping of a meeting between the top diplomats of Ukraine, the United States, Germany, France, and Britain at the London talks highlighted the divide between the countries in finding a path to peace talks.

It also came after Trump complained of a lack of progress in the negotiations, prompting him to threaten to make a deal soon or Washington will walk away from the table.

"I think we read it all the same way," one European diplomat, who asked not to be named, told RFE/RL. "It's the US one step further toward checking out."

"I see it as additional pressure on the Ukrainians: take it or leave it," another European diplomat told RFE/RL. '"We don't have time for you, we have other things to do."

Last week, Rubio and other Ukrainian and European officials met in Paris for talks that yielded what many saw was minor progress toward a resolution of the war.

But Rubio later signaled US impatience with the status of the talks and suggested the United States might pull out entirely from all involvement in the negotiations.

Trump again warned Ukraine that it needs to make a deal to end the fighting while sharply criticizing Zelenskyy for saying Kyiv sees any recognition of Crimea as part of Russia -- reportedly a condition the United States has put on the table in the talks -- is a red line for Ukraine.

"It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War," Trump said in a social media post in which he denied anyone is asking Ukraine recognize Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014, as Russian territory.

"He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire -- He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country," Trump added.

Zelenskyy in his post on X included a copy of a 2018 statement by then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling on Russia to end its occupation of Crimea and uphold the principle of not changing borders by force.

Speaking to reporters earlier in the day during a trip to India, US Vice President JD Vance said Washington had issued a "very explicit proposal" to Russia and Ukraine, though he gave no details.

"It's time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process," Vance said.

"The current lines, somewhere close to them is where you're ultimately, I think, going to draw the new lines in the conflict," he said.

Over the weekend, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and CNN reported that US negotiators had presented Ukraine with a list of possible concessions. Included among them was potential US recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, and a definitive rejection of Ukraine's aspiration to join NATO.

The Kremlin on April 23 refused to comment on rumored proposals and said the downgrading of the London talks showed that the countries involved still needed to narrow their differences as there were "a lot of nuances" that still need resolving.

Britain's Defense Secretary John Healy told lawmakers on April 22 there was no evidence that Russia had let up its attacks on Ukraine, chiding Putin as someone who says he wants peace but "has rejected a full cease-fire...and continues to play for time in the negotiations."

Healy and Lammy held talks with the Ukrainian delegation during the day on April 23, with Kellogg also in attendance.

He called the talks "substantial," while Lammy wrote in a social media post that "we are working at pace with US, Ukraine, and European allies to end the war and secure a just and lasting peace."

RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service contributed to this report

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-peace-talks- london-postponed-rubio-lammy-barrot/33394372.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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Zelensky Faces a Choice Between Peace or Fighting for 'Three More Years' in Ukraine - Trump

Sputnik News

20250423

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Ukraine is facing a dire situation, and its Volodymyr Zelensky can get a peace deal or fight for "another three years" before losing the "whole country," US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday.

"The situation for Ukraine is dire  He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country," Trump said on Truth Social.

Zelensky's words about refusing to recognize Crimea as part of Russia will only extend the conflict, even though a resolution to end it was "very close," Trump said.

"The statement made by Zelensky today will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field,' and nobody wants that! We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

Trump also noted that no one is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory and questioned why Kiev had not taken action to reclaim it over the past 11 years.

Trump was commenting on Zelensky's recent statement during a press conference, where the Ukrainian leader asserted that Ukraine will not legally recognize Crimea as part of Russia, emphasizing that "there's nothing to discuss here."

Statements made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky make the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict "so difficult," Trump said.

"It is inflammatory statements like Zelensky's that make it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about," Trump said on Truth Social.

President Donald Trump said that the United States is "actively" negotiating a fair trade deal with China, adding that every country wants to make a deal with Washington.

"Actively, everything is active," Trump told reporters when asked if the US is actively negotiating a deal with China.

The president added that the US will have a "fair deal" with China.

"Everybody wants to be a part of what we're doing. They know that they can't get away with it any longer, but they're still going to do fine, and we're going to have a country that you can be proud of," Trump added.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier on Wednesday that the Trump administration is contemplating reducing tariffs on China to between 50 % and 65% to de-escalate the ongoing trade war.

The trade war between China and the United States escalated after Trump started increasing tariffs on Chinese imports shortly after taking office. In March, the tariff was raised to 20%, with China responding by imposing tariffs on US agricultural products. Since then, the duty for Chinese exporters to the US has now reached 145%, and the rate for US suppliers to China is 125%.

 Sputnik

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US Frustrated by Ukraine's Refusal to Make Concessions for Peace Deal - Reports

Sputnik News

20250423

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States is in anger over Ukraine's unwillingness to accept territorial concessions and its preference to discuss a ceasefire before other issues, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing an official familiar with the matter who requested anonymity.

The disruption of the talks comes amid Kiev's desire "to discuss a complete ceasefire first and everything else later," the official said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the UK Foreign Office said that talks on Ukraine in London at the foreign minister level had been postponed and the meeting would be held at a lower level. Sky News reported that the foreign ministers of France and Germany had postponed their London trip for talks on Ukraine amid the cancellation of visits to the United Kingdom by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that the US was going to propose recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and freezing the front lines as part of a peace agreement during talks with Ukrainian and European representatives in London.

 Sputnik

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More Top Diplomats Drop Out of London Meeting on Ukraine

Sputnik News

20250423

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Neither UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy nor US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the summit as previously planned, Sky News reported.

The foreign ministers of France and Germany have also postponed a planned trip to London for talks on Ukraine.

Instead of the planned discussions, talks will be held between senior officials from the five countries.

Diplomats from the UK, US, France, Germany, and Ukraine have postponed their high-level talks on the Ukraine conflict, which were set to take place in London on Wednesday.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine May Bend to Trump's Demands - Reports

Sputnik News

20250423

Ukraine is under "a lot of pressure" to make concessions so US President Donald Trump can claim victory in resolving the crisis, a European official told the Financial Times.

As Ukrainian officials gear up to huddle with their European and American counterparts in London to sift through the latest proposals, Ukraine is increasingly "amenable to some of the ideas floated by Trump and his team."

Senior Ukrainian officials are also reportedly keeping quiet on which ideas exactly. Trump's point man on Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, is expected at the current talks, but Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have reportedly pulled out.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine Not Ready to Discuss US Peace Plan Proposal - Reports

Sputnik News

20250423

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine appears to be reluctant to discuss the peace plan framework, prepared by the United States, during the upcoming talks in London, Axios reports, citing a US official.

In the past 24 hours, there had been "indications from the Ukrainians" that they only planned to discuss a 30-day ceasefire on Wednesday, instead of US President Donald Trump's complex peace plan proposal, Axios said on Tuesday night.

The Washington Post reported earlier on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter, that the Trump administration was going to propose during the upcoming talks with Ukrainian and European representatives in London that Crimea gets recognized as part of Russia and that the front lines get freezed as part of a peace agreement.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing a person with knowledge of the negotiations, that British and French officials were "open to a scenario" where Ukraine would "accept the loss of control of some of the territories taken by Russia," in exchange for economic support and security guarantees. The newspaper specified that France and the United Kingdom would prefer a Ukraine peace deal that acknowledged control of territories "only in a de facto way."

The New York Post reported, citing a senior US administration official, that Kiev was seemingly "willing to give up 20% of its land," but only if it was considered a "de facto" recognition of the territory and not "de jure."

Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, the US special presidential envoy for the Middle East, held talks on the conflict resolution with representatives from Germany, the United Kingdom and Ukraine, as well as with French President Emmanuel Macron, in Paris. On April 18, Rubio said he hoped the next meeting between Ukrainian and European representatives would lead to progress in the Ukrainian settlement.

On Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Rubio was not going to attend the upcoming talks in London. The US will be represented by special envoy Keith Kellogg.

Axios suggested on Tuesday that the decision to send Kellogg was made because of Kiev's reluctance to discuss Trump's peace plan framework.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine peace talks: E3 statement, 23 April 2025

A statement on behalf of E3 members, the UK, France and Germany, following today's meeting with the US and Ukraine in London.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP

23 April 2025

An FCDO spokesperson said:

Representatives of the UK, France, Germany and the US met today in London with a Ukrainian delegation led by Head of Office of the President of Ukraine Yermak, Foreign Minister Sybiha, and Defence Minister Umerov, for another round of intensive talks following up on the meeting in Paris last week. All parties reiterated their strong support for President Trump's commitment to stopping the killing and achieving a just and lasting peace. The talks today were productive and successful, and significant progress was made on reaching a common position on next steps. All agreed to continue their close coordination and looked forward to further talks soon.



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London Hosts Meeting Between the Ukrainian Delegation and Representatives of Countries Participating in the Coalition of the Willing

President of Ukraine

23 April 2025 - 17:41

On April 23, representatives of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Germany and France met in London to discuss steps toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian side was represented by Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak.

On the part of the countries participating in the Coalition of the Willing, the meeting was attended by National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Jonathan Powell, Diplomatic Adviser to the President of France Emmanuel Bonne, and Foreign and Security Policy Adviser to the Federal Chancellor of Germany Jens Plotner. The event was held at the official residence of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom at the invitation of the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy.

The meeting in London followed a previous gathering held in Paris.

The parties emphasized their commitment to the peace efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war as soon as possible and achieving a just and lasting peace.

The participants of the London meeting agreed to continue the dialogue and maintain regular contacts in pursuit of the main objective - a lasting peace for Ukraine.

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At Least 2 Killed In Air Attack On Kyiv, Mayor Says After Progress Reported In Talks To End Conflict

By RFE/RL April 24, 2025

At least two people were killed in Kyiv in an overnight missile attack only hours after officials said there was progress toward a resolution of the conflict during negotiations in London between representatives of US, Europe, and Ukraine.

In addition to the two fatalities, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 54 were wounded in the missile attack.

Of these, 38 people, including six children, were hospitalized, he said, adding that the rest of the wounded were treated at the scene. He said earlier on Telegram that residents of one building were under rubble as fires and falling debris were reported.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov also reported an attack on the city in northeastern Ukraine, saying on Telegram that seven missiles hit the city. Terekhov later warned that "a massive drone attack on the city continues."

The attacks began hours after the talks in London ended and after US President Donald Trump said he thinks he has reached a deal with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to settle the war.

"I think Russia is ready and a lot of people said Russia wanted to go for the whole thing. And I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelenskiy," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump also said he found it harder than expected to work with Zelenskyy.

"I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy. So far, it's been harder.... But, I think we have a deal with both. I hope they do it, because I'm looking to save and, you know, we spent a lot of money, but this is about a lot of humanity," Trump said.

Asked about reports of a US proposal that would see Crimea recognized as Russian territory, Trump said he had "no favorites" between Ukraine and Russia and that he just wanted the war to end.

Other administration officials said earlier on April 23 that a deal remained elusive and that the United States could walk away from peace talks in the absence of quick progress.

Zelenskyy, who has dismissed the proposal on Crimea, said emotions had "run high" in London but it was good that the representatives of five countries met.

"The American side shared its vision. Ukraine and other Europeans presented their inputs. And we hope that it is exactly such joint work that will lead to lasting peace," he said on X.

His post included a copy of a 2018 statement by then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling on Russia to end its occupation of Crimea and uphold the principle of not changing borders by force.

Trump warned Ukraine earlier on social media that it needs to make a deal to end the fighting while sharply criticizing Zelenskyy for saying Kyiv sees any recognition of Crimea as part of Russia is a red line for Ukraine.

"It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War," Trump said in a social media post in which he denied anyone is asking Ukraine recognize Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014, as Russian territory.

Late on April 23, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he met Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko Washington. A Treasury Department statement said Bessent stressed the need to sign an economic partnership between the two countries as soon as possible.

The statement noted that "the highly productive technical talks remain ongoing between the two sides."

The talks in London were already facing serious headwinds after top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pulled out, effectively downgrading the meeting.

A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said they involved "substantive technical meetings with European, US, and Ukrainian officials on how to stop the fighting" triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor in 2022.

"We remain absolutely committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and these talks today are an important part of that," the spokesperson said.

Keith Kellogg, Trump's envoy for Ukraine, assessed the talks as positive.

"It is time to move forward on President Trump's UKR-RU war directive: stop the killing, achieve peace, and put America first," Kellogg wrote on X.

The scrapping of a meeting between the top diplomats of Ukraine, the United States, Germany, France, and Britain highlighted the divide between the countries in finding a path to peace talk amid Trump's complaints of a lack of progress in the negotiations.

"I think we read it all the same way," one European diplomat, who asked not to be named, told RFE/RL. "It's the US one step further toward checking out."

"I see it as additional pressure on the Ukrainians: take it or leave it," another European diplomat told RFE/RL. '"We don't have time for you, we have other things to do."

Last week, Rubio and other Ukrainian and European officials met in Paris for talks that yielded what many saw was minor progress toward a resolution of the war.

But Rubio later signaled US impatience with the status of the talks and suggested the United States might pull out entirely from all involvement in the negotiations.

Speaking to reporters on April 23 during a trip to India, US Vice President JD Vance said Washington had issued a "very explicit proposal" to Russia and Ukraine, though he gave no details.

"It's time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process," Vance said.

"The current lines, somewhere close to them is where you're ultimately, I think, going to draw the new lines in the conflict," he said.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-ukraine-zelenskyy- war-russia-europe-starmer/33394907.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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Washington, D.C., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Officials at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) extend appreciation to President Trump for signing an executive order reestablishing the White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (White House Initiative) and reinforcing key TMCF policy priorities for the HBCU community.

Todays executive order serves as strong reaffirmation of President Trumps support of investment of historically Black colleges and universities, said TMCF President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams . This executive order should serve as a call-to-action for corporations, foundations, members of Congress and state lawmakers to redouble their efforts to support HBCUs and their students. TMCF looks forward to continued engagement with the administration and Congress to deliver results for HBCUs and the students they serve via appropriations and other legislative actions.

Following the signing of the executive order today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said, The White House initiative highlighted today reinforces President Trumps commitment to supporting and elevating Americas HBCUs. The Department will work with the initiative and HBCUs to expand partnerships and share best practices for institutions to become hubs of opportunity and economic engines for local industries and employers. I am eager to elevate and support Americas HBCUs, including in my role on the Presidents Board of Advisors for the White House Initiative on HBCUs.

In addition to reestablishing the White House Initiative, this executive order encourages states to meet their obligations by matching federal funds appropriated to 1890 Land Grant HBCUs, marking the first time this issue has been highlighted in an executive order. Additionally, todays executive order explicitly encourages private and philanthropic investment into HBCUs and their students. Todays signing also moves the White House Initiative back to the White House, where its reporting lines resided during the first Trump administration.

The TMCF government relations team has worked closely with the White House to advocate for the inclusion of our policy priorities in the executive order over the past three months and we are very pleased that many of our priorities are reflected in the final version of the document promulgated today, Dr. Williams said.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Christina Lake Cannabis Corp. (the Company or CLC or Christina Lake Cannabis) (CSE: CLC) (OTCQB: CLCFF) (FRANKFURT: CLB) the Company is pleased to provide details regarding a proposed non-brokered private placement.

The Company announces that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement with gross proceeds of up to $2,500,000 (the Offering). The Company will be issuing units ("Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one common share in the capital of the Company (the Shares and each a "Share") and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"), exercisable for a term of 60 months at a price of $0.065 per Share. The Offering may include debt settlements for outstanding obligations of the Company.

The first tranche of the Offering is expected to close on or about April 30, 2025, or such other date or dates that the Company may determine, subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approval, including acceptance of the CSE. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the closing date, in accordance with applicable Canadian Securities laws.

Proceeds from the Offering (other than the amount in connection with debt settlements) will be used towards construction of a new secured storage facility on premises, equipment purchases, and for general working capital purposes.

Certain directors and officers of the Company may acquire Units under the Offering. Such participation will be considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61- 101"). The Company anticipates relying on exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and formal valuation requirements applicable to the related-party transactions under sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(b), respectively, of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the Units to be acquired by the participating directors and officers nor the consideration to be paid by such directors and officers is anticipated to exceed $2,500,000.

The securities issued under the Offering have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and were not to be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Christina Lake Cannabis Corp.

Christina Lake Cannabis is a licensed producer of cannabis under the Cannabis Act with a standard cultivation license and corresponding processing amendment from Health Canada as well as a research and development license. Christina Lake Cannabis facilities consist of a 32-acre property, which includes over 950,000 square feet of outdoor grow space, offices, propagation and drying rooms, research facilities, and a facility dedicated to processing and extraction. A 342-acre property which includes approximately 100-acres of licensed outdoor grow space, green houses, and a dry room. Christina Lake Cannabis also owns a 99-acre plot of land adjoining its principal site. CLC focuses its production on creating high quality extracts and distillate for its B2B client base with proprietary strains specifically developed for outdoor cultivation to enhance extraction quality.

On behalf of Christina Lake Cannabis:

Mark Aiken

Mark Aiken, CEO

For more information about CLC, please visit: www.christinalakecannabis.com

Jennifer Smith

Investor Relations and Media Inquiries

investors@clcannabis.com

902-229-7265

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE (CSE) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSES REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER.

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, will, likely, probably, often, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the size of the Offering, the completion and terms of the Offering, the use of the proceeds from the Offering, completion of any tranches of the Offering, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans, statements, harvesting results, and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include future growth potential of the Company, fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions, fluctuations in securities markets, expectations regarding the size of the future harvest, the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives, plans for expansion, inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards and general market conditions. Additional factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Companys disclosure documents which can be found under the Companys profile on http://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 forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
BEN TRE, Vietnam, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexif Ratch Energy has reached a key milestone in the development of its 80MW Ben Tre Wind Power Plant project, having successfully signed Amendment and Supplement Agreements to the original Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) on 18 April 2025.

With the expiration of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) regime in October 2021, the Vietnamese government actively worked to establish a new pricing mechanism that reflects lower renewable energy investment costs while continuing to attract long-term private investment.

In this context, Nexif Ratch Energy has worked diligently and collaboratively with all relevant authorities to agree on a revised tariff, positioning the project as one of the first transitional wind energy projects in Vietnam to sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The successful negotiations with EVN mark a breakthrough, reflecting strong cooperation among key stakeholders, including EVN and its subsidiary, Electricity Power Trading Company (EPTC).

This achievement comes at a pivotal moment in Vietnams renewable energy landscape, as the country continues to strengthen its regulatory framework and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources. The government has taken significant steps toward this goal through the enactment of new laws, decrees, and guidelines related to the power sector, and through the revision of Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8), which proposes ambitious new renewable energy targets  an additional 16.1GW of onshore and nearshore wind, and 27.9GW of utility-scale solar capacity by 2030. These efforts are intended to drive growth in the renewable energy sector while keeping Vietnam competitive in attracting investment in green infrastructure.

Mr. Surender Singh , Chairman of the board of directors of Nexif Ratch Energy, commented, "We commend the Vietnamese government for its proactive efforts in driving the countrys energy transition. Structural changes in the energy sector require a strong and coordinated approach between government, regulators, and, importantly, investors. As we have seen with the Nexif Energy Ben Tre Wind Power Plant project , success relies on strong, ongoing partnerships to overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities for the countrys sustainable future."

Mr. Cyril Dissescou , CEO of Nexif Ratch Energy, added "Im proud of our team for their persistence and focus in achieving this milestone. I also want to thank EPTC for their close collaboration. This success reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to Vietnams clean energy future."

With the amended PPAs now signed and key procedural steps completed, the project is advancing towards financial close, with construction scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025. This progress underscores Nexif Ratch Energys commitment to delivering sustainable and reliable energy to Vietnams national grid, supporting the countrys energy transition, and contributing to the development of a greener future.

About Nexif Ratch Energy

Nexif Ratch Energy is a leading renewable energy company focused on the development, acquisition, construction, and operation of clean-energy projects across the Asia Pacific region. Headquartered in Singapore with regional offices in Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand, the companys portfolio includes 378 MW of operating, under-construction, and shovel-ready hydro, solar, and wind energy assets. Additionally, Nexif Ratch Energy has a development pipeline totaling 3.2 GW across wind, solar, and energy storage projects.

Nexif Ratch Energy is jointly owned by Nexif Energy (Singapore) with a 51% stake and RATCH Group (Thailand) with a 49% stake.

For Media Inquiries:

Chariya Poopisit

Nexif Ratch Energy

communications@nexifratch.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe6c5e6a-9551-4686-b931-7e9d74be2cd4
Allschwil, Switzerland, April 24, 2025

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, reported today that the sales of the antifungal Cresemba (isavuconazole) in Japan exceeded the threshold triggering a sales milestone payment from its partner Asahi Kasei Pharma (AKP), amounting to approximately CHF 1.7 million. This is the second milestone payment from AKP to Basilea in consecutive quarters.

David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer of Basilea, said: We are very pleased with the continued strong Cresemba sales performance by our partner AKP. Japan is a key commercial market with significant growth potential in the long-term and the strong sales uptake in the country shows that Cresemba is meeting critical medical needs of patients with life-threatening fungal infections.

Cresemba is marketed in more than 70 countries. According to the latest available market data, total global in-market sales of Cresemba in the twelve-month period between January and December 2024 amounted to USD 562 million, a 19 percent growth year-on-year, making it the largest branded antifungal for invasive fungal infections worldwide.1

About Cresemba (isavuconazole)

Cresemba, with the active ingredient isavuconazole, is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for Cresemba covering approximately 115 countries. In Japan, the oral and intravenous formulations are approved for the treatment of adult patients with aspergillosis (invasive aspergillosis, chronic progressive pulmonary aspergillosis, and simple pulmonary aspergilloma), mucormycosis, and cryptococcosis.2 Isavuconazole is also approved in the European Union3, the United Kingdom4, the United States5, China and several additional countries including in the Asia Pacific region.6

About Basilea

Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical and clinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com.

Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil

Hegenheimermattweg 167b

4123 Allschwil

Switzerland



Phone +41 61 606 1102





E-mail media_relations@basilea.com

investor_relations@basilea.com

This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com.

References

IQVIA Analytics Link, December 2024. In-market sales reported as moving annual total (MAT) in US dollar. PMDA List of Approved Drugs April 2022 to March 2023: https://www.pmda.go.jp/files/000267877.pdf [Accessed: April 23, 2025] European Public Assessment Report (EPAR): https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/cresemba [Accessed: April 23, 2025] Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) Cresemba: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/search?q=cresemba [Accessed: April 23, 2025] Full US prescribing information: https://www.astellas.us/docs/cresemba.pdf [Accessed: April 23, 2025] The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country.

Attachments
Sponsored Level 1 ADR program facilitates trading by US investors following recent FDA clearance and commercial launch

BNY will be ADR depositary bank

Ticker symbol for US investors is ONWRY

EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ONWARD Medical N.V. (Euronext: ONWD and OTCQX: ONWRY), the medical technology company creating innovative spinal cord stimulation therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and other movement disabilities, today announces it has established a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") program in the United States through the Bank of New York Mellon ("BNY"), and its ADRs have begun trading on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol ONWRY.

Establishing an ADR program with BNY facilitates trading by US institutional investors, many of whom have expressed interest in supporting ONWARD but prefer to transact in US dollars and in US traded instruments, said Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD Medical. This ADR program and our new trading platform on OTCQX will make it easier for qualified US institutional and retail investors to participate in our growth.

As a market leader in the Depositary Receipts market, having delivered customized and market-driven solutions for issuers, brokers and investors for decades, BNY is pleased to work with ONWARD Medical on the important step to expand its presence in the US market, said Christopher Kearns, Global Head of Depositary Receipts at BNY.

We are proud to announce the addition of ONWARD Medical to the OTCQX Market, said Jason Paltrowitz, EVP of Corporate Services at OTC Markets. This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for the company but also highlights the interplay between the European capital markets and US investors seeking new investment opportunities.

The ADR program and accompanying OTCQX upgrade are expected to improve ONWARD's US investor access, with the goal to broaden the Company's shareholder base and increase stock liquidity. An ADR is a negotiable depositary receipt denominated in US dollars and representing ownership of foreign shares in a non-US company. ADRs are specially designed to make it easier for American investors to purchase, hold and sell an US instrument representing non-US securities. BNY acts as the depositary bank and transfer agent for ONWARDs ADR program and one ONWARD ADR represents one ordinary share.

US investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. The Company also expects many of the leading US investor platforms to provide quotes and information, searchable by the ticker ONWRY.

To learn more about ONWARD's commitment to partnering with the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Community to develop innovative solutions for restoring movement, function, and independence after spinal cord injury, please visit ONWD.com.

For US investors, visit: https://ir.onwd.com/us-investors-0

To be kept informed about the Company's technologies, research studies, and the availability of therapies in your area, please complete this webform.

About ONWARD Medical

ONWARD Medical is a medical technology company creating therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with SCI and other movement disabilities. Building on more than a decade of scientific discovery, preclinical research, and clinical studies conducted at leading hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and neuroscience laboratories, the Company has developed ARC Therapy, which has been awarded ten Breakthrough Device Designations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Companys ARC-EX System is cleared for commercial sale in the US. In addition, the Company is developing an investigational implantable system called ARC-IM with and without an implanted brain-computer interface (BCI).

Headquartered in the Netherlands, the Company has a Science and Engineering Center in Switzerland and a US office in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company is listed on Euronext Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam (ticker: ONWD) and its US ADRs can be traded on OTCQX (ticker: ONWRY).

For more information, visit ONWD.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

To be kept informed about the Companys technologies, research studies, and the availability of therapies in your area, please complete this webform.

For Media Inquiries:

media@onwd.com

For Investor Inquiries:

investors@onwd.com

Disclaimer

Certain statements, beliefs, and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Companys or, as appropriate, the Company directors current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve several risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, delays in regulatory approvals, changes in demand, competition, and technology, can cause actual events, performance, or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions, or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such persons officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Trademarks: ONWARD, ARC-EX, ARC-IM, ARC-BCI, and the stylized O-Logo are proprietary and registered trademarks of ONWARD Medical. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Flow Traders Leadership Update

Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Flow Traders Ltd. (Euronext: FLOW) announces that Mike Kuehnel has conveyed to the Board of Flow Traders Ltd. his intention not to seek re-election as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for another full term at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). He will leave Flow Traders at the end of August to pursue a new opportunity. To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Mike has agreed to be nominated for re-election as CEO at the upcoming AGM on 13 June 2025, with his renewed term extending until 31 August 2025. The Board has initiated a search for his successor.

Furthermore, Marc Jansen will be nominated for election as Executive Director of Flow Traders Ltd. at the forthcoming AGM. Marc has played an instrumental role in developing and expanding Flow Traders trading footprint. He is also a current member of the Management Board of Flow Traders B.V., the firm's largest operating entity. In addition, Marc Jansen and Alex Kieft will be appointed as Co-Chief Trading Officers, effective immediately. They will jointly manage the Global Trading Division, focusing on expanding the Company's trading operations across multiple asset classes and geographies.

Mike Kuehnel

Mike joined Flow Traders in August 2021 and was elected as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in September 2021 and subsequently appointed to the role of CEO in February 2023. During his term, Mike has been instrumental in systematically strengthening the firm by enhancing its position as a leading globally diversified trading firm. Specifically, in 2024, he initiated Flow Traders Trading Capital Expansion Plan, which successfully contributed to the firm's second-best financial year in its 20-year history.

Under Mike's leadership, and in collaboration with the entire leadership team, the firm has launched several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency through automation as well as enhancing the firms structure with the objective of building a fully scalable organization. As part of the firms strategy, Mike has played a pivotal role in developing Flow Traders global leadership team and in attracting key talent to enhance the firms capability set. Subsequently, Mike has facilitated new strategic partnerships across global financial markets, allowing the firm to capitalize on new revenue opportunities to accelerate the growth of the Flow Traders.

Marc Jansen

Marc joined Flow Traders in 2013 as a Trader and became Head of Trading EMEA in 2018. He continued playing a pivotal role in building out the firms trading operations, when he moved to the Americas, where he assumed the role of Managing Director, before being appointed Head of Trading with a focus on Digital Assets in 2021. He became Global Head of Trading and Management Board Member of Flow Traders B.V. in January 2024. Effective immediately, Marc will be appointed as Co-Chief Trading Officer.

Alex Kieft

Alex joined Flow Traders in 2014 as a Trader and was appointed Head of Trading EMEA in 2019, followed by Global Head of Trading with a focus on equities in 2022. Effective immediately, Alex will be appointed as Co-Chief Trading Officer and will lead the firms Global Trading Division alongside Marc Jansen.

Rudolf Ferscha, Chairman of the Board, stated:

Flow Traders has evolved beyond its foundational trading focus, marking a significant transition that enables us to capitalize on new opportunities and forge strategic partnerships, thereby advancing our long-term strategic ambitions. This transformation has been successfully initiated and managed under Mike's leadership, and on behalf of the entire Board, I would like to express our deepest appreciation for his numerous contributions to the firm.

We fully respect his decision to pursue another opportunity outside the firm and wish him every success in his future endeavors. We also thank him for his dedication to developing this strengthened leadership team. Under Mikes guidance, the leadership team has driven the firm's growth and expansion in recent years, notably with the successful launch of the Trading Capital Expansion Plan last year, leading to the second-best financial year in our 20-year history.

Additionally, we are thrilled to appoint Marc and Alex as Co-Chief Trading Officers. Both Marc and Alex are esteemed leaders with a proven track record of shaping and accelerating our trading strategies across various asset classes and geographies. Their promotion reflects our dedication to strengthening our leadership and accelerating growth within our Trading Division. With a long-term focus on both talent and capital, we aim to intensify efforts in both traditional and digital asset markets, marking Flow Traders next phase of growth.

Mike Kuehnel, CEO of Flow Traders, added:

Throughout my tenure at Flow Traders, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of technology and innovation on global financial markets. These experiences have reinforced my conviction to engage more broadly in the field of artificial intelligence, prompting my decision not to seek another full term as CEO.

I am immensely proud of what we have collectively achieved, as evidenced by our strengthened position as a globally diversified trading firm. Equally, I take pride in the development and growth of our global leadership team. Cultivating and attracting talent has been a pivotal focus during my four years, and I am thrilled about the current standing of this team. I have full confidence in Flow Traders' future, and its ability to grow and become an even more significant force in promoting transparency, efficiency, and resilience within global financial markets.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Board and all my colleagues at Flow Traders, it has been an exceptionally rewarding privilege to work alongside you. Serving as your CFO and CEO over the past four years has been an honor, and I am genuinely excited about the firm's future.

Notes

Following shareholder approval at the 2025 AGM, Mikes re-election as CEO and Executive Director will run until 31 August 2025

Following shareholder approval at the 2025 AGM and regulatory vetting, Marcs election as Executive Director of Flow Traders Ltd. will be effective for a term of four years

In the notice for the 2025 Annual General Meeting, scheduled to be published on 2 May, all necessary information will be included in accordance with the nominations outlined in this press release





Contact Details

Flow Traders Ltd.

Investors

Eric Pan

Phone: +31 20 7996799

Email: investor.relations@flowtraders.com

Media

Laura Peijs

Phone: +31 20 7996799

Email: press@flowtraders.com

About Flow Traders

Flow Traders is a leading trading firm providing liquidity in multiple asset classes, covering all major exchanges. Founded in 2004, Flow Traders is a leading global ETP market marker and has leveraged its expertise in trading European equity ETPs to expand into fixed income, commodities, digital assets and FX globally. Flow Traders role in financial markets is to ensure the availability of liquidity and enabling investors to continue to buy or sell financial instruments under all market circumstances, thereby ensuring markets remain resilient and continue to function in an orderly manner. In addition to its trading activities, Flow Traders has established a strategic investment unit focused on fostering market innovation and aligned with our mission to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the financial ecosystem. With over two decades of experience, we have built a team of over 600 talented professionals, located globally, contributing to the firm's entrepreneurial culture and delivering the company's mission.

Important Legal Information

This press release is prepared by Flow Traders Ltd. and is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and you must not rely on the content of this document when making any investment decisions. The information in this document does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice and is not to be regarded as investor marketing or marketing of any security or financial instrument, or as an offer to buy or sell, or as a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, securities or financial instruments.



The information and materials contained in this press release are provided as is and Flow Traders Ltd. or any of its affiliates (Flow Traders) do not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and materials and expressly disclaim liability for any errors or omissions. This press release is not intended to be, and shall not constitute in any way a binding or legal agreement, or impose any legal obligation on Flow Traders. All intellectual property rights, including trademarks, are those of their respective owners. All rights reserved. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Flow Traders. No part of it may be redistributed or reproduced without the prior written permission of Flow Traders.



This press release may include forward-looking statements, which are based on Flow Traders current expectations and projections about future events, and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. Words such as may, will, would, should, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, project, believe, could, hope, seek, plan, foresee, aim, objective, potential, goal strategy, target, continue and similar expressions or their negatives are used to identify these forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future whether or not outside the control of Flow Traders. Such factors may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as at the date at which they are made. Flow Traders expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which such statements are based unless required to do so by applicable law.



Financial objectives are internal objectives of Flow Traders to measure its operational performance and should not be read as indicating that Flow Traders is targeting such metrics for any particular fiscal year. Flow Traders ability to achieve these financial objectives is inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond Flow Traders control, and upon assumptions with respect to future business decisions that are subject to change. As a result, Flow Traders actual results may vary from these financial objectives, and those variations may be material.



Efficiencies are net, before tax and on a run-rate basis, i.e. taking into account the full-year impact of any measure to be undertaken before the end of the period mentioned. The expected operating efficiencies and cost savings were prepared on the basis of a number of assumptions, projections and estimates, many of which depend on factors that are beyond Flow Traders control. These assumptions, projections and estimates are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and actual results may differ, perhaps materially, from those projected. Flow Traders cannot provide any assurance that these assumptions are correct and that these projections and estimates will reflect Flow Traders actual results of operations.

By accepting this document you agree to the terms set out above. If you do not agree with the terms set out above please notify legal.amsterdam@nl.flowtraders.com immediately and delete or destroy this document.

Market Abuse Regulation

This press release contains information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Attachments
Period January - March

Order intake increased by 15 percent to MSEK 267 (233)

Revenue increased by 7 percent to MSEK 259 (242)

Revenue adjusted for currency effects amounted to MSEK 260 (242), i.e., an underlying organic increase of 7 percent

Operating profit amounted to MSEK 23.0 (22.5)

Net profit for the period amounted to MSEK 15.8 (16.7)

Earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.38 (1.46)

Net cash excluding IFRS 16 amounted to MSEK 40 (8)





Significant during the quarter

The board has decided to propose to the annual general meeting a dividend of SEK 1.50 (1.00) per share, equivalent to MSEK 17.1 (11.4)





A presentation will be held today 24/4 at 08.30 am CET, where the CEO presents the report. You can participate by register on the link below:

Registration Form

For further information about Nilorn, please contact:

Krister Magnusson, CEO

Tel: +46704-852 114. E-mail: krister.magnusson@nilorn.com

This information is information that Nilorngruppen is under obligation to publish in accordance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information herein was provided by the contact person named below for publication at 08:00 a.m., 24 April 2025

General about Nilorn Group

Nilorn Group is a global company, founded in the 1970s, with expertise in how to add value to brands through branding and design in the form of labels, packaging and accessories, primarily to customers in the fashion and clothing industry. Nilorn Group offers complete, creative and tailor-made concepts in branding, design, product development and logistical solutions. The Group operates through its own companies in Sweden, Denmark, the UK, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Hong Kong, India, Turkey, China, Bangladesh, Italy, Switzerland, Vietnam, USA and Pakistan. See also: www.nilorn.se

Attachments
PRESS RELEASE

C-Suite executive with more than 35 years experience in international banking

Brings important and complementary skills to support companys development

Marseille, France, April 24, 2025 - Vect-Horus, a privately held biotechnology company that designs and develops molecular vectors facilitating the targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules and imaging agents, today announced the appointment of Philippe Masset, a Csuite banking executive with more than 35 years of experience as a CEO of international banking entities, as a member of its Board of Directors.

Philippe Masset has a successful track record in transformation and change management, and strong interest in investment banking, ESG topics, sustainable finance and AI. From 2014-2019, he was CEO of Degroof, where he oversaw a successful merger with Petercam and positioning of the new group, and he previously served as CEO and in several senior roles with ING.

He is currently Chairman of Vicinity Affordable Housing Fund and a Board member at Edmond de Rothschild Europe and Guberna; and serves as a Senior Advisor to several financial companies including Blackfin, Syntagma and BDO.

"We are delighted that Philippe Masset will be joining our Board at this point in time, which adds further highly relevant and senior expertise to Vect-Horus. His experience spans diverse sectors including investment banking, financial services, and non-profit governance, contributing to a broadened perspective on strategic oversight and corporate governance best practices, said Alexandre Tokay, co-founder and CEO of Vect-Horus. This is the third new appointment to the Board in recent months, all bringing important skills which are particularly suited to drive our mission to become the leader in the field of targeted drug delivery.

Philippe Masset said: Boards have a crucial role to play in todays business world, bringing important skills to contribute to and oversee a companys development and strategy. The Vect-Horus Board includes hugely experienced individuals who provide important support to management. Im excited to contribute to Vect-Horus as it builds on its impressive partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies, to deliver therapies to patients in urgent need of better treatment options.

About Vect-Horus

Vect-Horus designs and develops vectors that facilitate targeting and delivery of therapeutic or imaging agents to organs, including the brain, and to tumors. Founded in 2005, Vect-Horus is a spin-off of the Institute for Neurophysiopathology (INP, UMR7051, CNRS and Aix Marseille University), formerly headed by Dr Michel Khrestchatisky, co-founder of the company. Vect-Horus has 42 employees (most in R&D).

To learn more about Vect-Horus, visit www.vect-horus.com.

Contacts

For more information, please contact Vect-Horus

Emmanuelle Bettendorf, BD & Alliance Management,

Vect-Horus contact@vect-horus.com



Media Relations

Sophie Baumont, Cohesion Bureau - sophie.baumont@cohesionbureau.com



Attachment
For immediate release

iSTAR Medicals MINIject demonstrates significant sustained 5-year efficacy in treating glaucoma in STAR-GLOBAL trial

Five-year safety profile including corneal health confirmed and 38% IOP reduction sustained

Over 5000 patients benefiting from limited commercial rollout of MINIject  worldwide to-date

worldwide to-date iSTAR Medical to advance MINIject independently following ending of AbbVie partnership





WAVRE, Belgium  24 April 2025: iSTAR Medical, a medtech company delivering breakthrough eye care solutions to patients, today announces positive five-year data from the STAR-GLOBAL trial for the supraciliary MIGS device, MINIject. The data was presented by Andrew Tatham, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion and University of Edinburgh, UK, and President of the UK and Ireland Glaucoma Society.

STAR-GLOBAL is an extension trial of the initial EU clinical trials investigating the long-term safety and efficacy of MINIject in patients with up to five-years of follow-up. Patients implanted with the MINIject are invited to enroll into STAR-GLOBAL upon completion at two years of an iSTAR Medical clinical trial, to continue follow-up from two to five years.

MINIject is currently the only commercially available supraciliary MIGS implant. Since its launch more than 5,000 patients have been implanted across a number of commercial settings and continue to demonstrate meaningful and sustained clinical performance in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) combined with a favorable safety profile.

Five-year Data from STAR-GLOBAL

Data was obtained from 47 patients in STAR-GLOBAL who completed five-year follow-up from the STAR I, II and III trials (83.9% of the 56 patients enrolled). The efficacy results indicated a sustained and significant 38% reduction of IOP through to five years. Overall, 83% of patients achieved a >20% reduction in IOP from baseline and 80% had IOP of 18 or less at five-year follow-up, with 32% of patients remaining medication free. A favorable safety profile including corneal health was confirmed at five-year follow-up, with no serious adverse events related to the device or procedure in the STAR-GLOBAL follow-up period.

Dr Karsten Klabe, Chief Surgeon at Breyer, Kaymak & Klabe Augenchirurgie, Dusseldorf, Germany, and a key investigator in the STAR trials, commented: These very positive five-year follow-up results provide further validation of MINIject as a safe, standalone procedure and an effective longer-term treatment option for glaucoma patients. This gives us further assurance that MINIject can continue to benefit to patients even half a decade post-surgery.

Andrew Tatham, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion and University of Edinburgh, UK, and President of the UK and Ireland Glaucoma Society said: This five-year follow-up data is highly encouraging, demonstrating the ability of iSTAR Medicals MINIject to achieve sustained and significant lowering of IOP over the long term. This is consistent with the excellent safety and efficacy profile MINIject has already demonstrated in previous STAR trials.

Michel Vanbrabant, CEO of iSTAR Medical, commented: The strength and consistency of these five-year results reinforces our belief that MINIject has the potential to become the surgical treatment of choice for glaucoma patients, offering a best-in-class solution for long-term glaucoma management. iSTAR Medical remains committed to further validating this hypothesis in its future studies, positioning MINIject as the preferred surgical impact device among key opinion leaders, doctors, patients, and investors. With over 5000 patients now implanted, we continue to progress the development of MINIject to address a significant unmet need in key global markets.

Conclusion of Alliance with AbbVie

iSTAR Medical announces that its alliance with AbbVie, announced in 2022, has now ended. iSTAR Medical continues to operate its business as usual as an independent company and remains well positioned to continue the development of MINIject in its ongoing US STAR-V trial with the aim of FDA submission in 2028 and the continued commercial roll-out in Europe and other global territories.

 Ends 

For more information

Michel Vanbrabant, Chief Executive Officer, iSTAR Medical

news@istar-medical.com

For media

ICR Healthcare

Amber Fennell, Chris Welsh, Kris Lam

iSTAR@ICRHealthcare.com

About iSTAR Medical

iSTAR Medical is committed to delivering breakthrough eye care solutions. Our most advanced product, MINIject, is approved in Europe for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma  the leading cause of irreversible blindness  and we are aiming to seek market approval in the US. We believe MINIjects distinctive tissue-integrating capabilities unlock a safer, and more effective option for patients. We are building an exceptional team and pipeline of potentially leading products such as MINIject to establish new treatment paradigms in eye care conditions with the highest patient needs.

About MINIject

MINIject is iSTAR Medicals innovative MIGS device for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. MINIject combines the distinctive porous structure of its proprietary STAR material with the IOP lowering power offered by the supraciliary space. As a result, it is designed to enhance natural fluid outflow, reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and the need for medication, while bio-integrating with surrounding tissue, limiting inflammation, fibrosis and subsequent complications.

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive disease affecting over 100 million people globally, of which primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form.1,2 IOP reduction, through medication or surgery, helps delay disease progression.3 Medication is generally the first line treatment, but the progressive addition of multiple drops can burden patients with side effects, compliance challenges and costs.2,3 Invasive surgery can present risks with irreversible complications and often requires long-term patient management.2,3 MIGS is the most promising and fastest-growing glaucoma therapy due to its enhanced safety profile.2 MINIject is potentially best-in-class for its promising long-term efficacy and safety.

1 Jonas JB, Aung T, Bourne RR et al. "Glaucoma". Lancet 2017; 390: 208393

2 Market Scope, 2021 Glaucoma Surgical Device Market Report, July 2021.

3 European Glaucoma Society Terminology and Guidelines for Glaucoma, 4th Edition: British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2017;101:1-195 https://bjo.bmj.com/content/101/5/73
Denver, CO, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MG Stover, a pioneer in digital asset financial services since 2014, announced the successful completion of a strategic shift by the sale of its fund administration business to focus on its managed portfolio solutions platform, OTTO.

Now operating as a fully independent entity, MG Stover is dedicating its efforts on OTTO, a service-backed digital asset platform positioned to lead in the evolving digital asset financial services environment. This transition reflects the companys long-term commitment to innovation and client service. After concluding its relationship with PolySign in 2023, MG Stover strategically expanded its fund services business before entrusting it to Securitize.

"We spent over a decade building one of the industrys leading and most respected fund administration businesses, and were proud to have transitioned it in a way that ensures a seamless experience for our clients, supported by the same trusted team, said Matt Stover, Founder and CEO. This step empowers us to focus on where we can now make the biggest impact: providing the industrys most robust, transparent, and service-driven digital asset accounting platform.

OTTO is backed by a team of professionals who have managed crypto reporting since 2014 and have worked directly with regulators. Unlike traditional software-only tools, OTTO is delivered through a service-first model that pairs real-time reporting and institutional-grade accounting logic with crypto-native support from professionals who understand the regulatory landscape of a 24/7 asset class.

"We think of OTTO as service-as-a-software, not the other way around," added Stover. "Institutional clients don't just need tools. They need trusted partners who understand the data, the workflow, and the regulatory reporting expectations.

With a proven track record supporting over $40 billion in digital assets across various fund structures, protocols, and jurisdictions, OTTOs foundation reflects this invaluable experience and expertise. The company is now focused on expanding its team, growing integration partnerships, and scaling OTTOs adoption among institutional clients, capital market participants and centralized platforms.

Building on this momentum, MG Stover is focused on developing the infrastructure institutions need to manage digital assets at scale. Through continued investment in OTTO and its ecosystem of partners, the firm is shaping a more resilient, transparent, and operationally sound future for the industry.

We are not just adapting to change; we are driving it, opening new horizons and redefining whats possible in the financial landscape. As we embark on this exciting journey, MG Stover invites clients and partners to join us in exploring the limitless potential of this new chapter in digital assets, concluded Stover.

-ENDS-

About MG Stover

MG Stover has pioneered institutional solutions for digital asset funds since 2014, helping set the operational and accounting standards that underpin the industry. With fund administration roots and a team of accounting specialists at its core, the firm now focuses on advancing digital asset management infrastructure through OTTO, combining process, accuracy, transparency, and a service-first mindset.

About OTTO

OTTO is an advanced technology platform for the institutional digital asset management industry, designed to deliver real-time insights and comprehensive reporting solutions. Developed by professionals with deep expertise in digital assets, it combines automation and robust service to facilitate crypto portfolio tracking, reconciliation, and reporting. Built on systems that have supported over $40 billion in crypto investments, OTTO sets a new benchmark for reporting and operations across the digital asset ecosystem.

For more information, visit https://ottodigital.io

Media Contact: The Realization Group on behalf of MG Stover

Melanie.budden@therealizationgroup.com
The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of AS Harju Elekter Group was held on 24 April 2025 starting at 10 a.m., at the Nordic Hotel Forum. The AGM was attended by 62 shareholders and their authorised representatives who represented a total of 11,354,961 votes, accounting for 61,38 % of the total votes.

The decisions of the General Meeting were as follows:



1. Approval of AS Harju Elekter Group annual report of 2024

Approve the 2024 Annual Report prepared by the Management Board and approved by the Supervisory Board, according to which the total consolidated balance sheet as of 31 December 2024 is 153,7 million euros, revenue is 174,7 million euros, operating profit is 6,4 million euros and net profit is 3,2 million euros.

The number of votes given in favor of the resolution was 11,354,961 which accounted for 100.00% of the voted participants.

2. Approval of profit distribution

To approve the profit distribution proposal of AS Harju Elekter Group of 2024 as presented by the management board and as approved by the supervisory board as follows:

retained earnings EUR 49,762,244 Net profit for 2024 EUR 3,174,768 total distributable profit as of 31.12.2024 EUR 52,937,012





dividends (0,15 euros per share*) EUR 2,774,816 Retained earnings after profit distribution EUR 50,162,196

*Dividends will be paid to shareholders on 28 May 2025, by transfer to the shareholders bank account. The list of shareholders for the payment of dividends is established on 21 May 2025 as at the end of the business day in the accounting system. The date of the change in the rights related to the securities (ex-date) is 20 May 2025. From this date, the person who acquired shares is not entitled to receive dividends for the financial year 2024.

The number of votes given in favor of the resolution was 11,354,766, which accounted for 100.00% of the voted participants.

3. Amendment of the Articles of Association

Change the business address to Tallinn, the Republic of Estonia and amend the Articles of Association of AS Harju Elekter Group in the form submitted to the general Meeting.

The number of votes given in favor of the resolution was 11,243,911 which accounted for 99.02 % of the voted participants.

4. Remuneration Principles for the members of the Management Board

To approve remuneration principles for the members of the Management Board of AS Harju Elekter Group in the form submitted to the General Meeting.

The number of votes given in favor of the resolution was 11,265,976, which accounted for 99.22 % of the voted participants.



Tiit Atso

Chairman of the Management Board

+372 674 7400


YORK, United Kingdom, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Data Transformation partner and Microsoft Partner of the Year, Simpson Associates, has announced their latest project in collaboration with The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT).

The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT) is the central charity that supports the federation of 46 independent Wildlife Trusts working for natures recovery across the UK. The Wildlife Trusts vision is of a thriving natural world, with abundant wildlife and healthy natural habitats playing a valued role in addressing the climate and nature emergencies, and everyone inspired to take action for natures recovery.

Collectively, The Wildlife Trusts look after over 2,300 nature reserves, operate 123 visitor and education centres and own 29 working farms. The role of RSWT is to ensure a strong voice for wildlife at a UK level, supporting the individual Wildlife Trusts to be a strong force for nature in their local areas and to work together to achieve even greater impact as a collective.

The Wildlife Trusts are on a mission to bring about a people-powered nature and climate recovery by empowering people to take meaningful action for nature, and to create an inclusive society where nature matters to everyone, everywhere.

This partnership will revolutionise how the Wildlife Trusts harness their data to drive efforts to protect wildlife and wild places, leveraging cutting-edge technology.

Simpson Associates is enabling RSWT with the foundations to enhance decision-making through a modern, Azure Databricks data management platform with a Lakehouse architecture. With the climate crisis making wildlife protection more urgent than ever, data-driven decision-making systems are increasingly valuable to supporting the mission of not-for-profit organisations such as RSWT.

At the Wildlife Trusts, having a solid, fit for purpose and secure data platform to underpin our data ambitions and strategy is essential for helping us tackle shared challenges as a federation and respond to new opportunities. We need a system that can handle large amounts of varied data, provide strong data governance, and scale easily without compromising security. Thats why we teamed up with Simpson Associates  their technical know-how and experience with charities made them the chosen partner.

Now, weve started to build out the secure data platform underpinned by a data lake, which means we can pool and leverage insights and data from across the Wildlife Trusts, open sources of data and from our own information. This includes learning more about our spatial data  critical for a grassroots charity  and enables us to see where we are taking action for nature of all kinds. This gives us a more complete picture of whats happening on the ground, helps us spot trends and makes it easier to measure the impact of our work. It also means we can make smarter, data-driven decisions and respond faster and more strategically in our mission to bring back wildlife and create a thriving natural world.

Alice Kershaw, Head of Digital Transformation at RSWT

Transforming Data into Action for Conservation

To drive impactful conservation efforts, Wildlife Trusts require accurate, timely, and secure data. However, like many charitable organisations, they faced challenges with disparate data sources, legacy systems, and the need for a scalable, modern solution.

In close collaboration, Simpson Associates and RSWT developed a robust, cloud-based data platform that addresses the unique organisational needs of the Wildlife Trusts and helps streamline the day-to-day operations of running a not-for-profit business.

The new data platform drives key benefits, including:

Enhanced Decision-Making  By consolidating disparate data sources into a single platform, Wildlife Trusts aim to remove data silos and now has a 'single version of the truth,' available to the wider federation, enabling more informed and efficient decision-making.

 By consolidating disparate data sources into a single platform, Wildlife Trusts aim to remove data silos and now has a 'single version of the truth,' available to the wider federation, enabling more informed and efficient decision-making. Geospatial Intelligence & Insights  Leveraging Databricks and open-source tools, RSWT now benefit from enriched geospatial analytics, integrating demographic and environmental data within their shared ESRI platform to better understand site locations, activity, and visitor patterns.

 Leveraging Databricks and open-source tools, RSWT now benefit from enriched geospatial analytics, integrating demographic and environmental data within their shared ESRI platform to better understand site locations, activity, and visitor patterns. Robust Security & Governance  Built using the Unity Catalog feature of Databricks, they now have access control, ultimately excelling data governance and establishing a solid and secure data foundation.

 Built using the Unity Catalog feature of Databricks, they now have access control, ultimately excelling data governance and establishing a solid and secure data foundation. Scalability for Future Growth  The flexible infrastructure supports future enhancements, allowing for increased data capacity and evolving conservation needs.

I am delighted to announce our partnership with The Wildlife Trusts, who are a great example of how data can be a force for good. By leveraging Databricks on Microsoft Azure, RSWT are able to harness their data more effectively, helping to bring nature back. This new data platform has the potential to empower the Wildlife Trust federation with the timely insight and capability they need to protect and bring back wildlife and wild places across the UK.

Jake OMeara, Business Development Manager at Simpson Associates

Benefits of a Unified Data Strategy

This collaboration aims to establish a single source of truth for analytics efforts built by the Wildlife Trusts, integrating multiple systems into a unified platform. By enabling real-time data access across the federation, this solution enhances analytics for monitoring, supporter insights, and spotting opportunities. Advanced data governance protocols ensure secure management of sensitive data while maintaining GDPR compliance.

Through an enterprise data model, the Wildlife Trusts can build analytics that span business functions such as geospatial datasets being integrated into customer surveys and volunteer information that can assist citizen science.

To support long-term adoption and development of the platform, Simpson Associates will provide comprehensive training and support during the engagement, empowering staff with the skills to harness data insights for impactful decision-making. This partnership demonstrates how modern technology and data-driven strategies can empower conservation efforts and drive meaningful environmental change.

About The Wildlife Trusts

Founded in 1912, The Wildlife Trusts is a not-for-profit organisation and grassroots movement that believes we need nature, and it needs us. The federation is made up of 46 independent wildlife charities across the UK and has more than 900,000 members, over 39,000 volunteers, 3,600 staff and 600 trustees.

For more than a century, they have been saving wildlife and wild places, increasing peoples awareness and understanding of the natural world, and deepening peoples relationship with it. They strive to ensure the protection of nature and wildlife through empowering people to take meaningful action for nature and to create an inclusive society where nature matters.

Find out more about The Wildlife Trusts here.

About Simpson Associates

Simpson Associates are more than technology providers; they are partners. They understand that data is not just a technical asset; it's a powerful tool for achieving social impact. They offer comprehensive support, from initial consultation and implementation to ongoing training and maintenance. They also possess a deep understanding of specific challenges faced by numerous sectors, including charities, allowing them to effectively use data to drive positive social impact.

Their dedication to using technology for positive change alongside Microsoft's mission was recently recognised when they were named a 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year.

They are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding the Analytics on Microsoft Azure Specialisation and the Migrate Enterprise Apps to Microsoft Azure Specialisation, as well as Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); and Infrastructure (Azure). They are also a Databricks partner, Denodo partner and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/afec54fa-e622-4808-a829-326ce98c10e1
LAS VEGAS, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (Hyperscale Data or the Company), today announced that its indirectly wholly owned subsidiary askROI, Inc. (askROI), has officially launched in both the Apple App Store and Google Play. askROI has seen strong traction since launching and has reached over 30,000 downloads with significant daily average user growth.

askROI delivers advanced business intelligence capabilities through an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making data analysis and strategic decision-making accessible to users of all technical skill levels. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning, askROI empowers businesses to unlock actionable insights from their data, enabling them to make smarter decisions, faster.

We are thrilled with the progress that askROI has made this year, said Milton Todd Ault III, Chief Executive Officer of askROI. The askROI team is hard at work and is excited to release a new product in the coming weeks and remains committed to enhancing its platform experience and providing users with the tools they need to make better business decisions.

For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Datas public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Datas subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (ACG), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

Hyperscale Data intends to completely divest itself of ACG on or about December 31, 2025, at which time, it would solely be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services. Until that happens, the Company provides, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an artificial intelligence software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Datas headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190 Las Vegas, NV 89141.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as believes, plans, anticipates, projects, estimates, expects, intends, strategy, future, opportunity, may, will, should, could, potential, or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Companys business and financial results are included in the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Companys Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website at hyperscaledata.com.

Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:

IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235
SYDNEY, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axi, a leading global online trading broker, is proud to announce its latest commitment to industry-leading pricing with some of the most competitive spreads in the market. Traders can now access spreads as tight as $0.15 on Gold, $15 on Bitcoin, and just 0.7 pips on EUR/USDmaking Axi a top choice for retail and professional traders alike.

Since its inception in 2007, Axi has built its reputation on a foundation of transparency, speed, and client-focused service. The broker continues to uphold this mission by offering exceptional trade execution, with latency as low as 29 milliseconds, even during periods of heightened market volatility.

We believe that traders deserve not only low costs but also honesty and performance they can rely on, said Louis Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer at Axi. Our goal has always been to help our clients trade with confidence, and this latest offering reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering real value.

With the increasing popularity of digital assets, Axi encourages traders to compare its spreads on Bitcoin and Ethereum and make informed decisions backed by pricing transparency and superior execution.

Key Highlights:

Gold spreads from $0.15

Bitcoin spreads from $15

EUR/USD spreads from 0.7 pips

Execution latency as low as 29ms

Whether you're trading forex, gold, or cryptocurrencies, Axi provides the tools and conditions needed to navigate todays markets with speed and confidence.

About Axi:

Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

At Axi, we are proud of our reputation as an honest and fair broker, providing our customers with outstanding service and trading conditions since 2007. We also work with leading regulatory governing authorities globally to ensure we exceed the highest standards in the industry.

For more information, please visit: www.axi.com

mediaenquiries@axi.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/589c4032-234d-4cb8-8f97-428d2ca0c850
POMPANO BEACH, Fla., April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the moments after a car accident, confusion and stress often set in. Many individuals are left wondering what to do after an accident, particularly in busy areas like Pompano Beach where collisions are both frequent and complex. Attorneys Mark Miller and Rick Jacobs of Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys provide practical advice that helps individuals make informed decisions during this critical time.

Drawing from years of experience representing clients across South Florida, Miller and Jacobs explain that proper documentation at the scene is essential, even when the damage seems minor. This includes securing a police report, taking photographs, and seeking immediate medical care. These actions establish an official and medical record tied directly to the time and place of the incident, which can be instrumental in building a case later.

Many people facing an accident also have questions that add to the uncertainty. Concerns such as What if I dont have insurance?, What if I wasnt driving?, or Do I have a case?  are common and valid. The attorneys emphasize that each of these scenarios can significantly affect the legal process and outcomes. By remaining calm, avoiding statements that might be interpreted as admissions of fault, and consulting with a qualified legal team, individuals can protect their interests and improve their chances for a favorable resolution.

Their advice is particularly relevant in high-risk intersections like Atlantic Boulevard and North Federal Highway, where traffic density, multiple turning lanes, and low visibility contribute to complex accident scenes. Understanding the appropriate steps to take after an incident is not just beneficial, it is often crucial to achieving legal clarity and medical recovery.

These insights are detailed in the HelloNation article What to Do After an Accident: Advice from an Accident Attorney , where Mark Miller and Rick Jacobs of Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys guide readers through the critical early actions to take following a crash.

About HelloNation



HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative edvertising approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.



Staff Writer

info@hellonation.com

www.hellonation.com





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2f38d16f-450e-4782-a056-595a95e15742
City of Orange, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We live in this beautiful world of so many countries which offer different cultural experiences, food, opportunities to learn, and much more. The only barrier that stops an individual from communicating to another across the world has to be the local language. For example, Japan is considered to be one of the most beautiful countries to visit and experience. It also provides a lot of job opportunities one can learn and grow Immensely. But imagine not being able to enjoy a country like Japan, only because of its language barrier. That is sad, isnt it? Just imagine you landing in Tokyo and chatting effortlessly with a local Japanese chef about the regional delicacies.





Break language barriers instantlyGet your Vital Translate Buds today!

You have been fantasising for the last couple of months without even having to learn a single word of Japanese language. That will be amazing isnt it? Or imagine, closing down a very important business deal in a country like Berlin Without having the need to learn or talk fluently in the German language. That too sounds like a dream? What if you told you all of this is possible because of one pocket friendly device. Yes, you heard that right Vital Translate Buds are turning all of these fantasies into reality . This device is nothing short of a linguistic breakthrough in this world where we can stay connected via the Internet or via travelling in real time. Two different parts of the world. The vital translate buds are designed to help seamless communication in real time between two people who speak completely different languages. This wireless, compact device of your buts features in advanced translation technology that helps its users to participate in conversations without the action need of additional devices or even phones. The device makes use of AI driven software that knows different languages and offers instant translations, making this device ideal for business professionals, full time travellers, and any single person who is in need of a reliable and quick translation tool. Lets continue to read and understand what its working mechanism is, what are the advantages, and how exactly does vital translate buds help us.

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A short brief introduction about Vital Translate Buds

The vital translate buds are devices that can be won easily to help its users communicate without worrying about language barriers in this world in real time. This device is nothing but small and wireless earbuds that work in sync with a smartphone app to provide the voice translation benefits, the device makes use of artificial intelligence along with advanced algorithms for translating a spoken language into another design language instantly. This ensures that two people who are speaking different languages are seamlessly communicating with each other without any barriers. This device is most helpful for those people who love to travel, people who actively Are involved in businesses, or any situation where you have an urgent need of communicating in different languages to the other person in front of you. The Vital Translate Buds are easy to use, efficient, and enable individuals to understand and speak with each other without having to manually copy paste Words to translate or use text based translators.





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Features of Vital Translate Buds

A device is best understood when the features are highlighted in the most positive manner. And this applies to vital translate buds that offer several key features which improve real time. Language translation in the most seamless manner. Lets take a look at some of its main features:

Real-time translation: this device gives live translation of conversations between two people who are speaking in completely different languages. It ensures seamless communication without the need for physical phone or any other device.

this device gives live translation of conversations between two people who are speaking in completely different languages. It ensures seamless communication without the need for physical phone or any other device. Supports 144+ languages: it is mind blowing that a device is able to handle 144+ languages at a time. This makes it ideal and versatile for anybody who loves to travel, or for business, or simply for cross cultural communication.

it is mind blowing that a device is able to handle 144+ languages at a time. This makes it ideal and versatile for anybody who loves to travel, or for business, or simply for cross cultural communication. Hands-free and wireless operation: you can connect to the Vital Translate Buds with the help of Bluetooth. Just like your other wireless ear parts, this too connects your smartphones via Bluetooth. It is that easy and simple to use. Just connect and enjoy hands-free and wireless translation advantages without the need of actually holding a phone or any other device.

you can connect to the Vital Translate Buds with the help of Bluetooth. Just like your other wireless ear parts, this too connects your smartphones via Bluetooth. It is that easy and simple to use. Just connect and enjoy hands-free and wireless translation advantages without the need of actually holding a phone or any other device. High-quality noise and audio cancellation: The Vital Translate Buds ensures that the output is crystal clear, making it more interesting for the person using it to have meaningful conversations. It comes with active noise cancellation that reduces all the background distractions and ensures a meaningful conversation is being made in the most hassle free manner.

The Vital Translate Buds ensures that the output is crystal clear, making it more interesting for the person using it to have meaningful conversations. It comes with active noise cancellation that reduces all the background distractions and ensures a meaningful conversation is being made in the most hassle free manner. Excellent battery life: The Vital Translate Buds provides usage of up to 8 hours continuously in just one single charge. It also comes with a portable charging case which is easy to charge. You are on the go.

The Vital Translate Buds provides usage of up to 8 hours continuously in just one single charge. It also comes with a portable charging case which is easy to charge. You are on the go. Comfortable and ergonomic design: no matter which device you use, its designed to play a vital role as a feature. The Vital Translate Buds is no different as it is designed in the most lightweight manner that makes you enjoy its usage all day long anywhere. It also comes with ear tips that are customisable for a secure fit.

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Understanding the working mechanism of Vital Translate Buds

Vital Translate Buds. Ensure smooth communication by combining real language processing along with AI powered speech recognition. In simple words, this is how you can understand its mechanism.

Voice, capture, and speech, recognition: these earbuds capture any spoken language through the built-in earphones, making it easy for you to communicate. The artificial intelligence driven speech recognition captures all the accurate words, spoken, and converts them into a desired language.

these earbuds capture any spoken language through the built-in earphones, making it easy for you to communicate. The artificial intelligence driven speech recognition captures all the accurate words, spoken, and converts them into a desired language. Instant processing of language: the speech that is collected is then evaluated with the help of NLP along with AI to ensure correct translation. Ensuring accurate, context, tone, interpretation, and structure of the language are considered to be very important by this device.

the speech that is collected is then evaluated with the help of NLP along with AI to ensure correct translation. Ensuring accurate, context, tone, interpretation, and structure of the language are considered to be very important by this device. Real time translation: the speech that is processed is immediately translated into the required language. And AI ensures that accuracy is improved every single time.

the speech that is processed is immediately translated into the required language. And AI ensures that accuracy is improved every single time. Output of audio Delivery: the speech that is translated is delivered via the wireless earbuds in a completely natural voice and tone. The earbuds come with noise cancellation, ensuring clarity even in the most noisy and busy environments.

the speech that is translated is delivered via the wireless earbuds in a completely natural voice and tone. The earbuds come with noise cancellation, ensuring clarity even in the most noisy and busy environments. Two way communication: the device ensures that it supports the back-and-forth conversations that happen between two people in different languages. It has an auto detection mode that seamlessly transitions between these two languages.

Trusted by thousands. Not sold on Amazon or Walmart  official site only!

Why does an individual actually need a Vital Translate Bud?

This device can be very useful in various circumstances or situations where you will need to communicate with people who speak alien or different languages. Here are some of the key reasons, you might want to get this device:

Travelling abroad : if you are an avid traveller who travels for leisure, then being able to communicate with the locals will just make your travel memories a notch better. It will give you the opportunity to order food, ask for directions, and even understand certain signs in the country that are completely alien to you. It will make your travel experience more smoother and enjoyable.

: if you are an avid traveller who travels for leisure, then being able to communicate with the locals will just make your travel memories a notch better. It will give you the opportunity to order food, ask for directions, and even understand certain signs in the country that are completely alien to you. It will make your travel experience more smoother and enjoyable. Cultural exchange : if you engage in any cultural exchange programs and you are studying abroad or you are about to meet people from various backgrounds across the world, this device will facilitate deeper communication without any hesitation or limitation.

: if you engage in any cultural exchange programs and you are studying abroad or you are about to meet people from various backgrounds across the world, this device will facilitate deeper communication without any hesitation or limitation. Professional or business interactions : if you are travelling for business, negotiations or meetings, this device will break all language barriers and ensure clear-cut communication with your foreign partners, colleagues, or clients.

: if you are travelling for business, negotiations or meetings, this device will break all language barriers and ensure clear-cut communication with your foreign partners, colleagues, or clients. Educational purposes: if you are someone who fancy learning different languages, than this device will prove to be an exceptionally useful and practical tool.

Buy Vital Translate Buds At UP TO 65% OFF  DONT MISS OUT!

Pros of using Vital Translate Buds

The device allows seamless and real time translation between 144+ languages which is exceptionally perfect for any live conversations without having an actual phone or an application.

The design is very portable and compact. It allows wireless communication in the most lightweight design possible which is ideal for everyday use, especially if you are a traveller.

The device ensures hands-free communication, allowing its users to focus on the conversation. They are having, without having to worry about managing a translation device or app.

The multi language support is a bone as suggest gives you endless opportunities to communicate and interact with people from different regions across the world

Presence of noise cancellation technology enhances the overall experience of speech, recognition, translation, and the vibe of the conversation.

The device also provides several hours of usage in one single charge, making the device, very reliable and useful for you to have meaningful and long conversations

This device can be considered as a traveler's best friend, especially when you love travelling to different countries around the world to experience the local food, culture, and traditions.

Cons of using Vital Translate Buds

Translation accuracy could differentiate from reaching to another. What we are trying to say is that the Vital Translate Buds can struggle with certain technical jargons, idioms, and complex slang.

The device heavily depends on artificial intelligence learning, thereby it requires to be used consistently for AI to grasp and improve accuracy as it is being used.





Where can you buy Vital Translate Buds? Whats the price?

We always encourage you to purchase the Vital Translate Buds from the official website only as it ensures that 100% authentic product is delivered to your doorstep . Purchasing from the official website also gives you the opportunity to enjoy seasonal promotional discounts that the company is running on their website. Lets take a look at the pricing:

A single pack of Vital Translate Buds will cost you $89.99 which is a discounted price

A double pack of Vital Translate Buds will cost you $80.99 each at a discounted price

A pack of 4 Vital Translate Buds will cost you $62.99 each at a discounted price

A pack of 5 Vital Translate Buds will cost you $73.99 each at a discounted price

The company provides you with a 30 days money back guarantee. So if you are not satisfied with the vital translation bar, you cannot opt for a refund after returning the product.

Company may charge a minimum of a 15% restocking fee to process your returns.

The company also gives you a chance to enjoy a three years extended warranty for the device at just $9.95.





Frequently Asked Questions  Vital Translate Buds

Q: Can I buy Vital Translate Buds on Amazon or Walmart?

A: Currently, the Vital Translate Buds are only available through the official website to ensure authenticity and access to promotions. As of now, they are not sold on Amazon or Walmart. Be cautious of look-alike products on third-party sites claiming to be the original.

Q: Are the reviews on Reddit reliable?

A: Reddit users often provide honest, unfiltered feedback. Search forums like r/technology or r/travelgadgets for real user experiences. Keep in mind that individual experiences can vary based on expectations and usage.

Seamless global communication starts with Vital Translate Buds!

Q: How accurate is the real-time translation feature?

A: The translation engine used by Vital Translate Buds is powered by AI and supports 144 languages. Most users report high accuracy for common languages like English, Spanish, Mandarin, and French. Accuracy may vary slightly with slang or regional dialects.

Q: Do I need an internet connection for the earbuds to work?

A: An internet connection is required for full functionality. However, offline translation is available for 8 key languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.

Q: Are these earbuds good for phone calls or music?

A: Yes! While they are primarily designed for translation, Vital Translate Buds double as high-quality Bluetooth earbuds with noise isolation and crisp audiogreat for calls and music playback.

Q: Is there a money-back guarantee?

A: Yes. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if youre not satisfied with your purchase. Just make sure to keep your packaging and proof of purchase for returns.

Best Translator Earbuds for Real Conversations  Anytime, Anywhere

Say goodbye to language barriers with Vital Translate Buds  the ultimate translator earbuds trusted by travelers, business professionals, and global citizens alike. Whether youre exploring new countries, closing international deals, or learning a new language, these cutting-edge earbuds make real-time communication effortless.

Why Vital Translate Buds Are the Best:

 Translate in 144 Languages

Communicate clearly in nearly every major language spoken worldwide  from English, Spanish, and French to Japanese, Arabic, and beyond.

Communicate clearly in nearly every major language spoken worldwide  from English, Spanish, and French to Japanese, Arabic, and beyond.  Real-Time AI Translation

Instant, two-way voice translation means no awkward delays or miscommunication  just smooth, natural conversations.

Instant, two-way voice translation means no awkward delays or miscommunication  just smooth, natural conversations.  Multiple Modes for Every Situation

Use Touch Mode , Free Talk , Speaker Mode , or even Offline Mode depending on your needs  perfect for travelers, meetings, or casual chats.

Use , , , or even depending on your needs  perfect for travelers, meetings, or casual chats.  Offline Functionality

No Wi-Fi? No problem. Translate essential languages like Chinese, Russian, and German without an internet connection.

No Wi-Fi? No problem. Translate essential languages like Chinese, Russian, and German without an internet connection.  Comfort Meets Performance

Ergonomically designed for all-day comfort, with premium audio quality and noise isolation that keeps your conversations crisp and clear  even in noisy environments.

Ergonomically designed for all-day comfort, with premium audio quality and noise isolation that keeps your conversations crisp and clear  even in noisy environments.  Trusted by Thousands Worldwide

Loved by users and recommended in tech forums and communities like Reddit, with real testimonials backing up its game-changing performance.

Official Site  Get Vital Translate Buds Today. Fast Shipping. 30-Day Guarantee.

Real Customer Reviews

Maria Gonzalez  Miami, FL



"I travel often for work across South America and Europe, and these earbuds have been a total game-changer. I used them in Brazil last month, and they translated Portuguese to English flawlessly. Super easy to set up and very comfortable for long flights too!"

2. Daniel Kim  Seattle, WA



"The sound quality is fantastic, and the translation is surprisingly accurate, especially in Free Talk Mode. I use them when talking to my Korean relatives, and its been a great way to connect. Just wish offline mode supported a few more languages."

3. Aisha Rahman  Toronto, ON



"Bought these for a recent trip to Paris and Berlinworked like a charm. The offline mode helped a lot when we didnt have good Wi-Fi. People were shocked when we could have full conversations in different languages!"

4. Marco De Luca  San Diego, CA



"As someone learning Japanese, these earbuds are an awesome tool. I use them daily to practice and when chatting with my language exchange partner. The translation speed is fast and surprisingly accurate for slang too."

The Final Conclusion - Vital Translate EarBuds





In conclusion, we can definitely vouch that Vital Translate Buds is a promising tool for anybody out there who is looking for real time language translation devices, particularly for traveller or business professionals who need basic on the go communication in different languages. It offers multi language support, convenience, portability, great battery, and great warranty period, and at a great price point as well. Lets not forget the noise cancellation feature which is an excellent addition if you are looking for a best language translator device. So what are you waiting for, you are just one purchase away from experiencing the thrill of communicating with different people across different countries with different cultural backgrounds and the most seamless manner. Go grab your vital translate bud right away .

Project name: Vital Translate Buds

Contact Us

Contact By Email: support@vitaltranslatebuds.com

By Phone: +1 (888) 680-1044

Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you purchase through recommended links. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

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Austin, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Type 2 Diabetes Market Size & Growth Analysis:

According to Research by SNS Insider, The Type 2 Diabetes Market was estimated at USD 35.78 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 69.55 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 7.69% during the forecast period of 2024-2032.

The Type 2 Diabetes market is experiencing consistent growth as a result of the rising global incidence of diabetes, elderly populations, physically inactive lifestyles, and rising levels of obesity. Technological developments in glucose monitors, insulin pump systems, and new drug treatments continue to drive demand. Rising awareness, governmental programs, and healthcare expenditure also drive early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, setting up the market for long-term expansion in both mature and emerging geographies.





Get a Sample Report of Type 2 Diabetes Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/5955

U.S. Type 2 Diabetes Market Oveiew

The U.S. Type 2 Diabetes Market was estimated at USD 10.62 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 19.07 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.75% during the forecast period of 2024-2032. The United States is the market leader in the North American Type 2 Diabetes Market because it boasts a high incidence of type 2 diabetes, a strong healthcare infrastructure, and significant investment in research and development. Its position also stems from the high level of awareness and availability of high-end treatment options.

Key Type 2 Diabetes Companies Profiled in the Report

Amgen Inc.

AstraZeneca PLC

Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd

Eli Lilly and Co.

Merck & Co. Inc

Novartis AG

Novo Nordisk AS

Sanofi SA

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd

Type 2 Diabetes Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 35.78 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 69.55 billion CAGR CAGR of 7.69% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Key Regional Coverage North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Eastern Europe [Poland, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Rest of Eastern Europe] Western Europe] Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Rest of Western Europe]), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (Middle East [UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rest of Middle East]), Africa [Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa], Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Rest of Latin America)

Segment Analysis

By Drug Class, Insulin Segment Dominates the Market

In 2023, the insulin segment dominated the Type 2 Diabetes market with a 32.5% market share as a matter of prime necessity for managing later stages of the condition, particularly among non-responding patients with oral antidiabetic medications. An increasing burden of insulin resistance, in addition to growing instances of obesity and physically inactive lifestyles, fueled more prescriptions for insulin. Moreover, innovation in insulin preparationse.g., long-acting and ultra-rapid insulinsand use of convenient delivery devices such as insulin pens and pumps have enhanced patient compliance. These aspects all combined support insulin's supremacy across worldwide therapeutic regimens for Type 2 Diabetes.

By Route of Administration, Oral Segment Dominates the Market

In 2023, the oral segment dominated the Type 2 Diabetes market with a 55.4% market share due to convenience, good patient compliance, and extensive usage in the treatment of early-stage diabetes. Oral antidiabetic agents such as metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors are usually used as first-line treatments because of their efficacy, ease of use, and cost. The fact that oral medications are non-invasive has a significant increase in adherence rates compared to injectable drugs. Moreover, ongoing innovations in extended-release and fixed-dose combinations have increased therapeutic benefits. These benefits have led oral drugs to become the first choice, strengthening the dominance of the segment in Type 2 Diabetes treatment.

By Distribution Channel, the Retail Pharmacies Segment Dominates the Market

In 2023, the retail pharmacies segment dominated the Type 2 Diabetes market with a 70.3% market share because of its convenience, comprehensiveness, and ubiquity among patients. Retail pharmacies provide facile access to a wide array of antidiabetic drugs, such as oral products and insulin, facilitating frequent refills and patient counseling. Their provision of over-the-counter service, tailor-made care, and follow-up services facilitates more adherence to treatment regimens. Moreover, alliances between healthcare providers and retail chains have enhanced patient outreach and drug management. These elements combined drive the dominance of retail pharmacies in the Type 2 Diabetes channel distribution landscape.

For A Detailed Briefing Session with Our Team of Analysts, Connect with Us Now@ https://www.snsinsider.com/request-analyst/5955

Type 2 Diabetes Market Segmentation

By Drug Class

Insulin

DPP-4 Inhibitors

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

SGLT2 Inhibitors

Others

By Route of Administration

Oral

Subcutaneous

Intravenous

By Distribution Channel

Retail Pharmacies

Hospital Pharmacies

Other

Regional Insights

North America Dominates the Type 2 Diabetes Market, Asia-Pacific Expected to Register Fastest Growth

North America dominated the Type 2 Diabetes market with a 37.9% market share in 2023, owing to its sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, extensive use of cutting-edge treatments, and high disease incidence fueled by sedentary lifestyles and obesity. Strong reimbursement policies, intense R&D activity, and heightened patient awareness also helped to drive market leadership. The U.S., specifically, held the largest share due to the presence of advanced glucose monitoring equipment and insulin delivery systems, along with aggressive disease management programs and healthcare expenditure.

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth in the Type 2 Diabetes market during the forecast period, spurred by urbanization, lifestyle, and the growing incidence of diabetes in nations such as India and China. Increased healthcare spending, increased access to medical services, and rising awareness of diabetes care are driving regional demand. Government-initiated screening programs and a growth in digital health solutions are also improving early detection and treatment, driving market growth.





Table of Contents  Major Key Points

1. Introduction

2. Executive Summary

3. Research Methodology

4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis

5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting

5.1 Incidence and Prevalence (2023)

5.2 Prescription Trends (2023), by Region

5.3 Insulin and Non-Insulin Therapy Adoption Trends (2023-2032)

5.4 Medical Devices for Type 2 Diabetes: Usage & Adoption Trends (2020-2032)

5.5 Disease Progression and Complication Trends (2023-2032)

5.6 Clinical Trials and Pipeline Trends (2023-2032)

5.7 Patient Awareness and Lifestyle Trends (2023-2032)

6. Competitive Landscape

7. Type 2 Diabetes Market by Drug Class

8. Type 2 Diabetes Market by Route of Administration

9. Type 2 Diabetes Market by Distribution Channel

10. Regional Analysis

11. Company Profiles

12. Use Cases and Best Practices

13. Conclusion

Related Reports:

Diabetes Drug Market Report

Diabetes Devices Market Forecast

Digital Diabetes Management Market Analysis

Insulin Pump Market Insights

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Market Outlook

About Us:

SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.
Anchorage, Alaska, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The statistics are jaw-dropping. Each year  3 million suitcases, 20 million backpacks, 20 million bicycles, 6 million cars, 100 million wallets, stolen or simply missing. That mountain of heartbreak is what inspired MiLi to create MiTag Duo, a next generation smart tag that brings industrial grade tracking power to everyday life.

A Planet of Disappearing Possessions

While the numbers above already paint a grim picture, independent studies add more urgency. Airlines misplaced 26 million bags in a single year, making lost luggage the second biggest complaint in global air travel. Bike theft is equally rampant: Europe alone sees roughly 3 million stolen bicycles annually. Wallets? Nearly two thirds of adults have had theirs lost or stolen at least once. And in the United States, vehicle theft smashed the million car mark again last year.

How does the MiTag Duo help?

Most trackers lock you into a single ecosystem  either iOS Apple or Android devices. MiTag Duo is the first consumer tag engineered from the ground up to broadcast on both Apple Find My and Google Find My Device networks in one single device. Thats more than 2 billion enabled smartphones acting as anonymous, opt-in beacons for your belongings.

Built for Real-World Chaos

Travel-grade durability  IP67 rated, drop tested to 2 meters, and pressure sealed so it wont fail at 35,000 feet or on a rainy bike commute.

 IP67 rated, drop tested to 2 meters, and pressure sealed so it wont fail at 35,000 feet or on a rainy bike commute. Stealth or style  At 37 mm across and 9 mm thin, MiTag Duo slips invisibly into a bag, wallet, or mounts flush under a bicycle saddle. A laser etched steel ring option lets you flaunt it on any luggage.

 At 37 mm across and 9 mm thin, MiTag Duo slips invisibly into a bag, wallet, or mounts flush under a bicycle saddle. A laser etched steel ring option lets you flaunt it on any luggage. Share-safe  Grant temporary tracking to friends, family, or airline agents without ever handing over your data.





Use-Case Spotlights

Globetrotters Ally

With mishandled baggage costing travellers $2.1 billion in 2023 alone, savvy travellers are dropping a MiTag Duo into every checked bag. The moment your suitcase misses a connection, the Find My app notifies you before the airline even files the report.

Cyclists Silent Alarm

Urban riders face an epidemic of theft. Mounting MiTag Duo under the seat post keeps thieves unaware while you receive live location pings if the bike moves without you.

Security that Travels with You

All location data is end to end encrypted and anonymized by Apple and Google. Neither MiLi nor any third party can see a tags history unless you explicitly share it. MiTag Duo also ships with anti stalking alerts: if a tag that isnt registered to you appears to be moving with your phone, iOS and Android will warn you and offer instructions to disable it.





Availability & Pricing

MiTag Duo is available today at www.mili-shop.com for as little as $19.99 for a single device  and is constantly selling out fast. Grab yours before it sells out again!

The Bottom Line

From suitcases to seniors, the scale of what the world loses every year is staggering. MiTag Duo isnt just another gadget; its a pocket sized answer to a global problem measured in millions of heartbreaks. Whether youre a frequent flyer, a cyclist, a parent, or a caregiver, MiTag Duo turns the terrifying question Where is it? into a reassuring ping on your phone.

Media Contact:

Contact Person: Jason

Email: jason@hali-power.com

Website: www.mili-shop.com

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Tivoli A/S held the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 24 April 2025.



The annual report was approved, including the Board of Directors' proposal to distribute a dividend of 25% of the result after tax, corresponding to DKK 30.9 million, which corresponds to DKK 5.4 per share for a shareholding of a nominal value of DKK 10.

The following proposals from the Board of Directors were adopted:

Authorization of the Board of Directors to let the company acquire own shares

The remuneration of the Board of Directors for 2025

The proposal from shareholder Kjeld Pedersen Mrch that shareholders with 50 shares can have access to a Tivoli Pass, valid for one person, was not adopted.

The remuneration report was approved.

The current members of the Board of Directors elected by the Annual General Meeting, Tom Knutzen, Claus Gregersen and Marie Nipper, were re-elected. Jesper Nygard was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors.

At the proposal of the Board of Directors, Deloitte was elected auditor, and it was approved that Deloitte's duties also include the provision of a statement on sustainability reporting in the management report.

At the subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors elected Tom Knutzen as chairman and Jesper Nygard as deputy chairman.

Best regards

Susanne Mrch Koch

CEO



Contactperson: Head of press, Torben Plank tlf. 22237440 / tpl@tivoli.dk

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MCKINNEY, Texas, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mission Critical Group (MCG), a leading provider of innovative solutions specializing in design, manufacturing, delivery and service of electrical system solutions, today announced that it has acquired DVM Manufacturing, LLC (DVM Power + Control), a premier manufacturer of low- and medium-voltage electrical distribution equipment. The acquisition significantly expands MCGs manufacturing footprint and service capabilities in electrical systems for data centers, industrial facilities and other mission critical applications.

With 350,000 square feet of production space in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Connecticut, DVM expands MCGs footprint to over one million square feet of manufacturing capacity. The acquisition also strengthens MCGs field services, drives innovation, and enhances technical expertise by adding DVMs skilled workforce, providing customers with more solutions and stronger support.

DVM designs and produces low- and medium-voltage electrical distribution equipment, including switchboards, switchgear, relay panels, power distribution units (PDUs), bypasses, power/cooling module skid manufacturing and control systems. Its Naugatuck, CT, facility specializes in retrofits, breaker rebuilds and switchgear modernization, further bolstering MCGs services and power solution offerings.

"DVMs expertise advances MCGs manufacturing and aftermarket services, driving growth and customer satisfaction for our innovative, high-quality solutions," said Jeff Drees, CEO of Mission Critical Group. "With DVMs added capacity and technical strengths, we are also expanding our geographic reach, boosting product development and optimizing power service offerings to better support data centers and other mission critical environments.

This partnership is a natural fit, built on a shared commitment to innovation, excellence and customer value, said Robert Ricci, CEO of DVM Power + Control. Having worked with MCGs leadership for 30 years, I can attest to their deep industry knowledge and strategic expertise. This collaboration expands our resources, enhances engineering capabilities and improves career growth, ensuring a stronger future for our team.

DVM will operate as a Mission Critical Group Company alongside JTS and Point Eight Power , continuing to elevate MCGs leadership in electrical system solutions. As part of the transition, Ricci will continue to lead DVM as its President and oversee MCG's low- and medium-voltage electrical equipment manufacturing.

With five acquisitions in two years, this latest addition marks another milestone in MCGs rapid growth, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and excellence in mission critical solutions.

For more information, visit www.missioncriticalgroup.com .

About Mission Critical Group

Mission Critical Group (MCG) designs, manufactures, delivers and services innovative solutions to solve our customers' critical power challenges. MCG offers packaged power solutions and products, leveraging over 900 employees with 200+ years of combined mission critical staff leadership experience. Operating across over one million square feet of manufacturing space, MCG is ready to effectively meet evolving industry demands. MCG Companies include JTS , Point Eight Power and DVM Power + Control. For more information, please visit www.missioncriticalgroup.com .

About DVM Manufacturing, LLC (DVM Power + Control)

DVM Power + Control is a premier manufacturer of low- and medium-voltage power distribution equipment, serving data centers, industrial facilities and other mission critical applications. With a strong reputation for technical excellence and customer service, DVM specializes in standardized and custom-built solutions that enhance power reliability and efficiency. For more information, visit www.dvmpower.com .
ATLANTA, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit managed care organization serving more than 430,000 Georgians, has awarded CHC: Creating Healthier Communities (CHC) with a $100,000 grant to support the expansion of the Black Birthing Initiative (BBI) in Georgia. This collaboration aims to address maternal health gaps for Black moms and decrease preterm births in the state by providing holistic, non-clinical support services such as access to food and housing, doula care and perinatal education.

Every woman deserves an opportunity to safe and healthy childbirth, yet we know that Black women in Georgia face a maternal health crisis that deeply impacts their families and communities, shared Dr. Nguyen, market chief medical officer at CareSource Georgia. By investing in and collaborating with dedicated providers and community partners like Creating Healthier Communities, we can create meaningful change. Together, we are committed to uplifting the health and well-being of mothers and their babies, ensuring that every family has the support they need to thrive.

Georgia faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, with Black women being twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white women. However, more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable with improved access to quality care and timely interventions. Providing expectant mothers with essential resources and innovative support models has been shown to reduce complications and enhance birth experiences, especially in underserved communities. This collaboration between CareSource and CHC integrates access to clinical care and social resources to drive better maternal health outcomes.

The CareSource grant will help expand access to doula services, providing Black moms with emotional, physical and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum. This funding will also support doula training, enhancing the workforce to meet the growing demand for these services.

We are grateful for CareSources support, which enables us to expand our reach and strengthen our efforts to combat maternal health disparities in Georgia, said Valerie Rochester, Chief Health Equity & Impact Officer at CHC. Supporting Black mothers with comprehensive, quality care is key to ensuring healthier moms, stronger babies and thriving communities.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, a key partner in the BBI, emphasizes the importance of support in improving maternal health. "Culturally competent care during the prenatal and postpartum period is essential, not just for improving health outcomes, but for ensuring birthing people feel heard, supported and empowered, said Kimberly Seals, Executive Director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies.

Expanding access to perinatal support professionals, such as doulas, strengthens the entire care continuum by providing advocacy, emotional and physical support, and guidance that complements medical care. This approach not only improves birth experiences but also fosters trust in the health care system, particularly for communities that have historically faced disparities in maternal care."

Since its launch in January 2022, BBI has achieved significant outcomes including:

91% of BBI participants birthed full term

77.5% no longer struggle with food insecurity

84.2% received housing support

90.2% report reduced stress due to the program

The initiative is projected to sustain at least an 80% full-term birth rate of those enrolled in the program.

About CareSource Georgia

CareSource is a nonprofit, managed care organization making health care accessible to 430,000 Georgians. The organization offers comprehensive health insurance plans including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare to improve its members' health and well-being. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address social determinants of health, health equity, prevention and access to care.
Ottawa, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global AI in mental health market size was valued at USD 1.45 billion in 2024 and is predicted to hit around USD 11.84 billion by 2034, a study published by Towards Healthcare a sister firm of Precedence Research.

The rising prevalence of mental disorders and technological advancements are the major growth factors of the market. North America dominated the global market due to the increasing use of AI in healthcare and the growing demand for personalized medicines.

Get All the Details in Our Solutions  Request a Brochure: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/download-brochure/5568

AI in Mental Health Market Overview

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the detection and treatment of mental health disorders. It offers advanced detection approaches, tailored therapies, and virtual therapeutic platforms, leading to increased healthcare access and better treatment outcomes. Numerous AI algorithms, such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and generative AI, play a vital role in performing different functions to transform mental healthcare. These algorithms offer enhanced accuracy and precision, reducing manual errors.

The rising prevalence of mental health disorders necessitates their early diagnosis and treatment. The growing demand for personalized medicines favors the development of cognitive behavioral therapy, depending on the patients conditions. The growing awareness about mental health as a significant health concern encourages the general public to treat it. Numerous government organizations launch initiatives for the screening and early detection of mental disorders.

AI in Mental Health Market Trends

Rising Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders: The rising prevalence of mental health disorders globally is a major public health concern. The different types of mental disorders include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Depression is the most common disorder, affecting around 280 million people globally.

The rising prevalence of mental health disorders globally is a major public health concern. The different types of mental disorders include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Depression is the most common disorder, affecting around 280 million people globally. Technological Advancements: Ongoing efforts are made to develop advanced and innovative tools for screening and early detection of mental health disorders. Researchers are also developing algorithms that can analyze speech patterns to detect anxiety and predict psychiatric episodes before they occur.

Ongoing efforts are made to develop advanced and innovative tools for screening and early detection of mental health disorders. Researchers are also developing algorithms that can analyze speech patterns to detect anxiety and predict psychiatric episodes before they occur. Increasing Investments: Several government and private organizations provide funding to support the adoption of AI tools and algorithms for mental health disorders. The increasing venture capital investments for healthcare startups also contribute to the market.



You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@towardshealthcare.com

Limitations & Challenges in the AI in Mental Health Market

Biasedness: AI algorithms can provide biased results due to inaccuracies and imbalances in datasets while training algorithms. This leads to incorrect results and potentially affects clinical decisions, thereby reducing treatment outcomes.

AI algorithms can provide biased results due to inaccuracies and imbalances in datasets while training algorithms. This leads to incorrect results and potentially affects clinical decisions, thereby reducing treatment outcomes. Privacy & Data Protection: Another major challenge is the privacy & data protection when using AI algorithms to detect a patients mental health condition. There are high chances of security breaches, leading to the leakage of sensitive patient information.

Another major challenge is the privacy & data protection when using AI algorithms to detect a patients mental health condition. There are high chances of security breaches, leading to the leakage of sensitive patient information. Regulatory Hurdles: There are currently no clear and comprehensive regulatory frameworks governing the use of AI in mental health. This limits the development of novel AI-enabled medical devices, restricting market growth.



Wearable Devices: Transforming Mental Health

The rising adoption of wearable devices can prove to be beneficial in identifying a patients mental health status. AI-enabled wearable devices can monitor a patients sleep patterns, physical activity, and variations in heart rate and rhythm. This gives an idea to assess the users mood and cognitive state. These devices can be used by individuals for the prescreening assessment of mental health disorders, like anxiety and depression. Through wearable devices, healthcare professionals can continuously monitor a patients condition. AI-based wearable devices create ample opportunities for patients and healthcare professionals in the future, facilitating remote monitoring. This benefits the geriatric population, as they are more prone to mental health disorders, affecting 14% of adults over 60 years globally.

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Regional Analysis

Technological Advancements Dominated North America

North America dominated the global AI in mental health market in 2024. The rising prevalence of mental health disorders and the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in healthcare drive the market. The presence of key players develops advanced AI tools for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. The growing demand for personalized medicines also promotes market growth. Advanced healthcare infrastructure and growing research and development activities also contribute to the market.

United States: The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimated that more than 57 million Americans are affected by mental illness. The Trump Administration issued a new executive order in 2025 to remove barriers to innovation and position the U.S. as a global leader in AI.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimated that more than 57 million Americans are affected by mental illness. The Trump Administration issued a new executive order in 2025 to remove barriers to innovation and position the U.S. as a global leader in AI. Canada: According to a Canadian Mental Health Association report, 57% of adults aged 18-24 years had early signs of mental illness. E-Mental Health Strategy for Canada highlights the need for safety concerning the application of AI in mental healthcare for Canadians.

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Growing Awareness Promotes Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is projected to host the fastest-growing AI in mental health market in the coming years. The government and private institutions conduct workshops and seminars to create awareness among the general public about mental health. This increases the demand for the development of innovative AI-enabled medical devices and mobile apps, improving healthcare outcomes for people living in Asia-Pacific countries. Favorable government initiatives and growing investments boost the market. The rising collaborations and the burgeoning healthcare sector also govern market growth.

China: Autism is the leading mental health disability among children in China, affecting around 2 million children from 0-14 years. Recently, the researchers at Fengs Innovation Center developed an AI system for early diagnosis and identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder, resulting in a diagnostic accuracy rate of 91.67%.

Autism is the leading mental health disability among children in China, affecting around 2 million children from 0-14 years. Recently, the researchers at Fengs Innovation Center developed an AI system for early diagnosis and identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder, resulting in a diagnostic accuracy rate of 91.67%. India: The Indian governments tele-mental health program, Tele MANAS, facilitates 24x7 remote access to mental health. The Tele MANAS app was launched in 2024 with self-care resources, stress management tools, and direct consultation services.

Segmental Outlook

Offering Insights

The software segment held a dominant presence in the AI in mental health market in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. AI-enabled software increases access to advanced mental health services due to the increasing use of smartphones. People can monitor their mental health status and send real-time data to their doctors. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots and virtual therapists assist patients with psychological disorders in identifying their problems. Integrating AI-enabled software in healthcare settings eliminates the need for favorable infrastructure for its installation.

Technology Insights

The natural language processing (NLP) segment led the global market in 2024. NLP can support the analysis and management of large datasets and can classify datasets based on a patients condition. It can facilitate information extraction, sentiment analysis, and emotion detection. It is predominantly used for simulating human conversations as well as creating and understanding clinical documentation. NLP can facilitate the early diagnosis of mental health disorders by analyzing human language.

The machine learning (ML) segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the AI in mental health market during the studied years. ML and deep learning (DL) algorithms enhance the diagnostic accuracy of mental health conditions. They can analyze vast amounts of patient data, such as electronic health records and brain scans, to detect abnormalities that are not visible to a human. It can identify patterns and predict the possibility of mental health disorders in the near future. ML and DL algorithms have been found to enhance the diagnostic accuracy.

Disorder Insights

The anxiety segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. Anxiety is the most common mental disorder globally. The rising prevalence of anxiety disorders augments the segments growth. According to the WHO, 4% of the global population experiences anxiety disorder. The major risk factors of anxiety include trauma, stress, genetics, and substance abuse. Anxiety disorder can significantly impact a persons lifestyle, reduce productivity at the workplace, and also lead to social isolation. Hence, early detection of anxiety disorders is necessary. Only 1 in 4 people (27.6%) in need receive any treatment for anxiety disorders.

The schizophrenia segment is predicted to witness significant growth in the AI in mental health market over the forecast period. Schizophrenia is a complex, multi-dimensional disorder with varying degrees of psychotic, negative, cognitive, and motor manifestations. It is caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, biological effects, and environmental factors. Schizophrenia is estimated to affect more than 24 million people globally, accounting for 1.5 per 10,000 people. AI can be used to detect and develop novel, tailored antipsychotic drugs for the effective treatment of Schizophrenia patients.

Top Companies in the Market

Spring Care, Inc.

Wysa Ltd,

Lyra Health, Inc.

Woebot Health

Quartet

Meru

Syra Health

New Life Solution, Inc. (meQ)

Aiberry

Limbic

Ellipsis Health

Kintsugi Mindful Wellness, Inc

NextGen Healthcare

SilverCloud (American Well Corporation)

Fortis Healthcare

HEADSPACE HEALTH

Microsoft

Google

Recent Breakthroughs in AI in Mental Health Market

In April 2025 , Lyra Health announced the launch of its new AI platform, Lyra Connect, in the next 12 months. The platform compares workplace information against peers, industries, and evidence-based best practices, along with predictive analytics to help HR leaders plan. The real-time data enables HR to respond quickly to workplace issues.

, Lyra Health announced the launch of its new AI platform, Lyra Connect, in the next 12 months. The platform compares workplace information against peers, industries, and evidence-based best practices, along with predictive analytics to help HR leaders plan. The real-time data enables HR to respond quickly to workplace issues. In April 2025, researchers from Dartmouth Colleges Geisel School of Medicine developed Therabot, a gen AI-powered therapy chatbot to enable users to interact with a digital presence. The mobile app demonstrated greater symptom reductions in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and feeding and eating disorders in more than 200 participants of a randomized controlled trial.

Browse More Insights of Towards Healthcare:

Laboratory Information Management Systems Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/laboratory-information-management-systems-market-sizing

Patient Centric Healthcare App Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/patient-centric-healthcare-app-market-sizing

Natural Language Processing (NLP) in Healthcare and Life Sciences Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/natural-language-processing-nlp-in-healthcare-and-life-sciences-market-sizing

Nurse Call Systems Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/nurse-call-systems-market-sizing

Medical Terminology Software Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/medical-terminology-software-market-sizing

Generative AI in Healthcare Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/generative-ai-in-healthcare-market

Software as a Service for Behavioral Health Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/software-as-a-service-saas-for-behavioral-health-market-sizing

Healthcare ERP Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/healthcare-erp-market-sizing

Healthcare Automation Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/healthcare-automation-market-size

Healthcare Digital Twin Market Size: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/insights/healthcare-digital-twin-market-size

Segments Covered in the Report

By Offering

Software

Services

By Technology

Natural Language Processing Text Analytics Speech Analytics Smart Assistance Others

Machine Learning

Deep Learning

Others

By Disorder

Anxiety

Depression

Schizophrenia

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Insomnia

Others

By Region

North America US Canada

Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand

Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway

Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina

Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait





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Charenton-le-Pont, 24 April 2025

Q1 2025 revenues

MBWS posts first quarter revenues of 42.2m, down 2.3% versus Q1 2024

Sharp drop in France sales amid ongoing decline in spirits market

Strong international performance from the Industrial Services business

In France, first quarter sales were down 9.9% versus Q1 2024 during a period of challenging commercial negotiations as the market environment continued to decline: Sales in the Off-Trade declined against a backdrop of tough annual commercial negotiations, leading to out of stocks situations and distribution losses. William Peel has lost market share, while Marie Brizard continues to post sales growth driven by new listings and the impact of 2024 innovations; The On-Trade channel posted sales up 2.5m versus Q1 2024.





International sales were up 3.8% versus Q1 2024, marked by contrasting operating performances depending on the region:



Growth in Industrial Services in Spain, Lithuania and Bulgaria; A complicated first quarter in the United States and Scandinavia marked by a sharp decline in sales and shipments, particularly for International Strategic Brands; Stability in export markets, with increasing sales in Africa-Middle East, Poland and the French overseas departments and territories counterbalanced by a decline in shipments to the Asia Pacific region and Canada.



NB: All revenue growth figures reported herein are at constant exchange rates and consolidation scope, unless stated otherwise

Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits (Euronext: MBWS) today announces its unaudited revenues for the first quarter of 2025, covering the period from 1 January to 31 March 2025.

Q1 2025 revenues

m Q1



2024 LFL change Currency

impact Q1



2025 LFL change

(excl. currency

impact) Reported

growth (incl.

currency

impact) France 19.5 -1.9 - 17.6 -9.9% -9.9% International 23.8 0.9 -0.1 24.6 +3.8% +3.5% TOTAL MBWS GROUP 43.3 -1.0 -0.1 42.2 -2.3% -2.5%

France Cluster

France Cluster sales fell sharply in Q1 2025, down 9.9% vs. 2024 to 17.6m. Amid challenging annual negotiations for the Off-Trade channel following the considerable cost increases incurred for matured spirits, combined with the continued slowdown in the spirits market, the Strategic Brands business was penalised and posted a loss of distribution and market share, particularly for William Peel.

The strong early year performance across the entire portfolio in the On-Trade channel failed to offset the decline in Off-Trade sales. Meanwhile, Marie Brizard sales posted strong growth in both distribution channels, mainly driven by new listings since 2024.

International Cluster

The International Cluster posted first quarter 2025 revenues of 24.6m, up 3.8% at constant exchange rates versus Q1 2024.

MBWS International (Export) posted stable first quarter revenues (up 0.7% vs 2024) despite a relatively low Q1 2024 comparison base, impacted by several factors:

Sales decline in Benelux, particularly in the cross-border market with France, where local sales were adversely impacted by the conversion of certain local stores to new retail chains;

Flat sales in Africa, where the strong momentum gained in Madagascar and Senegal offset the sluggish early year performance in other markets;

69,0% growth in the French overseas departments and territories, especially Martinique, after a low comparison base in 2024;

44.1% growth in Poland, also following a lacklustre Q1 2024 performance impacted by inventory rundowns;

Declining Q1 2025 sales in Canada, tempered by prospects of catch-up over the rest of the year;

Sales growth in most Asian countries (particularly Taiwan and South Korea) except Japan, down 38.2% mainly due to the late 2024 surge in shipments.

Spain posted a 33.8% increase in Q1 2025 sales, mainly driven by Industrial Services, up 38.6% versus last year. This performance is due to an exceptionally sluggish first quarter 2024 (impacted by temporary production stoppages caused by machinery upgrading operations) combined with catching up the December 2024 volume shortfall, which was also due to production line maintenance.

Strategic brands as a whole posted 18.2% sales growth thanks to a favourable base effect, Q1 2024 having been impacted by our local distributors inventory rundown policy.

In Denmark, the first quarter saw a significant 15.7% decline in sales versus 2024: this was due to the drop in the Agency Brands business and the On-Trade channel, while the Off-Trade channel posted growth mainly driven by new listings among certain soft discounters and heightened promotional activity, particularly in the vodka segment.

Sales dipped 2.7% in Lithuania, with strong growth in the Industrial Services segment (up 52.4%) only partly offsetting the decline in the domestic market, hampered by a further increase in excise duties and increased competitive pressure, particularly in the Scotch whisky and vodka categories.

Meanwhile, the export business, whose main market is Ukraine, saw a decline in sales amid a persistently unstable commercial environment. In addition, the devaluation of the local currency has curbed distributors capacity to achieve all of their planned purchases.

In Bulgaria, Q1 2025 sales were up 7.8% versus 2024, driven by a strong performance from Industrial Services supported by distributor stockpiling in anticipation of expected Q2 2025 price hikes, and by an improved product mix in the domestic market. The addition of new Agency Brands to the distribution portfolio also contributed to the overall sales growth.

In the United States, revenues slumped 51.3% versus Q1 2024 due to order delays amid the uncertainty surrounding successive tariff hikes announcements, combined with our distributors decision to significantly reduce inventory levels.

Finally, in Brazil, business was stable excluding currency impact (down 0.2% versus Q1 2024), the slight dip being mainly attributable to the Rio de Janeiro region where one of the main customers of Dubar products significantly reduced its inventory.

Outlook

The Group confirms the annual trends as presented in the Outlook section of the 2024 earnings release published on 17 April.

The first quarter sales performance has confirmed that 2025 is a year of transition for the Group, marked by complex commercial negotiations. These negotiations aim to partly offset the significant increase in the cost price of matured spirits  particularly for Scotch whisky and cognac  through the necessary price adjustments. Without these price changes, the economic performance of the France Cluster could be significantly affected.

This situation should be seen against a global backdrop still marked by the slowdown in the wine and spirits markets coupled with limited and volatile commercial visibility.

The Group is making every effort to mitigate the impact of these trade tensions, particularly on the French market, in order to achieve a favourable outcome. Meanwhile, the Group continues to step up its productivity and cost control measures with a view to supporting economic performance.

The sector is also exposed to risks of further tariff hikes, the outlines of which remain blurred at this stage, but which are already disrupting trade dynamics on international markets. However, the direct impact on the Group could remain limited, given its relatively low exposure to the US market and US products imported into Europe.

Against this backdrop, the Group continues to rely on all its strategic levers to face these headwinds, in particular through the development of Industrial Services and the distribution of Agency Brands, two segments that are posting encouraging performances and harbour growth potential.

Financial calendar

General Meeting: 26 June 2025









Investor and shareholder relations contact

MBWS Group

Emilie Drexler

relations.actionnaires@mbws.com

Tel.: +33 1 43 91 62 40



Press contact

Image Sept

Claire Doligez - Laurent Poinsot

cdoligez@image7.fr  lpoinsot@image7.fr

Tel.: +33 1 53 70 74 70

About Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits

Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits is a wine and spirits group operating in Europe and the United States. Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits stands out for its expertise, a combination of brands with a long tradition and a resolutely innovative spirit. Since the birth of the Maison Marie Brizard in 1755, the Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits Group has developed its brands in a spirit of modernity while respecting their origins. Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits is committed to offering its customers bold and trusted brands full of flavour and experiences. The Group now has a rich portfolio of leading brands in their market segments, including William Peel, Sobieski, Marie Brizard and Cognac Gautier.

Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits is listed on Compartment B of Euronext Paris (FR0000060873 - MBWS) and is part of the EnterNext PEA-PME 150 index.

Attachment
TORONTO, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Can Sugar Daddy Meet provide a satisfying sugar dating experience? Discover the truth about the features, user base, security measures, and overall reputation of this popular sugar dating site by reading authentic reviews from actual members.





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But first, lets understand the basics of sugar daddy dating?

Before diving into the details of SugarDaddyMeet.com, it's important to understand the basics of sugar dating. This type of dating typically involves a wealthy individual seeking companionship in exchange for financial support, and a younger partner who receives monetary benefits such as gifts, vacations, or bill payments. While there are no formal guidelines for sugaring, both parties should have a clear understanding of the expectations and boundaries involved.

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A short brief on Sugar Daddy Meet

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To explore mutually profitable relationships without any fear of judgment regarding age differences, SugarDaddyMeet is an ideal platform for men and women.



When looking for a sugar dating platform, it can be difficult to find one that is both safe and reliable. However, with nearly 2 million registered members from all over the world and an incredibly active dating community, SugarDaddyMeet is a popular choice among those seeking mutually beneficial relationships.

SugarDaddyMeet.com is a website catering exclusively to "sugar daddies" and "sugar babies" seeking mutually beneficial relationships. The platform provides a secure and efficient digital space for like-minded individuals to connect with each other. Its user base is composed of individuals who desire relationships with no strings attached.

The demand for sugar relationships has led to the proliferation of numerous sugar dating websites, but not all of them can be trusted. While some have established rigorous standards for membership, others may facilitate scams or exploitation. However, being excessively wary can also hinder the process of meeting new people on Sugar Daddy apps. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the unique strengths of the platform and what makes it ideal for both sugar daddies and babies.





Sugar Daddy Meet - Best Site and App to Find My Sugar Daddy in 2025

One of the most noteworthy features of SugarDaddyMeet.com is its unwavering commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable dating experience. The website takes security seriously, implementing measures to safeguard users' personal information and deter fraudulent activity. Furthermore, the platform offers 24/7 customer service support to assist users with any inquiries or concerns.

SugarDaddyMeet.com caters to individuals seeking sugar daddy relationships, with approximately 40% more sugar babies on the platform than sugar daddies. As a result, the platform provides an easy way for men to connect with women seeking such arrangements.

Finding someone who shares a commitment to "enjoy a mutual beneficial affection and romance" is highly probable on SugarDaddyMeet.com. While the website's features are similar to those of a standard dating site, it boasts some unique aspects that set it apart from other platforms, all of which will be explored in greater detail later.

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How does Sugar Daddy Meet work?

SugarDaddyMeet.com offers a useful feature that allows users to increase their search ranking. By purchasing credit bundles, users can access premium features and gain benefits, such as boosting their ranking in the search results. This can be particularly advantageous for those seeking to attract the attention of potential sugar babies or sugar daddies on the platform. If you're looking to increase your visibility on the app and stand out from the crowd, investing in credit bundles can be a wise choice.

The primary features of Sugar Daddy Meet are as follows:

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3. Secret Videos and Photos: SugarDaddyMeet provides its members with numerous unique features and functionalities that can greatly enhance their online dating experience. One such feature is the ability to view hidden photos and videos of a user's match, granting them access to exclusive details and media showcasing their match's interests, likes, dislikes, and personality.



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6. The Forums: SugarDaddyMeet's discussion boards provide a safe space for users to ask pertinent questions and receive responses or comments from other members. Members can share their thoughts, ideas, interests, and perspectives on various sugar dating topics. These forums enable individuals with similar interests to interact securely online and engage in meaningful conversations. The Sugar Daddy Meet community is dedicated to fostering professional and respectful interactions on these forums. Although there are no formal moderators, any user who violates the community guidelines will face serious consequences. Offenders can face hefty fines, such as being banned from the community.



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How to get started with Sugar Daddy Meet?

To enhance user experience, SugarDaddyMeet offers a trial period, where members can enjoy various features without using credits or spending money. During the trial period, members can respond to messages sent by paid users, perform basic profile searches, send winks to both paid and unpaid members, add profiles to their 'Favorites' list, like photos or blog comments, and request access to view private albums. This trial period allows users to explore the website's functionalities and get a feel for the platform. It's worth noting that certain features require identity verification through a video chat with a moderator to ensure only genuine singles use the website and prevent fraudulent activities.

SugarDaddyMeet Membership and Pricing for Sugar Daddies

SugarDaddyMeet offers an incredible three unique premium membership packages for sugar daddies and as well as sugar babies, with prices listed in US dollars regardless of location. The currency calculator on the pricing page helps users convert the price to their preferred currency.

Premium membership is auto-renewed at the same price and duration, but members have the option to turn it off in their "Membership Settings."

The standard membership includes features such as responding to text messages, sending flirty winks, and adding matches to favorites. The premium membership offers additional services such as advanced search filters, chat features, and the ability to see who has viewed your profile.

The pricing for premium membership varies depending on the duration of the plan, with a one-month plan at $50.00 USD per month, a three-month plan at $30.00 USD per month, and a six-month plan at $24.00 USD per month.





Is Sugar Daddy Meet safe to use?

SugarDaddyMeet prioritizes the safety and privacy of its members, ensuring a thorough review process of profiles, photos, comments, and posts. The platform has never had a privacy breach, and administrators work diligently to prevent any fraudulent activities. However, some concerns have been raised about the website's income verification process, which relies on self-reported information, and email verification, which can be circumvented. Moreover, the website allows users to leave some profile sections incomplete. While these issues may raise some concerns, SugarDaddyMeet remains a relatively secure online dating platform. Nonetheless, it's important to exercise caution and remain vigilant when interacting with others online.

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The Final Conclusion: Sugar Daddy Meet

Sugar Daddy Meet is a highly popular choice among sugar dating platforms for its streamlined, user-friendly interface that allows users to easily find matches in their area. While there are a few areas that could use improvement, such as the lack of a live chat option with customer service, the site still provides a top-notch experience with its easy navigation, helpful customer support, well-labeled links and options, and many features.

Registration is also a breeze, and the search options work exceptionally well, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced sugar daters. Reviews of Sugar Daddy Meet consistently report that it is a safe, reliable platform that offers a no-frills, non-judgmental sugar dating experience. If you're looking for such an experience, signing up with Sugar Daddy Meet can open up your horizons like no other!

Project name: SugarDaddyMeet.com

10 - 8707 Dufferin St,

Suite 160 Vaughan,

Ontario L4J 0A6

Canada

Company website: https://www.sugardaddymeet.com/

email: support@SugarDaddyMeet.com

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New York, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New York, New York -

Balkan Sewer & Water Main, a family-owned plumbing business in Queens serving New York City for over 70 years provides guaranteed emergency sewer repair 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With extensive experience across all five boroughs, the company mobilizes skilled technicians rapidly to resolve any sewer-related crisis.

Founded in 1949, Balkan Sewer & Water Main specializes in the maintenance, repair and replacement of underground sewer and water systems. Their team of licensed master plumbers have tackled hundreds of thousands of residential and commercial jobs over decades in business. From minor clogs to fully collapsed main lines, their equipment and expertise covers the full range of potential emergencies.

Available around the clock via their emergency hotline, Balkan promises response times within four hours of a service call. Highly trained technicians arrive with state-of-the-art sewer cameras to thoroughly diagnose any issue. Industry-leading hydro jetting and power rodding equipment clears even the most stubborn drain obstructions. For significant pipe damage, Balkan utilizes excavators and bypass pumping to minimize flooding risks while repairs are made.

While emergency sewer repair requires urgent response times, Balkan recognizes the importance of full transparency with customers before work begins. Their repair quotes account for all aspects of the job, from equipment and materials to site restoration. Various financing options are available as needed. The company's sterling reputation is built on quality work, fair pricing and outstanding service.

With advanced technology, proven methods and decades of experience, Balkan has earned its status as New York's premier sewer repair company. When underground disaster strikes, Balkan has the skills and equipment to tackle the problem quickly and completely. Contact them anytime for emergency assistance or preventative maintenance.

Balkan Sewer and Water Main's expert technicians utilize the latest methods and equipment to diagnose and repair any sewer issues efficiently. High-powered sewer cameras provide detailed footage of blockages and damage, while hydro jetters generate up to 4000 PSI of pressure to clear even the toughest clogs. Excavators allow access for repairs on buried lines. With a large fleet of specialized vehicles, they can mobilize the right tools for any job.

The company maintains an extensive inventory of spare parts and materials in multiple warehouses around the city. This allows rapid access to required pipes, pumps, valves and other components. With both scheduled and emergency repairs, having resources on hand means faster resolution of problems before they escalate. It also minimizes client downtime in commercial settings.

While headquartered in Queens, Balkan Sewer and Water Main has dispatched experienced crews across all five boroughs of NYC for decades. Their technicians are intimately familiar with the underground infrastructure throughout the metropolitan area. This expertise translates to more accurate diagnoses and solutions for any unique sewer issues that arise in older, complex municipal systems. Clients trust Balkan to get the job done right the first time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyl19jBKmGI

With an impeccable reputation built over 70+ years in business, property managers, building owners, and individual homeowners rely on Balkan Sewer & Water Main for timely, high-quality sewer repair and maintenance. Their sterling record with the Better Business Bureau proves a commitment to transparency, fairness and integrity in every job performed. When an underground crisis hits, count on Balkan's 24/7 response to restore flow quickly. Contact Balkan Sewer and Water Main if one might be experiencing any sewer issues.

###

For more information about Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, contact the company here:



Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service

David Balkan

(718) 849-0900

TeamBalkan@balkanplumbing.com

130-01 Jamaica Ave

Jamaica, NY 11418
New York, USA, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Neuroprosthetics Market Expanding Rapidly at a CAGR of ~13% by 2032 Amid Surge in Demand for Advanced Neurological Treatments | DelveInsight

The neuroprosthetics market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in neuroscience and technology. The increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, along with rising demand for more effective treatments, is boosting market expansion. Innovations in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and implantable devices are also contributing to the growth. Additionally, greater investment in research and development, alongside improved healthcare infrastructure, is expected to fuel the market's potential in the coming years.

DelveInsights Neuroprosthetics Market Insights report provides the current and forecast market analysis, individual leading neuroprosthetics companies market shares, challenges, neuroprosthetics market drivers, barriers, trends, and key market neuroprosthetics companies in the market.

Neuroprosthetics Overview

Neuroprosthetics refers to the development and use of devices that interact with the nervous system to restore or enhance lost sensory or motor functions. These devices are typically designed to replace damaged or nonfunctional parts of the nervous system, enabling individuals with neurological impairments, such as paralysis or sensory loss, to regain some level of function. Neuroprosthetic devices can range from simple, external devices like cochlear implants, which restore hearing, to more complex systems like brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which enable direct communication between the brain and external devices. These systems are designed to decode neural signals and translate them into actionable outputs, which can then control a prosthetic limb, assistive technology, or even restore vision.

The field of neuroprosthetics holds significant potential in revolutionizing the treatment of a wide range of neurological conditions, including spinal cord injuries, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Advancements in materials science, microelectronics, and neural engineering are driving innovations in more sophisticated, functional, and minimally invasive devices. Researchers are exploring neural interfaces that could allow for greater precision in restoring lost functions, as well as approaches that integrate with the brain's natural neural pathways. The goal of neuroprosthetics is not only to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities but also to enable a deeper understanding of how the brain and nervous system function, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders.





Neuroprosthetics Regional Market Insights

Neuroprosthetics is a rapidly growing field within medical technology, offering transformative solutions for individuals suffering from neurological disorders or injuries. The regional market for neuroprosthetics varies widely across different parts of the world, with significant growth in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. In North America, the market is driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and an aging population requiring enhanced neuroprosthetic solutions for conditions such as spinal cord injuries, stroke, and Parkinsons disease.

Europe also shows promising growth, with increasing government investments in healthcare and technological advancements in neuroprosthetic devices. In Asia-Pacific, the market is expanding due to rising healthcare demands, a growing middle class, and improved accessibility to advanced medical devices, making the region a strong contender for future growth.

The demand for neuroprosthetics is further influenced by the increasing prevalence of neurological disorders and the growing adoption of these devices for rehabilitation purposes. The demand in different regions is shaped by factors such as regulatory frameworks, reimbursement policies, and the level of innovation. North America benefits from a robust regulatory environment, while Europe is experiencing heightened interest in integrating neuroprosthetic solutions into public healthcare systems.

In contrast, the Asia-Pacific region faces challenges such as varying healthcare infrastructure and limited reimbursement policies, but ongoing technological advancements and increased investments are expected to drive future growth. As the market for neuroprosthetics expands globally, regional players are focusing on research and development to cater to the specific needs of different populations and to remain competitive in the market.

To know more about why North America is leading the market growth in the neuroprosthetics market, get a snapshot of the Neuroprosthetics Market Outlook

Recent Developments in the Neuroprosthetics Market

In February 2024, Boston Scientific Corporation announced that the FDA approved the WaveWriter SCS Systems for the treatment of chronic low back and leg pain. This system assists physicians in delivering individualized care for a broad range of lower back pain issues, allowing for tailored treatment strategies to address diverse patient needs.

announced that the FDA approved the WaveWriter SCS Systems for the treatment of chronic low back and leg pain. This system assists physicians in delivering individualized care for a broad range of lower back pain issues, allowing for tailored treatment strategies to address diverse patient needs. In January 2024, Abbott Laboratories announced that it had received FDA approval to market the Liberta RC DBS system. Liberta is the smallest rechargeable deep brain stimulation (DBS) device equipped with remote programming capabilities, designed to treat individuals with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

To read more about the latest highlights related to the neuroprosthetics market, get a snapshot of the key highlights entailed in the Global Neuroprosthetics Market Report

Key Players in the Neuroprosthetics Market

The neuroprosthetics market is driven by a mix of established medical device giants and innovative startups, each contributing unique advancements in neural interface technologies. Leading the sector are companies like Medtronic, Boston Scientific Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, NeuroPace, Inc., Cochlear Ltd., Sonova, NeuroSigma, Inc., Blackrock Neurotech, Synchron, LivaNova, Inc., MED-EL Medical Electronics, BrainGate, NEVRO CORP., Terumo Corporation, Penumbra, Inc., BrainCo, Inc., Axoft Inc., Demant A/S, Synapse Biomedical Inc., Cognixion, Inc., and others.

These companies, along with academic and research institutions, continue to push the boundaries of what neuroprosthetics can achieve, offering transformative solutions for patients with spinal cord injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain-related impairments.

Which MedTech key players in the neuroprosthetics market are set to emerge as the trendsetter explore @ Neuroprosthetics Companies

Neuroprosthetics Market Key Factor Analysis

Neuroprosthetics Market Drivers

The neuroprosthetics market is driven by the growing prevalence of neurological disorders and nerve injuries, which are increasing the demand for innovative solutions. Additionally, the rising number of patients suffering from hearing and vision loss further fuels the neuroprosthetics market growth, as neuroprosthetic devices offer potential treatments. Moreover, increasing research and development activities, along with collaborations among key players in the field, are accelerating the development of advanced neuroprosthetic devices, contributing to the neuroprosthetics market's expansion.

Neuroprosthetics Market Restraints and Challenges

The neuroprosthetics market faces several restraints and challenges, primarily the high cost of these advanced devices, which limits their accessibility and widespread adoption. Additionally, there is a significant lack of proper training and infrastructure in poorly developed countries, further hindering the effective implementation and usage of neuroprosthetic technologies in these regions.

Neuroprosthetics Market Opportunities

The neuroprosthetics market presents significant opportunities through the integration of robotic-assisted implantation, which enhances precision and reduces risks during procedures. This development, combined with the growing adoption of minimally invasive surgeries, positions the market for further expansion.

Additionally, the rise of smart implantsdevices designed to enhance functionality and adaptabilityadds a layer of innovation, improving patient outcomes and accelerating the adoption of advanced neuroprosthetic solutions. Together, these advancements are expected to drive significant growth in the market by enhancing surgical efficiency, reducing recovery times, and offering more personalized, effective treatments.

Get a sneak peek at the neuroprosthetics market dynamics @ Neuroprosthetics Market Dynamics Analysis

Report Metrics Details Coverage Global Study Period 20222032 Neuroprosthetics Market CAGR ~13% Neuroprosthetics Market Size in 2032 USD 14.64 Billion Key Neuroprosthetics Companies Medtronic, Boston Scientific Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, NeuroPace, Inc., Cochlear Ltd., Sonova, NeuroSigma, Inc., Blackrock Neurotech, Synchron, LivaNova, Inc., MED-EL Medical Electronics, BrainGate, NEVRO CORP., Terumo Corporation, Penumbra, Inc., BrainCo, Inc., Axoft Inc., Demant A/S, Synapse Biomedical Inc., Cognixion, Inc., among others

Neuroprosthetics Market Assessment

Neuroprosthetics Market Segmentation Neuroprosthetics Market Segmentation By Type: Motor Prosthetics, Cognitive Prosthetics, Auditory Prosthetics/Cochlear Implants, and Visual Prosthetics/Retinal Implants Neuroprosthetics Market Segmentation By Procedure: Invasive and Non-Invasive Neuroprosthetics Market Segmentation By Technology: Deep Brain Stimulation, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Sacral Nerve Stimulation, Spinal Cord Stimulation, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and Others Neuroprosthetics Market Segmentation By End User: Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, and Others Neuroprosthetics Market Segmentation By Geography : North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World

Porters Five Forces Analysis, Product Profiles, Case Studies, KOLs Views, Analysts View

Interested in knowing the neuroprosthetics market by 2032? Click to get a snapshot of the Neuroprosthetics Market Trends

Table of Contents

1 Neuroprosthetics Market Report Introduction 2 Neuroprosthetics Market Executive Summary 3 Competitive Landscape 4 Regulatory Analysis 5 Neuroprosthetics Market Key Factors Analysis 6 Neuroprosthetics Market Porters Five Forces Analysis 7 Neuroprosthetics Market Layout 8 Neuroprosthetics Market Company and Product Profiles 9 KOL Views 10 Project Approach 11 About DelveInsight 12 Disclaimer & Contact Us

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LANGLEY, British Columbia, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This summer, British Columbians can give back to an important local cause while enjoying a delectable candy treat! Huer Foodsa local candy brand based in BCs Lower Mainlandhas launched a special edition candy bag called Sweet Beginnings Sour Rainbow Wonders to raise funds for a groundbreaking new piece of equipment which will be life-changing for hundreds of babies each year. With every purchase of the Sweet Beginnings candy bag, a portion of the proceeds will go directly towards BC Womens Health Foundations (BCWHF) campaign to raise funds for a new BC Womens Hospital + Health Centre Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) MRI.

Huer has a strong connection to BC Womens Health Foundation and this important cause, and is on a mission to make all British Columbians aware of this critical campaign. The brands purpose is to make simple moments magical, and those moments are best shared with our loved ones. Thats why community is a key value of the Huer ethos. Huer might exist for some to satisfy their sweet tooth, serve as a pick-me-up when someones feeling down, to bring friends together, or to celebrate the little moments every day. But when Huer discovered this campaign in conversation with BC Womens Health Foundation, it ignited a fire in the team to help raise awareness and funds for a very meaningful and important cause. Available all summer long in participating retailers in BC, each bag will move the needle for faster, safer care for BCs babies.

"Speaking on behalf of our entire company, Huer Foods is deeply inspired by the impact BC Womens Health Foundations fundraising has on womens and newborn health at BC Womens Hospital + Health Centre. Their groundbreaking research and life-changing initiatives deserve to be shouted from the rooftops. When I learned about the urgent need for the BC Womens NICU MRI campaign, I knew this was an opportunity to turn British Columbians' love for candy into something truly meaningful, says Molly Clinton, Head of Marketing at Huer Foods. Through Sweet Beginnings, our goal is to spark awareness, inspire action, and help ensure that BCs tiniest patients have the best start in life. Whether its at BC Place events, in your favourite supermarkets, pop-up shops, or on limited edition Lees Donuts from Mothers Day to May 31st, were rallying our community to make a differenceone bag of Sweet Beginnings at a time.

BC Womens NICU MRI will be the first in Western Canada, making a significant impact on the treatment of critically ill infants in BC, including enabling earlier and more precise diagnoses, allowing parents to stay with their baby throughout the entire scan, and providing the provinces tiniest patients with an MRI machine designed specifically for their size and special needs. Ultimately, it will enhance care for vulnerable newborns while driving innovative research on infant brain development to improve long-term health outcomes.

Philanthropy is vital in bringing life-saving technologyincluding a dedicated neonatal MRIto BC Womens Hospital + Health Centre, ensuring the bright beginnings for our most vulnerable newborns, says Cally Wesson, President + CEO of BC Womens Health Foundation. With community and donor support, the world-leading neonatal team can provide more precise treatment, and exceptional care for babies across BC and the Yukon. We are incredibly grateful to Huer for their generous support of Sweet Beginnings, contributing to this vital advancement.

Visit Huer Foods store locator to pick up a bag today, join us at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver from May 8 - 11, 2025, check out any Lees Donut location from May 11 - 31, or swing by Huers pop-ups at BC Place for the Vancouver Whitecaps games on May 3, 28 and 31.

About Huer Foods Inc.

Founded in British Columbia in 1986, Huer Foods is renowned for its delightfully crafted premium gummy candies that spark joy in the simplest of moments. Arguably the most innovative candy company in Canada, Huers portfolio spans over 350 products, consisting of popular candy brands like Candy Cup, Sweet N Spicy, Pocket Pals, Sensible Sweets and Super Mix. Huer candy isnt just any gummy candyits undoubtedly the freshest-tasting candy in Canada. Huer lives for the here and now, for the adventure of creation and the thrill of a delightfully crafted confection, and for the ability to share and spread happiness to Canadians. Huer is proudly Canadian owned and operated, and headquartered out of Langley, British Columbia. For even more magic, visit www.huerfoods.com or follow us on Instagram or TikTok @HuerFoods.








George Town, Cayman Islands, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Neiro has officially acquired the exclusive license to the Neiro intellectual property from Atsuko Sato, the owner of Kabosu, the iconic Shiba Inu dog behind the Doge meme - cryptos original memecoin and one of its most recognizable cultural landmarks.

Atsuko adopted Neiro following the passing of Doge. Neiro has since received attention from Ethereums creator Vitalik Buterin, the founder of Tron, Justin Sun, as well as being listed on the worlds largest exchange, Binance.

Now, the acquisition of the IP cements Neiros position as the legitimate heir and spiritual successor to Dogecoin and marks a significant milestone in its journey to becoming a leading community-driven token.

"This IP acquisition is a game-changer for Neiro," said S the teams community lead. "It gives us unparalleled legitimacy and opens doors for new opportunities in blockchain innovation while staying true to the spirit of Doge and its community-driven roots."







Overwhelming support

The development follows a decisive vote by the Own The Doge DAO, where Neiro received overwhelming support with 92% of members voting in favour of the memecoin gaining the rights.

Atsuko personally approved the decision after extensive discussions, ensuring alignment with Neiros values of community, authenticity, and philanthropy.

With the acquisition complete, Neiro has begun the process to register Neiro for a trademark and plans to integrate the IP across various initiatives, including the launch of a licensed NFT collection.

This collection will not only honor Doge's cultural legacy but also provide revenue streams that directly support Atsuko and charitable causes, reinforcing Neiros philosophy of "Doing Only Good Everyday" (DOGE).

Licensed memecoin

The acquisition positions Neiro as a leader in the emerging trend of licensed memecoins, distinguishing it from competitors in a rapidly evolving market.

It also strengthens Neiros ability to take legal action against unlicensed tokens using the Neiro name, further protecting the integrity of its ecosystem.

Neiro remains available for trading on major exchanges such as Binance and OKX, where it has consistently demonstrated strong performance and community support. Notably, Neiro has ranked among the top 5 tokens by trading volume globally on Binance, reflecting the markets confidence in its vision and community strength.

With this historic milestone, Neiro continues to lead by example, embodying the values of decentralisation, community engagement, and positive impact within the cryptocurrency world.





About Neiro



Neiro is a community-driven token and spiritual successor to Dogecoin, founded on the principles of decentralisation and positive impact.

Adopted by the same individual who cared for Kabosu, the Shiba Inu dog behind the original Dogecoin, Neiro is dedicated to supporting philanthropic initiatives while fostering an engaged global community.



So far the community has donated almost $300,000 to a wide range of animal rescue charities globally.



Through its motto, "Doing Only Good Everyday" (DOGE), Neiro strives to uphold the cultural legacy of Doge and drive innovation within the blockchain space.









PR Contact

Chris Sealey

chirs@lunapr.io
Leading Spanish hospital Relies on Denodo Platform for Real-time patient data monitoring and AI-driven analytics, updating data every 30 seconds

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denodo , a leader in data management, announced that Hospital Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona (HSJD), is pioneering a transformative approach to pediatric care through advanced data integration using the Denodo Platform . As one of Europes leading maternal and childrens hospitals, HSJD has implemented real-time solutions that unify clinical insights across systems, enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining healthcare delivery.

HSJD, which handles over 25,000 hospital admissions, 200,000 outpatient consultations, and 115,000 emergency cases annually, is scaling its innovative liquid hospital concepta fluid, adaptable care model designed to deliver high-quality, proactive, and patient-centric care. By unifying real-time data across systems, this collaboration empowers clinicians to manage high patient volumes while prioritizing home-based care, ensuring children spend less time in hospitals and more time recovering safely at home.

Denodo equips us to maintain stricter monitoring of patients admitted to the hospital's critical care units through real-time score calculations, allowing us to proactively identify complex clinical situations, said Dr. Francesc Garcia Cuyas, Director of Digital Strategy and Data at HSJD.

The use of the Denodo Platform as the logical data management layer has been a game-changer for HSJD. Real-time monitoring and AI-driven analytics now provide data updated every 30 seconds. This rapid response capability is crucial in preventing complications and ensuring timely interventions, making a significant difference in the lives of children.

Denodo offers Sant Joan de Deu Hospital centralized, real-time access to data, which facilitates agile analytics and enhances decision-making with a comprehensive view of all parameters. Sant Joan de Deu Hospital's innovative initiatives aim to improve child care. At Denodo, we take pride in contributing to the care and health of these children through new use cases with our platform, says Bernardo Godar, Vice President and General Manager of Denodo for Iberia and Latin America.

HSJDs shift to proactive care began with a critical challenge: clinicians needed faster access to complete patient data to prevent emergencies. Previously, vital informationfrom heart rates to lab resultswas scattered across disconnected systems, delaying decisions. Now, Denodos secure data platform, implemented with healthcare technology partner Blowww, unifies this data in real time, updating critical risk scores every 30 seconds. This allows clinicians to spot and address risks before they escalate. Partnering with AWS ensures this lifesaving data flows securely to authorized teams, reducing hospital stays and keeping more children recovering safely at home.

Additional Information

About Denodo

Denodo is a leader in data management. The award-winning Denodo Platform is the leading logical data management platform for transforming data into trustworthy insights and outcomes for all data-related initiatives across the enterprise, including AI and self-service. Denodo's customers in all industries all over the world have delivered trusted AI-ready and business-ready data in a third of the time and with 10x better performance than with lakehouses and other mainstream data platforms alone. For more information, visit denodo.com.

Media Contact

pr@denodo.com
CHICAGO, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What do you get when you combine a spotless shop floor, a legacy of quality craftsmanship, and an entrepreneur with vision? A modern American Dream in motion.

Billy Banks, a Chicago-based entrepreneur, father of triplets, and former Northwestern University entrepreneurship professor, has acquired General Machine, a precision manufacturing business based in Freeburg, Illinois. Established in 1980, General Machine has earned its reputation by delivering high-quality custom metal fabrication and machining services to industries such as mining, construction, power generation, and infrastructure.

A native of Elkhart, Indiana, Banks began his career in the RV industry, learning the fundamentals of American manufacturing firsthand. From there, his journey was anything but linearspanning corporate roles, startups, and even academia. He first cut his teeth by co-founding M-Tec Corporation, a steel fabrication business servicing the RV, commercial vehicle and trailer industries. Next, he co-founded Reach360, a HR-tech platform focused on providing Fortune 500 HR services and benefits to small businesses. Whether in the classroom or the boardroom, Banks has remained committed to creating opportunity and building things that last.

When I was growing up in northern Indiana, I saw what happens when manufacturing disappearsit leaves a void in communities, said Banks. But I also saw whats possible when you reinvest in people and production.

That belief led him to acquire General Machinea business with skilled employees, strong customer relationships, and untapped potential. The acquisition, which included both the business and its real estate, required a creative financing solution. Thats where First American Bank stepped in.

To overcome high capital barriers, Banks partnered with the bank to structure a deal that leveraged the SBA 7(a) loan program to reduce the down payment, finance goodwill, and support stable cash flow through a 10-year amortization schedule. Working in tandem with GrowthCorp, First American Bank also utilized the SBA 504 program to secure 40% of the project at a fixed 25-year ratewhile requiring only a 10% down payment. A working capital line of credit rounded out the financing to support ongoing operations.

Billy brought a clear vision, strong experience, and a deep passion for revitalizing American manufacturing, said Ross Van Beek, Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Relationship Manager at First American Bank.



This is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial story we love to supportbecause it creates jobs, strengthens communities, and builds the future of American industry.

Van Beek, along with colleagues Mark Kroencke and Madelyn McCarthy, played a pivotal role in structuring and closing the transaction.

Now at the helm, Banks has ambitious plans: double the business in three yearsand then do it again.

Hes building on a rock-solid foundation. General Machines capabilities include:

Large precision machining for industrial-scale components

Welding and fabrication of steel, stainless, and aluminum

CNC machining, plasma cutting, and forming for structural and heavy equipment applications

Sheet metal and custom part fabrication backed by deep technical expertise

Banks is already modernizing the companyenhancing digital outreach, deepening customer relationships, and integrating advanced technologies like AI to improve quoting, scheduling, and operational efficiency.

General Machine has all the right bones, said Banks. Now its about honoring what workscraftsmanship, relationships, integritywhile building something even bigger.

Thanks to First American Banks strategic financial support and Banks bold leadership, General Machine is poised to lead the next era of precision manufacturingone expertly machined part at a time.

If you're looking to take your business to the next level with innovative financial solutions, contact First American Bank today. Our team is ready to help you structure the right financing to fuel your growth.

For more information about First American Bank and its services, visit www.firstambank.com.

First American Bank is a Member FDIC.
SAN DIEGO, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Casino Direct Marketing Association (Casino DMA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing casino marketing through education and connection, is proud to announce that Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has signed on as a Silver Sponsor of the upcoming Theo Awards. This new sponsorship marks an exciting expansion of QCIs support for Casino DMAs mission and programs.

Marketing for casinos is a unique challenge, blending creative artistry with data science, said Dr. Ralph Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at QCI. Were grateful to Casino DMA for the opportunity to sponsor this event and eager to hear the stories that emerge. Its this kind of sharing that makes our industry stronger.

Were thrilled to welcome QCI as a sponsor, said Steven Paci, president of Casino DMA. Their commitment to innovation and excellence in casino marketing perfectly aligns with our goal of elevating and celebrating the work of our industrys brightest minds.

For more information about the Theo Awards or Casino DMA sponsorship opportunities, visit casinodma.com .

ABOUT QCI

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming and hospitality operations. QCI's data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas

Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

Contact:

Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence

Phone: 858-349-8354
IRVINE, Calif., April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wienerschnitzel, the World's Largest Hot Dog Chain, is introducing Southern Bird Dogs at its more than 300 restaurants nationwide on April 28. As a company known for its craveable American food, Wienerschnitzel looked to a uniquely delicious South Carolina dish for inspiration, Bird Dogs, which are crispy fried chicken tenders served on hot dog buns, with any number of toppings.

Each of Wienerschnitzels Southern Bird Dogs start with a marinated chicken breast tender coated in a signature crunchy breading, then placed in a hot dog bun. Southern Bird Dogs come in three flavors:

Bacon Ranch  Served with a chicken breast tender, diced bacon, 2 slices of tomato and ranch

 Served with a chicken breast tender, diced bacon, 2 slices of tomato and ranch Buffalo Ranch  Served with a chicken breast tender, 2 slices of tomato, ranch and buffalo sauce

 Served with a chicken breast tender, 2 slices of tomato, ranch and buffalo sauce BBQ  Served with a chicken breast tender, grilled onions, pickle spear and BBQ sauce



Along with Southern Bird Dogs, guests can also enjoy the following chicken items and combos:

Tenders ordered on their own a la carte

Regular Combo - 2 Tenders, Regular Fries and dipping sauce

Large Combo - 4 Tenders, Large Fries and 2 dipping sauces



South Carolina is known for its Southern Bird Dogs. Since they are served in hot dog buns, we felt like this was the perfect way to introduce chicken at our restaurants. Once we tried them, we knew we had a winner, said Doug Koegeboehn, Wienerschnitzels Chief Marketing Officer.

About Wienerschnitzel

Founded by John Galardi in 1961 with a single hot dog stand in Wilmington, California, Wienerschnitzel is one of the iconic pioneers of the quick-service food industry. The World's Largest Hot Dog Chain serves more than 120 million hot dogs annually  and is fueled by a mission of "Serving Food to Serve Others," giving back a percentage of profits to its charitable partners. Based in Irvine, CA, Galardi Group Inc. franchises nearly 350 Wienerschnitzel restaurants in 10 states. The Galardi Group is also the parent company and franchisor of Hamburger Stand and Tastee Freez, LLC.

Visit Wienerschnitzel's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube to learn more.

Media Contact

Joshua Levitt

PR for Wienerschnitzel

Grand Opening PR

josh@grandopeningpr.com

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The drinking culture is evolving, and more people are actively searching for alternatives to traditional alcohol. Whether its to avoid hangovers, reduce anxiety, or simply feel better the next day, the demand for clean, functional beverages has skyrocketed. Introducing Breza sparkling social tonic that combines microdosed cannabis, CBD, and Lions Mane mushroom to create a euphoric, calming, and clear-headed experience unlike anything on the shelves today.





Brez Reviews: Brez is not your average canned drink. It is formulated for people who want to unwind, connect, and elevate their vibewithout feeling sluggish, intoxicated, or anxious. With thousands of glowing reviews and a rapidly growing community of fans, Brez is quickly becoming the go-to choice for a new generation of mindful drinkers.

But what exactly is in it? How does it make you feel? Is it legal? Why is Brez trending in the United States? In this comprehensive Brez review, we will break down everything you need to know about this innovative beveragefrom the science behind its ingredients to real user experiences and whether it truly delivers on its promise of a better buzz.

What is Brez?

(Brez Drink Review)

Brez is a next-gen social tonic that blends microdosed THC, CBD, and functional mushrooms into a refreshing sparkling drink. Its made for those who want to unwind, be social, or simply feel betterwithout turning to alcohol. Instead of knocking you out or clouding your mind, Brez offers a light, balanced buzz that enhances your mood, sharpens your senses, and helps you stay present.

Each can contain:

2.5mg THC (derived from hemp and fully legal)

5mg CBD for balance and relaxation

25mg Lions Mane extract, known for boosting clarity and cognitive function





The flavor is bright and sophisticated, with hints of Italian lemon, elderflower, and a touch of agave. It is carbonated, clean, and easy to sip whether you are relaxing solo or hanging out with friends.

But what really makes Brez stand out is how it makes you feel. It is not about getting drunk or disconnectedit is about feeling good, staying in control, and enjoying the moment with a clear head and a calm vibe.





Brez Ingredients: What is Inside the Can?

Brez is more than just a refreshing sparkling drinkit is thoughtfully formulated to deliver a feel-good experience without alcohol. Every can is packed with functional ingredients that work together to promote calm, clarity, and light euphoria.

Here is a closer look at what is inside:

1. Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC (2.5mg, 5mg, or 10mg)

This is the key mood-elevating ingredient in Brez. Its sourced from federally legal hemp and microdosed to deliver a subtle, balanced buzz without going overboard. You wont feel high in the traditional sensebut you may feel lighter, happier, and more sociable.

2. CBD (5mg)

Paired with THC, CBD helps take the edge off. It balances the euphoric effects and supports relaxation without sedation or mental fog. Together, they offer a smoother, more controlled experience.

3. Lions Mane Mushroom Extract (25mg)

Lions Mane is known for its cognitive benefits, especially for focus and mental clarity. Brez uses a 7:1 extract made from 1,600mg of fruiting bodies, processed with a proprietary acoustic micronization method to make it highly bioavailable. This helps enhance the experience with mental sharpness and a calm, clear mind.

4. Sparkling Water

Brez has a crisp, carbonated base that gives it a clean, effervescent feel. It makes the drink light and enjoyable to sip on its own or mixed into mocktails.

5. Natural Flavors

Italian Lemons  For a refreshing citrus punch

Elderflower  Adds a floral, slightly sweet note

Agave  Natural sweetener that complements the herbal profile

Limonene Terpene  Enhances both flavor and effect

Allulose  A natural, low-calorie sweetener

Citric Acid  Used to preserve freshness and balance flavor

All ingredients are vegan, non-alcoholic, and derived from natural sources. THC content is kept below 0.3% by weight to stay in line with federal regulations.

MUST SEE: CLICK HERE NOW TO GET THE BREZ DRINK DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE

Key Features of Brez Drink

(Brez Reviews)

Brez is not just about what is inside the canits about the full experience. From formulation to effect, every detail has been designed to help you feel better without the downsides of alcohol or traditional edibles. Here is what sets Brez apart:

1. Microdosed for Control

Each Brez can contains a carefully measured amount of hemp-derived THC (2.5mg, 5mg, or 10mg), along with 5mg of CBD. This microdosed formula gives you the freedom to enjoy a mild, mood-lifting effect that you can build on depending on how many cans you sip. Whether you want a gentle lift or something a bit stronger, you stay in control.

2. Fast-Acting Absorption

Unlike traditional edibles that can take 3090 minutes to kick in, Brez uses micronized extracts for quicker effectsusually within 5 minutes. That means you feel the benefits almost right away, making it great for spontaneous plans or evening wind-downs.

3. Functional Ingredients

With the inclusion of Lions Mane mushroom extract, Brez adds a nootropic edge to your drink. Lions Mane is known for its cognitive support and mood-enhancing properties, helping you stay clear-headed while relaxed.

4. Clean, Crisp Taste

Brez doesnt just workit tastes good too. Infused with flavors like Italian lemon, elderflower, and agave, it delivers a refreshing, slightly citrusy flavor with just a hint of sweetness. It is light, bubbly, and enjoyable straight from the can or as part of a mixed mocktail.

5. Alcohol-Free & Low ABV

Each can is non-alcoholic and contains less than 0.5% ABV, so you get all the benefits of a social drink without any of the regret, dehydration, or hangover. Its also easier on your liver and a great fit for wellness-conscious lifestyles.

6. Stylish and Stackable

Brez comes in sleek cans and multiple dosage options, making it easy to bring to a party or unwind solo. It is subtle enough for first-time users and customizable for seasoned microdosers.

7. Legally Compliant

The THC in Brez is derived from hemp and complies with the 2018 Farm Bill (less than 0.3% THC by weight), making it legal to ship across the U.S. It is also third-party tested for purity and safety.

How Does Brez Work?

Brez is designed to deliver a gentle, balanced buzz through a combination of microdosed hemp-derived THC, CBD, and functional mushrooms. At the heart of its formula is a low dose of Delta-9 THCavailable in 2.5mg, 5mg, or 10mgpaired with 5mg of CBD. This pairing allows users to feel the mood-lifting benefits of cannabis while keeping the experience calm and manageable. The CBD helps mellow out the high, reducing the chances of anxiety or mental fog, which are common with higher doses of THC.

What makes Brez especially effective is its fast-acting absorption. Unlike traditional edibles or drinks that can take up to an hour to kick in, Brez uses a proprietary micronization process. This technology breaks the active ingredients into smaller particles, making them easier and quicker for the body to absorb. Most users report feeling the effects within 5 to 10 minutes of sippingoffering more predictability and control over the experience.

In addition to THC and CBD, Brez contains 25mg of Lions Mane mushroom extract. This adaptogenic ingredient is known for its cognitive benefits, helping to promote mental clarity and focus. It balances out the relaxing effects of the cannabinoids, so you feel calm but still sharp and present.

The drink is also infused with natural terpenes like limonene, which not only add a refreshing citrus flavor but also contribute to the overall uplifting, stress-relieving vibe. All these components work together to create an experience that is clear-headed, calming, and socially engagingwithout the downsides of alcohol or heavy cannabis products.

What Does Brez Feel Like?  Does Brez Give You A Buzz?

Brez is all about delivering a balanced, feel-good experience without going overboard. Most users describe the sensation as a light, mellow buzz that brings a sense of calm, happiness, and mental clarity. Its not a full-on high like youd get from traditional cannabis edibles or smokingthis is something much more refined and social.

The first thing many people notice is a gentle lift in mood within just a few minutes of sipping. Thanks to Brezs fast-absorbing formula, the effects usually begin to kick in after 5 to 10 minutes. This initial wave is often described as energizing and euphoric, followed by a calming sense of ease. Its the kind of feeling that makes conversations more enjoyable, food taste better, and laughter come easier.

One of the most appreciated aspects of Brez drink is that it does not dull your mind. The inclusion of Lions Mane mushroom helps support cognitive clarity, so you stay sharp even as your body and mood begin to relax. Many users say they feel more present and grounded, not foggy or disorientedmaking it ideal for both social events and solo moments of unwinding.

Because it is microdosed, you are in control of how far you want to go. One can might be perfect for a light evening vibe, while two or three could create a deeper level of relaxation. The experience is stackable, smooth, and free from common cannabis side effects like anxiety or paranoia. And perhaps best of allthere is no groggy hangover the next morning.

DONT MISS OUT: Brez Is Available At A Special Price  Click Here To Order From The Official Website

Is Brez Legal and Safe?

YesBrez is both legal and safe to consume. The THC used in Brez is hemp-derived and falls within the federal legal limit set by the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows for Delta-9 THC products as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. That means Brez is legal to ship and enjoy in most states across the continental U.S.

Safety is also a top priority in Brezs formulation. All products are third-party tested in GMP-certified facilities, ensuring that what you are drinking is both pure and consistent in quality. Every batch is tested for potency, contaminants, and overall safety, and Brez makes lab reports available through a link on their official website for added transparency.

The ingredients themselves are carefully chosen for their natural benefits and compatibility with the body. Brez uses full-spectrum hemp extract, which includes THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids, paired with Lions Mane mushroom, a well-known adaptogen that supports brain function and balance. There are no artificial additives, and the drink is non-alcoholic, low in sugar, and crafted to suit a wellness-conscious lifestyle.

If you are new to THC, the microdosed approach Brez takes is particularly reassuring. It allows users to ease into the experience with small amountsoften starting with just one canbefore deciding whether to sip more. This level of control, along with Brezs clean formulation and legal compliance, makes it a safe and approachable choice for both beginners and experienced users alike.





Who Should Try Brez Drink?

(Brez Reviews)

Brez is made for anyone looking to unwind, feel good, and be presentwithout turning to alcohol or dealing with the unpredictability of traditional cannabis products. Its a great fit for people who want a smooth, social buzz without the mental fog or physical crash.

If you are someone who enjoys having a drink at the end of the day but dreads the hangover or sluggish morning after, Brez is a refreshing alternative. It gives you that relaxed, elevated feeling without the dehydration, poor sleep, or next-day regrets that often come with alcohol.

It is also a solid option for wellness-minded individuals who want something functional. Thanks to ingredients like Lions Mane, Brez offers more than just a vibeit supports focus and clarity too. This makes it a smart choice for people who want to stay sharp while still relaxing their mind and body.

Even if you have been cautious about THC in the past, Brezs microdosed approach makes it approachable. It is gentle enough for first-timers

How Is Brez Different From Other THC Drinks?

(Brez Drink Reviews)

While THC drinks are growing in popularity, not all are created equaland Brez has carved out a distinct lane for itself by focusing on balance, clarity, and functionality.

Microdosed THC for a smoother ride:

Many THC beverages contain higher dosesoften 10mg or morewhich can be too much for beginners or those with lower tolerance. Brez offers 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg options, giving users more control over the intensity of their experience.

Fast-acting formulation:

Thanks to its unique micronization process, Brez is absorbed quickly and starts working in just 5 to 10 minutes. This is a huge win over other cannabis drinks or edibles that can leave you waiting (and guessing) for 30 minutes to an hour before anything kicks in.

Lions Mane mushroom for cognitive support:

Unlike most THC drinks, Brez includes 25mg of Lions Mane extract. This functional mushroom supports memory, focus, and moodhelping users feel calm and clear instead of spaced out or sleepy.

Superior taste and drinkability:

Brez is known for its light, crisp flavor with subtle notes of citrus and elderflower. Many competing THC drinks are earthy, bitter, or overly sweetmaking Brez a much more enjoyable sip, especially when chilled or mixed.

No hangover. No regret.

Its completely non-alcoholic and contains less than 0.5% ABV. That means you can enjoy it at night and wake up feeling normalno dehydration, no sluggishness, and no post-party fog.

Third-party tested and fully legal:

While some THC drinks exist in a legal gray area, Brez is made from federally compliant hemp (under 0.3% Delta-9 THC by weight) and is lab-tested for safety, potency, and purity.

In short, Brez is designed for modern drinkersthose who want to feel better, live sharper, and unwind smarter.

How to Use Brez Drink

(Brez Reviews)

One of the best things about Brez is how easy it is to enjoy. But like any product that contains THC, how you use it can shape the experience.

Start low and slow.

If its your first time trying Brez, begin with one canideally the 2.5mg or 5mg variant. This gives you a chance to see how your body reacts without overdoing it. Because its microdosed, youre far less likely to feel overwhelmed, but starting slow is always the best approach.

Wait before stacking.

Brez kicks in fastusually within 5 to 10 minutesbut give it about 15 to 20 minutes before deciding to sip more. Everyone processes THC a little differently, and the rapid onset makes it easier to monitor and adjust.

Make it your own.

While its great straight from the can, many users enjoy pouring Brez over ice or mixing it into mocktails. Try adding muddled berries, soda water, or herbs like mint or basil for a custom cannabis cocktail thats functional and refreshing.

Perfect for different occasions.

Use it to wind down after work, relax with friends, enhance your creativity, or just enjoy a solo chill session. The experience is smooth, stackable, and easy to fit into different lifestyles.

In short, Brez works best when you ease into it and let it fit naturally into your mood, moment, or environment.

DONT MISS OUT: Brez Is Available At A Special Price  Click Here To Order From The Official Website

Brez Product Options

Brez offers a variety of options to suit your vibe, tolerance, and desired experience. Whether youre new to microdosing or looking for a stronger kick, theres something for everyone.

1. OG Micro

THC: 2.5mg

CBD: 5mg

Lions Mane: 25mg extract (from 1600mg fruiting bodies)

Flavor: Italian lemon + elderflower

Best for: First-timers, daytime sipping, light social settings





2. OG 5mg

THC: 5mg

Slightly stronger than the Micro, still mellow

Best for: Relaxing evenings or deeper calm without couch-lock





3. OG 10mg

THC: 10mg

Strongest option

Best for: More experienced users or deeper relaxation at home





4. Flow & Spirit

Themed blends with varying effects (e.g., uplifting vs. grounding)

Tailored flavor and cannabinoid profiles

Great for: Specific moods or curated experiences





5. Duo, Trio & Bundles

Mixed packs for variety or sharing

Perfect if youre trying Brez for the first time and want to sample a few styles

Also great for gifting



Quantity Options

 Available in packs of 6, 12, 18, 24, or 48 cans

Subscription Option

 Save 20% when you subscribe

 Delivered monthly

 You can pause, skip, or cancel anytime

Why Is Brez Trending in the United States?

Brez didnt just appear out of nowhereit is part of a bigger shift happening in how people think about drinking, wellness, and cannabis. More consumers today are looking for options that help them relax or socialize without the negatives of alcohol, and Brez fills that gap perfectly.

The rise of the sober-curious movement has made alcohol-free options cool, not clinical. Instead of sacrificing fun, people want alternatives that make them feel good, keep them clear-headed, and support their well-being. That is where Brez hits the mark.

It also fits right into the booming market of functional beverages. Consumers are gravitating toward drinks that do more than just taste goodthey want added benefits like focus, calm, and mood support. Brez checks all those boxes with its blend of microdosed THC, calming CBD, and nootropic Lions Mane mushroom.

And unlike traditional THC products, Brez is legal, accessible, and gentle enough for beginners. It does not require a medical card or a trip to the dispensaryit is available online and ships to most places in the U.S.

In a culture that is shifting toward mindful living, better choices, and less excess, Brez feels like a timely solutionand thats why it is quickly catching fire.

Brez Reviews Consumer Reports and Complaints USA

With over 7,000 verified reviews and an impressive 4.9-star rating, Brez is quickly becoming a go-to drink for those seeking a relaxed, social vibe without alcohol or heavy cannabis effects. Most users rave about its smooth taste, fast-acting buzz, and the fact that it leaves them feeling good without a hangover or fog.

What Customers across United States, Canada, Australia, and UK Are Saying:

As one that does not dabble with THC/CBD often, I was unsure how the Brez OG Micro would make me feel, but was pleasantly surprised by the subtle buzz provided. It does not get me too heady, but provides just the right amount of social lubrication. Mara C.

I tried it for the first time last night. I liked the taste and I think it made me feel more relaxed. Michele B.

I find sipping a Brez micro very calming and a wonderful replacement for alcohol. Beverly J.

Did exactly what it advertised as doing! Taste is greatrefreshing and crisp. Felt relaxed and good without the alcohol side effects! Michelle S.

I like it! Its a bit tart for me. I add 2 tsp. of simple syrup. A wonderful way to relax in the evening without the swimming head feeling I tend to get from beer. Ill probably try the next size up next time. Beth DeWolf D

These reviews reflect a consistent theme: Brez offers a controlled, enjoyable way to unwindflavorful, effective, and without the usual consequences of alcohol or traditional cannabis.

MUST SEE: CLICK HERE NOW TO GET BREZ DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE

Pros of Brez (Brez Drink Review)

There is a reason Brez is rated 4.9 stars with thousands of glowing reviews. Here are some of the standout benefits users consistently mention:

Fast-acting effects : Kicks in within 510 minutes, thanks to micronized extracts.

: Kicks in within 510 minutes, thanks to micronized extracts. No hangover or grogginess : Wake up clear-headed and refreshedno regrets the next day.

: Wake up clear-headed and refreshedno regrets the next day. Balanced and controllable experience : Microdosed THC lets you ease into the buzz and customize your level.

: Microdosed THC lets you ease into the buzz and customize your level. Contains Lions Mane for mental clarity : Supports focus and cognitive function while you relax.

: Supports focus and cognitive function while you relax. Great taste: Refreshing flavors like lemon and elderflower, with a slightly sweet citrus profile.

Refreshing flavors like lemon and elderflower, with a slightly sweet citrus profile. Alcohol-free and low ABV (<0.5%): Enjoy a social drink without the side effects of alcohol.

Enjoy a social drink without the side effects of alcohol. Stylish and portable : Sleek cans make it perfect for parties, chill nights, or gifting.

: Sleek cans make it perfect for parties, chill nights, or gifting. Third-party tested and legally compliant : Meets federal guidelines and lab-tested for quality and safety.

: Meets federal guidelines and lab-tested for quality and safety. Subscription savings available: 20% off with flexible monthly deliveries.





Cons of Brez (Brez Reviews)

While Brez has a lot going for it, it is not without a few potential drawbacksdepending on your preferences or situation:

Not suitable for zero-THC environments : Even though it is hemp-derived and legal, it may still show up on drug tests.

: Even though it is hemp-derived and legal, it may still show up on drug tests. Mild for experienced cannabis users : Those with a higher THC tolerance may find the effects too subtle unless they consume multiple cans.

: Those with a higher THC tolerance may find the effects too subtle unless they consume multiple cans. Slightly tart flavor for some palates : A few users noted they prefer it with added sweetener or mixed into mocktails.

: A few users noted they prefer it with added sweetener or mixed into mocktails. Limited retail availability: Currently only available for purchase online and in select locations.





Price of Brez  What is the Cost?

Brez is positioned as a premium functional beverage, and its pricing reflects the quality of ingredients and microdosed formulation.

Current Pricing (One-Time Purchase):

6 cans  $40.00

12, 18, 24, or 48 packs also available with volume discounts

Subscription Pricing:

Save 20% on each delivery

Example: 6-pack drops to $32.00

Monthly delivery (pause, skip, or cancel anytime)





While it is not the cheapest option on the market, many customers find the price justifiable for the experience it offersespecially when compared to the cost of premium wine or craft cocktails.

Brez Drink Where To Buy

At the moment, the best and only place to buy Brez is directly from the official website.

Availability:

Ships across the continental U.S.

If the Add to Cart button is active in your area, theyll deliver to you

Not available on Amazon or major retailers yet





Buying from the official website ensures:

Fresh inventory

Access to bundle deals and subscriptions

Full ingredient and lab testing transparency





CLICK HERE NOW TO BUY BREZ DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE

Frequently Asked Questions (Brez Reviews)

1. Is Brez legal?

Yes. Brez uses hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and contains less than 0.3% THC by weight, which makes it fully legal under the 2018 Farm Bill across the continental U.S.

2. Will I get high from Brez?

Not in the traditional sense. Brez is microdosed (2.5mg10mg THC per can), which delivers a light, euphoric, and calming buzzwithout overwhelming psychoactive effects.

3. Will I feel anxious or paranoid after drinking it?

Highly unlikely. Brez combines THC with CBD and Lions Mane, which helps balance the experience. Most users report feeling relaxed, clear-headed, and calmwith no anxiety.

4. How long do the effects last?

The effects typically begin within 5 to 10 minutes and can last around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your sensitivity and how much you consume.

5. Can I drink more than one can?

Yes. Brez is stackable, meaning you can start with one and gradually drink more to build your ideal experience. Just go slow and see how your body responds.

6. Can it show up on a drug test?

Yes. Since it contains real THCeven though its hemp-derivedit can trigger a positive result on a drug screening.

7. Is it safe to use Brez?

Yes. Brez is third-party tested, made in GMP-certified facilities, and uses natural, non-GMO ingredients. Lab results are available on their website for transparency.

8. Where can I buy Brez?

Brez is currently available for purchase through the official website and ships across the continental U.S. Its not sold in mainstream retail stores or on Amazon.

Conclusion on Brez Reviews

If you are looking for a refreshing way to unwind that does not involve alcohol or overwhelming THC, Brez is absolutely worth a try. With its clean, microdosed formula, quick onset, and calming yet clear-headed effects, it hits a sweet spot that few other drinks manage to achieve. Whether youre relaxing solo, hanging out with friends, or looking to stay present while easing stress, Brez offers a gentle, functional buzz that feels goodand fades clean.

The thousands of glowing reviews arent just hype. People genuinely love how Brez makes them feel: relaxed, happy, and in control. And with natural ingredients like hemp-derived cannabinoids, Lions Mane, and citrusy terpenes, its a smarter, wellness-conscious alternative to alcohol or high-dose edibles.

So if youve been curious about trying something newsomething that supports your vibe without the side effectsBrez might just be the social tonic you didnt know you needed.

DONT MISS OUT: Brez Is Available At A Special Price  Click Here To Order From The Official Website

Disclaimers:

Brez drink provides the information on this Website for informational purposes only. We make every effort to ensure that all information presented is accurate and up to date. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information for a particular purpose, and the use of the Website is at your own risk.

Affiliate Disclaimer: brezdrink.com is an affiliate website. The content provider promote and sell the BREZ Drink through their Website and receive commissions for sales made through our links. However, we only endorse products we believe are of high quality and value.

No Professional Advice: The content above does not constitute professional, medical, or expert advice. All products and services are provided on an as-is basis, and you should perform your own research or consult a professional before making any purchasing decisions.

Contact: withlove@drinkbrez.com

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Washington DC, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) today announced the winner of the Carl Liggio Memorial Paper Competition. The selected paper offers a timely and insightful analysis of how corporate and governing boards can equip themselves to address emerging challenges  such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical risk by balancing internal expertise with external advisory support.

The paper, titled Governance Gambits and Business Judgment in In/Out-Sourcing Tactics, was authored by Maria Lucia Passador, an Assistant Professor of corporate law at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, who specializes in corporate governance. The paper will also be published in the American Business Law Journal.

ACC congratulates Professor Passador as the winner of the 2025 Carl Liggio Memorial Paper Competition, said Veta T. Richardson, ACC president & CEO. Professor Passador provides in-house counsel with an insightful and invaluable resource as they engage in the formation and governance of corporate boards. We hope this recognition encourages more much-needed scholarly analysis of the many ways todays general counsel help ensure their organizations uphold strong corporate governance.

The role of in-house counsel  and particularly general counsel  has evolved into a complex balancing act, requiring both legal acumen and strategic oversight, Richardson said. By leveraging the enduring expertise of internal directors and strategically integrating the nimble insights of external consultants, in-house counsel can help mitigate legal exposure and enhance overall accountability within their organizations.

The competition, named in honor of Carl Liggio who was a co-founder of ACC and served as its second board chair, offers a $20,000 prize to encourage academic research of how management reporting structures impact the well-being of organizations, particularly management structures involving the role of the chief legal officer.

Professor Passador will present the winning paper at the 2025 ACC Chief Legal Officer Global Summit, taking place May 21  23, 2025, in Barcelona, Spain. The CLO Summit features roundtables, interactive plenaries, and ample networking opportunities. The summit is open exclusively to the highest-ranking legal officer of an organization.

Over the years, we have witnessed firsthand how the dynamics of corporate boards have shifted, particularly with the rising demand for directors who bring specific expertise, such as finance, risk management, or technology, to the table, Professor Passador said. However, this integration of specialized knowledge also highlighted the delicate balance between internal and external perspectives. These evolving dynamics are what prompted me to explore this critical issue further.

The Liggio Call for Papers offered an ideal platform to raise awareness on this matter and to present my research: by submitting my work, I aimed to contribute to the growing knowledge on this subject, particularly as it pertains to how corporate governance can be reimagined in an era where boards must increasingly rely on specialized expertise, both internal and external, to navigate the complexities of modern business, she explained.

Please contact Amy Hawkes Repke at a.hrepke@acc.com if interested in the full study.

Media Contact:

Amy Hawkes Repke, ACC Vice President and Chief Content Officer

a.hrepke@acc.com | 1-202-696-1555

###

About ACC: The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the premier global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other organizations through information, education, networking, and advocacy. For more than 40 years, ACC has set the standard for in-house counsel and raised awareness regarding the value of the chief legal officer in the C-suite and boardroom. With more than 47,000 members employed by over 10,000 organizations and spanning 100+ nations, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel remains the foundation for ACCs market leadership. For more information, visit www.acc.com and follow ACC on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Golden Sky Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: AUEN) (Golden Sky or the Company) is pleased to announce that Mr. Rob McEwen, a legendary figure in Canadian mining and the founder and former Chairman of Goldcorp Inc., has agreed to make a strategic investment in the Company through a convertible debenture.

Mr. McEwen will invest $220,000 CAD in the form of a six-month convertible debenture bearing 9% interest, convertible into 2,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.11 per share. If fully converted, Mr. McEwen would hold approximately 9.2% of Golden Skys outstanding shares on a post-conversion basis.

We are honoured to welcome Rob McEwen as an investor in Golden Sky, said John Newell, President & CEO. His track record of building long-term value and supporting visionary resource companies speaks for itself. Robs participation is a real milestone for us and a meaningful endorsement of our disciplined approach to exploration and corporate growth.

The proceeds from Mr. McEwens investment will be used to advance ongoing work at Golden Skys Rayfield Project in British Columbia, including:

A deep-IP geophysical survey with modern 3D inversion modeling

Finalizing the second drill permit

Advancing technical reporting and geological interpretation

Rayfield is located within the Quesnel Trough, a prolific copper-gold district, and benefits from infrastructure access and a strong regional address.





About Rob McEwen

Rob McEwen is the Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Mining Inc. (TSX: MUX; NYSE: MUX), and the founder and former Chairman and CEO of Goldcorp Inc., which was acquired by Newmont Corporation in 2019 for US$10 billion. He is a recipient of the Order of Canada, a Canadian Mining Hall of Fame inductee, and is widely recognized for pioneering shareholder-first policies and value-driven exploration. He led the development of Goldcorps Red Lake Mine, one of the highest-grade gold mines in the world.

About Golden Sky Minerals Corp.

Golden Sky Minerals (TSX-V: AUEN) is a Canadian mineral exploration company advancing high-potential copper and gold projects across British Columbia, Yukon, and Ontario. Its flagship Rayfield Project is located in a rapidly emerging porphyry copper-gold district and offers discovery-scale upside, excellent infrastructure, and proximity to several of Canadas top mining companies.

For more information, please visit: www.goldenskyminerals.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

John Newell

President & CEO

Golden Sky Minerals Corp.

info@goldenskyminerals.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 Statements

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, Forward-Looking Information) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as anticipates, expects, understanding, has agreed to or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results would, occur or be achieved. Although Golden Sky has attempted to identify important factors and risks that could affect Golden Sky and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Information, there may be other factors and risks that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, without limitation: inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting drill results and other exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Golden Skys expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title and permitting matters; labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on its projects; that Golden Sky may not be able to confirm historical exploration results and other risks set forth in Golden Sky's public filings at www.sedarplus.ca. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, Golden Sky has applied several material assumptions, including the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information 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 Information. Except as required by law, Golden Sky does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d3347d9-97e0-43a1-b365-7196317d072a
New York City, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

In This Article, You'll Discover:

Why digital pickpocketing is a growing threat in today's contactless world  and how RFID skimming works without physical contact

How the SafeCard RFID protection wallet technology is designed to block unauthorized scanning attempts from thieves and rogue RFID readers

The core features that set SafeCard apart from other RFID-blocking cards, including its slim design, military-grade signal interference, and zero-maintenance protection

Real-world customer experiences and SafeCard reviews from frequent travelers, parents, commuters, and digital security-conscious individuals

How SafeCard compares to other RFID security solutions such as wallets and sleeves  with a breakdown of pros, cons, and key differentiators

Pricing details, bundle offers, and where to buy SafeCard safely to avoid counterfeit products or outdated models

Who should consider using an RFID protection card  and why it may be a wise, one-time investment for protecting your digital identity

TL;DR: SafeCard Reviews Summary  What You Need to Know

In a world increasingly reliant on tap-to-pay and contactless identification, RFID skimming has emerged as a silent digital threat. The SafeCard RFID-blocking card is designed to discreetly protect your wallet from unauthorized scanning attempts without changing your daily routine or adding bulk. Backed by positive SafeCard reviews from users worldwide, this slim and durable device offers military-grade protection, requires no batteries, and fits seamlessly into any wallet or purse. Whether you're commuting, traveling, or simply want peace of mind against digital pickpocketing, SafeCard provides a reliable and low-maintenance solution to modern wallet security.

Available exclusively at SafeCardProtector.com, this RFID protection card is quickly becoming a top choice among consumers seeking smart and stylish RFID wallet protection in 2025.

Introduction

Setting the Scene: Why This Report Matters

In today's hyper-connected world, our wallets are no longer filled with just cash and receipts. They're packed with contactless credit cards, digital IDs, access badges, and other smart cards that use RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology. This shift toward convenience has introduced new security risks that many people are unaware of  including the silent but very real threat of RFID skimming.

As these risks grow, so does consumer demand for reliable, discreet protection. Enter SafeCard: a compact RFID-blocking card designed to slip effortlessly into any wallet while shielding your data from electronic pickpockets. But before you buy, it's crucial to dig deeper  and this in-depth consumer report does just that.

This article exposes the truth behind SafeCard reviews and unpacks every detail  from how it works and why it's different to pricing, real user stories, and potential drawbacks. If you're considering purchasing SafeCard, this guide will help you make an informed decision by addressing all the critical angles.

Disclaimer: While RFID-blocking cards like SafeCard are designed to help reduce the risk of digital theft, they do not offer 100% guaranteed protection. Users should combine this tool with broader privacy practices.

What to Expect from This Review

We're not here to simply promote SafeCard. We're here to analyze it. You'll learn:

Why digital pickpocketing is a growing concern

How RFID protection cards work  and what sets SafeCard apart

The specific pain points SafeCard is built to solve

Transparent pricing, shipping, and warranty information

A balanced breakdown of customer reviews and satisfaction levels

Let's begin with understanding the root of the issue: why RFID protection has become so vital in the first place.

Why RFID Protection Is Essential in Today's Digital Landscape

The Invisible Risk in Your Wallet

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is embedded in millions of contactless cards around the world. It's what allows you to tap your credit card at the register, breeze through toll booths, or access a building with just a badge swipe. Convenient? Absolutely. But also increasingly vulnerable.

With just a handheld RFID reader  many of which are available online  tech-savvy thieves can skim data without ever touching your wallet. This can happen in public transportation hubs, coffee shops, airports, or even in line at the grocery store.

This method of theft is often called "digital pickpocketing," and it's as subtle as it is dangerous. Victims usually don't realize they've been compromised until it's too late.

Disclaimer: RFID skimming is one of many potential digital threats. While protection products like SafeCard aim to reduce the risk, no single tool can offer foolproof security. Consumers should remain vigilant and combine multiple layers of protection.

How RFID Works  And Why It Needs Blocking

RFID works by emitting a signal from a card's chip when it comes into contact with a compatible reader. In retail settings, this happens with your knowledge  at a payment terminal. However, the same principle applies when an unauthorized reader is used.

The chip inside your card contains sensitive data such as:

Full name

Card number

Expiry date

In some cases, transaction history or access credentials

If this information is intercepted without encryption or signal shielding, your identity or finances could be at serious risk.

This is where RFID blockers like SafeCard come in. These devices create a protective field that disrupts scanning attempts, preventing unauthorized access to your data. But not all blockers are created equal  and we'll soon explore how SafeCard is designed to outperform others in the category.

Real-World Incidents and Growing Statistics

Consumer protection agencies and cybersecurity researchers have reported a surge in RFID-related vulnerabilities:

A 2023 survey from a global cybersecurity watchdog found that 1 in 8 people had experienced an attempt at contactless data theft.

had experienced an attempt at contactless data theft. The FTC noted an uptick in complaints related to digital wallet interference and suspicious transactions following international travel.

Several airport security advisories in Europe now openly recommend travelers use RFID-blocking sleeves or cards.

These aren't isolated warnings  they're an indication of a shifting digital security landscape.

The Financial and Emotional Cost of RFID Theft

Even a single incident of RFID skimming can lead to:

Unauthorized purchases

Frozen accounts

Identity monitoring costs

The stress and time required to reverse fraudulent charges

While banks typically reimburse losses from fraud, the inconvenience can last for weeks  especially when multiple accounts are affected. For many, it's not just the money but the loss of peace of mind that lingers.

That's why preventative solutions are growing in popularity  particularly those that don't require significant lifestyle changes, like SafeCard.

Dont wait until your identity is compromisedbuy SafeCard now and get instant, long-lasting RFID protection with zero maintenance or tech setup.

SafeCard Product Overview: What It Is and How It Works

What Exactly Is SafeCard?

SafeCard is a compact, credit-card-sized device designed to block RFID signals and prevent unauthorized access to your personal information. Unlike traditional bulky RFID-blocking wallets or disposable sleeves, SafeCard slips seamlessly into any wallet or cardholder and provides active, long-lasting protection.

It looks like an ordinary card  but inside is a powerful microchip and antenna system that interferes with RFID signals in a protective radius around your wallet.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's take a closer look at what sets SafeCard apart from other RFID blockers:

Military-Grade RFID Blocking Technology

SafeCard uses advanced signal jamming technology that scrambles the signal from any RFID reader trying to scan your nearby cards. The device actively protects a 5 cm radius  enough to shield both sides of your wallet without having to sandwich each card.

Ultra-Thin and Lightweight

Measuring just 1.1mm thick, SafeCard is as slim as a standard credit card. It fits effortlessly into any wallet, purse, or money clip without creating bulk.

Battery-Free, Always-On Protection

One of SafeCard's most important features is its passive designit doesn't rely on batteries or recharging. That means no downtime, maintenance, or hassle. Once it's in your wallet, it starts working immediately and keeps working for years.

Waterproof, Durable, and Tear-Resistant

Built to last over 3 years, SafeCard is constructed with industrial-grade materials that withstand water, wear, and even bending. This durability makes it ideal for travelers, daily commuters, and anyone who wants set-it-and-forget-it protection.

Disclaimer: While SafeCard offers a strong barrier against unauthorized RFID scans, no device can guarantee total immunity to digital data threats. Use SafeCard alongside other identity protection practices for best results.

What's Inside the Card?

The internal design of SafeCard includes:

A blocking microchip that disrupts nearby scanning attempts

that disrupts nearby scanning attempts A small circuit and antenna loop that creates a jamming field

that creates a jamming field Multi-layer shielding built into a PVC housing for long-lasting protection

Significantly, SafeCard doesn't interfere with your phone, GPS, or Bluetooth devices, nor does it affect contactless cards while they're in use  the blocker only activates against nearby scanning attempts not initiated by the user.

Who Is It Designed For?

SafeCard is built for:

Travelers  to protect passports, cards, and travel documents from RFID skimming in airports or tourist-heavy areas

 to protect passports, cards, and travel documents from RFID skimming in airports or tourist-heavy areas Daily commuters  who carry tap-and-go credit cards and transit passes

 who carry tap-and-go credit cards and transit passes Parents  who want to secure their family's wallets and digital IDs

 who want to secure their family's wallets and digital IDs Anyone who values peace of mind  and wants protection that doesn't require tech expertise or a complicated setup

Digital theft can happen without warningorder SafeCard today and secure your cards from skimmers in public, at airports, and during daily commutes.

Addressing Consumer Pain Points with SafeCard

Why Consumers Are Worried About Contactless Technology

Contactless technology is supposed to make life easier. But for many, it has introduced a silent anxiety. The ability to tap and go has opened the door for contactless theft, where scammers exploit RFID chips in credit cards, IDs, and passports without ever making physical contact.

This fear isnt unfounded  its grounded in real-world cases of unauthorized transactions, security breaches, and identity theft linked to RFID scanning devices. Consumers want protection, but not at the cost of convenience or bulk.

Pain Point 1: Im Afraid My Cards Can Be Scanned Without My Consent

This is the #1 fear reported by people who have heard about RFID theft  and its a valid one. Public places like subway stations, cafes, and airports are hotspots for scanning activity. You dont have to be rich to be a target. All someone needs is a $30 scanner and proximity to your wallet.

How SafeCard Helps

SafeCard immediately creates an active protection zone within 5 cm of your cards. It jams scanning attempts in real time, preventing data from being transmitted to nearby readers.

Disclaimer: While SafeCard offers strong RFID signal interference, no product can fully prevent all digital breaches. Always monitor your accounts and use multi-layered identity protection strategies.

Pain Point 2: I Dont Want a Bulky RFID Wallet

Many RFID-blocking wallets and passport sleeves are bulky, outdated, and limit style choices. Minimalist consumers and people who already own high-end leather wallets dont want to give those up for the sake of digital safety.

How SafeCard Helps

SafeCards slim, 1.1mm profile means it works with any wallet  leather, carbon fiber, or minimalist cardholders. You dont need to change your setup. Just slide the card in and go.

Pain Point 3: I Didnt Know My Cards Could Be Hacked Like This

Many consumers are unaware of how easy it is to skim data. Banks rarely educate customers on RFID risks, and scammers count on this lack of awareness.

How SafeCard Helps

By purchasing SafeCard, consumers are taking a proactive, low-maintenance step toward digital protection. The card doesnt require charging, syncing, or pairing  its always on, always ready.

Pain Point 4: What If I Lose It or It Stops Working?

Another concern is reliability. Will the product last? Will it actually work when needed?

How SafeCard Helps

SafeCard is built to last over3 years, using tear-proof, waterproof materials. Its been tested against daily wear-and-tear and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee if not satisfied.

Pain Point 5: I Travel Internationally  I Need My Info Secure

RFID theft is especially common abroad, where some cities are known for electronic pickpocketing and aggressive card fraud.

How SafeCard Helps

SafeCards military-grade RFID protection is trusted by frequent travelers who want a compact, portable defense system that travels as easily as they do.

Your contactless cards are exposed every dayprotect them with SafeCards proven RFID-blocking tech. Order now and enjoy peace of mind wherever you go.

How SafeCard Compares to Other RFID Protection Products

Why Compare? Consumers Want Proof, Not Promises

In a market flooded with RFID-blocking wallets, sleeves, and cards, consumers are right to be skeptical. Many products promise protection but fail to deliver when tested. Others require lifestyle compromises  such as switching wallets or giving up convenience.

This section compares SafeCard with the most common types of RFID protection on the market today so readers can see its value.

RFID-Blocking Wallets

Pros:

Built-in protection

Full card coverage

Cons:

Often bulky or heavy

Limited style options

Requires switching wallets

SafeCard Advantage:

Works with any wallet

No need to compromise on aesthetics or comfort

Slim, 1.1mm profile  fits seamlessly in minimalist wallets and cardholders

RFID-Blocking Sleeves

Pros:

Inexpensive

Lightweight

Cons:

Each card must be placed on its sleeve

Prone to wear and tear

Inconvenient for fast access

SafeCard Advantage:

One card protects all nearby cards within 5 cm

No need to isolate or slide cards in and out

Waterproof and tear-resistant  lasts for 3+ years

Competing RFID-Blocking Cards

Several cards on the market claim to block RFID signals. However, lab tests and customer reviews show varying results in terms of signal interference strength, reliability, and longevity.

Common Shortcomings:

Limited effective range

Require two cards for full wallet coverage

Some rely on batteries or chargeable components

SafeCard Advantage:

Tested to block RFID signals in a 5 cm radius

Only one card is needed to protect your entire wallet

to protect your entire wallet 100% battery-free  always on, no maintenance required

Trusted by over 70,000 customers worldwide

Also Read: SafeCard RFID Blocking Card: Best Option on the Market to Review

The Bottom Line: Why SafeCard Comes Out on Top

SafeCard combines the coverage of a wallet, the ease of use of a card, and the durability that sleeves lack  all in a single, travel-friendly design. It's a one-time purchase that adds strong, passive RFID protection to your everyday carry without asking you to change how you carry your cards.

Disclaimer: Competitive comparisons are based on publicly available product specs and verified reviews as of 2025. Performance may vary depending on usage and environment.

Upgrade your wallets security in secondsget SafeCard today and block unauthorized RFID scans without switching wallets or using bulky sleeves.

What Real Users Are Saying: SafeCard Testimonials & Case Studies

Why Testimonials Matter

In a world of paid promotions and overhyped ads, honest customer feedback cuts through the noise. When readers see other people like them using and benefiting from a product, it builds authenticity. In this section, we share real-world user stories and highlight different situations where SafeCard made a difference  at home, during travel, and in everyday routines.

Note: The following testimonials are paraphrased for clarity from verified SafeCard customers featured on the official website and across online platforms. Individual results may vary.

Sarah T.  Avoided Fraud at the Airport

"I travel constantly for work, and I'm always in crowded airports. I read that criminals use scanners in security lines, so I bought SafeCard before a trip to London. One day, I felt a guy brush close to my bag  I thought nothing of it. Later, I got a notification from my bank: 'Attempted transaction declined.' The rep said it looked like a contactless skim attempt. I'm convinced SafeCard blocked it."

Takeaway: Airports are hotspots for RFID theft  SafeCard provides passive, all-day protection in high-traffic areas.

Michael H.  Secure During European Travel

"My bank account was drained during a previous trip to Rome. Ever since, I've been paranoid. This time, I packed the SafeCard and placed it between my debit and passport cards. I walked all over cities, rode buses, and never had a single issue. No weird charges, no flags. It gave me peace of mind."

Takeaway: International travelers are especially vulnerable  SafeCard is a compact security upgrade for any wallet.

Emma R.  No More Bulky Wallets

"I hated my old RFID wallet. It was ugly, heavy, and didn't match my style. I was skeptical at first, but SafeCard turned out to be exactly what I needed. It fits perfectly in my slim leather wallet and gives me protection without changing how I carry my cards."

Takeaway: SafeCard's slim profile appeals to minimalists and those who don't want to compromise on wallet design.

James K.  Bought One for the Whole Family

"My wife got skimmed at a gas station last year  it was a nightmare. I bought five SafeCards and gave one to each of my kids and parents. Everyone keeps theirs in their wallets now. No tech setup is needed, andno batteries. You just put it in and forget about it."

Takeaway: Families can protect multiple members with multi-pack bundles. It's a scalable, set-it-and-forget-it solution.

What Customers Say About Durability

Multiple reviews note that SafeCard holds up after months of daily use:

"Still works after being soaked in the rain."

"Doesn't bend or peel even after months in my back pocket."

"I tested it with a reader  it definitely blocks the signal."

Disclaimer: While many users report successful blocking and durability, results may vary depending on the environment and the strength of the RFID reader.

How to Buy SafeCard: Pricing, Offers, and Guarantee

Where to Buy SafeCard

The only official and secure place to purchase SafeCard is via the SafeCardProtector.com website. Buying directly from the manufacturer ensures:

Access to verified offers and discounts

Eligibility for the 30-day money-back guarantee

Authentic SafeCard technology with full coverage

Important: SafeCard is not sold in retail stores or on third-party marketplaces. Buying from unauthorized sources may result in receiving counterfeit or outdated products.

Current Pricing & Bundle Deals

As of now, SafeCard offers limited-time discounts through its official site:

Single Pack

1 SafeCard for $49.99

for $49.99 Ideal for individuals who want to test it out

Free shipping included (U.S. orders)

Family Pack

3 SafeCards for $99.99 (Save $49)

for $99.99 (Save $49) Great for couples or small families

Ships with full protection coverage

Best Value Bundle

5 SafeCards for $149.99 (Save $99)

for $149.99 (Save $99) Designed for families, teams, or gifting

Includes priority shipping and tracking

All prices include tax and shipping where applicable within the United States.

Disclaimer: Pricing and discounts are subject to change during promotional events. Always check the official website for real-time offers.

Shipping Information

Processing Time : 12 business days

: 12 business days U.S. Delivery Time : 37 business days

: 37 business days International Shipping: Available in select countries, with delivery timelines ranging from 715 days depending on region

Each order includes tracking information sent via email once your SafeCard ships.

Risk-Free 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

SafeCard backs every order with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not fully satisfied for any reason, you can request a full refund by:

Contacting the SafeCard customer support team Returning the product within 30 days of delivery Including your original order confirmation in the return

Note: The guarantee covers product cost. Shipping fees for returns may apply.

Why the Direct Purchase Route Matters

By ordering from the SafeCardProtector.com website:

You avoid unauthorized resellers

You get real-time order tracking

You unlock access to verified promotions

You receive a full warranty and return eligibility

Consumers looking to protect their digital wallets should make sure they're buying authentic SafeCard products with verified protection technology.

Why risk your privacy? SafeCard provides invisible RFID protection that fits any wallet. Order now and travel, shop, and live with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Is SafeCard Worth It?

The Growing Need for Everyday Digital Protection

RFID-enabled technology has made our lives more convenient  from tap-to-pay cards to contactless hotel keys. But this same convenience has created vulnerabilities that most people aren't fully aware of until it's too late. Whether it's digital pickpocketing in a crowded subway or unauthorized scanning at an airport, RFID-related threats are growing  and often go undetected until after the damage is done.

SafeCard was developed in response to this silent digital threat. It empowers users with a simple, portable, and effective tool to shield their most valuable personal information proactively.

What SafeCard Delivers

SafeCard isn't just another gimmick or gadget. It's a compact security upgrade with real-world applications. Here's what makes it stand out:

Slim profile (1.1mm) that fits seamlessly into any wallet

(1.1mm) that fits seamlessly into any wallet Military-grade RFID-blocking technology with a 5 cm protection radius

with a 5 cm protection radius No batteries , no charging, no setup  just place it in your purse and go

, no charging, no setup  just place it in your purse and go Durable , waterproof , and built to last for 3+ years

, , and built to last for 3+ years Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee

Designed for travelers, commuters, professionals, and families

Disclaimer: SafeCard is a tool for RFID protection, not a replacement for broader financial safeguards. Users should continue monitoring accounts and practicing good security hygiene.

Who Should Consider Buying SafeCard?

If you fall into any of the following categories, SafeCard could be a wise, one-time investment for your peace of mind:

You carry contactless credit or debit cards

You travel frequently or spend time in crowded public areas

You've experienced or fear identity theft

You want protection without changing wallets or habits

You're looking for a non-invasive, low-maintenance solution to digital threats

Make the Smart Move  Before It's Too Late

Data theft can happen in a blink  but protecting yourself doesn't have to be complicated. SafeCard allows you to take control of your security in a way that's effortless, stylish, and trusted by tens of thousands of users worldwide.

If you value your identity, financial data, and personal privacy, SafeCard is a clear and practical choice.

Tired of worrying about card theft? Order SafeCard now for military-grade RFID shielding that lasts over 3 years without batteries or charging.

Frequently Asked Questions (SafeCard RFID Blocking Card)

What is SafeCard, and how does it protect my cards?

SafeCard is a slim, passive RFID-blocking card that shields your wallet from unauthorized scanning attempts. It uses advanced microchip technology to create a 5 cm security radius, scrambling signals from unwanted RFID readers and preventing data theft from your contactless credit cards, debit cards, or IDs.

Disclaimer: SafeCard helps reduce risk from RFID skimming but should be used as part of a broader identity protection strategy.

Is SafeCard really better than RFID-blocking wallets or sleeves?

Yes. Unlike traditional RFID wallets or cheap blocking sleeves, SafeCard requires no card-by-card wrapping and fits into any wallet. It protects all nearby cards at once without changing your existing setup. It's also waterproof, tear-resistant, and lasts for 3+ years without batteries.

How many SafeCards do I need?

One SafeCard protects your entire wallet. Just insert it alongside your existing cards. It generates a 5 cm interference field on both sides, shielding multiple RFID-enabled cards in a single wallet compartment.

Is SafeCard compatible with all RFID-enabled cards?

Yes. SafeCard works with credit cards, debit cards, transit cards, passports, and other contactless-enabled cards that use RFID technology. It does not interfere with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or magnetic stripes.

Will it block my contactless card when I want to use it?

No  SafeCard blocks unauthorized scanning, not the legitimate use of your card. Simply move your payment card away from the SafeCard when tapping at a payment terminal to complete a transaction. It's designed for convenience and safety.

Does SafeCard contain batteries or need charging?

No. SafeCard is 100% battery-free and completely passive. It requires no power, maintenance, or pairing. It begins working the moment it's in your wallet and continues to work for years.

Can SafeCard be used for travel and airports?

Absolutely. SafeCard is ideal for travelers and is TSA-compliant. Many users report improved peace of mind when traveling through busy airports, train stations, and tourist destinations, where digital pickpocketing risks are highest.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. SafeCard is backed by a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can request a full refund within 30 days by contacting customer support at support@safecardprotector.com.

How long will SafeCard last?

SafeCard is built for long-term durability. With regular use, it will last over 3 years thanks to its waterproof, bend-resistant, and tear-proof materials. It's designed for daily use and travel.

Where is the best place to buy SafeCard?

The safest place to buy is the official SafeCard website. This ensures you're getting an authentic RFID protection card, eligible for the money-back guarantee, and discount bundles not available elsewhere.

Caution: Avoid third-party resellers. Unauthorized sellers may distribute expired or non-functioning RFID blockers.

Company : SafeCard



: SafeCard Email : support@safecardshield.com

: support@safecardshield.com Order Phone Support: 1-833-930-0707

Legal Disclaimer and Disclosures

General Information Only

The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, whether legal, financial, cybersecurity-related, or otherwise. Readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with relevant professionals before making decisions related to any product, service, or security solution mentioned herein.

No Guarantee of Results or Risk Elimination

While the SafeCard RFID-blocking card is designed to help reduce the risk of unauthorized RFID scanning, no product can guarantee complete protection against all forms of digital theft or identity fraud. Performance and effectiveness may vary based on usage conditions, environment, and scanning technology encountered. Users should continue to follow best practices in digital hygiene, account monitoring, and physical security.

Product Representation

All product descriptions, features, prices, warranty details, and promotional offers referenced in this article were accurate to the best of the authors knowledge at the time of publication. However, these details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or guarantees regarding the current accuracy of such information and encourages readers to refer to the official SafeCard website for the latest product updates and terms.

Errors and Omissions

This article may contain typographical errors, formatting discrepancies, or outdated information. While every effort is made to maintain accuracy, the publisher does not accept liability for any loss or inconvenience caused by reliance on content that may contain inaccuracies. Corrections may be made without public notice.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means the publisher may earn a commission if readers choose to make a purchase through one of these links, at no additional cost to the consumer. These commissions help support the ongoing creation of useful, research-backed consumer content. The presence of affiliate links does not influence the editorial integrity of this article.

Syndication and Distribution Disclaimer

This article may be reproduced, syndicated, or distributed in part or in full by third-party media outlets, websites, or affiliate partners. All such partners are held harmless from any claims, liabilities, or disputes arising from the content, accuracy, or opinions expressed in this publication. Responsibility for final accuracy and representation of facts remains with the original author and publisher.

Final Note

Use of any product, including RFID protection tools, is a personal decision. Readers are encouraged to weigh the benefits, read verified reviews, and assess the product based on their specific needs and risk profiles. All opinions expressed are general in nature and not intended to serve as individualized recommendations.
Santa Clara, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Santa Clara, California -

In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized numerous industries, leading to unprecedented growth in AI-related job opportunities. According to McKinsey's AI Workforce Report (2024), the proportion of AI-related roles among all job postings increased by 21% between 2018 and mid-2024. This surge underscores the critical need for professionals who are not only proficient in AI technologies but also adept at implementing ethical AI practices and bias detection methodologies. To learn more visit: https://www.interviewkickstart.com/courses/machine-learning-course

Addressing biases in AI systems has become a critical concern, as these biases can perpetuate existing inequalities and lead to unfair outcomes. This highlights the pressing need for skilled professionals who can identify and mitigate biases in AI models, ensuring fairness and transparency in AI-driven decisions. Recognizing this imperative, Interview Kickstart has meticulously designed its Flagship Machine Learning Course to equip aspiring machine learning engineers with the expertise required to excel in top-tier tech companies. For more information, please visit:

This comprehensive program offers a robust curriculum that delves deep into machine learning algorithms, data structures, and system design, with a strong emphasis on ethical AI practices and bias detection techniques.

The course begins with a focus on data structures and algorithms, spanning five weeks of live classes. Participants gain a solid foundation in essential concepts, enabling them to tackle complex problems efficiently. Following this, the program dedicates three weeks to system design, where learners explore the architecture of scalable and reliable systemsa crucial skill set for machine learning engineers in FAANG+ companies.

The curriculum begins with Programming with Python, providing a solid foundation in one of the most widely used languages in AI development. Participants then delve into the Introduction to Machine Learning module, covering data analysis and fundamental ML concepts. A unique aspect of this module is its focus on generative AI and prompt engineering, ensuring learners are adept at crafting inputs that produce unbiased and ethical AI outputs.

As the Interview Kickstart Flagship Machine Learning course progresses, participants engage with classical machine learning techniques, including tree-based models and ensemble methods. The course culminates in the LLMs and Capstone Project module, where learners undertake projects such as developing conversational AI for customer support. These projects not only solidify technical skills but also reinforce the application of ethical principles in AI development.

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Beyond technical training, Interview Kickstart offers an Interview Prep module, focusing on data structures, algorithms, system design, and mock interviews. During this phase, learners work through intensive modules on data structures and algorithms, system design, and a dedicated machine learning masterclass.

These are paired with mock interviews that simulate real hiring environments at top tech companies. The Instructors at Interview Kickstart are hiring managers from FAANG+ companies who offer personalized feedback, helping candidates sharpen their problem-solving, communication, and whiteboarding skills. The course also includes targeted sessions on interview strategy, offer negotiation, and navigating the final steps of the job hunt, giving learners a complete toolkit to confidently convert interviews into high-paying offers.

Interview Kickstart's Flagship Machine Learning Course stands out by not only imparting technical skills but also emphasizing the ethical dimensions of AI. By enrolling in this program, professionals position themselves at the forefront of the AI revolution, equipped to tackle the challenges of bias detection and ethical AI development in top-tier tech companies.

For those committed to advancing their careers while championing responsible AI practices, the Interview Kickstart Flagship Machine Learning course offers a pathway to becoming a leader in the field, ensuring that the AI systems of tomorrow are fair, transparent, and equitable. For more information, visit: https://interviewkickstart.com/machine-learning

About Interview Kickstart

Founded in 2014, Interview Kickstart is a premier upskilling platform empowering aspiring tech professionals to secure roles at FAANG and top tech companies. With a proven track record and over 20,000 successful learners, the platform stands out with its team of 700+ FAANG instructors, hiring managers, and tech leads, who deliver a comprehensive curriculum, practical insights, and targeted interview prep strategies.

https://youtu.be/wuM5-gwr8gc?si=Xuhe5UmLgnZ4eOg1

Offering live classes, 100,000+ hours of pre-recorded video lessons, and 1:1 sessions, Interview Kickstart ensures flexible, in-depth learning along with personalized guidance for resume building and LinkedIn profile optimization. The holistic support, spanning 6 to 10 months with mock interviews, ongoing mentorship, and industry-aligned projects, equips learners to excel in technical interviews and on the job.

###

For more information about Interview Kickstart, contact the company here:



Interview Kickstart

Burhanuddin Pithawala

+1 (209) 899-1463

aiml@interviewkickstart.com

4701 Patrick Henry Dr Bldg 25, Santa Clara, CA 95054, United States
SALT LAKE CITY, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Granite Credit Union will host a grand opening of its Rancho Plaza branch at 2470 S. Redwood Rd., Ste 110, West Valley City, inside the Latino Mall on Wednesday, April 30 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The celebration coincides with Dia del Nino (Day of the Child). It will feature the Latinos in Action from Kearns High School, food, games, and exciting giveawaysincluding a premium Real Salt Lake (RSL) package and Rancho Market gift cards.

The new Rancho Plaza location, opened earlier this year, marks Granite Credit Unions investment in the West Valley community. The upcoming grand opening celebration will bring families and community members together for an afternoon of fun, connection, and celebration.







A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

"We're so excited to celebrate this special location with our members and neighbors finally," said Kim Reyes, Rancho Plaza Branch Manager. "It's an honor to serve such a diverse and welcoming community. We've already felt so much support since opening, and we can't wait to connect with even more families and local businesses during this celebration."

Highlights of the event include:

A live remote broadcast with 97.9 FM throughout the event

Carnival activities hosted by Latinos in Action from Kearns High School (3:005:00 pm)

A Cash Cube Experience for guests who open an account or apply for a loan on-site

Food vouchers for authentic Mexican dishes from the on-site cafe

A Grand Prize RSL Giveaway  including four premium tickets with private table seating, a $25 team store gift card, and parking

Two additional $50 Rancho Market gift cards

This celebration is part of a larger milestone year for Granite Credit Union, which is proudly commemorating its 90th anniversary of serving Utahns. The event embodies the credit unions long-standing commitment to helping members and communities thrive through accessible financial services and meaningful local partnerships.

To learn more, please visit Granite Credit Union.

About Granite Credit Union

Founded in 1935, Granite Credit Union serves over 35,000 members and has over $800 million in assets. Committed to helping members achieve their financial goals, Granite Credit Union offers a variety of financial products and services, including competitive rates, flexible lending options, and personalized financial guidance. With a vision of "always there... so you can make life happen," the credit union strives to empower members with the tools and support they need to succeed financially. Members enjoy access to secure mobile banking services, online tools, and personalized in-branch assistance at locations across Utah. Granite Credit Union is dedicated to positively impacting the communities it serves through financial education, trusted relationships, and exceptional service. Granite Credit Union is always there... so you can make life happen. Learn more at granite.org.



Media Contact:

marketing@granite.org
VANCOUVER, April 23, 2025 - Imperial Metals Corp. ("Imperial") (TSX:III) reports copper and gold production for the first quarter 2025 from Mount Polley and Red Chris mines. Imperial's production was 15.8 million pounds copper and 17,120 ounces gold, with 8.9 million pounds copper and 10,621 ounces gold coming from Mount Polley and 6.9 million pounds copper and 6,499 ounces gold from its 30% share of Red Chris mine production. Both copper and gold production were up compared with the first quarter of 2024, with copper production up 28% and gold production up 33%.

Mount Polley metal production (100%) for the first quarter of 2025 was 8.904 million pounds copper and 10,621 ounces gold, compared to 7.355 million pounds copper and 10,009 ounces gold produced during the first quarter of 2024.

Mount Polley Mine Production Three Months Ended March 31 2025 2024 Ore milled - tonnes 1,721,769 1,671,505 Ore milled per calendar day - tonnes 19,131 18,368 Grade % - copper 0.282 0.251 Grade g/t - gold 0.275 0.282 Recovery % - copper 83.3 79.4 Recovery % - gold 69.8 66.0 Copper - million pounds 8.904 7.355 Gold - ounces 10,621 10,009



Mill throughput was up 3%, with 1,721,769 million tonnes being treated compared with 1.671 million tonnes treated in the first quarter of 2024. Copper production in the first quarter 2025 was up 21% because of increased grade, recovery and throughput compared to first quarter 2024. Gold production in the first quarter 2025 was up 6% with increased recovery and throughput offsetting lower gold grades compared to first quarter 2024.

Most of the mill feed for the first quarter of 2025 came from the material mined from near the bottom of the Phase 4 pit. Stripping for the Phase 5 pushback of the Springer pit continued with approximately 3,584,917 million tonnes of waste from this pushback mined in the first quarter of 2025. Approximately 1,806,705 tonnes of non-acid generating rock from the Phase 5 stripping was hauled to the tailing facility to buttress the tailings storage embankment.

Red Chris metal production (100%) for the first quarter of 2025 was 23.126 million pounds copper and 21,663 ounces gold, compared to 16.660 million pounds copper and 9,507 ounces gold produced during the same quarter of 2024.

Red Chris Mine Production (100%) Three Months Ended March 31 2025 2024 Ore milled - tonnes 2,049,475 2,100,354 Ore milled per calendar day - tonnes 22,522 23,081 Grade % - copper 0.62 0.43 Grade g/t - gold 0.54 0.26 Recovery % - copper 82.6 83.4 Recovery % - gold 60.5 53.6 Copper - million pounds 23.126 16.660 Gold - ounces 21,663 9,507



The 2025 first quarter Red Chris copper production was up 39% and gold production was up 128% compared to the first quarter of 2024. The increase in copper production was a result of a 44% increase in copper grade (0.62% vs 0.43%) offset by slightly lower recovery and throughput. Gold production in the first quarter of 2025 at Red Chris was up as a result of much better gold grade in the mill feed (0.54 g/t gold versus 0.26 g/t gold) and better gold recovery (60.5% versus 53.6%) compared to the same quarter last year.

Brian Kynoch, P. Eng., Imperial's President has reviewed the above disclosures contained in this news release and is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

Xat??ll Petition

Imperial also announces that Xat??ll First Nation ("Xat??ll") has recently filed a Petition in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, naming the Province of British Columbia's Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, Minister of Environment and Parks, Deputy Chief Permitting Officer, Major Mines Offices, and Imperial's wholly-owned subsidiary, Mount Polley Mining Corporation ("MPMC").

Xat??ll is seeking a judicial review of two provincial decisions that authorize MPMC to increase the height of the dam at the Tailings Storage Facility. Xat??ll alleges that the provincial decision-makers approved this work using a process that did not include what it considers to be a legally required environmental assessment, and that the decisions were made in breach of alleged duties owed to Xat??ll as an Indigenous people. Xat??ll is seeking the decisions be declared without effect, or alternatively, be re-considered by the provincial decision-makers. The decisions were made after a lengthy and transparent process that included Xat??ll, and using a process that has been consistently used with respect to decisions regarding the Mount Polley Mine.

Both Imperial and MPMC remain committed to building and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous communities. Throughout the permitting process, they have actively engaged with Xat??ll and the Williams Lake First Nation, including providing funding for independent reviews and implementing recommendations to enhance operations. The Williams Lake First Nation and MPMC have maintained a positive working relationship for over a decade, formalized through a Participation Agreement which was renewed in 2022, and the Williams Lake First Nation are supportive of the provincial decisions and Mount Polley's current permitting applications under review. Imperial and MPMC will continue to prioritize meaningful engagement and work alongside Indigenous communities to support sustainable and responsible development.

---

About Imperial

Imperial is a Vancouver based exploration, mine development and operating company with holdings that include the Mount Polley mine (100%), the Huckleberry mine (100%), and the Red Chris mine (30%). Imperial also holds a portfolio of 23 greenfield exploration properties in British Columbia.

Company Contacts

Brian Kynoch | President | 604.669.8959

Darb S. Dhillon | Chief Financial Officer | 604. 669.8959

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this news release are not statements of historical fact and are "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Imperial management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Imperial's expectations and timing with respect to the anticipated progress of the judicial review process; the judicial review process taking longer than anticipated; the possibility that the outcome of the judicial review could result in material changes to the provincial permitting process; the potential for the injunction to restrict both construction and production activities for an extended period or indefinitely; the Company's and MPMC's expectations regarding their relationships with Indigenous communities, including Xat??ll; expectations regarding the ongoing engagement with Xat??ll and other Indigenous communities during the permitting process; and other risks outlined in statements made by Imperial from time to time in the filings made by Imperial with securities regulators. Imperial 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 otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "outlook", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Imperial to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, Imperial has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on information currently available to Imperial as well as Imperial's current beliefs and assumptions. These factors and assumptions and beliefs and assumptions include, the risk factors detailed from time to time in Imperial's interim and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of those statements, all of which are filed and available for review on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Imperial has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, imperialmetals.com events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, many of which are beyond Imperial's ability to control or predict. 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 and all forward-looking statements in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements.
Lithium Energi Exploration Inc. (TSXV: LEXI) (OTCQB: LXENF) (the "Company" or "LEXI") is pleased to announce that it has completed drilling at the Antofalla North Project and the Antofalla South Project, in the south of the salar.

The Campaign consisted of 1,003.4 meters across the northern and southern properties. Three diamond holes were drilled in the northern LEA I, LEA XXXIV and LEA V properties. Two diamond holes to 200 m depth, and a third hole to 302 m depth, were drilled in the LEA XXVI property in the south of the salar. The average depth of all holes across these two Campaigns was 284 m. Core samples were collected to provide measurements of porosity. Samples were collected every 12 m, with porosity results yet to be received from the laboratory for the second program.

Brine sample analyses have been conducted at the independent Alex Stewart Laboratories to yield full spectroscopic analysis of brine chemistry and lithium concentrations (see Tables 2 and 3 for results, together with the sample widths). The Alex Stuart laboratory in the city of Jujuy was used as the primary laboratory, with the laboratory in Mendoza used as the check laboratory. All brine samples have now been received from the program.

The Company used the services of specialized downhole geophysical contractor, Zelandez Limited, to collect borehole magnetic resonance (BMR) measurements of in-situ porosity (specific yield) in the holes. This provides detailed measurements of porosity on a centimeter-scale, to understand changes in porosity with depth and location, providing high quality detailed information on the porosity of the sediments. Additionally, data from spectral gamma and resistivity logging tools, was collected, to provide additional lithological information.

The Antofalla basin is a long, narrow, fault-based graben - identified as one of the world's largest depressions, hosting extensive lithium-bearing brine - although the total depth in the basin is not well known. The results of the brine sampling are presented in Tables 2 and 3, for the southern and northern drilling programs. The brine sample results are highest from the southern LEA XXVI property, which is located on the western side of the salar.

The lithium concentration increases from north to south through the Antofolla South Project (LEA XXVI), with the lithium concentration increasing from an average of 238 mg/l Li in the northern hole DDH01, to 308 mg/l Li in the central hole DDH5 and 412 mg/l Li in the southern hole DDH3. Lithium concentration also showed an increase with depth in the holes, suggesting the influence of surficial infiltration of surface water and dilution of brine, most notably in the northern hole, DDH01 LEA XXVI. The suggestion from the TEM and MT geophysics, and knowledge on other salar systems, is that lithium-bearing brine will extend west off the salar below areas of gravel, and potentially into porous Tertiary age sediments or volcanics. This concept remains to be tested by future drilling.

In LEA XXVI brine is present in a surficial sequence of salt, which is underlain by sands and gravels, which vary in their degree of compaction and porosity. Drilling is not believed to have intersected tertiary terrestrial sediments, which are present around the salar margins, and potentially form the base of the salar. These southern drill holes have terminated in gravel units, which are believed to be alluvial fans, formed from sediment eroded from the salar margins and deposited within the salar, and later covered by salt. This is a pattern noted in many other salar basins.

The northern drill holes intersected a sequence of interbedded loose friable sands and compact gypsum sands, gravels, sands and occasional volcanic units across the LEA XXXIV, LEAI and LEAV properties on the west and east of the salar. These drillholes are in the northern part of the salar, within Catamarca province, north of the Antofalla village. Lithium concentrations in the northern properties were lower than those in the LEA XXVI property in the south of the salar, with lithium concentrations in the northern properties interpreted to be less concentrated than those in the center and south of the salar, which are interpreted as the nucleus of the salar. Lithium concentrations increased down hole from more dilute concentration around 100 mg/l Li, (with a low of 76 mg/L Li ) as near surface values, to a high of 189 mg/L downhole in DDH01-LEA 1, at 251-269 m.

The location of drill holes was based on previous time-domain/transient electromagnetics studies (the "TEM"). An extensive TEM survey was conducted over all the northern properties by geophysical contractor Quantec. TEM and MT was conducted in the LEA26 property by geophysical contractor GeoResource, to allow deeper imaging of the conductive brine unit, confirming it is hundreds of meters thick, and providing resolution of geological units at depth.

Samples were submitted with duplicate and standard samples, which show acceptable comparison between primary and duplicate samples and standard samples, compared to the certified standard concentration.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Murray Brooker, P. Geo., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Table 1: Location and characteristics of drillholes from the northern and southern drilling programs

HOLEID EASTING_GK2 NORTHING_GK2 DIP AZIMUTH DEPTH m DRILLHOLE DIAMETER PROJECT DDH01-LEA XXVI 2654736 7191797 -90 0 200 HQ ANTOFALLA SOUTH DDH05-LEA XXVI 2599680 7109839 -90 0 200 HQ ANTOFALLA SOUTH DDH03-LEA XXVI 2599854 7107366 -90 0 302 HQ ANTOFALLA SOUTH DDH01-LEA I 2654736 7191797 -90 0 401 HQ ANTOFALLA NORTH DDH01-LEA XXXIV 2651982 7190708 -90 0 401 HQ ANTOFALLA NORTH DDH02-LEA V 2650573 7182931 -90 0 401 HQ ANTOFALLA NORTH

Table 2: Summary of brine chemistry from holes drilled by LEXI in the Antofalla South Project. Holes were drilled vertically and the sediments in the salar are flat lying. All thicknesses of brine mineralization delimited by the from to intervals in meters are true thicknesses. The extension of the brine is open at depth in the three holes in LEA XXVI, as bedrock to the salar is not believed to have been intersected.

HOLEID FROM TO SAMPLE TYPE B_mg/L K_mg/L Li_mg/L Mg_mg/L DDH01-LEA XXVI 24 32 Single packer 313 1347 208 3349 DDH01-LEA XXVI 48 68 Single packer 319 1720 217 3493 DDH01-LEA XXVI 104 122 Single packer 390 1547 239 4013 DDH01-LEA XXVI 122 140 Single packer 380 1414 251 3858 DDH01-LEA XXVI 140 158 Single packer 360 1433 229 3738 DDH01-LEA XXVI 158 176 Single packer 402 1376 251 4059 DDH01-LEA XXVI 182 200 Single packer 412 1364 268 4089 DDH03-LEA XXVI 14 32 Single packer 682 2904 433 9458 DDH03-LEA XXVI 32 50 Single packer 681 2908 433 9341 DDH03-LEA XXVI 50 68 Single packer 680 2908 433 9344 DDH03-LEA XXVI 104 122 Single packer 661 2805 418 9156 DDH03-LEA XXVI 140 158 Single packer 664 2826 411 8965 DDH03-LEA XXVI 158 176 Single packer 627 2643 380 8503 DDH03-LEA XXVI 176 194 Single packer 640 2724 401 8983 DDH03-LEA XXVI 194 212 Single packer 626 2860 393 8709 DDH03-LEA XXVI 212 230 Single packer 641 2753 401 8885 DDH03-LEA XXVI 248 266 Single packer 669 2842 417 9101 DDH03-LEA XXVI 276 277 Single packer 634 2746 394 8665 DDH05-LEA XXVI 32 50 Single packer 508 2185 319 6493 DDH05-LEA XXVI 50 68 Single packer 449 1986 286 5463 DDH05-LEA XXVI 68 86 Single packer 526 2309 330 6934 DDH05-LEA XXVI 140 158 Single packer 504 2079 309 6310 DDH05-LEA XXVI 158 176 Single packer 480 1984 299 5771 DDH05-LEA XXVI 176 200 Single packer 492 2051 307 6364

Table 3: Summary of brine chemistry from holes drilled by LEXI in the Antofalla North Project

HOLEID FROM TO SAMPLE TYPE B mg/L K mg/L Li mg/L Mg mg/L Na mg/L DDH01-LEA I 32 50 Single packer 149 1789 105 1812 80792 DDH01-LEA I 50 68 Single packer 145 1757 107 1822 78638 DDH01-LEA I 86 104 Single packer 140 1688 129 2699 86122 DDH01-LEA I 122 140 Single packer 137 1643 119 2435 81397 DDH01-LEA I 140 158 Single packer 147 1743 125 2547 82437 DDH01-LEA I 161 179 Single packer 156 1847 131 2672 90599 DDH01-LEA I 179 197 Single packer 140 1756 115 2326 94287 DDH01-LEA I 197 215 Single packer 115 1421 102 1842 108034 DDH01-LEA I 215 233 Single packer 112 1503 98 1747 106981 DDH01-LEA I 233 251 Single packer 128 1858 105 1643 108740 DDH01-LEA I 251 269 Single packer 258 2927 189 2523 97057 DDH01-LEA I 269 287 Single packer 194 2277 147 2295 96578 DDH01-LEA I 287 305 Single packer 211 2385 165 2751 101885 DDH01-LEA I 305 323 Single packer 224 2473 175 2980 99335 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 36 38 Single packer 113 1050 76 1434 53409 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 54 56 Single packer 170 1973 118 1868 75607 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 72 74 Single packer 198 2284 147 2114 83800 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 90 92 Single packer 161 1966 125 1956 87032 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 132 133 Double packer 189 2323 141 2202 102020 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 150 151 Double packer 196 2397 146 2287 108990 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 174 175 Single packer 181 2238 138 2160 99572 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 197 215 Single packer 182 2234 138 2234 106362 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 215 233 Single packer 155 2017 113 1887 91662 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 233 251 Single packer 182 2251 136 2186 111328 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 251 269 Single packer 183 2267 137 2185 109238 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 272 287 Single packer 185 2274 137 2187 112275 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 287 305 Single packer 179 2202 132 2155 109630 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 305 323 Single packer 180 2199 133 2164 108732 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 326 344 Single packer 173 2115 128 2114 106527 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 344 362 Single packer 172 2124 128 2104 109157 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 362 380 Single packer 175 2117 128 2124 106116 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 380 401 Single packer 172 2151 129 2118 109008 DDH02-LEA V 38 56 Single packer 123 1567 93 1612 92283 DDH02-LEA V 56 74 Single packer 134 1712 103 1724 96644 DDH02-LEA V 74 92 Single packer 128 1637 96 1647 93621 DDH02-LEA V 92 110 Single packer 134 1699 99 1710 96292 DDH02-LEA V 110 128 Single packer 141 1809 106 1799 100401 DDH02-LEA V 146 164 Single packer 154 1981 105 1959 108067 DDH02-LEA V 182 200 Single packer 151 1962 103 1920 104893 DDH02-LEA V 230 236 Double packer 161 2160 112 2067 113234 DDH02-LEA V 263 272 Double packer 163 2169 113 2063 111643 DDH02-LEA V 272 284 Double packer 169 2374 126 2160 112278 DDH02-LEA V 296 308 Double packer 178 2365 127 2242 109583 DDH02-LEA V 347 353 Double packer 176 2351 128 2230 109229 DDH02-LEA V 353 357 Double packer 163 2162 113 2075 114214 DDH02-LEA V 359 365 Double packer 174 2358 127 2223 110405 DDH02-LEA V 388 392 Double packer 135 1942 108 1765 87801

Update on Credit Agreement

Further to the Company's press release dated March 7, 2025, the Company has not been able to arrange financing to repay the outstanding amounts under its secured credit facility with Arena Investors LP, for which it received a demand notice and notice of intention to enforce security pursuant to Section 244(1) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. The Company therefore has a large working capital deficit and there can be no assurance that its operations will continue in the current form, or at all.

About Lithium Energi Exploration Inc.

Lithium Energi Exploration Inc., (TSXV: LEXI), (FSE: L09), (OTCQB: LXENF), or "LEXI" is an exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of lithium brine assets in Argentina. LEXI's portfolio of prospective lithium brine concessions in the Argentina Province of Catamarca (heart of the lithium triangle) includes approximately 57,000 hectares and a 20% interest in Triangle Lithium Argentina, S.A., which owns an additional 15,000 hectares - all located in and around the Antofalla Salar, one of the largest basins in the region. LEXI is committed to innovation, sustainability, and quality, striving to differentiate itself from other players in the industry to maximize its potential for success. LEXI is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with offices in Catamarca, Argentina. For more information, visit lithiumenergi.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Ali Rahman"

________________________

Ali Rahman,

Chief Executive Officer & 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.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as 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 materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the results of preliminary testing proving accurate and consistent with secondary testing and repeatable over time and at commercial scale; the absence of material changes with respect to the Company and its businesses; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties; failure to of the parties to the Transactions to comply with the terms and conditions of the definitive agreements relating to the Transactions; and the use of proceeds. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what the management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure its shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.



SOURCE Lithium Energi Exploration Inc.









For media inquiries, please contact:



Ian Murphy

press@lithiumenergi.com

(310) 689-6397


Vancouver, April 24, 2025 - Provenance Gold Corp. (CSE: PAU) (OTCQB: PVGDF) (the "Company" or "Provenance") is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2025 phase 1 drilling program with the mobilization of an RC drill rig to the Eldorado project, located in Eastern Oregon. The staged drilling campaign will build on the foundation established by 241 historic drill holes and Provenance's 14 drill holes to date. This year's program will focus on expanding the open-ended gold system and gaining a deeper understanding of the mineralized structures of the area including significant step-outs.

Provenance's initial 2023 and 2024 drilling identified an area of significantly stronger mineralization than was previously recognized on the property. This newly identified area contains widespread gold mineralization that starts at surface and extends to more than 200 meters in depth and remains open to depth. This year's drilling campaign will aim to build upon the success of the 2023 and 2024 drilling programs by further defining the structure of the gold system and expanding its footprint across the property.

The initial drill holes for the first phase of the 2025 RC drilling will focus on expanding the mineralized zone intersected by Provenance's drill holes ED-04, EC-02, and EC-03. The first phase of the 2025 drilling campaign will utilize a Boart Longyear reverse-circulation (RC) drill rig and is fully funded. The second phase will introduce a core drill rig to complement the program's objectives. Provenance is confident that this year's drill program together with other exploration activities will continue to expand the footprint of the Eldorado gold mineralization.

"We are excited to be back at Eldorado for our earliest commencement and largest exploration campaign to date," said Rauno Perttu, Provenance's CEO. "At Eldorado, our drilling will look to expand the extent of known mineralization but also explore several key step-out target areas that are up to or more than a kilometer away from our EC-01 discovery hole. Not only was historical drilling very shallow, averaging 90-100 meters in depth, but most of the property still remains virtually untested. Because of our upcoming drilling and other activities, I believe 2025 will be a pivotal year for our Company."

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Jo Price, P.Geo., M.Sc., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Provenance Gold Corp.

Provenance Gold Corp. is a precious metals exploration company with a focus on gold and silver mineralization within North America. The Company currently holds interests in Nevada, and eastern Oregon, USA.

Provenance is also active on social media and invites investors to follow us on X to stay up to date with our latest news and developments:

https://x.com/ProvenanceGold

On behalf of the Board,

Provenance Gold Corp.

Rauno Perttu, Chief Executive Officer

Safe Harbor Statement: Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its regulation services provider, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/249645
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. (the "Company" or "Osisko") (OR: TSX & NYSE) is pleased to announce that leading independent proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") and Glass Lewis & Co., LLC ("Glass Lewis"), have each recommended that Shareholders vote FOR all proposed resolutions at the upcoming Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") to be held on May 8, 2025.

The Board of Directors of Osisko unanimously recommends that Shareholders vote "FOR" all proposed resolutions.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT - PLEASE VOTE TODAY

The proxy voting deadline is 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Meeting Details

The Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) at Lavery, de Billy L.L.P., 1, Place Ville Marie, Suite 4000, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 4M4. For complete details and links to all relevant documents related to the Meeting please visit: https://osiskogr.com/en/2025-agm/ (English) or https://osiskogr.com/aga-2025/ (French).

Shareholder Questions and Voting Assistance

Shareholders who have questions about voting their shares may contact the Company's proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group:

Toll Free: 1-877-452-7184 (for Shareholders in North America)

International: +1 416-304-0211 (for Shareholders outside Canada and the US)

By Email: assistance@laurelhill.com

About Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd

Osisko is an intermediate precious metals royalty company focused on the Americas that commenced activities in June 2014. Osisko holds a North American and Australian focused portfolio of over 185 royalties, streams and precious metal offtakes. Osisko's portfolio is anchored by its cornerstone asset, a 3-5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic Complex, one of Canada's largest gold mines.

Osisko's head office is located at 1100 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Suite 300, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2S2.
Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (the "Company" or "Spanish Mountain Gold") (TSX-V: SPA) (FSE: S3Y) (OTCQB: SPAUF) is pleased to report high grade gold intercepts and the highest grade encountered to date in exploration history at the Spanish Mountain Gold project, which is located in the Cariboo Gold Corridor, British Columbia, Canada. The 10,000 m, 2025 winter exploration diamond drill program ("2025 Winter Drill Program") is comprised of 31 holes and 73% complete.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424231024/en/

Figure 1 - Plan View, K-Zone - 2025 Winter Drill Program

Highlights:

High-Grade Gold Intercepts - K Zone (See Figures 1, 2, and Table 1):

Hole 25-DH-1286 intersected 139.00 m grading 4.18 g/t Au from 56.00 m including, from 163.00 m, grades of 719.26 g/t Au over 0.75 m, and from 165.10 m, 156.80 g/t Au over 3.50 m

Hole 25-DH-1284 intersected 55.70 m grading 0.41 g/t Au from 126.00 m including, from 172.00 m, 9.70 m grading 1.83 g/t Au and 1.00 m grading 12.13 g/t Au

Hole 25-DH-1285 intersected 39.00 m grading 0.99 g/t Au from 113.00 m including 1.00 m grading 34.59 g/t Au

Visible gold (VG) was observed in multiple drill holes, confirming the high-grade nature of the K Zone Target (See Figure 3)

Julian Manco, Spanish Mountain Gold's Director of Exploration commented, "These exceptional results validate our new geological model, extend mineralization and highlight the significant potential for more high-grade mineralization within our project area. The high grades encountered in hole 25-DH-1286 are truly remarkable and demonstrate an extraordinary upside potential for the Spanish Mountain Gold project."

Peter Mah, Spanish Mountain Gold's President, CEO and Director commented, "We are thrilled to take a major leap forward unlocking near surface high-grade gold intercepts that support the growing understanding of our high-quality deposit and signal exciting new possibilities for high grade open pit gold discovery within 200 m of surface"

Table 1: 2025 Winter Drill Program - Summarized Gold Assay Results

Drillhole ID From To Width(m) Gold Grade (g/t Au) 25-DH-1284 126.00 181.70 55.70 0.41 25-DH-1284 172.00 181.70 9.70 1.83 including 172.00 173.00 1.00 12.13 including 180.20 181.70 1.50 3.23 25-DH-1285 113.00 152.00 39.00 0.99 including 113.00 114.00 1.00 34.59 25-DH-1285 173.35 174.74 1.39 1.02 25-DH-1286 56.00 195.00 139.00 4.18 including 163.00 166.50 3.50 156.28 including 165.10 166.50 0.75 719.26 25-DH-1287 68.00 97.00 29.00 0.26 including 75.00 78.00 3.00 0.24 including 94.00 97.00 3.00 1.64

Notes:

Reported intersections are calculated using a 0.15 g/t Au cut-off grade. The complete assay table is available on the Company's website True thickness of mineralization is unknown

Table 2: Drill Hole Collar Location and hole depths

HOLE-ID LOCATION 'X' LOCATION 'Y' LOCATION 'Z' LENGTH Azimuth Dip Easting Northing Elevation 25-DH-1284 604177 5827345 1296 247.75 120 60 25-DH-1285 604174 5827345 1296 240.00 30 65 25-DH-1286 603953 5827695 1192 222.00 120 65.2 25-DH-1287 603953 5827695 1192 114.93 215 75

Abbreviations: metres = m, grams per tonne = g/t, gold = Au

Drill Core Processing, Data Verification and Quality Assurance - Quality Control Program (QAQC)

Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples were sawn in half, labeled, and bagged. The remaining half of the drill core was securely stored on-site. Numbered security tags were applied to sample shipments to ensure chain of custody compliance. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals, including blanks and reference materials, for all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. Standards and blanks account for a minimum of 15% of the samples in addition to the laboratory's internal quality assurance programs. The QAQC program was overseen by the Company's Qualified Person, Julian Manco, P.Geo, Director of Exploration (as described below).

Drill core samples were submitted to MSALABS' analytical facility in Prince George, British Columbia, for sample preparation and PhotonAssayTM analysis. The MSALABS facilities are accredited to the International Standards ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 standard for gold and multi-element assays, with all analytical methods incorporating quality control materials at defined frequencies and established data acceptance criteria. MSALABS Inc. is independent of the Company.

PhotonAssayTM

The PhotonAssayTM method utilizes gamma ray analysis for gold detection using the Chrysos PhotonAssayTM instrument (PA1408X). This non-destructive, fully automated technique offers high accuracy for analyzing ores and pulps. Sample preparation begins with drying and crushing up to 1 kg of material to achieve at least 70% passing through a 2-millimetre (mm) sieve. The sample is then riffle split to obtain a suitable aliquot for 2 testing cycles (MSALABS Method CPA-Au1).

The PhotonAssayTM instrument bombards 400 - 600 gram samples contained in sealed containers with gamma rays. These containers remain sealed throughout the process, preserving the sample for potential further testing. The analysis is performed robotically, with results that integrate into existing laboratory management systems.

Each sample is accompanied by a reference disc traceable to a Certified Reference Material (CRM). Both the sample and reference disc undergo gamma ray exposure, with signals detected and analyzed to ensure accurate and reliable results.

The method offers a gold detection range from 0.015 parts per million (ppm - lower limit) to 10,000 ppm (upper limit). Quality control includes the use of reference materials and blanks, with all results reviewed by a competent person before reporting.

Spanish Mountain Gold implemented two QAQC methodologies to validate the accuracy of PhotonAssayTM results, both demonstrating good comparability: 1) comparative analysis of diverse mineralization styles using Total Au screen metallic methods with both FAS-415 (gravimetric finish) and FAS-211 (AAS finish), and 2) comprehensive testing of both sample aliquots and rejects using FAS-211 (AAS finish).

QAQC Testing typically can include the following spot checks: 1) Pulverizing tests to evaluate variability in sample preparation, 2) Cross-analysis at external laboratories using screen metallic method, and 3) Four-cycle radiation testing to identify and calibrate potential variability in gold results with variable radiation intensity.

To effectively manage the nugget effect on high-grade gold samples MSALABS tested samples to "extinction" (CPA-Au1E method). This approach divides samples into multiple splits, analyzes each separately using PhotonAssayTM, and then calculates a weighted average of the results. By testing various portions of the sample independently and combining their values proportionally, this method provides significantly more representative gold values than traditional single-split analysis for samples with a large nugget effect.

Multi-Elemental Analysis

For the 2025 drilling campaign Spanish Mountain Gold used IMS-230 method to provide multi-element determination using a four-acid digestion followed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis.

Key Process Steps:

Sample Preparation: Samples are dried and ground to specific criteria (85% passing 75 microns (?m) for rocks and drill core; 180?m for soils and sediments). A homogeneous 10-gram sample is required.

Digestion: Samples undergo sequential digestion with nitric, perchloric, hydrofluoric, and hydrochloric acids, followed by dilution with deionized water.

Analysis: The solution is analyzed via ICP-OES and ICP-MS for multi-element quantification.

Quality Control: The process includes reference materials, blanks, and duplicates, with corrections for spectral interferences and thorough review before final reporting.

Julian Manco, M.Sc., P.Geo., has verified the data disclosed in this news release. The data verification process involved a multi-step approach to ensure accuracy and integrity. This included a detailed quality control (QC) analysis of the data, which was performed using both internal and external platforms, such as the MxDeposit software. These QC checks involved the analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs), blanks, and duplicates to confirm the reliability of the assay results. In addition, Mr. Manco, conducted a field inspection of the specific drill intervals mentioned in this release to directly observe the geological features and verified the nature of the results presented.

Qualified Person

Julian Manco, M.Sc., P.Geo., Director of Exploration with Spanish Mountain Gold, is the Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and has approved the contents of this news release.

About Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. is focused on advancing its 100%-owned Spanish Mountain Gold Project towards construction of the next gold mine in the Cariboo Gold Corridor, British Columbia. We are conducting an integrated Whittle Enterprise Optimization to identify the highest potential value-add improvements while increasing the understanding of the high-grade geologic controls and associated drill targets that could upgrade and expand the gold resource. We are striving to be a leader in community and Indigenous relations by leveraging technology and innovation to build the 'greenest' gold mine in Canada. The Relentless Pursuit for Better Gold means seeking new ways to achieve optimal financial outcomes that are safer, minimize environmental impact and create meaningful sustainability for communities. Details on the Company are available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website: www.spanishmountaingold.com.

On Behalf of the Board,

"Peter Mah"

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

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:

Certain of the statements and information in this press release constitute "forward-looking information". Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be considered forward-looking information. The Company's forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release and include but are not limited to information with respect to, the potential to extend mineralization within the near-surface environment; the potential to expand resources and to find higher-grade mineralization at depth; the timing, size and budget of a winter drill program, and the results thereof; and the delivery of a maiden resource for the Phoenix Target, and the timing and results thereof. Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250424231024/en/

./ContentItem/Format

Spanish Mountain Gold hits bonanza grade gold

Contact

For more information, contact:

Peter Mah

(604) 601-3651

info@spanishmountaingold.com
Fireweed Metals Corp. ("Fireweed" or the "Company") (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQX: FWEDF), is pleased to announce the results of voting at its annual general and special meeting of shareholders which was held on April 23, 2025, in Vancouver, BC (the "Meeting"). Full details of all the voting results for the 2025 Meeting are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

A total of 89,433,316 common shares, representing 49.12% of the votes attached to all outstanding shares as at the record date for the Meeting, were represented at the Meeting. All of the matters submitted to the shareholders for approval as set out in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Information Circular dated March 17, 2025, were approved by the requisite majority of votes cast at the Meeting.

The nominees for directors were elected as set out in the following table:

Director Votes For % James Beck 88,385,963 99.99 Jill Donaldson 87,862,679 99.40 Ian Gibbs 88,305,463 99.90 Paul Harbidge 88,389,463 99.99 Peter Hemstead 88,269,263 99.86 Ron Hochstein 88,383,463 99.99 Adam Lundin 88,370,963 99.97 Wojtek Wodzicki 88,379,963 99.98



Ian Gibbs, President and CEO commented, "We would like to thank John Robins, Marcus Chalk, and Patrick Downey for their contributions to the Company and wish them the best in their future endeavours. Additionally, we are pleased to welcome Ron Hochstein and Wojtek Wodzicki to the Board. We look forward to their insights and contributions as we continue to grow the Company."

At the Meeting, shareholders also approved the Company's Stock Option Plan, the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year.

Stock Option Grant

The Company announces that it is granting today, pursuant to its stock option plan, a total of 798,000 stock options exercisable into common shares of the Company, to certain employees and directors. The stock options are exercisable at a price of $1.85 per share for a five-year term and will vest one-third on each of the following three anniversary dates of the grant, being fully vested after three years.

About Fireweed Metals Corp.

Fireweed is an exploration company focused on unlocking value in a new critical metals district located in Northern Canada. Fireweed is 100% owner of the Macpass District, a large and highly prospective 985 km2 land package. The Macpass District includes the Macpass zinc-lead-silver project and the Mactung tungsten project. A Lundin Group company, Fireweed is strongly positioned to create meaningful value.

In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQX: FWEDF) trades on the OTCQX Venture Market (www.otcmarkets.com) and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic clearing and settlement. In Europe, Fireweed (FSE: 20F) trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Additional information about Fireweed and its projects can be found on the Company's website at www.fireweedmetals.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS CORP.

"Ian Gibbs"

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 release.

Contact: Alex Campbell

Phone: +1 (604) 689-7842

Email: info@fireweedmetals.com


Atlantic Lithium appeals to government to help save Ghanas first lithium mine

GraphicOnline Business News Apr - 24 - 2025 , 11:54

Australia-based mining firm Atlantic Lithium has made an urgent appeal to the government of Ghana for fiscal relief to rescue its planned Ewoyaa lithium project, warning that collapsing global lithium prices have rendered the venture economically unviable.

The company, which has invested approximately $70 million since 2016, is developing what would be Ghanas first lithium mine.

The project, located near Mankessim in the Central Region, was expected to place Ghana among the worlds top 10 spodumene concentrate producers. However, sharp declines in lithium pricesdown more than 80 per cent from their November 2022 peakhave thrown its future into uncertainty.

We have done the maths and it doesnt make sense at all, Atlantic Lithium's General Manager, Ahmed-Salim Adam, told Reuters. We have written to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources for urgent help on the fiscals. If not, the project cannot proceed.

Ghana, already Africas leading gold producer, had hoped to benefit from the growing global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) by establishing the Ewoyaa mine as a strategic source of lithium, a key component in EV batteries. The mine was granted a 15-year lease in 2023, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2024.

The project is projected to produce up to 360,000 tons of lithium annually, primarily for export to the United States. But in addition to the commodity price crash, delays in parliamentary ratification of the mining lease have stalled progress. While lithium prices have recently stabilised due to recovering auto production, analysts remain cautious.

EV-led demand growth remains strong, but it continues to be overwhelmed by mine supply growth, said Tom Price, Head of Commodities at Panmure Liberum. He also noted that U.S. President Donald Trumps proposed 25% tariff on Chinese EVs has further dampened global demand and price optimism.

Compounding the problem, Ghanas entry into the lithium market is relatively recent, making it less attractive to investors who may prefer the more established mining regimes of Australia, Chile, and China. The internal rate of return (IRR) on the Ewoyaa project has plunged from a once-attractive 105% to just 13.6%, Adam disclosed.

Nobody is going to put their money in that. It should have been 30% to make sense, he said.

In its formal appeal, Atlantic Lithium is seeking several fiscal concessions. These include a reduction in royalty rates from 10% to 5%in line with what is charged in Ghanas gold sectoror the adoption of a flexible sliding scale linked to global lithium prices. The company also proposed a review of the 32.5% corporate income tax rate and the removal of import duties on capital equipment.

Without these interventions, the project is unlikely to proceed, Adam warned. Even if we get ratification done, we cant get it off the ground.

Already, the economic pressure has forced the company to scale back its operations. In October 2024, 25 workers were laid off, and an additional 50 are expected to lose their jobs by May 2025. We will maintain only a skeletal team, Adam added.
Kafui Danku, Sam George pledge support for Nollywood actress Bimbo Ademoye's copyright woes

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Apr - 23 - 2025 , 23:34 2 minutes read

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Authority (NFA), Kafui Danku and the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George have promised to step in to help Nigerian producer and actress, Bimbo Ademoye over unauthorised broadcasts of her movies on local TV stations.

This comes after Bimbo Ademoye shared her frustrations on Instagram, tagging the officials to intervene.

George has acknowledged Bimbo Ademoye's concerns, stating that he will engage with his colleague in charge of TV content to address the unauthorized broadcast of her movies.

He assured that the government is committed to upholding intellectual property laws in Ghana.

My attention has been drawn to your post thanks to the tag. I would be raising the issue with my colleague minister responsible for overseeing television content.

I, however wish to assure you that our government is very respectful of intellectual property rights and would ensure the protection of same. I believe Ghana and Nigeria have so much we can continue to collaborate on for our mutual benefit, he wrote.

Kafui Danku chimed in, assuring Bimbo Ademoye that urgent action is being taken to address the copyright infringement issue.

Hi maam, my management and I are working on putting a stop to this. You should see definite actions in a couple of weeks, she noted.

This is not the first time a Nigerian creative has raised concerns about Ghanaian television stations showing their movies without licence. (Related article: Nollywood actress Omoni Oboli calls out Ghanaian TV stations for airing her films without licence)

In September 2023, popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has issued a stern warning to Ghanaian television stations airing her content without proper authorisation.

The renowned actress has similarly announced her intentions to pursue legal action against offenders.

Last month, renowned Nigerian actress Omoni Oboli took to social media to express her outrage and disappointment at Ghanaian TV stations for broadcasting her movies without obtaining the necessary legal permission.

In a strongly-worded post on her Instagram page, Oboli condemned the unauthorized airing of her films and criticized the Ghana National Film Authority for its inaction in addressing the issue.

Bimbo Ademoyes outbursts has opened up the conversation on copyright issues with the likes of Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim similarly sharing their opinion over unfortunate trend.

Watch video below:
Previous article: If I were gay, I will own it and be the hottest around - Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe

Keep your sympathy, I earned my crown-King Promise

Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Apr - 24 - 2025 , 13:00 3 minutes read

King Promise has hit back at claims that a potential Artiste of the Year win at this years Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) would be down to sympathy, insisting his meteoric rise and hard work speak for themselves.

With a catalogue of hits, 10 nominations, and an international tour that saw him conquer stages across five continents, the Terminator hitmaker is firmly in the spotlight as a frontrunner for the top honour and insists he has earned every right to walk away with the coveted title at the TGMA on Saturday, May 10, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

While the industry and fans gear up for what promises to be a spectacular night, some sceptics have suggested a potential win for King Promise could be compensation for last years missed dream after losing the title to his biggest rival, Stonebwoy.

As destiny would have it, the two music titans are locking horns once again for the industrys highest honour. But this time, King Promises camp is hitting back fiercely, dismissing the pity vote narrative as nothing short of insulting to their artiste, who has earned his place at the top through unmatched hard work, hit records, and global dominance.

In a no-holds-barred interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, April 22 Tilly Akua Nipaa, spokesperson for King Promises TGMA campaign, insisted that a hard look at the artistes numbers, nominations, and performances clearly shows that a potential win for him would be swayed by results and not by sentiments.

She maintains that the numbers look more promising for King Promise this year. Compared to six nominations and two recognised songs last year, King Promise boasts 10 nominations and four chart-topping hits: Paris, Continental, Sexy, and Favourite Story. This jump, Tilly stresses, reflects the artistes local dominance and global reach, with performances in Asia, Europe, and North America, further solidifying his case.

Last year, when King Promise contested for Artiste of the Year, he had just two songs, including Terminator, which was nominated and had six nominations. This year, King Promise has four songs Paris, Continental, Sexy and Favourite Story and has 10 nominations, so you can see the double work done by the artiste in the year under review as compared to the previous year, she said.

If anybody says that King Promise will only win because of pity, its a fallacy because, with these numbers, you cant tell me that he didnt work hard to double the work he did last year.

Tilly Akua Nipaa, spokesperson for King Promises TGMA campaign

While the Artiste of the Year category is packed with seven heavyweights, including King Paluta, Black Sherif, Kweku Smoke, Joe Mettle, and Team Eternity Ghana, many fans and pundits have zeroed in on a potential three-horse race between King Promise, King Paluta and Stonebwoy.

Tilly explained that while other nominees stood a good chance to win, King Promise stood miles and shoulders above the rest based on pure artistry, achievements, reach, consistency and impact.

If its about the work that was done in 2024, take the artistry head-to-head and you will see how King Promise moves ahead of all of them. In 2024, King Promise's global reach expanded significantly, with performances in five continents, including Asia, where he successfully broke into markets in Singapore, Indonesia, Dubai, Japan, and Malaysia, she said.

Nonetheless, she was quick to admit that talent and chart-topping hits alone were not enough to secure the ultimate honour, as the final verdict lies with the TGMA Board, Academy, and the voting public.

"It's not just about having a good chance; it's about securing votes. The question often asked is: did the artiste's team actively vote, mobilise supporters to vote, and canvass for votes?"
The Untapped $10B Goldmine of Africas music and movie industries

Richmond Adu-Poku Showbiz News Apr - 24 - 2025 , 07:00 6 minutes read

AFRICA is home to a dazzling mosaic of sound, colour, and storya continent where culture doesnt just live, it dances.

With its vibrant rhythms, rich storytelling traditions, and visually stunning artistry, the creative spirit of Africa is not only centuries-old but also incredibly future-ready.

From the hypnotic pulse of Afrobeats to the cinematic spectacle of Nollywood, Africas cultural export is already commanding global attention.

But heres the twist in the tale: while the world grooves to Africas beat and binges on its screen stories, the continent itself is still only scratching the surface of a colossal economic opportunity.

Welcome to the untold story of Africas creative economya $10 billion goldmine thats waiting (not so patiently) to be unlocked.

Numbers Dont Lie

According to the African Union (AU) and other leading bodies, Africa's creative industries could generate over $10 billion annually and create millions of jobsif only the right infrastructure, policy, and investment were in place.

Lets break it down:

* In Nigeria alone, the music industry is valued at over $1 billion, with megastars such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage consistently dominating global charts, selling out concerts from Lagos to London.

* Nollywood, Nigerias prolific film industry, releases over 2,500 films annually, making it the second-largest in the world by volume.

* South Africas music sector contributes more than $500 million to its economy, driven by genres like Amapiano and Afro-house, with stars like Black Coffee headlining global festivals.

* East African powerhouses like Kenya and Tanzania are producing digital creatives, filmmakers, and musicians who are scaling global platforms, racking up millions of views, streams, and fans.

Clearly, Africa isnt short on talent. What it lacks is the enabling environment to turn this cultural currency into hard currency.

Whats Holding Us Back?

Despite the buzz, Africas creative economy faces a laundry list of challenges:

 Piracy: The Silent Killer

Lets call it what it is: theft. Piracy costs Africas music industry over $100 million annually. In Nigeria, the problem is so rampant that many artistes skip physical releases altogether, relying solely on streaming platforms that, ironically, still dont offer great returns. Imagine building a hit, only to have your revenue siphoned by illegal downloads and bootleg DVDs.

 Infrastructure: Or Lack Thereof

You cant build a billion-dollar industry with a broken toolbox. Across the continent, creatives struggle with limited access to modern recording studios, film equipment, post-production facilities, and digital distribution platforms. In many cases, projects are born in passion but die in logistics.

 Capacity Gaps: Talent Without Training

Talent is abundant, but opportunity isnt. Many African creatives lack access to high-quality training, mentorship, and career pathways. The result? Incredible ideas that cant compete on a global scalenot for lack of creativity, but because the technical execution isnt there yet.

 Weak Intellectual Property Protections

Without strong Intellectual Property(IP) laws, the creative economy is a house of cards. Artistes need legal systems that protect their work, support royalties, and penalise infringement. Without these safeguards, innovation becomes risky, and investment dries up.

Strategies to Awaken the Giant

If the potential is realand the numbers say it ishow do we turn Africas creative goldmine into a functioning economic engine?

 Invest in Infrastructure

This isnt optional. Governments and private investors must prioritise world-class studios, film cities, sound stages, theatres and content distribution networks. Think less "makeshift microphone" and more "multi-million-dollar creative campus."

Case in point: Nigerias Creative Industry Finance Initiative (CIFI), backed by the Central Bank, is helping fund film and music projects with real structure. Its a model worth scaling continent-wide.

 Build the Builders: Capacity Development

Training programmes, scholarships, creative academies, and mentorship networks must be establishedurgently. African creatives need the skills to not just produce content but manage, monetise, and market it on a global scale. Programmes such as Multichoice Talent Factory, AFRIFFs training camps, and local incubators are lighting the waybut they need fuel.

 Tackle Piracy Head-On

Combating piracy requires more than police raids and angry tweets. Governments must enact and enforce IP laws that actually deter infringement. But it also requires public education: consumers must understand that paying for art is not a luxuryits a necessity.

Digital rights management tools, blockchain-based royalty systems, and secure content platforms can help track and protect creative work in real time.

 Leverage Technology and the Internet

The internet is a game-changer, but Africa must play to win. Streaming services like Boomplay, Audiomack Africa, and Mdundo have shown that localised platforms can thrive. Add social media, YouTube monetisation, and direct-to-fan models, and youve got a digital economy waiting to erupt.

But againconnectivity matters. Investing in broadband access, digital literacy, and tech entrepreneurship is just as critical as studio space.

 Build Ecosystems, Not Silos

Africas creative growth cannot happen in a vacuum. Governments, creatives, private investors, and NGOs must collaborate on long-term strategies that go beyond hype. We need continent-wide creative summits, regional licensing deals, export frameworks, and policies that treat culture like the billion-dollar industry it is.

 The Youth Are Not the Future. Theyre the Now

With a median age of just 19.7 years, Africa is literally the youngest continent on Earth. Thats not just a demographic statits a creative superpower. Gen Z and Gen Alpha Africans are digital natives who think globally, remix locally, and hustle endlessly. They're coding by day, recording at night, and uploading from everywhere in between.

The job of todays leadersgovernment officials, investors, industry veteransis to ensure they have the tools, networks, and systems they need to build empires.

Curtain Call: Africa, the World is Listening

The stage is set. The cameras are rolling. The music is playing.

Africas creative economy is not a "potential" anymore. Its an imminent explosion. Its the beat in your AirPods, the drama on your Netflix queue, the dress on the runway. What it needs now is investment, infrastructure, and intentionality.

The rewards? Massive. A thriving creative economy can create millions of jobs, increase GDP, reduce youth unemployment, and position Africa not just as a cultural powerhousebut as an economic one.

So lets stop treating creativity as a side hustle, and start treating it as the engine of Africas next economic leap. Because the sleeping giant is waking up.

And when it roars? The world wont just listenitll dance.
The death of Pope Francis and its aftermath - Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu writes

Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu writes Opinion Apr - 24 - 2025 , 18:37 20 minutes read

Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. (Rome time) on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025 at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vaticans Casa Santa Marta. This was announced from Casa Santa Marta at 9:45 a.m. by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo (Chamberlain) of the Apostolic Chamber.

In earlier practice, the Camerlengo would call the popes baptismal name three times, and if there was no response, he would declare the pope dead. Today, this is more symbolic, with emphasis on reverent prayer rather than dramatics.

Nowadays, the popes death is formally ascertained through a specific process rooted in both tradition and updated ceremonial norms.

According to the revised 2024 liturgical document that governs the burial of a Roman Pontiff (Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis) approved by Pope Francis, doctors officially determine that the pope has died. This involves standard medical procedures to confirm the cessation of vital functions.

Following the medical confirmation, a formal ecclesial verification is conducted in a chapel rather than in the room of death (a change introduced in the 2024 revision) and the body is immediately placed inside the coffin. In the presence of key officials, the Camerlengo ensures that the death is verified, prayers are offered and the body is prepared for viewing and burial.

After the death is confirmed, the popes ring (the Fishermans Ring) is ceremonially broken to prevent its misuse. The Apostolic Constitution is followed to notify Church and civil authorities and the body is then moved for public veneration, beginning the novemdiales (nine days of mourning and prayer).

The Camerlengo is a high-ranking Vatican official with specific and important duties after the death of a pope and during the period when the papal throne is vacant (sede vacante). He supervises the preparations for the election of a new pope, including the conclave logistics in the Sistine Chapel. He has no authority over spiritual matters of the Church <\a> that remains with the College of Cardinals until a new pope is elected.

Since the announcement of the death of Pope Francis, his body lay in an open casket in a chapel at Casa Santa Marta and was transferred to St. Peters Basilica for public viewing on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. Pope Francis funeral is scheduled for Saturday, 26 April at 10:00 a.m. (Rome time) in St. Peters Square, Vatican City, and will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

The Burial of a Pope

When a pope dies, usually his actual burial takes place between the fourth and sixth day after his death. The burial follows a funeral Mass, presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. In terms of the burial itself, the church has traditionally performed what is termed as The Ritual of Three Coffins. When it is time for the actual burial, the popes dead body is placed in a cypress wood casket. That casket is then placed in a lead coffin, which is then placed in a pine coffin, so the pope actually gets buried in three coffins! Each of these coffins carries its own symbolism and significance:

1. The Cypress Coffin



The innermost, a cypress coffin, holds the popes body, with a white silk veil over his face. This is the one that is displayed during the funeral Mass in St. Peters Square. During the funeral Mass, the bishop who is in charge of the popes official proclamations reads a list of achievements of the pope, and then the parchment that lists these achievements is rolled into a Copper Tube. This list will be placed inside the casket during the burial that takes place after the Mass.

Into this coffin also are placed during the burial three bags of Vatican medals and coins minted during the popes reign: one is of silver coins, one of gold, and one of copper. The number of coins in each bag represents the number of years a pope served. The simple wooden coffin made of cypress signifies that the pope is an ordinary human being like everyone else, and is buried like a common man. It symbolizes the popes humility, simplicity ad mortality. After the funeral Mass, the cypress coffin with the body is taken back into St. Peters Basilica. The simple cypress wood coffin is sealed and wrapped with three silk ribbons before being placed inside two other caskets one lead and one elm before being taken to the 16th-Century crypt for burial near the resting place of St Peter.



2. The Lead Coffin

The lead coffin often bore engravings of the popes name, dates of his pontificate, and a skull and crossbones a symbol known as memento mori, reminding the faithful of the inevitability of death. The lead coffin is more durable and ensures the body and documents are protected over time. Important documents that the pope issued under his seal are placed in this coffin. The broken seal of office is placed inside the lead coffin by the Camerlengo prior to final closure. The lead coffin is sealed hermetically.

3. The Elm Coffin

Finally, the lead casket is placed in an elm coffin which is nailed and shut with golden nails. The elm coffin is used to signify the great dignity of the man being laid to his rest, since elm is the most precious of local woods available in Rome.

When each casket is closed, it is wrapped with two cords of violet silk and sealed in wax with the coat of arms of the chamberlain and the Cardinal Dean. Thanks to this ancient custom, many early documents of the Church have been conserved.



Changes Introduced by Pope Francis



In 2024, Pope Francis introduced significant changes to the papal funeral rites by approving a new edition of the liturgical book that governs the burial of a Roman Pontiff (Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis). These revisions reflect his longstanding commitment to simplicity, humility, and a more pastoral image of the papacy. These changes included eliminating the use of multiple coffins and, by extension, the traditional skull and crossbones engraving. Under the new rites, the pope is buried in a single wooden coffin lined with zinc, without the ornate symbols previously used. Therefore, the skull and crossbones are no longer used in papal funerals, marking a departure from centuries-old traditions in favour of a more modest approach. Other elements in the revised version include how the popes mortal remains are to be handled after death. The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin. According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ. According to him, The renewed rite seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.



The body is not displayed on a public bier, reflecting greater privacy and humility. There is some flexibility about the burial location. Pope Francis chose burial outside St. Peters Basilica, breaking centuries of tradition. In a significant departure from tradition, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major Basilicas in Rome, rather than in the Vaticans St. Peter's Basilica. This choice reflects the popes deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his commitment to humility. He requested a simple burial in the ground, without particular decoration, marked only with his papal name in Latin: Franciscus. Pope Francis decision to be interred at Santa Maria Maggiore makes him the first pope since Leo XIII in 1903 to be buried outside the Vatican. His final resting place will be a former candelabra storeroom within the basilica, underscoring his desire for modesty. Future popes may also choose simpler or alternative burial sites. The funeral Mass retains traditional elements (e.g., In Paradisum, Requiem aeternam), but with more emphasis on Scripture, humility, and pastoral presence. There are no elaborate regalia or royal symbolism; focus is on the pope as a servant of Christ. Fourth, there are some continued elements. The nine days of mourning or the novemdiales remains in place. Cardinals still gather for the conclave after the funeral. Items such as the rogito (a document summarizing the popes life) and papal coins are still buried with the body. These reforms reflect Pope Francis lifelong emphasis on poverty, simplicity, and pastoral closeness, and they set a precedent for future papal funerals to be more humble, personal, and spiritually focused.



Soon after a pope dies or resigns, the Dean of the College of Cardinals officially communicates the news to all Cardinals around the world. In the same letter, he also summons the Cardinals to the first of ten General Congregations of the College of Cardinals to be held in the Synod of Bishops Room in the Paul VI Hall. The General Congregations continue until all Cardinal electors arrive in Rome. Then the Cardinals decide on the date when the process of electing a new pope will begin. If this process is taking place after a Pope has died, the process begins after the burial of the Pope.



The Conclave



The process by which the new pope is elected is called the Conclave. The word conclave comes from the Latin phrase cum clavis, meaning with a key. The term is suitable since the Cardinals are locked inside the Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace during the voting process. During the Conclave, the Cardinals stay inside the Vatican. This is usually at Casa Santa Marta. When the Conclave begins, besides the Cardinal electors, the residence of the Cardinals also houses those persons resident within the Vatican who also form part of the Conclave. The other persons, besides the Cardinal electors, who would reside at or enter the residence of the Cardinals during the Conclave are other ecclesiastics with specific duties related to the election. These include the Secretary of the College of Cardinals; the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations; the Masters of Ceremonies; priests from the regular clergy for hearing confessions in the different languages; medical doctors for possible emergencies, as well as cleaning and cooking staff. All the persons indicated here have to receive prior approval from the Cardinal Camerlengo. Additionally, the Cardinals are denied access to all news media and are strictly forbidden to use mobile phones.



Before the Sealing of the Sistine Chapel



On the day that the Conclave begins, the Cardinal electors assemble in St Peters Basilica to celebrate the Eucharist. Then, they gather in the afternoon in the Pauline Chapel of the Palace of the Vatican, proceeding to the Sistine Chapel while singing the Veni Creator Spiritus, a hymn to the Holy Spirit. The Cardinals hear two exhortations before the election: one before actually entering the Conclave, and one once they are settled in the Sistine Chapel. In both cases, the exhortations are meant to lay out the current state of the Church, and to suggest the qualities necessary for a pope to possess in that specific time.



The Cardinals then take an oath to observe the procedures set down by the papal documents governing the Conclave. They promise that if elected, they will defend the liberty of the Holy See, maintain secrecy and disregard the instructions of secular authorities on voting. The Cardinal Dean reads the oath aloud in full; in order of precedence, the other Cardinal electors merely state, while touching the Gospels, that they do so promise, pledge and swear.



After all the Cardinals present have taken the oath, the Master of the Papal Liturgical Celebrations orders all individuals other than the cardinal electors and conclave participants to leave the Chapel. Traditionally, he stands at the door of the Sistine Chapel and calls out: Extra omnes! (Latin for, roughly, Everybody else, out!). He then closes the door of the Sistine Chapel.



The Master himself may remain, as may one ecclesiastic designated by the Congregations prior to the commencement of the election. The ecclesiastic gives a speech concerning the problems facing the Church and on the qualities the new pope needs to have. After the speech concludes, the ecclesiastic leaves. Following the recitation of prayers, the Cardinal Dean asks if any doubts relating to procedure remain. After the clarification of the doubts, the election may commence. Cardinals who arrive after the Conclave has begun are admitted nevertheless. An ill cardinal may leave the Conclave and later be readmitted; a cardinal who leaves for any reason other than illness may not return to the Conclave.



Secrecy is maintained during the Conclave; the Cardinals as well as the conclavists and staff are forbidden to disclose any information relating to the election. Cardinal electors may not correspond or converse with anyone outside the Conclave, by post, radio, telephone or otherwise, and eavesdropping is an offence punishable by automatic excommunication. Before the Conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI, the Sistine Chapel was swept using the latest electronic devices to detect any hidden bugs or surveillance devices. Media such as newspapers, the radio and television are specifically forbidden.



Who can be elected Pope?



In theory, any Catholic male who has reached the age of reason, is not a heretic, is not in schism, and is not notorious for simony can be elected pope. No law reserves to the Cardinals alone the right of being elected pope. In practice, however, the pope is usually chosen from among the ranks of the Cardinals. Pope Urban VI in 1378 was the last pope elected from outside the College of Cardinals. The last person elected as pope who was not already an ordained priest or monk was Pope Leo X in 1513, who was also the youngest pope ever elected. His successor, Pope Adrian VI, was the last to be elected in absentia. As the Catholic Church holds that women cannot be validly ordained, women are not eligible for the papacy. Claims that there was a female pope, including the legendary Pope Joan who reigned as pope for a few years during the Middle Ages, are generally considered fictitious. Though the pope is the Bishop of Rome, he need not be of Italian background. Pope Benedict XVI was a German and Pope Francis was an Argentinian.



Voting



The ballots used by the Cardinal electors are simple rectangular cards, with the words I elect as Supreme Pontiff ..... printed on them. In the afternoon of the first day, one ballot may be held. If a ballot takes place in the afternoon of the first day and no-one is elected, or no ballot had taken place, four ballots are held on each successive day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Before voting in the morning and again before voting in the afternoon, the electors take an oath to obey the rules of the Conclave.



The Cardinal electors proceed, in order of precedence, to take their completed ballots (which bear only the name of the individual voted for) to the altar. Before casting the ballot, each Cardinal elector takes a Latin oath, which translates to: I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected. If any Cardinal elector is in the Chapel, but cannot proceed to the altar due to infirmity, one of those in charge of the election (called a Scrutineer) may go to him and take his ballot after the oath is recited. If there are Cardinal electors who are by reason of infirmity confined to their rooms, one of the Infirmarians goes to their rooms with ballot papers and a box. Such sick Cardinals take the oath and then complete the ballot papers. When the Infirmarians return to the Chapel, the ballots are counted to ensure that their number matches with the number of ill Cardinals; thereafter, they are deposited in the appropriate receptacle. If no one is chosen on the first ballot, then a second ballot immediately follows. A total of four ballots are taken each day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon.



Once all votes have been cast, they are counted. If the number of votes does not correspond to the number of Cardinal electors present, the votes are burnt, unread, and the voting is repeated. If, however, no irregularities are observed, the votes are counted. For any candidate to emerge as a winner, he must obtain two-thirds of the votes. In the case of Pope Francis, the number had to be 77 votes, as the electors were 115. To elect the successor to Pope Francis, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by the cardinal electors present in the conclave. With 135 eligible cardinal electors participating in the 2025 conclave, this means a candidate would need at least 90 votes to be elected pope. If the required majority is not obtained, the votes are burned and chemicals are used to produce black smoke in a chimney in the Sistine Chapel to indicate that a pope has not been chosen. If, however, the required majority is obtained, the smoke that comes from the chimney is white.



If no result is obtained after three days of balloting, the process is suspended for a maximum of one day for prayer and an address by the senior Cardinal Deacon. After seven further ballots, the process may again be similarly suspended, with the address now being delivered by the senior Cardinal Priest. If, after another seven ballots, no result is achieved, voting is suspended once more, the address being delivered by the senior Cardinal Bishop. After a further seven ballots, there shall be a day of prayer, reflection and dialogue. In the following ballots, only the two names that received the most votes in the last ballot shall be eligible in a run-off election. However, the two people who are being voted on, if Cardinal electors, shall not themselves have the right to vote.



Acceptance and Proclamation



Once the election concludes, the Cardinal Dean summons the Secretary of the College of Cardinals and the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations into the hall. The Cardinal Dean then asks the pope-elect if he assents to the election, saying: Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff? There is no requirement that the pope-elect does so: he is free to say I dont accept. In practice, however, any potential pope-elect who intends not to accept will explicitly state this before he has been given a sufficient number of votes to become Pope. This has happened in modern times with Giovanni Colombo in October 1978.



If he accepts, and is already a bishop, he immediately takes office. If the elected candidate happens not to be a bishop, he must first be ordained a bishop before he can assume office. According to immemorial tradition, he is ordained a bishop by the Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia. If a layman is elected, then the Cardinal Dean first ordains him deacon, then priest, and only then ordains him a bishop. Only after becoming a bishop does the pope-elect take office.



Choice of Papal Names

During the election of a pope at a conclave, when one candidate obtains the required majority, the Cardinal Dean who is in charge of the election proceeds to ask the pope-elect by what name he wishes to be known. The new pope then simply states what his papal name will be. Occasionally, he may offer an explanation for his choice, but no one expects that. Sometimes, he may offer an explanation later.



During the first centuries of the church, the priests who were elected bishops of Rome continued to use their baptismal names after their election. The custom of choosing a new name began in AD 533 with the election of a priest called Mercurius. He had been named after the Roman god Mercury, and he decided that it would not be appropriate for a pope to be named after a Roman god. Indeed, Mercury was the god of financial gain, commerce, eloquence, messages, communication (including divination), travellers, boundaries, luck, trickery and thieves; he also served as the guide of souls to the underworld. Mercurius subsequently decreed that he would be known as John II. After that, some popes changed their names and some did not. Since Sergius IV (1009-12), the custom has been followed with only two exceptions: Adrian VI (1522-23) and Marcellus II (1555) kept their baptismal names. Since the time of Marcellus II, it has been customary for all popes to change their names, although it is not required in any way.



Popes choose their papal names for a variety of reasons. For some, there may be a symbolic intent. The name chosen often reflects the popes theological priorities, values, or homage to predecessors or saints. For example, Pope John Paul I honoured John XXIII and Paul VI by choosing both John and Paul. For some, it would be inspiration from Saints. Thus, Pope Francis chose his name to evoke Saint Francis of Assisis humility and compassion. While no strict rules exist, the tradition remains flexible. Pope Francis broke precedent by selecting a name unused by previous popes, emphasizing a focus on social justice and renewal.



For other popes, continuity or reform may be in mind. Names like Benedict (Latin for blessed) or Pius (pious) may signal doctrinal focus or renewal. Other factors that come into play in the choice of papal names include the avoidance of controversy. Names tied to controversial figures (e.g., Borgia popes, known for alleged immorality) or those causing confusion (e.g., Stephen II, who died preconsecration) are typically avoided. Another factor is that there are some names that are reserved. For example, no pope has taken the name Peter out of reverence for Saint Peter, the first pope. Yet another factor is the use of ordinal numbers: Reused names include a numeral (e.g., Benedict XVI). New names (e.g., Francis) are designated the First but often omit the numeral until a successor adopts the same name.



After the papal name is chosen, the officials are readmitted to the Conclave, and the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies writes a document recording the acceptance and the new name of the Pope. Later, the new Pope goes to the Room of Tears, a small red room next to the Sistine Chapel. The Pope dresses by himself, choosing a set of pontifical choir robes from three sizes provided. Then, he vests in a gold corded pectoral cross and a red embroidered stole. He wears a white zucchetto (skull cap) on his head. The Cardinals then advance and pay him the first obedience, or homage. The Fishermans Ring is then put on the finger of the pope.



Introducing the new Pope



Next, the senior Cardinal Deacon appears at the main balcony of the basilicas facade to proclaim the new Pope with the phrase (assuming the new Pope was a cardinal):



I announce to you a great joy:

We have a Pope!

The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord [forename],

Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church [surname], who takes to himself the name [papal name].



Soon afterwards, the new pope, wearing pontifical robes, appears at the same balcony and gives his first blessing as pope to the crowd. The conclave ends when the new pope disbands it, usually after addressing the body of cardinals. Traditionally, the installation of the new pope takes place a few days later, the day being fixed by the pope himself.

The writer, Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu is an Emeritus Bishop of Konongo-Mampong
Academic quandary - Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh writes

Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh Thinking Aloud Apr - 24 - 2025 , 07:57 6 minutes read

Destroying a nation does not require the use of atomic bombs or the use of long-range missiles....

It only requires lowering the quality of education and allowing cheating in the examinations by students.

Patients die at the hands of such doctors; buildings collapse at the hands of such engineers; money is lost at the hands of such economists and accountants: Humanity dies at the hands of such religious scholars; justice is lost at the hands of such judges".

This is a message found written at the entrance of a university in South Africa for contemplation.

This is the crux of our educational system, which has reached a stage where most of the students do not rely upon themselves to gain knowledge and insight, but try to cheat with no appreciation of the subject.

James William of Harvard University encourages students to be self-reliant when he says, "Let not a youth have any anxiety about the upshot of his education, whatever the line of it may be.

If he keeps faithfully busy each hour of the working days, he may safely leave the final result to itself.

He can with perfect certainty count on waking up some fine morning to find himself one of the competent ones of his generation in whatever pursuit he may have singled out!

His recommendation is an independent search for knowledge through serious self-indulgence. But that is not what is happening today in our tertiary institutions.

When I was at the University of Ghana, Legon, in the late 1970s, plagiarism, the use of any academic resource material without open acknowledgement of the source, was considered suicidal, and the greatest academic sin, the concomitant of which was exposure as an academic charlatan, subject to open condemnation.

Today, we have some students who graduate with First Class or distinction, but who could hardly explain any concept in the subject matter in any language with clarity and certainty.

That is why I want to focus on the academic quandary, a complex web, which has enmeshed us all, lecturers, students and project (long essay and thesis) contractors.

Practice

The practice is widespread and diffused and requires collective effort and individual determination to be stemmed and wiped out.

Depending on the topic and subject area, whether at the diploma, undergraduate or graduate level, charges are fixed for every chapter.

It is believed that the least is GH500 per chapter.

A corollary to the tendency to hire out the project work is also the practice where a group of students are given a common project work, but irrespective of individual contributions, the grade secured is credited to each student.

This puts the burden on a few students who are serious about carrying out all the research, with the parasites gaining everything and losing nothing.

Charged

There are some lecturers charged to supervise such projects, but because of the low remuneration, they are neither keen nor eager about the process.

Some supervisors frustrate students by either not being available to direct the course of the project or unduly delaying marking the project.

I am privy to a situation where the student completed the MSc thesis within the regulated time.

After a year without hearing from the supervisor, he secured a scholarship and travelled outside to do a two-year MSc, upon which he was recruited to lecture in his former department.

Four years after submitting the thesis, he received the assessment, subject to minor grammatical and spelling errors, he had passed.

It means that although there was no academic problem with the originality and quality of his thesis, he would have waited helplessly for four years before getting his certificate.

Project contractors

The menace of project contractors came to my notice about 10 years ago, when a subordinate who hired the services of one for an MA thesis defaulted in payment.

The contractor called me to complain, after which I summoned the person and when he admitted, I advised him to redeem himself, since if the contractor could complain to me, then one cannot be certain how far he could diffuse the information.

He did, and the contractor called to thank me for my intervention.

Since last year, I have been alarmed about the brazen manner in which students are engaging the services of project contractors.

In one particular instance, the lecturer, as a supervisor, recruits the contractors, negotiates prices up to the binding stage and presents them to the department.

The crime was exposed when two students refused to pay and the lecturer threatened to deal with them.

Campaign

This is a campaign that I want all well-meaning Ghanaians to join hands in fighting. This is not the time to ask for evidence because it is an open secret.

I fought for the re-sit of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for Junior High School students, pointing out that even adults have chances to resit examinations, thus the limitation of the BECE to a single sitting was unjust, unfair, dysfunctional and unproductive.

The advocacy took a long time but I never wavered.

Today, it is a reality. To that extent, the Salt and Light Ministries wrote to me what was termed "A Salt and Light Motivational Letter".

The letter stated, among other things, "Dear Yaw, you are unique.

Grace, mercy and peace be yours from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

As you may know, Salt and Light Ministries is a Ministry of encouragement to the body of Christ, to be everything that God in Christ, has raised us to be (Matthew 5:16).

"As part of our mission of motivating and encouraging people to be the establishment God wants them to be, we take this opportunity to write to let you know you are unique for your courageous and enduring attempts of championing the cause of the BECE resit examination.

"God has carefully, intentionally and individually crafted you and vested in you various skills, talents and tasks and has called you by name to accomplish certain things for Him.

This thought should bring you great comfort as you seek to do your part in the larger scheme of the affairs of this nation".

The letter dated September 17, 2013, and signed by Dr Joyce Aryee, Executive Director, concluded thus, "May the Lord garrison you with His love and endue you with all wisdom and discernment so that you can use all your gifts, talents and skills to His glory and for the well-being, advancement and prosperity of our dear nation.

He who has called you is faithful. He will do it. Once again, congratulations".

I hope that as a nation, we would readily mobilise resources to uproot this academic scourge, cancer and canker and resolve the quandary such that we can promote independence, originality and ownership of the research capacities of our students.

If we cannot stem the tide, then we should look for better, functional and purposeful alternatives to the project work to enhance research skills without condoning academic fraud and thievery since moral rights are guaranteed in perpetuity and are not transferrable.

To claim the moral right to a work of art you did not produce is at the height of intellectual calumny and suicide.

We cannot destroy our nation because "The collapse of education is the collapse of the nation".
Dr Victoria Wosornu named top dental graduate with six major awards

Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah Life Apr - 24 - 2025 , 17:15 3 minutes read

On April 4, 2025, the University of Ghana held its 2023/2024 Vice-Chancellors Academic Awards. One standout achiever was Dr (Dent) Victoria Dovi Akpene Wosornu of the Dental School, who walked away with six prestigious prizes.

Each time she ascended the stage at the Great Hall to receive an award, she was met with thunderous applausea testament to her remarkable performance. Her awards included:

University of Ghana Dental School Prize for Best Student in the BDS Final Part III, Christian Botchway Prize for Best Student in Oral Biology, Dr Barimah S. Adjei Prize for Best Student in Local Anaesthesia, Life Healthcare Centre Prize for Best Final Year Dental Student, Stephen Tettey Glover Prize for Best Student in Removable Prosthodontics and Dr Nana Kwame Asante-Appiah Prize for Best Student in Operative Technique.

In an interview with The Mirror, Dr Wosornu expressed her joy and gratitude.

"I am truly honoured and humbled to receive these awards. This achievement represents the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and countless hours of study. I am especially grateful for the support of my lecturers, mentors and family, who have been instrumental throughout this journey."

Passion for dentistry

Dr Wosornu said her passion for dentistry continues to grow, and she is committed to improving oral health and well-being in communities across Ghana.

She explained what inspired her career path: "Dentistry is a unique field in health care that blends science with art. What truly drew me to it was seeing the relief and joy on my friends faces after visiting the dentist. Whether it was getting rid of pain, restoring a smile, or simply feeling more confident, the transformation was always heart-warming."

"I realised that dentistry goes beyond treating teeth; it restores comfort, confidence and self-esteem. That impact inspired me to pursue dentistry and meet the oral health needs of both the young and the old. Im also passionate about preventive care and reducing health inequalities."

Background

Dr Wosornu is the youngest of four children, born to Alice Dedjoe-Djokotoe and the late Francis Wosornu. Though originally from Dabala in the Volta Region, she was raised in Takoradi, Western Region. She had her early education at Good Shepherd Academy and Lagos Town Basic School, and later attended Archbishop Porter Girls SHS, where she excelled in Science and Mathematics.

In 2018, she represented her school in the National Science and Maths Quiz, a milestone that cemented her desire to study dentistry at the University of Ghana. Six years later, she graduated top of her class with six of the 12 awards presented.

Future plans

Dr Wosornu said she was exploring several exciting opportunities but hopes to begin her career at a reputable dental practice in Accra to broaden her clinical experience.

"I see myself actively involved in clinical dental practice, providing high-quality, patient-centred care. Beyond that, I also have a strong interest in academia and research. I hope to pursue postgraduate studies and contribute to advancing knowledge in dentistry, particularly in areas that affect oral health behaviours and access to care.

Ultimately, I want a career that balances hands-on patient care with academic engagement and impactful research."
Next article: Health minister Akandoh appeals to striking Tamale doctors to come to negotiation table

GBA urges adherence to rule of law in Chief Justice Torkornoo's suspension

Jemima Okang Addae Apr - 24 - 2025 , 13:36 2 minutes read

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has expressed concern over the procedure that led to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo by President John Mahama on April 23, 2025.

In a statement issued on April 24, the GBA acknowledged the constitutional provisions for removing the Chief Justice from office as outlined in Article 146 (6) to (10) of the 1992 Constitution.

While recognising that the matter was currently sub judice, the association expressed hope and belief that all parties involved would be guided by the time-tested principles of the rule of law and ensure that due process is followed in both letter and spirit.

The association further noted the importance of Article 296 of the Constitution, which governs the exercise of discretionary powers. It urged that every individual playing even the smallest role in the process act in a way that upholds the independence and integrity of the Judiciary.

Justice emanates from the good people of Ghana and is administered by the Judiciary, led by the Chief Justice, the statement read.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, the GBA emphasised its duty to defend, strengthen, and enhance public confidence in the justice delivery system of Ghana.

The GBA shall remain the concience of the society, the voice of the voiceless and act to safeguard the Rule of Law and uphold the Constitution of the Republic which embodies the wishes and aspirations of the people of Ghana, the association said.

Read the full statement
4 Akyem Kotoku chiefs swear oath to Omanhene

Samuel Kyei-Boateng Apr - 24 - 2025 , 02:57 2 minutes read

The Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku, Oseadeeyo Dr Frimpong Manso IV, has stressed the need for chiefs to strive to sustain the sterling qualities which convinced their kingmakers to nominate them and their subjects to overwhelmingly endorse them as traditional rulers.

He urged them to be humble, submissive, respectful, assiduous and treat all manner of people without discrimination.

Oseadeeyo Frimpong Manso made the call when four newly installed chiefs from the traditional area swore the oath of allegiance to him at his palace at Akyem Oda last Monday.

The new traditional rulers are the Chief of Nwinso, Baffour Yeboah Osei Hwedie II, known in private life as Yaw Yeboah and the Chief of Mamanso, Baffour Kofi Adarkwah Agyapong, also known as Kofi Adarkwah.

The rest are the Chief of Noyem, Nana Ayim Nketiah Mintah II, known in private life as Mike Ayim Mintah and the Chief of Akyem Akrofonso, Nana Boansi Mireku II, also known as Kofi Mireku.

Advice

Oseadeeyo Frimpong Manso advised the new chiefs to eschew land and chieftaincy disputes which divide the people and also retard progress.

He enjoined them to work hard to bring investors to the traditional area to revamp the local economy and to create jobs for the numerous unemployed youth in the area.

The omanhene urged them to use their influential positions to promote peace, unity and reconciliation, but not to harass or intimidate their subjects.

He wished them success in their administration and admonished them to work hard to help uplift their communities, the traditional area and Ghana in general.

The Krontihene of Akyem Kotoku, Obrempong Gyamfi Safo Kyere II, cautioned the new chiefs to refrain from chieftaincy disputes, which he stressed, had retarded the progress of the state for the past 27 years.

He urged them to use their wisdom, rich knowledge and wealth to help raise the quality of life of their people.

Sustain

The Nyafomanhene, Nana Ansah Sasraku, enjoined the new chiefs to help sustain the prevailing peace and unity in the traditional area.

The Nwinsohene, Baffour Osei Yeboah Hwedie, who is the Marketing Manager of IBM Petroleum, on behalf of his colleague chiefs, thanked the omanhene and the kingmakers for the honour done them.

He promised that they would live up to expectation and use their positions to assist in the transformation of Akyem Kotoku to an appreciable level.
Next article: National service personnel to begin basic military training from August 3

Africa calls for debt restructuring

Kester Aburam Korankye Apr - 24 - 2025 , 02:41 3 minutes read

African leaders have issued a stark warning at the ongoing IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, stating that soaring debt levels in developing nations are derailing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Johnson Asiama, speaking on behalf of African Governors, stressed that urgent international intervention was needed to prevent a full-blown economic crisis across the continent.

The speech highlighted growing frustration among African policymakers over the slow pace of global debt relief efforts.

With the 2030 deadline for the SDGs fast approaching, the call for decisive action has taken on renewed urgency.

Debt servicing

Dr Asiama revealed that nearly half of sub-Saharan African countries were either at high risk of debt distress or already trapped in it.

He stated with concern that many nations were now spending more on debt repayments than on essential services such as health and education.

This alarming trend, he said, had been worsened by a combination of global shocks, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, climate disasters, and tightening financial conditions.

"Africas per capita spending on interest payments now exceeds investments in health and education," Dr Asiama said.

He added that "this is unsustainable and demands immediate action from the international community".

Four-pronged solution

The African Governors outlined a series of measures to tackle the crisis.

First, they called for stronger IMF support, including maintaining concessional financing through the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) and replenishing the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT).

They also urged the IMF to align debt solutions with SDG priorities, and to provide tailored technical assistance to help countries to implement growth-friendly reforms.

Second, they pressed for an overhaul of IMFs debt sustainability framework to better reflect the unique challenges facing developing nations, particularly climate-related risks and new debt instruments.

Dr Asiama emphasised the need for improved early warning systems to detect debt distress before it escalated.

Third, the Governors demanded faster and more effective debt restructuring processes.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) and the G20 Common Framework, Dr Asiama stressed that progress had been too slow.

He called for greater transparency, stronger private creditor participation, and fairer burden-sharing among multilateral and bilateral lenders.

Fourth, the African leaders urged enhanced coordination among international financial institutions, including the IMF, World Bank and regional bodies.

They proposed innovative financing mechanisms such as debt-for-climate swaps and blended finance to simultaneously address debt burdens and climate vulnerabilities.

Global solidarity

Dr Asiama praised the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, for her leadership, but insisted that more must be done.

"African nations are doing their part by strengthening fiscal management, but we cannot solve this crisis alone," he said.

"The world must act now, before its too late," he added.
Farmer accused of murdering wife

Samuel Kyei-Boateng Apr - 24 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

A 44-year-old farmer, Enoch Kusi, who allegedly accused his 47-year-old wife, Ama Kwakyewaa, of infidelity, has butchered her to death in the bush at Akyem Adwafo in the Akyemansa District in the Eastern Region.

The suspect, believed to have taken refuge in the neighbourhood, is currently being pursued by the youth of the community who have mounted an intensive search for him to face justice.

Briefing the Daily Graphic at Adwafo yesterday, Osei Amponsah, a close relative of the deceased, said a misunderstanding ensued between the couple about three months ago, compelling the woman to pack bag and baggage and moved to her family house.

Farm

He said in the morning of last Tuesday, Kwakyewaa informed him that she was going to the farm.

Mr Amponsah said a few hours later, the deceaseds daughter, Yaa Beebi, rushed to his house screaming that her father had gruesomely killed her mother in the farm by hitting her head several times with a club.

According to Mr Amponsah, he invited three other men to accompany him to the scene where they found Kwakyewaa lying unconscious in a pool of blood.

He said they rushed Kwakyewaa to the Adwafo community clinic where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Giving the background to the incident, Mr Amponsah said about a month ago Kusi rushed to deceaseds house and attempted to kill her by brutally assaulting her but her neighbours intervened.

When contacted, the Akyem Ofoase District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Bawa, confirmed the matter and said investigations were underway

He said the suspect was on the run, and as such the police had mounted a search for him.


Ghana government, Gold Fields reach agreement on Damang mine transition

Kester Aburam Korankye Apr - 24 - 2025 , 02:47 2 minutes read

The government and Gold Fields Ghana Limited have finalised the agreement on transitional arrangements for the Damang Mine to ensure its operations and job security while paving the way for eventual Ghanaian ownership.

Under the new plan, Gold Fields subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, will be granted a 12-month mining lease for Damang, subject to parliamentary ratification in May 2025.

During this period, Gold Fields will resume open-pit mining while conducting feasibility studies to assess the mines reserves and long-term viability.

A joint management team, made up of representatives from the government and Gold Fields, will oversee the processing of existing stockpiles and ensure a smooth transition.

Both parties have committed to working in good faith to secure a successful handover of a sustainable mine to Ghanaian control.

The agreement also sets the stage for discussions on the renewal of Goldfields lease for the Tarkwa Mine, which expires in 2027.

The government and Gold Fields reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Ghanas mining sector as an attractive destination for investment.

A statement by Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, described the deal as a win-win for Ghanas economy and mining communities.

Background

The government recently announced that it had assumed operational control of the Damang Mine, a concession held by Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited.

The move followed 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 Goldfields Limiteds 30-year lease is said to have expired on 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.

Rationale

The statement made 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.
TTH doctors condemn open confrontation between member, sector minister

Mohammed Fugu Apr - 24 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The doctors Association of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) has condemned the open confrontation between the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Head of the hospitals Accident and Emergency Department, Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, during the ministers unannounced visit to the facility.

The association described the incident as regrettable, unprofessional, and a gross misrepresentation of their colleague's actions and intentions.

A widely circulated video showing a verbal exchange between the minister and the doctor has sparked public criticism and widespread media commentary, which DATTH insists was not only unfair but also taken out of context.

Statement

In a statement issued in Tamale on Wednesday, the association clarified that the doctor in question was engaged in a professional discussion with the minister concerning the management of a referred patient.

It said Dr Akwulpwa was explaining the situation and logistical challenges faced by the department when the discussions unexpectedly escalated into tense exchanges.

Our colleague has served with distinction, working under immense pressure to deliver life-saving care.

The portrayal of this incident in the media is unjust and has caused unwarranted damage to his reputation, the statement added.

Condemnation

It further condemned the public interrogation of the doctor, labelling it a violation of both professional protocols and patient confidentiality.

The association said that such confrontations did not reflect the collaborative spirit required to improve healthcare delivery.

We expect government officials and stakeholders to engage constructively with frontline health workers.

This unfortunate incident sets a bad precedent and undermines the morale of dedicated professionals, it added.

Background

The minister last Tuesday paid an unannounced visit to the facility in Tamale to assess its current situation as the only referral hospital in the northern part of the country.

Mr Akandoh expressed dissatisfaction with the deteriorating state of healthcare delivery at the facility, with several essential medical equipment reportedly non-functional.

He further discovered what he described as disturbing conditions at the hospital, such as broken-down medical equipment, unsanitary washrooms and general mismanagement of the hospitals infrastructure.

Some of the equipment had broken down for about six years now, compelling patients to resort to private facilities for services at exorbitant fees.

Moments after the visit, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr Atik Adam, was dismissed by President John Mahama.
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Health minister Akandoh appeals to striking Tamale doctors to come to negotiation table

Mohammed Ali Apr - 24 - 2025 , 12:40 3 minutes read

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has appealed to the striking doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to come to the negotiating table.

The doctors have withdrawn emergency services following the sacking of the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital last Tuesday, after the minister paid an unannounced visit to the hospital.

Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh called on doctors to return to the negotiating table following their indefinite suspension of emergency and outpatient services.

Mr Akandoh made the appeal during a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

He expressed his willingness to engage with the doctors, describing dialogue as the only way to resolve the current standoff.

I am prepared for us to come around the table and discuss whatever we need to discuss, Mr Akandoh said.

My humble appeal to my wonderful medical doctors and health professionals at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, lets call off the strike and lets all regroup and strategise going forward.

The Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) announced the strike action on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, following an emergency meeting.

According to the association, its members would no longer attend to patients at the general outpatient departments, antenatal and specialist clinics, and the paediatric OPD. They stated that inpatient care would continue only until all admitted patients were discharged.

The strike stems from a confrontation between Mr Akandoh and Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, during the ministers unannounced visit to the facility on Tuesday.

The doctors have demanded an immediate and unconditional apology from both Mr Akandoh and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Mr Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini.

The association insists that the apology must be directed not only to Dr Akwulpwa but also to all staff of the Accident and Emergency Department.

The doctors have also listed a number of conditions to be met before services can resume.

These include a steady supply of water and electricity, constant provision of oxygen, sufficient quantities of basic medical items such as gloves, syringes and disinfectants, and the regular availability of laboratory reagents.

Mr Akandoh, while addressing the media, said he had no intention of showing disrespect to medical professionals.

That would be the last thing I would do, he stated. But indeed, let it be said that respect is also reciprocal.

The Minister explained that his visit to the hospital was to assess its condition firsthand. He said he was alarmed by what he saw, describing the situation as unacceptable.

Some equipment had been broken down for six years. The state of the washrooms and the general infrastructure was not what it should be at a referral facility, he said.

Mr Akandoh also shared a personal story about a past accident that took him to a district hospital. I never imagined that I would one day be at Nyahini District Hospital, but I was there, he said. It can happen to everybody.
Health Minister presents medical equipment to Tamale Teaching Hospital

Mohammed Ali Apr - 24 - 2025 , 17:12 3 minutes read

The Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has delivered a range of medical equipment and supplies to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to support the hospitals operations, despite an ongoing strike by doctors at the facility.

The equipment was presented on Thursday, 24 April, 2025, as part of what the Ministry says is an effort to improve service delivery at the hospital, which serves as a major referral centre in northern Ghana.

The supplies include ICU ventilators, defibrillators, ultrasound scanners, ECG machines, oxygen concentrators and patient trolleys.

Mr Akandoh said the presentation was aimed at helping the hospital care for patients during this difficult period.

This support is intended to help the hospital continue to provide services to patients who rely on it, Mr Akandoh told journalists.

Other items handed over were eight digital sphygmomanometers, ten bowls with stands, three kickabout buckets, five instrument cabinets, five ward screens, one operating lamp and five delivery sets.

The hospital also received one electroencephalogram (EEG) machine, five emergency resuscitation trolleys, five foetal stethoscopes, twenty Ambu bags, five nebuliser sets, five patient trolleys, five wheelchairs and five examination lamps.

Other supplies included five foetal heart detectors, five ECG machines, five bulb suction units, one oxygen concentrator and one hundred pipette tips. Also delivered were four defibrillators, two Vinno ultrasound scanners with accessories, one Lowenstein Prisma ventilator, two transport ventilators, three voltage stabilisers, one Vyaire ICU ventilator and one Drager transport ventilator.

The hospital received three Drager ICU ventilators, six Drager ICU cardiac monitors, one Drager warmer, one Drager resuscitaire, two Drager phototherapy units and two Drager anaesthesia machines. In addition, 20,000 face masks, 500 assorted sutures and two Drager infant incubators were provided.

The delivery of these items comes just two days after the Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) announced an indefinite strike, citing the dismissal of the hospitals Chief Executive Officer and a confrontation between Mr Akandoh and the head of the hospitals Accident and Emergency Department during the ministers unannounced visit on Tuesday.

The striking doctors have demanded an apology from Mr Akandoh and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Mr Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini.

They are also calling for better working conditions, including regular water and power supply, adequate oxygen, and the consistent availability of medical consumables.

Mr Akandoh repeated his call for the doctors to return to the negotiating table. He explained that his visit to the hospital was to enable him to understand conditions on the ground, not to undermine staff.

I acknowledge the concerns of the doctors, but we must not lose sight of the patients who need care, he said. Let us talk and find a way forward.

The Ministry of Health says it remains open to further dialogue with the doctors while addressing long-standing infrastructure and supply issues at the hospital.
Next article: Accra: 4 suspects arrested in connection with 73 slabs of suspected cocaine weighing 89.74kg

Kwadaso murder suspect arrested

Emmanuel Baah Apr - 24 - 2025 , 16:19 2 minutes read

The police on Wednesday made a significant move in the investigations of the suspected murder of a 23-year-old woman at Kwadaso in Kumasi.

A suspect, Robert Kwabena Boamah, aged 34, was arrested at his hideout at Namong, near Offinso in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.

The victim, Dorothy Owusu Annor also known as Maa Abena was found dead with multiple stab wounds on Easter Monday [April 21, 2025], near the Mighty Jesus Educational Complex at Kwadaso in Kumasi.

The police in a statement, said upon receiving a distress call on Monday, the police found the deceased in an abandoned Opel Astra taxi cab with registration number AS8575-Y.

Police initial investigations revealed that the said vehicle belonged to the suspect, who was tracked down and arrested.

Interrogation/attempted suicide

The police indicated in the press statement that during interrogation, Boamah confessed to committing the crime and added that after his arrest, he attempted to take his own life by drinking weedicide but was treated and discharged at the Abuakwa Polyclinic.

The suspect, is currently in police custody, and efforts are underway to arraign him before court to face the full rigors of the law.

"After his arrest, the suspect appeared weak and upon further questioning, he confessed to attempting to take his own life by drinking a bottle of weedicide. He was immediately taken to the Abuakwa Polyclinic, where he received treatment and was subsequently discharged", it said.

According to the Regional Police Command, efforts are underway to arraign the suspect in court.
National service personnel to begin basic military training from August 3

Mohammed Ali Apr - 23 - 2025 , 20:57 2 minutes read

Basic military training will be introduced for all national service personnel beginning August 3 2025, the National Service Authority (NSA) has said.

The announcement follows a meeting held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, between the leadership of the NSA and the Military High Command at the Ministry of Defence in Accra.

The engagement centred on the rollout of the National Service Emergency Response Readiness Programme (NSERRP), a new training arrangement designed to expose service personnel to basic military drills and orientation.

The planned exercise reflects President John Dramani Mahamas statement during his maiden State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27 2025, in which he proposed short-term military training for graduates to promote discipline, patriotism and physical readiness.

Speaking during the meeting, the Director-General of the NSA, Mr Felix Gyamfi, said the programme would involve up to two months of composite drills for service personnel as part of their national service experience.

This military training is a step in the right direction and must be embraced by all and sundry as one of the indicators for resetting the country, particularly the youth, Mr Gyamfi said.

Brigadier General Amoah-Boakye, who represented the Military High Command at the meeting, assured the NSA of the Armed Forces preparedness to provide the necessary support when the programme takes effect.

While details of the implementation plan are still being finalised, the NSA has indicated that it is working with the relevant agencies to put all logistical arrangements in place before the August start date.
Tamale Teaching Hospital: Doctors suspend emergency and outpatient services over Ministers conduct, poor conditions

Mohammed Fugu Apr - 24 - 2025 , 06:17 3 minutes read

The Doctors Association of Tamale Teaching Hospital (DATTH) has declared an indefinite suspension of emergency and outpatient services, effective immediately.

This decision follows an emergency meeting held on April 23, 2025, in response to longstanding operational challenges and a recent altercation involving the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and a senior doctor at the facility.

Withdrawal of services

In a statement released Tuesday night, the association announced that its members would no longer provide services at the general outpatient departments (OPD), antenatal clinics, specialist clinics, and paediatric OPD.

However, DATTH assured the public that inpatient care would continue until all admitted patients are safely discharged.

The doctors are also demanding an immediate and unconditional apology from the Minister of Health and the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini. The demand stems from an alleged confrontation with Dr Valentine Akwulpwa, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department, during the Ministers visit on Tuesday.

According to the association, the apologies must be directed not only to Dr Akwulpwa but also to all doctors and staff of the Accident and Emergency Department.

Conditions for resumption

DATTH has outlined both short-term and medium-term conditions that must be met before the resumption of full services.

Immediate conditions include the continuous flow of water and stable electricity supply, uninterrupted provision of oxygen, adequate supply of consumables such as gloves, gauze, masks, syringes, and disinfectants, and reliable availability of laboratory reagents.

The association is also calling for the installation of 100 continuous vital signs monitors in the high-dependency unit, the provision of 14 ventilators across the ICU, paediatric, neonatal, and maternal units, two transport ventilators, two transport incubators, and the repair of 1,000-litre autoclave machines at the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD).

In the medium term, the doctors are requesting the procurement of critical medical equipment, including a non-helium MRI machine, CT scan with infusion pump, mammography, fluoroscopy, C-arm machines, arterial blood gas (ABG) analysers for all ICUs and the emergency department, and two mobile X-ray machines.

The association has warned that failure to meet these demands in the shortest possible time could result in further industrial action.

Commitment to dialogue

Despite the withdrawal of services, DATTH has assured the public of its commitment to engaging hospital management in resolving the issues and restoring full services as soon as possible.

New CEO appointed

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr Abukari Bawah Abdulai as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tamale Teaching Hospital.

This follows the dismissal of the previous CEO, Dr Atiku Adam, on Tuesday amid allegations of mismanagement and medical negligence that reportedly resulted in the death of a patient.

Background

The Minister of Health paid an unannounced visit to the hospital on Tuesday to assess its current state as a referral facility.

During the visit, Mr Akandoh expressed dissatisfaction with the deteriorating quality of healthcare at the hospital, noting the presence of broken-down medical equipment, unsanitary washrooms, and general infrastructure decay.

According to the minister, some equipment had been non-functional for up to six years, forcing patients to rely on costly private services for essential diagnostics and treatments.

Mr Akandoh chastised the management and described the situation as "unacceptable and disgraceful," particularly for a premier referral facility serving the entire Northern Ghana and beyond.

Read the entire statement below;
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Galamsey kingpin to be arrested in the coming days  Sammy Gyamfi

Gertrude Ankah Apr - 24 - 2025 , 14:06 4 minutes read

The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has disclosed that a prominent figure involved in illegal miningalong with his close associateswill be arrested in the coming days.

Speaking during a television interview with Channel One TV on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Mr Gyamfi said the imminent arrest signals the beginning of a more aggressive phase in the governments renewed clampdown on illegal mining, distancing the current efforts from what he described as a charade under the previous administration.

Mark my words, in the next few days, one of the biggest kingpins in galamsey and his collaborators will be arrested. Thats all I can tell you for now, he stated.

Mr Gyamfi asserted that the current fight against illegal mining is substantive and no longer for show.

There was no real fight against illegal mining under the previous regimeit was a complete charade, he charged. Now, the police, the military, and national security are all involved. This time, its real.

He claimed that under former President John Mahamas leadership, the response to illegal mining is structured and transparent, with seized excavators properly accounted for, prosecutions actively pursued, and foreign nationals involved in illicit mining subjected to legal processes rather than mere deportation.

Mr Gyamfi acknowledged the scale of environmental destruction caused by galamsey over the past eight years but said progress is being made in reversing the damage.

You dont expect rivers polluted with mercury and cyanide for years to suddenly become crystal clear within four years, he remarked. Its a process, not an event.

He disclosed that President Mahama has ordered the revocation of all mining leases in protected forest reserves, adding that directors and shareholders of companies found to be complicit in environmental violations will be held accountable.

Responding to calls for a state of emergency over illegal mining, Mr Gyamfi clarified that while some NDC members supported the idea, the party as a whole never endorsed it.

I was consistent even in opposition. The problem wasnt the absence of a state of emergencyit was the absence of political will. Now we have leadership thats taking real action, he said.

Mr Gyamfi also announced that the NDC government will move to revoke Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 as soon as Parliament reconvenes. The law currently permits the President to approve mining leases within protected forest reservesan arrangement critics say has fuelled environmental degradation.

L.I. 2462 is poisonous, and its repeal is a top priority, Mr Gyamfi stated. There were initial legal debates on whether to amend or scrap it, but the consensus now is clearit must go.

He said consultations with Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine have concluded, and the legal documents required for the repeal are ready for submission to Parliament.

Mr Gyamfi revealed that 44 of Ghanas 288 forest reserves have been significantly impacted by illegal mining, but security operations have successfully reclaimed seven of the most affected.

So far, 125 excavators, 10 bulldozers, seven pickup trucks, and 15 motorbikes have been seized during operations.

He stressed that, unlike under the previous government, no equipment has gone missing under the current administration, and no officials have been implicated in illegal mining activities.

You wont hear of drones missing or excavators disappearing. The President has made it clear: any official involved in illegal mining will be dismissed and prosecuted, Mr Gyamfi said.

While welcoming recent progress, the GoldBod CEO acknowledged that Ghanas battle against illegal mining is far from over. He called for continued public support, stressing that the current reforms aim to build enduring systems that will outlive political cycles.

Were not just reacting. We are dismantling networks and strengthening institutions. The financiers, the directors, the powerful figures behind thisthey are not above the law, he added.

The repeal of L.I. 2462 is expected to mark a turning point in Ghanas forest and mining governance, reinforcing the NDCs pledge to protect the countrys natural resources and restore degraded ecosystems.
The hospital is looking to make improvements to the obstetrics suite to help with an increased number of patients, and is hoping for the county's help with funding for the project.

Representatives from Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, including CEO Irene Richardson, first presented the idea for the capital project to the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners at their March 18 meeting. They discussed it in further detail again during the April 15 meeting, where the commissioners gave their blessing for the project to move forward.

"There have been several hospitals that have closed their OB units around our area," Richardson said, explaining that hospitals in Kemmerer, Evanston and Rawlins have all closed their obstetrics and delivery units, leading to people traveling to Rock Springs. "A lot of those patients have been seeking care at the hospital, and we want to be able to provide the best care that we can for them."

The hospital delivers around 400 babies a year, and is projected to deliver closer to 500 this year, according to Richardson. Last year the OB unit averaged about 37 births per month, and this year they are on track to average 42 births per month.

"We are seeing an increase in the number of births we're delivering," Richardson said, adding again that Sweetwater Memorial is "the only place in southwest Wyoming that delivers babies."

The renovation to the OB suite that hospital staff want to do involves making changes to bathroom facilities to better care for patients after they give birth. Richardson explained that the hospital currently has three labor rooms that have bathtubs, which the hospital wants to replace with showers. Patients are typically moved to postpartum rooms after giving birth, but sometimes when rooms are full they end up staying in the labor rooms. In these cases, it would be better for the labor rooms to have showers, which are better for infection control and can provide hydrotherapy for pain management for patients, Richardson explained. The other part of the remodel would be putting a bathroom into the OB suite's recovery room, since it currently doesn't have one and patients in the room have to be escorted to a staff bathroom if they need it. All of these changes would increase comfort and quality of care for patients, Richardson said.

The original price estimate for the OB suite renovation that Richardson presented to the commissioners was $426,350.

While presenting the OB renovation, the hospital also presented a second capital project they would like to complete, which is a roof replacement for the hospital's powerhouse building. This project has a base cost of $73,985, according to Richardson. She added that the new roof will include fall protection measures to ensure safety, with a base cost of $35,819.

The total projected cost for both projects would be $536,154, according to Richardson. In order to help cover the cost, the hospital requested $500,000 from the county which was set aside last year.

Commissioner Taylor Jones reiterated that the commissioners set aside this money and earmarked it for the hospital with the idea of possibly adding to it each year so that funds would be available for large capital projects in the future.

"I think the idea of saving the money up over the years is a great idea, but they've come to a situation where the OB world is different than it was a year ago, and it's time to move forward in this department," Jones said.

Commissioner Island Richards questioned the idea of spending the earmarked money so quickly, and he asked the hospital to look for alternative funding sources for the projects first. The hospital did so over the next month, but came back to the commissioners without having found any other options.

"Unfortunately there's not really a lot out there," Kayla Mannikko, the Hospital Foundation's executive director, told the commissioners. She explained that they'd looked at the local, state and federal levels and examined multiple possible funding sources, but didn't find any that would fit the project. She added that typically a federal grant would be the best option, but isn't a realistic possibility right now following the freezing of federal funding by the Trump administration.

The commissioners thanked the hospital for looking for alternative funds, and expressed their support for the projects, but discussed their concerns and frustrations over the structure of how to provide the funding. Chairman Keaton West said that he doesn't like having the separate reserve funds for capital projects since he believes it "muddies the waters," and he would rather spend it down and go back to having all the funding and the hospital's budget be handled in the same way.

Commissioner Richards added that the discussions were regarding the mechanism of how the funds are given, but said that the commissioners were in general agreement in wanting to provide the funds for the project. He also said he believed both the OB renovation and roof replacement project should be treated in the same way.

"I think you have our blessing to move forward under the current maintenance fund," Chairman West concluded, adding that the commissioners will try to simplify the funding process.

"We do appreciate it," Richardson said. "I think it's going to be a really good thing for our patients."
The Green River Police Department is welcoming a new member, with K9 Salem joining the team.

Salem is "a determined and energetic black Labrador retriever with a big heart and an even bigger nose for the job," the GRPD said in a press release.

Born on September 5, 2023, in the Czech Republic, Salem recently completed an intensive two-week training program with K9 Working Dogs International, the GRPD explained. Salem earned certifications in both human tracking/trailing and narcotics detection. She is trained to detect fentanyl, psilocybin, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, PCP, marijuana and LSD.

"Her scent work is second to none," the press release said.

Salem has already been deployed 14 times since arriving, proving herself to be a fast learner and valuable addition to the team, according to the GRPD. She is now partnered with Officer Sven Pickens.

"While Salem is all business on the job-focused, determined, and eager to work-she's also full of personality," the GRPD said. "She's playful and energetic, with a serious love for her ball (her favorite reward). She enjoys swimming any chance she gets and has a soft, affectionate side-often resting her head on Officer Pickens' shoulder during quiet moments in the patrol vehicle."

Salem is now the second K9 officer in the Green River Police Department, joining K9 Therapy Buddy, who is also a black Laborador retriever. Buddy works with Detective Martha Holzgrafe working with juveniles.

The GRPD hopes the community will give a warm welcome to K9 Officer Salem as she embarks on her journey with the department.

"We're honored to have her on our team, working to keep our community safe," the department said. "She's ready to serve, protect, and leave her paw-sitive mark on the community!"
In a survey by Counterpoint Research commissioned by OnePlus, 88% of the respondents seemingly would be up for purchasing a compact smartphone if it offered similar performance as a flagship. The survey was conducted among over 2,000 young emerging professionals and early jobbers in India.

The number includes 57% of respondents who said they were very likely to do so and 31% that were somewhat likely. Only a single-digit percentage was either neutral or wasn't interested in such a device.

The study also reveals that 68% agree that there aren't enough options available on the market that fit these requirements. Also, over half of them prioritized performance and battery life while choosing a compact phone and 73% consider it very important that the phone is operational with one hand.

Out of all the participants, 11% want a device with a display size that is below 6 inches and 29% who prefer it to be greater than 6.5 inches. Meanwhile, 60% would like it somewhere in-between. Finally, the consumer seemed to prefer Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus for their next compact smartphone purchase.

Setting aside the fact that the survey was commissioned by OnePlus and also the impetus to do so at present, the results seem at odds with existing market trends. If there is one thing that customers seemed to have unequivocally agreed upon over the past decade or so is that they want bigger phones. Apple learned this the hard way when it started selling the iPhone mini in 2020 based on the opinions of a vocal minority, only to take an unprecedented decision to discontinue it just two years later due to poor sales. Even Samsung, which sells one of the few flagship-grade compact phones, routinely sees the much bigger and more expensive models in the same series outsell it.

The lack of options on the market that the study points out is the result of this lack of demand, not the reason for it. If the two biggest smartphone manufacturers cannot convince you to purchase a compact flagship smartphone, what chance do the smaller brands have? Sony and Asus tried for a while and we all saw how that went.

So forgive us for taking this report with a grain of salt. Until customers start putting their money where their mouth is and actually start buying the flagship compact phones they so seemingly desire, they will continue to be labeled as a vocal minority.
The Guam Department of Education could be under a state of emergency as early as next week if the U.S. Department of Education does not unfreeze $51 million in American Rescue Plan Act reimbursements during an 8 a.m. Friday phone conference, local education officials said in a Thursday press conference.

Without the $51 million ARP funds, the government of Guam would have to assist with at least $20 million in local funds for ongoing major repairs at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, George Washington High School, and other campuses, education officials said.

Guam Education Board Chairman Angel Sablan, during the news briefing, said GDOE has a scheduled telecom conference at 8 a.m. Friday with U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

The call would also include Del. Jim Moylan and Sen. Vince Borja.

Sablan said if no guidance is received, the board will consider emergency action.

The board is inclined to call a meeting early next week to declare a state of emergency for GDOE, Sablan said. What that would do is trigger our request to Senator Vince for him to ask the speaker of the Guam Legislature to declarean emergency session so that we can get an appropriation.

GDOE is seeking at least $20 million in local funding to keep work moving at FBLG Middle School, GW High School, and other priority campuses, education officials said.

Weve been working very, very closely with Senator Vince Borja in trying to resolve some of our difficulties with finances ARPA, but we are here today, and I wish I could give you good news from whatever was turned in a couple of weeks ago, but as of today, as of this very moment, we have not heard back from USEd, all the appeals that have been submitted to them, Sablan said.

Although GDOE holds other funds, they are restricted and not available for operational needs, Sablan said.

Ill give you an example. If this is over a million dollars appropriated to support [Reserve Officers Training Corps]. If we take that money away from ROTC, therell be no ROTC program, Sablan said. We will never do that.

Borja warned of additional financial consequences if current construction at certain campuses is interrupted.

Were estimating, as we stop progress, its going to cost the government $5 million for them to stop, Borja said. FBLG, theyve been waiting, I think, about two years now, to go home.

He said keeping the momentum going at GW High School and FBLG Middle School should take precedence over competing budget proposals.

There are some other measures that were doing to entertain that, of course, considering what the fiscal impact is as well, Borja said. But right now, the urgency and priorityis that we need to spend as many dollars as we can that is not going to stop current operations and ensure that the project continues to move forward.

Double sessions, reassignments

GDOE officials are also evaluating how to manage student populations through possible double sessions or school reassignments.

A department-wide survey closed Tuesday. Responses are now being reviewed.

We revisited that in February of this year and just kind of added more pros and cons, more alternatives, Deputy Education Superintendent Barbara Adamos said. We also looked at FBLG, and if we were to integrate the students with nearby middle schools. What would that entail? And were already seeing that were going to be shortwe cant fit everybody in BMS and Astumbo.

New school year to open on time

Education Superintendent Erik Swanson said the new school year will begin as scheduled despite pending construction and reassignment decisions.

Were going to open all of our schools on time, barring another super typhoon and how that changes things, Swanson said. If we dont have a weather catastrophe, theres no reason that we dont open on the first day of school on all the campuses, regardless of where they stand in terms of completion of refurbishment.

Final recommendations will be submitted to the board by April 30.

A decision is expected at the boards meeting on the first Tuesday of May.

Its on the agenda that will be discussed at the first meeting, Sablan said. Of course, whatever the board decides will weigh heavily on the recommendation of not just GDOE, but parents, teachers, and stakeholders.

Sablan acknowledged that GDOE may have to approve alternative scheduling plans if renovations are incomplete by August.

We know that civil structures are not going to be finished in time. We know that FB is not going to be finishedso there has to be some sort of double session or some other hybrid of something to deal with our students, he said.

A public town hall is scheduled for April 28.

Officials will update families on current construction progress and scheduling scenarios.

A final operational decision is expected before the school year begins on Aug. 7.

Education officials during Thursdays briefing said GDOE is also weighing the possibility of joining other states and territories in a potential class action suit or filing its own lawsuit against USDOE.

If nothing moves forward to shake up USDOE to release some of this money. Because, as I said earlier, it doesnt only affect Guam, it affects many other states and territories so there is a talk about doing a class action, too, but thats if we dont get anywhere, Sablan said.
Designated Senior U.S. District Court Judge John C. Coughenour on Thursday sentenced retired police officer John Boom T. Mantanona to five years or 60 months in prison plus two years supervised release for obstructing justice by influencing a juror.

The judge ordered him to pay a $30,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

I am sorry to my wife, our family. This is embarrassing. But I am asking for consideration, Mantanona, 67, said when he addressed the court right before his sentence was announced in federal court.

Mantanona pleaded guilty to endeavoring to influence a juror, a Class C felony that carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Coughenour in federal court said in his travels around the world discussing different systems of justice, what others admire most about the U.S. Judiciary was its trial by a jury of peers.

The judge said Mantanona compromised that element of the trial process, using his experience and knowledge of the process to upend the process.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rosetta San Nicolas.

A draft presentence report suggested a 70-month jail term for Mantanona, a sentence supported by the government and prosecutor.

The public should have faith in our justice system, which includes fair and impartial court proceedings. Mantanona violated this fundamental concept of trial by jury, U.S. Attorney for Guam and NMI Shawn Anderson said in a statement. The Department of Justice will hold accountable those who obstruct justice.

HSI Hawaii Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas said great trust is placed in those who call law enforcement their mission.

Mantanona retired from the Guam Police Department, including work as an FBI task force officer.

This sentence sends a clear message to those currently in or retired from law enforcement that if you break that trust, there will be consequences, Cabral-DeArmas said in a statement.

Defense: Disparate prison term

Defense attorney Jay Arriola argued against what he called a disparate prison term compared to the sentences imposed on defendants Raymond Martinez and Juanita Moser, who were originally charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 3,600 grams of methamphetamine in late 2018.

The defendants had hired Mantanona as a private investigator, and when a jury was selected, they also provided Mantanona with $1,000 used to buy a not guilty verdict from a juror. It resulted in a hung jury and mistrial.

Arriola also argued that Mantanona provided substantial assistance to the government that resulted in indictments and convictions for all parties involved in the obstruction of justice.

He said Mantanona provided other information in other cases, solid information that the government has not acted upon.

Arriola also spoke about Mantanonas storied career in law enforcement that resulted in numerous arrests and convictions in major crimes, as well as earned numerous commendations over more than three decades. Arriola filed an updated sentencing memo on April 23, 2025, asking for a further reduction to one year of probation.

This is so disappointing for all of us. For the law enforcement on Guam, for the justice system, for everything involved, said Arriola. For us, its a sad day, for Boom, its a sad day...sad for the justice community on Guam.

San Nicolas, of the U.S. Attorneys Office, stuck to her original recommendation and said Mantanona was the orchestrator of the event and while he was given the money used to bribe, he did all of the actual work.

She also argued that the obstruction charge was increased by the nature of the charge he attempted to obstruct.

Moreover  and the judge agreed  that with such a law enforcement career, Mantanona should have known better, she said.

The judge agreed to allow Mantanona to self-surrender to the prison when it was time.Anderson, in a statement, applauded law enforcement partners for pursuing an investigation beyond the initial crimes by Martinez and Moser.

FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter said the FBIs anti-corruption work remains one of their highest priorities.

Those who criminally influence jurors and their deliberations through bribery strike at the very foundation of our criminal justice system, he said. Mr. Mantanona tampered with the integrity of our legal process, and in so doing, attempted to deny our community the justice it deserves. As reflected by this investigation, the FBI is committed to protecting our legal system and will bring to justice those who act to corrupt it.
Military officials could look to the potential of technology like high-powered lasers and microwave beams to stop missiles fired at Guam, the head of all U.S. forces in the region told members of Congress this month.

Indo-Pacific Command head Adm. Samuel Paparo spoke briefly about the possibility of directed energy and electronic warfare capabilities for the Guam missile defense during a hearing held by the U.S. House Armed Services Committee earlier this month.

The 360-degree missile defense system planned for Guam was highlighted several times during the April 9 hearing, which focuses on U.S. military readiness and challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Indiana Rep. Mark Messmer at one point during the hearing asked Paparo about recently announced plans to shrink missile defense plans for Guam from 22 to 16 sites across the island.

Can you explain the plans for the committee? Where you are in developing and implementing those plans? Messmer asked.

Guam Defense System, tranche one, will deliver in 2027, Paparo replied.

He said the plan was to have the effectiveness of the system be the driver for the acquisition of it, and to look at opportunities for directed energy, for electronic warfare.

Directed energy weapons include high-energy lasers that can be used to shoot down drones and missiles.

The Pentagon spends about $1 billion on this tech every year, CBS News reported in 2023.

More recently, the Israel Defense Forces unveiled plans to field a laser missile interceptor system called the Iron Beam by this year, National Defense reports. U.S. Department of Defense contracting giant Lockheed Martin is working with an Israeli company to bring the tech to the DoD.

Electronic warfare, which involves enemy jamming radio communications, has also seen success in defeating drones and missiles in Ukraine, Business Insider reports.

Indo-Pacoms Paparo raised concerns in the past that conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are depleting stocks of U.S. weapons and interceptors that could be used in the Pacific.

Reports indicate that a key advantage of technology like the Israeli Iron Beam is how cheap it is to fire, versus traditional interceptor missile tech.

The possibility of using unusual or space-age technology to defend the island from increasingly sophisticated missile threats from Russia and China isnt new.

In 2023, the general in charge of missile defense for the U.S. Army called for the use of blimp-like surveillance balloons to be flown around the island in order to detect cutting-edge threats like hypersonic weapons that could be fired at Guam.

The Army has not announced plans for widespread deployment of such surveillance balloons to date, but they have trained with such technology around the Mariana Islands.

Despite the possibility of new tech being floated for defending the island, Paparo on April 9 told Guam Del. James Moylan that the islands defense system still remains Indo-Pacoms top unfunded priority.

That means that amounts provided in presidential budgets dont match up with whats needed to bring the project forward.

Guam Defense System is first and foremost on our mind, Paparo told Moylan at the April 9 hearing.

Its unclear how much the project may be short in the fiscal year 2026 defense budget proposed by President Donald Trump.

The president earlier this month announced plans to unveil a record $1 trillion Pentagon budget, Politico reports. That contradicts an earlier announced proposal by the Pentagon to slash spending by $50 billion per year for the next five years.
The U.S. Navy on Thursday suspended the active search for Gabriel Holt, a sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and who was last seen late Friday night near Gun Beach in Tumon.

The suspension of the search went into effect at 9 a.m. April 24 after 120 hours of search, covering more than 11,000 square nautical miles.

Holt was last seen at 11:57 p.m. on April 18 in the area between Hotel Nikko Guam and Gun Beach, according to the Guam Police Department.

The USS Nimitz departed Guam on April 21 after a scheduled port visit.

The Navy said the sailor has been listed as duty status whereabouts unknown after being reported unaccounted for Saturday morning while the USS Nimitz was conducting a regularly scheduled port call at Naval Base Guam.

U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 crews searched extensively, as did crews aboard a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft from Commander Task Force 72, U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class cutter USCGC Oliver Henry, Station Apra Harbors 45-foot Response Boat-Mediums, and Guam Fire Rescues coastal and offshore teams, the Navy said.

Contact GPD

GPD described Holt as 6 feet tall, weighing 192 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a white tank top, green shorts, and gray shoes.

GPD said anyone with information about Holt is encouraged to call 911 or GPD Tumon Precinct Command at (671) 649-6330.
It was unclear as of Thursday how much revenue the government could lose if lawmakers vote to lower business privilege taxes on companies bringing in up to $2 million a year.

Senators had good and bad to say about the proposal, but were left wanting more data after a Thursday public hearing on Sen. Vince Borjas Bill 90-38.

The bill would allow businesses that make up to $2 million annually to pay a BPT of just 3% on the first $1 million they make each year.

BPT rates are currently at 5%, but the government already allows small businesses that make less than $500,000 annually to pay just 3%.

Borja said the intent of the bill is to give more breathing room to businesses that were still reeling from the pandemic and Typhoon Mawar.

Many mom and pop stores, family-run enterprises and small service providers exceed the $500,000 threshold each year, Borja said.

They told us loud and clear, they need more support, he said.

Only government officials appeared in person to testify on the measure on Thursday.

The Guam Chamber of Commerce did send written testimony in support of the billbut also asked lawmakers for broader tax rollbacks to 4% for all businesses.

Exactly what the expanded BPT waiver in Bill 90-38 would do to GovGuams tax revenue wasnt known as of Thursdays hearing, according to Department of Revenue and Taxation Director Marie Lizama.

Lizama told senators that DRT had pulled the data from over 15,000 companies, but wouldnt be done processing it for the next few days.

She said an estimated 663 taxpayers would be covered in the expansion from a $500,000 to $2 million cap under the bill.

Guam Economic Development Authority Acting Administrator Tina Garcia did give senators a rough figure of about $9 million in potential tax revenue impact.

But that figure was based on 2022 tax data, and only accounted for the 3% BPT rate being expanded to businesses that made up to $1 million annually.

Sens. Telo Taitague and Therese Terlaje both said they believed another hearing should be hosted on the bill, in light of the figures that are still lacking.

Budget chairman Sen. Chris Duenas agreed to host another hearing.

Small businesses

GEDAs Garcia told lawmakers that the governor did support the expanded 3% BPT for businesses during her annual State of the Island Address.

For businesses operating just above the current ($500,000) threshold, the burden of the tax can stifle growth and discourage hiring, investment or even staying in operation, Garcia told senators.

She said Bill 90-38 would let those businesses reinvest in themselves.

Terlaje, at one point, noted that the governor also said she didnt believe that we should be cutting taxes in the same speech with those who are the big contractors for the military buildup.

Sen. Will Parkinson raised skepticism about the measure, noting the uncertainty about lost tax revenue and impacts on government programs.

We really need to ask ourselves, is extending it $2 million really helping small businesses?

Decaying public services

In contrast, Guam Chamber of Commerce president Catherine Castro, in a letter to senators, said Bill 90-38 and other measures went in the right direction.

But they werent enough, Castro wrote.

GovGuam had not seen a payless payday since the BPT was raised from 4% to 5% in 2018, Castro noted, but those in the private sector saw shortened hours, job loss, and shuttered businesses.

The government saw increased revenue, increased budgets, and increased payroll, Castro wrote.

But government services did not improve, she stated.

Instead, we have witnessed the decay of our public hospital, public schools, public transportation, emergency services, public parks, and other public services, she added.

GovGuam needed to support the private sector, and the residents it employed, she stated.

Top 11.2% pay 94% of taxes

Duenas shared data from GEDA during the hearing, which showed that the top 11.2% highest earning companies on Guam, totaling 1,804, accounted for 94% of BPT tax collections.

That meant that out of 16,083 businesses filing for BPT on Guam, theres 14,300 little guys.

He noted that the difference between a 5% and 4% BPT rate was a difference of $90 million in tax collections for GovGuam.

Duenas said he wanted senators to recognize that figure, when addressing legislation in Bill 11-38, which would roll back the BPT to 4%.

Back when the BPT was raised from 4% to 5% in 2018, the increase was estimated to raise $60 million, Pacific Daily News files show.
Editor's note: The name of Everlyn Dasi was misspelled in a previous version of the story. It's been updated.

Women entrepreneurs from across 24 South Pacific island nations are gathered at Guam Community College this week as part of a yearlong leadership and business training.

Theyre all here with a shared mission to expand their networks, amplify their voices, and empower fellow islandersespecially womento lead.

GCC is hosting the Young Pacific Leaders Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, an initiative supported by the U.S. government under the YPL program launched in 2013.

Where Dreams Become Reality

The academy includes weekly online sessions and culminates in a five-day in-person conference, Where Dreams Become Reality, running through Friday on the GCC campus.

The program is designed to equip emerging Pacific women business leaders with tools for growth, offering a platform for them to develop actionable business plans and gain hands-on strategies for leading sustainable change in their communities.

One of those leading the charge is Everlyn Dasi, a Zumba instructor and procurement consultant from the Solomon Islands, who built a fitness community of more than 300 women after launching her classes in 2019.

Its not just a class, its a community of women that we do charity work with, Dasi said. At first, they were shy and closed off, but after a few weeks, they built confidence and were able to explore other forms of exercise beyond Zumba.

Lack of access to fitness facilities in her community inspired Dasis mission.

There werent many places for women to exercise, she said. So, I decided to get licensed and offer classes, because many women were neglecting their own well-being while caring for their families. They need to take care of themselves, too.

Dasi, who also consults for small businesses and government agencies, said she joined the YPL Academy to gather new ideas and advocate for mental health awareness among women.

I wanted to learn from these women and also advocate for mental health, she said. A lot of the women here are already well-established, and I want to know how to establish my own business.

Cultural expectations often hinder Pacific women from pursuing entrepreneurship, Dasi noted.

In the past, women were expected to stay home, cook, and take care of the family, she said. But now, more women are exercising and pushing past those barriers, with men gradually accepting and supporting their wives.

The conference has shifted Dasis mindset, allowing her to think outside the box.

Ive learned new ways to improve my work just by talking to the other ladies. It opened my mind, she said.

Inspired by a fellow participants fitness challenge model, Dasi plans to incorporate new motivational strategies into her classes.

Participants will do Zumba three times a week and go to the gym twice, with a presentation at the end to see who loses the most weight, she said. Its a fun way to get women involved.

Dasi hopes the long-term impact of the program will be seen in her home island, where more women will be motivated to start their own businesses.

I want women to realize they have talent and potential, she said. If a woman manages a business, it will thrive. More women entrepreneurs will boost the economy.

Dasis advice to women: Dont stay confined in your own space. If you have a talent, make use of it. You can make money out of it and support your family. And dont forget your mental health and lifestyle.

From Palau to the Marshall Islands

Leilani Buck, a participant from Palau now based in the Marshall Islands, left her tech career to support her mothers food business and reconnect with her Pacific heritage.

My mom works so hard, and I dont want it to be forgotten, Buck said. As Pacific Islanders, when we do something, were not just doing it for ourselves, were doing it for our kids, our parents, and our ancestors.

Bucks mother, Julianna Ramarui, gained recognition for her homemade spicy lemon sauce in Palau, but growth stalled without sufficient capital.

She ended up on local news, but weve never had enough money to really invest in the business, Buck said. Right now, shes still making everything by hand and packaging it in water bottles.

Buck, 29, faced both racial and gender bias in the predominantly white, male-dominated tech industry in Seattle.

It was like gender, cultureeverything. The fact that I was a woman was already hard, but being a brown woman made it even harder, she said. I was the only brown girl in the whole department.

Growing up on Guam, Buck also faced bullying over her cultural identity.

I was bullied just for being Micronesian. I struggled with self-esteem issues, she said. But when I went back to Palau, we are so proud of our culture, and Im so happy.

She left Guam and moved to Palau when she was 14 years old.

In Palau, I never really had an issue with the men and women inequality, because in Palau, women are pretty respected. When we walk into a workplace, Ive never felt like somebody questioned my knowledge or my skills.

Buck said her mission goes beyond family. She wants to see Micronesian products on shelves and help other Pacific Islanders gain entrepreneurial skills.

Micronesians are marginalized within the marginalized, she said. We need to see ourselves reflected in the business world.

Buck plans to start a consulting agency to support small Pacific businesses.

Im starting with my mom because I owe it to her, she said.

Buck also brought attention to how inter-island biases and colonization continue to fracture the region.

Even within our communities, theres division, she said. People from different islands have their differences, and thats a product of colonization.

She advocates for language support and stronger community outreach.

We could bring in translators to help people start businesses, Buck said. Its not a huge challenge. We just need the right resources and support.

Gender equity remains central to her mission.

The patriarchy is real, and women are silenced constantly, Buck said. If women cant speak up at home, how can they speak up in larger spaces?

Reflecting on her time at GCC, Buck is grateful for the opportunity.

My biggest takeaway is that the resources are there. We just need to fight for them and speak up, she said. Weve always been in the background, but now its time to step up.

Buck remains motivated by her mothers resilience.

Shes been through so much trauma, and shes still so strong, Buck said. She has a strong faith, even when I wonder how she got through it all.

If we develop the communities, everything else will thrive, she said. Schools will improve, leadership will improve, and our economy will grow.

I dont have forever, she added. Her time is going to come, and I dont want to regret not doing anything to help her.

Redefining youth leadership

Iree Chow Radclyffe, co-founder of the Future Ancestors program and a Chuukese-Chinese Solomon Islander, traveled from New Zealand to Guam to support Pacific women leaders.

This is not my first time in Guam, but Im experiencing it through the lens of entrepreneurship, as a Pacific Island woman looking to start or develop my own business, she said.

Radclyffe is working to redefine leadership for Pacific youth.

For many young people, leadership looks like holding a microphone or being a politician, she said. Were changing that perception. Leadership can take many forms.

Living in New Zealand, shes attuned to the shared struggles between Pacific Islanders and indigenous groups like the Maori. She emphasized the need for solidarity.

Their fight is our fight, she said. Supporting indigenous communities means supporting our people.

Radclyffes program, based in New Zealand and Australia, was created by and for Pasifika youth. It focuses on community-driven leadership while addressing the layered challenges women face in balancing cultural expectations and caregiving responsibilities.

We dont just have to juggle our roles as mothers, sisters, and caregivers, as many women do, she said. Theres also the cultural and community aspect to consider.

Personal growth has been a key takeaway for her.

There have been light bulb moments where I thought, If they can do it here, we can do it at home too, she said.

She sees a future where the Future Ancestors program expands to the CNMI and Guam.

The name of this conference is Dreams to Reality, and thats definitely a dream of ours, Radclyffe said. As a Micronesian, thats a dream Im passionate about.

Radclyffe closed with a message of self-determination.

The best people to solve our communitys challenges are the people within it. We just need the resources and support, she said. When you see someone who looks like you, speaks like you, and shares your experiences, its incredibly powerful. Thats how well change our future generations.
In China's "World Supermarket," trade thrives despite global headwinds

16:31, April 24, 2025 By Ouyang Jie, Ke Zhongjia, Liu Junguo ( People's Daily

Merchants from Jordan purchase accessories at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang province, April 15, 2025. (Photo by Shi Bufa/People's Daily Online)

On an ordinary afternoon at the Yiwu International Trade Market, the world's largest wholesale hub for small commodities, business is anything but ordinary. The corridors bustle with buyers from across the globe, and vendors - some 75,000 of them - field inquiries from customers both online and off.

Dubbed "world's supermarket," this sprawling market in east China's Zhejiang province sees more than 220,000 visitors a day. While global trade faces rising uncertainty, Yiwu remains a hive of activity and resilience. "There are always more solutions than problems," a vendor remarked to People's Daily reporters on a recent visit - a sentiment echoing through the halls of the market. It reflects the quiet confidence of a marketplace that, even as supply chains realign and geopolitics shift, continues to find new ways to keep business moving.

At 3 p.m., on the fifth floor of District 2 of the market, Wang Nan, general manager of a hardware store, had not yet paused for lunch. "These are already the fourth group of clients I've met today," he said, motioning toward a pile of pending online orders. Since the beginning of the year, sales have increased by around 20 percent, he added.

His store offers more than 1,000 varieties of hand and power tools, exporting to over 100 countries through a network of long-term partnerships with manufacturers in industrial hubs such as Danyang in east China's Jiangsu province, and distributors worldwide.

With a broad selection, polished packaging, and reliable quality, the products have gained popularity among consumers across the world. "Our trade with the U.S. makes up about 10 percent of our business," Wang said. "Even when U.S. shipments face delays, it doesn't rattle us. When you have good products, the customers keep coming."

Yiwu's strength lies in volume, variety, and velocity. The market offers more than 2.1 million stock keeping units (SKUs), forming the backbone of everyday global consumption. These unassuming, everyday goods - what merchants call "hardcore" products - have reinforced local merchants' confidence to weather global shocks and keep commerce moving forward.

"In recent years, we've worked to expand into African markets, and we are now seeing growth of over 20 percent in those countries," said Liu Jianhao, sales director of Zhejiang Rifeshow Cosmetics Co., Ltd.

The company has sharply scaled back its dependence on the U.S. market, slashing the share of exports bound for the U.S. from 60 percent in 2018 to just 5 percent today - a shift that has helped insulate it from the fallout of unpredictable U.S. tariffs.

Last October, the company rolled out a new line of perfumes targeting African and Middle Eastern markets. The initial plan called for 30 products, but by the time the line launched in February this year, demand had already surged beyond expectations. In response, the company quickly added 36 more fragrances, each tailored to regional preferences.

Foreign buyers engage in procurement discussions with a Chinese exhibitor (center) over lithium-powered electric tools at the 9th China Yiwu Hardware and Electrical Appliances Fair held in Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang province, April 20, 2025. (Photo by Shi Bufa/People's Daily Online)

"In just over two months, we sold more than 5 million bottles," Liu said. "From concept to shelf, we move fast and deliver quality. That's the strength of China's supply chain, and it's what allows Yiwu merchants to thrive in an increasingly diversified global market."

The Yiwu International Trade Market operates like a global expo, open year-round to foreign buyers around the world. According to Yiwu Customs, in the first quarter of this year, the city's total trade with Belt and Road partner countries reached 111.85 billion yuan ($15.32 billion), up 11.7 percent year on year, accounting for 66.8 percent of the city's total foreign trade.

During the same period, the market saw significant growth in trade with other regions: trade with ASEAN and the European Union recorded increases of 16.1 percent and 16.5 percent, respectively; while that with Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East grew by 3.9 percent, 14.1 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively.

For traders in Yiwu, markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other Belt and Road partner countries, represent not just opportunity, but stability. Tapping into this broad network of emerging demand has become a strategic buffer - with a growing "circle of friends" now central to weathering uncertainty and building long-term resilience.

According to statistics from China's General Administration of Customs (GAC), China's global trade cooperation continued expanding in the first quarter. The country's foreign trade with Belt and Road partner countries rose 2.2 percent to 5.26 trillion yuan, 0.9 percentage points higher than the overall growth rate, accounting for 51.1 percent of China's total foreign trade. In particular, trade between China and ASEAN grew by 7.1 percent from one year earlier, and that with the five Central Asian countries by 6.9 percent.

"Expanding into diversified markets and deepening cooperation across industrial and supply chains will further reinforce the resilience of China's foreign trade," said an official with China's GAC.

In addition, as China steps up the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade, its vast domestic market has become a powerful anchor for foreign trade enterprises.

Merchants from Libya discuss procurement details with a Chinese vendor over an AI-powered phone gimbal at the Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang province, April 15, 2025. (Photo by Shi Bufa/People's Daily Online)

On April 13, China's Ministry of Commerce launched "Premium Exports Homebound," a campaign aiming at helping foreign trade companies pivot inward, promoting their export-ready products at home. Targeting provinces with strong foreign trade and consumer bases, the event features a range of themed matchmaking activities to open new sales channels and cushion the blow of global volatility. Industry associations, e-commerce platforms, and major retailers have thrown their weight behind the effort with a flurry of supportive measures.

"We will focus on managing its affairs well and use its 'certainty' to hedge against the 'uncertainty' of the external environment," said an official with China's Ministry of Commerce.

As China continues to unleash its vast market potential, supported by policies aimed at stabilizing the economy and foreign trade, its foreign trade is well-prepared to face various risks and challenges, the official said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Police arrested Frank Taitano for aggravated assault, which was briefly caught on video by a passing motorist at past 8 a.m. Thursday by Ace Auto Port in Yigo.

The victim sustained moderate blunt force injuries, according to Guam Police Department spokesperson Norman Analista.

"The case remains open and under further investigation," Analista said.

Under investigation

GPD is investigating the disturbance that occurred on Route 1 by Ace Auto Port in Yigo at about 8:08 a.m. Thursday.

GPD Dededo Precinct Command units arrived at the scene and found that the individuals involved in an altercation had fled the scene.

Officers were able to gather witness interviews.

The victim in the disturbance later arrived at the Dededo Precinct Command, where he was interviewed by officers.

"The suspect, identified as Frank Taitano, also arrived at the DPC where he was interviewed. The investigation led to the arrest of Taitano for aggravated assault. He was booked and confined. The case was forwarded to the Attorney Generals Office," Analista said.
Each May, the Judiciary of Guam, the U.S. District Court of Guam, and the Guam Bar Association join communities across the country in celebrating Law Day. Here on Guam, that celebration extends throughout the month.

This years theme, The Constitutions Promise: Out of Many, One, reminds us that democracy doesnt depend on everyone thinking the same way. It draws strength from diversitywhen every voice has a place at the table.

The drafters of the Constitution understood that. They had seen the dangers of concentrated power. Seeking to prevent tyranny by any one group, they created three co-equal branches of governmentLegislative, Executive, and Judicialso that no one faction could rule unchecked.

That structure has helped our democracy endure. And its civic participationordinary people stepping upthat keeps it moving forward.

Still, for too many, the promise of the Constitution remains incomplete.

Across the country, and particularly in the territories, inequalities persistin access to federal resources, in political representation, and in the full application of constitutional protections.

But while we may not be a state, our people contribute every day to the fabric of this nationin public service, in national defense, in the courts, and in our communities.

This years theme challenges us not just to celebrate our differences, but to recommit ourselves to building a more inclusive and representative democracy where every voice counts and every person has a role.

Throughout the month, the Judiciary of Guam, the U.S. District Court of Guam, and the Guam Bar Association will host a series of events that bring this theme to life, including:

 A public forum on federal policy and territorial impact on April 30 at 4 p.m. at the University of Guam CLASS Lecture Hall

 Fairy tale mock trial plays on April 29 and April 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Guam Judicial Center

 The State of the Judiciary Address on May 1, at 9 a.m. at the Guam Congress Building

 Student essay contests on how civic life unites us as a community due May 2

 The annual Race Judicata 5K on May 18, benefiting Toghe Inc.

Law Month invites us to reflect on the ideals that bind us togetherand to confront the distance that still exists between those ideals and our reality.

As we celebrate it, we honor the progress weve made and stay focused on the work still ahead to bring the Constitutions promise closer to home.




Haiti - NOTICE : Royal Caribbean suspends its cruises at Labadee, Haiti





Royal Caribbean cruise line announced it would not return to its Labadee resort in Haiti as a precautionary measure due to ongoing violence and unrest on the island.



The cruise line announced it was removing the popular Labadee port of call from its itineraries for upcoming cruises until further notice. "Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily paused our upcoming visits to Labade [...] The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority," Royal Caribbean said.



The facilities at its Labadee port of call offer travelers beach activities in the heart of Haiti's tranquil waters. From ziplining to water slides, Labadie also allowed travelers to explore Haiti's beaches in an intimate setting and organize family-friendly activities.



"Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti..."



TB/ iciHaiti






















Haiti - Canape Vert : At least 5 members of the Vigilance Brigade killed in combat





On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at least five members of the Canape Vert Vigilance Brigade were killed and several others injured after falling into a trap while attempting to dislodge armed bandits from the "Viv Ansanm" coalition in Pacot and Haut Turgeau.



Several bandits were reportedly fatally injured during the clashes.



Reacting to this killing, in a note, "[...] The Presidential Transitional Council expresses its deep dismay at the attack perpetrated on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, against members of the Canape Vert Brigade by heavily armed individuals, which unfortunately claimed the lives of several brigadiers and injured several others.



The Council extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and their loved ones, and expresses its solidarity with all the victims of this unspeakable act of violence, as well as with the severely affected population."



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





The Marriott Hotel ceases operations

Many institutions are being forced to close their doors due to the worsening security situation. This is particularly the case for the Marriott Hotel, which will suspend operations as of April 30. Digicel, the building's owner, understands the decision and hopes for an improvement in the situation.



Radio Panic FM under the Control of bandits

Armed bandits from the Canaan gang have taken control of Radio Panic FM in Mirebalais. They have renamed it "Radio Taliban FM" and are broadcasting their own programming, including messages from Canaan leader Jeff Larose, alias "Gwo Lwa."



Major Diaspora Conference and Debate

As part of the activities marking the closing of the 14th National Diaspora Day, themed "Diaspora and Governance: Effective and Inclusive Participation," the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) announces the closing of activities followed by a major conference and debate on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Karibe Convention Center, Petion-Ville (activities from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).



Situation in Haiti : Heading for an International Conflict ?

Roberto Alvarez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, warned the international community of the risk that the situation in Haiti could escalate and threaten his country's internal security. He fears that the situation in Haiti could turn into an international conflict.



Damning Evidence

Investigators from the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) have submitted their report on the case of Magalie Habitant, Prophane Victor, and Elionor Devallon. According to investigators, the two defendants repeatedly ordered weapons and ammunition for gangs. During a search of Elionor Devallon's home, several checks in her name were discovered. In addition, Magalie Habitant had ordered Devallon to pay 350,000 gourdes to gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, alias "Barbecue."



Thousands of faithful pay their last respects to the Pope

Thousands of Catholic faithful march to St. Peter's Basilica to pay their last respects to Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44739-haiti-flash-pope-francis-has-died-video.html . His body is in state as tradition dictates for three days before his funeral.



Assault weapon seized, several bandits injured

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Haitian Police Intervention Group (GIPNH-SWAT) conducted an operation in Pacot, a commune of Port-au-Prince. During this operation, an AR-15 rifle was seized and several bandits were injured during armed clashes with law enforcement.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















TypeScript was once born out of necessity to compensate for JavaScript's greatest weaknesses. For years now, it has been an almost indispensable tool in web development, always slightly ahead of JavaScript in its development at feature level.

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Microsoft recently announced its intention to completely overhaul the basis of TypeScript, i.e. the compiler that translates TypeScript into JavaScript and other components that are responsible for interacting with tools and development environments. Microsoft has made a surprising choice for many. Most people expected that if someone took this step, Rust would be used as the programming language, as there are already popular Rust-based tools in the JavaScript environment, such as the bundler Rspack.

Sebastian Springer Sebastian Springer works as a JavaScript Engineer at MaibornWolff. In addition to developing and designing applications, his focus is on imparting knowledge. As a lecturer for JavaScript, speaker at numerous conferences and author, he tries to arouse enthusiasm for professional development with JavaScript.

However, the TypeScript team with Anders Hejlsberg as lead architect opted for a reimplementation in the Go language instead. The aim of the native implementation in Go, which is compiled  rather than the just-in-time conversion of the TypeScript scripting language into bytecode , is to improve the execution time of the TypeScript tools and to noticeably reduce memory consumption. According to current benchmarks, the new TypeScript achieves ten times faster build times for various projects.

This article is dedicated to the questions of why this improvement is so important. Where the current weaknesses of TypeScript lie and how the development of the new compiler, which is codenamed Corsa and is being run under the version TypeScript 7, is proceeding.

What is TypeScript?

In 2012, Microsoft released the first version of TypeScript after two years of development. Since 2014, the programming language has been publicly available for further development on GitHub and is subject to the Apache 2.0 license as an open source project. TypeScript has now reached version 5.8.

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At its core, TypeScript is a programming language that adds type safety to JavaScript at compile time  with the aim of making it easier to develop larger applications and creating a basis for better development tools.

There are several reasons for using TypeScript instead of JavaScript in both front-end and back-end projects on the web:

Static typing: JavaScript has only a weak type system, which encourages runtime errors. With its largely optional static typing, TypeScript offers great flexibility on the one hand and helps developers to detect potential errors at an early stage on the other.

Improved code quality: TypeScript allows a strict definition of interfaces, particularly at the interfaces of modules in an application, but also in libraries, which significantly improves the maintainability and readability of the code. This is particularly beneficial for larger projects and reusable libraries.

Tool support: Numerous tools in the JavaScript ecosystem rely on TypeScript to provide better support for developers. For example, development environments such as Visual Studio Code can help significantly better in the development of a Node.js application if the type definitions of Node.js are installed. Especially regarding code autocompletion and the display of function signatures.

Polyfills: TypeScript supports modern features from the ECMAScript standard very early and before most environments such as browsers integrate the features across the board. TypeScript can generate different ECMAScript versions as output and therefore also supports older environments. This possibility goes back to version ECMAScript 3 (this version of the JavaScript standard was published in 1999).

Structured development: In addition to standard JavaScript and type safety, TypeScript introduces further constructs such as interfaces, enums and generics, which allow data structures and interfaces to be better modeled. Some object-oriented design patterns cannot be implemented in native JavaScript or can only be implemented with additional effort. The presence of interfaces makes work much easier here.

Strict environment: TypeScript uses configuration options such as strictNullChecks to avoid common errors from the outset.

to avoid common errors from the outset. Framework and library integration: Many frameworks and libraries in the JavaScript ecosystem are either directly implemented in TypeScript or at least come with type definitions so that they can integrate seamlessly into a TypeScript environment and take full advantage of it.

What is remarkable: TypeScript is (still) completely programmed in TypeScript. The core of the programming language will continue to be in TypeScript in version 6. At the same time, the team is working on version 7, which will then be the Go version and replace the TypeScript implementation as soon as the two projects have reached feature parity. The development team's current schedule envisages a fully-fledged version of the command line compiler that can perform type checking and translation of source code by mid-2025.

Currently, the TypeScript Go compiler already works almost completely for pure TypeScript code. What is still missing is support for JavaScript, JSDoc and JSX. A feature-complete version that can build projects is expected at the end of 2025. The Language Service, one of the most important development features, is also expected to be available.

But why is such a drastic step as a rewrite in another programming language necessary at all? TypeScript shows its advantages above all in larger applications. However, as the code base grows, TypeScript's resource requirements for type checking and building also increase. On the one hand, this means that opening a project in the development environment takes a long time, as the language service initially processes the code. The build of a larger application can also be very time-consuming. In addition to the pure runtime, there is another, even greater problem due to the high memory requirements. This can lead to memory problems and, in the worst case, to crashes due to out-of-memory errors.

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
Yokoyamas Mineralization and DJ Kridlokks album Hai were selected from six finalists representing a wide spectrum of Finnish musical innovation.

DJ Kridlokk and Mioko Yokoyama have been awarded the 2025 Teosto Prize, one of the Nordic regions leading recognitions for original music. The 40,000 award was announced on Thursday evening at a private event at the Helsinki Music Centre. The prize will be split equally between the two artists.

Both works were described by the jury as stylistically different but equal in intensity and originality.

The Teosto Prize, awarded annually since 2003, recognises bold and inventive music across all genres. This years jury included previous Teosto winners as well as representatives from Finlands music and media sectors.

Mineralization, premiered in February by Uusinta Ensemble, impressed the jury with its refined use of chamber instrumentation. Yokoyama used extended techniques and unusual materials like Blu Tack to alter the strings of the violin and cello, creating a textured, percussive sound world. The work was described as physically engaging and emotionally resonant.

Yokoyama creates a super instrument, said jury chair Janne Murto, Principal of the Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory. It is inventive and approachable, yet full of depth.

Kristo Laanti, better known as DJ Kridlokk, wrote, composed and produced Hai, a minimalist hip hop album released in April through PME Records. The record was praised for its masterful use of Finnish language and its blend of personal storytelling with commentary on social and ecological issues.

Every verse is deliberate and meaningful, said the jury. You dont just listen to this album  you stop in it.

The albums stripped-down production and cinematic feel were also cited as strengths. Laantis work was recognised as genre-defying and artistically uncompromising.

In addition to the two winning entries, the other finalists were:

Aino Morko and team for pehmoainos soittorasia

Anni Kiviniemi for her trio album Eir

Salla Saarisalo and team for Mika meita vaivaa?

Lara Poe for Laulut maaseudulta

The shortlist was selected by a preliminary panel comprising music journalists, researchers and educators.

The Teosto Prize aims to support music authors and promote genre diversity. It has been awarded 20 times and continues to highlight Finlands evolving music culture. The announcement event also marked the milestone anniversary of the prize.

HT
The tiger, named Tamur, had lived at the zoo for 11 years. According to a Facebook post released by the zoo, Tamurs removal was necessary to prepare for the arrival of a new, younger male tiger from Germany. The new tiger has been selected as a future mate for Odeya, Tamurs daughter, who is now reaching reproductive age.

Helsinkis Korkeasaari Zoo has euthanised a nearly 13-year-old male Amur tiger, citing conservation and breeding needs as the primary reason for the decision.

Tamur was euthanised so that he could remain the master of his territory until the end, and to allow the young male to start his independent life peacefully, the zoo wrote in a public statement.

In the wild, male tigers of different generations would fight for territory and access to females. The zoo explained that replicating such natural dominance struggles in captivity would be harmful to the animals well-being.

Korkeasaari said it aims to maintain genetically viable populations of endangered species. The current population of Amur tigers in European zoos includes a high number of ageing individuals that are no longer expected to breed. This has led to fewer cubs being born and a distorted age structure within the captive population.

The decision to euthanise Tamur has received some criticism from the public. Several commenters on social media questioned why the older animal had to be put down to accommodate a younger one. In response, Korkeasaari emphasised that keeping two adult males in the same enclosure would not be feasible. The new male is already of breeding age and cannot share space with his father or siblings.

The zoo stated that by giving the new male time to settle in before being introduced to Odeya, the chances of successful breeding will improve.

Although animals live longer in zoos than in the wild, fewer offspring are born, leading to an unsustainable age imbalance. This threatens the survival of the species, and correcting this is one of the core conservation roles of modern zoos, the statement said.

Tamurs skeleton will be preserved in the collections of the Finnish Museum of Natural History. Before that, his remains will be examined by a pathologist at the University Veterinary Hospital to gather more information about his health.

Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are listed as critically endangered. Conservation efforts rely heavily on managed breeding programmes to ensure the survival of the species.

HT
The test saw five non-radioactive containers sealed above ground before being placed in a 70-metre tunnel 430 metres below the surface.

Finland is set to become the first country to permanently dispose of nuclear waste underground after a successful trial run at its encapsulation facility in March. The Onkalo repository, located on the countrys west coast near the town of Eurajoki, has passed a key milestone toward becoming the worlds first operational deep geological repository for radioactive waste.

The encapsulation process involved placing spent fuel rods into copper canisters, which are then embedded into granite and surrounded by bentonite clay. This combination is intended to insulate the waste from geological shifts and prevent leaks for millennia.

The facility, operated by Posiva Oy, was founded in 1995 by Finlands nuclear power firms to solve the problem of long-term storage. The repository is intended to receive spent fuel from the countrys five operating reactors located at Olkiluoto and Loviisa. Construction has already cost 900 million, with a further 4 billion needed to complete the project.

Globally, nuclear power has generated approximately 430,000 metric tonnes of spent fuel since the 1950s. About 70 percent of this fuel remains in temporary storage facilities with no permanent disposal solution. Finlands Onkalo project is now at the forefront of global efforts to address this challenge.

Despite decades of debate, no country has yet completed a deep geological repository. Finland is closest to the finish line, said Liaison Manager Mika Vidlund of the Finnish Centre for Pensions, commenting on the international significance of the development.

While Finland has moved closer to operational status, other countries are pursuing similar plans. Sweden has received the necessary environmental permits for a repository that will store 12,000 metric tonnes of waste beneath 60 kilometres of tunnel at a depth of 500 metres. Construction is expected to begin within a decade and could take until the 2080s to complete, pending ongoing legal appeals.

Canada is also preparing a facility near Ignace, Ontario, after a lengthy consultation process with local communities, including the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. France, Switzerland, and Italy continue to develop their own projects but remain years or decades from operation.

In Finland, some local residents and scientists have raised concerns over long-term risks, including corrosion of copper canisters. A 2023 study by corrosion experts at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden warned that sulfides in groundwater may accelerate canister degradation, potentially leading to radiation leakage.

Despite the concerns, Finlands regulatory and political processes have enabled steady progress. The encapsulation test completed in March marks a critical validation of the repositorys operating procedures. If final permits are granted and safety benchmarks are met, Onkalo could begin accepting real nuclear waste within the next few years.

The Finnish government and Posiva Oy say the system is designed to isolate radioactive materials safely for up to 100,000 years, with safeguards in place to withstand both natural disasters and future geological changes.

Countries investing in AI infrastructure and low-carbon energy are showing renewed interest in nuclear power. This shift has increased global attention on how to manage nuclear waste responsibly. Finlands approach could serve as a model.

With permanent storage infrastructure nearly complete, Finland is positioned to lead global nuclear waste policy, and to offer an answer to one of the most pressing unsolved challenges of the nuclear age.

HT
City celebrates Arbor Day on Friday

The Hendersonville Tree Board invites the public to an Arbor Day celebration and tree planting at noon Friday, April 25, at Hendersonville Elementary School, 1039 Randall Circle.

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The celebration will include Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk, the North Carolina Forest Service, Four Seasons Rotary Club, Hendersonville Tree Board and elementary school students. The community is invited.

During the event, a forest ranger will present awards from the Arbor Day Foundation to the city, and Mayor Volk will proclaim April 25 as Tree City Day in Hendersonville. Public works staff will assist in planting trees to benefit the community for years to come. The event is hosted by the Four Seasons Rotary Club, which has sponsored Arbor Day events in Hendersonville since 1991.

The Arbor Day Foundation named Hendersonville a 2024 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community. The Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for over 40 years.

To earn a Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
A GIRL has handed a petition with almost 6,000 signatures to Downing Street in her campaign to re-open a public footbridge in Henley.

Claudia Fennell, nine, of Wargrave Road, began gathering support in January in a bid to accelerate repairs to the rotting Marsh Lock horsebridge.

The crossing over the River Thames was shut by the Environment Agency in May 2022 following complaints about its condition.

More than 100 defects were found in the deteriorating hardwood, which would need to be replaced in its entirety. Repairs on the bridge were initially expected to take two months but were delayed due to the agency denying responsibility for maintaining it.

Claudia decided to start the petition as part of her Speaking Out badge with the 1st Henley Brownies group, which encourages them to stand up for an issue they feel passionate about. She presented a book outside 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister, with the printed names of all of the individuals who have signed her petition on Tuesday.

She was accompanied by MP Freddie van Mierlo, who arranged the visit, her sister Tilly, 11, parents Ellie and Andy, grandmother Gill Calver and Brown Owl Michaela Clarke.

Claudia, who attends Rupert House School, then knocked on the door wearing her Brownie uniform with a sash of badges and was received by a member of the digital communications unit at the offices.

She said: When I handed it in, the man who opened the door was quite funny. He said cheers and I managed to slip my foot through the door. When someone came to answer the door, I was thinking, oh my goodness, the Prime Minister is going to see my petition.

It made me feel happy, excited and proud. I felt a mix of emotions. I was a bit worried if someone didnt open the door but I was really excited that I would be able to have my picture taken.

I expected the door to be as big as my school door but it was even bigger.

Claudia, who is in Year 4, had originally hoped for 100 signatures but it received a total of 5,993 and has been signed by people in Henley and across the world, including in Uganda, The Netherlands and America.

Last week, the Henley Standard reported that 500,000 in funding has been identified by the Environment Agency to start developing plans for the replacement of the bridge.

The funding is expected to be used to fund the planning of the bridge repair, which has an estimated cost of about 1.3m.

Mr van Mierlo also wrote to four government ministers at the start of the year, asking for help in accelerating the work, including Baroness Sue Hayman, the Minister of Access at the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Claudia started the petition when she was frustrated by the lack of action to repair the bridge after it has been closed for nearly three years.

She wrote to Mr van Mierlo in February urging him to help her in taking action and he responded by making the arrangements to present her petition.

On finding out she would be going to Downing Street, Claudia said: I felt very, very excited. I was like, oh my goodness I cant believe we are actually going there.

The Prime Minister might get to see what Im doing and if he does he might give us some money to re-open the bridge.

I was pleased some of the money was found but they cant spend all that money and not finish it so it would be good if it gets finished now.

Its really important to me because the last time I used the bridge was when I was six and my dog was so young so then that he couldnt really properly enjoy walking on it.

But now, if we get it open again, then we can go back and he will properly be able to enjoy it as well as everyone else.

Claudia said when she was invited to present the petition, it was important to have a physical copy of all of the signatures.

She said: I thought if they did see the amount of signatures, it might have more of an impact [on the government]. This makes you able to visually imagine it.

The cover of the box holding the petition said 5,942 people want Marsh Lock Footbridge reopened. Please find funding now.

Claudia said her initiative was on behalf of the whole community in Henley. Her family also said the walk is their favourite walking spot for them and their dog Basil, and would use the bridge every week.

She said: Im doing this for the whole community because then they can also use it so its not just like its one persons wish.

Its the whole of Henley and whoever comes over for their holidays because its a really nice country walk in the summer. When I read the badge and it said I could do a bit of a silly thing or do an important one that really meant something to you.

I didn't know which one to do. It was either this or to get a zebra crossing outside my school and I chose this one because I thought I could actually properly do it.

Mr van Mierlo said that without the pressure of the campaign Claudia started, there wouldnt have been the momentum to get it fixed.

He said: The campaign caught so many peoples attention. To have a nine-year-old campaigning on this issue is really inspirational and for her to see the impact its having is a really positive thing.

When we learned of the petition, we thought it would be a great idea to present it at Number 10 so that its shown to the very top.

At this stage, we need to hold the Environment Agency to account and allow them the space to do the work that they need to do now funding has been secured but hold them to account along the way so the timelines dont slip and they do the work thats required.

Through presenting the petition here in parliament, that will help to keep the campaign going and make sure that it remains a priority for the Environment Agency. This is a really important part of infrastructure for the local community.

I'm fully aware of just how important this is for residents and, as a Henley resident myself, I know I've really enjoyed using the Thames Path with my dogs, walking to Shiplake. Its such a crucial piece of countryside access. It has been three long years without it. Mr van Mierlo plans to present Claudias petition to the speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, where he will have the opportunity to speak on the issue with MPs about its importance.

Claudias mother, a features writer, said she was amazed at how far the petition had got.

She said: It has been an incredible experience for the kids to see and realise they can make a difference and see where the decisions are being made and feel like her petition is actually getting into the hands of the people who do make those decisions.

Claudia has always been the type of child who will [advocate] for what she believes in. Thats definitely part of her personality. She has wanted to do something about this for years and so it feels very special to be here.

When Claudia started the petition, it was really fun to refresh the computer and seeing the number of signatures go up by hundreds at a time, rather than single digits. When it first hit 1,000, that seemed extraordinary.

Claudias father said he was so proud to see his daughter present the petition on the steps of Downing Street.

He said: Its great to be inspired by groups like the Brownies and to see such relatively fast progress is fantastic. Its wonderful for her to believe she has a voice and for her friends to believe that what they think can make a difference when theyre so young.

After the bridge was closed, a short diversion through the Culden Faw estate was established. But, due to a lack of action, the estate rescinded access to its land in March last year in the hope that this would spur the Environment Agency into action.

A 2.7-mile diversion was then put in between Lower Shiplake to Mill Lane in Henley, which takes walkers one hour and 15 minutes and involves crossing the A4155 twice.

In February, the town council decided to take legal action in a bid to accelerate the repair and reopening of the bridge.

It agreed to serve a notice on Oxfordshire County Council which would require the highways authority to state within one month whether the bridge is considered a public highway and who is liable to maintain it.
Interview: BMW chairman reaffirms commitment to China market, highlights key AI partnerships

Xinhua) 17:00, April 24, 2025

SHANGHAI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, has underscored China's strategic importance to the German automaker during his visit to the Shanghai auto show.

Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the event, which commenced on Wednesday, Zipse said that China is not only BMW's largest single market but also a vital hub for innovation.

Highlighting China's growing role in innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), Zipse said BMW is deepening its partnerships with Chinese tech companies to integrate advanced AI features into its vehicles for the Chinese market.

He added that BMW will begin integrating AI technology from Chinese tech startup DeepSeek into its latest models in China later this year.

"The BMW has become a 360-degree AI-driven company," Zipse said. "We take full advantage of this new technology."

Capitalizing on China's tech boom, BMW has been steadily strengthening its collaborations with leading Chinese technology firms.

Last week, BMW announced plans to deepen its collaboration with ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, to enhance AI applications in marketing and customer service. In March, the automaker teamed up with Alibaba to integrate large language model (LLM) AI into its next-generation vehicles and partnered with Huawei to further develop a smart in-car digital ecosystem tailored to the Chinese market.

"This country is so innovative that we really enjoy putting all the technology into the cars for China," Zipse said.

At the auto show, BMW showcased more than 30 car models, highlighting the technological innovations of its next-generation intelligent vehicles, known as the Neue Klasse.

China is pivotal in driving technological innovation for BMW's next-generation intelligent vehicles, Zipse noted, adding that the first Neue Klasse models produced in China will roll off the line at the company's Shenyang plant in 2026.

According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China's auto output and sales remained the first globally in 2024, both exceeding 31 million units. Industry observers say China's auto sector is projected to maintain its growth momentum in 2025 following the implementation of a series of supportive measures.

Noting that China is "the largest global market" for BMW, Zipse said the company will further expand its presence in China. "We have a very strong foothold in China, and we are here to stay."

Currently, BMW operates research and development (R&D) centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Nanjing, forming its largest R&D network outside of Germany. The Shenyang facility, which combines research, development and production, is the carmaker's largest production base in the world.

With approximately 460 local supplier partners in China, the company has expressed strong confidence in the resilience of the country's supply chain.

"The supply chain here is not only about China for China, but it's also China for the world," Zipse said. "We have an ever-growing purchasing team here, who looks for opportunities that we can also deliver parts for our other global sites from China."

Boasting the world's largest manufacturing system with the most complete industrial chains and supporting facilities, China holds a pivotal position in global industrial and supply chains.

The 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, running from April 23 to May 2, has attracted nearly 1,000 companies from 26 countries and regions.

In addition to BMW, leading automotive manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Ford and Toyota are also participating in the event, demonstrating their strong commitment to the Chinese market despite global trade challenges and growing protectionist trends.

Zipse's visit to the Shanghai auto show marks his third trip to China in just 30 days. Emphasizing the importance of connectivity of the world, he said that BMW always advocates free trade and open markets.

"Economic growth thrives through opening, not closing," he said. "In this world, everything is connected; there is no one who can be completely independent from other countries."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Turning immune cells into cancer's worst enemy: China's CAR-T revolution

11:11, April 24, 2025 By Ji Juesu ( People's Daily

A researcher with JW Therapeutics conducts analytical work using precision instruments. (File photo)

In early March 2024, Mr. Zhou, a 63-year-old resident of Shanghai, returned to a hospital for what would become his third fight against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. But this time, he was not relying on the chemotherapy and targeted therapy that had defined his previous treatments. Instead, he placed his hopes in a new frontier of precision treatment: CAR-T cell therapy.

Short for chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy, CAR-T is a rapidly evolving form of immunotherapy that reimagines cancer treatment - not by attacking tumors directly, but by supercharging the body's own immune defenses.

At the heart of this approach are T cells - the immune system's frontline soldiers. These white blood cells spring into action when the body encounters infections or tumors, working to defend against threats. CAR-T therapy takes that natural defense and amplifies it, genetically reprogramming the T cells into precision-targeting cancer killers. The secret lies in the "CAR," or chimeric antigen receptor - a custom-built molecule added to the T cells that enables them to recognize and lock onto cancer cells with uncanny accuracy.

In Zhou's case, his blood was drawn and sent to a manufacturing facility operated by JW Therapeutics in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu province. There, his T cells underwent a series of complex steps designed to turn them into cancer-fighting powerhouses.

The process began with isolating and cryopreserving the T cells at temperatures below minus 130 degrees Celsius to preserve their original activity. When ready, the frozen cells were thawed and genetically modified using a viral vector that introduced the CAR - a molecular homing device for cancer. But a single engineered cell isn't enough. These modified cells were expanded into bioreactors to create an army of at least 100 million. After rigorous purification, concentration, and quality control, Zhou's customized therapy was complete and ready for delivery.

Three weeks later, he received a call: the infusion was ready. Transported under strict temperature control, the CAR-T cells were thawed and delivered back into Zhou's bloodstream.

The results were almost immediate. Zhou developed a mild fever - a common side effect of the immune response triggered by the therapy - and soon noticed his swollen lymph nodes shrinking. A month later, follow-up scans brought good news: complete remission. The engineered T cells had not only cleared cancer, but were now standing sentry within his immume system, guarding against its return.

"We're continuing to push our research forward so more patients can access and benefit from this treatment," said Xia Zhen, executive director of clinical development at JW Therapeutics.

Globally, more than a dozen CAR-T therapies have received regulatory approval. In patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, responses rate hover around 80 percent. Of those, 40 percent to 60 percent have gone on to survive five years or more - offering real hope for a potential cure.

Shanghai, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a hub for next-generation biotechnologies. With supportive policies and investment in life sciences, the city is unlocking innovation in cell therapy and aims to make breakthroughs like CAR-T more accessible to the patients who need them most.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's plan to overhaul the State Department includes the elimination of more than 130 offices and 700 positions, as well as plans related to human rights and war crimes.

The restructuring, according to internal documents seen by the Washington Post, aims to reduce U.S.-based staff by 15 percent and consolidate region-specific functions. The plan would also shut down multiple programs related to human rights, war crimes, as well as democracy promotion.

Rubio said the changes are intended to reverse "decades of bloat and bureaucracy," with efforts focused on eliminating what he described as redundant or non-essential offices. The plan was submitted to both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for review.

Today is the day. Under @POTUS leadership and at my direction, we are reversing decades of bloat and bureaucracy at the State Department.



These sweeping changes will empower our talented diplomats to put America and Americans first. pic.twitter.com/CGWz3JrYwu  Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 22, 2025

Among the most significant changes is the proposed closure of the Office of Global Criminal Justice and the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. The position of undersecretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights would also be eliminated if the plan moves forward. Some of the functions of these offices would be absorbed into a new foreign and humanitarian affairs unit.

"This approach will empower the Department from the ground up, from the bureaus to the embassies. Region-specific functions will be consolidated to increase functionality, redundant offices will be removed, and non-statutory programs that are misaligned with America's core national interests will cease to exist," Rubio said in a statement accompanying the announcement.

One of the few expansions would be a new Bureau of Emerging Threats, which is set to address issues such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau told staff the plan would be developed further by an internal working group, with implementation targeted for July 1.

The plan's release follows weeks of internal speculation about staff reductions and program cuts. A more extreme version of the reorganization, which was reported in recent days and called for closing the Bureau of African Affairs, was dismissed by Rubio as false, with the bureau remaining intact in the most recent proposal.

Originally published on Latin Times
Vermont police are not ruling out the possibility of murder as they continue to investigate the death of 24-year-old actress Sophie Nyweide.

Nyweide's body was found along a riverbank in Bennington on April 14 around 4 a.m., and authorities have not ruled out foul play. The New York Post reported that her body was found near a lean-to - a makeshift structure created from downed trees. She was found with a man at the time of her death, but he is not considered a suspect or a person of interest and is cooperating with law enforcement.

Nyweide, a former child actress, has credits spanning from 2006 to 2015. She is best known for her role in Darren Aronofsky's film "Noah" from 2014

"My knowledge is she was using drugs and was a tiny young woman. She was with other people when she died. I didn't know them. There is an investigation ongoing. The autopsy results are not in. They said it would take 6-8 weeks. So I can't say definitively," Nyweide's mother, Shelly, wrote in a statement to TMZ.

The Bennington Police Department told the New York Post that the investigation is open and "we are still waiting on final autopsy and toxicology reports from the Vermont Office of Chief Medical Examiner."

An obituary posted online recalled how much Nyweide enjoyed acting.

"She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her and she relish from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being," it stated.

The obituary also refers to Nyweide's ongoing struggles.

"Many of her writings and artwork are roadmaps of her struggles and traumas. Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses, and her own revelations, those closest to her, plus therapists, law enforcement officers and others who tried to help her are heartbroken their efforts couldn't save her from her fate," the letter adds.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
The suspects in the dismemberment of a Florida teenager could be handed the death penalty for their crime against the 16-year-old girl, officials said.

The two individuals in question were identified as 35-year-old Steven Gress and his 37-year-old girlfriend Michelle Brandes. The former is accused of luring the victim, identified as Miranda Corsette, through a social media application in February the couple allegedly killed her a week after.

Potential Death Penalty

Authorities arrested the couple last month and charged them with first-degree murder for the brutal killing of Corsette. Additionally, Gress was charged with kidnapping but he has pleaded not guilty to both charges against him.

The Se. Petersburg Police Department, the teenage girl was staying with the couple after being lured to their home on Feb. 14, 2025. Corsette was reported missing to the Gulfport Police Department on Feb. 24, 2025.

Investigators said that there was a dispute that happened on Feb. 20, 2025, where the couple allegedly beat the teenage girl. Arrest affidavits filed for the suspects claim that they "repeatedly beat" and tortured the teenager while holding her captive for a week, according to NBC News.

The couple is believed to have eventually suffocated Corsette by stuffing a billiard ball into her mouth and wrapping the teenage girl's face with plastic wrap. So far, officials have not stipulated what led to the dispute between the three but noted that the couple "felt the victim had stolen a ring."

Court documents revealed that the defendant and co-defendant in the case dismembered the body of the teenager and left her remains in a dumpster in Ruskin, Florida. Authorities initially arrested Brandes last month and charged her with the murder of Corsette.

Repeated Beating

A warrant revealed that at the time of the teenage girl's death, she was beaten daily for a week. Gress also told police that he sent photographs of the victim's worsening injuries to a few of his acquaintances as well as his mother, People reported.

One of the people who received the images also shared the photos with members of the St. Petersburg Police Department. The warrant alleges that there were five photos and in each one Corsette looked to be in increasingly worse physical condition.

After the couple was arrested last month, State Attorney Bruce Bartlett of the 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against the suspects. He cited the "especially heinous, atrocious" nature of the crimes that the couple are accused of committing, as per AOL.

Originally published on parentherald.com
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly tried to read billionaire Elon Musk into highly classified programs related to China, CNN reported on Wednesday.

The outlet detailed that the special access programs are among the most classified ones within the department. Hegseth tried to do so bypassing the usual process, which includes lawyers.

The idea faded away after DoD ethics lawyers in the Standards of Conduct office said it wouldn't be appropriate, but people familiar with the matter told the outlet said it could have gone forward had Hegseth followed the usual process.

The report gains relevance considering that weeks ago President Donald Trump directed senior staff to prevent Musk from attending a classified briefing about China.

"What the f**k is Elon doing there? Make sure he doesn't go," Trump said of the briefing, the anonymous official told Axios in mid-April. Two Pentagon officials, Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick, were suspended from their positions by Hegseth for potentially leaking the news of the briefing.

"POTUS still very much loves Elon, but there are some red lines," an official said. "Elon has a lot of business in China and he has good relations there, and this briefing just wasn't the right thing."

Hegseth has been mired in controversy over his handling of sensitive information, with the latest report on the matter detailing he shared operational details about an upcoming military strike on Houthi targets in Yemen in the Signal messaging app.

As part of the standard protocol for the March attack, Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla used a secure government system to brief Hegseth on the mission's timing and targets. Despite warnings from aides about handling such information with caution, Hegseth shared them with at least two Signal group chats.

The Pentagon downplayed concerns, with spokesperson Sean Parnell insisting the messages were unclassified and aimed at media coordination. Hegseth, too, defended his actions publicly, brushing off reports as politically motivated attempts to discredit him.

President Donald Trump continues to stand by Hegseth, but there are some cracks appearing in the Republican party. Speaking to CNN on Tuesday, Rep. Don Bacon said that if he were president, he would "fire" Hegseth.

Originally published on Latin Times
Hundreds of Pakistanis joined protests across the country on Thursday, including in Kashmir, to rage against Indian threats after a deadly attack on tourists across the contested border.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to pursue and punish the gunmen responsible for killing 26 civilians in the tourist hotspot of Pahalgam on Tuesday, accusing Pakistan of supporting "cross-border terrorism".

The attack in Indian-administered, Muslim-majority Kashmir was the deadliest for a quarter of a century and marked a dramatic shift with the targeting of civilians instead of Indian security forces.

"If India wants to go to war, then come forward openly," businessman Ajmal Baloch told AFP at a protest called by a religious party and attended by around 700 people Lahore, where the main border crossing with India is located.

India has said it will suspend the Indus Water Treaty, which shares critical water between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, although it has no major means of restricting the river's flow downstream to Pakistan.

However, protesters including Baloch raged against the "unacceptable" threat.

"Water is our right and, God willing, we will reclaim it, even if that means through war. We will not back down," 25-year-old Muhammad Owais said.

Around 300 people brandishing placards carrying anti-India slogans marched through the main city of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

"If India makes the mistake of attacking, the Pakistani Kashmiris will fight on the frontline, we're ready to die for Pakistan," said Shoukat Javed Mir, a senior leader of the Pakistan People's Party in the region.

In Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, around 150 people staged a protest.
India and Pakistan exchanged an escalating series of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures on Thursday after New Delhi blamed its arch-rival for backing a deadly shooting attack in contested Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to pursue and punish the gunmen responsible for killing 26 civilians in the tourist hotspot of Pahalgam on Tuesday, accusing Pakistan of supporting "cross-border terrorism".

"I say to the whole world: India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backer," Modi said in his first speech since the attack in the Himalayan region. "We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth".

Indian police in the region have identified two of the three fugitive gunmen as Pakistani.

The attack at Pahalgam in contested Muslim-majority Kashmir was the deadliest for a quarter of a century and marked a dramatic shift with the targeting of civilians, rather than Indian security forces.

New Delhi suspended a water-sharing treaty, announced the closure of the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties and withdrew visas for Pakistanis on Wednesday night.

On Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a rare meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) with top military officials, including powerful Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, in the capital Islamabad in response to India's accusations and measures.

"Any threat to Pakistan's sovereignty and to the security of its people will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains," a statement released by Sharif's office said after the NSC meeting.

"In the absence of any credible investigation and verifiable evidence, attempts to link the Pahalgam attack with Pakistan are frivolous, devoid of rationality and defeat logic," it said.

The slew of tit-for-tat measures announced by the Pakistan government include expelling Indian diplomats and cancelling visas for Indian nationals with the exception of Sikh pilgrims.

Islamabad said Indian military advisers were "persona non grata" and were "directed to leave Pakistan immediately".

The main Wagah border crossing in Punjab will close on both sides.

Pakistan also warned that it would consider any attempt by India to stop the supply of water from the Indus River an "act of war".

Indian police say the three gunmen are members of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) group, designated by the United Nations as a terrorist organisation.

Police have offered a two million rupee ($23,500) bounty for information leading to each man's arrest.

While the measures taken so far are largely symbolic, some fear New Delhi's diplomatic moves may just be an opening salvo -- with the potential risk of military action between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

In 2019, a suicide attack killed 41 Indian troops in Kashmir and triggered Indian air strikes inside Pakistan.

At the Attari-Wagah frontier, Pakistani citizens had already started to leave.

"We just want to go home," said an exhausted-looking Mehnaz Begum, a Pakistani businessman from Karachi, as he left India.

Modi led two minutes of silence in memory of those killed, all but one of whom was Indian.

"I say this unequivocally: whoever has carried out this attack, and the ones who devised it, will be made to pay beyond their imagination", Modi said, speaking in Hindi during a visit in Bihar state.

"Whatever little land these terrorists have, it's time to reduce it to dust. The willpower of 1.4 billion Indians will break the backbone of these terrorists."

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947, with both claiming the high-altitude territory in full but governing separate portions of it.

Rebel groups have waged an insurgency in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989, demanding independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Indian security forces have launched a vast manhunt for the attackers, with large numbers of people detained in the operation.

A soldier was killed on Thursday in clashes with gunmen at Basantgarh in Kashmir, the Indian army said.

Kashmir's main city of Srinagar appeared calm on Thursday, with residents expressing shock at the attack, which has hit the region's key tourist industry hard, and fear of what is to come.

"Everyone I have spoken to is heartbroken and shocked," said Siddhi Wahid, a Kashmiri historian and political commentator.

Tuesday's assault occurred as tourists enjoyed tranquil mountain views at the popular site at Pahalgam, when gunmen burst out of forests and raked crowds with automatic weapons.

Survivors told Indian media the gunmen targeted men and spared those who could give the Islamic declaration of faith.

In Pakistan, activists and members of religious parties staged an anti-India protest on Thursday.

The attack has enraged Hindu nationalist groups, and students from Kashmir at institutions across India have reported experiencing harassment and intimidation.

"It is a deliberate and targeted campaign of hate and vilification against students from a particular region and identity," Jammu and Kashmir Students Association convenor Nasir Khuehami said.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of the world-leading hospitality group Accor, in partnership with Xiamen Airlines, proudly announces the opening of Fairmont Xiamen in Fujian Province, China. As part of the Xiamen Airlines headquarters complex in the Xiamen Cross-Strait Financial Center, Fairmont Xiamen is designed as a 33-story tower with a gleaming peak, standing amid the majestic rocky peaks of the Wuyi Mountains that tower over the city's landscape. At this nexus of commerce and nature, Fairmont Xiamen brings an extraordinary luxury hospitality experience that is globally-minded, while deeply rooted in the local Minnan culture.

Harmony of nature and urban life

Fairmont Xiamen is a masterpiece of contemporary design, achieved through the collaboration of several global design teams. The overall project was led by FOSTER + PARTNERS, a globally-recognized architecture firm founded by Norman Foster, a Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate. The hotel's interior design was created by Hong Kong based design firm Cheng & Chung Design (CCD), while a lush outdoor landscape, created by the American SWA Group, further celebrates the coexistence of nature and urban life. Inside, 420 luxurious guestrooms and suites are designed with glamorous elements of Old Hollywood Art Deco and infused with the serene colors of the coast and the charm of Nanyang features. Panoramic windows provide guests with unsurpassed views of the city and the sea beyond.

Culinary traditions & cultural experiences

Fairmont Xiamen introduces a dynamic blend of global culinary traditions, localized authenticity, and innovative dining concepts. Five beautifully designed, instagrammable spaces merge timeless elegance with playful modernity, while curated menus highlight fresh seafood, artisanal techniques, and a balance of bold and delicate flavors. Sustainability, reduced waste practices, and healthier choices - such as low-alcohol beverages, vegetarian dishes, and organic options - underscore the hotel's commitment to delivering memorable, culturally-rooted experiences that cater to both discerning travelers and younger demographics seeking luxury with a sense of place. The hotel's five restaurants include:

TIANXIA 1984 Chinese Restaurant is inspired by 3,600-year-old Chinese history and the beauty of Quanzhou South Celadon. The innovative chef brings a creative spin to Fujian cuisine, delighting the senses and leading the city's culinary scene.

is inspired by 3,600-year-old Chinese history and the beauty of Quanzhou South Celadon. The innovative chef brings a creative spin to Fujian cuisine, delighting the senses and leading the city's culinary scene. Del Mar Italian Restaurant is bold and exotic, encased in Minnan red bricks for a powerful, vintage vibe. Guests are immersed in the flavors of Italy while experiencing the fusion of Chinese and Western elements in both sight and taste.

is bold and exotic, encased in Minnan red bricks for a powerful, vintage vibe. Guests are immersed in the flavors of Italy while experiencing the fusion of Chinese and Western elements in both sight and taste. Victoria Destination Restaurant on the top floor features sea to sky views and the interior style of an ancient Nanyang shop house. In the open kitchen, chefs prepare classic Fairmont dishes, Southeast Asian flavors, and international delicacies.

on the top floor features sea to sky views and the interior style of an ancient Nanyang shop house. In the open kitchen, chefs prepare classic Fairmont dishes, Southeast Asian flavors, and international delicacies. AIR LOFT Bar is also on the top floor, styled as the private lounge of a sophisticated traveler. The refined and progressive bar serves creative drinks, with decor inspiration from Xiamen Airlines and the graceful herons that inhabit the coast.

is also on the top floor, styled as the private lounge of a sophisticated traveler. The refined and progressive bar serves creative drinks, with decor inspiration from Xiamen Airlines and the graceful herons that inhabit the coast. PLAZA Lobby Lounge invites guests to pause and enjoy a lovely moment in this vibrant social hub.

Fairmont Gold Experience

At Fairmont Xiamen, Fairmont Gold Lounge is a privileged "hotel within a hotel" experience, combining exceptional privacy and personalized luxury. Inspired by the silhouette of a white heron, the calm and elegant Lounge provides private check-in and access to Fairmont Gold Lounge, while evoking the profound heritage, charm, and tranquility of Minnan culture.

Extraordinary events & momentous meetings

Designed as an urban retreat with outstanding views of Xiamen and the Southeastern China Sea, Fairmont Xiamen is prepared to host the city's most extraordinary events. The hotel boasts 3,100+ square meters of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, with two ballrooms, an outdoor sky lawn and six naturally-lit meeting rooms. Fairmont Xiamen is the only luxury hotel in the city to offer a multifunctional auditorium - making it ideal for concerts, movie premieres, brand launches, and other creative events. Large corporate events and family celebrations of up to a thousand people are easily accommodated with the auditorium's connection to the banquet hall of TIANXIA 1984 Chinese Restaurant.

Unparalleled moments of well-being

At Fairmont Xiamen, guests will discover the Fairmont Spa and Fairmont Fit discreetly tucked within a sunken courtyard, providing a luxurious and immersive experience for tranquility and energy rejuvenation. The private therapy spaces of the spa are designed to resemble a villa on nearby Gulangyu Island, a secluded and peaceful retreat. The fitness center and indoor pool are enhanced by floor-to-ceiling glass walls with water features that allow natural sunlight to shine through, bringing a sense of infinite nature into the space.

Sustainable Modern Luxury

As a pioneer of eco-conscious hospitality operations, Fairmont integrates environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and social impact into every aspect of the guest experience. Fairmont Xiamen partners with BeWTR to supply locally-filtered water in zero-plastic, recyclable glass bottles. New energy luxury vehicles are also available for guests. In its culinary practices, restaurants of Fairmont Xiamen embraces innovative sustainable solutions to ensure an exceptional dining experience.

Inspiring Destinations

As part of Accor's unrivaled luxury portfolio, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts continues to inspire with destinations that celebrate culture, heritage, and timeless elegance. With Fairmont now operating seven properties across Greater China - including destinations in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunshan, Sanya, Wuhan, and Xiamen - and another six across Asia. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has a notable pipeline of more than 30 hotels under development, with upcoming openings planned in Dalian, Udaipur, Bangkok, Tokyo, Hanoi, New Orleans, and in the English countryside.

Hotel website
ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay, located in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, celebrates its grand opening on April 24, 2025. The concept of ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay, the latest hotel by Holiday Inn, which is an essential brand of IHG Hotels & Resorts, is a "new travel that lets you be yourself." The Shinagawa/Tennozu area, where city and sea meet, is easily accessible from both within Japan and overseas, and is a location that suits many travel styles, including Tokyo sightseeing, business trips, and short weekend stays.

With a total of 132 guest rooms, ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay seeks to offer every guest opportunities to relax, focus on work, or simply step away from everyday routine, while also catering to each guest's "present" so that the guests can spend their time as suits them best. Adding to the warmth and comfort that Holiday Inn is known for, the design of the open lobby creates a modern and pleasant space that ensures an unforgettable experience for all guests. It is somewhere that can flexibly accommodate all guest needs, when dining, relaxing, working, and enjoying themselves. Furthermore, the hotel offers Kids Stay & Eat Free, which lets children under 12 years old stay and eat at no cost, as well as the tranquil Library Lounge, an around-the-clock snack and drink counter, a fitness center, a laundry service, and other facilities to make long-term stays more comfortable, thereby supporting all types of travel.

The guest rooms on the higher floors, from the 23rd through the 27th, offer expansive and open views. Guests will find the Bay View Rooms with a view of the Rainbow Bridge as well as the Canal View Rooms with an atmospheric view of the city highways and waterways extending into the distance. The rooms are calming spaces that harmonize natural colors and soft lighting, featuring spacious beds, functional workspaces and much more, thus combining comfort and practicality. ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay offers a variety of room types to suit all kinds of situations, from solo traveling to family stays.

The Library Lounge, stimulating guests' intellectual curiosity

Located on the hotel's first floor, the Library Lounge features a wide selection of comics and books, manifesting a space that stimulates intellectual playfulness. In particular, the comic corner, an embodiment of Japanese culture, supports three languages: Japanese, English, and Chinese, which makes it an attractive space that is enjoyable for overseas guests too.

The lounge serves a mixed Japanese-Western breakfast buffet in the morning and then functions as a cafe for casual drinks and snacks during the day. All seats also have an electrical outlet and free Wi-Fi, making it an ideal environment for remote work and online meetings. The warm interior and stylish design help the guests forget the bustle of the city and facilitate moments of comfort.

Banquet rooms that can be used in countless ways

The hotel features five banquet rooms on the 3rd, 28th, and 29th floors. From corporate events to private parties, ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay offers spaces that can meet all needs, including the sophisticated and elegant Golden Palm with a ceiling height of 5.5 m, the Ocean Bloom offering a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay, and the Crystal Cove on the top floor.

ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay offers a comfortable stay that is unique to the Holiday Inn brand, with heartwarming service that creates experiences and pleasant moments on the bayside that brighten visitors' travel memories.

Hotel website
OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group announced the appointment of Aimee Lorenzo as the new Director of Human Resources at OUTRIGGER Kaua'i Beach Resort & Spa, effective April 21, 2025.

In her new role, Lorenzo will lead the design and implementation of innovative and targeted HR strategies to support the resort's current and future workforce needs. Her responsibilities will include policy development and communication, host engagement and retention programs, compensation and benefits administration, employee relations and ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and company policies. She will also play a key role in upholding and promoting The OUTRIGGER Way, fostering a values-driven, inclusive and respectful workplace culture.

Lorenzo brings more than 20 years of comprehensive human resources experience, most recently serving as Director of Human Resources at Koloa Landing Resort on Kaua'i. Her extensive background spans recruitment, employee relations, compliance, labor relations, and benefits administration.

A dedicated community advocate, Lorenzo actively contributes her expertise as a member of the Kaua'i High School AOHT Advisory Board and the Human & Sustainability Services Advisory Board with the Kaua'i Economic Development Board. She also serves as Chair of the Civil Service Commission for Kaua'I County.
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta is pleased to announce Quinn Bullard as its new Executive Chef to oversee all culinary operations including AG, Modern Bar and Steakhouse, Lumen Lounge, Jittery Joe's local coffee shop, in-room dining and banquet events. Chef Bullard is bringing a refined approach and fresh perspective to the Food and Beverage program as well as a new menu at the signature restaurant, AG, within the iconic downtown hotel.

Quinn Bullard provides exceptional culinary leadership and a passion for innovative cuisine to his role as the new Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. With a distinguished career spanning luxury hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and St. Regis San Francisco, he is excited to bring his expertise and creative vision to Atlanta.

Inspired at an early age while cooking alongside his father and grandmothers in New Hampshire, Chef Bullard developed a lifelong appreciation for the power of food to create lasting memories. His culinary philosophy focuses on continuous evolution and sustainability, recognizing that modern chefs must balance artistic presentation and bold flavor with environmental responsibility and the mentorship of future culinary talent. As part of his commitment, he plans to incorporate two to three zero-waste dishes into every menu he develops, furthering sustainability efforts at the hotel. Known for his creative integration of sweet and savory elements and masterful use of smoking techniques, Chef Bullard brings both classical training and contemporary innovation to his cuisine.

Outside of the kitchen, Chef Bullard enjoys exploring Atlanta's diverse food scene in search of the best tacos, ramen, and barbecue, and experimenting with new techniques at home. An avid outdoorsman and music enthusiast, he brings the same passion for discovery and creativity to his culinary skills as he does to his personal pursuits of snowboarding, surfing, riding his motorcycle, and collecting vintage vinyl records.
HOUSTON  Thompson Houston is pleased to receive the honor of Best New Property, designated during Hyatts 2025 Americas Owners Conference in February. Hyatt placed a spotlight on Thompson Houston for its striking design, unparalleled wellness offerings, and premier meeting spaces that offer a distinctive guest experience. The theme of the conference, Business is Personal, was reflected throughout the award presentations, which celebrated the deep relationships and personal commitments that drive success across Hyatts owner, operator, and developer community.

Winning Hyatts Best New Property award is a true honor. At DC Partners, we are always striving to elevate design and create experiences that set us apart. Thompson Houston is a reflection of that vision  and were proud to see it recognized on this level. Roberto Contreras IV, co-President of DC Partners

Debuted in February 2024 by Houston-based DC Partners, the 172-room Thompson Houston sits adjacent to Houstons Buffalo Bayou and delivers a state-of-the-art spa, world-class dining at Sol 7 and Chardon, a one-acre rooftop, custom infinity pool, and skyline views. With 17,000+ square feet of event space, including a rooftop terrace and 8,000-square-foot ballroom, the property has quickly become a premier destination within the city.

As the only hotel in the city with a 160-acre park nearby, Thompson Houston provides an urban respite. In tandem with spacious guest rooms and suites boosting floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary marble bathrooms, amenities include complimentary Thompson Houston-branded Bluejay Electric Bicycles, hydration stations on each floor, a 24-hour fitness center, and more.

In addition to Best New Property, Hyatt also announced honors within several other categories: The Corry Oakes Strategic Partner Award; Purpose & Care; Operational Excellence; Developer of the Year; Best Renovation; Best Conversion; and Best Adaptive Re-Use.

For more information about Thompson Houston or to make a reservation, please visit www.thompsonhoustonhotel.com, or follow the hotel on Instagram at @thompsonhoustonhotel. To learn more about Hyatts 2025 Americas Owners Conference awards, click here.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose  to care for people so they can be their best. As of June 30, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,350 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 78 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Timeless Collection, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Hyatt Vacation Club, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove; the Boundless Collection, including Miraval, Alila, Andaz, Thompson Hotels, Dream Hotels, Hyatt Centric, and Caption by Hyatt; the Independent Collection, including The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt, and JdV by Hyatt; and the Inclusive Collection, including Impression by Secrets, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts, and Sunscape Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt loyalty program, ALG Vacations, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable when made, are inherently uncertain, and are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside of Kiraku, Inc. or Hyatt's control, which could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are made only as of the date of their initial publication and neither party undertakes an obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements as actual events unfold, except to the extent required by applicable law. If one or more forward-looking statements is updated, no inference should be drawn that any additional updates will be made with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia has unveiled an action packed agenda, key participants and new event features for the 2025 summit, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, 11-13 May.

Featuring everything from start-ups to staffing and innovation to investment, the FHS Saudi Arabia programme will address key challenges, opportunities and trends in hospitality and tourism, with leaders from government entities, hospitality companies, investment firms, developers and the education sector on the long and distinguished speaker list.

With FHS Saudi Arabia just a few short weeks away, our power-packed 2025 agenda is shaping up to be our most ambitious yet with over 130 speakers confirmed. Expect in-depth discussions, strong debate and deep insight from some of the Middle Easts most respected, talented and experienced leaders; a wealth of topics and a host of special events, awards and features that celebrate Saudis hospitality sector of today  and shape the industry of tomorrow. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS Saudi Arabia

Speakers

FHS Saudi Arabia reveals its list of top 20 speakers for 2025:

HH Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khalid Al Saud, Secretary General of King Faisal Foundation (KFF) and Chairman of Al Khozama Investment Company

Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba Investments

Nick Candy, Chief Executive Officer, Candy Capital

Marloes Knippenberg, Chief Executive Officer, Kerten Hospitality

Muhammad Bassrawi, Chief Domestic Tourism Officer, Saudi Tourism Authority

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group

Gregory Djerejian, Group Chief Legal Officer, Red Sea Global

Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, The Ascott Limited

Maud Bailly, Chief Executive Officer, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems

Steven Greenway, Chief Executive Officer, Flyadeal

Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer, Al Khozama Investment Company

Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President, Owner Relationship Management, Rotana

Hossam Al-Basrawi, Chief Executive Officer, Alrajhi Capital

Sean Hehir, President & CEO, Trinity Investments

Amin Ismail, Managing Director, Certares

Benoit-Etienne Domenget, Chief Executive Officer, Sommet Education

Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer, MINOR Hotels

Michael Acton Smith, Co-founder, Calm

Abeer Alamri, Skills Development and Talent Optimization Expert

On the agenda

The FHS Saudi Arabia agenda has dozens of sessions across more than 12 tracks over three days. Here is the organisers day-by-day must-attend list:

Sunday, 11 May:

How Can We Rebrand Hospitality Careers to Attract Saudi Youth?

Rethinking Hospitality Schools: Education, Experience & Environment

Monday, 12 May:

Opening remarks from HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, Secretary General, King Faisal Foundation (KFF) & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Al Khozama

Safeguarding Hospitality Investments Amid Market Shifts: Is Saudi Arabia Still the Land of Opportunity? With input from Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer, Al Khozama; AlaaEldin Saleh, Chief Hotels Operating Officer, Rua Al Madinah Holding Company, and Cyril Piaia, Chief Executive Officer / Board Member at Confidential, moderated by Yousef Gamal El-Din, Former News-Anchor, Bloomberg

Unveiling Market Trends: Insights into Branded Residences in the Kingdom, with insight from Daniel von Barloewen, Senior Vice President, Global Mixed-Use Development, Accor One Living; Julien Laloye, Director, Mixed-Use Development (EMEA), Marriott International, and Stephen Cheesebrough, Head of Development, Red Sea Global

Inside the Mind of the Global Investor: What Draws Capital to Saudi Arabia, with confirmed speakers Christophe Beauvilain, managing Director, Pygmalion Capital and Amin Ismail, Managing Director, Certares

Tuesday, 13 May

How to Make a Brand Last? Featuring Maud Bailly,CEO, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems and member of Accor's Luxury & Lifestyle Executive Committee

The Future Workforce: Empowering Talent, Leadership, and Inclusion, with Benoit-Etienne Domenget, CEO, Sommet Education; Muin Serhan, CEO, Amsa Hospitality; and Amir Golbarg, SVP  Middle East and Africa, MINOR Hotels

There are also key Saudi-specific sessions covering mega-events, climate risk, sustainability, the future of tourism and wellness. Follow the FHS Saudi Arabia agenda for all details and updates.

Special events and focus sessions

Sunday and Monday:

Exclusive Leadership Conversations: Shaping the Future of UN Tourism, featuring talks with two candidates for the UN Tourism Secretary-General posiiton: Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President, Owner Relationship Management at Rotana and Harry Theoharis, Member of Parliament, Hellenic Parliament & Candidate for UN Tourism Secretary-General. The candidates will share their visions for the future of global tourism, discuss the strategic priorities for UN Tourism, and reflect on the critical challenges and opportunities ahead.

Sunday:

Next Gen Investment Forum: Uniting top leaders to tackle the most pressing issues on education, training, and talent retention in KSAs hospitality industry.

Monday:

Start Up Den. One of the most popular, most anticipated annual events at FHS Saudi Arabia, the Start Up Den is a platform for entrepreneurs in the Saudi hospitality industry to present their business models to a panel of judges and investors. Participants gain exposure, potential mentorship, funding opportunities, and the chance to win prizes such as incubation support.

Tuesday:

Future Leader Award: celebrating young, ambitious talent shaping the future of hospitality, tourism, and gastronomy in Saudi Arabia

Impact Leader Award: a first-of-its-kind initiative recognising the outstanding Saudi national women who are shaping the future of the industry.

Net Positive Solution Labs powered by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. A dedicated platform for collaboration and innovation, focussing on advancing net positive strategies in hospitality, with a series of sessions exploring practical solutions for environmental and social impact.

Master Class: The Fundamentals of Branded Residences in Saudi Arabia

FHS Saudi Arabia is at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, 11-13 May 2025, with the overarching theme of Where Vision Shapes Opportunity. More than 1,400 delegates are expected to attend. For full details and to register, visit https://www.futurehospitality.com/sa

About FHS Africa

For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality.

About The Bench

The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect; Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry.

For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge.

Anne Bleeker

In2 Consulting

+971 56 603 0886

The Bench
LONDON - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with 25 global brands and approximately 9,300 hotels, has signed an exclusive development agreement with Soliteight Hotel Projects SA to introduce its Super 8 by Wyndham brand to the Iberian market in Spain and Portugal. Under the agreement, Soliteight, a leading hotel development and investment firm and existing Wyndham franchisee, will develop and open 40 Super 8 hotels over the next ten years, filling a crucial gap in the region's hospitality landscape.

Super 8, a globally recognised and leading economy brand known for its hospitality, trusted quality and great value, will cater to the increasing number of budget-conscious travelers in Spain and Portugal. The initiative comes as both countries experience record-breaking tourism growth, along with rising demand for reliable, high-quality economy accommodations. Wyndham currently operates 14 Super 8 hotels across EMEA, including locations in Germany, The UK, and Saudia Arabia.

The first hotel will open in Leiria, Portugal in Q4 2027 with additional locations to be developed in prime spots across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities including key travel hubs like airports, busy retail areas, and along popular transportation routes in smaller cities. Many of the hotels will be new construction using smart modular designed for efficiency and sustainability, staying true to the Super 8 brand's renowned commitment to quality.

Bringing Super 8 to Spain and Portugal is a strategic move to make quality, affordable travel more accessible. Southern Europe has a growing demand for reliable, budget-friendly accommodations and our collaboration with Soliteight allows us to meet that need. By introducing a trusted brand in key destinations, we ensure travellers can enjoy great value without sacrificing quality. We're looking forward to bringing Super 8's signature blend of affordability, modern comfort and sustainability to these vibrant markets. Dimitris Manikis, President, EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Addressing Market Needs

The launch of Super 8 by Wyndham in Spain and Portugal is driven by booming tourism, shifting travel trends, and a growing demand for quality, affordable accommodations. In 2024, Spain welcomed a record 94 million international visitors, while Portugal also saw significant tourism growth. Spain's strong economic performance, with a 3.2% GDP increase that same year, is further fueling domestic and business travel, particularly in secondary cities and emerging markets. As travellers seek options beyond basic budget stays and increasingly expensive mid-range hotels, Super 8 by Wyndham is perfectly positioned to fill this gap, offering reliable, high-quality, and affordable lodging.

Spain and Portugal continue to lag other European markets in branded economy hotels, with a 10% gap in budget brand penetration, despite a 142% surge in RevPAR since 2019. We are delighted to partner with Wyndham as the exclusive developer for Super 8 in Iberia, addressing the need for well-branded economy hotels that offer comfort, consistency, and value for both international and domestic travellers. Rui Alpalhao, Chief Executive, Soliteight

The Wyndham Advantage

Wyndham franchisees throughout the EMEA region benefit from the Wyndham Advantage  a combination of world-class marketing, distribution and other resources designed to put owners on the path to success. Inclusive of nearly $350 million in innovative technology investments over the past six years, owners have access to best-in-class technology from industry-leading providers, including next-gen property management systems, as well as a growing member base of approximately 114 million enrolled Wyndham Rewards members who make up more than a third of all check-ins globally.

To learn more, including franchising opportunities, visit whrdevelopmentemea.com .

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,200 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of nearly 885,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 25 hotel brands, including Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection and Wyndham. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers approximately 110 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit wyndhamhotels.com.

About Wyndham Rewards

Named the number one hotel rewards program by readers of USA TODAY, Wyndham Rewards is the world's most generous rewards program with more than 50,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide.

Designed for the everyday traveller, members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay and may redeem points for a wide range of rewards, including free nights at any of the approximately 9,100 hotels or tens of thousands of vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally through affiliation with Wyndham Destinations and others. Wyndham Rewards has over 103 million enrolled members globally. Join for free today at www.wyndhamrewards.com. You've earned this. 
Imagine this, a couple books a weekend stay, and instead of a generic confirmation from the hotel, they receive a tip about a hidden sunset spot or a breakfast-in-bed option. Small touches like these can transform a regular visit into a memorable experience, making guests feel more special and making your brand stand out.

You might think that achieving this requires complex tech, lengthy setup, or even specialised training. Heres the good news: with ChatGPT, you can get started quickly, with no technical know-how required.

By following these 5 simple steps, soon youll have ChatGPT working as your own personal assistant, delivering exactly the experience you want.

1. Start with your brand: setting the foundation

To use ChatGPT effectively, the AI needs to understand what makes your hotel unique. You need to provide a background so it can adapt to the vocabulary you use, the services you have, and more.

Think of this as laying the groundwork that will guide ChatGPTs tone, language, and response style. People often complain about ChatGPT providing general answers and using language that is not common for humans. That is because they havent trained it.

Start by defining your hotels personality. Provide insights into its unique qualities, such as the atmosphere, core values, and guest experiences you aim to deliver. For instance, is your hotel known for its luxurious ambiance, eco-conscious design, or cozy, family-friendly charm? This context ensures that the AI generates responses that feel authentic and aligned with your brand.

Next, establish your brand voice. Specify whether ChatGPT should adopt a friendly and approachable tone, a formal and luxurious style, or perhaps something playful and vibrant. Consistency in tone across all guest interactions strengthens your brand identity and leaves a lasting impression.

Tip: You can even mention words that should not be used (to avoid sounding like a robot).

Read more about how to create guest journeys with Bookboost.

2. Identify and segment guests

Personalisation starts with understanding your guests. To make journeys resonate with each traveller, segment your audience based on their unique needs and preferences.

Break down your guests into meaningful groups, such as business travellers, families, couples, solo travellers, and more. Each group has distinct priorities and expectations, which should shape their journey.

You can even feed ChatGPT with some statistics and numbers from your guest data, so it can understand what are the most common guest groups in your property, establish priorities and identify highly valuable groups of guests.

Discover 9 guest segment ideas you can use for personalised hotel marketing.

3. Map key milestones and touchpoints for each segment

Once youve segmented your guests, its time to outline their journey. Mapping key milestones ensures ChatGPTs responses are relevant and impactful at every stage.

Map out all the critical points in the journey, such as booking, pre-arrival, check-in, in-stay, and post-stay, and think about how ChatGPT can support every stage. For example, perhaps you need help crafting the message, putting together an attractive offer based on your services or understanding what other type of messages and interactions you could create based on your brands essence.

A well-trained ChatGPT can help you with all of that. But it is crucial that you set clear objectives for each stage. Do you want to make the experience more personalised? Or do you want to increase your upselling revenue? Define what you want to achieve at each touchpoint.

Clear objectives guide ChatGPTs interactions to be helpful and intentional.

Did you know theres a stage before booking called the inspiration stage? Mastering this stage can help you attract more travellers.

4. Create specific prompts for each segment and stage

Tailored prompts are at the core of using ChatGPT to create personalised guest journeys. With well-designed prompts, ChatGPT can generate responses that feel customised and relevant for each guest group.

Heres how you design targeted prompts:

Lets say youre a boutique hotel located in Berlin, Germany, and youve already completed steps 1 to 3 to help ChatGPT understand your brand and guest needs. Now you want to send a personalised pre-stay message to a business guest arriving soon.

The Prompt could be:Create a pre-stay message for a business guest arriving in two days. Highlight our business-friendly amenities and recommend nearby spots for a quick coffee or a lunch meeting.

Example response generated by ChatGPT:"Hello [Guest Name],

Were excited to welcome you to [Hotel Name] soon! To make your stay as comfortable and productive as possible, we wanted to share a few details that might be useful.

Our hotel offers high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, along with quiet, comfortable workspaces that are perfect for catching up on projects or hosting small meetings. If you need any assistance with meeting room arrangements, just let us know - were here to help.

For a quick coffee or a relaxed business lunch, we recommend [Cafe Name], just a short walk away, known for its calm ambiance and exceptional coffee. If you need any further recommendations or assistance before you arrive, dont hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you smooth travels, and we look forward to your arrival!

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Hotel Name] Team"

Keep adjusting prompts until ChatGPTs responses align with your brand voice and meet guest expectations.

Tip: Consider using different voice tones. Responses to families can be friendly and casual, while interactions with business travellers might lean more formal.

5. Measure feedback and continuously improve

The final step is to monitor guest feedback and use it to refine your approach. ChatGPT is a flexible tool that can be continuously adjusted to better meet guest needs.

Analyse engagement rates, feedback, and common guest questions to identify areas for improvement. High open and response rates indicate effective messaging, while feedback helps pinpoint areas for adjustment.

Use this feedback to refine prompts and further tailor ChatGPT responses. This ensures the guest journey evolves in line with changing preferences, providing an even more seamless and personalized experience.

Scaling personalisation without losing authenticity

ChatGPT gives hoteliers the ability to scale personalisation like never before while staying true to their brands authenticity. By automating repetitive tasks and tailoring interactions to guest preferences, ChatGPT helps ensure every guest feels recognized and valued.

However, personalisation doesnt have to come at the expense of genuine hospitality. When paired with your teams human touch, ChatGPT becomes a powerful tool to enhance, not replace, authentic connections.

Follow us on Linkedin to stay up to date with the new hospitality trends, and subscribe to our newsletter to get more tips and hacks for hotel marketing and operations.

Johanna Bernuy

Marketing Manager

Bookboost

View source
UK Economy Suffers 2.2BN Loss from International Travel, Amid Government Policies Criticised by WTTC - Image Credit Unsplash+



The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that the UK economy suffered a loss of more than 2.2 billion due to a decline in international visitor spending last year compared to 2019. The council attributes the drop to policy decisions, including increased taxes and budget cuts to VisitBritain.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the UK economy saw a 2.2 billion decrease in revenue from international tourism last year compared to 2019. In its 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR), the WTTC highlighted this substantial loss, associating it with various policy decisions by the UK government, including increased taxes and budget cuts to VisitBritain, the country's tourism marketing agency.

Despite a 3.9% growth in the travel and tourism sector, which contributed 286 billion to the UK economy and accounted for 10% of the total GDP last year, international visitor spending remained 5.3% below pre-pandemic levels, totalling 40.3 billion.

This represents a significant 2.2 billion loss to the economy, almost equivalent to the 2.3 billion announced by the government for recruiting 6,500 new teachers in England and higher than the 2.1 billion allocated for school improvements across the UK.

The WTTC warns that the UK, already one of the costliest destinations in Europe, risks further hampering growth in 2025 due to recently announced Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements, the abolition of VAT-free shopping, escalating business taxes, and an increase in Air Passenger Duty. Other hindrances include more than 40% cuts to VisitBritain's budget, which will likely exacerbate regional inequality by decreasing support for regions outside London to attract more tourists.

The WTTC's concerns extend to the government's recent endorsement of Europe's first Universal theme park in the UK and plans to expand Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton airports. While these projects signal broader ambitions, the global tourism body warns that their benefits will only materialise years from now and only if the barriers to travel are lifted.

WTTC's President and CEO, Julia Simpson, has urged Prime Minister Starmer to acknowledge tourism as a private sector success story and its potential for economic and job growth. Simpson criticises the government for damaging growth through unnecessary ETAs, a UK-only tax on air passenger duty, and the cessation of tax-free shopping. Simpson warns that without targeted action and investment, the UK risks a long-term decline in travel and tourism.

The WTTC is calling on the UK government to reverse VisitBritain's budget cuts, restore tax-free shopping for international visitors, rethink punitive travel taxes, and invest in keeping the UK competitive globally. The council warns that without a change in course, the UK risks falling even further behind as global tourism increases.
Labour Day Holiday Fuels Double-Digit Cross-Border Growth in Asia Pacific for Trip.com Group - Image Credit Trip.com



Trip.com Group reports double-digit cross-border growth for the May Labour Day holiday, reflecting changing travel preferences and a surge in regional travel.

The May Labour Day holiday is a peak travel period for several Asia-Pacific destinations, with Trip.com Group's latest data revealing a strong interest in domestic and regional travel. The top five cross-border destinations were Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, recording nearly triple-digit growth for domestic travel and a significant double-digit growth in cross-border travel.

Accommodation preferences are shifting, with travellers increasingly opting for apartments, villas, and inns over traditional hotels. This trend has led to triple-digit booking growth in markets such as South Korea, Thailand, and Hong Kong SAR, especially in destinations surrounded by nature like scenic lakes, mountains, national parks, and beaches. Japan, with its hot springs, views of Mt. Fuji, and access to Hakone National Park, has emerged as a favourite for these types of stays.

Shifts in travel preferences are also evident in the rise of coastal locations for villa stays, where sea views and beach access are primary attractions. Chinese mainland, Japanese, and South Korean travellers are leading this trend. Bali, for instance, has seen a notable increase in villa bookings. Concurrently, searches for nature-based breaks and Instagrammable destinations have recorded triple-digit growth, reflecting a growing desire for aesthetically appealing escapes that offer tranquillity and a deeper connection to the natural environment.

The Labour Day holiday remains a powerful driver of cross-border travel across Asia, particularly in China and Japan. Trip.com's data shows strong cross-border travel from these countries compared to 2024. Notably, both South Korea and Vietnam have recorded substantial increases in domestic and cross-border bookings due to extended May holiday periods.

Multi-destination stays are a rising trend across Asia, as reflected by a 60% increase in bookings for trips to two or more cities compared to last year. Long-haul journeys are also on the rise, especially among South Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese travellers. As these long-haul trips increase in popularity, travellers opt to visit more than one destination per journey, combining contrasting experiences such as British heritage with Mediterranean vibrancy, or a north-south sweep of the UK.

Food-related searches have significantly increased across the region, influencing destination choice. Japanese cuisine, for instance, has the highest search volume in Osaka and Tokyo. In addition, event tourism is rising, with concert tour bookings showing double-digit growth for the May holiday. This data indicates travellers' increasing interest in combining cultural experiences with travel plans.

The 2025 Labour Day holiday data from Trip.com Group illustrates the growing complexity and choice embraced by modern travellers, from nature-rich retreats and food-led journeys to long-haul, multi-stop adventures, heralding a new era of discovery in global travel.
Avani+ Fujairah Resort to Open 2028 in the United Arab Emirates - Image Credit Minor Hotels



Developed in collaboration with Al Fahim, the resort will be the first Avani-branded resort in the emirate of Fujairah. It will feature 232 hotel rooms and 16 villas.

Minor Hotels has announced the addition of Avani+ Fujairah Resort to its portfolio. This marks the introduction of the Avani brand in the emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The resort is planned to open in 2028.

The new resort forms part of Minor Hotels' strategic expansion in the UAE, reflecting the group's commitment to grow the Avani portfolio in key regional tourism destinations.

The beachfront resort, situated on Fujairah's eastern coastline along the Gulf of Oman, will include 232 modern hotel rooms and 16 large villas ranging from three to five bedrooms. The accommodation options, designed to cater to families and couples, offer unique features such as private pools and direct lagoon access, setting it apart in the local hospitality landscape.

The Avani+ Fujairah Resort, developed in partnership with Al Fahim, expands on the successful relationship between Minor Hotels and the UAE-based conglomerate, following the opening of Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites. Through its hospitality investment arm, Emirates Property Investment Company (EPICO), Al Fahim continues contributing to the growth and innovation in the UAE's real estate and hospitality sectors.

The Avani+ Fujairah Resort will offer a variety of dining and leisure facilities, including an AvaniSpa, a rooftop grill restaurant, a poolside bar and restaurant, an all-day dining destination, and The Pantry, Avani's grab-and-go concept.

Additional amenities will include a fitness and wellness centre, a swimming pool, and dedicated facilities for kids and teenagers. There will also be meeting rooms and function space for business and leisure travellers.
From left to right, Rui Alpalhao, Chief Executive at Soliteight; Jackie Brown, Senior Regional Director North & West Europe, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; and Alejandro Scholtz, Development Director Iberia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. - Image Credit Wyndham



Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Soliteight Hotel Projects SA have announced plans to bring the Super 8 brand to Spain and Portugal, aiming to open 40 new hotels over the next decade.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Soliteight Hotel Projects SA have signed an exclusive development agreement to introduce the Super 8 brand to Spain and Portugal. Soliteight, an established hotel development and investment company, will develop and operate the 40 hotels that will open in the next ten years.

The Super 8 brand is recognized globally for its hospitality, trusted quality, and great value. The move to introduce the brand to Spain and Portugal comes in response to the growing number of budget-conscious travelers in these countries and the increasing demand for reliable, high-quality economy accommodations.

The first of these hotels is slated to open in Leiria, Portugal, in the last quarter of 2027. Other development locations have been planned in prime locations across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, including key travel hubs such as airports, busy retail areas, and along popular transportation routes in smaller cities.

This strategic move to bring the Super 8 brand to Spain and Portugal is driven by booming tourism, shifting travel trends, and a growing demand for quality, affordable accommodations. In 2024, Spain welcomed 94 million international visitors, while Portugal also saw significant tourism growth. Spain's strong economic performance, with a 3.2% GDP increase that same year, further fuels domestic and business travel, particularly in secondary cities and emerging markets.

The Super 8 by Wyndham is well-positioned to fill the gap in the market, offering reliable, high-quality, and affordable lodging. Spain and Portugal lag behind other European markets in branded economy hotels, with a 10% gap in budget brand penetration, despite a 142% increase in RevPAR since 2019.
La Quinta Inns & Suites Alexandria Airport - Image Credit CBRE



CBRE Hotels is inviting offers to acquire the fee-simple interest in the La Quinta Inns & Suites in Alexandria, Louisiana, an underperforming hotel with significant upside potential.

CBRE Hotels, a division of the commercial real estate services and investment firm CBRE Group, is inviting offers to acquire the fee-simple interest in the La Quinta Inns & Suites in Alexandria, Louisiana. The hotel, which has recently undergone renovations, is ideally located near the Alexandria International Airport, several renowned academic institutions, and various corporate offices. The property's strategic location enables it to cater to a diverse clientele from corporate and leisure segments.

The four-story hotel, boasting 117 rooms, is in excellent condition, which would require minimal capital improvements for the new owners. However, the property has been underperforming compared to its competitive set, with a RevPAR (revenue per available room) index of 77.9 as of the end of 2023. This underperformance is largely due to the current owner's out-of-state location and the absence of hands-on hotel management, presenting a significant opportunity for the new ownership group to implement proactive revenue management strategies and drive a substantial increase in RevPAR and market penetration.

Despite its current underperformance, the La Quinta Inns & Suites in Alexandria demonstrated strong in-place cash flow in 2023, posting a net operating income (NOI) of approximately $893 thousand. This robust cash flow and the potential for increased market share make the property an attractive acquisition opportunity for potential investors.

The hotel's proximity to significant demand generators, such as UTLX Manufacturing, Northwestern State University, Oceans Behavioral Hospital, CHRISTUS Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital, and Central Louisiana Regional Port, further enhances its investment appeal. This strategic location positions the La Quinta to capture business from a diverse population, including corporate visitors, academic personnel, healthcare professionals, and leisure travelers.

Situated at the heart of Louisiana, Alexandria serves as a thriving economic hub for the region. Known for its significant contributions to the medical, educational, and retail sectors, the city is a major transportation hub, facilitating air, water, rail, and highway travel. The Heavy Industrial Mega Site at the England Industrial Airpark attracts large manufacturers looking for startup or relocation opportunities, further solidifying Alexandrias economic standing.

In conclusion, the La Quinta Inns & Suites in Alexandria, Louisiana, presents a unique investment opportunity. The property's underperformance, strong cash flow, and strategic location near key demand generators present considerable upside potential for new ownership to drive revenue growth and improve the hotel's market penetration.

Inquire at CBRE.
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UK Grassroots Tours shrink and Ticket revenues fall

The Music Venue Trust has released its 2024 annual report which saw UK grassroot venue tours shrink. Ticket revenue fell 13.5%.

UK Grassroots Tours shrink and Ticket revenues fall

While the Music Venue Trust (MVT) Annual Report 2024 highlights growth in support, grassroots venues continue to face major challenges.

One of the most concerning findings of the survey is the decline in locations on the UKs primary and secondary touring circuits. In the 30 years between 1994 and 2024, the average UK tour declined from 22 shows to just 11.

The average 1994 UK grassroots tour was spread across a range of 28 different locations. In 2024, just 12 locations, all of them major cities, remained as primary and secondary touring circuit stops. They act as regular hosts to grassroots tours.

MVT released the report before the Scottish Parliament where only Glasgow remains a regular part of the national touring circuit. Even Edinburgh is struggling to be included on the majority of national tours by new and emerging artists.

Fewer Shows and Less Ticket Revenue

Fewer venues has led to a decrease in the total number of live music shows. This fell 8.3% since 2023. There was an even steeper decline in overall ticket revenues, down 13.5%.

Venues, despite all the very welcome good intentions and acknowledgements they are receiving for their vital work, are still closing, still under extreme and totally unnecessary financial pressures, said Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust. They are still failing to be recognised, as everyone agrees they should and must be, when government designs policy, taxation, and legislation. It isnt good enough to keep saying how much we all value them. Weve got to practically do something about it. We need action not words.

Meanwhile, things are very different at the top end of of the live music market. Live Nation UK & Ireland Chairman Denis Desmond told Pollstar that 2024 was the best year ever for live music in the UK and Ireland, with fantastic sales for Coldplay, Taylor Swift and P!NK.

US independent venue and promoter trade group NIVA is expected to release a similar survey for the US in late June.

Read and download the full Music Venue Trust (MVT) Annual Report 2024 here.

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot. He is also a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, a Berklee College Of Music professor, and founder of the Skyline Artists Agency



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About This Property Lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cape on a half-acre lot close to the Williams College campus and the center of town has been fully renovated and is move-in ready! Beautiful kitchen with granite countertops, a large breakfast bar, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, Shaker-style cabinets with pull-outs and soft-close drawers, and recessed lighting. The kitchen opens visually to the dining area and to the spacious family room, which has an electric fireplace, bamboo flooring and French doors leading to the paved backyard patio and level back yard. High-end touches and designer lighting throughout. Amenities include hardwood floors, vinyl siding, Trex stairs and a 1-car garage.



Land Details Community Details Acres Apx: 0.47

Parking Type: Garaged & Off-Street

Lot Description: Paved Drive

Region: North Registry

Elem School: Williamstown

Middle School: Mount Greylock Reg.

High School: Mount Greylock Reg.

Exterior Details Interior Details Color: Gray

Style: Cape

Construction: Wood Frame

Exterior: Vinyl

Water: Public

Sewer: Public

Underground Oil Tank: Unk

Garage: Attached,Auto Opener

Total Rooms: 7

Total Full Baths: 2

Fuel: Electric,Nat Gas

Hot Water: Nat Gas,Storage Tank

Electric: 200 Amp,Circuit Breaker

Floor: Ceramic Tile,Bamboo,Wood

Lead Paint: Unk

Heat/Cool: Electric,Ceiling Fan,Furnace,Forced Air

Insulation: Fiberglass,Blown In

Appliances Incl: Dishwasher,Washer,Refrigerator,Range,Microwave,Dryer,Disposal

Accessibility: 1st Fl Bdrm,1st Flr Full Bath



Search More Properties With these Features Patio Trash Private Cable Available Granite Counter Fireplace (s)
Clark Art Hosts Free Evening For Educators

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  On Thursday, May 1, the Clark Art Institute hosts a free creative professional development event for educators from across the region.

Participants will explore ways to strengthen their students' social and emotional learning through the arts. Evening for Educators is recommended for Pre-K through Grade 12 educators, including school counselors and administrators. Educators can earn professional development points through participation. The program runs from 5 pm to 8:15 pm.

The evening commences with a keynote address by Kathe Swaback, the Massachusetts Cultural Council's program officer for creative youth development and health. Swaback is a visual artist, art therapist, and arts administrator with an M.A. in expressive therapy.

A series of workshops, developed by local educators who are members of the Clark's new Teacher Advisory Group, provide educators with inspiring methods to enliven social and emotional learning in the classroom. Participants can choose to attend two of the five workshops, which range from gallery engagement activities to hands-on art making and align with state standards.

The event begins in the Clark's auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center.

Program Details:

5 pm: Arrival and Check-in

5:15 pm: Keynote Address

Presented by Kathe Swaback, Massachusetts Cultural Council

5:55 pm: Complimentary Buffet Dinner

6:45- 8:15 pm: Workshop Series

Select two:

Artful Yoga

Engaging with Art to Build Self-Management and Relationship Skills

Exploring Empathy through Sculpture

Handmade Books as Self Portraits

Art-Inspired Letter writing, Storytelling, and Empathy
Presentation on Benthic Macroinvertebrates to be Held at Williams College

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Hoosic River Watershed Association, Williams College Center for Environmental Studies, and the Zilkha Center for the Environment will host a presentation titled "Turning Stones: a Presentation on Benthic Macroinvertebrates" with aquatic ecologist Declan McCabe on Tuesday, April 29, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Griffin Hall Room 3 at Williams College.

The program is free and open to the public, and families with children are welcome.

During the presentation, Declan McCabe will use a slide show and live aquatic macroinvertebrates to discuss several topics, including:

The properties of water that support life.

The differences in the characteristics and inhabitants of flowing and standing water ecosystems.

Adaptations of organisms that live on the water's surface.

Non-toxic methods for reducing mosquito populations near homes.

Low-cost ways to study macroinvertebrates locally.

Simple actions to protect watersheds and improve water quality.

Registration for this free program is required and can be completed by clicking the provided link.

Declan McCabe is an aquatic ecologist and a professor of biology at Saint Michaels College. His book, Turning Stones: Discovering the Life of Water (2024, Down East Books), examines the biodiversity found in rivers. Mr. McCabe has experience communicating biological concepts to students and has also worked with high school audiences. His writings are featured in "Northern Woodlands" and "Connecticut Woodlands" magazines, as well as "The Outside Story" natural history series.
Lenox Library to Host Launch of Berkshire Salon Series with Tribute Performance

LENOX, Mass.  The Lenox Library will host the inaugural event of Ron Ramsay's Berkshire Salon Series, titled "S'Wonderful," on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

This performance will serve as a tribute to Stephanie Barber, who owned Music Inn and Wheatleigh and had a musical influence on Ramsay.

The program will combine music and historical elements, celebrating Barber, Fanny Kemble, and past performances at the Lenox Library. Ramsay intends for his Salon series to highlight the individuals and stories associated with various estates and cultural institutions in the Berkshires.

Ramsay's singing partner, Samantha Talora, will perform songs in homage to Barber, including selections from her New York City cabaret show. Greta Mathews will also present a performance reciting Shakespeare, portraying Kemble, who resided in a cottage on a street in Lenox that was later named after her.

The event will take place at the Lenox Library, located at 18 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.
Berkshire Bounty Fundraiser Responds to Community Need

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.  Berkshire Bounty, a 501(c)(3) food recovery organization, will conduct a crowdfunding campaign from April 22 through April 29 to raise funds to address growing community need regarding food insecurity.

"Like many nonprofits in our community, Berkshire Bounty has been affected by cuts and fluctuations in federal funding," said Morgan Ovitsky, Executive Director of Berkshire Bounty. "We're also closely watching potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP]. If enacted, the most vulnerable Berkshire County residents will be heavily impacted."

"Spring Into Action" will raise $75,000 for Berkshire Bounty. The Crowdfunding Campaign is the public facing portion in which Berkshire Bounty reaches out to supporters and asks for help in reaching that goal.

The Greater Boston Food Bank report indicated that the food insecurity rate in Berkshire County was at 45 percent. Berkshire Bounty has data from partner emergency food sites about increased use, particularly among people who are "working poor" and the immigrant community. Reporting data collected quarterly in 2024 from emergency food sites show a 30 percent increase in people accessing food assistance over the year. Projections and trends indicate the increase in food insecurity will continue to climb.

"Food pantries are serving more people than ever and struggling to procure enough to satisfy the demand. Berkshire Bounty receives calls daily for more food," stated Mark Lefenfeld and Jay Weintraub, Board members and co-founders of Berkshire Bounty. "We are so grateful to our community for their support."

Spring Into Action is aided by the Donald C. McGraw and Black Rock Foundations, offering a $20,000 dollar-to-dollar match.

"Our foundation and family are proud to support Berkshire Bounty as they prepare to provide extra support to our neighbors in a time of need," said Robin McGraw, Director of the Foundations.
giovedi 24 aprile 2025, 09:55 - Last updated: 25 aprile, 10:51

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This article is automatically translated

With US military support increasingly uncertain, Europe is preparing for a reorganization of its defenses, particularly on the eastern NATO front, at the border with the Russian Federation territories. Among the various initiatives is the 'Drone Wall' project led by Germany with the support of six NATO member countries. The plan involves deploying a continuous series of unmanned aerial systems from Norway to Poland. According to the Defence Estonia consortium: 'By integrating cutting-edge technology, common defense measures, and rapid innovation, we can create an effective multilayered solution that helps ensure European resilience against external threats and aggressors.' The drone wall is not metaphorical; it involves the concrete deployment of a large number of tools supported by satellite systems and other defensive countermeasures. The drone wall, in the Baltics, already includes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland: according to some German manufacturers, a first 'layer' of the defense system could be deployed within a year, provided that the European Union and NATO quickly develop a strategy.
giovedi 24 aprile 2025, 00:25 - Last updated: 12:12

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This article is automatically translated

For everyone, Cardinal Zuppi is Don Matteo. A 'callejero' priest, a street priest, much liked by Bergoglio, equipped at the same time with a highly political profile. In this pre-conclave phase, some hypothesize that the Archbishop of Bologna may already have a base of at least thirty sure votes, certainly not few and the result of various factors. On one hand, his marked humanity and his predisposition to seek a common viable path in the face of disputes, on the other, the support behind the scenes of an armored and influential international reality, the Community of Sant'Egidio, which for decades has played a precious role in many African and Asian countries on the humanitarian level, to the point of earning the nickname Little UN of Trastevere. It is no coincidence that when international leaders, influential bishops, and foreign cardinals pass through Rome, they always gladly make a stop at Santa Maria in Trastevere. In fact, Zuppi, born in Rome - the other Roman in the conclave will be Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice, a Pope from Rome has been missing since the death of Pius XII in 1958 - is the symbol of a Church that combines diplomacy with hospitality with that spirit learned at Sant'Egidio, the reality from which he comes. The happy synthesis between the pastor and the curial who knows how to navigate the corridors of power. In the past, Zuppi carved out a diplomatic path for himself by managing, with his grace, to complete the peace negotiations in Mozambique in 1992. Not an easy task. Under the pontificate of Francis, Zuppi (who is also president of the Italian Episcopal Conference) was chosen three years ago to carry out a very delicate humanitarian mission on the war in Ukraine, undertaking high-level talks on behalf of the Pope in an attempt to unlock things between Russians, Ukrainians, Americans, and Chinese. In this way, he was launched onto the international scene, working under the eyes of the world public opinion, greatly strengthening his image. The Pope had equipped him with functions and tools different from those of traditional mediators, and the former parish priest of Trastevere tried to navigate the war tangle, mediating on children deported by the Russians (whose number is still a subject of disputes), the exchange of prisoners of war, traveling between Kiev, Washington, Beijing, Moscow. The cardinal explained that his main task was to listen, gather elements to weave, weave, and weave again. While the children's mission was sunk by the warring parties, some concrete results were indeed achieved on the prisoners' front. Zuppi was born in Rome in 1955, the fifth of six children. His father was a Catholic journalist, and his mother was the niece of Cardinal Confalonieri. During the Sixties, the future papabile met Andrea Riccardi, founder of Sant'Egidio, then a tiny reality, and with him, he began volunteering in suburban schools. Meanwhile, he attended the seminary, studied at the Gregorian, and graduated in literature at Sapienza with a thesis on the history of Christianity. His first pastoral assignment was in Trastevere, where he remained for thirty years. In 2015, Francis sent him to Bologna as bishop, one of the most difficult dioceses, always led by conservative cardinals (Biffi, Caffarra). The initial distrust of the Emilian priests melted thanks to Zuppi's empathy and humanity, who lives in a retirement home for elderly priests, rides a bicycle, talks to all politicians, his door is always open, and he is tolerant towards the traditionalist reality of the Latin mass, which in the Conclave marks a point in his favor. His method is: let's talk, let's listen, let's find common ground because we are brothers. However, he enters the Sistine with two critical factors, the influence of Sant'Egidio, which many cardinals find indigestible, and the pale results at the helm of the CEI. According to many, he tried to mediate between different souls without always succeeding, with the result of having further weakened the Italian episcopate.
giovedi 24 aprile 2025, 00:15 - Last updated: 15:20

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The big problem is that I don't know exactly who will sit next to me. A cardinal says this in a private conversation, casually bringing up the issue. The Conclave after Pope Francis is indeed a conclave unlike any other. It is a monstrous Conclave, with 133 cardinal electors (possibly 134, if Cardinal Angelo Becciu is included), but practically devoid of factions. Not because the cardinals don't have their opinions and don't gather in groups according to their ideas. But rather because, in ten consistories, they never had the chance to get to know each other. Thus, we find ourselves in a Conclave where the cardinals created by Pope Francis are more than 70 percent, enough to impose a majority. But they are still cardinals who do not talk to each other, have not had the opportunity to know each other's positions, and therefore do not have a clear idea of what awaits them in the Sistine Chapel. In some way, there is a similarity with the Conclave that elected Benedict XVI in 2005. After twenty-seven years of John Paul II's pontificate, there were very few cardinals who had already taken part in a Conclave, and one was Joseph Ratzinger, on whom all eyes were set. Now, there are very few cardinals created by John Paul II (four will arrive in the Sistine Chapel, with Vinko Puljic absent) and even fewer are those who have already experienced a Conclave. In fact, there are several cardinals that Pope Francis created who have never been able to enter a Conclave, as they turned 80 during Pope Francis's pontificate. Does it make sense, then, to talk about factions? It can be done, but keeping in mind that we are talking about a global movement, of factions with vague boundaries, and in some cases more speculation than fact. They are factions that can dissolve in the blink of an eye, when the themes of the Conclave change or even the balances of the discussions change. Diplomats look at Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. They are cardinals with a past in the ranks of the diplomatic corps, or who have dealt with diplomacy in the past. Pope Francis called them "the old men of the Curia". For them, Parolin would be the ideal candidate, as he is considered capable, moderate, and able to put order in complicated situations. The group of North American cardinals generally forms a group of its own. But today, two groups can generally be found. One refers to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, considered a conservative, although an enlightened conservative. They seem to lean towards Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. But, as said, it remains speculation. The other North American faction refers to Cardinal Blaise Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. It is the so-called "synodality" or "inclusive radicality" area. Among the members of this area is also Cardinal McElroy, recently Archbishop of Washington. Some suggest they might focus on synodal continuity, thus supporting Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, or Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg and General Rapporteur of the last synod on synodality. Then there is the super-conservative faction. Cardinals Robert Sarah and Leo Burke are included, but also Cardinal Gehrard Ludwig Mueller, who seems more withdrawn and disinterested in power games, but who is occasionally mentioned. Conservatives would aim for Cardinal Wilhelm Eijk, Archbishop of Utrecht, who asked Pope Francis for a document on gender, or Cardinal Peter Erdo, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest. The latter is a candidate also liked by the moderate front, composed of all cardinals who do not find themselves on either side. South Americans might want another Pope Francis, but this is also uncertain. The cardinals from South America are perhaps the closest to Pope Francis's thinking, but they also understand that after a South American Pope, a new Pope from Latin America might be considered a gamble. These factions represent more manifestations of interest and surveys, and are not certainly defined. Little is known, at the moment, about where the cardinals from deep Africa will go, and what position the Asian cardinals will take. These would represent that "periphery" quota that could really change the balances. And perhaps focus on a horse that is now almost no longer mentioned, but who has been considered papabile for years: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. Not to mention that all factions could converge on a surprise. Like Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero, Archbishop of Rabat. Spanish, with a South American passport, cardinal in Africa and champion of interreligious dialogue with Islam. A man from three worlds, who might satisfy all factions.
With summer in full swing, Filipinos are gearing up for travel or looking to refresh their tech devices and digital lifestyle. With realme, that upgrade is made easier and more affordable than ever. Whether you're a student on the go, a young professional balancing work and play, or simply looking for a stylish, all-around device, realme offers the perfect smartphone to suit every lifestyle and need.

realme rolls out exciting price drops on fan-favorite smartphones, making tech upgrades more affordable for every lifestyle

This summer, realme is rolling out price drops on some of its best-loved models, giving everyone the chance to level up without going over budget. From budget-friendly essentials to performance-driven powerhouses, these smartphones are built for everyday wins.

Smartphones That Fit Every Lifestyle

This summer, realme introduces three lifestyle personasand the perfect phone to match each one:

The Campus Hustler: realme C61 (4GB+64GB)  now P4,599

Designed for all-day learners and social media multitaskers, the realme C61 is a budget-friendly smartphone that supports school activities, group chats, and content creation without straining your budget. Powered by the efficient Unisoc T612 processor, it effortlessly manages everything from online classes to late-night video edits. The realme C61 also offers a quality champion experience, featuring realme Essential tools like Air Gestures for seamless navigation and a 5000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting power to keep users connected with friends, classmates, and their online communities throughout the day. On top of that, the device is backed by a 48-month Fluency Certification and is built with realme Quality standards, ensuring smooth performance even after years of use.

Available in Sparkle Gold and Dark Green, the realme C61 is now even more affordable with a temporary price drop from P4,999 to P4,599, making it a smart and stylish choice for students and young users.

The Young Pro: realme 13+ 5G (12GB+256GB)  now P17,999

Designed for young professionals who juggle work, life, and play, the realme 13+ 5G is a feature-packed smartphone that combines seamless performance with reliable speed, making it the ideal companion for on-the-move professionals and casual gamers. Powered by AI Boost 2.0 and realmes GT Mode, the realme 13+ 5G ensures responsive and optimized gameplay, whether users are immersed in intense gaming sessions or quickly switching between video calls, emails, and meetings. Meanwhile, the TUV SUD Lag-Free Mobile Gaming Certification and 120Hz OLED Esports Display work together to provide a consistently smooth, ultra-fluid user experienceperfect for gaming, scrolling, or staying productive throughout the day. To keep things running cool and stable, this work-and-play device also features an advanced 3D Vapor Chamber Cooling System that helps maintain peak performance during extended use.

The realme 13+ 5G (12GB+256GB)available in Victory Gold and Dark Purpleis now permanently priced at P17,999 (down from P19,999) nationwide.

The All-Around Winner: realme C75 Seriesstarting at P7,999, with options up to P10,999

Built for those who need a phone that works as hard as they do, the realme C75 Seriesincluding the new realme C75xcombines style, durability, and reliable performance for everyday use. With IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, these devices are built to handle dust, spills, and splashes. For an immersive audio experience, the ultra-linear speaker delivers 400% UltraBoom sound, providing loud and clear sound even in noisy environments. In addition, SonicWave Water Ejection technology uses the speaker to expel moisture, ensuring your phone stays safe after being exposed to water.

With AI Smart Loop and up to 24GB dynamic RAM, the realme C75 Series is built to handle everything from streaming and work to daily multitaskingeffortlessly.

realme C75x (8GB+128GB)  P7,999

realme C75 (8GB+128GB)  P8,999

realme C75 (8GB+256GB)  P10,999

Now available in Lightning Gold and Storm Black for the realme C75, and Coral Pink and Oceanic Blue for the realme C75x, users can choose a style that fits their vibe. With prices starting at just P7,999, the realme C75 series offers flexible upgrade options with 0% interest on 3- and 6-month Home Credit plans in realme stores nationwide until April 30, 2025.

Get More for Less

With these new price points, realme continues to prove that performance, style, and reliability dont have to come at a high cost. Whether its a first smartphone, a daily driver upgrade, or a thoughtful gift, realmes summer lineup is designed to deliver.

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and promos by following realme Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.
On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

China and the US accused each other of unfair trade practices during an informal UN Security Council session amid the escalating tariff war between the world's two largest economies.

The council met on Wednesday at China's request to discuss "the impact of unilateralism and bullying practices on international relations". Japan skipped the meeting given its ongoing trade negotiations with the US.

Chinese ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, said the US tariff policy "severely infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of all countries".

The trade war between Washington and Beijing escalated after president Donald Trump imposed import taxes of up to 245 per cent on China. The Xi Jinping administration retaliated by slapping 125 per cent tariffs on American goods.

Mr Fu said M Trump's tariffs put "US interests above the common good of the international community" and "severely undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system, and severely disrupts the global economic order".

Although Mr Trump has since paused his tariffs on dozens of nations, except China, for 90 days, he has kept in place a 10 per cent universal rate as well as levies on cars, steel and aluminium.

"We cannot allow things to be dictated by whoever has a bigger fist," Mr Fu said. "Bullying the weak, threats and coercion, and imposing one's will on others will not win popular support, and will ultimately backfire."

The US dismissed China's meeting as a "performative manoeuvre" lacking substance or credibility. American diplomat Ting Wu accused China of using unilateral unfair trade practices that hurt market economies around the world.

"China claims to be a developing country, while it simultaneously weaponizes its donor status and development projects to bully developing member states," she said. "No more. President Trump is resetting the trade environment so that China can no longer take advantage."

Mr Trump told reporters on Wednesday that any reduction in tariffs placed on China would depend on the actions of Beijing. He was speaking in the backdrop of reports that the US was preparing to slash tariffs on China up to 65 per cent.

The Chinese commerce ministry on Thursday said the US should remove all "unilateral tariff measures" against China "if it truly wanted" to solve the trade issue.

"The person who tied the bell must untie it," a spokesperson for the ministry said.
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China jailed the highest number of writers in the world in 2024 as global clampdown on freedom of speech increased for the sixth year, according to a report compiled by PEN America.

At least 375 writers were in prison across 40 countries in 2024, an increase from 339 writers jailed across 33 countries recorded last year, according to the Freedom to Write Index.

China accounts for nearly one-third of the world's jailed writers, with 118 authors arrested for writing on democracy, criticising the Chinese Communist Party, and promoting ethnic minority language and culture, the report found.

Almost half of the jailed writers in 2024 were ethnic minorities such as Uyghur, Tibetan, or Mongolian, who were arrested on vague charges that allege separatism".

The report found that one-third of the jailed writers in China were primarily online commentators, nine were women, and 33 were detained without charges or are in pre-trial detention.

File: Rahile Dawut poses for a photo in Urumqi, the capital of Chinas far west Xinjiang ( AP )

Rights groups and foreign governments have criticised China for throttling dissent through the arbitrary arrest of Uyghurs, critics and pro-democracy activists and lawyers in Hong Kong under the national security laws. Prominent Uyghur scholar and author Rahile Dawut was sentenced to life in prison in 2023 on charges of "endangering state security. Beijing routinely denies such allegations, calling them the lie of the century.

"Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law  press freedom cannot become an excuse for committing crimes, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had said in August 2024. China in 2024 ranked 172 out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.

Recently, China jailed Li Yanhe, a Chinese national and editor-in-chief of a Taiwanese publishing house, to three years in prison for "inciting separatism.

"Authoritarian regimes are desperate to control the narrative of history and repress the truth about what they are doing. That is why writers are so important, and why we see these regimes attempting to silence them, said Karin Deutsch Karlekar, PEN Americas director of writers at risk.

Jailing one writer for their words is a miscarriage of justice, but the systematic suppression of writers around the world represents an erosion of free expression  which is often the precursor to the destruction of other fundamental human rights," she added.

The report found that Iran was the second-worst offender, jailing 43 writers, even if the number saw a slight drop from 49. Saudi Arabia ranked third for jailing 23 writers.

The number of imprisoned women writers also increased to 59, marking a 15 per cent jump from 2023, according to the index. Iran was the biggest jailer of women writers, with 13 women arrested for writing against suppression and mandatory hijab laws.

Vietnam ranked fourth for jailing 23 writers. Israel ranked fifth with 21 writers in prison amid its retaliatory war against Hamas in Gaza, which has killed more than 51,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Strip. The war was triggered by Hamas's attack on southern Israel, when the militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 250 hostages.

Russia, which is in its third year of war on Ukraine, jailed 18 writers. The report found that the majority of the writers were jailed for anti-war sentiments. A court in Russia this month convicted four journalists of extremism for working for an anti-corruption group founded by Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and sentenced them to five and a half years in prison each.

"War, conflict, and attacks against the free exchange of information and ideas go hand in hand with lies and propaganda, Ms Karlekar said. Writers represent a threat to disinformation and encourage people to think critically about what is going on around them."
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Former South Korean president Moon Jae In was indicted without detention on charges of bribery on Thursday, in the latest incident of criminal trial against an ex-political head in the country.

Mr Moon  credited with achieving now-stalled cooperation with North Korea and avoiding major armed clashes during his tenure that ended in 2022  is facing corruption charges in connection with the employment of his former son-in-law.

Prosecutors alleged that Mr Moon, 72, received bribes totalling 217m won ($151,705; 1,13,621) from Lee Sang Jik, founder of the budget carrier Thai Eastar Jet, in the form of wages, housing expenses and other financial assistance provided to Mr Moon's then-son-in-law from 2018-2020.

Mr Moon's daughter and her husband, identified only by his last name Seo, were divorced in 2021, according to reports.

The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office on Thursday said that Lee was also indicted on charges of paying bribes to Mr Moon and committing breaches of trust.

Prosecutors launched an investigation into Mr Moon's alleged involvement in corruption following a complaint by Seoul-based civic group Justice People in December 2021. The group alleged a possible quid-pro-quo involving Mr Moon, his former son-in-law and Lee, who also served as a two-term lawmaker from the then-ruling Democratic Party.

The prosecutors' office said Mr Moon's former son-in-law was hired as a director-level employee at Lee's company in Thailand even though he had no work experience in the airline industry. Mr Moon has been accused of using his presidential staff to help arrange his son-in-laws relocation from South Korea to Thailand.

The office said he spent only brief periods at the company's office in Thailand and carried out only minor duties while claiming to be working remotely from South Korea.

Mr Moons former son-in-law did not provide proper labour befitting his position as the executive director. But Mr Seo received a monthly salary of 8m won, almost twice the salary of the airlines CEO, the Jeonju District Prosecutors Office said.

The prosecutors' office said it had not found evidence that Mr Moon performed political favours for Lee, who worked on Mr Moon's campaign, but that Lee likely expected his assistance to be repaid.

Lee was later named the head of the state-funded Korea small business and startup agency and was nominated by Mr Moon's party to run for parliament while he was in office. The prosecutors' office, however, said that it hasn't found any evidence that Mr Moon helped Lee win those positions.

The trial proceedings for Mr Moon will be held in Seoul, as the prosecution filed the indictment with the Seoul Central District Court, reported The Korea Herald.

Mr Moon's indictment comes before South Korea elects a new president on 3 June to succeed conservative president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over a short-lived martial law imposition.

His indictment adds him to a long list of South Korean leaders who have faced trials or scandals at the close of their terms or after leaving office, including four of the recent former presidents.

In 2017, Park Geun Hye, South Korea's first female president, was removed from office and arrested over an explosive corruption scandal. Mr Moon in 2021 pardoned Ms Park, who was serving a 22-year prison sentence after being convicted of corruption.

Ms Parks conservative predecessor Lee Myung Bak was also arrested on a range of crimes, years after leaving office. He was pardoned by president Yoon Suk Yeol in 2022 while serving a 17-year term on bribery and embezzlement charges.

Mr Moon's friend and former liberal president Roh Moo Hyun died by suicide in 2009 amid corruption investigations into his family.
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Navy officer Vinay Narwal was on his honeymoon in the picturesque Indian federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir when he was shot dead in front of his wife by militants in one of the worst attacks on tourists in the Himalayan region in decades.

The 26-year-old lieutenant from Karnal in Indias northern state of Haryana got married on 16 April and hosted a wedding reception over the weekend before travelling to Kashmir for a short visit. Narwal was enjoying the views of the Baisaran meadow, some 5km from the disputed region's resort town of Pahalgam, when militants opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Narwal, who joined the Indian Navy just two years ago, was one of the 26 tourists killed in the Kashmir valley on Tuesday afternoon, which marked a major shift in regional conflict, where visitors have largely been spared. The attack coincided with US vice president JD Vances four-day visit to India, where he met Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

open image in gallery A distraught tourist is seen wailing following an attack on civilians in Kashmir, India ( NDTV )

At least four militants fired at dozens of tourists, most of them Indians, from close range, eyewitnesses said. At least 24 bodies were collected in the aftermath of the attack and two people died while being taken for medical treatment.

A little-known militant group, the "Kashmir Resistance", claimed responsibility for the attack in a social media message, according to Reuters. However, there was no immediate official confirmation of this claim. Police and soldiers were searching for the attackers.

Distressing visuals in the aftermath of the attack showed several women begging for their husbands lives to be saved in what appears to be a targeted strike on male tourists. Women and children were spared.

"We were eating when a man came and shot my husband," a survivor said, asking for help to save her bleeding husband. Several people were seen lying motionless on the ground, some in a pool of blood.

open image in gallery Indian security forces personnel escort an ambulance carrying the bodies of tourists who were killed in a suspected militant attack near Pahalgam, outside the police control room in Srinagar ( Reuters )

Shubham Dwivedi, a newlywed man from the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, was in Kashmir with his wife for a short vacation when the militants killed him.

The scenic Kashmir, adorned with snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, pristine rivers, and lakes, has been a popular honeymoon destination among newlyweds in India and the Asian subcontinent.

Saurabh Dwivedi, the cousin of the victim, alleged that the militants began firing after asking the names of the men and shot them in the head.

"Shubham bhaiya (brother) got married on 12 February this year. My sister-in-law called my uncle and told him that Shubham was shot in the head. It is also being said that the firing started after asking for the names of the individuals," Mr Dwivedi told ANI news agency.

"We have received information that the body will be released after 2-3 days after completing all the procedures."

A Nepalese national, identified as Sundip Nevpane, was among the two foreign nationals killed in Tuesday's attack. Another victim, Neeraj Udhawani, was listed as a United Arab Emirates national in the list of fatalities released by the Indian government.

open image in gallery Indian paramilitary personnel conduct a patrol in Pahalgam, south of Srinagar on 23 April 2025, following an attack ( AFP/Getty )

Officials on Wednesday said six of the victims were from Maharashtra, three from Mr Modi's home state of Gujarat, two from Karnataka, and one each from Haryana, West Bengal, and Bihar.

Pallavi from Karnataka watched her husband, Manjunath Rao, being shot dead in front of her and her son while on a family vacation. "We were at Pahalgam. He died on the spot, in front of my eyes. It still feels like a bad dream," she told India Today.

The bereaved woman said she told them to "kill me too, you've killed my husband". But one of the militants said: "I won't kill you. Go tell this to [Narendra] Modi".

Mr Modi cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi on Wednesday morning. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice, the prime minister said. They will not be spared. Their evil agenda will never succeed.

Manish Ranjan, an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer from Bihar state, who was on a family vacation, was shot dead. Two Maharashtra locals, identified as Dilip Desale and Atul Mone, 52, were killed during their trip.

open image in gallery Local Kashmiris and Indian police, along with armed forces, gather outside the hospital to receive the dead and wounded after gunmen attacked Indian tourists ( Getty )

On Wednesday, Susanta Satpathy, the brother of Prashant Satpathy from Odisha, killed in the militant attack, said he was unaware where his sister-in-law and nephew were.

Among the dead was 44-year-old Shailesh Bhai Himmat Bhai Kadatiya, who is survived by his wife and children. He was on a family vacation to escape the summer heat of Gujarat when the trip turned into a nightmare. Kashmir has seen a spate of targeted killings of Hindus, including immigrant workers from Indian states, after New Delhi ended the region's semi-autonomy in 2019 and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties, and media freedoms.

At least 44 Indian soldiers were killed in the suicide bombing of a paramilitary convoy in Kashmir in 2019.

open image in gallery An Indian tourist lies wounded in a hospital bed after gunmen attacked Indian tourists ( Getty )

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi's rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels' goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.
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India and Pakistan cancelled visas for their nationals to each other's countries on Thursday amid rising tensions between the two nuclear armed neighbors after India blamed Pakistan for a deadly attack by gunmen that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in disputed Kashmir.

Indian authorities said all visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be revoked with effect from Sunday, adding that all Pakistanis currently in India must leave before their visas expire based on the revised timeline. The country also announced other measures, including cutting the number of diplomatic staff and closing the only functional land border crossing between the countries.

In return, Pakistan closed its airspace for all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines, and suspended all trade with India including to and from any third country.

Indus Water Treaty

India also suspended a landmark water-sharing treaty that has survived two wars between the countries, in 1965 and 1971, and a major border skirmish in 1999.

The Indus Water Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, allows for sharing the waters of a river system that is a lifeline for both countries, particularly for Pakistan's agriculture.Pakistan has responded angrily that it has nothing to do with the attack.

At least 26 people were killed and 17 others wounded after gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam valley in Kashmir, the worst assault in years targeting civilians in the restive region that has seen an anti-India rebellion for more than three decades.

Tuesdays attack took place in a picturesque town in the Himalayan mountains, popular with Indian visitors.

A map of Pahalgam valley:

Police accused militants of masterminding the attack, which sparked outrage and drew international condemnation, including from U.S. President Donald Trump.

open image in gallery India Kashmir Attack ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Fear of escalating tensions

Pahalgam is in the Baisaran meadow, locally known as mini Switzerland and is accessible only on foot or horseback. The town is a major tourist destination because of its alpine meadows, pine forests, snow-clad slopes and trekking routes.

It also lies on a major annual Hindu pilgrimage route, the Amarnath Yatra, and serves as one of its largest base camps, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. This years pilgrimage starts on July 3 and ends on August 9.

The attack on Tuesday hasn't been claimed by any group so far, and on Wednesday, Indian soldiers were still searching for the attackers.

open image in gallery Mehbooba Mufti, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), holds a placard during a protest against the attack on tourists, following a suspected militant attack near south Kashmir's scenic Pahalgam, in Srinagar, 23 April 2025 ( REUTERS )

Many fear the tourism industry, which employs thousands of people, will be negatively affected.

This also comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is soon expected to inaugurate a multibillion-dollar railway line to Kashmir Valley, which his government says will help tourism and economic development in the region.

Modi has decried the heinous act and pledged the militantswill be brought to justice."

Indias powerful home minister, Amit Shah, visited the attack site on Wednesday.

open image in gallery Security personnel inspect the site in the aftermath of an attack as food stall chairs lie empty in Pahalgam, about 90kms (55 miles) from Srinagar on 23 April 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

The India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir

India and Pakistan have each laid claim to Kashmir since war broke out following the British partition of the subcontinent in 1947. Border skirmishes have long created instability in the region.

The two arch rivals have also fought three wars over Kashmir, where armed insurgents have resisted Indian rule for decades, with many Muslim Kashmiris supporting the rebels goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India has accused Pakistan of fomenting violence in the Muslim-majority region. Islamabad denies the charge and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

In 2019, Modi's government revoked Kashmirs semiautonomous status and imposed sweeping security measures. Since then, his government has kept order in the region with a huge security presence and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms.

Attacks on tourists in Kashmir are rare

Militants had attacked civilians before, but the last major attack was in 2000. And though the region has seen a spate of targeted killings in remote mountains in recent years, violence has largely declined in the Kashmir Valley, the heart of anti-India rebellion.

Indian tourism has flourished in Kashmir after the Modi government promoted visits to the region with the hope of showing rising tourism numbers as a sign of renewed stability there, albeit under heavy security presence, checkpoints, armored vehicles and patrolling soldiers.

Millions of visitors now arrive in Kashmir every year to see its Himalayan foothills and exquisitely decorated houseboats, as the fighting between government forces and rebels has largely shifted to the region of Jammus remote areas, where Indian troops have faced deadly attacks.

The attack coincides with JD Vance's India visit

Tuesday's attack came as U.S. vice-president JD Vance was on a sightseeing trip to the Indian city of Jaipur on Tuesday, a day after meeting with Modi in New Delhi.

Vance condemned the killings, saying: Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.

He will be in the Indian city of Agra on Wednesday to visit the iconic Taj Mahal monument, which is some 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) away from the attack site.

open image in gallery ( EPA )

Trump also denounced the attack and expressed solidarity with India against terrorism and called Modi to convey his sympathies, according to Indian authorities.

Other leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, France, Italy and the United Arab Emirates also expressed condemnation.

Militants had previously planned attacks to coincide with high-profile visits.

One of the most notorious attacks was the killing of at least 35 civilians in a village in Kashmir in 2000 on the eve of a state visit to India by then-U.S. president Bill Clinton.
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India and Pakistan have announced tit-for-tat suspensions of visas for each other's citizens with immediate effect in the aftermath of the deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir that killed at least 26 people.

Pakistan on Thursday cancelled visas for Indian nationals, closed its airspace for all India-owned or India-operated airlines, and suspended all trade with India including to and from any third country. Islamabad also reportedly expelled all Indian defence, air and naval attaches.

In a statement issued at around the same time, India's foreign ministry said all visas issued to Pakistani nationals would be revoked with effect from Sunday. It advised Indian citizens not to travel to Pakistan, and for any Indian citizens in Pakistan to leave as soon as possible.

Thursdays developments did nothing to dispel the expectation that India will conduct some form of military strike against Pakistan in response to the attack on Pahalgam in south Kashmir. Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh has promised a strong response. Pakistans government, meanwhile, says India has provided no evidence to show it was connected to the Pahalgam gunmen, none of whom have yet been apprehended.

India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir but both claim the territory in its entirety. New Delhi typically describes all militancy in Kashmir as Pakistan-backed terrorism. Pakistan denies this, and many Muslim Kashmiris consider the militants to be part of a homegrown separatist struggle.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, in his first public statement following the terror attack, declared that India would identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth.

India on Wednesday expelled Pakistani diplomats and suspended the landmark 1960s Indus Water Treaty until the neighbouring nation credibly and irrevocably ends support for cross-border terrorism. Pakistan said any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan will be considered an act of war.

In a sweeping diplomatic offensive against Pakistan after the attack at the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam, New Delhi summoned Islamabads top diplomat, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed him a notice declaring him persona non grata, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.

It also ordered all defence advisers at Pakistans embassy to leave within a week and moved to withdraw its own military staff from Islamabad. These posts in the respective high commissions are deemed annulled, Mr Misri added. Five support staff of the service advisers will also be withdrawn from both high commissions.

open image in gallery A protest against the attack on tourists, near the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on 24 April ( Reuters )

Pakistan said the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members from 31 April. The move came after a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting chaired by Mr Modi formulated a list of punitive measures against Pakistan.

Mr Modi said: Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve.

open image in gallery Indian security officers patrol near Pahalgam in south Kashmir after assailants indiscriminately opened fire on tourists ( AP )

Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us. The punishment will be significant and stringent, which these terrorists would have never even thought about.

Of all the measures announced by India, it is the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty that analysts say will have the most profound consequences. The treaty gives India the unrestricted right to use the waters of the eastern rivers  Sutlej, Beas and Ravi  and entitles Pakistan to the western rivers of Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.

open image in gallery Indian security officers inspect the site of the attack in Pahalgam ( AP )

The Integrated Check Post at Attari has been closed. The border crossing, one of the last active conduits between the two countries, has played a vital role in facilitating limited trade, religious pilgrimages and diplomatic interaction over the years.

Addressing the media, Mr Misri said the Cabinet Committee on Security had assessed the overall security environment and instructed all forces to remain on high alert.

Military analysts do not discount the possibility of action similar to the cross-border strikes on Pakistan in 2016 and 2019.

After a militant attack in Kashmirs Uri in September 2016 killed 19 Indian soldiers, the military conducted what it termed surgical strikes across the Line of Control, the de facto border with Pakistan, targeting suspected militant launchpads. In 2019, the Indian air force launched airstrikes on a suspected militant camp in Balakot, the first deep strike in Pakistan since the 1971 war, after more than 40 paramilitary troops were killed by a suicide bomber in Kashmirs Pulwama. Pakistan retaliated with air raids of its own.

We are likely to see a strong response  one that signals resolve to both domestic audiences and actors in Pakistan. Since 2016, and especially after 2019, the threshold for retaliation has been set at cross-border or airstrikes, military historian Srinath Raghavan told the BBC. It will be hard for the government to act below that now. Pakistan will likely respond as it did before. The risk, as always, is miscalculation  on both sides.

Pakistans foreign minister Ishaq Dar called Indias punitive measures immature and hasty. India has not given any evidence. They have not shown any maturity in their response, Mr Dar told a TV channel. This is a non-serious approach. They started creating hype immediately after the incident.

Pakistani analysts caution that any confrontation could escalate beyond the 2019 standoff. Indian escalation already began last night and it will be at a bigger scale than February 2019, security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali told The New York Times.

He argued that India was exploiting the attack to gain support from the US, ease tensions over US president Donald Trumps tariff threat, and recast the push for Kashmirs independence as a terrorist movement.

Former Pakistani diplomat Asif Durrani described the Kashmir attack as unfortunate and condemnable, while adding: but the Indian reaction against Pakistan is a sheer provocation leading to a suicidal course.

Husain Haqqani, Pakistans former ambassador to the US and senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, cautioned that jingoism is not strategy.

Playing screaming warrior on TV is easy but war is always difficult. India and Pakistan have both seen this tragic movie before. Time to try and change the ending, he said on X.

Meanwhile, in Srinagar, law enforcement authorities publicly identified three of the four suspected assailants, revealing that two are nationals of Pakistan, while the third is from Kashmir. The three attackers are reportedly affiliated with the terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, The Indian Express reported. They have been identified by the police as Hashim Musa alias Suleman, a citizen of Pakistan, Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai, also a citizen of Pakistan, and Abdul Hussain Thokar, a resident of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir.

A manhunt is underway. The authorities have also announced a cash reward of two million rupees (17,600) each for information leading to their capture.

According to senior police officials who spoke with the BBC, around 1,500 people have been detained throughout Kashmir as part of the investigation and questioning process.

Indian TV channels have framed the wider situation in the wake of the Pahalgam attack as a Hindu versus Muslim issue, fuelling polarisation and hatred towards the minority community, and especially Kashmiri Muslims.

Several right-wing Hindu groups have started issuing threats and hostile rhetoric towards Kashmiri Muslims and there have also been reports of violence. In a viral video shared on social media, Kashmiri students in Dera Bassi in the northern city of Chandigarh recounted a brutal midnight attack with sharp weapons inside their hostel, alleging that the campus security didnt intervene and the Punjab police failed to respond.
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Osaka will become the first region in Japan to ban people aged 65 and above from using ATMs while on mobile phones.

The move is aimed at curbing phone-based fraud that targets the elderly, local media reported.

Although there are no penalties, it seeks to raise awareness and prevent scams in which fraudsters pose as relatives or officials to steal money.

Under the updated prefectural ordinance, banks and other businesses will be obligated to raise awareness about the new regulation, The Japan Times reported.

Last month, it was reported that Japans National Police Agency was considering legally capping daily ATM withdrawals and transfers for people aged 75 and above at 300,000 yen to combat rising phone-based fraud targeting the elderly.

According to the latest data, losses from such scams reached a record 72.1bn yen in 2024  1.6 times greater than the previous years total, according to provisional figures.

Of the 20,951 individual victims, excluding corporate cases, approximately 45 per cent were aged 75 or older, Mainichi reported.

However, banks across Japan had expressed concern about the potential inconvenience to customers and the strain the polices proposal at the time would place on ATM operations, according to Japanese media reports.

Osaka, one of Japans hardest-hit regions by phone-based fraud, has become the first to implement strict measures to protect the elderly. Lawmakers voted to cap daily bank transfers for those aged 70 and above at 100,000 yen and banned simultaneous ATM use and phone calls. Businesses were told to display warning posters near ATMs, and prepaid card sellers are required to verify that buyers are not at risk of fraud.

Cities like Tokyo, Nagano, and Fukuoka have introduced measures such as free fraud-prevention workshops, call-blocking devices, and alert systems in banks as well.

Ryo Hamaoka of the Osaka Crisis Management Office reportedly said that the broader aim of the ordinance is to turn phone use at ATMs into a social taboo  much like how speaking on mobile phones in trains has become widely frowned upon in Japan.
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India has announced the suspension of a decades-old river-sharing treaty with Pakistan following an attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, a move that could mark a turning point in the management of a crucial transboundary water system.

New Delhi has blamed Pakistan for Tuesdays attack on tourists in Pahalgam. It has, in fact, long accused the neighbour of supporting terrorism across the border, particularly in Kashmir, where an armed insurgency against Indian rule has raged since the late 1980s. Islamabad has repeatedly denied the accusations.

In the wake of the attack, Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri announced the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, along with the downgrading of diplomatic ties and closure of land borders.

The decision is significant because the treaty has survived wars, border conflicts, and prolonged diplomatic freezes between the rival neighbours. Indeed, water has been one of the few stable elements in their strained relationship. But not anymore, it seems.

What is the Indus Water Treaty?

The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, divided the six rivers of the Indus basin between the two countries. The three western rivers  Indus, Jhelum, Chenab  went to Pakistan and the three eastern rivers  Ravi, Beas, Sutlej  to India. It allowed India, limited use of the western rivers for non-consumptive purposes like hydropower generation, but prohibited it from altering their flows in a way that could harm Pakistans access.

However, Delhi has now declared that it would stop participation in the treaty until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

open image in gallery Indian security officers inspect the site of the attack in Pahalgam on 23 April 2025 ( AP )

Why suspension is contentious

There is no legal provision in the treaty for suspension, making Indias announcement unprecedented. Experts say while Indias move may not translate into an immediate disruption of river flows, it erodes the predictability the deal ensured, which in turn could unsettle Pakistans already fragile water systems.

There is no provision for suspension in the treaty, so we are entering into a grey area, Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, told The Independent.

If India stops participating in the mechanisms such as data-sharing and project reviews, it could still have implications for how downstream flows are managed.

According to the treaty, India is required to allow 43 million acre-feet of water to flow into Pakistan annually. That makes up roughly 80 per cent of Pakistans total surface water, a crucial lifeline for its agriculture, cities, and hydropower generation.

Pakistans growing concerns

Pakistani officials strongly condemned the decision. Energy minister Awais Leghari described the suspension as an act of water warfare; a cowardly, illegal move.

Every drop is ours by right and we will defend it with full force, legally, politically, and globally, he said.

Environmental experts in Pakistan say the bigger threat lies not in India cutting off water flows, which is hydrologically and politically difficult, but in the slow degradation of river systems and the loss of predictability.

Muhammad Abdullah Deol, a water scientist with Green Planet Consultant Netherlands, said this moment could be an opportunity for renegotiation of the treaty to reflect the realities of the 21st century.

Everything changes with time. It was in the 1960s. If we look at the geography, the science, technology, and population, I think it would be good if both countries can just negotiate, renegotiate, he told The Independent.

Mr Deol pointed out that both countries were using outdated irrigation techniques that ended up wasting vast quantities of water  something that could no longer be afforded as populations grew and climate impacts worsened.

We need to work on our agriculture, and we need to renegotiate because, like I said, with the changing world everything is changing, he said. So I think for the peace and prosperity of both people at the end of the day, it's 13 per cent of the human population, and we should sit together and we should use water for peace and not for power.

open image in gallery A dolphin swims in the Indus river in the southern Pakistani city of Sukkur ( AFP via Getty )

Mr Deol also raised environmental concerns. There could be damage to coastal ecosystems due to less freshwater reaching the Indus Delta, for instance. Running water itself is a form of protection, he said. When the river reaches the ocean, it carries sediments that maintain the coastline. Without that, the ocean rises and eats away land  and Pakistan is already losing land to the sea.

He said some Pakistani policymakers believed the treaty, in its current form, failed to account for issues such as wastewater discharge from India and the cumulative ecological impacts downstream.

Outdated treaty in a changing climate

Other regional experts agree that the treaty no longer reflects the environmental and political landscape of today.

Ambika Vishwanath, founder director of the Kubernein Initiative, said while the treaty was technocratic and engineering-led, it did not anticipate the extreme climate patterns now seen across South Asia.

The treaty didnt take into account climate change  because that science didnt exist then. But the kind of flooding, glacier melt and droughts were seeing now were never part of the design, she said. Thats why this suspension, even if temporary, opens a window to revisit how the treaty works.

Still, experts warn that Indias decision to step away from its treaty obligations could set a damaging precedent for future transboundary water negotiations  not just in South Asia but globally. India itself is a lower riparian in other international river basins, such as the Brahmaputra, where it insists on the sanctity of flow-sharing principles.

The Indus Water Treaty may not be perfect, but it is a rare example of enduring cooperation between two rival nations. Its suspension  even without immediate consequences  marks a shift towards uncertainty, with water again at the centre of geopolitical risk in the region.
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The Catholic church may soon have its first Asian pope as cardinals prepare to elect the next leader of 1.4 billion faithful.

The Christian world is mourning Pope Francis, the Argentine who died on Monday aged 88 after suffering from a serious bout of pneumonia in recent weeks.

His death could pave the way for Luis Antonio Tagle to become the first pope from Asia, home to the worlds fastest-growing Catholic population.

The former archbishop of Manila was once considered Francis preferred successor but reportedly fell out of favour over alleged shortcomings during his leadership of the Vatican charity Caritas International.

Tagle, 67, was created cardinal by Franciss predecessor Benedict XVI in 2012, making him one of the youngest cardinals at the time.

Given the nature of cardinal appointments made by Francis, there is some expectation that his successor will be another non-European and hold progressive, liberal values similar to his.

open image in gallery Luis Antonio Tagle at a mass in the church of Saint Ambrogio ( EPA )

However, the election process that will take place once Francis is buried is highly secretive and nothing will be certain until white smoke pours from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, telling the world that a new pope has been picked.

Electing a pope from the Philippines could give the Catholic church access to China, where they have been eager to expand, analysts say.

On paper, Tagle, who generally prefers to be called by his nickname "Chito", seems to tick all the boxes to be the next pontiff.

He comes from what is called "Asia's Catholic lung"  the Philippines has the region's largest Catholic population. His mother was an ethnic Chinese Filipino. He speaks fluent Italian and English.

He has had decades of pastoral experience since his ordination to priesthood in 1982. He also has administrative experience, first as bishop of Imus and then as archbishop of Manila.

Tagle is known for his progressive views on homosexuality. He has spoken against abortion in the past, however.

open image in gallery Austrian cathedral pays tribute to Francis ( Reuters )

In 2019, Tagle was called by Francis to stay in Rome as prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, which is responsible for missionary work.

In 2022, however, Francis fired the entire leadership of Caritas International following accusations of bullying and humiliation of employees and appointed a commissioner to run it.

Tagle, who was also removed from his role, had been nominally president but was not involved in daily operations, which were overseen by a lay director general.

Announcing the pope's dramatic decision, Tagle told a meeting of the confederation that the changes were a moment for "facing our failures". It remains to be seen how the saga will impact Tagle's chances at the papacy.

Cardinals are the popes closest collaborators, running key departments at the Vatican and dioceses around the world. When a pontiff dies or resigns, cardinals aged under 80 enter a secret conclave to choose the new head of the Catholic church from among themselves.

There are a total of 252 cardinals, 135 of them cardinal electors under 80. As many as 108 of the electors were appointed by Francis, 22 by his predecessor Benedict and five by John Paul II.

The complex vote will reveal if the cardinals believe Francis embrace of liberal social values and his progressive reform agenda have gone too far and whether a period of retrenchment is needed.

While Europe still has the largest share of cardinal electors, with about 39 per cent, it is down from 52 per cent in 2013 when Francis became the first Latin American pope.

The second largest group of electors is from Asia and Oceania, about 20 per cent, who could be paramount in choosing Tagle as the next pope.
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Federal health officials are warning that cases of the mosquito-borne dengue fever are on the rise this year ahead of the summer travel season.

Transmission of the viral infection remains high in the U.S. and its territories, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said In an alert. Residents in California and Florida need to be the most concerned as their states typically have the most cases in a given year.

Spring and summer travel coincide with the peak season for dengue in many countries, increasing the risk of both travel-associated and locally acquired cases in the United States, the agency warned.

The potentially deadly illness is caused by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Although many people who are bitten recover in just a week, severe cases can lead to internal bleeding and death for approximately one in 20 people.

Pregnant women, adults over the age of 65, people with certain medical conditions, infants, and people with previous infections are most at risk for severe illness. The most common dengue symptom is fever, including a rash and vomiting that typically begin within two weeks of a bite. Other symptoms include bleeding from the nose or guns, belly pain, and feeling tired or restless.

open image in gallery Cases of mosquito-borne dengue fever on the rise in the U.S. ahead of the summer travel season. Infection can lead to severe consequences, including death. ( Getty/iStock )

Outbreaks of dengue have been declared in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico over the last year. A public health emergency was announced in Puerto Rico last March and remains in effect.

In the continental U.S., Florida reported most of the locally acquired cases in 2024. California reported 18, and there was just one in Texas.

The highest numbers of numbers of travel-associated cases in 2024 were reported in Florida, California and New York.

The CDC said epidemics in the Americas region are expected to lead to both more travel-associated cases and the possibility of local transmission in the continental U.S.

A record number of dengue cases were identified among U.S. travelers (3,483 cases), which is an 84 percent increase compared to the previous year. This trend is expected to continue with increased dengue activity in endemic areas in 2025, the CDC said.

Globally, dengue cases have increased substantially in the last five years, with the most pronounced increases occurring in the Americas. There were 13 million cases and 8,200 deaths in 2024. As of March 6, more than 760,000 global dengue cases had been reported.

Climate change is tied to rising cases, with warmer temperatures and more humid climates more hospitable to mosquitoes that can carry the virus. Fast-warming urban areas are disproportionately impacted. The same is true for other mosquito-borne illness.

Although climate change plays a major role in public health going forward, ProPublicareported that the National Institutes of Health will shut down all future funding opportunities for climate and health research. When that might happen remains undertermined.

open image in gallery There is no specific medical treatment for dengue fever. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to mosquitos ( Getty/iStock )

Vectors might adapt to new environments and climate. The interaction between dengue virus, the host and the environment is dynamic, the World Health Organization notes. Consequently, disease risks may change and shift with climate change in tropical and subtropical areas, in combination with increased urbanization and movement of populations.

"Many of the places in the study region are going to more than double their projected dengue incidence" if human-caused climate change continues to aggressively heat up the planet, Erin Mordecai, an infectious disease expert at Stanford University, told NPR last year.

While there is no specific treatment for dengue fever, the best way for Americans stay safe remains avoiding exposure.

Take steps to prevent mosquito bites during travel, particularly if traveling to an area with frequent or continuous dengue transmission, the CDC advised. In addition, take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks after travel to avoid possibly spreading the virus to others if you are in an area where mosquitoes are active. These activities will also lower the risk for other vector-borne diseases.
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A woman accused of having an illegal abortion during lockdown brought a foetus to hospital in a rucksack and told doctors she had miscarried naturally, a court has heard.

Nicola Packer, 45, allegedly took prescribed abortion medication during the second coronavirus lockdown in November 2020, when the government had relaxed abortion rules to allow women to take pills at home, Isleworth Crown Court heard.

She is charged with "unlawfully administering to herself a poison or other noxious thing" with the "intent to procure a miscarriage", which she denies.

Jurors heard a post-mortem examination concluded the foetus was around 26 weeks gestation and healthy. The typical full gestation term is 40 weeks and the outer limit for abortions in the UK is 24 weeks, while the legal limit for at-home abortions is 10 weeks. It is alleged that Ms Packer knew she had been pregnant for more than 10 weeks.

The prosecutor showed jurors internet searches such as medical abortion from 10 weeks to 24 weeks and abortion at home at 15 weeks made on Ms Packers devices on 6 November, the day it is alleged she took the abortion pills.

Alexandra Felix KC said Ms Packer, then 41 years old, brought the foetus to hospital in a rucksack the following day and initially told medical staff she was 16-18 weeks pregnant and had miscarried. The prosecutor accused Ms Packer of having plainly lied to a nurse.

Jurors were told Ms Packer later said she had learned about the pregnancy on 2 November when she had started bleeding heavily before passing the foetus and some blood clots, which she had brought with her in the bag.

While in hospital, Ms Felix said analysis of Ms Packers phone showed she had made a number of Google searches such as is the abortion pill detectable uk. On 8 November, Ms Packer told midwives she had taken the pills, the court heard.

Jurors were told Ms Packer had been sent the medications after a full consultation with a nurse in a telephone appointment on 4 November, having contacted Marie Stopes, one of the worlds largest providers of contraception and abortions.

The court heard an obstetrician initially estimated the female foetus was at 22 weeks, before a doctor estimated the gestation to be 26-28 weeks, to which Ms Packer responded: I didnt expect that.

She was arrested on 8 November 2020 and her home was searched, before she was interviewed by police two days later, the court heard.

Opening on Thursday, Ms Felix said: It is the prosecution case that the defendant is guilty of intentionally procuring an unlawful abortion because she was in excess of 24 weeks pregnant and she knew that the gestation of the foetus exceeded 10 weeks at the time she took the medication.

In March 2020, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said women needing an abortion up to 10 weeks could use abortion pills at home after a consultation with a medical practitioner over the phone or via the internet for up to two years.

In a letter to various health bodies, the DHSC said the health secretary at the time, Matt Hancock, had also approved measures to allow doctors to prescribe the medicines  Mifepristone and Misoprostol  from their homes.

The trial continues.
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Police have launched a manhunt after a convicted murderer was reported missing from an open prison near Dundee.

Raymond McCourt, 59, was reported missing from HMP Castle Huntly, which is Scotlands only open prison, at 17:30 on Tuesday.

Police Scotland is now appealing for any information that could help trace the convicted prisoner and warned the public not to approach him.

He is described as 6ft 2in tall, stocky build with short grey hair and a beard. Police also say he has reduced mobility.

McCourt was last seen wearing a long black trench coat, grey dress trousers, a grey waistcoat, blue shirt with a red and white tie and brown shoes.

open image in gallery Raymond McCourt is described as 6ft 2in tall, stocky build with short grey hair and a beard ( Police Scotland )

Police added that he uses public transport and has connections to the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas.

McCourt was given a life sentence in 1993 for the murder of shopkeeper Khalid Mahmood and for injuring a woman, Moira Rooney, and policeman Brian Williams.

He was jailed for charges including murder, attempted murder, assault and robbery, assault to severe injury and firearms offences.

In 2015, McCourt was released from prison but returned after admitting stealing his partners valuables from her home in Perthshire and selling them within weeks of being released.

However, it is not clear whether McCourt was away from the prison on licence when he disappeared.

Any sightings or information can be passed to officers via 101, quoting reference 2857 of 22 April 2025.

Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Prison escapes are relatively rare, but there have been some high profile instances in recent years.

Former soldier Daniel Khalife escaped from Wandsworth Prison by strapping himself to a food delivery truck when he was awaiting trial for terrorism in 2023.

In 2024, there was also a manhunt after Frankie Michael OLeary absconded from HMP Sudbury, Ashbourne, which is also an open prison.

In an open prison, eligible prisoners are allowed to spend most of their day away from the prison on licence to carry out work, education and other rehabilitation activities.

Category D prisons only house prisoners who have been risk-assessed and deemed suitable for open conditions.
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Attacks on prison staff have surged to a record high according to fresh government figures that lay bare the crisis in England and Wales overcrowded prisons.

There were 10,605 assaults on staff last year, up 15 per cent on the year before, setting a new grim record, as attacks on other inmates and self harm incidents also rose.

The statistics, published by the Ministry of Justice on Thursday, come after police launched an investigation into an attack on three prison officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham.

Hashem Abedi, one of the men responsible for the Manchester Arena bombing, threw hot cooking oil over the officers and used homemade weapons to stab them, according to the Prison Officers Association (POA).

It comes as staff are trialling the use of stab-proof vests in some jails, while tasers will be brought in at others in a bid to deter violence as part of another pilot scheme starting this summer. Specially trained officers will also be allowed to use the pepper spray to help defuse incidents in youth offender institutions where rates of assaults on staff are significantly higher than in adult prisons.

Andrew Neilson, at the charity The Howard League for Penal Reform, said the statistics showed the untold suffering and misery in prisons across our country.

The new data shows that conditions in Englands jails are worsening across the board at a time when the government is desperately trying to free up space by releasing thousands of prisoners early.

In the year to March 2025, there was a 37 per cent increase in the number of deaths in prison  from 291 to 399. This was driven by rises in deaths from natural causes and deaths awaiting further information. However the number of homicides in prison each year has also increased from one to seven.

Seven homicides in jail is particularly high, with most calendar years usually seeing between zero and three such deaths, the Ministry of Justice brief noted.

open image in gallery The Prison Service confirmed three prison officers were treated in hospital after an attack by a prisoner at HMP Frankland, County Durham ( PA )

Last week a 44-year-old inmate was arrested on suspicion of murder after John Mansfield, 63, was found dead in HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire.

Mansfield, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of his neighbour, died from a head injury and was discovered last Sunday afternoon, a Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said.

Separately, murderer Gareth Dack, who was jailed for a minimum of 33 years after killing grandmother Norma Bell, was found dead at HMP Frankland on Monday. The prison and probation ombudsman have said they will investigate the death.

As well as the number of recorded assaults on prison staff going up, the rate per 1,000 inmates is also on the rise. The rate of assaults on staff increased 13 per cent in the year to December 2024, and both the number and rate of assaults on staff peaked in the latest 12 months.

The rate of attacks on staff was increasing at the same pace across both the male and female prison estates.

open image in gallery Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a trial of tasers in prison after an attack on officers in HMP Frankland ( PA )

POA national chair Mark Fairhurst said the government will be running a snap-review of the pilot on giving officers stab-proof vests, and the union is pushing for all guards to be issued with the protective gear.

Geoff Willetts, Midlands representative for the POA, has said that there has been an increasing need for the Specialist National Tactical Response Unit, a group that is deployed when incidents cant be handled by prison staff.

Mr Neilson, from The Howard League, added: Rising violence, self-harm and a tragically surging death toll. Almost a hundred people dead by self-inflicted means.

There is no denying that the prison system has been asked to do too much, with too little, for too long. Steps to reduce the prison population have proven insufficient, and we are back to the brink. It is crucial that the government act fast to address the worsening conditions in our prisons, and drastically reduce prison numbers before it is too late.

The figures come as prisons remain close to capacity, with ministers only last month forced to trigger an emergency measure to house prisoners in police cells as jails run out of space.

On Thursday, the government revealed it had freed more than 16,000 inmates early between 10 September and 31 December 2024 under its emergency scheme to free up space. That tranche of early releases came after 10,000 inmates were freed up to 70 days early in a previous scheme which failed to put a dent in the rocketing prison population.

But despite these efforts, the latest official data showed there were just 551 places remaining in mens prisons as of 14 April, with a total of 84,210 men and 3,554 women in prisons across the country as of Monday.

That includes the incarceration of 2,600 prisoners serving now-abolished indefinite jail terms, which have left prisoners languishing for decades  including for minor crimes, at a cost of 145m to British taxpayers last year.

Analysis of official data lays bare the staggering cost of detaining more than 2,600 inmates still trapped on imprisonment for public protection (IPP) jail terms, which have left prisoners languishing for decades  including for minor crimes.

Accusing the previous Tory administration of releasing thousands of offenders through their own, secretive early release scheme, a Labour government source said: They published no data and operated under a shroud of secrecy. We have been honest and transparent about the measures we had to take to fix their mess.

And now we are taking long-term action to ensure our prisons never run out of space again.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the new statistics revealed the extent of the crisis facing our prisons, with levels of violence, assaults on staff and self-harm far too high.

They added: We will do whatever we can to protect our hardworking staff. The Lord Chancellor [Ms Mahmood] has announced a review into protective body armour and a trial of tasers in jails to better respond to serious incidents.

But it is clear fundamental change is needed, which is why were also reforming our jails so they create better citizens, not better criminals.
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The debate over childrens access to smartphones and social media has intensified in recent months, with growing concerns from teachers, parents, and experts about how screens are affecting young peoples mental health, behaviour, and ability to learn.

In an article for The Independent, a headteacher in St Albans has branded the situation a crisis, describing daily issues in school linked to childrens use of WhatsApp, TikTok, and other online platforms.

Reports of anxiety, bullying, and inappropriate content involving even very young children have sparked calls for urgent change, with many schools, including those involved in the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, pushing for stricter rules to protect children both inside and outside the classroom.

When we asked for your views on whether smartphones should be banned in schools, 73 per cent said yes, calling them too distracting. Only 8 per cent thought students should be allowed to use mobiles freely, while 18 per cent said they should be banned only during lessons.

This split was reflected in the responses we received from readers.

While some strongly supported a full ban, warning of addiction and falling attention spans, others believed the issue runs deeper and said better parenting, stronger regulation, and more engaging lessons are needed.

Heres what you had to say:

Better regulation needed

We need far better regulation of the internet at all levels, especially for under-18s. The opportunity for bad actors to peddle poisonous, often dangerous misinformation online is legion.

So start with banning smartphones in schools, and couple that with a strong message to parents explaining why this is necessary and desirable.

As someone who works a lot with computers professionally, when I finish, my desire to "surf the net", as they say, is limited. I would far rather read.

I use WhatsApp as a useful messaging tool with clients and friends, and regard the internet as a very useful reference library. It can have many positives if properly used. This we need to communicate to younger generations, as the dangers of control of people's minds and actions are all too possible.

49niner

Issues existed long before smartphones

Whilst I agree that smartphones arent suitable for primary-aged children, there seems to be a lot of selective attention and memory happening here. I was a teacher between 1996 and 2015 in secondary schools and issues with attention, bullying and bad influences were happening before the internet and before smartphones. Misogyny, misinformation, porn and sexual assaults happened in the 80s when I was at school  misogyny and sexual assaults on school premises were probably more prevalent in the 80s than now, as they were ingrained in society at that time.

When I was in my first few years of teaching in the late 90s, most children in secondary school had old-style mobile phones and some used them in class  texting under the table. My desk drawer ended up half full of phones, iPods, Tamagotchis in some lessons because children like to see what they can get away with. After I answered kids phones a few times in class and embarrassed them, the number of phones I had to confiscate gradually dwindled.

We need to give children better things to focus on  a more interesting and varied curriculum that gives them a wide range of skills and interests instead of the tedium of sitting in silence in rows of desks and doing unnecessarily frequent testing. Out of school, there need to be a wide variety of clubs and activities where they can go and mix in person.

We also need to make sure parents have the resources, time and skills to be good parents and to give their children the support, education and resources they need to grow up to be well-balanced with a wide range of skills.

Create a child-friendly web space where educational and interest-based content is available  the internet can be a force for good as sites like YouTube have some useful content.

CScarlett

Nationwide school ban needed

I can't understand why there isn't a nationwide ban on smartphones in schools.

There is not one argument I've heard that substantially supports their use in schools, but I have experienced students who appear addicted to their phones. This has serious implications for communication issues with others.

onmyown

Forbidden fruit

What is important is to be open about the use of mobile phones and ensure you know what children are doing with them. Parents can use 'settings' on their child's phone to put time limits on activities and restrict use to certain times of day.

If they are banned, they become the forbidden fruit and parents and teachers are less likely to know what is going on.

R10

Impracticalities

Yes, definitely ban phones in/during the classroom.

It will be a waste of effort and time to ban phones during classroom breaks. The enforcement will be impractical.

MindTheGap

Addiction

Recognise the fact that smartphone use is an addiction. How many of you drop what you're doing when your phone pings? How many of you go on your phone when watching TV, reading or listening to the radio, etc?

How many of you panic and go on an immediate wild hunt when you can't find your smartphone in the house? This is how it works  it's an addiction.

JustMeHere

Social media is the problem

It's not the phones that are the problem. It's social media.

I'd emigrate to any country with an outright ban on social media. It's made society barely worth living in.

Ajames

Parents should take responsibility

How about parents start taking responsibility for their children and stop expecting the schools and state to do so. If you think children are better off without phones, then how about being a good parent and not giving them one, or stop them taking it to school?

Oh sorry, you expect the state to do all of this, like many parents expect the state to potty train their children.

Hairyferrit

It's the educators, not the phones

A smartphone is just a mini-computer. They can be used for many classroom purposes, or completely wasted and used for chit-chat. It's the imagination and creativity of the education professionals that is in question here.

Mobile phone applications for the execution of teacher education curricula will be used in other countries.

Mp

A smartphone is practically a laptop

I purchased my first "mobile" in 1993. It was sufficient to keep in touch with those I needed to. I am not against children having a "normal" mobile phone  it might even give parents a (false) sense of security  but a smartphone is practically going to school with a laptop and spending time on the internet rather than paying attention to what is going on in the classroom.

AlexBR

Ban them

Mobiles are used far too much for bullying. They are not needed during studies or even at break times. The distractions mean the UK is heading towards USA levels of attainment over the next few years. Kids use them for social media or playing games, very rarely for research to help with their lessons, and if they want to do research, there is always the school library. Ban them from schools and other places of learning.

LadyCrumpsall

Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity. You can read the full discussion in the comments section of the original article here.

The conversation isnt over. To join in, all you need to do is register your details, then you can take part in the discussion. You can also sign up by clicking log in on the top right-hand corner of the screen.
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A charity that usually responds to global natural disasters has now turned its attention to clearing the streets of Birmingham amid the ongoing bin strike.

Aston-based Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) has previously responded to flooding in Pakistan and earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco by sending over supplies.

But now its volunteers are working into the early hours to clean up the towering piles of black bags left because of the seven-week strike.

Volunteer at FGRF Muhammad Wasim is a senior IT engineer by day but has dedicated his spare time to clearing the waste. While saying the clean-up wasnt the charitys usual line of work, he stressed that it is a public health hazard and the charity needed to step up.

open image in gallery Volunteers at Aston-based Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) ( Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) )

We normally respond to various disasters... but we also do a lot of work to tackle UK child poverty and helping people in the community get health checks, he told The Independent. Now the biggest issue in Birmingham with these bin strikes is the black bags that are not being picked up.

A major incident was declared by Birmingham City Council on 31 March, which allowed the authority to increase the availability of street cleaning, with an extra 35 vehicles and crews.

But the bin strike has been ongoing due to a dispute between the council and Unite the union over pay and job security.

Mr Wasim said the team has seen the odd rat and mouse coming out of bin bags and said the sheer volume of rubbish is stopping people from leaving their homes.

open image in gallery Volunteers clear up Sparkhill area of Birmingham ( Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) )

He added: There have been some areas we have gone to and the bin bags are literally blocking the pavement.

We feel sorry for the people living there because obviously it stops them from going out because there are so many bags piled up.

Mr Wasim said the charity was working with private companies to dispose of the rubbish.

Over the past two weeks the charity has already collected hundreds of black bags, thanks to the group of dedicated volunteers.

The volunteers work eight to 12-hour shifts at their regular jobs and then dedicated their evenings to supporting the city, volunteering six-plus hours and then spending the bank holiday Friday also supporting the community. It is absolutely amazing the dedication we have, Mr Wasim said.

One volunteer, Qumar Iqbal, who works as a professional driver, said: "I was concerned by the litter and unpleasant odours I encountered while working across the city on a daily basis since the strikes began.

open image in gallery Lozells area of Birmingham before volunteers cleared away the rubbish ( Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) )

Motivated to make a difference, I volunteered my time and was proud to witness the positive changes and the uplifting impact it had on Birminghams residents."

One resident from Sparkbrook in south-east Birmingham who gave his name as Sohail said his bags hadnt been collected in more than two weeks, and it was becoming a big concern.

One night, I saw the volunteers outside with a van and cleaning the street and approached them. They kindly took my household rubbish, which was such a relief and made me really happy, he said.

It comes as Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Alex Burghart, warned of Rats the size of dachshunds terrifying the local residents.

He said the huge rats spotted scurrying though waste has prompted fears the piling rubbish could result in a surge in rodent-borne diseases.

Union officials have said the end of the bin strike is in touching distance.

Birmingham City Council said: A dynamic public health risk assessment of accumulated waste was carried out in response to the declaration of the major incident and is regularly reviewed. Monitoring has been established for all identified risks and appropriate mitigating actions have taken place where required. The majority of the excess waste is now cleared and we will continue to monitor the impact on public health.
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Popular chocolate bars like KitKat, Aero, Yorkie and more may soon see steep price hikes as owner Nestle reveals that its products have already gotten more expensive.

The firm, which also produces popular household coffee products through its Nescafe and Nespresso brands, says it is facing soaring commodity costs which has forced prices to rise.

The Swiss firm revealed that it already raised prices by 2.1 per cent overall in the first quarter to counter surging coffee bean and cocoa costs.

In some markets, price increases were in the double-digits, which impacted its underlying sales growth by volume, according to the firm.

open image in gallery Nestle has pushed through double-digit price hikes for coffee and chocolate across some markets (PA) ( PA )

The group reported better-than-expected sales growth of 2.8 per cent for the first three months of 2025, although the higher prices accounted for much of the rise, with sales by volume edging 0.7 per cent higher.

Despite the significant level of the increases in many markets, the actions were implemented with limited customer disruption, Nestle said.

Group chief executive Laurent Freixe said the impact of higher global tariffs remain unclear at this stage.

He added: Overall, the situation continues to be dynamic, with heightened risks and uncertainty.

Mr Freixe cautioned the firm is facing an environment of heightened macroeconomic and consumer uncertainty.

But he said Nestle is sticking to its full-year guidance, based on our assessment of the direct impact of current tariffs and our ability to adapt.

The group revealed it had seen a pronounced initial impact to consumer demand where large price hikes were passed on, but added this is easing as consumer behaviour and the competitive environment adjust and stabilise.

Recent figures show that the price of chocolate has increased across the board, rising by almost 50 per cent in just three years. At the same time, many products have gotten smaller in size, in a process some experts have dubbed Chocflation.
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A magician who disguised herself as a man to trick her way into the Magic Circle is finally being given membership more than three decades after she was kicked out.

Sophie Lloyd, pretending to be Raymond Lloyd, was allowed to join the elite society in 1991 when women were not permitted  but later that year, women started to be granted membership and she revealed her disguise, only to then be expelled.

After a public search was launched last year, Ms Lloyd, now aged in her 60s, has now been found, 34 years later  and has finally received an apology from the Circle, with a membership certificate set to be given to her at an event at their headquarters on Thursday evening.

The magician, from Surrey but now living in Spain, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme earlier in the day that she is beyond thrilled.

Speaking of how she managed such a feat, Ms Lloyd credited her friend, the magician Jenny Winstanley, whom she met in the late 1980s when studying at a London school of mime, sometimes working as her assistant at gigs.

open image in gallery Sophie Lloyd is being honoured by the organisation at a ceremony on Thursday night, with her membership being reinstated ( Magic Cirlce )

Ms Lloyd said: Jenny was increasingly frustrated that women, including herself, could not join the Magic Circle. So she came up with an idea to infiltrate the society by having me dress as a man. She couldn't do it herself as she was too recognisable.

Ms Lloyd created the identity Raymond Lloyd  using gloves, a wig, body suit and a croaky voice  and studied the character for two years. She also had to learn how to perform magic on her own. She told Canadian broadcaster CBC at the time that Raymond was a young-looking 18-year-old, primarily because of her height of 5ft 2in (1.57m), who had some facial fluff.

The magician told the BBC her character was totally believed  and in March 1991 she made it into the Circle following a successful performance at a working mens club, which even involved a drink with one of the examiners.

However after months of magic shows and socialising with other members, when Ms Lloyd and Ms Winstanley revealed their deception to the Circle over the phone, it was not well received.

open image in gallery Sophie pictured with Marvin Berglas, the current president of the Magic Circle ( Brendan Rodrigues/Magic Cirlce/PA Wire )

At the first meeting where women were granted membership to the society in October 1991, Ms Lloyd was expelled. It was so sad, she said. We had proved that women were equal to men in magic. It looked ridiculous that they were offended by what we did and that we were thrown out of a magic club for deception.

A decade of performing around the UK as a magician followed, then Ms Lloyd took early retirement in Spain and has been working in animal rescue. Ms Winstanley ended up running a pottery company in Norfolk, and died in a car accident in 2004.

Ms Lloyd found out about the search for her via her sister and decided to join the society in honour of her friend, who will also be recognised at the event on Thursday evening. She said: Jenny was a wonderful, passionate person. She would have loved to be here. Its for her really.

Laura London  the first female chair of the circle, which is still overwhelmingly dominated by men, with 5 per cent of the 1,700 members being women  said: I felt it important that the Magic Circle should be able to recognise Sophie as the role model for women magicians, as well as show that we are now a completely open society.

The Magic Circle was founded in 1905 by around 20 magicians at a restaurant in Chinatown, London, and is now based in Euston, London.

In September 1991, the group voted 469 for and 129 against admitting women members.

The Magic Circle is known for its strict rules, which include the vow every member takes not to give away the secrets of magic.

Famous members have included the King, MPs, Sir Stephen Fry, David Copperfield, Dynamo, Debbie McGee and the puppet Sooty.

The societys president Marvin Berglas said: We are delighted to finally be able to invite Sophie back into the Society as herself! It is something we should have done when we accepted those first women into the club in 1991. Im so glad she has accepted our apology so we can right this wrong for what happened all those years ago.
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Migrant health care workers and fruit pickers who have been exploited by rogue employers should be given the right to a replacement visa, lawyers and charities have warned.

Over 100 lawyers and rights organisations have warned the home secretary that the UKs migrant worker visa schemes are at risk of breaching international human rights obligations.

Migrants who come to the UK on the health and care worker visa and the skilled worker scheme continue to be exploited and abused by some employers. Workers often get into high levels of debt in order to pay middlemen who help them get jobs through the governments seasonal worker scheme for fruit pickers.

In a letter sent on Thursday, solicitors and others have written to Yvette Cooper to express serious concerns about the treatment of migrant workers arriving in the UK on sponsored visas.

They say foreign workers are being deceived about the work they will do in the UK, are having their movement restricted by employers, and are experiencing physical and sexual violence once they arrive.

In some cases, rogue employers are holding on to their passports and other identity documents, withholding wages, or forcing them to work excessive overtime.

Lawyers say they have represented hundreds of people who were saddled with life-altering levels of debt in their countries of origin to obtain an offer of employment in the UK.

On arriving in the UK, affected migrants realise they have been scammed and the work they were promised doesnt exist. They are then left destitute in the UK unable to access financial help and often resorting to the black market in order to survive.

Workers in this position are currently given a 60-day grace period to find another sponsor, switch to a different visa or leave the country.

In a bid to crack down on rogue sponsors, the government revoked more than 470 sponsorship licences from employers between July 2022 and December 2024. However this has left more than 39,000 workers without employment.

In the letter, solicitors, law centres, migrants rights organisations and academics call on the Home Office to provide a temporary work visa for those migrants who have suffered exploitation, so they dont become destitute.

The propose that a new workplace justice visa be created to give workers the right to remain in the UK and seek employment for as long as their original visa.

They are also pushing for an extension to the 60-day grace period given to exploited migrant workers to find a new work sponsor if their original one is banned. They argue that an extension to six months would be more in line with other countries and would give all migrant workers a more reasonable timeframe to find another job, make another immigration application, or leave the UK.

They warn that the government is at risk of breaching the UKs international human rights obligations, namely article four of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) which gives states a duty to protect against exploitation and trafficking.

Under article three of the ECHR, people are also protected from torture, and inhuman and degrading treatment.

Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, said: We are watching a crisis of migrant worker exploitation unfold as thousands of people are trapped in situations of overwork, abuse or destitution.

Unless this government takes action, we will look back on this as a national scandal, ashamed that it was allowed to carry on for so long.

Zoe Bantleman, legal director at the Immigration Law Practitioners Association, said: Unlike their British colleagues, the migrant worker cannot live in the UK without their employer sponsoring them. If the Home Office clamps down on their employer, unless they can somehow manage to find a new sponsor, the migrant worker loses their visa, their livelihood, and the life they have built in the UK.

In a sponsorship system such as this, there must be safeguards to rebalance this asymmetry of power and ensure migrant workers can report violations and seek enforcement of their employment and human rights.

The number of people coming to the UK on health and social care worker visas has been declining after new migration rules were introduced in January 2024.

These rules include a ban on overseas care workers bringing family dependants and a rise in the salary threshold for skilled workers to 38,700.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra said: My message to rogue, shameless employers in the social care sector is clear - there are serious consequences for those who dont respect our visa system, and treat workers unfairly.

We have already banned companies from charging workers for the cost of their sponsorship, and will be barring employers who repeatedly break immigration or employment laws from hiring overseas workers. In close collaboration with the care sector, we are also supporting care workers into alternative jobs when their sponsor has had their license removed.
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Pope Francis has decreed in his will that he be buried in a simple underground tomb in St Mary Major Basilica.

The will specified the late pontiff wanted to be buried "in the ground, without particular decoration" but with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.

In his final testament, the pope expressed his wish to be buried in Rome, and not at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican like many previous pontiffs.

Alongside the will, the Vatican announced the pope died following a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

The Vatican added that the pontiff had arranged for an unnamed benefactor to cover the costs of his burial.

open image in gallery The pope will be buried in a simple underground tomb in St Mary Major Basilica ( AP )

Published on the Holy Sees website, here is the Popes will in full. It reads:

In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in Eternal Life, I wish to express my testamentary will only with regard to the place of my burial.

I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major.

I wish that my last earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary where I went for prayer at the beginning and end of each Apostolic journey to confidently entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and thank Her for her docile and maternal care.

open image in gallery The pontiff pictured at his final Easter Sunday message ( AP )

I ask that my tomb be prepared in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel, Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica as indicated in the enclosed attachment.

The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.

The expenses for the preparation of my burial will be covered by the sum of the benefactor that I have arranged, to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and of which I have provided appropriate instructions to Rolandas Makrickas (a Catholic cardinal) Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Chapter.

May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. The suffering that has become present in the last part of my life I have offered to the Lord for peace in the world and brotherhood among peoples.

Franciss coffin was moved from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel, where he lived, to St Peters Basilica to allow the faithful to pay their respects.

His funeral will take place on Saturday, 26 April.

Following his death, the Catholic Church has now entered a period called sede vacante, or empty seat, during which there is no pope sitting on the throne of St Peter.

Pope Francis, originally from Argentina and the first pope from Latin America, had led the 1.4 billion-member church since 2013.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have called for stronger protections for children against the dangers of social media so that no more kids are lost to social media.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are unveiling a memorial in New York City which they have dedicated to children who have died due to online harm.

The easiest thing to say is to keep your kids away from social media. The sad reality is the kids who aren't on social media normally get bullied at school because they can't be part of the same conversation as everybody else, the prince told journalists at an Archewell Foundation event in New York.

"Life is better off of social media," he continued. "I say that as a parent, and I say that as someone who's spoken to many of the kids here tonight who lost a brother or a sister to social media. But clearly, enough is not enough. Enough is not being done."

He told BBC Breakfast: We want to make sure that things are changed so that... no more kids are lost to social media.

Prince Harry and Meghan unveiled an installation called the Lost Screen Memorial, made from 50 smartphones displaying a screen photo of a child whose life was lost as a result of the harm they suffered on social media.

open image in gallery The prince said enough is not being done to protect children ( AP )

These images represent the ones their parents have on their phone lockscreens. Their faces serve as a constant reminder of what has been lost, a statement read on the Archewell Foundations Parents Network website.

The responsibility to keep children safe online should not lie with parents alone.

The technology companies who profit from childrens time on their apps have an obligation to design them with safety in mind and should be held to safety standards. Join us as we demand safety by design from the social media platforms so that no child is lost to social media.

Photos part of the installation were shared by parents who are part of the Parents Network set up by Harry and Megan. The memorial will be open for 24 hours.

Harry and Meghan have backed calls to technology firms that parents should be able to have access to information on the phones of children who have died, despite arguments from companies about privacy.

The prince said: You are telling a parent, you are telling a dad and a mum that they can't have the details of what their kid was up to on social media because of the privacy of their kid. It's wrong.

open image in gallery Ofcom has set out rules for how websites and apps must protect children from harmful content online (PA) ( PA Wire )

The Sussexes plea adds to an international backlash against social media companies, particularly over the harmful effects on children and teenagers.

Ofcom published its final childrens codes of practice on Thursday which set out rules for how websites and apps must protect children from harmful content, including by using age assurance tools and reconfiguring algorithms to prevent young people accessing illegal and harmful material.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the publication of the codes was a watershed moment after years of exposed, poisonous environments online.

This isnt the first time Harry has called for tighter social media regulations as he said in 2022 that he hoped his children never have to experience the online world as it exists now.

The Duke of Sussex suggested new laws were needed to curb "hatred and harm" on the internet and to stop social media companies from using children as digital experiments to make money.

My kids are too young to have experienced the online world yet and I hope they never have to experience it as it exists now, Harry said.
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Rats the size of dachshunds are terrifying residents in Birmingham as the seven-week long bin strike continues.

Rubbish has been mounting on the streets since 11 March amid a dispute with the local council over pay and job security.

Towering piles of black bags have not only resulted in a permeating stench, but huge rats scurrying through waste have also prompted fears that it could result in a surge of rodent-borne diseases.

Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Alex Burghart, told MPs: Rats the size of dachshunds are terrifying the local residents.

Referring to an article in The Daily Telegraph, he added Birmingham City Council has warned of a possible surge of rat-borne diseases to which the elderly, disabled people and babies are particularly susceptible.

open image in gallery Waste has been left on the streets since bin workers went on strike seven weeks ago (Jacob King/PA) ( PA Wire )

There are several rat-borne diseases in the UK which can be spread through water contaminated with rat urine or from bites and scratches.

One disease is Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection found in rodents that can cause flu-like symptoms and, in the most serious cases, kidney failure.

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that can be carried and transmitted by rodents, which can cause haemorrhagic fever, according to UKHSA.

Although rare, rat-bite fever is also caused by a type of bacteria carried by seemingly healthy rats and mice.

Spread through a bite from an infected rodent, it can cause fever, muscle and joint pain, a rash and nausea within seven days.

open image in gallery The huge rodents have prompted fears that rat-borne disease could surge, putting the elderly, disabled and young children at risk ( PA )

Another infection highlighted by UKHSA is LCMV, which can cause a type of meningitis. People can become infected after exposure to rodent urine, droppings or saliva.

Criticising how the government has handled the bin strike, Mr Burghart added: The Government has had emergency powers throughout this crisis, not least Civil Contingencies Act.

Cabinet Office minister Abena Oppong-Asare reassured that a lot of rubbish has been cleared.

But Mr Burghart added: There is still very much rubbish that is not cleared. And I hope that the Labour Party will perhaps undertake not to take any donations from Unite the Union while this crisis is ongoing.

It comes as union officials claim the end of the bin strikes could be in sight.

A meeting between officials from Unite and Birmingham City Council on Wednesday ended without an agreement, resulting in the independent public body and conciliation service Acas now being involved in negotiations.

After the meeting, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said a deal could be in touching distance if the council stops flip-flopping.
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Trans rights activists will hold further rallies in over 20 locations this weekend in response to the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on the legal definition of a woman.

The planned action follows thousands of people attending similar events over the Easter weekend in London and Edinburgh.

The demonstrations come after last weeks Supreme Court ruling that the Equality Act 2010's definitions of woman and sex refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

open image in gallery Thousands of demonstrators participated in trans rights rallies over the Easter weekend (Lesley Marton/PA) ( PA Wire )

This now means that trans women cannot use single-sex female toilets, changing rooms or compete in womens sports, according to the head of Britains equalities watchdog.

Further demonstrations are expected to take place across the UK, including Liverpool, Birmingham, Southampton, Bristol, Belfast and St Andrews.

The map below shows all the planned demonstrations, according to What The Trans!?

The organisers of the Birmingham rally said the demonstration would aim to show solidarity with those affected by the ruling, which they say has far-reaching implications for transgender people accessing single-sex services and spaces.

Brendan McPhillips, one of the organisers of the event, said the city would be presenting a united front against hatred and discrimination.

He described the protest as being set against the historic backdrop of the gay panic, the lives lost to the AIDS crisis, and reminiscent of the fights from yesteryear that only yester-queers will fully understand.

He added: We have seen this hate before and now we must stand united against it once again.

We stand in a united front, united with a single, common goal; for the BIPOC (black, Indigenous and people of colour), Asian, white, brown, black, Irish traveller and Romani trans, non-binary and intersex voices that have been ignored for too long.

open image in gallery Campaigners take part in a rally organised by trans rights groups, trade unions, and community organisations in London on Saturday ( PA Wire )

Among the groups supporting the protest, which will be held at 6pm in front of the Birmingham HIV and Aids Memorial in Hurst Street, are Brum Against Hate, the Birmingham LGBT centre and trade unions including Unison and the National Education Union.

There are also a further six protests planned for next month, with another set to take place in London on 25 May.

Thousands of supporters gathered in central London on Saturday for what was billed as an emergency demonstration in response to the Supreme Courts ruling.

The Metropolitan Police said it is examining footage from the event amid claims some demonstrators had placards featuring death threats.

On Tuesday, Sir Keir Starmers official spokesperson confirmed the prime minister no longer believes trans women are women in the wake of the landmark ruling.

The prime minister has previously said that trans women are women, but when asked if Sir Keir still believes this, his official spokesman said: No, the Supreme Court judgment has made clear that when looking at the Equality Act, a woman is a biological woman. That is set out clearly by the court judgment.
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A trans woman has resorted to handing out disabled toilet keys after she said the Supreme Courts ruling on the definition of a woman left her community fearing for their safety and with no other option.

Sarah Marsh, 55, described it as an emergency measure taken after the UKs highest court confirmed the terms woman and sex in the 2010 Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex in a long-awaited judgment delivered last week.

It means that transgender women with a gender recognition certificate, like Ms Marsh, can be excluded from single-sex spaces if proportionate. Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson later confirmed that trans women should now use mens toilets.

open image in gallery Sarah Marsh (centre right) with her wife at an Ely Pride march ( Luana Martignon )

Shock morphed into fear and uncertainty for the 55-year-old, from Ely, who said: Theres a despair to it... This could make it an offence for me to use female toilets, but Im not male either  which would make it not possible for myself to go into female or male toilets... If I am not allowed in womens toilets when out in public, which I have used for years without incident, and using mens toilets would subject me to obvious danger, toilets for disabled people are the only remaining options.

open image in gallery Campaigners take part in a rally organised by trans rights groups, trade unions, and community organisations following the Supreme Court ruling at Parliament Square in central London on Saturday ( AP )

Ms Marsh said Ely Pride has sourced radar keys that enable access to public disabled loos, with a view to hand them out to any members of the trans community who need them at a demonstration in the city on Monday  and to roll the initiative out nationally, with conversations already ongoing with UK-wide groups, such as the UK Womens March, for which Ms Marsh is city lead.

She stressed the importance of respecting the disabled community, with these keys acting only as a last resort. She also said she understands the dangers women face but argued the trans community are not a threat and that the ruling is not the solution.

In her role as trustee of the charity, Ms Marsh said she will be the first to receive a key, when she is set to say: Now I don't feel safe in public. Already, I have had lots of hate and avoid going into public, however, sometimes it is unavoidable and gives high toilet and safety anxiety. This key is my emergency access should I need it urgently, though I am also aware this would bring unwanted attention.

The campaigner said access to public spaces  which is about having access to public life and affects how we can fit into society  is just one of the many major consequences the ruling will have for the trans community.

open image in gallery Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson has confirmed that trans women should now use mens toilets ( PA )

Not only does the ruling have a direct impact on access to spaces, which changes our lives, it gives permission for people to express hate to minority groups, she said.

Ms Marsh has faced an already noticeable rise in transphobia directed at her since the ruling, especially on social media. Ive always had death threats and assault before through being trans, she said. Fortunately now I pass  but this ruling opens it all up again, and means Ill be subject to all that again... These kinds of rulings just add fuel to the fire of hate that we already have in society.

She said she is now fearful of leaving the house due to the threat of hate and is especially afraid of going anywhere far from home due to the prospect of having to use public toilets.

And she is concerned that the ruling opens the door to further implications for trans people.

The keys, Ms Marsh said, is her way of trying to help people like myself at such a difficult time for her community.
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Ed Miliband has confirmed the government is looking at plans to charge homes in the South more for electricity after critics dubbed the plans a postcode lottery.

The zonal pricing system would mean different regions are charged different rates for energy, with prices being determined by supply and demand in each area. With Scotland benefiting from greater wind supplies, its likely that homes in the South could face higher bills as a result of the scheme.

The energy secretary said ministers will make a calm and considered decision on the issue, arguing the governments main priority is to cut bills in a way thats fair.

open image in gallery Ed Miliband confirmed ministers are considering the system ( Sky News )

But the plans have been dubbed madness by Labour donor and eco-tycoon Dale Vince, who warned it would create complexity, delays and unfairness.

Asked about the reports, the energy secretary told Sky News: This is a very complicated issue that youre referring to that my department is looking at around so-called zonal pricing.

Look, Ill be honest with you, were still looking at the details of this, which is something weve got to really, really get right, and were studying in detail the effects.

Look, my bottom line here is we want to cut bills, and we want to do so in a way thats fair, and we want to make sure that happens, and thats my test for any reforms that we make.

Theres very strong views on both sides of industry, because youll probably have gathered on this. People are fighting it out. Were going to take this, make a calm and considered decision on this.

He later added he is not in favour of a postcode lottery on bills, saying his test for any reform is will it cut bills and will it do it across the country in a fair way.

Mr Miliband added: What I do not want to do is somehow jack up bills in one part of the country in favour of another.

No 10 later confirmed the idea was being looked at.

Downing Street said that the government was studying the previous governments consultation on this issue.

The PMs official spokesperson added that in general our approach is about cutting bills, but did not deny that we could still see different parts of the country charged different prices.

But Mr Vince, founder of clean energy company Ecotricity, warned zonal pricing would create a postcode lottery, telling The Independent: Tens of millions of Britons could end up paying more for their energy than they do now. It makes no sense when Labours mission is about cutting bills for all rather than a few.

open image in gallery Dale Vince founded energy firm Ecotricity ( PA )

Zonal pricing is being presented as a solution, but its madness. Fragmenting our energy market into 12 different regions would create complexity, delays and unfairness.

Then theres the idea that businesses will relocate to where most of the renewable energy is, like the north of Scotland, because they can get cheaper energy there. I mean the chances of it happening are slim, and then theres the timeframe within which it would happen  we dont have that much time.

He added: I think this plan has been written up in a windowless room with no connection to the real world.

If the government is serious about lowering energy bills, we have far more sensible and effective options  chief among them breaking the link between the price of gas and the price of all our electricity.

RenewableUK is also urging the government to rule out introducing zonal pricing, saying it could be incredibly disruptive to investment.

The government has a golden opportunity to secure a record amount of new wind and solar farms in this years auction for new projects, but we can only achieve this if we get the right framework in place to attract billions in private investment, said chief executive Jane Cooper.
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Charities have been condemned Nigel Farage over wildly inaccurate claims about people with mental health problems and children with special educational needs (SEND).

The National Autistic Society (NAS) led the criticism of Reform UKs leader after he claimed in a rant on mental health problems that GPs are over diagnosing conditions.

Speaking at a press conference in Dover, Mr Farage said: Its a massive problem. I have to say, for my own money, when you get to 18 and you put somebody on a disability register, unemployed, with a high level of benefits, youre telling people aged 18 that theyre victims.

open image in gallery Reform UK leader Nigel Farage speaking at a press conference in Dover in Kent, while on the local election campaign trail (Gareth Fuller/PA) ( PA Wire )

And if you are told youre a victim, and you think youre a victim, you are likely to stay [a victim].

He questioned the way conditions are being diagnosed in particular taking aim at children with special educational needs.

Mr Farage: So many of these diagnoses, for SEND before 18, for disability register after 18  so many of these have been conducted on Zoom, with the family GP.

I think youre the family GP, and Ive known your family for generations, and youre saying to me theres a real problem here with depression, or whatever it may be, its quite hard for me as your GP to say no.

I dont think any of these allocations should be done by family GPs. I think it should be done independently.

And I think we are massively  Im not being heartless, Im being frank  I think we are massively over diagnosing those with mental illness problems and those with other general behavioural disabilities. And I think were creating a class of victims in Britain that will struggle ever to get out of it.

open image in gallery ( PA )

The National Autistic Society was quick to attack Mr Farages comments accusing him of spreading disinformation and perpetuating stigmas.

In a statement on X, the charity said: Nigel Farages comments are wildly inaccurate and show that hes completely out of touch with what autistic children and adults have to go through to get a diagnosis or any support at all.

For the record, absolutely no one has got an autism diagnosis through the GP  this is just incorrect, wrong, fake news. Children with SEND and disabled adults, including autistic people, are not victims who are being over diagnosed. They are people who face huge delays and long fights to get the most basic support across every aspect of their lives, including diagnosis, education, health and social care.

Spreading misinformation only perpetuates stigma and makes life harder. Were calling on all politicians to drop the political point scoring and stand up for their autistic and other disabled constituents.

Minesh Patel, associate director of policy and campaigns at the mental health charity Mind, said: The only victims in this discussion are facts  which are continuously overlooked in favour of fuelling culture wars.

We agree that disabled people, people on benefits and those out of work are more likely to struggle with their mental health. And evidence shows three quarters of all mental health problems are established by the age of 24.

But instead of asking what is driving this, our politicians choose to demonise those who are struggling most in our society.

He added: We will not solve the mental health crisis by stigmatising people who are already suffering."

Labour MP Peter Swallow said: Whether it's [Tory leader] Kemi Badenoch saying that a SEND diagnosis is just a route to special treatment, or nonsense like this from Farage - it's clear that Reform and the Tories both lack the compassion and basic understanding needed to tackle the SEND crisis.

And Munira Wilson MP, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson, added: "Farage is clearly laying the groundwork to axe crucial special needs provision in councils hes got his eye on - communities where families and vulnerable young people are already waiting years to access threadbare special needs funds and special schools bursting at the seams.

"If Nigel Farage had spent any time speaking to parents in his constituency, hed know hes barking up the wrong tree. The special needs crisis needs urgent repair - not his lazy rhetoric. We need a National Body for SEND to end the special needs postcode lottery now.
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Rachel Reeves has made a dramatic bid to appease Donald Trump in an apparent bid to ensure a UK-US trade deal can be agreed.

Speaking to finance leaders on a trip to Washington DC, the chancellor has made a bold call for a new global trading system which would correct excessive imbalances between different countries and trading blocs.

Her remarks are a direct attempt to deal with the issues raised by President Trump when he unleashed sweeping global tariffs earlier this month, which sent shockwaves through stock markets before being abruptly paused for 90 days.

Speaking at the International Monetary Funds biannual meeting on Thursday, Ms Reeves said: I am proud that the UK has its global, open reputation, and it is one I want to strengthen.

But the world has changed and so must we. We are in a new era of global trade. And in that new era, we need a system that provides security for working people, stability for businesses, and prosperity for national economies.

She added: To deliver this, we need to do three things: tackle excessive global trade imbalances, reduce barriers to trade, and promote strong multilateral institutions.

open image in gallery Rachel Reeves is in Washington for talks on a UK-US trade deal ( Kirsty OConnor/Treasury )

During a panel discussion on the future of the global economy on Thursday evening, Ms Reeves said the US has a point that global trade had become too unbalanced, but it does matter where things are made and who makes them.

The chancellor said: Theres been a feeling in my country and in America and many other developed countries that the system we have today delivers for some, but not for all and that jobs have been hollowed out in certain sectors of the economy.

Despite this, she said that it was important to acknowledge where goods were made.

We cannot be agnostic or naive about that, especially in the world in which we live today where resilience and security matter more than they have done for a long time, she added.

International Monetary Fund managing director Kristalina Georgieva praised Ms Reevess efforts to lift up growth in the UK during the discussion.

She is tackling very tough issues, getting reprioritisation of spending, getting the regulatory environment to be more rational and then taking on the battle to get it done, and its really impressive, Ms Georgieva said.

open image in gallery Donald Trump is angry about trade deficits ( AFP via Getty Images )

The UK was on the lower end of Mr Trumps threatened tariffs  at 10 per cent instead of the 20 per cent on exports from the EU  despite the US having a trade surplus with Britain.

Nevertheless, there are fears that they could cost the UK economy thousands of jobs, not least in the automotive industry, which will be hit by 25 per cent tariffs.

President Trump used the USs trade deficits with countries around the world as a reason for imposing the tariffs, which now threaten the global economy.

But the UK is racing to complete a trade deal with the Trump administration before the 90-day pause comes to an end in early July.

Ms Reeves hopes her proposals will help create a global trade system that provides security for working people, stability for businesses, and prosperity for national economies in a world that has changed.

To spearhead the drive for reform, the chancellor will hold talks with counterparts in Washington about the reform agenda ahead of upcoming meetings of the G7 and International Monetary Fund later this year.

She is due to meet Trumps US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent in the hopes that it will help get the trade deal over the line.

Already, the UK has signalled that it will cut tariffs on US cars imported to the UK from 10 per cent to 2.5 per cent and shelve the proposed digital services tax.

Earlier, Ms Reeves, said: This government is meeting the moment to protect fair and open trade. Following recent announcements reducing tariffs and support for the zero-emissions vehicles industry, todays package will help businesses compete fairly with international exporters, supporting a world economy that provides stability and fairness for working people and businesses alike.
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A Georgia elementary school is facing furious backlash from parents after their students were subjected to signs on campus reading whites only and colored only.

Students reported seeing the signs above water fountains and in the cafeteria at Honey Creek Elementary in Conyers, Georgia, southeast of Atlanta, according to local outlet WSB-TV.

School officials said a teacher put up the signs as part of a history lesson on Ruby Bridges, the first Black student to desegregate a U.S. school in 1960 at just six years old.

The district provides teachers with curriculum documents that include recommended and vetted resources and activities, Principal Adriene Lanier wrote in a message Wednesday to parents. In this instance, the teacher did not adhere to the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district.

open image in gallery The schools principal said the teacher who hung the signs did not adhere to the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district ( Google Maps )

While we do not believe there was any ill intent, the activity was not included in the teachers submitted lesson plan and was not approved by school administrators, Lanier added.

But parents and community members called the move unacceptable.

My son was over a water fountain drinking, and there was a for colored only sign above and he was made fun of by the other children, one parent told WSB-TV. To me, thats not a history lesson.

Things can be taught in a way that doesnt inflict trauma on children, another parent told the outlet.

That parent asked WSB-TV to keep her name private over concerns about racist backlash: [Im] trying to limit as much backlash as I can, because I know there are racist individuals in this world unfortunately, the parent added.

The Rockdale County and Georgia NAACP chapters have both condemned the teachers signs, calling it an act of racial hostility that reopens wounds still felt by generations of Americans who have fought, and continue to fight, for equality and dignity.

This moment demands more than outrage  it demands action," the chapters said in a joint statement. Accountability is non-negotiable. But accountability alone is not enough. This moment must spark comprehensive, systemic change.

The chapters called on the Rockdale County School District to implement changes to their training and education programs, including mandatory anti-racism education rooted in historical truth, mandatory anti-racism education rooted in historical truth, and transparent engagement with parents and stakeholders, rooted in trust, equity, and repair.

The Independent has contacted the Rockdale County School District for comment.
I have long been a Michelle Obama fan: impressed by the the grace with which she handled being first lady, and her extraordinary autobiography Becoming, which revealed her to be as funny and opinionated as she is whip-smart. I was also once lucky enough to witness her mesmerising a class of girls in east London, as she told them about growing up poor, sharing a bedroom with her brother in a deprived part of Chicago.

When I see you  I see myself, she told them, saying that if they worked hard and seized the opportunities that education afforded them, they too could flourish and make something of themselves in the world. Her talk centred on deferred gratification, working hard for the long term, duty, and doing the right thing.

This is a woman who has grafted for everything she has in life. Which is why I cheered while listening to her latest podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Craig is the brother she shared that tiny bedroom with).

No is a full sentence, she proclaimed. Its so important to give ourselves permission to make decisions that protect our peace.

Michelle, now 61, was properly explaining for the first time in public why she decided not to attend Donald Trumps inauguration in January (nor Jimmy Carters funeral the week before) alongside her husband, former president Barack Obama.

For the sin of not showing up, she had to contend with months of rumours about the state of her marriage, and vicious, unfounded gossip about her husbands supposed affair with Jennifer Aniston, with commentators taking her absence as proof that the couple were divorcing.

However, Michelle says the real reason was much more mundane: she didnt go because she didnt want to. It was that simple. And after decades of taking one for the team  putting her own career on hold to support her husband and daughters  she finally did what she wanted to do, put her own needs first, and said no.

But it wasnt easy

My decision to skip the inauguration  you know, what people dont realise  or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me  were met with such ridicule and criticism, she said.

People couldnt believe that I was saying no for any other reason; they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart. While Im here really trying to own my life and intentionally practise making the choice that was right for me.

open image in gallery A lone Obama pictured at Donald Trumps second inauguration earlier this year ( AFP/Getty )

She added, It took everything in my power not to do the thing that was perceived as right, but to do the things that were for me  that was a hard thing for me to do.

When we fall into the trap of serving others instead of ourselves, as her co-host notes, women become shock absorbers  absorbing the needs of our partners, our children, our family and our bosses. It is both exhausting and unfair.

Michelles generation of women have been bred to please (dont believe me? Just read the Girl Guides manual from the 1980s  its all about being good hostesses, and above all, never seeking credit or praise). We were taught that being a good woman meant prioritising everyone else over ourselves. If we worked, then we worked harder than men to prove ourselves, and being Superwoman meant not having it all, but doing it all too. The double shift  home and work  is all too real, as Michelle Obama documents in Becoming.

In midlife, that finally begins to change. Research conducted by Noon.org.uk  The Secrets of Midlife Women  found that 43 per cent of ABC1 UK women aged 45-60 agreed that this period of my life is finally about looking after me, not everyone else  its finally MY turn. Midlife, as Michelle is now discovering, is when we can finally put our own needs first.

open image in gallery The Obamas pictured with Donald and Melania Trump during the latters first inauguration in 2017 ( Getty )

For the former first lady, this was a conscious and intentional decision. Not just for herself, but to model putting her own needs first  finally  to her daughters Malia and Sasha Obama. I want them to start practising now the art of saying no, she said. Its a muscle that you have to build, because if you dont constantly build it, you dont develop it.

This is not a one-off. Earlier this month, on Sophia Bushs Work in Progress podcast, she talked about how women are often criticised for putting themselves first.

So much so that this year, people... they couldnt even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I were divorcing, she said. This couldnt be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But thats what society does to us. We start actually finally going, What am I doing? Who am I doing this for? she continued. And if it doesnt fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labelled as something negative and horrible.

She added, I feel like its time for me to make some big girl decisions about my life and own it fully.

Its a sentiment that I see echoed by the community I run for women in midlife. Many of the women talk about feeling lost, having put their own needs, dreams and wishes at the bottom of the pile for so long theyve forgotten what they are.

open image in gallery Obama: People couldnt even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I were divorcing ( Michelle Obama/YouTube )

One woman said she looked at her life and felt, I havent chosen any of it  its like Im sleepwalking through my own life. When I ask them what they love doing, what reliably brings them joy? Many look blank  often they have spent so much of the last 25 years looking after everybody elses needs, theyve forgotten their own. My kids have both gone off to university, said one. I was walking around the supermarket buying food, and Im so used to getting everyone elses favourites that I had no idea what to buy for myself

Recovering a sense of who we are as grown-up women, with our own agency  not as mums, partners, daughters or employees  is crucial. Life spans have doubled in the last century  the average 50-year-old now can expect to live into their late eighties, nineties or even to 100. Yet there are very few models in our culture, or maps to show what the later stages of womens lives might look like. Thats why Michelle articulating putting herself first matters so much.

And there is a biological imperative, too. As women hit midlife, the hormonal changes of menopause mean the pleasing, love hormone oxytocin wanes in our bodies. Oestrogen goes down and testosterone increases. We stop being primed for love, nurture, and doing what everyone else wants  and start naturally leaning into our own needs instead.

open image in gallery The couple pictured at a campaign event at the University of Iowa in 2012 ( AFP/Getty )

Midlife isnt a crisis  its a chrysalis. Everything begins to shift: by 50, over half of women have been through many of the big life events, be that divorce, bereavement, redundancy, caring for a dying or elderly parent, raising a child with anxiety, facing an empty nest, or dealing with their own health issues.

But Ive found the women who have been through the most  who have shed the most  end up the happiest. They end up with a life they have chosen, one which matches on the outside who they feel they are on the inside. But to get to that point takes a lot of sloughing off the dead wood, a lot of pruning what no longer serves us. It takes a lot of saying NO.

Eleanor Mills is the Founder of Noon.org.uk, the UKs premium community for women in midlife, and the author of the Times-bestselling book Much More to Come: Lessons on the Mayhem and Magnificence of Midlife, published by HarperCollins
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A 19-year-old New Jersey man has been accused of arson in connection to what could become the states largest wildfire in 20 years.

As the Jones Road fire, which started on Tuesday, has continued to grow to approximately 15,000 acres, a new map shows the expansive reach of its flames around Ocean County. Since the fires start, evacuation orders have been lifted for the approximately 5,000 residents who were affected in both Lacey and Ocean Townships.

While no injuries have been reported in connection with the wildfire, the blaze has closed the nearby Wells Mills Park. Several roads remain impacted by road closures in the area, including Bryant Road and Jones Road.

The blaze started early this week and seemed to catch locals off guard

When I was coming down the parkway from Toms River it was super smoky, Lisa Sofsky told NBC 10. Thats when I realized it was a fire. So, I had no idea.

open image in gallery A map shows the boundaries of the Jones Road wildfire on Thursday morning. The 15,000-acre blaze is now 50 percent contained ( New Jersey Forest Fire Service/Facebook )

open image in gallery While evacuation orders have been lifted, firefighters are still working to fight the more than 15,000-acre Jones Road fire. The blaze started in Ocean County, New Jersey. ( AP )

open image in gallery Ocean Townships Joseph Kling, 19, has been accused of starting a massive wildfire in New Jersey this week. He was charged with arson ( Ocean County Jail )

The fire now runs just west of Ocean Township, New Jersey, near Lacey Township. That is about an hours drive from Atlantic City. The map shows the fire is mostly in a preserve or park area away from major population areas.

New Jersey has some of the most volatile wildland fire fuels in the entire country, New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said, according to Asbury Park Press. Everybodys used to seeing California and things like that, that chaparral that burns up the hills and goes crazy. These Pine Barrens out here are the exact same type of fuel model. Theyre just like having napalm spread across the ground.

The blaze has destroyed a commercial building and multiple outbuildings and vehicles. Eight other structures remain threatened, and a complete damage assessment is underway. Responding with fire engines, helicopters, and bulldozers, crews have since made progress, and the Jones Road fire is now 50 percent contained.

Bob Nosti, owner of Liberty Door and Awning, was one of the people that lost his building to the fire. He told the Park Press he initially thought the fire wouldnt impact him.

Earlier in the day  it was a couple towns south of here, all I know is that it moved pretty quick, Nosti told the outlet. Then all of a sudden, my building was gone an hour later, he said. Its gut-wrenching for sure, but well be all right. Well rebuild  and well build it bigger and better.

Smoke from the fire has since shifted north, toward New York City. Rain is expected to offer some relief to the tri-state area over the weekend.

New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to make progress containing a wildfire burning in Ocean and Lacey Townships, Ocean County, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Thursday.

Fire officials said they would provide their next major update on the arrest and the wildfire at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

open image in gallery Evacuation orders have been lifted for the approximately 5,000 residents - but the blaze continues to churn ( AP )

open image in gallery The blaze has destroyed a commercial building and multiple outbuildings and vehicles. Eight other structures remain threatened, and a complete damage assessment is underway ( REUTERS )

Joseph Kling, of Ocean Township, was charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection with the Jones Road fire, according to state authorities.

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office said the cause of the fire was determined to be an improperly extinguished fire.

Further investigation has revealed that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire - and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished, it said in a post on Facebook.

Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township Police Headquarters before being transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the prosecutors office noted.
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Police fatally shot a man who was in distress at Torontos Pearson International Airport this morning, sparking a major response as the airport was on lockdown.

A 30-year-old man was killed in the incident at the airports Terminal 1 Departures shortly before 7 .a.m. Thursday, authorities confirmed.

Peel Regional Police officers were investigating a man in distress in an SUV at Terminal 1 departures, Ontarios Special Investigations Unit said in a statement. Officers located the man and early information received indicates he produced a firearm. Three officers discharged their firearms at the man.

The man was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. The unit is investigating.

This is an isolated incident and there are no known threats to public safety, Peel Police said in a statement. No officers were injured during the incident.

There was a heavy police presence at the airport this morning. ( AP )

Witnesses told Canadian media that gunshots were heard just before 7 a.m. outside departures. One traveler told CTV News he heard loud, popping noises near the terminal.

Authorities warned people to stay away from the major airport as paramedics worked at the scene.

One image from the scene shows what looks to be a grey SUV behind a police cordon, with several white evidence markers on the ground behind the vehicle, which has its trunk open.

Footage circulating on social media showed cars piling up toward departures.

Due to a Peel Police investigation outside Terminal 1 departures, passengers and vehicles are being rerouted to enter and exit through T1 arrivals, a statement from the airport said.

The airport confirmed that flights continue to operate normally at this time.
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Ron DeSantis is still the governor of Florida for well over a year, but the question of who will replace him in the purple-turned-red state is already one of the biggest political questions for the Republican Party in 2025.

Now, a scandal involving the states Medicaid payments could upend the political career of one GOP rising star before she even announces her campaign.

Casey DeSantis, Floridas first lady and a former local newscaster, has long been one of the names floated as a possible successor to her husband. The speculation about her own political ambitions grew after she won a 2023 Stateswoman of the Year award from the Sarasota County Republican Party, an award that other ladder-climbing politicians have sought in the past  including the current governor.

She has denied any plans to seek political office but remains the obvious favorite among her husbands most vocal supporters in the state.

On X, the first ladys supporters (many of whom supported her husband in the 2024 primary) frequently trash not only Republicans in the Florida legislature who defy the governor, but the Trump administration, too. Wounds from last years Republican presidential primary remain raw, and some fans of the third-place contender in his home state have no issue with picking apart the chaos and dysfunction reported in the second Trump presidency.

This war is not one-sided, however, and the president struck a blow early this year.

In February, Trump backed Congressman Byron Donalds, floated occasionally as a contender for House leadership and a favorite of MAGA Republicans. The Naples-based representative began his campaign for governor with Trumps endorsement this winter  and has scared off most would-be challenges with the presidents support. Casey DeSantiss supporters have naturally launched an all-out social media assault.

open image in gallery Florida Republican Representative Byron Donalds announced his campaign for governor in February. ( (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) )

Now, a growing scandal over a court settlement involving state Medicaid funds could force Casey DeSantis would-be voters to back Donalds by tanking her run before it even begins.

Hope Florida, a nonprofit organization run by the first lady, was the recipient of $10 million resulting from that settlement, finalized last fall. The settlement, $67m in total, was hammered out after state officials accused the Centene Corporation of overcharging the state for prescription drugs covered by Medicaid.

Though Hope Florida is a group that coordinates welfare organizations and does not provide healthcare services, the settlement agreement directed Centene to make the donation in 2024  which it did, to the Hope Florida Foundation. The Foundation, a separate organization, promotes the work of Casey DeSantiss organization while also supporting the states Department of Children and Families.

But that money never made it back to helping taxpayers in any form. Instead, it was funneled by the Hope Florida Foundation to two political action committees (PACs), which then, according to Alex Andrade, a state Republican lawmaker investigating the money, donated the exact same sum to a third PAC controlled by Ron DeSantis former chief of staff James Uthmeier. That final PAC would go on to battle a ballot initiative aimed at legalizing marijuana in the state last fall.

The convoluted chain of money transfers were probably illegal, according to state Representative Alex Andrade, a Republican whose district includes Escambia and Santa Rosa. He grilled top officials from the agency overseeing the states Medicaid funding, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), at a hearing in the legislature earlier in April.

open image in gallery Governor Ron DeSantis with his wife Casey DeSantis at a campaign event ( AP )

Earlier this month the governor repeated a denial that any wrongdoing had occurred, while laying blame for question-raising story on Democrats, the media, and especially opponents of his wifes potential bid in the upcoming primary. A conservative culture warrior, DeSantis has leaned heavily on GOP mistrust of established media outlets in his state, like the Miami Herald, as he seeks to paint the numerous Republicans raising concerns about the foundation as liberal operatives.

Some people feel threatened by the first lady. Lets just be clear about that, said the governor in early April at a press conference in Sweetwater. [I]f youre looking at 2026 and youve got some horse [in the race], you dont want her anywhere near that.

open image in gallery Ron DeSantis, the term-limited governor of Florida, attends an executive order signing ceremony at the White House in March. ( REUTERS )

The governor also held to the defense that the $10 million allocated in the settlement was not tied to Medicaid prescription drug overcharging. DeSantis called it a cherry on top, while the AHCAs counsel would go on in his own letter to claim the $10 million covered other damages and was meant to incentivize a settlement.

That explanation took a serious blow on Tuesday. Local media outlets in Florida including the Herald and the Tampa Bay Times reported on a three-year-old draft of the settlement agreement identifying the full $67 million total as over-billed Medicaid charges.

Andrade, in an interview with The Hill on Tuesday, blasted the first lady as incompetent with Hope Floridas finances.

The fact that AHCA knew they were steering $10 million in Medicaid funds to this foundation is a serious issue, Republican state Representative Alex Andrade told The Hill.

He added of Uthmeier, now the states attorney general (after a DeSantis appointment): Its just galling. Its shocking to me that he was that sloppy and that brazen to do what he did with that money.

There are plenty of questions remaining as the legislatures investigation into Hope Florida continues, including how much knowledge Casey DeSantis had of Hope Florida Foundations dealings  given that she was not listed as an officer on the nonprofit, as first flagged by the investigation.

But one thing is certain: she and her husband are trading insults with the same Republicans shell need to win over if she does enter the governors race next year. That includes Florida state House Speaker Daniel Perez, who endorsed DeSantis for president in 2024 but now says that the settlement agreement involving his wifes charity as one that could be illegal.

The governor learned the consequences of not making sufficient allies in his home state last year.

The 2024 primary was a Trump landslide made no harder by the fact that many Floridian members of Congress endorsed the former-and-current president over DeSantis. Should the governors mud-slinging continue, Florida could be in for an encore.
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A Brazilian meat company and a mysterious family trust are among the biggest donors to President Donald Trumps record $239 million haul for his 2025 inauguration, for which he raised $239 million,

For his 2021 inauguration, President Joe Biden raised $61 million, compared to $44 million and $53 million for President Barack Obama in 2013 and 2009, respectively. In 2017, Trump raised $107 million.

Trump raked in contributions from corporations and wealthy people, more than a dozen of whom the president has since appointed to serve in his administration.

Companies and wealthy individuals have used inaugurations as opportunities to curry favor with incoming presidents and administrations. Some of those who donated to the presidents inaugural committee were appointed as ambassadors or to the cabinet. Companies that had business with federal agencies or were hoping for regulatory decisions in their favor also made donations, The Washington Post noted. Several firms have attempted to influence the administration on issues such as taxes, trade, and federal spending.

open image in gallery NASA administrator nominee Jarden Isaacman donated $2 million to the inauguration - but some of the donors have more mysterious backgrounds. ( AP )

Tech and crypto companies spent tens of millions on the inauguration after they battled regulatory challenges during Trumps first stint in the White House, as well as during the Biden administration.

Inaugural funds are usually used to pay for opening ceremonies, the inaugural parade, galas, and balls; however, this year, the events were scaled back due to freezing conditions. The committee can decide how to spend the funds that are left over after the events, such as using them for a presidential library or events like the recent White House Easter Egg Roll.

More than a dozen donors who gave at least $1 million to Trumps inauguration also donated to the Biden inaugural committee.

Investment banker Warren Stephens donated $4 million to Trump and has been nominated to be the U.S. ambassador to the U.K. Similarly, real estate investor Melissa Argyros has been nominated to serve as the ambassador to Latvia after donating $2 million. Jared Isaacman, a billionaire businessman and the nominee to be the next NASA administrator, also donated $2 million. Dan Newlin, a Florida attorney, donated $1 million before being nominated as the next ambassador to Colombia.

open image in gallery Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was CEO of financial service firm Canton Fitzgerald, who donated $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund. ( AP )

The top donor among companies is the poultry company Pilgrims Pride, a subsidiary of JBS, the Brazilian meat company, which donated $5 million. It could benefit from a recent effort by the Trump White House to ease regulations on poultry processing. On January 27, it agreed to pay a fine of $41 million in an antitrust case in which it faced claims that it artificially inflated its stock price. However, the company rejected those claims and didnt admit to doing anything wrong.

The cryptocurrency firm Ripple Labs donated $4.9 million, and in March, it revealed that the Securities and Exchange Commission had dropped litigation regarding whether the firms cryptocurrency met the legal definition of a security. Similarly, the financial technology company Robinhood Markets, which donated $2 million, said in February that the SEC had closed an investigation into its crypto business.

A mysterious family trust, the Tang Family Trust, also donated $2 million; however, it remains unclear who the trust is connected to, The Post noted.

The financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald donated $1 million. Its former chairman and CEO, Howard Lutnick, was subsequently nominated and confirmed as the Secretary of Commerce.

Other individuals who donated $1 million include Ken Howery, a former ambassador to Sweden whos now nominated to be the ambassador to Denmark, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and the nominee to be the ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta.

Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, donated $250,000, and Edward Walsh, the nominee to be the ambassador to Ireland, donated $25,000, as did his wife, Lynn Walsh.

The oil and gas company Chevron donated $2 million to the inauguration, after not making a donation to Bidens 2021 inauguration, following his ban on donations from fossil fuel companies.
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A federal judge has ordered Donald Trumps administration to facilitate the return of a Venezuelan asylum seeker deported to El Salvador, marking the second time the government has been directed to secure the release of an immigrant imprisoned in that countrys jails.

Maryland District Judge Stephanie Gallagher  who was appointed by Trump in 2019  found that the governments removal of a 20-year-old Venezuelan man named in court documents as Cristian violated a court settlement intended to protect young immigrants who have pending asylum claims.

Another court order striking at the president's deportation agenda underscores the growing tension between the judiciary and the administration, accused of defying court orders and teeing up a constitutional showdown.

In her order on Wednesday, Gallagher directed the administration to facilitate Cristians return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under that settlement.

open image in gallery A second federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to return another immigrant deported from the United States to El Salvador following a growing legal battle over whether the government must facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcias release ( via REUTERS )

She further ordered the administration to make a good faith request to the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody for transport back to the United States to await the adjudication of his asylum application.

Her order references the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant living in Maryland who was deported to a brutal prison in his home country despite an immigration judges 2019 order preventing removal from the United States for humanitarian reasons.

Like Abrego Garcia, Cristian was among dozens of immigrants who were put on three flights to El Salvador on March 15 after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to swiftly remove alleged Tren de Aragua gang members. Abrego Garcia was not removed from the country under that wartime law.

According to a sworn statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement official Robert Cerna, Cristian was arrested in Texas for cocaine possession in January.

The Trump administration has argued that Cristians removal did not violate the settlement because his designation as an an alien enemy under the Alien Enemies Act results in him ceasing to be a member of the protected class in the settlement.

The administration argues that anyone alleged to be a member of the gang is no longer eligible for asylum.

open image in gallery The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and the Trump administrations refusal to bring him back to the United States, has galvanized protests over fears of a growing constitutional crisis ( AFP via Getty Images )

Government lawyers admitted in court documents that Abrego Garcia was removed to El Salvador due to an administrative error. On April 10, a unanimous Supreme Court wrote that 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.

The justices, appeals court judges and a district judge presiding over his case ordered the administration to facilitate his return. The Supreme Court said an order from Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis properly requires the Government to 'facilitate' Abrego Garcias release from custody in El Salvador and to ensure that his case is handled as it would have been had he not been improperly sent to El Salvador.

Judge Xinis has reprimanded administration officials for doing nothing since then and has ordered attorneys to report what steps, if any, they are taking to secure his release.

After he was sent to El Salvador, administration officials sought to justify his detention by publicly raising allegations of criminality, including membership in MS-13 and involvement in human trafficking. Critics have argued that the administration should return him to the United States and raise those claims in court to support his removal rather than deny him due process by summarily deporting him.

On Tuesday, Judge Xinis said the government cannot simply accuse him of being a member of the international gang without providing evidence to the court. Defendants cannot invoke the moniker of MS-13 as responsive to the Courts previous order  then object to follow-up interrogatories seeking the factual bases for the same, she wrote.

At some point after he was detained inside San Salvadors brutal Terrorism Confinement Center, which human rights groups have labeled a tropical gulag and concentration camp, Abrego Garcia was moved to Centro Industrial prison in Santa Ana. Administration officials told Judge Xinis that he has a room of his own with a bed and furniture and is not in a cell.
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Rep Jasmine Crockett has said she would absolutely go head-to-head against President Donald Trump in an IQ test.

Appeared on the late-night Jimmy Kimmel Live show, the Texas congresswoman addressed a string of insults from Trump, including that she had a low IQ.

He also called you low IQ  Im sure youre aware of that, Kimmel said on Tuesday night. Would you be willing to take an IQ test publicly, head-to-head against the president of the United States?

Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely! Crockett replied.

open image in gallery Rep. Jasmine Crockett says she will absolutely go head-to-head against Trump in an IQ test ( Jimmy Kimmel Live/YouTube )

The Democrat regularly rails against the Trump administration, often prompting fiery retaliation from MAGA loyalists and the president himself.

Shes a lowlife, and shes a very low-IQ person, Trump said in an attack against Crockett last month. I dont imagine the Democrats are going to have a person like that running their party.

On Wednesday, Crockett lashed out at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after he reportedly ordered a makeup studio be installed in the Pentagon.

Pete Hegseth is treating the Pentagon like its a Fox News setordering a makeup studio while leaking sensitive information in Signal chats, the Congresswoman wrote on X.

This is what happens when you put clout-chasers in charge of national security, she said.

Hegseth has adamantly denied the claims, arguing that the story is totally fake.

open image in gallery Crockett is an open critic of Marjorie Taylor Greene, with whom she regularly tears down in word spats on social media ( Getty Images )

During her appearance, Kimmel also raised Crocketts feud with MAGA loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene, asking whether she is still [considered by Crockett to be] the dumbest person in Congress, a claim that Crockett previously made.

Crockett said her feelings were unchanged, insisting that Greene is still winning at that role.

Trump has boasted about having a high IQ ever since his first term, claiming his score was much higher than his predecessors Barack Obama and George W Bush.

In April, he told reporters that as part of his annual physical, he took a cognitive test, insisting: I got every answer right.
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JD Vance has described it as pretty crazy that he was one of the last people to see Pope Francis alive before his death at the age of 88 on Monday.

The vice president was asked about his Vatican meeting with the late pontiff by reporters during his subsequent trip to India.

Yeah, you know, Ive thought a lot about that. I mean, its pretty crazy, actually, Vance replied. And obviously, when I saw him, I didnt know that he had less than 24 hours still on this earth.

He continued: I think it was a great blessing. But, you know, he saw a lot of people. I think he affected a lot of lives. And I try to just remember that I was lucky that I got to shake his hand and tell him that I pray for him every day because I did and I do.

Vances meeting with the Pope also spawned a slew of online jokes at his expense.

The Republicans papal audience took place during the first leg of his international trip, when he, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children stopped in Rome on their way to India.

Their visit coincided with Holy Week celebrations, and Vance met the Pope on Sunday to exchange Easter greetings.

The meeting occurred at about 11:30 a.m. and lasted for a few minutes at the pontiffs Vatican City residence, the Casa Santa Marta, shortly after he had delivered the traditional Easter blessing in St. Peters Square.

He had not been expected to appear in public, given his long illness from double pneumonia, and was seated in a wheelchair.

Pope Francis gifted the vice president a Vatican tie, large chocolate Easter eggs for his children, and rosaries for him and other family members.

I know youve not been feeling well, but its good to see you in better health, Vance said in a video clip of their meeting.

The following day, the Pope passed away, aged 88.

Pope Francis receives US vice president JD Vance at the Vatican on Sunday (Vatican Media via AP) ( AP )

Pope Francis criticized the Trump administration's mass deportation policies in a letter he wrote in February and appeared to single out Vance personally for his use of a theological concept to argue in favor of the plans. The vice president is a devout Catholic, having converted to Catholicism in 2019.

Vance also met with the Vaticans second-highest ranking official, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, at the Apostolic Palace.

A statement from the Vatican said: There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners.

It continued: Finally, hope was expressed for serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States, whose valuable service to the most vulnerable people was acknowledged.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend Pope Francis funeral this Saturday,
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The White House has lashed out at Jimmy Kimmel after the TV host ripped into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths handling of the second Signalgate scandal.

On Tuesday, Kimmel laid into Hegseth over reports he had again disclosed sensitive information about airstrikes in Yemen, this time in a Signal group chat that included his wife, brother and lawyer. In his monologue, the comedian accused Hegseth of being a leaker and branded his attempts to deflect criticism as bull****.

The White House has now hit back at Kimmels comments and defended the defense secretary.

open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmel criticized Pete Hegseth on his late night talk show ( Jimmy Kimmel Live/ABC/YouTube )

As President Trump has said, Jimmy Kimmel is talentless and suffers from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome, a White House spokesperson told The Independent.

Secretary Hegseth is doing a phenomenal job leading the Pentagon - restoring the warfighting ethos, boosting military recruitment, and ensuring the safety of the American people.

Trump Derangement Syndrome, or TDS, is a faux illness that is used by the president and his supporters to target his critics by claiming they are obsessed. Last month, a handful of Republican lawmakers sought to introduce a new bill that proposed classifying TDS as an actual mental illness.

open image in gallery The White House has leaped to defend Pete Hegseth, who denies any wrongdoing ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images )

Kimmel and Trump have a history of clashes, with the TV comedian a regular critic of the billionaire and the president not shy of hitting back.

The feud between the pair appeared to begin when Trump abruptly canceled an appearance on the comics Jimmy Kimmel Live show in 2015, according to Variety.

Donald Trump canceled on us last night. I dont know what happened. Were delighted, needless to say, the host declared in a radio broadcast. When Trump did eventually appear on Kimmels late show two months later the host teased him by saying that the Back to the Future screenwriter had based the villainous character of Biff on him.

Over the years the pair have continued to take potshots at each other, with Kimmel slamming many of Trumps policies and Trump giving withering verdicts on the comedians performances.

Last year, Trump wrote a damning Truth Social post on the comic, stating: Has there ever been a worse host than Jimmy Kimmel at the Oscars?

His opening was that of a less than average person trying too hard to be something which he is not, and never can be.
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One of the Republican Partys biggest donors in the last election cycle gave a harsh assessment of Donald Trumps efforts to reorganize the global trade order on Wedneday.

Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, donated more than $100m to Republican candidates and causes during the 2024 cycle, when the party protected a key majority in the House and took back control of the Senate. His efforts contributed to a second Trump administration where the president enjoys a dual-chamber majority, albeit a slim one.

But in a discussion at the Semafor World Economy Summit in Washington on Wednesday, the billionaire investor warned that Trumps on-again-off-again tariff strategy was eroding Americas brand as a reliable partner.

The United States was more than just a nation. Its a brand. Its a universal brand, whether its our culture, our financial strength, our military strength, Griffin said in comments reported by Fortune and CNN. And were eroding that brand right now.

open image in gallery Citadel CEO Ken Griffin spoke about Donald Trump's damage to America's brand on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at a Semafor event in Washington, D.C. ( Getty Images for Semafor )

If you think of your behavior as a consumer, how many times do you buy a product with a brand on it because you trust that brand? he continued. In the financial markets, no brand compares to the brand of the US Treasuries  the strength of the US dollar and the strength and creditworthiness of US Treasuries. No brand came close. We put that brand at risk.

Griffins comments come as the stock market has lost trillions in value in recent weeks while the US dollar sank to a three-year low. In his interview, he predicted that volatility in the US market would dissuade the crucial investments in American manufacturing that Trump is hoping to spur with his tariffs on all US imports to avert a price hike on American consumers. The Citadel chiefs opposition to tariffs predates Trumps second presidency and he was on the record last November saying that he was very anxious about Trumps willingness to levy them against US trade partners.

The White House is now battling recession indicators and predictions from economists of serious cuts to US economic growth. Layoffs have begun hitting the auto and tech industries, and last week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted a global slowdown of trade as a result of Trumps policies. Global tourism to the US is dropping. Administration officials have turned to insisting that numerous foreign countries, including China, are close to folding  but no major deals have yet emerged.

Even close US diplomatic partners including Canada are publicly turning away from America as the threats of a global trade war deepen. Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a March speech that the nations old relationship with the US is over and said that America was no longer a reliable partner.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has accused Americas closest trading partners of ripping the US off ( AP )

The CEOs point about Americas brand extending past economics comes as Europe, for the first time since the second World War, is seriously contemplating a future where the US military cannot be relied upon to defend western Europe from Russia.

Next month, the UK is set to host leaders from the European Union (EU) for a defense summit, the first of its kind since Brexit. On the issue of Ukraine, diplomatic overtures towards Russia appear to be making little progress as Kyiv remains a willing participant in a US-backed ceasefire process while Moscow delays and continues attacks on Ukrainian civilian centers.

Trump, on Thursday, was reduced to complaining that he was not happy about an overnight strike on Ukraines capital via his Truth Social platform, his promise to end the Ukraine-Russia war in 24 hours now in tatters and his administration yet to take a meaningful response to Russias slow-walking of peace talks.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem initially thought the person who stole her designer bag was her grandchild, according to a report.

Noem was dining with her family at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. over the weekend when her $4,000 Gucci handbag  containing $3,000 in cash, a Louis Vuitton wallet, her DHS access badge, apartment keys, passport, blank checks, and other personal items  was stolen. She initially thought the thief was her grandchild, a department spokesperson said.

She could feel this person as they snatched her bag, but thought they were her grandchildren playing until realizing a minute later that her bag was gone, Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, told the New York Times on Thursday.

The spokesperson then detailed just how the thief operated: Her bag was under her feet and the perpetrator hooked the bag with his foot and dragged it across the floor and put a coat over it and took it.

The incident transpired on Easter Sunday at The Capital Burger. Noems children and grandchildren were in town and she had planned on using the cash to treat her family to dinner, activities and Easter gifts, McLaughlin has said.

The incident sparked scrutiny over the Secret Services handling of the incident involving Noem, a Cabinet official who leads the department charged with handling the nations security. The Independent has reached out to the agency for comment.

Kristi Noem first thought the thief was her grandchild as she could feel the person as they snatched her bag, a DHS spokesperson said ( AFP/Getty )

At least two on-duty plainclothes members of the Secret Service were seated at the restaurant's bar, between where Noem was sitting and the front doors to the restaurant, when the incident occurred, a source told NBC News. The source also noted that the restaurant wasnt particularly busy.

She also has a round-the-clock security detail, a law enforcement official told the Times.

The Secret Service has now launched an investigation into the incident.

The agency has identified a white male suspect who was allegedly wearing a medical mask, CNN reported Monday.

This is a security breach that actually has high consequences, and it needs immediate and further review by the Secret Service and DHS, and other law enforcement partners, Jonathan Wackrow, a former Secret Service agent and a CNN law enforcement analyst, told the network earlier this week.

Concerns over the law enforcement agency aren't new. Over the summer, many, including members of Congress, questioned how a man could have opened fire in an attempt to assassinate then-Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump at one of his campaign rallies in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The Secret Service has become bureaucratic, complacent, and static even though risks have multiplied and technology has evolved, an independent panel wrote in a scathing report in October 2024.

The panel also found shortfalls that included numerous communications issues and failing to consider the unique risks that come with protecting someone like Trump, who generates strong emotions in many people, including supporters and detractors, the report said.
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The head of the NAACP has been disinvited from speaking at a Texas state bar event over the civil rights groups lawsuit challenging the Trump administrations dismantling of the Education Department.

Derrick Johnson, the president of one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country, was set to speak during the Texas State Bars annual meeting in June in San Antonio but said he was shocked his invitation to speak was taken away.

The State Bar of Texas cited new rules over speaking topics that the bar says could be deemed political.

They have decided to censure free speech on notions of being political when its not political, Johnson told the Associated Press. This is the State Bar of Texas. These are lawyers who are sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States. And nothing about our actions is contrary to the very principles that they have sworn to uphold. And so, I find it ironic to say the least that a lawsuit would generate a rescission of the invitation.

Johnson was set to speak on the Juneteenth holiday, which marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free.

open image in gallery President and CEO of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson, said he was shocked to learn that his invitation to speak at the event had been revoked. The State Bar of Texas said it was over new rules on speaking topics that could be deemed political. ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

At issue is a lawsuit the NAACP and other civil rights and education groups filed in March against President Donald Trumps executive order to dismantle the Education Department. The lawsuit argues the administrations cuts will hobble mandated functions like protecting students from discrimination or funding educational programs.

Trey Apffel, the executive director of the state bar, said his organization rescinded the speaking invitation because the NAACP's lawsuit violated state bar rules that call for it to be politically neutral. He said the bar had been unaware of the lawsuit until learning about it in the press.

The bar is required by law, including a November 2023 ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, to limit what information it can communicate to issues related to the practice of law. It is also mandated by the Texas Supreme Court, which has administrative control over the group, to stay clear of anything even having the perception of being political or ideological, Apffel said.

The bar views the NAACPs lawsuit as political because it is taking on the federal government on an executive order of the president, Apffel said.

Johnson said he disagrees with Apffels view of the lawsuit.

open image in gallery NAACPs suit against the Trump administration argues that cuts at the Department of Education will hobble mandated functions like protecting students from discrimination or funding educational programs. Johnson said he agreed not to make his speech political ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

It is a case questioning whether or not there is constitutional authority for the president to take a certain action. Thats not political. Thats the job of lawyers. That is the job of the NAACP, Johnson said.

During a phone call in February with Apffel and other state bar leaders, Johnson said, he was asked to not make his speech political in any way and he agreed.

In a letter sent to Apffel and the bar earlier Wednesday, Johnson said there was a glaring inconsistency in the groups decision to rescind his invitation but to allow former U.S. Attorney General William Barr to speak at the 2023 annual meeting.

The bar was criticized by some of its members for inviting Barr to speak, citing his actions during the first Trump administration, including authorizing federal prosecutors across the U.S. to pursue allegations of voting irregularities before the 2020 presidential election had been certified despite no evidence of widespread fraud.

Apffel said when Barr spoke in 2023 he was a former officeholder whose role as the attorney general and thoughts on legal matters, both pro- and anti-Trump, were relevant to a legal audience.
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President Donald Trump touted that the United States and China were at the negotiating table to reach a resolution to the trade war  but Beijing says thats not true.

Washington was actively having discussions with Beijing this week, and Trump said he planned to be very nice to reach a deal. He also called his 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods too high and vowed it would come down substantially. Two Chinese officials on Thursday contradicted the U.S. presidents claims.

He Yadong, Chinas Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, said Thursday: Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis.

Similarly, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said China is prepared to negotiate only under certain conditions. Chinas attitude is consistent and clear: if you want to fight, we will fight to the end, if you want to talk, the door is open, he said.

Yet Trump, when pressed to respond on Chinas denial, continued to claim there were talks taking place during a brief availability with reporters alongside Norways prime minister Thursday afternoon.

Well, they had a meeting this morning, so I can't tell you. It doesn't matter who they is. We may reveal it later, but they had meetings this morning, and we've been meeting with China, he said.

The U.S.s tariffs on China are the highest of any country, and the nation has reciprocated with 125 percent on American imports.

Beijing contradicts President Donald Trumps claims that China and the U.S. are actively in talks to put an end to the trade war ( AFP via Getty Images )

The Trump administration was considering dropping the levy to 50 percent, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Adding to the conflicting reports was Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who on Wednesday denied the report that the U.S. would slash the tariffs on China and understood that both sides are waiting to speak to the other.

Neither side believes that these are sustainable levels, he said. This is the equivalent of an embargo, and a break between the two countries in trade does not suit anyones interests.

Riding on the hope of a de-escalation in the trade war, the stock market rose Wednesday. However, stock futures tumbled on Thursday morning after investors heard some mixed messaging from Washington and Beijing.

Some experts believe that there will be some fluctuation in the markets until theres a more permanent solution to the tariff talk turbulence.

While its encouraging to hear a more dovish tone on tariffs from the administration, stocks remain range-bound for the time being, as the ultimate goal for markets is either a reversal of the tariffs or significant trade deals, Gaurav Mallik, chief investment officer of Massachusetts-based Pallas Capital Advisors, told CNBC Thursday. It can take a few months for corrections to end, and we still believe that this is a correction given the speed of the declines.
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Donald Trumps administration moved a Venezuelan immigrant living in Philadelphia to a Texas detention facility for possible removal from the United States despite a court order blocking his removal from Pennsylvania and the country.

On April 15, Trump-appointed District Judge Stephanie Haines blocked the government from moving a man named in court documents as A.S.R. from her western Pennsylvania judicial district.

But roughly 30 minutes after her order, a plane carrying the man took off for Texas, according to filings from the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents him.

A.S.R. is detained at Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, a state holding more than 12,000 people facing removal from the country.

Haines did not accuse the administration of violating her order, but A.S.R.s removal marks yet another instance of administration officials acting in apparent defiance of the federal judiciary to implement the presidents anti-immigrant agenda.

open image in gallery A Venezuelan immigrant was moved from Pennsylvania to the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas despite a judges order that blocked his removal from the state and the country ( REUTERS )

Reuters first reported the latest filings in A.S.R.s removal.

The government has tried to deport A.S.R. under the presidents use of the Alien Enemies Act, which the administration has used as legal justification to summarily deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang from the United States. He is believed to be among immigrants at a Texas facility where the government was allegedly preparing flights to deport alien enemies.

On April 19, the Supreme Court blocked those removals.

In his proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act for only the fourth time in U.S. history, Trump stated that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of [Tren de Aragua], are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies.

The administration has admitted in court filings that many of the people sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act did not have criminal records, and attorneys and family members say their clients and relatives  some of whom were in the country with legal permission and have upcoming court hearings on their asylum claims  have nothing to do with Tren de Aragua.

On April 7, a divided Supreme Court agreed to lift a judges order that temporarily blocked the presidents use of the wartime law to swiftly deport people from the country, but justices said immigrants marked for removal are still entitled the ability to challenge their removal in front of a judge in the jurisdiction where they are jailed.

Following that ruling, lawsuits challenging immigrants deportations under the Alien Enemies Act have been filed across the country. Federal judges in Manhattan, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Texas have all issued similar rulings that temporarily block immigrants removal from the country or their district while their legal challenges play out.

But attorneys argue the administration has tried to get around those court orders by moving immigrants to the detention center in a northern Texas judicial district they believe would be more favorable to Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act.

open image in gallery Federal judges across the country are temporarily blocking summary deportations under the Alien Enemies Act after the Supreme Court determined that legal challenges to removals under the wartime law must play out within the jurisdictions where immigrants are detained ( US ARMY/AFP via Getty Images )

On April 17, Texas District Judge Wesley Hendrix declined to block Alien Enemies Act removals from his district. The following day, at least 28 immigrants were loaded onto buses headed to an airport within that district, according to the ACLU.

Those buses reportedly turned around after the Supreme Court blocked the government from removing targeted immigrants in Texas until further order of this court.

What the government was doing was finding Venezuelan men, rounding them up and shipping them to the Northern District of Texas, ACLU lawyer Tim Macdonald said during a recent federal court hearing in Colorado.

A.S.R. entered the United States in November 2023 with his wife, child and two stepchildren, according to his attorney. He has been working in construction in Philadelphia since December.

He was arrested on February 26. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers reportedly told him that a neighbor labeled him a Tren de Aragua member, A.S.R.s attorney wrote in court filings.

Government lawyers have argued that A.S.R. was already in the process of being moved from Pennsylvania and Texas before Judge Hainess ruling and before A.S.R.s attorneys filed a petition with the court.

Our purpose here in this discussion is not to say that the government purposely avoided your courts jurisdiction, but just to get to the bottom of it, ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt told the court this month.
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The leader of President Donald Trumps White House Faith Office said Wednesday that she willingly submits to her husband, whom she dubbed the head of her household.

God has an order, Paula White-Cain told right-wing media outlet Real Americas Voice as she described her vision of the divinely dictated relationship between men and women.

Look, the head of my household is my husband, Jonathan Cain, period, she emphasized.

If theres ever a time that a decision has to be made and we dont agree on something, hes the head, she added, going on to say its not hard to submit to her husband.

White-Cain, who has been divorced twice, got her start as a televangelist. She also served as Trumps spiritual adviser and helped lead his Evangelical advisory board during his first presidency.

Trump established the Faith Office, which White-Cain now leads, via executive order on February 7. That same month, he established the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Televangelist Paula White-Cain (pictured) said its 'not hard to submit' to her husband and he is the 'head' of their household ( AFP via Getty Images )

The task force held its first meeting this week, discussing how many were unfairly targeted by the Biden Administration for their religious beliefs," according to the Justice Department.

The Department of Veterans Affairs similarly launched its own task force, ordering staff to report colleagues for instances of "anti-Christian bias," Newsweek reports.

"The VA Task Force now requests all VA employees to submit any instance of anti-Christian discrimination to Anti-ChristianBiasReporting.@va.gov," the email read. "Submissions should include sufficient identifiers such as names, dates, and locations."

Meanwhile, White-Cain claimed last year that Trump asked her for Gods opinion on his decision to run for president, recalling that Trump told her he wanted to run for president in 2011 because he didnt like the way this country is going.

I told him what I thought, she said. And then he turned around, and he said, Well, what does God say?

White-Cain said she prayed with dozens of her friends before delivering an answer to Trump: I said, Sir  youre going to be president one day.

She went on to warn Trump about taking on the presidency: I hate the price that youre going to pay, she recalled telling him.
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Donald Trumps honeymoon period is over  if it ever existed at all.

The presidents often disjointed efforts aimed at reorganizing the architecture of global trade coupled with furious (and growing) opposition to the rollout of his mass deportation strategy have left him in a tight spot. With the House and Senate still just around the halfway point in the months-long budget reconciliation process and yet to cast a final vote on a bill that may need his political capital to get over the finish line, Trump is bleeding support from voters on several fronts.

Its a rough spot to be in, given the GOPs ultra-slim majorities in the House and Senate and the continued likelihood that the Republican Party will have to reckon with a fight over Medicaid in the weeks ahead.

A slew of new approval polling this week finds the president underwater with voters in terms of his overall job performance and popularity of his efforts to address individual issues, including immigration  the area where hes longest held an advantage over Democratic opponents.

In a Reuters/Ipsos poll published Wednesday, nearly two thirds of Americans said uncontrolled migration was an issue of concern for them. Yet the share of respondents who approved of Trumps actions was just 45 percent, lower than the 46 percent opposed to them. The rest were undecided. For context: the president enjoyed a double-digit advantage on this issue in Reuters polling taken over the final two weeks of the election.

His drop is largely thanks to the bizarre fight his administration continues to pick over Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran man whom the federal government deported despite a judges ruling that he could not return to El Salvador due to credible fears for his safety. Various administration officials have been unable to keep their explanations straight with each other or the Justice Departments own court filings, while El Salvadors president, eager for Trumps approval, falsely accused Abrego Garcia of terrorist offenses. Hes never been charged with a crime.

open image in gallery Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House as he continues a trade dispute with numerous foreign countries and implements a mass deportation program ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The administrations very public inability or refusal to acknowledge its own mistakes comes as media reports have detailed the consecutive failures of the Department of Homeland Security to adhere to Trumps campaign promise to target violent criminals. The White House has publicly flouted a Supreme Court order requiring the US to facilitate Abrego Garcias retrieval.

A YouGov poll released Wednesday found that 50 percent of American adults believe that Abrego Garcia should be returned home, in line with a Supreme Court ruling ordering that the administration facilitate his retrieval. The share of Americans who took the White Houses position was just six percentage points higher than the share who had no opinion.

Meanwhile, a DDHQ/The Hill poll put out on Thursday indicates that Trumps overall approval has dropped from above 50 percent in January to 44.7 percent today.

And in case after case, Trump officials have turned to bluster and disinformation rather than acknowledging errors or handing it to their critics.

open image in gallery The presidents attorney general, Pam Bondi, stormed off from a press briefing after being pressed on the stat that the clear majority of Venezuelan deportees to El Salvador did not have criminal records

Speaking of bluster: Trumps trade agenda has caused his popularity to erode as well. On economic issues, the president is seeing the same drop in support even as a shaky stock market mounts a recovery. Economists are warning of a wave of capital flight and impending recession resulting from the on-again-off-again reciprocal tariff announcements, as well as the 10 percent duties the US slapped on all imports.

Trump has dropped 5 percentage points on this issue since January in the Reuters/Ipsos poll, and he now hovers just a few points above where Joe Biden was at the end of December 2024.

The incumbent president, who unveiled a Trump 28 hat in his campaign merchandise store on Thursday, is legally barred from running for president himself again. Barring an extraordinary attempt to subvert the Constitution, he has no more campaigns to worry about winning.

But the same cant be said for the Republicans he will need on his side to see his legislative agenda through Congress this year. Its looking less and less likely that the administration will have the opportunity to see Elon Musks DOGE cuts codified into law.

If Trumps polling trends continue, his second term may end up being an example of a presidency fueled by policy-through-executive-order, with the president having failed to achieve anything meaningful through Congress.
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President Donald Trump on Thursday said Russias failure to forcibly seize and occupy the entirety of Ukraines territory amounts to a pretty big concession to Kyiv as he continues to push for Russia and Ukraine to come to a settlement to end the war Moscow started three years ago.

Speaking in the Oval Office during a bilateral meeting with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Stre, Trump insisted to reporters that he is putting pressure on Russian president Vladimir Putin behind the scenes as reporters asked him what he would ask the Russian leader to give up to match the massive territorial concessions he has asked Ukraine to make as a way to find an end to Europes bloodiest conflict since the end of the Second World War.

Trump replied: Stopping the war, stopping [from] taking the whole country.

He added that not seizing all of Ukraines sovereign land  the goal Putin had laid out when he launched the war in February 2022 and which was foiled by Ukraines military resistance  was a pretty big concession in his view.

Trump insists he is 'putting pressure on Putin behind scenes amid claims his Ukraine peace plan favors Russia

Trumps bizarre and nonsensical comment glossed over the fact that Putin had always wanted to occupy and control Ukraines land and erase it from the map as an independent nation, thereby reassembling a large portion of the former Soviet Union and Russian empire. The reason Russia has not succeeded in that aim isnt because Moscow has magnanimously declined to carry out an occupation, but because Ukrainian forces have kept Russian troops from advancing through most of the country.

Asked whether his administration was putting any pressure on Russia to accept the terms of a proposed peace deal, as it has been very publicly on Ukraine, Trump replied: Im putting a lot of pressure. You dont know what pressure Im putting. Theyre dealing. You have no idea what pressure Im putting on Russia. Were putting a lot of pressure ... and Russia knows that and some people who are close to it know or he wouldnt be talking right now.

His claim that not ending Ukraines existence as a free nation was a generous concession came just hours after he issued a rare and pointed criticism of Putin in response to Moscow unleashing the deadliest airstrike on Kyiv since last year, killing at least 12 people.

In a Thursday post on his Truth Social website, Trump said he was not happy with the Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital, which came less than 24 hours after he baselessly accused Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyof starting and working to prolong the war that began in 2022 when Putin ordered Russian forces to invade Ukraine.

The strike was described by the Ukrainian defense ministry as massive and consisting of attacks by cruise missiles, drones, [and] ballistic weapons in what the ministry called yet another strike on peaceful cities and Ukrainian homes. Zelensky, who was traveling in South Africa when the attack hit, said it was extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening in his country.

Trump called the Russian attack on Ukraines capital not necessary and slammed the very bad timing of the attack, which Ukrainian officials say left at least 90 people  including six children  injured.

He then exhorted the Russian leader to halt the attacks and get to the negotiating table, writing: Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

While greeting the visiting prime minister of Norway at the White House on Thursday afternoon, the president was asked whether he believes Putin will heed his call to stop attacking Ukraine. Trump replied, I do.

Trump later told reporters that he believes both Putin and Zelensky want peace, but they have to get to the table.

Theres a lot of hatred, theres a lot of very bad blood. A lot of stress, but I think were going to  I hope were going to get there  for the sake of a lot of young people that are dying, he said.

open image in gallery Trump insisted he was putting pressure on Russia, while citing Putins failure to conquer the whole of Ukraine as an example of a concession by the Russian president ( AFP via Getty Images )

When asked how long it would take for a peace deal to be completed, Trump replied that he had set his own deadline for talks.

We want it to be fast ... and I think everybody ... in NATO, they want to see this thing happen. So we have a deadline, and after that were going to have a very much different attitude. But I think theres a very good chance of getting done, he said.

Trump was asked about his decision to address Putin so directly in his Truth Social post and whether it was an indicator of growing frustration with the Russian leader. He replied: I didnt like last night. I wasnt happy with it, and were in the midst of talking peace and missiles were fired ... I was not happy with it.

Pressed on whether hed consider additional sanctions against Moscow, Trump did not explicitly rule it out but said he wanted to take a bit more time for a peace deal to be struck.

Id rather answer that question in a week. I want to see if we can have a deal, he said before adding that he wont be happy and things will happen if there isnt an accord by that time.

Trump on Ukraine-Russia peace deal: I have my own deadline, I want it to be fast

The presidents extremely rare criticism of Russia marks a head-spinning reversal from what he was saying less than a day ago when he appeared to have fully adopted Moscows position on at least one outcome of the war: The status of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula.

Russian forces illegally seized the Ukrainian territory in 2014 and up until now the American government had steadfastly refused to even consider recognizing Russias unlawful annexation.

But Trump, who appeared upset about Zelensky refusing to recognize Russias theft of his countrys territory as part of a Trump-brokered peace deal where Russia would end the war in exchange for having their wartime gains legitimized, said Crimea was lost years ago to Ukraine and said it was not even a point of discussion in a separate Truth Social post.

Trump also taunted Zelensky in the same post, writing that Zelensky had no cards to play and accusing him of making it so difficult to settle this war.

He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire  He can have Peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country, he said.

open image in gallery Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE! Trump wrote on Truth Social after the attack ( AP )

Trump, who has had a rocky history with Zelensky dating back to his attempt to blackmail the Ukrainian leader into announcing sham investigations into then-former vice president Joe Biden and his son ahead of the 2020 presidential election, has repeatedly  and falsely  accused Zelensky of having started the war while pressuring him to make broad concessions and asking nothing of the sort from Putin.

He, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have threatened to walk away from efforts to broker a settlement between Moscow and Kyiv over what they describe as Zelenskys intransigence, even though it is Russia that has repeatedly broken previously announced ceasefire agreements.

The presidents criticism of Putin comes just a day after British, American and European officials met in London for what were described as substantive technical discussions as Vance again suggested that the U.S. would abandon the process unless Kyiv agreed to massive territorial concessions of a scope not seen since the 1938 Munich agreement that legitimized Nazi Germanys annexation of part of what was then Czechoslovakia.

Rubio, who had been set to attend the London talks, backed out and left the task of attendance to Trumps special envoy for Ukraine, retired U.S. Army general Keith Kellogg.

Yet at the same time, Trumps longtime friend and fellow real estate developer turned special presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to meet with Putin in Moscow this week.

According to Bloomberg News, Witkoff is understood to be conveying notice of conditions that Russia would have to adhere to in any peace settlement.

Those conditions include Moscows acceptance of Ukraines sovereign right to maintain an army and an independent defense industry  a rejection of Putins oft-repeated demand for Ukrainian demilitarization  and for Russia to turn over control of Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the United States so it can be used to generate electricity for both Russian and Ukrainian energy grids.

Witkoff is also expected to state that Washington wants Moscow to allow Ukrainian access to the Dnieper River and hand back control of occupied territory in Kharkiv.
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The Trump administration appears to be softening its rhetoric towards China after Washington and Beijing rapidly escalated a trade war in the past few weeks.

Donald Trump said this week they were working on a deal and tariffs would come down, while U.S. treasury secretary Scott Bessent said there was an opportunity for a big deal here as the countries prepare to start negotiations.

The U.S. has raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 per cent and threatened tariffs of up to 245 per cent, while China has lifted tariffs on U.S. goods to 125 in retaliation.

Despite the slight change in tone from the White House, China says it will not be bullied into a deal.

Here are some of the key reasons Beijing has less reason than the U.S. to back down first.

open image in gallery Chinas president Xi Jinping

China can take the pain in ways the U.S. cannot

Not being a democracy works in Chinas favour here. It means Chinese President Xi Jinping does not have to worry about public sentiment over economic turmoil as much as Trump does, so he can wear a higher economic pain in the short term to wait the U.S. out.

Chinas economy grew by 5.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same quarter last year, according to the most recent data from Beijing, while at the end of last year economic growth in the U.S. was less than half that, growing at an annual rate of 2.4 per cent.

That means that very broadly speaking, Chinas economy has more capacity to take an economic shock such as higher tariffs than the U.S. economy does, before it starts to get into real trouble.

Xi can also play a longer game, as he doesnt have mid-term elections in 2026, as Trump does, that could undermine his leadership. Even beyond that, the US faces a new administration at the end of Trumps current term, which could bring a whole new set of economic and trade policies and reignite trade turmoil.

Trade war gives China more opportunities elsewhere

All this turmoil and instability from the U.S. has given Xi the opportunity to present China as the stable, sensible alternative in global trade relationships.

Xi has long worked to strengthen Chinas soft power influence through its belt and road program through the Global South, but relationships with Western countries have not always been smooth - its trade war with Australia completely ended after a long wind-down late last year.

And the Chinese government has been at pains since the trade war began to emphasize it supports a multilateral trading system and opposes economic bullying.

Xi spent last week visiting Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam - all countries expected to be hit hard if the full reciprocal tariffs are introduced - to discuss strengthening trade ties.

open image in gallery Xi is working to create better trade relationships with other countries ( AP )

China already relies less on the U.S.

Since its last trade war with the U.S. in Trumps first term, Xi has expanded trade relations with other countries to reduce its reliance on American goods.

Soy has been one of Americas largest agricultural exports to China, but Beijing has been working to increase its own production of soy and increase its imports from Brazil to reduce reliance on the U.S. - in fact in between March 2024 and February 2025, Brazil was the top exporter of soy to China, according to to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.

Brazils soy exports to China were worth $35.6 billion in 2024, compared to U.S. exports which were worth roughly a third of that ($12.1 billion).

Soy is just one example, but Xis recent visit to South-East Asia shows the country is working to diversify even further.

open image in gallery China has already reduced its reliance on the US in some areas ( AFP/Getty )

China hold the global upper hand on critical minerals

Beijing also holds a major card: it is the world's largest producer of critical minerals, which are vital components in the technology used to make everything from mobile phones to computers to batteries and fighter jets.

China mines more than half of the world's rare earths, but importantly, it processes about 90 per cent of them. China knows that building the capacity to process these rare earths - which can be a dirty, toxic process - takes time, and it can bank on being the global supplier for some time yet.

That gives China significant power to control the global price of critical minerals, but it can also turn off the tap - which it did earlier this month, according to the New York Times, suspending exports on a wide variety of critical minerals to the US.

It means components essential to car manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors will be difficult to get, and U.S. companies will want the Trump administration to reach a deal soon to regain access to those much-needed materials.
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Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church will now elect its new leader, in a process virtually unchanged in 800 years.

The system is known as the Papal Conclave, and is a democratic process with a strong emphasis on working through multiple rounds of voting until a clear consensus emerges.

Under the current rules, only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to cast a vote.

Officially candidates for pope need only be male and Catholic, although in reality Pontiffs have only ever been chosen from the ranks of cardinals for centuries.

Theres no age limit on who can become pope, but Francis was 76 when he took up the position, and held it until his death, aged 88.

Benedict before him was 78, and was pope for only eight years before his surprise retirement aged 85.

When will the Conclave begin?

The popes funeral took place on Saturday, 26 April, starting nine official days of mourning called the novemdiales, which ended on May 5.

According to Vatican rules, the process of electing a new pope should begin between 15 and 20 days after the pontiffs death. The Vatican confirmed the conclave will begin on Wednesday, May 7.

It is the camerlengo, a cardinal selected by the pope, who is tasked with organising the Conclave election process.

open image in gallery Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell is the camerlengo, a cardinal who is tasked with organising the Conclave ( Vatican Media )

The current camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-born American Catholic prelate who has held the position since 2019.

His other responsibilities include sealing the door to the popes study and bedroom with a traditional red ribbon.

How does Conclave work?

To begin the Conclave process, there is a special morning mass, after which the 135 cardinals of voting age would gather inside the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel  home of all the Papal Conclaves since 1858.

New rules for the election of a pope were introduced in 1996 under Pope John Paul II, and the process has largely remained unchanged since then. After the death of a pope, cardinals hold a series of meetings called general congregations to discuss the future of the Church.

open image in gallery 133 cardinals will join the conclave ( Getty )

While all 252 cardinals can participate in these meetings, only 133 are under the age of 80 and have been well enough to travel to participate in the Conclave.

After the cardinals have gathered, the shout extra omnes (everybody out) rings out and the cardinals  who are sworn to an oath of secrecy  will be locked inside the Conclave until they can choose a successor.

There is no guarantee that the first round of voting will be revealed the same day. Through a mixture of speeches, prayer, reflection  and intense political jostling  cardinals whittle down candidates through successive rounds of voting.

The cardinals themselves sit on both sides of the Sistine Chapel.

open image in gallery The Sistine Chapel, set up for the Papal Conclave ( VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag )

The names of nine cardinals are chosen at random to officiate and organise the vote. Three become Scrutineers, whose job it is to oversee the vote. Three more collect the votes and three more revise them.

A pope is only elected when a single candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Sometimes popes are chosen quickly, when a strong candidate emerges. However, from the 34th ballot onwards, the Conclave only votes between the two front runners who gained the most votes in the previous round.

The longest Papal Conclave, in the late thirteenth century, lasted the best part of three years thanks to massive political infighting. Three voting cardinals died during the process.

The ballot itself is secret and was introduced on 1621 by Gregory XV to try and avoid overt politicking, but the Conclave is inevitably a hotbed of competing factions who wish to see their man come out on top.

open image in gallery Firefighters place the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, which will be used to signal that a new pope has been elected ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

During each ballot, cardinals write the name of their choice, ideally in distorted handwriting to disguise their identity.

The ballot papers are then burned in a small fire inside the Sistine Chapel. The black smoke which is produced by the fire tells the crowds waiting outside that a new pope is yet to be chosen.

When one candidate has finally won two-thirds of the vote a new pope is elected. The Cardinal Dean then calls the candidate to the front of the chapel and asks whether they are willing to accept. If the answer is yes, the new Pope is then asked to choose his new Papal name.

Although the pope is seen as the successor of St Peter, none have chosen Peter for their Papal name, partly to avoid comparisons to the founder of the Roman Catholic Church and partly because of an ancient prophecy that a new pope called Peter will precede the end of the world.

open image in gallery The "Room of Tears", a small room next to the Sistine Chapel, with the vestments of the next Pope displayed in three different sizes ( VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Imag )

With a pope now duly elected the ballot papers are burned once more with an additive placed in the fire that turns the smoke white, informing the world that a new Pontiff has been chosen.

In the weeks leading up to the Conclave, Vatican tailors get to work on creating three Papal robes in small, medium and large. The new pope is led into the Room of Tears adjacent to the Sistine Chapel where he dons his new white robes and red slippers.

The pope is then presented to the crowds who have gathered in the Vatican from the main balcony of St Peters Basilica with the famous words: Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam! (I announce to you with great joy we have a pope.)
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Crimea, a peninsula jutting into the Black Sea, has become the focal point of escalating tensions between Russia and the West, sparking a fresh dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The disagreement centres on the status of Crimea, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014, an action that triggered the worst East-West standoff since the Cold War.

Mr Trump pressed Mr Zelensky to acknowledge Russia's claim to Crimea as part of a US-brokered peace agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

However, Mr Zelensky has remained steadfast, asserting that Ukraine will never relinquish control of the peninsula.

Crimea's historical ties to Russia date back to the 18th century when Catherine the Great incorporated it into the Russian Empire, along with a significant portion of ethnic Ukrainian territory. Shortly after, Russia established its Black Sea naval base at Sevastopol, solidifying its strategic presence in the region.

The peninsula's strategic importance has led to repeated conflicts, most notably the Crimean War of 1853-56. This devastating conflict, which claimed over half a million lives, pitted Russia against the Ottoman Empire, supported by Britain and France. The war's repercussions reshaped the political landscape of Europe and laid the groundwork for World War I.

open image in gallery Russian soldiers guard a pier where two Ukrainian naval vessels are moored, in Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula ( AP )

In 1921, the peninsula, then populated mainly by Muslim Tatars, became part of the Soviet Union. The Tatars were deported en masse by Soviet leader Josef Stalin at the end of World War II for alleged collaboration with the Nazis.

Crimea became part of Russia within the Soviet Union until 1954, when it was handed to Ukraine, also then a Soviet Republic, by Stalin's successor Nikita Khrushchev, a Ukrainian.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, there were periodic political tussles over its status between Moscow and Kyiv before Russia captured Crimea by force in 2014.

Russian seizure of Crimea

Russia sent forces into Crimea and seized control of the peninsula after Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted during mass protests in February 2014.

open image in gallery Crimea is a major port on the Black Sea ( Getty/iStock )

After Crimea voted in a disputed referendum to become part of Russia, Russia formally annexed Crimea on March 18, 2014, with Mr Putin saying Crimea has always been and remains an inseparable part of Russia.

The United Nations General Assembly, the United States and many other countries condemned the annexation, and the US and the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia over its moves.

Few countries have recognised Crimea as part of the Russian Federation but the Kremlin has said the question has been closed "forever".

What has Mr Zelensky said about Crimea?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out ceding territory occupied by Russian forces and has said Ukrainian sovereignty of Crimea must be restored through diplomacy.

open image in gallery A Russian military landing ship sails near Kerch, Crimea ( AP )

Military significance of Crimea

Russia's Black Sea base in Sevastopol, which was leased from Ukraine, gives Moscow access to the Mediterranean.

Russia has frequently used Crimea as a launchpad for missile and drone attacks on Ukraine since sending tens of thousands of troops into the country on February 24, 2022 in what Mr Putin calls a "special military operation". Ukrainian forces have also fired missiles at Crimea since Russia's 2022 invasion.

After its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia enforced a de facto blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports which severely restricted grain exports that had been vital to Kyiv's pre-war economy. This resulted in a rise in world food prices and the threat of famine in lower-income countries.

A deal known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative was reached in July 2022 to allow safe passage from certain ports but it later collapsed.

open image in gallery A freight train runs on the Crimean Bridge connecting the Russian mainland and Crimean peninsula over the Kerch Strait ( AP )

The geography of Crimea

The mountainous peninsula is attached to the rest of Ukraine by a narrow strip of land in the north. To the east, it is separated from Russia by the narrow Kerch Strait. A bridge built by Russia across the strait has been damaged during the war.

With an area of 27,000 sq km (10,000 sq miles), Crimea is slightly smaller than Belgium, with the city of Simferopol as its capital.

Population

The pre-war population was around 2 million.

Ukraine's 2001 census showed around 58 per cent were ethnic Russian, 24 per cent ethnic Ukrainian and 12 per cent Tatars.

open image in gallery Youths mark the ninth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine with a banner reading, Russia doesn't start wars, it ends them ( AP )

Economy

Crimea's temperate climate made it a popular tourist destination for Ukrainians and Russians before the Russia-Ukraine war, especially Yalta, where the Soviet, US and British victors of World War Two met in 1945 to discuss the future shape of Europe.

Before the 2022 invasion, it accounted for 3 per cent of Ukraine's gross domestic product. Wheat, corn and sunflowers are the main crops.

Crimea has chemical processing plants and iron ore is mined in Kerch in eastern Crimea. Ukraine has two grain terminals in Crimea, in Kerch and in Sevastopol.
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Greece will deploy a record number of firefighters this year in anticipation of "bad scenarios" ahead, its climate crisis minister said on Thursday, after a succession of destructive wildfires.

Weather across the globe has become more erratic and extreme due to the impact of climate change and 2024 was the hottest year on record, the World Meteorological Organization has said.

In Greece, summers have become increasingly hot and dry, with rapidly changing winds fueling more destructive wildfires that are difficult to tame. Last August, during Greece's hottest summer on record, a woman died and 10,000 hectares of land were burnt in a wildfire that barrelled from a forest into Athens' northern suburbs.

Some 18,000 firefighters will be available this year, which is the highest number on record, assisted by thousands of volunteers, Civil Protection and Climate Crisis Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said.

"We shouldn't be fooled by the fact that climate conditions this year have seemed to be a little milder than in previous years," he said. "The bad scenarios lie ahead."

open image in gallery A wildfire approaches the village of Kallithea as fanned by strong winds raged uncontrolled despite the attempts of hundreds of firefighters to stop it, some 149 kilometers (93 miles) west of Athens, Greece, in the region of Corinthia, late Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo) ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Kefalogiannis made his comments during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss preparedness ahead of the official wildfire season, which begins on May 1.

In a major shift in its long-standing firefighting tactics, Greece last year decided to start dispatching aerial and ground forces in the first critical hours after a fire breaks out and also to step up patrols, measures which have helped to contain damage to land and property.

The Mediterranean country has also earmarked some 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) to buy new aircraft, meteorological stations and drones to improve its capabilities against wildfires and other natural disasters.

Some 80 drones with thermal cameras - nearly double last year's number - will be available this year, said Kefalogiannis, a move that aims to accelerate the detection of wildfires.
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Vatican City will host the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, a ceremony expected to draw global attention.

More than 22,000 mourners have already paid their respects to the 88-year-old former pontiff, whose body lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica until Friday.

Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, was often referred to as the "people's pope" for his advocacy for the poor and marginalised, and his rejection of many traditional papal luxuries.

The funeral will mark the first such ceremony for an incumbent pope since the passing of John Paul II in 2005, which was extensively covered by major news outlets including ITV, Sky News, and the BBC.

Similar coverage is anticipated for Francis's funeral. Here is a rundown to what is happening and how to watch the Popes funeral.

What time will the funeral begin?

Pope Franciss funeral will take place in Rome on Saturday (James Manning/PA) ( PA Wire )

The service in St Peters Square is set to begin at 9am UK time on Saturday (April 26). Pope Francis will be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.

The Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend the funeral, as well as other world leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Who is covering the service?

On BBC One, newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti will present the broadcasters coverage, with a BBC News special beginning at 8.30am on Saturday and scheduled to continue until 12.30pm.

Sky News presenter Anna Botting will host a live from Rome, with commentary from the former governor of Edinburgh Castle, Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich.

The broadcast begins at 7am and will last until 1pm, with Sky News Europe correspondent Adam Parsons live from St Peters Square, and specialist correspondent Lisa Holland broadcasting from the Via della Conciliazione, the main boulevard leading to the square.

The Vaticans YouTube channel will broadcast the funeral for the faithful around the world.

It is currently airing live footage of mourners paying tribute at the basilica.

ITV said it will have a live stream on its online platform ITVX during the day.
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For the first time in history, an American has been elected as Pope.

The idea of an American pope has often been dismissed, even by theologians in the United States in the run-up to this weeks conclave. So few expected Robert Prevost to walk out onto the balcony at the Vatican as the new head of the Catholic Church.

And yet, on Thursday the Chicago-born cardinal-bishop, known by friends as Bob, made history after becoming the 267th pope  the first time in the Churchs 2,000-year history that an American has been appointed to lead it.

Prevost  who has joint Peruvian citizenship and spent years living and working in the South American country  has chosen to be known as Leo XIV. As Bishop of Chicago, the 69-year-old pontiff once oversaw the largest Archdiocese in North America.

open image in gallery Robert Prevost, from Chicago, Illinois, has become the 267th pope, the first time in 2,000 years that an American has been appointed to lead the Catholic Church ( Reuters )

Prior to his election, many observers had questioned him as a candidate, due to his relatively young age and inexperience. Some speculated that cardinals would also wish to select a European, following 12 years of tenure by Pope Francis  an Argentinian  and considered it unlikely a pontiff would emerge from the U.S.

The Reverend James Bretzke, a theology professor at John Carroll University in Ohio, told USA Today this week that a diplomat was required to replace Pope Francis, adding: Americas image in the world simply is too powerful  and to be blunt, ugly.

Vatican insiders had described Prevost as a dark horse candidate who quietly rose to prominence in the days just before the conclave, having been made a cardinal-bishop in February this year. In terms of leading the Catholic Church, he has been described as a dignified middle of the road leader, compared with Francis, who was considered a progressive pontiff, and more conservative alternatives.

Significantly, he presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms Francis made, when he added three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope.

open image in gallery Prior to his election, many observers had questioned him as a candidate, due to his relatively young age and inexperience. Some speculated that cardinals would also wish to select a European, following 12 years of tenure by Pope Francis  an Argentinian ( AP )

In early 2025, Francis again demonstrated his esteem by appointing Prevost to the most senior rank of cardinals.

He has championed the importance of on-the-ground work. In a 2023 interview with Vatican News, he said: One must not give in to the temptation to live isolated, separated in a palace, satisfied with a certain social level or a certain level within the church.

He added: The authority we have is to serve, to accompany priests, to be pastors and teachers.

However, Prevost has also expressed less progressive stances, including more negative views of the LGBT community.

According to The New York Times, in an address to bishops in 2012, Prevost bemoaned the fact that western media fostered sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel, pointing to the homosexual lifestyle and alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.

While in South America, he told local media that the promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that dont exist.

He has also been criticized by survivors of child abuse.

open image in gallery Prevost, who holds both American and Peruvian citizenship, previously served as prefect of the Vaticans Dicastery for Bishops, which handles various administrative and pastoral responsibilities of the Holy See, including the vetting nominations for bishops around the world ( AP )

In 1999, Prevost was elected provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians. A year into the role, he allowed Father James Ray, a priest then accused of abusing minors whose ministry had been restricted since 1991, to reside at the Augustinians' St. John Stone Friary in Chicago in 2000, despite its proximity to a Catholic elementary school.

When Prevost was Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, three victims reported to civil authorities in 2022 after there was no movement on their canonical case filed through the diocese, according to the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP).

Victims have since claimed Prevost failed to open an investigation, sent inadequate information to Rome, and that the diocese allowed the priest to continue saying mass, attaching photos of the priest saying mass after their complaint to their letter. SNAP filed a complaint against Prevost on March 25, 2025.

Prior to his ascension to Holy Father, Prevost served as prefect of the Vaticans Dicastery for Bishops, which handles various administrative and pastoral responsibilities of the Holy See, including vetting nominations for bishops around the world. Prevost was initially appointed a member of the Dicastery in 2020 before later becoming its head.

He also served as the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, where nearly 40 percent of the world's Catholics reside.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, Prevost grew up in the citys south suburbs, where he lived in Dolton with his parents and two brothers.

Reports claimed he was a fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. The record, however, was set straight on Thursday  at least by his brother, who confirmed he had always been a White Sox fan.

open image in gallery Onlookers wave American flags following the announcement that Chicago-born Prevost had been elected as the new pope ( REUTERS )

Growing up, a steady stream of priests passed through his family home, and the youngster reportedly had a positive experience of parish life, serving as an altar boy and attending school in the St. Mary of the Assumption parish on the far South Side.

Former classmates shared how, even as a boy, he was destined to become pope.

It was pretty apparent back then that was going to be his route, former classmate John Doughney told the Chicago Sun-Times, speaking before Prevost was elected.

For him, I think it was a true calling, Doughney said. And, even as a young teenager, he knew what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go.

Others recalled a sense of humor in class.

He was kind of a little trickster, too, Joseph Merigold, who used to sit near Prevost in class, said. Used to poke me in the back of the head with a pencil all the time because I was a kidder. So he definitely had a sense of humor that a lot of people wouldnt know because he wasnt really that outgoing.

Merigold added that Prevost was the smartest person in the class and was in the No.1 seat, indicating his classroom performance.

Prevost was remembered as a good singer from the choir who cared about people and looked for the good in things, according to Marianne Angarola, who also grew up in Dolton and went to school with him.

He was the pride and joy of every priest and nun in that school, Angarola told The Chicago Tribune. Everybody knew he was special.

open image in gallery Prevost leads the recitation of the Holy Rosary for Pope Francis' health in St Peter's Square prior to the last Popes death ( AP )

Prevost was sent to study canon law at the Angelicum in Rome and was ordained as a priest in the city in 1982. After completing his studies, he was invited to work in the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas, in northwestern Peru, which held strong connections with the U.S. Augustinians.

In 1999, he was elected provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians, and two years later, in 2001, he was elected prior general of the worldwide Augustinian order, a post he held for two six-year terms.

In 2014, he returned to northwestern Peru, after Francis named him apostolic administrator of the Chiclayo diocese.

The Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil, the communications director for the diocese in Chiclayo, recalled how the Prevost used to rise each day and have breakfast with his fellow priests after saying his prayers. No matter how many problems he has, he maintains good humor and joy, Purisaca said in an email to The Associated Press, following Prevosts appointment.

After arriving in Rome, Prevost kept a low public profile, but was well known to the men who count.

Significantly, he presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms Francis made, when he added three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope.

In early 2025, Francis again showed his esteem by appointing Prevost to the most senior rank of cardinals.

open image in gallery In 2014, Provost returned to northwestern Peru, after Francis named him apostolic administrator of the Chiclayo diocese. He was appointed a member of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2020, and later became its head ( AP )

Prevost is an expert in canon law, a system that functions like a constitution and legal system specifically for the Catholic Church, affording him appeal to the more traditional wings of the Vatican.

However, it remains to be seen how he will respond to the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump, who posted his congratulations on his social media platform Truth Social after the announcement that Prevost was Pope.

Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country, Trump wrote. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!

open image in gallery It remains to be seen how he will respond to the actions of President Donald Trump, who posted his congratulations on his social media platform Truth Social after the announcement that Prevost was Pope ( AFP/Getty )

Earlier this year, Prevost publicly voiced opposition to remarks by Vice President JD Vance on the theological concept of ordo amoris.

JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others, Prevost wrote on X.

Prevosts latest post on X was a repost of an account criticizing the Trump administrations policy on immigrant deportations.

Additional reporting by Rhian Lubin
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Pope Francis has continued to break with tradition even in death, having requested before he died several changes to the ceremony and burial that accompany the passing of a pontiff.

But although the pope eschewed pomp, a number of other rituals surrounding his funeral will follow ancient traditions.

By Friday morning, more than 128,000 mourners had filed past Francis's open coffin placed in front of the main altar of St Peters Basilica  at times praying, at times holding smart phones aloft  despite instructions not to  for a photo of the late pontiff laid out in red liturgical robes, a bishop's pointed mitre and a rosary entwined in his hands.

open image in gallery Tens of thousands of mourners have paid respects to the pope at St Peters Basilica ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

More vast crowds will gather for Saturdays funeral, as well as more than 130 foreign dignitaries, among them 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns.

Follow updates from Pope Francis funeral

They include US president Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and first lady Olena Zelenska, the Prince of Wales, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron, Spain's King Felipe VI, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, as well as the most highly ranked members of the Catholic Church.

Below we look at how the service will unfold.

Sealing of the coffin

The three days of public viewing in St Peters Basilica will come to an end when Pope Franciss coffin is sealed in a ritual on Friday evening.

The event will be conducted by American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a trusted aide to Pope Francis and the current camerlengo - the official who runs the Holy See between the death or resignation of a pope and the election of the next one.

In one break from tradition, Pope Francis eschewed the previous three coffins made of cypress, lead and oak and will be interred in a simplified zinc coffin, inside a wooden casket.

open image in gallery The pope will be sealed in his coffin on Friday evening ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The tomb has been prepared behind a wooden barrier within the basilica that he chose to be near an icon of the Madonna that he revered and often prayed before.

Photos released by the Vatican on Friday show the marble tombstone flat against the pavement, with the simple engraving in Latin that he requested in his last testament: "Franciscus".

A bag of coins minted during Franciss time as pope is placed in the coffin, along with a one-page account of his papacy. That account is read aloud by the master of liturgical ceremonies before being rolled up into a tube that is put in the coffin.

Senior members of the Catholic Church will attend, as well as the late Popes secretaries, Vatican News reports.

One ancient ritual already carried out was the breaking of the pope's "Fisherman's Ring" and lead seal so they cannot be used by anyone else.

The funeral service

The funeral mass, in St Peters Square, in front of the Basilica where his body has been lying in state, will begin at 10am local time (9am BST) with a choir singing introductory rites. His Reverend Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the ceremony.

The late popes face is covered with a silk veil and his body sprinkled with holy water.

Mr Trump may be disappointed to find himself not at the front but in the third row back.

The Vatican has not released official details yet, but based on the funeral of John Paul II in 2005, Catholic royalty will be seated in the front row, The Telegraph reported. Next will come non-Catholic royals such as the Prince of Wales, who is attending on behalf of King Charles. World leaders and heads of state are likely to be next.

Some 220 cardinals, 750 bishops and priests are expected to be near the altar, and more than 4,000 other priests will be in St Peters Square.

The cardinal who presides over the funeral and other cardinals, bishops and officials will wear white damask mitres.

Patriarchs and cardinals will be distinguished from bishops by the purple of their liturgical garments.

Archbishops and bishops clothes include the alb, a white tunic, and a red chasuble, a type of cape.

open image in gallery The funeral will be held in St Peters Square ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The service, expected to last two-and-a-half hours, will be mostly held in Latin. It follows the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the Vaticans official liturgical text for papal funerals, which was updated at Pope Francis request last year, according to EWTN, a Catholic television network.

The mass will include readings, and the homily will be followed by prayers in French, Arabic, Portuguese, Polish, German, and Chinese, before the Eucharistic liturgy, Holy Communion, and the Rite of Final Commendation, Vatican News reports.

The celebration will be accompanied by the Choir of the Sistine Chapel, the website says.

Cardinal Re will then sprinkle the coffin with holy water and incense.

At the end of the mass, the choir will sing in Latin: May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come and welcome you and take you into the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.

When the service is over, the coffin will be carried through the door of death to the left of the altar at St Peters, while a 10-ton funeral bell tolls.

The presence of the overseas dignitaries and hundreds of thousands of mourners creates a logistical and security challenge for the Italian authorities.

Security around the Vatican has been tightened, with Italian authorities adding drones to foot and horse patrols along routes to St Peters Square.

open image in gallery Swiss Guards will boost security ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The Swiss Guard, the Vaticans own army, have been protecting the popes coffin while lying in state but have been brought into commission to help protect the Vatican City and the square where crowds of tens of thousands will be assembled.

Although soldiers from the worlds smallest army are officially a purely ceremonial force and wear colourful medieval-style costumes, they have undergone training for the well rehearsed security operation.

The prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini, told a news conference: "I believe that the 'security machine' is ready," but will remain flexible and "ready to reshape and above all transmit a sense of serenity."

open image in gallery Security is a major consideration for Saturdays funeral ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Security is not the only consideration. Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera reports a special waste taskforce of 400 staff and 150 vehicles to maintain public cleanliness in the square has already been organised, and pharmacy opening hours have been extended through Rome to boost available medical services.

The funeral procession and burial

Following the funeral, in another break with tradition, the coffin will be taken through the streets of Rome to an underground tomb in the basilica of Saint Mary Major, as per his instructions. The procession will be at walking pace to allow people to bid farewell to the pope on his final journey.

But that will not be Pope Franciss final resting place. The largest break from tradition is the Popes request to be buried outside the Vatican grounds , the first pope to do so in 120 years.

Instead, he will be interred at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) in Rome, which is about 4km from St Peters Basilica and which houses the bodies of seven earlier popes.

open image in gallery Pope Francis will be buried at Saint Mary Major basilica in Rome ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales, said the open-air procession through the Italian capital would enlarge the stage on which this is played out, and will give the people of Rome, especially, something that they will appreciate very deeply.

The Vatican said that because the disadvantaged had a special place in the heart of Pope Francis, a group will wait on the steps of Saint Mary Major to pay their last respects before he is buried.

While the funeral mass and procession to Santa Maria Maggiore will be broadcast live around the world, that will end at the basilica.

Italian news outlet Corriere reports the burial will be a private ceremony, but people will be able to visit his burial place from Sunday morning.

In his will, Francis stipulated a simple burial "in the earth, without particular decoration", marked only with his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.

Corriere says the stone used for the epitaph is marble from the north-west Italian region of Liguria.

open image in gallery Pope Francis has requested a simple memorial in the basilica ( Getty Images )

Nine days of mourning

Alongside the funeral on Saturday, nine days of mourning called the novendiali will also begin.

While the funeral mass is open to the public, services on the other eight days are open to different groups including one for employees and the faithful of Vatican City.

The last day of mourning is Sunday, May 4, ending with a service at 5pm.

open image in gallery More than 133 cardinals of voting age will join the conclave to elect a new pope ( AP )

The process of selecting a new pope in a Conclave can begin

From May 5, the conclave to elect a new pope can begin.

In the conclave, the 133 cardinals of voting age (two cannot make it to Rome for health reasons) will gather inside Michelangelo's exquisitely frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel  home of all the Papal Conclaves since 1858, where they will whittle down candidates through successive rounds of voting.

An exact date for this will be decided after the funeral. French Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, arriving for the cardinals' meeting on Thursday, said they were not meeting for the conclave yet.

For the moment I do not believe the cardinals are saying 'who will be the next?'. For the moment we are here completely for Francis."

The conclave is secretive. The cardinals are forbidden from communicating with the outside world, and the gathering begins and ends with ritual words in Latin: Extra omnes" or Everyone out", expelling all but voting cardinals. A two-thirds majority is required to become pope, and after the ballot, the victorious cardinal utters, Accepto or I accept.

With additional reporting from Associated Press
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Mourners have sparked outrage after taking selfies with the open casket of Pope Francis.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church is currently lying in state in St Peters Basilica ahead of his funeral this weekend, with tens of thousands of people queueing to pay their respects.

However, some visitors have attracted backlash after uploading selfies to social media with the casket and the Popes body in the background.

open image in gallery More than 50,000 people queued up to see Pope Francis lying in state ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Other mourners who witnessed their behaviour spoke about their shock.

Janine Venables, a tourist from Wales who paid her respects on Wednesday, told MailOnline: What did surprise me is the fact that earlier we were told no photos in the Sistine Chapel and here people were getting their phone out and doing selfies with the coffin.

The 53-year-old added: I did think that was a bit in poor taste and, Im surprised no one stopped them.

open image in gallery Visitors took out their smartphones to take pictures of the pope in his coffin ( AFP via Getty Images )

And Londoner Catherine Gilsenan, who paid her respects to the pope, told The Sun: I was very moved coming so close to Pope Francis but it was awful seeing so many people taking pictures.

We kept our phones very firmly in our pockets and would never dream of doing something so distasteful. People had been told not to use selfie sticks but lots ignored the warning.

Guards in the basilica have reportedly since banned mourners from taking pictures near the casket. Instead, photographs are only allowed to be taken at the front of the basilica.

The Independent has contacted the Vaticans press office for comment.

open image in gallery The popes funeral is due to take place this weekend ( AP )

The Vatican said more than 50,000 people flocked to St Peters Basilica within 24 hours to send off the Argentine pope, who has been lying in state since Wednesday morning. The coffin will remain in the basilica until Friday.

The Popes coffin will be sealed ahead of the funeral mass, which will take place at 10am local time (9am BST) on Saturday. Breaking with a longstanding Vatican tradition, Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome.
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Millions around the world tuned in to watch as Pope Francis was laid to rest on 26 April, with 400,000 mourners alone paying their final respects outside St Peters Basilica.

The late pontiffs coffin was transported outside Vatican City into Rome, where it was buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.

Franciss funeral marks the first day of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning, before the Cardinals can begin the papal conclave, a centuries old ritual to select the next pope.

The Roman Catholic cardinals will begin their secret conclave to elect the new leader of the global Church on May 7, Reuters reported on Monday.

open image in gallery Franciss coffin was brought to St Mary Major ( EPA )

Pope Francis, 88, died following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican announced.

The pope was hospitalised for several weeks in February, after suffering from double pneumonia. He returned to the Vatican in mid-March to recover.

As the first pope from Latin America, Pope Francis had led the 1.4 billion-member church since 2013.

Here is the timeline of events from the popes death and what will happen going forward.

20 April 2025 - the popes final public appearance

The day before the pope died, he carried on working through Easter Sunday. Francis even made a public appearance, his first since he was discharged from Gemelli hospital after five weeks with double pneumonia, as he went out into St Peters Square in the popemobile.

open image in gallery Pope Francis greeted crowds in his popemobile on Easter Sunday ( PA )

He was originally hesitant to make the surprise appearance, asking his 24-hour personal health care assistant, Mr Strappetti: Do you think I can manage it?

But once he was in the Square, he embraced the crowd in a poignant moment of his last outing. He would say to Mr Strappetti: Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.

open image in gallery The late pope broke from tradition with a burial at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome ( Vatican Media/PA )

21 April 2025 - Pope Francis dies aged 88 on Easter Monday

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis had died early on Monday morning at 7.35am. The camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced his passing two hours later to the rest of the world via the Vaticans news outlet.

It was later revealed that the pope suddenly fell ill at 5.30am before slipping into a coma. His cause of death was due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure.

Later that day, his death certificate was dealt with and the placement of the coffin was organised in the chapel on the ground floor of his residence in the Casa Santa Marta.

They also placed seals on the papal apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and on the apartment on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, where the pope had resided.

As camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell will take care of the Holy Sees financial and administrative duties in absence of a pope while a papal conclave is underway.

open image in gallery The pope died on Monday morning ( EPA )

22 April 2025 - the first General Congregation of Cardinals takes place

The first General Congregation of Cardinals took place, during which they decided when Franciss funeral would take place. This marked the beginning period of prayer, reflection and preparation following the popes death.

In the evening, a Rosary took place in St Peters Square, inviting the faithful to join in prayer for Francis.

23 April 2025 - Pope Franciss coffin is taken to lie in state

Pope Francis coffin was taken to St Peters Basilica to lie in state for three days, allowing the public to pay their respects.

open image in gallery Pope Francis body lay in an open coffin at St Peters Basilica from Wednesday to Friday ( PA Wire )

26 April 2025 - The funeral service and the nine day mourning period begins

The funeral service took place in St Peters Square from 10am before he was taken to St Mary Major for burial. A nine-day period of mourning has started.

The basilica was important to the pope because it was his favourite place to pray. He prayed there before and after every international trip.

open image in gallery Pope Francis chose St Mary Major in Rome as his resting place ( AP )

I've always had a great devotion to St Mary Major, even before I became pope, he wrote in his 2024 book El Sucesor.

The last pope who was not buried on Vatican grounds was Leo XIII in 1903.

27 April 2025 - Day two of Novemdiales with a Mass for the faithful of Vatican City

Cardinal Pietro Parollin, Secretary of State for the Vatican, will preside over a Mass for the employees and faithful of Vatican City at St Peters Square on the morning after the popes funeral.

28 April 2025 - Day three of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Church of Rome

Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome, will oversee Mass for the Church of Rome on the Monday evening at St Peters Basilica.

open image in gallery Hundreds of thousands gathered for the funeral mass in St Peters Square ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

29 April 2025 - Day four of Novemdiales with a Mass for The Chapters of the Papal Basilicas

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican, will preside over a Mass for the Chapters of the Papal Basilicas on Tuesday evening. There are four Papal Basilicas in Rome, St Peter's in the Vatican, as well as St John Lateran's, Saint Mary Major's and St Paul's Outside the Walls. The chapters are responsible for the liturgical and sacramental care for each of the churches.

30 April 2025 - Day five of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Papal Chapel

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, will oversee Mass for the Papal Chapel on Wednesday evening. The Papal Chapel assisted the pope in his functions as the spiritual head of the church, especially during religious ceremonies.

1 May 2025 - Day six of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Roman Curia

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside the Mass for the Roman Curia on Thursday evening. The Roman Curia comprises the administrative institutions of the Holy See, which is the central governing body of the Catholic Church.

2 May 2025 - Day seven of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Eastern Churches

A week into mourning, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches will oversee mass for the Eastern Churches on Friday evening. The Eastern Churches represents Catholicism across Eastern Europe, Eastern Africa, the Middle East, and India, with 18 million members.

open image in gallery After the funeral, attention is likely to turn to the conclave of cardinals who will elect the next pope (Andrew Medichini/AP) ( AP )

3 May 2025 - Day eight of Novemdiales with a Mass for members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, Pro-Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life will oversee a Mass for members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

4 May 2025 - Day nine of Novemdiales with a Mass for the Papal Chapel group

On the final day of mourning, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, will preside the Mass with the Papal Chapel group again on Sunday evening.

7 May 2025 - the earliest date the papal conclave can begin

The conclave to elect a new pope typically begins between 15 to 20 days after the popes passing. Cardinals are expected to give an exact date after the funeral.

The process of election is shrouded in secrecy, and its believed to be virtually unchanged in 800 years. Under the current rules, only cardinals below the age of 80 are allowed to cast a vote.

Officially candidates for pope need only be male and Catholic, although in reality, pontiffs have only ever been chosen from the ranks of cardinals for centuries.

The 135 cardinals of voting age will gather inside the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel  home of all the Papal Conclaves since 1858, where they will whittle down candidates through successive rounds of voting.

open image in gallery The conclave is a secret ritual ( Vatican Pope Conclave Movie )

When the cardinals have gathered, the shout extra omnes (everybody out) rings out and the cardinals  who are sworn to an oath of secrecy  will be locked inside the Conclave until they can choose a successor.

There is no guarantee that the first round of voting will be revealed the same day. Through a mixture of speeches, prayer, reflection  and intense political jostling.

The names of nine cardinals are chosen at random to officiate and organise the vote. Three become scrutineers, whose job it is to oversee the vote. Three more collect the votes and three more revise them.

During each ballot cardinals write the name of their choice, ideally in distorted handwriting to disguise their identity. The ballot papers are then burned in a small fire inside the Sistine Chapel. The black smoke which is produced by the fire tells the crowds waiting outside that a new pope has yet to be chosen.

A pope is only elected when a single candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
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Vast crowds continue to gather at the Vatican to mourn Pope Francis, whose remains lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica.

Tens of thousands have already paid their respects, leading to viewing hours being extended overnight, and thousands more are anticipated.

Long queues snake through St. Peter's Square, with mourners patiently waiting for hours to file past Franciss open coffin.

The late pontiff's remains were transferred to the Basilica on Wednesday, ahead of his funeral scheduled for this weekend.

Around 19,430 people had been to the basilica to pay homage to Pope Francis, a Vatican spokesman said on Wednesday evening, less than 12 hours after his coffin was transferred there, and where it will stay until Friday.

While it had been expected the basilica would close at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, it remained open throughout the night to allow more people to pay their respects.

open image in gallery People queue to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis, who will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica for three days ( LaPresse )

Among those filing past the coffin, some blessing themselves with the sign of the cross or pausing briefly in prayer, were a mother and daughter who described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Primary school teacher Marguerite OLeary and her teenage daughter Ellen, from County Clare in Ireland, stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiffs remains inside St Peters Basilica in the Vatican.

Mrs OLeary said she felt it was their duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here in the days following the Popes death aged 88 on Easter Monday.

Her 14-year-old daughter described it as amazing to be in there and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

open image in gallery Marguerite OLeary and her daughter Ellen queued for five hours ( PA Wire )

Meanwhile, Patrick Gavigan, based in Kildare, said it was momentous to be inside the basilica to witness the Popes remains close up after queuing with his wife Alice for almost four hours.

The retired couple, who are in Rome celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary year, said they were so happy to have been able to experience what they said was a historic occasion.

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols in the area.

Police have been managing crowd control at various points on the approach to the square, with some checking bags, as mourners mingled with the usual tourist population.

open image in gallery Cardinals take part in the ceremony transferring Pope Franciss body, which will lie in state at St Peters Basilica for three days, at the Vatican ( AP )

Large crowds are expected for Saturdays funeral in St Peters Square, with the Prince of Wales confirmed to be attending on the Kings behalf.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also be there, alongside other global leaders and dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin and Irish President Michael D Higgins.

In accordance with the late popes wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peters Basilica.

Asked about the route the popes remains will take from the square to his final resting place, the Vatican spokesman said he expects the Italian authorities will provide details in due course.

He added that it is likely St Mary Major will close for Saturday afternoon when the Popes remains arrive following the funeral, but reopen for people to take part in the rosary there on Saturday evening.
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Crimea is footnoted in British history for the Earl of Cardigan and his disastrous leading of the Charge of the Light Brigade. To Vladimir Putin its where history itself must turn.

Donald Trump, taking an 18th-century might-is-right approach, has said that the peninsula was captured without a fight by Russia from Ukraine in 2014 and therefore should stay in Putins fist.

Of all the 20 per cent of Ukraines territory taken after Russia invaded Crimea 11 years ago and launched its wider Anschluss in 2022, Crimea is the greatest Russian prize.

Whoever controls Sevastopol is likely to dominate the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Outside of Tartus, in Syria, which Russia lost recently, it is  or was  Russias only warm-weather port.

Moscows claim to Crimea has been undermined by the fact that it was ceded to Ukraine under the Soviet Union in 1954.

Putins claim, now enshrined in an illegal annexation of Crimea into the Russian Federation, is further underpinned by waves of Russian settlement and forced removal of local people over at least two centuries that have left it with a Tartar heritage but a Russian ethnic and linguistic majority.

After 2014, it was common in Moscows bars and restaurants for people to remark how happy they were about its return amid rose-tinted memories of sunny beach holidays in a former colony.

Theyve forgotten the Holodomor, when decisions from Moscow led to millions of Ukrainians starving. Theyve ignored the uprisings against efforts to eradicate every trace of Ukraines language, its history, and its culture under Russian rule from the Tsars to Stalin and Putin. The mass deportations of Cossacks from their homeland to Siberia? Not even a nod.

open image in gallery Crimeas position ( Getty/iStock )

Trump wont know any of this either. Despite his plea to Putin for an end to airstrikes against Ukraine in the wake of a deadly attack on Kyiv on Wednesday night into Thursday  he wrote Vladimir, STOP! on social media  all Trump cares about is this war being over, no matter the cost to Ukraines history and future.

The latest chapter of Russian aggression was unleashed when little green men  Russian spetsnaz special forces commandos  used the Russian navy presence in Sevastopol as a bridgehead to seize the peninsula in 2014.

It was launched following a well-tested programme which Putin had pioneered in Georgia. Russian-speaking residents of Georgia and Ukraine (including Crimea), were encouraged to complain about discrimination on the basis of their heritage. In post-Soviet nations many missed the certainty that being Russian brought. They resented finding themselves in junior new states, and in a minority.

In Crimea, their complaints served as an excuse for a rescue mission. Simultaneously, Moscow-backed separatists in Ukraines east also rose and demanded autonomy from Kyiv. Putin sent in Cossacks from Rostov, Slav nationalists from Serbia, and reinforced the uprising with regular Russian forces.

In Kramatorsk, in the Donetsk region, neighbours turned on each other and the police split into rival loyal or pro-Putin factions. I picked my way through the provincial legislative building on floors slippery with spent machine gun rounds not long after Crimea fell.

open image in gallery A Russian military landing ship sails near Kerch, Crimea ( AP )

The town, 90 per cent Russian-speaking, drove out Russian sympathisers and remains a battered and bloodied provisional capital of a province now illegally annexed by Putin. Donetsk, the original seat of government, is now ruled by Moscows proxies on the other side of the front line after intense and bloody fighting.

Putins expansion of territory in 2014 could not have been achieved without the bridgehead of operations being established in Crimea. It was even more crucial to his full-scale invasion of 2022.

He used the peninsula as a logistics hub, building a bridge to the Russian mainland to supply the forces he has crammed into the arid region.

Moscow, following conventional doctrine, destroyed most of Ukraines navy there and used Sevastopol as its main base.

The Kremlins admirals didnt reckon on Ukraines innovation. Its navy now reduced to a handful of small craft, it switched to missiles and drones. First it sank the pride of the Black Sea Fleet, the Moskva, and then it used drones to batter Russias navy out of Ukrainian-occupied areas and into its home ports.

If Moscow is allowed back into Sevastopol, as Trump would want, Russias naval reconstruction and regeneration will continue apace, and in time assume total domination again.

Meanwhile, Crimea remains in Russian hands and is the main origin of rockets and missiles fired at Ukraine, Russias main base for air defences, and its command and control hub for the whole Ukrainian campaign.

Thats why it matters to Putin. And now Trump.
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Donald Trump has lashed out at the Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, warning that if he does not accept a peace deal he will lose his country.

Mr Trump said a Russia-Ukraine agreement was very close  but accused his Ukrainian counterpart of prolonging the killing field after he refused to cede Crimea to Vladimir Putin as part of a potential peace plan.

Claiming the territory had been lost for good in 2014 and was not up for discussion, Mr Trump accused Mr Zelensky of making an end to the war harder to achieve.

open image in gallery Donald Trump is pushing hard for a resolution to the war in Ukraine ( AP )

Putting pressure on the Ukrainian president to give up land, Mr Trump branded Mr Zelenskys words an inflammatory statement, writing on his social media platform Truth Social: This statement is very harmful to the peace negotiations with Russia...

Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognise Crimea as Russian territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?

Mr Zelensky had insisted on Tuesday that Ukraine would not recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea under any agreement, saying: There is nothing to talk about  it is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people.

Later on Wednesday Mr Zelensky posted a statement on X: Emotions have run high today. But it is good that 5 countries met to bring peace closer. Ukraine, the USA, the UK, France and Germany.

We are grateful to partners. Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decisions.

Mr Trump added: He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire  he can have peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country.

In talks last week in Paris, US officials presented a proposed deal that allowed Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory, according to a European official.

Hours before Mr Trumps outburst, his vice-president JD Vance also upped the pressure on Mr Zelensky, threatening that the US would abandon peace talks unless both sides agreed to Washingtons proposals.

open image in gallery US vice-president JD Vance also upped the pressure on Zelensky ( AP )

Mr Vance said: Weve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and it's time for them to either say 'yes' or for the United States to walk away from this process.

He said it was a very fair proposal that would freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today, with both sides having to give up some territory they currently hold.

He issued his warning after a high-level summit in London to discuss the terms of a deal was abruptly downgraded when Mr Trumps top diplomat, US secretary of state Marco Rubio, pulled out of the meeting.

Foreign secretary David Lammy announced the talks would involve only lower-ranking officials after Mr Rubio was unable to attend because of a scheduling issue.

open image in gallery Nine people were killed when a Russian drone hit a bus in Dnipropetrovsk ( Ukrainian Emergency Service )

Mr Rubio had indicated that Wednesday's meeting could be decisive in determining whether the Trump administration remained involved, and his cancellation raised doubts about the direction of the negotiations.

But Ukraine's defence minister Rustem Umerov said after the meeting that his side had productive talks with US envoy Keith Kellogg.

We talked about our consistent position regarding a ceasefire, also about security guarantees. For my part, I believe the meeting was very productive and successful, Mr Umerov said.

Mr Zelensky said on Wednesday that Ukraine was ready for any format of negotiations that might bring a ceasefire and open the door to full peace negotiations.

Commenting on those attending the London talks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that they had so far failed to bring their positions closer on some issues. He said the Kremlin was still in consultations with American officials.

open image in gallery A drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Wednesday sparked fires ( EPA )

US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow again later this week, according to Russian officials.

Even achieving a limited, 30-day ceasefire has been beyond the reach of negotiators, as both sides have continued to attack each other along the 998km (620 miles) front line and launch long-range strikes.

Eight women and a man were killed on Wednesday when a Russian drone struck a bus in Marganets, in eastern Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, governor Serhii Lysak said. More than 40 people were injured, he said.
Donald Trump has already cast himself as a great man of history. His influence is felt not only now, but will likely endure for decades. Yet, as he stands astride Europe, upending nearly a century of alliances, he finds himself eclipsed by a man of smaller physical stature. And its getting to him.

Yesterday, Americas big man once again lashed out at the diminutive Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Warning that Zelensky would lose his country if he refused to accept a peace deal, Trump accused him of prolonging the killing field after Zelensky declined to cede Crimea to Vladimir Putin as part of a potential settlement.

Claiming the territory had been lost for good in 2014 and was not up for discussion, Trump reserved his harshest criticism not for the aggressor who invaded a neighbouring sovereign state, but for the leader defending it. And if it all feels personal, thats because it is.

The narcissism of Americas 47th president has long been one of Vladimir Putins greatest assets. As a former head of the Federal Security Service  successor to the KGB and expert in personality profiling and manipulation  Putin understands that the fragile ego behind the resolute desk is a potent weapon for the Kremlin.

In his latest attack on the widely respected Zelensky, Trump echoed Russias claims to Crimea  once the headquarters of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet, ceded to Ukraine in 1954.

Trump likes to imagine himself in the 19th-century mould of the great man  a history-maker. It explains his fascination with North Koreas Kim Jong-un during his first administration, and his repeated and blatant oiling up to Putin today. But while Trump revels in membership of the great man club, he resents true heroes. To him, even American soldiers who gave their lives in service are losers.

Zelensky, by contrast, has captured the global imagination as a symbol of underdog courage against the Russian bear  and Trump detests him for it. The standing ovations and roars of praise that follow the Ukrainian leader, even on Capitol Hill, must make Trumps ears bleed.

And Trump has form when it comes to Zelensky  and his infuriating insistence on principle. The Ukrainian president, elected by a landslide, was first painted as a traitor to Trumps cause when he refused to assist in digging up dirt on Hunter Biden, the son of Joe Biden  then the likely Democratic candidate.

Trump viewed Zelensky as an ungrateful recipient of American aid for failing to launch an investigation into Hunter Bidens business dealings in Ukraine in July 2019. Trump was later impeached by Congress over allegations he had threatened to withhold nearly $400m in US military aid unless Zelensky helped his re-election campaign. Although acquitted by the Senate, the damage was done  and the grudge was born. Since then, we have witnessed its ugly expression time and again.

open image in gallery Trump likes to imagine himself in the 19th-century mould of the great man  a history-maker ( AP )

It is hard to imagine another world leader subjected to the kind of personal and vicious public attack Zelensky endured in the White House.

So the question remains: has this personal animosity pushed America to the brink of choosing tyranny over democracy?

Trumps ties to Moscow stretch back to 1987, when he first visited the Soviet capital to explore investment opportunities. Although he never completed any deals in Russia, his enterprises have reportedly received backing from Russian financiers. Putin was in east Germany in 1987, but it is certain that Trump was of considerable interest to his colleagues in the Soviet regime that first invited him to Moscow. The KGB/FSB are among the most skilled at secret surveillance in the world.

Given his long history of friendship with Russia and his personal hatred of Zelensky, Trumps claim that I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever, rings hollow.

Zelensky was elected by 73 per cent of the Ukrainian electorate  a figure that clearly irritates Trump, who has never reached that level of support and whose popularity continues to slide

Trump 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 be Russian one day. He wants to get back into doing business with Russia, too.

Trump has insisted he is putting pressure on Russias Vladimir Putin, hours after lambasting him for pounding Kyiv overnight, writing on social media: I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE! But his latest so-called peace plan offers carrots to the Kremlin and a stick to Kyiv: Ukraine must cede 20 per cent of its territory (including Crimea), abandon Nato ambitions, and give the US half its natural resources  all in exchange for a peace with no guarantees against future Russian invasions. Someone ought to explain to him the difference between a peace deal and a surrender.

Trump has labelled Zelensky a dictator, without elections, and claimed he had just 4 per cent approval. In fact, Zelensky was elected by 73 per cent of the Ukrainian electorate  a figure that clearly irritates Trump, who has never reached that level of support and whose popularity continues to slide. Zelenskys current approval rating stands at around 57 per cent  that must hurt.

open image in gallery Trump and Putin at a press conference in Helsinki in 2018 ( Getty )

Ukraine, a Western democracy seeking EU membership, is a sovereign nation. Putin has openly declared ambitions to reclaim it for a new post-Soviet empire, and has also set his sights 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. That just so happens to be Putins vision, too.

Thats big man thinking. And a little guy in khaki? Hes just in the way.
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Britain announced a major investment in wind power Thursday as it hosted an international summit on energy security  with Europe and the United States at odds over whether to cut their reliance on fossil fuels.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government will invest 300 million pounds ($400 million) in boosting Britains capacity to manufacture components for the offshore wind industry, a move it hopes will encourage private investment in the U.K.s renewable energy sector.

Surging energy prices and the Russia-Ukraine war have made European leaders think hard about global energy security an their reliance on Russian natural gas. Ukraine halted Russian gas supplies to European customers through its pipeline network in January.

As long as energy can be weaponized against us, our countries and our citizens are vulnerable and exposed, U.K. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told delegates.

He said low-carbon power was a route to energy security as well as a way to slow climate change.

Britain now gets more than half its electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar power, and the rest from natural gas and nuclear energy. It aims to generate all the U.K.s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The last U.K. coal-fired power plant closed last year, ending 142 years of coal-generated electricity in the nation that sparked the Industrial Revolution.

Other European nations including Germany and France have committed to more wind energy production, and some are also phasing out coal.

The Trump administration is doing the opposite  prioritizing fossil fuels, including boosting coal, canceling financing for clean energy and climate-friendly projects, and targeting the wind industry.

Tommy Joyce, U.S. acting assistant secretary of energy for international affairs, told participants they should be honest about the worlds growing energy needs, not focused on net-zero politics.

He called policies that push for clean power over fossil fuels "harmful and dangerous," and claimed building wind turbines requires "concessions to or coercion from China" because it supplies necessary rare minerals.

Hosted by the British government and the International Energy Agency, the two-day summit brings together government ministers from 60 countries, senior European Union officials, energy sector CEOs, heads of international organizations and nonprofits to assess risks to the global energy system and figure out solutions.

___

Associated Press writer Jennifer McDermott contributed to this story. ___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

(jl)
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US president Donald Trump has urged the Kremlin and Kyiv to meet to finish a deal to end the Ukraine War, declaring major points had now been agreed to in a day of peace talks that coincided with the bombing of a Russian general.

Trump said a deal was very close and demanded both sides stop the bloodshed, NOW in a late night post on his Truth Social platform on Friday following a meeting between Russian president Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff.

The meeting occurred after Yaroslav Moskalik, a deputy chief in the general staff of Russias armed forces, was killed by an explosive device that was placed in his car and rigged with shrapel in Balashikha, a city just 13 miles east of Moscow.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump says Ukraine and Russia are close to a peace deal ( AP )

A good day in talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine. They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to finish it off. Most of the major points are agreed to. Stop the bloodshed, NOW. We will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the END to this cruel and senseless war! Trump posted.

Russian media ran videos of a vehicle burning in the courtyard of an apartment building, and the Kremlin blamed the explosion death on Ukraine.

Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: The Kyiv regime once again simply shows its true nature. The Kyiv regime continues to be involved in terrorist activity on the territory of our country.

It was the second such killing of a top general in Moscow, following the death of Russias chemical weapons chief Igor Kirillov in December. Kyiv took responsibility for Kirillovs death, accusing him of involvement in war crimes.

The bombing, which was reported by the Kommersant newspaper to have also killed a second person, came as property mogul-turned-Trump envoy Steve Witkoff was meeting the Russian president in Moscow to discuss Washingtons peace proposals.

open image in gallery Russias investigative committee says Yaroslav Moskalik was killed in the explosion ( EPA )

Kremlin footage showed Mr Witkoff and Mr Putin shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries before sitting down on opposite sides of a white oval table, in what was their fourth lengthy meeting since February.

Mr Witkoff  who has alarmed Kyivs allies by praising Putin as super-smart and not a bad guy while also parroting Kremlin propaganda  was seen strolling through central Moscow with senior Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev before the three-hour meeting.

Afterwards, the Kremlin said the meeting had been constructive and had helped to narrow the differences over ending Russias war, with the possibility of direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow also discussed.

Details of Washingtons final offer  and Kyivs counterproposals  emerged on Friday, as Mr Trump ramped up pressure on Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky to accept territorial concessions.

Accusing Mr Zelensky of prolonging the killing field by refusing to cede Crimea to Putin, the US president insisted this week that the territory illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 has been lost for good and was not up for discussion.

open image in gallery Donald Trump insists that Crimea has been lost to Ukraine for good after it was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 ( Reuters )

In a Time interview published on Friday, Mr Trump said the peninsula would remain with Moscow  suggesting that would be the case under a US-brokered peace deal.

Mr Trump claimed that Mr Zelensky understood that Crimea will stay with Russia, adding: Everybody understands that its been with them for a long time.

Theyve had their submarines there for long before any period that were talking about  for many years. The people speak largely Russian in Crimea, said Mr Trump. But this was given by Obama. This wasnt given by Trump.

But Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky hit back, insisting the Crimean peninsula belonged to his country, citing both the constitution and international law.

Our position is unchanged: only the Ukrainian people have the right to decide which territories are Ukrainian, he said.

Mr Zelensky has repeatedly insisted that Ukraine will not recognise Russias occupation of Crimea under any agreement.

The US proposals, published by Reuters on Friday, do not call on Ukraine to recognise Crimea as Russian, but state that Washington will legally recognise Russias control over the peninsula.

It will also recognise the de facto Russian control over the occupied eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk, and parts of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Kherson. Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, which is the largest such facility in Europe, will be returned to Ukraine  but kept under US control and administration.

European and Ukrainian officials responded to the proposals, which have been shared by Washington during meetings in Paris and Russia over the past two weeks.

The European and Ukrainian proposal states that territorial issues will be discussed and resolved after a full and unconditional ceasefire, while territorial negotiations will start from the basis of the line of control.

There is no mention in the European document of recognising Russian control over any Ukrainian territory. There are also differences over the lifting of sanctions on Russia, the shape of security guarantees for Ukraine, and the size of the Ukrainian military.

open image in gallery Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, says Ukraines people will never accept occupation by Russia ( BBC )

As details of the proposals emerged on Friday, the mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, suggested that Ukraine might have to cede land to achieve peace.

One of the scenarios is ... to give up territory. Its not fair. But for the peace, temporary peace, maybe it can be a solution, temporarily, Mr Klitschko told the BBC.

But the former world champion heavyweight boxer emphasised that the Ukrainian people would never accept occupation by Russia.

Serhi Leshchenko, an adviser to Mr Zelensky, hit back at Mr Klitschko soon afterwards, telling the BBC World Services Newsday programme: I think its counterproductive to make any comments on this topic, since we have no official proposal on the table regarding this.

Any discussion of this violates the Ukrainian constitution, because Ukraines constitution states the territorial integrity of Ukraine, the presidential aide said, adding that it was very important that Ukrainian politicians abide by the constitution.

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson was among those to condemn Mr Trumps proposals. Warning that Ukraine would get nothing under the US plans, Mr Johnson accused Washington of rewarding Putin for indiscriminately butchering more civilians in attacks on Kyiv this week.

open image in gallery Servicemen from the anti-drone mobile air defence unit of the 115th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces fire at a drone in Donetsk ( Reuters/Sofiia Gatilova )

Meanwhile, Mr Trump again slated Mr Zelensky, this time blaming him for not having signed an agreement on rare earths with the US.

The US president wrote on social media that it was at least three weeks late.

In fact, just last week Ukrainian officials announced they had signed an outline of a minerals deal with the US and said a final accord could be reached by the end of this week.

It came as the UNs refugee agency warned it was being forced to reduce support for newly displaced people in Ukraine as frontline attacks intensify  blaming the Trump administrations suspension of US aid along with broader cuts in funding from donors.

Some of the programmes that we previously used to implement with the generous support of US funding are on hold, said Karolina Lindholm Billing, the UNHCRs representative in Ukraine.

The suspended programmes include psychosocial support  which is needed on a huge scale  along with emergency shelter material and cash assistance, the agency said.

Since January, nearly 9,000 people fleeing heavy shelling in Ukraine have passed through the UNHCRs transit centres in Pavlohrad and Sumy, where the agency is providing clothes, hygiene kits, and legal and psychosocial support.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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The Israeli government deleted a social media post giving condolences over the death of Pope Francis just hours after posting it.

Local media also reported that Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide were also instructed to delete similar posts and not to sign Vatican embassy condolence books.

Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing, the post read on the countrys verified X account on Monday, before it was deleted. It was posted alongside an image of the Pope visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday, aged 88, following a serious bout of double pneumonia earlier this year.

open image in gallery Pope Francis prays at Israel's separation barrier ( AP )

The Jerusalem Post cited foreign ministry officials as saying the Pope had made statements against Israel and that the post was published in error.

The Independent has contacted the Israeli embassy in London and Israels Foreign Ministry for comment.

In a separate condolence message, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Pope Francis was a man of deep peace, faith and compassion.

It follows the late Popes history of solidarity with those in Gaza. He campaigned for peace for the devastated enclave since the war began in October 2023.

In his final Easter message before his death, the pontiff reiterated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza and said the situation was dramatic and deplorable.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said the pontiff "was very close to the community of Gaza, the parish of Gaza.

He kept calling them many times  for a certain period, also every day, every evening at 7pm," the patriarch added.

open image in gallery Shop owner places a black ribbon over a photo of the late Pope Francis in Bethlehem ( AP )

Im ashamed by the fact that the Israeli government and the Israeli Knesset did not release an official message of condolences. Im here in order to express my condolences on behalf of the vast majority of Israeli citizens, opposition MP Gilad Kariv said on a visit to the central Catholic Church in Jerusalem.

A diplomat also told the Israeli outlet Ynet that the lack of explanation does not satisfy us, and certainly not the public to whom we represent Israel.

Not only did we not say words of condolence, but we chose to erase them  and that looks bad, said another. Very bad.
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China has successfully launched three astronauts to its Tiangong space station, marking another step towards a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030.

The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft lifted off atop a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert on Thursday at 5.17 pm local time (10.17am BST).

It is the 15th crewed spaceflight and the 20th overall in the Shenzhou program that started over three decades ago.

The Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace," space station has made China a major contender in space, especially since it was entirely Chinese-built after the country was excluded from the International Space Station over US national security concerns.

China's space program is controlled by the People's Liberation Army, the military branch of the ruling Communist Party.

open image in gallery Chinese astronauts for the Shenzhou-20 mission, from right, Chen Zhongrui, Chen Dong and Wang Jie wave as they attend a send-off ceremony for their manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Thursday, 24 April, 2025 ( AP Photo/Andy Wong )

The addition of mechanical arms to the three-module station has also raised concerns from some that China could use them to disable satellites or other space vehicles during a crisis.

Since first launching a man into space in 2003  becoming only the third country to do so behind the US and Russia  China's space program has advanced at a steady pace.

The space agency has also landed an explorer on Mars and a rover on the less-explored far side of the Moon, and aims to put a person on the Moon before 2030.

The Shenzhou, or "Celestial Vessel," 20 mission is commanded by Chen Dong, who is making his third flight.

He is accompanied by fighter pilot Chen Zhongrui and engineer Wang Jie, both making their maiden voyages, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

They will replace three astronauts currently on the Chinese space station. Like those before them, they will stay on board for roughly six months.

The space ship is due to reach the Tiangong about 6.5 hours after the launch. The three-person crew was sent in October last year and they have been in space for 175 days.

They are due to return on 29 April after a brief overlap with their replacements. The Tiangong, fully assembled in October 2022, can accommodate up to six people at a time.

While in space, the astronauts will conduct experiments in medical science and new technologies and perform space walks to carry out maintenance and install new equipment, the Manned Space Agency said.

Chinese authorities said Thursdays launch had been a complete success and that the crew was in good condition as they make their way to the space station.

Additional reporting from agencies.
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Adventure seekers may be thrilled about the opening of one of the years most highly anticipated new theme parks. But its also about to become more expensive to hop on a plane and get there.

Ahead of the May 22 opening of Universals Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, fans eager to visit might be in for a shock.

According to data from Hopper, the average price of flights to Orlando has jumped to over $200 for the dates around the opening. Around the same time last year, flights were averaging $179.

Prices for flights to Orlando from U.S. cities for the first 10 days of Epic Universe are 17% higher than the same 10 days last year, Hayley Berg, Hoppers chief economist, told USA Today.

This is not surprising, as airfares to Orlando are higher for all dates in May compared to last year.

Flights to Orlando are even higher between June and August at $217, an increase of about 8% from last year, according to Hopper.

open image in gallery Guests will soon be able to visit Epic Universe ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

But there is some good news.

According to new data from aviation analytics company Cirium, 12 major airlines are increasing their capacity by 11,000 seats compared to May 2024, USA Today reported. There are also planned capacity increases for the peak summer months.

Epic Universe is the first major theme park to open in Florida since Universal Islands of Adventure debuted in 1999. The new park features five distinctively-themed sections: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter  Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon  Isle of Berke. It also boasts a 500-room hotel.

open image in gallery A first look inside How to Train Your Dragon  Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe ( Universal Epic Universe )

With the addition of Epic Universe, the total number of Universal Studios Florida theme parks rises to four.

Single-day park tickets start at $139 for adults but jump to $199 during peak periods.

Those prices arent far off from crosstown rival Walt Disney World. Single-day admission to one of its four parks starts at $119. That starting price jumps to $174 during holidays and other high-volume periods.
This is the heart-stopping moment a diving instructor came face-to-face with a great white shark for the first time.

Kati Prandi, an instructor at Express Watersports in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, was leading a dive 32 miles off the coast when she saw the 12-foot fish in 73 feet of water.

In a post on social media, she described it as a day of firsts while diving the Greenville Reef with the shark encounter plus dancing with Mola Mola and spotting a fever of cow-nosed rays making it an unforgettable experience.
JD Vance reacted to being one of the last people to meet Pope Francis before he died aged 88 on Easter Monday.

The vice president spoke with the pontiff at the Vatican one day before his death.

Mr Vance labelled Pope Francis "a great Christian pastor" in remarks to the media as he left Agra, India on Wednesday.

He downplayed disagreements between Pope Francis and the Trump administration, insisting that he would not "soil the the man's legacy by talking about politics."
Donald Trump complained that Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been harder to deal with than Russia as he lashed out at Ukraine's president on Wednesday, 23 April.

Mr Zelensky has ruled out ceding territory to Russia in any deal.

It comes as a high-level peace summit in London to discuss the terms of a Ukraine peace deal on Wednesday was abruptly downgraded after the US president's most senior diplomat snubbed the meeting.

Mr Trump, who is set to travel to Italy for Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday, told reporters that he did not know if he would meet with Zelensky or other European leaders to discuss the war while he is in Rome.
Entrepreneur Paddy Doherty has announced plans to increase his investment in hospitality projects to 13m. This includes two Inishowen projects in Co Donegal as well as the acquisition of Queens gastro pub in Dalkey, Co Dublin.

It includes his latest acquisition, McGrorys Hotel, in his native Inishowen for around 1m. That hotel has 17 bedrooms and, with a further two houses in nearby Malin Head, he plans to cater for 60 high-end tourists per night in Inishowen.
Home economics: We rent out our late mothers Connemara home when not using it. Are we affected by the new RPZ rules?
Activist investor seeks Tirlans backing for its radical plan to split up Glanbia

Groups share price is down 50pc since last year, triggering push by Clearway Capital

Tirlan is by far Glanbias most influential shareholder

Donal O'Donovan Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 03:30

Glanbia shareholder Clearway Capital has gone direct to Tirlan Co-op seeking support from the board and its members for a break-up of the PLC in a bid to lift its battered shares.
New home completions flat in first three months of the year

Experts say targets for this year are already off course

Ringfencing affordable housing for our critical workers such as gardai, nurses and teachers would be of benefit to society. Photo: PA

Donal O'Donovan Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 12:22

There were 5,938 new dwelling completions in the first three months of the year, up just 2pc from the same time in 2024.
Meta claims EU is trying to handicap US companies and help China, amid Trump anger at Europe

Europes 200m fine on Meta and 500m on Apple lead to recriminations from US oligarchs

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg

Adrian Weckler Wed 23 Apr 2025 at 12:31

Meta, the technology group which owns Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp, has lashed out at the EUs latest fines levied on big tech firms, accusing the European Union of trying to handicap it and other US firms.
Peter Foley steps down as CEO of LetsGetChecked

The founder of the one-time unicorn firm, which has raised over 400m in funding, will remain on the board of the company

Peter Foley, founder and former CEO, LetsGetChecked

Adrian Weckler Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 15:26

Peter Foley, the founder of the online health firm LetsGetChecked that was once valued at over 1bn, has announced he will step down as CEO.
Netflix releases trailer for long-awaited documentary on the killing of Jason Corbett

The upcoming Netflix documentary on Irish widower Jason Corbett will be released this week.

The killers of Mr Corbett, Molly Martens and her father Tom Martens, have been interviewed for the documentary, which has been four years in the making.

Expected to be among the most-watched true crime documentaries of the year, Mr Corbetts children Jack and Sarah have also been interviewed by Netflix.

Mr Corbett first met Martens when she was in Limerick and they began a relationship before moving to the US together along with Jack and Sarah. They were married in June 2011.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 7th May 2025

On August 2, 2015, Mr Corbett died in a fatal assault carried out by Molly and Tom Martens, who pleaded self-defence.

The streaming giant has said the special, titled A Deadly American Marriage, explores the mystery of behind Jason Corbetts death and asks viewers to reflect on the elusive truths beneath a once seemingly fairytale life that ended in tragedy.

The trailer shows footage of Molly and Tom Martens being questioned following the assault on Mr Corbett and clips from their interviews with Netflix.

The father and daughter have used the documentary to continue to defend themselves and insist they acted in self-defence.

During the trailer, a visibly emotional prosecutor looking at photographs of the crime scene is heard saying: In 30 years of prosecuting, Ive never seen photographs like these.

In footage of Jack and Sarah being questioned at the time of their fathers death, when they were aged 10 and 8 respectively, one of the children is heard saying: Molly made me lie.

In their interviews for Netflix, the children remembered their father, with Jack saying he never saw Mr Corbett lay hands on Molly Martens and Sarah describing him as an amazing person.

The Martens were convicted of the second-degree murder of Mr Corbett in 2017 and served three years and eight months of 20 to 25-year sentences before the convictions were overturned.

Following a legal process, both agreed a deal with prosecutors and admitted voluntary manslaughter. Last June, they were released from a North Carolina prison having served four years and three months.

A Deadly American Marriage will be available on Netflix from Friday, May 9.
Obsessed student allegedly commented rape and murder on my mind 24/7 on incel site, court hears

Arlo Kilpatrick (21) also took a photograph of himself outside the victims home and disclosed that he had written more than 30 love songs for her, a judge was told

Stock image

Alan Erwin Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 11:28

An obsessed Belfast student allegedly made comments about rape and murder under videos of a woman he posted on Incel forums, a court has heard.
Where Michelin-star chefs go to eat a curry: I think its some of the best food of any kind being served in Ireland right now
Its just 13 weeks since Helen McEntee was appointed Education Minister. In that short time, the S word has already lodged firmly on her desk, with the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) and the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) opening the door to potential strike action over new Leaving Cert reforms.

For years the Leaving Cert has come in for considerable criticism, mainly because the main focus of assessment is on one exam.

Not only does this add significant pressure to students, but there is no doubt that a final exam does not suit everyone.

With third-level places riding on the results, it is hardly ideal.

So what exactly are these reforms and why are they controversial? Here is a look at what changes are coming down the line and why some people are not happy.

What are the proposed reforms?

The changes involve a move away from these high-pressure final exams at the end of the year and the introduction of project-based assessments for all subjects.

Some of these we already have, such as oral exams or end-of-year projects. This time, though, these assessments will count for at least 40pc of the total grade.

These projects will not be assessed by teachers, but by the State Examinations Commission.

When will these changes be introduced?

The reforms will come in stages, and the first students to see these changes will be those going into fifth year this September.

Not all subjects will have the additional assessment introduced immediately.

Instead, subjects such as the sciences  biology, chemistry and physics  plus business, Arabic, Latin and Ancient Greek will be the first.

This will be followed by four more subject tranches in September 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029, with more subjects brought in each academic year for those incoming fifth-year students.

What are the teachers unions saying?

The main concern of the teaching unions is the speed at which the changes are coming in.

ASTI has argued that the changes are rushed and wanted a one-year postponement to the reforms. However, this was rejected by the Department of Education.

There are also concerns about the use of AI for these projects.

Unions have argued that training for teachers in advance of these changes is not adequate, and that some schools were not equipped properly, particularly for the science subjects.

Some teachers have also said that Deis schools could potentially be left at a disadvantage, with those schools not having the necessary equipment to fully implement the changes for students.

What has the minister said?

Although the changes are part of the brief the minister inherited, Ms McEntee said this week it was important that these reforms are brought in.

I think slowing it down or stopping it is not the right approach, she said on Tuesday.

She said these changes are part of an acknowledgment that the world is changing and the needs of students have changed with it.

What happens next?

Although the focus this week is very much on the conferences, once the Easter break comes to an end, talks are expected to get under way again between the unions and the Department of Education.
The Freemasons of Ireland are to make a 2,500 charity donation after incalculable damage was caused to the organisation by Tucker Carlsons interview with Conor McGregor.

The interview was filmed in the Freemasons Hall venue last week and aired last Friday night.

The organisation has since apologised and said it would not have accepted the booking if it knew what the venue was being used for.

It said the Grand Lodge Conduct Committee will now investigate the use of the Grand Lodge Room, and a risk assessment will be carried out into the security of its venue at 17 Molesworth Street.

Lodge rooms will also be only used for Lodge purposes and no non-masonic meetings will be held in the Lodge rooms until further notice.

At a meeting of the Grand Masters Council this week, the organisation also decided it would make an anonymous donation of 2,500 to an appropriate non-political charity.

Tucker Carlson interviews Conor McGregor in Dublin. Photo: Instagram

Today's News in 90 seconds - 24th April 2025

Richard S G Ensor, the Grand Master Elect, told members the venue was used for grossly inappropriate purposes by allowing the interview to take place there.

The Grand Lodge of Ireland does not comment on any political matter and so regrets letting our premises facilitate any political discussion, he said in an email to members.

He said the Freemasons are now fighting to restore our reputation following the airing of the interview.

The damage that has been caused in recent days is incalculable, Mr Ensor said.

I look for your support to get us over this unpleasant time and steer us back on the right path. I am personally abhorred at what has taken place and extend my personal apology to our members, family and friends.

The organisation issued an apology shortly after the interview aired and said it had no association with the interviewer or interviewee.

In the interview, McGregor appeared to play down the chances of putting himself forward for the presidential election later this year.

Carlson did not ask the former MMA fighter about the decision of a jury, after a civil case last November, to find him liable for the rape of Dublin woman Nikita Hand.

When asked by the host why he cant run for president, Mr McGregor said: There are stipulations. You have four county councils which are controlled by the government parties or you have to get 20 nominations of the Oireachtas, which are mostly party affiliates.

He said he doesnt believe Ireland is a democratic country and that they will have to answer to their constituents at some stage.
I earn 10,000 less because my years teaching in Abu Dhabi arent counted  teacher says incremental credit rules are disheartening

Education Minister Helen McEntee urged to fix issue to attract educators home

Helen Johnston, a business studies teacher spoke to delegates about the need to recognise the incremental credit

Amy Molloy Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 03:30

A teacher says it is extremely deflating and disheartening that his experience working in Abu Dhabi is not recognised by the Department of Education, leaving him paid 10,000 less a year.
Minister of State Thomas Byrne (centre right) and Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sigitas Mitkus in the underground shelter (Department of Foreign Affairs/PA)

An underground school shelter in Ukraine has been officially opened following funding from the Irish Government.

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne visited Odesa on Thursday to open the shelter which was co-funded by Ireland with Lithuania and the European Commission.

Mr Byrne also met his Lithuanian counterpart, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus.

Ireland responded to the need identified by the Ukrainian Government for the construction and equipping of six underground school shelters across Ukraine.

The project addresses the immediate protection needs of children and teachers, and enables continuity of education and learning, amid the ongoing war following Russias invasion.

The underground shelter opened by Mr Byrne is the first completed shelter to support the people of Odesa.

Speaking in Odesa, Minister Byrne said: As I arrive in Ukraine, I want to condemn Russias latest missile attacks on Kyiv, Odesa and other cities.

The deliberate targeting of civilians is reprehensible.

Ireland will continue to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people.

He added: It is an outrage that we need to build underground shelters for school children in Ukraine.

But these shelters have become a necessity, as a direct result of Russias illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion.

The right to an education is something which we in Ireland very much cherish.

Our progress as a nation stems from our want for education and its enjoyment.

But it is only when a child feels safe, that their mind is free to learn and absorb, the teachings on offer to them.
Intel to cut 20pc of global workforce as Government fears 1,000 Irish jobs may be at risk

Government ministers are braced for as many as 1,000 job cuts at Intels Kildare plant ahead of an expected announcement of 20pc lay-offs at the company worldwide.

But sources rejected the notion that this is the start of a trend sparked by US president Donald Trumps tenure in the White House and the looming threat of tariffs.

About 5,000 people are currently employed by Intel in Ireland, and several hundred of those live in Leixlip.

Although Intel has not yet confirmed whether the cuts will affect the plant there, ministers fear hundreds of Irish jobs are at stake.

The company is expected to confirm plans to lay off around 20pc of its global staff as it delivers its quarterly results tonight.

The Government has not yet been notified of how extensive job cuts will be, and ministers have been publicly playing down wide-ranging losses.

Its not good and it sets a worrying tone, a government source said. From media reports, they have said the lay-offs will be targeted at management and bureaucracy, but Leixlip is already heavy on engineering, so were hopeful it wont be as bad.

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said speculation about possible lay-offs was very difficult for staff working at the Intel plant.

Ireland continues to play an important role in Intels plans as the European hub for manufacturing semiconductors, and we dont see speculation around headcount reduction changing this, he said in a statement.

I appreciate speculation is very difficult for staff in Leixlip, and we will continue our engagement with management over the coming weeks and months.

It appears his focus is on trimming non-core activities, so I would suggest the Leixlip workforce is less threatened than other locations

Further and Higher Education Minister James Lawless, who is a TD for the area, said the Leixlip workforce would be less threatened by redundancies if the focus of the lay-offs was on trimming non-core activities.

He pointed to Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tans previous comments that the company would spin off non-core units.

It appears his focus is on trimming non-core activities, so I would suggest the Leixlip workforce is less threatened by that pivot than other locations may be, given the engineering-intensive focus of its activity here, Mr Lawless said.

The focus of the Irish operation is in engineering, advanced manufacturing and chip design.

These are all critical areas for the companys future and ones I fully support as Minister for Research and Innovation.

The Government is partnering with the company in research and innovation and will launch a national semiconductor strategy in the coming weeks.

Local Fianna Fail TD Naoise O Cearuil said it was a deeply difficult and uncertain time for staff at Intel and their families, and the companys presence was central to the local economy, where it has been a major employer for decades.

He said no one should have to face uncertainty about whether there would be lay-offs, and he will push government ministers for clear supports and pathways to be made available to workers who may be impacted.

The cutbacks follow an effort at Intel last year to slash about 15,000 jobs, with a round of lay-offs announced in August. Intel had 108,900 employees at the end of 2024, down from 124,800 the previous year.

It will impact any town, not just Intel staff living in Leixlip  they live all over the place, so its going to have an impact on a lot of people

Local councillors in the area are due to meet Intel representatives next Thursday.

Fianna Fail councillor for Leixlip Bernard Caldwell said: Local councillors meet Intel twice a year  thats a privilege weve had since Intel came here.

He said the Intel staff had not been informed of anything yet.

Its all speculation, and theyre waiting to get official news whenever. But as of now, which is 4pm on Wednesday, theyre still not aware of their future, he said. They would be concerned, and hopefully its not as bad as whats predicted.

It will impact any town, not just Intel staff living in Leixlip  they live all over the place, so its going to have an impact on a lot of people.

Locals were uncertain about the effect of the announcement on the main street yesterday because most Intel staff commute to work in shuttle buses and might not come to town as often.

Stephen OKennedy, who works in Leixlip, said the job cuts were only rumours at this stage.

We have a local business down here, we have a number of sub-contracting clients who work in Intel, he said.
Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson has spoken about growing up in Ireland and her marriage.

The former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that her parents, Aubrey and Tessa Bourke, who were medical doctors in Ballina, Co Mayo, had always supported her education.

In an interview with Transcending Boundaries on CNBC Africa, she said: "With four brothers, two older and two younger, of course, I had to learn about gender equality and human rights.

"What my parents kept saying, that had more influence on me: 'Mary, you have every opportunity your brothers have. You're bright, you're doing well in school. You've got to believe in yourself. You have every opportunity. And Irish society was telling me something very different.

"My brothers were altar boys. There was no such thing as an altar girl. We were a very religious Catholic family. My grandparents went to mass daily, we went every week on Sundays. I had to wear this awful scarf in church. I was a girl, and there was no doubt in my mind that there was a difference.

"My father would say he'd just been at a poor home where there was a midwife, but he'd come as the doctor, and then the question from the parents: 'Doctor, is it a boy or a child?' Even then, you knew the boy was what mattered. And that was 80 years ago in Ireland.

"So, that brought me to a sense that my parents think I have the same opportunities. I know I don't, but that's something to work on. I have this inner sense of justice, and I think that's what carried me forward for the rest of my life," she said.

As Ireland's first female president from 1990 to 1997, who is also the founding member of the Elders, added that her parents were not "pleased" with her marrying Nicholas Robinson.

Ms Robinson met her husband, who is an author, cartoonist and solicitor, while studying Law in Trinity College Dublin.

"My parents were not at all pleased, because, in that year after I came back from Harvard in 1969, I became the Reid Professor of Constitutional and Criminal Law, and I also got elected to the Irish senate for the university.

"All of that meant I was a senator and a professor, and therefore I was on a pedestal with my parents, I think, suffering from what I would call over-love," she said.

When asked if her parents didn't want her to marry a cartoonist, she said: "A cartoonist who was known to have dated a lot of women, and he was also a Protestant. That was probably the least significant, but it was a factor," adding that her parents opposed the marriage and didn't come to their wedding.

"I was already well-known in my maiden name, Senator Mary Bourke, because I had proposed family planning, and the Archbishop of Dublin had said that this would be a 'curse upon the country', which was heavy stuff.

"We got married with all [Nicholas's] family there, one first cousin came because I needed one family member, and I told my brother who wanted to come: 'No, stay away. We'll keep the family together away,' because I knew, after we married, my parents would be reconciled very quickly, which they were.

"And indeed, my mother used to joke that Nick was her favourite son-in-law. In fact, she could only have one," she added.
Families impacted by the Omagh bombing will be satisfied by steps taken by the Government to co-operate with the inquiry into the atrocity, the Justice Minister has said.

Last week, the Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the inquiry investigating the blast.

The Omagh bomb, which killed 29 people including a woman who was pregnant with twins, is the worst single atrocity in the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The inquiry is examining whether the Real IRA bomb attack in 1998 could have been prevented.

The MoU is to allow the UK inquiry chairman Lord Turnbull and members of his team to access material held by the Irish State.

The inquiry said it is discussing further co-operation from the Government around taking evidence from witnesses from the Republic of Ireland.

Minister Jim OCallaghan said legislation will be introduced for the purpose of ensuring that witnesses are available to assist the inquiry.

Mr OCallaghan was speaking at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday.

Victims of the Omagh bombing on August 15 1998, (left to right, top row) James Barker, Esther Gibson, Sean McGrath, Gareth Conway, Elizabeth Rush, Veda Short, Alan Radford, Ann McCombe, and Olive Hawkes, (middle row, left to right) Lorraine Wilson, Geraldine Breslin, Oran Doherty, Aiden Gallagher, Fred and Bryan White, Rocio Abad Ramos, Debra-Anne Cartwright, and Brenda Logue, and (bottom left to right) Shaun McLaughlin, Jolene Marlow, Avril Monaghan, Maura Monaghan, Brian McCrory, Samantha McFarland, Mary Grimes, Julia Hughes, and Philomena Skelton. Issue date (Family/PA)

He told reporters the main topic on his agenda was legacy and that the Government is fully committed to co-operating with the inquiry.

I was very pleased to be able to emphasise at the meeting the agreement that has been reached between the Government and the chairperson of the Omagh inquiry, which I think is a substantial agreement, a memorandum of understanding that I believe is going to provide an avenue to which documentary evidence will be provided by the Irish government to the inquiry, he said.

Its also the case that I indicated at the meeting that legislation will be introduced for the purpose of ensuring that witnesses are available in order to facilitate that inquiry, so that the truth can be established.

He added: We produced and agreed the Memorandum of Understanding.

It satisfied Lord Turnbull, and I believe it will be satisfactory in order for the families to get the truth that they so much deserve.

Its also the case, however, that we have taken very many steps in Ireland to facilitate inquests and inquiries in Northern Ireland.

Back in 2019, the Oireachtas has enacted the Criminal Justice International Cooperation Act that facilitated evidence being given in respect of the Kingsmill inquiry.

So Id say to the families of the Omagh victims to have faith in what we have said we will do.

The Government is fully committed to putting all relevant documentation before the inquiry, and we will cooperate with Lord Turnbull in his work.
Alice and Patrick Gavigan first met decades ago at another papal event (Family Handout/PA)

A couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary have told of the significance of being able to attend Pope Franciss wake in Rome  having first met decades ago at another papal event.

Patrick and Alice Gavigan were among some 20,000 people paying their respects to Francis in St Peters Basilica on the first day of his lying-in-state.

The nearly four-hour queue was well worth it, the retired couple aged in their 60s said, as they reminisced on their first meeting during a visit by Pope John Paul II to Ireland.

The pair, now living in Leixlip, Co Kildare, did not know each other when they went to Phoenix Park in Dublin in 1979 for that event, but met, married and have since had two daughters.

Mr Gavigan told the PA news agency: There is a significance, really and truly. Not planned.

We met for the first time ever in the Phoenix Park when John Paul II visited Ireland, and were married.

And 40 years later we decided to come to Rome to see the current pope, whom we had seen in Knock (in 2018).

But lo and behold he didnt stick around for our visit. We thought we were coming for a party (in their wedding anniversary year) but alas its not a party, its a mourning.

The couple had booked their holiday to Rome last year, and were glad to arrive on Wednesday just as Pope Franciss remains went on display at the basilica.

Mr Gavigan, a retired prison governor originally from Longford, said it had been momentous to be in the basilica.

Alice and Patrick Gavigan are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary (Family Handout/PA)

He added: Truly once in a lifetime. Im so happy weve done that. Looking up there now at the dome, its hard to believe that Pope Francis is waking there.

Mr Gavigan added that the experience felt surreal.

He said: Having seen Pope Francis when he visited Ireland in 2018  we went to Knock to see him  we felt coming here now that he is no longer with us and going to his wake was just surreal really. To see him alive and see him now in death.

Mrs Gavigan, a retired Health Service Executive (HSE) worker originally from Co Mayo, said while the atmosphere was subdued, those queuing alongside them were friendly as they stood in line for hours.

She said: It was very quiet and sombre (in the basilica), but everyone was in good form and chatting to each other in the queue.

Alice and Patrick Gavigan first met decades ago at another papal event (Family Handout/PA)

Mourners queue overnight to see Pope Francis

It was long but it was well worth it in the end, just to go in to see him.

Referring to the fact Pope John Paul was later canonised, and his positive views of Francis as a reformative pope, Mr Gavigan said: Perhaps well have seen two saints in our lifetimes.

The Vatican extended viewing times at the basilica due to high demand from mourners, opting not to close it at midnight as originally planned.

Franciss remains are due to remain on display until 7pm local time on Friday, ahead of his funeral mass in St Peters Square on Saturday.
Jerome Kavanagh after he was sentenced for the horrific killing

Child killer Jerome Kavanagh is back on the streets after being freed from prison.

Kavanagh, who fatally cut five-year-old Ciaran Malones throat during a botched attempt to sexually assault the childs mother in February 1995, was released from Shelton Abbey Open Prison on Monday.

The crime, for which Kavanagh spent more than three decades behind bars, is widely regarded as one of the most shocking to have ever occurred in this country.

Victim Ciaran Malone

The attack unfurled on Saturday, February 11, 1995 when Kavanagh, who had concealed his face behind a balaclava, forced his way into the home of his neighbours, the Malones, in Caragh, Co Kildare.

In a letter read out at his sentencing hearing in December 1995, Kavanagh confessed to having brutally murdered the innocent five-year-old and stabbed his aunt during a botched attempt to sexually assault Ciarans mother, Mary.

The reading of the letter at the sentencing was unprecedented at the time, given Kavanagh had pleaded guilty to the murder, but took place after Judge Paul Carney ruled: It seems to me the people of Ireland are entitled to know Jerome Kavanaghs explanation of why he took a life.

Jerome Kavanagh after he was sentenced for the horrific killing

In the statement Kavanagh, a single man who worked as an apprentice printer at the Leinster Leader, gave a detailed account of his motivation for carrying out the attack and also of the subsequent three days he spent in hiding while a manhunt was carried out.

I reside next door to Mary and David Malone. They have three children, Ciaran, Gareth and baby David, he wrote.

About two or three weeks ago I went to Dublin. I called to Clerys and purchased two knives. I also bought plastic ties, black and white in colour.

For the past three months I was sexually attracted to Mary Malone. I purchased the knives and ties for the purpose of breaking into her home and raping her.

Jerome Kavanagh after he was sentenced for the horrific killing

Today's News in 90 seconds - 25th April 2025

He continued that when Mary Malone answered the door he put a knife hed purchased in Clearys in Dublin three weeks earlier to her face.

Kavanagh then ordered children Ciaran and Gareth upstairs before forcing Mary Malone into her own bedroom.

He then entered the room where Patricia, Ciaran and Gareth were before stabbing Patricia and Ciaran with the knife.

In his letter he said: I dont know why I did it.

Kavanaghs horrific plot to rape Ciarans mother was interrupted when her husband David arrived home and a fight ensued.

Another man, Pat Dolly, then arrived at the scene leading to Kavanagh fleeing through a window.

Kavanagh spent the majority of his sentence incarcerated in the Midlands Prison but was moved to Shelton Abbey seven years ago.
Young man denies teacher 'groomed him as Leaving Cert student, but says they had sex in hotel after exams were over
Warning for Irish citizens travelling to US: They may request your passwords and are not required to provide a reason

US Customs and Border Protection says it checks devices of less than 0.01pc of travellers

Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC. Photo: Getty

Pol O Conghaile Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 03:30

Irish citizens travelling to the US have been warned that authorities may search their electronic devices and consider social media activity when making immigration decisions.
Every US president has adapted the Oval Office to suit his taste. Franklin Delano Roosevelt placed an animal hide rug on the floor. John F. Kennedy, a World War II naval officer, hung seascapes on the walls. And Barack Obama featured indigenous ceramics on the shelves. But President Donald Trump has gone golden, taking the office into baroque and rococo realms typical of 17th- and 18th-century French monarchs.

But the sparkle conveys something more insidious about how Trump views himself. Behold the new Sun King, a wannabe emperor who views his powers as absolute - who governs by executive order, and has been recorded giggling in his gilded chamber with Salvadoran autocrat Nayib Bukele as his administration defies a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that he facilitate the return of a Salvadoran immigrant who was wrongly deported. God save us from the king.
Pope Francis meets migrants during his visit to the Mavrovouni camp for refugees and migrants on the Greek island of Lesbos. Photo: Reuters

While wishing that the Catholic Church would allow ordination of women and pursue other long overdue reforms, I have the greatest respect for the late Pope Francis.

I admire his humility and tireless commitment to making the world a better place for all, but one occasion in his pontificate really stands out for me.

It was his visit shortly after his election to the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, where, at an altar symbolically made up of a painted boat, he celebrated a mass for the countless people lost at sea in their failed search for refuge or a decent life elsewhere.

It set the tone for the remainder of his progressive and enlightened tenure in the Vatican. He spoke out many times on behalf of immigrants and refugees, castigating what he called the globalisation of indifference to their plight.

He urged nations to respond to migration in a way that was always humane, just and fraternal. I think of that principled and ethical stance, and I cant but contrast it with images of so-called concerned citizens gathered outside buildings housing vulnerable human beings and hollering slogans such as Get them out or Ireland for the Irish.

I think of scenes of bigotry and xenophobia that have played out across Ireland, and I wonder how many of the righteous ones went to mass as followers of the same church over which Francis presided.

I wonder how many of them considered, even for a fleeting moment, that their attitude and behaviour might be at odds with their professed religious belief.

Not that Francis was the first Christian to take such a stand. Im not especially religious, but I recall Jesus is quoted as saying: Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

John Fitzgerald, Callan, Co Kilkenny

Catholic Church moves slowly, but liberal Francis showed the way forward

Pope Francis may be remembered less for the battles he fought than for the battlefield he redrew (Franciss successor may be the greatest legacy he leaves us  Editorial, April 23).

In appointing the vast majority of the cardinals who will now choose his successor, he quietly prepared the way for a papacy that may one day resolve the very issues he dared to raise: greater inclusion, reform of celibacy and even female priests.

The conclave may yet gift the world its first African or Asian pontiff, or a more liberal successor to continue the delicate work of renewal. The church moves slowly, but Francis nudged it forward with humility, compassion and a sense of direction grounded in mercy.

As John Adams, second president of United States, said: I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.

Francis carried the weight of old conflicts so that his successor might be free to build something new.

Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Co Armagh

Trump diplomatic while Irish petty secularism highlighted lack of tact

The Romans used the phrase De mortuis nil nisi bonum  essentially, Do not speak ill of the dead.

One was reminded of the appropriateness of this wisdom when listening to some of the comments on the death of Pope Francis.

It isnt without irony that Donald Trump, the non-Catholic US president, showed more discretion and diplomacy in his remarks than the Catholic Taoiseach, Micheal Martin. The latter brought up issues that were inappropriate in the circumstances and displayed a distinct lack of tact.

The contrast went further. Mr Trump announced that as a mark of respect, all government and state flags would be flying at half-mast. Sadly, it appears that a narrow-minded and petty secularism has become the go to mode for the Irish establishment.

Eric Conway, Navan, Co Meath

Housing crisis, like most things in politics, hasnt happened by accident

Peter Declan OHalloran calls for an urgent approach to dealing with the housing crisis (We need the same urgent approach to housing that we had for the pandemic  Letters, April 21).

But this crisis was years in the making and has continued for nearly two decades. It began in the late years of the Celtic Tiger economic boom, around 2007. This was a period when the then government significantly reduced its investment in social housing and shifted the responsibility of providing affordable homes to the private market.

This led to the arrival of vulture and cuckoo funds and other speculators whose only concern is increasing the bottom line. The vital social good that is housing was commoditised with the obvious disastrous outcome.

Can there really be any doubt at this stage that the crisis is the result of government housing policy?

It seems clear that successive governments have been wedded to the policy of maintaining high property values and refused to intervene directly to resolve the problem. Indeed, it seems the failed policies have had two main direct consequences: a few people have become very rich and homelessness has been normalised.

I leave Peter Declan with a great quote from former US president Franklin D Roosevelt, made as he grappled with the causes of the Great Depression and how to fix the crisis: In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.

Jim OSullivan, Rathedmond, Co Sligo

Ignoring Leitrims efforts against Mayo was a poor show by Sunday Game

It was widely reported that Leitrim failed to field a team against Fermanagh in the league last month, something that greatly troubled many fans.

Leitrims decision received a lot of air time, especially on shows such as RTEs The Sunday Game. They were then given very little hope in the Connacht SFC against Mayo on Saturday, but went out and gave them a brilliant game to restore faith in the Leitrim colours.

However, on The Sunday Game there was scarcely a sentence uttered about how well Leitrim played. Most of the coverage was about how Mayo played.

Its clear analysts have no problem hitting a team when its down. Thats a lot easier than doing the groundwork of examining the statistics in relation to population size in comparison with other counties.

Leitrim are routinely overlooked, even when they give a valiant performance. This again demonstrates the regard analysts have for smaller counties.

Sinead Brady, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim
He was named and shamed by Revenue for tax defaulting. The kind of story that is public interest, open-and-shut.

But the disgraced landlord thought differently.

Outed for failing to pay taxes, Christian Carter didnt issue a public apology. He didnt offer an explanation. Instead, he turned his sights on the journalist who reported the truth.

The former landlord decided to use the courts not to correct a falsehood, but to recast himself as the victim.

He told the judge that Irish Independent journalist Amy Molloy had deeply distressed him by her reporting on his tax defaults and questionable landlord operations. But behind the courtroom allegations there was something else - WhatsApp messages, emails and flat out lies that told a very different story.

Today we bring you Behind Closed Doors, the first of a two-part special from The Indo Daily. Fionnan Sheahan is joined by Amy Molloy, social affairs correspondent with the Irish Independent and by Kevin Doyle, group head of news at Mediahuis Ireland, to delve inside the contradictions, the courtroom and the communications that exposed the truth in Christian Carters case against the journalist reporting on his tax defaults - and to ask, what does it mean for press freedom in Ireland?
The site is within easy reach of public transport links

Tramore Valley Park has been suggested as a potential site for a motorhome park near the city, as the city continues consultation in attempts to establish a site where campervan owners can spend a few nights within easy reach of the city centre.

Campervan popularity has exploded in Ireland since the pandemic, with people now embracing the opportunity to explore the country to its fullest and move away from the overseas foreign holiday. Up to 15,000 motorhome or campervans are now estimated to be registered in Ireland, with the area taking an increasing share of overall tourism nights spent across the country.

In France, a record 16,000 new campervan registrations were made in 2021, while the country has over 1,100 completely free aires of various provision levels, from the most basic motorway layby to specially made areas that have large parking spaces, electrical hookups, and fresh and wastewater facilities.

A number of years ago, Cork County Council trialled a motorhome parking area in the Five-Foot Way parking area near the town, which has since branched out with its own dedicated water area, and parking spaces with a view across the harbour.

The site has proved very successful since opening. Cobh Municipal Council figures show that approximately 36,000 is collected annually from the site, which charges those in a campervan 10 for a 24-hour stay.

Cork City Council currently doesnt run any aires for campervans, and those visiting the city have the choice of either parking in a regular car park or on-street parking, which doesnt provide any additional facilities, or booking in the only campervan park within the greater city area in Blarney, where residents are then expected walk to the village and then take a bus to the city centre.

Councillor Ken Collins proposed a motion at the most recent Cork City Council meeting, for the provision of services for motorhomes in the area. Id be looking that youd have four or five of these scattered across the city centre, which would bring much needed tourism into the city centre, said Collins speaking on the motion.

However, Independent Councillor Paudie Dineen says the need for further consultation is ludicrous, given what their county colleagues have already developed, and instead offered a potential site, which is a short 10-minute drive from the city centre, and lies just across the road from the Park & Ride.

This is one thats going around the chamber for many terms and were getting nowhere closer, said Independent Councillor Paudie Dineen.

I have issues with the report. The Director (of Services) was saying that theyre going for consultation, lets be real, its a camper van. We dont need consultation to find out what we need to do. We can ring our colleagues in County Hall, they have one in Cobh.

I think we have all the facilities in Tramore Valley Park. We have water, we have storage, we have electricity, we have tarmac parking, and it could be used quite easily, I think. If people coming in campervans wish to come to the city centre, the bus is seven minutes away.

Lets make a commitment here, lets get something going. Tramore Valley Park is there, its ready to go, lets put it to use and try it out.
The letter was also signed by Fine Gael members

25 local representatives across seven parties, including government party Fine Gael, have signed a cross-party letter sent to Housing Minister James Browne, urging him to release immediate funding for the Tenant in Situ scheme in Cork city.

The letter, which includes signatures from both TDs and Councillors, urges the housing minister to reinstate funding for the 33 families in the area, whose housing future hangs in the balance. Cork City council have gone sale agreed on properties, but central government funding isnt available to get things over the line.

Notably, the letter was not signed by Deputy Brownes Cork city party colleagues in Fianna Fail.

Independents and members of all the other party groups in Cork put their name to the letter, most notably Fine Gael TD and former Junior Minister Colm Burke. The letter also congratulates Cork City Council in its part in the scheme, which helps to prevent future homelessness.

The tenant in situ scheme allows local authorities to purchase houses due to be sold by landlords, enabling those living in the house to continue paying their local authority, instead of vacating the property outright to be sold on the private market.

The letter concludes: Providing secure, affordable and permanent housing is vital to ensuring every family reaches their full potential. We are asking you to reconsider this funding allocation to reopen the scheme to new applicants and to urgently supply interim funding to allow Cork City Council meet its pre-existing commitments.

Members of opposition parties have already called on Taoiseach Micheal Martin to call an emergency meeting of the Dail to discuss the decision to remove funding for the scheme, while an emergency meeting of Cork City Council has been scheduled for this Tuesday coming (April 29).

We believe that this is an issue that goes above politics. This is about empathy and compassion for those facing homelessness in Cork city, said Sinn Fein TD Tommy Gould, who also spoke during a recent protest on the removal of the scheme which took place on the steps of City Hall.

This letter has been signed by the joint opposition and by members of government parties. This was a scheme that worked and every single Councillor and TD who has signed this has personally assisted families through this scheme. We have all seen the impacts in Cork city and we are united in calling for funding to allow it to continue.

The Ministers cruel and heartless decision to cut the funding and end the scheme is something we are united in opposing.

A majority of elected representatives in Cork city have signed this letter. That shows the level of support for the reinstatement of this scheme. The Minister must listen  this is clearly and undoubtedly a call to action.

He must reinstate the funding and allow the Council to end the fear and stress faced by families.
TUI representative Hugh Murphy also says senior teachers are being targeted to work abroad

A Cork-based secondary school teacher says rural children will be disadvantaged if the new proposed reform of the senior cycle is rushed through by Government.

Hugh Murphy teaches, among other things, DCG (Design and Communication Graphics) at St Brogans College in Bandon, and says that when his subject was introduced in 2009, teachers were given three years to try and implement the new curriculum. There was also grant assistance towards improving technology in the school to allow students to use design programmes like AutoCAD.

However, this time, the Cork TUI representative says that the new reforms will disadvantage those who have more demands from the farm, or those who live in rural areas without the adequate internet connection.

Its going to further divide those who can and those who cannot, Murphy said, speaking from the Unions annual conference in Wexford.

Students who have the wherewithal and IT set-up at home, and the literacy skills from their parents to help them, will ultimately do well in the projects, and will gain a huge advantage.

Youre going to have kids coming in from rural areas, having milked 80 cows in the morning, and kids from the town who have to work in the local shops in the evening time to contribute to their household.

Those children dont have the time to do this kind of work at home, and they will be relying on St Brogans and other schools to do all this work in school time, and that is going to fall back on the teacher, because no teacher is going to let their students down, and submit a project thats not to the best of their ability. Thats going to further increase the workload on teachers.

Theres no time being given to teachers to upskill, theres no time being given to submit all this project work, and while the good kids in the good classes will be able to do this, the vast majority of the kids are going to really struggle, and it will be teachers who will be picking up the pieces.

The difficulty for teachers as well, especially with the more sophisticated AI, is verifying that project for the 40%. It will put teachers in a very awkward position where theyre going to have to confront students that they think are using AI to complete their work, and that damages the working relationship between student and teacher in the classroom.

Its more pressure on teachers which Murphy says are having their heads turned to go elsewhere. With both teachers and unions request for a delay on reform not yet being enacted by the Department of Education, the Cork native says its now not just younger teachers that are deciding to fly the nest.

In my role as area rep for County Cork, Im getting queries from young teachers on how they can go abroad, should they be Union members if they decide to go abroad, Murphy explained. Weve one of the best education systems in the world whilst also being the worst funded, and other countries are seeing that.

Theyre now targeting more senior teachers too, saying come work with us, well relocate your family, come to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the Middle East. And if we cant compete with the Gold Coast and the Middle East in terms of weather and lifestyle, the least the Government should be doing is putting us on a level playing field regarding funding and salaries.

It took 12 years for the teachers unequal pay scale to be gotten rid of, and it took the action of senior teachers foregoing a 1% pay rise in their own pay, to give that to the new graduates. That was the teachers who solved that, not the government. They really need to up the ante, come to the table, and make teaching and staying in Ireland an attractive proposition.
Parishes across the diocese will host a liturgy of remembrance for the late Pope

Pope Francis in St Peter's Square at The Vatican in 2023. Photo: AP

The faithful of the Diocese of Cloyne are to gather in numbers at St. Colmans Cathedral in Cobh on Friday evening at 7:30pm to remember and celebrate the life of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday.

Representatives from the 46 parishes are invited to this diocesan celebration of the life and papal ministry of Pope Francis, Bishop of Cloyne William Crean said.

Some of the major parishes in the diocese include Macroom, Mallow, Kanturk and Lismire, as well as Mitchelstown and Cobh.

In a Facebook post, Mr Crean said:

Our hearts are downcast with the death of our Holy Father, Francis.

Though sad of heart, our sadness is tempered by a profound sense of gratitude for this generous and courageous pastor.

In time we will come to fully grasp the great legacy of his papal ministry to the church and the world, he said.

Parishes across the diocese will host a liturgy of remembrance for the late Pope, such as in Mallow, both churches held a special Mass for Pope Francis on Wednesday morning.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Blarney will dedicate Mondays Mass to Pope Francis. The ceremony will run from 7pm until 9pm and all are welcome to attend.

The Diocese of Cork and Ross will host a solemn Mass for the late Pope on Friday evening at 7:30pm in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, located on Shandon Street in the city.

Bishop Fintan Gavin will be the Principal Celebrant on the evening and all are welcome to attend.

Pope Franciss funeral will take place from 9am on Saturday and the Vatican expects some 200,000 people to attend.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin is set to attend the funeral along with other world leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Prince William and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
8 three-bedroom houses, 4 two-bed houses and 2 two-bed houses will be constructed along with 10 two-bed maisonette apartments.

Newmarket is set for a housing boost after planning permission was granted for a 22-unit development.

Cork County Council granted HRP Construction permission to demolish an existing two storey detached house and ancillary shed, known as Briar Hill House in Scarteen Lower in Newmarket, and for 22 two storey dwellings to be built in its place.

8 three-bedroom houses, 4 two-bed houses and 2 two-bed houses will be constructed along with 10 two-bed maisonette apartments.

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John OShea said:

22 new homes for the people of the area will be built here in Scarteen Lower in Newmarket  an area in the town which has been crying out for development for many years.

I look forward to seeing these houses commence and to have them made permanent homes for the many people and families seeking housing in the area, Deputy OShea said.

A revised vehicular access is proposed to the west of the site.

Newmarket Fine Gael Councillor Trish Murphy said she is delighted to see the planning permission granted.

Newmarket as a town needs to grow and prosper.

We have a lovely town with lovely people in it and Im sure when these houses are built, all new tenants will be welcomed with open arms, Ms Murphy said.
Three Dubliners have been named as finalists for this years Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards.

Among them is 22-year-old Lauren Jones Brennan, from Blanchardstown, who has been shortlisted for the prestigious Young Humanitarian Award.

Ms Brennan is currently finishing her degree in Law at Trinity College Dublin, and as a United Nations Youth Delegate, has advocated on behalf of youth rights, climate action and gender equality.

I grew up in a single-parent family, and my mom embedded a deep sense of empathy and care for others, she said.

Growing up in Blanchardstown, a community full of culture and life, but also social issues, instilled in me a desire to amplify the voices of those who feel like they cant speak, or arent empowered enough to do so.

I have the privilege of being that voice for young Irish people, both north and south. My role encompasses the whole island.

I go to consultations with young people from different areas and then represent them at the UN, co-drafting youth resolutions and advocating for peace, diversity, and inclusion in policy making, she added.

Ms Brennan has been instrumental in raising significant funds for humanitarian causes, including 27,000 for poverty alleviation.

There are a lot of challenges facing young people today, especially in terms of youth representation, she said.

Its difficult for young people to break into fields like policy-making when they lack access to resources or opportunities, but Im committed to being part of that change.

Also representing Dublin on the Humanitarian Awards shortlist, is Lora Ruth Wogu, founder of Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Ireland, and Migrant Health Alliance Ireland.

Lora has spent the last 14 years advocating for patients with sickle cell and thalassaemia, and trying to improve healthcare access for migrants.

She does all this while balancing her work as a healthcare professional and caring for her son, who has multiple disabilities.

Another Dubliner who has been shortlisted is Joe Mason, CEO of WALK, a support organisation for people with intellectual disabilities.

His dedication to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities took on a new urgency when the war in Ukraine broke out.

Responding to a desperate plea from a Ukrainian mother, Joe drove to the frontline and evacuated her daughter and other vulnerable families, saving lives and providing critical supplies.

His advocacy has also brought attention to the plight of disabled refugees, with Olena  one of the mothers he rescued  becoming the first Ukrainian woman to address an Oireachtas committee on the challenges faced by disabled refugees.

Along with Lauren, Lora, and Joe, other finalists include Shane Gavin, who travelled to Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid, and Billy Lord, the 12-year-old Cavan boy who raised over 35,000 for cancer support.

The Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards will take place on May 8, 2025, with RTEs Sarah McInerney hosting the event
Galway teen located safe and well after being missing for over a week

The 14-year-old had been reported missing from Claregalway, Co. Galway since April 21, 2025

Edana Flynn Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 17:47







A 14-year-old boy, who was reported missing from Claregalway, Co Galway since April 21, 2025, has been located safe and well.
Tralee woman Doireann Barrett attended a public meeting on endometriosis in Laois

Natasha McAulliffe, Doireann Barrett, Emma Cotter from Tralee and Roisin Howe from Kildare, who were all part of the Cneasu Endometriosis Support Group which travelled to the public meeting on endometriosis care in Ireland.

Kerry endometriosis activist Doireann Barrrett was among those who attended a public meeting on endometriosis care in Portlaoise on Wednesday.

The event was organised by Sinn Fein senator Maria McCormack and was attended by opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald as well as Tralee woman Doireann Barrett and others from her Cneasu endometriosis support group.

Doireann told The Kerryman that as someone who has suffered from endometriosis for more than two decades and campaigned for improved care, it is phenomenal to have leading Sinn Fein politicians supporting the many Irish women with the condition.

It was such a powerful event and overwhelming to finally feel heard and seen by a political party, Doireann said.

Deputy McDonald spoke at the meeting and said endometriosis is a real crisis in womens health in Ireland.

Thousands of women face a nightmare of excruciating pain and trauma as they struggle to get a diagnosis, in the first place, and then appropriate treatment and care, the Sinn Fein leader said.

We need a dedicated multidisciplinary endometriosis treatment centre staffed and resourced to provide specialised excision surgery - the only proven treatment for this agonising condition.

The opposition leader said government response to the issue has been a disjointed stopgap approach that has seen women prescribed outdated treatments.

Women can wait for up to nine years for a diagnosis and many are forced to travel abroad to get the treatment needed, she said.

Deputy McDonald said the meeting in Laois heard harrowing stories from brave women whose lives have been devastated by endometriosis and by the lack of care.

The consequences are heart-breaking. Young women have had to endure radical hysterectomies, women have lost organs, and many are forced into wheelchairs by the pain, their quality of life stolen from them, she said.

The women who addressed the meeting tonight are taking a stand so that other women do not have to go through what they experienced. Endometriosis is not rare. If you know ten women then you probably know a woman with this condition.

The reason we dont hear about it enough is because women often feel they have no option but to suffer in silence. This is now changing as courageous women step forward to share their stories and demand change and action from government.

Our message to women across Ireland living the nightmare of endometriosis is that you are not alone. We will fight with you and for you. We will keep this campaign going until you have the treatment, services and healthcare you deserve here in Ireland.

Doireann Barrett has launched a petition calling for an inquiry into how endometriosis is treated in Ireland: https://www.change.org/p/issue-our-irish-endometriosis-framework-let-us-have-a-national-inquiry
The Maharees community came together on Saturday, April 19, to mark the launch of a new Visitor Information Leaflet  a significant milestone in the Neart na Machairi Creative Climate Action Project.

The leaflet, designed by Mairead Kinsella, a frequent visitor to the Maharees and a key community partner in the project, is more than just an informational guide. It represents a creative response to the unique biodiversity of the region and its vulnerabilities to climate change. Maireads work encourages visitors to consider their role in preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the places they enjoy.

"It's been a joy and privilege to be a community partner on the Neart na Machairi project," she said during the launch. Ive learned so much about Maharees  the people, the biodiversity, the heritage  and the broader climate challenges we face. For the first time, I feel empowered by knowledge rather than frightened of what the future holds. I was eager to share that learning through this leaflet, and I hope visitors like myself find it both useful and empowering.

The launch event reflected the spirit of the project  a lively and inclusive celebration that featured local food, creative childrens activities, and open discussions on climate change, biodiversity, and regenerative tourism. It served as a reminder of the deep connections between communities and their environments, and the power of creative collaboration to inspire action.

Aidan O'Connor, Chair of the Maharees Conservation Association, praised Mairead's contribution: "We are really heartened by what Mairead has done for our community. She listened to our story, learned about the challenges we face due to climate change, and created something that supports and uplifts us. The co-creation process she undertook with our team and the Neart na Machairi project was thoughtful and collaborative. Were incredibly proud of the final result and delighted to support the launch of the leaflet.

The leaflet launch is one of many initiatives under the Neart na Machairi project, a two-year collaborative effort exploring how the Maharees can adapt and thrive amid climate and biodiversity challenges. The project brings together local residents and three artists  Emer Fallon, Silke Michels, and Zoe Ui Fhaolain Green  under the guidance of the Maharees Conservation Association and Project Designer Zoe Rush.

Neart na Machairi is delivered in partnership with Maharees Heritage and Conservation and Dingle Hub, and is supported by the Creative Ireland Programme through its Creative Climate Action Fund II.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin who is understood to have links to Kerry is amongst the possible successors to Pope Francis.

A Cardinal with Kerry links has been named among the potential successors to Pope Francis following his passing this week.

Cardinal Joseph Tobin, who is currently serving as a Cardinal in Newark, is the son of Irish immigrants Joseph W Tobin and Marie Kerwin.

Hes noted as a powerful voice within the Church for the plight of immigrants, with his own background as the son of immigrants to the US deeply informing his approach.

His family are understood to have links to Kerry and he has spoken about his grandmother's love of the Irish language and praying in the Irish language.

Cardinal Tobin was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1952 and is the eldest of 13 children.

He is a member of the Redemptorist order and was ordained in 1978. He was Archbishop of Indianapolis from 2012 to 2016 and he was appointed Archbishop of Newark in 2017.

Pope Francis named Cardinal Tobin a member of the Pontifical Council for Culture in 2019 and a member of the Congregation for Bishops in 2021  which is responsible for selecting bishops all over the world. This position was seen as a sign of Pope Francis's faith in him.

He was also appointed to the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura in 2021 by Pope Francis.

Vatican observers say that a liberal pope could be selected to deal with important issues in the church going forward including gay rights and the ordination of women  issues Cardinal Tobin has been outspoken about. He has criticised the Church for its treatment of the LGBT community and he has continuously advocated for more roles for women in the church.

The new Pope will be voted in at conclave by Cardinals. Only Cardinals under the age of 80 will have a vote, so 135 out of 252 cardinals, will be able to vote for the new Pope.

Cardinal Tobin faces stiff competition for the new role with several prominent names on the list of potential successors.

American media have listed him as a potential candidate given his more liberal views along the lines of Pope Francis.
There have been urgent calls to increase the number of planning permissions granted for one off houses in Kerry Gaeltacht areas in order to preserve the language and its associated culture.

The areas in question lie predominantly in the Dingle Peninsula and in parts of the Iveragh Peninsula in South Kerry.

Ireland South MEP, Cynthia Ni Mhurchu obtained latest figures from Kerry County Council (KCC) that show 121 planning applications were received from Kerry Gaeltacht areas between 2020 and 2024 in which 96 were granted.

But Ms Ni Mhurchu  an Irish language advocate  criticised that only 12 homes were granted planning permission in Kerry Gaeltacht areas in 2024  down from 18 in 2023; 32 in 2022, and 21 in 2021.

She criticised the low number of planning permissions in said areas and that it shows there isnt a pipeline of home building for families to keep the Gaeltacht areas alive.

In collaboration with Conradh na Gaeilge, Ms Ni Mhurchu is supporting a formal petition to the European Parliament on the housing crisis and its impact on Gaeltacht areas in particular.

Gaeltacht residents will travel to the European Parliament to address MEPs and EU Commission officials in May on the issues they face  one of which is that county councils operate an overly restrictive planning policy in Gaeltacht areas.

Breanndan O Beaglaoich  who has had dealings with KCC over development of the moving house at Baile na bPoc  and other Kerry Gaeltacht campaigners recently visited the European Parliament to express their concerns. They outlined the frustration of a generation of Kerry Gaeltacht residents who feel locked out of the local housing market.

Ms Ni Mhurchu is now calling for the long-awaited Gaeltacht planning guidelines to be published in the hope it will allow local authorities to be more flexible in granting planning permission in Gaeltacht areas  in particular for fluent Irish speakers.

Moreover, Ms Ni Mhurchu wants the guidelines to allow local authorities to widen the scope of their planning approvals to include fluent Irish speakers in the same category as having a local needs requirement in all Gaeltacht related planning decisions.

She called on her government colleagues to immediately introduce special development plans for Gaeltachts with specific housing targets, as promised in the Programme for Government.
Fr Gerry Comiskey shaking hands with Pope Francis. Also pictured is Monsignor Enda Murphy, a native of Derrylin in Co Fermanagh.

A Leitrim priest who is in Rome believes the bittersweet passing of Pope Francis during the Easter period is profound and mysterious.

Father Gerry Comiskey, who a priest in the Diocese of Kilmore and a native of County Leitrim, has been in Rome since January on a study programme at the Pontifical North American College.

Fr Comiskey participated in the Easter ceremonies at St Peters Basilica over the weekend and was in the city when the news emerged that Pope Francis had passed away.

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The death of Pope Francis was announced on Easter Monday morning and The pontiff's funeral will take place at the Vatican on Saturday morning.

The Vatican said he died following a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure at 7.35am on Monday.

Fr Comiskey is staying in Rome until Tuesday and will attend the Pope Lying in State on Thursday and Friday, while he will also attend the funeral on Saturday.

The Pope will lie in state inside the church until his burial at St Mary Major in Rome, also on Saturday.

Speaking of Pope Francis last appearance on Sunday, Fr Comiskey said there was great excitement but also a sense of sympathy as he appeared to be in a frail state.

He did attend Easter Sunday Mass  the most important day in the Churchs calendar and there was a crowd of around 35,000-40,000 people in St Peters Square.

There was great jubilation when he appeared, the moment he spoke the few words, we all recognised that his voice was very weak and he himself was frail.

There was actually sympathy for the man.

I think there is a profound message for us  he was there for the great Alleluia he wanted to hear the resurrection becoming proclaimed again for one last time.

Then quietly God called him to the Fathers house on Monday morning.

I think that is profound and mysterious. It teaches us a lesson. The Pope wanted us to believe more definitely in Jesus Christ. He wanted us to be enthusiastic and committed.

His passing on Easter Monday is just a mystery that we should ponder, said Fr Comiskey.

Pope Francis blessed a Mosaic commisioned in the Vatican for St Patrick's Church, Milltown in February 2017.

Fr Comiskey said due to the Popes ill health, there is mixed emotions in Rome following his passing.

I think there is very mixed emotions.

There is great sadness because he was a much loved Pope and much loved Holy Father. But, there is a quiet acceptance that death had to come to him at some stage.

The Catholic Church is like a great big family and when there is a death in the family, there is of course great sadness but if a grandparent or great grandparent is very elderly or feeble, finding it hard to breath, there is certain relief that their sufferings are over and in the case of the Pope that he does not have to suffer anymore.

It is bittersweet.

It is the most beautiful season  these 50 days of Easter.

At home in the Northwest of Ireland, my ancestors loved to hear of someone dying in the days of Easter Week - they felt that paradise was surely a place of welcomes, said Fr Comiskey.

Fr Comiskey met Pope Francis in 2017 and seen him earlier this year when he first arrived in Rome.

Fr Comiskey said the Pope was known for his humble and kind nature, which he displayed right until the end of his life.

Reflecting on Holy Thursday, Fr Comiskey said, On Holy Thursday, there was 1,800 priests concelebrating the Chrism Mass and we quietly were hoping that the Pope would come and see us that day, but instead he went to the prison to visit the prisoners and that was an amazing gesture for an old sick man.

It really was the measure of the man, said Fr Comiskey.

Fr Comiskey has heard many stories of Pope Francis and said he was a wonderful example of humility.

Even when he came into St Peters Square, he came in on a small car, he never wanted to be driven in a Merc.

One day during my studies here, I went to visit a Contemplative Order of Nuns  an enclosed order  there is 27 of them in the community.

They told us that the Pope had visited them three times  once he came announced, but the other two times he came back unannounced.

His secretary and himself just arrived and said we have come to pray, say Mass and to have a meal with you.

He did not stand on ceremony or sending messengers out saying prepare the way, he would just drop in like any parish priest, said Fr Comiskey.
US firm Sazerac have announced the renaming of Lough Gill Distillery in Sligo, which will now be known as Hawks Rock Distillery.

Leading global spirits company Sazerac, which owns and operates award-winning distilleries and homeplaces worldwide including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; and Paul John Distillery in Goa, India, announced the renaming to Hawks Rock earlier this week.

Hawks Rock will continue to produce and age Irish Whiskey under the watchful eye of Master Blender Helen Mulholland on the over 100-acre site located at Hazelwood, which includes the nationally listed historic landmark Hazelwood House.

The distillery is currently closed to the public during renovations, but it has been confirmed that Sazerac has received planning permission to develop a future visitor experience at the site.

The name change reflects Sazerac Companys vision for the future of Irish Whiskey  the art and science of blending, innovation and respect for Sligos rich heritage. Named after a prominent outcrop in the Ox Mountains that inspired Nobel Prize winning poet WB Yeats play At the Hawks Well, Hawks Rock Distillery aims to become a global hub for Irish Whiskey, while offering a gateway to explore the rich traditions of Sligo and the surrounding region.

The renaming of Hawks Rock Distillery marks a new, yet familiar, frontier for us, says Sazerac President and CEO Jake Wenz. Sazerac is known for its balanced approach to honouring tradition while embracing change in constant pursuit of crafting the worlds best spirits at our distilleries in America, India, Canada and France.

"Our mission holds true for Ireland, and we are excited to reveal how we are blending time-honoured traditions with bold innovation to advance the art of Irish whiskey-making.

Leading the Hawks Rock distillation team as Master Blender is Helen Mulholland, the first female Master Blender in Irish Whiskey history, Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association and a Whiskey Hall of Fame inductee.

She and her carefully-selected team have been entrusted with leading the creation and blending of Hawks Rocks innovative new-to-world Irish whiskey brands, the first of which will debut in June 2025.

Sazerac Company acquired Lough Gill Distillery in 2022, drawn by its historical significance and the cultural richness of Ireland. Since then, the team has upgraded and tripled its warehouse capacity, expanded production and is modernising the distillery, ensuring continued growth while maintaining its commitment to quality.

This rebrand is just the beginning for Hawks Rock Distillery, says Wenz. Throughout the changes at Hawks Rock, our vision remains the same  creating a track record for the aging and blending of award-winning whiskeys  and this name change brings us one step closer to bringing that vision to life.

While Hawks Rock Distillery is closed to the public during renovations, Sazerac has received planning permission to develop a future visitor experience in Sligo. To ensure an honest restoration of Hazelwood House, Sazerac has hired a Grade 1 Conservation Architect from Howley Hayes Cooney Studio to lead its restoration. The phased delivery of this plan is being established, and Sazerac looks forward to welcoming visitors in the future.

For more information, please visit hawksrockdistillery.com.
Eddie Casey will represent Wexford at the 18th Annual Mr. Personality Festival, organised by Kilkenny County Macra and taking place on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26.

The 24 year old is an active member of Bree Macra and has listed getting the opportunity to visit the European Parliament as one of his most memorable moments.

Macra is a voluntary organisation representing a thriving community of 13,500 young people from rural Ireland.

His hobbies and interests include bagpipe playing, hiking, jiving, singing, and birdwatching and he believes he will make a good representative for Wexford because he is very passionate about Macra and meeting new people.

A jam-packed weekend will be ahead of him  as soon as the contestants arrive at the hotel, they will be whisked away for their first group activity of the weekend.

The on-stage interviews will kick off in the evening and will be conducted by MC, Aindriu dePaor from 2FM. This will be followed by music from the much-anticipated Abbeyfolk and DJ until late.

On Saturday morning the contestants are given a chance to have a private interview with the judges before they are set a number of challenges.

On Saturday evening, they will then be donning their suits and meeting with Kilkenny, Carlow and District Farm Relief Services to have their official photos taken.

This is followed by the banquet, where The Fogues will be playing hit after hit until Mr Personality 2025 is announced at midnight.

Kilkenny County Macra ensures that there will be no shortage of Macra activity during the weekend in Kilkenny, seeing the return of the Hurling and Camogie competition this year on the Saturday. In addition to that, they will also be hosting the National Volleyball Finals the following day.

Tickets for the weekend are currently on sale at early-bird rates and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
A student from Gorey Community School has received a top prize for her submission into the 71st Texaco Art Competitions 2025 programme.

Amelia Dziadek, who is 15 years old, won a Special Merit Award for piece entitled Dziadek, which showed great technique and use of colours.

One of the final adjudicator and visual artist. and educator Pauline OConnell remarked that it displayed high levels of skill and artistry".

The Texaco Art Competition is regarded as one of the biggest, funded, and most prestigious childrens art competition in the country. This year saw entries from thousands of pupils and schools around the country for only a few coveted rankings and prizes.

Over the years it has inspired many young artists to pursue their passions and careers as artists, with notable past artists including Robert Ballagh, Dorothy Cross, former Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn and fashion designer Paul Costelloe.

Entries are judged by a panel of expert judges with distinguished backgrounds in the arts, who make their selection across seven different age categories.
In total 652 missions were undertaken last year The Emergency Aeromedical Service has been praised for its role in providing fast, expert medical care particularly in rural areas

The Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), often referred to as the Air Ambulance responded to 652 critical incidents across the country in 2024.

Last year, the highest number of missions undertaken by the EAS were recorded in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon with the lowest in Kerry, Dublin and Waterford. In total 57 missions were carried out in both Galway and Mayo with 53 carried out in Roscommon.

There were also 20 missions in Clare, seven missions in Limerick and five missions in Kerry in 2024. Dublin and Waterford had the few missions with just four undertaken in each of the two counties last year.

Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris praised the work of the EAS in Wicklow where 21 missions were completed last year and praised them for their work nationwide.

Speaking today, the Wicklow TD said: These figures highlight the critical role the EAS plays in providing fast, expert medical care, particularly in remote areas.

"Its a service that quite literally saves lives, ensuring that some of our most seriously ill or injured patients receive emergency care when every second counts.

The missions often involve severe trauma from falls, road traffic collisions, and other urgent medical emergencies.

The service provides rapid air transport for patients of all ages often to Dublin's major trauma centres and specialist hospitals, including Beaumont, Tallaght and CHI Crumlin.

The Tanaiste added: Operating 365 days a year, this service is a gamechanger for both rural and urban Ireland.

"The impact it has had and continues to have on families across the country cannot be overstated.
Supporters of the National Voter Registration Day initiative which is set to take place on Wednesday, April 30.

Three Wicklow events take place on National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) encouraging eligible voters to register and learn about their voting rights.

Through the collaboration of community leaders, groups, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, the voter registration drive hopes to drastically improve voter registration in Wicklow.

National Voter Registration Day takes place on Wednesday, April 30, with Wicklow events in Arklow, Blessington and Baltinglass, running from 10am to 1pm.

The Arklow venue is the AFETC Centre, Fernhill Plaza, run by the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. The venue for Blessington is Blessington Further Education Centre, while Baltinglass Library will also host an event.

The primary goals of this campaign are to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote is registered to vote, and to inform under-represented groups, disadvantaged communities, and young people of their right to vote and how to register, and to promote the importance of active citizenship and participating in the democratic process.

Speaking ahead of National Voter Registration Day, leadership officer at the National Womens Council Liliana Fernandez said: Although things are slowly improving there is still a lack of knowledge about voter rights among many people in Ireland and Wicklow. This has an impact on civic engagement and representation in Irish politics.

"This year we are continuing to collaborate with the Electoral Commission (An Coimisiun Toghchain), local authorities, PPNs, civil society organisations and community leaders across the country to inform minorities and young people of their political rights, educate them on the roles of the President of Ireland, TDs and local councillors, the functions of our political institutions, and how to register to vote.

Every election cycle, many people find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, do not update their registration, or are not aware of how to register to vote.

Policy and communications manager at the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) Brian Hearne said: We are engaging with a wide range of groups and organisations, and gathering support around Wicklow for this years National Voter Registration Day.

"We're working to get every eligible voter registered, especially young people and underrepresented groups who are often unaware of their rights at the ballot box. For example, many migrants who have been recently naturalised, need to be aware of updating their citizenship status at checktheregister.ie to be able to vote in the upcoming presidential election.

"Also, other migrants who do not have Irish citizenship are unaware that they can vote in local elections. We recognise marginalised communities rights to participate in political life in Ireland. We aim to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities.

"By increasing engagement in the democratic processes and voter registration, we can ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity and is motivated to vote.

To date, the initiative has connected with more than 60 organisations, spreading awareness of National Voter Registration Day among diverse communities and all public representatives.

Wicklow residents can also visit the NVRD website to verify their eligibility to vote, check the register, and learn more about their voting rights.
The annual bikers run held in the memory of the late Co Wicklows Mark Coster, which has been running for the past three years, will raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, inspired by a local girl who suffers from the disease.

Mark of Drumkay, Rathnew, sadly passed away in April of 2021, and friends of his whom badly miss him, have been organising a bike run each year in his honour. The first Mark Coster memorial run took place in 2022 to help raise funds to help then three-year-old Kane Fox of Merrymeeting in Rathnew, get life-changing treatment in the US.

The past two runs, held in 2023 and 2024, were for the I Am Alex campaign, to assist the family of Alex Dunne of Rathnew, who has a rare brain injury called Periventricular Leukomalacia or PVL.

This years run takes place on Sunday, April 27, in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, which Rathnews Erica Newsome suffers from, having lost her brother Ivan to the illness when he was just 14 years old.

Gavin Ryan, one of the organisers of the memorial run, said: This is our fourth year carrying out the run, and we always try to keep it local as far as our fundraising. The past memorial runs have featured anything from 25 to 50 bikers. We raised around 800 at our first run, and each event since has raised around 1,200 each year.

There is a core group of us that go around together but on the day we are always joined by countless other bikers, many from along the east coast, but we also had a few last year from the likes of Tipperary. We always get plenty of support and we will be hoping for similar levels of support this year too.

The memorial run meets at the Coffee Dock on Bray seafront at 11am and then heads to Rathnew, arriving at the local cemetery at around 12 noon, where a wreath will be laid at Marks graveside.

The event will be fully marshalled and bucket collections will also take place.

Gavin added: Anyone who wants to particulate can just turn up on the day. Its always quite an emotional and poignant occasion when we lay the wreath at Marks grave.

He is badly missed but its nice to be able to help a good cause while also remembering Mark.

Anyone wishing to donate towards the campaign who wont be able to make it on the day can text 65Roses to 50300 to donate 4.
What should you do to fix nail damage, especially after using gel polish? Sarah Caden asks an expert

I love the look of long-wear polish but I hate how it leaves my nails. Is there any way of avoiding the damage and why does it happen?

Weve all been there with those beautiful shiny, indestructible manicures that bring fewer feelings of delight and more of dread as removal time approaches.

Sometimes they chip and peel off. Sometimes they start to lift. Sometimes, the full horror of whats underneath only comes after they are removed. And then, as many of us have found to our chagrin, can come weeks or even months of damaged nails and promises of never again.

Gel polish looks amazing, but the damage usually comes from how its removed, says Suzanne Fowler, founder of 14 Day Mani at-home gel manicure kits. If youre peeling or scraping it off, thats where things can go wrong. The key is to remove it gently and never rush it. Patience really does protect your nails.

Are there any tricks to making a long-wear manicure more nail friendly?

Fowler says the secret is in the prep work and this is something to look out for when getting a salon manicure and when doing nails at home.

If the nail is properly prepped, the polish will not only adhere better, but will lift away better in the end, too. What you dont want  and what causes problems  is when removal requires an industrial-strength attack that not only peels away polish but also the surface of the nail itself.

Fowler recommends a good undercoat to create a good, clean surface and a layer of protection. A light buff can also help polish grip better, she says, but dont overdo it.

Is there anything I can do while the polish is on to avoid damage?

Some nail technicians suggest using an oil while the polish is on, which might seem odd but makes some sense.

While the oil wont penetrate the polish, it will keep it from getting dry and brittle to some extent. More importantly however, the oil nourishes the nail bed, where the new nail is growing. A good nail oil also keeps the cuticles from getting dry and ragged and bringing down the whole look.

Also, says Fowler, who recommends wearing gloves for washing-up and cleaning, and using a moisturiser, healthy hands mean healthy nails, so dont forget the sunscreen as well.

My nails are already damaged  what can I do to help them back to health?

The most common issue with post-mani nails is that the surface has been removed along with the polish, leaving them thin, brittle and prone to breakage. Another issue caused by overenthusiastic polish-removal is small tears in the nails that then break and cause splits that take months to grow out.

Many brands now have clear or even coloured polishes that include strengthening or binding ingredients that almost act as scaffolding while the nail repairs. Look out for ingredients such as keratin, which binds to the nails for increased strength; hydrolysed wheat protein to boost repair, and dimethicone, to increase flexibility and reduced brittleness.

Outside of the classic cuticle oil to help keep them hydrated and healthy, supplements with ingredients such as biotin can improve nail growth and strength, says Fowler. In between manis, try giving your nails a little break. Using oils to help them bounce back makes a big difference.

In terms of avoiding nail damage, is there anything to look out for when choosing a salon?

Cleanliness is a big one, says Fowler. Make sure theyre properly sanitising their tools and keeping the space neat. Dont be shy about asking what products they use; good salons are always happy to share.

Furthermore, dont be shy to speak up if you think a manicurist is going too hard on your polish removal. After all, youve paid for it. If theres drilling, it should only be to break up the surface of the polish and should penetrate no further. If they are scraping too hard, they are scraping off the top layer of nail and its your nail, so say something.

And finally, if your polish is starting to lift, dont help it along and peel it off. Ever.

14 Day Mani Perfect Prep Gel Polish Primer, 11, 14daymanicure.com

14 Day Mani Perfect Prep Gel Polish Primer, 11, 14daymanicure.com

It seems obvious to say that nails should be clean and dry before polish goes on, but theres more to dry than meets the eye. This prep product dehydrates the nail surface by absorbing excess oils, thus creating a better grip for polish. This brand also has complete kits for at-home gel nails, with LED lamps and a huge range of polishes.

Essie Good as New Nail Care Treatment in Light Pink, 12.49, available nationwide, boots.ie

Essie Good as New Nail Care Treatment in Light Pink, 12.49, available nationwide, boots.ie

Nails can look good while they repair with this clever treatment product from Essie. The ceramides in this sheer polish adhere to the surface of the nail, making it look instantly smoother and shinier, but also sealing in natural oils for repair. The pale pink colour is a well-polished bonus.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, 9.99, available nationwide

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, 9.99, available nationwide

It is what says it is  a nail hardener for extreme emergencies. Apply it like a polish and nails are instantly stronger thanks to film-former ingredients, including nylon, which literally give strength and bend to the nail. This means less breaking and cracking instantly, though some of the ingredients are drying so make sure to apply oil to cuticles and nail bed.
Our expert shares her favourite products and how to apply them

As summer approaches, skin tints are taking over. Every second brand seems to be launching a new one, hoping to win the cash of those who seek out lighter, more natural coverage for the warmer weather.

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules around these things, and if youre someone who always wants their skin to look like skin, and doesnt want to wear heavy make-up, a skin tint might suit you all year round. With so many of them on the market, though, how do you figure out which one to choose? And how do you apply them?

Applying a skin tint is easy  you can use any combination of fingers, brushes or sponges, depending on your preference. Personally, I find the warmth of the fingers helps complexion products to melt into the skin, which is important when a natural finish is what you seek to achieve. If you have blemishes to cover, you may find its easier to conceal them first, before applying your skin tint. Just make sure you blend the products well, and dont use too much product. A gentle tapping motion should ensure a natural finish.

If you have areas which require more coverage, you can absolutely use a concealer to deliver that. Light layers will always last longer and deliver a more natural finish, but will still allow you to get a flawless look without ever looking like youre wearing loads of make-up.

As for which one to choose, here are some of the best options around if you want to even your complexion but achieve a truly natural, skin-like finish. You may not be familiar with the brands, but trust me, theyre worth a try.

Erborian CC Creme

Erborian CC Creme (44 via spacenk.com)  This Korean brand might be unfamiliar to you, but it is worth getting to know if only for its complexion products. This CC cream adjusts to the skin tone and immediately evens it out, leaving the skin looking healthy and hydrated. It also contains skincare ingredients and SPF, although I would certainly use an additional layer of SPF before application.

If you want a super-natural skin-like finish you can apply without any faff, this could be the one for you. The only downside is a relatively limited shade range which may be too dark for the lightest complexions and too light for the darkest.

Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint

Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint (45 via spacenk.com)  Staying in the very sheer and natural family, Lisa Eldridges Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint is a silky, lightweight dream. It blends easily and melts into the skin, leaving you with a beautiful satin finish, and comes in a much wider shade range than the Erborian products, so all bases should be covered.

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint (47.46 via cultbeauty.com)  This is a gorgeous product which delivers a layer of sheer colour, blurring pores and diminishing redness, leaving you with beautifully even, natural-looking skin. Despite containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, this product works really well on oily skin and wears well throughout the day.

Buying Irish

Ealu Body Gloss

Ealu is an Irish brand founded just a year ago by beauty entrepreneurs Carly Colgan Bates and Susan Fox. The range is small for now, with just four products available. Cleanse, Sand, Drench and Gloss are body products designed to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise and shine the body, and each is packaged beautifully in elegant peach packaging. I am particularly drawn to Gloss (38 via ealu-moments.com), a shimmering body oil, but unlike most oils, this formula is thick enough to prevent it from dripping everywhere, allowing you to apply shimmer with precision and without mess. Perfect for nights out, or a post-pool glow, its a great product.

Something old

Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick

Every year at around this time, I buy a Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick (29 via boots.ie). This stick offers broad spectrum (thats UVA and UVB) SPF 50 protection, and when things get warm, I want one with me. I love its texture, which leaves the face glowing and hydrated via vitamin E and aloe vera without feeling sticky or greasy. Mainly, though, I love the format. I love that you can stick this in your pocket or in your handbag and you dont need to worry about it taking up loads of space or spilling, you simply have access to sun protection whenever you want it. I use it on myself, share it with friends, and have often lashed it all over my childrens body when Ive been stuck. In fact, there was one summer where I had to fight my youngest to use any other sun cream. Its just a great product, which delivers on protection, experience and practicality.

... Something new

Bahama Skin Skin Glow Sun Stick SPF 50

Bahama Skin is the youth-friendly skincare brand from the team behind Sosu Cosmetics. Its worth noting if youre the parent of a skincare-obsessed tween as its brightly coloured packaging is very on trend but the formulas dont contain the kind of actives young skin should avoid. Today, though, I want to talk about the brands Skin Glow Sun Stick SPF 50 (19.95 via sosucosmetics.com). This formula was designed with sensitive skin in mind so it works on all skin types, and is incredibly handy for on-the-go application. If youre someone who hikes, bikes, trikes or similar, you can pop it in your bag or pocket and lash it on as you move. Convenience is king, and this product is incredibly convenient.
Barry Keoghan has taken to social media to share snaps of him climbing the alps in a nod to the journey he has been on so far in life.

The Bafta award winner shared photos of him climbing Mont Blanc along with the caption: Climbing Monte Bianco/mountains feels like a metaphor of the journey I have been on and where I continue to go

Keoghan is set to team up with David Lammy, British Secretary of State, and the British Foreign Office to front a new campaign to reform childrens social care.

In a video posted by David Lammy on X launching the campaign earlier this year, Keoghan said: If we can change more than one kids life, that would be amazing.

The Dubliner previously opened up about his childhood and said that going through 13 foster homes and the loss of his mother took a toll on him.

"That was a lot, he said.

"As I got older and I had my own son, I realised that it was such hard work for her and my father, and luckily, there was a good care system there, which is massively important."

When asked about growing up in care in Dublin, he said: You dont really get a perspective on that until youre older.

In the video, which shows David Lammy taking Keoghan to his office, the Irish star revealed he hopes the campaign will contribute to improving the care for children in big institutions.

"Thats what I hope we get from this, is to sort of reform that, and we can change more than one kid's life, and aim to be impactful to a group, would be amazing," he said.

Anything got to do with kids in care Im always wanting to help and shine a light on it and get attention to it.

The Saltburn star will join Cillian Murphy in the new Peaky Blinders film which creator Steven Knight said is set during World War II. It is rumoured to be titled The Immortal Man. Other new faces joining Murphy on the film include Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth.
The programme was aired after a Metropolitan Police officer was cleared of murder over the shooting of Chris Kaba (Family handout/PA)

A police watchdog is complaining to Ofcom over an episode of Panorama about the shooting of Chris Kaba.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it is in the process of lodging a formal complaint with the broadcast regulator after demands for a public apology from the BBC were not met.

Gang member Mr Kaba was shot by police officer Martyn Blake after trying to ram his way past police cars in Streatham, south-east London, in September 2022.

A police cordon at the scene in Streatham Hill, south London, where Chris Kaba was shot in 2022 (Andrew Quinn/PA)

The IOPC complained to the broadcaster after the Panorama episode initially aired without including its statement in reaction to claims by former regional director Sal Naseem.

He suggested that the murder investigation into Mr Blake was launched amid pressure over potential unrest, which is denied by the IOPC.

Mr Blake was cleared in October after an Old Bailey trial, with questions raised over whether he should ever have faced prosecution.

He has yet to discover whether he will face internal Metropolitan Police misconduct proceedings over the shooting.

The IOPC complained that the programme did not make clear that Mr Naseem no longer works for the watchdog, and that it was not given the proper right to reply to the claims over why the investigation was launched.

The BBCs Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) found that the programme did make clear that Mr Naseem no longer worked for the IOPC, but accepted that the programme makers should have included the IOPC statement and made clear to the watchdog what claims were going to be made.

Its ruling concluded: In relation to right of reply, the IOPC had contacted Panorama after becoming aware that the programme would include a contribution from an IOPC insider and, in answer to an invitation to respond to criticisms, had provided a statement, but as a result of oversight the statement was not used in the programme.

In the ECUs judgment Panorama should in any event have provided the IOPC with specific information about the claims to be made about it, and consequently found an element of unfairness to the IOPC.

However it noted Panorama had taken subsequent action to include the IOPCs point of view in the iPlayer version of the programme and the related online article, in terms which we considered sufficient to resolve this aspect of the complaint.

An IOPC spokesperson said: Having exhausted the BBCs complaint procedure, in relation to its Panorama programme from November 2024 about the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba, we have decided to escalate our complaint to Ofcom.

The IOPC was given no right to reply to serious criticisms made about the organisation within that documentary and despite providing a statement prior to its broadcast, the statement was not used.

We are hugely dissatisfied that, despite admitting these two breaches of its own guidelines, the BBC has steadfastly refused to apologise publicly despite the IOPC providing evidence to show the serious reputational damage caused to the organisation as a result of the programme.

In particular, the suggestion within that programme, that the IOPC was pressured to start a homicide investigation, was wrong and resulted in public criticism from a number of media organisations and individuals including concerns raised by the London Assembly and local councillors about the IOPCs independence and motivations.

Had we been aware this would be suggested, we would have strongly refuted it.

In the programme, Mr Naseem said that when the IOPC launched its homicide investigation four days after the shooting, It was fed back to us that if we hadnt done it at that time then its likely there would have been a level of disorder.

The IOPCs statement denying this has been added to the iPlayer version of the Panorama episode and online news stories.

It said: The decisions to criminally investigate Sergeant Blake, and then refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), followed careful consideration of a significant amount of evidence gathered during our independent investigation and by applying the relevant legal tests which govern our work.
Zoe Kravitz, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie all had a hand in their one-time BFs wardrobe choices; its a technique everybody can learn...

Its a universal phenomenon, man meets woman, man falls in love with woman (vice versa) and mans wardrobe becomes 80pc cooler. This is what I call the girlfriend effect. Take Channing Tatum for example. The Magic Mike performer was always considered to be an Adonis, but when he dated Zoe Kravitz, he became the pixie dream boy of all of our fantasies: the type of man who would wistfully stare at a painting in a pop-up underground art gallery and say something oh so insightful. Now, is this actually who Tatum is? God knows, but thats what his updated wardrobe said to the world, thanks to Kravitz.

Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt in 1999. Photo: Getty

The girlfriend effect can be interpreted in many different ways. Maybe its your new partner gently nudging you in a certain style direction, or maybe like Brad Pitt, following your lovers style quest is a part of your love language. Weve all seen the red carpet pics, he matches his hair style, his clothing and general demeanour to whoever his current flame is. He opted for a relaxed off-duty Hollywood starlet look while with Jennifer Aniston, with matching blonde locks of course. Then when he was with Angelina Jolie, he sported somewhat of a gothic-coloured wardrobe.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in 2013. Photo: Karwai Tang/Getty Images

My personal belief is that men arent uninterested in fashion, its often just not a part of their general day-to-day life. Sadly, if a man asks his group chat what everyones wearing out that night, hell probably be mercilessly slagged off and possibly blocked. So when he gets a girlfriend, fashion enters the conversation. Thats a slightly sexist view, I know, but speaking from experience, its generally true.

Now if youre a kind girlfriend, youll gently suggest clothing that may flatter him, or even go shopping with him and help him experiment with new styles. I unfortunately have taken more of a cut-throat response in my past. Yes, I have been the woman who says: Your motocross jeans and silver skull rings? No, you definitely didnt leave them at mine! Little did he know I shoved them behind my bed when he stayed over and the next day they were sent to the charity shop in a Black Ops-style mission. Although I still believe I did the right thing  those jeans were a plague on humanity  I do encourage a kinder approach to other women.

And for those of you craving a better wardrobe but dont have a stylish partner, I suggest choosing a male celebrity or influencer who you admire. This could be anyone from model Lucky Blue Smith to rapper Childish Gambino. Focus on the main themes in their wardrobe and what interests you the most about their outfits, and decide what part is doable for you. For instance, a fully tailored suit may be out of your price range, but a nice revere collar shirt and chinos are doable on a budget! Indigo & Cloth in Dublin is great for some investment, standout pieces, while Marks & Spencer has durable staples you can easily build your wardrobe from.

A Kind of Guise short-sleeve shirt, 280, indigoandcloth.com

What your A Kind of Guise short sleeve shirt says about you...

Youre an artistic man who has refined his palette over the years. What was once spray painting graffiti in the black of night with Dizzee Rascal as your soundtrack, has turned into over-priced coffees while you stroll down to see the latest exhibit in the Irish Museum of Modern Art. You read a lot... and you like people to know that about you. You repped pink in your youth as an act of defiance against male expectations, and we love that about you.
In the latest round of barbs between the two men, the US president accused his Ukrainian counterpart of making it difficult to settle the war with Russia over his opposition to recognising Moscows annexation of Crimea.
A student at a French high school stabbed four other students at his school Thursday, killing at least one and injuring three others before being arrested, police said.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from Russia.

Writing on Telegram, Mr Zelensky said that Ukraine has repeatedly said that it does not rule out any format of talks that can lead to a ceasefire.
India suspends water-sharing with its nuclear rival Pakistan

Move comes after terrorist gunmen leave 26 people dead in contested region of Kashmir

Demonstrators hold mock shrouds during a protest yesterday against the attack on tourists, with militants the chief suspects. Photo: Reuters

Aijaz Hussain Associated Press Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 03:30







India yesterday suspended a water-sharing treaty with rival Pakistan, indicating it was blaming its neighbour for the previous days attack by gunman that killed 26 people in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill displaced families sheltering at police station and school

Healthcare system in enclave close to collapse due to Israels blockade

Children assess the damage at a school sheltering displaced people in Gaza City after an airstrike. Photo: Reuters

Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dawoud Abu Alkas Reuters Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 12:19







Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 28 people, mostly women and children, according to the territory's Hamas-run Health Ministry.
Top US cardinal calls for return to tradition as race to be next Pope begins

Some have accused Francis of sowing confusion and doubt around attitudes to gay people and the role of women in the church

People queue to pay respects as Pope Francis lies in state in St Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican. Photo: Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

Nick Squires Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 03:30







A prominent cardinal urged the Catholic Church to return to conservative traditions as candidates began to jockey for position before the election that will choose Pope Franciss successor.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Activists gathered on April 16 outside the shuttered Federal Correctional

Institution in Dublin to call for a rejection of any plans to use the

former prison as a detention center for illegal migrants. (Photo by Peg Hunter)
India Must Avoid Trade Shortcuts Amid US-China Tariff Tensions: GTRI

Available language



With the US imposing steep tariffs of up to 245 percent on Chinese imports, countries such as India appear poised to benefitprovided exporters navigate the shifting trade landscape with care.

According to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), released on April 21, 2025, domestic exporters are urged to approach the trade opportunity with strategic foresight and strict adherence to trade regulations.

While India currently enjoys a lower tariff rate of 10 percent on exports to the USat least until July 8, 2025the GTRI report titled Tariffs, Traps & Trade Paths highlights significant compliance risks. The potential to fill the gap left by China could be derailed by missteps such as origin misclassification, illegal rerouting, and dumping.

On April 3, 2025 (IST, 1:30 AM), the US announced reciprocal tariffs on over 180 countries, including a 10 percent universal tariff on all imports, effective April 5, 2025. While India faced a reciprocal tariff of 26 percent, on April 9, the US president announced a 90-day halt on it, with the base tariff to continue.

Weighing trade opportunities along with potential risks

According to GTRI, customs infractions could invite serious penalties under US trade laws, which are now under tighter scrutiny post April 3, 2025. The report urges exporters to avoid shipment and customs shortcuts and instead focus on legitimate, rule-compliant trade practices.

ALSO READ: Indian Exporters Offset Trump Tariffs Using US FTZ.

One of the reports key warnings involves attempts to reroute Chinese goods through third countries like India or Vietnam to avoid tariffs. GTRI clarifies that this strategy is not only risky but also illegal under US customs regulations.

The US evaluates whether a product has genuinely changed through the manufacturing process. If no substantial transformation has occurred, even products assembled outside China can be treated as Chinese-origin goodsand taxed accordingly.

To qualify for favorable tariff treatment, exported goods are required to undergo what is defined by US authorities as substantial transformation. It involves the addition of value through integration, design, software development, or similar processes. Mere assembly or repackaging is considered insufficient to meet this standard. It is emphasized by GTRI that genuine manufacturing transformation is essentialnot only for regulatory compliance but also for establishing a long-term sustainable export model.

Indias strategic position as an exporter amid shifting global trade dynamics

The report suggests that long-term success lies in establishing robust manufacturing hubs outside China. Countries like India, Vietnam, and Mexico are attracting global firms looking to diversify their supply chains.

India is well-positioned to capitalize on evolving global trade patterns, with several key sectors showing strong potential. Areas such as pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), electrical equipment, textiles, leather goods, toys, and chemicals stand out as top contenders.

For instance, the domestic pharmaceutical sector has continued on an upward trajectory in 2025. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Indias drugs and pharmaceuticals exports increased by 9.39 percent from US$27.85 billion in FY 2023-24 to US$30.47 billion in FY 2024-25. This consistent growth highlights Indias growing reputation as a reliable source of generic drugs and essential medicines, especially as global healthcare supply chains undergo realignment.

Similarly, electronics exports have also seen a substantial increase. Indias electronic exports increased by 32.47 percent from US$29.12 billion in FY 2023-24 to US$38.58 billion in FY 2024-25. The export figures notably reflect both rising international demand and Indias expanding capacity in mid-tech, high-volume manufacturingprecisely the kind of supply chain alternative the US is now seeking.

India stands to gain if it maintains compliance and transparency. GTRI advises Indian exporters to take a proactive approach, such as the following:

Closely track global supply chains

Maintain comprehensive documentation for goods exports

Seek binding rulings from the US Customs to avoid future disputes.

Conclusion

GTRIs observations and suggestions underline that the opportunities arising from the US-China trade rift are real for Indian exporters. However, the report highlights that those who invest in genuine manufacturing capabilities, understand international trade regulations, and build transparent, compliant supply chains will enjoy lasting benefits.
F1: The Academy OTT Release Date - If youve always thought Formula 1 was just about fast cars and men in racing suits, think again. Netflix is ready to shift gears with F1: The Academy, a brand-new docuseries that puts the spotlight on young women who are rewriting the rules of motorsport. The show premieres globally on May 28, 2025, only on Netflix.

Whats F1: The Academy all about?

F1: The Academy takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2024 F1 Academy season, a platform created by Formula 1 to support and train emerging female racers. These drivers are racing for change in one of the worlds toughest and most male-dominated sports. Expect high-speed drama, fierce rivalries, and personal moments as the cameras capture every twist of their journey, on and off the track.

Poster of F1: The Academy | Credits: Netflix

Susie Wolff leads the charge

At the heart of the series is Susie Wolff, a former F1 driver herself and now the Managing Director of F1 Academy. Shes the first woman in over two decades to participate in a Formula 1 race weekend, and she now guides the next generation with experience, vision, and heart.

The series is produced by Hello Sunshine, the media company founded by actress Reese Witherspoon. Executive producers include Reese Witherspoon, Sara Rea, Sarah Lazenby, Susie Wolff, Isabelle Stewart and Ian Holmes (Formula 1) and Lisa Keane (Showrunner). Set a reminder as all seven episodes of F1: The Academy will drop on Netflix on May 28 itself, making it a perfect weekend binge.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Gangers OTT Release: Sundar C and Vadivelu have finally arrived in theatres with their much-anticipated Tamil actioner today (April 24). Written and directed by Sundar himself alongside Avni Cinemax and Benzz Media (P) Ltd. as the producers, the comedy has also locked its OTT deal. According to OTTPlay, Gangers will be streaming on Prime Video after its theatrical run concludes.

Gangers cast and crew

This C. Sathya musical is cinematographed by E. Krishnasamy and edited by Praveen Antony. Other than Sundar and Vadivelu, Gangers also stars Catherine Tresa, Vani Bhojan, Bagavathi Perumal, Hareesh Peradi, Mime Gopi, Munishkanth, Redin Kingsley, Deepa Shankar, Ilavarasu, Singampuli, Aruldoss, John Vijay, Vichu Vishwanath, Thalapathy Dinesh, Chitra Lakshmanan, Muthukaalai, Vengal Rao, Soundar and Venkat Raghavan among others.

Gangers plot overview

A gang of misfits, led by Sundar C, plans a big heist to steal 100 crore in black money hidden by three powerful brothers who control a small town. At the same time, a schoolgirl goes missing, and a teacher (Catherine Tresa) tries to find her. A cop is sent undercover to the school to investigate. The movie mixes comedy, action, and typical twists, like a good guy turning out to be the villain, funny side characters (like Vadivelu), and plenty of chaos.

Gangers review

The Times of India rated the movie 2.5 out of 5, and a part of their review read, Coming to the heist itself, it isnt as wacky as what we got in the underrated and often overlooked 144, another semi-rural heist comedy, but there are enough elements  Vadivelus numerous looks, the mini missions before the final heist, the clever use of Madha Gaja Raja  to keep us entertained, and at least make us not leave the theatre with regret.

Are you watching Gangers in theatres this weekend? Dont forget to come back and review it @Indiatimes.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Before he became the face of one of the 2000s' most iconic TV characters, Penn Badgley was a teenager shouldering far more than lines and auditions. On the April 23 episode of Call Her Daddy, the You actor opened up about the financial and emotional challenges he faced before landing the role of Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl  a job he initially tried to avoid.

Badgley revealed that by the age of 15, he had become financially independent and, at times, the main breadwinner for his family. I wasnt always the provider, he said, but I felt the need to support my parents from a young age. Having started acting at 12, with roles in The Young and the Restless and other early gigs, Badgley said the grind of Hollywood wore on him quickly.

Penn Badgley in Gossip Girl as Dan Humphrey (Credit: X)

Penn Badgley said yes to Gossip Girl out of necessity

By 20, after nearly a decade in the business, Badgley was drained  both emotionally and financially. I had a tiredness about me at 20 that I think is not typical for a 20-year-old, he shared. When the opportunity for Gossip Girl first came along, he wasnt interested. But with money running low and a strong pull towards living in New York, the decision soon became clear. I was close to broke, he admitted. The rest, as they say, is TV history.

Badgley opens up about how Dan Humphrey became his identity

Badgley went on to star in all six seasons of the hit teen drama, which followed a group of privileged Manhattan high schoolers. Despite later success, including his current role as Joe Goldberg in Netflixs You, he admits Gossip Girl continues to follow him. I will still be answering questions about this show I decided to do when I was 20, he told Call Her Daddy. And whatever. That is what it is It sets you on a certain track that you have to in a sense resist. Work with it, interface with it. Otherwise, it just sort of takes you on its ride.

He also opened up about the emotional toll of playing Dan, especially at such a formative age. I lacked the emotional maturity to understand how to differentiate [myself from Dan] in terms of self-worth, he said. What people seemed to think of Dan seemed to be what people thought of me I wasnt like losing myself. But it bothered me.

Now starring as the chilling Joe Goldberg in Netflixs You, Badgley reflects on the role that changed everything. It sets you on a certain track that you have to resist or it takes you on its ride.

Whats next for Penn Badgley?

Looking ahead, Badgley is set to release a book titled Crushmore, co-authored with his Podcrushed co-hosts, slated for publication in October. Beyond acting, he also stars in Moncler's Spring 2025 campaign.
Chhattisgarh is weaving ambitious plans to become a major textile and apparel manufacturing hub, announcing a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) today. The move, spearheaded by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai during his visit to the CMAI FAB Show 2025 in Mumbai, is poised to inject economic vitality and create substantial job opportunities within the state.

Chief Minister Sai warmly invited textile entrepreneurs to set up shop in Chhattisgarh, highlighting the state's commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment through progressive policies. He emphasised that the newly inked MoU to establish a CMAI Textile and Apparel facilitation centre in Raipur would be a pivotal moment in bolstering Chhattisgarh's textile sector, unlocking significant investment potential.

Adding to this momentum, the Chief Minister proudly noted the recent approval for a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Nava Raipur, backed by a 271 crore investment. This strategic move underscores the government's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering design innovation within the textile ecosystem.

Chhattisgarh & CMAI partner to boost textile sector

Drawing attention to Chhattisgarh's rich textile heritage, particularly the exquisite natural kosa cocoons of Bastar and Surguja, Chief Minister Sai expressed optimism that the collaboration with NIFT and CMAI would provide the much-needed impetus for branding and promoting the state's handloom products.

He articulated a vision of rapid industrialisation driving Chhattisgarh's development, with the textile sector playing a central role. Since the implementation of the state's new industrial policy, a diverse range of investment proposals, spanning from MSMEs to high-tech industries, including semiconductors, have been received.

"We are now not just focused on ease of doing business, but speed of doing business," declared Chief Minister Sai, pointing to over 350 reforms implemented to streamline the investment process. He also underscored the textile industry's direct connection to rural self-employment, technology, and skill development, emphasising the government's efforts to support textile-related MSMEs through the new industrial policy, including special grants for enterprises employing over 1000 local individuals. Notably, he mentioned a unique policy of reimbursing 252 crore on a 100 crore investment in the textile sector. Additional incentives are also on offer for units establishing themselves in tribal regions like Bastar and Surguja.

Highlighting Chhattisgarh's infrastructure advantages, the Chief Minister cited surplus water and power, a central location, and the upcoming cargo facilities at Raipur Airport, creating unparalleled logistical benefits for the textile industry. Ongoing railway projects worth 48,000 crore and the rapid progress of the RaipurVisakhapatnam Expressway further solidify the state's connectivity.

Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, Chief Minister Sai mentioned the introduction of advanced, technology-based courses in ITIs and the presence of world-class institutions like IIT, IIM, and IIIT, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the industry.

In his concluding remarks, Chief Minister Sai extended a warm invitation to textile entrepreneurs nationwide, urging them to capitalise on Chhattisgarh's investor-friendly environment and the comprehensive support being offered. He affirmed the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the prosperity of businesses, the state, and the nation through these investments.

During the event, the Chief Minister also visited the Chhattisgarh stall at the FAB Show, engaging with exhibitors and exploring opportunities to integrate traditional handicrafts with the textile industry. Senior state officials, including Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, were also present at the event.
UP Board result 2025 for classes 10 & 12 out today: The UP Board result 2025 for classes 10 and 12 is officially scheduled to be announced on April 25, 2025, at 12:30 PM IST. Students who appeared for the exams held from February 24 to March 12, 2025, can check their results on the official UPMSP websites such as upmsp.edu.in and upresults.nic.in once the results are declared.

The evaluation of over 54 lakh answer sheets was completed by April 2, and this year, for the first time, marksheets will also be available digitally on DigiLocker with QR code verification. To download the marksheet, students need to enter their roll number and school code on the official portals.

UP Board result 2025 for classes 10 & 12

he Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) is set to announce the much-awaited UP Board Result 2025 for Class 10 and Class 12 today, April 25, 2025, at 12:30 PM. Over 54 lakh students who appeared for the exams held between February 24 and March 12 across 8,140 centers statewide are eagerly awaiting their results.

UP Board result 2025: Official result date and time

Result Declaration Date: April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025 Result Declaration Time: 12:30 PM IST

12:30 PM IST Exam Dates: February 24 to March 12, 2025

February 24 to March 12, 2025 Evaluation Completed: April 2, 2025

Direct links to Check UP Board Result 2025 for classes 10 & 12

Students can access their UP Board Class 10 and 12 results on the following official websites:

Due to heavy traffic on result day, students are advised to keep checking these portals for updates. Also, UP board results 2025 will be available on DigiLocker for the first time, allowing students to download digitally signed marksheets with QR codes for verification.

How to download your UP Board result 2025?

Below are the required steps to download UP board results 2025 for both class 10th and 12th:

Visit the official UPMSP website: upmsp.edu.in

Click on the relevant link for Class 10 or Class 12 Result 2025.

Enter your roll number and school code as mentioned on your admit card.

Submit the details to view your result.

Download and save the marksheet PDF for future reference.

Alternatively, access your marksheet on DigiLocker by logging in at digilocker.gov.in

Key details on the UP Board result 2025 marksheet

Students name and roll number

School code and registration number

Subject-wise marks obtained

Total marks scored

Result status (Pass/Fail)

Grade or division based on marks (minimum passing marks are 33% per subject)

Overall pass percentage and merit list details

District-wise and gender-wise performance statistics

Students who are dissatisfied with their results can apply for scrutiny, and those who fail can appear for supplementary exams. Last year, the UP Board results were declared on April 20, and in 2023 on April 25.

FAQs

1. When will the UP Board Result 2025 for Classes 10 and 12 be declared?

Answer: The UP Board Class 10 and 12 results for 2025 will be announced today, on April 25 itself.

2. Where can students check their UP Board 10th and 12th results online?

Answer: Students can check their results on official UP Board websites such as upmsp.edu.in, upresults.nic.in, and results.upmsp.edu.in.

3. How can students check their UP Board results online?

Answer: To check results, visit the official website, click on the relevant Class 10 or 12 result link, enter your roll number and school code, then submit. The result will be displayed on screen.

4. How many students appeared for the UP Board exams in 2025?

Answer: Approximately 54.37 lakh students registered for the UP Board exams in 2025, with around 27.32 lakh for Class 10 and 27.05 lakh for Class 12.

5. What is the minimum passing criteria for UP Board exams?

Answer: Students must secure at least 33% marks in each subject to pass the UP Board exams. Those who fail may be eligible for compartment or improvement exams as per board rules.

For more news and updates from the world of Education, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Vivo T4 5G sale starts soon: As the Vivo T4 5G launched in India, enjoy lightning-fast speeds and seamless connectivity. Vivo is poised to transform the market with its newest product as the demand for 5G handsets grows.

The Vivo T4 5G provides an unmatched user experience with state-of-the-art features and remarkable specifications. This smartphone is made to meet your demands, whether you're a productivity specialist, social media addict, or gamer.

Be among the first to experience the future smartphone by watching for the sale date, discount, and more. We have all the information you require for the Vivo T4 5G.

Vivo T4 5G price, sale date, and offer

Vivo T4 5g sale begins from 29th April at 12 PM | Credit: Flipkart

The 8GB RAM/128GB storage model of the Vivo T4 costs 21,999, the 8GB RAM/256GB storage model costs 23,999, and the top-tier 12GB RAM/256GB storage model costs 25,999. As part of the launch promotion, there is also a 2,000 instant bank discount, which lowers the effective price to 19,999, 21,999, and 23,999, respectively.

The sale will begin on 29th April on Flipkart and Vivo websites in India.

Must Read: Vivo T4 5G India launch date confirmed: Tipped to pack with 7,300mAh battery, large circular camera module, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 SoC, and more

Vivo T4 5G specifications

Vivo T4 5G will be at Rs. 19,999 on its sale date | Credit: Flipkart

Display: The 6.77-inch FHD+ quad-curved AMOLED screen of the Vivo T4 5G has a refresh rate of 120 Hz, brightness of 5,000 nits, high brightness mode (HBM) of 1,300 nits, SGS Low Blue Light Certification, anti-flicker eye protection at 3840 Hz, resolution of 2,392 x 1,080 pixels, and a P3 colour gamut.

Processor: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset with Adreno GPU powers the phone. It is said to have an AnTuTu benchmark score of around 8,20,000.

Memory: 128GB/256GB UFS 2.2 storage and 8GB/12GB LPDDR4x RAM. Up to 8GB of expandable RAM is supported.

OS: Funtouch OS 15 custom skin based on Android 15. AI capabilities like AI note assistance, AI photo enhancement, AI erase, AI game voice changing, live text, and more are supported.

Cameras: The Vivo T4 has a 2MP bokeh sensor and a 50MP Sony IMX882 OIS camera. It features a 32MP front-facing lens for taking selfies.

Battery: A third-generation silicon-carbon battery with a capacity of 7,300mAh and 90W rapid charging is available. It is charged by bypass.

Connectivity features include GPS, Bluetooth 5.4, dual-band Wi-Fi, 5G, 4G LTE, and a USB Type-C charging connection.

Additional features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, Wet Touch technology, and an IP65 water resistance rating.

It weighs 199 grams and measures 163.4 x 76.40 x 7.93 mm in thickness.

For the latest and more interesting tech news, keep reading Indiatimes Tech.
In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives, India has announced a series of significant policy changes aimed at tightening cross-border engagement with Pakistan. These include the suspension of the SAARC visa exemption for Pakistani nationals, closure of the Attari border, freezing of the Indus Waters Treaty talks, and the expulsion of Pakistani military officials.

Pakistani citizen turned Noida bahu? Seema Haiders future in India hangs in balance

Is Seema Haider Amid this diplomatic escalation, attention has once again turned to Seema Haider, the Pakistani woman who crossed into India through Nepal in 2023 and has been residing in Greater Noida with her partner, Sachin Meena.

Legal and diplomatic context post the Pahalgam terror attack

According to new directives, all Pakistani nationals currently in India under the SAARC visa scheme are required to exit the country within 48 hours. However, Seema Haiders case is more complex. She did not enter India with a valid visa and instead crossed over through unofficial routes. She was briefly detained last year for illegal entry but later released. Since then, she has been living with Sachin and their blended family.

Her legal status remains unresolved. While she has applied for Indian citizenship, the process remains in limbo. In the wake of current events, her case could now be reevaluated under a more stringent lens.

Legal viewpoints

Legal experts point out that while the directive is clearly aimed at those entering under formal arrangements like the SAARC visa, Seemas undocumented entry and subsequent presence in India fall under a separate set of immigration laws. Advocate Abu Bakar Sabbak noted that deportation in her case would be subject to a detailed review by Uttar Pradesh authorities and could depend on several factors, including humanitarian considerations and her personal circumstances, notably the fact that she has children with an Indian citizen.

If local authorities submit an adverse report, the Centre may consider enforcing deportation, particularly amid rising national security concerns.

Life in India and public sentiment

Seema Haider has maintained that she has embraced a new life in India. She converted to Hinduism, married Sachin, and recently gave birth to a child. On social media, she has shared glimpses of domestic life in Greater Noida, gaining both support and criticism.

The current political climate, however, has reignited debates around her presence. Some argue that her situation should be viewed through the lens of national security and immigration law, while others cite humanitarian grounds and her family ties in India.

What comes next for Seema Haider?

At present, there is no official order for Seema Haiders deportation. However, as government bodies tighten policies concerning Pakistani nationals, her legal status could come under further scrutiny. The decision, experts say, will ultimately rest on multiple legal and political considerations.

As of now, Seema Haider remains in Greater Noida, awaiting clarity on whether her life in India will continue, or come to an abrupt end.
Bollywood is currently facing a significant amount of tension, and its not just related to its films. Fawad Khans highly anticipated Hindi film comeback, Abir Gulaal, is surrounded by controversy, with the situation intensifying following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists. In response, Indias film federations are expressing strong disapproval.

Is the Fawad Khan-starrer Abir Gulal canceled after the Pahalgam attack?

Just weeks before its May 9 release, Abir Gulaal finds itself at the centre of a political storm, with Fawad Khan, the popular actor from Kapoor & Sons, becoming a focal point of controversy. The situation is anything but subtle, as film bodies take a strong stance against the film.





What does the film federation say about boycotting Fawad Khans film?

Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association, strongly expressed his disapproval of working with Pakistani artists following the recent attack, calling it a form of betrayal. According to sources, Pandit emphasised that people only realise the gravity of the situation when tragedy strikes their own communities. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also reiterated its position, stating that Abir Gulaal will not be allowed to release in India if it includes any Pakistani actors.

In addition to the growing controversy, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), the same party that previously banned Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, has now declared its intent to block Abir Gulaal's release. MNS Cinema Wing President Ameya Khopkar reportedly warned those supporting Pakistani actors to brace for consequences.

Collateral damage?

Meanwhile, an April 10 interview of actress Dia Mirza also started circulating on social media on Thursday. She told News18 Showsha that she was excited to see Fawad Khan back in B'town and hoped his return will reignite creative exchanges between Indian and Pakistani artists. The model-turned-actress also added that art should not become collateral damage in political warfare.

(Note: This interview with Dia Mirza was recorded before the unfortunate terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Her statements are unrelated to the recent incident and should not be seen as a reaction to it.)

Fawad Khan reacts to the Pahalgam attack

Meanwhile, Fawad Khan himself has remained dignified amid the attack, after the Pahalgam tragedy, he posted a heartfelt condolence message, expressing sorrow and solidarity with the victims families.

Fawad Khan reacts to the Pahalgam attack

Directed by Aarti S Bagdi, Abir Gulaal stars Vaani Kapoor opposite Fawad and is backed by Indian Stories, A Richer Lens, and Aarjay Pictures. Now, will the film release as planned or end up another casualty? Bollywoods on edge, and we are too.
In a major development after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that took place on Tuesday, April 22, killing 26 civilians, the official X (formerly called Twitter) account of the Pakistan government has been suspended in India.

Amid the escalating tensions between the two countries, the move comes a day after India took a raft of punitive diplomatic measures against Pakistan on Wednesday, including the indefinite suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

According to Times Now, the Indian government submitted an official request to X, prompting the platform to restrict access to the account for Indian users.

Credi: X

Big 5 measures taken by the Indian government after the Pahalgam terror attack

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to take stringent measures against Pakistan. During the meeting, the CCS resolved to take these steps mentioned below:

1. High commission cut down: The overall strength of the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be reduced to 30 from the current 55 via further cut-downs that are planned to be effected by May 1.

2. Pakistani nationals banned in India: Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme, and any Pakistani nationals currently present in India under the SVES will have to leave India in the next 48 hours.

In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, chaired a meeting of the CCS at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. pic.twitter.com/bZj5gggp5l  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 23, 2025

3. Indefinite suspension of the Indus Water Treaty: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided to suspend the two-decade-long Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with immediate effect for an indefinite time.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank to share the waters of cross-border rivers, is considered to be the most durable pact between the two sides.

4. Attari-Wagah checkpost closed: The integrated Attari-Wagah checkpost will be closed with immediate effect, and it will be the only operational land border crossing between the two countries.

5. India to withdraw its defence: India will be withdrawing its defence, navy and air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The defence, military, naval and air advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi will be declared persona non grata. This means they have one week to leave India.

Pahalgam terror attack: What we know so far

April 22, 2025, marks a black day in the history of India, after terrorists opened fire at a popular tourist spot near Kashmirs Pahalgam town. It is considered to be the deadliest attack in the valley since 2019.

The attack took place at Baisaran Pine Forest, also commonly called a 'mini Switzerland', a meadow surrounded by dense forests and mountains, when terrorists came into the grassland and started open firing at the tourists. The incident claimed 26 innocent lives.

As soon as the news came in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India from his short Saudi visit and assured that people who are "behind this heinous act will be brought to justice."

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
You Season 5 Ending Explained: Netflix's You concludes its fifth and final season with a dramatic finale that brings Joe Goldberg's (Penn Badgley) dark journey full circle. After years of manipulation, obsession, and murder, Joe finally sees the mirror, reflecting on the man he had become. (Warning: Spoilers ahead).

Season 5 picks up with Joe back in New York, married to power player Kate Lockwood (Charlotte Ritchie) and pretending to live a polished life, where the top 1% walk red carpets and get photo shoots done for magazines. But if weve learned anything over five seasons, its that Joe cant run from himself. And when Bronte, aka Louise (Madeline Brewer), enters his life, he automatically becomes the dangerous man we have despised all along.

Joe Goldberg in You Season 5| Credit: Netflix

You Season 5 Ending Explained: All you need to know about the gripping finale

You Season 5 officially landed on Netflix on Friday, April 24, 2025, with all episodes released at once for a full-on binge. The final episode, fittingly titled Finale, runs just under an hour, and its packed with confrontations as Joe Goldberg faces the consequences of his actions.

So what actually happens to Joe in the end? Let's dive in.

In the final season, Joe tries to escape to Canada with his wife, Kate. He somehow survives a fire in the basement of his bookstore and thinks he's getting a fresh start.

But Kate, who's as shady as Joe if not more, has been working with Marienne and Nadia, two people who know just how dangerous Joe really is. Together, they come up with a plan to trap him in the same glass cage he once used on others.

Bronte turns against Joe

The trio didnt stop at setting a trap. They also managed to turn Joes newest obsession, Bronte, against him. Bronte had a feeling something was off, and after learning more about the death of her mentor, Guinevere Beck, things started to make sense. Finding out the truth about Beck, who was killed back in season one, changed everything for her.

After saving Joe from the fire, Bronte decided to act like she was on his side. She even agreed to his proposal. But in her mind, she had already made a decision.

They ran off to a cabin in upstate New York, hiding out in the middle of nowhere. At one point, Bronte seemed almost caught up in Joes charm. During a boat ride, she called it peak romance. But it didnt last. She kept her focus. She knew who Joe really was, and the calm moment was never going to be the end of the story.

Does Joe's son Henry learn the truth about his father?

Later that night, Bronte made her move. While lying in bed with Joe, she reached under the pillow and pulled out a gun. Calm but firm, she made him tell the truth about what really happened to Guinevere Beck. She also made him delete the parts of the book he had written about her, trying to twist her story for his own gain.

Right in the middle of that tense moment, Joes phone rang. It was his son, Henry. While talking to his son on the phone, Joe tried to sound calm. He told him hed be back in a few days, trying to reassure him like everything was fine. But Henry asks, What did you do to Mommy?

Joe hesitated. Nothing, he said softly, but the damage was already done.

Henry responds, Do you remember when you used to tell me there were no monsters in my room? You lied. It was you. Youre the monster.

For the first time, Joe had to hear who he really was, and coming from the person he cared about most shattered his world.

Did Joe kill his final muse, Bronte?

At one point, it actually seemed like Joe was ready to come clean. He looked broken, like hed finally accepted everything hed done. But then, in classic Joe fashion, he snapped. Things got violent fast. He shot Bronte in the side during a fight in the woods.

Even while bleeding out, Bronte didnt give up. Her hands were shaky and covered in blood, but she somehow managed to call 911. The police were already on their way.

Joe begged her to end it. Kill me, he said. I deserve it. You should be the one who does it. But Bronte wasnt going to give him that easy way out. Id rather watch you rot in prison, she told him.

Still, he came at her again. Thats when she shot him right in the groin.

What happens to Joe in the end?

Joe gets arrested along with Bronte. He then faces a trial during which he was forced to confront his own darkness. "My punishment is worse than I imagined," Joe reflects.

What happens to Kate and Joe's son Henry?

Joe's son Henry is now in his wife Kate Lockwood's care after she survived the bookstore fire. She also decides to support Marienne's artistic pursuits. Meanwhile, her brother Teddy turned Lockwood Corp into a nonprofit organisation, marking a significant shift for the company.

The series concludes with Joe in prison, reading Norman Mailer's The Executioner's Song. In a haunting voiceover, he reflects on the crushing loneliness of his situation, remarking, "The loneliness, oh my god. The loneliness... This is forever. It's unfair. Aren't we all just products of our environment? Hurt people hurt people."

As he reads a fan's letter, Joe's tone shifts, and he writes, "Maybe we have a problem as a society. Maybe the problem isnt me. Maybe its you."

You Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix!

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
US Visa Waiver Program: Citizens of 41 countries from around the world can now travel to the United States of America (USA) without needing a visa for up to 90 days. This is possible through the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) program which makes it easier for tourists and business visitors from certain nations to enter the country. But the big question isis India included in this list of visa-free countries, and what is the process to get a US visa? Lets find out.

What Is the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

The Visa Waiver Program is a special travel agreement that allows citizens of selected countries to visit the US without a visa for tourism, business, or transit, for a stay of up to 90 days. This programme is meant to promote easier travel and international relations.

To be eligible for visa-free entry in US under this programme, visitors must meet a few conditions, such as having an e-passport, a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval, and a return or onward ticket.

Is India Included in the List of VWP Countries?

Indian passport | Credit: BCCL

No, India is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. This means that Indian passport holders still need a US visa to enter the country, even for short visits. Indian nationals must go through the regular US visa application process, which involves submitting documents, attending interviews, and paying visa fees.

So, if youre from India and planning a trip to the US, youll need to apply for a visa in advance.

Which Countries Are Eligible for Visa-Free Entry in the US?

As of now, the following 41 countries are eligible for visa-free entry in the US through the VWP:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom (UK).

In March 2025, Romania is the most recent country to be added to the list.

What Do You Need to Travel Under the Visa Waiver Program?

If you are from one of the VWP countries and want to enter the US without a visa, you must:

Hold an electronic passport (e-passport): This passport contains a chip that stores biometric details.

This passport contains a chip that stores biometric details. Get an ESTA approval: You need to apply online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours before your trip.

You need to apply online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours before your trip. Stay for 90 days or less: Your trip must be for tourism, business, or transit only.

Your trip must be for tourism, business, or transit only. Have a return or onward ticket: You must show that you plan to leave the US within 90 days.

You must show that you plan to leave the US within 90 days. Have a clean travel history: You should not have visited countries like Iran or North Korea after specific dates, and you should not have a criminal record or past US visa overstays.

Important Things to Know About ESTA

An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expireswhichever comes first.

It allows multiple visits to the US during its validity period.

You must pay a fee and fill out personal and eligibility details while applying.

ESTA approval doesnt guarantee entrythe final decision is made by US Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry.

What About Passport Validity?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the US, unless there's a specific agreement between your country and the United States that says otherwise.

What Should Indian Travellers Do?

Since India is not on the visa-free entry list, Indian travellers must follow the regular US visa process. This includes:

Filling out the visa application form (DS-160),

Paying the visa fee,

Booking a visa interview,

Attending the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate,

Waiting for visa approval.

Is India Likely to Join the VWP Soon?

At present, there is no official update about India joining the US Visa Waiver Program. For now, Indian citizens must continue to apply for a US visa to travel for tourism, work, studies, or business.

The Visa Waiver Program is a great option for citizens of eligible countries to enter the US without a visa. However, travellers must follow the rules, apply for ESTA, and ensure all travel documents are up to date.

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
A well-known wedding DJ was attacked with a sharp object by a fellow DJ colleague during a meeting at the latters residence in Nafpaktos, western Greece, leaving the victim with a head injury. The injured DJ was rushed to a hospital in Patras.

According to local news outlets Nafpaktianews.gr and Npress.gr,

the victims life is not in danger, but the attack has caused considerable concern within the local professional community

The motive behind the altercation remains unclear, though initial reports suggest a personal dispute may have escalated into violence.

The incident occurred during what was expected to be a routine meeting between the two DJs, both known in the citys social event scene.

The attacker allegedly struck the victim on the head with a sharp object, resulting in significant bleeding.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and charges are expected to be filed against the assailant. The local community remains stunned by the violent turn of events within what is typically a close-knit and cooperative professional circle.

   iefimerida.gr
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has "unequivocally" condemned the recent terrorist attack in Indias Jammu and Kashmir region, which targeted tourists in the popular destination of Pahalgam.

In an official statement posted on social media, the ministry expressed its strong disapproval of the attack, stating, We strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The statement continued, Greece stands in full solidarity with India in the face of this tragic loss and in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

The attack, which took place in a region long affected by unrest, resulted in the death of multiple tourists and injured others, drawing widespread international condemnation.

   iefimerida.gr
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pledged to introduce further tax cuts for the middle class during his upcoming address at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) in September, reaffirming his governments commitment to its reform agenda while dismissing speculation of early elections or changes to the electoral law.

In an interview with Proto Thema, Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized

his administrations track record of fulfilling promises, citing recent relief measures such as annual rent rebates and a 250 bonus for low-income pensioners.

He firmly ruled out any revision of the electoral law, saying, I am not discussing a change to the electoral system.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his intention to lead the New Democracy party into a third term, asserting that the party can claim a parliamentary majority in future elections.

No Early Elections, Full Four-Year Term

Mr. Mitsotakis dismissed any notion of calling early elections, insisting his government will serve its full four-year term.

Our program is one of a four-year duration, he said. I truly believe 2025 will be better than 2024, 2026 better than 2025, and so on. Thats all the more reason to honor my pledge for elections at the end of the term.

Regarding tax policy, Mr. Mitsotakis confirmed that his TIF address will focus on reducing the tax burden on the middle class.

He described recently announced support measures as permanent and the result of necessary reforms. These reforms often provoke political backlash at first, but their benefits tend to appear later, he said. Now those benefits have materialized, allowing us to return more than 1 billion to specific social groups.

Regarding rent subsidies, the prime minister emphasized the need to combat the shadow economy in the housing market.

Just as we've curbed tax evasion through linking POS systems to cash registers and expanding digital payments, we aim to do the same in the real estate sector, he said.

On the diplomatic front, Mr. Mitsotakis confirmed plans to visit Ankara in due course and reiterated his preference for calm, responsible diplomacy with Turkey.

Im not looking for a fight. Greece has always conducted its foreign policy with responsibility and consistency, and were now stronger and more influential because of it.

He also confirmed that the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection project, known as the "EuroAsia Interconnector," will proceed as a European strategic initiative.

Addressing Greece-U.S. relations, Mr. Mitsotakis described the strategic partnership as excellent and expressed hope for future progress in trade talks. Although no meeting is currently scheduled with U.S. President Donald Trump, Mr. Mitsotakis said he remains committed to pursuing a mutually beneficial trade deal.

No one wins in a trade war, especially one of this magnitude, he added.

Turning to domestic issues, Mr. Mitsotakis acknowledged the need for accelerated reforms in Greeces railway system following the Tempi train crash.

He pledged drastic changes in the operation of the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE), including greater flexibility, accountability, and the use of modern technology, to be outlined in an upcoming Cabinet meeting.

Mr. Mitsotakis also criticized opposition leaders, dismissing Plefsi Eleftherias leader Zoe Konstantopoulou as a new female Varoufakis and labeling Pasok leader Nikos Androulakis as her appendage.

Mr. Mitsotakis concluded by asserting that continued economic growth will ensure improved conditions for all Greeks, stating that the stronger the economy, the more the Greek people will benefit.

   iefimerida.gr
Greek authorities are continuing to investigate the death of a 29-year-old coast guard officer whose body was found hanged on Good Friday at a remote chapel on the island of Lesbos, as new evidence and conflicting claims raise questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

The officer, whose name has not been officially released, was assigned to a K9 unit within the countrys narcotics division.

He was on medical leave at the time

of his death and had reportedly expressed concerns about his safety due to his involvement in anti-drug operations.

The case has drawn national attention, particularly after the officers shoes and mobile phone were discovered 87 kilometers (54 miles) from where his body was found. Authorities are now examining how the items could have ended up so far away.

Security footage also reportedly shows the officers car traveling in a convoy with other vehicles shortly before his death. Investigators are working to determine whether he was alone or accompanied at that time.

The officers family has filed a formal complaint demanding a full forensic investigation, alleging that no proper autopsy was conducted to rule out foul play. A private forensic expert has been appointed by the family to review the case independently.

In a further development, the family filed a lawsuit Wednesday against a serving officer in the Lesbos police department. This officer allegedly posted a public accusation suggesting the deceased was involved in drug trafficking networks, a claim the family vehemently denies as defamatory.

The funeral, initially scheduled for Easter Monday, has been postponed indefinitely.

Greek police have confirmed that the investigation remains open, with all possibilities, including homicide, still under consideration.

The case has sparked concern across the political spectrum, with lawmakers from Syriza and Pasok calling for full transparency and a thorough inquiry into the death of the young officer, who had a frontline role in drug enforcement.

Authorities have not yet released an official cause of death.

   iefimerida.gr
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the "Prix Galien Greece 2025" awards ceremony at the Athens Concert Hall, announced an initiative that aims to facilitate the repatriation of Greek doctors from the US to support the National Health System.

"We

will bring an important initiative for a vote next week in Parliament . This is none other than the automatic recognition of specialty and consequently of specialization to doctors who have acquired it in the United States, provided, of course, that it is in force, corresponding to positions that exist in Greece," Mitsotakis said.

Mitsotakis mentioned that the "Prix Galien Greece 2025" awards are a celebration that honors the Greek and international pharmaceutical industry and especially the pioneers in the development of innovative treatments in public health. He said it is a sector in which Greece aspires to become a dynamic hub in our wider region. "Let's not forget that 45 of Europe's 400 pharmaceutical factories are hosted here; we produce almost 10% of its total formulations. And at the national level, this indicates that the needs of Greek patients are satisfied by over 60%, while also addressing the demand in the markets of other member states," Mitsotakis noted.

   iefimerida.gr
Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias paid a visit to the port of Mytilene and the Coast Guard.

Our islands are a strategic advantage for us, they

Kikilias: Recruitment of personnel and reinforcement of the Coast Guards equipment -  
Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for the immediate resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, from the PDP.

He accused the two prominent PDP figures of engaging in activities that undermine the partys integrity, specifically pointing to their growing closeness to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued from Lagos on Wednesday, George expressed his frustration with the public displays of support for the APC by Atiku and Wike.

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He claimed their actions were incompatible with their continued membership in the PDP, a party they had once helped shape.

I have had enough of this embarrassment, George stated, urging those dissatisfied with the party to leave and join other political groups.

Enough of this public embarrassment; if you are no longer interested in the party, leave. There are other parties, join them, but stop undermining the efforts of the people who have worked tirelessly to build this party, he added.

He also criticized Atikus recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that it was a tacit endorsement of President Bola Tinubus administration.

George remarked, What exactly is going on? How do you visit a former president who represents the opposition and still claim to be loyal to the PDP?

According to George, such actions weaken the PDPs position as the main opposition party and hinder its credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.

George also took aim at the involvement of Atiku in the coalition to unseat President Tinubu, saying,

If Atiku is serious about forming a coalition, he should do so outside the PDPs structure. You cannot work against your own party and still claim to be a member. he added
The political landscape in Delta State took a significant turn on Wednesday as both Ifeanyi Okowa, former presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defections have been hailed by several political figures, including Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who praised the leaders for their decision to join the APC.

Wike described the move as an endorsement of President Tinubus leadership and a sign of commitment to the nations progress.

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He emphasised that this shift reflects the realization among politicians that aligning with the government of the day is crucial for securing development opportunities for their people.

Oborevworis defection was formalized after a meeting with key PDP stakeholders in Asaba, where he announced his resignation and the dissolution of the PDPs structure in the state.

The entire PDP machinery in Delta State has now shifted allegiance to the APC, with Vice President Kashim Shettima scheduled to formally receive Oborevwori and his supporters in Asaba next Monday.

It is another endorsement of the presidents good governance and commitment to the development of the country.

Wike also expressed satisfaction that the decision by Okowa and Oborevwori aligns with his belief in a united Nigeria, urging others to follow suit and support the presidents vision for a prosperous future.

I commend Dr Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria.

He further stated, They have come out at the right time to show support for the President so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dele Momodu, has urged President Bola Tinubu not to put his trust on defecting politicians.

Mr. Momodu also advised President Tinubu to uphold the core values of democracy and allow political freedom to flourish in the country.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, the PDPs chieftain addressed massive defection that hit the major opposition party to the ruling All Progressives Congress in Delta State.

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Mr. Momodu said that the defections are part of a broader strategy by the Tinubus administration to consolidate power through intimidation rather than persuasion.

He said: Im not surprised about it its been under serious harassment in recent times; its nothing new.

What would surprise me is if President Bola Tinubu truly believes people are joining the APC because they love him or because he is doing fantastically well.

READ MORE: Tinubu Not Turning Nigeria Into One-Party State, Oppositions Not Doing Their Jobs, Too Lazy  APC National Secretary

My advice to Asiwaju is that he should not trust these politicians. Right now, everyone can see that he is determined to get a second term.

God gave him the first term, not through coercion. I dont know why he now believes he must secure a second term through it.

My advice to him is simple: uphold our democratic tenets. Do not turn Nigeria into a democratic dictatorship.

No matter what happens, you were a pro-democracy man before becoming president. Please, allow democracy to breathe in Nigeria. If you dont, I can bet my life that later in life it will be deeply regrettable.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, Monday Onyeme, and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa defected to APC, along with commissioners and key PDP stakeholders in the state on Wednesday.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), confirming speculations that had dominated political discourse in the state for weeks.

The announcement followed a closed-door meeting held on Wednesday at the Government House in Asaba.

Confirming the development, the Governors Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, stated, After wide consultations with political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and development experts, His Excellency took this step in the best interest of Delta State.

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Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election under the PDP, described the decision as deeply personal but necessary for the states progress.

I have taken this bold step not for personal gain, but because I believe the time has come to align Delta with the centre for accelerated development, he said.

I remain committed to the people of Delta. My defection is not a betrayal of trust, but a repositioning for the good of our state. We cannot continue to play opposition at the expense of our peoples future, Oborevwori added.

He also expressed appreciation to the PDP for the platform it had provided him over the years, but insisted that his new political direction was in sync with his vision for a more inclusive and development-focused administration.

PDP gave me a start, and I will always acknowledge that. But leadership requires taking difficult decisions. And today, I choose Delta.

Political observers view the defection as a strategic move that could shift the balance of power in the South-South region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Edo State Police Command took 30-year-old Friday Bassey into custody on Wednesday for suspected car theft, recovering the stolen pickup van in the process.

Moses Yamu, the spokesperson for the Command, said in a statement that an intelligence-led operation by the Aduwawa Police Division led to Basseys arrest and the recovery of the vehicle with registration number EDO 757 EA.

READ MORE: Police Nab Informant As Seven Die In Kwara Attacks

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The statement reads, On 22/04/2025, in a painstaking, technical, intelligence-driven operation, operatives of the Aduwawa Divisional Police Station successfully recovered a white-coloured Toyota Hilux with registration number EDO 757 EA and arrested one Friday Bassey, 30 years old.

The said vehicle was stolen on 14/04/2025 at about 05:50 hrs from where it was parked along Palace Road, Uteh, off Upper Mission Extension.

While the investigation has commenced, the suspect has made useful statements that will assist the police.
A yet to be identified electrical worker has been electrocuted in Odo Babaode community, Eruwa, Ibarapa East local Government Area in Oyo State.

It was gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday, when the electrician climbed a high tension cable belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the victim was killed when he was trying to rectify electrical fault on the active power lines without being shut down from the feeder.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by General Manager of Oyo State Fire Service, Yemi Akinyinka.

READ MORE: 100-Level Student Playing Game On Phone Being Charged Gets Electrocuted After Lightening Struck In Osun

He said: The distressed call was reported at 15:29hrs on Wednesday 23rd April, 2025.

The fire personnel led by PFS1 Peluola Babatunde quickly followed the caller and on arrival at the place, we met the victim already electrocuted and all necessary precautionary measures were observed so as to safeguard the citizens within the vicinity.

The man was recovered and handed over to a team of police from Eruwa police Station. The incident occurred when the victim (electrician) was trying to rectify electrical fault on the active power lines without shutting down the feeder.
In a bid to address the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has established a subcommittee to work alongside heads of security agencies.

The move is aimed at enhancing collaboration to resolve the countrys security crisis, which includes widespread banditry, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.

The governors emphasised the need for urgent intervention and urged the relevant authorities to take decisive actions.

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The newly formed committee will coordinate efforts with various security leaders, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others.

This collaboration is expected to streamline operations and ensure a more effective security response.

The governors also expressed their support for technological advancements in security strategies, highlighting the importance of tech-driven solutions to aid in early threat detection and prompt action.

Senator Hope Uzodimma, who chairs the APC governors forum, said, The forum has set up a subcommittee of the Nigerian Governors Forum to work with the heads of security agencies for a collaborative approach for an immediate solution to the security of the country, and that is why our admiration for technology-driven solutions presented by the Chief of the Defense Staff cannot be overemphasized.

Governor Uzodimma further stressed that the governors are unified in their commitment to addressing the security challenges faced by the nation.

He also mentioned that this initiative is particularly timely, as recent attacks in states like Benue and Plateau have resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of property.

In addition to supporting security innovations, the governors discussed the pressing need for enhanced recruitment into security agencies, as well as state-level policing, to address issues that require localized responses.

This approach seeks to improve the overall security landscape while providing more direct solutions to communities affected by violence.
Some members of the Nigeria Labour Congress have shut down the office of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

It was gathered that the angry protesters were seen on Thursday, at Wikes office demanding the immediate implementation of N70,000 minimum wage for Area Council staff, teachers, and health workers.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the protest began at Labour House, with workers marching in large numbers to the ministers office in Area 11.

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They were overhead chanting and carrying placards with different inscriptions.

The demonstrators occupied the premises and vowed to halt all official activities until their demands were addressed.

READ MORE: NLC To Stage Nationwide Protest February 4 Against Telecom Tariff Hike

One of them said: We want Wike to come out himself.

Meanwhile, the protesters rejected attempts by the Mandate Secretary, Lawrence Garki, to speak on behalf of the minister. He was booed and drowned out with chants.

The workers also called for the removal of the six Area Council Chairmen, accusing them of neglecting the welfare of employees under their jurisdiction.
A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has declared that President Bola Tinubu will receive widespread backing from the southern region of Nigeria in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Igbokwe asserted that Tinubus re-election bid will enjoy unanimous support across the South, regardless of the political affiliations of individual states. He suggested that even territories led by opposition parties would shift their loyalty to the APC when the polls open.

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According to Igbokwe, the Souths political loyalty to Tinubu is deeply rooted in the presidents influence and connections throughout the region, as well as his perceived capacity to deliver development.

No one single state in Southern Nigeria, no matter the party it belongs to, will vote for any other party except APC in 2027. Please know this and have inner peace. It is what it is, he stated.

His declaration followed ongoing signs of political realignment in the southern part of the country.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State was recently reported to have joined the APC from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further fueling conversations about growing support for Tinubu.

Igbokwes confidence appears to be driven by this trend, and he believes more prominent defections may follow as the political climate heats up in the run-up to 2027.

His comments have added to growing speculation that several southern PDP leaders are already warming up to Tinubus presidency, despite partisan differences.
President Bola Tinubu expressed grave concern about the worsening security situation in Nigeria, telling the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other security chiefs that enough is enough.

This statement followed a closed-door meeting on Wednesday where the President discussed the countrys security challenges with top security officials.

In a press briefing following the meeting, Ribadu assured the public that the security agencies had taken the Presidents directives seriously and were actively working to improve the situation.

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He explained that the worsening insecurity was partly due to terrorists planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which had caused numerous casualties.

Despite this, he emphasized that the security forces were making progress, and the overall situation had improved.

Ribadu noted, Mr. President is insisting and working so hard to ensure that we have peace, security, and stability in our country, further stating that significant efforts were being made to work with local governments and state leadership to address the root causes of insecurity, especially in regions like Plateau, Benue, and Borno states.

The NSA continued to express optimism, despite the ongoing challenges, saying, Things have improved and will continue to do so.

We are on the right track and will not stop until we achieve results. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel working tirelessly to restore peace, urging the public to recognize these efforts.

While not claiming complete success, Ribadu reassured the nation that the security agencies remained committed to defeating the forces causing chaos and instability across the country.
Political commentator and human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has sparked fresh political controversy with claims that Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso covertly supported President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections.

In a statement made on Thursday, Adeyanju alleged that Obi, the Labour Partys presidential candidate, was never fully committed to winning the 2023 race.

Instead, he claims Obi worked behind the scenes to ensure Tinubus emergence. He also accused New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Kwankwaso, of playing a similar role to sabotage any unified opposition front.

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Adeyanju argued that the ambition of key opposition figures contributed significantly to the ruling partys victory.

According to him, unless these political actors step aside and allow more neutral candidates to emerge, any coalition effort against Tinubu in 2027 will likely collapse again.

He called for major political actors like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to withdraw from the race and support fresh candidates who are free from the baggage of past elections. Adeyanju believes this is the only path to genuine political change in Nigeria.

He further criticized the commercial nature of Nigerian politics, claiming that the people surrounding high-profile politicians are often driven by greed and the desire to profit from election season.

Im 100% convinced that Obi worked for Tinubus in 2023 & will do so again. I might be wrong but Im convinced in my mind about this, Adeyanju stated.

His comments have since fueled widespread discussion, with many questioning the real motives of Nigerias opposition leaders and whether they are truly committed to change.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and several key stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement came after a high-level meeting on Wednesday at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, explained that the decision was made after careful consultations, with the aim of aligning with a political platform that would better serve the states development goals and the interests of its people.

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For some time now, the media has been speculating about the political direction of Delta State, Aniagwu said.

Our Governor and leaders have been carrying out wide consultations, and after careful deliberations, we reached a unanimous decision. The political temperature has changed  the taste of the palm wine, so to speak, has changed and we must adjust our drinking pattern accordingly.

He added that this move was intended to ensure that Delta State continues on a path of development, security, and progress, asserting that staying in the PDP would hinder this progress.

Former Senator for Delta South and pioneer PDP Chairman in the state, Senator James Manager, also reflected on the decision, saying it was an emotional moment for him, having been with the PDP from its inception.

However, he emphasiaed that the decision was necessary due to internal issues within the PDP. When a ship is sinking, you dont stay onboard out of sentiment, he stated.

This defection represents a significant change in Delta States political landscape and sets the stage for a new era as the state prepares for the 2027 general elections.
No fewer than 11 million persons are currently living with diabetes in Nigeria, with many more remaining undiagnosed.

A medical expert at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Zubairu Iliyasu, disclosed this while delivering a keynote address at the 14th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists of Nigeria, on Thursday in Kano.

The conference, themed Endocrinology and Public Health, brought together medical experts from across Nigeria to discuss the increasing prevalence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria and Africa.

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Iliyasu emphasised the urgent need for widespread public sensitisation on adopting healthier lifestyles to combat the growing threats of diabetes and obesity.

According to him, the conference will help fine-tune efforts toward public enlightenment and disease prevention.

READ MORE: 80% Of Diabetes Patients In Nigeria Unaware They Have The Disease  Research

He reaffirmed the associations commitment to developing effective strategies to tackle the growing health challenges in the country.

This meeting will unveil a variety of ideas and research aimed at ensuring that the challenges of diabetes and obesity are thoroughly addressed, Balogun said.

In his remark, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, described the conference as timely.

He pledged the state governments willingness to partner with medical associations like ACEN in the fight against diabetes, obesity, and other public health challenges.

He urged participants to develop actionable resolutions to curb the alarming rise in diabetes and obesity nationwide.
Jude Okoye, the older sibling and ex-manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the disbanded P-Square group, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Its worth noting that the EFCC arraigned Jude Okoye alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, over allegations of laundering 1.38 billion, $1 million, and 34,537.59.

Paul, widely known as RudeBoy of P-Square, confirmed his brothers release through a series of videos posted on his Instagram story on Wednesday.

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READ MORE: Seyi Law Criticises P-Square Over Shifting Political Loyalties

He wrote, Jude is finally out after 2months + .. all their efforts to frustrate his bail has finally collapsed. Welcome home brother #judeengees. And happy birthday. Welcome back blood.

He also revealed that a celebration was underway to mark Judes release.

Peter testified in the Federal High Court in Lagos last week, recounting how Jude secretly registered a new company in his wifes name and used it to divert royalties intended for P-Square.

The court has postponed the case until June 4 for cross-examination.

Following his testimony in the case, Peter spoke out about enduring more than two decades of betrayal and manipulation.

Dont let family be the reason youre drowning in silence. I did  for over 20 years and it almost cost me everything. But now I know better  love doesnt manipulate, loyalty doesnt betray, and family doesnt steal from you.

Family that steals and breaks you isnt family at all. Real family doesnt drain you, shame you, discriminate against you, or ignore your pain, he wrote.

SEE BELOW:
Ghanaian-Nollywood actress Juliet Ibrahim has joined her peers in condemning Ghanaian television stations for unlawfully broadcasting their movies.

The dispute gained momentum in March after Omoni Oboli criticised some Ghanaian TV stations for broadcasting her movies without proper licensing.

Bimbo Ademoye recently accused a Ghanaian TV station of unauthorized use of her movie title and poster, as well as airing her films without her consent.

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READ MORE: Falz Unveils Release Date For Long-Awaited Album The Feast

Juliet disclosed in a lengthy Instagram post that she, too, had been a victim of unlawful exploitation.

The actress revealed that despite several efforts to resolve the matter through official channels, her films are still being aired without permission.

The actress condemned the actions of the TV stations as shameful, stressing that piracy isnt limited to Nigeria or Ghana but is a broader African issue that undermines the entire creative sector.

As an independent filmmaker, actress, director, and producer, I find it extremely disheartening to witness the blatant disregard for intellectual property rights by several TV stations operating within Ghana, she wrote.

Over the past few months, Ive observed that some of my films originally and legally uploaded to my official YouTube channel, Juliet Ibrahim Studios, have been pirated, rebroadcast, and exploited by unauthorized Ghanaian television stations, including Pemsan TV, without my permission or that of my team.

Despite repeated efforts by my management and legal representatives; who have sent cease and desist letters, contacted these networks directly, and offered an opportunity for a formal resolution.

Pemsan TV and others have continued to air my work unlawfully, ignoring our calls and refusing to do the needful.

This isnt just happening to me. I stand in full support of my Nigerian colleagues, Omoni Oboli and Bimbo Ademoye, who are also speaking up against the piracy of their creative works.

This is not just a Nigerian issue; it is an African issue, and as a Ghanaian, I am ashamed that our local media houses are playing a central role in such unethical and illegal activities.

Piracy is a crime. Exploiting someones hard-earned intellectual property is theft. It undermines years of investment, creativity, and the livelihoods of everyone involved in production, from actors to editors to camera operators.

Juliet called on Ghanaian authorities to act swiftly against the unlawful broadcasts, warning that ongoing piracy damages the nations cultural image.

We call on the rightful authorities including National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana Copyright Office, Ghana Police Service, National Film Authority, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Ghana Media Commission, she added.

Please step in immediately. We need robust action, regulation, and enforcement to protect content creators and restore the dignity of our film industry.

This behavior brings disgrace not only to the perpetrators but also to the nation of Ghana as a whole, which should be a beacon of excellence in arts and culture. Africas creative economy deserves respect.

SEE POST:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIyuqHFCjTL/?igsh=cmQ0bXFhbHNlejFo
Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent political leader in Kano State and the head of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has criticized Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and Buba Galadima for betraying the North during their years in government, arguing that their tenure failed to deliver tangible benefits for the region.

In a recent statement issued on Wednesday, Kwankwaso criticized the two figures for their alleged failure to deliver meaningful change, despite holding significant political positions over the years.

He pointed out that their continued criticism of President Bola Tinubus administration lacked credibility, given their record of unfulfilled promises to the North.

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Kwankwaso emphasised that Baba-Ahmed, who once served as Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Tinubu, and Galadima, a leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), had become irrelevant in Northern politics.

He described them as individuals who had nothing to offer in terms of advancing the interests of the region, claiming that their political influence had waned.

The two personalities lack moral courage to talk about the Tinubu administration because they lack the moral rectitude to do so, Kwankwaso said.

The former governor also praised President Tinubus initiatives aimed at supporting the Northern economy, such as the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in several states, including Borno, Kaduna, and Kwara.

Kwankwaso argued that these efforts, along with the reduction of fuel prices through measures like duty-free importation of essential goods, demonstrated Tinubus commitment to the welfare of the Northern people.

Today Rolling Energy Company is amplifying the growth of CNG almost all over Nigeria, and with which instead of buying fuel of over N100,000 one can now use CNG with very little money to travel around.

And in the North, CNG stations are almost all over the region with the Government putting it in Borno, Kaduna, Kwara and Kano would also soon have their own, Kwankwaso said.

According to Kwankwaso, the North would remain steadfast in its support for Tinubu, regardless of criticisms from Baba-Ahmed, Galadima, or other former political leaders, as the region saw tangible improvements under his administration.

Let me say this, whether they like it or not, Bola Tinubu will win his second term and win the entire North with a landslide victory, because Nigerians appreciate the Governments transformative agenda which has started yielding results, he declared.
The Governing Council of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi State, has dismissed a senior lecturer, identified as Dr Usman Aliyu, over allegations of sexual harassment involving a married postgraduate student, Mrs Kamila Aliyu.

It was gathered that Director, Information and Public Relations of the institution, Zailani Bappa, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Bauchi on Thursday.

He said: Yes, its true, and that was because the lecturer was confirmed guilty of the offense by the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee of the institution.

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The dismissal was in accordance with the chapter 3, item f, i, (o) of the Senior Staff Conditions of Service of the University.

READ MORE: UNIZIK Expels Female Student For Assaulting Male Lecturer Over TikTok Video

The Council has subsequently approved his dismissal from the service of the University with immediate effect.

In view of this, he has been directed to hand over all the property of the university in his possession to his Head of Department and identification card to the Chief Security Officer of the University.
The Nigerian government has released N50 billion to settle outstanding earned allowances for academic and non-academic staff in federal universities.

This move was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa on Wednesday, who confirmed that the release was part of President Bola Tinubus commitment to resolving long-standing issues between the government and university unions.

The funds were provided to fulfill Tinubus promise to the unions and are seen as a significant step in addressing the financial disputes that have plagued Nigerias higher education sector for years.

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According to the Ministry of Education, this disbursement demonstrates the governments determination to transform Nigerias education system and create a knowledge driven economy.

Dr. Alausa emphasised that the release of these funds symbolizes a broader effort to invest in education, human capital, and infrastructure, which are essential to the nations progress.

Dr. Alausa stated, This intervention is not just a financial transaction it is a reaffirmation of our presidents belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past.

This announcement comes after years of friction between university-based academic unions and past administrations over unpaid allowances, contributing to the frequent strikes and disruptions in academic schedules.

The government has also allocated a substantial portion of the national budget, amounting to N3.52 trillion, to further support the education sector.
National Secretary of All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has said that the ruling party is not turning Nigeria into a one-party State, adding that the country lack strong opposition who can drive democracy.

Mr. Basirus statement is coming, following an earlier mass defection that hit Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday.

Recall that Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, Monday Onyeme, and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa defected from PDP to APC along with commissioners and key stakeholders in the state.

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Reacting to the development during an interview on Channels Television, the APCs chieftain dismissed suggestions of state-backed intimidation of opposition parties.

He said that most political parties are just after money, adding that they are not doing the work of political opponents as expected.

READ MORE: Massive Defection Hits PDP As Delta Gov, Okowa, Others Joins APC

Basiru said: How can we turn Nigeria into a one-party state? he quizzed. The country is not our making. The policies of the country are not our making.

I think the problem with Nigeria is that we dont seem to have people who are very serious in opposition, who take their job seriously. You cannot expect the ruling party to do the work of the opposition.

Tomorrow is a working daygo around the headquarters of all other political parties and see whether you find any activity going on.

One of the cardinal policies of our party since Abdullahi Ganduje assumed leadership is to build a functionally efficient party structure in every ward, local government, and state in Nigeria. And that is what we are doing.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), praised President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope agenda, stating that it is already bringing tangible improvements for FCT resident.

During an interview on Thursday, Wike highlighted the significant strides being made in areas such as infrastructure, security, and service delivery, emphasizing that the Presidents vision is translating into real benefits for the capitals residents.

He pointed out that the administrations ongoing projects, including the rehabilitation of roads and the improvement of waste management systems, are aligned with Tinubus policy direction.

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According to Wike, these initiatives are not only addressing immediate challenges but also setting the stage for sustainable growth in the FCT.

The Renewed Hope mantra is not just a slogan, its a framework for action, Wike stated.

He also acknowledged the collaboration with local agencies and stakeholders, which has been crucial to the successful implementation of government projects in Abuja.

Wike assured residents that the governments commitment to transforming the FCT would continue to yield positive outcomes.

He urged citizens to remain patient, as the benefits of Tinubus policies would be even more evident in the coming months.
At least two officers have been hospitalized, while one suspect killed in a clash between operatives of Kano State Police Command and some hoodlums, said to be armed robbers in the state.

In a statement on Wednesday by Spokesman for the states Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed that security agents responded to a distress call on 22 April 2025 at about 1 pm, regarding an armed robbery led by the suspect, Halifa Baba-Beru of Gwammaja Quarters, Dala Local Government Area.

He added that the gang, led by Baba-Beru, was reportedly wielding dangerous weapons and attacking innocent civilians at Gwammaja Quarters in Dala Local Government Area, Kano State, when police officers arrived.

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READ MORE: Kano Police Arrest 157 Suspects, Recover Illicit Drugs, Dangerous Weapons (Pictures)

Abdullahi said: Upon arrival, the police team was attacked by the hoodlums, leading to a fierce fight. Two officers, CPL Abdullahi Ibrahim and S/C Yahaya Saidu, sustained injuries.

The principal suspect, Baba-Beru, also sustained serious injuries. All parties were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where the suspect died while receiving treatment, and the officers were treated and discharged. We assure the public that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is served.
A Catholic priest identified as Rev. Fr. Ibrahim Amos, has been abducted by some gunmen in Kurmin Risga, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

It was gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, around 12:15am.

The priest was said to have been whisked from his residence, located at St. Gerald Quasi Parish, Kurmin Risga.

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Rev Ibrahims abduction was confirmed in a statement by Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet on Thursday.

He described the development as a deeply saddening one.

READ MORE: Lightening Kills Young Herder, Cows In Kaduna Community (Pictures)

The statement partly reads: With profound sorrow, we write to announce that Rev. Fr. Ibrahim Amos, the Parish Priest of St. Gerald Quasi Parish, Kurmin Risga, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was abducted.

The sad event occurred on Thursday, 24th April 2025, in his residence, Kurmin Risga, at about 12: 15 am.

We solicit your prayers for his quick and safe release.

The Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of priests and religious and all the angels continue to intercede for us and bring him back to us safe and sound.
Theater that leaves audiences with the option of drawing their own conclusions can be compelling. Preopening notices for Archduke, currently playing at Phillys Tony award-winning Wilma Theater, made much of how the original script was rewritten to create an unresolved ending to the play.

Do historical events, however, leave room to ignore what occurred? The basis for acclaimed playwright Rajiv Josephs play is the prelude to the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This event is universally acknowledged as the spark that ignited World War I.

The play walks an entertaining line between fact and fiction, depicting the schooling of the assassination team  three young urchins trained to do the deed. But does the play pretend they did not?

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The Wilmas tradition of taking us into new stylistic experiences is an invaluable part of Philadelphias theater fabric. Blanka Zizka, who founded and served as coartistic director with her husband, Jiri, makes a much-anticipated return after a four-year absence.

Our anticipation is rewarded in the vivid focus and momentum she employs in her staging. She deftly brings to life the humor in Josephs script. Realized as much by behavior as language, the comedy is both fanciful and intellectual.

The casting is inspired. Actors Suli Holum as Gavrilo Princip (who pulled the historic trigger) and Sarah Gliko as Nedeljko deliver performances capturing an honest energy, insecurity, and impulsiveness in boyhood adolescence. Many male actors would struggle to do as well.

Several intermission discussions questioned, Are both of those actors women? Holums I have to bite; Im small stopped the show. Glikos lies about sexual experiences were played with a precision that made them obvious to everyone in the house but Holum.

Brandon Pierce, as the third young assassin, Trifko, enters with an enraged sense of betrayal and skilfully negotiates a path toward eager willingness and submission. Melanye Finister offers the most tangible demonstration of the plays many contemporary allusions. As the street-smart cook at the boys training facility, she exudes the strength of a man and the good sense of a woman. She stays only one smart step from brazenly dismissing her employers misogyny.

That employer (Captain Apis) is played with masterful balance by Steven Rishard. His character is entirely credible as both a forceful authoritarian and a sensitive paternal figure. Rishards ebullient pride in an assassination he successfully executed years ago is an ongoing point of subtle comedy and repelling ego.

The show reflects much of our current cultural and political trauma  misinformation, miscegenation, Jan. 6, religious obsession as political philosophy, even a hint of Kristi Noems animal slaying.

But the revised conclusion slows the action significantly. After forging powerfully ahead for 90 minutes, were given two scenes that are more reflective than active. Jorge Cousineaus impressive digital scenography serves as the most exciting of the shows concluding moments. We watch the boys wistfully talking themselves out of an act we know they committed.

Is this a What-if? It is a denouement without a climax. Would fictional names for fictional scenarios work? If the audience does not know history, they may leave saying, Oh, Im glad they didnt do it.

If they do know history, they leave saying, What!?

Archduke

(Community/Arts)

Rajiv Josephs play walks an entertaining line between fact and fiction, depicting the schooling of the team that assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand  three young urchins trained to do the deed. But does the play pretend they did not?

 Through May 4, 265 S. Broad St.,  wilmatheater.org

Theater reviews are produced independently by The Inquirer without editorial input by their sponsor, Visit Philadelphia.
Entrepreneurs and remote workers share office space at iThrive Coworking in Wyncote. At front left is Luke Balmelli-Everhart, who works in regulatory operations for a pharmaceutical company. Second from right is Erica Dockray, whose new business does birthday and artwear workshops, crafting experiences, and events. Read more

Greg Goodwin, founder of branding and strategy agency the Positiv-Media Bureau, has been a WeWork member for eight years, dating back to the coworking companys early days in Philadelphia.

I definitely feel like I get my moneys worth, and the amenities are a plus, said Goodwin, who pays for space at the Ludlow Street location. Its impressive to clients and helps him maintain a professional image, he said.

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Coworking, a flexible workspace model in which workers rent a share of an existing office space, is prevalent among freelancers, remote workers, start-up companies, and businesses that dont want long-term leases.

As vacancy rates continue to rise in Philadelphias commercial office buildings, the coworking segment is still seeing demand, according to its business leaders. Large coworking companies are expanding in the region, while some locally grown workspaces like Kismet CoWork in Chestnut Hill and iThrive Coworking in Ambler, Malvern, and Wyncote have found a market in Philadelphias outlying neighborhoods and suburbs.

At iThrive, each location is designed to be a modern, collaborative environment for small businesses, remote professionals, and entrepreneurs, said cofounder Karen Mellor.

Across our locations, we offer a mix of private offices, team suites, dedicated desks, open coworking areas, and flexible event and meeting space rentals, Mellor said. Our goal is to keep expanding throughout suburban bedroom communities in Philadelphia.

Looking for adaptable

The coworking industry is led by Regus, the largest coworking operator with more than 1,000 locations in the U.S., and WeWork, which has 150 locations, according to the Coworking Cafe National Report for 2024.

Two of those WeWork locations are in Center City Philadelphia: one at 1900 Market St. and another at 1100 Ludlow St.

The former, in the heart of Philadelphias central business district, was recently renovated and offers over 56,000 square feet of workspace on the buildings entire top floor, according to Nick DeMarinis, a vice president with WeWork. The latter, on Ludlow, is close to City Hall and Jefferson Station, DeMarinis noted, and has 76,000 square feet of space, also recently updated.

The flexible workspace sector in Philadelphia remains incredibly strong, DeMarinis said. He points in part to rising challenges businesses face in forecasting future expenses  such as economic uncertainty and fluctuating head counts.

To make their real estate portfolio more adaptable, companies have decided to make flexible workspaces a large part of their portfolio, he added.

A recent WeWork survey found that 59% of companies that plan to increase their workspace in the next two years are choosing flexible spaces over traditional offices, including nearly three-quarters of remote companies. The data show continued demand for flexible workspaces in Philadelphia, DeMarinis said, with occupancy of 72% at WeWork locations in the market.

International Workplace Group, which includes the brands Spaces, Regus, and HQ, has more than two dozen flexible workspace locations in the Philadelphia area among more than 60 across Pennsylvania. The company is in the midst of an expansion that includes 13 new locations in Pennsylvania this year.

With the long-term shift to more flexible ways of working, the company has seen rising demand for flexible workspaces across Pennsylvania, founder and CEO Mark Dixon said. Users can adjust based on their needs, making use of coworking areas, private offices, and meeting rooms, he said.

We are deepening our presence right across Philadelphia as well as the whole of the U.S., Dixon said. The benefits of flexible workspaces in the heart of local communities are countless and include reduced commutes enabling employees to work in local hubs close to home.

This, Dixon contends, can help organizations increase employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention.

Coworking in the suburbs

Independent coworking space operators are also enjoying growth.

Kismet Cowork, located in Chestnut Hill, offers membership options to cater to different needs, including a community plan, floating desk membership, and dedicated desk membership. It also has conference rooms for teams.

We strive to create a welcoming community and provide resources to support our members growth, said Kismet general manager Aubrey Badia Howard.

iThrive Coworking operates three community-driven coworking spaces in the Philadelphia suburbs. CEO Mellor said her option provides a flexible middle ground, a professional environment without the overhead of a traditional lease, fully equipped with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, coffee and snacks, printing services, and around-the-clock access.

Mellor suggests coworkers consider choosing a locally owned and operated center.

The Philly coworking scene is strong  and getting stronger, Mellor said. As more people choose to live and work in the suburbs, were meeting them where they are, creating workspaces that support their lifestyle and ambitions.

Were not a corporate chain, Mellor said. That allows us to be hyper-focused on member experience, intentional about cultivating community, and responsive to the unique needs of each of our locations.

In that environment, she added, members build real relationships.

Goodwin, the branding agency founder, uses WeWork spaces throughout the country when he travels for work. He said he feels the same sense of community and culture at the other locations as he does in his Philly home base.

It feels good to be a part of something bigger, he said.
The gate and shed at Hanwha Philly Shipyard on the site of the former Philadelphia Naval Base. The company's Korea-based owners want to expand its space so its workforce can build and maintain more ships, including U.S. Navy drones and other craft. Read more

The U.S. government wants to build more military and cargo ships to better compete with China, and Hanwha Philly Shipyard is ready for a larger role in building those ships, Daniel OBrien, head of Hanwhas Washington, D.C., lobbying arm, said Wednesday on a tour of the facility his company bought for $100 million last year.

But first, the shipyard is going to need more room  and more workers, OBrien said.

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U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.) joined OBrien and other Hanwha officials, along with U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D., Pa.) and an aide to U.S. Sen. David McCormick (R., Pa.), to learn more about Hanwhas expansion plans.

Coons said he would meet next week with a top Navy operations officer to find ways to move the mothball fleet of old Navy ships in the basin adjoining the yard, so Hanwha can use the space for ship maintenance jobs and other work shipyard officials have said are needed to make the yard profitable.

Meanwhile, we are looking at options across the river in New Jersey to acquire former industrial sites that might be converted to shipbuilding and support work, OBrien said. The New Jersey bank of the Delaware River is lined with active and closed-down energy, chemical, and manufacturing facilities that could support shipbuilding.

Hanwha is also in talks about the future of some of the former Navy dry docks adjoining its property, which were formerly operated by Philadelphia Shipbuilding Co. That company stopped operations last year after completing maintenance work on the Battleship New Jersey, now a tourist attraction in Camden.

Hiring hundreds

As of last year, the yard employed around 1,800 people, around two-thirds of whom were contract employees. Many are from outside the region, due to a shortage of maritime welders and other skilled labor.

Hanwha plans to hire another 100 staff this year and 240 next year to handle new work and replace veterans nearing retirement age.

The company has 160 apprentice trainees in eight-week courses as marine welders, shipbuilders, and ship outfitters. It plans additional classes for machine operators, said Megan Heileman, a Detroit native who trained as a schoolteacher but is now an instructor for Hanwha.

Heileman said thats the largest apprentice class since the yard reopened its training programs in 2021.

She said candidates have been referred by state and county agencies. Some formerly worked in construction, others in offices. One ran a daycare center; another was a Wawa manager. Some have come from other parts of the country, attracted by rising pay and the prospect of steady hours.

Brendan Donohoe, a Tacony native, moved home to join the apprentice training program, leaving his job at an Indiana automotive factory after a supervisor told him the Philadelphia yard was hiring.

Hes training as a marine welder. The eight-week course follows eight previous weeks he and other prospective apprentices worked as helpers in the yard to acclimate them to work conditions there.

Donohoe said he was attracted by the wages  $22.60 an hour to start and raises every six months during the three-year apprenticeship to the maximum scale of $38 an hour. Union leaders say they expect base pay will top $40 an hour in future contracts.

Joseph Zanolli said he was a pipe fitter for a nonunion construction company in Montgomery County before joining the apprenticeship program. He was attracted not only by the wages but also by the prospect of regular overtime.

It seems like more steady work, with less possibility of layoffs, he said.

Jeneece Zlomek, a Baltimore native who lives in Philadelphia, is training as a welder. She used to be a hairstylist. Nobody in her family worked on ships, but an uncle was an Air Force mechanic. My dad said, Youre gonna go from using razors to using welding guns, she said, smiling.

Global competition

China is by far the largest shipbuilding nation, with South Korea, including the giant Hanwha (formerly Daewoo) yard in Ulsan, a distant second.

Shipbuilders need patient, wealthy investors. With private investment funds focused on faster, higher returns from digital and biotech projects, shipyards rely on government contracts and subsidies. Without competing offers, Hanwha was able to purchase the Philadelphia yard last year for $100 million, a fraction of the value of the total subsidies the federal and state government had poured in over nearly 30 years.

Coons noted that China has been sending ships and planes over international waters close to U.S. allies such as the Philippines and Taiwan. That has been fueling calls from both parties for the U.S. to build more seagoing drones and other warcraft to counter the China threat.

Under its previous controlling owner, Norway-based Aker, the Philadelphia yard, after a difficult period won a string of contracts for training ships and commercial freight carriers and has since 2020 become the busiest of the handful of working shipyards in the U.S.

The Trump administration, besides boosting taxes on Chinese export ships, is also trying to force shippers to rely more on commercial ships built in U.S. yards. The U.S. Trade Representatives Office last week proposed a domestic-content rule for ships that export U.S. liquefied natural gas that could send new LNG tanker work to the Philadelphia yard.

The yard is part of the former Philadelphia Naval Base. Besides the shipyard, the sprawling site is now a suburban-style office campus that is home to the Urban Outfitters retail store chains, Altaris Advanced Therapies (formerly WuXi AppTec) cell and gene therapy production centers, GlaxoSmithKline investment offices  and U.S. Navy engineering offices, the propertys largest single employer.

Plans call for adding housing and other amenities  mostly in the central and eastern parts of the former base, far from the junction of the Schuylkill and the Delaware River, where the main shipyard facilities are.

There are also plans to expand the civilian port facilities operated by Holt Logistics Corp. on the Delaware River north of the old base.
Employees gathered outside Whole Foods Market, 2101 Pennsylvania Ave., in Philadelphia on Jan. 28. They voted to organize with representation from United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776. Read more

In the three months since a Whole Foods in Philadelphia became the first unionized store in the Amazon-owned chain, at least eight employees have been fired. Some workers and their union believe they were targeted because of their support for the union.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, which represents the employees at 2101 Pennsylvania Ave., is fighting the terminations. As of Wednesday, the union filed unfair labor practices charges with the National Labor Relations Board for five of the eight firings as it collects more details.

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Whole Foods has said some workers were fired for violation of policy, according to Local 1776 president Wendell Young IV, but they were only sampling products as they had been trained and instructed to do. Those affected , he said, had showed support for the union, wearing union buttons openly.

People who were very openly against the union, who do and have done the same things, were not disciplined or fired, Young said.

We do not tolerate retaliation, and we respect our team members legal rights, a Whole Foods Market spokesperson said via email Wednesday. All team members must comply with company policies, which are in place in order to prioritize store operations, safety, and customer service. We consistently and fairly enforce these policies, and when theyre violated, team members may face consequences up to and including termination.

In January, the Whole Foods in Philadelphia became the first in the grocery chain to unionize, with roughly 300 members. Some workers, during the organizing process, expressed frustration with their working conditions, healthcare benefits, and wages.

The Philadelphia campaign has inspired other stores to organize, said Young, noting that workers from hundreds of other Whole Foods locations have contacted the union.

Theres a reason the companys trying to scare people with this type of retaliatory intimidation tactic. Its because theyre catching wind of whats going on around the country, and they think this is going to scare people, Young said. I think its actually gonna have the opposite reaction.

I was extremely upset

One fired bakery employee, who spoke with The Inquirer on the basis of anonymity for fear of retaliation, said they were asked to attend a meeting on April 13 in which they were asked about company policy violations, leading to the topic of product sampling.

I was extremely upset, they said. It seems pretty targeted ... like theyre just trying to get rid of me for being pro-union.

The bakery worker was instructed to sign a document that said they owed roughly $100 for the products they sampled and to list out items they remembered trying.

They were really good at making me feel embarrassed, at making me feel like I did something wrong, the worker said. It was also kind of like, Why me specifically, when everybody is doing this?

The bakery worker was then placed on unpaid leave. Days later they were fired.

While the bakery worker is interested in seeing the result of the NLRB charges, they said, The idea of going back to being under that kind of management makes me upset, so I dont even know if I want to go back.

Another terminated worker, a part-time employee who also spoke to The Inquirer on the condition of anonymity, was fired Monday. She was brought into a separate meeting on April 13 to interrogate me, she said, and then placed on unpaid leave.

They accused me of stealing because I have samples which  is allowed in the rule book," the worker said. But, she alleges theyve been enforcing the rules unevenly, with more focus on union supporters.

She said the store team leaders reasoning for her termination was theft. She doesnt expect to get her job back but is feeling hopeful about the charges.

I want to go through this process on principle. I want to fight the company so that they understand they cant get away with doing stuff like this to people, she said.
Razor Reese's Salon in Hatboro sits closed on Sunday, July 21, 2024. A verbal altercation between owner Maurice Byrd Jr. and Stephen Strassburg in the adjoining parking lot lead to the shooting and killing of Strassburg by Byrd Jr., who has maintained it was in self defense. Read more

This story was originally published by the Trace, a nonprofit newsroom covering gun violence in America. Sign up for its newsletters here.

Maurice Byrds memory is vivid as he recounts the clash with a drunken, irate neighbor that led him to shoot the man last June. It was the culmination of several years of hostility: Byrd, who is Black, said he regularly endured racial slurs from Stephen Strassburg, who was white. But that day, as a 911 system recorded the latest verbal assault, Byrd said Strassburg also threw a flurry of punches and grabbed Byrd by his shirt.

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Byrd, 42, thought he was acting in self-defense when he drew his licensed handgun and shot Strassburg in the parking lot next to the shop Byrd owned in Hatboro.

The barber and U.S. Army veteran called 911 as the deadly fight broke out, and throughout the incident, he stayed on the line with the police operator. When officers arrived, Byrd pointed them to his gun, which he had placed on the ground next to his drivers license, military ID, and gun carry permit. After he was handcuffed and driven to a police station, Byrd continued to cooperate without an attorney present, and he said he gave police a full accounting of what happened.

That statement, he would later learn, led authorities to charge him with first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life-without-parole sentence in Pennsylvania. But after he spent nearly 10 months in jail awaiting trial, Byrd and his attorneys believe it was also that statement that led a jury to find him not guilty of murder and all related counts in late March.

I quietly thanked God. That was the calmest not-guilty verdict ever, Byrd told the Trace during an interview in the court building where he was tried. He kept his emotions in check, he said, but inside, he was brimming with hope. He added, It was a feeling of justice, like justice actually worked.

Byrds victory places him among the small percentage of Black defendants who have been found not guilty for shooting white people in the name of self-defense, according to Urban Institute researchers who study racial bias in the criminal justice system. Experts, though, say the case is unlikely to set a precedent, since Byrd prevailed potentially because of the facts specific to his case, and possibly because he was overcharged.

With his acquittal, Byrd managed to buck the norm, his lawyers said, because trial evidence, including the statement and surveillance footage, showed that he acted within the law. We reviewed the discovery and we agreed with him, he was innocent, said Scott Frame, one of two public defenders who represented Byrd. We decided that the best strategy at trial was to just tell his story.

Do not let him get the weapon

Maurice Byrd was born and raised in Philadelphia. The self-described gun enthusiast enjoys visiting shooting ranges and gun shows. In 2008, after completing a seven-year stint in the Army that took him to four continents and nine countries, he was honorably discharged because of a leg injury. He then got a permit to carry a gun, earned an MBA, and opened his barbershop, which he moved to Hatboro last year.

I support gun-violence reform 100%, but I believe you should be entitled to protect yourself with whatever item you need at that moment, he said. We have a Second Amendment for a reason.

Byrds recounting of what happened on June 8, 2024, sheds new light on why he shot his neighbor. Early that evening, he recalled, he stepped out of the back door of his shop to smoke a cigarette before his next client was scheduled to arrive.

Strassburg, who lived in an apartment above the shop, soon started insulting Byrd, calling him a dirty N-word and drug dealer who did not belong in the neighborhood, Byrd said. Two neighbors who witnessed the incident gave police statements corroborating Byrds account that Strassburg used the racial slur and was the aggressor. This behavior, according to Byrd and several neighbors, wasnt new; in fact, Strassburgs aggression had led Byrd to call the police five times since 2022. Strassburg had also had run-ins with the law; he once pleaded guilty to a vehicular homicide charge that stemmed from a DUI conviction.

After Strassburg came by on June 8, Byrd went inside his barbershop to call the police, but Strassburg opened the door and continued to taunt him, he said. Moments later, after he believed that Strassburg had left, Byrd said, he went back to the parking lot, where Strassburg darted around the corner of the building and ran toward him. I start backing up from him because he is charging me pretty seriously, he said. Hes chasing me, Im backing up.

Strassburg continued threatening him and swung at him, Byrd said, and then grabbed his shirt. Thats when I began to draw my weapon, pointing it down, never aimed it at him. Then, he looked at it, Byrd said. Now, Im hoping he was going to be deterred from this  Im like, Stop, stop. Then, he goes, What are you going to do, you gonna shoot me, N-word?

Then, Byrd said, Strassburg lunged for the gun. I was like, Oh, gosh, come on, man! Then the three punches. I was getting hit and my only thought was, Do not let him get the weapon. I put my body between him and the weapon and I was thinking, Dont let him get it, Byrd said.

The last thing Byrd remembers: After he started running, Strassburg caught up to him, and there was a struggle. He was reaching for the gun, his watch came off, his chain got broken  and the weapon went off, Byrd said.

Strassburg was mortally wounded from gunshots to the neck and back, three days shy of his 38th birthday. He had a daughter and was engaged to be married.

Stephen was a protector, a provider, and a passionate person, his family said in an online obituary. The love he gave was unmatched. He truly was too good for this world. Attempts to reach Strassburgs relatives were not successful.

A rare ruling

Byrds case rocked Hatboro. It also raised questions for residents and prosecutors alike, including: Where is the line between self-defense and homicide when deadly force is used?

In the nations criminal justice system, data show that Black people who assert self-defense as a justification for committing violence are less successful at getting acquitted than white people.

Studies by the Urban Institute, the Duke Center for Firearms Law, and the American Bar Association, among others, have examined how racial disparities in self-defense cases have grown as more states adopted stand your ground laws. Pennsylvania is one of more than 30 states with such laws, which allow people to use deadly force to protect themselves and others, in many cases eliminating the obligation to retreat before firing.

Some researchers contend that racial disparities in the criminal justice system can be traced to the implicit bias that leads some law enforcement officials and jurors to believe that Black people are more dangerous and likely guilty.

Between 2005 and 2010, there were 1,210 homicides with a Black shooter and a white victim, and just 17 of them, slightly more than 1%, were ruled justified, Urban Institute researchers found. Of the 2,069 homicides where the shooter was white and the victim Black, 236  or 11.4%  were ruled justified.

Byrds verdict, delivered at the end of a four-day trial, cut across these statistics. It also validated some legal veterans initial concerns that the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office had overcharged Byrd. They noted that the circumstances were not typical of first-degree murder cases because Strassburg physically assaulted Byrd just before the shooting, Byrd had a gun permit, he called police before firing, and he stayed at the scene until officers arrived.

If self-defense is a gray area in a case, it may be reasonable to bring some criminal charges, Jules Epstein, a professor at Temple University Beasley School of Law School, said in response to the verdict. But calling it first-degree murder? Putting a person at risk of life in jail? Making it harder to get bail? All of those seem to be wrong decisions.

This is a perfect example of the district attorney really overreaching and losing a chance of getting a conviction on one of the less serious charges, retired Philadelphia Judge Benjamin Lerner said. So, it seems like justice was done.

From 1996 to 2019, Lerner presided over the Homicide Trial Division of Common Pleas Court in Philadelphia. To win the whole thing, to get all 12 jurors to say, This guy didnt commit any crime at all, to me, it certainly calls into question the decision to proceed to try to convict this person of everything up to and including first-degree murder.

The Montgomery County District Attorneys Office declined to comment on the verdict, or on its reasoning behind the charge. During the trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Assistant District Attorney Samantha Cauffman told the jury that Byrd was looking for a fight, and that he could have avoided shooting Strassburg if he had waited inside for the police.

While we respect the jurys verdict in this case, we stand by our evidence and remain committed to seeking justice and upholding our duty to our community with fairness and diligence, the office said in a statement.

It gave his side of the story

From the moment Byrds legal defense team took the case, his attorneys believed that what he did was a matter of self-defense, Frame said.

Frame and his cocounsel, Joseph Schultz, argued that Byrds actions were protected not only by the states traditional self-defense law but also by its Castle Doctrine, which allows for the use of deadly force in self-defense in the home, the workplace, or anywhere a person has a right to be. In 2011, that statute was expanded by the states stand your ground provision, which eliminated the duty to retreat when defending oneself away from home. In a public setting, a person has a duty to retreat before using force.

Prosecutors entered the statement Byrd gave authorities right after the shooting as evidence, as only they could under state law.

When they played the statement, it was a sigh of relief, because we wanted that in. We knew that was important evidence, Frame said. It gave his side of the story.

Frame said he thought Byrds statement did such a good job explaining his actions that the team decided not to put him on the witness stand. That choice, he added, avoided giving prosecutors the opportunity to try to trip him up during cross-examination.

Another key piece of evidence was the surveillance video, which showed that Strassburg was the initial aggressor, Schultz said. If it had not been for that video, this probably would have come out a whole different way.

Byrd and his attorneys said that, while they believe the evidence made clear that Strassburgs actions toward Byrd were racially motivated, Byrd did not shoot him over slurs. This is more than just the N-word, this is more than just emotions, its more than just an assault, Byrd said. This was a fight to keep him from getting my gun.

You have Maurice who is a combat veteran and knows how to protect himself, who has been trained to only use his weapon when he is in a position of danger, and you have multiple calls to the police, Frame said.

Shortly after gaining his freedom, Byrd said hes not sure whats next, but he has decided to keep his barbershop closed. Theres too much tension in the community to go back, he reasoned. Hes still wading through the stack of mail and paperwork that accumulated while he was behind bars. He has set up a GoFundMe page to help him pay expenses until he finds employment.

Every day, he said, he thinks about the shooting that ended someones life and altered his own. This is an awful situation. I wish it didnt happen. It was out of my control, he said. I feel horrible for his family. Theres nothing I can do now but feel horrible.
Stephen Kamnik, a state police corporal stationed at Troop K in Skippack, has been suspended without pay as the investigation into his alleged behavior continues. Read more

A Pennsylvania State Police corporal stationed at the Troop K barracks in Skippack used his department-issued computer to create deepfake pornography of multiple women, including coworkers and women he met while on duty, officials said Wednesday.

Investigators also found that Stephen Kamnik, 38, secretly recorded his coworkers and other women, authorities said, and filmed himself breaking into a female locker room at the barracks to rifle through his coworkers underwear.

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And Kamnik also downloaded and viewed child pornography, state Attorney General Dave Sunday said.

This defendant swore an oath to protect and serve the people of the Commonwealth and in doing so was entrusted with resources to uphold that oath, Sunday said in a statement. Instead, he used his power and the trust placed in him to prey on innocent and unsuspecting coworkers and create sexually abusive material, some involving depictions of children.

Kamnik, of Havertown, has been charged with child pornography, unlawful use of a computer, unlawful duplication, and related crimes, court records show. He also faces charges for possessing a .22-caliber pistol that prosecutors say was reported stolen in 2012.

He remained in custody Wednesday with bail set at $500,000. Kamniks attorney, Fortunato Perri Jr., did not return a request for comment.

Kamnik, who has been a trooper since 2011, has been suspended without pay, according to Sunday.

The investigation into Kamnik began in November, when state police officials noticed that the computer assigned to him had been using an unusually high amount of internet bandwidth, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest.

After accessing Kamniks computer, investigators found that he was using it to run a side business in which he hosted and sold website domains, the affidavit said. But investigators said further analysis revealed much more.

Evidence on the computer showed that Kamnik had been connecting an external hard drive to it, on which they later learned he had been storing thousands of images of pornography, according to court filings.

Of that cache, 3,000 were deepfakes that Kamnik created by digitally superimposing the photos of women he met on the job onto the bodies of naked women, the affidavit said.

Some of that deepfake pornography was based on images of a 12-year-old girl, according to investigators.

To create those images, Kamnik used photos from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportations drivers license database, as well as mug shots and other images stored in a law enforcement database, according to court filings.

Other files found on the computer depicted videos that Kamnik surreptitiously recorded on his cell phone in which he filmed his female coworkers at the barracks, focusing on their genitals and buttocks, the affidavit said.

He also recorded videos of women he met while on duty, including women involved in domestic-violence investigations and assault cases. Kamnik sometimes made the women open their mouths and stick out their tongues, gestures that investigators said served no purpose other than to satisfy his sexual urges.

In one of these videos, Kamnik recorded himself with a male suspect detained at the barracks, the affidavit said. While speaking with the man, Kamnik accessed his phone illegally and recorded himself looking at multiple nude videos and photos of the mans wife that had been stored on the phone.

He later secretly recorded the mans wife when she came to the station, the affidavit said.

After seizing Kamniks personal phone as part of their investigation, detectives also found that he routinely searched for images of preteen girls, and had two images of a nude girl between the ages of 7 and 9 saved on the device.

He is scheduled to appear before a district judge for a preliminary hearing on May 5.
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce announced his Underdog Apparel brand has collaborated with American Giant, a San Francisco-based company, to manufacture the brands durable, high-quality products, across the United States.

Inspired by his familys blue-collar roots, Kelce said it was important to make Underdog Apparel an American-made brand.

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I would much rather wear something that symbolized a blue-collar worker as opposed to a suit, Kelce told The New York Times. I grew up going into steel mills with my father. So the concept of American workers making things was something that was ingrained early. And I just always gravitated toward it.

 READ MORE: Quinyon Mitchell appears on Darius Slays podcast to talk rookie season, Slays Philly departure, and more

The collection is launching four pieces, which features two different T-shirts and a french terry crewneck sweatshirt.

These fabrics were custom-designed for Jason, the chief executive of American Giant Bayard Winthrop told The New York Times. The shirts have a really gutsy, sturdy quality to them. They drape a certain way. Theyre not clingy to the body. Theyre not overly delicate.

The Underdog Apparel pocket T-shirts and sweatshirts are priced at $45 and $79, respectively. And of course, Kelce wanted to include a green shirt in the brands latest collection, paying homage to his former team.

Philadelphia bleeds green, Kelce told The New York Times. If we didnt have a green shirt, it would have felt like malpractice.

The proceeds of Kelces clothing brand will benefit the Be Philly Foundation, which aims to empower the citys youth through educational and economic opportunities.
Central Bucks Superintendent Steven Yanni, pictured after a May 2024 board meeting, has said the district found no evidence of abuse in the classroom. Read more

Students in a special education classroom in a Central Bucks elementary school were abused, and district administrators failed to adequately investigate  or accurately report to authorities  what happened, according to a disability rights watchdog group.

A report released Wednesday by Disability Rights Pennsylvania found that allegations of abuse by a teacher and educational assistant at Jamison Elementary School were credible. The organization said it interviewed multiple staff members who corroborated the account of a personal-care assistant who submitted a written complaint to the district in November.

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The teacher and educational assistant abused two students in the autism support classroom  which had four students  by illegally restraining them, causing a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury and also likely interfering with their breathing, the report said. It noted that the Pennsylvania Department of Education also found the district had used restraints against students without reporting them, as required by state law.

The teacher and assistant also created a likelihood of sexual abuse or exploitation of one student by allowing and encouraging him to masturbate, failing to teach him the behavior was inappropriate in the classroom, the report said.

All students in the classroom observed or experienced illegal restraints, neglect, aversive techniques, nudity, physical hitting by students without appropriate intervention, and demeaning treatment on a daily basis, the report said  an environment likely to cause physical and psychological harm and to result in long term harm if continued.

The report also accused Central Bucks administrators, including Superintendent Steven Yanni, of failing to appropriately respond to the allegations.

Charles Malone, the districts assistant superintendent of secondary schools, said in a message to the community Wednesday night that the report contains concerning information that the board and district will review with utmost seriousness.

It is important that we take the appropriate time to carefully evaluate the information presented before commenting or acting on any details, Malone said.

The Central Bucks school board in February hired a law firm to investigate the allegations; findings have not yet been announced.

Malone said the district will consider the findings from that investigation along with the Disability Rights Pennsylvania report. The district is committed to taking any necessary action, he said.

The Disability Rights Pennsylvania report, meanwhile, criticized the school districts already completed internal investigation. While administrators said they found no evidence of abuse, the districts own investigation still revealed significant corroboration of the abuse, the report said. It said the district erroneously informed parents and police about its findings.

Meanwhile, the report said, the district was slow to file a report with ChildLine, the state hotline for child protective services. When it did, administrators, including Yanni, withheld relevant information from ChildLine and then the police, the report said.

The investigation became a self-fulfilling circle, the report said: Dr. Yanni provided limited information in the ChildLine report and to the police; Dr. Yanni told the police that the Districts investigation found no abuse; the police relied on that conclusion in closing the file; and [Human Resources Director Robert] Frieling disowned any responsibility for the District to investigate abuse as it was the polices role.

Disability Rights Pennsylvania said the teacher and educational assistant  neither of whom was removed from the classroom as a result of the allegations  should be appropriately disciplined by the district and relevant governing bodies for their abuse, neglect, and violations of the rights of students. (Both staff members are currently on leave, but Yanni said the leaves were not disciplinary, according to the report.) Neither staff member was named in the report.

The report also said administrators should face discipline. As Dr. Yanni was directly involved in these issues, such discipline should likely come from the school board, the report said.

Jim Pepper, a school board member whose son was among the students in the classroom, has called for Yanni to resign. Pepper declined to comment Wednesday.

Disability Rights Pennsylvania, a nonprofit organization that acts as a statewide agency to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities, said it interviewed 13 staff members who worked in the special education classroom this year, along with numerous Central Bucks administrators. The teacher and educational assistant accused of the abuse declined to be interviewed, the group said.

The group also reviewed student educational records and records from the districts investigation, including notes taken by administrators during interviews.

Those notes, according to the Disability Rights Pennsylvania report, indicate that staff members told administrators they witnessed students being yanked and dragged, and that a cage was set up in a corner of the classroom where two students were sometimes held. They also reported that one student had been denied access to water; that the teacher and educational assistant did not respond to students who were crying; and that the teacher failed to intervene when students were hitting.

Four staff members told administrators the teacher refused to implement tools and interventions recommended by special education staff because they caused the teacher extra work, according to the report.

The districts human resources manager told Disability Rights Pennsylvania that during an interview, the teacher had explanations for the allegations, according to the report. The teacher said one student was cornered with his desks to prevent harm to other students. She also said that the student was sent to the bathroom if he took his clothes off, and that she allowed him to masturbate in the classroom bathroom.

The human resources manager told Disability Rights Pennsylvania the teachers approach may not have been best practice, but it did not appear to be abuse, according to the report.
An empty hallway at Morgan Village Middle School in Camden, NJ in 2022. Read more

Thousands of New Jersey public school students began skipping school in record numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some have not returned, according to a new state report.

The annual New Jersey School Performance Report shows that chronic absenteeism remains a problem in some districts, despite efforts by officials to get students back in school.

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Statewide, about 14.9% of New Jerseys 1.4 million public students were chronically absent for the 2023-24 school year. That means they missed 10% or more of the school year.

Similar findings have been reported nationally, and experts say some students, especially English learners, disabled students, and homeless students, are lagging far behind since the pandemic.

Before the pandemic disrupted in-person learning during the 2019-20 school year and most schools shifted to remote learning, the chronic absenteeism rate for New Jersey schools statewide was 10.6%

The latest state report, based on attendance data from the 2023-24 school year, has good and bad news for some of the more than 100 school districts in South Jersey. While many districts saw incremental decreases, the absenteeism rate for the Camden City School District and two Renaissance schools in Camden increased when compared with 2018-19, the last full school year before the pandemic, an Inquirer analysis found.

Which South Jersey districts are struggling most with absenteeism?

KIPP Cooper Norcross, a Renaissance school in Camden, had the highest increase in chronic absenteeism among districts with at least 500 students. Its rate increased from 21.1% in 2018-19 to 45.5% in 2023-24, a difference of 24.4 percentage points.

In a statement, a spokesperson said that KIPP Cooper Norcross has shown steady improvement and that absenteeism this school year has declined at every grade level, especially for middle school students.

We recognize that strong attendance is key to student success, and like many districts, we faced real challenges after the pandemic, the statement said.

At Camden Prep, another city Renaissance school, 50% of students were chronically absent, compared with 32% before the pandemic, the data found. The school saw improvement in the 2022-23 school year, when the rate dropped to 32%.

Maria Alcon-Heraux, a spokesperson for Uncommon Schools, which operates Camden Prep, said the school believes the latest statistics are incorrect and has asked the state to review the data. Renaissance schools are publicly funded and privately run schools, like charters, but guarantee a seat to every student in the schools neighborhood.

To address chronic absenteeism, Camden Prep has altered its attendance protocol and set up a support system for students who are consistently missing school, she said. Social workers and the dean of students make home visits, too, she said.

Our school support team reaches out to families daily through texts, emails, or phone calls when a student is absent, Alcon-Heraux said in an email.

 READ MORE: Camden schools will share $1.1 million in grants to help English learners and struggling students

The rate for the Camden City School District, the citys traditional public school system that has been run by the state since 2013, was 46.9%, or 13 percentage points higher than before the pandemic.

School officials say they are trying different approaches to get students back in school, such as offering incentives like prizes and parties. They are also stepping up outreach to parents.

Woodbury school Superintendent Andrew Bell said the numbers dont tell the whole story. He said his district, where more than 26% of students were chronically absent in the 2023-24 school year, tries to avoid reporting students for truancy or dropping chronically absent students from the roster.

Its definitely a challenge because there are so many nuances of why kids arent in school, Bell said.

Which South Jersey districts made improvements?

Some districts saw improvements in their absentee rates, including Audubon, Clementon, Gateway Regional, Gloucester City, Lawnside, and Woodlynne.

At Benjamin Banneker Preparatory Charter School in Willingboro, absenteeism dropped to 2.6%, the lowest in seven years. It was 5.6% in 2018-19.

Founder Richard Wilson Jr. credits an incentive system that rewards students for good attendance and enforcement of the state truancy policy that requires parents to go to court if a student has 10 unexcused absences.

If a child is not in school, thats an issue for us, Wilson said.

Wilson said a battle of the homerooms has become a popular tactic. The class with the best attendance is allowed to dress down on Fridays instead of wearing uniforms.

 READ MORE: Here are four takeaways from last year's N.J. School Performance Reports

They love to wear what they want to wear, Wilson said. We try a lot of incentives to get them to come to school. They need to be in school.

New Jersey leaves it to individual districts to come up with attendance policies, but schools are required to open for 180 days. Districts with a chronic absenteeism rate of 10% or higher must submit a corrective action plan to the state.
Residents of Bella Vista gathered inside the Palumbo Recreation Center Wednesday night to grapple with a seemingly intractable problem: What to do about a takeout shop that has gotten seemingly too big for its South Philly-rowhouse britches.

Tensions ran high, with neighbors venting frustration over Angelos Pizzeria patrons speeding down family-friendly city streets, using private property to eat (or urinate), and generally creating a nuisance for Bella Vista residents. While some asked questions and contemplated solutions  sometimes only to unearth competing interests with other neighbors  a handful suggested that Angelos should leave the neighborhood entirely.

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They have a great product, they do a great job, but were the victims of their success, one man said. Im glad for them, but unfortunately, its not good for the neighborhood.

City Councilmember Mark Squilla presided over the meeting between about 75 Bella Vistans and two lawyers representing Angelos, the cheesesteak-and-pizza shop with humble roots that has mushroomed into a national phenom. A followup to a meeting held in November, it was the first forum for the neighborhood writ large to air grievances to Angelos representatives.

Owner Danny DiGiampietro was out of the country on a long-planned trip; he reached out to The Inquirer afterward to express his frustration at not being able to attend the meeting personally. In his stead were attorneys Peter Kelsen and Evan Lechtman, as well as Angelos general manager and partner Jared Braunstein.

One quagmire  who are the pizza shops patrons, and who should it serve?  arose time and again. Have you looked into who the population is that you really do serve? one woman posed.

Were not going to get into discussion of whos allowed to come buy pizza, one of Angelos attorneys said.

Though the meeting surfaced several possible lines of progress, little, if anything, was resolved by its close. About a dozen Bella Vistans signed up for a joint taskforce to deal with the pizzerias impact on the neighborhood.

Theres a lot of passion, as we know, lot of concerns, but I think that theres a framework to work together, Kelsen said. Closing the location, not so much, but certainly quality-of-life issues.

Community meeting play-by-play

As TV news crews rolled tape, the meeting got off to a calm start. Squilla recapped moves made since November: The city installed plastic bollards to daylight the intersection at Ninth and Fitzwater Streets; Angelos has placed five trash cans up and down Ninth, emptying them three to four times daily during operating hours; and a loading zone is possibly underway, potentially easing the pains of a delivery truck routinely blocking Fitzwater.

Kelsen stepped up to address to the growing crowd. DiGiampietro, Kelsen said, strongly feels he is a part of the South Philly community. (DiGiampietro grew up spending time in his dads pizza shop at Fifth and Watkins.) He finds the alleged behavior of Angelos patrons  littering, sitting on neighbors stoops and porches, relieving themselves in streets and alleys, etc.  as unacceptable as those in the audience, Kelsen said.

Were trying to take as many steps as we can to let people know it doesnt fly, Kelsen said, outlining measures on the table, including purchasing a pizza box recycler (likely to be placed on the rec centers property) and establishing a community taskforce to facilitate a formal dialogue between Angelos ownership and the community. He also noted DiGiampietro is more than willing to contribute to neighborhood fundraisers and events. Just ask, Kelsen said.

Kelsen also laid to rest one suggested solution for Angelos hour-plus lines  that the shop open up its upstairs space for seating and bathrooms  explaining that it could not be made ADA-compliant. Unfortunately, transparently, it just cant happen, he said.

Eileen Plato, who operated the landmark Judys Cafe at 3rd and Bainbridge for 35 years, wasnt having it. The 34-year resident of the 700 block of South Ninth asked about the status of a violation Angelos received from the citys Department of Licenses and Inspections last August, reportedly for failing to obtain a new use permit for 736 S. Ninth St.  in other words, operating under the permit issued to the previous occupant, Sarcones Deli, in 2007.

Squilla explained Angelos is appealing the violation and doesnt yet have a set date for a hearing. (Angelos attorneys declined to comment further on the violation; Squilla did not immediately reply to a request for more information.)

Exasperated, Plato continued. I know about crowds, I know about lines, I know about trash pickup. I got the whole thing. I appreciate what youve said. It does not address the fact your business model is not neighborhood-friendly, she said. Theres nothing you can do about the [customers] unless you change your business model, she said. You want the lines, you want the hype. Thats what its about.

For Plato, working with Angelos to solve the problem was out of the question. I dont want to be in a taskforce. I want a change. I want to walk out of my front door and not have to shoo people off my step, and not have people throwing their trash in my planters, and also peeing in them.

Plato said she loves Angelos predecessor, Sarcones Deli, whose family operates its bakery on the same block and are related to DiGiampietro by marriage. The two businesses arent equals, she said. You are not operating as a community member. Youre a thorn in the side and a constant nuisance, she finished, eliciting a round of applause.

Joel Palmer, a neighbor on the 600 block of Ninth, stood up to ask: Why are you not on South Street?

Theres a 30% vacancy on South Street, he continued, pointing out possible examples of prime real estate just two blocks north. With any changes to the current stores footprint out of the question, why not move?, he asked. (Palmer said he suspected Angelos would have to fork over a substantially higher rent, cutting into its profits.)

You cannot fix that location, Palmer said. You have to come to Jesus and understand that you cant stay there. Youve got to go.

Reached by phone on Thursday, DiGiampietro disputed that he intentionally creates lines or social media hype. He said that he is as bothered by the crowding and rowdy patrons as the community. We are not trying to do a nightclub atmosphere there. I cringe at them lines, he said.

Im looking forward to sit down and and work with them, he said. Im open to any and all suggestions, other than, Oh, just pick up and move to South Street.

As the meeting went on, many offered support for Angelos, followed by a grievance.

Thats awesome they open up a business, theyre doing really well, but theres a park right there, said a dad who lives on Delhi Street. Remarking on Angelos customers, often in pickup trucks, who zoom down Fitzwater Street, which intersects with three small, family-filled side streets, he said, Youre gonna have a kid get hit. (Squilla proposed a future traffic study, with the hope of installing speed cushions.)

Others took issue with the shortcomings of the plastic bollards at the intersections. Is there something more permanent than the plastic flex posts? one man asked. Another neighbor explained that solutions like planters and bike corrals are costly and involved. (It was suggested Angelos might spring for those.)

Two attendees chimed in to say they had seen a car illegally parked in the crosswalk, on top of the bollards, as they walked to the meeting. Squilla replied that they should call the Philadelphia Parking Authority to ticket the offender, leading to frustrated murmurs rippling through the audience. They wont send anyone out, one woman shouted. They tell us to call 911. Squilla promised to address it.

One man suggested the PPA might patrol the area immediately surrounding Angelos more vigilantly. If youre patrolling in that area to [ticket], its just gonna be pushed down towards me, said a woman who lives a block or so west of the shop, adding that she and her 6-year-old struggle to enjoy the park across from their house. Theres pizza boxes everywhere. I cant sit anywhere with my son because theres people eating.

I want the business to grow, but it is not a neighborhood pizza shop, she continued.

Some neighbors made clear they take issue with the sort of patrons Angelos attracts  perhaps the kind that have heard about it from a glowing review by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, a controversial personality whose millions of  largely young, male  followers have a reputation for boorish behavior. (Portnoy has been accused of sexual misconduct, and has a history of racist and sexist comments.)

One man addressed this head-on. When you look at a lot of the other popular restaurants in the area  Saloon, Johns Water Ice, Kalaya when it was here, Mawn, Sarcones when it was here, every restaurant in the Italian Market, I could go on and on  none of those bring people smoking weed in front of children, drinking on the streets in the middle of the day, urinating in peoples planters or wherever they want, and giant heaps of trash all over the place."

If the community has an idea of how we can prevent an F-150 [pickup truck] coming from Bucks County to buy pizza or cheesesteaks, Id love to hear it, Kelsen responded. Im not being sarcastic, Id love to hear it. He also offered to utilize Angelos and DiGiampietros considerable social media following (which has only been bolstered by the owners partnership with Hollywood star and Jenkintown native Bradley Cooper) to put customers on notice that they must show respect to Bella Vista.

One 700 block neighbor, on the same side as Angelos, spoke up reluctantly. I love everybody at Angelos, the woman said. She asked that the line of customers waiting to order be consistently directed up the street toward Fitzwater. It sounds like the Italian Market Festival is outside of our house every weekend, starting Saturday morning through Sunday, she said, adding that she has discussed the situation with Braunstein and DiGiampietro before. Well be on vacation, and we have to talk to people through the Ring [camera] because people will literally come on our enclosed porch and hang out, she said.

Kelsen responded that Angelos installed a new point-of-sale system  which texts customers when their order is ready  to try to mitigate the line. You cant control where people go in a public setting, but the effort has been made by Angelos as best they can, he said. The woman wondered if customers could be prompted, at the end of their transaction, on other places to go while they wait  setting off concerns about sending rowdy patrons deeper into Bella Vistas residential streets or to the park.

Kelsen repeated that they would use social media to let acolytes know theyre damaging the reputation of Angelos by behaving this way. Squilla asked if neighbors would be open to a line monitor. Kelsen said that Angelos had previously hired security for the line and had stopped when neighbors said they felt it was inappropriate, but added the restaurant would revisit the practice.

One man  Anthony, Ive been here all my life  spoke up, saying that he had gone to Angelos that day. It was delicious, so I dont have any prejudice on that issue, he said, but it was somewhat beside the point. Were brainstorming on problems that are not our problem. I like the word partnership. I do like it, but in a way, were in this as bystanders. Were not partners in this. Were underwriting the business to a certain extent, in that we give people places to eat and act like assholes. The business model doesnt work anymore, period. The fact that were here talking about this, trying to figure this out, is evidence of that. What, are we going to have mounted policemen going up and down the street?

As the meeting wound down, there was one neighbor who spoke in support of Angelos: 12 Steps Down bar owner Danielle Renzulli, who wanted to make sure the crowd knew of the shops attempts to direct its burgeoning customer base to suitable venues. Every Saturday afternoon, probably 75% of the people that come in say, Danny sent us here to wait for our pizza, she said. We joke that were Angelos living room. It was perhaps the strongest third-party endorsement of the shop that night.

Aftermath

Several neighbors lingered in the rec center classroom afterward to confer with Councilman Squilla, who hung around until every neighbor dispersed, as did Braunstein and Angelos attorneys. Among the neighbors who stayed, a few expressed optimism that a taskforce would bring about meaningful change. Some wondered why it was incumbent on neighbors  and the city  to shoulder the ramifications of a nationally famous restaurant with no seating or bathrooms.

It shouldnt be our job, said Jeffrey Garrett, who had come to the meeting to express his concern about traffic and illegal parking endangering neighborhood kids. I feel like most of this shouldnt even really be the citys job. Like a good neighbor would just take it upon themselves to improve things.

The sentiment was shared by Plato, who stayed to talk to TV news crews and Squilla. Ill be damned if Im going to bend the knee to them and be in a taskforce.

Kelsen characterized the meeting as a starting point to continue to talk  not a beginning, because weve already started.

The last man standing at the end of the nearly two-hour meeting was Squilla, who said the citys involvement in this was unavoidable, as was the communitys. To me, its a group effort. ... Getting ideas from the community is important. They know what the challenges are.

Ultimately, he construed the meetings turnout as a sign of the commitment to the neighborhood. If they didnt care, they wouldnt be here, he said.
Lionell Dotson stands with the cremated remains of his two sisters, Katricia and Zanetta Dotson, who died in the MOVE bombing. The remains had been kept at the city medical examiner's office since the 1985 bombing and were returned to Dotson in 2022. Dotson recently settled a lawsuit with the University of Pennsylvania, which had also kept remains from the bombing that Dotson says were his sister Katricia's. Read more

The University of Pennsylvania has settled a lawsuit over the handling of the remains of a MOVE bombing victim that were kept at the Penn Museum for decades, according to court filings.

Lionell Dotson had contended that the university kept the remains of his sister Katricia after she was killed in the May 13, 1985, bombing of the radical, Black-led, back-to-nature groups West Philadelphia headquarters. Katricia, 14, died in the ensuing fire with her sister Zanetta, three other children, and six adults.

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Pathologists contracted by the MOVE Commission, which conducted the independent investigation into the bombing, identified a set of remains pulled from the destroyed MOVE house as those of Katricia Dotson.

But the city medical examiner and two Penn anthropologists he consulted for help identifying the bodies disagreed, saying the remains belonged to an 18- to 20-year-old woman.

Details of the settlement in the suit, filed in Philadelphias Common Pleas Court, were not available.

After the MOVE Commission concluded its investigation, the medical examiner gave the bones to the anthropologists, Alan Mann and Janet Monge.

The remains stayed at the Penn Museum for decades  even as family members believed they had buried all of the remains of the youngest victims.

 READ MORE: Untangling the Tragedy: Our new podcast examines Phillys decision to bomb the MOVE rowhouse in 1985

In 2019, Monge displayed them in an online anthropology course viewed by thousands. In 2021, The Inquirer reported that Penn had kept remains of at least one MOVE victim, sparking widespread outrage.

While Penn maintained in court filings that the remains were unidentifiable, the university returned them to MOVE members in 2021.

Dotson, who lives in Fayetteville, N.C., countered that the remains are his sisters, and that they should have been transferred to him as her next of kin. His mother, Consuewella, had died of complications from COVID-19 shortly before the remains were given to MOVE members.

A Penn spokesperson declined comment. Daniel Hartstein, a lawyer for Dotson, said only that the parties forged an amicable resolution to the case. A lawyer for Monge would not comment because she is suing Penn for defamation.

 READ MORE: Archival coverage: Nearly a half century of stories about MOVE

Earlier this year, Dotson settled another lawsuit against the city, whose medical examiners office had also kept remains from the MOVE bombing, including some belonging to his sisters. Those remains were returned to him in 2022.

A third lawsuit, against the funeral home Penn contacted to handle the remains kept at the museum, is ongoing.

In November, Penn announced that museum had found the bones of another MOVE child, 12-year-old Delisha Africa. The university had long denied that it had also kept her remains.
With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the helm of the Department of Health and Human Services, federal officials announced they were taking steps to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors from the nations food supply. And some quintessential Philly snacks could be impacted.

The goal is to eliminate the synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, largely by relying on voluntary efforts from the food industry, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference Tuesday.

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The officials said the FDA would establish a standard and timeline for the industry to switch to natural alternatives, revoke authorization for dyes not in production within the coming weeks, and take action to remove remaining dyes on the market.

Reactions have been mixed within the industry. Some food companies are reformulating their dyes in anticipation of widespread bans. In January, the FDA announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, often used in sweets and medications, would take effect by 2027.

The new federal goals aim to phase out eight synthetic food colorings and dyes. So what could that mean for Philadelphia, an area known for its snacks?

Here are four Philly and regionally based delicacies that could be impacted by the new goals. None of the businesses that produce the sweets responded to requests for comment as of publication time.

1. Tastykakes Kandy Kakes and more

Several treats by Tastykake, including strawberry iced sponge cakes and red velvet Kandy Kakes, feature dyes impacted by the recent ban initiative.

Red No. 40 is used most often  experts say it gives strawberry, red velvet, and cherry confections their signature vibrant red hue. But Tastykake also uses Yellows No. 5 and 6 and Blue No. 1 in some of its confections.

2. Hersheys Twizzlers and Jolly Ranchers

Multiple candies made by Hersheys, including Twizzlers and Jolly Ranchers, use Red No. 40 for their intense red and pink hues. In 2021, the company phased out using Red No. 3 ahead of the U.S. ban on the ingredient. Multiple sweets that previously used Red No. 3 appear to use Red No. 40 now instead. The companys ingredient glossary, which is published on its website but hasnt been updated since 2021, lists several of the synthetic dyes being phased out, including Yellows No. 5 and 6, Blues No. 1 and 2, and Red No. 40. Its unclear which products are in use in 2025 and which products might use them.

3. Just Borns Peeps, and more

The United States most beloved Easter candy may need to reformulate once again. Just Born, the company behind Peeps, Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales, and more, already adjusted its marshmallow chicks recipe to omit Red Dye No. 3 since that ban was announced. But depending on the color, Peeps still use Yellow No. 5 and Blue No. 1, which are both on the chopping block. Other product lines by Just Born, including Mike and Ike and Hot Tamales, also use Red No. 40, Yellows No. 5 and 6, and Blue No. 1.

4. Water ice

Whether a water ice contains artificial coloring depends on the company and manufacturer. Local staple Johns, for instance, only uses water, sugar, and fresh-squeezed fruit. But other stands that sometimes outsource their water ice, or larger-scale chains, may incorporate synthetic dyes into some flavors. Ritas Italian Ice uses Blues No. 1 and 2, Red No. 40, and Yellows No. 5 and 6 in some flavors, like blue raspberry and cherry, according to its 2024 dye and gluten chart. Philadelphia Water Ice Factory also uses Red No. 40, Blue No. 1, and Yellow No. 5 in flavors including tropical rainbow and cherry.

What about Whiz?

Believe it or not, some of the brightest nuclear yellow cheese spread products  like Krafts Cheez Whiz and Easy Cheese spray cans  are free of the synthetic dyes being phased out. Both brands use colorants that are still considered artificial but are derived from natural sources. Both use a mix of annatto extract  which is derived from tree seeds  and apocarotenal, a pigment that naturally occurs in fruits and vegetables and can also be synthetically derived.

What dyes are being phased out?

The FDA currently allows 36 food color additives, including the eight synthetic dyes now targeted. Several are known as FD&C dyes, meaning they previously fell under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act and met the standards approved by the FDA to be included in food.

The dyes Kennedy and the FDA aim to phase out are: FD&C Blues No. 1 and 2, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellows No. 5 and 6, Orange B, and Citrus Red No. 2.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
The Bucks County Sheriffs Department is seeking to join a controversial partnership program where local police officers help ICE enforce federal immigration laws.

The department would be the first in the Philadelphia region to collaborate with ICE under an initiative known as 287(g), named for a section of a 1996 immigration law.

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Those who break the law should face the consequences of their actions  regardless of immigration status, Bucks Sheriff Fred Harran said in a statement issued Thursday. The program bolsters overall law enforcement capacity, enabling better protection of the community, he said.

Harran described his departments involvement as a narrowly defined initiative focused on public safety, one in which 12 of the departments 76 deputies would be trained to access a federal immigration database, identifying people taken into custody on criminal charges and who have outstanding warrants in Bucks County.

Deputies would not be authorized to perform general immigration enforcement in the community, or to ask about someones immigration status during routine interactions, he said.

The news immediately provoked outcry.

Laura Rose, group leader of Indivisible Bucks County, an advocacy organization, said, We now need to decide what kind of community we want in Bucks County, one that nurtures neighborhoods by keeping them free of fear or one that sows distrust of police and division among neighbors.

Its a stark choice, and one that Sheriff Harrans decision to participate in 287(g) has now forced on us, she said.

The news of the sheriffs departments pending agreement with ICE was first reported by the Bucks County Beacon.

Harran described the program as a money-saver, saying that transferring immigration prisoners to federal custody would free county taxpayers from the financial burden of having to jail and transport them.

The department is continuing to talk to members of immigrant communities, faith leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure the initiatives purpose is clear and its effectiveness shared, Harran said.

The 287(g) program has sparked protest in Bucks County before. A 2018 effort by the community of Bensalem to partner with ICE drew huge opposition and was subsequently abandoned.

Heidi Roux, executive director of Immigrant Rights Action in Doylestown, said the sheriffs department should withdraw its application to ICE.

Saying its concerning is an understatement, she said Thursday. Weve worked so hard to build trust in our community, so that [immigrants] feel like our law enforcement is there to ensure the public safety of all who live in Bucks County. This will break that trust and reduce the identification of people who commit crimes.

Police departments and local governments that limit cooperation with ICE say that their stance helps create trust and gain cooperation in immigrant communities, that undocumented crime victims and witnesses will not come forward if they fear being arrested and deported because of their lack of legal status.

Currently, other applications to help ICE are pending from the Lancaster County Sheriffs Department and the Northwest Regional Police Department, based in Elizabethtown, a borough in that county. The Franklin County Sheriffs Department in south-central Pennsylvania is believed to be the only county agency in the state that has partnered with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

ICE officials did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Thursday.

The ICE program was established by Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which was part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.

It designates three separate program models: Jail Enforcement, to identify and process those with criminal or pending charges who may be removed; the Warrant Service Officer program to authorize local police to execute ICE administrative warrants at jails; and the Task Force model that ICE says serves as a force multiplier by providing community police with limited immigration authority.

The Bucks sheriffs office would participate in the task force program, Harran said in his statement.

The 287(g) program has been rejected by jurisdictions that say they pay their police officers to enforce local laws and assist local residents, not to do the work of the federal government.

A 2022 study by the American Civil Liberties Union found what it said were widespread civil rights violations among more than 100 law enforcement agencies that took part.

Some police departments dropped out of the program after Lehigh County and Allentown authorities were successfully sued for keeping a man of Puerto Rican descent in prison  even after he posted bail  so that ICE could investigate whether he was in the country illegally.

It turned out that Ernesto Galarza was born in New Jersey, and his settlement for three days behind bars cost taxpayers $145,000.

But partnerships between ICE and local police agencies have surged since Donald Trump was elected president in November.

On Inauguration Day, Trump issued an executive order titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which required ICE to continue authorizing state and local police to assist in enforcement.

As of Thursday, 455 law enforcement agencies in 38 states have signed agreements with ICE.

Manpower is a constant challenge for the federal agency, responsible for carrying out what Trump says will be the largest deportation effort in American history. The agency employs about 20,000 people in the U.S. and around the world, while the undocumented population in this country numbers about 13 million.

Advocates of the program say that is part of why 287(g) is needed, to assist federal agents in the lawful performance of their duties.

Polls show support for deportations. A new study by the Pew Research Center found that nearly a third of Americans say all undocumented immigrants in the United States should be deported, and an additional half want some people kicked out under certain circumstances.

The effort to bring an ICE partnership to Bucks has failed before.

Elected leaders in Bensalem argued in 2018 that the community of 60,354, which hugs the border of Northeast Philadelphia, would be safer if police helped enforce immigration laws.

They said officers would be able to identify and arrest dangerous criminals without infringing on individual rights or even bothering law-abiding, undocumented immigrants.

We will stay within the law, Bensalem Mayor Joe DiGirolamo said at the time. No profiling, we would never do that.

Harran was then the longtime Bensalem director of public safety, having previously served the community as a police officer.

Advocacy groups, including the Bucks County NAACP and Buxmont Inclusive and Progressive, said then that the alliance with ICE was not only unneeded, but also sure to create fear in immigrant communities and hurt relations between police officers and residents.

Harran said Thursday that throughout his nearly four decades in law enforcement, it has been clear that community safety is best served through collaboration and strategic police deployment.

The application to ICE, he said, is a direct extension of this commitment  a deliberate step to enhance our ability to protect residents by working with federal authorities within the course of our duties.

This story has been corrected to reflect that news of the agreement was first reported by the Bucks County Beacon, not WHYY.
A Montgomery County man has been charged with stealing more than $3.7 million from an older woman, who was suffering from dementia, and her family, before and after her 2019 death.

James Batt, 66, of Flourtown, was arrested on felony theft and exploitation charges on Monday, according to the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office. Prosecutors said Batt financially exploited the woman for years, made unauthorized transactions from her accounts for personal use, and failed to distribute funds to others listed in her will in his role as executor of her estate.

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Batt was friends with Alice Lineman of Lower Moreland, and was named the executor and trustee of her estate. Lineman died at age 92 in 2019, and her will designated him as the largest sole beneficiary, directing 45% of her assets to him, according to a criminal complaint. At the time of her death, Lineman held more than $2.5 million and other nonmonetary assets.

A 2018 letter from Batt to Linemans nephew indicated that Batt was aware of Linemans vulnerable condition. Alice has been diagnosed with senile dementia. Her  aide has been with her since November 2017, with the express duty of helping her with ALL activities of daily living, none of which she is capable doing herself, the letter read, according to the complaint.

Prosecutors allege that Batt spent and withdrew Linemans money for his personal use. Before Linemans death, Batt withdrew over $880,000 from Linemans Wells Fargo checking account, and spent $30,000 on Linemans American Express account. The address on the Amex account was changed to match Batts home address, and the name of a man with whom Batt is in a relationship was added as an authorized user. After Linemans death and until April 2023, additional transactions totaling nearly $500,000 were made on the account, authorities said.

 READ MORE: She spent money stolen from the elderly on trips, parties, and renewing her wedding vows. Her sudden death has left victims feeling robbed once again.

The spending grew after Lineman died. Batt allegedly wrote 139 checks to himself totaling nearly $600,000 from the Wells Fargo account. Linemans trust also held a Morgan Stanley account, from which Batt made nearly $1.4 million in charges, checks, and transfers between Linemans death and 2022, authorities said.

Batt spent more than $1 million before Linemans death and over $2.6 million after, according to police. The money went toward travel, hotels, restaurants, and even plastic surgery, prosecutors said.

Linemans nephew and the nephews wife were owed 30% of Linemans estate as stipulated in her will, but have received only $150,000, authorities said. They initiated proceedings against Batt in Montgomery County Orphans Court but Batt never responded, even after the judge issued orders compelling him to appear and to turn over estate assets, and found him in contempt of court. The judge removed Batt as the Lineman estates trustee in 2023.

At a bail review hearing this week, a judge stipulated that Batt could not use any money from Linemans estate to make his bail of $99,000.
Gregory Wright, seen in Council chambers on April 24, 2025, was hired by Council President Kenyatta Johnson as the city's new director of the Office of Veterans Affairs. The position had been vacant since 2021. Read more

Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson on Thursday announced that he has hired a veterans affairs director, filling a state-mandated position that had been vacant four years.

Gregory Wright, a North Philadelphia native and former Pennsylvania National Guard staff sergeant, started this week as the head of the Philadelphia Office of Veterans Affairs.

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Being a son of a veteran, I appreciate his hard work and his dedication to a cause that should definitely be supported, Johnson, whose father served in the U.S. Army, told fellow Council members.

The Inquirer reported in January that Philadelphia had been without a veterans affairs director since 2021, leaving some veterans advocates feeling ignored.

The city was also in violation of a Pennsylvania law that requires every county to have a local director of veterans affairs.

The directors are charged primarily with helping former members of the armed services transition back to civilian life, including by assisting them in accessing local, state, and federal benefits and services.

Philadelphia had been the only one of the states 67 counties not to have a director, despite being home to more than 52,000 veterans  the second-largest veterans population, behind Allegheny County.

The reason for the longtime vacancy had been unclear. Even officials at the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs had said they were befuddled by the citys failure to select someone.

It sends the message that they dont care. Its sad, Len Johnson, a U.S. Marine and commander of the American Legion post in Juniata Park, told The Inquirer in January.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia is the only county in Pa. without the mandated veterans affairs director. Vets want answers.

In Philadelphia, the City Council president is responsible for hiring the director.

But former Council President Darrell L. Clarkes office didnt anyone for the position before Clarke left office in December 2023, and Johnson, who took over as Council President the following month, did not hire anyone until this week.

Johnson said in a statement Thursday that he had wanted to take the time to find the right person for the position. He noted that even without a director, the veterans affairs office had continued to function, providing services last year to more than 13,000 veterans who had sought help with benefit claims, tax exemptions, and housing.

Wright, 31, who now lives in Fox Chase, served for 14 years in the Pennsylvania National Guard and was deployed to the Middle East during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

Wright graduated from Girard College High School and earned a degree in criminal justice at Peirce College and an MBA at Eastern University.

Ive always been a man of service and someone who wants to continue to give, Wright said Thursday.

Wright said he has already been helping veterans with benefits and job searches through a local nonprofit, so the city job is something I think I was made for.

When this position became available, it seemed like a no-brainer, he said.

Clarke, the former Council president, had made some improvements to the veterans affairs office about a decade ago, including by moving it to a space next to the City Hall courtyard to increase visibility.

But it remained a relatively low-profile office with a small budget. For the current fiscal year, $205,300 has been allocated. Montgomery Countys veterans office, by comparison, has twice the staff and a budget of $787,558, though the county has 20,000 fewer veterans than Philadelphia.

In 2017, the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office seized a computer from the veterans office, which was then called the veterans advisory commission. The head of the office, Scott Brown, was quietly fired. No charges were filed.

Later that year, Carlo Aragoncillo, a U.S. Army veteran from South Philadelphia, replaced Brown as director. But Aragoncillo said the office seemed to be neglected by City Council.

It was honestly just chaos.  I wasnt getting support, Aragoncillo recently told The Inquirer, citing a lack of funding, staff, and organization. He left in 2021.

Since then, the office had been managed by Wanda Pate, a former constituent-services specialist who was hired by Clarke in 2012. Johnson said she will remain with the office under Wright. It now has a staff of five.

Wright said Johnson assured him he will have the backing of City Council as he seeks to rejuvenate the office.

I want to make sure everyone in the city  not just veterans, but family and friends of veterans  know how and where to get assistance for veterans," Wright said.

In addition to helping vets with benefits and other issues, Wright will be expected to work with the citys nine-member veterans advisory commission to create an advocacy agenda on behalf of veterans.
Ernest H. Brown, 71, of Cheltenham, longtime State Farm insurance agency owner, former teacher for the Philadelphia School District, two-time national executive director of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, church leader, and mentor, died Wednesday, April 2, after an illness at his home.

Inspired largely by the compassion of his mother, fellowship of his 11 siblings, and support of his wife and children, Mr. Brown made it his goal to forge meaningful connections with people of all ages on personal and professional levels. He taught reading, math, science, and morality to elementary school students in Philadelphia for five years, collaborated with his wife, Rose, to educate consumers about insurance coverage for more than 40 years, and developed outreach and mentorship programs for more than 50 years as a lifetime member and leader of Kappa Alpha Psi.

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His fraternity colleagues praised his zeal, fidelity, and brotherhood in a tribute and said he always had a kind word for everyone he encountered. His family said in a tribute: He was a mentor to so many within the fraternity and strived to help everyone achieve their best.

Mr. Brown started at State Farm as a claims adjuster and opened his own agency in 1983. He was organized, energetic, and personable, his wife said, and adept at working with people to clarify and then address their needs.

He earned a bachelors degree in education at the University of Cincinnati in 1975 and worked at first as a substitute and then a full-time teacher because, his wife said, he wanted to make a difference. Sometimes, he bought clothes for students he saw were in need. Always, he offered gentle guidance and a sense of safety.

During college, he volunteered with underserved children in the community. Later, as a leader at Kappa Alpha Psi, he reached thousands of young people through the fraternitys educational and occupational guidance programs.

He really cared, his wife said. It was his mission to see that kids got a chance.

Mr. Brown joined Kappa Alpha Psi in 1973 while at Cincinnati and went on to serve as its two-time national executive director, polemarch of the Philadelphia alumni chapter, and board member of the Northeastern Province. He earned the Northeastern Provinces James M. Kidd Award for outstanding service and a Philadelphia alumni chapter award for achievement.

He also served on several committees and as a trustee and college tour chaperone at Salem Baptist Church in Abington. He was a member of the Cheltenham chapter of the NAACP and Masonic Lodge No. 43 in Philadelphia.

He was committed to a lifetime of service, his family said in a tribute.

Ernest Harris Brown was born July 10, 1953, in Tifton, Ga. He and his family moved to the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia when he was 6 months old and then to West Oak Lane when he was 13.

He attended Faith Baptist Church as a boy, competed in track, cross-country, and fencing at Murrell Dobbins High School, and graduated in 1971. He was interested in science and attended Wilberforce University in Ohio for a year before transferring to Cincinnati.

He met fellow student Rose Dial at a college party, and they married in 1976 and had a son, Kenneth, and a daughter, Karla. They lived in Germantown, Northeast Philadelphia, and Mount Airy before moving to Cheltenham.

Mr. Brown cheered for the Eagles and Phillies. He enjoyed music and old movies. Two of his brothers were veterans, and one was killed in Vietnam. So Mr. Brown supported veterans and acknowledged his brothers every year on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

He doted on his family and friends. He was calm, his wife said. He had a warm personality. He loved people. As soon as you met him, you liked him.

In addition to his wife and children, Mr. Brown is survived by four grandchildren, three sisters, three brothers, and other relatives. Three sisters and two brothers died earlier.

A celebration of his life was held April 19.

Donations in his name may be made to the Kappa Alpha Psi Philadelphia Achievement Academy, 5521 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19144.
Ms. Hoffman was born in the Bronx, and her family moved to Massachusetts when she was in middle school. Read more

Justine A. Hoffman, 60, of Philadelphia, cofounder and head of the Revolution School, former head of the Philadelphia School, longtime teacher, and mentor, died Friday, March 28, of heart failure at her home in New York.

Born in the Bronx, reared later in Massachusetts, and effective as a schoolteacher and administrator in Chicago and New York before landing in Philadelphia, Ms. Hoffman was an expert in curriculum design and instruction, leadership, development, and community relations. One-on-one, she was an earnest listener and engaging conversationalist. Her brother Joe called her a total people person.

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Colleagues called her a huge force in education in Philadelphia and a collaborative and visionary educational leader in online tributes. Students at the Revolution School said: She made every day brighter with her smile and school so much more enjoyable and exciting.

She was head of the Philadelphia School from 2013 to 2017 and left to help establish the Revolution School in 2018. She directed the Philadelphia School to many of its strategic goals regarding growth and accreditation, and board chair Jennifer Rice praised her steady hand and optimistic attitude in 2016 for creating a more robust, diverse, and sustainable student body and faculty.

Rice said: We recognize that she will leave behind a school community that is incredibly healthy and strong thanks to her guidance.

At Revolution, she focused on institutional advancement and strategic initiatives, became associate head of school, and then rose to head of school a few years ago. Colleagues there called her a guiding light and said: Her vision for our school was profound, ambitious, and courageous, a commitment to extending the circle of opportunity for all.

Longtime friend and colleague Mary Gene Clavin said: All her decisions, strategy, and many long hours at work were dedicated to the betterment of kids.

She earned a bachelors degree in communications at Boston College and two masters degrees in education administration and leadership at DePaul University in Chicago. At first, she taught urban students in Chicago. Later, she returned to New York to become head of the middle school division at the Hewitt School.

Ms. Hoffman was known for her thoughtful conversation, signature pep talks, and loving advice wherever she worked. Often, she shared her snack jar and afternoon granola bars with students and staff. Always, she was optimistic and encouraging.

She was a true light for my daughter and myself as we navigated tough times together, a parent said in a tribute. A student said: Whenever I had an idea, Justine would tell me to go for it and make it happen.

Between positions at the Philadelphia and Revolution Schools, she was an organizational development consultant for Vim Collaborative. She was good at connecting teachers and students, and creating business partnerships.

She was active with EduCon, Advancing Independent Schools, the Progressive Education Network, and other educational and professional organizations. A friend said: Justine had a special spirit that stuck with you if you were lucky enough to know her.

Justine Ann Hoffman was born Feb. 25, 1965. She was the oldest of three children, the only girl, and her family moved from New York to Massachusetts when she was in middle school.

She enjoyed adventure and traveling with family and friends, and she went to Spain during her senior year at Cohasset High School. Social and curious, she knew practically every museum, bookstore, library, and good restaurant in Boston, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia.

In the Revolution Schools newsletter of January 2024, Ms. Hoffman said: Let us celebrate diversity, encourage creativity, and foster a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom walls.

Her friend Mary Gene Clavin said: Her colorful daily exchanges made people feel known and appreciated. She had no limits when giving to others.

Her brother Joe said: She was outgoing, independent, and spirited from birth. She would light up the room.

In addition to her brothers, Joe and Jamie, Ms. Hoffman is survived by other relatives.

A celebration of her life was held April 6.

Donations in her name may be made to the Revolution School, 230 S. Broad St., Floor 19, Philadelphia, Pa. 19102; and Filling in the Blanks, 346 Main Ave., Suite 3A, Norwalk, Conn. 06851.
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, of Ghana, celebrates a Mass at St. Liborius' parish church in Rome in March 2013. Turkson is one of the cardinals who are considered "popeable" and will be an elector at the conclave to choose Pope Francis' successor in early May. Read more

Gerald Davis, along with his wife, daughter, and grandson, had the great honor of walking to the altar and presenting the offertory gifts to Pope Francis during the 2015 Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul.

A decade later, he stills speaks with awe about coming face to face with the pontiff. His grandson, who was 12 at the time, told him afterward that he felt transformed by the experience. It was just an amazing moment, Davis recalled.

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With Francis death on Monday, the 83-year-old cant help but wonder whats next for the Catholic Church, and whether now might be the time for cardinals to consider selecting a person of color to lead it.

The Holy Spirit will direct that effort, and I share the feeling with a number of my brethren that the church needs to be, at the highest levels, as diverse as the church is becoming, said Davis, a member of the Archbishops Commission on Racial Healing in Philadelphia.

As a lifelong Catholic myself, Im hoping for the same thing. There would be no better way for the church to demonstrate its commitment to racial inclusivity than by naming a Black pope. It would make a profound statement  not just in the United States, where President Donald Trump has demonized diversity, equity, and inclusion, but around the world.

Increasing diversity at the highest level of the Catholic faith will help more people connect to it.

The growth of the Catholic Church in Africa has been impressive, with Vatican officials estimating that 20% of all Catholics worldwide live on the continent. Religious vocations are also up there. Other areas, such as Brazil, the Caribbean, or the United States, may not have experienced equivalent growth in the number of new Catholics, but have sizable Catholic populations.

Although its believed several popes in the first millennia might have been born in North Africa, or at least had an ancestral tie to the continent, there hasnt been one from that part of the world in more than a thousand years.

Surely, if church leaders are as committed to further growth as they profess, they will strongly consider candidates from somewhere other than Europe.

Its something I would love to see, said Nate Tinner-Williams, a cofounder and editor of the Black Catholic Messenger. I think the cardinals are going to do something we dont expect.

Tinner-Williams added: It could be someone from Asia, or another person from South America. Who knows? But I would love to see a Black pope because its something that would represent even more progress for the Catholic Church, that it doesnt have to be a white person, which we know in our heads, but we havent seen with our own eyes.

Back when I was a parochial school student, I used to gaze at all the imagery depicting a white Jesus with long straight hair and wonder, Is that what he really looked like?

Scholars and theologians now agree that, given where he lived, Jesus likely had a darker complexion and more textured hair than the way he is commonly depicted. Increasing diversity at the highest level of the Catholic faith will help more people connect with it.

There are several African church leaders considered among those who are popeable. They include Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, 76, of Ghana, who has recently spoken out against the criminalization of homosexuality in his native country. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, the archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is also a contender. Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea is among the most conservative candidates.

Then theres Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop emeritus of Washington, D.C. In 2020, he became the first and only African American cardinal, but hes a long shot, as is Cardinal Chibly Langlois, the first and only Haitian cardinal in the Caribbean countrys history.

If the Oscar-nominated movie Conclave taught us anything, its that there are an awful lot of variables and politicking that go into the selection of a pontiff. Anything could happen behind those closed doors. We wont know the result until white smoke literally emerges from the Sistine Chapel, indicating the cardinal electors have reached a decision.

The year 2025 would be a magnificent year if, with all of the other stuff thats happening, the Catholic Church says, Uh-uh, thats wrong, treating people as if they are less than. We have decided that we want a person of color  perhaps one from Africa  that can lead 1.4 billion, Davis said.

From his lips to Gods ears.
Crozer-Chester Medical Center shuttered its emergency department to patients arriving by ambulance Wednesday. The entire hospital is expected to close completely as soon as May 2. Read more

When the federal judge overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings of Prospect Medical Holdings optimistically stated only a few weeks ago that it sounds like were on the verge of breathing a sigh of relief that theres a long-term solution here, so many people I know stopped holding their breath.

It seemed Crozer-Chester Medical Center, which is owned by Prospect, would be saved. The Foundation for Delaware County provided more emergency short-term funding, Penn Medicine was reported to be involved, an asset purchase agreement was in the works, and Prospect halted its motion for immediate closure.

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In truth, we never should have allowed ourselves to exhale.

Crozer-Chester Medical Center, the hospital my spouse has worked at since before the pandemic, a hospital that has been around since the Civil War, and the only remaining trauma center in Delaware County, is now facing imminent closure for the fourth time in as many weeks. The same fate is expected for another Prospect facility, Taylor Hospital. And this time, there will likely not be a reprieve. The hospitals could close as soon as May 2.

As someone whose familys financial situation is about to be directly impacted, I am angry. But for the community of Chester, I am furious.

Crozer-Chester Medical Center is a critical safety-net trauma hospital, burn center, and psychiatric care provider, routinely serving underinsured and low-income patients of the city of Chester.

Delaware County Council member Monica Taylor explains what has happened in Delco clearly: Prospect came to our town, bought Crozer, broke our healthcare system, and paid themselves hundreds of millions of dollars to do it.

This is what Prospect Medical Holdings does. Prospect is a for-profit healthcare company owned by the California-based private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners. The company buys up struggling healthcare systems in vulnerable communities with promises of investment and revitalization. Instead, according to Pennsylvanias attorney general, it guts services and resources while lining its own pockets.

Prospect still owns hospitals in California, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and now wants to divest those assets as tax write-offs.

The level of corporate greed is astounding. Since the sale of Crozer Healthcare System in 2016, Prospect has diverted over $450 million to private investors and its own shareholders.

In 2018, Prospect took out a $1.12 billion loan and used that to pay itself and its private equity shareholders a $457 million dividend, the attorney general said.

Then, to continue the grift and pay back the loan, in 2019, Prospect sold off real estate assets (including the real estate Crozer-Chester Hospital sits on), forcing Crozer to pay $35 million annually to lease the land it once owned.

The private equity watchdog group Private Equity Stakeholder Project summarizes the moneymaking scheme clearly: Leonard Green and the minority owners had been piling debt onto Prospect to then pay themselves cash dividends. This is called dividend recapitalization, and its a relatively common tactic of private equity firms to make money for themselves by piling debt onto the companies they own.

Over the course of its 10-year ownership of Prospect, Leonard Green collected over $658 million in dividends and fees, even as its Prospect-owned hospitals dramatically reduced available services and conditions declined.

Today, it seems as though we are finally calling Prospects long history of abhorrent business practices for what they are: criminal. Last fall, the Office of the Attorney General sued Prospect and its leaders for financial mismanagement and negligence.

More recently, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled against Prospect in the closure of Delaware County Memorial Hospital (too little, too late), and a bipartisan U.S. Senate Budget Committee report was just released detailing clear evidence that Leonard Green and Prospect consistently put profits over patients. Prospect subsequently filed for bankruptcy in January.

Prospect now wants to be able to write off the shuttering of an entire healthcare system as a corporate tax loss.

 READ MORE: Bankruptcy judge approves the closure of Delaware Countys Crozer hospitals

This is what happens when we allow the privatization of healthcare. For-profit business principles cannot be applied when dealing with the critical care of human beings.

We are talking about the closure of a place of healing, not a restaurant franchise or tech company. What Prospect has done to the healthcare system of Southeastern Pennsylvania is beyond unethical and amoral.

Without dramatic intervention, the two Prospect-owned hospitals will be closed within days. Crozer-Chester is the only trauma center in Delaware County. It treats over 2,000 trauma-level patients annually. It closed its emergency department on Wednesday.

The next two closest trauma centers, Lankenau Medical Center (in Montgomery County) and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (in Philadelphia), are both at least 30 minutes away from the city of Chester. (And that is without accounting for traffic on I-95 or the Blue Route.)

These hospital closures will result in a massive healthcare desert for the over 33,000 residents of Chester, and an influx of patients to surrounding hospitals that are often already at capacity. (Just recently, at another nearby hospital, my 93-year-old grandmother lay in a bed parked in the emergency department hallway for over 10 hours before a room became available and they could admit her. And that was with nearby Crozer being fully operational.)

Crozer admits 19,000 patients annually and reports around 53,000 emergency department visits each year. Where are those patients going to go? We are going to feel this loss and the resulting harm throughout the entire region.

Once the dust has settled, our attorney general needs to hold Prospects leaders accountable for what theyve done, and Pennsylvania lawmakers must pass legislation to keep private equity out of our hospitals. Only then will we finally be able to breathe.

Christine Polizzi, a native of Delaware County, is a school counselor in Philadelphia with a background in teaching and educational policy.
Angela D. Brooks, Philadelphias new chief housing and urban development officer, sees an opportunity for housing growth in Philadelphia.

The Seattle native, who spent almost two decades working in housing in the Chicago area, said when she heard of Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers H.O.M.E. initiative, she wanted to be a part of the largest housing investment in the citys history.

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In her new role, Brooks will oversee the project, which aims to build or repair 30,000 homes.

Brooks, who previously served as the leader of a housing nonprofit in Chicago, outlined her commitment to her new home Wednesday during a budget hearing on Parkers initiative before City Council. She was introduced at a news conference in February and began her position in March

Heres what to know about Phillys new chief housing and urban development officer.

What will Angela Brooks do as chief housing and urban development officer?

Brooks has been tasked with spearheading the H.O.M.E. initiative, which faced questioning during Councils budget hearing Wednesday morning.

The $2 billion plan to build or preserve 30,000 units  13,500 newly constructed homes and 16,500 preserved units  of housing was unveiled during Parkers budget address in Council chambers last month and includes a mix of new initiatives and expansions of existing city housing programs.

Brooks salary is $200,000. According to the Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development, her day-to-day responsibilities include directly working with the department, including the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp. and the Land Bank, on carrying out the components of H.O.M.E. She also will support the creation and execution of new programs and accelerating existing programs.

As the Chief Housing and Urban Development Officer for Philadelphia, Angela is leveraging all the tools in her toolbox by using her extensive experience to address our citys current housing challenges and urban development needs, said Jamila Davis, public information officer for the planning and development department, in a statement.

What did Brooks do before leaving the city that I love for Philly?

Brooks vast amount of housing experience comes predominantly from the Windy City, where she had yearslong stints at the Corporation for Supportive Housing, the American Planning Association, and the Chicago Housing Authority, to name a few.

Chicago faces similar challenges as Philadelphia when it comes to housing, including a lack of affordable housing and politicized land-use rules.

The consistent challenge everywhere? Lack of housing supply, Brooks said during her testimony Wednesday. This isnt just a Philadelphia issue.

As the Illinois director of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, a nonprofit that aims to combine affordable housing with support services, Brooks oversaw a $10 million office budget, as well as training, lending, technical assistance, and racial equity work, Davis said, and her work supported the development of Chicagos system for providing permanent housing.

Angela brings a wealth of affordable housing, policy, urban planning, community development and housing finance experience, Davis said, later adding that she is an international well-respected voice on all things housing.

In her 10 years at the Chicago Housing Authority, Brooks managed various development projects, including a $25 million family resource center, Davis added. She also oversaw major redevelopment projects and capital improvement projects valued at over $172 million.

Brooks recently served as the first Black female president of the American Planning Association, a two-year term, and facilitated a national campaign that brought together individuals in the housing sector with local governments.

She helped launch and colead the Housing Supply Accelerator, which brings together local governments, community planners, homebuilders, Realtors, and other partners to advance solutions for housing supply challenges at the local level, said Joel Albizo, CEO of the American Planning Association, a professional organization for planners, commissioners, and other planning stakeholders.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who chairs Councils housing committee and has a masters degree in city planning, was excited about Brooks hire and said that she is a rock star, but wishes she saw more of her in the housing proposal, noting that at community meetings or town halls, other folks speak more, and that she wants to see her fingerprints on how the plan outlines spending.

And I want to see her take up more space. I believe in her ability to be the architect of a housing plan for Philadelphia that is equitable and that is impactful.

What are Brooks hopes for the H.O.M.E. initiative  a living, breathing document?

Brooks said Wednesday that she was inspired to address the housing shortage in Philadelphia, which she estimates is approximately 17,000 new units short, and wants the housing plan to be a living, breathing document and continue to ebb and flow and introduce new things.

Ensuring Philadelphia offers diverse housing options for people of all income brackets, races, veteran status, ages, and physical abilities is why the H.O.M.E. plan is so vital at this time, Brooks said during her testimony Wednesday.

Brooks also said Wednesday that she hopes the citys public investment in housing will spur private entities to do the same. H.O.M.E isnt intended to be the ask-all, be-all of solving the housing crisis, she said.

Brooks said she wants to hold the communitys opinion throughout this process in high regard, saying that through her leadership on the Chicago Zoning Board and the Seattle Planning Commission, she has become super sensitive to community engagement.

And with Brooks only roughly a month into her new job, she says she has already gotten acquainted with her new city and defended the Parker administrations community engagement strategy.

Since Ive been here, Ive been in the community more than I have ever in my X-number-of-year-career, Brooks said. So we are definitely an administration that clearly believes in engagement. We would never circumvent that by any stretch.
Jessie Lawrence, Mayor Cherelle Parker's director of planning and development, speaks in a City Council hearing as Tiffany W. Thurman, the mayor's chief of staff, looks on. Read more

Philadelphia City Council members on Wednesday gave a largely warm reception to Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers proposed housing initiative while still pressing administration officials for additional details on the $2 billion plan that remain elusive just six weeks before lawmakers are expected to vote on it.

The daylong Council hearing on Parkers Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., plan  an effort to follow through on a campaign promise to greatly expand affordable housing  came the same week the mayor disclosed how she wants to spend the $800 million in city bonds she hopes to issue as part of the initiative.

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 READ MORE: Heres how Mayor Parker plans to spend $800 million on housing

But Parkers administration still has not provided lawmakers much of the legislation needed to authorize the plan, from zoning bills to the bond authorization. (The zoning bills are expected to go to Council next week, administration officials said, while the bond authorization may not be released for several more weeks.)

Parkers team pitched the plan to build or preserve 30,000 units of housing over the next four years as an essential means to address the citys affordability crisis, especially as President Donald Trump and his allies threaten to cut federal funding for housing and cities.

 READ MORE: How much could Philly lose if Trump cuts funding to cities? Heres what you need to know.

We cannot afford to wait, we cannot hedge our bets by going small, we cannot and must not be paralyzed by what is happening in Washington, Tiffany W. Thurman, Parkers chief of staff, told lawmakers. Philadelphians of many socioeconomic brackets need access to housing, and they need it now.

Parker wants Council to approve the H.O.M.E. initiative as part of city budget negotiations. If lawmakers follow their regular procedures, that means the plan must win preliminary approval in committee by June 5.

Council members aired a variety of concerns about the plan Wednesday, from worries about whether the plan provides enough aid to low-income Philadelphians to fears that neighborhood groups and local lawmakers would be marginalized by the administrations efforts to streamline development approvals.

Construction groups have also expressed concerns that the policies included in the mayors plan would not do enough to spur new construction, while some Council members have questioned whether the plans price tag is too high, and whether its reliance on debt will be overly cumbersome for future city leaders.

 READ MORE: Mayor Cherelle Parkers housing plan relies on $800 million in bonds. Heres what you need to know about Phillys city debt.

Heres what to know about the high-profile hearing on Parkers plan, and where Council is drawing battle lines heading into city budget negotiations.

Whom should the city help?

One of the most frequent critiques of the mayors initiative is that many of her proposed policy changes would open city housing programs geared toward low-income Philadelphians to higher-income households.

We want to support everybody, [but] we also believe that as representatives of government, our first priority is to represent those who dont have a voice, Council President Kenyatta Johnson said. Thats really individuals who are impoverished, coming out of poverty, and maybe on the threshold of being middle-income as well.

For example, the mayors proposed $50.7 million One Philly Mortgage program, a prong of the housing plan that aims to help first-time homeowners who might not qualify for a conventional loan, would have an income limit of 120% of area median income, or AMI (or more than $100,000 for a one-person household).

The most recent data show that a fifth of Philadelphians, or about 320,000 residents, live below the poverty line, defined as a household of four with an income of $32,150 or less.

The mayor also wants to increase the threshold for the popular Basic Systems Repair Program, or BSRP, which pays for structural, electrical, and other fixes for low-income homeowners and is currently restricted to those making up to 60% of AMI ($50,150 for a one-person household). The program has a waiting list of 7,000 households, and Parker wants to increase the maximum income to 100% of AMI ($83,600 for a household of one).

Parker has proposed allocating an additional $84 million to the BSRP. But Council members questioned whether that money would be enough to help the policys present constituency in addition to the higher-income families she wants to make eligible  especially if federal funds that support BSRP are cut.

Parker has long said her administration will not pit the have-nots against the have-just-a-littles, meaning she wants to create policies that benefit low- to moderate-income households and not just those in deep poverty.

Administration officials on Wednesday defended the H.O.M.E. plans income cutoffs by noting that many residents who need help earn slightly more than the income thresholds for the citys existing programs, especially in areas like the Northeast or Parkers former Council district based in the Northwest.

We want to prioritize the 60% of AMI, because theres obviously a need, but we also dont want to cut out the many constituents  who make slightly more than the income eligibility requirement limit, said Jessie Lawrence, the citys director of planning and development.

What role will Council and community groups play in the housing plan?

From the day Parker first pitched Council on her housing plan last month, lawmakers have made clear they have no interest in giving up the immense influence they wield over land-use decisions in their districts  and they doubled down on that message at Wednesdays hearing.

Councilmember Jeffery Jay Young Jr. questioned why the administration last month distributed literature on the plan that said it would, in part, seek to make changes in zoning policy that reduce community opposition.

 READ MORE: Mayor Parker wants City Council members to give up a little power over land. They dont love the idea.

Council members see themselves as the primary guardians of neighborhood interests, and they often use their considerable sway over decisions like zoning changes and sales of city-owned land  made possible by the Philadelphia tradition known as councilmanic prerogative  to delay or block projects that face community opposition.

Why are we investing to educate the community to not be opposed to projects, vs. providing incentives for developers to develop in a more community-oriented way? Young asked administration officials.

Johnson interjected to agree with Youngs concerns about developers ignoring neighbors concerns.

Sometimes developers show up in our neighborhood with the perspective of ... I know whats best for you, said Johnson, whose 2nd District includes Southwest Philadelphia and the western half of South Philadelphia. Ive heard developers get up in the middle of Point Breeze and say, You should be happy that were building.

John Mondlak, the first deputy director of planning and development, said the administration was committed to responding to community needs  but also to ensuring that more housing gets built, even if it means winning over neighbors who are initially skeptical.

It is really to help folks understand that development isnt necessarily bad. Development can be beneficial, he said. Part of this is trying to explain that, Yes, we dont want things that are out of scale for your community. Nobody wants that. Thats not good. But at the same time, there are benefits to having new neighbors.

In addition to changes aimed at streamlining the zoning process, Parkers plan calls for Council members to preapprove lists of city-owned parcels in their districts that the administration could sell to developers to build housing. The mayor similarly wants Council to preapprove lists of vendors to do that work.

Parker undoubtedly hoped that plan would be a middle ground between Council fully ceding its powers over city land sales and the status quo, where sales often move slowly primarily because lawmakers have to be involved in every transaction.

Some Council members appear unconvinced that anything needs to change when it comes to how the city handles zoning decisions and real estate transactions.

People shouldnt have to have things in the neighborhood that they dont want, said Councilmember Cindy Bass, who represents the 8th District, which includes parts of Northwest and North Philadelphia. And so I feel like this is sort of like rolling around on it, ... like saying, We know whats best for you.

Who will build the houses in Parkers plan?

Bass also raised questions about how the administration planned to ensure diversity in the construction workforce that would build the housing under Parkers proposal, saying that previous administrations have done a pretty horrible job. How are we going to really make sure that Black and brown people are really going to be building in the neighborhood? Bass said.

She recalled seeing workers at a Vernon Park construction site who appeared to be people who are not from their community, not from their ethnicity, from suburbs, from New Jersey, doing a public works project.

Parker administration officials said they plan to, among other things, build on the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp.s Minority Developer Program, which promotes the growth of Black- and brown-owned firms in the building industry.

Camille Duchaussee, Parkers chief administrative officer, said the administration will also target its workforce development and outreach to diverse communities.

Duchaussee said the administration plans to use all of the opportunities, all of the techniques, all of the systems that we can bring to bear to ensure H.O.M.E.s workforce is diverse.
Philadelphia City Councilmember Brian ONeill wants to increase the homestead exemption to $110,000. Read more

Many Philadelphia homeowners could see a property tax break of up to $139.98 next year under a new City Council bill to increase the homestead exemption.

Under the proposed bill, the exemption, which lowers the assessed value of owner-occupied homes, would increase from $100,000 to $110,000.

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The owner of a house valued at $500,000, for instance, would only have to pay taxes on $390,000. Homeowners whose properties are worth less than $110,000 would pay nothing.

Philadelphia is not conducting a citywide property reassessment this year, and neither Mayor Cherelle L. Parker nor Council appears eager to adjust the tax rate, which is 1.3998% of assessed value.

 READ MORE: Property tax bills would stay the same for most Philly homeowners next year under Mayor Parkers budget plan

That means a vast majority of property owners are likely to owe the same amount on their property tax bill next year as they did this year.

But if Council approves the new bill, owner-occupants who have signed up for the homestead exemption will see a decrease.

The new bill was introduced by Councilmember Brian ONeill and Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson.

Property owners can find out how to apply for the homestead exemption on the citys website.

What was this weeks highlight?

Kensington concerns: Lawmakers may soon dramatically curtail where mobile addiction services operate in Kensington in an effort to tighten regulations on the groups that provide people in addiction everything from wound care to hot meals.

Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, a Democrat whose district includes the beleaguered neighborhood, on Thursday introduced long-awaited amendments to a bill that initially prohibited mobile units from operating on residential blocks and near schools. Lozada put the bill on hold last year following an emotional hearing during which providers said the restrictions could make it hard to reach the people they intend to serve.

The amended legislation appears to put even tighter restrictions on the service providers, and has already faced pushback. Council approved the amendment Thursday in a 12-3 vote, with only progressive members  Kendra Brooks, Nicolas ORourke, and Rue Landau  voting against it.

Council is scheduled to take a final vote on the legislation next week.

The new version of the bill prohibits groups providing medical services from operating anywhere in the neighborhood, except:

265 E. Lehigh Ave., which is a lot maintained by the city. The two-block stretch of East Allegheny Avenue between Kensington Avenue and F Street between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Any other location that the city designates in the future.

Lozadas bill also says service providers that dont offer medical services  such as groups that distribute free food or other supplies  may only operate in one place for 45 minutes or less.

Service providers that violate the proposed code are subject to a $1,000 fine. Emergency medical providers and pediatric services are exempt.

In addition to restricting where and when mobile service providers can operate, the legislation creates a framework for the city to establish a permitting system. Organizations would be required to obtain a yearly permit, and those providing medical care would need to certify that the care was being administered or supervised by a healthcare practitioner.

Groups would not be eligible for renewal if they were found to have violated the code three or more times in the previous year.

Lozada said Thursday that she recognizes the opposition to her legislation, but said all stakeholders were invited to share their opinions and expertise during a series of community meetings over the last seven months.

She said the bill aims to coordinate services, not end them, and acknowledged that the bill prioritizes residents.

The Kensington community has suffered for a really long time, and I believe that all of the work that were doing, including legislation like this one, will only continue to allow us to imagine a Kensington that is a healthy community, she said. They dont deserve to continue to live in a neighborhood that is occupied.

Were going to continue to push, she added. As a government, we cannot continue to allow people to live on our sidewalks.

What else happened?

More on transit: ORourke introduced legislation Thursday essentially proposing to codify key components of the citys Zero Fare program  which Parker proposed defunding in her budget before changing course  into law.

ORourke introduced two bills to create and provide funding for a proposed Transit Access Fund, aimed at increasing public transportation accessibility, including free or reduced-cost SEPTA passes.

ORourke also proposed an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter for providing mandatory annual appropriation for the fund. The bill, if passed, would allow Philadelphians to vote on the amendment on Nov. 4.

ORourke wants an amount equal to 0.5% of the citys General Fund be allocated to the fund, according to a resolution. He also proposed requiring the Parker administration to conduct and publish an annual report on transit access.

ORourke, of the Working Families Party, put forth the legislation as SEPTAs funding in Harrisburg remains in limbo.

Todays legislation to establish the Philadelphia Transit Access Fund is a step towards transit justice, ensuring Philadelphians arent left behind because they cant afford a fare, ORourke said. At the same time, were honoring the SEPTA workers who power this city, individuals who show up every day to make sure our families can move safely and reliably.

Quotable

His teachings and charity and material provisions serve as a moral compass, especially in times when government policies undermine the basic needs of our must vulnerable neighbors. Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke honoring Pope Francis

Papal props: Philly lawmakers on Thursday approved a resolution by Councilmember Mike Driscoll honoring Pope Francis, who died Monday.

Francis in 2015 visited Philadelphia for the churchs World Meeting of Families.
A few weeks ago, I introduced you to some locals whove downsized and gotten rid of a lot of their stuff.

They turned to family and friends, acquaintances, social media, charities, and yard sales to rehome belongings.

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Now, lets hear from some people who also had a lot of stuff to get rid of and hired junk haulers to work out the details of where it all went.

Keep scrolling for that story and more in this weeks edition:

Housing funding: Find out how Phillys mayor plans to spend $800 million on housing. Summer plans: Learn how much itll cost you to stay at a Jersey Shore hotel thats offering monthlong stays as an alternative to pricey Shore home rentals. Kitchen IQ: Peek inside the multibillion-dollar smart appliance industry, which has gone more mainstream.

Do you have smart appliances in your kitchen? What do you have and why? For a chance to be featured in my newsletter, email me.

 Michaelle Bond

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

 is another persons treasure. And locals I talked to for a story about junk hauling told me they were glad to see belongings go.

Listen up if you were inspired by the downsizing piece earlier this month, are starting to plan for the future, or just want to go all-in on spring cleaning this year.

I spoke with some folks who all faced similar situations: They had to get rid of a lot of stuff pretty quickly.

For example, Joe Colangelo had to clear out both his moms home in an assisted living community and his parents Moorestown house  complicated by the fact that his dad was a chronic buyer and the home was filled with stuff.

People I spoke with said cleaning out their parents homes was emotional and overwhelming. So they decided to hire some help.

One local junk hauler is an offshoot of the nonprofit that runs the Philadelphia Furniture Bank, which gives away donated pieces to furnish homes for formerly homeless people, refugees, and victims of disasters. I wrote about it a few years ago.

Keep reading to hear peoples hopes for the stuff hauled out of their homes and what Philly-area haulers told me about their approach to dealing with customers former treasures.

This week, we got some more details about Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers plan to build or repair 30,000 homes in Philadelphia, called the Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., initiative.

Specifically, we learned how she wants to divvy up a proposed $800 million in bonds.

The money would be spread across 38 programs, but most would go toward a handful of priorities.

Parker wants to spend more than $600 million on seven initiatives, including programs aimed at preserving and building affordable housing, helping first-time homebuyers, and keeping tenants from being evicted.

Philadelphias chief housing and urban development officer said Parkers housing plan aims to tackle housing needs from every angle.

Keep reading for more details on how the mayor plans to spend hundreds of millions on housing.

The latest news to pay attention to

Today, were not going on a home tour. (You can nominate your property for a future tour by emailing properties@inquirer.com.)

Instead, were focusing on appliances. And not just regular appliances, but the high-end, smart ones that have gone more mainstream in kitchen renovations.

You can preheat your oven using your phone on your way home from work. You can check your refrigerators camera to see if youve still got leftovers or you need to swing by the grocery store to restock. You can get recipe suggestions from your smart appliance.

The global market for smart appliances has been growing and is predicted to keep growing. Its a multibillion-dollar industry.

Smart features used to only be available for the pricier appliance brands, but now theyre showing up in entry-level ones.

Keep reading to learn about a microwave that can grill, ovens with probes that monitor how food is cooking, and more smart kitchen features.

 Photo quiz

Do you know the location this photo shows?

 If you think you do, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter.

Shoutout to Deborah S., Lars W., and Scott G. for giving specific answers to last weeks photo quiz.

They knew the building in the background is the former Metropolitan Hospital, which is now a condo building. I would have accepted just Seventh and Race Streets.



Does anybody here watch the show Severance on Apple TV+? Meet the two-person Philly shop thats responsible for some of the iconic furniture on the hit show.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Gov. Josh Shapiro (center) looks on as CNX president and CEO Nick Deiuliis speaks at a media event in November 2023 announcing an environmental monitoring collaboration between the natural gas company and Pennsylvania. Read more

This article was produced by Capital & Main. It is published here with permission.

Less than a year after announcing plans to establish a hydrogen-based aviation fuel hub at Pittsburgh International Airport, Pennsylvania-based natural gas producer CNX has quietly taken down the website on which it advertised the hub.

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The move comes as the fate of the much-vaunted hydrogen industry  seen by the Biden administration as a way to power America while reducing climate-altering emissions  is in upheaval.

While a Biden-era rule dealt a blow to those in the gas and oil industry hoping to invest in hydrogen technology and offered greater financial incentives to the renewable energy sector, President Donald Trump is showing preference for fossil fuel-powered hydrogen. Meanwhile, the fate of those Biden-era tax credits  whether for renewable energy or fossil fuel  is up in the air as Congress wades through the budget reconciliation process.

Under Trumps guidance, the Department of Energy has indicated it plans to kill Biden-era funding for four renewable-powered hydrogen hubs in primarily Democratic regions while retaining funds for fossil fuel-powered hubs in mostly red states, such as South Dakota, Ohio and Kentucky.

California, along with Oregon, Washington and other regions, are on the Department of Energys cut list, according to Politico, which said it obtained a spreadsheet of the projects.

If the recommendations are ultimately adopted by the Trump administration, Pennsylvania would very much become a state divided. While a proposed hub in the Appalachian region that would run on fossil fuels is marked for approval, a hub mostly reliant on renewable energy near Philadelphia is marked for denial.

The seven Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs were a main plank of former President Joe Bidens climate agenda, a $7 billion effort to establish a national network of hydrogen producers to slow the use of the fossil fuels largely blamed for global warming.

But with four of the hubs eliminated, the envisioned national hydrogen grid would become a patchwork, seemingly drawn along political lines and primarily powered by polluting sources of energy.

The hydrogen hubs program was intended to spur innovations and demonstrations on how best to advance hydrogen as a tool in the clean energy economy, said Julie McNamara, associate policy director for the Climate & Energy program at the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists.

Blatantly co-opting these funds for use as handouts to political supporters and favored polluters would be shameful, and fully undermine the programs ability to achieve those aims.

While the Pennsylvania hub fueled by natural gas would use methane to provide energy for the production of so-called blue hydrogen, the other hub would use renewable energy such as wind and solar to produce whats known as green hydrogen. By itself, the burning of hydrogen does not produce carbon dioxide emissions.

CNX was originally involved in the former hub, known as ARCH2, but told the Pittsburgh Business Times in March that it had paused involvement in the project because of the uncertainty surrounding federal funding. CNXs name was also deleted from the ARCH2 website.

CNX did not respond to requests for comment on the status of the hydrogen hub and the sustainable aviation fuel site in Pittsburgh. A spokesperson for the airport said it is continuing to move forward with its plans to become one of the first airports to have sustainable fuel production on-site.

CNX was initially one of 15 companies enlisted in the hub, with plans to contribute low carbon natural gas to power hydrogen production, which entails using steam to draw off the hydrogen atoms from methane molecules, an expensive and energy intensive process.

But the companys evolving relationship with the hydrogen industry appears to have soured when the Biden administration finalized a long-awaited federal rule on a tax credit for hydrogen production called 45V.

That final rule, CNX argued, was overly restrictive, and failed to create sufficient economic incentives for the company to expand its production of methane released from abandoned coal mines, which it said was key to the growing hydrogen economy. CNX pitched its involvement in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel project in Pittsburgh as being dependent upon the outcome of the 45V rule.

We saw the fossil fuel industry view 45V as a lucrative chance for profit, McNamara said. Not by truly reducing emissions, but by introducing loopholes that made it easier to qualify.

CNX had previously lobbied for the intricacies of 45V to work out in its favor. A little more than a year ago, a CNX lobbyist pushed Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiros office to lobby the federal government to ensure the Treasury Departments hydrogen rule was lucrative for coal mine methane  a request to which the Shapiro administration agreed, Capital & Main reported at the time.

The value the rule gave to coal mine-derived natural gas came down to a series of arcane specifics in a formula that measures life-cycle emissions from beginning to end of the creation of a single kilogram of hydrogen.

CNX urged the Treasury Department to treat coal mine methane as carbon-negative with the assumption that it would otherwise leak into the atmosphere from inactive coal mines, releasing a more potent greenhouse gas than if it were captured and burned, which would release carbon dioxide. (Both are greenhouse gases, but methane is well understood to be around 80 times more potent in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 20-year time frame.) By ascribing to this captured methane a negative value, a tiny portion of it could be blended into a natural gas hydrogen feedstock and qualify for the highest tier of the 45V tax incentive, the same level as hydrogen produced with renewable energy.

But the final rule went against the pleas of CNX and companies like it, including the ARCH2 hub itself, which urged the Treasury Department to pass a methane-friendly rule in 2024, arguing it could lead to a loss of $6 billion in private investments otherwise and have far-reaching consequences for the hydrogen industry.

Its like the Treasury Department went out of its way to say, We hear what youre saying. And the answer is no, said Sean OLeary, senior researcher at the nonprofit think tank Ohio River Valley Institute.

The ruling was seen as a win for environmentalists, who urged the Treasury Department to ensure that any projects receiving subsidies under the guise of being clean were in fact clean. They feared CNXs proposal, and that of other fossil fuel producers, wouldve given natural-gas based hydrogen a tax boost equal to that for renewable, emissions-free sources of hydrogen.

How and whether the rule will be upheld by the Trump administration  which has shown strong support for fossil fuels and a general disdain for renewable energy  remains an open question, and one of concern to environmentalists. According to Bloomberg, the American Petroleum Institute, a national oil and gas trade group, has lobbied the White House to ensure fossil fuels can qualify for the highest tier of the hydrogen tax credit.

OLeary sees CNXs apparent exit from ARCH2 as a sign of the hubs strained economics. In October, OLeary authored a paper in which he noted that the hub had lost four of its development partners, while a handful of others were showing signs of financial stress. This is not a resume that inspires confidence among prospective investors, OLeary wrote. CNXs reluctance to move forward signals a broader trend within the industry, OLeary said in an interview with Capital & Main.

The wheels are coming off, OLeary said. Even after subsidies are taken into account, the economics still arent there to make many of these projects work.

Another project development partner for ARCH2, KeyState Energy, is also showing signs of uncertainty. In February, a primary customer for its blue hydrogen, Nikola Corporation, a transportation company that had planned to use the hydrogen for a zero-emission truck fleet, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company plans to sell its assets.

KeyState CEO Perry Babb told Capital & Main the company had pivoted from its energy production project with Nikola to a new ammonia fertilizer project that has a committed customer, and will still rely on hydrogen and receive funds from ARCH2. The first payment from the hubs program has been doled out and KeyState will invoice for reimbursement soon, he said.

Babb said he still meets regularly with the remaining ARCH2 project partners, who are all positive in expressing a way forward. But he noted that, for years, hes weathered regulatory uncertainty; the final 45V rule was the nail in the coffin for Keystates original plans to produce blue hydrogen under ARCH2. He said the company has also put its participation in the Pittsburgh Sustainable Aviation Fuel hub on pause.

Last May, I began to notice dozens of hydrogen projects being canceled, he said. I had thought that it was essentially because the business case wasnt sound.

With the continued uncertainty around tax credits through the end of the Biden administration  we said, Thats it. Were done. Were going to go where theres a market thats predictable.

While failing to find a partner in the Biden-era Treasury Department, CNX could soon turn to the state, where Gov. Shapiro is re-upping a $49 million tax credit for hydrogen production as part of his Lightning Plan, a six-pronged portfolio of legislation designed to speed up the commonwealths clean energy economy.

Though supported by some state environmental groups, the plan caught the ire of others, like Karen Feridun, co-founder of the grassroots Better Path Coalition, who said in a statement that the Lightning Plan would continue and even expand fossil fuel production. On March 11, a group of Democratic senators and representatives introduced 12 cosponsorship memos, six in each chamber, carrying out Shapiros plan.

Hes going to do whatever he needs to do to try to keep [hydrogen] going, Feridun said of Shapiro in an interview with Capital & Main. Its a nice way to kind of provide cover for having a continued fossil fuel plan, one that sounds really good to voters.

Should ARCH2 unravel, Feridun fears grassroots environmentalists would be tasked with tracking individual projects, without the cohesion of a hub offering guidance. Even so, she said there never was a clear map that defined what the footprint of all of this was, which left front-line communities in the dark.

Like OLeary, Danny Cullenward, senior fellow at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, said he now sees the hydrogen hype bubble beginning to burst. Though he believes hydrogen has an important, if niche, place in the clean energy transition, its economics dont make sense in all uses unless heavily subsidized.

We basically set up a structure that said, at the end of this rainbow is a giant pot of gold. And everybody said, Wed all like to do that. That all sounds great to us, he said. I think now the cold, hard reality of, Does hydrogen make sense? And in what applications would it make sense? is becoming a little bit more real.

The whiplash of all this impacts Pennsylvania communities, many that are former oil, gas and coal towns learning that major projects theyd once planned for are no longer.

Its immensely damaging, OLeary said. State or even county and municipal level governments, theyre making economic development choices based on these expectations.

The distraction impact of whats going on is just staggering.

Copyright 2025 Capital & Main
Writing for the Court, Justice DeHoog said that while Oak Crest stands for the proposition that damages solely caused by a breach of contract are not covered, it does not require a tort to be pleaded in order for coverage to apply. The Court clarified that an accident in the insurance context can include unintended property damage resulting from conduct that, although grounded in contract, also supports a theory of liability under tort law.
An evolving medical dispute

Suzuki first filed her injury report on December 15, 2006. She underwent her initial independent medical examination (IME) in March 2007, with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Mihara. Suzuki later claimed that the evaluation itself led to an injury in her left arm. A second IME followed in July of the same year, conducted by Dr. Peter Lum. At a Department of Labor hearing in September 2007, Suzuki expanded her claims to include a neck injury and sleep disorder allegedly stemming from the March examination.
The judges also addressed whether the kind of property damage alleged - mold and condensation affecting parts of the hospital not touched by the new construction - might be covered. The court found that while Kentuckys high court has not fully adopted whats known as the general rule (that damage to property outside the scope of faulty work may be covered), the allegations at least opened the door to that possibility. And that, the panel said, was sufficient to activate Phoenixs defense obligations.
By partnering with Jewelers Mutual, Orion180 is addressing a need for more comprehensive jewelry coverage that goes beyond standard offerings, said Ken Gregg, CEO and founder of Orion180. This collaboration enhances the overall insurance experience for our clients, allowing them to protect both their home and high-value items in one place.
But Pozner said the pain and physical limitations from her injuries left her unable to work - particularly in any full-time, sedentary role. At a hearing last August, she described constant pain, the use of a cane, and the inability to sit, stand, or lie down for more than short periods. While she had been looking for work, she said her condition made returning to a job nearly impossible.
Maryland, which in 2023 passed the Child Victims Act (CVA) that allows survivors who were victims of sexual abuse as minors to sue their abusers anytime, has now cut by half the amounts that may be awarded in such claims.

Gov. Wes Moore has signed a law that amends that 2023 CVA by lowering the total damages that may be awarded in a single child abuse claim against the state, a local government or local school board from $890,000 to $400,000.

Also, the new law reduces from $1.5 million to $700,000, the total amount of noneconomic damages that may be awarded to a single claimant in a child abuse action against a private individual or entity.

Each claimant will be entitled to receive only one payment, instead of collecting for each incident of abuse.

The measure, which goes into effect starting June 1, 2025, also caps lawyers fees at 25% of a judgment or 20% of a settlement.

The bill passed the Senate 36-7 and the House 92-40 before being sent to the governor.

Opponents of the amendments are expected to challenge the amendments in court claiming they are unconstitutional.

Claims Against the State

The changes were made in response to concerns over the damages being awarded in child sex abuse lawsuits across the country. Last Friday, Los Angeles County officials agreed to pay $4 billion to settle nearly 7,000 claims of sexual abuse in juvenile facilities since 1959.

There was also motivation to act closer to home. The state of Maryland itself is facing thousands of claims by people who claim they were abused while in state custody when they were minors. Many of the claims against the state allege sexual, physical and emotional abuse decades ago by staff of the Department of Juvenile Services.

According to the state Attorney General Anthony Brown, as of on March 12, 2025, there were about 4,000 claimants seeking damages from the state under the CVA, and the potential liability under current law could range from $3.5 billion to as high as $34.0 billion if each claimant were to receive the maximum of $890,000 for each alleged incident of abuse.

The state has been warned there could be a wave of lawsuits filed in the weeks before the June 1 effective date.

According to State Sen. Will Smith, who chairs the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, lawmakers passed the 2023 CVA in response to a long fight to have justice for victims of child sex abuse, where our prior framework barred some of those claims if you were above the age of 38.

But what we could never have anticipated was just the sheer volume of cases that ensued, Smith told The Associated Press.

Maryland passed the CVA in 2023 following the release of a report by the attorney general that revealed widespread abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. After the law passed, the archdiocese filed for bankruptcy protection.

The Maryland Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the CVA in a 4-3 ruling in February.

The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC), which represents the three dioceses of Maryland, criticized the new measure because it represents a two-tier system for victims based on whether the alleged abuse took place in a public or private space.

Noting that since the CVA went into effect the state has been hit with thousands of complaints, the MCC said now the state appears to be the largest employer of child sex abusers in the state.

Critics of Changes

Advocates and lawyers for sexual abuse survivors opposed the measure with the lower caps, contending that the it violates the Maryland Constitution and interferes with a vested right to bring a cause of action for sexual abuse.

The bill is a major retrenchment of the General Assemblys commitment to fairness in protecting the rights of child sexual abuse survivors, no matter the identity of their abuser, argued the Maryland Association for Justice, representing trial attorneys.

There will absolutely be a challenge to the unconstitutional change to the CVA, Todd Mathews, an attorney with Bailey & Glasser, one of the law firms representing more than 4,500 plaintiffs, replied when asked by Insurance Journal about a court challenge. We will be actively working to have this bill deemed unconstitutional. There are several legal avenues that we are currently exploring.

Matthews criticized Attorney General Brown who, Matthews maintained, could have resolved the sex abuse claims against the state for a lot less than the $890,000 cap in the 2023 CVA. However, rather than do the responsible thing for the tax payers of Maryland and resolve the cases, he used self generated fear to force a bill to be passed that he knows in clearly unconstitutional, Matthews said.

Matthews said that while there is a reasonable argument for making a different cap apply to the state as opposed to private facilities, the constitutional issues are prevalent when a new bill takes away a vested right of an individual. The new law takes away this right in several ways including by changing the cap from per occurrence to per survivor and by making the amendments retroactive with an arbitrary date of June 1 for when a claimant must have a case on file, or the lower limits apply, Matthews maintained.

He did, however, leave the door open to a settlement: We as the plaintiffs attorneys remain ready and willing to discuss resolution, however, the State of Maryland has turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to the very Survivors they horrifically abused.

The main sponsor of the CVA, Delegate C.T. Wilson, was himself a child victim of sexual abuse and spoke openly about his experience in pushing for passage of the bill that became law in 2023. It took a decade to pass the measure.

Wilson actually initiated the new law that amends the CVA by setting limits and curbing lawyers fees. He explained that his advocacy of the CVA was never about financial gain or bankrupting the government. In his testimony, Wilson said, Ive always said, it was never about the money.  It was about the truth and justice and restoring the dignity of those who have had it stolen from them.

Topics Maryland
Nadine Menendez, the wife of former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, was convicted of teaming up with her husband to accept bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car from three New Jersey men looking for help with their business dealings or legal troubles.

The jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts in the same federal courthouse in Manhattan where a different jury convicted Bob Menendez of many of the same charges last year. The Democrat is supposed to begin serving an 11-year prison term in June.

Nadine Menendez, who stood but did not appear to react as the verdict was delivered by the jury foreperson, was scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, six days after her husband is expected to report to prison.

New Jerseys US Senator Menendez Convicted of Bribery, Foreign-Agent Charges

Outside the courthouse, she wore a pink mask as she stood next to her lawyer, Barry Coburn, said he was devastated by the verdict.

We fought hard and it hurts, he said. This is a very rough day for us.

Prosecutors argued they were partners in crime

The evidence shown to jurors over a three-week trial followed the timeline of the whirlwind romance between the couple that began in early 2018 and continued after criminal charges were brought against them in September 2023. Repeatedly during the trial, prosecutors said they were partners in crime.

During a 2022 raid on the couples Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, home, FBI agents found nearly $150,000 worth of gold bars and $480,000 in cash stuffed in boots, shoeboxes and jackets. In the garage was a Mercedes-Benz convertible, also an alleged bribe.

Both Nadine and Bob Menendez said they are innocent and never took bribes.

Initially, they were to be tried together, along with the three businessmen, but Nadine Menendezs trial was postponed a year ago after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery.

Bob Menendez resigned from Senate in August following conviction

Bob Menendez, 71, resigned from the Senate last August following his conviction. Before the charges were brought he had been chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Prosecutors accused Nadine Menendez of starting to facilitating bribes to the senator around the time that they began dating, before they married in the fall of 2020.

At the time, she was in danger of losing her home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, after missing nearly $20,000 in mortgage payments, trial testimony showed. A longtime friend, Wael Hana, provided cash to save the home  and prosecutors said that in return, the senator began helping Hana preserve a business monopoly he had arranged with the Egyptian government to certify that imported meat met religious requirements.

Insurance Broker in Menendez Corruption Case Allegedly Got Senators Help With Fraud Case

Nadine Menendez also needed a new car after her old one was destroyed when she struck and killed a man crossing a street. (She did not face charges in the crash). Prosecutors said a businessman, Jose Uribe, gave her a Mercedes-Benz, and in return Bob Menendez used his clout to pressure the New Jersey attorney generals office to stop investigating some of Uribes associates.

Prosecutor said more cash and gold bribes were paid to the couple by Fred Daibes, a prominent real estate developer who prosecutors said wanted the senator to protect him from a criminal case he was facing in New Jersey. Prosecutors said Bob Menendez also helped Daibes secure a $95 million investment from a Qatari investment fund.

Nadine Menendez was described by prosecutors as crucial to the scheme

Nadine Menendez, 58, was described by prosecutors at her trial as crucial to the scheme, enabling the senator to communicate with the businessmen and Egyptian government officials.

Insurance Agent Pleads Guilty, Will Testify in Bribery Case Against Senator Menendez

Besides his conviction on bribery charges, Bob Menendez also was convicted of acting as an agent for the Egyptian government. Prosecutors said that in return for some of the bribes, he ghostwrote a letter for Egyptian officials to give to his fellow senators to calm their concerns about human rights abuses and encourage them to lift a hold on $300 million in military aid.

Coburn had argued during his closing arguments to the jury that the evidence was insufficient for a conviction.

These things were talking about here are unproven, he said.

He said the dealings the senator had with the businessmen were just what a politician is supposed to do for his constituents.

In a rebuttal argument , Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Richenthal urged the jury to convict Nadine Menendez, calling the evidence against her consistent and overwhelming.

Insurance Broker Witness at Menendez Bribery Trial Faced Tough Cross-Examination

Uribe pleaded guilty and testified against the others. Hana and Dabies were convicted along with the senator. Hana has been sentenced to eight years in prison while Daibes got seven years behind bars.

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said in a statement that the verdict sends the clear message that the power of government officials may not be put up for sale and that all those who facilitate corruption will be held accountable for their actions.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics USA
Kresimir Mudrovcic and his team of programmers spend months on end trawling through computer code that can be three times as old as the crews youngest members.

Mudrovcic specializes in mainframe technology, involving computers tracing their roots to the dawn of the digital age and the ancient software that sometimes runs on them. Upgrading such systems is painstaking work, often entailing sifting through millions of lines of code to understand how specific functions operate. Mudrovcic, an IT consultant, compares it to archeology.

But the work is getting easier, thanks to the widening use of generative artificial intelligence to do some of the heavy lifting. AI systems work like that smart, very experienced, very wise old colleague who knows everything, said Mudrovcic, whose team recently deployed such tools to help speed up modernizing the pension system of a European government agency.

Similar efforts are underway at companies and governments around the world, as the urgency to address aging computer code increases. The US Social Security Administration plans to use AI to help upgrade its legacy Common Business-Oriented Language code base, and expects the project to take three years and cost about $1 billion, a person with knowledge of the matter said.

The SSA didnt respond to requests for comment.

From online banking applications and airline ticketing services to pensions disbursements, critical systems are often undergirded by decades-old code, raising costs as well as the risk of failures and cyberattacks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has repeatedly stressed the need to overhaul government systems running on computer language like COBOL, which was invented in the late 1950s.

When I started in college in 1980, I learned to program in COBOL, he told Bloombergs Big Take DC podcast in February.

As much as 70% of software used by Fortune 500 companies was developed at least two decades ago, according to a December report from McKinsey. Global financial institutions alone are expected to spend some $57 billion maintaining legacy payments systems in 2028, research firm IDC estimates. Thats almost equivalent to last years net income at JPMorgan & Chase Co., the biggest US bank.

Youd be surprised how many firms are still on COBOL, even banks globally, said Gokhan Sari, a senior partner at McKinsey. The consultancy has developed a dedicated AI tool called LegacyX to help clients including banks remove obsolete code and revamp their systems.

Until Sam Altmans OpenAI ushered in the generative AI frenzy with ChatGPT in late 2022, managing systems based on dated languages like COBOL and PL/1 meant tapping into a dwindling pool of talent as experienced programmers versed in such code retired. It wasnt unheard of for companies to call former employees back from retirement when a system needed maintenance.

This is a particularly thorny problem for banks, whose consumer-facing applications can run on top of decades-old systems, putting them at a disadvantage to upstart fintech competitors like Revolut Ltd. So tangled are the various layers of code, theyve often been referred to as spaghetti systems. And replacing them is delicate work.

There are often a few people who know the code, its thousands of lines and you need to migrate to a new language, said Gorkem Koseoglu, the former chief technology officer at Dutch banking group ING Groep NV. These are risky and complex projects because while migrating to new code base, you also need to keep the lights on at the banks.

Engineers have started using AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Corp.s Github CoPilot and IBMs watsonX to make the process of maintaining and upgrading old systems easier and quicker.

Instead of going through it line by line, a programmer can upload or copy and paste large blocks of code into an AI tool, along with natural-language prompts like What does this COBOL program do? The AI can then explain how the code works and how different parts fit together  and even translate old computer languages into more modern ones like Java.

Since legacy systems often lack documentation, engineers are also using AI to create instruction manuals describing how they operate. That can help organizations avoid the time-consuming effort of reverse-engineering old code when they need to change or replace it.

The time and cost savings can be dramatic. The cost of modernizing a transaction processing system at a large financial institution, which three years ago would have run to more than $100 million, is now well less than half of that using generative AI, according to the McKinsey report.

Its considered a game changer comparable to the advent of cloud computing 20 years ago, said Michal Paprocki, chief information officer at Brussels-based Euroclear SA.

Social Security Controversy

That doesnt mean AI is poised to eliminate the need for human intervention. One potential risk is hallucinations, where the AI models invent fake answers  something that could have steep consequences when dealing with critical systems. For the foreseeable future, experienced engineers will need to oversee the work.

Efforts by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency to revamp the Social Security Administrations IT systems have already become a source of controversy, amid fears that moving too fast might create havoc.

On April 17, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee asked SSAs assistant Inspector General, Michelle Anderson, to investigate whether plans to quickly overhaul the agencys code could disrupt payments to more than 70 million beneficiaries. Representative Gerald Connolly of Virginia said he had information from an agency whistleblower that SSA planned to replace COBOL code in a matter of weeks or months and rapidly rip out and replace critical IT systems without adequate planning and preparation.

To a large extent, the aging software infrastructure that underpins global commerce has held up well. But the layering of successive iterations of increasingly advanced code to run more demanding functions is starting to strain computer networks, making them a financial drag for companies and governments alike.

A 2022 report from the Consortium for Information & Software Quality estimated the technology debt accumulated from poor-quality software  essentially the spending that would be required to replace it  at $1.5 trillion.

The potential benefits of upgrading or retiring legacy systems go beyond cost, in the form of freeing up resources for developing new tools and applications and making it easier to attract the best engineering talent, executives said. Programmers, in general, prefer to work with the more modern computer languages theyve been trained in.

At Euroclear, which provides post-trade services, legacy systems are affectionately referred to as legendary systems since they perform the vital function of keeping record of the 41 trillion ($47 trillion) of assets it holds in custody. Now Euroclear is testing AI to help automate creating a record of how its existing code works  an attempt to future-proof its systems as engineers who know the older programs retire.

Its like having a smart colleague, said Jaques Theys, head of advanced analytics and Business Intelligence at Euroclear. Two years ago, [AI tools] were like the new intern. But the more they go, the smarter they get.

Photograph: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; photo credit: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
French insurer AXAs board of directors will propose the renewal of Chief Executive Thomas Buberls mandate for another four years at its annual shareholder meeting in 2026, the company said on Wednesday.

Buberl, 52, has led the group since 2016 and has overseen a strategic shift focused on core insurance operations and a reduction in the companys exposure to financial market volatility.

(Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain; editing by David Goodman)
Generali Chief Executive Philippe Donnet secured shareholder support on Thursday to stay in the job for another three years, after he struck a landmark asset management deal that irked both a major investor and the Rome government.

The vote hands a victory to top shareholder Mediobanca, which owns 13% of Generali, over the second- and third-largest investors, who together own 17% of the insurer and 27% of Mediobanca itself.

The two  Delfin, the holding company of late Ray-Ban billionaire Leonardo Del Vecchio, and construction magnate Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone  three years ago lost another shareholder vote to Mediobanca, failing to oust Donnet.

Italian Businessman Caltagirone Raises Stake in Generali to 8%, MF Daily Says

Since then, other battlefronts have emerged in the clash between Mediobanca and Delfin-Caltagirone, posing a new threat for the relations between Mediobanca and Generali.

Italian Takeover Battles

The latest shareholder clash at Generali, which is Europes fourth-largest insurer, comes amidst a wave of consolidation in Italian finance, and it has implications for other takeover battles currently unfolding.

In a surprise move that is seen aiding its buyout offer for Banco BPM, UniCredit sided with Caltagirone on Thursday, after building a Generali stake of 6.7%.

UniCredit Holds Stake of Between 6-7% in Generali, Source Says

However, Caltagirone only won three board seats and Mediobanca 10, leaving the balance of power within the board unchanged.

Caltagirone is close to conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose government has thrown a spanner in the wheels of UniCredits bid for BPM with a set of conditions.

Donnet, 64, has led Italys biggest insurer since 2016 with Mediobancas support.

In a newspaper interview on Sunday, Caltagirone, 81, said he did not have an alternative CEO to propose, but he could gain enough board seats to stop the wretched asset management deal.

Generali in January signed a non-binding accord with French bank BPCE to combine their asset management units  Generali Investment Holding (GIH) and Natixis Investment Managers  to create Europes biggest asset manager by revenue.

Facing mounting criticism over a deal which needs government approval, Donnet has said the new board would not ignore opposition from Rome if that persisted.

Generali Wont Fight Italy Government Over Natixis Deal, CEO Tells Paper

Mediobanca, which enjoys the backing of institutional investors, secured 52.4% of preferences in Thursdays vote and Caltagirone 36.8%. Attendance stood at 68.7%.

Institutional investors hold almost a third of Generali, retail investors nearly one fifth.

Besides UniCredit and Delfin, Caltagirone had the backing of banking foundation CRT, while Italys Benetton family is abstaining.

The Natixis deal alarmed Melonis government fueling worries it could divert Italians savings away from the countrys large public debt.

Strengthening his ties with the government, Caltagirone in November became a shareholder in bailed-out bank Banca Monte dei Paschi (MPS), alongside Delfin, when the government sold a stake.

Having since acquired a near 20% combined stake in the Tuscan bank, Delfin and Caltagirone last week helped MPS to secure ample shareholder support for a hostile bid to take over Mediobanca.

The bid is seen as the next showdown in the long-running rift between Mediobanca and Delfin-Caltagirone.

(Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro in Trieste and Valentina Za in Milan; editing by Sharon Singleton)
Apple was fined 500 million euros ($570 million) on Wednesday and Meta 200 million euros, as European Union antitrust regulators handed out the first sanctions under landmark legislation aimed at curbing the power of Big Tech.

The EU fines could stoke tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump who has threatened to levy tariffs against countries that penalize U.S. companies. Trumps White House called the fines a novel form of economic extortion that the United States will not tolerate.

They follow a year-long investigation by the European Commission, the EU executive, into whether the companies comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that seeks to allow smaller rivals into markets dominated by the biggest companies.

The fines signal that the EU is sticking to its guns in enforcing the new rules, which were introduced in 2023. That is despite Trump citing the DMA while vowing in February to defend American companies and innovators from overseas extortion.

Alphabets Google and Elon Musks X are also facing potential fines from European regulators.

The EU will be encouraged by a U.S. court judgment earlier this month which found that Google illegally dominates two markets for online advertising technology, Commission sources say. That ruling could pave the way for U.S. antitrust prosecutors to seek a breakup of its ad products.

Apple said it would challenge the EU fine.

Todays announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free, Apple said in an emailed statement.

Meta also criticized the EU decision.

The European Commission is attempting to handicap successful American businesses while allowing Chinese and European companies to operate under different standards, its Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan said in an emailed statement.

This isnt just about a fine; the Commission forcing us to change our business model effectively imposes a multi-billion-dollar tariff on Meta while requiring us to offer an inferior service.

The fines are modest compared to the penalties meted out by the previous EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager during her term. Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said this is due to the short period of the breaches, a focus on compliance rather than sanctions, and a desire to avoid possible retaliation from Trump.

Pay-or-Consent Model

The EU competition watchdog said Apple must remove technical and commercial restrictions that prevent app developers from steering users to cheaper deals outside the App Store.

It said Metas pay-or-consent model introduced in November 2023 breached the DMA in the period up to November 2024, when it tweaked it to use less personal data for targeted advertising.

The model gives Facebook and Instagram users who consent to be tracked a free service that is funded by advertising revenues. Alternatively, they can pay for an ad-free service.

Meta is discussing with the EU the new version introduced in November last year to see if it is DMA compliant. The companies have two months to comply with the orders or risk daily fines.

Apple avoided a fine in a separate investigation into its browser options on iPhones after making changes that allow users to switch to a rival browser or search engine more easily. Regulators said these comply with the DMA and closed the investigation on Wednesday.

The iPhone maker was still charged with breaching DMA rules on the grounds it hindered users from sideloading, a practice that involves downloading alternative app stores and apps from the web.

Regulators criticized Apples conditions, which include a new fee called Apples Core Technology Fee, saying these serve as a disincentive for developers to use alternative app distribution channels on its mobile operating system iOS.

The EU regulator also dropped Metas Marketplaces designation as a DMA gatekeeper because the number of users fell below the required threshold.

We have taken firm but balanced enforcement action against both companies, based on clear and predictable rules. All companies operating in the EU must follow our laws and respect European values, EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said.

EU lawmaker Andreas Schwab urged the Commission to maintain its investigations against Googles lucrative adtech business and Elon Musks X and not delay decisions.

There can be no leeway in enforcement as this may also impact the importance of competition policy in general, he said, adding a decision that was apparently linked to trade policy issues was dangerous for the whole European Union construction.

Reuters had flagged the EU decisions on Apple and Meta last month.

($1 = 0.8773 euros)

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; additional reporting by Steve Holland and Kanishka Singh in Washington; editing by Barbara Lewis, Jan Harvey and Alistair Bell)
Xi addresses Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition, urging jointly advancing global climate governance

Xinhua) 08:01, April 24, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech via video link at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech via video link at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition on Wednesday.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN), Xi said as unprecedented global changes unfold at a faster pace, humanity has come to a new crossroads.

Although some major country's persistent pursuit of unilateralism and protectionism has seriously impacted international rules and the international order, history will, as always, move forward through twists and turns, Xi said.

"As long as we enhance confidence, solidarity and cooperation, we will overcome the headwinds and steadily move forward global climate governance and all progressive endeavors of the world," he said.

Xi shared four points in this regard.

"First, we must adhere to multilateralism," he said, adding that all countries should firmly safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and firmly safeguard international fairness and justice.

"It is important for all countries to champion the rule of law, honor commitments, prioritize green and low-carbon development, and jointly respond to the climate crisis through multilateral governance," said Xi.

Second, the international cooperation must be deepened, he said. "We should rise above estrangement and conflict with openness and inclusiveness, boost technological innovation and industrial transformation through cooperation, and facilitate the free flow of quality green technologies and products, so that they can be accessible, affordable and beneficial for all countries, especially the developing ones."

China will vigorously deepen South-South cooperation and continue to provide help for fellow developing countries to the best of its capability, added Xi.

"Third, we must accelerate the just transition," Xi said, adding that green transformation must be people-centered and pursued in a way that advances the well-being of people and climate governance in tandem, and strike a balance between multiple goals including environmental protection, economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

"Developed countries are obliged to extend assistance and support to developing countries, help drive the global shift toward green and low-carbon development, and contribute to the common and long-term well-being of people of all countries," said Xi.

Fourth, results-oriented actions must be strengthened, according to Xi.

"All parties should do their utmost to formulate and implement their program of action for nationally determined contributions (NDCs) while coordinating economic development and energy transition," he said.

China will announce its 2035 NDCs covering all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil, added Xi.

Xi highlighted that harmony between man and nature is a defining feature of Chinese modernization, and China is a steadfast actor and major contributor in promoting global green development.

"Since I announced China's goals for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality five years ago, we have built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system as well as the largest and most complete new energy industrial chain," he said, adding that China also leads the world in the speed and scale of "greening," contributing a quarter of the world's newly-added area of afforestation.

"However the world may change, China will not slow down its climate actions, will not reduce its support for international cooperation, and will not cease its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind," said Xi.

China is willing to work with all parties to earnestly honor the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, do the utmost respectively and collectively, and build a clean, beautiful, and sustainable world together, he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A small plane appeared to have struck a power line before it crashed into the Platte River in Nebraska and killed all three people aboard, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

Few details are available about the Friday evening crash because it is early in the NTSB investigation. The agencys preliminary report is expected in a few weeks, but the final report identifying the cause likely wont be done for more than a year.

Fremont Airport officials told KETV that the plane was flying without its transponder being turned on, but Scott Vlasek, the director of the University of Nebraska-Omahas Aviation Institute, said that might not have been required because the plane was flying in uncontrolled airspace along the river.

Investigators will examine the maintenance records for the 71-year-old Cessna 180 for any sign of mechanical problems that could have contributed to the crash.

The Dodge County Sheriffs office identified the three people killed in the crash as Daniel Williams, 43, of Moundridge, Kansas; Jeff Bittinger, 50; and Randy Amrein, 48. Both Bittinger and Amrein lived in Fremont, Nebraska.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Washington, D.C.-based BreachBits has received an investment of an undisclosed amount from Lloyds in what is the London-based global insurance marketplaces third strategic innovation investment from among over 150 alumni of the Lloyds Lab.

This investment follows BreachBits successful co-development project in Lloyds Lab cohort 13, which ran from September to December 2024. BreachBits technology aims to address the need for faster policy issuance and more effective active risk management and intervention capabilities.

BreachBits, founded by former US military cyber warfare veterans, has co-developed two products tailored for the Lloyds market: The Cyber Questionnaire Validator and Cyber Pre-Claim Intervention. These automated products aim to improve the efficiency and accuracy of cyber risk underwriting while enhancing profitability for carriers and brokers.

BreachBits is headquartered in greater Washington, D.C. with offices in Annapolis, Minneapolis, and Little Rock.

The investment comes as the cyber insurance market is growing rapidly, with premiums expected to increase from $15 billion to potentially more than $55 billion in the near future.

Lloyds is made up of more than 50 leading insurance companies, over 380 registered Lloyds brokers and a global network of over 4,000 local coverholders.

ZoJacks Prevents Water Damage With Leak Detection Technology

ZoJacks offers a system to prevent water damage claims, which are among the most common and expensive property risks, accounting for 29% of all insurance claims in residential properties.

ZoJacks leak detection and automatic shut off valve technology is a full-service platform that ensures real-time monitoring, early detection, and immediate response to potential leaks.

ZoJacks system continuously monitors for freezing temperatures, humidity, and water leaks within plumbing and mechanical systems. When abnormal activity is detected, property owners and managers receive instant alerts, allowing them to take action. The platform also promotes water conservation by reducing waste and inefficiencies.

ZoJacks says it is actively expanding its partnerships across many industries including property management, insurance, multi-unit housing, and university sectors. Additionally, ZoJacks collaborates with insurance providers to offer policyholders exclusive discounts.

By integrating our technology, property managers, condo owners, and insurance providers can reduce risk, lower costs, and enhance property value, said Nate Baldry, president at ZoJacks.

In one case, ZoJacks recently helped The University of Utah avert a potential catastrophe, saving an estimated $250,000 in equipment replacement costs and operational downtime.

Eagleview Expands Drone Options for Property Risks

EagleView, which offers drone and asset intelligence, is now providing insurance carriers with more complete options for obtaining property inspections, property analysis reports, and repair estimates.

The companys current offering, EagleView Assess, uses American-made drones to capture imagery and then harnesses machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect roof abnormalities. The firm says this helps validate and resolve claims, while also helping reduce human errors and subjectivity.

EagleView Assess, in addition to its drone-based roof inspection and damage analysis capabilities, now offers property repair estimates to help further streamline claims processing and reduce operational costs, while also delivering more accurate and comprehensive evaluations.

According to the company, the process is simple: a drone inspection is conducted, damage analysis is completed, and a repair estimate is created and returned through email or an estimatics platform, providing an efficient end-to-end inspection and repair estimate solution.

While there are many standard claims adjusting practices throughout the industry, it is the variations that individualize each carrier and define how they respond to claims, said Courtney Cooke, EagleViews vice president for its insurance drone solutions. Our job is to meet each carrier where they need us, and these enhancements offer more choices and flexibility for our insurance clients.

Topics InsurTech Claims Excess Surplus Tech Lloyd's
The Trump administration is considering whether to reduce certain tariffs targeting the auto industry that carmaker executives have warned would deal a severe blow to profits and jobs.

One measure would spare automobiles and parts already subject to tariffs from facing additional duties from levies on steel and aluminum imports, according to people familiar with the matter. That would eliminate so-called stacking of levies.

Another option being studied would fully exempt auto parts that comply with the US-Mexico-Canada trade pact, known as the USMCA, some of the people said. Those components dont currently face tariffs, but the administration had planned to tax the non-US share of those parts from Canada and Mexico. Fully sparing those parts would abandon that approach, which would present a potentially herculean logistical challenge.

The Financial Times earlier reported that the Trump administration is considering reducing tariffs on auto parts  and that they might also exempt auto parts bought from China from a 20% tariff applied to the country over a dispute over fentanyl.

The proposals and options remain under consideration and President Donald Trump has not signed off, cautioned the people who asked not to be identified discussing the matter because it isnt public. His tariff policies often change quickly, underscoring the fluidity of policy deliberations. But the discussions offer a signal that the administration is considering ways to narrow the scope of levies affecting the auto industry.

If adopted, the changes would be a significant reprieve for automakers who have warned of devastating consequences from the Trump tariffs, including higher vehicle prices, production cuts and potential job losses. The industry relies on deeply integrated supply chains spanning North America for the vehicles they sell in the US.

Trump has separately applied tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, though exempted USMCA-compliant goods. The tariffs on autos and auto parts, however, were poised to heavily disrupt the integrated continental supply chain. The US plan, as initially announced, offered something of an olive branch by tariffing only the non-US share of USMCA-traded vehicles, and delaying a potential tariff on parts traded under the pact.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday night.

In the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump was asked if he was considering changes to auto tariffs and indicated he was not  while also suggesting he might even increase levies on the Canadian auto sector.

No, were not considering it now, but at some point it could go up, Trump said. Because, again, we dont really want Canada to make cars for us. To put it bluntly, we want to make our own cars, and were now equipped to do that.

Detroits automakers for weeks have lobbied the administration to exclude certain low-cost car components from planned tariffs. Company representatives have told the administration that broad parts duties would drive up costs and trigger profit warnings and layoffs that would counter Trumps goal of rebuilding US manufacturing. He plans to travel to Michigan next week.

Carmakers are expected to shoulder much of the tariff burden, at least initially, with margins at many parts manufacturers already running thin.

Photo: New Hyundai vehicles at the Port of Tacoma in Tacoma, Washington. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics USA Auto
Floridas elected leaders have long touted the 1,000 people a day moving into the state. But that trend shows signs of slowing, with people moving out of the Sunshine State due to surging housing and property insurance costs, according to a report from Cotality.

Economists with Cotality, formerly known as CoreLogic, the property analytics firm, said new data show that mortgage applications are declining in Florida, while rising in neighboring Southeast states.

Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas are receiving 48% of mortgage applications for those moving out of the Sunshine State, the report noted. And that choice isnt random. Floridas generally less-expensive neighbors have comparatively lower exposure to natural hazards.

The Florida On the Brink report, released Tuesday, argues that Floridas steady growth over the last few decades may continue, but sharply rising housing prices, along with recent increases in homeowners insurance premiums, a pullback by some insurers, and the threat of more hurricanes, is changing the pattern.

For now, Floridas growth story isnt over. But if affordability worsens and storm risks intensify, todays trickle of outbound movers could become a flood, the analysis concluded.

Florida insurance industry advocates may disagree with some of the reports findings. While average property insurance rates soared over the last decade, a number of carriers have filed for small decreases or no increases since state lawmakers limited incentives for excessive claims litigation in 2022. At least 13 insurance companies or new subsidiaries have entered the Florida market in the last two years, offering more competition on premiums and availability of coverage, the state Office of Insurance Regulation has reported.

The full Cotality report can be seen here.
Republican Gov. Brian Kemps political organization took to social media to tout his success in limiting lawsuits in a way Georgians could understand. Thank you its ad proclaimed, with the words blocked in the yellow-and-black all-caps style of Waffle Houses iconic sign.

Kemp, who signed two new laws overhauling Georgias litigation system on Monday, says the measures that business groups spent years pushing for will lower insurance costs, help businesses and improve the states economy. Among other things, the laws limit when businesses and property owners can be held liable for negligence and add regulations to trials aimed at lowering jury awards.

Whether the measures will actually shield businesses and doctors from frivolous lawsuits and rising insurance rates  and whether they need shielding  was the subject of tense debate this legislative session. Some experts question Kemps broader promise of lower insurance rates for everyone, and opponents of the new limits say some wronged Georgians will no longer get their day in court.

Flanked by some business executives, legislators and a few Home Depot workers in the Capitol, Kemp insisted Monday that the legislation will still protect peoples right to bring claims and be made whole.

The comprehensive, common sense measures we proposed just a few months agoensured our legal environment put Georgia on equal footing with neighboring states that compete with us for jobs and investment, Kemp said at a bill-signing ceremony.

Insurance advocacy groups praised the changes and urged other states to follow Georgias plan.

As other states wrestle with their unique challenges, those struggling with legal system abuse and seeking concrete ways to limit insurance costs should follow in Georgias footsteps, Caitlin Murray, senior regional vice president, Southeast, at the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), said in a statement. Gov. Kemp and the Georgia legislature deserve credit for putting fair and effective solutions into place to strengthen the states insurance marketplace and increase competition.

Kemps political future

Millions of dollars were spent lobbying on both sides of the issue, which passed after Kemp used his considerable sway with the Republican-led Legislature. The win could help round out Kemps political resume and earn extra support from business groups as he prepares for a potential U.S. Senate or presidential run.

If youre talking about a national race, he needs to be able to point to a record of delivery on conservative principles, and this is a really, really big, feather in his cap, said Republican political strategist Brian Robinson.

The overhaul is still more complicated for voters to understand than Kemps 2019 signature abortion bill or recent tax cuts. Kemp recognized this conundrum from the start, evoking Waffle House, an establishment beloved in Georgia, in his early speeches.

Too far or just right?

Businesses of all sizes, property owners, doctors and trucking companies have complained theyre facing lawsuits and high insurance rates that hurt their bottom line.

Some Democrats and trial lawyers who opposed the legislation said they would have been open to changes to Georgias laws governing lawsuits against business and property owners for failing to provide adequate security that resulted in someones injury or suffering. But they said one of the new laws will make it too hard to prove that property owners knew of a security risk.

For some lawyers, it means that theyre pretty much out of business because of the extraordinary restrictions on what you can explain to the jury and how you can explain bodily injury, trial lawyer and political analyst Madeline Summerville said.

Some of the new laws supporters wont be bothered if trial lawyers lose clients. They say the laws will bring needed balance to the states legal system, arguing that trial lawyers exploit peoples injuries and lure them into suing, then use unfair practices in court to secure large payouts. Most Democratic lawmakers rejected that claim.

We heard hours of heartbreaking testimony from victims who begged the legislature to reject this dangerous legislation, but Georgia Republicans did not care, Atlanta Democratic state Rep. Stacey Evans, who is a lawyer, said in a statement. Instead, they cruelly dismissed these victims and were all too happy to provide a free pass for large corporations to escape accountability for their negligence.

Insurance battles

Supporters also said large payouts scare businesses and insurers away and cause rising rates. Opponents of the new law note verdicts in the millions of dollars are rare, and those over $10 million represent less than 1% of outcomes. Insurance rates are also driven by many factors, and some experts found there isnt clear evidence from other states linking litigation systems and insurance rates.

Skeptics felt even more empowered when a Tampa Bay Times investigation uncovered a report that found insurance companies in Florida were hiding profits while claiming they were losing money. Losses by homeowners insurers were a key argument in Republican-led Floridas successful push to tighten its litigation rules.

Opponents of Floridas overhaul say insurance rates havent dropped, while supporters say theyve stabilized and that it will take time for people to see further improvements.

In our neighboring state of Florida, recent legal system abuse reforms are having a positive impact as the states litigation environment improves and insurance rates stabilize. We are hopeful the same positive effects will be experienced in Georgia, Ron Jackson, of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), said in a statement.

The new Georgia legislation will also make structural changes to trials and add restrictions and requirements for how lawyers can make their cases. In addition, one of the bills will regulate third-party litigation funders.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Georgia
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  Student survivors of last weeks deadly shooting at Florida State University urged state legislators Tuesday to block an effort to reverse a law passed after the 2018 Parkland school shooting that raised the states gun-buying age from 18 to 21.

Days after a gunman terrorized the university in the state capital of Tallahassee, students traveled to the Capitol to call on lawmakers to take action to protect them from gun violence.

When I transferred to Florida State University just last fall, I never thought Id find myself locked inside a classroom, texting loved ones, unsure if Id ever see them again, said Andres Perez, a 20-year-old junior and president of the schools chapter of Students Demand Action.

We owe it to the victims, not just here at Florida State University, but across Florida and across our nation, to make sure that this doesnt happen again, Perez said.

Thursdays shooting killed two men who were not students and injured six others on FSUs campus, about one mile (1.6 kilometers) from the Capitol building, where lawmakers are in the final weeks of their annual session.

Investigators have said the student suspect in the FSU shooting, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, used the former service weapon of his stepmother, a sheriffs deputy, to carry out the shooting. Ikner was shot and wounded by police, but is expected to survive.

The student remains hospitalized and wont be formally charged until he is released, Tallahassee Police Department spokesman Lt. Damon Miller Jr. said Tuesday. We dont have a timeline on that, Miller said in a phone interview.

As of Tuesday afternoon, five of the patients who suffered gunshot wounds have been discharged from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital while one is still hospitalized and is in good condition, according to TMH spokesperson Sarah Cannon. Hospital officials would not confirm the identity of the patient, citing patient privacy laws.

On Tuesday, FSU students stood alongside Democratic members of the state House of Representatives in the Capitol rotunda and recounted sending what they feared would be their final messages to family members, whispering I love you into their phones as they huddled in darkened classrooms.

We built barricades that day with nothing but chairs, said Natanel Mizrahi, a 22-year-old senior. There were no locks on our doors. So instead, brave students stood near the entrance with more chairs to try and do anything that they could to stop a would-be attacker.

The students called on lawmakers to reject the push to allow adults under age 21 to buy firearms, to ensure college classrooms have door locks, and to allocate funding for campus mental health resources and active shooter training.

In a statement, FSU spokesperson Amy Farnum-Patronis said active shooter training is optional and open to all students and employees, but is not currently mandatory for employees.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our campus community remains our foremost priority. Florida State University is continually reviewing and assessing our security protocols, including evaluating door locks, to ensure the safety of everyone on campus, Farnum-Patronis said.

For some FSU students, it wasnt the first time they have been traumatized by a school shooting. For a small group, the sight of abandoned laptops and bookbags left behind by students fleeing for their lives was a grim reminder of the shooting they survived at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people were killed and 17 others were injured.

After that shooting, student survivors and grieving families crowded Floridas capitol in an extraordinary lobbying effort, successfully pushing the Republican-run Legislature to pass new gun control measures.

This session, lawmakers have been considering bills to expand gun rights and roll back some restrictions, including lowering the gun-buying age. Gov. Ron DeSantis and some Republican lawmakers have backed the measure, saying that if a person is old enough to be in the military, they should be able to purchase a gun.

Though the bill has the support of House Speaker Daniel Perez, Senate President Ben Albritton had been more hesitant about the measure even before the shooting at FSU.

Speaking with reporters in March, Albritton became emotional recounting his visit to the Parkland high school building. He said he is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association but that he has not made a decision on the measure.

Photo: Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell speaks at a news conference in the state capitol Tuesday, alongside Florida State University students. (AP Photo/Kate Payne)

___

Associated Press writers Curt Anderson in Tampa and Stephany Matat in West Palm Beach contributed to this report. Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation
The California New Car Dealers Association filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen and its affiliate, Scout Motors, for allegedly violating Californias franchise laws.

The CNCDA lawsuit, filed in in San Diego County Superior Court, asserts that Volkswagen is illegally competing with its dealer partners through Scout Motors.

The lawsuit alleges unfair competition and false advertising, and CNCDA is seeking to immediately stop Scout Motors illegal direct sales, as well as civil penalties that could exceed $35 million.

According to the suit, Volkswagen and Scout Motors are operating in violation of California Assembly Bill 473, a 2023 law that prohibits automakers from using affiliated brands to compete with their own franchised dealers.

CNCDA alleges that Despite admitting to legislative leaders that AB 473 would cut off its ability to sell directly to consumers, Volkswagen, via Scout Motors, has taken deposits and is marketing Scout-branded vehicles to California consumers.

The CNCDA claims that Scout Motors advertisements are false and misleading because they do not disclose that the direct-to-consumer sales model is illegal under California law.

The CNCDA argues that the defendants actions deprive California dealers of the opportunity to sell Scout Motors vehicles, resulting in financial losses, job losses, and lost investment in dealerships.

CNCDA represents 45 Volkswagen dealerships in California.

Topics Lawsuits California Auto
Efforts by a community to restore a river where a massive fish kill occurred, two years ago, are being celebrated during the May bank holiday weekend.

A free, family-friendly festival is taking place in Ennistymon, County Clare, over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, bringing together locals, volunteers, visitors and environmentalists to mark positive steps being taken to protect, restore and enhance local rivers.

It is being held exactly two years since a fish kill, in the Ballymacraven River, wiped out more than 2,000 fish, including vulnerable Atlantic salmon, brown trout and eels along a 2.6 kilometre stretch.

Uisce Eireann (UE) was fined 10,000 after admitting water pollution charges resulting from a discharge of iron sludge from a water treatment plant, which caused the fish kill. An upgrade has since been completed at the plant.

Community event on the Ballymacraven River in December 2024. Picture: Ruairi O Conchuir

The fish kill sparked a collective response from the local community to protect and restore this river for future generations. The Ennistymon Rivers Festival celebrates positive work that has been undertaken by volunteers on the Inagh and Ballymacraven rivers.

However, Kevin Nunan, chairman of the Restore Ballymacraven River Association, said work still needs to be done to restore the rivers, and to protect local biodiversity and natural habitats they contain: We are working to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come."

Ballymacraven River. Picture: Ruairi O Conchuir

The festival includes expert talks and workshops on aspects of river restoration, such as salmon conservation, the role trees play in river banks, and learning about river ecosystems.

Also included in the programme is a guided bat-walk, guided kayaking tours and a river restoration workshop for community groups and angling clubs.

Meanwhile, a 7.5million upgrade by UE at the Ballymacravan treatment plant ensures a safe and reliable water supply for local homes and businesses, according to UE.

Inagh River, Ennistymon in November, 2024. Picture: Ruairi O Conchuir

The supply has also been removed from the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) list of vulnerable water supplies.

Deirdre OLoughlin, UEs regional drinking water compliance manager, said their key focus remained the protection of public health through the provision of safe, clean and secure water supplies.

This critical upgrade at Ballymacravan ensures ongoing compliance with drinking water regulations and significantly reduces the risk of future water quality issues, she added.

Spring gentian, The Burren, County Clare

On an entirely different note, anyone visiting the Ennistymon area should avail of the opportunity to explore the Burren which looks its best at this time of year.

That emblematic blue flower of the Burren, spring gentian, is in bloom along with several other wildflowers, while butterflies and bumbles are also making their presence felt.

Given reasonable weather, its a splendid time to explore the landscape of this unique part of Ireland, with its archaeological remains, limestone pavements, woodlands, numerous trails and much more.
Work is under way on a scheme to improve job security for special needs assistants (SNAs) that will allow them to move to another school when faced with falling enrolments or changing demographics.

An SNA redeployment scheme, to be operated by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), will, for the first time, allow SNAs to be redeployed to another school, if they are no longer required in the initial school.

Currently, SNAs are allocated as a school-based resource.

Their job security can be influenced if a student moves on from a school, demographics change, or care needs are reduced.

Some have spent their whole career not knowing whether or not they will have a job the following September.

Helen McEntee, the minister for education minister, and Michael Moynihan, minister of state for special education, have confirmed that work is under way on a redeployment scheme.

There are more than 23,000 SNAs in schools across the country, Ms McEntee said.

They are at the heart of our schools, both mainstream and special education schools, she said.

It is crucial that experienced SNAs can be redeployed to a school where a vacant post arises, allowing them to stay in the sector and ensuring they can continue to share their skills and experience with children and young people with significant care needs.

This scheme will increase job security for SNAs, and encourage prospective SNAs to enter the workforce, she added.

Crucially, the scheme will benefit children and school communities by ensuring that the SNA workforce is agile, and in a position to respond to emerging needs.

The scheme has been undertaken in conjunction with ongoing work on the first SNA workforce development plan, which is scheduled for publication later this year.

SNAs are integral to how children with additional needs are supported in our schools, said Mr Moynihan.

It is a priority for me and this Government to ensure appropriate supports are in place to facilitate attendance and participation by all children in school.

The skills and experience which SNAs accrue through their work supporting children with special educational needs are a significant asset in the pathway to achieving inclusion in the education sector.

The allocation circular for SNAs in mainstream schools is due to be published shortly.

This circular will advise all schools on their SNA allocation for the 2025/2026 school year, and it will also reference the redeployment scheme.

NCSE chief executive John Kearney said the scheme will also build capacity in the SNA workforce, adding: The scheme ensures valuable skills are not lost as the level of need shifts between schools.

Work on the first SNA workforce development is expected to be published in September.
A clerical abuse survivor has spoken of how Pope Francis put his hands to his head and shook it in disgust when she told him about mother and baby homes and other abuses when the pontiff visited Ireland.

Clodagh Malone, who was born in St Patricks Mother and Baby Home, was one of eight people who had a private 90-minute meeting with the Pope on the eve of his open-air Mass in Dublins Phoenix Park in August 2018.

The meeting took place in the papal nuncios house, with Ms Malone the first to speak.

She said: I wanted to talk about the mother and baby homes and the abuse. We all know the badness that went on in the Catholic Church, the Pope knew it.

Clodagh Malone, a survivor of St Patrick's mother and baby home, meeting Pope Francis in Dublin during his visit to Ireland in 2018.

"He was calm and not shocked.

Ms Malone said she was astounded by his caring manner.

"He was very kind," she said.

I told him those women were in hiding, carrying a secret they could not share.

Ms Malone said she wanted to emphasise the abuse inflicted on innocent lives.

When the interpreter translated what I was saying about the abuse, Pope Francis took a piece of paper, drew a picture of a toilet, pointed to it, and said caca  basically, he said that this [the abuse] was shit.

He put his hands to his head, shook his head, he was disgusted.

"He knew these were not gentle places. That is why we were so long with him  he wanted to listen.
A survivor of a mother and baby home has revealed how Pope Francis answered her personal plea to publicly tell mothers searching for their adopted children that they were not committing a mortal sin.

Clodagh Malone was one of eight people who had a private 90-minute meeting with the Pope when he visited Ireland in August 2018.

She was born in the St Patricks Mother and Baby Home on the Navan Rd, and received an invite to the meeting by former Dublin archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

I was first to talk to him at the meeting in the Papal Nuncios house, and I told him I would very much appreciate it if he could tell birth mothers it was not a mortal sin to go looking for your child after they were adopted, Ms Malone said.

Most of these adoptions were forced or illegal.

She said many women, including fellow survivor Philomena Lee, had been told by nuns that it was a mortal sin to go looking for your adopted child.

He listened to us; he had an interpreter with him who wrote down everything I asked.

She told the Irish Examiner that she was absolutely flabbergasted when the Pope delivered a message to an open-air Mass in the Phoenix Park the day after their meeting.

There, the Pope told the gathered crowds: We ask forgiveness for the children who were taken away from their moms, and for all those times when many single mothers were told that to seek their children who had been separated from them  and the same was told to their daughters and sons who were looking for their mothers  that this was a mortal sin.

Ms Malone said: I honestly couldnt believe it. I was being interviewed by Sky News near the angels plot in Glasnevin when they told me that the Pope had just delivered my message.

At the meeting in the Papal Nuncios house, Pope Francis also spoke of how children here were robbed of their innocence and taken from their mothers.

Ms Malone said the meeting was deeply emotional and she found forgiveness and peace afterwards.

When he walked in the door, his presence was astounding, she said.

I was standing there with my friend Paul Redmond. I said: I cant believe this is happening. My adoptive mother was very religious.

He was very charismatic and unassuming. I thought we would get a few minutes.

But he gave us 90 minutes and he had no security with him, just all of us in a room with him and his interpreter.

Ms Malone was first to speak at the meeting, and said while she had very little time to prepare, she knew exactly what she wanted to say.

I wanted to talk about the mother and baby homes and the abuse, we all know the badness that went on in the Catholic Church. The Pope knew it. He was calm and not shocked.

Ms Malone said she was astounded by his kind manner.

I told him those women were in hiding, carrying a secret they could not share. He got a standing ovation for delivering that message, and I work as a search angel, and I was inundated with requests to find womens children after that.

It is estimated that around 68,000 people went through the mother and baby homes, often leaving without their child, but Ms Malone also wanted to make a point about the abuse.

When the interpreter translated what I was saying about the abuse, Pope Francis took a piece of paper, drew a picture of a toilet and pointed to it, and said Caca  basically he said that this was shit. He put his hands to his head, he shook his head, he was disgusted.

He knew these were not gentle places. I think that is why we were so long in with him, he wanted to listen.

When the meeting ended, she said she reached out and hugged the Pope  who embraced her.

He wasnt frightened of us, he gave us his undivided attention and, when I came home, I felt a shift in myself. I felt I could forgive myself and that is when I came forward myself about being abused by a member of the clergy.

Ms Malone said she was sad to hear of the Popes passing, adding that she is grateful for the time with him.

He was a good man and was trying to repair some damage by coming to meet us, he knew we were trampled on.

He was forward thinking and for that, I am truly grateful.
Irelands media regulator has told companies behind artificial intelligence (AI) platforms like ChatGPT that it is very concerned about the risk of AI-generated child sex abuse material being created and shared online.

Coimisiun na Mean has also said it is seeing pushback from big tech firms it regulates and that its supervision of such companies is already bubbling up issues it may need to escalate to full-scale investigations in future.

Under its powers, the regulator is responsible for big platforms with EU headquarters in Ireland such as X and Meta. For breaches of the law, it can levy fines of up to 6% of a companys turnover or 20m, whichever is greater.

Digital services commissioner John Evans said that while fines are in its remit, changing behaviours is what makes a good regulator. The comments came as Coimisiun na Mean launched its three-year strategy and work programme for the year.

The strategy set out six key outcomes for which it wants to make progress through 2027, including upholding the rights and wellbeing of children online, supporting democracy, and building trust in the media landscape.

Executive chair Jeremy Godfrey said some of its goals are very aspirational, and they dont expect to achieve them all in the three-year period.

Mr Godfrey denied being thrown under a bus by media minister Patrick ODonovan regarding a proposed Netflix levy on streamers which wouldve seen the proceeds fund independent productions in Ireland.

The plans, backed by previous minister Catherine Martin, came on foot of a feasibility study carried out by Coimisiun na Mean into the measure but were subsequently ruled out by Mr Donovan who said consumers were paying enough.

Mr Godfrey said it was a policy matter and in the power of the minister to press ahead with proposals or not.

I think what the minister wants to do is bring some clarity to the situation, so schemes need to be approved by the minister of the current legislation, he said. I think that's fine, as far as we're concerned, but there's no question of being thrown under the bus.

Online safety commissioner Niamh Hodnett said, among other actions it aims to take this year, one will be around a pilot programme to support children at imminent risk of harm from online content.

She said the regulator had concerns around child sex abuse images online and was aiming to take action around this, including images made using artificial intelligence.

Were very concerned about that, she said. In terms of our close supervision of [online] platforms, thats an area that we engage with them regularly on.

We have the full arsenal of tools within our playbook to be able to deal with that.

We did meet with Open AI  ChatGpt  recently. We discussed concerns in general in relation to online safety, including AI-generated CSAM (child sexual abuse material), and we would meet with all the platforms in this regard to highlight our concerns.

While the regulator is only two years old, the landscape it is tasked with overseeing has changed considerably since then with Elon Musks approach on X and Metas dismantling of fact-checkers in the US.

Theres never a dull moment, Mr Godfrey added.
An underground school shelter in Ukraine has been officially opened following funding from the Irish Government.

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne visited Odesa on Thursday to open the shelter which was co-funded by Ireland with Lithuania and the European Commission.

Mr Byrne also met his Lithuanian counterpart, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus.

Ireland responded to the need identified by the Ukrainian Government for the construction and equipping of six underground school shelters across Ukraine.

The project addresses the immediate protection needs of children and teachers, and enables continuity of education and learning, amid the ongoing war following Russias invasion.

The underground shelter opened by Mr Byrne is the first completed shelter to support the people of Odesa.

Ireland will continue to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people

Speaking in Odesa, Minister Byrne said: As I arrive in Ukraine, I want to condemn Russias latest missile attacks on Kyiv, Odesa and other cities.

The deliberate targeting of civilians is reprehensible.

Ireland will continue to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people.

He added: It is an outrage that we need to build underground shelters for school children in Ukraine.

But these shelters have become a necessity, as a direct result of Russias illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion.

The right to an education is something which we in Ireland very much cherish.

Our progress as a nation stems from our want for education and its enjoyment.

But it is only when a child feels safe, that their mind is free to learn and absorb, the teachings on offer to them.
Ireland is predicted to experience one of the sharpest declines in its youth population in the European Union over the next 50 years, according to a newly-published report.

The EU Youth Report 2024 said the share of children and young people aged up to 19 in the EU is projected to shrink from 20% in 2023 to 18% in 2073.

However, in Ireland, it is predicted to fall by 29% from 26.1% of the population in 2023 to 18.3% in 2073. The report states:

The highest decreases in the share of children and young people are projected to happen in some countries in the north of Europe, in Ireland and in Lithuania.

The proportion of young people is expected to decline the least in the central areas of the EU, as well as in Bulgaria, Greece and Portugal."

The authors said the EU has seen a decline in the proportion of young people in its population for the past decade and that trend is expected to continue.

Demographic shift will stretch public services

This demographic shift is closely linked with intergenerational fairness, as a shrinking youth population raises concerns about the sustainability of social systems," it said.

Fewer young people supporting a growing elderly population could lead to increased strain on public services, social security systems, and economic productivity.

The report by the EU Commission said more than 7m young people of non-EU origin live in the EU.

Ireland, along with Spain, Cyprus, and Portugal, and countries in the northern and central regions of the continent, reported the highest percentages of young people of non-EU origin.

Irish among most highly educated in EU

The report reveals Irish youth are also among the most highly educated and economically active in the EU, outperforming many of their peers across key employment and academic indicators.

In 2023, over half of 25- to 29-year-olds in Ireland had completed third-level or tertiary education, placing the country in the EUs top tier alongside the Netherlands, France, and Spain  higher than the EU average.

Ireland also boasts one of the lowest school dropout rates in Europe, with just under 5% of young people leaving education early, far outperforming the EU target of reducing early school leaving to under 9% by 2030.

Despite the high performance in education, Ireland has one of the highest rates of students not studying a foreign language, with nearly a quarter of upper secondary learners taking no language courses.

That compares with an EU average of just 2%.
The Irish and British governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on Northern Ireland legacy issues within weeks, the deputy Irish premier has said.

Simon Harris said both governments are working in very good faith to bring about an agreed position.

The Fine Gael leader made the comments following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Co Down on Thursday.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and Tanaiste Simon Harris speak to media at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at Hillsborough Castle (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Harris was hosted by the Northern Ireland Secretary at Hillsborough Castle for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability.

Hilary Benn and Mr Harris took part in the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues.

The meeting was also be attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP and Irelands Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan TD.

It was the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006.

Mr Harris told reporters that the Irish Government has always had two key tests when it comes to legacy.

Firstly, is the mechanism compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and secondly, does it have the support of victims and their families. They are the two principles, the two tests that were applying in our discussions, Mr Harris said.

I know you, Hilary, feel very strongly in relation to that as well. We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I dont want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues. But you are right. There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined.

People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one.

Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan (Brian Lawless/PA)

I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not.

I really hope it is, and were both working in very good faith to try and bring that about. But it is now a question in my mind of within weeks.

He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like.

Describing their meeting as constructive, he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

I passionately believe, I know you do too, that this peace agreement, the Good Friday Agreement works best when the two governments pull in the same direction, and if at all possible, thats where we want to get to, where we could actually have a joint position in terms of a mechanism on the legacy of the past, he added.

Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been productive, adding that the governments have moved closer together on an agreed position on legacy issues.

Over the the work thats been taking place in recent months, weve moved closer together, Mr Benn said.

I think thats a very fair reflection as what has been happening and were putting in all of this effort, the intensive discussion that our officials have been engaged in, the regular conversations that the Tanaiste and I have had is because we want to be able to find an agreement.

Some of the issues are quite tricky  you wouldnt expect me to go into them in this press conference today  but were putting the work in because we believe well be in a stronger position if we can find an agreement, and in the end, help to build confidence in arrangements that, in the end, are going to deliver the families.

This is what its all about. It is the families that we have to have in mind, and in particular, the many families I have met who are still searching for answers, in some cases after very many years, about what exactly happened to their loved ones. And we all have an obligation to find a mechanism that will finally give them the answers they have sought for so long.

He said he had agreed with Mr Harris to meet again before the end of May.

Tanaiste Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr OCallaghan described the meeting as productive and engaging.

We discussed a variety of issues, the main one which was legacy, but we also discussed security cooperation, Mr OCallaghan added.

I was very pleased to be able to emphasise at the meeting the agreement that has been reached between the Irish Government and the chairperson of the Omagh inquiry, which I think is a substantial agreement, a memorandum of understanding that I believe is going to provide an avenue to which documentary evidence will be provided by the Irish Government to the inquiry.

As well as discussing legacy, however, I think its also important that we concentrate and focus on the other areas where there is excellent agreement between our two governments.

Meanwhile, Ms Anderson said an update was given on the UK governments commitment to helping the Executive transform public services.

She also said security and other areas of cooperation were discussed.

Its been a very positive meeting, she said.

The recent release of 129m from the UK governments 235m transformation fund has been allocated to priority areas including health, education and justice, and were keen to see positive change implemented for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.

The meeting follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth.

At the time, British prime minister Keir Starmer said the relationship between the UK and Ireland had reset following a turbulent post-Brexit period.
The smuggling of drugs to prisoners makes the running of the facilities difficult for prison officers, a district court judge said as a young woman pleaded guilty to bringing cannabis and anti-psychotic tablets into Cork Prison.

25-year-old Abigail Jones of Pembroke Street, Tralee, County Kerry, appeared at Cork District Court where she pleaded guilty to having cannabis for supply at Cork Prison on May 25, 2024, and a similar charge in respect of Seroquel tablets.
A judge told a man who uses the services of Cork Simon Community it was unacceptable and reprehensible for him to smash a window at the premises when accommodation was not available to him.

Judge Treasa Kelly jailed 58-year-old Alan Healy for six months for causing criminal damage to the hostel property on Andersons Quay, Cork, shortly before Christmas.

Sergeant John Kelleher said Alan Healy  a service user at Simon  called to the premises at about midnight on December 19, 2024, but was refused entry to the shelter.

He returned shortly after midnight with a metal pole and began hitting the window of the shelter, causing it to crack. CCTV of the incident was viewed by Garda Adam Cotter and he observed the man to be Alan Healy, Sgt Kelleher said.

The defendant pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the premises. Sgt Kelleher said the estimate of the damage was between 300 and 500.

He also admitted being in possession of cannabis for his own use on July 15, 2020, when Garda Lorraine ODonovan saw him concealing the drugs in his underpants.

Alan Healy had previous convictions including three for causing criminal damage and three more for drug possession.

Frank Buttimer solicitor said: When sober, he is highly apologetic for his behaviour. He has had the services of Simon and other hostel accommodation in the past. He has had addiction difficulties and longstanding education challenges. He appreciates the offence was very disruptive.

He has been in custody for four weeks approximately and while there he has been in rehabilitation. He has always been respectful generally and appreciate of the accommodation he is given.

Judge Kelly said to the accused: You avail of the services. And to go and do that is unacceptable and reprehensible.

Imposing the six-month sentence for criminal damage, the judge took the drugs matter into consideration at Cork District Court.
Clare and Limerick have been shortlisted to host EuroPride 2028, competing against Manchester.

Two bids have been confirmed to be in the running to host the 2028 edition of EuroPride, Europes most significant LGBT+ event. Manchester Pride will compete with A joint West of Ireland bid from Limerick Pride, QuareClare and The Outing Festival.

If they are successful, Ireland would play host to the international event for the first time. EuroPride attracts more than 100,000 from around the world, and is hosted in a different European city each year.

Over the last few years, it has been hosted in London, Thessaloniki, Cologne, Warsaw, Rome, Oslo, Madrid, and Zurich.

Spokesperson for the EuroPride Ireland 2028 bid, Eddie McGuinness, said: This presents a unique chance for the LGBTQIA+ community to experience Irelands rich culture and spirit.

Hosting EuroPride 2028 would be a historic milestone, celebrating love, diversity, and acceptance against the stunning backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way. This event would highlight the island of Irelands welcoming nature and extend Pride in Our Community.

Lets create a momentous festival together. Cead Mile Failte to all international visitors!

Patrick Orth, president of the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) which licenses EuroPride, said the high velocity of political change across Europe makes the event even more important for our community.

The political shifts in the UK and Ireland are no less profound and so it is exciting to have bids from both countries to centre their LGBTQIA+ communities in European consciousness, he said.

Both teams now have some time to finalise their bids before they are published in August and reviewed by EPOAs member Prides, each having one vote. The bids will be presented at the EPOA annual conference in Barcelona in October, with the winner expected to be announced on Saturday, October 11.

This years EuroPride will be hosted by Lisbon, Portugal, and will take place over nine days this June.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is cutting short his official trip to South Africa and returning home after a Russian strike on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv killed at least nine people and injured more than 70.

Mr Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that he will fly back to Kyiv after meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Ukrainian leader had hoped to recruit further South African support in efforts to end his countrys war with Russia, which is now in its fourth year.

The attack on Kyiv came hours after peace negotiations appeared to stall, with US president Donald Trump lashing out at Mr Zelenskyy, saying he was prolonging the killing field by pushing back on ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace plan.

Later that day, Mr Trump said its been harder to deal with Mr Zelenskyy than with Russia.

Mr Zelenskyy has said multiple times that recognising occupied territory as Russian is a red line for his country.

The Kyiv City Military Administration said on its Telegram channel that Russia struck Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles.

At least 45 drones were detected, the administration said, adding that Ukraines Air Force would update the figures later.

At least 42 people were taken to local hospitals, Ukraines State Emergency Service said. Rescue operations to find bodies under the rubble were still underway on Thursday morning.

Fires were reported in several residential buildings, said Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the city military administration.

Rescue operations were still under way on Thursday morning to find bodies under the rubble.

The attack, which began at around 1am, hit at least four neighbourhoods in Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arriving in Pretoria, South Africa earlier on Thursday. Picture: AP Photo/GCIS via AP

In the Sviatoshynskyi district, a fire broke out in a residential building that was damaged in the attack.

The Associated Press saw rescue teams dig out people trapped under the rubble of the building and bodies being taken away.

Oksana Bilozir, a student, was receiving medical care for a head injury near the impact site.

She said that she heard a loud explosion after the air alarm blared and began to grab her things to flee to a shelter, when another blast caused her homes walls to crumble and the lights to go off.

The attack came hours after peace negotiations appeared to stall, with US President Donald Trump lashing out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying Mr Zelenskyy was prolonging the killing field by pushing back on ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace plan.

Mr Zelenskyy has said multiple times that recognising occupied territory as Russian is a red line for his country.

I honestly dont even know how this will all end, its very scary, said Ms Bilozir, referring to the war against Russias invasion.

I only believe that if we can stop them on the battlefield, then thats it. No diplomacy works here. More fires were reported in the Shevchenkivskyi and Holosiivskyi districts.

Anastasiia Zhuravlova, 33, a mother-of-two, was sheltering in a basement after multiple blasts damaged her home.

Her family was sleeping when the first explosion shattered their windows and sent kitchen appliances flying into the air.

Shards of glass rained down on them as they rushed to take cover in the corridor.

After that, we came to the shelter because it was scary and dangerous at home, she said.
Pope Franciss doctor found the pontiff with his eyes open and breathing normally, but unresponsive when he was called to the Vatican early on Monday morning, the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported on Thursday.

Dr Sergio Alfieri co-ordinated Franciss five-week hospital treatment for double pneumonia and continued to oversee the popes treatment after the pontiff returned to the Vatican on March 23 for two months of rest to allow a full recovery.

Dr Alfieri was alerted at 5.30am on Monday by Franciss health care assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, that Francis had been stricken and needed to be taken to the hospital.

The doctor told Corriere that he arrived 20 minutes later.

I went into his room, and he had his eyes open. I noted that he did not have respiratory issues, so I tried to call him but he did not respond, Dr Alfieri was quoted as saying. He also did not respond to stimuli, even painful ones.

In that moment, I understood there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma.

Dr Sergio Alfieri said the pope was breathing but did not respond (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Dr Alfieri said it was too risky moving Francis back to the Gemelli hospital, where he was treated for a complex respiratory infection that nearly killed him twice.

The pope wanted to die at home, he always said it while he was at Gemelli, Dr Alfieri said.

The pope died two hours after suffering a stroke.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived and said the rosary over the body, accompanied by the papal household staff, Dr Alfieri told the Milan daily.

I gave him a caress, as a farewell, the doctor said.

Vatican News has reported that the pope managed a gesture of farewell to Mr Strappetti after falling ill, and that people with him at the time said he did not appear to suffer.

Francis will be buried on Saturday in a state funeral expected to draw world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and dozens of official delegations.
US president Donald Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to STOP! after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraines capital.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying, Mr Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

Russia struck Kyiv with an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones.

At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.

Mr Trumps frustration is growing as a US-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

The US president lashed out at Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal.

Mr Zelenskyy has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognising occupied territory as Russias is a red line for Ukraine.

Mr Zelenskyy noted on Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscows attacks had continued.

Mr Trump is set to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of Nato and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile border with Russia.
A Chicago man who admitted shooting dead seven people and wounding dozens of others during a 2022 Independence Day parade has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti handed down seven consecutive sentences of life in prison, as prosecutors requested, for the first-degree murder charges after hearing emotional testimony from survivors and the relatives of those killed.

This court has absolutely no words that could adequately describe and capture the horror and pain that was inflicted on July 4th, the judge said.

Robert Crimo III, 24, has a complete disregard for human life and is irretrievably depraved, permanently incorrigible, irreparably corrupt and beyond any rehabilitation, she said.

Elizabeth Turnipseed walks to her seat after reading a victim impact statement (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

After years of unpredictable legal proceedings, Crimo changed his plea to guilty last month just moments before opening statements at his trial.

Dozens were wounded in the shooting in the suburb north of Chicago. They ranged in age from their 80s to an eight-year-old boy who was left paralysed from the waist down.

Crimo refused to attend his sentencing hearing on Wednesday or Thursday despite Judge Rossettis previous warnings that the case would proceed without him. Crimo also declined to provide a written statement in court ahead of sentencing.

Hes always known that he was facing life in prison, said Crimos public defender Gregory Ticsay. He has spared this community the lengthy trial.

Survivors and witnesses told the court about how their lives have changed since he killed seven people and hurt dozens more.

Keely Roberts, whose eight-year-old son Cooper Roberts was the youngest victim, called Crimo cowardly for not attending.

You will not hear my grief, she said. You are now irrelevant.

It is unusual for defendants to skip trial, especially sentencing, but constitutionally they have the right not to attend, said David Erickson, a former state appellate judge who teaches at Chicago Kent College of Law.

Often in violent cases, defendants will explain themselves or profess innocence before sentencing.

Certainly in crimes of violence its not unusual for a defendant to show some remorse, Mr Erickson said.

Some survivors called Crimo a monster while another cited their faith in forgiving him. Many described feeling empty or facing deep sadness since the shooting. Some no longer attend public gatherings.

Erica Weeder described how she and her husband were injured and helpless on the ground, watching others bleed to death. For weeks, there was shrapnel in her body and a bullet lodged in her husbands elbow.

A mass shooting is like a bomb blast throughout a community, she said.

Prosecutors argued that Crimo was fully in control of his actions as he fired 83 shots over 40 seconds.

Cynthia Straus wipes her eyes after reading a victim impact statement (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

This was his evil plan. He intended to end the happiness that he saw around him, said Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart.

Crimo pleaded guilty to 21 counts of first-degree murder  three counts for each person killed  and 48 counts of attempted murder. Each first-degree murder count carries a maximum life sentence in Illinois.

Even in his absence, prosecutors made sure Crimos own words were heard on Wednesday, revealing parts of the trove of evidence prepared for trial, including key parts of Crimos videotaped confession.

In the interview, which defence attorneys tried to have thrown out, a blank-faced Crimo slumped in a chair with arms crossed. He told officers that he briefly reconsidered the attack because of a problem with the gun. He later fixed the weapon.

I walked up the stairs, jumped on the roof and opened fire, he said.

The seven people killed were Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35.

Crimos father Robert Crimo Jr, a former mayoral candidate, served less than two months in jail on charges in connection with how his son obtained a gun license.
Donald Trump said Russia has already made a pretty big concession to end the war in Ukraine by stopping short of taking control of the whole country.

But the notion is one that Ukraine and much of Europe have fiercely pushed back against, arguing that Russia pausing a land grab is hardly a concession.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Trump called on President Vladimir Putin to STOP! the attacks on Ukraine, a rare rebuke of the Russian leader by the US president.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying, Mr Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

President Donald Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store held talks (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Russia struck Kyiv with an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones.

At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.

Mr Trumps frustration is growing as a US-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

The US president lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal.

Mr Zelensky has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognising occupied territory as Russias is a red line for Ukraine.

He noted on Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscows attacks had continued.

Mr Trump is meeting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store to discuss the war in Ukraine, US tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of Nato and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile border with Russia.
Thursday, Apr 24th, 2025 (4:55 pm) - Score 5,000

The UK government has today confirmed its intent to ban SIM Farms (both possession and supply) some 6 months after the new Crime and Policing Bill (CPB) receives Royal Assent. The move is designed to better protect the public from fraudsters and scammers who also use the devices for criminal purposes (e.g. sending scam/spam messages and calls to mobile users).

Just for some context. SIM farms are electronic devices that are capable of using five or more SIM cards simultaneously or interchangeably, and which allows the user to send Short Messaging Service (SMS) texts or phone calls in large numbers over the telecommunications (mobile) network. Such farms can have legitimate uses too, but theyre frequently used by criminals engaged in fraud (e.g. sending phishing scam/messages that are designed to steal personal or financial data).

NOTE: Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) are the little cards you put inside your mobile device to get an operators service.

The plan was actually first proposed as part of the previous governments Criminal Justice Bill (CJB), although this was disrupted by the 2024 General Election and the same measure now comes under the CPB. The previous CJB also included other new powers, such as one that can force Regional Internet Registries, Local Internet Registries or even broadband ISPs to suspend internet domain names and IP addresses used for criminal purposes.

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Fraud Minister, Lord Hanson, said: Fraud devastates lives, and I am determined to take the decisive action necessary to protect the public from these shameful criminals. Two-thirds of British adults say theyve received a suspicious message on their phone  equivalent to more than 35 million people  which is why cracking down on SIM farms is so vital to protecting the public. This marks a leap forward in our fight against fraud and will provide law enforcement and industry partners the clarity they need to protect the public from this shameful crime. This government will continue to take robust action to protect the public from fraud and deliver security and resilience through the Plan for Change.

The new offence will make the possession or supply of SIM farms without a legitimate reason illegal and carries an unlimited fine in England and Wales, albeit oddly falling to a 5,000 fine in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The move should complement action being taken by Ofcom, which has long been working with broadband, phone and mobile operators to tackle both domestic and international sources of spam and scam calls/texts. But delivering effective enforcement of such activity may be much harder, particularly when it occurs outside the UK.


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Human Rights Watch  (Beirut)  Two unlawful Israeli strikes on the northeastern Lebanese town of Younine between September and November 2024, which killed 33 civilians, 15 of them children, were apparent indiscriminate attacks on civilians, Human Rights Watch said today.

At least one of the attacks used an air-dropped bomb equipped with a United States-produced Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit. The attacks should be investigated as war crimes.

More and more evidence is emerging that Israeli forces repeatedly failed to protect civilians or adequately distinguish civilians from military targets during its strikes across Lebanon in 2023 and 2024, said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch. Lebanons government should provide a path for justice for grieving families, including by giving the International Criminal Court jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes.

In May 2024, Lebanons former government reversed a decision which it had issued a month earlier to give the International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute serious crimes committed on Lebanese territory since October 7, 2023. Lebanons new government should urgently accept ICC jurisdiction to give the courts prosecutor a mandate to investigate serious international crimes committed on the countrys territory.

One attack, on September 25, killed a family of 23 people, all Syrians, including 13 children. On November 1, a strike on a two-story house killed 10 people, including 2 children, one of them a year old, 5 women, and 3 men. Human Rights Watch did not find any evidence of military activity or targets at either site.

Human Rights Watch investigated a third strike in Younine that occurred on November 21, which killed a family of four adults.Researchers found several Hezbollah martyr posters online and in Younine for one of the male victims, but were unable to verify who made the posters, and reviewed photos of his grave indicating that he may have been a Hezbollah combatant.

Between November 2024 and February 2025, Human Rights Watch researchers visited the sites of the two strikes in Younine, near Baalbeck, in eastern Lebanon. Human Rights Watch researchers also visited the cemetery in Younine and inspected the burial sites of people from the village killed in Israeli attacks, including combatants and civilians. Human Rights Watch reviewed photos and videos shared on social media in the aftermath of the strikes.

Human Rights Watch interviewed 10 people, some in person, at strike sites in Younine, and others via telephone. Weapon remnants found at the sites of the September 25 and November 21 strikes and reviewed by Human Rights Watch arms researchers indicate the Israeli militarys use of a Mk-80 series general purpose air-dropped bomb equipped with a US-made JDAM kit. Weapon remnants found at the site of the November 1 strike also indicate the Israeli militarys use of a Mk-80 series general purpose bomb.

The Israeli military did not warn civilians to evacuate before either strike, residents told Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch verified this claim by reviewing social media posts by the Israeli Arabic language spokesperson and the Israeli militarys Arabic language telegram channels, where evacuation warnings are typically shared. Human Rights Watch sent a letter outlining its findings and posing questions to the Israeli military on March 24 but has not received a response.

Under international humanitarian law, all parties to the conflict are obligated, at all times, to distinguish between combatants and civilians and to direct attacks only against combatants or other military objectives. Individuals who commit serious violations of the laws of war with criminal intent  that is, intentionally or recklessly  may be prosecuted for war crimes. Individuals may also be held criminally liable for assisting in, facilitating, aiding, or abetting a war crime. All governments that are parties to an armed conflict are obligated to investigate alleged war crimes by members of their armed forces.

When carrying out any attack, warring parties must take all feasible precautions to minimize civilian harm and damage to civilian objects. This includes taking all necessary actions to verify that targets are military objectives.

Between October 2023 and December 2024, Israeli attacks in Lebanon killed more than 4,000 people and displaced over one million. Since the November 27 ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect, Israeli attacks have reportedly killed at least 146 people in Lebanon, including at least 26 who were attempting to return to villages where Israeli forces had not yet withdrawn. As of March 20, nearly 100,000 people remained displaced in the country from the recent conflict, according to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Lebanon and other United Nations member states should establish an international investigation into all human rights violations committed by all parties involved in the conflict in Lebanon. Such an investigation could document ongoing crimes, collect evidence, and publicly report on their findings. Lebanons government could also further its cooperation with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and ongoing investigations into Israeli attacks in Lebanon to ensure accurate documentation of unlawful attacks, including war crimes committed between October 2023 and December 2024.

The United States governments provision of arms to Israel, which have repeatedly been used to carry out apparent war crimes, has made the US complicit in their unlawful use. Human Rights Watch has previously documented the unlawful use of US weapons in and unlawful attack on aid workers and an apparently deliberate attack on journalists in Lebanon.

Providing military assistance to Israel violates US law, which prohibits arms transfers to any country the government of which engages in a consistent pattern of gross violations internationally recognized human rights. All states, including Israels key allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany should suspend military assistance and arms sales to Israel.

Lebanons parliament should also ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Human Rights Watch said.

Countries still supplying Israel with arms, including primarily the United States, need to wake up to the reality that their continued military support, despite ample evidence of unlawful attacks, has made them complicit in the unlawful killing of civilians, Kaiss said. Victims have a right to justice and reparations, and those responsible should be held to account.

September 25 Israeli Airstrike

After 10 p.m. on September 25, an Israeli airstrike struck a residential building along the main Baalbek-Qaa highway near the road junction that leads into the center of the town of Younine, killing 22 members of one extended Syrian family, including 13 children. Another family member died eight days later in a Damascus hospital as a result of his injuries. Seven people survived the attack, including three Lebanese men, six of them with various injuries.

Human Rights Watch interviewed multiple sources about the incident, including four survivors, the buildings owner, who is also the mother of one survivor, a local supermarket owner who was among the first to arrive at the scene, the mayor of Younine, a relative of the family who lives in Idlib, Syria, and a Lebanese researcher familiar with the town.

Researchers verified photos and videos of the immediate aftermath, the burial of the victims two days later, and satellite imagery. They cross-referenced a list of casualties provided by the familys relative in Idlib with Younines mayor and two survivors. Researchers conducted open-source research into the names of both victims and survivors, to establish if any of them may have been or are combatants, and cross-referenced findings with open-source material shared by Airwars, a nongovernmental organization that investigates civilian harm in conflict zones. During a December 2 visit to the site, researchers viewed remnants of a bomb equipped with a United States-produced JDAM guidance kit found in the rubble.

Witnesses said that the two-story building contained two apartments on the ground floor, both rented to Syrians. The family living in the other ground floor apartment was not present at the time of the attack. Two other buildings sharing the same owner are attached to the building, one of which housed the three other branches of the Abdelkader family, and another that housed the owner and five of her other children, who had fled the building soon after Israel intensified its aerial campaign on Lebanon in September 2024. The buildings also housed a physical therapy center, a mobile phone shop, and a shuttered gas station that had been out of operation for over a year.

My uncles family who lived in that building, they were planning to leave to Syria the next morning so we were all gathered there to say goodbye, said Yousef Abdelkader, 16, who alongside his brother Mohammad, 17, and their cousin, 15-year-old Hassan, were the only survivors from the Abdelkader family in the building at the time of the attack. The attack killed their parents, siblings, grandfather, and two uncles families.

Just before the strike, I left the apartment ahead of the rest of my family to return to my familys apartment in one of the attached buildings. My mom, grandpa, and others were still standing just outside the door talking to the rest of the family when I heard the sound of a plane, and I saw the rocket fall, said Yousef.

Other survivors were a distant relative who also lived in Younine, the building owners son, who lived on the second floor, and two Lebanese neighbors. Waleed Rbeidi, the relative, said: [When the bomb struck], I was on the ground-floor veranda with some other men from the neighborhood, friends of mine, who had called over to me to have coffee with them.

Rbeidi and another survivor both said that they received no warning ahead of the attack. We just heard the sound of the rocket and suddenly the house fell over their heads, he said, telling researchers that doctors had to later remove several pieces of shrapnel from his body.

There was no warning, said the building owners son. The munition came straight down on us. Each of us [standing in the veranda] flew in a different direction.



File. Khiam, Lebanon. By Leb500. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.. H/t Wikimedia Commons.

Another Lebanese survivor, who lives on the same street and owns a shop nearby, described the moments leading up to the attack: We were all staying up late together that night. For a couple of hours before the strike, I remember we didnt hear any drones, it was quiet. All I remember from the strike is hearing a loud noise and then I lost consciousness. I spent 20 days in the hospital with shrapnel in my leg, arm, and neck.

The Israeli military did not comment directly on the strike, but it posted on X and Telegram the next morning that its forces had struck approximately 75 Hezbollah targets in the Bekaa area and in southern Lebanon overnight, including weapons storage facilities, ready-to-fire launchers, terrorists, and terrorist infrastructure.

Younines mayor, Ali Kassas, said that two other airstrikes had targeted the town earlier that day. Human Rights Watch found no evidence of a military target in the immediate area of the September 25 strike and all those interviewed insisted there were no fighters or military equipment in the building or the neighborhood. We are still trying to make sense of the strike, to find a reason for it, Kassas said. We still cant understand why they would target a building full of Syrians. Theyre not even Lebanese. The entire intersection is mostly Syrians, many [] camps around and most buildings rented to Syrians.

Kassas described the rescue efforts: We headed to the location immediately after we learned of the strike, ambulances too, and we pulled bodies from under the rubble. On the first day we pulled 19, we didnt even know how many people were in the building to begin with or who they were. There was a boy who was a relative of some of the dead and he helped us identify them and said that there were others missing, including his uncle and aunt. The second day we went back and pulled out three more.

After the strike, dead bodies were strewn across the ground, said Yousef, who helped rescuers identify his family members who were killed. It was really hard for me to identify them because some of them were in pieces.

November 1 Strike

At around 2 p.m. on November 1, an Israeli strike on the al-Salah neighborhood in Younine destroyed a two-story building.

Human Rights Watch researchers visited the site on December 2, 2024, and February 12, 2025, and interviewed Ali Salah, who lost 10 family members in the strike. Salah lived in the same neighborhood and was in the vicinity at the time of the attack. On February 12, Human Rights Watch also spoke to another neighbor and relative of the Salah family who lived in the same neighborhood and spoke with the mayor of Younine about the strike on March 21.

Ali Salah said that those killed in the strike included his two sisters, Wadha, born 1959, and Fairouz, born 1975; his brothers-in-law:, Haidar Mahdi Salah, who worked as a painter and owned a supermarket, and Mohammad Mahdi Salah, who worked as a taxi driver; his nieces, Elissar, 27, and Zeina, 17; his nephew Ali Haidar Salah, 30, and Alis family, including his wife, Nour Boudaq, his son, Haidar, a year old, and his mother-in-law, Um Bachir Boudaq.

Haidar [Mahdi Salah] works as a painter, and Mohammed works as Taxi driver, Ali Kassas, the mayor, told Human Rights Watch. Ali Haidar works with his dad as a painter, and the rest were children and women. Haidar [Ali Salah] was just one year old [] None of the people killed were combatants. Theyre not even connected to any party.

The strike came shortly after Mohammed Mahdi Salah returned home after finishing his shift as a taxi driver, Ali Salah said.

Mohammed makes about LBP50,000 [around US$0.55] for a ride in the Bekaa, he said. All our family, the Salah family, we dont have a single person in Hezbollah. Not a single person. Ask whoever you want.

Theres no one I value more than my sisters. If I thought there was any reason for there to be a military target here, I would have forced them to leave. There was nothing here. Just civilians.

The Israeli military did not comment directly about this strike. However, a post shared on the Israeli armed forces telegram page on November 2, one day after the strike, stated that over the past day, the [Israeli Air Force] struck more than 120 terror targets belonging to both Hamas and Hezbollah. These included anti-tank missile launching sites, terrorist operatives, terror infrastructure sites, weapons storage facilities, and command centers in Lebanon.

Human Rights Watch conducted open-source research on the strike, including into the names of those killed, to determine if they were combatants. Researchers did not find any evidence indicating the presence of combatants or a military objective at the site of the strike. All individuals interviewed said that no evacuation warning was given to residents prior to the strike.

A banner outside the cemetery in Younine, which Human Rights Watch researchers visited, displayed the names and photos of people from Younine who were killed in Israeli attacks, including civilians and individuals who appear to be combatants. Photos of the male victims of the November 1 attack  including Mohmmad Mahdi Salah, Haidar Mahdi Salah, and Ali Haidar Salah  showed them in civilian clothing and appear to be designated as civilians below the photographs of apparent combatants. The names of women killed in the strike were displayed without photos. None of the individuals killed in the November 1 attack were buried in an area within the cemetery that appeared to be reserved for Hezbollah fighters.

Ali Salih described his anguish over the death of his family members. Um Bachir [Salihs mother-in-law] wanted to go to Ghobeiry, in Dahyeh [Beiruts southern suburb], and I would tell her, If I tell you to leave and you get killed, I will feel very guilty; If you stay and get killed, Ill also feel very guilty. So do as you want.

Kassas, the mayor, who arrived at the site of the strike shortly after the attack, described horrific scenes: The scene at the strike made our hearts cry. Some bodies did not have heads attached to them. Other bodies were flattened by the strike. One person, we just knew them by their skin and beard [] We tried to resuscitate the child [Ali Haidar] when we pulled him out, but when we checked for a pulse, he was dead.

Via Human Rights Watch
By Erin Corcoran, University of Notre Dame

The Trump administration has revoked the visas of more than 1,000 foreign university students since January 2025. Many of the individual cases that have made headlines center on foreign-born university students who participated in Palestinian rights protests.

In early March, the federal government arrested, detained and began deportation proceedings against Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident born in Syria to Palestinian parents. Khalil participated in Palestinian rights protests at Columbia University in 2024.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in an April 9 memo that allowing Khalil to stay in the country would create a hostile environment for Jewish students in the United States.

The foreign policy of the United States champions core American interests and American citizens and condoning anti-Semitic conduct and disruptive protests in the United States would severely undermine that significant foreign policy objective, Rubio wrote.

Khalil is not the only noncitizen university student with legal permission to be in the U.S. who has been arrested and faces deportation after being involved in the Palestinian rights movement.

Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish-born student at Tufts University, was detained by immigration authorities on March 25 near her Massachusetts home and is currently being held in Louisiana. She co-authored a 2024 op-ed in the campus newspaper calling for Tufts to recognize a genocide in the Gaza Strip.

And Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian man who is a lawful permanent resident and a Columbia University student active in the Palestinian rights protests, was detained and arrested on April 25. This happened when Mahdawi showed up at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office for a citizenship interview in Vermont.

If you apply for a student visa to come to the United States and you say youre coming not just to study, but to participate in movements that vandalize universities, harass students, take over buildings, and cause chaos, were not giving you that visa, Rubio said on March 23, when asked by a journalist about revoking student visas and arresting Ozturk.

These cases raise important questions: Do lawful permanent residents have the right to protected free speech? Or are there limitations  among them, a determination by the U.S. government that permanent residents speech or political activity makes them a threat to national security?

Noncitizens First Amendment rights

Arresting and detaining nonviolent, foreign protesters and the authors of opinion pieces is usually not legally permissible. Thats because these actions are protected by the Constitutions First Amendment, which guarantees everyone the right to freedom of expression.

The Supreme Court has found that there are some limits to free speech. The government may restrict speech, for example, when someone yells Fire! in a crowded theater when there is no actual danger.

The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the right to freedom of speech applies to everyone in the U.S., including noncitizens.

Still, the First Amendment does not apply to noncitizens physically outside the U.S. The Supreme Court, for example, ruled in 1972 that the government may deny visas and bar entry to noncitizens who were seeking admission to the U.S. to engage in constitutionally protected speech.

When noncitizens are living in the U.S., they have the same First Amendment protections as U.S. citizens, the Supreme Court ruled in 1945.

As a scholar of U.S immigration and administrative law, I know that these protections enter a murkier territory when U.S. immigration law collides with the Constitution.

A conflict with immigration law

The Trump administration rests its argument that it can legally detain and deport noncitizens who have participated in Palestinian rights protests  but have not been charged with any crimes  on broad language in the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act.

This law articulates important immigration rules, like who can enter the country and how someone can become a citizen. It also includes vague language that gives the secretary of state power to deport noncitizens in certain cases.

An alien whose presence or activities in the United States the Secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States is deportable, the law reads.

As foreign-born students Mahdawi, Ozturk and Khalil fight in court for their right to legally stay in the U.S., Rubio and other Trump administration leaders claim that this law gives them the power to determine whether Khalil and other noncitizens are creating serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security also wrote on the social platform X on March 9 that Khalil led activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

But the Trump administration has not provided any further specific details about how the views and actions of Khalil and other detained foreign students create serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the U.S. Nor has the government alleged that Khalil and other noncitizen students committed crimes or broke the law.

Khalils attorneys have challenged the governments use of the Immigration and Nationality Act as a basis to deport him in federal court. The lawyers assert that the U.S. government is attempting to deport Khalil for protected speech.

Legal precedent and steps forward

The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment does not protect lawful permanent residents from being deported if their political affiliation violates the laws.

But the court has not yet decided if lawful permanent residents participating in protests or expressing political views are protected against deportation, when the only evident ground for their deportation is political speech.

A federal judge in New Jersey, where Khalil was first briefly detained, has ordered the government not to deport him until all his different court cases are resolved.

On April 11, a different immigration judge in Louisiana  where Khalil is currently detained  ruled that he could be deported for being a national security risk. Khalils attorneys are appealing this decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals, which is part of the Department of Justice.

Regardless of the outcome at the district court level, Khalils case will be appealed and most likely end up before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court will then have to determine the appropriate balance between the executive branchs authority to deport noncitizens it classifies as posing a threat to the country, and the right to freedom of expression that all people residing in the U.S. have.

If the Supreme Court holds that the federal government can say that someones political speech can be a threat to U.S. national security interests, I believe the core of the First Amendment is at risk, for citizens as well as noncitizens.

Erin Corcoran, Professor of immigration, refguee and asylum law, University of Notre Dame

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
MONTREAL, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brunswick Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: BRW, OTCQB: BRWXF; BRW or the Company) is pleased to report the first results from the 2025 Mirage winter drilling campaign where it drilled an additional twenty-four holes targeting extensions of known mineralized zones. The Mirage Project is located in the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay region of Quebec, approximately 40 kilometers south of the Trans-Taiga Road. This release focuses on the Central Zone including the MR-6, MR-3 dykes and Stacked Dyke area where BRW has continued to intersect wide and well mineralized intervals along strike and at depth.

Highlights include:

Significant interval of 36 meters at 1.51% Li2O in hole MR-24-102 within the Stacked Dyke area extending mineralization to the south-east and where an additional 13 dykes measuring between 1.3 and 9.35 meters were intercepted in the same hole.

in hole MR-24-102 within the Stacked Dyke area extending mineralization to the south-east and where an additional 13 dykes measuring between 1.3 and 9.35 meters were intercepted in the same hole. New interval at the MR-6 Dyke with 1.32% Li2O over 28 meters in hole MR-24-101 extending the dyke to the northwest.

in hole MR-24-101 extending the dyke to the northwest. The MR-3, MR-6 and staked dyke system can now be traced together into a major swarm of spodumene bearing pegmatites covering a surface area of over 1,000 meters by up to 450m.

A total of 24 drill holes prioritizing near surfaces mineralization in the extension of the staked dyke area were completed during the winter. Assays are pending for a further 16 holes.

Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO of BRW, commented: To date, every drill campaign has demonstrated the significant exploration upside at Mirage and these first results from our winter 2025 campaign are no different. We have successfully extended the MR-6 pegmatite and continue to rapidly add considerable intercepts in the neighboring Stacked Dyke area. Interestingly, this high potential target area has continued to return multiple significant mineralized intercepts over the entirety of each drill hole and the Stacked Dyke area remains open in multiple directions.

Brunswick Exploration remains one of the most active lithium exploration companies globally and looks forward to releasing more drill results from Mirage and the restart of prospecting in Greenland. With its unique portfolio, the Company expects to have a milestone rich year.

Mirage Project Drilling Overview

The Mirage Project comprises 427 claims located roughly 40 kilometers south of the Trans-Taiga Highway in Quebecs James Bay region and 34 kilometers northeast of Winsome Resources Adina Project.

The 2025 winter drilling campaign focused on extending the mineralized Stacked Dyke area to the northeast. Highlights discussed in this release are shown in Table 1 and Figure 1. Collars are shown in Table 2.

Figure 1: Central Zone of the Mirage Project

The holes MR-25-96 and MR-25-98 extended the MR-3 dyke 150m to the South with 0.79% Li2O over 12.2 meters from 55.8 meters to 68 meters and 1.26% Li2O over 7 meters from 176 meters to 183 meters. The hole MR-25-95 also confirmed the present of MR-3 and intersect a new dyke from 123.9 to 132 meters that returned 0.76% Li2O over 8.31 meters. This new shallow dipping mineralized pegmatite is located between MR-3 and MR-6 and is open in all directions. From 290 to 307 meters, the hole MR-25-95 holes also intersected three mineralized dykes that could be extensions to MR-6 at depth, dipping to the east.

The hole MR-25-102 extends the Staked Dyke area to the south with 14 mineralized dykes intercepted with the largest grading 1.51% Li2O over 35.65 meters from 166.6 meters to 202.25 meters. MR-23-32ext was drilled to connect the Stacked Dyke area to MR-6. Multiple dykes were intercepted in this hole and confirmed the presence of three new sub horizontal dykes under MR-6 with the largest returning 1.02% Li2O over 7.75 meters from 158.25 meters to 166 meters.

MR-25-101 confirmed the plunge to the north of MR-6 with an intercept of 28 meters at 1.32% Li2O from 173 meters to 201 meters and extends the MR-6 pegmatite by 100 meters. The hole MR-25-99 and MR-25-100 also intercepted the MR-6 dyke over 14.3 meters and 19.4 meters but showed signs of heavy alteration and no spodumene was identified.

Table 1: 2025 Drilling Program Mentioned in this Release

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Li2O (%) MR-23-32-ext







143.55 145.55 2.00 2.26 147.55 150.00 2.45 1.41 158.25 166.00 7.75 1.02 MR-25-95



















49.50 56.75 7.25 0.55 123.90 132.00 8.10 0.79 225.25 228.25 3.00 1.61 290.00 291.00 1.00 1.44 299.00 300.90 1.90 1.20 303.50 307.20 2.70 1.33 MR-25-96







55.80 68.00 12.20 0.79 147.60 150.90 3.30 0.90 160.55 163.20 2.65 0.27 MR-25-97 18.40 23.20 4.80 1.25 MR-25-98 176.00 183.00 7.00 1.26 MR-25-101 173.00 201.00 28.00 1.32 MR-25-102



















































17.25 21.00 3.75 1.33 65.70 69.00 3.30 2.66 96.15 105.50 9.35 0.75 117.50 119.50 2.00 1.34 132.75 134.65 1.90 1.81 138.90 140.30 1.40 0.88 157.60 159.85 2.25 1.10 166.60 202.25 35.65 1.51 212.20 214.85 2.65 1.24 239.70 243.60 3.90 1.33 247.95 250.75 2.80 1.74 254.70 256.50 1.80 1.68 292.15 296.10 3.95 1.52 299.00 305.10 6.10 1.19

Table 2: 2025 Drilling Collars Mentioned in this Release

Hole ID Azimut Dip Length (m) UTM NAD83 z18 East UTM NAD83 z18 North MR-23-32-ext 320 -73 162 683263 5941204 MR-25-95 30 -60 369 682821 5940489 MR-25-96 30 -90 207 682821 5940989 MR-25-97 320 -65 48 683503 5941233 MR-25-98 315 -60 301.45 682784 5940878 MR-25-99 320 -90 168 682912 5941336 MR-25-100 320 -90 201 682832 5941326 MR-25-101 320 -60 285 682912 5941336

QAQC

All drill core samples were collected under the supervision of BRW employees and contractors. The drill core was transported by helicopter and by truck from the drill platform to the core logging facility in Val-dOr. Each core was then logged, photographed, tagged, and split by diamond saw before being sampled. All pegmatite intervals were sampled at approximately 1-meter intervals to ensure representativity. Samples were bagged; duplicated on reject, blanks and certified reference materials for lithium were inserted every 20 samples. Samples were bagged and groups of samples were placed in larger bags, sealed with numbered tags, in order to maintain a chain of custody. The sample bags were transported from the BRW contractor facility to the AGAT laboratory in Val-dOr. All sample preparation and analytical work was performed by AGAT by sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-OES and ICP-MS finish. All results passed the QA/QC screening at the lab and all inserted standard and blanks returned results that were within acceptable limits. All reported drill intersections are calculated based on a lower cutoff grade of 0.3% Li2O, with maximum internal dilution of 5 meters. Host basalts adjacent to the dykes may grade up to 0.3% Li2O but were excluded from the reported intersections.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Simon T. Hebert, VP Development. He is a Professional Geologist registered in Quebec and is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Brunswick Exploration

Brunswick Exploration is a Montreal-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V under symbol BRW. The Company is focused on grassroots exploration for lithium in Canada, a critical metal necessary to global decarbonization and energy transition. The company is rapidly advancing the most extensive grassroots lithium property portfolio in Canada and Greenland.

Investor Relations/information

Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

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. 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 include, but are not limited to, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Corporations public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Corporation 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 Corporation 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) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia / Apr 24, 2025 / Business Wire / Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (the "Company" or "Spanish Mountain Gold") (TSX-V: SPA) (FSE: S3Y) (OTCQB: SPAUF) is pleased to report high grade gold intercepts and the highest grade encountered to date in exploration history at the Spanish Mountain Gold project, which is located in the Cariboo Gold Corridor, British Columbia, Canada. The 10,000 m, 2025 winter exploration diamond drill program ("2025 Winter Drill Program") is comprised of 31 holes and 73% complete.

Highlights:

High-Grade Gold Intercepts  K Zone (See Figures 1, 2, and Table 1):

Hole 25-DH-1286 intersected 139.00 m grading 4.18 g/t Au from 56.00 m including, from 163.00 m, grades of 719.26 g/t Au over 0.75 m, and from 165.10 m, 156.80 g/t Au over 3.50 m

from 56.00 m including, from 163.00 m, and from 165.10 m, Hole 25-DH-1284 intersected 55.70 m grading 0.41 g/t Au from 126.00 m including, from 172.00 m, 9.70 m grading 1.83 g/t Au and 1.00 m grading 12.13 g/t Au

from 126.00 m including, from 172.00 m, and Hole 25-DH-1285 intersected 39.00 m grading 0.99 g/t Au from 113.00 m including 1.00 m grading 34.59 g/t Au

Visible gold (VG) was observed in multiple drill holes, confirming the high-grade nature of the K Zone Target (See Figure 3)

Julian Manco, Spanish Mountain Gold's Director of Exploration commented, "These exceptional results validate our new geological model, extend mineralization and highlight the significant potential for more high-grade mineralization within our project area. The high grades encountered in hole 25-DH-1286 are truly remarkable and demonstrate an extraordinary upside potential for the Spanish Mountain Gold project."

Peter Mah, Spanish Mountain Gold's President, CEO and Director commented, "We are thrilled to take a major leap forward unlocking near surface high-grade gold intercepts that support the growing understanding of our high-quality deposit and signal exciting new possibilities for high grade open pit gold discovery within 200 m of surface"

Table 1: 2025 Winter Drill Program  Summarized Gold Assay Results

Drillhole ID From To Width(m) Gold Grade (g/t Au) 25-DH-1284 126.00 181.70 55.70 0.41 25-DH-1284 172.00 181.70 9.70 1.83 including 172.00 173.00 1.00 12.13 including 180.20 181.70 1.50 3.23 25-DH-1285 113.00 152.00 39.00 0.99 including 113.00 114.00 1.00 34.59 25-DH-1285 173.35 174.74 1.39 1.02 25-DH-1286 56.00 195.00 139.00 4.18 including 163.00 166.50 3.50 156.28 including 165.10 166.50 0.75 719.26 25-DH-1287 68.00 97.00 29.00 0.26 including 75.00 78.00 3.00 0.24 including 94.00 97.00 3.00 1.64

Notes:

Reported intersections are calculated using a 0.15 g/t Au cut-off grade. The complete assay table is available on the Companys website True thickness of mineralization is unknown

Table 2: Drill Hole Collar Location and hole depths

HOLE-ID LOCATION X LOCATION Y LOCATION Z LENGTH Azimuth Dip Easting Northing Elevation 25-DH-1284 604177 5827345 1296 247.75 120 60 25-DH-1285 604174 5827345 1296 240.00 30 65 25-DH-1286 603953 5827695 1192 222.00 120 65.2 25-DH-1287 603953 5827695 1192 114.93 215 75

Abbreviations: metres = m, grams per tonne = g/t, gold = Au

Drill Core Processing, Data Verification and Quality Assurance  Quality Control Program (QAQC)

Once received from the drill and processed, all drill core samples were sawn in half, labeled, and bagged. The remaining half of the drill core was securely stored on-site. Numbered security tags were applied to sample shipments to ensure chain of custody compliance. The Company inserts quality control (QC) samples at regular intervals, including blanks and reference materials, for all sample shipments to monitor laboratory performance. Standards and blanks account for a minimum of 15% of the samples in addition to the laboratorys internal quality assurance programs. The QAQC program was overseen by the Companys Qualified Person, Julian Manco, P.Geo, Director of Exploration (as described below).

Drill core samples were submitted to MSALABS analytical facility in Prince George, British Columbia, for sample preparation and PhotonAssayTM analysis. The MSALABS facilities are accredited to the International Standards ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 standard for gold and multi-element assays, with all analytical methods incorporating quality control materials at defined frequencies and established data acceptance criteria. MSALABS Inc. is independent of the Company.

PhotonAssayTM

The PhotonAssayTM method utilizes gamma ray analysis for gold detection using the Chrysos PhotonAssayTM instrument (PA1408X). This non-destructive, fully automated technique offers high accuracy for analyzing ores and pulps. Sample preparation begins with drying and crushing up to 1 kg of material to achieve at least 70% passing through a 2-millimetre (mm) sieve. The sample is then riffle split to obtain a suitable aliquot for 2 testing cycles (MSALABS Method CPA-Au1).

The PhotonAssayTM instrument bombards 400 - 600 gram samples contained in sealed containers with gamma rays. These containers remain sealed throughout the process, preserving the sample for potential further testing. The analysis is performed robotically, with results that integrate into existing laboratory management systems.

Each sample is accompanied by a reference disc traceable to a Certified Reference Material (CRM). Both the sample and reference disc undergo gamma ray exposure, with signals detected and analyzed to ensure accurate and reliable results.

The method offers a gold detection range from 0.015 parts per million (ppm - lower limit) to 10,000 ppm (upper limit). Quality control includes the use of reference materials and blanks, with all results reviewed by a competent person before reporting.

Spanish Mountain Gold implemented two QAQC methodologies to validate the accuracy of PhotonAssayTM results, both demonstrating good comparability: 1) comparative analysis of diverse mineralization styles using Total Au screen metallic methods with both FAS-415 (gravimetric finish) and FAS-211 (AAS finish), and 2) comprehensive testing of both sample aliquots and rejects using FAS-211 (AAS finish).

QAQC Testing typically can include the following spot checks: 1) Pulverizing tests to evaluate variability in sample preparation, 2) Cross-analysis at external laboratories using screen metallic method, and 3) Four-cycle radiation testing to identify and calibrate potential variability in gold results with variable radiation intensity.

To effectively manage the nugget effect on high-grade gold samples MSALABS tested samples to "extinction" (CPA-Au1E method). This approach divides samples into multiple splits, analyzes each separately using PhotonAssayTM, and then calculates a weighted average of the results. By testing various portions of the sample independently and combining their values proportionally, this method provides significantly more representative gold values than traditional single-split analysis for samples with a large nugget effect.

Multi-Elemental Analysis

For the 2025 drilling campaign Spanish Mountain Gold used IMS-230 method to provide multi-element determination using a four-acid digestion followed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis.

Key Process Steps:

Sample Preparation: Samples are dried and ground to specific criteria (85% passing 75 microns (m) for rocks and drill core; 180m for soils and sediments). A homogeneous 10-gram sample is required.

Digestion: Samples undergo sequential digestion with nitric, perchloric, hydrofluoric, and hydrochloric acids, followed by dilution with deionized water.

Analysis: The solution is analyzed via ICP-OES and ICP-MS for multi-element quantification.

Quality Control: The process includes reference materials, blanks, and duplicates, with corrections for spectral interferences and thorough review before final reporting.

Julian Manco, M.Sc., P.Geo., has verified the data disclosed in this news release. The data verification process involved a multi-step approach to ensure accuracy and integrity. This included a detailed quality control (QC) analysis of the data, which was performed using both internal and external platforms, such as the MxDeposit software. These QC checks involved the analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs), blanks, and duplicates to confirm the reliability of the assay results. In addition, Mr. Manco, conducted a field inspection of the specific drill intervals mentioned in this release to directly observe the geological features and verified the nature of the results presented.

Qualified Person

Julian Manco, M.Sc., P.Geo., Director of Exploration with Spanish Mountain Gold, is the Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and has approved the contents of this news release.

About Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. is focused on advancing its 100%-owned Spanish Mountain Gold Project towards construction of the next gold mine in the Cariboo Gold Corridor, British Columbia. We are conducting an integrated Whittle Enterprise Optimization to identify the highest potential value-add improvements while increasing the understanding of the high-grade geologic controls and associated drill targets that could upgrade and expand the gold resource. We are striving to be a leader in community and Indigenous relations by leveraging technology and innovation to build the 'greenest' gold mine in Canada. The Relentless Pursuit for Better Gold means seeking new ways to achieve optimal financial outcomes that are safer, minimize environmental impact and create meaningful sustainability for communities. Details on the Company are available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website: www.spanishmountaingold.com.

On Behalf of the Board,

Peter Mah

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

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:

Certain of the statements and information in this press release constitute "forward-looking information". Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be considered forward-looking information. The Company's forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release and include but are not limited to information with respect to, the potential to extend mineralization within the near-surface environment; the potential to expand resources and to find higher-grade mineralization at depth; the timing, size and budget of a winter drill program, and the results thereof; and the delivery of a maiden resource for the Phoenix Target, and the timing and results thereof. Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - STLLR Gold Inc. (TSX: STLR) (OTCQX: STLRF) (FSE: O9D) ("STLLR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional infill drilling results using artificial intelligence technology ("AI") at the Tower Gold Project ("Tower") in the Timmins Mining Camp in Ontario, Canada.

Table 1: 2025 Tower Infill Drilling Highlights - 903 Deposit (For more information see Tables 2 & 3 and Figures 1-4):

Zone Hole ID Assay Result 903 MGA25-227 2.22 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") (uncut) over 33.0 metres ("m") (including 2.57 g/t Au over 25.40 m) 903 MGA25-233 2.95 g/t Au over 7.0 m

Keyvan Salehi, P.Eng., MBA, President, CEO, and Director of STLLR, commented: "We continue to intersect higher-grade mineralization at the 903 Deposit from our AI-assisted infill drilling program. More importantly, we continue to confirm mineralization in areas where we have the potential to convert resources to higher confidence levels1."

The updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Tower Gold Project remain on track for completion in the first half of 2025. In parallel, assay results from the ongoing characterization program at the Hollinger Tailings Project continue to be received, with an update expected in the near future.

903 Deposit Infill Drilling

The 903 Deposit, part of the Garrison Area at the Tower Gold Project, features gold mineralization linked to quartz veining within syenites hosted in highly deformed, carbonatized ultramafic volcanics of the Kidd-Munro assemblage. It lies along the Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone, with meta-sediments of the Porcupine assemblage located to the north.

Using AI to optimize drill meterage and mineral resource conversion, STLLR's infill program intersected near-surface mineralization with grades higher than the current 903 Deposit Mineral Resource Estimate1, potentially enhancing confidence in the targeted areas. The Company has completed its planned 5,000-metre program and will release the final assay results when they become available.

Figure 1: Tower Gold Project - Drill Location Map1

Figure 2: 903 Deposit - Infill Drilling Results Map1

Figure 3: 903 Deposit - Infill Drilling Cross Section "A-B" Looking East1

Figure 4: 903 Deposit - Infill Drilling Cross Section "C-D" Looking East1

Table 2: Exploration Drilling Intercepts*,**

Target Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Grade

(g/t Au) Metal Factor

(g/t Au x m) 903 MGA25-227 59.00 64.00 5.00 1.53 7.65 903 and 82.00 91.00 9.00 0.84 7.56 903 and 95.00 102.50 7.50 0.86 6.47 903 and 104.00 137.00 33.00 2.22 73.23 903 including 109.60 135.00 25.40 2.57 65.28 903 and 145.20 149.00 3.80 5.12 19.46 903 MGA25-229 82.00 86.00 4.00 0.51 2.04 903 and 151.95 153.00 1.05 0.98 1.03 903 and 159.00 164.00 5.00 0.37 1.85 903 MGA25-231 151.90 161.00 9.10 0.98 8.92 903 and 170.00 173.55 3.55 1.39 4.93 903 and 183.25 184.35 1.10 0.90 0.99 903 and 204.60 206.55 1.95 0.45 0.88 903 and 215.50 223.50 8.00 0.38 3.04 903 and 227.00 233.25 6.25 0.40 2.50 903 MGA25-232 213.80 217.75 3.95 1.96 7.74 903 and 253.75 255.45 1.70 0.70 1.19 903 and 259.65 263.15 3.50 0.64 2.24 903 and 284.95 295.50 10.55 1.00 10.55 903 and 298.50 312.00 13.50 0.71 9.59 903 MGA25-233 61.00 63.00 2.00 1.12 2.24 903 and 246.50 251.80 5.30 1.45 7.69 903 and 263.10 270.10 7.00 2.95 20.65

*Note: All intercepts are calculated using a 0.30 g/t Au cut-off, a maximum of 5 m internal dilution and 25 g/t Au cap applied.

**True width is estimated to be between 40% to 85%

Table 3: Exploration Drill Hole Details

Zone Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Inclination End of

Hole

Depth

(m) 903 MGA25-227 577243.53 5373049.60 299.27 355.00 -72.00 255.00 903 MGA25-229 577754.96 5373269.81 290.92 2.00 -46.00 222.00 903 MGA25-231 577429.75 5373040.73 296.35 337.00 -51.00 259.00 903 MGA25-232 577767.24 5373191.14 290.62 352.50 -48.00 360.00 903 MGA25-233 577766.70 5373191.18 290.68 337.00 -55.00 321.00

Quality Control Procedures

NQ drill core is oriented and cut with half sent to ALS Laboratories Inc. (ALS) for drying and crushing to -2 mm, with a 1.00 kg split pulverized to -75 m (200#). ALS is an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. A 50 g charge is Fire Assayed and analyzed using an AAS finish for Gold. Samples above 10.00 g/t Au are analyzed by Fire Assay with a gravimetric finish and selected samples with visible gold or high-grade mineralization are assayed by Metallic Screen Fire Assay on a 1.00 kg sample. STLLR inserts independent certified reference material and blanks with the samples and assays routine pulp repeats, as well as completing routine third-party check assays at Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd.

True widths were calculated in Leapfrog Geo, perpendicular to the interpreted plane of mineralization using the dip and dip azimuth of the mineralized zones.

Qualified Person



John McBride, MSc., P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for STLLR, who is the "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101 for this project, has reviewed and approved of the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About STLLR Gold



STLLR Gold Inc. (TSX: STLR) (OTCQX: STLRF) (FSE: O9D) is a Canadian gold development company actively advancing two cornerstone gold projects in Canada: The Tower Gold Project in the Timmins Mining Camp in Ontario and the Colomac Gold Project located north of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Each of these two projects has the potential for a long-life and large-scale operation and are surrounded by exploration land with favourable upside potential. STLLR's experienced management team, with a track record of successfully advancing projects and operating mines, is working towards rapidly advancing these projects.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the confirmation of mineralization and the potential conversion of the Tower Mineral Resource Estimate to higher confidence categories, the timing of the completion of the updated Tower Mineral Resource Estimate and PEA, the timing of the results from the Hollinger Tailings Project, the completion and release of the remaining infill drilling at the 903 Deposit, the long-life and large-scale potential of the Tower and Colomac Gold Projects and exploration upside of the land packages. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "accelerate", "add" or "additional", "advancing", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "appears", "believes", "can be", "conceptual", "confidence", "continue", "convert" or "conversion", "deliver", "demonstrating", "estimates", "encouraging", "expand" or "expanding" or "expansion", "expect" or "expectations", "fast-track", "forecasts", "forward", "goal", "improves", "increase", "intends", "justification", "leading", "plans", "potential" or "potentially", "pro-forma", "promise", "prospective", "prioritize", "reflects", "re-rating", "robust", "scheduled", "stronger", "suggesting" or "suggests", "support", "updating", "upside", "will be" or "will consider", "work towards", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "occur", or "be achieved".

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions 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 STLLR to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks associated with required regulatory approvals, the exploration, development and mining such as economic factors as they effect exploration, future commodity prices, changes in foreign exchange and interest rates, actual results of current exploration activities, government regulation, political or economic developments, the ongoing wars and their effect on supply chains, environmental risks, pandemic risks, permitting timelines, capex, operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities, employee relations, the speculative nature of gold 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 discussed in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Although STLLR 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. STLLR does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

1For more information on the current Tower Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate and PEA effective September 7, 2022, please refer to the NI 43-101 technical report titled "NI 43-101 Report & Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Tower Gold Project Northeastern Ontario, Canada" dated November 29, 2022 which is available on STLLR Gold's profile on SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.ca and www.stllrgold.com. Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource estimates that are not Mineral Reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 /SKY GOLD CORP. ("Sky" or the "Company") (TSX.V:SKYG) (OTC PINK:SRKZF) is pleased to announce that its basal-till geochemical sampling program involving mineral concentration work, has yielded significant particulate gold grains on its Consolidated Shebandowan base & precious-metals project (the "Property").

The Property, comprising 10,487 hectares, is situated 70 km west of the City of Thunder Bay and 6 km southwest of the past-producing Shebandowan Ni-Cu-Co-Cr-PGE mine, operated by Inco Ltd during the period of 1970 to 1989. The Shebandowan mine yielded historical production of 8.6 million tonnes at a grade of 2.00% nickel, 1.00% copper, 2.68 g/t platinum-group-elements.

GOLD CONCENTRATION GEOCHEMICAL RESULTS:

Fifty-two (52) 10-kilogram samples of basal till were collected from the southwestern portion of the Property in 2024. This detailed sampling comprised part of a broader, property-wide basal-till-sampling program completed by Sky Gold, which yielded impressive results currently slated for follow-up drilling in 2025 (see Sky Gold news release dated April 16, 2025).

Figure 1. Particulate Gold Grains - Priority Target Areas

The purpose of the 10-kilogram sampling was to verify and corroborate the results of a similar historic geochemical survey, completed by Mingold Resources in 1990. Mingold's work at that time outlined an area of approximately 1 km X 1 km, reportedly yielding particulate gold grains in glacial till samples.

Highlighting Sky's results is a cluster of 3 anomalous sample sites yielding 46, 18 and 15 gold grains, respectively (see Figure 1). Calculated total gold for the above 3 sample sites are 550, 285 & 215 ppb Au (see Figure 1). Notably, the 3 sample sites are closely related to an unnamed ENE-trending fault near the contact with intermediate volcanic rocks and granodioritic intrusive tocks, a classic favorable setting for orogenic gold deposits to occur.

Figure 2. Total Gold (PP) - Priority Target Areas

A second cluster occurs to the south of the first and is intimately associated with the crustal-scale Tinto Fault. Three sampling sites yielded a total of 27, 17 & 16 particulate gold grains with corresponding total gold values of 1,872, 289 and 229 ppb gold, respectively (see Figure 2). Two of the anomalous sites yielding particulate gold grains are also located immediately to the south of a strong conductor, yielded by the VTEM airborne geophysical survey, suggesting a possible nearby bedrock source for the gold grains.

The 2 clusters containing particulate gold grains also coincide with strongly anomalous values in nickel, cobalt, chrome, gold, copper & zinc, all suggestive of the presence of magmatic nickel, volcanogenic massive sulphide as well as orogenic gold deposits.

Overburden Drilling Management (ODM) in Nepean, Ontario utilizes custom gravity concentration devices to recover gold grains of all sizes. The refined concentrates that ODM produces are ideal for characterizing particulate gold grains and for subsequent geochemical analyses.

UPCOMING SPRING EXPLORATION PROGRAM

During the upcoming field season this spring, geological mapping and prospecting will be completed with a priority placed on rock sampling and mapping of the target areas containing anomalous particulate gold grains. This will be followed up by a subsequent program of trenching and diamond drilling, anticipated for late summer to early fall of 2025.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Sky Gold Corp.'s disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Don Hoy, P. Geo., who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Mike England

CEO, PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Tel: 1-604-683-3995

Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770

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 Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the matters described herein. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including with respect to the completion of the Consolidation or the identification or acquisition of additional mineral assets. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including factors beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release.
VANCOUVER, BC, April 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Lithium Energi Exploration Inc. (TSXV: LEXI) (OTCQB: LXENF) (the "Company" or "LEXI") is pleased to announce that it has completed drilling at the Antofalla North Project and the Antofalla South Project, in the south of the salar.

The Campaign consisted of 1,003.4 meters across the northern and southern properties. Three diamond holes were drilled in the northern LEA I, LEA XXXIV and LEA V properties. Two diamond holes to 200 m depth, and a third hole to 302 m depth, were drilled in the LEA XXVI property in the south of the salar. The average depth of all holes across these two Campaigns was 284 m. Core samples were collected to provide measurements of porosity. Samples were collected every 12 m, with porosity results yet to be received from the laboratory for the second program.

Brine sample analyses have been conducted at the independent Alex Stewart Laboratories to yield full spectroscopic analysis of brine chemistry and lithium concentrations (see Tables 2 and 3 for results, together with the sample widths). The Alex Stuart laboratory in the city of Jujuy was used as the primary laboratory, with the laboratory in Mendoza used as the check laboratory. All brine samples have now been received from the program.

The Company used the services of specialized downhole geophysical contractor, Zelandez Limited, to collect borehole magnetic resonance (BMR) measurements of in-situ porosity (specific yield) in the holes. This provides detailed measurements of porosity on a centimeter-scale, to understand changes in porosity with depth and location, providing high quality detailed information on the porosity of the sediments. Additionally, data from spectral gamma and resistivity logging tools, was collected, to provide additional lithological information.

The Antofalla basin is a long, narrow, fault-based graben  identified as one of the world's largest depressions, hosting extensive lithium-bearing brine  although the total depth in the basin is not well known. The results of the brine sampling are presented in Tables 2 and 3, for the southern and northern drilling programs. The brine sample results are highest from the southern LEA XXVI property, which is located on the western side of the salar.

The lithium concentration increases from north to south through the Antofolla South Project (LEA XXVI), with the lithium concentration increasing from an average of 238 mg/l Li in the northern hole DDH01, to 308 mg/l Li in the central hole DDH5 and 412 mg/l Li in the southern hole DDH3. Lithium concentration also showed an increase with depth in the holes, suggesting the influence of surficial infiltration of surface water and dilution of brine, most notably in the northern hole, DDH01 LEA XXVI. The suggestion from the TEM and MT geophysics, and knowledge on other salar systems, is that lithium-bearing brine will extend west off the salar below areas of gravel, and potentially into porous Tertiary age sediments or volcanics. This concept remains to be tested by future drilling.

In LEA XXVI brine is present in a surficial sequence of salt, which is underlain by sands and gravels, which vary in their degree of compaction and porosity. Drilling is not believed to have intersected tertiary terrestrial sediments, which are present around the salar margins, and potentially form the base of the salar. These southern drill holes have terminated in gravel units, which are believed to be alluvial fans, formed from sediment eroded from the salar margins and deposited within the salar, and later covered by salt. This is a pattern noted in many other salar basins.

The northern drill holes intersected a sequence of interbedded loose friable sands and compact gypsum sands, gravels, sands and occasional volcanic units across the LEA XXXIV, LEAI and LEAV properties on the west and east of the salar. These drillholes are in the northern part of the salar, within Catamarca province, north of the Antofalla village. Lithium concentrations in the northern properties were lower than those in the LEA XXVI property in the south of the salar, with lithium concentrations in the northern properties interpreted to be less concentrated than those in the center and south of the salar, which are interpreted as the nucleus of the salar. Lithium concentrations increased down hole from more dilute concentration around 100 mg/l Li, (with a low of 76 mg/L Li ) as near surface values, to a high of 189 mg/L downhole in DDH01-LEA 1, at 251-269 m.

The location of drill holes was based on previous time-domain/transient electromagnetics studies (the "TEM"). An extensive TEM survey was conducted over all the northern properties by geophysical contractor Quantec. TEM and MT was conducted in the LEA26 property by geophysical contractor GeoResource, to allow deeper imaging of the conductive brine unit, confirming it is hundreds of meters thick, and providing resolution of geological units at depth.

Samples were submitted with duplicate and standard samples, which show acceptable comparison between primary and duplicate samples and standard samples, compared to the certified standard concentration.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Murray Brooker, P. Geo., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Table 1: Location and characteristics of drillholes from the northern and southern drilling programs

HOLEID EASTING_GK2 NORTHING_GK2 DIP AZIMUTH DEPTH m DRILLHOLE DIAMETER PROJECT DDH01-LEA XXVI 2654736 7191797 -90 0 200 HQ ANTOFALLA SOUTH DDH05-LEA XXVI 2599680 7109839 -90 0 200 HQ ANTOFALLA SOUTH DDH03-LEA XXVI 2599854 7107366 -90 0 302 HQ ANTOFALLA SOUTH DDH01-LEA I 2654736 7191797 -90 0 401 HQ ANTOFALLA NORTH DDH01-LEA XXXIV 2651982 7190708 -90 0 401 HQ ANTOFALLA NORTH DDH02-LEA V 2650573 7182931 -90 0 401 HQ ANTOFALLA NORTH

Table 2: Summary of brine chemistry from holes drilled by LEXI in the Antofalla South Project. Holes were drilled vertically and the sediments in the salar are flat lying. All thicknesses of brine mineralization delimited by the from to intervals in meters are true thicknesses. The extension of the brine is open at depth in the three holes in LEA XXVI, as bedrock to the salar is not believed to have been intersected.

HOLEID FROM TO SAMPLE TYPE B_mg/L K_mg/L Li_mg/L Mg_mg/L DDH01-LEA XXVI 24 32 Single packer 313 1347 208 3349 DDH01-LEA XXVI 48 68 Single packer 319 1720 217 3493 DDH01-LEA XXVI 104 122 Single packer 390 1547 239 4013 DDH01-LEA XXVI 122 140 Single packer 380 1414 251 3858 DDH01-LEA XXVI 140 158 Single packer 360 1433 229 3738 DDH01-LEA XXVI 158 176 Single packer 402 1376 251 4059 DDH01-LEA XXVI 182 200 Single packer 412 1364 268 4089 DDH03-LEA XXVI 14 32 Single packer 682 2904 433 9458 DDH03-LEA XXVI 32 50 Single packer 681 2908 433 9341 DDH03-LEA XXVI 50 68 Single packer 680 2908 433 9344 DDH03-LEA XXVI 104 122 Single packer 661 2805 418 9156 DDH03-LEA XXVI 140 158 Single packer 664 2826 411 8965 DDH03-LEA XXVI 158 176 Single packer 627 2643 380 8503 DDH03-LEA XXVI 176 194 Single packer 640 2724 401 8983 DDH03-LEA XXVI 194 212 Single packer 626 2860 393 8709 DDH03-LEA XXVI 212 230 Single packer 641 2753 401 8885 DDH03-LEA XXVI 248 266 Single packer 669 2842 417 9101 DDH03-LEA XXVI 276 277 Single packer 634 2746 394 8665 DDH05-LEA XXVI 32 50 Single packer 508 2185 319 6493 DDH05-LEA XXVI 50 68 Single packer 449 1986 286 5463 DDH05-LEA XXVI 68 86 Single packer 526 2309 330 6934 DDH05-LEA XXVI 140 158 Single packer 504 2079 309 6310 DDH05-LEA XXVI 158 176 Single packer 480 1984 299 5771 DDH05-LEA XXVI 176 200 Single packer 492 2051 307 6364

Table 3: Summary of brine chemistry from holes drilled by LEXI in the Antofalla North Project

HOLEID FROM TO SAMPLE TYPE B mg/L K mg/L Li mg/L Mg mg/L Na mg/L DDH01-LEA I 32 50 Single packer 149 1789 105 1812 80792 DDH01-LEA I 50 68 Single packer 145 1757 107 1822 78638 DDH01-LEA I 86 104 Single packer 140 1688 129 2699 86122 DDH01-LEA I 122 140 Single packer 137 1643 119 2435 81397 DDH01-LEA I 140 158 Single packer 147 1743 125 2547 82437 DDH01-LEA I 161 179 Single packer 156 1847 131 2672 90599 DDH01-LEA I 179 197 Single packer 140 1756 115 2326 94287 DDH01-LEA I 197 215 Single packer 115 1421 102 1842 108034 DDH01-LEA I 215 233 Single packer 112 1503 98 1747 106981 DDH01-LEA I 233 251 Single packer 128 1858 105 1643 108740 DDH01-LEA I 251 269 Single packer 258 2927 189 2523 97057 DDH01-LEA I 269 287 Single packer 194 2277 147 2295 96578 DDH01-LEA I 287 305 Single packer 211 2385 165 2751 101885 DDH01-LEA I 305 323 Single packer 224 2473 175 2980 99335 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 36 38 Single packer 113 1050 76 1434 53409 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 54 56 Single packer 170 1973 118 1868 75607 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 72 74 Single packer 198 2284 147 2114 83800 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 90 92 Single packer 161 1966 125 1956 87032 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 132 133 Double packer 189 2323 141 2202 102020 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 150 151 Double packer 196 2397 146 2287 108990 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 174 175 Single packer 181 2238 138 2160 99572 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 197 215 Single packer 182 2234 138 2234 106362 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 215 233 Single packer 155 2017 113 1887 91662 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 233 251 Single packer 182 2251 136 2186 111328 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 251 269 Single packer 183 2267 137 2185 109238 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 272 287 Single packer 185 2274 137 2187 112275 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 287 305 Single packer 179 2202 132 2155 109630 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 305 323 Single packer 180 2199 133 2164 108732 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 326 344 Single packer 173 2115 128 2114 106527 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 344 362 Single packer 172 2124 128 2104 109157 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 362 380 Single packer 175 2117 128 2124 106116 DDH01-LEA XXXIV 380 401 Single packer 172 2151 129 2118 109008 DDH02-LEA V 38 56 Single packer 123 1567 93 1612 92283 DDH02-LEA V 56 74 Single packer 134 1712 103 1724 96644 DDH02-LEA V 74 92 Single packer 128 1637 96 1647 93621 DDH02-LEA V 92 110 Single packer 134 1699 99 1710 96292 DDH02-LEA V 110 128 Single packer 141 1809 106 1799 100401 DDH02-LEA V 146 164 Single packer 154 1981 105 1959 108067 DDH02-LEA V 182 200 Single packer 151 1962 103 1920 104893 DDH02-LEA V 230 236 Double packer 161 2160 112 2067 113234 DDH02-LEA V 263 272 Double packer 163 2169 113 2063 111643 DDH02-LEA V 272 284 Double packer 169 2374 126 2160 112278 DDH02-LEA V 296 308 Double packer 178 2365 127 2242 109583 DDH02-LEA V 347 353 Double packer 176 2351 128 2230 109229 DDH02-LEA V 353 357 Double packer 163 2162 113 2075 114214 DDH02-LEA V 359 365 Double packer 174 2358 127 2223 110405 DDH02-LEA V 388 392 Double packer 135 1942 108 1765 87801

Update on Credit Agreement

Further to the Company's press release dated March 7, 2025, the Company has not been able to arrange financing to repay the outstanding amounts under its secured credit facility with Arena Investors LP, for which it received a demand notice and notice of intention to enforce security pursuant to Section 244(1) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. The Company therefore has a large working capital deficit and there can be no assurance that its operations will continue in the current form, or at all.

About Lithium Energi Exploration Inc.

Lithium Energi Exploration Inc., (TSXV: LEXI), (FSE: L09), (OTCQB: LXENF), or "LEXI" is an exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of lithium brine assets in Argentina. LEXI's portfolio of prospective lithium brine concessions in the Argentina Province of Catamarca (heart of the lithium triangle) includes approximately 57,000 hectares and a 20% interest in Triangle Lithium Argentina, S.A., which owns an additional 15,000 hectares - all located in and around the Antofalla Salar, one of the largest basins in the region. LEXI is committed to innovation, sustainability, and quality, striving to differentiate itself from other players in the industry to maximize its potential for success. LEXI is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with offices in Catamarca, Argentina. For more information, visit lithiumenergi.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Ali Rahman"

________________________

Ali Rahman,

Chief Executive Officer & 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.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as 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 materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the results of preliminary testing proving accurate and consistent with secondary testing and repeatable over time and at commercial scale; the absence of material changes with respect to the Company and its businesses; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties; failure to of the parties to the Transactions to comply with the terms and conditions of the definitive agreements relating to the Transactions; and the use of proceeds. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what the management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure its shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
Drilling Confirms High-Grade Secondary Enrichment Zone within Large Porphyry System

Toronto  April 24, 2025  TheNewswire - AbraSilver Resource Corp. (TSX: ABRA; OTCQX: ABBRF) (AbraSilver or the Company) is pleased to report assay results from the ongoing drill program at the La Coipita copper-gold-molybdenum project (La Coipita or the Project) located in the San Juan Province of Argentina. The drill program is fully funded and operated by a subsidiary of Teck Resources Limited (Teck) under the terms of the earn-in and joint venture agreement, as per the Companys news release dated January 22, 2024.

The assay results from drillhole DDH-LC25-006 have confirmed a significant intercept of high-grade copper mineralization, representing a new discovery including a well-developed secondary enrichment zone, within a large-scale porphyry system.

Key Results - Hole DDH-LC25-006:

114 metres (m) grading 0.70% Cu, 0.07 g/t Au and 81 ppm Mo, from 410 m to 524 m down-hole depth, interpreted as a secondary enrichment zone. Including a higher-grade interval of 20 m at 1.03% Cu, 0.08 g/t Au and 71 ppm Mo, from 412 m to 432 m depth

98 m grading 0.55% Cu, 0.10 g/t Au and 143 ppm Mo, from 524 m to 622 m, interpreted as hypogene porphyry mineralization

409 m grading 0.25% Cu, 0.06 g/t Au and 37 ppm Mo from 622 m to 1,031 m, corresponding to a high-sulphidation epithermal overprinting zone.

Combined these intercepts comprise 621 m grading 0.38% Cu, 0.07 g/t Au and 62 ppm Mo, from 410 m to 1,031 m demonstrating the scale of the mineralized system.

Additional Drilling Progress:

Hole DDH-LC25-007, located approximately 500m east of DDH-LC25-006, was completed to a depth of 846.1m and has intercepted two separate secondary enrichment zones between 40  275 m and 422  593 m, followed by a deeper zone interpreted to contain hypogene mineralization. Assays for this hole are pending.

Hole DDH-LC25-008, located approximately ~500m north of DDH-LC25-006, was completed to a depth of 915 m and intersected low-grade high-sulphidation copper mineralization. Assays for this hole are pending.

John Miniotis, President and CEO, commented, We are very excited to report this new copper discovery at La Coipita, highlighted by a substantial intercept of 114 m grading 0.70% copper within a broader intercept of 621 m grading 0.38% copper. These results confirm the presence of a well-developed porphyry system with large-scale potential. With drilling fully-funded and operated by Teck, we believe this discovery represents a major step forward in unlocking the value of this underexplored district, which is located in a major copper belt. We look forward to updating the market as additional assays are received and the broader potential of the project is further evaluated.

We are encouraged by these early drill results from the La Coipita project. As we look to further advance exploration at the project, Teck is building a greater presence in the region and we continue to focus on growing strong relationships with local communities and suppliers, including those in and around Calingasta and San Juan, said Stuart McCracken, Vice President, Exploration at Teck.

La Coipita Project Overview

La Coipita is a district-scale property covering over 70,000 hectares in the western San Juan Province, adjacent to the Chilean border. Elevation across the property ranges between 3,500 and 4,500 MASL with moderate to high relief.

The property lies within the prolific Miocene porphyry-epithermal belt of Argentina and Chile, host to numerous world-class deposits, including Filo del Sol, Los Azules, El Indio, Veladero, Pascua Lama and El Pachon.

In 2024, Teck completed 2,476m of diamond drilling in five holes, along with geophysical surveys and target mapping. The 2025 drill campaign marks the second year of the earn-in program. To date three additional holes have been drilled, DDH-LC25-006, 007 and 008, completing 3,523m, with assay results pending for 007 and 008.

Figure 1  W-E Section Showing Historical & 2025 Drill Holes. Assay results for Cu (left bar) & Mo (right bar) Also Displayed.

Figure 2  Lithology Map (2025)

Collar Data

Hole Number UTM Coordinates Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth (m) DDH-LC25-006 383760 6615410 3930 290 -70 1,031 DDH-LC25-007 384260 6615378 3898 270 -65 846 DDH-LC25-008 383850 6615910 3958 270 -70 915

Note: All results in this news release for La Coipita rounded. Assays are uncut and undiluted. Widths are drilled widths, not true widths. True widths cannot be determined based due to the uncertain geometry of mineralization.

QA/QC and Core Sampling Protocols

Reference materials were inserted at a rate of 1 in 20 samples (5%), which included 33 Blanks, 33 Standards and 32 Duplicates (taken as a  of the core). Cores were cut into two halves, one half stored in core boxes and the other half collected at 2m intervals, representing 50% of this drilled section, and sent to the ALS Lab in Mendoza, Argentina

Qualified Persons

David OConnor P.Geo., Chief Geologist for AbraSilver, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and he has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

About AbraSilver

AbraSilver is an advanced-stage exploration company focused on rapidly advancing its 100%-owned Diablillos silver-gold project in the mining-friendly Salta and Catamarca provinces of Argentina. The current Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve estimate for Diablillos, from a recently completed Pre-Feasibility Study, consists of 42.3 Mt grading 91 g/t Ag and 0.81 g/t Au, containing approximately 124 Moz silver and 1.1 Moz gold, with significant further exploration upside potential. In addition, the Company has entered into an earn-in option and joint venture agreement with Teck on the La Coipita project, located in the San Juan province of Argentina. AbraSilver is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ABRA and in the U.S. on the OTCQX under the symbol ABBRF.

For further information please visit the AbraSilver Resource website at , and follow us on X at www.x.com/abrasilver

Alternatively, please contact:

John Miniotis, President and CEO

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: +1 416-306-8334

Cautionary Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements that address future plans, activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur are forward-looking information. 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. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the Companys disclosure documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The risk factors and other factors noted in the disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. 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 required by law.

Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Provenance Gold Corp. (CSE: PAU) (OTCQB: PVGDF) (the "Company" or "Provenance") is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2025 phase 1 drilling program with the mobilization of an RC drill rig to the Eldorado project, located in Eastern Oregon. The staged drilling campaign will build on the foundation established by 241 historic drill holes and Provenance's 14 drill holes to date. This year's program will focus on expanding the open-ended gold system and gaining a deeper understanding of the mineralized structures of the area including significant step-outs.

Provenance's initial 2023 and 2024 drilling identified an area of significantly stronger mineralization than was previously recognized on the property. This newly identified area contains widespread gold mineralization that starts at surface and extends to more than 200 meters in depth and remains open to depth. This year's drilling campaign will aim to build upon the success of the 2023 and 2024 drilling programs by further defining the structure of the gold system and expanding its footprint across the property.

The initial drill holes for the first phase of the 2025 RC drilling will focus on expanding the mineralized zone intersected by Provenance's drill holes ED-04, EC-02, and EC-03. The first phase of the 2025 drilling campaign will utilize a Boart Longyear reverse-circulation (RC) drill rig and is fully funded. The second phase will introduce a core drill rig to complement the program's objectives. Provenance is confident that this year's drill program together with other exploration activities will continue to expand the footprint of the Eldorado gold mineralization.

"We are excited to be back at Eldorado for our earliest commencement and largest exploration campaign to date," said Rauno Perttu, Provenance's CEO. "At Eldorado, our drilling will look to expand the extent of known mineralization but also explore several key step-out target areas that are up to or more than a kilometer away from our EC-01 discovery hole. Not only was historical drilling very shallow, averaging 90-100 meters in depth, but most of the property still remains virtually untested. Because of our upcoming drilling and other activities, I believe 2025 will be a pivotal year for our Company."

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Jo Price, P.Geo., M.Sc., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

About Provenance Gold Corp.

Provenance Gold Corp. is a precious metals exploration company with a focus on gold and silver mineralization within North America. The Company currently holds interests in Nevada, and eastern Oregon, USA.

Provenance is also active on social media and invites investors to follow us on X to stay up to date with our latest news and developments: https://x.com/ProvenanceGold

On behalf of the Board,

Provenance Gold Corp.

Rauno Perttu, Chief Executive Officer

Safe Harbor Statement

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its regulation services provider, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Highlights:

RC Drilling Ongoing on Expansion Area Five holes, totaling 712 meters completed to date First three holes at the lab for analysis, results pending Webinar to detail expansion plans including near-term pilot mine Scheduled for Friday, May 2 nd 10am MT Sign up here: Webinar



CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC) (OTCQB:TCVNF) (WKN: TV3/A2PE64), continues to make significant strides drilling at the Gran Pilar Gold Silver Project in mine-friendly Sonora, Mexico. Current drilling is focused on the 100% controlled expansion area. To date, a total of 712.2 meters of Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling has been completed across five drill holes. Currently samples for three drillholes have been submitted for analysis, results are pending. The Company is hosting a Webinar on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, to provide a detailed update on their progress and plans to unlock Gran Pilar's full potential, including a near-term path towards production. To sign up for the Webinar, please use the following link: Webinar

Figure 1. Planview map of Gran Pilar's southwest corner where current RC drilling is active. Blue traces have been completed. Red traces are pending to be drilled.

Figure 2. Gran Pilar Project Overview, > 22km2 of prospective ground with two primary targets: South Block, the direct extension and expansion of the historic Main Zone defined by an expanding vein field of untested drill targets; North Block a 3.2-km by 1.5-km pyrite and clay alteration zone that coincides with high-grade gold-silver, the area remains largely untested.

Warrant Update

The Company is also pleased to announce that it will amend the terms of 6,626,980 common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants"). The Warrants were previously issued at exercise prices per share of CDN $1.20, $1.30 and $1.40 and are scheduled to expire on June 28, 2025. The proposed amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") will include the following:

(i) an extension to the expiry date of 1,713,490 Warrants exercisable at $1.20 per share until June 28, 2026;

(ii) an extension to the expiry date of 1,713,490 Warrants exercisable at $1.30 per share until June 28, 2026;

(iii) an extension to the expiry date of 3,200,000 Warrants exercisable at $1.40 per share until June 28, 2026; and

(iv) a reduction of the exercise price to CDN $0.90 per share issuable upon exercise of 3,200,000 Warrants from $1.40 per Share.

The Proposed Amendments are subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Subject to the approval of the CSE, the Proposed Amendments will become effective automatically as of the new date and time of expiry of the Warrants. Prior to the original date and time of expiry of the Warrants, the Warrants will remain in force, unamended, per their original terms and conditions. None of the Warrants are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by related parties of the Company and none of the Warrants are listed on the CSE. The Proposed Amendments do not apply to any Warrants issued to finders or agents as compensation.

Holders of the Warrants may contact the Company at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. should they have any questions or wish to exercise their Warrants. Subject to the amendments becoming effective, the original certificate representing the Warrants, together with a duly completed exercise form, will be accepted together with payment made to Tocvan Ventures Corp., in accordance with the instructions provided on the certificate representing the Warrants.

Since March 20, 2025, the Company has seen a total of 778,025 warrants exercised totaling $403,411.25 CAD in additional capital.

Marketing Engagement

The Company announces it has engaged SmartIR Marketing LTD for marketing and investor relations services for an initial 6-month term ending in August 2025. The contract includes data-driven services for: Digital Advertising; Email and Social Media Outreach; Messaging Optimization; Website Management; Brand Management and Public Relations. SmartIR will be compensated $12,500 CAD per month for the duration of the contract. The Company may elect to extend the Contract beyond August. The Company has not issued any shares in consideration of services. SmartIR is not considered a related party. SmartIR's contact person is Britanny Carter, Address: SmartIR Marketing LTD, 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom. Contact Information: Phone: +1 213 444-3915Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In addition, the Company is providing more information on the previously announced engagement with Aktiencheck.de AG. The Company has engaged Aktiencheck.de AG to write website articles related to the Company's news updates. On March 19, 2025, a fee of 5,000.00 Euros was paid for the distribution of news. There is no formal agreement, both parties have agreed to a pay per use arrangement where future articles may be published. Some articles may be available on wallstreet-online.de. Information on Aktiencheck can be found here: Aktiencheck.de The Company has not issued any shares in consideration for services. Aktiencheck is not considered a related party. Address: Aktiencheck.de AG, Bahnhofstrae 6, 56470 Bad Marienberg, Deutschland. Contact Information: Stefan Lindam; Phone: +49 2661 9890020 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gran Pilar Drill Highlights:

2024 RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 42.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 10.9 g/t Au 56.4m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 14.7 g/t Au 16.8m @ 0.8 g/t Au and 19 g/t Ag

2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag

2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au

2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag

15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag



Pilar Bulk Sample Summary:

62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period

Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag

Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8")

Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time



Additional Metallurgical Studies:

Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth.



Based on management's strong belief in the project's potential, the Company is outlining a permitting and operations strategy for a pilot facility at Pilar. The facility would underpin a robust test mine scenario with aims to process up to 50,000 tonnes of material. Timelines and budget are being prepared with the aim of moving forward with the development early in 2025. With gold prices hitting all-time highs, the Company believes the onsite test mine will provide key economic parameters and showcase the mineral potential of the area. In 2023, the Company completed an offsite bulk sample that produced important data showcasing the potential to recover both gold and silver through a variety of methods including heap leach, gravity and agitated leach (see August 22, 2023, news release for more details).

About Tocvan Ventures Corp.

Tocvan's advancing gold-silver projects are located in the mine-friendly jurisdiction of Sonora, Mexico. Through ongoing exploration programs, Company is unveiling the high-potential at its Gran Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value.

Tocvan has approximately 59.7 million shares outstanding.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Rock and Drill samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Soil Samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold and multi-element analysis of soils was completed by aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS finish using a 50-gram nominal weight. Over limit gold values greater than 1 g/t were re-assayed with a more robust aqua regia digestion ad ICP-MS finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising blank samples and certified reference materials were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves 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 expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information 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 information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

TOCVAN VENTURES CORP.

Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO

1150, 707 - 7 Ave SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H6

Telephone: 1 888 772 2452

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

STAY CONNECTED:

LinkedIn: TOC LinkedIn

X: TOC X

Facebook: TOC Facebook

YouTube: TOC YouTube

Web: tocvan.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / ZEUS NORTH AMERICA MINING CORP. (CSE:ZEUS) (OTCQB:ZUUZF) (FRANKFURT:O92) (THE "COMPANY" OR "ZEUS") is pleased to announce high-grade rock grab samples at it's Great Western Property (the "Property" or "Great Western") in Idaho. The Property is located approximately 1.5 hours northwest from Idaho Falls, ID and is road accessible. It consists of 38 lode mining claims within Butte County, Idaho.

About the Great Western Property:

The Property is located along the southern end of the Lemhi Range;

Rocks in the Great Western area include Precambrian-age phyllites which are overlain by Ordovician-age quartzites and dolomitic quartzite;

Mineralization is structurally controlled at the Property and is found along shear zones and bedding plane faults;

The mineralization at the Property is consider to be a carbonate replacement deposit ("CRD") style. The Santa Eulalia Mining District in Mexico hosts the world's largest known CRD system being mined today;

A number of past producing small scale mines exist throughout the area, including the Great Western, Lookout and Wilbert mines;

In 2021, APEX Geoscience Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta conducted a rock grab sampling program for 1273180 B.C. Ltd. (acquired by Zeus, see Zeus news release dated February 12, 2024). Rock samples consisting of 68 Composite and Grab samples from historical prospects and mines on the Property were collected;

Results for rock grab samples collected in 2021 include: Five samples with up to 7300 grams per tonne silver ("g/t Ag"); Six rock grab samples contain great than 0.61 percent copper ("% Cu") up to 4.25% Cu. A historical, non-compliant 43-101resource of 4,900 indicated tons averaging 1.7 oz/t Ag, 3.6% Pb, and 0.5% Cu (McHugh et al., 1991)* exists for the Great Western mine (adjacent to but not owned by Zeus).



Recent rock grab samples by Zeus:

More recently Zeus collected 11 rock grab samples. Results include:

6 samples with greater than 97 g/t Ag including samples up to 1155 g/t Ag; 4 samples with greater than 0.17% Cu including samples up to 0.52% Cu.

Based on past and current sampling, Zeus is planning a follow-up ground geophysical program during 2025 to determine if the surface mineralization is sourced from a buried igneous/porphyry source.

Dean Besserer, President and CEO, stated, "The Great Western Property hasn't seen any modern day exploration since the industries understanding of carbonate replacement deposits has vastly improved. The chance to discovery a previous unrecognized igneous source at depth needs to be tested based on the high-grade nature of the surface samples and historical mining throughout the area".

*Adjacent Property. Resource is non-43101 compliant, has not been verified by the company and is not being treated as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. This is presented simply as a record of previous exploration at the project and to show the geological prospectively of the area. All information is derived solely from management of Zeus Mining and otherwise publicly available third-party information which are believed to be reliable, but which have not been independently verified by the Company and as a result are not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness. Zeus's management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Zeus may not necessarily be indicative.

Other News

The Company has terminated its agreement with Venture Liquidity Providers Inc. ("VLP") dated April, 2024. Subsequently, the Company has retained Integral Wealth Securities Limited ("Integral") to provide Market-Making services in accordance with the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") policies. Integral will trade securities of the Company on the CSE for the purposes of maintaining an orderly market of the Company's securities.

The agreement between the Company and Integral (the "Agreement") executed on April 1, 2025 is for an initial term of three months. The Agreement outlines that Integral will receive compensation of CAD$6,000 per month, with the first monthly payment paid on the signing of the Agreement by the Company, and thereafter, the fee will be payable on the first day of each month. After the third month, the Company may terminate the Agreement on 30 days written notice. There are no performance factors in the agreement and Integral will not receive shares or options as compensation.

The Company and Integral are unrelated and unaffiliated entities. Integral is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization ("CIRO") and can access all Canadian Stock Exchange and Alternative Trading Systems. The capital and securities required for any trade undertaken by Integral as principal will be provided by Integral.

Integral Wealth Securities Limited is an independent CIRO-licensed investment dealer engaged in market making, investment banking and wealth management. Headquartered in Toronto, the firm operates from nine offices across Canada. The firm's FINRA-licensed US broker dealer affiliate, Integral Wealth Securities LLC, is based in Malvern, PA and provides investment banking as well as private placement services.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P.Geo., the President & CEO for the company and Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

On behalf of the board of directors.

"Dean Besserer"

President and CEO

For more information, please contact the Company at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FOR INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:

Kin Communications Inc. Ph: 604-684-6730

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Zeus North America Mining Corp.

The Company is in the business of mineral exploration. The Company is focused on its exploration properties in the state of Idaho known as the: Cuddy Mountain; Selway; and Great Western properties, respectively. The Idaho properties consist of 101 (Cuddy Mountain), 57 (Selway) and 38 (Great Western) lode mining claims respectively and cover a cumulative area of approximately 4,200 acres. The Company's flagship Cuddy Mountain Property is adjacent to Hercules Metal Corp's Leviathan Copper Porphyry discovery.

Forward Looking Statements

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 statements and information. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of their respective officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the parties can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements and information in this news release include, amongst others, the Company's exploration plans. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or implied by such forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of the parties; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general development, market and industry conditions.

The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of its securities or its financial or operating results (as applicable). The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Diamond drilling has wrapped up on the Zone 2A and Rosie areas, and SJ Geophysics completed ground EM and Resistivity surveys on the Spring Bay area on the Northwest Athabasca Project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 24, 2025) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) (the "Company" or "Forum") and Global Uranium Corp. (CSE: GURN) (OTCQB: GURFF) (FSE: Q3J) ("Global") are pleased to announce that it has completed its diamond drilling program, as well as ground geophysical surveys on the Northwest Athabasca (NWA) Project, located along the northwest shore of Lake Athabasca in Saskatchewan, Canada (Figure 1). A total of 656 metres were drilled at Zone 2A and Rosie grid areas and SJ Geophysics completed ground Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) and Direct Current Induced Polarization (DCIP) surveys over the Spring Bay grid (Figure 2). The 2025 winter drilling confirms the highly prospective nature of the project by intersecting elevated radioactivity and the key alteration systems distinct to unconformity-type uranium mineralization.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Elevated radioactivity along fractures (170 to 300 cps - handheld scintillometer) intersected in both drill holes at Zone 2A

Bleached sandstone and elevated radioactivity (up to 120 cps) within fractures in the underlying basement gneiss at Rosie

Completed ground geophysical survey at Spring Bay that shows a major coincident conductor with the strong gravity anomaly

Global has an option to earn 51% interest in Forum's interest in the NWA Project by spending up to $9M over four years (see News Release dated May 30, 2024). Ongoing work with the local communities and First Nations will continue to be an important focus of the project as we move forward. Forum Energy Metals is the Operator of the Northwest Athabasca Project.

"While this winter's program presented challenges, it also reinforced the strategic value of the NWA Project," stated Ungad Chadda, CEO of Global Uranium. "The integration of historical datasets with new drilling and geophysics has advanced our understanding of the subsurface systems, and we're confident that Forum's technical expertise will continue to sharpen our targeting and guide future exploration success."

Rebecca Hunter, VP Exploration of Forum Energy Metals stated, "We had a very ambitious winter exploration program with a lot of logistical challenges including building a new camp and moving our equipment to site via an over 70 km ice-road from Uranium City. We are encouraged that we were able to test the Zone 2A and Rosie areas and intersected elevated radioactivity in 3 of 4 drill holes. The radioactivity and alteration suggest the area is fertile to host uranium mineralized zones."

Diamond Drilling

A total of 656 m was drilled in four drill holes on the Northwest Athabasca Project in winter 2025 (Table 1). Two holes targeted the Zone 2A area (Figure 3), which hosts an enigmatic high-grade historical intercept (5.69% over 8.5 m in drill hole Z2A-12 - originally drilled by Uranerz). The objective of the 2025 drilling was to investigate the Zone 2A area using remodeled historical EM data to target the mineralized area more effectively. At Rosie, two holes targeted a NW-trending EM conductor along a magnetic and gravity high to low boundary (Figure 3). The objective was to determine if a significant normal fault zone is present across the grid displaying an east up-thrown block and if there is evidence of mineralization processes in the area.

In Zone 2A, from DDH Z2A25-017 up to 300 cps (hand-held scintillometer) was intersected within fractures in a broader prospective fault structure with graphitic pelite, pegmatite and quart vein development. Drill hole Z2A25-018 intersected several fractures with counts ranging from 170 to 220 cps in a strongly hematized fault zone. The Zone 2A drilling successfully hit the mineralized structure and provides a better understanding on how to target this zone in the future.

At the Rosie Grid, ROS25-001 intersected 24 m of bleached pebbly sandstone and a bleached unconformity contact. Alternating moderately bleached and hematized basement intervals continue to 119 m and show that the basement rocks in this area have been affected by prospective fluid movement. Elevated counts up to 120 cps are present within silicified basement gneiss and possible dravite clay is present along fractures in the bleached intervals. Drill hole ROS25-002 intersected weakly bleached and hematite altered biotite gneiss at the top of the hole to 32 m. The Rosie drilling successfully reveals that a major fault is present between the 2 drill holes, which has up-thrown the eastern block and shows this trend is analogous to the Maurice Bay showing area. The bleaching and clay alteration at Rosie suggests that an unconformity uranium system could be present in the area.

The key takeaways from this drill campaign are the identification of elevated radioactivity in three of the four drill holes, along with the presence of key alteration types associated with uranium mineralization processes in the project area.

Table 1 Drill hole summary for the 2025 winter program.

Hole ID Easting Northing Depth Dip and Azimuth Comments Z2A25-017 559661 6585094 200 -60 / 090 300 cps along fracture surface in moderately bleached biotite gneiss/pelitic gneiss at 89.1 m. Abundant quartz flooding/silicification in drill hole and fault rock. Z2A25-018 559680 6585111 128 -55 / 085 60-80 cps in hematized and graphitic? Semi-brittle fault structure; and 220 cps within brecciated and hematized pegmatite. Moderate patchy bleaching to 102 m. ROS25-001 560144 6585092 224 65 / 063 Moderately bleached sandstone and basement gneiss to 117 m, and interesting pervasive silicification. Counts up to 120 cps in basement fractures. ROS25-002 560198 6585137 104 65 / 060 Weakly bleached and hematized to 30 m, no elevated radioactivity.

Ground Geophysics

The ground geophysical program over the Spring Bay area was completed on April 4th. The final EM data will be processed shortly and the final resistivity data will take around a month to process. The preliminary EM data shows a very prospective EM conductor associated with the strong gravity low present at the Spring Bay area and will make this area a high priority for the future. The resistivity data over the same area will also narrow down potential high-priority alteration zones to test in concert with the gravity and EM data.

The Northwest Athabasca Project

The Northwest Athabasca Project is located along the northwest shore of Lake Athabasca on the margin of the Athabasca Basin 1,000 km north-northwest of Saskatoon. The western margin of the property is situated along the Alberta - Saskatchewan provincial border and the closest community is Uranium City, which is 75 km east of the project. The project consists of 11 contiguous mineral claims covering 13,876 ha.

Qualified Person

Rebecca Hunter, Ph.D., P.Geo., Forum's Vice President of Exploration and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

For a discussion of the QA/QC and data verification processes and procedures at the NWA Project, please see its technical report entitled "NI 43-101 on the Northwest Athabasca Project Northern Saskatchewan Centered at: Latitude 5924'00" N, Longitude 10954'00" W", with an effective date of June 27, 2024, which is available under the Global Uranium's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Global Uranium Corp.

Global Uranium Corp. focuses on exploring and developing uranium assets primarily in North America. The Company currently holds key uranium projects: the Wing Lake Property in the Mudjatik Domain of northern Saskatchewan, Canada; the Northwest Athabasca Joint Venture with Forum Energy Metals Corp./NexGen Energy Ltd./Cameco Corporation/Orano Canada Inc. in the Northwest Athabasca region of Saskatchewan, Canada; and the Great Divide Basin District Projects, the Gas Hills District Projects, and the Copper Mountain District Projects in Wyoming, USA.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on the discovery of high-grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut. For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com.

Figure 1 - Location of the Northwest Athabasca Project along Lake Athabasca in northwestern Saskatchewan. The closest communities are Uranium City, Fond du Lac and Fort Chipewyan. The western margin of the property is located along the Alberta - Saskatchewan Border.

Figure 2 - The main uranium showings and drill target areas on the Northwest Athabasca Project. The residual gravity and EM conductors are shown as the background.

Figure 3 - The main target areas (Zone 2A and Rosie). The residual gravity and EM conductors are shown as the background.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & 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 release.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 18, 2024) - The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE" or "the Exchange") today welcomed the listing of Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation Metals" or the "Company"). The Vancouver-based company's common shares were listed on the CSE today under the symbol... Read More
VANCOUVER, BC , Feb. 8, 2023 /CNW/ - Prospect Ridge Resources Corp. (the " Company " or " Prospect Ridge ") (CSE: PRR) (OTC: PRRSF) (FRA: OED) is pleased to announce that it has completed its acquisition of 100% of the Holy Grail property. It is located 10 km northeast of the town of Terrace, BC.... Read More
From the dark shadows still cast by the wars that accompanied Yugoslavia's collapse to social exclusion, Croatian film director Nebojsa Slijepcevic is not afraid to shy away from weighty subjects.

Slijepcevic became Croatia's first ever Palme d'Or winner -- and achieved global acclaim -- when his "The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent" premiered at the Cannes film festival last year.

The short film, which depicts a war crime in Bosnia, was also shortlisted at this year's Oscars and has won a dozen other awards, including a French Cesar and a European Academy prize.

"It was a surprise indeed... it became one the most successful short movies in history considering the number of awards," Zagreb-born Slijepcevic told AFP.

The film depicts a real-life event from February 27, 1993 when Serb paramilitaries stopped a passenger train in Strpci, a village in eastern Bosnia.

Nineteen Muslim civilians from Serbia and Montenegro were kidnapped and later killed.

Of the around 500 passengers, retired Yugoslav army officer Tomo Buzov, who was travelling to visit his son, was the only one who stood up to paramilitaries.

Buzov, an ethnic Croat, was taken along with the others. His remains, like those of most the victims, were never found.

- 'Resisting violence' -

Slijepcevic said although the film is about an atrocity committed in Bosnia in 1993, the situation is "universal, out of time and space".

"It talks about something that happens very often to us both as individuals and societies... being in a position to witness injustice or violence, as some sort of observers who seemingly can afford to pretend not seeing it, that it doesn't concern us," he said.

The movie pays respect to an unusually brave man, who was motivated by a human desire to defend innocent people armed with only his words, the 52-year-old director said.

Buzov's family lives in the Serbian capital Belgrade and he sought their approval before making the film.

Mild-mannered Slijepcevic, who describes himself as an introvert, said the movie's success was also due to the current global political turmoil.

"It is about resistance to violence. The world is much more violent today than it was when I wrote the script, the violence is increasingly showing that it could change the world forever," he said.

"Global events were in favour of the success of my film. Unfortunately. It's really sad, I don't triumph over it at all," he added.

- Social exclusion -

Slijepcevic said that when he chooses a subject to tackle, it has to resonate with him emotionally and have social significance.

"It seems completely pointless to make something as expensive and as massive as a film about socially insignificant topics," he added.

Two award-winning documentaries that he made -- "Gangster of Love" (2013) and "Srbenka" (2018) -- address social exclusion of people considered "different", notably on ethnic grounds.

"Gangster of Love", about a matchmaker trying in vain to help a Bulgarian single mother find a husband in Croatia, portrays a conservative society in a humorous but also complex way.

In rural parts of staunchly Catholic Croatia, men prefer to stay single rather than marry a foreign national with a child.

"Srbenka" highlights Croatia's still-tense inter-ethnic relations after the 1990s independence war against rebel Serbs.

The documentary originated from a theatre play set against the backdrop of the war.

The play focused on the true story of a 12-year-old ethnic Serb girl, executed in cold blood at the start of the war, in one of the most gruesome crimes committed by Croatian forces during the conflict.

More than two decades on from the war, a young Croatian girl acting in the play is filled with fear after learning that she is an ethnic Serb.

Slijepcevic is currently working on a feature film, an adaptation of Croatian writer Kristian Novak's novel "Dark Mother Earth" -- a complex tale about a writer and his flashbacks to wartime childhood.

"One of the things that will be emphasised in the film is peer violence and isolation of children in elementary school," he said.

"It's something that I partly experienced in my elementary school... so I see this topic very personally."

Slijepcevic said he hopes to finish the movie in the next two years.
JUSTICE INFO: The UNs Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was created in 2023, when Bashar al-Assad was still in power in Syria and it was not possible to go there. But that changed unexpectedly after his fall, on December 8, 2024. How do you see the IIMPs role now?

KARLA QUINTANA: Well, I think its more important than ever. As you know, this institution was created because of the fight of the families and civil society. And of course lots of member States supported this institution, which is the only one in the UN tailored to missing persons and the families of the missing. If you look at the Resolution that created us, it always had this idea that we would hopefully go to Syria  no-one thought it would happen so soon , and even become a hybrid or national institution at some point. The reality before and after December 8 is totally different, not only for us but for everyone in Syria. Now we have the chance to eventually work in the field and to reach more Syrians than we could before. This opens a huge window, but also lots of challenges. We have a mission in Syria now, and we are planning to have monthly missions to work on different issues. We are starting to investigate missing children, but thats only one of many topics we are working on. What we would like to have is an office in [the capital city] Damascus, and we have asked for that.

Now that Syrians are looking on their own for the missing  we remember the images of people digging for bodies in Sednaya prison -- and exiled Syrians can go back, do you think the IIMP still serves a purpose?

I think Syrians need to do it themselves. I was myself the head of a national institution [in Mexico] for the search of the missing and thats why Im truly convinced it has to be nationally led. But no-one can do this alone. We are talking about at least 130,000 people missing, and this is only an estimate based on the work of civil society. The Syrian authorities are thinking of creating a national authority to search for the missing, and I think theyre right.

However, I do believe that the IIMP should have an important role in that. We can bring expertise, we can bring comparative experience from many parts of the world  from the Balkans, from Argentina, Guatemala, Mexico, and Cyprus. So we have all that experience in searching for the missing, both alive and dead, that we can bring to Syrians to help them build their own mechanism. I believe we have to help them build their own institution, and help them not only with knowledge but also the human, technical and financial resources. We are willing to do that, and I think we have a very important role to play in the coming years, because its going to take years.

We have to make the families and civil society part of this process. We have experience in doing that all over the world. First, the families of the missing are the ones who have more information than anyone. And if you are the government or an international institution and they dont trust you, they are not going to give you that information. So working with the families is not only an ethical issue, its a central part of the search. And to build trust, they have to see you working in the field, not just giving speeches, sending Tweets. Thats why it is so important for us to have an office in Damascus.

What are your budget and resources?

The regular UN budget approved last December [just before the regime fell] was $11,057,500 for 2025, and we currently have 28 staff. We were supposed to have 47. We were starting to hire new staff when I got here in January, but as you know there were cuts in the UN, a freeze. So its a critical moment for the world in terms of resources, and its impacting us. But the good news is that we were approved [by the UN] a Trust Fund a few weeks ago [for voluntary contributions from member States]. We have already been offered at least $1.2 million from Germany and Luxembourg, and we are hoping to get more funding from other countries.

You made a first visit to Syria in February. How important was that?

It was of paramount importance. It was unbelievable, I think, for many of us. We went to Beirut, and we drove from Beirut to Damascus. There you see a sign Welcome to Syria that would have been unbelievable a month and a half ago. It was very important for us and everybody that the independent institution go and see things directly.

Families and civil society from the diaspora have done a fantastic job, not only in documenting what was going on in Syria but also lobbying to create us. But now we have another challenge, which is to work with the families that didnt leave Syria and have so many people missing. Literally everyone that talked to us knew someone who is missing. When we took a cab, the drivers started to talk about nieces, nephews, brother, father, someone close to the family who was missing. When we went to a restaurant, the waiters would come and talk to us. I went to the restroom in the restaurant, and someone came to talk to me.

The Syrian Association of Detainees & The Missing in Sednaya Prison (ADMSP) organized a visit for the United Nations Independent Institution for Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP), last February. Photo:  ADMSP

They knew who you were?

We had this vest, with Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic marked in Arabic. I asked everyone in the team to wear it everywhere, because I know from experience in Mexico that anywhere you go theres going to be people that come and talk to you if they see you are looking for the missing.

What kind of relationship do you have with the transitional authorities?

I have to underscore first that we have a relationship with the authorities. We werent able to say that before December 8, and I think thats very important. I have met with Foreign Minister Asaad Shaibani twice, first when we went to Damascus and then in Brussels. He is the minister in charge of talking to all the international institutions, and he is a window to talk to any other authorities. I tried to explain to him who we are, what we can do, what we can offer. I made it very clear that for us, in terms of the missing, its very important that its Syrian-led, and internationally supported.

Did you get the authorization to set up an office in Damascus?

Shaibani asked the day I met him for us to present a programme of what we think we can offer. When I met him the second time in Brussels I gave him a very broad programme. We insisted on having an office. What I was told was they were waiting for a new government to be appointed, and it was appointed only recently. What we agreed is that I would go back after the government was appointed.

There are many UN member States that are willing to help in the search for the missing. I was going to New York after I met him, and I said can I tell them that we are going to work together, and he said yes. So thats a very good sign. The specifics we dont know yet, but I think the political will is there.

Concretely, how are you working with Syrian civil society and NGOs?

We meet with them consistently here in Geneva, almost on a daily basis. We work with them, we consult them, we go to meetings with them all over Europe. Only a few days ago, one of our colleagues was in Berlin, a few weeks ago there was a missing migrants conference here, and so on. The mission that is taking place in Damascus is also meeting with civil society. We try to have missions with 2-5 people, and hopefully we will have an office there with many more people.

As you said, there are many people in Syria who dont know you

We have to be there. When we were there in February, for instance, we went to this place called Darayya which is in the outskirts of Damascus and it was destroyed in the war, there was bombing there. We met with a group of women, and of course they didnt know us. They didnt even know there were other civil society organizations that were looking for the missing, let alone that we exist. So theres huge work to be done, not only for us but everyone in Syria, to know exactly who we are looking for. I think the number of people missing in Syria is much more than is documented, because people normally are afraid of talking to anyone. There were people who never, ever talked about their missing loved one before we went there.

There are a plethora of organizations working on Syria. How are you working with other international and UN organizations, especially the Syria Mechanism, IIIM?

Although there is a plethora of institutions working in Syria, there are only three in the UN that are tailored specifically to Syria: the commission of inquiry, which was created very early; the IIIM; and us. The commission of inquiry and the IIIM are accountability, and we are humanitarian. We do work together, we have weekly meetings, to share the information we can share, bearing in mind their accountability role and our humanitarian role. The IIIM and we are both thinking of having an office in Syria, but not sharing it. I dont think that would send the right message to victims, because there are people who might be willing to give information if they can do so anonymously and only for search purposes, but not necessarily for a tribunal.

I would add another question: who is to decide what adequate support is? Because I think if you ask someone in Darayya, in the northeast or northwest of Syria, in Germany, the US or Canada, the answer is going to be different. What I know is that the first form of support or participation is for families to be part of the process. That could mean, for example, that if we are allowed to open a mass grave, they should be there if they want to. They need to know how the forensic process works. And then there are so many other questions about psychological support. We are working on that with member States, especially those that have a larger number of Syrians in their countries. We are not going to do it by ourselves, we are going to help create a support network within the different countries and of course in Syria. Its titanic, but we are moving. Its a window of opportunity.
Spain has unilaterally cancelled a multi-million-dollar contract to buy bullets from an Israeli company that infuriated the minority Socialist-led administration's far-left coalition partner, government sources said on Thursday.

Spain halted weapons transactions with Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza, which followed by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and has devastated the occupied Palestinian territory, killing more than 50,000 people.

The interior ministry then sought to negotiate a termination of the 6.8-million-euro ($7.8 million) contract with Israeli firm IMI Systems, which was to have supplied bullets to the Spanish Civil Guard.

But those talks failed and the government has now unilaterally terminated the contract, the government sources said.

The deal had sparked outrage from the Socialists' far-left coalition partner Sumar, which said it was a "blatant violation" of the pledge not to trade arms with Israel and demanded its immediate cancellation.

After "exhausting all paths of negotiation", the offices of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Sumar's Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz and "the competent ministries have decided to cancel unilaterally the ammunition purchase contract with Israeli company IMI Systems", the government sources said.

"The investment board for dual-use material will deny this company permission to import this equipment to our country for reasons of general interest and, immediately afterwards, the interior ministry will terminate the contract," the sources added.

The interior ministry had said the state legal services advised against scrapping the deal "due to the advanced stage of the processing of the contract" and because it would have had to pay without receiving the bullets.

The state legal services and relevant ministries were "examining possible legal reactions and complaints", the government sources added.

The Hamas attack in Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Palestinian militants also seized 251 hostages in their attack and 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's military response in Gaza has caused a humanitarian crisis and killed at least 51,355 people, mainly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

The United Nations considers the figures reliable.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Crimea, the focus of fresh tensions between US President Donald Trump and his Ukranian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 in the first act of the countries' ongoing war.

According to US media reports, Washington's plan to end the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, includes the US recognizing Russian control of the peninsula -- a prospect unacceptable to Kyiv.

The annexation of Crimea in March 2014 sparked the first wave of Western sanctions against Russia, and caused a surge in tensions in Moscow's relations with Ukraine as well as with the United States and Europe.

Here are some facts about the territory.

- Pre- and post-Soviet history -

The Black Sea peninsula has a rugged landscape and beautiful beaches as well as ancient remains and architecture reflecting a diverse history of settlers including Greeks, Romans, Tatars and Turks.

Its main sea resort, Yalta, hosted the conference of British, Soviet and US leaders that divided up Europe at the end of World War II. Its warm temperate climate makes it also a wine-growing region.

Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, himself from Ukraine, transferred Crimea from Russia to Ukraine in 1954 as a "gift" to commemorate 300 years of a treaty between the Ukrainian Cossacks and the Russian tsardom.

But this was largely a symbolic move since Ukraine and Russia were both republics of the USSR.

A year after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Kyiv gave Crimea the status of an autonomous republic in a bid to prevent separatist tendencies among its mainly Russian-speaking population.

After years of disputes, Russia gained the right to station its naval fleet in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, extending its sphere of operations in the Black Sea and beyond, towards the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Despite this agreement, the Crimean issue poisoned relations between Moscow and Kyiv for years. Some regional officials regularly challenged Ukraine's right to be in charge there.

- 2014 annexation -

After pro-Western authorities came to power in Ukraine following the Maidan revolution in February 2014, clashes erupted in Crimea between pro-Moscow and pro-Kyiv supporters.

A heavily armed pro-Russian commando unit seized the parliament building, supported by thousands of uniformed personnel deployed across the peninsula.

Those soldiers, in balaclavas and without military insignia, quickly took control of public buildings and besieged Ukrainian military bases. President Vladimir Putin only later acknowledged that they were Russian soldiers.

On March 16 Russia held a hastily-organised referendum in Crimea. It said that 97 percent voted "yes" to Crimea becoming part of Russia.

The vote was declared null and void by Kyiv and the West, which denounced as illegal its annexation, formalised in a treaty signed by Putin.

The treaty has still not been recognised as valid except by a handful of countries including Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Syria and Zimbabwe. China has not recognised the annexation, nor have some Moscow-allied countries such as Belarus and Kazakhstan.

The European Union, the United States, Britain and Canada adopted initial sanctions against Russia, in the form of asset freezes, embargoes targeting specific sectors and a ban on investments in Crimea.

- Crimea since 2014 -

Crimea, which covered 4.5 percent of Ukraine's territory, was integrated into Russia in 2014, becoming an autonomous republic with its own government and institutions subordinate to Moscow.

The city of Sevastopol was granted a special separate status, like the Russian capital and the northwestern city of Saint Petersburg.

The ruble replaced the Ukrainian hryvnia currency and the peninsula switched to Moscow time, while Russian companies, including some banks and telephone operators, set up branches there.

Western and Ukrainian tourism to the region slumped, replaced by hordes of Russian and Belarusian holidaymakers.

Local authorities are massively distributing Russian passports to the population, while the Crimean Tatars, a Muslim minority who voted overwhelmingly against the annexation, are subject to repression.

In 2016, the Mejlis, the representative body of the Crimean Tatar community, was declared "extremist", sparking a wave of arrests and forced exile.

Since 2018, the peninsula has been linked to mainland Russia by the Kerch road bridge, 19 kilometres (12 miles) long. It has been struck and damaged by Ukrainian forces numerous times.
A sea of flowers blanketed the cold concrete of the brutalist memorial to the Armenian genocide on the Tsitsernakaberd hill, overlooking the capital Yerevan. Tens of thousands went there on Thursday to mourn the victims of World War I-era mass murders of ethnic Armenians by the Ottoman Empire.

But this time, the annual Genocide Remembrance Day was marked not only with grief, but also with some discontent that the Armenian government has stopped vociferously pushing for countries to recognise the massacres as a genocide, amid progress in relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

According to Yerevan, up to 1.5 million people died between 1915 and 1916, when the Ottoman authorities, struggling on the battlefield, carried out repressions against the Christian Armenian minority, whom it viewed as pro-Russian traitors.

They were either killed or sent on deadly marches into the Syrian desert, deprived of food and water.

Turkey does not recognise this as genocide and denies the murders were systemic. It estimates Armenian deaths at 300,000-500,000 and claims that as many Turks died in civil strife after many Armenians sided with invading Russian forces.

Armenia and its influential global diaspora have long advocated for international recognition and to date, 34 countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Brazil, and Russia, have officially recognised the killings as genocide.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday, however, stopped short of using the term "genocide", saying instead that the American people "honor the memories of those wonderful souls who suffered in one of the worst disasters of the 20th century."

- Strained relations -

"What our government is even thinking?" said 72-year-old Aram Hayrapetyan, as he slowly climbed the hill up to the memorial in a solemn procession.

"How can we trust Turkey, which openly supported Azerbaijan during the Karabakh war and still refuses to recognise the genocide?"

Relations between Ankara and Yerevan have been strained for decades over the massacres, which Armenia calls a genocide, and the Karabakh conflict, but Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has recently been pushing for a reset.

"We must not abandon the fight for international recognition -- for justice, and to ensure such a thing never happens again," added Hayrapetyan, who used to come to Tsitsernakaberd every year along with his wife, who recently died.

"She's gone, so I'm here for two today, and I'll keep coming as long as I have strength in my legs," he told AFP.

This year, the unusual absence of any major official events in Yerevan on Genocide Remembrance Day left many disheartened, especially after Pashinyan recently told Turkish media that seeking genocide recognition was no longer a priority for Armenia.

"We must be strong to make sure their blood wasn't spilled in vain and to keep the memory of them," said Mher Madoyan, a 76-year-old economist with powder-white thick hair.

- Fragile rapprochement -

Over the past four decades, Armenia and its neighbour, Turkic-speaking majority-Muslim Azerbaijan, backed by Ankara, fought two wars over the mountainous region of Karabakh amid a power vacuum left by the Soviet Union's collapse.

Karabakh was internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but was predominantly populated by Armenians.

In a swift offensive in September 2023, Baku regained full control of the region, prompting the exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians.

Last month, the two former Soviet republics agreed on the text of a long-anticipated peace treaty aimed at ending decades of hostilities, which could also pave the way for normalisation between Armenia and Turkey, which currently have no diplomatic relations.

But some remain sceptical.

"Of course, it would be nice to sign a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but I don't trust it," said Marine Balayan, a 65-year-old woman who laid flowers at the memorial.

"I am dubious, even after they sign it, that they won't go against our country again," she said.

Aram Petrosyan, a 46-year-old lawyer, told AFP: "Every day, the Azerbaijanis put more and more humiliating demands on the table. Therefore, I don't think it is realistic to sign a peace agreement now."

On Wednesday night, an Azerbaijani and a Turkish flag were burned as thousands sang patriotic songs accompanied by drumbeats in central Yerevan at a traditional torchlight procession on the eve of the Remembrance Day.

The burning of the flags was later denounced by the prime minister's office.

"This is the fire of the souls of the one and a half million Armenians who died in the genocidal hell," said Gegham Manukyan, a lawmaker from nationalist party Dashnaktsutyun.
While some others could see them as fancies of the time, one such pattern of controversies involving multiple high-profile Asian celebrities surfaced, connecting them to the luxury fashion brand Prada, triggering public interest and concern, and causing some to call it the "Prada Curse."

Like most of the world's biggest luxury brands, Prada has countless celebrity representatives in Asia alone.

However, an increasing number of these stars have faced scandals ranging from cheating allegations to legal troubles.

Among the most notable cases is Chinese actress Zheng Shuang, who was dropped by Prada after a surrogacy scandal surfaced in early 2021.

The scandal involved allegations that she abandoned her children born through surrogacy in the U.S. following a breakup with her boyfriend.

She also faced accusations related to tax evasion. Zheng's Prada ambassadorship ended just a week after the surrogacy scandal broke.

Chinese actor Li Yifeng, who ranked ninth on Forbes China Celebrity list in 2015, was detained by police in 2022 over allegations of soliciting prostitution.

After confessing to the accusations, his career was put on hold, and he was dropped from his Prada ambassadorship shortly after the scandal became public.

Red Velvet's Irene was involved in a controversy over her attitude in 2020, the same year she was announced as a Prada ambassador.

Her contract with Prada appears to have expired without renewal following the incident.

Read more: Korean Actors Who Cut Ties With Kim Soo Hyun Amid Controversy

Other figures include EXO's Chanyeol, accused of cheating on his girlfriend with multiple women during their relationship.

Despite negative public sentiment, he was not officially dropped by Prada.

Taiwanese actor Kai Ko faced a marijuana scandal in 2014 shortly after signing with Prada but has continued his career since.

More recently, Chinese star Cai Xu Kun was embroiled in rumors in 2023 involving an alleged pregnancy and abortion with a woman who claimed his mother hired a private detective to follow her.

Cai admitted to having a consensual relationship with the woman and said the abortion was mutual. His association with Prada ended, but he was signed by Versace in 2024.

Nagano Mei, a long-time Prada ambassador, was recently accused of having an affair with a married man and two-timing with a Korean actor.

There has been no official announcement regarding changes to her ambassadorship.

Actor Kim Soo Hyun was reportedly dropped by Prada following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with underaged actress Kim Sae Ron.

The recurring scandals involving these high-profile figures have raised questions about the brand's choice of ambassadors and the impact on its image.

Many other stars who have worked with Prada seem to have weathered the storm, but the spate of controversy has caused some observers to deem it a "curse" on the brand's representatives in Asia.






Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Vocal Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has accused Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyongo, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna of working to sabotage President William Rutos broad-based Government.

The political arrangement, formed last year after Ruto signed a pact with ODM leader Raila Odinga, saw several ODM figures integrated into the administration.

However, Nyongo, Orengo, and Sifuna, key ODM leaders, have since turned into vocal critics of Rutos leadership.

During an interview on Citizen TVs Daybreak on Thursday, Cherargei branded the trio saboteurs who are undermining the spirit of the Ruto-Raila alliance.

Their attacks are populist and pedestrian. They are deliberately sabotaging the broad-based arrangement, he said.

Governor Nyongo recently wrote to President Ruto, accusing his administration of undermining devolution and questioning the relevance of national road agencies like KURA and KERA.

The Kisumu County boss likened Rutos leadership style to the autocratic rule of the late President Daniel Moi, known for the Nyayo era.

However, Cherargei has dismissed Nyongos concerns as political theatrics.

Nyanza has benefited immensely under this administration with key appointments, including Treasury CS John Mbadi.

Money now sleeps in Nyanza, he claimed.

The Senator demanded an apology from Nyongo and urged Raila Odinga to publicly distance himself from the trios remarks.

Raila must call them out. This blackmail must stop, Cherargei asserted.

The Kenyan DAILY POST Bottom of Form






Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Raila Odingas brother and Senator Oburu Odinga, is among the leaders accompanying President William Ruto to China for a state visit.

The 81-year-old seasoned politician, who calls himself a total orphan, was pictured at a high-level meeting looking sleepy.

Age seems to have taken a toll on him.

See the trending photo.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado has told a Nairobi court that he ended his relationship with slain university student Sharon Otieno due to what he termed as inconsistencies, not because she was pregnant with his child.

Testifying for the second day in his defense, Obado described the relationship as one that began amicably but deteriorated over time.

We started as friends, but then came the inconsistencies, he said.

I told her I wanted to be a responsible person, now that she was carrying my child. I wanted her to be comfortable.

Obado insisted that even after the relationship ended, he continued to offer emotional and financial support.

Even after terminating the relationship, I was still giving her money for her welfare and for the child she was carrying for me.

I told her it was okay to carry my baby. I did not end the relationship because of the pregnancy.

I had planned to settle her, including looking for land to build her a house - that was just to settle her because she was carrying my child, he said.

She wanted to move to a rental in Homa Bay, and I provided for that, he added.

I was comfortable spending the Ksh.3.5 million on her. It was a good proposal.

He reaffirmed his previous statements and maintained his innocence in Sharon's murder.

Sharons lifeless body was found in Kodhiero Forest in Homa Bay County, on September 4th, 2018, just a day after she was reported missing.






Thursday, April 24, 2025 - A cheeky neighbour dumped garbage outside the next door neighbours house, following a small misunderstanding that could have been solved amicably.

The neighbour woke up to find a heap of garbage dumped on the door.

Such conflicts are common in single-room houses around Nairobis Eastland area, where tenants have frequent quarrels over petty things.

Watch the video shared by a tenant.

See what a cheeky neighbour did after having a small misunderstanding with the next door neighbour pic.twitter.com/GpvQcKbhLR  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) April 24, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, April 24, 2025 - A Kenyan lady was shot dead by her baby daddy in the United States of America, where she was living and working.

Hulda Bochere Mosiori, a 42-year-old mother of four, was fatally shot on the morning of Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Her killer baby daddy, Mel Melchizedek, stormed into her residence while breathing fire and shot her dead.

He then used the same gun to end his life.

The two bodies were found lying in a pool of blood.





The case remains under active investigation by the Ramsey Police Department, the Midwest Medical Examiners Office, and the Anoka County Sheriffs Office.

News of Mosioris death has sent shockwaves through both the local Minnesota neighbourhood and the Kenyan diaspora.

Roselidah Nyaboke, a community member, paid tribute on social media, noting that the community had lost a PMHNP and someones beloved daughter.

Mosiori was widely respected for her work in psychiatric mental health and her contributions to local entrepreneurship.





The Kenyan DAILY POST
Olivia Kelleher

The Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, Zhao Xiyuan, has said that this country should use the introduction of tariffs between the US and his home country to its advantage by increasing exports to China.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump introduced 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods, to which Beijing responded with a 125 per cent tariff on US imports.

Ambassador Xiyuan told the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk that the Chinese Government is looking to lower its reliance on the US market. He said that businesses in Ireland should benefit from Chinas reduced dependence on the US.

You have a very good infant milk formula (industry) selling to China. I think its over 70 or 80 per cent of (Irelands milk formula) exports go to China.

Thats very good for the Chinese people. Also, we can expand the market for the dairy products for adults - not only for the infants.

Its a very big market; we have 1.4 billion people and we also have 400 million middle class consumers. You can expand all of your products in these markets.

Ambassador Xiyuan, said that, in the past 16 years, Ireland and China have had a very good relationship in terms of trade.

Last years statistics show that we have over a trade volume of over 20 billion.

Meanwhile, last year the European Union voted to adopt definitive tariffs on battery electric vehicles form China.

The EU first announced that it would impose higher tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports in June of last year, on the ground that they pose a threat of economic injury to electric vehicle producers in Europe.

The EU maintains that they benefit heavily from unfair subsidies. There has also been suggestions of serious human rights violations.
Kenneth Fox

Coffee now reigns supreme as Irelands favourite break-time beverage, with Lyons and Nescafe the nations most-loved brands

A new survey by Codex Office Solution highlighted the pivotal role of tea and coffee breaks in the workplace, with coffee taking the lead as Irelands preferred beverage.

The study of 500 office workers shows how these small daily breaks contribute to workers well-being and productivity.

With 70 per cent of workers taking two or more tea/coffee breaks daily, for many these moments are an essential pause in the working day.

A striking 65 per cent of respondents rate tea/coffee breaks as very important for their wellbeing, and somewhat important for a further 23 per cent, demonstrating the power of a simple cup of coffee or tea to boost morale.

The Codex survey reveals that coffee is now the number one break-time beverage for 50 per cent of Irish workers, with tea unsurprisingly a close second on 37 per cent.

While herbal teas (4 per cent) and hot chocolate (3 per cent) lag, Lyons Tea dominates as Irelands favourite tea brand (32 per cent), narrowly edging out Barrys Tea (31 per cent) and Lipton (8 per cent).

Among coffee lovers, Nescafe wears the crown with 31 per cent of the vote for preferred brands, followed by coffee pod (12 per cent) and espresso (8 per cent) brands.

Morning (9-11am) is the most popular time for breaks, with 76 per cent of workers taking time for a tea or coffee during this window.

Early afternoon (44 per cent) and late afternoon (41 per cent) are also key moments for workers to take a break and recharge. 1 in 6 respondents keep their beverage breaks brief at less than 5 minutes, while a majority (72 per cent) keep their breaks between 5-15 minutes, and 16 per cent admit to indulging in longer breaks.
Over half a million of outpatient appointments were not attended last year at hospitals throughout the country, figures released by the HSE through request by the Freedom of Information Act 2014 show.

The report detailed the figures of missed appointments, or DNAs (Did Not Attend), at each hospital in the country in 2024 and contained a breakdown by region. In total, there were over 525,320 appointments not attended last year.

In Kilkenny, the total number of missed outpatient appointments last year was 9,126. The total figure of DNAs in St Lukes General Hospital was 5,027, St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network had 3,783 and Kilcreene Regional Orthopaedic Hospital had 316.

To put this into context, the current waiting list figures for St Lukes General Hospital alone stand at 6,537. Undoubtedly, for anyone stuck on these waiting lists for crucial services these numbers are incredibly frustrating to see.

At the top of the list for the most DNAs in 2024 was the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital with 48,007. St. James's Hospital followed with 40,000 and then Beaumont with 39,398.Outside of the Dublin area, University Hospital Limerick also recorded high numbers of missed appointments with a total of 24,659 as well as University Hospital Waterford with 26,522.

Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly all recorded a combined total of 17,419 unattended appointments last year also.

Such staggering figures perhaps hold most significance when compared to the number of people currently on waiting lists for often critical and life-saving health services across Ireland. According to the latest figures from the HSE, there are over 575,716 people on outpatient waiting lists nationally. Of these, 500,637 are adults and 75,079 are children.

READ NEXT: Seven projects in Kilkenny to share 500,000 under this year's Community Monuments Fund

When the total number of missed outpatient appointments are put side by side with the total number of those still enduring the never-ending waiting lists, the figures are not worlds apart. Had even the majority of these appointments been attended, then perhaps there would have been a considerable dent made in these enormous waiting lists.

To place this into further context, the Mater Hospital's number of missed appointments last year at 48,007 is almost 10,000 greater than their outpatient waiting list which currently stands at 38,254. Even worse, St James's figures from 2024 were almost double their current waiting lists of 23,950.

When asked to comment on the figures, the Mater pointed out that with a total of 291,495 patients attending the hospital last year, it is one of the busiest hospitals in the country. Additionally, they said: "It is worth noting that the community where the Mater Hospital is situated is recognised as an area of deprivation and many of the patients cared for have multiple morbidities and other social issues to contend with."

The hospital said they continue to encourage patient compliance with appointment attendance through a range of measures including sending appointment letters, text message reminders and validation of waiting lists to remove patients who no longer need appointments.

A spokesperson for St James's Hospital explained that the high figures in the report are indicative of the volume of patients they see and the complexity of patient cases. However, in a statement from the hospital, they said they will "continue to evaluate and examine future measures that can potentially reduce the number of missed outpatient appointments."

For those faced with limbo on these waiting lists, these figures can seem like a slap in the face. However, it is important to not shift the blame simply on the patients but to instead ask how can the system be allowing such vast numbers of missed appointments without raising concern and what is being done about it?

It cannot be expected that 100% of appointments be kept to: people's schedules change, things can happen, we can't always anticipate what comes next. We all accept that. However, over half a million appointments missed in one year is an extraordinary figure especially when it is held against our already extraordinary figure on waiting lists. So what is happening?

When asked to comment on the figures released by the HSE and the current situation with waiting lists in the country, the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill's office released a statement to say: "It is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments." The statement continued: "The Minister for Health is conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families."

The Minister's office pointed out the Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) for 2025 was published in February which is designed to reduce the waiting times for patients and improve access to hospital care. So far, over 420 million has been allocated to the initiative. Part of this plan aims to address the issue of unattended appointments.

Some of these initiatives designed to target DNAs include two-way messaging systems. The Health Minister's office also added: "enabling and facilitating scheduled care reforms, through the use of technologies and tools, including in relation to SMS messaging re appointments, referral processes, robotic process automation, application of insights from behavioural science, and further roll out of the HSE patient application."

A spokesperson for the Mid-West Hospital Campaign, Marie McMahon, has described the current situation in the region as "absolutely frightening." Seven years ago this month, Maries husband died on a hospital trolley in UHL. When discussing the dire figures from the HSE, Marie emphasised the real people behind those numbers, saying "a lot of families have had horrific experiences."

For Marie, the writing is on the wall: "Obviously, the system is failing." She acknowledged the complex reasons as to why the number of DNAs could be so high, however, as she points out: "There needs to be some understanding as to why this is. Why are they not investigating? How much is that costing? There has to be a huge cost."

She also pointed out that the current system of sending out letters and telling people theyll be removed from the waiting lists if they dont respond within a short timeframe is not suitable as not everyone has someone who can advocate for them, if they are not in the position to do so for themselves.

Then theres also the issue of transport for vulnerable and rural people. Marie said: "If you dont have access to transport and you dont have someone to take you there, how are you going to get there? What are the provisions? Thats fine if you are urban based where there is a good transport network. But if you are rurally based, and a lot of Irish people are, then how do people get to their hospital appointment?"

Ultimately, in Maries opinion, these figures further demonstrate that "the system is broken." As Marie expressed, these latest figures are just one further example of a failure by the HSE in the broader picture of mismanagement of resources and treatment of patients wherein there will be "no accountability."
Business man Paul Gallagher, who owns 25 Skecher stores in Ireland, has moved to highlight what he says is a huge shoplifting problem facing the country.

CSO figures from the last 20 years indicate there has been an increase in shoplifting incidents of more than 300% in some locations around the country.

Paul Gallagher told Newstalk radio that Dublin seems to be the most affected city in the country, with 5,400 shoplifting incidents reported last year alone.

He says shoplifting is "spiralling out of control" in most cities and towns but "the worst area is Dublin 1."

"It's a daily experience," he told Newstalk. "there's a huge epidemic of shoplifting in Ireland. There's a certain lawlessness in city centres, they don't care...there's zero consequences."

Paul said that there are a lot of repeat offenders and young offenders who are shoplifting Irish stores.

They get a slap on the wrist and theyre back out. You hear of people with 47 previous convictions - thats just having a laugh, he added.

READ NEXT: RIP: Search for missing Dublin woman stood down as gardai issue tragic update

"They just simply don't care," Paul told Newstalk. "They grab three of four jackets worth a couple of hundred each and they just simply run out of the door...and if the gardai come along and they do manage to apprehend them, theyre back out the next morning.

An Garda Siochana have issued some advice for retail stores, stating that there "are ongoing security concerns for retail and commercial premises. Direct losses arising from theft, or attacks on property and vandalism, can undermine or risk the viability of many businesses."

They have provided a long list of advice for retail owners, which can be found here, for example:
The Irish and British governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on Northern Ireland legacy issues within weeks, the deputy Irish premier has said.

Simon Harris said both governments are working in very good faith to bring about an agreed position.

The Fine Gael leader made the comments following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Co Down on Thursday.

Mr Harris was hosted by the Northern Ireland Secretary at Hillsborough Castle for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability.

Hilary Benn and Mr Harris took part in the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues.

The meeting was also be attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP and Irelands Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan TD.

It was the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006.

Mr Harris told reporters that the Irish government has always had two key tests when it comes to legacy.

Firstly, is the mechanism compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and secondly, does it have the support of victims and their families. They are the two principles, the two tests that were applying in our discussions, Mr Harris said.

I know you, Hilary, feel very strongly in relation to that as well. We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I dont want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues. But you are right. There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined.

People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one.

I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not.

I really hope it is, and were both working in very good faith to try and bring that about. But it is now a question in my mind of within weeks.

He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like.

Describing their meeting as constructive, he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

I passionately believe, I know you do too, that this peace agreement, the Good Friday Agreement works best when the two governments pull in the same direction, and if at all possible, thats where we want to get to, where we could actually have a joint position in terms of a mechanism on the legacy of the past, he added.

Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been productive, adding that the governments have moved closer together on an agreed position on legacy issues.

Over the the work thats been taking place in recent months, weve moved closer together, Mr Benn said.

I think thats a very fair reflection as what has been happening and were putting in all of this effort, the intensive discussion that our officials have been engaged in, the regular conversations that the Tanaiste and I have had is because we want to be able to find an agreement.

Some of the issues are quite tricky  you wouldnt expect me to go into them in this press conference today  but were putting the work in because we believe well be in a stronger position if we can find an agreement, and in the end, help to build confidence in arrangements that, in the end, are going to deliver the families.

This is what its all about. It is the families that we have to have in mind, and in particular, the many families I have met who are still searching for answers, in some cases after very many years, about what exactly happened to their loved ones. And we all have an obligation to find a mechanism that will finally give them the answers they have sought for so long.

He said he had agreed with Mr Harris to meet again before the end of May.

Mr OCallaghan described the meeting as productive and engaging.

We discussed a variety of issues, the main one which was legacy, but we also discussed security cooperation, Mr OCallaghan added.

I was very pleased to be able to emphasise at the meeting the agreement that has been reached between the Irish government and the chairperson of the Omagh inquiry, which I think is a substantial agreement, a memorandum of understanding that I believe is going to provide an avenue to which documentary evidence will be provided by the Irish government to the inquiry.

As well as discussing legacy, however, I think its also important that we concentrate and focus on the other areas where there is excellent agreement between our two governments.

Meanwhile, Ms Anderson said an update was given on the UK Governments commitment to helping the Executive transform public services.

She also said security and other areas of cooperation were discussed.

Its been a very positive meeting, she said.

The recent release of 129 million from the UK Governments 235 million transformation fund has been allocated to priority areas including health, education and justice, and were keen to see positive change implemented for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.

The meeting follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth.

At the time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the relationship between the UK and Ireland had reset following a turbulent post-Brexit period.
A guest post by David Garrett:

The standard sentence for murder in New Zealand is life imprisonment with a minimum non parole period (NPP) of ten years. This can be increased at the sentencing Judges discretion. For murder with aggravating circumstances, the sentence is life, with a minimum NPP of 17 years. Such sentences are rare. The third option is life without parole (LWOP) which thus far has only been imposed once, on the terrorist Brenton Tarrant.

New Zealand is a common law country, which simply means that our law is derived from the law of England. Other such countries include the US, Canada, Australia, India, the West Indies  and Tonga, where I now live. There are of course considerable differences in the laws of the countries I mention  the most notable of course being the USA, the states of which have some offences which are nonsensical to an English or New Zealand trained lawyer. For example I havent the foggiest idea what voluntary manslaughter in the second degree might mean.

The laws of Australia and the UK are much more similar to New Zealand law. In all three cases, the sentence for murder is life  whatever that might mean in a particular jurisdiction  with a minimum NPP.( Interestingly there are no NPPs in Tonga  in the Kingdom, life means life). All three countries  the UK, Australia and New Zealand  also now have LWOP as a possible sentence. (LWOP is referred to as a whole of life Order in the UK which means exactly the same thing).

The use of LWOP varies greatly between the UK, Australia and New Zealand. There are currently 77 whole of life prisoners in the UK. My research suggests that a person in the UK who kills two or more people, or someone who kills, is released on parole and then kills again, is almost certain to be sentenced to LWOP (much easier to write than whole of life Order). One significant difference between the UK and New Zealand is that it is possible to receive LWOP in the UK for an offence other than murder  in particular rape. This is not possible in New Zealand because the maximum penalty for rape is 20 years as set out in the Crimes Act 1961. UK judges seen to have a much wider degree of discretion than here. There appears to be no Sentencing Act in the UK, although I stand to be corrected.

I have been unable to ascertain the number of prisoners serving LWOP in Australia  I would be most grateful if someone with better research skills than I possess could tell us how many there are. Suffice it to say that there are a number  I would guess perhaps a dozen, but perhaps more or fewer. What is very clear is that minimum NPPs in Australia are generally much longer than here, with thirty years being not uncommon. As in the UK, a double or repeat murder in Australia will inevitably attract a life sentence  if not of LWOP then with a minimum NPP of in excess of 25 and up to 30 years or more.

Here in New Zealand, other than Tarrant, the longest NPP remains the 30 year sentence  reduced from 33 years on appeal  imposed on William Bell for the murder of three people at the Panmure RSA in 2001. Bell committed his crime while on parole from a sentence for a particularly nasty aggravated robbery, during which Bell made it clear he wished to kill the service station attendant he attacked in the course of the robbery. Had Bell committed his crimes in the UK or Australia, I have no doubt he would have got LWOP. Instead he will become eligible for parole in 2031  although it is fair to say he is unlikely to released. Well, that is unless the Green Party is then in charge of appointments to the Parole Board.

The next longest NPP I am aware of is 28 years imposed on Paul Tainui  formerly known as Paul Wilson  for the murder of Nicola Tuxford, a woman who was trying to help him but with whom he had become obsessed. Prior to the murder of Ms Tuxford, Tainui had killed his girlfriend in 1994, served 13 years of a life sentence, and been released on parole. In 2018 Tainui broke into Ms Tuxfords house, lay in wait for her for eight hours, and upon her return, he raped and murdered her. At his trial in 2019, the Crown sought a sentence of LWOP, or if not that, then a minimum NPP of 30-32 years. The judge refused, and sentenced Tainui to life with a minimum NPP of 28 years.

The third relatively recent such case I am aware of is that of Pauesi Brown, who killed good Samaritan Austin Hemmings, who came to aid of a woman Brown was attacking on an Auckland street in 2010. Brown had killed his ex-girlfriend in Australia. He repeatedly stabbed his estranged girlfriend in the neck and chest while they were living in Melbourne in 1992. He was charged with murder, but the charge was reduced to manslaughter, and he was convicted in December 1993. He spent eight years in jail for that killing. Brown has a lengthy record of violent offences both in Australia and here.

In what I regard as an outrageous sentence, Brown was sentenced to life with a minimum NPP of a mere 16 years  one year less than the prescribed sentence for murder with aggravating features. Again, had Brown killed for a second time in Australia, if not LWOP, he would have been given a minimum NPP of at least 30 years  double what he received in New Zealand  if not more.

In my view  which I am sure is a view shared by most New Zealanders  sentences for murder in New Zealand are ridiculously light, and as I have shown, far more lenient than in either Australia or the UK, two countries with which we compare ourselves. Prior to Tarrant, the Crown had applied for LWOP in at least four cases that I am aware of, all for either second killings, or the killing of children. In all four cases, the NPPs were considerably less than the 30 years William Bell is serving.

Murder  particularly the murder of children  is rightly the most serious crime on our statute books. While it is fair to say the circumstances vary widely  from the mercy killing of a terminally ill spouse by the other spouse to the crimes committed by Bell and Tainui  I believe our sentences for the worse murders, such as those discussed in this piece are woefully insufficient, and do not come close to satisfying either the gravity of defying a person of life, or the publics wish for the worst killers to pay commensurately for their crimes.

So how to change that? Given the nature and attitude of our judiciary, statutory direction is essential. The Sentencing Act could be amended to provide for a mandatory sentence of LWOP for any person who either kills two or more people, or is guilty of two killings separated by a prison sentence. We have already seen the folly of including a manifestly unjust get out of jail card. If that was part of any amendment I am as sure as I can be that the judges would avoid imposing LWOP.

I believe such an alteration to our law for murder would enjoy widespread support  even among Green voters. When Curia polled on the original three strikes law some years ago, to my considerable surprise it enjoyed the support of something like 45% of Green voters. The Green party by contrast would almost certainly vote against it.
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AT a recent sitting of Portlaoise District Court, Judge Susan Fay said that a man who was not present because his wife was undergoing a scan was surplus to requirement.

She made the comment when a solicitor for Alejandro Munteanu (23), Castlechurch Park, Newcastle, Dublin failed to appear in court charged with dangerous driving, driving while uninsured and without a licence on the M7 at Cloncough, Portlaoise on 27 May last year.

The solicitor said: Hes not present. His wife is in for a scan, to which Judge Fay said: Hes not present. At this stage, he is surplus to requirement.

Garda Sgt. Colin OLeary said that he would agree to the case being adjourned to another date for finalisation.

Setting the date for the next hearing of the case, Judge Fay told the solicitor: You can advise him that he is very lucky that hes not eating an Easter Egg in custody.
A TEENAGE brother and sister from Laois are among those appealing for more funding for Traveller youth work schemes, which have given them opportunities and hope for the future.

Dolly Nevin (16) and her brother Aaron (15) from Laois Traveller Action Group (LTAG) were at the launch of a new mapping survey of Youth Work funding on 23 April. The survey found that most Traveller organisations nationwide do not receive any funding for youth work.

As a panellist at the launch, Dolly stressed the benefits of investment in youth work, which has helped her to become an inspirational voice for young Travellers.

Dolly said: Young Travellers face so many challenges  discrimination, lack of opportunity and barriers in education and employment. Youth work gives us a chance to be heard, to grow and to lead. Youth work changes lives. Im living proof of that.

Youth work gave me the support and space I needed to believe in myself. It helped me realise that I could make a difference, not just in my own life but in the lives of others too.

The teenager won a Laois Offaly Garda Youth Award two years ago, in recognition of her exceptional work and advocacy for young Travellers.

Speaking at the mapping survey launch, LTAG Community Development and Youth Worker Brian Byrne said he has seen first-hand the transformative impact of targeted youth work.

He said: Young Travellers face significant barriers in education, employment and social inclusion. Without proper investment, we risk leaving another generation behind. Youth work provides not just support but also hope, opportunity and a sense of belonging.

Brian said that LTAG was proud to highlight Dollys story, as a young Traveller woman whose life has been transformed through youth work. He said: Dolly is now a strong and inspiring voice for change in her community.

Almost half of Travellers live in counties which have no funded Traveller-specific youth projects, according to the mapping survey launched by the Irish Traveller Movement (ITM).

The survey, of both Traveller specific and mainstream youth services, prompted the LTAG to call for improved mapping of youth work funding, to better meet the needs of one of the most marginalised groups of young people.

The majority of funding for youth work programmes comes through the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth UBU programme, which targets disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable young people.

However, the ITM survey found that numerous counties with significant Traveller populations have no Traveller-specific UBU funded youth projects, including Cork, Limerick and Wexford.

The survey found that while Traveller organisations were more active at engaging with Traveller youth than mainstream youth services, over half of Traveller organisations (53%) receive no funding for youth work.

The survey titled Mapping Youth work for Travellers in Ireland includes data from 93 organisations, 67 mainstream organisations and 26 that were Traveller specific.

The ITM said the survey showed that young Travellers need to have equitable opportunities to culturally competent youth work spaces, whether a Traveller-specific space or a mainstream youth work space.

Rose Marie Maughan, ITMs coordinator of the National Traveller Youth Programme, said: The decision-making and allocation of youth work funding should respond to the fact that Traveller youth are a key target group who have a high level of tailored needs, due to decades of social exclusion and experiencing anti-Traveller racism in all aspects of their young lives.

It should allocate funds accounting for the population of Travellers per county, as well as within the context of the broader youth population. ITM is calling on the UBU programme to resource Traveller youth workers in all counties and also for positive recruitment of Traveller youth workers in mainstream youth work services, in order to increase engagement with the local Traveller organisations.

The survey found that Traveller (52%) and mainstream organisations (45%) both reported educational disadvantage as the most significant challenge experienced by young Travellers.

The ITM is a national advocacy and membership based Traveller organisation representing local regional and national Traveller groups and organisations across Ireland.
On 23 April university workers in Argentina staged a national strike, one year on from mass protests against austerity measures affecting the countrys public universities.

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On 23 April Guatemalan authorities arrested, the countrys deputy energy & mining minister, on accusations of terrorism and illicit association.

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On 23 April Colombias Presidentrejected claims from his former foreign minister,(2022-2024), that he is a drug addict.

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Wiz Kidz, in the Madison Farms shopping center off Route 33 and Freemansburg Avenue in the township, is closing Sunday, April 27, 2025. The fast-casual cheesesteak joint opened at the site in July 2021, replacing a shuttered Steak n Shake. There are plans to relocate the eatery to Allentown.

The Bayou Boys are relocating their popular cheesesteak and pierogies brand from Bethlehem Township to expand their reach into the Allentown area.

Wiz Kidz, in the Madison Farms shopping center off Route 33 and Freemansburg Avenue in the township, is closing Sunday. The fast-casual cheesesteak joint opened at the site in July 2021, replacing a shuttered Steak n Shake.
Nazareth Area School District officials on Wednesday explained why they feel rezoning land in Lower Nazareth Township would be an ideal situation for a new elementary school.

The school districts plan is to build a new elementary school to handle increasing enrollment projections.

School district engineer Arif Fazil from engineering firm CHA told township supervisors Wednesday night that a 43-acre property on the southwest corner of Hecktown and Country Club roads is strategically situated for the new elementary school.
Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa., will close. (Jose F. Moreno, TNS) TNS

In what is one of the largest layoffs in recent years in the Keystone State, a hospital system is closing multiple locations in Pennsylvania and more than 2,600 people will be laid off. At least one county, two cities and a township have issued emergency declarations.

Prospect Medical Holdings, Prospect Crozer Home Health and Hospice, Prospect Crozer, Prospect CCMC and Prospect Health Access Network filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry informing the state of eight closings in Delaware and Chester counties, and that 2,651 people will be laid off.

The layoffs will take place at the following locations:

1,908 employees at the Crozer-Chester Medical Center, at 1 Medical Center Drive, Upland, Delaware County

45 employees at the Crozer-Chester Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit at 1 Medical Center Drive, Upland, Delaware County

88 employees at the Crozer Health Corporate Offices, located 1 Medical Center Drive, Upland, Delaware County

126 employees at the Crozer-Springfield Hospital at 190 W. Sproul Road, Springfield Township, Delaware County

53 employees at the Crozer Springfield Hospital Offices, at 190 W. Sproul Road, Springfield Township, Delaware County

351 employees at the Crozer-Taylor Hospital at 175 E. Chester Pike, Ridley Park, Delaware County.

34 employees at the Crozer-West 15th Street Offices, located at 301 W. 15th St., Chester, Delaware County

46 employees at the Crozer-West 15th Street Offices BHU, located at 301 W. 15th St., Building B, Ground Floor, Chester, Delaware County

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff. There are some exceptions to the requirement. The WARN notice was dated April 21.

Prospect said it was unable to provide the required 60 days notice to the state due to unforeseen circumstances. The company is laying off employees between Friday and May 2.

Prospect filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in January in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. Leading up to and since the chapter 11 filing, Prospect said it was working in coordination with the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office on a pathway to transition Prospects Pennsylvania facilities, in an effort to ensure continuity of patient care and protect Prospects employees.

Initially a buyer agreed to purchase the operations but, later pulled out of the deal.

Prospect then reached an agreement with the state to appoint a receiver to take over the strategic decision-making and finances of Prospect for the Pennsylvania facilities from Feb. 5 to March 5. The agreement was later extended to April 18.

On April 9, Prospect said it received an offer from the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which intended to provide $5 million in funding, the majority of which would be a donation to Prospect, to allow for a further extension of time to reach agreement on a purchase of the Pennsylvania facilities. On April 17, Prospect said it was informed that donation would no longer be available to allow for the extension.

With no buyer and no additional funding, Prospect said it was forced to close operations and permanently lay off all employees at its facilities in Chester and Delaware counties.

Delaware County issued an emergency declaration.

The emergency declaration enables the County to expedite staffing, procurement, and emergency medical coordination, and is initially in effect for seven days. The declaration also allows officials to track and potentially recoup costs related to the closures. If extended by Delaware County Council, the declaration may remain in effect for a longer duration, the county said on its website.

At least three municipalities in Delaware County have also declared emergency declarations.

The city of Chester said that with the closure of the Crozer Emergency Room, transport time to the nearest appropriate medical facility will increase.

Chester Mayor Stefan Roots has signed an emergency declaration for the city in response to the Prospects closing announcement.

City Council and I are devastated by this crisis, and we are taking every possible step to address the negative impact this closure will have on the City of Chester and its residents, Roots said. We are actively working with the receiver and his team to identify viable solutions that will ensure our residents continue to have access to prompt emergency medical services which will be impacted by Prospects irresponsible actions.

Brookhaven Mayor Denise Leslie also issued an emergency declaration related to Crozers imminent closure.

And Ridley Township has also issued a declaration of disaster emergency.

A significant public health crisis has emerged due to the reduction of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the closure of two nearby hospitals, a direct consequence of the overall closure of Crozer Health. The diminished EMS capacity means longer response times for emergencies, while the loss of hospital facilities limits available treatment options and jeopardizes timely access to critical medical care for residents, the declaration said.

A bankruptcy judge in Dallas approved the closures, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

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A motorcyclist was killed after crashing into a utility pole Sunday evening in Monroe County, authorities said.

The Lehigh County Coroners Office is identifying the deceased as 38-year-old Michael Crumpler of Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County. Crumpler was pronounced dead just before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg in Bethlehem.

Crumpler died from multiple blunt force trauma and the manner was ruled accidental by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio.

The collision happened around 6 p.m. Sunday in the 700 block of Hollow Road in Smithfield Township.

Its unclear what led up to the accident. It remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police in Stroudsburg and the Lehigh County Coroners Office.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Smoke spreads from a large brush fire Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, on Bear Mountain south of Jim Thorpe, along the Lehigh River. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

A large brush fire on Bear Mountain in the Jim Thorpe area of Carbon County is 95% contained, a state lawmaker serving the area said Thursday.

The Easton-based Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor said via social media Thursday the D&L Trail had reopened in the area after a temporary public-safety closure related to the firefight.
Its the subtleties that can make the difference between catching no shad and potentially one worth about $20,000 this week in the Easton-Phillipsburg area.

The 14th annual Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest opened Thursday on the Delaware River and runs through Sunday.
Wendy Williams claimed that money was taken out of her bank account without her consent to pay a doctor who raised concerns about her health. Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP

Wendy Williams is claiming that money was taken from her bank account without her consent to pay a psychiatrist who raised concerns about her mental capacities.

Williams official Instagram account, @therealwendywilliamsonline, shared several screenshots of American Express bank statements on Thursday, April 24.

Heres proof that Dr. Rami Kaminski was paid a total of $60,000 on the following dates on Wendys personal and corporate AMEX cards without her knowledge or consent, the caption read, claiming that $10,000 was sent to Kaminski on six different dates ranging from November 7, 2021, to January 14, 2022.

The post also included a photo of a letter that Kaminski allegedly wrote to Williams financial advisor Lori Schiller in January 2022.

Ms. Williams has been my patient for over a year now. Over the last six months she has been unable to make reasoned decisions and her insight and judgement are severely impaired, the letter read.

The posts caption pointed out that the triggering medical diagnosis letter was sent to Schiller on Thursday, January 20, 2022  just 6 short days after the last $10,000 payment" to Kaminski.

$60,000 for the 32 words used to strip Wendy Williams of her freedom and dignity. More to come, the caption continued.

NJ.com has reached out to Kaminski and Schiller for comment.

Back in February 2022, Schiller alleged that Williams was of unsound mind, prompting Wells Fargo to freeze Williams accounts and request that a court appoint a temporary guardian for Williams.

READ MORE: Netflix star slams RFK Jr.s autism comments: Extremely ignorant

Williams hit back with an affidavit claiming that Schiller had been fired for improper conduct in relation to my accounts, per Page Six. She also claimed at the time that Wells Fargo had repeatedly denied my requests to access my financial assets, which total over several million dollars.

That November, Schiller told Page Six that she had not been fired and was still the lead advisor on Williams account. She noted that she needed to hire 24-hour armed police officers to guard her home after Williams spoke out against her and Wells Fargo.

Williams was placed under a conservatorship in 2022 and diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia in 2023. She appeared on The View in March to speak out against the conservatorship.

Wendy Williams appeared on the Friday, March 14, episode of "The View." Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

It was my choice to get an independent evaluation on my incapacitation, which I dont have it, she claimed at the time. How dare they say I have incapacitation? I do not.

During the interview, The View cohost Sunny Hostin read a statement from Williams conservator Sabrina Morrisseys lawyer.

The guardianship was created by a judge who declared you legally incapacitated after a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and says that you have not been kept from your family and that you are receiving excellent medical care, the statement read.

Williams hosted her titular talk show, The Wendy Williams Show, from 2008 to 2021. She stepped back from the show due to complications from her Graves disease and thyroid condition.

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A Laois artist who has settled in Cork is bringing it all back home for a rare exhibition of her oil paintings this May.

Nano Culliton's art will feature in a month long exhibition in the sought after Abbeyleix Library Gallery, launching on Thursday evening, May 1.

She grew up in the historic Grange Lodge Mountmellick, where she was influenced and inspired to paint by well known Laois artist Gemma Guihan.

"Gemma was the first artist I ever saw at work. She lived across the road. My mother gave her a studio space to paint in our house. I used to creep in at night and see her painting growing. I was fascinated by oil paints. I credit her with a lot of my determination to paint," Nano said.

Now in a lovely full circle some 40 years later, Gemma is to perform the official opening for Nano's exhibition, her first in Laois for many years.

Nano spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live about her own life and work.

"I probably always painted. I went to college for a while in Waterford, then I went travelling, to Pakistan, to Italy, and set up a studio then. I would miss it. It's the only thing that keeps me level.

"I have had three shows in Laois in the past, in the late Jim Tynan's restaurant, he was very supportive. I had exhibitions in Kilkenny and May too. I settled in Cork, I went to University College Cork and while there I met Steve and we married in 2001. I've lived in Cork now for 27 years, and we have three grown children now," she said.

Nano held her first show in five years last January, in On The Pig's Back in Douglas, Cork and it led to the Laois exhibition.

"I work part time in a credit union in Cork, so that I don't have to make my art viable, I want the freedom to paint what I like," she explains.

She painted all through 2024 to create a new collection for the exhibition. It was a success with many works sold, so she decided to seek another venue.

"I always fancied exhibiting in Abbeyleix library, you can see the work when you stop at the traffic lights. I had a chat and applied and they booked me in for October 2027, promising to ring if they had a cancellation. And then they rang me offering this May. I feel really lucky," she said.

Nano and supporters at the opening of her recent Cork exhibition.

Nano's work is influenced by nature.

"My pictures are very observational. I grew up on the farm, my dad died when I was nine. But I remember waking up and hearing him sing to the cows, he said it made them milk better. He would let me into the parlour and I'd be standing under these huge cows looking up and loving them. Now I paint farm animals, landscapes, kids, and commissions," she said.

Her works are all framed, priced from approximately 150 to 600.

Read also: Tractors, high nellys, trucks and cars invited to charity Laois road run in Clonaslee

She is hoping that people will come along in support for the exhibition opening.

"I have a cadre of people who follow my work in Cork but I feel a bit exposed not knowing if I will get as many in Laois. I do have family there, there's lots of us, so I hope that family and other people can come along," she said.

Nano Culliton's exhibition opening is from 6.15pm until 7.30pm on Thursday, May 1 in Abbeyleix Library Gallery. It will run until May 31, open during library hours.

See Gemma Guihan's website here.
Sequins, satin, embroidery or lace, its all to choose from at Laois woman Breda Grumley Lalors home studio, her converted garage in Rosenallis near the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Breda is the experienced seamstress and proprietor of House of Gowns, which she describes as a one stop shop for any girl or woman looking for that special dress.

She is the only dedicated supplier in Laois, selling on average 300 personally altered gowns a year, with hopes to double that in 2025.

The gifted businesswoman told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that she has worked in clothing retail since she was 16 and a student at St Mary's College in Mountmellick.

She also did stints of work in the media, in local radio and even in The Leinster Express itself.

Breda launched her own shop called The Bridal Hall in Portlaoise in 1999, later with much success expanding to a premises in Ballybrittas.

Some of the gowns stocked and altered by the hand of Breda Grumley Lalor at House of Gowns.

Now with the addition of Debs, TY and communion dresses, and the retirement of staff, Breda's business has evolved again, with a loyal clientele following her in her journey.

She chatted about the business of dresses.

I opened House of Gowns at a converted garage in my home in Rosenallis a year ago. I do all my own alterations, its just me. No shop is ever full seven days a week but I can pick when I work.

I take three days a week to sew. High season starts in January and I sew seven days a week. I go to Barcelona every year to buy the latest gowns and accessories and pick up a new label. Its one not to miss. At the end of April I go to buy Debs dresses at a Birmingham show where everybody gets dresses now.

TY balls start in the new year, Mountmellicks is in January. They are a big thing all over Ireland, Mayo is one of my biggest areas.

I take it very seriously, I suppose because I am doing all the alterations myself. I do at least three fittings. Brides who came for their dresses are bringing back their daughters for their TY and debs gowns. Im very lucky, I get a lot of local clients.

Breda's business story is featured in the current issue and on the cover of Laois Live Magazine, on sale in Laois shops.

This year for the first time I have first communion dresses. It already taking off. I have over 80 or 90 dressses to choose from, and all the accessories too, Breda said.

Whats kept me going is that I do alterations. I pin the dresses, theres no point handing it on.

"Im self taught by Kathleen OLoughlin, my home economics teacher in secondary school in Mountmellick. I left in my last year and started in Brackens doing alterations, and Ive never looked back. I love it, she said.

Laois Live magazine, filled with stories from the county, is on sale next to the Leinster Express in Laois newsagents and supermarkets.
Iarnrod Eireann has advised customers of reductions in train size on specific services that serve Laois stations throughout the summer.

Train users in Laois will be among those impacted by the announcement to cut the number of carriages on services that serve Portlaoise, Portarlington and Ballybrophy stations.

Irish Rail explained in a statement seen by the Leinster Express / Laios Live why it has reduced capacity on selected services on the Portlaoise/Kildare commuter, Maynooth, Drogheda and Limerick services between April 22 and October this year.

"This is to facilitate maintenance and other works on a number of trains during that time, to enable us to deliver a better service and maximise fleet availability from autumn onwards.

"Current demand levels have been analysed and reviewed to identify trains where a reduction in capacity is possible. In particular, changed travel patterns associated with hybrid working have been considered, with a greater number of services having reduced capacity on Mondays and particularly Fridays, when fewer people are now commuting to workplaces.

"While the vast majority of trains and routes are unaffected, we will continue to keep demand levels under review to ensure sufficient capacity is being provided on individual services, and we apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused," it said.

Laois service impacted below picture:

Pictured: Irish Rail train service depot in Portlaoise.

Monday to Thursday:

0620 Portlaoise / Heuston cut from 6 to 4 carriages

The intercity routes through Laois to be impacted are as follows:

Saturday:

05.25 Limerick / Heuston intercity cut from 6 to 3 carriages

Sunday:

15.35 Heuston / Limerick cut from 6 to 4 carriages

2110 Heuston / Limerick cut from 6 to 4 carriages

1225 Limerick / Heuston cut from 6 to 4 carriages

1820 Limerick / Heuston cut from 6 to 4 carriages

READ ALSO: Laois opinions on Pope Francis

Most of the changes on commuter lines impact Kildare. See all the changes here.
Irish Rail have today announced the decreased capacity of many services along with changes to rail fares on certain services.

Irish Rail have developed 'Commuter Zones' in Dublin, where ticket fares vary in price.

Changes to fares and tickets have seen the elimination of Student and Adult weekly tickets in certain 'commuter zones' in Dublin, and the reduction of carriages on some Limerick to Dublin services.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live spoke to Irish Rail to clarify what these changes mean for Laois commuters.

Though fares will increase or decrease in certain commuter zones, there are no fare changes in the intercity Cork/Limerick to Dublin Heuston services.

Pictured: An Irish Rail sign at Ballybrophy train station. Photo: The Leinster Express

"Fares in Dublin City Zone 1 are largely unchanged, zone 2 mostly increased, and zones 3 and 4 decreased," a spokesperson for Irish Rail explained.

"However, these are for journeys entirely within the Dublin Commuter Zone. There are no fare changes on Cork/Limerick to Heuston, or affecting Portlaoise customers at all (other than the Luas add-on fare which was 1.40 now being eliminated  it will now be zero)."

Adult and student weekly tickets have been removed within the Dublin Commuter Zone only, with no effect to the Intercity tickets on the Portlaoise lines.

"Where the adult and student weekly tickets have been removed in Dublin Commuter Zone, this will be replaced with Leap-based zonal tickets or capping (Zone 1 only)."

The Leinster Express / Laois Live provided Irish Rail with a photograph taken recently of an over-capacity service to Dublin Heuston from Limerick, where many passengers were left standing in the train's corridors.

This service is one of six that will see six carriages reduced to four.

When presented with this information and questioned on the carriage reductions, Irish Rail had this response:

"Reductions in train size have been implemented on a limited number of specific services over the coming months. This is to facilitate maintenance and other works on a number of trains during that time, to enable us to deliver a better service and maximise fleet availability from autumn onwards," they said.

"Current demand levels have been analysed and reviewed to identify trains where a reduction in capacity is possible. However, we will continue to keep demand levels under review to ensure sufficient capacity is being provided on individual services."

Many intercity routes have seen 15-20 minute delays within the last few months, leaving many Laois commuters standing on the platform, and late for work and appointments.

We asked what efforts are being made on behalf of Irish Rail to reduce regularly reported delays to intercity services.

"We are continuously working to improve punctuality performance, and are seeing a consistent improvement through 2025 so far, after what was a challenging period after our timetable changes in August 2024," the spokesperson responded.

"One of the reasons for the reduced capacity is to ensure we can complete maintenance programmes on our fleet to improve reliability, and in turn improve punctuality of our services," they finished.
A Laois Senator held an information night to promote better care for women suffering with endometriosis.

Sinn Fein Senator Maria McCormack organised this event on Wednesday April 23, alongside party leader Mary Lou McDonald, who was also in attendance on the night.

The party leader welled up upon hearing the heartbreaking stories from Laois women who suffer with endometriosis.

Senator McCormack spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on the struggle Laois women face with endometriosis, and the emotional night that was held.

"There has been more research into male balding than there has into endometriosis, a disease that affects the vital organs," she said.

Above: an emotional social media post from Mary Lou McDonald on Wednesday's information night in Portlaoise.

"Laois is a small area, but we had to go source more chairs three times last night. The room was packed and people were standing. When I first spoke about endometriosis on March 5 in the Seanad, I received an overwhelming outpour of thanks and stories from women affected," she said.

"I knew about endo as someone close to me has it and has been failed by the system. So many Irish women have been, I do believe that the figure is higher than one in ten," she said.

"Women have been put into chemical menopause, given unnecessary hysterectomies, and they have been abandoned and left in pain. It's heartbreaking and so wrong that in 2025, this is the state of our health system. How many more health scandals do we need?" she asked.

Pictured: Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald with Laois Sinn Fein Senator Maria McCormack

Endometriosis (commonly referred to as endo) is a disease with no known cause or cure.

When a woman is menstruating, the lining of her womb is shed through her period. With endometriosis, the lining of the womb (endometriosis lesions) grows on organs outside of the womb, and is commonly found on the uterus, bowel and bladder. In some cases, endometriosis can grow within the lungs and throat.

The growth of endometriosis causes the organs to painfully contract, causing pain of a level similar to childbirth, leaving many women bedbound or in wheelchairs due to the severity of the pain.

One in ten women in Ireland have endometriosis, of varying levels of severity. The only way to diagnose endometriosis is through surgery, as the lesions do not appear in scans.

With no cure available, a surgery called ablation is used to help relieve the pain, where the endometriosis is burned off the organs. However, it is much like cutting a weed rather than pulling it; for many women, the lesions may grow back within two or three years.

"Women are left for nine years, waiting for a diagnosis, with many women travelling abroad for surgery," Senator McCormack said.

Pictured: Mary Lou McDonald and Maria McCormack with other speakers on the night

"In the time it takes them to be seen, the endometriosis has grown on vital organs. Speaking alongside me last night was Jess Ni Mhaolain, a woman who appeared in the Prime Time special on endometriosis two years ago.

"She was forced to undergo a hysterectomy at 26 years of age. In the time since the Prime Time special, things still have not changed," she said.

"We don't have the care or training in Ireland to perform the excision surgery, where the endometriosis is cut out rather than burned off. There is no cure to it, but you can treat it and keep it under control. We can help women go on to live relatively normal lives, and so many women in Ireland have been left without parts of their organs, living in excruciating pain," she said.

Also attending the night was 18 year old Nikita Clarke, who wrote a letter to Mary Lou McDonald on her endometriosis journey.

"At just 18, Nikita is in a wheelchair due to her pain," Senator McCormack said.

Pictured: Laois Sinn Fein with Mary Lou McDonald on the night

"For three years, her mother has been bringing her from doctor to doctor, explaining the pain that she is in. The doctors removed her appendix, and couldn't see anything wrong with her.

"They told her it was her mental health, until finally she had a laparoscopy and was diagnosed with severe endo. Now, Nikita is travelling to Romania to receive the surgery she needs. She is just one of many women failed by our health system," she said.

"These women have been fighting for so long, we had Kathleen King from Donegal speaking on the night, who has been advocating for endometriosis care for over 28 years. The Government has created 'enhanced endometriosis clinics', and never involved women suffering with endo in their creation.

"These centres do not offer the excision surgery, and they don't have multi disciplinary services. We are leaving women for over nine years, losing time and doing irreversible damage," Ms McCormack argued.

"We are offering unnecessary hysterectomies and outdated treatments, we need more awareness, we need our specialists trained and these clinics properly staffed," she said.

Pictured: Laois Senator Maria McCormack

"The Government is pumping money into these super hubs, yet women are being sent home with paracetamol and hot water bottles. When they go abroad with the same symptoms, they receive the surgery they require."

Senator McCormack expressed her delight at Mary Lou McDonald's involvement in the night.

"It's so great that she is involved, since i have spoken about it to her she has lobbied so much. She couldn't believe the stories she was told last night, she cried along with most of the people in the room," Senator McCormack said.

"I promised on Wednesday that this is only the beginning, it's not my campaign, myself and Mary Lou are spearheading it, but this campaign belongs to the women with endometriosis who are at the heart of it.

"I want to use my platform to give them a voice. We will protest outside of Leinster House until women don't have to get on a plane to receive treatment. Minister for Health Jenifer Carroll McNeill must be called out on this," the Sinn Fein senator finished.

Senator McCormack is also holding an event promoting zero tolerance towards domestic violence, and is appealing for support of this event through the wider Laois community.
Laois Live Well Expo turned three years old last Wednesday, April 23 and has grown into an example to other counties in how to best support communities to live long, healthy happy lives.

The free annual exhibition, based in Portlaoise College, was again launched by the dynamic 90 year old Laois icon, Anna May McHugh, MD of the National Ploughing Association.

Laois Age Friendly Ambasador Anna May McHugh; Emma OConnor, Healthy Laois; Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland and Tom Curran, Age Friendly Laois at the Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo 2025. Photos: Alf Harvey

Its wonderful to see so many people here, there are really wonderful exhibition stands. This is putting Laois on the map. None of us feel old now. We are lucky to have lived well, a privilege denied to many, she said.

The Laois Community Choir got the day off to a joyful musical start, led by Nuala Kelly of Music Generation Laois.

Over 2,000 people, mainly older generations, thronged two large halls, dancing, listening to expert speakers, enjoying free sandwiches and visiting stands manned by clubs, support organisations and volunteer groups and getting free health checks.

New this year was an arts and crafts room with Laois artists, and an activity room for fitness sessions. There was even an extra Portlaoise public bus put on for the day.

The expo is organised by Emma O'Connor of Healthy Laois and Tom Curran of Age Friendly Laois, backed by Laois County Council.

It's bigger than ever, we had 2,000 last year but it seems full already and we're not even officially opened yet, Emma O'Connor told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that morning.

People struggle to get information but when you put it under one roof, they can walk around, see what's there. We have over 110 stalls with 250 people exhibiting, even eight staff from Google using their annual holidays to be here, there's an amazing spirit, she said.

Tom Curran was delighted at the turnout for 2025.

People are coming very early today, there's huge enthusiasm, it's brilliant to see. It all began because we were told an expo was needed for people to get information about health and community services, he said.

The Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, Catherine McGuigan said they have maximised the attendance and she is astounded to see the amount of people.

The Laois Community Choir performing at the Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo, delivered for free through a collaboration between Age Friendly Laois and Healthy Laois and held at Portlaoise College. Picture: Alf Harvey.

It is an absolutely fabulous model, there are learnings for Age Friendly Ireland here today. If they have 2,000 attendants and they each tell three or four people the information, that's 8,000 reached across Laois, amazing, she told the Leinster Express.

Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey spoke on stage.

It's fantastic to see so many groups committed to living well in this county. We deliver 1,100 services to Laois but at the heart is to deliver the best quality of life possible, he said.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming also gave a speech.

A healthy county is one where you enjoy physicial and mental wellbeing, where we all want to live, work and visit, today is about opening doors and giving signposts.

The newly elected chairperson of Laois Older Persons Council is Trudy Nealon.

We only have one shot at living so lets live well, she said.

Mindfulness for Health led by Margaret Bergin at the Live Well Health & Wellbeing Expo. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Syl Murphy was at the Portlaoise Lions Club stand.

We come here so people can see us, we usually do a lot behind the scenes. We met SOSAD here today so we are bringing them to our next meeting for a talk and donation, he said.

Joe Grant was on the Portlaoise Men's Shed stand, this year given a prominant place at the centre of the venue.

It's great for the public, we're in the firing line today where everyone passes us. We want to attract new members young and old, he said.

PICTURES of Laois Live Well Expo by Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Laura Matikaite is a full time ceramic fine artist from Coolrain.

It's lovely today, I normally sell my pieces in galleries so it's lovely just to get to meet people and have conversations to encourage them to practice art in any way they see fit, she said.
A Kildare couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary have told of the "significance" of being able to attend Pope Franciss wake in Rome  having first met decades ago at another papal event.

Patrick and Alice Gavigan were among some 20,000 people paying their respects to Francis in St Peters Basilica on the first day of his lying-in-state.

The nearly four-hour queue was well worth it, the retired couple aged in their 60s said, as they reminisced on their first meeting during a visit by Pope John Paul II to Ireland.

The pair, now living in Leixlip, Co Kildare, did not know each other when they went to Phoenix Park in Dublin in 1979 for that event, but met, married and have since had two daughters.

READ NEXT: EXPLAINER: How to view Pope Francis' wake from Ireland

Mr Gavigan said,

There is a significance, really and truly. Not planned.

We met for the first time ever in the Phoenix Park when John Paul II visited Ireland, and were married.

And 40 years later we decided to come to Rome to see the current pope, whom we had seen in Knock (in 2018).

But lo and behold he didnt stick around for our visit. We thought we were coming for a party (in their wedding anniversary year) but alas its not a party, its a mourning.

The couple had booked their holiday to Rome last year, and were glad to arrive on Wednesday just as Pope Franciss remains went on display at the basilica.

Mr Gavigan, a retired prison governor originally from Longford, said it had been momentous to be in the basilica.

He added: Truly once in a lifetime. Im so happy weve done that. Looking up there now at the dome, its hard to believe that Pope Francis is waking there.

Mr Gavigan added that the experience felt surreal.

He said: Having seen Pope Francis when he visited Ireland in 2018  we went to Knock to see him  we felt coming here now that he is no longer with us and going to his wake was just surreal really. To see him alive and see him now in death.

READ NEXT: President Higgins expresses 'deepest sympathies' following passing of Pope Francis

Mrs Gavigan, a retired Health Service Executive (HSE) worker originally from Co Mayo, said while the atmosphere was subdued, those queuing alongside them were friendly as they stood in line for hours.

She said: It was very quiet and sombre (in the basilica), but everyone was in good form and chatting to each other in the queue.

It was long but it was well worth it in the end, just to go in to see him.

Referring to the fact Pope John Paul was later canonised, and his positive views of Francis as a reformative pope, Mr Gavigan said: Perhaps well have seen two saints in our lifetimes.

The Vatican extended viewing times at the basilica due to high demand from mourners, opting not to close it at midnight as originally planned.

Franciss remains are due to remain on display until 7pm local time on Friday, ahead of his funeral mass in St Peters Square on Saturday.
National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) returns on Wednesday, April 30 for its second year, with events taking place across Kildare to help eligible voters to get registered.

Through the collaboration of community leaders, groups, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders the initiative hopes to drastically improve voter registration in Kildare.

Next week (30/04/25) there will be a voter registration drive held at the Maynooth University TSI building between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm. Run by Maynooth University, the event will encourage people to register and learn about their voting rights.

People in Kildare are also being encouraged to visit the NVRD website to verify their eligibility to vote, check the register, and learn more about their voting rights.

READ NEXT: Kildare couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary attend Pope Francis' wake

The primary goals of this campaign are to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote is registered to vote, inform under-represented groups, disadvantaged communities, and young people across Ireland of their right to vote and how to register to vote and promote the importance of active citizenship and participating in the democratic process.

Committee members, Liliana Fernandez, Leadership Officer at National Womens Council (NWC), Leon Diop, CEO of Black and Irish, Brian Hearne, Policy and Communications Manager at the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS), Zoe OReilly, Political Support Worker at National Traveller Women's Forum (NTWF) and Fionnaigh Connaughton, Voter Education Coordinator at Dublin Adult Learning Centre (DALC), say that their main focus for National Voter Registration Day is to increase greater political participation among minority groups and young people at a national level.

Every election cycle, many people find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, do not update their registration, or are not aware of how to register to vote.

Speaking ahead of National Voter Registration Day, Liliana Fernandez, said: Although things are slowly improving there is still a lack of knowledge about voter rights among many people in Ireland and Kildare. This has an impact on civic engagement and representation in Irish politics.

This year we are continuing to collaborate with the Electoral Commission (An Coimisiun Toghchain), Local Authorities, PPNs, Civil Society Organisations and community leaders across the country to inform minorities and young people of their political rights, educate them on the roles of the President of Ireland, TDs and local councillors, the functions of our political institutions, and how to register to vote.

Brian Hearne said: We are engaging with a wide range of groups and organisations, and gathering support around Kildare for this years National Voter Registration Day. We're working to get every eligible voter registered, especially young people and underrepresented groups who are often unaware of their rights at the ballot box.

For example, many migrants who have been recently naturalised, need to be aware of updating their citizenship status at checktheregister.ie to be able to vote in the upcoming Presidential election. Also, other migrants who do not have Irish citizenship are unaware that they can vote in local elections.

We recognise marginalised communities rights to participate in political life in Ireland. We aim to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities. By increasing engagement in the democratic processes and voter registration, we can ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity and is motivated to vote.

The National Voter Registration Day initiative aims to spark year-round conversations about democracy, fostering greater participation beyond just election periods.

To date, the initiative has connected with over 60 organisations, spreading awareness of National Voter Registration Day among diverse communities and all public representatives.

On National Voter Registration Day, participating organisations will set up tables to assist people with registering or updating their voter details, and to answer questions about Irelands democratic system, including voting eligibility and procedures.
Ireland cant hide behind military neutrality anymore and needs to step up its military preparedness, Maria Walsh, Fine Gael MEP for the North-West and Midlands, told the Leitrim Observer in an interview last week.

With war continuing in Ukraine and Washington appearing to be an increasingly unreliable partner in European security, the European Union is urging member states to boost their military spendingputting Irelands policy of military neutrality under renewed scrutiny.

Im probably more pro-defence than many of my colleagues, said Walsh, who previously served as a reservist in the Defence Forces.

We're the most western periphery of the European Unionsubsea cables, social media platforms, tech, med tech, a smart, educated workforce, a relatively free judicial system, good independent media. Thats a democracy thats actually under attack in many parts of the world.

Theres no reason why we cant be more prepared and still maintain our status on military neutrality, she added.

Last month, the European Commission issued a report calling on all member states to increase their defence spending to 1.5% of GDP, with financial support from the Union.

The report highlighted the need to close capability gaps in Europes defence industry, deepen the EU defence market through new technologies, and enhance readiness for worst-case scenarios.

Ireland currently has the lowest military spending of any EU country, allocating only 0.24% (1.29 billion) of its national GDP to defence, according to a study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

The Irish Defence Forces are also 2,000 members short of the 9,500 personnel required to meet operational needs, according to government figures released this year.

The government recently announced the procurement of new radar technology and Irelands entry into the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE), a group of European nations sharing intelligence on potential threats across the continent.

This move has sparked debate around the triple-lock mechanism that protects Irelands military neutrality. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has expressed concern, saying she was deeply concerned and called on the government to clarify the nature of Irelands involvement with CISE.

There needs to be a clear and informed conversation about defence in Ireland, according to Walsh. We think that having the conversation is pigeonholing us into a cornerwatering down military neutrality when we talk about defence. That couldnt be further from the truth, she said.

READ MORE: Less than a month to the Leitrim Gathering - Here is what is on
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April 22nd Memorial Group and family attending the remembrance ceremony held at the Liberia Baptist Seminary in Paynesville City.
Imposed Speaker, Rep. Richard N. Koon (right), has downright rejected the Supreme Courts ruling, affirming Rep. J. Fonati Koffa as the legitimate Speaker of the House of Representatives.
STUDENTS from a city centre school got up close to the operations of a local engineering firm during a special site visit.

The pupils at St Marys National School at Kings Island headed to Raheen to see first-hand what goes on at Takumi Precision Engineering.

There, they learnt about the companys operations and history.

The visit was part of the Outreach to Employment Programme, led by Limerick City and County Councils regeneration directorate, in partnership with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and Department of Social Protection.

Also helping to organise the event was Paul Partnership, the Technological University of the Shannon, as well as industry and community representatives.

READ MORE: Another batch of Limerick schools to avail of hot meals programme for students

The programme is aimed at the four regeneration communities in the city and aims to improve opportunities for access to employment, education, and training pathways.

Founded in 1998, Takumi Precision Engineering is a global engineering solutions provider.

It employs around 150 people at its Limerick operation, with staff specialising in bespoke medical, aerospace, and industrial component assembly and manufacturing.

The firms founder, Gerry Reynolds, who grew up in Limerick, gave the company its unique name after spending time in Japan following his graduation as an engineer.

This site visit gave the chance for children and their parents to engage with a local company at an early stage, experiencing a real work environment and highlighting future opportunities available for both parents and their children.

Mayor John Moran praised the work of the Outreach to Employment programme.

He said: This initiative is a fantastic example of how we can connect our young people with local industry, providing them with valuable insights and inspiration for their future careers. Its wonderful to see the community come together to support the next generation.

Metropolitan district leader, Cllr Kieran OHanlon, who represents the Kings Island community on the local authority added:

This initiative is particularly impactful for residents in often overlooked areas, providing them with invaluable first-hand experiences of life in the workplace. By witnessing the opportunities and possibilities available, individuals are inspired to achieve their full potential. With the right support and guidance, everyone can succeed.

Eoghan OByrne, the principal of St Marys National School, expressed his enthusiasm saying his students and their parents have been afforded a fantastic opportunity to look around the premises.

Experiences like this truly inspire and connect learning with the real world for our pupils, he said.

Stacey Keane, of Takumi added: It's an honour to share our passion for innovation and sustainability with the next generation.

We hope this visit inspires them to explore careers in engineering and technology, and to see the exciting opportunities available right here in Limerick.
A COUNTY Limerick man who told a foreign national to go back to his own country has had part of a suspended sentence for threatening to kill, and harassment of an ex-partner, revoked.

Stephen McDonagh, aged 31, of Fanningstown, Fedamore appeared via video-link from Limerick Prison for the Section 99 hearing in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Padraig Mawe, State solicitor, informed Judge Colin Daly there were two triggering matters - both for threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place.

READ MORE: 'Bloodbath' as two men hospitalised with slash injuries in aggravated burglaries in Limerick

Mr Mawe said Mr McDonagh was abusive and aggressive to a parking attendant in Limerick city on May 21, 2024.

Three days later, Mr Mawe said, the accused was driving a van at speed in the city.

The State solicitor said a man gestured to Mr McDonagh to slow down, that he was driving too fast.

The man is originally not from Ireland.

Mr McDonagh stopped the van and told the individual to go back to his own country. Mr McDonagh got out of the van and chased the individual, said Mr Mawe.

Mr McDonagh received a four-week prison sentence for each of the Section 6 public order matters in Limerick District Court.

The court heard that Mr McDonagh received a four year prison sentence with the final 18 months suspended for threatening to kill and harassment of his ex-partner.

Mr Mawe said Mr McDonagh incessantly text and rang his ex-partner, and threatened violence to try and ensure she would not attend court.

Eimear Carey BL, who represented Mr McDonagh, said that at the time of the incidents the woman was his ex-partner but they are still together.

What occurred, occurred at a particular point in their relationship, said Ms Carey.

The defence barrister said Mr McDonagh is dealing with his emotional disregulation. Ms Carey said her client is doing very well in Limerick Prison and is on enhanced status.

Judge Daly said it certainly shows a pattern of intimidating behaviour. He has great difficulty controlling his anger, said Judge Daly. The judge revoked three months of the 18-month suspended sentence on each of the public order offences, to be served consecutively.
A NEWCASTLE West man who met the late Pope Francis as recently as February has said: The experience will be etched in my mind forever.

Dr James Lawlor, the executive director of youth organisation Narrative Four, which uses storytelling to effect change, was one of a group of people to meet the head of the Catholic Church two months ago.

He is believed to be one of the last Limerick people to meet Pope Francis before he became ill and died this week.

It was a surreal and humbling experience to meet the Pope, James said. I found him to be humble and warm with a lovely sense of humour. A man of integrity and obvious faith.

PICTURES: 24 hour cycle-a-thon for Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention

He revealed he received a set of Rosary beads from the Argentine cleric, whose passing has plunged the Catholic world into sadness.

He was in The Vatican with colleagues from Narrative Four, who locally are based at OConnell Street in the city.

They were there to work with youth at the Jubilee of the World of Communication Conference.

Here, Narrative Four led a storytelling workshop with 130 people.

They did not expect a private audience with His Holiness.

We only got the invite the night before. We arrived in St Peters Square as dawn was breaking and were led to an inner room with 60 0ther people. He spoke to us for five minutes then we got a chance to meet him, James recalled.

In their brief conversation, James mentioned he was from Limerick in Ireland, causing the pontiff to smile, and bless him.

James did admit the Pope appeared very frail, and was saddened by his passing.

Pope Franciss humanity will be his legacy. He was the peoples Pope, he concluded.
A NEWCASTLE West councillor has said the funding Government is delivering for its Tenant-in-situ scheme is way below par.

Cllr Jerome Scanlan, Independent, believes the money in place will only enable Limerick City and County Council to buy 21 homes at low water.

The Tenant-in-situ scheme was introduced a number of years ago, offering private landlords the chance to sell their properties to the local authority, which would then rent them back to the same tenant, preventing their homelessness.

READ MORE: Booker prize-winning author receives honorary doctorate from the University of Limerick

Some 325m has been made available to the 31 local authorities in the State - an initial 60m, and a further 265m.

But Cllr Scanlan, a former bank manager, says this will not go far in Limerick.

He referenced the additional funding of 265m when he said: It works out at around 8m per authority. You then take the average price of a house, around 390,000, which is probably on the low side if youre looking at Dublin. That will allow you to buy 21 homes per authority.

Its worrying for want of a better way of putting it, he said.

He said there is concern for tenants facing homelessness, but also fear that landlords who initially committed to selling their house to the local authority will walk away from the scheme due to a lack of funding.

The last thing they want to do is to be seen to be responsible for making someone homeless. But they need to dispose of their property, he said.

Asked for a comment, the Department of Housings press office stated: The Government is committed to the continuation of the second-hand social housing acquisitions programme and targetting those acquisitions at those most vulnerable.

They said the funding announced by Housing Minister James Browne last month will allow the purchase of a similar number of properties to what it did last year.
The U.S. needs massive amounts of electricity to power the AI race, but it is getting harder to deliver.

Investors and developers are putting financing decisions on hold as they try to determine how much more their projects will cost to complete.

About 28% of planned wind, solar and battery projects have been delayed or canceled, according to an Atlas Public Policy analysis of government energy data. That is about 42,000 megawatts of capacity, roughly on par with the existing solar, storage and wind energy in California.

Delays and cancellations had been growing but recently accelerated, according to the data, which provides a snapshot of existing and planned power generation across the country. Only about 10% of projects, or 12,000 megawatts, were delayed or canceled in 2022.

Efforts to build natural-gas-fired power plants face similar challengeswait times for turbines can stretch beyond three years, as can those for large transformers.

The bottleneck is causing headaches for the developers that are racing to take advantage of the mania over generative artificial intelligence that has driven U.S. power demand forecasts higher for the first time in two decades.

Utilities say the AI revolution has the potential to be as transformative for their businesses as the advent of air conditioning. Data centers could use as much as 9% of U.S. electricity by 2030, according to the Electric Power Research Institute.

A search on a platform like ChatGPT can use at least 10 times the amount of energy as a google search. Trends suggest that by 2030, data centers for training the largest AI models will require more than five gigawatts of electricityor roughly enough to power about 5,000 Walmart stores.

President Trumps trade war has put a wrinkle in some of the development plans. Although he has paused some of his threatened tariffs until July, 25% steel and aluminum levies are still in place, as are 145% duties on imports from China. The U.S. this week also imposed massive tariffs on solar imports from four Southeast Asian countries.

The steel and aluminum tariffs are affecting energy projects of all kinds, from renewable energy to fossil fuels, because they require components like electric motors, compressors, wires or pipe, said Josh Zive, senior principal at the law firm Bracewell.

Unfortunately many of those items have to be imported from other countries because they are specialized," Zive said. The U.S. steelmakers dont make some of these products."

Renewable energy developer Intersect Power is still largely reliant on Chinese imports of battery cells needed to build large-scale storage projects, despite working for years to source steel, solar panels and other materials from U.S. manufacturers.

View Full Image Sheldon Kimber, Intersect Power CEO Photo: Intersect Power/REUTERS

Chief Executive Sheldon Kimber said Intersect Power is trying to move projects forward despite the economic uncertainty and working to source battery cells domestically, which isnt yet feasible at scale.

Weve absorbed higher costs for many years to buy American, and now we have this one pinhole in our supply chain, and its costing us hundreds of millions of dollars," he said. Thats hard to stomach."

The company plans to break ground this year on projects worth $9 billion and expects its battery storage fleet to exceed 11 gigawatts by 2027.

Himanshu Saxena, CEO of Lotus Infrastructure Partners, said it is especially challenging to determine how costs might rise over the multiyear timelines needed to complete large energy projects. Lotus invests in a range of energy projects including renewables and gas-fired power plants.

The good news is that the customers are willing to negotiate how to deal with the cost increases, because they need the product," he said. The bad news is that its taking a lot longer because it is a very delicate discussion around who takes the risk of rising costs."

The power industry has increasingly been turning to natural gas to respond to AIs needs for round-the-clock power.

The capacity of proposed gas-power projects in line to connect to the grid increased more than 70% last year, according to preliminary data from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as reported by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Meanwhile, the cost of building a gas power plant has more than tripled in recent years, said John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy.

Manufacturers of turbinesthe monster machines needed to turn natural gas into electricityare boosting capacity while trying to estimate how long the era of high demand will last.

We have true demand growth," said Bill Newsom, CEO of Mitsubishi Power Americas. But he cautioned that doesnt mean factories can expand as quickly as turbine orders, which quintupled between 2023 and 2024.

You cant just flip a light switch and go from x-number of turbines last year to five times more this year," said Newsom. Its not just us, but its all of the supply chains underneath us. I cant just go to them and say, OK, I want this much more steel. I want this many more rotors. Theyre limited, too."

Mitsubishi Power plans to increase its global gas turbine output by about 30% in the next few years.

View Full Image GE Vernova expects to increase its gas turbine output by about 35% in the next 24 months. Photo: GE Vernova

Similarly, in the next 24 months, GE Vernova expects to increase its gas turbine output by about 35%. It plans $600 million in investments in U.S. facilities, with half going into the gas-power business.

CEO Scott Strazik said the demand for gas power is going to be higher for longer, but I dont know if its going to be a lot higher" than the 35% level. Customers are currently ordering turbines for delivery in 2030.

Write to Jennifer Hiller at jennifer.hiller@wsj.com and Katherine Blunt at katherine.blunt@wsj.com
As Pakistan closed its airspace for Indian airlines and barred them from overflying, airlines have scrambled to adjust schedules and start cancellations. A look at the airline and airport websites shows that IndiGo has already cancelled flights to Almaty and Tashkent today. It operates daily from Delhi and the route will be too circuitous to operate by avoiding the Pakistani airspace. There will be a direct impact on flights to Central Asia, where operations may have to be suspended.

The current NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) released by Pakistani authorities shows that the airspace is closed till 0530 hours on May 24, 2025, Indian Standard Time. These NOTAMs, which are dictated by geopolitical tensions, are always up for changes depending on the situation on the ground. While there have not been any direct flights between the two countries for a very long time, Indian carriers flying to the Middle East, North America and Europe, especially from Northern India, regularly use the Pakistani airspace for transit.

Major impact on Delhi airport The maximum impact of this would be felt by Delhi airport, already reeling under the pressure of runway closure for work and subsequent delays, along with Air India. Air India has 134 weekly departures to Europe and North America (USA & Canada) from Delhi, its primary hub, and these will feel the pinch of the airspace closure. The impact will be on the block times, which will now be more than before as planes fly longer. The last time there was a similar impact was in 2021 when Taliban took over Afghanistan and airlines started avoiding the Afghan airspace completely for a few months. Before that, Pakistani airspace was closed for all India-bound planes, including foreign carriers, from February 27, 2019, to July 16, 2019, in the aftermath of the Balakot strikes by the Indian Air Force, in retaliation for the Pulwama attack.

While replying to a query in the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian parliament, the then Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that Air India had suffered a loss of INR 491 crore between February 27, 2019 and July 02, 2019. Losses for SpiceJet and IndiGo were much lower at less than INR 50 crore.

Data shared by Cirium, an aviation analytics company, exclusively for this article, shows that Indian carriers operate 144 weekly departures from Delhi to points in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, all of which overfly Pakistani airspace regularly. The closure could have an impact on approximately 300 flights a week at Delhi airport, which handles a little over 1,000 flights a week, shows data by Cirium.

For the airport, this means changes in arrival and departure times, and since Delhi is the largest hub in India, it also impacts transfer passengers and transfer times. This will deal a blow to Air Indias Via India campaign where it changed timings of its flights to Australia and added a bank of flights to Europe to offer seamless and fastest connections between points in the European Union and Australia.

Tail Note Geopolitics remains an ever-changing and dynamic area, and airlines the world over are aware of it. While every country looks at its options holistically, which includes military and nonmilitary retaliation, airlines worldwide know how quickly things can change and turn. For now, the airlines are getting ready with Brace, Brace, while the impact remains unknown. For businesses, this will be a small price to pay, as the country's top leadership decides on the next steps.

There have always been questions about a reciprocal ban. However, Pakistan is not connected to South East Asia currently and thus has no impact. Its flights to China and other parts overfly the Northerly route which passes via Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

If push comes to shove and the escalation continues, airlines may be forced to drop some routes for a longer period and would lead to Indian carriers not being able to fly to Central Asia. IndiGo could well utilise the additional capacity to release its wet-leased aircraft, while Air India may also look at some cancellations to ensure schedule stability.
April 24 - Nokia reported first-quarter profit well below market expectations on Thursday and flagged a short-term disruption from U.S. tariffs with an estimated impact of between 20 million and 30 million euros to its second-quarter profit.

Comparable operating profit fell to 156 million euros in the first quarter of 2025, a 36% miss against the average forecast of 243.83 million euros by analysts surveyed by LSEG.

A one-time charge in its mobile networks division had an impact of 120 million euros on quarterly margins, the company said.

Nokia's sales in North America have been growing steadily despite losing market share to Nordic rival Ericsson, reflecting a renewed market strength after years of weakness.

But now the sweeping tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump could counter this trend, as companies might pause orders fearing price increases.

The Finland-based company also announced a strategic multi-year extension of its partnership with T-Mobile in the U.S. to expand the carrier's 5G network coverage.

"Telecommunications is not a place where customers tend to change their expenditures," Nokia's CEO Justin Hotard told reporters.

Its quarterly net sales totalled 4.39 billion euros, down 3% on a constant-currency basis compared to a year earlier and a notch lower than the 4.41 billion euros expected by analysts.

Nokia confirmed its outlook for the rest of the year, which now includes the acquisition of Infinera, but said achieving the top-end of the range for operating profit would be more challenging than initially expected.
Amidst mounting scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities in India, embattled solar power EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) company Gensol Engineering Ltds West Asia operation is exploring a potential separation from the parent company.

Two people aware of the development said that the Dubai-headquartered middle-east arm, which holds significant solar project contracts worth AED 175 million ( 406.75 crore), is considering the move to mitigate the fallout from its India troubles.

There is a plan being discussed to delink Gensols West Asia operations from the parent company to sequester it from the India fallout,"one of the two people cited above said, requesting anonymity. The plan also includes returning AED 25 million to the parent company."

The AED 25 million ( 58.10crore) had been initially transferred by the Ahmedabad-headquartered company to establish its MENA (middle east and north Africa) presence, which includes subsidiaries such as Green Energy Trading LLC-FZ-UAE and Gensol Renewables DW LLC-UAE.

Experts believe such a separation is feasible under certain conditions. Any plan of hiving off an arm of a company in such instances can be taken up as long as the company is not admitted to insolvency resolution," said Manoj Kumar, partner and head of M&A and investment banking at Corporate Professionals. In case of insolvency, any related-party transaction over the past two years would be scrutinized and any non-related party transaction over the past one year period would be thoroughly scrutinized."

Also read | Gensol promoters lose over half of their ownership

Kumar added that in case Sebi or the enforcement directorate, which have power to seize assets, decide to seize them, then such a transaction of separation would be difficult to go through. But till the time there is no embargo on the assets, a transaction of separation or hive off can be taken up."

Meanwhile, Mint reported earlier that PFC is looking at multiple options to recover its dues, including filing an insolvency petition at the National Company Law Tribunal. PFC on Tuesday said it has filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police over alleged submission of falsified documents by Gensol.

Queries emailed to the spokesperson of Gensol Engineering Ltd on Tuesday remained unanswered till press time.

The background

The development comes in the backdrop of the Indian government evaluating all green energy project contracts awarded to Gensol to ensure their timely completion and, if required, rebidding of the EPC contracts won from state-run firms.

The governments move followed an interim order by Indias market regulator Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India) barring Gensols promotersAnmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggifrom trading in the securities market, and from holding any key managerial post in Gensol or any other listed company. Additionally, Gensols planned 1:10 stock split has been halted, and a forensic audit has been ordered.

Sebi in its investigation had found that the founders of the cleantech company had siphoned off loans availed from state-run lenders Power Finance Corporation and Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (Ireda) for non-related and personal expenses. It also found the company forged documents to show that it was regular in servicing its debt towards the lenders.

Read this | Gensol won many PSU contracts. Here's what happens to them

Further, Sebis interim order highlighted the broader implications of the financial irregularities, stating, While the fund diversion primarily occurred in the context of electric vehicle (EV) purchases intended for leasing to a related party, the risk it creates is neither isolated nor contained. The company has a substantial order book, comprising critical infrastructure contracts awarded by government and public sector entities in the renewable EPC space. These contracts are not just capital intensivethey also require strict financial discipline, timely execution, and reputational credibility to retain project flow and institutional trust."

Gensols business

Established in 2012, Gensol Engineering Ltd has been operating in the solar power EPC services space, along with electric mobility solutions. According to its annual report for FY24, it has a team of more than 500 professionals across solar (Gensol Solar EPC -- India & Middle East -- and Scorpius Trackers), EV (electric vehicle) leasing and EV manufacturing.

In the annual report, the company said it has expanded its footprint internationally with EPC projects in the UAE and other regions. We secured a 23.2MWp (megawatt-peak) solar project in the UAE, showcasing our competitive positioning and leveraging strategic partnerships in high-potential markets," the company said.

And read | How did Gensol's lenders miss a 262-crore gap for more than a year?

Gensols net profit for the nine months ended December 2024 was 78.31 crore, compared to 51.40 crore in the year ago period, according to its Q3 FY25 financial results filed with the exchanges. Its total revenue was 1,053.02 crore, 42% higher than 740.98 crore in the year ago period. As of December 2024, the company had an unexecuted orderbook of about 7,000 crore, showed its investor presentation for Q3 FY25.
When Alphabet reports its first-quarter earnings on Thursday afternoon, there will be more than the usual questions about financials. This is a company with risks on all sides.

Wall Street analysts expect Alphabet to report earnings per share of $2.01, up 6% from 2024, on sales of $89 billion, up 11%.

But investors are already looking past the first quarter in this uncertain environment. So far this earnings season, several notable companies have withdrawn annual guidance, like Tesla, or given conditional guidance, like United Airlines.

Alphabet has long chosen not to give specific guidance on revenue or earnings. Rather, its chief financial officer, now Anat Ashkenazi, presents the companys views on the moving parts for the coming quarter and the year. When Ashkenazi made her presentation three months ago, there was no mention of a trade war or macroeconomic uncertainty, and investors will want to know her thoughts on how that affects Alphabets coming quarters. Of particular interest will be advertising revenue from Chinese companies, like e-commerce players Temu and Shein, who are selling to U.S. customers.

There is also the issue of capital expenditures amid the AI race with Microsoft, Amazon.com, and Meta Platforms. Google has projected $75 billion in 2025 capex, up 43% from 2024, which was up 63% from the previous year. Depreciation expenses, up 28% last year, will continue to pile up in 2025. Investors will want to see signs of moderation, or returns from all the investment. Macro uncertainty may figure into this conversation, as well.

Alphabet is also seeing pressure from external sources. Its engaged in two antitrust suits with the Department of Justice. Both have been decided in the governments favor, and the first one is in the middle of a short trial to determine the penalties Google will face. The government is asking for draconian measures, like requiring Google to share its search and ad indexes with competitors, or even a breakup of the company.

In Europe, meanwhile, the recent fines for Apple and Meta are an indication the European Commission will rigorously enforce its Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, both of which are likely to affect Alphabet.

Just as Google is being called a monopoly by courtsand dealing with a growing number of regulatory issuesits search dominance is under threat by AI search engines from Perplexity, OpenAI, and Anthropic.

Until recently, Alphabet was a fairly simple story of growing ad revenue on top of a booming cloud business. Now, the business is increasingly complex, and investors have new questions and concerns.

Shares of Alphabet are down 17.9% so far this year.

Write to Adam Levine at adam.levine@barrons.com
New Delhi: Bharti Airtel Ltd, Indias second-largest telecom operator, has urged the department of telecommunications (DoT) to convert its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues into equity, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

The company owes the government about 52,000 crore towards spectrum dues and 40,000 crore in terms of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. In the telecom sector, there are certain regulatory payments that an operator has to make to the government for licence, etc., as a percentage of their AGR. Spectrum purchase payment is additional.

The proposal is largely to convert about 40,000 crore in AGR dues into equity. At Thursdays closing share price of 1,846 on the National Stock Exchange, this would give the government a nearly 3.5% stake in the company subject to clearance, the first of the two officials said, both of whom spoke on condition of anonymity.

Also read | Adani halts telecom ambitions, transfers spectrum rights to Bharti Airtel

Queries emailed to Bharti Airtel did not elicit any response till press time.

Going by the 2021 relief package, Airtel has the option to convert its AGR dues into equity, not the spectrum dues," the second official said. This is because Airtel has already prepaid spectrum liabilities of 66,665 crore and its remaining 52,000 crore dues are related to 2021 and 2022 spectrum auction, which is outside the purview of the 2021 relief package, the official added.

The request from Airtel to convert its dues into equity comes after the government recently converted 36,950 crore worth of spectrum dues of Vodafone Idea Ltd into equity. With the equity conversion, the government got a 49% stake in the beleaguered telecom company. Earlier, the government had converted 16,133 crore of Vodafone Idea interest dues into equity.

Earlier the government had converted 16,133 crore of Vodafone Idea interest dues into equity.

The equity conversion in Vodafone Idea happened as part of the telecom relief package of 2021. As part of the relief package, the government gave a moratorium/deferment of up to four years in annual payments of dues arising out of the AGR judgement by the Supreme Court. The moratorium is set to expire this year after which the telecom operators would have to start making yearly payments to the government to clear their liabilities.

Also read | No plan to merge Vodafone Idea and BSNL: Scindia

According to the relief package, the telecom operators also had the option to convert the due amount pertaining to the deferred payment by way of equity at the end of the moratorium/deferment period.

If the deal goes through, it will be a win-win situation for both the government and Airtel. This is because Airtel would be relieved of making annual installments pertaining to past dues and save on cash outgo in terms of interest. The government can sell the stake in the market and earn a premium on its investments, given the share price has an upside and the company is doing well financially, analysts said.

However, in a recent interview with Mint, Union minister of communications Jyotiraditya Scindia said the government is not considering any fresh relief to the telecom sector. The government has stepped in and provided a tremendous amount of relief for the telecom sector and the sector is fiercely competitive but at the same time also extremely remunerative," Scindia said when asked if the telecom sector would require more relief as a whole.

Last month, Airtel said the prepayments towards spectrum dues have resulted in the company clearing 1.16 trillion of scheduled instalments that would have otherwise been payable on their respective dates over the original tenure of the liabilities.

Also read | Vodafone's bailout vs Air Indias sell-off: a confusing U-turn by the government
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday detained Gensol Engineering co-promoter and BluSmart co-founder Puneet Singh Jaggi from a hotel in Delhi and conducted searches against the company, a report quoting officials has said.

The ED conducted searches under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) at Gensol's offices in Delhi, Gurugram and Ahmedabad, according to a report by news agency PTI/

The two brothers of beleaguered Gensol Engineering, Puneet Singh Jaggi and Anmol Singh Jaggi, are under the lenses of the probe agency after markets regulatory SEBI reported them for alleged financial misconduct and diversion of funds.

According to sources quoted by PTI, Puneet Jaggi was detained by the ED from a Delhi hotel while Anmol Jaggi is stated to be in Dubai.

The ED action is based on the SEBI order which claimed that Gensol Engineering obtained loans from Power Finance Corporation and IRDEA Ltd for procurement of EVs and EPC contracts.

However, according to the SEBI report, the company instead of utilising these funds for the intended purposes had diverted the funds for purchasing the assets in personal name of promoters or their relatives or in various shell entities floated by the group.

Also Read | Gensol Engineering shares hit another lower circuit level; drop for 11th day

The Gensol story On April 15, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) barred the Jaggi brothers from accessing the Indian stock markets until further notice in connection with a case involving fund diversion and governance lapses.

SEBI in its report revealed that Gensol took out loans worth 978 crore from state-sponsored IREDA and PFC. A major portion of this loan was used to fund the acquisition of electric vehicles (EVs) for its cab operations arm, BluSmart. However, the remaining amount was used by the Jaggi brother for their own benefit, SEBI alleged.

The markets regulator has also barred the Jaggi brothers from holding the post of promoters or other such categories until further notice.

Even though Gensol denied defaulting on its debts, SEBI confirmed that the company has defaulted on its repayments, which led to rise of further concerns about the financial practices in the company and Gensol's association with BluSmart, according to Mint's earlier report.

Also Read | Not just investors, Gensol promoters took independent directors too for a ride

Since then, Gensol Ltd shares have spiralled, hitting the lower circuit for 11 straight sessions.
(Bloomberg) -- Deutsche Bank AGs investment unit is removing restrictions that had prevented a number of its funds from holding defense assets, according to its chief executive officer.

The move, made possible by a recent adjustment in Germanys investment guidelines, has the potential to free up hundreds of billions of euros across the countrys asset management industry for defense allocations, DWS Group CEO Stefan Hoops said in an interview on Wednesday.

Its part of a wider reset across Europes investment industry, as fund managers from Scandinavia to France look for ways to support an industry whose geopolitical significance has soared in the face of war and souring ties with the US. The pivot has also helped boost investment returns, with defense assets such as Germanys Rheinmetall AG having more than doubled in value this year alone.

Industry rules for funds marketing themselves as ESG (environmental, social and governance) used to largely exclude arms manufacturers, but that has now changed, Hoops said. Thats also due to the defense sectors financial performance, he said.

Several industry standard setters for the German asset management industry late last year agreed to change a rule known as ESG Target Market Concept, DWS said in a separate statement to Bloomberg News on Wednesday. Developed in 2021, when there were no standards for sustainable products in the EU, the rule excluded many defense investment from ESG funds.

The decision to change the guidelines applies across Germany, enabling the countrys asset managers to open ESG funds to defense investments.

Freeing Funds

DWS is now in the process of adjusting the documentation of funds applying its DWS Basic Exclusions filter, according to the statement. The change, which will go into effect by May 21, will scrap a threshold that had prevented funds from holding companies that got more than 10% of their revenue from defense activities. It will also free funds to add shares of companies linked to nuclear weapons, DWS said.

The adjustments mean that 34 members of the MSCI World Index  accounting for 2.26% of its weight  will be added to the universe of investable firms for DWS funds previously subject to defense restrictions, according to the statement. The asset managers Controversial Weapons policy, which excludes cluster munition and other arms, continues to apply, it said.

The Target Market Concept has to change for the industry, then the prospectuses have to change, and then we can make the changes, Hoops said in the interview, explaining how the changes take effect.

Catch-Up Expected

DWS isnt planning to put all the money thats unlocked by these adjustments into defense, Hoops said. But if the question is, what quantum of funds can then all of the sudden start investing, those are hundreds of billions of notional that can then start investing in defense.

There will definitely be a catch-up, Hoops said. Theres no question about that.

(Corrects preposition in seventh paragraph to by from on.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- The Dutch Finance Ministry said its going to look at whether it can tweak the countrys bonus restriction for parts of the financial sector while leaving it in place for banks top brass.

I will not amend the bonus rules for directors in the financial sector, such as top bankers, Finance Minister Eelco Heinen said in a letter published on Thursday. But I want to see whether a suitable solution is possible for specialist staff of financial companies.

The finance ministry had been considering easing parts of the countrys limits on variable pay, Bloomberg News reported earlier this year. That move could be designed to support banks by focusing on some staff, while seeking to mitigate the risk of a public backlash by excluding senior executives, people familiar with the matter said at the time.

Any softening of the Dutch bonus cap would be the first time the government makes changes favored by banks since introducing some of the regulation a decade ago.

The Dutch cap is far more stringent than restrictions on variable pay applying throughout the rest of the European Union. The countrys banks including ABN Amro Bank NV and ING Groep NV have long cited the rules as a substantial hiring impediment, highlighting IT recruitment as a particular challenge.

ABN Amro recently put in place a hiring freeze to keep a lid on costs, Bloomberg News has reported.

The Netherlands put the bonus caps in place in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis that resulted in huge bank bailouts costing the country tens of billions of euros. Top management of banks in which the state owns a stake were banned from receiving any variable pay, and a bonus cap at 20% of fixed salary was subsequently implemented across the rest of the industry.

Heinen said that the financial sector is facing new challenges, such as cyber resilience. These new security issues are a focus for financial institutions and that requires additional capacity. This makes the availability of employees with specialist knowledge and experience, such as IT specialists, essential, he said.

He said that an evaluation showed that companies have to search longer for suitable personnel or have to weaken job requirements as they also compete with big technology companies to which the remuneration rules do not apply.

Heinen also said that financial companies have often increased their fixed wages to remain competitive, leading to less cost flexibility in times of economic downturn. That can particularly pose obstacles for fintechs, he wrote in the letter.

--With assistance from Patrick Van Oosterom.

(Updates with context in sixth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Googles contract with Lenovo Group Ltd.s Motorola blocked the smartphone maker from setting Perplexity AI as the default assistant on its new devices, an executive of the startup testified at the search giants antitrust trial.

Perplexitys Chief Business Officer Dmitry Shevelenko said Wednesday that the companys efforts to obtain preferential distribution on smartphones from manufacturers and wireless carriers were because of Google contracts, which he said are like a gun to your head for a company. His testimony came at a hearing to determine a remedy in the Justice Departments lawsuit against Google after the Alphabet Inc. unit it was found to have an illegal monopoly in search.

Perplexitys AI app wont be the default AI assistant despite both parties wanting it to be, Shevelenko told Judge Amit Mehta, who is overseeing the case. Motorola cant get out of their Google obligations and so they are unable to change the default assistant on the device.

Instead, Perplexitys app will come preloaded on new devices, but not appear on the home screen that a user first sees when logging in, he said.

Perplexity has one signed agreement to have its AI assistant be pre-installed on a companys devices and is currently negotiating another, Shevelenko said, without naming the companies at issue. A Google executive testified earlier in the week that Motorola will add Perplexity to its phones later this year. Bloomberg also previously reported that the AI startup is in talks with Samsung Electronics Co.

Last year, Mehta found that Google illegally monopolized the search market through payments to smartphone makers, wireless carriers and browsers to ensure its search engine is the default on their products. The Justice Department has asked Mehta to ban Google from paying for search engine defaults and he is holding a three-week hearing to determine how to resolve the companys illegal acts.

That proposed ban would also apply to Googles AI products, including Gemini, which the agency says were aided by the companys illegal monopoly in search. The DOJ and a group of US states have argued that Google should be forced to sell off its popular Chrome web browser.

Shevelenko said he spends 75% of his time working to reach partnerships with carriers and phonemakers to distribute the companys app because its like a jungle gym to try and change the default on an Android phone from Googles Gemini to Perplexity. He estimated it took him 10 to 15 minutes to do it himself and he required assistance from one of the companys IT people.

Phonemakers and carriers should be liberated from these restrictions and the threat of revenue loss, Shevelenko said. Googles contracts are like a gun to your head and if you do anything they dont like, they can cut off a material source of revenue.

Shevelenko said that none of its partnerships would have materialized if not for the Justice Departments antitrust suit against Google.

Its because Google is under pressure that phonemakers carriers and browsers are OK having some of the dialogues they are having, he said.

Perplexity wouldnt want OpenAI to buy Googles Chrome browser, Shevelenko said, because the ChatGPT-maker previously pledged support for open source and reversed its stance. Perplexity is working on its own browser, Comet, based on Chromium, Googles open-source version of Chrome, and hopes that any sale will ensure the open-source version remains supported, he said.

OpenAIs head of ChatGPT testified earlier in the trial that the company would be interested in buying Chrome.

AI Competition

Earlier Wednesday, Sissie Hsiao, Googles former head of Gemini, said she had never seen a more competitive environment than the current one for AI products. Companies are frequently releasing new models with new features, with new innovations every few months.

Theres constant competition, said Hsiao, who joined Google in 2006 from Microsoft Corp.

(Updates with additional details beginning in 12th paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
As President Donald Trump takes a hatchet to the clean-energy transition, a number of hedge funds are trying to figure out how to make money on low-carbon investments that appear resilient to White House attacks.

Their preferred assets are generally located outside the US, including utilities and grid-equipment providers, the money managers said. Some also are turning to natural gas, which Europe has designated a green asset suited to enabling the transition.

Trumps tariff war has left investors struggling to navigate a fire hose of headlines from the White House, most of which have added to the uncertainty gripping markets. Green assets are among the most affected by the proposed tariffs, with duties and probes on imports from China and Southeast Asia set to magnify input costs for everything from batteries to power transformers and rare-earth minerals.

Hedge fund managers interviewed said their strategy doesnt entail shunning the US altogether, but most said they now see better opportunities in Europe and Asia.

Lisa Audet, founder and chief investment officer of Greenwich, Connecticut-based hedge fund Tall Trees Capital Management, said shes finding green shoots of investment opportunities taking shape in Europe.

Per Lekander, chief executive of $2.7 billion London-based hedge fund Clean Energy Transition LLP, said hes long Germanys EON SE and RWE AG, as well as UK-based SSE Plc, because theyre entirely domestic and quite cheap.

EON, which is one of Europes biggest distribution grid operators and a key plank in the blocs efforts to electrify its power supply, is up almost 40% this year. Similar gains are playing out across European utilities, with the Euro Stoxx Utilities Index up 16% this year, compared with the 5% decline of the MSCI ACWI Index.

Armina Rosenberg, co-founder of Sydney-based hedge fund Minotaur Capital, said she and her team have started buying some decarb stocks, taking advantage of the drawdown in the market. Companies targeted include First Solar Inc. and NextEra Energy Inc., which have supply-chain setups that mean theyre protected from and may even benefit from tariffs, she said.

Over the next 12 to 36 months, the outlook will improve, Rosenberg said. Ultimately, the need for innovation will necessitate capital investment, she said.

Companies associated with the low-carbon transition have had to grapple with tariffs and supply shortages for several years now. But the intensity of the current trade war has left investors with few places to hide.

We are talking to the companies, taking into account the new information, but not necessarily acting on it because we dont know how long this information sticks for, said Isabella Hervey-Bathurst, who manages Schroders Plcs $2.1 billion global climate change fund. This uncertainty is leading to slower decision-making on projects.

Other green investors say that after initially responding to the tariff war by moving into cash, theyre now ready to move out.

Edward Lees, who manages BNP Paribas SAs environmental solutions fund, said hes used the latest market selloff to buy shares of water management companies in Japan and Indian power infrastructure firms.

And despite being the main target of Trumps tariff war, China continues to attract green investors keen to add exposure to companies such as battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. and electric car brand BYD Co.

So far this year, BYD has gained close to 50%, compared with the decline of more than 40% in Tesla Inc.

Rosenberg said Minotaur has invested in BYD, based on an assessment that Chinese EVs are taking share from Tesla.

Much of Chinas clean-tech industry targets its local market or developing regions such as Africa, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. The US accounts for only 4% of Chinese exports of electric vehicles as well as solar and wind equipment, but remains a dominant importer of batteries together with the European Union, the analysis found.

Meanwhile, the oil industry that Trump says he wants to support is facing considerable headwinds as demand growth falters while producer nations appear intent on keeping up supplies.

That opens the door to shorting US oil and gas companies, especially shale producers, essentially because theyre high cost, Lekander said. And if you go to $50 oil, the business models simply dont work.

With assistance from Aaron Clark and Frances Schwartzkopff.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
New Delhi [India], : India's Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sector has witnessed tremendous growth over the last two decades, according to a recent report by Motilal Oswal.

The sector's market capitalization has increased more than 50 times, jumping from 1.8 trillion in 2005 to 91 trillion in 2025. This represents a strong compound annual growth rate of around 22 per cent.

While banks continue to be the backbone of the BFSI sector, their share in the total market capitalization has reduced from 85 per cent in 2005 to about 57 per cent currently.

This shift is mainly due to the rise of new players such as non-banking financial companies and fintech firms.

The report said "The Indian BFSI sector has experienced a remarkable >50x surge in market capitalization.........While banks remain the backbone, their share in the total BFSI sector market cap has declined to approx. 57 per cent at present from 85 per cent in 2005".

These emerging segments have benefited from rapid technological advancements and innovation, which have helped them gain a significant presence in the market.

The fintech sector, which barely existed before 2015, now holds a combined market capitalization of over 12 trillion, including both listed and unlisted companies. This clearly shows how digital technologies and changing consumer preferences are shaping the future of the financial sector.

The report also highlighted the strong recovery in earnings for the BFSI sector after the COVID-19 pandemic. The sector's share in the Nifty-50 index earnings rose to 33 per cent in FY24, up from 16 per cent in FY10. This growth has been supported by improved asset quality, rising loan demand, and lower provisioning requirements.

However, the sector has seen some earnings moderation recently due to narrowing net interest margins and higher credit costs.

The report added, "Despite these challenges, banks with solid retail franchises and effective risk management strategies are well-positioned for long-term stability".

The financial strength of the sector has also improved. In FY24, the net worth of banks reached 26 trillion, while NBFCs had a net worth of 12.4 trillion. This growth has further boosted investor confidence in the Indian BFSI sector, which continues to offer strong investment opportunities.
Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC is investing 752 crore in three hotel-owning subsidiaries of Samhi Hotels, which together house Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott at Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road, Hyatt Regency in Pune, and its recently acquired Trinity hotel portfolio in Whitefield, Bengaluru.

With this deal, GIC will acquire a minority (35%) stake in these subsidiaries, which have 1,000 rooms combined. Of the total investment, 603 crore will be used upfront to reduce the company's debt across its entire portfolio, while a small portion will go toward transaction expenses.

Another 149 crore will be infused over the next two years to partially fund capital expenditure for a dual-branded hotel under the Trinity hotel portfolio (Tribute Hotel and an upcoming Westin hotel) banners in Whitefield, Bengaluru.

With this, the Singapore fund will pick up a 35% stake in five hotels, of which four are operational and one is under development. One of the four operational hotels, Trinity, will undergo a major renovation and be upgraded to the Tribute Portfolio by FY28, while the new Westin in Bengaluru is expected to open in FY29.

Ashish Jakhanwala, CEO & managing director of the company, said, This will help us strengthen our balance sheet. This partnership gives us tremendous firepower to grow our portfolio. GIC will bring institutional capabilities for us to benefit from."

Financial boost for Samhi Prashant Biyani, market analysist at Elara Capital, told Mint the deal is expected to improve Samhis financial position. By FY27, its net debt-to-equity ratio is projected to fall from 1.3 to below 1, and its net-debt-to-Ebitda is likely to improve from 3.4 to around 2.6, he added.

Biyani said the addition of the Tribute and Westin hotels could significantly boost Samhi's valuation. While the stock could react positively to the deal in the short term, a possible sell-off by private equity investors may weigh on its performance in the day, he said. He added that all private equity investors except ACIC were likely to offload a 5% combined stake through block deals. ACIC plans to hold on to its shares for now.

Currently, three of the four operating hotels  Hyatt Regency Pune (301 rooms), Courtyard (170), and Fairfield (166)  have been valued at about 1,300 crore in total. That works is about 2.5-2.7 crore per room, despite these being in the upper upscale to upper midscale segments. Together, they contribute 130-150 crore to the company's annual operating earnings.

Room rates on the rise This bodes well for Samhi's vision as hotel rates in India have been rising steadily. In April 2025, room rates are up 8% year-on-year, driven by strong growth in business destinations, according to Elara Capitals hotel rates tracker, which tracked about 125 hotels across 12 cities.

Rates in key business hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai surged 51% and 28% year-on-year, respectively, pulling up the national average. Cities such as Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad saw more modest changes, with rates up 5%, 1%, and down 2%, respectively. In contrast, leisure destinations remained flat overall, though Agra and Jaipur bucked the trend with year-on-year rate increases of 20% and 18%. Cochin, Amritsar and Goa, however, continued to see rates decline  by 19%, 7%, and 4%, respectively.
NEW DELHI : Globus Spirits Ltd, known for its Terai gin and Doaab single malt, is looking to expand into new categories, including beer and additional variants of single malt whisky, as part of its strategy to diversify its business.

The firm is focused on growing its craft spirits vertical due to the increasing demand for premium products, Shekhar Swarup, joint managing director of Globus Spirits told Mint.

Luxury Indian spirits have a long runway now of at least 7-10 years, with the market, albeit small, growing leaps and bounds each year. Were looking to capture this segment. Indian tastes are becoming more contemporary," he said. The companys craft business, which is housed within its parent entity, is now its fastest-growing vertical, Swarup added.

Last September, Globus forayed into single malt with Doaab, and plans to add newer variants to it soon, while still being nimble. It is targeting about 20,000-25,000 cases of the whisky this fiscal year.

The company began as a sugar mill business in the 1950s and later transitioned into grain-neutral alcohol production in the 1990s. It also manufactured Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and ethanol and added a franchise bottling business in the subsequent years.

About half of its revenue today comes from grain-neutral products sold to other companies in the spirits and petroleum sectors, with the remainder coming from its consumer alcohol division, which includes entry-level, premium, and luxury products, he said.

Also Read: The Godfather maker makes a premium run with craft gin and single malts

Demand for premium

Premium spirits priced above 2,000 per 750 ml bottle have been gaining traction in major Indian cities, signalling a general shift in consumer preferences toward higher-end liquor since the pandemic.

Many larger listed companies are also focusing more on premium products to achieve better margins. Industry experts attribute this trend to an increasing number of people choosing to drink better at homeprioritising quality over quantityalong with the rising cost of drinking out and changing habits among younger consumers who are drinking less but opting for more premium options.

Globus' luxury and higher-end brands have seen a 150% year-on-year growth in FY24, Swarup added. "We'll be creating more flavours or variants for Terai gin as well, which already has two variants as premium and above brands contribute more than 50% to our consumer business revenues," he said. He did not disclose the number of cases the company intends to target this year. It makes about 1.5 million cases of consumer spirits a month.

India needs to have its own story and its own spirits, not knock-offs of IMFL spirits. Thats why were focused on innovating with our luxury products. Were not constrained in creating new products," Swarup said. Weve created a subdivision, India Craft Spirit Co., to focus solely on companies that are already established but struggling to innovate. This separate division will drive our innovation strategy and help us strengthen our business in the future."

Currently, it distributes its spirits across seven states, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and Maharashtra, and plans to expand to another six or seven states over the next two years.

Globus operates distilleries in West Bengal, Bihar, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with a total production capacity of over 287 million bulk litres and bottling facilities capable of handling more than 24.2 million cases annually.

The company's next step is to launch a beer vertical in partnership with a Trinidad and Tobago-based group, ANSA McAL. In the coming months, Carib Strong Beer will be introduced, starting with sales in the Uttar Pradesh market. There are also plans to expand to other states in the future.

Globus Spirits portfolio includes both luxury single malts and gin, as well as premium products such as Oakton barrel-aged whisky, and vodka and rum offerings, with whisky making up about 75% of its consumer portfolio. The remainder comes from other categories.

The companys products compete with brands like Amrut single malt, Greater Than gin, Blenders Pride whisky, and Magic Moments vodka in the growing craft and premium IMFL segment.

For the nine months ended 31 December, 2024, Globus reported a revenue of 2,643 crore, a significant increase from 876 crore in the corresponding period in the previous year.

Profit for the period was 17 crore, a decline from 95.9 crore for the same period in the previous year.

On Wednesday, Globus Spirits shares were trading at 1,085.10 on the National Stock Exchange, up 0.2% from its previous close.

Alcobev sales

Research by credit ratings agency, Infomerics Ratings forecasts that the sales of alcoholic beverages in India will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% over the next decade, with states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, Telangana, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab being among the largest consumers of liquor in the country.

According to the latest data from the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), which includes Globus among its members, sales of spirits priced above 1,000 grew by 48% year-on-year in 202223, while those priced under 500 increased by just 12%.

The share of Indian-made brands in the 1,000-plus category grew from 18% in 202122 to 20% in 202223, reflecting the growing preference for homegrown premium brands. The spirits industry as a whole sold 385 million cases of 9 litres each in FY23, a 14% increase over FY22 and a 12% rise compared to pre-Covid levels in FY20, according to CIABC data released in July.
The Trump Organization fired a conservative lawyer who served as its ethics adviser hours after the president attacked him for helping Harvard University sue the administration.

The lawyer, William Burck of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, was dismissed Thursday by Eric Trump, who runs the company with his brother Donald Jr. Earlier that morning, President Donald Trump urged his company to get rid of him AS!

I view it as conflict and I will be moving in a different direction, Eric Trump said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg News. Burck declined to comment.

Burck, who works on high-profile political and corporate cases, was hired by Harvard to help its president, Alan Garber, navigate Trumps demands to force sweeping changes at the oldest and richest US university. Earlier this week, the school sued the administration for freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding.

At the time of his ethics appointment in January, Eric Trump wrote he was proud to announce Burcks hiring, describing him as one of the nations finest and most respected lawyers. As the ethics adviser, Burck reviewed corporate decisions including transactions over $10 million and leases of space more than 40,000 square feet .

Harvard is part of a group of highly selective universities that the Trump administration has tried to force into policy changes by rescinding funding, threatening to revoke the visas of international students, and suggesting the Internal Revenue Service could take away their tax-exempt status.

The administration has framed its efforts as an initiative to fight antisemitism and enforce civil rights protections on campus. It has demanded changes at the countrys most elite schools while freezing federal funding to Columbia, Princeton, Cornell and Northwestern universities.

President Trump launched a new broadside at Harvard on Thursday, accusing the school of being a liberal mess.

Harvard is a threat to Democracy, with a lawyer, who represents me, who should therefore be forced to resign, immediately, or be fired, he said in a post on Truth Social. Trump reiterated his criticisms of Harvard, saying its an antisemitic, far-left institution with students being accepted from all over the World that want to rip our Country apart.

When the US threatened to cut off billions in funding, Burck in a letter on April 14 that Harvard wont surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.

Hours later, the administration froze $2.2 billion in multiyear grants, claiming Harvard is failing to combat antisemitism on campus and saying it must do more to overhaul governance, discipline, hiring and admissions policies.

While Harvards Garber said the university is tackling antisemitism, he has been adamant that the government cant dictate what the school teaches and who it hires and admits.

In its lawsuit, Harvard claims the funding freeze violates its First Amendment guarantee of free speech and the Administrative Procedures Act.

On Wednesday night, Harvard told a federal judge its eager to move quickly with its lawsuit, saying its doesnt plan to ask for a temporary order blocking the governments actions. Rather, it will expeditiously pursue a final judgment on its claim that the administration violated federal regulations.

Until set aside by this court, the freeze order, as well as the looming threat of additional cuts, chills Harvards exercise of its First Amendment rights and puts vital medical, scientific, technological, and other research at risk, lawyers for Harvard wrote.

The attorneys told US District Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston they will ask her to set deadlines for the government to produce records of its decision-making process that the university will use to make its case that the government violated the Administrative Procedure Act.

With assistance from Robert Burnson and Pierre Paulden.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Thursday unveiled a push to significantly expand its domestic footprint, launching sovereign cloud networks and forging key partnerships with government bodies as India becomes its fastest-growing market.

India contributed $2.6 billion, or 8.6%, to the companys overall revenue of $30.18 billion in the financial year ended March 2025. This is nearly double the company's domestic revenue of $1.31 billion three years ago.

The revenue of the country's largest software services company rose 17% in these three years.

New platforms

The launch of India-centric platforms and collaboration announcements with government bodies is in line with the companys plans to make India a $10-billion market, about four times its current size, as outlined by Tata Sons chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran in last years annual strategic retreat titled Blitz.

Read more: After a strong start in FY25, Maruti Suzuki may close the year on a tepid note

The companys chief executive, however, tempered stance on this target.

I wont want to put a number but this is one of our steps to scale up business from India," K. Krithivasan, chief executive of TCS, said.

His colleague voiced a similar perspective.

Todays launch is essentially all about TCS sharpening its business in India," said Girish Ramachandran, president of growth markets at TCS. Growth markets at TCS include all business outside the Americas and Europe, and make up almost a fifth of the companys revenue.

The company launched the TCS SovereignSecure Cloud in New Delhi at its Accelerating India event, which was attended by senior executives, clients of the IT outsourcer, and members of the press.

The Mumbai-headquartered company also announced partnerships with government bodies including RailTel and the Centre for Development and Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

As part of its collaboration with RailTel, the company will be launching a sovereign cloud for the government-owned telecom operator, whereas with C-DAC, which is a government-owned research and development institution, TCS will develop cloud technologies.

Companies generate huge amounts of data as part of their daily functioning. Traditionally, this data was stored in large servers within physical data centres which were susceptible to damage. With the introduction of cloud, such data need not be stored in data centres. Cloud systems are like co-working spaces where multiple companies get seats, or in this case, memory to store this data and information technology (IT) infrastructure. This reduces the dependence on resource-intensive data centres and eliminates the risk of physical damage to large servers.

A sovereign cloud ensures that a companys data is stored within certain geographical boundaries and adheres to local data privacy laws.

TCS SovereignSecure Cloud is an indigenous cloud built and managed by TCS. This cloud comes with integrated artificial intelligence capabilities to support government institutions, public-sector enterprises, and regulated industries.

It provides data-driven insights for faster decision-making, and advanced analytics to monitor performance, usage, and trends, thereby boosting productivity, enhancing citizen services, and enabling intelligent, data-driven governance," said TCS in a release dated 24 April.

At least one analyst attributed the move to TCSs growing interest in India.

TCS is steadfastly committed to India as a geography. This is just another step in that direction," said Abhishek Kumar, equity research analyst at JM Financial, a Mumbai-based brokerage.

While it's early to assess revenue contribution from these efforts, these will be helpful in backfilling BSNL gap over medium term," added Kumar.

To be sure, much of TCSs growth in FY25 was aided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, a state-run telecom operator. TCS signed a $1.83 billion deal with BSNL in May 2023 to set up data centres as part of a 4G network deployment order.

The company also launched two more platforms-including TCS DigiBOLT and TCS Cyber Defense Suite.

Read more: Q4 earnings live tracker: The latest on how India Inc.s biggest companies fared

TCS DigiBOLT is a platform to help organisations digitise their operations without adding much code. TCS Cyber Defense Suite is its cybersecurity platform to help companies detect and respond to cyber threats using AI, and mitigate cyber risks. The cyber defence platform will also provide preventive controls for identity, infrastructure, network, applications, and data assets.

TCS's revenue grew 3.78% year-on-year and while the company does not give revenue growth guidance, its management indicated a sluggish start to FY26. Peers Infosys Ltd and HCL Technologies Ltd, grew 3.85% and 4.3%, respectively, whereas Bengaluru-based Wipro Ltd reported a 2.7% decline in revenue.

Infosys projected a flat to 3% revenue growth for FY26 in constant currency terms, its weakest guidance since April 2009, when it had projected a revenue decline of 6.7-3.1% for FY10. India's third-largest software services provider HCLTech was a tad more optimistic than its peers, estimating growth at 2%-5% in FY26.

Wipro, on the other hand, expects slowest revenue growth in the April-June period of FY26. The company has already outlined a quarterly revenue decline between 3.5% and 1.5% in constant currency terms. While Infosys and HCLTech give yearly guidance, Wipro gives quarterly estimates.
Significantly high US tariffs on China are reordering global trade, with countries like India emerging as potential beneficiaries, provided exporters play by the rules, said a new report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

However, the report Tariffs, Traps & Trade Paths warned that while opportunities are abundant, non-compliance with US origin rules could quickly turn gains into penalties. It flagged risks of dumping, re-routing, and origin misclassification that could derail the potential shift.

Chinese exports to the US are being penalised heavily. But this doesnt mean countries like India can step in and fill the void without ensuring they meet the US origin tests, said Ajay Srivastava, co-founder of the GTRI, on Thursday, adding that exporters must now focus on genuine transformation of products to pass customs scrutiny.

Also Read: Rahul Jacob: Expect an early Halloween as trade scares worsen globally While some Chinese goods face US duties as high as 245%, most other nations have to pay 10% tariffs until at least 8 July. This has set off a realignment of supply chains, and three trade models are emerging in response. The report terms the firstre-routing of finished Chinese goods through countries like Indiaas both illegal and risky. Such tactics violate US non-preferential rules of origin and will invite penalties, it said.

The second risk is Chinese firms dumping excess goods in markets like India at low prices. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) is already monitoring import patterns in sectors like steel, chemicals, and toys, and could invoke anti-dumping duties.

The third and most viable model, according to the GTRI, involves setting up new manufacturing bases in countries like India, Vietnam, or Mexico, where Chinese inputs are processed into new products that meet the substantial transformation rule. This approach is legally compliant and offers long-term export growth, Srivastava said.

The report stressed that passing the US origin test is not simple. Goods made using significant Chinese inputs could still be deemed Chinese if they dont undergo meaningful transformation. For instance, stitching garments using imported fabric, assembling solar panels with foreign cells, or packaging pharmaceutical tablets from imported APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) will not suffice under US rules.

The GTRI noted that the US Customs and Border Protection bases origin on two key tests: whether the product is wholly obtained or whether it has undergone substantial transformation, which involves a change in name, character, or use. The final interpretation rests with US customs officials, and firms are advised to seek advance rulings where clarity is needed.

Also Read: Trade aggression: Indias steel shield mustnt turn into a slippery slope From Indias standpoint, the sectors best-placed to benefit include pharmaceuticals and API manufacturing, electrical goods, textiles, leather, toys, and even chemicals.

In 2024, the US imported nearly $166 billion worth of chemicals, with China supplying about 10%. India, already a large manufacturer of bulk drugs and intermediates, could see orders diverted its way, if it can ensure domestic value addition and meet compliance norms.

Pharmaceuticals have also emerged as a standout performer. Exports of drugs and pharmaceutical products surged from $7.55 billion in 2022-23 to $8.73 billion in 2023-24 and reached $10.52 billion in 2024-25. This consistent double-digit growth underscores Indias positioning as a dependable supplier of generics and critical medicines amid a shifting global healthcare landscape.

India's electronic goods exports have shown a sharp upward trajectory, rising from $5.76 billion in 2022-23 to $10.05 billion in 2023-24, and further to $14.64 billion in 2024-25.

This threefold increase in just two years signals not only rising global demand but also Indias improving readiness to participate in high-volume, mid-tech manufacturinga segment where the US is actively looking for alternatives to China.

Textiles and garments may benefit too, but only if the fabric is sourced domestically. Just cutting and stitching imported fabric will not pass muster, the report cautioned, suggesting that preferential US tariffs would likely apply only to goods with substantial local value addition.

Indias textile exports to the US rose to $10.91 billion in 2024-25 from $10.02 billion in 2023-24 and $10.44 billion in FY23, reflecting the sectors resilience. However, a greater integration of domestic raw material supply is needed to fully capitalise on emerging trade shifts.

Engineering goods, including machinery, industrial components, and auto parts, also continue to show promise as a diversified export category. Shipments rose to $19.16 billion in 2024-25, up from $17.63 billion in 2023-24 and $18.68 billion in 2022-23. The increase suggests that Indian manufacturers are gradually consolidating their foothold in the US market, even as they compete with East Asian suppliers.
After a key meeting chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, Pakistan announced a slew of measures against India, which had earlier retaliated in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

In a lengthy statement, the Pakistan PMO has labelled the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as an Act of War, which will be responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power.

Additionally, the country has suspended all trade with India, expelled diplomats from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, cancelled certain visas for Indians and closed its airspace for all Indian airlines.

However, things will not be as easy for Islamabad. If Pakistan decides to go to war, its fragile economy may not withstand it. Here are 5 reasons why:

1. Record Low Foreign Reserves Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves, which are held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), are at a record low at the moment. In the first week of March this year, Pakistan's foreign reserves experienced a decline of over $150 million, as per data released by the country's central bank.

The SBPs foreign currency reserves stood at $11.098 billion as of March 7, which points to a decrease of $152 million from $11.250 billion on February 28. SBP attributed the decrease to external debt repayments.

2. External Debt  over $100 billion Pakistan is also undergoing a cash-strapped phase, with an external debt that stood at $131.1 billion as of December 2024, according to CEIC data.

Pakistani authorities last September were facing a daunting task to repay a whopping $100 billion external debt over the next four years, as per a report by PTI last year.

"Pakistan's external debt repayments for four years are $100 billion," Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik said at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee in September 2024.

Also Read | What is Simla Agreement that Pak suspended after India's water treaty move

3. IMF Bailouts  Ongoing Dependence Pakistan has long been dependent on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for uplifting its economy, which has experienced a major setback in the recent years.

After over two months of reaching an agreement, the IMF in September last year had approved a new $7 billion loan for cash-strapped Pakistan. The loan was aimed at boosting Pakistans ailing economy, and was to be given out in 37 instalments, as per a report by the Associated Press.

The $7 billion loan came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tried to negotiate with the IMF since June that year.

However, the IMF at the time had warned that Pakistans vulnerabilities and structural challenges remained formidable.

4. US aid suspended One of the first measures the Donald Trump administration in the US did after it came into power was pause foreign assistance funded by or through the State Department and US Agency for International Development (USAID).

This was a major setback for Pakistan, which had since stopped receiving funds under the programme, while reeling under an already unstable economy.

The USAID suspension was for 90 days, during which it was being reviewed. The review period will end on April 26. However, the Trump government has not yet given any clarity on what's coming next.

5. Political Instability and Governance Issues If economic instability was not enough, Pakistan has also been embroiled in political controversies and governance issues.

In its 75-year history, no prime minister has ever been able to complete a full five-year term.

Pakistani prime ministers have been removed under different circumstances on 18 occasions, including corruption charges, direct military coups and forced resignations due to infighting between parties.

Also Read | Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Army chief Gen Dwivedi to visit Srinagar tomorrow

Its last prime minister, Imran Khan, was voted out amid a no-confidence motion from the opposition based on corruption charges. Khan was PM for three years and seven months.
New Delhi: The Centre may ask state-run banks to settle at least 30-40% of over 78,000 crore of deposits lying unclaimed in their books in 2025-26, said two persons close to the development.

To achieve the target, the central government is likely to ask public sector banks (PSBs) to identify geographical areas with the most unclaimed deposits, set quarterly settlement targets at the branch level, and develop a standard operating procedure (SoP), in addition to implementing new central bank guidelines, said the first of the two persons mentioned above.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, effective 1 April, require banks to display details of unclaimed deposits, along with a public search feature, on their websites.

In fact, the government has included the settlement of unclaimed deposits in the EASE, or Enhanced Access and Service Excellence, reforms agenda for PSBs for the current fiscal, added the second of the two persons mentioned above.

Also read | HDFC, ICICI to kick-start Q4 earnings for banks; margins in focus as loan, deposits grow slower

This initiative will assist banks in alleviating compliance and operational challenges while enhancing transparency in accordance with EASE reforms. By re-engaging with dormant account holders, banks can improve their balance sheets, mitigate reputational risks, and create new opportunities for customer engagement," said Pratik Shah, national leader-financial services, EY India.

It would also help state-run banks reduce the risk of fraud and illicit activities, he added.

The flip side

The plan, however, may lead to litigation due to disputed ownership, inadequate documentation, and contested heirship. Accelerated timelines may compromise due diligence, increasing the likelihood of rejected or mishandled claims. To mitigate legal fallout, robust verification processes, transparent claim mechanisms, and proactive public awareness campaigns are imperative," said Shah.

To be sure, banks transfer deposits that remain unclaimed for over 10 years to the RBI's depositor education and awareness fund (DEAF), which stands at north of 78,000 crore. Refunds of these deposits will help depositors redeploy them in the banking system," said Vivek Iyer, partner and financial services risk leader, Grant Thornton Bharat.

Also read | Whose Money Is This? Govt to work closely with businesses, market players to return unclaimed investor assets

With significant KYC/CDD clean-ups that banks have been undertaking over the past 10 years, we believe that the ability to trace customers and initiate a refund or unclaimed deposits will be a far more successful imitative than what it was anytime in the past," he added.

The move will also help banks reduce record-keeping and overhead burdens since a large number of dormant accounts will be closed, said Manmeet Kaur, partner at Karanjawala & Co.

Clearing the clog

Though the government exercise is targeted at PSBs as they account for about 80% of unclaimed deposits, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) will convey the SoP to private sector banks.

At present, customers can check unclaimed deposits through the RBIs UDGAM portal. However, they must visit the respective bank branch to complete the claim process. The proposed changes would digitize and simplify this process, eventually allowing deposit retrieval online.

Also read | Five PSBs likely to hit market with QIPs in FY25 to comply with Sebi norm

The exercise follows Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharamans call to organize a special drive to address the issue of unclaimed deposits.

Moreover, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, cleared by Parliament, increased the number of nominees accepted per bank account from one to four, allowing easier identification of beneficiaries if the account becomes dormant.
The White House is getting its own investment banker.

Michael Grimes, who spent three decades at Morgan Stanley as Silicon Valleys top IPO rainmaker, is helming President Trumps U.S. Investment Accelerator, an office to encourage domestic and foreign companies to invest money in the U.S.

It is part of the Trump administrations broader America First" agenda that aims to reinvigorate U.S. production and manufacturing, while reducing reliance on imports.

The role is a new one and its success will hinge on whether companies want the governments help. Grimes will have a unique pitch for companies to come to him: An inside line to cut through red tape, help with permits and construction sites and work with state officials to get projects moving faster, people familiar with the plans said.

The Accelerator, a brainchild of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, was announced in an executive order from Trump last month.

The Accelerator doesnt plan be an investor itself, according to people familiar with the project. Instead, the plan is for Grimes to provide white-glove service to companies that commit to investing $1 billion or more in the U.S.

In short, in many ways he will act like the professional investment banker he once was, dreaming up deals and brokering introductions.

The Accelerator will focus on large domestic projects above $1 billion, according to the executive order. It wont be solely aimed at technology companies, though it is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Chips Act that the Biden administration passed to support American semiconductors.

Silicon Valleys favorite banker

IPO bankers such as Grimes perform a task not unlike what he will be doing in Washington. When companies go public, they must convince public investors to purchase pieces of their business. Bankers help executives hone their sales pitches and make introductions to the fund managers who write the biggest checks.

No one had more success than Grimes in landing the IPOs of tech companies in recent decades. Facebook, Uber and Google were all clients. He was a star who remained loyal to Morgan Stanley blue for years.

He got his start in the 1990s under the tutelage of Frank Quattrone. When Quattrone left the bank for Deutsche Bank, Grimes remained behind.

Grimes worked to ingratiate himself with CEOs by proving he used their technology.

Ahead of Facebooks 2012 IPO, Grimes played FarmVille, a game on the social-media platform, for hours.

Before Ubers 2018 IPO, Grimes took up a side job as an Uber driver. Other bankers drove Ubers too, according to an adviser to the company, but Grimes was the most serious, showing up to pitch meetings with the copious notes he had taken during his time driving around San Francisco.

Grimes has a background in computer engineering that also helped impress tech clients. When Larry Page discovered Grimess engineering chops during Googles IPO in the early aughts, Page was incredulous that Grimes chose banking over engineering, according to one person familiar with the exchange.

He doesnt talk like a banker. He isnt slick," said Eric Ries, founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange who met him through a mutual friend. Hes charming in a dorky way."

Working with Elon Musk

While Grimess star grew, other banks tried to steal him away from Morgan Stanley, people familiar with his tenure said.

Morgan Stanleys management gave him freedom to run his business. Other bankers would typically be added to management committees and involved in firmwide strategy, but Grimes stuck to his IPO job.

Grimes was drawn into the government this year, in part because of his connection to Elon Musk, who has become part of Trumps inner circle.

Grimes relationship with Musk goes back years and he played a key role when Musk decided to acquire Twitter in 2022. Musks largest company, SpaceX, is viewed as a golden goose by IPO bankers.

Grimes told some clients ahead of his move to Washington that he would be working with the Department of Government Efficiency, Musks cost-cutting venture. Since joining the Trump administration, Grimes has been helping cut costs and jobs in the Commerce Department.

Write to Corrie Driebusch at corrie.driebusch@wsj.com
Twelve US states have taken legal action against President Donald Trumps immense and ever-changing global tariffs, arguing that he unlawfully sidestepped Congress by issuing duties under an emergency economic law. The legal suit was filed on Wednesday in the US Court of International Trade in Manhattan.

The suit against Donald Trump comes from New York, Illinois, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, Connecticut, New Mexico, Vermont, Nevada, Delaware, Minnesota and Maine.

What the suit says? The suit argues that Congress didnt grant the President the necessary authority to impose the tariffs and that national trade policy now hinges on the presidents whims rather than the sound exercise of his lawful authority.

Trump has upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the American economy, the group said in the complaint.

The lawsuit seeks a court order halting the tariffs, including the worldwide levies Trump paused on April 9 pointing out that the tariff amount will add tax burden to US consumer.

The complaint targets Trumps use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which the president invoked for what the suit describes as the most damaging of his tariffs.

The states argue the law was passed five decades ago to prevent presidents from abusing emergency powers, and that it can only be invoked to respond to an unusual and extraordinary threat. Trade deficits and other issues cited by Trump dont meet that standard, the states allege.

The statutory requirement of an unusual and extraordinary threat is not met by the presidents declaration of emergency accompanying the Worldwide Tariff Order, the states said in the complaint. As the Worldwide Tariff Order acknowledges, annual US goods trade deficits are persistent; thus, by definition, they are not unusual and extraordinary.
Successful stockpickers need a particular set of skillsthe ability to parse financial statements, decipher corporate strategies and read the markets mood. In China they must also interpret Xi Jinpings state of mind. Five years ago regulators began a sweeping crackdown on tech that drove Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, from public life. It also erased some $2trn in market value, as foreign investors fled Chinese stocks and the countrys private entrepreneurs lost faith in the Communist Partys commitment to their success.

Now the mood is shifting back. On February 17th, when Mr Xi invited a group of tech bosses to a rare symposium", Mr Ma was seated in the front row. The high-profile meeting sends a signal that the party wants private enterprise to thrive againbut within limits.

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The symposium acknowledged that entrepreneurs have much to contribute to Chinas economy. At the symposium Mr Xi shook the hand of DeepSeeks founder, Liang Wenfeng. Chinas rulers seem as impressed as everyone else by the success of the scrappy startup from Zhejiang province, which has rivalled the worlds best artificial-intelligence (AI) models at a fraction of the cost.

DeepSeeks example has injected some liveliness into the stockmarket, lifting the share prices of tech firms listed in Hong Kong by 23% in the past month. The stocks of Alibaba and Tencent have surged in expectation of healthy ai-related demand.

The party wants to jump on this bandwagon and keep it rolling. China is still suffering from a long property slump, depressed consumer confidence and a shortfall of spending. It is stuck in its longest spell of deflation since the Asian financial crisis over a quarter of a century ago. A tech-fuelled stockmarket rally could provide some of the stimulus that has so far been lacking: a little greed to temper the anxiety.

Yet the party may also be warming to private enterprise because it now has less to fear from it. Five years ago, ambitious tech firms were busy amassing vast troves of data on citizens spending, borrowing and travel patterns. They knew more about the Chinese people than the party did. At the same time, they were transcending their home country, eagerly courting foreign investors and regulators. Didi, a ride-hailing giant, was so determined to list in New York on schedule in 2021 that it waved aside the misgivings of Chinas data regulator.

Things are different now. China has tightened rules for overseas listings, bolstered the influence of party committees within private companies and imposed new laws on data collection and transfer. At the same time, Americas hostility to Chinese companies has driven them closer to their home market and government. If foreigners think these firms are uninvestible", they must raise money at home. If America denies China access to vital inputs such as high-end computer chips, even private firms will join the partys mission to achieve self-reliance.

Mr Xis symposium was not an empty gesture. The party is genuinely keen to revive the spirits of entrepreneurs and remove some bureaucratic obstacles to their progress. Yet Mr Xi also cautioned the tech bosses to remember their roots" as they pursue success.

His vision for the private sector is not serving shareholders but promoting Chinese-style modernisation". The party is happy, in other words, to offer support. But what it will not offer is freedom. Its embrace of the private sector is conditional on private capital aligning with the partys goals.

 2025, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
The Federal Reserves latest Beige Book survey, released Wednesday afternoon, shows an economy that remains sunny, but with dark clouds forming.

Trade policy uncertainty continues to weigh on sentiment, the report shows, even as most hard data remains strong. That disconnect sets up a tricky backdrop for the central bank before its policymaking arm meets in May.

The Feds third Beige Book of the year, which is based on anecdotal reports from its 12 regional banks, offers a detailed look at how that tension is playing out across the U.S. Barrons read through all 50-plus pages to find the most telling insights the Fed will likely consider next month.

Tourism Is Slowing on Weaker International Demand

Several districts reported softening in tourism and hospitality, largely tied to a decline in international travel and stymied domestic spending.

Large attractions that normally draw international visitors saw a drop in travelers from abroad, particularly Canada, and airports and airlines reported a notable decline in foreign passengers to the U.S.," wrote the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

A New York City hotel owner reported falling international reservations, and businesses near the Canadian border saw a similar drop in visitors, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. A tourism industry expert, the report said, projected further declines in international visitors.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston also noted that travel from Canada had declined noticeably," and expressed concern that negative reactions to U.S. tariff policy could limit summer travel from Europe and China.

The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco said immigration policy was also affecting the sector. A large hospitality services provider plans to hire significantly fewer seasonal workers this year due to lower expected demand as well as to pause hiring work visa holders amidst policy uncertainty," officials wrote.

Federal Government Cuts Are Rippling Through Local Economies

Recent cuts to government spending and employment had widespread effects across several industries.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas reported that airline demand had softened in part due to a sharp drop in federal government travel.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said business contacts highlighted a drag in activity stemming from cancellations for government-related travel and conferences."

The New York Fed said an in-state furniture manufacturer saw a significant reduction in orders, in part due to federal government spending freezes."

One area is seeing an uptick from the current policy environment: Legal services. The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland reported that a law firm saw increased demand from government and nonprofit clients driven by questions on policy changes."

Food Banks Are Strained

Rising demand and reduced funding are straining food banks and pantries in multiple regions.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reported that cuts to support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture were especially disruptive to services for seniors. Food pantries, officials said, had been forced to reduce their distributions. One such pantry, per the report, said it had to cut back the food they gave each person from three-to-five days worth to two days worth every 30 days, due to funding cuts.

Those who depend on federal funding for housing were also struggling, noted the Dallas Fed. The banks contacts said that landlords were less willing to rent apartments to tenants reliant on federal funds due to the current policy climate and funding freezes."

Trade Effects Are Beginning to Filter Through Prices

Many regions described modest overall price increases, but specific industries are feeling sharper effects.

The Atlanta Fed said that dairy farmers saw demand soften partially attributed to decreased exports of cheese to Mexico." The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond reported that a coffee roaster reliant on imported beans saw historic cost increases which resulted in historic price increases for their customers."

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis noted that some large retailers were flat-out refusing to accept supplier price increases due to tariffs, while an HVAC supplier said they would now base pricing on shipment datesrather than contracts or purchase orders.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, one retail analyst expected that most price increases would be felt in the second half of 2025, with retailers expecting to pass roughly one-third of higher tariff costs on to consumers."

Ports Are Facing Higher Costs and Policy Risks

Concerns are also mounting at U.S. ports over proposed policy changes. The Richmond Fed said port contacts were particularly concerned about a proposed port call tax on Chinese vessels that could quadruple cargo handling costs.

Some ports also received multimillion-dollar tariff bills for Chinese cranes that had already been ordered and were en route when the new tariffs were enacted, they reported.

Write to Nicole Goodkind at nicole.goodkind@barrons.com
Mumbai: Muted business growth as the bank calibrated its loan portfolio, and lower treasury gains weighed on Axis Banks profitability in Q4 FY25, even as asset quality pressure remained owing to high retail slippages and write-offs. The bank posted a marginal decline of 0.2% on year in its net profit to 7,117 crore. Sequentially, the private sector banks profit after tax was 13% higher.

In the post-earnings call, chief financial officer Puneet Sharma said that the on-year differential in profits was due to the very large trading gains in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

If you look at the core operating profit, there's been an improvement, both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter. Trading gains are episodic, very difficult to time in which quarter they flow through the P&L (profit and loss account). So, that's the gap you're seeing, he said.

Trading income for the bank in Q4 was 83% lower on year at 173 crore. This weighed on total other income, which grew a mere 0.2% to 6,780 crore for the quarter. Trading gains for FY25 were up 19% at 2,059 crore.

Also read | Axis Bank plans to sell NBFC business for up to $1 billion

Growth in the banks core lending business was also muted in Q4, with net interest income growing 6% on year to 13,811 crore.

Sharma said the bank will face margin pressure in the coming months, in line with the industry, as deposits reprice more slowly than loans. However, the duration of assets and liabilities is near matched, so the bank should be able to compensate for any asset pressures on pricing over the year.

We do have a tight duration match and we will play through this rate cycle, basis the duration management of the balance sheet, he said adding that as a policy the bank reprices loans at the end of a quarter when a rate cut takes place, which means that the impact of the February rate cut will be seen in Q1 FY26.

Domestic net interest margin (NIM) for the bank was 3.97% in Q4 FY25 as against 3.93% in the previous quarter and 4.06% in the year-ago period. The 4-basis-point improvement in NIM on quarter was due to both interest reversals due to sequentially lower slippages and improvement in the banks loan spread, Sharma said.

Loan growth Advances were up 8% on year and 3% on quarter at 10.4 trillion as of March 2025. Retail loans were up 7% on year and 3% on quarter at 6.2 trillion, accounting for 60% of net advances. Secured loans comprised 72% of the retail book.

Within retail, home loans grew 1% on year, personal loans 8%, credit card advances by 4%, rural loans by 7%, and small business banking loans by 17%.

Arjun Chowdhry, group executive  affluent banking, NRI, Cards/Payments and Retail Lending, said that the bank has been calibrating growth across different segments of the retail book where the bank saw signs of credit stress and credit hungriness, owing to which disbursals to these segments has slowed down.

Growth in the credit card portfolio was slower due to elevated delinquencies and lower customer spending, which Chowdhry said reflected the slightly lower consumption being seen in the sector.

In addition, he attributed the slowdown to the slow and sluggish demand being seen in some underlying asset products such as home and passenger vehicle loans.

"It's a combination of factors. There's a bit of the macro, and there's also a little bit of what action the bank took, he said, adding that the environment seems to be getting better and as the bank sees early signs of improvement, it will be opening up acquisitions on those segments as well.

Asset quality As such, the bank continued to report elevated levels of slippages and write-offs in the retail portfolio. Slippages for the quarter were 4,805 crore, whereas the bank wrote off loans worth 3.375 crorea bulk of which were retail unsecured loans, according to Sharma.

Loan recoveries and upgrades of 2,790 crore helped the bank's gross non-performing assets (NPA) ratio improve to 1.28% from 1.46% a quarter ago and 1.43% a year ago. The net NPA ratio, at 0.33%, was better than 0.35% in the previous quarter but slightly worse than 0.31% in the previous year.

And read | RBI pulls up Axis Bank over contests to generate business
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India issued the final norms on computation of high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) and the run-off factor on certain categories of deposits, for banks calculating their Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR). The new guidelines are based on feedback and comments from the central bank on the draft guidelines issued in July 2024. The new norms will come into effect from April 2026. Mint takes a look at the changes from the draft norms and what the new norms will mean for banks:

What do the new norms mean for banks?

RBI has asked banks to assign an additional run-off rate of 2.5% to internet and mobile banking (IMB)-enabled retail and small business customer (SBC) deposits to compute their LCR. This means that stable retail deposits enabled with IMB will attract a run-off factor of 7.5%, whereas less stable deposits enabled with IMB will have a run-off factor of 12.5% as against the current 5% and 10%, respectively.

Further, unsecured wholesale funding provided by non-financial small business customers (SBCs) will be treated as retail deposits and attract the same run-off factor as above.

Read more: Is India's bank deposit insurance adequate? A reality check

RBI has also excluded entities such as trusts and partnerships from the other legal entities category for computing wholesale funding. Accordingly, the other legal entities category will now constitute all deposits and other funding from banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and other entities in the business of financial services."

As such, funding from non-financial entities such as educational, religious, and charitable trusts, Association of Persons (AoPs), partnerships, proprietorships, Limited Liability Partnerships, and other incorporated entities will be categorised as non-financial corporates, and funding or deposits from them will attract a run-off rate of 40% as against 100% at present unless these entities are being treated as SBCs under the LCR framework.

How will banks liquidity be impacted?

As per an impact analysis undertaken by RBI, banks' LCR will improve by around 6 percentage points at an aggregate level. All banks will "comfortably" meet the minimum regulatory LCR requirements, the regulator said in a release.

What does RBI mean by stable deposits?

As per RBIs LCR framework issued in 2014, stable deposits are defined as insured deposits (to the extent covered by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation) in transactional accounts where salaries/pensions are automatically deposited or paid out. These also include relationship-based accounts, such as those wherein the deposit customer has another relationship with the bank for a loan. All other deposits are considered less stable retail deposits.

Analysts expect the easier final norms to unlock 2.5-3 trillion of deployable liquidity as compared with the draft norms, translating into a potential 1-2% boost to credit growth and 2-4 basis points in terms of net interest margins.

Small business customers are those whose total average annual turnover is less than 50 crore, and their aggregated fundingincluding deposits, debt securities or derivativesto a bank is also less than 50 crore.

Read more: Experts flag gaps in Sebis speedy dispute resolution plan

Assets are considered HQLA if they can be easily and immediately converted into cash at little or no loss of value.

Why were the new norms introduced?

RBI said that the objective of the revised framework is to enhance the liquidity resilience of Indian banks and further align with the global standards in guidelines in a non-disruptive manner.

In the draft framework issued on 25 July 2024, the regulator proposed reviewing the haircuts on HQLA and the run-off rates on certain categories of deposits to mitigate risks arising from banks' increased use of technology to facilitate instantaneous money transfers and withdrawals.

RBIs decision to review the norms was prompted by the collapse of the US-based Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023. The tech-focused bank faced severe liquidity issues after a large number of depositors withdrew their funds, leading to panic among other deposit holders and eventually the bank shutting down.

The third-largest bank failure in US history also started a chain of events which led to multiple other banks, such as Signature Bank, shutting shop and several other small regional lenders seeing their market value crashleading to systemic turbulence and overall deterioration in trust in the US banking system. First Citizens later purchased SVB's assets and deposits for up to $500 million in stocka fraction of what the bank was worth before it failed.

How are the final norms different from the draft circular?

In the draft circular issued in July 2024, RBI had proposed that banks set aside an additional 5% as run-off factor for retail deposits enabled with IMB facilities. Accordingly, stable deposits were set to attract a run-off factor of 10% and less stable deposits 15%.

RBI had then also proposed that funding in the form of government securities, categorised as Level 1 HQLA, will need to be valued at an amount not greater than their current market value, adjusted for applicable haircuts in line with the margin requirements under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF). This proposal has been retained in the final norms.

Initially proposed to come into effect in April 2025, the RBI has now given banks one year to comply with the new norms. Accordingly, banks will need to transition to the new standard for computing LCR effective 1 April 2026.

Why are the final norms softer than the draft norms?

Following the issue of draft guidelines, banks, through the industry body Indian Banks Association, had approached the RBI and finance ministry seeking relaxation in the proposed norms, fearing that the higher liquidity requirements might hinder their ability to lend.

Analysts then estimated that the LCR guidelines would push banks to focus on branch banking, mobilise more non-callable deposits, and increase the share of High-Quality Liquidity Assets by keeping more liquidity on the balance sheet.

Read more: Banks to walk the margin tightrope in Q1 as outlook remains uncertain

Notably, when the norms were issued in July 2024, banks were already facing tight systemic liquidity, and seeing signs of slowdown in deposit growth, with rise in deposits lagging credit growth for the system. The norms, which were initially expected to come into effect from April 2025, were seen exerting increased pressure on banks balance sheets, prompting banks to also seek more time to comply with the norms.

In his first address at a monetary policy conference in February 2025, RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra assured banks that they would have sufficient timeat least a yearto comply with the new LCR norms after the final guidelines were issued.
New Delhi/Mumbai: A draft policy from the Delhi government proposing to grant hybrid cars the same benefits as fully electric cars has generated waves of concern among homegrown carmakers. Most such automakers have committed billions to BEV (battery electric vehicles) technology, and their development roadmap does not include hybrids.

A draft of the policyDelhi Electric Vehicles Policy 2.0shared with automakers for their comments on Tuesday mentions that the National Capital Territory of Delhi will waive the road tax and registration fees on electric cars priced up to 20 lakh ex-showroom.

This waiver has also been extended to strong hybrid EVs (SHEVs) and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) with a similar price cap "acknowledging their contribution to reducing vehicular emissions and supporting cleaner mobility," the draft policy read. This would translate to savings of about 2 lakh on a car with an ex-factory price of 20 lakh.

The waiver of these charges is expected to encourage adoption of hybrid cars among consumers, as per the policy draft, a copy of which Mint has seen.

Uttar Pradesh was the first state to waive these charges for hybrid vehicles in July last year. The move was strongly opposed by several automakers.

Domestic automakers fear that Delhis decision could set a precedent for other state governments. The problem is, if Delhi equates hybrids with BEVs, it sends a symbolic message," said one executive who works at a domestic automaker, requesting anonymity. Once Delhi does it, everyone will do it. Then why would we invest in BEVs? It is sending shockwaves for the entire folks who are doing BEVs."

Also read | Kia India doesnt expect hybrid incentives, bets on flexible strategy: CEO Gwanggu Lee

To be sure, this is just a draft and the policy is yet to be notified. Alongside, the draft policy has mentioned that the incentives to hybrid vehicles will only be applicable once a competent authority within the Union government defines SHEV and PHEV.

For context, an SHEV is typically a car in which an electric motor gives significant assistance to the combustion engine in moving the car forward. PHEVs, as the name suggest, come with a charging port for the battery that drives the motor. These vehicles typically can run exclusively on the electric motor without assistance from the combustion engine when required.

Deep divide

Homegrown Indian automakers Tata Motors and Mahindra and Mahindra, along with Korea's Hyundai Motor, have been lobbying the Indian government to keep all incentives limited to EVs, a technology where they are heavily invested. While the domestic automakers do not have the know-how to make hybrid vehicles, Hyundai has hybrids in its global portfolio.

On the other hand, Japanese carmakers Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Motor, who are way behind in the BEV race but have mastered hybrid technology, have been lobbying the Indian government for tax breaks on hybrid vehicles to boost their sales. They have pitched hybrid vehicles as an intermediate solution in the shift to electric mobility, as it causes lower emissions than conventional cars while also being more practical and viable than electric cars.

The transport department of the government of NCT of Delhi did not comment till press time Wednesday. Queries sent to Mahindra, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar Motor did not elicit a response. Tata Motors declined to comment.

Read this | Andhra Pradesh decides against incentives for hybrid vehicles in new EV policy

This move is completely antithetical to Delhi EV Policy 1.0, where there was no mention of hybrids. In the second iteration, you should be more aggressive, but instead you are going one step back and bringing in hybrids," said the executive cited above. The addition of hybrids seems like an afterthought at the insistence of the hybrid lobby."

Abhishek Saxena, a former public policy expert at government think-tank NITI Aayog, agreed that pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles should not be treated equally in terms of government incentives. This move can be a big policy signal of softening stance for hybrid electric vehicles," he said, adding that this softening could be a consideration to reduce GST for hybrids as well in the future.

Hybrid cars combine the power of a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, improving fuel efficiency while cutting down on emissions and fuel usage. However, they tend to be more expensive than standard combustion engine vehicles due to added components such as the electric motor, battery, and related electronics.

In FY25, about 6,800 hybrid cars were sold in Delhi, amounting to more than 8% of the total 80,400 such vehicles sold in the country, as per vehicle registration data from government portal Vahan. In terms of EVs, Delhi's sales in FY25 of 6,092 units was 6% of the total sales of 100,667 units in India, data from Vahan showed.

Also read | Honda Cars bets on hybrid, electric line-up to meet stricter CO2 emission norms

Overall, with over 187,000 units, the national capital accounted for 4% of all cars registered in India during the year.

Favouring hybrids

However, experts on the other side of the debate feel that hybrid vehicles are a good option to whittle down vehicular emissions considering EV adoption will be much slower.

If implemented, this will be a good move as it is reacting to the reality that the infrastructure to push pure EVs completely is not there," said Nikhil Dhaka, policy lead at Primus Partners. As a result of this move, if it goes ahead, we will definitely see preference for hybrid vehicles increase as compared to ICE equivalents. The stance of Delhi can also inspire other cities and states to consider granting waivers to hybrid vehicles."

Deloitte's recently released '2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study' said that Indian consumers are strongly inclined towards hybrid electric vehicles compared to pure electric vehicles. As per the study, 33% of consumers wanted to buy hybrid cars as compared to just 8% preferring pure electric vehicles.

The diesel angle

Internally, domestic players are also concerned that any incentives given to hybrid vehicles will dent into the sale of their high-end diesel cars, which are their biggest margin centres. With the removal of road tax and registration fees on hybrid cars, they would be priced closer to large diesel cars, making these diesel vehicles uncompetitive in the market.

And read | Uttar Pradesh govt to retain tax waiver for hybrids despite opposition from EV makers

For instance, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitaras hybrid variants, which have an on-road price of 21-23 lakh on-road in Delhi could cost 19.5-21 lakh with the waiver of road tax and registration fees. At this price, it undercuts all but the most affordable five trims of Tata Motors Harrier, which is a comparable car with a diesel engine. Similarly, it undercuts many diesel variants of Mahindras XUV 700. Maruti Suzuki does not sell diesel cars.
International flights by Air India, IndiGo, Spicejet and Akasa Air from India are likely to see an extra hour of flying time as Pakistan announced the immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines on Thursday.

Pakistan issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) that read, "Pakistan airspace not available for indian registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned and leased by Indian airlines." The notice also covers military flights.

Flights of Indian airlines to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will be affected by this, but international airlines' flights to or from India won't be affected.

A senior industry official told Mint, Flights will likely take a detour over the UAE to avoid Pakistan airspace, leading to at least one more hour of flying time.

Following the NOTAM, Air India, and IndiGo issued advisories to passengers, saying flights to or from North America, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East would take the longer route.

Flights to and from the US, UK, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Dubai and Qatar, among others, will be affected. Pakistan had previously closed its airspace to Indian carriers in 2019 after India's Balakot air strike.

IndiGo said in its advisories that a few of its scheduled flights would be affected by the closure of Pakistan's airspace. It also offered customers the option of rescheduling or claiming a refund.

Ticket prices expected to increase An additional hour of flying will increase Indian airlines' fuel expenses and impact their financials. Mark D Martin, CEO of Martin Consulting, said international airfares would likely increase because of this.

"Air India and IndiGo will be affected the most by this. By conservative estimates, we expect ticket prices to rise by a minimum of 35% to destinations in the middle east and by over 40% to destinations to Europe in addition to higher carbon emissions and fuel burn," he said.

Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants, told Mint that Pakistan's move was widely expected. "Indian airlines have faced this before, and flights will have to be rerouted over Iran and other areas. With additional fuel costs for long-haul international flights, Indian carriers and passengers will have be prepared for inconvenience," said Lazar.

According to the United Nations' aviation body, the International Civil Aviation Organisation's guidelines (ICAO), a state can issue NOTAMs for temporary airspace restrictions for valid safety or security reasons. The guidelines also state, If the NOTAM affects another countrys cross-border flights, bilateral coordination is expected.
The average airfare in the upcoming peak summer travel season from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar has dropped 20-30% Google Flights data shows. As per Mint's analysis, the double-digit drop  following the terror attack in Pahalgam  has been calculated for the period between 25 April and 25 May.

Prodded by the civil aviation ministry, airlines increased flights to and from Srinagar and waived cancellation and rescheduling charges after Tuesday's attack. As per Airports Authority of India (AAI) data, Srinagar International Airport sees 45-50 flight landings everyday.

As per Google Flights data, the average Delhi-Srinagar airfare for the 7 days forward period from 25 April to 1 May is 4,720-5,859, 15 days forward 4,715-5,345 and 30 days forward 6,670-8640. As per the portal, the usual airfare during this period is 6,600-11,000.

Average airfare between Mumbai and Srinagar for 7 days forward and 15 days forward period is 4,775 and for 30 days forward period 4,775-11,810. As per the portal, usually the average airfare during this period is 10,500-17,500.

Also read | Blanket of gloom over Kashmir's tourism landscape

Ajay Prakash, President Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) said the incident will impact tourism in the valley, which had rebounded as a popular destination over the last few years.

"In the short term there will be a significant impact on flights, there could even be a reduction in the number of flights depending on the load and as a result we could perhaps see airfare increasing for flights to other popular tourist destinations," said Prakash.

Two senior industry executives from online air ticket bookings companies who did not wish to be named said there was an increase in cancellations for flights to Srinagar. "The rise in cancellations is much higher than rescheduling of flights. There is a rise in cancellations of flights especially in the peak travel season," said one of the executives. The other executive told Mint that the company is still assessing the total refund value.

Also read | Moving flights? Terminal shift worries airlines

On Wednesday the Ministry of Civil Aviation met all airlines and issued an advisory against surge pricing. All carriers were directed to maintain regular fares. IndiGo, Air India, Spicejet operated extra flights to and from Srinagar on Wednesday.
(Bloomberg) -- Investment bankers are applauding steps taken by Canadas securities regulators to make it easier to do initial public offerings, and to raise money afterwards.

At a time when Canadian stock offerings are mired in a multi-year decline, the countrys regional securities regulators have introduced new rules that investment bankers and securities lawyers say could spur IPOs in an otherwise anemic market.

The rules allow firms considering an IPO to file prospectuses with only two years of audited financial statements rather than three, and also to use those same prospectuses to raise more capital for an additional 12 months.

Thats actually pretty revolutionary, said Dan Nowlan, vice-chairman and managing director, equity capital markets, corporate and investment banking at National Bank Financial Markets, of the ability to raise more money from the same prospectus. In theory, all a company would need to do to raise additional money is issue a press release.

The rule change would allow firms to raise the smaller amount of C$100 million ($72 million) or 20% of the issuers market value for 12 months after an IPO, as long as the shares were trading above the offering price. Nowlan said this could provide an incentive to firms to list.

The Canadian Securities Administrators announced the changes last week via blanket orders to be implemented separately through each of its regional members.

The new fundraising rules wouldnt help issuers whose shares have struggled following their IPO. Clothing retailer Groupe Dynamite Inc., for instance, went public in November 2024 and marked the first corporate IPO on the Toronto Stock Exchange in nearly two years, but its shares have since fallen nearly 34%.

The change in accounting rules  requiring two years of audited financial statement rather than three  is also very helpful, Nowlan said. The biggest thing that holds issuers back from doing a transaction when they want to hit the market is accounting. The auditors  that is normally a bottleneck, he said.

CSA chair Stan Magidson said the change to require only two years of audited financial statements was brought in response to feedback from stakeholders. Canada is a great place to do business, and the CSA wants to support companies going public, investment opportunities and the vitality of our capital markets, he said in an email.

The changes are being implemented amid a general decline in activity in Canadas capital markets but represent one step toward revitalizing activity, Goodmans LLP partners Brad Ross, William Gorman and associate Duncan Lurie wrote in a report released Wednesday. The firm called for more concrete steps to help lift activity in Canada.

Indeed, investment industry regulators have also proposed new short selling rules with the support of the countrys stock exchanges that may reverse the long decline in ECM activity.

Steps to address the stagnant market are being applauded across Torontos Financial District.

It is great to see the provincial securities regulators coming together in this way to address some of the hurdles that exist to companies looking to raise capital in Canada, said Grant Kernaghan, chief executive officer and chairman of Citigroup Global Markets Canada. He expects the new rules would have a positive effect in the long term.

In the short term, I believe that the ever-changing tariff regime will continue to put a damper on the market and volumes will remain low until there is a period of continued stability, Kernaghan said.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Stock market today: On Thursday, 75 stocks hit their 52-week high, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, SBI Cards and Payment Services, UltraTech Cement, and UPL.

In contrast, 25 stocks touched 52-week lows, including some notable names like Retaggio Industries, Eastcoast Steel, and Shyama Computronics and Services.

The domestic benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex, ended a seven-day winning streak on Thursday as investors became more cautious after a fatal militant attack on tourists in Kashmir raised geopolitical concerns in the area.

On Wednesday, India announced several measures to reduce its diplomatic relations with Pakistan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to track down the attackers to the "ends of the earth." Fears of escalating tensions caused the blue-chip Nifty 50 index to drop by 0.34% to close at 24,246.7, while the Sensex fell by 0.39% to finish at 79,801.43.

The benchmark indexes had risen by 8.6% over the prior seven days, reaching their highest closing levels in 2025 during the previous trading session.

Vaibhav Vidwani, a Research Analyst at Bonanza, mentioned that this drop came after a strong surge the day before when both indices reached multi-month highs, supported by significant advances in the IT, pharma, and auto sectors. The decline was mainly due to cautious investor sentiment stemming from geopolitical tensions following India's firm reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack, which raised worries about regional stability.

Furthermore, mixed signals from global markets and uncertainty surrounding US-China trade discussions added to the overall negative sentiment in the market. In terms of sector performance, FMCG and real estate stocks were among the poorest performers, pulling the indices down, while some stocks like IndusInd Bank and Tata Motors displayed resilience.

Nifty 50 Outlook According to Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, Nifty 50 remained flat throughout the day, ending on a flattish note. While the short-term sentiment remains strong, signs of fatigue are becoming increasingly evident. A small correction may happen if the index sustains below 22,300. On the downside, the Nifty 50 could decline towards 21,900, while resistance is seen at 24,300 and 24,500.

Also Read | Pakistan stock market crashes after India suspends Indus Water Treaty
The Indian markets have bounced back impressively over the past two weeks. A pause on reciprocal tariffs , helped fuel this rally. But it's not the time to get carried away.

There's still a lot in flux. Rather than chasing potential winners in a global trade shuffle, we're focusing on businesses that are more insulated from political drama. And while smallcaps had a great week, we would advise against getting overexposed.

Stick to your asset allocation, stay selective, take a slow, staggered approach, and respect the margin of safety while buying stocks. In markets like these, protecting your capital is just as important as growing it.

The markets now seem to be getting over the tariff blues, and focusing on earnings season.

The result season is the busiest time for analysts. It keeps them occupied with year on year and sequential growth, deviation analysis, and extrapolating future performance based on what happened in the quarter.

They also ask bookkeeping questions to the management and pressure them to give growth guidance during conference calls or concalls.

These concalls with the managements offer a great opportunity to get a sense of their vision, to assess their transparency when the going gets tough, and their focus and prioritieslong-term sustainability or short-term targets.

These calls can help analysts understand the broader industry environment and the company's competitive positioning.

However, such concalls also have some limitations. They can defeat the purpose of better understanding and analysis of the business when the analysts resort to upgrading target prices and valuation multiples based on a single quarter's performance or when they take management's guidance too seriously.

But this quest for precision and the short term obsession can be futile and farcical.

GE (General Electric), along with its superstar CEO Jack Welsh, is a case in point. Under his leadership, GE's business was driven by short-term targets. Perform or perish was the guiding mantra.

Obsessed with Wall Street's earnings expectations, the company met and surpassed consensus estimates every quarter for almost a decade (1995-2004). And the stock price followed.

However, this growth came at a huge cost and with accounting gimmicks, as the subsequent years revealed.

In the pursuit of growth led by acquisitions, the company became too big to manage or be nimble. Its unregulated finance arm GE Capitalthat lifted the performance - turned out to be the biggest chink in the company's armour.

When the subprime crisis struck, the credit market dried up. The money-spinning finance arm thus became its undoing. Sharing lofty guidance, even meeting them in the short term, did not help the business or its investors.

Some businesses are owner-operator driven, where managements neither offer nor falls for this bait.

Then there are appointed managers who love to spew out quarterly guidance. Always be cautious of the precise ones in the short term. The pressure to meet them and street expectations is one of the biggest reasons for poor capital allocation decisions.

A company may still meet short-term guidance and dole out to the concerned appointed manager his short-term performance-linked incentives. However, this does little good for the business in the long term.

You could deploy the best of forecasting skills, and top them up with fancy DCF analysis, but a business won't follow the trajectory as projected in excel.

Throw in a bit of Red Sea crisis, a pandemic, a war, a liquidity surge, or a regulator suddenly coming up with a ban, or a whimsical president... and it won't matter how much precision you were working with.

It's best to be humble in this profession and aim to be roughly right than precisely wrong.

That includes admitting that no matter how hard we try, not all the variables can be factored in precisely. There will always be 'known unknowns' and 'unknown unknows' in practice.

Instead of trying to be accurate about that percentage point in growth or margins, it's better to assess if we are investing in the right management team that's operating in the right industry from an investment perspective.

In fundamental analysis, one needs a sense of the trajectory. But the focus should be more on the expected direction, understanding the downsides, and ensuring a margin of safety.

Focus on what's importantthe industry or opportunity size, potential downsides (including from tariffs), balance sheet quality, and the management quality.

Also, keep in mind the time horizon of the investment and your personal asset allocation.

Finally, welcome volatility and uncertainty. It's what is not yet known and factored in, that provides opportunities to outperform the market.

Happy Investing.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
The trade winds are shifting againand this time, they might just carry good news for Indian textile exporters.

The US government is preparing a fresh wave of import tariffs on garments and home textiles from key Asian manufacturing hubs like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

While India will also be in the line of fire with a proposed 26% duty, thats still lower than the 3550% slabs expected for others. In the world of global sourcing, even a few percentage points can make a big difference.

That said, theres a pause. These tariffsthough announcedare currently in a 90-day consultation window before they officially kick in.

Over the past few years, several Indian textile companies have quietly prepared for this moment. In a business where price, speed and reliability rule, these five names stand out.

Lets take a look.

#1 Welspun Living

Welspun Living is Indias largest home textile exporter with a deep footprint in bed linen, towels, rugs and high-performance technical textiles.

It services global clients like Walmart, Target, and Costco and has recently strengthened its global brand presence through Christy and other licensed lines like Martha Stewart and Disney.

The company also operates a fully automated pillow factory in Ohio, which aligns with the Make in America" narrative of the US administration.

Exports are a large part of Welspuns business. For first nine months of FY25, home textile exports contributed nearly 92% of its core business revenue.

Total consolidated revenue for the period stood at 8000 crore, growing at 11.7% YoY. Welspun commands an 18% market share in bedsheets and is Indias leading towel exporter to America.

Welspun stands to benefit significantly with the US considering tariffs on textile imports from countries like Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh. Its India-to-US exports could gain as sourcing shifts away from tariff-hit geographies.

Moreover, its partial localisation strategy works well in its favour. The Ohio pillow plant not only helps meet local demand swiftly but also sidesteps tariff implications, giving it a structural edge over fully offshore competitors.

Looking ahead, Welspun targets 15000 crore in revenue by FY27. For FY25, it aims to spend 860 crore in capex, of which 590 crore had already been spent by Q3FY25.

These are to scale up towel manufacturing in Anjar, expanding the footprint in advanced textiles and flooring and premiumising its global brand portfolio.

The Ohio plant, launched in September 2024, had already achieved 24% utilization by Q3FY25 and is expected to ramp up further, boosting both reach and profitability.

#2 Gokaldas Exports

Gokaldas Exports is one of Indias most prominent apparel manufacturers. The company supplies high-quality fashionwear, outerwear and sportswear to marquee brands across more than 50 countries.

North America remains the core revenue engine. In FY24, 80.8% of its total revenue came from exports to the US and Canada.

In the first nine months of FY25, the company shipped over 50 million piecesmore than double the 20.8 million pieces in the same period last year.

The management noted that Fall/Winter 2025 orders are already in production, with Spring/Summer 2026 also tracking strong.

With the US considering steep tariffs on apparel imports from countries, Gokaldas is structurally well-placed to benefit. The company is already seeing tailwinds from buyers looking to de-risk from politically unstable or high-cost markets.

While Vietnam may still attract China+1 orders, its wage cost ($300 a month) and fabric dependence on China remain concerns.

By contrast, Gokaldas operates with a cost-efficient base in India and Africa (via its Atraco acquisition) and is one of the few players capable of taking on large, complex orders from global brands.

Looking ahead, Gokaldas is expanding aggressively. It has invested 930 crore in Atraco (Kenya, Ethiopia) and Matrix Clothing (India) to diversify products and customers.

On the organic front, new units in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Jharkhand ( 350 crore combined) are underway, with Bhopal nearing full capacity. The Tamil Nadu plant will support in-house fabric processing. Together, these expansions could add 300+ crore in revenue by FY26.

#3 Faze Three

Faze Three is a home and technical textiles manufacturer with a sharp focus on export-led growth. The company offers a wide portfolio including floor coverings (like rugs and bathmats), outdoor performance textiles, cushions, curtains and blankets.

It caters to large global retailers such as Walmart, Target, M&S, and Zara Home. It exports over 90% of its production, of which nearly 65% is to the US.

If the US imposes tariffs Faze Three could still gain market share. This is especially true in polyester-heavy segments like floor coverings and outdoor fabrics, where China has traditionally dominated.

The company should benefit further if trade barriers widen, given that rising customer preference for non-China sourcing has already led to growing order volumes.

In the last five years, Faze Three has invested 240 crore in new product lines in all locations.

Looking forward, the management expects FY25 revenue to grow 1518% on the back of utilisation ramp-up and operating leverage boosting margins by FY26.

Moreover, Faze Three has no long-term debt since 2018 and retains a good credit rating which is critical as it gears up for the next phase of export-driven growth.

#4 Indo Count

Indo Count Industries is one of the worlds leading bed linen manufacturers and among the top three suppliers of sheets to the US market.

The company operates integrated manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra and Gujarat, with a total capacity of 153 million meters. Its portfolio spans premium bed sheets, fashion and utility bedding, quilts and institutional products, catering to both B2B and B2C segments globally.

Exports account for over 97.5% of the companys revenue as of 9MFY25, with the US continuing to be its largest market.

In FY24, Indo Count recorded total income of 3,600 crore, up 18% YoY. In 9MFY25 alone, it clocked 31 bn in revenue and sold 80.8 million meters of fabric, aiming to close FY25 at the lower end of its 100115 million meter volume guidance.

The recent acquisitions of US-based Fluvitex, Modern Home Textiles and the iconic Wamsutta brand contributed 1 bn in Q3 alone. Indo Count expects these new businesses to add US$ 275 m in revenue over three years.

If the US proceeds with tariffs, Indo Count could still gain. Its US-centric portfolio, legacy retailer relationships, and now a local manufacturing presence in North Carolina (via Indo Count Global East Inc.) give it a strategic edge. The new US plant is set to manufacture 18 million pillows annually starting September 2025, taking total US output to 31 million pillows and 1.5 million quilts.

Over the last two years, Indo Count has invested over 10 bn across spinning, brownfield expansion and acquisitions, including integrating GHCLs home textile unit and setting up a modern 68,000-spindle facility.

It is now focused on returns from these assets and sharpening execution across the value chain.

With scale, brand-led growth and omnichannel expansion, including in-house brands like Boutique Living and Layers, Indo Count is not just defending its global turf but doubling down on it.

#5 K.P.R. Mill

K.P.R. Mill Ltd is one of Indias largest vertically integrated apparel exporters, with a fibre-to-fashion" model spanning cotton and viscose yarns, processed fabrics, knitted garments and renewable energy.

Headquartered in Coimbatore, KPR runs 12 advanced manufacturing facilities with over 30,000 employees90% of whom are womenand supplies high-fashion apparel to global retailers in over 60 countries.

Exports for the company accounted for a significant revenue share, with Europe and North America contributing 55% and 22% respectively in 9MFY25.

US tariffs on imports may still benefit KPR in relative terms, thanks to its high degree of backward integration. This allows it to keep costs competitive.

Moreover, its scale in outerwear and cotton-based apparel gives it an edge in categories where China and Vietnam currently dominate.

KPR has undertaken several strategic expansions, to sustain momentum. The company invested over 1000 crore in recent years to build new vortex spinning capacity and modernise its spinning division. It also installed 193 MW of renewable energy capacity to cover most of its textile power needs.

Meanwhile, KPRs branded innerwear and athleisure label FASO which is made with 100% organic cotton is being scaled from South India to a pan-India footprint.

Despite a tough FY24 for the sector, KPR maintained stable profitability and rewarded shareholders with a 500% dividend payout, signalling confidence in its fundamentals.

With low leverage and strong cash flows, KPR Mill is positioning itself not just as a textile exporter, but as a resilient, diversified, future-facing enterprise.

Conclusion

The anticipated shift in global sourcingdriven by rising US tariffs on China, Vietnam and Bangladeshcould be a turning point for Indias textile exporters.

For these companies, it isnt just about filling the gapits about scaling up, premiumising and building resilient global supply chains.

These businesses have already laid the groundwork through vertical integration, local presence in the US and value-added capacity. If they continue executing wellon utilisation, cost control, and customer stickinessthey could turn this geopolitical tailwind into a structural advantage.

That said, investors should remain mindful of volatility in cotton prices, forex swings and global retail demand. While the opportunity is real, so are the risks. Staying updated on trade policy shifts and company-level execution will be key.

For long-term investors, this could be the right time to track these names more closelybecause when the global needle moves, the best-positioned players tend to move with it.

Happy Investing.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
In a move to stem the tide of cheap foreign supply, the Indian government has imposed a 12% provisional safeguard duty on flat steel imports from China and Vietnam. The duty, effective for 200 days, is aimed at shielding domestic producers from a surge in underpriced imports.

The timing is significant. India has become a net importer of steel for the second year in a row, with imports hitting a nine-year high of 9.5 million tonnes in FY25, while exports slumped over 60% to 6.9 million tonnes.

The surge has raised alarms over dumpingespecially from China, which has been offloading excess capacity globally as domestic demand slows and tariff tensions with the US escalate.

Read this | India eyes inclusion of 25% steel, aluminium tariffs in BTA talks with US

So what does the safeguard duty mean for Indias metal companies? Heres a closer look.

A snapshot of the steel trade imbalance

China, South Korea, and Japan accounted for nearly 80% of Indias steel imports in FY25.

While India is the worlds second-largest steel producer, it has been unable to shield its market from a surge in low-cost supplyparticularly flat products used in construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Much of this supply is aggressively priced, with Chinese producers ramping up exports instead of cutting output as domestic demand slows. Some shipments are even routed via Vietnam, further muddying trade flows.

Indias domestic producers have taken a hit, triggering calls for government intervention.

Why Indian steelmakers sounded the alarm

The Indian Steel Associationwhich represents major players such as JSW Steel, Jindal Steel, and Steel Authority of Indiaurged the government to step in as falling prices eroded profit margins.

Hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices, for instance, dropped to a four-year low of 46,500 per metric tonne in September 2024, before rebounding to 51,300 in April 2025 as expectations of a safeguard duty took hold.

Industry capacity utilization also declined, slipping to 78% in FY25its lowest level in four yearsamid waning demand.

In response, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies launched a probe in December 2024 into a sharp spike in imports of alloy and non-alloy flat steel products, which are widely used across sectors such as automobiles, capital goods, and farm equipment.

Adding urgency was the US decision to levy steep duties on Chinese steel, prompting fears that Beijing would flood alternative marketsincluding Indiawith its surplus production.

What the 12% safeguard duty covers

To counter the flood of cheap imports, India on 21 April imposed a 12% provisional safeguard duty on alloy and non-alloy flat steel products from China and Vietnam. The measure, valid for 200 days, is intended to create a price floor and restore a level playing field for domestic producers.

But the levy isnt blanket. To avoid disrupting legitimate trade, the government has carved out exemptions for higher-priced shipments. For instance, no duty applies if hot-rolled coil (HRC) is priced above $675 per tonneensuring that only underpriced, potentially dumped imports are penalised.

What it means for metal stocks and producers

Analysts expect the duty to sharply curtail importsby as much as 50% in FY26, according to rating agency Icra Ltdgiving local producers room to reclaim market share.

Read this | Steel stocks rally on safeguard duty proposalbut the real test lies ahead

Domestic demand is projected to grow 78%, and capacity utilisation could climb back to 83%, up from a four-year low of 78% in FY25, it added.

That could translate into stronger pricing power and margin recovery, especially with input costs like iron ore and coking coal still near cyclical lows. JSW Steel, with its heavy tilt toward flat products, stands to gain the most.

Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) may see the biggest earnings bounce, though off a low base. Jefferies estimates that a 15% duty could lift HRC prices by 10% and boost Ebitda by 1540%. But rising mineral levies from state governments could erode some of those gains.

Read this | Tamil Nadus limestone tax: A crushing blow to cement margins?

But risks remain

Short-term relief may not translate into sustained earnings growth.

Analysts caution that global oversupply, tepid infrastructure spending, and muted domestic demand could keep a lid on steel prices. Indias steel consumption rose just 3.4% in FY25, a sharp slowdown from 11.7% the year before.

Despite the safeguard duty, domestic hot-rolled coil prices remain steepabout 18% higher than comparable imports. Even after the duty, they hold a 6% premium, leaving little headroom for further price hikes. That could blunt the impact on profitability.

There are structural hurdles too.

HDFC Securities notes that nearly two-thirds of Indias steel imports come from countries with Free Trade Agreementssuch as Japan, South Korea, and Mauritiusthat are exempt from the new duty. In fact, South Korea has now overtaken China as Indias top steel supplier.

Whats next

Still, the sectors long-term outlook remains intact. Indias per capita steel consumption is just 93 kgfar below the global average of 220 kg. The government aims to raise this to 158 kg by 2031 under the National Steel Policy, banking on rising urbanisation, industrial growth, and infrastructure buildout.

For more such analyses, read Profit Pulse.

For now, the safeguard duty offers a temporary shield. But the industrys fortunes will ultimately hinge on a revival in domestic demand, macroeconomic stability, and how China manages its slowing economy.

About the author: Madhvendra has over seven years of experience in equity markets and has cleared the NISM-Series-XV: Research Analyst Certification Examination. He specialises in writing detailed research articles on listed Indian companies, sectoral trends, and macroeconomic developments. Follow him on LinkedIn.

Disclosure: The writer does not hold the stocks discussed in this article.

The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points, and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educational purposes only.
The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open on a cautious note on Thursday, despite a rally in global markets.

The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a negative start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 24,250 level, a discount of nearly 62 points from the Nifty futures previous close.

Sentiment remains cautious amid signs of escalation in geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. India retaliated by downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, and announcing decisions such as suspending the Indus Water Treaty.

On Wednesday, the domestic equity market extended the rally for the seventh consecutive session, with the benchmark Nifty 50 closing above 24,300 level.

The Sensex gained 520.90 points, or 0.65%, to close at 80,116.49, while the Nifty 50 settled 161.70 points, or 0.67%, higher at 24,328.95.

Heres what to expect from Sensex, Nifty 50 and Bank Nifty today:

Sensex Prediction Sensex rallied 521 points and closed above the 80,000 level on Wednesday, holding a higher high and higher low formation on both daily and intraday charts, which supports a further uptrend from current levels.

We are of the view that, as long as the Sensex is trading above 79,500, the bullish sentiment is likely to continue. On the upside, it could move up to the range of 80,300 - 80,500. Conversely, if Sensex falls below 79,500, we could see a quick short term correction down to the 79,200 - 79,000 range, said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities.

Nifty OI Data Heavy open interest (OI) accumulation at the 24,500 strike indicates a near-term ceiling, while significant put writing at the 24,000 strike reinforces a solid base just below current levels. This positions the 24,350  24,500 range as a critical resistance cluster. A notable observation is the gradual migration of call writing to higher strike levels, reflecting an increasingly bullish outlook, said Dhupesh Dhameja, Derivatives Research Analyst, SAMCO Securities.

Meanwhile, the Put-Call Ratio has marginally declined from 1.06 to 1.04, still reflecting a favorable bias. Max Pain remains anchored at 24,100, signaling that traders are positioning for consolidation just below current prices, though overhead resistance persists, he added.

Nifty 50 Prediction Nifty 50 continued its upside momentum amidst volatility on April 23 and closed the day higher by 161 points.

A small red candle was formed on the daily chart with a long lower shadow. Technically, this market action indicates a hanging man type negative candle pattern. But this pattern needs to be confirmed by the Nifty 50 moving below the low of the pattern (at 24,120) to call this a reversal. However, sometimes such market action results in an uptrend continuation pattern, said Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities.

According to him, the underlying trend of Nifty 50 continues to be positive and though the market is facing hurdles and volatility at the highs, still there is no confirmation of any reversal pattern or tiredness at the highs.

The next upside to be watched are around 24,550 and 24,800 in the near term. Immediate support is placed at 24,100 levels, said Shetti.

Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy

Hrishikesh Yedve, AVP Technical and Derivatives Research at Asit C. Mehta Investment Interrmediates Ltd., noted that the Nifty 50 index crossed the key hurdle of 24,250, indicating strength and formed a red candle with a long lower shadow, suggesting buying interest at lower levels.

Nifty 50 index continues to hold above its 200-Day Simple Moving Average (24,050), keeping the broader structure intact; as long as it sustains above this level, a move towards 24,500  24,800 looks feasible. Thus, traders are advised to follow buy on dips strategy for the short term, said Yedve.

Om Mehra, Technical Research Analyst, SAMCO Securities said that the Nifty 50 formed a Dragonfly Doji on the daily chart, indicating cautiousness. However, the primary trend remains firmly positive, with the index comfortably holding above all key moving averages.

Nifty 50 closed above the previous days high, highlighting the ongoing bullish momentum. The immediate support is placed at 24,150, with an additional cushion at 24,100, if breached. The resistance is placed at 24,500, which coincides with the 127.8% retracement level. In the near term, a pullback after a sustained rise cannot be ruled out, or the index may consolidate within a range before making its next decisive upward move, said Mehra.

VLA Ambala, Co-Founder of Stock Market Today said that the investors are advised to consider following the buy-on-dip approach to take advantage of the current moment in this sector.

From a technical perspective, the Nifty 50 index formed a hanging man candlestick pattern on the daily chart during the last session. Amid these developments, Nifty can expect support near 24,150, 24,020, or 23,930 and find resistance near 24,500 and 24,670 in the next market session, said Ambala.

Bank Nifty Prediction Bank Nifty declined 0.50% to close at 55,370.05 on Wednesday, forming a bearish candle on the daily chart with the open and high remaining identical.

Bank Nifty index failed to sustain above the 56,000 level. However, Bank Nifty continues to hold above all key moving averages, maintaining its broader bullish outlook. On the daily chart, the index remains positioned above the upper Bollinger Band, indicating potential mean reversion. Meanwhile, the hourly RSI is cooling off from the overbought zone, suggesting a possible consolidation phase, said Om Mehra.

According to him, the Bank Nifty support is placed at 54,700, with an additional cushion at 54,500. The resistance remains at 56,100, which needs to be crossed for further upside.

Also Read | Best stocks to buy today: Raja Venkatraman recommends three stocks for 24 April

Bajaj Broking Research highlighted that the daily stochastic has approached overbought territory after an 11% rally in just 7 sessions.

Hence, failure to move above 56,000 levels will lead to some consolidation in the range of 54,400 - 56,000 in the coming sessions. While a move above 56,000 levels will lead to extension of up move towards the 56,800 zone in the coming weeks. The key support base is placed at 54,000 - 53,500 levels, being the Mondays gap area and the recent major breakout area, said Bajaj Broking Research.

According to Hrishikesh Yedve, the Bank Nifty index on the daily chart has formed a big bearish candle, which has completely engulfed the previous days candle, signalling a potential reversal and indicating underlying weakness in the near term.

Going forward, 56,000 - 56,100 will act as a stiff resistance for the index, while 54,470 remains a crucial support zone. Traders should monitor these levels for potential trading opportunities, said Yedve.
Pakistan stock market crash: The Pakistan stock exchange (PSX) opened sharply lower on Thursday, April 24, after the Indian government implemented a series of diplomatic measures in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

The benchmark Karachi-100 index (KSE-100) dropped over two per cent or 2,500 points to 1,14,740.29 within the first five minutes of trading after investors reacted to the geopolitics tensions. By 3 PM IST, the KSE-100 index had recovered some losses but was still trading lower by 1,532.42 points or 1.31 per cent at 115,693.72, reflecting the markets nervousness over any further escalation.

Pakistan's stock market volatility

This is the second straight session of losses for the Karachi bourse. On Wednesday, the index had slipped 1,204 points after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) trimmed Pakistans GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 2.6 percent, citing fiscal risks and continued external vulnerabilities.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), too, has lowered Pakistan's 2025 GDP growth forecast to 2.5 per cent, from 3 per cent projected in December 2024. Both projections fall short of the 3.6-per cent growth target set by the Pakistani government for the said financial year.

India's diplomatic response after Pahalgam attack

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) announced that it will shut down the Attari border for all movement, asking Indians across the border to return to India by May 1.

Additionally, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also cancelled all the existing visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, asking Pakistani citizens to leave India within 48 hours.

The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1, 2025. The Indus Waters Treaty is suspended for the first time ever since it was signed in 1960.
Indian stock market today: Frontline indices, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, snapped their seven-day winning streak on Thursday, April 24, ending with mild losses on profit booking, tracking weak global cues.

A seven-session rally had pushed the Sensex and Nifty 50 up by over 8 per cent. However, the overbought market appeared ripe for profit booking, as the Indian stock market currently lacks fresh positive triggers, while concerns over US President Donald Trump's tariff moves persist.

The Sensex ended 315 points, or 0.39 per cent, lower at 79,801.43, while the Nifty 50 settled with a loss of 82 points, or 0.34 per cent, at 24,246.70. The BSE Midcap index slipped 0.16 per cent, while the Smallcap index ended almost flat (5 points down).

According to Shrikant Chouhan, the head of equity research at Kotak Securities, the Nifty 50 has formed an inside body candle on the daily charts, indicating indecisiveness between the bulls and bears.

"We believe that the short-term market texture is bullish, but a fresh uptrend rally is only possible after the dismissal of the 24,350 resistance zone. Above this level, the market could move up to 24,450-24,500," said Chouhan.

"On the other hand, if the market falls below 24,200, we could see a quick intraday correction down to 24,100. Further downside may also continue, which could drag the market down to 24,000," Chouhan said.

Indian stock market: 10 key highlights Let's take a look at 10 key highlights of the stock market today:

1. Why did the Indian stock market fall today? The Indian stock market ended slightly lower on Thursday due to profit booking amid weak global cues and a lack of fresh triggers.

Major markets in Asia and Europe traded lower as investors sought further clarity from the Trump administration on tariffs.

A fresh escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine also influenced sentiment.

According to Reuters, "Russia attacked Ukraine's capital Kyiv with missiles and drones overnight, killing at least eight people and wounding more than 70."



Rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam Terror Attack are also weighing on domestic market sentiment.

"The domestic market witnessed mild profit booking after the recent rally. Similarly, global markets too experienced selling pressure as the market participants scaled back the possibility of a quick resolution of tariff disputes between the US and China," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

2. Top Nifty 50 gainers today Shares of IndusInd Bank (up 3.17 per cent), UltraTech Cement (up 1.89 per cent) and Grasim Industries (up 1.67 per cent) closed as the top gainers in the index.

3. Top Nifty 50 losers today As many as 31 stocks closed lower in the Nifty 50 index. Shares of Hindustan Unilever (down 4.12 per cent) ended as the top loser after reporting weak Q4 numbers. It was followed by Bharti Airtel (down 1.89 per cent) and Eicher Motors (down 1.88 per cent).

4. Sectoral indies today Most sectoral indices ended with losses. Nifty Realty and FMCG indices declined 1.41 per cent and 1.06 per cent, respectively. Nifty Auto slipped 0.25 per cent.

Nifty Bank ended with a loss of 0.30 per cent, while the Financial Services index declined 0.53 per cent.

On the other hand, the Nifty Pharma index jumped 1.08 per cent.

5. Most active stocks in terms of volume Vodafone Idea (43.62 crore shares), GTL Infrastructure (17.8 crore shares) and Reliance Power (10.9 crore shares) were the most active stocks in terms of volume on the NSE.

6. 12 stocks surge 10% on NSE Eldeco Housing And Industries, Modi Rubber and Repro India were the 12 stocks that surged over 10 per cent on NSE.

7. Over 15 stocks fall over 5% on NSE Syngene International, Digicontent and Mangalam Global Enterprise were among the 17 stocks that fell more than 5 per cent on the NSE.

8. Over 100 stocks hit upper circuit on NSE As many as 117 stocks, including Godfrey Phillips India, Senco Gold, Panacea Biotec and Indbank Merchant Banking Services, hit their upper price band during the session on the NSE.

9. Advance-decline ratio As many as 1,404 stocks advanced while 1,441 declined and 85 remained unchanged on the NSE.

10. 75 stocks hit 52-week highs Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance and UltraTech Cement were among the 75 stocks that hit 52-week highs in intraday trade on the BSE.

Read all market-related news here

Read more stories by Nishant Kumar
Trump trade wars have caught everyone by surprise as the sustained bullish market momentum continues. Nervous investors booked profits as the trends ahead look challenging. Every dip is witnessing some steady buying interest and this could be an interesting phase of the market as we end the April series.

Here are three stocks to buy or sell as recommended by Raja Venkatraman for Thursday , 24 April.

JUBLFOOD: Buy CMP and dips to  690, stop  670 target  770-790

Why its recommended: The companys innovative strategies and strong market position in the foodservice sector provide growth potential.

The companys innovative strategies and strong market position in the foodservice sector provide growth potential. Key metrics: P/E: 120.98, 52-week high:  796.75, volume: 1.03M.

P/E: 120.98, 52-week high: 796.75, volume: 1.03M. Technical analysis: Support at  680, resistance at  820.

Support at 680, resistance at 820. Risk factors: High valuation and dependence on discretionary consumer spending.

High valuation and dependence on discretionary consumer spending. Buy at : CMP and dips to  690.

: CMP and dips to 690. Target price :  770-790 in 3 months.

: 770-790 in 3 months. Stop loss:  670.

KIRLPNU: Buy CMP and dips to  1200, stop  1175 target  1450-1500

Why its recommended: The stock has shown robust growth in revenue and profit, with strong demand for its industrial machinery products.

The stock has shown robust growth in revenue and profit, with strong demand for its industrial machinery products. Key metrics: P/E: 39.45, 52-week high:  1,817, volume: 160.14k.

P/E: 39.45, 52-week high: 1,817, volume: 160.14k. Technical analysis : Support at  1,165, resistance at  1,500.

: Support at 1,165, resistance at 1,500. Risk factors: Dependence on industrial demand and global economic conditions.

Dependence on industrial demand and global economic conditions. Buy at: CMP and dips to  1,200.

CMP and dips to 1,200. Target price:  1,450-1,500 in 3 months.

1,450-1,500 in 3 months. Stop loss:  1,175.

NEWGEN: Buy CMP and dips to  950, stop  925 target  1120-1180

Why its recommended: The companys strong position in digital transformation solutions and recent international contract wins make it a compelling choice.

The companys strong position in digital transformation solutions and recent international contract wins make it a compelling choice. Key metrics: P/E: 43.66, 52-week high:  1,798.90, volume: 198.81k.

P/E: 43.66, 52-week high: 1,798.90, volume: 198.81k. Technical analysis: Support at  900, resistance at  1,200.

Support at 900, resistance at 1,200. Risk factors : High valuation and competition in the software sector.

: High valuation and competition in the software sector. Buy at : CMP and dips to  950.

: CMP and dips to 950. Target price:  1,120-1,180 in 3 months.

1,120-1,180 in 3 months. Stop loss:  925.

Also Read: Big Four of Indian IT lose market share; HCL Tech's outlook offers little relief

Recap of Stock Market

In a turbulent trading session, Indian benchmark indices managed to close higher for the seventh session in a row, powered by gains in IT, Pharma, and Auto sectors. At the end of the day, the Sensex rose by 520.90 points or 0.65%, reaching 80,116.49, while the Nifty gained 161.70 points or 0.67%, finishing at 24,328.95.

The Nifty50 index ended well above the 24,300 mark, achieving a 4-month peak, and the BSE Sensex surpassed the 80,000 level for the first time since December 2024. Meanwhile, in the US market, stocks bounced back on Tuesday following a sharp decline the previous day, as investors shifted focus to corporate earnings. The US dollar strengthened after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism during a private meeting, indicating a potential easing of trade tensions between the United States and China.

European markets were trading in positive territory, while Asian markets also closed with gains. This rally was fueled by comments from President Donald Trump, who clarified that he had no intention of dismissing the Federal Reserve Chair and hinted at the possibility of reduced tariffs on Chinese goods.

Outlook for Trading

As the April series draws to a close, we need to factor in the rampant volatility that was the highlight of this series. As we delve deeper into the markets, we need to consider how to handle this situation, as global cues will continue to hinder the upward march.

Moving to the daily charts, we find that the bearish pressure is being absorbed, however, small body candles that are emerging after the previous highs around 23800 are being surpassed quickly, indicating that the market could receive a pullback to 23800, which could become the new base for the trends ahead.

With the expiry volatility kicking in, we should now look at the possibility of the market trends remaining in a volatile state. The Pitchfork seen in the chart attached below highlights the possibility of the trends to face resistance around 24800 which is the upper end of the channel in the coming sessions.

As the trends unfold, the long body candle we saw last Thursday clearly hinted at the possibility of steady advances. Bank Nifty is seen tiring out as this index had already flashed a new high, and the momentum was getting stretched.

The Max Pain point remains at 24100 and at the moment the immediate support zone around 23800-24000 would now be the new base going ahead. The Option data reveals the higher levels around 24500 has Call writing and would play a role in containing the revival. So, we could be looking at a subdued start on Thursday as there is no clarity in the market at higher levels. The RSI is still holding firm hoping for a revival. The strong showing in Nifty has ensured that the targets mentioned last week of 24200 has been achieved opening door towards 24500. One should remain a buyer on dips.

Also Read: Sebi's big move: Common contract note launch set for 30 April, but market players express concerns

Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Stocks to buy under 100: Despite selling pressure in overbought banking stocks, the Indian stock market ended higher on Wednesday, driven by strong buying in IT, pharma and auto stocks. The Nifty 50 index ended 161 points higher at 24,328; the BSE Sensex ended 520 points higher at 80,116. However, the Bank Nifty index ended 277 points southward at 55,370. The Broader markets showed mixed trends: Midcaps outperformed with over 1% gains, while small caps lagged.

Indian IT stocks experienced a significant rally, driven by overnight gains in US technology equities. This positive momentum was further fueled by a change in investor sentiment following signals from US President Donald Trump of a softer stance on Chinese tariffs.

Stock market today Speaking on the outlook of the Indian stock market today, Siddhartha Khemka, Head of Research  Wealth Management at Motilal Oswal, said, "Overall, we expect the up-move to continue in the Indian stock market on the back of continued buying interest and supportive domestic cues while tracking developments on the US tariff front."

On the outlook for the Nifty 50 today, Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities, said, "The underlying trend of Nifty continues to be positive. Though the market is facing hurdles and volatility at the highs, there is still no confirmation of any reversal pattern or tiredness at the highs. The next upside for the Nifty 50 index is around 24,550 and 24,800 in the near term. Immediate support for Nifty today is placed at 24,100."

Asked about the outlook of Bank Nifty today, Hrishikesh Yedve, AVP Technical and Derivatives Research at Asit C. Mehta said, Technically, the Bank Nifty index on the daily chart has formed a big bearish candle, which has completely engulfed the previous day's candle, signalling a potential reversal and indicating underlying weakness in the near term. In the future, 56,000-56,100 will act as a stiff resistance for the index, while 54,470 remains a crucial support zone. Traders should monitor these levels for potential trading opportunities.

Stocks to buy under  100 Regarding shares to buy under 100, market experts  Vaishali Parekh, Vice President  Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher; Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager  Technical Research at Anand Rathi; Mahesh M Ojha, AVP  Research at Hensex Securities; Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet; and Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment and Securities  recommended these six intraday stocks for today: GMR Airports, Canara Bank, IFCI, MMTC, Suzlon Energy, and NFL.

Vaishali Parekh's recommended stock 1] GMR Airports: Buy at 87.80, Target 93, Stop Loss 85.

Ganesh Dongre's intraday stock for today under  100 2] Canara Bank: Buy at 99, Target 105, Stop Loss 95.

Mahesh M Ojha's stocks to buy under  100 3] IFCI: Buy at 45 to 46, Targets 47.50, 49, 51, and 54, Stop Loss 43.80.

4] MMTC: Buy at 55 to 56, Targets 57, 58.50, 60, and 62, Stop Loss 53.70.

Sugandha Sachdeva's share to buy under  100 5] Suzlon: Buy on dips at 58.60, Target 65.20, Stop Loss 55.

Anshul Jain's stock of the day 6] NFL: Buy at 88.50, Target 96, Stop Loss 84.
At an ongoing exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai, one can see a banknote for 500 Francs issued in 1994 in which the figure of scientist Marie Curie is right in the centre. Her husband and fellow scientist, Pierre, is shown standing just a little behind her. The two of them shared the Nobel Prize for physics in 1903, after which Marie went on to win her second Nobel for chemistry in 1911. Researcher-curator Rukmini Dahanukar finds it commendable that France honoured the Polish-born scientist, who later became a naturalised French citizen, with a banknote. The note acknowledges a woman scientist and puts her at the forefront like she deserves. Also, the choice of the colour depicts radioactivity," says Dahanukar, who has put together the show, Beyond Face Value: French Banknote Design from Around the World.

The exhibition is a collaboration between the NGMA and Alliance Francaise de Bombay, and this particular banknote is one of the 25 being showcased from Dahanukars private collection. French banknotes from across the globe are more than just monetary instrumentsthey are artistic masterpieces imbued with history, culture, and symbolism," states the gallery note. With their intricate designs, romanticism, and craftsmanship, these banknotes transcend their face value, offering a glimpse into a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of cultural heritage."

Dahanukars interest in this field of study came about while she was looking for a subject for her thesis while pursuing Masters in Communications from California State University. I wrote my thesis on the launch of the Euro, the loss of identity and the creation of a new transnational identity," she shares. This interest is not new. Nearly two decades ago, she started collecting banknotes and now has a collection of 4,000. There is so much to discover in these banknotesfrom history to art, design, communication, propaganda, representation and more," she says.

Also read: Signed, Lower Right: Devraj Dakoji's tryst with printmaking

Dahanukar is currently writing a book on the subject. The current exhibition came together after a discussion with Laurent Vergain, director, Alliance Francaise de Bombay. For me, banknotes are not just tools of commerce; they are reflections of the times, values, and artistic expressions of a nation. This exhibition is an opportunity for all history and art enthusiasts to explore a slice of Francophone culture and expression before the emergence of the Euros," he says. The exhibition has travelled to Puducherry, Ahmedabad and Delhi before arriving in Mumbai, where large-size banknote replicas have been showcased next to their real size prints. Some real banknotes are on display as well. 20 years ago, when I had proposed my dissertation topic, one of my professors had remarked that banknotes are the most exchanged artwork in the world and hardly anyone talks about that," says Dahanukar.

The exhibition is on till 24 April at the NGMA, Mumbai, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Also read: Aamir Aziz, Anita Dube and the hypocrisy of political art
Income Tax: Among several benefits, one of the main advantages of choosing the old tax regime is that it enables you to claim exemption for house rent allowance (HRA). Under the old tax regime, HRA is exempted under section 10(13A) of Income Tax Act for salaried individuals, states information on the Income Tax India website. However, this exemption is not available in the new tax regime.

These are some of the key things which taxpayers should keep in mind with regards to house rent allowance.

HRA: Things to keep in mind These are some points which salaried individuals should keep in mind while claiming house rent allowance (HRA). Firstly, make sure to sign a rent agreement with your landlord. Second. You can ask for the landlord's permanent account number (PAN).

Third - make sure you pay rent via bank transfer instead of cash. Finally, you should deduct TDS as per section 194IB which comes into effect when the rent paid is more than 50,000 per month. The rate of TDS is 2 percent (5 percent till Sept 20, 2024).

Notably, taxpayers can claim exemption for HRA along with the interest on home loan under the old tax regime in the same year. If a salaried person is paying high rent, it is advisable to opt for the old tax regime, said CA Pratibha Goyal, partner of PD Gupta and Company, a Delhi-based CA firm.

How is HRA calculated? One can use the house rent allowance (HRA) calculator given on the income tax India's website which one can access here. Here, you have to enter some details including basic salary, dearness allowance (DA), commission, HRA received and rent paid. One must also check whether one resides in a metro city or not.

Also Read | Does a landlord have the right to arbitrarily increase house rent?

The calculator, thereby, will indicate the exempted house rent allowance and taxable house rent allowance.

HRA exemption is calculated as per a formula, wherein you get the least of the following: HRA received, 50 percent or 40 percent of the salary (based on whether you live in a metro city or not) and excess of rent paid over 10 percent of salary, where salary refers to basic salary plus dearness allowance, added CA Pratiba Goyal.
Personal loans usually have a tenure of up to five years. If the personal loan is availed during a financial emergency, the borrower may go for a longer tenure as they may be unsure of the cash flows in the near future. However, while servicing the personal loan EMIs, if you receive a lumpsum, you can use it to make a personal loan partial payment. In this article, we will understand what a personal loan partial payment is, its benefits, and the factors to consider.

What is a personal loan partial payment? A personal loan partial payment involves an additional payment over and above the regular monthly EMI. For example, Dinesh took a Rs. 1 lakh personal loan for a tenure of 5 years. He pays an EMI of Rs. 2,224. After one year, Dinesh received a bonus of Rs. 25,000 from his employer. He used the bonus amount to make a personal loan partial payment. With the partial payment, Dinesh was able to reduce the outstanding principal on his personal loan by Rs. 25,000.

A personal loan partial payment reduces the outstanding principal by the amount paid. With a partial payment, if the bank keeps the EMI the same, the personal loan tenure will come down. On the other hand, with a partial payment, if the bank keeps the tenure the same, the EMI amount will come down.

After the partial payment, if you are comfortable paying the same EMI amount, you may request the bank to reduce the loan tenure. It will help you finish the personal loan repayment before the scheduled tenure.

However, after the partial payment, if you want to lower the EMI to reduce the pressure on your cash flows, you may ask the bank to do so. A lower EMI will be lighter on your pocket and help pay the remaining EMIs comfortably. In this case, the EMI payments will continue as per the original loan schedule.

Benefits of personal loan partial payment Some benefits of a personal loan partial payment include the following.

Interest savings When you make a personal loan partial payment, your outstanding loan amount comes down. So, now you will have to pay interest on the reduced loan principal amount. Thus, your interest outgo will reduce with a partial payment resulting in interest savings.

Lower EMI After the partial payment of a personal loan, you can request the bank to reduce the EMI amount and keep the loan tenure the same. A lower EMI is more manageable to pay. The amount saved from the reduced EMI can be invested towards financial goals.

Debt becomes manageable When you make a personal loan partial payment, your loan outstanding principal comes down. Thus, your debt becomes more manageable than before. The higher the partial payment amount, the more manageable the debt becomes.

Loan gets over earlier than scheduled After making the partial payment, you can ask the bank to keep the EMI the same and reduce the loan tenure. If you do that, your personal loan repayment will get over earlier than scheduled. If this is your only loan, you will become debt-free earlier than expected.

Partial payment fees Some banks charge a partial payment fee. Check your personal loan agreement or with the bank on such a fee on your personal loan.

For example, as per the HDFC Bank website, the fee for partial payment is as follows:

Up to 24 EMI  4% + taxes on the partial payment amount Between 24 to 36 EMI  3% + taxes on the partial payment amount Post 36 EMI  2% + taxes on the partial payment amount The HDFC Bank website further mentions that partial payment would be allowed post servicing of 1st EMI, up to 25% of the principal outstanding. It will be allowed only once in the financial year, and twice during the entire loan tenure.

The ICICI Bank website mentions a partial payment fee of 3% + taxes on the amount being paid for the loan seasoning period of up to 24 months. The partial payment fee is nil for a loan seasoning period of above 24 months.

The Kotak Bank website mentions partial payment is allowed for loans disbursed after 1st February 2020. Partial payment is allowed post completion of 12 months for up to 20% of the principal outstanding. Partial payment is allowed once a year. The fee per instance of part payment is Rs. 500 + Taxes. Other banks will have their own terms and conditions pertaining to the partial payment fees.

If there is a partial payment fee on your personal loan, check how much it is. Calculate the savings after deducting the partial payment fee from the interest savings. If the savings are meaningful, going for the partial payment may make sense. If the savings are low or negative, it may not be worth going for the partial payment.

Factors to consider for a partial payment To decide whether you should go for a personal loan partial payment, consider the following factors.

Are you diverting money from other financial goals? If you have received a lumpsum amount, which you are using to make a personal loan partial payment, it is fine. However, you must avoid diverting from your other financial goals. For example, avoid using money from an emergency fund to make a partial payment. Similarly, money meant for important financial goals like a childs higher education, own retirement, etc., should not be used for partial payment.

Opportunity cost Consider the opportunity cost of using the money for personal loan partial payment. Instead of using the money for partial payment, can you invest it somewhere else and generate better returns? If the answer is no, you may go for the partial payment. If the answer is yes, you may reconsider the partial payment decision.

Partial payment process In the earlier section, we discussed the factors to be considered for deciding on the partial payment. If the partial payment decision makes sense, you may take the following steps to proceed with it.

Decide the amount for the partial payment Approach the bank and inform them about the partial payment decision to complete the formalities Make the partial payment and share the confirmation with the bank After receiving the payment, the bank will adjust the personal loan outstanding amount Ask the bank to share a revised EMI schedule with you Should you make a partial payment? A personal loan partial payment has benefits as discussed in the earlier sections. However, you must calculate the interest savings benefit after factoring in the partial payment fees. If the savings are meaningful, you may go ahead with a partial payment. It can help you lower the EMI, or reduce the loan tenure and complete the repayment before schedule.
In a shocking turn of events, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday made big claims about a Congress MP from Assam who he alleges spent 15 days in Islamabad without informing the state government. He also alleged that the MP's wife, who worked in Delhi, received a salary from Pakistan for three years.

While talking to ANI, Sarma said that the matter is under investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and evidence has been found against the MP's wife.

What CM Himanta Biswa said We have found some important evidence that the MP's wife used to get salary from Pakistan for three years. She was working in Delhi, but her salary used to come from Pakistan. In the month of June-July, we are going to discuss this matter with the MP. The SIT of Assam Police will meet the MP and his family to know their side and then submit the report before September. But it is true that he spent 15 days in Islamabad without informing the Government of India and the Government of Assam, the Assam CM said.

Expressing concern over the relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh, Sarma said that the security agencies have been asked to stay alert about the movements across the border. We are also concerned about Bangladesh and recent hobnobbing between Bangladesh and Pakistan, so we have alerted our security agencies to keep a watch on whatever is going on across the border and also remain vigilant, he said.

The Assam Chief Minister's claims come amidst the rising tensions between India and Pakistan after a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district on April 22 killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

India, Pak expel diplomats over Pahalgam attack In response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Centre expelled Pakistan's top military attaches in India, declaring them as Persona Non Grata. The government gave Pakistan officials a week to leave India. The government also decided to withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Force advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government also cancelled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Pakistani nationals. Pakistani nationals in India will now have leave the country and return home before or by April 27, 2025.

In response to these measures taken after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting held on Wednesday, Pakistan also expelled India's military attaches in Islamabad by declaring them Persona Non Grata. The officials have been ordered to exit Pakistan by April 30, 2025. Indian Nationals in Pakistan, except Sikh pilgrims, have been given 48 hours to exit the country.
A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan has been detained by Pakistan Rangers after he accidently crossed the International Border in Punjab, officials said on Thursday. Talks for his release between the two forces to secure his release are underway, an ANI report said.

Constable PK Sahu of the 182nd battalion was apprehended by the Pakistan Rangers across the Ferozepur border on Wednesday, the report said.

The jawan was in uniform and was carrying his service rifle. He was accompanying farmers when he moved ahead to rest in shade and was apprehended by the Rangers.

He was accompanying farmers near Gate No. 208/1, a known entry point to fields located between the border fence and the Zero Line, The Sunday Guardian reported.

Flag meeting for Constable's safe return underway A flag meeting between the two forces is currently underway to secure PK Sahu's release, officials told ANI.

Also Read | India suspends visa services to Pakistanis after Pahalgam attack

The BSF routinely returns Pakistani nationals who stray across the border after following due procedures, a senior BSF official told The Sunday Guardian. In this matter too, the established process is being followed, and we are hopeful that the Rangers will return our jawan soon.

While such incidents are common and have happened in the past, it has gained seriousness in the backdrop of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

Such inadvertent crossings by troops or civilians are usually resolved through establish military protocols and detainees are repatriated after procedural flag meetings.

Encounter in Udhampur Earlier in the day, an Army jawan, Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, died in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district.

"Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched today in Basantgarh, Udhampur. Contact was established, and a fierce firefight ensued. One of our Bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite the best medical efforts," the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army posted on X.

Also Read | Pahalgam attack: BSF scales down beating retreat ceremony at Attari

The Romeo Force of the Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) continued their joint operation for the 10th consecutive day on Thursday in the forest area of Lasana in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch. The operation is underway to trace terrorists believed to be hiding in the region, a PTI report said.

The search operations started on April 15 following an exchange of fire between the security forces and terrorists on April 14. Security forces have cordoned off the area and are conducting extensive search operations in dense forest zones.

According to officials, terrorists opened fire on the Romeo Force personnel, in which one of the security personnel got injured near the Lasana village located on the National Highway connecting Poonch to Jammu, the report added.
India on Thursday formally wrote to Pakistan informing it about New Delhi's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance with immediate effect, saying Islamabad breached treaty conditions.

The decision to suspend decades-old treaty comes in the aftermath of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed on Tuesday.

India said that sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting Jammu and Kashmir impedes India's rights under Indus Water Treaty.

Signed in 1960, the treaty allocates the eastern rivers  Sutlej, Beas and Ravi  to India and the western rivers  Indus, Jhelum and Chenab  to Pakistan.

"The Govt of India has hereby decided that the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect," reads a letter from Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti to Syed Ali Murtaza, Secretary of Pakistan Ministry of Water Resources.

The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the letter stated.

Also Read | What is the Indus Water Treaty that Modi govt is cancelling with Pakistan?

Further stating that the resulting security uncertainties have directly impeded India's full utilization of its rights under the Treaty, India added, "Furthermore, apart from other breaches committed by it, Pakistan has refused to respond to India's request to enter into negotiations as envisaged under the Treaty and is thus in breach of the Treaty.

Over the last two days, downgrading diplomatic ties to retaliate against Pahalgam attack, India has taken several measures, including the expulsion of its military attaches, closing the integrated Check Post at Attari, and suspending visa services to Pakistani nationals, while revoking existing visas.

All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

India also asked its nationals to avoid travelling to Pakistan and those in Pakistan were asked to return to India at the earliest.
As India launched a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan after terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday said it has scaled down the retreat ceremony held at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab.

On Tuesday, 26 men, mostly tourists, were gunned down by terrorists in picturesque tourist location of Pahalgam.

In the wake of the recent tragic attack in Pahalgam, a calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki in Punjab, said the BSF's Punjab frontier, which guards 532 km of this front out of the total 2,200 km.

In a statement, it added that as part of this calibrated decision, it was suspending the symbolic handshake of the Indian guard commander with the counterpart and the border gates will remain closed during the ceremony.

This step reflects India's serious concern over cross-border hostilities and reaffirms that peace and provocation cannot coexist, it added.

Meanwhile, India has briefed ambassadors of select countries based in New Delhi, including Germany, Japan, Poland, the UK, and Russia, on the Pahalgam terror attack.

Top diplomats from the United States, the European Union, Italy, Qatar, Japan, China, Russia, Germany, and France, among others, were seen arriving at the Ministry of External Affairs located in South Block in the national capital.

Earlier in the day, India suspended visa services to Pakistani nationals and revoked existing visas.

"In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect."

"All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025," the statement added.
Pakistani nationals flocked to the Attari-Wagah border on Thursday, a day after India suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas on Wednesday, a day after a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

The Indian government cancelled all issued visas to Pakistani nationals and directed them to leave the country before or by April 27. The Centre also expelled Pakistan's top military attaches in India by declaring them as persona non grata'. They have a week to exit the country.

These decisions were taken after a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, took note of the cross-border links with regards to the Pahalgam terror attacks.

Pakistani nationals at the Attari border While the Attari-Wagah border has been closed following the CCS meeting, Pakistani nationals who were in India under the SVES visa started leaving the country on Thursday.

Also Read | Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Army chief Gen Dwivedi to visit Srinagar tomorrow

Punjab Police Protocol Officer Arun Mahal told ANI that so far a total of 28 Pakistanis had exited India and 105 Indians had returned through the border. The government of India has taken very strict decisions. The gates at the Attari-Wagah integrated checkpost were not opened and the parade was done in the respective areas. A total of 28 Pakistani nationals left for Pakistan from the Attari border and 105 Indian nationals have returned from Pakistan. There has been an impact on the number of tourists, Mahal said.

A family from Karachi said they had gone to Delhi to meet their relatives.

"We came here (India) on April 15 and today we are returning home though we had a visa for 45 days," said Shaikh Fazal Ahmad, a member of the family.

Responding to a question on the Pahalgam attack, Ahmad told PTI, Whosoever has done it is completely wrong. We want mutual brotherhood and friendship between the two nations. There should be no place for hatred. We don't want hatred.

Another Pakistani national named Mansoor said he along with his family came to India on a 90-day visa on April 15.

"But we are returning home today," Mansoor said, as he condemned the Pahalgam attack, saying it shouldn't have happened.

Flag-lowering ceremony at Attari-Wagah border The flag-lowering ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border was held without opening the gates, an ANI report said. The Integrated Check-Post (ICP) at the Attari-Wagah border was shut after the CCS meeting on Wednesday evening.

Some Indians with valid visa documents also reached the ICP on Thursday to enter Pakistan. An Indian man, a resident of Rajasthan, was also scheduled to cross the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar on Thursday. Shaitan Singh told ANI that he was going to Pakistan for his wedding. What the terrorists have done is wrong...We are not being allowed to go (to Pakistan) as the border is closed...Let us see what will happen now, he said.

We got the visa two months back, said an elderly member of a Gujarati family intending to meet their relatives in Karachi. The central government on Wednesday said that those who have crossed over to Pakistan with valid documents may return through that route before May 1.
Pahalgam terrorist attack: Aminul Islam, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA from Dhing, was on Thursday arrested by the Assam Police for making derogatory remarks' and defending Pakistan after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Twenty-six people, mostly tourists, were killed in a terror attack on Tuesday.

Aminul Islam was arrested for making a misleading and instigating statement during a public gathering, said the Assam Police in a post on X.

Further, it added that the statement went viral on social media and had the potential to create an adverse situation.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Islam was booked under section 152/196/197(1)/113(3)/352/353 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS). He has been arrested accordingly," the police added.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said there was a video in which the MLA was defending Pakistan and its complicity in the attack.

"I had instructed the police to take action, and accordingly, the DGP has informed me that he has been arrested. The MLA will be produced before a court and we will take the case to its logical conclusion, Sarma said at a press conference.

Also Read | India suspends visa services to Pakistanis after Pahalgam attack

Later, in a post on X, Sarma stated that Assam will take the strongest possible action against anyone who dares to defenddirectly or indirectlythe horrific, Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam.

Let it be known clearly: those who attempt to justify, normalise, or dilute the brutal murder of innocent civilians are not exercising freedom of expressionthey are standing against the soul of India, Sarma added.

Sarma also announced 5 lakh ex gratia for families of all 26 killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.
India's security forces are suspecting the presence of around 130 terrorists on 42 active terror launch pads in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) side near the LoC area, as per a new report.

According to a report by India Today, the forces have zeroed in on specific training centres and terror launch pads located across PoK within 40 hours of the ghastly Pahalgam terrorist attack that took the lives of 26 civilians, most of whom were tourists.

The report, quoting sources, has said that Indian intelligence agencies have been keeping a close eye on these launch pads for months now. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has got a comprehensive briefing from the Indian Army, which included strategic recommendations and options regarding operations.

Hundreds of terrorists ready to infiltrate, Pakistan Army supporting them: Report The report, citing intelligence inputs, further claimed that another 150 to 200 trained terrorists are stationed in various camps opposite Jammu and Kashmir and have been primed for infiltration attempts. These infiltrations are reportedly being facilitated by the Pakistan Army.

The Indian Army, meanwhile, has been closely monitoring the developments at the terror launch pads. Authorities are considering options like precision surveillance expansion and reinforcement of the counter-infiltration grid to deal with the situation.

Recently, an infiltration was attempted the Battal sector, which resulted in heavy firing. As per the India Today report, 642 Mujahid Battalion saw heavy casualties during the failed attempt.

Also Read | Bengaluru techie shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam. Told them name was Bharath

Also Read | India will punish every terrorist: Modi on Pahalgam attack

As many as 60 additional foreign terrorists from Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are presently active in Jammu and Kashmir, along with 17 other local terrorists in the region.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army is on high alert on its side of the LoC in anticipation of possible action from India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong message In a stern message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers who were responsible for the attack in Pahalgam "beyond their imagination".

Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth, PM Modi said addressing a public gathering here.
Debasish Bhattacharya, a Hindu Brahmin, narrowly escaped the terrorists' bullets during the deadly Pahalgam terror attack by reciting the Islamic Kalima, a declaration of faith that forms the core beliefs of Muslims.

Bhattacharya, a Bengali professor at Assam University in Silchar, was on holiday with his family in Jammu and Kashmir.

Just 20 minutes into their visit to the Baisaran meadows, the Assam professor heard a gunshot, which he initially assumed was fired by the forest department to scare away wild animals.

We were just enjoying the view when I heard a gunshot. When I inquired about it, I was told it might be from the forest department to scare away wild animals, Bhattacharya told NDTV over a telephonic interview.

However, he soon saw a man with a gun who shot a tourist after a brief conversation with the couple. Soon, four gun-totting terrorists started targeting tourists visiting the picturesque spot.

Bhattacharya said the people around him crouched on the ground and started reciting the Kalma, a declaration of faith that forms the core beliefs of Muslims.

So I also followed them. A terrorist walked up to us and shot the man next to me. Then he looked at me and asked what I was doing, Bhattacharya said. Kya bol raha hai, asked the terrorist in Hindi.

Terrified Bhattacharya said he started reciting the Kalma louder, and did not reply to his question. I don't know what happened; he just turned around and left to join his group on the other side, he shared.

Emphasising that it wasn't just the Kalima that saved his life, the professor said he followed what everyone else was doing in an absolutely instantaneous, heard mentality way.

Also Read | Pahalgam Terror Attack News LIVE: Rajnath Singh to chair all party meet today

The miraculous escape The professor said that after the terrorists left, he, along with his wife and son, immediately abandoned the place and walked back.

I somehow managed to escape by crossing the 7-foot high fence, he said, adding that they walked following the hoof marks of the horse.

Bhattacharya told NDTV that locals helped them throughout. Our horse guide (pony riders_ came searching for us. They came back for us. They found us, and took us back.

He shared that the driver of the cab they had hailed for coming to the Baisaran meadows rushed them back to their hotel in Srinagar.

Assam government to bring the Bhattacharyas back Bhattacharya, who shared that his family's trip was to end on Saturday, said the Assam government is making arrangements to bring him and his family back to their hometown.

The Assam Chief Minister's Office (CMO) also posted an update about the same on Twitter (now X). It said: The CM Office Assam has spoken to a survivor from Assam of the dastardly Pahalgam Terror Attack and has taken a full brief of the incident which they have faced yesterday.

The entire family's return to the state is being arranged on priority, and the government of Assam is in touch with the government of India to bring the family back to Assam at the earliest, it added.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also said his office is in touch with Bhattacharya. We will ensure his safe return to Assam soon.

Pahalgam terror attack A group of terrorists opened fire at Baisaran meadows, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists from other states, and injuring several others.

Some of the eyewitnesses have claimed that the victims were asked about their religion before they were shot. The terrorists only targeted men.
Amid the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's scenic Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam on 22 April, killing 26 people, including both locals and visitors, a viral video is making the rounds on social media where a Kashmiri shawl hawker carried a tourist on his back.

The Kashmiri shawl hawker, identified as Sajad Ahmad Bhat, said: Humanity comes before religion."

He mentioned that along with others, he immediately rushed to help those who were stranded after their Pahalgam Poney Association president, Abdul Waheed Wan, dropped a message, saying there was an ongoing terrorist attack.

Speaking to ANI, Sajad Ahmad Bhat said, "The Pahalgam Poney Association president, Abdul Waheed Wan, messaged in our group about the incident in Baisaran Valley. So we went with him and reached the location around 3 PM. We gave water to the injured and lifted those who could not walk.... Humanity comes before religion. It is our duty to help the tourists as they are our guests, and our livelihood depends on them. We brought many of them to the hospital"

He added, We did not care about our own lives because when we went there, people were pleading for help... When I saw the tourists crying, tears came to my eyes... Their arrival lights up the lamps in our houses. Our life is incomplete without them...

Earlier on 22 April, when tourists were enjoying their time in the scenic Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, some terrorists opened fire and killed 26 people, including both locals and visitors.

Also Read | Pahalgam terror attack: How a Hindu Brahmin survived by reciting Kalima

Among the victims are those from states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu.

Kashmir on 23 April observed a complete shutdown in a show of solidarity and outrage, as protests erupted across the region to condemn the brutal attack.

What PM Modi said: Meanwhile, addressing a gathering in Bihar on Thursday, PM Modi said that he wants the world to know that India will identify and punish every terrorist.

He made it clear that those behind the Pahalgam terror attack and those part of the conspiracy will be punished beyond their imagination.

PM Modi said that the entire nation is saddened by the brutality with which terrorists killed innocent civilians, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22nd April.

Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers, Modi said in English.

PM Modi also stated: "Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve."

How did India respond? The decisions to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan in view of cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack were taken in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by PM Modi on April 23.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, is believed to be behind Tuesday's attack, a claim that Mint has not been able to verify so far. Some reports even suggested that a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, Saifullah Kasuri, alias Khalid, is believed to be the mastermind of the attack. There has not been any official word on these claims yet.

Also Read | How will shutting Attari border impact trade with Pakistan?

Pakistan has, however, denied any involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan has nothing to do with it (Pagalgam terror attack)," Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told a local TV channel on April 23.
Pakistan has said that it has suspended all trade with India after New Delhi took a slew of retaliatory measures against the country following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

According to reports by Reuters and Bloomberg, Pakistan has also expelled all Indian diplomats from Islamabad and closed its airspace for Indian airlines.

The decision was taken after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a meeting with key ministers and the three services chiefs to formulate the country's response on India's move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties after the Pahalgam terror attack.

The key meeting of the National Security Committee came a day after India said hinted at Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 men were shot dead by terrorists.

Here are the key decisions taken at the NSC meet on Thursday.

Pahalgam terror attack: Pakistan's measures against India Islamabad has also said it rejects India's decision to suspend Indus Water Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack, adding that it's the lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis.

Any attempt to divert or stop water meant for Pakistan under Indus Water Treaty will be considered Act of War, said a Pakistani statement.

Any threat to Pakistans sovereignty and to the security of its people will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains, the Pakistani statement said.

Also Read | India suspends visa services to Pakistanis after Pahalgam attack

Pakistan further suspended the 1971 Simla agreement in response to New Delhi's measures.

Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India including but not limited to Simla Agreement in abeyance, it said.

The statement also declared Indian Defence, Naval and Air advisors as persona non grata.

They are directed to leave Pakistan immediately but not later than 30 April 2025, the PMO statement read. The strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced to 30 diplomats and staff members from April 30.

All trade with India including to and from any third country through Pakistan is suspended forthwith, the Pakistani statement read.

The statement said Pakistan will close down the Wagah Border Post with immediate effect.

"All cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception. Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than April 30," it said.

Pakistan also suspended all visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) issued to Indian nationals and deems them cancelled with immediate effect, with the exception of Sikh religious pilgrims.

Indian nationals, barring Sikh pilgrims, currently in Pakistan under SVES, are instructed to exit within 48 hours.
PM Modi in Bihar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and gram sabhas across the country at an event at Bihar's Madhubani today, April 24. The prime minister will also launch several projects worth approximately 13,500 crore on the occasion.

Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion in what is going to be his first public remarks following the ghastly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists, on April 22.

Also Read | What is the Indus Water Treaty that Modi govt is cancelling with Pakistan?

Bihar is going to have assembly elections later this year.

Modi is expected to reach Lohna Uttar Gram panchayat in Jhanjharpur block of Madhubani district in Bihar and participate in the event organised on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day at around 11:45 AM, according to a government press communique.

32 years of the 73rd Constitutional (Amendment) Act The event marks 32 years of the 73rd Constitutional (Amendment) Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to panchayats as institutions of rural local self-government.

The Prime Minister's Office said in a separate statement that Modi will also flag off Amrit Bharat Express and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail in Bihar.

The prime minister will address PRIs and gram sabhas across the country and also confer Special Category National Panchayat Awards 2025 on this occasion.

Another programme of Modi, scheduled to be held in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur, has been cancelled in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack where 26 people, mostly tourist, were gunned down.

What is Panchayati Raj Day? This year, the National Panchayati Raj Day is being observed as a major national programme through a 'Whole-of-Government' approach, involving the participation of six Union ministries  Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Railways, and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Also Read | PM discusses Pahalgam terror attack with security committee; Shah meets injured

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan', and Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha will be among those present at the event, besides senior officials from the Union and the state government.

What is on the agenda? -PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of an LPG bottling plant and rail unloading facility to be built at Hathua in Gopalganj district of Bihar at a cost of about 340 crore, the government statement said. This will help streamline the supply chain and improve the efficiency of bulk LPG transportation.

-Modi will lay the foundation stone of projects worth over  1,170 crore in Bihar and also inaugurate several projects worth over  5,030 crore under the Restructured Distribution Sector Scheme.

-Modi will flag off Amrut Bharat Express between Saharsa and Mumbai , Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Jaynagar and Patna, and trains between Pipra and Saharsa and Saharsa and Samastipur.

-Modi will also inaugurate the Supaul Pipra Rail Line , Hasanpur Bithan Rail Line and two 2-lane Rail Over Bridges at Chhapra and Bagaha. He will dedicate the Khagaria-Alauliya Rail Line to the nation. These projects will improve connectivity and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.

-Modi will distribute Community Investment Fund benefits worth about  930 crore to over 2 lakh self-help groups of Bihar under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

-PM Modi will hand over approval letters to 15 lakh new beneficiaries of PMAY-Gramin and release instalments to 10 lakh PMAY-G beneficiaries across the country. He will also hand over keys to some beneficiaries, marking Griha Pravesh of 1 lakh PMAY-G and 54,000 PMAY-U houses in Bihar.
A professor from Assam narrowly escaped the terrorists' bullets in Jammu Kashmir's Pahalgam because he was able to recite the Kalima, the sacred Islamic verses. The terror attack on tourists on April 22 claimed 26 lives.

Two days after the brutal terrorist attack, shocking details have emerged about the close call of Assam University professor Debasish Bhattacharjee and his kin.

According to reports, the terrorists were reportedly checking for religious affiliation, singling out non-Muslims and killing them. Debasish Bhattacharjee  who reached Kashmir with his family two days before the attack  was asked by a terrorist to recite the Kalima at gunpoint. His knowledge of reciting the Islamic declaration of faith suddenly turned out to be the saviour as the terrorists spared their lives before fleeing to the jungles.

A terrorist walked up to me... He asked me, What are you saying? I kept repeating La ilaha illallah... For some reason, he turned and left, India Today quoted Bhattacharjee, an associate professor in Assam University, as saying.

Recalling the incident, Bhattacharjee stated that he did not pay any heed after initially hearing the gunshots, as he was told by a local photographer that this could be the forest department people firing in the air to scare the monkeys away.

However, Bhattacharjee's comfort didn't last long when the sound of gunshots pierced their ears.

Realising that they were caught in heavy gunfiring, he, along with his wife, son and others, lay down on the ground. "All of us lay down on the ground under a nearby tree. Apart from my wife and son, several other people did the same and started uttering 'la ilaha illallah'," ETV Bharat quoted him as saying.

"By seeing them remembering Allah, we followed the same. I felt it was the right thing to do at that moment, and we kept on doing it," he added.

Remembering the horror, he said that a terrorist came forward and stopped four meters away, and soon shot a man in front of them.

"Then the terrorist came up to me, pointing a gun at my head. I could not see him as my face was downwards, but my son was watching all this. The terrorist asked me, 'Kya bol rahe ho?' (What are you saying?). I didn't give any reply and kept uttering 'la ilaha illallah'," he said. This somehow changed the mind of the terrorist, and he left the family alive, Bhattacharjee said.

What is Kalima in Islam? Kalima is a declaration of faith that affirms the belief in Allah's oneness and Muhammad's prophethood. Knowing Kalima is necessary for all Muslims, as it represents the core of Islamic belief.

Muslims recite the Kalima regularly as it reminds them of their commitment to worshipping Allah alone and following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

The six Kalimas There are six Kalimas, each having its purpose and meaning.

a) Tayyib (purity) La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullah.(There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.)

b) Shahadat (Testimony): Ashhadu alla ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluhu. (I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, He is One, without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger.)

Also Read | India suspends visa services to Pakistanis after Pahalgam attack

c) Tamjeed (Glorification): Subhanallahi walhamdulillahi wa la ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahi aliyyil azeem". (Glory is to Allah, all praise is to Allah, there is no God but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. There is no power and no strength except with Allah.)

d) Tawheed (Unity): Laa ilaha illal lahoo wahdahoo la shareekalahoo lahul mulko walahul hamdo yuhee wa yumeeto wa hoa haiy yul la yamooto abadan abada zul jalali wal ikraam beyadihil khair. Wa howa ala kulli shayi in qadeer. (There is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is alone and has no partner. To Him belongs the Kingdom, and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. In His hand is all good, and He has power over everything.)

e) Astaghfar (Penitence): Astaghfirullah rabbi min kullay zambin aznabtuho amadan ao khat an sirran ao alaniatan wa atubu ilaihee min az zambil lazee aalamo wa min az zambil lazee la aalamo innaka anta allamul ghuyoobi wa sattaarul oyobi wa ghaffar uz zunoobi wala ha ola wala quwwata illa bila hil aliyil azeem.(I seek forgiveness from Allah, who is my Creator and Cheriser, from every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly. I also seek His forgiveness for all sins which I am aware of or am not aware of. Certainly, You (O Allah!), are the Knower of the hidden and the Concealer of mistakes and the Forgiver of sins. And there is no power and no strength except Allah, the Highest, the Greatest.)
The Ministry of Externa Affairs (MEA) of Thursday issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Pakistan, and also asked Indian citizens to return at the earliest.

Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest, the MEA advisory said.

The advisory comes in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

What the MEA advisory says The statement, released on the MEA website, also said that medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till April 29, 2025.

Dated April 24, the advisory said, "In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect.

All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April 2025.

Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till 29 April 2025.

All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave India before the expiry of visas, as now amended.

Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest."

India suspends SVES visas, Indus Waters Treaty The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on Wednesday suspended the visa exemption scheme for Pakistani nationals after a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting took note of the cross-border terror links.

In retaliation to the deadly Pahalgam attack, the CCS announced five key actions to be taken against Pakistan, one which included suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Pakistani nationals. All issued SVES visas are now deemed cancelled and Pakistani nationals in India have less than 48 hours to leave the country.

India also decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

Another key decision announced after the CCS meeting was to declare all Pakistani military attaches in India as Persona Non Grata. They have been given a week to leave India. India has also withdrawn its defence attaches in Pakistan and decided to reduce the number of staff at its High Commissions in Pakistan.

India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions, an MEA statement said on Wednesday.

Also Read | Pahalgam terror attack: India gives Pakistani nationals 48 hours to leave

Further reductions, to be effected by May 1, 2025, will bring the overall strength of the High Commissions down to 30 from the present 55, it added.

Pakistan expels envoys, halts trade with India After the Indian government expelled Pakistan's military attaches, the latter, in retaliation, expelled Indian diplomats from Islamabad and halted the limited trade between the two nations.

As tensions flared up between the two nations after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam two days ago, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a national security committee meeting on Thursday that includes top civilian and military leadership. Pakistan also decided to close its airspace for Indian airlines.

The Pakistani government has also rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, saying that any attempt to stop or divert water belonging to Pakistan would be considered an act of war.
Suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement implies that Pakistan is going to up the ante on Kashmir, making all-out efforts to internationalise a largely dormant issue, says a former diplomat and leading expert.

"How can a country suspend a bilateral agreement signed years ago between two countries, questioned Gopalaswami Parthasarathy, former Indian envoy to Pakistan.

Of course, Islamabad is well within its rights to disregard a formal treaty, which was signed by the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in a fit of generosity, Parthasarathy told this reporter.

In his view, there is a clause in the Shimla Agreement which agrees to settle all disputes between India and Pakistan by bilateral discussions. "Once that agreement was inked, one thing became very clear. The border cannot be changed, Parthasarathy, who served as the High Commissioner of India to Pakistan between 1999 and 2000 in the crucial Kargil War years, said.

India's retaliatory measures A day after India's strong retaliatory measures following the Pahalgam terror attack, which included a downgrading of diplomatic ties, Pakistan on Thursday announced the suspension of the Simla Agreement and all bilateral agreements with India.

This was among the several other measures announced by Islamabad, which included blocking its airspace for Indian airlines, closing the Wagah border crossing, and suspending all trade with India. It has also revoked all visas issued to Indian nationals under the SAARC visa exemption scheme.

India on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a raft of measures, including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the terror attack.

The Simla Agreement, officially titled the "Agreement on Bilateral Relations between the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan," was signed on July 2, 1972, in Simla. This landmark accord was the direct outcome of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, a conflict that resulted in a decisive Indian victory and the creation of an independent Bangladesh.

According to Parthasarathy, the crucial question to ask is this: if the Simla Accord goes, what comes in its place? If Pakistan attempts to take Kashmir to the UN, as it well might, it would be important to remember that the Simla Agreement supersedes the UN resolution on Kashmir.
In retaliation for the Indian government's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the latter could announce the suspension of the Simla Agreement between the two nations, according to multiple media reports.

On Thursday, Pakistan suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement, blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, and paused limited trade with India.

Tensions between the two countries have reached an all-time high after a group of terrorists opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district on April 22, killing 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

What is the Simla Agreement? The Simla agreement, a significant peace treaty, was signed between India and Pakistan in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, after the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The war was triggered when India intervened in East Pakistan's (now Bangladesh) fight for independence.

Also Read | Kashmir tourism under threat after Pahalgam terror attack

The Simla agreement aimed to end the long-standing conflict between the two neighbours. Signed on July 2, it states that India and Pakistan resolve to put an end to the conflict and confrontation so that both countries may devote their resources and energies to the pressing task of advancing the welfare of their peoples.

What does the Simla Agreement say? The agreement outlines pivotal guidelines for both countries to follow.

The principles and the Charter of the United Nations will govern the relations between the two countries. The two countries should settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral talks or negotiations. The agreement also says that both countries should not encourage acts which may harm the harmonious relationship between the two countries. The two countries should maintain peace and good neighbourliness by committing to peaceful co-existence, respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. The agreement also says that both countries will take steps to prevent hostile propaganda against each other. You can read the full agreement here.

The agreement also lays out ways in which India and Pakistan can restore and normalise relations, starting with resuming of communication, including sea, postal, and air links, between the two countries, promoting travel facilities, and focusing on trade and co-operation between the two neighbours.

Under the Agreement, India returned over 13,000 km of land it had seized during the war. However, India retained a few strategic areas, such as Turtuk, Dhothang, Tyakshi, and Chalunka in the Chorbat Valley.

What does the Simla Agreement say about the LoC? According to the agreement, both countries agreed to withdraw their forces to their side of the international border, respect the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir without attempting to alter it unilaterally, irrespective of differences.

Both sides further undertake to refrain from the threat of the use of force in violation of this Line, the agreement reads.

The agreement was signed by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Where is Papa? Did he go somewhere? Sohini cannot answer the chilling question her three-year-old son asks, waking up in the middle of the night, voice trembling with fear.

All she can do is cry for her husband, as her son's words slice through the stillness like shattered glass.

The kid's father Bitan Adhikari was gunned down by terrorists amidst the breathtaking beauty of Pahalgam, Kashmir.

What was meant to be a family trip to the heaven on earth became a nightmare for the Adhikari family, which they will never fully recover from.

Bitan Adhikari, originally from West Bengal, had settled in Florida with his family a few years ago. He returned to Kolkata on April 8 to visit relatives and was vacationing in Kashmir with his family at the time of the attack.

They separated us, his wife Sohini Adhikari recounted to a news channel, her voice cracking.

They asked where we were from, then segregated the men, asked their religion, and shot them one by one. My husband was murdered right in front of our child. How do I explain this to him? she said.

I dont know how to tell my son that his father is gone forever, she says, her voice barely a whisper. He wakes in terror, clutching my hand, pleadingWhere is father?'

Bitan Adhikari took care of parents, financial shield gone now Back home in Kolkata, the grief runs deeper still.

Bitan was not only a devoted husband and father, but also the primary caregiver for his ageing and ailing parents, despite living abroad.

His father, 87-year-old Bireshwar Adhikari, and his 75-year-old mother, Maya Adhikari, are both in poor health.

It was Bitan who managed their medical expenses, sending money from abroad to ensure they never missed a dose of medicine or a doctor's appointment.

"He may have been overseas, but he never let us feel his absence," said a grieving relative.

Also Read | Pahalgam attack: BSF scales down beating retreat ceremony at Attari

"From arranging their checkups to paying for every prescription, Bitan handled everything. Now, who will look after them?"

The April 22 attack claimed the lives of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national, leaving scores of others wounded.

The savage nature of the killings, allegedly after terrorists separated non-Kashmiri tourists and asked them about their religion, has sparked national outrage.

Back in Kolkata, as neighbours and relatives try to console the Adhikari family, the pain remains too deep for words.

"I just want someone to tell my son why his father is never coming back. And I want justice  not just for my husband, but for every innocent person who lost their life that day," his wife said.

Adding to the family's call for justice, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh made a public appeal on social media urging both the central and state governments to consider the plight of Bitan's parents while disbursing compensation.

"Don't give the entire compensation amount to Mrs. Adhikari alone," Ghosh posted on X.

"Kindly divide it, and give an amount to Mr. Bitan Adhikari's parents also. They are totally helpless. After Bitan's death, the parents became more helpless. A financial protection must be given to them also," he said.

He further emphasised that if the elderly parents were no longer alive, the amount would naturally revert to Bitan's wife and son, but at this moment, the situation of the parents warranted immediate, independent attention.

"I am confident the state government will consider this point seriously. The central government should think alike also," he wrote.
Seema Haider, the Pakistani woman who left her country to marry her Indian lover, is under the limelight again but for the wrong reasons this time.

The Indian government has announced a slew of measures against Pakistan in the wake of a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 men.

One of the measures taken by the government is the suspension of the visas for all Pakistani citizens.

This has led to a fresh scrutiny of Seema Haider, who entered India illegally in 2023 to marry Sachin Meena.

Seema, already married with four kids back home, had met Sachin online during the Covid-19 pandemic and entered India illegally via Nepal to meet him.

The couple eventually got married and had a daughter in 2024 named Bharti.

Also Read | Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE: Army chief Gen Dwivedi to visit Srinagar tomorrow

Seema Haider's lawyer says she can't be kicked out of India Despite the countrywide backlash, her lawyer is hopeful that she will be allowed to live in India, as, he claimed, she was no longer a Pakistani citizen.

"Seema is no longer a Pakistani national. She married Sachin Meena, a resident of Greater Noida, and recently gave birth to their daughter, Bharti Meena. Her citizenship is now connected with her Indian husband, and therefore the Centre's directive should not apply to her," Advocate AP Singh told PTI in an interview.

Singh argued that the Centre's order was applicable only to those who currently hold Pakistani citizenship.

"Seema is in India, and she is Indian. A woman's nationality is determined by her husband's nationality after marriage," he said.

He also pointed out that her case is distinct because it is already under investigation by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

"I have also filed a petition on her behalf with the President of India. She is out on bail and has been fully complying with the conditions set by the Jewar court, which include not leaving her in-laws' residence in Rabupura, Greater Noida," Singh added.

Quoting international legal frameworks, Singh said, "The International Court of Justice and the Guardianship Act clearly state that a mother is the best guardian for a child. Would you want to send a daughter born in India to Pakistan?"

He said Seema's marriage and motherhood are part of a naturalised process.

"The birth certificate issued by the Uttar Pradesh government names Seema Meena as the mother and Sachin Meena as the father of the child. This reinforces her integration into Indian society," the lawyer said.
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has come down heavily on Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack case, that left 26 tourists dead and several injured, demanding that the United States should formally designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terror. He also demanded that Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir be declared a terrorist.

Michael Rubin also questioned the timing of the Pahalgam terror attack, suggesting a link to US Vice President JD Vances visit to India. Referring to the Chittisinghpura massacre of 2000 during former US President Bill Clinton's visit to India, the ex-Pentagon official said the Pahalgam terror attack was a Pakistani attempt to draw attention away from Vice President JD Vance's trip to India.

Michael Rubin said, The only reaction that the United States should take is a formal designation of Pakistan as a state sponsor of terror and a designation of Asim Munir as a terrorist.

"The only difference between Osama Bin Laden and Asim Munir is that Osama Bin Laden lived in a cave and Asim Munir lives in a palace, but beyond that, the two are the same, and their end should also be the same," Michael Rubin said.

US shouldnt let Pakistan get away' Speaking with news agency ANI from Washington, As for the timing, just as there was a terrorist attack when Bill Clinton went to India, so too does it seem that Pakistan wants to draw attention away from Vice President JD Vance's trip to India. The United States shouldn't let Pakistan get away with it, and we shouldn't pretend that this is some sort of spontaneous action.

The former Pentagon official went on to say that this just goes to show you that you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig. You can pretend that Pakistan isn't a terror sponsor, but it remains a terror sponsor, no matter how much we try to normalise it.

The Pahalgam terror attack On April 22, as many as 26 tourists, including an Indian Navy officer and a Karnataka businessman, were shot dead by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir  one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

Following the terror attack, security forces have launched search operations to track down the terrorists responsible.

Vance's visit to India US Vice President Vance was on an official trip to India along with his family from April 21-April 23. The vice president was in Jaipur when the terror attack happened in Pahalgam.
A Kerala family of 11 had a narrow escape near Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, after a delay caused by an overly salty meal kept them from reaching the tourist spot, which later became the target of a brutal terrorist attack.

According to a Times of India report, Alby George, his wife Lavanya, their children, and extended family members arrived in Kashmir on April 18. After visiting Gulmarg and Sonmarg, they headed to Baisaran in Pahalgam on April 22. Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE Updates

Speaking with TOI, Lavanya said that they had skipped lunch for past two days so her husband, Alby George, insisted on having a meal at a roadside eatery before moving on to Baisaran meadow.

We stopped at a roadside eatery and ordered fried rice. Unfortunately, the dish arrived excessively salty, making it nearly inedible. A disagreement arose, but the owner eventually agreed to remake the order, delaying us by approximately an hour, Lavanya was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.

As they moved closer to the meadow, they saw all taxis and other tourists rushing down the meadow. A Gujarati family in a car warned us not to go further, explaining there had been a clash between central security forces and tourists, she said.

They left the area and came down to rest near a lake before realising that they had narrowly escaped a terror attack.

In another case, an Assam professor, identified as Debasish Bhattacharya, escaped the terror attack by reciting Kalima. Read his story here.
Pahalgam Terror Attack News: A group of tourists was targeted in a terror attack in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir, claiming 26 lives. PM Narendra Modi has issued a stern statement.

The PM has vowed to identify, track and punish the perpetrators. Livemint is reporting LIVE on Pahalgam terror attack developments, stay with us.

The incident occurred in a popular tourist region, prompting authorities to launch an investigation and intensified security measures in the area.

In counter-measures against Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, India took a slew of measures including suspending the Indus Water Treaty and closing down the Attari border. Pakistani nationals will also not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas.

Home Minister Amit Shah has also asked chief ministers of states to identify Pakistani nationals in their jurisdiction and cancel their visas if they are overstaying.

India has also summoned Pakistan's top diplomat in Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed over the formal Persona Non Grata note for its military diplomats.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has also suspended Government of Pakistan handle on X in India.

As the attack was reported and death toll rose, PM Modi cut short his foreign trip to Saudi Arabia and returned to Delhi. In a statement, PM Modi warned those responsible for Pahalgam terror attack, saying they will be brought to justice and not spared. Home Minister Amit Shah, too, rushed to the terror attack site and met families of the victims.

Stay tuned for all LIVE updates on Pahalgam Terror Attack News.
As news reports started trickling in of the Pakistani airspace closure for Indian-registered aircraft, there were discussions on social media and comments being made, except for an official confirmation, which did not come for a while. Even as various reports started indicating the airspace closure, Indian-registered aircraft across airlines continued to overfly Pakistan, especially those originating from Delhi or other northern airports until an IndiGo aircraft from Sharjah to Amritsar turned around to avoid the Pakistani airspace and took a longer route. The NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was released in due course. The closure of the airspace is currently for a month, ending on May 24, 2025, at 0530 hours Indian Standard Time.

The NOTAM states that Pakistani airspace will not be available for Indian-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned or leased by Indian airlines and operators.

This comes a day after India took initial action, terming it the first step as a retaliation for the ghastly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, killing 27 and injuring a few more. Indias initial actions have been to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, reduce embassy personnel and cancel visas, along with the closure of the Wagah-Attari border.

Pakistan had closed its airspace for all Indian and India-bound aircraft on February 27, 2019, as a retaliation to Indian Air Force airstrikes in Pakistan, following the deadly attack on paramilitary forces in Pulwama. The sudden closure had led to many flights being turned back mid-air and having to take fuel stops enroute. The airspace was opened on July 16, the same year after a closure of 140 days.

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE A closure was also in place during the Kargil war in 1999, but Indian aviation was much smaller then than what it is today with no private carrier flying international flights and only a handful of private carriers being present in the skies.

The way it differs this time around is that the closure is currently restricted to Indian carriers only, including the wet-leased planes of IndiGo, which come from Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. This means that foreign carriers are able to operate to India via Pakistani airspace, giving an asymmetrical advantage to foreign carriers in terms of operating time and cost.

What next? The current situation warrants a wait-and-watch approach for airlines, airports and passengers. A geopolitical situation is always developing, and while the political top brass talk of appropriate action, it cannot be instantaneous. The focus right now would be to ensure that tourists who are stranded in Srinagar and the Kashmir valley and want to return, return safely with additional flights out of Srinagar, which are already being coordinated and capped on fares.

For now, it is a scramble for the airlines to adjust schedules in times of uncertainty. These changes take time to take effect since multiple factors have to be considered. While Indian carriers have had access to Russian airspace, making it easier and faster for Air India to fly to Europe and North America as compared to European and American carriers, the closure of Pakistani airspace changes the equation completely.

What should the passengers do? These are early times and the passengers need to be in wait-and-watch mode. If you are already booked with any of the Indian carriers on flights which take the northerly route over Pakistan, expect a delay or cancellation in flight. If you are connecting via Delhi on one of the Indian carriers, the connection times might move.
The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan condemned the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, stating that such incidents disrupt efforts to maintain regional security and stability. In a statement, Taliban also expressed condolences to the families who were victim of the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan categorically condemns the recent attack on tourists in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses condolences to the bereaved families.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi said such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability.

As many as 26 tourists, including a Navy officer and a Karnataka businessman, were shot dead by reportedly four terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, in one of the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack.

In the wake of the dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India announced five major decisions against Pakistan for its alleged support to cross-border terrorism.

India announced the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect and those who recently crossed the Attari border with valid endorcements were asked to leave through the same before May 1, 2025.

No Pakistani national will now be allowed to travel to India under SAARC visa Exemption scheme. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SPES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India, Vikram Misri said.
As US President Donald Trumps second term approaches its 100-day milestone, a Pew Research Center survey finds that 40% of Americans approve of his overall job performance. The data, gathered between April 7-13 from 3,589 US adults, paints a picture of deep partisan divisions and general public skepticism toward many of the administrations key actions.

Public reaction to tariffs and budget cuts The Trump administrations tariff policies remain widely unpopular, with 59% disapproving of recent increases and only 39% in favor. The timing of the surveyfollowing Trumps April 2 announcement of sweeping new tariffs and the April 9 decision to pause most tariffs except on Chinasuggests that public opinion remained consistent despite stock market volatility.

Similarly, 55% disapprove of the administrations cuts to federal agencies, while 44% support them. A majority (59%) believes the administration is being too careless with how it is implementing these cuts.

51% say the cuts will worsen government operations

36% believe they will improve performance

48% expect these cuts to cost Americans in the long run

41% believe they will save money

Use of Executive Orders: A divisive approach Trumps reliance on executive orders continues to face backlash. The survey shows:

51% of Americans think he is using executive authority too much

27% say the level is appropriate

5% believe he is using it too little

Economic outlook and international standing: Economic confidence appears to be slipping.

45% now believe the economy will worsen in a year (up from 37% in February)

38% say Trumps policies are strengthening the US internationally

Strong support for upholding court rulings: Amid growing legal scrutiny of administration actions, there is a strong consensus that Trump must comply with court decisions:

78% believe the administration should follow federal court rulings

88% support compliance if the ruling comes from the Supreme Court

Immigration policies: Most and least liked Immigration continues to be the most polarising policy:

20% cite immigration actions as what they like most

7% specifically mention deportations

11% cite immigration as what they like least

Views on Trumps governing style Americans are sharply divided on Trumps leadership approach:

22% say what they dislike most is his governing style

11% say they admire his ability to keep promises or get things done

Trade and Government cuts: Split opinions Tariffs and spending cuts are also highly divisive:

15% list tariffs/trade policy as what they like least

11% disapprove of government cuts
US President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Wednesday that sought disclosures on foreign funding of Universities and tightened the accreditation process for higher education, which is needed to access federal financial aid. The new executive order also aims to avoid unlawful discrimination and ideological overreach.

What does Trump's executive order on foreign funding say? The order seeks complete and timely disclosure of foreign funding by higher education institutions. Trump has directed the Secretary of Education to reverse any actions by the previous administration that permit universities to obscure details regarding their foreign funding.

The order further directs universities to disclose the true source and purpose of foreign funds and warns that certain Federal grant funds could be revoked for failure to comply with foreign funding disclosure requirements.

The new order comes after Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that freezing federal grants is unlawful. The University had previously rejected a list of demands of the Trump administration that aimed to curb diversity initiatives and fight anti-semitism, according to a report by the BBC. Reportedly, the administration also cancelled $400 million of funding for Columbia University over not following its demand to curb anti-semitism on the campus.

Also Read | Ukraine could become Trumps Afghanistan

What does Trump's executive order on accreditation say? Trump has asked the Secretary of Education to hold higher education accreditors accountable for poor performance or violations of federal civil rights law.

The Attorney General and the Secretary of Education have been directed to investigate and take action to terminate unlawful discrimination by American higher education institutions, including law schools and medical schools.

The Order mandates the Secretary of Education to recognise new accreditors to boost competition. Use program-level student outcome data to improve results, without reference to race, ethnicity, or sex.

Also Read | Trump hit with lawsuit by 12 states over whimsical tariffs

Why was this executive order required? White House staff secretary Will Scharf said, "University accreditation is currently a process controlled by a number of third-party organisations that are, by statute, by law. Many of those third-party accreditors have relied on a sort of woke ideology to accredit universities instead of accrediting based on merit and performance."

Issues with the previous accreditation system Trump highlighted the issues with the previous accreditation system. He claimed that accreditors usually approve low-quality institutions, impacting students, families, and American taxpayers. He accused accreditors of their inability to maintain quality, stating a national six-year undergraduate graduation rate of just 64% in 2020.

The executive order mentioned that nearly 25% of bachelors degrees and over 40% of masters degrees offer a negative return on investment, which is a burden on students with debt and limited earning potential.
Ukraine and its European allies have told the US that a ceasefire and clarity on security guarantees for Kyiv should precede any peace deal with Russia that involves negotiations about territory, according to people familiar with the matter.

Ahead of a meeting in London Wednesday, the officials sought further detail from Washington on the sequencing of its proposal to stop the fighting in Ukraine and to bring an end to Russias full-scale invasion, currently into its fourth year. Its the latest attempt to influence the talks that had left Europe under pressure as Washington pushes for a deal with Vladimir Putin and tries to exert tough conditions on Kyiv.

While they are keen to work in support of the US plan, Ukraine and European states want assurances that Russia is willing to agree to a ceasefire to provide space to negotiate a final peace agreement, the people said. They also want to be sure Moscow is willing to accept an agreement that would include security guarantees from Ukraines Western partners, which would allow Kyiv to retain an adequately manned and equipped army, they added speaking on condition of anonymity.

Trump warned last week that he would walk away from efforts to end the war if a deal cant be reached soon. Europeans have grown alarmed that in the rush to halt the fighting the odds may increasingly be stacked against Kyiv. While Ukraine has said it is ready to agree to an unconditional ceasefire, Russias preference is for negotiations to focus on the final terms and conditions of an agreement. Moscow has also driven a hard bargain in any truce talks and had been accused by Kyiv of breaking a partial, 30-day ceasefire that recently lapsed.

The chief of staff of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Andriy Yermak, said in a Telegram post after the talks in London ended that Kyiv remained committed to Trumps peace efforts and regular consultations will continue. A full and unconditional ceasefire would be a first step toward a full-fledged settlement process and achieving a just and sustainable peace, he said in an earlier post ahead of the meetings on Wednesday.

In a worrying development for Kyiv, the talks in London between top officials from the US, Ukraine and major European powers were downgraded to technical-level meetings after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio postponed his visit. Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff, who was also expected to participate, will instead travel to Moscow this week after visiting Putin three times already since the inauguration.

Territorial Swaps

Still, the US needs Europeans on board to lift sanctions on Russia as changing the blocs restrictions requires the backing of all member states.

At a meeting in Paris last week, US officials presented Europe and Ukraine with a new proposal to end the war that would effectively freeze the conflict largely along existing battle lines, Bloomberg previously reported. The US is also willing to accept Russias occupation of Crimea, which is internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory, and to ease sanctions on Moscow as part of any potential deal.

Freezing the conflict would be a far greater sacrifice for Ukraine, which has sought to regain all territory in the countrys east and south seized by Russia since 2014, including Crimea, and following the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022. Any potential deal will have to include some territorial swaps and the border may not wind up reflecting the front lines as they stand now, Vice President JD Vance said in India on Wednesday, adding that the US has issued a very explicit proposal to Russia and Ukraine.

Russia welcomes the US mediation efforts, though many details of a settlement still need to be discussed and work is continuing, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday, according to the state-run Tass news service. While there are no contacts now with Ukraine or Europe, Putin is open to them in the interests of reaching a settlement, Peskov said.

With assistance from Akayla Gardner.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
A US federal judge in Georgia temporarily restored the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records of 133 international students subjected to illegal SEVIS terminations. Here are six things to know about the restoration of SEVIS record.

Court's order to federal authorities On Friday, the US federal court issued a Temporary Restraining Order asking the Department of Homeland Security restore the SEVIS records of the students. The court also stopped federal authorities from using or revealing personal information of students outside the litigation.

The government actions have been called out by attorneys, highlighting that no set rules or regulations are clearly stated in the letters issued to students.

What did ICE do? The order came after the US Department of State and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revoked the visas of international students and terminated their SEVIS records, which may have forced the students to be deported.

Who was affected the most? ICE cancelled nearly 4,736 SEVIS records from January 20, 2025, onwards. Of these students, 50% were Indians, according to a survey by the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Along with these students, Chinese, Nepali, South Korean, and Bangladeshi students were also affected. Most of these students held F-1 visas.

Also Read | Tragic visa twist in Navy officer's honeymoon plan landed him in Pahalgam

What is an F-1 visa? An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa that permits international students to enter the United States to pursue education in US institutions.

Indian students relied on OPT The majority of the Indian students were on Optional Practical Training (OPT)in the United States, which is a temporary work authorisation permit given to international students who have graduated, especially for STEM courses. This permit may last for 36 months and acts as a precursor to apply H-1B visa.
In a rare feat, US President Donald Trump on Thursday seemed to criticise Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking him to STOP!! after Kremlin's deadly attack on Kyiv.

Moscow earlier fired a barrage of missiles and drones at Kyiv in what can be called one of the deadliest attacks on Ukraine in months. The attack killed at least 12.

Trump's direct appeal to Putin came after Ukraine President President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the country's allies to put more pressure on Russia to put an end to the war.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV, the US President said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! he said.

Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!, Trump added.

Trump is trying to propel a US-led peace effort to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, but is now seemingly becoming more frustrated.

The attack comes at a critical moment in Russia's war in Ukraine, which began with Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022. Both Kyiv and Moscow are trying to show Trump they are making progress towards his goal of a rapid peace deal.

He upbraided Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week as well, though that was not on Truth Social.

The White House has threatened to abandon its efforts if no progress is made soon. Trump upbraided Zelensky on Wednesday over a comment in which the Ukrainian repeated that Kyiv would not recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea.

Donald Trump has been more gentle with Putin than he has been with Zelensky.

Russia attacks Kyiv Loud blasts sounded over the Ukrainian capital at around 1:00 am (2200 GMT) after air raid sirens rang out across Kyiv, AFP journalists on the ground said.

Russia fired at least 70 missiles and 145 drones at Ukraine between late Wednesday and early Thursday, the main target being Kyiv, the Ukrainian air force said.

Rescuers on Thursday afternoon said 10 people were killed and 90 injured.

Russia said it had targeted Ukraine's defence industry, including plants that produced "rocket fuel and gunpowder".

Olena Davydiuk, a 33-year-old lawyer in Kyiv, told AFP she saw windows breaking and doors "falling out of their hinges" during the barrage.
China has dismissed reports suggesting talks with the US to reach a deal on tariffs, saying that Beijing's position is consistent and clear.

China and the US are not having consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing in the capital city, after being asked aboutreports claiming that China and the US are having talks and are even about to reach a deal.

This tariff war was launched by the US. China's position is consistent and clear. We will fight if it is a must. Our doors are open if the US wants to talk; dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit, Guo said.

Chinese Commerce Ministry refutes US-China talks reports In a separate incident, China's Commerce Ministry has also refuted reports about the US-China talks to reach a deal on tariffs.

It said that there is no factual basis for such reports.

Replying to questions at a media briefing, the ministrys spokesperson, He Yadong, said, If the US truly wants to resolve the issue, it should heed rational voices from the international community and domestic stakeholders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs on China, and find a solution through equal dialogue.

In statements this week, US President Donald Trump appeared willing to reconsider the high tariffs he has levied on Chinese goods since the beginning of his second term.

He has also suggested senior officials from Beijing had been in contact with Washington to start laying the groundwork for discussions on the matter, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

Also at a closed-door meeting with investors on Tuesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was reported to have said that the high tariff war between the US and China is unsustainable.

No one thinks the current status quo is sustainable, at 145 and 125 [per cent], so I would posit that over the very near future, there will be a de-escalation, he said, referring to the top end of most of the tariffs that Trump has put on imports from China, the Post report said.

Trump has imposed 145 per cent tariffs against China, and in a later fact sheet on tariffs, the White House on Apr 17 said China now faces up to a 245 per cent tariff on imports to the US as a result of Beijings retaliatory actions of imposing 125 per cent levies against US imports.

While escalating tariffs against China, Trump has paused his tariffs against the rest of the countries, including India, for 90 days, leaving Beijing isolated.
South Korea's former president Moon Jae-in was indicted on corruption charges related to the employment of his son-in-law at Thai airline, prosecutors said Thursday. The airline was allegedly controlled by a former ruling party lawmaker.

The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office said Moon was charged with violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (Bribery).

Moon was "indicted for corruption for receiving 217 million won (USD 150,000) in connection with facilitating the employment of his son-in-law [surnamed Seo] at an airline," the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office was quoted by AFP as saying in a statement.

Seo worked as an executive at Thai Eastar Jet from August 2018 to April 2020, Korean media Chosun Daily reported.

Ivestigators said the airline was effectively controlled by former Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sang-jik.

Also Read | South Korean President Yoon removed from office over martial law attempt

While Moon was indicted for bribery, former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik was indicted for bribery and breach of trust, the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office said in a statement.

What is being probed? According to local media, the investigation began in December 2021 following a complaint by a civic group.

Prosecutors reportedly said Seo, who previously worked in the gaming industry and had no aviation experience, was given the executive post as a political favor in exchange for Lees appointment as head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency.

According to Chosun Daily, authorities said the airline had no need to hire Seo but still appointed him to a senior role and paid for his relocation.

They alleged Moon and his daughter were directly involved in receiving the financial benefits and that Moon helped facilitate Seos hiring and move to Thailand through the presidential offices special inspection team.

According to Japan Times, prosecutors had been investigating whether Lee's appointment as the head of an SMEs and Startups Agency was in exchange for Moon's former son-in-law getting a job and receiving a salary at the Thai-based corporation that Lee controlled in 2018-2020.

The prosecution reportedly alleged that the salary Moon's son-in-law received as an executive director was irregular and constituted a bribe to the then-president.

Seo and Moons daughter, Da-hye, were not indicted but received suspended indictments, prosecutors said.
Pahalgam terrorist attack: Amid the attack that claimed 26 lives on Tuesday, and with India responding with stern actions, including suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and closure of the Attari check post, Pakistan will carry out a missile test off the Karachi coast on April 2425, which Indian agencies are closely monitoring.

News agency ANI, citing defence sources, reported that Pakistan has issued a notification for a surface-to-surface missile test off its Karachi coast, within its Exclusive Economic Zone, scheduled for April 2425. Indian agencies concerned are closely monitoring all developments.

Livemint.com couldn't independently verify the authenticity of the report.

Pahalgam terror attack: India's five stern actions against Pakistan Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated 5 punitive actions taken by India yesterday, on April 23, Wednesday:

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. 2. The Integrated Check Post Attari will be shut down immediately. Those who have crossed over with official and valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025.

3. Pakistani nationals will not be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India, the statement said yesterday.

4. The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will pull out its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be pulled out from both High Commissions.

5. The overall strength of the high commissions will be reduced to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be in effect by May 1, 2025.

India has also summoned Pakistan's top diplomat, Saad Ahmad Warraich, in Delhi and handed over a formal persona non grata note for its military diplomats, ANI reported, citing sources.

Pakistan to decide its response to India's move after Pahalgam attack Pakistan is conducting a high-powered security huddle to prepare an appropriate response to India's move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned the National Security Committee meeting to discuss India's irresponsible actions after what Pakistan called the Pahalgam false flag operation.
As Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas urged Hamas to release all hostages, stating that their continued captivity gives Israel excuses to prolong its attacks on the Gaza Strip, remarks that the militant organisation has condemned as insulting.

The request to Hamas comes after dozens were killed in an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter on Wednesday.

Mahmud Abbas, speaking in Ramallah on Wednesday, said, Hamas has given the criminal occupation excuses to commit its crimes in the Gaza Strip, the most prominent being the holding of hostages. I'm the one paying the price, our people are paying the price, not Israel. My brother, just hand them over."

Abbas on Edan Alexander Speaking of the American hostage, Edan Alexander, who is allegedly in the captivity of Hamas, Abbas said, Every day there are deaths. Why? Because they (Hamas) refuse to hand over the American hostage. You sons of dogs, hand over what you have and get us out of this.

After a brief ceasefire, which allowed Gaza residents to return to their homes, Israel resumed its military campaign on March 18.

Abbas has not explicitly condemned Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, but has criticised Hamas for the incident in the past and has consistently reiterated his opposition to attacks on civilians.

Hamas must end its control over Gaza strip While emphasising his vision to create a Palestinian state and seeking an end to the war in Gaza and renewed calls for the unification of Palestinian political factions under the umbrella of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), Abbas called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Hamas must end its control over the Gaza Strip, hand over all its affairs to the Palestine Liberation Organisation and the legitimate Palestinian National Authority, and refrain from carrying arms, transforming into a political party that operates according to the laws of the Palestinian state and adheres to international legitimacy, Abbas said.

Hamas rejects Abbas' claims Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, questioned Abbas' "competence," saying that Abbas repeatedly and suspiciously lays the blame for the crimes of the occupation and its ongoing aggression on our people.

According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, since Israel's campaign resumed, nearly 1,928 people have been killed in Gaza, raising the total death toll since the war erupted to at least 51,305.

According to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, Hamas's attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians.
More than a dozen private companies around the world are looking to profit from extreme measures to combat global warmingfilling the sky with sunlight-blocking particles, brightening clouds or changing the chemistry of the oceans. We live in precarious times when its not hard to find the technology and money to change the Earths climate. The problem is that nobody knows how to control the unintended consequences.

Some scientists whove studied and modelled the complexity of Earths oceans and atmosphere say any geo-engineering scheme big enough to affect the climate could put people at risk of dramatic changes in the weather, crop failures, damage to the ozone layer, international conflict and other irreversible problems.

Environmental lawyer David Bookbinder is more afraid of geo-engineering than he is of climate change. The consequences of geo-engineering could happen a lot faster and with much less warning," he said. And could provoke a really bad geopolitical crisis."

The world got an early warning about this Wild West situation in 2022 when a small startup called Make Sunsets caused a scandal by launching a small balloon-borne experiment over Mexico to spray sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. Now, its joined by richer, more serious players, including an Israel-based company called Stardust, which is researching a plan to dim the skies with a particle of undisclosed chemistry.

In theory, sulphur dioxide or similar chemicals can cool the planet by forming suspended particles of sulphuric acid that act to scatter sunlight. When I wrote about the Make Sunsets incident, the companys founder said he thought it could profit by selling carbon credits under the belief that its actions would offset emissions.

They wont. Such a particle release does nothing but mask the effect of the carbon build-up in the atmosphere. If those releases are abruptly stopped, the temperature could rise suddenly in whats been called termination shock."

Bookbinder said that presidents, governors or even private individuals might be authorized to make such decisions. Right now, anyone can There are literally no rules." He warned that if a cooling scheme initiated in one country coincided with floods, droughts or crop failures in another, the affected country might retaliate without direct evidence that the geo-engineering caused the problem.

One justification for geo-engineering comes from the 2015 Paris Agreement, which included an imperative to keep warming below 1.5 Celsius. Weve already surpassed that mark. Preventing us from reaching even more dangerous temperatures will require more than just stopping carbon emissions. We might need to find a way to pull carbon out of the atmosphere on a global scale.

That was the stated goal of California businessman Russ George back in 2012 when he released iron into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of British Columbia. The iron, in theory, would fertilize algae, which would absorb carbon. There was never any documented scientific evidence that it helped.

Now, several companies, such as Canadian startup Planetary Technologies and US startup Vesta, are beginning to dump chemicals into the oceans in an attempt to increase the pH level of the water. This should, in theory, trigger more carbon uptake from the atmosphere. Planetary Technologies has found a way to make money by selling carbon credits.

With for-profit organizations already releasing chemicals into the oceans, its important for scientists with no financial stake in this industry to collect data, said geo-chemist Adam Subhas of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. The American Geophysical Union believes monetary gains should not be prioritized in small-scale research either.

Theres a catch, according to Stanfords Jacobson. Small-scale experiments wont detect damage that might ensue if the projects were scaled up enough to actually affect global warming. In his view, we arent coming close to realizing the worlds potential to switch our energy needs to renewable resources. He convincingly argues that it makes no sense to resort to exotic and dangerous solutions when we havent fully exploited what we know is safe and clean.

Right now, some of these companies have sunk millions of dollars in investor money, giving them incentives to convince the public and politicians that their particular brand of geo-engineering is necessary to save the world. What we need instead is more scientific data and some rules to protect us all from rash decisions and their unintended consequences. Bloomberg

The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering science.
Two takeaways stand out from the latest iteration of the International Monetary Funds (IMF) World Economic Outlook (WEO), issued for April 2025. One is reassuring and the other, disturbing. The biggest consolation is that, contrary to widespread fears, the global economy is nowhere near a recession.

According to the Fund, Despite the slowdown, global growth remains well above recession levels." World output is projected to grow by 2.8% in 2025. Sure, this is half a percentage point less than its January 2025 rate projection and it expects this weakness to persist into 2026, when growth is expected to be 3%, three-tenths of a percentage point less than its January forecast. However, were not headed for recession territory, defined as two consecutive quarters of a drop in output.

Global trade has also been quite resilient so far, thanks partly to the ingenuity of businesses that were able to re-route trade flows. But, as the IMF warns, this may become increasingly difficult from here on. As a result, global trade growth is expected to dip more than output, to 1.7% in 2025a significant downward revision" since the January WEO.

Not surprisingly, the slowdown, while generalized, is not projected to affect every country equally.

Thus, India is expected to grow at 6.2% in the current fiscal year. This is 0.3 percentage points lower than the January WEO forecast, given todays global uncertainty and trade tensions, but not much lower than the Reserve Bank of Indias estimate of 6.5%.

Deservedly, the sharpest downgrade is for the US, where, according to the IMF, demand was already softening" before the White Houses recent tariff announcements. The cut reflects greater policy uncertainty. With 2 April taken as the reference point for its forecast, the day President Donald Trump unveiled his policy of steep import-barrier hikes, the IMF lowered its US growth estimate for 2025 to 1.8%, almost a whole point less than its January estimate. Tariffs alone account for a 0.4-point reduction.

Now for the disturbing part. Slower growth this year and the next will not be the result of a force majeure like covid, but the outcome of needless trade turmoil. The effective tariff rate in the US, which once prided itself on being one of the worlds most open economies, is now higher than the level reached during the Great Depression (when levies were less broad), even as the counter-tariffs of major trade partners push up the global average significantly.

Inevitably, steeper barriers and policy uncertainty (read flip-flops) have driven the Funds growth projections down. In the words of IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, We are entering a new era as the global economic system that has operated for the last 80 years is being reset." What does it imply? As the WEO puts it, Amid trade tensions and high policy uncertainty, the path forward will be determined by how challenges are confronted and opportunities embraced."

What the WEO leaves unsaid, perhaps understandably, is that todays troubles are one mans creation. In which case, the solution may not prove as elusive as many assume. Trump may soon confront starker signs of how his bid to rejig the world economic order, one that has led to a rapid rise in prosperity, could harm his own cause. And how the entire world, the US especially, will have to pay the price.

If it aint broke, dont fix it" is an old American quip thats attributed to Bert Lance, an advisor to Jimmy Carter. That says it all.
DIPLOMACY is often the art of kicking the can down the road. That was always the case with the truce between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on January 19th. The first phase of the deal paused the war for six weeks and promised the release of 33 of the 98 Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. A permanent ceasefire would not come until phase two, the details of which still had to be negotiated.

The agreement was meant to create its own momentum. The release of some hostages would galvanise Israeli support for a deal to free the rest. After six weeks of calm in Gaza, Israel and Hamas would be under enormous pressure not to resume fighting. Negotiations over phase two would be hardbut they would happen.

That was the idea, at least. Things have not gone quite to plan. The deal has largely held up, despite some delays and violations on both sides. But the first phase ends on March 1st. Talks over the second should have begun by February 3rd and concluded by February 22nd. They have yet to start. Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, would be happy if they never do. Whether the wobbly ceasefire survives will now depend largely on whether Donald Trump wants it to.

As The Economist went to press, it was possible to imagine three broad scenarios for the coming days. The first is that negotiators manage to finish the phase-two talks in record time. That seems implausible. Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps Middle East envoy, had been due in the region on February 26th. He postponed his visit (officially because he was busy with Russia-Ukraine diplomacy) and is unlikely to arrive before March 2nd. The first phase might thus end before Israel and Hamas even start negotiations on the second, let alone finish them.

A second scenario is that the ceasefire collapses altogether: Israel or Hamas might accuse the other of violating the deal and resume fighting. That seems unlikely, too. Hamas would prefer to keep Gaza calm during the Ramadan period, which will run through most of March. Mr Netanyahu and his right-wing allies might wish to restart the war, but they would have little support in Israel or in Washington. Most Israelis back the ceasefire. Mr Trump says he does as well.

That leaves a third option: keep kicking the can. The deal allows Israel and Hamas to extend phase one indefinitely, so long as they are negotiating over phase two. Mr Netanyahu supports an extension. So does America. Hamas officials outside Gaza say they may be willing to release a few more tranches of hostages to prolong the truce. That would buy at least several weeks for negotiations over what comes next.

But that offers only a temporary reprieve. Mr Netanyahu is desperate to keep the deal in limbo, lest his far-right allies, who oppose a permanent ceasefire, bolt from the coalition. He removed the heads of Israels security services from the negotiating team; leading the talks instead will be Ron Dermer, his confidant, who also opposes ending the war. The prime minister would be content to extend phase one until all the hostages are released. Naturally, that is a non-starter for Hamas: the group would be left with no leverage over Israel and no agreement to end the war.

The messages from Washington are ever more muddled. Mr Witkoff says he is optimistic about getting to phase two. But he told CBS, an American tv network, on February 23rd that Hamas would have to accept exile as part of a permanent truce: Hamas has to go, theyve gotta leave."

Perhaps this was just posturing to gain leverage. If it is a serious demand, though, Hamas is unlikely to accede. Nor is it clear which country in the region might be willing to accept a group of battle-hardened radicals: the exile of Palestinian militants to Beirut in the 1970s helped fuel the Lebanese civil war.

Then there is the question of what happens after a permanent ceasefire. Mr Trump continues to insist on his ludicrous plan to depopulate Gaza and build a resort. He recently shared an ai-generated video on social media that envisioned the enclave as a gaudier version of Dubai. It showed Elon Musk noshing on hummus, a topless Mr Netanyahu sunbathing by the pool and a golden statue of Mr Trump towering over a city square. There were even some bearded women belly-dancing on a beach, an unexpectedly woke flourish.

Back in the real world, a group of Arab states met in Riyadh on February 21st to discuss their own post-war plan. It calls for a committee of Palestinian technocrats to oversee reconstruction. Hamas would be excluded. The group might be willing to go along with such a schemebut it does not want to relinquish its weapons, which means Israel is unlikely to assent.

Yair Lapid, the Israeli opposition leader, offered his own fanciful plan to a hawkish Washington think-tank. He called for Egypt to take ownership of Gaza for at least eight years. In exchange, its foreign debts would be paid off. Mr Lapid admitted he did not ask the Egyptians if they wanted to control Gaza, which they do not (they had their own unhappy experience running the enclave from 1949 to 1967). Nor did he explain who would cover Egypts $155bn in external debt: it is always easier to negotiate with other peoples money.

Whether any of these plans are realistic will be a moot point if the truce falls apart. Mr Netanyahu, a chronic procrastinator, will seek to drag out the first phase until Hamas gives him an excuse to terminate it. Mr Trump played a vital role in forcing him to accept the initial deal. He will have to decide if he wants to do so again.

 2025, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
For over six decades, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has endured wars and diplomatic ruptures between India and Pakistan. However, following a deadly terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, India has suspended the pactmarking the first time it has openly weaponized a treaty long viewed as a rare symbol of cooperation between the two countries.

The decision, made after a meeting of Indias Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday, comes in response to the Pahalgam attack, which left 26 people dead.

Read this | Terror strike throws blanket of gloom over Kashmir's tourism landscape

Mint unpacks how Indias move reframes water as a strategic tool, explores the legal arguments behind the suspension, and explains why Pakistan may have limited room to retaliate.

A brief history of the Treaty

Signed in 1960 by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan, the IWT was brokered by the World Bank and has remained one of the worlds most enduring water-sharing agreements. It governs the use of the Indus river system, which originates in Tibet and flows through India into Pakistan.

The treatys roots trace back to British India, which built a vast irrigation network across Punjab and Sindh. After Partition in 1947, India retained upstream control, while Pakistan inherited much of the downstream canal infrastructure. A temporary standstill agreement kept water flowing until March 31, 1948. When India briefly suspended supplies, Pakistan sought international mediation, prompting the World Bank to intervene.

After nearly a decade of negotiations, the IWT was signed on September 19, 1960. Under its terms, India was granted exclusive rights over the three eastern riversRavi, Beas, and Sutlejwhile Pakistan was given control over the three western riversIndus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The Permanent Indus Commission was established to manage data-sharing and resolve disputes.

How the Treaty works

The IWT divides the six rivers of the Indus Basin into two groups. India has full rights over the three eastern rivers, while the western rivers are largely reserved for Pakistan. However, India is allowed non-consumptive use of the western riverssuch as hydroelectric power generation, domestic use, and limited irrigationunder strict technical parameters.

The Treaty comprises 12 Articles and multiple Annexures that detail water usage rules, design constraints for infrastructure projects, and dispute resolution mechanisms. It establishes the Permanent Indus Commission to oversee implementation, appoints a Neutral Expert for technical disagreements, and sets up a Court of Arbitration for legal disputeswith the World Bank playing a facilitative role across all three.

Past flashpoints

Though the IWT has endured as a rare example of cooperation between India and Pakistan, tensions have occasionally flared. After the 2016 Uri terror attack, India stated it would review" the treaty. Following the 2019 Pulwama attack, India accelerated dam projects like Shahpur Kandi and Ujh, sparking fears in Pakistan about reduced water flows.

Read this | Kashmir simmers but Pakistans game has no winners

Pakistan has persistently objected to Indian hydropower projects on the western riverssuch as Kishanganga and Ratleclaiming they violate treaty terms. These disputes led to arbitration proceedings and expert-level negotiations. In 2023, India formally issued notices to Pakistan, first seeking treaty modification, then review, signaling a deeper dissatisfaction with the treaty's mechanisms.

Legality of the suspension

The IWT lacks an exit clause, making it binding unless both countries agree to amend or terminate itprompting India to suspend" rather than formally withdraw.

Legal experts told Mint that India may cite the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969), which allows suspension or termination of treaties under exceptional circumstances such as a material breach or a fundamental change in conditions.

These grounds have also been acknowledged in the Ministry of External Affairs Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) on the conclusion of international treaties," notes Rohit Jain, managing partner at Singhania & Co. The guidelines reflect how India applies the Vienna Conventions provisions in practice."

The Vienna Convention is the primary international legal framework governing treaties, and many of its principles are considered customary international law. This means they remain applicable even if a country is not a formal signatory. Suspension is a temporary measure, but if challenged, India can invoke the extraordinary circumstances of the recent terror attackciting it as a material breach by Pakistanto justify its action," added Richa Mathur Mehta, partner at Gandhi Law Associates.

What is critical, however, is that this does not result in the water flow to Pakistanone of the fundamental conditions of the Treatybeing immediately obstructed or impaired, said Shaneen Parikh, Partner (head international arbitration), Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

As things stand, legal technicalities due to the absence of a clause permitting only one of the States to exit the Treaty are something that India has signalled it is willing to tackle in the interest of the greater good and public security in the face of terrorist threats, " Parikh said. We also ought to remember that last year India reportedly also issued a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a review and modification of the Treaty due to a fundamental change of circumstances, indicating that Indias view is consistent on the need for re-alignment."

Why it matters

Indias strategic leverage is clear: it can block inspections, ignore past dam design restrictions, and now carry out reservoir flushingcritical for dam efficiency. These actions could disrupt water flows, particularly during sensitive periods like Pakistans sowing season, potentially affecting agricultural output.

However, experts caution that India lacks the infrastructure to fully divert western river flows, and long-term impacts would require significant investment.

Shweta Singh, associate professor at the Department of International Relations, South Asian University, highlighted the broader implications of Indias move. "India has put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyanceWhile this may offer India a short-term diplomatic advantage, especially if it halts regulated water flows crucial for Pakistans irrigation and drinking needs during peak summer months, it may not be the best long-term strategic move," she said.

"Water, and the IWT in particular, cannot be viewed narrowly. This decision may not send the right signal for transboundary river cooperation in the region," she added. "Moreover, while India holds an upper-riparian position vis-a-vis Pakistan, it is a middle-riparian state in the larger Indus basin. China, which controls the headwaters of both the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers, could apply the same logic against India in a future conflict," Singh cautioned.

Singh further noted that India currently lacks the infrastructure to fully divert the natural flow of the Indus. Premature attempts to do so could lead to flooding in Indian regions. Given the region's topography, building adequate water storage infrastructure will not be an easy task in the near future, she added.

Why it matters for Pakistan

Pakistans reliance on the Indus system is existential. The river basin supports 90% of its agriculture, contributes nearly a quarter of GDP, and powers hydropower projects like Mangla and Tarbela. A 2021 World Bank report warned of a looming 32% water shortfall by 2025.

Any disruption to Indus flowsespecially during the growing seasoncould lead to food insecurity, energy shortages, and further deepen Pakistans economic crisis. Cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Multan also rely on the basin for drinking water and industrial use.

Whats next?

Indias move is likely to trigger international attention. While Pakistan has not formally responded yet, it may approach the World Bank, the UN, or even the International Court of Justice. If India acts beyond suspensionsuch as by diverting waterit could be seen as a breach of the treaty.

Also read | Mint Primer | Terror in J&K: What explains the sharp uptick

Pakistans deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar, speaking to a private television channel late on Wednesday, called Indias approach immature" and hasty," the Press Trust of India reported, citing the Dawn.

For now, the suspension sends a clear message: India is willing to challenge long-standing norms, using even apolitical pacts like water-sharing to raise the cost of cross-border terrorism.
WASHINGTONElon Musks controversial role at the White House is expected to diminish in the coming weeks, a change that risks undercutting his Department of Government Efficiency but isnt likely to stop its work outright.

DOGE has cut jobs at nearly every federal agency, canceled thousands of contracts and taken control of computer systems that run the government. As its leader, Musk has been a polarizing figure seen by many Republicans as an agent of cost cutting and efficiency and by Democrats as a blunt-force instrument hurting government services.

While Musk is the face of DOGE, most of its work has been done by dozens of computer programmers and lawyers who have fanned out across the federal government. Those staffers, which Musk has said tops 100, are expected to remain.

They have largely taken control of the Office of Personnel Management, which helps manage the federal workforce. DOGE played a central role in the demolition of two major agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The moves against both have been challenged in court.

A number of DOGE officials have attained powerful positions in the government. Jeremy Lewin, who played a key role in dismantling USAID, has a senior position in the State Department. Tyler Hassen, an oil executive who worked for DOGE, has a top role at the Interior Department.

View Full Image The entrance to the closed USAID offices in early April. Photo: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

DOGE has a long way to go to meet Musks ambitious budget-cutting goals. The loss of its most high-profile advocate risks making its gargantuan task even harder. Musk has said he plans to slash $1 trillion from the federal budget, down from the $2 trillion he claimed on the campaign trail. A Wall Street Journal analysis found that federal spending since President Trump took office is higher than it was a year ago.

The effort loses a lot of energy that Elon Musks involvement brought to DOGE," said Romina Boccia, director of budget and entitlement policy at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. Boccia said that while DOGE has generated excitement among many Trump supporters, Theyve made a lot of mistakes that have been very public."

Musk said on Teslas earnings call Tuesday that starting probably next month, May, my time allocation to DOGE will drop significantly." He added that he would continue to work for DOGE as long as the president would like me to."

Nonetheless, the Jan. 20 executive order that established DOGE created a structure that should outlast Musks tenure. It stipulates that government agencies will host a DOGE team consisting of a team leader, an engineer, a human-resources specialist and a lawyer. The department was given a lifespan set to terminate July 4, 2026.

As Musk prepares to step aside, DOGEs work is likely to shift from job cutting to regulation cutting, according to a Feb. 19 executive order that instructed agency leaders to begin rescinding unlawful regulations" in coordination with DOGE.

Agencies must report regulations they deem unconstitutional and that impose significant costs upon private parties" that arent outweighed by public benefits, among other things. Agencies were also told to deprioritize" enforcement of regulations based on anything other than the best reading of a statute."

View Full Image Musk with longtime lieutenant Steve Davis in 2018. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg

It couldnt be determined who, if anyone, would succeed Musk at DOGEs helm. While Amy Gleason, a former official with the U.S. Digital Service, the agency DOGE replaced, is its acting administrator, she doesnt appear to have an active role in running the government-efficiency group.

One option is Steve Davis, a longtime Musk lieutenant at SpaceX and other Musk companies who has taken a prominent role at DOGE. But Davis has worked alongside Musk for decades and might follow Musk back to the private sector.

DOGE will likely continue to take cues from Russell Vought, a longtime budget hawk and co-author of the conservative Project 2025 who runs the Office of Management and Budget, which acts as the budgetary and regulatory nerve center for the executive branch. Musk and Vought have worked closely to slash the federal workforce and restructure agencies, and Trumps executive orders direct DOGE to work closely with OMB officials.

Vought and his team at OMB have a tremendous amount of experience in both the substance of federal policy and the mechanics of how government works," said Paul Winfree, who served as deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council during Trumps first administration. Pairing that depth of expertise with OMBs policy leverage and DOGEs technological tool kit could amplify the effectiveness of both OMB and DOGE."

View Full Image Musk brandishing a chain saw at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

A White House official pushed back on the notion that Musk would no longer have a major presence within the administrations DOGE effort, saying Musk and DOGE arent going anywhere.

Democrats have called for Musk to step down, pointing to conflicts of interest between his companies, such as SpaceX and Tesla, and the agencies he is overhauling. In an April 9 letter to Trump, a group of House Democrats said Musks official title as a so-called special government employee means he can only serve for 130 days. While that period could end by May 30, White House officials have signaled that a deadline for Musks departure remains in flux based on the number of days and hours he has worked, according to people familiar with the discussions.

DOGE has become synonymous with the Tesla chief executive, making him a lightning rod for concerns about the administrations actions.

A recent CNBC poll found that 52% of respondents had a negative view of Musk. Tesla, Musks electric-vehicle company, saw its net income plunge 71% in the first quarter owing in part to his polarizing role as the leader of DOGE.

Write to Scott Patterson at scott.patterson@wsj.com and Ken Thomas at ken.thomas@wsj.com
Scientists have found something strange under the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. And, it may change a lot about how the Earth looks in future.

Earthquakes usually happen close to the surface, about 10 to 18 kilometres deep. But recently, researcher Deborah Kilb noticed quakes happening much deeper, around 20 to 40 kilometres underground.

This is quite unusual because, at that depth, the Earths crust is normally too hot. It is under too much pressure for quakes to happen.

Kilb told another scientist, Vera Schulte-Pelkum, who was already studying odd rock patterns in that area, CNN reported. Together, they used a special method called receiver function analysis to look deep inside the Earth.

What they found was surprising. The Earths crust is peeling away in that region. This rare process is called lithospheric foundering.

The peeling process happening under the Sierra Nevada may be linked to how continents formed long ago.

These findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, help scientists understand more about how mountains and the Earths surface change over time. Its like a slow-motion reshaping of the land deep below our feet.

Also Read | Switch off electricity for 5 minutes on World Earth Day: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

Earth peeling: What does it mean? If we imagine the Earth like a giant, layered onion, the outermost layer is the crust. Its the ground we walk on.

Now, that outer layer has started to separate or slide over or under other parts.

Also Read | Sunita Williams returns to Earth after nine months in space: WATCH splashdown

When the Earths crust peels apart, it changes how the land looks. New mountains or islands can form. Sometimes, earthquakes or volcanoes happen too. When the Earths crust moves, it can even make new land.

Earthquakes happen when stuck pieces suddenly slip. Volcanoes form when hot melted rock escapes through cracks.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Local nonprofit to hold Friday grand opening in McMinn Co. for second thrift store
A bill sponsored by a local state representative to expand the kinds of homemade food items that can be sold in Tennessee is heading to Governor Bill Lee for his signature.

House Bill 130 (HB 130), which was sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau from Signal Mountain, will allow the sale of homemade poultry and pasteurized dairy products to extent permitted by federal law.

Rep. Reneau said the legislation expands the kind of homemade items that can be sold in the state under the Food Freedom Act from 2022.

The Food Freedom Act allows homemade food businesses in Tennessee to sell food products like, bread, candies, honey, jams, and pastries, directly to consumers.

Under HB 130, poultry and pasteurized dairy in food products will be added to the homemade items that can legally be sold.

This legislation expands opportunities to keep food local and strengthens small businesses across the Volunteer State, Reneau said. Im proud to pass my first bill, especially one that supports so many farmers and small business owners.

Reneau said the bill does not allow the sale of unpasteurized milk, alcoholic beverages, fish, shellfish products, meat, meat-by-products or meat food products.

The bill will go into effect on July 1, pending Governor Lees signature.

Stay with Local 3 News for updates to this story.
Hamilton County had 15 more days to notify the impacted patients, as of April 2.
An Irish couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary have told of the "significance" of being able to attend Pope Franciss wake in Rome  having first met decades ago at another papal event.

Patrick, a retired prison governor originally from Longford, and his wife Alice Gavigan were among some 20,000 people paying their respects to Francis in St Peters Basilica on the first day of his lying-in-state.

The nearly four-hour queue was well worth it, the retired couple aged in their 60s said, as they reminisced on their first meeting during a visit by Pope John Paul II to Ireland.

The pair, now living in Leixlip, Co Kildare, did not know each other when they went to Phoenix Park in Dublin in 1979 for that event, but met, married and have since had two daughters.

READ NEXT: Mother and daughter describe once-in-a-lifetime moment seeing Popes remains

Mr Gavigan said, There is a significance, really and truly. Not planned.

We met for the first time ever in the Phoenix Park when John Paul II visited Ireland, and were married.

And 40 years later we decided to come to Rome to see the current pope, whom we had seen in Knock (in 2018).

But lo and behold he didnt stick around for our visit. We thought we were coming for a party (in their wedding anniversary year) but alas its not a party, its a mourning.

The couple had booked their holiday to Rome last year, and were glad to arrive on Wednesday just as Pope Franciss remains went on display at the basilica.

Mr Gavigan, said it had been momentous to be in the basilica.

He added: Truly once in a lifetime. Im so happy weve done that. Looking up there now at the dome, its hard to believe that Pope Francis is waking there.

Mr Gavigan added that the experience felt surreal.

He said: Having seen Pope Francis when he visited Ireland in 2018  we went to Knock to see him  we felt coming here now that he is no longer with us and going to his wake was just surreal really. To see him alive and see him now in death.

READ NEXT: Mourners queue overnight to see popular Pope as Vatican extends opening hours

Mrs Gavigan, a retired Health Service Executive (HSE) worker originally from Co Mayo, said while the atmosphere was subdued, those queuing alongside them were friendly as they stood in line for hours.

She said: It was very quiet and sombre (in the basilica), but everyone was in good form and chatting to each other in the queue.

It was long but it was well worth it in the end, just to go in to see him.

Referring to the fact Pope John Paul was later canonised, and his positive views of Francis as a reformative pope, Mr Gavigan said: Perhaps well have seen two saints in our lifetimes.

The Vatican extended viewing times at the basilica due to high demand from mourners, opting not to close it at midnight as originally planned.

Franciss remains are due to remain on display until 7pm local time on Friday, ahead of his funeral mass in St Peters Square on Saturday.
Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island Published: April 24 2025

Police reported the arrest of Clari Zabala, charged with Grand Larceny 2nd degree. Between January 9 and February 12, 2025, Zabala allegedly deceived a victim into wiring $394,591.27

The Electronics Squad Fraud and Forgery Section reports the arrest of a Bronx woman for a Grand Larceny that occurred between Thursday, January 9, 2025 and Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in Glen Cove.

According to detectives, the victim received an email to his business account, from what he believed to be a legitimate vendor known to him with change of payment instructions. Due to current business with this vendor the victim did follow the directions given via email and wired $394,591.27 to the defendants account. After a thorough investigation, detectives identified and located defendant, Clari Aleydi Zabala, 24, and placed her under arrest without incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Defendant Clari Aleydi Zabala is charged with Grand Larceny 2nd degree and will be arraigned on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.
Belmont Fishing Festival: A Wet and Wild Saturday Could Not Keep the Anglers Away!

Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: April 24 2025

Anglers are reminded that trout fishing season on Long Island is year-round for most ponds and lakes.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservations Freshwater Fishery Unit, in partnership with NYS Parks, recently held the annual spring kickoff to the fishing season at Belmont Lake State Park in Suffolk County, Long Island.

Families from throughout the region braved the less-than-ideal weather for a shot at catching a freshly stocked brown or rainbow trout. New anglers got the opportunity to learn fishing basics from skilled staff and volunteers, found information on fishing licenses and fishing on Long Island, and were provided services such as loner rods, bait, and fish cleaning.

Did you miss all the action? No worries, you can search for a free fishing clinic near you on DECs website.

The Belmont Lake Spring Family Fishing Festival was sponsored by the Natural Heritage Trust, The Fisherman Magazine, Renewal by Andersen, New York Life, Seaford Knights of Columbus, Art Flick Chapter Trout Unlimited, LI Flyrodders, North Brookhaven Sport Fisherman Club (NBSFC) and radio stations 106.1 WBLI, 102.3 WBAB and Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology.

Anglers are reminded that trout fishing season on Long Island is year-round for most ponds and lakes. There is a daily limit of 5 fish per person with no more than 2 longer than 12 inches. Spring trout stocking begins in mid-March and will be completed by early-May.

For more information, visit DEC's Learn to Fish webpage. For information about freshwater fishing on Long Island or the spring trout stocking program in Nassau and Suffolk counties, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0280, or e-mail the regional fisheries office fwfish@dec.ny.gov.
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: April 24 2025

Peter Czech, 32, is currently facing extradition to Kansas, where he is wanted on three counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child  Performance Involving a Minor Under 18.

On April 22, 2025, Suffolk County Sheriffs Office Warrant Bureau Deputy Sheriff Investigators , in conjunction with US Marshal Regional Task Force arrested 32-year-old Peter Czech, a fugitive from justice from the State of Kansas.

Czech was located and taken into custody without incident in Bohemia. He is currently facing extradition to Kansas, where he is wanted on three counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child  Performance Involving a Minor Under 18, all classified as Level 3 felonies under Kansas State law. Czech was arraigned yesterday in Suffolk County District Court and is being held at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility pending extradition proceedings.

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and the Suffolk County Sheriffs Office remains committed to supporting interagency efforts that uphold justice across state lines. I commend the efforts of our Deputy Sheriffs and their partners in the U.S. Marshals Task Force for another important arrest. Their commitment to pursuing fugitives ensures that those who commit crimesespecially offenses as serious as child exploitation-- are brought to justice, said Sheriff Toulon.

For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Vicki DiStefano at Victoria.DiStefano@SuffolkCountyny.gov

All information contained in this release has been provided for general informational purposes only. To the extent that pending criminal matters are discussed, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Palestinian ambassador Walid Abu Ali (left) chats with Lashkar-e-Taiba emir Hafiz Saeed.

The Resistance Front, a cover organization of the Pakistan-supported Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed credit for the April 22 attack in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. The men who carried out the attack crossed the border from Pakistan, according to Indian officials.

The terrorists targeted tourists as they emerged from a forest near the town of Pahalgam, The Hindu reported. The gunmen are reported to have checked the identity of victims before shooting them at close range in an effort to target Hindus and spare Muslims, according to witnesses.

Upwards of six gunmen are believed to have carried out the attack. Indian officials said that two Kashmiri men traveled to Pakistan in 2018, and they and three Pakistani men infiltrated the union territory to murder the Indian tourists.

The attack in Jammu and Kashmir is the largest in India since November 26, 2008, when a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) suicide assault team fanned out across Mumbai and targeted multiple locations, including a theater, a train station, hotels, and a Jewish center, killing 164 people. The attack lasted for three days. Indian intelligence traced phone calls from the terrorists back to handlers in Pakistan as the assault was ongoing. The handlers directed the terrorists to execute non-Muslims, often brutally, and laughed when their instructions were carried out. After the attack, Interpol issued arrest warrants for two serving senior Pakistan Army officers and a retired major.

LeT has launched a number of terror attacks in India and Afghanistan over the years, including the December 13, 2001, assault on Indias Parliament House in New Delhi and the attack on the Indian Consulate in Herat, Afghanistan, on May 23, 2014.

A front for Laskhar-e-Taiba

The Resistance Front is an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba that was formed in August 2019 after India removed the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir and began directly governing the region, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal, which tracks terror groups in the region. Three of the groups leadersSajid Jatt, Sajjad Gul, and Salim Rehmaniare associated with LeT.

LeT is known to use front groups to cover its activities in India. An organization known as the Indian Mujahideen, which is a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, serves as a front for both LeT and the allied Harakat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami. LeT has established other fronts, such as the Milli Muslim League (MML) and Tehreek-e-Azadi-e Kashmir (TAJK), to support its activities in India.

Lashkar-e-Taiba, Pakistans premier terror proxy

LeT was founded in 1987 by Hafiz Saeed, its current leader, along with Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden and Abdullah Azzam, who is considered the godfather of international jihad. Bin Laden helped LeT establish training camps in Afghanistans provinces of Kunar and Paktia. LeT shares Al Qaedas goal of establishing an Islamic state in South Asia and beyond.

The Pakistani state, which rejects Indias claim to Jammu and Kashmir and has created or supported a legion of terror groups to battle India, allows LeT to operate openly inside Pakistan. LeT has offices throughout the country, and its leaders and members operate unfettered.

Markaz-e-Taiba, LeTs headquarters in Muridke near Lahore, is a sprawling complex used to indoctrinate future jihadists before they are sent off for military training. The provincial government of Punjab has financed Markaz-e-Taiba in the past.

Pakistan has claimed to have cracked down on LeT in the past and has put Saeed under house arrest several times, only to ease restrictions once international pressure waned.

LeT is listed by the US as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and Saeed is listed by the US as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Despite these statuses, LeT and Saeed are feted by Pakistani military commanders and politicians. In the past, Saeed routine appeared on Pakistani television.

Regardless of LeTs overt ties to Al Qaeda and other jihadist groups and its terror campaign in India and Afghanistan, the Pakistani government refuses to crack down on it and other Pakistan-based and supported terror groups.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.
On April 24, Al Arabiya reported that the Muslim Brotherhoods foreign branch, the Change Movement, issued a new call to its members in response to Jordanian authorities banning the group. The organization urged its supporters in Jordan to confront the state. It called on followers to revise their strategy and confront the Arab regimes, accusing those regimes of neglecting support for the Palestinian cause and aligning with Israel.

The full translated statement by the Change Movement follows:

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

In light of the ongoing Zionist escalation against our people in Gaza and attempts to break the will of the resistance, the systematic targeting of the living forces of the Ummah and its resistant heroes continues as part of an organized campaign aiming to silence every free voice and eliminate every project and movement of resistance.

In this context, the General Office of the Muslim Brotherhood has followed the decision issued by the Jordanian authorities to ban the Muslim Brotherhood, in a step that reflects an extremely dangerous level of political subordination and an outrageous alignment with the Zionist project and its agenda hostile to the Ummahs causes and the aspirations of its peoples.

In response to this decision, the General Office of the Muslim Brotherhood announces a set of principles and positions, as follows:

First: At a time when the challenges facing the Ummah are increasing, and the need for the energies of Islamic movements and their roles in supporting the causes of the Ummah is intensifying, repressive regimes insist on pursuing these movements, banning them, and restricting their freedom instead of supporting and empowering them. The decision of the Jordanian authorities at this sensitive time reveals a dangerous alignment with the Zionist-American project and a direct blow to the tools of resistance and popular support for Palestine. The security justifications accompanying this decision are an integral part of a regional campaign aiming to break the will of the people, confiscate their right to struggle and resist, and cut off any project that confronts the occupation or rejects the path of normalization.

Second: The stance of the Jordanian regime toward the Palestinian cause has never been in harmony with the pulse of the Ummah nor with the demands of the current stage. Rather, it has always been laden with complicity, betrayal, and disgrace. This decision comes as a continuation of a long path of betrayal of the cause and dismantling the trenches of resistance, confirming that this regime has clearly chosen its place outside the ranks of the Ummah and alongside its enemies.

Third: We categorically reject considering support for the resistance as a crime or accusation; rather, we regard it as a badge of honor worn by everyone who has sincerely and consciously stood by Palestine. The persecution of the free because of their support for their central cause is a blatant indication of these regimes alignment with the enemies of the Ummah and their complete subordination to the Zionist project.

Fourth: The figures and active forces of the Islamic project must realize that what comes after the Al Aqsa Flood is not like what came before, and that the current moment imposes a radical review of strategies, policies, and positionsa review that goes beyond the logic of waiting and reaction. The equations have changed, the masks have fallen, and it is no longer acceptable to overlook the reality that these regimes, organically linked to the Zionist project, now represent the most prominent obstacle to any liberation or resistance project. Confronting these regimes has become a strategic necessity, the true beginning of the path toward the liberation of Al Aqsa and the restoration of the Ummahs decision and will. There is no longer room for maneuvering or compromise in the current scene, nor is there room for hesitation or narrow calculations. The time for decisiveness and clarity has come: either a clear alignment with the Ummahs project and its resistance or a fall into the swamp of regimes that have lost their dignity and sold their causes.

Fifth: To the youth of the Islamic movements, especially in Jordan: You are the weapon of the Ummah in its decisive moment, and confrontation has become a historic duty that is inescapable. Confronting the regimes that guard the Zionist project is not a choiceit is the inevitable path to liberate Al Aqsa and save the Ummah from occupation and tyranny in all its forms: political, military, and intellectual. Do not let this decision break your resolve; rather, make it your starting point. Do not wait for change from anyone  you are the change.

We ask God to steady the feet of the free, to raise the banner of truth high, and to make the Al Aqsa Flood the beginning of a comprehensive awakening that restores the Ummahs dignity, the resistances status, and Al Aqsas freedom.
Wine sold in Luxembourg contains forever chemicals, according to a study published on Wednesday by an environmental campaign group.

Three Luxembourg wine samples - provided by environmental group Mouvement ecologique (Meco) - were part of the bottles tested by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) as part of their wider effort to analyse the spread of the chemicals in the world.

All samples collected by PAN from ten European countries showed traces of the long-lasting pollutant trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Meco did not provide details on the the brands of the wines it sent to the campaign group.

Analyses by PAN Europe last year had found forever chemicals in tap and bottled water in Europe, including Luxembourg, where the government said the concentrations detected were harmless to humans.

Constant rise

The analyses, which must be deepened by detailed scientific investigation, showed that all wines contained TFA, with Austria showing the highest levels (320g/litre) and Croatia reporting the lowest levels at 20g/l, the report showed.

All three Luxembourg wine samples hovered around a level of 50g/l.

There currently is no legal limit in the EU for TFA contamination of food and wine, but the Luxembourg health directorate (Direction de la sante) has set a recommended maximum at 12g/l in water for human consumption. A first analysis of water in Luxembourg showed levels of 0.9g/l, the water administration says on its website.

We used wine as our first plant-based product for the study because vintage wine is a particularly valuable indicator of the historic contamination of the environment, explained Helmut Burtscher-Schaden, environmental chemist at Global 2000, an Austrian environmental organisation involved in the test.

The analysis showed that wines from 1974, 1979 and 1982 did not contain any TFA. From 1988 on, there is a moderate increase, and between 2010 and 2015, a sudden doubling of TFA in wines tested, the chemist said on Wednesday.

TFA-levels (g/l) in European wines tested by PAN Europe and Global 2000  Photo credit: PAN Europe and Global 2000

Pesticides are a problem

The levels are alarming because they are 100 to 1,000 times higher than the levels of contamination found in rainwater and drinking water, which suggests a strong level of accumulation in plant-based life. The dramatic and steep increase in TFA we are witnessing is even more alarming, Burtscher-Schaden said.

The only rational response is to stop the contamination at the source, he said. PAN Europe is therefore calling for an immediate ban on PFAS-based pesticides and for the establishment of an EU drinking water safety limit for TFA.

TFA is a type of so-called per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS).

The wine samples were also tested for traces of pesticides. The majority of conventionally produced wines were contaminated - 18 sources were found in total, including PFAS fungicides - while organic wines were less likely to contain pesticides.

Pesticides are clearly a major contributor for TFA in wine Michael Muller Professor, Freiburg University

However, organic wines also tested positive for TFA, indicating a widespread environmental contamination of rainwater, groundwater and agricultural soils by TFA, PAN Europes report said.

Wines that had higher levels of TFA also had much higher levels of pesticides, suggesting that pesticides are clearly a major contributor for TFA in wine, said Michael Muller, professor at the Freiburg University.

Traces of fungicides were also found in Luxembourg wines.

Solutions and nuances

PAN Europe and Meco in their report called for government action, urging EU member states to implement and enforce PFAS and TFA bans at a national level on the premise that they are harmful for reproduction and health.

Meco also asked that the agriculture ministry use every means to reduce the use of pesticides in general and push organic farming, for instance, by using organic products in school and other public cafeterias.

Also read: How massive lobbying is fighting a ban on forever chemicals

Serge Fischer, director of Luxembourgs wine institute IVV in an interview with the Luxembourg Times stressed that its not all black and white when it comes to pesticide use.

Some illnesses develop and become more resistant so pesticides are necessary, he explained, adding that modern pesticides are far less problematic than older ones, and its difficult to protect the vinyards without them.

Organic pesticides are not all without issues, he added, and some newer ones are far less efficient, he pointed out.

Asked about the presence of TFA in Luxembourg wine, the Ministry of Agriculture commented that A risk assessment of the impact of TFA on health via food consumption is currently being carried out by EFSA within the European Union.

This risk assessment will take into account the dose likely to be ingested with the various foods and its impact on health. Following this scientific analysis, harmonised regulatory limits can be established throughout the European Union. These limits will guarantee the health safety of all food products.

What is TFA? TFA is part of the PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also referred to as forever chemicals, which are long-lasting molecules that break down very slowly over time. TFA is water-soluble and so ends up in the water cycle, allowing it to spread. Forever chemicals come from various sources, like pesticides used in agriculture or cooling gases. Other sources include food packaging, used water treatment plants and industrial pollution. They have a negative impact on the liver and reproductive health, and high concentrations of some PFAS are linked to certain types of cancer. The EU has adopted a regulation limiting the amounts of all PFAS - Total PFAS - to 0.5g/litre from January 2026. Whether TFA will be included remains uncertain.

This article was updated at 16:40 on 23/04/2025 to include a comment by the Ministry of Agriculture.
On Wednesday, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote a stinging letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, highlighting what she describes as the special carve-outs which the company has been given by the Trump administration, and seeking clarification about the process by which these were secured.

I write regarding my concerns about the extent to which you went to work behind the scenes to obtain special exemptions from President Trumps new tariffs earlier this month, Warren says to Cook in a letter seen and covered by Bloomberg. Trumps trade policies, she adds, raise fresh concerns about influence-peddling by huge well-connected corporations, and their ability to gain special favors from President Trump.

Despite being perceived as broadly progressive in political outlook (on social issues at least), Cook has been surprisingly supportive of Trump. The Apple boss reportedly donated $1m from his personal fortune to the committee for the presidents inauguration, which he attended, and has met with him and posed for photo opportunities on multiple occasions. Whether or not this friendly approach was intended to result in favorable treatment for Apple, it has been followed by some political wins, most notably the crucial exemption from this months punishing Chinese tariffs which could have seen the price of an iPhone balloon to more than $2,000.

According to the Washington Post, Warren goes on, when the April 12 tariffs were announced by President Trump, you almost immediately went to work behind the scenes, using your very good relationship with President Trump and the Administration, contacting top Administration officials, and ultimately, successfully obtaining massive tariff carve-outs that President Trump himself noted, helped Tim Cook and that whole business.'

At best, she argues, all of this creates the appearance of impropriety, as well as raising serious questions about the extent to which it is possible for massive corporate special interests to use their money and influence to secure tariff exemptions that are unavailable to Main Street small businesses. In this light, the senator concludes her letter by asking for details of any and all discussions between representatives of Apple and the Trump administration relating to the tariffs and promises of political or financial support, and an estimate of additional profits that Apple will gain from the exemption. Cooks response to all of this is as yet unknown.
Dear Eric: I read the letter from Conflicted Sibling, whose senior citizen brother always leaves a mess when he visits and expects her to clean up after him. I recently retired after working many years as a professional social worker for the largest federally operated health care agency in the US. I had many conversations with consumers of this health care agency who were older, often male, and complained that their family (siblings, offspring, etc.) would not do anything for them. They wanted the federal agency to fund house cleaning and homemaking for them, when the federal agency in our area does not have any such program for homemaking or yard work.

I have listened to many sob stories about the rotten family members who are not willing to help. The truth often is that the family has gotten fed up with the individuals meanness and set a boundary of refusing to be taken advantage of by the person. If her refusal to allow him to take advantage of her in this way ends their relationship, it wasnt anything to salvage in the first place.

Best suggestion is to refer this man to the Area Agency on Aging. There is an agency in every state. Your letter writer needs to engage her backbone and say no.

Been There

Dear Been There: The Area Agency on Aging is a great resource. Sometimes with family members, part of setting a boundary involves saying I need you to be a part of the solution, too. The letter writers brother can find assistance and empowerment through the agency. Hopefully, this helps the letter writer to adjust their dynamic.

Dear Eric: I have a different suggestion for Ready to Help. This is for the grandmother who wants to visit her grandchildren and daughter whose mother-in-law now apparently resides in the guest room: Surely the daughter and her mother-in-law must have undergone some trauma to get to this current housing arrangement. It seems cruel to ask the mother-in-law to leave so granny can visit.

Perhaps a workable idea would be for granny to ask daughter when she could visit that would be of help to her, insisting on staying at a (hopefully) nearby hotel. Granny could offer to take the kids out for some quality time alone with them to a park or museum or to any possible after-school games, clubs or activities. This visit could also include the kids staying overnight for an adventure at the hotel with the grandparents, and give the daughter a much-needed, much-welcome break.

Another View

Dear View: Thank you for these suggestions. I wholeheartedly agree. If its within the letter writers means, a hotel stay is a great start. More importantly, as you pointed out, theres an opportunity to relieve some of the tension in the house by being sensitive to the mother in-laws situation and asking the daughter what would be most helpful.

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)

2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The upcoming Cape Cod-set biopic film Tony has officially signed on actor Dominic Sessa, who has ties to Massachusetts, to play the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, according to Variety.

Sessa, 22, shot to fame in 2023 for his role in the Oscar-winning film The Holdovers opposite Paul Giamatti and DaVine Joy Randolph, set in the 70s at a fictional New England boarding school during Christmas break.

Variety reported that Sessa will play a young Bourdain during a life-changing experience working and living in Provincetown set in 1976 alongside veteran actor Antonio Banderas in a currently undeclared role.

Read More: A short movie filming on Cape Cod is looking for actor for the lead role

The movies casting crew has been scouting extras for Tony, and filming is set to take place from May until early June in Provincetown and on the South Shore.

The casting agency is looking specifically for male actors of all ages and ethnicities to fill the role of kitchen staff.

Sessa had been rumored to play Bourdain since August of last year until his official confirmation this week.

Sessa was once a student at Deerfield Academy in Western Massachusetts, one of the many filming locations statewide for The Holdovers. Sessa was also an active member of the schools theater program before his debut and breakout role.

Bourdain was best known as a celebrity chef, author, TV host and travel documentarian. He died at age 61 by suicide on June 8, 2018, in the Alsace region of France, while filming his TV series Parts Unknown.

In an episode of the series from its 2013-2014 season, based in Provincetown, Bourdain talked about his time in the region, his heroin use at the time, and culinary spots and bars he used to frequent.
SPRINGFIELD - The more popular phrase to hear someone say is no strings attached.

But when the Springfield Chamber Players premiere Broadway with Strings Attached at 52 Sumer on Saturday, April 26, strings attached takes on a good meaning.

Showtime is 8 p.m.

Our premise was Broadway with Strings Attached, showcasing musicals that had string players as characters, like Fiddler on The Roof, A Little Night Music - where a central character plays the cello - to Sweeney Todd - where the fiddle player gets eaten, said Mark G. Auerbach, who created the piece, wrote the narration, and is producer.

We wanted to create a chamber music pops program that would celebrate some of the incredible songwriters from Broadway. Film composer Max Mueller, who had written a piece for our horn trio, agreed to arrange the music for string quartet, narration, and vocalists, he added. We included He Plays the Violin from 1776, and a song from Richard Rodgers called No Strings, a musical he wrote with no stringed instruments in the orchestra. The show expanded to include music from musicals produced at area regional theatres... Goodspeed (on) Hartford Stage, and Barrington Stage Company and others.

The chamber music pops program features the Springfield Chamber Players Quartetto Mosso, narrators Auerbach and Marty Kluger, as well as vocalists Sarah Vincelett Dredge and Spencer Reese. Quartetto Mosso features violinists Ronald Gorevic and Beth Welty, violist Delores Thayer, and cellist Yoonhee Ko.

It all began one evening over pizza after a symphony rehearsal.

I explained that timpani would not fit smoothly into our chamber music programs and since we would been singing musical theatre, suggested that we perform Broadway show music. Mark bought the idea and thought it could work as a concert program for the musicians of Springfield Chamber Players, and then developed a script for string quartet, narration, and vocalists. Beth Welty, a violinist, reached out to her nephew, a composer and arranger, who had previously composed Triptych,a commissioned work for the Springfield Chamber Players Horn Trio. Along with Mark, we engaged two more vocalists, and selected the music, which Max arranged for strings and vocalists, Kluger said.

Marty Kluger, principal timpanist of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will narrate "Broadway with Strings Attached" at 52 Sumner on Saturday. Submitted

Kluger is principal timpanist of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, which he joined upon completing percussion and conducting studies at the Yale School of Music. He was also a Yale School of Medicine scientist and researched molecular pathways of disease. After leaving Yale, he turned to singing bel canto and barbershop with the Hartford Chorale and the Hartford Men in Harmony, and later, to singing-acting on stage.

Growing up in his house, Kluger noted he had some unusual living room furniture.

We had two kettledrums, aka timpani, because my dad was a symphonic percussionist and my first teacher. The joy of performing music has been a constant in my life since age seven. Unraveling the mysteries of biology has a kind of excitement all its own, but I certainly dont miss the kind of excitement I experienced commuting north from New Haven to Springfield in time for our conductors downbeat, he said.

In the context of a symphony orchestra, timpani provide a rhythmic foundation, a unique tone color and a powerful instrumental voice that works at times as an assistant conductor. They are less compelling as a solo instrument  and unlike say the audience response at a piano or violin recital, I find that solo timpani recitals are most interesting to other timpanists, Kluger added.

But research did have its rewards, and Klugers work made a difference.

For me, it was thrilling to visualize the architecture of human cells by microscopy and to follow molecules along their biochemical pathways. It is satisfying that I could train and mentor Yale undergraduates, medical students and postdoctoral fellows, some of whom went on to become clinical scientists. Scientifically, I advanced understanding of how human microvascular endothelial cells regulate adhesion molecules vital for mediating inflammation and interactions in blood with the human immune system that are crucial for fighting disease. More specifically, I published studies on E-selectin and the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) and established an experimental model of vascular leak, a deadly pathological process in sepsis that for the first time emphasized the role of endothelial tight junctions, he said.

Kluger noted that he is excited for audiences to hear what they have created for this weekends concert.

Our audience will enjoy brand new arrangements of familiar, and a few less familiar, Broadway classics that mix together the rich tones and breathtaking precision of our professional Springfield-based string quartet with the clever, creative lyrics and expression one expects from a night at the theater, he said.

Tickets, available at springfieldsymphonymusicians.com or 52sumner.com, are $30 general admission and $10 for students.
A 32-story office building in Bostons financial district has been sold for $227 million  $100 million less than its assessed value.

Boston-based real estate investment firm Synergy purchased the 99 High St. property on Thursday, according to documents filed with the Suffolk County Registry of Deeds. Its previous owner, Nuveen, purchased the 730,208-square-foot tower in 2005 for $273 million, records show.
Student-run news outlets at Bostons colleges and universities are adjusting some of their usual policies under President Donald Trumps second administration as international students avoid publicly speaking out for fear of losing their visas.

Since the federal government began revoking student visas around the country, college newspapers have received an unprecedented number of requests to remove the names of current or former international students from past articles or to take down opinion pieces the students wrote.

Editorial staff at some of these news outlets have had to reevaluate their policies for responding to these requests, as well as their policies for allowing anonymous sources in news stories.

At Northeastern University, the student-run Huntington News has taken down six articles this semester, according to Managing Editor Alexis Algazy. Previously, the newspaper had only done so once since April 2023, when the staff began tracking takedown requests.

Prior to Trump 2.0, our thing has always been, if an article is published, its there. Its out in the world, Algazy said. I think that were coming to a perspective that times are unprecedented.

Algazy said that as students in Boston, the requests particularly resonate with her and her fellow reporters because of the March detainment of Tufts University graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk.

Ozturk, a Turkish national, had her visa unexpectedly revoked, reportedly because she had co-written a March 2024 op-ed critical of the universitys response to the Israel-Gaza war in the Tufts Daily, the schools student newspaper.

Tufts Daily Executive Opinion Editor Gretta Goorno wrote in an op-ed for U.S. News and World Report last week that since then, international and domestic students alike had been scared to publish their opinions.

In some cases, their parents, who pay an estimated $95,000 annually to send their children to Tufts, have instructed their kids to stop writing for the Daily, Goorno wrote.

The Tufts Daily did not respond to interview requests Wednesday.

At Boston University, the Daily Free Press has similarly struggled. Editor-in-chief Brendan Galvin said the student newspaper had received fewer submissions than usual to its opinion page this semester.

Galvin estimated that the paper had received between 10 and 15 takedown requests this semester, far more than usual. Most of those requests came from students who wanted their last or full name or a photo removed from a story, and said they were concerned for their own or their families safety.

He said the Daily Free Press is usually strict about the use of anonymous sources, only using them in very rare circumstances to preserve the credibility of their reporting. Now, though, they are much more lenient, he said.

If we go to a protest on BUs campus and we say no anonymous sources whatsoever, its going to be really, really hard on the writer to find people who want to speak on the record, Galvin said.

The Student Press Law Center, a national organization that advocates for the free speech and free press rights of student journalists, released guidance earlier this month for student media groups about how to handle these issues.

The organization advised that editors should review their policies around anonymity and takedown requests and consider easing some of the normal restrictions to minimize harm.

Thats a change from SPLCs usual recommendation that publications avoid removing or changing past stories to preserve the historical record.

I have been working at the Student Press Law Center for more than three decades, and I am now warning student journalists about things I have never had to tell them before, SPLC Senior Legal Counsel Mike Hiestand said in a statement at the time. Student speech that is, or should be, fully protected by the law is now being weaponized by the U.S. government and student media must adapt to continue to fully report on their communities.

At Northeastern, the Huntington News published a letter from the editor Wednesday outlining its current policy, citing the SPLC guidance.

Editor-in-chief Emily Spatz wrote that the newspaper was reviewing takedown requests on a case-by-case basis and would allow international students to remain anonymous when speaking critically about the federal government, but would not allow anonymous opinion pieces or letters to the editor.

Algazy said the letter was meant to increase transparency since readers may notice more anonymous sources being used.

Its hard when we want to write so many pieces at the moment about how the Trump administration is impacting our campus. We need to include the international student voice, because its one of the biggest stakeholders in a lot of these stories, she said. We see not only the fear, but we see the actual impact. Its tangible. You can see it. So were trying to allow the dialog that needs to take place to continue taking place.
An airport services company has agreed to pay over $3.1 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that it failed to properly compensate its Boston Logan Airport workers, the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office announced Tuesday.

Swissport is a North Carolina-based company that employs approximately 2,100 workers at Logan Airport, including baggage handlers, fuel personnel, ramp agents and cleaners, the attorney generals office said in a press release. The lawsuit  which was brought by the attorney generals office  alleged that the airport services company failed to make timely payments to its Logan Airport employees, pay them overtime and maintain accurate employee payroll records.

The investigation into Swissport indicates that nearly all of its Logan Airport employees were impacted by violations of state wage and hour laws, the attorney generals office said. The $3.1 million includes citations, penalties and restitution for workers unpaid wages.
Abdullah Shahid Sial, a Harvard University sophomore from Lahore, Pakistan, pictured in front of the Statue of John Harvard at the Cambridge, Mass., campus. (Will Katcher/MassLive)

Since President Donald Trump took office, the day-to-day lives of international students like Harvard sophomore Abdullah Shahid Sial have changed.

When Shahid Sial, from Pakistan, walks around the Cambridge campus, he carries his passport and other identification documents in case his student visa is abruptly revoked or his Student and Exchange Visitor Information status is terminated.
Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk must be brought to Vermont by May 1, a judge confirmed Thursday, denying a request from federal prosecutors to pause her transport while the government pursued an appeal of the decision.

Judge William K. Sessions III said the motion for a stay recycled many of the arguments he had already considered and denied when he first ruled Ozturk must be brought to Vermont. Chief among their arguments was that Vermont was not the right venue for the case and that he must move the case to Louisiana, where Ozturk remains in ICE custody.

Sessions determined he had jurisdiction to consider Ozturks petition challenging her detention because she was physically in Vermont when the petition was filed by her lawyers.

During a hearing on the petition, Sessions asked federal prosecutors how bringing Ozturk to Vermont would harm the government. They did not offer any concrete injury the government would suffer at the time and still failed to do so, he determined.

The Court notes that Ms. Ozturks return to Vermont might not even be an issue in this case had the government not ignored the order issued from the District Court in Massachusetts on March 25, Sessions wrote.

That day, a federal court judge in Massachusetts required Ozturk to remain in Massachusetts while her petition was pending. Prosecutors said she was already out of the state by the time the order was issued, prompting the Massachusetts judge to move the case to Vermont.

Sessions indicated that he intends to address Ozturks petition quickly, and moving her to Vermont would allow the court to do so.

Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish national, has been in federal custody since March 25, when plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested her on the street and whisked her away to New Hampshire, then Vermont, and finally Louisiana. She has yet to be charged with a crime.

Ozturks lawyers claim the Trump administration revoked her student visa without warning because she co-authored a pro-Palestinian op-ed in Tufts student newspaper last year. Federal officials say she supports Hamas, but have not provided specific evidence to support the claim.

Ozturk has been held in a 14-person cell with two dozen other women since being moved to Louisiana. She has had multiple asthma attacks during her detention, according to her court filings.
As the countrys oldest university sets the stage for a showdown against President Donald Trump that could decide the future of American higher education, its world-famous endowment is catching the spotlight.

Harvard University sued the federal government on Monday after Trump threatened to pull $9 billion in funding unless the school agreed to a set of demands that included broad changes to its admissions, discipline and management policies.

The Trump administration says its actions, which include a threat to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status, are a response to unchecked antisemitism on campus. Those standing in defense of Harvard and other institutions, including some local Jewish groups, claim antisemitism is being used as a veil for a larger master plan to control and dictate colleges and universities across the country.

Harvard University is generally seen as the wealthiest university in the world with a $53.2 billion endowment. The enormous sum is considered synonymous with the schools eminence as the first higher education institution in the U.S.

As Harvard stands to potentially lose billions from the federal government  pending the ongoing and likely lengthy court case  some, including a former Harvard president, have publicly pondered if using the endowment during this unprecedented time is exactly what its meant for, at its core.

However, according to Harvard, there is a common misconception that endowments can be accessed like bank accounts.

In reality, Harvards flexibility in spending from the endowment is limited by the fact that it must be maintained in perpetuity and that it is largely restricted, the universitys website says.

That, said Bruce Kimball, emeritus academy professor at Ohio State University and co-author of Wealth, Cost, and Price in American Higher Education, has always been a point of tension for the public. As endowments at wealthy, elite universities have risen in value, so has their tuition, leaving many to ask why the burgeoning funds arent used to bring costs down.

The simple answer is 80% of Harvards endowment funds are restricted  donor-directed to specific programs, departments or purposes. Unrestricted funds account for approximately 20%.

Kimball, who lives in Newton and holds two degrees from Harvard, explained that endowments contain red tape-galore when it comes to universities accessing them for impromptu or emergency reasons.

A Harvard spokesperson declined to comment in response to questions from MassLive about the universitys endowment.

What is Harvards endowment?

Harvards endowment has existed for almost four centuries and is the universitys largest financial asset.

It is a perpetual source of support for the university and its mission of teaching and research, according to the school, and is managed by Harvard Management Company, a nonprofit financial firm owned by Harvard.

In 2017, then-Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust said the endowments commitment is to make Harvard as close to immortal as any earthly institution might be.

Made up of more than 14,000 individual funds, the endowments two largest categories support faculty and students, including professorships, and financial aid for undergraduates, graduate fellowships, and student life and activities, according to the university.

A statue of John Harvard overlooks Harvard Yard at Harvard University in Cambridge. (Will Katcher/MassLive)

The endowment has grown substantially in recent decades. In 2013, it stood at $31 billion, meaning its increased by more than $20 billion in 12 years to reach todays $53 billion-plus.

During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the endowment distributed $2.4 billion, contributing to 37% of Harvards total operating revenue that year, the universitys annual financial report says.

In the report, Vice President for Finance Ritu Kalra and Treasurer Timothy R. Barakett wrote that safeguarding the Universitys financial resilience is vital, referencing the endowment.

Our financial resources, built over years through disciplined planning and sound financial management, allow Harvards schools and units to withstand shocks, they wrote.

Could the endowment fill the federal funding gap?

Lawrence Summers, an economist and former Harvard president who previously served as U.S. Treasury secretary, recently set the stage in an article published by The New Yorker that the university could tap into its endowment in this historic moment.

Harvards endowment is not there just to be envied or admired, Summers said. Its there to be used, and it is hard to imagine a better use than maintaining the continuity of its operations at a moment of great threat like the present.

The New Yorker article positioned Harvards endowment as a war chest as the school leads the higher education community in resisting the Trump administration.

However, Kimball said accessing the pot of wealth isnt an easy venture, and the school has other tools to draw upon first.

Harvard and other elite universities have aggressively invested much of their endowments in illiquid assets, Kimball explained, meaning theyre assets that cant easily be converted to cash without a significant loss in value.

He argued that Harvard would be better off selling bonds to weather the Trump storm, ultimately positioning itself to more accurately recover damages at the end of its lawsuit against the federal government.

If youre covering your damages due to the canceling of grants by the bonds that you floated, you can very accurately identify what are the damages as how much money youre actually paying to cover those things, Kimball said. Whereas if youre trying to sell a lithium mine in Chile or a copper mine in Zambia, the damages are very hard to calculate.

If Harvard ultimately decides to use unrestricted endowment funds to cover lost federal dollars, the most accessible way would be drawing upon the funds annual income, versus dipping into the principal balance, Kimball said.

Last year, approximately 11% of Harvards operating revenues came from the federal government, according to its 2024 financial report.
Karen Read, center, listens to testimony from witness Kerry Roberts during her trial in Norfolk Superior Court at Dedham, Mass., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Karen Reads second trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe, continued on Thursday in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court before Judge Beverly Cannone.

The trial concluded before noon after some confusion about witness scheduling. It will resume with more witness testimony on Friday.

The jury is expected to visit the Canton home OKeefe was found outside of on Friday.

People to know:

Hank Brennan, special prosecutor for the Norfolk County District Attorneys office

David Yannetti, lawyer for Read

Daniel Whitley, Canton firefighter/paramedic

Michael Camerano, friend of OKeefe

Nicholas Guarino, Massachusetts State Police digital forensics expert

11:48 a.m. - Cannone sends jurors home for the day

After a brief sidebar, Cannone sent the jury home for the day, telling them there was confusion among the lawyers about the schedule and no more witnesses would be called on Thursday.

Cannone told the jury they would be going on a view tomorrow  a visit to 34 Fairview Road, where OKeefe was found dying.

11:42 a.m. - Brennan plays clips of Read detailing drinking

When Guarino departed, Brennan introduced four clips of Read talking about how much she drank on the night of Jan. 28, 2022.

The clips came from interviews Read gave to 20/20, the journalist Gretchen Voss and Investigation Discovery. In them, Read provides varying explanations for how much she had to drink that night.

She concedes she shouldnt have been driving that night and wouldnt have gotten on the expressway. But she says she wasnt driving recklessly.

11:40 a.m. - Brennan releases Guarino

After Guarino concluded reading texts between Read and OKeefe, which end around 8:30 p.m., Brennan concluded his questioning.

Guarino stepped off the stand, subject to being recalled again. Before his testimony concluded, Brennan asked Guarino if there were more messages and calls between the couple. He said there were.

11:25 a.m. - Guarino continues reading out OKeefe, Read texts

Guarino continued reading texts between OKeefe and Read from the day before his death. The messages show the couple hammering out plans to meet up somewhere that night.

Read says she wants to meet OKeefe to smooth things over after they fought that morning. Eventually, around 7 p.m., OKeefe tells Read he is going out to get drinks and that he wants her to join.

At 7:41 p.m., OKeefe tells Read that he and Camarano are headed to C.F. McCarthys. Read says she intends to join after a plumber takes a look at her water heater.

11:07 a.m. - Texts, calls show Read, OKeefe arguing

Brennan began taking Guarino through a PowerPoint presentation showing Read and OKeefe arguing on the day before he died.

Guarino said OKeefe rejected several phone calls from Read in the afternoon before they went out drinking that evening.

In one text, OKeefe told Read he was sick of always arguing and fighting.

As the exchange continues, Read pleads with OKeefe to answer her phone calls. He continues denying them and tells Read his niece is with him.

You gave me utter grief this morning, Read tells OKeefe, adding she feels like he is setting her up to fail.

Around 5 p.m. on the day before OKeefes death, Read told him she believed being around his niece and nephew was killing their relationship. She suggested they spend more time just the two of them, or away from the kids.

11:00 a.m. - Guarino begins reading text messages

Guarino began reading text exchanges between Read and OKeefe on the morning of Jan. 28, 2022, the day before his death.

In the exchange, the couple argued about OKeefes perception that Read was spoiling his niece and nephew.

You really hurt me this time, Read began the conversation.

10:56 a.m. - Guarino retakes the stand

After the morning recess, Guarino returned to the stand. Brennan resumed handing Guarino items and asking him to identify them so they could be marked as exhibits and introduced as evidence.

10:20 a.m. - Cannone calls morning recess

As Brennan meticulously introduced OKeefe and Reads calls and texts into evidence with Guarino on the stand, Cannone called for the morning recess.

Guarino has yet to testify about the substance of any of those communications.

10:03 a.m. - Brennan recalls Guarino

After Cameranos testimony concluded, Brennan called Guarino back to the stand. Guarino testified on Wednesday and is the State Police trooper who conducted extractions of both Reads and OKeefes phones.

9:58 a.m. - Do you know if there was any jealousy?

On redirect from Brennan, Camerano testified that Read didnt want other women around OKeefe.

He said he didnt know what was going on behind closed doors.

9:50 a.m. - Yannetti cross-examines Camerano

On cross-examination from Yannetti, Camerano testified about his daughters relationship with Read.

He confirmed his kids went on vacation with Read and OKeefe and that his daughter occasionally visited Read at her home in Mansfield.

Yannetti asked Camerano if OKeefe ever suggested he wanted to break up with Read. Camerano said he hadnt.

Camerano testified that in the month leading up to OKeefes death, his relationship with Read appeared normal and affectionate.

9:47 a.m. - Camerano testifies about morning of OKeefes death

On the morning of OKeefes death, Camerano said he woke up to several missed calls from his wife and from Read.

He said he went to OKeefes house that morning to pick up OKeefes niece.

She looked distraught, Camerano said.

A couple hours later, he received a phone call from OKeefes brother, Paul. At that point, he said he knew OKeefe had died.

Camerano teared up as he recalled driving OKeefes niece home. He said he returned to the home the next day.

9:40 a.m. - Camerano takes the stand

Camerano, a friend of OKeefes, was the next witness called by the prosecution.

He said he grew close to OKeefe and his family when his children began playing sports with OKeefes niece and nephew.

Camerano testified about meeting up with OKeefe on the night of Jan. 28, 2022. The pair went out to C.F. McCarthys to celebrate his daughter and OKeefes niece getting into Bishop Feehan for high school.

While they were at the bar, they met up with another friend, Curt Roberts, and Read. Camerano left the bar around 9:30 p.m., he said.

9:35 a.m. - Brigid Meehan takes the stand

Meehan works at the Waterfall Bar and Grille in Canton, another bar visited by OKeefe and Read.

She confirmed the bar has video surveillance cameras inside and that she turned over footage to the Massachusetts State Police.

Brennan played a video clip from inside the bar on Jan. 28, 2022, and asked Meehan if it was accurate. She confirmed it was and concluded her testimony.

Yannetti did not cross-examine her.

9:30 a.m. - Jean DeMulis takes the stand

The next witness to take the stand, Jean DeMulis, said she had been the general manager at C.F. McCarthys, a restaurant and bar in Canton, for six years. McCarthys is one of the bars OKeefe and Read visited before his death.

Brennan began his direct examination by asking DeMulis about the bars video system. She recalled two detectives coming to the bar seeking video footage from Jan. 28, 2022.

DeMulis said she remembered that Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik downloaded videos from the bar. Brennan then played a video clip from inside the bar, which DeMulis confirmed was an accurate depiction of its interior.

Brennan ended his questioning of DeMulis there, and Yannetti declined to cross-examine her.

9:25 a.m. - Brennan conducts re-direct of Whitley

On re-direct examination, Whitley said he distinctly remembered the conversation with Read where she asked if a person could survive in the snow for many hours without a jacket.

Whitley said he and other paramedics were telling stories to Read to try and give her hope. He said such a remark would not be typically included in a report.

Brennan asked Whitley if he had secret meetings with Kerry Roberts, another witness and a neighbor, to corroborate some conspiracy at a block party.

Whitley chuckled and said he hadnt.

Canton firefighter and paramedic Daniel Whitley on the witness stand during the second murder trial of Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP

9:15 a.m. - Whitley pressed on grand jury testimony

Yannetti forcefully questioned Whitley about his testimony before a grand jury in April 2022.

Before the grand jury, Whitley did not say Read repeatedly asked first responders if a person could survive outside in the snow for many hours. He mentioned the remark both at the first trial and under direct examination Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Whitley testified Read asked if a person who was sitting outside could survive in the snow without a jacket.

Was that the first time that you testified under oath that Ms. Read said or asked about him sitting outside? Yannetti asked.

Whitley appeared confused by the line of questioning, and said he was not quoting Read verbatim.

It couldve been a different word, he said.

9:10 a.m. - Yannetti resumes cross-examination of Whitley

When Whitley returned to the stand, Yannetti questioned him about Reads behavior when she arrived at the hospital on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022.

Specifically, Yannetti pressed Whitley on his perception that Read was unwilling to give a urine sample. Yannetti asked Whitley if he was aware Read was on her period. Whitley said he was.

9 a.m. - Cannone allows prosecution to play clip

Before bringing the jury in Thursday morning, Cannone allowed Brennans request to play a clip of an interview Read conducted for a docuseries covering the case.

In it, Read appears to mock OKeefes mother, Peggy, and describes a conversation she recalls having on the morning of OKeefes death.

Jackson had argued against the introduction of the clip, saying its only purpose was to vilify Read.

8:30 a.m.

Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer in Canton on Jan. 29, 2022.

Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorneys say her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of two people in Salem, whose bodies were found in the woods near a Walmart on Wednesday.

Jay Blodget has been charged with two counts of murder and is scheduled to appear in Salem District Court for his arraignment on Thursday morning, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office.

Blodget was arrested after two men were found dead in the woods on Wednesday afternoon, according to the district attorneys office.

Salem police had been called at around 2:20 p.m. to 450 Highland Ave. when a man walking his dog discovered one of the bodies.

Officers soon found the bodies of two men, the district attorneys office said.

Anyone with information about the deaths was asked to call Massachusetts State Police at 978-745-8909 or Salem police at 978-744-1212.
A Western Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to having over 340,000 digital files of child sexual abuse material, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced Thursday.

Turner Falls resident Edward Dunphy, 79, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in federal court in Boston after previously being indicted by a grand jury, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release.

Dunphy was identified as a suspect through an investigation of peer-to-peer file-sharing networks, the U.S. Attorneys office said. During a May 2023 search of his home, over 340,000 digital files of child sexual abuse material were found on his computer and external hard drives.
The Pentagon is seen from Air Force One as it flies over Washington, March 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File) AP

The Pentagon will be resuming gender-affirming care for service members who are transgender, according to a memo obtained and reported by Politico.

The move is a blow to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who ordered an immediate pause on gender-affirming medical care procedures for all active-duty service members in February, according to ABC News.

The Pentagon will return to the medical policy established in the Biden administration for transgender service members after a court order that struck down Hegseths restrictions as unconstitutional, according to Politico.

The Trump administration is appealing the move, but a federal appeals court in California denied the Defense Departments effort to stop the policy while its challenge is pending, Politico reported.

Because of this, the Trump administration cannot remove transgender service members or restrict them from receiving the medical care that they need, according to Politico.

President Donald Trump has prioritized putting restrictions on transgender military members a priority in his second term.

When he returned to office in 2025, Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender people from serving in the military.

In his first term, Trump also signed an executive order banning transgender people from serving in the military. That policy, however, was rescinded by former President Joe Biden.

The new policy bans transgender people from enlisting and requires the military to identify all transgender service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria, according to NBC News.

In March 2025, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes of Washington, D.C., blocked Trumps executive order, ruling that the ban violates the equal protection clause because it discriminates based on transgender status and sex.

Its language is unabashedly demeaning, its policy stigmatizes transgender persons as inherently unfit, and its conclusions bear no relation to fact, Reyes wrote.

In a post on X, Hegseth went after the judge and her order, calling her, Commander Reyes.

During the same month, Judge Benjamin H. Settle of the U.S. District Court in Tacoma, Wash. issued a nationwide injunction blocking the ban, according to the Associated Press.

On Thursday, the Trump administration sought emergency relief from the Supreme Court, asking the justices to let the ban go into effect while legal challenges play out, Politico reported.
Kerry Roberts testifies during the Karen Read trial in Norfolk Superior Court at Dedham, Mass., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP

In a dramatic exchange on day 2 of the Karen Read murder trial, the judge turned to a key prosecution witness and asked, Did you lie?

The witness looked away from the judge, startled by the question, and replied, I did. Not intentionally.

The admission by Kerry Roberts, a close friend of John OKeefe, came during intense cross-examination by Reads attorney, Alan Jackson, on Wednesday. It also marked a significant difference from the first trial since the defense decided not to cross-examine Roberts last year.

Roberts admitted to telling a false statement to a grand jury in 2022 before Reads indictment. Jackson asked if she realized she made the false statement under oath and penalty of perjury, to which she said, I did.

Attorney Alan Jackson gives his opening statement at Karen Read's second murder trial at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Dedham, Mass. (Stuart Cahill /The Boston Herald via AP, Pool) AP

The exchange went viral and set social media and YouTube commentators ablaze with questions around whether Roberts admitted to committing perjury during her testimony.

A retired Massachusetts judge isnt so convinced. He said the admission amounted to a prior inconsistent statement, but perjury?

If they prosecuted this person for a prior inconsistent statement, there would have to be hundreds and hundreds of perjury cases, said Jack Lu, a mediator and adjunct law professor at Boston College who served as a Massachusetts Superior Court judge for 16 years.

Perjury charges are fairly unusual, Lu said, and they are difficult to prove.

State law makes it a crime for someone to wilfully give false statements in a material matter while under oath. In other words, to make intentional, material misstatements  to intentionally lie under oath, according to Lu. Those misrepresentations must be consequential.

In a recent case of convicted perjury, a Worcester County man was found guilty following a three-day trial after prosecutors argued he lied to protect himself and his girlfriend, who was convicted of murder in November 2021.

Heres how Wednesdays testimony in the Read trial compares.

What did Kerry Roberts say?

Roberts was with Read and another witness when they found OKeefes unresponsive body in the snow in front of a Canton home on Jan. 29, 2022.

The cross-examination by Jackson delved into whether Roberts personally heard Read ask the other witness, Jennifer McCabe, to Google search hypothermia after they discovered OKeefe in the snow. The Google search will become more significant later in the trial, since the defense contends that McCabe also searched ho(w) long to die in cold at 2:27 a.m. based on cell phone records.

Roberts agreed she told a grand jury in April 2022 that she heard Read ask McCabe to make the Google search, but she later told Massachusetts State Police investigators that she did not personally hear that.

I did not hear her ask that. I was told she (McCabe) was asked that, Roberts said on Wednesday.

Jackson, however, read what Roberts told the grand jury: At one point she (Read) asked her (McCabe) to Google hypothermia and how long  Google hypothermia.

Roberts explained she told the grand jury that statement because she wrote out a timeline of events with McCabe before speaking to investigators. Roberts denied that McCabe influenced her testimony, however.

Not an Earth-shattering score

Asked whether Wednesdays testimony rose to potential perjury, Lu said, No, that is not perjury.

I wish the defense all the luck, but that is not an Earth-shattering score, Lu said. If I were analyzing legal merits, I would hope that the defense has more than that.

The retired judge said that Roberts made some mistakes during her testimony, but pointed out that she likely does not have meaningful experience in courtrooms.

He said she seemed eager in trying to convict Read, but added that in civil or criminal cases, its a terrible idea to jointly come up with timeline with another witness.

She shouldnt have done that, Lu said. If shes losing sleep for claims of perjury, (however) they should sleep well, since he said there needs to be more than her misstatement for perjury.

Another legal expert, Daniel Medwed, is a professor at Northeastern University. He said he could not weigh in on Robertss specific testimony, but described perjury more broadly.

Accidents, mistakes, or slip-ups about minor things typically dont rise to the level of perjury, Medwed said.

Cases of perjury in Massachusetts

The Worcester County man convicted on a single count of perjury last year, Jonathan Lind, was convicted of lying to a grand jury investigating the death of Brandon Chicklis. He was sentenced to seven to nine years in prison.

Linds girlfriend, Julia Enright, was convicted of killing Chicklis and disposing of his body after she stabbed him to death in an Ashburnham treehouse in 2018.

After killing Chicklis, Enright enlisted Linds help in disposing of the body. The pair wrapped Chicklis in trash bags and drove his body to Rindge, New Hampshire, where they dumped him in a wooded area along the side of Route 119.

Prosecutors said at trial that Lind failed to tell the grand jury about his role in disposing of Chicklis body.

In 1997, Suzanna DAmour, a woman from South Hadley, was convicted of perjury and sentenced to 10-12 years in prison in connection with a plot she hatched to kill her husband to collect a $3.3 million life insurance policy. The killer, Alex Rankins, was convicted and sentenced to a life sentence.

DAmour was convicted of lying to a grand jury about communications she had with Rankins. Knowing that Rankins was the prime suspect in her husbands murder, the defendant lied about the true nature of her relationship with Rankins to hinder the investigation of the murder of her husband, according to court filings.

Lu said the DAmour is a good example of a perjury case because it describes the materiality requirement, meaning it had meaningful consequences.

(It) gives a good feel for the gravity of the alleged crime to satisfy materiality and constitute perjury, Lu said. (It) shows that in DAmour, there were false statements about communications with a witness made to avoid a prosecution for murder. Yikes.

Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death in connection with OKeefes death.

Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated and then fled the scene in January 2022.

Reads lawyers contend that her SUV never struck OKeefe, and on Tuesday, Jackson said, There was no collision, and repeated it three times to emphasize for the jury.

Reads trial continues Friday with testimony and a site visit where OKeefes body was found.

Heres a recap of Thursdays testimony.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden on Thursday admonished a state court judge for dismissing the case of a man arrested by ICE mid-trial and asked federal authorities to investigate what they described as ICEs violation of its own procedures.

Wilson Martell-Lebron was detained by ICE near Boston Municipal Court last month after the first day of his trial for falsifying information to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Judge Mark Summerville, who was overseeing the trial, dismissed the case against Martell-Lebron with prejudice, finding prosecutors knowingly allowed him to be taken into federal custody.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Three months into his second term, President Donald Trumps approval rating is lower than at any point in the term of one president hes referred to as the worst president in history.

The 47th presidents approval rating stands at 41%, while his disapproval rating is at 54%, according to a YouGov/Economist poll released Wednesday.

Trumps net approval is minus 13, a 19-point swing from the plus 6 rating when his term began. This stands in contrast to any point in the solitary term of his predecessor, Joe Biden, whose net approval was plus 11, according to the poll.

While Trump had the same net approval on immigration when his term started, the poll shows a big plunge to minus 5.

His approval/disapproval among Americans remains typically split along party lines, with the majority of independents disapproving of his job so far. Thirty percent of independents approve of his actions as president, while 59% disapprove, the poll shows.

Among Democrats, 92% disapprove of his performance as president so far, with 7% approving. Republicans, at 86%, approve of Trump, while 12% do not.

Young people largely disapprove of the president, including 57% of 18- to 29-year-olds and 58% of 30- to 44-year-olds, according to the poll. Americans over 45 also disapprove by slimmer margins, including half of respondents between 45 and 64 years old, and 52% of Americans 65 and older.

More women disapprove of Trump than men, at 59% versus 49%, the poll shows.

By race, approval and disapproval are dead even among white voters, at 48% each. Black voters disapprove of the president at 74%, while 65% of Hispanic voters disapprove.

The presidential rating game varies among historians, but two names are commonly referred to as the worst president in American history.

In 2021, C-SPAN conducted its presidential historians survey ranking the presidents. At the top were Abraham Lincoln, followed by George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Massachusetts own John F. Kennedy ranked eighth, between Thomas Jefferson and Ronald Reagan; John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams ranked 15th and 17th, respectively, sandwiched around James Madison. Born in Milton, George H.W. Bush ranked at 21, above his son (born in New Haven) at 29.

Another man Trump previously referred to as the worst president, Barack Obama, ranked high on the list at 10.

Trump ranked low on the list, at 41. At the bottom were the two presidents commonly referred to as the worst, who both bookend Lincoln: Andrew Johnson, Lincolns successor, at 43, and the 15th president, James Buchanan, at 44.

The YouGov/Economist poll was conducted between April 19 and 22, with a total of 1,625 U.S adult citizens. The polls margin of error was 3.3% among registered voters.
Two men were found dead in a wooded area near a Salem Walmart Wednesday afternoon, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office.

Salem police were called to 450 Highland Ave. shortly after 2:20 p.m. after a man walking his dog discovered one of the bodies, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Officers soon found the bodies of the two men.

At this point, an investigation led by the Essex County District Attorneys Office, along with the Massachusetts State Police and the Salem Police, is underway to determine the cause of death and if foul play was involved, the district attorneys office wrote.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. speaks at the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Embattled U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might be holding onto his job by his fingernails, but when a GOP lawmaker came out swinging for President Donald Trumps Pentagon pick, the internet wasnt having it.

LOL, Senator Mullen never served a day of his life but he is a multi-millionaire who likes to tweet like he stormed the beaches of Normandy. We recommend he resign and go enlist so he can lead the breach and stuff, the advocacy group VoteVets posted to X on Tuesday.

A day earlier, U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullen, R-Okla., took to social media to assert that when it comes to Hegseth, he would lead the breach. I will lay down cover fire. I will take the high ground. Ill expose myself to enemy fire to communicate. We must bring back integrity, focus, and put the Warfighter first inside DOD. I stand with @SecDef @PeteHegseth."

Another user posted a photo of Mullin taking cover inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when Trumps supporters stormed the building.

It didnt stop there.

Fred Wellman, an Army combat vet, and the host of the On Democracy podcast, also weighed in with a fiery post of his own.

YOURE A [expletive] PLUMBER! YOUVE NEVER SERVED!!! You could have but you didnt. We had the longest war in U.S. history and you sat that shit out the whole time but now you want to be a big tough guy for the idiot that cant keep a secret. Youre such a [expletive] joke. No one is scared of you. Go clear a drain of your own [expletive].

The White House expressed support this week for Hegseth following media reports that he shared sensitive military details in another Signal messaging chat, this time with his wife and brother.

Neither the White House nor Hegseth denied that he had shared such information in a second chat, instead focusing their responses on what they called the disgruntled workers whom they blamed for leaking to the media and insisting that no classified information had been disclosed.

The administrations posture was meant to hold the line against Democratic demands for Hegseths dismissal at a time when the Pentagon is engulfed in turmoil, including the departures of several senior aides and an internal investigation over information leaks.

The latest news added to questions about the judgment of the embattled Pentagon chief, coming on top of last months disclosure of his participation in a Signal chat with top Trump administration leaders in which details about the military airstrike against Yemens Houthi militants were shared.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
The Iowa delegation seating on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024 in Chicago. The Washington Post

Could President Donald Trumps trade war lead to a Field of Dreams in an important early presidential state thats friendly to Republicans?

Democrats in Iowa certainly hope so.

With two marquee statewide races - and a state economy that is especially rattled by Trumps trade war - Hawkeye State Democrats say they are sensing an opportunity to claw back into competition with Republicans.

There are a lot of people who are seeing this as an opportunity, Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Rita Hart said in an interview. I think were going to have more experience. Were going to have people that have more name recognition. And I think that theyre going to be announcing earlier than before. Hart predicted the issue of Trumps tariffs definitely is going to be the focus of many campaigns.

Theres no doubt its been a tough couple of years for Iowa Democrats.

Republicans took full control of the states congressional delegation after the 2022 election. The following year, the national party stripped the state of its first-in-the-nation status in the presidential nominating process.

Last November, Trump carried Iowa by 13 points, his largest margin of victory there through three elections.

Democrats are looking to seriously contest the newly open governors race, the U.S. Senate contest and most of the states U.S. House races next year, though the odds are squarely against them. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the two statewide contests as Solid Republican, and Democrats last flipped a House seat in Iowa in 2018.

The governors race could be especially enticing, Democrats say.

The unexpected decision by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds earlier this month not to seek reelection paved the way for the first open race since 2006, and Democrats immediately turned to their only remaining statewide elected official, Auditor Rob Sand, as a potential candidate.

After weeks of uncertainty, Trumps approval numbers are starting to suffer in recent polls.

Three months into the Republicans tenure, more Americans (51%) say they disapprove of his job performance than those (44%) who said they approve of it, according to a recent UMass Amherst poll.

The poll of 1,000 nationwide respondents, conducted April 4 through April 9, had a margin of error of 3.7%.

A separate Associated Press/NORC poll shows that many people fear the country is being steered into a recession and that the presidents broad and haphazardly enforced tariffs will cause prices to rise.

Roughly half of U.S. adults say that Trumps trade policies will increase prices a lot and another 3 in 10 think prices could go up somewhat, according to the poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The party that controls the White House usually performs poorly in first midterms, leaving many Republicans bracing for political headwinds in 2026.

And in Iowa - the second biggest agricultural exporting state in the country - not all Republicans have been fully onboard with Trumps sweeping - and ever-changing - tariffs, which, at a minimum, have created deep uncertainty for farmers who make a living selling their crops to other countries.

But they scoff at the idea that the political environment will lead to any reversal of the states reddening.

Brad Sherman, a pastor and former state representative who has been running for governor as a Republican, predicted the state would continue trending Republican next year and expressed little concern about political backlash from Trumps tariffs.

We all knew that the tariffs would have some ups and downs to it, Sherman said. Im not too worried about it at this point. Theres lot of other issues in Iowa that will affect the economy.

Still, Democrats are also seeing increased opportunity in the states U.S. House races. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced earlier this month that it would target three of the states four GOP-held House districts.

Trump has acknowledged farmers are always put on the Front Line in a trade war with countries such as China. But he has urged them to be patient, pointing to the trade deal he struck with China in his first term to argue the wait will be worth it.

Trump and other administration officials have spent recent days hinting at negotiations with China and voicing optimism, though the Chinese government has been less sanguine.

Iowas senior U.S. senator, Republican Chuck Grassley, is a longtime skeptic of tariffs and recently co-sponsored a bill to rein in the presidents tariffs power that Trump threatened to veto. But in other corners of the Iowa GOP, Republicans are willing to give Trump more leeway for now.

Associated Press reports are included in this story.
Sean Newcomb's time in the Red Sox rotation is likely coming to an end. (Photo by Brett Phelps/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Boston Globe via Getty Images

BOSTON  The Red Sox rotation mix is about to undergo some significant changes with Brayan Bello back and Lucas Giolito close to joining him  and Alex Cora offered a hint about how the team will line up its new-look starting five Thursday.

With Bello back (and good to go for Sunday in Cleveland on regular rest) and Giolito one rehab start away from his club debut, the Red Sox will be closer to full strength than they have been at any point this season. As expected, Cora signaled, lefty Sean Newcomb will likely be bumped from the group  though it remains possible hell get one more start.

"Well see how it goes with Gio, then well make a decision, Cora said. With Gio, if everything goes well, we wont go to a six-man rotation. I guarantee you that."

How exactly the Sox will line everyone up on their upcoming road trip is a bit unclear. Tanner Houck, Walker Buehler and Bello will pitch on turn against the Guardians before Mondays off day. Cora said that Crochet probably wont pitch on regular rest Tuesday in Toronto, so Boston will need a starter for that game. Newcomb will be available if the team wants to give him the nod or the Red Sox could use a spot starter like Cooper Criswell or have a bullpen game against the Blue Jays. Unless theres an injury, righty Hunter Dobbins wont be an option because he cant be called back up to the majors until May 4.

It sounds like Crochet will likely then pitch Tuesday with Giolito, after a start Friday in Worcester, finishing off the series with the Jays at Rogers Centre. At that point, the Red Sox will have a full starting five of Crochet, Giolito, Houck, Buehler and Bello, marking the first time the group has been together this year. (The Sox could also reverse course and throw Crochet, Giolito and Houck in Toronto wiht everyone rested).

What that means for Newcomb  who has a 4.43 ERA and has allowed 32 hits in 22  innings over five starts  is unclear. As someone with more than five years of serice time, he cant be optioned to the minors freely. The Red Sox might choose, then, to keep the Mass. native in a long relief role at the expense of someone like Luis Guerrero (or Brennan Bernardino if Cora feels like four left-handers in the bullpen is too many).

Whats clear now though is that the Red Sox have plenty of capable depth  and more is coming even with Dobbins, Newcomb, Criswell and others in the fold.

Righty Richard Fitts, who posted a 3.18 ERA in three starts before suffering a pectoral strain last weekend in Chicago, is throwing up to 120 feet and feeling better. Hell likely be in Worcester when hes fully healthy. Righty Kutter Crawford is in Fort Myers to resume his throwing progression and will take the important step of facing hitters for the first time soon.

"Itll be a lot of Masa (Yoshida) vs. Crawford matchups down there, Cora said.
Chuck Emery of Hatfield unloads wood and insulation at 174 Lyman St. in Holyoke to redevelop the building and create 14 new units after receiving funding from the state. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

HOLYOKE  With help from the state, a developer will create 14 apartments in downtown Holyoke, part of a $18 million package of grants announced this week by Gov. Maura Healey.

The state funding will help build 288 new housing units in six Gateway Cities across Massachusetts.
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The final plans for the 2025 edition of Mayo Day are starting to take shape, as a series of events have been planned across the face of the globe to celebrate the iconic county.

The event this year takes place on Saturday, May 3, and will span multiple locations from Manchester to Malaysia, as well as a plethora of events within the county, ensuring that no matter where a Mayo person is, they can pull on the Green and Red with pride.

READ MORE: Fatal collision between lorry and woman in Mayo town

Among the events on local shores is Blas Mhaigh Eo, a traditional trad session in Swinford, and a youth music festival on the Mall, Castlebar, with over 150 young musicians on the main stage.

Those wishing to dip their toes into traditional Mayo practices like wool spinning and turf cutting can go to the likes of the event in North Mayo Heritage Centre, and the showing of Mixies Bog in Belmullets Aras Inis Gluaire.

The final event of the festivities will be the Grand Finale Concert in TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar. At the event, the likes of Tommy Fleming and Garron Noone will be taking to the stage to entertain the crowds packed into the theatre.

Those in far-flung lands can look forward to events in their new homes to celebrate their Mayoness. People in Manchester can look forward to a Mayo Day Concert at 9 pm in the Oisin Music Lounge, Farmers Arms, Burnage.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Mayo contingent can book their tickets from Malacca and George Town to Kuala Lumpur, as Healy Macs Publika will host a Mayo-themed quiz at 5pm on behalf of Orange Eire GAA club.

For more information on all the Mayo Day events worldwide, please click here.
The funeral of a Mayo man who was found dead following an extensive search saw poignant scenes on Thursday afternoon (April 24) as family, friends, and all who knew him in life gathered to pay tribute.

The search for George Brennan was stood down on Sunday morning when his body was discovered in Antrim, where he was hiking in the area and had a fall.

READ MORE: Grant to replace old solid fuel burners and stoves unlikely to return

Following extensive searches, the Northern Ireland Search and Rescue located his body at Fair Head.

Crowds gathered at Saint Colmans Church in Georges hometown of Claremorris on Thursday to pay their respects and join his family and friends in mourning the 38-year-old's tragic passing.

At the start of the Funeral Mass, a number of items were brought to the foot of the altar.

Firstly, a water polo hat and ball were brought up as symbols of his love for water, swimming, and sport.

George was a national underage champion in his youth, capturing titles as part of Claremorris swimming and water polo clubs under the tutelage of his late uncle, Brian.

Next, a CD was brought forward, representing George's love of music and romantic attitude to life.

His fascination with varied and outside-of-the-box music, in particular 80s synth pop and 90s indie rock, was touched upon in a eulogy from Georges brother, Gavin.

The final item brought up the centre of the church was a book, symbolising George's love for reading, poetry, and culture.

Fr Christopher Clarke, in his eulogy, spoke of how Georges parents, Tommy and Maura, brothers Gavin and Gareth, and his extended family and friends could take some consolation from the presence and support of others who gathered to pay their respects.

The funeral celebrant also took the chance to thank the rescue services who came together to find Georges body on the Antrim coast.

Those sentiments were echoed by Georges brother, Gareth, in his reflection at the end of the service.

Gareth started off his powerful tribute to his brother by extending his thanks to the Community Rescue Service of Northern Ireland, the PSNI and Gardai, the people of Ballycastle, and Georges friends and family.

Next, he moved to describe George as a dreamer and romantic, and touched on an idyllic Summers day a few years prior when the pair walked around Clare Island.

He fondly recalled the exclamation from George that they were the closest people in Europe to America, and that as the pair let that information sink in, George couldnt rest before pointing out the people of Cork, Kerry, and Portugal might have something to say about that.

He went on to describe George as a romantic in soul, magic in life, and discussed his fascination with the history of his family and his hometown.

Next came the stories of what his brother was like at home, his propensity for wit, wordplay, and pushing the boundaries.

George had a passion for travel, and could be spotted anywhere around the island of Ireland, according to his brother

The highlight of the many tales that George left behind was the time he managed to get six penalty points in pursuit of a Balla spice bag: three on the way down and three on the way back.

READ MORE: Charity Croagh Patrick climb expected to draw big crowds

Gareth Brennans words on the altar in Claremorris were raw and palpable, and every word he spoke came from a deep love and appreciation for his brother.

A person is made up of their parts in each of their relationships and what they mean to others, he stated.

By listening to his friends over the last few weeks and collecting each of these broken shards, we as a family have been able to piece together a full mosaic of the beautiful person George was.

George taught me that life has beauty, meaning, exhilaration, limits to be tested, boundaries to be disregarded, moments of serenity to be taken in, experiences to be lived, even up until the very end.

When discussing Georges tragic passing at Fair Head, Gareth spoke of the comfort that the family found in the fact that George passed away doing what he loved.

We can take solace in the fact that Georges life ended overlooking the beauty of the Northern Irish coastline, he said. When we were able to find George, he was in a beautiful location with no rational reason to be there.

He was on a road trip to Rathlin Island following nothing but a pull to a direct experience.

Getting to Rathlin Island didnt matter because George loved the dream of things, and rationality doesnt matter, because George was a dreamer and a romantic.

Lastly, Georges other brother, Gavin, stood on the altar and spoke of his siblings love of the West of Ireland despite his fascination with exploring every inch of his country.

READ MORE: 'She gave so much' - Mayo woman dies after short illness

In his mind, the fact that close to 50 friends and family searched for George was a testament to how much these supports meant to him, and likewise how much he meant to them.

"He wouldnt have wanted all the fuss and attention. Far from it. But he would have been fascinated with the links binding all those united behind one common cause together."

It was a constant for Gavin in life that no matter when he stepped outside his home in Killeen House and ventured in Claremorris, two options were inevitable.

Someone would more than likely mistake him for his brother. Failing that, there was only ever one question with the same answer each time

Hows George?

Ara, sure George is still George.

One thing is for certain. Even if a fraction of those who have submitted the oceans of tributes to George continue to support his closest friends and family in the challenging days, weeks, and months to come, they won't be alone.

Donations in memory of George, if desired, can be made here.
An Irish couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary have told of the 'significance' of being able to attend Pope Franciss wake in Rome  having first met decades ago at another papal event.

Alice Gavigan, a retired Health Service Executive (HSE) worker originally from Co Mayo, and her husband Patrick were among some 20,000 people paying their respects to Francis in St Peters Basilica on the first day of his lying-in-state.

The nearly four-hour queue was well worth it, the retired couple aged in their 60s said, as they reminisced on their first meeting during a visit by Pope John Paul II to Ireland.

The pair, now living in Leixlip, Co Kildare, did not know each other when they went to Phoenix Park in Dublin in 1979 for that event, but met, married and have since had two daughters.

READ NEXT: Mayo woman recalls happy and poignant memories of meeting Pope Francis

Mr Gavigan said: There is a significance, really and truly. Not planned.

We met for the first time ever in the Phoenix Park when John Paul II visited Ireland, and were married.

And 40 years later we decided to come to Rome to see the current pope, whom we had seen in Knock (in 2018).

But lo and behold he didnt stick around for our visit. We thought we were coming for a party (in their wedding anniversary year) but alas its not a party, its a mourning.

The couple had booked their holiday to Rome last year, and were glad to arrive on Wednesday just as Pope Franciss remains went on display at the basilica.

Mr Gavigan, a retired prison governor originally from Longford, said it had been momentous to be in the basilica.

He added: Truly once in a lifetime. Im so happy weve done that. Looking up there now at the dome, its hard to believe that Pope Francis is waking there.

Mr Gavigan added that the experience felt surreal.

He said: Having seen Pope Francis when he visited Ireland in 2018  we went to Knock to see him  we felt coming here now that he is no longer with us and going to his wake was just surreal really. To see him alive and see him now in death.

READ NEXT: EXPLAINER: How to view Pope Francis' wake from Ireland

Mrs Gavigan said while the atmosphere was subdued, those queuing alongside them were friendly as they stood in line for hours.

She said: It was very quiet and sombre (in the basilica), but everyone was in good form and chatting to each other in the queue.

It was long but it was well worth it in the end, just to go in to see him.

Referring to the fact Pope John Paul was later canonised, and his positive views of Francis as a reformative pope, Mr Gavigan said: Perhaps well have seen two saints in our lifetimes.

The Vatican extended viewing times at the basilica due to high demand from mourners, opting not to close it at midnight as originally planned.

Franciss remains are due to remain on display until 7pm local time on Friday, ahead of his funeral mass in St Peters Square on Saturday.
The passing of Pope Francis struck a raw note for those in Mayo and further afield.

The Pontiffs death on Easter Monday, following a spell of poor health, was particularly acutely felt in the village of Knock.

READ MORE: Grant to replace old solid fuel burners and stoves unlikely to return

People flocked in their droves to the Irish religious landmark on a rain-sodden August afternoon in 2018 to catch a glimpse of the iconic figure, with ponchos and traffic as early as 5.30am the order of the day.

Despite the inclement weather, beaming smiles were abound when the Pope took to the stage to address the 45,000 outside the Apparition Church.

Michael Mannion, a member of the Cairde Mhuire stewarding group who was on duty that day, considers himself blessed to have been present on the day that the Pope touched down in Ireland West Airport and made the short journey down the N17.

I was here in the middle of the rain and everything that day, he reminisced.

He was quite near where we were. We were out at the back of the Basilica, moving people along, and he was quite near as he came up to go to the Apparition Church. He appeared to have a lot of interest in the basilica and the old church, and the adoration chapel. He left a nice momento.

READ MORE: Warning letter sent to Department of Education regarding work at west Mayo school site

The esteem in which the recently deceased Pontiff was held was evidenced by the crowds piling into the Basilica for a Memorial Mass on Wednesday evening (April 23).

On a usual evening, the smaller venue of the Church of Saint John the Baptist would be used. Regular visitors to the grounds of the Basilica would note the iconic venue lies mostly dormant.

Not on Wednesday. Even 90 minutes before the Mass, worshippers were shuffling into the pews.

According to Michael, on a normal Sunday, 50 of the Chairde Mhuire stewards would don their blue gowns and get to work. For this event, 150 of the 280 stewards were on hand.

Before the event, he spoke of the shock at the Popes passing.

I was a bit surprised at the timing because he was on the news the night before, he stated.

He looked poorly when he was on the TV, but I still didnt think wed be hearing the bad news.

We knew it was probably a matter of a short time, but to see it happen overnight was a big surprise for us.

Fellow steward Jack Kelleher was off-duty for the night on Wednesday. However, he still felt compelled to come along and pay his respects. He echoed the sentiments of his fellow steward upon hearing the news.

I was sad to hear he was in bad health. It was certainly a shock, but hell live well and he was an excellent Pope.

Mr Kelleher also spoke fondly of the day when he and the thousands packed into the grounds of the Basilica danced among the showers to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis.

It was a bad, stormy day, and all of us on duty were getting a bit wet, but there were still 45,000 people here, he said.

I got very close to him, he was in his Popemobile going round. We got within a few yards of him. Unfortunately, I didnt shake hands with him!

MAYO GAA COLUMN: 'So much rests on the next game'

Roisin Reilly, from Ballybrit, has similar memories of a 2019 encounter with the Pope during a visit to the Vatican City. During her visit, she came within touching distance of the Churchs leader as he blessed the crowds in Saint Peters Square.

You felt a presence, she stated.

People would have said the same thing about Pope John Paul. You felt that presence when he did pass by, and it was the same when he came past us that day.

Id say that someday he could become a saint one day. I think hell do a lot more work now that hes passed on, on top of all the good work he did when he was here.

If the next Pope can capture the hearts of the people of Ireland like those who spoke outside the Basilica in Knock on the passing of his predecessor, theyll go a long way.
Gardai on patrol in Galway on Tuesday made a shocking discovery when they pulled over a driver for having "very dark" tinted windows.

Gardai spotted the car and subsequently found the windows to be at 16%, failing the test. Transparency levels for tinted windows must be at 65%.

But this wasn't the only failed test for the driver as Gardai carried out a drug wipe test in which the driver tested positive for cannabis and cocaine.

READ NEXT: Woman (70s) hospitalised following dog attack at a property in Dublin

In a post on X, Gardai said,

"We spotted this car in Galway City this morning and thought its windows looked too dark - at 16% they certainly failed the test.

"Not the only failed test for this driver though.

"The DrugWipe there shows the presence of both cocaine and cannabis."
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has alerted Irish customers of an urgent recall being carried out by popular online store The White Company.

One of its products - The White Company Burnham Heart Mug in Pink - is being recalled as there is a risk of burns and scalding.

According to the notice, a defect in the mug's glazing can cause it to crack when boiling water is added, which could lead to hot liquid leaking and causing burns or scalding.

The brand is The White Company. The type/model number is A09470000AGW. The batch number is 24120. The bar code is 5051811322398. This issue only affects the Pink version of the mug, the White Burnham Heart Mug is not affected.

According to the CCPC, there are approximately 84 affected products in the Republic of Ireland. The retailer of these products is The White Company.

READ NEXT: 'Absolute disaster' - Government fails to reach 2024 target for social homes by 15 per cent

What to do:

If you purchased one of these products, please discontinue use immediately and keep it out of the reach of children.

You can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you cannot visit a store, please dispose of the mug safely and contact The White Company who will process a refund. If you received this item as a gift, you can also return it to the store or contact The White Company for assistance.

If you gifted this item, please notify the recipient about this recall and ask them to stop using the product immediately.

If you have any further queries in relation to this recall, please email customerservice@thewhitecompany.com or call+ 44 (0) 20 3758 9222.
The people of Mayo have been invited to get their hiking boots and sacred garments on and get climbing on Saturday afternoon, as the Merry Monks/Nuns fundraising climb takes place on Croagh Patrick.

The novel event, in aid of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice and Midwest Blood Bikes, will see around 50 people aim to reach the summit of the Reek in a fun-raiser.

READ MORE: Grant to replace old solid fuel burners and stoves unlikely to return

Hikers will set off from the car park of Campbells Bar, Murrisk, at 12 noon. Its anticipated that the climb will take between two and three hours.

Sign-in for the event is open at 11.45 am.

The organisation for the event is spearheaded by Manus Campbell, a familiar face who has been involved with a host of fundraising events around the West of Ireland.

After the climb, refreshments, ceol agus craic will be the order of the day in Campbells Bar, with a raffle and prizes for the best Monk/Nun.

The group, at the time of writing, is coming close to breaking their target of 2,000 in donations. Those wishing to donate any money, 100 percent of which will go to the two charities, can do so by clicking here.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, April 24, 2025

Ritz wants to turn up the heat on summer snacking with a new limited-edition cracker called Sunkissed, baked to a crispier finish. Alongside the product launch, the brand is introducing its Golden Summer Giveaway, a campaign designed to encourage Americans to embrace their time off and enjoy summer to the fullest. Consumers can enter for a chance to win $50,000, plus beach-ready gear like coolers and fanny packs.

Steven Saenen, vice president of Vice marketing at Mondelez International, tells Marketing Daily how this launch fits into the crackers broader strategy to remain relevant in a crowded snack category -- and how even iconic brands need reinvention.

Marketing Daily: What are you hoping to accomplish with this new cracker and promotion?

Steven Saenen: Lets talk first about overall Ritz brand strategy, which is focused on driving relevance with today's consumer. Ritz has an amazing foundation to build on. Its a 90-year-old iconic cracker, with close to 100% brand awareness and in nearly half of American households, with a 47% household penetration. And Ritz has been growing over the past years, with these foundations for the next chapter of growth. We want to evolve this beloved classic cracker to a modern savory snack.

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Marketing Daily: For now, Sunkissed is a limited-time product. Do you expect it will stick around?

Saenen: We expect it to be a favorite. We know consumers love it in the testing, but it will be available only for a limited time. It's inspired by what consumers love about the core. We refer to those things as drivers of likings. It has this nice golden glow.

Marketing Daily: Its risky to mess with a beloved recipe. What made you sure this would land well with fans?



Saenen: In this case, our core cracker will always remain available. Were not taking any risk with that, for sure. Weve tested this version extensively, and it gets very high scores, even compared to the core. Actually, 90% of consumers say this variety is as good as, or better than the regular cracker.

Marketing Daily: Using the word baked on a snack product can sound like a healthier-for-you claim. Is that true?





Saenen: This is really about great taste. All our products are baked, not fried, but it's really about offering great experiences to consumers. Ritz is actually doing pretty well in that context, gaining both share and households.

Marketing Daily: How does the Golden Summer Giveaway tie into this launch?



Saenen: Ritz already has a seat at the summer snacking table. This year, we wanted to help Americans enjoy the summer to the fullest. We know that 46% of American workers are not taking all of their paid time off. The grand prize of $50,000 is something we hope can help American families in these uncertain times.

Marketing Daily: What would success look like if we check in with you in a few months?



Saenen: First, performance in the market. But consumer engagement is important, so well track participation in sweepstakes. And well keep watching the impact on longer-term brand health and equity.

Marketing Daily: Whats something fun about crackers that surprises people?



Saenen: People have this idea that there is always something on a Ritz cracker, like peanut butter or cheese. About 50% of people just like them plain.

Marketing Daily: Whos your target consumer? Any generational divides?

Saenen: Were primarily targeting millennials with kids. Families with younger kids consume more snacks. Were also focused on multicultural and specifically Hispanic, a segment where we are No. 1.
by Fern Siegel , April 24, 2025



Pinnacle Advertising has expanded its cultural horizons.

The company has launched Cima, a full-service multicultural agency to connect brands with the U.S. Hispanic market. Regional Honda and Auto Retail are among its first clients.

The new agency offers cultural fluency and strategic expertise to aid brand marketers reaching a key demographic.

Elizabeth Pedraza leads Cima as president, focusing on growth and client partnerships. Her 20-year media career encompasses senior posts at Univision Communications, Telemundo, NBC Universal, iHeart Media and NPR. Michael Magnusson, Pinnacle founder, said Pedraza brings authenticity, leadership and a deep connection to the communities we serve.

Our approach at Cima: Culture is Essential. We go beyond translation to create work thats authentically in-culture, said Pedraza. Latinos respond to brands that recognize and reflect their identity. Its not just about language. Its about relevance, respect and resonance.

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Latinos representing 20% of the U.S. population  with two-thirds concentrated in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Arizona and New Jersey. Cima's focus is to establish the cultural connection, then create a meaningful brand engagement based on specific needs.

The U.S. Latino GDP reached $3.7 trillion in 2022, the highest mark since the figure was first tracked  and the fifth-largest GDP in the world, according to a UCLA 2024 report.

Per the 2020 U.S. Census, Hispanic and Latino Americans comprise the second-largest ethnic group in the country, 18.7%.

The numbers speak for themselves, said Pedraza. Latinos represent a huge portion of the economy, yet brands are investing just 4% of their ad spend to target this market. Our deep understanding of this demographic gives us a unique advantage in helping brands truly connect and thrive within this rapidly growing community.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 23, 2025

The Supreme Court should turn away personal injury law firm Lerner & Rowe, which is seeking to revive a lawsuit over the use of its trademarks to trigger search ads, rival firm Accident Law Group argues.

There is nothing extraordinary about the present case, Accident Law Group argues in papers filed with the Supreme Court late last week. The lower courts applied the appropriate law and concluded that Lerner & Rowe failed to carry its burden.

The new papers come in a dispute dating to 2021, when Lerner & Rowe alleged that the Accident Law Group's use of the phrase Lerner & Rowe to trigger search ads infringed trademark because it was likely to confuse consumers.

Lerner & Rowe argued to a district court judge that search users were actually confused by the ads, citing evidence that between 2018 and 2021, the Accident Law Group received 236 phone calls from people who mentioned Lerner & Rowe.

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U.S. District Court Judge David Campbell in Arizona dismissed the lawsuit, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal, ruling that the ads weren't likely to confuse consumers due to the generally sophisticated nature of online shoppers, the clarity of Google's search results pages, and evidence showing that very few consumers were actually confused by the ads.

The appellate judges said in the ruling that 236 instances of confusion was minimal, considering that searches for the phrase Lerner & Rowe returned results featuring an ad from the Accident Law Group around 109,000 times between 2017 and 2021, and 102,000 times between 2018 and 2021.

Last month, Lerner & Rowe asked the Supreme Court to review the case.

The firm argues that the use of its trademark by Accident Law Group, manipulates search engine results and confuses potential clients.

The ads misappropriate the goodwill and recognition in Lerner & Rowe's trademarks, and harm consumers who are diverted by 'bait and switch' advertising tactics or who may assume there is some of affiliation or sponsorship between the brand in the ad and the one they searched for, Lerner & Rowe argued in its petition for review.

But Accident Law Group says there's no reason for the Supreme Court to intervene in the case, arguing that the lower court's ruling aligned with numerous Ninth Circuit decisions over the past 15 years relating to consumer sophistication and online commerce.

The firm adds that competitive keyword advertising -- meaning using a rival's name to trigger a search ad -- is a common marketing tactic."

Accident Law Group adds: The ads all included the bold word Ad in the top left corner, making it clear to viewers they were encountering an advertisement. And the ads were all partitioned from other ads and organic results -- either by pronounced white space or by separate boxes."
by Ray Schultz , April 23, 2025

The Carthaginan, a weekly newspaper serving the Carthage, Mississippi area, has been acquired by Street and Curb Publishing, of Tennessee, ending 150 years of local ownership, The Neshoba Democrat reports.

The terms were not disclosed.

Waid Prather will remain as editor and publisher for a few months, the Democrat adds.

The Carthaginian was founded in 1872.

Prather says a change was necessary. The newspaper industry has suffered terribly in recent years from new media competition and other factors, he notes, according to the Democrat.

Street and Curb hosts a radio program featuring commonsense conservative thinking, the report continues. The company is led by Stephen Carvelli, a real estate broker and entrepreneur based in Florida.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, April 24, 2025



M&A transactions in the marcom agency space spiraled downward by 37% in 2024 to just 52 deals compared to 82 deals in 2023, according to a just-out analysis by agency research firm COMvergence.

The report looked at digital, data, media and creative transactions from 2016 to 2024 and found a total of 786 acquisitions. Companies covered in the assessment include the Big Six advertising/marketing holding companies (Publicis, WPP, Omnicom, Interpublic, Havas and Dentsu), as well as leading global management consultancies (Accenture, Deloitte, Capgmini, PwC, EY, KPMG, McKinsey) and independent and emerging holding companies such as Stagwell, S4 Capital, Ascential, Hakuhodo and others.

advertisement advertisement Highlights from last years activity: Total Acquisitions: 52 deals, showing a slowdown in M&A activity compared to the peak years of 2016 and 2017, but consistent with 2019 levels.

 Staff Acquired: 13,324 employees, maintaining levels from 2023, though the average headcount per acquisition has slightly decreased to 833 from 868 in 2023.

 Accenture and Publicis Groupe lead with a clear focus on acquiring digital and datacentric businesses to enhance service offerings.  Accentures acquisition of Navisite (cloud consulting) and Logic (retail tech) strengthens its position in digital transformation, adding over 1,500 employees, primarily in North America and EMEA.

 Publicis Groupe, with 7 deals, is expanding its footprint globally through acquisitions in digital commerce and media, boosting its digital and media capabilities in North America. Publicis acquisition of Mars United Commerce is one of the standout deals, adding significant headcount in the connected commerce space.

 Stagwell Global stands out for its diverse acquisition strategy, including digital intelligence (UNICEPTA) and media (PROS). Leading in deal volume with 10 acquisitions, Stagwells acquired revenue impact ($141M) shows a focus on small, high growth assets.

 While Stagwell leads in volume across all agency segments, Accenture leads in revenue efficiency per acquisition. Management consultancies have notably scaled back, with only 12 acquisitions in 2024, signaling a deceleration in activity.

 Havas continues its more localized approach, focusing on creative and media acquisitions such as Liquid (e-commerce) and Hotglue (media).

Other Big 6 holding companies remained relatively quiet last year on the M&A front.

IPG completed two deals: the acquisition of U.S.-based real-time e-commerce intelligence platform Intelligence Node and a smaller acquisition in the Philippines, Xiklab Digital, a digital marketing consultancy.

Omnicom also executed two deals digital advisory firm LeapPoint and UK-based post-production studio Coffee & TV. WPP and Dentsu each made a single acquisition. The companys acquisition of IPG is pending and would counted in this years round-up assuming the deal is completed in the second of the year as expected.

WPP acquired New Commercial Arts (NCA), strengthening its creative and customer experience capabilities.

Dentsu, while historically leading in deal volume with 111 acquisitions since 2016, continues to slow its M&A activity, recording just one acquisition in 2024, acquiring only Mitsue-Links in Japan, a specialist in digital content and communication design.

The report also notes that Since 2016, North America has remained the dominant region for acquisitions, contributing nearly 59% of global revenue and employing the largest share of talent. EMEA continues to drive the highest volume of acquisitions, focusing on smaller-scale deals.

E-commerce acquisitions have accelerated since 2021, with Accenture making seven deals (between 2021 and 2022) and adding 950 employees.

Publicis Groupe and WPP were also major acquirers in the sector. Publicis added over 1,000 employees, including through its acquisition of Mars United Commerce. WPP added 870 employees across three deals.

Omnicom made a major move in 2023, buying Flywheel Digital (2,570 employees), the largest M&A deal in the history of the firm.

Accenture reasserted its presence with five deals totaling 940 employees, reflecting a continued consultancy-driven push into e-commerce.

The sustained high volume of acquisitions underscores the industry-wide recognition that ecommerce is a core driver of growth and competitive advantage, the report stated.

Since 2016, management consultancies have acquired 191 agencies, nearly a quarter (24%) of all M&A activity, which highlights their strategic pivot toward Digital, Data, Creative, and Media capabilities. The report notes that Accenture has been at the forefront of this transformation, responsible for half of all consultancy led acquisitions.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 24, 2025

The Department of Justice is urging a federal judge to refuse to reinstate two ousted Federal Trade Commissioners, arguing that the president has the power to fire agency members at will.

The president cannot be compelled to retain the services of principal officers whom he no longer believes should be entrusted with the exercise of executive power, the Justice Department argues in papers filed late Wednesday with U.S. District Court Judge Loren AliKhan in Washington, D.C.

The government attorneys add that FTC commissioners must be removable at will to ensure they, like the rest of the executive branch, are accountable to the people who elect the president,

The Justice Department's argument comes in a high-stakes battle over the FTC that began last month, when Trump expelled Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter from the commission, leaving it without any Democratic commissioners.

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Bedoya and Slaughter sued over the move, arguing that a president can only fire an FTC commissioner for three reasons set out by Congress -- inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.

They are seeking a judicial declaration that their firing was illegal, and an order reinstating them to the commission -- which Congress established as an independent five-member commission, with each member appointed for a term of seven years and removable only for cause.

Bedoya was confirmed by the Senate in 2022 and his term wasn't set to expire until September 25, 2026. Slaughter joined the FTC in 2018, and was confirmed for a second time in March 2024. Her term wasn't slated to expire until September 2029.

They point to a the Supreme Court's 1935 decision in a case known as Humphrey's Executor, which involved President Franklin Roosevelt's attempt to fire an FTC commissioner. The Supreme Court said in that matter that Franklin Roosevelt lacked authority to dismiss an FTC member except for the grounds set out by Congress.

The Justice Department counters that the FTC today wields greater power than it did 90 years ago, when the Supreme Court limited the president's power to fire a member of that agency.

The FTC today exercises substantial executive power, such as the quintessential executive authority to seek injunctions and significant monetary penalties against private parties in federal court (an authority Congress conferred after 1935), the government lawyers argue.

The Commissions powers have grown since the FTCs inception, the Justice Department adds. For example, when the Supreme Court decided Humphreys Executor in 1935, the FTC did not possess its consumer-protection power at all; its enforcement authority was limited only to 'unfair methods of competition.'

The Justice Department also says that even if a court says Trump lacked authority to remove the commissioners, their remedy would be back pay -- not reinstatement.

Reinstatement would be unwarranted because the president cannot be compelled to retain the services of principal officers whom he no longer believes should be entrusted with the exercise of executive power, and because this court lacks the equitable power to issue an order reinstating a principal executive officer removed by the president, the attorneys argue.

Democratic lawmakers and 21 attorneys general have sided with Slaughter and Bedoya.

A group of law professors also recently sided with Bedoya and Slaughter, arguing that a ruling against them would signal that Trump could also fire members of other independent agencies -- including the Federal Reserve Board.

AliKhan plans to hold a hearing in the case on May 20.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 24, 2025

A "vague and unintelligible" Minnesota law criminalizing deep fakes violates the First Amendment, Elon Musk's X Corp. alleges in a lawsuit filed this week.

The law, passed in 2023 and amended last year, makes it a crime to share a deep fake within 90 days of an election or primary convention, if whoever shared the material knew it was a "deep fake" and intended to harm a candidate's reputation or influence the election.

That statute is so vague and unintelligible that social media platforms cannot understand what the statute permits and what it prohibits, which will lead to blanket censorship, including of fully protected, core political speech, X alleges in a complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Minnesota.

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The company is seeking a judicial declaration that the law is unconstitutional, and an injunction blocking enforcement.

The law defines deep fake as a video or photo that's so realistic that a reasonable person would believe it depicts speech or conduct of an individual who did not in fact engage in such speech or conduct," and is generated by artificial intelligence.

The measure provides for criminal penalties, including fines, and allows for enforcement by the Minnesota Attorney General, county attorneys, city attorneys, the person depicted in the deep fake, and a candidate for office who is injured or likely to be injured" by the images.

X argues that law violates the First Amendment for numerous reasons, including that it has the effect of impermissibly replacing the judgments of social media platforms about what content may appear on their platforms with the judgments of the state.

The company also says the enforcement system, including possible criminal penalties, provides enormous incentives for social media platforms, such as X, to censor speech on their platforms that the government disfavors -- here, content that constitutes a deep fake under the statute.

Platforms may be prosecuted criminally or can be sued if governmental officials, depicted individuals, or candidates think the platform has not censored enough content; but the platform may not be prosecuted or sued by anyone if it has arguably censored too much content under the statute, X adds. The result is a system that highly incentivizes platforms to remove any content that presents a close call to avoid criminal penalties and costly lawsuits altogether.

X asserts in the complaint that the law contradicts a history of strong First Amendment protections for speech that criticizes politicians -- including speech that might be false -- as well as a history of skepticism of any governmental attempts to regulate such content, no matter how well-intentioned they may be.

The Minnesota statute runs counter to these principles by attempting to impose by 'authoritative selection' the permissible content on social media platforms, rather than allowing the 'multitude of tongues' engaging in political debate and commentary on those platforms to do so, X argues.

The company adds that the law is unnecessary because X has other safeguards against deep fakes -- including Community Notes, which allows users to alert others that images on the platform may not be authentic.

Musk isn't the only one suing over the statute. Last year, social media influencer Christopher Kohls and state lawmaker Mary Franson also sought an injunction blocking enforcement on First Amendment grounds.

In January, U.S. District Court Judge Laura Provinzino rejected their request for an injunction.

She ruled that Kohls lacked standing because his content was labeled as parody and therefore wouldn't deceive anyone, and that Franson waited too long after the law took effect to seek an injunction.

Representative Fransons failure to act with the requisite diligence does not justify the 'strong medicine' of facial invalidation at this juncture, Provinzino wrote.

Kohls and Franson appealed that ruling to the 8th Circuit, arguing in a brief filed Wednesday that the law flagrantly violates the First Amendment, and is a content- and viewpoint-based restriction on core political expression.

The law criminalizes parody, satire, and core political criticism -- speech at the heart of the First Amendment, they argue. Its vague and subjective terms, (e.g., whether a video is 'realistic' to a 'reasonable person') invite discriminatory enforcement, they argue. The statute discriminates on the basis of viewpoint by prohibiting content intended to 'injure' a candidate while allowing laudatory depictions, and by exempting candidate-approved speech.

X Corp. and others have separately sued over California legislation that would regulate election-related deep fakes.
by Ray Schultz , April 24, 2025

Journalists Natalie Kitroeff and Rachel Abrams will be joining Michael Barbaro as co-hosts of The Daily, the daily podcast, The New York Times has announced.

Kitroeff has spent the past five years as an international correspondent and Mexico City bureau chief for the Times, reporting on the drug cartels and the official corruption they engendered. Abrams was part of the 2018 team that won a Pulitzer Prize for exposing sexual harassment and misconduct.

The Times has determined that having multiple hosts allows for greater experimentation and innovation.

The Daily became even more vibrant when Sabrina Tavernise joined Michael as co-host in 2022, says Joe Kahn, executive editor of the Times. Now that Sabrina has decided to go back to reporting, were confident that Natalie and Rachel will each bring deep and varied experiences that will add new dimensions to the show.

Kahn adds, Having Natalie and Rachel join Michael as hosts will strengthen the team that makes the show so compelling to listeners.

Abrams starts immediately. Kitroeff joins after transitioning out of her role as bureau chief in June.
A global spotlight on World Malaria Day 2025 urging renewed action, innovation, and collaboration to eliminate malaria.

Highlights: World Malaria Day 2025 unites global efforts under the call to reinvest, reimagine, and reignite the fight against malaria

unites global efforts under the call to reinvest, reimagine, and reignite the fight against malaria Innovation in tools like new vaccines and single-dose treatments is accelerating progress toward malaria elimination

is accelerating progress toward malaria elimination Equity in malaria response focuses on reaching remote and vulnerable populations often left behind in healthcare access

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World Malaria Day 2025



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Did You Know?

Eradicating #malaria by 2030 could return 40 dollars in benefit for every dollar invested, making it one of the most cost-effective global health interventions. #worldmalariaday #medindia #malariaendswithus #globalhealth #zeromalaria

Eradicating #malaria by 2030 could return 40 dollars in benefit for every dollar invested, making it one of the most cost-effective global health interventions. #worldmalariaday #medindia #malariaendswithus #globalhealth #zeromalaria

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Reinvest: Health as a Catalyst for Economic and Social Progress

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World Malaria Day 2025



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Reimagine: Innovation Leading the Fight Against Malaria

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Reignite: Revitalizing Collaboration and Community Engagement

Vaccines: A Turning Point in Malaria Control

The Western Pacific: Challenges and Hope

Malaria Ends With Us

World Malaria Day 2025 - (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day/2025) World Malaria Day 2025 - (https://www.mmv.org/events/world-malaria-day-2025)

Each year, on April 25,serves as a global platform to spotlight the ongoing need for dedication and investment in defeating malaria . Established induring the World Health Assembly, this day unites nations and communities in the collective mission to control and eventually eliminate malaria ().For 2025, the global theme  emphasizes a renewed commitment to this cause, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts at every level. The highlights a renewed global commitment to eliminate malaria. It calls on governments, organizations, and individuals to reinvest in life-saving interventions, reimagine strategies through innovation and research, and reignite the collective momentum needed to end malaria for good. This theme reminds us that progress begins with actionand that each of us has a role to play in creating a malaria-free world.Despite progress, malaria remains one of thein many low-income regions, disproportionately affecting children and expectant mothers. Reinvestment in malaria control isn't merely a public health priority  it drives broader development. As highlighted by Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, addressing malaria supports education, economic stability, and societal wellbeing. Studies indicate thatcould offer an impressive return of forty times the investment positioning it as a highly effective global health strategy ().Progress against malaria increasingly hinges on innovation. For instance, researchers are exploring new avenues in chemoprevention, including theand a historic Phase 3 trial targeting pregnant women . Moreover, the World Health Organization has endorsed the first single-dose treatment for, adding it to official malaria management guidelines. These developments signal a transformative shift in the tools available for fighting the disease.Eliminating malaria requires more than science  it demands partnerships and community-driven efforts. Successful models have emerged through organizations like Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), which focuses on equitable collaborations and boosting access to antimalarials for vulnerable populations. Additionally, efforts are underway to cultivate a sustainable antimalarial pharmaceutical industry within Africa, ensuring regional resilience.In a significant leap forward, RTS,S and R21  have. These vaccines offer safe and effective protection, especially for children, and production capacity is scaling up to meet global needs. This advancement marks a pivotal moment in reducing malarias burden and accelerating progress toward elimination.The journey toward a malaria-free world faces unique obstacles in regions like the Western Pacific, where malaria cases often cluster in such as forest goers, migrants, and indigenous groups. Countries such as Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands contend with logistical challenges in delivering prevention and treatment services. Despite these hurdles, WHO and national health agencies are intensifying efforts with strategies like community-level drug distribution, rapid fever response, and expanded diagnostic outreach.Between 2000 and 2023, the Western Pacific saw a nearlycases and a similar decline in mortality rates. Several countries, including Cambodia, Vietnam, and South Korea, have also drastically reduced incidence rates, demonstrating the regions potential for total eradication.World Malaria Day 2025 is more than just a date on the calendar  its a global call from millions of voices still affected by this disease. Its a reminder that the fight against malaria is far from over, and it asks each of us to step forward with urgency, imagination, and solidarity. The theme Malaria Ends With Us speaks to a simple truth  real change begins with people. With shared purpose and bold action, we can shape a future where no one suffers or dies from malaria.Source-Medindia
African children in coma still face deadly oddswith little improvement despite advances in malaria control.

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The aetiologies, mortality, and disability of non-traumatic coma in African children: a systematic review and meta-analysis



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1 in 3 African kids in coma still dieunchanged in 50 years. #childhealth #medindia

1 in 3 African kids in coma still dieunchanged in 50 years. #childhealth #medindia

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Hidden Burden: Coma in African Children

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Mortality and Disability That Refuse to Shift

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Way Forward

The aetiologies, mortality, and disability of non-traumatic coma in African children: a systematic review and meta-analysis- (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(25)00055-5/fulltext)

Every year, thousands of children across Africa fall into a, without warning. Despite decades of progress in disease control, these quiet emergencies still end in tragedy far too often. Now, a powerful new study spanning 50 years and 30 countries reveals why we must actand why we can no longer afford to look away().A study published inreveals that the death rate due to malaria infection in African children has remained unchanged for nearly fifty years, with nearly one in every five children dying. This is the largest analysis of febrile non-traumatic coma in African children to date.A Malawi study reveals cerebral malaria is the leading cause of febrile coma, with over. Children with malaria and bacterial meningitis are more likely to. The study calls for urgent re-consideration of frontline management and immediate antibiotics.The University of Liverpool's study highlights the importance ofin managing life-threatening brain infections, highlighting the need for coordinated strategies and investment.Source-Eurekalert
After the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that shook the nation, the boycott calls around Pakistani actor Fawad Khans Bollywood comeback film Abir Gulaal co-starring Vaani Kapoor faced backlash and boycott calls on social media including from the Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA).

In a statement, IFTDA president Ashoke Pandit stated, This incident is an act of war against the nation. This isn't the first time...these attacks have been ongoing for 30 years. We, as a federation, have requested with folded hands to not work with Pakistanis. They come up with bulls***t reasons like artist, community, but ultimately, the nation must come first. People think 'agar mere ghar ka aadmi nahi mara toh f**k it, I don't care', but if this film's heroine or makers' family members had been shot by the terrorist, they wouldn't have worked (with Fawad).

Amid that, a number of Pakistani stars including Fawad Khan have condemned the Pahalgam terror attack on social media.

Sharing a story on Instagram, Fawad Khan wrote, Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.

Check out the screenshot of his story below:
Hindi film and TV actress Ridhi Dogra is facing major backlash on social media after she shared her controversial take on the Pahalgam terror attack that led to the killing of 26 innocent Indian tourists by terrorists. Taking to social media, Ridhi wrote a post addressing a particular community/religion and asked them to reject the monsters and CALLED THEM OUT! Break ties with people and places that remain silent or deep down have ties elsewhere. Because repeatedly terror is coming from one place. This led to a number of folks calling her out for double standards and reminding her that she herself worked with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the upcoming rom-com Abir Gulaal. Responding to that, Ridhi defended herself stating, I DID when my govt allowed it. And I stand by the laws and rules.. But I also know Peace, Grace and Harmony is important for a healthy civilization. Yes theres duality in these words but that is the very life we lead. On this earth.

 Instagram/Ridhi Dogra She added, I am a daughter of J&K where this happened and am well aware of the history of such monstrous crimes. Over many years. it boils my blood too thats why I even try and speak to you all as fellow country men. She further wrote, I wont keep quiet just because of my profession I choose peaceful collaboration. So dont waste your anger on me. Im as angry as everyone. I just choose to remain dignified towards others. And signed off saying, Anyway. This is not about me. But were all angry. I am just as everyone else. Check out her posts below:

However, people on social media were not having it as they blasted the actress calling her hypocrite. One of them said, When you know there is a competition for hypocrites and your opponent is this madam. Another user reacted, Fact that u need rules to not work w/ Pak spks volumes abt u legally correct but morally inferior. Lil acts of solidarity by not working with Pak is least u can do. I m not extremist or carry hate for Pakis but I always refuse projects with Pakis, I wish u worst in ur career. A third user commented, There are people who can do anything for money. Its old saying but very much relevant. A fourth user wrote, Govt allowed it or MONEY. Check out some of the responses below:
According to some eagle-eyed fans, Imanvis original name is Iman Esmail, and she has removed Pakistans flag from her account after the attack.

 Instagram/Imanvi

Some rumours also suggest that she is actually the daughter of a Pakistani General.

The statement

Following the Pahalgam attack, Imanvi posted a long note on her Instagram, condemning the act.

She wrote, First and foremost, I want to express my most sincere and heartfelt condolences for the tragic event that took place in Pahalgam. My heart goes out to all those who lost their lives and their loved ones. Any loss of innocent life is tragic and weighs heavy on my heart. I strongly condemn the violent acts. As someone whose mission has always been to spread light and love through art, I hope to see a day soon where we can all come together as one.

I also want to address rumors and lies that have been falsely spread about my identity and my family via fake news sources and online media in order to create division and spread hate. Firstly, nobody in my family has ever been or is currently associated with the Pakistani military in any way. This and multiple other falsehoods have been fabricated by online trolls for the sole purpose of spreading hate.

She added, What is especially disappointing is that legitimate news outlets, journalists, and those on social media failed to investigate their source material and instead have simply repeated these slanderous statements. I am a proud Indian American who speaks Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati, and English. I was born in Los Angeles, California after my parents legally immigrated to the United States as youth. Soon after they became American citizens.

Upon completing my university education in the USA, I pursued a career in the arts as an actor, choreographer, and dancer. After much work in this realm, I am incredibly grateful to receive opportunities to work in the Indian film industry. This same film industry has been a great influence in my life, and I hope to add to the incredible legacy of the trailblazers that came before me.

As someone who has Indian identity and culture running deep in my blood, I hope to use this medium as a form of unity and not divisiveness. As we mourn tragic loss of life, let's continue to spread love and uplift one another. Throughout history, art has been a medium that creates awareness, empathy, and connection across cultures, people, and experiences. I will work hard to ensure that this legacy carries on through my work and uplifts the experiences of my Indian heritage.
SMA is part of Palletways UK, Europe's largest express palletised freight network

Hertfordshire-based logistics firm SMA Worldwide is celebrating after achieving its FORS Silver accreditation.

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is an accreditation that aims to improve standards in the UK road transport industry.

SMA is part of Palletways UK, Europe's largest express palletised freight network, and is responsible for palletised collections and deliveries across Hertfordshire.

SMA achieved FORS Bronze accreditation five years ago and last year decided to confidently work towards FORS Silver which it achieved in just four months.

The voluntary standard requires operators to demonstrate improvements in fleet safety, environmental impact and efficiency, as well as a solid foundation in compliance.

Dr Attia, Chairman and CEO of SMA Worldwide, said: The FORS silver accreditation sends out a strong signal to our customers large and small that were committed to continuous improvement and setting high standards across all our operations.

"This higher level of accreditation enhances our compliance and drives us forward in constantly refining our processes and performance.

"Our Silver achievement is testament to our teams hard work and dedication throughout the process.

SMA Worldwide offers a range of courier and logistics services, including worldwide air and sea freight, secure storage and warehousing and UK and European pallets.

Based at Langley Waters, in Kings Langley, its specialist services include professional packaging and marine insurance. Deliveries are all tracked and visible to customers.

Warwick Trimble, network director for Palletways UK, adds: This accreditation is a fantastic accolade for SMA and testament to its objective of continuously meeting and often exceeding the required standards.

"For customers it reaffirms that theyve chosen a partner committed to delivering a great service, and it opens doors to new customers who are looking for a reliable and reputable logistics partner.
TOPEKA, Kan.  State lawmakers across the U.S. have introduced at least 240 anti-China proposals this year, aiming to ensure public funds don't buy Chinese technology or even T-shirts, coffee mugs and key chains for tourists. They're also targeting sister-city relationships between American and Chinese communities.

After years celebrating trade ties with China, states don't want police to buy Chinese drones, government agencies to use Chinese apps, software or parts, or public pension systems to invest in Chinese companies. A new Kansas law covers artificial intelligence and medical equipment, while in Arkansas, the targets include sister-city ties and state and local contracts for promotional items. Tennessee now prohibits health insurance coverage for organ transplants performed in China or with organs from China.

Either the United States or China is going to lead the world in the next few decades, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said after successfully pushing a wide-ranging Communist China Defense package into law. For me, I want it to be the U.S.

The push started well before President Donald Trump imposed 145% tariffs on China, but his posture is encouraging state officials, particularly fellow Republicans. Sanders said her efforts compliment Trump's trade policies.

Trump's first term prompted a shift

Anti-China proposals have been introduced this year in at least 41 states, but mostly in GOP-controlled legislatures, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking software Plural.

Trump's rhetoric encouraged the push since his first term, said Kyle Jaros, an associate professor of global affairs at the University of Notre Dame who writes about Chinas relationships with U.S. states. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic soured American attitudes.

The first Trump administration had a very different message than the preceding Obama administration about state and local engagement with China, Jaros said. It tended to not see the value.

An effort with little political risk

Playing a "patriotism card against China resonates with U.S. voters, said David Adkins, a former Kansas legislator who is CEO of the nonpartisan Council on State Governments.

Politicians of both parties, at all levels of government, pay no price for vilifying China, Adkins said in an email.

John David Minnich, a scholar of modern China and assistant professor at the London School of Economics, attributed states measures largely to targeted, strategic lobbying, not a popular pressure.

A Chinese balloon alarms state officials

Critics see China as more anti-American and authoritarian under President Xi Jinping, and U.S. officials say China has a booming hacking-for-hire ecosystem to collect overseas intelligence.

Some state officials also began seeing China as a concrete threat when a Chinese balloon flew over the U.S. in 2023, said Sara Newland, an associate professor of government at Smith College who conducts research with Jaros.

There is this idea that a Chinese investment is actually going to result in the Chinese government spying on individual people or threatening food security in a particular area, she said.

Kansas House Majority Leader Chris Croft, a retired Army colonel, said countering China is a joint effort for states and the U.S. government. He championed a new law greatly limiting property ownership within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of a military installation in Kansas by firms and people tied to foreign adversaries  China, but also Cuba, Iran and North Korea.

All of us have a part to play, Croft said.

Some skepticism greets state efforts

Further limiting foreign property ownership remains popular, with at least 46 proposals in 24 states, but critics liken imposing restrictions to selling snow shovels to Miami residents.

Together, Chinese, Iranian, North Korean and Cuban interests owned less than 1% of the nations 1.27 billion acres of agricultural land at the end of 2023, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report. Chinese interests share was about 277,000 acres, or two-hundredths of 1%.

And in Arkansas, only the state capital of Little Rock is affected by the ban on sister-city relationships.

Even conservatives have questions

Misgivings about anti-China measures extend even to conservative North Dakota, where a Chinese company's plan to develop farmland near an Air Force base inspired anti-China efforts that spread elsewhere.

Some North Dakota lawmakers wanted to divest a state fund holding billions of dollars in oil tax revenues from Chinese companies. But the Senate killed a weaker version of the measure last week.

Republican Sen. Dale Patten suggested during the debate that lawmakers backing the bill were being inconsistent.

I would guess that this body right now is already heavily invested in neckties that have been manufactured in China, if we want to flip our ties over and take a look at it, Patten said. Thats how difficult it is when we talk about doing something like this.

States aren't likely done with China

Minnich said if Trump's tariffs get China to reset relations with the U.S., that would undercut what states have done. If Trump seeks sustained decoupling, state measures likely will have minimal effect on China in the short-term, compared to Trump's policies, he said.

Yet states don't seem likely to stop.

Joras said they do have valid concerns about potential Chinese cyberattacks and whether critical infrastructure relies too heavily on Chinese equipment.

The vast majority of Chinas threats to the U.S. are in cyberspace, he said. Some of those defenses are still not solid.

___

Associated Press writers Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Jack Dura, in Bismarck, North Dakota, contributed.
The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to allow it to enforce a ban on transgender service members after lower courts temporarily blocked the ban from taking effect.

In an emergency application Thursday, the Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to lift a nationwide injunction issued last month by a federal judge in Washington state, arguing that the injunction is "usurping the executive branch's authority to determine who may serve in the nation's armed forces."

"The district court's injunction cannot be squared with the substantial deference that the department's professional military judgments are owed," Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in the application.

Read Next: 'Everything Is on the Table': Army Eyeing Expansion of Privatized Barracks

If the Supreme Court doesn't lift the injunction, it should "at a minimum" limit its effects to just the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the ban, Sauer added.

The Pentagon is trying to ban transgender people from serving in the military, including by kicking out those already serving, to fulfill an executive order President Donald Trump signed in January that declared that being transgender is "not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member."

Under a Pentagon policy released in February, troops with a history of gender dysphoria, who "exhibit symptoms" of gender dysphoria, or who have transitioned to their gender identity would be disqualified from service. On paper, the policy allows transgender troops to apply for a waiver to avoid being discharged, but advocates say the criteria for a waiver are impossible to meet.

The policy is on ice for now after Trump's order almost immediately sparked lawsuits.

The administration's appeal to the Supreme Court comes in a lawsuit that Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation filed on behalf of six transgender service members, one transgender person seeking to enlist, and an LGBTQ+ advocacy group called the Gender Justice League.

Last month, the federal district judge assigned to the case issued an injunction that blocks the ban from taking effect while the lawsuit continues to work its way through the legal system.

"The government's arguments are not persuasive, and it is not an especially close question on this record," Judge Benjamin Settle, a George W. Bush appointee, wrote in his ruling on the injunction. "Any evidence that such service over the past four years harmed any of the military's inarguably critical aims would be front and center. But there is none."

The administration appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, but the appeals court last week denied the administration's emergency motion to lift the injunction, setting up the Supreme Court battle.

A separate lawsuit was also filed against the ban in federal district court in Washington, D.C., on behalf of a client list that has grown to nearly three dozen transgender service members and recruits.

Ruling that the ban was "soaked in animus," the judge in that lawsuit also issued an injunction last month. An appeals court later paused that injunction from taking effect while it considers the administration's motion to overturn it, but also warned the administration against taking "any action ... that negatively impacts service members" in the meantime.

A three-judge panel on the appeals court heard oral arguments about the injunction earlier this week, but has not issued its ruling yet and gave no clear indication which way it was leaning during its questioning.

Since the lower courts' injunctions were issued, the Pentagon paused any separations and directed military components to comply with court orders.

In line with that, the Defense Health Agency this week issued a memo saying that gender-affirming health care such as hormone therapy and surgery is again available for service members, according to a copy of the memo obtained by Military.com.

But bringing the case to the Supreme Court could upend the health care and separation policies again.

When Trump similarly tried to ban most transgender people from serving in the military during his first term in office, the Supreme Court allowed the ban to take effect in 2019 after lower courts had ordered the ban to be halted.

The lawyers who are challenging the ban this time have until May 1 to respond to the administration's application to the Supreme Court.

In a statement Thursday, Lambda Legal called the appeal to the Supreme Court "an attempt to reinstate discrimination in our armed forces before the judicial process can run its course."

"We remain committed to robustly representing our clients as we have at every stage of this process," Lambda Legal said in the statement. "Transgender service members have been openly serving our country with honor and distinction for almost a decade and have met and are meeting every neutral service-based standard."

Related: 'In No Way Incompatible': Service Academy Alums Sign Letter Supporting Transgender Cadets, Midshipmen
**The Two Students Who Built Google in a Garage (And Changed the Internet Forever)**







(Who Made Google)

Think the best ideas come from fancy labs or corporate offices? Think again. Sometimes, world-changing inventions start in a college dorm. This is the story of two nerdy students, a messy garage, and a search engine that reshaped how we find information.

It all began in 1995 at Stanford University. Larry Page, a 22-year-old grad student from Michigan, met Sergey Brin, a 21-year-old math whiz from Moscow. At first, they didnt click. Larry was quiet and loved technical details. Sergey was outgoing and debated everything. But they shared one big obsession: organizing the exploding amount of data on the internet.

Back then, searching the web felt like digging through a junk drawer. Sites like Yahoo! listed websites by category, but results were cluttered and irrelevant. Larry had a wild idea. What if a search engine could rank pages based on how many other sites linked to them? He called this concept Backrub. Sergey joined him, and together they turned the idea into math. Their algorithm, later named PageRank, analyzed links between websites to decide which ones were most trustworthy.

By 1996, they tested their project on Stanfords network. It workedalmost too well. Students and professors loved it, but it used so much bandwidth that the universitys internet slowed down. Stanford told them to take it off the campus servers. So they moved to a garage in Menlo Park, rented from a friend named Susan Wojcicki (who later became YouTubes CEO). The garage had a washer, dryer, and a hot tub they never used. Their first office was cluttered with wires, pizza boxes, and a neon sign that said Google. Wait, *Google*?

Yep. The name was a typo. They meant googol, the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. It symbolized their mission: organizing infinite online information. The typo stuck. By 1998, Google Inc. was officially born. Their first big break came from Andy Bechtolsheim, a Silicon Valley investor. He wrote them a $100,000 check after a quick demo in a drivewaybefore the company even existed legally.

Growth wasnt smooth. Early employees worked crazy hours. Servers crashed. Competitors laughed at their plain white homepage. But Googles results were unbeatable. People kept coming back. By 2004, the company went public, making Larry and Sergey billionaires overnight.

Whats wild is how much they got right early on. The famous Dont Be Evil motto? Added by an early employee to remind everyone to stay honest. The playful doodles on the homepage? Larry and Sergey insisted on them to show Google had personality. Even their first April Fools jokea job opening for a Copernicus Research Center on the moonhinted at their quirky culture.







(Who Made Google)

Today, Google handles over 8 billion searches a day. Its expanded into maps, email, self-driving cars, and AI. Larry and Sergey stepped down from daily roles in 2019, but their dorm-room project is now a verb. Need answers? Just Google it. Not bad for two guys who started with a garage, a typo, and a math problem.

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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.
The Angels announced today that they have selected the contract of right-hander Carl Edwards Jr. and recalled righty Victor Mederos. In corresponding moves. they optioned righty Michael Darrell-Hicks and designated righty Ian Anderson for assignment.

Anderson was just acquired from Atlanta prior to Opening Day. It was a one-for-one swap with lefty Jose Suarez going the other way. It seems neither club was particularly committed to the player it acquired. Suarez was designated for assignment by Atlanta on Monday and now the Angels have followed suit with Anderson just two days later.

The results from Anderson have not been good so far this year. A starter for most of his career, the Halos kept him in relief. He tossed 9 1/3 innings over seven appearances but he has allowed 12 earned runs in that time, with eight strikeouts and seven walks.

That performance has bumped him off the roster. Since hes out of options, the Angels had to remove him from the 40-man roster entirely. They will now have a week to determine whats next for him. The waiver process takes 48 hours, so the Angels could take up to five days to explore trade interest.

If any club wants Anderson, it would be based on his results from a few years ago. Over 2020 and 2021, he tossed 160 2/3 innings with the club, posting a 3.25 earned run average in that time. His 10% walk rate was a tad high but he also punched out 24.5% of batters faced and got grounders on 49.9% of balls in play. He also made four postseason starts in each of those seasons, helping Atlanta win the World Series in the latter season.

But its been rough sledding since then. His ERA jumped to 5.00 in 2022 and then he required Tommy John surgery in April of 2023, shortly after he had been optioned to the minors. He spent the rest of 2023 recovering. He returned to the mound last year and logged 68 innings over 15 minor league starts. He had a 3.44 ERA in those with a 23.8% strikeout rate, 10.1% walk rate and 51.9% ground ball rate.

He exhausted his options during that time, which has led to his current roster bubble situation. Perhaps he can find some club thats willing to give him a roster spot and some time to get back on track. He hasnt been good for a few years but health was at least part of that. Hes a former third overall pick, top prospect and even has some past major league success. If he lands somewhere, he has less than three years of major league service, meaning he could be retained for three years beyond this one.

As for Edwards, hes a veteran journeyman. He actually signed with a Mexican League club in early March but the Angels signed him a couple of weeks later. He has tossed 11 2/3 innings over seven appearances for Triple-A Salt Lake with a 1.54 ERA. His major league career goes back a decade, with a 3.54 ERA in 280 innings, but its been almost two years since he was a regular. His 2023 season was ended by a stress fracture in his shoulder and he only made one appearance in the majors last year.

Last night, starter Jose Soriano only lasted 3 1/3 innings, forcing the Angels to lean heavily on the bullpen. That included Anderson and Darrell-Hicks, who have been swapped out for two fresh arms.

Photo courtesy of Sam Navarro,Imagn Images
Empire Beach on Lake Michigan is seeking Beach Ambassadors Beach Ambassadors to greet and guide visitors and monitor parking. (Garret Ellison | MLive) Garret Ellison | MLive

EMPIRE, MI -- The term dream job gets thrown around far too often but finally there is a fair contender: Beach Ambassador on Lake Michigan.

The Village of Empire grabbed the attention of Michigan sunbums with their quirky job posting. In a Leelanau County Facebook group the description was poetic:

Come work in Empire. Where the sky is as blue as the water and the air smells of fresh water, sunshine and sunscreen.

It got even better as they laid out the terms of employment.

Only want a few hours a week? We can accommodate. The boss? Cool and chill like Michigan. She is the best.

MLive called the clerks office to make sure this offer wasnt too good to be true.

Deputy Clerk and chill boss Alacia Acton confirmed Empire has hired Beach Ambassadors for several years to help maintain Empire Beach Village Parks hospitality.

Beach Ambassador duties are a mix of friendly guide and parking enforcement.

The public Empire Beach is just west of the walkable downtown along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The park features grills, fire rings, a playgrounds and a mini lighthouse photo-opt at the Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse.

Beach Ambassadors are needed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but shifts can be flexible making this an ideal job for teachers, retirees and college students.

The hourly rate is $18. Ambassadors must be 18 years or older and possess a high school diploma or GED.

While on duty, ambassadors will help visitors with the parking pass machine and direct traffic to the overflow parking area when the beach lot is full.

They will also enforce parking safety to keep the fire lane clear and issue tickets to those not in compliance with the posted parking rules.

Ambassadors will also help keep the parking and bathroom area free of debris, turn in lost items and report any maintenance issues.

A full list of duties can be found here. You can contact Acton for more information at deputyclerk@villageofempire.com.
HOLLAND, MI -- The historic replica tall ship, Friends Good Will will not voyage up the Lake Michigan coast to make an appearance at the Tulip Time Festival this year. Due to low water levels, the ship is stuck at its South Haven harbor.

The water levels are down across the Great Lakes. In the past two years the Michigan Maritime Museum, which is home to the tall ship, has dredged out its harbor to make room for the ship to set sail in time for the Holland festival.

This year with high demand for dredging, the timing just didnt align to deepen the waterways for safe passage, said Brent Paige, director of member and marketing at the museum.

Were disappointed we couldnt bring Friends Good Will up to Holland but safety is always top of mind for our passengers, our crew and the vessel itself, Paige said to MLive.

RELATED: Great Lakes are starting to rise but forecasted to stay low into summer

The tall ship tours have been a popular feature at the Holland festival. Tulip Time had nine days for tours scheduled for this year.

To make up for its absence in Holland, the Michigan Maritime Museum is encouraging visitors to come see the ships in South Haven where they dock year-round.

The museum is offering special dockside tours Friends Good Will during the festival from May 210.

RELATED: See drone video of Friends Good Will tall ship at Tulip Time Festival

The dockside tours will give guests the same opportunity to explore the ships decks, learn about its fascinating history, and experience maritime life in the Age of Sail.

The tall ship is an accurate historical replica of the sloop that was built in 1810 and was captured by British troops on Mackinac Island in the War of 1812.

Today the ship is rigged and sailed in a traditional manor to its timeframe, creating a nautical time machine, Paige said.

Thats an allure to a lot of people - to be abroad a vessel that is sailing the exact same way that it sailed in the early 1800s, he said. We had one of our historians say that its so accurate you could probably put the original crew from 1810 abroad and theyd be hard pressed to tell they were not on the original boat.

The Friends of Goodwill is forever in history books for its significance in the Battle of Lake Erie. Commodore Oliver Perrys now famous dispatch alludes to the ship, We have met the enemy and they are ours: Two Ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop. That sloop was Friends Good Will.

The original Great Lakes sloop was burned by the British upon being captured a second time.

To give a full immersive experience, the crew dresses in period clothing as they describe the ships voyage from Fort Dearborn in Chicago to the harbor of Mackinac Island where the ship became embroiled in the war.

Dockside tours are free with paid museum admission during normal operating hours of 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to explore the full Michigan Maritime Museum campus during their visit.

Sailing season, which starts after Memorial Day weekend, is expected to be on schedule, Paige said.

READ MORE: Dredging at Lake Michigan harbor scheduled to begin in Holland

READ MORE: Army Corps balks at testing Michigan harbor sediments for pollution
Tulips downtown Holland were beginning to bud and bloom in the week leading up to the 96th annual Tulip Time Festival. Pictured here are tulips on 8th Street in front of Our Brewing Company. (Rose White | MLive) Rose White

HOLLAND, MI -- The street corners of downtown Holland are starting to pop with yellows, pinks and purples as tulips are budding and blooming for spring.

The anticipation for the Tulip Time Festival is building as 5 to 6 million tulips will be opening up from Windmill Island to the Veldheers Tulip Farm.

Across the city, the parks department planted 640,000 tulips across Hollands downtown parks and roadways.

That includes the 30,000 to 50,000 tulips in pots along the city greenhouse waiting for their debut on Tulip Time parade floats and other festival events.

Jamie Scott, Parks and Cemetery Deputy Director, said the department is expecting a great show of color in time for opening day of the festival next week.

The 96th annual festival is starting a day early, with events every day from Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 11.

RELATED: Tulip Times 2025 schedule starts a day early, tickets on sale

Some warm weather on the horizon should add growth and allow tulips to fully bloom, Scott said.

More than 100 varieties of late-blooming tulips were planted, with bulbs imported from the Netherlands.

This cool spring has helped delay the bloom in time for the citys big festival that typically attracts a crowd of about half a million people.

Once tulips bloom they last approximately three weeks, said Gwen Auwerda, executive director of Tulip Time.

Of course theres no guarantees with Michigan weather.

Wind, rain, or hail storms can damage the blooms and make them fall apart quicker. But extended hot weather can make them wilt and shed petals, too, Auwerda said.

At this point its all up to nature and the weather for how long they last, Auwerda said.

A hint for photographers, tulips open up with the sun and close at night when it gets cool  so a warm, sunny morning could offer up the best shot of open petals.

If you want to make sure you time it just right, you can check out the citys livestream pointed at the tulips in Centennial Park.

The Tulip Tracker includes a timelapse option to look back over the weeks to see growth as well.

Keep tabs on the blooms at www.cityofholland.com/1022/Tulip-Tracker.
Jack in the Box plans to close up to 200 "underperforming" restaurants. Courtesy of Jack in the Box

National fast-food chain Jack in the Box says it plans to close up to 120 underperforming locations this year and up to 200 total in the coming years. The plan was announced Wednesday by CEO Lance Tucker, according to CNN.

Tucker says the company is looking to pay $300 million in debt in the next two years. As part of the plan to pay down that debt, the company is also exploring a sale of the Del Taco Brand, which it owns.

I dont know that (Del Tacos) results over the next several years are going to meaningfully contribute to Jacks bottom line, Tucker said.

It is unclear whether the closures will impact the companys previously announced expansion into Michigan. Last year, Jack in the Box confirmed five locations will open in West Michigan in the coming years. In November, the company announced five locations will also open in the Detroit area.

The first of those restaurants expected to open is located in Battle Creek, but there is no confirmed timetable for when that will happen. There are no Jack in the Box locations currently open in Michigan.

Jack in the Box operates roughly 2,200 restaurants throughout the U.S. with most located on the West Coast.
Ex-Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr exits the court room after a motion hearing at the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Schurr will face trial for second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese immigrant during a traffic stop on April 4, 2022. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

An unusually high-profile trial has led to unusual reporting challenges for MLives news team at The Grand Rapids Press.

The trial of Chistopher Schurr, a former Grand Rapids city police officer, is scheduled to begin Monday. Schurr is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Patrick Lyoya, who was shot by Schurr after a traffic stop in Grand Rapids on April 4, 2022.
Ingham County has its second confirmed measles infection of the year, the state's ninth case. Neil Blake | MLive.com

Ingham County has its second confirmed measles infection of the year.

A 1-year-old boy tested positive for the highly infectious disease Tuesday, April 22, after being exposed to the countys first confirmed case earlier this month.

The boy experienced only mild symptoms, Ingham County health officials reported late Wednesday, April 23.

RELATED: Measles trending toward worst year in decades, warns Michigans top doc

He was age-appropriately vaccinated, which likely means he got his first dose, recommended at 12 to 15 months, but not a second and final dose, recommended at 4 to 6 years.

The local health department said early isolation and limited exposure means the risk of infection for the public remains low. However, there was one potential exposure site.

Residents who visited the Lansing Urgent Care - Frandor site on N. Clippert Street between 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, should monitor for symptoms.

We understand that news of another case may cause concern in our community, said Ingham County Medical Health Officer Dr. Nike Shoyinka in a prepared statement.

However, this childs vaccination status helped lessen the severity of illness, and early isolation significantly reduced the risk of transmission. This case highlights the importance of timely vaccinations and swift public health response.

Michigan has confirmed nine cases across Ingham, Kent, Macomb, Oakland and Montcalm counties. A potential 10th case was under investigation in Eaton County but has been ruled out, state officials said Thursday.

This is the states first measles outbreak in more than five years.

The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and about 90% of people without immunity will become infected after close contact with an infected person.

Symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, though they can wait as long as 21 days, according to health officials.

The first few days may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes, as well as tiny white spots in their inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth.

Red, raised and blotchy rashes will often follow three to five days later, beginning on the face and spreading to the torso, arms and legs.

In rare cases, measles can cause brain swelling and death. Other complications include ear infections, pneumonia and pregnancy complications.

With at least 800 confirmed cases before the end of April, the U.S. is on pace for its worst year for measles in decades. Last year finished with 285 cases.

RELATED: Measles, whooping cough cases rising: When kids need shots from birth to age 16

Health officials encourage parents to review their childrens immunization records to make sure theyre up to date on recommended vaccines, including the MMR shot that prevents measles, mumps and rubella. Two doses provide 97% protection against measles.

Contact tracing is ongoing and health department staff will notify individuals who may have been exposed as part of their containment efforts.

For more information on measles and vaccinations, visit health.ingham.org or contact the Ingham County Health Department Immunization Clinic at 517-887-4316 or at Immunization@ingham.org.

For more statewide vaccine information, visit Michigans webpage on immunization information, or visit ivaccinate.org, a resource founded by Veronica Valentine McNally, who advocates for vaccination after her daughter died of pertussis in 2012.
President Donald J. Trump takes the stage for a campaign rally at Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. during his campaign. State lawmakers want state law to align with controversial orders from his administration. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

LANSING, MI  Michigan Republicans want to align state laws with some of President Donald Trumps controversial executive orders.

A group of 17 GOP state representatives are taking six proposed bills to the House Government Operations committee hearing on Thursday, April 24.

One bill, HB 4244, would require all state offices, departments and agencies to use the term Gulf of America on all maps and materials by July 4.

That could include updating printed materials, state documents and maps.

Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America on Jan. 20.

Another bill, HB 4338, would prohibit county and local governments from declaring themselves a sanctuary for undocumented people.

The legislation would also prescribe punishment for municipalities that do, including withholding state funds.

Other proposed bills would prohibit any law, ordinance, policy or rule that limits communication about a persons immigration status between employees, police officers, local officials and federal officials.

These bills would make any existing ordinances or policies unenforceable, per state documents. If local government failed to comply, a resident could bring the issue to circuit court or file a complaint with the attorney general, per state documents.

The committee meeting will also include discussion on bills that would limit access to social welfare and state housing development services and grants.

Under the proposed bills, such benefits would only be available to U.S. citizens and qualified aliens including refugees and those granted asylum in the U.S.

The 9 a.m. hearing on Thursday will give committee members an opportunity to consider and make recommendations on the bills.
Michigan health leaders are declining to report the vaccination status for most of the states measles infections.

Of the nine confirmed infections as of Thursday, April 24, seven did not have their vaccination status disclosed by the state or local health departments.

The two exceptions were a pair of 1-year-old children in Ingham County, both of whom received at least one dose prior to infection, which follows the recommended childhood vaccine schedule.

RELATED: Michigan confirms 9th measles case, warns of possible exposure site

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigans chief medical executive, said public health officials have to weigh individual privacy with what the greater publics need to know when it comes to infectious disease information.

When talking about a few cases, reporting vaccination status, she said, may result in people or communities being targets of threats, intimidation or discrimination. It may also prevent further cooperation with health officials who do disease investigation.

We will release any information pertinent to the larger public, she said. That is our duty to inform and we will inform. But if theres information that doesnt impact anyone in the larger community -- it only impacts the people involved -- our duty is to the people involved and to keep that information close.

There is not anything that I know that would impact the public that Im withholding.

Bagdasarian fielded questions from reporters about the states measles cases Thursday. Asked about the perception that Michigan may be withholding vaccination statuses to dodge questions about vaccine efficacy, she pointed to national data.

Of the at least 800 confirmed cases in the U.S. this year, 96% were unvaccinated or their vaccine status was unknown, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

RELATED: Measles trending toward worst year in decades, warns Michigans top doc

If you want to look at the real time efficacy of the vaccines, looking at a handful of cases is not the way to do it, Bagdasarian said. Its much safer to talk about larger numbers, thats more telling.

Theres no desire to hide efficacy.

Of the nine confirmed measles cases, four cases between Oakland, Kent, and Ingham County included public reporting of potential exposure sites.

For the five cases with no public exposures reported -- four in Montcalm and one in Macomb -- officials said they didnt identify any public exposure sites while conducting contact tracing. That doesnt mean they havent contacted close contacts of possible exposures.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective against measles after one dose, and 97% after two doses, according to state and federal health departments. It also offers protection against mumps and rubella.

Routine childhood immunization rates have declined in recent years, dipping from 75% to about 70% statewide. For the MMR vaccine, thats down from about 85% in March 2020 to 79% most recently.

RELATED: Measles, whooping cough cases rising: When kids need shots from birth to age 16

The ideal measles vaccination rate for herd immunity is 95%. Immunization uptake varies significantly by county, city and even school building, meaning some communities are at greater risk of infection than others.

Bagdasarian recommends parents check the rates of their kids school buildings or childcare. That resource is available, here.

For more vaccine information, visit Michigans webpage on immunization information, or visit ivaccinate.org, a resource founded by Veronica Valentine McNally, who advocates for vaccination after her daughter died of pertussis in 2012.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' map of measles exposure sites being monitored as of Monday, April 21, 2025. Courtesy photo | MDHHS

EATON COUNTY, MI -- State health officials have ruled out a suspected case of measles in Eaton County.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department reported a potential case of the highly infectious disease Friday, April 18, with a pair of potential public exposure sites.

However, a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said Thursday, April 24, that the suspected case had been ruled out.

People who visited the King Ocean Crab restaurant in Lansing and Bad Brads BBQ in Orion Township earlier that week were told to monitor for symptoms. Those individuals are no longer at risk given the negative measles test result.

Michigan had nine confirmed measles cases as of Thursday, including four in Montcalm County, two in Ingham County, and one each in Kent, Oakland and Macomb counties.

The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and about 90% of people without immunity will become infected after close contact with an infected person.

Symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, though they can wait as long as 21 days, according to health officials.

The first few days may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes, as well as tiny white spots in their inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth.

Red, raised and blotchy rashes will often follow three to five days later, beginning on the face and spreading to the torso, arms and legs.

In rare cases, measles can cause brain swelling and death. Other complications include ear infections, pneumonia and pregnancy complications.

With at least 800 confirmed cases before the end of April, the U.S. is on pace for its worst year for measles in decades. Last year finished with 285 cases.

Health officials encourage parents to review their childrens immunization records to make sure theyre up to date on recommended vaccines, including the MMR shot that prevents measles, mumps and rubella. Two doses provide 97% protection against measles.

For more statewide vaccine information, visit Michigans webpage on immunization information, or visit ivaccinate.org.
These brilliant orange pollinators are making their way north and already have been spotted in the Midwest.

After wintering over in Mexico, monarch butterflies are migrating to their northern breeding grounds, which includes Michigan.

Journey North uses volunteer-submitted data to track the migration. So far, theyve been spotted as far north as Illinois and Virginia. Find the map here.

Monarchs are usually seen in Michigan from late spring to early fall.

RELATED: Hummingbird tracker: Theyre here! Map shows where tiny birds have been spotted in Michigan

The monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration, like birds  but with key differences, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Monarchs fly as far as 3,000 miles to reach their winter homes in Mexico and California, where they hibernate. Upon waking, monarchs lay eggs; those eggs then begin the journey north. It takes three to four generations to reach their summer homes.

Monarchs tend to arrive as milkweed pops up, according to Journey North. The plant is the only one on which monarchs lay their eggs and the only source of food for baby caterpillars, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

Monarchs are listed as a threatened species in the U.S. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has categorized them as endangered. Their population has declined by as much as 90% in recent years, primarily due to habitat loss (the loss of milkweed), according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The decline has sparked conservation efforts, including planting milkweed.

RELATED: He would never ask: Emus viral jaunt down U.P. highway shines light on veterans need for help

Despite the small size of monarch butterflies and other insects, they play a very large role in human lives, according to the DNR. Insects travel to flowering plants, drinking nectar and transporting pollen. This results in a pollination service that is responsible for one-third of the worlds food source.
A dozen acts of vandalism across Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland counties spurred five FBI raids early Wednesday, according to officials.

The ongoing investigation is related to 12 vandalism incidents dating as far back as February 2024, officials said in a release Thursday. The incidents include smashing windows, spray-painting profanity and throwing noxious chemical substances into homes, officials said.
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Two additional raids in and near Washtenaw County have been confirmed by the Michigan Attorney Generals office, bringing the total number to five.

The FBI and several local agencies executed search warrants in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Canton early Wednesday, April 23, as part of ongoing investigation into a dozen vandalism incidents across the area, the attorney generals office said in a Thursday statement.

One Ypsilanti raid took place in a home in the 200 block of North Summit Street, while a Canton raid took place in the 50000 block of Scarborough Road. The location of the Ann Arbor raid is unclear.

Officials did not say in which jurisdiction the two other raids took place, but did say that each search warrant was for a residential home. Search warrants were signed in the 45th District Court, which operates in Royal Oak, officials said.

The ongoing investigation is related to 12 vandalism incidents dating as far back as February 2024. The incidents include smashing windows, spray-painting profanity and throwing noxious chemical substances into homes, officials said.

Read more: 12 vandalisms Michigan AG says justified raids against pro-Palestinian protesters

Vandalism occurred at University of Michigan President Santa Onos home in West Bloomfield, university Regent Jordan Ackers home in Huntington Woods, a Rolls-Royce America Solutions Inc. manufacturer in Novi and the Jewish Federation of Detroit in Bloomfield Hills, among others.

The vandalism caused roughly $100,000 in damage, according to Michigan officials.

In all cases, the crimes were committed in the middle of the night and in one case upon a residence wherein children were sleeping and awoken, officials said in a statement.

The TAHRIR Coalition, a pro-Palestinian advocacy group, alleged in a statement released Wednesday morning that the raids were targeting protesters who support Palestine amid the war in Gaza.

These raids represent the latest in an alarming series of escalations, spanning more than a year of repression against pro-Palestine activists and their allies at the U-M, and increasingly across the state of Michigan, the TAHRIR Coalition said in a statement.

No one was arrested, the attorney generals office said.

At least three people were briefly detained during the Ypsilanti raid. The people were inside the home and brought out on the porch in handcuffs before officers released them roughly 15 minutes later.

The TAHRIR Coalition alleges two others were detained during the Ann Arbor raid and that four were detained during the Canton raid.

One of the people detained in Ann Arbor is a University of Michigan student, said the Graduate Employees Organization in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Law enforcement also confiscated electronic devices, the union said.

No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing, officials said.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.
City Council has approved a $30,000 raise for Ann Arbor City Attorney Atleen Kaur after giving the same to City Administrator Milton Dohoney. MLive file photo.

ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbors top lawyer at city hall is getting a $30,000 boost in pay.

City Council voted unanimously Monday, April 21, to increase City Attorney Atleen Kaurs annual base salary from $216,300 to $246,300, effective the next pay period.
Search warrants executed Wednesday against pro-Palestinian protesters were not related to campus demonstrations or related encampments, officials confirmed.

Our search warrants were not related to protest activity on the campus of the University of Michigan nor the Diag encampment, wrote Danny Wimmer, spokesperson for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, in a statement to MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Todays search warrants are in furtherance of our investigation into multijurisdictional acts of vandalism.

Wimmer would not confirm further details.

Read more: What we know about FBI raids against pro-Palestine protesters across Michigan

Investigation into several acts of vandalism at the homes of University of Michigan Regents was still ongoing as of September, according to a statement at the time from Nessels office announcing charges for other protesters.

Read more: Nessel charges 11 pro-Palestine protesters for University of Michigan encampment

Search warrants for at least three residences in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Canton were executed early April 23, Wimmer confirmed earlier Wednesday. It is unclear if there were additional searches.

The Ypsilanti raid took place in a home in the 200 block of North Summit Street, while the Canton raid took place in the 50000 block of Scarborough Road. The location of the Ann Arbor raid is unclear.

The FBI was present in all three areas, confirmed agency spokesperson Jordan Hall.

At least three people were briefly detained during the Ypsilanti raid. The people were inside the home and brought out on the porch in handcuffs before officers released them roughly 15 minutes later.

The TAHRIR Coalition, a pro-Palestinian advocacy group, alleges two others were detained during the Ann Arbor raid. One of the people detained in Ann Arbor is a University of Michigan student, said the Graduate Employees Organization in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Law enforcement also confiscated electronic devices, the union said.

Read more: 1 University of Michigan student detained in Ann Arbor FBI raid

The TAHRIR Coalition alleged in a statement released Wednesday morning that the raids were targeting protesters who support Palestine amid the war in Gaza. The statement also asked members to go to the Canton and Ypsilanti homes.

The group has demanded the University of Michigan divest from Israel since the Israel-Hamas broke out Oct. 7, the day on which Hamas killed more than 1,200 Israelis, according to the Associated Press. TAHRIR Coalition has spearheaded multiple protests, including an encampment, on the universitys Ann Arbor campus.

Although 11 people have been charged in connection with the encampment and other on-campus protests, Nessel indicated in September her office was still investigating several acts of vandalism.

Read more: University of Michigan regents home vandalized with mason jars, pro-Palestine slogan

Graffiti with both pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel messaging was found June 3 on the door of a law firm in Southfield co-owned by University of Michigan regent Jordan Acker. A masked protester also came to the regents family home in Huntington Woods in the early hours of May 15, placing divestment demands on his doorstep.

Multiple other regents had protesters demonstrating at their home May 15. Regent Chair Sarah Hubbard also found fake bloody corpses on her lawn.

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Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Arianne Slay found Munsif Altork, 50, of two counts each of assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

ANN ARBOR, MI -- An Ann Arbor man has been found guilty of stabbing his wife and stepdaughter.

Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Arianne Slay found Munsif Altork, 50, guilty on Monday, April 21 of two counts each of assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.
DETROIT, MI - Emmy-winning television personality Jill Martin opened up at a Michigan Medicine fundraiser Thursday about her recent battle with breast cancer, highlighting how important advocacy for womens health is.

The University of Michigan alum, known for her work on NBCs TODAY Show, spoke during the Michigan Medicine Womens Health Luncheon on April 24 at Michigan Central Station in Detroit.

Proceeds from the luncheon go to support research and patient care at University of Michigan Health Von Voigtlander Womens Hospital.

Martin shared her 2023 battle against breast cancer during the event. While fighting back tears, the television personality shared the importance of early detection.

Fellow UM alum Tracy Wolfson, who is a lead sideline reporter for CBS Sports, emceed the event and asked Martin more about her journey.

Martin said she texted her parents the night before to thank them for sending her to the Ann Arbor university.

She said the strong foundation of confidence she built at UM helped get her through some of her darkest times and gave her the strength to keep going during her diagnosis, she said.

Im crying out of gratitude because I am so grateful and so grateful for all the doctors and all the love in this room, she said. I dont want to have anyone else go through it and watch it.

Martin is now cancer-free following a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and many surgeries. She said shes a fighter but battling cancer was really hard.

She said she had to dig deep during her battle, but the strong women at UM and their stories helped her continue to fight as hard as she could.

The experience shined a light on the hard work doctors are doing to advance medical research. Advancements in scientific research is something that needs to be done together, she said.

Martins journey fighting cancer is a reminder of the importance of transforming womens health care for the future, said Luanne Thomas Ewald, chief operating officer of UM Health C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital and Von Voigtlander Womens Hospital.

Shes a testament today to say why this research is so important, she said. Shes here and shes thriving and amazing.

The room was filled with medical experts, researchers, advocates and some notable political figures, including U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

Were just so thrilled because we know this cause is important to all of them, and so it just raises all of our voices a little bit louder, Ewald said.

Wolfson shared her appreciation for being a part of the event and said its really exciting and meaningful to support womens health, especially as a Michigan mom and graduate.

Were coming together to champion research that tackles the distinct health challenges women face. Its an honor to help shine a light on improving medicine and access to care, and to provide the answers all women need, she said.

Dr. Dee Fenner, chair of Michigan Medicines department of obstetrics and gynecology, took some time to reflect on the event taking place in the historic Michigan Central Station.

The building is full of resilience, which she said is similar to womens health. She mentioned concerns about the future of federal funding for research projects regarding womens health.

Its a joyful day. My heart is filled with joy to see you here, but I have to be honest, I am mad as hell, she said. Were at a turning point, and I am so grateful to all of you being here today and supporting our efforts.

She went on to highlight those who attended the event, including the doctors committed to womens health, cancer and diseases.

In 2024, the Womens Health Innovation Fund awarded $320,000 to support 11 new projects led by faculty from seven different departments, Fenner said. The goal is for these efforts to continue to grow.

We care and we want to continue to make a difference, she said. This is a damn good investment. Were betting on ourselves, and we want you to bet on us too.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

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ANN ARBOR, MI - Crowds gathered, shouting fascists and let them go around two homes in Ypsilanti and Canton Wednesday morning.

Plainclothes FBI agents and local police agencies raided the premises. At least three people in the Ypsilanti raid were temporarily detained, then released.

A pro-Palestine University of Michigan student group Tahrir Coalition alleged the raids were targeting protesters who support Palestine amid the war in Gaza. The group asked its members to go to the raided homes to provide urgent support.

Officials have yet to say why the raids occurred. The law enforcement action was the latest since October 2023 involving Tahrir Coalition, which consists of about 100 pro-Palestine groups across campus.

Heres what you need to know about the Ann Arbor-based organization.

Read More: FBI raids follow string of pro-Palestinian incidents around Ann Arbor

The Tahrir Coalition has demanded divestment from Israel in multiple protests on the Ann Arbor campus since the Israel-Hamas war erupted on Oct. 7. This was the day Hamas killed more than 1,200 mostly civilian Israelis, according to the Associated Press.

Gazas Health Ministry says Israels offensive has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Associated Press.

The main demands from the Tahrir Coalition are that university President Santa Ono meet with protesters and the university commit to divesting from Israel. The Tahrir Coalition has claimed $6 billion of the universitys endowment is invested in companies that support Israel in the war, while university officials said the number is less than 1% of the $18 billion endowment.

The coalition helped organize the month-long encampment in May 2024 with as many as 200 protesters on the universitys Diag. That protest ended with a police sweep on May 21 last year.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced criminal charges in September for 11 pro-Palestinian protesters linked to rallies on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor.

The group is gathering for a 14A-1 District Court hearing on Thursday, April 24 to see if Nessel will be disqualified from the case for alleged political bias. The group has accused Nessel of targeting Palestinian protesters, alleging the Jewish attorney general of bias towards Israel.

Seven of the felony charges are currently being argued in 14A-1 District Court in probable cause conferences. The next conference has yet to be scheduled.

The group updated its demands last May, also calling for a Peoples Audit, meaning an open, public and independent body look into the universitys financial operations, according to the coalitions website. It also demands that the university sever ties with Israeli academic institutions and the abolition of campus police.

The University of Michigan Board of Regents, particularly Regent Sarah Hubbard, has publicly said neither of those demands will be met.

Read More: 1 University of Michigan student detained in Ann Arbor FBI raid

The Tahrir Coalition has also called on the attorney general to drop the politicized charges immediately in a September statement.

We demand that U-M President Santa Ono and the Board of Regents end their campaign of violence and intimidation against students, University workers, and community members, the group stated. We refuse to cower to carceral intimidation and will remain resolute in our commitment to the struggle for Palestinian liberation, demanding divestment from weapons manufacturers and surveillance technology to end the Universitys complicity in genocide.

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ANN ARBOR, MI  Leaders with Ann Arbor Public Schools said theyre laying the tracks for solutions to curb a stark rise in student suspensions districtwide over the last few years.

But so far, they dont know what those solutions will look like.
Dr. Alison Kinning, a vascular surgeon for the Michigan Vascular Center, poses for a portrait on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. in Grand Blanc. Kinning recently took her medical skills to the war in Gaza. She also has a private practice based in Flint. Ayrton Breckenridge | MLive.com

FLINT, MI - The war between Israel and Hamas has raged for more than 18 months, with no clear end in sight.

Amid the destruction and rising death toll, a Flint surgeon traveled to Gaza to offer what help she could.
The McCree Courts and Human Services Building, which houses Genesee County District Court central courtrooms, is shown in this Flint Journal file photo. Zack Wittman | MLive.com Zack Wittman Zack Wittman

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Going to district court for a small claims case or a traffic ticket is about to change -- quickly, if you live in the Flushing or Mt. Morris areas, and within the next five years for everyone else.

A divided Genesee County Board of Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with local judges on Wednesday, April 23, that calls for the closure of six satellite courts that have operated for decades in Burton, Davison, Fenton, Flushing, Grand Blanc and Mt. Morris.
The Polish flag hangs as Polish Festival 2015 kicks off in Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids on Friday, Aug. 28, 2015. The festival continues through Sunday. (Neil Blake | MLive.com) The Grand Rapids Press The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The 2025 Dyngus Fest will kick off this weekend on Grand Rapids southwest side.

The two-day event begins on Friday, April 25, at the Kosciuszko Polish Hall, 935 Park St. SW.

The celebration initially started as a Slavic tradition of throwing water on people as a ritual of purification for the arrival of spring. The word Dyngus means to be worthy, proper and suitable.

Some see the special holiday as a reverse Mardi Gras, with Fat Tuesday happening the day before Lent starts and Dyngus Day the day after Lent ends.

In general, Dyngus Day is the celebration of springtime, renewal, rebirth, a new growing season, longer days, and warmer weather, where people come together and celebrate their Polish heritage, event organizers said.

For the free Grand Rapids event, the hours are from 1 p.m. to midnight on Friday and noon to midnight on Saturday.

The public can expect tons of Polish food, spirited drinks, $15 Dyngus T-shirts, and live music by the Chix & Styx Polka Band and DJ MO.

Food and drink offerings include:

Dyngus Sticks - kielbasa and pierogi combined on skewers.

Kupast Dogs - hot dogs topped with sauerkraut.

Hot dogs for the kids

Homemade mac and cheese

Homemade dill pickle soup

Dyngus Slush - Strawberry, Lemonade or Vodka Slushy.

Famous Tyskie Polish Lager Beer

Dr. McGillicuddys Dupa Shots (Butterscotch, apple pie and cherry)

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Testimony is set to begin in the murder trial against Christopher Schurr, the former Grand Rapids police officer charged in the killing of Patrick Lyoya.

Jurors will hear opening statements Monday, April 28, from the prosecution and defense attorneys in a case thats made national headlines.

RELATED: Jury seated for police officers murder trial in Patrick Lyoyas killing

MLive will provide gavel-to-gavel coverage of all proceedings in Kent County Circuit Judge Christina Mims courtroom.

If you want to watch the trial, MLive is planning to offer a video stream on its YouTube channel and through a post on its website each day until a verdict is reached.

However, per a court order, there will be a 30-minute delay. Closing arguments and the verdict will be broadcast live.

RELATED: Who is Christopher Schurr? Police officer awaits murder trial for Patrick Lyoyas death

MLive journalists will publish updates and takeaways throughout the day when the proceedings begin. You can find those stories on MLives website under the Grand Rapids section here or by visiting this page dedicated to all of MLives coverage on the case. After the verdict, MLive plans to have stories with reaction from the community and analysis on the case.

Patrick Lyoya, left, a 26-year-old Congolese immigrant and father of two young daughters, was shot and killed April 4, 2022 during a struggle with then-Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr, who is charged with second-degree murder. Lyoya photo provided by Israel Siku and (MLive file photo)

In addition to the stories, MLive will also give readers updates via video clips from big moments in court. You can find that content on our YouTube channel by visiting here.

RELATED: Who was Patrick Lyoya, the Black immigrant killed by a Grand Rapids police officer?

Are you only looking for the major takeaways each day, but dont have much free time? Reporter Brad Massman will give viewers that option with daily recap videos  about 90 seconds in length  also posted on MLives YouTube Channel. Check it out by visiting here.

The trial begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday with some court restrictions in place.

The courtroom capacity is 44 people, but eight seats are reserved for Lyoyas family and another eight are reserved for Schurrs family. Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Despite the limited seating and a court-ordered restriction on laptops in the courtroom, MLive reporters and multimedia specialists will be providing timely reports via a video feed in a media room.

Based on an order from the judge, MLive photographers will be limited in capturing the key moments via still photographs of this trial. A pool photographer, Bissell, will be allowed to take photos of closing statements and the verdict after MLive requested reconsideration of the initial order.

RELATED: Video: How did a traffic stop end with the death of Patrick Lyoya?

Schurr fatally shot Lyoya, a 26-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo immigrant, during a traffic stop April 4, 2022, on Nelson Avenue SE near Griggs Street. Lyoya fled on foot but Schurr caught him.

The two later fought over control of Schurrs Taser before the officer fired his weapon into the back of Lyoyas head while on top of him.

For more of MLives coverage on the case, visit here.

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KidSpeak is an annual youth forum that gives young people the opportunity to testify in front of their legislators, school officials and community leaders. Youth sense of belonging is the focus of Friday's event at 10 a.m. at Grand Rapids City Hall. (MLive File Photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Kids and teens will have the chance to speak directly to Grand Rapids elected officials and school leaders about issues of importance to them.

KidSpeak is an annual youth forum that gives young people the opportunity to testify in front of their legislators, school officials and community leaders.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 25 at Grand Rapids City Hall, 300 Monroe Ave. NW, in the ninth-floor Commission Chambers. Lunch will be provided after.

KidSpeak is a partnership between Michigans Children, the City of Grand Rapids and GRPS.

The theme of this years event is Where We All Belong. Young people in kindergarten through 12th grade will be invited to provide testimony and express how their lived experiences have shaped their feelings as they consider their past, present, and future opportunities to call Grand Rapids home, according to the events website.

Over 20 kids and teens are expected to participate in the event, responding to questions developed by the Mayors Youth Council about their school settings, social life, family and friends, and the environment.

The Mayors Youth Council is managed by Our Communitys Children, a partnership between the city of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners.

The listening panel will be made up of 20 community leaders, including elected officials like Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand, State Rep. Carol Glanville; Kent County Commissioners Carol Hennessy and Lisa Oliver-King; city commissioners Lisa Knight and AliciaMaria Belchak; and Grand Rapids school board members Kymberlie Davis, Eleanor Morena and Arick Davis.

Officials from local organizations like Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Urban League of West Michigan, First Steps Kent and the Grand Rapids Childrens Museum will also be in attendance.

Seating will be limited at the event, so community members are encouraged to tune into a livestream on Comcast Channel 26 and on the City of Grand Rapids Facebook page and YouTube channel .

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Dayshaun Catledge, right, appears in a Grand Rapids District Courtroom for the continuation of his preliminary exam hearing. Bradley Massman | MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A 25-year-old man is headed to prison for fatally shooting another man following a fight in a liquor store parking lot.

Dayshaun Catledge was sentenced Wednesday, April 23, to a minimum 42 months in prison on charges of involuntary manslaughter and felony firearm.
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker enters the courtroom for a motion hearing for ex-Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr at the Kent County Courthouse in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Schurr will face trial for second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old Congolese immigrant during a traffic stop on April 4, 2022. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Chris Becker, Kent Countys elected prosecutor, has tried nearly every type of criminal case possible in his 30-plus years experience.

His biggest trial, by far, will be in the national spotlight when he tries former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr for murder in the on-duty killing of Patrick Lyoya.
Jackson County residents can get information on local legal guidance, resources and advice at the Legal Services Resource Fair Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the American 1 Credit Union Event Center in Jackson. (File photo | MLive.com) MLive file photo

JACKSON, MI - A free event aims to give guidance, resources and advice to Jackson-area residents in need of legal assistance.

The Legal Services Resource Fair will take place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at the American 1 Credit Union Event Center, 128 W. Ganson St.

This is the first time the Jackson Human Relations Commission (HRC) has hosted an event of this kind, said Commission Chair Cheryl Ragland. The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided.

The resource fair will feature speakers and vendors offering free advice on different topics and legal aid resources available throughout the Jackson County area, Ragland said.

Attendees can get an overview of local services offering legal representation and guardianship. Vendors will also give guidance on how to apply for 504 plans and individualized education programs, which benefit and offer protection for students with disabilities.

We know that people have questions on these types of issues, but maybe dont know where the resources are, Ragland said. Our committee got together and said these are the things that they hear about that people need to know about.

A panel discussion will close the event, featuring Jackson District Judge Robert K. Gaecke and attorney George D. Lyons, and representatives from Michigan Legal Help, Legal Services of South Central Michigan, Southeastern Michigan Dispute Resolution Services and the Next Steps Law Firm.

The speakers will discuss local opportunities for legal aid and assistance available in Jackson County.

The Human Relations Commission regularly hosts similar resource fairs related to housing in the Jackson area, Ragland said.

The group developed this event to coincide with Fair Housing Month in April, an annual observance to raise awareness of issues such as housing discrimination, according to the National Association of Realtors.

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Klaira Diann Mishaw pleaded no contest to one count of being an accessory after the fact to a felony Thursday afternoon, April 24. She was set for a jury trial for open murder Monday morning, April 28. Nathan Clark | Nclark1@mlive.com

JACKSON, MI  A woman set to go on trial for murder has taken a plea deal and may not see a day in prison.

Klaira Diann Mishaw pleaded no contest to one count of being an accessory after the fact to a felony Thursday, April 24. She was set for a jury trial for open murder Monday, April 28.

Mishaw, 29, and her codefendant Joshua Keith Pirtle, 32, were both charged with murder for the 2023 death of Sebastian Igafo-Teo, 30, who was found stabbed to death in his Jackson home.

Pirtle is still awaiting trial. A final pretrial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 10. He remains lodged in the Jackson County Jail without bond.

As part of her plea, a judge agreed to sentence Mishaw to a lengthy probation term and no prison time. The sentencing agreement can be withdrawn if the judge determines prison in a more appropriate sentence. Though if that happens, Mishaw can withdraw her plea and take the case to trial.

Jackson County Circuit Judge Susan Jordan is to sentence her June 18.

Attending the plea hearing was Igafo-Teos mother, Jackie Igafo-Teo, who said she was displeased an offer was even made, calling it a miscarriage of justice that one of the people involved in her sons death may not see prison time.

Through inadequate prosecution, lax sentencing and the ability to make horrendous deals, the state of Michigan has contributed to this possible outcome and has aided and abetted in the murder of my son, she said.

In a statement, Jackson County Prosecutor Kelsey Guernsey said the decision to allow Mishaw to plea was based solely on the available legally-admissible evidence.

This decision does not erase the seriousness of the case. However, it does reflect the only charge on which we could legally and ethically proceed, she said and noted the trial against Pirtle is pending.

Mishaw also pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting police and operating while intoxicated in another case filed after she was arrested for drunken driving while on bond for murder.

Pirtle is accused of pen murder, car theft, third-degree fleeing and eluding police and two counts of assault with intent to murder.

Igafo-Teo was found stabbed to death Oct. 25, 2023, inside his home in the 300 block of Randolph Street in Jackson. His truck had been stolen, according to Jackson police.

Igafo-Teo suffered more than 70 wounds, including 38 critical wounds to his head and neck in an attack

Pirtle is accused of injuring him during an alleged shoving match, court records show.

Related: Murder victim suffered 70 wounds, 38 to head and neck in fatal stabbing, officials say

Investigators discovered there were four people  including Igafo-Teo, Pirtle and Mishaw  in the home when Pirtle began stabbing Igafo-Teo during an argument, police said.

The fourth guest, Matthew Kush, testified he was staying with Igafo-Teo when Pirtle and Mishaw arrived uninvited.

He found their arrival strange as he and Pirtle were at odds after Kush fired him from a contracting job several weeks prior. Kush said Pirtle threatened to beat him up.

The night soured further and, according to Kush, Pirtle started throwing punches.

While wrestling Pirtle on the floor, Kush saw Mishaw turn off the lights, blackening the home late at night. Fearing for his life, Kush said he scrambled for the front door. He heard Mishaw say hes running for the door as he left, jumped into his car and sped away.

Police were called to the scene and found a knife covered in blood in the front yard of the home and Igafo-Teos vehicle, a 2015 white Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, missing.

At 2:02 a.m. an officer with Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety spotted the vehicle and began chasing it with assistance from the Michigan State Police, police said.

The pursuit, hitting speeds upwards of 90 mph, lasted about 30 minutes. Pirtle crossed the centerline several times and wrecked a police vehicle before losing control of the pickup and crashing into a utility pole and the front porch of a home in the 1300 block of Ganson Street, police said.

Pirtle got out of the truck and surrendered to police while Mishaw remained inside the vehicle and was arrested afterward.

Jackson Detective Thomas Tinklepaugh testified Pirtle was covered in dried blood while Mishaw only had blood on her shoes and sweatpants

Both declined to speak with police. Tinklepaugh noted Mishaw seemed argumentative and nonchalant about the whole matter, asking him if he really though she was capable of killing someone.

Igafo-Teo was known as a gentle soul who lived to help those around him.

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Campers and recreational vehicles pack the arena floor during a R.V. and Camper show at the Saginaw Civic Center in this MLive file photo. Heartland RV announced on April 22, 2025, it is closing its manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan. (MLive file photo) Joel Rennich | MLive.com

STURGIS, MI  A facility that manufacturers recreational vehicles in Southwest Michigan will close in June, eliminating 121 jobs in the process.

Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC submitted a notice to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on Tuesday, April 22, stating its intent to close its plant in Sturgis, 1500 Haines Blvd.

The plant will permanently close on Friday, June 20.

Six of the employees being laid off are salaried and the rest hourly, according to the notice. None are union employees.

No severance is being offered to any of the employees being laid off.

Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Heartland RV manufactures fifth wheels, toy haulers and travel trailers, according to the company website.

In 2022, the company added a 73,000-square-foot parts warehouse to its Elkhart campus. That was followed by the opening of a new 144,000-square-foot assembly plant, which opened in November 2023 in Elkhart.

The cutting-edge, assembly plant was designed to create a more efficient assembly line through the use of new technologies and streamlined processes that result in faster, smoother production, RVBusiness.com reported.

Plans for the new assembly plant called for being able to build everything from the smallest travel trailer to largest fifth-wheel toy hauler on site.

The decision to close the Sturgis plant was due to business necessity, according to the notice filed with the state.

In addition to the Sturgis closure, the company closed its manufacturing plant in Nampa, Idaho, in October 2024, laying off 70 people.

It is unclear if any employees at the Sturgis location were offered transfers to either of the newer Elkhart facilities, located just over 30 miles away.

Attempts to contact Mark Dilworth, HR director for Heartland RV, prior to publication were unsuccessful.

For more information about the company, visit heartlandrvs.com.

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KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI -- The origins of Ten Ten Buffet Grill & Sushi is the classic story of turning lemons into lemonade.

In 1999, Cindy Wang and her husband were Chinese immigrants who opened Bamboo House, a sit-down Chinese restaurant in a shopping center along Gull Road.

In 2012, the couple was told they needed to vacate -- the property had been sold and the shopping center was to be torn down and replaced by a Menards.

When the owners came to us and said they were going to sell the building, we were like, Oh my God, Wang said. What about our family? What can we do?

But subsequent talks with the property owners put their minds at ease, when the owners offered to construct a new restaurant building in front of Menards.

Instead of moving Bamboo House to the new location, the Wangs decided to go with a new concept -- an all-you-can Chinese buffet restaurant and name it Ten Ten, which in Chinese means every day, Wang said.

Kim Kramer eats with her 11-year-old twin sons, Dominic Kramer (left) and Bryce Kramer (right) at Ten Ten Buffet, Grill & Sushi on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Kalamazoo, Mich. Arthur H. Trickett-Wile | MLive.com

They also recruited more family members to move to the Kalamazoo area to help staff the restaurant. Today, there are extended family members from about a half-dozen households who work at Ten Ten, Wang said.

They pride themselves on their expansive buffet stocked with fresh, tasty food at a reasonable price, Wang said.

Dinner is $15.99 for patrons 12 and older; lunch is $11.99 and Sunday brunch is $12.99. For children 7 to 11, the cost is $9.99, $8.99 and $7.99, respectively. For ages 3 to 6, its $6.99, $5.99 and $4.99.

The restaurant has five serving stations with almost 50 dishes, including appetizers, entrees, fruit, salads and dessert.

And that doesnt include the sushi bar; the Mongolian grill where people choose their own stir-fry ingredients; nor the sundae bar with soft-serve ice cream.

A fried sushi roll at Ten Ten Buffet, Grill & Sushi on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Kalamazoo, Mich. Arthur H. Trickett-Wile | MLive.com

Appetizers include classics such as crabmeat rangoons, fried pork dumplings, egg rolls and soups. But the fried chicken wings are a customer favorite, using fresh instead of frozen meat, Wang said.

The chicken wings bring us a lot of customers, she said. They are very popular and there are a variety of dipping sauces.

The wings also are a favorite of Wangs. I have at least one or two every day, she said.

Among the entrees, the most popular are the Chinese-American classics, including the General Tsos chicken, which is deep-fried chicken pieces in a sweet and spicy sauce; bourbon chicken, which is chicken marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and bourbon; and coconut shrimp, which is deep-fried shrimp in a coconut sauce.

Wangs husband oversees the kitchen, she said. He makes regular trips to New York Citys Chinatown for inspiration for new dishes. Among the new entrees in the current rotations are a mildly spicy Korean shrimp as well as Korean barbecue chicken.

Dishes sit piled high with veggies and noodles at Ten Ten Buffet, Grill & Sushi on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Kalamazoo, Mich. Arthur H. Trickett-Wile | MLive.com

The COVID pandemic presented a huge challenge for Ten Ten, since the communal nature of buffets made many customers leery of them, even after the pandemic ended. Indeed, Wang said patronage at Ten Ten is still below pre-pandemic levels.

The restaurant switched to takeout during the pandemic, and a loyal customer base vowed to keep them in business.

It was a struggle, but there were a lot of very nice people who supported us, Wang said.

Since the pandemic, one challenge has been rising food prices, she said. But we have to keep things affordable. We cant rise our prices too quickly. ... I think our (buffet) prices are still the lowest in the area.

Ten Ten is located at 5282 Gull Road in front of Menards. Its open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Dinner prices go into effect at 3:30 p.m. Takeout also is available by calling (269) 553-9980.

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Allegan city officials have scrapped a proposal to eliminate the city's police department and contract with the Allegan County Sheriff's Office after community pushback. (MLive file photo) MLive file photo

ALLEGAN, MI  A city in Southwest Michigan will keep its local police force after briefly considering axing the department as a cost-saving measure.

This month, Allegan city officials began discussing the idea of eliminating its police department and contracting with the Allegan County Sheriffs Office instead for the citys patrols and emergency response.

The move was proposed to make room in the citys budget for a backlog of much-needed infrastructure improvements like road repairs, water line replacements and more, City Manager Joel Dye said.

But on Wednesday, April 23, the city announced it was scrapping the proposal due to community pushback. The city hosted a community meeting on Tuesday where more than 100 attendees were overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the Allegan Police Department.

Yesterday, our community came out loud and clear to support retaining our police department as is, Dye said on the citys Facebook page Wednesday. We asked for resident input, and we listened. Contracting with the county for police services is no longer an option on the table.

Allegan is roughly halfway between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.

Dye said the city still needs to find a way to come up with roughly $11 million over the next decade to pay for critical infrastructure projects.

We simply dont have money in our current budget for continued investment in our citys critical infrastructure, Dye said. We must find a financial path that allows us to provide city services while paying for infrastructure needs. We will work collaboratively with our community to find a solution they can both support and participate in.

Here are the projects Allegan needs to fund in the coming years:

Resurfacing or reconstructing 20% of roads and streets to maintain safe driving conditions for residents and visitors.

Replacing 800 lead water service lines, which is being mandated by the EPA and the state.

Investing in water treatment facilities to ensure drinking water is safe, clean and PFAS-free.

Replacing the condemned Trestle Trail Bridge, which will cost approximately $1 million.

Making improvements to Rossman Park, which will cost approximately $300,000.

Managing annual maintenance programs to keep the city-owned Regent Theatre and Griswold Auditorium operating smoothly and safely.

Handling annual maintenance and periodic upgrades for 10 city-owned parks.

During the April 14 Allegan City Council meeting, city staff shared the total cost for these projects for the next 10 years is approximately $14.2 million -- a cost that isnt currently available in the citys budget.

Aside from potentially cutting the police department, Dye had floated several other ways the city could look to save money. Those alternatives included trimming expenses across the citys budget, asking residents for an additional millage and borrowing from the water and sewer funds.

However, Dye said those options werent feasible. The city manager said the city already operates on a bare bones budget, and residents may be reluctant to approve another millage because Allegan has the highest taxes in the county, with a 16.368 millage rate.

Contracting police services with the county would have saved the city $750,000 in the first year and $460,905 annually after that. Dye said those funds would have been used to pay an infrastructure bond.

Dye said city staff will continue to explore other ways the city could raise money for infrastructure projects, including a millage and additional cost reductions.

We thank Joel Dye and city staff for their diligent work in responding to the City Councils request to explore funding options for future infrastructure improvements, Allegan Mayor Traci Perrigo said in a statement. We look forward to engaging the community in constructive dialogue as we discuss how to fund these needs in our city.

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House Republicans want Michigan cities and counties that have sanctuary immigration policies to be taken to court and have a majority of their state funding withheld. Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

LANSING, MI - House Republicans want Michigan cities and counties that have sanctuary immigration policies to be taken to court and have a majority of their state funding withheld.

The Republican-led House Government Operations Committee advanced bills Thursday, April 24, that would forbid local governments from having policies that limit local police and staff from communicating or cooperating with federal authorities about a persons immigration status.

The bills do not define communication or cooperation.

Local governments that refuse to amend a sanctuary policy would have all of their revenue sharing dollars withheld, even those mandated by the Michigan Constitution, until they change the policy, according to House Republicans.

Those dollars help fund essential services like police and fire, parks and recreation, road work and more. For a city like Grand Rapids, this would mean having about $28 million in state funding withheld each year, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

The Attorney Generals Office would also be tasked with taking local governments to court if they have a sanctuary policy and refuse to amend it.

The Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Association of Counties did not immediately respond to attempts for comment.

The committee Thursday advanced additional bills to the House that would mandate state and local governments use the term Gulf of America and largely duplicate federal prohibitions on undocumented immigrants receiving welfare and other aid.

The bills are all unlikely to be passed by the Democratic-majority Senate if they pass the House.

Republican bill sponsors argued that local government policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities are making cities less safe. Theyre often called sanctuary city policies.

Communities that choose to ignore our federal immigration laws are putting lives at risk, and its time we hold them accountable, one of the bill sponsors, state Rep. James DeSana, R-Carleton, testified.

It wasnt immediately clear how many cities and counties have policies that would put their state funding at risk of being withheld.

Bill sponsor state Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan, said more than 20 communities with more than 5.5 million residents would be in the crosshairs. He cited a list of communities that have declared themselves welcoming to immigrants and people of all backgrounds.

Local officials just dont realize how dangerous these sanctuary policies are for Michigan, said Cavitt. To some extent, I get it. They want to help people. But what they dont understand is that allowing people to live here illegally  putting up this false flag of protection  does nothing but keep people in the shadows and invite the worst criminals, gangbangers, and traffickers into our communities.

The bills come as President Donald Trumps administration continues its crackdown on undocumented immigrants. According to PBS News, that crackdown has led to some American citizens being wrongfully detained and one man being illegally deported.

House Republicans earlier this year implemented a policy to not consider any budget bill that includes earmark funding for a city or county that has a policy that subverts immigrant enforcement or refuses compliance with federal immigration enforcement measures.

RELATED: Michigan House GOP to sanctuary cities: Comply with ICE or lose project money

But revenue sharing dollars are a far larger chunk of money for local governments, with much of it mandated by the state Constitution and used to fund essential services, like police departments and sheriffs offices.

House Republicans argue they can withhold constitutionally-mandated funding because theyre withholding the funding until compliance is regained, not denying it.

State Rep. John Fitzgerald, D-Wyoming, asked whether the bills would have the opposite intended effect of keeping residents safe by withholding these dollars.

My question is: is it possible that by taking money away from local units of government that we are actually perpetuating an unsafe environment because we will have public safety departments without funding, Fitzgerald said.

DeSana said the purpose of the bills is to incentivize local governments to work with federal immigration authorities to keep undocumented immigrants out of the state.

The Michigan Sheriffs Association opposes the bills, said House Government Operations Committee Chair Brian BeGole, R-Antrim Township.

A number of advocates testified against the sanctuary policy ban bills Thursday, with some saying they subvert local control and others saying cooperation with federal immigration authorities potentially endangers residents with legal status.

The federal government is already rampaging across the country making complete violations of folks civil rights, said Yvonne Navarrete, policy director at We the People Michigan. People who have legal status, people who have temporary protective status, people who have (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), people who are U.S. citizens are already being detained by ICE and federal law enforcement incorrectly.

Another bill advanced by the committee Thursday would mandate all state and local government departments, boards, commissions, offices and agencies that use Gulf of Mexico instead use Gulf of America.

This would require changing maps and updating other documents that use Gulf of Mexico.

House Republican said public schools would not be included in this change.

The move aligns with President Donald Trumps Jan. 20 order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

It wasnt clear how many state departments, agencies and boards use Gulf of Mexico instead of Gulf of America. Gov. Gretchen Whitmers office did not immediately respond for comment.

State Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford, said those that are opposed to this change are the same that hate America. He said Trumps name change supports veterans and makes people proud to be American.

Were doing this for the families and the kids who gaze upon the great Gulf of America and put their toes in the water  Look, mom, Im in the gulf of America, Maddock said. Exciting things like this make people proud of their country.

Other bills advanced Thursday would prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving social welfare and state housing development services and grants.

Elinor Jordan, an attorney at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, said most undocumented residents are already ineligible for services and grants under these programs.
LANSING, MI  Two bills that aim to crack down on fentanyl dealers and manufacturers passed the Michigan State House with overwhelming support Wednesday.

House Bills 4255 and 4256, if adopted into law, would increase prison terms for individuals convicted of manufacturing, distributing or possessing fentanyl with intent to deliver.

"Every life lost to fentanyl represents a failure of justice," said State Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) in a statement. We have an obligation to act swiftly and boldly to end this crisis and restore safety and peace to Michigan families. This legislation does exactly that  getting dealers off the street."

After passing through the House with bipartisan support, 66-40 and 65-41, on Wednesday, April 23, the two bills now head to the Senate.

Sponsored by Lightner and State Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township), the bills could see sentences for fentanyl traffickers increase as follows:

Under 50 grams: 5 to 20 years imprisonment

50 to 450 grams: 10 to 25 years imprisonment

450 to 1,000 grams: 15 to 40 years imprisonment

More than 1,000 grams: 30 years to life imprisonment

Adults dealing fentanyl to minors: 7 years minimum in prison

Selling products that contain fentanyl, heroin or carfentanil without disclosing its presence: 10 years minimum in prison

The latter sentence, pertaining to a lack of disclosure, would be served before or in addition to any other prison time for the sale, cannot be suspended and would not allow for parole or probation.

This legislation delivers the decisive action families demand  punishing traffickers with sentences that match the severity of their crimes," Lightner said prior to the House vote. We are standing firmly with victims and families who have suffered too long from inadequate justice.
Pope Francis passed away Monday, April 21 at the age of 88. His funeral is to be held this Saturday. Heres how to watch the ceremonies at home.

Taking a picture of Pope Francis before Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin celebrates a mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

The Vatican recently announced final Mass details for the late Pope Francis, setting the public service for 10 a.m. local time in St. Peters Square, the site of St. Peters Basilica. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will guide the comparatively understated funeral  as Pope Francis enacted changes during his tenure that shifted the long-held rituals toward a more humble approach. For example, he will be laid to rest in one coffin instead of the former three-tiered custom, where two wooden coffins were nested with one made of lead. He will later be entombed in the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

Where to watch:

There are several ways to stream the rites in the United States, with NBC, CBS, CNN, and ABC all broadcasting the historic event on Saturday, April 26 at 4 a.m. ET. Alongside television programming, livestream coverage will be available via the individual network and Vatican News YouTube channels, with NBC content also streaming on Peacock.
Colorado Avalanche center Parker Kelly (17) goes airborne as he attacks against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, left, and defenseman Lian Bichsel during overtime in Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Monday, April 21, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) AP

Two tough battles in Texas have led to an even first-round series between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avlanche, as the two teams head to the Mile High City for Game 3 on Wednesday night.

After a rough loss to open the series, the Stars came out with a much stronger effort in Game 2 on Monday night. However, the Avalanche did not allow Dallas to get ahead, as the Stars needed a third-period goal from Evgenii Dadonov to force overtime.

That was when energy player Colin Blackwell came up with his second playoff overtime goal, scoring late in the first extra frame to give the Stars a much-needed 4-3 victory.

NHL STREAMING OPTIONS

Streaming Options Price/month Free Trial? Length Deal FuboTV $84.99 Yes 7 days No DirecTV Stream $79.99 Yes 5 days No Sling $45.99 No N/A 1/2 off first month

Had the Stars lost both games on home ice, they would have been in dire straits, despite them not technically being elimiated yet. However, with a big win in Game 2, they hit the road with a renewed sesne of confidence, with their eight-game losing straek now a thing of the past.

However, the Avalanche get to play in front of their home fans, which can be a tough ask for a road team during the playoffs.

CENTRAL DIVISION PLAYOFFS

(2) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche (Series tied, 1-1)

When: Wednesday, April 23

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET

Where: Ball Arena (Denver, Colo.)

Channel: ESPN

Follow the NHL Playoffs here
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All We Imagine As Light director Payal Kapadia receives French honour Officier dans lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres

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Anurag Kashyap's daughter Aaliyah reveals she was in Pahalgam with Imtiaz Ali's daughter two days before terror attack

Sarika Sharma

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BLACKPINK's Rose makes history at AMAs with two nominations, including collaboration of the year

Palak Vij

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Sriva A is a seasoned film critic with a keen eye for storytelling, cinematography, and performances.

Sarika Sharma

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Fauji Actress Imanvi Ismail reacts to hatred on social media; says I Am Not Pakistani

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One more actress accuses Shine Tom Chacko of inappropriate behaviour on film set

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Pakistani actors Fawad Khan, Mawra Hocane and Hania Aamir condemn terror attack in Pahalgam: 'In grief, and in hope we are one'

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Air India in talks with Boeing to take 10 planes snubbed by Chinese airlines, say sources

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New Unilever chief bullish on HUL, sees India as key market, says CEO Rohit Jawa

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Indias critical mineral trade is more focussed on raw material than products

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Suspending the Indus Water Treaty stops flow of information, gives India a window to accelerate hydropower projects

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US and world in a deja vu as tariff impact on economic projections are equivalent to 2008 crisis

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Sunil Matkar

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Trump probing if foreign nations can 'weaponize their control' over supplies of trucks and parts

Rohit Singh

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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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Switching to the new tax regime? Heres what happens to your carried forward business losses

Manisha Lal Khandpur

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Aryaman Gupta

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11,000 people may have flown out of Srinagar on April 23 after Pahalgam terror attack

Priyanjali Ghose

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'Centre will put last nail in coffin of terrorism': Yogi Adityanath meets Pahalgam attack victim's family

Chhabi Kala

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Sonalee Borgohain

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Five Indian diplomats stationed in Pakistan flown back to Delhi on April 23

Priyanjali Ghose

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'I totally believe Asim Munir is behind this': Army veteran blames Pak Army chief for Pahalgam terror attack

Arishaa Izaj

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World News Live Updates: St. Peter's Basilica reopens for thousands to pay respects to Pope Francis

St. Peter's Basilica reopened its doors on Thursday after a brief pause to accommodate thousands of mourners paying their respects to Pope Francis. Almost 50,000 people from around the world have visited the basilica to honor the late pope, who lies in state ahead of his funeral on Saturday.

The church, initially set to close at midnight, extended its hours due to the large crowds, staying open until 5:30 a.m. (03:30 GMT) before reopening at 7 a.m. The 88-year-old pope, who passed away on Monday after suffering a stroke, was brought to St. Peters on Wednesday in a solemn procession.
Tamal Nandi

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J&K Police may have missed following security SOPs ahead of JD Vance's India visit

Ria Kapoor

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Karnataka governor gives assent to Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill to split BBMP into smaller corporations

Tamal Nandi

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Ria Kapoor

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Pahalgam attack a blow to India's soul, perpetrators to be punished beyond their imagination: PM Modi in Bihar

Priyanjali Ghose

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Priyanjali Ghose

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'Opposition has given full support to govt to take any action', says Rahul Gandhi after all-party meet

Arishaa Izaj

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Yeeshu Yadav

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Chhabi Kala

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Shamsher Chandel is an independent journalist based out of Chandigarh. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Armaan Bhatnagar

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Arishaa Izaj

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LoC protocols under shadow as Pakistan suspends Simla Agreement: What the accord says and who will suffer?

Abhinav Gupta

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Manjiri Patil

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Terror strikes Pahalgam again: How the 1995 abductions brought world's attention to Kashmir

Parimal Peeyush

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'We'll never go back to Kashmir': Newlyweds heard gunshots, fled on horseback

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'We stopped 7 kms away but my son and his wife...': Pahalgam victim Shubham Dwivedi's father recalls terror attack horror

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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.

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Why was the CRPF not deployed at Baisaran, AIMIM chief Owaisi questions govt during all-party meet

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'You can put lipstick on a pig but...': Former US official likens Pakistan Army chief to Bin Laden after Pahalgam attack

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Indias military options are subject to the larger political message being sent

C Uday Bhaskar is Director, Society for Policy Studies, New Delhi. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

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Pratim Ranjan Bose is an independent columnist, researcher, and consultant. His Twitter handle is @pratimbose. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

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Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

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Terrifying zombie star that can destroy human atoms races through Milky Way  its origin is unknown

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Googles warning message to some remote workers: Come back to office or lose your

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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes after 5 Years: All You Need to Know to Plan This Pilgrimage

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.

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Planning Your First Safari Adventure? Discover the Ultimate Guide and the 10 Best Safari Destinations

Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.

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This Hidden Gem in Himachal Is Being Called Mini Thailand  Heres Why

Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.

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Travel to the U.S. Without a Visa? Only if Youre From One of These 41 Countries

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.

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'Better Stop, NOW': Trump slams China over Boeing deal collapse, links it to Fentanyl crisis

Pragya Trivedi

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Crimea at the heart of Russia-Ukraine peace talks: Why the annexed peninsula remains a flashpoint

Pragya Trivedi

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Did Shakespeare live with his wife in London? A forgotten letter may rewrite history

Pragya Trivedi

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Donald Trump says millionaire tax would push wealthy to leave US

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Elon Musk steps back from Washington: A controversial legacy at the Department of Government Efficiency

Pragya Trivedi

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Germany sees economy stagnating in 2025 as Trump's trade policy weighs on it

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This was a TERRORIST ATTACK plain and simple: US Foreign Affairs Committee hits out at NYT headline on Pahalgam

Abhinav Gupta

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Trump warns of new tariffs in weeks as global trade tensions resurface

Pragya Trivedi

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US offers 90-day visa-free entry to 41 countries: Is India on the list? Who is eligible? Check details here

Pragya Trivedi

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We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

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Reporter

Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post.
Zaldy Dandan is a recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/.
Update: Who Let The Dogs Out in Twain Harte has been moved to May 3 due to the weather.

There are many events planned for the last weekend in April 2025. First, the Bret Harte High School Drama Department is performing Chicago: The Musical (Teen Edition), tonight and tomorrow night, ticket details are in the event listing.

Disneys: Winnie the Pooh (Kids) will be performed at the Mountain Youth and Community Theatre from Friday, April 25th through May 4th. Ticket details and more are here.

Saturday morning there will be a Flapjack Fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Tuolumne County. The event will be at Applebees in Sonora from 8 to 10 AM. The breakfast includes pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs and choice of coffee, tea, juice or soft drink. Tickets details are in the event listing.

Love Tuolumne County invites the community to volunteer during the 5th annual county-wide event. Over 200 volunteers are needed to support service projects happening across the entire County.

Nancys Hope Thrift Store & Community Center presents its Annual Spring Tea & Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Church of 49ers in Columbia this Saturday from 2 to 4 PM. There will be raffle items and silent auction bids. Tickets details are in the event listing.

Sierra Saints Christian Motorcycle Association invite you to their 2nd annual fun-raiser on Saturday. The start is in Jamestown, with the ride going up to Strawberry and ending the day with lunch and prizes at the Sonora Moose Lodge from Noon to 3 PM. Tickets details are in the event listing.

The Parkinsons Awareness Walk is this Saturday. Join the Sonora Parkinsons support group at Patricks Parish Hall at 1:30 PM, friends, coworkers, caregivers, doctors are all invited. Details are in the event listing.

San Andreas Rotary presents the 5th annual Calaveras Ragin Cajun Festival this Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM on Main Street in San Andreas. This event will have music, vendors, and plenty of food including an authentic Louisiana Crawfish Boil. Proceeds benefit Hospice of Amador and Calaveras, ticket details are in the event listing.

Sunday, the Humane Society of Tuolumne Countys Spring Champagne Brunch will offer an afternoon of brunch, bubbly, and bidding, all to benefit the animals. The event is from 11:45 AM to 3:30 PM at the Elks Lodge in Sonora. There will be silent and live auction items, raffles as detailed in the event listing.

The 38th Annual INFOCUS Photography Competition Exhibition and Sale will take place inside of the Jamestown Community Hall on Main Street in Jamestown. The Exhibition will be open from Noon to 5 PM through Sunday, with a 20% off sale this Saturday and Sunday.

Sierra Reparatory Theater (SRT) is performing The Marvelous Wonderettes at the Fallon House Theatre. Murphys Creek Theatre is performing The Glass Menagerie as detailed in our Theater section.

Volunteer tree planting in the Rim Fire footprint has begun. Join the effort by signing up with Tuolumne River Trust, details are here.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is open with train rides daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through October. Sunday a special Easter guest known as the Maid of Spring will join train guests for family photos and every child will take home a special gift. All attendees are also invited to participate in an Easter Bonnet and Hat Contest.

There is an Estate Sale in Sonora this weekend as well listed in our classifieds here.

The restaurant of the month in our dining guide is Pinocchios. Check out movie times at local theaters. Updating traffic information is in our traffic section here.
Tuolumne County District Attorney's Office Logo View Photo

Sonora, CA A Calaveras County man has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for drug sales charges tied to a January overdose case in Tuolumne County, the District Attorneys Office announced this week.

Corey Craddock, 20, pleaded guilty to felony possession of fentanyl for sale and misdemeanor possession of marijuana for sale. The charges followed a Jan. 29 overdose in Columbia, where a victim survived thanks to his mothers quick response. The Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office and Tuolumne Narcotics Team (TNT) launched an investigation, learning Craddock was on felony supervision for a previous drug conviction in Stanislaus County. Although he listed a Calaveras address, Craddock frequently stayed with a friend in Tuolumne County, where authorities found roughly 1,500 counterfeit pills resembling oxycodone but containing fentanyl.

Craddock was pulled over on January 30th and found in possession of about 1.3 pounds of marijuana. His seized phone contained evidence of drug sales activity. Due to a recent legal amendment, Craddocks possession of more than 100 grams of fentanyl triggered a state prison sentence rather than county jail time and added additional years. As part of his plea, Craddock received a fentanyl advisement warning that drug distribution involving fatal outcomes could result in homicide charges.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Novelli. Anyone with information about local drug sales is urged to contact the TNT tip line at (209) 533-5884.
[W]e urge the US side to detoxify its mind. Instead of devoting its time and energy to attacking China, it would be much more productive to make real contributions to the development of the countries of the region.

If Panama was the first point of contention between the US and China on the American continent since Trump 2.0 took over and began pushing its weight around, Argentina is clearly the second.

Like Panama, Argentina has immense geostrategic value given its position on the doorstep of Antarctica, with its vast wealth of unexplored and unexploited natural resources, as well as the Triple Frontier it shares with Brazil and Paraguay, a key border in South America in terms of population, movement of people and international relations.

Like Panama, Argentina has developed very close economic and trade ties with China, particularly since the signing of a currency swap between the two countries in 2009 during the presidency of Cristina Fernandez. Since then, China has not only become a key source of external financing for the Argentine government but also a major trade partner, second only to Argentinas direct neighbour Brazil, and source of investment.

But the US is determined to change all of that. Last Friday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent paid a rare visit to Buenos Aires to meet with Javier Milei and his economy minister, Luis Caputo, to discuss future relations between the two countries. By no coincidence, the meeting came just three days after Milei signed a $20 billion IMF bailout, most of which funds Caputo will probably have burnt through by Argentinas mid-term elections in October. From our article on the topic:

In an interview with Bloomberg, Bessent praised Milei for working to bring down barriers towards reciprocal trade with the United States. He also admitted that the US is seeking to prevent Latin American countries from giving up their mining rights to China in return for aid. The unsaid part: those rights would be much better used in the hands of US, Canadian, European and Australian companies. China has signed a number of these rapacious deals marked as aid, where  theyve taken mineral rights. Theyve added huge amounts of debt onto these countries balance sheets, he said. Theyre guaranteeing that future generations are going to be poor and without resources. And we dont want that to happen any more than already has in Latin America. This is all part of the collective Wests China debt trap lie that wont die, as Conor documented in 2023: While Beijing certainly seeks influence in countries where it lends, it also usually builds infrastructure. And while those roads, train tracks, ports and more are also usually beneficial to Chinese operations, their construction also helps the host country. Its also way more than the West offers in terms of infrastructure Meanwhile, for Washington the IMF continues to serve as a handy tool for pursuing its geopolitical goals, not only in its own backyard but far beyond it. As more and more of the Global Souths stagnating and heavily indebted countries succumb to the whipsawing effects of Trumps global trade war and enter into default, the use of that tool could be about to increase significantly. The question is: how will China respond?

China just responded  with a firm message on international trade and development that I believe was intended for a much wider audience than just Argentina and the US  namely the other 76 countries of the G77+China (otherwise known, however imprecisely, as the Global South). Beijing knows that in the coming weeks the US will be trying to pressure dozens of other nations in Latin America and Africa to cut, or at least loosen, their commercial and economic ties with China, just as it is doing with Argentina, using the IMF as its main leverage.

Here are the most important sections of the one-page text (machine translated from Spanish):

The Embassy of China in Argentina expresses its deep discontent and categorical rejection of the malicious defamation and slander made by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, Scott Bessent, during his visit to the Argentine Republic on April 14, and makes the following statement: I. The claim about the agreements described as predatory and the alleged large amounts of debt incurred by the Peoples Republic of China is false. What is true is that some people with covert motives are trying to sow discord in Sino-Argentine and Sino-African relations. We remind them that to the best of its ability, China accompanies developing countries on their path to development  including those in Latin America and Africa  without imposing any political conditionalities. The intention of these partnerships has been to contribute to socio-economic development and the improvement of the well-being of the peoples, which have been very well received by the governments and beneficiary populations. If the United States prefers not to go down this path, it should at least refrain from deliberately obstructing or sabotaging other countries assistance to developing nations and the Global South. Nor should it sacrifice the well-being of the peoples of these nations to serve its selfish geopolitical interests in defence of its own hegemony II. China has always carried out practical cooperation with Argentina in various fields, including the currency swap, on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Over time, Sino-Argentina cooperation with the swap has played an important role in maintaining Argentinas economic and financial stability, which has been welcomed and highly valued by the Argentine side. In addition, it should be noted that the renewal of the swap has also played an important role in obtaining relevant financing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Chinas cooperation with Latin American countries  including Argentina  is a South-South collaboration that always adheres to the principles of equal treatment.

By contrast, the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump earlier this month threaten to deal a particularly heavy blow to developing and emerging economies if they come into force after the 90-day grace pause the US president later announced. These countries, particularly in South East Asia and Latin America, many of them facing debt crises, now find themselves trapped between the worlds two economic superpowers  China, a large source of manufactured goods and a key trading partner, and the US, a crucial export market.

They include Argentina, whose government is heavily dependent on both the Washington-based IMF and the government of China for external financing. The country also depends heavily on China as its second largest trade partner, accounting for 7.8% of Argentinas exports (exactly the same proportion as the US) and 20% of its imports (almost 10 percentage points higher than the US).

On April 10, the Milei government renewed a $5 billion activated swap line with China for another year. A week later, it signed a $20 billion emergency loan agreement with the IMF, taking its total debt obligations to the fund to over $60 billion. It is also in line for a further $22 billion in debt from the World Bank and the Washington-based Inter-American Bank (IAB).

The goal is clear: to pull Argentina away from China and back into the US orbit. As mentioned at the start of the post, the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent already launched a tirade against Chinas currency swap agreement with Argentina during his visit to Buenos Aires, repeating the oft-used falsehood that Beijing is engaging in debt trap diplomacy, while using the IMF in exactly that way, as it has done for decades.

The Risks of Shaking Down the World

Apparently one of the main goals of Trumps tariff threats is to push US economic partners to curb trade with China and rein in Beijings manufacturing dominance. Thats according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. Bloomberg has also reported that Bessent is working to isolate China from some of its closest neighbours  Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and India  in whats been called a grand encirclement strategy.

It remains to be seen how successful this attempt to shake down the entire world will prove to be. The EU, as Conor noted this week, will probably end up falling into line while making noise about cosying up to China as a counterweight to the Trumps hardball negotiation tactics. The US USMCA partners, Mexico and Canada, are simply too dependent on the US economy to walk away and will probably end up reducing their trade with China.

There was also news yesterday that India has agreed to impose a 12% tariff on Chinese steel, suggesting that Bessents grand encirclement strategy is already yielding dividends wrt the BRICS weakest link. In a bid to placate Trump, Indias Modi government has also announced big import duty cuts on Harley-Davidson motorbikes and American-made bourbon whiskey while also pledging to buy more US energy and defence products.

JUST IN:  India to put 12% tariff on steel to limit cheap imports from China. pic.twitter.com/LhxZ4tWtQp  BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) April 21, 2025

But in the Global South as a whole, including large parts of its so-called backyard, Washington has a major problem: it has little to offer many countries, besides the constant threat of double-digit tariffs on their exported goods entering the US and the occasionally dangled carrot of the tariffs (presumably temporary) suspension  provided they do everything the Trump administration demands, including distancing themselves from China.

The United States asks them to block Chinese investments, but it gives them little in return and even blocks the entry of products into their own market by imposing tariffs, Gabriel Merino, a geopolitical analyst, tells El Pais. China is betting on its famous strategic patience. It has obstacles, with the attempts of the United States to reduce its influence, but it will continue to pursue its objectives because it understands that cooperation with Latin America is fundamental.

As the map below shows, for most countries in the Global South and even some in the Global North, China is already their largest trade partner.

The critical dependence China has developed around the world, especially in Asia, means that lots [of trading partners] cannot do without China, said Alicia Garcia-Herrero, an economist at the investment bank Natixis. From critical minerals to silicon chips, Chinese exports are almost irreplaceable.

Another problem for the US is Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, of which the US does not have an equivalent and is almost certainly incapable of producing one. As Daniel Runde, the senior vice-president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, lamented in recent testimony to the US Congress (emphasis my own), Unfortunately, BRI is an ambitious and hopeful project that speaks to the aspirations of Chinas friends and potential friends. I hate it because its a great idea, because it inspires folks in the Global South. Its just not our idea.

US foreign policy in a nutshell: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a great idea that inspires the Global South. But I hate it because its Chinas idea and not ours.  pic.twitter.com/8dkf8FG8Zk  S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) May 19, 2024

Unlike the US, China generally does not try to dictate how its trading partners should behave and what sorts of rules, norms, principles and ideology they should adhere to. What China does  or at least has by and large done over the past few decades until now  is to trade with and invest in countries that have goods  particularly commodities  it covets. And as the map above shows, it has been a winning strategy so far.

Even Argentinas fervent anti-communist president, Javier Milei, admitted that China is a very interesting trading partner. Almost exactly a year after telling Tucker Carlson that he would never trade with Chinas murderous government, Milei had nothing but fond words for the US main strategic rival, saying: [they] do not make demands, the only thing they ask is that they not be bothered.

Trade with the US, by contrast, always comes with heavy strings attached, and the relationship Washington forges with countries willing to bend the knee is always one of master and vassal, as the EU has learnt to its cost. Contrast Chinas talk of practical cooperation with countries on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit with Trumps recent bragging about countries kissing my ass to negotiate tariffs during a dinner for Republicans.

Also, as Yves has repeatedly pointed out, the US is quite simply not agreement capable. The Trump administration has shown this in spades with the way it has sought to rewrite the terms and conditions of USMCA  which Trump himself not only negotiated but heralded as the largest, fairest, most balanced, and modern trade agreement ever achieved  just six years after its signing.

Argentina offers a fascinating case in point of just how difficult it will be for the US to drive a wedge between Global South economies and China. The Milei government has sought to align Argentina as firmly as possible with the Collective West, even going so far as to apply to become a global partner of NATO, months after cancelling Argentinas membership of the BRICS-plus alliance.

It has offered to send weapons to Ukraine while pledging total support for Israels genocidal war crimes. In an interview with Bloomberg just over a year ago when still on the campaign trail, Milei referred to the Asian nation as an assassin. Yet Argentinas perennially troubled economy needs Chinese financing, investment and trade.

Bessent himself has reportedly stated that the US is prepared to offer Argentina an emergency credit line in the event of a global shock. But the US will not be able to supplant Chinas trade with Argentina any time soon  indeed, as a major exporter of soyabeans, cereals, animal fodder, etc., Argentina is in direct competition with the very powerful US agricultural sector, whereas it complements the needs of China  or Beijings multibillion-dollar investments in Argentinas infrastructure.

Beijing Strikes Back

Just as Trump seemingly did not expect Beijing to respond in kind to his escalating tariffs on Chinese goods, his government was probably also surprised by the tough line China has taken on countries that end up (to borrow from US diplomatic speak) kissing Trumps behind. A spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Commerce said at the start of this week that Beijing will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner against nations that align with the US against it. From Al Jazeera:

On Monday, Chinas Commerce Ministry hit back, warned other nations that to seek ones own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others interests is to seek the skin of a tiger. In effect, it argued that those trying to strike deals with the US  the tiger  would be eaten up themselves eventually. The ministry also said China would in turn target all countries that fell in line with US pressure to hurt Beijing.

Xi Jinping has been spreading this message during his recent whistle-stop tour of Southeast Asia, where many countries rely on exports to the US but are facing some of Trumps steepest tariffs. Chinas paramount leader called on these countries, including Vietnam, to oppose the US unilateral bullying, while also warning of consequences for countries who end up appeasing Trump.

The ultimate irony is that by upending the rules of the global trade system that the US government and corporations wrote, the Trump administration has made China appear to be a more reliable partner, even to some long-standing US vassal state s allies like the EU, Canada and Japan. Last week, for example, UK Treasury Secretary Rachel Reeves said it would be very foolish for the UK to engage in less trade with China.

China is now positioning itself as the leader of the rules-based global trade system, and painting the U.S. as a dangerous rogue nation determined to blow up orderly trade relations, said Stephen Olson, a former U.S. trade negotiator now with the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.
The DOJ and eight states on August 23 sued the private equity-owned company that allegedly operates as the middle man in a national property management cartel that has sent rent through the roof. The civil lawsuit accuses RealPage of using the software it sells to real estate management companies to orchestrate an illegal price-fixing scheme, which all but eliminates competition among mega landlords, allows them to boost prices, and acted as a major factor in skyrocketing rents in recent years.

RealPage and the rental management companies, many of which are private equity-owned, are also facing dozens of class action lawsuits from tenants. A separate lawsuit against Santa Barbara-based Yardi, a company similar to RealPage, accuses it of using its RENTmaximizer (now Revenue IQ) product to do exactly what RealPage is accused of doing.The DOJ also opened a criminal investigation into RealPage, and the large apartment owners and managers that use the companys pricing software, to determine if the firm is facilitating price fixing.

Back in December, the DOJ closed its criminal investigation into price-fixing practices in the multifamily rental housing industry. It increasingly looks as though the civil antitrust suit will be next.

US Attorney General and corporate lobbyist and foreclosure fraudster Pam Bondi is leading a house cleaning operation at the Justice Department, getting rid of or sidelining career supervisors who were responsible for going after corruption, price fixing, securities fraud, and other crimes. That doesnt bode well for the effort against RealPage Heres Propmodo, putting it politely:

it appears that the RealPage case may not be a priority for federal prosecutors. Andrew Ferguson, head of the FTC, has stated that mergers and acquisitions are the primary focus of the current team. Gail Slater has also focused on mergers; during her time at the FTC, she worked to block several high-profile deals, including Whole Foods attempt to acquire Wild Oats Markets. She has further experience working alongside tech companies, having served as vice president for legal and regulatory policy at the Internet Association, a tech lobbying group. There is still a distinct possibility that the DOJ will continue its probe into property pricing software. But, the new DOJ seems less concerned about algorithmic pricing schemes and more focused on preventing large-scale mergers.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in March that she is worried the federal RealPage lawsuit could be on the chopping block. The Trump administration has also declared open season for various forms of white-collar crime, such as foreign bribery, public corruption, money laundering and crypto markets.

Many defense lawyers, encouraged by the shift, have urged prosecutors to drop cases or probes, and their wish has been granted. In December, lawyers for RealPage asked that the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina dismiss the antitrust lawsuit brought against it by the Department of Justice and 10 states. The court has yet to rule on that request, but there are signs that the Trump DOJ might deprioritize the case regardless.

Meanwhile, on April 2, RealPage, which is owned by private equity giant Thoma Bravo, announced that it has filed a lawsuit against the City of Berkeley, California for passing an ordinance barring local landlords from using AI-driven pricing algorithms to set residential rents.

RealPage claims Berkeley seeks to prohibit the use of math and publicly available information to provide advice or recommendations to its customers who own and manage rental housing properties and this amounts to a ban on lawful speech. Berkeley City Attorney Farimah Faiz Brown told Reuters the following:

RealPage has no First Amendment right to engage in, or facilitate, unlawful pricing alignment, coordination or fixing, Brown said via email, adding that the city, represented by Keker, Van Nest & Peters, intends to vigorously oppose RealPages lawsuit.

Lets take a quick look at a few of RealPages claims that accompanied its suit against Berkeley.

RealPage says its customers are never punished for declining recommendations. and that it makes price recommendations in all directions  up, down or no change  to align with property-specific objectives of the housing providers using the software.

They would appear to be more than just mere recommendations. From one of the lawsuits against RealPage:

Beginning in approximately 2016, and potentially earlier, Lessors replaced their independent pricing and supply decisions with collusion. Lessors agreed to use a common third party that collected real-time pricing and supply levels, and then used that data to make unit-specific pricing and supply recommendations. Lessors also agreed to follow these recommendations, on the expectation that competing Lessors would do the same.

Heres an Associate Vice President of one of the defendants talking up the collusionary aspect of the software, which was featured in RealPages own literature:

With LRO [RealPages Lease-Rent Options] we rarely make any overrides to the [pricing] recommendations . . . [W]e are all technically competitors, LRO helps us to work together . . . to make us all more successful in our pricing . . . LRO is designed to work with a community in pricing strategies, not work separately.

The lawsuits also allege that there was considerable pressure to follow the recommendations:

To ensure that the landlords abide by these recommendations, RealPage puts significant pressure on them to implement RealPages prices, including by requiring clients to submit requests to deviate to the corporate office and tracking the identity of the clients staff that requested a deviation. Multifamily Compl.  17-20, 261-86. As a result, landlords using RealPage adopt RealPages recommendations 80-90% of the time.

Furthermore, according to a joint legal brief from the DOJ and FTC, even without the additional pressure, these types of recommendations via algorithm are still illegal:

It is per se illegal for competing landlords to jointly delegate key aspects of their pricing to a common algorithm, even if the landlords retain some authority to deviate from the algorithms recommendations. Although full adherence to a price-fixing scheme may render it more effective, the effectiveness of the scheme is not a requirement for per se illegality.

RealPage contends its software contributes to a healthier and more efficient rental housing ecosystem that benefits both renters and housing providers.

All evidence points to the contrary.

RealPage officials have bragged about the outsized effect their software has on rental market prices. Company executive Andrew Bowen once said that the software was driving it, referring to rental price increases. He added: As a property manager, very few of us would be willing to actually raise rents double digits within a single month by doing it manually.

As we pointed out in a piece in September of last year, there are strong signs that the use of price-setting software in some of the nations largest rental markets are contributing to the explosion in homelessness:

To really get a feel for the effect of the RealPage and property management company cartel, its best to look at individual metro markets. Thats because in cities like Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Boston, Nashville, Dallas, Atlanta, etc. the market can be dominated by large (oftentimes private equity-owned) companies, and if all of them are colluding using RealPage, the effect can be enormous. Lets focus here on Los Angeles. While the story is the same across many markets, LA also happens to be the epicenter of US homelessness crisis. Los Angeles County is the 6th largest multifamily market with 448,848 completed units. Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, an LA organization that focuses on tenant rights and economic justice, in their 2021 report, Beyond Wall Street Landlords: How Private Equity in the Rental Market Harms Tenants, found that more than two thirds of all LA Rentals are now owned by speculative investment vehicles. Corporate landlords named in the RealPage lawsuits include Essex Property Trust, Equity Residential, and AvalonBay Communities  the three biggest players in LA real estate management. Combined they control 35,020 multifamily units, or 7.8 percent of LA Countys 448,848 units. According to lawsuits against RealPage and large property management companies, there are another 17 companies that use RealPages rent-setting tool in LA, and together, they account for just more than 52 percent of all rental apartment buildings in the LA market. [1] A separate lawsuit against Santa Barbara-based Yardi, a company similar to RealPage, accuses it of using its RENTmaximizer (now Revenue IQ) product to do exactly what RealPage is accused of doing. When you throw Yardi into the mix, that means that 79 percent of all multifamily rental units in LA County are being listed using collusion software. Widespread adoption of this collusion software has helped LA rent prices go through the roof in recent years. It is up 41 percent compared to 2016  the year when RealPage hit critical mass.

RealPage says its revenue management software has been available for two decades and is purposely built to be legally compliant:

This is the legal gray area. Much of the legal architecture that muddied the waters of price-fixing prosecution was established by the Clinton Administration and later sanctioned by Obama. Information sharing largely wasnt prosecuted due to a Clinton-era loophole introduced by HRC in 1993 that allowed it in the healthcare industry (purportedly to help lower prices, although the opposite happened), but importantly, the rules were interpreted to apply to all industries. Those rules were further liberated in 1996 and then again in 2011 under Obamas Affordable Care Act and its Accountable Care Organizations provision.

The current DOJ announced the end of that no-enforcement arrangement last year, however, when it closed those Clinton-era information-sharing loopholes. Principal Deputy Attorney General Doha Mekki explained the rationale behind the decision, saying that the development of technological tools such as data aggregation, machine learning, and pricing algorithms have increased the competitive value of historic information. In other words, its now (and has been for a number of years) way too easy for companies to use these so-called safety zones to fix wages and prices. The problem is that no judicial decision has yet adopted the DOJs position. And judges will have less of a chance to do so if the Trump DOJ withdraws the civil case against RealPage.

As far as I understand it, until a judicial decision comes down, the Trump DOJ could also simply reopen the information sharing loopholesofficially or unofficially if companies know they wont be prosecuted.

The fact that RealPage is now confident enough to declare its actions lawful speech coupled with other Trump DOJ hints sure makes it appear as though that will be the case.
The Hole Story: How Woodpeckers Make Homes For The Rest Of The Forest All About Birds

Climate/Environment

Pure chaos as the Jones Fire in New Jersey rips through neighborhoods. The fire was last estimated at 3,200 acres. This is insane Fire behavior for New Jersey, or just about anywhere. Good luck to anyone in there trying to fight that thing. This is just crazy. pic.twitter.com/XEFpDmyzpJ  The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) April 23, 2025

Pandemics

Water

Everyone cheering Klaus Schwabs exit from the @wef should be careful what they wish for. His replacement is none other than Peter Brabeck-Letmathe  ex-Nestle CEO, supporter of the 4th Industrial Revolution, food supply poisoner, and the guy who said water isnt a human right. pic.twitter.com/kyXR3Jk5Bb  Dr. Simon Goddek (@goddeketal) April 22, 2025

India

China?

Old Blighty

Let Ed Run It Doomberg. The British steel industrys final days devolve into a cynical game of blamestorming.

Syraqistan

After meeting with senior Republicans at Mar-a-Lago, Itamar Ben-Gvir said: They expressed support for my very clear position on how to act in Gaza and that the food and aid depots should be bombed. pic.twitter.com/51QGqxu28I  jeremy scahill (@jeremyscahill) April 23, 2025

Africa

Africas membership to the World Trade Organization has been a disaster Grieve Chelwa

European Disunion

New Not-So-Cold War

Liberation Day(s)

Trump 2.0

DOGE

MAHA

Democrats en Deshabille

How Democrats Changed Their Social Base to Defend Their Neoliberal Program Left Notes

Immigration

SignalGate

Police State Watch

Imperial Collapse Watch

AI

California Bar Reveals It Used AI For Exam Questions, Because Of Course It Did Above the Law

Healthcare?

Antitrust

A Lot of Emotion: The Rocky Marriage of Instagram and Facebook Big Tech on Trial

Groves of Academe

Yale pro-Palestinian group stripped of status after protesters pitch tents to oppose appearance by Israeli security minister New Haven Register

Our Famously Free Press

Pope Francis Obits Omit Focus on Palestine FAIR

Class Warfare

Put Your Butt in the Chair: Inside the Simple Alchemy of Making Art Lit Hub

Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
On April 17, 1975, the victors of the Cambodian Civil War occupied Phnom Penh, the countrys capital, and marched its 2 million inhabitants into the countryside. While Saigon fell in neighboring Vietnam, Khmer Rouge revolutionaries cut off Cambodia from the outside world and began to implement their fanatical vision: resetting their civilizations history to Year Zero and transforming a modern nation into a brutal agricultural slave-labor collective. They abandoned the cities, schools, hospitals, temples and businesses; killed a generation of leaders, monks and professionals; and forced the entire population into camps to work the land, to be starved and terrorized, in an attempt to make them forget who they had been.

By the time Vietnamese troops ousted Pol Pots Khmer Rouge in 1979, an estimated 2 million Cambodians had died by execution, hunger, torture or disease. The country was in ruins. Hundreds of thousands of sick and starved Cambodians braved battle zones, banditry and minefields to reach the U.N. refugee agencys overflowing camps in Thailand. More than 150,000 Cambodian refugees, many with the help of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC), were resettled in the United States, with the largest diasporas gathering in Long Beach, Calif., and Lowell, Mass.

Nashvilles Cambodian community, by comparison, is relatively small. A 1989 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report estimated that beginning in 1978, around 100 families  or 500 people  had settled here. Many lived on Archer Street in Edgehill and along Shelby Avenue in East Nashville. They found work in factories, an African violet greenhouse and the Gaylord Opryland Resort. They resisted their own erasure by living, and by refusing to forget who they had been.

On the 50th anniversary of Year Zero, the Scene checked in with our citys Cambodian community to find out how theyve built new lives as Americans, Southerners and Nashvillians. They recalled coming here with nothing, and the support they received  from USCC, ESL teachers, YMCA counselors, public assistance and the Belmont Baptist Church. They told us with pride about converting a modest house off Dickerson Pike into a Buddhist temple and community anchor. They discussed businesses theyve launched, children theyve sent to school, homes theyve saved up for. They also spoke of genocides ghosts: shattered aspirations and the buried fear and pain that emerge as anxiety, haunted silences, anger  and occasionally, mental illness or violence. And they defined the ingredients of their extraordinary resilience: hard work and gratitude; commitment to family, faith and their close-knit community; and awestruck thankfulness for the miracle of being alive at all.

Here are a few stories of who the Cambodian Nashvillians were, who they are now, and who theyre still becoming.
In the Cambodian tradition, people invite monks to their homes to bless the spirits of their family members. Because there tend to be fewer monks in American communities, the tradition evolved into a communal blessing ritual. Every year, members of the Cambodian community from all around Middle Tennessee  and sometimes from other states  gather at the Cambodian Buddhist Temple in East Nashville for a special memorial service.
Sarong Vit-Kory was born in 1982 in the Khao I Dang refugee camp in Thailand. Four years later, her family resettled in Nashville. For Vit-Kory, her parents and her five siblings, the city became a home and a refuge. She learned English at school and church, and her father worked at the Opryland Hotel.

Vit-Kory comes across as resolutely buoyant and enterprising. After graduating from MTSU, she spent time in Cambodia, carried her bilingual skills back home, and became a dogged advocate for Nashvilles Cambodian refugee families. She helps them navigate citizenship applications and doctors appointments, cares for her mother, and takes the Buddhist monks on outings. You can negate evil with goodness, she says, and being compassionate. The Scene spoke with Vit-Kory about growing up in Nashvilles small Khmer community.

Whats your first memory?

In the camps. I remember walking barefoot with my sisters in a sandy, dusty area. My mother was cooking, and she said, Go find your father. Tell him to come home.

What are some early memories of Nashville?

We lived in Cayce Homes. Some other Cambodians stayed in the Fatherland and Boscobel areas, and on South Ninth. They were our phums  phum means village  like back in Cambodia. Everyone would gather at the phums and eat, drink, play games and sing karaoke. There were two or three weddings every summer  very festive. Romvong [traditional folk-dance music] was a glimpse of our parents lives before the war.

Where did you go to school?

We Cambodians went to Cora Howe Elementary, and then Bailey Middle. We spoke Khmer while we were learning English. Then Metro said everyone had to go to their zoned schools. After fifth grade, I was in class with no Cambodians. We lost our fluency. This affected our relationship with our parents, who only knew Khmer.

Where did you worship?

In the 1980s, the community was very centered around the Belmont Baptist Church. There was a Cambodian pastor there. Wednesday nights, a bus picked us up at the phums. I was in the choir. Thats when I learned that I love to sing. Im crazy about Christmas carols.

My parents didnt talk about Buddhism. Really, the basis for life then was just to get by, to save money, to raise your kids, and just work.

Why did you visit Cambodia?

I got a degree in international relations and wanted to learn more about developing countries, for my career. I also wanted to learn Khmer so I could communicate with my parents and be closer to them.

Going to Cambodia helped me remember that Cambodian girl I was in elementary school. When I would go to the temple and hear the chanting, I felt the physical and spiritual world come together. It became a part of my identity as a Cambodian Buddhist woman.

Did you understand what your parents had been through during the Khmer Rouge regime?

I always knew they came from a war. I didnt understand the kind of atrocity it was. Its something I didnt grow up hearing about. Youd maybe hear the words Pol Pot or Khmer Rouge while people were drinking together. And my mother, who is mentally disabled, would say certain words to herself in Khmer, like Communi! Communi! I realized later, when I went to Cambodia, that she was saying the word communists.

Did your mother tell you anything about that time?

She always said she sewed the black uniforms for the Khmer Rouge. Then about 10 years ago, someone asked her, Tell us, please, sister. Be honest. What did you do during the war? It turns out, she had to collect and count the rice that was being shipped to a factory and probably on to China. Not by choice. Of course, she had to do it. The reason she lied was, she said, Never tell the truth, or you can get killed.

Everyone went through the war. But a few people got extremely traumatized. I think my mother got it the worst. She hears voices at night, so Ill comfort her. Its a cry of suffering, a cry of loneliness.

What drives you to be a caretaker for your family and community?

I think I was always a little Buddhist girl and didnt even know it. Because when I was 7 or 8, I made a decision: I just want to do good.

I think everyone has a little Buddha in them. You and I are the same. Were human. Your joy is my joy.

What does the American Dream mean to you?

My father was a farmer. He never imagined what his country would go through, and that he would have to leave everything that he knew. For the rest of his life, he used his bare hands to provide for his family. But it was such a life of meaning for him.

Every family has its problems, but we do everything together. Thats how we create meaning. Success is finding meaning with people you love in your life. Weve been replanted in a new land, and weve been able to survive with each other. Its a story of the human spirit. We are so infinite. We are so much stronger than we think we are. And the Cambodian community in Nashville is an example of that. They are survivors.
The Venerable Han Hoeung didnt always want to be a monk.

In the beginning, I didnt want to be a monk at all, but my father was a monk, Hoeung explains through a translator. He was a great monk, and well-known. He wanted me, as his son, to continue that legacy. I said to myself that I would  but only for a month or two.

He laughs as he remembers those younger years, and his own childish folly.

Obviously, at the age of 14, there are a lot of distractions in your life, he continues. You have all this freedom and just kind of so many choices. But it also seemed chaotic at the same time. Thats what attracted me to Buddhism  the moment I was ordained to be a monk, there was peace and calmness. And I thought, I can use this to educate myself and also to educate the people.

Hoeung has been a monk for almost 30 years. In June 2021, he moved to Nashville from Cambodia. Its been quite a transition.

I had been living in Cambodia most of my life, he says, and the country is a developing country. So you see a lot of things in process and in progress. Versus here, where everything seems to be fully established already. Freedom is in abundance.

He lives among a community of monks at the Cambodian International Buddhist Temple in East Nashville, where he feels comfortable but always enjoys going out into the community. As he did in his home country, Hoeung loves to speak with younger Cambodians living in Nashville about the dharma  the interconnectedness of all life. But unlike in Cambodia, in Nashville he feels a greater freedom to express ideas, especially when it comes to injustices he perceives.

Were able to instill a certain type of emotion in [younger generations] that gets them to be so compassionate about their parents and about others that they will cry and become very emotional. And then we try to let them become familiar with that emotion of being compassionate, so that they can always use that and take it with them as theyre growing up.

Before the opposition party in Cambodia took power, monks had quite a bit of freedom, he explains. If there was injustice, the monks would come together just sort of to be a face for the people. But after the opposition party was dissolved, all monks realized that they cannot say too much.

When I came here, I realized that I can speak about what I feel is right  especially when it comes to speaking about justice, Hoeung continues. You can speak that without having that fear or the sense of oppression that monks now in Cambodia experience.

Hoeung encourages curious Nashvillians to come visit the temple if theyd like to learn more about the dharma, mindfulness and meditation  as long as a translator is available.
Lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session on Tuesday, but not without pushing through some final pieces of legislation.

DEI Debate

The Republican-led Dismantling DEI Departments Act passed the House on April 22 despite 30 minutes of fervent debate against the legislation from Democratic representatives.

The legislation is expected to receive a final OK from Gov. Bill Lee in coming days and will bar state agencies, local governments and public colleges and universities from promoting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Republicans argue that the bill will level the playing field for applicants and not give certain applicants an unfair advantage.

Equity is a guaranteed outcome without considering input, said the bills House sponsor, Rep. Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville). Another word for that is discrimination. Identity-based politics are aimed at segregating and separating people into groups. This is ideological by nature, and its wrong.

Several Democrats called the legislation racist, saying it will lead to discrimination in hiring and that Republicans are falsely conflating DEI with affirmative action.

This is a racist act, and the people who support and propagate it are participating and continuing a horrible, horrendous, abhorrent legacy of racism, Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) said Tuesday. Using legislation and policy to bludgeon the reality of the existence of people who continue to deal with the racism that you perpetuate.

The legislation comes in the wake of a similar bill  the Dismantle DEI Act  which also heads to the governors desk. The bill will prohibit institutions of higher learning and local governments from using hiring practices based on an applicants race, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.

Also during this session, lawmakers passed a bill to prohibit race-based policies from being used when appointing individuals to state boards. This includes policies like racial preferences and quotas, and affirmative action.

Vaccination Choice

A bill that requires physicians accepting TennCare to treat patients regardless of their vaccination status passed this week. Rep. Michele Carringer (R-Knoxville) said during Mondays House floor session that the bill was brought to her from a constituent who was experiencing medical discrimination against families choosing not to vaccinate in Tennessee.

The bills passage comes on the heels of Middle Tennessees measles count reaching six cases late last week, as confirmed by the Tennessee Department of Health.

Rep. Chris Todd (R-Madison County) said on the House floor Monday that one of his constituents, a physician, raised concern that if an older child who is unvaccinated comes into the waiting room of a doctors office, a 9-month-old who is not yet vaccinated could be exposed.

Carringer said on Monday there is no way to avoid sickness.

Theres no way that you can keep anybody from getting exposed, she said. If its in the air, its in the air.

Our children are going to school with children who are unvaccinated, and theyre playing ball, and theyre in the grocery stores," Carringer added. "Theres no way we can stop that. It is all of the ones that have come into our country that are unvaccinated that are bringing these particular illnesses.

Pilot Programs

Thanks to a bill passed this week, the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging is tasked with creating and administering a three-year pilot program to give grants to caregivers of family members diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia in an effort to offset costs of care.

TennCare is also set to establish a pilot program to expand its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The program is mainly for those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and currently exists only in Hamilton County (Chattanooga).

Wetland Protections

Protections for a majority of Tennessee's wetlands will soon be deregulated following the passage of legislation on April 21. The bill is set to prevent the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation from classifying a property as a wetland unless it is federally classified as so.

The legislation is a stripped-down version of what its West Tennessee Republican sponsors, Rep. Kevin Vaughn (R-Collierville) and Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), originally intended  to remove all regulations from the states isolated wetlands. They said the purpose behind the bill was to lift regulations they believe are too strict for property owners and developers.

Democrats and environmental activists have said this could lead to the destruction of wetlands and favors development companies. They also say it could lead to contaminated drinking water and pose a higher risk, than otherwise, of flooding.

Election Laws

Two bills dealing with election laws were passed on the last day of the session.

One of those, HB 1383, seeks to align local school board elections with the election cycle of the county legislative body. The bill is considered permissive, meaning the county would need to adopt a resolution stating it would want to make this change. It also applies only to counties that have a charter form of government  right now, only Shelby and Knox counties.

Some legislators objected to the fact that if the legislation were to be adopted by a county, the current school board members' terms would be cut short to align with the county government election.

The bipartisan legislation was carried by Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) and Rep. Torrey Harris (D-Memphis). While it found no Democratic support in the Senate, passing 27-6, it was supported by some Democrats in the House as that body concurred 92-3-2 with the Senates amended version.

The other bill, SB 229, makes changes to some campaign finance requirements, such as removing limits to how much political action committees can donate to campaigns and expanding the use of funds to include public relations, consulting and legal expenses for a criminal matter involving the candidate or officeholder.

Earlier this month, the Tennessee Lookout reported that former Sen. Brian Kelsey (who has been pardoned by President Donald Trump for campaign-finance-related crimes) reached out to Taylor about getting an amendment on the bill. The Senate did ultimately pass an amendment to the bill. Though the House originally did not concur, after a conference meeting, both chambers adopted a bill that the Senate sponsor said was substantially similar to that of the original Senate amendment.
Democratic Rep. Raskin warns foreign leaders: Support Trump, face consequences

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin warns foreign leaders against supporting Trump, threatening to cut aid to El Salvador over its deportation cooperation.

Raskin accuses El Salvador's President Bukele of facilitating authoritarianism in the U.S.

Democrats are under fire for undermining American foreign policy for partisan gain, damaging U.S. credibility abroad.

Raskin's stance reveals a pattern of authoritarian behavior within the Democratic Party, using threats to silence dissent.

Raskin calls for transnational democratic solidarity but his threats undermine the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) has issued a strong warning to foreign leaders who support the Trump administration, particularly in matters of immigration. During an interview on the "Pod Save America" podcast, Raskin threatened that Democrats will not look kindly upon nations that "facilitated authoritarianism in our country" if and when they regain power.

This aggressive stance, particularly directed at El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, underscores a growing trend of authoritarian behavior within the Democratic Party, even as they claim to be the defenders of democracy.

A threat to El Salvador

Raskin's comments came in the context of El Salvador's cooperation with the Trump administration's deportation policies. Specifically, he referenced the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who was deported to El Salvador despite a 2019 court order that blocked his deportation to that country. Raskin, the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, suggested that Democrats should consider cutting off aid to El Salvador in response to Bukele's actions.

"The whole idea that Bukele doesnt have any power to return an American prisoner who was sent to him under an agreement where hes getting paid $6 million by America is ridiculous," Raskin said. "Hes our legal agent in this dubious arrangement they created. Of course, hes got the power to return them."

Partisan politics over national interests

Raskin's threatening language reveals a dangerous willingness to undermine American foreign policy for partisan gain. By suggesting that Democrats will punish foreign leaders who cooperate with a duly elected U.S. president, Raskin is not only overstepping his bounds but also damaging the credibility of the United States on the global stage. This approach is particularly concerning given the bipartisan tradition of respecting the foreign policy decisions of the executive branch, regardless of party affiliation.

The hypocrisy in Raskin's stance is glaring. While Democrats often claim to be the champions of democracy and the rule of law, their threats to democratic leaders who support the Trump administration reveal a different agenda. By labeling the Trump administration's actions as "authoritarian" and "fascist," Raskin and his colleagues are engaging in the very behavior they claim to oppose. This double standard not only erodes trust in the Democratic Party but also undermines the legitimacy of their claims to defend democratic values.

A pattern of authoritarian behavior

Raskin's comments are part of a broader pattern of authoritarian tendencies within the Democratic Party. From attempts to disqualify political opponents under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to threats against foreign leaders, Democrats are increasingly willing to use punitive measures to silence dissent and maintain power. This approach is antithetical to the principles of a free and open democracy, where political differences are resolved through debate and the ballot box, not through threats and intimidation.

The consequences of Raskin's threats could be far-reaching. By alienating key allies and undermining legitimate immigration enforcement, Democrats risk damaging America's standing in the world. Foreign leaders are likely to view such threats as a sign of instability and unpredictability, potentially leading to a reluctance to cooperate with the United States on critical issues. This could have serious implications for national security and international relations.

Raskin also called for "far more work of transnational democratic solidarity" to combat what he perceives as the spread of "lawlessness" and "fascist chaos." However, this call for solidarity rings hollow when it is accompanied by threats and punitive actions against democratic leaders. True solidarity should be based on mutual respect and cooperation, not on coercion and intimidation.

Raskin's comments are particularly troubling given his background as a constitutional law professor. His suggestion that the Trump administration is acting like a "gangster state" and his musings about the possibility of sending Trump to a foreign prison are not only inflammatory but also a direct attack on the constitutional order. Such rhetoric undermines the very foundations of American democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for the future.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NYPost.com

NYPost.com

FoxNews.com
DHS cuts $2.7M in Harvard funding over antisemitism failures, left-wing indoctrination

Students supporting Hamas or pro-Palestine protests risk visa cancellations and deportation by 2025, with universities potentially losing federal funding if they fail to combat antisemitism.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked over $2.7 million in grants, accusing Harvard of promoting antisemitism, biased research and "radical left indoctrination."

President Donald Trump claims Harvard is "woke" and unworthy of federal funding, while his administration moves to strip its tax-exempt status over antisemitism concerns.

Harvard President Alan Garber refused to comply with federal demands (mask bans, program audits, student expulsions), citing institutional independence and constitutional rights.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has canceled Harvard University's more than $2.7 million in federal grants over its alleged failure to address antisemitism on campus and accusations of promoting "radical left indoctrination."

On April 14, the university refused to comply with a series of demands from the Trump administration to combat antisemitism on campus. These demands include a "comprehensive mask ban" (potentially targeting demonstrators concealing identities); an audit of departments and programs accused of fostering antisemitic harassment; and expulsion of two students criminally charged for accosting an Israeli classmate after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks.

"We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement," Harvard President Alan Garber wrote. "The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights." (Related: Trump clashes with Maine governor over transgender athletes, threatens federal FUNDING CUTS.)

As a response, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem cancelled more than $2.7 million in federal grants to the university.

In a press release on April 16, the DHS announced that Noem terminated two grants, one worth $800,303 and another worth $1,934,902. She accused Harvard of promoting biased research and "public health propaganda" that undermines national security. Additionally, Noem demanded records on foreign student visa holders involved in what she called "illegal and violent activities."

"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 the 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."

Trump claims Harvard does not deserve federal funding anymore

That same day, President Donald Trump claimed in a social media post that Harvard had "lost its way" and no longer deserved federal funding.

"Harvard has been hiring almost all woke, radical left, idiots and 'birdbrains' who are only capable of teaching FAILURE to students and so-called 'future leaders,'" Trump wrote. "Look just to the recent past at their plagiarizing President, who so greatly embarrassed Harvard before the United States Congress."

"Many others, like these leftist dopes, are teaching at Harvard, and because of that, Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the World's Great Universities or Colleges," he continued.

Trump, who has repeatedly accused elite universities of left-wing bias, went further, asserting: "Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds."

In turn, the Trump administration has instructed the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to revoke the university's tax-exempt status over its alleged failure to address antisemitism on campus. The IRS is expected to issue a final decision shortly. If the move proceeds, Harvard, one of the wealthiest universities in the world, could lose millions in tax benefits under its 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation.

Head over to Wokies.news for more stories like this.

Watch this clip of President Donald Trump signing his new EO that bans transgender athletes from women's and girls' sports.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

University of Michigan shuts down DEI office amid federal funding cuts.

Johns Hopkins cuts 2,000 jobs after Trump ends $800m in federal funding.

University of Southern California scraps DEI initiatives, signaling a return to merit-based excellence.

Federal judges lift injunction on Trump's orders, allowing crackdown on DEI programs.

Biden's EPA spent millions on DEI initiatives like 'de-gendering' bathrooms while ignoring real crises.

Sources include:

Patriotjournal.org

Freebeacon.com

TheHill.com

FoxNews.com 1

FoxNews.com 2

Brighteon.com
India imposes 12% TARIFF on steel products, sparking trade tensions with China and other countries

India has imposed a temporary 12 percent tariff on five categories of steel imports for 200 days to curb low-cost shipments  primarily from China, South Korea and Japan.

Steel imports hit a nine-year high (9.5 million metric tons in 202425), with 78 percent from China, South Korea and Japan, straining India's domestic steel industry and smaller mills.

The move aligns with broader protectionist trends, mirroring U.S. and EU actions against Chinese steel dumping, but risks retaliation, especially from Beijing.

Domestic steel giants (e.g., Tata Steel, JSW) support the duty as vital for protecting against "unfair" imports, while critics warn of higher input costs harming smaller manufacturers and export competitiveness.

While the tariff may offer short-term relief to local producers, it could escalate trade conflicts and undermine Indias manufacturing growth.

India has enacted a 12 percent safeguard duty on select steel imports to counter a flood of low-cost shipments, primarily from China  with the levy escalating global trade tensions and raising concerns about retaliatory measures.

The temporary tariff, effective immediately for 200 days, follows an eight-month investigation by India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR)  an office under the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The 12 percent tax applies to five categories of steel products, namely:

Hot rolled coils, sheets and plates

Hot rolled plate mill plates

Cold rolled coils and sheets

Metallic coated steel coils and sheets

Color coated coils and sheets

Steel imports hit a nine-year high of 9.5 million metric tons in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Of this total, 78 percent came from China, South Korea and Japan. This has had serious repercussions for India's steel industry, with smaller mills facing financial strain that has forced operational cuts and layoffs.

The move underscores New Delhi balancing act between protecting its industries and maintaining trade relationships. It also aligns with growing global trade protections, a move kick-started by U.S. President Donald Trump with his announcement of reciprocal tariffs against many countries.

In a similar vein, nations worldwide are adopting tariffs to shield domestic industries, particularly as China's steel overcapacity  a lingering effect of its infrastructure-driven growth model  dwarfs global demand. (Related: Trump unveils reciprocal tariffs to level trade playing field, targets VAT systems.)

India's steel tariffs: Self-reliance or trade turmoil?

Historically, steel has been a geopolitical flashpoint. The U.S. and the European Union have long accused China of dumping subsidized steel, triggering waves of tariffs since the early 2000s.

Notably, the 12 percent tariff arrives amid broader calls in the U.S. to penalize nations perceived as undermining fair trade. These include demands to leverage tariffs against countries refusing to repatriate illegal immigrants.

New Delhi's action echoes this pattern, but risks provoking Beijing  which could retaliate against Indian exports like pharmaceuticals or textiles. Indian Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy nevertheless framed the tariff as essential for India's self-reliance.

"The move will provide critical relief to domestic producers  especially small- and medium-scale enterprises, who have faced immense pressure from rising imports," he said. The minister added that the levy "will help restore market stability and reinforce the confidence of the domestic industry."

Major steel producers like Tata Steel and JSW Steel welcomed the duty as a lifeline against "unfair" imports. Naveen Jindal of the Indian Steel Association praised the government for defending domestic producers, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modis "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative.

However, critics argue that such measures distort markets and could slow India's manufacturing growth. Smaller manufacturers and engineering exporters warn that higher input costs could cripple their competitiveness abroad.

As trade barriers multiply, the long-term impact remains uncertain. While the tariff may offer temporary relief to Indian steelmakers, it risks escalating into a broader trade conflict.

Head over to MarketCrash.news for more similar stories.

Watch this Fox News report about the second Trump administration using tariff negotiations to isolate China.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

India braces for Trump's reciprocal tariffs as U.S. seeks fair trade deals.

Indian refiners seek alternatives to Russian oil after Trump tariff threat.

Trump administration engages 130 nations in trade talks to reshape global tariffs amid China tensions.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

Finance.Yahoo.com

MoneyControl.com

Brighteon.com
Sen. Ron Johnson propels new inquiry into 9/11 Building 7 collapse, questions government transparency

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) plans to lead hearings on 9/11, focusing on unresolved questions about WTC 7s collapse. He challenges official reports (notably NISTs findings), demands documentation, and scrutinizes the rapid debris removal from Ground Zero.

Johnson describes WTC 7s collapse as a classic implosion, disputing NISTs claim that fires alone caused it. Critics, including engineers and architects, cite its near-free-fall descent as evidence of controlled demolition  a claim dismissed by mainstream experts.

Johnson allies with 9/11 transparency advocates like Curt Weldon, alleging Bush-era cover-ups, while facing backlash from some conservatives. The Trump administration is pressed to declassify materials, though past bipartisan inquiries avoided structural collapse theories.

Over 1,500 professionals petition for a new investigation, citing anomalies like symmetrical collapses and molten steel  issues NIST deems resolved. Firefighter accounts of explosions further fuel debate, though experts attribute these to natural collapse dynamics.

The hearings risk polarizing 9/11 narratives, balancing demands for transparency against institutional credibility. Supporters see a path to truth, while critics warn against reviving conspiracy theories that overshadow historical unity and resilience.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has announced plans to spearhead congressional hearings into the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, focusing on unresolved questions surrounding the collapse of World Trade Center Building 7 (WTC 7). In an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson on Monday, the chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations outlined his intent to press federal agencies for documentation, challenge the validity of official reports and scrutinize reasons behind the rapid removal of debris from Ground Zero. Johnsons remarks have reignited a decades-old controversy, with implications for national security transparency and public trust in institutions like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Johnson unveils congressional plans to reexamine WTC 7 collapse claims

Johnson emphasized his focus on WTC 7, which collapsed without direct plane impact, calling its descent a classic implosion and questioning official findings that attributed its fall to office fires. I dont know if you can find structural engineers other than the ones in NIST who would say that didnt come down in a controlled demolition, he stated, referencing the 2020 documentary Calling Out Bravo 7 as pivotal to his scrutiny.

He criticized the swift destruction of debris post-9/11, arguing it violated standard investigative protocols: Who ordered that? Who is in charge? Wheres all the documentation from the NIST investigation? Johnson also hinted at greater transparency under President Donald Trump, citing his New York roots and frustration with prior FBI secrecy: We didnt get squat from the FBI. Hopefully now, this administration will prioritize the truth.

The senator has partnered with former Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pa.), a longtime advocate for 9/11 transparency, amid calls for a new investigation into potential intelligence failures or concealed evidence. Weldon, featured in Tucker Carlsons recent interview series, has alleged a cover-up by Bush-era officials.

Controversy over NISTs scientific validity

The NISTs 2005 report attributed WTC 7s collapse to fires sparked by debris from the Twin Towers, exacerbated by inadequate water pressure and structural failure. Johnson characterized it as a corrupt investigation, challenging its depiction of a single column failure.

Critics like architects and engineers behind a petition calling for reexamination point to WTC 7s near-free-fall descent  described as symmetric and resisting no gravitational forces  arguing no fire could replicate such collapse. NIST maintains its findings, though Johnsons team has framed discrepancies as unresolved. When NIST itself admits free-fall for eight stories, you dont need an engineer to recognize what a controlled demolition looks like, he said.

Firefighter accounts from 9/11  some referencing explosions in the Twin Towers  add fuel to the debate. However, experts have long dismissed controlled demolition theories, citing NISTs peer-reviewed conclusions.

The political dynamics and demand for transparency

Johnsons stance, backed by WND Media advocacy and amplified by Trump-aligned voices, has fractured conservative allies. Former Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) rebuked the senators conspiracy theorist turn, while Trumps own past remarks  stating in 2013 hed believe a lot of people who have studied this very, very closely, and were in on 9/11, that said there was a bomb  add political complexity.

The Trump administration, nearing end-of-tenure, faces pressure to declassify materials. A 2021 bipartisan House inquiry revealed gaps in pre-9/11 intelligence but did not probe structural collapse theories. Johnsons hearings, if pursued, would mark the first direct congressional examination of such theories in decades.

Public advocacy and the architects petition

Over 1,500 architects, engineers and scientists have signed a petition demanding scientific reevaluation of WTC collapses. Their claims highlight video evidence of symmetrical collapse, molten steel traces and explosions fitting controlled demolition patterns, which NIST has dismissed as secondary phenomena.

Public skepticism remains because key evidence was never adequately addressed, contends Emlyn Thomas, a structural engineer and petition signatory. NIST has rejected reanalysis, citing sufficient data in its original report.

The path forward for 9/11 legacies

As debates over WTC 7 resurface, Johnsons inquiry underscores the enduring challenge of balancing skepticism with institutional credibility. While supporters argue unprecedented access to documents could resolve lingering doubts, detractors caution against politicizing unresolved historical trauma.

For Johnson, the goal is clear: The American people deserve the truth. Others worry this revival risks overshadowing established narratives of resilience and unity. Whether the hearings uncover new truths or rekindle old suspicions, their outcome will shape how future generations view both the events of 9/11 and the governments transparency. As Mel Gibson succinctly stated in a viral post, Its time for the truth.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

EconomicTimes.IndiaTimes.com

Yahoo.com

X.com
Trump threatens to quit Ukraine peace talks amid Zelenskys rejection of Crimea concessions

U.S. President Donald Trump warns the U.S. will exit Ukraine peace talks unless Kyiv acknowledges Crimea as Russian territory  a major diplomatic shift from prior U.S. policy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejects the proposal outright, calling it a violation of Ukraines sovereignty and a prolongation of the war.

The White House proposes a European-backed ceasefire with "resiliency forces" and potential sanctions relief for Russia, but Kyiv refuses compromises on Crimea. Ukrainian officials insist any deal must prevent Russia from retaining conquered lands permanently.

The regions 2014 annexation (deemed illegal by Ukraine and the West) and Russias Black Sea base in Sevastopol make territorial concessions fraught. U.S. analysts admit Ukraine lacks military means to reclaim Crimea, fueling Trumps push for compromise.

Trumps team sets an urgent timeline, threatening to withdraw if talks fail, which could leave Kyiv vulnerable to Russian advances amid dwindling Western support. European allies aim to balance reconstruction aid and sanctions pressure while navigating U.S. demands.

A breakdown risks escalating war beyond Ukraine, with critics warning Moscow could exploit stalled talks. The outcome hinges on reconciling Kyivs sovereignty claims with geopolitical realism, testing Western unity and regional stability.

President Donald Trump warned Monday that the United States will withdraw from leading Ukraine peace talks if Kyiv refuses to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, intensifying a diplomatic crisis as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defiantly rejected the proposal. The U.S. peace framework, which could include a European-led resiliency force to enforce a ceasefire, faces collapse as Kyivs resolve hardens against concessions, setting the stage for a potential turning point in the 48-month-old conflict. With talks ongoing in London, the White House has set an aggressive timeline, with Trump vowing to take a pass on further negotiations if no progress is made soon.

Historical tensions over Crimea: A regions legacy fuels standoff

At the heart of the impasse lies Crimea, a peninsula that has shifted hands through history but has been under prolonged Russian control since its 2014 annexation following a pro-Western coup in Ukraine. Moscow held a contested referendum that year, declaring the region part of Russia  a move Kyiv and most global powers reject as illegal. The U.S. remains officially aligned with that stance, but Trumps offer to recognize Crimeas status would constitute a historic shift.

Zelenskys outright rejection of the proposal drew on constitutional and emotional grounds. Crimea is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine, he declared, calling talks on sovereignty with Russia prolonging the war. The peninsulas strategic value, housing Russias vital Black Sea naval base in Sevastopol, complicates efforts. While U.S. military analysts privately concede Kyiv lacks the forces to reclaim it militarily, Trumps administration views territorial compromises as necessary for ending the bloodshed.

U.S. peace plan seeks European backing as Zelensky holds firm

The White Houses draft agreement, revealed in part by the Washington Post, envisions a freeze of frontline positions and European-garrisoned resiliency forces to bolster Kyivs security. Crucially, it also hints at sanctioned relief for Moscow in exchange for a full ceasefire and adherence to security guarantees. Yet Kyiv views even de facto recognition of Crimea as a fatal blow.

We remain in constructive dialogue with American partners, Ukraines defense minister Rustem Umerov said, but stressed Kyiv cannot accept terms that allow Russia to hold conquered lands permanently. European allies, including Germany, France and Britain, aim to leverage their influence to secure reconstruction aid and sanctions leverage for Kyiv. A senior U.S. official described Ukraines stance as 90% aligned with the U.S. plan but noted Kyiv insists on retaining full sovereignty over Crimea.

Trumps special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to press Moscow for a final deal this week, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio, absent from London talks, emphasized Washington has other priorities. Meanwhile, Zelenskys office called the U.S. deal sad and dangerous, arguing it would reward Russian aggression.

Sanctions and security: A clock ticking for global conflict risks

The administration has framed the talks as now or never, linking U.S. engagement to immediate results. If rejected, the pullout risks leaving Kyiv dependent on dwindling Western support and escalating Russian advances. Kyivs reliance on U.S.-supplied weaponry, including tanks and artillery, underscores its precarious position.

Critics warn that abandoning talks could embolden Putin to consolidate gains while shielding Russia from Western isolation. If theres no peace, said one European diplomatic source, Europe faces a longer, more damaging war that could spill beyond Ukraine. Internal U.S. divisions also loom: White House hawks favor withdrawing, while critics accuse Trump of prioritizing detente over Ukraines survival.

The geopolitical crossroads of Kyiv and Kremlin

With Trumps peace details set to be unveiled by Thursday, the world watches for signs of a deal  or a breakdown that could reshape Eastern Europes borders. For Zelensky, ceding Crimea would fulfill a political nightmare; for Trump, it may be the only path to extricate the U.S. from a grinding war. History hangs in the balance, as Crimeas fate symbolizes the Wests commitment to nationalism versus pragmatic realism. As one analyst noted, The question remains: Can diplomacy reconcile Ukraines resolve with geopolitical realism, or will this moment mark a new era of conflict?

The answer, for now, rests on next days of talksan uncertain chapter for a region already reshaped by bloodshed and ambition.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

NYPost.com

RT.com
World Economic Forums new leader sharpens globalist critics fears as Schwab steps down amid scandal

Klaus Schwab, founder and longtime leader of the WEF, stepped down as board chair on April 21 following governance scrutiny and a whistleblower letter alleging misconduct. His interim successor, ex-Nestle CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, has drawn criticism for advocating corporate control over essential resources like water.

Schwabs leadership was marked by divisive initiatives like the Great Reset and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which critics call dystopian and pro-centralization. The WEFs 2016 slogan  "Welcome to 2030: I own nothing, have no privacy"  further fueled concerns about eroding personal freedoms.

Despite praise from the WEF board, Schwab faced fresh allegations via an anonymous whistleblower letter, prompting an internal probe. His family denied the claims and threatened legal action, while Brabeck-Letmathes appointment raised fears of heightened corporate globalization.

The new chairs past comments  declaring water a commodity, not a human right  and Nestles contested water policies signal continuity of WEFs resource-centralization goals. Critics argue his leadership prioritizes profit and technocratic control over public welfare.

Conservative voices framed Schwabs exit as damage control, warning that Brabeck-Letmathes ties to corporate exploitation (e.g., water privatization) reveal the WEFs unchecked agenda. Upcoming battles over digital ID systems, carbon credits and autonomy loom as scrutiny intensifies.

Klaus Schwab, the German economist who spent over five decades leading the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced his resignation as chair of the board of trustees on April 21, amid mounting scrutiny over governance and a recent whistleblower letter alleging misconduct. His replacement, former Nestle CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, a longstanding advocate of corporate control over basic resources such as water, has intensified fears among critics who argue his appointment signals the WEFs unwavering commitment to a centralized, globalist agenda that threatens individual freedoms.

Schwabs legacy: Great Reset, controversy and the 2030 Vision

Schwab, who founded the WEF in 1971 under the original name European Management Forum, built the organization into a global megaphone for corporate and political elites, hosting the annual Davos summit to address issues from economic inequality to climate change. Yet, his advocacy for initiatives like The Great Reset and the Fourth Industrial Revolution drew fire from conservatives and economists, many of whom accused him of pushing dystopian, state-controlled policies under the guise of post-pandemic progress.

The WEFs 2016 slogan  Welcome to 2030: I own nothing, have no privacy, yet life has never been better  epitomized these concerns, sparking conspiracy theories and critiques from politicians and activists who warned of planned obsolescence for private property and personal autonomy. Schwab himself declined to distance himself from the vision, stating in 2020 that the pandemic presented an unprecedented opportunity to reassess, reimagine and reshape our world, accusations later amplified as global cost-of-living crises deepened.

Despite his resignation, the WEF board praised Schwabs outstanding achievements, citing his 55 years of leadership and the forums evolution from founder-managed to a platform for global dialogue. These accolades contrast sharply with a recent revelation: an anonymous whistleblower letter, obtained by The Wall Street Journal, provided fresh allegations about Schwabs governance, prompting an investigative probe by the Audit and Risk Committee. Meanwhile, Schwabs family issued a strong denial and hinted at legal action against the letters authors.

Brabeck-Letmathes expansionist vision: Water as a commodity

The interim chairs first actions underscore the continuity of Schwabs vision. Brabeck-Letmathe, a Swiss businessman who previously served as Nestles CEO for 11 years, is infamous for declaring in 2018: Water is not a human right, but a commodity  a stance that sparked global outrage. At Nestle, he oversaw policies prioritizing corporate water usage rights over community access, including lobbying against municipal water protections during droughts.

Activists and libertarians argue Brabeck-Letmathes elevation positions the WEF as a vehicle for further consolidating control over resources through centralized global governance. If a Nestle CEO who denies humans deserve water is running Davos, its clear the WEFs agenda is about profit and power, not public good, said Frank CNS (a pseudonym for a critic cited in The Epoch Times). While the WEF claims its mission is to improve the state of the world, critics note Brabeck-Letmathes track record offers little comfort, including his advocacy for strict regulatory oversight over personal water use, effectively systematizing scarcity.

Reactions and scrutiny: A watershed moment for globalist critics?

Schwabs departure has fueled mixed reactions. While the WEF framed his exit as natural leadership evolution, conservative media highlighted it as a strategic pivot to shield the organization from scandal. Steve Watson, writing for Modernity, quipped that Brabeck-Letmathe was even more evil than Schwab, noting his compliance with Nestles industrial agriculture practices, which critics link to water pollution in developing nations.

Supporters praised Brabeck-Letmathes experience in navigating corporate-government collaboration, but dissenters argue his interim role distracts from urgent issues like supply chain ethics. This isnt just a boardroom shuffle  its a coup for central planners, said Scott Stern, a columnist for Breitbart. Brabecks appointment signals that whoever leads WEF, the goal remains the same: global control without accountability.

The WEF as a nexus of power and controversy

The WEFs roots trace back to a 1971 gathering of European businessmen seeking to improve corporate strategy. Over decades, it expanded into a platform hosting presidents, central bankers and UN officials, its annual Davos summit dubbed the annual costume ball for the super-rich by critics. Yet, its influence grew through the U.N.s post-1990s sustainability agenda and partnerships with think tanks like McKinsey.

Critics argue the WEFs evolution mirrored globalizations tilt toward unchecked corporate power, with leaders like Schwab promoting stakeholder capitalism as an alternative to democratic accountability. The 2030 slogan  though revised as unconnected to Schwab  remains central to its brand, casting doubt on its rhetoric of transparency.

A new era? Vigilance rules

As Brabeck-Letmathe assumes his role, globalist critics contend this transition will neither dilute nor delay the WEFs overarching agenda. With probes into Schwabs alleged misconduct and the interim leaders contentious heritage, the forum faces amplified scrutiny. Yet, the interconnected nature of its flagship projectsincluding carbon credit schemes and digital ID frameworks  suggests further battles for autonomy over resources and data.

For now, vigilance is the rule: As the WEF prepares for its 2026 summit, the stakes of its vision have never been higheror more personal.

Sources include:

Modernity.news

X.com

DW.com

TheEpochTimes.com
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis hesitant to sign controversial social media protection bill amid privacy concerns

Colorado's Senate Bill 25-086 (Protections for Users of Social Media Act) passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support. It mandates social media companies to enforce stricter policies, remove violative content within 24 hours and comply with law enforcement requests promptly.

Platforms with 1M+ users must streamline communication with Colorado authorities, respond to warrants within 72 hours and submit annual reports on minors' engagement, including product experiments (though minor-targeted testing was removed from the bill).

Gov. Jared Polis has reservations about potential government overreach and privacy conflicts. He can sign, veto or let it pass without action (10-day window). A veto could be overridden by a two-thirds legislative majority.

Supporters (lawmakers, parent groups) argue it protects kids from online harms, citing rising teen mental health issues, but critics warn of threats to free speech, overcensorship and private companies policing content under vague standards.

Opponents highlight clashes with state privacy laws and question letting platforms decide violations. A state official noted risks of "delegating First Amendment interpretation" to corporations.

Colorado is about to pass a bill that would push for stricter regulations on social media, aiming to shield minors from potential harm, but Democratic Gov. Jared Polis expressed reservations about signing the bill.

Senate Bill 25-086, dubbed as Protections for Users of Social Media Act, already passed the Colorado General Assembly this April with bipartisan support. This bill would require social media companies to publish and enforce strict policies, determine within 72 hours whether a reported post violates their rules and remove violators within 24 hours of a breach and comply swiftly with law enforcement requests.

Moreover, companies with at least one million users must provide a "streamlined process" for Colorado authorities to contact them and must comply with search warrants within 72 hours. Platforms must submit yearly reports to the state detailing how minors engage with their services, including any large-scale product experiments (though a controversial clause on minor-targeted testing was removed).

After passing the House and Senate, the bill must first be signed by House Speaker Julie McCluskie before going to Polis, who has expressed reservations about the proposed SB 25-086 due to government overreach and privacy. Once he receives it, he has 10 days to sign it, veto it or let it become law without his signature. If he vetoes it, the Legislature can override his decision with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. (Related: Republican senators co-sponsor bill against social media censorship.)

Supporters and critics try to influence Polis' decision on SB 25-086

While Polis has not yet signed SB 25-086, supporters and critics of the bill continue their argument trying to influence the governor in his decision. Supporters argue the bill is critical for protecting children from online harms, insisting it balances safety, privacy and free speech. Supporters, including bipartisan lawmakers and parent groups, even held a press conference at the Capitol in Denver on April 14, urging Polis to approve the measure. They argue that social media companies have failed to self-regulate, leading to rising mental health issues among teens.

"This bill simply says that for users egregiously harming our kids, they cannot be given endless chances to continue victimizing others. If this kind of conduct that we see on these social media platforms were happening on the street, there would be no question about intervention. None," Sen. Lisa Frizell, a Castle Rock Republican and bill sponsor, said during the press conference.

However, opponents fear the bill could erode constitutional rights, enable government overreach and stifle digital innovation. Privacy advocates warn that forcing platforms to automatically remove users based on violations, without robust safeguards, could lead to censorship and disproportionately silence marginalized voices.

Michael McReynolds, a legislative liaison for the Governor's Office of Information Technology, expressed concerns about letting private social media companies decide whether a user violated the law and should be banned.

"Our main concern is the discomfort with this bill's reliance on private companies to interpret and enforce the First Amendment. Delegating the nuanced and complex task of balancing free speech rights with the protection of vulnerable populations to private entities raises significant concerns about consistency, transparency and potential for overreach," he said during a House committee hearing on the bill in March. "If someone is using an expression and talking about that activity, where is that line, and how is that being interpreted?"

He also raised concerns about how the data collection rule could clash with the state's privacy laws.

PrivacyWatch.news has more stories like this.

Watch this clip about the Australian government officially passing the digital ID bill.

This video is from the Fritjof Persson channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Meta abandons free speech principles, adopts globalist thought police guidelines to block speech.

Zuckerberg's sudden censorship thaw is not free speech.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bill prohibiting social media platforms from providing "addictive feeds" to minors without parental consent.

House bill removes liability protection from tech giants, forcing social media to pay for political discrimination.

Media BLACKOUT: If Senate Bill 1273 passes you could be fined $15,000 for sharing memes on social media.

Sources include:

ReclaimtheNet.org

ColoradoNewsLine.com

Brighteon.com
A call to preserve Americas future: Defeating Big Government Socialism by Newt Gingrich

In "Defeating Big Government Socialism: Saving America's Future," former House Speaker Newt Gingrich argues that Big Government Socialism (BGS)  marked by wealth redistribution, ideological control and excessive government power  threatens America's foundational freedoms, with the Democratic Party as its primary advocate.

He contrasts a future of decline under BGS (bureaucracy, lost values) with revitalization through patriotism, free enterprise and effective governance, urging voters to act in 2022/2024 elections.

Gingrich criticizes Biden's policies for weakening the economy and security while naming China, Russia, Iran and terrorism as existential dangers exacerbated by outdated U.S. institutions.

He also highlights systemic flaws in border security, crime, pandemic response and education  blaming bureaucratic inefficiency and unions  while linking these to broader national decline.

The former House speaker advocates for limited government, free speech, rule of law and historical wisdom to counter BGS, expressing confidence in America's resilience if citizens unite around core principles.

In "Defeating Big Government Socialism: Saving America's Future," former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) delivers a stark warning about the dangers of what he terms Big Government Socialism (BGS) and outlines a path for Americans to reclaim their nation's foundational principles.

Gingrich argues that BGS  characterized by wealth redistribution, woke thought-policing and dictatorial government control  has taken root within the Democratic Party, threatening the freedoms and opportunities that define America. The book serves as both a critique of current political trends and a rallying cry for citizens to engage in the crucial battles of the 2022 and 2024 elections, which he describes as pivotal in determining the nation's trajectory.

Gingrich presents two contrasting futures for America. One path leads to decline under BGS  marked by bureaucratic inefficiency, stifling regulations and the erosion of traditional values. The other offers revitalization through patriotism, free enterprise and problem-solving governance.

The choice, he asserts, rests with the American people  but making the right decision requires a clear understanding of the threats at hand. Domestically, Gingrich warns of the Biden administration's policies, which he claims weaken the economy and national security.

Internationally, he identifies Communist China as an existential threat, criticizing U.S. leadership for failing to modernize institutions to compete effectively. He also highlights dangers posed by Russia, Iran, North Korea and Islamist terrorism.

A personal anecdote underscores Gingrich's concerns about America's political decay. During a visit to Capitol Hill, he observed a stark contrast between the Senates dignified bipartisanship and the House's hostile, partisan environment under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), his successor. He describes the House as a place of paranoia and excessive control, where even elected officials face undue suspicion  a symptom, he argues, of the broader erosion of self-government.

Gingrich critiques BGS as fundamentally flawed  citing its failures in border security, crime reduction and pandemic management. He blames outdated bureaucracies for inefficiency and highlights the public education system's decline, attributing it to teachers' unions resisting accountability. These failures, he warns, jeopardize national security and future generations' prospects.

History, Gingrich insists, offers vital lessons for avoiding ideological pitfalls. He praises past leaders who relied on historical wisdom and warns against abandoning sound monetary principles, noting the Founding Fathers' emphasis on stable currency and limited debt.

Strength and resilience, Gingrich argues, are essential in a perilous world. He criticizes "woke" idealism for ignoring global threats and points to America's historical triumphs  from the Revolutionary War to 20th-century conflicts as proof of the necessity of preparedness. Corruption, he contends, is inherent in Big Government Socialism, as it incentivizes wealth redistribution over productivity and fosters elite detachment from ordinary citizens. Stakeholder capitalism, in his view, exacerbates this corruption, undermining democratic governance.

Free speech and the rule of law, Gingrich asserts, are under siege. He condemns Big Tech and media censorship as violations of the First Amendment and warns of legislative dysfunction and excessive presidential power centralization. The rule of law, he maintains, is crucial for protecting liberty and ensuring fairness.

Ultimately, "Defeating Big Government Socialism" is a call to action. Gingrich urges Americans to reject this ideology by embracing limited government, individual liberty and the rule of law.

While the challenges are formidable, he expresses confidence in the nation's enduring spirit of persistence and patriotism. By uniting around these principles, he believes Americans can secure a future that upholds their highest values and aspirations.

Watch this video about "Defeating Big Government Socialism: Saving America's Future" by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Kinghood Groups gold ATMs revolutionize how people can capitalize on soaring gold prices

A groundbreaking "gold ATM" in Shanghai allows customers to instantly convert gold items into cash, attracting long lines due to soaring gold prices. The machine melts, tests and appraises gold, depositing funds into users' accounts within 30 minutes.

Developed by Kinghood Group, the machine accepts gold items (minimum 3g, 50 percent purity) and charges a small fee (18 yuan per gram). A 40g necklace fetched over 36,000 yuan in a demo.

The system supports mobile registration in 200+ countries and multi-currency payments in half of them. Kinghood plans to install 100+ ATMs in Shanghai, adding to existing machines in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

The ATM's speed and transparency contrast with traditional gold buyers, pressuring pawnshops and lenders. Industry experts, like India's Harsh Goenka, see it as a transformative shift in gold trading.

Rising gold prices, fueled by economic uncertainty and central bank demand, are spurring sales. While experts warn against hasty selling, the ATM's convenience reflects a trend of merging traditional assets with modern fintech solutions.

As gold prices surge to historic highs, a groundbreaking "gold ATM" in the city of Shanghai in China is turning heirlooms into instant cash. The machine has drawn long lines of customers eager to capitalize on the yellow metal's soaring value.

Developed by Shenzhen-based Kinghood Group, the machine located in the Global Harbor shopping mall quickly melts, tests and assesses gold items. Proceeds from the gold deposited in the machine are credited directly into users' bank accounts within 30 minutes, all without the need for paperwork.

The machine, part of Kinghood's Smart Gold Store initiative, accepts items weighing at least three grams with 50 percent purity, charging a modest service fee of 18 Chinese yuan ($2.46) per gram. In one demonstration, a 40 g necklace fetched 36,000 yuan ($4,923.22).

The gold ATM's high appraisal and quick payout offers a stark contrast to slower, less transparent traditional gold buyers. With demand so high that slots are booked through May, the technology is reshaping traditional gold trading while raising questions about the future of pawnshops and small-scale gold lenders.

According to Kinghood, the gold ATM system supports mobile phone registration in more than 200 countries. It also supports multi-currency payments in at least half of those nations, and real-time price docking with global trading markets for the precious metal.

Gold to cash at the push of a button

Xie Chengcheng, operations manager for Kinghood's Shanghai region, said the firm plans to expand  with plans to install over 100 gold ATMs across the eastern Chinese city. Other cities, such as the capital Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and the Hong Kong special administrative region, already have these machines, the manager added. (Related: Return to real money: China to install more than 2,000 gold ATMs.)

Harsh Goenka, chairman of India's RPG enterprises, noted that the gold ATM could upend conventional gold lending. "Transparency in, exploitation out," he wrote in a post on X. Meanwhile, local gold merchants in Shanghai report declining business, unable to compete with the ATM's efficiency or pricing.

Gold has long been a store of wealth in China, with older generations often hoarding jewelry as both adornment and emergency savings. Yet the precious metal's recent price rally  bolstered by central bank buying and economic uncertainty  has spurred a rush to sell.

Xu Weixin of the Shanghai Gold Association cautioned against hasty sales, citing strong upward momentum, but the ATM's convenience is proving irresistible. For now, its success underscores a broader shift: blending ancient assets with cutting-edge tech to meet modern financial needs. As gold continues its meteoric rise, Shanghai's ATMs offer a glimpse into how tradition and innovation can collide, transforming pocket change into profit at the press of a button.

Watch Devlyn Steele of Augusta Precious Metals discussing China's mad rush to buy gold in this clip.

This video is from the Alt Invest Media channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

China STOCKPILING gold as Chinese investors and consumers remain cautious of real estate and stocks.

China resumes gold purchases, sparking market rally and shaping global gold dynamics.

China loads up on gold reserves with recent "mystery" purchase of 300 TONS.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

MSN.com

Mining.com

Brighteon.com
Israels far-right minister says GOP backers endorse bombing Gazas aid depots

Senior Israeli officials and U.S. Republicans allegedly discussed targeting Gazas aid depots during a meeting at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate, sparking global condemnation.

Ben-Gvir claimed Republican leaders supported attacking aid depots as leverage to recover Israeli hostages, drawing criticism for his extremist stance.

The far-right minister, convicted of terrorism-related offenses, has advocated for escalating Gazas blockade, intensifying the humanitarian crisis and famine.

International leaders condemned the aid blockade as illegal, warning it worsens civilian suffering without weakening Hamas.

With Gazas death toll surpassing 51,000, renewed ceasefire talks remain uncertain as global divisions and U.S. military aid prolong the conflict.

Senior Israeli officials and powerful U.S. Republicans discussed targeting Gazas food and aid depots in a meeting at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate last week, according to controversial Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The revelation has sparked global condemnation, as Israel intensifies its blockade of vital supplies in the besieged enclave, where more than 51,300 Palestinians have died since October and humanitarian conditions continue to collapse.

Ben-Gvir, a far-right figure with a history of inciting anti-Arab racism, claimed the Republicans expressed support for attacking depots to create military and political pressure to secure the return of remaining Israeli hostages, as he stated on social media. The session at Trumps Florida compound involved House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and other top GOP figures, according to Ben-Gvirs office and media reportsthough Emmers spokesperson declined to comment.

Ben-Gvirs extreme agendas and ties to Trump draw scrutiny

The pro-Trump minister, who quit the government in January to protest a temporary ceasefire, has been among Israels most vocal advocates for escalation. His trip to the U.S. included a turbulent event at Yale , where pro-Palestinian protesters hurled water bottles and yelled Free Palestine as he exited. Ben-Gvir, who smiled and flicked a mockery of a victory sign, faces criticism for his radical stance. He once praised Trumps plan to resettle Palestinians forced from Gaza and has been convicted twice in Israel for terrorism and racism-related offenses.

The minister has framed aid depots as strategic targets, arguing they could indirectly benefit Hamas, a stance shared by far-right leaders in his coalition. His call to obliterate supplies aligns with Israels ongoing siege, which has blocked food, fuel, and medicine since March 2, plunging Gaza into famine.

Global outcry over targeting civilian infrastructure

France, Germany, and the U.K. condemned Israels aid blockade as intolerable, saying it violates international law. The United Nations and human rights groups warn that attacking aid depotscivilian infrastructure protected under the laws of warwould further devastate civilians while failing to weaken Hamas. Over 9,790 Palestinians are behind bars in Israel, many report tortured or neglected, adding to the regions turmoil.

The death toll in Gaza hit 51,305 on Wednesday, including children scorched in an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter, where survivors described flames like the light of the Day of Judgment. Israels military has not commented, though its frequent claim (without evidence) that schools and hospitals are Hamas hideouts has drawn skepticism. Humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool, EU ministers stressed.

During his U.S. visit, Ben-Gvir faced protests not just at Yale but also backlash from Jewish communities. Harvard and other universities are facing federal pressure to resist Palestinian solidarity demonstrations after President Trump demanded investigations into perceived antisemitism on campuses.

Uncertainty ahead

As fighting resumes after a brief pause, Hamas envoys are reportedly en route to Cairo for potential negotiations, with little hope of a truce. With global powers divided and the U.S. providing more than $2 billion in military funding, the conflicts end remains distant.

The dialogue between Ben-Gvir and American allies underscores the peril of normalizing extreme tactics in conflicts. As Gazas plight worsens, international law and moral accountability face their gravest tests yet.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

AlJazeera.com

MiddleEastMonitor.com

AlJazeera.com
John Lauritsen unmasks the AIDS epidemic in his 1993 book The AIDS War

John Lauritsen's "The AIDS War: Propaganda, Profiteering, and Genocide from the Medical-Industrial Complex" critiques the conventional understanding of AIDS, arguing it was shaped by misinformation, corporate greed and systemic neglect of marginalized groups like gay men, drug users and hemophiliacs.

He disputes CDC statistics, suggesting drug use played a larger role in AIDS cases than acknowledged, and highlights correlations between immune suppression and recreational drug use (e.g., nitrites, cocaine) rather than HIV alone.

Lauritsen challenges the HIV-AIDS link, noting HIV fails to meet Koch's Postulates and that many HIV-positive individuals never develop AIDS, implying other contributing factors.

He accuses Burroughs Wellcome and the FDA of promoting toxic, ineffective AZT as a treatment, calling it "iatrogenic genocide" that harmed vulnerable populations for profit.

The book blames the media for uncritically spreading fear and suppressing dissent, advocating for transparent science, holistic therapies and accountability in public health policy.

John Lauritsen's 1993 book "The AIDS War: Propaganda, Profiteering, and Genocide from the Medical-Industrial Complex" presents a provocative and deeply critical examination of the AIDS crisis, challenging mainstream narratives about its causes, treatments and the institutions that shaped public understanding.

Lauritsen argues that the epidemic was not merely a viral outbreak  but a complex phenomenon exacerbated by misinformation, corporate greed and systemic neglect of marginalized communities. His work forces readers to reconsider long-held assumptions about AIDS and the role of the medical establishment in perpetuating harmful myths.

From the outset, Lauritsen questions why AIDS disproportionately affected specific groups  gay and bisexual men, intravenous drug users, Haitians and hemophiliacs  rather than spreading uniformly across the population. He scrutinizes data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accusing the agency of misrepresenting key statistics.

For example, while the CDC claimed that 17 percent of AIDS cases involved intravenous drug users, Lauritsen's analysis suggests the true figure could be as high as 36 percent. This discrepancy, he argues, obscured the potential role of drug abuse in immune suppression  diverting attention from environmental and behavioral factors.

Lauritsen further explores the lifestyles of gay men with AIDS, noting a strong correlation between the disease and recreational drug use. Studies cited in the book reveal that many affected individuals had histories of using nitrite inhalants ("poppers"), marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine and alcohol. He posits that these substances, particularly in combination, could weaken the immune system either directly or by interacting with microbial agents.

This hypothesis challenges the dominant view that HIV alone causes AIDS, especially since HIV fails to meet Koch's Postulates  the scientific criteria for establishing a pathogen as the sole cause of a disease. Lauritsen points out that not all AIDS patients test positive for HIV, and many HIV-positive individuals never develop AIDS, suggesting other contributing factors.

Central to Lauritsen's critique is the medical-industrial complex's promotion of azidothymidine (AZT) as a primary treatment. He accuses Burroughs Wellcome, AZT's manufacturer, of profiteering and the Food and Drug Administration of approving the drug based on flawed research.

AZT, he argues, is not only ineffective but also highly toxic  exacerbating immune suppression and causing severe side effects. Lauritsen describes this as a form of "iatrogenic genocide," particularly targeting gay men, who were pressured into accepting a dangerous treatment under the guise of medical progress.

The book also condemns the media's role in perpetuating what Lauritsen calls the "AIDS myth." He alleges that journalists uncritically repeated official narratives, suppressed dissenting voices and sensationalized the crisis, fostering fear rather than informed debate. Examples of censorship and biased reporting, he claims, reveal a complicity in misleading the public about the true nature of the epidemic.

Despite its scathing critique, "The AIDS War" offers a path forward. Lauritsen advocates for a shift away from toxic pharmaceuticals toward holistic, non-toxic therapies. He emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific inquiry, free from corporate influence, and calls for greater transparency in public health policy.

His work is a plea for accountability, urging society to confront the failures that turned a health crisis into a humanitarian disaster. Ultimately, Lauritsens book is a call to actiona demand for truth in science and justice for those most affected by AIDS. By exposing the intersections of propaganda, profit and systemic neglect, he challenges readers to rethink the epidemics history and to seek solutions that prioritize human lives over institutional power.

"The important thing now is to get out the truth. We must save lives, stop the squandering of our national resources and rescue the good name of science," writes Lauritsen. "The AIDS War" remains a vital, if controversial, contribution to understanding one of the most devastating health crises of the 20th century.

Watch this video about John Lauritsen's "The AIDS War: Propaganda, Profiteering, and Genocide from the Medical-Industrial Complex."

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Greek study shakes global health narratives: Nearly half of COVID deaths not linked to virus

A Greek study published in Scientific Reports found that nearly half (45.3%) of deaths classified as COVID-19-related in Athens hospitals in 2022 were actually due to other causes, with only 25.1% directly caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Death certificates and hospital coding inaccuracies inflated COVID-19 mortality figures, with only 64.7% of "direct" COVID-19 deaths clinically validated. Vaccinated individuals made up 53.8% of deaths attributed to the virus.

Similar death-reporting practices in other Western nations likely led to artificially high global death tolls, skewing public perception and policies.

Hospitals and governments may have exaggerated COVID-19 deaths due to funding tied to case counts, while pharmaceutical companies and policymakers relied on fear to justify vaccines and restrictions.

The study fuels skepticism toward public health institutions, with critics demanding transparency, revised death certification protocols and accountability for misleading pandemic narratives.

A groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports this week has exposed critical flaws in global pandemic death reporting, revealing that nearly half of deaths classified as caused by COVID-19 in Athens hospitals in 2022 were not directly attributable to the virus. The research, led by a team of 19 Greek doctors and researchers, examined 530 deaths from seven hospitals between January and August 2022  peak months of the omicron wave  and found only 25.1% (133 deaths) were directly caused by SARS-CoV-2. A further 29.6% (157 deaths) involved the virus as a contributing factor, bringing the total of deaths related to the virus to just over half (45.3%). The remaining 45.3%, or 240 deaths, were attributed to other causes, despite occurring in patients testing positive for COVID-19.

Misclassification, bias and the fallout of crisis medicine

The authors identified systemic issues undermining mortality data, including inaccurate death certificates and misclassifying hospital-acquired infections. Shockingly, only 64.7% of death certificates listing COVID-19 as the direct cause were validated during clinical review, while just 26.5% of deaths tagged as virus-linked as a contributing factor stood up to scrutiny. The study further noted vaccinated individuals made up 53.8% of those dying from the virus, with 65.8% of these vaccinated patients having received booster shots. Nicholas Hulscher, an epidemiologist endorsing the studys methodology, emphasized its uniqueness: Unlike most death audits relying on administrative coding, this comprehensive clinical audit combined chart reviews, physician interviews and expert validation.

The miscounting, researchers argued, stemmed from Greeces practice of labeling all deaths in patients testing positive as COVID deaths  a protocol mirrored in many nations. Hulscher warned this approach artificially inflated global mortality figures, skewing public perception and policy. Similar coding practices were employed across Western nations, he stated, suggesting the overcounting of deaths likely occurred worldwide.

A legacy of fear-based policies and financial incentives

Experts argue such missteps werent accidental. Dr. David Bell, a public health physician, traced the trend to financial pressures on hospitals incentivized by pandemic funding tied to higher case counts. Governments provided subsidies, and pharmaceutical companies pushed mRNA vaccines, he explained. With omicrons lower mortality, there was a push to exaggerate severity to justify fear-driven policies.

The studys findings also amplified concerns about pandemic-era medical practices. Karl Jablonowski of Childrens Health Defense noted the overreporting reflected a broader societal shift toward fear-based decision-making, sidelining empirical data. We administered experimental drugs and vaccines, and hospitals became breeding grounds for avoidable harm, he said.

Parallel data supports these critiques: A 2023 Rasmussen survey cited in the article found that 28% of Americans personally know someone who died from vaccine side effects post-injection. The survey highlighted public skepticism, with 77% of unvaccinated respondents believing vaccines caused significant deaths  a testament to eroding trust in conventional medicine.

Pandemic response through a new lens

The Athens study reframes the pandemics human toll, particularly amid escalating debates over vaccine mandates and public health transparency. From 2020 to 2022, governments worldwide implemented stringent measures based on preliminary data and models later proven inaccurate. The inflated death counts, now under scrutiny, have fueled movements advocating for health freedom and independent media. Michael Nevradakis argues the research underscores a systemic failure in science communication, where pressure to follow the script obscured clinical realities.

Toward a new era of accountability in public health

As the global health community confronts these revelations, the stakes remain high. The studys publication in a Nature journal  Springer Natures Scientific Reports  signals a potential reckoning for academic institutions accused of prioritizing corporate interests over truth. For critics, its a call to overhaul death certification protocols and reassess vaccine policies. Dr. Clayton Baker, an internal medicine physician, summed it up: The over-reporting being exposed here wasnt just a mistake  it was a choice that eroded trust in everything from virology to public policy. Now, the pressure to answer for that is undeniable.

As debates rage over pandemic casualties and the messaging that shaped them, the Athens research stands as a beacon for reform. It challenges institutions to prioritize scientific rigor over compliance, transparency over power and humanity over haste  a lesson for an era still grappling with loss, truth and accountability.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

Nature.com

TheEpochTimes.com
Rubio overhauls State Department, targets bureaucracy amid Trump administrations strides in national security

Secretary Marco Rubio announced sweeping changes to cut "decades of bloat" within the State Department. The move aligns with the Trump administration's "America First" policy, targeting inefficiency.

Cuts target "non-essential" offices, including arms control, human trafficking and womens issues programs. Resources will shift toward great-power competition (China, Russia) and cyber defense modernization.

USAID, criticized for fraud, waste and activist-driven agendas, will be fully merged into the State Department. Administration officials argue this cuts inefficiency, but critics fear loss of humanitarian aid focus.

Republicans applaud the overhaul as a necessary move against bureaucratic overreach. Democrats and diplomats warn of damaged U.S. soft power and weakened crisis response ability.

Ongoing lawsuits challenge staffing cuts, but courts have allowed reductions to proceed.

Supporters claim efficiency reforms will make government leaner and more effective. Critics predict chaos, arguing cuts will undermine diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. The success of the plan depends on whether a smaller State Department can handle global challenges.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping reorganization of the U.S. Department of State, aggressively targeting what he called decades of bloat and overreach within the agency. The plan, announced in a formal statement, includes the closure of 132 offices, reduction of staffing by up to 22% and the transfer of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) activities to consolidated regional bureaus under the State Department. The move marks the Trump administrations latest effort to reshape U.S. foreign policy in line with America First priorities, amid claims that prior leadership allowed bureaucratic inertia and ideological agendas to undermine national interests.

Rubio framed the restructuring as a response to soaring costs, inefficiency and misplaced priorities. Critics argue the cuts risk destabilizing diplomatic efforts and abandoning long-standing commitments. The administration, however, insists the changes are crucial to refocusing the department on core functions such as great-power competition, citing the need to prepare for future global challenges.

Bureaucratic downsizing and prioritizing core interests

The reorganization plan calls for eliminating roughly 700 domestic positions by consolidating redundant offices and targeting programs Rubio described as misaligned with U.S. national security. Among the offices slated for closure are those overseeing arms control, counterterrorism, international religious freedom, trafficking in persons and global womens issues.

Key to the plan is the elimination of the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Human Rights and Democracy  a unit Rubio accused of pushing left-wing vendettas against allies like Poland and enabling mass migration. The Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, which the secretary alleged facilitated the migrant influx at the southern border, will be folded into a new Coordinator for Foreign Assistance and Humanitarian Affairs.

We are not eliminating priorities, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said during a press briefing. Were integrating them into a streamlined framework that respects taxpayer dollars and presidential mandates. However, budget documents reviewed by reporters indicate plans to slash the departments broader budget by half, raising concerns about future cuts to foreign missions.

The reshaping of government agencies to reflect ideological priorities has its roots in past conservative reforms, but the scale here is unprecedented. The Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has already spearheaded controversial federal workforce reductions, with Rubios plan aligning directely with its efficiency goals.

The fallout for USAID and global aid programs

USAID, which President Trump vowed to dismantle in January, will see its remaining programs absorbed by the State Department under Rubios plan. The move finalizes a controversial process to eliminate what administration officials called a failure-prone agency plagued by fraud and waste.

Rubios statement accused USAID of being compromised by activist agendas. Taxpayer funds were funneled to NGOs that undermined U.S. border security, he said, referencing the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. Lawsuits against the agencys downsizing are ongoing, but an appeals court recently permitted continued staffing reductions.

The merger aligns with a broader strategy to centralize foreign aid within geographic bureaus, such as those focused on Latin America or Africa. However, critics argue this risks deprioritizing humanitarian efforts, especially in regions facing crises.

National security and the great power competition

While domestic and international aid offices face the ax, Rubio emphasized strengthened commitments to geopolitical priorities. The State Department has instructed undersecretaries to reduce personnel but retain staff focused on countering adversaries like China and Russia.

We must reset the departments mission in an era of direct competition with tyrannies, Rubio said, tying the restructuring to national security imperatives. Pentagon officials confirmed the plan includes a coordinated push to modernize cyber defense protocols and reexamine military readiness.

The administration also announced a review of Chinas influence in global institutions but declined to detail specifics, citing ongoing strategy discussions.

A watershed for federal bureaucracy or a recipe for chaos?

As the State Department begins the lengthy implementation of Rubios reorganization plan, its success hinges on whether streamlined operations can fulfill diplomatic and security demands without sacrificing expertise. While the administration frames the cuts as necessary reforms, opponents warn of long-term damage to U.S. soft power.

Republicans praise the overhaul as a much-needed reset of an agency they accuse of prioritizing politics over patriotism. Democrats and career diplomats, however, fear the loss of critical programs and specialized personnel will leave America ill-equipped to handle crises or advance human rights abroad.

For now, the U.S. foreign policy apparatus teeters between efficiency and chaos, with voters likely to weigh in during upcoming elections. As Rubios plan unfolds, the world watches to see whether a smaller, more patriotic State Department can deliver on its promises or unravel under the weight of its critics.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

State.gov

ABCnews.com

CBSnews.com
Supreme Court trust hits record low; public clings to checks and balances amid deepening distrust

Only 41% of Americans trust the Supreme Court (per an April 2025 survey), with just 35% expressing "a great deal" or "a lot" of confidence  the lowest in 20 years. Trust in Congress (32%) and the presidency (40%) is similarly weak.

Despite distrust, over 60% insist presidents must comply with Supreme Court rulings, and 67% reject unilateral judicial appointments. Bipartisan majorities support the judiciarys role in limiting executive power.

Accusations of politicization have eroded trust, with only 44% rating justices conduct positively (down from 72% in 2006). Legal battles involving Trump and partisan reactions to rulings have fueled skepticism about impartiality.

Jury participation dropped to 4% in 2025 (from 8% in 2020), weakening public connection to courts. Lower civic literacy and fewer jury trials further isolate citizens from the legal system, undermining trust.

While 60% believe the U.S. is "off track," most still uphold constitutional principles. However, 55% accuse the Court of political overreach, signaling urgent need for transparency and apolitical reforms.

Public confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court has plummeted to a historic low, with only 41% of Americans expressing trust in the judiciarys ability to operate in the best interests of the public, according to a April 2025 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center. Despite this decline  and broader disillusionment with government  the survey reveals an enduring commitment to the constitutional system of checks and balances, highlighting a paradox that both underscores the publics democratic ideals and challenges the legitimacy of institutions meant to uphold them.

Institutional trust in free fall, checks and balances unwavering

The Annenberg survey paints a grim picture of eroding institutional credibility. Since 2019, trust in the Supreme Court has dropped 27 percentage points, with trust in Congress (32%) and the presidency (40%) trailing even further behind. Only 35% of respondents expressed a great deal or a lot of trust in the Court, marking the lowest recorded in the surveys 20-year history. A staggering 32% said they had no trust at all in the Court, up from 55% to 59% holding either low or no trust since May 2024.

Yet Americans remain fiercely protective of their constitutional framework. Over 60% insist the president must comply with unfavorable Supreme Court rulings  even in hypothetical national security scenarios  and reject unchecked executive authority. Americans do not think the president should have the ability to act unconstrained by the courts and Congress, said Matt Levendusky, director of APPCs Institutions of Democracy division. Two-thirds oppose presidential defiance of court rulings, even among Republicans (27% supported it), while 67% reject unilateral judicial appointments bypassing Senate confirmation.

This resolve transcends partisan divides. Majorities across parties endorse the judiciarys role in deterring abuses of power. People want the president to listen to the Supreme Court because our system requires it, explained APPC researcher Shawn Patterson Jr.

Accusations of politicization

Trust began a rapid decline amid accusations of politicization. Current evaluations of judicial ethics have cratered as well: only 44% view justices conduct as good or very good, down from 72% in 2006.

Recent legal battles involving former President Donald Trump, including his highly publicized New York criminal cases, have intensified scrutiny of the judiciary. A Gallup poll from late 2024, cited in secondary sources, reported a 24-point drop in judicial confidence since 2021, with trust dipping to 35%  punishing Democrats and Republicans for their reactions to rulings. The decline reflects broad skepticism about justice being served impartially, said Lilith Foster-Collins of Newsweek.

Jury service declines and the civic knowledge gap

The survey also flags a dangerous disconnect between the public and the legal system. Fewer citizens engage with courts as jury participation plummets: only 4% of Americans have served on juries so far in 2025 (of 35% called), down from 8% in 2020. This dwindling interaction weakens trust. Understanding courts fosters respect, explained APPC director Kathleen Hall Jamieson, noting that jury duty correlates with higher perceived legitimacy of the judiciary.

Declining civic literacy compounds the issue. The Annenberg teams annual Constitution Day surveys repeatedly link deeper legal knowledge to stronger support for judicial legitimacy. Yet, systematic shifts like fewer jury trials (down 67% in state courts from 2007 to 2021) exacerbate isolation from the legal process.

Preserving ideals amid division

The data present a dual imperative. While 60% believe the nation is seriously off track, majorities still affirm foundational democratic principles. Even Republicans remain averse to dismantling check-and-balance mechanisms: only 28% favor removing Supreme Court justices over unpopular rulings. The American public recognizes the Courts vital role, even as its integrity comes into question, noted Jamieson.

However, the stakes extend beyond public opinion. A politicized judiciary risks legal crisis. Over half (55%) now argue the Court overstepped into politics, and nearly 60% demand reduced influence over controversial issues. Trust isnt something we can take for granted, said Patterson. Without it, courts lose their moral authority to govern.

Nation at a crossroads

The Annenberg findings reveal a nation at a crossroads. Americans, though skeptical of individual institutions, cling to constitutional ideals as a bulwark against chaos. Yet, sustained distrust could unravel that social contract. Courts need civic firepower  the engagement and knowledge of citizens  to fulfill their role, Jamieson warned.

As the U.S. faces legal and political challenges, from election integrity debates to high-stakes judicial appointments, rebuilding trust demands transparency and reaffirming the judiciarys apolitical mission. The republics longevity hinges on bridging the gap between declining institutional confidence and the enduring belief in checks and balances  a struggle where historical principles may yet prove both stabilizer and scoreboard.

Sources include:

StudyFinds.org

Annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org

Newsweek.com
FLU SHOT BOMBSHELL: This years jab actually INCREASES your risk of getting sick

Like nowhere else on Earth, in America, the medicine makes you sick and increases your risk of getting sick later from the infection the medicine is supposed to protect you against. Who believes in this medicine you might ask? Well, of course, thats the people who take it regularly, because that medicine also contains known brain-damaging neurotoxins that make the injected sheeple dumb enough to go back for more, over and over again.

That brings us to this years dreaded flu shot. Yes, the influenza vaccine is back and more brutally dangerous than ever. Want to catch the flu? Want to be MORE susceptible to the flu? Just get the new jab and youre all set.

The Cleveland Clinics research, one of the largest of its kind, followed doctors, nurses, and medical staffgroups often mandated to receive flu shots. The results were stark:

27% increased flu risk among vaccinated employees (Hazard Ratio: 1.27; 95% C.I., 1.071.51; P = 0.007).

among vaccinated employees (Hazard Ratio: 1.27; 95% C.I., 1.071.51; P = 0.007). Negative vaccine effectiveness of 26.9% , meaning the shot may have worsened outcomes.

of , meaning the shot may have worsened outcomes. Nearly 99% of cases were influenza A, suggesting a critical strain mismatcha recurring issue with flu vaccines.

Shocking study finds flu jab linked to increased influenza risk, raising alarm in medical community

A groundbreaking study from the Cleveland Clinic has cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of the annual flu shot, revealing that vaccinated individuals were more likely to contract influenza than those who skipped vaccination. The research, which tracked over 53,000 healthcare workers during the 2024-2025 flu season, found a 27% higher risk of infection among vaccinated individualsa finding that contradicts decades of public health messaging. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) already acknowledging historically low vaccine effectiveness, this study intensifies concerns over the reliability of mass immunization campaigns.

The study concluded: Influenza vaccination of working-aged adults was associated with a higher risk of influenza ... suggesting the vaccine has not been effective this season. Medical professionals and epidemiologists voiced alarm. Dr. Clayton J. Baker called the study a "wake-up call," stating it "strongly suggests the shot was outright harmful."

Nicolas Hulscher, an epidemiologist, was blunter: This reveals the complete failure of annual flu vaccines. Americans are tired of toxin-loaded injectable products that backfire.

The role of thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in many flu shots, also drew scrutiny. Dr. Karl Jablonowski noted its potential to weaken immune responses, citing a 2001 Institute of Medicine report linking it to neurodevelopmental risks. The findings challenge the mandatory flu shot policies at hospitals like Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Meryl Nass highlighted that flu vaccines are not rigorously tested for efficacy pre-approval: Negative efficacy is possible.

James Lyons-Weiler, Ph.D., proposed the shots might suppress natural immunity, leaving recipients vulnerable. With 82% of participants vaccinated, the studys large-scale, real-world design makes its conclusions hard to dismiss. As trust in flu vaccines erodes, holistic alternativeslike vitamin D, zinc, exercise, and stress reductiongain traction. Unlike this years shot, these methods carry no risk of increasing infection.

Public health officials now face a pivotal question: If vaccines can worsen outcomes, is it time to abandon one-size-fits-all flu strategies? For now, the Cleveland Clinic study stands as a critical reminder: Science must prioritize safety over dogma. Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on mercury-loaded flu jabs and experimental gene therapy injections that lead to more sickness, turbo cancer and Long-Vax-Syndrome.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

NaturalNews.com

Naturalhealth365.com
WEF Founder Klaus Schwab under fire as whistleblower reveals systemic misconduct, sexual harassment claims

In a stunning turn of events, Klaus Schwab, the octogenarian founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has resigned following a whistleblower letter exposing systemic misconduct , financial impropriety, and workplace discrimination. The WEF, a shadowy nexus of globalist power, now confronts a crisis that threatens its legitimacy. The allegationsincluding inappropriate demands on junior employees, unchecked abuse of funds, and a culture of elitismpaint Schwab as a symbol of institutional corruption. For decades, his leadership style epitomized a silent parade of global governanceuntil now.

Key points:

World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab faces investigation over alleged financial and ethical misconduct, including using Forum funds for in-room massages and luxury travel for himself and his wife.

Schwab resigned abruptly after a whistleblower letter accused him of exploiting WEF resources and fostering a hostile workplace for women and Black employees.

WEF purchased a 30 million villa near Geneva, later spending 20 million renovating it, which critics say was misused for private purposes by the Schwabs.

Whistleblower allegations unearth systemic misconduct

The whistleblower letter, sent anonymously to the WEF board, accuses Schwab and his wife of blending personal and organizational expenses without oversight. Employees claim Schwab directed junior staff to withdraw thousands in cash from ATMs for his use, while his wife, Hilde Schwab, leveraged WEF-paid meetings as cover for luxury vacations. The letter further details how the couple used Villa Mundi, a $50 million WEF-funded property labeled a private playground, largely for personal events.

Schwab protests all claims, stating he has repaid massage expenses, and his spokesperson threatens lawsuits against the anonymous accusers. The WEF board, however, authorized an independent probe after attorneys advised it to follow the facts.

A history of authoritarian leadership

Schwabs five-decade reign at WEF saw the Forum morph from an economic think tank into a global influencer of policy, advancing agendas like the Great Reset, enforced lockdowns, and surveillance capitalism. Free and independent thinkers see his vision of a stakeholder society as a totalitarian pursuit that prioritizes corporate and elite control over human dignity.

Internal accounts from insiders paint Schwab as autocratic, dismissing dissent while championing policies that disproportionately burden the poor and marginalized. Former employees allege a culture of fear, where complaints about harassment or mismanagement were ignored or retaliated against.

Insider accounts reveal Schwabs autocratic style:

 Suppression of dissent: Employees report a culture of fear, where voices of opposition or reports of misconduct (e.g., harassment, mismanagement) were ignored or met with retaliation. A former executive described Schwabs boardroom environment as "intimidating," with dissenters sidelined.

 Top-down control: Decisions are often made unilaterally, with Schwab centralizing authority within the WEFs inner circle. This structure mirrors authoritarian regimes, where dissent is stifled to maintain control over narrative and policy direction.

 Corrosive culture: Complaints about ethical breaches within the WEF were dismissed, fostering a toxic environment where accountability is absent. Such practices, if normalized, can lead to systemic abuses of power, further entrenching authoritarianism.

The "Great Reset" agenda: centralization and control

The Great Reset positions itself as a solution to crises like climate change and economic disparity but is critiqued as a mechanism for corporate and state expansion of control:

 Centralized governance: The agenda envisions a world where economic, health, and environmental policies are dictated by unelected global bodies, sidelining national sovereignty. For example, proposed "green economy" measures often subordinate local needs to corporate interests.

 Surveillance capitalism: Schwabs advocacy for digital tracking and data collection (e.g., pandemic monitoring) serves dual purposes: legitimizing mass surveillance and empowering corporations to profit from personal data. This exacerbates power imbalances, privileging centralized control over privacy and autonomy.

 Economic exploitation: Lockdowns and other crisis-driven policies disproportionately harmed the global poor and marginalized, who lack the resources to adapt.

Meanwhile, billionaires and corporations thrived, highlighting the agendas pro-corporate bias.

Impact on Marginalized Groups

Critics argue that Schwabs initiatives burden vulnerable populations while enriching elites:

 Economic inequality: The Great Resets restructuring of economies risks deepening poverty through digitized welfare systems or carbon taxes that target low-income communities.

 Health autocracy: Emphasis on profit-driven healthcare (e.g., pushing pharmaceutical solutions) overshadows natural health practices, further subjugating individual autonomy.

 Democratic erosion: By sidelining public dialogue, Schwabs vision strengthens corporate oligarchies, sidelining grassroots movements and democratic accountability.

Powerbroker turmoil rocks WEFs hierarchy

The boardroom drama escalated after Schwab, 88, initially planned to step down by 2027. But the whistleblower letter accelerated his exit, with board memberscelebrities like Yo-Yo Ma and politicians such as Al Gorereportedly growing restless over Schwabs control. The board named former Nestle CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe as interim chairman, signaling a potential strategic pivot.

While WEF claims its addressing systemic issues, critics note the Forums prestige has plummeted. The 2025 Davos summit drew fewer global leaders, marking a decline from its pre-Trump era clout.

The WEFs crisis shines light on decades of opaque governance. As Schwab exits, the world watches whether the organization he built can surviveor if elites will abandon ship as its authoritarian undercurrents and human rights abuses come to light.

Sources include:

Zerohedge.com

France24.com

Bloomberg.com
WHO proposes permanent tech alliance to shape health narratives, sparking debates over censorship and behavioral control

The WHO plans to institutionalize pandemic-era collaboration with Silicon Valley (e.g., Meta, Google) by forming a "health online collective" to sustain centralized control over health messaging via algorithms, influencer networks and content moderation.

The WHO measures success by "behavior change" rather than open discourse, using AI-driven programs (like Fides) to train influencers and suppress dissenting voices under the guise of combating "misinformation."

Critics warn the plan risks entrenching censorship by framing alternative health approaches (e.g., natural medicine) as "misinformation," mirroring tactics used by groups like the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) to silence dissenting experts.

The alliance deepens ties between Big Pharma, tech monopolies and global health bodies (e.g., FDA, UN), raising concerns about biased science, eroded scientific debate and loss of local health sovereignty.

Health freedom advocates argue the WHO's "prebunking" and "social immunity" rhetoric delegitimizes dissent, prioritizing compliance over autonomy and threatening holistic healthcare alternatives. Resistance is growing among civil society groups warning of irreversible digital authoritarianism.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is advancing a bold plan to institutionalize its digital health messaging through a permanent alliance with Silicon Valley giants like Meta, aiming to normalize pandemic-era levels of collaboration and narrative control. Andy Pattison, WHOs Team Lead for Digital Channels, recently lamented the decline in tech industry cooperation since global health restrictions eased and proposed the creation of a health online collective to sustain crisis-level coordination. This initiative, designed to permanently embed partnerships between global health authorities and tech companies, has reignited concerns among health freedom advocates and dissenting voices about the erosion of free speech and the prioritization of behavioral manipulation over genuine public discourse.

The proposal envisions a system where unified health messagingshaped by partnerships with Meta, Google and other platformsis disseminated year-round via algorithmic promotion, influencer networks and restricted content moderation. While WHO officials frame it as a tool to combat misinformation and improve public health outcomes, critics warn it risks entrenching censorship, narrowing scientific debate and sidelining alternative health approaches like natural medicine.

The WHOs vision: Permanent institutionalized control

At the core of Pattisons proposal is the idea of making pandemic-level digital health coordination a routine practice rather than a reactive measure. During the COVID-19 crisis, WHO and Meta collaborated closely to amplify approved messaging, restrict misinformation, and deploy campaigns like Fides, which trains healthcare influencers to propagate WHO-approved content. Pattison described these efforts as successful in shaping public behavior through targeted algorithms and emotionally charged social media posts.

[Fides] empowers local influencers, like a Ugandan creator, to contextualize global health advice as a creator from Uganda talking about the latest scandal, Pattison said, emphasizing the programs role in tailoring messages to local audiences while maintaining centralized control. The goal, he added, is to measure success not by likes or impressions but by behavior change, with tech platforms prioritizing content that aligns with institutional priorities.

The alliance would extend beyond content removal to include proactive collaboration with tech companies product managers to design platforms that reinforce health authority narratives. This includes algorithmic boosts for official messages and coordinated moderation policies to suppress dissenting viewpoints, framing them as dangerous or contrary to evidence-based science.

Censorship, suppression and the erosion of scientific debate

Health freedom advocates and media watchdogs argue such alliances threaten civil liberties and scientific pluralism. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), known for its Disinformation Dozen report targeting healthcare professionals opposed to pandemic mandates, exemplifies a broader trend of tech-NGO partnerships that critics say stifle open dialogue.

The Fides program and similar initiatives echo CCDHs tactics, aiming to silence doctors and researchers who question dominant health policies, said Michael Schmidt, a health policy researcher at the Pacific Institute for Health Freedom. This isnt about scienceits about consolidating power.

Historically, pandemic-era collaborations like Africas Infodemic Response Alliance provided precedents for such alliances. These networks leveraged state-backed censorship to marginalize alternative health discourse, often labeling natural remedies or early immunity-focused strategies as misinformation without rigorous peer review.

The UNs growing emphasis on evidence-based international standards adds geopolitical weight to this push, with critics arguing it erodes local governance of health policy. Meanwhile, Silicon Valleys revolving door between Big Pharma and tech companiessuch as the FDAs Rumor Control division, criticized for its ties to industryfuels accusations of biased science.

Behavior as the new metric

WHOs explicit focus on behavioral compliance over transparency raises ethical questions. The target isnt information-sharingits control, said Dr. Catherine ONeil, a bioethics professor at Johns Hopkins University. If you measure success by behavior change, youre prioritizing compliance with institutional directives over individual autonomy.

Pattison confirmed this approach, stating, Inoculating populations against misinformation is the goal. This metaphorcomparing public discourse to a virusaligns with prebunking strategies pioneered by institutes like Brown Universitys Information Futures Lab, which treat dissent as a pathogen requiring social immunity.

Health freedom advocates counter that such framing delegitimizes vital dialogues about holistic health, early therapies, or the risks of overmedicalization. When trusted natural products are labeled misinformation, it endangers communities reliant on those approaches, said Li Ling, director of the Asian Natural Health Collective.

A crossroads for global health governance

WHOs push reflects a broader shift toward institutionalizing digital health control post-pandemic. While proponents argue this ensures timely responses to crises, opponents see irreversible risks to civil liberties and scientific integrity.

As debates intensify, the coming months will test whether this alliance becomes a cornerstone of global public health policyor sparks a global uprising over health freedom. Civil society groups, including Natural Health liberation networks, urge vigilance, stressing the need to preserve diverse viewpoints and evidence-based transparency in an increasingly centralized digital landscape.

In an era of algorithmic manipulation, health freedom hinges on peoples right to seek truth, Lingle said. If we let these alliances dictate our choices, we cease being citizensand become subjects.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

DecisiveLiberty.news

HealthcareDive.com
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An international research team led by Helmholtz Munich has, for the first time, provided a detailed insight into how the spatial organization of genetic material is established in the cell nucleus of early embryos within the first hours after fertilization. Surprisingly, embryos demonstrate a high degree of flexibility in responding to disruptions in this process. The study, now published in Cell, reveals that no single master regulator controls this nuclear organization. Instead, multiple redundant mechanisms ensure a robust and adaptable nuclear architecture, allowing embryos to correct errors in the initial organization of their nucleus.

Early DNA organization is robust and flexible

When the egg and sperm fuse, a comprehensive reorganization of DNA begins within the nucleus. Epigenetics plays a crucial role in this process, regulating gene activity through chemical modifications on DNA and its associated proteins.

We wanted to understand how these epigenetic programs influence gene activity and ensure that the cell correctly executes its developmental tasks. Previously, it was not known whether a single central mechanism controlled nuclear organization after fertilization. Our results show that after fertilization, multiple parallel regulatory pathways control nuclear organization, reinforcing each other. Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla, Study Leader, Director at the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells at Helmholtz Munich and Professor at the Faculty of Biology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat (LMU)

Challenging the classical model of nuclear organization

To decipher the mechanisms of this reorganization, the researchers conducted a mid-scale perturbation screening in mouse embryos. To map epigenetic changes in early embryos, they employed state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques (see information box below). The analyses uncovered multiple redundant regulatory mechanisms involved in nuclear organization.

Furthermore, the experiments revealed that  contrary to previous assumptions  gene activity is not strictly determined by nuclear positioning.

The position of genes within the nucleus did not always correlate with their activity, explains Mrinmoy Pal, first author of the publication and doctoral researcher at the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells. Some genes remained active despite shifting to a nuclear region traditionally considered inactive, while similar relocations in other cases led to a drastic reduction in gene expression. This challenges the classical model of nuclear organization and genome function, Pal concludes.

Embryos can self-correct early nuclear organization errors

Even more surprising was the finding that embryos can self-correct disruptions in nuclear organization, even after the first division of the fertilized egg. If nuclear organization was disrupted prior to the first cell division, it could get restored during the second cell cycle. This suggests that early embryos are not only resilient but also possess mechanisms to compensate for errors in their initial nuclear organization. The researchers discovered that this process is regulated by epigenetic marks inherited from the maternal egg cell. If these maternal signals are disrupted, the embryo can activate alternative epigenetic programs to eventually restore correct nuclear organization that might not originate from the mother. This indicates that embryos can utilize different starting points for their development to prevent developmental defects.

Relevance for aging and disease

The findings from study could have broad implications: in diseases such as Progeria, a genetic disorder causing premature aging, significant disruptions occur in DNA associated with the nuclear lamina. Additionally, several cancers are linked to changes in nuclear genome organization. Our results could help to better understand these mechanisms and, in the long term, develop new approaches to specifically influence epigenetic programs to improve disease outcomes, says Torres-Padilla.
Caltech professor of medical engineering Wei Gao and his colleagues are envisioning a smart bandage of the future-a "lab on skin" that could not only help patients and caregivers monitor the status of chronic wounds but also deliver treatment and speed up the healing process for those cuts, incisions, scrapes, and burns that are slow to heal on their own.

In 2023, Gao's team cleared the first hurdle toward achieving that goal by showing that a smart bandage they developed could provide real-time data about chronic wounds in animal models, while also accelerating the healing process through the timely application of medication or electrical fields to stimulate tissue growth.

Now Gao and his colleagues from Caltech and the Keck School of Medicine of USC have cleared another hurdle by demonstrating that an improved version of their bandage, which they call iCares, was able to continually sample fluid, which the body sends to wound sites as part of the inflammatory response, in 20 human patients with chronic wounds. These wounds were not able to heal either because of diabetes or poor blood circulation; the researchers also studied additional patients before and after surgery.

The smart bandage, outfitted with three different microfluidic components-miniature modules that channel and otherwise control the flow of liquids-clears excess moisture from wounds while providing real-time data about biomarkers present.

"Our innovative microfluidics remove moisture from the wound, which helps with healing. They also make sure that samples analyzed by the bandage are fresh, not a mixture of old and new fluid. To get accurate measurements, we need to sample only the newest fluid at a wound site," says Gao, who is also a Heritage Medical Research Institute Investigator. "In this way, iCares can watch in real time for important biomarkers of inflammation and infection."

Indeed, in a new paper in the journal Science Translational Medicine, Gao and his colleagues show that the smart bandage can detect molecules such as nitric oxide, an indicator of inflammation; and hydrogen peroxide, a biomarker of infection; potentially one to three days before patients experience symptoms.

In a further advance, the team has developed a machine-learning algorithm that can successfully classify the patients' wounds and predict healing time with a level of accuracy comparable to that of an expert clinician.

The bandage is composed of a flexible, biocompatible polymer strip that can be 3D printed at low cost. It integrates nanoengineered biomarker sensor array, which is disposable for hygiene and single-use applications. The system also includes a reusable printed circuit board that handles signal processing and wireless data transmission to a user interface, such as a smartphone. The triad of microfluidic modules within iCares includes a membrane that sucks wound fluid from the surface of the wound, a bioinspired component that shuttles the fluid across the device onto a sensor array where it is analyzed, and a micropillar module that carries the sampled fluid away to the outside of the bandage.

The co-lead authors of the paper, "A microfluidic wearable device for wound exudate management and analysis in human chronic wounds," are Caltech graduate students Canran Wang and Kexin Fan. Additional authors from Caltech include Jose A. Lasalde-Ramirez, Wenzheng Heng, Jihong Min (PhD '24), Samuel A. Solomon, Jiahong Li, Hong Han, Gwangmook Kim, Soyoung Shin, and Alex Seder; former graduate students Minqiang Wang and Ehsan Shirzaei Sani, who is now at the University of Central Florida, are authors who contributed while at Caltech. Authors from the Keck School of Medicine of USC are Chia-Ding Shih (also of Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare in Pomona, California) and David Armstrong. The work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Army Research Office, US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, and by the Heritage Medical Research Institute. Caltech's Kavli Nanoscience Institute provided critical support and infrastructure for this work.
Adverse situations experienced by the mother during childhood  such as neglect or physical, psychological or sexual violence  can trigger excessive weight gain in male children as early as the first two months of life. This was shown in a study that followed 352 pairs of newborns and their mothers in the cities of Guarulhos and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The results were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

The analyses indicated the occurrence of very early metabolic alterations in babies that not only led to weight gain above that expected for their age but also have the potential to increase the future risk of developing obesity and diabetes.

This is the first article resulting from a Thematic Project supported by FAPESP and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. Using a database of 580 vulnerable pregnant women, the group is studying intergenerational trauma, i.e., negative effects that can be passed on to future generations, even if the offspring have not lived through such experiences.

Conducted by researchers from Columbia and Duke Universities, both in the United States, and the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Sao Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP) in Brazil, the study focuses on issues related to mother-baby interaction, development, and mental and physical health (read more at: agencia.fapesp.br/32577).

We observed that although the babies were born weighing within the expected parameters, in the first few days of life they showed altered weight gain, far above what's recommended as ideal by the World Health Organization [WHO]." Andrea Parolin Jackowski, professor at UNIFESP and coordinator of the project in Brazil

According to the WHO, the ideal weight gain in the first stage of life is up to 30 grams per day. However, the male babies in the study had an average weight gain of 35 grams per day  with some gaining up to 78 grams per day.

"The babies who took part in the study were born full-term, healthy and within the ideal weight range. All of the pregnancies we followed were low-risk, but our data showed that every adversity the mother experienced during childhood increased the babies' weight gain by 1.8 grams per day. And this was limited to males," the researcher reports.

According to Jackowski, there are many factors that can influence a baby's weight in early life, and maternal childhood trauma appears to be one of them. For this reason, the analysis took care to control for so-called confounders  variables related to the mothers' stress levels that could influence the results. Some examples include lifetime trauma experiences (the effects of which are cumulative) and current trauma, as well as education level and socioeconomic status.

"It's also important to note that 70% of the babies who took part in the study were exclusively breastfed. The other 30% were on mixed feeding [a combination of breast milk and formula]. This means that they weren't eating filled cookies or other foods that could actually change their weight. Therefore, the results suggest the occurrence of an early metabolic alteration in these babies," she says.

Why only boys?

According to the researcher, maternal trauma during childhood only had an impact on the weight of male babies because of physiological variations in the placenta associated with the sex of the fetus.

The placenta is a temporary organ composed of maternal and fetal tissue that shows structural differences and differences in the regulation and expression of steroids and proteins depending on the sex of the baby. "Male fetuses develop strategies to maintain constant growth in the face of an adverse intrauterine environment, leading to a greater risk of prematurity and fetal death," explains the researcher.

In addition, she adds, childhood adversity is known to increase the risk of depression and anxiety during pregnancy, which can lead to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cortisol in the intrauterine environment. "It appears that the placenta of female fetuses adapts to protect them, slowing down the growth rate without restricting intrauterine growth [i.e., the size of the baby is within the expected range at the end of pregnancy] and allowing for a higher survival rate," she explains.

Another important issue is that the placenta of male fetuses tends to be more susceptible to fluctuations in substances and metabolites present in the maternal bloodstream compared to female placentas. "As a result, in these cases of trauma, it can become more permeable, causing the male fetus to be more exposed to inflammatory factors resulting from high levels of stress, such as cortisol and interleukins, for example."

The work now published is the first to identify intergenerational trauma as a trigger for physical changes at such an early age. "It's already known that adverse events in the mother's childhood can trigger psychological and developmental problems, but our study is pioneering in showing that they can affect physical problems, such as weight gain, as early as the first two months of life," says Jackowski.

Now, the research team, which includes Vinicius O. Santana and FAPESP postdoctoral fellow Aline C. Ramos, will follow the weight development of the children of mothers who suffered adversity in childhood until they are 24 months old. "We're going to follow them for longer because we want to investigate the impact of the introduction of food, which usually occurs at 6 months of age," she says.

As the researchers explain, the research suggests that metabolic changes can be modified. "It's not a matter of determinism. We need to monitor how the metabolism and inflammatory factors behave in these babies over a longer period of time to understand how to modulate this process. It's important to know that all of this is modifiable, and we're now going to look at how we can intervene," she says.
Depression involves a complex interplay of psychological patterns, biological vulnerabilities and social stressors, making its causes and symptoms highly variable. Equally complex is the treatment of depression, which requires a highly individualized approach that may involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.

In a decade-long multi-institutional study, U of A psychologists teamed up with Radboud University in the Netherlands to develop a precision treatment approach for depression that gives patients individualized recommendations based on multiple characteristics, such as age and gender. Their findings are published in the journal PLOS One.

First-line treatment for depression should not be a one-size-fits-all approach, said Zachary Cohen, senior author on the paper and assistant professor in the U of A Department of Psychology. Unfortunately, he said, the current standard of care largely involves a trial-and-error approach, in which different medications or therapies are tried until an intervention or combination that effectively alleviates symptoms is found.

About 50% of people don't respond to first-line treatments for depression. There's a lot of heterogeneity of treatment response, meaning that there are some people who respond really well and some people who don't." Zachary Cohen, senior author on the paper and assistant professor in the U of A Department of Psychology

The study focused specifically on depression in adults. The research team brought together patient data from randomized clinical trials conducted worldwide that have assessed the efficacy of five widely used depression treatments.

Before treatment, patients were evaluated on a variety of dimensions, including for associated psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and personality disorders, said Ellen Driessen, the study's lead researcher and assistant professor of clinical psychology at Radboud University.

"We examined whether people with certain features, like the presence of a comorbid condition, might benefit from one treatment method over the other," Driessen said.

The researchers hope their results will lead to the creation a clinical decision support tool, an algorithm that simultaneously considers many variables, such as age, gender and comorbid conditions and the relationships among the variables to create a single recommendation. Once the patient's variables are fed into the tool, it will generate a personalized recommendation as opposed to a guideline that provides a list of generalized recommendations.

The data that the team generated looked at the patients' outcomes from clinical trials of antidepressant medications, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and short-term psychodynamic therapy, a form of in-depth talk therapy.

"Much of the prior work on treatment selection has relied on data from single trials whose sample sizes limit their ability to develop powerful, reliable clinical prediction models," Cohen said.

The research group spent around 10 years collecting and processing data from over 60 trials involving almost 10,000 patients. Researchers from different parts of the world participated in the initiative by sharing data from their studies. The research group also brought together an international group of scientists from different disciplines to develop the strategy for analyzing the data.

"It has taken about five years just to clean and combine the existing data so we can build a model that's informed by all the available evidence," Cohen said.

"This paper is a protocol, which lays out our plans in detail, but the actual building of the tool is something that we will work on the next year or two," Driessen said.

In the future, the team plans to conduct a clinical trial evaluating the benefits of using a clinical decision support tool to help match patients to their optimal treatment. If the results are favorable, the tool could be scaled up and implemented in real-world clinical contexts. The researchers envision the tool to be a simple computer program or web application in which patient information can be entered.

The team hopes to provide clinicians, people with depression, and society a means to make more efficient use of existing treatment resources and help reduce the immense personal and societal costs associated with depression.

"If the results generalize, this tool has the potential to be globally applicable," Cohen said. "What's exciting about the variables that go into this is that they're relatively straightforward to obtain by self-report questionnaires or clinical demographic features. The cost of implementing this will also be relatively low."
Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to public health. When antibiotics don't work, we risk not being able to treat many types of infections and people who would previously have been cured, can die.

One example is the bacterium E. coli which is globally the most common cause of urinary tract and bloodstream infections.

What happens if a urinary tract infection cannot be treated?

Some variants of E. coli bacteria are resistant to most kinds of antibiotics. "This means that there is a very limited choice of antibiotics left that we can use. We therefore try to avoid using these "last resort" antibiotics because the bacteria can then become more and more resistant to them as well. If we use these antibiotics too often, we can end up with a situation where we have no treatment that works. An initially mild urinary tract infection can then turn into a serious threat in patients with a weak immune defence system, such as the elderly and those suffering from cancer", explains professor rjan Samuelsen from the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN).



Together with professor Jukka Corander at the University of Oslo (UiO) and professor Pal J. Johnsen at The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Samuelsen has been working to find new ways of combating these antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The three professors and their team of researchers have now made a promising discovery.

Mapped DNA components in E. coli that make toxins

One of the most common ways bacteria learn to resist antibiotics is by acquiring resistance genes from other bacteria. These are often located on circular strands of the genetic material DNA (called plasmids) that are independent of the host cell's chromosome. They can therefore rapidly move between cells.



In a new study published in Nature Communications, the research team carried out a more in-depth and detailed investigation of the total genetic material of the E. coli bacteria than has ever been done before.



With the aid of the latest generation of sequencing technology, they studied the complete chromosomes and plasmids present in 2000 samples from Norwegian patients who had an invasive infection.

Plasmids develop rapidly and can spread between different strains of bacteria. We used new methods of genome analysis developed by our team for precisely this purpose, since the variation in DNA from plasmids tends to behave differently compared to the variation we see between chromosomes. We were able to study how the plasmids move around and what prevented them from moving, and this is where we made a number of promising findings. We mapped for the first time the distribution of E. coli plasmids carryingtoxin-producing genes that outcompete closely related related bacteria." Jukka Corander, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo

Tested the toxin on antibiotic-resistant E. coli

Of the twelve different toxins they found in the plasmids, there was one variant in particular that appeared to have a significant effect.



"We cultivated several types of multiresistant E. coli in petri dishes in the laboratory and added the toxin produced by the bacterial strains with a specific type of plasmid. Then we found that the toxin killed the antibiotic-resistant bacteria", says Johnsen.



This can pave the way towards new ways of treating infections, with personalized medicine as a kind of "precision-guided missile".

Findings that can reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics

There is a worldwide aim to be able to reduce the use of so-called broad-spectrum antibiotics, which act against many different types of bacteria and are used when it is unclear which particular variant has infected you. The problem with such antibiotics is that they often kill too much - not only the harmful bacteria in the body, but also many useful ones.



"Broad-spectrum antibiotics usually wipe out this E. coli bacteria with toxins, which would have been nature's own weapon. We must of course treat infections, but if we instead can use personalized medicine like "precision-guided missiles" with customized antibiotics, the beneficial bacteria can survive. Our theory is that we can get bacterial strains less harmful to humans to outcompete the more dangerous variants. Then we can slow the spread of infections that are difficult to treat", explains Corander.



Corander, Johnsen and Samuelsen hope that this strategy can also work against the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. They want to continue testing the toxins further.



Klebsiella can cause both pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections and infections of the blood and liver. Certain antibiotic-resistant variants of Klebsiella have been classified by WHO as a serious threat to public health. In intensive care units in hospitals around the world, healthcare personnel are increasingly struggling with this bacterium.

Doctors must know which E. coli variant the patient has in order to prescribe exactly the right medicine

In order that personalized medicine can be used to combat the most harmful E. coli bacteria, the researchers must develop different precision medicines against the variants that exist.



"The diagnosis of E. coli infections must also be improved, so that doctors know which medicine to prescribe", says Samuelsen.



The study was carried out in collaboration with, amongst others, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, UiT, UNN and hospitals in different parts of Norway, and has resulted in a new, detailed overview of the variation in the total genetic material of E. coli. For instance, the researchers can see how certain genetic variants of the bacteria have developed over the last 300 years.

"This unique DNA data material will be a very important source for scientists conducting research in bacterial genetics and microbiology internationally", emphasizes Corander.



The study is funded by the Trond Mohn Research Foundation.
A team at UC San Francisco and Gladstone Institutes has developed new drug candidates that show great promise against the virus that causes COVID-19 and potentially other coronaviruses that could cause future pandemics.

In preclinical testing, the compounds performed better than Paxlovid against SARS-CoV-2 and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, which periodically causes deadly outbreaks around the world.

"In three years, we've moved as fast as a pharmaceutical company would have, from start to finish, developing drug candidates against a totally new pathogen," said Charles Craik, PhD, UCSF professor of pharmaceutical chemistry and co-corresponding author of the paper, which appears April 23 in Science Advances.

These compounds could inhibit coronaviruses in general, giving us a head start against the next pandemic. We need to get them across the finish line and into clinical trials." Charles Craik, PhD, UCSF professor of pharmaceutical chemistry

The work was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to prepare for the next coronavirus epidemic  work that pharmaceutical companies have largely abandoned. But the grant to UCSF has since been terminated, and the group's antiviral drug candidates face an uncertain future.

The discovery came out of UCSF's Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Center for Pathogens of Pandemic Concern, which funded the work of several hundred scientists at UCSF and beyond. It is one of nine centers that NIAD created in 2022 to bolster the nation's pandemic preparedness.

From virtual to real-world drug candidates

Three years ago, the UCSF AViDD grant supercharged the efforts of the UCSF Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) Coronavirus Research Group (QCRG). QCRG, which was founded in 2020 by QBI's director, Nevan Krogan, PhD, brought together 800 scientists from more than 40 institutions across the world.

From this group, he assembled hundreds of scientists from 43 labs across UCSF, Gladstone Institutes, and a wide range of domestic and international institutions  including Mount Sinai, Northwestern, MIT, the University of Toronto, the University of Alberta, University College London, Institut Pasteur, and others  and obtained one of the nine AViDD center grants in the country.

"COVID was our wake-up call to apply all our resources and know-how toward new therapies and future pandemic preparedness," said Krogan, UCSF professor of cellular and molecular pharmacology, co-author of the paper, and a leading expert on the biology of infectious disease. "The AViDD funding, which is now in peril, was poised to help us produce potent and necessary antivirals in record time."

For the project that led to the new SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates, Craik, who had experience designing drugs against HIV, partnered with the UCSF labs of Brian Shoichet, PhD; Adam Renslo, PhD; Kliment Verba, PhD; and Krogan, as well as Melanie Ott, PhD (Gladstone Institutes).

The group focused on the major protease (MPro), a type of enzyme, or protease, that breaks proteins into smaller pieces like a pair of molecular scissors. SARS-CoV-2 uses MPro to trim viral proteins into usable parts, which the virus then uses to replicate in human cells. Viral proteases have often been the target of attempts to make antiviral drugs, most notably for HIV.

Shoichet's molecular docking program, a virtual system to test how different molecules interact with proteins, helped the team identify a few dozen molecular structures, out of millions, that mildly blocked MPro  a starting point for developing real-world drug candidates.

The Renslo lab then synthesized hundreds of new molecules based on the virtual molecules, which the Craik lab tested against MPro in the laboratory.

"We spent 18 months going back and forth with different molecules that fit reasonably well inside of MPro, but were still mediocre at blocking it," Craik said. "Our progress stalled. Something had to give."

Jamming the viral scissors

Two of Renslo's post-doctoral researchers, Gilles DeGotte, PhD, and Luca Lizzadro, PhD, were responsible for designing and then making the new molecules in the lab. They were given a task "that in the pharmaceutical industry would have been assigned to a much larger team of medicinal chemists," according to Renslo, who is a co-corresponding author of the paper.

Lizzadro improved the synthesis (like a recipe) for making the molecules and found a way to make them fit more snugly into the "active site" of MPro, blocking its ability to cut proteins, like jamming open a pair of scissors.

DeGotte, meanwhile, used "click chemistry" to improve the molecules' fit in MPro even further. This involved introducing a molecular adapter that would make it easier to swap different chemical shapes onto each new drug candidate.

Tyler Detomasi, PhD, a post-doctoral researcher in the Craik Lab, showed that in two such molecules, named AVI-4516 and AVI-4773, the molecular adapter had, itself, bonded to the MPro active site. These molecules weren't just a perfect fit for MPro  they were glued within the jaws of the scissors.

Fortunately, AVI-4516 and AVI-4773 didn't block any human proteases, which are important for human health. Verba's lab generated atomic-scale images of the compounds bound to MPro, helping the team to optimize the fit and prove that they were permanently stuck inside the viral enzyme.

"This was our lucky break and gave us some very special molecules," Craik said. "They only react when they're already inside this viral protease, but not to any of our own human proteases, giving us hope that they could have minimal side effects in people."

A new generation of effective antivirals

With rising confidence that AVI-4516 and AVI-4773 effectively blocked MPro, Ott, a virologist, tested them against live SARS-CoV-2, first in petri dishes and then in mice.

Ott had tested hundreds of drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2 by this point.

"It's very challenging to fight viruses in general, let alone SARS-CoV-2, but these new compounds were some of the best, if not the best, we had ever seen, in terms of eliminating infection," said Ott, who is a co-corresponding author of the paper.

The two drug candidates looked promising as disease therapies. They potently blocked their target; they traveled efficiently through the body, ensuring they reached their target; and at least in mice, they appeared safe.

In a tantalizing follow-up experiment, a further-optimized version of the molecules effectively blocked variants of SARS-CoV-2 like Delta, as well as MERS, a less prevalent but much more deadly coronavirus.

The team believes their drug candidates, once shepherded through clinical trials to demonstrate safety in humans, could be kept "on the shelf" ready to fight the next pandemic caused by a coronavirus.

"These compounds are easy to modify and should be easy to manufacture," Renslo said. "AViDD enabled us to discover important new counter measures for an important class of viral pathogens. It's critical that we see this project through to clinical studies to ensure we're better prepared for the next pandemic."
Symptoms that persist long after Lyme disease is treated are not uncommon - a 2022 study found that 14% of patients who were diagnosed and treated early with antibiotic therapy would still develop Post Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD). Yet doctors puzzle over the condition's causes and how to help their patients through symptoms ranging from severe fatigue and cognitive challenges to body pain and arthritis.

Now, Northwestern University scientists believe they know what causes the treated infection to mimic chronic illness: the body may be responding to remnants of the Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacteria that causes Lyme) cell wall, which breaks down during treatment yet lingers in the liver. This matches one theory behind the underlying causes of long COVID-19 in that persisting viral molecules may encourage a strong, albeit unnecessary, immune response, said bacteriologist Brandon L. Jutras.

"Lyme and long COVID-19 are clearly vastly different diseases, but it's possible that they share a more general mechanism of inappropriate inflammation caused by remnants of a previous infection," said Jutras, who led the research. "The maladaptive response is a product of an infection, but perhaps not necessarily an active one in all cases."

Peptidoglycan is a structural feature of virtually all bacterial cells and a common target of antibiotics, including penicillin. The research, to be published April 23 in the journal Science Translational Medicine, tracked the biodistribution of peptidoglycan from different bacteria, in real time, and found that all cell wall material is rapidly shed, but Lyme disease's peptidoglycan persists for weeks to months.

Lyme arthritis is one of the more common long-term impacts of exposure to Lyme. If a patient has a swollen knee, for instance, it is full of synovial fluid, a natural lubricant found in joints. Jutras said his team looked at the fluid in humans and found that pieces of the peptidoglycan were omnipresent weeks to months after treatment.

In the context of Lyme arthritis, if you give patients anti-inflammatory, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, they get better. Some of these very same patients do not get better after oral and IV antibiotics, which implies there is something unique about how patients respond at a genetic level." Brandon L. Jutras, bacteriologist

Jutras, who joined Northwestern faculty last summer, is an associate professor of microbiology-immunology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a member of the Center for Human Immunobiology at Northwestern. He has been studying Lyme disease for more than 15 years, beginning in graduate school, and was previously an associate professor at Virginia Tech University.

"Peptidoglycan is kind of like a structural skeleton in virtually all bacteria, acting as a big protective bag for the bacterium," Jutras said. "Penicillin and amoxicillin and dozens of other drugs target peptidoglycan synthesis because it's a molecule that is specific to bacteria, it has similar structural features across the kingdom, and it's essential."

Lyme's peptidoglycan, however, is structurally unique, and this difference may be behind its persistence in humans. Instead of looking the same as with other bacteria, the Lyme peptidoglycan is fundamentally distinct, which is facilitated in part by sucking up sugars from its tick vector. Upon bacterial cell death - by antibiotics or the immune system - surviving molecules tend to relocate to the liver, which can't process the modified peptidoglycan.

Without this modification, it seems likely that the peptidoglycan would clear right away, as in other infections.

"The unusual chemical properties of Borrelia peptidoglycan promote persistence, but it's the individual patient response to the molecule that likely impacts the overall clinical outcome," Jutras said. "Some patients will have a more robust or stronger immune response, which could result in a worse disease outcome, while the immune system of others may largely ignore the molecule. So, in essence, it's not about whether the molecule is there or not, it's more about how an individual responds to it."

Jutras hopes the groundbreaking findings will lead to development of more accurate tests, possibly for PTLD patients, and refined treatment options when antibiotics have failed. To effectively stymie PTLD, instead of neutralizing an infection that may no longer exist, efforts are underway to neutralize the inflammatory molecule, including weaponizing monoclonal antibodies to target peptidoglycan for destruction.

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R21AI159800, R01AI173256, R01AI178711), the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the Department of Defense (TB220039), the Global Lyme Alliance and the Bay Area Lyme Foundation.
Scientists from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin have created a data science framework to better understand how cells travel through the body. The researchers analyzed chemokines and their associated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), proteins that govern cell movement. They found that specific positions within structured and disordered regions of both proteins determine how chemokines and GPCRs bind each other. The scientists used that information to change chemokine-GPCR binding preferences artificially and alter the resulting cell migration. This type of understanding may improve disease treatment, such as enhancing how cellular therapies travel to tumor sites, and increase clarity about healthy processes, such as the development of heart and blood vessels. The findings were published today in Cell.

Cell migration influences many processes in the body, including how immune cells travel to an infection site, how the brain develops and how wounds are repaired. It is also exploited by disease cells, such as in metastatic cancer. While cell movement is known to be directed by the interaction between two protein families, GPCRs and chemokines, the vast similarities between members of each family have presented a challenge in understanding how the correct pairs form and control the movement of relevant cells. The researchers developed data science approaches to identify the exact parts of each protein governing their molecular interactions.

We found that cells have an elegant system that uses structure and disorder together to control cell migration. With that understanding, we can now rationally introduce small changes in a chemokine's structure to ultimately alter cell migration in desired ways." M. Madan Babu, PhD, FRS, senior co-corresponding author, St. Jude Senior Vice President of Data Science and Center of Excellence for Data-Driven Discovery director, Department of Structural Biology

Small, disordered regions provide order to chemokines-GPCR pairs

The scientists uncovered how chemokines and their receptors bind select members of the GPCR family by data mining protein sequences and structural information. They compared all human chemokine-binding GPCRs and all chemokines, then compared similar chemokines and GPCRs from other species. They also looked at each protein individually at a population level, finding places that stayed the same across groups and those that differed.

"Through our data analysis, we discovered that the information for how chemokines and GPCRs select for each other is stored in small, discrete packages of highly unstructured, disordered regions," said first and co-corresponding author Andrew Kleist, MD, PhD, St. Jude Center of Excellence for Data-Driven Discovery, Department of Structural Biology. "The mix of those small packages from both the chemokine and receptor results in the unique interaction, similar to website data encryption keys, which governs cell migration." Kleist started the work as a graduate student in the laboratory of co-corresponding author Brian Volkman, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Websites keep sales secure with public and private digital keys. The seller and buyer each possess a public key and a private key, both of which are prime numbers. When the private and public keys are multiplied together, the resulting unique number ensures that only the two parties taking part in the transaction can exchange information while protecting that information from bad actors. The scientists found the disordered regions in these proteins acted like private keys, while the structured regions acted like public keys. The interactions of a chemokine's disordered region with a GPCR's structured region, within the greater context of the highly structured portions of each protein, provide cells with a unique chemical identifier for that chemokine-GPCR pair, just like verifying a pair of public and private keys. That unique identifier contains the information for cells to respond appropriately to a particular chemokine-GPCR binding, migrating towards more of that chemokine.

"Once we understood how these proteins interacted, we demonstrated we could rationally mutate them to have different properties," Babu said. The researchers changed the regions determining the selectivity of a chosen chemokine to alter its receptor binding preferences. Co-author Lindsay Talbot, MD, St. Jude Department of Surgery, showed that the scientists could change how T cells, a type of white blood cell, move, turning down a signal that normally stops their movement.

Making forward movements with chemokines and GPCRs

"Now that we've shown a proof of concept, our approach will guide exploration into new medicines and improvements for existing cellular therapies," Kleist said. "For example, it may be possible to create molecules that better lead immune cells to cancers or help recruit more blood stem cells for bone marrow transplants. In theory, any therapy using cell movement could benefit from applying these principles."

To enable scientists and clinicians to test this, the collaborators published their data science framework online. The resource is the first step in pushing cell movement manipulation from concept into reality for patients.

"When people think about the body, we think every cell stays in place, but that's a simplistic view," Babu said. "Depending on the tissue, cells are moving all the time, and our new understanding of those systems opens novel avenues for therapeutic development."

The framework to assist the rational design of chemokines and receptors is freely available at: https://github.com/andrewbkleist/chemokine_gpcr_encoding.

Authors and funding

The study's other authors are Monica Thomas, Kyler Crawford, Acacia Dishman, Michael Wedemeyer and Francis Peterson, Medical College of Wisconsin; Martyna Szpakowska and Andy Chevigne, Luxembourg Institute of Health; Greg Slodkowicz, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology; Daniel McGrail, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Stephen Yi, University of Texas at Austin; Nidhi Sahni, Baylor College of Medicine and Duccio Malinverni and Madison Sluter, St. Jude.

The study was supported by grants from the Medical Research Council (MC_U105185859), the National Institutes of Health (F30CA196040, R37AI058072, F30HL134253, F30CA236182, T32GM080202, R35GM137836 and K99CA240689), the Luxembourg Institute of Health NanoLux Platform, the Luxembourg National Research Fund (INTER/FNRS INTER 20/15084569, CORE C23/BM/18068832), F.R.S.-FNRS-Televie (7.8504.20, 7.4502.21 and 7.8508.22), the St. Jude GPCR Research Collaborative, AstraZeneca Blue Sky Fund (BSF17), the Swiss National Science Foundation (P2ELP3_18910), the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (RR160021), the Alfred P. Sloan Scholar Research Fellowship (FG-2018-10723), the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation Fellowship, the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (Early Career Award 649968) and ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization of St. Jude.
AnalytiChem, manufacturer of specialized laboratory equipment, reagents and consumables, has introduced Redipor ready-to-use culture media as an AnalytiChem branded product line globally. Built on the legacy of three trusted brands - BioTrading, Redipor by Cherwell, and NEL - Redipor by AnalytiChem brings together over 150 years of expertise, innovation and heritage into one unique global brand. Known for its high quality, reliability and flexibility, Redipor prepared culture media enables microbiologists across the life sciences industry to confidently meet their stringent standards and compliance needs.

AnalytiChem's Redipor range provides the highest quality, tailored ready-to-use media products to support critical applications in Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverage, Environmental, and Healthcare sectors. The portfolio consists of an extensive collection of media, batch sizes and packaging options - including plates, bottles, tubes and vials, plus chromogenic and irradiated media, and universal operator broth transfer kits. These products can be readily customized for specific customer needs and regulations.

Manufactured in AnalytiChem's own state-of-the-art, ISO 9001:2015 certified production facilities in The Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States, Redipor products can be produced in proximity to customers, ensuring speed of availability and minimizing on impact of transportation.

The adaptable processes across AnalytiChem's three media manufacturing facilities enable the production of tailored batch sizes, formulations and packaging solutions. All ensuring Redipor by AnalytiChem can readily and flexibly meet unique customer requirements, whatever their critical microbial monitoring application or location.

"Redipor is a global brand that represents our commitment to unwavering quality and reliability, in terms of product, supply and ultimately customer test results," said Dennis Scheepmaker, Global Segment Leader, Life Sciences, AnalytiChem. "We understand that microbiologists across the life sciences industry rely on precision, consistency and convenience. Through our wealth of expertise in ready-prepared culture media and local markets we can partner closely with our customers to ensure smooth workflows for critical applications and deliver total confidence in test results."

"As a quality-assured prepared media offering, developed and produced in parallel by BioTrading, NEL and Cherwell, the products within the Redipor by AnalytiChem range have been serving the pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical, food and environmental testing markets for over 40 years. So, there is a strong heritage of quality, performance, flexibility, expertise and understanding of our customers' needs," added Andy Whittard, Managing Director, Cherwell, an AnalytiChem company. "With the rollout of the Redipor brand name within the AnalytiChem group, it is going to expand its reach further afield while maintaining this quality heritage, which is really exciting."

In Redipor by AnalytiChem we are now taking 150+ years of experience of three different fully accredited media production facilities and bringing that all together as one truly global high quality, ready-to-use media brand!." Dennis Scheepmaker, Global Segment Leader, Life Sciences, AnalytiChem

A video explaining the Redipor story is available to view.

Video Credit: Analytichem
From egg prices to pet food recalls  and now, confirmation that another strain of bird flu has infected a large commercial flock of broiler chickens on a Mississippi farm  headlines are capturing escalating concern over H5N1's spread.

According to recent findings by a team of bioinformatics and genomics experts at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the virus has already adapted itself to escape immunological defenses (such as those raised by previous infection or vaccination) in mammals. The risk to human health is expected to rise as H5N1 evolves to better infect mammals, the study finds.

This rapid adaptation means that "an H5N1 vaccine made (for an earlier strain) will have less efficacy," said Colby T. Ford,'14, '15 M.S., '18 Ph.D., now a visiting scholar in data science at UNC Charlotte's Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks (CIPHER).

The UNC Charlotte research could prove pivotal (just as a similar study by the same group on COVID-19 mutations did several years ago) as global leaders weigh the public health response to avian influenza.

"We are entering a whole new era of molecular epidemiology in which we provide a functional insight above and beyond disease surveillance," said Dan Janies, Ph.D., CIPHER co-director and the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor in Bioinformatics and Genomics.

"Large data sets can be analyzed rapidly with high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to assess our preparedness for important problems such as H5N1, which is spreading rapidly to new hosts and regions including American cattle and farmworkers."

Janies and Ford, along with Bioinformatics Assistant Professor Richard Allen White III, Ph.D., led students Shirish Yasa, Khaled Obeid, and Sayal Guirales-Medrano in the groundbreaking study, published after peer review in eBioMedicine on March 17.

Analyzing H5N1 antibody interactions

While avian influenza has yet to achieve human-to-human transmission, it is already considered a pandemic among animals.

The virus has infected small mammals and hundreds of species of wild and domestic birds and in recent years H5N1 has expanded its reach to larger mammals, including cattle. This change in host range significantly increases the risk of human infection, particularly as the virus evolves to evade immune defenses.

As Ford explains, the weakening of antibody binding affinity to newer viral strains means that we could be facing an H5N1 strain capable of efficiently infecting humans, with potentially severe consequences.

Data and findings from the CIPHER team can help public health decision-makers be more forward-looking in the effort to contain H5N1.

"Through the large scale of high-performance and cloud computing, we employ AI and other modeling tools to answer such questions computationally," Ford explains. "In this study, our aim is to be more forward-looking to predict the potential health impacts of H5N1 influenza before a major event catches us off guard."

Avian influenza jump to cows, now humans

While many refer to the virus as simply "bird flu," scientists have long surveilled avian influenza to find it is indeed a zoonotic virus  meaning it can and does hop from birds to mammals, such as cows and humans. UNC Charlotte's research indicates current lineages of the virus are equally able to infect bird and mammal cells.

In fact, the most recent H5N1 strains show signs of the virus being able to replicate itself much more readily in mammals than previously known.

The most up-to-date research from the team at UNC Charlotte documents H5N1's "strengthening immune evasion capabilities."

In a March 17 preprint manuscript (undergoing peer-review), researchers explain that a specific gene of the virus has changed over time  allowing avian influenza to improve its ability to hijack mammalian cells.

Along with the earlier research published by eBioMedicine, the findings provide urgent insight as avian influenza poses an ongoing threat to global agricultural interests and raises increasing alarms for human health.

The team's ability to model H5N1's evolution in real-time measures how rapidly the virus can change, which is critical when it comes to anticipating and responding to public health threats.

As Janies points out: "When you're studying something as fast-evolving as a virus, speed is essential."

Vaccine efficacy, infection control

At UNC Charlotte, faculty and student researchers have been analyzing avian influenza variants' immunoprotein interactions for close to a year.

Due to the computational tools they had assembled during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the team first published pre-print findings on H5N1 viral lineages in July 2024  just four months after a farmworker in Texas was confirmed to have been infected by a cow.

Via high-performance computational modeling, the team analyzed over 1,800 viral protein-host antibody interactions to track how H5N1's hemagglutinin (HA) proteins - the key components the virus uses to enter host cells - have evolved. Findings suggest the virus is increasingly capable of binding to antibodies generated from previous infections or vaccinations, signaling a weakening of the immune response over time.

High-performance computational modeling is a pathway for chipping away at multiple angles of biological variation at speed and scale. It helps us tune our intuition to the right approaches for vaccine efficacy and infection control as viruses evolve." Dan Janies, Ph.D., CIPHER Co-Director and the Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor in Bioinformatics and Genomics
Childhood vaccination rates have been falling in the United States, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower levels of immunity have resulted in a resurgence of measles cases, including a recent outbreak in western Texas that infected more than 620 people, leading to 64 hospitalizations and the deaths of two children.

If immunization rates drop further over a prolonged period of time, measles and even other wiped-out diseases - such as rubella and polio - could one day make a comeback in the United States, according to a new study by researchers at Stanford Medicine and other universities.

The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on April 24, used large-scale epidemiological modeling to simulate the spread of infectious diseases in the United States at various childhood vaccination levels. Even at current immunization rates, researchers predict that measles may become endemic again - circulating in the U.S. - within two decades; with small declines in vaccination, this could happen more quickly. However, small increases in vaccine coverage would prevent this.

Lead author Mathew Kiang, ScD, assistant professor of epidemiology and population health, and senior author Nathan Lo, MD, PhD, assistant professor of infectious diseases, hope the study will provide useful data for decision makers setting vaccine policy.

We spoke with Kiang and Lo to learn more. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Why did you think this research was important?

Nathan Lo: We've seen a worrisome pattern of decreasing routine childhood vaccinations. There was a disruption to health care services during the pandemic, but declines preceded this period and have accelerated since then for many reasons. People look around and say, "We don't see these diseases. Why should we vaccinate against them?" There's a general fatigue with vaccines. And there's distrust and misinformation about vaccine effectiveness and safety.

Mathew Kiang: As vaccinations decline, the effect won't be immediate. We wanted to know: When will we see the impact of decisions being debated and made now?

Lo: Specifically, we wanted to look at some key diseases that have been eliminated from the U.S. through vaccination, which means they're not spreading within the country on an ongoing basis. These include measles, polio, rubella and diphtheria, which can have awful complications, like lifelong paralysis, birth defects and death.

How did you model what would happen?

Lo: We used a large-scale epidemiological model to simulate all individuals living in the U.S. and assigned them an age, vaccination status, immunity, state of residence, etc. We then simulated how infections would spread under different vaccine conditions. The model assumes that diseases are introduced by someone who travels abroad and brings them back, most commonly a U.S. citizen who isn't vaccinated. Right now, so many people are immune through vaccination that diseases don't spread far. But if vaccinations decline over a longer period, you start to see outbreaks increase in size and frequency. Eventually you see sustained, ongoing transmission, meaning these diseases become endemic - they become household names once again.

What is likely to happen with these diseases if vaccinations stay at current levels?

Kiang: For current rates, we took a conservative approach by using average vaccination levels between 2004 and 2023. With measles, we found that we're already on the precipice of disaster. If vaccination rates remain the same, the model predicts that measles may become endemic within about 20 years. That means an estimated 851,300 cases over 25 years, leading to 170,200 hospitalizations and 2,550 deaths. The other diseases are not likely to become endemic under the status quo.

Why is measles likely to become endemic and not the others?

Lo: Measles is one of the most infectious diseases that exists, so the number of people who have to be immune to prevent it from spreading is extremely high. Polio, diphtheria and rubella are still far more infectious than COVID-19, for example, but measles is in a different ballpark, with one person infecting up to 20 others (though our model took a conservative estimate of 12) in a fully susceptible population. Also, the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine has become particularly controversial, partly due to a history of fraudulent medical research that raised safety concerns; it has been conclusively shown that there is no link with autism. Measles is also more common around the world, so travelers are more likely to bring it back.

Kiang: Travelers importing a disease are like matches, and U.S. under-vaccination is the tinder. With measles, you're throwing a lot of matches in, and eventually something is going to happen.

What do you predict will happen if fewer people get their kids vaccinated?

Kiang: If vaccination were to fall by even 10% today, measles cases would skyrocket to 11.1 million over the next 25 years. If vaccination rates were cut in half, we'd expect 51.2 million cases of measles, 9.9 million cases of rubella, 4.3 million cases of polio and 200 cases of diphtheria over 25 years. This would lead to 10.3 million hospitalizations and 159,200 deaths, plus an estimated 51,200 children with post-measles neurological complications, 10,700 cases of birth defects due to rubella and 5,400 people paralyzed from polio. Measles would become endemic in less than five years, and rubella would become endemic in less than 20. Under these conditions, polio became endemic in about half of simulations in around 20 years.

What differences did you find at the state level?

Kiang: Massachusetts has high vaccination rates and was consistently low risk. Both California and Texas were higher risk, even after accounting for larger population size, because vaccination rates in both have dropped and there's a lot of travel to those states. Our model assumed there was no spillover of infections across state lines, so the numbers could be an underestimate.

If these diseases become more widespread, who is in danger?

Lo: Folks who are unvaccinated are most at risk of infection and the awful complications. That includes babies, especially those between the ages of 6 and 12 months, who have waning antibodies from their mothers but are not yet eligible for their first dose of an MMR vaccine. Others are also at risk. People who are immunocompromised, which is a sizable segment of the U.S. population, can also be at risk. While the effects of declining vaccination won't be immediate, we could eventually see the return of awful complications from diseases that most clinicians today have not encountered thanks to decades of successful immunization.

Which of your scenarios is most likely to play out?

Lo: One that's conceivable is that vaccine coverage continues to drop, measles outbreaks become larger and more frequent, and eventually measles becomes endemic again. Hopefully, some fraction of the unvaccinated population seeks vaccination as a result, and state and local public health departments continue to do their vital work in outbreak response, allowing us to reestablish elimination. We might get into that kind of pattern. If we start to see major changes to the childhood vaccination schedule and policy and coverage really drops, you get into a world where you worry about diseases like polio and rubella, but that would likely take well over a decade or more. If that were to happen, you can't just flip a switch - once these diseases get unleashed, it would take time eliminate them again.

What should parents, providers and others do based on these results?

Lo: I would encourage parents who aren't sure about vaccination to discuss this with their pediatrician and believe in our health care providers. We hope our research also provides the data for federal and state officials, vaccine guideline committees, and others to understand what will happen if decisions are made that lead to declines in vaccination.

With measles, we're right on the cusp. Increasing vaccination levels by just 5% brings the number of measles cases down, safely away from returning to endemic levels. These are the kinds of small percentages that can really be a tipping point. It's empowering that a small segment of the population can make a difference here.

Kiang: It's worth emphasizing that there really shouldn't be any cases at this point, because these diseases are preventable. Anything above zero is tragic. When you're talking about potentially thousands or millions, that's unfathomable.

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, and Texas A&M University contributed to the study.

A grant from the National Institutes of Health (T32AI007502) supported the research.
For many cancer patients, side effects from radiation can be debilitating. But a new way of delivering radiation treatment has proven effective at eliminating a hard-to-treat cancer with the only side effect being light skin discoloration, even nine months after treatment.

This new treatment, step-and-shoot proton arc therapy, is the first to be used by physicians and scientists to treat a patient at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Compared to other proton therapies, the step-and-shoot technology uses a proton beam to distribute radiation exactly to the tumor area in a more continuous, automated fashion with less lag time between radiation dosages. Other therapies involve manual delivery methods that take more time and monitoring and can be less accurate. Because this new technology allows physicians to pinpoint a tumor more precisely, the patient results so far show that the therapy can spare surrounding healthy tissue and organs as well as decrease side effects, something 46-year-old Tiffiney Beard of Redford, Michigan, is grateful for.

Beard was diagnosed in early 2024 with adenoid cystic carcinoma - a rare, highly invasive and often difficult-to-treat tumor - in her salivary gland.

Managing this type of tumor is very difficult because of its natural tendency to be nerve seeking." Rohan Deraniyagala, M.D., radiation oncologist, Corewell Health

Dr. Deraniyagala said because these tumors like to target the body's nerves, fighting them typically comes with many side effects like fatigue, jaw pain, difficulty eating or swallowing, loss of taste, headaches and memory issues. In Beard's case, the tumor had weaved its way into the nerves leading to her brain.

But thanks to this new type of treatment, Beard continues to be side-effect free. The treatment process also only took about 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for three months, which meant she didn't have to miss work or lose out on family time.

"After having the tumor removed, which was about the size of a gumball, I had 33 proton therapy treatments in total and, amazingly, had no side effects and didn't miss a day of work," Beard said. "You hear a lot of stories about radiation side effects, and I just wasn't having any."

Beard completed her treatment in early August last year, and as of her last checkup, she is still showing no signs of cancer. From what Dr. Deraniyagala can tell, she has no radiation toxicity to other areas of her body, including her brain.

"It was nice to see a patient have no side effects with this treatment other than a little skin discoloration on the left side of her face," he said.

Beard's case study is being presented by Dr. Deraniyagala at the International Symposium on Proton Therapy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 26, as well as the Particle Therapy Cooperative Group annual meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 2 to June 7. The study also is published in the International Journal of Particle Therapy.

Treatment side effects and outcomes can vary, but Dr. Deraniyagala is hopeful that other patients will have the same experience Beard did with this treatment.

"Proton beam therapies continue to evolve rapidly and while in this case, step-and-shoot proton arc therapy has proven to be highly effective so far for Tiffiney, it is just the latest step toward even better treatments down the road," he said. "The fact that Tiffiney hardly experienced any side effects is a great outcome for this type of therapy and a good sign of even better things to come."

Currently, physicians and scientists at Corewell Health's William Beaumont University Proton Therapy Center are trialing a next-generation proton beam therapy, known as DynamicARC, that has the potential to further transform cancer treatment. Through an active research collaboration with Ion Beam Application, an international proton therapy system manufacturer, Corewell Health is advancing the step-and-shoot proton arc technique by creating an even better targeted delivery system with no lag time in between radiation dosages and beam angles. DynamicARC is expected to receive FDA approval next year.
Dengue virus (DENV) continues to pose a substantial global health risk, with four distinct serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4) circulating in areas where Aedes mosquitoes thrive. Accurate serotyping of DENV is vital for understanding outbreak epidemiology, managing patient treatment, and implementing vector control measures.

Image Credit: Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock.com

The Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 provides a quick, sensitive, and dependable method for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of all four dengue serotypes. Utilizing real-time PCR technology with specialized hydrolysis probes, the kit generates results within 90 minutes, making it an essential tool for clinical diagnostics, surveillance, and research.

Introduction

Dengue fever, caused by the Dengue virus (DENV), represents a major vector-borne infectious disease with worldwide implications. The presence of four distinct DENV serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4) means that infection with one serotype does not provide immunity against the others, increasing the risk of severe illness during subsequent infections with a different serotype.

The complexity of the disease and the potential for severe outcomes, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), highlight the necessity for accurate diagnosis and effective serotyping.

Historically, diagnosing and distinguishing DENV serotypes has been complicated due to the similarities in clinical presentation and the requirement for specialized testing. However, the emergence of multiplex PCR technology has facilitated rapid and accurate detection and serotyping of DENV in clinical samples.

The Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 is specifically designed to address this need, providing a streamlined and reliable solution for clinicians and epidemiologists to swiftly and accurately diagnose and differentiate DENV serotypes.

The science behind Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 - Overview of the technology

The Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 employs real-time PCR technology to amplify viral RNA from clinical samples, followed by detection with fluorescent probes. This approach allows for the swift and precise differentiation of all four dengue serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4) within a single assay. The kit is designed to enhance viral RNA amplification through reverse transcription, enabling detection of even low viral loads.

At the heart of this kit are hydrolysis probes, which are short oligonucleotides featuring a fluorescent reporter dye at the 5' end and a quencher dye at the 3' end. These probes exhibit high specificity for each of the four DENV serotypes, facilitating precise identification during the amplification process. When the target RNA is detected, the probe attaches to the target sequence and is cleaved by the polymerase enzyme, thereby emitting a fluorescent signal for detection. Such real-time monitoring enables prompt data collection and analysis.

The Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 comprises two separate tubes: Tube 1 contains primers and probes for DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4, each labeled with different fluorophores (FAM, Texas Red, and Cy5). Tube 2 includes primers and probes for DENV-1, labeled with the JOE fluorophore, along with an internal control amplification system to ensure the accuracy of RNA isolation and PCR efficiency. This two-tube format facilitates clear differentiation among the four serotypes while verifying RNA integrity.

Benefits and applications

Molecular features

Simultaneous serotyping of Dengue viruses (serotypes 1-4) in a single assay

High sensitivity  1-2 copies for the DENV 1-4 serotypes

High specificity  No cross-reactivity with other common flavivirus and arbovirus family

Technology features

Rapid and reliable results within 90 minutes

One-step assay (i.e. the same tube can perform reverse transcription and amplification)

Includes all reagents & controls for test validation

Open system  Compatible with 4-channel and 5-channel qPCR cyclers

Wet-lab assays validated on the Bio-Rad CFX Opus 96, Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5 and Insta Q96 Plus Real Time PCR Systems

Applications

Clinical diagnostics

Epidemiological surveillance

Outbreak monitoring

Vaccine development and research

Workflow

Figure 1. Image representing probe workflow of the process and One Stop Solution offered by HiGenoMB. Image Credit: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

Performance validation

The Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 has undergone thorough validation across multiple platforms, including Bio-Rad CFX Opus 96, Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5, and Insta Q96 Plus Real-Time PCR Systems.

Analytical sensitivity

Limit of Detection (LoD)

The Limit of Detection (LoD) is defined as the concentration (copies per l of the eluate) of the target molecule that can be detected with a 95% probability, in accordance with CLSI EP17-A2.

The LoD assay for the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 was conducted using 20 replicates on Biorad CFX Opus 96, Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 5, and Insta Q96 Plus systems with synthetic nucleic acid for dengue serotypes DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. The detectable limits were found to be 1.4 copies per L for DENV-1, 1 copy per L for DENV-2, 1.9 copies per L for DENV-3, and 1.4 copies per L for DENV-4.

Figure 2. Dilution series (5622 copies/l, 562 copies/l, 56.2/l copies, 5.62/l copies and 0.56/l) of Dengue Serotype 2 nucleic acid template run on the Insta Q96 Plus Real Time PCR Systems. Image Credit: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

Analytical specificity

Inclusivity  In silico

The analytical specificity of the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 was ensured through in-silico analysis of the oligonucleotides (primers and probes). The sequences of all targets were compared against relevant DENV sequences available in the GenBank database.

Analytical reactivity

The analytical reactivity of the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 was confirmed through wet lab testing of the oligonucleotides against commercially available controls, including AMPLIRUN DENGUE VIRUS RNA CONTROLS from Vircell Microbiologics [DENV 1 (Hawaii strain), DENV 2 (New Guinea C strain), DENV3 (H87 strain) and DENV4 (H241 strain) and BEI Resources [Dengue virus type 1 (DEN-1), Hawaii, Dengue virus type 2 (DEN-2), DENV-2/US/BID-V594/2006, Dengue virus type 3 (DEN-3), DENV-3/US/BIDV1043/2006 and Dengue virus type 4 (DEN-4), UIS 497].

Figure 3. Image representing probe based Real-Time amplification plots of BEI Resources DENV 1-4 serotypes confirmed by Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 on Insta Q96 Plus Real Time PCR System. Image Credit: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

Cross-reactivity and interference with other microorganisms

Wet testing was performed against genomic or synthetic DNA/RNA from various pathogens (from ATCC) using Bio-Rad CFX Opus 96 and Insta Q96 Plus systems to assess potential cross-reactivity. None of the pathogens tested showed reactivity to the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 primers and probes.

Table 1. List of organisms tested by wet lab assays for cross reactivity determination. Source: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

Human coronavirus 229E (VR-740D) Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7 (PRA-405) Influenza A virus H1N1 strain A/California/07/2009

(H1N1) pdm09 (VR-1894DQ) Plasmodium vivax DNA (PRA-3004SD) Influenza A virus (H3N2) strain A/Wisconsin/15/2009 (VR-1882DQ) Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz

L1-130 (BAA-1198D-5) Influenza B virus strain B/Florida/4/2006 (VR-1804DQ) Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus (43300DQ) Hepatitis B virus (VR-3232SD) Human respiratory syncytial virus strain 18537 (VR-1580DQ) Hepatitis C virus (VR-3233SD) Human herpesvirus 1 MacIntyre (VR-539DQ) Hepatitis A virus (VR-3257SD) Human herpesvirus 2 (VR-540DQ) Hepatitis E virus (VR-3258SD) Human metapneumovirus (VR-3250SD) Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) RNA (VR-3245SD) Candida albicans strain SC5314 (MYA-2876DQ) Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (VR-3248SD) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Ra (25177DQ) Human parainfluenza virus 1 strain C35 (VR-94DQ) Chlamydophila pneumoniae strain CM-1 (VR-1360DQ) Human parainfluenza virus 2 strain Greer (VR-92DQ) Streptococcus pyogenes strain Bruno (19615DQ) Human parainfluenzavirus 3 strain C 243 (VR-93DQ) Mycoplasma pneumoniae strain M129-B7 (29342DQ) Zika virus (VR-3252SD) Legionella pneumophila subsp. pneumophila (33152DQ) Chikungunya virus (VR-3246SD) Haemophilus influenzae (51907DQ) Enterovirus 68 strain Fermon (VR-1826DQ) Human rhinovirus 16 strain 11757 (VR-283DQ) Human adenovirus 1 strain Adenoid 71 (VR-1DQ)

Cross-reactivity analysis  In silico

The oligonucleotide sequences in the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 underwent BLAST analysis against organisms from the Flavivirus family, those involved in viral hemorrhagic fevers, mosquito-borne diseases, or acute febrile illnesses. No significant cross-reactivity was noted for all evaluated sequences.

Table 2. List of organisms tested by in-silico analysis for cross reactivity determination. Source: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

West Nile virus (taxid:11082) Brucella melitensis (taxid:29459) Yellow fever virus (taxid:11089) Borrelia burgdorferi (taxid:139) Yellow fever virus group (taxid:40005) Orientia tsutsugamushi (taxid:784) Japanese encephalitis virus (taxid:11072) Salmonella (taxid:590) Japanese encephalitis virus group (taxid:11071) Corynebacterium diphtheriae (taxid:1717) Spondweni virus (taxid:64318) Burkholderia sp. (taxid:36773) Spondweni virus group (taxid:297696) Leptospira (taxid:171) Tick-borne encephalitis virus (taxid:11084) Plasmodium (taxid:5820) Tick-borne encephalitis virus group (taxid:29263) Hepatitis B virus (taxid:10407) Zika virus (taxid: 64320) Hepatitis C virus (taxid:11103) Chikungunya virus (taxid: 37124) Hepatitis E virus (taxid:291484) Modoc virus (taxid:64300) Human hepatitis A virus (taxid:208726) Tamana bat virus (taxid:161675) Human immunodeficiency virus (taxid:11676) Cell fusing agent virus (taxid:31658) Cytomegalovirus (taxid:10358) Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus (taxid:12542) Epstein-Barr virus (taxid:10376) St. Louis encephalitis virus (taxid:11080) Human adenovirus sp. (taxid:1907210) Murray Valley encephalitis virus (taxid:11079) Human parvovirus B19 (taxid:10798) Kyasanur Forest disease virus (taxid:33743) Monkeypox virus (taxid:10244) Rift Valley fever virus (taxid:11588) Wesselsbron virus (taxid:164416) Israel turkey

meningoencephalomyelitis virus (taxid:64291) Measles morbillivirus (taxid:11234) Ntaya virus (taxid:64292) Mumps orthorubulavirus (taxid:2560602) Tembusu virus (taxid:64293) Rubella virus (taxid:11041) Sepik virus (taxid:44026) Hantavirus (taxid:1980442) Usutu virus (taxid:64286) Enterovirus (taxid:12059) Aroa virus (taxid:64303) Ebola virus (taxid:1570291) Bussuquara virus (taxid:64304) Varicella Zoster Virus (taxid:10335) Iguape virus (taxid:64308) agent of lymphatic filariasis (taxid:6279) Naranjal virus (taxid:64313) Coxiella burnetii (taxid:777) Cacipacore virus (taxid:64305) Staphylococcus aureus (taxid:1280) Koutango virus (taxid:44025) Streptococcus pneumoniae (taxid:1313) Alfuy virus (taxid:44017) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (taxid:287) Kunjin virus (taxid:11077) Streptococcus pyogenes (taxid:1314) Yaounde virus (taxid:64319) Burkholderia pseudomallei (taxid:28450) Kokobera virus (taxid:44024) Leishmania donovani (taxid:5661) Stratford virus (taxid:44027) Listeria monocytogenes (taxid:1639) Bagaza virus (taxid:64290) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (taxid:1773) Ilheus virus (taxid:59563) Klebsiella pneumoniae (taxid:573) Rocio virus (taxid:64315) Rickettsia sp. (taxid:789) Lymphocytic choriomeningitis

virus (taxid:3052303) Bacillus anthracis (taxid:1392) Salmonella paratyphi (taxid:54388) Neisseria meningitidis (taxid:487) Aspergillus (taxid:5052) Yersinia pestis (taxid:632) Histoplasma (taxid:5036) Acinetobacter baumannii (taxid:470)

Precision studies

The precision of the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 was assessed under various conditions: intra-assay variability (within a single experiment), inter-assay variability (between different experiments), inter-day variability (across three different days), inter-operator variability (among three different operators), inter-instrument variability (between three different PCR thermal cyclers), and inter-lot variability (among three different lots of the kit).

Variability data were evaluated based on standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) derived from threshold cycle (Ct) values. Total variability was determined by combining results from all five types of analyses.

Table 3. Data showing variability observed from Precision (repeatability and reproducibility) studies. Source: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

Repeatability and Reproducibility data Variability DENV-2 DENV-3 DENV-4 DENV-1 IC Mean (Ct) Intra-assay 28.183 27.434 27.746 27.041 26.253 SD 0.125 0.149 0.161 0.073 0.135 %CV 0.444 0.543 0.579 0.268 0.515 Mean (Ct) Inter-assay 28.168 27.530 27.853 27.052 26.294 SD 0.022 0.136 0.152 0.015 0.057 %CV 0.078 0.496 0.546 0.055 0.218 Mean (Ct) Inter-Day 28.193 27.317 28.143 26.767 28.884 SD 0.416 0.381 0.403 0.463 0.572 %CV 1.475 1.394 1.433 1.728 1.980 Mean (Ct) Inter-Operator 27.970 27.146 27.953 26.272 28.578 SD 0.115 0.084 0.131 0.195 0.051 %CV 0.412 0.308 0.467 0.743 0.179 Mean (Ct) Inter-Instrument 27.655 27.211 28.329 26.738 28.937 SD 0.466 1.243 1.011 0.548 0.414 %CV 1.686 4.567 3.567 2.049 1.429 Mean (Ct) Inter-lot 28.149 27.532 27.969 26.667 29.237 SD 0.163 0.181 0.198 0.079 0.096 %CV 0.029 0.214 0.046 0.006 0.010 Mean (Ct) Total variability 28.053 27.361 27.998 26.756 28.909 SD 0.193 0.149 0.191 0.262 0.234 %CV 0.689 0.545 0.680 0.978 0.809

Clinical performance evaluation

The performance of the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 was evaluated using clinical specimens to confirm various aspects of assay performance. A total of 197 clinical samples were analyzed and compared with a Reference CE-IVD PCR Multiplex Kit.

Viral nucleic acids were extracted using the CE-IVD-approved HiPurA Pre-filled Plates for Viral Nucleic Acid Purification (Cat no: MB582MPF96). Results are shown in the table below.

Table 4. Table representing Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV and NPV data of the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0. Source: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

Value 95% CI Diagnostic sensitivity 100% 95.01% - 100% Diagnostic specificity 97.14% 91.27%  99.26% Positive Predictive Value 96.84% 90.389% - 99.18% Negative Predictive Value 100% 95.48%  100%

Figure 4. Image representing probe based Real-Time amplification plots of different DENV serotypes and IC detected in clinical samples using Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 on Insta Q96 Plus Real Time PCR System. Image Credit: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

Case study

RNA extracted from 18 dengue-positive samples was serially diluted at 1:10 or 1:100 ratios to simulate low-titer conditions. These samples were tested with the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 and compared to the Reference CE-IVD PCR Multiplex Kit.

The findings demonstrated excellent concordance between both methods, with one exception: two samples were detected as positive by the Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 (albeit with late Ct values), while the Reference CE-IVD PCR Multiplex Kit reported late Ct values below the detection cutoff, resulting in negative results.

Table 5. Table showing comparison of data of two low titre samples evaluated by Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 and Reference CE-IVD PCR Multiplex Kit. Source: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 Reference CE-IVD PCR Multiplex Kit LoD as per IFU DENV1 -2.87 copies/ul; DENV2 <1 copy/ul;

DENV3 -1.87 copies/ul; DENV4 -1.41 copies/ul

[Ct cut-off  40] DENV1-4  1 copy/ul for all serotypes

[Ct cut-off  40] Diluted dengue positive samples tested to mimic low titre samples S28 DENV2 detected Negative [Ct cut-off  40] CT: 37.85 CT: 40.23 S29 DENV4 detected Negative [Ct cut-off  40] CT: 37.89 CT: 41.82

Conclusion

The Hi-PCR Dengue Serotyping Probe PCR Kit 2.0 is a robust tool for the rapid and accurate detection and differentiation of all four dengue serotypes. Its high sensitivity, specificity, and user-friendly design make it an indispensable resource for clinicians, public health officials, and researchers combating dengue.

This kit plays a vital role in managing outbreaks, improving clinical outcomes, and supporting efforts to control and prevent dengue worldwide by facilitating timely diagnoses and informed decision-making.

About Himedia Laboratories Private Limited

With a presence in more than 150 countries, HiMedia is amongst the top three brands in the Bioscience Industry.

HiMedia Laboratories Private Limited is world renowned for manufacturing high quality culture media for microbiology. Additionally, we provide advanced media and products in the fields of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Plant Tissue Culture, Chemicals and Lab Aids/Equipment. As a Top Tier Global player, we are not only dedicated towards products but also striven towards introducing technologies such as Genomics Sequencing Services and Hydroponics.

HiMedia has managed to do this over decades as we have our own in-house bulk raw materials manufacturing plant. This enables us to deliver consistent quality products that conform to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2012 and WHO: GMP.

HiMedia Labs. caters to one of the broadest Biosciences product categories: our premier established line of Microbiology products and newer promising products in Molecular Biology, Automated and Molecular Instruments, Cell Biology, Chemicals, and Premium Grade Lab Consumables, amongst others. The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized not the clinical industrys thought process regarding the significance of Molecular Diagnostics products.

The Molecular Biology and Virology Division of HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Also called as HiGenoMB is a One Stop Solution Provider churning out potential Research and Industry oriented Molecular biology products for the past glorious decade. About 2000 different products such as Nucleic Acid Extraction and Amplification (PCR) Kits, Cloning Reagents, Buffers & Chemicals for proteomics studies, Automated Molecular Instrumentation including RT PCR machines and PCR thermal cyclers and DNA/RNA Extraction platforms are being produced. The Proficient researchers in this department are spear heading the challenging field of Molecular Diagnostics to provide a complete solution for clinical diagnosis, agriculture, veterinary sciences, food industry, drug discovery and forensic medicine with the use of Real Time PCR or quantitative PCR kits and thermal cyclers. Our Molecular Biology Division-has established an in-house Advanced Sequencing and Bioinformatics facility which marks HiMedias entry into the Services space.

Our Cell Biology segment contributes with technologies which have brought in Serum free media for biopharma applications, Viral Vaccine Production Platform, Multicompendial grade chemicals, cultivated meat, and 3D bioprinting.

Moving from conventional to advanced automated methods like MALDI-TOF (Autof MS 1000) has been our newest endeavour for Microbiology.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
US Treasury Secretary Says India Likely to Be First to Sign Trade Deal with Washington

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 12:28 IST

'India also has fewer non-tariff trade barriers, no currency manipulation, very little government subsidies... reaching a deal with the Indians is much easier', says Scott Bessent.

A 26 per cent 'reciprocal' tariff on Indian exports to the US is currently on a 90-day pause, set to expire on July 8.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he expects India to strike the first bilateral trade deal to avoid President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs. A 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian exports to the US is currently on a 90-day pause, set to expire on July 8. However, like other countries, India is presently subject to a 10 per cent tariff under the existing policy.

According to the New York Post, Bessent told a roundtable of about a dozen reporters on Wednesday that trade talks with India are very close" to reaching a successful conclusion because the worlds most populous nation doesnt have so many high tariffs".

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India also has fewer non-tariff trade barriers, obviously, no currency manipulation, very, very little government subsidies, so that reaching a deal with the Indians is much easier," Bessent said at the DC event on the sidelines of the annual World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings.

President Trump has demanded that other countries break down their tariffs and non-tariff barriers to American goods, as well as eliminate US trade deficits, the New York Post said.

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Earlier on Tuesday, US Vice President JD Vance in Jaipur urged India to drop non-tariff barriers, give greater access to its markets and buy more American energy and military hardware as he laid out a broader roadmap of deeper ties between the two nations for a prosperous and peaceful" 21st century.

The New York Post quoted data from Census Bureau to say that India accounted for nearly 3 per cent of imported goods to the US as of February. The US had a $45.7 billion trade deficit with India in 2024, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.

First Published: April 24, 2025, 12:28 IST
HUL Share Price: Hindustan Unilever Announces Rs 24 Final Dividend, Totalling Rs 53 Payout For FY25

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 11:24 IST

HUL Final Dividend 2025: Hindustan Unilever Limited recommended a final dividend of Rs 24 for FY 2024-25.

HUL Share Price: HUL announces Rs 24 final dividend 2025

HUL Final Dividend 2025: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on Thursday recommended a final dividend of Rs 24 for the financial year 2024-25. The company also reported that the companys turnover for the financial year ended 31st March, 2025 was Rs. 60,680 crores as against turnover of Rs. 59,579 crores for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024.

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HULs shares fell 1 per cent following the financial results to Rs 2,406 per equity. The scrip was trading at Rs 2,397 per equity, as against the previous close at Rs 2,423 per equity. HUL has a market cap of Rs 5.62 lakh crore and is part of SENSEX.

HUL Dividend History

The Company had earlier paid an interim dividend of Rs. 19 per share and special dividend of Rs. 10 per share on 21st November, 2024. The total dividend for the said period amounts to Rs. 53 per Equity Share of face value of Re. 1/- each.

HUL Financials 2024-25

For the fiscal year 2024-25, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) reported a profit before tax of Rs. 14,300 crores, up from Rs. 13,675 crores in the previous year. The depreciation and amortization expenses for the year amounted to Rs. 1,224 crores, compared to Rs. 1,097 crores in the preceding year. Exceptional items for the financial year resulted in a gain of Rs. 422 crores, contrasting with a loss of Rs. 89 crores in the prior year.

The provision for taxation, including deferred tax, stood at Rs. 3,656 crores, slightly higher than the Rs. 3,561 crores recorded last year. As a result, the profit after tax increased to Rs. 10,644 crores, up from Rs. 10,114 crores in the previous year.

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Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

About the Author 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 24, 2025, 10:23 IST
Pakistan Stock Market Plunges Over 2% As India Slaps Diplomatic Measures After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 12:45 IST

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened sharply lower on Thursday, as investors reacted to Indias announcement of strong diplomatic actions against Pakistan

A stock broker reacts while monitoring the market on the electronic board displaying share prices during trading sessions at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, in Karachi, Pakistan. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened sharply lower on Thursday, as investors reacted to Indias announcement of strong diplomatic actions against Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The benchmark KSE-100 index dropped 2.12 per cent, or 2,485.85 points, to 114,740.29 within the first five minutes of trading, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.

Indias Ministry of External Affairs announced a series of tough measures in response to the attack, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, immediate closure of trade via the Wagah-Attari border, and the revocation of visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals under the SAARC framework.

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Thursdays sharp decline follows another significant drop on Wednesday, when the PSX closed lower after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut Pakistans GDP growth forecast to 2.6% for the current fiscal year.

Investor confidence has also been shaken by broader economic and political challenges. Fitch Ratings recently flagged concerns over Pakistans weakening currency, ongoing political uncertainty, and growing security risks, particularly in Kashmir, which have further undermined sentiment in the financial markets.

Pahalgam Attack Impact On Indian Stock Market

Back home, Indian markets remained largely unaffected in early trade on Thursday, though investors are closely monitoring the situation.

As of 12:39 am IST, the BSE Sensex was down 233 points, or 0.29%, at 79,884, while the Nifty50 declined 69 points, or 0.28%, to 24,259.

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Vinit Bolinjkar, Head of Research at Ventura Securities, said that while a potential military response from India could lead to brief market disruptions, a broader trend reversal is unlikely unless the conflict escalates dramatically.

Unless India undertakes strong military action against Pakistan, any market reaction may be limited. Weve already seen equity markets absorb shocks from major global events like the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-China tariff standoff during President Trumps tenure," Bolinjkar noted.

About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More

Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18.

First Published: April 24, 2025, 12:45 IST
Stocks To Watch: LTIMindtree, HUL, Axis Bank, Nestle, Gensol, Bajaj Housing Finance, And Others

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 07:51 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like LTIMindtree, HUL, Axis Bank, Nestle, Gensol, Bajaj Housing Finance, and others will be in focus on Thursday's trade

Stocks To Watch

Stocks To Watch On April 24: Domestic equity markets remained volatile on April 23 but closed higher, continuing their upward trend. On April 24, several stocks are expected to be in focus due to earnings announcements and key developments:

HUL, Axis Bank, Tech Mahindra, Nestle, SBI Life

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These companies are set to report their Q4 results today, drawing investor attention.

LTIMindtree

The IT firm posted weaker-than-expected Q4 earnings, with revenue rising 1.1% QoQ to Rs 9,771.7 crorebelow Bloombergs estimate of Rs 9,868 crore. Profit also fell short amid cautious client spending due to geopolitical and macroeconomic pressures.

Tata Consumer Products

Q4 net profit surged 59.2% YoY to Rs 344.85 crore, exceeding estimates. Revenue rose 17.4% to Rs 4,608.2 crore. EBIT stood at Rs 620.8 crore.

Bajaj Housing Finance

Q4 net profit rose 54% YoY to Rs 587 crore, while net interest income increased 31% to Rs 823 crore. FY25 net profit rose 25% to Rs 2,163 crore.

Can Fin Homes

Reported Q4 net profit of Rs 234 crore, up 11.9% YoY. The company declared a final dividend of Rs 6 per share, totaling Rs 12 for FY25.

Gensol Engineering

ICAIs Financial Reporting Review Board has launched a suo moto probe into Gensol and affiliate BluSmart Mobilitys FY24 financials over alleged irregularities.

NPCIL & MEIL

NPCIL awarded a Rs 12,800 crore EPC contract to MEIL for constructing two 700 MWe nuclear reactors in Karnatakaits largest-ever contract and MEILs entry into nuclear energy.

Vedanta

Parent Vedanta Resources is considering a potential US listing for its Zambian subsidiary Konkola Copper Mines to raise $1 billion for mine development.

Adani Green Energy

Signed a power purchase agreement with Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation to provide 1,250 MW of storage from pumped hydro projects.

BPCL

Entered a JV with GPS Renewables to build Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants, utilizing waste-to-energy tech to generate eco-friendly fuel.

Niva Bupa Health Insurance

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IRDAI has approved the reappointment of Krishnan Ramachandran as CEO & MD for another five years.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More

Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18.

First Published: April 24, 2025, 07:51 IST
DU SOL Results 2025 Declared For Odd Semester Exams, Steps To Check

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 14:52 IST

DU SOL Results 2025: These results cover various undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as BA, BCom, MA, MSc, MCom, among others.

DU SOL Results 2025 now available on the official website at sol.du.ac.in.

The University of Delhis School of Open Learning (SOL) has released the results for the odd semester examinations held in NovemberDecember 2024. These results cover various undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as BA, BCom, MA, MSc, MCom, among others. The University has released the odd semester marksheet for the regular as well as School of Open Learning (SOL) courses. Students who took the exams can now check their results online by visiting the official website at sol.du.ac.in. To access the DU odd semester result, students will have to enter their college name, exam session, roll number, date of birth and captcha code.

DU SOL Results 2025: How To Check?

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Step 1: Go to Delhi Universitys official website at exam.du.ac.in

Step 2: On the homepage, look for and click on the Results option on the left side.

Step 3: As a new window opens, click on the Result/Marksheet link.

Step 4: Then click on the Print Marksheet option under the exam session option.

Step 5: Fill out all the required details and click on the Print Score Card.

Step 6: The semester result will appear on the screen.

Step 7: Check all the details and download the PDF file for future reference.

The mark sheets will contain the personal details of the students including name, parents names, college name, and enrollment number. It will also contain the academic details such as course and programme, semester, paper codes and titles, maximum marks, marks obtained, subject credits, cumulative CGPA, and division. If there are any discrepancies in the personal or academic details, students should contact the university authorities or their respective colleges for corrections.

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ALSO READ | DU UG Admissions 2025: What Is FYUP? What Does A Four-Year Degree Mean To Students?

Delhi University (DU) has revised the eligibility criteria for BA (Hons) English admissions through CUET UG 2025. Now, students must take the English paper in CUET 2025 along with any three subjects from List B, which includes domain-specific subjects. To qualify for DUs BA (Hons) English programme in 2025, candidates can select one of two CUET 2025 subject combinations: English (List A) plus any three subjects from List B, or English and another language from List A plus any two subjects from List B. The highest CUET score from either combination will determine the final merit list.

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 24, 2025, 14:28 IST
GK: What Are The Benefits For Bharat Ratna Awardees?

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 17:00 IST

The Bharat Ratna was formally introduced on January 2, 1954, by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, following a Cabinet proposal initiated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

What makes the Bharat Ratna Indias most prestigious honour?, Know everything here. (Image: Getty)

The Bharat Ratna is Indias highest civilian award, honouring exceptional achievements in any field. The Bharat Ratna stands as the most prestigious civilian honour in India, bestowed in recognition of exceptional service or achievements of the highest calibre across any domain of human endeavour. This distinguished honour celebrates individuals whose remarkable contributions have brought pride and distinction to the nation.

The award was officially established on 2 January 1954 by the then President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, following a Cabinet resolution proposed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Initially, the scope of the award was limited to the fields of art, literature, science, and public service. In 2011, the eligibility criteria were broadened to include any field of human endeavour", acknowledging excellence across a wider spectrum.

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Celebrated artist Nandalal Bose, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, created the design of the medallion. The medal is shaped like a peepal leaf, cast in bronze, featuring the Sun and the inscription Bharat Ratna" in Devanagari script on the front. The reverse side bears the State Emblem of India along with the national motto Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs). The medal is worn around the neck with a white ribbon.

The Bharat Ratna is awarded for extraordinary service or performance of the highest standard, without any bias based on race, occupation, position, or gender. It is open to all individualsregardless of nationalitywho have made significant contributions to the arts, literature, science, public service, or the promotion of peace and human welfare.

The award may also be conferred posthumously, provided the individual passed away within five years of their nomination. Candidates involved in moral misconduct are ineligible for the honour.

ALSO READ: General Knowledge: Why You Dont See Purple On National Flags

Privileges And Benefits For Bharat Ratna Awardees

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While the Bharat Ratna is primarily an honorary title, recipients are accorded several distinguished privileges in recognition of their immense contributions to the nation:

Lifetime Tax Exemption

Awardees are exempt from paying income tax for life, as a gesture of respect for their public service.

Complimentary Air Travel

They receive free first-class air travel on Air India for both official and personal travel within the country.

Parliamentary Participation (Special Invitation)

Though not members, awardees are sometimes invited to attend important sessions or special events in Parliament as guests of honour.

Z-Category Security

Recipients are often granted Z-level securityone of the highest levels of personal protectionensuring their safety at all times.

State Guest Status

When travelling across states, awardees are treated as official state guests. This includes premium accommodation, transport, and hospitality at government expense.

Access to International Diplomatic Facilities

In select situations, Bharat Ratna recipients are extended certain diplomatic privileges while travelling abroad, reflecting their status as national ambassadors.

Invitations to National Events

They are regularly invited to attend high-profile national ceremonies and state functions, including Republic Day and Independence Day events.

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 24, 2025, 16:57 IST
JAC 10th Results 2025 Date: Jharkhand Board Class 10th Results Soon, Check Past Trends

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 14:54 IST

JAC Class 10th Results 2025: The Jharkhand Academic Council may announce results between late April and mid May.

JAC Class 10th Result 2025: Jharkhand Board class 10th exam were held from February 11 to March 9, 2025. (Representative Image/File)

JAC Class 10th Result 2025: The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) will soon declare the Jharkhand Board class 10th exam results which were held from February 11 to March 9, 2025. Once released, students will be able to check and download their JAC Class 10th Results 2025 through the official website  jac.nic.in.

JAC Class 10th Results 2025: Expected Date

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Based on past trends, the board is expected to announce the Class 10th Result 2025 sometime between late April and mid May. In 2024, the JAC 10th results were declared on April 19, while in 2023, the results were announced later on May 23. With the 2024 results released earlier than usual, there is high possibility that the Jharkhand Board Class 10 Result 2025 may also be declared in April. However, the board is yet to confirm the date and time of the declaration of the results.

Where To Check Jharkhand Board Class 10th Result 2025?

Once JAC Class 10th Results 2025 are announced, the Students can check their scorecards by visiting the following websites:

jac.nic.in

jacresults.com

jac.jharkhand.gov.in

How To Check JAC 10th Results 2025?

Step 1: Visit the official result website  jacresults.com

Step 2: Click on the link that reads Results of Annual Secondary Examination  2025"

Step 3: Login using credentials like roll code and roll number

Step 4: Click on submit and your JAC Class 10th Result 2025 will be displayed on the screen

Step 5: Download the Jharkhand Board 10th Result 2025 and take a printout for future reference

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JAC Class 10th Result 2025: Previous Year Stats

In the JAC Class 10 Result 2024, the overall pass percentage stood at an impressive 90.39%, with girls outperforming boys once again. Girls recorded a pass percentage of 91%, while boys achieved 89.7%. Among the successful candidates, 54.2% secured first division, while over 40.60% were placed in the second division. Additionally, 5.17% of students passed with third division marks. These figures reflect a strong overall performance by students in the Jharkhand Board Matric exams.

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First Published: April 24, 2025, 14:54 IST
RBSE 10th, 12th Results 2025 Date: Rajasthan Board To Declare Result Soon At rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in

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Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 13:13 IST

RBSE 10th, 12th Result 2025: All the students who appeared for the exam can check their results by visiting the official website of Rajasthan Board, rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in.

RBSE 10th, 12th exams 2025 took place from March 6 to April 7 (Representative image/File)

RBSE 10th, 12th Result 2025 Update: Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) is expected to release the results of class 10th and 12th board examinations 2025 soon. All the students who have appeared for these examinations can check their results by visiting the official website of Rajasthan Board, rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in, once out. Students who appeared in the examination will be able to view and download their mark sheet by visiting the website as soon as the result is released.

The RBSE Class 10th examinations were conducted from March 6 to April 4, 2025. While the class 12th examinations were conducted from March 6 to April 7, 2025. The passing criteria for the Class 10 results is that students should at least secure 33 per cent in every subject to be declared passed. The criteria remain the same for all the streams in class 12th including Arts, Commerce, and Science. Anyone who fails to get even one mark below the minimum criteria will be counted as a failure and will have to take the compartment exam.

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How To Check RBSE 10th, 12th Result 2025?

Step 1  Visit the official website of RBSE, rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in.

Step 2  Click on the link related to class 10th or 12th result on the homepage.

Step 3  Enter the required information like roll number etc. and click on the submit button.

Step 4  Your result will appear on the screen.

Step 5  Download the result and take a printout and keep it safe for future use.

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Last year, the result of class 10th was declared on May 29, 2024. About 10.6 lakh students registered for this examination, out of which 10.39 lakh students appeared. The total pass percentage was 93.03 per cent. In this, the pass percentage of boys was 92.64 per cent and the pass percentage of girls was 93.46 per cent.

The result of class 12th was released on May 20, 2024. In this, 96.88 per cent of the students of Arts stream, 97.73 per cent of Science stream and 98.95 per cent of Commerce stream passed.

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 24, 2025, 12:39 IST
Tamil Nadu Class 12th Result 2025 Date: How To Check TN HSE +2 Scorecards Online

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News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 11:26 IST

TN HSE +2 Result 2025: TNDGE is expected to declare Class 12th resul in early May at the official website dge.tn.gov.in.

TN HSE 12th Result 2025: Tamil Nadu board class 12th exams were held from March 3 to march 25, 2025. (Representative Image/File)

TN HSE Class 12th Result 2025: The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examination (TNDGE) will soon declare the Higher Secondary Examination (HSE) 2025 or class 12th results. Tamil Nadu board class 12th exams were held from March 3 to march 25, 2025. As per the past trends, the board is expected to declare the TN HSE Result 2025 in May second week, however, an official confirmation regarding the date and time of the declaration of the results is awaited.

TN HSE 12th Result 2025: Expected Date

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In recent years, the Tamil Nadu Class 12th results have typically been declared in the first week of May. In 2024, the results were announced on May 6 , while in 2023, they were released slightly later on May 8. Based on these trends, students can expect their Tamil Nadu Board Class 12th Results 2025 in the first week of May.

Tamil Nadu Board Class 12th Result 2025: Where To Check?

Once declared, students will be able to check and download their TN HSE (+2) Results 2025 through the official websites  dge.tn.gov.in and tnresults.nic.in. Candidates would be require to enter their roll number and date of birth to access the results.

How To Check TN HSE Result 2025?

Step 1: Visit the official website  dge.tn.gov.in

Step 2: On the homepage click on the Exam Results" tab

Step 3: Now, click on the link that reads HSE(+2) Examination Results March 2025"

Step 4: Enter your registration number and date of birth

Step 5: Click the Get Marks" button to view your result.

Step 6: Download your TN HSE +2 Result 2025 and save the marksheet for future reference

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Tamil Nadu Class 12th Results 2025: Previous Year Stats

In 2024, a total of 7,60,606 students appeared for the Tamil Nadu HSE (+2) exams, with the science stream accounting for the majority at 4,86,961 candidates. The arts and vocational streams saw 11,585 and 33,256 students, respectively. Of these, 4,69,177 science students passed, while 9,925 cleared the arts stream and 28,549 qualified in vocational studies. The overall pass percentage in the TN HSE +2 exams stood at 94.56% in 2024, marking a steady improvement from 94.03% in 2023 and 93.80% in 2022.

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 24, 2025, 11:26 IST
After Indus Waters Treaty Suspension, A Look At Other Key Pacts Between India And Pakistan

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 14:38 IST

India and Pakistan signed key pacts including the Lahore Declaration, Simla Agreement and non-nuclear aggression agreement to avoid conflicts and maintain peaceful relations

India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam carnage. (Representational image/Shutterstock)

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam carnage on Tuesday in which 26 tourists were shot dead in broad-day light by The Resistance Front terrorists, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Besides, the government has also cancelled visas of Pakistani nationals who were travelling to India under SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Visa Exemption Scheme. The Attari-Wagah border has also been closed as a response to the terror attack.

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The government has also declared diplomats and defence advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata" and asked them to leave India in a week.

As the Indus Waters Treaty stands suspended, let us look at the important agreements and treaties that India and Pakistan signed since Partition.

What Is A Treaty?

According to The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a treaty is an international agreement concluded between States in written form and governed by international law, whether embodied in a single instrument or in two or more related instruments and whatever its particular designation".

The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties is seen as Treaty of Treaties" as it was an international agreement signed between nations for regulating all the rules and procedures related to Treaties. It is a comprehensive agreement defining what is Treaty, how it will be amended, how it will be singed, etc.

Therefore, in other words, a treaty is an agreement which different sovereign nations sign voluntarily between themselves on subjects which are of international importance and is governed by International Law.

A treaty can be bilateral or multi-lateral in nature, signed among two nations or several nations, respectively.

What Purpose Does A Treaty Serve?

A treaty defines rules and procedures between nations for the purpose of peaceful relations, cooperation, avoiding any conflict and maintain good international ties.

Once a treaty is signed, all the relations related to subjects mentioned in the agreement are governed as per the terms and conditions on which it was signed after the consent of nations. They establish rights and duties of the parties to the Treaty which cannot and should not be broken as they are legally binding.

The subjects on which treaties are signed between nations encompass trade, water, defence, arms, peace and economy.

Major Pacts Signed Between India And Pakistan

Since the Partition in 1947, India and Pakistan signed several treaties to avoid conflicts, and maintain international peace.

Karachi Agreement (1949): The representatives of the two countries met in Karachi from July 18 to July 27, 1949 under the guidance of the Truce Sub-Committee of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan. It was known as the agreement between military representatives of India and Pakistan regarding the establishment of a ceasefire line the State of Jammu and Kashmir".

Liaqat-Nehru Pact (1950): The pact, also known as the Delhi Pact, was a bilateral agreement signed between India and Pakistan on April 8, 1950 in order to provide a framework for the treatment of minorities in the two countries. It was signed by PM Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistans Liaquat Ali Khan. The need for the pact was felt by the minorities of both countries as after the Partition some estimates say that over a million Hindus and Muslims migrated to and from East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh), amidst unspoken violence and communal tensions. Minority commissions were set up in both countries as per the pact. People who shifted to the other country were allowed to return and dispose of their properties, which they may have left behind after Partition.

Indus Waters Treaty (1960): The pact was signed between India and Pakistan in Karachi on September 19, 1960, following nine years of negotiations. The provisions of the treaty say all the water of the Eastern Rivers" of the Indus system  the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi  shall be available for the unrestricted use" of India. Pakistan shall receive water from the Western Rivers"  Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The two hydroelectric projects currently under construction in Jammu & Kashmir  the Kishenganga HEP on Kishenganga, a tributary of the Jhelum, and the Ratle HEP on the Chenab  are also a bone of contention between the two nations. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, 2025 after the terrorist attack in Baisaran in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.

Tashkent Declaration (1965): The pact was signed by Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistan then President Muhammad Ayub Khan in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, to end the war. Soviet premier Aleksey Kosygin mediated the agreement. The two parties agreed that all armed forces would be withdrawn to positions held prior to August 15, 1965. The agreement drew criticism from India because it did not include a no-war pact or commitment to refrain from guerrilla warfare in Kashmir. After signing the agreement, Shastri died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966.

Simla Agreement (1972): On July 2, 1972, the Simla Accord was signed between PM Indira Gandhi and Pakistani president Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto at Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, following the 1971 war. The war started due to Pakistans campaign of genocide against the Bengali population in East Pakistan. India lent support to the refugees of the genocide and sought to prevent Pakistan from entering India. The pact was a formal agreement to end the hostilities between the countries and lay down a comprehensive plan for peaceful relations. As per the agreement, both India and Pakistan had to take measures to not violate the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir to help maintain peace.

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Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement (1988): The pact is a bilateral and nuclear weapons control treaty between India and Pakistan, on the reduction (or limitation) of nuclear arms. It was signed between prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and his counterpart Benazir Bhutto on December 21, 1988; it entered into force in January 1991. The treaty barred its signatories to carry out a surprise attack on each others nuclear installations. Starting in January 1992, India and Pakistan have annually exchanged lists of their respective military and civilian nuclear-related facilities.

Lahore Declaration (1999): After India and Pakistan conducted their respective nuclear tests in 1998, there were global concerns regarding the historical tensions between the two neighbours. This led to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee deciding to travel to Pakistan and signing the historic Lahore Declaration with Nawaz Sharif in February 1999. The pact laid out various objectives, and both countries agreed to reaffirm their commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and their determination to implement the Simla Agreement in letter and spirit. The Lahore Declaration also called for strict actions against all stakeholders of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. But months later in May 1999, the Kargil war started. The Pakistan faced humiliating defeat after the Indian forces reclaimed the crucial peaks. In a rare admission, Nawaz Sharif accepted that Pakistan violated the 1999 Lahore Declaration. It was our fault," he said on May 28, 2024 during a meeting of the PML-N general council. Nearly 527 Indian soldiers died and more than 1,300 were injured while protecting the country from invading Pakistani forces led by General Pervez Musharraf.

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 24, 2025, 14:34 IST
What Is SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme? Here's What Happens As India Cancels SVES For Pakistani Citizens

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News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 10:12 IST

Any Pakistani citizen currently in India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme has been asked to leave the country within 48 hours.

India's suspension could disrupt water-sharing mechanisms, including data exchange and approvals for projects. Representational image/Shutterstock

Following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed by terrorists, India announced the cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. Any Pakistani citizen currently in India under this scheme has been asked to leave the country within 48 hours.

Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under SVES and any such visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Wednesday.

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The decision was one among several other steps taken during a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other highly placed officials.

What Is SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme?

The SVES enables travel for select groups of individuals like dignitaries, judges of higher courts, parliamentarians, senior officials, businessmen, journalists, sportsmen without visa. A special travel document, known as Visa Stickers are issued by the respective member states to the entitled categories of the country from where the individuals are travelling.

The visa facility enables the citizens of South Asian countries  Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka  to travel among these countries visa-free.

The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was launched in 1992 to enable better cooperation among eminent citizens of South Asian countries to strengthen relationships. They decided that certain categories of dignitaries should be entitled to a special travel document, instead of visas to travel within the region.

The list of persons has 24 categories of individuals who can avail the SVES facility. The validity of the Visa Sticker is for one year. The member countries can review the schemes implementation from time to time.

Other Steps Announced After Pahalgam Attack

Apart from cancelling SVES for Pakistani nationals, India has also cut off military-diplomatic ties with the country. Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi have been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave within a week. India will also pull back its military advisors from Islamabad.

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The Integrated Check Post at Attari Border in Amritsar has also been shut with immediate effect.

The CCS also decided that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism, Misri said.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 24, 2025, 10:12 IST
26/11 Terror Attack Accused Tahawwur Rana Denied Permission To Talk To Family

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 17:58 IST

Tahawwur Rana, in his plea filed through his lawyer, said talking to his family members was a fundamental right and they must be worried about his well being

The NIA opposed Tahawwur Rana's plea, arguing he could share crucial information if allowed to speak with them. (Image: PTI/File)

In a setback to jailed 26/11 terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Delhi court on Thursday dismissed his plea seeking to talk to his family members.

The court denied permission to Rana to speak to family members after he filed an application saying talking to them was a fundamental right. Not allowed," special Judge Chander Jit Singh held.

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Rana in his plea filed through his lawyer said his family must be worried about his well being. The NIA opposed the application, arguing he could share crucial information if allowed to speak with them. It said the investigation was at a crucial stage.

On April 10, the court remanded the 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman to 18-day custody. The NIA alleged as a part of the criminal conspiracy, accused David Coleman Headley, had discussed the entire operation with him before his visit to India.

Anticipating potential challenges, Headley sent an e-mail to Rana detailing his belongings and assets, the NIA told the court seeking his remand. Headley also informed Rana about the involvement of Pakistani nationals Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman, who are also accused in the case, in the plot, it alleged.

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Rana, a close associate of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks main conspirator Headley alias Daood Gilani, a US citizen, was brought to India after the US Supreme Court on April 4 dismissed his review plea against his extradition.

(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 24, 2025, 17:40 IST
Air India, IndiGo Anticipate Flight Delays For International Journeys After Pakistan Airspace Shut

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Last Updated: April 25, 2025, 11:25 IST

Earlier today, Islamabad announced the immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines

IndiGo and Air India aircrafts. (File)

Indian carriers Air India and IndiGo on Thursday said that some of their international flights would likely take a longer time as Pakistan has closed its airspace for all Indian airlines.

Both airlines said they regretted the inconvenience caused and urged passengers to double-check flight timings and schedules before leaving for the airport.

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Air India said that some of its flights on North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East routes would likely be affected due to unforeseen airspace closure.

Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route," the airline said in a post on X.

Regretting the inconvenience to be caused to the customers, Air India emphasised on the safety and security of the passengers and its crew members.

Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority," it added.

To check if your flight is affected by this disruption, please call our Contact Centre on 011 69329333, 011 69329999 or visit our website http://airindia.com," added airline.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:Due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused  Air India (@airindia) April 24, 2025

IndiGo also emphasised that a few of its international flights would be impacted due the sudden announcement.

Due to the sudden announcement of air space closure by Pakistan, a few of our international flights are being impacted. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and our teams are doing their best to help you reach your destination at the earliest. We encourage you to check the latest flight status. If your flight is impacted, please explore flexible rebooking options, or claim a refund through our website. We deeply value your patience and understanding, and remain committed to supporting our fellow citizens during these challenging times," the airline said on X.

#6ETravelAdvisory: In view of the ongoing situation and Pakistan air space closure, a few international flight schedules may be impacted. Were working to minimise the inconvenience. Check your flight status https://t.co/ll3K8PwtRV and rebooking options https://t.co/51Q3oUe0lP pic.twitter.com/mdnVObO0ON IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) April 24, 2025

On Friday, IndiGo said that the airline continues to closely monitor the situation following the sudden airspace closure by Pakistan. Some of our international flights remain impacted," it said in an official statement.

Earlier today, Islamabad announced the immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines, in response to a slew of punitive measures announced by New Delhi over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people on Tuesday.

Read More: Pakistan Suspends All Bilateral Agreements And Trade Activities, Closes Airspace For Indian Flights

The decision was announced soon after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with key ministers and the three services chiefs to formulate his countrys response to Indias action in view of cross-border links in the attack.

Indias punitive measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closing of the only operational land border crossing and expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, were decided by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

Indian carriers faced a similar situation for about five months in 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack, a restriction that lasted for about five months and was lifted on July 16, 2019.

Indian carriers lost over Rs 540 crore between February 26 and July 2, 2019, due to Pakistans airspace closure, then Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had told the Rajya Sabha. Air India alone incurred losses of Rs 491 crore, while private airlines SpiceJet, IndiGo, and GoAir lost Rs 30.73 crore, Rs 25.1 crore, and Rs 2.1 crore, respectively, during that period.

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Read More: India Suspends All Visa Services For Pakistani Nationals; Existing Visas Revoked After Pahalgam Attack

Rerouting could become more complex and costly as Indian carriers international operations have expanded significantly from 2019 to 2025. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium as reported by Business Standard, Air India now operates around 1,188 international flights per week, a 56.7% increase from April 2019. Its India-Europe flights, many of which uses Pakistans airspace, have surged by about 80% to 242 services per week. Similarly, its India-North America flights, also relying on Pakistans airspace, have more than doubled to 144 per week.

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 24, 2025, 19:16 IST
Pahalgam Terror Attack: MEA Briefs Envoys From Over 20 Nations; Amit Shah, Jaishankar Meet President

Curated By :

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Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 19:43 IST

Pahalgam Terror Attack: India has taken several initiatives against Pakistan following the terror attack in Jammu-Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and S Jaishankar in meeting with President Droupadi Murmu (Credits: X)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday and briefed her on the Pahalgam terrorist attack that occurred on Tuesday. MEA officials also briefed ambassadors of over 20 countries, including Germany, Japan, Poland, UK and Russia, about the Pahalgam attack.

#WATCH | Delhi: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) briefed selected envoys of G20 countries, including China and Canada, on the Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes.(Visuals of ambassadors leaving from the office of the Ministry, located in the South Block pic.twitter.com/Vrd415hamB  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

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Taking to X, President Murmu informed about the meeting and wrote, Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah and Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan."

Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah and Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/pk6XQFeHc5 President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 24, 2025

India took several steps against Pakistan in the aftermath of the attack, including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, shutting down the Attari border, and suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

India on Thursday also suspended visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect in retaliatory measures against Islamabad. According to the MEA, all existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27.

Following the Cabinet Committee on Security (CSS) on Wednesday, it was also announced that Pakistani nationals will not be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and any such visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled.

ALSO READ | Pakistan Keeps Simla Agreement In Abeyance: What Is It And What Does It Mean?

Pakistan Reacts To Indias Move To Downgrade Diplomatic Ties

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a meeting with key ministers and the three services chiefs to formulate the countrys response to Indias move to downgrade the diplomatic ties.

Reacting to the measures taken by India, Pakistan suspended all trade with India. It also cancelled visas for Indian nationals under SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) with the exception of Sikh religious pilgrims and closed airspace.

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First Published: April 24, 2025, 16:39 IST
Attari Border: More Than A Choreographed Tourist Spectacle, Its Loaded With History And Symbolism

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 14:52 IST

The Wagah-Attari border has been the lifeline of bilateral trade between India and Pakistan apart from being a conduit in exchange of people

Today, the Wagah-Attari check-post is a tourist attraction, with people from across the world flocking to watch the Beating The Retreat ceremony. (PTI)

Fluttering Tricolours, hyper-charged crowds, chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai to counter Jiyo, Jiyo Pakistan slogans and patriotism on display as the sun setsif you have ever had the chance to visit the Attari Border in Amritsar, youll be quick to identify the markers of the popular Beating The Retreat ceremony.

In the news once again after India shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in Amritsar along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the International Border has been an unalienable part of the ties between the neighbours.

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Attari and Wagah refer to the same International Border between India and Pakistan. While Attari is the name of the Indian village on the border, Wagah is the name of the Pakistani village.

HISTORY OF THE BORDER

Before Partition, when India and Pakistan were one, Wagah and Attari were small villages connected via the historic Grand Trunk Road.

In 1947, when India was partitioned, the region became not only a flashpoint but also one of the key transit points for refugees moving between the two newly formed countries. The region also witnessed intense violence and tragedy during the Partition exodus.

It was on October 11, 1947, that the then brigadiers on both sides set up a temporary Wagah check-post. Eventually, over the next few years, those unable to cross over to either sides were peacefully exchanged through this border check post, lending it prominence.

ALSO READ | Pakistans Missile Test Part Of Psychological Warfare To Deter India From Retaliation, Say Agencies | Exclusive

As bilateral trade flourished between the neighbours, the check-posts infrastructure expanded, and security was beefed up by both India and Pakistan by deploying the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistani Rangers, respectively.

Today, the Wagah-Attari check-post is a tourist attraction, with people from across the world flocking to watch the Beating The Retreat ceremony that first began in 1959 and involves a carefully choreographed ritual as flags of both the countries are lowered and their soldiers perform a synchronised routinenicknamed the Silly Walk for its theatrics.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BORDER

The Wagah-Attari border has been the lifeline of bilateral trade between India and Pakistan apart from being a conduit in exchange of people, mainly due to its geographical locationproximity to Lahore in Pakistan and Amritsar in Punjab. Culturally, the border represents shared struggles, complex geopolitical dynamics and a history marred by memories of Partition.

The border has also been romanticised in popular culture and has made its way to Bollywood movies, with scenes recreated on location or at film sets. Actors have also visited the border to promote films, honour soldiers, and even attend the Beating Retreat ceremony.

ALSO READ | All Eyes On Pahalgam Goes Viral After Terror Attack. What Is It And How Did It Originate?

At times, the Attari-Wagah Border has also symbolised moments of hope and potential reconciliation between India and Pakistan. It has occasionally hosted peace talks and cultural exchanges, including the release of prisoners and peace marches.

HOW WILL THE BORDER CLOSURE AFFECT INDIA & PAKISTAN?

The Attari-Wagah Border is one of the only active land routes for trade between India and Pakistan. The closure of the border will halt exports from India to Pakistan, which include pharmaceuticals, textiles, and chemicals. It will also block imports such as cement, rock salt and some agricultural goods from Pakistan.

Many Pakistani traders, especially those in Lahore, Kasur, and surrounding areas, depend on cross-border commerce. The closure of the border will lead to loss of revenue for trucking and logistics firms, higher prices of Indian-origin goods in Pakistani markets, and loss of potential earnings for farmers and manufacturers who export to India.

Apart from the monetary aspect, the closure affects patients seeking medical treatment in India as well as students or pilgrims traveling for religious purposes. In 2019, when Pakistan broke trade relations with India, there was a shortage of life-saving medicines and raw materials. With the closure of the Attari check-post, this problem can resurface.

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The closure is also seen as a symbolic hardening of relations, reflecting a diplomatic chill.

After the Pulwama attack in 2019, Pakistan and India experienced a major diplomatic fallout. The border trade was suspended, and the Samjhauta Express was canceled. This severely impacted bilateral trade, and cross-border transit halted completely. Many people had to rely on alternative and expensive routes (such as air travel) to visit their families.

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 24, 2025, 14:27 IST
BluSmart Co-Founder Puneet Jaggi Detained From Delhi Hotel In FEMA Case

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 22:34 IST

Puneet Jaggi was detained from a hotel in Delhi, while his brother, Anmol Jaggi, who is also under the ED's scanner, is in Dubai.

BluSmart's sudden suspension of operations in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru -- amid financial misconduct allegations against its founders -- has left over 10,000 drivers jobless.

BluSmart Co-Founder Puneet Jaggi has been detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to Gensol Group. This comes after raids were conducted at the companys premises in Delhi, Gurugram and Ahmedabad.

According to sources cited by PTI, Puneet Jaggi was detained from a hotel in Delhi, while his brother, Anmol Jaggi, is in Dubai.

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Both Puneet and Anmol were under EDs scanner following an order by SEBI. In its order, SEBI stated that Gensol Engineering took loans from Power Finance Corporation and IRDEA Ltd. for buying electric vehicles and EPC contracts.

However, sources indicate that instead of using the funds as intended, the company diverted the money to purchase assets in the personal names of promoters, their relatives, or various shell entities created by the group.

According to PTI sources, a criminal case of money laundering against the promoters will soon be filed by the ED after the Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) lodges an FIR in this case based on a complaint by the IREDA and Power Finance Corporation (PFC).

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Meanwhile, SEBI, in its report, also alleged that the promoters were running the company like their personal piggy bank, routing funds to related parties and spending without regard for shareholder interest.

BluSmart is a company that runs cabs and provides electric cab services in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai. The company stopped taking bookings after the SEBI reports.

First Published: April 24, 2025, 22:05 IST
BSF Jawan Detained By Pakistan After Inadvertently Crossing Border In Punjab, Talks For Release On

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 17:51 IST

Constable PK Singh of the 182nd battalion was apprehended by the Pakistan Rangers across the Ferozepur border on Wednesday.

A flag meeting is on between the two forces to secure the release of the BSF jawan. (PTI)

A constable of Border Security Force (BSF) has been detained by Pakistani Rangers after he accidentally crossed the the international border near Punjabs Firozpur, the officials said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the talks are on between the two forces to secure his release, officials added as quoted by news agency PTI.

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The BSF jawan, identified as PK Singh of the 182nd battalion, was detained by the Pakistani rangers on Wednesday when he, accompanied by some farmers, moved ahead to rest in shade. The jawan was in uniform and was carrying his service rifle.

The officials said that such incidents are common and have happened in the past between the two sides.

The incident comes against in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack with India taking a slew of measures against Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism.

On Wednesday, India announced downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength and expulsion of its military attaches, in view of cross-border links to the devastating terror attack.

In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed the responsibility for the attack.

Earlier in 2019, Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Abhinandan Varthaman, part of Indian Air Forces (IAF) team who carried out aerial strikes inside Pakistan, in a retaliatory move against Pulwama terrorist attack, got captured on the other side of the Line of Control (LoC).

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Pakistan eventually returned him to India on March 1, 2019, after holding him captive for almost 60 hours.

(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

First Published: April 24, 2025, 17:51 IST
'Don't Travel To Pakistan, Return Soon If Already There': India's Advisory To Citizens Amid Rising Tensions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 17:18 IST

The advisory comes two days after the dreadful Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and left many others injured.

View of a road leading towards the Attari-Wagah border, as seen from an Integrated Check Post, in Amritsar district. (PTI)

India Issues Advisory: The Union Government on Thursday issued an advisory urging the Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Pakistan and those in Pakistan to return India at the earliest.

Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

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Follow LIVE Updates

The advisory comes two days after the dreadful Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and left many others injured. The attack has been condemned as an assault on civilian peace and stability, and the government has vowed to take stringent measures against cross-border terrorism.

The Centre has also suspended all the visas issued to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect, in accordance with the decision taken by the CCS meeting.

As per the notification released by the MEA, all the existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from 27 April. Additionally, the medical visas would be valid till 29 April. Pakistani nationals currently in India have been asked to leave the country before their visas expire, as per the new rules.

Read More: India Suspends All Visa Services For Pakistani Nationals; Existing Visas Revoked After Pahalgam Attack

On Wednesday, India announced downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength and expulsion of its military attaches, in view of cross-border links to the devastating terror attack.

In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed the responsibility for the attack. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all

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 24, 2025, 17:15 IST
Indian Army Soldier Killed In Udhampur Encounter Days After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 14:48 IST

The encounter took place hours after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed and several were injured.

The soldier has been identified as Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF. (Image: X/@Whiteknight_IA)

An Indian Army personnel was killed in an encounter with terrorists in Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, two days after the Pahalgam terror attack.

The soldier was injured in the initial exchange and later succumbed to his injures. He has been identified as Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).

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His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of grief," the Army said.

#GOC #WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks salute #Braveheart Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, who made the supreme #sacrifice during a counter #terror #operation.His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved pic.twitter.com/BzogemMct9  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) April 24, 2025

The encounter took place hours after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists  25 Indians and one Nepali  were killed and several were injured after a group of terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) opened fire at a popular tourist destination in Baisaran valley in southern Kashmirs Pahalgam.

In addition to this, the Indian Army troops deployed at a forward post in Mendhar, Poonch, also reportedly opened fire on Wednesday night after detecting suspicious movement along the Line of Control (LoC). Defence sources informed that the movement was challenged by a sentry on duty, prompting immediate action to prevent any potential infiltration attempt.

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The Indian army on Wednesday also foiled terrorists bid to cross the Line of Control in Baramulla district. At least two terrorists were killed in the encounter, the army informed, adding that they recovered two assault rifles, ammunition and other war-like stores from the terrorists. Additionally, pistols and rounds of bullets have been received and one IED was also retrieved.

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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: April 24, 2025, 09:37 IST
In 2016, Modi Said Blood & Water Can't Flow Together. Indus Waters Treaty Abeyance Is Proof

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 10:27 IST

The view in the Indian camp is that if Pakistan sends terrorists to kill innocent Indian civilians, Pakistani civilians will also have to pay for such misadventures of their army

The option to keep the treaty in abeyance was on the table after both the Uri and Pulwama attacks but the Modi government was of the view that Pakistan civilians should not pay for terrorism that Pakistan-backed terrorists had committed. (PTI)

The ground rules have changed after the Pahalgam terrorist strike on Tuesday in which 26 Indian civilians were killed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the drastic step on Wednesday to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, fulfilling the words he said nine years ago that blood and water cant flow together at the same time".

The step will directly impact Pakistani civilians and farmers in Punjab and Sindh areas. The view in the Indian camp is that if Pakistan sends terrorists to kill innocent Indian civilians, Pakistani civilians will also have to pay for such misadventures of their army.

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If Pakistani civilians suffer due to the misdeeds of their army, so be it. Let the Pakistani public question their army and their government," a source in the government told CNN-News18.

ALSO READ | Pahalgam Attack: Where Are LeTs Training Camps In Pakistan & Can India Dismantle Them? Exclusive

Soon after the Uri attacks in 2016, PM Modi had said that blood and water cant flow together at the same time" in a meeting with water ministry officials on the Indus Waters Treaty.

The option to keep the treaty in abeyance was on the table both after the Uri attack in 2016 and the Pulwama attack in 2019. But the Modi government did not undertake that option as the view was that Pakistan civilians should not pay for the terrorism that Pakistan-backed terrorists had committed against Indias security forces in Uri or Pulwama. India, instead, did surgical ground and air strikes respectively against terror launchpads in Pakistan.

The decision to stop all visas to Pakistanis and reduce embassy staff to a skeletal level will also hurt the interests of Pakistani civilians, with India sending a message to the Pakistani establishment.

Implications Of Holding The Treaty In Abeyance

1. Suspension of Obligations: India, which announced the treatys abeyance on April 23, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack, is no longer bound to:

 Allow unrestricted flow of the Western Rivers to Pakistan.

 Share flood data, project designs, or other technical information.

 Adhere to design and operational restrictions on dams and hydroelectric projects on the Western Rivers.

 Participate in bilateral consultations or inspections under the Permanent Indus Commission.

ALSO READ | The Scars Of Pahalgam: Nightmares, Anxiety And Guilt Haunt Survivors Of The Terror Attack

2. Impact on Pakistan: Pakistan, heavily dependent on the Indus system for 80 per cent of its irrigated agriculture (supporting 16 million hectares and 25 per cent of its GDP), could face severe consequences:

 Reduced water flow from the Western Rivers could disrupt irrigation, lower crop yields, and exacerbate food insecurity, particularly in Punjab and Sindh.

 Lack of flood data could hinder Pakistans ability to prepare for monsoon-related flooding.

 Pakistans limited water storage capacity (e.g., Mangla and Tarbela dams hold only 10 per cent of its annual share) amplifies the risk of water scarcity.

3. Indias Strategic Leverage: As the upper riparian state, India gains greater control over the Western Rivers flow. It can:

 Accelerate hydroelectric and storage projects (e.g., Pakal Dul, Ratle, Kiru) without Pakistans objections.

 Implement flood-control measures or manipulate reservoir operations, potentially affecting Pakistans sowing season.

4. Legal and International Ramifications:

 The abeyance is not a formal withdrawal, so India may argue its not breaching the treaty but suspending cooperation due to Pakistans alleged support for terrorism.

 Pakistan may seek World Bank intervention or legal arbitration, though Indias stance is that no country can expect peacetime benefits while undermining peace.

 Unilateral suspension could invite global scrutiny as the IWT is seen as a model for water-sharing agreements and other nations (China, Bangladesh) sharing rivers with India may monitor the situation closely.

5. Domestic and Regional Effects:

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 In Pakistan, reduced water availability could fuel unrest among farmers and strain its economy, already facing challenges.

 In India, the move strengthens its strategic posture but requires infrastructure to utilise additional water as it currently lacks sufficient storage capacity. Critics note that abrupt suspension without infrastructure could cause flooding in Jammu and Kashmir.

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 24, 2025, 10:23 IST
India Notifies Pakistan Of Indus Treaty Suspension 'With Immediate Effect' Amid Rising Tensions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 23:33 IST

The decision comes in the aftermath of Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam terror attack which claimed the lives of at least 26 lives and left several others injured.

The pact sought to divide the water of the Indus river and its tributaries equitably among the two countries. Representational pic/PTI

Indus Water Treaty: India on Thursday officially informed Pakistan that the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty is being held in abeyance with immediate effect" citing the neighbouring countrys sustained cross-border terrorism targeting Jammu and Kashmir.

The decision comes in the aftermath of Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam terror attack which claimed the lives of at least 26 lives and left several others injured.

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Read More: What Is The India-Pakistan Indus Waters Treaty And Why Has It Been Suspended?

Jal Shakti Ministrys Secretary Debashree Mukherjee has sent a formal letter to her Pakistani counterpart, Syed Ali Murtaza, informing the Government of Indias decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 in abeyance, marking a major escalation in regional water diplomacy.

India said that sustained cross-border terrorism has impeded its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.

The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir," the letter read.

The letter highlighted multiple shifts, including dramatic changes in population demographics and Indias push toward clean energy, which have altered the foundational assumptions of the agreement.

India further said that Pakistan has refused to respond to its request to enter into negotiations as envisaged under the treaty.

Read More: India Puts Indus Waters Treaty On Hold, To Close Attari Border After Pahalgam Terror Attack

The resulting security uncertainties have directly impeded Indias full utilisation of its rights under the Treaty. Furthermore, apart from other breaches committed by it, Pakistan has refused to respond to Indias request to enter into negotiations as envisaged under the Treaty and is thus in breach of the Treaty," the letter read.

Concluding the letter, Mukherjee declared, The Government of India has hereby decided that the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect."

India has announced downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam carnage on Tuesday in which 26 tourists were shot dead in broad daylight by the Resistance Front terrorists, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The decision was taken during the meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pakistans Reaction To Indias Decision

Earlier today, Pakistans National Security Committee had said any attempt by India to block or divert river water under the Indus Waters Treaty would be treated as an Act of War". Terming the 1960 agreement a lifeline for its 240 million citizens, Islamabad claimed the treaty cannot be held in abeyance unilaterally and warned of retaliation across the complete spectrum of National Power".

Read More: Pakistan Rejects Indias Indus Treaty Move, Warns Against Act Of War

Pakistan appeared to take into account that if India holds the IWT in abeyance it might not bode well for its citizens. Protests have erupted across Pakistan following its inadequate response to the droughts which have occurred across Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab provinces.

What Is Indus Waters Treaty?

India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960, with the World Bank as an additional signatory. The pact sought to divide the water of the Indus river and its tributaries equitably between the two countries. Under the treaty, water from three eastern riversBeas, Ravi, and Sutlejwas allocated to India, and that from the three western riversChenab, Indus, and Jhelumto Pakistan.

Read More: India Takes 5 Big Decisions In Key Security Meeting, Pakistan Takes Note | Highlights

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The treaty gives control over the waters of the three Eastern Rivers"the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej, located in India with a mean annual flow of 41 billion m3 (33 million acreft)to India, while control over the waters of the three Western Rivers"the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum, located in India with a mean annual flow of 99 billion mto Pakistan.

India got about 30% of the total water carried by the Indus River System located in India, while Pakistan got the remaining 70%.

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 24, 2025, 23:23 IST
India Summons Pakistani Diplomat, Sources Say CCS Decisions Only The 'First Step' In Pahalgam Response

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 09:01 IST

The move follows the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on Tuesday, where 26 people were killed and several others injured.

File photo of security forces carrying out a routine march in Kashmir. (Reuters File Image)

India has summoned Pakistans senior-most diplomat in Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and formally handed over a Persona Non Grata" (deemed unwelcome) note for its military diplomats, according to sources.

The move follows the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on Tuesday, where 26 people were killed and several others injured. The assault, which targeted tourists in the Anantnag district, has transformed what was once a symbol of peace and beauty into a scene of tragedy and grief. Follow Live Updates

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According to top sources, the decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the first step" and a very calibrated and well thought-out decision," not made in a hurry.

India on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and unveiled a series of strong measures, which include the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, and the immediate closure of the Attari land transit post, citing cross-border links to the deadly assault.

Also Read: India Puts Indus Waters Treaty On Hold, To Close Attari Border After Pahalgam Terror Attack

While informing about the decision at a meeting late on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, the overall strength of the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions. It will come into effect by May 1.

The foreign secretary also mentioned that Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme (SVES) and any Pakistani national currently in India under it SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

CCS Briefed About Attack

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was given a detailed briefing on the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. The meeting was attended by Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, along with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The Foreign Secretary stated that the CCS resolved to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice and to hold their sponsors accountable.

Also Read: India Turns Off Indus Waters Treaty Tap: Heres How This Will Impact Pakistan

Decisions Taken By CCS

During the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, the CCS decided to immediately shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attarithe only functional land border crossing between India and Pakistan.

Additionally, the CCS resolved to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with immediate effect. The Foreign Secretary noted that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably" ends its support for cross-border terrorism.

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Brokered by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty is regarded as one of the most enduring agreements between the two countries.

On the closure of the Attari check post, Vikram Misri clarified that individuals who have already crossed over with valid endorsements may return through the same route before May 1.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

First Published: April 24, 2025, 08:21 IST
Indian Army Suspects Movement Along LoC In Poonch, Opens Fire To Foil Infiltration Bid

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 09:45 IST

According to defence sources, the movement was challenged by a sentry on duty, prompting immediate action.

The movement was challenged by a sentry on duty, prompting immediate action. (PTI)

Indian Army troops deployed at a forward post in Mendhar, Poonch, opened fire on Wednesday night after detecting suspicious movement along the Line of Control (LoC). According to defence sources, the movement was challenged by a sentry on duty, prompting immediate action to prevent any potential infiltration attempt.

The move came in view of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists  25 Indians and one Nepali  were killed and several were injured after a group of terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) opened fire at a popular tourist destination in Baisaran valley in southern Kashmirs Pahalgam.

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Meanwhile, an encounter has also started in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district between terrorists and security forces. Additional security forces have reportedly rushed to the spot.

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On Wednesday, the Indian army foiled terrorists bid to cross the Line of Control in Baramulla district. At least two terrorists were killed in the encounter that ensued after they were intercepted by security personnel.

According to the Indian army, approximately two to three terrorists on Wednesday tried to infiltrate through Uri Nala. They also recovered two assault rifles, ammunition and other war-like stores, the army officials said in a press release. Additionally, pistols and rounds of bullets have been received and one IED was also retrieved.

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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: April 24, 2025, 09:01 IST
'Jaan Hai Toh Jahaan Hai': Bengal Operators Cancel Kashmir Tours As Pahalgam Attack Spooks Tourists

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 09:07 IST

Most tourists currently in Kashmir are cutting their trips short and returning home, while those who had plans in the coming months are cancelling their reservations

Security forces patrol the streets of Pahalgam following the terrorist attack that killed 28 tourists. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO)

Tuesdays terror attack in Pahalgam, which led to 26 tourists losing their lives, has delivered a significant blow to Kashmirs tourism industry. In the aftermath of the tragedy, several tour operators from West Bengal have started cancelling their planned trips to the region.

Kundu Travels, one of the most prominent travel agencies in Bengal, was scheduled to take a group of 43 tourists to Kashmir this Thursday. The tour has now been cancelled. Another upcoming tour has also seen several cancellations from participants. Speaking to News18, Soumitra Kundu, one of the owners of Kundu Travels, said: Its not possible to take tourists right now. We fear we may have to cancel our May 1 tour as well. The situation needs to normalise. People are panicked. This attack is clearly targeted at tourism. In the last four years, the number of tourists visiting Kashmir has almost tripledthey wanted to attack that growth."

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Bengalis, a community known for its love for travel, were one of the biggest contributors to Kashmirs tourism industry and had visited the scenic spots in droves.

Anjani Dhanuka, chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), eastern region, and owner of Aircom Travel, told News18: People have started cancelling their Kashmir travel plans. Everyone is saying, Jaan hai to jahan hailife comes first. Tourism had really flourished in the past four years. This is an attack on that progress."

Most tourists currently in Kashmir are cutting their trips short and returning home. Sources say the state government is in touch with travel agencies and tour operators.

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Minu Chatterjee, who had booked a family trip to Kashmir for May, told News18: We were all excited to visit Kashmir, but since Tuesday, we are in shock. We were supposed to stay in Pahalgam. Weve now cancelled it. Its such a beautiful place, but look at whats happening. Eight members of our family were goingweve called it off."

Experts say the incident has severely impacted the mindset of travellers and rebuilding confidence will take time.

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More

First Published: April 24, 2025, 09:07 IST
Last Updated: April 25, 2025, 23:44 IST

Jammu and Kashmir Pahalgam Terror Attack Highlights: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a key meeting to discuss the future course of action regarding the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, which has been suspended. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Paatil, and senior officials from various ministries attended the meeting in New Delhi at Shahs residence.

Indias decision to suspend the decades-old treaty comes after the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah said the people of J&K have always opposed the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it unfair.

The Government of India has taken some steps and as far as J&K has been concerned we have never been in favour of Indus water treaty. Indus water treaty was unfair for the people in J&K, Abdullah stated.

Abdullahs comments come following his meeting with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar to discuss the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.
News18 Afternoon Digest: PM Modi's Bihar Address, Updates On Pahalgam Terror Attack And Other Top Stories

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 14:24 IST

News18 Afternoon Digest: We are covering Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi's Bihar address, abeyance of Indus Water Treaty by India and other top stories.

PM Modi addresses gathering at an event in Bihar. (Image: X/BJP4India)

In todays Afternoon Digest, News18 brings the latest updates on Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modis Bihar address, abeyance of Indus Water Treaty by India and other top stories.

PM Modis First Public Comments On Pahalgam: Punishment Beyond Imagination For Terrorists, Conspirators

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In his first response to the brutal Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the entire country knows how terrorists brutally killed innocent, and India stands with the family of victims". Read more

PM Modis Big Warning On Pahalgam: India Will Track Down And Punish Every Terrorist, Their Backers

Speaking on the attack in which 26 people were killed, at a rally in Bihar, while addressing the people in Hindi, PM Modi switched to English as he announced to the world that India will ensure justice is served. Read more

Pakistans Missile Test Part Of Psychological Warfare To Deter India From Retaliation, Say Agencies | Exclusive

Pakistan is all set to engage in psychological warfare with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indians lost their lives, an assessment note of the agencies accessed by CNN-News18 reveals. Read more

Big Protests Erupt Outside Pakistan High Commission In Delhi; Murdabad Slogans Echo In The Air

Security barricades outside the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were removed by the police on Thursday, two days after the Pahalgam attack, in which, 26 people were killed by terrorists. Read more

India Turns Off Indus Waters Treaty Tap: Heres How This Will Impact Pakistan

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Indias suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), one of the worlds most successful water-sharing agreements, has significant implications for Pakistan. The treaty, signed in 1960 by India and Pakistan and brokered by the World Bank, divides the Indus River systems six rivers between the two nations. Read more

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 : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 24, 2025, 14:24 IST
Pahalgam Attack: Parties Unite On Action Against Pakistan, Govt Suggests 'Tougher' Steps Ahead

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shobhit Gupta



Last Updated: April 25, 2025, 00:20 IST

All opposition members unitedly supported the steps taken by the central government to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju (News18)

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday leaders across the political spectrum agreed on the need to stand united against terrorism at an all-party meeting in New Delhi, held in the shadow of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22.

While speaking to reporters after the all-party meeting, Rijiju said a constructive deliberation took place, with consensus across the board on supporting the government in its response to the deadly terror strike. All the parties were of the opinion that they stand united with the government in the fight against terrorism," he said.

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#WATCH | Delhi: After the all-party meeting, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, The meeting went very well, and in fact, all the political leaders unanimously supported the action taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) with regard to Pakistan. The Government made it pic.twitter.com/6zdywpSoct ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

The government made it clear in the meeting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government will have zero tolerance towards terrorist activities in our country and all the leaders expressed their solidarity with the government for all the actions being taken by the government and all the actions to be taken in the future" he added.

Follow Kashmir Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE Updates Here

He further said the situation in Kashmir had remained peaceful in recent years but the latest attack has shattered that calm. He added that all political parties expressed deep concern over the setback to peace in the Valley. Everything was normal and peaceful in Kashmir for the past few years, but this terror attack has ruined the atmosphere in the Valley," he said.

ALSO READ | India May Announce Ceasefire Cessation After Pahalgam Terror Attack: Govt Sources

WHAT DID THE OPPOSITION SAY?

All members of the opposition, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge from the Congress, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav, NCP(SP)s Supriya Sule among the others welcomed the steps taken by the Centre to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

It has been learnt through sources that three prominent questions were asked by opposition leaders. The MPs wanted details on what happened on the day of the incident, lack of security, if specific inputs were available, and why it took time for the security and rescue teams to reach the attack site.

Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said the entire opposition uniformly supports the government. Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The opposition has given full support to the government to take any action."

#WATCH | Delhi: After attending the all-party meeting convened by the central government, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, Everyone condemned the #PahalgamTerroristAttack. The opposition has given full support to the government to take any action." pic.twitter.com/VOM80eiSuo ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

All the opposition leaders who were asked to be present, came to the meeting and participated in the meeting, but we did make the request that the Prime Minister should have been present in this meeting, looking at the gravity of the issue," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said about the meeting.

Ministers in the government told us that they will convey the decision, but we also said that conveying the decision and understanding in person is different, but nonetheless, this is an issue concerning national security and we are on the same page," he added.

Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandhyopadhyay said the issue of possible security lapses was discussed but the opposition assured its support to the government against terrorism. The nation must be totally united in this fight to eliminate terrorism," he said. Some MPs also asked about the governments intent behind suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, how it plans to implement this, and what will happen to the surplus water.

Read More: India Suspends All Visa Services For Pakistani Nationals; Existing Visas Revoked After Pahalgam Attack

WHAT DID NDA ALLIES SAY?

After the all-party meeting, TDP MP Lavu Krishna Devarayalu said: When it comes to supporting the Union government, every party is on the same page. We support the Indian government in taking stringent action against terrorism."

Supporting the government on its action, NDA ally Shiv Sena said the need of the hour is to show Pakistan its place. Party MP Shrikant Shinde told News18: Our leader Balasaheb Thackeray always used to say that Pakistan should be weakened in every manner, including stopping all ties with them. We really appreciate the steps taken by the union government and will stand shoulder to shoulder with them for further action."

At the beginning of the meeting, a moment of silence was observed for the victims, following which the government briefed leaders of various political parties about the Pahalgam attack.

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The meeting was attended by Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, TMC MP Sudip Bandhyopadhyay, Tiruchi N Siva from the DMK, Supriya Sule from NCP (SP), Praful Patel from NCP, Shrikant Shinde from Shiv Sena, Lavu Krishna from TDP among others.

Central leaders included defence minister Rajnath Singh, Union home minister Amit Shah, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union health minister JP Nadda, and parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju.

First Published: April 24, 2025, 20:34 IST
Big Protests Erupt Outside Pakistan High Commission In Delhi; 'Murdabad' Slogans Echo In The Air

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 11:53 IST

The barricades outside Pakistan High Commission were removed by Delhi Police a day after India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan following Pahalgam terror attack.

Protesters outside Pakistan Embassy in Delhi.

Security barricades outside the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were removed by the police on Thursday, two days after the Pahalgam attack, in which, 26 people were killed by terrorists. Soon after barricades were removed, protests broke out outside Pakistan Embassy with protesters shouting Pakistan Murdabad" slogans.

The barricades outside Pakistan High Commission were removed by Delhi Police a day after India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. After a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday, it was announced that the overall strength of the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be brought down to 30 from 55 through further reductions, starting May 1.

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#WATCH | Anti-Terror Action Forum and BJP members protest against Pahalgam terror attack near Pakistan High Commission in Delhi pic.twitter.com/xDlr3P2DV9 ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other highly placed officials.

#WATCH | Police remove barricades which were placed near the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi pic.twitter.com/IE4MkDcDXd ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

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India also announced the cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. Any Pakistani citizen currently in India under this scheme has been asked to leave the country within 48 hours.

On Tuesday, April 22, terrorists opened fire at tourists in Baisaran Valley in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, killing 26 people including a foreigner.

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 24, 2025, 11:47 IST
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Who Are Invited To Rajnath Singh-Chaired All-Party Meeting Today? Full List

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 15:00 IST

The government will hold an all-party meeting today at 6 PM on the Pahalgam terror attack. One leader each from DMK, TMC, Shiv Sena, and others are expected to attend.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (Photo: PTI)

The government is set to convene an all-party meeting on Thursday in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The meeting is expected to begin at 6 pm at the Parliament Annexe.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to chair the meeting, which is expected to see one leader from each party.

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Quoting sources, news agency PTI said Home Minister Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh spoke to leaders of various parties on the issue. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju was also inviting leaders to attend the meeting.

Singh is also expected to brief leaders of different parties on the brutal terror attack targeting tourists.

Small parties were not invited to the meeting, it was learnt.

On Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the biggest terror attack targeting civilians in a long period.

WHO ALL ARE ATTENDING

Heres who all are attending the all-party meeting today. The full list of parties attending is developing.

Congress is likely to attend, a confirmation is awaited

DMK  Tiruchi N Siva

TMC  Sudip Bandyopadhyay

TDP  Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu

Shiv Sena  Shrikant Shinde

RJD  AD Singh/Manoj Jha

WHO ALL ARE NOT ATTENDING

In an official notification, the JDU said it would not be attending the all-party meeting and stated all its leaders are engaged in the Prime Ministers program in Madhubani district.

Whatever decision will be taken in the meeting, JDU will stand with the government decision and support the Government in the countrys interest," a statement by Sanjay Kumar Jha, Working President, JDU, read.

In Wednesdays meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and deliberated on the governments strategy.

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During the meeting that lasted over two-and-a-half hours, Amit Shah briefed the Prime Minister on the attack and discussed the measures to be taken in its aftermath.

The meeting that started around 6 pm and ended at around 8.30 pm was held at the Prime Ministers 7, Lok Nayak Marg residence.

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 24, 2025, 08:21 IST
'Label Pakistan As State Sponsor Of Terrorism': Ex-US Official Likens Asim Munir To Bin Laden

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 12:07 IST

Michael Rubin compared the Pahalgam terror attack to Hamas' assault, calling it a targeted killing. He urged India to take decisive action, similar to Israel's response to Hamas.

Michael Rubin (L)/Security forces near the Attari-Wagah border (R) (Photos: ANI/PTI)

Former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Michael Rubin, on Thursday, called for the United States to officially label Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, and pointed to Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, saying he is no different from Osama Bin Laden.

Rubin also said the Pahalgam terror attack was very similar to the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, as both incidents targeted civilians.

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That is exactly what went on when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. It was directed specifically against Jews and not only against Jews, but among the most liberal Jews who were most prone to wanting peace and normalcy with the Gaza Strip," Rubin told news agency ANI.

Targeting a vacation resort, middle-class Hindus, it is evident that the Pakistanis are trying the same tactic now. It should be no more successful for Pakistan than it was for Hamas."

And frankly, its now the duty of India to do to Pakistan and to Pakistans ISI what Israel did to Hamas," he said.

Its time to wipe out the leadership of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to treat them as a designated terror group and demand that every country that is an ally of India, every country that is an ally of the worlds largest democracy, do the same," he added.

Also commenting on whether recent remarks by Pakistan army chief Asim Munir may have served as a direct provocation for the Pahalgam attack, Rubin said, Certainly that speech seemed to green light terror. Asim Munir said that Kashmir is the jugular vein. What India now needs to do is to cut Pakistans jugular. Theres no ifs, ands, or buts. There are no shortcuts anymore. Asim Munir gave the green light."

We know that Pakistan is home to a myriad of terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba. Unfortunately, because of a lack of concerted counter-terror action, because Pakistani diplomats are playing the West for fools, we now have an expansion of the problem, not only in Pakistan but frankly in Bangladesh as well," he added.

ASIM MUNIR, OSAMA BIN LADEN THE SAME: RUBIN

Rubin also called for the US to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terror and said, The only reaction that the United States should take is a formal designation of Pakistan as a state sponsor of terror and a designation of Asim Munir as a terrorist."

The only difference between Osama Bin Laden and Asim Munir is that Osama Bin Laden lived in a cave and Asim Munir lives in a palace, but beyond that, the two are the same, and their end should also be the same," he added.

It was shocking, but this just goes to show you that you can put lipstick on a pig, but its still a pig. You can pretend that Pakistan isnt a terror sponsor, but it remains a terror sponsor, no matter how much we try to normalise it," Rubin said.

As for the timing, just as there was a terrorist attack when Bill Clinton went to India, so too does it seem that Pakistan wants to draw attention away from Vice President JD Vances trip to India. The United States shouldnt let Pakistan get away with it, and we shouldnt pretend that this is some sort of spontaneous action," the former Pentagon officials opined.

PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK

As many as 26 tourists, 25 Indians and one Nepali national, were killed in the terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam on April 22.

It happened as a group of armed terrorists fired on tourists, reportedly after asking their names and religion. They allegedly shot dead those who said they were non-Muslims.

The Pahalgam terror attack is being deemed one of the most horrific incidents since the 2019 Pulwama terror strike.

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In response, India announced stringent countermeasures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and closing the integrated check post at the Attari Border with immediate effect.

ALSO READ | India Ready To Forgo Exports To Pakistan In Wake Of Pahalgam Terror Attack: Sources

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 24, 2025, 11:45 IST
'Udhar Firing Shuru Hai...'How Group Of 28 Tourists Narrowly Escaped Pahalgam Terror Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 13:13 IST

A group of 28 tourists from Maharashtra narrowly escaped the Pahalgam attack due to a delay over pony ride fares. Their late arrival kept them away from the attack site.

Indian security officers stand guard near Pahalgam (Photo: PTI)

A group of 28 people from Maharashtra could have been at the site where terrorists shot dead tourists in Pahalgam. However, bargaining for horse rides with pony operators proved lucky for them.

According to a report with The Times Of India, the group comprised tourists from Sangli, Ratnagiri, Pune, and Kolhapur.

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The report quoted one of the tourists, Anil Kurane, as saying that they were delayed in reaching the Pahalgam site because first the pony operators demanded Rs 3,200 per head for the ride.

Then, as they settled for a price, they took some more minutes to gather 28 horses at one place to begin the ride.

Kurane also told the publication that his group had begun their ride, and just when they had barely completed 500 metres of the 2 km ride, a local came running and warned them not to proceed.

He screamed, Ruko, udhar firing shuru hai, aage mat jao (wait, theres firing ahead, dont proceed)," Kurane was quoted as saying.

The group quickly returned to where they started.

Another tourist from the group was quoted as saying that though they had booked a stay in a forest area of Pahalgam, they returned to Srinagar as they did not find it safe to stay there.

If it wasnt for the delay, we would have been at the spot when the terror attack took place," the report quoted Kurane as saying.

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The list of casualties would have had our names too," he added.

As many as 26 tourists  25 Indians and one Nepali national, were shot dead by armed terrorists in Pahalgam on April 22.

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 24, 2025, 13:13 IST
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Macron, Meloni Dial PM Modi As Europe Stands In Solidarity

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 21:25 IST

The MEA said PM Narendra Modi thanked both the leaders for their message of support and conveyed India's strong resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni dialled PM Narendra Modi on April 24. (Image: AFP/File)

The barbarism displayed in the Pahalgam terror attack is totally unacceptable, French President Emmanuel Macron told Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a phone conversation on Thursday.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also dialled Modi and strongly condemned the terrible" terror attack on Indian soil, as per external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

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President Macron conveyed his personal condolences on the brutal killing" of innocent people in the heinous terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, he said in a social media post.

President @EmmanuelMacron called Prime Minister @narendramodi and conveyed his personal condolences on the brutal killing of innocent people in the heinous terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full support and solidarity with the people of India adding that this kind of barbarism is totally unacceptable," he said.

He further said Modi thanked him for his message of support and conveyed Indias strong resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The MEA spokesperson said Meloni strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil and conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims.

Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni called Prime Minister @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil. She conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and wished a speedy recovery of those injured. She expressed full support of Italy in the Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

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She expressed full support of Italy in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi appreciated her call and the clear message of support against terrorism and those behind it," he said. India and Italy will continue to work together including in international platforms to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts."

Twenty-six civilians, mostly tourists, were killed in Tuesdays Pahalgam terror attack.

About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More

First Published: April 24, 2025, 21:25 IST
PM Modi Highlights India's Fight Against Terrorism To Entire World, Switches From Hindi To English During Speech | Video

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 13:45 IST

PM Modi vowed to bring the Pahalgam attackers to justice, stating they will be pursued to the end of the Earth. He stressed the nation's unity and resolve in the face of terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the National Panchayati Raj Day programme, in Madhubani district, Bihar (Photo: PTI)

In a stern warning to the Pahalgam attackers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said every effort will be made to ensure justice is done.

He also said the entire nation is firm in its resolve and that his government will pursue the attackers to the end of the Earth".

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Addressing the National Panchayati Raj Day in Bihars Madhubani, Prime Minister Modi switched his speech from Hindi to English to send out a strong message of Indias fight against terrorism to the entire world from a public platform.

Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers," PM Modi said in English.

We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth," he added.

Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism," PM Modi said, adding, Terrorism will not go unpunished."

Every effort will be made to ensure justice is done, the entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us, I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us in this time," PM Modi said in English.

VIDEO | Pahalgam terror attack: Speaking during an event in Bihars Madhubani, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, Today from the soil of Bihar, I say it to the whole world  India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of pic.twitter.com/uns96lp2en Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 24, 2025

The Prime Ministers remark, especially in English, comes after leaders of various countries poured in solidarity messages to India over the Pahalgam terror attack.

Earlier, before beginning his speech, PM Modi observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to the Pahalgam attack victims.

As the Prime Minister concluded his speech, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, posted Modis remark, Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve."

Prime Minister @narendramodi :Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve https://t.co/23oCGREeL7  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

As many as 26 people  25 Indians and one Nepali national, were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

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Various reports suggested terrorists first asked tourists their names, then their religion, and then asked them to recite a Kalma  an Islamic phrase.

They allegedly shot dead those who said they were non-Muslims.

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 24, 2025, 13:15 IST
India's INS Surat Fires Missile In Arabian Sea As Pakistan Flexes Muscles After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 14:53 IST

The successful firing of the MRSAM underscores the destroyer's ability to effectively counter modern aerial threats.

INS Surat (Photo: Screenshot)

In a display of its advanced air defense capabilities, the Indian Navys latest destroyer, INS Surat (D69), successfully test-fired a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) against a sea-skimming target in the Arabian Sea today. The successful firing of the MRSAM underscores the destroyers ability to effectively counter modern aerial threats, including those that approach at low altitudes to evade radar detection.

Pakistan Plans Missile Test

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This comes as amid heightened tensions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan is planning to conduct a surface-to-surface missile test near its Karachi coast within its Exclusive Economic Zone on April 24-25.

Indian defence agencies are closely monitoring all developments related to this situation, according to defence sources, especially in light of the current security scenario.

Pahalgam Terror Attack

At least 26 people, the majority of them tourists, were killed in a brutal terror attack in the picturesque Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir when heavily armed militants opened fire indiscriminately on picnicking visitors.

The horrific incident saw at least four terrorists descend upon the popular tourist spot, wielding sophisticated M4 carbines and AK-47 assault rifles, as per eyewitness accounts.

The attack drew widespread condemnation internationally. The United Nations Secretary-General, the US President, and leaders from several European and Asian nations denounced the act of terror.

In a strong response, the Indian government has summoned Pakistans top diplomat and declared its military diplomats persona non grata. Further punitive measures include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of the Attari border crossing, and a ban on travel to India for Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.

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What We Know On INS Surat

INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) stealth guided-missile destroyers, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 15, 2025. The MRSAM is a high-response, quick-reaction, vertically launched supersonic missile jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is designed to neutralize a wide array of aerial threats such as missiles, aircraft, guided bombs, and helicopters, with a reported range of up to 70 kilometers.

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?"

First Published: April 24, 2025, 10:30 IST
Pakistan Government's Official X Account Withheld In India After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 12:55 IST

The official X account of the Pakistan government was withheld in India after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. (File photo/Reuters)

The official X account of Government of Pakistan was withheld in India days after terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam where 26 people lost their lives. However, officials accounts of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other ministers were still visible in India.

While the leaders across the world condemned attacks on their social media accounts, no such message was posted by PM Sharif and his ministers excerpt for a press release issued by Pakistans Foreign Office.

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Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said, We extend our condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery."

Pakistan, infamous for promoting terrorism and sending terrorists across the border, has denied its role in the dastardly attack in Pahalgam.

A day after the terror attack, India on Wednesday suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and announced downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, including expulsion of its military attaches. Indias Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) also decided to close the Integrated Check Post at Attari with immediate effect. Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and any such visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled, it was announced.

Later today, Pakistan will hold a high powered security huddle to formulate an appropriate response to Indias decisions.

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PM Sharif has summoned the National Security Committee meeting to discuss in detail Indias irresponsible actions" after what Pakistan called Pahalgam false flag operation.

Three services chiefs and important key ministers will attend the meeting, reported Radio Pakistan.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

First Published: April 24, 2025, 10:38 IST
Pakistan Threatens To Put Shimla Agreement In Abeyance In Major Move: Heres What It Means

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Anushka Vats



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 23:21 IST

According to the Shimla Agreement, both countries should 'put an end to the conflicts and confrontation' and 'promote friendly and harmonious relationships'.

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, right, and President of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto shake hands after signing Shimla Agreement (AP File Photo)

India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan as tensions between the two nations escalated following a terrorist attack on Tuesday that killed 26. While India took several stern measures including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan too has responded by cancelling visas to Indian nationals and suspending all cross-border transit from India. It also said Islamabad is keeping the Shimla Agreement in abeyance.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting on Thursday to make decisions regarding response to Indias move to downgrade diplomatic ties. Key ministers and three service chiefs also attended the meeting.

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Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India including but not limited to Shimla Agreement in abeyance," said a statement released after the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting.

ALSO READ | India May Announce Ceasefire Cessation After Pahalgam Terror Attack: Govt Sources | Exclusive

All cross-border transit from India through this route shall be suspended, without exception. Those who have crossed with valid endorsements may return through that route immediately but not later than April 30," it said.

Pakistans Sinister Design

Sources speaking CNN-News18 said that suspension of the 1972 agreement will be a critical escalation in the India-Pakistan tensions.

Pakistans threat came after India said it is holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Islamabad also responded to expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and closure of Attari border post using similar measures.

The authorities in Islamabad accused India of using Pakistani soil for terror activities in Pakistan.

Sources said Pakistans threat to suspend the Shimla Agreement is a strategic move aimed at countering Indias dominance in the region. If carried out, such a suspension would bypass the bilateral framework and allow third-party involvement, something India has consistently opposed.

The Shimla Agreement formalised the Line of Control (LoC) as the de facto border in Kashmir. Suspending it would permit unilateral attempts to alter territorial control and enable Pakistan to reclassify the LoC as a ceasefire line hence reducing legal constraints on military action.

Sources said it would also weaken key aspects of bilateral engagement including agreements on nuclear safety, airspace protocols and prisoner exchanges. This could push South Asia into a deeper phase of instability.

What Is The Shimla Agreement Of 1972?

Shimla Agreement is a pact signed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistans Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on July 2, 1972 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The pact was signed after the Pak-Bangladesh War in 1971, which resulted in the independence of Bangladesh.

According to the Shimla Agreement, both countries should put an end to the conflicts and confrontation" and promote friendly and harmonious relationships" and establish durable peace in the sub-continent."

The agreement summed up in six points also says that the two countries are resolved to settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations".

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Pending the final settlement of any of the problems between the two countries, neither side shall unilaterally alter the situation," it adds.

Earlier in 1999, Pakistan breached the Shimla Agreement, leading to the Kargil War. Pakistani troops had infiltrated Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir, taking over key positions along the Line of Control (LoC). India responded by launching Operation Vijay to evict the Pakistani forces.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: April 24, 2025, 18:20 IST
Pakistan's Missile Test Part Of Psychological Warfare To Deter India From Retaliation, Say Agencies | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 12:08 IST

Pakistani media has been told to present the missile test as a defensive measure against perceived Indian aggression, both locally and globally

Protest outside the Pakistan embassy in New Delhi over the Pahalgam attack. (News18)

Pakistan is all set to engage in psychological warfare with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indians lost their lives, an assessment note of the agencies accessed by CNN-News18 reveals.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir plans to project strength and divert global attention from Pakistans involvement in cross-border terrorism, the note said. A key part of this strategy is a planned surface-to-surface missile test, likely involving the Shaheen-III or Babur cruise missile, demonstrating Pakistans capability to target major Indian cities within a 2,750 km range. This move aims to instil fear of nuclear escalation and deter India from conducting kinetic operations like surgical strikes.

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Pakistani media has been instructed to present this missile test as a defensive measure against perceived Indian aggression. General Munir, or the ISPR, may issue warnings, reminiscent of past threats, to surprise India. This psychological operation also seeks to strengthen domestic support by portraying India as the aggressor, both locally and globally.

Additionally, The Resistance Front (TRF)which claimed responsibility for Tuesdays tragedyhas been directed to release threatening videos targeting Indian cities, creating panic and forcing India to divert security resources from Kashmir to urban centres. Pakistan also plans to accuse India of water terrorism by alleging violations of the Indus Waters Treaty and will seek an economic blockade against India through allies like the OIC or nations such as Turkey.

In retaliation to Tuesdays attack, India has announced five major diplomatic steps against Pakistan, the most significant being keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, with several experts calling it the beginning of the first water war between the neighbours.

Pakistan will frame the missile test as a responsible reaction to Indian threats, aiming to present itself as a responsible nuclear state. There is also a potential for state-backed cyber-attacks on Indian infrastructure, similar to the 2020 Mumbai power outage linked to Chinese malware, which Pakistan may explore with Chinese assistance.

Reacting to Tuesdays attack, India has blocked access to the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the government of Pakistan and announced retaliatory measures. Apart from this, both the countries will reduce their respective High Commission staff strength from 55 to 30 by May 1.

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India has also expelled Pakistans defence, naval, and air advisors from its mission in New Delhi, declaring them persona non grata. They have been ordered to leave within seven days. India will reciprocate by withdrawing its own military advisors from Islamabad. In addition, five support staff assigned to each countrys military mission will be recalled.

The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals has been suspended with immediate effect, and all existing visas issued under the programme have been invalidated. The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, the only land border crossing currently in operation between the two countries, has also been ordered shut. Pakistani nationals in India on valid documentation are permitted to return before May 1.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: April 24, 2025, 12:07 IST
PM Modi's First Public Comments On Pahalgam: 'Punishment Beyond Imagination For Terrorists, Conspirators'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 15:46 IST

Speaking about the incident, PM Modi said: "Conspirators and terrorists, who committed this will get punishment bigger than their imagination."

PM Modi vowed to take action against the perpetrators in his first public speech after Pahalgam attack. (Pic: PTI) .

In his first response to the brutal Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the entire country knows how terrorists brutally killed innocent, and India stands with the family of victims".

Speaking about the Pahalgam incident, PM Modi said: Conspirators and terrorists, who committed this will get punishment beyond their imagination."

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Sending a stern warning to the attackers, PM Modi further added: India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth."

This message comes at a time when India has already exerted diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

Doubling down on the attack by perpetrators, the Prime Minister said: The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the masters of terror. The entire country is in shock over how the terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam. India is with those who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The government is trying its best to provide treatment to those who are injured."

VIDEO | Addressing an event marking National Panchayati Raj Day in Bihars Madhubani, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, The entire country is in shock over how the terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam. The entire country is with those who have lost their loved ones in pic.twitter.com/aBczGUgtur Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 24, 2025

While talking about tracking and identifying the terrorists involved in the attack, PM Modi made a switch from Hindi to English and said: Will pursue them (Pahalgam attackers) to the end of earth. Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism."

Terrorism will not go unpunished.Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve: PM pic.twitter.com/ojdN6fcEpD  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 24, 2025

PM Modi also urged those attending the rally to observe two minutes of silence in memory of the victims, who lost their lives in the devastating Pahalgam attack.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was also in the rally, said: We condemn Pahalgam attack, the entire country is united in the fight against terrorism."

Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi addressed a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), following Home Minister Amit Shahs visit to the Pahalgam terror attack site. The high-level meeting was attended by top security officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, as the government assessed its response to the brutal attack that left 26 people dead.

PM Modi addressed Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and gram sabhas across the country in an event being held at Bihars Madhubani on Thursday. He also launched several projects worth approximately Rs 13,500 crore, the Panchayati Raj Ministry said in a statement.

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This was PM Modis first gathering on the occasion in what is going to be his first public remarks, following the ghastly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

The event is being held to commemorate the National Panchayati Raj Day (NPRD), marking 32 years of the 73rd Constitutional (Amendment) Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to panchayats as institutions of rural local self-government.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

First Published: April 24, 2025, 12:58 IST
PM Modi's Big Warning On Pahalgam: 'India Will Track Down And Punish Every Terrorist, Their Backers'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 26, 2025, 06:38 IST

Speaking at a rally in Bihar on the Pahalgam attack, PM Narendra Modi said terrorism will not go unpunished.

PM Modi addresses gathering at an event in Bihar. (Image: X/BJP4India)

In his first comments of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sent a clear message to Pakistan and the world that India will track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and backers." Speaking on the attack in which 26 people were killed, at a rally in Bihar, while addressing the people in Hindi, PM Modi switched to English as he announced to the world that India will ensure justice is served.

Today from soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them till the end of the Earth. Terrorism will not go unpunished," PM Modi said.

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Terrorism will not go unpunished.Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve: PM pic.twitter.com/ojdN6fcEpD  PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 24, 2025

The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders, who have stood with us in these times," the Prime Minister added.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the Pahalgam terror attack while addressing a public meeting in Bihars MadhubaniHe says, Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. pic.twitter.com/216kBwOryv  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

PM Modi said the terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam attack will be punished beyond their imagination." We will snatch every bit of land from these terrorists," PM Modi said.

The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the masters of terror. The entire country is in shock over how the terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam. India is with those who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The government is trying its best to provide treatment to those who are injured," he added.

Cross-Border Links In Pahalgam Attack

According to the FIR filed by the Jammu and Kashmir police on the Pahalgam attack, the terrorists acted on the instructions of handlers across the border and used illegally acquired automatic weapons. The police station has received credible information from reliable sources that at Baisaran, Pahalgam, unknown terrorists, acting on the instructions of their handlers across the border, have carried out a premeditated attack using illegally acquired automatic weapons," the FIR states.

Indias 5-Point Action Against Pakistan

Just a day after the Pahalgam attack, India announced several measures against Pakistan including cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals. Any Pakistani citizen currently in India under this scheme has been asked to leave the country within 48 hours.

After a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday, it was announced that the overall strength of the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be brought down to 30 from 55 through further reductions, starting May 1.

India has also decided to cut off military-diplomatic ties with Pakistan. Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi have been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave within a week. India will also pull back its military advisors from Islamabad.

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The Integrated Check Post at Attari Border in Amritsar has also been shut with immediate effect.

The CCS also decided that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

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 24, 2025, 13:23 IST
Rs 35 Crore Deposited In Mumbai College Girl's Account, GST Notice Exposes Scam

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 19:29 IST

A Mumbai college girl found Rs 35 crore in her account due to cybercriminals using her documents. The Income Tax Department asked her to pay GST. Police arrested two suspects

The investigation revealed that the accused had opened bank accounts for at least 10 to 12 individuals. (Representative/Shutterstock)

In a surprising twist in the ongoing battle against cybercrime, a college girl in Mumbai found her bank account unexpectedly filled with money instead of being emptied. Cybercriminals had conducted transactions worth Rs 35 crore in her account, unbeknownst to her.

The incident came to light when the Income Tax Department sent her a notice to pay GST on the transactions.

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The girl, residing in Mumbais Malad West area, was shocked to receive the notice demanding tax on Rs 35 crore worth of transactions. Panicked, she rushed to the Malvani police station and explained that she was merely a student and had no such funds in her account.

Upon thorough investigation, the police discovered that two cybercriminals had opened a bank account using the girls documents. These fraudsters were using the account to deposit money obtained through cybercrime. The account was employed to store ransom payments after committing fraud.

The police have arrested two individuals, Abhishek Pandey and Akash Vishwakarma, from the Kandivali and Borivali areas in connection with the case.

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According to the police, the suspects targeted young job seekers, collecting their PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, and other important documents under the pretext of offering employment. These documents were then used to open new bank accounts, which were subsequently used for depositing fraudulent money.

The investigation revealed that the accused had opened bank accounts for at least 10 to 12 individuals, depositing fraudulent money in each. The funds were withdrawn as needed. The police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

First Published: April 24, 2025, 19:29 IST
Salty Rogan Josh To Horse Ride Delay: Tour Hiccups That Saved These Holidayers In Pahalgam

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 18:34 IST

On April 22, the calmness of Baisaran meadow, also known as the "mini Switzerland" of India, was disturbed by the echo of terrorists' gunshots and tourists' screams.

Security forces busy in search operations in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam where 26 tourists were killed and several others injured. (File)

Pahalgam terror attack: India is mourning the loss of 26 innocent lives in one of the biggest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. However, the death toll could have been much higher for a stroke of luck that kept 41 people away from the Baisaran meadow, which turned into a killing field on the tragic day of April 22.

Several harrowing incidents have emerged of tourists who narrowly escaped the brunt of terrorists.

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In the afternoon of April 22, the calmness of Baisaran meadow, also known as the mini Switzerland" of India, was disturbed by the echo of terrorists gunshots and tourists screams. Amid the chaos, a few fortunate tourists managed to escape, just moments before the attackers struck.

While a salty mutton rogan josh kept away a Kerala family of 11 from the spot, lack of horses delayed 28 tourists from reaching Baisaran meadow. A couple who moved away with their bhelpuri snack also thanked their stars, as per the media reports.

Salty Mutton Roganjosh Saves Lives

Lavanya, a native of Keralas Kochi, was in Kashmir with her extended family  a group of 11 that included her husband, their three children, their parents, her husbands cousin and her family.

The delay in their travel plans started when they stopped for a meal just 15 minutes before reaching Baisaran meadow. Having skipped lunch the previous day, they decided to eat at a nearby eatery. However, the mutton rogan josh they ordered was too salty.

When the staff noticed they couldnt eat the food, they offered to cook a fresh batch, leading to a reorder and delaying them by an hour.

Resuming their journey to Baisaran, the family encountered chaos just 2 km short of their destination.

Upon inquiry, they learned that security forces were on the scene due to some disturbance. Their local driver suggested they continue, saying such events were common. However, sensing danger, the family chose to turn back.

Later, while relaxing by a lake in the valley, shopkeepers warned them to leave due to rising tensions around 4:30 pm. The family returned to their resort and soon received calls informing them of a major terror attack at Baisaran meadow.

That extra time spent making the dish againmaybe it saved our lives," Lavanya told Business Today.

Horse Delay Turns Into Lifesaver

A group of 28 tourists from Maharashtra also narrowly escaped the death due to unavailability of horses. Tourists from Kolhapur, Sangli, Ratnagiri, and Pune were unable to visit Baisaran meadow due to the unavailability of horses for their trip.

Since the location lacks a motorable road, visitors can only reach it by trekking or horseback.

After negotiating with horse owners, the group had to delay their trip to Baisaran and wait for the horses, which ultimately proved to be a lifesaver.

We were saved just because we didnt get the horse ride on time," Surendra Dattatreya Sapale from Gargoti village in Kolhapur told India Today.

If we hadnt been delayed, we would have been caught in the firing," another tourist told Times of India.

They quickly turned back after their driver warned them of the imminent danger.

Bhelpuri Saves Jaipur Newlyweds

A newlywed from Jaipur, Komal and Mihir, were saved from death, all thanks to the craving for a plate of bhelpuri.

The couple had just arrived at Baisaran meadow and decided to halt for the snack. They took bhelpuri and moved into a quieter corner of the meadow.

Everything was so serene. We bought bhelpuri and were sitting in a quiet corner, soaking in the view when suddenly, we heard gunshots. People started screaming and running," Mihir told Indian Express.

That snack break delayed their walk into the open, just enough to save them from the terrorists. Komal recalled that Navy officer Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and his wife arrived in the meadows around the same time and bought bhelpuri from the same vendor before them.

They walked right past us We later heard that the officer was killed," Komal told the news outlet.

What Happened In Pahalgam?

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In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed the responsibility for the attack.

Terrorists targeted a group of people, including women and elderly individuals, in the brazen attack afternoon.

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 : Pahalgam, India, India

First Published: April 24, 2025, 18:34 IST
Survey Flags Tourism Crisis: 6 In 10 Cancel Kashmir Plans Post Pahalgam Attack

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 16:48 IST

The message from the survey, conducted by LocalCircles, is clear: Kashmirs image has taken a brutal hit, and rebuilding tourist confidence wont be easy

Just two days after terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam, killing 26 people  most of them tourists  the ripple effects are already being felt across Indias travel industry. (PTI)

Just two days after terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam, killing 26 people  most of them tourists  the ripple effects are already being felt across Indias travel industry. A new survey by LocalCircles shows a steep collapse in tourist confidence: six in ten families who had planned to travel to Kashmir this year are now cancelling their trips.

The April 22 attack, which took place in one of Kashmirs most popular and scenic destinations, has not only claimed lives but also upended what was expected to be a record-breaking summer for the Valley. Pahalgam also serves as a key base for the annual Amarnath Yatra, and the timing of the violence has alarmed both religious travellers and the tourism industry alike.

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The LocalCircles survey, which gathered over 21,000 responses from 361 districts, found that:

62 per cent of travellers who had plans/bookings between May and December 2025 are now cancelling

38 per cent still intend to go ahead with their plans

29 per cent of respondents are open to visiting Kashmir in the next three years

33 per cent say they will decide based on how the government handles safety going forward

Among the remaining respondents, 21 per cent said they definitely wont travel to Kashmir in the near future, while others marked the destination as never being on their radar.

Tourism had been booming in Kashmir, with over 2.3 crore tourists visiting the region so far in 2025, according to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. That follows 2.1 crore in 2023 and 1.88 crore in 2022, showing a consistent rise in footfall  a rare streak of economic optimism in the conflict-prone region.

But the Pahalgam killings have triggered mass cancellations, say travel operators, with over 15,000 flight tickets to Srinagar already called off or rescheduled. Hotel bookings, too, are being withdrawn at scale. Many stakeholders fear the long-term blowback could be worse than previous seasons marked by separatist-led hartals.

Former minister Sajad Lone said the fresh wave of violence was part of a pattern aimed at stifling Kashmirs economic recovery: These terror attacks are aimed at yet again disempowering us economically," he said.

The survey also found that the impact was nationwide: of the respondents, 63 per cent were men and 37 per cent women, with representation from tier 1, 2, 3, and rural areas. The results reflect a cross-section of Indian travellers, showing how fear stemming from one high-profile incident can lead to a national shift in sentiment.

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While many still hope the government can restore confidence through robust action and security measures, the message is clear  for tourists, Kashmir has once again become a destination of doubt.

As officials scramble to reassure visitors and bolster safety, the stakes are not just emotional or symbolic  they are deeply economic. Without immediate intervention, a season that promised growth could spiral into crisis.

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 24, 2025, 16:48 IST
Three Women Naxals Killed In Chhattisgarh Days After Security Forces Launch Massive Operation Against Maoists

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 22:57 IST

So far, bodies of three women Naxalites, clad in uniform, along with weapons have been recovered from the encounter site.

Security forces launched a massive anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh (ANI/Representative image)

Three women Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border on Thursday, police said, days after a massive anti-Maoist operation involving around 10,000 personnel was launched in the Bastar region.

They are suspected to be members of the strongest military formation of Naxals, they said.

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The gunfight took place at a forest in Karegutta hills in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district along the inter-state border in the morning when a joint team of security forces was out on an anti-Naxal operation, a senior police official said.

So far, bodies of three women Naxalites, clad in uniform, along with weapons have been recovered from the encounter site, while several other Maoists are also suspected to have been killed in the fierce gun battle, he said.

Following the gunfight, a huge cache of firearms, explosives and Maoist related materials were also recovered from the spot, he said.

The operation, one of biggest counter-insurgency actions launched in the Bastar region, involved around 10,000 security personnel belonging to different units, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force (STF), all units of the state police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and its elite Commando Battalions for Resolute Action (CoBRA), he said.

The all-out operation seeks to target formations of the banned outfit CPI (Maoist) and the Telangana police were assisting in the exercise, according to the official.

The operation was launched on Monday based on inputs about the presence of senior cadres of battalion No. 1, the strongest military formation of Naxals, Telangana state committee and Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee of Maoists, and it will go on for several days, he said.

The area where the encounter took place is surrounded by dense forests besides hills and is considered to be the base of Maoists battalion No. 1, the official informed.

Prima facie, the three slain cadres belonged to Maoists battalion No. 1, but their identities were yet to be ascertained, he said.

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Further details about the operation will be shared later, the official added.

With the latest action, 144 Naxalites have been gunned down in separate encounters in the state so far this year. Of these, 127 were eliminated in the Bastar division comprising seven districts, including Bijapur.

Location : Chhattisgarh, India, India

First Published: April 24, 2025, 22:57 IST
'Will Take His Full Responsibility': Pahalgam Victim's Son In Arms, Suvendu Adhikari Makes A Promise

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 12:30 IST

The BJP leader assured Bitans wife Sohini that they would avenge his killing, emphasising that the deaths of the tourists were religious and not political

Suvendu Adhikari with Bitans three-and-a-half-year-old son in his arms. (News18)

Emotions ran high at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday evening as the bodies of Bitan Adhikary and Samir Guha, who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, arrived in the city. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, along with several BJP leaders and TMC ministers, was present at the airport to pay his respects.

As a grief-stricken Sohini Adhikary, Bitans wife, broke down upon seeing Suvendu Adhikari, he took Bitans three-and-a-half-year-old son into his arms and reassured her, saying: Dont worry, sister. I will take his full responsibility. They killed Bitan because he was a Hindu. We are Modis sons. Just like Gaza was finished, we too will give a fitting reply."

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The young boy, who had witnessed the brutal killing of his father, had fallen asleep in Adhikaris arms, unaware of the grief surrounding him.

Recounting the Pahalgam horror, Sohini said: They asked us, Are you Muslims? Can you recite the Kalma? And then they killed him. My child keeps saying, Fire fire Mummy, Papa gone. His father was murdered right before his eyes."

She added, I have no one left. My husband was everything to me. He believed in the BJP and supported it wholeheartedly."

Suvendu Adhikari emphasised that the killing was not political but religious in nature. He assured Sohini that he would visit their home on Thursday and remain by their side. This is not just about politicsits about religion," he said.

Bitans parents Bureshwar and Maya, who had once fled Bangladesh due to religious persecution, are devastated. We left our homeland because we were Hindus. We never imagined our son would meet the same fate here," they said in disbelief.

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Bitan was among the 26 peoplemostly touristswho were shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam. Three terrorists who carried out a barbaric attack have been identified, with agencies saying the group had been active in the area for the last one month.

The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) co-founded by Hafiz Saeed, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The TRF came into existence in 2019 as a proxy outfit of LeT in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 and revocation of special status to J&K in August that year.

About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More

First Published: April 24, 2025, 12:30 IST
National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: History, Significance, Quotes And Key Facts

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 09:49 IST

Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier structure where local bodies or Gram Panchayats are given the authority to govern themselves and make decisions for community's development.

National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: A strong Panchayati Raj system helps build a strong and self-reliant nation.

75th National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: National Panchayati Raj Day is marked every year on April 24 in India. The day is observed to commemorate the historic occasion of April 24, 1993, when the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992, came into force. It celebrates the importance of grassroots democracy, strengthens local governance and helps empower rural communities.

The Panchayati Raj system is a three-tier structure where local bodies or Gram Panchayats are given the authority to govern themselves and make decisions for their communitys development.

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National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: History

The word Panchayat comes from two words  Panch" meaning five and Ayat" meaning assembly. It refers to a traditional system where a group of elders from a village would come together to solve problems or settle disputes. These elders formed a local council, and the head of the group was called a Mukhiya, Sarpanch or Pradhan.

The system of Panchayati Raj became more structured in 1992 when the Indian Parliament passed a law to give it formal backing. This law was called the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act.

It came into effect on April 24, 1993. From that day on, states were encouraged to form village panchayats and give them the power to make decisions and help in local development.

The first National Panchayati Raj Day, also called Panchayati Raj Diwas, was celebrated in 2010. It was officially declared by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Since then, April 24 has been observed every year as National Panchayati Raj Day. On this day, the Union government honours gram panchayats for their good work in the past year.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj was created in 2004 which handles all matters related to Panchayati Raj and is led by a cabinet minister. At present, the ministry is headed by Rajiv Ranjan Singh also known as Lalan Singh.

National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: Significance

National Panchayati Raj Day is an important occasion that reminds us of the value of giving power to people at the village level. It marks the beginning of a system where decisions are made by local representatives.

This day also gives a chance for panchayat members from across the country to connect and share their work. The government uses this day to give awards to the best-performing panchayats which encourages others to do better.

A strong Panchayati Raj system helps build a strong and self-reliant nation and shows the power of democracy in action.

National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: Key Facts

The Panchayati Raj system has three levels  Village Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad. The Village Panchayat is the first level. It has around five members that includes a Sarpanch. It reports to the Gram Sabha which includes all adult members of the village. The Panchayat Samiti is the second level. It usually covers 20 to 60 villages. Its head is called the Pradhan and the deputy is the Up-Pradhan. The Zilla Parishad is the top level. It includes members from Panchayat Samitis and government officials. Its main job is to guide and check the work done in the district. Panchayat elections are held every five years to choose new members. 50% of the seats are reserved for women, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). There are currently 666 Zilla Panchayats, 6,687 Panchayat Samitis and 2,55,643 Gram Panchayats in India, as perlocalbodydata.com. Panchayati Raj is present in almost all states and Union Territories, except Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Delhi. Some tribal and special areas also do not have Panchayati Raj. These include hilly areas of Manipur, Darjeeling in West Bengal, and some scheduled regions.

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National Panchayati Raj Day 2025: Quotes

The voice of the people may be said to be Gods voice, the voice of the Panchayat."  Mahatma Gandhi

When the panchayat raj is established, public opinion will do what violence can never do."  Mahatma Gandhi

Through all-around progress and grassroots level participation, our Govt is working towards making Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday a reality." PM Narendra Modi

Panchayats are effective ways to fulfil the aspirations of people in rural India. They are playing a vital role in Indias transformation."  PM Narendra Modi.

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

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First Published: April 24, 2025, 07:20 IST
Visa-Free U.S. Travel for 41 Countries: Rules, Exceptions, and ESTA Requirements

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 08:53 IST

Citizens of 41 countries can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, with a valid ESTA approval.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows eligible travellers to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes  no embassy appointments or visa interviews required.

Citizens from 41 countries can travel to the United States for short-term visits without needing a visa, thanks to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This allows eligible travellers to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes  no embassy appointments or visa interviews required.

Who Can Use the Visa Waiver Program?

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Countries participating in the VWP include:

United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

However, even if youre a citizen of one of these countries, entry is not automatic. You must still meet certain criteria and obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before your trip.

What Is an ESTA and Why Is It Important?

An ESTA is a mandatory travel authorization that determines whether youre eligible to visit the U.S. under the VWP. Its an online process managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and must be approved before you board a flight or ship bound for the U.S.

You can apply for an ESTA via the official website. Once approved, its typically valid for two years or until your passport expires  whichever comes first.

Exceptions: Who Needs a Visa Despite Being from a VWP Country?

Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, certain travellers from VWP countries are not eligible for visa-free travel and must instead apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

You must apply for a visa if:

You have visited or been present in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.

You have visited or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.

You hold dual citizenship with any of the following countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

In such cases, travellers must apply for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa through standard procedures.

Final Checklist for VWP Travellers:

Hold a passport from a VWP country.

Have a valid ESTA approval.

Plan to stay for 90 days or fewer.

Visit for tourism or business purposes only.

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Have not recently traveled to or hold citizenship in restricted countries.

For more information or to apply for an ESTA, visit the official ESTA website.

About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More

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First Published: April 24, 2025, 08:53 IST
Abir Gulaal Actor Ridhi Dogra SHUTS Down Troll Targeting Her For Starring With Fawad Khan: 'I Choose Peaceful...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 15:57 IST

As Fawad Khans comeback film Abir Gulaal faces backlash following the Pahalgam terror attack, co-star Ridhi Dogra has come under fire for her involvement in the project.

Abir Gulaal actress Ridhi Dogra responds to trolls targeting her for working with Fawad Khan amid backlash after the Pahalgam attack.

While Abir Gulaal, starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, remains under heavy scrutiny in the wake of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack, actor Ridhi Dograwho also plays a key role in the filmhas found herself at the center of a heated online debate. The actress recently took to social media to condemn the attack and urge the Muslim community to speak up against such extremist violence. But what followed was a barrage of trolling, targeting her for working with a Pakistani actor like Fawad Khan. Ridhi, however, didnt stay silent.

In a pointed yet composed response, she wrote, I DID when my govt allowed it. And I stand by the laws and rules But I also know Peace, Grace and Harmony is important for a healthy civilization. Yes, theres duality in these words, but that is the very life we lead. On this earth."

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I DID when my govt allowed it. And I stand by the laws and rules.. But I also know Peace, Grace and Harmony is important for a healthy civilization. Yes theres duality in these words but that is the very life we lead. On this earth. https://t.co/6KtDDkbU3d Ridhi Dogra (@iRidhiDogra) April 23, 2025

In another message, the Jawan actress added, I am a daughter of J&K where this happened and am well aware of the history of such monstrous crimes it boils my blood too. Thats why I even try and speak to you all as fellow countrymen. I wont keep quiet just because of my profession. I choose peaceful collaboration. So dont waste your anger on me. Im as angry as everyone. I just choose to remain dignified."

I DID when my govt allowed it. And I stand by the laws and rules.. But I also know Peace, Grace and Harmony is important for a healthy civilization. Yes theres duality in these words but that is the very life we lead. On this earth. https://t.co/6KtDDkbU3d Ridhi Dogra (@iRidhiDogra) April 23, 2025

I am a daughter of J&K where this happened and am well aware of the history of such monstrous crimes . Over many years. it boils my blood too thats why I even try and speak to you all as fellow country men. Ridhi Dogra (@iRidhiDogra) April 23, 2025

I wont keep quiet just because of my profession I choose peaceful collaboration. So dont waste your anger on me. Im as angry as everyone. I just choose to remain dignified towards others. Ridhi Dogra (@iRidhiDogra) April 23, 2025

Her comments come as emotions run high across the country following the April 22 attack, where Lashkar-linked militants opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, killing 27 people. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), has reignited public anger over Indo-Pak artistic collaborationsespecially those involving Pakistani actors.

In the aftermath, not only have calls for a complete boycott of Abir Gulaal gained momentum, but reports also suggest that the film will not be released in India. A source close to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the decision to halt its theatrical rollout in the country is firm, despite no official ban.

This marks a major blow to Abir Gulaal, which was set to be Fawad Khans grand return to Bollywood after nearly a decade. The actor, whose previous appearances in Khoobsurat, Kapoor & Sons, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil had cemented his popularity in India, saw his career abruptly halted after the 2016 Uri attacks, which triggered an unofficial industry-wide boycott of Pakistani talent.

While both Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor expressed grief over the Pahalgam tragedy on their respective social media accounts, the backlash hasnt waned. Vaani, who had earlier posted promotional content featuring Fawad, deleted the video following the attack. Have been numb gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families," she wrote.

Fawads statement read, Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and we pray for strength and healing for their families."

About the Author Yatamanyu Narain Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he's breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, hes always on the hun... Read More

First Published: April 24, 2025, 15:57 IST
CID: Parth Samthaan Opens Up On Backlash For Replacing Shivaji Satam, Says 'Didn't Expect It...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 20:08 IST

Previously, in an interview, Parth admitted that he had doubts about taking on the role of ACP Ayushman.

Parth Samthaan has officially replaced veteran Shivaji Satam, who played the iconic ACP Pradyuman in CID.

Parth Samthaan has opened up about replacing Shivaji Satnam in the popular show CID. In a recent interview, the young actor explained that it is obvious for fans to be upset. However, he also admitted that he never expected trolling to be this intense. Parth mentioned that replacing a legend" is not easy and agreed that he has a big responsibility now.

Its a huge responsibility. I recently shot with Shivaji Sir, and it was a fantastic experience. At 75, his energy and dedication are incredible. Hes been consistent in his role for over two decades, and thats truly commendable," Parth told India Forums.

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Honestly, I didnt expect the trolling to be this intense. I understand where its coming from. Even I have been a fan of Shivaji Sir and the original characters. If I were in the viewers place, Id probably feel the same seeing someone new step into such a loved role," the actor added.

Parth further promised that his character will bring something new for the audience and shared, Ive come to CID with a purpose, and that will be revealed through the storyline. Right now, Ayushman doesnt share a bond with other officers, and that tension will play out. Replacing a legend is never easy. Im not here to fill his shoes but to bring something new while respecting the legacy."

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.

Previously, in an interview, Parth 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."

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 24, 2025, 20:08 IST
Prabhas' Co-Star Imanvi SLAMS Rumours About Her Family's Pakistan Army Link: 'Fabricated To Spread Hate'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 17:08 IST

Imanvi Esmail debuting with Prabhas in Fauji, denied rumours of her family's ties to the Pakistan army. She clarified her Indian-American identity and condemned the falsehoods.

Imanvi dismisses unverified claims linking her family to Pakistan army.

Imanvi Esmail Nationality: Actor Imanvi, who is making her acting debut alongside Prabhas in Fauji, shut down rumours claiming her family was once associated with the Pakistan army before moving base to the USA. This comes amid Tuesdays terror attack in Pahalgam in South Kashmir, which killed 26 people. Following this, social media users urged the makers to remove her from Fauji.

A section of netizens made unverified claims about Iman Esmail, popularly known as Imanvi. They were of the opinion that the actors roots link back to Pakistan army, where her father served as a Major, before they shifted base to USA. The rumours spread like wildfire, and invited boycott calls. Soon after, Imanvi took to Instagram and wrote an open letter, dismissing rumours about her familys roots.

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She expressed her deepest condolences for the innocent lives lost in the tragic incident that unfolded in Pahalgam. She then addressed the controversy, and wrote, I also want to address rumors and lies that have been falsely spread about my identity and my family via fake news sources and online media in order to create division and spread hate. Firstly, nobody in my family has ever been or is currently associated with the Pakistani military in any way. This and multiple other falsehoods have been fabricated by online trolls for the sole purpose of spreading hate. What is especially disappointing is that legitimate news outlets, journalists, and those on social media failed to investigate their source material and instead have simply repeated these slanderous statements (sic)."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Imanvi (@imanvi1013)

Imanvi said that she was a proud Indian-American who spoke Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati, and English. She shared that she was born in Los Angeles, California, after her parents had legally immigrated to the United States as youth, and they became American citizens soon after. She mentioned that upon completing her university education in the USA, she had pursued a career in the arts as an actor, choreographer, and dancer.

After putting in much work in this field, she expressed her gratitude for receiving opportunities to work in the Indian film industry. She noted that the same industry had been a great influence in her life, and she hoped to contribute to the legacy of the trailblazers who came before her. Emphasising her deep connection to Indian identity and culture, she stated that she aimed to use her work as a medium for unity rather than divide.

As we mourn tragic loss of life, lets continue to spread love and uplift one another. Throughout history, art has been a medium that creates awareness, empathy, and connection across cultures, people, and experiences. I will work hard to ensure that this legacy carries on through my work and uplifts the experiences of my Indian heritage," she concluded her note.

First Published: April 24, 2025, 14:28 IST
Rohit Shetty Quotes PM Modi, Pens Strong Message After Pahalgam Terror Attack: 'We Will Hunt Them Down'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 16:26 IST

PM Modi vowed to track and punish those behind the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists. Filmmaker Rohit Shetty wrote a strong one-liner quoting the PM.

Rohit Shetty writes strong message after terror attack on Pahalgam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, shared a strong message. Addressing the citizens of the country in his Bihar address, PM Modi promised that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth". The message, which is being widely circulated online, was also shared by filmmaker Rohit Shetty.

Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism," read the concluding part of Rohit Shettys post, with PM Modis name mentioned in a prominent font. We will hunt them down #Pahalgam," wrote the filmmaker in bold, expressing deep sorrow for the incident. Take a look:

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Shetty (@itsrohitshetty)

Speaking about the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi said, Conspirators and terrorists, who committed this will get punishment beyond their imagination." He also mentioned, The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the masters of terror. The entire country is in shock over how the terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam. India is with those who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The government is trying its best to provide treatment to those who are injured."

The PMs speech comes after India has already exerted diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. He further called on rally attendees to observe a two-minute silence in honor of the victims who lost their lives in the tragic Pahalgam attack.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was also a part of the rally, said, We condemn Pahalgam attack, the entire country is united in the fight against terrorism."

Following the ghastly terror attack on April 22, several celebs such as Shah Rukh Khan, Dia Mirza, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, have expressed their anger and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic shooting.

First Published: April 24, 2025, 16:23 IST
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Congress Files FIR Against BJP Over Post Linking Rahul Gandhi's US Visit To Pahalgam Terror Attack

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 14:12 IST

The BJPs comment came in the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead and 12 injured

Rahul Gandhi is currently touring the United States, where he is scheduled to visit Brown University in Rhode Island. (File image: PTI)

An FIR has been filed by the Karnataka Congress against the Karnataka BJP social media team for linking Rahul Gandhis foreign visits to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had taken a personal swipe at Gandhi, alleging that each time he travelled overseas, his trips coincided with something sinister and a distressing event back home".

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Rahul Gandhi is currently touring the United States, where he is scheduled to visit Brown University in Rhode Island.

The BJPs comment came in the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead and 12 injured. The horrific attack took place on April 22 at the scenic Baisaran meadow, a tourist spot often referred to as mini Switzerland.

Congress Legal and Human Rights Cell chairman C M Dhananjaya filed the FIR, stating that while at the party office at 3:42 pm, he received a WhatsApp forward of a tweet by the BJP Karnataka unit. The tweet alleged that whenever Rahul Gandhi travels abroad, something sinister unfolds back home"  referring to the Pahalgam killings.

According to Dhananjaya, such messages disturb peace and harmony, and are aimed at creating unrest.

He demanded action against those running the BJP social media handle, as well as others circulating the post, accusing them of attempting to defame Gandhi and harm his honour".

After the attack, Rahul Gandhi said he was briefed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the situation. The families of victims deserve justice and our fullest support," he wrote on X.

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Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the situation.The families of victims deserve justice and our fullest support.  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 23, 2025

The Congress has hit back at the BJP, calling the remarks cheap and irresponsible" and accusing the party of politicising a national tragedy.

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 24, 2025, 14:12 IST
Google Ordered To Remove This Chinese App By Indian Govt: Here's The Reason

Published By :

IANS

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 09:10 IST

The Chinese app has engaged in activities that are not acceptable to the country's government and Google is ordered to act on it soon.

Google has ordered to remove this Chinese app by the country's government.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), along with the Survey of India (SoI), has directed US tech giant Google to remove the Chinese chat app Ablo from its Play Store, as the app is not correct in its depiction of Indias territorial borders.

The governments notice states that the China-based video chat platform, which has over 10,000 downloads on Google Play, misrepresented the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and entirely omitted Lakshadweep Island from its map. The directive also refers to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1990, which makes such misrepresentations a punishable offense with imprisonment of up to six months, fines, or both.

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It is evident that the subject map in the Ablo app available at Google Play Store depicts Indian map with erroneous external boundary of India which jeopardises the sovereignty and integrity of India," the notice states.

MeitY has cited Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which mandates intermediaries to expeditiously remove or disable access" to content that violates Indian laws, in its notice to Google.

MEITYs notice states that the issue of incorrect maps on digital platforms, was flagged during a meeting with SoI. The ministry has asked SoI to pursue legal action against such apps under relevant laws.

The IT Ministry also cited the Supreme Courts 2015 Shreya Singhal v. Union of India judgment, which obligates intermediaries to act on valid government order.

Google appears to have complied with the order, as Google Play Store landing page of the app now shows the message: Were sorry, the requested URL was not found on this server". The app is also now unavailable on Apples App Store for the Indian users.

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Earlier in 2023, MeitY and SoI flagged apps on the Play Store such as World Map Quiz and MA 2  President Simulator for depicting Indias borders incorrectly. Similarly, in 2021, Twitter (now X) was pulled up by the Indian government over non-compliance with the IT Rules 2021.

The then Twitter India chief Manish Maheshwari was booked by the Uttar Pradesh police on charges for incorrect representation of the map of India.

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 24, 2025, 09:10 IST
Meta Confirms Ray Ban Smart Glasses Will Be Launching Soon In India: Expected Price, Features

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 09:43 IST

Meta Ray Ban smart glasses have been available in the US and parts of Europe since 2023 but now the company plans to launch in India as well.

Meta Ray Ban Glasses will be coming soon to India

Meta has confirmed that the popular Ray Ban smart glasses will be coming soon to markets like India, UAE and Mexico. The company has not shared any more details about the Ray Ban smart glasses availability or expected price in India but the news itself suggests Meta is now ready to take the product to more consumers.

Meta has been selling the smart glasses since its debut in September 2023 but most limited to the US and some parts of Europe. The company has also used the AI model to integrate more features into the wearable in the last few months, in addition to allowing people to capture visuals using the built-in camera on the smart glasses.

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Meta Ray Ban Smart Glasses India Launch: What We Know

Meta Ray Ban smart glasses India launch should happen before the end of 2025 and the price in India could become a challenge if the company decides to include heavy taxes of importing the product. Going by the usual trends, the Meta Ray Ban Smart Glasses in India could be priced around Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 which takes the product to the ultra-premium category in the country.

Having said that, we dont see Meta cater to the general audience with the smart glasses, and even if it gets around 1 percent of the premium segment, the company might feel vindicated by its decision to launch in India.

Meta Ray Ban Smart Glasses: What Features You Get

Now that we have talked about the Meta Ray Ban glasses expected price in India, heres a look at the features available with the wearable:

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These AI-powered smart glasses let you ask questions on-the-go and receive real time answers and information, recommendations hands-free.

The best thing about the Meta smart glasses is that they look like your regular eyewear but with smartness built into the product with AI features, camera and even mic available on the stem of the glasses.

The company is also bringing live translations through the smart glasses to all its markets, allowing you to get real-time language guides (both online and offline) for your travels.

Meta is also making the glasses more resourceful for Instagram users by letting them send or receive DMs, photos or even make video calls from the glasses. All these features are being added to the Meta Ray Ban smart glasses via software updates.

Meta does not get the credit of starting the smart glasses segment but the company has built a strong product that has done well in the markets it is available. The Ray Ban smart glasses cost $299 (Rs 25,000 approx) which makes it a premium gadget and hard sell for Meta in markets like India, where it finally plans to launch the product. However, Meta clearly sees a buyer for the smart glasses, and probably wants to expand its reach for multiple reasons.

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 24, 2025, 09:43 IST
WhatsApp Brings Advanced Chat Privacy To Block People From Exporting Your Messages: How It Works

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 08:35 IST

WhatsApp users have relied on the security of the platform and now they are getting more support for their photos and chats.

WhatsApp is now blocking people from auto-downloading your images.

WhatsApp continues to add new privacy layers for chats, photos and even videos. The messaging app is now offering its advanced chat privacy tool that promises to block people from exporting your content shared in groups or with individuals.

The platform has chat lock and disappearing messages so that your chats are secure from bad actors. However, the new tool promises even stronger safety for your chats or photos so that it does not leave the messaging app.

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WhatsApp Advanced Chat Privacy: What It Offers

WhatsApp says, This new setting available in both chats and groups helps prevent others from taking content outside of WhatsApp for when you may want extra privacy." The messaging app is gradually rolling out the feature for all mobile users and it confirms the new tool is not enabled by default, you can do that from the chat settings. Once you do that, you can block others from exporting chats, auto-downloading media to their phone, and using messages for AI features," the platform explains.

Bringing the new privacy feature to WhatsApp Groups tells you the importance of the section and how millions rely on them to connect with a host of people, be it for work or personal discussions.

WhatsApp Chat Privacy: How it Works

WhatsApp is bringing the feature to all users as we speak, and heres how you can enable advanced chat privacy for your WhatsApp account on Android or iOS phones.

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Go to WhatsApp

Open chat of your friend/group

Tap on the chat name

Scroll down to Advanced Chat Privacy which is below the Chat Lock feature

Enable the toggle bar to get the new privacy feature for your account

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Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 24, 2025, 08:35 IST
'All Eyes On Pahalgam' Goes Viral After Terror Attack. What Is It And How Did It Originate?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Sumedha Kirti



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 12:08 IST

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Even as several actors have condemned the terrorist attack, many netizens feel that more celebrities were vocal when the Palestine issue happened.

An 'All eyes on Rafah' like wave has swept social media again. This time it is 'All Eyes on Pahalgam'. (Credit: X)

Remember that AI-generated image depicting tent camps for displaced Palestinians and a slogan that reads All Eyes on Rafah? A similar wave has now swept social media again, but this time it is All Eyes on Pahalgam.

Images ranging from the Rafah poster (with just replacing Rafah with Pahalgam) to Navy officer Vinay Narwals wife sitting helpless beside him, are being widely shared on social media.

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What Was All Eyes On Rafah Poster About?

The AI-generated All Eyes on Rafah image had created a storm on social media last year, with the post being shared more than 47 million times by Instagram users. This included celebrities like Dua Lipa, Lewis Hamilton and Gigi and Bella Hadid.

The slogan and the picture went viral after an Israeli air strike. The strikes resulted in a fire at a camp for displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah in May 2024.

At least 45 people were killed and hundreds more injured in the incident, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry. Israel stated that it had aimed at two Hamas commanders and suggested that the fatalities might have been caused by a secondary explosion.

Who Gave The Slogan All Eyes On Rafah? The poster came after people posted clips of Richard Peeperkorn, a representative of the World Health Organization in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In February 2024, before the killing on 45 people, Peeperkorn told journalists that All eyes are on Rafah", warning against Israeli forces attacking the city.

Since then, officials and activists began echoing Peeperkorns phrase to voice their concerns and opposition to Israels military action in Rafah.

But Why Netizens Chose All Eyes On Rafah Image For Pahalgam Attack?

According to some netizens, they want the world to support India in eliminating the terrorists, which they say are mostly harboured by Pakistan". Netizens want Pahalgam terror attack to have the same effect as the Palestine issue, when world leaders and celebrities globally condemned the strikes.

This image will not trend because it's not Palestine!Please do maximum like and RTs and trend #AllEyesOnPahalgam Hindus unite!#Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/QqB3stZH67  Marketurrrrrrrr (@stevewithjobs) April 22, 2025

Shame on Bollywood.They have been using Hindus for fame, money and their "stardom" But when it comes to raising their voice, it's always "All eyes on palestine" Shame on such heartless spineless celebrities #AllEyesOnPahalgam #BoycottBollywood#PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/gWAXSvVo3B  Taylor Swift (Parody) (@tswiftpar13) April 23, 2025

                                                   #AllEyesOnPahalgam pic.twitter.com/LNkSoWYsXN SUSHMITA MISHRA (@iam_sush25) April 22, 2025

Why Are Netizens Angry With Celebrities Over Pahalgam Terror Attack?

Even as several actors  including Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Vivek Oberoi and Sanjay Dutt  condemned that the terrorist attack that killed at least 26 people in the Kashmir valley, many netizens feel that more celebrities were vocal when the Palestine issue happened.

Varun Dhawan, Malaika Arora, Sonam Kapoor, Rakul Preet, Nora Fatehi, Bhumi Pednekar  all peeled their eyes for Rafah.None of their eyes are on #PahalgamTerrorAttack Whose eyes from #Tollywood and #Kolkywood were peeled for Rafah?#Pahalgam #AllEyesOnHindus pic.twitter.com/DSgxv8U8uE  Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht) April 23, 2025

Some having been attacking South Indian actors as well for promoting Pakistani celebrities.

Indian film industry must #Ban and stop giving opportunities to these actors and actresses who come from terrorist country#WeWantRevenge #AllEyesOnPahalgam pic.twitter.com/oQR2ufLJrR Karunasri Kandukuri (@karunasri4BJP) April 23, 2025

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There is already a massive outrage over Pakistani actor Fawad Khans comeback Hindi film Abir Gulaal. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, political tensions intensified, leading film governing bodies to attempt to halt the movies release in India.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: April 24, 2025, 12:08 IST
Amid Pahalgam Attack Outrage, Man With Cake Box At Pakistan High Commission In Delhi Sparks Online Debate

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 12:59 IST

The clip shows a man, with a cake box in his hand, dodging questions from journalists while making his way to the embassy.

The man is trying to make way to the embassy. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

The barbaric Pahalgam terror attack has shocked the nation. The deadly attack killed 26 people  25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen  on Tuesday. Amid the tense situation post the Pahalgam attack, a man was spotted carrying a cake to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. The clip shows a man, with a cake box in his hand, dodging questions from journalists while making his way to the embassy. The video has led to mixed reactions on social media, with many questioning what the person was carrying.

The caption of the clip read, And cakes are being (ordered?) delivered to the Pak High Commission today in New Delhi." The video comes at a time when protests erupted outside the Pakistan Embassy. According to sources, the protesters while raising Pakistan Murdabad" slogans, were able to reach the gates of the embassy.

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Several people were left angry by the video and asked if the item was part of some celebration.

However, others defended the clip. A comment read, This is stupid actually. It could be someones birthday or something. Lets not be fools. High commission is not the enemy."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Squint Neon (@squintneon)

After the attack in Pahalgam, India has enacted a series of measures against its neighbouring state. The X account of the Government of Pakistan has been withheld in India and has asked the defence, naval, and air advisors at Delhis Pakistani High Commission to leave India within a week.

The Indian government has shut down the integrated check post at Attari as well. Only people with valid endorsements before May 1 will be allowed to return using the check post.

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The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. The attack started when terrorists opened fire at a group of tourists visiting Baisaran, 5 kilometres away from Pahalgam.

After the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has called a meeting of the National Security Committee, Radio Pakistan reported. The meeting will discuss what is called Indias irresponsible actions.

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 24, 2025, 12:53 IST
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Will Seema Haider Also Have To Leave India In 48 Hours?

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 10:13 IST

India has taken tough measures against Pakistan after a terrorist attack in J&K, including expelling Pakistani nationals. Seema Haider may face deportation despite her marriage

Despite her claims of marrying Sachin Meena, Seema Haiders citizenship application remains unapproved, and her legal status in India continues to be disputed. (PTI)

Will Pakistani national Seema Haider also have to leave India given the Indian governments tough decisions following the terrorist attack in J&Ks Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists?

Within 48 hours of the dastardly attack at a popular tourist destination, India has downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelled Pakistani military attaches, suspended the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and shut down the Attari border. The slew of retaliatory measures came on Wednesday evening in view of the cross-border links to the horrific attack.

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Additionally, Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme (SVES) and any Pakistani national currently in India under it SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

Who Is Seema Haider?

Seema Haider is a Pakistani woman who allegedly entered India illegally with her four children two years ago. The 32-year-old, who hails from Jacobabad in Pakistans Sindh province, took her children and left home in Karachi in May 2023 to travel to India via Nepal.

She captured headlines that July last year when Indian authorities found her living with Indian national Sachin Meena, 27, whom she now claims to have married, in the Greater Noida area in Uttar Pradesh. The duo reportedly got in touch in 2019 while playing an online game.

Seema Haider has four children from her Pakistani husband Ghulam Haider, who earlier hired an Indian lawyer to seek custody of their children.

Haider and Meena were arrested in July 2023 before being released on bail. While Haider was charged with illegally entering India, Meena was booked for sheltering the illegal immigrant. Haider claims to have adopted Hinduism after marrying Meena.

In March this year, Haider and Meena became parents to a baby girl.

Will Seema Haider Be Expelled From India?

According to Delhi High Court advocate Abu Bakar Sabbak, the central governments directive necessitates the departure of all Pakistani citizens from India, implying that Seema Haider may also be required to return to Pakistan. However, he noted that her case presents complexities that may warrant special consideration.

In an interview to a news channel, Sabbak explained that the ultimate decision in Seema Haiders case will depend significantly on the stance adopted by the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh. Given that Seema Haider is married to an Indian national and shares a child with him, any action against her is likely to be contingent upon an adverse report from the state authorities.

Complexities In The Seema Haider Case

Seema Haiders situation is further complicated by the manner of her entry into India. Unlike other Pakistani nationals who entered the country on valid visas, she crossed the border through Nepal, circumventing standard immigration procedures. Furthermore, she has not yet obtained Indian citizenship, and her legal status remains under judicial scrutiny.

Supporters of Seema Haider argue that her marriage and family ties in India should be grounds for clemency, while critics have called for strict adherence to immigration laws. The question of her deportation remains unresolved and has become a focal point of public discourse.

Public Sentiment

Public opinion on social media remains sharply divided. Some users contend that Seema Haider is unlikely to be deported due to her marital and familial ties in India. Others insist that the government should apply its new policy uniformly and revoke her stay.

Seema Haider asserts that she has married Sachin Meena, who resides in Rabupura, Greater Noida, and she claims to follow Hindu traditions in numerous videos. Despite her assertions, her application for Indian citizenship has not been approved, and her presence in the country remains legally contentious.

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As the geopolitical climate continues to evolve, Seema Haiders future hangs in the balance. Her case highlights the complex interplay of legal, political, and humanitarian considerations that the authorities must navigate in the wake of heightened India-Pakistan tensions.

For now, all eyes remain on the Uttar Pradesh government and the judiciary as they deliberate on the next steps.

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 : Greater Noida, India, India

First Published: April 24, 2025, 10:06 IST
'Wish Someone Warned Me': Tourist Hospitalised After Swimming At Thailand's Monkey Bay

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 22, 2025, 15:36 IST

Angela Giakas took to Instagram to share the experience and to issue a warning to tourists visiting Thailand.

Angela Giakas accidentally ingested a bit of water while swimming in Monkey Bay. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

A vacation always seems like a fun idea that is filled with adventures and relaxing moments. But there are times when things dont go as planned and this is what happened recently with an Australian woman during her visit to Thailand. She contracted a bacterial infection after swimming in one of the countrys popular spots, Monkey Bay. Angela Giakas went for a swim at Monkey Bay. There, she accidentally ingested a bit of water while swimming, which led to a serious infection. Less than 16 hours later, she found herself in the hospital with a drip in her arm.

Giakas took to Instagram to share the experience and to issue a warning to tourists visiting Thailand. Just an FYI to anyone travelling and swimming around the shallow bays & beaches!! I only ingested a little bit of water in monkey bay but it gave me a bacterial infection," she wrote.

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The doctors explained to her that such infections are not uncommon, especially during the high tourist season. According to the doctors, this happens a lot in high season as there arent enough treatment plants around the Phi Phi islands to handle the tourism," she added.

Giakas, who still encourages others to visit Thailand, made sure to share this important advice.

I wish someone warned me so Im gonna be the one to warn you bc I dont want you to also end up like me. Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries and I encourage everyone to visit. You should just always be cautious of any kind of water," she concluded.

See her post here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angela Giakas (@angelagiakas)

The video has gained over twenty million views since it was posted. In the comment section, many agreed with her and shared similar experiences while others offered different perspectives on the issue.

One user commented, FYI as someone whos Thai and has lived in Thailand my whole life, the locals have a different immune system so I can comfortably swim and eat whatever but any of my friends that have come here ended up getting sick  the local bacteria isnt harmful, most foreigners just dont have the immune system for it."

Another added, As a Southeast Asian  Its hilarious seeing all these white people get sick the moment they touch something, meanwhile our immune system is so used to it that we dont even care."

I made the same error. Dont go swimming where there are restaurants and boats. Hope you got better," someone shared.

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I got sick swimming in Thailand too, and later on in Vietnam. Nothing wrong with it, we just dont have the same bacteria inside our gut as Thai people," a person pointed out.

Last year, a popular British influencer named Sam Pepper visited India and tried bhang from a local vendor. At first, he enjoyed the experience but things soon got worse. He ended up with a high fever and a bad stomach infection and had to get medical help.

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 22, 2025, 15:36 IST
'Any Attempt To Divert Water...': Pakistan 'Rejects' India's Indus Treaty Move, Warns Against 'Act Of War'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 16:53 IST

Pakistan is facing the full brunt of Indias ire after terrorists it backed attacked and killed 26 tourists in Kashmirs Pahalgam.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting of the security council to discuss the steps taken by India following the Pahalgam attack. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Pakistans National Security Committee on Thursday said any attempt by India to block or divert river water under the Indus Waters Treaty would be treated as an Act of War". Terming the 1960 agreement a lifeline for its 240 million citizens, Islamabad claimed the treaty cannot be held in abeyance unilaterally and warned of retaliation across the complete spectrum of National Power".

The statement came after New Delhi hinted it was reviewing the treaty after holding a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting and said that it is going to hold it in abeyance following the Pahalgam attacks which led to the death of 26 tourists in the hands of Pakistan-backed terrorists.

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Indias decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty marks a turning point in one of the worlds oldest and most stable water-sharing frameworks. Signed in 1960 and mediated by the World Bank, the pact governs the division of six rivers between India and Pakistan and has endured even through wars.

The move was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) just a day after the terror strike in Pahalgam, amid rising demands to re-evaluate the utility of upholding treaty obligations with a neighbour repeatedly linked to cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan appeared to take into account that if India holds the IWT in abeyance it might not bode well for its citizens. Protests have erupted across Pakistan following its inadequate response to the droughts which have occurred across Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab provinces. Earlier last month the Pakistani weather agency had warned of drought conditions exacerbating due to the summer season.

Water is a vital national interest of Pakistan, a lifeline for its 240 million people and its availability will be safeguarded at all costs. Pakistan vehemently rejects the Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance," the Pakistani government said.

It then went on to accuse India of warmongering and said: The usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power".

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In the context of the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan is considered the lower riparian because it lies downstream of India along the Indus River system.

This means that India controls the headwaters of the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) that flow into Pakistan. As the lower riparian, Pakistan depends on the uninterrupted flow of these rivers for its agriculture, drinking water, and overall economy. Any upstream interference or diversion by India, such as dams or reduced flow, can significantly impact Pakistan, which is why the country views such actions as critical threats to its vital national interests".

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 : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: April 24, 2025, 16:37 IST
Armed Forces Fully Capable...: Pakistan Provokes Again, Mirrors Indias Wagah Closure, Diplomat Expulsions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 18:14 IST

Pakistan on Thursday announced the closure of the Wagah-Attari land border and a significant downgrading of diplomatic ties with New Delhi

Pakistan declared the immediate suspension of all cross-border transit through Wagah  the same crossing India shut a day prior. (PTI/File)

In a tit-for-tat escalation after Indias stern response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan on Thursday announced the closure of the Wagah-Attari land border and a significant downgrading of diplomatic ties with New Delhi  moves that closely mirror Indias own steps taken a day earlier.

The decisions were outlined in a press release following a meeting of Pakistans National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While the statement expressed concern" over the loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack, it went on to describe Indias response as unilateral, politically motivated, and devoid of legal merit."

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As part of its retaliatory measures, Pakistan declared the immediate suspension of all cross-border transit through Wagah  the same crossing India shut a day prior. Indian nationals who entered Pakistan via this route have been instructed to exit by April 30. On the diplomatic front, Islamabad declared Indias Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Pakistan persona non grata, asking them to leave the country by the end of the month. The Indian High Commissions staff strength was also capped at 30.

Further escalating the diplomatic standoff, Pakistans Foreign Minister said the Indian Charge dAffaires (CdA) will be summoned today to formally convey the decisions taken by Islamabad.

Pakistan also lashed out at Indias move to suspend participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any attempt to disrupt its water supply would be viewed as an Act of War and responded to with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power."

The NSC statement ended with overt chest-thumping, denouncing Indian warmongering" and asserting that Pakistans armed forces are fully capable and prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure."

The developments come amid heightened tensions between the two nations following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, mostly Hindu tourists. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.

In the aftermath of the terror attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed a relentless pursuit" of those behind the killings, stating that the perpetrators would be hunted down to the ends of the earth and justice ensured."

On April 23, India suspended participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960. Simultaneously, the Indian government shut down the Wagah land border crossing, halting cross-border movement indefinitely.

India also downgraded diplomatic ties, expelled Pakistani defence, naval, and air attaches, and capped Pakistan High Commission staff strength in Delhi at 30  mirroring previous moves taken in 2019 after the Pulwama attack. Visa exemptions under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme were cancelled, and all Pakistani nationals in India under that scheme were given a deadline to leave.

Earlier, Dawn reported that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking to a private television channel, lashed out at Indias approach, calling it immature" and hasty".

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India has not given any evidence. They have not shown any maturity in their response," he said. This is a non-serious approach. They started creating hype immediately after the incident." Pakistans Foreign Office, in a separate statement, expressed regret over the loss of life.

Diplomatic observers warn that Indias decisive posture and Pakistans combative counter-messaging risk pushing bilateral ties to their lowest point since the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot confrontation, with little space for de-escalation amid rising nationalist rhetoric on both sides.

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 24, 2025, 18:14 IST
British Tourist Crosses Into Afghanistan for Extreme Holiday, Claims Romantic Fling with Taliban Member

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 11:17 IST

He described seeing women working and wearing makeup in public, challenging some of his assumptions about life under Taliban rule.

Toyosi (second from left) has visited 69 countries so far. (Pic: the_travelling_gay)

A British tourist has sparked headlines after claiming he crossed one of the worlds most dangerous borders to spend his holiday in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan  and ended up in a fling" with a member of the group, reported THE New York Post.

Toyosi Osideinde, a 30-year-old financial adviser from Bath, UK, says he has visited 69 countries in pursuit of extreme travel" since falling in love with thrill-seeking adventures two years ago.

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With previous trips to Iraq, Syria, and Belarus behind him, he set his sights on what he calls his most daring destination yet: Afghanistan.

During the 11-day trip, the 30-year-old flew into Islamabad, Pakistan, and drove to Peshawar near the Afghan border. There, he entered the Afghan embassy and was interviewed by armed Taliban officials before beginning his travels across the country  visiting villages, local markets, and even enjoying biryani with locals.

He described seeing women working and wearing makeup in public, challenging some of his assumptions about life under Taliban rule. Toyosi also claims he developed a romantic connection with a Taliban member working as hotel security, saying they spent time together throughout his stay.

It was eye-opening," said Osideinde, reported New York Post. The 30-year-old also mentioned that he felt like a celebrity while travelling with the group.

In all the countries Toyosi had visited, he used Grindr to meet menexcept in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.

The New York Post story mentioned that Toyosi maintained a low profile during his stay, choosing to be discreet due to safety concerns.

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He felt more secure in the presence of his assigned security guard, despite the language barrier, as neither of them spoke a common language.

In the evenings, they spent time together watching Gossip Girl", and the guard often showed him his collection of guns.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

First Published: April 24, 2025, 11:04 IST
Terminal 1 Of Canada's Toronto Airport In Full Lockdown After Shooting Incident, 1 Dead

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 22:37 IST

Ontario's Special Investigations Unit said an adult male had been shot but it was an isolated incident with no threat to public safety

Toronto Pearson Airport said passengers are being rerouted due to the police investigation in Terminal 1. (Image: AFP/File)

Terminal 1 of the Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada went into full lockdown on Thursday, soon after a man was killed in a shooting incident involving a cop in the departures area.

According to reports, the incident took place just before 7 am, following which Ontarios Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said an adult male had been shot but the police officer was uninjured in the shooting incident. Peel Police reached the scene first and informed the SIU.

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OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING: -T1 at Pearson International Airport -Large police presence. -Adult ml shot. -Officer is uninjured. @SIUOntario has been contacted. -This is an isolated incident and there are no known threats to public safety. -Expect Delays at the Terminal.  Peel Regional Police (@PeelPolice) April 24, 2025

Officials said this is an isolated incident with no known threat to public safety. Peel Police told Global News Canada that they are actively responding" to the incident in the Terminal 1 area.

SIU Investigating After Man Fatally Shot at Toronto Pearson Airport  Early info indicates man produced firearm Three @PeelPolice officers shot the man Man, 30, pronounced deceased in hospital No officers injured, no threat to publicNews Release: https://t.co/TJ6xD7grmb Special Investigations Unit (@SIUOntario) April 24, 2025

Toronto Pearson Airport said passengers are being rerouted due to the police investigation in Terminal 1. Due to a Peel Police investigation outside Terminal 1 departures, passengers and vehicles are being rerouted to enter and exit through T1 arrivals. We will provide updates throughout the morning," it said in a social media post.

The airport later gave an update about the incident and said all flights continue to operate normally, but the Terminal 1 departures remains closed.

Flights at Toronto Pearson continue to operate normally at this time.Please use the roadway to Terminal 1 Arrivals as the roadway to the Terminal 1 Departures remains closed for a Peel Police investigation. The parking garage in Terminal 1 remains open. Police say this is an https://t.co/bVDijf6c19  Toronto Pearson (@TorontoPearson) April 24, 2025

Please use the roadway to Terminal 1 Arrivals as the roadway to the Terminal 1 Departures remains closed for a Peel Police investigation. The parking garage in Terminal 1 remains open. Police say this is an isolated incident and there are no known threats to public safety," it added.

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Passengers can also park at Terminal 3 and the Viscount Station Kiss and Fly lot and take the train to Terminal 1.

Peel Police arrived at the airport with vehicles and paramedics, who were seen performing CPR on one person in critical condition, as per information available. Due to the lockdown, people were forced to get out of their cars and walk to the terminal after highway access was cut off.

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 : Canada

First Published: April 24, 2025, 22:35 IST
'Didn't Know He Had Less Than 24 Hours': JD Vance's Meeting With Pope Francis Becomes Talking Point On Internet

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 08:27 IST

US VP JD Vance's meeting with Pope Francis in Italy on April 20 gained attention after Francis died less than 24 hours later.

JD Vance met Pope Francis on April 20 in Vatican. (Image: Vatican City Via AP)

United States Vice President JD Vances meeting with Pope Francis in Italy on April 20 has become a talking point on the internet after Francis died on Monday, April 21, less than 24 hours after the two met. Its pretty crazy," Vance said on Wednesday, during his visit to Agra, while speaking about his meeting with Francis.

When I saw him, I didnt know that he had less than 24 hours still on this earth. I think it was a great blessing," Vance said.

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When asked whether he would attend the funeral of Pope Francis, he said it was yet to be decided as to who would attend the funeral from the US government. White House has announced US President Donald Trump will attend the funeral.

What Internet Is Saying About Vance-Pope Meeting

It has been well known how Francis had his disagreements on several policies of the Trump administration. Acknowledging how Pope Francis had his share of disagreement with the Trump administration, Vance added, He also had a lot of agreements with the policies of our administration. Im not going to soil the mans legacy by talking about politics. I think he was a great Christian pastor and thats how I choose to remember the holy father."

But the internet refused to acknowledge this JD Vance has become the centre of memes after Pope Francis died hours after their meeting.

I know youve not been feeling great, but its good see you in better health," Vance told Pope during their meeting. A user on X wrote how Vance was cursed" as Pope Francis died hours after their meeting.

I pray for you every day," Vance told Pope before their meeting ended, to which, American TV host and comedian commented, Now everyone knows JD Vance is bad at praying too."

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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 24, 2025, 08:27 IST
From Israel's Netanyahu To Italy's Meloni And France's Macron: World Leaders Dial PM Modi After Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 22:26 IST

Several world premiers dialed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and condemned the "terrible" and "barbaric" terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI)

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Several world premiers, from Israels Benjamin Netanyahu, Italys Georgia Meloni to Frances Emmanuel Macron and Jordans King Abdullah II, on Thursday dialed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and condemned the terrible" and barbaric" terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam that claimed at least 26 lives and left several others injured.

The world leaders backed Indias fight against terrorism.

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Israeli PM Netanyahu expressed his condolences over the Islamist terrorist attack in Kashmir".

I spoke today with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi and expressed my condolences, and those of the people of Israel, to the people of India following the Islamic terrorist attack in Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi thanked me for sharing in Indias grief and emphasized that our two countries stand shoulder to shoulder in the critical fight against murderous terrorism. We also discussed advancing the Transport and Communications Corridor initiative, which will connect Asia  via Saudi Arabia and Israel  to the European continent," he said in a post on X.

I spoke today with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi and expressed my condolences, and those of the people of Israel, to the people of India following the Islamic terrorist attack in Kashmir. Prime Minister Modi thanked me for sharing in Indias grief and emphasized that  Benjamin Netanyahu    (@netanyahu) April 24, 2025

Modi thanked Netanyahu and emphasised that the allies stand shoulder to shoulder in the vital campaign against murderous terrorism." Modi shared the barbaric nature of the cross border terrorist attack and reiterated Indias firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice.

They also discuss ways to advance the creation of a logistics corridor running from India to Europe through Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called PM Modi and strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil.

She conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and wished a speedy recovery of those injured. She expressed full support of Italy in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi appreciated her call and the clear message of support against terrorism and those behind it. India and Italy will continue to work together including in international platforms to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni called Prime Minister @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil. She conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and wished a speedy recovery of those injured. She expressed full support of Italy in the Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

In his call, Macron conveyed his personal condolences on the brutal killing of innocent people in the heinous terror attack. He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full support and solidarity with the people of India adding that this kind of barbarism is totally unacceptable.

Prime Minister thanked Macron for his message of support and conveyed Indias strong resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.

President @EmmanuelMacron called Prime Minister @narendramodi and conveyed his personal condolences on the brutal killing of innocent people in the heinous terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

King Abdullah II of Jordan also called PM Modi and strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack". He conveyed sincere condolences at the loss of innocent lives, saying that terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations and there can be no justification. The PM thanked King Abdullah for his message of solidarity and shared the sentiments of the people of India to take firm action against the perpetrators and those behind this heinous attack.

HM @KingAbdullahII of Jordan called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack. He conveyed sincere condolences at the loss of innocent lives. He said that terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations and there can be no justification. Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also condemned the attack. Both leaders emphasised that terrorism is a grave threat to humanity. Those who believe in democracy should stand united in the fight against terrorism. PM shared assessment of the cross border terror attack and Indias resolve to deal with it firmly and decisively.

PM @shigeruishiba of Japan called PM @narendramodi and expressed his deepest condolences at the loss of lives in the terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that terrorism cannot be justified. Both leaders emphasised that terrorism is a grave Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

Egyptian President Abdelfattah Elsisi also held a telephonic conversation with the Indian PM and condemned the attack. President of Egypt @AlsisiOfficial called Prime Minister @narendramodi and conveyed his sincere condolences on the loss of precious lives in the ghastly terror attack on Indian soil. He strongly condemned the terror attack. President Sisi reiterated that Egypt stands shoulder to shoulder with India, in the fight against terrorism. PM briefed President Al Sisi about the cross-border terror attack, and thanked him for his support and solidarity," MEA spokesperson said on X.

President of Egypt @AlsisiOfficial called Prime Minister @narendramodi and conveyed his sincere condolences on the loss of precious lives in the ghastly terror attack on Indian soil. He strongly condemned the terror attack. President Sisi reiterated that Egypt stands shoulder to Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 24, 2025

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to German Chancellor Jens Plotner.

Pleased to meet Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to German Chancellor Jens Plotner today," Jaishankar said in a social media post.

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Appreciate Germanys expression of solidarity on the recent terrorist attack in India," he said.

In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed the responsibility for the attack.

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 24, 2025, 22:26 IST
'Grandma, I'll Come To See You': Family Of Nepali Citizen Sudip, Killed In Pahalgam Attack, In Shock

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 12:59 IST

Sudip Neupane, 27, was on a holiday with his family in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley when terrorists shot at them, leaving him dead and his mother injured.

27-year-old Nepali citizen was among the 26 people killed in Pahalgam terror attack. (Image: ANI)

A Nepal citizen was among the 26 people who were killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22. Sudip Neupane, 27, was on a holiday with his family in Pahalgams Baisaran Valley when terrorists shot at them, leaving him dead and his mother injured.

Sudip, a resident of Rupandehi in Butwal region of Nepal, was on a vacation with his mother, sister, and brother-in-law. A public health student and an aspiring social worker, Sudip lived in Butwal with his mother, Rima, and sister.

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In Rupandehi, Sudips grandfather, Khemananda Neaupane, told ANI that terrorists asked Sudip about his religion, and killed him after he told them he was Hindu.

Sudip Neupanes grandmother, Sewakali Neupane, said," Earlier this morning, my son and daughter-in-law came to know about my grandson being killed, and then they informed us. I am in complete shock. They occasionally used to come here as they now reside in Kalika Nagar. He had visited me about four months back in January (Magh). While going back, he said, grandmother, if you fall ill, then inform me, Ill come to see you."

Expressing condolences to Sudips family, Nepal Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba said, I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Nepali citizen Sudip Neupane of Butwal-11, Kalikanagar, Rupandehi, in the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Kashmir yesterday. I pay my heartfelt tributes to him and express my deepest condolences to his family."

I also wish a speedy recovery to his mother, who was injured in the terrorist attack. We have also received news that they have arrived for a visit," she added.

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Deuba also condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, saying, Condemning such a cruel and inhuman act is not enough. The Government of Nepal condemns this incident and stands with the Government of India and the people of India in this hour of grief. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in touch for further information about the incident."

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also paid his condolences to Sudips family. Deepest condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Nepal stands firmly with India & strongly condemn any & all acts of terrorism. Close coordination is established to verify reports of a Nepali national among the victims & will provide all necessary assistance," he posted on X.

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 24, 2025, 12:58 IST
Indians Wont Remain Safe If: Pakistan Ministers Brazen Threat To New Delhi Amid Rising Tensions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 23:59 IST

Khawaja Asif's comments came amid a looming threat of retaliatory action from India in the aftermath of Pahalgam carnage in which 26 tourists were shot dead by LeT terrorists.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. (File)

In a provocative and brazen threat, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Indian citizens will not remain safe and it would make India pay if Pakistani citizens were harmed as he accused New Delhi of planning and conducting acts of terrorism in Pakistan.

If India conducts acts of terrorism in our cities, it will be a tit for tat and we will make them pay," Asif said at post-NSC briefing at Pakistans Foreign Office, adding that they had information that India is planning acts of terrorism in different cities, reported Times of India.

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Khawaja Asifs comments came amid a looming threat of retaliatory action from India in the aftermath of Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam carnage on Tuesday in which 26 tourists were shot dead in broad daylight by the Resistance Front terrorists, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Additionally, Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar further challenged India to present evidence of Pakistans involvement in the deadly attack.

While addressing a press conference, Dar said, India has time and again played the blame game and if there is proof of Pakistans involvement in Pahalgam attacl, please share it with us and the world," the Dawn quoted.

Earlier on Wednesday, Khawaja Asif had said that the country has nothing to do" with the terrorist attack and instead, pinned the blame on the locals acting against the government" and a revolution" and homegrown forces" within the union territory.

We have absolutely nothing to do with it. We reject terrorism in all its forms and everywhere," Asif had said.

On Wednesday, India announced downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength and expulsion of its military attaches, in view of cross-border links to the devastating terror attack.

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In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed the responsibility for the attack.

Terrorists targeted a group of people, including women and elderly individuals, in the brazen attack afternoon.

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 : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: April 24, 2025, 23:59 IST
Jailed Imran Khan Looks To Build Pressure On Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir With 6-Point Plan | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: April 25, 2025, 03:11 IST

According to sources close to the former prime minister, Imran Khan has presented a six-point plan, with General Asim Munirs resignation as a non-negotiable step

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan. (File pic/Reuters)

Imran Khan is trying to build pressure on Pakistans army chief General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, sources close to the jailed former prime minister have told CNN-News18.

Khan, the 72-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, has been incarcerated since 2023, and his statements are shared by the visitors who meet him in Rawalpindis Adiala Jail.

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According to the sources, Imran Khan has presented a six-point plan, with General Asim Munirs resignation as a non-negotiable step:

1. General Munir Steps Aside: General Asim Munir must resign as Chief of Army Staff immediately, enabling neutral military leadership to oversee a democratic transition. Khan argues that Munirs authoritarian grip undermines Pakistans future.

2. Negotiated Transition to Civilian Rule: Imran Khan leads a UN-mediated transitional government, culminating in free elections within 12 months using verified February 2024 Form 45 results. This, Khan believes, restores the peoples mandate without delay.

3. Independent Election Inquiry: A bipartisan commission, backed by UN oversight, investigates 2024 election fraud. Those responsible, including military actors, face constitutional penalties, ensuring accountability.

4. Justice for Human Rights Violations: Officers implicated in killings, abductions, or torture, including under Munirs command, face trials in reformed civilian courts. The ICC will step in if Pakistan fails to deliver justice.

5. Reparations for Victims: A government-funded programme, supported by UN administration, compensates citizens for losses due to political persecution, addressing grievances and fostering reconciliation.

6. Judicial and Military Reform: Remove compromised judges and establish an independent judiciary with UN expertise. Begin a five-year demilitarisation of governance, with US-monitored progress to prevent backsliding.

Call to Action

Khan: Lead with this framework to reclaim rightful role.

Munir: Step aside nowhistory will judge refusal harshly.

Guterres: Deploy UN mediators and investigators to enforce this plan.

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Trump/Grenell: Leverage the Pakistan Democracy Actsanctions, visa bans, and diplomatic forceto ensure Munirs exit and democracys return.

Pakistans stability hinges on Munirs departure, the plan argues. Act swiftly to honour its people and secure the region, Khan suggests.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: April 25, 2025, 03:11 IST
'We Should Be Prepared': Pakistan Holds High-Level Security Meet After India Acts Tough Over Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 14:56 IST

Three services chiefs, important key ministers and top civil and military leadership were present in the meeting to deliberate upon internal and external situations

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (Photo: X/PakPMO)

A day after India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday to decide on Islamabads response to New Delhi.

Three services chiefs, important key ministers and top civil and military leadership were present in the meeting to deliberate upon internal and external situations.

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Earlier, Dawn reported that deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking to a private television channel late on Wednesday, lashed out at Indias approach, calling it immature" and hasty".

India has not given any evidence. They have not shown any maturity in their response," Dar said. This is a non-serious approach. They started creating hype immediately after the incident." Pakistans Foreign Office, in a separate statement earlier on Wednesday, expressed regret over the loss of life.

INDIA CANT SUSPEND INDUS WATERS TREATY, CLAIMS PAKISTAN

Asif also asserted, India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, as the agreement involves not just Pakistan and India, but other stakeholders as well, including the World Bank," the report stated.

Also speaking to Geo News, former high commissioner of Pakistan to India Abdul Basit said that the Indus Water Treaty can neither be suspended nor terminated unilaterally.

India cannot immediately stop Pakistans water," the report quoted Basit as saying, as he also expressed fear India may take some adverse action against Pakistan.

We should be prepared, India can make any move," he cautioned.

INDIAs TOUGH MOVES AGAINST PAKISTAN

Underscoring the cross-border linkages" of the Pahalgam terror attack, India on Wednesday announced five major measures that also included suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and expulsion of Pakistani military attaches.

As India turned up the heat on Pakistan with what is seen as retaliatory measures after the carnage in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also vowed a strong response" in the near future."

Immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post was among the measures announced after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS).

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a late evening press briefing, It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory (Jammu and Kashmir) and its steady progress towards economic growth and development."

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It (the Cabinet Committee on Security) resolved that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account," he said.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack.

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 24, 2025, 07:26 IST
Pakistan Boosts Border Troops, Tells Soldiers To Monitor Only From Bunkers: Sources

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 19:44 IST

According to the sources, the Pakistani soldiers have been directed to conduct surveillance from inside the bunkers amid the fear along the LoC and International Border.

The diplomatic ties between the neighbouring countries downgraded after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday (IMAGE: REUTERS/REPRESENTATIVE)

Amid the tense situation at border, the Pakistani Army has strengthened its defences and has increased the number of its troops on its side of the Line of Control (LoC), sources told CNN-News18.

According to the sources, the Pakistani soldiers have been directed to conduct surveillance from inside the bunkers amid the fear along the LoC and International Border.

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Additionally, the 10 Corps of the Pakistani Army, whose headquarters is in Rawalpindi, and the personnel stationed along the International Border in Sialkot, have been ordered to remain on alert.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that India may announce the cessation of ceasefire in days to come. New Delhi is seriously considering" this as Pakistan has been unable to oblige with its commitments along the Line of Control and International Border, the sources told CNN-News18.

According to the sources, India is taking this tough stand because of Pakistans failure to curb cross-border terrorism despite repeated commitments. This move can further isolate the neighbouring country, and this will be in response to Islamabads duplicity, the sources said.

The diplomatic ties between the neighbouring countries downgraded after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on Tuesday, which claimed at least 26 lives and left several others injured.

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India on Wednesday announced several punitive measures, including suspension of Indus Water Treaty, cutting Islamabad Mission strength and expulsion of its military attaches, as per decided by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in view of cross-border links to the devastating terror attack.

A day later, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with key ministers and the three services chiefs to formulate his countrys response to Indias action and announced several retaliatory moves, including suspension of all its bilateral agreements and trade activities and closing its airspace to Indian aircrafts.

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 24, 2025, 19:44 IST
Telugu Techie Faces 14-month Jail In US For H-1B Visa Fraud

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 17:27 IST

For visa fraud, the owner of a technology employment company in San Jose was given a 14-month prison sentence.

Kishore Dattapuram pleaded guilty in November 2024.

A San Jose-based technology employment agency owner was sentenced to 14 months in prison for visa fraud in the United States. The 55-year-old co-owner and operator of Nanosemantics Inc., Kishore Dattapuram, was charged in February 2019 with ten counts of substantive visa fraud and one count of conspiracy to conduct visa fraud, along with two other defendants. Kishore Dattapuram was a co-owner and operator of a San Jose-based employment company that supplied qualified workers to Bay Area tech companies. For employees assigned to client companies, Nanosemantics was paid a commission. To grant temporary authorisation for foreign workers to reside and work for businesses in the United States, Nanosemantics often filed H-1B petitions.

According to a statement issued on April 21, by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California, he entered a guilty plea to all charges in November of last year. The prosecution claimed that Nanosemantics was paid commissions for each employee it was able to put in Bay Area tech firms.

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On behalf of international employees, the firm filed H-1B visa petitions, granting them temporary permission to reside and work in the United States.

To obtain an H-1B visa, companies must submit an I-129 petition to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) attesting to the existence of a legitimate work offer and including important information such as the jobs duration and related pay.

Authorities believe Kishore Dattapuram and two other individuals conspired to submit H-1B applications that made fraudulent claims that foreign workers had employment lined up with particular end-client companies that did not actually exist.

On multiple occasions, Dattapuram paid companies to falsely appear as end-clients for foreign workers, knowing those workers would never actually be employed there," said prosecutors as quoted by greatandhra.com.

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The goal of the scheme was to secure H-1B visas for candidates before jobs were confirmed, allowing Nanosemantics to quickly place them once real opportunities arose, giving the company an unfair advantage over competitors," the prosecutors added.

Apart from his jail term, Kishore Dattapuram was mandated to complete three years of closely monitored release. A $1,100 special assessment fee, a $7,500 fine, and a forfeiture of $125,456.48 are also required of him.

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 : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 24, 2025, 17:27 IST
US House Republicans Call Out NYT Over Pahalgam Coverage: Terrorist Attack Plain And Simple

Curated By :



Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 23:49 IST

The Republican-led House Foreign Affairs Committee criticized The New York Times for not calling the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir as terrorism.

House Republicans edited an image of the headline of the New York Times report on the Pahalgam terror attack and posted it on social media. (IMAGE: X)

The Republican-led House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday issued a sharp rebuke to The New York Times for its coverage of the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam.

The tweet read: Hey, @nytimes, we fixed it for you. This was a TERRORIST ATTACK, plain and simple. The committees statement follows growing concerns that several mainstream media outlets in the US and UK, including The New York Times, are failing to explicitly label such incidents as acts of terrorism.

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The House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority refers to the group of members from the majority party (currently the Republican Party in the US House of Representatives) who sit on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Hey, @nytimes we fixed it for you. This was a TERRORIST ATTACK plain and simple.Whether its India or Israel, when it comes to TERRORISM the NYT is removed from reality. pic.twitter.com/7PefEKMtdq  House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) April 23, 2025

This committee is responsible for overseeing the United States foreign policy and issues related to Diplomatic relations, foreign aid, treaties and international agreements, national security as it pertains to foreign policy and oversight of the US State Department and related agencies.

We extend our support to our great ally India in the face of this recent brutal terrorist attack. India is a model ally that takes its own defense with utmost seriousness. We stand with them in this dark hour. Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby (@USDPColby) April 24, 2025

Several US leaders, including US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance (who was in India during the time of the attack), extended support and stood by the victims of the attack.

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On Thursday, the US under secretary for defence Elbridge Colby extended support to India following the attack. We extend our support to our great ally India in the face of this recent brutal terrorist attack. India is a model ally that takes its own defense with utmost seriousness. We stand with them in this dark hour," Colby said in a tweet.

Trump assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a phone call that the US stands with India at this hour and extends full support. Vance had also called PM Modi. The Prime Minister also received phone calls from French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, Israels Benjamin Netanyahu and Egypts Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

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 : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 24, 2025, 23:49 IST
Usha Vance On Husband JD Vance's Kitchen Skills: 'He's An Experimental Cook'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 08:55 IST

JD Vance was a "meat and potatoes man" until he met her, and her mother taught him how to cook, Usha Vance said.

US Second lady Usha Vance. (AP file photo)

US Vice President JD Vance is an experimental cook who tries various dishes, including Indian cuisine and desserts, his wife Usha Vance said. As JD Vance visited India alongwith his wife Usha Vance whose parents are from Andhra Pradesh, she reflected on the amazing cuisines in the country.

JD Vance was a meat and potatoes man" until he met her, and her mother taught him how to cook, she said. Now, he likes to try everything from chenna masala to desserts and various lamb dishes, she added.

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Sharing what a traditional Indian meal in her home looks like, Usha Vance said that it can be simple, like sambar and rice, or more elaborate with dishes like palao. As the Vance household is vegetarian, there is a huge influence on their meals of Indian cuisine, she said.

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Usha Vance also shared how chutneys are a huge part of Andhra Pradesh cuisine and that her grandmother makes wonderful chutneys, managing to find all the necessary ingredients at nearby Indian stores in the United States.

Usha Vance also noted that her mother, grandmother, and even her father are excellent cooks, mentioning her fathers skill in making dosa and pesaratu.

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 24, 2025, 08:55 IST
'Why Didn't They Fight For It 11 Years Ago?' Trump Slams Zelensky Over 'Inflammatory' Crimea Stance

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: April 24, 2025, 08:19 IST

In his post, Trump was referring to Zelensky's comments, published in the Wall Street Journal Wednesday, in which he said that ceding Crimea is against Ukraine's constitution

US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Reuters Image)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said a deal on halting the Ukraine war was very close," but slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over his refusal to formally cede Crimea to Russia.

Its inflammatory statements like Zelenskyys that makes it so difficult to settle this War," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

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The outburst came after US media reports said Trump was ready to accept recognition of annexed Crimea as Russian territory, and after Vice President JD Vance said land swaps would be fundamental to any deal.

In his post, Trump was referring to Zelenskys comments, published in the Wall Street Journal Wednesday, in which he said that ceding Crimea is against Ukraines constitution.

Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea," Zelensky was quoted as saying. There is nothing to talk about here."

Trump lambasted Zelensky over the remarks.

This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia," Trump said, adding that if Ukraine wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"

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He added: The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the killing field, and nobody wants that!"

We are very close to a Deal, but the man with no cards to play should now, finally, GET IT DONE."

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 24, 2025, 08:19 IST
Anecdotal reports indicate to some recipients of care in the HIV sector having resorted to stockpiling antiretroviral therapy (ART) due to fears of future shortages amid funding cuts.

Despite the governments assurance of sufficient stock, recipients of care are hoarding medication, potentially leading to artificial shortages in some urban health facilities.

The funding freeze and cuts on funding by the Trump administration, if effected in full could cost the country approximately US$522 million. The 90-day-review period ends on 19 April, and the nation awaits the outcome. The freeze has already affected hundreds of civil society organisations, health workers, and clinics.

While ART is free in public hospitals, council-run clinics, and mission hospitals, however, the uncertainty surrounding funding has sparked panic among recipients of care. Zimbabwe is one of the few countries globally to have domestic funding for HIV.

The AIDS Levy in Zimbabwe is a notable example of a domestic funding mechanism for health. Established in 1999, it imposes a 3% tax on individuals taxable income and companies profits (excluding the mining industry until 2015). Managed by the National AIDS Council (NAC), the levy has generated significant revenue, including US$38.6 million in 2014.

Sadly, with the United States dollar component of the AIDS Levy having been carried by the NGO sector and those supported by those employed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC), the United States Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and many other foreign funded organisations, the proceeds to the US dollar component have gone down. The country needs to come up with sustainable ways besides the numerous taxes.

At law, 55% of the AIDS funds is dedicated to purchasing antiretroviral medications.

The AIDS Levy has contributed significantly to Zimbabwes HIV response, particularly in ensuring a stable supply of antiretroviral therapy for second and third line treatment.

The consequences of stockpiling of ART could lead to wasted medication, expired drugs, and unintended consequences. With 1.2 million people on ART in Zimbabwe, the situation requires careful management to ensure a steady supply of medication.

The National AIDS Council (NAC) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bernard Madzima, in a speech read on his behalf by Dr Raymond Yekeye, the Operations Director, addressing editors in Chinhoyi reassured the nation that there was enough ART.

Dr Madzima said there was no need to panic. The country had enough antiretroviral therapy for six months in the inventory.

The country has enough stock for everyone on ART. We had already procured medicines for HIV, TB, and malaria, but deliveries were being made in phases. The next shipment is on the way, said Dr Madzima.

He highlighted that 31% of ARVs in Zimbabwe were procured through US funding. The Global Fund (GF), other partners and the government procure the rest.

Availability assured

Speaking at the same workshop, Dr Owen Mugurungi, Director in the AIDS/TB Unit said there currently has been no disturbance in the supply chain and distribution.

Stocks of ARV supplies, HIV, viral load and other lab test kits, as well as condoms are available at facilities/service points, district, regional, and national warehouses with minimum or no disruption of distribution, said Dr Mugurungi.

The UNAIDS country report as of 10 April, 2025 states: Some USAID and CDC-supported organisations have resumed work, while others are still on pause pending the 90-day review.

Public health facilities continue to provide key services despite disruptions, with support from the Global Fund in 21 out of 64 districts.

Human resources disruptions are affecting HIV treatment services, including medicine distribution, patient management, and monitoring.

HIV prevention services for key populations (sex workers, men who have sex with men, gay men, people who use drugs, transgender persons, prisoners) are disrupted, including access to PrEP exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV testing, counseling, ART services, opioid agonist therapy, and harm reduction services.

DHIS2 (District Health Information Software 2) is impacted due to the pause in human resources funding.

Stigma and discrimination programmes funded by PEPFAR have stopped, affecting key populations.

Despite disruptions, public health facilities and the Global Fund continue to provide essential services, said the report on their website. Masvingo Mirror
The family of the Zimbabwean student who died battling cancer in China has expressed their gratitude after receiving various donations to help repatriate her remains back to the country.

Shamiso Althea Gozho who was studying towards a Masters Degree in IT died on April 20 after a long battle with cancer.

She was 24.

The family had indicated that they were facing financial challenges to raise US$26 000 to repatriate her remains back to Zimbabwe for burial at their home in Nyabira.

In an interview with H-Metro, Rachel Gozho, who is the family spokesperson said they have been overwhelmed by the support

We are grateful to everyone who has supported us to bring Althea home, the donations have been coming and we are almost meeting the required amount.

As it stands, we are waiting for the Zimbabwean Embassy in China to process paperwork in five working days before authorities in China grant us permission to repatriate the body to Zimbabwe.

However, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who contributed here in Zimbabwe, South Africa and across the world, said Rachel.

Rachel said they are hoping that the body will be flown in during the weekend while burial is likely to be conducted next week.

Altheas friends and family members have described her as a loving person. H Metro
The executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission abruptly resigned Monday amid doubts that the state-funded body can survive a scandal around two controversial lottery jackpots. In the first case , professional bettors were allowed to essentially rig the lottery in April 2023. A London-based trader representing professional bettors in Europe purchased 25.8 million $1 tickets, nearly all of those available, via a lottery ticket courier, essentially guaranteeing a $95 million jackpot win, per Newsweek . Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called it "the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the history of Texas."

The lottery is now under investigation by the Texas Attorney General's Office and the Texas Rangers from the Department of Public Safety. Lawmakers determined the commission had expedited delivery of dozens of extra lottery terminals to three US companiesLottery.com, Luck Zone, and Lottery Nowto enable them to print the millions of tickets during a 72-hour window between lottery draws, per the New York Times. TLC Executive Director Ryan Mindell announced his resignation, effective immediately, without giving a reason, one day after the Times published video of the ticket printing operation.

TLC's former deputy executive director had served as executive director for exactly one year, replacing Gary Grief, who was in charge during the 2023 draw. Another controversial jackpot win came this year, under Mindell's tenure, when a woman claiming a $83.5 million jackpot was found to have also purchased her ticket through an online courier, a third-party vendor that purchases lottery tickets on a customer's behalf, per CNN. The TLC later said it would move to ban ticket courier services after concluding they are "not allowed under Texas law," per Newsweek. Some lawmakers have suggested the lottery, which raises money for Texas schools, should be eliminated altogether.
The pastor of a Georgia megachurch who led a nationwide 40-day "fast" boycott of Target stores over the retail chain's abandonment of diversity initiatives is now calling for that effort to continue as a "full Target boycott." The Rev. Jamal Bryant said this week that the Minneapolis-based retailer has not met all of the boycott effort's demands, the AP reports. Among them: restoring the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and pledging money to Black-owned banks and businesses.

Target announced in January that it would phase out a handful of DEI initiatives, including a program designed to help Black employees build meaningful careers and promote Black-owned businesses. President Trump and his supporters have sought to dismantle DEI policies in the federal government and schools. Bryant is the pastor of one of the South's largest churches, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest. The 40-day "fast" of Target stores coincided with the beginning of Lent on March 5, and other faith leaders endorsed the protest. The company did not immediately respond to Bryant's announcement.

Other groups have urged shoppers to stay away from the retailer, as well. Last week, the company's CEO asked to meet with the Rev. Al Sharpton in New York about the boycotts. Sharpton had not called for a boycott but was generally supportive of the idea, per CNBC. "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," he said before the meeting. Afterward, Sharpton said he'd inform Bryant about the meeting, "and we will go from there."
A routine call on Chicago's west side led to the death of a veteran fire captain and father of four Chicago Fire Department Captain David Meyer, 54, died early Wednesday while responding to a garage fire. The fire was reported just after 4am, and a mayday alarm was called minutes later. Firefighters extinguished the flames, but the garage collapsed during salvage and overhaul operations, Fox News reports. Meyer was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. "It had to be a roofing beam, there's nothing there except a few crossbeams in the roof, so something got him from above," fire department spokesman Larry Langford said, per the Chicago Sun-Times .

Meyer was a 28-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. "He spent most of his career on the west side of Chicago in busy firehouses, doing what he loved to do," CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said. "Please keep us all in your prayers. This is unfortunate. It's one of those things. We go to work every day, and we never know if we're going to come home."

The Sun-Times reports that Nance-Holt appeared to wipe away a tear as she noted the department had no line-of-duty deaths last year. "We got through last year, and now here we are again, thinking that we escaped that," she said. Losing a "brother or sister" in the fire department, is "life-changing," she said. "It's a family member, it's not just a co-worker." Meyer is survived by his parents, wife, three daughters, and one son. University of Iowa police assisted one of Meyer's daughters to return home quickly.
President Trump will hold a rally in Macomb County, Michigan, next Tuesday to celebrate his first 100 days in office, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday. This will be Trump's first big rally since his inauguration and his first visit to Michigan since winning the battleground state in the 2024 presidential election, NBC News reports. Before the rally, Trump will be in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday, the first foreign trip of his second term. "President Trump is excited to return to the great state of Michigan next Tuesday, where he will rally in Macomb County to celebrate the FIRST 100 DAYS!" Leavitt posted on X. She added, per the Detroit News, "Michiganders are benefitting from President Trump's agenda to revitalize ... our economy and secure the southern border, and the best is yet to come!"
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Gaming fans can hardly wait to get their hands on the new Nintendo Switch 2 as pre-orders for the device sold out within minutes and triggered massive outages at retail store websites early Thursday. Though the device officially launches June 5, Nintendo welcomed pre-orders in the US and Canada beginning at midnight ET Thursday, following a delay of several weeks , used to assess the impacts of tariffs on imports from Japan. The prices of a few accessories climbed, but the console remains priced at $449.99, or $499.99 when bundled with Mario Kart World, per Wired . And folks are evidently eager for the first revamped Switch since the device first launched in 2017. Target, Best Buy, and Walmart all experienced website issues as the pre-order got underway.

More than 2,000 customers reported having trouble accessing Target's website for the first 45 minutes, per the New York Post. Best Buy, which only granted pre-orders to registered accounts, received more than 600 reports of outages, extending from about 9pm Wednesday to 2am Thursday, many associated with failed log-ins. Some customers who were taken to the website reported seeing a "coming soon" prompt for 30 minutes after the pre-sale went live, per IGN. All three retailers sold out of pre-orders within minutes, though some were left waiting in digital queues for more than an hour and others had orders canceled soon after they were completed. But the eager are not out of luck yet. GameStop's pre-order begins at 11am ET.
The criticism comes a day after Trump and other top aides demanded that Ukraine accept a peace proposal seen as favorable to Russia, reports the New York Times. However, Zelensky rejected the plan, which appears to call for his nation to cede the Crimean peninsula back to Moscow. "There is nothing to talk about," Zelensky said. "This violated our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of Ukraine." After the rejection, Trump wrote a lengthy post calling the Ukrainian leader's language "inflammatory" and saying it would only prolong the war.

On Thursday, Russia pummeled the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv with what the AP describes as an "hourslong barrage of missiles and drones." At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured.
President Trump has seemed to relish escalating the fight against his detractors on a range of issues in his second term. With one exception: economic policy. Trump has lowered the temperature on a number of key issues, including the trade war against China, threats to fire Fed chief Jerome Powell, and tariffs in general. Coverage:

Trump and the White House say this is all part of a brilliant master plan that will pay off in the long run. "Have some patience and you will see," is how press secretary Karoline Leavitt put it Wednesday. But an analysis by David E. Sanger in the New York Times puts a different spin on things: Trump "blinked. Then he blinked again. And again."
The Trump administration has been hit with another court order "to facilitate" the return of a Venezuelan man it sent to a prison in El Salvador. A Maryland-based judge ruled Wednesday that the deportation last month broke a court-approved settlement in a lawsuit last year in which the government committed to not deporting migrants who arrived in the US as unaccompanied minors until their asylum claims had been completely resolved, the Washington Post reports. The case has echoes that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported despite a 2019 court order that prohibited it.
The suburban Chicago man who admitted to fatally shooting seven people and wounding dozens of others during a 2022 Independence Day parade was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, reports the AP . Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti handed down seven consecutive sentences of natural life in prison without the possibility of parole, as prosecutors requested, for the first-degree murder charges after hearing emotional testimony from survivors and the relatives of those killed in the shooting. After years of unpredictable legal proceedings, Robert E. Crimo III, 24, changed his plea to guilty last month just moments before opening statements at his trial.

Dozens were wounded in the shooting in the suburb about 30 miles north of Chicago. They ranged in age from their 80s to an 8-year-old boy who was left partially paralyzed. Crimo refused to attend his sentencing hearing Wednesday or Thursday despite a judge's previous warnings that the case would proceed without him. Crimo also declined to provide a written statement ahead of sentencing. "He's always known that he was facing life in prison," said Crimo's public defender, Gregory Ticsay. "He has spared this community the lengthy trial."





Survivors and witnesses told the court about how their lives have changed since the shooting. Keely Roberts, whose then-8-year-old son Cooper Roberts was paralyzed from the waist down, called Crimo "cowardly" for not attending. "You will not hear my grief," she said. "You are now irrelevant." It's unusual for defendants to skip trial, especially sentencing, but constitutionally they have the right not to attend. Often in violent cases, defendants will explain themselves or profess innocence before sentencing.

story continues below

Some survivors called Crimo a "monster," while another cited their faith in forgiving him. Many described feeling empty or facing deep sadness since the shooting. Some no longer attend public gatherings. "A mass shooting is like a bomb blast throughout a community," said survivor Erica Weeder. Prosecutors argued that Crimo was fully in control of his actions as he fired 83 shots over 40 seconds. "This was his evil plan. He intended to end the happiness that he saw around him," said Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart.
President Trump suffered a courtroom defeat on Thursday in his push to make K-12 public schools get rid of all their DEI policies. A federal judge in New Hampshire temporarily blocked the ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, ruling that the Trump administration needs to provide a better definition of what actually constitutes a DEI policy, reports the New York Times . The White House previously told the schools to ditch their diversity programs or lose federal fundingand it gave them a deadline of Thursday to show compliance.

Now that deadline is on hold. The Times notes that the ruling isn't technically national in scope: It applies only to schools that have at least one member of either the National Education Association or the Center for Black Educator Development, the groups that brought the suit. However, the NEA is the nation's largest teachers union, and the ruling likely affects most school districts. The judge in the case, Landya B. McCafferty, is an appointee of former President Obama.
NAHA, Apr 24 (NHK) - Police in Okinawa, southwestern Japan, say they have referred two US Marines to prosecutors on suspicion of committing separate sexual assaults against women.

Police say one of them allegedly sexually assaulted a woman and injured another on Okinawa's main island in March.

Sources familiar with the case say the incident took place in a restroom in a US military base. The sources also say the suspect used violence against a woman who tried to protect the sexually assaulted woman.

Police say another Marine is suspected of sexually assaulting a female acquaintance in January.

Police say they investigated the cases after receiving complaints from the women and sent papers on the cases to prosecutors on April 7. They say the soldiers are in their 20s.

Police have not disclosed whether the suspects admitted to the charges, saying such a disclosure would hinder investigations. ...continue reading
Saitama, Apr 24 (News On Japan) - A man found wandering naked in Saitama Prefecture has been arrested after a string of violent incidents, including a fatal hit-and-run and an attempted abduction, unfolded within roughly 90 minutes on April 21st.

Police believe the man, identified as Daisuke Nishimura, 48, is linked to more than 20 separate cases across several cities.

Nishimura was sent to prosecutors on April 23rd on suspicion of assault after unlawfully entering a cram school in Soka City at around 9:30 p.m. and injuring two people, including a female junior high school student. His erratic behavior had been reported beginning around 8:00 p.m., when a caller to police said a "tattooed man was slowly driving through a residential neighborhood in a suspicious manner."

By the time of the cram school incident, police had received reports of multiple incidents involving Nishimura, including a fatal hit-and-run in Saitama City. In that case, two motorcycles were struck in quick succession. One of the victims, 46-year-old company employee Mitsunobu Yoshida, died, while a 45-year-old man suffered a serious bone fracture.

In a separate incident in Warabi City, a vehicle crashed into the entrance of a convenience store. Witnesses say a naked man was rampaging and appeared to attempt to drag a child into a car before the child escaped. The man reportedly shouted loudly, collided with three to four cars while fleeing, and continued driving erratically.

Later in Kawaguchi City, the suspect allegedly jumped onto the hood of a car and tried to open the drivers side door. He then reportedly stole the vehicle, leaving the female driver in her 40s with minor injuries.

Police sources say the series of incidents resulted in one death and injuries to about ten others.

During questioning, Nishimura denied the allegations regarding the cram school intrusion, saying only, "I shouldnt say anything about that."

Separately, in Yokohama, police are searching for Satoshi Tamura, a 50-year-old senior member of the Inagawa-kai crime syndicate, who fled his home just before a scheduled police raid. On April 22nd, Tamura was caught on camera leaving his house wearing a patterned jacket and smoking a cigarette. Moments later, he evaded police by fleeing in a white Toyota MIRAI fuel cell vehicle.

Surveillance footage later showed the car speeding away from the area. As of April 23rd, Tamura remains at large.

Source: TBS
Apr 24 (Japan by Food) - Sushi is a Japanese cultural staple that's become famous ALL over the globe. But, when you finally arrive in Japan, where can you get the best and most fresh sushi?

"Japan by Food" host Leina has that answer for you today as she shows you her day in Kitakyushu, a city on the northern edge of the the Japan's Kyushu region in Fukuoka Prefecture, which ends with a sushi-making experience with one of Kitakyushu's most famous family-owned group of revolving sushi restaurants and it's passionate owner.

Fukuoka is known for Fukuoka City, it's Hakata district and Hakata-style Tonkotsu (pork bone broth) Ramen, but little do most know about the seaside city of Kitayushu. Surrounded by three seas, it boasts access to some of the freshest seafood in Japan. As Fukuoka becomes a booming tourist hub, be sure to put Kitakyushu on your travel list!
Apr 25 (News On Japan) - Bullet Train Explosion is a high-octane thriller set aboard Hayabusa 60, an E5 Series Shinkansen racing from Shin-Aomori to Tokyo  and it cant drop below 100 km/h, or a hidden bomb will detonate.

When an anonymous caller threatens to blow up the train and proves it by destroying a freight line, JR East clears all tracks and races to keep Hayabusa 60 moving while hiding the danger from passengers. But as the demands escalate  including a 100 billion ransom from the Japanese public  panic spreads when the bomber hijacks the airwaves and shows footage of the explosive planted under the rear car.

Amid stalled trains, viral fundraisers, political grandstanding, and a chaotic livestream of events, conductor Kazuya Takaichi and his crew work against the clock to protect over 340 lives. But as the mystery unravels, its revealed that the bomber is a student onboard  Yuzuki Onodera  whose motives are tied to a dark cover-up from a 1975 Shinkansen terror incident.

With time running out and rescue attempts growing more desperate, Takaichi must choose between duty and sacrifice, as the train hurtles toward Tokyo carrying a secret that could derail the legacy of Japans iconic bullet train forever.

Source: Netflix Japan
Shiga, Apr 25 (News On Japan) - A womans body discovered in a freezer at a residence in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, is now believed to have been concealed there for approximately four and a half years, police announced.

Earlier this month, police found the body of Mariko Nonaka inside a freezer at the home and arrested three men on suspicion of corpse abandonment: Koichiro Iwase, 72, his son Tatsuhiko, 49, who lived at the residence, and Nonakas husband, Hidenori, 63.

On April 23rd, prosecutors formally charged Hidenori, while police re-arrested Koichiro and Tatsuhiko on suspicion of injuring Nonaka by beating her.

Investigations suggest Nonaka was subjected to physical assault between August and September 2020. Follow-up interviews and findings now indicate she likely died around September 7th, shortly after the alleged assault, and was placed into the freezer within days. Authorities believe her body remained hidden there for more than four years.

Police have not disclosed whether the suspects have admitted to the charges. Investigators are also examining whether the assault is directly connected to Nonakas death.

Source: YOMIURI
TOKYO, Apr 25 (News On Japan) - Toyota Motor Corporation announced on April 24th that its global sales for fiscal 2024 totaled 10,273,719 vehicles, a 0.3% decrease from the previous year, marking the first year-on-year decline in four years.

While the automaker faced headwinds from a certification fraud scandal and a temporary production halt due to a Prius recall, sales rebounded in the second half of the year. Strong demand in North America helped Toyota alone surpass the 10 million unit mark for the second consecutive year.

In March, overseas sales reached a record high of 814,105 units, driven by a surge in last-minute demand in North America ahead of the introduction of the so-called "Trump tariffs."

Source:  NEWS ONE
FUKUOKA, Apr 25 (News On Japan) - A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

According to police, shortly after 3 a.m. on a prefectural road in Kasuya Town, Kasuya District, a regular passenger car attempted to overtake a patrol car on duty. Officers noticed the vehicle veering widely and crossing into the center lane, prompting them to stop the car.

When questioned, the woman behind the wheel smelled of alcohol, but insisted, "I didn't drink. I just ate chocolate that had alcohol in it."

A breath test revealed a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. Police arrested the woman, an unemployed resident of Sasaguri Town in the same district, on the spot for suspected drunk driving.

After her arrest, she told investigators, "There's no doubt I drove under the influence, but I didnt feel like I had any alcohol left in my system."

Source: KBC
Strategic Expertise at the Heart of First Nations Training Initiatives for First Nations Leaders

Tiohtia:ke, MONTREAL, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ - First Nations Executive Education (FNEE) is proud to announce that Ghislain Picard, newly appointed Associate Professor at HEC Montreal, will also play a key role in the school's recognition, outreach and strategic development, while continuing his commitment to First Nations rights. His appointment to the position of Associate Professor, along with his greater involvement in FNEE, will enable a wider audience in the business community to benefit from his vast experience and expertise on both the historical and current issues facing Indigenous peoples.

Ghislain Picard (CNW Group/First Nations Executive Education (FNEE))

"Ghislain Picard is a giant of modern Quebec history. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly for the self-determination of First Nations, focusing on sustainable economic development and respectful partnerships with Quebec economic players. In this way, he has helped pave the way for genuine economic reconciliation. His commitment to HEC Montreal, and more specifically to FNEE, is a major asset that will strengthen the voice of First Nations both within our institution and in the Quebec economic ecosystem as a whole," says Ken Rock, co-initiator of FNEE and co-lead of the Economic Reconciliation program.

Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) from 1992 to 2025, Ghislain Picard is recognized for his leading role in representing Indigenous communities and his involvement in First Nations governance. Since the creation of FNEE, he has actively contributed to its development and influence.

As a new Associate Professor at HEC Montreal and chairman of FNEE Advisory Committee, Ghislain Picard consolidates his long-standing commitment to training First Nations leaders and defending their rights. This appointment reaffirms his commitment to the development of skills and self-determination in Indigenous communities, while fostering greater dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples on crucial issues.

"I'm taking on this new role as a natural extension of my professional career. During my mandate, I hope to contribute to the emergence of a strong next generation of leaders, rooted in Indigenous values. FNEE is undoubtedly a significant step forward in training First Nations leaders, and I am honoured to be able to contribute further to its impact. Our communities need tools, knowledge and spaces to assert their governance. This is what we will continue to build together. Knowledge is a powerful lever for self-determination, and FNEE is an essential part of this transformation," says Ghislain Picard.

About FNEE

Propelled by HEC Montreal's Executive Education, FNEE is a management school for and by First Nations, offering short, certified university courses in communities, online and in Montreal. Its aim is to strengthen leaders' skills by combining traditional knowledge with best practices in contemporary management. This one-of-a-kind school brings together HEC Montreal faculty and First Nations facilitators to offer programs in Governance, Entrepreneurship, Management, Economic Reconciliation, Women Leadership and Next Generation.

Learn more:

https://ecole-dirigeants-premieres-nations.hec.ca/en/

SOURCE First Nations Executive Education (FNEE)

INFORMATION: Eric Duguay, 514 377-1980, [email protected]
CALGARY, AB, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Crbon Labs Inc., a producer of premium quality carbon credits for corporate sustainability innovators, has completed the first plugging of an orphan gas well in Canada and is pleased to announce its collaboration with U.S. Venture, Inc. and its U.S. Energy team who has acquired 100% of the corresponding High Fidelity Crbon credits from the project.

Aerial photo of Crbon Labs first Canadian orphan well plugging project using ACR methodology (CNW Group/Crbon Labs Inc.)

U.S. Energy, a U.S. Venture company, recently recognized by Quantum Commodity Intelligence (QCI) as one of the largest carbon market intermediaries by volume, will blend the credits into portfolios across a range of geographies and technologies to help organizations achieve their sustainability goals.

Plugging wells like this one in Wainwright, Canada, immediately and permanently eliminates methane gas emissions, one of the most potent greenhouse gases (GHGs). The comprehensive American Carbon Registry Plugging Orphaned Oil & Gas Wells (ACR OOG V1) methodology used on the project provides one of the viable pathways to accelerate the permanent plugging, remediation and restoration of the more than 3 million old idle and orphan oil and gas wells across North America.

"This was the first project of its kind in Canada," shared Cory Bergh, president and CEO at Crbon Labs. "Our methane abatement efforts drive immediate impact well beyond just emission reductions. The project employed more than 60 professionals across 20 disciplines, restored the wellsite to healthy productive farmland, and distributed a portion of the project proceeds back into the community to help fund training for the local fire department."

"This project is credited with preventing ~85,000 metric tons of CO 2 e from entering the atmosphere over the next 20 years, and we're positioned to connect these credits with buyers," shared Mike Koel, president of U.S. Energy. "Our team has a deep tenure in marketing credits from renewable natural gas (RNG) and carbon projects in the voluntary space. We know organizations are seeking high-quality credits that allow immediate progress on sustainability goals, and through this methodology, they're supporting projects with a lasting impact."

The collaboration between Crbon Labs and U.S. Energy is an example of Canadian and American businesses working together to address a problem that knows no borders. The emissions eliminated by the project equate to one year of operation of more than 18,000 cars.

Crbon Labs' vision is to eliminate 500 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, which will have a tangible impact on both global emissions and thousands of local communities.

About Crbon Labs

Crbon Labs specializes in identifying orphan, inactive and abandoned oil and gas wells in North America that emit high levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs). We plug these wells using the highest standards to immediately and permanently eliminate methane emissions, one of the most potent GHGs. Our comprehensive approach extends beyond emissions elimination, restoring sites to their natural state while strengthening local communities through strategic investments and partnerships. Emissions eliminated are translated into premium High Fidelity Crbon credits for corporate sustainability innovators to offset their residual GHG emissions. Crbon Labs' vision is to eliminate 500 million tonnes of GHG emissions. For more information, visit www.crbonlabs.com.

About U.S. Venture

For over 70 years, U.S. Venture, Inc. has been recognized as an innovative leader in the distribution of renewable and traditional energy products, lubricants, tires, parts, and using data-driven insights to manage energy and information in the global movement of goods. U.S. Venture delivers creative, sustainable solutions that give their customers a competitive edge, and enable the company to support the communities in which they live, work, and play. Through the values lived by their family of brands, U.S. Energy, U.S. AutoForce, Breakthrough, U.S. Lubricants, and IGEN, U.S. Venture seeks new ways to drive business success while being steadfast in its commitment to making the world a better place.

About U.S. Energy

U.S. Energy, a U.S. Venture company, is a leading provider of refined products, alternative fuels, and environmental credits. Over its 70-year tenure, U.S. Energy has diversified across the energy supply chain. From energy project development, distribution, and marketing through wholesale, commercial, and retail channels, U.S. Energy partners with organizationsproviding comprehensive support for a variety of fuel types. Driven to be the very best and most trusted energy solutions provider, U.S. Energy is uniquely positioned to help organizations navigate the evolving energy industry. For more information, visit www.us-energy.com.

SOURCE Crbon Labs Inc.

Media Contacts: Andrea Cherkas, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Crbon Labs, 403.816.0200, [email protected]; Stephanie Lowney, Vice President of Marketing, Strategy, and Innovation, U.S. Energy, a U.S. Venture company, 920.381.2190, [email protected]
Celebrating a Defining Voice in Canadian Retail and the Lasting Impact of a Remarkable Career

TORONTO, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and its Board of Directors are proud to announce the induction of Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada (RCC), into the prestigious ranks of the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame. This recognition honours more than three decades of exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication that has shaped the future of retail in Canada. Brisebois has been at the helm of RCC since 1995, and over the past 30 years, she has elevated the organization into the preeminent voice of retail in the country.

Celebrating a Defining Voice in Canadian Retail and the Lasting Impact of a Remarkable Career (CNW Group/Retail Council of Canada)

From general merchandise and grocery to pharmacy and digital innovation, Diane J. Brisebois has made a lasting impact on every sector of retail. With bold leadership, tireless commitment, and deep pride, she has navigated industry upheavals, championed forward-thinking policy, and built powerful alliances between retailers, government, and communities nationwide.

"As Canada's retail community celebrates this extraordinary milestone, we do so with deep gratitude," said Anne Martin-Vachon, Chair of the Board of Directors at RCC. "Diane has not only helped define the voice of retail in Canada but has ensured that it echoes with purpose, inclusion, and progress. The Canadian Retail Hall of Fame Award is a testament to a career defined by meaningful impact to Canada's ever evolving retail sector."

Brisebois' influence stretches far beyond retail, with invaluable contributions as a board member to national and international organizations, including the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Stewardship Ontario, Covenant House Toronto, and advisor to academic institutions like the School of Retailing of the University of Alberta and St. Mary's University David Sobey Centre for Retail. Her approach continues to ignite big ideas, bold action, and purpose-driven leadership in the next generation.

The 2025 Canadian Retail Hall of Fame Award will be presented to Diane J. Brisebois at Retail Council of Canada's Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on June 3, 2025, at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Capping off the first day of RCCSTORE25, Canada's premier retail conference, the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala will celebrate the industry's top performers. Taking place June 34, 2025, RCCSTORE25 will feature 75+ expert speakers and draw retail leaders from across North America and beyond.

Media are invited to attend this prestigious event celebrating Diane J. Brisebois and other esteemed award recipients.

About the Canadian Retail Hall of Fame

Retail Council of Canada's Canadian Retail Hall of Fame honours visionary leaders whose unwavering dedication and bold leadership have helped shape the future of retail in Canada. These changemakers leave an enduring legacy, not only within their own organizations, but across the entire industry. Learn more.

About Retail Council of Canada

Retail is Canada's largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in our industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $93 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2024, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $507 billion. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Our membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants. As the Voice of Retail in Canada, RCC, a not-for-profit, industry-funded association, proudly represents retail businesses of all sizes, from small independents to large national chains, in communities nationwide. retailcouncil.org.

SOURCE Retail Council of Canada

Santo Ligotti, VP Marketing & Membership, (416) 274-2956, [email protected]
TORONTO, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ - U.S. President Donald Trump's latest threat to raise auto tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles is a direct attack on Canadian workers and a reckless move that could dismantle the integrated North American auto industry, says Unifor.

"Trump has made it clear that he wants to take our auto jobs and our plants  he can't have them," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Canada didn't take U.S. jobs, and we're not going to let him take ours. We've been building cars in Canada for over a century and we're not stopping now."

Trumps escalating auto tariff threats an attack on Canadian jobs. (CNW Group/Unifor)

Trump escalated the tariff threat yesterday stating, "I really don't want cars from Canada. So when I put tariffs on Canada  they're paying 25 per cent, but that could go up... We don't want your cars, in all due respect, we want really to make our own cars."

Trump's remarks come just weeks after imposing a 25% tariff on all automobile imports into the U.S., with only a partial exemption for vehicles manufactured under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Beginning May 3, those tariffs will also apply to Canadian auto parts, which are crucial to vehicles assembled in the U.S.

Canada ships approximately $75 billion worth of cars and parts to the U.S. each year importing back an equal amount. Forecasts indicate that U.S. tariffs will cause a severe reduction in North American auto sales, resulting in job losses and layoffs on both sides of the border.

"Trump thinks he can move auto plants and dismantle an entire supply chain system overnight. He can't," said Payne. "These tariffs are not just dangerous, they are destructive. If sustained, they will decimate auto jobs across North America and drive costs to an unsustainable level."

The North American auto industry is one of the most deeply integrated in the world. Vehicles often cross the Canada-U.S. border multiple times before they're fully assembled, relying on efficient and predictable trade. The President did not explain how the tariffs would increase, nor did he provide a timeline for imposition.

"Trump wants to take our entire auto industry without consequence," added Payne. "But here's the truth: Canadians buy more vehicles than we produce. If automakers want to sell here, they have to build here too. That's how a fair system works."

Unifor is calling on the Canadian government to take strong and immediate action to protect Canadian auto workers and to stand up against Trump's aggressive and economically dangerous agenda with strategic retaliation. Unifor has committed to defend Canadian auto industry jobs and investments by whatever means necessary and is urging the next federal government to forge a comprehensive industrial strategy for the sector and ensure automakers maintain their production footprint in Canada, or face reprisal.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

For media inquiries or to arrange interviews via FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype please contact Unifor Communications Director Kathleen O'Keefe at [email protected] or by cell at (416) 896-3303.
CALGARY, AB, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Westgate Energy Inc. ("Westgate" or the "Company") (TSXV: WGT), is pleased to announce the filing of its audited financial and operating results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024. The selected financial and operating information provided below should be read in conjunction with Westgate's audited consolidated financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, as well as the annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Westgate's website at www.westgateenergy.ca.

Financial & Operating Results Summary





Three Months Ended

December 31, Twelve Months Ended

December 31, ($'s, unless otherwise stated)

2024 2023 2024 2023 Production









Oil bbl/d 151 33 106 22 Natural gas mcf/d 732 437 631 425 NGLs bbl/d 5 4 5 5 Total boe/d 278 110 216 97











Revenue:









Crude Oil

1,159,167 272,172 3,234,218 711,510 Natural Gas

54,377 81,264 198,401 356,635 NGLs

29,137 25,844 126,409 118,299 Petroleum, natural gas and NGL sales

1,242,681 379,280 3,559,028 1,186,444 Processing income

3,267 13,404 11,203 13,404 Total Revenue(1)

1,245,948 392,684 3,570,231 1,199,848 Royalties

(158,081) (66,866) (415,546) (176,127) Operating expenses

(652,962) (345,366) (1,718,053) (882,208) Operating Income (loss)(1)

434,905 (19,548) 1,436,632 141,513 Expenditures on exploration and evaluation 2,336,887 - 2,586,967 - Expenditures on property and equipment 658,137 2,466,978 4,991,549 2,560,778 Acquisition of property and equipment - 11,683 - 1,537,797 REALIZED PRICES(2)









Crude oil $/bbl 83.42 89.36 83.75 90.60 Natural gas $/mcf 0.81 2.02 0.86 2.30 NGLs $/bbl 65.11 66.31 67.00 66.11 Realized Price(2) $/boe 48.60 37.43 45.06 33.41 Processing revenue $/boe 0.13 1.32 0.14 0.38 Royalties $/boe (6.18) (6.60) (5.26) (4.96) Royalties as a percentage of revenue(2) % 13 % 18 % 12 % 15 % Operating expenses $/boe (25.54) (34.08) (21.75) (24.84) Operating Netback(1) $/boe 17.01 (1.93) 18.19 3.99 (1) Non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP ratio. Refer to the "Advisories and Other Guidance" section within this press release for additional information, including reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. (2) Supplementary financial measure. Refer to the "Advisories and Other Guidance" section within this press release for additional information on supplementary financial measures.















Q4 2024 ("Q4/24") and Annual ("2024") Highlights

Average production volumes increased to 278 boe/d (54% crude oil) in Q4/24 compared to 110 boe/d (30% crude oil) in Q4/23, representing a 153% increase.

Achieved 2H/2024 production of 246 boe/d, in line with the previously guided 250 boe/d.

Achieved an operating netback (1) of $17 .01per boe in Q4/24, representing a $18.94 /boe increase from ($1.93) per boe in Q4/23.

of .01per boe in Q4/24, representing a /boe increase from per boe in Q4/23. Acquired new lands at Beaverdam that are prospective for horizontal drilling in the Mannville Stack, adding 40 multilateral drill locations.

that are prospective for horizontal drilling in the Mannville Stack, adding 40 multilateral drill locations. During 2024, the Company added 197.5 mboe of proved plus probable ("2P") reserves, a 31% increase from year end 2023, driven by organic additions. 2P reserves totaled 763.9 Mboe, proved reserves totaled 587.2 Mboe and proved developed producing reserves totaled 461.7 Mboe.

_________________________________ 1 Non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP ratio. Refer to the "Advisories and Other Guidance" section within this press release MD&A for additional information, including reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Forward Planning at New Core Area

As previously announced, Westgate plans to drill three wells on its newly acquired lands near Cold Lake Alberta. Drilling is expected to commence in mid-May 2025, pending the timing of county road bans being lifted. The three wells are expected to be on production in July 2025. This program will be funded using the recently closed credit facility.

Westgate's Differentiated Strategy

Westgate is focused on the emerging Mannville Stack fairway located in East-Central Alberta and West Central Saskatchewan. This fairway is characterized by known accumulations of medium and heavy oil which are being 'unlocked' via the application of innovative drilling techniques that utilize multi-lateral horizontal drilling. Applying these multi-lateral drilling techniques has yielded some of the strongest oil well economics across Western Canada. The management team and board of Westgate have extensive experience building and leading successful energy companies in Canada. The collective successes of the leadership group share common characteristics: a strategy of targeting high-quality oil assets with large quantities of oil-in-place and driving growth through successful drilling as well as strategic merger and acquisition opportunities. This proven blueprint of delivering shareholder value will be foundational to Westgate's strategy, positioning the Company as one of a select few pure-play, high-growth, publicly-traded junior oil companies focused on the Mannville Stack Fairway.

For more information, please visit www.westgateenergy.ca.

Reader Advisories

In this press release, all references to "$" are to Canadian dollars.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "believe", "intends", "forecast", "plans", "guidance" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's drilling and capital expenditure programs and the timing thereof; the performance characteristics of the Company's oil and natural gas properties; drilling inventory; the Company's objective and growth strategy; oil, NGLs and natural gas production levels; and the quantity of oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including expectations and assumptions relating to the ability of management to successfully implement and execute its business plan, prevailing commodity prices and exchange rates, applicable royalty rates and tax laws, future well production rates, the performance of existing wells, the timing and success of its future drilling plans and its ability to identify new drilling locations, the anticipated benefits of its relationships with the applicable Metis Settlements, the ability of the Company to integrate its current and proposed assets, drilling and production potential from its current and proposed assets and the Mannville Stack more generally, the availability of capital to undertake planned activities, the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its current and future obligations, assumptions regarding the ability to use multilateral horizontal drilling, including its expected decreased capital expenses and increased production benefits, the availability and cost of labour and services and the receipt of all necessary approvals.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the failure of management to successfully implement its business plan and/or the failure of such initiatives to yield the expected benefits and results, the failure of the Company to successfully implement its future drilling plans and identify new drilling locations, the accuracy of analogous information, the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Company's relationships with applicable Metis Settlements, the failure of the Company to successfully integrate its current and proposed assets and other risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production rates, costs and expenses, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, marketing and transportation, environmental risks, competition, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and changes in tariff, tax, royalty and environmental legislation. Further important factors affecting forward-looking statements and management's assumptions and analysis thereof is available in filings made by the Company with Canadian provincial securities commissions available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof for the purpose of providing the readers with the Company's expectations. The forward-looking statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Oil and Gas Advisories

Reserves disclosed in this press release are based on an independent engineering evaluation of the oil, NGLs and natural gas interests attributable to the Westgate assets prepared by Sproule Associates Limited effective December 31, 2024. The estimates of Sproule Associates Limited were prepared using guidelines outlined in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. The recovery and reserve estimates of oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves provided herein are estimates only. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein.

Barrels of Oil Equivalent

Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. In accordance with National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities, a conversion ratio for conventional natural gas of 6 Mcf:1 bbl has been used, which is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, utilizing a conversion on a 6 Mcf:1 bbl basis may be misleading as an indicator of value as the value ratio between conventional natural gas and heavy crude oil, based on the current prices of natural gas and crude oil, differ significantly from the energy equivalency of 6 Mcf:1 bbl.

Drilling Inventory

Unbooked drilling locations in respect of Westgate's acquired new lands at Beaverdam are the internal estimates of Westgate based on the assets prospective acreage and an assumption as to the number of wells that can be drilled per section based on industry practice and internal review. Unbooked locations do not have attributed reserves or resources (including contingent and prospective). Unbooked locations have been identified by the Company's management as an estimation of the Company's multi-year drilling activities based on evaluation of applicable geologic, seismic, engineering, production and reserves information. There is no certainty that Westgate will drill all unbooked drilling locations and if drilled there is no certainty that such locations will result in additional oil and natural gas reserves, resources or production.

The drilling locations on which the Company will actually drill wells, including the number and timing thereof is ultimately dependent upon the availability of funding, regulatory approvals, seasonal restrictions, oil and natural gas prices, costs, actual drilling results, additional reservoir information that is obtained and other factors. While a certain number of the unbooked drilling locations have been de-risked by Westgate drilling existing wells in relative close proximity to such unbooked drilling locations, the majority of other unbooked drilling locations are farther away from existing wells where management of Westgate has less information about the characteristics of the reservoir and therefore there is more uncertainty whether wells will be drilled in such locations and if drilled there is more uncertainty that such wells will result in additional oil and gas reserves, resources or production.

Advisories and Other Guidance

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios and supplementary financial measures, including operating income (loss), operating netback, adjusted funds flow, total revenue, realized price, and royalties as a percentage of revenue which are not recognized measures under GAAP. Management believes these measures are useful for reporting purposes and for evaluating the consolidated financial position of the Company but cautions readers that these measures should not be considered as alternatives to measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers for these non-GAAP financial measures.

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by subtracting the cost of royalties and operating expenses from total revenue. Operating income (loss) is a component of operating netback, a non-GAAP ratio that management believes is a key industry benchmark and a measure of performance of the Company that provides investors/readers with information that is commonly used by other petroleum and natural gas producers. For a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to revenue, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, see the table under the heading "Operating Results" within this MD&A

Operating Netback

Operating Netback is a non-GAAP financial ratio calculated by dividing operating income (loss) by production volumes. Operating Netback allows management and others to evaluate the production results from the Company's assets. Management feels that operating netback is a key industry benchmark and a measure of performance of the Company that provides investors/readers with information that is commonly used by other petroleum and natural gas producers.

Total Revenue

Total revenue is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by adding processing revenue to petroleum, natural gas and NGL sales. Management uses total revenue evaluate the cash flow generated from the Company's assets and believes it is useful to investors as a key industry benchmark and a measure of performance of the Company that provides investors/readers with information that is commonly used by other petroleum and natural gas producers. For a reconciliation of petroleum, natural gas and NGL sales, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, see the table under the heading "Operating Results" within this MD&A.

Realized Price

Realized price is a supplementary financial measure calculated as the revenue by product divided by the production by product and is a key industry benchmark and a measure of performance of the Company that provides investors/readers with information that is commonly used by other petroleum and natural gas producers.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Westgate Energy Inc.

For further information concerning Westgate Energy Inc., please contact: Dan Brown, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Email: [email protected]; Nick Grafton, Chief Financial Officer, Email: [email protected], Phone: 403.984.6724
Mazda is temporarily pausing production for some of its Canadian cars made in the U.S. due to tariffs. AP

A well-known car maker is pausing production for some of its Canadian cars made in the U.S. due to tariffs.

Mazda is temporarily pausing U.S. production of its CX-50 SUVs intended to be sold in Canada, according to Bloomberg.

Here is what you need to know about when production is stopping for these Canadian vehicles and how much tariffs are affecting production in the U.S.

When will Mazda pause U.S. production of CX-50 SUVs?

Starting May 12, 2025, Mazda plans to pause its production of CX-50 SUVs at its Huntsville, Alabama, plant.

The company will still produce CX-50s for other markets.

How are tariffs affecting Mazda production in the U.S.?

A 25% tariff imposed by the U.S. government on imported cars and parts, along with retaliatory tariffs from Canada, have created challenges for automakers from foreign countries operating in the U.S.

Tariffs on completed vehicles started going into effect on April 3, 2025, with tariffs on automotive parts starting the following month.

President Trump suggested temporarily exempting the auto industry from tariffs, but did not give details about a reprieve.

Will there be any layoffs at Mazdas Huntsville plant?

At this time, Mazda is only stopping production of its Canadian vehicles. U.S. vehicles will still be produced, a spokesperson told WHNT.

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) will continue to build the Mazda CX-50 for the North American market, with no changes to overall production volume, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that operations would not be affected, and U.S. production would actually increase.

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BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Beijing on Wednesday. The two leaders announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Both sides should continuously enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and strengthen international collaboration to open a new chapter of all-round cooperation, Xi said. He added that China supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in continuing to follow a development path that suits its national conditions. China is willing to carry out in-depth law enforcement and security cooperation with Azerbaijan to resolutely combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, Xi said. He called on both sides to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and encourage educational, cultural, tourism, youth and sub-national cooperation. Xi said tariff and trade wars undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, hurt the multilateral trading system, and impact the world economic order. China is willing to work with Azerbaijan to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, firmly protect their respective legitimate rights and interests, and defend international fairness and justice, he said. Aliyev said Azerbaijan and China have always respected and trusted each other in the face of changes unseen in a century, with bilateral cooperation continuously deepened, economic and trade relations developing rapidly, and local exchanges becoming closer. He added that Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle, insists that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, and supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. The concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi are conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity, Aliyev said, adding that Azerbaijan highly appreciates and actively supports them. Azerbaijan stands ready to work with China to promote the building of a comprehensive strategic partnership, expand cooperation concerning the Belt and Road Initiative, digital economy, green energy and science and technology, deepen exchanges between political parties and people of the two countries, and strengthen cooperation in international and regional affairs, Aliyev said. After the talks, the two heads of state signed a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and witnessed the signing of 20 documents on cooperation in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, justice, green development, digital economy, intellectual property rights and aerospace. Prior to the talks, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, held a welcoming ceremony for Aliyev and his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People. Xi and Peng also hosted a welcoming banquet for Aliyev and Aliyeva in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People at noon on Wednesday.


Ramy Youssef arrives at the Oscars on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

A Golden Globe winner, a leader in environmental conservation and a trailblazing artist are among the speakers slated to address graduates at Rutgers University commencement ceremonies next month.

Rutgers alumnus Ramy Youssef  who won a Golden Globe for staring in Hulus Ramy  will speak at Rutgers-Newarks graduation on May 22 at the Prudential Center in Newark.

Youssef created, produced and directed the Peabody Award-winning comedy and Emmy-nominated series. It was inspired by his own experiences as first-generation Egyptian American Muslim on a spiritual journey in his politically divided New Jersey neighborhood.

Youssef was approved as a speaker and honorary degree recipient by the Rutgers Board of Governors in a vote taken Thursday at a meeting in New Brunswick.

Other honorees at Rutgers commencements will include:

Artist Mickalene Thomas will speak at Rutgers University-Camdens ceremony on May 20 at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden.

Conservationist Peter Seligmann will speak at the Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health commencement on May 18 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway.

An honorary doctor of laws degree will be awarded to Rajiv Vinnakota, a pioneering social entrepreneur. An honorary doctor of letters degree will be awarded to Laurie Patton, president of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Youssef, who will receive an honorary doctor of fine arts degree from Rutgers-Newark, grew up in Rutherford. He will next appear in Succession creator Jesse Armstrongs debut movie, which started filming in March.

His latest project is the adult-animated series #1 Happy Family USA, which debuted this month on Prime Video. The series follows the maniacally upbeat Husseins as they strive to be the most patriotic and peaceful Muslim family in post-9/11 America.

Thomas, the speaker at the Rutgers-Camden commencement, creates giant paintings that often feature backdrops inspired by the interiors she was surrounded by during her childhood in Camden. Her pieces hang in many nationally renowned art centers around the globe, including the Whitney Museum of American Art.

She was named one of Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People of 2025. She will receive an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree from Rutgers-Camden.

Seligmann is a Rutgers alumnus, first-generation American and an influential voice in conservation. In 1987, Seligmann, along with several colleagues, founded Conservation International, where he served as CEO until 2017.

Seligmann is slated to receive a $35,000 honorarium from Rutgers for his commencement speech. University officials said they were unsure if Seligmann planned to keep the money or donate it, as some commencement speakers have done in previous years.

Patton, who will also receive an honorary degree, is the president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an independent research center that does multidisciplinary, nonpartisan research. She previously served as the president of Middlebury College in Vermont.

Vinnakota, who will also receive an honorary degree, is the president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. The institute works with leaders in education, business, and philanthropy to make changes in colleges, workplaces, and communities.

Vinnakota also led a youth engagement program at the Aspen Institute and co-founded the SEED Foundation, a network of public boarding schools for underserved children.

The 259th anniversary commencement of Rutgers University-New Brunswick will be Rutgers President Jonathan Holloways final commencement before he leaves office.

We take immense pride in our graduating students and the curiosity, determination, creativity, and passion they have shown throughout their studies at Rutgers, Holloway said.

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Liz Rosenberg may be reached at lrosenberg@njadvancemedia.com.
After many missteps and rescheduling, Billy McFarland is looking to sell Fyre Festival 2.

This shouldnt come as a surprise, but the second iteration of the 2017 edition, which was disastrous, is postponed indefinitely.

Fyre Festival 2 was allegedly scheduled to take place at Isla Mujeres, Mexico, from May 30 to June 2, 2025. Tourist officials pumped the brakes in March, stating they were unaware of the Fyre Festivals occurrence, despite tickets being sold for upwards of $1,400 each.

Then, Fyre Festival announced it was relocating to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The official Fyre Festival Instagram posted redacted emails and documents claiming they were getting their act together concerning permits. Playa del Carmens city hall also denied the festivals occurrence there, issuing a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter).

With Fyre Festival losing whatever little muster it had, McFarland, who grew up in Millburn, posted a statement on the official website about his intentions to liquidate the companys intellectual property and trademarks while stepping down from the company.

I cant risk a repeat of what happened in Playa Del Carmen, where support quickly turned into public distancing once media attention intensified, noting, For FYRE Festival 2 to succeed, its clear that I need to step back and allow a new team to move forward independently, bringing the vision to life on this incredible island.

On Monday, TruBlue streaming co-founder Shawn Rech reached a deal with McFarland to acquire some of the IP, including two trademarks, to create a music-video streaming service, according to Deadline. McFarland pleaded guilty in 2018 to wire fraud and was sentenced to six years in prison for Fyre Fest-related fraud and selling fake tickets to other events, and was released from prison in 2022. The convicted fraudster also owes his victims from the first Fyre Festival more than $26 million.

Related coverage:

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Murjani Rawls may be reached at mrawls@njadvancemedia.com
"RuPaul's Drag Race" alum Jiggly Caliente (right) recently suffered a serious heath setback. Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup via AP IMAGES

RuPauls Drag Race alum and Pose actress Jiggly Caliente is recovering from a serious medical emergency.

Jigglys family shared a statement about the health crisis via her Instagram page on Thursday, April 24, using her real name, Bianca Castro.

The family of Bianca Castro, known to many as the beloved drag performer Jiggly Caliente, is heartbroken to share that over the last month Bianca has experienced a serious health setback. Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg, the statement reads.

Jigglys family noted that her recovery will be extensive and she will no longer be appearing on season 4 of Drag Race Philippines, which she has judged since season 1.

While Jiggly concentrates on healing, we invite her fans, friends, and community to uplift her with messages of hope and love on her social media channels, the statement adds.

Several members of the Drag Race family voiced their support in the comments section, including judges Carson Kressley and Michelle Visage.

Jiggly Caliente has died at the age of 44. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

Sending so much love your way - keeping you close to our hearts, Kressley wrote.

We love you so much my sweet jiggles and we are praying with all weve got, Visage commented.

Jigglys fellow Drag Race alums Bob the Drag Queen and Ginger Minj also weighed in.

Jiggly I love you so much. You always keep it so real. A true diva. Heal up sis, Bob wrote.

Minj added: Sister, I love you more than words can say. Youre always on my mind and Im sending you all the good thoughts in the world!

READ MORE: RuPauls Drag Race star stands by stealing castmates jokes amid feud

Jiggly competed on season 4 of RuPauls Drag Race and season 6 of RuPauls Drag Race All Stars before going on to become a judge on the spinoff set in the Phillipines. She also played Veronica in the FX series Pose.

While commemorating her 44th birthday via Instagram in November, Jiggly shared that shes honestly lived a roller coaster of a life.

Seems like a whole lifetime has passed. Another run around the sun. Heres to making it to 44. My kind usually dont make it passed 35, she wrote. Good the bad everything has made me the woman I am today. Hopefully more to come.

RuPauls Drag Race is available to stream on Paramount+.

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The exterior of Tasca Bistro in Montclair on Friday, October 4, 2024. Jeff Rhode | For NJ Advance Media

In less than a year of business, Tasca in Montclair earned statewide acclaim for its modern Iberian cuisine.

The intentionally inauthentic Portuguese and Spanish fare, featuring dishes like piri piri quail with blue cheese crema and lemon saffron gnocchi with octopus bolognese, was a hit in the highly competitive food town. After a rave review, NJ.com named it the best restaurant of 2024.

But now, its closing.

Owner Sergio Moutela announced in an Instagram post Tuesday the Bloomfield Avenue restaurant was closing on May 4, He cited the challenges of running Tasca while also operating Torino, his Italian restaurant in Metuchen.

Jorge Mendoza, sous chef of Tasca Bistro, puts the finishing touches on a plate of garlic shrimp at the restaurant in Montclair on Friday, October 4, 2024. Jeff Rhode | For NJ Advance Medi

Many factors went into making this decision, the biggest one simply being a quality of life matter, Moutela said in the post. With attempting to manage two restaurants a significant distance apart from each other, and still trying to be a present husband and father to two active children, it became challenging to truly be present and involved as much as I would like in either regard.

Reached by NJ Advance Media on Wednesday, Moutela said he wished Tasca the restaurant was closer to his Middlesex County residence.

I felt like I wasnt really putting in as much time as I really wanted to there, Moutela said. It was a little challenging, mostly because of the distance.

Moutela confirmed to NJ Advance the Montclair space has been sold, with a new restaurant set to open this fall. Meanwhile, hes shifting focus to Torino  which will be rebranded as Terzo, a seasonal Italian restaurant that will also host tasting menu events blending Iberian and Italian flavors.

Its close to my roots, Iberian cuisine, but well mash it up with Italian food, Moutela said. I have enough for like eight or 10 tasting menus already.

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Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram @laurengisellemusni.
A man who shot two workers during a 45-minute robbery spree in 2021 has been sentenced to federal prison.

Rodney Williams, 33, of Jersey City, received the 26-year sentence on Wednesday, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey said in a statement. He pleaded guilty last year to a six-count indictment charging him with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy and other offenses related to the string of crimes.

On Nov. 14, 2021, Williams pointed a gun at a store clerk and demanded money. The employee handed him cash and he fled, federal prosecutors said.

Williams next robbed a gas station with an accomplice, Siobhan Chandler. During the robbery, he pointed a gun at two gas station attendants and shot one of them when they werent complying with his demands, authorities said.

Williams and Chandler later entered another store, and Williams again pointed his gun at a clerk and demanded money, officials said. The clerk handed money to Williams, and he and Chandler took off, officials said.

The pair then entered a restaurant and Williams pointed his gun at the cashier as he demanded cash. When the cashier did not immediately comply, Williams shot the worker in the chest, prosecutors said. The cashier then handed over the money and the two robbers fled, authorities said.

The duo was arrested shortly after the 45-minute crime spree.

Chandler was sentenced last year to 12 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

Williams will be also subject to five years of supervised release as part of his sentence.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
Families need help getting access to mental health services.

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).

For a young person in a mental health crisis, schools, hospitals, advocacy groups, statewide organizations and community-based nonprofits in New Jersey offer a range of options.

But the problem for families can often be in finding and connecting with these services.

Take Shilpa Kulkarni of Livingston, who knows this all too well. Her 14-year-old son, Shiv, died by suicide on July 29, 2021. Kulkarni described Shiv as an extremely bright child who was very well-liked by his peers in a recent interview with NJ Spotlight News.

In the months before his death, Kulkarni and her family tried every way possible to help Shiv, who suffered from major depressive disorder and struggled with his identity as a gay young person.

But Kulkarni said she often found that support services  from psychiatrists to hospitals to state agencies  had considerable wait times and lacked transparent communication about what Shiv was experiencing.

For parents who are new to interacting with mental health providers and who are not familiar with mental health resources, navigating the web of services and coordinating effective care for their child can be very challenging, Kulkarni said.

Resources-wise, I wish I knew more about the whole setup, she said. When I went in the hospital, I wish there was somebody  a mom or a parent [who has been through a similar experience]  I could have talked to.

Breaking down silos

Kulkarni and two other caregivers recently shared their experiences navigating the mental health system in New Jersey during a panel discussion at the Rutgers Youth Mental Health Equity Summit in New Brunswick.

The focus of the third annual event, hosted last week by the Rutgers Center for Youth Social Emotional Wellness, was to help the behavioral and mental health community in New Jersey break down silos and connect with one another, said Joshua Langberg, the centers director.

In addition, anyone who attended the event was eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in grant funding to link community organizations  such as schools and advocacy groups  with one another so that children can have access to more coordinated mental health care.

Need to connect

The only way that were going to solve the mental health crisis is if were providing children, youth and families with comprehensive care, and that means theyre connected with wellness programs, after-school programs (and) therapists, said Langberg, who also serves as the chief wellness officer for Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Navigating those systems is incredibly difficult in our community because the system is fragmented.

Last year, 54 people between the ages of 15 and 24 died by suicide in New Jersey, according to provisional data from the state Department of Health. That was down from the year before when 79 people in the same age range died by suicide in the state.

Even younger New Jersey residents are impacted. In 2023, five children between the ages of 10 and 14 died by suicide in New Jersey, according to provisional state data. Last year, 11 children in the same age range also died by suicide.

Nationwide, suicide is especially concerning when it comes to LGBTQ+ and Black youth. According to a study cited in a 2023 report from The nonprofit Jed Foundation, Black individuals between the ages of 10 and 24 are experiencing the fastest-increasing suicide rates.

Additionally, LGBTQ+ youth from 13 to 24 years old are also at an increased risk of suicide, according to the report.

More complicated challenges

Dr. Linda Oshin, an assistant professor at Rutgers University, told NJ Spotlight News that many young people are dealing with challenges that her older generation never had to deal with, including social media, violence and climate issues.

Oshin noted that although young people are talking about mental health, their parents and caregivers dont always know how to address these issues.

I actually work more to support those support people  parents, clinicians, because a lot of the resources that we have were not developed for Black youth, Oshin said of suicide prevention efforts. Oshin researches suicide among youth of color and other marginalized groups, she said.

The conference included 10 sessions led by licensed clinicians that addressed topics including anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, parenting skills and substance use prevention. Each session was 15 minutes long and intended to teach a specific skill or strategy that attendees could learn and then use at their community-based organization.

I will say the thing that our youth and adolescents are struggling most with is a lack of interpersonal connection, said Langberg. In the pandemic, that was completely taken away. We all have phones that were on most of the time, so they havent learned the skills to do that.

Social anxiety

Langberg said free mental health evaluations are offered to all students at Rutgers University, and one of the most common issues that comes up is social anxiety.

It means they dont know how, at a place like Rutgers, to go out, find friends, (and) make meaningful relationships, he said. The vast majority of students say that they feel isolated. And isolation, in my opinion, is the main precursor to depression.

Gov. Phil Murphys proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes $43 million for the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) network, according to a state budget document.

Since its start at the beginning of the 2023 school year, the states service plan for youth has aimed to provide increased mental health services to students through 15 hubs, or treatment service centers, throughout the state. The program came in response to the sharp increase in the rates of depression, anxiety and stress among New Jersey teenagers and young adults that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Still, with all the mental health services offered, Kulkarni said she wishes there was a crash course for caregivers to understand various providers and resources that are available and accessible for young peoples mental health needs.

After Shivs death, Kulkarni and her husband and daughter started Shivs Third Eye, an organization based in Livingston. The nonprofit provides programs and information for parents about youth mental health and to support families of young people grappling with mental illness, among other resources.

Most importantly, I wish I knew no child or no family is untouchable, Kulkarni said during the panel discussion at the Rutgers Youth Mental Health Equity Summit. Just because Shiv is bright, Shiv is amazing, Shiv is popular, doesnt mean anything.

Just because we are so-called coming from India, we have this culture, that culture doesnt mean anything. I can be from any kingdom. I can be a king. It doesnt matter. It can affect my child.

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom.
A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 45 years in state prison for killing a teenager in Asbury Park.

Joseph N. Argilagos will have to serve 85% of the term  or 38 years, three months before he is eligible for parole, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said. He was sentenced Tuesday.

Argilagos is one of two people convicted in the summer of 2022 killing of Dariel Vernet, 19, of Asbury Park.

Police in Asbury Park found Vernet shot around 5:45 p.m. July 8, 2022 at the Frederick Douglass Apartment Complex near the corner of Prospect and Atlantic avenues. Vernet died of his injuries at an area hospital.

Argilagos, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was arrested days later. He was charged as an adult in September 2023 and in December of last year was convicted of murder and weapons offenses.

The other killer  Lydell Brown was arrested in Toms River in May 2023 after a 10-month search. Brown was sentenced to five years in state prison in March after he pled guilty to conspiracy to commit murder. A jury didnt reach a verdict on Brown following his earlier trial.

Brown, 21, will be eligible for parole on Aug. 2, 2027, according to online Department of Corrections records.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco, left, and John Alite, one of the borough's newest councilman. He just happens to be a former mob associate who has admitted to murder. Daniel Francisco, provided

A confessed killer is now a community leader.

Four council members have abruptly resigned since February. And the mayor claims a mysterious incident precipitated that exodus from the Englishtown borough council and led to his nomination of John Alite  the former mob hitman  as a replacement.

But he refuses to talk about it.

Theres a lot to unpack there, said Marc Pfeiffer, a senior policy fellow and assistant director of the Bloustein Local Government Center at Rutgers University.

But theres more.

Like the former police chief facing criminal charges, including aiding another person in shoplifting. And four cannabis dispensaries sitting within four blocks of each other on Englishtowns Main Street, leading some to rechristen the town.

Theyre calling us Pot Town, said Cindy Robilotti, a former council member, and I think thats disgusting.

A year ago, Englishtown was a quaint donut hole municipality of 2,300 encircled by Manalapan. But over the past few months, a series of controversies bordering on the absurd has embroiled the Monmouth County borough.

Weve never had, in all the years Ive been on council, never had four members resign, said Robilotti, who served on the six-person council for 15 years before she chose not to run for reelection a couple of years ago.

Under the circumstances, an overabundance of legal weed might seem like the least of its problems.

Yet to many, those proliferating cannabis dispensaries and the future of a beloved lake are the real concerns, not the reshuffling of the council. Or the criminal charges involving the former chief. Or their new councilmans body count (For the record: six homicides and 30 to 40 shootings, he has estimated in published reports).

I cant think of any other instance where somebody who was convicted of federal racketeering is serving in public office, said Chris Gramiccioni, who was a federal prosecutor and the Monmouth County Prosecutor before going into private practice.

Welcome to Englishtown.

Hundreds of geese descend on Lake Weamaconk in Englishtown. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

THE COUNCIL

The turmoil began to spill into public view in February.

William Lewis and Kyle Jewusiak  who had just won his council seat last November and served little more than a month  resigned from the municipal body, effective Feb. 17. Then, Meaghan Lewis  William Lewis wife  and Bill Sabin resigned, effective March 12.

Why did four council members step down in quick succession? It depends on who you ask.

In his resignation letter, Sabin said the council more closely resembles an autocracy.

My wife and I feel that we have done all that we could do to help our town over the last four years, and while the recent decisions by the mayor seem to have given a black eye to our great little town, were looking forward to moving on from all the drama, he told NJ Advance Media. He declined further comment.

Mayor Daniel Francisco says he asked three of the council members  Jewusiak and Meaghan and William Lewis  to step down after an incident in which they did something to me, he told NJ Advance Media. And then I requested them to resign, and they complied.

Francisco declined to elaborate on what they allegedly did.

But there was never any incident, according to Meaghan Lewis.

And he never once asked me to resign, she told NJ Advance Media in her first interview since her resignation.

Instead, the mayor called for her resignation in his email to her husband and Jewusiak  without directly asking her for it  she said.

Hes never once spoken to me saying that he had an issue with me, she said.

Meaghan Lewis said she didnt quit because of his request. She stepped down because of the mayors behavior  like making last-minute changes to the meeting agenda and asking the council to vote on draining Lake Weamaconk without giving it enough time to consider the options.

The lake has a dam classified as a significant hazard by the state, and requires a solution, according to an engineering firm that gave a presentation last November.

He wanted to do away with the lake and then wanted us all to vote on it without even once bringing it to the attention of the town, she said. So I fought to have a letter sent out to the town, which caused a meeting where there was probably about 200 people there, so he wasnt happy about that.

But the final straw for her came during a February executive session  an official, closed-door meeting often involving sensitive matters. Two men barged in with masks on and caused like this whole big ruckus, she said. It was a very uncomfortable situation.

The men later filmed the council meeting, calling themselves First Amendment auditors.

(Councilman Alexi Reque, who was at the February meeting, said the men werent aware they were interrupting the councils executive session until officials told them and they left. Its not that they barged in, he said. They walked in not knowing.)

Meaghan Lewis said she didnt feel safe once the disruption happened. The mother of five believed the mayor knew the men and encouraged the disturbance, because he previously filmed a video with them on the boardwalk, she said.

After the meeting, the men tried to follow the council out of the building, and when asked, Francisco offered up the council members names like it was no big deal, Meaghan Lewis said.

He wasnt there to protect us in any way, she said. It looked like he just wanted the drama.

In her resignation letter, Meaghan Lewis said, I fear for my own well-being and that of my children, according to the Asbury Park Press. Francisco, who easily won the Republican mayoral primary and faced no opponent in the general election in November 2023, called the allegation ludicrous.

William Lewis and Jewusiak did not respond to requests for comment. (Sabins wife, Kim Sabin, also resigned as chairperson of the planning/zoning board, which other married couples also serve on.)

While Englishtowns situation is admittedly unusual, plenty of towns have weathered dysfunction, Rutgers Pfeiffer pointed out.

Things happen, he said. Theres always been oddball situations that happen in local governments.

But lately, Englishtown has faced more than its share.

To some, all the drama  the council, the mayor, the infighting  is just theatrics among former friends Francisco, Sabin and the Lewises.

Theyve all gone to school together. Theyve all known each other. They all grew up in this town, said John Soares, an Englishtown local who co-founded the Bud It Up dispensary last year.

Its like classroom bickering, he said.

With a healthy dose of trolling, it would seem.

Francisco, serving in his capacity as the committee chair for Englishtown for the Monmouth County Republicans, gave the council four names to replace the members who quit.

One of them was his wife.

Francisco, a former executive director of Project Veritas  the conservative group known for its hidden camera stings  admitted he nominated her to troll some remaining council members for not speaking to him during the nomination process.

I knew for a fact they werent going to pick my wife, he said.

But one person they did pick? Alite  the former mob associate turned government witness.

John Alite poses during a photo shoot near the Queensboro Bridge in New York City in 2016. Submitted photo

THE HITMAN

Alite has admitted in court that he aided the Gambino crime family in multiple murders and the sale of drugs.

He made $1 million a year trafficking narcotics for the mob over a 10-year period in the 1980s and 90s, he testified in 2009. He went as far as to declare he wasnt a good guy.

He had met John Gotti Sr.  the Gambino mob boss notoriously known as the Teflon Don  and was soon involved in the familys illicit activities, according to a 2019 GQ profile. He soon became John Gotti Jr.s right-hand man, the profile said. Alite didnt respond to a request for comment from NJ Advance Media.

But in 2003, he was on the run, fleeing from an impending indictment. He was arrested in Brazil on murder and racketeering charges under an Interpol warrant before being extradited to the U.S. in 2006, according to the GQ story.

Alite heard Junior Gotti was working as an informant and several others had already flipped, the profile said.

So he made a deal with prosecutors. In early 2008, he pleaded guilty to federal racketeering charges and admitted to two murders. He also testified against members of the Gambino family in exchange for a lighter sentence, according to GQ. In 2011, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but was released in 2012.

Alite, now 62, became a motivational speaker and podcaster. He shared his story and opinions (and lent his expertise on video game assassinations).

But after his 30-year-old daughter died of a fentanyl overdose three years ago, he decided he wanted to make a difference, leading him to politics.

And Englishtowns council.

Im here to redeem my whole life, Alite told The New York Post last month.

THE CLERK AND THE CHIEF

What could top a council in open warfare with the mayor, mass resignations and a former mobster chosen as a replacement?

How about an Englishtown leader facing criminal charges, a whistleblower lawsuit and accusations of impropriety?

In 2023, Gretchen McCarthy, the former municipal clerk, sued the borough and former police chief Peter Cooke Jr., alleging wrongful termination for whistleblowing activities during her tenure. Shes asking for compensatory damages of at least $250,000, as well as damages for lost wages and benefits, back pay, front pay (or reinstatement), humiliation, and mental and emotional distress.

In her lawsuit, she alleged Cooke failed to respond to OPRA requests in a timely manner, asked her to provide receipts for funds she didnt receive and tried to buy a police vehicle without proper authorization. He also failed to register borough motor vehicles with the state, she alleged.

In retaliation for filing whistleblowing complaints, Cooke required McCarthy to fill out a highly invasive and inappropriate background check, the lawsuit said.

McCarthy was forced to divulge her height, weight, race, ethnicity, sex at birth, and current sex, according to the lawsuit. She also was required to report any tattoos or scars and any cars she owned, the suit claimed. Theres more. McCarthy was also told to provide signed authorizations for the release of banking records, health care records, credit agency reporting information and all government agency records, according to the lawsuit.

McCarthy was very alarmed at the request and reached out to the board attorney at the time, who initially didnt reply, she claimed in the lawsuit. But she signed off on the background check and had her fingerprints taken.

However, she drew the line at completing a related questionnaire because she had objections, according to the lawsuit. She voiced those objections, and months later, she went on medical leave.

When she returned to work in January 2023, she was terminated, according to the lawsuit. She was told her refusal to fill out the questionnaire was the reason.

Unfortunately, what happened to her is what happens to many whistleblowers, said Ty Hyderally, her attorney. The case is the discovery phase, and the trial is anticipated to start over the next couple of months, he told NJ Advance Media.

When we filed the lawsuit, Chief Cooke was still the chief of police, he said. The fact that he no longer is the chief of police is certainly an interesting issue that well be looking into further.

An attorney for Cooke declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing pending litigation.

But Cooke has other legal issues.

He used a law enforcement database for four years to look up information about two people outside the scope of police investigative purposes, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said last November.

And while on administrative leave for an undisclosed purpose, he also helped an unidentified co-conspirator in several instances of shoplifting from a local grocery store, prosecutors said.

He was charged with third-degree computer theft and third-degree conspiracy to commit shoplifting, officials said. Cooke was placed on unpaid suspension, officials said at the time.

He had a pre-indictment conference in early April at Monmouth County Superior Court, but the case remains active, according to court records.

THE RESIDENTS

Somehow, no one in Englishtown seems upset about Alite. Or the incredibly messy council.

Not even council members themselves.

I dont want to say nobody cared, but we want to know whats our next couple steps, rather than what someone did in their previous lifetime, said Brenden Sharkey, a new councilman who was sworn in earlier this month.

Residents seemed to agree that a former hitman councilman wasnt a concern.

Not at all, said Joann Damante. That wasnt even an issue.

Only one person objected to Alites position on the council at a March town hall. But the man was from Long Island and had a somewhat personal tie to Alites former life  he once worked for John Gotti Jr., the New York Post reported. (The crowd was not pleased with his presence, and promptly booed him out of the room.)

However, the legal cannabis dispensaries lining Main Street are another matter.

Obviously a concern, Sharkey acknowledged, but noted two of them occupy previously vacant banks.

Even a dispensary owner agrees four is too many for a tiny town.

Someone has the business license for a fifth cannabis dispensary in town, said Soares, one of the other dispensary owners. But as of now, its unclear if all will even remain afloat.

I dont think four is going to last, to be honest with you, he said. One will fail  I dont think itll be us, but I think one will fail.

Perhaps thats one problem that can get solved in Englishtown.

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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
With a potential May 15 strike by locomotive engineers and trainmen looming, NJ Transit claimed Wednesday that salary demands would prompt a 17% fare increase and consume 27% of the revenues from the Corporate Transit Fee.

The claims were listed on a new NJ Transit webpage, the facts about NJ Transits negotiations with the BLE&T (Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen). The union rejected a proposed contract on April 15 by an overwhelming margin, setting the stage for a potential strike by the union or lock out by NJ Transit on May 15.

The agencys contention that new salary demands would eat up 27% of the corporate transit fee brought swift condemnation by the state Chamber of Commerce Wednesday.

The corporate transit fee levies a 2.5% tax on the earnings of about 600 companies in New Jersey that make a profit of at least $10 million a year. The fee, proposed by Gov. Phil Murphy as part of the fiscal year 2025 state budget, averts a forecasted $766 million shortfall in the operating budget.

The unions current demands would cost taxpayers and NJ Transit $1.363 billion between July 2025 and June 2030. Thats $684 million more than the contract proposal union members voted down on April 15, the agency said.

According to NJ Transit, accepting the unions demands would require either increasing fares by 17% beginning this coming fiscal year that starts on July 1, an increase to the corporate transit fee (CTF) by 27%, or drastic reductions to service systemwide.

When Gov. Murphy signed the Corporate Transit Fee into law last year, it was pitched as a bold investment in New Jerseys future, said Tom Bracken, state Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. What we did not sign up for was a massive portion of that $1 billion annual tax going towards a pay raise that would cost NJ Transit and taxpayers $1.36 billion over the next five years.

Union officials could not be reached for comment.

Bracken said that revenue must go toward rebuilding the system and nothing else.

NJ Transits proposed $3.2 billion fiscal year 2026 operating budget allocates 58% for labor costs. The proposed budget proposes $984.2 million to pay 12,000 employees, a $30 million increase from the current operating budget.

A chart of expenses paid by NJ Transit's proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget shows labor costs at 58% are the largest item. The capital budget funds upgrades to infrastructure and equipment. SL

The main revenue sources for the operating budget are fares at 31%, the state budget, the corporate transit fee at 28% and N.J. Turnpike Authority funding at 14%, according to the proposed budget. Fares automatically increase 3% on July 1, after they increased 15% last year.

The capital budget covers the cost of upgrading the system, including infrastructure, new trains and buses, and modernizing stations. It is funded from the Transportation Trust Fund and the federal government.

The Chamber of Commerce statement was silent about NJ Transits $500 million 25-year lease of office space at 2 Gateway Center in Newark, which the union criticized as being fiscally imprudent.

In the fact sheet, NJ Transit pushed back on union claims they have the lowest pay rate compared to engineers on other commuter railroads

The agency said the average total earnings is $135,000 annually, with the highest earners exceeding $200,000. Under the tentative agreement BLET members rejected, locomotive engineers would have averaged $172,856 as of July 1, 2027, NJ Transit said.

However, the current $135,000 average earnings includes overtime, based on an NJ Advance Media analysis of NJ Transit 2024 salary records.

An engineers base salary was $82,742 last year and 195 engineers supplemented that base pay by working extra hours. Overtime ranged from a high of $110,260 for one engineer to a low of $2,461, salary data showed.

NJ Transit contended that the union should accept a contract with the same salary increases other rail unions previously agreed to. The BLE&T argues the required technical knowledge required and responsibility of the job are worth more.

The fact sheet campaign seems to be a contrast with the less adversarial approach taken by NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri. After the April 15 contact rejection, he said he believes a deal is still within reach and committed to return to the bargaining table to negotiate.

NJ Transit officials did not details what its contingency plans are if there is a strike. The fact sheet said the cost of providing limited alternative service would be $4 million per day.

Plans for a threatened rail strike in 2016 would have used bus service to and from New York operating from temporary park and ride lots that only would have served 40% of rail passengers.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry
Shifting winds have been pushing smoke and tiny particles from the big Ocean County wildfire north towards New York City, sparking air quality alerts in the region Thursday.

All of New York City, including Staten Island and Manhattan, along with Long Island and parts of the Hudson Valley are currently under an air quality alert that will continue through midnight.

Although the air quality has not yet reached levels considered dangerous to widespread populations, the smoke and small particulates from the raging wildfire are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, like young children, elderly people and anyone with respiratory problems or heart issues, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and environmental officials in New York state.

When pollution levels are elevated, the New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects, the National Weather Services New York office said.

The EPAs AirNow map is predicting moderate levels of air pollution in New Jersey and unhealthy air for sensitive people in New York City and Long Island, N.Y,. on Thursday, April 24, because of smoke and tiny particles drifting north from the huge wildfire in Ocean County. Environmental Protection Agency

Although no air quality alerts have yet been issued Thursday in New Jersey, a shift in wind direction has caused some smoke and smoky odors to drift north into parts of Monmouth and Middlesex counties.

While wind speeds have been very light Thursday morning, they are expected to increase slightly to 7 to 10 mph Thursday afternoon and Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.

The wind direction is projected to be southwesterly this afternoon, with winds blowing from the southwest to the northeast. Thursday evening, winds are forecast to shift due south, blowing from the south to the north.

Some New Jersey residents have posted photos and videos on social media showing cars covered with ash and murky air reducing visibility on local roads in Ocean County.

As of late Thursday morning, the wildfire has consumed about 15,000 acres and was 50% contained, fire officials said. A 19-year-old man who authorities say didnt properly extinguish a bonfire has been charged with starting the wildfire.

Firefighters will be getting some help from Mother Nature, with scattered rain showers expected late Friday through Saturday night.

Forecasters say they expect a quarter-inch to three quarters of an inch of rain to fall in the Ocean County region, but additional rain is possible if isolated thunderstorms develop.

Storm clouds should dissipate overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, paving the way for mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s Sunday afternoon.

Current weather radar

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality.
Hey there New Jersey! Heres your audio update highlighting thousands of residents returning to their homes after wildfire evacuations and a construction project at Newark Liberty International Airport that may lead to flight delays.

Well also tell you about a 12-year-old girl who saved her family from a house fire.

Listen by clicking the play button above.

This audio presentation is an editorially-curated selection of stories, selected by an editor, and then summarized and read aloud by artificial intelligence. Some variations in pronunciation, tone or diction may result.

We want to know what you think! All feedback is valuable. After youve listened, take our 3-question survey here to let us know what you think.

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The State Department has reissued a travel advisory to this popular West African nation. Canva/Katherine Rodriguez

If youre planning a trip to this popular West African destination, you might want to take some extra precautions before going on your trip.

The U.S. State Department has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution if they travel to Morocco.

Heres everything you need to know about the updated travel advisory for Morocco.

What does the Level 2 travel advisory for Morocco mean for you?

The updated advisory warns of terrorist attacks that could happen with little or no warning.

Item Detail Start Date April 21, 2025 Whats changing Updated travel advisory to Level 2: Increased Caution for Morocco to include a note about buying travel insurance What will happen? Travelers to Morocco should exercise increased caution due to terrorism in the area Who will it affect? Travelers to Morocco

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Morocco, the travel advisory continues. The groups target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities.

Morocco is a very popular tourist destination for the cuisine, architecture, and traveling by camel back in the Sahara Desert.

What is the highest travel advisory?

There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination.

Level 1 : Exercise Normal Precautions  This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit.

Level 2 : Exercise Increased Caution  There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution.

Level 3 : Reconsider Travel  There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination.

Level 4: Do Not Travel  This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency.

What should travelers to Morocco do in light of this travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department recommends people who are planning to travel to Morocco to buy travelers insurance before they leave.

The agency also recommends that travelers to the country do the following:

Stay alert in high tourist areas

Avoid demonstrations and crowded areas

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A 23-year-old Lakewood man admitted to causing a head-on drunk-driving crash that killed one woman and left another seriously injured.

Mordechai Berkowitz, of Lakewood, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and assault by auto, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said Thursday.

He faces up to 10 years at his scheduled July 18 sentencing.

The then-20-year-old Berkowitz had a blood alcohol content of .157 percent at the time of the July 22, 2022 crash  nearly twice the legal limit  and was driving 90 mph in a 35 mph zone, prosecutors said

Berkowitz was driving a car east on South Lake Drive when he crossed over the double yellow line and slammed head-on into an SUV at about 8:20 p.m., officials said.

The passenger in the SUV  Juana Lopez-Hernandez, 44, of Mexico  died of her injuries at a local hospital.

The driver, a 35-year-old Jackson woman, was seriously injured and is still home recovering.

Berkowitz turned himself in five days after the crash and was later released.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Paterson City Hall on Market Street. Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance

Paterson City Councilwoman Maritza Davila recently criticized open drug use outside a municipal program that serves the homeless and offers drug treatment.

Davila expressed dismay after she said she witnessed a man doing drugs outside 125 Ellison St. as her son drove her to city hall for the April 15 council meeting.

I saw first-hand, with my son there, how a gentleman decided to take out drugs in front of the building, and no one stopped him, she said during the meeting. And an employee for the RealFix program watched and did nothing.

That program needs to be removed from Ellison Street, she said. Its embarrassing, and Im seeing nothing being done to combat that.

The city hosts various programs for homeless individuals and drug treatment through the RealFix program inside 125 Ellison St.

RealFix, funded by a $1 million private grant, provides medication or treatment programs for opioid use disorder and other drug-related issues, according to its website. Its programs are available to all Paterson residents, regardless of insurance, immigration status, or ability to pay.

Edward Boze, who oversees the program, did not return calls for comment.

But Paterson spokesperson Dacil Tilos defended the program.

RealFix is a very successful program that we implemented to address opioid use disorder, she said. In fact, the RealFix team has helped 610 people receive treatment for their addiction. We are taking Councilwoman Davilas concerns very seriously and are considering potentially relocating RealFix to another location.

Paterson is ranked second in New Jersey for the highest rate of heroin abuse and is facing an opioid crisis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Among the citys youth, 6.2% reported using cocaine, and 6.8% reported using heroin  figures higher than the state average of 0.42% and 0.02%, respectively.

In December, Boze told the Bergen Record that Paterson plans to double participation in the RealFix addiction treatment program  from 460 to 1,000 clients by June 2025. The move follows a 29% drop in local overdose deaths and increased use of medication-assisted treatment, Bergen Record reported.

Paterson recently made headlines after authorities dismantled a major drug trafficking operation, which seized nearly $5 million in heroin and fentanyl and led to the deaths of 109 people.

Those who work in drug treatment in the city say any programs to support people battling addiction are needed.

Black Lives Matter Paterson opened a harm reduction center in 2023 to help people dealing with addiction and homelessness.

The Harm Reduction is making a huge difference in our city by meeting people where they are, said Bre Azanedo, the centers project manager. We do this by offering people sterile supplies and creating a judgment-free support system that aids in long-term recovery for those experiencing drug-related issues.

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Deion Johnson may be reached at djohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram at @DeionRJohnson or X @DeionRJohhnson
Trumps insane tariffs at work: 26% of the all Subarus sold in Canada are made at the US at their big plant in Indiana. Subaru now slashing those exports to Canada due to tariffs. Means less auto production/jobs in (red state) Indiana and more in Japan. Ugh.
President Donald Trump, right, shakes the hand of El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 14, 2025. (Pool via AP) AP

An ex-aide to former President Barack Obama slammed a Fox News host for an embarrassing back-and-forth with a Democrat lawmaker earlier this week.

Tommy Vietor, co-host of Pod Save America, highlighted the exchange between Fox News host Will Cain and Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost (D). Cain questioned whether Trump said he would deport U.S. citizens  which legal scholars say is obviously illegal and unconstitutional  during the interview with Frost earlier this week.

Earlier this week, Fox News host Will Cain made a complete and total fool of himself on air, and I think it was a moment worth highlighting, because, one, its fun, and also because his ignorance, I think, shows the damage that can be caused by political media silos, not just for the viewers, but for the participants in these conversations themselves, Vietor said during his conversation with The Bulwarks Tim Miller.

Fox News host @willcain made a fool of himself during an interview with @MaxwellFrostFL when Cain didn't know basic facts about Trump's policy. @Timodc & I explain what this tells us about the danger of partisan media bubbles on @PodSaveAmerica Youtube. Link in next tweet (1/2)  Tommy Vietor (@TVietor08) April 24, 2025

During the exchange with Frost, Cain questioned whether Trump suggested that homegrown criminals could be sent to the notorious El Salvador prison. Despite Fox News reporting on Trumps homegrown comments, Cain told Frost that he had not seen Trump make that statement.

Heres a part of the back-and-forth between Cain and Frost:

Frost: We want to make sure that we draw the line here at Kilmar Abrego Garcia because its not just about him. Its about the fact that in the Oval Office, Donald Trump brought up that he wants to do the same thing to homegrowns. Homegrowns being U.S. citizens - a complete violation of our U.S. Constitution. I dont want to wait till we get to that point. 

Cain: I want to dig in on that point, youve made that point several times. But before we move forward, I have to stop down with what you just said, Donald Trump has made a statement about wanting to deport American citizens? Do you have that in front of you? Ive not seen that statement. Could you please quote where that comes from, that he would like to deport American citizens?

Frost: He said it in the Oval Office. He said he wants to go for homegrowns next, people born and raised in the United States.

Cain: Do you have anything besides your word on that? I have not seen that.

Vietor, a former Obama staffer, weighed in on Cains segment during a podcast episode that aired Wednesday. He explained that it shows how many people only consume media that aligns with their own beliefs.

I feel like theres two sort of options to explain Will Cains ignorance there. One is that hes stupid and he doesnt read the news...I guess these arent mutually exclusive. And the second is that he only consumes conservative media, and maybe genuinely did not know that Trump had floated this idea multiple times in the Oval Office, Vietor said.

During that segment, Cain later played the clip that Frost was describing but doubled down on his remarks and made no apology.

Im suspicious of any Democrat quoting President Trump in full context. I make no apologies. None.  It doesnt reinforce my fever-dream, Handmaids Tale-style vision of America, where Lilly, who reads The Bulwark on the Upper West Side, is about to be deported," Cain said.

Miller, a writer at The Bulwark and MSNBC contributor, said that he loves that Cain is familiar with The Bulwark.

Hes not in that much of a silo, at least, at some level. It has broached at least his brain, or the brain of his producer. The thing is, though, again, it shows a lack of familiarity with what the criticism is of the administration, Miller added.

Matt Arco contributed to this report.

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President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

President Donald Trump told reporters this week that everythings active when asked if he was engaging with China over finding a solution to his trade war.

Putting aside that China on Thursday denied Trumps assertion that the two sides were involved in active negotiations over tariffs, a prominent Trump critic said there are two words to describe why Trump may soften his stance against China: Rare earths.

The Washington Post reported Thursday that Trump administration officials are scrambling to stem economic damage from Chinas restrictions on rare earth exports as Trumps trade war risks cutting key industries and defense contractors off from supplies of metals crucial to production.

According to the report, companies are scrambling for other suppliers and urging Trumps administration to make peace with China since the country has a lock on the supply of certain elements.

China knows this is a very strong bargaining chip, and it is why they are playing it, Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes, who was a deputy director for batteries and critical materials at the Energy Department during the Biden administration, told the newspaper. This is fast emerging as our Achilles heel. What makes these bans particularly dangerous is, oftentimes, one of these materials is a single point of failure for entire supply chains, and its production rests solely in China.

The report comes two days after The Korea Economic Daily reported that China warned South Korean companies of retributions for exporting any product containing its critical metals to US military contractors.

Enter Ron Filipkowski, editor of MeidasTouch.

China restricting exports of rare earths is the thing thats going to cause Trump to cave on China while declaring victory, posted to X earlier this month, and reposted Thursday with a screenshot of one of the authors behind the Posts story.

Started / Going. April 4 / Today, Filipkowski said.

Started / Going.



April 4 / Today. pic.twitter.com/Uinz5r7rvD  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 24, 2025

Trump had put 145% tariffs on imports from China, while China hit back with 125% tariffs on U.S. products. While Trump has given other countries a 90-day pause on the tariffs, as their leaders pledged to negotiate with the U.S., China remained the exception. Instead, Beijing raised its own tariffs and deployed other economic measures in response while vowing to fight to the end. For example, China restricted exports of rare earth minerals and raised multiple cases against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization.

Trump said Tuesday that the final tariff rate on Chinas exports would come down substantially from the current 145%.

It prompted a statement from China that there havent been any talks.

Chinas position is consistent and we are open to consultations and dialogues, but any form of consultations and negotiations must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and in an equal manner, said Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong. Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Hillary Clinton, 67th Secretary of State of the United States, speaks on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) AP

President Donald Trump this week signed a sweeping executive action to overhaul elections in the U.S. and another executive order to scrutinize Americas colleges.

And his 2016 presidential rival, Hillary Clinton, has a message:

This is your regular reminder that executive orders are not royal decrees. Because America has no king, the former secretary of state posted to X.

This is your regular reminder that executive orders are not royal decrees. Because America has no king.  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 24, 2025

Trumps orders have been facing challenges in court.

The Democratic National Committee, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the League of Women Voters Education Fund and others are seeking to block Trumps sweeping overhaul of federal election processes, which, among other changes, would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

The Republican presidents executive order says the U.S. has failed to enforce basic and necessary election protections and calls on states to work with federal agencies to share voter lists and prosecute election crimes. It threatens to pull federal funding from states where election officials dont comply.

The move is consistent with Trumps long history of railing against election processes. He often claims elections are being rigged, even before the results are known, and has waged battles against certain voting methods since he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden and falsely blamed it on widespread fraud.

Trumps order aims to mandate major changes to election processes, including adding a proof-of-citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form and requiring all mail ballots to be received, rather than just postmarked, by Election Day nationwide.

The plaintiffs argue the order violates the Constitution, which says that states  not the president  get to decide the times, places and manner of how elections are run. The Constitutions so-called Elections Clause also gives Congress the power to make or alter election regulations, at least for federal office, but it doesnt mention any presidential authority over election administration.

In a series of executive actions signed on Wednesday, Trump targeted universities that he views as liberal adversaries to his political agenda. One order called for harder enforcement of a federal law requiring colleges to disclose their financial ties with foreign sources, while another called for a shakeup of the accrediting bodies that decide whether colleges can accept federal financial aid awarded to students.

Trump also ordered the Education Department to root out efforts to ensure equity in discipline in the nations K-12 schools. Previous guidance from Democratic administrations directed schools not to disproportionately punish underrepresented minorities such as Black and Native American students. The administration says equity efforts amount to racial discrimination.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jeff Brown, seen in this 2020 photo, was elevated from the Health Department Assistant Commissioner to acting Health Commissioner in New Jersey. Gov. Phil Murphy announced the appointment Wednesday. Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media

Jeff Brown, who led New Jerseys launch into the legal cannabis market in 2022 will now run the $2 billion state Department of Health, Gov. Phil Murphy announced late Wednesday.

Brown left the Cannabis Regulatory Commission last year to oversee the inspection and licensing of the states 2,200 health care facilities and 2,700 mental health addiction programs, among other responsibilities as Deputy Health Commissioner.
Steve Bannon speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP

Former Donald Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon says something isnt passing the smell test with Elon Musks work at the Department of Government Efficiency.

None of this makes sense, Bannon told Ben Smith, the editor in chief of Semafor, during the World Economy Summit.

We need to have a very specific accounting of what he found, as far as fraud goes and waste, and I mean details, Bannon said.

From Semafor:

Bannon also said he wants a letter of certification showing that no one has taken any data from the Trump administration or government, to which Semafors editor-in-chief Ben Smith asked, Sounds like you dont trust [Musk] not to take data?

Trust, but verify, Bannon responded.

Bannon has been extremely critical of Musk, calling him, among other things, a parasitic illegal immigrant.

But as Musk announced he plans to be less involved with Washington and DOGE, and instead focus most of his attention on Tesla, Bannon said he wants to see the receipts.

Democrats in Washington have made similar calls as Musk and the Trump administration have claimed to have found widespread fraud and government waste, but havent provided any evidence to back it up.

Musk, a key adviser of Trump, said hell dedicate more time to Tesla starting in May after the company reported a big drop in first-quarter profit. The company has faced backlash and angry protests over Musks leadership of DOGE.

DOGE was initially envisioned as an independent advisory panel, with Musk sharing leadership with Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur. Ramaswamy dropped out and is running for Ohio governor, and DOGE became part of the government. It was stocked with Musks allies, who were dispatched throughout the bureaucracy to cancel contracts, access sensitive data and push for cuts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Rupert Murdoch sits in the Oval Office of the White House as President Donald Trump signs an executive order, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

President Donald Trump is not happy with Fox News.

The latest Fox News poll showed Trumps approval rating has tanked during his second term in office, making him the president with the lowest rating at the 100-day mark of his presidency in recent years. Trump lashed out at Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch over the Fox Newss pollster, Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research. Data guru Nate Silver gives the pollster an A rating.

Rupert Murdoch has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so. This pollster has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He also called on Murdoch to make changes to the China Loving Wall Street Journal.

Also, and while hes at it, he should start making changes at the China Loving Wall Street Journal. It sucks!!!, Trump wrote.

Rupert Murdoch has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so. This pollster has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years. Also, and while hes at it, he should start making changes at the China Loving Wall  Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 24, 2025

The Wall Street Journals editorial board published a piece criticizing Trump over his tariffs on Thursday and highlighted Trumps likely reversal on his 145% tax on imported goods from China.

From the Wall Street Journals editorial board:

Another harsh reality is that China called Mr. Trumps bluff and seems to have won this round. When Mr. Trump imposed his tariffs in the first term, President Xi Jinping retaliated with some restraint and sent a delegation to negotiate a trade deal.

This time he retaliated in tit-for-tat fashion and pushed all of his anti-U.S. economic and diplomatic levers. He has cut off U.S. access to crucial rare-earth minerals, stopped the delivery of Boeing jets, looked elsewhere for food and natural-gas imports, and unleashed regulators against American companies.

Beijing has also warned countries not to do trade deals with the U.S. that exclude Chinaor else. With even U.S. allies facing Mr. Trumps tariff assault, Beijings threat has resonated in a way that it never previously did. U.S. diplomatic sway is ebbing.

The question going forward is whether Mr. Trump is internalizing these economic and political lessons or merely pausing to fight his trade war another day. We doubt even Mr. Trump knows the answer, since so much of his decision-making is ad hoc. Hell keep his universal 10% tariff in any case.

U.S. stocks rallied the last two days on hopes that Trump was softening his approach on tariffs and his criticism of the Federal Reserve, which had earlier shaken markets. But China, the worlds second-largest economy, on Thursday denied the two sides were involved in active negotiations over tariffs, saying that any suggestion of progress in this matter was as groundless as trying to catch the wind.

Calling Trumps policy announcements headline turbulence, Tan Jing Yi of the Asia & Oceania Treasury Department at Mizuho Bank warned that global economies could be hurt in the long run, adding: Sentiments swing from hopes of intense relief to inflicted economic gloom.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

A Ukrainian journalist mocked President Donald Trump for his statement on Russias latest attack on Kyiv.

The Kyiv Independent writer, llia Ponomarenko, commented on Trumps social media post about the Russian strike on Kyiv that left 12 people dead on Thursday. Trump has rarely criticized Russian leader Vladimir Putin for his invasion of Ukraine and has largely attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over negotiations to end the war.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE! Trump posted to Truth Social.

Ponomarenko reacted to his post on Thursday.

Welcome to the real world. Good luck, Ponomarenko wrote on social media platform X.

Welcome to the real world.



Good luck. pic.twitter.com/WRQpvvgW4v  Illia Ponomarenko  (@IAPonomarenko) April 24, 2025

He also mocked Trump for saying that the strike was bad timing.

Oh, by the way, when is the good timing for a genocidal missile strike on a European capital to eviscerate dozens of people sleeping in their homes?, he wrote on X.

Trump repeatedly vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours if he was elected president. As Trump nears his 100-day mark of his second term, a deal has yet to be struck to end the conflict.

The U.S. proposal for a peace plan in the region was met with sharp backlash for including ceding Crimea to Russia to end the war.

The Ukrainian air force said Russia fired 66 ballistic and cruise missiles, four plane-launched air-to-surface missiles, and 145 Shahed and decoy drones at Kyiv and four other regions of Ukraine. Rescue workers with flashlights scoured the charred rubble of partly collapsed homes as the blue lights of emergency vehicles lit up the dark city streets.

The attack came as weeks of peace negotiations appeared to be culminating without an agreement in sight and hours after Trump lashed out at Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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A motorist struck and killed a bicyclist then left the scene and returned in a different vehicle Wednesday night in Salem County, police said.

The driver is charged with a variety of offenses, including vehicular homicide and driving under the influence.

Steven J. Petronglo, 44, of Pittsgrove Township, was at the wheel of a pickup truck hauling a tractor with a 15-foot-wide seeder attachment heading east on Willow Grove Road near Parvins Mill Road in Pittsgrove, according to a New Jersey State Police spokesman.

James Goode, 61, of Vineland, was riding an electric bicycle west on the eastbound side of the road and Petronglos pickup was unable to avoid the pedalcyclist, police said.

Goode was struck by the right side of the seeder attachment on the tractor and died of his injuries, according to police.

Its not clear yet if Goode was riding on the shoulder or in the lane of travel when he was hit, police said.

Petronglo drove from the crash scene and later returned in a different vehicle, police said.

An affidavit of probable cause filed with his charges states that Petronglo drove to his residence in Pittsgrove and removed the tractor from the trailer before returning to the scene, while details with one of his charges states he drove to an address in Newfield.

Troopers responded to the crash shortly after 7:30 p.m.

Petronglo was arrested and jailed on charges of second-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, third-degree strict liability vehicular homicide, fourth-degree tampering with evidence, driving under the influence and numerous motor vehicle violations.

Court records didnt list an attorney for Petronglo as of Thursday morning.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Lindens mayor and council passed a revised zoning ordinance on Friday over the objections of Jewish residents who say the new rules discriminate against large families moving into the Union County community.

Local officials said the revised ordinance was designed to address serious concerns from the local Jewish community after hundreds of Jewish residents crammed into city hall during a council meeting earlier this month to stop final passage of an earlier version of the ordinance.

A revised ordinance was unanimously passed on first reading Friday. The council is expected to take a final vote on the ordinance on May 20.

The new version of the ordinance pulled back on counting basements and cellars as part of the gross floor area of dwellings. But it left much of the original ordinance unchanged over the objections of Jewish residents.

Until recently, our synagogue had a respectful and constructive relationship with the town, Rabbi Yosef Katz of Anshe Chesed of Linden said last week.

But over the past few years, that relationship has shifted. Zoning laws that went unchanged for over 25 years have now been amended multiple times  changes that began shortly after Orthodox Jewish families started moving into the neighborhood. The timing and pattern raise serious questions."

The local Jewish community strongly objected to the zoning revisions, calling them veiled antisemitism. Jewish residents also called out Lindens mayor Derek Armstead, who was accused last year of making antisemitic remarks in discussions with local school officials.

Armstead later apologized for his remarks after a whistleblower filed a lawsuit against him. The lawsuit remains ongoing, court records show.

Some of the proposed zoning changes include minimum ceiling height and square footage for bedrooms, according to the ordinance. Bedrooms and dwellings containing kitchens and bathrooms cannot be located in basements, the ordinance states.

Other revisions include reduced lot coverage in specific zoning districts, according to the ordinance.

Applications for variances must also include a landscape plan that considers tree management standards under the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections municipal tree management law.

The initial ordinance introduced in March would have set new restrictions on how square footages of homes are calculated and placed additional restrictions on impervious lot coverage and where bedrooms could be located inside homes.

The initial ordinance passed a first reading at a March 18 council meeting and was on the April 15 council meeting agenda for final passage. But hundreds of members of the Jewish community showed up in buses to object to the ordinance before the vote.

The April 15 meeting had to be rescheduled to Friday and moved to the Linden High School auditorium in anticipation of a large community turnout, officials said.

City officials said the revisions to the zoning ordinance are necessary to manage stormwater runoff and the use of small plots of land in the city as homes have expanded and green spaces have been reduced.

Due to new federal rules, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection implemented a Municipal Stormwater Management Program in 2004 to reduce stormwater runoff, Linden city engineer Nicholas Pantina said last week.

There have been numerous changes to these requirements over the years, and the latest changes in 2023 have caused the City to re-evaluate its Zoning requirements, Pantina said in a statement.

Several people objected to the new zoning ordinance during public comment section of Fridays meeting, saying the Jewish community was not adequately included in shaping the ordinance.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
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The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal and Steve Earle are among the guest musicians who recorded songs for a new tribute album to zydeco legend Clifton Chenier. A Tribute to the King of Zydeco features those musicians along with a number of South Louisiana greats covering classic Chenier songs in celebration of what would have been the pioneers 100th birthday.

A Tribute to the King of Zydeco will be released June 27 on Joel Savoys Valcour Records, and the label has released the albums first single, Release Me, featuring Williams, swamp pop icon Tommy McClain and accordion master Keith Frank. Take a listen to the song below.

Its pretty incredible when you start a project like this, how word gets out and people come to you wanting to be a part of it, says Savoy, a Cajun musician whose parents are Marc and Ann Savoy. Everybody loved Clifton and his music, and so many people were touched by it.

Chenier was born in Opelousas on June 25, 1925, and his father, Joseph, taught a young Clifton to play the accordion. As he grew into his own as a regular musician at South Louisiana house parties and dances, Chenier developed a style that blended French Creole La La music with R&B and blues and Cajun influences. And his 1954 recordings of Louisiana Stomp and Cliftons Blues are seen as some of the earliest recorded examples of what would become known as zydeco.

Chenier won a Grammy Award in 1983 for his album Im Here!, and the next year the National Endowment for the Arts named him a National heritage Fellow.

Chenier died in December 1987 at the age of 62.

After Cliftons passing, his son C.J. Chenier took over leadership of Cliftons band. The accordionist and vocalist often pays tribute to his father on stage, and he appears on two tracks on Tribute to the King of Zydeco, performing on Im Coming Home with blues guitarist Sonny Landreth and Hot Rod with David Hidalgo of the band Los Lobos.

The Rolling Stones and Cajun musician Steve Riley open A Tribute to the King of Zydeco with Cheniers genre-naming song Zydeco Sont Pas Sale  and yes, Mick Jagger sings in French Creole. The Stones have rarely, if ever, contributed to this kind of tribute album, which demonstrates Cheniers importance and the interest the band has had in American blues and folk music, says swamp rocker C.C. Adcock, who brought British giants onboard and produced the tracks Zydeco Sont Pas Sales and Release Me.

We all got into a lot of cool music through the backdoor of The Rolling Stones and rock n roll. And theres another moment to do that here, Adcock says. The Stones being involved and them crowing about it is a way for some kid in Brazil to learn about zydeco and learn about Clifton.

A Tribute to the King of Zydeco also includes Taj Mahal and Keith Frank performing on Cheniers 1955 hit Hey, tite Fille; country musician Charley Crockett and Zydeco Cha Chas leader Nathan Williams Sr. playing Easy Easy Baby; and pianist Marcia Ball and accordionist Geno Delafose on I May Be Wrong.

The 14-track album was produced by Savoy and Steve Berlin, a longtime member of Los Lobos. John Leopold, the former managing director of the Arhoolie Foundation  the Arhoolie record label importantly released many of Cheniers recordings  executive produced the album. Adcock produced Zydeco Sont Pas Sales and Release Me.

Savoy and Berlin brought together musicians Roddie Romero, Eric Adcock, Derek Huston, Lee Allen Zeno, Jermaine Prejean and Sherelle Chenier Mouton as the house band to back the guest artists on most of the tribute album. Theyve been dubbed the Dockside Allstars in a nod to their time recording the album at the studio out in Maurice.

I immediately realized how important [this project] would be as a record and how I had to make sure that the correct people were involved in this, Savoy says. Because it wasnt about me. It wasnt about Steve. It wasnt about Arhoolie. Instantly the weight on my shoulders was figuring out how to do this right. And I felt like there was one right way, and it was to bring as many of these zydeco legacy families onto the project as possible and get support from the zydeco community. I feel like we did a great job in accomplishing that.

On Friday, May 2, the Dockside Allstars will back C.J. Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, Curley Taylor and surprise guests during a Clifton Chenier centennial show at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. They play at 5:50 p.m. on the Fais Do-Do Stage.

There also will be an exhibit about Chenier in the Grandstand during Jazz Fest organized by the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The King at 100 includes rare photos, archival materials and personal items, including Cheniers accordion, stage outfits and his King of Zydeco crown.

In a couple of months, Valcour Records and Smithsonian Folkways will mark Cheniers birthday with a 7-inch single release pairing The Rolling Stones version of Zydeco Son Pas Sales with Cheniers original recording. There also are plans for Smithsonian Folkways, which now controls the Arhoolie catalog, to release a historical boxset later this year.

Proceeds from the sale of A Tribute to the King of Zydeco will benefit the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. The new scholarship fund will support ULL students studying traditional music, specifically zydeco accordion.

These artists on this project were personally inspired and influenced by Clifton, Savoy says. I hope the participation of these artists will introduce their fanbase to not only to discover Cliftons music, but Id love for them also to dive deeper into the soulful origins of this music.

Pre-orders for A Tribute to the King of Zydeco and a link to support the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship are now open. Find more at linktr.ee/valcourrecords.
A large cross that was part of the Bourbon Street memorial is rolled to its new location at the Presbytere in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune)
The charges against Edwards were filed in January 2023, online court records show. Edwards was not apprehended until April when he was located in Houston, taken into custody and extradited to Indiana.

Jefferson's grandmother, Nellie Williams, wore a shirt with a picture of her granddaughter that read, "Justice for Ieisha." Williams said she cared for her great-grandchildren for two years after Jefferson's death while they tried to process what happened, though they struggled to understand the concept of death. They were all under age 6 at the time of the murder.

"There was a knock at my door and I saw five little faces," Williams said of when the children were dropped at her home after Jefferson's death. "They had no problem saying, 'Grandma, grandma, Sam killed Ieisha.'"

Still, the children would ask for their mother. If there was a knock at the front door, they rushed to see who it was, hoping it was their mom to come pick them up. All of them had trouble going to sleep in the months after her death because they were afraid Edwards would come to the home to kill them.

"Those children will always have an image in their head of what you did to their mom," she said, addressing Edwards.

The jury heard testimony at trial from Jefferson's now-7-year-old daughter who said she heard the gunshot, but initially thought her mother was "sleeping" when she saw her lying in the living room. Deputy Prosecutor Arturo Balcazar said testimony from a medical examiner during trial showed the gunshot paralyzed Jefferson from the neck down, but her cause of death was asphyxiation. She was left to die while the children were left in what should have been a safe place by the person who was supposed to protect them, he said.

"Nothing like this should come from a father," Balcazar said. "Not just leaving them alone, but leaving them in that condition."

Public defender Michael Lambert requested a "fair" sentence. He gave some perspective on Edwards' upbringing in an abusive home where substance use was rampant.

Edwards opted not to make a statement and requested to appeal his conviction and sentence.

'She can finally rest in peace'

Outside of court, Johnson said she feels relieved not only that Edwards received a lengthy sentence, but for her cousin's soul.

"I feel like she can finally rest in peace," Johnson said.

She said she was not surprised that Edwards did not make a statement. She expected he wouldn't.

"You can't expect that from a coward," Johnson said.

Jefferson's children now live with her cousin, Laticia Mcnuckle. Their adoption was finalized Wednesday, Mcnuckle said, and they now have their mother's last name. She said Jefferson always tried to see the good in others and had a big heart. Her proudest accomplishment was being a mother.

The homicide has not only affected the children, but her whole family.

"We try to take it one day at a time," she said. "We try to be there for each other."

The children rarely speak of their father, other than expressing anger at him for what he did. Prosecutors played short video clips of each of the children in court.

"I miss my mom 100%," one of the children said. "I love her."
NORTH Dakota | Office of the Governor Be Legendary. April 22, 2025 GREAT SEAL FOREVE STATE OF TH DAKOTA The Honorable Michelle Strinden President of the Senate North Dakota Senate Chambers State Capitol Bismarck, ND Re: Senate Bill 2307 Dear President Strinden: Pursuant to Article V, Section 9 of the North Dakota Constitution, I have vetoed Senate Bill 2307 and return it to the Senate. Senate Bill 2307 aims to regulate access to materials deemed "explicit sexual material" in public and school libraries. While I recognize the concerns that led to its introduction, Senate Bill 2307 represents a misguided attempt to legislate morality through overreach and censorship. The bill imposes vague and punitive burdens on professionals and opens the door to a host of unintended and damaging consequences for our communities. In 2023, the Legislative Assembly passed House Bill 1205, which already imposed restrictions on certain materials in public libraries. Whether or not one agreed with House Bill 1205, the bill at least operated within a specific, defined scope. Now, less than two years later, Senate Bill 2307 attempts to expand that reach further - into local government decisions and the prosecutorial discretion of state's attorneys. It is redundant, overly burdensome, and places local librarians, school districts, and state's attorneys in an untenable situation. Any individual can complain about any book. Under Senate Bill 2307, if that individual is not satisfied with the response, they can force the library to activate "a diverse decision-making committee" to reconsider the location of the book in question. If the individual is still unsatisfied, they may request the state's attorney to issue an opinion of the alleged violation. The state's attorney is required to issue that opinion within 60 days. If the state's attorney finds a violation, they now enter a hybrid civil and criminal action where they engage one of two state agencies (the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction or the State Treasurer's Office) to withhold funding and may prosecute the offending librarian criminally. This is more process power given to an aggrieved individual than anywhere else in Century Code - more than a criminal victim, a civil plaintiff or defendant, or a fired state employee. 600 East Boulevard Avenue | Bismarck, ND 58505-0001 | 701.328.2200 | governor.ND.gov
A 31-year-old Russian man was recently convicted to 4.4 years in a penal colony for promising to urinate on a symbol of the Russian military in a comment he posted on social media.

The incident that led to the conviction of 31-year-old Alexander Panasenko occurred in May of 2024, when the Kremerovo native took to social media to taunt Russian authorities. Commenting on a VKontakte post that reminded everyone that the Russian State Duma had voted into law fines and even imprisonment for damaging the St. George ribbon, Panasenko wrote I bought it, and Ill piss on it. And I dont care who gets offended by it. The comment didnt sit too well with Kremerovo police, and the offender was quickly arrested and charged with desecrating the symbol of Russias military glory. A Kremerovo Regional Court recently sentenced Panasenko to four years and four months in a penal colony and banned him from posting anything on the internet for three years.

Photo: Tim Photoguy/Unsplash

Taking into account the position of the state prosecutor, the gravity and significance of the crime, the court sentenced Panasenko to real imprisonment for a term of four years and four months in a general regime penal colony, and also deprived him of the right to engage in activities related to the posting of materials on information and telecommunications networks, including the Internet, for three years, the Court ruling read.

The St. George Ribbon is a Russian military symbol consisting of a black and orange bicolour pattern, with three black and two orange stripes. It is used as a component of the most important military decorations awarded by the Russian Federation. In December 2022, Russia toughened the punishment for desecrating the St. George Ribbon. According to the law signed by President Vladimir Putin, desecration of the ribbon is punishable by a fine of three to five million rubles or by imprisonment for three to five years.

Panasenko appears to have pulled the short end of the stick, as last year, another offender received only one and a half years in a penal colony for tying the St. George Ribbon around his genitalia and posting a photo of it online.
Who do you believe? Donald Trump, or a Chinese government official.

Until Trump blew into Washington, it was inconceivable that an American would accept as true a statement from an official of Chinas Communist government over that of a US president.

Trump, though, is a compulsive liar. The Washington Post counted more than 30K falsehoods and misleading statements that he made during his first term in office.

Desperate to walk away from his disastrous tariff policies, Trump dished out a whopper. He told Americans that the US and China are in direct contact every day, and that a deal to substantially reduce the insane 145 percent tax on Chinese goods will be done pretty quickly.

That was news to the Chinese, or as a spokesman called it fake news. Touche!

There have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the US regarding tariffs, let alone reaching an agreement, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

He Yadong, Commerce ministry spokesperson, called Trumps bluff, saying that if the US wants trade talks it must first ax the tariffs. China would then enter a dialog with the US to resolve their differences.

Yarding used a Chinese proverb to sum up the stalement with the US: He who tied the bell [on the tiger] should be the one to untie it. Ding dong, Donald.

One has to wonder why Trump made such a blatant lie, one that could very easily be outed.

It takes two sides to negotiate. China isnt going to budge until Trump caves.

The worlds No. 2 economy, which buys tons of American farm products, Boeing jets and has rich deposits of rare earth minerals, has no intention to be Trumps chump.

US reputation hits the skids. An Ipsos survey of 29 countries found that the belief that America is a force for good is cratering. Twenty-six of the countries say the US does not have a positive influence on global affairs.

Canada, which is a prime target of Trump, has gone super negative on the US. Six months ago, more than half (52 percent) considered its southern neighbor a positive influencer of world events. Only 19 percent of Canadians think that way today.

China is among the biggest gainers on the positive influencer list. Its positive influencer rating jumped 10 points to 49 percent since October.

The numbers for the US during that same period plunged from 59 percent to 46 percent.

Chris Jackson, senior VP of Ipsos in the US, noted Americas reputation took a whacking particularly among traditional allies.

"That flies in the face of Trumps repeated campaign promise to restore respect for America around the world, he said.

Jackson, though, doubts the poll results will resonate among Trumps followers. Given the inward focus of many Americans, it's unlikely the MAGA base will notice our diminished standing on the world stage, he said.

Thats a sad and potentially dangerous situation.

Priceless PR The Financial Times published a mash note to Ballard Partners and its CEO Brian Ballard.

Hes a top fundraiser for Trump and his firm was the home of Pam Bondi (attorney general) and Susie Wiles (presidential chief of staff). In other words, Ballard Partners has connections.

The Florida firm is on track to double its 2024 revenues this year and is in full expansion mode.

Ballard Partners has jumped into the top tier of influence shops in Trumps Washington, alongside bigger firms such as Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, reported the FT.

I hope were never going to be showy or braggadocio, but humbly, do our work and serve our clients interests, said Ballard.

Ballard Partners opened its DC office with 21 clients after Trump was elected president in 2016. It now has more than 200 Washington accounts.

All the recent activity has been a like a whirlwind to Ballard.

It seems like President Trumps been president for years, but hes only returned to the White House, less than 100 days [ago], he said. Ballard sure got that right.
A man who appeared on a summons for dangerous driving, hit and run and exceeding the alcohol limit was disqualified when he appeared at Tullamore District Court.

Mariusz Dubieniecki (47) of Shannon View, Kylebeg, Banagher, was accused of dangerous driving at Townparks, Birr, Knocknahorna, Banagher and Ballyneena, Banagher, on September 20, 2024. He was further accused of hit and run and failing to stop at Eden Road, Birr on the same date and with damage to property. In addition he was accused of attempting to drive while exceeding the alcohol limit at Cloonacullina, Banagher.

Mr Dubieniecki had hit two vehicles and a wall when he was driving in the direction of Banagher. He also parked on the wrong side of the road and went the wrong way around a bend. The scene was witnessed by an off duty garda.

Mr Dubieniecki had an alcohol reading of 265 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 litres of blood. The defendant had five previous convictions including driving without insurance, drunk driving and one for dangerous driving which had been reduced to careless driving.

Mr Dubieniecki, a Polish native had two young children aged three and five. He was on a lot of medication and was going through depression but is stable now, his solicitor Brian Duffy said.

READ NEXT: Woman accused of assault at filling station in Tullamore tried to 'cool things down'

Mr Duffy said by pleading guilty he had saved the state a lot of money.

Judge Andrew Cody said it was lucky he didn't kill someone, bouncing off walls and hitting off cars. He described it as demolition driving. For the offence of drink driving he imposed a disqualification of six years. For dangerous driving he disqualified Mr Dubieniecki from driving for three years. He imposed fines of 1,250 and gave him six months to pay.

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THE Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland, which includes Birr Castle and Demense, have been added to the World Heritage Tentative List for Ireland. This important step for Irelands Heritage was made on World Heritage Day, the international Day for Monuments and Sites on Friday last.

In making the announcement, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD, Minister of State with Responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher OSullivan, TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Boxer Moran, TD, said this is proposed as a cross-border partnership comprising Armagh Planetarium and Observatory, Armagh; Birr Castle and Demesne, Offaly; and Dunsink Observatory House, Dublin. The Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland becomes the fourth entry on Irelands Tentative List. The other three are: The Neolithic Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo; The Transatlantic Cable Ensemble (Kerry and Canada) the Royal Sites of Ireland, covering several sites on the island.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Tentative List is an inventory of important natural and cultural heritage sites that demonstrate potential Outstanding Universal Value.

Speaking about the addition to the Tentative List, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said: Increasing the number of UNESCO World Heritage Properties is a heritage commitment in our Programme for Government. This addition of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland to the Tentative List is the first formal step on an exciting journey towards World Heritage inscription for three remarkable observatories.

These places of trailblazing scientific endeavour epitomise historical collaboration across the island. They showcase our remarkable heritage on the global stage, and the journey of this project in the years will strengthen North-South cooperation greatly with shared benefits for these places and their communities.

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The Astronomical Observatories of Ireland (AOI) welcomed the announcement that the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) Dunsink Observatory, and Birr Castle Demesne have been added to Ireland's Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Properties. This is an important first step in the journey towards seeking their designation, together with Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland, as a World Heritage Property. Achieving this would elevate the observatories to a status comparable to other iconic landmarks already recognised by UNESCO on the island - Bru na Boinne, County Meath, Sceilg Mhichil, Co. Kerry, and the Giant's Causeway and Gracehill Moravian Church Settlement in Co. Antrim.

The AOI partnership announced its aspirations to seek World Heritage status at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the partners in September 2023. This proposed transboundary bid between Ireland and the UK seeks to secure international recognition and protection for the sites of the three members of the partnership  Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) - Dunsink Observatory, and Birr Castle Demesne.

Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) who is a custodian of Dunsink Observatory said: Securing a place on the Irish Governments Tentative List for achieving UNESCO World Heritage status is a fantastic recognition of the observatories unique, historical heritage and very apt on this World Heritage Day. We thank the Minister and the Department for their vision and endorsement of the importance of these astronomical sites, and for their future support of the nomination bid. We also acknowledge the support of our three local authorities  Fingal County Council, Offaly County Council, and Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, each of whom has embraced the significance and value of the observatory in their area.

In all three locations, the sites play a major role in the community through public engagement events and outreach programmes. Designation as a World Heritage Property would no doubt increase local pride as well as encouraging tourism for the areas in question  enriching the lives of the neighbouring communities, and beyond. We will work closely with these communities and other stakeholders as our UNESCO journey progresses.

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Following a gambling dispute raised by a German internet gambler about unregulated access to Malta-based Lottoland, EUs Court of Justice is set to issue a landmark decision. It remains to be seen how the regulation will affect European gambling regulations.

The European Court of Justice is reviewing a case that could change how online gambling works across Europe. This move comes at a time when theres growing pressure between what each country wants for itself and the European Unions shared regulations.

At the center of this case is Case C-440 which started with a 2021 lawsuit by a German player against Malta-licensed Lottoland. The plaintiff claimed that even though Lottoland didnt have a license to operate in Germany, he was still able to gamble there.

Lawyer Volker Ramge later took over the lawsuit and broadened it with more German players in the complaint. He also added more Maltese gambling companies that avoided Germanys gambling rules.

Both sides agreed to ask the European Court to decide if Germanys Interstate Treaty on Gambling in place until 2021 complies with EU law. The court will pay particular interest to the principles of free movement of services in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Lottoland website:

Maltese Government Claims Unlawful Interference

The Maltese government has spoken out firmly, saying Germany is stepping too far into Maltas area of control. They point out that Malta has strict gambling rules, and thousands of players (mostly German) send self-exclusion requests annually.

Maltese officials say its unfair to call gambling companies illegal just because theyre licensed in a different country. They believe this harms both the shared EU market and the rules made to keep players safe.

Is Maltas Bill 55 a Legal Flashpoint or a Protective Shield?

At the center of the debate is Malta's Bill 55. This 2023 law grants Maltese courts the right of refusal for enforcing any foreign judgments centered on the online gambling sector. The Malta Gaming Authority argues that its an important way to protect gambling companies licensed in Malta from legal cases that go against the EUs idea of a free market.

But not everyone agrees. Other countries in the EU, especially Germany, have criticized the law. The countrys gambling regulator, Gemeinsamen Glucksspielbehorde der Lander, called it incompatible EU laws. Some legal experts also say that Bill 55 violates the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.

The European Commission is currently looking into whether Bill 55 follows EU rules. At the same time, the Vienna Commercial Court has sent crucial questions about the law to the ECJ.

So Whats Next?

This situation brings a big risk for Malta. This case could open the door for players from other EU countries to file many compensation claims if the ECJ decides against them. Some experts say the total cost could reach 1 billion ($1.14 billion).

A critical part of the courts hearing on April 9 was about whether Maltese courts have the power to judge if Germanys gambling law fits with EU rules. But Germany has spoken out against being left out of a case that questions its own laws.

The Advocate General is set to share his opinion on the issue on July 10 at the ECJs Palais de la Cour de Justice in Luxembourg. The final decision from the court is projected to come within the next few months.
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I instructed the AI app, Perplexity:

"Identify 25 cases in which SCOTUS judges Thomas and Alito have sided with anti-democracy , fascism enabling decisions. Include how these decisions have weakened democracy or enabled fascism."

Here's what it generated. (I've been discovering, in conversations with people over 50, that many are suspicious, and highly reluctant to try these AI apps. Apps. And I understand concern about how AI could develop into something like shone in the Terminator movies. But the reality is that this kind of AI app is a highly useful tool that is becoming ubiquitous, often functioning even in simple Google searches.)

Generated by perplexity AI app

Here are 25 Supreme Court cases and actions where Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have sided with decisions that have weakened democracy or enabled anti-democratic outcomes. Each decision is followed by a brief explanation of its impact.

1. Alexander v. South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP (2024)

Alito authored the opinion allowing a racially gerrymandered map to stand, making it much harder for Black voters to challenge discriminatory maps and eroding the Voting Rights Act82.

2. Shelby County v. Holder (2013)

Both joined the majority gutting key protections of the Voting Rights Act, enabling states to pass restrictive voting laws that disproportionately affect minorities9.

3. Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee (2021)

Both voted to uphold Arizona voting restrictions, further weakening the Voting Rights Act and making it harder to challenge discriminatory voting laws9.

4. Rucho v. Common Cause (2019)

Both joined the majority ruling that partisan gerrymandering is a political question beyond the reach of federal courts, allowing extreme manipulation of electoral maps9.

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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

In the age of Donald Trump, as TomDispatch regulars Mattea Kramer and Sean Fogler suggest today, among the endlessly unfolding tariffs (including ones likely to make crucial medicines for Americans desperately more expensive and possibly unaffordable for many people) and the staggering, ever deeper cuts to community healthcare, social services, and mental-health research that they describe, it's hard to imagine that depression isn't increasingly going to be part of all too many American lives, including my own.

I mean, a secretary of "health" who is likely to make mincemeat of the vaccines that have for so long ensured that American life is so much safer -- how (in)appropriate! And yes, Donald Trump's tariffs are going to play havoc with our world in ways we undoubtedly hardly understand, though given his love for "hamberders," I have a feeling that fast food may remain in our world, tariff- and tax-free.

Let's face it, "our" (and I do indeed have to put that in quotation marks) president (and should I put that in quotes, as well?) is less than three months into his second term in office, so who knows what hell he can bring to pass in the seemingly endless months and years left to him? Mental health? By 2028, it, too, may have to be encircled in quotation marks. In the meantime, let Kramer and Fogler tally up the damages so far to our collective mental health and offer some positive surprises on this nation and mental health while they're at it. Tom

This Mental Health Awareness Month

Funding Slashed While Surprising New Research Shows Bipartisan Support for Expanded Services

By Mattea Kramer and Sean Fogler

The United States has been in the throes of a mental health and overdose crisis so severe it has spanned five presidential administrations and been classified as an official state of emergency in three of them. No one knows exactly how this emergency will play out during the current Trumpian cocktail of uncertainty, fear, and cuts to social services, but charts of the recent turbulence of the stock market suggest a relevant visual: imagine the nervous systems of millions of already struggling Americans, along with millions more who are being pushed to the limits of what they can handle, all experiencing deep emotional crashes, briefly recovering, only to collapse again into new lows. And while it might be tempting to think that many of us aren't affected by the present gut-wrenching emotional tumult because we appear fine and don't seem to care about what's happening to the more desperate among us, our recent research suggests that people do care -- including, perhaps, those you'd least expect to do so.

Last year brought a widely reported piece of news in mental health. Overdose fatalities in the United States declined substantially, a notable but qualified victory. As overdose deaths fell 9% from 2021 to 2023 for white Americans, such deaths increased 12% for people of other races, according to a Reuters analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Street drugs continue to kill more than 84,000 people in the United States annually and overdoses remain the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 44.

In other words, many young Americans and people of all ages attempt to numb difficult, even unbearable feelings, and sometimes that numbing is fatal. Depending on who you are, your preferred numbing agent might be wine, work, prescription pills, social media, street drugs, or something else entirely. But in the second age of Donald Trump, as well as long before him, all too many of us have been grappling with profound pain, whether from a sense of hopelessness about the future, oppression, trauma, grief, job loss, or general financial strain in ever more economically difficult times. Those among us who are not U.S. citizens are increasingly seized with the fear of being deported due to false, unknown, or unsubstantiated allegations and without due process. In addition to sowing terror, this has also been exacerbating an already widespread sense of loneliness, as people stay inside for fear of being detained.

Another source of despair is the urgent overseas humanitarian crisis over which non-citizens and legal permanent residents are now being seized, shackled, and imprisoned or disappeared for expressing moral protest. One (but not both) of the authors of this article has the protection of U.S. citizenship, although experts now question whether even citizenship will continue to provide protection, and so, for safety's sake, we're not naming that crisis or the widely shared sense of grief and powerlessness as men, women, and heartbreaking numbers of children die there. Students and people in all walks of life continue to take to the streets in protest, including the one of us who is a citizen.

Indeed, in such a devastating moment, in all corners of American society, people are in ever greater need of mental health services, just as funding for them is being slashed. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and so a ripe moment to take stock of the damage being done and to report that there appears to be surprising agreement among people with divergent political beliefs that it's time to expand services for those who are struggling.

Dismantled?

In late January, the Trump White House issued a vague memo that put a temporary freeze on the disbursement of federal financial assistance. By early February, NBC News had reported that some health clinics were closing their doors. Then, in March, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of more than $11 billion in funding to deal with addiction, mental health, and related issues. A federal judge subsequently halted that cancellation of funds, saying such a sudden termination caused "direct and irreparable harm to public health." The Trump administration requested a stay of the order, with plans to appeal.

By mid-April, around the same time that Elon Musk's DOGE took over responsibility for posting federal grant opportunities for the public, Reuters published an extensive investigation on the subject. It drew on interviews with dozens of experts to conclude that funding cuts and associated layoffs were "dismantling the carefully constructed health infrastructure that drove the number of overdose deaths down by tens of thousands last year."

In Philadelphia, where one of the authors of this article resides, the Inquirer reported that a forensic research lab that tests the nation's illicit drug supply for new and harmful substances hadn't received crucial funds from the federal government. That, in turn, meant the furloughing of staff and a growing backlog of untested samples. If you've followed news about the evolving nature of illicit and counterfeit drugs, you know that novel and dangerous molecules are continually turning up in unexpected places, whether the veterinary sedative xylazine or the more potent medetomidine found in batches of fentanyl, or as deadly levels of nitazenes in seemingly innocuous pills. Slowing or halting drug-testing is a dangerous proposition.

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The administration of Donald Trump is making an unbridled push to block renewable energy projects-- including last week halting the placement of 54 wind turbines in the ocean south of Long Island, New York-- and is pushing fossil fuels, among them coal. The burning of fossil fuels is the leading cause of climate change. Trump has repeatedly called climate change a "hoax".

Meanwhile, a Long Island resident, Lee Zeldin of Shirley, whom Trump named administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is cancelling on a sweeping basis environmental regulations, discharging EPA employees and, last week, stopping the collection of greenhouse gas-emission data.

Further, on April 8th Trump issued an executive order directing the U.S. attorney general to identify "illegal" state and local climate, energy and environmental justice laws that "impede" domestic energy production and use and "take all appropriate action to stop" their enforcement. The order is titled: "Protecting American Energy From State Overreach". It opens: "My Administration is committed to unleashing American energy."

Reacting, "New York State leaders say environmental protects and policies will remain on track" despite Trump's order "attempting to undo state climate laws", began a piece in the Long Island newspaper Newsday headlined: "NY Won't Alter Renewable Energy Policy". It said: "State Attorney General Letitia James, Gov. Kathy Hochul and other state leaders pushed back, saying efforts will continue including... and building out renewable energy sources, as the state aims to get all electricity from emission-free sources by 2040 and reduce economywide emissions by 85% from 1990 levels by 2050."

Also, Hochul and the governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, the co-chairs of the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors, issued a statement saying: "The federal government cannot unilaterally strip states' independent constitutional authority. We are a nation of states-- and laws-- and we will not be deterred. We will keep advancing solutions to the climate crisis that safeguard Americans' fundamental right to clean air and water, create good-paying jobs, grow the clean energy economy, and make our future healthier and safer."

New York Attorney General James declared: "The Trump administration cannot punish states that protect their residents" and "we're not going to back down".

Also on April 8th, Trump issued an order "to allow some older coal-fired power plants set for retirement to keep producing electricity" and to "lift barriers to coal mining and prioritize coal leasing on U.S. lands", the Associated Press reported. It quoted Trump at the signing ceremony saying: "I call it beautiful, clean coal. I told my people, never use the word coal unless you put beautiful, clean before it." Zeldin was present as Trump signed the order at the White House.

The Trump administration last week halted the building of the Empire Wind project 15 to 30 miles in the Atlantic south of the line between the Long Island counties of Nassau and Suffolk counties, and 14 miles southeast of Manhattan. Its builder, Norway-based Equinor, says on its website that is devoted to the project, that "the Empire Wind Project will be the first offshore wind project to deliver power directly to New York City" and "potentially" provide electricity to 500,000 New York City homes.

"Just as construction was starting on a massive wind farm off the coast of Long Island, the Trump administration ordered an immediate halt," said The New York Times. It noted that the Empire Wind project had "received all of the permits it needed to get underway."

Hochul said she would "fight this decision every step of the way".

On his first day in office Trump issued an executive order removing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, the principal international treaty on climate change. As for wind turbines, he has insisted that noise from them causes cancer, despite the American Cancer Society saying this is untrue.

Zeldin on April 11th speaking at a Long Island Association event in Woodbury, Long Island, said: "The president has made it crystal clear... he is not approving new wind permits."

Zeldin at the event boosted instead new gas pipelines including for New York State one carrying fracked natural gas from Pennsylvania to a hub in Albany. He noted that there is "a ban in New York" on fracking, but pointed to Pennsylvania where "all parties work together and they tap into the extraction of natural gas".

Zeldin is a former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives with a district that included much of eastern and central Long Island. He left the post to run unsuccessfully against Democrat Hochul for New York governor.

There long was a major push to allow fracking in New York State drawing from the same Marcellus Shale formation that extends from Pennsylvania. Adding to the challenge to fracking-- a term for hydraulic fracturing which uses fluids under high pressure and 600 chemicals to extract oil and gas from deep underground rock formations-- were journalistic investigations, most prominently two HBO TV documentaries, "Gasland", by Josh Fox.

They found how fracking regularly leads to gas and oil migrating into water. In "Gasland", there are many scenes of people turning on water faucets, holding a lighter to what's coming out, and flames erupting because of fracking. In New York State, fracking was banned in 2014.

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A study space in your bedroom could be functional and stylish if you design it with care. If you work at home, take online classes, or encourage your kids to be productive in their studies, an organized study space design is vital. The top interior designers in Bangalore https://www.asenseinterior.com/ suggest that your study room design reflects your individual design style, but also maintains the tranquility and concentration required for productivity. 
Pictou, NS - April 24th - WiredVillage Boardgames is giving away free Dungeons & Dragons Teacher Kits to educators across Nova Scotia to support creativity, literacy, and collaborative learning in classrooms and libraries. Each kit includes a ready-to-play D&D starter set, complete with dice, character sheets, and a quick-start guide tailored for teachers - no experience required. The program is designed for grades 6-12 and encourages imaginative, inclusive storytelling experiences. "D&D is 
The Oregon House on Tuesday advanced a bill to shorten homeowners window to sue condominium developers for construction defects.

Lawmakers backing House Bill 3746 say limiting developers exposure to lawsuits would encourage them to build more condos that provide an affordable step into homeownership. Opposing legislators said it would shift the cost burden for construction problems from builders onto owners and their dues-funded homeowner associations.
Despite Oregon lawmakers efforts to encourage homebuilding to address the states housing shortage, the state fell into a homebuilding slump last year. Jonathan Bach I The Oregonian/OregonLive

Oregon was one of only seven states to earn a failing grade on a new housing report card from Realtor.com.

Oregon ranked 45th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia when scored for housing affordability and homebuilding.

The rankings underscore the current conventional wisdom in housing circles: While there is a broad-based U.S. housing shortage of an estimated 4 million units, much of the worst of it is concentrated on the coasts, and the South and Midwest have generally more affordable options for first-time buyers.

Despite Oregon lawmakers efforts to encourage homebuilding to address the states housing shortage, the state fell into a homebuilding slump last year. Forecasts show Oregon is unlikely to hit ambitious construction goals established by Gov. Tina Kotek at the start of her term as governor in 2023.

Joining Oregon at the bottom of the stack with Fs were Connecticut, California, Hawaii, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Montana, meantime, which experienced a real estate boom of its own in the COVID-19 pandemic, was the sole state to get a D grade.

The best state for homebuilding and affordability, according to Realtor.com, was South Carolina, followed closely by Iowa and Texas, all of which got A or A- grades.

Read the full report here.

-- Jonathan Bach covers housing and real estate. Reach him by email at jbach@oregonian.com or by phone at 503-221-4303.

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Joseph Campos, 42, is accused of posting sexually explicit photos of his ex-girlfriend all over social media and encouraging viewers to contact her directly, according to a prosecutor's memo. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File) AP

A California man accused of cyberstalking his ex-girlfriend for more than a decade by posting sexually explicit photos of her online is in custody in Sacramento on a federal indictment out of Oregon.

Jason David Campos, 42, is accused of stalking, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The attacks resulted in power outages to 1,000 to 6,000 customers per substation, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP) AP

A Tacoma man who already is accused of damaging two Portland-area energy substations has now been indicted on broader allegations alleging he also conspired to destroy six substations in Washington state.

Zachary Rosenthal, 33, is now charged with conspiracy to destroy substations, five counts of destruction of a substation and one count of attempted destruction of a substation, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order relating to school policies as Education Secretary Linda McMahon listens in the White House Oval Office. Two federal judges rejected their efforts to wipe out school diversity and equity initiatives.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

A federal judge on Thursday blocked Trump administration directives that threatened to cut federal funding for public schools with diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by the National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union, which accused the Republican administration of giving unconstitutionally vague guidance and violating teachers First Amendment rights.

A second judge on Thursday postponed the effective date of some U.S. Education Department anti-DEI guidance, ruling in a separate case filed by the American Federation of Teachers in Maryland.

In February, the department told schools and colleges they needed to end any practice that differentiates people based on their race. Earlier this month, it ordered states to gather signatures from local school systems certifying compliance with civil rights laws, including the rejection of what the federal government calls illegal DEI practices.

Oregon was among about 20 states that had said they would refuse to comply with the Trump administrations ultimatum, even at the risk of losing federal funding.

State schools chief Charlene Williams said in her response to the federal government that the state had already certified that its 197 school districts were in compliance with federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin.

She also said that the Trump administration had not gone through the required rule-making procedure to change federal guidelines on equity and inclusion, nor had it provided clarity on the specific programs and activities it finds objectionable.

Oregon schools receive about $1 billion a year from the federal government, including money that is earmarked for schools that serve high numbers of students from low-income families, as well as for special education students and for school nutrition programs. Portland Public Schools alone gets about $55 million a year in federal funding, Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong said this week.

The Trump administration directives that the judges put on pause do not carry the force of law but threaten to use civil rights enforcement to rid schools of DEI practices. Schools were warned that continuing such practices in violation of federal law could lead to U.S. Justice Department litigation and a termination of federal grants and contracts.

U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty in New Hampshire said the April letter does not make clear what the department believes a DEI program entails or when it believes such programs cross the line into violating civil rights law. The Letter does not even define what a DEI program is, McCafferty wrote.

The judge also said there is reason to believe the departments actions amount to a violation of teachers free speech rights.

A professor runs afoul of the 2025 Letter if she expresses the view in her teaching that structural racism exists in America, but does not do so if she denies structural racisms existence. That is textbook viewpoint discrimination, McCafferty wrote.

An Education Department spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

States were given until the end of Thursday to submit certification of their schools compliance, but some have indicated they would not comply with the order. Education officials in some Democratic-led states have said the administration is overstepping its authority and that there is nothing illegal about DEI.

Oregon is particularly vulnerable to the Trump administrations attempts to root out DEI initiatives because it has invested in programs aimed at helping students of color whose academic outcomes are much lower than their white and Asian American counterparts.

Examples of such programs in Oregon include multimillion dollar initiatives known as plans for student success, grants for aspiring teachers and administrators of color and the integration of ethnic studies into its social sciences standards.

The Feb. 14 memo from the U.S. Department of Education, formally known as a Dear Colleague letter, said schools have promoted diversity and equity at the expense of white and Asian American students. It dramatically expanded the interpretation of a 2023 Supreme Court decision barring the use of race in college admissions to all aspects of education, including, hiring, promotion, scholarships, housing, graduation ceremonies and campus life.

In the ruling in Maryland, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher postponed implementation of that memo. She found it was improperly issued and forces teachers to choose between being injured through suppressing their speech or through facing enforcement for exercising their constitutional rights.

The Eugene School District in February became the first public school district in the country to join the Maryland lawsuit.

In a statement, Eugene School Board Chair Jenny Jonak said Thursday that the injunction would, at least for now, allow teachers in Eugene and elsewhere to continue to teach and science accurately  provide social and emotional learning supports [so] we can continue to provide an environment that helps every student feel a sense of safety and belonging.

Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, said in a statement, The court agreed that this vague and clearly unconstitutional requirement is a grave attack on students, our profession, honest history and knowledge itself.

The lawsuits argue that the guidance limits academic freedom and is so vague it leaves schools and educators in limbo about what they may do, such as whether voluntary student groups for minority students are still allowed.

The April directive asked states to collect the certification form from local school districts and also sign it on behalf of the state, giving assurance that schools are in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

President Donald Trumps education secretary, Linda McMahon, has warned of potential funding cuts if states do not return the form by Friday.

In a Tuesday interview on the Fox Business Network, McMahon said states that refuse to sign could risk some defunding in their districts. The purpose of the form is to make sure theres no discrimination thats happening in any of the schools, she said.

Schools and states are already required to give assurances to that effect in separate paperwork, but the new form adds language on DEI, warning that using diversity programs to discriminate can bring funding cuts, fines and other penalties.

The form threatens schools access to Title I, the largest source of federal revenue for K-12 education and a lifeline for schools in low-income areas.

-- The Associated Press and Julia Silverman, education reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach Julia at jsilverman@oregonian.com

___

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 average duration of emergency room visits and inpatient stays in Oregon peaked in 2022, state data shows. The Oregonian

The average visit to an emergency department in Oregon last fall took about five hours and 12 minutes, continuing a downward trend underway since 2022.

Thats according to the Oregon Health Authoritys new online tool that provides quarterly insights on what happens inside the states hospitals and emergency departments  from how long patients stay and what insurance coverage they have to where they go after being discharged.
One person was killed in a fire that erupted early on Wednesday in a pair of recreational vehicles and then extended to a home outside of Ontario, west of Oregon 201.

Malheur County Sheriff Travis Johnson said in a press release that fire crews discovered the body of someone who perished in one of the recreational vehicles that caught fire after 8 a.m.

Johnson said authorities are working to identify the victim, who crews discovered inside a vehicle at the Flats, an area west of Ontario. The encampment on Northwest 22nd Avenue has long been an illegal sanctuary for the unhoused who live in recreational vehicles.

The fire significantly damaged a house at 1187 Northwest 22nd Ave., and at least three or more camp trailers. No other injuries were reported, according to the press release.

Johnson said his office is working with the Oregon State Fire Marshal to determine the cause of the blaze.

Johnson said the Flats, a collection of privately owned properties, has been an area of concern for his office. He said the sheriffs office has worked with Community in Action, a local nonprofit that works with those experiencing homelessness and Lifeways, a major mental health provider in Ontario, to provide mental health support, drug rehabilitation services, and housing options to people at the Flats.

Johnson said he recognizes challenges and that the area is a difficult and very dangerous place and poses a fire and environmental hazard.

We have to continue our efforts to clean these encampments up so we dont have another tragedy like we had today, Johnson said.

Along with Ontario Fire and Rescue, Johnson said crucial assistance was provided from Vale, Fruitland, Parma and Canyon County Fire Departments. On the law enforcement side, he said the Ontario Police Department and Oregon State Police provided valuable support.

He offered his condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who died in the fire.

This story originally appeared in the Malheur Enterprise.

Contact Steven Mitchell at steven@malheurenterprise.com.
Rep. Annessa Hartman, D-Gladstone, said as a survivor of domestic violence, House Bill 2975 is deeply important to her. Beth Nakamura

A bill that would once again allow Oregon judges to convict some domestic violence defendants of multiple counts of strangling, beating or threatening their victims  instead of consolidating all of those violent acts into a single conviction  unanimously passed the Oregon House this week and is now up for consideration by the Senate.

House Bill 2975 plots a legislative path around a 2024 Oregon Court of Appeals ruling, State v. Miles, which determined that a 29-year-old Douglas County man who was found guilty of the strangulation and fourth-degree assault of his mother could only be convicted of one of those counts because both counts had resulted from domestic violence.

Legal experts say the ruling  unfairly  singles out only domestic violence crimes  and that a person who commits those same acts against a stranger could still be convicted separately for strangulation and assault under Oregon law.

In a passionate and tear-filled speech, Rep. Annessa Hartman, a Gladstone Democrat and chief sponsor of the bill, urged her colleagues on the House floor Tuesday evening to undo this loophole that she said fails to hold domestic violence abusers accountable for all that they did.

This, to me, is not justice, Hartman said. And it is not how our system should treat survivors.

Hartman said her proposed legislation allows our courts to treat individual acts of harm like strangulation and assault as the separate harms that they are  even if they occur in a relationship. Because survivors of domestic violence deserve the full protection of the law, not half measures and not loopholes.

Hartman said she is a survivor of domestic violence.

Although Hartman said in a news release Wednesday that the loophole in the law allows domestic violence abusers who strangle and punch their victims to receive lighter sentences than defendants who attack strangers, prosecutors say that isnt likely. Thats because strangling a domestic partner, for example, is a felony. Strangling a stranger is generally a misdemeanor.

Hartman and prosecutors both say the Court of Appeals decision, however, is still having a profound impact on domestic violence cases.

Hartman pointed to a November 2024 case in which prosecutors say an Oregon City man strangled and repeatedly punched his wife, leaving her with a black eye. He pleaded guilty to strangulation and fourth-degree assault but was convicted of only one  felony strangulation  because of the earlier Court of Appeals case. If the assault conviction also had been allowed, the man could have been sentenced to double the prison time, said Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth.

Wentworth said hes troubled that as the law stands today, theres no additional penalty for a person who strangles their domestic partner to refrain from beating them afterward.

So once you strangle somebody, the assault is kind of free, Wentworth told The Oregonian/OregonLive Wednesday. Theres no disincentive. Thats the reality.

Rep. Dacia Grayber, who is a firefighter, paramedic and Democrat from Portland, said shes seen firsthand the impact strangulations and beatings have on domestic violence victims. She and a co-worker stepped out into the parking lot of her fire station last summer to find a woman whose airway was crushed, eyes swollen shut and within an inch of her life.

Grayber said because of the Appeals Court case, the womans alleged perpetrator could only be convicted of one count.

So for this woman, for all the women who came before her and for the women whove lost their lives to this, this bill matters, Grayber said.

The ACLU of Oregon is the sole entity to submit written testimony opposing the bill, saying itll help fuel mass incarceration and will lead to over-prosecution of communities of color and other marginalized communities. Michael Abrams, the groups policy counsel, also said that the bill would eliminate a safeguard that prevents what the ACLU argues is duplicative convictions for the same conduct.

The Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association is neutral on the bill.

Hartman said designating a crime domestic violence is the legal systems attempt at providing victims more protections  by helping them secure restraining orders, prevent their abusers from possessing guns and allowing judges to consider that history before making child-custody decisions. But Hartman told her fellow representatives that the Court of Appeals case has done the opposite of that, and a legislative fix is needed.

Colleagues, being a survivor of domestic violence, it is not easy for me to stand here and carry bills like this that can be triggering, to say the least, Hartman said. But I made a commitment to survivors across Oregon to be their voice in a space that has not prioritized their individual lived experiences.

 Aimee Green is covering the Oregon Legislature this session. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or on Bluesky.

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Clackamas County's public services building. Fifty-nine people applied for the open seat on the board of commissioners. Former Commissioners Mark Shull and Ken Humberston did not make the cut for the $130,213-a-year-post.

Clackamas County commissioners on Thursday rejected two former colleagues as they picked five finalists for the seat vacated by Melissa Fireside, who stepped down this year amid felony theft charges.

Fifty-nine people applied for the open seat. Former Commissioners Mark Shull and Ken Humberston did not make the cut for the $130,213-a-year-post.
Chair Jessica Vega Pedersons unveiled her executive budget Thursday. The fiscal plan spared many programs from ending, but did so through deep cuts to services. Austin De Dios/The Oregonian

Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson unveiled a proposed $4 billion budget Thursday that includes deep reductions to popular programs, but spares most services from being cut entirely.

Under the proposal, three programs would be eliminated, one of which the county has sponsored for decades to help first-time parents care for their children, according to budget documents.
Flying flags at half-staff or half-mast is a longstanding gestury widely recognized as a sign of mourning, respect and remembrance. Getty Images

Some Oregonians have been puzzled this week as theyve spotted flags flying at half-staff at government buildings, schools and elsewhere.

After all, no deaths of long-prominent Oregonians have been in the news.

Thats true. But a well-known Argentinian living in Rome passed away this week, and the news quickly reverberated in Oregon.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, better known as Pope Francis, died at about 1 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday.

Within hours, Gov. Tina Kotek issued the order that flags be lowered in honor of the pontiff, beloved around the world and in parts of Oregon for his outspoken advocacy on behalf of the poor, the marginalized, immigrants and victims of war.

In honor of the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis  (flags at Oregon public institutions) should be flown at half-staff from April 21, 2025 until sunset of the day of interment, the governor wrote.

The popes funeral is scheduled for Saturday, and leaders of the world are expected to be in attendance. At his request, Francis will be buried outside the Vatican City, in a neighborhood of Rome known to welcome immigrants.

He was the first pope from Latin America, the first to take the name of Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, and a pastoral style leader who appeared in public, offering blessings and embracing babies, until hours before his death.

Oregon is home to very few Catholics, with an estimated 8% of the states population identifying with that denomination. Yet many non-Catholics took note of his passing.

I mourn the passing of a champion for the poor, for climate action, for a more just and inclusive world, Kotek, an observant Episcopalian, wrote in a statement. His guidance in this moment of human history will be missed. Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.

 Betsy Hammond oversees coverage of state politics and government and education and helps direct coverage of Portland City Hall, Multnomah County and homelessness. Reach her at betsyhammond@oregonian.com
The city of Portland broke ground on its $2 billion Bull Run water filtration plant near Gresham in 2024. This month the city disclosed it mistakenly sent $6.7 million to a person posing as a vendor on the project. The money was intercepted when the fraud rose alarm bells. City of Portland

A person posing as a city of Portland vendor persuaded a city employee to send them a link allowing them to redirect $6.7 million meant for a legitimate vendor to them, a lawsuit filed in New York this month says.

The suit, first reported by law.com, was confirmed by a city spokesperson Thursday.

The City of Portland identified an incident involving fraud that targeted City funds, said spokesperson Carrie Belding. The matter is under active investigation by local and federal law enforcement agencies, and we are limited in what can be shared at this time.

The events took place after Portland rolled out a new vendor management system earlier this year.

On Feb. 13, a person posing as a real vendor with the email address john.lisman@MWHKiewitJV.com sent a message to the system asking to change the vendors bank account information.

But no change was made because the system sent a security email to the address on file that went unanswered.

The fraudster, though, persisted, and a deceived employee responded with a link that let the person reset the vendors payment information.

A phishing scam targeted the city of Portland for $6.7 million, according to a lawsuit filed April 14. screenshot

On March 21, the city initiated payment of $6,748,680.68 to what they thought was a vendor on the $2 billion Bull Run water filtration project.

At this point though, the persons suspicious activity came to the attention of the FBI, according to the suit, and the banks handling the transaction alerted the city and stopped payment.

The fraudster then made 10 calls to the city to check on the money, according to the suit, and on April 4 the city launched an investigation of what happened.

The City is taking this matter seriously and is making every effort to ensure the return of public funds and that those responsible are held accountable, the city said in a statement.

A cybersecurity attack against the city in 2022 cost it $1.4 million, then the largest theft of public funds in Portlands history.

 Beth Slovic is an editor on the public safety and breaking news team. Reach her at 503-221-8551 or bslovic@oregonian.com.

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A San Diego-based fast-food chain with dozens of Oregon locations plans to close up to 200 restaurants, and potentially sell another popular chain it owns, in an effort to improve its financial performance.

Jack in the Box announced Wednesday plans to shutter 150 to 200 underperforming restaurants, up to 120 which could close by the end of the year. The 74-year-old chain operates about 2,200 locations nationwide  most along the West Coast  with nine restaurants in Portland and 41 across Oregon.

The majority of restaurants targeted for closure have been open for more than 30 years, according to the release. Most would shut down by the end of the year, with the remainder closing when their franchise agreements end.
Nvidia dominates the market for artificial intelligence technology. Its founder and CEO, Jensen Huang, is from Oregon. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Gov. Tina Kotek said Thursday that she is designating $10 million in state funds to train Oregon workers to develop artificial intelligence technology.

The state will work with semiconductor designer Nvidia to establish an AI Ambassador Program that puts artificial intelligence faculty and technical experts on Oregon college campuses.
A poker player from Texas went to a Las Vegas casino and won a huge jackpot.

Now, the traveler is $897,000 richer.

The gambler from Garland went to the Palms Casino Resort for the first time and sat at a Face Up Pai Gow poker table, the casino said in an April 22 news release.

The visitor ended up with an incredibly rare seven-card straight flush, the casino said.

A straight flush is one of best hands in poker, after a royal flush, according to Upswing Poker.

To get a seven-card straight flush, a player needs to get seven cards in consecutive order and in the same suit.

This lucky gamblers winning cards were a 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and jack in hearts.

The Palms Casino Resort is west of the Las Vegas Strip.

 2025 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.). Visit www.TheNewsTribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
An exterior shot of the Washington County Circuit Courthouse in Hillsboro, Oregon. Judge Rebecca Guptill told the publicly funded Metropolitan Public Defender, which operates offices in Washington and Multnomah counties, to produce detailed caseload information for its Hillsboro-based lawyers. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Washington Countys presiding judge on Wednesday ordered the largest public defense law firm in the county to turn over data that will, in effect, show how busy their staff attorneys are.

Judge Rebecca Guptill told the publicly funded Metropolitan Public Defender, which operates offices in Washington and Multnomah counties, to produce detailed caseload information for its Hillsboro-based lawyers.
John Bishop, detention chief of the Cleveland County Detention Center, resigned Monday, the same day a detention officer was hospitalized after being assaulted by an inmate.

In his resignation letter, which was sent to Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason, Bishop did not provide a reason for his resignation but wrote it was effective immediately.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office wrote detention officer Lydia Saunders was assaulted while conducting routine site checks in a female segregation pod around 2:12 p.m.

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Donna Lair, an inmate with three felony counts of assault and battery, was out of her cell for scheduled recreational time when the assault occurred. The post did not specify if Lair was the perpetrator.

According to the post, Saunders was taken to OU Medical Centers trauma unit with a broken nose, lacerations and multiple contusions. Saunders has since been released, according to the post.

Lair is facing additional charges of aggravated assault and battery and assault with a dangerous weapon after the incident.

We are thankful for the rapid response of our staff and that Detention Officer Saunders is recovering, Amason said in the post. This office remains committed to her full support and to pursuing justice in this case.

OU Daily emailed the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office to ask if Bishops resignation was related to the assault.

Amason sent an email to OU Daily stating they had no comment.

As a matter of policy, the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office does not comment on personnel matters or internal employment decisions, Amason wrote. We appreciate your understanding.

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Bishop was hired as a detention major in November 2023 and served until he was named detention chief in July. Bishop worked as an officer, detective, sergeant and captain for the OU Police Department from 1992 to 2024.

Background

Nine inmates have died in the Cleveland County Detention Center over the past three years. In January, Jacob Shane Dieball was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in his cell bunk. Before Dieballs death, an eighth death was announced in October, preceded by two deaths in August, where both inmates died by suicide.

In August, the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with SIMCo Correctional Consulting  a firm specializing in the operation and safety of correctional facilities  to investigate potential causes of deaths within the Cleveland County Detention Center.

In May 2024, inmate Thomas Sanchez Pesina, 58, was pronounced dead at Norman Regional Hospital. A month prior, William Kenneth Moore, 36, died in custody after a medical episode. In February 2023, Joe Allen Sims Jr., 44, died by suicide while in custody.

Shannon Hanchett, known as the Cookie Queen who ran a bakery in downtown Norman, died in the Cleveland County jail on Dec. 8, 2022, after being arrested on a complaint of misdemeanor obstruction and false reporting.

In January 2024, a federal lawsuit was filed against the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office, Turn Key Health Clinics and three medical professionals who cared for Hanchett in the days leading up to her death. The lawsuit alleged Hanchett had her constitutional rights disregarded by center staff, contributing to her death while in custody, but the lawsuit was dismissed in August.

Shortly after Hanchetts death, Kathryn Milano, 66, died in custody on Dec. 20, 2022, after suffering a medical emergency related to pre-existing medical conditions, according to the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office.

This story was edited by Ismael Lele, Ana Barboza and Anusha Fathepure. Tori Pham and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
The Native American Studies Department will host a retirement celebration for Christine Armer on Thursday.

Armer has served as the Cherokee language instructor at the OU for 20 years.

According to a press release, Armer grew up in Muldrow, Oklahoma, in a community where the Cherokee language was spoken. She was not introduced to English until she reached grade school.

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After high school, Armer applied her passion for education in various ways. She worked with Durbin Feeling, a Cherokee linguist and language preservationist most known for writing a major Cherokee-English dictionary for the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, according to the release.

Armer earned a bachelors degree in elementary education from Northeastern State University in 2005. Afterward, she was recruited by Patricia Gillman, who was then chair of the OU Department of Anthropology, and tasked with creating and teaching the Cherokee language courses at OU.

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

Farina King, Native American studies professor and one of Armer's colleagues, said in the press release she has heard numerous stories from students who respected Armer, as well as from those who never had the opportunity to take a class from her due to high demand.

I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Mrs. Armer as she teaches everyone around her the significance of Cherokee language and culture, King said. She is a treasure to the community and a trailblazer in Cherokee language education.

The celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in Dale Hall Tower, Room 906. It will include Cherokee language speakers, reflections from Armer and a language roundtable with Q&A.

Ismael Lele and Ana Barboza edited this story.
BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai's international financial center construction process is progressing soundly and features notable achievements, particularly through pioneering reforms in cross-border financial services, a central bank official said on Wednesday.

These endeavors have generated a set of replicable "Shanghai experiences" that can be applied elsewhere, Lu Lei, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, told a press conference.

In 2024, Shanghai's cross-border RMB receipts and payments totaled 29.8 trillion yuan (about 4.1 trillion U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of 30 percent, accounting for 47 percent of the national total.

Lu also said that China will implement 18 key measures to further facilitate cross-border financial services in Shanghai.

These measures include enhancing cross-border settlement efficiency, optimizing the hedging of foreign exchange risks, and strengthening financing services, according to the latest action plan to further facilitate cross-border financial services in Shanghai by leveraging its role as an international financial center.

The action plan will enhance the facilitation of global asset management, and support eligible Qualified Domestic Limited Partner pilot enterprises in reasonably improving the efficiency of fund utilization under regulatory compliance, allowing them to invest in short-term cash management products in China, including low-risk monetary funds, cash management products and time deposits, as well as subscribing to certain overseas cash management products.

The plan will also encourage financial institutions to enhance their capacity to provide digital services and support them to improve services for enterprises to expand abroad by leveraging technologies such as blockchain.

Efforts will be made to enhance the functionality and global coverage of the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System and encourage more banks to participate in the system, the action plan stated.




Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Rainey Williams to the OU Board of Regents, according to a press release Wednesday.

Williams is the president of Marco Capital Group, a privately owned investment partnership operating in Oklahoma, Texas and the southwestern U.S.

Williams has worked for over three decades in business and investment. He has invested in private equity, real estate and other alternative assets for over 25 years, according to the release.

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"Rainey Williams is a respected leader with a heart for service and a sharp eye for smart investments," Stitt said in the release. "His business experience, combined with his longstanding commitment to education and public health, makes him a natural fit to help guide the University of Oklahoma into its next chapter."

Williams currently serves as chair of the University Hospitals Authority and Trust, chair of OU Health and chair of the investment committee for the Presbyterian Health Foundation. He is the lead independent director at BancFirst Corporation and has held board positions with companies such as American Trailer Works, Benham Investment Holdings and Titan Spine.

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

Williams has also worked as an adjunct professor in the masters program in OUs Price College of Business. He earned his bachelors degree in finance from Southern Methodist University in 1982 and his Juris Doctor in 1985 from OU Law.

On March 10, former Regent Natalie Shirley was honored during her last Board of Regents meeting. Shirley served as chair of the board from 2023-24. She was appointed to the board by Stitt in 2018.

Im honored by the opportunity to serve on the OU Board of Regents and support the universitys mission of academic excellence, innovation, and public impact, Williams said in the release. OU plays a vital role in shaping our states future, and Im grateful to Governor Stitt for the trust hes placed in me.

This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure. Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
About 50 faculty, staff and students gathered on the top floor of Dale Hall Tower to celebrate the career of Cherokee language instructor Christine Armer.

Armer has taught at OU for 20 years, joining the university in 2005. Armer was recruited by Patricia Gilman, then-chair of the OU Department of Anthropology, and tasked with creating and teaching the Cherokee language courses at OU.

Bryan Warner, deputy principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, opened the event, speaking about Armers legacy at OU and her efforts preserving Native languages.

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It is individuals like Mrs. Armer that help us find center when we don't understand something, and it's that visual world of Indigenous languages that we have to understand, Warner said. We're talking from the heart. We see from the heart. We hear from the heart. That's what language really is, so don't ever let anybody tell us that it is not important, because it is of the utmost importance.

Warner thanked Armer for her service to the Cherokee Nation and the rest of Indian Country.

I know she'll remember each and every one of you that have touched her life and her heart because that's what Cherokees do. That's what Native people do, Warner said. They don't forget one another.

Warner gifted Armer a blanket on behalf of the Cherokee Nation to commemorate her impact on the community.

Armer addressed the crowd thanking attendees for coming together to celebrate her time at the university. She spoke about the importance of language for historical preservation and remembering ancestors.

OU students and community members, I urge you to embrace your heritage and be proud of who you are and recognize your inner strength through your language that God our creator has given you, Armer said.

Armer said education is a powerful weapon, and she urges community members to persevere through difficulties because learning is an enriching journey.

Education is your passport to the future, Armer said. For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today, and that is what you are doing.

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

Various audience members spoke about Armers impact.

Farina King, Native American studies professor, thanked Armers family for sharing Armers love and wisdom with the OU community.

I want to say wado to you and your family for sharing your mother with us, King said. Wado means thank you in Cherokee.

She is a beloved woman, King said. Thank you so much for sharing her because I know how precious she is, and the hours of time she sacrificed with family for us.

Two students from Armers Beginning Cherokee class, Bee Cary and Eyan Williams, thanked Armer for all she has taught them.

Cary said she first experienced Cherokee from her great grandmother who passed away when she was 10. Cary said being in Armers class allowed her to reconnect with that part of her culture.

I miss (my great grandmother) a lot every day, and just being in Mrs. Armers class has made me feel like that part of her is still with me, Cary said. Every day, getting to learn the language, not only am I closer to her, but I'm closer to all my ancestors, and that's just the most amazing feeling in the world.

Williams lauded Armers ability to connect with her students and form long-lasting relationships.

She just has a way in her classroom. She knows exactly what you need just by looking, Williams said. She's seen me on days when I've been low and told me a good joke, told me a funny story, and picked me right back up.

In an interview with OU Daily after the event, Armer said she was sad to be leaving but happy to see her faculty and students grow. Armer said she plans to spend more time with family during her retirement.

Ive learned a lot from my colleagues,  and it hurts me to leave my students but Im happy because Ill be with my husband, Armer said.
Editor's Note: This story was updated at 5:27 p.m. on April 24 to include a statement from OU Marketing and Communications

The American Association of Colleges and Universities released a public statement Tuesday co-signed by 304 university leaders across the nation condemning increased federal interference with university proceedings.

OU was not listed among the signees. In an email sent to OU Daily on Thursday, OU Marketing and Communications wrote that OU's values are clearly articulated through its Lead On, University strategic plan.

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OU Marketing and Communications also provided a website containing OU's endorsement of the "Chicago Principles on Freedom of Expression" and several statements made by OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. that "support" the OU community.

"Our commitment to these principles is clear in the way we operate and engage with the broader academic and civic communities. OU Marketing and Communications wrote.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities is a global membership organization that works to improve undergraduate education and support campus efforts to address social issues. The association provides research and educational resources to colleges and offers both specific and general grants.

In the statement, the American Association of Colleges and Universities expressed its disapproval of widespread cuts in federal public research funding, stating the lack of funding will significantly impact students and advancements in research.

As leaders of Americas colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education, the statement reads. We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.

The statement follows widespread cuts in federal funding to colleges and universities and President Donald Trumps executive order signed at the end of March calling for the dismantling of the federal Department of Education. The executive order states the Trump administration will take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities.

At the beginning of this month, the National Endowment for the Humanities terminated its general operating grant and revoked funding for research projects at universities across the nation, including OU. Three Oklahoma grant recipients, all of which were awarded to OU, received notice their funding would be canceled, revoking a total of $767,536 in federal funding.

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According to the American Association of Colleges and Universitys statement, federal funding is essential to the development of research, creativity and innovation, providing necessary resources for the next generation of the workforce. It also states the organization's commitment to fostering an environment where faculty, students and staff are free to exchange ideas and opinions across a full range of viewpoints without fear of retribution, censorship, or deportation.

Beginning around mid-March of this year, the Trump administration reportedly began unexpectedly revoking student visas in large numbers, including eight at Oklahoma State University and four at the University of Central Oklahoma. While the number of affected students is unclear at OU, over 1,000 student visas have been terminated across the nation so far according to AP News.

In a mass email sent to students, faculty and staff April 14, OU addressed concerns relating to the visa terminations, stating the university is working closely with affected students, but it could not provide an exact number of students impacted by the surge of activity.

On behalf of our current and future students, and all who work at and benefit from our institutions, we call for constructive engagement that improves our institutions and serves our republic, the statement reads.

Among the 304 university presidents who signed the statement, 28 are members of the Association of American Universities, a group OU aims to join in the coming years. No presidents of Southeastern Conference schools have signed the statement.

The Association of American Universities is an invitation-only organization of Americas leading research universities credited for life changing education, research and innovation. Member universities earn the majority of federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges and contributes to the education and training of younger generations.

At a recent event, Harroz presented revisions to the universitys Lead On, University strategic plan, including the intent to meet the criteria to be invited to join the Association of American Universities. Of the approximately 4,000 degree-granting universities in the U.S., there are 69 Association of American Universities institutions with just over half being public universities.

Harroz has not signed the statement as of Wednesday.

The American Association of Colleges and Universities is still accepting signatures from university leaders.

Ismael Lele and Anusha Fathepure edited this story.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the SUN Bucks food program that will provide kids across the state with food during the summer break.

The program was first launched last year, where nearly $500 million in food purchases were made. Additionally, the families and caregivers of over 4.3 million California kids activated their SUN Bucks cards for the first time.

California SUN Bucks Food Program

More than 4 million California kids will automatically receive SUN Bucks EBT cards that they can use to buy groceries starting in June, with each eligible child receiving $120. In a statement, Newsom said that it is important that no child in California go hungry, especially during the summer months when they do not have access to school meals.

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added that the SUN Bucks food program ensures that kids across the state have access to the nourishment they need to grow. She noted that the program is about dignity and the health of the state's children, according to Gov.Ca.

The majority of children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals through a school meal application or many others are automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. Kids who are in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or attending Head Start, are also categorically eligible and will be automatically enrolled.

Kids who are not automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program can apply by submitting a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application to their school or school administrator's office by Sept. 1, 2025.

Funding For Eligible Children

This year's SUN Bucks cards for summer 2025 are set to arrive in the mail starting in June and will continue until officials complete mailings. The EBT cards will give $120 to every child, which is equivalent to $40 per month for June, July, and August, BenitoLink reported.

CDSS Director Jennifer Troia said that the program last year not only helped put food on the table for millions of families but also supported local economies where food benefits were spent.

The $120 fund that comes with every SUN Bucks EBT card must be used within 122 days of the funds being added to the card. Any unused money will expire after that set timeline and expired benefits cannot be replaced.

Kristal Mothershed, Social Services Supervisor, said that they want to encourage families to eat healthy, which is what the $120 funding will help with. She said that having that extra money for every eligible child can make a difference, as per ABC7.
On Saturday, 5 April, my friend Don Bradley lost his son Donnie suddenly, in an unspeakably tragic and horrible incident. (I dont feel that, on my own initiative, I can go further into the details of what happened.) Ive spoken with Don within the past few hours. As you can easily imagine, he is absolutely grief-stricken. He has now set up a gofundme account in honor of his boy:

Help Extend Donnies Legacy of Love through UNICEF

FOR DONNIES BIRTHDAY, AND IN CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE THAT PASSED TOO SOON, PLEASE HELP HIM FULFILL HIS DREAM OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD. When Donnie Bradley was a little boy he wanted to make other children happy like he was. When he was just 3, he dictated to his dad a letter to President Clinton about how to make the lives of children in poor nations better. All through his childhood on Halloween he would not only collect candy for himself but also donations to help other children around the world through a program called Trick or Treat for UNICEF. UNICEF helps nourish, protect, and educate children in over 190 nations and give them good lives. Before Donnie died this month he told us, his family, over and over how what he wanted most was to contribute to the lives of others. By donating to save the lives of children through UNICEF, as Donnie himself worked to do when he was just a child himself, you can help Donnie fulfill his dreams.

I doubt that William Shakespeares King Lear had modern air travel in mind when he said that

Men must endure/Their going hence, even as their coming hither: Ripeness is all. (King Lear V.ii)

Maybe Im being too hasty, though. After all, there were, for many years, such things as Lear jets. In any case, I begin this morning in dread of the next many hours of sardine-class international flying. With something like the same degree of enthusiasm, I suppose, with which a condemned man contemplates the gallows on his last morning. This trip seemed like a good idea when I accepted the invitation several months ago . . .

On the website of the completely static and moribund Interpreter Foundation, Brant A. Gardner continues with his important new blog series, which was first launched last week: The Heartland Versus Mesoamerica Part 2: The Heartland Pins in the Map

A few weeks back, I read. Richard Lyman Bushman, What Are We to Make of the Gold Plates? BYU Studies 64:1 (2025): 97-113. Here are a pair of passages from his very interesting article:

If you want to believe in the gold plates, as I do, a case can be made. Accepting their reality does not require a complete abandonment of rationality. Foremost among the evidences are the eleven men besides Joseph Smith who say they saw the plates. Their statements, printed in the Book of Mormon, were never repudiated. I am impressed that Oliver Cowdery wrote a friend about the experience in October 1829 soon after the vision of the plates was alleged to have occurred. The witnesses saw something. Beyond the witnesses are all the people who touched or lifted the plates while they were in Smiths possession. The evidence for Smith having something like the plates was strong enough to persuade Dan Vogel, a skeptical historian, that Smith possessed some object with their shape, size, and weight, perhaps a set of tin plates he fabricated. I dont subscribe to Vogels tin-plate hypothesis, but I do think the plates were a tactile reality to the people around Smith. Then there was a personal experience with the Egyptologist Richard Parker. While I was at Brown University on a fellowship in 1965, I asked Parker, a member of the faculty, about an article by Ariel Crowley on the Anthon Transcript. Crowley examined the characters copied from the plates for Martin Harris to show to the Columbia linguist Charles Anthon. Crowley compared each character on the transcript to characters from Egyptian lexicons. Every one of over two hundred characters had an Egyptian equivalent. When I called on Parker to ask about the validity of Crowleys argument, I was surprised to learn that Parker himself had helped Crowley locate the characters. Were they really Egyptian? I asked. Not really, he said. They were more like Meroitic, an upper Nile language that was written in Egyptian characters but was an independent tongue. That seemed to me to fit the idea of Hebrew being written in Egyptian as the Book of Mormon describes its own text. The experience left me with a conviction that Joseph had access to Egyptian from somewhere, and perhaps it was from the plates. All of thisthe witnesses, the many touches and lifts, and the Anthon charactersmakes an argument for the plates that I can buy. In addition, the plates are embedded in a story that concludes with a published text, the Book of Mormon, which is itself a marvel. I cannot conceive of Joseph Smith writing that book on his own. It is too complex, too weird, too compelling to be a product of his twenty-four-year-old mind. For me, the books text disrupts any simple explanation of its origins. Adding gold plates and an inspired translation to the mix seems to me in keeping with the extraordinary nature of the book. I have lived with the gold plates long enoughall my lifenot to be offended by their existence. They seem beautiful and strange in a wonderful way. They dont strike me as an excrescence or offense. A gold book telling the story of two fallen civilizations written in a mysterious hybrid of Egyptian and Hebrew is astounding. It is a fitting introduction to the unusual qualities of Mormon theology. I am happy to live in a world I share with the gold plates. (107-108)

Continuing a few pages later, he writes that,
Lucas Banzoli is a very active Brazilian anti-Catholic polemicist, who holds to basically a Seventh-day Adventist theology, whereby there is no such thing as a soul that consciously exists outside of a body, and no hell (soul sleep and annihilationism). He has a Masters degree in theology, a degree and postgraduate work in history, a license in letters, and is a history teacher, author of 27 self-published books, as well as blogmaster for six blogs. He has many videos on YouTube.

This is my 68th refutation of Banzolis writings. From 25 May until 12 November 2022 he wrote not one single word in reply, claiming that my articles were without exception poor, superficial and weak and that only a severely cognitively impaired person would take them seriously. Nevertheless, he found them so entertaining that after almost six months of inaction he resolved to make a point of rebutting them one by one; this effort being his new favorite sport. But apparently he changed his mind again, since he has replied to me only 16 times (the last one dated 2-20-23).

This is a reply to the controversial and relevant items of his list, in his article, A Confession of Faith Common to all Protestants [Uma Confissao de Fe comum a todos os protestantes] (10-29-24)

Lucas original Portugese was automatically translated into English on his blog by Google Translate. His words will be in blue.

*****

You have certainly seen a Catholic accuse Protestants of being divided into 40,000 sects with different doctrines (which is humanly impossible, since there are not even 40,000 doctrines to have 40,000 doctrinal divergences),

Yes; this is a dumb argument. I renounced it over twenty years ago in my article, 33,000 Protestant Denominations? No! [9-4-04], and have ever since said hundreds to describe the number of Protestant denominations. There are methodological difficulties with the usual figures. In any event, denominationalism itself is utterly unbiblical and anything beyond one Church is already a very serious unbiblical falsehood.

and many of them say that there is not even a common core of doctrines to be considered Protestant, as if Protestant could be anything.

Thats a stupid belief, too, but I immediately note that almost all of what Protestants have in common are beliefs that Catholics and Orthodox also hold; in other words, these are tenets that all Christians hold in common. I will demonstrate that in my reply.

First of all, it is important to highlight two things. First, unlike the scarecrow constantly present in Catholic apologetics, antitrinitarians are not protestants,

Ive been a Catholic apologist for almost 35 years, and I havent observed this false view being constantly present in Catholic apologetics. One would have to be very ignorant to claim this, and as usual when sweeping statements about Catholic apologists are made by Protestants, not even a single example is provided. Speaking for myself, I have never ever stated that actual Protestants denied the Trinity.

Unfortunately, out of ignorance or bad faith, many of them say this because they believe that Jehovahs Witnesses are Protestants,

Many? I think not. It doesnt take much knowledge at all to see that JWS are not Protestants or any other kind of Christians. Theyre Arian heretics. I particularly object to this silly characterization, seeing that my first major apologetics project as a Protestant evangelical in 1981, was to do a massive refutation of the false belief of Jehovahs Witnesses. I was part of an anti-cult ministry.

behind the secondary issues that divide us is a primary and much more important element that unites us.

And he thinks these are listed in his thirty points. But I will show that with regard to many of these so-called central or primary beliefs, Protestants in fact disagree with each other. Note that Lucas claims in his title that these points are common to all Protestants. So if I demonstrate that several of them arent, he is guilty of a misleading, only partially true title and would have to shorten his list to half as long in order to be intellectually honest.

Nineteen, or 63% of all his points are simply beliefs held in common with all Christians, and thus irrelevant. What Lucas needs to demonstrate are beliefs that are distinctive to Protestants and held by all of them. That list becomes a very short one indeed, under scrutiny (perhaps even nonexistent). Thus, we can exclude (in this scenario that I think is reasonable) from the discussion right off the bat (#1-2, 4-6, 8, 11, 13-17, 21-22, 25-29; #21 being somewhat unique, as I will explain).

The other eleven points, or 37% of the list (#3, 7, 9-10, 12, 18-20, 23-24, 30) are disputable, and I contend that there are Protestants  not infrequently, many  who disagree with what Lucas claims is unanimity. Thus, 100% of his points fail in their purpose, under scrutiny: being either irrelevant (19) or untrue as a matter of fact (11), leaving his claim a complete failure. Lets take a look at the duds.

3) We believe that God is the only one we should pray to and the only one who answers our prayers.

Catholics agree that God ultimately answers our prayers, and that when saints are involved, they are functioning as intermediaries who can only pass along what God brings about. But there are some Protestants who believe that saints can be invoked. A post from St. Michaels Anglican Church in Matthews, North Carolina states:

The practice of requesting the intercessions of the glorified Saints is no different in degree, nature, or kind from the necessary intercessory prayer that Christians offer for one another on earth. If I ask you to pray for me and for my intentions, I know that in Christian charity you will do so. If you ask prayers of me, I should be delighted and moved by the same charity to pray for you. Offering requests through God in the Communion of the Saints to those fellow Christians who reign with Christ beyond the veil is no different. We may ask for their prayers, just as we pray for them. . . . Anglicans are not obliged to solicit the gracious prayers of the Saints on our behalf, but, just as they are not compelled to request the intercessory prayers of fellow Christians in heaven, so they are forbidden to say that such a practice is contrary to Scripture and Tradition. For Anglicans, the practice of the invocation of the Saints is limited in the main to private devotions and extraliturgical services which are not part of the usual public Liturgy. However, it is certainly to be encouraged and has never been rejected by the Anglican Church, , which counts herself a true Apostolic Church practicing the fullness of the Catholic Faith, of which the Communion of Saints is a supreme article. Please note that Article of Religion XXII does not condemn the ancient or patristic or biblical doctrine concerning the Invocation of Saints and other related truths, but only the Romish, that is, the popularly-believed late medieval and thus erroneous view of the same. The Anglican teaching is the reformed Catholic view, anchored in the Holy Scriptures and the Tradition of the Primitive Church.

Anglican apologist C. S. Lewis wrote:

I accept the authority of the Benedicite for the propriety of invoking . . . saints. . . . ( The Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis, Vol. III: Narnia, Cambridge, and Joy 1950-1963, edited by Walter Hooper, HarperSanFrancisco, 2007, To the Editor of the Church Times, 15 July 1949)

With approximately 85  110 million members, Anglicanism is the third-largest Christian communion after Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.

7) We believe in a worship free of graven images for purposes of worship and/or veneration, and that we should not bow down before any image.

Martin Luther believed in adoration of Jesus in the sacrament of the Eucharist, which includes bowing before the consecrated host and chalice. He even wrote a treatise about it in 1523, called, The Adoration of the Sacrament, which is included in Luthers Works in English, in volume 36, pp. 268305, where he proclaimed, he who does believe, as sufficient demonstration has shown it ought to be believed, can surely not withhold his adoration of the body and blood of Christ without sinning . . . One should not withhold from him such worship and adoration either . . . one should not condemn and accuse of heresy people who do adore the sacrament.

Luther was observed bowing before the consecrated host and chalice. Its for this reason that John Calvin called Luther half-papist and that he had raised up the idol in Gods temple. See more on this. Some high Anglicans or Anglo-Catholics practice this, too. So, for example, the article, What is Eucharistic Adoration? from Church of the Good Shepherd, an Anglo-Catholic parish in South Carolina, affirmed:

The practice of Eucharistic Adoration is the spiritual exercise of adoring the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The intention of such a devotion is to allow the faithful to be connected with an awareness of the gift of Christs sacramental presence and experience a spiritual communion with Him. . . . In the Church of England, Father John Mason Neale (1818-1866) revived interest in Eucharistic Adoration among Anglicans when he made it a part of the devotional life of the nuns of the Society of Saint Margaret. Father Neale saw Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and Eucharistic Exposition as the logical devotional expression of the Church Catholics understanding of the Real Presence.

9) We believe that Sacred Scripture is the highest authority for Christians, the highest and final authority that prevails over any tradition, teaching, denomination, council, confession of faith or religious leadership.

This is generally true of Protestantism, as one of its two pillars and its rule of faith, but again, there are exceptions (whereas Lucas ignores that). Anglicanism and its offshoot, Methodism, place a higher emphasis on tradition and the authority of the Church, and also accept the notion of apostolic succession, both of which are, strictly speaking, contradictory to sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone as the only infallible authority). Along these lines, John Wesley, the key figure at the beginning of Methodism, but himself a lifelong Anglican, stated:

If to baptize infants has been the general practice of the Christian Church in all places and in all ages, then this must have been the practice of the apostles, and, consequently, the mind of Christ. . . . The fact being thus cleared, that infant baptism has been the general practice of the Christian Church in all places and in all ages, that it has continued without interruption in the Church of God for above seventeen hundred years, we may safely conclude it was handed down from the apostles, who best knew the mind of Christ. (A Treatise on Baptism; in Coll. iii, 232-233; 11 Nov. 1756)

Martin Luther had made the exact same point over 200 years earlier:

Child baptism derives from the apostles and has been practised since the days of he apostles. . . . * Were child baptism now wrong God would certainly not have permitted it to continue so long, nor let it become so universally and thoroughly established in all Christendom, but it would sometime have gone down in disgrace. The fact that the Anabaptists now dishonor it does not mean anything final or injurious to it. Just as God has established that Christians in all the world have accepted the Bible as Bible, the Lords Prayer as Lords Prayer, and faith of a child as faith, so also he has established child baptism and kept it from being rejected while all kinds of heresies have disappeared which are much more recent and later than child baptism. This miracle of God is an indication that child baptism must be right. . . . * You say, this does not prove that child baptism is certain. For there is no passage in Scripture for it. My answer: that is true. From Scripture we cannot clearly conclude that you could establish child baptism as a practice among the first Christians after the apostles. But you can well conclude that in our day no one may reject or neglect the practice of child baptism which has so long a tradition, since God actually not only has permitted it, but from the beginning so ordered, that it has not yet disappeared. * For where we see the work of God we should yield and believe in the same way as when we hear his Word, unless the plain Scripture tells us otherwise. . . . * [I]f the first, or child, baptism were not right, it would follow that for more than a thousand years there was no baptism or any Christendom, which is impossible. . . . For over a thousand years there were hardly any other but child baptisms. . . . * We . . . are certain enough, because it is nowhere contrary to Scripture, but is rather in accord with Scripture. (Concerning Rebaptism, January 1528; in Luthers Works, 225-262; citation from 254-257)

The Anglican historian of Christian theology, Alister McGrath (b. 1953) noted the high irony of how even Martin Luther and his Lutherans changed their tune about sola Scriptura and the Bible after 1525 (just four years after Luther was excommunicated and in effect started Lutheranism): The magisterial Reformation initially seems to have allowed that every individual had the right to interpret Scripture; but . . . The Peasants Revolt of 1525 appears to have convinced some, such as Luther, that individual believers (especially German peasants) were simply not capable of interpreting Scripture. It is one of the ironies of the Lutheran Reformation that a movement which laid such stress upon the importance of Scripture should subsequently deny its less educated members direct access to that same Scripture, for fear that they might misinterpret it (in other words, reach a different interpretation from that of the magisterial reformers). (Reformation Thought: An Introduction, 4th edition, 2012, p. 110) 10) We believe that the reading of Sacred Scripture is for all the faithful, that its translation into the language of the people should be encouraged and that it can be freely examined by the faithful, to the detriment of an ecclesiastical monopoly of some institution.

First of all, Lucas lies about supposed Catholic suppression of the Bible, and denunciation of non-Latin vernacular translations in particular. McGrath gives the actual facts of the matter:

No universal or absolute prohibition of the translation of scriptures into the vernacular was ever issued by a medieval pope or council, nor was any similar prohibition directed against the use of such translations by the laity. (The Intellectual Origins of the European Reformation, 1987, p. 124)

Nor was this even true of Luthers original Lutheranism, within the first ten years. McGrath explains the details:

For example, the school regulations of the duchy of Wurttemburg laid down that only the most able schoolchildren were to be allowed to study the New Testament in their final years  and even then, only if they studied it in Greek or Latin. The remainder  presumably the vast bulk  were required to read Luthers Lesser Catechism instead. The direct interpretation of Scripture was thus effectively reserved for a small, privileged group of people. . . . The principle of the clarity of Scripture appears to have been quietly marginalized, in the light of the use made of the Bible by the more radical elements within the Reformation. Similarly, the idea that everyone had the right and the ability to interpret Scripture faithfully became the sole possession of the radicals. (Reformation Thought: An Introduction, 2nd edition from 1993, p. 155)

12) We believe that Jesus is the only person who spent his entire life without contracting any stain of sin.

*

Again, Martin Luther, the founder of the system, believed in the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which includes her sinlessness (even from original sin). No one has to take my word for that. Many Lutheran scholars and historians assert it. The well-known Lutheran scholar Arthur Carl Piepkorn stated in a scholarly article in 1967 that Martin Luthers personal adherence to the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God (barring two lapses) seems to have been life-long. This same piece was described as a splendid and learned summary by the great Lutheran scholar Jaroslav Pelikan in his 1996 book, Mary Through The Ages, on page 249. Prominent Lutheran theologian Friedrich Heiler was cited in a 1959 Lutheran article stating that Mary is for Luther immaculately conceived, . . . in the sense . . . which the Roman Church in 1854 formulated as a dogma.

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The eminent Lutheran scholar Eric W. Gritsch, one of the translator in the 55-volume set of the works of Luther, concurred, writing: The literary evidence from Luthers works clearly supports the view that Luther affirmed the doctrine. He also stated that Luther affirmed Marys assumption into heaven. This was in the 1992 book, The One Mediator, the Saints, and Mary, Lutherans and Catholics in Dialogue VIII, written by twelve Lutheran and ten Catholic scholars. The Lutherans agreed with a common statement on page 54: Luther himself professed the Immaculate Conception as a pleasing thought, though not as an article of faith. Also, the German Lutheran Julius Kostlin, author of a famous 1883 biography, Life of Luther, stated that the Immaculate Conception was firmly maintained by Luther himself. For more on this, see:

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Some Protestants also believe that John the Baptist never sinned.

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18) We believe in the necessity of good works as a consequence of salvation by faith, and not as the cause of salvation.

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Several strains of Protestantism dissent from the strict, pure notion of faith alone (sola fide), where works have nothing whatsoever (formally) to do with salvation. In particular, we can point to Christian perfectionism. Wikipedia has an excellent, in-depth article with the same title . I cite it at some length:

Within many denominations of Christianity, Christian perfection is the theological concept of the process or the event of achieving spiritual maturity or perfection. The ultimate goal of this process is union with God characterized by pure love of God and other people as well as personal holiness or sanctification. Other terms used for this or similar concepts include entire sanctification, holiness, perfect love, the baptism with the Holy Spirit, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, baptism by fire, the second blessing, and the second work of grace. . . . * Traditional Quakerism uses the term perfection and teaches that it is the calling of a believer. Perfection is a prominent doctrine within the Methodist tradition, . . . Methodists use the term Baptism of the Holy Spirit to refer to the second work of grace, entire sanctification. Other denominations, such as the Lutheran Churches and Reformed Churches, reject the possibility of Christian perfection in this life as contrary to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, . . .

In traditional Calvinism and high church Anglicanism, perfection was viewed as a gift bestowed on righteous persons only after their death (see Glorification). John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was responsible for reviving the idea of spiritual perfection in Protestantism. . . . Wesley transformed Christian perfection as found in church tradition by interpreting it through a Protestant lens that understood sanctification in light of justification by grace through faith working by love. . . . Wesley taught that the manifestation of being entirely sanctified included engagement in works of piety and works of mercy. . . . Daniel L. Burnett, a professor at Wesley Biblical Seminary, writes that: Views compatible with the Wesleyan understanding of entire sanctification were carried forward in later times by men like the medieval Catholic priest Thomas a Kempis, . . . the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius, the German Pietist Phillip Jacob Spener, the Quaker founder George Fox, the Anglican bishop Jeremy Taylor, and the English devotional writer William Law. Many of these influences fed into [John] Wesleys heritage and laid the foundation for the development of his thought.

John Wesley wrote about the falsity of faith alone: Beware of solifidianism; crying nothing but, Believe, believe and condemning those as ignorant or legal who speak in a more scriptural way. At certain seasons, indeed, it may be right to treat of nothing but repentance, or merely of faith, or altogether of holiness; but, in general, our call is to declare the whole counsel of God, and to prophesy according to the analogy of faith. The written word treats of the whole and every particular branch of righteousness, descending to its minutest branches; as to be sober, courteous, diligent, patient, to honour all men. So, likewise, the Holy Spirit works the same in our hearts, not merely creating desires after holiness in general, but strongly inclining us to every particular grace, leading us to every individual part of whatsoever is lovely. And this with the greatest propriety; for as by works faith is made perfect, so the completing or destroying the work of faith, and enjoying the favour, or suffering the displeasure, of God, greatly depends on every single act of obedience or disobedience. (A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, 1767; rev. 1777; in W xi, 431-432; from Farther Thoughts on Christian Perfection, 1762) 19) We believe that salvation is defined based on what we have done in this life only, with no second chances for salvation after death (whether through reincarnation, purgatory or the like). There are two silly and absurd things here. Catholics dont believe in a second chance for salvation after death. Ones eternal destiny is determined at the moment of death, and doesnt change. Accordingly, all who are in purgatory, in our view, are saved and inevitably on the way to heaven. Secondly, no Christian, as the term has always been defined through history, believes in reincarnation. That said, now we can address purgatory. And yes, some serious Protestants believe in this, too. C. S. Lewis wrote: Our souls demand Purgatory, dont they? Would it not break the heart if God said to us, It is true, my son, that your breath smells and your rags drip with mud and slime, but we are charitable here and no one will upbraid you with these things, nor draw away from you. Enter into the joy? Should we not reply, With submission, sir, and if there is no objection, Id rather be cleaned first. It may hurt, you know  Even so, sir. I assume that the process of purification will normally involve suffering. Partly from tradition; partly because most real good that has been done me in this life has involved it. . . . My favourite image on this matter comes from the dentists chair. I hope that when the tooth of life is drawn and I am coming round, a voice will say, Rinse your mouth out with this. This will be Purgatory. The rinsing may take longer than I can now imagine. The taste of this may be more fiery and astringent than my present sensibility could endure. (Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1964, 107-109) See more on this and also Lewis belief in prayers for the dead. The Wikipedia article, Purgatory states: Elements of the Anglican, Lutheran, and Methodist traditions hold that for some there is cleansing after death and pray for the dead, knowing it to be efficacious. Wesleyan scholar Jerry L. Walls defended the doctrine in his book, Purgatory: The Logic of Total Transformation (Oxford University Press, 2011). 20) We believe that sins can and should be confessed directly to God, who forgives us if we are sincerely repentant, and that we can also confess our sins to one another (especially if we have sinned against them), and not under the obligation of a private confession to a priest or that forgiveness depends on that private confession. Some Protestants accept this, too. John Wesley wrote: Do not they yet know that the only Popish confession is the Confession made by a single person to a priest?  and this itself is in no wise condemned by our Church; nay, she recommends it in some cases. (A Plain Account of the People Called Methodists; in Coll. iv, 186 [W (1831) v. 176-190]; 1748) C. S. Lewis, the famous Anglican apologist, believed in and practiced formal confession, as I discovered when reading the book, The Collected Letters of C. S. Lewis, Vol. II: Books, Broadcasts, and the War, 1931-1949, edited by Walter Hooper, HarperSanFrancisco, 2004. In a letter to his friend Mary Neylan on 4 January 1941 (Supplement section of Volume III from 2007), Lewis gave a basic explanation, referring to Confession and Absolution which our church enjoins on no-one but leaves free to all . . . the confessor is the representative of our Lord and declares His forgiveness (p. 1540). Writing again to her on 26 April 1941 Lewis stated (p. 481) that practicing confession was a desire to walk in well established ways which have the approval of Christendom as a whole. See much more on this.

The Wikipedia article, Absolution has a wealth of information about various Protestant versions of confession and absolution. It states about Lutheranism:

And about Anglicanism:

In the Church of England and in the Anglican Communion in general, formal, sacramental absolution is given to penitents in the sacrament of penance now formally called the Reconciliation of a Penitent and colloquially called confession.

And in Methodism:

23) We believe that baptism and the Lords Supper are still valid today.

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Note how vague and general this statement is. There is a good reason for that. Its because Protestants have massive disagreements on the nature of these rites, which most of them agree with us in regarding them as sacraments. I could document this till kingdom come, but Ill just provide a brief summary. From the beginning, Protestants differed on the Eucharist, with Luther and Lutherans following a view of the Real Presence, similar but not identical to the Catholic view (more like that of Orthodoxy). Zwingli opted for a completely symbolic Eucharist, and John Calvin took a middle position, of a mystical presence.

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Thats basically the three views regained today, that is, unless one is a Quaker or member of the Salvation Army: neither of which practice it at all. An article by a Quaker explains:

As far as I know, there are only two Christian traditions who officially dont celebrate the Eucharist: the Salvation Army and the Society of Friends (Quakers). A fellow student at Queens Theological Foundation, where I study Theology, who is a Salvationist, told me that there are many different reasons for the Salvation Army not celebrating the Eucharist, but these are two important ones: they have always regarded women as equal in ministry (and sacraments at the time were only distributable by men); and they believe that throughout history the sacraments have had a divisive influence on the church, and differing beliefs about them have led to abuse and controversy. . . . * The Quakers have never celebrated the Eucharist or any sacraments. . . . because Quakers find that all ritual distracts and takes focus away from God. Also, Quakers believe that ministry is not only equal between men and women, but that it belongs to all people, not just a few ministers.

Protestants got so ridiculous about the Eucharist within their first six decades, that in 1577, at Ingolstadt in Germany, a book entitled, Two Hundred Interpretations of the Words, This is My Body was published. Note also that Lucas didnt claim that Protestants agreed on ordination, because he knows that many of them now ordain women; nor that they can agree on something as fundamental as abortion (all of the mainline denominations favor it) or divorce, or whether practicing homosexuals can get married, or whether sodomy is a sin.

As for baptism, note that these two groups dont practice that, either, despite it being a command of Jesus Christ (oh well). Beyond that, there are four major variations of baptism among Protestants, who are split into infant baptism and adult believers baptism camps (the former group, including Luther and Calvin and their followers, used to execute the latter for this reason).

Furthermore, the infant camp contains those who accept baptismal regeneration (Lutherans, Anglicans, and to some extent, Methodists), as does the adult camp (Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ). Thus, there are five distinct competing belief-systems among Protestants with regard to baptism. They cant even agree on these crucially important sacraments: both directly tied to salvation in Holy Scripture.

24) We believe that the Church consists of the body of Christ, the gathering together of all those saved in Christ wherever they are.

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This is the mystical body and Catholics agree that it is comprised of the elect, known ultimately only by God. But various Protestants also hold to a visible Church that goes far beyond this limited conception. So, for example, John Calvin wrote:

In this Church there is a very large mixture of hypocrites, who have nothing of Christ but the name and outward appearance: of ambitious, avaricious, envious, evil-speaking men, some also of impurer lives, who are tolerated for a time, either because their guilt cannot be legally established, or because due strictness of discipline is not always observed. Hence, as it is necessary to believe the invisible Church, which is manifest to the eye of God only, so we are also enjoined to regard this Church which is so called with reference to man, and to cultivate its communion. (Institutes of the Christian Religion, IV, 1:7) Still those of whom we have spoken sin in their turn, by not knowing how to set bounds to their offence. For where the Lord requires mercy they omit it, and give themselves up to immoderate severity. Thinking there is no church where there is not complete purity and integrity of conduct, they, through hatred of wickedness, withdraw from a genuine church, while they think they are shunning the company of the ungodly. They allege that the Church of God is holy. But that they may at the same time understand that it contains a mixture of good and bad, let them hear from the lips of our Saviour that parable in which he compares the Church to a net in which all kinds of fishes are taken, but not separated until they are brought ashore. Let them hear it compared to a field which, planted with good seed, is by the fraud of an enemy mingled with tares, and is not freed of them until the harvest is brought into the barn. Let them hear, in fine, that it is a thrashing-floor in which the collected wheat lies concealed under the chaff, until, cleansed by the fanners and the sieve, it is at length laid up in the granary. If the Lord declares that the Church will labour under the defect of being burdened with a multitude of wicked until the day of judgment, it is in vain to look for a church altogether free from blemish (Mt. 13). (Ibid., IV, 1:13) Likewise, Martin Luther wrote: The second kind of fellowship is an outward, bodily and visible fellowship, by which one is admitted to the Holy Sacrament and receives and partakes of it together with others. From this fellowship or communion bishop and pope can exclude one, and forbid it to him on account of his sin, and that is called putting him under the ban. . . . This external ban, both the lesser and the greater, was instituted by Christ when He said in Matthew xviii: If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. If he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word or transaction may be established. If he will not hear them, then tell it unto the whole congregation, the Church. If he neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee a heathen man and a publican. [Matt. 18:15 ff.] Likewise St. Paul says in I Corinthians v: If any man among you be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such an one keep not company, neither eat with him. [1. Cor. 5:11] Again he says in II Thessalonians iii: If any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. [2 Thess. 3:14] Again, John says in his second Epistle: If any one come unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed, and he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. [2 John 10] . . . St. Paul limits the purpose of the ban to the correction of our neighbor, that he be put to shame when no one associates with him, and he adds in 11 Thessalonians iii: Count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. [2 Thess. 3:15] . . . To put under the ban is not, as some think, to deliver a soul to Satan and deprive it of the intercession and of all the good works of the Church. (A Treatise Concerning the Ban, 1520)

30) We believe in the final judgment, when God will judge both the righteous and the wicked; the righteous to receive the reward of eternal life, and the wicked to be condemned.

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Note that Lucas doesnt mention hell. And thats because his own view in this respect is like the Seventh-Day Adventists. He believes in soul-sleep after death, and in annihilationism, which is a denial of the very biblical doctrine of an eternal hell of punishment and of the eternal existence of all souls. He classifies himself as a Protestant, but denies things that probably 95% of them or more believe. Thus, already, we see a doctrinal relativism concerning the doctrine of man (anthropology) and eschatology (last things).

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Annihilationism is gaining ground as a fashionable view among even evangelical Protestants (usually more traditional). John Stott was one such figure who came to adopt it. F. F. Bruce  the great biblical scholar  wrote a letter to Stott in 1989, saying, annihilation is certainly an acceptable interpretation of the relevant New Testament passages. . . For myself, I remain agnostic.

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The Problem of Pain, even C. S. Lewis sounds like an annihilationist. He wrote: In his book,, even C. S. Lewis sounds like an annihilationist. He wrote:

But I notice that Our Lord, while stressing the terror of hell with unsparing severity usually emphasizes the idea not of duration but of finality. Consignment to the destroying fire is usually treated as the end of the storynot as the beginning of a new story. That the lost soul is eternally fixed in its diabolical attitude we cannot doubt: but whether this eternal fixity implies endless durationor duration at allwe cannot say.

So the endless debates go in within Protestantism, with regard to this issue and many dozens of others. I have now shown, from Lucas own list, that in the ten areas which are Protestant distinctives and not in agreement with other Christians, there are always some Protestants who disagree. Its theological relativism and ecclesiological chaos.

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21) We believe that it is against the will of the Holy Spirit for heretics to be burned, since Jesus commanded us to love everyone, even our enemies.
On my Facebook account a friend just announced that Edwin Arnolds epic poem the Light of Asia was available for free download over at Urban Dharma.

It set me to thinking about the poet and the significance of that particular poem.

Edwin Arnold was born on the 10th of June, 1832 at Kent, in England. A graduate of University College, Oxford, his early promise as a poet won him the 1852 Newdigate prize.

Upon graduation Arnold became a schoolmaster. After a few years serving in England he accepted a position as principal at the Government Sanskrit College in Poona, India. Arnold was there for seven years, which included witnessing Indias struggles for independence which included the great mutiny of 1857.

When Arnold returned to England he worked as a journalist for the Daily Telegraph. He would stay with the Telegraph for forty years, eventually rising to editor-in-chief.

Arnold is probably mostly remembered as a travel writer and poet.

His essays collected in 1892 as Japonica were wildly popular. His first two wives pre-deceased him. His third wife Tama Kurokawa was at the time the only Japanese national to hold an English title. He was deeply interested not only in Asia, but also in Eastern religions. He would become one of the first Westerners to throw himself into the project of reclaiming and restoring Bodh Gaya, the site of the Buddhas great awakening.

Arnolds great project was a blank verse poem based loosely on the Lalitavistara Sutra. It ran for forty-one thousand words and was composed in eight volumes and published in 1879 as the Light of Asia: the Great Renunciation. (In addition to the link above heres another copy of the poem, which also include an mp3 of a reading of the text.)

The Light of Asia was an instant success and would capture the English speaking imagination. It would be reprinted numerous times in England and the United States. The best estimate I could find was sixty editions in England and another eighty in the US. The Light has also been translated into many languages, including Hindi. But, most importantly, it is generally credited as the first book to bring the life and teachings of Gautama Siddhartha broadly to the attention of the English speaking public.

The Buddhism in the poem is riddled with small and larger errors. Some of them through ignorance of the larger picture of Buddhism, some reflecting his own proto-modernist take on Buddhism. However, no one has challenged Arnolds good faith in undertaking the project. In fact he is widely acknowledged (along with various corrections of fact and tradition) for the positive light he cast on Buddhism.

And this is particularly important to note. For many English speaking people the Light of Asia would be the first example of their being presented with a non Christian religion that not only is not defective, but extremely positive. Arnolds presentation of Buddhism is clearly of a noble and beautiful tradition containing a high ethic. In fact the Light would become a common trope of non Christian spiritual wisdom. An illustration cited at the Wikipedia article on Arnold notes how in the 1945 movie adaptation of the Picture of Dorian Gray, a friend witnessing Grays descent into depravity tries to dissuade him by presenting him with a copy of the poem.

Edwin Arnold received numerous acknowledgments during his lifetime, culminating, with his knighthood in 1888 from Queen Victoria.

Worth remembering, I think

And

Here it is read aloud

The image Light of Asia is from Sumantha Photography, 2016
Adobes Firefly generative AI service is evolving into becoming more of a front-end service for generative AI in general, as Adobe has made its text-to-video capabilities generally available as well as the option to use even non-Adobe AI models.

Adobe announced its new additions as part of its Adobe Max conference in London, also using Firefly as inspiration for some changes to its Creative Cloud applications as well.

The world first saw Adobe Firefly in 2023, when the service debuted in beta as an image and font generator. Firefly went live that September based upon a credit plan, allocated by how much you already paid Adobe for apps like Photoshop or a full-fledged Creative Cloud subscription. Adobe then turned to text-to-video earlier this year, with the available payment plans offering just a few brief snippets of video in exchange for a monthly fee. Its this video service which has now launched via Firefly for the web, Adobe said.

Adobe has stepped lightly through the ideological minefield that is AI art; some creators who use Adobes tools have spoken out quite loudly against the use of machine-generated art, but Adobes images come with a disclaimer that they were in fact produced by AI. Today, Adobe is launching a beta of a Content Authenticity app that allows creators to verify their identity, and to attach whatever information they would like to their profile and social media accounts. More importantly, they can include a tag that indicates that they dont want generative AI to train on their work.

Adobe Fireflys drop-down menu allows users to select different generative AI models. Adobe

Adobe said that Firefly now offers two new models, a hyper-realistic Firefly Image Model 4, and a detailed Firefly Image Model 4 Ultra. But users can also select non-Adobe models like GPT image generation and Googles Imagen 3, and Veo 2 video models. Runway, Pika, Luma, Ideogram, and Fal.ai are coming soon, Adobe added.

Adobe is also adding boards to Firefly, where users can drop in a number of visual ideas and use them as a source for their next creation. In a demonstration, an Adobe executive showed how two images on a board could be mashed up  Firefly sampled two images, then used AI to combine them.

Users can mash up two different images in the new Firefly Boards, creating a hybrid prompt to generate something new. Adobe

In Photoshop, Adobe is adding Composition Reference, a tool weve seen elsewhere; the tool uses how the objects in one scene are arranged as a reference guide for a second scene. Photoshop is also adding tools to Select Details like hair or facial features, and a new color adjustment tool, as well. Lightroom is adding a new Select Landscape tool, too.

The Generative Extend features in Premiere Pro are also being rolled out, too. Generative Extend is like a Photoshops generative features that allow the user to extend the scene; in video, Premiere will add additional small AI-generated clips to prolong a shot. Caption Translation will provide captions in up to 27 languages, while a Media Intelligence tool provides better search capabilities in existing footage.
The Derry Township Planning Commissions secretary has resigned after police charged him with assaulting his wife at their home last month.

Meeting minutes show Sean Guays resignation was accepted at the townships Tuesday night Board of Supervisors meeting. Hed held the position since January 2024.

On March 31, Derry Township police charged Guay, 42, with one count of simple assault, a misdemeanor.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning about a new scam that criminals are using: posing as the FBI.

AL.com reports that the law enforcement agency is warning about a scam where criminals pose as the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center, also known as IC3.

The scam specifically targets people whose money or information has been stolen in past incidents, with the scammers promising to help recover what had been lost before.

According to the FBI, one variant of the scam involves the creation of a female persona on social media who joins an online group for financial fraud victims and claims to have been a victim themselves, AL.com reports. Then, the scammer recommends people reach out to a male persona  Jaime Quin has been a common name used  the alleged Chief Director of IC3."

While the details often vary as the criminals change up their approach, once victims reach out to this supposed chief director, the scammers then ask for sensitive information, such as Social Security or bank account numbers.

Follow these tips to help prevent this sort of scam and keep your information and money safe:
Update: Armed man prompted 8-hour police incident in central Pa.

A shelter-in-place order has been issued for residents of a Lancaster County neighborhood Thursday afternoon.

The order was issued around 12:50 p.m. telling residents in the area of Stone Mill Road and Redwood Drive to shelter in place and asking them to avoid traveling in the area, according to Lancaster County dispatch.

Dispatch said an update will be announced when the shelter-in-place order is lifted.

Manor Township police is the primary agency, dispatch said.

No further details were provided. PennLive will update this story when more information is available.
The man who police say firebombed the Pennsylvania Governors Residence using two Heineken bottles filled with gasoline has been moved to a state prison known for providing intensive psychiatric treatment to incarcerated people.

Cody Balmer, 38, was moved to SCI Waymart in Wayne County Thursday morning, according to Pennsylvania Department of Corrections records.
By ADRIANA MORGA and WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS, The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP)  The federal Department of Education is cracking down on student loan debt, announcing this week it will resume collecting defaulted federal student loan payments starting May 5.

Itll be the first time in five years that the government has collected on defaulted loans.

Starting next month, the Education Department says student loans that are in default will be referred for collections.

Roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans and soon could be subject to having their wages garnished.

Referrals for collection had been put on hold since March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the U.S. government also paused federal student loan payments and interest accrual as a temporary relief measure.

That grace period was extended multiple times by the Biden administration and ended in October.

The education department says it will soon begin sending notices on collection efforts, but there are options for borrowers to get out of default.

Here are some key things to know.

How will involuntary collection work?

Beginning May 5, the department will begin involuntary collection through the Treasury Departments offset program. Borrowers who have student loans in default will receive communication from Federal Student Aid in the upcoming weeks with information about their options, according to the Education Department.

Involuntary collection means the government can garnish wages, intercept tax refunds and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments to go toward paying back the loan.

The government, said Education Secretary Linda McMahon in a statement this week, will shepherd the student loan program responsibly and according to the law.

But Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, sees the new policy very differently.

There is a state of anxiety and dysfunction thats unique to this moment, he said. Even before the pandemic, this wasnt working well.

What is the difference between delinquent and default in my student loans?

A student loan becomes delinquent when a borrower doesnt make a payment 90 days after its due date. If you continue to be delinquent on your loan for 270 days  or roughly nine months  then your loan goes into default.

While being delinquent affects your credit score, going into default has more serious consequences such as wage garnishment.

What happens when a loan goes into default?

When you fall behind on a loan by 270 days, the loan appears on your credit report as being in default. Once a loan is in default the government will send the borrower into collections.

The collections on defaulted federal student loans will restart May 5 after the COVID-19 pandemic paused the operations. Win McNamee/Getty Images

What can I do right now if my student loan is in default?

The Education Department is recommending borrowers visit its Default Resolution Group to make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan, or sign up for loan rehabilitation.

Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute for Student Loan Advisors, recommends loan rehabilitation as an option.

Borrowers in default must ask their loan servicer to be placed into such a program. Typically, servicers ask for proof of income and expenses to calculate a payment amount. Once a borrower has paid on time for nine months in a row, they are taken out of default, Mayotte said. A loan rehabilitation can only be done once.

What does forbearance mean?

Student loan forbearance is a temporary pause on your student loan payments granted to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulties. To apply for forbearance, borrowers must contact their loan servicer.

Borrowers can be granted forbearance by their loan servicer for up to 12 months but interest will continue to accrue during this period.

Forbearance is not an option for borrowers whose student loans are in default. However, they are an option if you are delinquent on your loan.

How can a borrower find the status of their student loans?

Borrowers need to know the status of their student loans in order to find out if they are in default, said Kate Wood, student loans expert at NerdWallet.

To find the status of a student loan and their loan servicer information, borrowers need to access their studentaid.gov account. Since the Education Department is going to send notices about involuntary collections through email, borrowers want to make sure all their personal information is updated such as email and physical address, Wood recommended.

Can involuntary collections affect my Supplemental Security Income?

Yes, benefits from Social Security are considered income and can be affected by involuntary collections.

How does delinquency affect my credit score?

Borrowers who are delinquent on their student loans take a massive hit on their credit scores, said Wood. Those who are delinquent on their student loans might see a drop of one hundred points or more to their credit score. A delinquency stays on your credit report for seven years.

Credit scores are used in many aspects of peoples financial lives such as access to credit cards, buying a house or renting an apartment.

Can I apply to income-driven repayment plans?

Income-driven repayment plans applications are currently open. These plans base your monthly student loan payment amount on your income and family size.

The Biden administrations SAVE program is no longer open for applications since it was challenged in court. However, those who got accepted into the SAVE program are currently in administrative forbearance, meaning they dont have to make payments.

To review income-driven repayment plan options, you can check the loan simulator at studentaid.gov.

David Lightman, Merced Sun-Star, contributed to this story.
Warren Zeiders performs on day two of the New York State Fair in Suburban Park Thursday, August 22, 2024, in Geddes, N.Y. (Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com) Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com

Warren Zeiders is one of the hottest young rising stars in country music, but if you go to the guys concert there is one move you should avoid at all costs.

That move?

Dont flip him off. Just dont do it. And if you decide to play with fire, just know that Zeiders  a former Hershey lacrosse standout who played collegiately  has no problem calling you out in front of everybody in the building.

And we know this because that is what happened during his show in St. Augustine, Florida over the weekend. Zeiders was in the middle of performing when he apparently caught a fan giving him the finger. He didnt wait until the end to address it.

You wanna flip me off again (expletive)? Zeiders said pointing out the man. Ill get you kicked out of the (expletive) show.

(Expletive) me? he then said. (Expletive) you.

Zeiders then finished singing the song  Love Letting Go  and as he turned to walk back toward the back of the stage he got in one more shot.

Sorry you wife likes my (expletive) show and you dont, he said.

It got more heated from there. There is a lapse in the video, but when it comes back Zeiders is going at the man again.

Youre gonna come to my show and flip me off? he yells. Get the (expletive) out (expletive).

A fan posted a video that he claimed show the man who Zeiders accused of flipping him off getting escorted out by security.

Zeiders has yet to comment on the interaction.

Zeiders it out on his Relapse, Lies & Betrayal Tour, that includes stops in Baltimore (May 1), New Jersey (May 1), Pittsburgh (May 15), Washington, DC (Nov. 14) and Hershey (Nov. 22) for the folks who want to see the local guy in action.
Rick Allen is one tough dude, and if you dont believe it just check out his record.

The 61-year-old rock legend was involved in a car cash that resulted in his arm being amputated. The Def Leppard star re-taught himself how to play the drums, though, and carried on with the band.

So, when he says he is still struggling after being the victim of a random attack outside of a Florida hotel last year, you know things must be difficult.

Ive been going through some challenging times, kind of related to what happened in Florida, Allen said during an appearance on SiriusXMs Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk, according to PEOPLE. And that whole thing is ongoing, when I got beaten up outside the hotel. So Ive been trying to deal with that the best that I can, and really I just needed to take a break from some of the side projects that I was busy with, just so I could spend some more time at home.

Allen was smoking a cigarette outside of the Four Seasons in Fort Lauderdale in 2023 when was reportedly attacked by a 19-year-old man who had a pipe. Allen reportedly fell backward and hit his head on the ground. The suspect is also accused of attacking a woman who came to Allens aid. He was arrested and charged with two counts of battery, four counts of criminal mischief and abusing an elderly or disabled adult, PEOPLE reported.

Allen has returned to play shows with Def Leppard but said he is still struggling to get to side projects as he recovers.

Thats been a real challenge for me, he said. Hopefully I can put it all behind me and I can just kind of get back to as normal as I could possibly be given the circumstances. But that was very traumatic for me, and yeah, its been difficult. But hopefully I can put it behind me soon.
One key consideration of choosing a street tree is avoiding species that might conflict with overhead power lines. George Weigel

Late April is an excellent time weather-wise to plant a tree, which is why Pennsylvania decided decades ago to mark the last Friday of each April as Arbor Day.

Nebraska newspaper editor J. Sterling Morton came up with the Arbor-Day idea in 1872 to encourage tree-planting after moving to that hot prairie state and missing the shade trees of his native New York.
A recent study showed that a significant percentage of users are willing to switch search engines away from Google - provided they're given an incentive to try others. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File

The Google search engine is the most popular by far, but other options do exist. And the federal government wants those options to get more attention.

Thats due to a court case in which Google was found by a judge to be monopolizing the business of internet search engines.

And researchers are looking into ways to encourage the use of other search engines, starting with cold, hard cash.

According to a research experiment, theres a pretty simple reason why Googles search engine is used most often: we simply dont bother trying the other ones.

Once the researchers gave people an incentive to try another search engine, like Bing, it became a far more appealing option.

The Washington Post reports that Google accounts for 9 out of 10 search engine uses. Bing, a search engine owned by Microsoft and the most popular after Googles, accounts for only 6 percent of searches.

But the study included a financial incentive for users to switch to Bing for two weeks. In most cases, they were paid $10.

After the two weeks were up, most users did go back to using Google. But 22 percent of those bribed to use Bing did stick with it - a vast increase compared to the number using it previously.

So while Google has announced it intends to appeal the courts decision that theyve illegally boosted their search engines chances against the competition, at least one study has shown that some consumers may be willing to switch - if theyre given the proper motivation.
A tabletop board game company says it its suing President Donald Trump, pictured here speaking on Thursday during a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP

A tabletop board game company is joining a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over tariffs.

In a blog post on April 21, Stonemaier Games, a board game publisher, said the Trump Administrations proposed 145% tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from China is hurting business.
"An Evening with The Dogist" tour will travel to nine cities in June 2025 featuring "The Dogist," Elias Weiss Friedman. In this file photo, Friedman is shown on the red carpet at the Humane Society of the United States To The Rescue! New York Gala on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision for The Humane Society of the United States/AP Content Services) AP

The Dogist is going on tour and it includes a show in Pennsylvania.

An Evening with The Dogist will be at the Theatre of the Living Arts in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 4.

Fans can buy tickets here (prices are as of the time of this publication):

New Vivid Seats customers can get $20 off of a $200 order by using the code PENNLIVE20 at checkout.

Elias Weiss Friedman, a social media sensation, according to Live Nation, will feature special guests and their four-legged best friends at each stop as well as inspiring stories from local Dogist fans whose dogs have changed their lives.

Inspired by Friedmans bestselling book This Dog Will Change Your Life, each evening will spotlight unforgettable stories from dog lovers across the country. Ahead of every stop, fans will be invited to submit their own stories for a chance to be featured live on stage with Friedman  dogs included. In each city, two ticket-holding fans and their pups will be selected to share the story of their remarkable four-legged companions, celebrating the powerful bond between humans and their pets. Follow @TheDogist for more information."

Supermodel and founder of Tate & Taylor, Taylor Hill, will join Friedman in Philadelphia with her dog, Salem.

One dollar from each ticket sold will benefit Best Friends Animal Society, an animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in Americas shelters and make the country no-kill.

Other stops on the tour are:

June 3- New York, New York

June 5 - Boston, Massachusetts

June 7 - Austin, Texas

June 8 - Dallas, Texas

June 9 - Seattle, Washington

June 11 - San Diego, California

June 12 - Los Angeles, California

June 16 - Chicago, Illinois
By BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI, The Associated Press

CHATSWORTH, N.J. (AP)  A man set wooden pallets on fire and failed to properly put them out in New Jerseys Pine Barrens, sparking a quick-moving wildfire, authorities said Thursday.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said the Waretown man faces aggravated arson and arson charges in the southern New Jersey wildfire, which authorities said Thursday morning grew to more than 23 square miles.

The prosecutors office said the 19-year-old has no attorney listed yet.

The fire has been burning since Tuesday. Theres rain in the forecast for Friday.

A map released by New Jersey Forest Fire Services shows the expected area the fire will reach before its fully contained. NJ DEP

The fire in the southern part of New Jersey has grown to more than 20 square miles and could continue to burn for days, officials said.

No one has been injured so far in the blaze, and 5,000 residents were evacuated but have been permitted to return home. A single commercial building and some vehicles were destroyed in the fire, while 12 structures remained threatened Wednesday evening.

Smoke rises from a wildfire early Wednesday, April 23, 2025, near Barnegat Township, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) AP

Officials said the fire is believed to be the second-worst in the last two decades, smaller only than a 2007 blaze that burned 26 square miles.

Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency Wednesday and officials said theyve contained about 50% of the wildfire.
They are gunning down koalas in Australia. (Kyle Lanzer/Cleveland Metroparks) Kyle Lanzer, for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Poor koalas.

One might think the tree-hugging cuties would be receiving the royal treatment since its Australias national icon. And, in some parts of the country, the marsupials are endangered.

But, no.

The truth is  per journalist Michael Dahlstroms report  that government authorities shot and killed several hundred koalas from helicopters in Budj Bim National Park, a protected area in the southern state of Victoria, earlier this month.

The action is a cause for concern for some animal welfare advocates. Meanwhile, the government believes that the barbaric move is for the benefit of the koalas.

Whichever side some might take, ultimately, the deaths of these marsupials is an even bigger issue, including climate change. This now forces wildlife-managed agencies to make some difficult choices.

So why is the government committing such an act?

In March, a massive bushfire burned more than 5,400 acres in the park, which injured some koalas and destroyed a great deal of eucalyptus leaves. The leaves are food to the koalas. Since the fire wiped out what the they eat, the controversial move intends to end the koalas suffering from burns and starvation.

Koala advocates arent taking their reasoning lying down and are adamant that their suffering isnt the only reason why.

In addition to the animals starving due to the fire, advocates believe another reason is because of the logging and development that destroyed much of their habitat in Victoria. There are also the commercial plantations of blue gum eucalyptus around Budj Bim National Park that koalas depend on and when those plantations are harvested, the koalas living in them move into Budj Bim.

This puts pressure on what natural forests remain in the park.

Insert a fire and it makes things worse where it destroys food in a region with a dense population of koalas.

This incident is just another one in the long line of mismanagement of the species and its habitat, Rolf Schlagloth, a koala researcher at CQUniversity Australia, told Vox in an email. We cant eliminate bushfires altogether but more continuous, healthy forests can assist in reducing the risk and severity of fires. Koala habitat needs to be extensive and connected and the management of blue gum plantations needs to consider the koala as these trees are very attractive to them.

Also, Koala experts dont believe shooting koalas out of trees from helicopters is the best approach. The only time euthanasia is necessary is when an animal is severely injured as its a last resort.

Additionally, to Schlagloth, an aerial cull appears to be a very indiscriminate method.

Further, Australia has an extensive history of managing its wild animals by killing them.

Rescue should always be the first option if feasible, Schlagloth said.

The Victoria government shot back by explaining its actions, claiming that the rescue of the koalas or assessing their health up close, wasnt likely.

All other methods which have been considered are not appropriate given the inability to safely access large areas of impacted landscape by foot due to the remote location of animals often high in the canopy, the extremely rugged terrain, and in consideration of the safety risks of working in a fire affected area, with fire impacted trees, James Todd, chief biodiversity officer at Victorias Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA), said in a statement to Vox.

DEECA is consulting with an experienced wildlife veterinarian and only koalas in extremely poor condition are euthanized, the agency told Vox. According to the spokesperson, the work is ongoing, which leads many to believe that more koalas might be killed.
People attend the "March of the Living", the annual Holocaust remembrance event in memory of the six million Holocaust victims, at the former Nazi German death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oswiecim, Poland, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) AP

OSWIECIM, Poland (AP)  The Polish and Israeli presidents joined thousands of Israeli youth and others in an annual march Thursday at the former Auschwitz death camp on Israels Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The group included Holocaust survivors and former Israeli hostages who were captured by Hamas and held in the Gaza Strip, organizers said.

Every year young Israelis, many with their national flag around their shoulders, are among those making the March of the Living to remember the victims of the Holocaust. It is part of a larger educational effort to instill in them an appreciation for Israel, a haven for Jews after the genocide in Europe during World War II.

The marchs traditional 3-kilometer (2-mile) route leads from Auschwitzs infamous Arbeit macht frei (works sets you free) gate to Birkenau, a site with the ruins of crematoria where Jews and others were murdered.

People place massages while attending the "March of the Living", the annual Holocaust remembrance event in memory of the six million Holocaust victims, at the former Nazi German death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oswiecim, Poland, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski) AP

Polish President Andrzej Duda and his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, spoke to reporters ahead of the march, describing their presence as part of an effort to stand against antisemitism.

The Nazi German forces ran the camp in occupied Poland during World War II. They killed some 1.1 people there, the vast majority of them Jews from across Europe, but also Poles, Roma and others.

The camp was liberated by the Soviet Red Army on Jan. 27, 1945. The 80th anniversary was marked at the site this year.
Update: Cumberland County emergency officials issue evacuation notice amid 2 forest fires

Crews in Cumberland County responded to another forest fire Thursday afternoon while a Wednesday blaze at Michaux State Forest continues to burn after consuming more than 100 acres, according to officials.

Thursdays fire started around 1:30 p.m. in the area of Ridge and Cold Springs roads in Dickinson Township, according to Wesley Robinson, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Roads in the area and the Kings Gap Environmental Education Center are closed on Thursday while crews battle the fire. The beach area of Laurel Lake is also closed on Thursday to facilitate helicopter water dips, the DCNR said.

Visitors to Pine Grove Furnace State Park are advised to avoid Buck Ridge Trail and Hammonds Rocks Trail.

A release from the DCNR said resources are on standby to protect man-made structures and will deploy as needed. No structures are currently threatened by Thursdays fire.

The fire started around 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the area of Ridge and Cold Springs roads, according to Wesley Robinson, press secretary for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). DCNR

The Michaux State Forest wildfire was reported in the Shippensburg area at around 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to Robinson.

Officials initially estimated the Michaux State Forest fire to have burned over 200 acres. But Robinson provided an updated release Thursday afternoon saying the fire is approximately 100 acres.

Robinson said the wildfire in Michaux State Forest is continuing to spread due to dry conditions and large amounts of fuel sources such as leaf litter, dead timber, and mountain laurel.

Smoke from two fires burning in Cumberland County can be seen by motorists on Thursday afternoon. Photos courtesy of Cumberland County First Responder John Schaffer

Robinson said fire crews contain wildfires by creating a perimeter around the blaze and removing flammable vegetation to prevent it from spreading.

The cause of both fires remains unknown. Robinson said it often takes several days to determine how a fire started, as investigators must first identify the origin and piece together the events leading up to the outbreak.

The National Weather Service in State College said there is a continued risk of wildfires in central Pennsylvania because of the combination of very warm temperatures, low relative humidity in the 20s (percent), dry fine fuels and leaf litter, and a moderately gusty southerly breeze in the teens.
WILLIAMSPORT  An amicable resolution has been reached on whether an attorney can be present if five female former students testify at a private disciplinary hearing for the teacher a Lycoming County school district wants to terminate.

Attorneys for the Williamsport Area School District and the former students confirmed a resolution Wednesday but said the details are confidential.

Thus, it is not known if the five will testify at the hearing for Christopher P. Yoder, and if they do, will their attorney be present.
First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama arrive at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge Saturday, March 7, 2015, during the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala. (Julie Bennett/ jbennett@al.com) AL.com | Julie Bennett

When Michelle Obama skipped Donald Trumps inauguration while former president Barack Obama attended back in January it got folks to talking.

Her decision to skip out on Trump came shortly after Barack Obama also attended the funeral of former president Jimmy Carter solo. The Obamas had already been the subject of an evidence-less social media rumor that suggested they were destined for divorce.

Both have opened up about those rumors recently and seemingly denied them. Michelle Obama has also been in the news more as she has been making media rounds while promoting her new podcast, IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.

And during the most recent episode she said she skipped the Trump inauguration simply because it was the choice that was right for me.

People couldnt believe that I was saying no for any other reason, they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart, she said. It took everything in my power to not do the thing that perceived as right, but do the things that was right for me, that was a hard thing for me to do.

She said she had to basically trick herself into not going, though.

It started with not having anything to wear, she said. I was like, Im not going to do this. I got to tell my team, I dont even want to have a dress ready, right? Because its so easy to just say let me do the right thing.

Without a dress, she said, she knew she would not be able to change her mind.

You can read more about that, here.

The Obamas and their marriage were subject of wild social media rumors that took on a life of their own and made it into the mainstream media late last year when actress Jennifer Aniston commented on them during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel.

And, in recent weeks, both Obamas have opened up about their relationship, while repeatedly seeming to send signals that their marriage is safe.
By Tom Lisi, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)

The Lancaster County Board of Elections on Wednesday held a brief moment of silence for April Wefler, a county elections worker who was found dead this week.

County Commissioner Ray DAgostino, chairman of the elections board, called for the moment of silence at the beginning of a Wednesday public meeting to honor the 33-year-old, calling Wefler our dear colleague.

A six-year veteran at the county, Wefler worked as a supervisor in the elections department. She oversaw the departments hundreds of election volunteers and polling places for both primaries and general elections.

LNP-LancasterOnline was unable to reach Weflers family.

Wefler, of the 100 block of South Queen Street, died of freshwater drowning, according to the Lancaster County Coroners Office. Her body was found along the shore of the Susquehanna River in West Hempfield Township.

According to Weflers social media pages, she hailed from Nipomo, California, but lived elsewhere, including Missouri, before moving to Lancaster. She graduated from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in 2015.

Last year, Wefler featured prominently in a series of instructional videos the county made about mail-in ballots.

Elections Director Christa Miller choked up for a moment after saying poll worker training this week was delayed due to Weflers death. Miller called Wefler an integral part of our staff.
This photo shows Allegheny County resident Mohamad Hamad wearing a mask and "Hamas-style" headband, according to a federal indictment. Hamad also bragged about stealing pro-Israel flags from "white suburbia," said prosecutors. Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti's office

A Pennsylvania Air National Guard member, who prosecutors say supports the Hamas terrorist group, has been federally indicted for lying on a top-secret security clearance application and making explosive devices.

Mohamad Hamad, a 23-year-old Coraopolis, Allegheny County, resident; Tayla Lubit, 24, of Pittsburgh; and Micaiah Collins, 22, of Pittsburgh have been charged in a superseding indictment, according to a statement from the office of acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti in Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania's 30th public solar array was recently installed at the Quaker Race Day Use Area in Gifford Pinchot State Park. John Whitehead

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) on Wednesday unveiled the Commonwealths 30th public solar array at Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County.

The solar array  installed at the Quaker Race Day Use Area  is part of the DCNRs commitment to clean energy and cost-saving innovation, as well as the Commonwealths progress as a national leader in renewable energy, according to a press release.
Three revered American institutions are under siege and may not survive. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL), Voice of America (VOA) and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) are all on the DOGE chopping block, and their demise could be a knockout punch to democracy movements worldwide.

I know these organizations well. RFE/RL and VOA work as sister organizations to fight dictators and promote democracy around the globe. VOA broadcasts in English and 49 other languages and reaches an estimated 360 million people each week around the globe.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., speaks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. Fetterman said President Trump should forget about engaging in talks with Iran and pursue military strikes against the countrys nuclear facilities instead. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP

Pennsylvanias Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman said President Trump should forget about engaging in talks with Iran and pursue military strikes against the countrys nuclear facilities instead.

In an interview Wednesday with the Washington Free Beacon, Fetterman made it clear he preferred the U.S. pursue force over diplomacy when it came to Iran.

Waste that [expletive], he said. Youre never going to be able to negotiate with that kind of regime that has been destabilizing the region for decades already, and now we have an incredible window, I believe, to do that, to strike and destroy Irans nuclear facilities.

The Trump administration is looking to hold a second round of talks in Rome with Iran about their nuclear program.

Fetterman not only said such talks would be unproductive, he dismissed foreign policy experts who have said that attacking Iran could lead to a regional war.

And remember, all of these so-called experts were all wrong, he said. You know, theyve been saying for years and years Hezbollah was the ultimate badass that kept Israel in check, and we cant move on anything beyond that.

Hezbollah, Fetterman said, couldnt fight and called the Palestinian militant group Hamas a bunch of tunnel rats with junkie rockets in the back of a Toyota truck.

Years ago, I completely understood why Trump withdrew from the Obama deal. Today, I cant understand why Trump would negotiate with this diseased regime. The negotiations should be comprised of 30,000-pound bombs and the IDF, he said.

Fetterman has been one of Israels strongest supporters recently, especially on its war against Hamas.
North Dakota Republican Gov. Kelly Armstrong greets lawmakers and other people preparing for a photo of a bill signing on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the state Capitol in Bismarck, N.D. (AP Photo/Jack Dura) AP

By Jack Dura, The Associated Press

BISMARCK, N.D.  North Dakotas Republican governor on Wednesday vetoed bills to further restrict sexual content in libraries and to create a private school voucher program, rejecting two measures that have seen widespread support by GOP governors in other states.

The GOP-led Legislature can override Gov. Kelly Armstrongs veto by a two-thirds vote in each chamber: 32 votes in the Senate, and 63 in the House. Neither bill garnered such support on their paths to Armstrongs desk.

The library bill would have expanded North Dakotas 2023 prohibition on explicit sexual material in public libraries to school districts, and require those entities to have policies for relocating such material to an area in the library not easily accessible to minors. The bill also mandated that libraries have technology to stop K-12 students from accessing certain online content, and required local prosecutors to weigh in on alleged violations of the states restrictions.

In his veto message, Armstrong said the bill represents a misguided attempt to legislate morality through overreach and censorship. The bill imposes vague and punitive burdens on professionals and opens the door to a host of unintended and damaging consequences for our communities.

He also said the bill is redundant, overly burdensome, and places local librarians, school districts, and states attorneys in an untenable situation.

Supporters said the bill would protect minors from the harmful effects of books they say are pornographic or obscene. Examples they have cited are books with LGBTQ themes. Opponents said procedures are already in place and called the bill government overreach.

Bill sponsor and Republican Sen. Keith Boehm declined to comment on the veto. The Associated Press sent a message to Republican Senate Majority Leader David Hogue asking about a possible override attempt.

Book banning legislation has caught on in recent years in Republican-led states such as Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Florida and Missouri, said Jonathan Friedman, managing director of U.S. free expression programs at PEN America. Some communities and lawmakers in recent years have sought to advance what he called a censorship agenda largely motivated by an anti-LGBTQ animus, he said.

The voucher bill sought to create an income-based  education savings account program  administered by the state-owned Bank of North Dakota, with $21.7 million for the next two-year budget cycle. The money could be used for tuition at private schools, textbooks, technology costs and other expenses, first available for the 2026-27 school year.

North Dakota Republican Sen. Keith Boehm visits on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the state Capitol in Bismarck, N.D. (AP Photo/Jack Dura) AP

In his veto message, the governor said that while his administration strongly supports expanding school choice, the bill falls far short of truly expanding choice as it only impacts one sector of our student population. Voucher debate aside, this legislation still needs work to address implementation issues. We get one chance to craft policy to benefit the most students and ensure implementation of the program is achievable and realistic.

Proponents said the bill lets parents pick the best form of education for their children.

Rep. Ben Koppelman, who sponsored the measure, said he is confident that most red-state governors would have signed that bill, and well just be back next time around to do it again.

Republican House Majority Leader Mike Lefor said he would talk to his caucus about whether to attempt an override.

Opponents said the state shouldnt give public money for private education. Others cite a state constitutional prohibition that states: No money raised for the support of the public schools of the state shall be appropriated to or used for the support of any sectarian school.

The governors proposed two-year budget included $44.3 million to start an educational savings account program to fund supplemental services through a digital wallet that reimburses for approved services and supports and expands educational opportunities for public, non-public and homeschool students.

The House has yet to vote on another bill with a similar concept. Armstrong called that bill an available vehicle to combine the best parts of both bills.
A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Thursday at 7:06 a.m. for elevated fire danger until 7 p.m. for Westmoreland Ridges, Fayette Ridges and Higher Elevations of Indiana as well as Lawrence, Butler, Clarion, Jefferson, Beaver, Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, Greene, Westmoreland, Fayette and Indiana counties.

"A combination of very warm temperatures, low relative humidity in the 20s (percent), and dry fine fuels and leaf litter will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread today across portions of Western Pennsylvania south of Interstate 80. The period of greatest potential for wildfire spread will be between 11 am and 7 pm today. Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. If dry grasses and tree litter begin to burn, the fire will have the potential to spread rapidly," according to the weather service.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
" " Moo? mrs / Getty Images

If you've ever stood on a farm and wondered about the ox vs. bull debate, you're not alone. These two male bovine animals might look similar, but there's a key difference that sets them apart.

While both come from the same species, Bos taurus, their roles in agriculture and daily life are quite distinct. Lets break it down in terms of animal science, dairy farming and beef production.
Pennsylvania Officially Joins MSIGA; Gov. Josh Shaprio Sits Down w/ Mori Eskandani

Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

Pennsylvania officially became the sixth state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) on Wednesday as Governor Josh Shapiro gave his final approval on the online poker agreement.

With its population of over 13 million and over 150,000 online poker players, Pennsylvania brings much-anticipated shared liquidity to a player pool that includes players from New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, West Virginia, and Michigan.

In a press release, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said it would "work with operators and state gaming agencies to ensure that Pennsylvanias approximately 150,000 online poker players are provided with the same assurances offered through other online gaming options by using a fair and thoroughly tested platform."

"This expansion will also afford larger prize pools without requiring an increase in buy-in amounts," the press release said.

After signing off on the agreement, Shapiro sat down with Poker Hall of Famer and PokerGO President Mori Eskandani for a conference call interview about the development to the online poker landscape.

Read More About MSIGA in Pennsylvania

"I Think It's Common Sense"

In his seven-minute interview with Eskandani, who played a pivotal role in increasing the popularity of poker during the Poker Boom, the Democratic governor described joining MSIGA after a years-long fight as "common sense."

"I think it's common sense," the governor told Eskandani. "There's a bunch of folks like you out there, including 150,000 people right here in my state ... who love to play poker online. And I think they should be able to play poker online not just with people from Pennsylvania, but they should be able to reach out and do it with people from other states; not have to wait as long for a game; and have games that are more vibrant and competitive."

Shapiro, who made national headlines earlier this month after an arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion that caused him and his family to evacuate, said he generally supported personal freedoms like gambling and added that he thought joining MSIGA could encourage other states to follow suit.

Is the US getting closer to legalizing online poker nationwide or in a majority of states? "I hope so. And not because I'm trying to encourage people to go out and gamble or play poker or do something else. It's up to you. But if you want to do that, I think it's important to make it easy."

Mori Eskandani

Shapiro even accepted an invitation to a poker game for government officials inside the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas.

"That would be cool," he said. "We should do that. That would be a lot of fun. We'll probably talk a lot of sh*t on one another even though we all really like each other."

BetMGM Poker Joining MSGIA

Also on Wednesday, BetMGM Poker PA announced that it would join the BetMGM Poker shared player pool with New Jersey and Michigan on Monday, April 28 at 9 a.m. local time.

Pennsylvania represents the largest state to join the shared player pool and turbocharges our poker platform," BetMGM Vice President of Gaming Angus Nisbet, said in a press release. "This expanded player pool will allow us to deliver more games and bigger tournaments to our players. BetMGM Poker is ready to celebrate the growth of our shared liquidity network throughout the spring and summer in a variety of ways.

BetMGM Poker ambassador and four-time World Poker Tour (WPT) champion Darren Elias said that adding a large market like Pennsylvania "is a huge milestone in continued expansion and provides the opportunity to compete against more players and for larger prize pools."

"I used to call Pennsylvania home, and it played an important part in my early poker career. I can't wait to log in and get in the mix," Elias said.

Other Pennsylvania online poker operators like WSOP PA and PokerStars PA have yet to say whether they plan on joining MSIGA.

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WSOP Bracelet Winner's Attempted Murder and Maurice Hawkins a Debtor | PokerNews Podcast #888

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link

In the 888th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Kyna England talk about a WSOP gold bracelet while out on bail, who recently pleaded guilty to intent to commit murder against his wife. It's a sad tale, but the victim is now openly sharing her tale of survival and the horrific aftermath.

The crew then talks about Maurice Hawkins, who has yet to address the $100K+ judgment against him despite racking up wins and big paydays, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the new poker room slated to open next month at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

Other stories include the second-largest Bad Beat Jackpot in history being hit, recent tournament winners including Christian Harder and from the Irish Poker Open, and another edition of New Vlogs on the Block featuring JW Wilders Parody Poker.

Finally, given it's the 888th episode of the show, it only made sense to celebrate 888poker. As such, Chad sat down with 888poker Ambassador Nick Eastwood, who has established himself as one of the industry's premier content producers.

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.

Time Stamps

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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Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

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Australians love to travel, and we've just discovered the best way to escape the dreaded jet lag on the way home.

If there's one thing us Aussies love (other than the beach and Vegemite), it's travel. We might be far away from many of the most popular travel destinations in the world, but we don't let that stop us from hopping on a plane for upwards of 14 hours at a time.

This means that (if we're lucky) we might be dealing with jet lag at some point during the year, which can be quite disruptive, especially if you have kids. But we might have found the perfect hack to get around that dreaded jet lag and also enjoy some relaxation.

The ultimate jet lag hack

I recently flew Fiji Airways to the US and discovered an amazing hack to beat jet lag. Aussie passengers who fly via Nadi, Fiji, on the way home can have up to 48 hours to relax on the island at no extra cost to their flight. This time in Fiji can help get your body clock closer to Australian time, and it's just a really relaxing way to break up a long journey and spend some time embracing that famous Fijian hospitality!

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I landed in Nadi from Dallas Fort Worth at around 5am, and arrived at Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa (a 30-minute drive from the airport) a little before 7am. I was lucky enough that my hotel room was ready for me so I could take my bags there, have a shower and prepare for a day by the pool.

I was also lucky that I had enjoyed a good sleep on the flight from Dallas to Nadi, so I felt as fresh as I could when I stepped off the plane. But the fact that I was able to start my day, get breakfast and go for a dip within a couple of hours of landing felt like a dream.

Having this as my view, sure helped cure any jet lag I was feeling, that's for sure! Photo: Marni Dixit

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I enjoyed a blissful massage, spent time at the adult's only restaurant and pool (I love kids, but it was school holidays and the resort was absolutely pumping with families), reading my book, enjoying some healthy food (I'd just been in the US, after all, I needed some nutrients!), and if I was really trying to be good I probably would have hit the gym a couple times, but hey, I'm only human. The resort has the longest stretch of beachfront on Denarau Island, spanning 2.5km, so I still got my steps in every day.

After spending two nights at the resort and enjoying two very comfortable nights of sleep in the giant bed, I was feeling more prepared to get back home and hit the ground running, with no jet lag at all  something I've never experienced before.

Seriously, does it get better than this as your view in the morning? Photo: Marni Dixit

For families, I think this would be an absolute game changer, because dealing with your own jet lag is hard enough, let alone that of young children!

So, if you can add an extra one or two (or more!) days onto your travel itinerary, or if jet lag hits you and your family particularly hard, this might be the ultimate way to lessen the effects.

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Other tips to help jet lag include:

Avoid alcohol as it disrupts sleep

Use caffeine and exercise strategically to help stay alert, but avoid these in the evening

Drink plenty of water

Take short naps if you need them

Faster connections to the US

Fiji Airways newest flight from Cairns to Fiji creates a faster gateway to the US from Far North Queensland. Photo: Fiji Airways

In case you didn't know, Fiji Airways offers a major gateway to many places around the world, including the USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and more. Not only that, they have one of the youngest fleets (meaning newer planes), and they're more environmentally friendly than many others big airlines (they are also working very hard to eliminate single-use plastics where they can).

I was lucky enough to fly on the inaugural Fiji Airways route between Cairns and Fiji on my way to Dallas, Texas, which has been hailed as a 'game changer' flight.

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The Cairns to Nadi flight is the region's first non-stop connection to Fiji and brings those flying from Cairns closer to the US for the first time.

The first flight was just over four hours, with the connecting flight to Dallas lasting 12 hours and 15 minutes. If you flew to Los Angeles, that flight time would reduce further to just over 10 hours.

Fiji Airways Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Andre Viljoen said in a statement, Were thrilled to provide faster one-stop connections to North America, saving three hours and skipping extra stopovers for Aussies in the region. It's a big boost in convenience and global connectivity. Plus, our full oneworld membership and AAdvantage travel rewards program unlock even more benefits for frequent flyers including lounge access, priority boarding, and earning and redeeming miles across the extensive oneworld network."

The airline uses the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which features eight business-class seats and 162 economy-class seats.

The new flight will also provide a huge opportunity to increase the number of US visitors to Tropical North Queensland.

Best service in the skies

Fiji Airways' business class is the best I've experienced. Photo: Marni Dixit

From the moment you step on board a Fiji Airways flight, you are greeted with the best service that I've ever experienced on a flight. No matter is too big or too small for the team, who always had a huge smile on their face in true Fijian style.

We were lucky enough to be flying business class and could really tell that this is a young fleet, as everything looked shiny and new.

Once on board, we were greeted with a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne and a hot towel that smelled like a tropical paradise. The movie selection was pretty good, but I had so much downloaded on my iPad, so mostly watched what was on there.

On the Cairns to Nadi flight, I had the signature dish of grilled walu and prawn with mashed potato, sauteed spinach, coconut cream, green oil and roasted cherry tomatoes, which was beautiful, I highly recommend if you get the chance to try it!

I absolutely loved my experience on-board Fiji Airways. Photo: Marni Dixit

All the meals I had across all four flights were delicious, but is it strange that my favourite part of the experience was the chia seed pudding? Because that was absolutely to die for!

While you don't get PJs on these business class flights, I must admit that wasn't a big deal for me, as there is no way I'd be getting changed in an airplane bathroom. I've heard too many horror stories, sorry!

The lie-flat seat was so comfortable and ensured that I was able to get some sleep, and avoid the dreaded swelling in the ankles, which has happened to me once or twice on long-haul flights!

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While I did enjoy my glass of Champagne upon arrival, I am not one to drink on long-haul flights because I worry too much about dehydration, but from what I saw on the drinks menu, there were some top-notch drops from Australia, New Zealand and America.

What I also love about Fiji Airways is the fact they are part of the oneworld alliance, which means if you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer, you can use and gain points when you fly with them!

Current Fiji Airways flight deals

Some great flight deals Fiji Airways is currently offering include:

Sydney to Fiji from $575 return

Brisbane to Fiji from $595 return

Melbourne to Fiji from $605 return

Cairns to Fiji from $539 return

Australia to Honolulu from $1159 return

Australia to Los Angeles from $1199 return

Australia to San Francisco from $1199 return

Australia to Dallas Fort Worth from $1449 return

Find out more about Fiji Airways' new destinations and routes here.

Yahoo Lifestyle was a guest of Fiji Airways.

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Aiken Standard reporter

Matthew Christian is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. He covers the Savannah River Site, city of Aiken, politics and public safety and courts.

Matthew previously covered government and politics for the Morning News in Florence. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and the University of Charleston in West Virginia.

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Aiken Standard reporter

Bill Bengtson is an Aiken Standard reporter and has focused since 1996 on such subjects as education, churches, retirees, agriculture, veterans, North Augusta, Fort Gordon and northern Aiken County. His start in South Carolina reporting was in Greenwood, with the Index-Journal. He is a native of Florence, Alabama, and a graduate of Whitman College and the University of Georgia.

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Nick Reynolds covers politics for the Post and Courier. A native of Central New York, he spent three-and-a-half years covering politics in Wyoming before joining the paper in late 2021. His work has appeared in outlets like Newsweek, Poynter, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post. He lives in Columbia.
Charleston, SC (29403)

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Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 88F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph..

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Columbia, SC (29201)

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A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 72F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph..

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A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 72F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
Aussie mum Ashlea Hodder has hit out at those who don't do one vital thing when they leave their campsites.

An Aussie mum is urging others to be mindful of the dangers of campfires after an Easter weekend camping trip ended in disaster for her family. Ashlea Hodder was packing up her campsite on Sunday after spending the long weekend with friends and family when she asked her children to look out for koalas while they packed up their area.

A short time later, she heard her daughter Coral scream out  the seven-year-old had inadvertently stepped onto the remnants of another group's fire at Keelbottom Creek near Mingala, west of Townsville.

The little girl dropped to the ground in searing pain and in doing so, burned her hands as well. The youngster, whose birthday is next week, now faces a long road to recovery from her third-degree burns.

"We told the kids to go and explore and [my daughter] walked straight through the fire," Ashlea told Yahoo News. The mum raced to her aid and recalled the gut-wrenching feeling of finding her child "screaming" in pain.

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"I was so overwhelmed, I didn't know what to do," she said.

The family dropped everything and raced her to the nearest hospital, which was over an hour away. Coral suffered third-degree burns on her right foot and her fingers, and the family now has an anxious wait to see if she needs to have skin grafts.

The seven-year-old faces a long recovery after the painful injury. Source: Supplied

Camping family say putting out fires is 'common sense'

Seasoned camper Ashlea has hit out at the neighbouring campsite who "left their fire" still simmering.

"It's common sense to put out your fire," she told Yahoo News, adding that she's been left "angry and upset" at the ordeal. "It could have happened to anyone, or it could have caused a bushfire."

She pointed out the campsite was "right next" to a creek and the water could have been used to put out the fire. "My kids know not to touch or go anywhere near the fire," she said.

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Ashlea said Coral is in "a lot of pain" and the ordeal has been "very traumatising" for the young girl.

"She said she doesn't want to go camping again and has called herself stupid because she didn't look where she was going," the mum said. "I've told her that it's not her fault. It could have happened to anyone."

While Ashlea concedes her daughter was barefoot at the time, she believes her children deserve the opportunity to "be kids and get dirty".

"Just make sure you put out your fires with water, dont stomp them out or cover them with sand, take extra water with you because you never know whats going to happen," she urged other campers.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
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.
Summerville, SC (29483)

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Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 93F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph..

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Kingstree, SC (29556)

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Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph..

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Myrtle Beach, SC (29577)

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A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

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More and more sharks are being spotted in the shallows at Aussie beaches.

There has been a spike in shark sightings unusually close to the shore in recent months in South Australia. Source: YouTube/SA Angler Magazine

Beachgoers are being warned after a number of sharks have been spotted venturing unusually close to shoreline in recent weeks  and experts are concerned it's a sign that something is very wrong.

The string of sightings has mostly been in South Australia with a great white shark spotted in the shallows at Port Vincent on Saturday, while other great whites were spotted earlier in the month at Aldinga Beach, Sellicks Beach and Maslin Beach in the state.

Dead sharks have also washed up on South Australian beaches in recent months, prompting concern. Anton Covino, who runs the state's Shark Watch platform, told Yahoo News last week that he can't be sure if there is an increase in incidents or simply that more people happen to be seeing it when it happens.

But one thing for certain is shoreline sightings have greatly increased lately.

Beachgoers are being warned to get used to seeing more sharks close to SA shorelines. Source: 7News

Fisherman Brett Fensworth captured drone footage of Saturday's great white in the shallows at Port Vincent. "I have seen more sharks in the last 12 months than I have in the last ten years," he told 9News overnight.

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"It's a rare thing for people to see with their own eyes," he added.

Footage shared online by the SA Angler Magazine shows the great white cruising at the shoreline just metres from a carpark over the Easter weekend. "The shark chased a seal near the rocks and then patrolled the shoreline for over an hour," the caption said.

A string of shark sightings has stunned Aussies in recent weeks. Source: 9News/7News

A beachgoer in Western Australia also spotted a suspected hammerhead shark in the shallows at 80 Mile Beach, telling Yahoo News it was "so strange to see such a big shark" metres away while she stood on the dry sand.

Why are sharks coming closer to shore?

Experts believe the changing temperature of the ocean is causing the increased sightings and a recent toxic algae bloom in South Australia in particular has left them searching for more oxygenated water.

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"We can only speculate that its related to the record temperature with the algae brooms and I suspect the respiration of sharks is being affected and they're trying to get more oxygenated waters in the shallow there," shark expert Andrew Fox told 7News.

Sharks rely on the surrounding water temperature to regulate their body temperature and this metabolic need draws them to warmer waters, especially during the tail end of summer.

After a group of fisherman spotted a bull shark metres away from them in Sydney Harbour in 2022, marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck spoke to Yahoo News about the changing distribution of sharks that could some with climate change and warming waters into the future.

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"It remains to be seen if this will be a cyclical thing, or if it's going to be happening year, after year, after year due to global warming," he said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The 21-year-old man and 19-year-old woman were intending on camping in the area, but this was not the holiday they had in mind.

A young Aussie couple's camping trip was ruined on Friday when their 4WD became bogged on the closed Cape Melville Track. Source: Queensland Police

An Aussie couple have been rescued by helicopter after being stranded on a closed rural road for three days in an ill-fated travel adventure over the Easter weekend. The pair set off in their 4WD last week for a camping trip that was quickly brought to a halt on Friday when they bogged the vehicle on the Cape Melville Track in Queenslands Cape York Peninsula.

Luckily, the 21-year-old man and 19-year-old woman, both from the Tablelands, were intending to camp in the area so they had plenty of supplies with them, a Queensland Police spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia on Thursday.

However, it is unknown why they drove down the challenging 4WD track in the first place given the Cape Melville National Park is closed every year during the wet season  from December 1 to July 31  due to impassable roads.

The pair were able to alert authorities by texting them via the iPhone Satellite Relay Service.

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They werent able to speak to police on the phone as there was no reception, the police spokesperson told Yahoo, adding that the travellers had sustained a few minor cuts and bruises during their time in the bush, but nothing out of the ordinary for people going camping/4WDing.

Bogged campers rescued from rural road after three days

Local police first tried to locate the couple by road, but many were closed or simply too dangerous due to wet weather. On Monday morning, officers reached the young man and woman via helicopter and transported them to a police station.

Footage shows the couples sunken ute, which also had a broken winch, bogged in a large hole in the track. An officer can be heard telling the campers they shouldnt be in the area and to grab some essential items to bring with them.

The pair, who suffered minor scratches, luckily had plenty of supplies with them. Source: Queensland Police

Special Constable Adam Tickner said the pair did the right thing by staying with their vehicle and not wandering off in search of help.

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It was fortunate that these people had enough food and water to last a few days, however this is very challenging terrain, especially during the wet season, he said.

These roads are closed for a reason, and phone reception is limited. When travelling on the Cape, ensure you have a satellite phone or personal locator peach, recovery gear, spare parts, first aid, and adequate food, water and fuel.

Anyone travelling to remote parts of Far North Queensland is urged to plan their trip and check park alerts, Queensland Traffic or the local council website for road conditions.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-24 16:08:09

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ATLANTA, GA / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / Aviation Week Network, the leading multimedia platform for global aviation, aerospace, and defense industries from Informa Markets, reinforced its commitment to fostering the most inclusive and representative aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) workforce during MRO Americas 2025, held at the Georgia World Congress Center (April 8-10, Atlanta, Georgia). Under the theme Shaping the Future, the event showcased a range of initiatives aimed at expanding career opportunities and creating a more diverse talent pipeline.Attracting more than 17,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors, MRO Americas 2025 brought together key stakeholders across the global aviation MRO industry for three days of innovation, networking, and forward-looking insights.This year's show placed a strong emphasis on workforce development, with programs designed to support economic mobility and elevate underrepresented groups within the industry. Through a dynamic collaboration withThe Dream Opportunity, a global nonprofit supporting under-resourced students discovering unique career paths, Aviation Week Network welcomed 50 scholars from local institutions including Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Georgia Tech, for an immersive educational experience in the MRO industry. The initiative provides first-hand exposure to aviation careers, building critical connections and opening pathways to higher-earning opportunities.MRO Americas also highlighted its Wing Woman program in partnership with A-WING (Aviation Women Inspiring the Next Generation), designed to empower women in aviation maintenance through mentorship and networking. Complementing this was the Rising Star program, where seasoned industry professionals introduced promising new talent to the field, helping to spark passion and guide the next generation of aviation leaders.Additional student-focused activities such as guided show floor tours, targeted networking meetups, and the custom GO LIVE! Theater session presenting The Power & Importance of Mentorship: Nurturing Talent in Aviation, offered students meaningful engagement opportunities and valuable insights into the future of the aviation industry."Our mission goes beyond producing tradeshows, it is essential to elevate careers and redefine what the future of aviation looks like," said Greg Hamilton, president of Aviation Week Network. "We are proud to foster the dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking MRO community that will drive the necessary innovation to generate sustainable excellence for years to come." The MRO sector faces a significant labor gap presenting challenges in meeting the global demand for aviation services. Boeing projects the global aviation industry to need 716,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians over the next decade as the Aviation Technician Education Council expects even just North America to fall 20% short of expected technician needs by 2028. Women represent only 2.8% of certified mechanics in the U.S., highlighting an untapped market to diversify workforce and meet worker demand.Creating opportunities and conversations to address the critical shortfall is vital to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and sustained growth of the aviation industry. Aviation Week Network invests in the education, strategic partnerships, and expanded networking opportunities to support, attract and nurture the next generation of aviation professionals.MRO Americas 2025 marked another significant step toward building a more inclusive and opportunity-rich aviation industry. The continued expansion of the Rising Stars and Wing Woman programming will be present at upcoming MRO events, as well as the dedicated ongoing commitment to engage student participants across national and international MRO events through a range of enriching partnered programming.To learn more upcoming MRO shows, please visit aviationweek.com/events and to follow our workforce content, visit aviationweek.com/workforce ##About Aviation Week Network Aviation Week Network is the largest multimedia information and services provider for the global aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, serving 1.2 million professionals around the world. Industry professionals rely on Aviation Week Network to help them understand the market, make decisions, predict trends, and connect with people and business opportunities. Customers include the world's leading aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, airlines, airports, business aviation operators, militaries, governments and other organizations that serve this worldwide marketplace. Aviation Week Network's portfolio delivers award-winning journalism, data, intelligence and analytical resources, world-class tradeshows and conferences, and results-driven marketing services and advertising.Aviation Week Network is part of Informa Markets, a division of Informa PLCAbout Informa Markets Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com Media Contact Elizabeth SiskDirector, Marketing CommunicationsAviation Week Network elizabeth.sisk@aviationweek.com SOURCE: Informa Markets Aviation
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 23, 2025 / If you suffered a loss on your Ibotta, Inc. (NYSE:IBTA) 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 persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded Ibotta securities pursuant and/or traceable to documents issued in connection with Ibotta's April 18, 2024 initial public offering.CASE DETAILS: According to the filed complaint, defendants made false statements and/or concealed that they did not properly warn investors of the risks concerning Ibotta's contract with The Kroger Co. ("Kroger"). Kroger's contract was at-will, and Ibotta failed to warn investors that a large client could cancel their contract with Ibotta without warning. Despite providing a detailed explanation of the terms of Ibotta's contract with Walmart, there was not a single warning of the at-will nature of Kroger's contract. Rather than disclosing the very real risk of a major client walking away at any time, Ibotta provided boilerplate warnings concerning the importance of maintaining ongoing relationships with their clients.WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Ibotta stock during the relevant time frame - even if you still hold your shares - go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/ibotta-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=144802&wire=1 to learn about your rights to seek a recovery. There is no cost or obligation to participate.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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Most women in culinary don't have a great headshot. But they should. A powerful photo can change everything. Confidence. Credibility. Opportunity.CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / And That's whyFunky Chef , the first brand to create chef's jackets designed exclusively for women, is hosting a special event in Charleston on May 19th. Called "Our Table: Empowering Female Chefs x Charleston," the event offers a space for 30+ female chefs to gather, connect, and receive professional headshots - captured by acclaimed photographer Kate Blohm. Chef Tina McCard Photo by Paul CheneyThis is Funky Chef's second event following a successful debut in Tortola, BVI, which brought together female yacht chefs for an afternoon of storytelling, photography, and mutual support. The vibe? Creative, candid, community-driven - and a far cry from the traditional, male-dominated culinary spaces many women are used to.The Founder's Story: From a Leopard Print Jacket to a MovementFunky Chef was founded by Hannah, a full-time yacht chef since 2015, who got tired of wearing jackets that never fit her pear-shaped body. "I used to have them tailored just to feel comfortable in my own uniform," she shares. "One day, I bought leopard print fabric and had a seamstress make me a jacket. That's how Funky Chef started." What began as a personal solution quickly turned into a brand - and a mission. Funky Chef now designs fitted, thoughtfully crafted chef's jackets that celebrate both the bodies and artistry of women in culinary. "We're intentional with every design. These aren't just uniforms-they're a form of self-expression. As chefs, we're artists. Why shouldn't our uniforms reflect that?"Despite juggling the demands of her full-time yacht role, Hannah now runs Funky Chef alongside her work at sea. "It's challenging, but so rewarding," she says. "This brand was born out of necessity, but it's grown into something so much more. It's about visibility, respect, and confidence." Why Charleston? A Serendipitous SparkThe Charleston gathering came to life after Hannah was tagged in a set of stunning headshots(Courtesy of Paul Cheney ) taken of local Charleston chef Tina McCard (Featured)-wearing a Funky Chef Santorini jacket, no less. "I remember thinking, Why don't I have any good headshots?'" Hannah recalls. "Tina said we should collaborate on an event in Charleston. The energy was there immediately. And here we are." Held atChef's Collective , a dynamic culinary space hosted by chefs and co-owners Katie Williams and Andrea Pharis, the Charleston event brings together local female chefs from all culinary corners - restaurants, bakeries, pop-ups, and beyond. The goal? Give these professionals visibility, confidence, and the connections that help build careers.Each attending chef will receive:A discounted Funky Chef jacket (required to attend)Professional headshots taken byKate BlohmAn afternoon of community, creativity, and networkingProceeds from jacket sales go directly toward supporting this event and future gatherings. Funky Chef is committed to making these experiences sustainable, accessible, and impactful for women in culinary everywhere.A Call to Local Media: Help Spotlight Charleston's Female Culinary TalentFunky Chef is inviting Charleston's media outlets to join this movement by highlighting the incredible women who are shaping the city's food scene-women who have too often been overlooked, underestimated, and excluded from the narrative. "This is more than just a photoshoot," says Hannah. "It's a movement to reclaim space and shift the narrative, and we want to help make that happen." Whether through a feature, a camera crew, or simply attending the event, local media presence will help ensure these stories - and these chefs - get the recognition they deserve.Event Details:Our Table: Empowering Female Chefs x Charleston Chef's Collective, CharlestonMonday, May 19, 2025To attend, chefs must purchase a discounted Funky Chef jacketRSVP by April 30 via Instagram DM @funkychefcoContact InformationHannah StaddonFounder & CEOpr@ funkychef.co 9547023665SOURCE: Funky Chef
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-24 14:31:32

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GPOX accelerates Las Vegas presence with sales team deployment and facility enhancements.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 /GPO Plus, Inc. (OTCQB:GPOX), an AI-powered Distributor revolutionizing distribution to gas stations and convenience stores with its innovative technology-driven Direct Store Delivery (DSD) model, proudly announces the opening of its new Regional Hub and Distribution Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Las Vegas Regional Hub supports an agile, AI-driven approach to distribution, enhancing speed, flexibility, and margin performance in underserved retail segments. Its first milestone is onboarding 200 retail locations, generating an average of $1,000 per month in sales per store. This goal is achievable by selling just a few high-demand products per store.DISTRO+Cash+CarryTo further capitalize on this opportunity, GPOX plans to launch itsDISTRO+Cash+Carry, a reimagined, immersive wholesale experience for retailers, from its Las Vegas facility within 90 days. This retail-focused wholesale center enables store owners to browse, purchase, and pick up wholesale goods on-site, expanding reach beyond GPOX's DSD serviced stores. GPOX previously announced its Cash and Carry business model and has continued to execute on the plan.New Sales Channels, Larger TAMGPOX is expanding its sales strategy to target high-margin, independent retailers, complementing its existing relationships with large national gas station chains. This strategic shift is designed to unlock greater flexibility, higher margins, and faster market penetration. The Las Vegas region presents a Total Addressable Market (TAM) of over 2,100 potential retail accounts:Convenience Stores: 1,300+Smoke and Vape Shops: 500+Independent Gas Stations: 250+Small Grocers/Bodegas: 250+Liquor Stores: 150+Specialty Retailers: 100+As a local company headquartered in Las Vegas, GPOX is uniquely positioned to activate these relationships and scale more efficiently than competitors without local infrastructure."Launching a Regional Hub in Las Vegas is something I've personally been looking forward to for a long time," said Brett H. Pojunis, CEO of GPOX. "But before scaling, we needed to refine our AI-powered DSD model, and we did just that. As reported in our last quarterly filing, from 2024 to 2025, we reduced quarterly operating expenses by over 30% and increased gross margins by 87%, growing from 15% to 28%. We're winning with AI, and now that we have a refined and tested system in place, we're in full growth mode. The Las Vegas Regional Hub is the first of several major initiatives as we sprint toward 1,000+ active retail locations. This scale will unlock even greater efficiency and new product opportunities across our network." The Las Vegas Regional Hub will also serve as an additional fulfillment center for direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and online orders, in addition to facilitating drop shipping of GPOX branded products.To learn more, visit GPOPlus.com Connect with us on social media to view live video updates, content, and general information about GPOX: https://gpoplus.com/social About GPOPlus+ (GPOX)GPOX is an AI-powered Distributor revolutionizing the future of distribution to gas stations and convenience stores with its innovative technology-driven Direct Store Delivery (DSD) model. Our goal is clear and ambitious:"to build the largest nationwide DSD distribution company servicing gas stations, convenience stores, and beyond."Our technology-driven AI network, featuring strategically placed Regional Hubs and Mini Hubs, is designed to optimize efficiency and maximize reach. Central to our operations is our in-house AI technology platform,PRISM+ . Designed to streamline the distribution process,PRISM+supports efficient delivery, inventory management, data analytics, and overall operational excellence, enabling us to reliably and effectively meet the dynamic needs of our partners. Our mission is to consolidate the fragmented market segment managed by numerous regional vendors. Our dedication to excellence is evident in our product selection process, where we align offerings with consumer demand and partner with top-tier vendors and brands, ensuring our portfolio remains diverse and highly profitable. For more information, please visit www.GPOPlus.com Information about Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" that include statements regarding expected financial performance and growth information relating to future events. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond the control of the Company and its officers and managers, and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which, that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to; inability to gain or maintain licenses, reliance on unaudited statements, the Company's need for additional funding, governmental regulation of the cannabis industry, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the demand for the Company's products, and other risks that are detailed from time-to-time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can typically identify these forward-looking statements through use of words such as "may," "will," "can" "anticipate," "assume," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "seek," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "point to," "project," "predict," "could," "intend," "target," "potentia
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High-Grade Gold-Silver-Antimony and New Claims Staked across Epithermal SystemLONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / Guardian Metal Resources plc (LON:GMET)(OTCQB:GMTLF), a strategic development and mineral exploration company focused on tungsten in Nevada, USA, is pleased to provide an exploration update from its 100%-owned Garfield Project ("Garfield"), located in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt. Guardian Metal's main objective is to lead the re-establishment of domestic tungsten production in the United States. The Company's projects demonstrate Nevada's exceptional mineral potential and the important role Nevada can play in the national race to secure a stable, affordable supply of critical resources for the United States of America. The Garfield results further support the Company's broader goals which are in line with recent U.S. Executive Orders promoting critical mineral independence.Recent surface sampling at Garfield has revealed high-grade gold, silver, base-metals as well as strong antimony values in addition to strong visual results across the newly staked areas. Many metals, including gold and antimony, have significantly increased in price over the past two years, underscoring the strategic importance of these project specific developments. Like tungsten, antimony is a "dual-use" critical metal with applications in both defence and general industry.Guardian Metal identified Nevada as a key jurisdiction four years ago -well ahead of the current surge in interest in critical minerals and rising metal prices. While the Company remains focused on its two co-flagship tungsten assets-Pilot Mountain and Tempiute, both in Nevada-it recognises the added opportunity its Garfield and Golconda projects represent for its shareholders.Oliver Friesen, CEO of Guardian Metal, commented:"We are greatly encouraged by the latest exploration results following our retained expert geologist Dr. Carter's recent site visit to the Garfield Project, which focused on the Freeze and Pamlico zones-areas that were previously underexplored. Encouragingly, a significant epithermal corridor is emerging, now extending over 4 km in strike length. With the recent completion of staking, this entire trend at these zones is now 100% owned by Guardian Metal and is royalty-free."Looking ahead, we remain clear that any future partnership on our non-core assets will be structured to benefit our existing shareholders and to maximise the Project's upside potential. We believe a resurgence in U.S. exploration and mining is well underway, and with our co-flagship tungsten assets, alongside earlier-stage opportunities at the Garfield and Golconda Projects, Guardian Metal offers investors meaningful exposure to this movement." TECHNICAL SUMMARYReanalysis of Pamlico Zone rock sample CJO079, collected during the 2024 prospecting work, has returned 9.9 g/t gold (Au), 1,105 g/t silver (Ag), 1.84% antinomy (Sb) and 2.45% lead (Pb) as well as 3,920 ppm copper (Cu) and 890 ppm zinc (Zn) (Table 1). Assay results for CJO079, previously reported on 8 January 2025, were above the upper limit of detection for antimony, gold, silver and lead so the sample was submitted for overlimit analysis.Follow up geological investigation has determined that the previously reported high-grade samples from historical mines across the Freeze Zone appear to be from related low-sulphidation epithermal vein structures.1Significantly, as a result of the above findings, field investigations were extended further east onto open ground where a zone of massive silicification / chalcedonic blanket, as well as numerous outcropping low-sulphidation colloform quartz veins were identified, which extend well east of the previously defined Freeze Zone ("Freeze East Zone"). The Company has now staked an additional 11 mining claims to cover the Freeze East Zone.These features are suggestive of a substantive epithermal system. Several rock samples were also taken during the recent field visit and are in the laboratory for analysis.A strike distance of over 4km is now covered by the Pamlico Zone, Freeze Zone, and Freeze East Zones highlighting the potential scale of epithermal mineralisation that exists at Garfield.Further details about the Freeze East Zone including detailed geological maps, and analytical results from the latest batch of sampling will be released to the market in due course.The Company continues discussions in regard to potential joint-venture or option agreement arrangements covering the Project and will update the market with any material updates when possible.BACKGROUNDGuardian Metal recently retained Dr Lawrence Carter, an independent magmatic-hydrothermal mineral system expert, to conduct a geological field review of the low-sulphidation epithermal gold-silver-antinomy potential within the Garfield Project area.Pamlico Zone rock sample CJO079 which previously returned above detection limit Au, Ag, Sb and Pb (reported 8 January 2025) was submitted for overlimit analysis returning significant high-grade results (Table 1). The gold-silver-copper assay results for the Freeze Zone were announced 3 September 20242.Table 1: Overlimit assay results for rock sample CJO079, collected during the 2024 prospecting of Pamlico Zone.SampleGoldSilverAntimonyLeadCopperZincCJO0799.9 g/t1105 g/t1.84%2.45%3920 ppm890 ppmTable Note: Assay results for sample CJO079, reported 8 January 2025, were above the upper limit of detection for antimony, gold, silver and lead and the sample was re-assayed by ALS USA Inc using overlimit analytical methods Ag-OG62, Pb-OG62, Sb-AA08 and Au-GRA21. Cu and zinc are as previously reported, analysed by ALS USA Inc using method ME-MS61.GEOLOGY UPDATEGeological fieldwork across the "Pamlico Zone" and "Freeze Zone" has been completed by Dr Carter to better place the previous high-grade gold-silver-copper samples (announced 3 September 20241) into geological context to focus further exploration targeting. In contrast to magnetite skarns in the western and central parts of the project, this work identified that numerous historic mines on eastern side of the project were likely targeting the same low-sulphidation epithermal vein structures along strike from one another. Numerous outcropping low-sulphidation style colloform quartz veins were also identified and sampled as well as a zone of massive silicification (or chalcedonic blanket, which may represent the shallow portion of a mineralised system) (Figures 1 & 2).The overlimit analytical results from the "Pamlico Zone" further demonstrate the strength of the low sulphidation epithermal mineralisation at Garfield. Further sampling at the "Pamlico Zone" has
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AJMAN CITY, AE / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / IPRoyal , a leading provider of residential proxies and other IP address solutions, has been named a Gold Stevie Award winner in the Fastest Growing Tech Company of the Year (Up to 100 Employees) category at the 23rd annual American Business Awards.The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.'s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations - public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. This year, more than 3,600 nominations were submitted for consideration across a wide range of industries and categories.Judges highlighted IPRoyal's impressive growth and differentiated strategy. As one said, "IPRoyal entered a saturated proxy market dominated by industry veterans but identified unmet needs that fueled its rapid growth. Recognizing challenges faced by businesses of all sizes, it developed educational resources and user-friendly solutions to simplify proxy integration." Since its founding in 2021, IPRoyal has challenged an industry dominated by legacy players by addressing two key gaps: a lack of educational resources and limited customer-centric solutions. In 2024 alone, IPRoyal released over 50 educational videos and more than 100 in-depth articles, equipping users with accurate, well-tested insights to navigate the proxy space.The judge continued, "Known for transparency, reliability, and exceptional customer service, IPRoyal serves diverse clients with customizable pricing. While many competitors struggle with ethical standards and rigid models, IPRoyal stands out for its innovative approach, earning recognition from leading industry platforms." "This award is a meaningful validation of everything our team has accomplished over the past year," said Mindaugas Caplinskas, Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor at IPRoyal. "By staying focused on building a strong team, listening to our customers, and creating ethical, customer-centric solutions, we've created real momentum - and we are just getting started." Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2025 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA About IPRoyalIPRoyal is a global provider of residential, mobile, ISP, and data center proxies, committed to enabling a more open and connected internet. With a robust network spanning over 34 million IP addresses across 195 countries, IPRoyal delivers reliable, high-quality proxy solutions for online privacy, web scraping, social media management, and unrestricted internet access. Committed to ethical practices and compliance, IPRoyal prioritizes advanced data protection and operational efficiency to ensure security and reliability for consumers, small businesses, and enterprises. Dedicated to superior customer service, the company has been consistently recognized by G2, Crozdesk, and SourceForge. For more information, visitIPRoyal.com About the Stevie AwardsStevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, and the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com Media ContactEscalate PRfor IPRoyaliproyal@ escalatepr.com1-914-610-0221 SOURCE: IPRoyal
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 /Ivy En Rose, San Francisco's premier elite MedSpa, is proud to announce an exciting partnership with the Junior League of San Francisco for an exclusive community event that champions women's empowerment, beauty, and well-being. Now taking place on May 20th, 2025, at Ivy En Rose's new state-of-the-art facility located at 323 West Portal Ave., this event is a testament to the power of women-led businesses coming together to uplift their community.A partnership between Ivy En Rose MedSpa and the Junior League of San Francisco is both newsworthy and vital to the local community and economy. Ivy En Rose, a women-owned MedSpa that recently reopened after overcoming a devastating fire, exemplifies resilience and dedication to wellness in San Francisco . The Junior League of San Francisco, with over a century of empowering women leaders and contributing more than six million volunteer hours, has a longstanding commitment to community improvement . Their collaboration would not only highlight the strength of women-led initiatives but also stimulate economic growth and community engagement in the Bay Area.More than just a luxury destination for beauty and wellness, Ivy En Rose has solidified itself as a true community staple, consistently giving back and collaborating with local leadership teams to inspire and support women. Despite a most recent and unfortunate setback, where a building fire forced the business to close in late 2024, Ivy En Rose has risen from the ashes to reopen its doors with a dare we say, fiery passion, to continue serving its community. The founder, Arusyak Abrahamyan, worked tirelessly for months to reserve her new location just a few blocks away from the old one, ensuring her loyal and local neighborhood that Ivy En Rose is here to stay.The Junior League of San Francisco helps empower women to develop civic leadership skills, while creating real change in San Francisco by advancing social activism-focused projects that directly benefit the community. As two women-owned organizations, Ivy En Rose and the Junior League of San Francisco share a common mission: to encourage and help women look, feel and be their best, inside and out. This collaboration, which aims to be one of many to come, highlights the impact of strong female leadership in both business and philanthropy, creating opportunities for local women to connect, learn, and celebrate their achievements."At Ivy En Rose, we believe that true beauty radiates from confidence and self-care," said Arusyak, Founder of Ivy En Rose. "Partnering with the Junior League of San Francisco allows us to extend that belief beyond our doors and into the community, offering a space where women can come together to support, inspire, and uplift one another." Priscilla Baca, a representative for the Junior League of San Francisco, had the following statement to make regarding the event: "Join us for an inspiring evening at Ivy En Rose, San Francisco's premier MedSpa dedicated to helping women look and feel their best. Known for its elevated approach to wellness, Ivy En Rose offers personalized, science-backed treatments that support confidence and self-care at every stage of life. Guests will hear from founder Arusyak Abrahamyan, who will share her journey as a woman entrepreneur-rebuilding her business from the ground up after a devastating fire. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, purpose, and the importance of investing in yourself. This event is also perfect for professional women looking to recharge, reconnect, and refocus on well-being. Enjoy sips and bites while exploring the luxurious new space, and take advantage of a special discount for Junior League members on select services. Attendees will receive a Member Development credit for participating in this experience." The event will feature exclusive beauty and wellness experiences, expert insights, and opportunities for guests to engage with both organizations in their shared mission of fostering confidence, leadership, and self-care. Open to the public, this event is an opportunity for the San Francisco community to experience the synergy of two organizations committed to enhancing the lives of women while contributing to the sustained growth of the local economy.This must-attend event is expected to draw a dynamic crowd of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals eager to embrace wellness and empowerment. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the incredible resources and expertise that Ivy En Rose and the Junior League of San Francisco bring to the local landscape. For more information about the event or to RSVP, please visit https://ivyenrose.com/ or contact info@ ivyenrose.com Contact InformationAli NikoopourPublicistali@ camppublicrelations.com SOURCE: Ivy En Rose
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 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 24, 2025 / On February 13, 2025, Levi & Korsinsky, LLP filed a class action complaint against Augustine Institute Inc. d/b/a Formed in the US District Court for the District of Colorado. The complaint alleges that legally protected data was unlawfully intercepted during visits to the Formed website at https://formed.org/ (the "Website"), particularly affecting consumers who subscribed and watched pre-recorded video content on the Website.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?Augustine Institute, Inc. is a leading private Catholic graduate theology school whose mission is to create and bring content to Catholics worldwide through its programs and platforms, including the Formed Website. Subscribers to the Formed Website gain access to thousands of movies, children's programs, eBooks, audio, parish programs, and studies.Unbeknownst to subscribers of the Formed Website, tracking pixels on the Website tracked user activity and disclosed users' sensitive information to third parties, including Facebook. The Video Privacy Protection Act ("VPPA") prohibits the disclosure of consumers' video viewing habits tied and identifiable information without consumers' consent.If you subscribed to the Formed Website, https://formed.org/,and watched videos on its platform, your legally protected data may have been intercepted without your knowledge. If your data was compromised, you may have a claim and be entitled to compensation.HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?Levi & Korsinsky can help assess whether you have a claim. Follow the link below to get in touch with us:ABOUT LEVI & KORSINSKYLevi & 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 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defenseattorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. We work on a 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 24, 2025 / Hamilton Health Care System, Inc. d/b/a Vitruvian Health 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 Vitruvian Health.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On February 24, 2025, Hamilton Health Care System, Inc. d/b/a Vitruvian Health became aware of a security incident involving its third-party vendor, Nationwide Recovery Service (NRS), a collection agency supporting several of its affiliates including Hamilton Emergency Medical Services, Hamilton Physician Group, Hamilton Medical Center, and Anna Shaw Children's Institute. Upon notification, Vitruvian Health launched an investigation in collaboration with NRS and third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation revealed that an unauthorized third party had accessed NRS systems from July 5 to July 11, 2024, and extracted data affecting Vitruvian Health patients.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal and protected health information may have been compromised: names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account information, and medical information. On April 14, 2025, Vitruvian Health identified the individuals whose sensitive information was included in the impacted data and publicly disclosed the incident with the Maine Attorney General's Office. Notice letters were also sent out to the affected individuals on April 14, 2025. 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 Vitruvian Health, 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
PLA Navy marks its 76th anniversary

Xinhua) 08:14, April 24, 2025

A military band performance is held to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy at the memorial hall of the PLA Navy's birthplace in Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 19, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Xinhua/Li Yun)

An aerial drone photo shows people participating in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Li Jinbiao/Xinhua)

People participate in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Ma Yubin/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows people participating in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Ma Yubin/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 21, 2025 shows a light show marking the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Feng Menglong/Xinhua)

An orchestra is held to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 18, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Huang Yuqiao/Xinhua)

People participate in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Wang Guangjie/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows people participating in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Ma Yubin/Xinhua)

Soldiers participate in a ceremony to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 23, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Shi Weikang/Xinhua)

Soldiers participate in a ceremony to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 23, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Wang Yuanfang/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows people participating in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in east China's Shanghai, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Ding Liang/Xinhua)

Soldiers participate in a flag-raising ceremony to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, April 23, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Wang Guangjie/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
On April 19, the founding conference of the Anhui Enterprises Trade and Circulation Cooperation Alliance and a domestic sales matchmaking event for foreign trade enterprises were held in Hefei. Nearly 370 domestic and foreign trade companies from across the province attended to discuss ways to promote Anhui's export products in the domestic market.

During the onsite matchmaking session, 13 domestic trade companies set up connection stations to discuss supply and demand with attending foreign trade enterprises and negotiate cooperation intentions.

Liu Tao, Head of East China Public Relations at Anhui Yonghui Superstores, stated that Yonghui has received hundreds of emails at a special email address for foreign trade enterprises. Over 100 quality supply chain companies are now in the procurement negotiation stage, including Chinese suppliers for Costco and Sam's Club in the U.S., covering over ten categories such as fruits, snacks, and household goods. Yonghui is actively negotiating to match quality products, with plans to launch a foreign trade section within a week.

The Anhui Enterprises Trade and Circulation Cooperation Alliance has over 300 member units covering various fields, including department stores, supermarkets, commercial complexes, liquor, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, catering, accommodation, housekeeping, and agricultural product circulation. It aims to integrate resources in the commerce and trade sector, building a professional and comprehensive service platform for business communication, industry interaction, and resource aggregation, promoting information sharing, cooperation, mutual learning, and the high-quality development of Anhui's commerce and trade industry.

Since 2012, Anhui's total retail sales of consumer goods have crossed two trillion yuan thresholds, reaching 2.40877 trillion yuan in 2024, with its national ranking rising from 14th to 9th.

From the perspective of current key economic tasks such as expanding domestic demand and stabilizing foreign trade, the establishment of the Anhui Enterprises Trade and Circulation Cooperation Alliance will help integrate resources, and enhance the overall level and competitiveness of our commerce and trade sector.





Source: Anhui Daily
The scene inside this decaying hole found in the Victorian bush was described as "horrible" and packed a serious stench.

Live reptiles and rotting mammal bones were discovered in the bottom of a well in the Victorian town of Bet Bet. Source: Five Freedoms Animal Rescue

A bushwalker has made a grisly discovery at the bottom of an ancient well in a tiny Australian gold mining town. Among the broken bricks and twisted metal were dozens of bones believed to have come from the bodies of kangaroos that had fallen into the uncovered "deathtrap".

Like a scene from the Indiana Jones movies, what's believed to be a deep, abandoned well was also teeming with live reptiles, including venomous snakes. And thats why veteran wildlife rescuer Manfred Zabinskas was called on for help.

The person who found the well indicated there were two eastern brown snakes, shingleback lizards and a goanna in there, the Five Freedoms Animal Rescue founder told Yahoo News.

Getting to the edge of the well earlier this month was the easy part. It was a short 30-metre walk across a dry paddock off the main road into Bet Bet, 180km northwest of Melbourne. But getting inside was difficult and required Zabinskas specialised equipment and skill-set.

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The well wasnt ridiculously deep, but the top access was very dangerous. The ladder was long enough but the rim was very steep and the grass around it was slippery. You could see why animals would just slide in and get trapped, he said.

It was easy to see how animals could accidentally fall into the steep well. Source: Five Freedoms Animal Rescue

Stinking discovery at bottom of well

Determined not to fall, Zabinskas put on his harness and then abseiled down the ladder. But he was not prepared for what confronted him inside.

There were two bodies still in the process of decay. It was pretty horrible, it stunk. I checked under the rotting carcasses to check nothing was hiding under them, so that was a bit yuck he said.

There was also an assortment of dried-out bones spread across the floor, enough to make up a third body.

Zabinskas abseiled into the well, and spent the next two hours scouring through bones, bricks and steel in search of the reptiles. Source: Five Freedoms Animal Rescue

Emptying and then moving the big steel stillage was a challenge. Source: Five Freedoms Animal Rescue

For the next two hours, Zabinskas worked to lift heavy debris in search of the reptiles that had been spotted in the hole.

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I realised it was going to be a big job and I was going to have to do a lot of digging. There was a big steel stillage that almost broke my back, emptying it to tip it over, he said.

Venomous snake discovered inside well

Underneath, Zabinskas discovered two trapped legless lizards, and nearby he found a shingleback lizard. Then hiding between two bricks he spotted the scales of one eastern brown snake.

After securing the four reptiles inside bags, he was faced with grabbing an emaciated and frustrated sand goanna that was in urgent need of care.

I love rescuing all animals, but Im very fond of reptiles and I was driven to be able to save them, Zabinskas said.

Because the reptiles were hiding under debris, Zabinskas spent two hours in the well, working to rescue them. Source: Five Freedoms Animal Rescue

Along with dried out bones, were the bodies of rotting kangaroos (right). Source: Five Freedoms Animal Rescue

Despite describing the well as an animal deathtrap, Zabinskas doesnt want it filled in because of its historical importance.

It's ancient, and it was made beautifully. Wed be losing heritage and cultural history, he said.

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It needs to be made safe, and there are ways of doing that. Rather than filling it in, Id rather see it fenced and a protective cover put over it.

What will happen to the ancient well?

As of Wednesday, all the reptiles recovered from the well were reportedly recovering well in the care of Reptiles Victoria. Rescue group Wildlife Victoria is understood to be investigating how the hole can be made safe.

This shingleback lizard was one of the many reptiles rescued from the well. Source: Five Freedoms Animal Rescue

In the meantime, members of the public are urged to stay away from the well. Zabinskas was only able to locate one of the two eastern brown snakes, and there have been sightings of the other one since.

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With winter approaching, the heat-dependent reptile will soon go into brumation, a state of dormancy similar to hibernation. Rescue crews are debating whether to pull the animal out of the hole, or leave it be until springtime when it will need to feed again.

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PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-24 10:54:10

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TOKYO, Apr 24, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - JCB Co., Ltd., Japan's only global payment brand, is proud to announce that MyJCB App, its cardmembers-only mobile app, has won the iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 in the Communication UX category of the User Experience (UX) division. The service design and UI/UX design were developed in collaboration with FOURDIGIT Inc.The iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 recognized the app's excellence in enhancing the user experience through its form, function, and idea, leading to its victory in the Communication UX category of the User Experience (UX) division.Award page: https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/myjcb-app/696672 Design Approach Focused on User ExperienceJCB and FOURDIGIT have been collaborating since 2021 to enhance the MyJCB App, encompassing service design, UI/UX design, and the establishment of continuous improvement processes.For the renewal project, they developed a strategy to define the app's role in the service experience, based on a detailed analysis of user behavior and challenges. The team conducted surveys of thousands of users and in-depth interviews with over 50 participants to thoroughly analyze credit card usage patterns and customer needs across various service channels, creating a comprehensive vision for the cross-channel user experience.Following the renewal, the team has continued to improve the app through store comments, user interviews, and usage data analysis, aiming to create an app that serves all customers, regardless of their financial literacy. They remain committed to delivering safer and more convenient card services while actively listening to customer feedback.For more information, please visit: https://www.4digit.com/en/projects/myjcb About MyJCB App"MyJCB" is a web service exclusively for JCB cardmembers that offers features, such as viewing transaction history, checking point balance and security alert notifications. Launched in 2016, the MyJCB App underwent a significant renewal in November 2023 under the concept of "card and app integration." The renewal introduced improved visibility and accessibility, along with enhanced security features that reflect JCB's core value of customer safety and security, transforming it into a more convenient and secure app.The app allows users to sort transaction details by amount or date, and includes keyword search functionality for ease of use. Security features include "Card Usage Notifications" and "Security Status Recommendations" that suggest optimal security settings for users, supporting safe card usage.The app continues to evolve with regular updates and new features to meet the diverse needs of all cardmembers, including digital concierge services for THE CLASS and Platinum cardmembers, and customizable app themes with four design options.For more information about the MyJCB App: https://www.jcb.co.jp/myjcb/app/index.html For details about the Digital Concierge feature: https://www.jcb.co.jp/promotion/digital_concierge/index.html About iF DESIGN AWARDThe iF DESIGN AWARD 2025, organized by Germany-based iF International Forum Design, is one of the world's most prestigious and longest-running design awards. This year's competition received 10,651 entries from 66 countries and territories, which were evaluated by 131 design experts from 23 countries and territories based on criteria, including differentiation, form, function, idea, and sustainability. In the User Experience (UX) division, 162 entries received awards, with only five winners from Japanese companies. https://ifdesign.com/en/ About the CompaniesAbout JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 53 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 164 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide.For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ Head Office: Aoyama Rise Square 5-1-22 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, TokyoEstablished: January 1961Capital: 10.6 billion yenPresident & CEO: Takayoshi FUTAEURL: https://www.global.jcb/en/ About FOURDIGIT Inc.FOURDIGIT is a design and tech company that provides essential 'design' to connect digital technology and people, creating comfortable experiences for everyone involved.Drawing on our expertise cultivated in Japan, we are expanding our services to regions across Asia where the demand for digital design is growing alongside economic development. Our objective is to deliver design and technology solutions that drive business success on a global scale. Our current office locations include Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.Head Office: 2F/3F 8-5-32 Tanaka Koma Building, Akasaka, Minato-ku, TokyoEstablished: July 2001Capital: 45.6 million yenRepresentative Director, CEO: Ryo TAGUCHIURL: https://www.4digit.com/en MEDIA CONTACTS:JCB (Head Office in Japan)Anna TakedaCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@ info.jcb.co.jp
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / Onco-Innovations Limited (CSE:ONCO)(OTCQB:ONNVF)(Frankfurt:W1H,WKN: A3EKSZ) ("Onco" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Inka Health Corp. ("Inka Health"), signed a new analytical work contract[1] with AstraZeneca Canada ("AstraZeneca") on March 20, 2025 to support the next phase of real-world evidence (RWE) research and scientific dissemination. The Company perceives this renewed engagement as a meaningful signal of confidence in Inka Health's capacity to support drug evaluation, submission strategies, and evidence planning within Canada's regulatory framework.As part of the new scope of work commissioned by AstraZeneca, Inka Health will lead the development of a peer-reviewed scientific manuscript exploring the evolving role of international RWE in submissions to Canada's Drug Agency (CDA). This project will involve expanded analysis and synthesis of insights to inform how data generated outside Canada is leveraged within the Canadian regulatory environment-a growing area of interest in oncology and broader pharmaceutical development."This next phase of work for AstraZeneca gives us a valuable opportunity to examine how international real-world data is being operationalized in regulatory submissions, not just conceptually, but in real-world application. It builds directly on the analytical foundation we've developed through our previous work, and allows us to explore how evidence generated outside of Canada can be responsibly and effectively translated into local regulatory and health technology assessment processes," stated Paul Arora, CEO of Inka Health.This expanded engagement builds on previously completed analytical work delivered under the AZ Services Agreement, deepening a strategic collaboration that has demonstrated Inka Health's leadership in causal analytics and evidence translation in regulatory and market access contexts. The prior phase of the analytical work focused on methodologies to address bias and generalizability challenges in non-local RWE and included a comprehensive review of RWE use in Canadian regulatory submissions[2]. Findings from this earlier work were accepted for presentation at ISPOR 2025 (from May 11-15, 2025), the leading global conference for health economics and outcomes research (See Company press release April 3, 2025).About Inka Health Inka Health is an AI-driven analytics company revolutionizing oncology research and drug development through advanced causal AI. Its proprietary platform, SynoGraph, leverages AI-powered causal inference to identify which cancer patients are most likely to respond to specific treatments, advancing precision medicine. By integrating diverse multimodal medical data-including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics-SynoGraph uncovers hidden insights that can optimize treatment decisions and clinical trial design. With this cutting-edge technology, Inka Health helps pharmaceutical companies accelerate drug development, reduce trial failures, and bring life-saving therapies to market faster.About Onco-Innovations Limited Onco-Innovations is a Canadian-based company dedicated to cancer research and treatment, specializing in oncology. Onco's mission is to prevent and cure cancer through pioneering research and innovative solutions. The company has secured an exclusive worldwide license to patented technology that targets solid tumours, setting new standards in cancer treatment. Onco's commitment to excellence and innovation drives it to develop advanced therapies that improve patient outcomes and offer hope in the fight against cancer.ON BEHALF OF ONCO-INNOVATIONS LIMITED,"Thomas O'Shaughnessy"Chief Executive OfficerFor more information, please contact:Thomas O'ShaughnessyChief Executive OfficerTel: + 1 888 261 8055 investors@ oncoinnovations.com The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.Forward-Looking Statements Caution. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the further development, potential commercialization and benefits of the Company's technologies, including Synograph, as well as the abilities and prospects of the Company, and the Company's business and plans generally, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "potential", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to further develop, prove out or commercialize the Company's technologies, the failure to fulfill contractual requirements, the failure to receive regulatory approval in respect of the technologies, and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.[1] Inka Health entered into the new analytical work contract with AstraZeneca Canada on March 20, 2025, for a prescribed fee. The services under this engagement are scheduled for completion by October 31, 2025.[2] ISPOR. (2025).A Comprehensive Review of Real-World Evidence (RWE) Use in Submissions to Canada's Drug Agency (CDA). ISPOR 2025 Presentations Database.SOURCE: Onco-Innovations Limited
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DALIYAT AL KARMEL, IL / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi, a respected Druze leader from Mount Carmel, Israel, delivered anurgent message to the global communityregarding a potential profound geodynamic threat that imperils the entire planet. Speaking from his Residence in Daliyat al-Karmel, from Mount Carmel, Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi emphasized the interconnectedness of the world and the critical need for international cooperation to address a potentially dangerous phenomenon unfolding beneath Siberia, a region of Russia.Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi from Mount Carmel, IsraelSheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi, a distinguished advocate for peace and international cooperation, has been honored with multiple prestigious awards and honorary doctorates for his contributions to cultural understanding and humanitarian efforts. In 2013, he was recognized by the Waldenburg international college for his significant impact on human history. Dr. Halabi has received honorary doctorates from the Al-Hafaz Academies for Culture, Literature, and Art (Egypt), the Naharin International Cultural Academy, the American International Academy, and the Warsaw International Organization, where he serves as their official representative in Israel. Additionally, he has been named 'Person of the Year' multiple times by international organizations for his dedication to fostering peace and strengthening global communities.In his video, Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi explained that contrary to previous beliefs focused on external threats to Earth's stability, research now reveals a possible massive internal danger: a magma plume beneath a region in Siberia the size of Australia. He warned that if this magma under Siberia erupts or becomes uncontrolled, it could trigger a disaster with devastating consequences reaching from Siberia all the way through Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, potentially wiping out two-thirds of humanity. He also highlighted the importance of the ALLATRA scientists' report titled "ON THE THREAT OF A MAGMA PLUME ERUPTION IN SIBERIA AND STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING THE ISSUE," noting that its interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive and realistic picture of what's happening in Siberia.Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi commended the efforts of the ALLATRA International Public Movement, which has conducted extensive research and proposed feasible solutions. These include safely redirecting magma and releasing underground gases in controlled ways to prevent widespread destruction. He urged world leaders, including those from the United States, Israel, Russia, and other nations, to come together, form interdisciplinary committees, and act decisively based on these findings.With great concern in this appeal, Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi called for the release of seven ALLATRA members detained in Russia, condemning the unfair persecution of an organization dedicated to peace, truth, and the shared survival of humanity. Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi said, "...seven of our friends - participants of the ALLATRA organization - have been detained. They were arrested in Russia and are now in prison, facing torture and extremely harsh treatment, and inhumane conditions. In my opinion, there is no need to go against ALLATRA. We already face persecution even in Europe and in other countries, and that, in itself, is dangerous. It's easy to turn a blind eye and say, There's no problem,' and act like a herd. In that case, there would be a disasterSo I'm asking Mr. Vladimir Putin: please, release those participants of our international organization who've been detained in Russia, and stop the persecution of this movement. Because this is an organization of peace, love, and creation. It's the organization that understands the needs of the world and recognizes the looming threats. There's nothing bad here. In fact, if anything happens, Russia will be the first to suffer." He stressed that ignoring this potential threat would have possible catastrophic global consequences, surpassing geopolitical conflicts in scale and severity.Concluding his message, Sheikh Dr. Rafa Halabi said, "I'm calling out to you from here, from Daliyat al-Karmel, from Mount Carmel, through the ALLATRA organization: come together, unite, and solve this problem. There is a solution...this is the Achilles' heel of our world. The entire world. Not just the United States, not just Russia, not just Daliyat al-Karmel or Israel - but the whole world." He reaffirmed his support for ALLATRA's efforts to inform, pledging his personal commitment to raising awareness to safeguard the planet's future.About the ALLATRA International Public MovementALLATRA International Public Movement is an independent volunteer organization that conducts large-scale geodynamics, and environmental transformation research. The movement is known for its interdisciplinary approach to studying natural disasters and its active role in promoting international scientific cooperation. Additionally, ALLATRA focuses on protecting and preserving human rights and freedoms.CONTACT:Valerie Smith valerie@ allatra.org SOURCE: ALLATRA
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SCOTTSDALE, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 /Spirits Capital Corporation, a fintech company transforming how spirits are valued, traded and managed, and the creator of the Distilled Barrels Financial Exchange (DBFEX), announced today a new strategic partnership with Lofted Spirits, the parent company uniting Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River Distilling Co. and Lofted Custom Spirits. This initiative will affirm transparency and standardization in the barrel-aged spirits marketplace by increasing exposure to new prospective buyers and ensuring that every Lofted Spirits barrel traded on the DBFEX is not only verified but maintains its' gold standard of quality.Historically, the contract distillation and barrel market has operated behind closed doors, leading to inconsistent pricing and quality standards. The DBFEX platform enables buyers and sellers to gain transparency and insight into the quality, age, and cooperage of each barrel. Every barrel listed on DBFEX is verified and meets rigorous quality standards, empowering producers to set the value of their own products rather than relying on third-party brokers."This agreement represents a transformative shift in the way liquid assets are valued and traded," said Ray Franklin, Chief Revenue Officer at Spirit Capital's DBFEX. "Gone are the days of secretive negotiations and backroom deals. We are ushering in a new chapter of verified spirit production, from the distillery to the end user." Pete Marino, President of Lofted Spirits, states, "DBFEX aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and transparency in the bourbon industry. By integrating DBFEX's cutting-edge verification and tracking technology, we can ensure authenticity and traceability for our products while expanding our reach to a broader audience of discerning buyers. This collaboration strengthens consumer confidence and enhances the accessibility of Lofted Spirits' offerings on a global scale." Todd Sanders, Chairman and CEO of Spirits Capital, added, "We are thrilled to welcome Lofted Spirits to the DBFEX, where their world-renowned barrels will be available to a global marketplace. This relationship marks a major milestone in our mission to expand access to barrel-aged spirits and revolutionize how spirits are bought, sold, and traded." About Lofted SpiritsFrom bespoke bourbon production to boundary-pushing brands, Lofted Spirits is where tradition meets transformation. Expanding on the work started by Peter Loftin in 2016, and today the number one producer of Kentucky contract whiskey, Lofted Spirits pioneered a world-class, industry-shaking approach to custom contract distillation while developing some of the fastest growing brands in American Whiskey, Bardstown Bourbon and Green River. A unified entity, Lofted Spirits is built to lead the global whiskey industry, delivering exceptional experiences through innovation, trust and transformative industry impact while crafting some of the world's most desired and awarded whiskies. Lofted Spirits joined the Pritzker Private Capital family of companies in 2022. Learn more at LoftedSpirits.com About DBFEX & Spirits Capital CorporationSpirits Capital is a fintech company transforming how spirits are valued, traded, and managed. By integrating cutting-edge technology, finance, and real-time market intelligence, compliance and verification, we provide the infrastructure for seamless transactions and transparent pricing in an industry traditionally constrained by manual processes and illiquid assets. We're not just adapting to change-we're driving it.At the core of our innovation is the Distilled Barrels Financial Exchange (DBFEX), a Spirits Capital company and the world's largest barrel exchange. DBFEX is the first digital marketplace for barrel-aged spirits designed to bring liquidity, pricing intelligence, and friction less transactions to distilleries, investors, and institutions. The platform facilitates trading across whiskey, bourbon, tequila, neutral grain spirits, and casks from across the globe while offering additional services like cooperage, insurance, and consulting.As Spirits Capital expands, we continue to redefine how spirits are bought, sold, and managed worldwide, bringing financial innovation and operational efficiency to an industry ripe for transformation. www.SpiritsCap.com for more information.Spirits Capital Contact:Kelsee Pottorff Vice Presidentof Finance & OperationsSpirits Capital480-256-9551 Kelsee@ spiritscap.com Lofted Spirits Media Contact:Holly Weyler hweyler@ loftedspirits.com 502-836-8715SOURCE: Spirits Capital Corporation
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 23, 2025 /1. Introduction: When Logic FailsFor centuries, economics was built on a clean, mathematical premise: people make rational choices. They weigh costs and benefits, analyze risks, and select the option that maximizes their utility. It was a beautiful theory. It just wasn't true.The reality? People are predictably irrational. They make impulsive choices, overpay for things they don't need, fall for marketing tricks, and cheat just a little when they think they can get away with it. The rise of behavioral economics shattered the illusion of perfect rationality, replacing it with a more nuanced, psychology-driven model of human behavior.At the center of this revolution are thinkers who didn't just challenge economic orthodoxy-they lived their insights. Some drew from personal hardship, others from deep academic curiosity, but all arrived at the same conclusion: our decisions are shaped by forces we barely understand.2. The Architects of the Irrational MindDaniel Kahneman & Amos Tversky: The Bias DetectivesPhoto Credits: "The Friendship That Created Behavioral Economics" - The Atlantic Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky revolutionized our understanding of human decision-making by introducing the concept of cognitive biases. Their development of Prospect Theory challenged the traditional economic assumption of rational actors, demonstrating that people value gains and losses differently, leading to decisions that deviate from pure logic. For instance, their research showed that individuals are more sensitive to potential losses than to equivalent gains - a phenomenon known as loss aversion. This insight has profound implications, explaining behaviors like why investors might hold onto losing stocks longer than is financially advisable. Their collaborative work laid the foundation for behavioral economics, earning Kahneman the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002. Their legacy continues to influence fields ranging from finance to public policy, reshaping how we understand human behavior in economic contexts.Richard Thaler: The Nudge MasterRichard Thaler: The Nudge Master Evrima Chicago Building upon the insights of Kahneman and Tversky, Richard Thaler introduced the concept of "nudging"-subtle policy shifts that encourage people to make decisions that are in their broad self-interest without restricting their freedom of choice. In his book Nudge, co-authored with Cass Sunstein, Thaler illustrates how small design changes can significantly impact behavior. For example, automatically enrolling employees in retirement savings plans (while allowing them to opt out) dramatically increases participation rates. Thaler's work has had tangible impacts on public policy worldwide. The UK government's Behavioural Insights Team, often referred to as the "Nudge Unit," has applied these principles to areas like tax collection and organ donation, leading to improved outcomes. In recognition of his contributions, Thaler was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2017.George Loewenstein: The Emotion EngineerPhoto Credits: Carnegie Mellon University - George Loewenstein | Evrima Chicago George Loewenstein's research delves into how emotions influence economic decisions, challenging the notion that humans are purely rational actors. He introduced the concept of projection bias, where individuals overestimate the extent to which their future preferences will align with their current ones. This bias explains why people might overcommit to gym memberships or make impulsive purchases they later regret. Loewenstein's work has practical implications for understanding behaviors like addiction, procrastination, and consumer spending. By acknowledging the role of emotions in decision-making, his research offers insights into designing interventions that can help individuals make better choices aligned with their long-term goals. Colin Camerer: The Brain MapperPhoto Credits: Us National Science Colin Camerer Colin Camerer is a pioneer in the field of neuroeconomics, which combines neuroscience, psychology, and economics to study how people make decisions. By using tools like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Camerer has explored the neural mechanisms behind economic choices, revealing how brain activity correlates with behaviors like risk-taking and impulse control. His research has uncovered that certain areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, are crucial in evaluating rewards and making decisions under uncertainty. These findings have applications in understanding consumer behavior, financial decision-making, and even the development of policies aimed at improving economic outcomes. Dan Ariely: The Experimenter of Everyday LifePhoto Credits: Universitat Zurich UBS Centre - Speaker : Dan Ariely If there's one thinker who has made behavioral economics personal, it's Ariely. His groundbreaking experiments didn't just expose irrationality; they felt personal - as if they were uncovering hidden truths about the way all of us think, act, and justify our choices.His studies on dishonesty revealed that most people will cheat just a little - enough to benefit but not enough to feel like a bad person. His work on social vs. market norms showed why people will help a friend move for free but feel insulted if offered $20 for the same effort. And his research on pain perception (shaped by his own experience with severe burns) redefined how we understand suffering, decision-making under stress, and even medical treatment.These researchers, each in their own way, didn't just study irrationality. They showed us how deeply human it is.Photo Credits: Universitat Zurich UBS Centre - Speaker: Dan Ariely At a recent public lecture hosted by the UBS Center for Economics in Society at the University of Zurich, celebrated behavioral economist Dan Ariely dove into the odd, irrational ways we think about money - and why our brains can be terrible at managing it.Speaking to a packed audience, Ariely tackled themes from his bestselling book Dollars and Sense, unpacking why everyday financial decisions often veer away from logic and land squarely in the land of cognitive error. "We all think we understand money," Ariely said. "But most of the time, we don't actually behave like it." Ariely's talk was anything but dry. Using interactive examples and sharp humor, he walked the crowd through real-world experiments that showed how emotions, context, and even payment methods dramatically shape our economic behavior.One example? The way people treat opportunity cost - or more accurately, fail to
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Highlights:RC Drilling Ongoing on Expansion AreaFive holes, totaling 712 meters completed to dateFirst three holes at the lab for analysis, results pendingWebinar to detail expansion plans including near-term pilot mineScheduled for Friday, May 2nd 10am MTSign up here: WebinarCALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(WKN: TV3/A2PE64), continues to make significant strides drilling at the Gran Pilar Gold Silver Project in mine-friendly Sonora, Mexico. Current drilling is focused on the 100% controlled expansion area. To date, a total of 712.2 meters of Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling has been completed across five drill holes. Currently samples for three drillholes have been submitted for analysis, results are pending. The Company is hosting a Webinar on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, to provide a detailed update on their progress and plans to unlock Gran Pilar's full potential, including a near-term path towards production. To sign up for the Webinar, please use the following link: WebinarFigure 1. Planview map of Gran Pilar's southwest corner where current RC drilling is active. Blue traces have been completed. Red traces are pending to be drilled.Figure 2. Gran Pilar Project Overview, > 22km2 of prospective ground with two primary targets: South Block, the direct extension and expansion of the historic Main Zone defined by an expanding vein field of untested drill targets; North Block a 3.2-km by 1.5-km pyrite and clay alteration zone that coincides with high-grade gold-silver, the area remains largely untested.Warrant UpdateThe Company is also pleased to announce that it will amend the terms of 6,626,980 common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants"). The Warrants were previously issued at exercise prices per share of CDN $1.20, $1.30 and $1.40 and are scheduled to expire on June 28, 2025. The proposed amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") will include the following:(i) an extension to the expiry date of 1,713,490 Warrants exercisable at $1.20 per share until June 28, 2026;(ii) an extension to the expiry date of 1,713,490 Warrants exercisable at $1.30 per share until June 28, 2026;(iii) an extension to the expiry date of 3,200,000 Warrants exercisable at $1.40 per share until June 28, 2026; and(iv) a reduction of the exercise price to CDN $0.90 per share issuable upon exercise of 3,200,000 Warrants from $1.40 per Share.The Proposed Amendments are subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Subject to the approval of the CSE, the Proposed Amendments will become effective automatically as of the new date and time of expiry of the Warrants. Prior to the original date and time of expiry of the Warrants, the Warrants will remain in force, unamended, per their original terms and conditions. None of the Warrants are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by related parties of the Company and none of the Warrants are listed on the CSE. The Proposed Amendments do not apply to any Warrants issued to finders or agents as compensation.Holders of the Warrants may contact the Company at ir@ tocvan.ca should they have any questions or wish to exercise their Warrants. Subject to the amendments becoming effective, the original certificate representing the Warrants, together with a duly completed exercise form, will be accepted together with payment made to Tocvan Ventures Corp., in accordance with the instructions provided on the certificate representing the Warrants.Since March 20, 2025, the Company has seen a total of 778,025 warrants exercised totaling $403,411.25 CAD in additional capital.Marketing EngagementThe Company announces it has engaged SmartIR Marketing LTD for marketing and investor relations services for an initial 6-month term ending in August 2025. The contract includes data-driven services for: Digital Advertising; Email and Social Media Outreach; Messaging Optimization; Website Management; Brand Management and Public Relations. SmartIR will be compensated $12,500 CAD per month for the duration of the contract. The Company may elect to extend the Contract beyond August. The Company has not issued any shares in consideration of services. SmartIR is not considered a related party. SmartIR's contact person is Britanny Carter, Address: SmartIR Marketing LTD, 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom. Contact Information: Phone: +1 213 444-3915Email: brit@ smartirmarketing.com In addition, the Company is providing more information on the previously announced engagement with Aktiencheck.de AG. The Company has engaged Aktiencheck.de AG to write website articles related to the Company's news updates. On March 19, 2025, a fee of 5,000.00 Euros was paid for the distribution of news. There is no formal agreement, both parties have agreed to a pay per use arrangement where future articles may be published. Some articles may be available on wallstreet-online.de . Information on Aktiencheck can be found here: Aktiencheck.de The Company has not issued any shares in consideration for services. Aktiencheck is not considered a related party. Address: Aktiencheck.de AG, Bahnhofstrae 6, 56470 Bad Marienberg, Deutschland. Contact Information: Stefan Lindam; Phone: +49 2661 9890020 Email: stefan.lindam@aktiencheck.de Gran Pilar Drill Highlights:2024 RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):42.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 10.9 g/t Au56.4m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 14.7 g/t Au16.8m @ 0.8 g/t Au and 19 g/t Ag2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag29m @ 0.7 g/t Au35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses):94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag;41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ;24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include:61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag13.0m @ 9.6
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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / Trophy Games Development A/S (CPH:TGAMES)("Trophy Games") announces that early investor Johnny Laursen (BENJAMIN CAPITAL ApS) has sold approximately 10.5% of the shares in Trophy Games to the Danish pension fund ATP, marking ATP's entry as the company's first institutional investor.Johnny Laursen, who has been part of Trophy Games' journey since 2006 as an investor, shared the following statement regarding the transaction:"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Sren Gleie and the entire Trophy Games team for an amazing journey over the past 19 years. Today, I have chosen to sell about two-thirds of my shares in Trophy Games to ATP.My decision to sell shares is not due to a lack of belief in Trophy Games' potential - on the contrary, I see significant potential in the company. The reason for my decision is that my daily focus is dedicated to my other business, Turf Tank, where I have chosen to invest my time and resources.Trophy Games was created and is driven by a passion for gaming, and Sren and the team have successfully developed highly profitable niche products with strong longevity and a very loyal user base. I wish Trophy Games continued progress and success in the years to come." Johnny Laursen has always held the role of a passive investor in Trophy Games and has never been considered an insider under applicable regulations.CEO Sren Gleie commented on the transaction: "We are very pleased to welcome ATP as a shareholder in Trophy Games. Having ATP join as our first institutional investor is a significant milestone for the company. Their long-term approach and strong reputation are a great match for our vision and strategy, and we look forward to their support as we continue to grow and develop our business." ContactsTrophy Games Development A/S Sren Gleie, CEOOffice (+45) 7172 7573Email: soren@ trophy-games.com Mikkel Bryggers Gade 4, 2. sal, 1460 Copenhagen K, DenmarkCertified Adviser Norden CEFJohn NordenEmail: jn@ nordencef.dk A/S Kongevejen 365, 2840 Holte, DenmarkAbout Us Trophy Games is a data- and business-driven game company with a no-bullshit mentality. We build games around real-world interests to immerse players in their passion online!AttachmentsTrophy Games Welcomes ATP as New Institutional Investor Following Share Acquisition from Johnny LaursenSOURCE: Trophy Games Development
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MERIDIAN, IDAHO / ACCESS Newswire / April 24, 2025 / High-income earners and charitably inclined individuals now have a powerful tool for optimizing their tax returns: bunching. In a new post by Wealth Management Advisor Jacob Nye, White Cloud Wealth Management outlines how strategic itemizing and timing of charitable contributions can significantly reduce taxable income."Itemizing and Bunching: A Smart Tax Strategy for Charitable Giving"breaks down how this method works, who benefits most, and how additional strategies such as Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), Donations in Kind, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can further enhance the benefits of bunching.Understanding the Basics of Itemized vs. Standard DeductionsThe article explains how the IRS offers taxpayers the option of either a standard deduction or itemizing specific deductible expenses such as charitable gifts, medical costs, and state and local taxes. While the standard deduction was significantly increased by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018, itemizing remains a valuable tool-especially when strategically employed through bunching.What Is Bunching and Who Should Consider It?Bunching involves consolidating charitable contributions from multiple years into one tax year to exceed the standard deduction and enable itemizing. This is particularly beneficial for:High-income earnersHouseholds near the itemization thresholdDonors with flexible giving timelinesRetirees planning ahead for RMDsFamilies with fluctuating incomesBy doing so, individuals may unlock thousands of dollars in potential tax savings.Donation Strategies That Enhance BunchingThe post outlines three main strategies to boost bunching benefits:Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Offer a way to take a large deduction in one year while maintaining flexibility in distributing gifts to charities over time.Donations in Kind: Provide dual tax advantages-avoiding capital gains and receiving deductions based on the fair market value of appreciated assets.Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Enable retirees aged 70 and older to contribute directly from IRAs to qualified charities, lowering taxable income without needing to itemize.Smart Giving, Smarter Tax StrategyBunching allows individuals to align their financial planning with their charitable goals. Nye emphasizes that the right combination of timing, structure, and strategy can significantly reduce tax liability while ensuring meaningful contributions to worthy causes.To learn more or schedule a personalized consultation, visit White Cloud Wealth Management.Media Contact: White Cloud Wealth ManagementPhone: 208-795-5123Email: info@ whitecloudwm.com Location: Meridian, IdahoAuthor: Jacob Nye - Wealth Management AdvisorDisclosure: This press release reflects the personal opinions and viewpoints of White Cloud Wealth Management employees. It is not intended as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. All views are subject to change at any time without notice.SOURCE: White Cloud Wealth Management
The manufacturer of Pop Power Energy Drinks, Mamuda Beverages Nig Ltd, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit filed by Rite Foods Ltd, the maker of Fearless Energy Drinks, over alleged trademark infringement.

The company, through its lawyer, O.E.B. Offiong, asked Justice Emeka Nwite to dismiss the suit for being an abuse of court process.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rite Foods Limited, the plaintiff in the case, is the producer of Nigerian Bigi Drinks, Fearless Energy Drinks, Sosa Fruit Drinks and Rite and Bigi Sausage Rolls.

The plaintiff filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/705/2025 to contest the production of Pop Power Energy Drinks over allegations that the drink has striking resemblance with one of its products.

In the ex-parte motion, the company sought a preservative order pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Although the matter was fixed for hearing of the motion ex-parte before Justice Nwite, Mamuda Beverages Nig Ltd, the sole defendant, however got wind of the suit and the hearing date.

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An ex parte motion is a legal request made to a court by one party without notifying the other party involved in the case and the judge only considers the one partys arguments and evidence, without hearing the opposing sides perspective.

The motion is typically used in emergency situations or when theres a compelling reason to proceed without notifying the other party.

Meanwhile, when the matter was called, Boonyamen Lawal represented Rite Foods Limited while Mr Offiong announced appearance for Mamuda Beverages Nig Ltd in the suit.

Mr Offiong told the court that, though the matter was scheduled for the plaintiffs ex-parte motion, a preliminary objection had been filed on behalf of his client challenging the courts jurisdiction.

According to him, the principle is well settled that when there is an application affecting the court, this has to be settled first.

Mr Lawal, however, disagreed with Mr Offiongs submission.

The lawyer said he was only served with the preliminary objection dated and filed on 22 April, the previous day and he had the right to respond.

They know what they are doing. They cannot be heard. We have a motion ex-parte to be heard and it is ripe.

Their motion is saying that we should not be heard and I was only served yesterday.

Our motion ex-parte is for the business of the day. It was dated and filed on 14th of April, 2025. Subject to your lordships convenience, we are ready to proceed.

Even on the course list, it is listed as motion ex-parte. Even though they (Mamuda Beverages lawyer) announced appearance and I did not say anything, our motion is ripe and we are ready to proceed, he insisted.

Responding, Mr Offiong argued that no matter how a party becomes aware of a suit, when it borders on the jurisdiction of the court, the objection ought to be heard first.

But Justice Nwite explained that, being a vacation judge, priority is given to a motion ex-parte once it is filed due to the urgency of the matter.

The judge said Mr Lawal informed the court that he was only served with the preliminary objection the previous day and that his (Lawals) motion was ripe for hearing.

Mr Offiong insisted that once an application that bordered on the jurisdiction was filed, the court cannot proceed on the business of the day.

The lawyer prayed the court to adjourn the hearing so that Mr Lawal could respond appropriately to their objection.

He said he had seen a copy of the directive of the chief judge concerning vacation cases.

He argued that the suit filed by Rite Foods Ltd did not fall in the category of matters to be regarded as urgent cases.

This is not a fundamental right issue as said by the CJ. The CJ enumerated matters that should be heard, Mr Offiong said.

Mr Lawal, who urged the court to discountenance Mr Offiongs argument, said their suit was in the category of matters of extreme urgency.

I will point out to the court the daily loss by the plaintiff as a result of the action of the defendant, he said.

The lawyer said his client was bleeding and that if not heard, there might be nothing to adjudicate on by the court.

Justice Nwite assured that the court would do justice to the matter.

The judge said though he wondered how the defendant got to know about the motion ex-parte, he cannot just gloss over the issue of jurisdiction raised by it.

The judge then ordered the parties to address the court.

While addressing the court, Mr Offiong said the motion on notice was dated and filed on 22 April.

It is an application which challenges the jurisdiction of the court to hear the processes filed by the plaintiff.

It is asking you lordship to dismiss the writ of summons, the motion on notice and the motion ex-parte on the grounds that it is an abuse of court process, he said.

The senior lawyer cited three previous cases, including the 2014 case involving Seplat Petroleum Development against Britalia -U Nig Ltd to back his argument.

According to him, the court held that once an issue of jurisdiction is raised, it has to be decided first.

He clarified that he did not respond to the plaintiffs motion ex-parte having not been served, but only praying the court to decide on which motions to be taken first.

Responding, Mr Lawal argued that he had the right to respond to the objection which was just served on him.

He further argued that in the three authorities cited by Mr Offiong, none explicitly said that if one wants to challenge an ex-parte motion, one must come with an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

He said his motion was ripe for hearing.

According to him, the business of the court is our motion seeking a preservative order.

He said without going to the merit, the application filed by Mr Offiong was an attempt to scuttle the hearing, urging the court not to fall for such gimmicks.

Citing Order 26, Rule 7 of the Federal High Court, Mr Lawal argued that the rules stipulated that notwithstanding the presence of the other party, such party might not be heard at the hearing of the motion ex-parte.

Also Citing Order 29, Rule 2 of the court, the lawyer argued that where a defendant is challenging the jurisdiction of the court, such defendant must first file a memorandum of conditional appearance, which he said the defendant failed to do.

He described the defendants action as a distraction from the business of the day.

The lawyer, who said that the Seplat case cited by Offiong was irrelevant in the instant suit, cited the 1995 case of 7UP Bottling Company and Abiola to back his argument.

My conclusion is that this application is an attempt to stall the business of the day and we urge your lordship to refuse their plan, Mr Lawal said.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until 25 April for ruling.

NAN observes that in the preliminary objection filed by Mamuda Beverages Nig Ltd, it argued that Rite Foods Ltd had filed a similar suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/139/2025 before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

ALSO READ: NAFDAC issues warning alert on highly caffeinated energy drinks sold online

The defendant said that the case which was instituted on 28 January by the plaintiff via a motion ex parte, motion on notice as well as a writ of summons, had the same parties in the instant suit.

It averred that on 31 January, Rite Foods ex-parte application was granted and the company executed same on 10 February.

Mamuda Beverages said the parties subsequently compromised and settled the said suit on terms of settlement dated 24 February and that the said terms of settlement were adopted on 4 March and entered as consent judgment by Justice Ekwo.

It said one of the agreements was that Mamuda Beverages shall effect modifications to the product design of its Pop Power Energy Drinks before resuming production and sale, which it claimed it did.

According to the defendant, the present suit, therefore, constitutes an abuse of court process in that it seeks to relitigate matters resolved in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/139/2025.

The honourable court is functus officio in respect of the subject matter and lacks the jurisdiction to adjudicate the complaints of the plaintiff in this suit, it argued.

Rite Foods Ltd had, in the suit before Justice Ekwo, sought an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendant whether by itself, distributors or any other person(s), however described, from infringing its registered design.

It urged the court to stop Mamuda Beverages from engaging in the trade or business of manufacturing, supplying, distributing or selling in Nigeria, its Pop Power Energy Drink products or any other products, not emanating or manufactured by the plaintiff, but closely resembling, similar to and/ or identical in design to the plaintiffs registered bottle design no. NG/DS/NT/2020/1099 and capable of being offered for sale to the public as the plaintiffs energy drink products.

(NAN)

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Lafarge Africa delivered in the first quarter a post-tax profit more than eight times what it reported in the same period of last year, an epic result, leaving the cement maker just a breath away from its net profit for the whole of 2023.

The spur was a jump in sales by 80.3 per cent which the company, whose products also comprise concrete, mortar and aggregates, said in a statement on Thursday was itself driven by higher output.

The manufacturer cited a considerable stability in naira, its reporting currency, as a factor for the much-improved bottom line, unlike in the preceding year when a volatility in exchange rate hammered profit in some way. No significant FX losses were reported this time around, the company said.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that a construction boom in Nigeria on account of the governments renewed focus on infrastructural development, coupled with an increased private sector participation, is bucking up demand for cement, in turn lifting its price to record levels.

Last year, that carved a path for Lafarge Africa alongside fellow market giants  Dangote Cement and BUA Cement  to post all-time high revenues, even though operational expenses spiked.

The share price of Lafarge Africa hit its peak level in 52 weeks in Lagos, where the stock is quoted, after the earnings release on Thursday, joining four other stocks to lead gainers as of 14:03 WAT.

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We achieved solid financial results in Q1, with Net Sales growth of 80 per cent, Operating profit up 137 per cent, and Profit After Tax of N48.6bn, a strong performance driven by our innovative product offerings and strategic operational Initiatives, said Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, the CEO.

The addition of Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC)  a multipurpose filler used for asphalt mix in construction  to the companys product portfolio was the high point of its innovative strides during the period.

Besides its primary uses, GCC is essential to cutting carbon in concrete solutions, falling in place with the companys decarbonisation drive.

ECOPlanet cement, a similar product aiming for a lower carbon footprint in the construction sector, is on track for introduction in the South-west by June, after the company launched it in the South-east about the same time last year.

Net profit margin in the period under review climbed to 19.6 per cent from 3.8 per cent. Pre-tax profit, at N73.1 billion, was 739.5 per cent higher, while profit after tax rose to N46.6 billion from N5.2 billion.

Swiss-based Holcim, Lafarge Africas majority owner, announced last December a deal offloading its 83.1 per cent stake to Chinas Huaxin Cement in exchange for $1 billion. The sale is expected to reach closure later this year. However, PREMIUM TIMES reports that the Nigerian Senate is now investigating the deal after some senators raised concerns about it.

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Council told Yahoo that the amazing achievement was a 'group effort' from its staff.

Thanks to this fence, littler tern numbers have got a significant boost. Source: Andrew Robinson/Central Coast Council

An Aussie council's efforts to fence off a stretch of popular beach has resulted in an incredible change which could help a threatened species return from the brink of extinction.

A large fence was erected around Karagi Point, at the northern end of The Entrance on the Central Coast of NSW, in October to stop humans, dogs and predators like foxes from accessing the nesting site of the under-threat little terns that call the area home.

The results were remarkable, with 228 fledglings being recorded this season  the most ever recorded along the NSW coast. Kagari Point is thought to be the most important nesting site in the state, according to council, and is understood to be a major contributor to the long-term survival of the species.

Council implemented several changes to create the right environment for nesting birds during the breeding season, which runs from October to February. A council spokesperson told Yahoo that the amazing achievement was a "group effort" by staff.

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Measures included fencing, signage installation to mitigate the threat of human disturbance and nest inundation. Staff also conducted nest monitoring, and carried out fox and avian predator control along with community engagement and site closures during large events.

"It is so satisfying to see that these actions have once again resulted in record-breaking breeding success," Council's Environment and Planning director Jamie Loader said.

However, despite the success, a range of unauthorised activities and bad behaviour were still observed at the nest site. This included large amounts of rubbish being left on site, discarded fishing line, people entering the fenced nesting area, unnecessary noise, flying of drones over the area and the presence of dogs  which are actually prohibited at Karagi Point," Loader said.

Little terns lay their eggs directly onto the sand, making them "almost invisible" to the human eye. Source: Andrew Robinson

An incredible 228 little tern fledglings were recorded this season. Source: Andrew Robinson

Beach nesting birds under threat

Little terns were once abundant, often seen alongside seagulls, but have lost their foreshore habitat to development. Darcie Carruthers from the Australian Conservation Foundation previously told Yahoo News, "the destruction of [the little tern's] habitat for industrial uses and urban sprawl has taken a toll, as have off-road vehicles that run over their nests."

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According to NPSW officer Katherine Howard, most beach-nesting birds are threatened and in decline in Australia. So to see the little tern starting to recover in NSW is all the more encouraging.

"We could not be happier with the results at Karagi Point this past season, which was the most successful breeding season ever recorded in NSW," Howard said. She described the numbers as "incredible".

Beach nesting birds like little terns lay their eggs directly onto the sand, and eggs and chicks can be "almost invisible", Mayor Lawrie McKinna said while thanking the community.

"This record-breaking breeding success is testament to the significant work Council and the NSW government agencies have done, she said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Enhancing the purchasing power of exporters

This is the sixth in the series of articles to advise the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on what should be done to grow Nigerian non-export volume to match and surpass that of crude oil and gas exports. This edition will focus on the policies relating to boosting the purchasing power of exporters in Nigeria. The guidelines aim to grow the non-oil export volume by increasing the quantity of goods purchased and processed by the exporters for shipment to the export markets. This will involve deploying various trade finance instruments to boost the capital available to businesses shipping different products out of the country to other export markets worldwide.

The component of the recommended policy to boost the capital available to businesses that want to export out of the country should include the establishment of a dedicated export financing programme to provide affordable loans and credit facilities to exporters, offering of export credit insurance to protect exporters against non-payment risks and encourage them to explore new markets, creation of revolving export fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing capital for export activities, provision of grants or subsidies to offset export-related costs such as market research, trade show participation, and certification expenses, implementation of tax incentives or exemptions for companies engaged in export activities to boost their competitiveness in global markets.

In addition to this, the policy should also establish a venture capital fund to invest in high-potential export-oriented businesses and help them scale their operations, encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) in export industries through favourable policies and incentives to enhance capital availability, support the development of export clusters or zones with access to shared infrastructure and resources to reduce capital requirements for individual exporters, collaborate with international financial institutions and trade partners to access global capital markets and diversify sources of export financing for Nigerian businesses and facilitate partnerships with financial institutions to develop specialised export financing products tailored to the needs of exporters.

The policy on enhancing the purchasing power of exporters should establish a dedicated export financing programme to provide affordable loans and accessible credit facilities to exporters. This is currently being done by the Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank at a single digit. However, the loan requirements are as stringent as those of commercial banks, making it inaccessible to many exporters. The policy should de-emphasise tangible collateral and focus more on trade finance instruments like demand guarantees and standby letters of credit to secure the export financing facilities.

The country is in dire need of foreign exchange and therefore needs to de-risk export business to encourage new entrepreneurs and banks to provide more funding. This can be achieved by ensuring that the policy on boosting the capital of export businesses offers export credit insurance to protect exporters against non-payment risks and encourage them to explore new markets. This will enable enterprises to take calculated risks and attract the bank to make more capital available to export businesses. All these will consequently grow the countrys non-oil export volume.

It is a common saying that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES) are the engine room for economic growth in different countries worldwide. Based on this premise, creating a revolving export fund is essential to support SMES in accessing capital for export activities. This revolving facility should also be a single-digit loan, and it should be focused on funding the machinery, certification, and feedstock required to manufacture the finished goods that are being exported.

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The cost of doing business in Nigeria, particularly in the manufacturing sector, is huge due to the high level of infrastructural deficit, the cost of lending, and the high cost of power. This has necessitated the need for a policy that provides grants or subsidies to offset export-related costs such as market research, trade show participation, and certification expenses. This should be coupled with tax incentives or exemptions for companies engaged in export activities to boost their competitiveness in global markets.

Another good source of funding, which has not been well exploited in the export sector, is venture capital funding. It is important to establish a venture capital fund to invest in high-potential export-oriented businesses and help them scale their operations. This type of funding should also be channelled towards supporting the development of export clusters or zones with access to shared infrastructure and resources to reduce capital requirements for individual exporters.

In conclusion, if the policies outlined in this document are carefully considered and modified as necessary before implementation, they will assist the government in achieving the goal of increasing the volume of non-oil exports in the country. With the right strategies in place, we can elevate this sector to a level where it becomes a significant source of foreign exchange for the nation.

Bamidele Ayemibo is the chief executive officer at 3TImpex Trade Consulting

READ THE OTHER ARTICLES IN THE SERIES BELOW.

What President Tinubu must do to grow non-oil export in Nigeria (5)

What President Tinubu must do to grow non-oil export in Nigeria (4)

What President Tinubu must do to grow Nigerias non-oil export (3)

What President Tinubu must do to grow non-oil export in Nigeria (2)

What President Tinubu must do to grow non-oil export in Nigeria (1)

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Multi-Grammy-nominated artiste Femi Kuti, and son of the legendary Fela Kuti, has refuted claims that the late ace drummer Tony Allen co-pioneered the Afrobeat genre with his father.

Afrobeat was pioneered in the 1960s by Fela, who popularised it within and outside Nigeria.

Allen worked as Felas lead drummer and music director from 1968 to 1979. This has made him widely recognised by both local and foreign media as a co-pioneer of Afrobeats.

He died on 30 April in Paris, France.

In an interview with a Canada-based platform, Sonically published on Monday, Femi dismissed claims that Allen or anyone else contributed to Felas music.

They tried to sell Tony Allen, so they decided to lie. Yes, he was a good drummer, but Fela taught him his style of drums. Fela came up with all his drum patterns. We saw it, he said.

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He acknowledged his fathers versatility in playing instruments: My father was a multi-instrumentalist and composer. He studied music. He knew every single part of his instrument.

You probably have read that they said Fela said, Without Tony Allen, there is no Afrobeat. That is the biggest bullsh*t ever said about my father. It is such a big lie.

Furthermore, he took a walk down memory lane just to clarify that his late father wrote the score for every song and instrument. When I was a child, a teenager, and a man, we saw Fela do it. Fela wrote all his patterns, he said.

Unanswered questions

He also questioned why Allen didnt publicly share compositions he made for his late father.

I keep telling them, why didnt Tony Allen tell us which songs he did for Fela? He couldnt because there was no song, so Fela asked him to put on the drum pattern. It is impossible.

He also emphasised that no one could have contributed to his fathers craft and gave reasons.

Femi said: When Fela was writing, no one could give any input because he went into a trance while making music. Everyone around him must maintain calmness and listen to his composition and instructions.

ALSO READ: Tributes pour in for Tony Allen

So, I asked those saying Fela credited Allen for Afrobeat where he did, and they cant produce it. No article, recording or footage from any interview proves it. It is impossible that Fela would make such a statement, and there is no copy anywhere.

Takeaways

Femi also said that being self-taught doesnt mean being untrained, revealing how he learned saxophone and trumpet by ear and willpower, after being handed instruments but no instruction.

He said it shaped his relentless approach to practice and originality.

From embracing spiritual discipline to rejecting outside influences in order to find a sound that was purely his, Femi challenged creators to build from within, not to chase trends.

Music is a philosophy, not just a product.

My upcoming album Journey Through Life (out April 25) was born during a family crisis and reflects on love, loss, spiritual resilience, and why the hardest revolution might be working on yourself, he said.

Additionally, he also broke down the difference between Afrobeat and Afrobeats, and sets the record straight on decades of music history including what people get wrong about his fathers legacy.

Fela was born on 15 October 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria and died on 2 August 1997 in Lagos. He was a Nigerian musician and activist who launched a modern style of music called Afrobeat, which fused American blues, jazz, and funk with traditional Yoruba music.

As a youth, he took piano and percussion lessons before studying classical music at Trinity College London in 1959. While in London, he played piano in jazz and rock bands, encountering various musical styles.

When he returned to Nigeria in the mid-1960s, he reconstituted Koola Lobitos, a band with which he had played in London. That groups experiments created the Afrobeat sound.

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The founder and presiding pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has defended his controversial viral remarks that Jesus hated poverty and never visited any poor person during His lifetime.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Ibiyeomies remarks during one of his sermons sparked widespread criticism on social media and among religious communities.

However, in a viral video on Thursday, Mr Ibiyeomie responded to his critics, particularly Abel Damina, founder and president of Abel Damina Ministries International (ADMI).

Mr Damina, in a sermon at his Port Harcourt-based church on Sunday, countered Mr Ibiyeomies claim and maintained that Jesus had visited several poor people, contrary to Mr Ibiyeomies claim.

He argued that if Jesus hated poverty and poor people during his lifetime, he should have been born into a rich and well-to-do family.

Although Mr Damina did not mention Mr Ibiyeomie by name, many interpreted his comments as a response to the latters remarks.

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Mr Ibiyeomie, who hosts the Hour of Salvation, a live service broadcast across more than 40 television stations both locally and internationally, insisted that the Holy Spirit affirmed the accuracy of his position.

Holy Spirit

Reiterating that his assertions were divinely inspired, the 62-year-old said: Some people called me and said the internet was on fire. I asked, What is on fire? I dont even know whats on fire. Im not interested, but out of curiosity, I said, Holy Spirit, if Im wrong, tell me. I will never say Im right when Im wrong. He (the Holy Spirit) dictated Gods word to me verbatim in the bathroom. He said, you are not wrong; youre right. I asked, how? He said, listen; he began to bring the scriptures.

He asked, Do you like sin? I said no. He asked, can you be a friend to a sinner? He answered, no, you can only lead people to Christ, but you cannot be a friend to a sinner. Is that not true? He quoted Bible scriptures to me and said, dont sit in the counsel of the ungodly. He said if a believer mixes with sinners, everybody gets angry. So if a believer mixes with the poor, everybody should be angry too.

Associating with poor

Additionally, the clergyman stated that the scriptures revealed to him by the Holy Spirit, while confirming his assertions, affirmed that ignorance made people associate with poor people.

Mr Ibiyeomie stated that Jesus had already paid the price for Christians to live without poverty.

You can help the poor but not associate with the poor. If you do that, you (believers) are saying Jesus death and resurrection were in vain. He died so that you (believers) can come out of poverty. Listen carefully  do you like to stay with the sick? You dont like to stay with the sick. Why? Because Jesus became healthy for you. So do you like to stay with the poor? He became poor so that you could help the poor.

Not having money doesnt mean youre poor. Poverty is a mentality.

He gave me scripture upon scripture upon scripture.

They say it is ignorance that makes people believe you should stay with the poor. No! Jesus paid the price for you to be out of poverty. Jesus paid the price for sin, poverty, and sickness, said Mr Ibiyeomie.

He further stated that believers who detest poverty and distance themselves from the poor, just as Jesus did, are indeed acting by Gods word.

He asked, Why must you reject sin and accept poverty? Who paid the price for poverty? Who paid the price for sin? Do you hate sin? Then why dont you hate poverty? The gospel  the part of the Bible you accept is the part that benefits you.

The same way you hate sin, hate poverty and hate sickness.

To those who truly hate them, these three things will never be identified with them  and that is in line with Gods word.

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Nurses under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Abuja chapter on Thursday staged a protest over the alleged shutdown of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

The nurses are demanding the immediate reopening of all PHCs, implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, and payment of outstanding arrears and allowances.

The protest also included members of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The protest is in response to the ongoing health crisis caused by the prolonged closure of more than 270 PHCs across the six area councils in the FCT.

Speaking during the protest, Jama Medan, Chairman of NANNM-FCT, lamented the deteriorating health situation, stating that Nigeria ranked second globally in maternal and child mortality rates.

Mr Medan warned that continued closure of PHCs could worsen the crisis.

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We have less than 130 nurses and midwives manning these centres. Women and children are dying because the facilities have been shut for over a month, he said.

Theres a gross shortage of manpower, and no one in government is addressing the issue.

He alleged that in spite of the release of more than N4.1 billion by the FCT Minister to address the crisis, area council chairmen had refused to pay entitlements.

These entitlements, he said include hazard and uniform allowances for nurses and other health workers.

Mr Medan also expressed concern over the disruption of a scheduled nationwide polio vaccination campaign in the FCT due to the shutdown, warning that the territory risked new cases of the disease.

In solidarity, NUT FCT Chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, condemned the non-payment of minimum wage to primary school teachers, noting that they had been on strike for more than a month.

He called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene urgently to avoid a total collapse of the education system in the area councils.

The NLC also threatened to join the protest if the minister failed to act on the workers demands within a week.

Responding on behalf of the Minister, Hayyo Danlami, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, promised to deliver the protesters letter to the minister and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

(NAN)

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The World Bank Group on Wednesday announced the launch of the next phase of its Private Sector Investment Lab, focused on implementing proven solutions at scale.

The bank also announced the inclusion of billionaire businessman and industrialist, Aliko Dangote, into the investment lab.

Mr Dangote owns the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the largest oil refinery in Africa, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (BPD). Located in Lekki, Nigeria, the refinery aims to meet Nigerias demand for refined products and potentially export surplus across the continent and beyond.

The world bank said the new chapter also expands the Labs membership to include industry leaders with experience generating jobs in developing economies, aligning directly with the banks sharpened focus on job creation as a core driver of development.

With the expanded membership, we are mainstreaming this work across our operations and tying it directly to the jobs agenda that is driving our strategy, said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.

This isnt about altruismits about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. Its central to our mandate.

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Over the last 18 months, the Lab brought together leaders from global financial institutions to identify the most pressing barriers to private sector investment in developing countriesand to test actionable solutions.

The bank said the work has now been consolidated into five priority focus areas that are being integrated across Bank Group operations, namely, regulatory and policy certainty, which supports governments in creating stable regulatory frameworks; political risk insurance, streamlined guarantee instruments that led to a 30% increase in issuance compared to last year; and foreign exchange risk, which involves scaling local currency financing to deepen domestic capital markets.

The bank said it also involves junior equity capital, and launched the Frontier Opportunities Fund to absorb early-stage risk. Initially capitalized with IFC income, the fund will grow with donor and philanthropic contributions; and securitization, which involves unlocking capital from pension funds, insurers, and sovereign wealth funds.

As the Lab enters its implementation phase, it is also expanding its membership to include private sector leaders in sectors critical to job creationsuch as infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. These industries have a proven ability to translate investment into broad-based employment and economic opportunity.

Apart from Aliko Dangote, President & CEO, Dangote Group, the new members of the Lab include Bill Anderson, CEO, Bayer AG; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair, Bharti Enterprises; and Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

We are grateful to the original Lab leaders who helped us deliver strong results in the initial work period, Mr Banga said.

Now were building on that foundationbringing in additional leaders from sectors that are central to job creation and moving from ideas to implementation.

The Labs founding members included senior executives from AXA, BlackRock, HSBC, Macquarie, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Ninety One, Ping An Group, Royal Philips, Standard Bank, Standard Chartered, Sustainable Energy for All, Tata Sons, Temasek, and Three Cairns Group. The Lab is chaired by Shriti Vadera, Chair of Prudential plc.

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The Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Wednesday said Nigeria is in advanced discussions with JP Morgan to re-enter the Government Bond Index (GBI) and renew investors confidence.

Ms Oniha made this disclosure at a Nigerian Investors Forum held on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.

The DMO boss explained that Nigeria has enjoyed favorable credit assessment among rating agencies in recent times on the back of the sweeping reforms initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Fitch Ratings recently upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of seven Nigerian banks and two bank holding companies to B from B-, noting that the outlooks are Stable. The affected issuers are Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTB), Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), First HoldCo Plc (FHC), First Bank of Nigeria Ltd (FBN), Fidelity Bank PLC and Bank of Industry Limited (BOI).

The upgrades of the Long-Term IDRs of the banks followed the recent sovereign upgrade and reflect Fitchs view that Nigerias sovereign credit profile has become less of a constraint on the issuers standalone creditworthiness, the rating agency said.

Fitch also upgraded Nigerias Long-Term IDRs to B from B- on 11 April, a decision that reflected increased confidence in the governments broad commitment to policy reforms implemented since its move to orthodox economic policies in June 2023, including exchange rate liberalisation, monetary policy tightening and steps to end deficit monetisation and remove fuel subsidies.

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These have improved policy coherence and credibility and reduced economic distortions and near-term risks to macroeconomic stability, enhancing resilience in the context of persistent domestic challenges and heightened external risks, Fitch said.

Nigeria was removed from the JP Morgan index in 2015 ostensibly due to its deviation from orthodox monetary policies and influence of capital control in its management of foreign exchange.

Principally due to reduction in oil revenues at the time, Nigeria introduced currency restrictions to defend the naira after it failed to halt a dangerous slide with burning of dollar reserves. The bank had earlier warned Nigeria to restore liquidity to its currency market in a way that allowed foreign investors tracking the index to conduct transactions with minimal hurdles.

Foreign investors who track the GBI-EM series continue to face challenges and uncertainty while transacting in the naira due to the lack of a fully functional two-way FX market and limited transparency, the bank said in a 2015 note.

READ ALSO: CBN governor faces contempt suit over N220 million Paris Club refund

Nigeria was listed in JP Morgans emerging government bond index in October 2012, after the central bank removed a requirement that foreign investors hold government bonds for a minimum of one year before exiting.

The JP Morgan Government Bond Index reflects investor confidence and opens doors to billions of investment flows, making Nigerias proposed re-entry a positive signal to the market and investors.

PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately confirm the level of negotiations but on Wednesday in Washington, Ms Oniha explained that talks with JP Morgan were ongoing and had gained momentum in recent times due to the stability created by the FX market reforms.

With all the reforms that have taken place, particularly around FX, we have started engaging JP Morgan again to get back into the index. We think we are eligible now, the DMO DG said.

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A new report by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has shown that Rivers State has the highest number of Persons Living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Nigeria.

The report titled 2024 HIV Spectrum Estimates indicates that Rivers State accounts for 208,767 HIV cases, followed by Benue State with 202,346 cases, while Akwa Ibom ranks third with 161,597 cases.

The report indicates that Lagos State, Nigerias commercial hub, accounts for 108,649 cases, taking fourth place nationwide.

This is followed by Anambra with 100,429 cases, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has one of the highest numbers in the North-Central region with 83,333 reported cases.

According to the report, more than two million people are currently living with HIV across the country, highlighting the need for sustained efforts in prevention, testing, and access to treatment.

More statistics

Other states with high-prevalence include Delta-68,170, Imo-67,944, Enugu-61,028, Edo-60,095, and Taraba-58,460.

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The middle tier states include Abia -54,655, Kaduna -54,458, and Kano 53,972.

Plateau State also reported a significant number, with 51,736 cases, followed closely by Borno-50,433 and Oyo-50,063. Cross River-43,452, Ogun-43,348, and Nasarawa-44,993 make up the mid-range prevalence group.

Adamawa reported 40,059 cases, while states like Gombe reported 31,825 cases, Jigawa-31,409, Osun-30,714, and Niger  29,756.

The lower-middle category states include Bauchi which reported 28,698 cases, followed by Kogi-28,421, Ondo-27,150, and Katsina-26,788 and Bayelsa with 25,339 cases.

States with the lowest numbers of recorded cases include Kwara -20,259, Kebbi -19,339, Ekiti -18,857, Sokoto -15,223, Ebonyi -14,151, Zamfara -13,253, and Yobe with 11,956 cases.

Mortality and treatment access

The report estimates also revealed that in the past year, an estimated 43,683 people died from HIV-related causes. This includes 28,589 adults, which comprises 13,650 males and 14,939 females. Among children aged 014, there were 15,094 reported deaths.

As of the latest data, 1,753,425 people living with HIV know their HIV status.

Meanwhile, access to treatment has expanded significantly, with 1,735,808 PLWHIV currently on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). This includes 1,690,057 adults  577,632 males and 1,112,425 females  and 45,751 children aged 0-14 who accessed ART.

Out of those on treatment, 1,160,256 individuals were tested for viral suppression, and 1,112,339 were confirmed to have a suppressed viral load. This group includes 1,083,177 adults  363,531 males and 719,645 females  and 29,162 children.

PMTCT

Among pregnant women, 93,186 were identified as needing ART to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

However, only 31,095 received the necessary treatment, highlighting a critical gap in prevention services.

that the country still has a challenge putting a stop to Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (MTCT). The Director General of NACA, Temitope Ilori, had earlier told PREMIUM TIMES that the country still has a challenge putting a stop to Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (MTCT).

Ms Ilori said the challenge is multifaceted.

While HIV drugs are available at health facilities, only about 66 per cent of mothers receive antenatal care in these facilities. Even among those who do, only about 23 per cent deliver in health facilities, she said.

Many women receive antenatal care but give birth at home, with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), or in mission houses. For those who test positive for HIV, stigma and fear of discrimination often prevent them from accessing treatment.

More testing equals more cases

PREMIUM TIMES Speaking withon Wednesday night, the commissioner for Health in Anambra, Afam Obidike said the increase in HIV cases reflects improved testing coverage in the state.

Mr Obidike noted that out of the over 100,000 people living with HIV in the state, around 98,000 are currently on treatment.

Increased cases means that we have intensified efforts in testing as many people as possible, including pregnant women, he said.

There is also increased awareness and access to HIV testing. We ensure all our health facilities have enough test kits.

Efforts to reach the heads of the State Agencies for the Control of AIDS in Benue, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

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More campaign posters of President Bola Tinubu have emerged in the FCT, barely 10 days after the president told his supporters to suspend their 2027 campaigns for him.

Although he is expected to run, Mr Tinubu has not publicly said he will take part in the 2027 presidential election, but his supporters have started campaigning publicly, contrary to Nigerias electoral guidelines.

In a statement on 13 April, the president asked his supporters to stop campaigning for his re-election to avoid breaching the rules of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Until INEC sets the timetable for the 2027 elections, the President has not endorsed or authorised anyone or any group to mount a 2027 campaign for him through any media channelbe it Out-of-Home, print, digital, radio, or television, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said in a statement reported by PREMIUM TIMES.

Therefore, we urgently call on individuals and groups funding this 2027 political campaign through the ongoing deployment of materials on billboards nationwide to cease immediately, Mr Onanuga added.

It is, however, not clear if the president gave an express directive to his appointtees, including the FCT minister, to end and prevent such early campaigns. Phone calls and text messages to Mr Onanuga did not go through on Wednesday

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However, despite Mr Onanugas earlier statement, and in breach of Nigerias electoral laws, more billboards have appeared in the Nigerian capital advocating for Mr Tinubus continuity in power.

The campaign posters appear just as the Nigerian leader prepares to mark his second year in office.

It is not unusual for supporters of incumbent presidents to start campaigning well ahead of time, but it may be unusual for them to do so before a president completes his second year in office.

Former Nigerian presidents formally announced their reelection in the twilight of their third year in office. Erstwhile President Muhammadu Buhari launched his second presidential campaign in April 2018, about three years into his first term, and his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, filed reelection paperwork in November 2014, over three years after his first election as president.

Today, Mr Tinubus posters and billboards are displayed in several parts of Abuja, including the Airport Road and the Central Business District, with his supporters urging Nigerians to join the campaign train.

Your voice can inspire others to join us, one of the billboards read in part. Join the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Today.

Another poster emblazoned with Mr Tinubus picture simply read: Step Up, Speak Out, Support Tinubu.

In the Central Business District, the billboards were placed adjacent to the Central Bank of Nigeria with an inscription: Your Voice Matters.

In one billboard, Mr Tinubus picture was placed next to former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo. The former militant leader is said to be the Grand Patron of President Tinubus Door to Door Movement.

How to stop such billboards before campaign season

Billboards are heavily regulated in Abuja by the FCT Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS).

The department has the power to stop the placement of illegal or unapproved billboards in the Nigerian capital.

However, there are no indications that the DOAS is interested in enforcing INECs ban on campaigns by putting an end to the presidents billboards across Abuja.

The Director of the DOAS, Akanimo Udoh, could not be reached for comments on Wednesday. His secretary, Josephine Stephen, said the director was travelling and she was not authorised to speak on the issue.

The DOAS coordinates, regulates and monitors the placement of outdoor advertisements and signage within the FCT. Its primary function is to map out the guidelines, rules, instructions and sanctions about outdoor advertisements and signage in the FCT.

The electoral body, INEC, has a timetable for political campaigns, which usually commences a few months before an election.

While urging the presidents supporters to stop the early campaigns for Mr Tinubu, Mr Onanuga noted that: Premature campaigning can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create unfair advantages. As law-abiding leaders, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima do not support any action that undermines our institutions and the electoral process.

When INEC signals that the processes for the 2027 elections can start, President Tinubu will duly inform Nigerians of his plans, Mr Onanuga said.

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The management of Air Peace announced on Wednesday that it has suspended all flight operations due to the ongoing industrial action by employees of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

In a statement issued by the airline and posted on its official X page, it said the ongoing strike action by NiMet staff may cause disruptions, including possible flight delays and cancellations.

We are currently monitoring the situation and working with relevant stakeholders to minimise the impact on your travel plans, the airline said, noting that it will provide updates as the situation evolves.

On Wednesday, NiMet employees commenced an indefinite strike to protest poor wages among other issues.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the action of the striking workers disrupted flight schedules across major airports in the country.

Flight delays and cancellations were recorded in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports on Wednesday as NiMet workers staged protests across the facilities.

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A video making the rounds on social media shows workers participating in a procession while carrying placards and banners that displayed various slogans intended to express their dissatisfaction.

The participants were seen chanting, No weather, no flight; fly at your own risk.

NiMet is the Nigerian agency saddled with the responsibility of advising the government on all aspects of meteorology, including weather forecasting and climate prediction.

The agency also plays a crucial role in collecting, processing, and disseminating meteorological data to various sectors of the economy, including the aviation industry.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that some of the issues that triggered the industrial action on Wednesday stemmed from the agencys failure to negotiate or implement agreed financial allowances and unresolved entitlements, including wage awards, peculiar allowances, and the recently approved minimum wage increase.

NiMet official speaks

When contacted on Thursday, a top NiMet official who asked not to be quoted since he was not authorised to speak on the issue, told PREMIUM TIMES that the management is disappointed with the hardline position taken by the striking unions because some of the issues in dispute have been resolved, while others are in various stages of resolution.

It is surprising that the unions resorted to strike action because the unions themselves recently wrote and thanked management for its labour friendly policies. Makes you wonder if there are other motives or there are people bent on sabotaging management, the official said.

He explained that the management is not relenting in reaching an amicable resolution with the unions so that normal services will be restored.

He said the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has scheduled a meeting with all the parties for Thursday (today).

We are hopeful that the unions will listen to reason. No one bites off his nose to spite his face, he noted.

NiMet has yet to issue an official statement but the agency is expected to do so after the meeting with the minister.

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The Federal Government has released N50 billion to academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities to settle outstanding earned allowances, fulfilling a promise made by President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the ministrys spokesperson, Folashade Boriowo.

Mr Alausa said the payment is part of the administrations efforts to prioritise education and ensure uninterrupted academic activities in the nations tertiary institutions.

He noted that this intervention is not just a financial transaction but a reaffirmation of the Presidents belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.

By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education, he said.

He added that President Tinubu emphasised the importance of keeping students in school, asserting that strikes in educational institutions should become a thing of the past.

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Mr Alausa said the Ministry of Education has also pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, comparable to global standards.

Union concerns over disbursement

Despite the governments gesture, some university-based unions have raised concerns regarding the allocation of the funds.

According to reports online , the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that the disbursement disproportionately favors the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

NASUs General Secretary, Prince Adeyemi, was quoted to have criticised the governments approach, stating that allocating 70 per cent of the funds to academic staff and only 30 per cent to non-teaching staff is unjust.

Similarly, NAAT has opposed the planned release, arguing that earned academic allowances are meant specifically for teaching staff, and that non-teaching staff should receive their rightful share.

These concerns have led to warnings of potential industrial actions, which could disrupt the academic calendar.

A longstanding dispute

The disbursement follows a series of unresolved issues stemming from the 2009 agreement between the federal government and university-based unions.

In an effort to address unresolved issues, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the government inaugurated a new committee in October 2024 to renegotiate the agreement with ASUU and other unions. 

This would be the fourth committee since 2017, to address the stalled negotiations. The committee, chaired by Yayale Ahmed, includes representatives from various unions, including ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT.

Previous committees led by Wale Babalakin, Munzali Jubril, and Nimi Briggs failed to produce a lasting agreement, leading to repeated industrial actions.

However, the formation of the new committee has not been without controversy with unions accusing the government of undue delays and lack of commitment.

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) protested its exclusion from the renegotiation process, arguing that it undermines the interests of its members.

Similarly, the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU criticised the inauguration as biased towards academic staff, expressing concerns over potential marginalisation in the negotiations.

ASUU, in particular, has emphasised the need for the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement to prevent further industrial crises.

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Wearing one extra item while travelling can send an important message to staff.

A mum has highlighted the little-known airport feature for those who need it. Source: TikTok/DrKristynSommer

Most people will agree that navigating an airport, whether it's for domestic or International travel, can be a stressful experience. But for those travellers who require extra support, time or understanding, it can be especially challenging  particularly when staff can't easily identify that fact.

One Aussie mum has heaped praise on a local airport for adopting a little-known feature to help those in need. Dr Kristyn Sommer recently travelled from her home on Queensland's Gold Coast to Sydney wearing a green lanyard featuring daisies on it. The simple and subtle item sent a message to staff that she has a hidden disability that meant she required extra support. It's something that airports around the country have quietly adopted.

"Ive had an autism diagnosis for a couple of years," Kristyn, a developmental psychology academic at Griffith University told Yahoo News, adding that busy airports can be a "trigger point" for her.

She was keen to give the lanyard "a go" to see if it was beneficial for her while travelling after first noticing posters for the program last November. "I saw big sunflower signs last time I was walking through the airport," she explained, adding she thought it was a "really cool" initiative.

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The night before her most recent trip in February, she applied through the Gold Coast Airport website to receive a pack before she travelled. While checking in, she let staff know she was looking to receive a pack and was able to get her green lanyard as well as a few extra informational tools.

She said the process was simple and the experience with staff at Gold Coast airport was "phenomenal".

Sunflowers could be spotted in various spots around the airport. Source: TikTok

While she said it sometimes makes her feel "more self-conscious" to identify herself as someone with a hidden disability, she's keen to use the lanyard again when she travels internationally later this year to effortlessly communicate her needs.

What's included in the hidden disabilities airport pack?

A spokesperson from Gold Coast airport said the program was introduced in 2019 to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all travellers.

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The lanyards are available for free in the terminal or can be requested ahead of arrival. Other tools include a terminal sensory map, communication boards and an airport activity book. The airport also has a therapy dog initiative which sees trained volunteer therapy dogs visit the terminal.

Staff at the airport have undergone specialised training to better understand hidden disabilities and to recognise the sunflower symbol and offer the appropriate support when required.

"The response from the community on our extensive Hidden Disabilities program has been overwhelmingly positive," the spokesperson said.

"The program has also played an important role in raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about accessibility in travel."

After sharing a video of the experience online, which has been viewed by millions, Kristyn believes that most people "don't know" that the program exists.

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While some accused Kristyn of trying to "skip lines", she said that's "not what it's for".

"It's not about skipping lines or getting through the airport faster, it just puts us on an equal footing and [is] a signal to others," she said. She added that despite some criticism, it's "really nice" to see the hidden disabilities message reaching people.

Where did the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower come from?

The idea for the green sunflower lanyard came about in 2016 when the accessibility team at Gatwick Airport in the UK were looking for a way for those with non-obvious disabilities to gain extra support.

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After several consultations with relevant charities, the idea of the sunflower was created to reflect the idea of confidence, growth and strength by those who have hidden disabilities.

The sunflower can be voluntarily worn to discreetly make others aware that you have a condition or disability that may not be apparent, but you may need an extra helping hand, understanding or time not only in airports but shopping centres, public transport and at work. You can learn more about the initiative here.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
At 36, Burkina Fasos Ibrahim Traore is the worlds youngest president, in stark contrast to Africas average leader age of 63. He took office in September 2022 after overthrowing Paul-Henri Damiba, who had ousted former president Roch Kabore earlier that year.

The foundations of the countrys coup administration have been rocky. Last week, the military government survived another apparent coup attempt; one among several since Mr Traore, an army captain, came to power.

In his inaugural statement, Mr Traore said Burkina Faso faced an emergency, citing crises in security, defence, healthcare, social action and infrastructure. He pledged to combat terrorism and adhere to the transition timetable agreed with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which aimed to restore democratic rule by 1 July 2024.

However, Burkina Faso has since withdrawn from ECOWAS, forming instead the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Niger  countries also run by post-coup administrations. Under Burkina Fasos new transition plan, Mr Traore may remain in his position until at least 2029.

His popularity has soared since his ascension to power. At President John Mahamas inauguration in Ghana on 7 January, Mr Traore received the loudest applause of all 21 African heads of state. This showed not only his popularity but the trend of tolerance for military rule in Africa, especially among the youth.

Afrobarometer reports that almost two-thirds of Burkinabe believe the army should intervene when leaders abuse their power. Likewise, 66 per cent accept military rule, up from 24 per cent in 2012. The fact that the survey was conducted at a time when the country was under military rule portrays a general acceptance of the regime.

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However, Mr Traores popularity goes beyond acceptance of military rule. He has embarked on radical reforms that resonate with many Burkinabe. These include reversing his predecessors salary increase for government officials while he remains on his military captain earnings.

As part of efforts to take ownership of mineral resources, Mr Traore has nationalised two gold mines and stopped exporting unrefined gold to Europe, instead inaugurating a national gold refinery expected to process 150 tonnes annually.

Other significant achievements include establishing the National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing, building a new airport, and considerable agricultural investment.

While these are noble attempts to industrialise Burkina Faso, the country must not fall into the usual traps of inefficiencies, corruption and mismanagement that characterise most African state-owned enterprises.

Further, Mr Traore has rejected financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, insisting the country can develop without the Wests loans and conditionalities. For some, this is a demonstration of Africans handling their own affairs. For the youth, Mr Traores regime is a chance to show what young people can achieve. But for most ordinary Burkinabe, the priority is simply improving their daily living conditions.

At a time of increasing global uncertainty and a decline in international aid, Africa must strive for self-reliance and control of its resources. Like many African countries, Burkina Faso is blessed with natural resources that, if properly managed, could transform citizens lives.

The country has mineral resources and produces substantial quantities of gold, zinc, copper, manganese, phosphate and limestone. It also has reserves of diamonds, bauxite, nickel and vanadium, most of which remain largely unexploited.

The country has made gains. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (in market exchange rate) increased from $3.2 billion in 1990 to $18.3 billion in 2023, and extreme poverty declined from 83 per cent to 27.7 per cent in the same period. But significant challenges remain.

According to the 2023/2024 Human Development Report, Burkina Faso is classified as having low human development and is ranked 185th out of 193 countries on the Human Development Index. It placed 149th out of 167 countries on the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Index, and on the Multidimensional Poverty Index, 64.5 per cent of the population is multidimensionally poor.

However, the economy holds significant promise. Recent research by the Institute for Security Studies African Futures and Innovation team shows that Burkina Fasos economy could grow at an average rate of 8 per cent from 2025 to 2043.

This would translate into an additional GDP per capita of $1,120 above a business-as-usual forecast  and reduce income poverty to only 2.6 per cent of the population. This means an extra 2.4 million Burkinabes could be lifted out of poverty by 2043.

The study identified governance reforms as critical to unlocking the countrys development potential. Indeed, good governance could raise GDP per capita by an extra $240 above a business-as-usual forecast, lifting 500,000 additional Burkinabe out of extreme poverty.

For this, Mr Traore must lead the country in overcoming political instability, violent extremism and weak institutions. Institutional and structural reforms are needed to enhance security, accountability, public sector efficiency and governance inclusion.

The immediate priority is addressing terrorism, which resulted in the loss of about 40 per cent of the countrys territory, undermining the states authority and ability to deliver public services, as thousands of schools and health facilities are closed in those areas. The UN Refugee Agency estimates that over two million people are internally displaced, and those needing humanitarian assistance increased by 35 per cent between 2022 and 2023.

ALSO READ: Burkina Faso junta says it thwarted plot to topple Traore

Next should be building strong institutions and strengthening existing ones to improve public sector efficiency and combat corruption. Local governments must be empowered with the resources and capacity to implement development programmes tailored to communities needs.

In the medium term, the country must transition into constitutional rule to ensure the political stability and legitimacy needed to drive economic growth. This would also enhance investor confidence, allowing Burkina Faso to attract the foreign direct investment needed for its development. The African Union, civil society organisations and development partners should support the 60-month transition plan to ensure a smooth transition to democracy.

This is not the first time such a charismatic figure has emerged on Africas political scene. Many revolutionary leaders started the same way but later deviated from the course as they clung to power. In Ghana, 32-year-old Jerry Rawlings, nicknamed Junior Jesus, emerged in late 1979 in a bloody revolution to fight corruption and sanitise the countrys political system. But after 19 years in power, his legacy was mixed.

With a young, strong, charismatic leader, Burkina Faso has a chance to get its governance right and achieve its developmental aspirations. This could be a lasting legacy for Traores regime.

Enoch Randy Aikins, Researcher, African Futures and Innovation, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

(This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).

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The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, is in a closed-door meeting with the executives of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMeT), as well as heads of aviation agencies and workers unions, amidst the ongoing workerss strike rocking the aviation sector.

An industrial action embarked upon by NiMet workers on Wednesday to demand improved welfare, promotion and better welfare has stalled the operations of Air Peace and possibly other airlines. Flight delays and cancellations have been recorded in some airports in the country. NiMet plays crucial roles in ensuring smooth and safe flight schedules in the country.

The ministers special adviser on digital media, Gbenga Saka, announced the ongoing meeting, aimed at resulting the industrial dispute, in a statement posted to X on Thursday.

HAPPENING NOW! Hon. Minister of Aviation Engages Aviation Unions Over Ongoing Strike. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development @fmaviationng, @fkeyamo, is currently in a high-level meeting with the Permanent Secretary and heads of aviation agencies, alongside leaders of key aviation unions, the statement said.

It said in attendance at the meeting are representatives from the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), led by Ochema Abba (General Secretary) and Oluchi (Deputy President), as well as the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), represented by Alale Adebayo (President General) and Comrade Ambore Samson (Chairman).

The meeting is aimed at addressing concerns surrounding the ongoing strike action by aviation workers and working towards an immediate resolution to restore normalcy across the sector, the official noted.

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NiMet Workers Strike

On Wednesday, employees of NiMet commenced a nationwide indefinite strike over welfare issues. The commencement of the workers action stemmed from their unmet demands as contained in a communique issued to the government in January, NiMet employees said.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the action of the striking workers disrupted flight schedules across major airports in the country.

Flight delays and cancellations were recorded in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports on Wednesday as NiMet workers staged protests across the facilities. The ongoing demonstration prompted Air Peace to suspend its operations on Wednesday amidst safety concerns. However, airlines such as Ibom Air, Arik, and United Nigeria Airlines were still operating.

On Thursday, this newspaper reported that the striking employees of NiMet stalled operations for the second consecutive day at the agencys headquarters in Abuja. The workers picketed the office in protest for improved welfare and promotion.

Dozens of frustrated staff members were seen seated at strategic points outside the gate of the building. Some of the employees who spoke with this publication at about 12:15 p.m. on Thursday explained that they participated in the protest to express their frustration over poor wages and demand enhanced welfare benefits.

Among several demands, the workers called on the government to implement the recently approved minimum wage. They have vowed to continue the protest until their demands are met.

However, earlier on Thursday, a top NiMet official, who asked not to be quoted since he was not authorised to speak on the issue, told PREMIUM TIMES that the management is disappointed with the hardline position taken by the striking unions because some of the issues in dispute have been resolved, while others are in various stages of resolution.

It is surprising that the unions resorted to strike action because the unions themselves recently wrote and thanked management for its labour friendly policies. Makes you wonder if there are other motives or there are people bent on sabotaging management, the official said.

He explained that the management is not relenting in reaching an amicable resolution with the unions so that normal services will be restored.

NiMet has yet to issue an official statement but the agency is expected to do so after the meeting with the minister.

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The Kwara State Government has vowed to bring terrorists, locally called bandits, attacking communities in the state to book.

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, said this when he led a delegation on a condolence visit to Ilesha-Baruba in Baruten Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the police on Tuesday confirmed that 10 armed men invaded the Ilesha Baruba Motor Park and opened fire indiscriminately on people at a nearby relaxation spot.

The police said six persons were killed in the attack, which occurred on Sunday, while two others sustained serious gunshot injuries.

On the same day, the police reported a similar incident in Kemanji in neighbouring Kaima LGA.

On the states delegation were the member representing Gwanabe/Adena/Bani/Gweria in the assembly, Ahmed Saidu Baba, the Chairman of Baruten Local Government, Isa Jibril, and the All Progressives Congress chairman in the area, Abu Setraco.

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The delegation, which was at the palace of the Emir of Ilesha-Baruba, Halidu Abubakar, condoled the traditional ruler over the loss of his subjects.

Also, the delegation visited the families of the victims, the Ardo Fulani and the Miyyeti Allah in the community.

Mr Danladi-Salihu delivered the governments condolence message to the Emir and the bereaved families.

According to the speaker, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was devastated by the sad development.

We are here on behalf of the government and people of Kwara to register our sincere condolences over the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of lives of innocent people in our community, it is indeed a trying time for us all.

We want to assure you that the invasion of our communities will not be condoned, and the perpetrators will be brought to book.

The governor has directed the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Security Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies to ensure that those behind the attack of innocent and harmless people are called to account, he said.

The speaker enjoined the people of the community to remain vigilant and assist the security agencies with useful information.

He reassured residents that the security agencies would combat banditry in the state.

(NAN)

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The Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) Coalition has concluded a two-day virtual training for journalists across Africa, calling for sustained, Afrocentric coverage of climate issues and renewing demands for climate reparations for the continent and the wider Global South.

The training, held from 22 and 23 April, brought together 51 journalists from print, broadcast, and digital platforms, alongside climate advocates from at least eight African countries. Participants included journalists from Premium Times, The Cable, Leadership and some other Nigerian newspapers.

Experts who spoke at the training were from Nigeria, Togo, The Gambia, the United States, and India also participated.

With the theme, Communicating Climate Change: Realities, Impacts, and the Need for Action, the programme was hosted by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), in partnership with Corporate Accountability (CA).

The sessions aimed to equip journalists with the tools to report effectively on climate justice, combat misinformation, and amplify underrepresented African perspectives in global climate discourse.

Calls for climate justice and accountability

Opening the first day, Managing Director of Corporate Accountability, Elvis Mendez, explained the urgency of unified global action against climate change.

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We are living in precarious times. Mendez underscored the urgency for collective action against climate change, highlighting the significant power that corporations hold over governments.

Corporations must be held accountable for their actions, he asserted, emphasising that the gathering aimed to foster a unified approach to climate action, he said.

The Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, in his session titled, Loss and Damage Fund, Climate Finance: Where is Africa?, stressed the need for climate finance not only to reduce emissions but also to support adaptation efforts in vulnerable communities.

We must ensure that those most affected are given the support and resources needed to adapt and thrive, he said, calling for a collaborative effort to secure a sustainable future for the continent and beyond.

Journalism as a tool for climate section

In his opening remark, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, emphasised the medias critical role in influencing public discourse and policy.

We need journalists to be able to educate the people to mount pressure on policymakers and government to be able to take appropriate action, as well as mobilise communities, to build communities of resistance to the destruction of climate change and our world, Mr Oluwafemi added.

Kwami Kpondzo, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Justice in Togo, critiqued carbon market mechanisms and the fossil fuel industry, warning that these systems often shift the burden of emissions reduction to developing countries.

While carbon markets aim to incentivise emission cuts, they can disproportionately affect Africa, Mr Kpondzo said.

Olamide Martins, CAPPAs Senior Climate Change Programme Manager, outlined the MBPP campaigns mission: Our goal is to amplify African voices and demand stronger global climate action.

Tools for effective climate storytelling

The second day of the training featured media-focused sessions led by Kristin Salvage, Director of Media and Press at CA, and Esthappen S., Communications Coordinator at Demand for Climate Justice (DCJ).

During a storytelling session, Ms Salvage urged journalists to connect with communities and use personal narratives to make climate stories resonate.

Strong storytelling starts with clear messaging, relatable voices, and community trust, she said. Its about making the people you report on stronger in telling their own stories.

Mr Esthappen spotlighted the rise of climate disinformation and the responsibility of journalists to uphold truth and credibility.

Accurate journalism is vital to shift public perception and promote informed decision-making, Mr Esthappen said, reminding attendees of the importance of scrutinising information sources, especially in the age of social media, where misleading narratives often proliferate.

As we stand at a turning point, we can build a future where facts are celebrated and misinformation is challenged, Mr Esthappen added, highlighting the collective responsibility to ensure the flow of truthful information for the public good.

Call to action

In his closing remarks, Dawda Cham, Deputy Executive Director of the Household Disaster Resilience Project (HELP-Gambia), encouraged participants to apply their new skills within their newsrooms.

Africa Policy Research Institute had stated the work of these local journalists can directly inform policy decisions and empower communities to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate

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Kano South Senator Kawu Sumaila has resigned from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and is set to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmaker said the move was driven by his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

I am resolutely determined to advance the lives of my people, ensuring their needs are met, and their future is secured, he said in a social media post on Wednesday.

Mr Sumaila didnt mention the party he is joining while announcing his resignation from the NNPP, but he is expected to rejoin the opposition APC in Kano after months of speculation and a leadership crisis in the NNPP in Kano.

In February, the NNPP leadership suspended Mr Sumaila and other federal lawmakers from Kano. However, they rejected the sanction, saying they belong to a different NNPP faction.

The suspension followed Mr Sumailas invitation of the National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, to his personal ceremonies in the Sumaila Local Government Area.

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Mr Sumaila defected from the APC in the build-up to the 2023 elections following a protracted leadership crisis in the party.

READ ALSO: Real reasons Delta Governor Obovrevwori dumped PDP for APC

He and several of his colleagues from the NNPP in Kano South had opposed Governor Abba Yusufs reinstatement of the deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, and the repeal of the State Emirate Council Law 2019 that gave the state five emirate councils.

The lawmakers from the Kano southern district said the dissolution of the four emirates created by former Governor Ganduje and the removal of all five emirs were against the interest of their constituents.

Since then, Mr Sumaila and some of his NNPP colleagues from the zone have distanced themselves from the activities of the NNPP-led state government.

The NNPP is Nigerias fourth-largest political party based on representation in federal and state parliaments. However, Kano is the main base of the party and is the only state it was elected to govern

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Nine people were said to have been killed and over 70 injured in an overnight Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, said the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Thursday.

The assault caused extensive damage to residential buildings and ignited fires in garages, non-residential structures and administrative buildings.

Rescue operations are still underway in the western Sviatoshynskyi district, where a missile strike partially destroyed an apartment building.

In total, emergency teams have responded to 13 locations across Kyiv to address the damage.

ALSO READ: 18 killed in Russian bombardments of Ukraine as Britain pledges Kyiv battle tanks

In addition to Kyiv, the attack also targeted eight other regions across Ukraine.

Two people were reported injured in the eastern Kharkiv region, while one person was wounded in the northern Zhytomyr region.

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(Xinhua/NAN)

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The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has cut short his first visit to South Africa following the overnight attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

At least nine people were killed and 77 others injured due to the Russian missile and drone strikes on Thursday.

The strikes destroyed high-rise buildings and left about six children wounded.

Mr Zelensky announced the cancellation in a post on X. I am canceling part of the program of this visit, and, after meeting with the President of South Africa, I will immediately return to Ukraine, he wrote.

In his stead, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will hold all other meetings in South Africa and will interact with the countrys top officials.

The Ukrainian leader had visited South Africa to strengthen diplomatic ties, seek support for Ukraines peace efforts amid the ongoing war with Russia, and encourage South Africa to help negotiate for the return of Ukrainian children allegedly taken by Russia.

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The South African Institute of International Relations predicted Russia would be displeased by Mr Zelenskys visit, saying, Russia will be annoyed by the visit, but it can do much about it.

The Russian attacks on Kyiv disrupted Mr Zelenskys visit, forcing him to cut the trip short.

Before announcing the change of plan, Mr Zelenskyy wrote that Russia fired about 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and 150 more strike drones.

Forty-four days since Ukraine agreed to a complete ceasefire and strikes. That was a proposal from the United States. Forty-four days since Russia continues to kill people and avoid tough pressure and accountability for it.

It is very important that everyone in the world sees and understands what is really happening, he wrote.

South Africas intervention

South Africa has presented itself as a peacemaker in the war due to its ties with Russia through the BRICS bloc of developing nations.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described himself as one of the few leaders able to engage with both sides.

He had earlier stated that talks with Mr Zelensky will focus on finding a path to peace.

On Monday, the South African leader also announced that he had spoken to Russias Vladimir Putin and they had both expressed commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution.

Mr Ramaphosa had also stated that he spoke with President Trump about the peace process, saying, We both agreed that the war should be brought to an end as soon as possible.

He also noted that he and President Trump had agreed to meet soon to discuss both the RussiaUkraine conflict and South Africas bilateral relations with the US.

Disagreement over Peace deal

The latest attack on Kyiv has been described as the deadliest Russian attack on Ukraines capital since July 2024.

It also came shortly after US President Donald Trump criticised President Zelensky for insisting that Ukraine would not recognise Russias control of Crimea.

This has been a point of contention in the USs bid to secure peace in Ukraine, with the US government threatening to end attempts to broker a ceasefire if talks failed to make progress.

However, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that this attack has shown Russia, not Ukraine, to be the obstacle to peace.

In bringing back peace to Ukraine, we need power, we need to be United. We cannot be weak. Russians never understand a weak position; we always have to be strong, he said.

Also, according to Ukrainian officials, several people are still trapped under the rubble of the buildings destroyed by the strikes..

Reuters reported that photos shared on Telegram showed rescue teams working under floodlights, carefully navigating piles of rubble and climbing ladders propped against building facades.

The state security personnel were also going door to door, checking apartments to ensure residents were safe.

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Striking employees of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) stalled operations for the second consecutive day on Thursday at the agencys headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The workers picketed the office in protest for improved welfare and promotion.

They organised the protest under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE).

PREMIUM TIMES observed that no official activities were taking place when our reporter visited the office during business hours on Thursday.

Dozens of frustrated staff members were seen seated at strategic points outside the gate of the building.

Banners and placards with different slogans were hung on the main gate of the building, while the union officials enforcing the strike prevented vehicles from entering.

Meanwhile, a number of employees who spoke with this publication at about 12:15 p.m. on Thursday explained that they participated in the protest to express their frustration over poor wages and demand enhanced welfare benefits.

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Among several demands, the workers called on the government to implement the recently approved minimum wage. They have vowed to continue the protest until their demands are met.

The ongoing demonstration prompted Air Peace to suspend its operations on Wednesday amidst safety concerns. However, airlines such as Ibom Air, Arik, and United Nigeria Airlines were still operating.

We understand that some airlines are still flying, which is against International Civil Aviation Organisations requirements, therefore endangering the lives of their passengers, some of the striking workers told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday.

We wish to notify the general public that, though we dont pray for any air mishap, in the case of an inevitability, the airline cannot claim insurance because they neglected NiMets weather forecast.

However, earlier on Thursday, a top NiMet official, who asked not to be quoted since he was not authorised to speak on the issue, told PREMIUM TIMES that the management is disappointed with the hardline position taken by the striking unions because some of the issues in dispute have been resolved, while others are in various stages of resolution.

It is surprising that the unions resorted to strike action because the unions themselves recently wrote and thanked management for its labour friendly policies. Makes you wonder if there are other motives or there are people bent on sabotaging management, the official said.

He explained that the management is not relenting in reaching an amicable resolution with the unions so that normal services will be restored.

He said the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also scheduled a meeting with all the parties for Thursday (today).

We are hopeful that the unions will listen to reason. No one bites off his nose to spite his face, he noted.

NiMet has yet to issue an official statement but the agency is expected to do so after the meeting with the minister.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a cash-based Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for Nigerians performing the 2025 Hajj.

The approval came following the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on behalf of the pilgrims through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson for Mr Shettima, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced a new payment method for the BTA earlier in the year for Nigerians embarking on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

Under the revised system, each pilgrim would be issued an ATM card for withdrawals and transactions during the pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The initiative made it mandatory for all intending pilgrims to open a BTA-linked bank account.

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However, stakeholders rejected the banks move, citing concerns that included the limited ability of many rural-based pilgrims to operate ATMs and potential fraud issues.

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based Civil Society organisation (CSO), was among the leading voices calling on the CBN to scrap the initiative.

IHR Coordinator Ibrahim Mohammed said the policy would create unprecedented hardship and confusion in Nigerias hajj ecosystem.

We advise CBN to exclude Hajj pilgrims from this policy because of the foreseen hardship to be faced by our dollar pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia.

CBN approved cash transactions for pilgrims

Meanwhile, the CBN on Thursday approved pilgrims requests for cash transactions during their holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

Speaking with journalists after a meeting with the Vice President, NAHCONs Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management & Finance, Aliu Abdulrazaq, confirmed to journalists after a meeting with the vice president on Thursday that the CBN granted Nigerian pilgrims the opportunity of cash transactions for this years Hajj.

Read full statement

CBN Approves Cash-based BTA for 2025 Hajj Pilgrims To Ease Travel Demands

It became obvious that the 2025 Hajj would be seamless, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday approved the request by pilgrims to be granted cash transactions for the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

This followed the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on behalf of the pilgrims through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

There had been concerns that the hitherto use of mandatory debit cards proposed by the CBN for the pilgrimage would endanger the smooth planning, operation, and performance at the 2025 Hajj.

Speaking with journalists after a meeting with the Vice President, NAHCONs Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management & Finance, Aliu Abdulrazaq, confirmed that the CBN granted Nigerian pilgrims the opportunity of cash transactions for this years Hajj.

He said, The meeting was prompted by the federal governments policy on the card for Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for 2025 Hajj operations. We have held a series of meetings before now. The Vice President intervened and invited the Central Banks Deputy Governor with a plea.

Out of the magnanimity of the CBN and appeal made by the Vice President, they dropped the idea of a card for pilgrims in the 2025 Hajj, and they conceded to people having cash instead of a card. This is a landmark achievement for NAHCON.

If you go to Saudi Arabia, mostly the areas where the pilgrims are going to perform their rituals, there is only one Automated Teller Machine there, and it is always crowded  it poses so much difficulties for pilgrims to purchase whatever they want to purchase.

Secondly, 95 per cent of the pilgrims from Nigeria are peasant farmers, and they have difficulties with electronic payments. Even with the cash, some of them have difficulties identifying the currencies. These variables make it important for them to have the cash they are used to.

From now on, we are even more confident that the Hajj operations will be very seamless for the pilgrims. All arrangements have been in top gear, but the BTA was our fear; today, the fear has now been addressed.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had earlier in the year introduced a new payment method for Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for Nigerians embarking on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

Under the revised system, each pilgrim would be issued an ATM card for withdrawals and transactions during the pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The initiative made it mandatory for all intending pilgrims to open a BTA-linked bank account.

ALSO READ: NDLEA warns intending Hajj pilgrims against drug trafficking

Adding his voice to the new development, NAHCONs Secretary, Dr Mustapha Muhammad Ali, clarified that the change is neither a concession nor a subsidy from the federal government.

There is a need for clarification we want to make. It is not a concession or intervention by the federal government. It is not a subsidy either. The Vice President intervened because most of the pilgrims make purchases in the streets of Mecca or Medina, and they do not need debit cards to make their purchases. Now it is allowed for them to carry cash. The CBN will provide the cash at the market rate, he said.

Explaining the CBNs intervention in the matter, the Director of Human Resources at the CBN and Board member representing the CBN in NAHCON, Abba Muhammad Aliyu, said the CBN granted NAHCONs request because the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims was of utmost interest to the Nigerian government.

Looking at the financial literacy of the pilgrims, there is a need for us to see that we make life easy for them because a lot of them do not know how to operate the ATM. So, these are some of the reasons the senior management of the Bank, in their own magnanimity upon the call of the Vice President, looked at those issues.

He further clarified that the government was done with the concessionary issue, saying, What is happening is purely a mode of payment method. Instead of asking the pilgrims to carry a card, they are only going to be paid through cash.

Stanley Kingsley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications

(Office of The Vice President)

24th April, 2025

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The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over the dismal performance of public school students in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), revealing that only 45.7 per cent of candidates passed core subjects  English Language and Mathematics.

According to the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, out of 58,188 students sponsored by the state to sit the examinations, 31,596 failed, translating to a 54.3 per cent failure rate.

The official disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, marking the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olus second term in office.

We held strategic meetings with principals across the six education districts to address the results and adopted a policy to promote only high-achieving students to terminal classes, Mr Alli-Balogun said.

He lamented that the performance comes despite the states massive financial backing of N1.58 billion to cover WAEC registration fees.

Suffice it to say that N1,577,794,000 was paid by the state government as examination fees for 58,188 students captured for the 2024 WASSCE, Mr Alli-Balogun stated.

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In a bid to ensure accountability, he revealed that biometric and image registration was used to confirm 56,134 bona fide students for the subsidy.

However, the commissioner described the failure rate as unacceptable and outlined sweeping reforms to address the decline.

Strategic reforms to reverse the decline

Mr Alli-Balogun announced the implementation of the Eko Learners Support Programme for WASSCE and NECO candidates, launched on 14 January.

The initiative aims to broadcast 320 lessons across 10 key subjects, including English, Mathematics, and core sciences, via Lagos Television (LTV) and social media platforms such as YouTube and X.

This forward-thinking programme is designed to empower students and bring quality instruction directly into their homes, he said. Each 30-minute episode forms part of a digital learning library accessible anytime.

The commissioner emphasised that the initiative fosters academic excellence and self-expression through arts, music, sports, and drama, creating a supportive ecosystem that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth.

Ending mass promotion, enforcing discipline

In response to falling academic standards, the state government has mandated stricter promotion policies. Only high-performing SS2 students will be allowed to advance to the terminal SS3 class.

This will end mass promotion and encourage students to strive for excellence, Mr Alli-Balogun said.

Furthermore, principals and vice principals are now required to teach six and eight periods weekly, respectively, with mandatory inclusion in school timetables.

The Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has been directed to submit uncensored reports on cases of truancy, sexual misconduct, absenteeism, and teacher negligence.

All teachers found guilty of misconduct or compromising academic standards will face sanctions in accordance with existing laws, the commissioner warned.

Policy revisions and holistic learning

In addition to enforcing discipline, the state is also reviewing the 2018 Education Policy to reflect current realities and global best practices. Co-curricular activities  including sports, debates, and creative arts  are being revived to boost physical and mental well-being.

Education is a lifelong journey. We call on all students, especially those in boarding schools, to seize these opportunities, Mr Alli-Balogun said.

Earlier in March, Mr Alli-Balogun expressed dissatisfaction over declining results in both WASSCE and NECO exams, noting that performance levels do not reflect the states investments in education.

At a meeting with Tutor-Generals and school principals across the six education districts, he warned against complacency and challenged school leaders to take responsibility for reversing the trend.

He reiterated that only academically capable students should be promoted to the final year and qualify for free WAEC sponsorship  a strategy expected to drive competition and enhance overall student performance.

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Oluwole Oke, the House of Representatives member representing the Obokun/Oriade federal constituency area of Osun State, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because the party leadership denied him the opportunity to contest for a position.

The lawmaker disclosed this on Thursday while speaking on Rave 91.7 FM, a radio station in Osogbo, the state capital.

Mr Oke was not, however, specific on the position he was denied from contesting.

He questioned why he was singled out for the treatment when other top party figures, such as Governor Ademola Adeleke and Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi, were allowed to seek re-election.

The Constitution places no limit. Why didnt you ask the governor not to run for a second term? Why cant you ask Fadahunsi not to run for Senate? These are my fundamental rights. If I want to run for any election, I will go for it. Two things are likely to happen. Its either I win or I fail, he said.

Mr Oke resigned his membership from the PDP in a letter dated 16 April and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Ward 7, Obokun Local Government Area of the state.

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However, he has yet to officially declare his new political party, though it is believed that he would join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since announcing his resignation, Mr Oke has been spotted at several meetings with prominent APC leaders in Osun State. Some party members have already publicly welcomed him to the party.

Mr Oke has been representing his federal constituency since 2003 under the PDP. It was only in one session (2011-2015) that he was not a member of the lower chamber.

Speculations about his resignation had been circulating for weeks before his official letter.

Sources in the South-west state have linked his exit to a strained relationship with Governor Adeleke and his aspiration to run for a higher political office.

He is believed to be aiming for the 2026 gubernatorial race in the state or the 2027 senatorial elections.

Those familiar with the states political terrain said Mr Oke has been in talks with APC leaders since 2022, when the state had its last governorship election.

There is also speculation that PDP leaders in the Obokun Local Government Area of the state do not support Mr Okes plan for the National Assembly in 2027.

Open to opportunities

When asked about his future political career in a state governed by the PDP, Mr Oke said he would accept any role his new political party offers when he finally joins it, even if it means resigning from the National Assembly.

Wherever I go, whatever they think I deserve, they will give me. There are positions on the Executive side. If you give me the Chairman of FIRS today, I will resign from the parliament. If you give me the managing director of NIMASA position today, I will leave the parliament. Even if you give me the councillorship position, I will take it. It takes so much for the party to say they want me, he said.

Financing PDP for 12 years

Mr Oke also claimed that he has been one of PDPs prominent financial supporters in Osun State.

And let me tell you, they use me as a sacrificial lamb to wage war to liberate that area. I financed this party for 12 years. Every year, I bring trailers of goodies. There is no leader in Osun PDP, and I dont have his account details. I stood with the party. I parted ways with my late brother, Soji Adagunodo because I insisted that the Adelekes should get the governorship ticket, he added.

Okes alleged corruption record

In August 2023, Mr Oke was named in a PREMIUM TIMES investigative report that uncovered extortion by a House of Representatives ad hoc committee probing job racketeering in federal parastatals.

The committee was accused of soliciting bribes from heads of ministries, departments, and agencies, including educational institutions.

Despite the committees public anti-corruption posture, it reportedly leveraged its powers to intimidate agency heads into making illegal payments.

The ad hoc committee was established through a motion introduced by Mr Oke on 5 July 2023.

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A medical expert from Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Zubairu Iliyasu, has said that more than 11 million people are currently living with diabetes in Nigeria, with many more remaining undiagnosed.

Mr Iliyasu, a professor cited recent statistics during his keynote address at the 14th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Clinical Endocrinologists of Nigeria (ACEN), on Thursday in Kano.

The conference, themed Endocrinology and Public Health, brought together medical experts from across Nigeria to discuss the increasing prevalence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria and Africa.

He emphasised the urgent need for widespread public sensitisation on adopting healthier lifestyles to combat the growing threats of diabetes and obesity.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Musa Borodo, lamented the high cost of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He underscored the importance of strategies aimed at reducing the burden of illnesses such as diabetes and obesity.

According to him, the conference will help fine-tune efforts toward public enlightenment and disease prevention.

In his address, the President of ACEN, Williams Balogun, called on the government and stakeholders to invest more resources in combating non-communicable diseases.

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He reaffirmed the associations commitment to developing effective strategies to tackle the growing health challenge.

This meeting will unveil a variety of ideas and research aimed at ensuring that the challenges of diabetes and obesity are thoroughly addressed, he said.

Declaring the conference open, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran, described the gathering as timely.

Mr Yusuf pledged the state governments willingness to partner with medical associations like ACEN in the fight against diabetes, obesity, and other public health challenges.

He urged participants to develop actionable resolutions to curb the alarming rise in diabetes and obesity nationwide.

The conference, which attracted participants from across the federation, aimed to present innovative ideas and research findings toward addressing the twin challenges of diabetes and obesity in Nigeria.

(NAN)

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of over 5,600 assets, including laptops, phones, vehicles, and home appliances seized during the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC) raid on a cybercrime hideout in Victoria Island, Lagos.

On Thursday, the trial judge Deinde Dipeolu granted the order following an ex parte application by EFCC lawyer Bima Isah.

In December, the EFCC said the assets were recovered in a surprise sting operation, code-named Eagle Flush, which led to the arrest of 792 suspects193 foreign nationals and 599 Nigerians. The operation took place on 10 December 2024.

The court directed that the EFCC publish the order in a national daily to allow any interested parties to come forward within 14 days and show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

Among the items seized and affected by the interim forfeiture order are 1,596 laptops and computers, 4,091 mobile phones, seven vehicles, 3,399 SIM cards (comprising 1,122 MTN, 316 9mobile, 1,277 Airtel, and 684 Glo), 194 routers, 129 air conditioning units, and dozens of household items including refrigerators, mattresses, sofas, and kitchen appliances.

Also listed were tech and office equipment, such as 43 CPUs/monitors, a network server, 21 UPS units, and 558 office tables, alongside utility items, including inverters, generators, gas cylinders, and a transformer.

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The assets were recovered from a building identified as Big Leaf Building, located at No. 7 Oyinjolayemi Street, Victoria Islandallegedly the headquarters of an international cybercrime ring led by Chinese and Filipino nationals operating under the name Genting International Co. Limited.

How the suspected syndicate worked

In a supporting affidavit, EFCC investigator Kaina Garba stated that the syndicate allegedly recruited and trained Nigerian youths in romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and other cybercrimes.

The recruited Nigerians were reportedly equipped with specially configured laptops and mobile devices to carry out scripted scams targeting victims online.

That upon investigation, preliminary investigation revealed that an organized crime syndicate of Chinese nationals operating under the name and style of the Respondent is recruiting and training Nigerian youths in computer-related fraud and other cyber-fraud-related activities.

That in the course of the investigation, operatives of the Applicant took inventories of items recovered from the said premises suspected to be instrumentalities of the criminal activities of the Respondent and its alter egos.

That several foreign nationals, as well as Nigerians, totalling 761 suspects, were arrested and brought to the office of the Commission for investigation.

That the suspected leaders and financiers of this criminal syndicate, up until the filing of this application still at large but are being trailed by the Operatives of the applicant, he said.

Why we seek forfeiture order

The EFCC told the court it sought the interim forfeiture to prevent the dissipation or tampering of evidence.

The Commission added that some of the arrested suspects had already been arraigned before at least five judges of the Federal High Court, while othersincluding the suspected mastermindsremain at large.

In his ruling, Mr Dipeolu said he had read the motion and attachments and found sufficient merit in the application.

Consequently, the motion succeeds and is hereby granted, he ruled.

Since February, EFCC has arraigned different batches of the suspects for alleged internet and cryptocurrency fraud.

The suspects, including 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, two Kharzartans, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian, were arrested in a surprise crackdown dubbed the Eagle Flush Operation.

The commission arraigned them before Mr Dipeolu on charges of cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.

They each pleaded not guilty to the charges read to them in court.

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On behalf of all MAGA home and abroad, we wish our own dear chairman long life in good health and happiness. Its definitely in our enlightened National Interest; may the Mike Adenuga Group abide and thrive, forever Congratulations and Happy Birthday Grandpa C1.

Unveiling the Mike Adenuga Group Alumni (MAGA)

Friends, family and associates will on 29th April congregate around the worlds capitals, in deserved celebration of a man of timber and calibre: a man of steel, truly worth his weight in gold or any precious metals  the Great Guru. Of course; the good Dr Mike has been around in the Uber-Rich club for about four eventful decades, he has more than paid his dues. The story of Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr (GCON, CSG, CdrLH) is still being told, but definitely the choicest parts of the story may never be told, even if the man at the centre of the entire story decides to tell his own story. Evidently, there are small and big fragments of the story hanging onto the memories of too many of our countrymen, as well as vantagely-positioned foreigners. Absolutely necessarily, a few of those luminous stories will be told in this piece.

Forbes tells us about some of the wealth of this extremely wealthy son of Africa, but whatever we think the Otunba Apesin Ola owns in terms of money pales into insignificance when compared against what he has in terms of people: core loyalists, proteges, business partners, agencies, contractors, friends and others: bearers or beneficiaries of his tremendous goodwill. These are the great personalities who populate the Mike Adenuga Group Alumni; Mikes own MAGA! This MAGA is both similar and dissimilar in several respects from the famous American version of President Donald Trumps.

On the roll of honour: Bunmi Oni, Lere Baale, Tunde Akinyera, Charles Jenarius, Bjas Murthy, Okon Iyanam, Deepak Srivastava, Vivek Srivastava, Vivek Garg, Yinka Akande, Tunde Kaitell, Bode Opeseitan, Timi Ogunsanwo, Joachim Atunwa, Abdul Funsho, Samson Isa, Ade Aroloye, Folu Aderibigbe, Joshua Akinbanjo, Uche Nworah, Chidi Uzor, Uzoma Ofong, Mike Archer, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, Opeyemi Wilde-Halim, Peter Schubert, Wole Ayanleke, Biyi Mabadeje, Liam Cundill, Ken Hall, Dominic Icha, Sylvanus Ezeorah, Ashutosh Tiwary, Ahmed Ishtiaq, Ashish Misra, Segun Odegbami, Benson Oraelosi, Akin Lewis, Babatunde Amunikoro, Yinka Olafimihan, Harry Iwuala, Gbenga Olonisakin, Debola Mobee, Charles Odiase, Bayo Osinowo, Arul Bright, Sunil Kapoor, Akeem Kazeem, Kenny Obende, Maria Svensson, Esaei Diei, Cesar Camara, Edouard Blondeau, Jean Michel Chanut, Asim Ali, Biodun Azeez, Bayo Azeez, Hardeep Kheterpal, Seun Olutile, Akin Seweje, Pankaj Sapru, Sanjay Mathur, Ajay Mathur, Ajay Pandey, Aref Khokher, George Andah, Prince Dimkpa, Adebola Sofela, Sam Edoho, Obinna Aniche, Omatsola Barrow, Kamaldeen Shonibare, Shade Olusope, Dele Uwefoh, Ajan Agbor, Titi Ebinisi, Opeyemi Dairo, Banji Okubote, Boye Adefila, Tokunbo Adeoye-Laniyan, Trevor Delaney, Patrick Awotwi, Viswanath Nagasai, Derek Obuobi, Dolapo Samuel, Chidi Udo, Amaechi Okobi, Mansur Opakunle, Mobolaji Atanda, Konate Souleymane, Karambir Rai, Femi Osikoya, Seyi Kuku, Onyekachi Nwosu, Andrew Okeleke, Suyi Ayodele, Atim Nkpubre, Lusanda Chauke, Emma Ugolee, Foluso Koku, Ben Ayede, Tunji Folayan, Bankole Ojutalayo, Achutan Kutty, Tony Ananaba, Ayo Asagba, Segun Ashade, Robertson Odii and Dele Babatunde, among many others who are in no way less deserving of this hall of fame.

Undoubtedly MAGA Plus

If we stretch that alumni catchment slightly and include those extremely talented and prolific personages; those illustrious ladies and gentlemen of the many professional agencies that congregated around the gurus famed long conference table. They were oftentimes present at war cabinet conclaves, most definitely at the Chairmans discretion; on a need to know basis.

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This expanded alumni war-camp will include hordes of remarkable ladies and gentlemen, from home and abroad  across the major metropolis of the world.

Such a distinguished assemblage will include but are not limited to Michael Petherick, Dennis Hoines, Jimi Awosika, Udeme Ufot, Gary Harwood, Liam Carter, Sean McCoy, Ashley Scott, Sugnet Toerien, Torgbor Mensah, Sam Johnson, Kelechi Nwosu, Steve Baba-Eko, Victor Obaika, Paul Miros, Aderemi Ogunpitan, Deji Atunwa, Michael Mosinski, Lanre Adisa, Tunde Ajijedidun, Bayo Adepetun, Nkoli Ogbolu, Akin Adesola, Yinka Oduniyi, Didier Aplogan, Affousath Traore, Michelle Attoh, Tunji Abioye, Doyin Oduwole, Femi Kayode, Kanmi Da Silva, Chima Okenimkpe, Tajudeen Adepetu, Ranti Atunwa, Roddyman, Nicholas Kuhne, Akintunde Bada, Thierry Sicherese, Alistair Mathie, Kobby Acquah-Hayford, Gavin Neron, Corrin Magowan, Duncan Irvine, Gary Webb, Jono Swanepoel, Richard Baker, Moussa Elias Moussa, Johnson Davidson, Tim Pinder, Simon Willar, Rick De Kock, Robert Schroeder, Ernie Vosloo, Debby Schulman, Bobby Duffus, Abigail Clark, Jane Simpson, Simphiwe Ndungane, Osibo Imhoitsike, Peter Ajegbomogun, Tiny Adereti, Editi Effiong, Emma Umoren, Ishola Jegede, Peace Isang, Bayo Ajogbasile, Chris Ogunlowo, Kaliko Olowole, Nnenna Onyewuchi, Sola Kosoko, Kayode Olusope, Imaabasi Esu, Dewunmi Desalu, Strephyn Mappin, Marie Awolaja, Lesley King and other members of the creative, media, events, plus technical production fraternity. There are also many superstars in the music, comedy, sports, broadcast and other segments of the creative industry who are, or were, beneficiaries of Glos highly coveted ambassadorship status. Within this catchment, you would find lurking, very many an alumnus/alumna.

What this Alumni Group would be celebrating on 29 April is nothing but their common linkages, perhaps umbilical cord, to Dr Mike Adenuga. That enigmatic institution fondly referenced as C1 by his men and women: passionate and dispassionate followers.

The foundation of the union is the Mike Adenuga Group (MAG), which is the umbrella body under which the Great Guru manages his empire. In this behemoth organisation are prosperous entities engaged in telecommunications, oil and gas, banking and finance, commodity trading, construction and hospitality, real estate, aviation and other vibrant segments of the global economy. These alumni members are a special breed of people! The recruitment process itself is deliberate and rigorous! The Bull is a gifted fisher of men. In the quest for perfection, he gets to interview every single individual who has ever worked for him. Hes also a mentor of men and churns out leaders in a unique manner. There is a clear convergence between the C1s worldview and the very wise words of US author, lawyer, and consumer activist Ralph Nader (1934- ): I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.

The body of knowledge available to business leaders, students and even practitioners of strategy across the several segments of society will be incomplete without a full documentation of the journey and exploits of Dr MA jr Weve got to establish and document the unexampled methodology that gave rise to such phenomenal discoveries as Per Second Billing (PSB), Big Dash, Super Promo, Flexi, Mega Music Tour, Lafftafest, Golden Super and Quatro among others.

Until those biographies and/or memoirs get onto the bookshelves, all those dramatis personae who were advantaged with ringside seats at various epochs in the journey; are duty bound to document our experiences for posterity. The foregoing makes it incumbent on this alumnus to tell some of the untold stories; in the quest to enrich public discourse and knowledge while also giving a peep into the inner workings of an organization about which so little is known. Yet, there is so much that has been achieved and much more still being accomplished by the Great Guru and his MA Group. Todays celebration of C1s 72nd birth anniversary therefore presents a great opportunity to put pen to paper, on some of the most seminal engagements with this man of destiny.

How To Properly Leverage Your Event Assets: Case Study of Ojude Oba

Globacom was the headline sponsor of Ojude Oba festival, which was the biggest traditional event asset across the land. Unfortunately, the Marketing Communications (Marcoms) Department was unable to flag off the advertising campaign on time due to a couple of reasons. When it was exactly one week to the event, key members of the Marcoms Team were summoned to appear before the Great Bull, at his Golden Dome in the Bellissima on the Waterfront, Banana Island. Some of the more experienced members of the team already had the premonition.

When we were ushered into the presence of our employer, pleasantries over; the C1 took his time to give us serious flogging. Heartbeats thumping; not one person was spared.

He thereafter went into his consummate leaders mode; explaining his pains to us.

I still hear faintly, his pained voice in my head, till this date. He went thus:

Seated around this table are clearly some of the best professionals in event marketing and advertising. We have just a few days to the Ojude Oba grand finale. You guys have refused to bring the leveraging memo for approval. There is not one man in this meeting who calls my phone and I dont dignify with a response. When it comes to where Adenuga will make his own money some of you will suddenly forget how to reach me. I am also human with blood flowing in my veins; how do you think I feel? At the end of all these inefficiencies, everyone will get a credit alert for their salaries at the end of the month; only one man would have lost money and that man is Adenuga! Gentlemen, please put yourselves in my shoes. What we run here is a business and not a charity. We came this far by meticulous planning and impeccable execution! Please this question is not rhetoric; I need to hear from each person.

The mood of the meeting suddenly became mournful and tensed. The Chairman had expressed himself the way we had never heard him before. One by one we all gingerly switched on the microphones on the table in front of each person, expressing our regrets and tendering our apologies profusely. The Chairman thereafter switched to his professorial mode whereupon he delivered a master-class in how to leverage a grand event like the Ojude Oba or Ofala Festival. We deliberated on the appropriateness of each of the major components of the pre-event, event-proper as well as the post-event. In the midst of the palpable tension, the Filipino housekeepers still brought refreshments and our Benevolent Commander unsurprisingly did note which one of us ate Bounty chocolate and whos previously known preference was Snicker or Mars Chocolate, as well as those who were in the habit of gulping his Perrier Water! Needless to say that full-blown hostility resumed after the much needed refreshments interlude! That episode was a major learning point for most of the alumni present and for those others who were indirect participants. It is also instructive to note that the Ojude Oba Festival for that year turned out to be one of our best ever; as the C1 and all his troops pulled all stops to deliver a command performance!

A Promo is a Covenant With Our Subscribers: Prizes Are Sacrosanct

As was his tradition, the GG spent that particular Sunday afternoon reviewing the most important of the Groups project with a cross-section of his key people. At such meetings, the GG knew what chocolate brand every member of his team loved and made provision for them. It was not unusual for the great man to correct the Filipino maids if they mistakenly gave Mr A Bounty Chocolates when it should have gone to Mr B, while redirecting Mars or Snickers Chocolate back to Mr A! He even knew and made very telling jokes about some of his people who were in the habit of guzzling his expensive Perrier water and other exotic drinks. Such a tough hegemon, who at the same time was exceptionally compassionate!

But on this very day, the team was reviewing a major consumer promo which was already gaining traction in the market. The C1 successfully masked his irritation while summarily dismissing the suggestion from one of the participants, who was effusive with his suggestion that the organisation could make more margins by not releasing all of the gifts already won in the ongoing promo! The Chairmans response, I will never forget: a clear signpost of his patriotism and respect for the legacy that his ancestors had bequeathed to his lineage.

People like you are the reason why the public will sometimes abuse Adenugas father and mother. Of course; nobody knows you or your name. Yet, when the chips are down some of you guys will simply carry your portmanteau and disappear into your country! Everyone who has spent their money with us must get every single prize that they have won! Promo prizes are sacrosanct; our word must remain our bond. Its a Catholic marriage, O yes!

The Biggest of Our Decisions Must Get the Best of our Inputs

It was at one of those epochal moments when the organisation was trying to entrench world-class corporate governance. An abrupt phone call from the GGs secretariat one rainy evening brought me face-to-face with the erudite pathfinder, all alone in his study; a few one-pager memos awaiting attention on the workspace. Customarily, I was clutching a laptop computer and a jotter, with my ballpoint pen at the ready.

Right from the door, the GG bellowed a throaty laughter and went on

You guys are always carrying laptops and jotters everywhere. Todays not a day for writing my dear brother. He spent the first few minutes talking about Ibadan land in his own younger days and threw the subject back to me. In a few minutes, I was put in relaxed mode. When I was no longer expecting any ambush, the master strategist fired the unexpected salvo.

You have worked at close quarters with our Acting COO, from the sum total of your experiences do you think he can manage that role in substantive capacity? Be honest!

In realisation that the Great Guru was staring keenly at me, I did stutter and tried quickly to process my thought. When you are in the presence of one of the greatest entrepreneurs in the world, you had to be composed. Here is also a man who knows so much about his organisation. I realised that brevity was crucial, but acuity was definitely of more essence.

As I tried to present a balanced position on the subject, we coursed through such subjects as the difference between confidence and arrogance, the similarities between strictness and meanness. I was pinned down on a couple of occasions by the master tactician and had to explain my way out of some seeming contradictions  algorithms of asymmetric business warfare etc. The most profound memory from that evenings wow encounter was one moment of Freudian slip when I characterised the MAG leviathan as an unorthodox business empire, and the GGs consequent insistence that I dissect the full ramifications of those peculiarities; after which he fired a barrage of forensic questions.

I was struck by the sheer dedication of the great man to his own organisation. Of course; he was not under any obligation to consult anyone about such crucial decisions, which were entirely within the circumference of his exclusive discretion. He owns the company stock and barrel. Yet this man was bothered about the need to get it right. This is a man who is acutely aware of the fundamentals and the minutest peculiarities of that behemoth organisation, which he with his hands had wrought.

My take away from that evening was his laser focus on management decision dynamics and the need for fairness to his organisation as well as the candidates. In other words; it exampled the best of rigorous and/or vigorous consultation across the broad-spectrum of the organisation.

Famous Chinese writer Sima Guang (1019-1086) may have had our C1 in mind when he uttered those immortal words: Even though a ruler may be wise as a sage, he must humble himself and yield to others. Then the intelligent will offer him their counsel and the brave will exert themselves to the fullest for him.

The People running the Other Telcos are Not Smarter Than You Guys

Early morning sometime in the year 2014, as this author snaked through traffic heading from Lekki inward Victoria Island. It will definitely not be lost on those who are familiar with life in the countryside, the convergence between that cool, soothing hour of the morning and the playful darting of shaggy squirrels, between their burrows and the palm-kernel decked tops of palm-trees. Right at the traffic light in front of Lekki Peninsula Phase 1 Estates main gate, the C1s call came in. My mind quickly ran through the unwritten but well-established pre-engagement protocols for receiving telephone calls from Africas number one moneyman; just as the C1s direct phone number flashed intermittently on my phone; beeping.

Voice booming from the other end; the GG was in the best of moods this morning, as he bantered and moved from core business issues to a few non-business current affairs. Suddenly, the service connection was lost. The bigman called back immediately and explained that he was aware that one problematic microwave transmission equipment was in need of replacement, right within the Glo cell-site around the Lekki phase 1 vicinity. This MAGA alumnus was subsequently mandated to ensure that the massive tonnage transmitter-dish was replaced before close of business on that same day. Sensing my fears as a non-technical professional, Dr Mike went ahead to exhort me: Bros, get off your rockers and do the needful. Okay?

The subsequent events of that day did show me the vastness of the resources of the Mike Adenuga Group, ranging from the financial, technological, and logistical to administrative capabilities. By 4.15 p.m. of that day a major task which would normally take about 24 hours was accomplished within nine dizzyingly agonising hours. That episode did provide a peephole into Adenugas broad management ways and also signposted his unique, perhaps informal approach to cross-functional professional exposure and human capital empowerment. When the Chairman called back in the evening to find out what his bunch of jokers had been up to, the first line of my report was a vintage quote from French writer and philosopher Voltaire (1694-1778) It is said that God is always on the side of the heaviest battalions. The Chairmans affinity with the military and his deep knowledge of world military history is definitely a story for another day.

Humour as a Medium for Management Cohesion

Whether it was a tough meeting or a good meeting, the C1s jokes were ever powerful and sometimes very expensive, depending on whos at the receiving end of the bazooka. There was a case of one Frenchman leading an agencys presentation at the Bellissima. The script was not landing well until the C1 made enquiries from the Frenchman and the entire hall roared in laughter. Apparently it was a pronunciation problem; where what ought to have been in the English tongue was swapped for French and the result was: Pilot as peelhot and Silence as seelens. Not unusually, the Great Bull reaped enormous comedic capital out of what eventually became a famous joke, for many subsequent months.

He also had this line at the beginning of some of the presentations, which was a good omen for those who were more experienced in the measured nuances of the MA Group. The military origin of that opener is unmistakable: Its your parade, you shout the orders!

Dr Mike was also able to offer greetings and crack jokes in many local and foreign languages, which was emblematic of his global travels and magnetic memory. There was an indelible performance of his, which was directed at one of his favourite aides, Mr Olabode Opeseitan.

At the end of one particularly boisterous meeting, as the troops filed out, Babas voice rang out in some sort of singsong in Ijesha dialect: Ilesa lOlorun migbe, ojiji re lanmiri nibadan, ekan tile dEko rara. Loosely translated, the expression meant: God lives in Ilesa, His shadow reflects all the way up to Ibadan, but does not get to Lagos at all!

There were so many other quotable humorous deliveries from the GG, especially on any of his relaxation outings with the team at any of the cosy locations either in Lagos, Accra or Johannesburg or elsewhere. Commendably, great team affinity as well as group loyalty was forged from many of these unforgettable rendezvous.

The Day Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Did Not Die!

It was Tuesday, the nineteenth day of November in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty four. There was pandemonium across the land; frenetic and frantic phone calls. Hushed tones in high places; the conversation was all about one of the greatest sons of Africa and world-acclaimed entrepreneurs. God forbid, some said! Few others celebrated within their closets. But Glory be to God! Alhamdulillah, the Muslims chorused. Alleluia flowed from the followers of Christ! By the time the smoke cleared and the noise abated, Mr Paddys Daddy was hale and hearty; discovered working quietly behind his sprawling leather-top desk, humming King Sunny Ades epic work  Morning Joy. Wow, all correct; no cause for alarm!

There were, however, many lessons from that particularly concerning episode. Of immense profundity is the Yoruba proverb about such circumstances. Kadiju kase bi eniku, kawo eni ti yoo sunkun eni, karin irin kafese ko gbau, kawo eni ti yoo seni pele Shasha eniyan nii feni lehin baoba si nile, taja teran nii feni loju eni. The symbolic impact and intellectual flavour of this seminal aphorism may be lost within the translation attempt, but I will still try: we should sometimes pretend to be dead and see who will mourn, and lets pretend to stumble and see who will sympathise. Only a few people truly love us when we are not at home, while everyone (including dogs and goats) pretend to care when we are available and well. That season showed some of the Chairmans friends, who are actually enemies as well as Chairmans enemies, who may actually be friends. Yet theres a category that oscillates between friendship and enemy zones. Thankfully, the Chairman is gifted with intellectual and perceptive capacity of magnificent proportions; and is therefore able to sift the grains from the chaff and the stones. Italian historian, statesman, and political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) offers a glimpse into what propels the success of some of the most successful people on the planet: A prince who desires to maintain his position must learn to be not always good, but to be so or not as needs may require. This strategic point of view often shows in the Chairmans battle deployment stratagem-cum-formations and we have seen a few in his war plans, yet at other times the Chairmans manoeuvre preference tilted towards stealth and the primacy of surprise as a great advantage in warfare.

As an Admin on one of the WhatsApp groups dedicated to one of the numerous components of the Mike Adenuga Group Alumni, one has also seen some of the walking wounded in our MAGA. Just like the human that he is, our benefactor is neither perfect nor immortal. Nobody is; including those alumni who harbour either fleeting or deep-seated animosity, legitimate and/or unfounded against our benefactor and mentor: Mr Paddys Daddy. From an insiders perspective, I have seen some of the grudges against C1 emanating from some perceived inequities about which he was partially or totally unaware; like a longtime employee who was fired on the day he was celebrating his 50th birthday. I doubt if theres any member of the MAGA who does not know that an employer can fire for three reasons: (A) any cause; (B) any just cause (C) or any cause at all! Yet, others got a plethora of favours and privileges, which the uninitiated may classify as both deserved and/or undeserved. By and large however, in most of the situations the GG knew details and had his reason(s).

As in every organisation civil or military, some collateral damage may sometimes occur in the Close Quarters Combat (CQC) that happens between and within the chairmans troops. In royal manifestations, they are occasional battles in the kings courtyard where typically influential courtiers or the aspiring upstarts jostle for tactical advantages and sundry substantive favours. Let it not be lost on anyone however, that The Chairman is in charge fully, always.

Well, Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) has the right words; a fitting closure: The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.

and God bless The Grandmaster!

At 72, the good Dr Mike is no spring chicken. The Bull is an accomplished navigator and pathfinder entrepreneur; in the league of such legends as John D Rockefeller, Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie. A celebrated grandfather who insists on not being a celebrity, but needs to slow down slightly and eventually take his feet off the pedals. In recent times, he says it himself I am only one man! Thankfully, even while I was part of that relentless MAG Empire, there were serious plans being executed to reform the institution into the standard operating modes of those timeless Multinational Corporations (MNCs) in its super-class. As we raise our charged glasses, ready to clink in preparation for a toast to the Grand Ole Man on his special day, it will be remiss of this piece to not unfurl the sagacious viewpoint of French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) Men are powerless to secure the future; institutions alone fix the destiny of nations.

As the Chairman was wont to say at the end of crucial strategy sessions, especially when they ran much later into the night: Alright, gentlemen. Everyman for himself, God for us all!

On behalf of all MAGA home and abroad, we wish our own dear chairman long life in good health and happiness. Its definitely in our enlightened National Interest; may the Mike Adenuga Group abide and thrive, forever.

Congratulations and Happy Birthday Grandpa C1.

Sulyman Kolawole Bello, a protege of Mike Adenuga and is the President of the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA). He is also the Fiwagboye of Ogombo Land, Lekki Peninsula.

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whats holding Nigeria back? Centuries of cultural bias. Political violence. Systemic exclusion. But these barriers can be broken  and the Reserved Seats for Women Bill is the hammer The bill guarantees a minimum number of seats for women in both federal and state legislatures. Its not about handouts  its about balance. Nigerian women arent asking for favours. Theyre demanding equal footing in a democracy they help sustain every single day.

Nigeria is a global force  home of Afrobeats, Nollywood, a surging tech scene, and the very future of Black excellence. We are bold, creative, unstoppable. But one part of our story remains painfully unfinished: the political exclusion of Nigerian women.

Right now, Nigeria ranks near the bottom of the world for women in parliament. Just 18 out of 469 federal lawmakers are women. Thats 3.8 per cent  in a country where women make up nearly half the population. Let that sink in.

This isnt just a gender issue. Its a development emergency.

Nigerian women are not on the sidelines of society. They are its engine. They nurture families, heal communities, grow food, build businesses, lead classrooms, and drive our culture and economy forward. Women lead 43 per cent of our small and medium enterprises  the backbone of job creation and innovation. They are our caregivers, peace builders, problem solvers, and often the first responders in times of crisis.

Yet in politics, they are locked out of the rooms where decisions about their lives, families, and futures are made.

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

Around the world, nations that prioritise inclusive governance are thriving. Rwanda rebuilt from genocide by putting women at the centre of power  today, women hold 61 per cent of seats in its lower house. Thats not symbolic. Its strategic. Rwanda now leads in economic growth, education, and trust in government.

Scandinavian countries  Norway, Sweden, Finland  show us that when women lead, sustainability, equity, and innovation follow. They dont just have seats at the table. Theyre shaping the future.

Heres what the data tells us: When women lead, communities thrive. Female lawmakers are more likely to champion education, health care, maternal well-being, environmental stewardship, and anti-corruption laws. Countries with more women in leadership are more stable, more prosperous, and more just.

So, whats holding Nigeria back? Centuries of cultural bias. Political violence. Systemic exclusion. But these barriers can be broken  and the Reserved Seats for Women Bill is the hammer.

The bill guarantees a minimum number of seats for women in both federal and state legislatures. Its not about handouts  its about balance. Nigerian women arent asking for favours. Theyre demanding equal footing in a democracy they help sustain every single day.



Heres what the data tells us: When women lead, communities thrive. Female lawmakers are more likely to champion education, health care, maternal well-being, environmental stewardship, and anti-corruption laws. Countries with more women in leadership are more stable, more prosperous, and more just.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is still flying with one wing.

According to the World Economic Forums 2023 Gender Gap Report, Nigeria ranks 125th out of 146 countries in gender parity  behind Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and even countries like Iraq. Thats not just embarrassing. Its unacceptable.

We can  and must  do better.

Passing this bill will change everything. It will send a powerful message to every Nigerian girl: You belong in the room where decisions are made. It will bring more voices, more lived experiences, and more wisdom to the table. It will unlock Nigerias full potential  not just for growth, but for justice, innovation, and sustainability.

Lets throw the doors open. Lets build a democracy that looks like Nigeria. Lets lead the continent not just in culture and innovation  but in justice, equity, and power The time is now.

Weve seen what Nigerians can do when we rise as one  through Ebola, COVID, and democratic transitions. Weve seen the strength of our women in markets, in hospitals, in homes, and in movements. Now is another defining moment.

To the National Assembly: Pass the bill.

To the President, Governors, and party leaders: Back it.

To every Nigerian: Demand it.

We cant afford to sideline half our talent. Nigerian women are already leading  in boardrooms, in classrooms, in our communities. Its time politics caught up.

Lets throw the doors open. Lets build a democracy that looks like Nigeria. Lets lead the continent not just in culture and innovation  but in justice, equity, and power.

The time is now.

Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Ini Dima-Okojie, Banky Wellington, Seun Okinbaloye, Alhanislam, Hamzat Lawal, Tolu Oniru-Demuren (Toolz), Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor)

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The Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi has announced his administrations ambitious plan to contribute 50 percent of Nigerias total rice requirement by the year 2030.

He made the disclosure while receiving a delegation from the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), led by the chairman of the Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Committee, Desmond Akawor during a courtesy visit Wednesday at Government House, Dutse.

We cultivate rice twice a year. In 2024 alone, we cultivated over 200,000 hectares of rice. This year, we are scaling up to over 250,000 hectares. By 2030, our target is 500,000 hectaresand at the pace we are going, well achieve that with ease, Governor Namadi said.

Our ultimate goal is to contribute 3.6 million metric tons of rice annually to Nigerias rice productionrepresenting close to 50% of the nations requirement. We have the land, the people, and the political will to make this happen.

Mr Namadi said agriculture remains the mainstay of Jigawas economy, with approximately 85% of its population engaged in the sector, adding that his government has recorded historic breakthroughs in dry season farming in previously barren areas of the state.

We are also making concerted efforts to expand our irrigation infrastructure. Once completed, more land will be brought into year-round production. For the first time in the history of Jigawa State, we have successfully introduced dry-season farming in desert-prone areas where agriculture was once thought impossible. Today, the youth in those communities have become fully engaged in productive farming and are no longer migrating out of the state for jobs.

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

Speaking on Jigawas dominance in other crop sectors, Governor Namadi remarked:

Mr Chairman, we are in a very advantageous position. All we need is access to resourcesand we will transform our state beyond expectations. Today, Jigawa is number one in sesame seed and hibiscus flower production in Nigeria. We currently contribute 75% of Nigerias non-oil agricultural exports, thanks to our dominance in these two key commodities. When it comes to wheat, we are also leading. In 2024, we cultivated 55,000 hectares, and in 2025, were doing 105,000 hectares.

He further stated, With additional support, our farmers can achieve even greater feats. For example, Jigawa State alone has the capacity to provide 50% of Nigerias rice and 50% of its wheat requirements. That is why we are working hard to bring more land under cultivation and expand our irrigation networks.

On the states resource endowment, the governor highlighted the untapped mineral potential of Jigawa, including oil, but expressed the governments cautious approach in maintaining peace and security.

When it comes to mineral resources, Jigawa State is equally endowedeven with crude oil deposits. However, we are taking a cautious and responsible approach to resource exploitation. As the most peaceful state in Nigeria, we are determined not to compromise our security while chasing revenue. We are being strategic about how and when we begin extractionensuring that our partners are credible and that our peoples lives and properties remain protected.

Earlier speaking, the leader of the RMAFC delegation, Mr Akawor told the governor that visit is part of the Committees mandate to evaluate state-level projects eligible for support through a special 1.68% national revenue allocation intended to diversify Nigerias economy, focusing on agriculture, tourism, and solid minerals.

He further said the committee was impressed by the initial briefings and site visits, especially the natural resource endowments in the state, and will continue inspections in the agricultural sector while assuring the governor of a fair and objective assessment, and he emphasized the importance of harnessing natural resources for economic growth.

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After months of media speculation, Delta State Governor Sheriff Obovrevwori on Wednesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), abruptly severing a control the main opposition party held on the oil-rich South-south state for 26 years.

The pioneer state chairman of the party, James Manager, announced the defection after a meeting of the governor with PDP leaders and stakeholders at the Government House, Asaba.

Some consultations have been going on and the climax of these consultations is what you are seeing today. We have discussed and have disagreed to agree, and it is a unanimous agreement, Mr Manager told journalists.

If you look very well, the current PDP state chairman was in the meeting, the governor was there, the deputy governor, the speaker, the immediate-past governor, all of these persons were in the meeting. The National Assembly members, and even the House of Assembly members. The who-is-who in Delta state was in the meeting to make this decision.

Mr Manager attributed the seismic political development to the protracted national leadership crisis in the PDP and its possible implication for the party in the next general elections.

Few days ago, there was a resolution taken by the PDP Governors Forum at Ibadan. Almost all the governors were there and they resolved that they are not going into coalition with any other party.

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

But as disadvantaged as the PDP is now, with about 11 governors, how do you go into a contest with an Incumbent president? You think you can win? That particular resolution killed the spirit of so many PDP members.

We lost elections in 2015 as a result of a merger, which even included splinter groups from the PDP. There are also other reasons.

Today, Senator Anyanwu is the national secretary of the party, tomorrow its another person. The party must be in a position to go into an election to win. So, you see, that it is becoming very funny. The PDP is truly in trouble.

I am the pioneer state chairman of the PDP but you cannot be in a boat that is already capsizing because I am a riverine man.

Looking at issues the way they are, we have come to the inevitable conclusion to do something else. It is a collective decision for so many reasons.

Unstated reasons

The stated fears about the implications of the leadership crisis of the PDP do not seem far-fetched. However, even more, worrisome for Mr Obovrevwori and his associates were local political developments eroding his reelection prospect.

One of these developments is the continued disaffection of the first Fourth Republic governor of the state, James Ibori, with the incumbent governor.

Mr Ibori has kept a distance from Mr Obovrevwori since the then-Speaker of the state legislature defeated his candidate in the bitterly fought 2022 PDP governorship primary.

Mr Obovrevwori proceeded to win the general election without the backing of the biggest name in Delta PDP, Mr Ibori.

However, the former governors closeness to President Bola Tinubu makes him a more dangerous adversary.

With the president also having other powerful political enforcers in the state like Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, in his camp, and the governor losing a counterweight through the death of Ijaw leader Edwin Clark, Mr Obovrevwori decided that being on Mr Tinubus side is crucial for his survival.

This is against the backdrop of the turmoil in the state PDP that led to the defection of leaders like its only senator, Ned Nwoko, who has become more influential in the Anioma zone since former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from the same zone left office at the end of his second term in 2023. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday night, Mr Nwoko said he and other APC leaders were ready to welcome the new decampees to the ruling party and work harmoniously with them.

Mr Okowas ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been mentioned as another factor that predisposed Delta PDP leaders to a deal with the governing party.

It is not clear if the anti-graft agency would close its file of the former governors alleged sleaze, even though a former national chairman of the party once said all sins are forgiven with membership of the APC.

However, the most important factor behind Mr Obovrevworis movement was the realisation that the PDP had become jaded in Delta State after a lengthy rule.

The party that governed the Nigerian economic strategic states since 1999 lost the 2023 presidential election in the state despite the sitting governor, Mr Okowa, being on the PDP ticket as Atiku Abubakars running mate. The Labour Party won the state handily with 55 per cent of the vote to the PDPs meagre 26 per cent.

The PDP also lost two senatorial seats to the APC, although it won eight of the 10 House of Representatives seats and the governorship election with 55 per cent of the vote.

This was a precipitous fall for a party that used to mark Delta as a safe bet.

Surrounded by adversaries like Messrs Ibori, Nwoko, and Tompolo, and with his party losing grassroots support, Mr Obovrevwori decided to flee the PDP to the APC.

His new party may not be more popular in the state. However, it at least offers him the sympathy of the federal government and a respite from attacks from the presidents local friends and sympathisers.

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A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from PR Newswire the last two weeks, including Homemove, AQUAPHOR, and Aston Martin.

LONDON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the last two weeks that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

Fortnightly Round-up: 12 Stories You Need to See

1: Homemove Raises $5 Million to Reimagine the Home Moving Experience

Homemove, the innovative proptech brand which allows users to manage their complete home move process from a single, easy to use platform, has today announced the successful completion of a $5 million funding round led by Fuel Ventures with co-investors including the Blandford Family Office, and Oxford Innovation.

2: AQUAPHOR Launches CITY COOL: The Stylish New Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Built-in Filtration for 24 Hours of Cool

AQUAPHOR, a global leader in water filtration, unveils its latest innovation: the CITY COOL Water Filter Bottle. Engineered to combine advanced filtration technology with sustainable materials and double-walled stainless steel, CITY COOL keeps water cool for 24 hoursoffering purer hydration, anytime, anywhere.

3: 'JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXPERIENCE' TO OPEN AT LONDON BATTERSEA ON 23RD MAY 2025

Jurassic World: The Experience will be roaring into the heart of London in May 2025, throwing open the iconic Jurassic World gates to a must-see family-friendly adventure that brings one of the biggest blockbuster franchises in cinema history to life for dinosaur fanatics, big and small.

4: SignVideo by Sorenson Named Platinum Sponsor of Deaflympics Great Britain at Deaflympics

SignVideo by Sorenson, the world's leading language solutions provider, is proud to support Deaf athletes as a Platinum sponsor of Deaflympics Great Britain (DeaflympicsGB), at the 2025 Deaflympics to be held in Tokyo, Japan, on November 15-26, 2025.

5: Strategic Value Partners and Blantyre Capital Acquire OQ Chemicals

Strategic Value Partners, LLC and its affiliates (together, "SVP"), a global alternative investment firm with approximately $22 billion of assets under management, and Blantyre Capital Limited ("Blantyre"), a London-based investment manager with more than 2.7 billion of long-term capital commitments, today announced that SVP-managed funds and Blantyre-managed funds have acquired OQ Chemicals ("the Company" or "OXEA"), a leading global producer and merchant of oxo chemicals.

6: ASTON MARTIN ARAMCO CELEBRATES SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX

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.

7: Winnrz Unveils Unique 'Shop and Win' Online Store in the UK

Winnrz is set to reimagine the UK online shopping experience, which combines the joy of shopping with the thrill of winning, all in one unique and engaging platform.

8: Bromcom unveils Scomis as first Centre of Excellence to transform school MIS support

Bromcom Computers Plc, a leading provider of AI-powered management information systems (MIS) and finance systems for schools, local authorities, and multi-academy trusts (MATs), is delighted to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Centre of Excellence (CoE) programme. Scomis, a trusted education technology provider with over four decades of experience, has been appointed as the UK's very first Bromcom Centre of Excellence.

9: teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi opens its doors to the public in Saadiyat Cultural District

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi officially opened its transformative multi-sensory art experience within Saadiyat Cultural District, an enriching addition to Abu Dhabi's dynamic cultural and artistic landscape.

10: Leading Charity and Tech-for-Good Pioneer Join Forces to Tackle Youth Knife Crime

Fighting Knife Crime London has joined forces with Cornerstone VR to support tackling knife-related violence among young people through virtual reality technology.

11: Harvest Group Establishes Operations in Kenya to Drive Growth in African Markets

As global economic dynamics shift, Harvest Group SA has announced the official launch of its operations in Kenya, leveraging the country's strategic position as a regional trade hub and gateway to Africa's rapidly expanding markets.

12: Hopper Emerges from Stealth to Redefine Open-Source Security

Hopper officially launched out of stealth to reinvent how organizations manage open-source software (OSS) risk.

Read more of the latest releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNalert on Twitter.

Can't-Miss Earnings

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Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

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Shanghai/Paris, April 24, 2025  Gasgoo, the global leading automotive industry information service platform, is proud to announce a global partnership with A2MAC1, the global leader in automotive benchmarking and cost engineering. The agreement was officially signed by the CEOs of both companies, Xiaoying (Tina) Zhou (CEO of Gasgoo) and Patrick Katenkamp (CEO of A2MAC1), marking a significant milestone in their collaboration. Under the MoU, Gasgoo and A2MAC1 will join forces in several areas which can leverage both parties expertise in the industry to co-create values to customers.

Photo credit: Gasgoo

This collaboration represents a significant step forward in both companies' growth strategies: Gasgoo is enhancing its global presence and expanding its services worldwide, while A2MAC1 is deepening its footprint in Asia and accelerating the development of data-driven services tailored to the Chinese market.With increasing diversity in customer needsranging from cost and CO calculations to in-depth knowledge of supply chainthis partnership will enable both parties to better respond to market expectations and create joint value.

Photo credit: Gasgoo

The new business offering is planned to launch in July 2025, with the partnership agreement to be signed on April 24, 2025.

About Gasgoo



Gasgoo, is a leading global automotive industry information service platform that provides various professional information services for the upstream and downstream of the automotive industry, specializing in global supply chain connections, market intelligence, business matchmaking, and automotive news to support industry innovation and international collaboration.

About A2MAC1

A2MAC1 helps its clients engineer better vehicles, faster and with more confidence. A2MAC1's mission is to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth through a unique blend of technical insights, competitive analysis, trend forecasting and integrated solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of the automotive industry.

With a global presence and a reputation for excellence, A2MAC1 is the trusted partner for companies looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
GOSSELIES, Belgium and NANTES, France, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AbolerIS Pharma ("AbolerIS"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, today announced the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which is comprised of industry experts in autoimmune and inflammatory disease drug development. The SAB will work closely with the AbolerIS team to advance its lead program, ABO21009, a humanized anti-CD45RC monoclonal antibody, through Phase 1 for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Pending clinical proof-of-concept in RA, the Company intends to broaden its development into other autoimmune diseases. Durable, long-term remission remains elusive in many autoimmune diseases such as RA. The SAB will also assist the AbolerIS management with the planned development of additional indications for ABO21009 and the expansion and subsequent development of the Company's portfolio.

The members of our Scientific Advisory Board combine deep preclinical, translational and clinical expertise in a broad range of autoimmune diseases.

Ronald Van Brempt, MD, Chief Medical Officer of AbolerIS, commented: "We are privileged to work with Dirk, Mary, Georg, Rene, Michel, Edouard, and Ignacio, to bring a novel therapy like ABO21009 to patients suffering from the debilitating effects of autoimmune disease. These recognized leaders bring a great understanding of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as deep expertise in advancing scientific breakthroughs towards the clinic. We look forward to their contributions as we advance ABO21009 in the clinic for RA and additional indications like Sjogren`s Disease, Graft-versus-Host Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy as we continue to grow our company."

Members of the AbolerIS Scientific Advisory Board are listed below. Complete biographies are available on the AbolerIS website.

Dirk Elewaut, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board:

Full Professor of Rheumatology and Immunology and Chair of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

VIB Group leader, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium

"I have dedicated my career to advancing research in immunology and inflammatory disease, and the potential of ABO21009 is very promising. I am honored to lead the world-class leaders on the SAB with the goal to advance AbolerIS' research toward patients in need," commented Dr. Elewaut.

Mary Crow, MD, PhD

Physician-in-Chief Emeritus at Hospital for Special Surgery, Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, and Professor of Immunology in its Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, USA

Senior Scientist, Co-Director of the Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research, and Director of the Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program at Hospital for Special Surgery's Research Institute (holder of the Benjamin M. Rosen Chair in Immunology and Inflammation Research), New York, USA

Georg Schett, MD, PhD

Vice President Research, Chair of Internal Medicine III - Rheumatology and Immunology, Uniklinikum Erlangen - Friedrich Alexander University, Erlangen-Nurnberg, Germany

Rene Toes, PhD

Full Professor of Experimental Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands

Head of the Laboratory of Dept. of Rheumatology, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands

Michel Goldman, MD, PhD

Founder and the President of the Ih Institute and Professor of Immunology and Pharmacotherapy at the Universite libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

Executive Director Emeritus of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) from 2009 to 2014

Head Emeritus of the Department of Immunology at Erasme Hospital and Director Emeritus of the Institute for Medical Immunology (ULB)

Edouard Louis, MD, PhD

Professor of Gastroenterology and Head of the Gastroenterology department at Liege University hospital. Liege, Belgium

Dean of the faculty of Medicine at Liege University, Liege, Belgium

Ignacio Anegon, MD, PhD

Director of Research (DRE) at INSERM-CRTI

Director Transgenesis Rat ImmunoPhenomic facility, Co-Founder of AbolerIS Pharma

About ABO21009

ABO21009 is the Company's lead monoclonal antibody program stemming from its novel immunomodulatory approach to treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. ABO21009 is effective through a multi-pronged mechanism of action, selectively depleting CD45RC-positive cells that are actively sustaining the autoimmune response in Rheumatoid Arthritis. These CD45RC-positive cells are present in the T-, B-, and NK-cell compartments of the adaptive immune system. By selectively depleting these cells, the cells driving the autoimmune disease are taken out of the immune cell population.

ABO21009 also spares regulatory T-cells, which can unleash their full potential and suppress ongoing and future autoimmune activity in the adaptive immune system. Treatment with ABO21009 may enable a long-lasting and durable remission in RA, which will improve the patient experience and lessen the burden of side effects from currently available therapeutic options.

About AbolerIS Pharma

AbolerIS Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of patients suffering from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The Company is advancing potentially best-in-class and first-in-class immunomodulatory antibodies that target CD45RC, a key regulator of the immune system. AbolerIS' lead program, ABO21009, is designed to demonstrate broad efficacy in multiple autoimmune and inflammatory disorders with large unmet medical needs including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and organ transplantation.

At AbolerIS, we envision a future where patients can enjoy long-term remission and improved quality of life through therapies that are effective and safe. The Company is based in Gosselies, Belgium and Nantes, France, and is backed by a syndicate of experienced investors, which includes Criteria Bio Ventures, Sound Bioventures, Newton Biocapital, WE, Sambrinvest, SFPIM and Sham Innovation Sante.

For more information, please visit www.aboleris-pharma.com to learn more about our transformative approach to immunotherapies and follow us on LinkedIn.

Media & Investor Contact

Amy Conrad

Juniper Point

[email protected]

SOURCE AbolerIS Pharma
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Trump Administration's and GOP's targeting of ActBlue is part of their brazen attack on democracy in America. Today's escalation by the White House is blatantly unlawful and needs to be seen for what it is: Donald Trump's latest front in his campaign to stamp out all political, electoral and ideological opposition. This Administration continues to weaponize the instruments of federal power in an unprecedented assault on our democracy. ActBlue will immediately pursue all legal avenues to protect and defend itself. It is time for the entire Democratic party and all Americans who embrace the value of civic participation to unite and create a blue wall against the despotism of this White House and their accomplices in Congress. ActBlue will continue its mission and work undeterred and uninterrupted, providing a safe, secure fundraising platform for the millions of grassroots donors who rely on us.

SOURCE ActBlue
BANGALORE, India, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Market is Segmented by Type (Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging (FO WLP), Fan-In Wafer-Level Packaging (FI WLP), Flip Chip (FC), 2.5D/3D), by Application (Telecommunications, Automotive, Aerospace and Defense, Medical Devices, Consumer Electronics).

The Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Market was valued at USD 18090 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 29800 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Market:

The advanced semiconductor packaging market is poised for robust, double digit growth through 2030 as value creation shifts decisively from front end scaling to back end integration. Demand for heterogeneous chiplet architectures, high bandwidth memory stacks, ultra thin fan out modules, and automotive grade power packages is expanding. Continuous 5 G densification, cloud AI acceleration, and electric vehicle adoption keep volumes rising and average selling prices escalating, even as substrate and equipment supply tightens.

With sustainability goals favouring yield efficient known good die assembly and governments underwriting regional resiliency, the market is set to outpace the broader semiconductor industry, cementing advanced packaging as the chief engine of performance and profitability in the silicon value chain.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR PACKAGING MARKET:

Flip chip packaging energises the advanced semiconductor packaging landscape by eliminating long wire bonds and replacing them with dense arrays of solder bumps that connect the die face down to the substrate. The ultra short electrical path lowers inductance, cuts signal latency, and boosts bandwidthprecisely the performance mix demanded by AI accelerators, high end mobile SoCs, and data centre GPUs. FC's excellent thermal profile distributes heat efficiently across copper pillars, enabling higher power envelopes without throttling. Yield learning on 3 nm and 2 nm nodes has driven down bump pitch variability, making FC the default choice for heterogeneously integrated chiplets as well as monolithic dies. As fabless giants push multi die systems, FC capacity expansion directly converts into market wide revenue uplift.

Fan out WLP sidesteps the substrate entirely, redistributing I/O in epoxy mould compound and delivering ultra thin packages ideal for space constrained devices. By decoupling die size from I/O count, FO WLP unlocks high pin count connectivity for wearables, true wireless earbuds, RF front ends, and millimetre wave 5 G modules. The ability to singulate multiple known good dies on a reconstituted wafer trims test time and boosts overall yield. Simpler stack ups translate to fewer materials and lower assembly cost relative to FC substrates, extending advanced packaging economics to mid range handsets and IoT sensors. As panel level fan out lines ramp in Korea, Taiwan, and China, the technology's keen cost per area advantage is widening its addressable market and fuelling sustained revenue growth.

Automotive electrification and autonomy require rugged, high reliability packaging that survives extreme temperature cycles, vibration, and humidity over 15 plus year lifetimes. ADAS domain controllers, radar, LiDAR, battery management ICs, and power inverters now employ advanced packagingembedded die, FC CSP, and molded array packagesto meet stringent AEC Q100 Grade 0 standards. Meanwhile, zonal E/E architectures multiply the number of high speed SerDes links in a vehicle, driving demand for advanced substrates with sub 10 m line width/spacing. Automakers' push for over the air update capability places server class processors under the hood, intensifying the need for high density interposers and chiplet based designs. As electric vehicle volumes climb, long term supply agreements between tier one OSATs and OEMs lock in robust, multi year growth for advanced semiconductor packaging.

The shift from monolithic scaling to heterogeneous integration is propelling demand for advanced packaging as the primary vehicle for combining logic, memory, analog, and photonics dies in a single system in package. High density interposers, hybrid bonding, and through silicon vias allow designers to mix process nodes cost effectively, squeezing more functionality into smaller footprints while sidestepping reticle limits and yield cliff risks. The move brings architectural freedom that conventional wire bond could never match, positioning advanced packaging as a critical enabler of continued silicon centric innovation despite slowing Moore's law node progression.

Ubiquitous 5 G base stations, open RAN radios, and edge AI gateways rely on RF front end modules and high performance baseband processors that can only meet thermal and signal integrity targets through advanced fan out, FC BGA, or system in package approaches. Carrier aggregation, beam forming, and ultra low latency requirements all drive higher bandwidth density, tighter phase noise, and harsher heat loadsparameters that modern packaging resolves far better than legacy solutions. As telcos spread mmWave and sub 6 GHz coverage, orders for multi chip, antenna in package modules scale in lock step with network densification.

Large language model training, graph analytics, and computational lithography require massive chip to chip bandwidth inside servers. Silicon interposers with micro bump pitches under 40 m deliver terabytes per second of parallel throughput between logic tiles and HBM stacks, slashing energy per bit and shrinking board level congestion. Hyperscalers' appetite for AI accelerators forces OSATs to develop bigger organic substrates, advanced underfills, and multi bridge configurations, translating directly into higher ASPs and multi year capacity investments.

Power electronics for traction inverters and fast chargers call for wide bandgap GaN and SiC dies co packaged with control ICs on high thermal conductivity substrates such as AlN or SiN. Advanced packaging enables epoxy mould compound alterations to withstand 500 A per phase, while integrated heat spreaders lower junction temperatures. Sensor fusion ECUs and domain controllers likewise consolidate into high pin count packages, further expanding automotive share of the total addressable market.

Demand for sleeker smartphones, AR glasses, and health monitoring wearables compresses z height budgets, pushing OEMs toward fan in WLP, FO PLP, and moulded core embedded packages. The reduction in discrete components per board frees up battery space, enhances water resistance, and shortens design cycles. As brands fight for feature differentiation within pocket size constraints, advanced packaging's ability to co integrate MEMS, PMICs, and RF circuits sustains its growth momentum.

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ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR PACKAGING MARKET SHARE:

Asia Pacific dominates volume with Taiwan and South Korea housing the world's largest OSATs and foundry adjacent packaging lines, but mainland China's accelerated investment is narrowing the gap. North America leads in advanced interposer R&D thanks to hyperscaler co development, while Europe's automotive strength sustains steady demand for rugged packages. Emerging hubs in India and Southeast Asia benefit from supply chain diversification, collectively creating a vibrant, geographically stratified demand profile.

Key Companies:

IMF GmbH

Amkor

SPIL

Intel Corp.

JCET

ASE

TFME

TSMC

Huatian

Powertech Technology Inc

UTAC

Nepes

Walton Advanced Engineering

Kyocera

Chipbond

ChipMOS

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Connected Nation (CN) is excited to announce the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award honoree  Altamont High School Senior Michael Schmalz. The national nonprofit has only given out four national awards in its 24 years of service (see below for more details). This is the first given to a student.

The Birmingham teen planned and conducted several digital skills workshops for older adults as part of the Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, program. Inspired by the positive change he observed while serving in his community, he started his own initiative to expand digital literacy across Alabama.

I just hope that people can learn more about the Digital Divide and how they can take action to bridge it. Post this

Schmalz created "Digital Harmonies" with the goal of providing devices and digital skills training to individuals in rural, low-income, and elderly communities across Alabama.

On Wednesday, April 23, Michael was presented the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award by Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, CN, during a surprise event held at Altamont School in Birmingham, where he will graduate next month.

"I just hope that people can learn more about the Digital Divide and what it is and how they can take action to bridge it," said Michael, after receiving the award. "I also hope that people remember as we move forward in an age that's increasingly dependent on devices that we agree to prioritize inclusion."

"Our staff was amazed at how much Michael wanted to help others in his community and by how well he understands the importance of digital literacy," said Emily Jordan, Vice President, Foundation and Education Initiatives, CN. "He not only leveraged our program to help older adults learn some essential digital skills, but he also used the incentive funds earned through Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, to kick-start a digital literacy program to reach more Alabama residents. That included purchasing devices for the program. He's truly an exceptional teen who's deserving of this honor."

How the Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, program works

Teen-led teams offer hands-on workshops, one-on-one mentorship sessions, virtual sessions, and community events that cover a variety of digital skills. These skills range from basic computer literacy to understanding mobile devices, staying safe online, and much more.

The program provides training materials created by the Public Library Association in collaboration with AT&T, startup funds, financial incentives, and ongoing support and mentorship for the teen-led teams. It is ready-to-go and perfect for after-school programs, summer programs, youth programs, and other youth-based organizations.

The program is being utilized by teens in 40 states who have trained (at this writing) over 22,000 older adults since 2023. It's a great cross-generational experience for both teens and adults. To learn more about how to kick-start a team in your community, go to connectednation.org/teensteachtech.

"Michael exemplifies what's possible when young people are empowered with the tools and support they need to make a difference," said Terri Williams, Lead External Affairs, AT&T Alabama. "Through the Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T, program he's not only helped others, but he's inspired a movement for student digital navigators across the state. We're proud to support this important work."

Broadband Visionary Award honorees

The 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award is the first time CN is nationally honoring a student's work. The national nonprofit has given out a similar honor  called the Broadband Visionary Award  only four times in its nearly 25 year history.

The past awardees for that honor are former Iowa Governor and former U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad; Colonel M. Blaine Hedges, USA (Retired); Robin Ancona, Director, Telecommunications Division, Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC); and jointly, KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon; Fort Bend Independent School District in Sugar Land, Texas; and, jointly, RFD-TV and the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C. for their work on "A National Conversation on the Digital Divide."

Note: Email [email protected] to request photos and/or video from the ceremony.

About Connected Nation: Founded in 2001, the national nonprofit's mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. Learn more at connectednation.org.

SOURCE Connected Nation
Led the industry in domestic unit revenue performance

Ratified two agreements with Alaska and Hawaiian flight attendants represented by AFA

Generated operating cash flow of $459 million

Repurchased $149 million in shares year-to-date1

SEATTLE, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) today reported financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025.

Our team is executing well on integration milestones, cost performance, synergy capture and the initiatives that underpin the Alaska Accelerate plan. Our efforts to deliver $1 billion in incremental profit by 2027 are off to a strong start.

"Alaska is built for times like these with our relentless focus on safety, care and performance," said CEO Ben Minicucci. "Amid the economic uncertainty, our teams controlled what they can control and delivered results that strengthen our foundation for the long term. We're growing scale, relevance and loyalty in our hubs, we're already recognizing synergies from the combination with Hawaiian Airlines, and our employees have never been more engaged and excited about our future. Between the progress on our Alaska Accelerate strategic plan and the resilient business model we've built over decades, Alaska is well positioned to thrive in the years ahead."

Quarter in Review:

Air Group's Consolidated Statement of Operations, Consolidated Balance Sheets, and Summary Cash Flow include Hawaiian Airlines from September 18, 2024 onward. For comparability of financial and operational results, historical information has also been provided on a pro forma basis within the Supplementary Combined Comparative Operating Information in this filing and in prior 8-K filings. The pro forma information provided assumes Hawaiian is included in both 2024 and 2025.











1 Year-to-date repurchases through April 22, 2025

Q1 2025 Results

Prior Expectation

Actual Results Capacity (ASMs) % change versus pro forma 2024

Up 2.5% to 3.5%

Up ~3.9% RASM % change versus pro forma 2024

Up high-single digits

Up ~5.0% CASMex % change versus pro forma 2024

Up low-single digits to mid-

single digits

Up ~2.1% Economic fuel cost per gallon

n/a

$2.61 Adjusted loss per share

$(0.70) to $(0.50)

$(0.77)

Our Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) pretax margin for the first quarter was (7.4)%, with a GAAP net loss per share of $1.35. On an adjusted basis, our pretax margin was (4.5)%, with a net loss per share of $0.77. While macroeconomic factors and a softening demand environment began to negatively impact our results in February, we still delivered a 7 point year-over-year improvement to our adjusted pretax margin on a pro forma basis.

Air Group capacity grew 3.9% during the quarter, approximately 1 point higher than expected, reflecting lower than expected flight cancellation rates. Total revenue grew 9.0% year-over-year, with unit revenue up 5.0% year-over-year  a result we believe will lead the industry, despite a 3 point impact from softening demand. Premium revenue remains resilient, up 10% year-over-year, and our loyalty program cash remuneration grew 12% year-over-year. Our revenue results reflect progress on key initiatives, such as network changes and synergies which are tracking in line with expectations.

Unit costs increased 2.1% year-over-year. This cost performance is in line with our expectations, and inclusive of the new Alaska flight attendant contract, which was ratified in February. Economic fuel price per gallon was $2.61 in the first quarter, reflecting moderating crude oil prices offset by elevated West Coast refining margins.

Our consolidated results reflect strong initial progress on the integration of Hawaiian Airlines, and the synergies it unlocks. We are realizing benefits from our combined network, improved asset utilization and greater connectivity for our guests. In the first quarter, Hawaiian unit revenue increased 8.8% year-over-year, and Hawaiian's adjusted pretax margin improved 14 points.

Second Quarter and Full Year Forecast Information:

For the second quarter of 2025, we expect the following results. Although overall bookings have stabilized as we look forward, our guidance reflects approximately 6 points of revenue impact to the second quarter due to recent demand softness. Consistent with prior commentary and expectations, Q2 2025 faces the most cost pressure while unit costs are expected to improve sequentially through the second half of the year.





Q2 Expectation Capacity (ASMs) % change versus pro forma 2024

Up 2% to 3% RASM % change versus pro forma 2024

Flat to down low single

digits CASMex % change versus pro forma 2024

Up mid to high single

digits Adjusted earnings per share

$1.15 to $1.65

Given recent economic uncertainty and volatility, we are not providing an update to our full year 2025 guidance. We are assessing a variety of scenarios, and expect to be solidly profitable in 2025 even if revenue remains pressured throughout the second half of the year. Absent the softer macroeconomic outlook, areas of our business within our control are performing well and in line with our prior expectations. We will provide further updates to full year guidance later this year.

Financial Results and Updates:

Reported GAAP net loss for the first quarter of 2025 of $166 million , or $1.35 per share, which includes Hawaiian results, compared to net loss of $132 million , or $1.05 per share, for the first quarter of 2024, which does not include Hawaiian results.

, or per share, which includes Hawaiian results, compared to net loss of , or per share, for the first quarter of 2024, which does not include Hawaiian results. Reported net loss for the first quarter of 2025, excluding special items and other adjustments, of $95 million , or $0.77 per share, which includes Hawaiian results, compared to net loss of $116 million , or $0.92 per share, for the first quarter of 2024, which does not include Hawaiian results.

, or per share, which includes Hawaiian results, compared to net loss of , or per share, for the first quarter of 2024, which does not include Hawaiian results. On a pro forma basis, adjusted pretax loss improved $190 million from $330 million in the first quarter of 2024 to $140 million in the first quarter of 2025.

from in the first quarter of 2024 to in the first quarter of 2025. Repurchased 1.8 million shares of common stock for approximately $107 million in the first quarter, with year-to-date repurchases totaling $149 million as of April 22, 2025 .

in the first quarter, with year-to-date repurchases totaling as of . Generated $459 million in operating cash flow for the first quarter.

in operating cash flow for the first quarter. Held $2.5 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of March 31, 2025 .

Operational Updates:

Ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with Alaska's more than 6,900 AFA -represented flight attendants, recognizing them for their contributions to the company's success.

more than -represented flight attendants, recognizing them for their contributions to the company's success. Ratified a three-year extension of the existing CBA with Hawaiian's more than 2,100 AFA -represented flight attendants. The extension includes Hawaiian flight attendants in the company's Performance-Based Pay and Operational Performance Rewards programs, as well as other improved benefits.

-represented flight attendants. The extension includes Hawaiian flight attendants in the company's Performance-Based Pay and Operational Performance Rewards programs, as well as other improved benefits. Reached a Tentative Agreement for an updated CBA with Horizon technicians, represented by AMFA.

Expanded our combined fleet by eight aircraft during the quarter, adding four 737-9s, one 787-9, one E175, and two A330-300 freighters.

Announced growth at our San Diego hub with three new nonstop routes to Phoenix , Chicago O'Hare, and Denver , as well as increased flight frequencies to Las Vegas , Sacramento , Salt Lake City , and San Jose to begin later this year.

Integration Updates:

Enhanced loyalty program benefits by offering status matching and reciprocal mileage earn between our Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles programs.

Continued to bring our operations closer together by co-locating Alaska and Hawaiian stations in Los Angeles , New York JFK, Phoenix , and San Francisco in order to provide a more seamless travel experience for our guests.

, New York JFK, , and in order to provide a more seamless travel experience for our guests. Completed co-location of Alaska and Hawaiian Air Cargo operations in four Hawaiian locations  Honolulu , Maui , Kona, and Lihue.

and Hawaiian Air Cargo operations in four Hawaiian locations  , , Kona, and Lihue. Unified cargo booking systems, allowing customers to book shipments across both networks more easily.

Other Updates:

Introduced the Horizon Air Pilot Development Program in Hawai'i, the first of its kind in the state, providing students with a path to join Horizon Air while easing the financial burden of training costs.

Announced investment in Loft Dynamics to develop the first hyper-realistic, full-motion Boeing 737 VR simulator, aiming to enhance pilot training and inform future training solutions across the industry.

Named the best airline of 2025 by NerdWallet based on loyalty program value, elite status benefits, operational strength, and more.

Named to Newsweek Reader's Choice list of top 10 best airport lounges in the U.S., a recognition of our continued investment in the lounge experience for guests traveling through our hubs.

The following table reconciles the company's reported GAAP net loss per share (EPS) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 to adjusted amounts.



Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024 (in millions, except per share amounts) Dollars

Per Share

Dollars

Per Share Net loss $ (166)

$ (1.35)

$ (132)

$ (1.05) Adjusted for:













Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments (3)

(0.02)

(13)

(0.10) Losses on foreign debt 5

0.04



 Special items - operating 91

0.74

34

0.27 Income tax effect of adjustments above (22)

(0.18)

(5)

(0.04) Adjusted net loss $ (95)

$ (0.77)

$ (116)

$ (0.92)

A conference call regarding the first quarter results will be streamed online at 8:30 a.m. PDT on April 24, 2025. It can be accessed at www.alaskaair.com/investors. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available after the conclusion of the call.

References in this update to "Air Group," "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Alaska Air Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual outcomes to be materially different from those indicated by our forward-looking statements, assumptions or beliefs. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties that may cause our forward-looking statements to differ materially, see Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Some of these risks include competition, labor costs, relations and availability, general economic conditions, increases in operating costs including fuel, uncertainties regarding the ability to successfully integrate the operations of the recently completed acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. and the ability to realize anticipated cost savings, synergies, or growth from the acquisition, inability to meet cost reduction and other strategic goals, seasonal fluctuations in demand and financial results, supply chain risks, events that negatively impact aviation safety and security, and changes in laws and regulations that impact our business. All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the risk factors discussed in our most recent Form 10-K and in our subsequent SEC filings. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time. Management cannot predict such new risk factors, nor can it assess the impact, if any, of such new risk factors on our business or events described in any forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made today to conform them to actual results. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, assumptions or beliefs and such differences might be significant and materially adverse.

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."

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) Alaska Air Group, Inc.

Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions, except per share amounts) 2025

2024

Change Operating Revenue









Passenger revenue $ 2,808

$ 2,004

40 % Loyalty program other revenue 207

164

26 % Cargo and other revenue 122

64

91 % Total Operating Revenue 3,137

2,232

41 %











Operating Expenses









Wages and benefits 1,127

804

40 % Variable incentive pay 62

44

41 % Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 681

565

21 % Aircraft maintenance 220

122

80 % Aircraft rent 62

47

32 % Landing fees and other rentals 242

165

47 % Contracted services 145

97

49 % Selling expenses 100

77

30 % Depreciation and amortization 194

126

54 % Food and beverage service 85

58

47 % Third-party regional carrier expense 64

54

19 % Other 261

205

27 % Special items - operating 91

34

168 % Total Operating Expenses 3,334

2,398

39 % Operating Loss (197)

(166)

(19) %











Non-operating Income (Expense)









Interest income 26

17

53 % Interest expense (66)

(35)

89 % Interest capitalized 12

6

100 % Other - net (8)



NM Total Non-operating Expense (36)

(12)

200 % Loss Before Income Tax (233)

(178)



Income tax benefit (67)

(46)



Net Loss $ (166)

$ (132)















Basic Loss Per Share $ (1.35)

$ (1.05)



Diluted Loss Per Share $ (1.35)

$ (1.05)



Weighted Average Shares Outstanding used for computation:









Basic 123.134

125.970



Diluted 123.134

125.970





CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) Alaska Air Group, Inc. (in millions) March 31, 2025

December 31, 2024 ASSETS





Current Assets





Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,044

$ 1,201 Restricted cash 28

29 Marketable securities 1,420

1,274 Total cash, restricted cash, and marketable securities 2,492

2,504 Receivables - net 569

558 Inventories and supplies - net 206

199 Prepaid expenses 281

307 Other current assets 173

192 Total Current Assets 3,721

3,760







Property and Equipment





Aircraft and other flight equipment 12,619

12,273 Other property and equipment 2,197

2,173 Deposits for future flight equipment 700

883

15,516

15,329 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (4,649)

(4,548) Total Property and Equipment - net 10,867

10,781







Other Assets





Operating lease assets 1,313

1,296 Goodwill 2,724

2,724 Intangible assets - net 859

873 Other noncurrent assets 334

334 Total Other Assets 5,230

5,227







Total Assets $ 19,818

$ 19,768

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) (in millions, except share amounts) March 31, 2025

December 31, 2024 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY





Current Liabilities





Accounts payable $ 237

$ 186 Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes 749

1,001 Air traffic liability 2,204

1,712 Other accrued liabilities 1,042

997 Deferred revenue 1,727

1,592 Current portion of long-term debt 519

442 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 214

207 Current portion of finance lease liabilities 8

8 Total Current Liabilities 6,700

6,145







Noncurrent Liabilities





Long-term debt, net of current portion 4,290

4,491 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 1,200

1,198 Finance lease liabilities, net of current portion 45

47 Deferred income taxes 871

934 Deferred revenue 1,587

1,664 Obligation for pension and post-retirement medical benefits 457

460 Other liabilities 531

457 Total Noncurrent Liabilities 8,981

9,251







Shareholders' Equity





Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 5,000,000 shares, none issued or

outstanding 

 Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 400,000,000 shares, Issued: 2025 -

142,980,909 shares; 2024 - 141,449,174 shares, Outstanding: 2025 - 122,884,518

shares; 2024 - 123,119,199 shares 1

1 Capital in excess of par value 844

811 Treasury stock (common), at cost: 2025 - 20,096,391 shares; 2024 - 18,329,975

shares (1,238)

(1,131) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (234)

(239) Retained earnings 4,764

4,930 Total Shareholders' Equity 4,137

4,372 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 19,818

$ 19,768

SUMMARY CASH FLOW (unaudited) Alaska Air Group, Inc.

Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) 2025

2024 Cash Flows from Operating Activities:





Net Loss $ (166)

$ (132) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities 266

168 Changes in working capital 359

256 Net cash provided by operating activities 459

292







Cash Flows from Investing Activities:





Property and equipment additions (238)

(57) Supplier proceeds 

162 Other investing activities (143)

213 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (381)

318







Cash Flows from Financing Activities: (236)

(5)







Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (158)

605 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 1,257

308 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of the period $ 1,099

$ 913

SPECIAL ITEMS (unaudited)

Air Group has classified certain operating activity as special items due to their unusual or infrequently occurring nature. We believe disclosing information about these items separately improves comparable year-over-year analysis and allows stakeholders to better understand our results of operations. A description of the special items is provided below.

Labor and other: Labor and other costs in 2025 were primarily for changes to Alaska flight attendants' sick leave benefits pursuant to a new collective bargaining agreement ratified in the first quarter. Costs in 2024 were primarily associated with the retirement of Alaska's Airbus and Horizon's Q400 aircraft.

Integration costs: Integration costs are associated with the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and primarily consist of employee-related and other merger costs.



Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) 2025

2024 Operating Expenses





Labor and other 51

26 Integration costs 40

8 Special items - operating $ 91

$ 34

OPERATING STATISTICS (unaudited) A manual recalculation of certain figures using rounded amounts may not agree directly to the actual figures presented in the table below.

Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024

Change Consolidated Operating Statistics:(a)









Revenue passengers (000) 13,159

9,774

34.6 % RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 17,257

12,524

37.8 % ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 21,219

15,378

38.0 % Load factor 81.3 %

81.4 %

(0.1) pts Yield 16.28

16.00

1.8 % PRASM 13.24

13.03

1.6 % RASM 14.79

14.51

1.9 % CASMex(b) 11.89

11.60

2.5 % Economic fuel cost per gallon(b) (c) $2.61

$3.08

(15.3) % Fuel gallons (000,000)(c) 262

188

39.4 % ASMs per gallon 80.9

81.8

(1.1) % Departures (000) 123.8

95.7

29.4 % Average full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) 29,773

23,013

29.4 % Operating fleet(d) 399

315

84 a/c Alaska Airlines Operating Statistics:









RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 11,723

11,422

2.6 % ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 14,345

14,035

2.2 % Economic fuel cost per gallon $2.61

$3.05

(14.4) % Hawaiian Airlines Operating Statistics:









RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 4,307



n/a ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 5,366



n/a Economic fuel cost per gallon(c) $2.50



n/a Regional Operating Statistics:(e)









RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 1,227

1,102

11.3 % ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 1,508

1,343

12.3 % Economic fuel cost per gallon $2.80

$3.27

(14.4) %





(a) Except for FTEs, data includes information related to third-party regional capacity purchase flying arrangements. (b) See a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure and Note A for a discussion of the importance of this measure to investors in the accompanying pages. (c) Excludes operations under the Air Transportation Services Agreement (ATSA) with Amazon. (d) Includes aircraft owned and leased by Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon as well as aircraft operated by third-party regional carriers under capacity purchase agreements. Excludes all aircraft removed from operating service. (e) Data presented includes information related to flights operated by Horizon and third-party carriers.

GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATIONS (unaudited)

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

We are providing reconciliations of reported non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures reported on a GAAP basis. Amounts in the tables below are rounded to the nearest million. As a result, a manual recalculation of certain figures using these rounded amounts may not agree directly to the actual figures presented in the tables below.

Adjusted Loss Before Income Tax Reconciliation

Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) 2025 2024 Loss before income tax $ (233)

$ (178) Adjusted for:





Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustment (3)

(13) Losses on foreign debt 5

 Special items - operating 91

34 Adjusted loss before income tax $ (140)

$ (157)







Pretax margin (7.4) %

(8.0) % Adjusted pretax margin (4.5) %

(7.0) %

CASMex Reconciliation

Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) 2025

2024 Total operating expenses $ 3,334

$ 2,398 Less the following components:





Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 681

565 Freighter costs 41

15 Special items - operating 91

34 Total operating expenses, excluding fuel, freighter costs, and special items $ 2,521

$ 1,784







ASMs 21,219

15,378 CASMex 11.89 

11.60 

Fuel Reconciliation

Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024 (in millions, except for per-gallon amounts) Dollars

Cost/Gallon

Dollars

Cost/Gallon Raw or "into-plane" fuel cost $ 681

$ 2.60

$ 565

$ 3.01 Losses on settled hedges 3

0.01

13

0.07 Economic fuel expense $ 684

$ 2.61

$ 578

$ 3.08 Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustment (3)

(0.01)

(13)

(0.07) Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses $ 681

$ 2.60

$ 565

$ 3.01 Fuel gallons



262





188

Debt-to-capitalization, including leases (in millions) March 31, 2025

December 31, 2024 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 4,290

$ 4,491 Capitalized operating leases 1,414

1,405 Capitalized finance leases 53

55 Adjusted debt, net of current portion of long-term debt 5,757

5,951 Shareholders' equity 4,137

4,372 Total Invested Capital $ 9,894

$ 10,323







Debt-to-capitalization ratio, including leases 58 %

58 %

Adjusted net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, rent, and special items (in millions) March 31, 2025

December 31, 2024 Long-term debt $ 4,809

$ 4,933 Capitalized operating leases 1,414

1,405 Capitalized finance leases 53

55 Total adjusted debt 6,276

6,393 Less: Total cash and marketable securities 2,464

2,475 Adjusted net debt $ 3,812

$ 3,918







(in millions) Twelve Months Ended

March 31, 2025

Twelve Months Ended

December 31, 2024 Operating Income(a) $ 539

$ 570 Adjusted for:





Special items - operating 402

345 Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments (18)

(28) Gain on foreign debt (5)

(10) Depreciation and amortization 651

583 Aircraft rent 222

207 EBITDAR $ 1,791

$ 1,667







Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR 2.1x

2.4x





(a) Operating income can be reconciled using the trailing twelve month operating income as filed quarterly with the SEC.

OPERATING SEGMENTS (unaudited) Alaska Air Group, Inc.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 (in millions) Alaska

Airlines

Hawaiian

Airlines

Regional

Consolidating

& Other(a)

Air Group

Adjusted(b)

Adjustments(c)

Consolidated Operating Revenue

























Passenger revenue $ 1,757

$ 653

$ 398

$ 

$ 2,808

$ 

$ 2,808 Loyalty program other revenue 152

39

16



207



207 Cargo and other revenue 65

55



2

122



122 Total Operating Revenue 1,974

747

414

2

3,137



3,137 Operating Expenses

























Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,608

640

333

(19)

2,562

91

2,653 Fuel expense 419

174

91



684

(3)

681 Total Operating Expenses 2,027

814

424

(19)

3,246

88

3,334 Non-operating Expense (2)

(21)



(8)

(31)

(5)

(36) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (55)

$ (88)

$ (10)

$ 13

$ (140)

$ (93)

$ (233)





























Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 (in millions) Alaska

Airlines

Hawaiian

Airlines

Regional

Consolidating

& Other(a)

Air Group

Adjusted(b)

Adjustments(c)

Consolidated Operating Revenue

























Passenger revenue $ 1,629

$ 

$ 375

$ 

$ 2,004

$ 

$ 2,004 Loyalty program other revenue 149



15



164



164 Cargo and other revenue 62





2

64



64 Total Operating Revenue 1,840



390

2

2,232



2,232 Operating Expenses

























Operating expenses, excluding fuel 1,514



299

(14)

1,799

34

1,833 Fuel expense 485



93



578

(13)

565 Total Operating Expenses 1,999



392

(14)

2,377

21

2,398 Non-operating Expense (3)





(9)

(12)



(12) Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $ (162)

$ 

$ (2)

$ 7

$ (157)

$ (21)

$ (178)





(a) Includes consolidating entries, Air Group parent company, Horizon, McGee Air Services, and other immaterial business units. (b) The Air Group Adjusted column represents the financial information that is reviewed by management to assess performance of operations and determine capital allocation and excludes certain charges. (c) Includes special items, mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, and gain and losses on foreign debt.

SUPPLEMENTARY COMBINED COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION (unaudited) We believe that analysis of specific financial and operational results on a combined basis provides more meaningful year-over-

year comparisons. The table below provides results comparing the three months ended March 31, 2025 as reported to the

combined three months ended March 31, 2024. Hawaiian's financial information has been conformed to reflect Air Group's

historical financial statement presentation. This information does not purport to reflect what our financial and operational results

would have been had the acquisition been consummated at the beginning of the periods presented.

Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) 2025 As Reported

2024 Combined(a)

Change Operating Revenue









Passenger revenue $ 2,808

$ 2,585

9 % Loyalty program other revenue 207

193

7 % Cargo and other revenue 122

99

23 % Total Operating Revenue 3,137

2,877

9 % Operating expenses, excluding fuel 2,653

2,443

9 % Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 681

759

(10) % Total Operating Expenses 3,334

3,202

4 % Operating Loss (197)

(325)

(39) % Non-operating expense (36)

(18)

100 % Loss Before Income Tax (233)

(343)

(32) % Special items - operating 91

42

117 % Special items - net non-operating 

(5)

(100) % Mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments (3)

(15)

(80) % (Gain)/Losses on foreign debt 5

(9)

(156) % Adjusted Loss Before Income Tax $ (140)

$ (330)

(58) %











Pretax Margin (7.4) %

(11.9) %

4.5 pts Adjusted Pretax Margin (4.5) %

(11.5) %

7.0 pts











Combined Comparative Operating Statistics









Revenue passengers (000) 13,159

12,395

6.2 % RPMs (000,000) "traffic" 17,257

16,597

4.0 % ASMs (000,000) "capacity" 21,219

20,429

3.9 % Load factor 81.3 %

81.2 %

0.1 pts Yield 16.28

15.57

4.6 % RASM 14.79

14.08

5.0 % CASMex 11.89

11.65

2.1 %











Combined Comparative CASMex Reconciliation









Total operating expenses $ 3,334

$ 3,202

4 % Less the following components:









Aircraft fuel, including hedging gains and losses 681

759

(10) % Freighter costs 41

22

86 % Special items - operating 91

42

117 % Total operating expenses, excluding fuel, freighter costs, and

special items $ 2,521

$ 2,379

6 %











ASMs 21,219

20,429

3.9 % CASMex 11.89

11.65

2.1 %





(a) As provided on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 22, 2025, including certain immaterial reclassification and policy adjustments.

Note A: Pursuant to Regulation G, we are providing reconciliations of reported non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures reported on a GAAP basis. We believe that consideration of these non-GAAP financial measures may be important to investors for the following reasons:

By excluding certain costs from our unit metrics, we believe that we have better visibility into the results of operations. Our industry is highly competitive and is characterized by high fixed costs, so even a small reduction in non-fuel operating costs can result in a significant improvement in operating results. We believe that all U.S. carriers are similarly impacted by changes in jet fuel costs over the long run, so it is important for management and investors to understand the impact of company-specific cost drivers which are more controllable by management. We adjust for expenses related directly to our freighter aircraft operations, including those costs incurred under the ATSA with Amazon, to allow for better comparability to other carriers that do not operate freighter aircraft. We also exclude certain special charges as they are unusual or nonrecurring in nature and adjusting for these expenses allows management and investors to better understand our cost performance.





CASMex is one of the most important measures used by management and by the Air Group Board of Directors in assessing quarterly and annual cost performance. CASMex is also a measure commonly used by industry analysts, and we believe it is the basis by which they have historically compared our airline to others in the industry. The measure is also the subject of frequent questions from investors.





Adjusted pretax income is an important metric for the employee incentive plan, which covers the majority of Air Group employees.





Disclosure of the individual impact of certain noted items provides investors the ability to measure and monitor performance both with and without these special items. We believe that disclosing the impact of these items as noted above is important because it provides information on significant items that are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Industry analysts and investors consistently measure our performance without these items for better comparability between periods and among other airlines.





Although we disclose our unit revenue, we do not, nor are we able to, evaluate unit revenue excluding the impact that changes in fuel costs have had on ticket prices. Fuel expense represents a large percentage of our total operating expenses. Fluctuations in fuel prices often drive changes in unit revenue in the mid-to-long term. Although we believe it is useful to evaluate non-fuel unit costs for the reasons noted above, we would caution readers of these financial statements not to place undue reliance on unit costs excluding fuel as a measure or predictor of future profitability because of the significant impact of fuel costs on our business.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Adjusted net debt - long-term debt, including current portion, plus capitalized operating and finance leases, less cash and marketable securities

Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR - represents net adjusted debt divided by EBITDAR (trailing twelve months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, rent, and special items)

ASMs - available seat miles, or "capacity"; represents total seats available across the fleet multiplied by the number of miles flown

CASMex - operating costs excluding fuel, freighter costs, and special items per ASM, or "unit cost"

Debt-to-capitalization ratio - represents adjusted debt (long-term debt plus capitalized operating and finance lease liabilities) divided by total equity plus adjusted debt

Diluted Earnings per Share - represents earnings per share (EPS) using fully diluted shares outstanding

Diluted Shares - represents the total number of shares that would be outstanding if all possible sources of conversion, such as stock options, were exercised

Economic Fuel - best estimate of the cash cost of fuel, net of the impact of our fuel-hedging programs and excluding operations under the Air Transportation Service Agreement (ATSA) with Amazon

Freighter Costs - operating expenses directly attributable to the operation of Alaska's B737 freighter aircraft and Hawaiian's A330-300 freighter aircraft exclusively performing cargo missions

Load Factor - RPMs as a percentage of ASMs; represents the number of available seats that were filled with revenue passengers

PRASM - passenger revenue per ASM, or "passenger unit revenue"

RASM - operating revenue per ASMs, or "unit revenue"; operating revenue includes all passenger revenue, freight & mail, loyalty program revenue, and other ancillary revenue; represents the average total revenue for flying one seat one mile

RPMs - revenue passenger miles, or "traffic"; represents the number of seats that were filled with revenue passengers; one passenger traveling one mile is one RPM

Yield - passenger revenue per RPM; represents the average passenger revenue for flying one passenger one mile

SOURCE Alaska Air Group
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

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Dodge//SRT

For 110 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge, America's performance brand, shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of the segments in which the brand competes while moving forward to a future that includes electrified muscle in the form of the next-generation, all-new Dodge Charger.

The next-generation Dodge Charger electrifies a legend, with the Charger retaining its title as the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car, led by the all-new, all-electric 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. The all-new Dodge Charger will also offer performance choices via multi-energy powertrain options, including the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O., powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane High Output engine.

Dodge also keeps its foot on the gas as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful gas engine SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact-utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Dodge//SRT and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Dodge brand: www.dodge.com

Direct Connection: www.DCPerformance.com

DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis
IONIQ 9's recognition marks the third consecutive year a Hyundai is named to the prestigious list

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new Hyundai IONIQ 9 has been selected as 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX list by WardsAuto. The award evaluates vehicles on a variety of aspects that shape the user's experience inside the vehicle including design and aesthetics, comfort, materials, fit-and-finish, connectivity and infotainment, as well as ADAS content and value, and the ease of access to information without distraction for displays and controls. The IONIQ 9 was awarded for its cleverly designed interior and use of sustainable materials.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is photographed in California City, Calif. on Nov. 20, 2024. The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 interior is photographed in California City, Calif. on Nov. 20, 2024.

"The IONIQ 9's interior blends modern design with everyday utility, offering generous cargo space, a clean, open layout, and eco-friendly materials that reflect our commitment to sustainability," said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "As an all-electric SUV, the IONIQ 9 delivers a spacious, refined cabin that meets the evolving needs of today's drivers and families  we're honored to receive this award."

IONIQ 9 is truly 'Built to Belong,' accommodating up to seven occupants in its spacious interior while providing innovative features that cater to everyone's individual needs. IONIQ 9 is more than just transportation  it's a space where family and friends can stay connected with the latest technology while enjoying the privacy and relaxation that makes every journey special. Whether managing busy schedules through its smart connectivity features or unwinding in its lounge-like interior, IONIQ 9 adapts to users' dynamic lifestyles.

According to Dave Zoia, Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX judge, "The IONIQ 9 is everything you could want in an upscale family hauler  and then some. Its cutting-edge interior is cleverly designed, and its flowing lines and unique  and in many cases sustainable  materials add visual pop. Most critically, seating is comfortable, accessible, and flexible. In short, the Ioniq 9 simply hits all the right marks."

WardsAuto editors selected the Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX list after evaluating vehicles with new or heavily redesigned interiors and user-experience technology. Judges rate new or heavily refreshed vehicle interiors and user-experience technology in their daily driving experience on a variety of metrics including design and aesthetics, comfort, materials, fit-and-finish, connectivity, and infotainment, displays and controls, as well as advanced driver assist system content and value. There is no price cap, but overall value is a consideration. The 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX awards ceremony will be held on June 5, 2025, during the AutoTech 2025: Detroit Conference, (June 3-5, 2025) at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI.

This is the third consecutive year that Hyundai has won this accolade, with Kona and Santa Fe making the list in 2024 and Palisade in 2023.

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
Governor Josh Shapiro and manufacturing executives joined to recognize this workforce partnership with higher ed, government and regional industry

MEADVILLE, Pa., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Allegheny College launched its branch campus ALIC @ Bessemer , a transformative initiative driving workforce development and education in western Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro, leaders of regional manufacturing companies, Allegheny College President Ron Cole, faculty, staff and students participated in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch and celebrate this collaboration between government, industry and education to foster innovation in the businesses of today and tomorrow, building a more skilled and competitive workforce and shape the future of manufacturing growth.

Building upon Allegheny's rich, 210-year tradition of academic excellence, ALIC @ Bessemer integrates traditional liberal arts education focused on the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning with practical workforce training for high-demand sectors for adult learners. Located on Bessemer Street in the heart of Meadville, Pennsylvania, Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity (ALIC) @ Bessemer is a branch campus of Allegheny College.

Allegheny College launched ALIC @ Bessemer to transform workforce education with Governor Shapiro & business leaders Post this

In his remarks from the podium, Allegheny College President Ron Cole, Ph.D. said: "We know that western Pennsylvania has a long, proud tradition of manufacturing. And we also know the challenges that face this region: a changing economy, declining population with an aging workforce, and the urgent need to upskill for industry in the 21st century. We created ALIC @ Bessemer to respond to those challenges with bold action. This isn't just a branch campus of Allegheny College, it's a platform for transformation. We are reimagining what higher education can be when it's rooted in community needs and aligned with regional opportunity."

ALIC @ Bessemer is a significant win for Crawford County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a region with deep industrial roots and a growing need for skilled workers, Crawford County stands to benefit from ALIC's role in helping to prepare the next generation of workforce-ready professionals. ALIC @ Bessemer will fuel economic development, strengthen the local job market, and attract new business investment. This campus not only expands opportunities for students pursuing workforce-ready education, but it also creates new avenues for collaboration between faculty, staff, and the broader community.

"Across the state, regional businesses can partner with higher education institutions to solve problems and develop new ventures. At the same time, liberal arts institutions can think about their programs and who they are serving to determine which areas of expertise they can offer to their region and new ways to deliver it. It's building relationships with partners that will forge the ideal path to build stronger connections between higher education and economic development in our Commonwealth," explains Cole.

Governor Josh Shapiro toured ALIC @ Bessemer with student guides. The features he learned about included:

Technical Training Facility  incumbent workers, recent high school graduates, and underemployed individuals will learn high-tech, advanced manufacturing processes and operations.

 incumbent workers, recent high school graduates, and underemployed individuals will learn high-tech, advanced manufacturing processes and operations. Incubator and Accelerator - Low-cost office space and technology and equipment is available for individuals - students and community members - to start businesses.

- Low-cost office space and technology and equipment is available for individuals - students and community members - to start businesses. Applied Research Laboratories - Allegheny College's undergraduate students will work alongside industry partners on applied research opportunities. They will deploy the theoretical knowledge gained through their rigorous Allegheny College education to real-world applications defined by our industry partners.

- undergraduate students will work alongside industry partners on applied research opportunities. They will deploy the theoretical knowledge gained through their rigorous education to real-world applications defined by our industry partners. Shared Use - ALIC @ Bessemer equipment will be available for our industry partners for rental by blocks of time, alleviating internal capacity issues and allowing them access to high-end machinery that might otherwise be out of reach.

"ALIC at Bessemer will open more doors of opportunity for students, for the Meadville community, and for businesses and industries here in northwestern Pennsylvania," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "There are many paths to success and prosperity in this Commonwealth. We need to respect each of those paths equally  and invest in all of them. We're showing that respect in my Administration  by ensuring skills and experience are valued in hiring, increasing investment in apprenticeships and vo-tech by more than 50% over the past two years, and enrolling more than 14,000 new apprentices in fields like welding, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation. Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed  and I applaud President Cole and Allegheny College for their work to open up more doors of opportunity for Pennsylvanians right here in Meadville."

Byron Rich, assistant provost of academic innovation at Allegheny College, shared, "ALIC blends the state of the industry with the state of the art emerging technology, evolving processes, and future-forward skill sets."

The accreditation of Allegheny College ALIC @ Bessemer demonstrates Pennsylvania's commitment to innovative higher education solutions that support economic growth and workforce resilience. It signals to the manufacturing industry that rural Pennsylvania is dedicated to equipping its workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the global marketplace.

"While 1 in 10 people in our nation work in manufacturing, that number in Crawford County is 1 in 4," said Cody Passilla, Business & Development Manager, Pennco Tool & Die, a third-generation leader at his family-owned manufacturing business in Meadville, PA. "We plan to work with ALIC in many ways, starting with sending our employees to them for a variety of training, whether that being basic machining training, software training, or even more advanced training on equipment."

Representatives from local manufacturing companies, including Moon Tool & Die Co., Kuhn Tool & Die Co., and Pennco Tool & Die, participated in the festivities/program. National Tool and Manufacturing Association's (NTMA) Tami Adams and NTMA National Chair, Bonnie Kuhn of Kuhn Tool and Die Co. were also in attendance.

"I believe that the recent accreditation of ALIC @ Bessemer is a statement about the future of higher education and its role in strengthening the economic future of communities," Cole concluded.

ABOUT ALIC @ BESSEMER

The Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity (ALIC) is a multidisciplinary resource that empowers students, faculty and staff to explore and apply digital fabrication and design tools through hands-on, cross-disciplinary learning. ALIC @ Bessemer is an extension of this mission, bringing Allegheny College's innovation-driven approach beyond campus and into the heart of Meadville. Designed to mirror real-world manufacturing environments, ALIC @ Bessemer equips the regional workforce with cutting-edge skills in emerging technologies and business operations.

ABOUT ALLEGHENY COLLEGE

Allegheny College, founded in 1815, is one of the nation's most historic and innovative four-year colleges with the distinct requirement of completing a major and minor in different academic areas. This multidisciplinary learning celebrates students' unusual combinations of interests and provides creative, independent thinkers with a path for educational depth and intellectual growth, preparing them for a successful launch after graduation and possibly for careers that may not yet exist. Located in western Pennsylvania, 1.5 hours equidistant from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo, Allegheny College is one of 40 colleges featured in Loren Pope's "Colleges That Change Lives" and recently ranked #4 by The Princeton Review in its Top 20 Best Private Schools for Making an Impact. In its 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report recognized Allegheny College as one of the country's top 100 national liberal arts colleges, with special distinctions including one of the top 10 best for senior capstone experience and one of the top 25 best for undergraduate research and creative activities.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ivy Cohen

Ivy Cohen Corporate Communications

(646) 894-0030 or [email protected]

SOURCE Allegheny College
CHICAGO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit that connects women in tech to the organizations, opportunities, and tools they need to advance, thrive, and transform the future of technology, has officially opened the call for participation and registration for its signature annual event, Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC). With more than 30,000 attendees and 600 speakers, GHC is the world's largest gathering for women in technology. This year's event will take place November 47, at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center.

Grace Hopper Celebration is the largest gathering of women in technology, bringing together professionals, students, and leaders in the field. Talent & Tech Expo offers an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with GHC 25 sponsors and patrons.

"Our theme this year is 'Unbound'," said AnitaB.org President and CEO Brenda Darden Wilkerson. "It's a testament to what's possible when ambition is limitless, and the goal is to connect, inspire, and advance women in tech. Whether it's structural limitations, societal expectations, or internal doubts, 'Unbound' is about breaking free from constraints that have long defined women's professional narratives. Thousands of women from across the globe will gather to learn, grow, network, and celebrate their achievements. The systems we are building, the equity we are advocating for, and the growth we are unlocking benefit everyone at the end of the day. We can't wait to see the innovation and empowerment that result from this year's GHC."

Founded in 1994 by Dr. Anita Borg and Dr. Telle Whitney, GHC was created to honor the legacy of computing pioneer Grace Hopper and to amplify the research, career growth, and impact of women in tech. This year's programming will emphasize wealth creation, career advancement, pay equity, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial strategy. Tailored content, for everyone from students discovering what's possible to seasoned professionals defining their legacy, will nurture advancement through skill-building, personal branding, cross-sector innovation, and strategic visibility.

The call for participation is a great opportunity to grow one's portfolio while making a difference and is open to women who would like to run a hands-on workshop, lead a presentation or participate in a peer panel.

Event features include:





The Talent & Tech Expo, providing the opportunity for attendees to interact with staff from sponsors and learn about open employment opportunities in tech.

The AnitaB.org PitcHER Competition, in which women entrepreneurs leading early-stage tech startups have the opportunity to pitch their concepts for new funding. The top eight finalists will compete for a share of $100,000 .

. Abie Awards, honoring notable innovators of technology and distinguished technical civic leaders whose achievements and life stories demonstrate that we all have the power to improve the world, individually and collectively.

Keynote & Featured Sessions, during which thought leaders and visionaries share insights that inspire and drive change.

Breakout Sessions including panels, presentations, workshops and Lightning Talks - powerful 15-minute talks where industry experts share valuable insight.

Networking in the Community Lounge or participating in Braindates, one-on-one or small group conversations ideal for brainstorming, sharing expertise, and exchanging experiences.

To register or apply as a speaker, visit https://ghc.anitab.org. For ongoing updates, insights and upcoming events, visit AnitaB.org.

About AnitaB.org

Known for its various programs connecting, guiding, and inspiring women in tech, as well as the annual Grace Hopper Celebration, AnitaB.org is a global leader dedicated to empowering women and advancing their careers. As a solution-oriented convener, the nonprofit creates opportunities that drive growth, ensuring women are seen, heard, and equipped to achieve successful career longevity. The AnitaB.org mission is to get women in tech skilled, hired, promoted, paid, and funded so that they can thrive, lead, and drive innovation for a more equitable and sustainable future. What sets the organization apart is its role as a change agent of the status quo and prioritizing the humanity in every individual. AnitaB.org creates safe spaces where women can share their vulnerabilities without judgment.

Media Contact:

Claire Kunzman

407-227-8867

[email protected]

SOURCE AnitaB.org
SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, today announced that it will release the latest clinical data of the CD73 small molecule inhibitor ATG-037 and the mTORC1/2 small molecule inhibitor ATG-008 in Poster Presentations at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, taking place from May 30th to June 3rd in Chicago, IL, the United States.

Previously, Antengene entered into a global clinical collaboration with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) on the Phase I/IB STAMINA-01 trial evaluating ATG-037 in combination with MSD's anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), in patients with anti-PD-1 resistant solid tumors, with encouraging preliminary results in melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, the dose optimization and expansion portion of the study is enrolling in China and Australia.

Details of the Poster Presentations:

ATG-037 (CD73 Small Molecule Inhibitor)

Title: A first-in-human phase I/Ib study of ATG-037 monotherapy and combination therapy with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors: STAMINA-01

Abstract: 3123

Session: Developmental TherapeuticsMolecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology

Date: June 2, 2025

Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Central Time)

2:30 AM - 5:30 AM, June 3, 2025 (Beijing Time)

ATG-008 (mTORC1/2 Small Molecule Inhibitor)

Title: A TORC1/2 inhibitor onatasertib combined with toripalimab in patients with advanced cervical cancers with prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy

Abstract: 5540

Session: Gynecologic Cancer

Date: June 1, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Central Time)

10:00 PM, June 1, 2025 - 1:00 AM, June 2, 2025 (Beijing Time)

KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

About Antengene

Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading commercial-stage R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, in realizing its vision of "Treating Patients Beyond Borders".

Antengene has built a pipeline of 9 oncology assets at various stages going from clinical to commercial, including 6 with global rights, and 3 with rights for the APAC region. To date, Antengene has obtained 31 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted new drug applications (NDAs) in 11 Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for XPOVIO (selinexor) already approved in Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Macau China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, please see the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the documents subsequently submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Contacts:

Donald Lung

E-mail: [email protected]

Mobile: +86 18420672158

PR Contacts:

Peter Qian

E-mail: [email protected]

Mobile: +86 13062747000

SOURCE Antengene Corporation Limited
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 24, at the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025, Baolong Automotive and JOYNEXT officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement, aiming to jointly accelerate the transformation of the intelligent vehicle industry and deliver safer, smarter, and more personalized mobility experiences.

Photo credit: Baolong Automotive

Under the agreement, the two companies will focus on advancing technologies related to L2 to L4 assisted driving and smart cockpits. By leveraging their respective strengths, they plan to achieve resource sharing and complementary capabilities while promoting cross-domain applications of related technologies in vehicle-to-everything (V2X), low-altitude economy, and robotics.

JOYNEXT, a subsidiary of Joyson Electronics, is headquartered in China and operates across Germany, Poland, France, the United States, Japan, and other markets. With more than two decades of experience as a Tier-1 supplier to global OEMs, JOYNEXT maintains long-term partnerships with leading automotive brands including Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, NIO, and HiPhi. The company offers integrated hardware and software solutions across intelligent cockpits, smart connectivity, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and software engineering services, with its technologies deployed in over 20 million vehicles worldwide. It currently runs seven R&D centers, three global manufacturing bases, and seven customer hubs, employing more than 1,600 staff members globally.

Baolong Automotive is a global provider of intelligent and lightweight automotive technology solutions, with nine production campuses, 19 factories, 11 R&D centers, and nine nationally certified labs across China, North America, and Europe. Employing over 7,500 people worldwide, the company has built a comprehensive presence in the intelligent driving sector. Its independently developed product portfolio includes 77GHz millimeter-wave radars, high-definition cameras of various types, and ultrasonic sensors, which are supplied to major automakers such as Chery, SAIC MOTOR Passenger Vehicle, Dongfeng Nissan, BYD, and Changan Automobile.
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At its recent meeting in Des Moines, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) Board of Directors, led by Chair Derek Leathers of Werner Enterprises, reviewed and approved the 2025 Top Research Priorities. The research priorities were identified by ATRI's Research Advisory Committee (RAC) at its annual meeting held March 4-5 in Washington, DC.

ATRI's RAC selected a diverse set of research priorities designed to address some of the industry's most critical issues including rising insurance costs, driver training, improving safety performance and addressing cabotage violations. The 2025 ATRI Top Research Priorities are:

Rising Insurance Costs and Self Insurance Motivations. Prior ATRI research identified the impact of rising insurance costs on motor carriers, which included carriers lowering coverage levels, raising deductibles, and increasing safety technology deployment. This new research will expand that methodology to document current commercial auto insurance trends and investigate the growing role of insurance captives and self-insurance retentions.

Efficacy of Entry-Level Driver Training on Safety Outcomes. FMCSA's 2022 Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate requires that new entrant truck drivers complete a structured program of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction before taking the Commercial Driver's License skills test. While the ELDT was designed to improve safety outcomes, concerns persist about the effectiveness of training programs in preparing drivers for real-world challenges. Prior ATRI research examined the relationship between driver training curricula and safety outcomes. This new research will build on that work by expanding the use of safety data and statistical models to determine the safety impacts of the mandated ELDT regimen.

Safety Impacts of In-Cab Monitoring. With continued advances in technology focused on in-cab monitoring, more fleets are turning to these systems to better understand driver behaviors in the cab. Prior ATRI research focused on driver perspectives of these systems, specifically driver-facing cameras. This new research will collect confidential in-cab technology data to identify any statistical relationship between in-cab monitoring systems and improvements in safety outcomes. The research will also map specific carrier and driver strategies for managing in-cab data that improve safety outcomes.

Capitalizing on Telematics Data. Telematics technologies have been available to the trucking industry for several decades for asset tracking and driver communications, but today's telematics deliver expanded functionalities, including vehicle performance and maintenance, and safety and compliance monitoring. However, not all carriers are equipped to fully leverage evolving telematics data to improve operations. This research will create a compendium of data tools and applications for carriers of all sizes to better utilize telematics to improve operational performance.

Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Cabotage Violations. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) permits limited cross-border freight transportation between the U.S. and its trading partners in Mexico and Canada, provided that non-U.S. domiciled truck drivers limit their operations to dedicated deliveries of Mexican/Canadian goods to a U.S. shipper. Cabotage violations occur when non-domiciled carriers engage in multiple point-to-point deliveries within the U.S. These cabotage violations can result in unfair competition by undercutting pricing and taking jobs away from U.S.-based trucking companies. This research will seek to quantify the frequency, scale and impact of these cabotage violations.

ATRI is the trucking industry's 501c3 not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation's essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.

SOURCE American Transportation Research Institute
BEIJING, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Earth Day is a reminder that our planet's systems today are more affected by human behaviors than by natural processes. April 22 was the 56th Earth Day and this year's theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," stressed humanity's responsibility toward and impact on the Earth.

The Earth's ecosystems form an inseparable whole and only a future in which humans live in harmony with nature can be a truly prosperous one. Everyone has a responsibility to protect the Earth and each of us has a duty to contribute to its sustainable development.

The universe operates in silence, yet everything follows its course

On December 12, 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping cited the ancient Chinese quote "the universe operates in silence, yet everything follows its course" while addressing the Climate Ambition Summit convened by the United Nations. In his speech, he stressed that the Earth is our one and only, shared home. People should build on past achievements, work together to make steady progress in implementing the Paris Agreement and launch a new journey for global climate actions.

The universe operates in silence, yet everything follows its course. It is a metaphor for the laws of naturemeaning that everything in the universe operates according to its own inherent principles, independent of human will. In this vast universe, the Earth tells the greatest story of birth and growth in a silent way. Protecting the Earth and its ecosystems is more than a responsibilityit is a return to harmony with the very source of life.

As a responsible major country, China has consistently demonstrated its commitment with concrete actions. Through sustained afforestation efforts, it has become the world's largest contributor to artificial forest growth, with model projects like the world's largest human-made forest in Saihanba, Hebei Province, emerging. In 2024, China planted 4.45 million hectares of trees, raising the country's forest coverage to over 25 percent of its total land area, with total forest stock volume exceeding 20 billion cubic meters.

The nation has actively promoted wetland conservation and restoration, establishing more than 2,200 wetland nature reserves and greatly improving key wetland ecosystems. The Sanjiangyuan region, dubbed "the water tower of China," where the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers originate, has become a nationally representative and globally influential nature reserve system model.

Desertification control has also seen remarkable success. China's largest, and the world's second-largest, drifting desert, the Taklimakan, has been effectively contained, with its borders sealed and no longer expanding. The desert, known as the "Sea of Death," has been encircled with a sand-blocking green belt stretching 3,046 kilometers.

The Chinese Government has guided society at large to embrace an approach to ecological civilization that respects nature, follows its ways and protects it. The government promotes green and low-carbon lifestyles and advocates for a new vision of green, open, circular and eco-friendly development.

The country has also applied a system of ecological conservation red lines to identify its crucial ecological zones and enforce strict protection in these areas. Furthermore, China has adhered to a holistic and systematic approach to conserving and improving mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland and desert ecosystems. By following the Earth's ecological laws, it continues to help protect the planet and improve the environment.

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SOURCE Beijing Review
$0.56 GAAP EPS; $0.60 Operating EPS

22% increase in operating EPS year-over-year

5% increase in operating revenue, 6% decrease in operating non-interest expense Y/Y

3.24% net interest margin,10 basis point increase over linked quarter

59.5% efficiency ratio, best result in two years

0.42% delinquent and non-performing loans to total loans, lowest in nearly two decades

BOSTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB) today reported results for the first quarter of 2025. These results along with comparison periods are summarized below:

($ in millions, except per share data)

Three Months Ended



Mar. 31,

2025

Dec. 31,

2024

Mar. 31,

2024













Net income (loss) $ 25.7 $ 19.7 $ (20.2) Per share

0.56

0.46

(0.47) Operating earnings1

27.6

26.0

20.9 Per share

0.60

0.60

0.49













Net interest income, non FTE $ 89.8 $ 86.9 $ 88.1 Net interest income, FTE

91.7

88.8

90.1 Net interest margin, FTE

3.24 %

3.14 %

3.15 % Non-interest income $ 20.7 $ 23.3 $ (32.6) Operating non-interest income1

20.7

23.2

17.3













Non-interest expense

70.4

77.6

76.0 Operating non-interest expense1

67.9

71.0

72.4 Efficiency ratio1

59.5 %

62.4 %

66.3 %













Average balances











Loans $ 9,389 $ 9,271 $ 9,041 Deposits

9,847

9,659

9,829













Period-end balances











Loans

9,429

9,385

9,086 Deposits

9,880

10,375

9,883

1. See non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliation to GAAP measures beginning on page 12.

Berkshire CEO Nitin Mhatre stated, "The 22% increase in first quarter operating EPS year-over-year reflects revenue growth and improved efficiency, including the cumulative benefit of last year's strategic initiatives. Operating leverage was a positive 5% quarter-over-quarter and 11% year-over year. Period-end loans were up 4% year-over-year, with growth continuing quarter-over-quarter. Credit performance remains strong and during the quarter the bank completed the sale of its Upstart consumer loan portfolio. First quarter operating return on tangible common equity improved to 9.7% from 8.7% year-over-year. Our teams remain focused on serving our clients while also advancing integration planning as we move toward our anticipated merger of equals with Brookline Bancorp."

Mr. Mhatre continued, "Berkshire Bank's multi-year Community Comeback program concluded by exceeding its $5 billion goal to lend and invest across the company's markets, a testament to the impact we were able to create alongside our clients. Our impact is further highlighted in our latest Sustainability Report. We continue to be recognized for our efforts, most recently by Newsweek magazine for the fourth consecutive year as one of the most trusted companies in America. I thank all of our Berkshire Bankers for their contributions toward our financial success and service to our communities."

Berkshire CFO Brett Brbovic stated, "First quarter net interest income increased 3% linked quarter and the net interest margin increased 10 basis points to 3.24%, benefiting from a 12 basis point decrease in the cost of deposits to 2.18%. Operating non-interest income decreased $2.6 million linked quarter and increased $3.4 million year-over-year due primarily to changes in loan related income. The provision for credit losses decreased $0.5 million linked quarter and operating non-interest expense decreased $3.1 million, with decreases in most categories except seasonally higher compensation and occupancy expense. The allowance for credit losses on loans increased 2 basis points to 1.24%. Capital remained stong, with the tangible common equity ratio increasing to 9.9% of assets. Tangible book value per share advanced 3% linked quarter to $25.50."



As of and For the Three Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2025

Dec 31, 2024

Mar. 31, 2024 Asset Quality









Net loan charge-offs to average loans 0.15 %

0.14 %

0.18 % Non-performing loans to total loans 0.25 %

0.26 %

0.24 %











Returns









Return on average assets 0.88 %

0.68 %

(0.69) % Operating return on average assets1 0.94 %

0.90 %

0.71 % Return on tangible common equity1 9.02 %

7.59 %

(7.73) % Operating return on tangible common equity1 9.66 %

9.93 %

8.73 %























Capital Ratios2









Tangible common equity/tangible assets1 9.9 %

9.4 %

8.2 % Tier 1 leverage 11.0 %

11.0 %

9.5 % Common equity Tier 1 13.3 %

13.0 %

11.6 % Tier 1 risk-based 13.5 %

13.2 %

11.8 % Total risk-based 15.8 %

15.4 %

14.0 %





1. See non-GAAP measures and reconciliation to GAAP beginning on page 12. All performance ratios are annualized and are based on average balance sheet amounts, where applicable. 2. Presented as estimated for March 31, 2025 and actual for the remaining periods.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent company of Berkshire Bank, a relationship-driven, community-focused bank with $12.0 billion in assets and 83 financial centers in New England and New York. Berkshire is headquartered in Boston and offers commercial, retail, wealth, and private banking solutions. Berkshire has a pending agreement to merge with Brookline Bancorp, Inc., a multi-bank holding company with $11.5 billion in assets and branches in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York.

1Q 2025 Financial Highlights (comparisons are to the linked quarter unless otherwise noted).

Income Statement. First quarter GAAP income was $26 million, or $0.56 per share. Operating earnings totaled $28 million, or $0.60 per share. GAAP results included $2.5 million in primarily merger-related non-operating expenses. Operating earnings increased $1.6 million, or 6%, linked quarter and 32% year-over-year, with ongoing positive operating leverage from operating revenue growth and operating expense reduction. Reflecting the merger-related share issuance in December 2024, operating EPS was unchanged at $0.60 linked quarter, and was up 22% year-over-year. The efficiency ratio was 59.5%, improving to the best quarterly result in two years.

Quarterly net interest income increased linked quarter by $2.9 million to $89.8 million in 1Q25.

The net interest margin increased 10 basis points to 3.24%. The earning asset yield decreased 7 basis points. The loan yield decreased 8 basis points. The cost of funds decreased 17 basis points. The cost of deposits decreased 12 basis points.

Provision for credit losses totaled $5.5 million , decreasing $0.5 million linked quarter. Net loan charge-offs totaled $3.5 million , compared to $3.3 million linked quarter. The annualized loan net charge-off ratio was 0.15% for the quarter.

, decreasing linked quarter. GAAP and operating non-interest income was $21 million . The operating measure decreased $2.5 million linked quarter. SBA loan sale gains decreased $1.4 million from an elevated level in 4Q24 and increased $1.6 million year-over-year.

. The operating measure decreased linked quarter. Non-interest expense totaled $70 million on a GAAP basis and $68 million on an operating basis. The operating measure decreased $3.1 million linked quarter and $4.5 million year-over-year. Non-operating expense primarily related to merger costs and totaled $2.5 million in 1Q25 and $6.6 million in 4Q24. Operating non-interest expense was down linked quarter in most major categories, except for seasonally higher compensation and occupancy expense.

on a GAAP basis and on an operating basis. The operating measure decreased linked quarter and year-over-year. The effective tax rate was 26% in 1Q25 compared to 24% in 1Q24.

Loans. Compared to the linked quarter, total loans increased $44 million, or 0.5% to $9.4 billion.

The Bank sold the remaining portfolio of Upstart related consumer loans which totaled $7 million at year-end 2024. First quarter consumer loan net charge-offs of $1.3 million included the net loss on this sale.

at year-end 2024. The quarter-end allowance for credit losses on loans increased 2 basis points to 1.24% of total loans The period-end allowance increased to 501% of non-performing loans from 469% linked quarter.

Non-performing loans to total loans was 0.25% at period-end.

Delinquent and non-performing loans were 0.42% of total loans, the lowest level in nearly two decades.

Deposits. Compared to the linked quarter, total end of period deposits decreased $495 million to $9.9 billion. Total end of period deposits excluding payroll and brokered deposits increased $11 million linked quarter and increased $460 million, or 6%, year-over year (also excluding deposits sold in the 2024 branch sale).

Equity. Total shareholders' equity increased $29 million, or 3%, linked quarter to $1.2 billion. The ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets measured 9.9%, increasing from 9.4% linked quarter.

Proposed Transaction with Brookline Bancorp, Inc. On December 16, 2024, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., Commerce Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire formed solely to facilitate the merger ("Merger Sub") and Brookline Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Brookline"), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"). The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into Brookline, with Brookline as the surviving entity, and immediately thereafter, Brookline will merge with and into Berkshire, with Berkshire as the surviving entity (collectively, the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger, the separate corporate existence of Brookline will cease, and Berkshire will continue as the surviving corporation. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, which was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, each outstanding share of Brookline common stock will be exchanged for the right to receive 0.42 shares of Berkshire common stock. Holders of Brookline common stock will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of Berkshire common stock. As a result of the proposed transaction and a $100 million common stock offering by Berkshire to support the proposed transaction, Berkshire stockholders will own approximately 55% and Brookline stockholders will own approximately 45% of the outstanding shares of the combined company. The proposed transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approvals from Berkshire and Brookline stockholders.

Conference Call and Investor Presentation. Berkshire will conduct a conference call/webcast at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday, April 24, 2025 to discuss results for the quarter and provide guidance about expected future results. Instructions for listening to the call may be found at the Company's website at ir.berkshirebank.com. Additional materials relating to the call may also be accessed at this website. The call will be archived at the website and will be available for an extended period of time.

Forward Looking Statements: This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these statements from the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "plan," "potential," "estimate," "project," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "expect," "remain," "target" and similar expressions. There are many factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from expectations described in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of such factors, please see the sections titled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in Berkshire's most recent reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These factors include, but are not limited to, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of Berkshire or Brookline to terminate the merger agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Berkshire or Brookline; delays in completing the proposed transaction with Brookline; the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction) or stockholder approvals, or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all, including the ability of Berkshire and Brookline to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatments of the proposed transaction; the impact of certain restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction on the parties' ability to pursue certain business opportunities and strategic transactions; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; and potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect our expectations only as of the date of this document. Berkshire does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

INVESTOR CONTACT

Kevin Conn

Investor Relations

617.641.9206

[email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT

Gary Levante

Corporate Communications

413.447.1737

[email protected]

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (1)







At or for the Quarters Ended







March 31,

Dec. 31,

Sept. 30,

June 30,

March 31,









2025

2024

2024

2024

2024































NOMINAL AND PER SHARE DATA























Net earnings/(loss) per common share, diluted $ 0.56

$ 0.46

$ 0.88

$ 0.57

$ (0.47)





Operating earnings per common share, diluted (2)(3) 0.60

0.60

0.58

0.55

0.49





Net income/(loss), (thousands) 25,719

19,657

37,509

24,025

(20,188)





Operating net income, (thousands) (2)(3) 27,621

25,982

24,789

23,168

20,934





Net interest income, (thousands) non FTE 89,771

86,855

88,059

88,532

88,140





Net interest income, FTE (5) 91,655

88,798

90,082

90,545

90,146





Total common shares outstanding, end of period (thousands) 46,377

46,424

42,982

42,959

43,415





Average diluted shares, (thousands) 46,061

43,064

42,454

42,508

43,028





Total book value per common share, end of period 25.81

25.15

24.90

23.58

23.26





Tangible book value per common share, end of period (2)(3) 25.50

24.82

24.53

23.18

22.84





Dividends declared per common share 0.18

0.18

0.18

0.18

0.18





Dividend payout ratio (7) 32.52 % 39.40 % 20.63 % 32.74 % N/M %





























PERFORMANCE RATIOS (4)























Return on equity 8.63 % 7.18 % 14.29 % 9.49 % (7.93) %



Operating return on equity (2)(3) 9.28

9.49

9.44

9.15

8.23





Return on tangible common equity (2)(3) 9.02

7.59

14.83

9.99

(7.73)





Operating return on tangible common equity (2)(3) 9.66

9.93

9.91

9.65

8.73





Return on assets 0.88

0.68

1.28

0.82

(0.69)





Operating return on assets (2)(3) 0.94

0.90

0.85

0.79

0.71





Net interest margin, FTE (5) 3.24

3.14

3.16

3.20

3.15





Efficiency ratio (3) 59.45

62.43

63.74

63.40

66.26































FINANCIAL DATA (in millions, end of period)























Total assets

$ 12,013

$ 12,273

$ 11,605

$ 12,219

$ 12,147





Total earning assets 11,334

11,523

10,922

11,510

11,430





Total loans

9,429

9,385

9,212

9,229

9,086





Total funding liabilities 10,564

10,813

10,285

10,907

10,826





Total deposits

9,880

10,375

9,577

9,621

9,883





Loans/deposits (%) 95 % 90 % 96 % 96 % 92 %



Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) net of tax, end of period $ (95)

$ (106)

$ (89)

$ (115)

$ (114)





Total shareholders' equity 1,197

1,167

1,070

1,013

1,010































ASSET QUALITY























Allowance for credit losses, (millions) $ 117

$ 115

$ 112

$ 112

$ 107





Net charge-offs, (millions) (4)

(3)

(6)

(2)

(4)





Net charge-offs (QTD annualized)/average loans 0.15 % 0.14 % 0.24 % 0.07 % 0.18 %



Provision (benefit)/expense, (millions) $ 6

$ 6

$ 6

$ 6

$ 6





Non-performing assets, (millions) 26

27

27

24

24





Non-performing loans/total loans 0.25 % 0.26 % 0.26 % 0.23 % 0.24 %



Allowance for credit losses/non-performing loans 501

469

467

525

500





Allowance for credit losses/total loans 1.24

1.22

1.22

1.22

1.18































CAPITAL RATIOS























Risk weighted assets, (millions)(6) $ 9,642

$ 9,747

$ 9,651

$ 9,604

$ 9,615





Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets (6) 13.3 % 13.0 % 11.9 % 11.6 % 11.6 %



Tier 1 capital leverage ratio (6) 11.0

11.0

9.9

9.6

9.5





Tangible common shareholders' equity/tangible assets (3) 9.9

9.4

9.1

8.2

8.2









(1) All financial tables presented are unaudited. (2) Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, including all references to operating and tangible amounts, appear on page 13. (3) Non-GAAP financial measure. Operating measurements are non-GAAP financial measures that are adjusted to exclude net non-operating charges primarily related to acquisitions and restructuring activities. See page 13 for reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures. (4) All performance ratios are annualized and are based on average balance sheet amounts, where applicable. (5) Fully taxable equivalent considers the impact of tax advantaged investment securities and loans. (6) Presented as projected for March 31, 2025 and actual for the remaining periods. (7) Dividend payout ratio is based on dividends declared.

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, December 31, March 31, (in thousands) 2025 2024 2024 Assets





Cash and due from banks $ 121,137 $ 182,776 $ 111,676 Short-term investments 705,199 945,633 1,082,019 Total cash and cash equivalents 826,336 1,128,409 1,193,695







Trading securities, at fair value 5,010 5,258 5,909 Equity securities, at fair value 647 655 12,823 Securities available for sale, at fair value 669,182 655,723 625,857 Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost 494,242 507,658 531,820 Federal Home Loan Bank stock 29,688 19,565 20,522 Total securities 1,198,769 1,188,859 1,196,931 Less: Allowance for credit losses on investment securities (63) (64) (61) Net securities 1,198,706 1,188,795 1,196,870







Loans held for sale 1,322 3,076 6,345







Commercial real estate loans 4,882,927 4,848,824 4,593,692 Commercial and industrial loans 1,455,847 1,461,341 1,384,591 Residential mortgages 2,721,885 2,701,227 2,677,046 Consumer loans 368,226 373,602 430,424 Total loans 9,428,885 9,384,994 9,085,753 Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans (116,678) (114,700) (107,331) Net loans 9,312,207 9,270,294 8,978,422







Premises and equipment, net 57,680 56,609 57,832 Other intangible assets 13,936 15,064 18,460 Other assets 596,082 604,231 611,967 Assets held for sale 6,930 6,930 83,020 Total assets $ 12,013,199 $ 12,273,408 $ 12,146,611







Liabilities and shareholders' equity





Non-interest bearing deposits $ 2,295,040 $ 2,324,879 $ 2,261,794 NOW and other deposits 789,418 841,406 793,492 Money market deposits 3,197,331 3,610,521 3,411,672 Savings deposits 1,065,530 1,021,716 1,010,630 Time deposits 2,532,558 2,576,682 2,405,384 Total deposits 9,879,877 10,375,204 9,882,972







Federal Home Loan Bank advances 562,921 316,482 337,169 Subordinated borrowings 121,674 121,612 121,425 Total borrowings 684,595 438,094 458,594







Other liabilities 251,967 292,686 297,663 Liabilities held for sale - - 497,459 Total liabilities 10,816,439 11,105,984 11,136,688







Common shareholders' equity 1,196,760 1,167,424 1,009,923 Total shareholders' equity 1,196,760 1,167,424 1,009,923 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 12,013,199 $ 12,273,408 $ 12,146,611

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended

March 31, (in thousands, except per share data) 2025

2024 Interest income $ 148,330

$ 152,006 Interest expense 58,559

63,866 Net interest income, non FTE 89,771

88,140 Non-interest income





Deposit related fees 7,949

8,305 Loan related fees 3,787

2,663 Gain on SBA loans 3,276

1,699 Wealth management fees 2,955

2,884 Fair value adjustments on securities (52)

(115) Other 2,757

1,874 Total non-interest income excluding gains and losses 20,672

17,310 (Loss) on sale of securities -

(49,909) Total non-interest income 20,672

(32,599) Total net revenue 110,443

55,541







Provision expense for credit losses 5,500

6,000 Non-interest expense





Compensation and benefits 40,635

40,735 Occupancy and equipment 7,666

8,698 Technology 10,065

9,904 Professional services 1,714

2,676 Regulatory expenses 1,627

1,845 Amortization of intangible assets 1,128

1,205 Marketing 1,267

1,116 Merger, restructuring and other non-operating expenses 2,454

3,617 Other expenses 3,810

6,224 Total non-interest expense 70,366

76,020 Total non-interest expense excluding non-operating expenses 67,912

72,403







Income before income taxes $ 34,577

$ (26,479) Income tax expense 8,858

(6,291) Net income $ 25,719

$ (20,188)







Basic earnings per common share $ 0.56

$ (0.47) Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.56

$ (0.47)







Weighted average shares outstanding:





Basic 45,684

42,777 Diluted 46,061

43,028









BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (5 Quarter Trend)



March 31,

Dec. 31,

Sept. 30,

June 30,

March 31, (in thousands, except per share data)

2025

2024

2024

2024

2024 Interest income

$ 148,330

$ 150,555

$ 157,268

$ 154,109

$ 152,006 Interest expense

58,559

63,700

69,209

65,577

63,866 Net interest income, non FTE

89,771

86,855

88,059

88,532

88,140 Non-interest income



















Deposit related fees

7,949

8,237

8,656

8,561

8,305 Loan related fees

3,787

3,039

3,214

2,364

2,663 Gain on SBA loans

3,276

4,635

3,020

3,294

1,699 Wealth management fees

2,955

2,658

2,685

2,613

2,884 Fair value adjustments on securities

(52)

(352)

516

(42)

(115) Other

2,757

4,943

3,416

3,343

1,874 Total non-interest income excluding gains and losses

20,672

23,160

21,507

20,133

17,310 Gain on sale of business operations and assets, net

-

193

16,048

-

- Loss on sale of securities

-

(28)

-

-

(49,909) Total non-interest income

20,672

23,325

37,555

20,133

(32,599) Total net revenue

110,443

110,180

125,614

108,665

55,541





















Provision expense for credit losses

5,500

6,000

5,500

6,499

6,000 Non-interest expense



















Compensation and benefits

40,635

38,929

40,663

40,126

40,735 Occupancy and equipment

7,666

7,334

7,373

8,064

8,698 Technology

10,065

10,241

10,014

10,236

9,904 Professional services

1,714

2,765

2,109

2,757

2,676 Regulatory expenses

1,627

1,851

1,851

1,848

1,845 Amortization of intangible assets

1,128

1,128

1,128

1,140

1,205 Marketing

1,267

2,013

861

532

1,116 Merger, restructuring and other non-operating expenses

2,454

6,557

(297)

(384)

3,617 Other expenses

3,810

6,757

8,258

6,612

6,224 Total non-interest expense

70,366

77,575

71,960

70,931

76,020 Total non-interest expense excluding non-operating expenses

67,912

71,018

72,257

71,315

72,403











































Income/(loss) before income taxes

$ 34,577

$ 26,605

$ 48,154

$ 31,235

$ (26,479) Income tax expense/(benefit)

8,858

6,948

10,645

7,210

(6,291) Net income/(loss)

$ 25,719

$ 19,657

$ 37,509

$ 24,025

$ (20,188)











































Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share

$ 0.56

$ 0.46

$ 0.88

$ 0.57

$ (0.47)





















Weighted average shares outstanding:



















Basic

45,684

42,661

42,170

42,437

42,777 Diluted

46,061

43,064

42,454

42,508

43,028

























BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. AVERAGE BALANCES AND AVERAGE YIELDS AND COSTS

Quarters Ended



March 31, 2025

December 31, 2024

March 31, 2024 (in millions)

Average

Balance Interest (1) Average

Yield/Rate



Average

Balance Interest (1) Average

Yield/Rate



Average

Balance Interest (1) Average

Yield/Rate

Assets





























Commercial real estate

$ 4,865 $ 75 6.19 %

$ 4,772 $ 77 6.32 %

$ 4,553 $ 75 6.53 % Commercial and industrial loans

1,446 25 7.00



1,435 27 7.24



1,355 26 7.64

Residential mortgages

2,708 30 4.35



2,690 29 4.32



2,668 29 4.15

Consumer loans

370 6 6.57



374 6 6.29



465 8 7.24

Total loans

9,389 136 5.80



9,271 139 5.88



9,041 138 6.04

Securities (2)

1,312 9 2.62



1,347 9 2.66



1,726 10 2.38

Short-term investments and loans held for sale

534 6 4.19



466 5 4.25



489 6 5.07

New York branch loans held for sale (3)

- - -



- - -



18 - 5.72

Total earning assets

11,235 151 5.35



11,084 153 5.42



11,274 154 5.44

Goodwill and other intangible assets

14







15







19





Other assets

505







497







462





Total assets

$ 11,754







$ 11,596







$ 11,755





































































Non-interest-bearing demand deposits

$ 2,262 $ - - %

$ 2,293 $ - - %

$ 2,348 $ - - % NOW and other

758 2 1.32



764 3 1.44



799 3 1.37

Money market

3,247 23 2.87



3,046 23 3.02



3,083 25 3.25

Savings

1,038 3 1.13



1,003 3 1.09



1,038 3 0.97

Time

2,542 25 3.91



2,553 27 4.22



2,561 26 4.07

Total deposits

9,847 53 2.18



9,659 56 2.30



9,829 57 2.29

Borrowings (4)

463 6 4.90



602 8 5.20



504 7 5.52

New York branch non-interest-bearing deposits held for sale (3) - - -



- - -



30 - -

New York branch interest-bearing deposits held for sale (3)

- - -



- - -



119 1 2.75

Total funding liabilities

10,310 59 2.30



10,261 64 2.47



10,482 65 2.45

































Other liabilities

253







240







255





Total liabilities

10,563







10,501







10,737





































Common shareholders' equity (5)

1,191







1,095







1,018





Total shareholders' equity

1,191







1,095







1,018





Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$ 11,754







$ 11,596







$ 11,755





Net interest margin, FTE





3.24







3.14







3.15

































Supplementary data





























Net Interest Income, non FTE

89.771







86.855







88.140





FTE income adjustment

1.884







1.943







2.006





Net Interest Income, FTE

91.655







88.798







90.146











































(1) Interest income and expense presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis. (2) Average balances for securities available-for-sale are based on amortized cost. (3) New York branch loans and deposits moved to held for sale on March 4, 2024. (4) Average balances for borrowings includes the financing lease obligation which is presented under other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. (5) Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are included in average equity. Prior period balances and financial metrics have been updated to reflect the current presentation.

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. ASSET QUALITY ANALYSIS

At or for the Quarters Ended

March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, (in thousands) 2025 2024 2024 2024 2024 NON-PERFORMING ASSETS



















Commercial real estate $ 9,742

$ 10,393

$ 10,270

$ 5,976

$ 4,762

Commercial and industrial loans 8,998

9,156

8,227

8,489

9,174

Residential mortgages 3,684

3,830

4,348

5,491

5,992

Consumer loans 856

1,068

1,124

1,392

1,526

Total non-performing loans 23,280

24,447

23,969

21,348

21,454

Repossessed assets 2,288

2,280

2,563

2,549

2,689

Total non-performing assets $ 25,568

$ 26,727

$ 26,532

$ 23,897

$ 24,143























Total non-performing loans/total loans 0.25 %

0.26 %

0.26 %

0.23 %

0.24 %

Total non-performing assets/total assets 0.21 %

0.22 %

0.23 %

0.20 %

0.20 %























PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS















Balance at beginning of period $ 114,700

$ 112,047

$ 112,167

$ 107,331

$ 105,357

Charged-off loans (6,256)

(4,553)

(7,091)

(3,246)

(5,636)

Recoveries on charged-off loans 2,734

1,206

1,471

1,583

1,610

Net loans charged-off (3,522)

(3,347)

(5,620)

(1,663)

(4,026)

Provision (benefit)/expense for loan credit losses 5,500

6,000

5,500

6,499

6,000

Balance at end of period $ 116,678

$ 114,700

$ 112,047

$ 112,167

$ 107,331























Allowance for credit losses/total loans 1.24 %

1.22 %

1.22 %

1.22 %

1.18 %

Allowance for credit losses/non-performing loans 501 %

469 %

467 %

525 %

500 %























NET LOAN CHARGE-OFFS



















Commercial real estate $ (991)

$ (121)

$ (999)

$ 22

$ 292

Commercial and industrial loans (1,518)

(2,309)

(1,009)

(711)

(1,772)

Residential mortgages 161

552

273

316

98

Home equity 102

1

3

8

193

Other consumer loans (1,276)

(1,470)

(3,888)

(1,298)

(2,837)

Total, net $ (3,522)

$ (3,347)

$ (5,620)

$ (1,663)

$ (4,026)























Net charge-offs (QTD annualized)/average loans 0.15 %

0.14 %

0.24 %

0.07 %

0.18 %

Net charge-offs (YTD annualized)/average loans 0.15 %

0.16 %

0.16 %

0.13 %

0.18 %













































DELINQUENT AND NON-PERFORMING LOANS Balance Percent

of Total

Loans Balance Percent

of Total

Loans Balance Percent

of Total

Loans Balance Percent

of Total

Loans Balance Percent

of Total

Loans 30-89 Days delinquent $ 9,783 0.10 % $ 17,591 0.19 % $ 18,526 0.20 % $ 18,494 0.20 % $ 27,682 0.30 % 90+ Days delinquent and still accruing 6,858 0.07 % 6,417 0.07 % 6,280 0.07 % 11,672 0.13 % 5,882 0.06 % Total accruing delinquent loans 16,641 0.17 % 24,008 0.26 % 24,806 0.27 % 30,166 0.33 % 33,564 0.36 % Non-performing loans 23,280 0.25 % 24,447 0.26 % 23,969 0.26 % 21,348 0.23 % 21,454 0.24 % Total delinquent and non-performing loans $ 39,921 0.42 % $ 48,455 0.52 % $ 48,775 0.53 % $ 51,514 0.56 % $ 55,018 0.60 %

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This document contains certain non-GAAP financial measures in addition to results presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP measures are intended to provide the reader with additional supplemental perspectives on operating results, performance trends, and financial condition. Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for GAAP measures; they should be read and used in conjunction with the Company's GAAP financial information. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP measures is provided below. In all cases, it should be understood that non-GAAP measures do not depict amounts that accrue directly to the benefit of shareholders. An item which management excludes when computing non-GAAP operating earnings can be of substantial importance to the Company's results for any particular quarter or year. The Company's non-GAAP operating earnings information set forth is not necessarily comparable to non- GAAP information which may be presented by other companies. Each non-GAAP measure used by the Company in this report as supplemental financial data should be considered in conjunction with the Company's GAAP financial information.



The Company utilizes the non-GAAP measure of operating earnings in evaluating operating trends, including components for operating revenue and expense. These measures exclude amounts which the Company views as unrelated to its normalized operations. These items primarily include restructuring costs. Restructuring costs generally consist of costs and losses associated with the disposition of assets and liabilities and lease terminations, including costs related to branch consolidations.



The Company also calculates operating earnings per share based on its measure of operating earnings and diluted common shares. The Company views these amounts as important to understanding its operating trends, particularly due to the impact of accounting standards related to merger and acquisition activity. Analysts also rely on these measures in estimating and evaluating the Company's performance. Adjustments in 2025 were primarily related to the pending merger. Adjustments in 2024 were primarily related to the pending merger, branch sales and consolidations, and loss on sale of securities.



Management believes that the computation of non-GAAP operating earnings and operating earnings per share may facilitate the comparison of the Company to other companies in the financial services industry. The Company also adjusts certain equity related measures to exclude intangible assets due to the importance of these measures to the investment community.

BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA



At or for the Quarters Ended





March 31,

Dec. 31,

Sept. 30,

June 30,

March 31,

(in thousands)



2025

2024

2024

2024

2024

Total non-interest income



$ 20,672

$ 23,325

$ 37,555

$ 20,133

$ (32,599)

Adj: Net (gains) on sale of business operations and assets



-

(193)

(16,048)

-

-

Adj: Loss on sale of securities



-

28

-

-

49,909

Total operating non-interest income (1)



$ 20,672

$ 23,160

$ 21,507

$ 20,133

$ 17,310



























Total revenue (A)

$ 110,443

$ 110,180

$ 125,614

$ 108,665

$ 55,541

Adj: Net (gains) on sale of business operations and assets



-

(193)

(16,048)

-

-

Adj: Loss on sale of securities



-

28

-

-

49,909

Total operating revenue (1) (B)

$ 110,443

$ 110,015

$ 109,566

$ 108,665

$ 105,450



























Total non-interest expense (C)

$ 70,366

$ 77,575

$ 71,960

$ 70,931

$ 76,020

Adj: Merger, restructuring and other non-operating expenses



(2,454)

(6,557)

297

384

(3,617)

Operating non-interest expense (1) (D)

$ 67,912

$ 71,018

$ 72,257

$ 71,315

$ 72,403



























Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) (A-C)

$ 40,077

$ 32,605

$ 53,654

$ 37,734

$ (20,479)

Operating pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) (1) (B-D)

42,531

38,997

37,309

37,350

33,047



























Net income/(loss)



$ 25,719

$ 19,657

$ 37,509

$ 24,025

$ (20,188)

Adj: Net (gains) on sale of business operations and assets



-

(193)

(16,048)

-

-

Adj: Loss on sale of securities



-

28

-

-

49,909

Adj: Merger, restructuring expense and other non-operating expenses



2,454

6,557

(297)

(384)

3,617

Adj: Income taxes (expense)/benefit



(552)

(67)

3,625

(473)

(12,404)

Total operating income (1) (E)

$ 27,621

$ 25,982

$ 24,789

$ 23,168

$ 20,934



























(in millions, except per share data)























Total average assets (F)

$ 11,754

$ 11,596

$ 11,695

$ 11,692

$ 11,755

Total average shareholders' equity (G)

1,191

1,095

1,050

1,013

1,018

Total average tangible shareholders' equity (1) (I)

1,177

1,080

1,034

995

999

Total accumulated other comprehensive (loss) net of tax, end of period



(95)

(106)

(89)

(115)

(114)

Total tangible shareholders' equity, end of period (1) (K)

1,183

1,152

1,054

996

991

Total tangible assets, end of period (1) (L)

11,999

12,258

11,588

12,202

12,128



























Total common shares outstanding, end of period (thousands) (M)

46,377

46,424

42,982

42,959

43,415

Average diluted shares outstanding (thousands) (N)

46,061

43,064

42,454

42,508

43,028



























Earnings/(loss) per common share, diluted (1)



$ 0.56

$ 0.46

$ 0.88

$ 0.57

$ (0.47)

Operating earnings per common share, diluted (1) (E/N)

0.60

0.60

0.58

0.55

0.49

Tangible book value per common share, end of period (1) (K/M)

25.50

24.82

24.53

23.18

22.84

Total tangible shareholders' equity/total tangible assets (1) (K/L)

9.86

9.40

9.10

8.16

8.17



























Performance ratios (2)























Return on equity



8.63 % 7.18 % 14.29 % 9.49 % (7.93) % Operating return on equity (1) (E/G)

9.28

9.49

9.44

9.15

8.23

Return on tangible common equity (1)(3)



9.02

7.59

14.83

9.99

(7.73)

Operating return on tangible common equity (1)(3) (E+Q)/(I)

9.66

9.93

9.91

9.65

8.73

Return on assets



0.88

0.68

1.28

0.82

(0.69)

Operating return on assets (1) (E/F)

0.94

0.90

0.85

0.79

0.71

Efficiency ratio (1) (D-Q)/(B+O+R)

59.45

62.43

63.74

63.40

66.26





















































Supplementary data (in thousands)























Tax benefit on tax-credit investments (4) (O)

N/M

N/M

N/M

N/M

N/M

Non-interest income tax-credit investments amortization (5) (P)

N/M

N/M

N/M

N/M

N/M

Net income on tax-credit investments (O+P)

N/M

N/M

N/M

N/M

N/M

Effective tax rate



25.6 % 26.1 % 22.1 % 23.1 % 23.8 %

























Intangible amortization (Q)

$ 1,128

$ 1,128

$ 1,128

$ 1,140

$ 1,205

Fully taxable equivalent income adjustment (R)

1,884

1,943

2,023

2,013

2,006

































(1) Non-GAAP financial measure. (2) Ratios are annualized and based on average balance sheet amounts, where applicable. Quarterly data may not sum to year-to-date data due to rounding. (3) Amortization of intangible assets is adjusted assuming a 27% marginal tax rate. (4) The tax benefit is the direct reduction to the income tax provision due to tax credit investments. (5) The non-interest income amortization is the reduction to the tax-advantaged investments and are incurred as the tax credits are generated.

SOURCE Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.
BioBond is licensing multiple patent applications in the novel biomaterials space from Purdue OTC. Marc McConnaughey, CEO of BioBond stated, "Petroleum-based adhesives are a major source of VOCs and microplastics and are in need of innovative solutions which reduce our day-to-day exposure and decompose quickly. I am pleased and excited to partner with Purdue in bringing these needed technologies to the market."

"BioBond's ability to create novel, biobased adhesives and coatings that remove fossil fuel based components will be accelerated by licensing materials technology generated from innovative professors at Purdue University," stated Frank Klemens, Managing Director of the GFRP Fund. "This close relationship is possible due to our decision to locate BioBond in a rural area near Purdue University. Being in close proximity to the Indiana Corn and Soybean associations also enables BioBond to source and produce products efficiently resulting in a product that is at cost parity or better. The Fund looks forward to a long, fruitful relationship with Purdue's team of professional innovators and Indiana's ecosystem for many years to come."

"It has been great working with Generation Food Rural Partners Fund. We are excited to work with BioBond in advancing the field of sustainable packaging to help solve some important global challenges associated with adhesives," said Brooke Beier, Senior Vice President of Purdue Innovates. This license from work within Purdue's College of Science's Tarpo Department of Chemistry is further proof that industry and academia can work together to advance technologies to improve people's lives around the world.

About BioBond

BioBond Adhesives, Inc. is a material technology company developing new adhesive materials, coatings, and applications that makes our environment a healthier and safer place to live and work. We specialize in the development of biopolymer compounds to displace traditional petroleum-based adhesives and coatings. As the second company formed within BIV's Generation Food Rural Partners (GFRP) Fund, BioBond licenses intellectual property from multiple universities collaborating to develop novel materials to reduce the amount of plastic waste and VOCs such as formaldehydes entering the environment. BioBond headquarters is located in Lafayette, Indiana. For more information, visit https://biobondadhesives.com.

About Generation Food Rural Partners

Generation Food Rural Partners ("GFRP" or the "Fund") is an RBIC-licensed investment fund designed to drive economic growth and development in rural communities in the U.S. The Fund invests in the areas of agriculture, food, and protein technologies to form new companies based on intellectual property, creating living wage jobs at its portfolio companies. GFRP is backed by members of the Farm Credit System, including Farm Credit Services of America, CoBank, Compeer Financial and Mid-America Farm Credit. GFRP is part of Big Idea Ventures (BIV), the world's most active investor in FoodTech. BIV backs leading companies in food technology, AgriTech, and the bioeconomy across the globe. With teams based in New York, Paris, Singapore and India, BIV has invested in over 100 companies across 30 countries. It manages both the Global Food Innovation fund family and GFRP. For more information, visit www.bigideaventures.com/generation-food-rural-partners.

About Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization

The Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. In fiscal year 2024, the office reported 145 deals finalized with 224 technologies signed, 466 invention disclosures received, and 290 U.S. and international patents received. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact [email protected] for more information.

SOURCE BioBond Adhesives, Inc.
Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

Registration Statement No. 333-285508

April 24, 2025

NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Bank of Montreal ("BMO") provided a reminder today of (i) its intention to exercise its call right and redeem all of the outstanding securities of its MicroSectorsTM FANG+TM Index 3 Leveraged ETNs due January 8, 2038, CUSIP: 063679534 (the "FNGA ETNs"); and (ii) the availability of a new Exchange Traded Note ("ETN"), the MicroSectorsTM FANG+TM 3 Leveraged ETNs due February 17, 2045, CUSIP: 063679385 (the "FNGB ETNs"). BMO previously announced these events on February 19, 2025.

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the applicable ETN Prospectus (as defined below) for the relevant ETNs.

Reminder of the Redemption of FNGA ETNs

BMO would like to remind investors that it intends to exercise its call right and redeem all of the outstanding FNGA ETNs on the Call Settlement Date, which is expected to be May 15, 2025.

The FNGA ETNs were launched in January 2018 with fees and charges that reflected the then-current market environment. BMO is exercising its call right because the costs associated with supporting the leverage embedded in the FNGA ETNs have increased and, therefore, the existing fees and charges applicable to the FNGA ETNs no longer reflect the current market environment.

Further details regarding the redemption of the FNGA ETNs are provided below.

Reminder of the Availability of FNGB ETNs

On February 19, 2025, BMO launched a new MicroSectors ETN linked to the gross total return version of the NYSE FANG+ Index (the "Index"). Since February 20, 2025, the FNGB ETNs have been trading on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the "NYSE") under the ticker symbol "FNGB." The FNGB ETNs are intended to offer sophisticated investors three times leveraged participation in the daily performance of the Index, before taking into account fees, charges and the decay effect caused by the daily resetting of the leverage.

The FNGB ETNs are meant to replace the FNGA ETNs and provide investors continued access to an ETN with three times leveraged, daily resetting, exposure to the Index, but with fees and charges that reflect the current market environment.

The Index, which is the same index that the FNGA ETNs are linked to, is an equally-weighted equity index that tracks the performance of 10 highly-traded growth stocks of technology and tech-enabled companies in the technology, media & communications and consumer discretionary sectors. The Index is a total return index, in which dividends paid on the applicable securities are included in the level of the Index. The ticker symbol of the Index is "NYFANGT".

Since the Initial Trade Date to, and including, August 19, 2025, the Daily Investor Fee for the FNGB ETNs will be discounted, based on a rate of 0.35% per annum. Thereafter, from, and including, August 20, 2025, the Daily Investor Fee will be based on a rate of 0.95% per annum. See the ETN Prospectus for the FNGB ETNs for more information regarding the fees and charges applicable to the FNGB ETNs.

Additional Information Related to the Redemption of the FNGA ETNs

As announced on February 19, 2025, BMO intends to send a call notice to holders of the FNGA ETNs on May 1, 2025. The Call Calculation Date will be the Index Business Day after the call notice is issued, which is expected to be May 2, 2025. The Call Measurement Period will be the five Index Business Days from and including the Call Calculation Date, which are expected to be May 2, 2025, May 5, 2025, May 6, 2025, May 7, 2025 and May 8, 2025. The Call Measurement Period is subject to postponement in the event of a market disruption event as described in the ETN Prospectus for the FNGA ETNs. The Call Settlement Date will be the fifth Business Day following the last Index Business Day in the Call Measurement Period, which is expected to be May 15, 2025.

On the Call Settlement Date, holders of the FNGA ETNs will receive a cash payment equal to the Call Settlement Amount. The Call Settlement Amount will be determined in accordance with the terms of the FNGA ETNs and will be equal to the arithmetic mean of the closing Indicative Note Values on each Index Business Day in the Call Measurement Period. BMO will pay the applicable Call Settlement Amount to investors holding the FNGA ETNs on the applicable Call Settlement Date. Please refer to the ETN Prospectus for the FNGA ETNs for the additional information on the calculation of the Call Settlement Amount and the closing Indicative Note Values.

The FNGA ETNs will be delisted from the NYSE prior to the open of trading on the Call Settlement Date. Accordingly, the last day of trading for the FNGA ETNs is expected to be May 14, 2025.

Holders of the FNGA ETNs may choose to continue to hold their securities until the Call Settlement Date, or may choose to elect to require us to redeem their securities on or prior to May 1, 2025, in accordance with the terms of the FNGA ETNs, or sell their securities in the secondary market. BMO has announced the waiver of the minimum early redemption size for the FNGA ETNs. Prior to the waiver, holders of the FNGA ETNs were required to elect to redeem at least 25,000 ETNs at one time in order to exercise their right to redeem them.

Disclosures

Our election to exercise our call right in whole may adversely impact your ability to sell the FNGA ETNs and/or the price at which you may be able to sell your FNGA ETNs prior to the Call Settlement Date. BMO does not intend to issue or register any additional FNGA ETNs on or after May 1, 2025. BMO and its affiliates also intend to suspend any further sales from inventory of the FNGA ETNs on May 1, 2025.

Investors who purchase the FNGA ETNs at any time prior to the Call Settlement Date for an amount that is greater than the applicable Call Settlement Amount that they will receive on the Call Settlement Date will suffer a loss on their investment. Furthermore, investors who sell the FNGA ETNs at any time prior to delisting for an amount that is less than the applicable Call Settlement Amount they would have received on the Call Settlement Date will also suffer a loss. In either case, such losses could be significant. Investors will not receive any other compensation or amount for the loss of the investment opportunity of holding the FNGA ETNs.

The FNGB ETNs are not intended to be "buy and hold" investments, and are not intended to be held to maturity. Instead, the FNGB ETNs are intended to be daily trading tools for sophisticated investors to manage daily trading risks as part of an overall diversified portfolio. The FNGB ETNs are designed to reflect a 3 leveraged long exposure to the performance of the Index on a daily basis, before taking into account the negative effect of the fees and charges. However, due to the daily resetting leverage, the returns on the FNGB ETNs over different periods of time can, and most likely will, differ significantly from three times the return on a direct long investment in the Index. The FNGB ETNs are designed to achieve their stated investment objectives on a daily basis. The performance of the FNGB ETNs over different periods of time can differ significantly from their stated daily objectives. The FNGB ETNs are considerably riskier than securities that have intermediate- or long-term investment objectives, and are not suitable for investors who plan to hold them for a period of more than one day or who have a "buy and hold" strategy. Investors should actively and continuously monitor their investments in the FNGB ETNs on an intra-day basis, and any decision to hold the FNGB ETNs for more than one day should be made with great care and only as the result of a series of daily (or more frequent) investment decisions to remain invested in the FNGB ETNs for the next one-day period. The FNGB ETNs are very sensitive to changes in the level of the Index, and returns on the FNGB ETNs may be negatively impacted in complex ways by the volatility of the Index on a daily or intraday basis. It is possible that you will suffer significant losses in the FNGB ETNs even if the long-term performance of the Index is positive. Accordingly, the FNGB ETNs should be purchased only by sophisticated investors who understand and can bear the potential risks and consequences of the FNGB ETNs that are designed to provide exposure to the leveraged performance of the Index on a daily basis and that will be highly volatile and may experience significant losses, up to the entire amount invested, in a short period of time.

For additional information, including a discussion of the risks relating to an investment in the ETNs, please carefully read the applicable pricing supplement and related documents that we have filed with respect to the ETNs (each, an "ETN Prospectus"). Investors should review the relevant ETN Prospectus carefully prior to making an investment decision.

The ETN Prospectus relating to the each of the ETNs can be found on EDGAR, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") website at: www.sec.gov, as well as on the product websites at the following links: www.bmoetns.com and www.microsectors.com

Bank of Montreal, the issuer of each series of the ETNs, has filed a registration statement (including a pricing supplement, product supplement (if applicable), prospectus supplement and prospectus) with the SEC regarding each of series of the ETNs. Please read those documents and the other documents relating to these securities that Bank of Montreal has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Bank of Montreal and the applicable securities. These documents may be obtained without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Bank of Montreal, and any agent or dealer that participated in the offering of the ETNs, will arrange to send the applicable pricing supplement, the product supplement (if applicable), the prospectus supplement and the prospectus if so requested by calling toll-free at 1-877-369-5412.

The ETNs are senior, unsecured obligations of BMO, and are subject to BMO's credit risk.

Investment suitability must be determined individually for each investor, and the ETNs are not suitable for all investors. This information is not intended to provide and should not be relied upon as providing accounting, legal, regulatory or tax advice. Investors should consult with their own financial advisors as to these matters.

About REX Shares

REX Shares ("REX") is a leading provider of innovative exchange-traded products (ETPs), specializing in alternative strategy ETFs and ETNs. With over $8 billion in assets under management, REX is known for pioneering the MicroSectors and T-REX product lines, offering leveraged and inverse exposure to a variety of market sectors. REX also provides a number of services for its crypto-focused sister company, Osprey Funds, LLC. REX continues to drive industry innovation through its growing suite of ETPs, serving investors seeking sophisticated trading tools, income strategies, and other alternative exposures.

For more information, please visit www.rexshares.com or www.microsectors.com

Follow REX (@REXShares) and MicroSectors (@msectors) on X.

REX Media Contacts: [email protected]

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

Bank of Montreal ETNs: [email protected], +1 (877) 369-5412

Internet: www.bmo.com

The NYSE FANG+ Index is a product of ICE Data Indices, LLC ("ICE Data") and is used with permission. ICE is a registered trademark of ICE Data or its affiliates. NYSE is a registered trademark of NYSE Group, Inc., an affiliate of ICE Data and is used by ICE Data with permission and under a license. ICE Data and its Third Party Suppliers accept no liability in connection with the use of the NYSE FANG+ Index or marks. See the applicable ETN Prospectus for a full copy of the Disclaimer.

MicroSectors and REX are trademarks of REX. The trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by REX. The indices have been licensed for use by REX. The ETNs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by REX or any of its affiliates or third party licensors (collectively, "REX Index Parties"). REX Index Parties make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the ETNs or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the ETNs particularly or the ability of the indices to track general stock market performance.

SOURCE BMO Financial Group
Vbeam Pro will be unveiled at the 2025 Annual Meeting of American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS)

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Candela Corporation, a global leader in energy-based medical aesthetics, proudly announced the launch of the Vbeam Pro platform at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), held in Orlando, FL. Representing the most significant advancement in Candela's four-decades of clinical leadership in pulsed dye laser (PDL) technology, the Vbeam Pro device sets a new market standard for the treatment of vascular and dermatologic conditions.

Vbeam Pro Logo Vbeam Pro Device

The Vbeam Pro device is the only vascular laser FDA-cleared for use in pediatric patients and combines an advanced 595 nm pulsed dye laser with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength to offer unmatched precision, accuracy, and treatment versatility. The platform is designed to effectively treat a broad spectrum of skin conditions, including rosacea, port-wine stains, acne, leg veins, spider veins, scars, benign pigmented lesions, wrinkles, warts, stretch marks, and photoaging.

"The Vbeam Pro system is a transformative evolution in pulsed dye laser technology," says Dr. Roy Geronemus, Clinical Professor in the Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation. "The clinical results are remarkably consistent, and patients are experiencing enhanced outcomes compared to earlier-generation systems," he adds.

With its dual wavelengths and 30% tighter energy delivery control, the Vbeam Pro laser offers a new level of efficacy and efficiency for clinicians treating patients across all Fitzpatrick skin types (IVI). The platform also features optimized dye life and an enhanced user interface, delivering a superior treatment experience for both practitioners and patients.

Backed by rigorous clinical research, the Vbeam Pro laser has demonstrated:

20% improved clearance of treated lesions





of treated lesions 50% faster treatment times





20% reduction in reported patient discomfort

"Reinforcing Candela's commitment to scientific rigor, the Vbeam Pro system underwent extensive clinical evaluation at leading dermatology practices across the United States," says Konika Patel Schallen, MD, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations and Medical Director at Candela. "We put the platform through stringent testing, using it in busy clinical environments on a wide variety of skin types and conditions. We are excited about the feedback from our dermatology users on enhancing patient outcomes and treatment efficiency." she concludes.

"Building on Candela's longstanding clinical leadership, the introduction of the Vbeam Pro system represents a major leap forward in the treatment of vascular and other skin conditions," said Geoffrey Crouse, Chief Executive Officer of Candela. "This milestone launch reflects our unwavering commitment to continuous innovation, rooted in proven science, consistent clinical outcomes, and trusted partnerships with both healthcare providers and patients."

Attendees of ASLMS 2025 are invited to experience the Vbeam Pro device by visiting Candela at Booth #321.

For more information, please visit: candelamedical.com

1. Compared to Vbeam Perfecta; Vbeam 595 nm output Accuracy and Precision data on file

2. Supported by early LCR participant treatment feedback

3. Data from LCR sites relative to Perfecta

4. Based on patient reports from LCR sites relative to prior Vbeam systems

Media Contact: Lindsey Hans, [email protected]

SOURCE CANDELA
IRVING, Texas and TAMPA, Fla., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences (Caris), a leading next-generation AI TechBio company and precision medicine pioneer, today announced a strategic collaboration with MiBA, an innovative healthcare technology company to provide physician education and insights to accelerate research, identify and personalize treatment plans. This partnership aims to help improve patient care and advance precision medicine by supporting oncologists' experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) testing and supporting clinical research through operational optimization, BioPharma clinical trials and real-world data project identification.

"MiBA shares our commitment to innovation and improving patient outcomes," said Caris President David Spetzler, MS, PhD, MBA. "By combining data insights with provider education, physicians will be guided to appropriate molecular testing for patients' specific needs across multiple cancer tumor types."

Caris Life Sciences announces strategic collaboration with MiBA. Post this

Integrating MiBA's technology with Caris' multimodal database provides precise, personalized treatment options for cancer patients. MiBA's targeted, data-driven alerts provide education to oncologists when patients would be eligible based on clinical guidelines and potentially benefit from comprehensive DNA and RNA profiling, including Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing (WTS) testing.

"We're proud to partner with Caris Life Sciences to help unlock the full potential of precision oncology," said Jason Baroff, Managing Partner at MiBA. "Combining MiBA's real-world insights engine with Caris' advanced molecular capabilities will empower the oncology ecosystem with smarter, faster, and more collaborative decision-making," said Mark Moch, Managing Partner at MiBA.

Additionally, MiBA will implement an Oncology Insights Program (OIP) in partnership with the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA). This program will deliver meaningful provider engagement programs, education, training and actionable insights that can help advance Caris' real-world applications of molecular profiling in the clinical setting.

This announcement comes ahead of Caris' participation at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, which will take place April 25-30, 2025, in Chicago, and MiBA's and Caris' upcoming presence at the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) Annual Conference, April 2930, in Orlando. Both companies will highlight their ongoing efforts to drive innovation in cancer care and the power of aligned, data-driven partnerships.

About Caris Life Sciences

Caris Life Sciences (Caris) is a leading next-generation AI TechBio company and precision medicine pioneer that is actively developing and delivering innovative solutions to revolutionize healthcare and improve the human condition. Through comprehensive molecular profiling (Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing) and the application of advanced AI and machine learning algorithms, Caris has created the large-scale, multimodal database and computing capability needed to analyze and further unravel the molecular complexity of disease. This convergence of sequencing power, big data and AI technologies provides a differentiated platform to deliver the next generation of precision medicine tools for early detection, diagnosis, monitoring, therapy selection and drug development.

Caris was founded with a vision to realize the potential of precision medicine in order to improve the human condition, and we value our employees as much as we do our patients. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris has offices in Phoenix, New York, Cambridge (MA), Tokyo, Japan and Basel, Switzerland. Caris or its distributor partners provide services in the U.S. and other international markets. To learn more, please visit CarisLifeSciences.com.

About Meaningful Insights Biotech Analytics

MiBA is a healthcare AI technology company on a mission to close the feedback loop between physicians, patients, and industry partners. The technology and data insights that MiBA generates will support pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, payers, biotech, health systems and providers to advance the quality of patient care. Learn more at mibanalytics.com.

Caris Life Sciences Media:

Corporate Communications

[email protected]

214.294.5606

SOURCE Caris Life Sciences
CHICAGO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) (d/b/a " Cars Commerce Inc " or the "Company"), an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry, today announced that it expects to report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The Company will host a conference call with a live webcast at 8:00 a.m. CT/9:00 a.m. ET on the same day to discuss the results.

The conference call will be hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Alex Vetter and Chief Financial Officer, Sonia Jain.

Those interested are invited to listen to the live webcast online at investor.cars.com . A webcast replay will be available shortly afterwards by visiting Events on the Investor Relations website.

ABOUT CARS COMMERCE

Cars Commerce is an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry. The Company simplifies everything about car buying and selling with powerful products, solutions and AI-driven technologies that span pretail, retail and post-sale activities  enabling more efficient and profitable retail operations. The Cars Commerce platform is organized around four industry-leading brands: the flagship automotive marketplace and dealer reputation site Cars.com, award-winning technology and digital retail technology and marketing services from Dealer Inspire, essential trade-in and appraisal technology from AccuTrade, and exclusive in-market media solutions from the Cars Commerce Media Network. Learn more at www.carscommerce.inc.

SOURCE Cars Commerce
South Central PA Buildout Begins with Fiber-Optic Internet Coming to Thousands of Homes and Businesses

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenlight Networks, a leading fiber-to-the-home provider, is pleased to announce its latest network expansion in Pennsylvania, with work underway to bring its ultra-fast fiber internet to south central communities. Backed by a $5.8 million investment, the project will bring Chambersburg residents and small businesses access to Greenlight's highly sought-after fiber services starting this summer. The buildout will connect more than 5,000 homes and small businesses, delivering affordable, next-generation internet to the region.

"We're really excited to be expanding in Pennsylvania, where the regulatory environment fosters competition and makes it a great place for internet providers like us to grow and innovate," said Mark Murphy, CEO of Greenlight Networks. "People are eager for more choices when it comes to their internet, and we are eager for families and businesses to try Greenlight's fast, fiber internet. We are moving quickly with our south central Pennsylvania buildout and are proud to bring our reputation for great service to even more Pennsylvanians."

Expanding Network Footprint

Having just expanded in the northeast within the Dickson City borough; this latest expansion marks the next milestone in Greenlight's strategic growth efforts across state lines. The company is partnering with local contractors to assist with the network buildout and will look to minimize as much disruption as possible to the roads and communities. Construction has already begun in the Chambersburg neighborhoods of Shasta, Liberty, and Scotland. Lortz, Arthur and Orchard are slated to follow.

"We are pleased to welcome Greenlight Networks as a new member of the Cumberland Valley Business Alliance and look forward to seeing the advancements in internet service they will bring to our region," said Cumberland Valley Business Alliance President Stephen Christian.

As part of this expansion, Greenlight is partnering with the Franklin Fire Company to host its network equipment, and is proud to support this vital community asset.

Delivering High-Speed Fiber Services

Greenlight has built a strong reputation among both residential and business customers for offering fast speeds with affordableand transparent pricing models since 2011. Unlike traditional cable providers, the company does not have contracts, taxes, or hidden fees.

Greenlight's multi-gigabit fiber services feature data speeds as high as 8 Gbps with a base speed of 500 Mbps. With fiber internet the upload and download speeds are symmetrical, providing users with seamless, reliable connectivity without lag or buffering.

Residents of Chambersburg can now place pre-orders for as low as $45/month. Placing a pre-order ensures customers are first in line for installation when construction is complete. It also allows customers to stay updated on construction progress in their neighborhood. For a limited time, Greenlight is also offering special promotions for new customers, learn more at Greenlight Networks Chambersburg.

About Greenlight Networks

Greenlight Networks is an ultra-high-speed, broadband service provider, offering residential and small business customers Internet speeds of up to 8 Gigabits per second. Greenlight Networks was founded in 2011 and builds, owns, and operates a fiber-optic network that provides extremely high-speed Internet connections. The company's high-speed fiber internet network is currently available to more than 200,000 homes and nearly 10,000 small businesses in 33 municipalities in the Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, and Hudson Valley regions of New York, with construction underway in Northeast and South Central Pennsylvania. For more information, visit GreenlightNetworks.com or find it on Facebook.com/GreenlightNetworks, and instagram.com/greenlightnetworks.

Media Contact:

Jenny LePore, PR Director

The Martin Group

[email protected]

SOURCE Greenlight Networks
CIRCA Scientific receives FDA 510(k) clearance for the PeriCross Epicardial Access Kit, a novel tine-based system designed to support controlled and efficient subxiphoid access to the pericardial space.

Preliminary data from the EASY-R trial (n=21) demonstrated 100% access success, with a mean access time of 3.5 minutes, low fluoroscopy time, and minimal contrast usage. Results are being presented at HRS 2025.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CIRCA Scientific is pleased to announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for the PeriCross Epicardial Access Kit (formerly Rook), a purpose-built solution designed to enable controlled and efficient access to the pericardial space via a subxiphoid approach.

PeriCross with magnified view of tine-based retraction mechanism designed to elevate tissue and facilitate controlled access to the pericardial space

Epicardial access remains a technically demanding step in many electrophysiology and structural heart procedures. The PeriCross system features a unique tine-based retraction mechanism integrated with a 21-gauge micro-puncture needle, allowing physicians to create separation between the pericardium and myocardium prior to needle advancementa design intended to improve control, support procedural consistency, and streamline workflow.

"The PeriCross system addresses one of the most challenging aspects of epicardial procedures with an elegant and intuitive design," said Dr. Petr Neuzil, Director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service at Na Homolce Hospital in Prague. "Our early clinical experience has shown that the device performs reliably and efficiently across a range of patient anatomies."

Preliminary results from the first 21 patients enrolled in the EASY-R (Epicardial Access StudY with Rook) clinical trial demonstrate encouraging procedural outcomes1:

100% success rate in achieving pericardial access

Mean access time of 3.5  2.2 minutes (range 18 minutes). Eight of the 21 cases (38.1%) achieved access in 2 minutes or less

Low fluoroscopy burden, averaging 2.1  1.1 minutes

Minimal contrast use, with 0.7  0.2 mL required per case

Dr. Vivek Reddy, The Director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Services at The Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York City, NY, commented, "PeriCross simplifies a complex step and fits naturally into existing workflows. It's intuitive, efficient, and reduces the variability that often comes with epicardial access."

Preliminary data from the study will be presented at the upcoming Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place April 2427 in San Diego, CA. Enrollment in the trial is now complete, and full clinical results will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication.

"The FDA clearance of PeriCross represents a significant milestone in our strategy to provide physicians with differentiated access tools for complex cardiac procedures," said Lee Geist, President & CEO of CIRCA Scientific. "It's a meaningful addition to our portfolio and reflects our ongoing commitment to a CardioCentric approach to procedural innovation."

PeriCross will launch within the U.S. market in the coming months, with further expansion to select international markets expected in 2026.

About CIRCA Scientific

CIRCA Scientific is dedicated to empowering physicians with innovative technologies that offer unprecedented access and control for complex medical interventions. Guided by a CardioCentric approach, we are committed to enhancing procedural success and advancing patient care. For more information on CIRCA Scientific and its portfolio of cardiac solutions, visit www.circascientific.com.

 CIRCA Scientific, Inc., 2025. All rights reserved. PeriCross, CardioCentric, CIRCA Scientific, and the CIRCA Scientific logo are trademarks of CIRCA Scientific, Inc. Patents: www.circascientific.com/patents. CAUTION: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. Please consult the Instructions for Use for indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

1- Neuzil P, Petru J, Funasako M, Hala P, Skoda J, Weiss P, Reddy VK. A First-in-Human Clinical Experience with a Novel Tine-Based Pericardial Retraction and Needle Technology for Facile Epicardial Access. Poster presented at: Heart Rhythm Society Annual Scientific Sessions; April 2427, 2025; San Diego, CA.

SOURCE CIRCA Scientific, Inc.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- During the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (the AUTO SHANGHAI 2025), Aptiv and FAW-Volkswagen ("FAW-VW") signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a joint laboratory aimed at advancing smart vehicle technologies in China.

Photo credit: Aptiv

The collaboration will deepen the application of innovation and foster a strategic, mutually beneficial partnership that leverages each party's strengths to promote the widespread adoption of intelligent automotive solutions.

The joint lab will focus on core vehicle technologies, including electronic and electrical architectures, body domain controllers, intelligent cockpits, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). By integrating technical expertise, resources, and talent, the initiative aims to enhance product performance and quality, improve competitiveness, and accelerate the commercialization of innovations. Together, Aptiv and FAW-VW will deliver multi-layered mobility solutions that are safe, comfortable, and practicalmeeting the evolving expectations of Chinese consumers.

Tang Haiyi, General Manager of Aptiv's Active Safety and User Experience business unit in China, noted, "This collaboration marks a new milestone in our continued commitment to the 'In China, For China' localization strategy. With Aptiv's unique full-stack capabilities in both software and hardware, we are bringing a China-rooted solution built on local talent and supply chains. This all-round collaboration with FAW-VW will drive innovation in core technologies and support the industry's shift toward intelligent, software-defined vehicles."
JACKSON, Mich., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today reported earnings per share of $1.01 for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $0.96 per share for 2024. The company's adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter were $1.02, compared to $0.97 per share for 2024.

CMS Energy reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted earnings guidance of $3.54 to $3.60 per share (*See below for important information about non-GAAP measures) and long-term adjusted EPS growth of 6 to 8 percent, with continued confidence toward the high end.

"Results from the first quarter show we are on track to deliver operationally and financially for 2025," said Garrick Rochow, President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. "A constructive outcome in our electric rate case in March, which supports needed investments in our electric Reliability Roadmap; sustained momentum on the economic development front; and steady progress on a variety of customer investment projects in our electric and gas systems together support our triple bottom line of people, planet and prosperity."

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy provider featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

CMS Energy will hold a webcast to discuss its 2025 first quarter results and provide a business and financial outlook on Thursday, April 24 at 9:30 a.m. (EDT). To participate in the webcast, go to CMS Energy's homepage (cmsenergy.com) and select "Events and Presentations."

Important information for investors about non-GAAP measures and other disclosures.

This news release contains non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (non-GAAP) measures, such as adjusted earnings. All references to net income refer to net income available to common stockholders and references to earnings per share are on a diluted basis. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, business optimization initiative, changes in accounting principles, voluntary separation program, changes in federal tax policy, regulatory items from prior years, unrealized gains or losses from mark-to-market adjustments, recognized in net income related to NorthStar Clean Energy's interest expense, or other items. Management views adjusted earnings as a key measure of the company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Because the company is not able to estimate the impact of specific line items, which have the potential to significantly impact, favorably or unfavorably, the company's reported earnings in future periods, the company is not providing reported earnings guidance nor is it providing a reconciliation for the comparable future period earnings. The company's adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for the reported earnings.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements." The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk and other factors detailed from time to time in CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Investors and others should note that CMS Energy routinely posts important information on its website and considers the Investor Relations section, www.cmsenergy.com/investor-relations, a channel of distribution.

CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)













In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts







Three Months Ended











3/31/25

3/31/24

























Operating revenue











$ 2,447

$ 2,176

























Operating expenses













1,953



1,764

























Operating Income













494



412

























Other income













50



86

























Interest charges













186



177

























Income Before Income Taxes













358



321

























Income tax expense













63



58

























Net Income













295



263

























Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests













(9)



(24)

























Net Income Attributable to CMS Energy













304



287

























Preferred stock dividends













2



2

























Net Income Available to Common Stockholders











$ 302

$ 285

























Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share











$ 1.01

$ 0.96



























CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Summarized Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)



In Millions



As of



3/31/25

12/31/24 Assets













Current assets













Cash and cash equivalents

$ 465



$ 103 Restricted cash and cash equivalents



61





75 Other current assets



2,256





2,612 Total current assets



2,782





2,790 Non-current assets













Plant, property, and equipment



27,903





27,461 Other non-current assets



5,610





5,669 Total Assets

$ 36,295



$ 35,920

















Liabilities and Equity













Current liabilities (1)

$ 1,920



$ 2,261 Non-current liabilities (1)



8,486





8,345 Capitalization













Debt and finance leases (excluding securitization debt) (2)



16,308





15,866 Preferred stock and securities



224





224 Noncontrolling interests



588





518 Common stockholders' equity



8,111





8,006 Total capitalization (excluding securitization debt)



25,231





24,614 Securitization debt (2)



658





700 Total Liabilities and Equity

$ 36,295



$ 35,920

















(1) Excludes debt and finance leases.

















(2) Includes current and non-current portions.



































CMS ENERGY CORPORATION Summarized Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)





















In Millions



Three Months Ended



3/31/25

3/31/24

















Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts

$ 178



$ 248

















Net cash provided by operating activities



1,000





956 Net cash used in investing activities



(918)





(637) Cash flows from operating and investing activities



82





319 Net cash provided by financing activities



266





294

















Total Cash Flows

$ 348



$ 613

















End of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts

$ 526



$ 861



















CMS ENERGY CORPORATION

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income

(Unaudited)













In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts







Three Months Ended











3/31/25

3/31/24

























Net Income Available to Common Stockholders











$ 302

$ 285 Reconciling items:





















Other exclusions from adjusted earnings**













3



4 Tax impact













(1)



(1) Voluntary separation program













-



* Tax impact













-



(*)

























Adjusted net income  non-GAAP











$ 304

$ 288

























Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted













299.1



297.2

























Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share





















Reported net income per share











$ 1.01

$ 0.96 Reconciling items:





















Other exclusions from adjusted earnings**













0.01



0.01 Tax impact













(*)



(*) Voluntary separation program













-



* Tax impact













-



(*)

























Adjusted net income per share  non-GAAP











$ 1.02

$ 0.97

























* Less than $0.5 million or $0.01 per share.





















** Includes restructuring costs and business optimization initiative.



















































Management views adjusted (non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings as a key measure of the Company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the Company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, business optimization initiative, changes in accounting principles, voluntary separation program, changes in federal tax policy, regulatory items from prior years, unrealized gains or losses from mark-to-market adjustments, recognized in net income related to NorthStar Clean Energy's interest expense, or other items. The adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for reported earnings.

SOURCE CMS Energy
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The sun has always been a generous neighbor in New Mexico, and now, it's helping power homes and businesses in a bigger, more meaningful way.

New Mexico's community solar program, passed by the state legislature and signed into law in 2021, is officially live after years of planning between utilities, solar developers, and local advocates. Residents and businesses across the state can tap into the power of solar energy without installing rooftop panels or switching utility providers.

In addition to reducing energy bills, the program is expected to deliver major economic benefits to New Mexico. A University of New Mexico study found that community solar could create more than 3,700 jobs and $517 million in economic impact statewide within its first five years.

At the heart of community solar is a simple concept: customers subscribe to a portion of a local solar farm. That solar farm sends clean energy to the grid, and in return, subscribers receive solar credits on their utility bills resulting in guaranteed savings each month.

Solstice, a nationally recognized community solar provider with over 18,000 active subscribers across the U.S., has officially opened enrollment for solar projects across New Mexico. Solstice is offering households and businesses the chance to save up to 28% on their electricity costs while supporting locally-generated clean energy.

"Prosperity Works cares deeply about sustainability and equity in our state. We're proud supporters of community solar in New Mexico and are excited to partner with Solstice to help households get connected. It's an easy, no-hassle way to save on electricity bills while supporting clean power right here in our own backyard. We're thrilled to open online enrollmentbecause when we invest in our communities, everyone wins," said Dr. Ann Lyn Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Prosperity Works.

Community solar is simple: you can sign up online in a few minutes . Once enrolled, you're connected to a nearby solar farm and, once your solar farm turns on, you will begin receiving discounted solar credits on your monthly electric bills with no equipment to install and no panels to purchase. You do not need to own your property to participate.

To make sure these savings reach the people who need them most, New Mexico requires that at least 30% of each community solar project's capacity be reserved for income-qualified households. Households that qualify via income will receive up to a 28% discount on their solar credits each month. To support local businesses, about half of each project is reserved for commercial subscribers, who can earn a 10% discount. Solstice is currently enrolling Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) electric customers, and will open up spots for customers of Xcel Energy (SPS) and El Paso Electric (EPE) in the coming weeks.

To check if you qualify and reserve your spot, visit https://solstice.us/newmexico . To learn more about New Mexico's Community Solar Program, visit https://csnewmexico.com .

About Solstice Power Technologies LLC

Founded in 2015, Solstice is a mission-driven company dedicated to ensuring every community can access and benefit from clean energy. Solstice connects households and businesses to community solar farms that reduce their electric bills with no upfront cost or installation, pioneers inclusive financing innovations such as the EnergyScore, and offers Community Benefit RECs, which aggregate corporate community investments to fund new clean energy projects and environmental justice initiatives. Solstice's solutions provide financial benefits to under-resourced community members and the organizations that serve them, ensuring that clean energy supports those who need it most.

For more information, visit https://solstice.us .

Media Contacts

Mary Jackson

Solstice Power Technologies LLC

[email protected]

SOURCE Solstice Power Technologies LLC
Companies converge their expertise in CLM, PLM and integrating digital threads

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Configit, the global leader in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM), today announced a partnership with Deloitte Consulting, a global leader in management consulting that offers services in strategy, operations, technology, and more. This partnership combines deep process expertise with cutting-edge CLM technology to deliver significant benefits to global manufacturers.

Deloitte's extensive experience in business process analysis, paired with Configit's leading CLM solutions, ensures that clients receive a comprehensive solution. By bringing together joint advisory services from Deloitte's Product Strategy and Lifecycle Management (PSLM) department and Configit's technical capabilities, CLM solutions can be put into production within weeks.

CLM ensures manufacturers of configurable products can produce and sell efficient, optimized and error-free product configurations. This reduces complexity across the value chain, leverages operational excellence and provides superior response to customization needs. Integrating Deloitte's consulting expertise with Configit's CLM technology enables end-to-end digital continuity, ensuring consistency, compliance and agility across the entire product lifecycle. This enables seamless digital transformation.

Tino Krueger, Partner, Product Strategy & Lifecycle Management, Deloitte Consulting, said: "In the era of highly complex and customized solutions, we are happy to support our clients with a joint offering between Deloitte and Configit. Through our close collaboration, we are able to help clients wherever they currently stand in their transformation journey towards a consistent digital thread and configuration lifecycle. Whether it be strategic advisory and business model definition, the implementation of an efficient composable architecture through federated data and clean core approaches, or the solution operation. We are pleased to combine solution and consulting excellence in this collaboration for best-in-class, comprehensive transformation support for our clients."

Johan Salenstedt, CEO, Configit, said: "A good partnership is one that converges mutually beneficial offerings. Deloitte brings its expertise in integrating digital threads and product lifecycle management systems. We bring a CLM that enables automated configuration of complex products. Together, we can shepherd manufacturers toward an efficient, optimized product lifecycle process. This is a great pairing for our clients, and I see nothing but upside ahead."

About Configit

Configit is the global leader in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions and a supplier of business-critical software for the configuration of complex products. All Configit products are based on the patented Virtual Tabulation (VT) technology, which has redefined product configuration by offering greater speed and better handling of complexity. Virtual Tabulation enables Configit to deliver powerful, easy-to-use configuration solutions to market-leading global enterprises. Website: configit.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1824364/Configit_Logo_Logo.jpg
ATHENS, Ga., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dalan Animal Health, Inc., a pioneer in honeybee health and disease prevention, today addressed the unprecedented honeybee colony losses reported in 2025, in some areas in the nation reaching an alarming 70-80% annual loss rate. As the agriculture industry continues to grapple with the impact of these losses on crop pollination, Dalan is highlighting its breakthrough vaccine technology that offers beekeepers a sustainable solution to combat disease-related colony decline.

The record losses experienced in 2025 have been attributed to a combination of factors including viruses, pesticides, poor nutrition, and limited treatment options. Beekeepers are noticing their margin for error with treatments and nutrition are razor thin.

With honeybees responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the food consumed in the United States, these losses represent a significant threat to food security and agricultural productivity.

"The devastating colony losses have created unprecedented challenges for beekeepers and farmers alike," said Dr. Annette Kleiser, CEO of Dalan Animal Health. "Our vaccine technology represents a paradigm shift in honeybee health management. By harnessing the natural process of maternal immune priming, we're providing beekeepers with a powerful new tool that helps address disease pressure and colony loss at its source, without chemicals or antibiotics. We are taking stressors off the table and providing some breathing room for bees and beekeepers."

Dalan's groundbreaking vaccine technology, which received conditional license from the USDA in December 2022, works by exposing queen bees to inactive bacteria, allowing them to pass immunity to their offspring. This approach has shown the ability to prime larvae against mortality caused by the bacterial disease American Foulbrood (AFB). Moreover, field trials on the East coast, Southeast, West coast and Canada have correlated a decrease in viral pathogens such as Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) with vaccinated colonies.

"Beekeepers across the country are doing everything they can to stay ahead of the curve, but the losses this year have been unlike anything we've seen before," said Chris Hiatt, Past President of the American Honey Producers Association. "What we need are new, science-based tools that give us a fighting chance. For too long, beekeepers have been stuck reacting to disease. This vaccine flips the scriptit's a proactive approach that offers real potential to reduce losses before they start. I'll be experimenting with the vaccine this year with 200 hives through Dalan's Colony Loss Relief Program and am excited to track the results."

"As a company, we recognize the immediate needs to help beekeepers who have already suffered devastating impacts," added Dr. Kleiser. "Our Colony Loss Relief Program provides a bridge to recovery for affected operations, helping to restore pollination capacity for the 2025 growing season while implementing preventative measures for the future."

To further support affected beekeepers, Dalan partnered with major retailers to introduce the Colony Loss Relief Program, offering a support for the purchase of the Dalan's honeybee vaccine, to help protect colonies from disease and allowing beekeepers to invest back into their operations.

If interested in the Colony Loss Relief Program, please email Adam Costello, Dalan's Director of Commercial Operations at [email protected].

For more information about Dalan Animal Health's vaccine technology and support programs, please visit www.dalan.com.

ABOUT DALAN ANIMAL HEALTH

Dalan Animal Health (www.dalan.com) is dedicated to bringing the world transformative animal health solutions to support a more sustainable future. Dalan plans to develop vaccines for other honeybee diseases and underserved invertebrate species, such as shrimp, to deliver a more sustainable food supply. Dalan's biotech innovation has been recognized through numerous international awards such as TIME's Best Inventions, Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech, and most recently featured in FORBES. The company is headquartered in Athens, Georgia at the University of Georgia's Innovation Hub.

SOURCE Dalan Animal Health, Inc.
- Dashlane is the first to unify proactive credential protection and password management in one platform to secure every user credential -

- New Dashlane Omnix platform is generally available, accompanied by new capabilities that equip security teams to pinpoint and expedite response to credential threats -

NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dashlane today unveiled a radically new approach to addressing human risk in response to the rise of AI-driven phishing attacks and shadow IT in corporate environments. Built on innovation that pushes far beyond vault-based password management, Dashlane Omnix is the first AI-accelerated credential security platform that unifies proactive intelligence, real-time response, and protected access to provide businesses complete credential security across their workforce - all in one intuitive experience.

Dashlane Omnix Architecture

While GenAI has accelerated business productivity and innovation, it's also magnified human risk. A recent Dashlane report found that 80% of organizations have observed an increase in the volume and sophistication of phishing attacks. The influx of unmanaged AI apps has also driven a new wave of shadow IT that's out of reach of single sign-on (SSO) and often multi-factor authentication (MFA). For instance, Deepseek-R1, with its opaque licensing model, has become the second most-popular GenAI app with Dashlane users.

Instead of focusing on part of the problem, Dashlane Omnixaddresses the entire lifecycle of a credential-based threat, from the initial detection of a compromised credential to alerting to drive user remediation and ongoing credential management. Dashlane Omnix uses a pre-trained AI model to intelligently detect and alert end users if they are visiting a malicious website, acting as a last line of phishing defense.

Reactive approaches to managing and securing credentials have proved inadequate to stem the tide of credential-based breaches, mainly due to spotty credential management throughout the enterprise. This leaves visibility and protection gaps that are exploited by AI-armed attackers.

"So much of credential security has been reactive and siloed, where enterprises catch-up to breaches rather than proactively address and mitigate the risk before it metastasizes," said John Bennett, CEO of Dashlane. "The power of Omnix lies in its pairing of unparalleled insights with action to impact user behavior and give enterprises the means to meaningfully reduce human risk."

Enterprise customers such as Chapters Health System, Cineplex, Crane Co., Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Woolpert, and many others have deployed Dashlane across their corporate environments to drive better security outcomes. For example, more than three quarters (79%) of customers utilizing Dashlane Omnix's Slack-based employee alerts saw targeted at-risk passwords changed to secure passwords, demonstrating the effectiveness of seamless, workflow-integrated prompts in driving action.

"Keeping our systems and employees secure from credential threats allows our company to focus on what's most importantenabling the communities we serve to thrive," said Aidan Turner, Manager of Identity and Access Management at Downer Group. "But, reacting to credential threats doesn't get you very far. With Dashlane, we've been able to take a more intelligent, proactive approach to reducing credential risk before it becomes a bigger issue."

Foundational components of Dashlane Omnix include:

Proactive credential protection: Empowers security teams to build a more phishing-resistant enterprise by continuously detecting and responding to credential threats, including across unmanaged applications and shadow IT, before they lead to account compromise.

Empowers security teams to build a more phishing-resistant enterprise by continuously detecting and responding to credential threats, including across unmanaged applications and shadow IT, before they lead to account compromise. Enterprise credential management: Gives end users a secure place to store, share, and manage every credentialeven those not covered by SSOthrough a zero-knowledge encrypted vault and easy-to-use browser-based solution. Security and IT managers can enforce policies, gain in-depth reporting on credential security posture and integrate with their broader tech stack.

Gives end users a secure place to store, share, and manage every credentialeven those not covered by SSOthrough a zero-knowledge encrypted vault and easy-to-use browser-based solution. Security and IT managers can enforce policies, gain in-depth reporting on credential security posture and integrate with their broader tech stack. In-browser security: At a time when the majority of work is done in the browser on web apps, Omnix's browser-delivered functionality via the Dashlane Smart Extension gives IT and security managers unprecedented visibility into at-risk credential activity occurring in the browser, shadow IT and suspicious websites not discoverable by native app-based solutions.

At a time when the majority of work is done in the browser on web apps, Omnix's browser-delivered functionality via the gives IT and security managers unprecedented visibility into at-risk credential activity occurring in the browser, shadow IT and suspicious websites not discoverable by native app-based solutions. Breach-hardened architecture: The foundation of Omnix is the Dashlane Secure Cloud, combining the strengths of zero-knowledge architecture and confidential computing to make it the only platform that delivers credential protection capabilities and intelligence to all enterprise users and admins in a zero-knowledge manner. Customers can also utilize Omnix's Secure API to augment their security operations with credential threat intelligence.

Progressive innovation to prevent credential-based breaches

As part of Dashlane Omnix, Dashlane has also introduced capabilities that help security managers pinpoint risk across their environment and empower users to react in real-time to credential threats:

Credential Risk Insights: Security and IT leaders have comprehensive, in-depth insights into the total number of employees using weak and compromised credentials, volume of compromised and weak credentials, the most at-risk employees, and security posture improvement over time.

Security and IT leaders have comprehensive, in-depth insights into the total number of employees using weak and compromised credentials, volume of compromised and weak credentials, the most at-risk employees, and security posture improvement over time. In-Context Alerts: Delivers easy to understand, real-time alerts to the employee directly in Dashlane or through popular communication platforms such as Slack as the credential-based threat is happening, which is crucial in mitigating the risk before it leads to account compromise.

Delivers easy to understand, real-time alerts to the employee directly in Dashlane or through popular communication platforms such as Slack as the credential-based threat is happening, which is crucial in mitigating the risk before it leads to account compromise. Expanded Enterprise Deployment Options: Dashlane now supports Group Policy Objects (GPO) as a deployment method for Credential Risk Detection, in addition to Microsoft Intune and JAMF.

Dashlane Omnix is now generally available. Learn more by visiting https://www.dashlane.com/omnix .

Additional resources

About Dashlane

Dashlane provides complete credential security, protecting businesses against the threat of human risk. Our intelligent Omnix platform unifies credential protection and password management, equipping security teams with proactive intelligence, real-time response, and protected access to secure every employee. Over 25,000 brands worldwide, including leading enterprises such as Michelin, Sephora, Air France, and Forrester, trust Dashlane for industry-leading innovations, patented zero-knowledge security, and an unmatched user experience. Learn more at dashlane.com.

SOURCE Dashlane
NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dataminr, one of the world's leading AI companies, today announced the closing of a $100 million convertible financing from funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group ("Fortress").

Ted Bailey, Founder and CEO of Dataminr, said, "We are excited to welcome Fortress as a new investor, and excited by the experience the firm brings as a lifecycle investor. The era of Gen AI and Agentic AI holds immense new opportunities for Dataminr in turbocharging the application of real-time information capabilities we offer, especially for corporations and governments, and we look forward to using this capital and leveraging Fortress's experience to accelerate our ability to sell across the Global 2000 and beyond."

Rishi Doshi, Managing Director at Fortress, said, "Through this investment, we are excited to partner with Dataminr and support the company's development of Agentic AI capabilities. Dataminr's novel ReGenAI capability helps customers like enterprises and government organizations develop real-time intelligence from within public data and build mitigating strategies around it  and we believe every scale enterprise and government organization can derive tangible value from the company's products. We look forward to working alongside NightDragon in offering our resources to Ted and his team as they seek to expand Dataminr's many use cases and demonstrate the incredible value it can bring to businesses across the globe."

"We believe Dataminr has significant growth potential as its products are increasingly table-stakes for organizations and other users who rely on accurate real-time information to swiftly respond to physical, digital and cyber threats and developments. As such, we believe this investment in Dataminr presents a compelling opportunity for Fortress," added Eric Spector, Managing Director at Fortress.

Dataminr announced in March 2025 $85M in new funding from NightDragon and HSBC through a combination of convertible and credit.

"Dataminr is leading the way on AI innovation and helping the world's leading organizations and governments make smarter, more informed decisions in real-time. NightDragon is pleased to welcome Fortress as a new partner to help Dataminr further expand its enterprise sales and marketing capabilities, and reach more end users across the global economy," said Dave DeWalt, Founder and CEO of NightDragon.

Over the past year, Dataminr appointed Brian Gumbel as President and Chief Operating Officer to drive the company's public and private sector sales, sales operations, customer success, marketing, and partnerships. Gumbel joined from Armis, having held senior roles at Forescout Technologies, Tanium, McAfee, and Cisco. The company also appointed Matthew Harrell as Chief Partner Officer responsible for growing and scaling Dataminr's partner ecosystem to meet the accelerating global demand for its products. Harrell joined from Cloudflare, where he led Global Channels and Alliances; he was previously Americas Channel leader at Google.

Dataminr's latest round of funding comes on the heels of strong momentum for the company:

Strong Company Growth  Dataminr is approaching $200M in ARR with strong growth across the enterprise, government, and defense markets.

 Dataminr is approaching in ARR with strong growth across the enterprise, government, and defense markets. Top Government and Enterprise Customers  Dataminr's customers now include two-thirds of the Fortune 50, half of the Fortune 100, more than 100 U.S. Government Agencies, and 20+ International Governments.

 Dataminr's customers now include two-thirds of the Fortune 50, half of the Fortune 100, more than 100 U.S. Government Agencies, and 20+ International Governments. Cutting-Edge AI Innovation  In 2024, Dataminr launched ReGenAI , a breakthrough form of Gen AI that automatically regenerates live event briefs in real time as events unfold. In April 2025 , the company will launch Context Agents, an Agentic AI capability that dynamically adds real-time context around breaking events, risks, and threats. Upcoming Agentic AI releases also include client-tailored context that synthesizes client data into live event descriptions, and PreGenAI, Agentic AI and Gen AI-powered Predictive Intelligence that describes what might happen next as events unfold.

 In 2024, Dataminr launched , a breakthrough form of Gen AI that automatically regenerates live event briefs in real time as events unfold. In , the company will launch Context Agents, an Agentic AI capability that dynamically adds real-time context around breaking events, risks, and threats. Upcoming Agentic AI releases also include client-tailored context that synthesizes client data into live event descriptions, and PreGenAI, Agentic AI and Gen AI-powered Predictive Intelligence that describes what might happen next as events unfold. New Partner Program  The new comprehensive Dataminr Partner Network helps partners grow with Dataminr's proven artificial intelligence platform that solves customers' complex real-time challenges across a wide variety of sectors, industries, and verticals.

Dataminr's revolutionary real-time AI platform supercharges users' ability to discover events, risks, and threats by using its unique Multi-Modal Fusion AI to synthesize images, video, sound and machine-generated sensor data, and text in 150 languages. Dataminr performs trillions of daily computations across billions of daily multi-modal public data signals and millions of public data sources to deliver the fastest, most accurate and most comprehensive real-time information based on a user's specified needs.

Dataminr's AI platform is powered by more than 50 proprietary LLMs and multi-modal foundation models, all trained on Dataminr's 15+ year unique event and data archive.

The infusion of new capital will fuel growth of the company's corporate enterprise business line, international expansion, and development of new applications across additional verticals. The announcement marks another milestone in Dataminr's journey, amid increasing demand from Governments and Corporations for real-time, actionable intelligence to best navigate the expanding physical, digital, and cyber threat landscape.

Rising geopolitical tensions, economic instability, cybersecurity threats, and technological disruptions are creating unprecedented challenges for businesses and governments worldwide. As these risks converge, they pose potentially catastrophic consequences for corporations and governments that are unprepared. Without accurate, real-time information, informed decision-making becomes increasingly difficult  leaving organizations vulnerable to missteps, miscalculations, and even disaster.

To learn more about Dataminr, visit www.dataminr.com .

About Dataminr

Dataminr has created a revolutionary real-time AI platform for detecting events, risks and critical information from public data signals. The company's world-leading AI platform performs trillions of daily computations across billions of public data inputs from over one million unique public data sources. Dataminr is known for its trailblazing AI platform, which has pioneered multi-modal fusion AI  synthesizing terabytes of real-time data spanning text, image, video, sound, and sensor signals for accurate, real-time event detection across 150+ languages and 220+ countries. The company also pioneered ReGenAI, a breakthrough form of Gen AI that automatically regenerates live event briefs in real time as events unfold. Powered by more than 50 proprietary large-language models, Dataminr delivers the earliest actionable information to enhance the security and resilience of organizations, infrastructure, and people. For more information, visit www.dataminr.com .

About Fortress Investment Group

Fortress Investment Group LLC is a leading, highly diversified global investment manager. Founded in 1998, Fortress manages $50 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024, on behalf of approximately 2,000 institutional clients and private investors worldwide across a range of credit and real estate, private equity and permanent capital investment strategies. For more information, please visit www.fortress.com .

AUM refers to assets Fortress manages, including capital that Fortress has the right to call from investors, or investors are otherwise required to contribute, pursuant to their capital commitments to various funds or managed accounts.

About NightDragon

NightDragon is an investment and advisory firm focused on growth and late-stage investments within the SecureTech industry, including cybersecurity, safety, security and privacy. Its platform and vast industry network provide threat insights, deal flow, market leverage and operating expertise to drive portfolio company growth and increase shareholder value. Founded by Dave DeWalt, the NightDragon team has more than 25 years of operational and market expertise leading technology companies such as Documentum, EMC, Siebel Systems (Oracle), McAfee, Mandiant, Avast and FireEye. Read more about NightDragon at www.nightdragon.com .

Contact:

Dataminr Media Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Dataminr
DZD8586 study results in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs) were selected for oral and poster presentations. The analysis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) after covalent or non-covalent BTK inhibitors and BTK degraders was selected for oral presentation

Dizal will also present results from the ongoing Phase I/II study of DZD6008 , a 4th generation EGFR TKI with full BBB penetration, in advanced EGFR mutation positive (EGFRm) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

SHANGHAI, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dizal (SSE:688192), a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel medicines for the treatment of cancer and immunological diseases, announced today that the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting will feature the latest study results from the company's investigational drugs DZD8586 and DZD6008 in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The oral presentation includes results in B-NHLs from a pooled safety and efficacy analysis of two phase I/ studies of DZD8586 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) patients with prior treatment of covalent and/or non-covalent BTK Inhibitors as well as BTK degraders.

While early clinical data showed encouraging anti-tumor activities from BTK degraders in CLL/SLL patients, resistance mutations to both BTK inhibitors and degraders have already been reported, and degrader-related toxicities may affect long-term clinical application. Data from Phase I/II studies of DZD8586 in CLL/SLL, presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, showed that 94.4% of patients achieved tumor shrinkage at 50 mg QD. Significant tumor responses were also observed in other B-NHLs, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Preliminary results from the ongoing phase  study of DZD8586 monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL will be presented at this ASCO meeting.

Dizal will also present Phase I/II data of DZD6008, a 4th generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with full bloodbrain barrier (BBB) penetration, in advanced EGFR mutation positive (EGFRm) NSCLC patients who failed prior 3rd generation EGFR TKI treatment. Lung cancer is a leading cause of brain metastases (BMs), with 10-20% of patients with NSCLC presenting with BMs at diagnosis and 25-50% developing them over the course of their disease. NSCLC patients whose disease progressed after 3rd generation EGFR TKI treatment often develop CNS metastasis and exhibit acquired EGFR resistance mutations. Preclinical data shows that DZD6008 demonstrates good safety and efficacy in NSCLC patients with brain metastases who had failed 3rd generation EGFR TKI therapy or multiple lines of pre-treatments.

"We are honored that our study results have been selected for oral presentations at ASCO for three consecutive years. Our presence at this congress highlights our commitment to addressing global unmet medical needs in hematological malignancies and lung cancer," said Xiaolin Zhang, PhD, CEO of Dizal. "We look forward to sharing positive clinical data of our novel medicines, which have the potential to bring clinical benefit to patients with limited treatment options."

Dizal presentation details during ASCO 2025

Lead Author Abstract Title Presentation Details Prof. Jianyong Li Phase 1/2 Studies of DZD8586 in

CLL/SLL Patients after Covalent or

Non-covalent BTK Inhibitors and BTK

Degraders Abstract #7010 Rapid Oral Abstract Session May 31, 2025, 8:00-9:30 (CDT) Prof. Mengzhao Wang Phase 1/2 Study of DZD6008, a 4th-

Generation EGFR TKI with Full BBB

Penetration, in EGFR-mutant NSCLC Abstract #8616 Poster Session May 31, 2025, 13:30-16:30 (CDT) Prof. Lugui Qiu Phase 2 Study of DZD8586, a Non-

Covalent BBB Penetrant LYN/BTK

Dual Inhibitor, as Monotherapy in

Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-

Cell Lymphoma (r/r DLBCL) (TAI-

SHAN9) Abstract #e19050 Online Publication May 22, 2025, 17:00 (EDT)

About DZD8586

DZD8586 is a first-in-class, non-covalent, LYN/BTK dual inhibitor with full blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, designed as a potential treatment option for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL).

While Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of B-NHL, resistance can arise through two major mechanisms: the BTK C481X mutation and BTK-independent BCR signaling pathway activation. Currently, there is no targeted therapy available to address both resistance mechanisms, posing an urgent clinical challenge. Although BTK degraders have shown encouraging efficacy in early clinical studies, mutation-related resistance has been reported, and degrader-related toxicities may affect long-term clinical application.

DZD8586 has high selectivity against other TEC family kinases (TEC, ITK, TXK and BMX). By targeting BTK and LYN, it blocks both BTK-dependent and -independent BCR-signaling pathways, effectively inhibiting tumor growth of B-NHLs in cell lines and in animal models. Phase I clinical trial suggests that DZD8586 exhibits favorable PK properties, good central nervous system (CNS) permeability, complete blockade of BCR signaling, and encouraging anti-tumor efficacy with good safety and tolerability in patients with B-NHL.

About DZD6008

DZD6008 is a novel, highly selective, full-BBB penetrant EGFR TKI, designed as a potential treatment option for advanced EGFR mutation positive (EGFRm) NSCLC.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is one of the most common driver genes for NSCLC. Multiple agents can be used to treat patients with EGFR mutated NSCLC who develop resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), but the clinical outcome was not satisfactory. Brain metastases (BM) are a leading cause of death and disease progression for NSCLC. Approximately 23%-30% of NSCLC patients are synchronous BM at their initial diagnosis. Previous studies reported that the 3-year cumulative rate of BMs ranges from 29.4% to 60.3% in patients with mutated EGFR.

Currently, the clinical benefits of existing treatments for third-generation EGFR TKI-resistant NSCLC are limited and DZD6008 is expected to fill the unmet medical needs. DZD6008 effectively inhibits EGFR-mutated tumor growth in cell lines and in animal models. Previous clinical studies have validated the design concept of the molecule and suggest that DZD6008 demonstrates good safety and efficacy in NSCLC patients with brain metastases who had failed third-generation EGFR TKI therapy or multiple lines of pre-treatments.

About Dizal

Dizal is a biopharmaceutical company, dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of differentiated therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and immunological diseases. The company aims to develop first-in-class and groundbreaking new medicines, and further address unmet medical needs worldwide. Deeply rooted in translational science and molecular design, it has established an internationally competitive portfolio with two leading assets in global pivotal studies, both of which have already been launched in China.

To learn more about Dizal, please visit www.dizalpharma.com, or follow us on Linkedin or X.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", and "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Dizal, are intended to identify certain forward-looking statements. Dizal does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections, and understandings of the management of Dizal with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond Dizal's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Dizal's competitive environment, and political, economic, legal, and social conditions.

Dizal, the Directors, and the employees of Dizal assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained on this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turnout to be incorrect.

Contacts

Investor Relations: [email protected]

Business Development: [email protected]

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Dizal Pharmaceutical
Analysis finds highest-ever quarterly block rate for total DNS traffic

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report released by DNSFilter today finds that new domains are proliferating, surpassing phishing and malware to become the most trafficked threat category on the DNSFilter network. In the first quarter of 2025, DNSFilter found that new domains were up 140% compared to the last quarter of 2024; of those, 19% were still potentially malicious as of early April. The report is available for download here.

The DNSFilter network processes about 170 billion DNS queries daily, 200 million of which are categorized as threats and blocked. The latter figure represents phishing campaigns that never reached their targets, ransomware that never infiltrated networks and malware that never had the chance to spread.

While new domains aren't necessarily malicious, they should be treated as suspicious, and blocking this category can protect users from emerging threats and domains that have the potential to become malicious, since new domains are used frequently in phishing and malware campaigns. Threat actors increasingly register new domains for several reasons, including capitalizing on trends with catchy domain names. New domains often don't appear on blocklists yet, which buys attackers a window of time for exploitation. And many of these are used in "fast flux" attacks, where domains are cycled quickly to avoid detection.

Additional findings from the Threat Trends: DNSFilter Q1 Security Report include:

January recorded the highest DNS traffic volume of all time, followed closely by March. Across the quarter, 3.61% of total DNS traffic was blocked  the highest quarterly block rate on record.

The most blocked top level domain (TLD) on our network was .pw. This TLD (used in place of .com in a URL) has gained traction with threat actors, leading users to block the root domain.

Malware and phishing incidences dropped in prevalence, representing a combined 36% of all threats in Q1. While they remain significant threats, new domains took the top spot.

Ken Carnesi, CEO and co-founder, DNSFilter, said: "Prioritizing real-time detection of suspicious domains, particularly those lacking age or reputation signals, is critical for cybersecurity professionals and IT administrators. Analysis of the traffic we see on our network shows that bad actors are constantly churning out malicious domains that pose real risk to companies and individuals. By using our 'new domains' category, our customers can easily block suspicious domains proactively, mitigating risk and giving them tighter control of their network."

About the company:

DNSFilter is making the Internet safer and workplaces more productive by blocking malicious and unwanted content at the DNS layer. DNSFilter resolves upwards of 170 billion daily queries200 million of those queries are blocked cyber threats. With 79% of attacks using Domain Name System (DNS), DNSFilter provides the world's fastest protective DNS powered by AI, blocking threats an average of 10 days faster than traditional threat feeds. Over 40,000 organizations trust DNSFilter to protect them from advanced cyber threats and unwanted content.

SOURCE DNSFilter
Over 200 Workers Join Teamsters Local 322, Set Sights on First Union Contract

RICHMOND, Va., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Drivers at Genesis Logistics have voted by an over 90 percent margin to join Teamsters Local 322. The 214 workers deliver to 7-Eleven convenience stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and are now preparing for first contract negotiations.

"I want to personally congratulate these workers and welcome them to our Teamsters family," said Dwayne Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 322. "Despite an aggressive campaign of illegal union busting, these workers remained determined to achieve the dignity and respect they deserved. Now, we're ready to fight alongside them to win a strong first Teamsters contract."

Genesis Logistics, a subsidiary of DHL Supply Chain, waged a ruthless anti-union campaign. The company hired high-priced union-busting consultants, held captive audience meetings, surveilled workers, and illegally disciplined union supporters. The Teamsters filed more than a dozen unfair labor practice charges during the organizing drive.

"We organized with the Teamsters because we've had enough  enough of the low pay, the lack of respect, and poor benefits," said Matthew Relford, a Genesis driver and a new member of Local 322. "Management tried everything to stop us. But we stuck together and won. We're proud to be Teamsters, and we're ready to fight for what we've rightfully earned."

Teamsters Local 322 represents more than 2,000 workers in Virginia. For more information, visit TeamstersLocal322.org.

Contact:

Colin McCullough, (856) 625-6856

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 322
Applications for funding will be accepted through June 30 for eligible nonprofit organizations

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Foundation today announced a commitment of $500,000 in new funding designed to support local environmental impact programs across North Carolina.

How it works: Eligible organizations can now apply for grants of up to $25,000. Applications are live on Duke Energy Foundation's website and will remain open until Monday, June 30, at 5 p.m.

The impact: The funding will support programs focused on improving natural environments, enhancing community resilience, promoting land conservation, advancing clean water initiatives and supporting biodiversity.

"We are proud to support initiatives that enhance our natural surroundings and bolster community resilience," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "Our goal is to contribute to the well-being of the communities we serve by partnering with organizations which recognize that North Carolina's natural environment is one of our most important assets."

Looking back: During the past two years, the Foundation has provided funding to more than 50 environmental impact initiatives in North Carolina. Examples of recent collaborations include coastal restoration work, wildlife habitat rehabilitation and local environmental science educational programs.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Garrett Poorman

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

Twitter: @DukeEnergyNC

SOURCE Duke Energy
Alongside exhibiting at the event, the company will participate in discussions addressing debt management and customer experience.

BOULDER, Colo., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- E Source, a utilities-focused consulting, research, and data science company, will exhibit and speak at Innovate UtilityCX (IUCX) Conference 2025, an annual utility-focused customer service learning and networking event at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, AZ from May 6-8.

Formerly known as CS Week, IUCX Conference 2025 will host representatives from over 300 electric, gas, and water utilities across North America and worldwide to collaborate on meeting evolving customer needs and expectations. Sessions and workshops will explore digital engagement, meter-to-cash process strategies, and trends across utility programs and offerings.

E Source consultants and industry peers will discuss how utilities can address customer-related challenges with data-driven solutions including arrears management, customer journey mapping, and digital channel optimization. The company is also a Silver Sponsor of the Credit and Collections Deep Dive on Tuesday, May 6.

Leaders in customer service innovation and meter-to-cash technologies will share insights in the following sessions:

Tuesday, May 6

Trends and Strategies for Impacting Revenues and Reducing Debt, 10:10-11:00 a.m.

E Source Executive Consultant Bob Cooke will speak on a panel featuring utility billing technology development leaders on reducing customer debt with payment plans, process improvements, and advanced billing technologies.

Moderator:

Danya Davin , Manager, Billing and Payments, Arizona Public Service

Speakers:

Bob Cooke , Executive Consultant, E Source

, Executive Consultant, E Source Gareth Welch , Head of Product, Aptumo, Echo Managed Services

, Head of Product, Aptumo, Echo Managed Services Hernando Parrott , North America President, Open Intelligence

Thursday, May 8

Focusing on Our North Star to Improve Performance, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

Jeffrey Daigle, Vice President, Customer Experience and Innovation, E Source, will speak with Shana Williams, Customer Service Division Manager, Tacoma Public Utilities, about aligning utility operations with customer experience goals.

Speakers:

Jeffrey Daigle , Vice President, Customer Experience and Innovation, E Source

, Vice President, Customer Experience and Innovation, E Source Shana Williams , Customer Service Division Manager, Tacoma Public Utilities

Commenting on the importance of IUCX Conference, Jeremy Klingel, President, Consulting, E Source, said, "Utilities have made admirable progress in improving their relationship, level of service, and interactions with customers. Yet they are continuously challenged to improve reliability and maintain affordability in the face of extreme operating conditions, rapidly increasing demand, and antiquated regulatory constructs. IUCX provides a unique platform for sharing the latest advances in how utilities are optimizing customer service and building a better experience for all customer classes ranging from residential to large industrials. Our team is looking forward to sharing real-world insights on maximizing the value of customer service channels and better managing the challenges of credit and collections."

To learn more about E Source's customer engagement, operational excellence, and operational technology solutions, visit booth #925 in the IUCX exhibit hall.

More information about E Source's consulting services can be found on the company website.

About E Source

E Source combines industry-leading research, data science, and consulting to help utilities make and implement better data-driven decisions that positively impact their customers, their bottom line, and our planet. Headquartered in Boulder, CO, E Source has teams across the US and Canada. Learn more at www.esource.com.

Media contact

Adarsh Nalam, Director, Solutions Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE E Source Companies LLC
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ebryx, a global cybersecurity innovator, today announced the launch of Ebryx SECaaS, a fully managed, fixed-cost cybersecurity service designed to simplify and scale protection for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

SECaaS addresses one of the most pressing challenges for SMEs in 2025: securing complex digital environments without the time, talent, or budget to build an internal security team or manage disjointed tools.

"SMEs are being targeted with the same level of threats as large enterprisesyet they're expected to piece together tools, hire skilled staff, and stay compliant," said Ahrar Naqvi, CEO at Ebryx. "We created SECaaS to change that. It's a complete, expert-led security service that evolves with the business and fits within an SME's budget."

An End-to-End Security Partner, Not Just a Vendor

SECaaS offers a holistic approach to protectiondelivering expert oversight, compliance support, and active defense through a single subscription. The service is structured to meet businesses where they are in their cybersecurity journey, from foundational coverage to advanced, tailored strategies.

Key components include:

Managed Detection & Response: 24/7 monitoring with managed EDR, SIEM, log management, incident response, and threat hunting

Offensive Security: Regular penetration testing (PTaaS) and red teaming

Application Security: DevSecOps integration, threat modeling, and developer enablement

Secure Access Management: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and SSE platforms.

Infrastructure Security: Microsegmentation for lateral threat defense

Data Protection: Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

GRC as a Service: Strategic vCISO support and compliance guidance from dedicated GRC analysts

On-Demand (Fractional) & Dedicated Teams: Scalable security expertise tailored to business needs

Simplifying Security for SMEs

SECaaS eliminates the need to procure and manage multiple point solutions, hire internal cybersecurity specialists, or deal with unpredictable costs. Every client begins with a comprehensive discovery and assessment phase to align services with real business risks and compliance demands.

"We've blended enterprise-grade security operations with SME-centered delivery," added Mohammed Haider, CCO North America at Ebryx. "It's about outcomesnot just chasing hype. And we're not just selling stuff; we're delivering peace of mind."

Availability

Ebryx SECaaS is available immediately to SMEs globally. Organizations can begin with a free cyber risk assessment and receive a tailored proposal within days.

About Ebryx

Ebryx is a global cybersecurity firm specializing in advanced threat detection, security product development, and managed security services. Backed by deep R&D, Ebryx supports businesses, governments, and security vendors worldwide in building resilient digital infrastructures.

Learn More:

Discover how Ebryx SECaaS secures your businesssimply, fully, and affordably.

Visit: www.ebryx.com/secaas or contact [email protected] to schedule your free security assessment or tailored demo

SOURCE Ebryx LLC
Increases full-year guidance

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Encompass Health Corporation (NYSE: EHC), the largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, today reported its results of operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Summary results











Growth

Q1 2025

Q1 2024

Dollars

Percent

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) Net operating revenue $ 1,455.4

$ 1,316.0

$ 139.4

10.6 % Income from continuing operations attributable to

Encompass Health per diluted share 1.48

1.11

0.37

33.3 % Adjusted earnings per share 1.37

1.12

0.25

22.3 % Cash flows provided by operating activities 288.6

238.8

49.8

20.9 % Adjusted EBITDA 313.6

273.0

40.6

14.9 % Adjusted free cash flow 222.4

167.6

54.8

32.7 %















(Actual Amounts)









Discharges 64,985

61,111





6.3 % Same-store discharge growth











4.4 % Net patient revenue per discharge $ 21,816

$ 20,990





3.9 %

See attached supplemental information for calculations of non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to their most comparable GAAP measure.

Revenue growth of 10.6% resulted from increased discharges and pricing. Total discharges grew 6.3%, inclusive of same-store growth of 4.4%. Net patient revenue per discharge grew 3.9%.

Cash flows provided by operating activities increased 20.9% to $288.6 million , primarily due to an increase in net income.

, primarily due to an increase in net income. Adjusted EBITDA increased 14.9% from increased revenue and expense leverage.

"We are very pleased with our first quarter performance, which drove a 10.6% increase in revenue and a 14.9% increase in Adjusted EBITDA," said President and Chief Executive Officer of Encompass Health Mark Tarr. "During the quarter, we further increased our capacity, opening one new 40-bed hospital and adding 25 beds to existing hospitals. Our value proposition and operating strategy continue to be validated and we remain highly optimistic about the long-term prospects of our business."

2025 Guidance

The Company increased its full-year guidance as follows:



Full-Year 2025 Guidance

Previous Guidance

Updated Guidance

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) Net operating revenue $5,800 to $5,900

$5,850 to $5,925 Adjusted EBITDA $1,160 to $1,200

$1,185 to $1,220 Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations

attributable to Encompass Health $4.67 to $4.96

$4.85 to $5.10

For considerations regarding the Company's 2025 guidance, see the supplemental information posted on the Company's website at http://investor.encompasshealth.com. See also the "Other information" section below for an explanation of why the Company does not provide guidance for comparable GAAP measures for Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted earnings per share.

Earnings conference call and webcast

The Company will host an investor conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 25, 2025 to discuss its results for the first quarter of 2025. For reference during the call, the Company will post certain supplemental information at http://investor.encompasshealth.com.

The conference call may be accessed by dialing 800 245-3047 and giving the conference ID EHCQ125. International callers should dial 203 518-9765 and give the same conference ID. Please call approximately ten minutes before the start of the call to ensure you are connected. The conference call will also be webcast live and will be available for on-line replay at http://investor.encompasshealth.com by clicking on an available link.

About Encompass Health

Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 167 hospitals in 38 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies, Becker's Hospital Review's 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare and Forbes' Most Trusted Companies in America.1 For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, X, Instagram and Facebook.



























1 Fortune  2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Fortune is a registered trademark and Fortune World's Most Admired Companies is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Encompass Health. Forbes  2024 Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Other information

The information in this press release is summarized and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 (the "March 2025 Form 10-Q"), when filed, as well as the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2025 (the "Q1 Earnings Form 8-K"), to which this press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1. In addition, the Company will post supplemental information today on its website at http://investor.encompasshealth.com for reference during its April 25, 2025 earnings call.

The financial data contained in the press release and supplemental information include non-GAAP financial measures, including the Company's adjusted earnings per share, leverage ratio, Adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted free cash flow. Reconciliations to their most comparable GAAP measure, except with regard to non-GAAP guidance, are included below or in the Q1 Earnings Form 8-K. Readers are encouraged to review the "Note Regarding Presentation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included in the Q1 Earnings Form 8-K which provides further explanation and disclosure regarding the Company's use of these non-GAAP financial measures.

Excluding net operating revenues, the Company does not provide guidance on a GAAP basis because it is unable to predict, with reasonable certainty, the future impact of items that are deemed to be outside the control of the Company or otherwise not indicative of its ongoing operating performance. Such items include government, class action, and related settlements; professional feesaccounting, tax, and legal; mark-to-market adjustments for stock appreciation rights; gains or losses related to hedging instruments; loss on early extinguishment of debt; adjustments to its income tax provision (such as valuation allowance adjustments and settlements of income tax claims); items related to corporate and facility restructurings; and certain other items the Company believes to be not indicative of its ongoing operations. These items cannot be reasonably predicted and will depend on several factors, including industry and market conditions, and could be material to the Company's results computed in accordance with GAAP.

However, the following reasonably estimable GAAP measures for 2025 would be included in a reconciliation for Adjusted EBITDA if the other reconciling GAAP measures could be reasonably predicted:

Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees - approximately $125 million

Amortization of debt-related items - approximately $10 million

The Q1 Earnings Form 8-K and, when filed, the March 2025 Form 10-Q can be found on the Company's website at http://investor.encompasshealth.com and the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)



Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) Net operating revenues $ 1,455.4

$ 1,316.0 Operating expenses:





Salaries and benefits 762.3

711.6 Other operating expenses 217.5

203.9 Occupancy costs 14.9

14.0 Supplies 62.2

58.5 General and administrative expenses 52.3

50.2 Depreciation and amortization 79.2

70.3 Total operating expenses 1,188.4

1,108.5 Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees 31.8

35.2 Other income (2.5)

(5.4) Equity in net income of nonconsolidated affiliates (0.9)

(0.7) Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 238.6

178.4 Provision for income tax expense 41.6

38.3 Income from continuing operations 197.0

140.1 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.5)

(1.3) Net and comprehensive income 196.5

138.8 Less: Net and comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (45.0)

(26.3) Net and comprehensive income attributable to Encompass Health $ 151.5

$ 112.5







Weighted average common shares outstanding:





Basic 100.5

99.8 Diluted 102.1

102.2 Earnings per common share:





Basic earnings per share attributable to Encompass Health common shareholders:





Continuing operations $ 1.50

$ 1.13 Discontinued operations 

(0.01) Net income $ 1.50

$ 1.12 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Encompass Health common shareholders:





Continuing operations $ 1.48

$ 1.11 Discontinued operations 

(0.01) Net income $ 1.48

$ 1.10







Amounts attributable to Encompass Health common shareholders:





Income from continuing operations $ 152.0

$ 113.8 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.5)

(1.3) Net income attributable to Encompass Health $ 151.5

$ 112.5

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)



March 31, 2025

December 31, 2024

(In Millions) Assets





Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents $ 95.8

$ 85.4 Restricted cash 27.0

37.7 Accounts receivable 623.4

598.8 Other current assets 164.7

165.0 Total current assets 910.9

886.9 Property and equipment, net 3,723.7

3,643.1 Operating lease right-of-use assets 218.7

203.7 Goodwill 1,284.0

1,284.0 Intangible assets, net 294.5

297.8 Other long-term assets 209.5

219.2 Total assets $ 6,641.3

$ 6,534.7 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity





Current liabilities:





Current portion of long-term debt $ 138.7

$ 138.6 Current operating lease liabilities 26.7

26.3 Accounts payable 159.1

171.0 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 531.5

505.1 Total current liabilities 856.0

841.0 Long-term debt, net of current portion 2,333.2

2,359.2 Long-term operating lease liabilities 204.2

189.7 Deferred income tax liabilities 114.0

105.2 Other long-term liabilities 196.3

190.4 Total liabilities 3,703.7

3,685.5 Commitments and contingencies





Redeemable noncontrolling interests 56.1

56.5 Shareholders' equity:





Encompass Health shareholders' equity 2,159.1

2,067.0 Noncontrolling interests 722.4

725.7 Total shareholders' equity 2,881.5

2,792.7 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 6,641.3

$ 6,534.7

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)



Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024

(In Millions) Cash flows from operating activities:





Net income $ 196.5

$ 138.8 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.5

1.3 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities





Depreciation and amortization 79.2

70.3 Stock-based compensation 9.5

9.3 Deferred tax expense 8.8

6.5 Other, net 2.3

14.9 Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions





Accounts receivable (24.7)

(7.7) Other assets 0.7

(16.0) Accounts payable (2.1)

(3.8) Other liabilities 18.6

25.9 Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations (0.7)

(0.7) Total adjustments 91.6

98.7 Net cash provided by operating activities 288.6

238.8 Cash flows from investing activities:





Purchases of property, equipment, and intangible assets (163.1)

(139.4) Proceeds from sale of restricted investments 11.0

16.0 Other, net (6.4)

(6.3) Net cash used in investing activities (158.5)

(129.7) Cash flows from financing activities:





Borrowings on revolving credit facility 60.0

50.0 Payments on revolving credit facility (80.0)

(50.0) Taxes paid on behalf of employees for shares withheld (19.8)

(12.1) Contributions from noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates 

18.4 Dividends paid on common stock (18.0)

(15.9) Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates (32.9)

(24.7) Repurchases of common stock, including fees and expenses (32.1)

 Other, net (7.6)

(6.3) Net cash used in financing activities (130.4)

(40.6) (Decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (0.3)

68.5 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 123.1

104.2 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 122.8

$ 172.7

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Earnings Per Share



Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data) Adjusted EBITDA $ 313.6

$ 273.0 Depreciation and amortization (79.2)

(70.3) Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees (31.8)

(35.2) Stock-based compensation (9.5)

(9.3) Loss on disposal or impairment of assets (0.2)

(13.7)

192.9

144.5 Items not indicative of ongoing operating performance:





Change in fair market value of equity securities 0.7

0.3 Asset impairment impact on noncontrolling interests 

7.3 Pre-tax income 193.6

152.1 Income tax expense (41.6)

(38.3) Income from continuing operations (1) $ 152.0

$ 113.8







Basic shares 100.5

99.8 Diluted shares 102.1

102.2







Basic earnings per share (1) $ 1.50

$ 1.13 Diluted earnings per share (1) $ 1.48

$ 1.11





(1) Income from continuing operations attributable to Encompass Health

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Adjusted Earnings Per Share



Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024







Earnings per share, as reported $ 1.48

$ 1.11 Adjustments, net of tax:





Asset impairment impact 

0.02 Income tax adjustments (0.12)

(0.01) Adjusted earnings per share* $ 1.37

$ 1.12



* Adjusted EPS may not sum due to rounding.

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted EBITDA



Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024

(In Millions) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 288.6

$ 238.8 Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees 31.8

35.2 (Loss) gain on sale of investments, excluding impairments (0.1)

1.3 Equity in net income of nonconsolidated affiliates 0.9

0.7 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in continuing operations (45.0)

(26.3) Amortization of debt-related items (2.4)

(2.4) Distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates (0.5)

(0.8) Current portion of income tax expense 32.8

31.8 Change in assets and liabilities 7.5

1.6 Cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations 0.7

0.7 Asset impairment impact on noncontrolling interests 

(7.3) Change in fair market value of equity securities (0.7)

(0.3) Adjusted EBITDA $ 313.6

$ 273.0

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Reconciliation of Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Encompass Health per Diluted Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Share



For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025





Adjustments





As

Reported

Income Tax

Adjustments

Change in Fair

Market Value

of Equity

Securities

As

Adjusted

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) Adjusted EBITDA* $ 313.6

$ 

$ 

$ 313.6 Depreciation and amortization (79.2)





(79.2) Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees (31.8)





(31.8) Stock-based compensation (9.5)





(9.5) Loss on disposal or impairment of assets (0.2)





(0.2) Change in fair market value of equity securities 0.7



(0.7)

 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 193.6



(0.7)

192.9 Provision for income tax expense (41.6)

(12.0)

0.2

(53.4) Income from continuing operations attributable to Encompass Health $ 152.0

$ (12.0)

$ (0.5)

$ 139.5 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations** $ 1.48

$ (0.12)

$ 

$ 1.37 Diluted shares used in calculation 102.1















* See reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA. ** Adjusted EPS may not sum across due to rounding.

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Reconciliation of Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Encompass Health per Diluted Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Share



For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024





Adjustments





As

Reported

Asset

Impairment

Impact

Income Tax

Adjustments

Change in Fair

Market Value

of Equity

Securities

As

Adjusted

(In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) Adjusted EBITDA* $ 273.0

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 273.0 Depreciation and amortization (70.3)







(70.3) Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees (35.2)







(35.2) Stock-based compensation (9.3)







(9.3) Loss on disposal or impairment of assets (13.7)

10.4





(3.3) Change in fair market value of equity securities 0.3





(0.3)

 Asset impairment impact on noncontrolling interests 7.3

(7.3)





 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 152.1

3.1



(0.3)

154.9 Provision for income tax expense (38.3)

(1.3)

(0.6)

0.1

(40.1) Income from continuing operations attributable to Encompass Health $ 113.8

$ 1.8

$ (0.6)

$ (0.2)

$ 114.8 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations** $ 1.11

$ 0.02

$ (0.01)

$ 

$ 1.12 Diluted shares used in calculation 102.2



















* See reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA. ** Adjusted EPS may not sum across due to rounding.

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA



Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024

(In Millions) Net income $ 196.5

$ 138.8 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to Encompass Health 0.5

1.3 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests included in continuing operations (45.0)

(26.3) Provision for income tax expense 41.6

38.3 Interest expense and amortization of debt discounts and fees 31.8

35.2 Depreciation and amortization 79.2

70.3 Loss on disposal or impairment of assets 0.2

13.7 Stock-based compensation 9.5

9.3 Change in fair market value of equity securities (0.7)

(0.3) Asset impairment impact on noncontrolling interests 

(7.3) Adjusted EBITDA $ 313.6

$ 273.0

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Information Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow



Three Months Ended March 31,

2025

2024

(In Millions) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 288.6

$ 238.8 Impact of discontinued operations 0.7

0.7 Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations 289.3

239.5 Capital expenditures for maintenance (34.0)

(38.7) Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates (32.9)

(24.7) Items not indicative of ongoing operating performance:





Transaction costs and related liabilities 

(8.5) Adjusted free cash flow $ 222.4

$ 167.6

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, net cash used in investing activities was $158.5 million and resulted primarily from capital expenditures. Net cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $130.4 million and resulted primarily from distributions paid to noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates, repurchases of common stock, net debt payments, and cash dividends paid on common stock.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net cash used in investing activities was $129.7 million and resulted primarily from capital expenditures. Net cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $40.6 million and resulted primarily from distributions paid to noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates and cash dividends paid on common stock partially offset by contributions from noncontrolling interests of consolidated affiliates.

Encompass Health Corporation and Subsidiaries

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release and the supplemental information which are not historical facts, such as those relating to the business, strategy, outlook, growth targets and guidance considerations, dividend strategies, effective income tax rates, cost trends, legislative and regulatory developments or their impacts, financial guidance, ability to return value to shareholders, projected capital expenditures, acquisition opportunities, development projects, addressable market size, other balance sheet and cash flow plans, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, Encompass Health, through its senior management, may from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning the matters described herein. All such estimates, projections, and forward-looking information speak only as of the date hereof, and Encompass Health undertakes no duty to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those estimated by Encompass Health include, but are not limited to, infectious disease outbreak, including the speed, depth, geographic reach and duration of its spread, which could decrease our patient volumes and revenues and lead to staffing and supply shortages and associated cost increases; Encompass Health's infectious disease prevention and control efforts; the demand for Encompass Health's services, including based on any downturns in the economy, consumer confidence, or the capital markets; the price of Encompass Health's common stock as it affects Encompass Health's willingness and ability to repurchase shares and the financial and accounting effects of any repurchases; any adverse outcome of various lawsuits, claims, and legal or regulatory proceedings involving Encompass Health, including any matters related to yet undiscovered issues, if any, in acquired operations; Encompass Health's ability to attract and retain key management personnel; potential disruptions, breaches, or other incidents affecting the proper operation, availability, or security of Encompass Health's or its vendors' or partners' information systems, including unauthorized access to or theft of patient, business associate, or other sensitive information or inability to provide patient care because of system unavailability; Encompass Health's ability to successfully complete and integrate de novo developments, acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures consistent with its growth strategy; Encompass Health's ability to realize construction time and cost savings from prefabrication of hospitals; increases in Medicare audit activity, including increased use of sampling and extrapolation, resulting in additional unpaid reimbursement claims and an increase in the backlog of appealed claims denials; changes, delays in (including in connection with resolution of Medicare payment reviews or appeals), or suspension of reimbursement for Encompass Health's services by governmental or private payors; changes in the regulation of the healthcare industry at either or both of the federal and state levels, including as part of national healthcare reform and deficit reduction and Encompass Health's ability to adapt operations to those changes, including in connection with the CMS inpatient rehabilitation review choice demonstration project; competitive pressures in the healthcare industry and Encompass Health's response thereto; Encompass Health's ability to obtain and retain favorable arrangements with third-party payors; Encompass Health's ability to control costs, particularly labor and employee benefit costs, including group medical expenses; adverse effects resulting from coverage determinations made by Medicare Administrative Contractors regarding its Medicare reimbursement claims and lengthening delays in Encompass Health's ability to recover improperly denied claims through the administrative appeals process on a timely basis; Encompass Health's ability to adapt to changes in the healthcare delivery system, including value-based purchasing and involvement in coordinated care initiatives or programs that may arise with its referral sources; Encompass Health's ability to attract and retain nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals in a highly competitive environment with often severe staffing shortages, which may be worsened by infectious disease outbreaks, and the impact on Encompass Health's labor expenses from potential union activity, staffing shortages, and competitive compensation practices; general conditions in the economy and capital markets, including any instability or uncertainty related to trade war, armed conflict or an act of terrorism, governmental impasse over approval of the United States federal budget, an increase in the debt ceiling, or an international sovereign debt crisis; the increase in the cost of, or the decrease in the availability of, construction materials and necessary supplies, including as a result of tariffs and import restrictions; the increase in the costs of defending and insuring against alleged professional liability claims, and Encompass Health's ability to predict the estimated costs related to such claims; and other factors which may be identified from time to time in Encompass Health's SEC filings and other public announcements, including Encompass Health's Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, when filed.

Media Contact

Polly Manuel, 205 969-4532

[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact

Mark Miller, 205 970-5860

[email protected]

SOURCE Encompass Health Corp.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP announced today that Partners Kelly Cunningham and Chris Manderson have been recognized by the Los Angeles Times as "Legal Visionaries."

Those awarded are "some of the best and brightest in a large and highly competitive world of Southern California professionals, but it is their dogged dedication to both clients and craft that make them worthy of this recognition," states the publisher.

Kelly Cunningham chairs the firm's Intellectual Property Department. Kelly is a seasoned intellectual property attorney with over 25 years of experience in trademark, copyright, and patent litigation in courts throughout the country. The Los Angeles Times feature highlights some of Kelly's recent cases, including Kelly's successful defense of a client's four patents against a German company's patent challenge, resulting in reaffirmed patent claims and even new patent claims. He also reduced a major record label's copyright infringement demand by over 80% , and he got his client's insurer to cover nearly all of the settlement amount. Earlier this year, Cunningham was also named by the San Francisco and Los Angeles Daily Journals as one of the Top 100 Intellectual Property Lawyers in the State of California.

Chris Manderson chair's the firm's Corporate Department. A highly accomplished mergers & acquisitions and corporate finance attorney, "Manderson has reorganized companies preserving over $2 billion in NOL assets, including Real Industry and Triad Guaranty," says Los Angeles Times. "Recent deals include the sale of California Electronic Asset Recovery to Ancor Capital Partners, the sale of Bitium to Google, growth financing rounds into robotics companies Miso Robotics, Inc. by Ecolab, Inc. and Vebu, Inc. by Chipotle, Inc. robotics and automation, and representing infrastructure investor Upwell Water LLC and strategic investor Elah Holdings, Inc. in various strategic transactions." Manderson was recognized earlier this year as a "Top 100 Lawyer" by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP is a full-service firm that provides a broad range of business-related legal services including corporate law; litigation; intellectual property & technology law; real estate transactions and finance; construction & environmental law; tax planning and controversies; employment law; health care law; bankruptcy, receivership and reorganization; and estate planning. For more information, visit http://www.ecjlaw.com/

SOURCE Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
WALTHAM, Mass., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Everest Biolabs, a pioneering life sciences company dedicated to elevating extracellular vesicle (EV) and exosome research, announced the launch of innovative products at the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV2025) Annual Meeting in Vienna. These products, including the Summit instrument, advance Everest's mission to enable the use of EVs in biomarker discovery and diagnostic applications. The new Everest Biolabs products showcased at ISEV2025 include:

Summit Instrument:

Ideal for biomarker discovery and diagnostic workflows involving large patient cohorts, biobanks, and CROs.

Process up to 48 samples simultaneously with fully automated EV isolation and concentration in a plate format.

Enables standardized EV isolation workflows suitable for clinical translation, with minimal hands-on time, dramatically increasing productivity and reproducibility.

Features automated sample loading, configurable isolation (1-3 fractions per sample), and plate-based ultrafiltration for sample concentration.

Atlas Lumi ELISA Kits:

Provide rapid, sensitive quantification and purity assessment of EV samples directly from biofluids or SEC fractions.

Available with standard and custom capture targets.

Chemiluminescence (Lumi) assays offer industry-leading dynamic range (over 4 logs) and sensitivity (LOD ~1e7 EVs/mL).

Require minimal sample volumes (50 L) and feature a streamlined, one-step incubation protocol.

George Daaboul, CEO and co-founder of Everest Biolabs, emphasized, "Our new products remove bottlenecks in EV isolation and analytics by providing scientists with precise, scalable, and reliable tools. By simplifying and automating complex workflows, we're accelerating discoveries that ultimately translate into impactful clinical applications."

Tal Gilboa, co-founder and Head of Research at Everest Biolabs, will present a poster (#477) on Thursday April 24, highlighting recent data from the new products.

ISEV2025 attendees are encouraged to visit Everest Biolabs at Booth #G5 for live product demonstrations and information about early access opportunities.

About Everest Biolabs

Everest Biolabs, founded on technology from David Walt's laboratory at the Wyss Institute, is dedicated to reaching excellence in EV research through the relentless focus on high-quality, easy-to-use tools for EV isolation and analytics. Our solutions enhance workflows, from foundational EV isolation to advanced analytics, enabling groundbreaking discoveries. With a vision to unlock the potential of EVs in clinical applications, we keep 'science first' while fostering innovation and integrity in everything we do. Based near Boston, MA we're here to elevate exosome research at every step. Learn more at everestbiolabs.com.

Contact:

David Freedman

[email protected]

everestbiolabs.com

SOURCE Everest Biolabs, Inc.
ARLINGTON, Va., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Zoobean, Inc., maker of Beanstack , announced that the company's co-founder and CEO, Felix Lloyd, has been named by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) a finalist for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Mid-Atlantic Award. Beanstack is a reading platform that uses proven gamification principles and modern reading accountability tools to motivate students to read and grow a school district's reading culture.

Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world's most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors bold entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow. The Mid-Atlantic program celebrates Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC entrepreneurs. An independent panel of judges selected Felix Lloyd among 36 finalists for his entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and lasting impact in building long-term value.

Beanstack was originally created as a book-of-the-month business focusing on non-traditional genres and interests, and quickly found support. After a pivotal appearance on the fifth season of "Shark Tank" that resulted in an investment by Mark Cuban, Beanstack reimagined its business model. The platform is now designed to empower libraries and schools to build a culture of reading through digital reading challenges and motivation tools for readers of all ages. And Beanstack continues to evolve, most recently introducing AI-powered Book Talks with Benny, a conversational tool that helps students build honest reading habits and gives educators actionable insights to support every reader. The product featured on "Shark Tank" is very different from what Beanstack offers today, but the mission, purpose, and goals remain the same. The product is licensed by over 15,000 libraries and schools worldwide. Collectively, Beanstack readers have logged over seven billion minutes of reading.

Felix Lloyd, a former Washington, D.C. "Teacher of the Year," shares, "The initial idea for Beanstack came about from reading to my two-year-old son and seeing firsthand the impact of reading. Now, we pair our unique community-reading-challenge approach with gamification principles: rewarding students with digital badges, encouraging daily reading with streaks, and promoting positive competition with classmates. This inspires a true love of reading in students."

To learn more, visit: https://www.beanstack.com.

SOURCE Beanstack
CALGARY, AB, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Frontera Energy Corporation (TSX: FEC) ("Frontera" or the "Company") announces that the Company will release its financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, after markets close on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

A conference call for investors and analysts will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Participants will include Gabriel de Alba, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Orlando Cabrales, Chief Executive Officer, Rene Burgos, Chief Financial Officer, and other members of the senior management team.

Analysts and investors are invited to participate using the following dial-in numbers:

RapidConnect URL: https://emportal.ink/42ASyR9 Participant Number (Toll Free North America): 1-888-510-2154 Participant Number (Toll Free Colombia): +57-601-489-8375 Participant Number (International): 1-437-900-0527 Conference ID: 02707 Webcast URL: www.fronteraenergy.ca

A replay of the conference call will be available until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 16, 2025.

Encore Toll free Dial-in Number: 1-888-660-6345 International Dial-in Number: 1-289-819-1450 Encore ID: 02707

About Frontera:

Frontera Energy Corporation is a Canadian public company involved in the exploration, development, production, transportation, storage and sale of oil and natural gas in South America, including related investments in both upstream and midstream facilities. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets with interests in 22 exploration and production blocks in Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana, and pipeline and port facilities in Colombia. Frontera is committed to conducting business safely and in a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible manner.

If you would like to receive News Releases via email as soon as they are published, please subscribe here: http://fronteraenergy.mediaroom.com/subscribe.

Social Media

Follow Frontera's social media channels at the following links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fronteraenergy?lang=en

Facebook: https://es-la.facebook.com/FronteraEnergy/

LinkedIn: https://co.linkedin.com/company/frontera-energy-corp.

SOURCE Frontera Energy Corporation
For almost a decade, GNX has been supporting MEA-based companies with their regional and international connectivity. Establishing a direct presence in the region will enable GNX to drive faster growth, closer partnerships, and more tailored support for its growing customer base.

AMSTERDAM, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GNX, the leading provider of global Internet and private connectivity services, has announced its expansion to the Middle East with a new office in Dubai, UAE. With this move, the company strengthens its regional presence with a local team of experts to better address the specific connectivity requirements of MEA-based enterprises, MSPs, and data center providers as the region experiences unprecedented growth and innovation. Jan Willem Meijer, one of GNX's shareholders and a member of the Advisory Board, is spearheading this buildout.

"Having lived in Dubai for many years, I've built and nurtured a strong personal network which I've continued to develop from the Netherlands," explains Meijer. "This step is a commitment to them, our customers and partners, as much as an opportunity to build and expand new long-lasting local partnerships."

Local know-how for the modern global enterprise

The Middle East has emerged as a hub of innovation and a thriving destination for international businesses. At the same time, it presents unique challenges in the telecom space: from navigating local regulations to dealing with varying infrastructure standards.

"But connectivity in the Middle East doesn't need to be complicated," says Meijer. "GNX is an authority when it comes to the design and delivery of complex and large connectivity projects, especially in more challenging and regulated regions. Our goal is to help global enterprises navigate through these complexities."

GNX has extensive global, regional, and local partnerships to provide customers with internet access and private connectivity in 190+ countries.

"Our private Ethernet and ultra-low latency services offer reliable, dedicated connectivity from anywhere in the Middle East to sites, data centers, or public clouds worldwide," says Rutger Bevaart, CEO of GNX. "These solutions are designed to provide customers with high bandwidth, resilient connectivity, flexibility, and quality of service in a cost-effective and compliant manner."

About GNX

Hi, we are GNX, a provider of global internet and private connectivity on a mission: to simplify global networks, and everything in between.

Because, like you, we got tired of the conservative, non-transparent ways of working in our industry. Instead, we made connectivity straightforward: one single platform to access all the insights, expertise, and tools to source and manage your global WAN, alongside our team of experts to guide and support you in your journey. Based in the Netherlands, our footprint extends to 190+ countries, and we currently support over 200 enterprises and MSPs with their global internet access and private connectivity needs. www.gnx.net

SOURCE GNX
Issued on behalf of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd.

VANCOUVER, BC, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Insider News Commentary  Amid the ongoing volatility on the markets, several gold stocks are surging, with the Top 50 mining companies thriving within the tariff-related chaos. All the while, analysts still believe these gold stocks are not only outperforming the market, but still look undervalued, a sentiment echoed by prominent economist Peter Schiff. Currently there are multiple mining companies making headlines with their recent developments, including Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF), Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: GOLD) (TSX: ABX), NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (NYSE-American: NG) (TSX: NG), Dynacor Group Inc. (TSX: DNG) (OTCPK: DNGDF), and Cabral Gold Inc. (TSXV: CBR) (OTCPK: CBGZF).

Gold is on a historic run, becoming what Barron's is calling a "light in the investment darkness", pointing to surging demand among not just bankers, but individuals seeking gold bars and coins alike. By the end of the year, Goldman Sachs' analysts note that gold could not only finish over US$3,700/oz, but potentially even rise to as much as $4,000/oz by mid-2026.

Lake Victoria Gold (TSXV: LVG) (OTCQB: LVGLF) announced today that it's evaluating a small-scale development opportunity aimed at generating early cash flow at its flagship Tembo Project in Tanzania to support its broader exploration strategy, following the recent conversion of its Prospecting License into four Mining Licenses (MLs). Through its local subsidiary MIPCCL, the company is in discussions to form a joint venture with the operator of a privately commissioned CIP processing facility situated within one of Tembo's 4 MLs.

"This potential partnership could represent a unique opportunity to establish early, low-capital-cost production from Tembo while continuing to unlock the district's exploration upside," said Marc Cernovitch, President and CEO of Lake Victoria Gold. "We remain committed to advancing Tembo through both strategic exploration and disciplined project development."

This initiative is at a preliminary, conceptual stage and is not based on a current mineral resource estimate, nor is it supported by a Feasibility Study that would demonstrate economic or technical viability. Any potential development remains highly speculative and subject to significant technical and economic uncertainties, including grade continuity, metallurgy, permitting, and financing.

"Tembo has always stood out as a project with the potential to deliver both near-term value and long-term discovery upside," said Simon Benstead, Chairman and CFO of Lake Victoria Gold. "Evaluating this small-scale development opportunity allows us to test the system, generate operational insights, and potentially self-fund ongoing exploration. We believe this approach aligns well with our disciplined strategy and our commitment to responsible, phased development in Tanzania."

Over the past year, LVG has made steady progress advancing its dual-asset strategy in the Lake Victoria Goldfield, one of East Africa's most prospective and historically productive gold regions. The company believes it now has many of the key regulatory, financial, and operational components in place to support a transition from exploration toward phased developmentcreating both near- and long-term opportunities.

Tembo remains the company's long-range flagship. Located immediately adjacent to Barrick Gold's Bulyanhulu Mine, the 100%-owned project has seen over US$28 million in historical exploration investment, including more than 50,000 meters of drilling.

Results from targets like Ngula 1, Nyakagwe Village, and Nyakagwe East have identified multiple mineralized structures with high-grade gold intercepts, many of which remain open along strike and at depth. The company is now updating its view of the near-surface potential across those zones in light of its new mining licenses and improving local infrastructure.

While Tembo may be the larger prize, the Imwelo Project is likely to lead development. LVG acquired full control of Imwelo earlier this year, and the project already holds a valid Mining License and permits from the Government of Tanzania to move towards development.

Located west of AngloGold Ashanti's Geita Gold Mine, Imwelo was previously the subject of an updated pre-feasibility study in 2021 and is now positioned as the company's near-term development candidate. Early-stage development from Imwelo, if successfully advanced, could support ongoing work at Tembo while establishing a local operating presence.

Financially, LVG continues to pursue multiple avenues of support. In late 2024, the company signed a non-binding gold prepay term sheet with Monetary Metalsa U.S.-based gold finance firmfor up to 7,000 ounces of gold, subject to conditions precedent. Based on prevailing gold prices, that facility could potentially provide upwards of US$20 million in non-dilutive capital for construction costs.

In addition, LVG completed the first tranche of a three-stage strategic investment agreement with Taifa Group, Tanzania's largest mining contractor. The initial C$3.52 million tranche closed in February at a share price of C$0.22.

As part of that relationship, Richard Reynolds, former CEO of Taifa Mining, was appointed to the company's boardadding regional and operational depth at the governance level.

LVG also retains exposure to future upside through its 2021 deal with Barrick, which saw the company sell six non-core licenses adjacent to Tembo for US$6 million upfront, with up to US$45 million in contingent milestone payments tied to future discoveries. Barrick has been actively drilling on the package since, while LVG retains a back-end interest with no further capital outlay.

With early-stage development potential at Tembo, near-term development at Imwelo, and continued exposure to upside through its Barrick deal, Lake Victoria Gold is increasingly well-positioned within the East African junior gold sector.

CONTINUED Read this and more news for Lake Victoria Gold at:

https://equity-insider.com/2025/04/14/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market include:

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: GOLD) (TSX: ABX) is selling its 50% interest in the Donlin Gold Project to Paulson Advisers and NOVAGOLD Resources Inc. (NYSE-American: NG) (TSX: NG) in a $1 billion cash deal, with NOVAGOLD increasing its stake to 60% and Paulson acquiring 40%.

"The Donlin agreement allows Barrick to exit the Donlin Gold Project at an attractive valuation, while allowing NOVAGOLD and Paulson to pursue the development of the project," said Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick. "This is a good example of an instance where an asset we own might be better suited in the hands of others, while we pursue our priority portfolio of Barrick-managed growth projects."

The transaction is expected to close in Q2 or Q3 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Under the new structure, NOVAGOLD and Paulson will share governance and management responsibilities for Donlin Gold.

"With 39 million ounces of gold at double the industry average grade, and an optimal location in the prime jurisdiction of Alaska  already the second largest gold-producing state in the United States  we believe that the project could create value for decades to come," said John Paulson, head of private investment firm Pauslon Advisers, and Chairman of NOVAGOLD. ". Enjoying excellent social license and formidable exploration upside potential to significantly expand its resources and production profile, Donlin Gold constitutes a superb opportunity for us to gain leverage to gold in the United States at an attractive valuation."

Their joint focus will be updating the project's Feasibility Study, expanding drill programs, and maintaining environmental and community stewardship in Alaska's Yukon-Kuskokwim region.

Dynacor Group Inc. (TSX: DNG) (OTCPK: DNGDF) achieved record gold sales of $80.0 million in Q1 2025, up 18.2% from the same period in 2024. March sales reached $28.8 million, boosted by a 38% increase in gold price year-over-year.

The company's Veta Dorada plant continued operating at full capacity, processing 15,000 tonnes of ore. With gold averaging $2,878 per ounce year-to-date, Dynacor remains on target to hit its 2025 sales guidance of $345$375 million.

Cabral Gold Inc. (TSXV: CBR) (OTCPK: CBGZF) recently returned one of its strongest drill results to date, intersecting 12m @ 27.7 g/t gold (including 5m @ 65.5 g/t) from 42m depth at the Machichie NE target in the Cuiu Cuiu gold district. This new result, combined with past high-grade hits, confirms a mineralized zone extending at least 200m along strike, which remains open at depth and laterally.

"These results from RC520 (12m @ 27.7 g/t gold) are amongst the best drill results we have ever received from any target at Cuiu Cuiu, and are further confirmation that a significant zone of bonanza-grade gold mineralization exists at Machichie NE," said Alan Carter, President and CEO of Cabral. "We will continue to aggressively explore the 50+ targets at Cuiu Cuiu where we have gold in boulder fields, trenches and drill holes, whilst advancing our starter gold-in-oxide project which is targeting gold-in-oxide saprolite material. Given the plethora of high-grade values at numerous other targets at Cuiu Cuiu, we expect to make further high-grade discoveries similar to Machichie NE."

Machichie NE sits just 150m from the Machichie Main discovery and 650m north of the MG gold deposit. Cabral is currently drilling multiple targets in the area while advancing its gold-in-oxide starter project and updating the broader resource model.

Article Source: https://equity-insider.com/2025/04/14/with-funding-commitments-in-place-a-gold-mine-is-being-built-and-this-stock-is-still-under-0-20/

CONTACT:

Equity Insider

[email protected]

(604) 265-2873

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Equity Insider is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This article is being distributed for Baystreet.ca media corp, who has been paid a fee for an advertising from a shareholder of the Company (333,333 unrestricted shares). MIQ has not been paid a fee for Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-owns Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY") There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ/BAY own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. Technical information relating to Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. has been reviewed and approved by David Scott, Pr. Sci. Nat., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Scott is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and is a Director of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd., and therefore is not independent of the Company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Lake Victoria Gold Ltd. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2644233/5285411/Equity_Insider_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Equity Insider
- New Bayside Location Where Guests Can Be Themselves, Lounge to Satisfy Their Intellectual Curiosity -

TOKYO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay, located in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, celebrates its grand opening on April 24, 2025. The concept of ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay, the latest hotel by Holiday Inn, which is an essential brand of IHG Hotels & Resorts, is a "new travel that lets you be yourself." The Shinagawa/Tennozu area, where city and sea meet, is easily accessible from both within Japan and overseas, and is a location that suits many travel styles, including Tokyo sightseeing, business trips, and short weekend stays.

ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay Exterior: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202504187605/_prw_PI5fl_UFbNXYNU.jpg

With a total of 132 guest rooms, ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay seeks to offer every guest opportunities to relax, focus on work, or simply step away from everyday routine, while also catering to each guest's "present" so that the guests can spend their time as suits them best. Adding to the warmth and comfort that Holiday Inn is known for, the design of the open lobby creates a modern and pleasant space that ensures an unforgettable experience for all guests. It is somewhere that can flexibly accommodate all guest needs, when dining, relaxing, working, and enjoying themselves. Furthermore, the hotel offers Kids Stay & Eat Free, which lets children under 12 years old stay and eat at no cost, as well as the tranquil Library Lounge, an around-the-clock snack and drink counter, a fitness center, a laundry service, and other facilities to make long-term stays more comfortable, thereby supporting all types of travel.

The guest rooms on the higher floors, from the 23rd through the 27th, offer expansive and open views. Guests will find the Bay View Rooms with a view of the Rainbow Bridge as well as the Canal View Rooms with an atmospheric view of the city highways and waterways extending into the distance. The rooms are calming spaces that harmonize natural colors and soft lighting, featuring spacious beds, functional workspaces and much more, thus combining comfort and practicality. ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay offers a variety of room types to suit all kinds of situations, from solo traveling to family stays.

Guest Room: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202504187605/_prw_PI7fl_gTlAQaDq.jpg

The Library Lounge, stimulating guests' intellectual curiosity

Located on the hotel's first floor, the Library Lounge features a wide selection of comics and books, manifesting a space that stimulates intellectual playfulness. In particular, the comic corner, an embodiment of Japanese culture, supports three languages: Japanese, English, and Chinese, which makes it an attractive space that is enjoyable for overseas guests too.

The lounge serves a mixed Japanese-Western breakfast buffet in the morning and then functions as a cafe for casual drinks and snacks during the day. All seats also have an electrical outlet and free Wi-Fi, making it an ideal environment for remote work and online meetings. The warm interior and stylish design help the guests forget the bustle of the city and facilitate moments of comfort.

Breakfast Buffet: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202504187605/_prw_PI8fl_6570Y0fY.jpg

Banquet rooms that can be used in countless ways

The hotel features five banquet rooms on the 3rd, 28th, and 29th floors. From corporate events to private parties, ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay offers spaces that can meet all needs, including the sophisticated and elegant Golden Palm with a ceiling height of 5.5 m, the Ocean Bloom offering a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay, and the Crystal Cove on the top floor.

Banquet Room Ocean Bloom: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107856/202504187605/_prw_PI6fl_MYKxaUZa.jpg

ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay offers a comfortable stay that is unique to the Holiday Inn brand, with heartwarming service that creates experiences and pleasant moments on the bayside that brighten visitors' travel memories.

About ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202504187605-O1-z2I2xxI6.pdf

Address: 2-3-15 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo

SOURCE ANA Holiday Inn Tokyo Bay
New Neighborhood Restaurant Inspired by Rural French Cuisine Opening Spring 2025

HEALDSBURG, Calif., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacob Harth, of High Tide Hospitality, is excited to announce the opening of a new restaurant, Bistro Lagniappe, located at 330 Healdsburg Avenue in Healdsburg, California  opening this spring. Bistro Lagniappe is a wood-fired restaurant, which will showcase California countryside cooking inspired by the rural routiers and bistros of France, informed by the best ingredients from Sonoma County.

Lagniappe (pronounced: /lanyap/) means "a small gift given" or "a little something extra"  it represents the level of cuisine and hospitality we aim to provide to our guests.

"I'm thrilled to announce the opening of Bistro Lagniappe in Healdsburg this spring. Lagniappe means 'a little something extra,' and I'm looking forward to sharing that spirit with the local community. As a Sonoma County resident raising a family here, I'm especially excited to open a place that serves delicious, approachable food," said Jacob Harth, Chef and Co-founder, Bistro Lagniappe.

The goal is to create a welcoming space for the Healdsburg community, offering thoughtful service, warm hospitality, and simple, high-quality dishes at an excellent value. We are committed to supporting local producers by sourcing nearly 100% of our ingredients from Sonoma County farms, ranches, and fishers. Our cooking style will be minimalist and straightforward, allowing our exceptional local artisans to shine.

Bistro Lagniappe is a quick one minute stroll from the historical Healdsburg Plaza. Rain or shine, join us indoors or outside on our heated patio. Bistro Lagniappe will be open for dinner service Wednesday through Sunday, starting at 4pm daily. We aim to open May 2025, with plans to introduce weekend brunch service at a later date.

To learn more, visit lagniap.pe . For career inquiries, email [email protected] . Follow on Instagram @lagniap.pe.

Media Contact:

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Bistro Lagniappe
Millions of Gun Owners Choose the Leading Online Retailer As Sales Top 10% Year Over Year

BURNSVILLE, Minn., April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Guns.com, the fastest-growing online firearm retailer, continues to outpace the competition, with sales reaching 10% growth year over year. The innovative company aims for a seventh consecutive year of double-digit growth rate in sales since launching its online retail operations in 2018. More than a million new consumers shopped for the first time on Guns.com in 2024 on top of a strong base of loyal gun buyers.

"The customer experience on Guns.com is now a benchmark in the firearm industry." Greg Minkler, Co-CEO, CMO, Guns.com. Post this Sales top 10% year over year as millions of gun owners choose the leading online retailer.

"The customer experience on Guns.com has become a benchmark, and we are proud to be the best online shopping destination in the firearm industry," says Greg Minkler, Co-CEO and CMO of Guns.com. "In less than seven years, we have become one of the nation's leading online retailers for firearms, suppressors, ammo, optics, and more. While other long-time industry sites have seen new gun sales drop more than 20%, we are helping local gun stores grow their businesses. The majority of our sales are fulfilled by nearly 2,000 local brick and mortar firearm dealers, as our platform continues to succeed in supporting America's retail storefronts."

Guns.com's leading technology provides the best online shopping experience the Second Amendment community has come to expect. Gun owners value the ease and usability of Guns.com, finding the precise gun they want thanks to the hundreds of thousands of listings from a network of local gun stores nationwide and top manufacturers. Exceptional customer service helps gun owners through each transaction, from understanding regulations to handling paperwork and ensuring a smooth transfer experience at the customer's FFL of choice.

"Our success is largely due to our incredible partnerships with local FFL dealers and manufacturers big and small," says Marketing Director Jennifer Simunek. "Our partnerships have more than doubled in the past year, which brings our customers an unparalleled shopping experience and unmatched value. For example, we're currently running a first-of-its-kind exclusive offer with FN America to give gun owners an extra $100 towards a new FN gun when they sell any gun through our We Buy Guns program. You can't find a deal like that anywhere else."

The innovative We Buy Guns online system guides gun owners through simple steps to submit their guns in minutes. Once submitted, the Guns.com expert appraisal team will review the request and provide an offer within one business day. When they accept an offer, gun owners can decide to receive their payment in cash or earn more with a Guns.com gift cardand get up to a $50 bonus gift card on top of the $100 coupon towards a new FN.

Now through May 31, gun owners who sell any firearm to Guns.com through their popular We Buy Guns program will automatically get $100 off select new FN firearms. This first-of-a-kind promotion is perfect for gun owners looking to trade up and refresh their arsenal. Customers who sell one or more firearms to Guns.com between April 1 and May 31, 2025, will receive a single-use promotional code for $100 off a new-condition FN firearm. The promotional offer is in addition to what a customer will earn from their firearm sale and is valid for 30 days from the customer's sale date. Guns.com must receive the customer's gun by May 31, 2025.

Experience the best, most innovative shopping experience in the firearms industry at https://www.guns.com/.

Learn more about selling your firearm and get $100 towards a new FN firearm by visiting https://www.guns.com/we-buy-guns.

About Guns.com

Guns.com is the ultimate destination for gun owners, revolutionizing the online firearms retail experience since 2011. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency, and exceptional customer satisfaction, they empower and equip people to exercise their Second Amendment rights. With a growing network of over 2,000 local brick-and-mortar dealers, explore an extensive collection of over 30,000 new and Certified Used firearms. Stock up on a range of suppressors, ammo, gear, and more. Stay informed with industry news, in-depth product reviews, and exclusive content from top manufacturers. Experience why Guns.com stands unrivaled as the premier online marketplace for firearms and suppressors.

SOURCE Guns.com
MILWAUKEE, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hammes, a national real estate consulting, development, investment and management firm, was proud to join Moffitt Cancer Center on April 22 to mark two celebratory milestones at SPEROS FL in Pasco County, Florida: the topping out of the Moffitt Discovery and Innovation Center and the installation of the cyclotron for the region's first proton therapy system at the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Proton Center.

Image from the Moffitt Cancer Center SPEROS FL Milestone Celebration

The cyclotron installation was the highlight of the event after its 4,600-mile journey from Belgium. The ProteusONE proton therapy system will offer unmatched precision in cancer treatment, reducing side effects and improving outcomes by targeting tumors with millimeter accuracy. Once installed, it will be the first proton therapy system and the most advanced in the Tampa Bay region.

On schedule to open in January 2026, Moffitt's new Speros campus is a global innovation hub targeting cancer care, research and biotechnology. Hammes is serving as program manager for the campus' new 120,000-square-foot outpatient and proton facility, as well as the new 240,000-square-foot research center, which is dedicated to research in drug development, bioengineering, metabolism, and cancer biology.

Earlier this year, Hammes celebrated the completion of Moffitt Cancer Center at SouthShore, a 75,000-square-foot ambulatory center, located south of Tampa in Ruskin, Florida.

View the Moffitt Cancer Center media kit, including B-roll and renderings, here.

About Hammes

Founded in 1991, Hammes is a vertically integrated real estate solutions platform specializing in healthcare real estate strategy and planning, project management, development, investment, and property management. As a testament to our deep healthcare industry experience, Hammes has been recognized as one of the nation's leading healthcare developers by Modern Healthcare's Construction & Design Survey for 26 consecutive yearsincluding 21 years as No. 1 and by Revista's Outpatient Healthcare Real Estate Development Report. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Hammes provides services through a network of regional offices strategically located across the United States. www.hammes.com

SOURCE Hammes
Dattalo returns to his roots to help lead Havas Chicago's creative reinvention

CHICAGO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Havas Chicago announced the appointment of Frank Dattalo as Chief Creative Officer. In his new role, Dattalo joins President Kat Ott and Chief Strategy Officer Chase Cornett to redefine the agency's creative approach, blending strategic brand-building expertise with culturally driven, modern work that breaks through.

Havas Chicago Appoints Frank Dattalo as Chief Creative Officer (CNW Group/Havas Creative)

Dattalo, previously EVP and Executive Creative Director at Cashmere Agency in Los Angeles, is known for culturally impactful campaigns including the hard-to-miss "MUSTAAAAAAAAAARD" collaboration with Kraft Heinz, and Budweiser's "The B.I.G. Drop," a tribute to Notorious B.I.G. commemorating Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary.

His notable career also includes leading creative roles at Apple, R/GA (overseeing Nike), Critical Mass LA, and Deutsch LA. Dattalo began his career in Chicago at Energy BBDO, where he developed iconic campaigns such as Orbit Gum's "Dirty Mouth" and 5 Gum's "Stimulate Your Senses," both of which have recently experienced a resurgence as memes on TikTok. His work has been recognized at the top global award shows, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, Webby Awards, Shorty Awards, Effies, and Clios.

"Coming back to Chicago is a full-circle momentreuniting with the city that raised both me and my career. It's a privilege to contribute to the legacy of this vibrant creative community and collaborate with Kat and Chase, two legends I deeply admire, as we position Havas Chicago as a globally elite creative force," said Dattalo, reflecting on his return to Chicago.

Kat Ott, President of Havas Chicago, expressed her excitement for Dattalo's arrival: "Frank's passion for fostering a culture where diverse, ambitious talent can take big swings aligns perfectly with our vision. Together, we'll create undeniable work that fuels the feeds, drives fame, and impacts real change."

Under the leadership of Ott, Cornett, and now Dattalo, Havas Chicago is embracing a distinctive "high-low" creative approachpairing the strategic rigor of big agency brand thinking with the cultural fluency, speed, and agility of a boutique feed-first shop.

ABOUT HAVAS CHICAGO

Havas Chicago is part of Havas Creative Network, a powerful network of creative agencies made up of best-in-class, cross-disciplinary talent spread across our villages globally. As part of Havas Creative North America, we fuse independent spirit with global scale. Learn more at our website: www.chi.havas.com.

SOURCE Havas Creative
RIDGELAND, Miss., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HORNE, a professional services firm, announced its support of four charities in Alabama, Tennessee and Texas. Fueled by the HORNE Community Foundation, the 2025 first-quarter Seasons of Giving campaign recipients will all receive donations to fund their specific missions.

Their missions range from providing access to various summer camps to providing spiritual guidance and addressing hunger needs.

The first-quarter recipients include:

Abba's House: This Cypress, Texas , organization strives to provide women and children with a safe, healing, and stable environment and teach them to become productive members of society. It addresses everything from physical needs to dealing with trauma to strengthening spiritual relationships with Jesus.

This , organization strives to provide women and children with a safe, healing, and stable environment and teach them to become productive members of society. It addresses everything from physical needs to dealing with trauma to strengthening spiritual relationships with Jesus. Austin Sunshine Camp : The Austin, Texas , camp provides the magic of overnight camp without cost barriers. The group's vision is a world where all children have a place to grow, connect, and explore.

The , camp provides the magic of overnight camp without cost barriers. The group's vision is a world where all children have a place to grow, connect, and explore. Camp SMILE : Mobile, Ala.'s , Camp SMILE is a residential camp for individuals with disabilities ages five and up. The mission of Camp SMILE is to empower children and adults with disabilities to live their lives without limits by providing an inclusive summer camp experience where there is no limit to adventure.

: , Camp SMILE is a residential camp for individuals with disabilities ages five and up. The mission of Camp SMILE is to empower children and adults with disabilities to live their lives without limits by providing an inclusive summer camp experience where there is no limit to adventure. RIFA : Jackson, Tenn.'s Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) addresses hunger issues in the region. RIFA actively engages with the community through a soup kitchen, food bank, snack backpack program, thrift store, meal delivery, community-supported agriculture, and community outreach program for other needs.

"Supporting our communities is a core value at HORNE," said CEO and Managing Partner Rusty Butcher. "Our Seasons of Giving partner committee agreed to support the needs of these amazing organizations. With HORNE team members and clients located across the country, we are committed to assisting our friends and neighbors as they face challenges."



HORNE's partners established the HORNE Community Foundation in 2021 to provide financial support to the areas where team members live and serve. During quarterly Seasons of Giving campaigns, HORNE employees nominate non-profit organizations of their choice to receive funding.

About HORNE. HORNE is a professional services firm founded on a cornerstone of public accounting. Our 1,500+ team members serve clients in 48 states with more than 30 office and project locations nationwide, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. HORNE provides anticipatory advice and solutions to find opportunity in change. HORNE.com .

SOURCE HORNE
Comprehensive analysis of real-world data shows significant clinical and medico-economic advantages of Implicity's universal, alert-based remote monitoring platform

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IMPLICITY , a leader in remote patient monitoring and cardiac data management solutions, today unveiled new findings from its EVIDENCE-RM study. Leveraging extensive data from the French National Health Data System (SNDS), the study demonstrated clear clinical and medico-economic benefits associated with Implicity's universal monitoring system (UMS) compared to conventional, manufacturer-specific systems, including Abbott, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic.

The study, recently published in Heart Rhythm, analyzed clinical outcomes and costs for over 69,000 patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and defibrillators with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT-Ds). Patients remotely monitored using Implicity's platform showed increased survival rates and a reduction in both the number and duration of all-cause and heart failure-related hospitalizations, resulting in substantial healthcare cost reductions. Key findings attributed to Implicity's IM009 platform include:

26% reduction in mortality (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.730.77; P=.001)

4% decrease in HF hospitalizations, total corrected healthcare costs, and mean duration of hospitalization

17.8% decrease in hospital-related costs, primarily driven by decreased costs in cardiovascular disease care

Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) of approximately - $112 USD (-103) per Day Alive and Out of Hospital (DAOH) based on the French Healthcare System

"Managing patients with ICDs and CRTs presents considerable challenges, since they are at high risk of hospitalization due to arrhythmias and heart failure," said Dr. Niraj Varma, Professor of Medicine and Director, Cardiac Pacing & Tachyarrhythmia Devices at the Cleveland Clinic. "The EVIDENCE-RM study clearly demonstrates that a universal monitoring solution operating alert-based remote monitoring can significantly reduce these risks, improving patient outcomes and substantially lowering healthcare costs. This is an important advancement in our ability to proactively manage patients with ICDs and CRTs."

"These findings mark a pivotal moment in remote cardiac care and prove Implicity's effectiveness with unparalleled clinical results," stated Implicity CEO Dr. Arnaud Rosier. "A 26% reduction in mortality and better use of healthcare resources highlight the impact of universal remote monitoring, driven by AI, over fragmented manufacturer-specific systems. Implicity is committed to driving innovation so that every cardiac patient receives proactive, efficient care."

For more information about Implicity and the EVIDENCE-RM study, please visit www.implicity.com .

About Implicity

Implicity is a digital MedTech software company dedicated to providing the best remote care to patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices and heart failure. Co-founded by cardiac electrophysiologist Arnaud Rosier, MD, PhD, the platform aggregates, normalizes, and standardizes data from any implantable cardiac device across all manufacturers, improving care for patients with cardiac implants and heart failure.

Implicity's platform provides critical health information augmented by FDA-cleared AI algorithms, enabling healthcare providers to make more informed decisions for better patient outcomes. With access to the Health Data Hub, one of the world's largest databases of heart disease patients, Implicity is able to develop its AI solutions based on more robust data. The company is protecting more than 100,000 patients in over 200 medical facilities across the US and Europe. To learn more, visit www.implicity.com

Health Data Hub is a health data platform established by the French government to combine existing health patient databases and facilitate their usage for research and development purposes

References

N. Varma et al., "Impact of a universal monitoring system ('third party') on outcomes of ICD patients: A nationwide study," Heart Rhythm , 2024. IM009: 2021. Manufacturer: Implicity. IM009 is a software as a medical device (SaMD) intended to be used as an adjunct of a remote monitoring platform to follow-up target population patients. IM009 is compatible with devices with remote monitoring feature such as cardiac implantable electronic devices and connected weight scales. The three main intents of IM009 are to (1) label observations generated by medical devices according to predefined categories, (2) create clinically relevant observations for worsening atrial fibrillation and/or rapid weight gain in the context of heart failure, based on data recorded by the device and (3) label Atrial Fibrillation burden observations generated by cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) as to be hidden or relevant for health care provider based on patient's anticoagulation status. Hence, IM009 is designed to reduce the workload burden of healthcare providers/professionals in charge of reviewing the observations received from the patients' devices. IM009 is not intended for use in life supporting or sustaining systems or Alarm devices and as a solely means of diagnosis. It is offered to healthcare providers/professionals on an advisory basis only in conjunction with the physician's knowledge of ECG patterns, patient background, clinical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic information. Class I, according to Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC. See the instructions for use for more information. Covered under the conditions defined in Article L. 162-52 of the French Social Security Code. IM007: 2021. ILR ECG ANALYZER created by Implicity is intended to be used by qualified healthcare professionals for the assessment of arrhythmias in Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) ECG data. ILR ECG ANALYZER supports downloading and analyzing data recorded in compatible formats from ICMs. This version of the ILR ECG ANALYZER only supports ECG data from Medtronic ICMs. ILR ECG ANALYZER is intended to be electronically interfaced with other computer systems (remote monitoring platforms) that supply the ECG data to ILR ECG ANALYZER and receive the output of ILR ECG ANALYZER (analysis) for viewing by healthcare professionals. ILR ECG ANALYZER provides ECG signal processing and analysis, to detect asystole, bradycardia, atrial tachycardia or atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, normal rhythm and artifacts. ILR ECG ANALYZER is not for use in life supporting or sustaining systems or ECG monitor and Alarm devices. ILR ECG ANALYZER interpretation results are not intended to be the sole means of diagnosis. It is offered to physicians and clinicians on an advisory basis only in conjunction with the physician's knowledge of ECG patterns, patient background, clinical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic information. ILR ECG ANALYZER is interfaced with the compatible remote monitoring platform from which it receives compatible ICM data file input (Medtronic LNQ11 Medtronic REVEAL XT 9529 Medtronic REVEAL DX 9528) and to which it transmits the output. Read carefully all instructions before use. Results: sensitivity: 98.64 % (509/516), false positive rate: 24.03 % (68/283). FDA cleared Class II medical device and CE marked Class I medical device (under medical device directive 93/42).

SignalHF FDA cleared Class II medical device and CE marked Class IIa (under MDR) medical device. Manufacturer: Implicity. The SignalHF System is intended for use by qualified healthcare professionals (HCP) managing patients over 18 years old who are receiving physiological monitoring for Heart Failure surveillance and implanted with a compatible Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) (i.e., compatible pacemakers, ICDs, and CRTs). The SignalHF System provides additive information to use in conjunction with standard clinical evaluation. The SignalHF HF Score is intended to calculate the risk of HF for a patient in the next 30 days. This System is intended for adjunctive use with other physiological vital signs and patient symptoms and information and is not intended to independently direct therapy.

See the instructions for use for more information.

Media Contact:

Sam Choinski

eMedia Junction

860-301-5058

[email protected]

SOURCE Implicity
TAIPEI, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The InnoVEX exhibit for startups at COMPUTEX 2025 will take place from May 20 to May 23 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, InnoVEX will present a rich array of exhibits and events, emphasizing emerging technologies and entrepreneurial innovation.

Startups to deliver demo onsite in InnoVEX 2024

This year focuses on AI, Green Tech, Smart Mobility, Semiconductor Applications, and Next-Generation Communications, attracting nearly 450 startups from 24 countries, reflecting a 12.5% rise compared to the previous year. National pavilions from Belgium, Brazil, France, Australia, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Israel, Poland, and the Czech Republic will spotlight diverse global innovation ecosystems, fostering collaboration and opportunity.

InnoVEX Demonstrates Global Brand Influence as a Startup Hub

InnoVEX gathers startups, investors, and accelerators worldwide, connecting global resources and encouraging international cooperation. This year's expanded national participation will further stimulate business synergies.

Highlights from the French Pavilion include innovations in sensors, energy, micro-batteries, 3D audio, human-robotics interaction, and digital simulation, emphasizing interdisciplinary applications and sustainability. Flanders-Belgium Pavilion will feature startups specializing in cybersecurity, wireless charging, and micro-LED, along with Imec, the nanoelectronics and digital technology research institution. The Czech Pavilion will present breakthroughs in digital applications, automation, space technology, and robotics. The Polish Pavilion will demonstrate progress in AI, renewable energy, edtech, industrial transformation, semiconductors, and advanced materials.

The newly introduced Thai Pavilion features 17 companies specializing in smart solutions, AI education, and smart healthcare, highlighting Thailand's diversified tech growth. The Philippines Pavilion, also debuting, will showcase smart agriculture technologies led by the Philippines Department of Agriculture, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Furthermore, Japan brings 26 startups to enhance Taiwan-Japan collaboration, while Brazil will promote international engagement through established business models. The New South Wales Pavilion from Australia emphasizes quantum computing, advanced communications, and encryption. Israel will present cutting-edge developments in cybersecurity, AI, healthcare, and smart manufacturing, drawing significant investor attention.

Public-Private Partnerships Foster Thriving Tech Startups

In addition to national pavilions, accelerators and ecosystem partners intensify efforts to cultivate startups. NVIDIA will showcase 16 startup teams under its NVIDIA Inception Program, illustrating frontier technologies. Garage+ will feature 36 top-tier startups from Canada, Japan, the US, Sweden, the UK, South Korea, Israel, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong, covering AI & Data, ESG, Biotech, Semiconductors, and Smart Manufacturing. Other key contributors include StarFab, TPEx, Edge AI Foundation, and Interlink, bringing diverse and exciting innovations.

Government initiatives also bolster startup growth. Programs such as the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Best AI Awards and the National Science Council's IC Taiwan Grand Challenge (ICTGC) enhance the global visibility and competitiveness of Taiwanese startups, providing crucial platforms for showcasing innovation.

Diverse Activities to Drive a Wave of Creative Innovation

During InnoVEX, a series of diverse events will allow participants to experience actively, including the Opening Ceremony, InnoVEX Forum, Pitch Contest, and Global Demo Day. InnoVEX Forum will be held on the afternoon of May 21, will focus on AI. Industry leaders from AWS, Qualcomm, NVIDIA, Google Cloud Platform, Solomon, and Advantech will share insights on cutting-edge AI technologies and applications, discussing how AI is driving future innovation and digital transformation.

Pre-registration for COMPUTEX and InnoVEX is now open. Venture capitalists, accelerators, and incubators are encouraged to register online. For more details, please visit the COMPUTEX website: https://www.computexonline.com.tw/?userlang=en

For more exhibition information:

COMPUTEX: https://www.computextaipei.com.tw/en/index.html

InnoVEX: www.innovex.com.tw

About COMPUTEX

COMPUTEX was founded in 1981. It has grown with the global ICT industry and become stronger over the last four decades. Bearing witness to historical moments in the development of and changes in the industry, COMPUTEX attracts more than 40,000 buyers to visit Taiwan every year. It is also the preferred platform chosen by top international companies for launching epoch-making products.

Taiwan has a comprehensive global ICT industry chain. Gaining a foothold in Taiwan, COMPUTEX is jointly held by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council and Taipei Computer Association, aiming to build a global tech ecosystem. COMPUTEX uses cross-domain integration and innovation services as the most powerful driving forces for achieving the goal of becoming a new platform for global technological resources.

About TAITRA:

Founded in 1970, TAITRA is Taiwan's foremost nonprofit trade-promoting organization. Sponsored by the government and industry organizations, TAITRA assists enterprises in expanding their global reach. Headquartered in Taipei, TAITRA has a team of 1,300 specialists and operates 5 local offices as well as 62 branches worldwide. Together with Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC) and Taiwan Trade Center (TTC), TAITRA has formed a global network dedicated to promoting world trade.

TAITRA's five local branch offices in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung provide services to companies outside metropolitan Taipei. Through these domestic offices, TAITRA is able to maintain close contact and interaction with local companies in their respective areas and provide direct and substantial services in areas such as feature trade promotion, business information, market seminars, on-the-job training, procurement meetings, meeting room rental, etc. Branch offices play vital roles in Taiwan Trade Shows coordination between Taipei headquarters and local companies, and invite buyers to visit local industries.

SOURCE COMPUTEX
IntellaTriage, the nation's leading provider of after-hours nurse-first triage solutions, celebrated the Nurse of the Year Award Winner with a Trip to Marco Island, FL

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IntellaTriage, the nation's leading provider of after-hours nurse-first triage solutions, proudly announced Cassidy Abkes, RN, as its 2024 Nurse of the Year (NOTY) this January. In celebration of her outstanding contributions, the company awarded Cassidy a well-deserved, all-expenses-paid trip to Marco Island, Florida.

Cassidy, a dedicated hospice nurse, began her career as a CNA, advanced to LPN, and became an RN in 2016. That same year, she discovered her passion for hospice carea specialty to which she has devoted her career. Since joining IntellaTriage nearly three years ago, Cassidy has become a vital part of the triage team, consistently delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients across the country.

In hospice, you're walking with people and their families through one of the most sacred times in life. It's an honor. Post this

In 2024 alone, Cassidy provided after-hours triage care to over 4,000 patients and their families across over 30 different states at IntellaTriage. Cassidy was consistently one of the top performers, delivering high-quality patient care through compassionate triage over the course of thousands of interactions. Triage is vitally important to the hospice experience, especially when families seek support in the middle of the night. Cassidy was instrumental in delivering that care to families in their time of need.

The NOTY award recognizes the triage nurse who best embodies the mission and values of IntellaTriage. Chosen each January by CEO Daniel Reese from the previous year's Employee of the Month recipients, the winner receives a 4-day/3-night vacation for two, with airfare, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, a $500 Visa gift card, and a local excursion. Cassidy selected Marco Island, bringing along her best friendwho, years ago, encouraged her to pursue nursing. Their trip included relaxing beach walks, a bucket-list dolphin swim in Key Largo, an Everglades airboat adventure, and a sushi dinner impressive enough to astonish the restaurant staff.

"Even more than her incredible performance metrics, Cassidy is a tremendous nurse and a leader on her team," said Daniel Reese, CEO of IntellaTriage. "She consistently exemplifies the values of empathy, compassion, and clinical excellence. Nurses like Cassidy are at the heart of our mission to improve the lives of both patients and nurses. We're incredibly proud to have her on our team."

When asked what inspired her to become a nurse, Cassidy shared: "Helping people. That's it. And knowing this team has your backthat makes all the difference." She added: "People say it takes a special kind of person to do hospice, and I think that's true. You're walking with people and their families through one of the most sacred times in life. It's an honor to support them and guide them through that journey. I'm so grateful to have been chosen for this award."

At IntellaTriage, the Nurse of the Year award isn't only about performanceit's about recognizing nurses who go above and beyond to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. Cassidy Abkes exemplifies what it means to lead with compassion, skill, and dedication.

About IntellaTriage

Founded in 2008, IntellaTriage provides 24/7 nurse-first triage care to providers and their patients across the United States. Leveraging the largest network of remote licensed nurses in the post-acute care sector, the company delivers exceptional care when patients need it most, alleviating the burden on frontline clinicians and significantly reducing nurse burnout and turnover.

As the nursing shortage intensifies, IntellaTriage offers a critical solution by shielding nurses from the additional demands of on-call duties. In a healthcare landscape increasingly focused on quality care and the importance of patient outcomes, IntellaTriage is poised for continued growth, ensuring better patient experience while supporting care teams nationwide. For more information, visit intellatriage.com.

SOURCE IntellaTriage
In accordance with a BPU-approved agreement, JCP&L will invest more than $202.5 million over a three and a half year period starting July 1 to upgrade the company's neighborhood electric distribution grid with an increase in automated and remotely controlled devices.

Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President, New Jersey: "JCP&L is committed to making smart, responsible investments in our infrastructure that enhance the reliability our customers expect and deserve as well as the safety of our crews in the field. EnergizeNJ will allow us to reduce the length and number of customers affected by outage events and protect our line workers who are on the front lines of restoring power."

The EnergizeNJ program includes:

More than $20.4 million in a Grid Modernization initiative that will replace solid fuses along power lines with TripSaver II devices, which can sense temporary abnormalities along power lines, such as a tree branch contacting power lines, and automatically reenergize the line after the condition has passed, as well as remotely controlled devices that allow for faster isolation of damage.

in a Grid Modernization initiative that will replace solid fuses along power lines with TripSaver II devices, which can sense temporary abnormalities along power lines, such as a tree branch contacting power lines, and automatically reenergize the line after the condition has passed, as well as remotely controlled devices that allow for faster isolation of damage. A System Resiliency program that will invest more than $128.9 million to optimize circuits (or groups of power lines) for added operational flexibility and reliability, install remotely controlled circuit ties that can move customers to neighboring circuits during outage events and modernize devices along power lines.

to optimize circuits (or groups of power lines) for added operational flexibility and reliability, install remotely controlled circuit ties that can move customers to neighboring circuits during outage events and modernize devices along power lines. Substation Modernization programs designed to upgrade protection relays in substations and install newer, more modern devices that will provide enhanced data on physical substation equipment to operators at JCP&L's control centers.

JCP&L will make additional investments of at least $132 million in matching projects during the program period. These upgrades include more than $18 million to replace vital components at coastal substations susceptible to the effects of salt and nearly $9 million for new mobile substations, which can be moved throughout JCP&L's territory to allow for necessary maintenance or in emergency outage situations.

To further minimize the impact of these upgrades on customer bills, JCP&L will only charge for work as it is completed, resulting in five incremental bill impacts over the life of the program. The total bill impact for a typical JCP&L residential customer, using 777 kWh per month and currently paying $136.37, will be $0.86, or 0.6% per month. As part of the settlement, JCP&L will seek potential federal funding under the Federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act of 2021. Any federal funds awarded to the company will be credited back to customers to offset bill impacts.

EnergizeNJ is part of Energize365, a multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments that will deliver the power FirstEnergy's customers depend on today while also meeting the challenges of tomorrow. With planned investments of $28 billion between 2025 and 2029, the program is creating a smarter, more secure grid that will meet and exceed reliability targets and accommodate electric vehicles, the electrification of homes and businesses and clean energy sources.

JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on X @JCP_L, on Facebook at facebook.com/JCPandL or online at jcp-l.com.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
BOSTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The John Hancock Closed-End Funds listed in the table below announced earnings1 for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The same data for the comparable three-month period ended March 31, 2024 is also available below.

Three Months Ended 03/31/25 Ticker Fund Name Current Fiscal Year End Net Investment Income Per Common Share NAV Total Managed Assets

Total Net Assets HEQ Hedged Equity & Income Fund 12/31 $1,623,007 $0.134 $11.71 $141,635,946

$141,635,946 BTO Financial Opportunities Fund 12/31 $2,216,652 $0.112 $32.48 $771,929,173 * $641,929,173

















Three Months Ended 03/31/24 Ticker Fund Name Current Fiscal Year End Net Investment Income Per Common Share NAV Total Managed Assets

Total Net Assets HEQ Hedged Equity & Income Fund 12/31 $1,508,962 $0.124 $11.85 $144,019,870

$144,019,870 BTO Financial Opportunities Fund 12/31 $2,082,292 $0.106 $29.34 $702,658,627 * $577,658,627

















*Total managed assets include assets attributable to borrowings under a Liquidity Agreement.

1 Earnings refer to net investment income, which is comprised of the Fund's interest and dividend income, less expenses. Earnings presented represent past earnings and there is no guarantee of future results.

Amounts distributed by the Funds may vary from the earnings shown above and will be announced in separate press releases. Up-to-date distribution rate information is available on John Hancock Investment Management's web site at www.jhinvestments.com by clicking on "Closed-End Funds" under the "Daily Prices" tab.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing.

About Manulife John Hancock Investments

We serve investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship.

About Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management is the global brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

Media Contact: Gordon Haight, (617) 572-0034; Investor Contact: (800) 843-0090

SOURCE John Hancock
Marshall brings extensive experience driving growth and operational excellence in consumer-focused businesses

NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LIM College today announced the appointment of Katy Marshall to its Board of Directors.

Marshall has nearly 15 years' experience in leadership roles within consumer-focused businesses, from start-ups to Fortune 500 brands. Her career began with global consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and among other positions has included management roles within high-growth organizations such as Glossier, Thesis, Calibrate, and Harry's, as well as Kraft Heinz where she co-founded and led its brand incubator, Springboard.

Katy Marshall has joined the LIM College Board of Directors.

Marshall is currently Chief Growth Officer at Sollis Health, a concierge urgent and emergency care company.

She graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University in 2012 and went on to earn an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2017.

As a fourth-generation member of the Marcuse family, Katy will be carrying on the legacy of dedicated and visionary service that began when LIM College was founded by her great-grandfather Maxwell F. Marcuse in 1939.

Patty Farmer, Chair of the LIM College Board of Directors, said, "We look forward to the forward-thinking perspectives Katy will bring and the contributions she is sure to make in helping us realize our vision of LIM as the global leader in education for the business of fashion and lifestyle."

About LIM College

Founded in 1939 and located in midtown Manhattan, LIM College is focused on the global business of fashion and lifestyle. Offering master's, bachelor's and associate degree programs, LIM prepares students for career success via an immersive approach grounded in real-world experience and "learning by doing" through required internships. LIM College's commitment to excellence in business education ensures graduates are sought after by a wide range of employers, as evidenced by a Career Outcomes Rate of 97% for the Class of 2023. Alumni excel throughout all areas of fashion and lifestyle and have gone on to work for companies such as Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ross Stores, Financial Times, Ulta Beauty, Microsoft, Saks Fifth Avenue, Walmart, Macy's, and Nike.

Contact:

Anne Roman

[email protected]

419.708.5171

Meredith Finnin

[email protected]

646.218.2156

SOURCE LIM College
CHENGDU, China, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (6990.HK) announced that it will present results from six Kelun-led clinical studies at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held in Chicago from May 30 to June 3. Results include data from its TROP2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT), anti-PD-L1 mAb tagitanlimab, and RET inhibitor KL590586 (A400/EP0031). The abstracts for these studies will be published on the ASCO's official website on May 22, 2025, local time.

Detailed information on the studies selected for ASCO 2025 are as follows:

Title: Sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) in patients (pts) with previously treated advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Results from the randomized OptiTROP-Lung03 study.

Presentation Type: Oral

Abstract Number: 8507

Session Date and Time: 6/1/2025 8:00 AM-11:00 AM CDT

Title: Tagitanlimab versus placebo in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M NPC): Results from a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 study.

Presentation Type: Oral

Abstract Number: 6004

Session Date and Time: 5/31/2025 1:15 PM-4:15 PM CDT

Title: Sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) as first-line treatment for unresectable locally advanced/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (a/m TNBC): Initial results from the Phase II OptiTROP-Breast05 study.

Presentation Type: Rapid oral

Abstract Number: 1019

Session Date and Time: 5/30/2025 2:45 PM-4:15 PM CDT

Title: Sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) in combination with tagitanlimab (anti-PD-L1) in first-line (1L) advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Non-squamous cohort from the phase II OptiTROP-Lung01 study.

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract Number: 8529

Session Date and Time: 5/31/2025 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CDT

Title: Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (sac-TMT) in patients (pts) with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic (LA/M) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring uncommon EGFR mutations: Preliminary results from a phase 2 study.

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract Number: 8615

Session Date and Time: 5/31/2025 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CDT

Title: Results from a phase I study of KL590586 in patients with advanced RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer.

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract Number: 6098

Session Date and Time: 6/2/2025 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT

About Sac-TMT

Sac-TMT, a core product of the Company, is a novel human TROP2 ADC in which the Company has proprietary intellectual property rights, targeting advanced solid tumors such as Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer (BC), gastric cancer (GC), gynecological tumors, among others. Sac-TMT is developed with a novel linker to conjugate the payload, a belotecan-derivative topoisomerase I inhibitor with a drug-to-antibody-ratio (DAR) of 7.4. Sac-TMT specifically recognizes TROP2 on the surface of tumor cells by recombinant anti-TROP2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, which is then endocytosed by tumor cells and releases KL610023 intracellularly. KL610023, as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, induces DNA damage to tumor cells, which in turn leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it also releases KL610023 in the tumor microenvironment. Given that KL610023 is membrane permeable, it can enable a bystander effect, or in other words kill adjacent tumor cells.

In May 2022, the Company licensed the exclusive rights to MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) to develop, use, manufacture and commercialize sac-TMT in all territories outside of Greater China (includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan).

To date, two indications for sac-TMT have been approved and marketed in China for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received at least two prior systemic therapies (at least one of them for advanced or metastatic setting) and EGFR mutation-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following progression on EGFR-TKI therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. Sac-TMT became the first domestic ADC with global intellectual property rights to be fully approved for marketing. It is also the world's first TROP2 ADC to be approved for marketing in a lung cancer indication. In addition, the NDA application for sac-TMT for the treatment of adult patients with EGFR-mutant locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who progressed after treatment with EGFR-TKI therapy was accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and was included in the priority review and approval process. As of today, Kelun-Biotech has initiated 8 registrational clinical studies in China. MSD has initiated 12 ongoing Phase 3 global clinical studies of sac-TMT as a monotherapy or with pembrolizumab or other agents for several types of cancer. These studies are sponsored and led by MSD.

About Tagitanlimab

Tagitanlimab is the first PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) globally to receive authorization for the first-line treatment of NPC. Previously, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the marketing in China of tagitanlimab used in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of patients with R/M NPC and monotherapy for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic NPC who have failed after prior 2L+ chemotherapy, respectively.

About KL590586 ( A400/EP0031)

A400, a novel next-generation selective RET inhibitor for NSCLC, MTC and other solid tumors with a high prevalence of RET alterations. We are currently conducting pivotal clinical study for both 1L and 2L+ advanced RET+ NSCLC as well as a phase 1b/2 clinical study for RET+ MTC and solid tumor in China.

In March 2021, we granted Ellipses Pharma, a U.K.-based international oncology drug development company, an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize this agent outside Greater China and certain Asian countries under the code EP0031.

In March 2024, it was announced that EP0031/A400 was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for the treatment of RET-fusion positive NSCLC. In April 2024, EP0031/A400 was cleared by the FDA to progress into Phase 2 clinical development and is now open in the US, UK, EU and UAE.

About Kelun-Biotech

Kelun-Biotech (6990.HK) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. The company focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. The Company is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, the Company has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 3 projects have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage, and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. The company has established one of the world's leading proprietary ADC platforms, OptiDC, and has 1 ADC project approved for marketing, 1 ADC project in NDA stage, and multiple ADC or novel ADC projects in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://kelun-biotech.com/.

SOURCE Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
New Kyndryl services using Microsoft Purview help organizations improve data discovery, protection and AI readiness

NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kyndryl (NYSE: KD), a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, today announced the launch of Kyndryl Consult Data Security Posture Management utilizing Microsoft Purview. The new services enhance data protection, privacy and risk mitigation capabilities, helping organizations ensure that their data is secure, discoverable and appropriately classified across complex, hybrid environments.

The new services combine Kyndryl's consult expertise with Microsoft's advanced security technologies to help customers identify sensitive data, automate protection and maximize the value of their data assets. This capability is especially important in today's digital landscape, where robust data management and security are essential for protecting sensitive information to realize the full potential of AI at scale. In fact, the Kyndryl AI Readiness Report revealed that while 86% of leaders are confident their AI implementation is best-in-class, only 29% believe their AI is ready to manage future risks.

"Organizations face tremendous challenges with managing complex IT environments while protecting sensitive data and meeting regulatory requirements," said Tony De Bos, Vice President of Security & Resiliency, Kyndryl. "Our collaboration with Microsoft enables us to help customers build more resilient environments that transform data security from a compliance necessity into a strategic advantage. By strengthening data discovery, classification and protection, we are not only improving security posture but also creating the cyber resilient foundation necessary for trusted, sustainable AI adoption that delivers real business value."

"Through this collaboration with Kyndryl, we are empowering customers to significantly bolster their data security, simplify their risk management processes, and build a robust foundation for responsible AI," said Ricardo Davila, General Manager, GSI, Microsoft. "Together, we are enabling customers to protect their data across complex environments, so they can deliver new innovations, and achieve enhanced levels of efficiency and security."

Through its services, Kyndryl provides customers with:

Proactive data risk management via Microsoft Purview's automated discovery, classification and protection to continuously monitor and mitigate security risks. Built-in encryption, data loss prevention and compliance management enable organizations to enforce policies that reduce data breaches and unauthorized access.

via Microsoft Purview's automated discovery, classification and protection to continuously monitor and mitigate security risks. Built-in encryption, data loss prevention and compliance management enable organizations to enforce policies that reduce data breaches and unauthorized access. Simplified IT environment by reducing complexity and risk exposure through a unified approach to data protection that seamlessly integrates with existing systems and processes, providing organizations centralized visibility of their entire data landscape.

by reducing complexity and risk exposure through a unified approach to data protection that seamlessly integrates with existing systems and processes, providing organizations centralized visibility of their entire data landscape. Comprehensive data protection and data asset security in cloud and on-premises environments. This includes capabilities that can help to identify sensitive data and prevent unintentional sharing of sensitive data, quickly identify risk indicators, and prioritize and act on potential risky activity.

in cloud and on-premises environments. This includes capabilities that can help to identify sensitive data and prevent unintentional sharing of sensitive data, quickly identify risk indicators, and prioritize and act on potential risky activity. Enhanced risk and compliance readiness to help customers meet their regulatory requirements, utilizing Kyndryl's expertise in data privacy and security combined with Microsoft Purview's policy-driven security controls and detailed audit trails to deliver consistent data protection across global operations.

to help customers meet their regulatory requirements, utilizing Kyndryl's expertise in data privacy and security combined with Microsoft Purview's policy-driven security controls and detailed audit trails to deliver consistent data protection across global operations. Secure data foundation for AI via a strong data foundation that supports secure management of sensitive information, helping to enable responsible data use and establishing the framework necessary for responsible AI development.

Since establishing their global strategic alliance in November 2021, Kyndryl and Microsoft have built upon their successful partnership to develop differentiated, scalable security and resiliency services. Kyndryl is a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), an ecosystem of independent software vendors (ISVs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs) that have integrated their solutions with Microsoft Security technology to better defend mutual customers against a world of increasing cyber threats. Kyndryl also recently earned the Microsoft Identity and Access Management Specialization for experience in designing, deploying and managing complex customer solutions centered around Microsoft Entra ID.

Visit the Kyndryl and Microsoft alliance page for more information on the strategic partnership.

About Kyndryl

Kyndryl (NYSE: KD) is a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services offering advisory, implementation and managed service capabilities to thousands of customers in more than 60 countries. As the world's largest IT infrastructure services provider, the Company designs, builds, manages and modernizes the complex information systems that the world depends on every day. For more information, visit www.kyndryl.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements often contain words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "objectives," "opportunity," "plan," "position," "predict," "project," "should," "seek," "target," "will," "would" and other similar words or expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereon. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation statements concerning the Company's plans, objectives, goals, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business condition, results of operations, financial position, business outlook and business trends and other non-historical statements, are forward-looking statements. These statements do not guarantee future performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Actual outcomes or results may differ materially from those suggested by forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and may be further updated from time to time in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Kyndryl press contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Kyndryl
Premier legal funding company offers expert guidance for employees injured in the workplace via their webpage dedicated to answering plaintiffs' 3rd party worker's comp questions

ANAHEIM, Calif., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay Pre Settlement Funding announces today that they have released a new guide for plaintiffs dealing with third party worker's compensation cases. The guide is located on their website and assists both employees and employers alike traverse the complicated terrain of third-party claims. It's an informative resource for individuals to better understand their rights and responsibilities while attempting to navigate the legal process.

Third party worker's comp cases can be complex. When an employee is injured on a job site, they may need to seek compensation for their injuries from the owner of the premises in addition to what they would expect to receive from their employer. Valuations in these lawsuits fluctuate wildly and many factors come into play. Reimbursement is usually 2/3 of an employee's weekly wages, not including pain, suffering, or surgeries. If there is ongoing disability or unemployment due to their injury, payout amounts can be expected to be much higher.

Chris Janish, CEO of Legal-Bay commented, "This is where Legal Bay excels. We have vast experience within the worker's compensation space and can help employees with getting their bills paid while they are at home and cannot work. Many 3rd party worker's compensation cases not only have a personal injury component, but a lawsuit wage claim as well. In cases of wage claims, if someone cannot work, and worker's compensation is not paying your bills, then you can access funding with Legal-Bay installments so that you know each month you have funding to stay home and treat your injuries."

Legal Bay's online guide can offer practical steps, case examples, and expert commentary to help explain the many variables associated with worker's comp lawsuits and streamline the process for plaintiffs and employers alike.

If you're involved in an active third party worker's compensation lawsuit of any kind and need an immediate cash advance against an impending lawsuit settlement, please visit Legal-Bay HERE or call toll-free at 877.571.0405.

Legal-Bay has always been one of the best lawsuit loan companies in the industry. They're known for their competitive rates and quick turnaround, most times within 24-48 hours after a completed application has been reviewed. There are no out-of-pocket expenses and the application process is free.

Legal-Bay's presettlement funding programs are designed to provide immediate cash in advance of a plaintiff's anticipated monetary award. The non-recourse law suit loanssometimes referred to as loans for lawsuit or loans on settlementare risk-free, as the money doesn't need to be repaid should the recipient lose their case. Therefore, the pre settlement loan isn't really a loan, but rather a cash advance.

Plaintiffs have been awarded cash advance lawsuit loans for cases of every kind, such as personal injury, dog bites, motor vehicle accidents, police brutality, sexual abuse, slip and fall, premise liability, and many more.

To find out everything you ever wanted to know about legal funding for third party worker's compensation lawsuits, please visit Legal Bay's 3rd Party Worker's Comp webpage, or to apply right now, please visit the company's website HERE .

If you still have questions, you can always call toll-free at: 877.571.0405 where helpful and knowledgeable agents are always standing by to hear about your specific case.

SOURCE Legal-Bay, LLC
Surging Demand for Mobile Warehouse Automation Fuels Unprecedented Growth and Global AMR Adoption

WILMINGTON, Mass., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Locus Robotics, the global leader in AI-driven, mobile warehouse automation, today announced it has surpassed the 5 billion units picked milestone across its global customer deployments. In a powerful display of industry momentum and customer-driven growth, Locus achieved this key milestone just 24 weeks after reaching its 4 billionth pick in October 2024. This rapid acceleration highlights the transformative impact of Locus's mobile automation technology and the growing urgency among global brands to modernize their fulfillment operations to deliver consistent high productivity.

"Hitting five billion picks in record time is more than just a number  it's proof that the industry is embracing mobile automation and physical AI at a whole new level," said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. "Our customers are scaling faster and more efficiently than ever before, and Locus is proud to be their trusted partner in driving this transformation."

The company's previous pick-rate milestones illustrate its exponential growth:

1 Billion Picks: September 2022

2 Billion Picks: August 2023

3 Billion Picks: April 2024

4 Billion Picks: October 2024

5 Billion Picks: April 2025

This announcement comes on the heels of Locus's successful unveiling of its groundbreaking Locus Array system at both ProMat in Chicago and LogiMAT in Stuttgart, where it received widespread acclaim for expanding the reach and capability of Locus's automation platform. Designed for high-volume, high-throughput fulfillment environments, Array offers powerful new levels of flexibility and scalability for customers managing increasingly complex logistics demands.

"With innovative solutions like Array, Locus is redefining what's possible in warehouse automation," added Faulk. "This milestone is not just about volume  it's about value. We're helping the world's leading brands solve real-world challenges with intelligent, proven technology."

Locus's innovative mobile robotics automation now powers operations in over 350 sites across around the world, supporting industries from retail and e-commerce to healthcare and 3PLs. The company's continued momentum is supported by its investment in innovation, including continued breakthroughs in robotic automation, AI-driven fleet orchestration, the company's continued leadership in robotic automation, and its pioneering application of Physical AI to real-world logistics challenges and global supply chain transformation.

Locus Robotics remains committed to transforming warehouse operations around the worldsmarter, faster, flexibly, and more efficiently than ever before.

About Locus Robotics

Locus Robotics is a global leader in AI-enabled, mobile warehouse automation, delivering unmatched flexibility and unlimited throughput, and actionable intelligence to optimize operations. Powered by LocusONE, an AI-driven platform that seamlessly integrates our flexible mobile robots into existing warehouse environments to dramatically 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 and follow us on social media.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2355436/Locus_Logo.jpg
Signed a contract to manufacture an ADC therapeutic candidate for an Asia -based company

Marks the first order following the completion of LOTTE BIOLOGICS' dedicated ADC manufacturing facility in March, signaling the official launch of its ADC CDMO business

SEOUL, South Korea, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LOTTE BIOLOGICS (CEO James Park) announced on April 24 (KST) that it has signed a manufacturing agreement with an Asia-based biotech company for the production of a clinical-stage ADC candidate.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the ADC manufacturing facility on the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York

This contract marks the first official step in the full-scale operation of the ADC manufacturing facility at the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York, which has been under expansion since 2023. With this, the company is launching its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services, designed to meet a wide range of client needs from clinical development to commercial production. It also aims to further enhance the competitiveness of the Syracuse Bio Campus.

Building on this order, the company plans to pursue additional client acquisition opportunities while accelerating the expansion of partnerships to offer comprehensive one-stop services for ADC development and manufacturing. Through these efforts, LOTTE BIOLOGICS aims to strengthen its position in the ADC therapeutics market and further enhance its standing as a global CDMO.

LOTTE BIOLOGICS' ADC manufacturing facility, built with an investment of approximately USD $100 million, is a cGMP-compliant site that offers end-to-end services. It features an integrated production and purification line, including a conjugation reactor with a capacity of up to 1,000 liters. The facility provides in-house quality control (QC) testing as well as advanced characterization services. In addition, it is equipped with a single-use system that supports the entire process; from antibody preprocessing to automated aseptic filling of drug substances; enabling flexible response to a wide range of client needs.

LOTTE BIOLOGICS' CEO James Park stated, "With this contract as a starting point, we will ensure a stable supply of high-quality ADC therapeutics and solidify our position in the global market, not only as an antibody manufacturer, but also as a CDMO specializing in ADCs." He added, "We also plan to actively pursue collaboration opportunities to further strengthen our competitiveness in the ADC modality business.

Meanwhile, LOTTE BIOLOGICS recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Syracuse Bio Campus in New York to celebrate the completion of its ADC manufacturing facility. The event was attended by approximately 100 people, including CEO James Park, Head of Global Strategy Yooyeol Shin, US General Manager Michael Hausladen, and employees from the Syracuse Bio Campus.

About LOTTE BIOLOGICS

Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, LOTTE BIOLOGICS was founded in 2022 with a mission to deliver therapies that contribute to a healthier world.

At the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York, LOTTE BIOLOGICS provides high-quality GMP manufacturing services for drug substances. The facility offers a total production capacity of 40,000L, supported by eight 5,000L stainless steel bioreactors. Additionally, the campus includes extensive analytical QC testing laboratories and warehouse facilities that have received approval from over 62 regulatory agencies worldwide. LOTTE BIOLOGICS is also advancing into a new area of expertise with Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) conjugation services. With over $100 million invested in ADC modalities, including both drug substance and conjugation capabilities on-site, we offer a seamless, end-to-end service from drug substance manufacturing to conjugation.

Looking ahead to 2030, LOTTE BIOLOGICS is constructing three advanced bio plants in Songdo, South Korea. With construction of the first plant already underway and expected to be operational by 2027, each facility will feature eight 15,000L stainless steel bioreactors for large-scale commercial production, along with multiple 2,000L single-use bioreactors to meet clinical production needs. Collectively, these plants will provide a manufacturing volume exceeding 360,000L in bioreactor capacity.

More information about LOTTE BIOLOGICS, please visit: www.lottebiologics.com

SOURCE LOTTE BIOLOGICS
VANCOUVER, BC, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Luca Mining Corp. ("Luca" or the "Company") (TSXV: LUCA) (OTCQX: LUCMF) (Frankfurt: Z68) reports that Mr. Armando Alexandri has stepped down from his role as Chief Operating Officer of the Company to pursue a new opportunity. He will remain a key technical consultant to the Company.

Mr. Ramon Mendoza, Luca's Chief Technical Officer, has assumed the position of Interim COO effective, April 24, 2025. Mr. Mendoza has over 35 years of senior experience in the mining industry with expertise in mine development, mine process improvements, and a highly successful track record of managing both underground and open-pit operations. He specializes in advanced optimization techniques, integrating mine designs, planning, cost modeling tools, and geo-sciences into the mine and processing plans.

Commenting on Mr. Alexandri's resignation, Dan Barnholden, CEO, said, "We are greatly appreciative of the work that Armando did as COO of Luca, guiding the company through an incredible operational turnaround. Over the past year, Luca has built operational depth in all roles and we have great confidence in the technical team, led by Ramon Mendoza. We wish Armando great success as he pursues new opportunities and we look forward to his continued support in his ongoing consulting role."

About Luca Mining Corp.

Luca Mining Corp. (TSX-V: LUCA, OTCQX: LUCMF, Frankfurt: Z68) is a Canadian mining company with two wholly owned mines located in the prolific Sierra Madre mineralized belt in Mexico . These mines produce gold, copper, zinc, silver, and lead and generate strong cash flow. Both mines have considerable development and resource upside as well as world-class exploration potential.

The Company's Campo Morado Mine, located in Guerrero State, hosts VMS-style, polymetallic mineralization within a large land package comprising 121 sq km. It is an underground operation, producing zinc, copper, gold, silver and lead.

The Tahuehueto Mine is a large property of over 75 sq km, located in Durango State. The project hosts epithermal gold and silver vein-style mineralization. Tahuehueto is a newly constructed underground mining operation producing primarily gold and silver contained in zinc and lead concentrates. The Company has successfully commissioned its mill and is now in commercial production.

For more information, please visit: www.lucamining.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

(signed) "Dan Barnholden"

Dan Barnholden, CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Luca Mining Corp.
HACKENSACK, N.J., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MAX Surgical Specialty Management ("MAX" or the "Company"), the premier surgeon-led provider of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS), announced today that it has closed on a $77 million senior credit facility provided by Freeport Financial Partners, LLC ("Freeport"). The financing will support the next phase of the company's strategic growth, with a focus on forming new partnerships with leading OMS practices across the Northeast.

"Staying close to the communities we serve is at the heart of our partnership strategy," said Mark Censoprano, Co-CEO of MAX. "This capital allows us to expand strategically throughout the region, building relationships where they matter most. Each new partnership reinforces our position as the premier OMS support platform in the Northeast."

In conjunction with the financing, MAX has partnered with Rothman and Kim Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery ("RKOMS"), a leading provider in the Philadelphia market with a second location in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. For over 25 years, Marc Rothman, DMD, M. David Kim, DMD, and their team have delivered exceptional patient care throughout the region. RKOMS marks MAX's second partnership in Pennsylvania.

The RKOMS partnership follows the recent addition of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Westfield to MAX's network. Under the leadership of Ronen Gold, DDS, the practice has established a strong reputation in Westfield, New Jersey, for clinical excellence and a patient-first approach. This collaboration further strengthens MAX's growing network and solidifies its leadership position throughout New Jersey.

"MAX is assembling a network of elite oral and maxillofacial surgeons who share a vision of advancing excellence in patient care," said Dr. Jason M. Auerbach, Founder and Co-CEO of MAX. "Drs. Rothman, Kim and Gold have spent decades building outstanding reputations in their markets. With MAX's operational support and access to capital, they are now positioned to grow even further and continue leading innovation in the specialty."

Since January 2024, MAX has added 14 practice locations and 17 surgeons to its network across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Connecticut. The company's total headcount has nearly doubled to over 300 in the last 15 months, driven by rapid expansion into new markets and investments in clinical and operational talent.

"This investment in MAX reflects deep confidence in the platform's outstanding performance, disciplined execution and leadership team," said Matt Gerdes, Managing Director of Freeport Financial Partners. "MAX's strong fundamentals and long-term value creation potential presented a compelling opportunity."

MAX's concentrated network of OMS practices in the Northeast offers strategic advantages in regional insights, established relationships and contracting leverage.

About MAX Surgical Specialty Management

Established in September 2022 as the Northeast region's premier oral and maxillofacial surgery platform, MAX Surgical Specialty Management is a surgeon-led management services organization developed with clinical and surgeon autonomy at its core. Today, MAX supports surgeons across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Connecticut, enabling practices to channel resources, skills and knowledge within the oral surgery specialty, leading industry advancements and delivering the highest standard of patient care. Surgeons have access to a curated network that allows them to collaborate with and work alongside a diverse pool of highly skilled peers who are leaders in their specialty. MAX safeguards surgeons' independence while offering robust support systems, access to advanced technology and opportunities for financial growth.

MAX is backed by MedEquity Capital , RF Investment Partners and Kian Capital. Visit max-ssm.com for more information.

About MedEquity Capital

Headquartered in Wellesley, Massachusetts, MedEquity Capital is a health care private equity firm that focuses on investing in profitable health care services businesses, most often in the lower-middle market. Since its founding over 20 years ago, MedEquity has invested over $400 million of equity capital, with top decile returns for its investors. Further information is available at www.medequity.com

About RF Investment Partners

RF Investment Partners ("RF"), a relationship-first, lower-middle-market private capital firm, provides innovative and flexible capital primarily for family- and founder-owned businesses. We structure each investment to align our shared goals and interests with each company's management team, while providing less dilutive capital. RF brings operational and deep sector-based expertise to support our portfolio companies across the healthcare services, software, and business services sectors. RF manages approximately $700 million and has the capabilities to provide equity and debt capital to support strategic initiatives such as acquisition financing, growth capital investments, recapitalizations, refinancings, and management buyouts. To learn more, please visit www.rf-partners.com

About Kian Capital Partners

At Kian, we forge partnerships to ignite growth and build enduring value. Our goal is to provide flexible financial resources and additional operational horsepower to scale lower-middle-market businesses, realize aspirations and deliver long-term investment returns through genuine partnership. Proud to be recognized on Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors list for five consecutive years, Kian is a private investment firm with over $1 billion of capital under management and a focus on four core industry sectors: services, value-added distribution, consumer and specialty manufacturing. Our team of seasoned investors has over 100 years of collective experience providing transformational capital solutions and board-level strategic and operational guidance to founder/owner-operated businesses. To learn more, visit www.kiancapital.com

About Freeport Financial

Freeport has the industry expertise, product knowledge and flexibility to serve the financing needs of private equity investors and the management teams with whom they invest. Freeport's principals have invested together since 2005 and have provided $10 billion in loan commitments to more than 600 companies. Freeport became part of Moelis Asset Management LP in 2012 and is committed to providing highly competitive financing solutions to lower-middle-market companies. To learn more, visit www.freeportfinancialpartners.com

SOURCE MAX Surgical Specialty Management
By earning a Committed Badge with Ecovadis, Merchology commits to annual review and continued improvements to sustainability practices

PLYMOUTH, Minn., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Merchology, a corporate apparel and branded merchandise company based in Plymouth, MN, has earned a Committed Badge from the third-party platform EcoVadis. As an advocate for sustainable practices within the branded merchandise industry, Merchology has committed to partner with the global standard for measuring corporate responsibility. The brand believes this partnership will provide increased value for customers looking to decrease the environmental impact of their branded merchandise, while formalizing the brand's commitment to sustainable decisions.

"Partnering with EcoVadis reinforces our commitment to responsible business practices and transparent supply chains," says Ally Delgado, CEO & Co-Founder of Merchology. "As we continue to grow, it's essential that sustainability and responsibility remain at the core of everything we do. These principles aren't just values - they're the foundation for building trust with our customers, empowering our team, and ensuring our long-term impact is positive and lasting for both people and the planet."

Merchology earns a Committed Badge from EcoVadis as a recognition of their commitment to sustainability practices. Post this

EcoVadis provides a comprehensive assessment of a company's performance in environmental and social governance across its supply chain. The platform uses an in-depth scoring system to help companies evaluate current practices and find opportunities for growth. Its aim is to go beyond compliance, empowering companies to seek continued improvement. EcoVadis has rated more than 150,000 companies worldwide, including T-Mobile, Johnson & Johnson, and Lenovo.

To complete their EcoVadis evaluation, Merchology submitted a comprehensive set of documents and data. This included policies and procedures, certifications and standards, diversity and inclusion efforts, operational practices, and sustainability initiatives. EcoVadis evaluates companies based on four categories: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. This effectively measures a company's impact from sourcing to manufacturing to distribution.

Merchology has demonstrated a strong management system that addresses sustainability criteria, earning the brand a Committed Badge from EcoVadis. Responsibility is one of Merchology's core values, a central tenet that motivated the company's leadership to choose EcoVadis as its third-party assessment platform and encourage continued choices that create a cleaner, greener future.

Merchology has expressed that its partnership with EcoVadis will benefit both customers and partners.

"Partnering with EcoVadis reinforces our responsibility to uphold the highest standards in labor and ethics: not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it's part of how we show up every day: Driven, Adaptable, Responsible, and united as One Team," says Dana Blumberg, Vice President of People at Merchology. "This rating reflects our continued promise to do business with integrity and to serve our customers and communities with values at the core of what we do."

As a part of Merchology's core values and commitment to following EcoVadis methodology, the brand will undergo yearly reassessment to ensure accountability and growth.

About Merchology

Merchology was founded in 2014 to create memorable brand experiences and ignite unity through responsible, innovative custom merch solutions. Merchology has supported 65,000 companies worldwidefrom local Twin Cities small businesses to 93% of the current Fortune 500including General Mills, Caribou Coffee, Lucas Oil, and Microsoft. Merchology is a proud Disability-Owned Business Enterprise.

Merchology's unique model combines the simplicity of e-commerce shopping with the support of dedicated account teams. Known for its direct brand partnerships with top retailers like Under Armour and YETI, Merchology tops off the co-branding experience with in-house logo decoration and customized solutions for companies. When making decisions around sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, and delivery, Merchology seeks to make responsible, positive impacts for future generations. To learn more, visit www.merchology.com.

SOURCE Merchology
GUANGZHOU, China, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO; HKEX: 9896) ("MINISO", "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design, today announced that it will hold an annual general meeting of the Company's shareholders (the "AGM") at 11:00 a.m. Hong Kong time on June 12, 2025 at Flats B-D, 35/F, Plaza 88, 88 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, the New Territories, Hong Kong, for the purposes of considering and, if thought fit, passing each of the proposed resolutions set forth in the notice of the AGM (the "AGM Notice").

The Company today also announced that it has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), as well as its Hong Kong annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 pursuant to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "HKEx").

The Company today further announced that the current auditors of the Company, KPMG, will retire as the auditors of the Company upon expiration of their current term of office at the conclusion of the forthcoming AGM.

Further, the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has resolved, with recommendation from the audit committee of the Company (the "Audit Committee"), to propose to appoint Ernest & Young and Ernst & Young Hua Ming LLP (collectively "EY") as the new auditors of the Company following the retirement of KPMG, subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") at the AGM.

AGM

The AGM Notice, the AGM circular, the form of proxy and other documents for the AGM are available on the HKEx's website at https://www.hkexnews.hk., as well as the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com.

Holders of record of ordinary shares of the Company at the close of business on May 13, 2025, Hong Kong time, are entitled to 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 ordinary shares must give voting instructions directly to The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of the ADSs, if ADSs are held on the books and records of The Bank of New York Mellon, or indirectly through a bank, brokerage or other securities intermediary if the ADSs are held by any of them on behalf of holders, as the case may be.

Filing of Annual Reports

The Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the SEC. The annual report on Form 20-F, which contains the Company's audited consolidated financial statements, can be accessed on the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov as well as through the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/. The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its Shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to [email protected].

The Company has also published its Hong Kong annual report today for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 pursuant to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the HKEx, which can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com/ as well as the HKEx's website at https://www.hkexnews.hk.

Proposed Change of Auditors

The Audit Committee has considered a number of factors when recommending EY as the auditors of the Company to the Board, including but not limited to, (i) their experience in handling audit work for companies listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the New York Stock Exchange, their industry knowledge and their familiarity with the requirements under the rules of the relevant stock exchanges and the International Financial Reporting Standards; (ii) their past experience as the auditors of Yonghui Superstores Co., Ltd; (iii) their resources allocation, quality and capability including but not limited to manpower, time and other resources allocation; (iv) their independence and objectivity; and (v) their market reputation.

KPMG Huazhen LLP has audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB since 2019, and KPMG has audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company in accordance with Hong Kong Standards on Auditing since 2022. Consistent with good corporate governance practice, the Board considers that the change of auditors after an appropriate period of time will enhance the independence and objectivity of the external audit of the Company. The Board is of the view that retirement of KPMG as auditors of the Company is in the interest of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole.

The Board and the Audit Committee have confirmed that there is no disagreement between the Company and KPMG, and there are no matters in respect of the retirement of KPMG that need to be brought to the attention of the Shareholders. The Company is incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and to the knowledge of the Board, there is no requirement under the laws of the Cayman Islands for the retiring auditor to confirm whether or not there is any circumstance connected with their retirement as the Company's auditors which they consider should be brought to the attention of the Shareholders. KPMG has therefore not issued such confirmation.

The Board would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to KPMG for its services rendered to the Company over the past years.

An ordinary resolution will be proposed at the AGM to appoint EY as the external auditors of the Company. A circular containing, among others, details of such proposed appointment of EY together with the notice convening the AGM are available on the HKEx's website at https://www.hkexnews.hk., as well as the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.miniso.com.

About MINISO Group

MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized retail brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "aim", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "believe", "is/are likely to", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions. Among other things, the quotations from management in this announcement, as well as MINISO's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. MINISO may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "HKEX"), 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 MINISO's beliefs 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: MINISO's mission, goals and strategies; future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; the expected growth of the retail market and the market of branded variety retail of lifestyle products in China and globally; expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of MINISO's products; expectations regarding MINISO's relationships with consumers, suppliers, MINISO Retail Partners, local distributors, and other business partners; competition in the industry; proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to MINISO's business and the industry. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in MINISO's filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and MINISO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact:

MINISO Group Holding Limited

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039

SOURCE MINISO Group Holding Limited
A New Law in North Dakota Sets the Standard For States Across America To Follow Suit

ST. LOUIS, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Armstrong signed HB 1318 into lawmarking a major victory for North Dakota farmers and the future of American agriculture. With strong support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, this landmark policy reflects a united commitment from lawmakers to safeguard farmers' access to essential crop protection tools.

"Enacting HB 1318 into law is a resounding win for farmers and all North Dakotans. Governor Armstrong and the legislature have set a strong, bipartisan example for the country by preserving farmers' access to essential crop protection tools that help keep farms competitive and grocery bills down," said Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, Executive Director of the Modern Ag Alliance. "Thanks to this legislation, North Dakota farmers will have the certainty they need to keep doing what they do bestgrowing the food we all depend on. This law sets the standard for states across America to pass legislation similar to HB 1318 and, ultimately, stand up for our farmers."

HB 1318 reasserts that federally approved pesticide labels are the law and that companies cannot be subject to relentless litigation for following the law. Specifically, it ensures that any pesticide registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)and sold under a label consistent with the EPA's own determinationsis sufficient to satisfy state label warning requirements for health and safety.

North Dakota lawmakers stood with the vast majority of their constituents who support continued access to crop protection tools. The Modern Ag Alliance's recent Ag Insights Survey found that 81% of all North Dakotansincluding 83% of Republicans and 86% of Democratsoppose litigation that could limit access to crop protection products.

Throughout the legislative process, a wide range of leading agricultural organizations backed HB 1318, including:

North Dakota Corn Growers Association

North Dakota Department of Agriculture

North Dakota Farm Bureau

North Dakota Farmers Union

North Dakota Grain Growers Association

North Dakota Soybean Growers Association

Northern Canola Growers Association

Northern Pulse Growers Association

Top agricultural groups from across the state applauded the passage of HB 1318. This legislation reflects the voice of North Dakota's agricultural communityand the widespread support from Modern Ag Alliance partners and farm leaders across the state has been resounding. Here's what they're saying:

Andrew Mauch, President, North Dakota Corn Growers Association

"HB 1318now officially signed into lawis a significant victory for North Dakota corn growers. The new law safeguards our continued access to proven crop protection products that help us manage stubborn weeds with low input costs, helping food and fuel costs from rising even further. We appreciate the legislature and Governor Armstrong for standing up for our farmers."

Justin Sherlock, President, North Dakota Soybean Growers Association

"On behalf of soybean producers across the state, we are grateful for the strong leadership that got HB 1318 across the finish line. This monumental step forward helps ensure our farmers have the certainty they need to make long-term planning decisions and stay productive in the field."

Matt McCabe, President, Northern Pulse Growers Association

"North Dakota's pulse growers deeply appreciate our lawmakers for standing with farmers and defending our access to the vital crop protection tools that ensure an abundant and affordable food supply. Effective weed control is one of agriculture's toughest challenges, and these tools are absolutely essential to our success."

Tim Mickelson, President, Northern Canola Growers Association

"Canola growers rely on consistent access to safe crop protection technologies to keep costs low, yields high, and implement conservation practices like no-till farming. Governor Armstrong's signature on HB 1318 sends a clear message that our leaders understand what's at stake for our farms and are committed to protecting our ability to effectively feed America."

Ryan Ellis, President, North Dakota Grain Growers Association

"North Dakota's wheat and barley producers rely on safe, approved pesticides to control invasive weeds and maintain high yields, ensuring our state continues to be the nation's leading wheat producer. HB 1318 is a major win for North Dakota agriculture, providing critical assurance that these science-based tools will remain available to support our farmers."

About The Modern Ag Alliance

The Modern Ag Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 100 agricultural organizations advocating for U.S. farmers' access to the crop protection tools they need to ensure we have a robust and affordable domestic food supply. To learn more, visit modernagalliance.org .

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Modern Ag Alliance
Over $100,000 in debt relief and product support awarded to schools in Illinois, Florida, and Utah through Grab The Tab grants.

NOVI, Mich., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National Food Group, a leading K-12 food distributor and the company behind Zee Zees better-for-you snacks, has announced the latest recipients of its Grab The Tab grant program, providing critical student meal debt relief and product support to schools in Illinois, Florida, and Utah.

Together, these grants total over $100,000 in debt relief to further support school meal programs. Schools receiving the grants include:

NATIONAL FOOD GROUP & ZEE ZEES ALLEVIATE STUDENT MEAL DEBT FOR FAMILIES ACROSS THREE STATES Post this National Food Group & Zee Zees

"We are incredibly grateful for this generous grant, which will allow us to eliminate the school lunch debt for many of our students," said Shani Hall, General Manager of HCPS Student Nutrition Services. "The selected schools from our district are Purple Star schools, dedicated to supporting our military families. These three schools have the highest number of military families in our district. We take pride in assisting our families who serve in the Armed Forces, ensuring that every child can concentrate on their education as we provide them with a supportive learning environment."

"It is humbling to have someone from across the nation support our families," added Keith Klein, Principal at Columbia Elementary. "This money will fill a need and lift a burden off the shoulders of parents. At the end of the day, it's about helping kids."

Even with federal support programs in place, many schools still find themselves struggling to keep meal programs fully funded. Shifts in USDA policy, fluctuating budgets, and rising food costs leave gaps that districts must navigate and often at the expense of students. Grab The Tab was created in 2023 to step in during moments like these, offering schools practical, meaningful support when they need it most.

"This grant goes beyond dollars and centsit's an investment in our students and our community," said Dr. Ann Williams, Deputy Superintendent of Operations at School District U-46. "By removing this financial burden, National Food Group is helping us direct more resources where they belong: to student success and well-being."

"School foodservice is the heartbeat of our local communities - ensuring students are fueled and ready to learn," said Samantha Bourque, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at National Food Group. "Helping to erase meal debt is just one way we can support schools and families across the country, and hopefully leave a lasting impact."

Representatives from Zee Zees and National Food Group will visit each recipient school this spring to present grant awards and celebrate with school leaders, food service teams, and students.

ABOUT GRAB THE TAB & PROJECT SERVE

Grab The Tab is a key initiative of Project SERVE, National Food Group's corporate social responsibility platform. Through Project SERVE, the company pledges 5% of profits and employee time to improving food access, supporting foodservice career development, and advancing sustainability.

For more information about Grab The Tab, visit: https://zeezees.com/foodservice/grab-the-tab

For more information about Project SERVE, visit: https://nationalfoodgroup.com/project-serve

ABOUT NATIONAL FOOD GROUP

Founded in 1990, National Food Group is one of the fastest-growing wholesale foodservice manufacturers and distributors in the U.S. Its family of brands includes Zee Zees, Fare Promise, Elated Plates, and Ultra Fit, serving K12 schools, healthcare providers, correctional facilities, and more. With flexible procurement programs such as Always Available, Opportunity Buys, and Commodity Processing, National Food Group helps institutions serve nutritious, budget-conscious meals. Learn more at http://nationalfoodgroup.com .

Media Contact

On behalf of Zee Zees & National Food Group:

Nisha Bagepalli

[email protected]

Program Contact

Samantha Bourque, Corporate Social Responsibility Director

[email protected]

SOURCE National Food Group
Survey of over 20,000 micro and small businesses in five major cities shows digital tools are driving sales and improved productivity, but flexible financial services needed to strengthen businesses' financial health

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New research from the Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) at Accion released today reveals that MSEs adopting digital tools are up to 10% more likely to report revenue growth, but usage of these tools remains low. CFI's report provides the clearest picture yet of the challenges and opportunities that determine the business trajectory of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in five rapidly changing emerging markets.

The survey of MSEs across Addis Ababa, Delhi, Jakarta, Lagos, and Sao Paulo revealed digital products and services offered opportunities for growth and greater efficiencies, while highlighting resource constraints, consumer protection risks, and heightened vulnerability to economic and climate shocks, as challenges faced by the businesses.

Key findings from the study include:

MSEs adopting digital tools were up to 10% more likely to report revenue growth, but usage of these tools remained low. In Addis Ababa , more than half of MSEs reported using no digital technology applications. MSEs in Delhi , Jakarta , and Lagos were using at least one digital tool.

, more than half of MSEs reported using no digital technology applications. MSEs in , , and were using at least one digital tool. Entrepreneurs across the 5 cities reported using an average of 1.8 to 5 formal financial services, reflecting diverse levels of adoption and engagement with financial tools. Businesses that integrated digital payments reported significantly higher revenue per employee.

Women entrepreneurs represented 70% of MSE owners in Jakarta , but just 11% in Delhi , with figures of 35% in Sao Paulo, 43% in Addis Ababa , and 53% in Lagos . In many markets, MSEs are not started by choice but as a response to unemployment, making the businesses more vulnerable and reducing long-term resilience, which has implications for financial service design.

, but just 11% in , with figures of 35% in Sao Paulo, 43% in , and 53% in . In many markets, MSEs are not started by choice but as a response to unemployment, making the businesses more vulnerable and reducing long-term resilience, which has implications for financial service design. 1 in 3 micro and small businesses reported being impacted by drought, floods, or other environmental shocks, and less than 20% reported being able to come up with emergency funds within one week. Of those entrepreneurs impacted by an environmental shock, up to 29% said they were more likely to invest in adapting their business to the changing climate.

The study, supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, used Adaptive Cluster Sampling  a research technique that enabled a strong focus on urban areas with high numbers of MSEs. CFI focused on understanding the drivers of financial health for MSEs that represent the largest source of income generation in emerging markets. A total of 20,000 MSEs were surveyed, with 4,000 interviews conducted to build a sample that represents 1.7 million MSEs across the 5 cities.

"Nowadays, small businesses are facing unprecedented threats, from cyberattacks to the economic impact of extreme weather events," said Payal Dalal, executive vice president of global programs at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. "The research released by Accion highlights the opportunity to work alongside small businesses to provide solutions that secure them against these challenges; it's not only about mitigating risks in the digital economy but making sure small businesses have the opportunity to thrive during this increasingly volatile time."

The research highlighted the importance of access to digital technology and formal financing, but noted resilience was determined by a wider range of factors including personal safety nets, such as savings and informal support systems. Businesses that combined access to credit, savings, and insurance with strong financial literacy were better positioned to manage shocks, and entrepreneurs with higher education levels were more likely to use a mix of different formal financial services, contributing to stronger resilience and improved financial health.

Researchers tracked the use of 10 distinct non-financial and financial digital technologies among MSEs, showing stark differences in adoption. In Addis Ababa, MSEs used an average of only 1.6 digital technologies, largely due to poor internet connectivity. In contrast, Delhi, Jakarta, and Lagos showed wider adoption of digital tools, with messaging apps and social media used widely to engage customers. E-commerce platforms remained under-utilized by MSEs across all cities, emphasizing potential for significant growth when barriers such as digital literacy and access are addressed.

The study also revealed many MSEs are already making small investments to prepare for shocks, such as stocking up on supplies before expected disruptions, investing in backup power sources, or reinforcing physical infrastructure. Yet the same businesses reported low levels of borrowing in response to emergencies, demonstrating that financial services are not structured to support these types of preemptive or recovery-oriented investments. During emergencies, traditional application and approval processes can be disrupted, leaving businesses without timely support, and underscoring the need for disaster-resilient financial services, such as pre-approved credit lines or insurance products that can provide immediate assistance to businesses when they need it most.

Edoardo Totolo, Vice President of Research and Programs at the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion and lead author of the report, said: "Our research shows when micro and small businesses are connected to the digital economy and a range of financial solutions, they are better equipped to withstand real-world emergencies. Unfortunately, insurance, savings, and responsible credit remain out of reach for many of these businesses that are the engines of their national economies. While the advantages of going digital are clear, policymakers and financial providers must design products tailored to the needs of these vulnerable businesses that they can easily use and trust to ensure advances in technology improve their financial health."

About the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion

The Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) is an independent think tank that uses rigorous research and advocacy to advance inclusive financial systems for low-income people around the world. We work to advance inclusive financial services for the billions of people who currently lack the financial tools needed to improve their lives and prosper. We leverage partnerships to conduct rigorous research and test promising solutions and advocate for evidence-based change. CFI was founded by Accion in 2008 as an independent think tank on inclusive finance. More at https://www.centerforfinancialinclusion.org

About Accion

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build 267 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching 440 million people. More at https://www.accion.org.

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company's core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.

SOURCE The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion
Leading managed service provider deepens capabilities to advance R&D, improve time-to-market, and ensure regulatory compliance

DENVER, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NexusTek, a leading provider of secure, scalable IT solutions, has announced the expansion of its Secure by Design portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the Life Sciences sector. By advancing its managed, professional, and advisory services, NexusTek reinforces its commitment to helping pharmaceutical, biotech, and research organizations accelerate innovation across the product lifecyclewhile upholding the highest standards of compliance, security, and performance.

Life Science Press Release

In today's increasingly competitive environment, Life Sciences leaders face mounting pressure to improve time-to-market, optimize clinical development efforts, and safeguard sensitive dataoften while managing complex, global regulations. NexusTek's dedicated portfolio offerings are purpose-built to meet these challenges, delivering the hybrid infrastructure, AI-powered insights, and security-driven approach needed to reduce risk and enable transformative outcomes.

"It's no longer just a conversation about cloud or cybersecurity," said Hamilton Yu, CEO at NexusTek. "Life Sciences organizations need a strategic partner who understands where infrastructure, data, and compliance converge. From the boardroom to the lab, our Secure by Design IT Solutions provide the foundation and expert guidance required to drive sustained value across the product lifecycle."

NexusTek Life Sciences Secure by Design IT Solutions are fine-tuned to support critical industry-specific use casesfrom early discovery and clinical trials to regulatory approval and commercialization. With deep domain expertise and technologies aligned to HIPAA, GDPR, and FDA principles, NexusTek implements and manages compliant IT solutions that modernize infrastructure, strengthen resilience, and enable operational readiness. NexusTek teams also undergo rigorous training in regulatory frameworks and quality assurance through certified cGxP programsensuring systems, services, and data consistently meet the latest Life Sciences standards.

"The pace of innovation is only accelerating," added Jay Cuthrell, CPO at NexusTek. "Our industry insights, technical expertise, and ability to scale help customers move faster and focus on what truly mattersimproving product delivery."

For more information on NexusTek Life Sciences Secure by Design IT Solutions, visit nexustek.com.

About NexusTek

Trusted by thousands of businesses, NexusTek specializes in providing IT services that include hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, data and AI, managed IT services, and IT consulting. Our comprehensive offerings provide tailored solutions that drive performance, enhance security, and foster growth. We leverage the latest technology and strategic partnerships to deliver proactive, innovative solutions that address your business challenges and support your long-term success.

NexusTek Contact:

Pavle Majerle

NexusTek

(877) 470-0401

[email protected]

SOURCE NexusTek
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Holdings and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) have jointly invested 48 million in HealthCap IX, a Swedish life sciences venture fund focused on building innovative companies in areas of high unmet medical need.

Following the investment, HealthCap will establish a local presence in Copenhagen at the BioInnovation Institute (BII) to increase its focus on Nordic investment opportunities. In particular, the fund has committed to supporting early-stage companies emerging from academic and corporate research environments, with the aim of helping them progress towards further financing.

HealthCap is a longstanding and recognised venture firm with a strong presence in the Nordics. Since its founding in 1996, it has built a strong track record of supporting companies that address serious medical conditions through novel therapeutic approaches. With investments in more than 130 companies, HealthCap has played a central role in developing over 30 approved pharmaceutical products and more than 50 innovative medical technologies  benefitting millions of patients globally.

HealthCap's focus is on precision medicine and therapies targeting areas of high unmet medical need, which aligns closely with the strategy of Novo Holdings' Seed Investments vertical. The Seed Investments team at Novo Holdings backs early-stage biotech companies emerging from strong science, often at the point of spinout from academic institutions. HealthCap's expertise in identifying and supporting such companies through their growth journey makes the fund a natural partner.

This marks EIFO's first investment with HealthCap, while Novo Holdings has previously backed earlier HealthCap funds.

Marten Steen, Managing Partner, HealthCap, said:

"We are proud to welcome two of Denmark's most respected investors as LPs in HealthCap IX. The investments from Novo Holdings and EIFO not only enhance HealthCap's ability to support transformative healthcare companies but also reinforce the Nordic region's position as a global leader in life science innovation and entrepreneurship."

Daniel Rasmussen, Principal, Seed Investments, Novo Holdings, said:

"We are pleased to continue our collaboration with HealthCap, which over many years has proven to be a strong partner in advancing the next generation of healthcare solutions. With this commitment, we aim to support high-quality scientific projects in the Nordics and ensure they have the support needed to develop into well-structured companies with clinical and commercial success."

Rikke Michaela Greve, Investment Manager, EIFO, added:

"With its strong track record, good reputation, and well-established network in Denmark, HealthCap is a key player and a local anchor for Danish life sciences. It has the ability to attract international investment and collaboration, which is vital to securing sufficient funding for the region."

About HealthCap

HealthCap is a leading European venture capital firm investing globally in life sciences. Since its founding in 1996, HealthCap has raised multiple funds and invested in more than 130 companies developing innovative solutions in areas of high unmet medical need. The firm focuses on precision medicine and breakthrough therapeutics, with more than 30 pharmaceutical products approved and over 50 medical technologies developed. HealthCap is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and plays an active role in supporting life sciences across the Nordic region.

www.healthcap.eu

About EIFO  Denmark's Export and Investment Fund

EIFO is Denmark's national promotional bank and official export credit agency. The organisation works to open doors for global business, accelerate the green transition, support innovative technologies, and contribute to Denmark's economic security. With total commitments exceeding DKK 170 billion and activities in more than 100 countries, EIFO offers financial solutions to Danish businesses and their global partners. It is also Denmark's largest venture investor, making 78 investments in companies and 16 in funds in 2024.

www.eifo.dk

About Novo Holdings A/S

Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to improve people's health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Wholly owned by the Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novonesis A/S (formerly Novozymes A/S) and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seed, Venture, Growth, Asia, Planetary Health, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life sciences companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2024, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 142 billion.

www.novoholdings.dk

SOURCE Novo Holdings
Boeing-supported scholarship prepares next generation of safety professionals

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council, in partnership with Boeing, has awarded 50 recipients the 2025 Advanced Safety Certificate (ASC) Scholarship for Veterans. The scholarship program supports U.S. veterans demonstrating a commitment to protecting others as they pursue professional careers in environmental, health and safety (EHS).

"NSC is thrilled to help these future safety leaders take the next step on their professional journeys," said Lorraine Martin, NSC president and CEO. "With Boeing's support, the 50 veterans awarded these scholarships will continue to serve their nation by living out the NSC mission of saving lives, from the workplace to anyplace."

"Boeing recognizes the exceptional skills and dedication that veterans bring to the workforce," said Amy May, vice president, Boeing Environment, Health and Safety. "Supporting the scholarship is an investment in their future, and of our workplaces and communities. We are proud to partner with the National Safety Council as they continue their legacy of service in a new capacity."

The ASC Scholarship for Veterans was created to strengthen and diversify the pipeline of skilled workers entering the EHS profession. This program helps veterans obtain their ASC certificate by covering all program costs and connecting them with valuable professional networking opportunities.

Boeing's funding for this initiative builds upon the company's longstanding commitment to veterans both within Boeing and through community partnerships. Through this support, veterans can continue their commitment to protecting others by transitioning into rewarding safety careers.

Scholarship recipients receive:

Free enrollment in the ASC Program

Registration and travel accommodations for the 2025 NSC Congress & Expo in Denver, CO to network with safety professionals and learn about emerging EHS topics

to network with safety professionals and learn about emerging EHS topics Career and networking resources upon completing the ASC Program

The nationally recognized ASC Program provides aspiring safety professionals with critical insights into industry best practices and skills needed to drive safety improvements within organizations. For veterans pursuing a career in safety, the ASC Program establishes a foundation for making a lasting impact in the field.

For more information on the ASC Program, visit nsc.org/asc. To learn more about NSC Scholarships, visit nsc.org/scholarships.

About the National Safety Council

The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate  and has been for over 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.

About The Boeing Company

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Connect with NSC:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

SOURCE National Safety Council
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Military requirements will drive initial implementation of President Trump's "Golden Dome for America." In this new Occasional Paper, NSSA's Moorman Center for Space Studies Chair, Chris Williams, posits a set of national assets that should be defended via the Golden Dome air and missile defense system and describes how even limited defenses will contribute to U.S. national security.

Moorman Center for Space Studies (PRNewsfoto/National Security Space Association)

In August 1951, a group of American scientific experts, tasked with developing a strategy to defend the nation against the threat posed by Soviet bombers, produced a report for U.S. military leaders. Entitled "Problems of Air Defense: Final Report of PROJECT CHARLES", the report had a significant impact on U.S. air defense technology development, operational strategies, organizational alignment, and funding through the 1950s. Among other noteworthy findings and recommendations, the report stated:

It is easy to assert that the United States can engage in warfare without protecting its vital military and industrial installations. It is much more difficult to state how much protection will be obtained at a given level of expenditure. We do not believe that the results of future air warfare are quantitatively predictable. The problem, as we see it, is to develop the best system of air defense that the country can provide with the funds available. Within such limits, great improvements are feasible by correcting known weaknesses and exploiting technological advances. With the technical improvements that have been outlined, the warning, control, and weapon systems can be expected to inflict heavy damage on an enemy bombing force attacking the United States.1

The PROJECT CHARLES report should be required reading by Department of Defense (DoD) officials tasked with designing and fielding the Golden Dome homeland air and missile defense system that President Donald J. Trump directed by Executive Order. 2

In a recent op-ed, Dr. Peppi DeBiaso and I described increasing threats to the homeland and offered recommendations for how to adapt the military requirements process within the Department of Defense to ensure the rapid fielding of key elements of Golden Dome. Specifically, we recommended that:

DoD leaders should reject the traditional requirements process, which involves establishing detailed performance specifications for a system that will be fielded years in the future and instead embrace a more agile and flexible approach. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine should direct adoption of an incremental approach to requirements that lays out achievable objectives for each of the four homeland defense "epochs" proposed by the Missile Defense Agency. A "build a little, test a lot, and refine and upgrade as deployments expand" strategy would allow technology developments and test results to inform decisions as to which combinations of capabilities should be fielded and at what pace and scale. [This] incremental approach is entirely consistent with the President's direction to DoD to establish and leverage "capabilities- based requirements" for Golden Dome. It also presents an opportunity to fully embrace agile acquisition authorities that are often talked about but sparingly implemented.3

The remainder of this paper will focus on the equally important topic of which targets should be defended as part of Golden Dome.

There are several target categories that merit protection from the Golden Dome air and missile defense system. These include:

The American People. The Government's first priority is and must remain defense of the American people. For the foreseeable future, defenses cannot and will not take the place of strategic offensive forces in deterring large-scale attacks on the United States from Russia or China . That being said, even modest air and missile defenses can provide a measure of protection against and help deter limited attacks on the homeland.



The Government's first priority is and must remain defense of the American people. For the foreseeable future, defenses cannot and will not take the place of strategic offensive forces in deterring large-scale attacks on from or . That being said, even modest air and missile defenses can provide a measure of protection against and help deter limited attacks on the homeland. U.S. Nuclear Forces. U.S. homeland air and missile defenses will bolster the survivability of U.S. nuclear forces and complicate adversary attack strategies, thereby strengthening deterrence.



U.S. homeland air and missile defenses will bolster the survivability of U.S. nuclear forces and complicate adversary attack strategies, thereby strengthening deterrence. Leadership. Assuring the survival of the President, Secretary of Defense, and other senior U.S. Government leaders should be a prime objective of Golden Dome. Enhancing defenses against adversary attacks aimed at "decapitating" the U.S. political and military leadership will bolster deterrence, increase the likelihood of a timely and effective U.S. response, and enhance the credibility of America's retaliatory threats.



Assuring the survival of the President, Secretary of Defense, and other senior U.S. Government leaders should be a prime objective of Golden Dome. Enhancing defenses against adversary attacks aimed at "decapitating" the U.S. political and military leadership will bolster deterrence, increase the likelihood of a timely and effective U.S. response, and enhance the credibility of America's retaliatory threats. NC3. Strengthening the survivability of U.S. nuclear command control & communications (NC3), including ground-, sea-, air- and space-based systems, facilities and networks that contribute to NC3, must be a requirement for U.S. air and missile defenses. Assuring the President's ability to maintain effective command and control over and communicate with U.S. nuclear forces will serve as a powerful disincentive to adversary attacks on the homeland.



Strengthening the survivability of U.S. nuclear command control & communications (NC3), including ground-, sea-, air- and space-based systems, facilities and networks that contribute to NC3, must be a requirement for U.S. air and missile defenses. Assuring the President's ability to maintain effective command and control over and communicate with U.S. nuclear forces will serve as a powerful disincentive to adversary attacks on the homeland. Military Bases, Ports and Airfields. Defense of military and civilian airfields and ports are urgently needed given the key role they play in housing, mobilizing and transporting troops, storing equipment, and shipping vital supplies to overseas locations as well as the distribution of supplies and other materiel in domestic emergency scenarios.



Defense of military and civilian airfields and ports are urgently needed given the key role they play in housing, mobilizing and transporting troops, storing equipment, and shipping vital supplies to overseas locations as well as the distribution of supplies and other materiel in domestic emergency scenarios. Critical Infrastructures and Industrial Production Capacity. An increasingly effective air and missile defense of U.S. critical infrastructures and industrial production capacity is likewise an imperative. The U.S. Government has formally designated sixteen critical infrastructure sectors including transportation, information technology, defense industrial base, emergency services, and more. 4 Bolstering the defense of these infrastructures and industrial production capacity will enhance national resilience.



An increasingly effective air and missile defense of U.S. critical infrastructures and industrial production capacity is likewise an imperative. The U.S. Government has formally designated sixteen critical infrastructure sectors including transportation, information technology, defense industrial base, emergency services, and more. Bolstering the defense of these infrastructures and industrial production capacity will enhance national resilience. Military Forces Deployed Abroad. U.S. military forces deployed abroad are prime targets of adversary air and missile attacks, as we have witnessed in the Mideast. The Golden Dome system must be capable of further enhancing the defense of U.S. forward-deployed forces and assets as well as U.S. friends and allies, whether in Europe , the Mideast, Asia or other locations.



U.S. military forces deployed abroad are prime targets of adversary air and missile attacks, as we have witnessed in the Mideast. The Golden Dome system must be capable of further enhancing the defense of U.S. forward-deployed forces and assets as well as U.S. friends and allies, whether in , the Mideast, or other locations. Civilian Targets. Terrorists, extremist groups, and other bad actors will likely seek to use manned and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to kill Americans and target high profile events and facilities, thereby sowing fear among the U.S. citizenry and impacting the economy.

Key attributes of a Golden Dome capability should include redundancy for effective defense of high-value targets, defense-in-depth that assures several opportunities to engage and defeat individual threats, and multiple layers including ground-, air-, sea- and space-based defenses  each of which contribute uniquely to complicating adversary attack planning, bolstering deterrence, and defending against attacks, should deterrence fail.

It would be a grave mistake to set too high a bar for the requirements associated with initial Golden Dome deployments. Indeed, a Golden Dome air and missile defense system-of-systems that provides even modest protection across the aforementioned target categories would be a major contributor to U.S. national security. In addition, initial limited deployments together with robust testing can help inform future requirements as well as provide valuable data to guide architectural trade studies (eg, determining the proper mix of ground-, air-, sea- and space-based interceptors and sensors).

Finally, it is worth underscoring that the Golden Dome system need not be perfect in order to contribute promptly and meaningfully to U.S. national security. Opponents will offer stale arguments that only "leakproof" defenses are of value and because 100 percent effectiveness cannot be assured, it is not worth pursuing homeland air and missile defense. This argument was never convincing. No other military system is held to that impossible standard. Furthermore, remaining defenseless invites attacks on the homeland and broader aggression by America's increasingly well-armed adversaries.

Today's civilian and military leaders who have been assigned the weighty responsibility of designing, developing, fielding and operating the Golden Dome system can take heart in knowing that prior generations wrestled with the thorny problem of how best to defend the homeland  and did not back down from the challenge. As the authors of the PROJECT CHARLES report wisely noted, "A strong air defense is costly in terms of men as well as in dollars, but it is a necessary element of military strength."

Indeed. Now, nearly seventy-five years later, it's time to get on with "correcting known weaknesses and exploiting technological advances" for effective air and missile defense of the homeland.

Chris Williams serves as Chair of the Moorman Center for Space Studies, the independent think tank of the National Security Space Association.

The views expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of the Association or its member companies.

NSSA is the only U.S. trade association dedicated solely to promoting the health and vitality of the U.S. national security space enterprise (Title 10 and Title 50) and its supporting industry partners. For more information, including how to join the Association, please visit us at www.nssaspace.org.

1 "Problems of Air Defense: Final Report of PROJECT CHARLES", Massachusetts Institute of Technology, August 1, 1951 http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/mit/lincolnLaboratory/project_charles/A800165_Final_Report_of_Project_Charles_Vol_1_Aug1951.pdf

2 "The Iron Dome for America", President Donald J. Trump, The White House, January 27, 2025 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/the-iron-dome-for-america/

3 "Setting Military Requirements for Golden Dome", Chris Williams and Peppi DeBiaso, Real Clear Defense, April 17, 2025 https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/04/17/setting_military_requirements_for_golden_dome_1104625.html

4 "Critical Infrastructure Sectors", Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, Department of Homeland Security https://www.cisa.gov/topics/critical-infrastructure-security-and-resilience/critical-infrastructure-sectors

SOURCE National Security Space Association
Tariffs and Their Influence on Housing Costs

Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, and when applied to critical building supplies, they can raise the cost of construction. While some tariffs are currently paused, many remain in effect or are under review. These costs are often passed from builders to buyers, potentially impacting home affordability in the near future.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the cost of constructing a new home could rise by $7,500 to $10,000 due to increased material prices driven by tariffs.

Global Supply Chains Drive Homebuilding

The American homebuilding industry depends heavily on imported materials from countries like Canada, Mexico, and China. Lumber, steel, aluminum, and appliances sourced from these regions are essential to the construction of both site-built and manufactured homes.

When tariffs are applied, the increased material costs may result in higher final home pricessomething buyers should factor into their timing decisions.

Expert Insight: Oak Creek's CEO Speaks Out

Dwayne Teeter, CEO of Oak Creek Homes, notes that while the industry is bracing for higher prices, there are still ways for buyers to stay ahead:

"We're committed to offering our customers the best value possible. By not adding price protection clauses at this time, we can allow our buyers to lock in today's prices before tariffs drive up costs."  Dwayne Teeter, CEO, Oak Creek Homes

Oak Creek Homes continues to offer a broad selection of manufactured homes with pricing strategies designed to give buyers a competitive edge during uncertain times.

What Consumers Can Do Now

Act Promptly: With tariffs expected to influence material costs, buyers who act quickly may be able to secure lower prices.





Consider Manufactured Housing: Manufactured homes provide a more affordable option. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, they average significantly lower costs per square foot compared to site-built homes.





Stay Informed: Buyers should monitor updates from official sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Commerce for accurate information on tariffs and housing data.

About Oak Creek Homes

Founded in 1971, Oak Creek Homes is a recognized leader in the manufacturing and retail of factory-built homes. The award-winning manufacturer focuses on delivering high-quality, energy-efficient, and affordable housing solutions to families across the South and Southwest.

To learn more, visit www.oakcreekhomes.com.

Media Contact

Enica Jordan, Director of Marketing

(888) 396-3901

[email protected]

SOURCE Oak Creek Homes
SHENZHEN, China, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. ("OneConnect" or the "Company") (NYSE: OCFT and HKEX: 6638), a leading technology-as-a-service provider for the financial services industry in China, today announced it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on April 24, 2025 U.S. Eastern Time.

The annual report on Form 20-F, which contains the Company's audited consolidated financial statements, can be accessed on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov as well as through the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.ocft.com.

The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to [email protected].

About OneConnect

OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. is a technology-as-a-service provider for financial services industry. The Company integrates extensive financial services industry expertise with market-leading technology to provide technology applications and technology-enabled business services to financial institutions. The integrated solutions and platform the Company provides include digital banking solution, digital insurance solution and Gamma Platform, which is a technology infrastructural platform for financial institutions. The Company's solutions enable its customers' digital transformations, which help them improve efficiency, enhance service quality, and reduce costs and risks.

The Company has established long-term cooperation relationships with financial institutions to address their needs of digital transformation. The Company has also expanded its services to other participants in the value chain to support the digital transformation of financial services eco-system. In addition, the Company has successfully exported its technology solutions to overseas financial institutions.

For more information, please visit ir.ocft.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. 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: the Company's limited operating history in the technology-as-a-service for financial institutions industry; its ability to achieve or sustain profitability; the tightening of laws, regulations or standards in the financial services industry; the Company's ability to comply with the evolving regulatory requirements in the PRC and other jurisdictions where it operates; its ability to comply with existing or future laws and regulations related to data protection or data security; its ability to maintain and enlarge the customer base or strengthen customer engagement; its ability to maintain its relationship and engagement with Ping An Group and its related parties, which are its strategic partner, most important customer and largest supplier; its ability to compete effectively to serve China's financial institutions; the effectiveness of its technologies, its ability to maintain and improve technology infrastructure and security measures; its ability to protect its intellectual property and proprietary rights; its ability to maintain or expand relationship with its business partners and the failure of its partners to perform in accordance with expectations; its ability to protect or promote its brand and reputation; its ability to timely implement and deploy its solutions; its ability to obtain additional capital when desired; litigation and negative publicity surrounding China-based companies listed in the U.S.; disruptions in the financial markets and business and economic conditions; the Company's ability to pursue and achieve optimal results from acquisition or expansion opportunities; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Contacts

Investor Relations:

OCFT IR Team

[email protected]

Media Relations:

OCFT PR Team

[email protected]

SOURCE OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd.
Popular Southern California gateway will see higher passenger count with additional flights to a dozen U.S. and international destinations

ONTARIO, Calif., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ontario International Airport officials expect 2.22 million passengers this summer, 1.7% more than last year, as airlines add flights to 12 popular U.S. and international destinations.

Southern California's Ontario International Airport is expecting another busy summer travel season.

"As Southern California's gateway to the world, ONT is ready to welcome another record-setting summer travel season," said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. "Our airport continues to earn the trust of both passengers and airline partners by delivering a world-class, stress-free experience that reflects the spirit of our community. With more flights, more destinations, and more options than ever before, ONT is strengthening its role as a key player in the region's air travel landscape.

The summer travel season begins Friday, May 23, before the Memorial Day weekend and extends through Labor Day, Monday, September 1.

Summer

2025 Estimated Passengers Versus

2024 Estimated

Seats Versus

2024 Totals 2,221,061 +1.7 % 2,854,687 3.4 %

The estimated passenger volumes include:

663,959 in June

672,034 in July

671,274 in August

ONT airlines will begin new service, restore previous flights or increase service this summer to 12 popular domestic and international destinations.

Domestic Destinations Air Carrier Frequency/Start Date Baltimore/Washington (BWI) Southwest Airlines Daily service starts June 5 Chicago/O'Hare (ORD) United Airlines Daily service starts May 22 Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) American Airlines 7 daily (up from 6) Frontier Airlines 6-times weekly New York (JFK) JetBlue Daily service resumes April 30 Sacramento (SMF) Southwest Airlines 7 daily (up from 5) Salt Lake City (SLC) Delta Air Lines 4 daily (up from 3) Seattle (SEA) Alaska Airlines 5 daily (up from 4) Delta Air Lines 4 daily Frontier Airlines 1 daily

International Destinations Air Carrier Frequency/Start Date Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL) Volaris 2 daily (up from 1) Leon, Mexico (BJX) Volaris 3-times weekly service starts July 4 Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) Volaris Daily service starts July 4 Morelia, Mexico (MLM) Volaris 4-times weekly service starts July 5 Taipei (TPE) STARLUX Airlines 4-times weekly service starts June 2

Airlines are offering more than 2.8 million seats in and out of ONT this summer, with 77.8% expected to be occupied. The number of seats available this year is 3.4% higher than last summer.

Elkadi noted other customer-friendly aspects of the ONT experience such as curbside access for ride-share services; access to premium Aspire Lounges; 3Sixty Duty-Free shopping; competitively priced hourly, daily and valet parking near passenger terminals and discounts on-airport parking when reservations are pre-booked.

Officials reminded domestic travelers the deadline for Real ID-enabled driver's licenses is May 7, 2025. Motorists can get driving, parking and terminal information 24/7 by listening to ONT Radio at 620AM and streaming here.

"Southern California shines in the summer, and Ontario International Airport is the perfect starting point for any adventure. From our world-famous beaches to stunning mountain escapes, desert resorts, and vibrant cultural attractions, ONT offers travelers easy access to everything that makes this region a top global destination." Elkadi added

About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is California's most popular mid-sized airport, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario Mayor pro Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

OIAA Media Contact:

Steve Lambert, (909) 841-7527, [email protected]

SOURCE Ontario International Airport
Partnership Accelerates Access to Modern ITAM and Employee Service Solutions Across SMBs and Enterprises

SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oomnitza, the leader in Modern IT Asset Management (ITAM), today announced an expanded partnership with Zendesk, Inc. through a new strategic alliance with Zirous, a premier technology solutions and delivery firm. This three-way collaboration delivers a unified Employee Service experience by integrating Oomnitza's ITAM capabilities directly into the Zendesk platform, now available through Zendesk's reseller program and implemented by Zirous' expert services team.

"We are thrilled to join forces with Oomnitza to bolster our employee service desk offerings," said Brandon Schulte, VP of Strategic Alliances at Zirous. "Our shared approach of delivering outstanding employee experiences compliments best-in-class service platforms like Zendesk. With Oomnitza, we are able to provide industry-leading ITSM and asset management to our customers while empowering them to have tighter integrations and better controls over a host of different applications that manage the relationship between a company and its employees."

This combined offering enables small and midsize businesses (SMBs) as well as large enterprises to achieve real-time IT asset visibility, drive operational efficiency, and significantly enhance employee service experiences.

"As interest in the Oomnitza plus Zendesk joint solution continues to rise, we look forward to Zirous accelerating program growth. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering measurable ROI fast," said Ramin Ettehad, Co-Founder at Oomnitza. "Operational efficiency and seamless employee experiences are now achievable through the integration of Zendesk's leading platform and Oomnitza's ability to unify workflows, automate asset processes, and enhance service outcomes across the enterprise."

Delivering Scalable IT Asset Management for All Organizations

The majority of help desk requests stem from technology-related issues such as hardware failures, software access, or configuration problems. Oomnitza's platform is purpose-built to handle these challenges across organizations of all sizes:

For SMBs : Oomnitza Essentials for Zendesk delivers a turnkey solution with same-day deployment, enabling organizations to gain instant visibility and control over their IT assets directly within Zendesk.





: Oomnitza Essentials for Zendesk delivers a turnkey solution with same-day deployment, enabling organizations to gain instant visibility and control over their IT assets directly within Zendesk. For Enterprises: Oomnitza offers a powerful low-code/no-code platform that can be fully customized to scale with evolving business and IT needs, supporting a wide range of complex workflows and integrations.

With support from delivery partner Zirous, customers can quickly realize value from these solutions through expert implementation, integration, and optimization services.

Enabling Visibility and Operational Agility

By integrating Oomnitza into Zendesk's Employee Service platform, IT teams can view real-time asset datalike device health, software status, and compliancewithin their Zendesk interface. This capability empowers organizations to:

Resolve Issues Faster : Automatically identify and surface asset information for more accurate and rapid incident resolution.





: Automatically identify and surface asset information for more accurate and rapid incident resolution. Deliver Seamless Employee Experiences : Minimize employee effort by eliminating the need to provide technical details.





: Minimize employee effort by eliminating the need to provide technical details. Streamline IT Operations : Gain a unified, real-time view of IT infrastructure, from endpoints to cloud services.





: Gain a unified, real-time view of IT infrastructure, from endpoints to cloud services. Enhance Security and Compliance: Maintain tighter control over asset lifecycle, usage, and security posture.

A Strategic Alliance for Better Service Outcomes

The three-way collaboration between Oomnitza, Zendesk, and Zirous brings together best-in-class technology and delivery capabilities to accelerate outcomes for customers. While Zendesk and Oomnitza provide integrated software, Zirous brings the technical expertise and strategic support required for successful deployment and ongoing success.

"Our platform is designed to turn technology into a strategic advantage," said Robert Potter, Chief Executive Officer at Oomnitza. "Whether an organization is looking for rapid deployment to drive immediate results or a highly configurable solution to meet enterprise-scale needs, the Oomnitza, Zendesk, Zirous partnership empowers customers to achieve results."

About Oomnitza

Oomnitza turns technology investments into a competitive edge. We deliver complete visibility across the entire IT ecosystem, ensuring accurate data, enhanced security, and optimized performance. With agile workflow automation and an asset-centric approach, Oomnitza helps organizations reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and unlock profitability in a technology-driven world. Learn more at www.oomnitza.com . Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube .

About Zirous

Zirous has been driving strategic IT initiatives for over 35 years, delivering end-to-end solutions in data, analytics, identity management, cloud, and more. With a focus on enabling digital transformation and elevating customer experiences, Zirous helps clients leverage technology to its fullest potential. Learn more at www.zirous.com . Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube .

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Scudder

[email protected]

510.736.7216

SOURCE Oomnitza
ANAHEIM, Calif., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OpConnect, a leading EV charging solutions provider, will preview its latest innovationthe Mark IV Level 2 Charger at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo 2025 in Anaheim from April 2830. Attendees can visit Booth #5901 for an exclusive look at the Mark IV's advanced capabilities, built to meet the real-world needs of fleets, workplaces, and multi-unit dwellings.

The Mark IV is a dual-port, 100-amp Level 2 charger designed to deliver up to 80 amps (19.2 kW) per port simultaneouslywithout splitting power. This ensures fast, dependable charging for two vehicles at once, making it an ideal solution for high-utilization sites. Configurations are also available for 60A (48A per port) and 40A (32A per port) installations, depending on site requirements.

OpConnect to Preview High-Powered Dual-Port Mark IV EV Charger at ACT Expo 2025 Post this

Key Features of the Mark IV:

Full Power Per Port: No throttlingboth ports deliver maximum output, up to 19.2kW, even when used together



Connector Flexibility: Dual J1772, dual NACS, or one of eachbuilt for every EV



Smart Connectivity: Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth enabled for remote access



Flexible Access Control: RFID, mobile app and credit card support



Energy Resilience: Built-in load balancing and automatic failover to local control



BABA Compliant: Designed and built in the U.S. in compliance with Buy America

"We designed the Mark IV to address what fleet operators and property managers have been asking forspeed, reliability, and flexibility," said Dexter Turner, Founder & CEO of OpConnect. "This charger combined with our advanced charger management software platform will give our customers industry-leading charger uptime."

Meet us at ACT Expo

OpConnect welcomes media, fleet managers, and industry partners to Booth #5901 for a hands-on preview of the Mark IV. Team members will be available for live demos and in-depth conversations about how the charger fits into evolving EV infrastructure needs.

About OpConnect

OpConnect, Inc. is a leading EV charging solutions provider for fleet operators based in Portland, Oregon. Since 2016, we have helped accelerate electric vehicle adoption with smart, reliable, flexible charging hardware, advanced charger management software, and customer-first support. OpConnect serves fleets, property owners, and workplaces with turnkey EV charging solutions that power a smarter, cleaner, greener future.

Contact us here: https://opconnect-ev.com/contact-us/

SOURCE OpConnect, Inc
TB Alliance's third licensed manufacturer makes pretomanid available through the Global Drug Facility, further improving affordability and access

NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TB Alliance applauds a new milestone in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB): a 25% price reduction for pretomanid, a key component of the BPaL/M regimens. Pretomanid is now available through the Global Drug Facility (GDF) at just $169 per treatment courseless than $1 per day, a key pricing benchmark identified by the global TB advocacy community. This latest price dropdown from $364 upon pretomanid's initial approval in 2019, and down further from $224 in October 2024reflects ongoing efforts by TB Alliance and its partners to broaden access and improve affordability through a multi-manufacturer approach to access.

TB Alliance, a nonprofit organization that developed pretomanid, has pioneered an innovative access model by partnering with multiple quality-assured manufacturers. This strategy helped launch pretomanid at an initial low price and ensured rapid, sustainable, and affordable access across high-TB burden countries. Simultaneously, by enabling healthy competition and fostering multiple high-quality supply sources, TB Alliance's strategy expanded availability while driving down costs.

"This progress demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration and planning can translate into real-world impact," said Dr. Mel Spigelman, President and CEO of TB Alliance. "By enabling multiple high-quality producers to supply this medicine, we're fostering a healthy and sustainable market to deliver on our mandate that the life-saving medicines we develop will be adopted, available, and affordable to all those in need. We're grateful to partners such as Lupin and GDF for their shared commitment to supplying the market with life-saving TB medicines and stand committed to working with all our manufacturing partners to ensure equitable and affordable access."

The current GDF price reduction, led by Lupin Limited, represents a crucial step in delivering on this vision. Procurement through GDF will save an estimated $37 million annually according to The Stop TB Partnership, the organization responsible for managing GDF, allowing for the treatment of an additional 120,000 people with DR-TB.

Together with recent price reductions for the other regimen components, the cost of a full BPaL/M treatment course has dropped to a new low of $310less than $2 per day, and a 47% reduction from its December 2022 price.

BPaL/M is a six-month treatment recommended by the World Health Organization to treat most forms of DR-TB. It consists of bedaquiline (B), pretomanid (Pa), and linezolid (L), with or without moxifloxacin (M). In 2024 alone, approximately 110,000 courses of pretomanid were ordered across the worldenough to treat more than 60% of the global market for DR-TB treatment, perhaps the fastest ever scale up for a new TB medicine in modern times.

"Lupin is proud to collaborate with TB Alliance and the Global Drug Facility to make pretomanid, an essential medicine in the fight against multidrug-resistant TB, more accessible and affordable for TB patients across the globe," said Ramesh Swaminathan, Global CFO, Executive Director, Head of API Plus SBU at Lupin. "The recent price reduction reflects our strong and deep-rooted commitment to delivering high-quality and affordable medicines to TB patients worldwide. Through this partnership, we reaffirm our dedication to patient-centric innovation and equitable access, ensuring that countries burdened by TB have the necessary treatment options they need to save lives and strengthen public health systems."

"For years, advocates from the TB community have called for TB treatments that are not just effective, but also affordable for every person who needs them," said Olya Klymenko, Development Director of TBPeopleUkraine. "The full BPaL/M regimen now costing less than $2 per day is deeply meaningful. We express our gratitude to everyone who made this result possible. There really is no reason for governments and health systems around the world to not provide these treatments to every person who can benefit from them."

TB Alliance remains committed to expanding its innovative access model to ensure new innovations in TB treatment reach all who need them as rapidly as possible. With additional planned future tenders, TB Alliance expects additional price reductions for pretomanid in the future. Beyond pricing strategies, TB Alliance continues to develop and execute innovative market access initiatives like LIFT-TB, SLASH-TB, and the PeerLINC Knowledge Hub to speed the global uptake, procurement, and implementation of shortened DR-TB treatments for all who need them around the world.

About TB

TB is a difficult infection to cure, requiring patients to take a combination of medicines for at least four to six months. Even after symptoms disappear, medicines still need to be taken so that all traces of the disease can be fully eradicated. The scope and intensity of TB globally is in large part fueled by antiquated and inadequate TB drugs. Novel drug regimens are urgently needed to bring the TB pandemic under control.

About BPaL

The BPaL regimenwhich combines the antibiotics bedaquiline (B), pretomanid (Pa), and linezolid (L)was first clinically studied by TB Alliance. Pretomanid, as part of the BPaL regimen, received its first regulatory approval in August 2019 for use against highly drug-resistant strains of TB. Previously, less than two-thirds of drug-resistant TB patients around the world had been successfully treated. Treatment options were limited, expensive, toxic, and lengthy  requiring patients to take more than 20 pills per day for 9-20 months.

About TB Alliance

TB Alliance is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding faster-acting and affordable drug regimens to fight TB. Through innovative science and with partners around the globe, we aim to ensure equitable access to faster, better TB cures that will advance global health and prosperity. TB Alliance operates with support from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (United Kingdom), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research through KfW, Global Disease Eradication Fund (South Korea), Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, Irish Aid, Korea International Cooperation Agency, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Unitaid, and the United States Agency for International Development. For more information, please visit: www.tballiance.org.

Media Contact:

Jess Wiggs at [email protected]

SOURCE TB Alliance
UNIONDALE, N.Y., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PrimeRx, a leading provider of pharmacy management systems, has been recognized at the 2025 American Business Awards with two major honors: the Silver Stevie Award for Achievement in Product Innovation and the Bronze Stevie Award for New Product or Service Introduction of the Year. These wins follow a previous Silver Stevie received earlier this year in the Customer Service category.

The Silver Stevie for Achievement in Product Innovation highlights PrimeRx's transformation into a comprehensive, pharmacy-first technology platform. Over the past year, PrimeRx launched several innovative solutions that address key operational challenges for independent pharmacies:

PrimeRx MARKET : Empowers pharmacies to compare pricing and purchase inventory from 40+ verified suppliers directly within the system.

: Empowers pharmacies to compare pricing and purchase inventory from 40+ verified suppliers directly within the system. PrimeRx CLOUD : A web-based platform that enables remote pharmacy operations from any browser.

: A web-based platform that enables remote pharmacy operations from any browser. PrimeRx POS: Features suggestive selling tools to boost OTC revenue at the point of sale.

Features suggestive selling tools to boost OTC revenue at the point of sale. PrimeRx eCare Plan: Helps pharmacists document and manage patient care.

Helps pharmacists document and manage patient care. DSCSA Barcode Compliance Tool: Ensures secure, compliant inventory management.

These innovations allow pharmacies to streamline workflows, cut costs, and improve patient careall within one connected platform.

The Bronze Stevie for New Product or Service Introduction of the Year recognizes the successful launch of PrimeRx MARKET and PrimeRx CLOUD, which attracted thousands of pharmacy professionals during the campaign. With these releases, PrimeRx became the first pharmacy software provider to embed real-time purchasing directly into its management system, while also offering flexible cloud-based access.

"This recognition underscores our mission to deliver pharmacy-first innovation that meets today's needs and anticipates tomorrow's," said Ketan Mehta, CEO of PrimeRx. "We're proud to help independent pharmacies stay efficient, profitable, and patient-focused."

Since 2024, PrimeRx has expanded from a single product into a full ecosystem that enables independent pharmacies to stay competitive and future-ready. Explore PrimeRx Pharmacy Ecosystem here.

About PrimeRx

PrimeRx provides innovative pharmacy management solutions that improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and enhance patient care. Trusted by thousands of pharmacies nationwide, PrimeRx is redefining the future of pharmacy technology. Learn more at www.PrimeRx.io

Media Contact:

Sylvia Mendoza

VP of Marketing, PrimeRx

[email protected] | (516) 408399

SOURCE PrimeRx
Lawsuit Exposes Toyota's Lax Privacy Practices

SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating automaker Toyota Motor North America, Inc. ("Toyota"), data broker Connected Analytic Services ("CAS"), Progressive Casualty Insurance Company ("Progressive"), and other insurance companies for allegedly collecting drivers' sensitive driving data and sharing or selling it to data brokers and insurance companies without their consent.

According to a recent lawsuit, Toyota is tracking drivers' mileage, speed, braking, acceleration, travel direction, use of steering, date and time of driving, and vehicle operation data such as sensor readings, among other data. Toyota then sells this data to CAS, which in turn sells the data to insurance companies such as Progressive.

As a result, drivers may see substantial increases to their auto insurance premiums. In some instances, insurers may have denied drivers auto insurance altogether.

Most concerning, according to the lawsuit, Toyota fails adequately disclose that they track drivers and sell their driving data to third parties. Despite Toyota claiming it does not share data without the express consent of customers, Toyota may have unknowingly signed up customers for "trials" of sharing customer driving data without providing any sort of notice to them. Moreover, according to the lawsuit, Toyota represented through its app that it was not collecting customer data even though it was, in fact, gathering and selling customer information.

We are actively investigating whether Toyota, CAS, or related entities may have violated state and federal laws by selling this highly sensitive data without adequate disclosure or consent. If their practices are found unlawful, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to the companies' privacy practices.

The following (or newer) Toyota vehicle models may be implicated in the data sale scheme: 2018 Camry, 2018 Sienna, 2019 C-HR, 2018 Mirai, 2019 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2020 Corolla Sedan, and 2019 RAV4 Models.

If you purchased a Toyota vehicle and have since seen your auto insurance rates increase (or been denied coverage), or have reason to believe your driving data has been sold, please contact us today or visit our website at classactionlawyers.com/toyota-tracking.

About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. Based in San Francisco, the firm litigates cases nationwide.

Contact

Amber L. Schubert

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

[email protected]

Tel: 415-788-4220

SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP
NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) resulting from allegations that Unisys may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So What: If you purchased Unisys securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9648 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On October 22, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it had charged four companies, including Unisys, with "making materially misleading disclosures regarding cybersecurity risks and intrusions." Further, the SEC also charged Unisys with disclosure controls and procedures violations.

On this news, Unisys stock fell 8.6% on October 22, 2024.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
SF DCCC passes resolution unanimously on Thursday, April 23

SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, through a resolution supported by IFPTE Local 21, the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) voted unanimously to hold wealthy corporate actors accountable for tax avoidance strategies contributing to the City's projected deficit. The resolution furthermore urged elected officials to join the local Democratic Party publicly in opposition to Airbnb and other corporations' lawsuits. The resolution passed unanimously by a vote of 30 in favor, zero against, and a single abstain. ( 4:44:20 )

Supervisor Connie Chan addresses crowd during rally outside of Airbnb court hearing on April 22, 2025. Photo credit: San Francisco Labor Council, Jana Asenbrennerova

The resolution reads: "The San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) calls on Airbnb to drop its lawsuit and for the Mayor to publicly oppose Airbnb and other corporations' lawsuits against the City's business taxes, and to advocate that such companies withdraw their claims in the interest of public good and fiscal stability." ( 4:39:30 )

"The resolution's very straightforward, it's simply to call on Airbnb to drop the lawsuits against the City," said District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan ( 4:11:20 ). "All elected officials should really be on the side of city government, asking corporate America like Airbnb, to drop the lawsuits against the City.

"Speaker Pelosi appreciates the value these companies add to the City, and with their success comes responsibility," said Nancy Pelosi in a statement delivered by her proxy in attendance ( 4:12:33 ). "Our budget is a statement of our values, it requires everyone's participation."

"What bothers me about this, is that when the market closed today, the market capitalization of Airbnb was 37.5 billion dollars. They didn't have to file this lawsuit," said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey ( 4:13:36 ). "They chose to be adverse to the City and County of San Francisco."

Click here to watch the full live stream recording of the April 23, 2025 SF DCCC meeting.

BACKGROUND:

According to the City and County of San Francisco, lawsuits from businesses seeking tax relief could cost the City $415 million, more than half of the total projected deficit of $817.5 million. A report released by the San Francisco Labor Council titled " The Bill is Due: How Big Tech Tax Avoidance is Starving San Francisco's Budget ," reveals that a handful of major tech firms are responsible for the majority of the business tax lawsuits targeting the City. These then hold up significant funding for public services.

SOURCE IFPTE Local 21
NEW YORK, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopware , the leading global open-source e-commerce platform, hosts its North America Partner Day today in Chicago at the historic The Berghoff Restauranta nod to Shopware's German roots. The event is designed to harbor collaboration and learning for Shopware's partner community of integrated technologies and agencies.

The event theme of "Better Together" reflects Shopware's partner-first and developer-friendly collaborative approach to supporting the needs of merchants. The "Better Together" theme will be woven throughout the day, starting with opening remarks from Shopware CEO and Co-Founder, Sebastian Hamann, celebrating the 25th anniversary for the company and the expanded role partnerships will have in Shopware's vision for the future.

Shopware's Chief Product and Technology Officer, Mark Stanley, will unveil the exciting upcoming product roadmap. Some highlights include:

"Partner Day is one of the best things we do," said Jason Nyhus, President and GM, US Shopware. "Bringing together our tech and agency partners under one roof to connect, learn and showcase how our solutions are addressing the needs of merchants is special. We all get a chance to educate and inspire one another to continue to drive success. Truly, in this world, we are better together, and this event is a great showcase of that."

The program content will focus on complex commerce, including presentations from partners on merchant case studies, and the release of two new research reports from The Rick Watson team. The new reports reveal compelling insights and opportunities from forgotten and underserved categories of commerce.

"In the B2B landscape, it's not about being the loudest, it's about being the smartest," said Rick Watson, CEO of RMW Commerce. "These reports are about giving forgotten industries the playbook they've been missing. Partnering with Shopware has allowed us to combine sharp strategy with real-world tools for industrial, legacy sectors. We're moving past noise and focusing on actionable steps that protect and drive margin, retention, and resilience for overlooked sectors."

The program will end with growth marketing strategies from Sarah Falcon, SVP of Global Marketing for B2B Ecommerce Association, followed by an after party at The Berghoff.

To learn more about Shopware's partner ecosystemor to join our partner communityvisit https://www.shopware.com/en/partner/become-partner/

About Shopware

Shopware provides high-performance B2C and B2B ecommerce solutionswith differentiated capabilities in complex commerce business requirements and workflowsenabling global businesses to scale rapidly and efficiently. By combining the robust security of open-source technology with the agility modern businesses demand, Shopware delivers cutting-edge innovation, reliability, and unmatched adaptability.

With ready-to-deploy features and a headless, API-first architecture, Shopware empowers merchants to customize and scale the solution, creating a strong customer experience anywhere in the world. Trusted by over 50,000 companies worldwide and supported by an extensive partner ecosystem, Shopware is built to adapt and evolve alongside the ever-changing market landscape.

Top industry analysts, including Gartner, Forrester, and IDC, consistently recognize Shopware for delivering impactful solutions that prioritize efficiency and long-term success. Founded in 2000 by Co-CEOs Stefan and Sebastian Hamann in Germany, Shopware continues to lead the industry in ecommerce innovation and performance.

SOURCE Shopware U.S.
Published in the International Journal of Cardiology, new study demonstrates 91.6% accuracy and introduces the HF-index for on-demand severity tracking

TOKYO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplex Quantum, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo Hospital, today announced the publication of a clinical study in the International Journal of Cardiology. The peer-reviewed research introduces a novel artificial intelligence system capable of accurately assessing heart failure (HF) severity and tracking disease progression using single-lead ECG data from commonly available devices, including the Apple Watch.

At the core of this breakthrough is the HF-index, a new AI-derived metric that enables on-demand monitoring of heart failure severity from home. This technology has a significant potential to reduce hospitalizations by enabling earlier clinical intervention.

Key Findings

The AI model, trained on ECG data from 9,518 individuals, achieved 91.6% accuracy in classifying heart failure severity across healthy, NYHA III (mild), and NYHA IIIIV (moderate to severe) categories.

The model demonstrated AUC values up to 0.993, with sensitivity and specificity between 8997%.

The HF-index showed a strong correlation with plasma B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) levels (R = 0.74), a widely accepted biomarker for heart failure.

Expert Commentary

"This AI model may support on-demand, non-invasive heart failure monitoring, even before symptoms appear," said Dr. Katsuhito Fujiu, Project Professor at the University of Tokyo and senior author of the study. "It could fundamentally change how we care for patients at risk of worsening heart failure by empowering both clinicians and patients with timely insights."

"These results validate the clinical foundation of our solution and show how AI can turn familiar devices into powerful medical tools," said Ryu Saito, CEO of Simplex Quantum. "We are proud to collaborate with top-tier institutions to bring this technology into everyday practice."

Why This Matters

Heart failure affects over 64 million people globally and is a leading cause of hospital readmissions and rising healthcare costs. Existing monitoring options, such as implantable devices or in-hospital diagnostics, can be invasive, expensive, or unavailable to many patients. This AI-powered solution could provide a scalable, at-home alternative using devices already in wide consumer use.

About the Study

Title: Heart Failure Monitoring with a Single-Lead Electrocardiogram at Home

Journal: International Journal of Cardiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2025.133203

Regulatory and Commercialization Path

The AI system described in the study powers NIHA-HF, Simplex Quantum's investigational software platform for heart failure risk detection and monitoring. Regulatory submissions are currently underway in Japan and the United States, with product approvals targeted for 2026.

About Simplex Quantum

Headquartered in Tokyo, Simplex Quantum is a medical AI company focused on revolutionizing cardiovascular diagnostics. Its flagship product, NIHA-HF, applies advanced neural networks to detect and monitor heart failure via ECG, bridging clinical-grade insights with consumer-friendly technology.

 NIHA-HF is an investigational device and has not been approved by the FDA.

Media Contact:

Moe Kawai

+81 3-6450-3600

[email protected]

Related announcements:

SIMPLEX QUANTUM, Inc. Completes US Patent Registration of Artificial Intelligence Technology Designed to Determine Heart Failure Stage Using Electrocardiogram Data | Business Wire

SIMPLEX QUANTUM, Inc. Completes US Patent Registration of Electrocardiogram Biometric Authentication Technology | Business Wire

SIMPLEX QUANTUM, Inc. Raises Round of Series A Funding | Business Wire

SIMPLEX QUANTUM Expands into Asia with Patent in India and Strategic Healthcare Initiative in Indonesia

SOURCE Simplex Quantum
HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for summer, BACARDI, the world's most awarded rum, is shaking up the flavored rum scene with the launch of BACARDI Passionfruit. Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly vibrant, this new launch blends the signature BACARDI white rum with bold passionfruit flavor.

Sip into Summer: BACARDI Rum Serves Up Tropical Vibes with New Passionfruit Flavor

With tropical and citrus dominating flavored rum trends*, BACARDI Passionfruit delivers an enticing blend of refreshing fruitiness and bold character, perfectly suited for social occasions. The flavored rum category is on an upward trajectory, expected to grow significantly over the next five years, and BACARDI is committed to staying at the forefront of this momentum, introducing exciting, eye-catching innovations, to recruit new consumers and drive the category expansion.

Tjalling Simoons, BACARDI Brand Director for Europe, comments on the launch: "At BACARDI, we're always looking for new ways to bring bold, exciting flavors to our fans, and Passionfruit is the perfect fit. As the #1 rum brand in Europe** we know that consumers are looking for drinks that elevate their drinking experiences and match their evolving tastes. Passionfruit is already a top performer in cocktails, both at home and in bars, so we're confident this vibrant new launch will excite rum lovers and invite new drinkers to explore delicious, tropical flavors."

Crafted using a base of BACARDI rum, BACARDI Passionfruit contains all-natural flavor and is gluten-free, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. From beachside celebrations to parties at home, BACARDI Passionfruit brings a taste of the tropics to any social gathering, making it the must-have drink for summer and beyond.

Its bold, flavorful versatility makes BACARDI Passionfruit the ultimate base for a wide range of cocktails, from simple mixed drinks to more complex creations, every sip is a celebration of tropical flavor. For the perfect summer serve, mix BACARDI Passionfruit with Lemonade, or try it with Cranberry Juice or Soda Water, and get ready to taste the tropics this summer.

BACARDI Passionfruit (70cl, 27% ABV) will launch in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Poland and Luxembourg throughout April and May 2025.

For more information on BACARDI Rum, visit www.BACARDI.com.

*Robertet 2023

**IWSR 2023

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2669998/BACARDI.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2670086/BACARDI_Logo.jpg
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sojern , the leading marketing platform built for hospitality, is thrilled to announce the latest members of its esteemed 2025 Destinations Advisory Board. This board is composed of influential destination leaders from across North America, and its members convened yesterday to welcome exceptional new members. This year, the Destinations Advisory Board gathered in Kissimmee, Florida, and the event was hosted in partnership with Brett Laiken, CMO at VISIT FLORIDA.

"We've partnered with Sojern to deploy targeted multichannel digital advertising campaigns aimed at boosting visitation throughout the state. This partnership allows us to track visitor data and measure the economic impact of current visitors, positioning us to more effectively attract new travelers," said Brett Laiken, CMO at VISIT FLORIDA. "I'm excited to welcome Sojern's Destinations Advisory Board to Florida, where we can not only highlight the diverse experiences our state has to offer, but also engage in important industry discussions and collaborate on innovative solutions for destination marketers nationwide."

"It is such a privilege to spend time with our Destinations Advisory Board members. From AI and sustainability to international political dynamics affecting global travel and disaster recovery, they are exceptional experts who dive deep into today's most pressing issues and uncover forward-thinking solutions that will shape the future of destination marketing for years to come," said Stephanie Dunford, Commercial Director, US Destinations & Attractions at Sojern. "Their collective knowledge only serves to deepen Sojern's insights, giving us incredible context as we work to equip destination marketers to identify and reach their ideal travelers."

While Sojern's commitment to investing in destinations includes helping them identify and engage with ideal travelers, the company is also dedicated to elevating the industry as a whole. Together, Sojern's Destinations Advisory Board will collaborate to address the unique needs of the destination industry and identify innovative solutions to help destinations across the world to thrive. The 2025 Board of Advisors brings together experienced tourism leaders who share a commitment to driving the industry forward.

Sojern is pleased to introduce the newest board members for 2025:

Justin Bresler , CMO and VP, Marketing & Business Development, Visit Denver

, CMO and VP, Marketing & Business Development, Visit Denver Jeremy Chase , Tourism & Marketing Administrator, Idaho Commerce

, Tourism & Marketing Administrator, Idaho Commerce Tom Loftus , VP of Marketing, Richmond Region Tourism

, VP of Marketing, Richmond Region Tourism Cody Chomiak , VP of Marketing, Travel Manitoba, Canada

, VP of Marketing, Travel Manitoba, Canada Jamari Douglas , VP, Marketing, PR & Communications, Bermuda Tourism Authority

New board members will join current board members, including:

From co-op strategies to the recently released State of Destination Marketing 2025 report offering insights from nearly 200 destination marketing organizations (DMOs) from around the world, Sojern has long been a reliable partner for DMOs, providing cutting-edge solutions to boost visitation and highlight the economic benefits of digital marketing programs.

Sojern plans to expand its Destination Advisory Board to Europe later this year to support the growth of its European destination business. To learn more about how Sojern collaborates with destination marketers, please visit: www.sojern.com/destinations .

About Sojern

Sojern is the leading marketing platform built for hospitality, designed to boost growth and profitability for the travel industry. The Sojern marketing platform is a set of easy-to-use software and services that delivers unrivaled traveler insight, intelligent audiences, multichannel activation and optimization, and a connected guest experienceall in one place. More than 10,000 travel marketers rely on our platform annually to find, attract, convert and engage travelers. Founded in 2007, Sojern is headquartered in San Francisco, California with teams in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific.

SOURCE Sojern
SourceAmerica recognized for excellence in veteran employment and support programs

VIENNA, Va., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SourceAmerica is excited to announce that it received the VETS Indexes' prestigious 3 Star Employer Award for 2025 , highlighting its strong commitment to connecting veterans with disabilities to meaningful employment opportunities.

The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program is widely recognized as the most objective and comprehensive evaluation of veteran employers, analyzing organizations' policies, practices and outcomes across five critical categories:

Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring

Veteran employee development and retention

Veteran-inclusive policies and culture

Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves

Military spouse/family support

"SourceAmerica remains committed to hiring veterans for its staff and within the AbilityOne Program," said Amanda King, SourceAmerica vice president, human resources. "We are proud to support the employment of veterans with disabilities throughout the United States and further honor their service and facilitate the opportunity to utilize their unique skills by connecting them with jobs that offer career growth, competitive pay and benefits."

As an AbilityOne authorized enterprise, SourceAmerica connects veterans with a nationwide network of nonprofit agencies that often offer resources beyond employment, such as military-to-civilian employment transition assistance, job training, career counseling and other services to boost on-the-job success. Veteran employment experts developed the VETS Indexes' award program with input from specialists across government, nonprofits and corporations. This recognition comes at a time of record participation in the VETS Indexes Employer Awards, with 349 organizations submitting surveys for consideration.

"SourceAmerica has demonstrated outstanding support for veterans and the military-connected community, earning the 3 Star Employer Award as a result," said George Altman, president of VETS Indexes. "Even as more organizations than ever before are recognizing the uniquely valuable skills that veterans bring as employees, the efforts of SourceAmerica to recruit, retain, develop and support those who served, as well as their families, stand out from the pack. Congratulations to SourceAmerica for its remarkable progress creating a workplace that welcomes veterans and empowers them to advance their careers."

SourceAmerica's recognition reinforces its position as a leader in creating meaningful employment opportunities for veterans with disabilities. The organization's commitment to veterans aligns with its overarching mission of creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

To learn more about SourceAmerica and its commitment to veterans, visit SourceAmerica.org .

About SourceAmerica

SourceAmerica connects government customers and other organizations to a national network of AbilityOne authorized providers that hire a talented segment of the workforcepeople with disabilities. Established in 1974, SourceAmerica is committed to increasing economic inclusion and advocating for a more accessible future of work for people with disabilities. SourceAmerica, an AbilityOne authorized enterprise, harnesses the momentum and boosts the capability of its network and customers as a leading job connector for the disability community. To learn more, visit SourceAmerica.org and follow @SourceAmerica on Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , and LinkedIn .

About VETS Indexes

VETS Indexes is a leading voice on veteran employment issues, overseeing the VETS Indexes Employer Awards , hosting the Employing U.S. Vets Conference , unearthing unique and unprecedented data on veteran employment through the Veteran Employment Benchmarking Service , and developing custom indexes, linked to financial products, that track the performance of the publicly traded companies that have established themselves as the best employers for veterans.

The VETSX and VTRNIX indexes were created on the premise that the companies that make the best use of the highly talented, yet under-valued, talent pool that veterans represent will ultimately see a benefit to their bottom lines. The performance of the indexes has emphatically confirmed that thesis, regularly outpacing the S&P 500.

As the world's first resource for U.S.-veteran-themed indexes, our mission is to provide innovative solutions that recognize the value created by the mission-critical mindset, unique skills, and specialized training that veterans bring to the workplace. Our mission also includes a commitment to always donate a significant portion (target of 20% and no less than 5%) of our net profits to charitable organizations that support veterans and their families.

Learn more about us at VETSIndexes.com and follow us on social media channels via LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , and X (formerly Twitter) .

SOURCE SourceAmerica
SpotOn doubles down on its commitment to the restaurant community with tools, education, and supportnot just tech.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SpotOn , a leading restaurant technology provider, is bringing its mission to life ahead of the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show with the launch of its boldest brand campaign yet: Knowledge + Community = Profit. At a time when independent restaurants are navigating economic headwinds and an uncertain consumer, SpotOn is showing up with more than just technology. The campaign serves as a rallying cry for the industry, emphasizing that profitability requires practical tools, actionable insights, and strong connections between operators. From restaurateur-led meetups and peer-shared playbooks to hands-on financial resources and smart new innovations, SpotOn is offering real support to all restaurantsclients and non-clients alike.

"At SpotOn, we believe in technology that works the way restaurants workbut also in backing it with something bigger: people who care," said Kevin Bryla, Chief Marketing Officer at SpotOn. "This campaign is about lifting up the entire industry with knowledge and community that make real-world profit possible."

Bringing the Campaign to Life at the National Restaurant Association Show

The Knowledge + Community = Profit campaign will come to life at the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show through activations, education, and networking opportunities designed to support and connect restaurant operators.

Booth Experience (North Hall, Booth #6045): Attendees will have the opportunity to explore SpotOn's technology, connect with real operators, and engage in meaningful peer-to-peer conversations. Activations include apron and tote bag embroidery, live demos, office hours with SpotOn Restaurateur in Residence , and networking for restaurant leaders to exchange insights and spark new collaborations.





Attendees will have the opportunity to explore SpotOn's technology, connect with real operators, and engage in meaningful peer-to-peer conversations. Activations include apron and tote bag embroidery, live demos, , and networking for restaurant leaders to exchange insights and spark new collaborations. Tech Talk at the Innovation Theater ( Monday, May 19 10:30am CT ): SpotOn will host " Strength in Numbers: Building a Financially Savvy Restaurant Community ," a panel discussion featuring restaurateurs Amy Hom (Barcelona Wine Bar) and Jonathan Gillespie (Adalina). The session, moderated by Maddy Shannon , SpotOn's Head of Product Strategy, will offer strategies to empower teams and boost long-term profitability across the industry. The three will host a networking hour at Booth #6045 immediately following the session for operators to connect, swap insights and spark new opportunities.





SpotOn will host a panel discussion featuring restaurateurs (Barcelona Wine Bar) and (Adalina). The session, moderated by , SpotOn's Head of Product Strategy, will offer strategies to empower teams and boost long-term profitability across the industry. The three will host a networking hour at Booth #6045 immediately following the session for operators to connect, swap insights and spark new opportunities. Campaign Signage & Video: Campaign messaging will be prominently featured throughout the venue, including the escalators and Innovation Theater. SpotOn's manifesto video focused on the shared mission to support the restaurant communitywill play ahead of every Innovation Theater session.

Delivering on the Promise

Knowledge

SpotOn is committed to equipping independent restaurants with the financial and operational know-how they need to succeed. Through real-world playbooks, customizable templates, and an upcoming AI-powered assistant, SpotOn is turning insights into action. These tools help restaurant operators make smarter decisions fasterfrom tracking margins and managing labor costs to optimizing menus and navigating financing. Educational resources include:

These resources are freely available to all restaurant operatorsnot just SpotOn clientsempowering them to better understand their numbers and improve their bottom line.

Community

SpotOn believes no restaurant should operate in isolation. Through monthly operator meetings, local events, and industry partnerships, SpotOn is helping restaurateurs learn from one another and build collective strength. From California to New York, these gatherings serve as hubs of collaboration and mentorship, creating a stronger, more resilient restaurant community. SpotOn also proudly supports nonprofit partners and advocacy organizations like the Texas Restaurant Association and the New York State Restaurant Association that are working to uplift hospitality workers and build a more sustainable industry.

Access

SpotOn is making its educational tools and community events widely availablevia its website, social media, email newsletters, and live eventsso that operators across the country can benefit from shared knowledge and connection. Whether it's through blog content, downloadable templates, or future-forward conversations at the NRA Show, the campaign ensures that independent operators don't just get toolsthey get a partner that genuinely cares.

The Knowledge + Community = Profit campaign will continue throughout the NRA Show and into the months ahead, with new resources, activations, and ways for operators to join the conversation and access supportregardless of whether they use SpotOn products.

"Running a restaurant is hard enough," added Bryla. "We're here to make it a little easierand a lot more profitablefor everyone."

For more information, visit spoton.com/NRA2025 or stop by Booth #6045 at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, May 1720.

About SpotOn

SpotOn is one of the leading software and payment companies providing the technology and support that helps local businessesand the people who run themto succeed on their own terms. Known for its flexible, cloud-based technology and personalized support, SpotOn offers an end-to-end platform to accept payments, boost revenue, streamline operations, and create exceptional guest experiences. From seamless and efficient point-of-sale systems to integrated restaurant management solutions, SpotOn builds technology that "works the way you work" and backs it up with a 24/7 team of experts that make sure it always doeswith fairness, flexibility, and a personal touch. For more information, visit www.spoton.com .

Media Contact:

Megan Palmer

[email protected]

410-262-7349

SOURCE SpotOn
EAST FISHKILL, N.Y., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Stellantis commemorated the opening of a new Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, in East Fishkill, New York. It represents an investment of $64 million and will employ nearly 100 workers. From left to right are Juan Pineda, East Fishkill PDC plant manager; James Parker Jr., vice president Parts & Services North America supply chain; Darren Bradshaw, Stellantis senior vice president and head of Mopar North America, Steve Caswell, Dutchess County legislator, and John DiCola, senior executive with Blue Water Property Group.

Stellantis invested $64 million in cutting-edge 534,000-square-foot Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) designed to enhance service across Northeast region of United States

in cutting-edge 534,000-square-foot Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) designed to enhance service across Northeast region of With more than 46,000 unique parts stocked, the center is equipped to handle more than 2 million shipments each year

First Stellantis U.S. PDC to implement innovative AutoStore fully automated storage and retrieval system, improving efficiency and reducing order wait times by turning over the stock faster with the speed of the order processing

Facility to feature cutting-edge technology and carbon-net-zero design

Mopar Senior Vice President North America, Mopar Vice President of Supply Chain North America, Director of Supply Chain Engineering, Mopar, North America and Dutchess County legislator joined Stellantis dealer representatives, local UAW leaders and employees for ribbon cutting to commemorate grand opening

Senior Vice President North America, Vice President of Supply Chain North America, Director of Supply Chain Engineering, Mopar, and legislator joined Stellantis dealer representatives, local UAW leaders and employees for ribbon cutting to commemorate grand opening Mopar continues its 88-plus-year legacy of delivering genuine parts, accessories and service solutions for Stellantis vehicles globally

Stellantis marked a major milestone today by commemorating the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Mopar Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in East Fishkill, New York. With a $64 million investment, the new facility streamlines parts distribution across the Northeast and strengthens support for dealers and customers.

Mopar Senior Vice President for North America Darren Bradshaw, Mopar Vice President for Supply Chain in North America James Parker Jr., Mopar Director of Supply Chain Anthony Fioritto II and Dutchess County Legislator Steve Caswell addressed an audience of state and local government officials, Stellantis dealership partners, local UAW leaders and employees, highlighting the impact the new facility will have on servicing customers in the local community.

"The launch of our new Mopar Parts Distribution Center in East Fishkill marks a significant investment in our long-term growth and service capabilities," said Bradshaw. "This facility supports our dedicated UAW-represented workforce with the tools and environment they need to succeed. By integrating cutting-edge technology and automation, we're strengthening our supply chain, accelerating delivery times and reinforcing our commitment to dealer and customer satisfaction along with employee success."

Strategically positioned to optimize service for Stellantis dealerships and customers throughout the Northeast, the expansive 534,000-square-foot facility houses a vast inventory of more than 46,000 unique parts and is expected to process more than 2 million shipments annually.

"The launch of the Mopar Parts Distribution Center is a tremendous boost for East Fishkill," said Caswell. "This facility is not just an investment in infrastructure, but in our people, our businesses and our future. Stellantis' decision to bring this advanced distribution center and nearly 100 jobs to our community underscores our town's potential as a growing hub for technological and economic development."

Next-generation AutoStore technology

The East Fishkill Mopar PDC is the first Stellantis facility in the United States to feature the cutting-edge AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system, a breakthrough in warehouse logistics.

The AutoStore system integrates 40 robotic units, that use advanced picking technology to navigate a track system above a high-density grid filled with stored parts. The robots retrieve necessary parts from one of 70,000 bins stacked within 18,000 square feet of space, delivering them efficiently to processing stations where PDC employees prepare final shipments.

This state-of-the-art automation significantly enhances parts order completion speed, accuracy and dependability while minimizing the warehouse footprint needed for inventory storage.

Reducing carbon footprint

The Mopar PDC in East Fishkill is one of 21 current facilities in North America that supply replacement and custom parts to dealerships and aftermarket customers. To support Stellantis' goal of reducing its carbon emissions, Mopar has tactically reduced the parts storage footprint in the Northeastern region of the U.S. by combining the former Tappan, New York, and Boston PDC facilities into one, while further reducing the physical footprint needed for the East Fishkill PDC using the AutoStore system.

SOURCE Stellantis
New employee assistance program immediately available to all brands within the Straightaway family.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Straightaway Tire & Auto, a leading independent automotive repair platform with over 65 locations across 7 states, has announced the launch of its Straightaway Assistance Fund for Employees (SAFE), designed to provide financial support to team members facing unexpected hardships. The initiative, which offers direct grants of up to $5,000 and a unique 2:1 matching charitable grant program, exemplifies the company's commitment to putting people first.

Straightaway is uniquely focused on retaining & growing the talented team members within the brands & shops that it acquires. The SAFE Fund represents a significant investment toward further realizing this goal, offering assistance for a wide range of hardships, including housing emergencies, major vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and educational pursuits not covered by employer funding.

our front-line team members are the most important people in this organization Post this

"Our culture here at Straightaway Tire & Auto starts with the belief that our front-line team members are the most important people in this organization," said John Teddy, chief executive officer of Straightaway. "Creating this resource to largely support our front-line team comes from a very simple point of view that if we do the right thing & take care of our people, they will in turn do the right thing and take care of our customers & communities."

The SAFE Fund is distinctive in its inclusive eligibility criteria and governance structure. Current employees, their family members, and even former employees who left in good standing within the past 12 months can apply for assistance. The program's board features representatives from each of Straightaway's five founding brands alongside platform leadership, ensuring fair and balanced decision-making across the platform's diverse locations.

Funding for the program comes from a combination of Straightaway funding, vendor sponsorships, and voluntary employee donations. The list of current vendor sponsors can be found on the SAFE website, and the company further welcomes donations from any interested parties with a simple online payment process that can also be accessed on the website.

"We created the SAFE Foundation to invite participation from a wide range of partners who share our belief that supporting people during times of hardship is simply the right thing to do," said Cameron Chernikow, chief customer officer & president of the SAFE board. "As we launch the SAFE Fund, we're especially highlighting to our vendor community in particular how meaningful this initiative is to us and that this is an important part of doing business with Straightaway, and we're incredibly thankful and encouraged by the support we've received thus far."

Straightaway has established a transparent application process to ensure equitable distribution of funds to those in need. The program also features a unique charitable component, offering a 2:1 match (up to $5,000) for employee-led fundraising efforts supporting team members in need.

To learn more about the program, visit https://gostraightaway.com/employee-assistance/.

About Straightaway Tire & Auto/Victory Tire & Auto

Straightaway Tire & Auto is a leading independent, full-service aftermarket automotive repair and service platform with 65 locations across Colorado, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. Straightaway focuses on building strong local brands by partnering with established automotive repair businesses to provide resources and operational expertise that drive growth and long-term success. The company is committed to identifying opportunities to strengthen the markets where it operates and, being good stewards of the communities it serves. Straightaway is actively expanding its footprint in new and existing markets through strategic acquisitions and welcomes inquiries from shop owners interested in exploring a sale or partnership. For more information visit www.gostraightaway.com.

Media Contact:

Megan Heater

S&A Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Straightaway Tire and Auto
MILWAUKEE, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. has been recognized by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as a Top Place to Work in Southern Wisconsin for the second consecutive year. Sun Life established a presence in Wisconsin after its 2022 acquisition of DentaQuest, which has had an office in Milwaukee for more than 30 years. Top Places to Work is a regional and national recognition run by survey provider, Energage, and is based on employee feedback and information about company benefits and culture. Sun Life U.S. continuously receives Top Place to Work recognitions throughout the country, including USA Today (five consecutive years); the Boston Globe (seven consecutive years); Hartford Courant (four consecutive years) and Kansas City Business Journal.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Places to Work

"Receiving this recognition again this year reaffirms that we're taking the right approaches to our benefits, employee engagement, and company culture," said Tammi Wortham, senior vice president, Human Resources, Sun Life U.S. "We foster a flexible culture that supports a healthy work/life balance and provide comprehensive benefits that meet our employees where they are. When you show your employees they are cared for, it inspires their work and drives individual and business success."

Sun Life is committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative culture that prioritizes people and encourages everyone to bring their full, authentic selves to work. In addition to Energage Top Place to Work recognitions, Sun Life U.S. has received Forbes America's Best Large Employers award and TIME Top Companies for Future Leaders (2024). Sun Life U.S. is listed annually on the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index and has received a 100% score for 16 consecutive years from the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index.

Last year, Sun Life launched Connect4, an employee engagement campaign encouraging connections with unfamiliar colleagues, whether in person, such as at a volunteer event, or virtually, like during the annual online trivia tournament, the Sunny Games. With six offices throughout the country and one in Waterford, Ireland, Sun Life U.S. employees work in a flexible, hybrid model, deciding when they will work from an office or from home. Employees who do not live near one of Sun Life's offices work virtually.

For more information about working at Sun Life, visit https://www.sunlife.com/us/en/about/careers/.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.54 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,500 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

Media Contact:

Devon Fernald

Sun Life U.S.

[email protected]

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. and KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Suvoda, a global clinical trial technology company specializing in randomization and trial supply management, consent, and patient outcomes data collection solutions for complex, life-sustaining studies, and Greenphire, a leader in clinical trial payments, financial management, and patient support tools, today announced the successful completion of their previously announced merger, bringing the two companies under common ownership and management.

Greenphire

Through this merger, the combined company is now better equipped to provide a comprehensive solution to its customers to support the urgent and mission critical moments of their clinical trials. Its customers will have access to an expanded set of capabilities, while continuing to benefit from its steadfast commitment to high-quality services and support. The combined solutions will be unified on a powerful platform that will simplify workflows and ease the experience of running and participating in a clinical trial. The unified data layer will deliver greater insight to empower sponsors, sites, and patients to make more informed and nuanced decisions about their trials.

The combined company will be known as Suvoda. Meaning "the dawn of wellbeing" in Sanskrit, Suvoda reinforces the promise to ease the patient, site, and sponsor experience in clinical trials and contribute to advancing health globally. The name Greenphire will continue at the product level.

The company will be led by Chief Executive Officer Jagath Wanninayake, Suvoda's Founder and CEO. Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, is the lead strategic investor in the combined company, with Bain Capital Tech Opportunities Fund and LLR Partners making a significant minority investment.

"We are thrilled to announce the completion of our merger and the beginning of our new journey together," said Jagath Wanninayake, CEO of the combined company. "This partnership represents a significant milestone in our mission to optimize the financial and operational aspects of clinical trials. As one firm, we are now better able to deliver for our customers by meeting their evolving needs and providing them with enhanced solutions that will drive efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately improve patient outcomes."

About Suvoda

Suvoda is a global clinical trial technology company specializing in complex, life-sustaining studies in therapeutic areas like oncology, central nervous system (CNS), and rare diseases. Founded in 2013 by experts in eClinical technologies, Suvoda empowers clinical trial professionals to manage the most urgent moments in the most urgent trials through advanced software solutions delivered on a single platform. Headquartered outside Philadelphia, Suvoda also maintains offices in Portland, OR, Barcelona, Spain, Bucharest and Iasi, Romania, and Tokyo, Japan. The company's Net Promoter Score (NPS) consistently exceeds the technology industry average, contributing to the company being selected by trial sponsors and CROs to support more than 1,800 trials across 95 countries. To learn more, visit suvoda.com. Follow Suvoda on LinkedIn.

About Greenphire

Greenphire is the pioneer in financial management and patient support for global clinical trials. From participant reimbursements, travel, and engagement to study budgeting and data, site payments, and more, the company connects the dots across disparate processes and stakeholders to get studies done faster. Founded in 2008 and guided by a dedication to site and participant experience, Greenphire's best in class solutions accommodate regional workflow preferences, navigate challenging regulatory demands, and address the unique needs of every patient. Greenphire currently supports more than one million active trial participants and more than 25,000 investigative research teams at sites in 80 countries worldwide. Greenphire Means GO. To learn more, we invite you to visit greenphire.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact

Elena Filimonova

Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected]

SOURCE Suvoda LLC; Greenphire
Boats Group Platforms Offer Access to the Largest Selection of Like-New Boats from Recent Owners

MIAMI, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As new tariffs spark concern over the rising cost of major purchasesincluding boatsconsumers across the country are finding smart ways to stay afloat. The answer? A thriving used boat market, filled with newer models, gently used inventory, and prices that bypass the brunt of current international trade costs.

Thanks to post-pandemic selling trends, buyers now have access to thousands of nearly new boats from owners who purchased during the COVID-era boom. Many of them are first-time boat owners who are now putting those vessels back on the market. It's an unprecedented opportunity to buy late-model boats, often still under warranty, at a fraction of the cost.

According to newly released consumer behavior data, 67% of all boat purchases on Boats Group platforms were for pre-owned boats, with YachtWorld buyers purchasing used boats 77% of the time, and on Boat Trader, 67% of buyers chose pre-owned. This shift demonstrates that the used market isn't just a second-best alternativeit's now the first choice for many.

"In times of economic uncertainty, boating might feel out of reachbut the used market is making it more accessible than ever," said Courtney Chalmers, vice president of marketing at Boats Group. "With so many high-quality, late-model boats available at significantly lower prices, buyers can find incredible value without compromising on experience or quality."

The data also reveals how seriously shoppers are taking advantage of these listings quickly: 44% of buyers purchased within 90 days of first contact, with boats.com buyers closing even faster at 47%. On average, households move from browsing to buying in just 214 days, demonstrating strong buyer confidence despite broader economic uncertainty.

Used boats are also making boating more accessible to newcomers. Across Boats Group sites, 10% of purchases are from first-time boat owners, with runabouts (27%), tow boats (14%), and pontoons (12%) emerging as the most popular entry-level segments, thanks to their versatility and budget-friendly ranges. The used market offers a welcoming entry point for new buyers hesitant to commit to the expected tariffs impacting the costs of brand-new models.

While tariffs are pushing some buyers toward pre-owned vessels, new boat sales still account for 33% of purchases across the platforms, with Boat Trader leading the new boat sales. For those committed to the latest technology and customization options, Boats Group remains the top destination for connecting with manufacturers and dealers and offering competitive deals.

With over 5 million leads generated and more than 315,000 boats purchased over the last three years, Boats Group continues to power the world's largest digital boat marketplace. For buyers concerned about rising costs, the solution is clear: tap into the vibrant used market, explore like-new listings from recent owners, and let your next adventure begin. Tariffs may be making headlines, but your dream boat doesn't have to wait.

Search thousands of listings now at BoatTrader.com , YachtWorld.com , and boats.com .

About Boats Group

Boats Group operates the world's leading online marketplaces for buying and selling boats, including Boat Trader, YachtWorld, and boats.com. With a global audience of millions of boat buyers, Boats Group provides data-driven marketing solutions, AI-driven tools, financing services, and industry insights to help OEMs, dealers, and brokers maximize their sales potential.

Media Contact: Courtney Chalmers

VP of Marketing, Boats Group

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-877-354-4069

SOURCE Boats Group
PITTSBURGH, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With seven successful years as an organization focused on world-class leadership development and executive education, The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) continues to evolve and find new ways to provide greater regional and national impact through its programming. With that in mind, TALI's leadership is making strategic changes for the 2025-26 program year starting with the consolidation of the National Executive Leadership Academy and (NELA) and its flagship, Executive Leadership Academy (ELA). This consolidation will operate under the National Executive Leadership Academy to create a more immersive program experience, ultimately providing greater benefits for participants.

"After graduating two cohorts from the National program and now operating the seventh cohort of the Executive Leadership Academy, we recognized an opportunity to strengthen our executive programming umbrella by leveraging best practices we learned from both programs," explains Evan Frazier, President and CEO, TALI. "We are combining the programs to give participants the opportunity to broaden their networks and perspectives. We are operating in a global marketplace, and every corporate and nonprofit leader needs to have the ability to interact in that space."

TALI will continue to work with Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business (CMU) as its academic partner, developing and delivering course content for NELA. The enhanced National Executive Leadership Academy, beginning in February 2026, will be offered in a hybrid format over a five-month period to accommodate participants from across the country. Programming will include two, one week in-person sessions at CMU in Pittsburgh, PA, four online sessions, and a two day in-person conference in Dallas, TX. Additionally, the program will continue to address the unique challenges Black leaders and their allies face. Cohort members will receive intense training on topics, such as "Defining Your Leadership Brand," "Global Management and Strategy," "Resilience for Executives of Color," and more. Senior-level managers and executives located regionally and nationally with at least 10 years of experience are encouraged to apply for the program.

As of today, the TALI Alumni Network includes 255 talented leaders from Pittsburgh and beyond, with 184 graduates between the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) and National Executive Leadership Academy (NELA). Since its inception, TALI has focused on empowering high-performing leaders to drive personal growth, positive business results for their organization, and broader community impact. This mission is reflected by the success of TALI Alumni: 100% of the 2024 ELA and NELA cohorts agreed that TALI enhanced their ability to contribute to their organization's success and that they have been able to apply knowledge and skills from the program to their professional roles. Additionally, 90% of the 2024 ELA and NELA cohorts believe that TALI positively impacted their career growth. These outcomes demonstrate TALI's enduring impact on leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and community transformation.

"As a 2024 National Executive Leadership Academy Alumna and one of the three Pittsburgh participants in my cohort, I've witnessed the transformative power of this program and the profound, lasting effect it has had on my professional growth and that of my peers," says Aleya Crable Jennings, Director, Fred Rogers Productions. "The immersive program experience, cutting-edge academic instruction, development of a national peer network, and the overall collective TALI Family community has made me a stronger leader. I am even more equipped to make a meaningful and positive impact on my organization's success."

"It's a privilege to be a part of an organization that is developing ways to advance leadership opportunities for all," says Eric Boughner, Chairman of BNY Mellon Pennsylvania and Chair of the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania; TALI Vice Chair. "TALI's programs are instrumental to an organization's success. When companies choose to partner with TALI, they invest in, nurture, and retain their top talent  a win for everyone!"

In addition to offering NELA to local and national participants, TALI will continue to uphold its mission and commitment to serving the Pittsburgh business community with a mix of familiar and new program offerings:

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), which provides leadership development for individuals with at least three to five years of professional experience. ELP benefits individuals who are strong individual contributors with supervisory aspirations and those in managerial positions who are growing in the leadership phase of their career. The next cohort will begin in January 2026 .

. Unlocking Leadership Excellence: A Workshop for Frontline Leaders, which is a one-day workshop designed to prepare and support new and experienced leaders for management roles. During the session, top industry experts cover a variety of topics focused on helping participants build the skills needed to solve management and leadership challenges.

An inaugural TALI  Leadership Conference, which will be held in October 2025 and open to TALI Alumni and leaders from the Pittsburgh region and beyond.

Leadership Conference, which will be held in and open to TALI Alumni and leaders from the region and beyond. Special seminars and custom programming for employees from TALI sponsor organizations.

The Advanced Leadership Institute equips leaders with the strategies, insights, and networks needed to thrive. Our programs, though competitive, are open to qualified individuals and people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. To learn more about TALI's program opportunities and apply for NELA or ELP, visit https://taliinstitute.org/leadership-programs-2/.

About The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)

The mission of The Advanced Leadership Institute is to strengthen companies, institutions, and communities by cultivating leadership through world-class executive education programs tailored to support, develop, and retain Black leaders and their allies. While TALI's programs specialize in content relevant to developing Black leaders, race is not a criterion for program participation and the programs, though competitive, are open to all qualified applicants. Course content for TALI programs is delivered through an academic partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, while programming is made possible by the support of major corporations and foundations in the Pittsburgh region, including Lead Founding Underwriters: BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Richard King Mellon Foundation; Founding Underwriter: Highmark Foundation; Excellence Partners: Eden Hall Foundation and Henry L. Hillman Foundation; Lead Contributor: The Heinz Endowments; Presenting Sponsors: Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, and UPMC; Gold Sponsors: American Eagle Outfitters, Bank of America, Buchanan, CNX, Covestro, Dollar Bank, Duolingo, Duquesne Light Company, FedEx Corporation, Koppers, PPG, and Wabtec; and Silver Sponsors and Bronze Sponsors, which can be found on TALI's website.

For information about The Advanced Leadership Institute, visit www.taliinstitute.org

SOURCE The Advanced Leadership Institute
A staff biologist for the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) resigned earlier this month after repeatedly raising objections to a bank stabilization project along the scenic Beartooth Highway.

The $3.2 million project is one of eight federally funded repairs authorized in the Red Lodge area following the damaging June 2022 flood.

The original contract, awarded to the lowest bidder, was for $5.9 million. Change orders have since boosted the cost by more than $22 million.

Flood repair projects have raised concerns in other corners of Carbon and adjoining Stillwater County as accusations and investigations into mismanagement of federal projects have come under scrutiny.

Whistleblower steps forward

Susan Lenard, a Helena resident who worked for MDT for 10 years and as a biologist for more than 25 years, blamed the rising price tag of the Beartooth Highway project on the agencys use of alternative contracting, a method that allows the contractor and the project designer to work in tandem instead of as separate entities.

Design-Build delivery, as Billings District MDT administrator Michael Taylor described it, is used in emergency situations like the post-flood repairs to allow the contractor to begin construction sooner as the project is broken up into components.

When there is no emergency, projects are done in what Taylor described as Design-Bid-Build, where a project is completely designed before it goes out to bid and then constructed.

Lenard sees the Design-Build efforts as a conflict of interest allowing the contractor to justify work from which they financially benefit.

As a case in point, Lenard said the Beartooth Highway work  which will remove an estimated 26,000 cubic yards of dirt and rock from more than an acre of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, along with more than 100 trees  is unnecessary to protect the rebuilt section of road damaged in the 2022 flood.

This one section of the highway has already been moved more than 150 feet away from Rock Creek to avoid future damage and meet safety standards.

Installing riprap

The work this spring involves removing rock and dirt between the rebuilt section of the scenic byway and Rock Creek, armoring about 300 feet along the base of a more gradual, contoured slope as well as anchoring trees into the bank to slow the waters flow in the creek bend.

Instead of calling the creeks scour of the hillside a cutbank, MDT officials refer to it as a slide.

MDT and the permitting agencies have been coordinating and collaborating on the slide repair portion of the project for about two years, Taylor said. The work at that location was split into two phases to allow for the highway relocation work to be completed last fall while we continued working on the details with these agencies for the slope stability and bank armoring.

One of MDT's staff engineers expressed concerns to supervisors that the project was being designed to fit an analysis, or reverse engineered.

Lenard said such concerns were ignored.

The consultant said, We need to riprap Rock Creek, she said. And we, as MDT staff, said, Well, wait a minute. You're proposing an action without an analysis.

Stream work

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) required a review before the bank work was designed to ensure the work was justified under the Stream Protection Act, called an SPA 124 permit.

MDT then hired the consultant on the very project who would make money off of it to do a justification memo, Lenard said. This, among other issues, raised concerns about conflict of interest.

FWP officials rejected the memo, Lenard said, citing mischaracterizations and requested an independent analysis of the work.

They created data that's false, she said. They said, Oh, (Rock Creek) moved 40 feet in this flood event. Well, no, you didn't actually have the baseline to say it moved 40 feet. Did it move? Yeah. Is it a cut bank? They called it a landslide. It's not a landslide, its a cutbank.

They mischaracterized the sinuosity of Rock Creek, had no real baseline measurements of the actual lateral movement and exaggerated the erosion potential in a 100-year flood event.

The independent consultant then used some of the same flawed data, which included a false statement that the 2022 flood was only a 100-year flood, not a more unusual 200- to 500-year flood, to justify the work.

In her frustration with MDT moving ahead with the project despite her concerns about its necessity, Lenard filed a formal complaint with the Federal Highway Administration, which oversees the awarding of contracts for such work.

When asked about the complaint and its response, an agency spokesperson forwarded the Billings Gazettes request to its Freedom of Information Act office for further action.

Investigations open into Stillwater Conservation District regarding June 2022 flood repairs On April 8, the Carbon County Commission authorized the hiring of a forensic auditor to analyze payroll and timecard information for Flemetis from June 1, 2022, through Oct. 31, 2023, according to a copy of the agreement.

The power of DOTs

A 2024 analysis by the independent Brookings Association, titled Connecting the DOTs: A survey of state transportation planning, investment, and accountability practices, found state transportation officials can easily obscure how they make planning and investment decisions.

States have enormous authority to determine what projects get built, where, and by whom, researchers Adie Tomer and Ben Swedberg wrote after creating a national inventory of transportation planning, investment, and accountability practices.

Carbon County resident Dave Arthun, who questioned the necessity of the most recent Beartooth Highway work, asked MDT about the cost of the project. The Montana Department of Administration responded with an invoice saying it would take four hours of research at $50 an hour to answer his query  $200 which must be prepaid before the work would be done.

It should have taken a few minutes, he said.

Arthun isn't the first one to question the cost or transparency of the project. As early as 2023, Montana Transportation Commissioners Loran Frazier and Shane Sanders were questioning MDT officials over the escalating repair costs, according to minutes from April and December meetings that year.

The commissioners questioned whether there was a limit to the spending as well as the lack of public oversight as the scope of repairs expanded.

Lenard said the Beartooth Highway project is just one of several she worked on where biological concerns were overlooked and change orders were used to justify unnecessary expenditures.

It feels like the professionalism of state employees in multiple agencies is now being compromised, she said.

I feel like I'm shouting in the dark a little bit.
PITTSBURGH, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Braff Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm specializing in health care services, is proud to announce that it has once again been ranked among the top three M&A firms nationwide in health care services by LSEG, a leading global financial infrastructure and data provider for the rolling nine year period ended Dec. 31,2024. This marks the fifteenth consecutive year the firm has earned this distinction. With a total of 382 completed transactions to date  more than any other firm in the sector  The Braff Group continues to solidify its position as one of the most active and trusted advisors in health care services M&A.

"When I started the company in 1998 with four employees, I would never have imagined that by 2024, we'd have a team of 20 dealmakers and support staff that would close nearly 400 transactions with a combined value of $4.9 billion," said Dexter Braff, president of The Braff Group. "Twenty-seven years later, we continue to innovate and improve how we do business to better serve our clients."

Braff further commented, "We are so grateful to our clients who placed their trust in us to handle what, for many, is the most significant financial event in their lives. Choosing an intermediary is a big decision, and we take our responsibility to guide them through a complex process and surface the best possible deal."

"And, of course, we wouldn't be where we are without the unwavering, dedicated support from each of our managing directors and support staff," Braff concluded. "Together, we have built a culture of hard work, creativity, respect and unwavering commitment to our clients, which continues to inform everything we do today."

About The Braff Group

The Braff Group is a leading mergers and acquisitions advisory firm specializing in health care services. From its main office in Pittsburgh, and satellite offices in Atlanta, Florida, Chicago and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the firm has closed nearly 400 transactions with a combined value of $4.9 billion. On a cumulative basis, the firm has been ranked among the top three health care M&A advisors in the U.S. for fifteen consecutive years. Follow The Braff Group on LinkedIn and visit the website at The Braff Group.

Contact:

Karen Cullen

Director of Business Development

[email protected]

SOURCE The Braff Group
BEL AIR, Md., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, David B. Hughes is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Leadership in Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention.

David B. Hughes

David B. Hughes serves as the Deputy Chief of the Bel Air Police Department, overseeing Patrol and Criminal Divisions, staffing, and personnel while managing major criminal investigations, including homicides and violent crime cases. A recognized expert in crime reduction strategies, community policing, drug trafficking investigations, and violent crime enforcement, Mr. Hughes has dedicated his career to protecting communities and mentoring the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

Mr. Hughes began his law enforcement career as a Maryland State Trooper (1993-1999) before transitioning to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where he served for 23 years in various leadership roles, including Resident Agent in Charge, Section Chief, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge. His extensive experience in crime prevention, intelligence, and strategic enforcement led him to his current role as Deputy Chief of the Bel Air Police Department in 2022.

Beyond his professional duties, Mr. Hughes is an active community leader, contributing to organizations such as the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Law Enforcement Assistance Connection Inc., the Lions Club, Bel Air Downtown Alliance, and the Boys Scouts of America. His dedication to public service has earned him recognition from both the DEA and his community, reflecting his commitment to crime reduction and community engagement.

Looking ahead, Mr. Hughes is focused on developing a five-year strategic plan for the Bel Air Police Department, which will emphasize leadership, officer wellness, community engagement, and early intervention programs for mental health and PTSD. His mentorship of future law enforcement professionals remains a priority as he continues to shape the future of policing through training, policy development, and community-focused initiatives.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
DEERFIELD, Ill., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Jeffrey W. Sherman, MD, FACP is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions to Medical Innovations and Advocacy.

Dr. Jeffrey W. Sherman, a distinguished figure in the medical field, continues to make significant contributions to healthcare through his expertise in biopharmaceuticals, education, and advocacy.

Jeffrey W. Sherman, MD, FACP

With a Bachelor's degree in biology from Lake Forest College and an MD from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science/The Chicago Medical School, Dr. Sherman has undergone rigorous training in internal medicine and infectious diseases. He completed his internship and residency along with a chief residency at Northwestern University and a fellowship in infectious diseases at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF).

Board-certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), Dr. Shermans expertise is widely recognized. He is affiliated with prestigious organizations such as the American College of Physicians (FACP), Erie Health Foundation, and Center for Healthcare Innovation (CHI).

Dr. Shermans influence extends beyond clinical research. He has served as a liaison to the FDA Clinical Trial Transformation Initiative (CTTI) Steering Committee and on the Board of Advisors of the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), shaping policy and advancing clinical research methodologies. His philanthropic efforts include involvement with the Global Genes Medical and Scientific Advisory Board and engagement with the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) and the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS), highlighting his commitment to addressing rare diseases.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sherman has been dedicated to developing new medicines and advocating for patients with rare diseases. He attributes his success to the support of his mentors, Dr. Lewis Smith at Northwestern and Dr. John Alexander at Searle, and his unwavering dedication to his family.

When not immersed in his work, Dr. Sherman enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, finding joy in family moments.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Sherman embraces the philosophy of "never say never", and "patients come first", embodying resilience and determination in his pursuit of medical innovation and advocacy.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
Contact The Independence Fund to access the media kit and connect with wounded heroes.

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- White House Officials and the national non-profit The Independence Fund hosted Veterans and their families at the White House in honor of North Carolina's 5th Annual Wounded Heroes Day.

Wounded heroes from across the country joined elected and appointed officials for a ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building's Indian Treaty Room.

Veterans and guests attend the Wounded Heroes Day ceremony in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, DC.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard, and Deputy Assistant to the President Sebastian Gorka spoke during the ceremony to support Wounded Veterans and Wounded Heroes Day.

"This day is not just a day set aside as Wounded Heroes Day," Collins said. "This is the beginning of what I would believe is to be every day that we honor those who gave so much to us and wear the scars of our nation."

After the ceremony, the wounded heroes met with President Donald J. Trump to discuss their experiences as heroes to our nation. The group was featured live on TV as President Trump signed Executive Orders and autographed the heroes' prosthetics.

The Independence Fund is treating these Veterans, their Caregivers, and their families to several days in the nation's capital. During this time, they will have the opportunity to meet with officials and enjoy local activities.

Since 2021, the State of North Carolina has recognized April 24 as Wounded Heroes Day to honor the state's many wounded heroes. The special day occurs every year in April in recognition of US Army Veteran SGT Michael Verardo, who suffered life-altering combat injuries in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan on April 24, 2010.

Like many heroes dedicated to defending freedom, SGT Verardo made incredible sacrifices and carried the scars of war with him. Since that fateful day, he has undergone over 120 surgeries and years of speech, visual, physical, and occupational therapies.

The state of North Carolina passed House Bill 138/Senate Bill 132 with support from The Independence Fund to acknowledge the servicemembers who return home wounded, and the families who support them endlessly.

Sarah Verardo, the Chief Executive Officer of The Independence Fund, has led efforts across the country for nearly a decade to advocate for Veterans, their Caregivers, and their families.

"April 24, 2010, is my husband's Alive Day," says Verardo. "It's a day we recognize yearly, as the day he survived against all odds. So many Veterans and their families honor days like this, and the country can celebrate with them."

When a Veteran returns home from war, their family absorbs a lot of the responsibility and sacrifice required to help these heroes reintegrate into their community and move forward with the new scars they carry. From physical wounds to mental, no reintegration is easy.

Wounded Heroes Day is dedicated to honoring the unique experiences and struggles wounded Veterans face.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Katie Koenig  Communications Manager for The Independence Fund

[email protected]

704-712-5380

ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE FUND:

Founded in the halls of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, The Independence Fund was born to care for our nation's most catastrophically wounded surviving service members from the Global War on Terror. With an expansion to caring for the warfighter's family and all generations of wounded, ill, and injured heroes. The Independence Fund stands in the gap to help combat Veterans, active military, and wartime Allies with unmet needs. By restoring independence to those who sacrificed their independence so that we can remain a nation of freedom, The Independence Fund deploys tangible programs to restore our Veterans' and families' physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Known for the hallmark all-terrain track wheelchair program, The Independence Fund has provided over 2,600 trackchairs to severely wounded American heroes.

ABOUT SGT MICHAEL VERARDO:

Retired Army SGT. Michael Verardo served as an Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne until his medical retirement in 2013. He deployed with Bravo Company 2/508th Parachute Infantry Regiment to conduct combat operations in August 2009, and the unit suffered a 60% Purple Heart rate. Wounded initially on April 10, 2010, Michael requested to be returned to duty and was wounded on his first foot patrol just two weeks later. This patrol had catastrophic and life-changing consequences. The improvised explosive device immediately blew off Michael's left leg, much of his left arm, and left him with burns over 35% of his body, a traumatic brain injury, severe facial damage, damage to his airways, and other polytraumatic conditions that required a field blood transfusion. On April 24, 2019, Mike's ninth alive day, he had his 120th surgery post-Afghanistan. His condition has required years of physical, occupational, speech, and visual therapy. Listed initially as death-imminent post-injury, Michael has continued to defy the odds and has gone on to enjoy adaptive athletics, most notably competitive pistol shooting, and is an active participant in his church and community in North Carolina.

SOURCE The Independence Fund
Equity on the Mall brings nearly 1,500 people to Sacramento to push for policy change that uplifts the entire state

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 1,500 residents from across California's San Joaquin Valley made their way to the West Steps of the State Capitol on April 23 for the 10th anniversary of Equity on the Mall, one of the region's most powerful grassroots advocacy events. Organized by the San Joaquin Valley Health Fund, a program of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, the event marked a decade of community-driven policy wins while launching a bold new agenda for health, equity and justice across the region.

A decade of advocacya future of possibility. At Equity on the Mall 2025, San Joaquin Valley communities didnt just show upthey set the agenda. From launching a bold new policy platform to mobilizing youth and first-time advocates, this movement is reshaping California policy from the ground up. Equity starts here.

Participants arrived on more than two dozen buses from all eight counties of the San Joaquin ValleyFresno, Kern, Merced, Madera, Kings, Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Tulare. The day featured powerful cultural performances, a traditional blessing from Chairwoman Regina Cuellar of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok and remarks from Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta and community leaders.

"This is what 10 years of community power looks like," said Kaying Hang, President of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. "We came to celebrate the work and to keep pushing forward a shared vision for what the next decade of equity and investment must look like in the Valley."

At the heart of the event was the launch of the 20252027 San Joaquin Valley Health Fund Policy Platform, a detailed roadmap developed by a policy committee made up of representatives from the Fund's grantee partnerspart of a network of more than 170 organizations.

Leaders from the policy committee took the Capitol stage to share the platform's vision, which centers solutions in immigration, housing, health, education, environmental justice, land use, and the digital divide. Community residents then brought this agenda directly to legislators during in-person visits throughout the day.

"The policy platform we brought forward isn't just about needsit's about solutions," said Daniel O'Connell, Executive Director of the Central Valley Partnership. "We're advocating for strategic, community-informed investments that will benefit not just our region, but the future of the entire state."

Youth played a major role in this year's convening, including students from Fresno State whose professor canceled two class sessions to ensure students could engage directly with civic life at the Capitol.

"Equity on the Mall is proof that our voices matter," said Abraham Bedoy, Policy and Community Specialist with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. "We're not just asking for changewe're helping build it."

As the day closed with legislative visits and community celebrations, one message echoed loud and clear: the Central Valley is organized, energized and ready to lead the next decade of statewide change.

"I came to advocate for my children, grandchildren and my neighbors," said Lourdes Medina, a community advocate and leader at the event. "This is about more than one dayit's about health, opportunity and a better life for families across the Valley."

For more information on the 20252027 policy platform or to speak with event organizers, visit shfcenter.org or follow @thecentershf and #EquityOnTheMall2025 on social media.

ABOUT THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY HEALTH FUND

The San Joaquin Valley Health Fund is a collaborative dedicated to advancing health and racial equity in California's San Joaquin Valley by supporting community-driven policy and systems change. Since its founding, the Fund has empowered organizations working on the frontlines of justice to create meaningful, lasting impact. The Fund is managed by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. Learn more at shfcenter.org/san-joaquin-valley-health-fund.

SOURCE San Joaquin Valley Health Fund
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In an urgent joint declaration, leading attorneys at Amsterdam & Partners LLP and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP have issued a formal open letter to President Donald J. Trump and President Abdul Latif Rashid of Iraq, calling for immediate international action against Chief Justice Faiq Zaidan, head of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council. The letter exposes a brazen pattern of judicial corruption, interference, and state-sanctioned retaliationnaming Zaidan as the architect of a system that protects convicted fraudsters and persecutes reformers.

Sara Hameed Saleem, a U.S. citizen of Kurdish descent, is an engineer, investor, and businesswoman. In 2014, Ms. Saleem was abducted and subjected to 43 days of torture in Basra by militia actors linked to the state, following her refusal to participate in a $100 million fraudulent scheme involving the Trade Bank of Iraq. The perpetrators of the scheme Nizar, Namir, and Ramez Hanna Abdo (collectively known as the "Hanna Brothers") were ultimately convicted by the Misdemeanor Court of Alkarkh in July 2023.

That conviction, however, was short-lived.

According to the legal teams, Chief Justice Zaidan personally intervenedaccepting bribes, pressuring the trial judge, and ensuring the Hanna Brothers' release on minimal bail. A retrial is scheduled for April 30, 2025, with credible fears it will end in full acquittal. Meanwhile, Ms. Saleemwho never received a penny from the fraudulent schemeis being dragged into a retaliatory civil suit in Erbil (Civil Case No. 157 / 2024).

This sprawling corruption scheme was coordinated by Faiq Zaidan, the Hanna Brothers, and the current Head of the Trade Bank of Iraqa triad that engineered the fraud and now wields the judiciary to shield themselves while punishing whistleblowers and innocent victims.

"The future of Iraq cannot exist in the absence of the rule of law," said Robert Amsterdam, founding partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP.

Akiva Shapiro, partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, added: "This is an extraordinary breach of international norms. A U.S. citizen is being persecuted while convicted fraudsters walk free. We call on our government to respondpublicly and forcefully."

The open letter calls for:

A full joint investigation by U.S. and Iraqi authorities into Zaidan's conduct;

Immediate disengagement by U.S. institutions from Zaidan and the compromised Supreme Judicial Council;

Diplomatic intervention to protect Ms. Saleem and restore judicial integrity.

In a personal statement, Sara Hameed Saleem stated:

"I gave a detailed and personal account of what I endured at the hands of Faiq Zaidan in the International Policy Digest. I was abducted, tortured, and now falsely prosecuted for refusing to participate in a crime. This is no longer about meit's about every voice silenced by corruption and terror disguised as law. I urge President Trump and President Rashid to actbefore more lives are destroyed."

The joint letter has been formally submitted to senior officials in the U.S. government, the United Nations, major diplomatic missions, and key Iraqi and Kurdish leaders. Legal experts and human rights advocates warn that the outcome of the upcoming retrial could determine the fate of Iraq's judicial credibility.

Egor Lukanov

Partner

Amsterdam & Partners LLP

202-301-8811

This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com.

SOURCE Amsterdam & Partners LLP
New Media Effort Receives International Recognition

TRENTON, N.J., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tristate Infrastructure News Network has been recognized at the 2025 Hermes Creative Awards with two Gold honors:

Team's Body of Work Achievement

Use of Multi-Media

Infrastructure is the foundation of modern life Tri-State Infrastructure News Network is the leading creator/aggregator of transportation, infrastructure, energy and water news in New Jersey and neighboring states.

The Hermes Creative Awards, administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), is one of the oldest and largest creative competitions in the world. The awards recognize outstanding creative work in traditional and emerging media with winners ranging from individuals to media conglomerates and Fortune 500 companies.

Tristate Infrastructure News Network also received Honorable Mentions for News Media Websites, Informational Media and News Media Creation & Publication.

In an era of shrinking newsrooms and a dearth of local and state news coverage, less and less news coverage is given to water, transportation, and energy infrastructure, the foundation of our modern lives. When there is coverage, it is often negative - transit delays, extensive traffic, water main breaks, blackouts.

This spotty and negatively slanted infrastructure coverage of infrastructure creates negative stereotypes of infrastructure, the men and women charged with maintaining and improving it and creates negative feelings when it comes time to fund and support it.

Visit: www.tristateinfrastructurenews.com

SOURCE Tristate Infrastructure News Network
LOS ANGELES, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Uber Technologies, Inc. ("Uber" or "the Company") (NYSE: UBER) for violations of the securities laws.

The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Uber is the subject of an FTC lawsuit filed on April 21, 2025. Reuters reports that the agency is accusing Uber of "signing up some Uber One subscribers without their knowledge and making deceptive claims about the service." Based on this news, shares of Uber fell by more than 4.7% in afternoon trading on the same day.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected].

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

The Schall Law Firm

Brian Schall, Esq.

310-301-3335

[email protected]

www.schallfirm.com

SOURCE The Schall Law Firm
In time for Screen Free Week in May, the expanded partnership includes a $100,000 donation to help families close the conversation gap on tech usage

CHICAGO, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UScellular is continuing its partnership with the non-profit organization, Screen Sanity, with a $100,000 donation and new resources to help families build better digital habits. Screen Sanity's mission is to create a world where kids are captivated by life, not screens, and UScellular's donation will help them reach more local communities and spread parent resources across the country.

"We're excited to extend our partnership with UScellular and our Smarter Start resources as we continue to connect people in real, meaningful ways. Together, we're empowering parents and trusted caregivers to foster a healthy relationship between their children and tech so that our kids are more captivated by life than screens and stay connected to the people they care about the most," said Tracy, Foster, co-founder and executive director of Screen Sanity.

UScellular and Screen Sanity have introduced new tools and resources to help families create healthy digital habits. Post this

A 2024 UScellular survey* found that nearly 80% of parents are concerned about what their kids may be exposed to while online, and 64% are concerned with the amount of time their kids spend online  clearly showing a need for families to talk about appropriate phone usage.

In 2023, UScellular and Screen Sanity created the Smarter Start Toolkit, a free, comprehensive resource for families that includes talking points for parents to help them have conversations with their children about Internet safety, guidelines on usage and time limits, accountability, and a pledge for both parents and children to agree and sign. Since then, they have collaborated on Parent Night events, curated "first phone tips" and ahead of Screen Free Week (May 5-11) are now introducing a host of new resources designed to help families manage their digital usage while inspiring fun ways to disconnect and create together. These can all be found in English and Spanish at uscellular.com/smarterstart and include:

Quick Start Digital Health Guide : A quick reference for parents to help them navigate some of the most common digital health concerns for kids today.

: A quick reference for parents to help them navigate some of the most common digital health concerns for kids today. Digital Rewards Sheet : Families can reward each other for unplugging and engaging in non-digital activities with customizable coupons.

: Families can reward each other for unplugging and engaging in non-digital activities with customizable coupons. Bingo Card : Have fun as a family with a Bingo card that includes a list of play ideas for families.

: Have fun as a family with a Bingo card that includes a list of play ideas for families. Coloring Sheets : These fun, family-oriented coloring pages are designed to encourage families to spend quality time together coloring in real life.

: These fun, family-oriented coloring pages are designed to encourage families to spend quality time together coloring in real life. DIY Phone Box Kit : Inspired by UScellular's Board of Connectors, families can create a special place to keep their devices out of sight.

: Inspired by UScellular's Board of Connectors, families can create a special place to keep their devices out of sight. Downloadable Phone Screen Saver: Families can have a regular reminder to "Do More Things to Make You Forget to Check Your Phone."

"Our phones give us peace of mind and keep us connected, but we know that navigating the ever-changing digital landscape  especially with children  can be challenging and overwhelming," said Verchele Roberts, vice president of brand management at UScellular. "Screen Sanity has been a leader in encouraging healthy boundaries with technology, and hopefully these customizable resources help more families have engaging discussions about how everyone uses their technology."

UScellular continues to lead the conversation around healthy digital habits through its "Built For US" campaign with the Phone's Down for 5 Challenge, US Mode, Board of Connectors and recent partnerships with Alanis Morrisette, HARDY, Chase Rice and several collegiate athletes. For more information about UScellular's efforts, go to uscellular.com/BuiltForUs.

*Between October 2328, 2024, a total of 1,000 online interviews were conducted among a nationally representative sample of U.S. consumers between 18-41 years old by Consumer Insights, in partnership with PureSpectrum.

About UScellular

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers' lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $30 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.

About Screen Sanity

Screen Sanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers tips, tools and trainings to help families raise happy, healthy kids in an increasingly digital world. The organization's highly acclaimed resources and education programs encourage parents to consider the role technology plays in their lives and connect with their children in meaningful ways  both offline and online. Screen Sanity also works with community stakeholders to explore opportunities in which they can support and reinforce healthy tech use in their spheres of influence. The mission of Screen Sanity is to create a world where kids are captivated by life, not screens. Learn more at screensanity.org.

For more information, contact [email protected].

SOURCE UScellular
Bernard J. Birkett Announces Intention to Retire from West, Company Initiates Search for a Successor

Shane Campbell Appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Proprietary Segment Officer

EXTON, Pa., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST), a global leader in innovative solutions for injectable drug administration, today announced executive leadership changes as part of its succession planning process.

Bernard J. Birkett , Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, informed West of his intention to step down from his current position this year. West has commenced a search for a successor. Mr. Birkett and West plan for him to remain as CFO until his successor is in place, and as an advisor to West in order to facilitate a seamless transition.





, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, informed West of his intention to step down from his current position this year. West has commenced a search for a successor. Mr. Birkett and West plan for him to remain as CFO until his successor is in place, and as an advisor to West in order to facilitate a seamless transition. Shane Campbell has been appointed to serve as Senior Vice President, Chief Proprietary Segment Officer, effective May 5, 2025 .

CFO Transition

"On behalf of all of us at West, I want to thank Bernard for his strong contributions and leadership over the past seven years. He has been an invaluable partner and advisor to me and the entire leadership team," said Eric M. Green, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board. "Bernard played a critical role along with the Finance and Global Operations teams, in helping West navigate the challenges of the global pandemic, the complexities of destocking, and the emergence of GLP-1s. He has been instrumental in our continued growth, and I look forward to his support as we search for his successor."

"After great consideration, I have decided to bring my tenure at West to a close in order to pursue new endeavors. It has been an honor to serve as the CFO of West, making a positive difference on patients' lives," Mr. Birkett said. "West has exceptional people, and I want to thank our talented team for all that we have accomplished together."

Mr. Birkett joined West as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in June 2018. In 2022, he was appointed to the combined role of Chief Financial and Operations Officer. In April 2024, he transitioned back to focusing solely on his responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Birkett's contributions have been pivotal in strengthening West's financial and business profile.

Chief Proprietary Segment Officer Appointment

Mr. Campbell joins West from Carlisle Companies Inc., where he served as Chief Commercial Officer of the Construction Materials business. As an accomplished leader, Mr. Campbell brings extensive global management experience across operations, engineering, commercial and strategy. Over a 20-year career at DuPont, Mr. Campbell served in a number of senior global leadership roles focused in the areas of elastomers, polymers, building materials, chemicals, packaging and safety.

"We are thrilled to welcome Shane to our team at West," said Mr. Green. "His extensive industry experience and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to drive our Proprietary Products strategy and ensure West achieves its long-term growth and success."

"I am excited to join West and work alongside such a talented team that is dedicated to improving patient health," said Mr. Campbell. "With a legacy of over a century of innovation, West is well-positioned to sustain its success well into the future, and I look forward to contributing to the tradition of excellence that pervades the Company."

First-Quarter 2025 Results

In a separate press release issued today, West announced its first-quarter 2025 financial results. The Company will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results and business expectations.

The live webcast can be accessed by clicking here. To ask questions on the conference call, participants need to register in advance by clicking here. Registered telephone participants will receive the dial-in number along with a unique PIN number that will enable them to ask questions on the call.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release, including statements regarding the intent of Mr. Birkett to retire from his position as CFO of the Company and the plans for identifying his successor, are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, such as the timing required for the Company to identify a successor to Mr. Birkett and reflect management's current expectations. The statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Company undertakes no obligations to update these statements.

About West

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative, high-quality injectable solutions and services. As a trusted partner to established and emerging drug developers, West helps ensure the safe, effective containment and delivery of life-saving and life-enhancing medicines for patients. With over 10,000 team members across 50 sites including 25 manufacturing facilities worldwide, West helps support our customers by delivering over 41 billion components and devices each year.

Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, West in its fiscal year 2024 generated $2.89 billion in net sales. West is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WST) and is included on the Standard & Poor's 500 index. For more information, visit www.westpharma.com.

All trademarks and registered trademarks used in this release are the property of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or its subsidiaries, in the United States and other jurisdictions, unless otherwise noted.

SOURCE West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
A national consultant is advising the Bismarck City Commission to hand over management of its aging Event Center to a third party, calling it the most effective way to address operational inefficiencies and chart a sustainable future.

Commissioners on Tuesday heard two presentations on the Bismarck Event Centers future: a management and operations study from Chicago-based (JLL), prompted by turmoil under former Director Charlie Jeske, and a capital improvement plan from Ubl Design Group focused on long-overdue infrastructure upgrades.

While commissioners heard the two reports, no formal decisions were made. The Commission will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to further discuss recommendations and approve a final path forward.

The presentations come as the Commission has been working to chart a course for the facility after a year of upheaval. That will include decisions on whether to create an advisory board for the center, and whether the facility's director position will remain as a city employee or be hired out to a third party.

The discord began with a whistleblower complaint in late 2023 that led to city and state investigations of the facility's operations. The probes covered everything from the working atmosphere to the handling of cash, and explored whether any ethical violations had occurred regarding vendors.

No criminal charges resulted, but Jeske -- who defended his leadership -- ultimately reached a settlement with the city under which he received a $325,000 severance and retired.

Could the Event Center be operated by a third party?

Last November, the City Commission selected JLL to review the management and operations at the Event Center, which operates as one of the city's largest departments. The firm collected historical metric data, met with community and staff, and analyzed data from a market and demand study as part of its overall management study. The study cost $50,000.

At Tuesday's meeting, JLL Managing Director Dan Fenton presented the findings of the management study. Operations at the Event Center cannot stay the same, he argued, and fundamental changes need to occur to optimize the facility.

Fenton said the facility has been operating without comprehensive "standard operating procedures," and lacks clearly defined "key performance indicators." The lack of both has led to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in operations, missed revenue optimization, limited ability to align operations with city priorities, and difficulty in measuring and improving efficiency.

"With the right support, with the right structure, and moving those forward, we can really make a significant impact," he said.

Based on their review, Fenton recommended the city transition oversight to a third-party management company, which would require a new governance model. He said this approach would need to be guided by a "Bismarck-focused" set of key performance indicators. This would be done through a more focused request for proposal.

"When we go out and talk to third parties, we're not just going to say 'tell us how many buildings you manage,'" Fenton said. "We're going to tell them what's important to us and ask them how they are going to support our priorities."

Commissioner Greg Zenker pushed back against the idea of a third-party manager at the Event Center. He questioned whether staff -- many of whom were in the audience -- had been informed about the potential transition before the presentation.

"It's 25 employees down there that might have just had their world turned upside down," he said.

Mayor Mike Schmitz said Event Center employees have not yet been consulted as the Commission has not decided whether to transition to third-party management. He added that, even if the change occurs, employees could potentially remain city employees.

Commissioner John Risch said the board during conversations last summer "explicitly excluded" the option of a third-party manager. Commissioner Anne Cleary responded that the board requested JLL to explore all options for the Event Center's future.

"I think (those options) could scale anywhere from leave it exactly how it is, or a third party," she said. "I think that there's a lot of (options) in between there that can be discussed, which is why we're certainly not leaving tonight with a decision."

Capital improvement plan maps 12-year strategy for upgrades

Work on a capital improvement plan for the Event Center began last November, after commissioners approved a contract amendment with Ubl Design Group to develop it. The original contract, approved in 2022, was for $100,000. There was no change to the contract amount for the development of the capital improvement plan, according to City Administrator Jason Tomanek.

The goal was to prioritize projects, determine timelines and create an implementation strategy. Some projects had already been identified in previous studies, according to Principal Architect Jeff Ubl.

"Many of these reports go way back, even back to prior to the Exhibit Hall being expanded," he said.

When assessing the facilitys needs, Ubl said they easily fell into three categories. The first, new spaces, includes additions such as ballrooms and meeting rooms. The second, modernization, involves aesthetic and technological upgrades, as well as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The final category, deferred maintenance -- which Ubl described as the most urgent -- includes upgrades to the HVAC system and aging equipment in both the arena and the original Exhibition Hall expansion.

"You'll see when we start talking about the plan itself, that we pointed our focus toward dealing with the deferred maintenance issues first -- and then (transitioning) into modernization of various aspects of the buildings," he said, referring to the arena and Exhibition Hall.

Ubl said the capital improvements plan will follow a strategy to take care of urgent needs in the whole building first, but then work to modernize the Exhibition Hall spaces. He said that strategy was chosen because the convention center side generates more revenue. Modernization efforts would then shift to the arena.

The plan will follow a 12-year schedule, according to Ubl. The first five years of the plan is more focused, he said, including budget numbers. The remaining period is to establish a path forward for the city and does not include budget numbers.

Ubl proposed starting with HVAC modernization in the arena and exhibition hall. The $15 million project would run from 2025-27. He also suggested completing a smaller wayfinding program and digital sign package in 2026, which would cost around $500,000.

"This has been one of those things over the years that has come up continuously that has been a challenge for the staff, as well as for visitors -- is just simply navigating your way through the building," he said.

Ubl proposed making restroom improvements during the 202830 budget years, which have not been upgraded since the building opened. The $1.8 million project would primarily address ADA compliance. Other planned improvements during this period include repairs to the arena roof and Parking Lot D.

Ubl suggested that the funding for these projects could come out of an Event Center capital improvements reserve fund, along with revenue from the liquor and lodging tax and potential interdepartmental borrowing.

Starting in 2031, the plan would limit major spending to allow the Event Center to pay down any internal debt. Ubl said an update to the capital improvement plan would be needed to determine cost estimates for future projects. Some of these projects would be modernizations in the convention center and potential expansions.

Going forward, it would be beneficial for the city to have a technical advisory committee for the Event Center, Ubl said. He said this committee could help the Commission direct improvement projects happening at the facility.

"(The committee won't) have any decision-making power. They're more or less making recommendations to the commission and then being the group that's essentially accountable for moving these projects forward," he said.
ATLANTA, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE: UP) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Earnings materials will be available on the Wheels Up investor relations website at investors.wheelsup.com.

About Wheels Up

Wheels Up is a leading provider of on-demand private aviation in the U.S. with a large, diverse fleet and a global network of safety-vetted charter operators, all committed to safety and service. Customers access charter and membership programs and commercial travel benefits through a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines. Wheels Up also provides freight, safety, security, and managed services to a range of clients, including individuals and government organizations. With the Wheels Up app and website, members can easily search, book, and fly.

For more information, visit www.wheelsup.com.

Contacts

Investors:

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IgniteTech transitions white-label customers to the original platform they've always used  now with faster innovation and direct support

AUSTIN, Texas, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IgniteTech , the global enterprise software company behind the StreetSmart  field force management platform, announced that it has launched a new, direct-only engagement model for StreetSmart customers  eliminating third-party layers to create a faster, more modern and more responsive experience. The Company said that it provided termination notice to all white-label marketing partners at the end of 2024 with an effective date of June 28, 2025.

This move gives public and private sector organizations  including the city governments, counties, utilities and private companies who rely upon StreetSmart  direct access to the company that has always built, supported and hosted the StreetSmart platform. It also sets the foundation for faster delivery of innovations, including the recently launched StreetSmart AI capabilities.

StreetSmart is a mobile workforce management platform that helps organizations monitor, coordinate and optimize field operations in real-time. From job dispatch and live GPS tracking to mobile timesheets and route optimization, StreetSmart enables smarter, real-time dispatch decisions and empowers field workers with visual guidance and simplified reporting  improving efficiency, accuracy and first-visit job completion rate.

Although IgniteTech allowed the platform to be marketed under various brand names by other companies, this was only a marketing relationship; StreetSmart has always been 100% built, run and supported by IgniteTech.

"This transition gives former white-label customers faster support, earlier access to innovation and a more unified platform experience  all delivered by the team that's been behind the software from the beginning," said Eric Vaughan, CEO of IgniteTech. "For years, we've developed, hosted and supported this platform for all customers. Now, those same customers are simply getting a more direct line to the team they've been relying on all along."

Strategic Shift to Direct Access and AI-Driven Innovation

The transition to an all direct model reflects IgniteTech's commitment to simplifying delivery, accelerating innovation and strengthening customer relationships. By removing third-party intermediaries, IgniteTech ensures a more streamlined experience  with faster support, more transparent communication and immediate access to product advancements.

This change also enables the full rollout of StreetSmart AI, a major expansion of the platform that introduces modern, AI-powered capabilities to field force management  including predictive maintenance, intelligent dispatching and natural language workflows.

"We're all about delivering more value to our customers," Vaughan added. "With direct access, customers benefit from simplified support, faster innovation and tools that make field operations more efficient, productive and responsive. Nothing changes  except that everything gets better."

StreetSmart is one of many enterprise platforms offered by IgniteTech, which has built a portfolio of mission-critical solutions serving government agencies, Fortune 500 enterprises and industry leaders for over 30 years across more than 100 countries. The company's AI-first strategy emphasizes continuous innovation, long-term product stability and direct, high-touch customer engagement.

Transition Deadline Set for June 28, 2025

All current users must complete a short transition process by June 28, 2025, to maintain uninterrupted access to the platform. The process is quick, secure and fully managed by IgniteTech at no cost. The company is providing personalized support to assist each customer, ensuring a seamless transition with no disruption.

For additional information and to schedule your migration, visit IgniteTech.ai/StreetSmart .

About IgniteTech

IgniteTech is a global, AI-first enterprise software company. With a track record of successful company and technology acquisitions with rapid innovation, IgniteTech's solutions power the world's businesses. Since retooling the company in 2024 to become an AI innovation organization, IgniteTech has created two new AI-powered innovations, including Eloquens AI and MyPersonas , along with a range of AI capabilities across its entire platform.

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SOURCE Ignite Enterprise Software Solutions, Inc.
LONDON, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- World Host Group, a leading global web hosting platform with a growing portfolio of over 30 brands, is pleased to announce its acquisition of FastComet, a global hosting provider with a strong reputation for developer-friendly features, performance-first infrastructure, and exceptional customer care.

Founded by Georgi Yanev in 2013, today FastComet provides hosting services to 32,000 customers, primarily developers and small businesses, across 100 countries. With a global footprint that includes 2,500+ servers, approximately 135,000 hosted websites, FastComet brings both scale and specialization to the World Host Group portfolio. Partnering with FastComet will enable World Host Group to augment its key technology and talent, for the benefit of its customers. FastComet will continue to operate under its trusted brand while gaining access to World Host Group's shared infrastructure, expanded global reach, and product innovation roadmap.

"This acquisition continues World Host Group's commitment to redefining hosting through trust, innovation, and service excellence, and I'm super excited to welcome the FastComet team and brand to World Host Group. I've been very impressed with Georgi and everyone we've dealt with over the last few months and looking forward to what we can do together," said Seb de Lemos, CEO of World Host Group.

"FastComet have brilliantly optimised hosting, with some top quality internal tooling such as Observer, which we'll be able to roll out throughout WHG," said de Lemos. "We've got deep roots in Bulgaria, and we'll be combining the FastComet teams with our wider teams in Plovdiv and Sofia."

"FastComet has always been about empowering people to build their online presence with speed, simplicity, and reliability. From day one, we've believed that great service means more than uptime  it's about showing up as real people and solving technical problems in ways that make sense, even for those who aren't technical," says Georgi Yanov, CEO of FastComet. "In WHG, we've found a partner who shares these values, making this the natural next step in our mission  to scale what we do best while remaining grounded in the principles our customers trust."

What This Means for FastComet Customers

Customers of FastComet will benefit from significant near-term and long-term enhancements, including:

Global Infrastructure Access: Integration into WHG's 13+ world-class data centers, boosting performance and reach.

Support Investment: Expansion of FastComet's signature 24/7 support with new trust and security teams across key regions.

Developer & Agency Tools: Rollout of next-gen agency collaboration tools, bulk management systems, and more streamlined user experiences.

Sustainable Innovation: Fast-tracked infrastructure modernization and commitment to long-term product investments.

Building the Future of Hosting  Together

World Host Group's "buy and build" philosophy centers around empowering great teams to keep doing what they do bestwhile accelerating their growth with shared technology, investment, and community.

"We don't just acquire brandswe partner with people who care deeply about their customers and have built something special," said de Lemos. "FastComet fits this vision perfectly."

As part of the roadmap, WHG is investing in new user experiences across its brandsincluding a reimagined control panel, set to launch in April 2025, which will reshape how developers and business owners interact with their hosting environments.

About World Host Group

Led by experienced hosting entrepreneurs, World Host Group is a global hosting platform that manages a network of trusted brands, serving more than 700,000 customers worldwide. Its mission: build the world's most trusted hosting group by combining performance, transparency, and transformative product experiences.

Learn more at worldhost.group.

About FastComet

Launched in 2013, FastComet is a global web hosting company known for its developer-first approach, exceptional customer support, and high-performance technology. With 85+ employees, customers in over 100 countries, and a dedication to excellence, FastComet has built a loyal following among businesses and agencies alike.

Learn more at fastcomet.com.

SOURCE World Host Group
Innovative new Colorado Justice program allows Paraprofessionals to perform many tasks traditionally performed by attorneys with reduced costs

DENVER, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zalessky Law Group , a Denver-based practice focused on estates, family law, and personal injury, announced today the addition of registered Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) services to their client representation options.

The team at Zelessky Law Group (l to r): Pennie Helgevold, Kree Iraldo, Shannara Quisell, Maria Zalessky, Taylor Hartin and Jeanine Beyer. Jeanine Beyer, Licensed Legal Paraprofessional at Zalessky Law Group

In March 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court adopted a program unique to the Colorado justice system: licensing paraprofessionals in addition to attorneys to represent litigants in family law matters in the state's courts. There are fewer than 150 LLPs certified in Colorado, and ZLG is one of the first firms to offer this option for Clients with limited funds. Like lawyers, LLPs have extensive experience: they must have more than 1,500 hours of paralegal experience, at least 500 hours of experience in family law, and pass a bar exam before they are sworn in before the Colorado Supreme Court. Colorado's first cohort of LLPs graduated less than a year ago.

ZLG's certified Paraprofessional is Jeanine Beyer , the Managing Paralegal at ZLG since its founding. Ms Beyer has over sixteen years of legal experience and worked with ZLG's founder Maria Zalessky at previous firms for more than seven years, making her the best candidate for the program. Ms Beyer's specialty is family law, but she also has many years experience in probate and personal injury. Ms Beyer graduated from Everest College and earned her LLP certificate from Community College of Denver, one of the few providers in the program. She was sworn in as an LLP in January of this year. As a registered LLP, Jeanine will be able to provide representation for family law clients in all court filings and mediation.

"The Licensed Legal Paraprofessional program opens up great possibilities for clients who need legal assistance, but do not require litigation, or an attorney," said Maria Zalessky, Founding Partner of Zalessky Law Group. "Much of family law revolves around filing documents, forms, mediating agreements, modifying parenting orders, and other paperwork that doesn't require the time or hourly rate of an attorney. Using an LLP for these tasks reduces the overall cost for clients while maintaining the same quality of service. One of our core values at ZLG is access to justice. We are excited that ZLG can offer this new option which allows clients to access the representation they need, at a reduced cost overall."

Certified LLP's can perform legal tasks for clients at a significant discount for services, roughly two-thirds the price of an attorney. Using an LLP for some - if not all - of the components of their case can allow clients to access the legal assistance they need at a budget that they can afford. Clients can be confident that an LLP has the necessary skill and expertise to get their case to the optimal resolution.

"Of course, every case has its specific needs," added Ms. Zalessky. "If a case starts as an LLP matter and requires an attorney down the line, we can accommodate that. Our attorneys are always available to answer legal questions, provide legal advice, and jump into hearings as needed. But not everyone needs full litigation and I'm so glad the Colorado legislature carved out this position to help those borderline cases. Personally, I've worked with Jeanine for almost a decade and I've seen her rescue cases with her insight, judgment, and case knowledge. If I needed an LLP to handle my personal cases, I would feel lucky to have Jeanine."

"I have always been committed to expanding the access of families and individuals in need to legal advice and assistance," said Ms. Beyer. "So many people are in need of legal services but are unable to pay the fees of attorneys; the LLP program offers a lower cost way to address the needs of our community, and allows people to get the legal help they deserve."

Clients in need of legal representation who would like to explore the options and possibilities of utilizing an LLC in their family law matter are welcome to reach out to the team at ZLG to schedule a consultation.

ABOUT ZALESSKY LAW GROUP, LLC: Zalessky Law Group is a boutique law firm focused on helping people through their toughest times with empathy and respect. Zalessky Law Group was founded in 2023 by Maria Zalessky, who built the Probate division of her former law firm before launching her own firm. Zalessky Law prioritizes empathy in difficult times, providing comprehensive legal support in Family Law, Probate, Estate Administration, Estate Planning & Personal Injury. ZLG stands as a pillar of support & justice for its clients. For more information visit: www.ZalesskyLaw.com

Media Contact:

April Roberts

[email protected]

347-330-7391

SOURCE Zalessky Law Group
The QKS Group SPARK Matrix provides competitive analysis & ranking of the leading In-App Protection vendors.

Zimperium, with its comprehensive technology for In-App Protection, has received strong ratings across the parameters of technology excellence and customer impact.

DALLAS, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- QKS Group announced today that it has named Zimperium as a 2025 technology leader in the SPARK Matrix: In-App Protection, 2025.

Ayush Patidar, Analyst at QKS Group, states, "Zimperium MAPS delivers a robust, end-to-end mobile application security by combining advanced threat detection, runtime protection, and DevSecOps integration in a single platform. Its flexible app shielding options and real-time threat intelligence helps organizations to secure mobile apps without disrupting development cycles". "This comprehensive approach makes Zimperium a preferred choice for securing mobile-first businesses across regulated industries." adds Ayush.

The QKS Group SPARK Matrix includes a detailed analysis of the global market dynamics, major trends, vendor landscape, and competitive positioning. The study also provides a competitive analysis and ranking of the In-App Protection providers in the form of the SPARK Matrix. The study also provides strategic information for users to evaluate different vendor capabilities, competitive differentiation, and market positions.

"Zimperium's recognition as the leader in the 2025 SPARK Matrix for In-App Protection reinforces the critical need for continuous, embedded security throughout the entire app lifecycle," said Krishna Vishnubhotla, Vice President of Product Strategy at Zimperium. "Our AI-powered protection is purpose-built for mobile, automatically defending against reverse engineering, app tampering, and on-device threatswithout impacting release cycles. The ability to update in-app threat detection and response over the air is a key differentiator, enabling organizations to stay ahead of evolving threats and maintain persistent protection."

Additional Resources:

About Zimperium

Zimperium is the world leader in mobile security. Purpose-built for mobile environments, Zimperium provides unparalleled protection for mobile applications and mobile devices, leveraging AI-driven, autonomous mobile security to counter evolving threats including mobile-targeted phishing (mishing), mobile malware, mobile app vulnerabilities and compromise, as well as zero-day mobile threats. As cybercriminals adopt a mobile-first attack strategy, Zimperium helps organizations stay ahead with proactive, unmatched protection of the mobile apps that run your business and the mobile devices relied upon by your employees. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Zimperium is backed by Liberty Strategic Capital and SoftBank. Learn more at www.zimperium.com

Media Contact-

Sena McGrand

ICR for Zimperium

[email protected]

About QKS Group

QKS Group is a global advisory and consulting firm focused on helping clients achieve business transformation goals with Strategic Business and Growth advisory services. At QKS Group, our vision is to become an integral part of our client's business as a strategic knowledge partner. Our research and consulting deliverables are designed to provide comprehensive information and strategic insights for helping clients formulate growth strategies to survive and thrive in ever-changing business environments.

For more available research, please visit Research

Media Contacts:

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SOURCE QKS Group
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Johannesberg, April 24 : Countries worldwide have to work together to address food insecurity, climate volatility, and systemic exclusion, which continue to threaten the stability of global food systems, said a South African official.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen made the remarks on Wednesday in Durban at the G20 Agriculture Working Group meeting, running from Wednesday to Friday.

He said South Africa is facing rising input costs, unpredictable climate shocks, and constrained fiscal spaces.

Steenhuisen said the solution lies in technology and innovation transfer, particularly to bridge the gap between those who invent and those who need access to those inventions.

Countries have to build systems that can feed the world without destroying the ecosystems that support them, he added.

Steenhuisen highlighted the urgent pressures that keep agricultural stakeholders awake at night, including the increasing frequency of devastating animal and plant diseases, the worsening impacts of climate change, persistent poverty and high levels of hunger.

"South Africa is committed to an approach that is inclusive, transparent, and focused on action. As the host country and chair of this working group, we are deeply committed to ensuring that this working group becomes a platform for collective ambition, practical collaboration, and long-term transformation," the Minister said.

The Minister said that no country could face these crises alone and called for strengthened global cooperation, built on the principles of Ubuntu, which emphasise collective action, mutual respect and shared responsibility.

"South Africa's G20 Presidency has placed Ubuntu at the heart of its four agricultural priorities for 2025, reinforcing that only through unity can sustainable solutions be achieved," Steenhuisen added.

He highlighted four areas to attain this objective. The first is promoting inclusive market participation and food security through ensuring that no farmer, trader, or community is left behind.

"We believe that if we work together, we can build a future in which agriculture feeds not just stomachs, but economies, ecosystems, and futures."

Various working groups of the G20 have been holding meetings in South Africa since the country assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year.

South Africa will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in November.
Islamabad, April 24 : Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday, after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and announced a series of immediate and strict measures in the wake of deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam targeting tourists, who were brutally killed in an ambush attack after confirming if they were Hindus or Muslims.

The tragic incident has left at least 27 Indian tourists killed while at least 17 others are injured.

Pakistan maintains that India's actions lack seriousness, asserting that Islamabad would give a strong response after the NSC emergency meeting.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar criticised India's latest announcement of suspending the IWT, shutting down the Wagah-Attari border, cancelling visas for Pakistanis, along with other measures, terming them as "unserious and inappropriate".

"India has failed to provide any evidence linking Pakistan to recent terrorist incidents and appears to be reacting out of anger. Its announcements reflect a lack of seriousness," Dar said.

"India throws the blame on Pakistan whenever it faces a crisis," he added.

In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, New Delhi announced a series of immediate measures being undertaken against Pakistan.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that decisions were taken after a briefing to the Union Cabinet about the terror attack.

"The Indus Water Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism," Misri said.

Moreover, Misri announced that the Wagah-Attari border crossing will be shut down effective immediately, a primary point of trade and civilian movement between India and Pakistan, a ban on Pakistani nationals from entering India has been imposed while those Pakistanis currently in India have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

The Indian Foreign Secretary announced that all Pakistani military advisors, including those from the Air Force, Army and Navy, stationed at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi will be expelled, given them one week to leave the country.

Moreover, India is also calling back its three military service advisors and at least five auxiliary staff members from its High Commission in Islamabad.

Misri said that it has also been decided in the Cabinet meeting that "Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas".

"Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India," he added.

India has also decided to reduce the overall strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad from 55 to 30.

India's strong reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack has prompted Pakistan to formulate its official response, for which NSC emergency meeting has been called by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

"India's statements are inappropriate, and the NSC will issue a comprehensive response," said Pakistan's Deputy PM Ishaq Dar.

"It is not appropriate to vent anger over terrorism on Pakistan. If India has any evidence instead of mere accusations, it should present it," said Dar, asserting that Pakistan would give a fitting response to New Delhi's actions.

Pakistan's Power Minister Awais Leghari termed India's announcement of suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) as a reckless act of water warfare and an illegal move.

"Every drop is ours by right, and we will defend it with full force, legally, politically, and globally," Leghari said.
Mumbai, April 24 : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Joint General Secretary Krishna Gopal has said that a form of "intolerance" was the driving force behind the recent killing of 26 people in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Gopal said that the same intolerance will also result in the downfall of those who promote it.

"A form of intolerance is driving the killings in Kashmir. One day, this intolerance will also lead to their (the ones who promote it) downfall," he added.

He also said that this intolerance develops into a sort of nationalism and has divided people across the globe.

"Nationalism has become very dangerous in Pakistan. The Baloch people say they do not want to live in Pakistan, Sindhi people say they do not want to live with Punjab. At the time of the creation of Bangladesh, they had said they were Bangla-speaking people, thus they could not live with Pakistan," the RSS leader added.

Gopal said that such kind of nationalism was the reason behind people being divided in Europe, adding that Rabindranath Tagore called it the worst word to be coined by the human brain.

Contrasting this concept with that of India's "Rashtra" concept, the RSS leader added that the Indian context is based on spiritual and cultural unity despite the nation's such vast diversity.

"Hundreds of languages, religions and lakhs of goddesses exist. But India is one...Diversity...has been managed successfully. Once we understand it, you will understand our concept of Rashtra," he said.

He also referred to the recently held Maha Kumbh Mela and termed it as a demonstration of India's spiritual unity.

Terrorists came down the hills in Baisaran, a picturesque tourist spot in Pahalgam, which is also known as 'mini Switzerland', and began firing at tourists present there on Tuesday.

The deadly attack left at least 26 people dead, mostly civilians.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, cut short his trip and returned to India early on Wednesday morning.

He chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which later announced five major punitive actions against Pakistan in response to the terror attack.

The actions include putting in abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the integrated check post at the Attari border and cutting down the overall strength of the High Commissions.
Washington, April 24 : US President Donald Trump has slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying the Ukrainian leader's statement on Crimea is "very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia".

This time the Trump-Zelensky clash was over Crimea, with the US President convinced that the region should be considered as Russian territory, while Zelensky refused to agree with him, reiterating that Ukraine will stand firm on its core principles, Xinhua news agency reported.

Trump wrote on Wednesday in a post on Truth Social that "Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"

"It's inflammatory statements like Zelensky's that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about," wrote Trump, adding that "The situation for Ukraine is dire -- He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country."

As negotiators met for the latest round of talks in London, reports suggest that the US proposal that was laid out had two key points in agreement with Moscow's stand -- the first being Kyiv officially recognising Crimea as Russian territory, and the second -- that Ukraine can never become a NATO member.

Both these points were rejected by Ukraine, which infuriated President Trump, who had already threatened to withdraw the US from negotiations over Kyiv's obstinacy.

Trump chided the Ukrainian President for not agreeing with him about Crimea now being a part of Russia.

"Crimea was lost years ago and is not even a point of discussion," President Trump asserted.

Trump also noted that the statement made by Zelensky would do nothing but prolong the "killing field" and "nobody wants that!"

"We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE," he noted.

Zelensky said on Tuesday that Kyiv is prepared to engage in talks in any format once a potential ceasefire with Russia is established, the government-run Ukrinform news agency reported.

But he stressed that Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea by Russia as it contradicts the nation's Constitution.

The exchange led to President Trump scolding President Zelensky, saying that the US is trying to stop the killing in his country.

"We are very close to a deal" for peace, Trump said, putting the blame on the Ukrainian President for being stubborn, as talks seem to be heading for a stalemate.

President Trump took to social media to post a scathing attack on Ukraine's Zelensky.

"Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal that, 'Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. There's nothing to talk about here.' This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Russia seized control of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 without any significant resistance from Ukraine at the time.

The move was condemned by several nations, with only a handful of countries recognising Russia's claim to Crimea.

Meanwhile, echoing Donald Trump's sentiment, US Vice President J.D. Vance said it was time for Russia and Ukraine to either agree to the US peace proposal "or for the US to walk away from the process entirely".

Vance said that America's proposal called for freezing territorial lines "at some level close to where they are today" and a "long-term diplomatic settlement that hopefully will lead to long-term peace".

He went on to say that "The only way to really stop the killing is for the armies to both put down their weapons, and to freeze this thing".

In response to the US Vice President, Zelensky's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, wrote in a post on X that he made it clear to US negotiator Steve Witkoff in London that Ukraine "will stand firm on its core principles during the negotiations" that relate to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Since taking office in January, Trump has sharply altered the US approach to the Ukraine war.

Instead of punishing moves against Russia like his predecessor Joe Biden, Washington is now pressing Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, even if it is unacceptable to Kyiv.

The US is seemingly in a hurry to broker a deal -- any deal -- irrespective of whether it may be a good one for Russia or a good one for Ukraine.

President Trump, who had pledged to "end the Russia-Ukraine war in days", wants to be seen as a power broker for peace globally.

Meanwhile, ever since Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's phone call and Washington's foreign policy tilt towards Moscow, European nations have scrambled to find ways to support Kyiv, which finds itself staring at an increasingly uncertain future.
Brussels, April 24 : The European Union (EU) is set to reinforce its Schengen border-free zone as previous efforts have resulted in a significant decline in irregular crossings in 2024, the European Commission said.

"Intensified EU efforts have led to a decline in irregular crossings at Schengen's external borders, with around 240,000 detections (in 2024) - the lowest since 2021," the report said on Wednesday.

This also represents a 38 per cent drop in irregular crossings since 2023, Xinhua news agency reported.

The EU will continue to strengthen the political and operational governance of Schengen, accelerate the implementation of digitalisation to prevent security risks, enhance cooperation among law enforcement authorities, and deepen relations with partner countries to improve border protection.

It also plans to improve the effectiveness of measures to return those who do not have a legal right to stay in the EU, after a nearly 12 per cent increase in returns of third-country nationals in 2024.

"Schengen will continue to evolve, adapt to new realities and respond to the shifting geopolitical landscape," the report said.

The Schengen area, which was created 40 years ago, covers a population of nearly 420 million people and includes 29 countries.

These include most EU members and all members of the European Free Trade Association: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

However, in recent years, 10 Schengen countries have reintroduced temporary border controls at internal borders, claiming that this was necessary to curb illegal migration.

According to the Commission, Schengen was "once again the world's most visited destination in 2024, welcoming more than half a billion visitors and driving economic growth across the Union".

The Schengen area is one of the pillars of the European project. Since its creation in 1995, when passport controls were abolished inside this zone, EU citizens have enjoyed the right to freedom of movement. This means that they can live, study, work and retire anywhere in the EU. Tourists and businesses also benefit from these rights.

The Schengen rules abolish internal border controls, while harmonising and reinforcing protection of the area's external borders. Once inside the Schengen area, people can travel from one country to another without being subjected to border checks. However, national authorities may check people at or close to internal borders if police information and experience warrant stepping up surveillance temporarily.
Moscow, April 24 : Russia has announced that it will elevate the Afghan diplomatic mission in Moscow to ambassador level, a latest move to further strengthen bilateral relations with the Taliban authorities.

Moscow has taken steps to normalise relations with the Islamist Taliban administration since the group seized power in Afghanistan in 2021 after the withdrawal of US troops, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that Russian officials had held talks with Afghanistan's Foreign and Internal Ministers.

"Representatives of the Afghan leadership were informed that in support of the decision announced by the Russian Supreme Court to suspend the ban on the activities of the Taliban movement, the Russian side has decided to raise the level of the Afghan diplomatic mission in Moscow to ambassador," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Russian Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, has met with Afghan Foreign and Interior Ministers and informed them of the decision, the Ministry added.

The Russian side was represented by Zamir Kabulov, Russiaas presidential envoy for Afghanistan, and Dmitry Zhirnov, Moscowas ambassador to Kabul, it said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry added that the Afghan side "expressed their deep gratitude for this step".

Russia sees a potential economic partner in the Taliban authorities, who praised Moscow for scrapping the "terrorism" label last week.

Taliban officials have visited Russia for high-profile events in recent years.

Russia's decision to suspend the ban on the group does not equal a formal recognition for the Taliban authorities, which are seeking international legitimacy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that "the new authorities in Kabul are a reality".

"We need to take this into account in order to carry out pragmatic, not ideologised policy," the Minister told journalists.

The Afghan government is not officially recognised by any country or world body and the United Nations refers to the administration as the "Taliban de facto authorities".

Last week, Russia removed Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations and suspended the ban on the activities of the Taliban in Russia.

The move came as Russian lawmakers voted in December last year to adopt a bill on introducing a mechanism to suspend bans on the activities of terror groups.
Kyiv, April 24 : Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that the Ukrainian delegation reaffirmed Kyiv's commitment to the peace efforts led by the US side during a meeting with European national security and foreign policy advisers in London.

"We reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to peace efforts led by US President Donald Trump and our willingness to move forward toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace," Sybiha said on Wednesday in a statement released by the Foreign Ministry.

He described as "meaningful" the conversation between the Ukrainian delegation, which also included head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and national security and foreign policy advisers from the UK, France and Germany, Xinhua news agency reported.

Peace efforts were also the centrepiece of the meeting between Sybiha, Umerov and their British counterparts -- Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey, the statement said.

The Ukrainian team also held talks with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, with the parties making a "constructive exchange of views on the path to peace," according to the statement.

"Today's meetings helped coordinate positions and reaffirm our strong commitment to lasting peace and security not only in Ukraine, but throughout Europe and the transatlantic space," Sybiha noted.

"Ukraine wants the war to end more than anyone else in the world. We are committed to working together to achieve this goal."The London meeting, originally intended as a ministerial-level summit involving the US, the UK, Germany, France, and Ukraine, was notably downgraded after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff declined to participate.

Rubio pulled out after Ukraine submitted a document to European partners on April 22 declaring it would not enter talks on territorial issues until Russia agrees to a "full and unconditional ceasefire".

Following the meetings in London, Ukrainian Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak reiterated Kyiv's position, saying, "An immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire should be the first step towards the start of negotiations on achieving a just and lasting peace."

Yermak also emphasised that Ukraine would defend its "principled positions," which form the basis of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Despite the absence of Rubio and Witkoff, the UK Foreign Ministry said "significant progress was made on reaching a common position," and that all parties reaffirmed support for US President Donald Trump's stated commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace.

The meeting followed a summit in Paris on April 17, where senior Trump administration officials outlined a controversial peace proposal to Ukrainian and European delegates.

The plan reportedly includes recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and a ban on Ukraine's NATO membership -- two central demands by the Kremlin.

Ukraine's leadership has firmly rejected any deal that concedes sovereign territory.

"This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday.

The US President denied that Ukraine is being pressured to accept the Crimea clause, writing on Truth Social: "Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory."

Trump also argued that "even before the annexation of Crimea, major Russian submarine bases" were present there, and accused Zelensky of inflaming tensions with rhetoric that complicates peace efforts.

Despite Trump's repeated claims of progress, Russia has rejected a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and continues offensive operations.

Putin declared a symbolic one-day Easter truce on April 19, which Ukraine reported was violated around 3,000 times.

Kyiv has separately proposed a 30-day ceasefire focused on halting long-range drone and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure, which the Kremlin has said it will "look into".

While Trump has repeatedly pledged to end the war swiftly and expressed frustration with Russia's refusal to de-escalate, the US President has yet to impose new sanctions or take punitive measures in response to Moscow's ongoing invasion.
Ramallah, April 24 : A 12-year-old Palestinian boy was killed during clashes with the Israeli army in the town of Yamoun, southwest of Jenin in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry identified the boy as Mahmoud Abu al-Haija, without providing further details.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a press statement that its workers transferred the body of the boy, who "was shot in the cheek and abdomen with live ammunition," to Jenin Governmental Hospital.

Local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli military vehicles raided the town, prompting clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian youths, during which Israeli soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas canisters.

In a separate development, eight Palestinians were injured, including one by gunfire, and three agricultural structures were burned in attacks by Israeli settlers in the town of Sinjil, north of Ramallah, according to Palestinian security sources.

The sources told Xinhua that Israeli forces prevented civil defence and ambulance teams from reaching the injured and extinguishing the fires, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a press statement, the Sinjil Village Council urged residents to head to the affected area to confront the settlers and prevent further attempts to seize their land.

So far there has been no comment from the Israeli side regarding these incidents.

Tension has been high in the occupied West Bank, where more than 956 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,000 injured since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, according to Palestinian figures.

In July 2024, the International Court of Justice declared Israel's decades-long occupation of Palestinian land illegal and demanded the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In 2024, Israeli forces and settlers killed at least 93 Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank, according to documentation collected by DCIP.

Israeli forces and settlers shot and killed 71 Palestinian children with live ammunition, 17 Palestinian children were killed in drone strikes, three Palestinian children were killed in an Israeli warplane airstrike, one child was killed by Israeli-fired ground shell, and one child was killed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) left behind by Israeli forces.
Kyiv, April 24 : At least 12 people were injured in Russia's airstrike on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv early Thursday morning, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

In a post shared on Telegram, Kyiv's military authorities confirmed the attack and urged citizens to take shelter immediately, citing damage in at least two districts, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Sviatoshynskyi district suffered the most from the enemy attack," said the Mayor on Telegram, adding that all the victims have been hospitalised.

Debris from intercepted projectiles damaged non-residential buildings in the central Shevchenkivskyi district and western Svyatoshynkyi district, and rescuers have headed to the scene, the Mayor added.

The noise of flying drones accompanied the missile strikes, raising concerns over a possible combined aerial assault.

City Mayor Klitschko later confirmed that a three-year-old child had been taken to the hospital following the attack. The extent of the injuries has not been disclosed.

This marks the second major missile strike on Kyiv in April, following a previous attack on April 5, which left at least three people wounded.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv has faced intermittent but destructive missile barrages, targeting both military and civilian zones.

Authorities have reiterated the importance of staying in shelters during air raid alerts and avoiding outdoor activity during drone or missile warnings.

While no official death toll has been announced from Thursday's attack, the psychological and infrastructural toll continues to mount, with residents facing constant fear and uncertainty.

The renewed attack adds to growing concerns about a possible escalation in Russian military actions, especially as Ukrainian forces brace for counter-offensives in contested regions.

At least nine people were killed and 30 others injured on Wednesday in a Russian drone strike in the city of Marhanets in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region, according to oblast governor Sergii Lysak.

Lysak wrote in a post on Telegram that a kamikaze drone hit a bus carrying workers of a local enterprise.

Ukraine's prosecutor general's office has launched an investigation into the attack.

There was no comment from Russia yet. a

With the war now in its third year, the international community remains on edge, watching closely as Kyiv continues to endure relentless assaults.
Los Angeles, April 24 : Hollywood star Andrew Garfield had tears in his eyes as he honoured family members who are believed to have perished in the Holocaust.

The 41-year-old actor delved into his family history for an episode of genealogy series 'Who Do You Think You Are?' and he traced his roots back to Poland revealing his Jewish great-grandfather Ludwig Garfinkel managed to flee to London in 1910, but three of Ludwig's sisters stayed behind and are believed to have been murdered at Nazi death camp Treblinka, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The actor visited the site of Treblinka and wept as he placed three stones on a memorial dedicated to all those from the family's hometown of Kielce who were killed at the camp.

The actor explained: "This is a memorial stone for the Jews from Kielce that met their ultimate fate here in Treblinka, which my great-grandfather's three sisters, we imagine, had to have been murdered.

"Szajndia, Dworja, Basia. Their lives were deemed so valueless and the Nazis attempted to erase even the memory of them, even their names, even any record of them.

"And they had succeeded in certain ways. They were just normal girls, they were just normal women who just wanted a life, they wanted to live, to thrive, but this journey that we've been on has recovered my memory of them and my family's memory of them and I'm grateful for that.

"I wish I had known you better, I wish you peace."

The episode also followed the "Spider Man" star's great-great- grandmother Chaja, who escaped the Holocaust by moving to Brazil in 1936 to join her daughter Ruchla.

It was revealed that Ruchla's husband was the cousin of Wadysaw Szpilman, the Jewish musician whose story was told in Oscar-winning movie 'The Pianist' starring Adrian Brody.

It comes after the actor recently shared he now feels an urgent need to live life as "fully" as possible.

He told Variety: "I've been initiated recently into a new visceral understanding of how short this visit is on this planet, in this body. And I feel this crazy new urgency."

His entire outlook on life has shifted in recent years, with the actor explaining that he now wants to do things that "speak to (his) soul".

The Hollywood star added: "I only want to do the things that speak to my soul. Culturally, right now, there's so much numbness and lack of awareness of how life matters and that we all have a soul."
Jaipur, April 24 : Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, former CM Ashok Gehlot, among many others, paid floral tributes to Neeraj Udhwani, a 33-year-old resident of Jaipur, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

The assailants shot Neeraj in front of his wife, Ayushi, during the attack. Neerajas body was flown to Jaipur by an Indigo flight, arriving at 8.15 p.m. on Wednesday. His last rites will be performed on Thursday at the Jhalana crematorium, where the district administration has made full arrangements.

A heavy police deployment of over 150 personnel has been made outside Neeraj's residence in Forest View Residency, Model Town (Malviya Nagar), to manage the large number of mourners and dignitaries expected to visit.

CM Sharma and other leaders expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

Several other leaders, including Deputy CM Diya Kumari, Premchand Bairwa, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Kumawat, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Julie, and PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasara, have already visited the residence to offer condolences.

According to family sources, Neeraj and Ayushi had travelled to Kashmir after attending a wedding in Shimla.

Neeraj, a chartered accountant based in Dubai, had taken a brief holiday with his wife. The couple were married in February 2023 at Bhanwar Singh Palace, Pushkar.

After the attack, Ayushi contacted Neerajas elder brother, Kishore Udhwani, informing him of the tragedy. Kishore and his wife Shubhi, both Income Tax Inspectors, immediately departed for Kashmir. Neerajas uncle, Dinesh Udhwani, confirmed that Neeraj had been working in Dubai and had returned to Jaipur for a visit during Makar Sankranti three months ago.

On Wednesday night, several leaders, including Industry Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and other BJP and Congress representatives, were present at the Jaipur airport to pay their respects.

This senseless act of violence has not only devastated the Udhwani family but also sparked an outpouring of grief across Jaipur and beyond.

Neeraj's mother, Jyoti, said, "If the government wants to get justice for my child, then kill these terrorists on the spot in front of everyone. So that no mother loses her child this way. My child never even killed a mosquito, but he was killed so brutally. God will never forgive them. My pain will not end until these terrorists are killed."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, chairs the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.. Image Source: IANS

New Delhi, April 24 : In a strong diplomatic offensive following the brutal Pahalgam terror attack in J&K, India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan's top diplomat in New Delhi, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and handed over a formal Persona Non Grata note for all its military attaches, sources said.

The move comes after 26 people were killed and many others injured in the deadly assault that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed a "cowardly attack on innocent civilians."

The attack, believed to be orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front, has triggered a series of sweeping retaliatory actions from India.

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which lasted over two hours and was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, among others.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) outlined a series of measures aimed at directly targeting Pakistan's diplomatic, economic, and military linkages with India.

India has declared Pakistan's Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors posted in the High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. The expelled officials have been ordered to leave Indian territory within a week. Simultaneously, India is withdrawing its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, annulling all such diplomatic postings. Five supporting staff associated with these positions will also be recalled from both sides.

In a historic move, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, marking the first time the landmark agreement has been placed in abeyance. The MEA confirmed that the decision will stay in effect until Pakistan takes verifiable steps to end its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.

Further escalating the diplomatic standoff, India has announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a vital land route between the two nations. Pakistani nationals currently in India with valid travel documents have been directed to return home via the ICP by May 1, 2025. Post this deadline, all overland travel between the countries will be suspended indefinitely.

In another major step, Pakistani citizens will no longer be allowed entry into India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). All previously issued SVES visas to Pakistani nationals have been revoked, and those in India under the scheme have been given 48 hours to leave.

Additionally, both countries will reduce their respective High Commission staff strength from 55 to 30 by May 1, as part of a reciprocal measure to scale down diplomatic presence and limit bilateral interaction.

The CCS has also directed Indian armed forces and security agencies to remain on the highest level of alert in view of the continuing threat. Officials said the hunt for the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack has intensified, with a fresh National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on the ground.

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, India reiterated its commitment to hold not just the perpetrators but also their sponsors accountable. Citing recent extraditions like that of Tahawwur Rana, officials said the country would continue its global diplomatic efforts to bring all individuals involved in anti-India terror activities to justice.
Lucknow, April 24 : In a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, senior Sunni cleric and Imam of Aishbagh Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, on Thursday called on the people of Pakistan to rise against their government and military for facilitating acts of terror on Indian soil.

The remarks come after 26 people, most of them tourists, were gunned down in a brutal targeted terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam on Tuesday.

The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based terror outfit and offshoot of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba, is suspected to be behind the massacre.

Speaking to IANS, Firangi Mahali said, "The people of Pakistan should understand that no one will support such activities. They should raise their voices against their own government and army, which are encouraging these acts of terrorism."

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced a series of stringent measures in response to the attack.

These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistan's military attaches from New Delhi and a reduction in diplomatic staff at both High Commissions.

Calling these actions "necessary and timely," Firangi Mahali stated, "The horrific incident of terrorism in Pahalgam has been condemned in the harshest terms. This tragic event has shaken the entire country. The steps taken by the Government of India -- whether on the water agreement, diplomatic expulsions, or visa cancellations -- are absolutely appropriate."

Appealing for national unity, he urged political parties to come together on a single platform in support of the government's decisions.

"This is not the time for political division. All parties must stand united so that a positive image of national solidarity is conveyed internationally," he said.

The cleric also warned against communalising the tragedy. "My appeal to fellow Indians is not to view this terror incident through a religious lens. No religion condones violence or terrorism," he said.

"Some of the posts circulating on social media are sending out a very negative message. In this hour of crisis, every Indian -- regardless of religion or political affiliation -- must stand together," he added.
Seoul, April 24 : Lotte Biologics, the biotech arm of Lotte Group, said on Thursday it has signed a deal with an Asia-based biotech company for the production of a clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate.

The contract marks the first official step toward the full-scale operation of the company's ADC manufacturing facility at the Syracuse Bio Campus in New York, which has been undergoing expansion since 2023, the company said in a press release.

Lotte Biologics has invested US$100 million to build the ADC manufacturing facility within its existing U.S. plant, reports Yonhap news agency.

An ADC is a targeted cancer therapy that delivers powerful medicine directly to cancer cells.

Through this deal, Lotte Biologics plans to launch its ADC contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services, aiming to meet a wide range of client needs, from clinical development to commercial production.

"With this contract as a starting point, we will ensure a stable supply of high-quality ADC therapeutics and strengthen our position in the global market, not only as an antibody manufacturer, but also as a CDMO specializing in ADCs," the company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Park said in the release.

A CDMO is a company that offers end-to-end services, from drug research and development to commercial-scale manufacturing.

Lotte Biologics acquired its U.S. plant from Bristol Myers Squibb in 2022.

In addition to the U.S. facility, the company is constructing its first domestic plant in Incheon, about 35 kilometers west of Seoul. The new facility is expected to begin operations in 2027.

With its expanding infrastructure, Lotte Biologics aims to achieve 1.5 trillion won ($1.05 billion) in sales by 2030 and become one of the world's top 10 CDMOs. The company reported 234.4 billion won in sales last year, said the report.

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Jaipur, April 24 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said on Thursday the country will avenge every drop of blood shed in Pahalgam, where terrorists killed 26 tourists, including Neeraj Udhwani (33) of Jaipur.

CM Sharma paid his floral tributes to the mortal remains of Udhwani, which reached the city Wednesday night.

"This is a heart-wrenching tragedy. The culprits behind this heinous act will not be spared," CM Sharma stated.

"The entire nation stands united in anger and sorrow. We will avenge every drop of blood that was shed in this attack," he said.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, calling for stricter actions and tougher decisions to combat terrorism.

"The people are extremely disturbed and angry. Hard decisions have already been taken, and even tougher ones will follow if necessary," CM Sharma said.

"Amid security concerns, some tough decisions have already been taken. The Indus Water Treaty has been suspended. This is the need of the hour...The sentiments of our countrymen must be respected, and national security will always come first," he said.

People gathered in large numbers to pay their respects, and queues formed outside the residence of Neeraj Udhwani, who was shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam.

Offering condolences, an official added, "I pray to God to give strength and support to Neeraj's family in this unimaginable time of grief."

Neeraj's last rites will be held at the Jhalana crematorium in Jaipur, with state leaders and local citizens present in solidarity.

The nation continues to grieve the loss of an innocent life to terror, and pledges to stand strong against such cowardly acts. Strong reactions have poured in from across the state and the country. Leaders and citizens alike have condemned the attack, calling it a barbaric act that has shaken the nation.

Many senior leaders like Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekahwat, Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, state Ministers Rajyawardhan Singh Rathore, former CM Ashok Gehlot, among many others, expressed their condolences and paid tributes.
New York, April 24 : US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expects India to strike the first trade deal with Washington because the issues are simpler, making an agreement "much easier."

He said on Wednesday that trade talks were "very close" to reaching a deal.

India has "fewer non-tariff trade barriers, obviously, no currency manipulation, very, very little government subsidies, so that reaching a deal with the Indians is much easier," he told a group of journalists at a restricted meeting in Washington on the sidelines of the Spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

The trade issues with India were mostly about high tariffs, he said, according to reports by participants in the meeting.

US Vice President J.D. Vance, who is in India and held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on trade issues this week, had earlier indicated that substantial progress had been made.

Speaking in Jaipur on Tuesday, Vance said, "We're especially excited to formally announce that America and India have officially finalised the terms of reference for the trade negotiations."

"This is a vital step toward realising President (Donald) Trump and Prime Minister Modi's vision because it sets a roadmap toward a final deal between our nations. I believe there is much America and India can accomplish together."

The two leaders said they had created a roadmap for the trade talks to proceed and enable India to escape the 26 per cent tariff rate that Trump has said would take effect in July under his reciprocal tariff regime if there was no deal.

The US Vice President's office said the talks were "an opportunity to negotiate a new and modern trade agreement focused on promoting job creation and citizen well-being in both countries."

India has taken steps to cut tariffs of Harley-Davidson motorbikes and bourbon whiskey, which Trump has often spoke of, as well as other items.

New Delhi has also said that it would increase energy and defence purchases from the US.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also spoken of the importance of a trade deal with the US, pointing out that New Delhi was among the first to initiate trade negotiations with Washington.

"India's biggest and top-most trading partner is the United States of America, and that importance is not lost in today's government in India," she said on Monday at Stanford University's Hoover Institute, a conservative think tank.

At a meeting with the Indian diaspora, she said that she expected the first part of the trade deal to be completed by autumn.

The US is "our largest trading partner with whom we need to have an agreement," she said.

The bilateral trade between the two countries was $129 billion last year, with a trade surplus of $45.7 billion in India's favour.
Borderline is a lesser-known gem of the silent era. The film stars Paul Robeson (Peter) and his on-screen/off-screen wife Eslanda Robeson (Adah) playing a Black couple in the 1930s on vacation in a small Swiss town. The film centers on the aftermath of Adah cheating on Peter with one of the local men, and the hardships that put on their relationship as well as the relationship between the local man Torne and his wife Astrid. The affair also flames racial tensions within the townsfolk who frequent the bar where Adah and Peter are renting a room above.

This film is incredibly ahead of its time for being released in 1930. The themes of race and sexual relations alone would feel progressive even 50 years later. The sole feature by film critic turned director Kenneth Macpherson, Borderline was filmed in Switzerland to avoid censorship by the British government for portraying racial issues as well as for the violence and sexual themes in the plot. Macpherson was a member of The Pool Group, an art collective that included poets and film critics. They started a small film journal called Close-Up covering their contemporaries and dissected film as an art form and the politics surrounding it.

The Performances of the Robesons are phenomenal. Paul Robeson, mostly known for collaborating with early African American director Oscar Micheaux in his film Body and Soul, really feels at home in this experimental film utilizing many techniques featured in the Soviet Montage films of Sergei Eisenstein. While the shots are frenetic and fast cutting, Robesons portrayal is down to earth and understated, which for a silent film is hard to pull off, being that most films at the time required grand gestures to communicate the emotions of the characters so the audience can understand what's going on. The performance by Robeson and the montage-style editing make Borderline itself worth every penny.

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Kino Lorber's single-disc release of Borderline comes packaged in a standard blue Blu-ray case with no extra booklet inside, just a brief description of the film on the back cover. The front cover is the best part of this packaging, featuring a very cool cover design that collages the main actors faces together in a style that really evokes the rapid-cut montages featured in the film.
Chennai, April 24 : National Award-winning music director D Imman, who has delivered several chartbusters in Tamil cinema, has expressed heartbreak at the dastardly terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

Taking to his Instagram timeline, D Imman wrote, "Prayers for peace and healing" and shared a poster that read,"What's happening in Kashmir is heartbreaking. Innocent people don't deserve this. Praying for peace and strength to the families."

The attack has left the whole country feeling shocked and outraged. Music director Imman was not the only one who expressed solidarity with the families of the victims.

Several other film celebrities from the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada film industries too have condemned the dastardly attack, which has also come in for international condmenation.

Actor Kamal Haasan was among the first to condemn the attack. Taking to his X timeline, he wrote, "I strongly condemn the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and I wish strength and recovery to the injured. India stands united a" in grief, in resolve, and in our commitment to uphold law, order, and national security."

Malayalam superstar Mammootty said, "Absolutely heartbroken by the #Pahalgam terror attack. Words fall short in the face of such tragedy. Itas hard to even imagine the pain and trauma the affected families are going through right now. The entire nation stands in deep mourning, united in grief and solidarity. We place our full trust in our Armed Forces to bring justice for the brave souls we lost. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Meanwhile, five terrorists -- three Pakistani nationals and two residents of Jammu and Kashmir -- who carried out the horrific attack near Pahalgam town have been identified.

The terrorists involved in Tuesday's attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow asked civilians, particularly men, to prove their religion by reciting Islamic prayers or showing physical markers such as circumcision, according to a preliminary investigation by central agencies based on survivors' testimonies.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Thiruvananthapuram, April 24 : The Congress leadership in Kerala has heaved a sigh of relief after their high-stakes negotiations with P.V. Anvar, the now-resigned Nilambur legislator, ended on a conciliatory note -- despite his earlier defiance.

Top Congress leaders -- State party president K. Sudhakaran and Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan -- held talks with Anvar on Wednesday. By the end of the closed-door meeting, all three emerged smiling, a clear signal that tensions had eased.

The outcome was a crucial breakthrough for the Congress, which was facing a do-or-die battle in the upcoming Nilambur by-election.

Anvar, a two-time CPI(M)-backed independent MLA, was once close to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. But that relationship soured in the second half of 2024 after Anvar's demand for a probe against Vijayan's key aides -- political secretary P. Sasi and top police officer ADGP M.R. Ajithkumar -- was turned down. From then on, he turned sharply against the CM.

In January, Anvar stunned political circles by resigning from the Assembly, pledging support to the Congress, and announcing he would not contest the by-election. However, his expectations of a smooth entry into the Congress-led UDF were quickly dashed as internal resistance emerged. There was growing sentiment that Anvar, long treated as a political outsider since 2016, should remain so.

Amid these tensions, Anvar's overtures to the Trinamool Congress raised eyebrows and drew a stern response from both Sudhakaran and Satheesan, who made it clear that such a move was unacceptable.

At Wednesday's meeting, Anvar reportedly agreed to abide by the Congress' proposal -- his induction into the UDF would be discussed and decided at the next meeting, in consultation with all allies.

The consensus emerging from the meeting suggested that a truce had been reached. The Congress leadership appeared confident that Anvar would now follow the party line.

With Anvar pacified, the Congress must now finalize its candidate for Nilambur. Two names are in the fray -- Aryadan Shoukath and V.S. Joy -- both staking their claim to the party ticket.

Nilambur, located in Malappuram district, is a stronghold of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest ally in the UDF. The party's youth wing has already launched its campaign.

"Our activists have covered almost all parts of Nilambur, spreading the message that the most corrupt government under Pinarayi Vijayan must be ousted in 2026 -- and the movement should start here," said IUML youth wing members.

"The candidate is the Congress's choice, and whoever it is, we will back them fully. That's why we've already hit the ground."

In 2016, Anvar had won Nilambur by over 10,000 votes, but his margin shrank to under 3,000 in 2021. This time, he has predicted a landslide victory for the Congress candidate.
Mumbai, April 24 : Actress Bhagyashree has strongly responded to a social media user who questioned Pakistan's involvement in the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

The 'Maine Pyar Kiya' actress didn't hold back as she called out the comment, emphasizing the need to stand united against terrorism rather than dilute accountability with speculative narratives. Reacting to a post that suggested Pakistan had "nothing to gain" from the incident and accused India of using the attack to justify repression in Kashmir, Bhagyashree did not mince words. "Who is this brainless idiot, and how dare he!" she wrote, slamming the user's justification.

Bhagyashree added, "Kashmir was flourishing after a long time in the history of Kashmir, the locals were actually happy they were living in peace, making money, people were venturing outside without fear, and they felt as safe as Indians anywhere else do. They need to feel this again. Kill those bastards that shook up that peace."

The user's comment read, "The Pahalgam attack raises more questions than answers. Pakistan stands to gain nothing-militarily, territorially, diplomatically, or strategicallyfrom such an act. The victims were unarmed civilians, not military targets which rules out any tactical benefit, instead this incident directly supports India's long-standing narrative against Pakistan and gives Delhi fresh justification to escalate repression in Kashmir under the guise of counterterrorism."

The actress reshared the user's post on her Instagram stories. The recent terror attack has sparked widespread outrage and grief within the Indian film industry, with many prominent celebrities speaking out in firm condemnation. Stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Sidharth Malhotra, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Nani, NTR Jr., Allu Arjun, and more have voiced their deep sorrow and anger over the tragic incident.

Shah Rukh Khan voiced his shock and anger in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In a moving social media post, Khan condemned the "betrayal and brutal act of violence" that has shaken the region, calling for justice and solidarity in the aftermath of the tragic event.

He wrote, "Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam. In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we as a Nation, stand united, strong and get justice against this heinous act."

A terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 resulted in the tragic loss of around 28 lives, mostly tourists, who were ruthlessly shot down.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pays his last respects to Bharat Bhushan, who was killed by terrorists in Pahalgam, in Bengaluru on Thursday, April 24, 2025.. Image Source: IANS

Bengaluru, April 24 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday visited the residence of 35-year-old Bharat Bhushan, in Mathikere, Bengaluru, who was shot dead in front of his family by terrorists in Pahalgam and paid his final respects.

Offering condolences on behalf of all Kannadigas to Bharat Bhushan, the Chief Minister said it is extremely unfortunate that a young, well-educated man like him became a victim of a terror strike.

He strongly condemned the attack as a barbaric and inhuman act.

To facilitate the safe return of Kannada-speaking individuals stranded in Kashmir and to bring back the mortal remains of the deceased, Labour Minister Santosh Lad and a team of officials were immediately dispatched. So far, 175 Kannadigas have been safely brought back to the state.

"It is the government's duty to protect Kannadigas in difficult times," the CM stated.

The Karnataka government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the Kannadigas who lost their lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, he added.

"It is the government's responsibility to completely eradicate terrorism. Our government extends full support to the Centre in eliminating terrorist activities in the country," CM Siddaramaiah said.

"Killing innocent people in broad daylight and in front of their families is a heinous crime. Similar to the past Pulwama and Balakot incidents, this is a recurrence. Intelligence failure at the Central level may have contributed to this incident as well," he observed.

The Chief Minister has directed officials to make necessary arrangements for conducting the final rites of Manjunath Rao and Bharat Bhushan with police honours.

The victims from Karnataka include Bharat Bhushan, Manjunath Rao, and Madhusudan (who had settled in Bengaluru, hailing from Andhra Pradesh). Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy has met Bharat Bhushan's family in Bengaluru, while Minister for Education Madhu Bangarappa met Manjunath Rao's family in Shivamogga and assured them of support.

Regarding the terror attack in Kashmir, the Chief Minister said the Central government has already initiated certain measures, and the state government will extend complete support for further steps aimed at eliminating terrorism.

Bharat Bhushan had gone on a Kashmir trip with his wife, Dr Sujata, a paediatrician, and toddler son.

The family stated that the gang of terrorists approached him and asked his name. When Bharat told them his name without any fear. The terrorists then asked him to hand over his son to his wife, Sujata. Later, they had asked him whether he was a Hindu or a Muslim. When Bharat said he was a Hindu, he was shot dead.
Mumbai, April 24 : In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, actor Arjun Rampal has made a powerful call for unity against hate, urging people to reflect on the devastating impact of religious intolerance.

Taking to social media, Rampal condemned the attack, calling it one of the "most cowardly" acts of violence aimed at innocent, defenceless people. In a powerful and emotional post shared on his Instagram handle, Rampal expressed his deep outrage over the attack and reflected on the unimaginable pain caused by such senseless violence.

The 'Dhaakad' actor wrote, "The most cowardly darstardly act is attack on innocent people. Who can't defend themselves. Imagine someone from your family going for a holiday to celebrate love and never returning, just because you are Hindu. Heartfelt condolences to the families who grive such losses. To those cowards, lets set the record straight Kashmir is and forever will be in India. Nothing changes that. #pahalgamattack #phalgamkashmir #jaibharat #jaihind."(sic)

The recent terrorist attack has left the Indian film industry in shock and mourning, with numerous celebrities expressing their strong disapproval. A host of stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Sidharth Malhotra, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Nani, NTR Jr., Allu Arjun, and others, have shared their heartfelt grief and outrage over the tragic event.

Shah Rukh Khan expressed his disbelief and outrage following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. In a heartfelt social media post, Khan condemned the "treacherous and violent act" that has left the region in turmoil, urging for justice and unity in the wake of the devastating incident.

"Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam. In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we as a Nation, stand united, strong and get justice against this heinous act," wrote the 'Dilwale' actor.

On April 22, a horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of approximately 28 individuals, the majority of whom were tourists. These innocent civilians were tragically gunned down in an unprovoked and brutal act of violence. This horrific attack has left the country in a state of profound shock and mourning.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Kochi, April 24 : Aarti, a mother of twin boys, broke down as she recounted the horrifying moment when her father, 68-year-old Ramachandran, was shot dead by a terrorist in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on Tuesday afternoon.

Speaking to reporters at her residence here on Thursday, Aarti recalled the trauma of the killing. The body of her father is lying in a hospital mortuary, awaiting the final rites on Friday.

"We had just reached Pahalgam, often called 'mini-Switzerland', and the place was buzzing with tourists," she said, adding, "Suddenly, I heard what sounded like firecrackers. I asked my father if it could be a terror attack."

What followed was a nightmare.

"A man with a gun appeared and started firing. I told my father and my sons to lie down in a nearby bushy, fenced area. The gunman approached us and said something we couldn't understand. I asked what he meant, and then he shot my father. I knew he was gone," she said, breaking into tears.

Aarti said the man, who wasn't in an army uniform, poked her head with his gun. Her terrified sons began wailing. "Perhaps hearing their cries, the gunman walked away."

Clutching her father's lifeless body, Aarti later made her way down the hill with her children. "After about 45 minutes, I got the mobile signal and called my driver," she said.

"We reached the Hilton hotel, where the staff offered us a free room and full support. I disconnected the TV to shield my mother, who was staying in the hotel, from the news of my father's death."

Aarti expressed deep gratitude to the locals and authorities who helped her through the ordeal. "I especially want to thank our driver, Muzafir, and his brother. They treated me like a sister. At Srinagar airport, I told them I now have two Kashmiri brothers."

Aarti, who lives in the Middle East, had taken a short vacation to Kashmir when tragedy struck.

Ramachandran's body arrived in Kochi on Wednesday night and was received by a Minister, local legislators, and scores of residents. It was then taken to a hospital mortuary.

A former non-resident Indian who had returned from the Middle East five years ago, Ramachandran was a staunch BJP supporter. He had unsuccessfully contested local body polls and was among those shortlisted as a potential BJP candidate for civic elections to be held later this year.
Mumbai, April 24 : Actor Mohit Malik has expressed his support for Kashmir and its people, saying that despite recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, he plans to visit Kashmir to promote peace, unity, and love.

Mohit took to his story section on Instagram and expressed his support to Kashmir and said that Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed, has always been on his travel list.

He wrote: "I stand with Kashmir and its people. I haven't yet seen Pahalgam, but it has always been on my travel list. I was planning a trip with my family, and despite the recent terrorist attacks, that plan still stands."

The actor condemned the terror attack, one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which occurred at Baisaran, a scenic meadow in Anantnag district accessible only by foot or pony.

"My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and I condemn these acts of violence in the strongest terms," he said.

Mohit added: "But let's be clearthese attacks are meant to spread fear and disrupt the peace and beauty of Kashmir. They aim to isolate and economically hurt the region by targeting one of its lifelines: tourism.

"I refuse to let them win."

The actor said that the "people of Kashmir are among the most warm-hearted and hospitable you'll ever meet."

"Anyone who has visited will tell you about their kindness, their resilience, and the breathtaking beauty of the valley they call home," he said.

"Now more than ever, we must stand with themnot just in words, but in action."

The actor added: "I will still go to Kashmir as a tourist, and I urge fellow Indians to do the same. Let's show the world that peace, unity, and love are stronger than hate and fear."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Jaipur, April 24 : The final rites of 33-year-old Neeraj Udhwani, who was killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, were performed on Thursday at Mokshadham crematorium in Jaipur.

His elder brother, Kishore Udhwani, lit the funeral pyre, surrounded by grieving family members, friends, and a heavy police presence.

It was heart-wrenching to see Neeraj's wife, Ayushi, who stood near his body with folded hands, unable to hold back her tears. Despite repeated attempts by family members to console her, she remained inconsolable with grief.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma visited Neeraj's residence at Forest View Apartment in Model Town (Malviya Nagar) to pay his respects. The CM met Neeraj's mother, Jyoti, who broke down upon seeing him.

The Chief Minister comforted her, wiping her tears and offering words of condolence. Several senior leaders and dignitaries, including Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, were present.

Tensions briefly flared when a woman present at the gathering questioned the government's response, saying, "This is the failure of your government. What is the point of deploying security now?" Minister Shekhawat folded his hands silently in response.

Before the final journey, Neeraj's last rites procession began from his home, where Ayushi, devastated, refused to leave her husband's side. Family members had to gently lead her away as the body was prepared for cremation.

Neeraj, who worked as a Chartered Accountant in Dubai, had travelled to Kashmir with Ayushi following a wedding in Shimla. On April 22, he was shot dead by terrorists in front of his wife. Ayushi immediately contacted Neeraj's elder brother, Kishore Udhwani, who, along with his wife Shubhi, rushed to Kashmir from Jaipur.

State Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore condemned the attack in strong words: "What happened in Pahalgam, where people were reportedly killed after being asked about their religion, is not just an attack on individuals, but on the very fabric of humanity. These cowardly acts aim to disrupt peace by targeting the innocent and unarmed."

There was a significant turnout of political leaders at Neeraj's residence. Those present included Deputy CM Diya Kumari, Premchand Bairwa, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joraram Kumawat, BJP State President Madan Rathore, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Julie, state Congress Chief Govind Singh Dotasra, and many others.

Floral tributes were offered at Neeraj's photograph as the city joined the family in mourning. As Jaipur grieves the loss of a young life, the nation stands united in its condemnation of this brutal act, demanding justice and stronger action against terrorism, said locals.

It needs to be mentioned here that 26 tourists were killed by terrorists in Pahalgam. Soon after the attack, the Government of India took some hard decisions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which survived four wars, decades of cross-border terrorism against India by Pakistan, and a long history of antagonism between the two countries. It was suspended for the first time by New Delhi on Wednesday. India made its decision a day after the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, in which Pakistani terrorists took the lives of 26 people.
Hyderabad, April 24 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet colleagues on Thursday observed a two-minute silence to pay tributes to those killed in terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Hyderabad, April 24 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet colleagues on Thursday observed a two-minute silence to pay tributes to those killed in terror attack in Jammu and Kashmiras Pahalgam.

The Chief Minister, who returned from a week-long tour to Japan on Wednesday, strongly condemned the terror attack.

He met with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, ministers, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud and AICC in-charge Meenkashi Natrjan to discuss the situation and the problems faced by tourists in the wake of the terror attack.

The Chief Minister and other participants in the meeting observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect for those killed.

The Chief Minister will be leading a candlelight march in Hyderabad on Thursday evening to show solidarity with the victims of the terror attack.

The candlelight march will be held from People's Plaza to the Indira Gandhi statue on the banks of Hussain Sagar in the heart of the city.

In a solemn tribute to the brave individuals who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of Telangana will organise a candlelight march to honour their memory and pray for peace for their souls, said the Chief Minister's Office.

This peaceful demonstration stands as a mark of solidarity with the victims and their families, and as a united stand against terrorism, it added.

Meanwhile, the state has opened helplines for people from the state stranded in Jammu and Kashmir following the terror attack.

The government has announced helpline numbers: 9440816071, 9010659333 and 040-23450368.

Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said all steps were being taken to ensure that tourists from Telangana reach their hometown safely.

The government has asked the tour operators to provide details of the tourists from the state who left for Kashmir during the last few days.

At least 26 tourists were killed and several others injured in the terror attack at Pahalgam on Tuesday.

An Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer from Hyderabad was also among the victims of the terror attack.

Manish Ranjan, a native of Bihar and posted in Hyderabad, was on a Leave Travel Concession (LTC) visit with his family.

The family, along with many other tourists, was in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley, known as Mini Switzerland, when the terrorists attacked them.

ms/svn
Hyderabad, April 24 : AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invite all the parties, including those having one MP, to the all-party meeting on the Pahalgam terror attack.

Owaisi said that since this is a national issue, everyone must be heard.

The Lok Sabha member posed on X on Thursday that he spoke to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday night regarding the Pahalgam all-party meeting.

"He said they're thinking of inviting only parties with "5 or 10 MPs." When I asked why not parties with fewer MPs, he said that the meeting would get "too long". When I asked "What about us, the smaller parties?" He joked that my voice is anyway too loud," posted Owaisi.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president stated that this is not a BJP's or another party's internal meeting, it is an all-party meeting to send a strong and united message against terrorism and those countries that harbour terrorists.

He asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi if he couldn't spend an extra hour to hear the concerns of all parties. "Your own party does not have a majority. Whether it is a party with 1 MP or a 100, they were both elected by Indians and deserve to be heard on such an important matter. This is not a political issue, it is a national issue. Everyone must be heard," said Owaisi, urging the Prime Minister to make this a real all-party meeting.

Every party with an MP in Parliament must be invited, added Owaisi, the lone MP of AIMIM.

Owaisi on Wednesday strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam. He stated that terrorists killed innocent people after asking about their religion and hoped that the government would teach a lesson to these terrorists.

"This is tragic. This massacre. We are standing in solidarity with the affected families and pray for an early recovery of those injured," he said.

Owaisi said the terror attack was a result of an intelligence failure. He demanded that the Narendra Modi government recheck its deterrence policy.

The MP said this incident was more condemnable than Uri and Pulwama as terrorists, who have come from the neighbouring country, targeted civilians.

The AIMIM chief said the terror attack was carried out to damage the tourism industry. He said the terrorists who came from Pakistan to spread terror picked up an area which is not even connected by road.
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Madhubani, April 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making his first public address in Bihar, after the dastardly terror attacks in J&K's Pahalgam, observed a two-minute silence for the victims and paid tributes to them.

PM Modi said that the nation is united in expressing grief for the victims, who lost lives in the cowardly act of terror. He called on the public to observe a moment of silence for the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, on Tuesday.

"Before I begin my speech, I would like to request all of you to observe a moment of silence, to pay tribute to the families we lost in terror attacks on April 22," PM Modi said.

PM Modi said this while addressing a public rally in Bihar's Madhubani district, to mark National Panchayati Raj Day and launch an array of development projects worth over Rs 13,480 crore.

"Today, on Panchayati Raj Day, the entire nation is connected with Bihar and Mithila. Several developmental projects worth thousands of crores, including in electricity and railways, have been inaugurated here," PM Modi said.

Drawing a historical parallel, he added, "Bihar is the land where Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) began his Satyagraha. His belief was clear: India's development lies in the development of its villages. This is the essence of Panchayati Raj."

Highlighting achievements in rural governance, the Prime Minister said over 2 lakh Panchayats have been connected to the internet in the past decade, enabling digital access to essential documents such as birth and death certificates and property records.

"After several decades of independence, India has seen the construction of a new Parliament building, and many villages have received new Panchayat buildings as well. The government prioritized the allocation of appropriate funds to the Panchayats. In the last ten years, over Rs 2 lakh crore have been allocated to the Panchayats, which has been used for the development of villages," he said.

PM Modi also emphasised the digitalisation of land records to resolve long-standing land disputes at the village level.

At the event, the Prime Minister presented the National Panchayat Awards to the best-performing Panchayats across the country.

He laid the foundation stone of a Rs 340 crore LPG bottling plant in Hathua, Gopalganj, to improve regional gas distribution.

In the power sector, he launched new projects worth Rs 1,170 crore and inaugurated existing ones under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme worth over Rs 5,030 crore.

Rail connectivity received a significant boost with the flagging off of the Amrit Bharat Express between Saharsa and Mumbai and the launch of the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Jaynagar and Patna.

New train services between Pipra-Saharsa and Saharsa-Samastipur were also inaugurated. Other rail projects included the dedication of the Khagaria-Alauli line, the inauguration of Supaul-Pipra and Hasanpur-Bithan lines, and two new rail overbridges at Chapra and Bagaha.

Further, PM Modi distributed Rs 930 crore under the Community Investment Fund to over 2 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Bihar under the DAY-NRLM scheme.

Under PMAY-Gramin, he handed over sanction letters to 15 lakh new beneficiaries, released instalments for 10 lakh beneficiaries nationwide, and marked Grih Pravesh for 1 lakh PMAY-G and 54,000 PMAY-U homes in Bihar.

This mega event comes against the backdrop of the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
New Delhi, April 24 : Global brokerage firm UBS Group AG has upgraded India to 'Neutral' from its earlier 'Underweight' tag, in its revised equity strategy for emerging markets, following the uncertainties in international trade triggered by the dramatic tariff hikes announced by US President Donald Trump.

UBS acknowledged India's strengths, noting its strong domestic-focused toplines, resilience in earnings per share (EPS) even during adverse conditions, and potential advantages from declining oil prices.

Additional tailwinds for the Indian economy include the growing willingness of banks to lower deposit rates, despite sluggish deposit growth, and possible government measures to boost consumption.

Global brokerage is becoming more optimistic about the Indian market amid a growing preference for defensive and domestically-oriented shares, UBS strategists, including Sunil Tirumalai, wrote in a note released on Thursday.

"While valuations still look expensive relative to ordinary fundamental performance of companies, India screens as defensive amidst trade uncertainty given its domestically focused economy, while benefiting from lower crude oil prices," the analysts pointed out.

The upgrade comes in the wake of global investors looking at Indian assets as a relatively safe haven, with local stock benchmarks quickly recovering losses after the initial shock that followed the announcement of the US tariff hikes.

However, UBS remains cautious due to what it considers as lacklustre stock fundamentals. The brokerage is also not convinced India is a clear beneficiary of global supply chain realignments that will take place amid the trade war that has broken out.

Valuation concerns persist as well. UBS noted that Indian equity valuations remain significantly elevated compared to historical norms. The brokerage is closely monitoring trade negotiations, particularly in sensitive sectors such as agriculture and retail.

Meanwhile, UBS downgraded Hong Kong stocks to neutral from overweight as the tariff risk could dampen sentiment, given the market's relatively high trade dependence and index exposure to US revenues.

The brokerage also upgraded Indonesia to overweight from neutral, given its domestic and defensive qualities, "with valuations now close to Covid lows" and potential support from state-owned funds.

UBS has held an underweight rating on India since 2022. In April last year, they upgraded Chinese stocks to overweight, citing a promising earnings outlook and potentially higher participation by domestic investors.
Chamarajanagara, April 24 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar claimed on Thursday that only the Congress government has developed religious places in the state.

He said this while interacting with the media after offering prayers at the Hindu pilgrimage centre, Male Mahadeshwara temple in Chamarajanagar district.

"We have established and are continuing to establish development authorities for key religious centres in the state. Why didn't the previous BJP and JD(S) governments do this work? We seek the welfare of all communities," asked Shivakumar.

"We recently set up the Saundatti Yellamma Development Authority. Earlier, we had established development authorities for Male Mahadeshwara and Chamundi Hills. If you look at the transformation of the Male Mahadeshwara shrine - from how it used to be to what it is now - it's visible to everyone," Shivakumar said.

"When devotees come to temples, our aim is to provide them a peaceful and conducive environment for prayer," he said.

"I wanted to have the darshan of Mahadeshwara and offer my prayers, which is why I came here on Wednesday night and stayed over. Mahadeshwara Swamy is a special deity worshipped by the poor, middle class, and people of all communities. Even tribal communities have their own traditional ways of worshipping here," he said.

When asked about expectations from the special cabinet meeting in Chamarajanagar on Thursday, he said, "The entire government has come here to fulfil the district's expectations. Earlier, it used to take 4-5 hours to travel from villages to the hills. Now, the roads have improved. Every year, lakhs of devotees cross the Cauvery River to visit this place. After the Mekedatu project is implemented, we are considering constructing an elevated road to improve access. Decisions will be made on the kind of development works needed in the Cauvery river basin."

Shivakumar also stated, "By holding a cabinet meeting at Male Mahadeshwara Hill, we aim to spread awareness among the people about traditions and beliefs."

It is first such Cabinet meeting held in the district after its formation 28 years ago.

Chamarajanagar district is considered one of the most backward districts of the state. The special Cabinet meeting is expected to take major decisions in terms of developing the region.
Chennai, April 24 : Pointing out the terrorists in Pahalgam did not stop to ask tourists if they were Hindi, Telugu, Kannada or Tamil, actor Shanthanu Baghyaraj, who is also the son of eminent Tamil film director Baghyaraj, has pointed out that citizens have to realise that we are all Indians and that we have to put a full stop to the "nonsensical hate and negativity towards each other."

Taking to his X timeline to pen his thoughts on the issue, Shanthanu wrote,"In #Pahalgam, they did not ask if you were Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil etc. They didnat care if you were North Indian or South Indian or wtv. Inga (here) the enemy does not have to waste his time because we are doing 90 per cent of his job for hima We are shamelessly fighting (or made to fight) over languages and borders."

The actor further wrote, "Letas remember We are just INDIANS and letas stay united in that."

Stating that the bullet did not know the caste or the religion of its victim, Shanthanu wrote, "Bulletuku theriyadhu nee Enna jaadhi Enna Madham nnu. Let this be an eye opener and a full stop to this nonsensical hate and negativity towards each other. #PahalgamTerroristAttack."

The actor was among the first to react to the news of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Soon after news of the attack broke out, Shanthanu took to his X timeline and wrote, "Deeply saddened by the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Silence and disbelief. Terrorism never stops. Not in decades.Itas only ourselves for each other. Letas stand united. Praying for the victims and our heart goes out to their families. #Pahalgamterroristattack"

Several other film celebrities from the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada film industries too have condemned the dastardly attack, which has also come in for international condemnation.
New Delhi, April 24 : Eternal (Zomato) on Thursday clarified that Rakesh Ranjan, the CEO of its food delivery business, has not resigned from his position.

The company issued the statement after a media report claimed that Ranjan was stepping down as part of a leadership reshuffle, with Zomato's co-founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal expected to take interim charge.

Zomato's parent company, Eternal Group, announced that as of now, Ranjan has not submitted any resignation and continues to be part of the leadership team.

"We would like to clarify as on date, there has been no resignation tendered by Mr. Rakesh Ranjan and he still continues to be part of the leadership team," the company said in its stock exchange filing.

The online food platform added that leadership changes are a regular part of their efforts to improve the organisation's effectiveness.

"At Eternal Group, internal reshuffling of the leadership team is considered a standard practice as part of the Company's ongoing efforts to optimise organisational effectiveness," it added in its filings.

Eternal Group also clarified that no significant internal information has been shared officially, and if anything important arises, it will be disclosed to the stock exchanges as per the rules.

This clarification, the company said, was being shared voluntarily to avoid confusion.

The now-refuted report had mentioned that Ranjan, who became CEO of Zomato's food delivery division in May 2023, was exiting the company amid slowing growth and rising competition from rivals like Swiggy.

It also claimed that Goyal would lead the food delivery business temporarily until a replacement was found.

Zomato's food delivery segment is the company's biggest contributor to both revenue and profits. In the December 2024 quarter, the company posted a gross order value (GOV) of Rs 9,913 crore -- a 2 per cent rise from the previous quarter and a 17 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Seoul, April 24 : South Korea on Thursday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in India's Jammu and Kashmir, which left dozens of people dead.

On Tuesday, the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, were lost in one of the most dastardly attacks on civilians on Indian soil.

South Korea's foreign ministry expressed "deep concerns" over the deadly assault and extended condolences to the victims, their bereaved families, and the Indian government.

"The government of the Republic of Korea expresses its deep concern over and strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam area in Jammu and Kashmir, the Republic of India, and resulted in numerous casualties. The government extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the innocent victims and their bereaved families, as well as to the government and the people of India," the ministry statement added.

"The government reaffirms its firm stance that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

In addition to South Korea, India has received strong expressions of support from governments worldwide, condemning the attack and reaffirming their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also condemned the "barbaric attack" in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which he said had stolen the innocent lives of people and families seeking joy.

He affirmed that "Britain stands in solidarity with India in this moment of grief and sorrow" and added that "terror will never win".

Taking to the social media platform X, Sunak wrote: "The barbaric attack in Pahalgam has stolen the lives of newlyweds, children, and families simply seeking joy. Our hearts break for them. To those mourning, know that the UK stands with you in sorrow and solidarity. Terror will never win. We grieve with India."

The Peruvian Foreign Ministry wrote on X: "Peru expresses its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attack that occurred yesterday in the town of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. It also expresses its deepest condolences to the victims' families."

The Ministry also added: "Peru calls on the international community to redouble efforts to combat and eradicate terrorism in all its forms and expresses its solidarity with the Indian government."

Margareta Cederfelt, a Swedish politician of the Moderate Party, wrote on X: "We, the Swedish-Indian Parliamentary Friendship Group, are deeply saddened and strongly condemn the brutal #TerroristAttack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. There can be no justification for such atrocities. We extend our condolences to the victims' families #India."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also thanked nations that extended support to India in the aftermath of the terror attack, which was orchestrated by The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The attack, orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front, has triggered a series of sweeping retaliatory actions from India to hold Pakistan accountable for its role in cross-border terrorism.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday evening discussed the implications of the attack, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with several others sustaining injuries.

The CCS expressed deep condemnation of the attack and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the swift recovery of those injured. The attack, which targeted tourists in a popular destination, was attributed to Pakistan-backed terror groups, sources said.

The meeting also noted that the attack occurred against the backdrop of successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the region's ongoing progress toward economic development and stability. These achievements, India believes, are viewed as a threat by terrorist factions seeking to destabilise the region.

Recognising the seriousness of this attack and its cross-border linkages, the CCS took the following unprecedented measures:

Indus Waters Treaty suspended a" In one of the most significant decisions, India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance with immediate effect. This historic move effectively halts decades of cooperation on water-sharing between India and Pakistan. The decision will remain in force until Pakistan takes credible and irrevocable steps to abjure its support for cross-border terrorism.

Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post a" In a direct response to the terrorist attack, India has announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, which serves as a key border crossing between the two nations. Indian authorities have granted Pakistani nationals with valid travel endorsements until May 1, 2025, to return to Pakistan through this route. After this deadline, all land travel between India and Pakistan will be completely suspended.

Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani Nationals a" In another strong step, India has decided that Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Any SVES visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals have been cancelled, and those currently in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

Persona Non Grata Declaration for Pakistani Diplomats a" In a sharp diplomatic move, India has declared Pakistanas Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. These officials have been given one week to leave India.

India also announced the withdrawal of its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, with all such posts deemed annulled. Moreover, five support staff of these service advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.

Reduction in Diplomatic Staff a" In a further diplomatic escalation, India has decided to reduce the overall strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. The two embassies will be cut to a staff strength of 30, down from the current 55. This reduction will be implemented by May 1, 2025.

The CCS also reviewed the overall security situation and directed all Indian forces to maintain the highest level of vigilance. India has resolved to ensure that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack are brought to justice, and that their sponsors will be held accountable. In line with its unyielding approach to combating terrorism, India reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for terror attacks, referencing recent high-profile extraditions like Tahawwur Rana.

India's diplomatic actions signal a shift toward the total isolation of Pakistan until it ceases its support for terrorism. The measures reflect the government's resolve to push back against Pakistanas continued involvement in fomenting violence on Indian soil, and to send a clear message to the international community that terrorism will not be tolerated.
Mumbai, April 24 : As Akshay Kumar's "Kesari Chapter 2" reached the audience on April 18, the hair designer of the period drama, Darshan Yewalekar feels gratified to see his work being noticed.

Yewalekar shared that period films always bring their own set of challenges, however they're deeply fulfilling. "I feel the characters truly belonged to the era depicted in the film," he said.

Yewalekar revealed that among the most demanding looks he had to grapple with in "Kesari Chapter 2" was that of General Dyer. "We had a visual reference for him, but the actor came in as a blank canvas. We had to build everythingthe wig, the moustachefrom scratch. He was based in London and had barely any time in India, so I flew there for the look test. We had to get the fit right in one go because there wouldn't be time for adjustments later. When Karan (Johar) and I did the test in London, we got most of it right and just had to tweak a few details. It was worth the effort. That character needed to make an impression," shared the celebrity hair designer.

He appreciated how Karan Johar involved him in the proceedings throughout and revealed, "He gave equal attention to every actor, be it Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan, Ananya Panday, Simon Paisley or Regina Cassandra. For Madhavan Sir, we did three look tests just to finalise the beard colour. With Ananya, I was on-site during her test, and her team executed the design brilliantly. Karan even flew me to the sets at times to ensure everything was working as planned. That kind of support from a director means a lot."

Reflecting on his path, Yewalekar shared, "After years with D Barbershop and a decade working with Ranveer Singh, this kind of ensemble work feels like a natural next step, creating looks that are grounded in character and history. And I enjoy every part of it."

"Kesari Chapter 2" was Darshan's second film with Akshay this year, after "Sky Force". "Working with Akshay Sir has been a humbling experience. Despite his seniority, he always makes you feel at ease, gives you time, listens openly to ideas, and offers gentle feedback. His humility, dedication, and punctuality stand out, making him truly inspiring to collaborate with. I look forward to working with him again on future projects, including one that's currently under wraps, about which I cannot reveal more details right now," he concluded.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, April 24 : In a significant step towards the goal of eliminating Measles and Rubella (MR) by 2026, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Thursday virtually launched the 'National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination campaign 2025-26' on the first day of the World Immunization Week.

Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), two doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine are provided free of cost to all eligible children, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age, respectively. Currently, India's MR vaccination coverage stands at 93.7 per cent for the first dose (2024-25 HMIS data) and 92.2 per cent for the second dose.

Health Minister also released multi-language materials (posters, radio jingles, MR elimination and official U-WIN launch film) for creating awareness in the communities. These materials were also shared with all states/UTs for adaptation and rollout during the MR Elimination Campaign 2025-26.

"Today is momentous occasion as the launch of Measles-Rubella elimination campaign 2025-26 marks an opportunity to achieve 100 per cent immunisation coverage to provide high-quality lifestyle to children by administering them with the two doses of Measles and Rubella vaccine," said Nadda at an event here.

Noting that this disease is of a highly contagious nature that hampers not only children's life but also cause misery to their parents, the minister underlined the importance of ensuring that not even a single child is left behind.

The Health Minister highlighted that "332 districts in the country have reported zero measles cases and 487 districts have reported zero rubella cases during January-March 2025 which underscores the progress achieved in the goal of MR elimination."

Nadda highlighted the need for keeping the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) activated and strengthening surveillance.

"We have to target the elimination of MR in the same way as Polio and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus elimination was achieved", he stated, urging the states and UTs to be attentive, alert, and proactive and work with a 'ACT NOW' policy.

Nadda also urged the state ministers and chief medical officers to hold public and press meetings where people at large can be informed about the vaccination drive through active Jan Bhagidari.

He also urged the frontline workers to reach out to remote and hard to reach areas, slums, migratory population, areas with frequent outbreaks.
Kolkata, April 24 : BJP legislators in Bengal, led by the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday staged protests against the Pahalgam terror attack by burning Pakistan flags in front of the House.

"The widows of both Bitan Adhikari and Sameer Guha, the two killed tourists from West Bengal at Pahalgam on Wednesday, described how the Hindus were selectively killed there. Bengalis, in general, are travel-loving people. I will request them that from henceforth the Hindu Bengalis should make their tour plans after considering the demography of their destination," Adhikari told the media.

"Be it the recent riot-hit Murshidabad or be it Kashmir, the only aim is to selectively target the Hindus," the Leader of the Opposition said.

He also said that just like Israeli actions at Gaza, Pakistan will also be taught a lesson by India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

"As long as Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister, everything is possible. Like Gaza, Pakistan will also be reduced to ashes," Adhikari said.

Earlier, Adhikari also criticised actor-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member from Asansol, Shatrughan Sinha, for the latter's comments that there is an attempt to create a narrative that only Hindus are being targeted.

Citing his comments, Adhikari said that the problem is that while terrorists come from outside, their supporters and sympathisers continue to roam around within the country.

"Their first task is to figure out how to trivialise brutality. I pray to God that they never have to stand in front of the barrel of a gun and be asked to recite the Kalma because I don't want them to realise, even for a minute, the fool's paradise they were living in, or get the slightest chance to feel remorse. They are not worthy of correction, repentance, or regret," Adhikari said.
New Delhi, April 24 : India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is not only morally justified in light of continuing cross-border terrorism but also legally defensible due to repeated procedural violations by Pakistan, several experts reckoned on Thursday.

The action, they said, is a sovereign right exercised to protect national interest, security, and the integrity of international agreements, which depend on reciprocity and mutual adherence.

"aThis step signals that while India has always honoured its international commitments, it will not be taken for granted when the other party - a rogue state like Pakistan - repeatedly breaches the spirit and terms of the agreement," an analyst opined.

Under the Indus Waters Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, waters of three rivers - Ravi, Sutlej and Beas - averaging around 33 Million Acre Feet (MAF) were allocated to India for exclusive use. The waters of Western rivers - Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab - averaging to around 135 MAF were allocated to Pakistan except for specified domestic, non-consumptive and agricultural use permitted to India as provided in the Treaty.

Last August, India had served a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a review and modification of the IWT citing "fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances" that require a reassessment of obligations.

In the notice, India had highlighted that, under Article XII(3) of the IWT, its provision may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two governments.

India's notification highlighted fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various Articles of the Treaty. Among various concerns, important ones included change in population demographics; environmental issues - need to accelerate development of clean energy to meet India's emission targets; impact of persistent cross border terrorism, etc.

However, despite India's repeated warnings, Pakistan was involved in serious violation of treaty protocols.

The eventual suspension of the treaty came only after persistent violations and was triggered further by national security threats, such as Tuesday's Pahalgam terror attack, which has claimed 26 innocent lives.

The most critical breach occurred in 2016, when Pakistan unilaterally bypassed the treaty's graded mechanism of dispute resolution outlined under Article IX of the IWT. This article mandates a stepwise escalation a" from technical discussions to neutral expert adjudication and finally, if needed, to a Court of Arbitration.

In 2015, Pakistan initially requested a neutral expert to examine technical objections to Indiaas Kishanganga and Ratle Hydro Electric Projects. However, it withdrew this request next year and unilaterally approached the Court of Arbitration, violating the agreed dispute-resolution protocol. This deliberate deviation undermined the legal sanctity of the treaty and indicated a pattern of weaponizing legal mechanisms for political ends.

Recognising this breach, India issued a formal notice to Pakistan on January 25, 2023, calling for the modification of the treaty to ensure that the dispute resolution process could no longer be exploited unilaterally. aBy exhausting diplomatic options and adhering to procedural fairness, India demonstrated responsibility and restraint.

aPakistan has also invoked the treaty's dispute resolution provisions three times, not always in good faith.

The first instance involved objections to a hydropower project on the Chenab River in India-administered Kashmir. While Pakistan raised concerns that the project could give Indian engineers undue control over river flows, the World Bank-appointed neutral expert ruled in favour of India in 2007, validating the project's design and sediment management as being in line with international best practices.

India has already set the stage to tighten the noose around Pakistan with several projects.

The Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project on a tributary of the Jhelum was commissioned in 2018 and diverts water from the Kishanganga River to a power plant in the Jhelum basin via a 23 km tunnel.

The Ratle Hydroelectric Project on Chenab was revived in 2021 with an 850 MW capacity as Pakistan raised concerns over potential flow manipulation.

The Tulbul Navigation Project on Jhelum was also never really off the table since the Uri attack in 2016 and can regulate water flow through a navigational lock-cum-control structure.

The Shahpurkandi Dam on Ravi was cleared in 2018 and completed in early 2024. It blocks surplus water from flowing into Pakistan, enhancing irrigation and power generation in India.

Similarly, the Ujh Multipurpose Project on a tributary of the Ravi, which was announced in 2020 is currently in the planning stage, combines storage, irrigation, and hydroelectric goals to cut off water flow to Pakistan.

It clearly shows that the IWT may only be temporarily suspended but the pressure is already building on Pakistan.

These developments clearly indicate a concerted effort by India to leverage water resources as a strategic tool in its geopolitical stance towards Pakistan and can have serious implications for the terror sponsors across the border.

Pakistan relies heavily on the Indus River system for irrigation, with about 80 per cent of its cultivated land - approximately 16 million hectares - depending on these waters. The agricultural sector contributes 23 per cent to Pakistan's national income and supports 68 per cent of its rural inhabitants. Reduced water availability could lead to lower crop yields, food shortages, and economic instability.

The Indus basin also supplies 154.3 million acre-feet of water annually, which is vital for irrigating extensive agricultural areas and ensuring food security. Pakistan's water storage capacity is low, with major dams like Mangla and Tarbela having a combined live storage of only about 14.4 MAF, which is just 10 per cent of Pakistan's annual water share under the treaty. The suspension exacerbates these vulnerabilities by cutting off a guaranteed water supply.

The suspension of the IWT will also have significant economic implications for Pakistan, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors. It may also affect the country's power generation capabilities, as hydropower is a crucial source of electricity.
Mumbai, April 24 : Senior public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, renowned for his role in securing convictions in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case, on Thursday strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which terrorists targeted and killed civilians after asking their religion.

Drawing parallels with the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Nikam said such tactics aim to incite communal violence, but asserted that these efforts will never succeed in India.

Speaking to IANS, Ujjwal Nikam expressed deep anguish over the brutality of the attack.

"I strongly condemn this inhuman and cowardly act. The way the terrorists targeted innocent tourists, asking their religion before killing them, reminds me of the 26/11 attacks," he said.

"Back then, during the attack on the Taj Hotel, Kasab and his associates followed a similar pattern. They asked guests about their religion to decide their fate. One man even lied about his faith to save his life, but when his wife's phone rang, the truth was revealed. He was brutally beaten and nearly killed, until the National Security Guard commandos intervened."

Nikam said the intent behind such attacks is to spark communal riots. "Just like in 26/11, the terrorists in Pahalgam wanted to incite hatred and division. But the people of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and the entire country responded with unity. We stood together then, and we will stand together now. These divisive tactics will never work in our country," he told IANS.

Commenting on the emergency Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nikam said the government's response so far is just the beginning.

"The country has only started to respond. The Prime Minister even cancelled his scheduled events in Saudi Arabia and rushed back. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed deep concern, and arrangements are being made to bring back affected tourists," he added.

Nikam also noted the international support India is receiving. "Even US President Donald Trump conveyed full support to PM Modi. This shows that India is no longer willing to tolerate terrorism."

Referring to the Prime Minister's statement that India will pursue the perpetrators "to the ends of the Earth," Nikam expressed strong confidence in the government's resolve.

"PM Modi has made it clear -- there will be no safe haven for terrorists. After the abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir was moving toward peace and development. This attack is a desperate attempt by Pakistan-backed groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba to derail that progress. But they will not succeed," he told IANS.

While remaining tight-lipped about potential military or covert responses, Nikam hinted at strong retaliatory action. "No government will disclose its exact strategy on camera. But I am confident that the action taken will be strict and decisive. India is not a soft state. We will not tolerate the murder of our citizens, and the world will see that," he concluded.
New Delhi, April 24 : Top defence experts in the country have backed the Centre's strong retaliatory measures against Pakistan following the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Twenty-six tourists, hailing from different parts of the country and one from Nepal, were brutally killed in Baisaran, dubbed 'mini Switzerland' in Pahalgam, on April 22. The men were singled out for their religion and shot point-blank. The women and children were spared with the message that they must convey the horror to the government.

In response to the attack, the government announced strong measures against Pakistan, which have received praise from defence experts, including a retired Major General, a retired Colonel, and a former BSF officer.

The steps India took are: suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at the Attari border, and reducing diplomatic presence in each other's high commissions.

P.K. Mishra, Defence Expert and former Additional Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), while speaking to IANS, applauded the Modi government's firm stance.

"The steps taken by the PM Modi government are commendable. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, where a 1:5 water-sharing ratio was in place, is a major move. With this treaty shut, Pakistan will feel the impact, may potentially face famine," he said.

"Closing the Attari-Wagah border is another welcome step. It limits access to India and sends a strong message. Cancelling visas is also the right decision. Many Pakistanis are returning to their country through the Attari border. Reducing embassy staff is a wise move, too. I congratulate PM Modi for sending a clear message to Pakistan."

Retired Colonel T.P. Tyagi echoed similar sentiments. He said, "Back in 1960, under the Indus Waters Treaty, we had already demonstrated our leverage, and Pakistan was suffering from water scarcity even then. The current suspension reasserts that power," he stated.

"Those who came through the Attari border, even for medical reasons, are now being told to return within an hour, regardless of their condition. People-to-people contacts, which allowed Pakistani journalists and businessmen into India, have also been cut short. They've been given a 48-hour deadline to leave. All these are effective actions. However, unless we undertake military action, like neutralising terror launch pads in Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using standoff capabilities, such as Apache helicopters or long-range artillery. I'm not calling for a declaration of war, but a targeted response is necessary to demonstrate strength."

Major General (Retd.) Dhruv C. Katoch, Director of the India Foundation, emphasised the strategic and symbolic weight of the measures announced.

"The five points outlined by the Foreign Secretary focus on three key areas -- suspension of the Indus Treaty, curtailment of people-to-people contact, and expulsion of military observers. These are strong and significant steps to convey our intent," he said.

"The message is clear: India's actions will mirror Pakistan's behaviour. If terrorism continues, we will escalate our response. By suspending the Indus Treaty, India is forcing Pakistan to reconsider its actions. Reducing civilian interactions also sends a strong message: terror and diplomacy cannot coexist. The Modi government is asserting India's right to protect itself, and it's about time that Pakistan is held accountable for consistently betraying peace efforts. There is a growing realisation that Pakistan is acting as a terror state. Much like Israel's approach to Hamas, we are signalling that enough is enough."

Meanwhile, the coordinated policy decisions were announced on Wednesday following a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short his Saudi Arabia visit after the attack in Pahalgam.

According to an official statement, the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance immediately until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably abjures" support for cross-border terrorism.

Additionally, the Integrated Check Post at Attari has been closed. Individuals who crossed into India through this post with valid documentation must return before May 1, 2025. Furthermore, Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Existing visas under this scheme have been revoked, and holders currently in India have been given 48 hours to leave.

The Indian government also declared the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission as persona non grata. They have one week to exit the country. In reciprocity, India will withdraw its own military advisors from the High Commission in Islamabad. Five support staff for these advisors will also be withdrawn from both countries' diplomatic missions.

Lastly, the total diplomatic staff strength at both High Commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025, signalling a significant scaling down of bilateral engagement.
Chamarajanagar, April 24 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Thursday that foreigners overstaying their visas in the state are under watch against the backdrop of Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives.

His statement comes after the Union Home Ministry's direction to monitor foreign nationals residing in the country.

Interacting with reporters at the Male Mahadeshwara helipad, CM Siddaramaiah stated that wherever terrorists may be, it is the central government's responsibility to eliminate them.

"There must be no leniency that allows terrorist activities to take place. The Pahalgam incident is highly condemnable and inhumane. I strongly denounce it. Since the Pulwama attack also took place in the same district, extra caution should have been exercised. Security arrangements should not have been relaxed. This indicates a failure of the intelligence system," Siddaramaiah said.

"Taking action after an incident is different from taking preventive measures beforehand. The latter should have been done by the Central Government. Forty soldiers were martyred in the Pulwama attack. In this latest incident, 26 civilians have lost their lives," he said.

"Steps should have been taken to prevent this. The government must remain alert to ensure such incidents are not repeated. Terrorists, regardless of their religious affiliations, must be eliminated. It is the government's duty, and we, our party, and our government will extend all necessary support and cooperation," he said.

The Chief Minister announced that a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each will be given to the families of the three victims from Karnataka killed in the terror attack. He also stated that the final rites will be conducted with police honours.

When asked about the lack of specific allocations to the backward district of Chamarajanagar in the state Budget, the Chief Minister said he would respond after the Cabinet meeting.

"If the Central Government gives clearance for the Mekedatu project, we will implement it immediately. We have already met with the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, but nothing has happened. The Centre is not releasing even the grants it has announced. For instance, the Rs 5,300 crore allocation for the Upper Bhadra Project in the 2023-24 Union Budget has not been released yet. This appears to be politically motivated discrimination," Siddaramaiah said.

The Chief Minister added that major projects required for the Chamarajanagar district, along with those already announced in the Budget, will be discussed in the Cabinet.
Seoul, April 24 : Lee Jae-myung, former leader of South Korea's Democratic Party, kept a wide lead in approval ratings among presidential hopefuls for the June 3 election, a survey showed on Thursday.

According to the National Barometer Survey (NBS), Lee led the poll with 41 per cent, marking the first time the figure surpassed the 40 per cent mark in an NBS poll.

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo and former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) came next with 10 per cent, followed by former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon with 8 per cent.

In the same survey, 39 per cent of the respondents favoured the PPP holding on to power, while 50 per cent voted for a regime change.

South Korean Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was not included in the survey amid growing speculations over his possible candidacy, Yonhap news agency reported.

The South Korean government designated June 3 as the date of the next presidential election following the ouster of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The designation was made at a Cabinet meeting four days after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Yoon over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December.

Under the Constitution, the country is required to hold a new election within 60 days after a vacancy arises in the presidency.

The government also designated June 3 as a temporary public holiday.

The National Election Commission began early candidate registration shortly after the Constitutional Court dismissed Yoon last Friday.

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, Yonhap news agency reported.

When former 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.

With the ruling, Yoon, 64, follows in the footsteps of former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, who was ousted in 2017 when the Constitutional Court upheld her impeachment over a corruption scandal.

Before taking the nation's highest office, Yoon began his career as a prosecutor in 1994, rising through the ranks to lead an investigation team into Park's corruption scandal that ultimately led to her ouster and subsequent imprisonment.

In 2019, he was appointed as the nation's top prosecutor under then South Korean President Moon Jae-in but clashed with the administration as he oversaw investigations into family members of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk.

Amid mounting pressure from the Moon administration, Yoon stepped down from his post in 2021, only to enter politics shortly after and win the presidential election in 2022 as the candidate for the conservative People Power Party.

Yoon's term was riddled with conflict, with an uncooperative National Assembly dominated by the main opposition, the Democratic Party. Yoon exercised his presidential veto power against 25 Bills passed by the National Assembly.

Tensions with the DP appeared to reach an extreme in early December as the main Opposition introduced motions to impeach the country's top auditor and a senior prosecutor, with Yoon declaring martial law on December 3, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Quetta, April 24 : Balochistan National Party (BNP) has slammed the Pakistani government for the "unjust treatment" meted out to Baloch women, highlighting that many of them were imprisoned simply for voicing their rights, local media reported.

Addressing a public meeting on Wednesday at Khuzdar in the province of Balochistan, the party chief, Akhtar Mengal, said that the rising political awareness among Baloch women has "rattled the ruling elite."

"Our women in Balochistan are now so aware that the rulers are losing their sleep over it. They fear the Baloch. Our party resigned from the assemblies to advocate for Baloch rights. We have attempted to solve the issues of this region through political means, but things have only gotten worse," Mengal said.

"Today's rally in Khuzdar is different from the previous ones. The presence of thousands of people here proves that the people of Balochistan are alive," he added.

He later announced that the BNP would hold another rally in Quetta on May 2 for justice, Pakistan's leading newspaper, Dawn, reported.

Last week, Mengal called off his 20-day-long sit-in at the Lakpass area of Mastung district against the arrest of Baloch activists, fearing its impact on traders in the impoverished province.

The party had launched the long march to protest the arrest of Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) chief organiser Mahrang Baloch, other leaders and workers, as well as police crackdowns during a sit-in protest.

"We believe in a peaceful struggle. We are not ending the movement but will initiate a public outreach movement," Mengal said as he addressed a news conference in Mastung.

He announced that the party would organise rallies and protests at the district level across Balochistan in the coming days.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, BYC leader Mahrang Baloch's lawyer, Imran Baloch, confirmed that the Balochistan government extended the detention of Mahrang for 30 more days after charging her with terrorism, sedition and murder, according to a report by the leading Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune.

Mahrang was taken into custody on March 22, after she took part in a sit-in protest in the provincial capital, Quetta, against the illegal arrest and police remand of the relatives of the victims of enforced disappearances.

She was detained for 30 days, but "the government has issued another notification ordering to detain her for 30 more days," said her lawyer.
Mumbai, April 24 : Global icon Priyanka Chopra took to social media to share her go-to beauty tip for keeping her skin fresh, hydrated, and glowing in summer.

She posted a photo of herself wearing a sheet face mask, giving fans a peek into her seasonal skincare ritual. On Thursday, the desi girl took to her Instagram stories to share a photo of herself wherein she is seen sitting in a car wearing a sheet mask. Alongside the image, she wrote, "Skin care on the gowhat's your skincare routine? The 'Baywatch' actress often shares photos giving fans a glimpse into her skincare regime, offering tips and tricks she swears by to maintain her radiant glow.

Besides sharing her photos and skincare routine, Priyanka Chopra also uses social media to voice her thoughts on important issues.

Recently, she condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, expressing her sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families. She wrote on her IG, "What happened in Pahalgam is reprehensible. People were there on vacations, honeymoons, celebrating with their families. Just taking in the beauty of Kashmir. So many innocent lives were caught in a storm they never asked for. Targeted, right in front of their loved ones."

The 42-year-old actress added, "This is not a tragedy we can move past from. This heinous attack should shake the conscience of humanity. This will haunt us for a long time. To those grieving, displaced, mourning, and living in fear, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so deeply anguished by this."

On the professional front, Priyanka Chopra's American action-comedy film, "Heads of State," is scheduled to premiere worldwide on Prime Video on July 2, 2025.

Priyanka has also been cast as the female lead in SS Rajamouli's much-anticipated film, "SSMB29," where she will star alongside Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu for the first time. This untitled project will also mark her return to Telugu cinema after her 2002 romantic film, "Apuroopam."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Islamabad, April 24 : The high-level emergency meeting of Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ended late Thursday afternoon with some important decisions taken in response to India's announced measures after the Pahalgam terror attack.

While condemning the Pahalgam incident and loss of innocent lives, the committee also rejected New Delhi's accusation of Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism.

The meeting, attended by the country's trop-brass comprising top civil and military leadership, seconded the recommendations made by the Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and decided an immediate closure of its airspace for India.

Islamabad also said that India's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will be considered as an "act of war", stating that Pakistan will use its national power to tackle any unilateral decision taken by India in this matter.

NSC rejected the Indian accusations, terming them as "baseless and concocted". The committee also decided to expel Indian defence, navy and air force advisors stationed at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, giving them and their support staff a deadline of April 30 to leave Pakistan.

The diplomatic staff at the Indian High Commission will also be limited to 30 officers and the same will be applied to the Pakistan High Commission in India.

The NSC decided that the Pakistan government will call on the World Bank and other global forums to raise the issue of India's unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), stating that India has no authority to take any unilateral decision on the IWT as global forums including the World Bank are also party in the case.

NSC has also decided to close the Wagah-Attari border with India as a reciprocal action against the Indian border closure decision.

The NSC expressed satisfaction on the preparedness of Pakistan Armed forces and vowed to give a "fitting response" if India opts for any misadventure.

Pakistanas NSC termed Indiaas decision as inconsistent, and "part of the habit" to accuse Islamabad without any proof or evidence to spread what it termed as the Indian government's anti-Pakistan agenda.
New Delhi, April 24 : Several countries on Thursday continued to condemn the Pahalgam attack which resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and injuries, offering their support to India at the same time.

"The Arab Republic of Egypt, its government and people, express their sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the government and people of friendly India over this painful loss and to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured. The Egyptian government and people affirm their support for India in confronting all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilising the country," read a statement issued by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The Embassy of Morocco in India also took to social media, expressing solidarity with the "friendly people of India" in this difficult time.

"The Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in New Delhi extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the friendly people of India in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Morocco stands in solidarity with India during this difficult time," the Embassy posted on X.

On Thursday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also called External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, expressing full support for India.

"Appreciate the call today from French FM Jean-Noel Barrot expressing support and solidarity on the Pahalgam terrorist attack," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

Meanwhile, in his first address following the barbaric terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a strong and unequivocal message to the perpetrators of the violence, asserting that India will pursue them to the "ends of the Earth" and that terrorism will not go unpunished.

"India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism," he said while addressing a massive gathering in Bihar's Madhubani.

The brutal assault unfolded on Tuesday in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, where heavily-armed terrorists emerged from the surrounding dense forests and opened indiscriminate fire on innocent tourists. The attack has been described as one of the most horrific in the region in recent memory.

According to Intelligence sources, Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The attack has triggered a string of strong retaliatory diplomatic and strategic actions by India, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, closure of the Attari-Wagah border, and cancellation of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
Srinagar, April 24 : J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that he is in touch with state governments where harassment of Kashmiris is being reported in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

"The J&K government is in touch with the governments of the states where these reports are originating from. I'm also in touch with other Chief Ministers in these states and have requested they take extra care," he wrote on X.

The Chief Minister was responding to a post by ruling National Conference (NC) spokesperson, Imran Nabi Dar, seeking the Chief Minister's intervention after videos of Kashmiris being harassed emerged on social media.

"Numerous videos showing Kashmiri students nationwide terrified for their safety are being widely shared on social media. Requesting @CM_JnK @OmarAbdullah sb to immediately intervene and speak to his counterparts across the country," Dar said in his post on X.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a powerful warning to the "enemies" of the nation, stating that India will "identify, trace, and punish" every terrorist and their supporters, pursuing them to the "ends of the Earth."

PM Modi said that the nation is united in expressing grief for the victims who lost their lives in the cowardly act of terror.

"This attack was not only on the unarmed tourists, but the enemies of the nation have dared to attack the soul of India. I would like to make it clear that those who have carried out this terrorist attack and those who have planned it will get a bigger punishment than they can imagine. We will punish them," said the Prime Minister.

"I tell the entire world -- India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us," said PM Modi.

At least 26 tourists were killed on Tuesday after gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians in Baisaran in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to eyewitness accounts, a group of heavily armed terrorists emerged from the nearby forests and opened indiscriminate fire on civilians, most of whom were tourists.

Baisran is a small meadow three to four km from the Pahalgam market, and tourists take horses to reach the place as there is no motorable road to it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning after cutting his Saudi Arabia trip short due to the terror attack.

He had a brief meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the airport. PM Modi strongly condemned the terror attack on Tuesday, stating that the guilty will be brought to justice and reaffirming India's "unshakable" resolve to fight terrorism.
New Delhi, April 24 : Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday inspected various facilities at the BRIC-inStem facility and reviewed ongoing clinical trials in collaboration with premier medical institutes and hospitals, including the landmark first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia conducted with CMC Vellore.

Calling it a "milestone in India's scientific journey," the minister hailed the institute's contributions to preventive and regenerative healthcare.

During his visit, Dr Singh underscored the strategic importance of biotechnology in shaping India's future economy and public health infrastructure.

"This is not just about scienceit's about nation-building," he said, commending the Department of Biotechnology's (DBT) recent successes and its emergence from relative obscurity into national relevance.

India's biotechnology sector has seen an extraordinary leap, growing 16-fold in the past decade to reach $165.7 billion in 2024, with a vision to touch $300 billion by 2030.

The minister credited this growth to enabling policy reforms, including the recently approved BIO-E3 Policy that aims to boost economy, employment, and environment through biotechnology. "We now have over 10,000 biotech startups compared to just 50 a decade ago," he pointed out.

He praised the creation of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) that unified 14 autonomous institutions under one umbrella.

"BRIC-inStem is at the cutting edge of fundamental and translational science," he said, highlighting innovations like the germicidal anti-viral mask during the pandemic and the 'Kisan Kavach' that protects farmers from neurotoxic pesticides.

"The recent pandemic taught us that we must always be prepared. Facilities like this will help us stay a step ahead," Dr Singh stated.

The minister also praised the newly launched Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE), which addresses birth defects and infertility by advancing developmental biology research. "With about 3 to 4 percent of babies born with some form of defect, this centre is vital for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes," he said.

Calling for greater collaboration between scientific and medical institutions, he suggested that BRIC-inStem explore MD-PhD programmes, integrate more with clinical research, and enhance visibility through coordinated communication strategies.
Amritsar, April 24 : In the wake of the terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday said a calibrated decision has been taken to scale down the ceremonial display during the Retreat Ceremony, a daily military exercise that takes place before sunset, at Punjab's Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki borders along Pakistan.

On normal occasions, hundreds of spectators, comprising foreigners, gather to witness the first-of-its-kind iconic ceremony with electrifying effect on the boisterous audience on the borders of two countries mainly on the Attari-Wagah border near this holy town of Punjab.

Amidst tension between arch-rivals India and Pakistan high as New Delhi mounted a diplomatic offensive against Islamabad, blaming it for a deadly attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, the BSF announced key changes that include suspension of the symbolic handshake of Indian Guard Commander with the counterpart Guard Commander and gates to remain closed during the ceremony.

"This step reflects India's serious concern over cross-border hostilities and reaffirms that peace and provocation cannot coexist," the BSF Punjab Frontier said.

The beating retreat ceremony, comprising flag lowering and ceremonial drill has seen a military exercise and lowering of the national flags of both India and Pakistan just before dusk since 1959.

During the retreat ceremony on festivals such as Diwali, Eid and Independence Day, border forces of both India and Pakistan -- the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers -- exchanged sweets and greetings to mark the traditional bonhomie between both the forces.

On Thursday, there was a thin audience at the Attari border to witness the ceremony, along the Radcliffe Line border between India and Pakistan, in which border gates are closed for the night.

The joint check post (JCP), which comprises a gallery with a capacity to accommodate nearly 25,000 spectators to witness the flag-lowering ceremony, was closed for spectators in the first week of March 2020 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The BSF had resumed the ceremony for public viewing with a limited audience of 300 after over a year and a half. The entry to the JCP gallery is on a first come, first served basis.

The Attari-Wagah Joint Check Post is some 30 km from Amritsar, while it is 22 km from Lahore in Pakistan.

India had chosen to skip the tradition in 2019 over growing incidents of ceasefire violations across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

After the surgical strikes by Indian forces across the borders in September 2016, the BSF did not offer sweets to the Pakistan Rangers. India responded to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22 by announcing that it would shut the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari in Amritsar along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab with immediate effect.

India also decided to suspend the Indus water treaty until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.
New Delhi, April 24 : The Congress pm Thursday sharply criticised the Centre over the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, calling it a "major intelligence failure" and accusing the BJP of exploiting the tragedy for political gain by spreading hatred through official party channels.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir expressed serious concern over the growing number of terror incidents in J&K.

Speaking to IANS, Mir said: "It's evident that J&K is still a troubled region. Despite the government's claims of restoring peace over the past six to seven years, we continue to witness attacks in Rajouri, Reasi, Kathua, and now Pahalgam."

Highlighting the strategic importance and year-round security presence in Pahalgam, especially due to the annual Amarnath Yatra, Mir questioned how such a brazen attack could have taken place.

"Pahalgam is one of the most heavily guarded regions. It sees constant movement of VVIPs, senior officials, and security forces. The presence of the army, CRPF, and J&K Police's high-sensitivity units makes it shocking that terrorists could operate so freely. It is a major intelligence failure," he added.

He emphasised the need for a broader security approach that includes the periphery of tourist zones such as Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Chandanwari, and Baisaran.

"These are places where families go to enjoy the snow even till July. Why was there no additional security arrangement, especially during peak tourist season?" Mir asked.

He added that while the Central government has announced steps in response to the attack, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.

"The Indian government must ensure that every city, every tourist destination, and every citizen feels safe. There needs to be a deeper discussion on the overall security strategy," he added.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also weighed in, calling the incident a clear security lapse.

"Pahalgam is protected by a three-tier security system. Despite that, this horrific attack occurred. Since it is a Union Territory, the responsibility lies directly with the Union Home Minister," he said.

Khera also acknowledged the courage of locals, particularly a pony ride operator who lost his life while trying to protect tourists.

He criticised the BJP's response to the tragedy, saying: "We condemn the way the BJP's official handles as they are using this tragic incident to spread communal hatred and reap political mileage."

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar echoed similar sentiments, urging citizens to remain calm and united.

"This attack happened in a sensitive area that required a strong military deployment. The responsibility lies with the Prime Minister and the Home Ministry to ensure national security," she said.

"I feel deep sorrow for the victims and their families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. The Congress party stands committed to supporting efforts for peace and security at all levels," she said.
New Delhi, April 24 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday briefed President Droupadi Murmu on Pahalgam terror attack and the actions being taken by the government in its aftermath. The high-level update came amid a flurry of diplomatic activity at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) headquarters in South Block, where India engaged in an intensive round of briefings with top foreign envoys and diplomats from across the globe.

The Indian government launched a wide-reaching diplomatic campaign to inform its trusted international partners about the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in multiple civilian casualties, including one foreigner.

The attack, strongly condemned by the Indian leadership and leaders around the world, prompted swift security and diplomatic responses.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri led the series of briefings for foreign diplomats and ambassadors stationed in New Delhi. Diplomats from key nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, China, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Norway, were called in for a detailed account of the situation on the ground and India's immediate and ongoing response.

Among the early attendees were EU envoy Herve Delphin, who left the MEA after a 30-minute briefing session with Misri. The session was part of a coordinated effort to ensure that the global community is apprised of the seriousness of the attack and India's resolve to act against terrorism with full force.

Denis Alipov, the Russian Ambassador to India, also arrived at the MEA for a briefing along with ambassadors and senior diplomats from Gulf countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Oman. Diplomats from Southeast Asia, representing Indonesia and Malaysia were also given a comprehensive briefing.

In a notable move, the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, attended a special briefing at the MEA headquarters. This engagement is being viewed as part of India's broader effort to impress upon all regional stakeholders the gravity of the terror threat in Jammu and Kashmir and the imperative for international support in countering terrorism.

EAM S. Jaishankar arrived at the MEA headquarters during the series of briefings, underscoring the importance New Delhi attaches to its international diplomatic outreach in the wake of the terror attack.

The briefings, which lasted approximately 30 minutes per session, were described as comprehensive and focused on India's security measures, intelligence assessments, and the operational response already underway. Senior MEA officials emphasised India's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and securing the region against cross-border terrorism.

Government sources indicated that the outreach was not only to share India's assessment of the current situation but also to ensure a coordinated international stance on terrorism, particularly from countries that share intelligence and counterterrorism cooperation frameworks with India.

The terror strike in Pahalgam has triggered widespread condemnation from across the global spectrum, and the government's robust diplomatic response is seen as part of its effort to isolate terror sponsors globally while keeping its partners informed and engaged.
Mumbai, April 24 : In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Gopal Chaturvedi on Thursday called for strong measures against Pakistan, including a permanent resolution of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) issue and sealing of the border, asserting that the neighbouring country "does not deserve any mercy."

Talking to IANS, Lt. Col. Chaturvedi said, "The harsh diplomatic measures, including those taken by the CCS on Wednesday night, announced against Islamabad should have been taken much earlier They don't deserve any mercy, decency or soft corner."

"Now Pakistan will understand that the help that India, due to a soft corner, used to give to it on humanitarian grounds will stop," he said, adding that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 will hit their economy hard and virtually cripple it.

Lt. Col. Chaturvedi said Indus water is critical not only for Pakistan's needs, but also for irrigation and industrial use.

"It was only on humanitarian grounds that India had been giving Indus waters to Pakistan even after fighting several wars with it," he said.

On people-to-people relations, he said, "There are many people who are from India, but their relatives are in Pakistan. There are many people in Pakistan whose relatives are in India. They wanted to meet each other and that shall stop now. The atmosphere of love that was being created will end."

Lt. Col. Chaturvedi said the terror attack, which left 26 tourists dead, is an outcome of Pakistan's discomfort over the improved environment in Kashmir -- both politically and economically.

"Whenever there is internal disturbance in Pakistan, the neighbouring country, along with some forces in India that believe in spreading hatred, execute such dastardly acts," he said, highlighting how the situation in the Valley was improving under an elected government.

He said Kashmir was witnessing a boom in tourism and people were feeling upbeat. "It may take many years to revive public confidence this attack's impact may also be felt on the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and the Valley's economy may take a hit due to this terror attack," he said.

Lt. Col. Chaturvedi also welcomed New Delhi's decision to downsize diplomatic linkages with Pakistan.

"What is the need to have a Pakistani High Commission in India?" he asked, "Either you can be a friend or a foe, why is politics being done on the issue?"

"The matter should be settled once and for all. Dialogue has failed to improve things since 1947," he said, calling for the strictest of action by India against Pakistan.

He said the High Commission is used for sending information about India and Pakistan sends its spies through the High Commission. "The best solution is to shut it down," he said.
Bengaluru, April 24 : The Karnataka cabinet, in a special meeting held in Chamarajanagar district on Thursday, passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and also demanded an investigation into the lapses that led to it.

"Our government strongly condemns the terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. It has been decided to extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of the state to all those who lost their lives," the resolution said.

"The terrorist attacks must be deemed as heinous acts committed against humanity. The entire nation must unite and strive to completely uproot all forms of terrorism."

The resolution also demanded a thorough and appropriate investigation into the lapses.

"We demand a thorough and appropriate investigation into the lapses that led to this incident. Our government urges the Union government to take all necessary precautions to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future," the resolution read.

Meanwhile, former Congress MP D. K. Suresh, brother of Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, said: "The terrorist attacks must be deemed as heinous acts committed against humanity. The entire nation must unite and strive to completely uproot all forms of terrorism. We must stand united and fight against terrorism. We support the decisions of the Central government."

Suresh visited the residence of Bharat Bhushan, who was killed in Pahalgam, to pay his final respects and offered condolences to the bereaved family members.

"The nation comes first; everything else is secondary. We must all stand together against this attack and fight terrorism. In the future, we must ensure the protection of our citizens. Every individual's life is precious," he said.

On intelligence "failure", he said: "I won't comment. The Union government must take strong steps. The Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister are holding continuous meetings with the security forces. Everyone must support the government in this situation. The Congress party will support the government's decisions."

On diplomatic measures taken by the Union government, he said, "Decisions alone are not enough to bring results. But whatever decisions the government takes, we will welcome them."
Patna, April 24 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, saying it was a cowardly act.

"The whole country is united in grief and stands firmly with the families of the victims. Such cowardly acts will never be tolerated in our country," CM Nitish said.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Madhubani on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, he reaffirmed his alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), indirectly addressing past political shifts.

"Yes, I left NDA twice, but it was because of the wrong actions of some people. I won't leave again. This time, NDA will replicate its historic 2005 performance in Bihar," CM Nitish declared, pointing to JD(U) leaders Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) and Sanjay Jha as figures behind past exits from the alliance.

Union Minister Lalan Singh, who also spoke at the rally, issued a strong warning to those behind the Pahalgam terror attack and asserted complete confidence in PM Modi's leadership.

"This attack is a cowardly act. The country has faith that when the time comes, PM Modi will not hesitate to take bold action. He will give a befitting reply to the terrorists and their mentors," Union Minister Singh said.

He emphasised that the Central government is already taking steps, and the nation will soon see how India responds to such threats.

"The Prime Minister's presence at this event, without any distraction, sends a clear message of strength and resolve," he added.

The statements come amid heightened political activity and security concerns, with Bihar preparing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

On Tuesday, terrorists attacked tourists in Pahalgam, claiming 26 lives and injuring many others.

The terrorist attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Shimla, April 24 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Thursday held a meeting with Sanjay Gunjyal, Frontier Commander with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Northern Frontier, and discussed the role of paramilitary force and issues concerning state's security along the India-China border.

Also, topics like a roadmap for promoting border tourism in the frontier regions, procurement of local produce for ITBP supplies and provision of medical services to local communities through ITBP healthcare facilities were discussed, a government statement said.

The Chief Minister said to strengthen disaster management the government would establish improved coordination with ITBP's regional response centre.

He said helipads located in ITBP-controlled zones could be utilised to promote tourism in remote areas.

All formalities in this regard would be completed in consultation with the ITBP, which would also help enhance connectivity. Sukhu said the government is taking several steps to strengthen the rural economy.

"If the ITBP procures food products directly from local residents, it would create employment opportunities and benefit farmers and horticulturists."

He urged the Commander to prioritise the involvement of local residents in construction projects after completing all requisite formalities.

The Chief Minister also directed the state officials to expedite all procedures for establishing communication towers in border areas.

He lauded the developmental efforts and other initiatives undertaken by the ITBP in the frontier regions.

Commander Gunjyal briefed the Chief Minister about steps taken under the Vibrant Village Programme for the construction of three proposed roads in the Sangla Valley and in Kaurik area.

He also shared details of 15 additional roads proposed in remote and forward border regions. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri virtually attended the meeting and shared views and suggestions, while Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Chairman, Milkfed Budhi Singh Thakur, OSD to the Chief Minister Gopal Sharma, among others, were present in the meeting.
Jaipur, April 24 : Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) MP Hanuman Beniwal said on Thursday that Indians want the Tricolour to fly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following the Pahalgam terror attack, and the time has come for India to take the region back.

"If terrorism could be eliminated in Punjab, it can be eradicated in J&K also. However, big speeches from Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not suffice. It is time to take PoK back to the root out terrorism from this region. Not only me, but crores of Indians want the Tricolour to fly in PoK," said Beniwal.

Drawing parallels with the Kargil infiltration, he said the killing of over 26 innocent civilians reflects a serious lapse in national security.

"The country's government has completely failed. Just like Kargil, there was a major infiltration, and innocent lives were lost. We conquered Kargil after losing thousands of soldiers. The same negligence is now visible in Pahalgam, a prominent tourist area," said the MP.

He also criticised the Rajasthan government for its failure to cancel the controversial Sub-Inspector recruitment exam.

He announced an indefinite protest alongside youth from April 26 at Shaheed Smarak, Jaipur, demanding justice in various recruitment-related scams.

He also questioned the Union government's Agnipath scheme, saying why would someone risk his life to fight for just four years under the Agniveer scheme?

Beniwal slammed the previous Congress government for not cancelling the REET Level-1 exam after a paper leak scandal.

"Only the Level-2 exam was cancelled, even though there were major irregularities in Level-1 as well. Back then, BJP leaders demanded the cancellation of REET Level-1, Sub-Inspector, and PTI exams. Now that the BJP is in power, they have conveniently forgotten their promises," he said.

He added that people in Delhi mock Rajasthan, saying it's become a hub of fake degrees and gang wars.

He said that the Rajasthan government is being run from five different power centres. "Even the Chief Minister doesn't know his schedule," he claimed.

The MP said that former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is not satisfied with the current functioning of the state BJP.

"From April 26, I will begin an indefinite protest at Shaheed Smarak, Jaipur, alongside the youth. If necessary, I will organise a rally with over one lakh people. I will fight for the youth till my last breath," he said.

He alleged that while dozens have been arrested in the Sub-Inspector recruitment scam, the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) Chairman, Sanjay Shrotriya, has not even been questioned.

"Shrotriya, once close to Ashok Gehlot and Vasundhara Raje, is now close to Bhajanlal Sharma. All sensitive documents of RPSC are still with him," Beniwal claimed.

Demanding a complete overhaul of the RPSC, Beniwal said that the government has power both in Rajasthan and at the Centre, adding that if they have the willpower, the Commission can be dissolved in a single day, but nepotism is rampant, and many members are relatives of influential leaders.

"This is the first time in Rajasthan's history that a Chief Minister has received five threats in such a short span. If the Chief Minister isn't safe, how can the common citizen feel secure?" he questioned.

Beniwal also made sharp allegations against both the Congress and the BJP, claiming that leaders from the Congress avoided arrest by making backdoor deals with the BJP leaders.

"Congress leaders were afraid of getting arrested. That's why they assured BJP leaders that they would help them win the by-elections on the condition that no action be taken against them," Beniwal said.
Jaipur, April 24 : Another NEET aspirant has been found dead in Rajasthan's Kota, just 10 days before the exams. The deceased was identified as a 23-year-old Roshan Sharma who was found dead near a railway track close to Landmark City in Kota on Thursday.

The body was discovered in the bushes and identified through a call made from the student's mobile phone by his family. According to the police, Roshan, a resident of Tughlakabad, Delhi, had last spoken to his family on Wednesday night.

During the call, he reportedly said: "Neither will I come home, nor will I appear for the exam."

Kunhadi Police Station officer Arvind Bhardwaj confirmed that the student's body was recovered near the railway track. Preliminary reports suggest Roshan may have died by suicide after allegedly consuming the poison, 10 days ahead of the NEET exam.

The family stated they had been in regular contact with Roshan even after returning to Delhi. Their last conversation with him took place on Wednesday night.

While poisoning is suspected, the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed. The body has been placed in the mortuary of MBS Hospital, and a postmortem will be conducted once the family arrives in Kota.

A few days ago, another NEET aspirant committed suicide. He was from Bihar. On Tuesday, he died by suicide just weeks ahead of his scheduled exam in the first week of May. The student, a resident of Chhapra, Bihar, was staying in a private hostel in the Kunhadi police station area.

The student took the extreme step at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

Police recovered a suicide note from the room, in which the student clearly stated that the NEET exam was not the reason for his decision. He had also sent a message to his sister on WhatsApp reiterating the same. "Itas not your fault," he wrote in the note, adding, "None of you are responsible for my suicide, nor is this due to the NEET paper."

Experts said that there has been a rise in suicide cases before exams like NEET and JEE and hence student counselling is a must to check such cases.
New Delhi, April 24 : Delhi BJP President and other party leaders were detained on Thursday as they joined a protest organised by the Anti-Terror Action Forum outside the Pakistan High Commission against the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The protest, which included shouting slogans against Pakistan, began with a one-minute silence in memory of 26 Indian tourists and a local Kashmiri killed in the Pahalgam attack on April 22.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, former state presidents Harsh Vardhan and Satish Upadhyay, State General Secretary Vishnu Mittal, and other BJP leaders and MLAs, along with office bearers of the Anti-Terror Action Forum, participated in the protest.

The protesters held placards carrying slogans against Pakistan, and the Forum's activists hit out at the neighbouring country for supporting terror.

Some of the banners read: "Won't bow before terrorism" and "Down with Pakistan".

During the protest, BJP workers broke police barricades, after which Virendra Sachdeva and hundreds of BJP workers were detained by Delhi Police and taken to Chanakyapuri Police Station. They were released shortly thereafter.

Sachdeva said that every Indian who loves the country is angry today, and the Pakistan-backed terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack will soon face the consequences of their deeds.

"Those who kill innocent people after asking their caste or religion must be punished. This is today's India - the India of PM Narendra Modi - which has responded to attacks in Uri and Pulwama, and will soon respond to Pahalgam," he said.

He added that so far, India has only stopped the flow of river water, cancelled visas, and reduced the strength at the embassy, but the Modi-led government will soon take revenge for Pahalgam in a manner they understand.

Sachdeva said that "traitors" of India, in the guise of politicians who preach secularism, need to understand that what happened in Kashmir could happen in their own homes tomorrow if we do not unite today.

"Our protest is also against those people in the Pakistan High Commission who enjoy our hospitality but are colluding with the enemies of the nation," he said.

Harsh Vardhan repeated the demand for declaring Pakistan a terrorist state, as "suggested" by the United Nations.
Mumbai, April 24 : Actor Ishaan Khatter has requested 'not to pit Indian Hindus against Indian Muslims' after the Pahalgam terror attack as he believes this will be the final victory for the terrorists.

Taking to his Instagram stories, the 'Dhadak' actor penned a heartfelt note reflecting on the long and painful history of Kashmir.

"This was a targeted attack on Hindus. Denying that is dishonest. There is a long and painful history here: from the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits to attacks on Amarnath yatris. But using this pain to pit Indian Hindus against Indian Muslims is unforgivable. That is the terrorists' final victory. And we must not let them win." Ishaan penned.

Ishaan also said that he was in Pahalgam around two months back and during his visit, he met many kind and helpful locals.

Narrating his own experience, the 'Beyond the Clouds' actor said, "On a personal note, I'd like to say I was in Pahalgam barely 2 months ago. I have always felt a deep connection and love for Kashmir and have always found the people to be kind and helpful. I've met some beautiful souls there. My heart aches to imagine the loss that the victims of these awful attacks are facing. Let's not forget Kashmir has long been damaged. A place that is often called heaven on earth is deeply wounded by acts like these and the lives of its people are indelibly affected.

Ishaan was in Kashmir recently to shoot for his song "Pyaar Aata Hai", alongside Tara Sutaria.

Ishaan urged all to not be blinded by hatred and work towards justice. He continued, "We stand to be tested not for our politics, not for our religion but for our HUMANITY. Let's never forget and let's direct our collective anger towards accounting for JUSTICE and not blind hatred. Let's be what these pathetic assailants want us to forget we are - Human beings, with sensitivity, reasoning, and thoughtfulness."

Ishaan also penned a note remembering the Kashmiri local, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who lost his life in the attack attempting to save the lives of these tourists.
New Delhi, April 24 : Drawing similarities between Tuesday's terror attack in Kashmir and the October 7 massacre that took place in 2023 back home, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Thursday termed the horrific terrorist ambush on innocent civilians in Pahalgam as "barbaric" and "atrocious", asserting that the fact that Hamas terrorists were invited to Pakistan is a bad sign of things to come.

"This is an atrocious, barbaric attack. People have the right to go on vacation without being attacked in such a terrible way. This is shocking. It's absolutely unacceptable. We must do whatever we can, not only to catch the perpetrators but to prevent such incidents from happening again," Azar told IANS in an exclusive chat.

Much before Pahalgam, the diplomat had expressed concerns over reports of leaders of Palestinian terror outfit Hamas going into a huddle with terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"Terror cannot be tolerated, cannot be contextualized, cannot be justified. The fact that terrorists are not only being hosted but embraced by other organisations is something that cannot be accepted. The fact that Hamas terrorists were invited to Pakistan is a bad sign of things to come, because these terrorists are copying each other, inspiring each other, and we have to defend ourselves against them," he said on Thursday.

Pakistan's involvement with terrorist organisations to fuel unrest in the region came to the fore after Hamas Commander Khaled al-Qaddoumi and other Pakistani terrorists were spotted during a rally in PoK, this February.

"You have a similar situation in which people were going to a music festival and were massacred, and people here were on vacation, and they were massacred. It's the same death cult, the same distorted interpretation of religion, the same supremacist thoughts - the fact that people think that by breaching every norm of humanity, they will achieve something. This is something that has to be completely eliminated. Thatas why Israel has had the resolve to attack Hamas the way it did. We're going to continue doing it while defending our principles, our laws, and our values. And I am sure India is going to do the same," he said.

Vowing to share intelligence, the Ambassador praised the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its "tremendous achievements" in stabilising Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising that this is something that Israel can learn from India.

"I trust the Indian government that will do whatever necessary, and they know it best because they have the intelligence. They know the terrain, they know the nature, not only of the terrorists, but of those who are sponsoring them. And I am actually happy that there is determination that is being shown by the Indian leadership, not only by the defence forces, but also by the foreign policy establishment, by the Prime Minister and the entire leadership. This is a watershed moment, and it's very natural that India will take steps and say enough is enough," the Israeli Ambassador stated.

Azar remarked that the perpetrators of the terror attack must be caught soon, and it should be made sure that such incidents do not happen again.

"All countries that support terrorism must be exposed and isolated. We are suffering from a similar situation in our region, where the Iranian regime sponsors terrorists. They have been exposed. We were once trying to hide it and deny responsibility, but we have now exposed them. I'm happy that India is doing the same," he said.
Kolkata, April 24 : Senior Congress leader and five-time former party Lok Sabha member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, on Thursday, demanded the strongest possible action against Pakistan following the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, saying that the Modi-led government should consider attacking Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"All parties have already made it clear that the Union government can even take Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir under its control if necessary. The kind of massacre that had been conducted by those who came from Pakistan and were nurtured in Pakistan is simply unthinkable. The Modi-led government should attack Muzaffarabad in PoK," Chowdhury told IANS.

The Congress leader said that the Union government has already suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), and efforts are being made on the part to cut diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

"The entire country demands the strongest retaliation against Pakistan. Nothing short of that can satisfy the Indian citizens," Chowdhury told IANS.

He added that the event of global powers standing beside India amid the Pahalgam massacre has given the Union government the right opportunity to initiate the strongest possible action against Pakistan.

"I am no one to advise the Union government on this issue. But I strongly feel that this (attacking Pakistan) is the need of the hour," Chowdhury added.

At least 26 tourists were killed on Tuesday after gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians in Baisaran in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to eyewitness accounts, a group of heavily armed terrorists emerged from the nearby forests and opened indiscriminate fire on civilians, most of whom were tourists.

Baisran is a small meadow three to four km from the Pahalgam market, and tourists take horses to reach the place as there is no motorable road to it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning after cutting his Saudi Arabia trip short due to the terror attack.

He had a brief meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the airport. PM Modi strongly condemned the terror attack on Tuesday, stating that the guilty will be brought to justice and reaffirming India's "unshakable" resolve to fight terrorism.
Kottayam, April 24 : As the sole accused in the brutal murder of businessman Vijayakumar and his wife Meera in Kottayam remains in police custody, questions are now being raised about a possible link between the double murder and the mysterious death of their son seven years ago.

Vijayakumar and Meeraas bodies were found on Tuesday morning, when the coupleas domestic help arrived at their residence and discovered them in separate rooms.

Although the Kerala Police initially ruled out any connection between the two incidents, the dynamics changed with the entry of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The CBI was recently directed by the Kerala High Court to investigate the death of 27-year-old Gautam, the coupleas son, whose mutilated body was found near a railway track in Kottayam in 2017.

With both agencies now working in tandem, efforts are underway to determine whether a deeper conspiracy ties the two cases together.

The arrested accused, Amit, a native of Assam, had previously worked for the couple -- both at their business establishment and in their home.

Police say Amit confessed to the murders, driven by a grudge against Vijayakumar, who had earlier filed a police complaint accusing him of stealing a mobile phone. That phone was later used to siphon off money from the businessmanas bank account.

Amit was arrested in November last year. Following his arrest, his pregnant wife returned to Assam, where she later lost the child -- an incident that reportedly intensified Amitas resentment and prompted him to plan the murder of the couple.

Notably, just last month, the Kerala High Court ordered a CBI probe into Gautamas death, following persistent efforts by Vijayakumar. The Thiruvananthapuram unit of the CBI had only recently begun its investigation when the double murder occurred.

According to sources, both the CBI and the state police are now probing how Amit managed to secure bail recently, allegedly with the help of unknown individuals. The murder took place just days after his release.

Investigators have recovered nine mobile phones from Amit, including three that belonged to the slain couple. However, one mobile phone used by Vijayakumar is still missing. It is believed that the device may contain crucial information related to his son's suspected murder.

Authorities are now expected to question the two individuals who facilitated Amitas bail, as suspicions grow that the deaths of Gautam and his parents may not be isolated incidents but part of a larger, more sinister plot.
Amaravati, April 24 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Thursday paid homage to Somishetty Madhusudhan Rao, one of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pawan Kalyan reached Kavali town in Nellore district and laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the software engineer.

The Jana Sena leader paid tributes to the terror victim and consoled his family members.

The actor-politician was accompanied by ministers Nadendla Manohar, Anam Ramnarayan Reddy and Sathya Kumar.

Talking to the media persons Pawan Kalyan strongly condemned the terror attack. He said Madhusudhan was brutally killed in front of his wife and minor children.

The Deputy Chief Minister called for eliminating terrorists wherever they are. He earlier posted on social media that the horrific Pahalgam attack has deeply shaken us.

"My heart goes out to the bereaved families. As a mark of respect & solidarity, JanaSena will observe three days of mourning across the Telugu States. Our party flag will fly at half-mast. In this dark hour, we remain resolute. Our Bharat's unity cannot be broken by terror. I have full faith that our leadership will respond with strength and purpose to ensure justice prevails and such atrocities never occur again. Together, we will overcome. Together, we will heal," he said.

Earlier, the mortal remains of Madhusudhan reached his hometown, Kavali. The 42-year-old software engineer, who was living in Bengaluru, was among 26 tourists killed in the terror attack in Kashmiras Pahalgam on Tuesday.

Madhusudhanas body reached Chennai Airport on Wednesday night and was then brought to Kavali by road.

Tirupal and Padmvathi were shocked to see their sonas body.

The relatives had not informed them about their death. They were told that he was injured in the attack. Madhusudan Rao was the only son of Tirupal and Padmavathi, who are engaged banana business in the town.

He was settled in Bengaluru for the last 12 years. The techie was on a trip to Kashmir with his wife Kamakshi, daughter and son.

Madhusudhan was one of the two men from Andhra Pradesh killed in the terror attack. J.S. Chandramouli, a retired bank employee from Visakhapatnam, also fell to the bullets of the terrorists.

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday night received the mortal remains of Chandramouli at Visakhapatnam Airport.

The Chief Minister offered floral tributes and consoled the bereaved family. Reaffirming the state's commitment to national security, Naidu announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the two martyrs from Andhra Pradesh - Chandramouli and IT professional Madhusudan from Kavali.
New Delhi, April 24 : Just when Kashmir had begun to breathe in the air of normalcy -- its scenic valleys echoing with the chatter of tourists, its streets calm and welcoming, and international delegates arriving for the G-20 summit -- terror once again clawed its way back into the Valley. In the picturesque town of Pahalgam, that fragile peace was shattered on April 22.

In what is now being described as one of the most brutal terrorist attacks on civilians in recent years, 26 people were killed in a cold-blooded assault on a group of Indian tourists. The survivors shared details of chilling barbarity. They told media that the attackers, calm and deliberate, demanded identification, segregating victims by religion. Hindus were singled out, lined up, and executed at point-blank range, they told the media.

One woman recalled watching her husband shot in the head for nothing more than his identity. Instead of fleeing after the initial shots, the attackers stayed back, firing into the crowd with cruelty, ensuring maximum terror and damage. This was not just a terror attack -- it was a message, a strategic and ideological assault.

The intent was crystal clear -- to spread fear, fracture harmony, and draw global attention to Kashmir once more under a bloodstained lens. And as always, the shadow behind the gunmen was unmistakable -- Pakistan's military establishment, which has long weaponised terrorism as a tool of statecraft.

Officials and intelligence agencies have drawn chilling parallels between the Pahalgam massacre and earlier terror attacks orchestrated to coincide with major diplomatic events in India. The timing of this attack was no coincidence -- it occurred during the visit of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to India.

The pattern echoes the March 2000 massacre in Chittisinghpura, when 36 Sikhs were murdered on the eve of then US President Bill Clinton's state visit, and the February 1999 killings during former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Lahore outreach.

This deliberate sabotage of peace talks, and diplomatic progress has become a cruel hallmark of Pakistan's playbook in the region.

The attack in Pahalgam was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an armed proxy group believed to be a shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The formation of terrorists included six operatives -- two of them local Kashmiris who had crossed into Pakistan in 2017 for training and returned with deadly skillsets. The remaining four were foreign militants, backed and armed by LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

According to Indian intelligence, these attackers were part of the last major infiltration batch and had been hiding in the Pir Panjal Range, a rugged and strategically critical zone dividing Jammu and Kashmir. The area remains a hub for highly trained terrorist units with cross-border links. Currently, around 60 active foreign terrorists operate in the Kashmir Valley -- 35 affiliated with LeT and TRF, and 25 with JeM and other groups.

The brutal nature of the Pahalgam massacre shows a shifting strategy.

With 90 per cent of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists already eliminated in counter-terror operations, the remaining fringe is striking with heightened desperation and precision.

As Indian forces push them to the margins, Pakistan, through its deep-state operatives, appears to be intensifying its efforts to stoke large-scale violence and instability.

The attack also came just days after Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir delivered a provocative speech at the Overseas Pakistani Convention, where he referred to Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein" and evoked the two-nation theory -- a direct challenge to India's sovereignty.

Intelligence agencies believe this speech wasn't rhetorical. It was a signal. With Pakistan's economy in freefall, its civil-military balance deeply fractured, and public trust in the army at historic lows, Munir needed to rally internal support and restore the military's image. The result -- a gruesome, calculated act of terrorism meant to project power abroad and consolidate authority at home.

Pakistan's army, now trapped in a shorter popularity cycle of just 57 years, is increasingly using terror as a tool for image management. The Pahalgam attack fits this pattern: staged violence with political and psychological intent.

A united Kashmir rejects terror

In a rare show of unity, Kashmiris across the Valley protested on April 23, raising their voices against this act of terror. Civil society, local leaders, and common citizens condemned the bloodshed. The protest reaffirmed that the Valley rejects violence and that it is committed to peace only.

The message from Kashmiris was clear: this wasn't just an attack on tourists -- it was an attack on the progress, stability, and future of the region.

The Pahalgam attack was not an isolated act of fanaticism. It was a clear and calculated move by the Pakistani deep state, using terror as an instrument of foreign policy. In targeting innocent civilians, Pakistan has once again shown that peace in the region is not undermined by insurgents alone -- but by a state that refuses to give up its addiction to proxy warfare.

India's response -- diplomatic, strategic, and security-driven -- is now under close global scrutiny. But what is already certain is this: the world cannot afford to look away anymore.
New Delhi: The establishment of the Higher Buddhist Institute through the guidance of Communist Party of China (CPC) marks a fundamental change in the way of cultivating senior Tibetan Buddhist talents, and has opened a new chapter in the history of Modern Tibetan Buddhist education, to allow only that degree of freedom of religious belief which would be compatible with "complete acceptance of communism in China".

The Higher Buddhist Institute of the Tibetan Department in Beijing was initiated by the late 10th Panchen Lama and President of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC), Zhao Puchu, with the approval of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, on September 1, 1987 in Xihuang Monastery in Beijing. The 10th Panchen Lama personally served as the first President, and Zhao Puchu, then President of the BAC, was the Senior Advisor.

This Institute is the only full-time institution across China of higher learning with the qualification of 'Tuorangpa' senior academic title (doctorate) training and awarding with the goal of cultivating high-quality monks. The current abbot is the 6th Lobsang Jigme Thubten Chokyi Nyima Living Buddha.

Since the establishment and implementation of the three-level academic title system of Tibetan Buddhism in 2004, the college has awarded a total of 363 senior titles and 150 intermediate titles of 'Zhiranpa'.

The college plans to enroll 39 students in the 2025 senior title class, including 13 Gelugpa, 13 Sakya and 13 Bon Pothroughout China. The enrollment targets of this institute are the winners of the intermediate title of 'Zhiranpa' of the Tibetan Department of Buddhism and the monks of the temple with high comprehensive quality.

Courses to be taught are mainly 'Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era', as well as courses such as 'Introduction to the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics', 'Modern Chinese History' and 'Constitution and Legal Foundation'. Further, students have to carry out on-site teaching in Beijing and surrounding patriotic education bases, cultural relics and historic sites, museums, modern enterprises and other places to participate in academic exchange meetings such as doctrinal interpretation seminars and Huangsi forums, and carry out exchanges with domestic and foreign religious schools and academic institutions.

Chinese State through the BAC, which is a key instrument in the CPC's strategy to assimilate and transform Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in relation to the search for and recognition of reincarnate lamas intends to destroy Tibetan Buddhism's unique qualities and to retain it as a 'tool of convenience' in the hands of Chinese State. This is called Sinification. Sinification is thus linked to the future of Tibetan Buddhism. In this connection, China is attempting to create a false narrative in terms of its history, as with China's political claim over Tibet, which it says goes back in history.

According to a report by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), China's State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) issued a revised version of the 'Measures for the Administration of Tibetan Buddhist Temples'.

This was adopted in September 2024 and came into force in January, significantly expanding state control over Tibetan religious practice by embedding political mandates into Tibetan religious administration. These measures are part of the broader state efforts to assimilate Tibetan Buddhism, religious and cultural identity into the dominant Han identity, thereby undermining Article 36 of China's 1982 Constitution.

The Chinese State has also been accused of escalating its suppression of religious freedom in Tibet in the last 15 years. Chinese President Xi Jinping's administration through coercive 'patriotic education' campaigns designed to instill loyalty, strict control over monastic institutions of learning and widespread arbitrary arrests and detentions has tightened its grip. Significantly, BAC is playing a prominent role in Sinicizing Tibetan Buddhism. BAC is a tool for implementing sinicization campaigns and advancing CPC's political agenda through United Front Work Department (UFWD) along with State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA).

(The writer is an expert on South Asia and Eurasia. He was formerly with Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Views expressed are personal)
Moscow, April 24 : Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression by the West, the Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday.

"In November 2024, revisions were introduced to the Basic Principles of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence, according to which Russia reserves the right to use nuclear arms in the event of aggression against it or the Republic of Belarus, including with the use of conventional weapons," Shoigu said in an interview to state-run news agency Tass.

According to the official, Russia is "carefully monitoring Europe's military preparations".

"In accordance with Russiaas National Security Strategy, in the event of foreign countries carrying out hostile actions representing a threat to Russiaas sovereignty and territorial integrity, our country considers it legitimate to take appropriate symmetric and asymmetric measures necessary to thwart such actions and prevent them from repeating," he reiterated.

Shoigu further said that the nuclear deterrence "is being carried out with regard to countries and military coalitions that consider Russia a potential enemy and possess weapons of mass destruction or conventional armed forces with substantial military capabilities".

Additionally, he stated that such actions also involve countries who provide their territory and resources for preparing and carrying out aggression against Russia.

"The goals of ensuring the integrity of Russia and Belarusa unified defensive space and joint implementation of events on strategic deterrence were enshrined in the Security Concept of the Union State and the Treaty on security guarantees between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus approved in December 2024, which were developed with direct participation of security councils of both countries," Shoigu remarked.

The senior Russian security official further warned that any deployment of peacekeepers to historical Russian lands would risk a third World War.

Shoigu pointed to plans by the "coalition of the willing" to put boots on the ground in Ukraine under the guise of peacekeepers.

"Sensible politicians in Europe understand that the implementation of this scenario may lead to a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia or even cause WWIII further down the road," he asserted.
Dhaka, April 24 : In its continuous drive of political suppression in Bangladesh under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, the Dhaka police in separate raids conducted on Thursday arrested 11 more members of the Awami League (AL) and its student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), taking the total number of detained party activists to over 55.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Thursday alleged that those arrested were involved in creating public panic and conspiring to destabilise the country by organising and participating in unauthorised processions throughout Dhaka.

The statement issued by the DMP stated that with the latest arrests, a total of 55 leaders and activists of the AL and its affiliated organisations have so far been taken under custody for holding processions, adding that legal proceedings are currently underway against the detainees.

Last week, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League staged a flash procession in Khulna city, following the interim government's orders to prevent such processions.

Reports suggest that the rally organised under the banner of 'Bangladesh Awami League Khulna District Unit' was the first such demonstration in the area since the fall of the Awami League government, last August.

Videos from the scene showed protestors holding a banner featuring portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina, the country's leading daily, Prothom Alo, reported.

Slogans such as, "Sheikh Hasina, we are not afraid, we have not left the streets", "Sheikh Hasina's government needed again and again", and "Sheikh Hasina will return like a hero" were raised during the rally, the report detailed.

Following that, several attempts were made by the Awami League to bring out flash processions in different areas of the capital.

On Thursday, the social media page of AL shared a video showing a protest rally being carried out by the Chhatra League demanding the withdrawal of a false case against former PM Hasina.

Recently, the social media page of the AL shared a 45-second video clip which showed that over a 100 individuals taking out a march with torches in hand in Shariatpur's Jayanagar area of Bangladesh.

Many wore face masks and raised slogans praising Hasina and her late father and Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"Various programmes are being held across the country. In particular, demonstrations are being organised to bring back Sheikh Hasina to the country," said a local Awami League leader.

"As part of that, leaders, activists and supporters from different levels in Shariatpur held a torch procession. From now on, the party will carry out different programmes regularly," he added.
Guwahati, April 24 : AIUDF MLA from Assam's Dhing Assembly constituency Aminul Islam was arrested on Thursday on sedition charges following his provocative statement regarding the terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed over 20 lives.

In a video clip circulated on social media, Islam is heard claiming that the Pahalgam and Pulwama attacks were part of a conspiracy that might have the involvement of the Prime Minister and Home Minister.

He said: "Six years ago in Pulwama when RDX blast happened and 42 soldiers died, I said on that day the Pulwama blast happened at the behest of a conspiracy of the central government, and it was a conspiracy to win the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"Yesterday, what happened in Pahalgam... where the firing happened... the BJP has been peddling that the terrorists asked about religion and opened fire only on Hindus, and they let go Muslims. But the victims said that the terrorists opened fire without asking about anybody's name and I doubt that the nexus which was involved in the Pulwama attack in which RDX was used... 42 CRPF jawans lost their lives... the same nexus is behind the Pahalgam incident.

"If Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government does not conduct a fair investigation into the incident and tries to bring a division between Hindus and Muslim, I would believe that this incident happened because of a conspiracy," Islam said, 'blaming' PM Modi and HM Amit Shah.

Meanwhile, reacting to Aminul Islam's arrest, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said: "Be it a direct or indirect effort to support Pakistan... it will not be tolerated from the land of Assam. If there is any effort like social media post, Facebook post or by any other means if anyone tries to support Pakistan, I have instructed Assam Police to take strict and immediate action and the police will actively take the steps."

In April 2020, Islam was arrested on charges of sedition and promoting communal enmity.

The arrest followed the circulation of an audio clip in which Islam allegedly claimed that quarantine centres in Assam were "worse than detention centres" and suggested that the government was conspiring against Muslims under the guise of Covid-19 measures.
Washington, April 24 : US President Donald Trump on Thursday reacted angrily to Russian strikes on Kyiv, telling his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to "STOP", marking a new and sharp change in tone in his remarks on the Russian leader.

Nine persons were killed and more than 100 were impacted in a Russian airstrike overnight in what has been described as the largest attack on the Ukrainian capital this year.

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv," President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let's get the Peace Deal DONE!"

President Trump has so far refrained from attacking the Russian leader, reiterating multiple times the friendship between them. He has been far more critical of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and slammed him on Wednesday for refusing to accept Russia's suzerainty over Crimea, which it snatched in 2014.

President Trump's attempts to end the Russia-Ukraine war have stalemated in recent days. While Ukraine has accepted the US peace plan of a complete ceasefire, Russia has not and has continued attacking Ukraine.

Zelenskyy has sought a complete ceasefire before further talks.

"It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire and a halt to strikes," he wrote on X on Thursday.

"This was a proposal from the United States. And it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people and evading tough pressure and accountability for its actions. It is extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening. Nearly 70 missiles, including ballistic ones. And about 150 attack drones."

US support under President Joe Biden enabled Ukraine to withstand the Russian onslaught for three years.

After taking office, President Trump has indicated that support is not for as long as it takes, as President Biden had vowed, and has sought access to Ukraine's rare earth reserves in exchange for the support and also pushed the two sides to end the war.

He has obtained President Zelenskyy's agreement to his ceasefire plan, but has not made much headway with President Putin. And that frustration showed through in the Thursday morning post on Truth Social.
New Delhi, April 24 : Several top leaders of the world, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Italian Prime Minister Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday dialled PM Modi expressing their condolences over the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack.

Netanyahu expressed his condolences, and those of the Israeli people, to PM Modi and the Indian people over the "Islamist terrorist attack in Kashmir".

Prime Minister Modi thanked him for sharing in India's mourning and emphasised that the two countries stand shoulder to shoulder in the global campaign against murderous terrorism. PM Modi shared the barbaric nature of the cross border terrorist attack and reiterated Indiaas firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice.

The two leaders also discussed advancing the transportation and communications corridor that will link Asia a" via Saudi Arabia and Israel a" with Europe.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called PM Modi and strongly condemned the terrible terror attack on Indian soil.

"She conveyed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and wished a speedy recovery of those injured. She expressed full support of Italy in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi appreciated her call and the clear message of support against terrorism and those behind it. India and Italy will continue to work together including in international platforms to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts," stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

In his call, French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed his personal condolences on the brutal killing of innocent people in the heinous terror attack in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He strongly condemned the attack and expressed full support and solidarity with the people of India adding that this kind of barbarism is totally unacceptable.

Prime Minister thanked Macron for his message of support and conveyed Indiaas strong resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice.

King Abdullah II of Jordan also called PM Modi and strongly condemned the "ghastly terror attack". He conveyed sincere condolences at the loss of innocent lives, saying that terrorism should be rejected in all its forms and manifestations and there can be no justification. The PM thanked King Abdullah for his message of solidarity and shared the sentiments of the people of India to take firm action against the perpetrators and those behind this heinous attack.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told PM Modi that terrorism cannot be justified.

Both leaders emphasised that terrorism is a grave threat to humanity. Those who believe in democracy should stand united in the fight against terrorism. PM shared assessment of the cross border terror attack and Indiaas resolve to deal with it firmly and decisively.

"I cannot help but feel great shock and anger regarding the large number of casualties caused by the terrorist attack carried out in Kashmir. I resolutely condemn such a vicious attack. On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families, and express my heartfelt sympathy to those who were injured. I express my heartfelt solidarity to the people of India in the process of overcoming this difficult time. Terrorism cannot be justified for any reason. Japan strongly condemns all forms of terrorism. Japan is firmly committed to com-batting terrorism in cooperation with India and the international community," Ishiba had said in a statement on Wednesday.
Los Angeles, April 24 : Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi is set to return to Paris for his next film, 'Parallel Tales'. The film, whose plot remains under wraps, brings together a powerful French cast, including Isabelle Huppert, Virginie Efira, Vincent Cassel, Pierre Niney and Adam Bessa.

Iconic French actor Catherine Deneuve will also make an appearance in the film, reports 'Variety'.

This marks Farhadi's return to Paris after twelve years since he made his French-language directorial debut with 'The Past'.

As per 'Variety', the film is produced by long-time collaborator Alexandre Mallet-Guy alongside Farhadi and David Levine, and will be launched by Charades and UTA Independent Film Group at the upcoming Cannes Film Market.

Charades will handle international sales, while UTA Independent Film Group will represent U.S. rights. Farhadi is set to begin production on 'Parallel Tales' in Paris this fall.

The Iranian director's most recent film, 'A Hero', earned the Grand Prize at Cannes in 2021 and was nominated for a Golden Globe. 'Parallel Tales' marks Farhadi's eagerly awaited follow up to "A Hero" which earned the Grand Prize at Cannes in 2021.

The helmer, who is attached to France through his friendship and collaboration with Mallet-Guy, previously struck a chord with 'The Past' which starred Tahar Rahim and Berenice Bejo.

The movie competed at Cannes in 2013 and won best actress for Bejo, and received five Cesar nominations and a Golden Globe nomination in 2014.

Besides 'The Past', Mallet-Guy's Paris-based company Memento Production three more films by Farhadi, 'The Salesman', which won two awards at Cannes for its screenplay and lead actor in 2016, and the Oscar for best foreign language film the following year; 'Everybody Knows', Farhadi's Spanish-language debut starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, which opened and competed at Cannes in 2018; and lastly 'A Hero'.

On top of producing, Memento, which is one of France's leading distribution companies, will handle the release 'Parallel Tales' in France.
Los Angeles, April 24 : Hollywood star Pedro Pascal has launched a scathing attack on the author J.K. Rowling. The actor didn't hold back on thoughts about J.K. Rowling's support of an anti-transgender ruling in the U.K.

The 'Last of Us' star, 50, whose sister Lux Pascal, came out as transgender in 2021, recently shared a comment under an Instagram video criticizing Rowling, 59, who celebrated the U.K. Supreme Court's April 16 ruling, reports 'People' magazine.

The ruling stated that transgender women should not be recognised as women under Britain's Equality Act.

In the Instagram video, activist Tariq Ra'ouf explains Rowling's role in the ruling, she financially backed the campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought the legal challenges to court, and called for a boycott of "Harry Potter-related" projects and experiences.

Ra'ouf also called out Rowling's recent post celebrating the ruling with a cigar and drink in hand on X, "I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights".

In response, Pascal wrote under the video, "Awful disgusting S*** is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior".

As per 'People', the actor, who has long been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has publicly supported his sister Lux's transition, doubled down on his support for the group by attending the U.K. premiere of Marvel's Thunderbolts* in London Tuesday, April 22 while wearing a white T-shirt emblazoned with the message "PROTECT THE DOLLS".

The T-shirt is a part of a larger campaign by American designer Conner Ives. Ives, 28, designed the piece to call attention to the global anti-transgender sentiment that trans women are experiencing in several countries. "Dolls" is an affectionate term coined by the LGBTQ+ community to refer to transgender women.

Pascal frequently shows public support for Lux's transition, and she has accompanied Pascal to several red carpet premieres. Lux is an actress and activist who graduated from The Juilliard School in New York City in 2023.
Los Angeles, April 24 : Actor Jacob Elordi, who is receiving a lot of positive response for his recently released streaming series 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North', has expressed his gratitude to the series and its director, Justin Kurzel.

Los Angeles, April 24 (IANS) Actor Jacob Elordi, who is receiving a lot of positive response for his recently released streaming series 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North', has expressed his gratitude to the series and its director, Justin Kurzel.

The series is based on the eponymous novel by Richard Flanagan, and tells the story of an Australian doctor haunted by memories of a love affair with his uncle's wife and of his subsequent experiences as a Far East prisoner of war during the construction of the Burma Railway.

Jacob spoke with IANS, and shared that the series allowed him to take a deep dive into the past, and what happened back in time.

Jacob told IANS, "For me personally, it's just because I am so far from that experience and my life has been so far from that experience. It's just enlightening and sobering and eye-opening. And when you get to kind of play, an idea of it or a version of it or work towards it in a cinematic way, just I'm very grateful to have that experience as a performer because it in a way puts me closer to something that I could never, that I've never experienced, you know, which is kind of for me is the joy and the important part of performance as an actor".

The actor further mentioned that the series is set in a time period that he is not from.

Talking about his preparation for the series, he shared, "The way people spoke and the way that they held themselves was certainly different to how we do now. But, I can always learn a lesson in cinema. So just watching films from that time period and reading text from that time period and just kind of immersing myself in it".

"But then when it comes to filming, while working with someone like Justin, you leave all of the cerebral stuff at the door and you just, you step into the, you step on the stage and you try to play something as real as it can be", he added.

'The Narrow Road to the Deep North' is available to stream on Sony LIV.
New Delhi, April 24 : With the immediate closure of Pakistan's airspace for India, domestic airlines will need to take a longer route, resulting in higher fuel burn and possibly increased airfares, industry experts said on Thursday.

Pakistan's move will affect flights to Central Asia, West Asia, Europe, the UK and North America. Industry experts said this will result in high costs for airlines.

In 2019 when Pakistan closed its airspace after the Balakot airstrikes, Indian airlines lost nearly Rs 700 crore owing to higher fuel expenses, according to industry figures.

As per industry sources, airlines are assessing the initial impact of Pakistan's decision. According to the airline officials, Pakistan airspace is a key airspace in the region and is majorly used by the Indian airlines.

Airlines from airports in north India, including Delhi, Lucknow and Amritsar, will now likely have to take a detour to Gujarat or Maharashtra and then turn right for Europe, North America or West Asia.

With this, the duration of some of the US and European flights operated by Indian airlines will increase in the range of 2 to 2.5 hours.

Although, airlines are yet to comment on the financial impact. These flights will have to take alternative routes that will be longer over the Arabian Sea.

Air India and IndiGo have announced that their international flights will take an alternative extended route, after Pakistan closed its airspace for India amid rising diplomatic tensions after the barbaric Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Air India said that due to the announced restriction of Pakistan airspace for all Indian airlines, it is expected that some Air India flights to or from North America, UK, Europe, and Middle East will take an alternative extended route.

"Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority," the airline said in a post on social media platform X.

Meanwhile, IndiGo also said in a post on X that due to the sudden announcement of airspace closure by Pakistan, "a few of our international flights are being impacted".

"We understand the inconvenience this may cause, and our teams are doing their best to help you reach your destination at the earliest. We encourage you to check the latest flight status. If your flight is impacted, please explore flexible rebooking options, or claim a refund through our website," said the low-cost carrier in its update on social media.

IANS

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Chandigarh, April 24 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday said "villages are the foundation of our culture, tradition, and a self-reliant India. A strong village leads to a strong nation. When panchayats are empowered, democracy thrives".

Chandigarh, April 24 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday said "villages are the foundation of our culture, tradition, and a self-reliant India. A strong village leads to a strong nation. When panchayats are empowered, democracy thrives".

"Therefore, it is everyone's responsibility to ensure the development and self-reliance of our villages. Villages play the most crucial role in the journey toward a developed India. Once our villages are developed, the state will progress, and we will surely fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of Viksit Bharat well before 2047," he said.

The Chief Minister was addressing the state-level Gram Utthan Samaroh held on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day in Panchkula, near here.

Earlier, the Chief Minister and others observed a two-minute silence and paid tribute to those who lost lives in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Srinagar on April 22.

During the event, the address of Prime Minister Modi from Madhubani in Bihar was broadcast live for the representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions who were present.

Addressing the gathering, CM Saini said "the Panchayati Raj Institutions are a vital link in democracy that give a new momentum to development. When the Panchayati Raj system was granted constitutional status, the objective is to empower villages and ensure their development through panchayats".

He said 50 per cent of the panchayat representatives present at this programme "are women, which is a symbol of women empowerment, an empowerment that will give a new boost to the development of our villages".

He added this "samaroh is not just an event, but a pledge toward the holistic development of villages".

The Chief Minister said that everyone in the village should have access to proper healthcare facilities. He urged the representatives to commit themselves to advancing villages on parameters like education, healthcare, sanitation, women empowerment, and overall socio-economic development.

The CM also appealed to panchayat representatives to pledge for a drug-free village. He urged that every representative should take a vow to eliminate drug use from their respective villages.

"If anyone is found consuming drugs or involved in drug trafficking, the information should be reported to the government via the MANAS portal. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential."

Saini said to make every village self-reliant, the government has connected each village with the Internet. Initiatives like tap water in every home, Har Khet ko Pani, 24-hour electricity under the 'Mhara Gaon-Jagmag Gaon' scheme, and health facilities for every individual under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana have been implemented.

The Chief Minister said that some 'sarpanches' had informed him that they did not have sufficient funds, and taking swift action on the same he had directed the department officers that panchayats with a total grant of less than Rs 20 lakh should be provided with additional funds as a 'gap fund,' so that each panchayat has at least Rs 21 lakh available.

As a result, Rs 583 crore was directly transferred to panchayat accounts last year, the Chief Minister added.
New Delhi, April 24 : A court here on Thursday turned down 26/11 Mumbai attack plotter Tahawwur Rana's plea to talk to his family members. Special Judge Chander Jit Singh rejected Rana's application seeking permission to speak with his family members as they must be worried about his well-being.

During the course of the hearing, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) opposed the application, contending he could share crucial information with family members if allowed to meet them.

Rana, a former Pakistan Army Medical Corps officer and the key conspirator in the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was remanded to 18-day custody of the anti-terror agency on April 11.

A day before, he was flown to New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on a special flight from Los Angeles following his extradition from the United States.

Upon his arrival in the capital, Rana was formally arrested by the NIA team after completion of all legal formalities.

The NIA, in a statement, confirmed that Rana's extradition was the result of "years of sustained and concerted efforts" by Indian authorities.

He had been in US judicial custody following the initiation of extradition proceedings under the India-US Extradition Treaty.

The process involved multiple legal battles in American courts, including an emergency appeal to the US Supreme Court, all of which were ultimately rejected.

The agency acknowledged the "active assistance" of several American institutions, including the US Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs, the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, the US Marshals Service, the FBI's Legal Attache in New Delhi, and the US State Department's legal office.

The Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs also played critical roles in pursuing Rana's surrender warrant and coordinating efforts with their US counterparts.

Rana's extradition and arrest marked a significant development in India's ongoing mission to hold accountable all those involved in the planning and execution of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which claimed 166 lives and left hundreds injured.

The NIA has been interrogating Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin who had been residing in Chicago, to gather more insights into the conspiracy and uncover links to other individuals involved in the attack.
Kolkata, April 24 : Protests and demonstrations over the loss of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching jobs in the state-run schools of West Bengal following a Supreme Court order earlier this month had taken a more complicated turn from Thursday, as the so-called "tainted" candidates too started parallel sit-in protests in front of West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) office, besides that by the "genuine" ones which had already started earlier this week.

On one hand, the "genuine" candidates are protesting in demand of the immediate publication of the segregated lists of "genuine" and "tainted" candidates.

On the other hand the contention of the other group is that their names have been included in the "tainted" list because of some technical errors in their optical mark recognition (OMR) sheets.

Although the large police contingent present in front of the WBSSC office separated the two groups of protestors by raising barricades in between them, there were frequent quarrels and heated exchange of words between the members of the two groups.

The members from the "genuine" group of protesters said that besides the publication of segregated lists of "genuine" and "tainted" candidates their demand is also that the salaries of the "tainted" candidates should be stopped immediately and that already received by them should be returned to the state exchequer as was ordered by the Supreme Court.

"Our agitation will continue unless all these demands are met. We will not allow protection of 'tainted' candidates at any cost," said a member from the "genuine" group.

The "genuine" candidates also questioned how the police allowed the "tainted" candidates to organise a sit-in-demonstration just 500 meters away from the spot when the "genuine" group had assembled.

"Who will take the responsibility in case there is an unpleasant incident over two parallel and adjacent demonstrations," asked a genuine candidate.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court division bench of the Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar upheld the order of the Calcutta High Court's division bench of Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Shabbar Rashidi last year cancelling WBSSC's entire panel for 2016 of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching jobs.

The apex court also accepted the observation of the Calcutta High Court that the entire panel had to be cancelled because of the failure on part of the state government and WBSSC to segregate the "genuine" candidates from the "tainted" ones, who got jobs paying money.
Vadodara, April 24 : Following the deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, police forces across Gujarat have heightened security measures.

Vadodara Police have launched intensified patrolling and strict checking in sensitive areas, aiming to preempt any potential threat and maintain public safety.

Among the victims of the attack were a father and son from Bhavnagar and an individual from Surat. Their mortal remains were brought to Gujarat late Tuesday night, with final rites conducted this morning amid a sombre atmosphere.

In a response, Vadodara Police have begun collecting data on foreign students studying in the city and gathering information on tourists currently staying in local accommodations.

Police Commissioner Narasimha Komar confirmed these actions, citing precautionary measures in the wake of national security advisories.

The Commissioner also appealed to citizens to ignore social media rumours and trust only official sources for updates.

The Gujarat Police presence has been visibly increased, especially in urban and sensitive zones. Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Tour Operators and Travel Agents' Association of Gujarat (TAG) has passed a resolution urging authorities to extend the current flight rescheduling deadline from April 30 to June 30, 2025.

The association cited growing fear among tourists as the key reason for the appeal. TAG also called upon hotels and transport providers to issue credit notes instead of enforcing cancellations, in an effort to shield travellers from financial losses and maintain customer trust during the ongoing crisis.

Meanwhile, a Vadodara travel agent told media parsons that while clients are being advised to hold off on cancellations temporarily, full refunds are being offered without hesitation.

"If someone doesn't want to go, we're not forcing them. We're ready to provide a full refund," the agent said.

A Rajkot-based travel agent reported that nearly 40 per cent of their summer packages were booked for Kashmir this year. "We've already received over 100 cancellations," he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's tobacco sector is seeing renewed growth in previously untapped regions, with Matebeleland South emerging as a promising new frontier for the country's second-largest foreign currency earner. In Marula, Mangwe District, 122 small-scale farmers are now in their second season of cultivating natural cured Virginia (NCV) tobacco under contract with local agribusiness firm Atlas Agri (Private) Limited.The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has hailed the development as a milestone in the decentralisation of tobacco farming, a move that aligns with national goals for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Traditionally dominated by provinces such as Manicaland and Mashonaland, tobacco production is now spreading across the country, thanks to initiatives that integrate new communities into the value chain."This expansion not only empowers rural communities with income and employment but also aligns with our goals of sustainability and innovation in the tobacco value chain," said TIMB acting chief executive officer Emmanuel Matsvaire.The contracted farmers are cultivating 84 hectares of NCV tobacco, a sun-cured variety that requires no firewood or coal, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. According to Matsvaire, the NCV variety shares the same chemical composition and smoking characteristics as flue-cured tobacco, offering a climate-smart alternative for both farmers and buyers.The initiative began modestly during the 2023/24 season, with 17 farmers producing 9,000 kilograms of tobacco from just 10 hectares. Despite the challenges of an El Nino-affected season, the results exceeded expectations and have encouraged further expansion in the 2025/26 season, spurred by improved rainfall and increased farmer participation.In a major step to enhance accessibility, Atlas Agri has also established a local tobacco sales floor in Marula. Inspected and approved by the TIMB, the facility drastically reduces the distance farmers must travel to sell their crop, lowering transport costs and improving market access.Tobacco remains a vital part of Zimbabwe's economy, having generated US$1.3 billion in exports last year. Much of this comes from smallholder farmers who benefitted from the land reform programme and who now play a central role in rural development. The latest push into Matebeleland South taps into under-utilised land and labour, creating new economic opportunities in the region.However, the expansion is not without challenges. Many farmers still rely on hand pumps for irrigation, while frost and erratic rains force them to use makeshift plastic covers to protect seedlingsmeasures that are both labor-intensive and inefficient. To address these hurdles, TIMB is exploring solar-powered borehole systems and partnering with Agritex and Atlas Agri to conduct training workshops and field days that equip farmers and extension officers with best practices for tobacco cultivation."With proper infrastructure, training, and support, Matebeleland South has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in Zimbabwe's tobacco industry," Matsvaire said.The ongoing project is a core part of Zimbabwe's Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which aims to produce 300 million kilograms of tobacco annually by 2025. By decentralising production and adopting sustainable practices, the initiative hopes to build a more balanced and resilient agricultural economy.The TIMB continues to rally support from all stakeholders to replicate the success of Mangwe District across other regions. More farmers are being encouraged to join the initiative, which is laying the groundwork for long-term growth, innovation, and inclusive prosperity in Zimbabwe's tobacco sector.
New Delhi, April 24 : In a significant development, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement that has governed water-sharing arrangements with Pakistan for decades.

This move comes as a response to Pakistan's continued cross-border terrorism and failure to act on previous concerns raised by India.

This is one of the major responses from India after flagging 'Pakistan links' to Wednesday's Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on Indian innocent citizens. At least 26 people were killed by a group of terrorists in Baisaran meadows in the upper reaches of Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon.

The decision, which marks a turning point in South Asia's water diplomacy, was communicated through an official letter from India's Water Resources Secretary, Debashree Mukherjee, to her Pakistani counterpart.

On Thursday, Debashree Mukherjee formally notified Syed Ali Murtaza, Pakistan's Secretary of Water Resources, about India's decision to temporarily halt the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.

Explaining the rationale behind this action, Mukherjee wrote: "This is with reference to Government of India's notices sent to the Government of Pakistan seeking modification of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 (the Treaty) under Article XII (3) of the Treaty. These communications cited fundamental changes in the circumstances that have taken place since the Treaty was executed that require a re-assessment of obligations under the various Articles of the Treaty read with its Annexures."

The letter underscored several transformative changes, such as shifts in population dynamics and India's advancing clean energy initiatives, which have altered the premises upon which the treaty was established.

Mukherjee emphasised the importance of honouring agreements in good faith, remarking, "The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir."

The Indian executive also highlighted the challenges posed by Pakistan's refusal to cooperate in discussions, stating, "Pakistan has refused to respond to India's request to enter into negotiations as envisaged under the Treaty and is thus in breach of the Treaty."

This ongoing lack of dialogue, coupled with security concerns, has hindered India from fully exercising its water rights under the agreement.

Mukherjee declared, "The Government of India has hereby decided that the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect."
Agartala, April 24 : Construction of embankments by the Bangladesh government continues to dominate Tripura politics with the opposition Congress on Thursday urging the state government to resolve the issue as the embankments of the neighbouring country might endanger two district towns and many villages in the state.

Tripura Pradesh Congress President Asish Kumar Saha on Thursday in an urgent letter to Tripura Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha requested to resolve flood management problems arising due to the constructions of embankments by the Bangladesh government along the stateas two districts -- Unakoti and South Tripura districts.

Various reports suggest that reconstruction work of an elevated big embankment by Bangladesh has been stalled due to opposition of Border Security Force in Unakoti district, the neighbouring country now constructing another big embankment on their territory opposite to South Tripura district headquarter Belonia.

Construction of embankments by the Bangladesh government triggered a huge panic among the people of Unakoti and South Tripura districts and they claimed that during the next monsoon period vast areas of the two districts would be flooded and might damage huge government and private properties.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, however, said that, he in a letter to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated the embankment issue of Unakoti district and the embankment issue relating to South Tripura district is now under study.

Saying that the state government is seriously looking into the matters, the Chief Minister on Tuesday told the media that regarding the embankment issues in South Tripura district detailed information has been gathered and forwarded to the Centre for appropriate action.

Meanwhile, Tripura Public Works Department Secretary Kiran Gitte, who recently visited both Unakoti and South Tripura districts and along with senior officials and conducted on-the-spot studies in both the bordering districts, said that the state government has already taken up to construct new embankments and repairing the old embankments in different parts of the state at a cost of Rs 150 crore.

Before the start of the monsoon, works in most places would be completed, he had said, adding that the PWD, Water Resource Development departments and disaster management authorities are ready to deal with any eventualities during the four-month-long (June to September) monsoon period.

Gitte said that to protect the South Tripura district headquarters, Belonia and Unakoti district headquarters, Kailashahar, adjoining villages and habitations, embankments are being constructed, and other measures have been taken up, and the ongoing works would be further intensified.

During the last year's (in August) catastrophic flood and landslides, many river embankments along the India-Bangladesh border and other infrastructure were damaged and the government has identified 43 such locations in different districts, including South Tripura district, the senior IAS officer said, adding that works to repair these infrastructures either started or to be started soon.
United Nations, April 24 : United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls on India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" to prevent further deterioration of the tense situation in the subcontinent after a terrorist attack in Kashmir, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday.

"We very much appeal to both the governments of Pakistan and India to exercise maximum restraint, and to ensure that the situation and the developments we've seen do not deteriorate any further," he said, while reiterating the condemnation of terrorist attack that killed at least 26 people in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

"We were very clear in our condemnation of the terror attack that occurred in Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

"Any issues between Pakistan and India, we believe can be and should be resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement," he said.

A front organisation of the internationally banned Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Toiba has taken responsibility for the attack in which mostly tourists were massacred.

India took action against Pakistan, expelling diplomats, cancelling some visas for each other's citizens, and shutting down trade, and Islamabad has retaliated in kind.

Asked about India suspending the Indus Water Treaty on sharing the river's resources, Dujarric said, "This would go under the rubric of us appealing for maximum restraint and not taking any actions that would deteriorate the situation further or increase tensions in a tense area."

He said that Guterres has not had any direct contact with the leaders of India and Pakistan since the attack.

US President Donald Trump took to X and wrote: "The US stands strong with India against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi, and the people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies."

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: "A heinous terrorist attack has struck India. We share the profound sorrow of the victims' families, to whom I extend my heartfelt condolences."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "The horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir... is utterly devastating."

Qatar's Foreign Ministry said: "The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attack... The Ministry extends its condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of India."

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 25 : In a decisive move following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday issued a clarification regarding visa restrictions.

The government underscored that the revocation of visas does not apply to Long Term Visas (LTVs) previously granted to Hindu Pakistani nationals.

As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to mount, New Delhi has urged Indian nationals residing in Pakistan to return home at the earliest opportunity.

This advisory forms part of a broader strategy to downgrade bilateral relations, which includes the suspension of visas and the temporary abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty.

The Ministry's statement follows the Central government's decision to revoke visas issued to Pakistani nationals, effective from April 27.

Medical visas granted to Pakistani citizens will remain valid only until April 29.

These measures were finalised during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

The Ministry also announced that all existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand revoked as of April 27.

Pakistani nationals currently in India have been instructed to leave the country before their visas expire.

Additionally, Indian nationals have been strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan.

In alignment with the Cabinet Committee's resolutions, visa services for Pakistani nationals have been suspended with immediate effect.

In response, Pakistan declared on Thursday that it would close its airspace to all Indian airlines and suspend trade with New Delhi, including through third-party nations.

Pakistan also rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any attempt to halt the flow of water allocated to Pakistan under the agreement would be deemed an act of war.

A high-level meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to deliberate on the Indus Waters Treaty.

Several Union Ministers, including Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, are expected to attend this critical discussion.

Amid nationwide outrage over the terror strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a resolute address on Thursday, vowing to pursue the perpetrators to the ends of the earth.

Speaking at a rally in Bihar's Madhubani, PM Modi declared, "Friends, today from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world: India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers."

He assured the nation that India's spirit would remain unbroken in the face of terrorism.
Kolkata, April 25 : The terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam massacre in Kashmir and their handlers will not be spared at any cost, said West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Thursday, while walking at the last journey of slain Intelligence Bureau (IB) official Manish Ranjan Mishra, who was one of the three tourists from West Bengal who was killed on Tuesday.

The body of Mishra reached Ranchi airport on Thursday morning and from there his widow started with the mortal remains of her husband for Jhalda in West Bengal's Purulia district, where the slain IB officer was born and also his ancestral house.

As the mortal remains of the IB officer reached Jhalda, the residents of this small municipal town came out on the streets and started following the vehicles carrying the mortal remains of Mishra.

The residents of Jhalda have already observed a 12-hour strike from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in memory of Mishra on Thursday.

Those who participated in the last journey included Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar.

"What had happened at Pahalgam was horrific. Incidentally, I was in Purulia and so I came here to pay homage to the brave son of the soil. The entire country should know how the tourists were selectively killed at Pahalgam. Those who conducted such a massacre as well as those who were masterminds behind it will not be spared. Manish Ranjan Mishra was killed as he was unable to recite Kalma. So several leaders are still claiming that terrorists do not have religion. Such leaders are just trying to accept the reality," Majumdar said.

Although currently posted in Hyderabad, where Mishra used to reside currently with his wife, son and daughter, he was born in Jhalda, where he spent his school days.

His other family members, including his parents, still reside at his ancestral residence at Jhalda.

Mishra was earlier posted at the Jharkhand capital of Ranchi and he recently got transferred to Hyderabad.

Mishra reached Pahalgam with his wife, son, and daughter and had plans to visit the Vaishno Devi temple, confirmed by his other family members, who reside at Jhalda.

He left Hyderabad for a prolonged holiday with his family on April 15.
Gurugram, April 25 : A one-and-a-half-year-old infant died after it accidentally consumed paint oil in Sidhrawali village in the Bilaspur police station area of Gurugram, police said.

The girl drank from a bottle of the chemical kept inside the house.

When her health deteriorated, she was rushed to a private hospital in the Bilaspur area. There she was provided first aid and referred to another private hospital, where she died on Wednesday evening.

Dhamender Kumar, a resident of Samsapur village in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly, worked in a private company in IMT Manesar and lives on rent with his family in Sidhrawali village in Gurugram.

He has three children, two daughters and a son.

Kumar told the police that he was painting the cooler at his home on Wednesday morning when her daughter Diksha came to him while playing.

The girl picked up the paint oil can kept on the floor and drank it.

The girl's health deteriorated within a few minutes, following which Kumar immediately took her to a nearby hospital in Bilaspur.

After primary treatment here, the girl was referred to a private hospital in Gurugram.

The police handed over the infant's body to the family after an autopsy on Thursday.

Apart from this, the Gurugram police also nabbed two vehicle thieves in two different cases in Gurugram on Wednesday.

The accused have been identified as Vijay of Rohtak and Anish Bharti of Uttar Pradesh.

Vijay was arrested near City Centre Mall on the MG Road, and Anish was arrested near Shankar Chowk on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway.

"Vijay was involved in a fraud case already. Two stolen bikes were also recovered from their possession," Sandeep Kumar, Gurugram police spokesperson, said.
Washington, April 25 : The US on Thursday condemned the "heinous" terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and reiterated support for India.

It did not, however, hold Pakistan responsible for it but is monitoring the situation closely.

"The US stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism," Tammy Bruce, the US State Department Spokesperson, said at a news briefing, reiterating remarks by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"We pray for the lives of those lost and for the recovery of the injured, and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice."

Asked if the US saw Pakistan being behind the attacks, Bruce said, "It was a horrible situation, but at the same time, that's basically going to be the extent of the comments at this point. What I can tell you is, of course, as we all know, it's a rapidly changing situation, and we are monitoring it closely, as you might imagine. And we, of course, are not now taking a position on the status of Kashmir or of Jammu either."

The US expressed support for India swiftly after the attack on Tuesday with President Donald Trump calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi later that day.

US Vice-President J.D. Vance also addressed the attack leaving India after a four-day trip.

"I want to just, of course, issue our condolences to the people of Kashmir who were affected by this terrible terrorist attack. The President has already spoken with Prime Minister Modi. I believe I'll be speaking with him later this afternoon. And obviously, we're providing whatever assistance and help we can provide to the government and to the people of India."

The US and President Trump have been extremely supportive of India's battles against terrorism.

The American leader personally announced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who was sought in India for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the White House in February.

Rana is now in the custody of Indian law enforcement agencies.
Mumbai, April 24 : After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the work of bringing back the people stranded at various places in Jammu and Kashmir has already started.

On Thursday, several tourists heaved a sigh of relief after reaching Mumbai and spoke to IANS, thanking the Central government and the Maharashtra government, for safely evacuating them back to their house.

Nidhi, a tourist who returned from Srinagar, told IANS: "First of all, it feels very good to reach Mumbai. I want to thank the Central and the state governments from the bottom of my heart for bringing us back from Srinagar."

Asked about the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, she said: "I went to Pahalgam from Srinagar on April 21. I had planned to visit the tourist spot on April 22. But, due to some reason, I could not go. It is only later that I received information about the terrorist incident in Pahalgam."

"After the terror attack, all tourists went to their hotel. The Indian government has supported tourists like me a lot. The government assured us that it is standing united with us."

Kamal Kishore, a senior citizen who returned from Srinagar, told IANS: "I had gone to Srinagar for the Ram Katha. I was not in Pahalgam at the time of the terror attack. When the terror incident took place in Pahalgam, the Ram Katha was postponed."

Nitin Chatre, another tourist, told IANS: "The people stranded in Jammu and Kashmir are being brought to their home via flights. I came to know about the terror attack in Pahalgam through news channels. The Central government did what it should have done."

A female traveller told IANS: "I had gone to Kashmir on April 17. I was about to reach Pahalgam in another 20-25 minutes when this horrific attack took place. But I want to thank the Maharashtra government and the Central government from the bottom of my heart. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde came and met me, spoke to all other tourists and there was a feeling of relief when he met me. The day the terror incident happened, we were all scared but couldn't go anywhere that day. But the next day everything was normal."

Another tourist told IANS: "If happiness has come back on my face since the last three days, it has come today when the government brought me back safely to my house in Maharashtra."

An elderly traveller, who returned from Srinagar, told IANS: "It feels good to be back home safe. There is a lot of sadness, grief and anger about the terrorist incident which took place in Pahalgam. Everyone like me who was there in Kashmir was scared for their lives."

Another senior citizen told IANS: "It feels good that we have reached Mumbai safely. It was safe in Srinagar too until the terror attack took place."

A young woman told IANS: "She was in Srinagar at the time of the horrific terror attack. I did not go to Pahalgam though. I received help from the local people and the government."

An elderly woman told IANS: "Kashmir is very beautiful. People like me are saddened by the terrorist incident which took place in Pahalgam. The government is doing good work. The Maharashtra government has made good arrangements for our return back to Mumbai."
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government have come under intense pressure from Zimbabwe's civic society organisations (CSOs) to repeal the recently signed Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, which has been widely criticised as a threat to human rights and freedoms in the country.The call to repeal the law comes after President Mnangagwa signed the PVO Amendment Bill into law, despite widespread opposition from civil society, foreign embassies, and United Nations (UN) rapporteurs. The PVO Act has been described as a violation of international human and people's rights treaties and a direct assault on civic space and democratic freedoms.Ahead of the bill's signing, UN rapporteurs warned that the law would have "grave consequences" for civil and political rights in Zimbabwe, as it grants the government sweeping powers to monitor and control the operations of private voluntary organisations (PVOs). Under the new law, authorities are empowered to deregister organisations, seize assets, or dissolve entities found to be in breach of the Act's provisions. The law also introduces harsh penalties, including imprisonment of up to 35 years for offences related to illicit financing or misrepresentation.In a joint statement, 51 CSOs condemned the enactment of the PVO Amendment Act, calling it a "draconian law" that criminalises legitimate CSO activities and undermines Zimbabwe's constitutional democracy. They warned that the law threatens to close down civic space and violate the fundamental freedoms enshrined in both the Constitution and international human rights instruments."We, the undersigned CSOs in Zimbabwe, express great reservation on the enactment of the PVO Amendment Act, a draconian law that threatens to shut down civic space, criminalise CSOs' legitimate activities and undermine Zimbabwe's constitutional democracy," the statement read. "This repressive legislation represents an unprecedented assault on civic space, the rule of law, and the fundamental freedoms enshrined in our Constitution and international human rights instruments to which Zimbabwe is a party."The CSOs also criticised the flawed public consultations that preceded the Bill's passage. They claimed that public consultations held in various cities, including Harare, Chinhoyi, Gweru, and Masvingo, were marred by violence and intimidation, with citizens' voices being silenced as a result. Further, they noted inconsistencies in the legislative process, with amendments from the committee stage being omitted in the final version passed by the Senate on October 17, 2024."Public consultations in Harare, Chinhoyi, Gweru and Masvingo were marred by violence and intimidation, forcing legislators to abandon proceedings and silencing citizens' voices," the CSOs stated. "Given these flaws, the urgency to enact the law demonstrates suspicion by the State on the activities of CSOs."The European Union (EU) has already responded to the law, cutting its planned support for Zimbabwe. Jobst von Kirchmann, the EU ambassador to Zimbabwe, accused the government of "insincerity" regarding governance reforms and expressed disappointment at the signing of the PVO Act."The PVO Act is disappointing and ill-considered, sidelining the views of diplomats and civil society organisations," von Kirchmann said. "Zimbabwe has over US$21 billion in debt and arrears with bilateral and multilateral creditors and the government had initiated a commendable debt resolution process. It is disheartening to see Zimbabwe fail to uphold its own commitments, especially regarding the expansion of civic space."Observers have raised concerns that the Act could be weaponised against CSOs critical of the government, or those exposing corruption and human rights abuses. CSOs have been a vital voice for Zimbabweans facing a range of human rights challenges, including political repression and economic struggles.The ruling Zanu-PF party has long accused CSOs of being funded by the West to push a regime change agenda, and the enactment of the PVO Amendment Act has intensified these claims. As a result, the CSOs continue to urge the government to reconsider the law, arguing that it undermines Zimbabwe's international commitments to human rights and democracy.The government's response to this growing outcry will be closely monitored, as tensions surrounding the issue continue to rise.
In a move that should not surprise industry observers, especially literary agents specializing in children's books, Albert Whitman & Co. filed for Chapter 11/Subchapter V voluntary bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division on Tuesday morning.

The petition, signed by AW&C president John Quattrocchi, disclosed that the assets of the children's book publishing company range between $1 million-$10 million, as do its liabilities. The top 20 creditors with unsecured claims are owed varying amounts totaling $1.65 million; claims range between $20,000 and $256,000. The three largest unsecured claims are: Lakeside Book Company ($255,883.48); Outlook Marketing Services ($200,000); and Hung Hing Offset Printing, ($162,714.41).

In a letter sent on Wednesday to authors, illustrators, and agents who have done business with AW&C that was also posted on its website, publisher Tom MacDonald, who was director of sales and marketing for five years before being named publisher last summer, informed them of the bankruptcy filing. He also pointed back to his December 2024 letter, which explained that due to the spike in book bannings and a general decline in book sales, the company has been unable to fulfill its financial obligations this past year, even after restructuring our team, reducing our costs wherever possible, trimming our publishing list, and pausing new acquisitions.

Despite these considerable efforts and sacrifices made by everyone involved, the financial pressures have unfortunately continued and we have concluded that the most responsible way to protect the future of Albert Whitman & Company is to file for reorganization under Chapter 11, MacDonald wrote, emphasizing the next sentence in boldface: Its incredibly important to us that you understand: this is about rebuilding, not closing down. MacDonald promised to be as transparent as the law allows during the reorganization process about outstanding payments and future royalties.

The court has scheduled a meeting of creditors for May 29 at 1:30 p.m. CT at the Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago.

Broken promises

The Authors Guild, which has been mediating for months between AW&C executives and Authors Guild members, responded to the news of the filing with alarm, according to a statement PW received Wednesday afternoon.

For several months we have been in contact with the leadership of AW&C about late and outstanding payments on behalf of our members, and reversion of rights issues, with some progress in the form of released statements, payments, and rights reversions, Authors Guild CEO Mary Rasenberger stated, disclosing that the advocacy organization had met in December with AW&C executives to discuss the concerns that authors and agents were expressing regarding the possibility that AW&C would file for bankruptcy, which they dismissed as rumors during the meeting.

AW&C reassured us that they had no plans to declare bankruptcy and were experiencing cash flow problems because of book bans and non-renewal of foreign licenses, she wrote. We left the meeting with a framework for resolving late and non-payment issues, whereby we would escalate these issues to leadership for quick resolution and received their agreement to reverting rights back to the authors that wanted to leave their contracts due to payment problems.

Rasenberger also disclosed that AW&Cs executives promised to alert the Authors Guild if they did file for bankruptcy, so that the guild could move swiftly to recover their rights for the authors before they became part of the bankruptcy estate.

We are disheartened that despite our support and efforts to resolve outstanding issues, the publisher reneged on its promises, Rasenberger declared. We are looking into legal options for AW&C authors.

A series of unfortunate events

PW has been monitoring the downward trajectory of the 106-year-old publishing company's relationships with its authors as well as literary agents for the past five years. Authors and agents have regularly contacted PW to complain of delayed and missing royalties, as well as a lack of transparency on the part of the publisher.

In spring 2021, the company launched a multimedia content company, Albert Whitman Multimedia, that never really took off and may have exacerbated the company's financial woes; its president, digital media executive Attila Gazdag, departed from that position two years later. Although AW&C sold the rights to the lucrative Boxcar Children series to Penguin Random House in spring 2023, the proceeds seems to have only temporarily bolstered the companys coffers. By February 2024 and as recently as this February, authors and agents once again were reaching out to PW to report delinquent royalties and missing payments, including $10,000 owed to one agency and $20,000 owed to another. In one email sent to PW this past year, an agent wrote of her hesitancy in taking legal recourse against AW&C, or even to be a source in a PW report, writing, I don't want to have a hand in bringing Whitman down. I just want my clients to be paid.
A coalition of literary organizations, anti-censorship advocacy groups, and Florida education stakeholders has formally opposed Florida House Bill 1539, legislation they claim would significantly restrict students' access to books in Florida public schools.

The bill would amend existing Florida statutes to require school districts to remove any book deemed "harmful to minors" within five days of a challenge, regardless of whether the material has undergone proper review processes.

"This is not just a policy concernit's a constitutional one," the coalition wrote in an open letter to Florida lawmakers, adding, "This bill short-circuits review processes and replaces them with censorship fueled by fear, not fact."

Signatories of the letter include American Booksellers for Free Expression, Authors Against Book Bans, the Authors Guild, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, EveryLibrary, the Florida Freedom to Read Project, PEN America, and We Need Diverse Books.

Critics note that the bill's revised definition of "harmful to minors" explicitly rejects consideration of a book's literary, artistic, political, or scientific value if sexual content is presenta departure from established constitutional standards.

If enacted, the legislation could affect such widely-taught literary works as Toni Morrisons Beloved and Maya Angelous I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which have already faced challenges in other Florida districts.

The coalition cited the Supreme Court case Board of Education v. Pico as legal precedent protecting students' right to access information in school settings. It also raised concerns about the financial implications of HB 1539, describing it as an unfunded mandate. While the bill allocates $3 million to the Florida Department of Education for a compliance "transparency tool," it provides no support for maintaining classroom libraries.

"HB 1539 empowers the State Board of Education to audit school districts and penalize them for noncompliance, including withholding state funding," the letter reads. "This creates an environment of fear and over-correction, where districts may remove any challenged bookeven those that do not meet the new harmfulness thresholdjust to avoid the risk of punishment."

The coalition argued that these measures appear disproportionate to actual parental concerns. According to their data, fewer than 100 public school parents have submitted formal objections since the 2021-22 school year, and less than 5% of students have parental restrictions on library access.

The letter concludes with an appeal to lawmakers: "Florida's students deserve better. They deserve access to books that challenge them, inspire them, and help them understand the world. They deserve policies grounded in law, not fear."
The right to opt out ones children from studying a sinister collection of sexually explicit storybooks in suburban Maryland, and the right to opt in to a Catholic Virtual charter school in Oklahoma, will be considered this month at the Supreme Court. That these two cases are under review by the high court is a strong indication that  after decades of being ignored by our educational system and the courts  parental rights are back.

The first case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, was brought by a group of parents whose children attend public schools in Montgomery County, Maryland. In the fall of 2022, the local school board announced it would use Pride Storybooks, a collection of around 20 books for the countys youngest learners  pre-K through eighth-grade. The collection does not just celebrate Pride parades: it also introduces small children to the gruesome process of "gender-transitioning" and, inevitably, the ludicrous dogma of "pronoun preferences."

Objections were raised by parents from faith traditions including Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and Islam. Their religious views do not endorse the ideologies pushed in the collection and they dont want their children indoctrinated. When their pleas to opt their young children out of this curriculum were rejected by their school board, they went to court. These parents are asking simply for the right to protect their children from these far-left storybooks. Withdrawing the collection, they believe, is a matter for the school board.

A district court ruled that the parents couldnt show that the school boards no-opt-out policy burdened their religious exercise. A divided Fourth Circuit panel agreed last May, ruling that, in the absence of any coercive effect, there is no burden on religious exercise. Losing twice in federal court is enough to discourage most parties, but not these parents. They successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to review their case.

When it comes to protecting the interests of parents in their childrens education and religious formation, there is no better guardian than this Supreme Court. Just think back to 2020 when the Court struck down the No-Aid provision in Montanas state constitution that excluded religious schools and families from a publicly-funded scholarship program for students attending private schools. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, recognized the rights of parents to direct the religious upbringing of their children as an enduring American tradition. His colleague, Justice Samuel Alito, added in a concurring opinion that many parents of many different faiths still believe that their local school inculcates a worldview that is antithetical to what they teach at home.

39 amici filed briefs with the Supreme Court in support of the Montgomery County parents simple quest to shield their children from what is antithetical to what they teach at home. The Trump administration alsosupports the parents and has requested time during oral argument. Its role in support of parental rights is a refreshing change from the Biden administrations shocking hostility toward parents who challenged progressive doctrines. The Court heard oral argument on April 22.

Like some of the objecting parents in Montgomery County, many parents of faith are also unable to afford the tuition to send their children to private religious schools and similarly find themselves trapped by official ideology. The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa responded to their plight, planning to operate St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School as a charter school. While the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approved the application for charter-school sponsorship, the states Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, balked. In a split decision, the Oklahoma Supreme Court gave in to Drummond, ruling that the charter school violated state and federal law and was unconstitutional. The court bizarrely ruled that the Free Exercise guarantee was not implicated.

Clearly the Oklahoma Attorney General and state supreme court havent been paying much attention to the Supreme Court in recent years. In addition to invalidating Montanas discriminatory scholarship program, the Court in 2022 found that Maine violated the Constitution when it excluded religious schools from participating in a voucher program for rural students. Chief Justice Roberts, writing for the majority, described the situation perfectly: The State pays tuition for certain students at private schools  so long as the schools are not religious. This is discrimination against religion. Much more mindful of recent Supreme Court precedent, St. Isidore and the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to review the matter. The Court will hear oral argument on April 30.

Just as excluding religious schools from scholarships and vouchers is an unconstitutional form of religious discrimination, so too is categorically denying an otherwise qualified religious school from charter school certification simply because they are religious.

This Supreme Court has made clear time and again that the failure to respect religious freedom in education is odious to the guarantees of the Constitution. Although some local school boards and state officials seem to be ignoring this, parents of faith are not willing to put up with it any longer. And now, finally, it seems that they have the support of the most powerful institutions in the land.
Hornady has been on a roll the last few years with its line of ARC cartridges. The 6mm ARC, 22 ARC and now 338 ARC are all impressive new cartridges that dont disappoint. But the burning question most of us have: Do they work as advertised?

The 338 ARC intrigues me and I for one want to know a lot more about it. What can it do? What can it not do? Why does it matter? For that to happen, I built what Im calling The Tester. This pistol isnt optimized for anything special, but rather is a jack-of-all-trades Ill use to play around with 338 ARC to find its limits.

THE BUILD

Pros: Lightweight

Quiet

Close- and Mid-range capable

Short enough for HD Cons: Higher than normal cost

Dedicated parts

Magazines are iffy

338 ARC VS. 300 BLK VS. 8.6 BLK

Before we get in deep, it might help to clear up exactly what 338 ARC is. Some people think it is a 8.6 Blackout replacement, others claim it will be a 300 Blackout killer. The answer is both, kind of.

If you want a nitty gritty deep-dive, take a look at Horandys New 338 ARC Vs. 300 BLACKOUT Vs. 8.6 BLACKOUT.

The 338 ARC takes many of the strengths from 300 BLK and 8.6 BLK and rolls them into a single cartridge that is arguably better than either Blackout.

Energy

If youre looking at subsonic loads, everything has a max muzzle velocity of about 1,050 feet per second (FSP), 338 ARC has a lot more energy than 300 BLK due to the larger, heavier bullets. Most 300 BLK subs are normally loaded with 200-grain bullets, while 338 ARC are around 300 grains. This translates to 338 ARC having about 200 foot-pounds (ft.lbf) more energy at the muzzle and around 110 ft.lbf at 300 yards while having effectively the same bullet drop. That ~35-percent more energy is significant.

Typical 8.6 BLK subs generally boast 300- or 342-grain bullets, putting them on par or slightly more powerful than 338 ARC subs, but with some major downsides. First, 8.6 BLK requires an AR-10 size rifle making it larger and heavier right out of the gate. Second, ammo selection is more limited due to the 8.6 BLK's extremely high twist rate.

300 BLK 190gr Hornady: 1,050 FPS, 539 ft.lbf

338 ARC 307gr Hornady: 1,050 FPS, 752 ft.lbf

8.6 BLK 342gr Gorilla Ammo: 1,050 FPS, 837 ft.lbf

When it comes to supersonic, the trend remains the same with 8.6 BLK being more powerful than 338 ARC and the 338 being more powerful than 300 BLK. But with super the gap widens even more. You can massage the numbers in either direction depending on ammo choice, but looking at 300 BLK 110-grain Hornady Vs. 338 ARC 175-grain Hornady Vs. 8.6 BLK 185-grain Phantom Defense, 300 BLK falls to about half the energy of 8.6 BLK.

300 BLK 110gr Hornady: 2,070 FPS, 1,047 ft.lbf

338 ARC 175gr Hornady: 2,075 FPS, 1,673 ft.lbf

8.6 BLK 185gr Phantom Defense: 2,235 FPS, 2,054 ft.lbf

Cost

These really arent plinking calibers, but if you want to shoot more  300 BLK is the winner. Right now, as I write this, you can find 300 BLK subs for 42 cents per round. Thats not a bad deal at all.

The 338 ARC is less expensive than you might think, but it isnt cheap. Lowest price at the time of writing was $1.44 per round.

The 8.6 BLK can be painful depending on where you get it. Most of the brands supporting it are the smaller names so there isnt a lot of economy of scale helping shooters out. Lowest price at the time of writing was $1.90 per round.

Safety

Something worth talking about is the fact that 300 BLK has, in my opinion, a design flaw. Because of how the shape and size of 300 BLK and 5.56 NATO pan out, 300 BLK can chamber and fire in 5.56 NATO rifles. Doing so almost always results in a KABOOM! that may or may not harm the shooter. Either way, it will destroy the rifle.

Search the web and youll find dozens of stories about it happening. Having personally seen it happen at a training class, its not something I recommend doing.

The 338 ARC and 8.6 BLK dont suffer from this problem. Instead of being a safety hazard you need to be constantly on the lookout to prevent, they simply exist alongside your other rifles.

ON THE RANGE

New guns and new cartridges are always fun, but when youre sending 307-grain pills that are Hollywood quiet, its really, really fun.

Function for the Tester was perfect once the gas was dialed in with the Faxon Firearms adjustable gas block. It's easy to use, easy to tune and works just right. Faxons Gunner profile has always been a winner in my book and this barrel is no different. The perfect blend of weight and rigidity for suppressed use, it feels great in this configuration.

One downside of 338 ARC is the need for a larger bore suppressor than what most people might already have at home. While some 9mm suppressors are rated for the pressure, not all of them are, and most of the ones that could handle the cartridge havent been officially tested yet.

Upside, a new suppressor is always another layer of fun. TiON makes a wide range of great suppressors and Ive gotten to test many of them at various CANCON events. But I acquired my first personal can from them for this build.

One of the best QD systems on the market, TiON makes an impressive suppressor!

The TiON 8.6 QD is stunningly lightweight due to the all titanium construction. At 7.5-inches long, it offers a lot of volume but only weighs 11 ounces, helping the Tester to not feel front heavy. Proprietary QD system is one of the best on the market with a hand-tight ultra-secure lockup.

Green Cerakote was done by TiON and looks amazing. It's taken some hits from being used but still looks great and is doing a solid job protecting the metal under it.

Tone is a big deal with suppressors and often more important than the actual dB rating for what makes one suppressor sound better than another. Higher tones are generally worse to most people. Something I love about TiON is that their cans always have deeper tones. Instead of a cymbal being struck, firing 338 ARC with the Dragoon sounds more like dirt being slapped.

Recoil with 338 ARC is more than 5.56 NATO and slightly more than 300 BLK, but thats expected. Even subsonic, these are some beefy bullets getting yeeted. Feed and function have been 100 percent using Duramag 6 ARC magazines and Duramag 450 Legend magazines. Hornady recommends the 6 ARC magazine, but some brands have testing showing the 450 Legend mags working better. In my testing, it didnt make a difference. Both worked every shot.

While this is designed for subs and personally there isnt much interest in running supers with it, the Tester handled supers exactly as well as it did subs. More recoil, more noise but perfect function.

With the Horandy 307-grain SubX ammo, this gun with the TiON Dragoon is about as quiet as you can get an AR-15.

LOOSE ROUNDS

My first foray into the world of 338 ARC has been a success. The firearm works, the ammo runs, nothing went KABOOM!, and its ready for some real-world use. What comes next? Im thinking dry wall testing and maybe a meat target.
Indias trade deficit with China neared $100 billion in FY25, amid escalating concerns of dumping, data released by the commerce department on Wednesday showed.

Photograph: Reuters

Chinese imports rose by 11.5 per cent to $113.45 billion, while outbound shipments to the neighbouring country saw 14.5 per cent contraction to $14.2 billion.

As a result, the trade deficit with China widened to $99.2 billion in FY25 from $85 billion a year ago.

The sharp rise in imports from China has sparked fresh concerns amid the intensifying trade war between Washington and Beijing.

Both the countries are slapping more than 100 per cent tariffs on each other.

The Indian government fears that escalating costs in the American market may prompt exporters  particularly from countries like China  to divert their shipments to India.

This could potentially trigger a surge in imports and put pressure on domestic industries.

Even during March, imports from China grew by a fourth at $9.67 billion, while exports declined by nearly 3 per cent to $1.5 billion.

The surge in imports from China was led by a rise in electronic goods, electric vehicle batteries, solar cells, and key industrial inputs.

Ajay Srivastava, former trade ministry official and founder of Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that the governments production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme  that aims to make India a manufacturing powerhouse  is fuelling import growth due to their heavy reliance on imported components.

"Whats more alarming is that Indias exports to China fell 14.5 per cent to $14.2 billion  lower than they were in FY14, when the rupee was significantly stronger.

"These numbers are a wake-up call. India needs to fix its internal manufacturing gaps and invest in deep industrial capabilities, Srivastava said.

The data further showed that India's exports to the US jumped 35 per cent to $10.1 billion in March.

It was mainly due to the front-loading of shipments in anticipation of Americas imposition of reciprocal tariffs from April 9, which has been temporarily paused.

This was a key factor behind the marginal 0.7 per cent growth in merchandise exports in March, which reached nearly $42 billion despite global uncertainties.

During March, imports from the US saw 9.6 per cent growth at $3.7 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $6.4 billion.

In FY25, imports grew by 7.4 per cent to $45.3 billion.

The US was Indias largest trade partner not only for March but also during FY25, followed by China.

Other countries

Data released by the commerce department showed that during March, outbound shipments to six of top 10 export destinations  United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Netherlands, China, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh  contracted.

Exports to Singapore witnessed the sharpest contraction at -44.3 per cent, followed by Saudi Arabia -18.5 per cent, UAE at -15 per cent, Netherlands at -15 per cent, Bangladesh at -14.8 per cent and China at -2.9 per cent.

Apart from the US, exports to countries that saw positive growth include the United Kingdom (8.4 per cent), Germany (4.3 per cent) and Australia (70.8 per cent).

During March, Indias overall imports witnessed 11.4 per cent growth at $63.5 billion.

This was led by a jump in inbound shipments from five of the top 10 import destinations  China, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

Indias import dependency went down for countries such as South Korea (-1 per cent), Switzerland (-4.5 per cent), Indonesia (-7.4 per cent), Iraq (-16.4 per cent) and Russia (-1.3 per cent).
Indias purchase of US crude oil has picked up in 2025 and could easily double their previous levels, government officials said on Wednesday.

Photograph: Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters

The surge comes in the wake of the then-incoming Donald Trump administration's announcement that it would consider hiking tariffs on a reciprocal basis, and pushed some countries, especially those with large trade surpluses with the US, to buy more of its energy.

India runs a sizeable $36 billion trade surplus with America, though much lower compared to China and the European Union.

In April, Indias crude oil purchases from the US surged to their highest level in 27 months as state-run oil companies pressed the pedal on sourcing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from US projects  even as New Delhi raced to conclude a bilateral trade agreement with Washington D.C., industry sources said and ship tracking data showed.

State-run oil companies are leading the charge for New Delhi by increasing US energy purchases  after private refiners turned more cautious, weighing profitability and margins, industry officials said.

Initial trade numbers spell it out. State-run refiners, led by Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum, accounted for over 70 per cent of US crude to India in April at 336,000 barrels per day (bpd), with Reliance Industries accounting for the rest, initial estimates from ship tracking data accessed by Business Standard show.

State refiners opt for higher quality, more expensive grades, while Reliance buys cheap, discounted oil with higher sulphur content because its refineries are advanced.

US oil purchases averaged 466,000 bpd this month until today, according to estimates by Paris-based market intelligence agency Kpler.

Kplers algorithms predict May volumes at around 370,000 bpd, though it is a bit early to call.

This compares to 289,000 bpd of US crude oil imports in March  61 per cent lower than April.

India imported as much as 592,000 bpd in February 2021 during Trumps first term, ship data showed.

Oil value

US crude oil imports are a low-hanging fruit for India  at an average $70 per barrel on a free-on-board basis, the crude in April is valued close to $1 billion.

If India imports US oil at a similar pace this year, purchases will more than double in value terms from a year earlier to around $12 billion, a third of the US trade deficit.

So is Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)  a blend of propane and butane used as cooking fuel and currently supplied by West Asian nations.

India can expand purchases of US fuel immediately after China imposed high tariffs on US LPG imports, a refining official said.

India imports around $12 billion of LPG annually, according to customs data.

LPG, widely used in India for cooking, also has immense trade potential with the US, a senior official from a state refiner said.

India imports over 60 per cent of its LPG, most of it from West Asia, with US supplies marginal at best.

But retaliatory tariffs by China on US imports  of up to 125 per cent  open up the US LPG market for India, the official said. Chinas response to the US has had a significant impact on LPG trade, with global prices falling quickly, said Sparx Commodity Intelligence in a note.

India also imports over $10 billion worth of US crude oil, fuels, and LNG annually  a number that can easily double given the appetite for US fuels by Indian state-run oil companies and the geopolitical and tariff turmoil generated by the Trump administration, industry and government officials said.

Indian imports of US oil in 2025 averaged 277,000 bpd  the third highest on record after 415,000 bpd in 2021 and 300,000 bpd in 2022.

State-run refiners are substituting purchases of light, sweet grades from West Africa, Brazil, Russia, or the Middle East with similar US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Midland grades.

Refining officials said US crudes are competitive, especially after WTI declined below $60 per barrel, making it a viable purchase despite higher transport costs and shipping times.

US LNG

Also, Indian state oil companies have advanced efforts to source as much as a combined 56 million tonnes (MT) of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the US, virtually doubling such term purchases, officials at state-run oil companies told Business Standard.

Gail issued an expression of interest soliciting responses by April 28 to source 1 MT of LNG annually from a US liquefaction project for 1525 years.

It also showed interest in taking a 1026 per cent stake in an LNG producing venture, according to Gails tender document.

The company has a combined 5.8 million tonnes a year of US LNG tied up in two term contracts of 20-year duration.

Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Petronet LNG, and Hindustan Petroleum have expressed interest in importing US LNG to diversify their portfolios, industry officials said.

Currently, these companies buy LNG linked to crude oil; US LNG is typically priced off a local gas pricing benchmark, Henry Hub.
Smartphones, for the first time, emerged as Indias largest individual export commodity by value over 10 months of any financial year, during the April-January period of FY25, based on harmonised system (HS) codes.

Photograph: Florence Lo/Reuters

During the period under review, smartphone exports from India reached $18.31 billion, according to data from the Department of Commerce, surpassing automotive diesel fuel exports, which stood at $16.04 billion.

The surge partly came amid global trade concerns as a tariff war loomed since Donald Trumps victory in the US presidential election in November 2024.

In the corresponding period of the previous financial year (FY24), smartphones ranked fourth among HS-coded exports, behind automotive diesel fuel, aviation turbine fuel, and diamonds.

>The ascent of smartphones to the top of the export hierarchy was driven primarily by a significant increase in shipments during April-January FY25, which rose by 54.7 per cent from $11.83 billion in the same period a year earlier.

Industry experts attribute this growth in part to a concerted ramp-up of exports to the US from India in anticipation of possible tariff actions by President Trump. In January 2025, for instance, smartphone exports to the US  led by Apple Incs iPhones  soared by 208 per cent year-on-year, reaching $1.63 billion.

This trend was further reflected in the cumulative figures, with smartphone exports from India to the US increasing by over 64 per cent between April and January of FY25, totalling $6.6 billion.

It took five years for smartphones to climb to the top of Indias export rankings.

Smartphone exports ranked 23rd in FY19, up from 167th in FY14, based on HS codes.

In 2020, the government launched the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for smartphones, marking a pivotal moment for the sector.

By FY22, smartphone exports had jumped to ninth place, trebling to $5.7 billion.

Within two years, in FY24, such exports jumped to $15.6 billion, placing smartphones fourth on the leaderboard.

By December 2024, smartphones had climbed to second place, and in January 2025, they became Indias largest export category.

Smartphone exports are estimated to have reached $24 billion, or Rs 200,000 crore, in FY25, according to preliminary government estimates  with iPhones accounting for Rs 1.5 trillion worth of outbound shipments, or two-thirds of the total.

A key reason for the change in the export top order has been Apple Incs strategic decision to shift production capacity from China to India in 2021, with its vendors participating in the PLI scheme.

Apple has since relocated 20 per cent of its global iPhone production to India.

In FY25, it made over 40 million iPhones valued at more than $22 billion, with 80 per cent of these earmarked for export.

The success of the smartphone PLI initiative has delivered multiple benefits.

According to the industry association ICEA, the scheme has generated over 1.3 million jobs, a significant proportion of which are held by women.
'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

IMAGES: Navy officer Vinay Narwal's wife Himanshi bids adieu to him. Photographs: ANI Photo

"At that time (when Jaffar Express was hijacked by the militants in Balochistan on March 11, 2025) the army spokesperson, Lieutenant General (Ahmed) Sharif (Chaudhary), had said that they will retaliate against the Baloch rebels and their backers by which he meant, the backers in Afghanistan and their facilitators, that means India."

That's the blunt assessment from Avinash Mohananey, the retired Intelligence Bureau officer who spent a considerable time in Pakistan on security assignments, who sees a direct, chilling link between the April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed and the March 11 hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan that killed Pakistan Army personnel and several passengers.

Mohananey contends that Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir's speech, in which he called Kashmir Pakistan's 'jugular vein,' was not mere rhetoric -- it was timed and calibrated to send a signal. According to him, by the time Munir spoke, instructions for the Pahalgam massacre had already been passed on to proxy terror groups operating in India.

"These groups are under the complete thumb of the Pakistan Army," he asserts.

Mohananey believes this is classic retaliatory messaging -- revenge for what Pakistan perceives as Indian involvement in Balochistan unrest. Yet, he also warns that India cannot act impulsively. Any military response, he says, must be weighed carefully, with international alignment -- particularly from the US and Gulf nations.

While India has announced several retaliatory measures against Pakistan after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held several high-level security meetings on Wednesday, the next steps are crucial.

Mohananey underlines a grim reality: Pakistan's generals continue using Kashmir not just for strategic posturing against India, but as a powerful domestic tool for consolidating military control amid internal instability.

What's your assessment about the connection between Pakistan army Gen Asim Munir's speech where he said Kashmir is Pakistan's 'jugular vein' and the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22 in which 28 people were killed?

When Gen Asim Munir was giving this speech, instruction by that time must have crossed over to this side that some massacre has to be done or major action has to be done. So he knew it because these terror groups are totally under the thumb of Pakistan Army or you can people say the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). But the Inter-Services Intelligence is part of the (Pakistan) army. Broad part of Pakistan army setup.

What could have been the immediate trigger for Gen Munir's speech that led to this terrorist attack in Pahalgam?

Pakistan for some reason holds India responsible for the attack on Jaffar Express.

(The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam is) 100% revenge for what happened (in Balochistan). A revenge for what happened to the Pakistan army personnel who were travelling in the train. This is a retaliation for the same.

Because at that time the army spokesperson, Lieutenant General (Ahmed) Sharif (Chaudhary), had said that they will retaliate against the Baloch rebels and their backers by which he meant, the backers in Afghanistan and their facilitators, that means India.

Has this message percolated down the Indian security establishment, and how are they reacting to it?

I don't know. The problem is that we live in our own make believe world. If you watch the national television channels and some YouTubers, it is full of the propaganda and a particular viewpoint. So understanding Pakistan, its games, may not come easy.

How do you think will India escalate this revenge attack now that India Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a series of meetings with the security apparatus in India?

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security in New Delhi, April 23, 2025. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and others officials are present. Photograph: ANI Photo

Look, even if whatever we do in terms of retaliation or revenge or whatever we do, we have to take the international community with us. Without keeping the Americans and probably the Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia and UAE in picture, there will be no retaliation.

I don't know what kind of response India would get from the Americans or maybe that we may complain to the Saudis or we may complain to the UAE because both these countries have good relations with Pakistan. And they have also good relations with India too.

Do you think India and Pakistan could head for another skirmish or an attack like the Balakot surgical strike?

I don't know. But any escalation without international approval may not be good for the region. If it does escalate, we've seen in the past -- like during the Balakot strike -- that Pakistan is capable of retaliating. Their aircraft managed to reach Rajouri, using precision missiles launched from F-16s and hit Indian military installations. I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that.

I also hope the international community uses its leverage to pressure Pakistan into acting responsibly. India must make it clear -- to both the global community and to Pakistan -- that terrorism is unacceptable, whether it occurs in India or anywhere else in the world.

Now coming to General Asim Munir calling Pakistan Kashmir 'Pakistan's jugular vein' in the context of how the Army is grappling with economic and political challenges? What does the timing of his hardline speech tell us?

This hybrid regime of Pakistan, which is largely dominated by the army with (Pakistan Prime Minister) Shahbaz Sharif only as the civilian facade, is facing numerous challenges -- economic issues, terrorism, and other problems. But Asim Munir's main issue was the challenge from Imran Khan, whom he has imprisoned.

Initially, he wasn't sure whether the new Trump administration in the US would pressure him to release Khan. Since no such demand has come, he now has international support for his actions against Imran Khan and the continuation of this hybrid regime. So now is the time for him to consolidate power and show Pakistan who truly rules the country.

It's not the Shahbaz Sharif government; it's the army.

Having dealt with the challenges that emerged after he took over and following the manipulated elections last February, it's time for him to show his fist. Kashmir isn't the only issue he raised -- he also mentioned others. But Kashmir, Gaza -- these are part of the rhetoric of any military ruler (in Pakistan). When consolidating power, these issues are emphasised. Once power is consolidated, this rhetoric may tone down.

So you think his focus is on domestic consolidation rather than setting up any issue on Kashmir with India?

Yes, I think this should be viewed in that context. His internal issues include challenges from the judiciary created during Imran Khan's tenure, continued criticism on social media about election manipulation, and protests by PTI (Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf) workers. He has now firmly suppressed everything. His focus is more on domestic consolidation and international acceptance rather than setting up any issue on Kashmir with India.

Was this an offhand remark or a prepared speech at GHQ, Rawalpindi?

IMAGE: Pakistan's army chief General Syed Asim Munir.

It was a text prepared by GHQ, worked on for days. This conference of overseas Pakistanis wasn't scheduled in a day. Embassies across the world must have been mobilised by Pakistan to find compliant overseas Pakistanis who could be brought to the venue to cheer for the army.

Those critical of the army, his handling of Imran Khan, the elections, or his approach to Balochistan and terrorism were likely not even allowed to access Pakistan or reach the venue. They brought only a cheering crowd of overseas Pakistanis.

Not many generals in Pakistan have invoked the two-nation theory and Islamic duty in the same breath. What was General Munir trying to achieve through this?

This is interesting because the two-nation theory is generally considered a settled issue, except for calling Kashmir a 'jugular vein' or 'unfinished agenda of partition,' which Pakistan's army has been saying since 1947. Gen Asim Munir's invoking of Quranic verses in chaste Arabic and reiterating the two-nation theory calling Kashmir as Pakistan's jugular vein is basically to further consolidate his position with religious groups in Pakistan.

He claimed there were only two governments in history formed on the basis of the Kalma -- first, the Riyasat-e-Madina at the time of Prophet Mohammed, and second, Pakistan. He failed to realise that if Pakistan was based on the Kalma, then half of it (Bangladesh) is now separate. And if they say their government is based on religious principles, how is it different from what the Taliban claims? There's a contradiction there.

Worldwide, religion is used to consolidate power. He's doing the same thing -- nothing new. The notable thing is that he's a hafiz of Quran who has memorised it, so he could speak in chaste Arabic, quoting the right verses.

The religious framing was striking. Is this a return to Zia-style Islamisation, or selective use to bolster Islamic legitimacy?

Zia also used religion in the same way Munir has started using it. Zia used religious practices and invocations to consolidate his military rule. Right now, there's no formal military rule in Pakistan, but we don't know how things will develop.

Asim Munir is doing exactly what Zia did decades back.

Do you think he's preparing Pakistan for another dictatorship?

It's still too early to say, but it may be inching toward it. Maybe he'll use another way to continue ruling Pakistan. Currently, it's largely the army calling the shots. How long they'll find Shahbaz Sharif useful or when they might view him as a liability, we don't know. At some stage, if they find him a liability, they can remove him.

This possibility depends on how the world around Pakistan evolves. If the international community won't accept direct military rule, he might continue ruling Pakistan through proxies. Shahbaz has essentially become a proxy already -- during the speech (given by Gen Asim Munir), he was just clapping repeatedly. His stature has been reduced to that, and nobody is talking about what Shahbaz spoke about at the conference. Everyone is discussing what Gen Asim Munir said. It's clear the shots are being called not from Islamabad but from Rawalpindi.

Did Shahbaz Sharif stamp his approval to what Gen Munir was saying?

No, he didn't say anything significant on that. He generally talked about what his government is doing and plans to do. He avoided controversial issues like terrorism or Balochistan, probably concerned that if he ventured into those areas, any divergence of views would be picked up by the media.

How does this speech connect to the growing unrest in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh? Is it an attempt to drown out dissent by reigniting nationalist sentiment over Kashmir?

IMAGE: The Baloch rebels during the train hijack in Balochistan, Pakistan. Photograph: ANI Photo

Yes, but we need to view the conflicts in Balochistan and Sindh differently. In Balochistan, it's largely an insurgency. Munir claims there are only 1,500 terrorists that they can eliminate. He doesn't acknowledge that the Balochistan insurgency has a broader dimension rooted in local resentment.

This broader movement isn't led by the Baloch Liberation Army or Baloch Liberation Front, but by a human rights defender named Mahrang Baloch. She's been imprisoned despite not committing any offence -- she was merely protesting within Pakistan's constitutional framework. Because she's a dissenting voice, the army has arrested her.

The violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa perpetrated by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is different -- it's not a popular movement. Local people oppose both the TTP terrorists and the army. Recently, a drone-based missile fired on a hilltop killed about 12 civilians, mostly women and children who were nomads grazing their animals. The people want neither the army nor the terrorists there, but there's no sentiment against being part of Pakistan.

In Sindh, the issue is Punjab dominance and water distribution. There are plans for more canals, which would deprive lower riparian lands of water. Water is becoming a critical issue in Pakistan, as it is in India, for drinking, crops, and animals. There are protests in many places in Sindh against plans for more canals from the Indus basin.

Do you see this as an attempt by Gen Munir to drown out dissent since Kashmir has always been a ticket for Pakistani generals to become popular?

Absolutely. Not only generals but politicians too -- even (former Pakistan Prime Minister) Bhutto called for "thousand-year wars" against India. It's the fallback position to consolidate power: intensify the Kashmir issue with India, use religion -- whatever allows you to rule longer.

With the CPEC facing resistance in Balochistan and attacks on Chinese nationals rising, do you think this speech was designed in part to reassure Beijing that the Pakistan army's ideological grip and control over the people is firm?

He may try to do that, but I don't think it's fully directed at China. It's true that around 70% of Pakistan's arms imports come from China, making them critically dependent on China for military hardware. However, the bulk of Pakistan's export earnings come from Europe and America. Asim Munir faces the challenge of delicately balancing these two superpowers now engaged in a trade war.

Recently, an investment conference was held in Pakistan showcasing the mineral wealth of Balochistan, including critical and rare earth minerals. Around that time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, expressing interest in extracting minerals from Pakistan. China is already extracting ore from the Saindak Copper project in Balochistan, shipping it to China for processing. So there's a conflict of interest between the US and China in Pakistan.

Pakistan wouldn't oppose US companies coming to extract minerals, as this gives more power to Asim Munir, particularly in dealing with India.

But is Pakistan in a position to antagonise China by allowing America to exploit mineral wealth?

It's a very difficult call.

There was a leaked internal memo from Hina Rabbani Khar (the former Pakistan foreign minister between July 2011 and 2013) when she was foreign minister, stating it was becoming difficult to balance the interests of China and America in Pakistan. She advocated staying with China as a more reliable partner compared to the US, but that was around 2011-13.

From a military doctrine perspective, do you see this speech leading to any real shift on Kashmir? Will it embolden terrorists in Kashmir, or is it more rhetorical posturing?

If he intended to do anything in Kashmir, he wouldn't speak so loudly about it. Right now, it's more of a threatening posture. Peace on the Line of Control largely came through US mediation, so Pakistan will watch how their relationship with America develops.

If Pakistan can placate America and address its interests, then Munir will have more room to deal with India. Otherwise, it would be difficult for him because if America comes down hard on Pakistan following escalation in Kashmir, he would be uncomfortable with his actions.

Remember, when the DG ISPR [Pakistan military spokesperson] was speaking about the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, he mentioned they would take the fight back to Baloch separatists, their backers, and facilitators -- hinting at Afghanistan and India. Currently, I don't think they're following an escalatory path, but the global situation is changing rapidly. If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.

How should India read this speech? How is the security establishment in India reacting?

I would say there's no cause for alarm right now, but we should be careful and keep a watchful eye on whether the speech translates to actions on the ground. If we suddenly see a spike in infiltration, then we can say this is what Asim Munir promised and it's happening. If it doesn't happen, we can view it as the normal pronouncements of a dictator.

What's your assessment? Was it just empty chest-thumping from a beleaguered general?

It's not empty chest-thumping as far as domestic consolidation is concerned. It was a very strong message to Baloch separatists and to dissidents -- those he calls 'cyber terrorists,' YouTubers, media, and political opponents. His message was loud and clear for them because that's where he faces the main challenge to his leadership, not from India.

Invoking Kashmir, Gaza, the two-nation theory, and religious scriptures is all to justify what he's doing. These topics are widely accepted across Pakistan -- everyone supports them. He was playing to the gallery, because in Pakistan, everyone supports Jinnah's two-nation theory, even if it was badly flawed and possibly structured by colonial rulers.
'We need to raise the costs and consequences for Pakistan. It is long overdue. Our initial surgical strike was effective for about six months. Then, the Balakot strike provided a deterrent for perhaps two to three years. But we cannot operate under the assumption that such limited responses will suffice for decades to come.'

IMAGE: A grieving tourist after the terror attack in J-K's Pahalgam, March 22, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

In the wake of a brazen terror strike in Pahalgam, Kashmir  one that coincided with high-level diplomatic outreach to Saudi Arabia and an ongoing visit of US Vice President J D Vance to the region  Maj Gen (Retd) G D Bakshi minces no words in the second and concluding part of this interview with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com.

Part 1: 'We have no option but to strike back'

"This is India's now-or-never moment," he avers, calling for a punishing response to Pakistan.

How should the Indian State reassure its citizens about their safety in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, especially given the government's repeated assertions that normalcy has returned to Jammu and Kashmir?

Look, the abrogation of Article 370 was undoubtedly a positive step. However, when it was implemented, we should have simultaneously strengthened the presence of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir by inducting a significant number of paramilitary personnel.

While there was an initial increase, this was followed by a decision that the army was no longer as essential and represented a financial burden.

Any nation that views its army as a mere expense will eventually pay a heavy price. So, there was a clear contradiction in our approach.

On one hand, we rightly removed Article 370, but with such a significant change, we should have been prepared for the potential consequences.

For a period, under the guise of the Amarnath Yatra, we did flood the area with troops. My ground experience is that whenever you super-saturate an area with security forces, it effectively ends terrorism and insurgency. This was evident in Punjab when we heavily deployed troops, and the same occurred in Jammu and Kashmir when we had a strong military presence. The results were plain to see.

I commanded the Kishtwar sector when the back of terrorism was broken, and the area experienced peace and quiet from 2000 to 2003. I commanded Romeo Force, which had 18 battalions under its command at that time, and we effectively dismantled their operations.

Now, when I inquired about the current battalion strength, I was told there are only seven. So, who is filling this security vacuum? Pakistan?

I fail to understand why this simple logic is not being grasped.

Why have some overly theoretical individuals taken charge and concluded that manpower is irrelevant and that we should emulate the United States?

Do we have two vast oceans protecting our borders?

Do we have neighbours like Canada and Mexico?

We have arguably the most challenging neighbourhood imaginable. Therefore, we must be prepared for immediate contingencies. Wars don't provide advance notice of five years. We need to be ready at a moment's notice, and for that, our greatest asset is our youthful manpower.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Saudi Arabia for a bilateral meeting with the Saudi king. Does it appear that certain elements in Pakistan or even within the Saudi establishment might have wanted to disrupt this meeting, given India's efforts to forge a stronger relationship with Saudi Arabia, and consequently orchestrated this terrorist attack?

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 22, 2025. Photograph: Saudi Press Agency/Handout/Reuters

Notably, US Vice President J D Vance is currently visiting the region.

Historically, whenever prominent American leaders such as Bill Clinton or others have visited the subcontinent, there has often been a significant terror strike coinciding with their visit.

This is a tactic employed by Pakistan to underscore that the Kashmir issue is not resolved and remains a significant point of contention. This recent attack appears to be precisely that.

Saudi Arabia is a crucial Muslim nation, arguably the most important in terms of geostrategic influence. We are actively pursuing the establishment of trade corridors with the assistance of Saudi Arabia and Israel, connecting us to Europe, among other initiatives. This meeting was clearly critical and has been disrupted.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US Vice President JD Vance and his children Ewan and Vivek at his official residence 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi, April 21, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

If such a disruption occurs and we are seen internationally as unable to prevent such attacks, it damages our standing. Therefore, a forceful and deterring retaliatory response is all the more necessary.

Do you see a direct link to Pakistan in this attack? Did Pakistan want to undermine the improving relationship between India and Saudi Arabia?

For goodness sake, are you suggesting there might not be a Pakistani connection?

Pakistan's involvement is evident throughout this entire episode. It directly leads India to the inevitable conclusion that Pakistan is responsible. Therefore, action is imperative.

If there is a desire to find excuses for inaction, then one might engage in the kind of questioning you are posing.

I apologise for being blunt, but if we are seeking reasons not to act, it is plain to even the most naive observer that Pakistan's hand is all over this.

What are we trying to imply? That Pakistan is not involved because we are hesitant to take action? We seem to be searching for an escape clause to avoid making difficult decisions.

We must make those hard choices and clearly communicate to the world that a country of India's stature cannot be provoked without facing significant consequences.

We need to raise the costs and consequences for Pakistan. It is long overdue.

Our initial surgical strike was effective for about six months. Then, the Balakot strike provided a deterrent for perhaps two to three years.

But we cannot operate under the assumption that such limited responses will suffice for decades to come. These retaliations were hardly substantial in their impact. The costs imposed on Pakistan were minimal.

Yes, there were some casualties -- perhaps 30 to 40 in the Uri attack and around 200 in the Balakot strike -- but these were insufficient to serve as a long-term deterrent.

With a nation like Pakistan, these lessons need to be reinforced repeatedly, and each time, the intensity of the lesson must be made more excruciating and painful.

How should the Indian Army and central security forces recalibrate their counterinsurgency doctrine in the valley following this attack, particularly concerning non-traditional targets like tourist hubs?

Firstly, let's discard these overly sophisticated, novel approaches.

There seems to be a segment of individuals who believe that everything preceding their involvement was flawed and that they have arrived to revolutionise the landscape and instruct the army on warfare, the air force on aviation, and the navy on maritime operations.

We possess highly combat-experienced armed forces.

We have successfully conducted such operations before. Let us proceed in our proven manner.

We must cease the depletion of troops from vital and vulnerable areas -- those mountainous, densely forested regions that are ideal for terrorist activity. We need to re-establish our robust counterinsurgency grids.

What would be your message to the political leadership in New Delhi as well as to the people of India at this moment of profound grief and anger?

My heart goes out to the victims and their families. For heaven's sake, how much longer must we endure the sight of Indian widows and daughters weeping inconsolably? We must now deliver a decisive response.

The nation expects its leadership to act, and I believe we must now do so in a manner that is truly substantial and impactful.

India must hit Pakistan hard where it hurts the most. This is Indias 'now-or-never' moment indeed. It unequivocally is.

If we are unwilling to act and seek justifications for inaction, we can delude ourselves with various arguments -- 'Oh, it's not Pakistan; it's just a terrorist organisation, and Pakistan has no involvement. We must stop offering such alibis and take decisive action. The time to act is now.
A soldier of the special forces of the army was killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists following a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Thursday, officials said.

IMAGE: Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists in the Dudu Basantgarh area of Udhampur. Photograph: ANI on X

The firing took place in the Dudu-Basantgarh area during a cordon and search operation that was launched based on information about the presence of terrorists, they said.

'Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched today in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur,' the White Knight Corps said on X.

Contact was established, and a fierce firefight ensued, it said.

"One of our bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite best medical efforts," the Army said.

The deceased soldier has been identified as Havaldar Jhantu Ali Sheikh of 6 Para of the Special Forces.

'GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks salute braveheart Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, who made the supreme sacrifice during a counter-terror operation,' the Army said on X.

The Army said his indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten.

'We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of grief,' the Army added.

The operation was still underway when the last reports came in from the spot, they added.

Four suspects were also picked up for the area for questioning.

This is the third encounter between terrorists and security forces in Jammu in the past over 24 hours.

On Wednesday, an encounter broke out after terrorists opened fire on security personnel during a cordon and search operation in Tangmarg area of Kulgam district of south Kashmir.

The Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid in the Uri Nala area of Baramulla, killing two terrorists amid an intense firefight on Wednesday.

This came after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives on Tuesday, prompting a national security response.

Udhampur district's Basantgarh belt has witnessed a chain of terror incidents in the past one year.

On April 9, an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Jopher-Marta belt of Ramnagar, Udhampur district.

However, the terrorists managed to escape.

On September 11 last year, two terrorists affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit were killed in an encounter in the upper reaches of Basantgarh.

On April 29 last year, a Village Defence Guard member was killed in an exchange of fire with unidentified gunmen in Panara village of Basantgarh.

Several encounters and operations have taken place in this strategic belt, which lies between the Kathua border district and the Doda-Kishtwar belt, as part of infiltration routes.
Assam's Opposition All India United Democratic Front MLA Aminul Islam was arrested on Thursday on sedition charges for allegedly defending Pakistan and its complicity in the Pahalgam terror attack, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

IMAGE: The Assam police arrest AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam (left) for his 'derogatory remarks' on the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in Guwahati, April 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

The AIUDF has distanced itself from the legislator's comments, stating that the views were his own and not of the party.

"We have seen a video where the MLA is defending Pakistan and its complicity in the attack. I had instructed the police to take action and accordingly, the DGP has informed me that he has been arrested, Sarma said at a press conference here.

Islam was arrested from his residence in Nagaon district.

"The MLA will be produced before a court and we will take the case to its logical conclusion, he added.

Twenty-six people, mostly tourists, were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday.

Sarma said no attempt to directly or indirectly support Pakistan through any means, including on social media, will be tolerated and the police have strict directions to act against such persons immediately.

The chief minister, in a post on X, affirmed the state government's strong action against anyone defending Pakistan.

"Assam will take the strongest possible action against anyone who dares to defend -- directly or indirectly -- the horrific, Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam. Let it be known clearly: those who attempt to justify, normalise, or dilute the brutal murder of innocent civilians are not exercising freedom of expression, they are standing against the soul of India," he said.

The Assam police, also in a post on social media, said the AIUDF legislator has been arrested for a "misleading and instigating statement 'which went viral and had the potential to create an adverse situation".

A case has been registered at Nagaon Sadar police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.

Meanwhile, AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal said the views expressed by Islam are his personal opinion.

The comments made by Aminul Islam are unfortunate. This is the time to stand with our government. Terrorists have no religion. These terrorists are giving Islam a bad name, Ajmal said.

He maintained that the views expressed by Islam in the video did not reflect the party's stand, and the AIUDF already condemned the attack.
India has informed Pakistan of its decision to keep Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance with immediate effect, saying Pakistan has breached conditions of the treaty.

IMAGE: A view of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project built on the Chenab River as India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir, April 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting Jammu and Kashmir impedes India's rights under the Indus Waters Treaty, India's Secretary of Water Resources Debashree Mukherjee said in a letter addressed to her Pakistani counterpart, Syed Ali Murtaza.

'The obligation to honour a treaty in good faith is fundamental to a treaty. However, what we have seen instead is sustained cross-border terrorism by Pakistan targeting the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,' the letter read.

India's decision to suspend the decades-old treaty follows the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists, in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday.

'The resulting security uncertainties have directly impeded India's full utilisation of its rights under the treaty,' the letter read.

The communication to Pakistan also highlighted "significantly altered population demographics, the need to accelerate the development of clean energy, and other changes" as reasons necessitating a re-assessment of the treaty's obligations.

It also accused Pakistan of breaching the treaty by refusing to negotiate modifications, as required under Article XII(3).

'...apart from other breaches committed by it, Pakistan has refused to respond to India's request to enter into negotiations as envisaged under the treaty and is thus in breach of the treaty,' the letter said.

'The Government of India has hereby decided that the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect,' it added.

On Wednesday, India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the expulsion of Pakistani military attaches and the immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post.

Pakistan has rejected India's suspension of the treaty and said any measures to stop the flow of water 'belonging to Pakistan' under the pact will be seen as an 'act of war'.

"Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an act of war," according to an official statement by Pakistan.

The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has governed the distribution and use of the Indus river and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960.

The Indus river system comprises the main river, the Indus, and its tributaries. The Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Jhelum and Chenab are its left-bank tributaries, while the Kabul river, a right-bank tributary, does not flow through Indian territory.

The Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej are collectively referred to as the eastern rivers, while the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab are known as the western rivers.

The water of this river system are crucial to both India and Pakistan.

At the time of Independence, the boundary demarcation between the two newly formed nations -- India and Pakistan -- cut through the Indus Basin, leaving India as the upper riparian and Pakistan as the lower riparian state.

Two key irrigation works -- one at Madhopur on the Ravi and another at Ferozepur on the Sutlej -- on which Punjab on Pakistan's side was entirely dependent -- ended up within the Indian territory.

This led to a dispute between the two countries over the utilisation of irrigation water from the existing infrastructure. Following negotiations facilitated by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (now part of the World Bank Group), the Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960.

Under the treaty, India was granted exclusive rights to the water of the eastern rivers-- the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi -- amounting to an average annual flow of about 33 million acre-feet (MAF).

The water of the western rivers -- the Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- amounting to an average annual flow of around 135 MAF, were largely allocated to Pakistan.

However, the treaty allowed India to utilise the water of the western rivers for domestic needs, non-consumptive uses, agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.
A Border Security Force jawan has been detained by Pakistan Rangers after he accidentally crossed the Punjab border and talks are on between the two forces to secure his release, officials said on Thursday.

IMAGE: BSF personnel continue search operation following an input regarding the presence of terrorists in the Saniyal area, at Samba-Kathua border in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, March 26, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Constable PK Sahu of the 182nd Battalion was apprehended by the Pakistan Rangers across the Ferozepur border on Wednesday, they said.

Sahu, a resident of West Bengal, was in uniform and carried his service rifle. He was accompanying farmers when he moved ahead to rest in the shade and was apprehended by the Rangers.

A flag meeting is on between the two forces to secure the release of the BSF jawan, the officials said.

They said such incidents were not uncommon and have happened in the past between the two sides.

The incident comes against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack with India taking a slew of measures against Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism.

Family of BSF jawan seeks his early return

In West Bengal, the family of the BSF jawan is anxiously awaiting for his safe return after he was detained by Pakistan Rangers.

Aged around 40, Sahu had returned to duty on March 31 after spending his leave at home.

According to his family members, he is a 17-year veteran of the BSF and lives with his parents, wife and a seven-year-old son.

The incident has left the family deeply shaken.

His wife, Rajani Sahu, has been inconsolable since the news broke.

"One of his colleagues called and told us that he was caught while on duty. I last spoke to him on Tuesday night. He has been with the BSF for 17 years. I just want him to return home soon," she said, fighting back tears.

Sahu, who hails from Harisabha area of Rishra in Hooghly, was reportedly accompanying a group of farmers near the border when he walked ahead to rest under a tree and inadvertently crossed over into Pakistan territory, where he was apprehended.

His brother, Shyamsundar Sahu, urged the Central government and BSF authorities to intervene swiftly.

"We want the government to ensure his safe and immediate return. The entire family is extremely worried," he told a Bengali news channel.

As the news spread, neighbours and well-wishers gathered outside the Sahu residence in Rishra. The family, surrounded by visitors, has been glued to television news, hoping for a positive update.
Clad in her bloodstained clothes as a grim reminder of the Pahalgam tragedy, the daughter of Pune resident Santosh Jagdale killed in the terror attack led his funeral procession on Thursday as thousands joined her and chanted anti-Pakistan slogans.

Jagdale's daughter Asavari and his wife survived the ghastly attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday, while he and his childhood friend Kaustubh Ganbote were among the 26 persons gunned down by terrorists.

The mortal remains of Jagdale and Ganbote were flown to Pune in the early hours of Thursday.

As the city virtually came together in collective grief, the final rites of the two Pune residents were performed at the electric crematorium at Vaikunth in Navi Peth area.

Their teary-eyed relatives and thousands of other people attend the last rites.

Asavari, 26, a human resource professional here, wore the same bloodstained clothes as at the time of the attack, as a reminder of the tragedy, while she led her father's funeral procession.

Those part of the procession shouted angry slogans against Pakistan.

Earlier, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar visited the homes of Jagdale and Ganbote and paid tributes to them.

Their families recalled the horror in Pahalgam while speaking to Pawar and demanded that the perpetrators be given the strictest punishment.

Maharashtra minister Madhuri Misal also visited Jagdale's house.

Ganbote operated a snacks business, while Jagdale ran an interior designing business.
When a father-son duo from Gujarat went to Kashmir on a spiritual sojourn, they would have never thought this would be their last journey.

IMAGE: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel pays last respects to Sumit Parmar and Yatish Parmar, who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Photograph: ANI on X

Yatish Parmar and his son Smit were among 19 persons from Bhavnagar in Gujarat who went to Kashmir on April 16 to attend religious preacher Morari Bapu's discourse in Srinagar, sources said.

After attending the discourse, they were visiting Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday when terrorists struck and gunned down 26 persons, including the father-son duo, who were residents of Kaliyabid area in Bhavnagar city.

Another person hailing from Surat, Suresh Kalathiya, was also on a vacation with his wife and two children when he was shot dead by terrorists in Pahalgam.

His wife and chiildren survived.

Kalathiya (44), who belonged to Chikuwadi area in Surat city, shifted to Mumbai four years ago due to a job transfer. He had gone to Pahalgam with his wife and two children.

The mortal remains of Yatish Parmar and his son were brought to Ahmedabad airport in a flight from Mumbai.

Kalathiya's body was brought to Surat airport in another flight on Wednesday night.

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel and Minister of State for Health Harsh Sanghavi paid floral tributes to the departed souls at the airport here, an official release said.

From the airport, the bodies of Parmar and his son were taken to Bhavnagar in a mortuary van, it said.

At Surat airport, Union minister CR Paatil and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to Kalathiya after his mortal remains were brought from Mumbai.

Kalathiya's wife and two children were also brought to Surat by the same flight.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has already reached Bhavnagar as he will attend the last rites of Yatish and Smit Parmar on Thursday.

MoS Home Harsh Sanghavi will attend the last rites of Kalathiya in Surat on Thursday morning, said an official release.

Kalathiya's family said his father Himmatbhai, who lives in Amreli district, has reached Surat.
"He was a very good child...He died like a brave soldier," Indian Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal's father said about his son, who was among the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

IMAGE: People carry the body of Vinay Narwal, a Navy officer, who was killed in a suspected militant attack near Pahalgam in south Kashmir, for his 'last rites' in Karnal in the northern state of Haryana, India, April 23, 2025. Photograph: Bhawika Chhabra/Reuters

"It is a mountain of sorrow. Unrepairable, unbearable and untolerable loss for me and my family," he said Thursday about the tragic loss.

However, he added that the entire country is standing with his family and families of others who lost their lives in the Pahalgam incident on Tuesday.

Married just about a week ago, 26-year-old Narwal, accompanied by his wife Himanshi, was on a honeymoon in Pahalgam when terrorists shot him at point blank. His last rites were held in Karnal last evening.

Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar went to meet the bereaved family in their home in Karnal on Thursday. While consoling Narwal's grandfather Hawa Singh, Khattar broke into tears.

When reporters asked Narwal's father Rajesh Kumar about his son, he said when Narwal was into the third year of his engineering, he expressed desire to join the defence forces as an officer.

Although he was keen to become a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, ultimately he secured a job in the Indian Navy after clearing the exam in his first attempt, he said.

"He was a dashing officer, outstanding and a brilliant student," said Kumar, a government employee.

He also complimented the Jammu and Kashmir government and the local administration there for extending all required help after the incident.

Vinay Narwal's sister Srishti said her brother was everything to her and will always remain so.

On Thursday, scores of people reached Narwal's home to offer condolences.

Just days before the Pahalgam incident, relatives, neighbours and others had been thronging Narwal's Karnal residence to be part of the joyous occasion of the young Naval officer's marriage.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the Narwal family, Khattar, while strongly condemning the terror attack incident, said, "Today the countries of the world are standing with us against terrorism in this matter and India will definitely do whatever is necessary to suppress terrorism and to take revenge of these incidents."

Kumar, when asked what message he has for Pakistan and those indulging in incidents of terror, said, "This is a matter pertaining to my country and the government is doing its job."

Khattar, who is Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Karnal and former Haryana chief minister, said he strongly condemns the terror attack incident, which he called "shameful".

"This is unbearably sad that we lost our brave officer. The incident has saddened us all," he said.

All political parties have strongly condemned the Pahalgam incident. There is anger among countrymen pertaining to the terrorist attack incident, he said.

People of Kashmir have also strongly expressed their condemnation of the incident and they are also not going to tolerate such incidents, he said.

Meanwhile, Congress MPs from Rohtak and Ambala, Deepender Singh Hooda and Varun Chaudhary also went to meet the bereaved family in Karnal.

Speaking to reporters later, Hooda said the Pahalgam terror incident has shaken the entire country.

He said those who carried out the act and those behind it are the "enemies of the country and humanity".

"As an opposition MP, I want to say the entire country is united. This is not an attack on Lt. Vinay Narwal or other citizens who were killed in the incident, but it was an attack on our country and India knows how to respond," Hooda said.

Rajya Sabha member Kartikeya Sharma also met the bereaved family.

He later said the incident, which was carried out by the enemies of the nation, is extremely inhumane.

"It is filled with brutality...I believe the Centre will give a very fitting response and those who have carried out the act will have to pay a heavy price," he added.

Meanwhile, a group of NCC students reached Karnal carrying a portrait of Vinay Narwal and handed it over to the Navy officer's father.
Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Manish Ranjan, who was killed in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, had planned to take his parents to the Vaishno Devi shrine after returning from this vacation, one of his friends recounted.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff IMAGE: Traders holding placards during their protest against Pahalgam attack, in Srinagar on Wednesday April 23, 2025.

Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, who was at the Ranchi airport on Thursday morning to receive Ranjan's mortal remains, said he was a meritorious student.

"His father recently retired as the headmaster of the Hindi High School in Jhalda. Ranjan had planned to take his parents to Vaishno Devi after this vacation," he said.

Ranjan, a section officer with the IB posted in Hyderabad, was among the 26 people killed in the terror attack on Tuesday.

"We had never thought such a gruesome incident would take place. People say terrorists have no religion, but innocent people were brutally killed because of their religion," said another friend, Aditya Sharma, who also came to the Ranchi airport to take his mortal remains to his native place in Jhalda in West Bengal's Purulia district.

Jharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party president Babulal Marandi was among the leaders and administrative officers who paid homage to Ranjan at the airport.

Marandi said the way innocent people were killed on the basis of their religion is not pardonable.

"The perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice by the government. The masterminds of the attack will also not be spared," he said.
India on Thursday briefed envoys of the US, the UK, France, China, Russia, Germany and several other countries on the Pahalgam terror attack and its link to cross-border terrorism, people familiar with the matter said.

IMAGE: Foreign envoys come out from ministry of external affairs after a meeting with MEA officials over the Pahalgam Terror Attack, in New Delhi, April 24, 2025. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri apprised the diplomats about various aspects of the dastardly terror attack on innocent civilians and India's firm policy of "zero tolerance" against terrorism, they said.

The briefing was held a day after India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post.

The Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmed up the punitive measures against Pakistan in view of the cross-border links to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people.

In the briefing, the diplomats were apprised about the dastardly terror attack and India's firm policy of "zero tolerance" against terrorism.

Diplomats of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Norway, Italy, Indonesia and Malaysia were also part of the briefing.

Last night, Misri said the cross-border linkages to the Pahalgam attack was "brought out" in a briefing to the CCS following which it decided to take the measures against Pakistan.

The new retaliatory actions shut down the few existing diplomatic mechanisms between the two sides taking bilateral relations to yet another new low.

Amid nationwide outrage over the terror strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the killers of Pahalgam will be pursued "to the ends of the earth" as he promised to "identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers".

In an address at Bihar's Madhubani, Modi vowed to punish terrorists behind the strike and said India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism.

"Friends, today from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers," he said.

"We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished," he added.

"Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us in these times," he said.
India on Thursday announced revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals from April 27 and advised Indian nationals residing in Pakistan to return home at the earliest as tensions between the two countries escalated over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Indian citizens from Pakistan reach Attari border after the government of India decides to close the integrated checkpost Attari with immediate effect following the Pahalgam terror attack, in Amritsar, April 24, 2025.

New Delhi also announced suspending visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect as part of the retaliatory measures over the cross-border links to the worst terror strike on civilians in India since the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

The latest move came a day after India announced a raft of measures against Pakistan including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post.

The punitive measures against Pakistan were decided at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said all existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27.

It said medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till April 29.

The MEA said all Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave the country before the expiry of visas.

It also "strongly advised" Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Pakistan.

"In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect," the MEA said in a statement.

"All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till April 29."

"All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave India before the expiry of visas, as now amended," it said.

The number of Pakistani nationals holding Indian visas is not immediately known.

"Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest," the MEA said.

The new retaliatory actions shut down the few existing diplomatic mechanisms between the two sides taking bilateral relations to yet another new low.

As part of the punitive measures, India on Wednesday also announced expelling Pakistan's three military attaches and directed Islamabad to to downsize the staff strength at its high commission in New Delhi from 55 to 30.

New Delhi also asked all Pakistanis who entered the country via the Attari land border to leave by May 1.

Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and any such visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled, India said on Wednesday.

In its response to India's measures, Pakistan on Thursday announced shutting its airspace to all Indian airlines and suspended trade with New Delhi including through third countries.

Pakistan also rejected India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and said any measures to stop the flow of water belonging to Pakistan under the pact will be seen as an "act of war".

Amid nationwide outrage over the terror strike, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the killers of Pahalgam will be pursued "to the ends of the earth" as he promised to "identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers".

In an address at a rally in Bihar's Madhubani, Modi vowed to punish terrorists behind the strike and said India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism.

"Friends, today from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers," he said.

"We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished," he added.

"Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us in these times," he said.
There has been a significant change in the public mood in the Kashmir valley as even villages that were once synonymous with the very faces of terror join the condemnation of the massacre of 26 people in Pahalgam.

IMAGE: People carrying mock bodies during their protest against the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack, in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, April 24, 2025. Photograph: Umar Ganiem

Areas previously known as strongholds or symbolic centres for so-called commanders of banned Hizbul Mujahideen terror group Burhan Wani and Riyaz Naikoo witnessed residents raising powerful slogans of "Stop terrorism" and "Stop killing innocents".

The Kashmir valley witnessed an unprecedented display of public sentiment on Wednesday with a widespread spontaneous protests condemning the killing of 26 people, mainly tourists, in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

Over the past 35 years of onset of militancy in the region, the valley has rarely witnessed such an immediate and widespread outpouring of public anger against terror violence.

Political leaders, including Nasir Wani from the National Conference and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, were seen leading protests across the valley.

Tral village in south Kashmir, which shot into limelight for the intense stone-pelting protests after Burhan Wani's death in 2016, presented a different picture on Wednesday where residents marched with candles to register their dissent to terror action in Pahalgam.

Tral, historically a den for Pakistan-backed terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, echoed with slogans of Dehshatgadi bandh karo (stop terrorism)...masoomon ka qatl-e-aam bandh karo (stop killing innocent)".

Similarly, Beighpora in south Kashmir, the birthplace of Riyaz Naikoo, once the so-called commander of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen, saw its residents walking through the lanes and bylanes and raising their voices unitedly against the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam carnage.

The display of this anger in the village of Naikoo is a drastic departure from earlier times.

The apple town of Sopore in north Kashmir, infamously dubbed "mini-Pakistan" in the early 1990s due to the strong presence of banned Jamaat-e-Islamia cadres, reflected the same feeling.

Locals came out in the streets and marched to the main market chanting slogans against terrorism and squarely condemning the brazen attack.

PDP legislator Waheed Para termed the outpouring of people as a historic moment and said, "For the first time in the history of Kashmiri violence, we are seeing a strong, spontaneous public protest against terrorism."

"People in the valley, in Lal Chowk, in villages, particularly in Pulwama and Tral, have stood up in pain and solidarity," he said.

Para highlighted that this collective denouncement of violence, even in regions previously associated with militant leaders, represents a "significant shift" at a time when "the people are united in denouncing violence and standing with the nation".

The mass protests throughout Kashmir, especially in those places once considered the stronghold of militancy such as Tral and Beighpora, indicate a possible turnabout, where society itself is spurning the violence that has seen the region tormented for so long.
Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman from Kanpur who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, was cremated at his native village with full state honours on Thursday morning, officials said.

IMAGE: People hold a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, in Kanpur on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The cremation was attended by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet ministers Yogendra Upadhyay and Rakesh Sachan, who placed wreaths on Dwivedi and offered their condolences to the bereaved family. A guard of honour was also presented to the departed soul, officials said.

Accompanied by Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Dwivedi's ancestral home and assured the bereaved family of every possible support.

'Today I paid tribute to Shubham Dwivedi, who died in a cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, at his ancestral home in Kanpur and consoled the bereaved family,' Adityanath said in a post on X.

'I pray to Lord Ram to give a place to the departed soul at his lotus feet and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss,' the chief minister added.

Shubham, who got married to Ashanya on February 12, was among the 26 persons, mostly tourists, who were killed on Tuesday at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in one of the most gruesome attacks targeting civilians in Kashmir in a long time.

Shubham's body was brought to the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow from Srinagar around midnight on Wednesday.

A green corridor was established to transport his remains by an ambulance to his native village Hathipur in Kanpur district.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak paid his last respects to Dwivedi at the Lucknow airport, officials said.

Shubham, the only son in the family, was on a week-long trip to Kashmir with his wife Ashanya, parents, in-laws, sister, brother-in-law, and her sister's in-laws when terrorists shot him from point-blank range in front of his wife.

Recounting the horrific incident, Ashanya told mediapersons how the terrorists specifically targeted Hindus.

"The terrorists asked people if they were Muslims, and if so, to recite 'kalma' (Islamic declaration of faith). Before I could sense what exactly was happening, they shot Shubham in front of me as soon as he said he was a Hindu," she said.

Thousands of mourners, including the two Cabinet ministers, state Congress president Ajay Rai and numerous senior officials, attended his last rites.
The government on Thursday told an all-party meeting that the Pahalgam attack was carried out to vitiate the atmosphere at a time when the economy of Jammu and Kashmir was on the upswing and tourism was booming.

IMAGE: A two-minute silence observe during the all-party meeting called by the Centre to honour the innocent lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack, in New Delhi, April 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Briefing reporters after the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said all parties said they were with the government and against terror.

The party leaders were briefed by Intelligence Bureau and Union home ministry officials on the steps being taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, Rijiju said.

Home Minister Amit Shah, present in the meeting, interjected wherever required as officials briefed MPs, according to sources.

At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and scores injured when terrorists shot them in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

Singh briefed the all-party meeting on how the Pahalgam attack took place and subsequent decisions by the government.

The government on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a raft of measures, including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the terror attack.

Rijiju said the government assured leaders of action against terror and their backers.

After the meeting, the sources said troops were present in Pahalgam but were not deployed because the local authorities did not know about tourists being taken to Baisaran.

They said tour operators and local hoteliers did not inform the authorities about the movement of the tourists.

They underlined that deployment of forces takes place based on details provided by tour operators.

Opposition MPs spoke about their sentiments but there was no "bitter exchange" in the meeting, the sources said.

MPs also accepted that transformation was taking place in the Union Territory. There have been no incidents of stone-pelting or arson in the recent past, they said.

There was a renewed interest even among the MPs to visit Jammu and Kashmir, the sources pointed out, adding that several parliamentary committees have been visiting the UT.

The opposition was of the view that the government was taking resolute action, the sources said.
The Congress on Thursday said the cowardly Pahalgam attack masterminded by Pakistan is a direct assault on the values of the Indian republic, even as it accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of exploiting the tragedy to promote discord and polarisation at a time when unity is most needed.

IMAGE: Chairs and tables are scattered at the site of the terrorist attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, April 24, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

The Congress Working Committee, chaired by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, asserted that it is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in a Union Territory, which is directly under the purview of the Union home ministry.

The CWC, which was attended by former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, general secretaries KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, among others, at the party's 24, Akbar Road office in New Delhi, started with leaders paying homage to the victims of the attack by observing a moment of silence in their memory. Rahul Gandhi had cut short his visit to the United States to attend the crucial meeting.

The party's highest decision-making body passed a resolution expressing its deepest shock and condemnation of the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and left many others injured.

Reading out the resolution at a press conference, party general secretary K C Venugopal, along with Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, said the deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to inflame passions across the country.

"This cowardly and calculated act of terror, masterminded by Pakistan, is a direct assault on the values of our Republic. The deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to inflame passions across the country. We appeal for calm in the face of this grave provocation and reaffirm our collective strength in the face of adversity," the resolution said.

The CWC appealed for calm and reaffirmed the Congress' longstanding resolve to combat cross-border terrorism with determination and unity.

The Congress noted that the massacre has rightly drawn condemnation from all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and from a wide cross-section of its citizens.

"However, it is shocking that the BJP is exploiting this grave tragedy through official and proxy social media platforms to sow further discord, mistrust, polarisation and division at a time when unity and solidarity are most needed," the resolution said.

Noting that Pahalgam is known to be a heavily guarded area, secured by a three-tier security arrangement, the CWC said a comprehensive analysis must be conducted into the intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack.

"These questions must be raised in the larger public interest. This is the only way justice can truly be seen to be served for the families whose lives have been so brutally devastated," the resolution said.

The CWC also noted that the Amarnath Yatra is set to commence shortly and called for robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements to be put in place without delay.

"Lakhs of pilgrims from across India participate in this annual journey, and their safety must be treated as a national priority. Robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements must be put in place without delay," the party said.

The safety of pilgrims, as well as the livelihoods of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom depend on tourism, must be protected with full sincerity and seriousness, the CWC asserted.

The CWC also paid tribute to the local 'ponywalas' and tourist guides, one of whom was martyred while "selflessly trying to protect the tourist to uphold the idea of India".

In order to demonstrate the collective will of the nation, the Congress on the night of April 22 -- the day of the incident -- called for an all-party meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and this meeting has now been scheduled for today, the resolution said.

Venugopal also announced that on April 25, the Congress will organise candle marches at the state and district levels across the nation in solidarity with the lives lost in the horrific terror attack.

In a Facebook post after the meeting, Rahul Gandhi said, "Today, I joined all the senior leaders in the Congress Working Committee meeting in Delhi on the issue of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. In the meeting, we observed silence to pay tribute to all those who lost their lives in the attack and offered condolences to their families."

"The whole country is united against terrorism, and we are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief," he said.

Speaking with reporters after the CWC, Congress general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the Pahalgam terror attack raises serious questions of security and intelligence failure.

Mir, who is also the Leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress Legislature Party, asked the government why there was no security in the area.

"The Pahalgam attack raises major questions of security and intelligence failure. Why was there no security in the area, which is usually there? The government should respond," Mir said.
Pakistan on Thursday blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, suspended all trade with India, and said any attempt to divert water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty will be considered an Act of War.

IMAGE: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photograph: Mohsin Raza/Reuters

The announcements were made after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to formulate the country's response to India's move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties after the Pahalgam terror attack.

The meeting was attended by key ministers and the three services chiefs.

"Any threat to Pakistan's sovereignty and to the security of its people will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains. India should refrain from its reflexive blame game and cynical staged, managed exploitation of incidents like Pahalgam to further its narrow political agenda.

"Such tactics serve only to inflame tensions and obstruct the path to peace and stability in the region," according to a statement released after the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting.

The meeting decided to block Pakistani airspace for Indian airlines and close the Wagah border crossing.

A decision was also taken to suspend visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme to Indians, barring Sikh pilgrims.

Pakistan suspended "all trade" with India, including those routes through third countries.

Pakistan rejected the Indian decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, saying it is the lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis.

"Any attempt to divert or stop water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty will be considered an act of War," the statement said.

Pakistan also asked military advisers at the Indian High Commission to leave by April 30, it said.
A 25-year-old man from Indore, whose father was shot dead in front of his eyes during the terror attack in Pahalgam town of south Kashmir, on Thursday said the gunmen included minor boys who had cameras mounted on their heads.

IMAGE: Security personnel patrol at the site of Pahalgam terror attack on April 24, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Terrorists attacked Baisaran, a prominent tourist spot in Pahalgam known as "Mini Switzerland", killing at least 26 people and injuring several others on April 22. Most of the deceased were tourists from other states, including 58-year-old Sushil Nathaniel from Indore.

Nathaniel was posted as a manager at the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) office in Alirajpur, about 200km from Indore. He had gone to Kashmir with his entire family.

During the attack, Nathaniel's daughter Akanksha (35) was shot in the leg by the assailants. However, his wife Jennifer (54) and son Austin alias Goldie (25) escaped unharmed.

Grieving the loss of his father, Austin told reporters, "The terrorists included underage boys around 15 years old. There were at least four of them. They were taking selfies during the attack and had cameras mounted on their heads."

He revealed that the terrorists asked his father and others present at the spot about their religious identity before shooting them. To confirm if someone was Muslim or non-Muslim, they were asked to recite the 'kalma' (Islamic declaration of faith), the 25-year-old added.

Austin maintained that if someone recited the 'kalma' on the terrorists' instruction, they were later forced to strip.

"I saw the terrorists shoot six people right in front of me," he said, describing the horrific incident.

Asked what he expects from the government now, the young man replied, "I only want a heavy deployment of police and Army personnel at that place (Baisaran) because it receives the highest number of tourists."

Meanwhile, Sushil Nathaniel was buried at Juna Indore Catholic Cemetery. His wife Jennifer, overwhelmed by grief, fainted repeatedly during the last rites of her husband and was supported by her son Austin and other close relatives.

His injured daughter Akanksha arrived at the the cemetery on a wheelchair to bid final farewell to her father.

Madhya Pradesh minister Tulsiram Silawat and state Congress president Jitu Patwari were among prominent leaders who paid tributes to Sushil Nathaniel at the cemetery.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called on President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Photograph: @rashtrapatibhvn

The meeting comes in the wake of the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday in which 26 men, mostly tourists and including a Nepalese citizen, were gunned down in cold blood.

"Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah and Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan," the President's office said in a post on X, along with a picture of the meeting.

In the targeted attack, a group of terrorists killed male tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking with their families at the meadow touted as 'Mini Switzerland' for its serene beauty.
A retired school headmaster from Jhalda in West Bengal, MK Mishra, stood trembling under the weight of unspeakable loss as the coffin of his 33-year-old son returned to his home in Purulia district on Thursday afternoon.

IMAGE: Security personnel talk to the local people at the site of a terrorist attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, April 24, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

"I don't want to speak, please leave me alone," those were the only words Intelligence Bureau officer Manish Ranjan's father could muster.

Ranjan, a section officer with the IB posted in Hyderabad, was among the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday.

"Ranjan left for Kashmir with a smile. He would call us every day on the phone and WhatsApp to ask about our health. We even received his call on the fateful day," his father said.

One of his friends recounted that after returning from this vacation, Ranjan had planned to take his parents to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, who was at Ranchi airport on Thursday morning to receive Ranjan's mortal remains, said he was a meritorious student.

"His father recently retired as the headmaster of the Hindi High School in Jhalda. Ranjan had planned to take his parents to Vaishno Devi after this vacation," he said.

"We had never thought such a gruesome incident would take place. People say terrorists have no religion, but innocent people were brutally killed because of their religion," said another friend, Aditya Sharma, who also came to the Ranchi airport to take his mortal remains to his native place.

Shops in Jhalda town downed their shutters in memory of Ranjan and 25 other victims.

In Ranchi, Jharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party president Babulal Marandi was among the leaders and administrative officers who paid homage to Ranjan at the airport.

Marandi said the way innocent people were killed based on their religion is not pardonable.

"The perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice by the government. The attack's masterminds will also not be spared," he said.

Union minister and BJP West Bengal president Sukanta Majumdar paid floral tribute to Ranjan and consoled his grieving parents at Jhalda.

"The perpetrators of such a dastardly attack will be dealt with in the language they understand. We will avenge the deaths of our citizens," Majumdar said.

Sohini, wife of 40-year-old Bitan Adhikari, another victim from West Bengal, recounted to senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari how terrorists asked her husband to chant the Kalma, an Islamic phrase of faith.

When he admitted not knowing it and identified himself as a member of another community, they shot him dead.

"My world has come crashing down. Who will look after my three-year-old son? He asks where Papa is and says "fire, fire," she said as Suvendu Adhikari and BJP leader Agnimitra Paul comforted her and promised full support.

Bitan lived in Florida, worked for an IT company, and had residences in Baisnabghata and Behala.

The brother-in-law of Samir Guha, the third terror attack victim from the state and a central government employee, recounted how Guha's wife and daughter called from the mobile phone of a local taxi driver, Ekbal, who rescued them after the attack.

Guha had been lying in a pool of blood in the Baisaran Valley when the attackers fled.

"Ekbal lent his phone to my sister, who broke the news to me. He stood by her, assuring her constantly. He stayed with them at the local hospital until the body was released after post-mortem examination, and protected my niece, warning her not to venture out. He even arranged a vehicle for them to reach the airport and refused to accept any fare," said Subrata Ghosh, Guha's brother-in-law. Guha was a resident of Behala.

The bodies of Bitan Adhikari and Samir Guha reached the city on Wednesday night.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said his government was in touch with governments of states where Kashmiris were allegedly being harassed in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Photograph: ANI Photo

"The J&K government is in touch with the governments of the states where these reports are originating from. I'm also in touch with my counterpart Chief Ministers in these states & have requested they take extra care," Abdullah posted on X.

He was responding to a post by ruling National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar seeking Abdullah's intervention after videos of Kashmiris being allegedly harassed emerged on social media.

"Numerous videos showing Kashmiri students nationwide terrified for their safety are being widely shared on social media. Requesting @CM_JnK @OmarAbdullah sb to immediately intervene and speak to his counterparts across the country," Dar said in his post on X.

Terrorists opened fire in a meadow near the tourist hub of Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists.

It is the worst attack in Kashmir since the Pulwama strike in 2019 when 40 CRPF personnel were killed.
The wife of Surat resident Shailesh Kalathiya, who lost his life in the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, on Thursday said terrorists showed no remorse as they were seen laughing after shooting her husband dead.

IMAGE: Wife of Shailesh Kalathiya performs her husband's last rites, at Mota Varachha in Surat on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Three Gujarat residents, including Kalathiya, were among the 26 persons killed in the terror attack in south Kashmir's Pahalgam town on Tuesday.

Two other victims from the state -- Yatish Parmar and his son Smit -- were from Bhavnagar city.

The three deceased were cremated at their respective native places on Thursday as local residents joined their funeral processions amid outpouring of grief.

Shitalben Kalathiya, the wife of deceased Shailesh Kalathiya, was visibly upset when her husband's mortal remains were being taken to a crematorium from their house.

Talking to reporters, she said the terrorists showed no mercy as they were laughing after killing her husband from a very close range.

"A terrorist first came close to us and then shot my husband after learning that he is a Hindu. Just like my husband, other Hindu men were shot in front of their children. The terrorist was laughing after shooting my husband and did not leave the place till he died," she said.

Kalathiya's son Naksh performed the last rites of his father in Surat.

Talking to reporters later, Naksh said his father was singled out for being a Hindu and shot dead by a terrorist in front of him and his mother.

Shailesh Kalathiya was vacationing in Pahalgam along with his wife Shitalben, son Naksh and elder daughter Niti when the group of terrorists struck Baisaran.

"As soon as we heard gunshots, all the tourists started running in search of cover at Pahalgam. Two terrorists eventually found us and asked all of us to identify our religion. They divided men in two groups - Hindus and Muslims. Then, they shot dead all the Hindu men, including my father, and ran away," Naksh said.

"At the time of attack, there were nearly 20 to 30 tourists in that area. I feared that I would also be killed. After separating Hindus from Muslims, the terrorists asked them to recite 'kalma'. Muslims who recited it were spared. But those who could not recite were gunned down," he said.

At Bhavnagar, Smit Parmar's maternal cousin Sarthak Nathani explained how the terror attack took place.

Out of the total 20 persons who came to Srinagar from Bhavnagar, including the Parmar and Nathani family, 12 went to Pahalgam where they were targeted by terrorists.

He said the terrorists who had opened fire on tourists in that area were wearing green-coloured clothes like Army uniform and their faces were not covered.

"Everyone started running due to indiscriminate firing from all sides. Yatishbhai was shot dead by terrorists. I saw from some distance that a terrorist then asked Smit something and then pumped a bullet from a close range," Nathani said.
A Pune-based woman, whose husband was killed by terrorists in Pahalgam, on Thursday recounted how she and other women in the group quickly removed bindis from their foreheads and began chanting 'Allahu Akbar' when they saw the attackers asking men to recite 'azaan'.

IMAGE: Mortal remains of Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote, who were killed in the Pahalgam Attack, being brought to Pune, in the wee hours of Thursday, April 24, 2025. Photograph: ANI on X

But the frantic attempts to hide their religious identity failed to help as the gun-wielding terrorists did not spare the woman's husband and his friend, who was also from Pune.

Sangita Ganbote, the wife of Kaustubh Ganbote who was among the 26 persons killed by terrorists at Baisaran near Pahalgam on Tuesday, also said that when a local Muslim man confronted the attackers and asked why they were killing innocent people, they stripped him and shot him dead.

Ganbote recounted her harrowing experience to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar during his visit to the bereaved family members where he paid homage to the departed soul.

Apart from Kaustubh Ganbote, his childhood friend Santosh Jagdale lost his life in the terror attack. The two families were travelling together when the group of four armed terrorists stopped them at Baisaran and began asking questions related to religion to them.

"The terrorists were insisting everyone to recite 'azaan' (Islamic call for prayer). All women in the group started reciting it, but still they killed our men. One local person, who was also a Muslim, confronted the four terrorists and asked why they were killing innocent people. He was also stripped of and shot," said Ganbote as she could not hold back her tears.

"As my husband's friend (Jagdale) was called by the terrorists and was asked whether he can recite the 'azaan', all women in the group immediately removed the bindis from our foreheads and started chanting 'Allahu Akbar'. But the terrorists killed both of them (Jagdale and Ganbote) and left the place," she continued.

Victim Jagdale's daughter Asavari and her mother Pratibha also narrated the horrific killings to Pawar.

"Four to five terrorists came from nowhere and started asking us whether we are Hindus or Muslims, and asked if someone is a Muslim and can recite 'kalmas'," the family told the former defence minister.

They recalled that the men were shot in the head, eyes, and chest.

Jagdale's wife noted there were no security personnel present at the time of the terror attack.

"We were not in a position to even shout for help as gun-toting terrorists were around," she said.

She also said that when her husband and Ganbote were rushed to a local hospital, they were not given their health updates for a long time.

"Till 10 pm, we were told that they were alive. Later, we were informed that they were dead. All of us were helpless," Pratibha Jagdale said.

She urged the government authorities to shut the area for tourists to prevent similar incidents in future.

"What should we do now as I lost my husband...my daughter lost her father. I am not able to see my husband's face since yesterday?" said Jagdale with tears rolling down her cheeks.

She demanded that the perpetrators be punished severely for killing men in front of their wives and children.

"Small kids were crying. While coming down from the spot, we were not able to walk and fell in the mud," she said, noting that it was their first day in Kashmir.

In a social media post after the visit, Pawar said he visited the residences of Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote, two Pune residents killed in the Pahalgam attack. He paid respects to both victims and spoke with their grieving family members to know what happened.

"This cowardly terrorist attack has claimed the lives of many innocent Indians, including Atul Mone, Sanjay Lele, and Hemant Joshi from Dombivli, and Dilip Desale from Panvel. I pay heartfelt tributes to all of them. Their families are facing an unimaginable loss, and I extend my deepest sympathies to them," he said.

Calling the attack 'heart-wrenching,' Pawar said it was deeply disturbing that innocent tourists became victims of such a heinous act.

"I strongly condemn this despicable terrorist attack. It is imperative that we take firm steps to eliminate such acts of terrorism and strengthen the security of our nation," he said.
Each time her little boy wakes up from sleep, his voice trembles with the same haunting questions: "Where is Papa? Did he go somewhere?"

IMAGE: LoP in West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari speaks with Sohini Adhikari wife of Bitan Adhikari who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, at NSCBI Airport in Kolkata on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

His mother has no answers. All she can offer are tears as her son's words slice through the stillness like shattered glass.

The three-and-half-year-old kid's father Bitan Adhikari was gunned down by terrorists amidst the breathtaking beauty of Pahalgam, Kashmir.

What was meant to be a joyful family holiday turned into a lifelong nightmare.

Adhikari, originally from West Bengal, had settled in Florida with his family a few years ago.

He returned to Kolkata on April 8 to visit relatives and was vacationing in Kashmir with his family at the time of the attack.

"They separated us," his wife recounted to a news channel, her voice cracking.

"They asked where we were from, then segregated the men, asked their religion, and shot them one by one. My husband was murdered right in front of our child. How do I explain this to him?" she said.

"I don't know how to tell my son that his father is gone forever," she says, her voice barely a whisper.

"He wakes in terror, clutching my hand, pleading: Where is father?'"

Back home in Kolkata, the grief runs deeper still.

Bitan was not only a devoted husband and father, but also the primary caregiver for his ageing and ailing parents, despite living abroad.

His father, 87-year-old Bireshwar Adhikari, and his 75-year-old mother, Maya Adhikari, are both in poor health.

It was Bitan who managed their medical expenses, sending money from abroad to ensure they never missed a dose of medicine or a doctor's appointment.

"He may have been overseas, but he never let us feel his absence," said a grieving relative.

"From arranging their checkups to paying for every prescription, Bitan handled everything. Now, who will look after them?"

The April 22 attack claimed the lives of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national, leaving scores of others wounded.

The savage nature of the killings, allegedly after terrorists separated non-Kashmiri tourists and asked them about their religion, has sparked national outrage.

Back in Kolkata, as neighbours and relatives try to console the Adhikari family, the pain remains too deep for words.

"I just want someone to tell my son why his father is never coming back. And I want justice -- not just for my husband, but for every innocent person who lost their life that day," his wife said.

Adding to the family's call for justice, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh made a public appeal on social media urging both the central and state governments to consider the plight of Bitan's parents while disbursing compensation.

'Don't give the entire compensation amount to Mrs Adhikari alone,' Ghosh posted on X.

'Kindly divide it, and give an amount to Mr. Bitan Adhikari's parents also. They are totally helpless. After Bitan's death, the parents became more helpless. A financial protection must be given to them also,' he said.

He further emphasised that if the elderly parents were no longer alive, the amount would naturally revert to Bitan's wife and son, but at this moment, the situation of the parents warranted immediate, independent attention.

'I am confident the state government will consider this point seriously. The central government should think alike also,' he wrote.
China and the European Parliament are in the "final stages" of discussions about removing sanctions on its lawmakers as part of a move to open the door for mended relations between Beijing and the bloc.

"Discussions with the Chinese authorities are continuing and in their final stages," a spokesperson for the European parliament told RFE/RL.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola "will first inform group leaders once the Chinese authorities officially confirm that sanctions have been lifted," the spokesperson added. "It has always been the European Parliament's intention to have the sanctions lifted and resume relations with China."

The discussions to lift sanctions come as Beijing tries to make inroads against the backdrop of an unfolding trade war with US President Donald Trump's administration. In the face of 145 percent tariffs from the United States, China's largest export market, Beijing is now looking to improve relations with the European Union after years of strained ties with the 27-country bloc.

Beijing implemented the sanctions back in 2021 against several members of European Parliament (MEPs) after Brussels had used measures of its own on Chinese officials and entities because of human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, such as ethnic Kazakhs and Kyrgyz, in China's Xinjiang Province.

In response, the European parliament then froze the ratification of an EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) that was designed to deepen trade ties between the two massive markets.

A deal toward lifting the sanctions, which was first reported by German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung, has raised speculation that China and the EU are moving to normalize their ties as both navigate pressure from the Trump administration.

The EU and China are also set to hold a summit in Beijing in July.

An EU official who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal deliberations said that "it's correct that we are working on lifting the sanctions."

However, the official said that the move "has absolutely nothing to do with making any trade deal" and that the previously agreed CAI with Beijing faced obstacles back in 2021 before China sanctioned MEPs and that this "is even more true today."

The EU official added that talks with Beijing have been under way for several months and they predated tariffs deployed by Trump, which includes a 20 percent tariff for the EU, although this is currently suspended for 90 days to allow time to negotiate trade deals.

Noah Barkin, senior adviser at Rhodium Group, a consultancy, says Beijing is looking to use the removal of sanctions as a precursor to boosting trade ties with Brussels after years of tensions over Chinese support for Russia in its war against Ukraine and a record number of trade investigations launched by the European Commission looking into Chinese companies and government trade policies.

In an April 23 blog post, Barkin wrote that EU officials have told him "China hopes the removal of sanctions will lead to a revival of the CAI, sending a powerful signal about EU-China cooperation at a time when Beijing and Brussels are under intense pressure from a global trade war launched by President Donald Trump."

Barkin added that despite these expectations from China, he sees "the chances of a meaningful rapprochement between the EU and China as slim."

The EU sanctions on Chinese entities are to remain in place and it is unclear if China is planning to remove the blacklisting of all the MEPs and European entities targeted back in 2021 or only for some.

The list of MEPs includes Michael Gahler and Miriam Lexmann, lawmakers from Germany and Slovakia, Raphael Glucksmann from France, and Ilhan Kyuchyuk from Bulgaria.

Reinhard Butikofer, a German lawmaker and former leader of the European parliament's China delegation, has since left the body.

The Chinese blacklist also includes two EU-linked committees, three national parliamentarians, the Mercator Institute for China Studies, the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, and two academics researching China and Xinjiang.
ISLAMABAD -- Tensions between India and Pakistan are threatening to boil over as the two countries trade diplomatic and economic measures following a deadly attack in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir that has raised fears of another military escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals.

India downgraded its ties with Pakistan on April 23 and accused it of supporting "cross-border terrorism" a day after 26 people were killed by gunmen at a Himalayan tourist attraction in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir.

A little-known militant group called The Resistance Front claimed responsibility for the attack. Twenty-five of those killed were Indian nationals.

The attack and its fallout risk inflaming ties between India and Pakistan, which both claim authority over the region.

Among other punitive measures taken against Islamabad, New Delhi closed the main border crossing linking the two countries, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and ordered some Pakistani visa holders to leave within 48 hours.

India also announced the suspension of the six-decade old Indus Waters Treaty, which shares water between the two countries.

Pakistan has denied any involvement and responded with countermeasures of its own on April 24, suspending visas for some Indian nationals and expelling certain Indian diplomats and defense officials from the country.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also called for a "credible investigation" into the attack and said "India must resist the temptation to exploit such tragic incidents to its advantage."

He also hit back with a stern warning about New Delhi's suspension of the water-sharing treaty.

"Pakistan vehemently rejects the Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance," Sharif said in a statement following the convening of the country's National Security Council on April 24.

"Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treatywill be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force," the statement added.

The April 22 attack marks the area's worst assault on civilians in years and could bring a new wave of unrest to the region claimed by both Pakistan and India that has been the epicenter of an often-violent territorial struggle between the two countries.

"We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on April 24 as he vowed to track down and punish the attackers.

Modi did not refer to the attackers as being Pakistani, but police in Indian Kashmir claimed two of the three suspected militants were Pakistani nationals. They did not say how they identified the attackers.

Modi is expected to meet with other Indian officials on April 24 to discuss the attack and how to respond to the tit-for-tat moves with Pakistan.

India and Pakistan control separate parts of Kashmir, but both claim it in full. Since India's partition and the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the nuclear-armed neighbors have fought wars over the territory.

The Pahalgam attack now risks reigniting long-running tensions.

The water treaty, which was mediated by the World Bank and signed in 1960, regulates the sharing of waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. It has withstood two wars between the neighbors since then and severe strains in ties at other times.

The treaty stipulates that India must, with few exceptions, allow water from the western rivers to flow downstream into Pakistan.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were already weak even before the latest measures and countermeasures announced by New Delhi and Islamabad.

Pakistan expelled India's envoy and has not posted its own ambassador in New Delhi since India revoked the semi-autonomous status of Kashmir in 2019.

India has often accused Pakistan of involvement in an insurgency in Kashmir, but Islamabad says it only offers diplomatic and moral support to a demand for self-determination.
Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi issued a public call for renewed diplomacy with the E3 -- France, Germany, and the UK -- amid mounting tensions and their exclusion from ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.

In a post on X on April 24, Araqchi acknowledged that relations with the E3 are currently down, describing the status quo as lose-lose for both sides.

He emphasized that placing blame is a futile exercise and instead urged a return to dialogue and cooperation, not only on nuclear issues but across all areas of mutual interest.

Araqchi offered to visit Paris, Berlin, and London for direct talks.

The ball is now in the E3's court, the Iranian foreign minister wrote, how we act at this critical junction is likely to define the foreseeable future.

The foreign ministers outreach comes as the E3 have been sidelined from the latest round of nuclear negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman rather than European powers.

The E3 were key players in earlier efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, but this time they've been sidelined.

The E3 have threatened to trigger the re-imposition of UN sanctions on Iran if no agreement is reached with the United States by the end of June. The snapback of UN sanctions is a provision under the effectively defunct 2015 nuclear deal, which formally expires in October.

Iranian state media have welcomed the E3s exclusion, with The Tehran Times even accusing them -- without evidence -- of backing UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi for secretary-general in exchange for helping to demonize Iran and justify a return to UN sanctions.
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A resident mourns one of the victims of the April 24 attack in Kyiv.



The overnight attack -- one of the largest in months -- came just hours after the White House presented Ukrainian officials with what amounted to an ultimatum about a US proposal to end the 38-month-old Russian invasion of Ukraine.
KYIV -- Rescue teams recovered two more bodies from the rubble of apartment buildings destroyed in a massive Russian missile-and-drone attack, prompting US President Donald Trump to issue a rare rebuke of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

The April 24 overnight barrage -- the largest in months -- came just hours after the White House gave what amounted to an ultimatum about a US proposal to end the 38-month-old Russian invasion.

Western efforts to try and resolve the Ukraine war, or even secure a temporary cease-fire, have sputtered in recent days as Russia shows no indication it will ease its assault and Ukraine pushes back on US proposals.

"If Russia says it wants a cease-fire, it should stop these massive attacks," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in South Africa, where he cut short an official visit due to the overnight assault.

Hours later, Trump, who lashed out at Zelenskyy a day earlier, condemned the Russian attack in a short social media post addressed to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv," he wrote. "Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, Stop! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let's get the Peace Deal Done!"

Is The US Open To Recognizing Crimea As Russian?

Foreign ministers and top diplomats had been scheduled to meet in London on April 23 for new talks. But they were effectively downgraded after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pulled out at the last minute.

Rubio's decision was reportedly prompted by Zelenskyy's rejection of a US proposal that Washington might formally recognize Russian control over the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea.

That would be a major reversal of longstanding US policy. It is also seen as potential political suicide for any Ukrainian officials.

"There is nothing to talk about. This violated our constitution. This is our territory, the territory of Ukraine," Zelenskyy told reporters ahead of the London talks.

The US proposal also reportedly calls for blocking Ukraine's membership in the NATO alliance, an policy goal that is written into the country's constitution.

Hours after the London talks concluded, Trump criticized Zelenskyy directly, on social media and in remarks to reporters. He also suggested Putin was open to the US proposals.

"I think Russia is ready, and a lot of people said Russia wanted to go for the whole thing. And I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy," Trump told reporters.

"I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy," he said. "So far it's harder."

White House envoy Steve Witkoff is set to fly to Moscow on April 25 for expected meetings with Putin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the US proposal on Crimea fit with Moscow's longstanding assertion that the peninsula is Russian.

"This fully corresponds to our understanding and what we have been saying for a long time," he told reporters.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy responded to Trump and included a copy of a 2018 US State Department statement calling on Russia to end its occupation of Crimea.

"We don't want this to be a frozen conflict, with war breaking out again in two to three years," he said on April 24, speaking alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria. "We need a strong guarantor [of our security]. If you don't support [NATO membership], that's your decision...but Russia should have no power to veto it."

What Is the Biggest Obstacle to Ukraine Peace Deal?

Trump had vowed to end the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours of taking office. But negotiations have proved difficult as Russia targets both civilian and military sites across the country while pressing its advantage on the battlefield.

Ukraine's military said more than 210 missiles and drones were launched in the overnight assault, including ballistic and cruise missiles launched by heavy bombers and Black Sea naval ships.

More than 100 missiles were downed or intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses, the military claimed.

"Kyiv and its region [and the] Zhytomyr, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytsky, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhya regions were under a massive combined Russian attack," Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko wrote on Telegram.

A number of residential buildings were damaged or destroyed in the capital, Kyiv, and officials said at least 12 people were killed and scores of people were wounded across the country.

Rescuers rushed to pull survivors from building debris, listening for mobile phones ringing to try and locate people.

"The first strike was loud; the glass shattered instantly. The second followed two to three minutes later," one man told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "We hid behind two walls. The doors and windows were blown down. Then we got dressed and ran down from the seventh floor over [broken] glass."

Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, was also hit by multiple missiles, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. It was no immediately clear if there were casualties.

Ukraine's foreign minister, who traveled to London despite the downgraded meetings, lashed out at Putin and criticized the Trump administration.

"Putin demonstrates through his actions, not words, that he does not respect any peace efforts and only wants to continue the war," Andrii Sybiha said on X.

"Russia, not Ukraine, is the obstacle to peace. Moscow, not Kyiv, is where pressure should be applied," he wrote.

The downgrading of the London meetings highlighted the divide between the countries in finding a path to peace talk amid Trump's complaints of a lack of progress in the negotiations.

Ukrainian and US officials were also set to sign a deal this week that would give US companies access to Ukraine's valuable mineral resources.

That agreement has also been the subject of difficult negotiations and resulted in an acrimonious Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in February.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
Vladyslav Rudenko was 16 years old in October 2022 when three armed Russian soldiers arrived at his home in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson.

"They came to my apartment and said I had 30 minutes to pack my things, and I had to go with them," Rudenko said.

The soldiers told Rudenko he was being evacuated. He and hundreds of other young Ukrainians boarded buses and were transported to Russian-occupied Crimea with a military escort.

Their destination: a health spa in the seaside city of Yevpatoria that had been repurposed into a training center meant to strip Ukrainian youth of their national identity.

"We were told to get rid of everything Ukrainian, so that there was absolutely nothing Ukrainian, or there would be problems," he said.

Rudenko spent nine months there undergoing Russian military-style training and education in Russian language, culture, and patriotic ideology.

A Ukrainian NGO, Save Ukraine, helped him and others to escape from what Kyiv refers to as a "reeducation camp."

After his return home from Russian-occupied territory, he spoke to RFE/RL about the strict regimen imposed at the center.

"First, we woke up to the Russian national anthem. Then we raised the Russian flag," Rudenko said. "After breakfast, we had an hour of education about what had happened during the evening in Russia. Then we were taken to a cinema to watch Russian films."

The young Ukrainians at the camp were given military uniforms, including the St. George's ribbon, a Russian nationalist symbol, Rudenko said. They were told to take shifts standing guard.

"It was constantly a vicious cycle where nothing changes," he said.

"This is a very large pro-Russian machine, and it was very difficult."

Ukrainian officials estimate that occupying forces have taken some 20,000 Ukrainian children from their families and sent them to Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine or locations in Russia and its ally, Belarus.

Some have been placed with Russian foster families or at boarding schools, while others have wound up in camps like the one where Rudenko was held.

Mykola Kuleba, Ukraine's commissioner for children's rights and the founder of Save Ukraine, described the camps as a form of "cultural genocide" intended to foster loyalty to Russia.

"This is the technique that the Russian Empire used in order to quickly assimilate the population after conquering new territories, to make them obedient to the regime," Kuleba said.

"The main thing is to resettle [them] and start reeducation. That is, to see what needs to be done in order to get these children obedient to the [Putin] regime as soon as possible. Make them ready to live in the Russian Federation and continue to send them to Russia, to families, to boarding schools."

Save Ukraine has organized the return of 610 children from Russia and Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, Kuleba said. Ukrainian officials state that a total of about 1,300 children have returned to Ukraine after being taken by Russia.

According to the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, more than 8,400 children from Ukraine have been systematically relocated to at least 57 facilities: 13 facilities in Belarus and 43 facilities in Russia and Russian-occupied territory.

A statement recently released by the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that "without the return of the children abducted by Russia, the war cannot truly be considered over."
Sixteen-year-old Vladyslav Rudenko was at home in the Kherson region when Russian soldiers forced him leave to occupied Crimea. He was one of many Ukrainian youths taken from occupied territories to what Kyiv calls pro-Russian "reeducation camps." Speaking with RFE/RL, Rudenko recalls how for months he was made to sing the Russian national anthem and could only watch Russian media. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Kyiv has accused Moscow of actively deporting Ukrainian children in what some officials have called a "cultural genocide" of the Ukrainian identity.
By Aine Fox, PA Social Affairs Correspondent, in Vatican City

A mother and daughter from Ireland who were among thousands in an hours-long queue to pay their last respects to Pope Francis have described it as a special moment and a privilege to be among mourners.

Marguerite OLeary and her teenage daughter Ellen stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiffs remains inside St Peters Basilica in the Vatican.

Primary school teacher Mrs OLeary, from Ennis in County Clare, said she felt it was their duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here in the days following the Popes death on Easter Monday.

Marguerite OLeary and her teenage daughter Ellen after queuing to see the Popes coffin (Aine Fox, PA)

The family only discovered when they landed in Rome on Monday for a holiday that the head of the Catholic Church had died earlier that morning.

Speaking to the PA news agency as she left St Peters Square after viewing Franciss open coffin, Mrs OLeary said: We felt it was our duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here, and to take the time and the trouble.

Its a pilgrimage, really, to Rome.

And even though the Pope is no longer with us, at least we were here to say goodbye to him and to pay our respects.

People queue to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis at St Peters Basilica (Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse via AP)

Fourteen-year-old Ellen described the experience as once in a lifetime.

She said: It was amazing to be in there. We were so lucky to be able to experience being in the basilica and seeing the Pope.

I feel really lucky to be here at this time and to get to witness this because this is like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The teenager described the interior of St Peters Basilica as extraordinary, after making her first visit to the church.

Her mother described the experience as a special moment, adding: Its a magnificent building.

Despite standing in fairly intense heat from the sun for much of their time in the queue, Mrs OLeary said they enjoyed good conversation with others they met along the way.

She said: We chatted to other people, it helped pass the time. People were very friendly and very nice.

There is a visible security presence in the area, with Italian police operating crowd control measures and checking bags at various points en route to St Peters Square.

While lay Catholics, nuns and priests joined the lengthy queue for the basilica on Wednesday, tourists milled around as usual, with parents pushing prams and couples taking pictures in the visitor hotspot.
A spring/summer outdoor recreation campaign, titled Breathe in Roscommon has been launched by Roscommon County Council.

This is a novel campaign and one that we should all support. It centres around a celebration of the countys natural beauty, historic landscapes, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in Irelands Hidden Heartlands.

While the campaign may be aimed primarily at visitors, its time we all took stock of whats on our own doorstep.

We are told that this is more than just a campaign, its an open invitation to slow down, lace up your boots, hop on your bike, and immerse yourself in Roscommons wide-open skies, tranquil lakes, scenic trails, and vibrant festivals.

Supporting our local visitor attractions is vital for preserving community identity, boosting the economy, and promoting sustainable tourism.

The various places of interest in County Roscommon tell the unique story of our area. They showcase local heritage, traditions, and creativity, helping to keep those stories alive for future generations. By visiting and supporting them, were investing in the cultural and historical richness that makes our communities special.

From an economic perspective, local attractions create jobs, both directly and indirectly. They employ local staff and work with nearby suppliers. By shouting from the rooftops what we have to offer and by fully believing ourselves that this county can become a destination rather than just a stop off point, the county can attract visitors who spend money in our restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Every ticket purchased helps keep these attractions running, especially smaller ones and they rely heavily on local support to survive. In turn, this strengthens the local economy and helps small businesses thrive.

By choosing to explore whats close to home, we can reveal hidden gems we never knew existed.

This spring summer why not engage more deeply with where we live, appreciate its value, and share that pride with others.

Supporting our local visitor attractions is about valuing our communityits past, present, and future. Its an easy and impactful way to contribute to local well-being while enjoying enriching experiences right on our doorstep.
(Updated 4-24-25): The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) has changed the time of the ceremony to 9:00 a.m., Friday, April 25.

(Original Story): Williston, ND- The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) is hosting a milestone celebration ceremony in honor of Runnings joining the Williston community at 9:45 a.m., Friday, April 25. For over 50 years, Runnings has supplied for everything for your home, farm, and vehicle needs.

Join in celebrating this milestone with discounts and demos. The WACC team will kick-off the event with a ribbon cutting.

The Milestone Celebration for Runnings will take place at 9:45 a.m., Friday, April 25, 2025 at Runnings, 2102 2nd Ave W, Williston, ND.
Punjabi Cinema Goes Global with Hollywood Stars Edward Sonnenblick and Mark Bennington

Guru Nanak Jahaz isnt just a film  its a movement, a reminder, and a mirror to our past.

Punjabi Cinema Goes Global with Hollywood Stars Edward Sonnenblick and Mark Bennington

Every character in Guru Nanak Jahaz  from freedom fighters to colonial officers  is built with unmatched detail- in cinemas 1st May, 2025

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The highly anticipated Punjabi film Guru Nanak Jahaz, based on the historic Komagata Maru tragedy of 1914, is set to release on May 1, 2025  and it's making waves not just for its powerful story, but also for its exceptional international cast.

For the first time, Hollywood actors Edward Sonnenblick and Mark Bennington, known for their work in Bollywood, Hollywood, and South cinema, are stepping into the Punjabi film industry. Edward Sonnenblick portrays the pivotal British character of Hopkinson, and Mark Bennington plays Malcolm Reid. Their portrayal of these key British characters brings authenticity and global appeal to this deeply rooted story of struggle and resistance.

Directed by Sharan Art and produced by Manpreet Johal under the banner of Vehli Janta Films, Guru Nanak Jahaz is a cinematic tribute to the brave souls who challenged injustice and colonial oppression. With Tarsem Jassar in the powerful role of Meva Singh Lopoke and Gurpreet Ghuggi embodying Baba Gurdit Singh, the film is already stirring emotion among fans and history enthusiasts alike.

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The cast and crew have worked with unmatched dedication  even the look of each character, including white British officers, has been crafted with painstaking detail. Posters showing real-life references side-by-side with the film stills are proof of the passion poured into this project.

Guru Nanak Jahaz isnt just a film  its a movement, a reminder, and a mirror to our past. Be ready to witness it on the big screen this May 1.

( For more news apart from, 'Punjabi Cinema Goes Global with Hollywood Stars Edward Sonnenblick and Mark Bennington, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
image/news 18

Baisaran, which is inaccessible by vehicles and lacks security presence, was deliberately chosen as the site of the attack.

Assam Professor Survives Pahalgam Terror Attack by Reciting Kalima, I still cant believe Im alive

Among the many families caught in Tuesdays terrorist attack was the family of Associate Professor Debasish Bhattacharyya from the Department of Bengali at Assam University. Like many other tourists, he and his family were enjoying their time in the valley at the Baisaran meadows when the attack occurred. The family is currently safe and sound in Srinagar and awaiting their return home.

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He shared the terrifying experience with News18 Assam, News18 reported.

In its report, the Associate Professor is quoted as saying, I was sleeping under a tree with my family when I suddenly heard murmurs around mepeople reciting the Kalima, Bhattacharyya said. Instinctively, I too began to recite it. Moments later, one of the terrorists, dressed in camouflaged fatigues, walked towards us and shot the person lying next to me in the head.

He further narrated that the attacker then turned to him and asked, Kya kar rahe ho? (What are you doing?), to which he instinctively began reciting the Kalima even louder.

I dont know what made me do it. For some reason, he turned away and walked off, Bhattacharyya said.

The family then quietly escaped the area, We climbed uphill, crossed a fence, and kept walking for nearly two hours, following hoof marks left by horses. Eventually, we came across a rider with a horse and managed to return to our hotel, he added.

I still cant believe Im alive, he said.

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A shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)The Resistance Frontclaimed responsibility for the attack, which killed 28 innocent people after reportedly identifying their religious identity. Among the deceased were two foreign nationals: one Nepali and one from the UAE. A local pony operator was also killed while bravely attempting to snatch a rifle from one of the terrorists in an effort to protect tourists. He was the sole breadwinner of his family. A large crowd, including the Chief Minister of the Union Territory, paid tribute to the departed soul in his village.

Baisaran, which is inaccessible by vehicles and lacks security presence, was deliberately chosen as the site of the attack to delay rescue efforts and maximize casualties, according to experts and reports.

A massive joint search operation is currently underway in the area by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other forces.

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( For more news apart from, 'Assam Professor Survives Pahalgam Terror Attack by Reciting Kalima, I still cant believe Im alive", Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
India Revokes Pakistani Visas, Advises Citizens Against Pakistan Travel

MHA and MEA have been tasked with implementing these measures and facilitating repatriation arrangements.

India vs Pakistan After Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Latest News Today: Following the Cabinet Committee on Securitys directives after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India announced today that all visa services for Pakistani nationals are suspended with immediate effect.

Visa Revocation: Every existing Indian visa held by Pakistani citizens is cancelled as of April 27, 2025 . Advertisement

Medical Visas: Pakistani nationals on medical visas may remain in India only until April 29, 2025 .

Departure Requirement: All Pakistani citizens currently in India must depart before their now-amended visa expiry dates.

Advisory for Indians: Indian passport holders are strongly advised not to travel to Pakistan. Those already in Pakistan should return to India at the earliest. Advertisement

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs have been tasked with implementing these measures and facilitating repatriation arrangements.

(For more news apart from India vs Pakistan After Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Kartarpur Corridor Remains Open Despite India Announcing Restrictions after terror attack

Pilgrims wishing to travel through the corridor to visit the gurdwara can do so. As of now, the corridor is open,

Kartarpur Corridor Remains Open Despite India Announcing Restrictions after terror attack, latest news

The Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free border crossing and religious route between India and Pakistan, remains open for pilgrims, allowing Indian Sikh devotees to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, despite Indias announcement regarding the immediate shutdown of the Attari Integrated Check Post after the terror attack.

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Pilgrims wishing to travel through the corridor to visit the gurdwara can do so. As of now, the corridor is open, The Indian Express reported, quoting Sohail Qasim Mir, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), as confirming.

The Ministry of External Affairs recently announced several measures imposing travel restrictions. These include the closure of the Attari check post and the return of Pakistani nationals visiting India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.

Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, located in the Narowal district of Punjab, Pakistan, is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism. It is the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life and attained samadhi (spiritual union or death) in 1539.

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The corridor was inaugurated on November 9, 2019, to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

After the Partition of India in 1947, Kartarpur ended up in Pakistan, just about 4.7 km from the India-Pakistan border. Indian Sikhs could see the shrine from across the border but were unable to visit without a visa  which was often difficult to obtain.

The idea for a corridor had been proposed decades ago by Sikh leaders but gained significant momentum in the 2010s. In 2018, on the occasion of Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary, India and Pakistan agreed to build the corridor.

The Kartarpur Corridor was officially opened on November 9, 2019, by both governments. Pilgrims from India can now travel directly to the gurdwara without a visa, though online registration is required.
Pakistan Closes Airspace, Halts Trade with India Amid Rising Tensions Over Pahalgam Attack

The rapid escalation marks one of the most severe downturns in India and Pakistan relations in recent months.

Pakistan on Thursday announced sweeping retaliatory measures against India, including the immediate closure of its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian operated airlines and the suspension of bilateral trade.

It came a day after the Indian government announced a set of restrictions against Pakistan, which was being considered a diplomatic strike by India.

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A statement from the Pakistani government declared:

Pakistans airspace will be closed with immediate effect for all Indian owned or Indian operated airlines.

All trade with India, including to and from any third country through Pakistan, is suspended forthwith.

The Wagah border is closed for cross-border transit from India, without exception.

Islamabad suspends visas under SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme to Indians, barring Sikh pilgrims.

Pakistan asks military advisers at Indian High Commission to leave by April 30.

Any threat to Pak's sovereignty, security will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains

Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.

Islamabad also rejected New Delhis decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack, calling the treaty a lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis. The statement warned that any attempt to obstruct or redirect treaty-guaranteed water flows would be regarded as an act of war.

These measures come just one day after India closed the Attari border crossing and suspended its own waterasharing obligations under the treaty. The rapid escalation marks one of the most severe downturns in IndoaPak relations in recent months.
PM Modi Vows Stringent Punishment for Pahalgam Attackers During Bihar Public Address

This was PM Modis first public address after the devastating attack that left the nation in shock.

PM Modi Vows Stringent Punishment for Pahalgam Attackers During Bihar Public Address, Latest news:

Madhubani, Bihar, April 24, 2025: The attackers and their backers will be punished "beyond their imagination", Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Thursday while addressing a public rally in Bihar's Madhubani.

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Condemning the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 28 tourists in Baisaran Meadows on Tuesday afternoon, PM Modi said,

Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world  India will identify, trace, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is united in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity stands with us. I thank the people and leaders of various countries who have expressed solidarity with India. The punishment will be significant and stringent  something these terrorists could never have imagined.

This was PM Modis first public address after the devastating attack that left the nation in shock. Leaders across the globe strongly condemned the act, and condolences poured in from around the world, including from China and Pakistan.

In a firm response to cross-border terrorism, India announced five major steps:

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The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 with Pakistan is suspended until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly stops supporting cross-border terrorism.

The Attari Integrated Check Post is closed with immediate effect.

Pakistani nationals are barred from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES); all previously issued SVES visas are canceled. Those currently in India under the scheme have 48 hours to leave.

Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must leave within a week.

India will withdraw its own military advisors from the High Commission in Islamabad.

The staff strength at both High Commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.
Rs 20 Lakh Reward Announced for Info on Attackers; Three Believed to Be From Pakistan (representative image)

There is a probe underway into the possible involvement of a top Lashkar commander, Saifullah Kasuri alias Saifullah Khalid,

Rs 20 Lakh Reward Announced for Info on Attackers; Three Believed to Be From Pakistan, latest news:

At least five terrorists are suspected to have opened fire in Tuesdays attack in Pahalgam, with three believed to be from Pakistan and the other two locals, The Indian Express reported, citing sources, eyewitness accounts, and intelligence inputs.

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The Urdu spoken by the foreign terrorists was characteristic of certain regions in Pakistan At least two local militants are suspected to be accompanying them, an officer from the security establishment told the publication.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police also announced a rupees 20 lakh reward for information on each attacker.

Any information leading to the neutralization of the terrorists involved in this cowardly attack shall be rewarded with rupees 20 lakh. The identity of the informer shall be kept strictly confidential, the police said.

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All the attackers are believed to have escaped to the higher altitudes of the Pir Panjal range, and a joint search operation is currently underway by the Army, central paramilitary forces, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

According to the report, highly placed sources revealed that one of the suspects is believed to have been involved in an attack on an IAF convoy, which claimed the life of a corporal-rank personnel last year.

The local suspects are believed to be from Kulgam district. They had reportedly gone to Pakistan in 2017 and returned to India last year.

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The two others are believed to be from Bijbehara and Thokerpora in Kulgam. They went to Pakistan in 2017 and returned to the Valley last year. Information suggests that they received training in Pakistan. They were associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, and initial investigations indicate that Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish collaborated to carry out this attack, said a highly credible source from a central agency, as quoted in the report.

There is a probe underway into the possible involvement of a top Lashkar commander, Saifullah Kasuri alias Saifullah Khalid, the report said. Khalid has been linked to several terror attacks in the past and is a close ally of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, the report added, citing its sources.

The attackers are also believed to have been wearing body cameras, which a Jammu and Kashmir Police official described as a normal practice these days.

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All attacks in Jammu over the past three years have been recorded using body or gun-mounted cameras. These videos are then used for propaganda purposes. The LeT has released propaganda material using such footage, the officer added.

The police said that the information about how the attackers infiltrated Kashmir and how long they had been there is still being ascertained. They added that any signs of infiltration are being examined along the border and all details are under verification.

Senior officers from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the crime scene in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam yesterday, where the attack took place and claimed 28 livesmostly Hindu tourists from various states, a local resident, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a 29-year-old pony operator, and there are reports of foreign nationals killed in the attack and its exact number is not confirmed yet.

According to the report, a source stated that a team of senior NIA officers, led by an Inspector General-rank officer, has been tasked with assisting the local police and examining the statements of all witnesses.

The FIR, as quoted in the report, reads, The police station has received information through reliable sources that unidentified terrorists, under the direction of their handlers across the border and armed with illegal weapons, opened indiscriminate fire on tourists.

An officer investigating the case told the news outlet, This is a large and dense forest area that connects Hapatnar on one side to Chandanwari on the other. Depending on which route the terrorists took while fleeing, they could have even reached Tral.

When asked why the security agencies failed to track the movement of terrorists in such a heavily visited tourist area, an officer told the news outlet that terrorist tactics have evolved significantly, making surveillance and tracking increasingly difficult for security forces.

For example, there isnt a single local terrorist currently active in the entire Anantnag district, he told the outlet. We had some intelligence inputs indicating possible movement, but not specifically in this area. We were anticipating an attempt to carry out an attack on railway infrastructure or non-local workers, and preventive measures had been taken accordingly, he added.

The officer further explained that the terrorists now operate in small groups and avoid detection by remaining in the jungleseven in sub-zero temperatures.

They dont use electronic gadgets, so theres no way to gather technical intelligence. Moreover, they constantly keep moving. For instance, if we get input about a group on the ridges of Sonamarg, by the time we respond, they may have already shifted. Within a few days, they could be in the upper reaches of Pahalgam or even Bandipore. Its all interconnected through dense forest routes, the officer said.

As of now, India has taken five major steps in response to the inhumane attack, one of which is the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty between the two countries.

( For more news apart from, 'Rs 20 Lakh Reward Announced for Info on Attackers; Three Believed to Be From Pakistan, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Will Kartarpur Corridor Remain Open Attari Check Post Closed Pahalgam Terrorist Attack

The relations between India and Pakistan have started to soar once again.

Will the Kartarpur Corridor Remain Open As the Attari Check Post Would Be Closed Amid the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack? Well, the question has started to pop up after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on Wednesday evening under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which took place on April 22. After this meeting, the Government of India took 5 major decisions, which included the closure of the Attari Check Post. However, the question that comes to the mind of Sikh devotees is whether the Kartarpur Corridor will also be closed or will it continue to remain open for devotees.

Recognizing the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the CCS decided upon the following measures:

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The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

The Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 01 May 2025.

Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.

The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by 01 May 2025.

Will Kartarpur Corridor Remain Open?

As for now, there has been no clarification on the same, as the Government of India has neither specifically ordered the closure of the Kartarpur corridor nor has it clarified if it would remain open. Only time will tell if it will continue to operate or not, as the relations between India and Pakistan have started to soar once again.

(For more news apart from Will the Kartarpur Corridor Remain Open As the Attari Check Post Would Be Closed Amid the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack?, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
BSF Trooper Mistakenly Enters Pakistan, Held by Rangers, Diplomatic Talks Launched

To secure Singhs swift return, both sides have convened a flag meeting at the nearest crossing point.

An Indian border guard found himself in Pakistani custody Wednesday when he inadvertently crossed the Firozpur border line, triggering immediate talks between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers.

The guard, Constable PKaSingh of BSFs 182nd battalion, was patrolling with local farmers when he stepped across the unmarked frontier to rest under a tree. Clad in uniform and carrying his service rifle, he was intercepted and detained by Pakistani Rangers.

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To secure Singhs swift return, both sides have convened a flag meeting at the nearest crossing point.

His detention arrives amid strained IndiaPakistan relations following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, underscoring the delicate nature of frontier duty. Talks are ongoing, and Singhs release is anticipated once protocols have been observed.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: US Issues Travel Advisory, Urges Citizens to Avoid Kashmir(Image courtesy: Free Press Journal)

Following the attack, there has been a mass exodus of tourists from the Kashmir Valley.

Pahalgam Terror Attack: US Issues Travel Advisory, Urges Citizens to Avoid Kashmir, latest news:

In the aftermath of Tuesdays horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, the United States on Wednesday issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to "avoid going to Kashmir."

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The advisory, published on the official website of the US Embassy and Consulates in India, stated, Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh).

Following the attack, there has been a mass exodus of tourists from the Kashmir Valley. Several airlines have also issued travel alerts, advising passengers to reconsider or postpone their plans to the region.

On Tuesday, a brutal terror attack took place in Baisaran Meadows near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the lives of 28 Indian tourists. The attackers reportedly opened fire on unarmed civilians.

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Initial investigations by Indian security agencies suggest that at least three of the attackers were Pakistani nationals, further escalating tensions between the two nations. The attack has drawn strong condemnation both domestically and internationally, with leaders around the world expressing their solidarity with India.

( For more news apart from, 'Pahalgam Terror Attack: US Issues Travel Advisory, Urges Citizens to Avoid Kashmir, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
April 24, 2025

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 24.04.2025, 13:55

POPE FRANCIS The government of Romania declared Saturday, April 26 a day of national mourning for the funeral of Pope Francis, who died on Monday after 12 years in office. All public institutions, central and local authorities, the head offices of political parties, educational and cultural institutions, as well as Romanias diplomatic missions abroad will fly the Romanian flag at half-mast. Radio and television stations, as well as cultural institutions, must adjust their programmes accordingly. Romanian public officials and religious leaders in Bucharest expressed their sadness at the news of Pope Francis death. Pope Francis made a 3-day visit to Romania in May 2019, the most extensive visit made by the former Catholic Church leader to a mostly Orthodox country. Many believers gathered at the Vatican to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who lies in state at St. Peters Basilica.

PENSIONS Judges and prosecutors in Romania would retire at 65 as of January 1, 2026, like most other employees, under a bill passed on Wednesday by the Chamber of Deputies. In addition, magistrate pension benefits will be at most equal to the net salary for the last month of work. The bill, pending for a vote in the Senate as well, has been criticised by the Higher Council of Magistrates. However, Brussels has made the disbursement of a third instalment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan conditional on the endorsement of the bill.

VISIT The interim president of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, Thursday met with the European Commissioner for budget, anti-fraud and public administration, Piotr Serafin, who is visiting Romania. Bolojan emphasised the importance of maintaining the allocations under the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy in the future EU budget and of finding solutions to current challenges in the areas of competitiveness, defence and security. According to the EC Representation in Bucharest, Serafins visit is focused on improving social inclusion, creating jobs and strengthening local communities with the help of EU funds. During the visit, talks will take place with authorities and stakeholders to better support Romanias economic growth and align the countrys priorities with the plans for the future EU budget. The European official also had talks with PM Marcel Ciolacu. On Friday, he will travel to Oradea (north-west) to visit major infrastructure projects implemented with European funds.

UKRAINE At least 9 people were killed and more than 60 wounded last night in one of the worst Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv, AFP reports. Kharkiv was also targeted. AFP notes that these Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine come after the US president Donald Trump criticised the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of making inflammatory statements on the annexation of Crimea, at a time when an agreement with Russia is very close, according to Trump. Kyivs rejection of the American terms to end the war initiated by Russia in February 2022 is only prolonging the killing field, warned the White House leader, who, the French agency says, has never acknowledged Russian responsibility for starting the conflict.

ECONOMY In a recent report, the World Bank estimates a slowdown in growth in the developing economies in Europe and Central Asia in 2025-2026 due to weaker foreign demand and a downward revision of the forecast for the Russian economy. According to the document, countries should invest more in innovation, undertake reforms to support start-ups, deepen financial markets and increase investment in research and development, while continuing to focus on integrating global technology, expertise and capital. In the case of Romania, the World Bank forecasts an economic growth rate of only 1.3% this year.

PROTESTS The largest Romanian trade union in the social assistance sector Thursday picketed the finance ministry headquarters, in response to a negative opinion on a draft Government resolution that updates the minimum cost standards for social services. For this reason, the budget earmarked for social assistance institutions is totally insufficient, covering only 70% of what is needed, the protesters claim. According to them, over 500 employees are to be laid off in 2 Social Assistance and Child Protection General Directorates, and employees salaries are being slashed. (AMP)
April 24, 2025 UPDATE

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Newsflash

Newsroom, 24.04.2025, 20:00

Pope Francis  The Romanian government declared Saturday, April 26, a day of national mourning for the funeral of Pope Francis, who died on Monday after 12 years in office. All public institutions, central and local authorities, the head offices of political parties, educational and cultural institutions, as well as Romanias diplomatic missions abroad will fly the Romanian flag at half-mast. The flag will be lowered at half-mast at border crossings and on ships flying the national flag. Radio and television stations, as well as cultural institutions, must adjust their programs accordingly. Romanian public officials and religious leaders in Bucharest expressed their sadness at the news of the death of Pope Francis, who paid a 3-day visit to Romania in May 2019, the most extensive visit made by the former Catholic Church leader to a mostly Orthodox country. Many believers gathered at the Vatican to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who lies in state at St. Peters Basilica.

Meeting  The interim President of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, met on Thursday with the European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, who is visiting Romania. Bolojan has highlighted the importance of maintaining the allocations for Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy in the future EU budget and finding solutions to current challenges in the areas of competitiveness, defense and security. According to the European Commission Representation in Bucharest, Serafins visit is focused on improving social inclusion, creating jobs and strengthening local communities with the help of EU funds. The European Commissioner also met with the PM Marcel Ciolacu and the interior minister, Catalin Predoiu. The latter has highlighted the importance of a flexible, lean, efficient budget that is responsive to threats, crises and shocks and the need to allocate additional funds to current programs in the field of home affairs. On Friday, the European Commissioner will travel to Oradea (northwest), where he will visit important infrastructure projects carried out with European funds.

Pensions  Judges and prosecutors in Romania would retire at 65 as of January 1, 2026, like most other employees, under a bill passed on Wednesday by the Chamber of Deputies. In addition, magistrates pension benefits will be at most equal to the net salary for the last month of work. The bill, pending for a vote in the Senate as well, has been criticized by the Superior Council of Magistracy. However, Brussels has made the disbursement of a third installment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan conditional on the endorsement of the bill.

Kyiv  The US President Donald Trump has expressed his discontent, on Thursday, with the Russian strikes on Kyiv overnight, asking his Russian counterpart to stop the assault. Twelve people were killed and about 90 were injured in one of the worst Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, AFP reports. Kharkov was also targeted. AFP notes that these Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine took place after US President Donald Trump criticized the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of making inflammatory statements regarding the annexed Crimea, at a time when an agreement with Russia was very close, according to Trump. Kyivs refusal to accept the American terms to end the war triggered by Russia in February 2022 will only prolong the massacres, warned the head of the White House, who, according to the French agency, has never acknowledged Russias responsibility for starting the conflict. (LS)
A new law on the magistrates pensions

The Chamber of Deputies in Bucharest has endorsed a draft law, which completely changes the retirement rules in the countrys legal system

Photo: pixabay.com

Roxana Vasile, 24.04.2025, 14:00

There are several occupational categories in Romania whose employees are usually retiring under the age of 50 and whose pensions arent exclusively based on their contributions to social insurances during their career, like the rest of the pensioners.

And that prompted the majority of Romanians to believe the magistrates, servicemen and policemen belong to a special category of pensioners, an intangible cast.

This is because in pre-election times, aspiring politicians have pledged to bring amendments to the laws under which these so-called service-pensions are being calculated. However, after being elected, all these pledges remained unfulfilled, much to the disappointment of the population, who has often denounced these major inequities.

Against this background in the first half of the year, the European Commission partially approved Romanias third payment request part of the National Plan of Recovery and Resilience (PNRR) but later suspended it on six unmet goals, among which the failure to amend the law regulating these service pensions.

In other words, unblocking 230 million Euros out of the aforementioned PNRR also hinges on the endorsement of a new pension law.

The third payment request entails essential reforms and investment aimed at generating positive changes, with emphasis on green and digital transition, sustainable transportation, energy renewal, business environment, urban mobility, tourism and culture, medical assistance, social reforms, good governance or education.

As Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu bluntly puts it, Romania must amend the special pension law as it cannot afford to lose European money. As a result, the Chamber of Deputies in Bucharest, on Wednesday endorsed a draft law under which magistrates would retire at the age of 65 starting January 1, 2026 like the rest of the employees.

In its initial form, the document stipulated the retiring age for the magistrates would gradually increase until the year 2045. The MPs voted differently though.

Furthermore the service pension would account for 80% of the monthly pay and the bonuses of the past 48 months of activity. However, the pensions of the prosecutors and judges will account for the payment of the last month of activity without the inclusion of other incomes or holiday pay.

After the MPs, senators will need to cast a decisive vote on the new draft, which has already attracted a lot of heat from the Higher Council of the Magistrates, who believes that its endorsement will be affecting the independence of the judiciary. Although still under discussion, a part of the press in Romania is speaking about a historic law whereas another part has described it as mere dust in peoples eyes.

Opposition MPs have drawn attention to the fact that issues related to unconstitutionality might destroy a bill, which, otherwise could prove to be a good one.

(bill)
Bill Greene, former mayoral candidate, economic developer and taxpayer, was in Columbus in 1994 when the city first enacted the local option sales tax that is coming up for renewal in June, and over the past 30 years he has seen how much it has improved Columbus, which is one reason he supports it, and he's asking other residents to support it, too.

In the late 1980s, former Nebraska Gov. Kay Orr was concerned about property taxes, as was the state's Director of Economic Development Roger Christensen, Greene told the Tribune. And a sales tax was floated as an option for alleviating property taxes and it still is, contributing to the sales tax levy.

"(Christensen and Orr) were very future or forward-looking people and one of the things that came up in '88 and '89 was, let's look at allowing cities to get on the sales tax," Greene said.

Lexington was the first city in the area to add a local option sales tax, Greene said, as it had gotten a large influx of migrant workers for one of the meat processing plants there. Norfolk and Columbus jumped in soon after.

Greene and Christensen, as economic development experts, had seen how those communities of comparable size were able to use it and wanted it in Columbus, so they pitched it to then-Mayor Larry Marik and the city council.

The city adopted a 1% local option sales tax and it residents have voted to reauthorize it every time it came up for a vote, and Greene said he still supports it today.

"I am 200% in favor of this type of tax," Greene said. "I think it's a fair tax to everyone. It doesn't overtax people who want to come to the city and it doesn't overtax the people who are already here. I am surprised in the last 20-25 years that they haven't tried to raise it, but it's doing well, mainly because our economy has improved, not tremendously, but darn good over the last 25 years."

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood's recent visit to Columbus inspired Greene to speak out about his support of the tax because he saw how people were reacting to what he considered positive points in Flood's March 18 town hall presentation.

"If people are that negative about good things that are happening, I'm terribly worried about this sales tax," Greene said. "Sometimes people will vote against something, not because they're against it, just because they're upset with other things and the way that other things are going on. I do not want to see that with this."

As the city can't "cheerlead" the tax, Greene said he felt an obligation to do so. He did commend the city administration on getting so far ahead of the actual date of expiry in 2027 with a vote in June 2025. In the event another vote needs to be taken, he said, they may have enough time to organize that.

Greene said he also appreciates the fact that there is a vote for it at all as some communities don't have a sunset date and the tax is a permanent feature.

"They got that passed probably 10, 15 years ago because they didn't want to deal with it every 15 years," Greene said. "Our mayor did not do that because he felt it was still up to the citizens of Columbus and I applaud him for that. We still get a choice and that's only fair, but I just hope the city makes the right choice for sure."

When Greene was looking at the mayoral position, the local option sales tax lined up on the calendar as one of the first things he would have to do and he was worried about it then, too. Without it, he said, things like the trails heading to Lake Babcock, Quail Run and a few other similar amenities in town probably wouldn't exist or would look much different. The Columbus Police and Fire buildings would certainly be lower quality, as would their staffing, he believes.

While dropping a ballot at the election commissioner's office is an extra task in people's already busy days, Greene hopes people take the time to do so.

"I hope that people will take this as serious as a referendum on a new hospital or a new school and get out, vote and understand the importance of the vote on this," Greene said. "I know that is probably the most important thing we'll have going on or to do in Columbus this year."

Registered voters will begin receiving ballots by mail on May 19, with a deadline to deliver the ballots to the election commissioners office or drop box by 5 p.m. on June 10.

More information about the 1% local option sales tax can be found at columbusne.us/827/1-Local-Option-Sales-Tax-Facts.
Nicolae Steinhardt

Nicolae Steinhardts life is a narrative of transformation: from Jewish intellectual to Christian monk, from prisoner to spiritual guide

Radio Romania International

Mihaela Ignatescu, 22.04.2025, 09:15

Todays edition features one of Romanias most intriguing and inspiring figures of the 20th century: Nicolae Steinhardt . A writer, literary critic, philosopher, and monk, his life story is marked by dramatic transformations that reflect the profound spiritual and political tensions of his time. From a Jewish intellectual raised in a secular family to a Christian convert imprisoned by the Communist regime, and finally to a revered monk at the Rohia Monastery, Steinhardts journey is a testament to the enduring power of faith, literature, and personal courage.
After seeing considerable strength in overnight trading, the price of crude oil moved sharply lower during Wednesday's session in the U.S.

Crude for June tumbled has plunged $1.52 or 2.4 percent to $62.15 a barrel, more than offsetting the $1.26 or 2.0 percent surge seen on Tuesday.

The sharp pullback by the price of crude oil came as a report from Reuters citing three sources familiar with OPEC+ talk said several members will suggest the group accelerates oil output hikes in June for a second consecutive month.

Following OPEC+'s decision to in April to increase output by 411,000 barrels per day of oil in May, the three sources told Reuters some members want to increase output by a similar volume to the May increase.

Eight members of OPEC+ are scheduled to meet on May 5 to decide the June output plan.

The decrease by the price of oil also came as the Energy Information Administration released a report unexpectedly showing an uptick by U.S. crude oil inventories in the week ended April 18th.

The report said crude oil inventories crept up by 0.2 million barrels last week after rising by 0.5 million barrels in the previous week. Economists had expected crude oil inventories to dip by 0.7 million barrels.

However, the EIA said also gasoline inventories tumbled by 4.5 million barrels last week and are about 3 percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

Distillate fuel inventories, which include heating oil and diesel, also decreased by 2.4 million barrels last week and are about 13 percent below the five-year average for this time of year, the report said.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Mati Carbon, a Houston-based climate tech startup, has won the $50 million grand prize in the global XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, funded by Elon Musk's foundation.

The contest, launched in 2021, drew over 1,300 teams from 88 countries, aiming to accelerate scalable carbon removal technologies to combat global warming.

Mati's winning solution leverages enhanced rock weatheringa natural process accelerated by spreading finely crushed basalt on farmland. When rain interacts with atmospheric CO2, it forms a weak acid that breaks down the rock, converting CO2 into bicarbonate that is eventually carried to the ocean, where it remains stored for thousands of years. The technique also improves soil fertility and crop productivity, offering dual benefits for climate and agriculture.

"This approach has the potential to address climate change at a planetary scale while supporting smallholder farmers, particularly in vulnerable regions like India," said Mati CEO Shantanu Agarwal.

Other top winners included France-based NetZero, which earned $15 million for transforming agricultural waste into biochara substance that sequesters carbon in soil while enhancing nutrient and water retention. Additional prizes were awarded to Vaulted Deep and Undo Carbon, whose technologies also demonstrated successful carbon sequestration at scale.

To qualify, each finalist had to remove at least 1,000 tons of CO2 in one year and present a viable plan to scale to one million tons annually. Though carbon removal is still in its early stages, experts emphasize it must complement deep emissions reductions to meet global climate goals.

XPRIZE officials say future contests may target methane reduction, reforestation, and climate adaptation as part of a broader push to accelerate climate solutions worldwide.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Oil prices recovered some ground on Thursday after settling nearly 2 percent lower on Wednesday amid signals of additional OPEC+ supply coming to the market and growing concerns over U.S.-China trade tensions.

Benchmark Brent crude futures rose half a percent to $66.44 a barrel in early European trade while WTI crude futures were up 0.6 percent at $62.62.

A weaker dollar lent some support amid trade tensions and high policy uncertainty.

A day after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a possible shift in his trade war with China, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an interview with Fox News that there will be no unilateral reduction in tariffs on goods imported from China.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also clarified that such a move would not come unilaterally and there was no timeframe for engagement, casting doubt on a timely resolution to the trade war.

He also noted that there are multiple factors with regard to China beyond just tariffs and that a full rebalancing of trade might take two to three years.

Adding to tariff-related concerns, NHK reported that the U.S. told Japan's trade delegation that it cannot give Japan special treatment regarding its tariff measures during talks held earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the White House has strongly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for publicly discussing details of ongoing peace negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Dr Mmaphefo Thwala

As South Africa continues to grapple with widespread water shortages and service delivery challenges, new research has highlighted systemic challenges in the countrys water governance framework. The study, conducted by Dr Mmaphefo Thwala as part of her PhD at Rhodes University, not only identifies the policy, institutional and operational gaps undermining water resource protection but also offers recommendations to address them.

Dr Thwalas PhD examined how policy, institutional and operational factors affect water resource protection, with a focus on the learnings from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Resource Directed Measures (RDM) projects. The RDM classify, determine the Reserve and Resource Quality Objectives (RQOs) of the countrys water resources to protect and ensure sustainability.

Her study draws from two RDM projects as case studies: the Mvoti to Umzimkulu RDM project in KwaZulu-Natal Province and the Mpumalanga Provinces Inkomati-Usuthu RDM project. It examined how social learning, which is defined as the joint production of knowledge through inclusive, participatory processes, can support more effective water management. Dr Thwalas research is part of Rhodes Universitys Institutional Research Theme (IRT) on Water Security, which focuses on advancing integrated approaches to water quantity, quality, governance and ecosystem health.

The research applied a social learning lens to assess how government departments and water practitioners engaged with and applied lessons from past water resource protection projects. Dr Thwala collected data through document analysis, semi-structured interviews and workshops with role-players across multiple levels of water governance.

Key findings

By examining how RDM determinations and implementation occurred across different contexts, the study revealed underlying causes of implementation failures, including ambiguous roles, misinterpretation of technical outputs and the absence of review mechanisms to address errors in gazetted RDM outputs

One of the central challenges the research identified is the absence of functional Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs) in most catchments. CMAs are statutory bodies established under the South African National Water Act to manage water resources at regional or catchment level, promoting decentralised decision-making and on-the-ground stakeholder involvement. Dr Thwala noted that the lack of operational CMAs compromises decentralised water management and hampers the ability of local structures to implement RDM outputs.

Despite South Africas progressive water laws, including mechanisms like the RDM, implementation remains slow and fragmented. Dr Thwalas research found that while policies are in place, they are often undermined by capacity constraints, unclear institutional roles and inadequate structures, particularly at local level

Although government gazettes provide legally binding tools for ensuring adherence to RDM outputs, the lack of a review process means theres no mechanism for making necessary amendments, she explains. This results in inability to amend policy stipulations and struggles to address the realities of deteriorating water quality, dwindling supplies and the growing impact of climate change.

Dr Thwalas research also found that many RDM determination projects are outsourced due to internal capacity constraints. While the DWS national office has a dedicated unit for RDM, the technical work is outsourced. In addition, its provincial offices often lack the skills, resources and institutional mechanisms to implement the outputs effectively.

Learning from past project

Dr Thwalas findings showed the extent to which institutional capacity affects the success of water resource protection programmes. She found that many DWS provincial offices lacked the technical skills and financial resources needed to carry out RDM implementation functions. These limitations were further compounded by poor coordination between agencies and limited inclusive approaches for stakeholder participation.

Stakeholder engagement plays a number of important roles, and its purposes need to be clearly defined to allow for differentiated stakeholder engagement in RDM processes, across different groups of interested and affected parties... Knowledge sharing and harvesting requires learning tools that foster feedback and encourage dialogue, she says.

The study found that in cases where practitioners were given opportunities to reflect on their work and collaborate with peers, outcomes improved. However, such platforms for co-learning and feedback were not common practice.

Implications for communities and the way forwar

Dr Thwala found that policy implementation failures at the institutional level often translate into service delivery breakdowns on the ground. In areas without fully functional CMAs, there was evidence of confusion around who is responsible for implementing RDM outputs, leading to inaction or mismanagement.

Dr Thwala emphasised that effective water governance requires not only technical expertise but also inclusive institutional processes that allow for adaptation and reflection. Without this, water ecosystems remain vulnerable to degradation, with consequences for both public health and economic development.

The study recommends several measures to improve the implementation of water resource protection policies. A key recommendation is the urgent need to strengthen institutional capacity by investing in technically skilled personnel, adequate budgets and functional tools and systems.

Building the requisite system capacity requires investment in a variety of suitably qualified and technically skilled personnel, budgetary provisions and institutional mechanisms and tools, such as technological models, working equipment and functional units, critical for the execution of RDM functions and sustainable service delivery, Dr Thwala says.

Her study emphasises that government departments should distinguish between tasks that can be handled in-house and those requiring external support, to encourage practical, hands-on learning within institutions.

The research also calls for the establishment of dedicated platforms for social learning  spaces where water practitioners can reflect on past experiences, share knowledge and collaboratively learn and solve challenges. In addition, Dr Thwala recommends that stakeholder engagement processes must be more inclusive with clearly defined purpose and ensuring that all relevant groups, including communities with indigenous knowledge, are meaningfully involved.

These measures, collectively, would enable more adaptive, co-ordinated and effective water governance at local and national levels.
Nexon EV is one of the landmark vehicles sold in India and is attributed to making EVs an attractive proposition rather than a drab solution. Nexon EV is also held in high regard where vehicular safety is concerned as it scored 5 Star ratings in Bharat NCAP testing. Now, the 5 Star crash safety rating is also extended to its 45 kWh battery variants. Lets take a closer look.

Tata Nexon EV 45kWh Scored 5 Star

At the time when Indian automotive market was not all that familiar with the importance of crashworthiness, Tata Nexon broke the waters and emerged as the countrys first vehicle to score a 5 Star crash rating. Continuing the streak, the latest Nexon still has an impeccable 5 Star crash rating.

Its electric counterpart, Nexon EV, has maintained its 5 Star crash safety rating too. However, these were reserved for the 30 kWh and 40.5 kWh battery pack versions. After the launch of Curvv EV, Tata Motors expanded Nexon EV portfolio to include 45 kWh version, which is now crash-tested by Bharat NCAP.

Nexon EV 45 kWh version scored 29.86 / 32 points in adult occupant protection tests and 44.95 / 49 points in child occupant protection tests. Bharat NCAP tested Empowered+ LR variant which came equipped with 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts and seatbelt reminders for all seats, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), TPMS and 360-degree camera as standard.

Bharat NCAP assessment

In the adult occupant protection tests, Tata Nexon EV 45 kWh variant scored 14.26 / 16 points in the frontal offset deformable barrier test. In side deformable barrier test, it scored 15.6 / 16 points. Where child occupant protection is concerned, this vehicle garnered 23.95 / 24 points in dynamic score, 12 / 12 points in child restraint systems installation score and 9 / 13 points in vehicle assessment score.

In the Indian automotive market, Tata Nexon EV directly rivals Mahindra XUV400, which is set to get a major update. Nexon EV continues to be powered by a 30 kWh battery pack and 45 kWh battery pack options. The 40.5 kWh battery pack variants have been discontinued after 45 kWh battery pack was launched.

With Bharat NCAP assessing the crash safety performance of 45 kWh version of Nexon EV, all of the variants are now 5 star crash rated. This aligns with Tatas vision of offering sound and safe vehicles to the masses with good crash ratings.
Indias sedan segment witnessed largely stable performance in March 2025, with cumulative sales of 32,129 units, registering a marginal year-on-year decline of 0.67% compared to 32,346 units in March 2024.

Top 10 Sedans March 2025

Maruti Dzire continued to lead the pack with 15,460 units sold, though this marked a slight dip of 2.73% from the same period last year. Hyundai Aura secured second spot with 5,074 units, showing a modest 3.91% growth over March 2024. Honda Amaze recorded a strong uptick in demand, with sales rising by 33.79% to 3,583 units, making it one of the fastest-growing models in the list.

Volkswagen Virtus maintained steady momentum, selling 1,947 unitsup 5.41% YoY. In contrast, Tata Tigor (including the EV variant) declined by 27.27%, selling 1,467 units. Hyundai Verna also posted a drop of 20.51%, with 1,364 units sold. Skoda Slavia saw its numbers fall to 1,185 unitsa 12.74% drop compared to March last year. Honda City experienced a slight YoY gain of 4.84%, with 1,170 units sold.

Maruti Ciaz saw a 14.58% rise, posting sales of 676 units in March 2025. Toyota Camry registered a decline of 12.50%, selling 203 units, while the Skoda Superb recorded no sales this month, compared to 15 units sold in March 2024.

Top 10 Sedans FY 2025

Talking about sedan sales during FY 2024-25, total volumes dropped to 3,42,987 units, from 3,82,639 units in FY 2023-24. This marks a year-on-year decline of 10.36%, as SUVs continue to dominate buyer preference across segments. Maruti Dzire remained the top-selling sedan in the country, clocking 1,65,021 units, slightly up by 0.31% from the previous fiscal. Hyundai Aura followed with 54,945 units sold, maintaining near-flat performance with a marginal dip of 0.49%. Despite a strong March performance, Honda Amaze saw an annual decline of 9.20%, closing the year with 32,703 units.

Volkswagen Virtus was one of the few sedans to post positive growth, increasing sales by 1.60% to 21,432 units. Tata Tigor (including EV) faced significant de-growth of 38.71%, ending the year with 16,499 units. The biggest drop among top players came from the Hyundai Verna, which recorded 15,593 units, down by 48.07%.

Skoda Slavia also slipped 18.37%, with 15,585 units sold during the year. Honda City dropped 35.59% in sales, reaching 10,901 units, as newer competition and SUV alternatives gained traction. Maruti Ciaz declined by 18.72%, with annual sales at 8,402 units.

In the premium segment, Toyota Camry sales dropped 21.04% to 1,854 units, while Skoda Superb saw just 52 units sold, reflecting a steep 64.38% decline from the previous fiscal. Despite strong individual performers like Dzire and Virtus, the overall sedan segment in India continues to face headwinds as consumer interest steadily shifts toward high-riding SUVs offering more road presence and practicality.
The newly-discovered planet orbits at an angle of 90 degrees around 2MASS J15104786-2818174 (hereafter 2M1510), an eclipsing binary composed of two equal-mass brown dwarfs.

Circumbinary planets are extrasolar worlds that exist in star systems with two stars, also known as binary star systems.

These planets typically occupy orbits that roughly align with the plane in which their host stars orbit each other.

There have previously been hints that planets on perpendicular, or polar, orbits around binary stars could exist: in theory, these orbits are stable, and planet-forming discs on polar orbits around stellar pairs have been detected.

However, until now, astronomers lacked clear evidence that these polar planets do exist.

I am particularly excited to be involved in detecting credible evidence that this configuration exists, said Thomas Baycroft, a Ph.D. student at the University of Birmingham.

The newly-discovered exoplanet, 2M1510b, orbits a pair of young brown dwarfs.

The two brown dwarfs produce eclipses of one another as seen from Earth, making them part of what astronomers call an eclipsing binary.

This system is incredibly rare: it is only the second pair of eclipsing brown dwarfs known to date, and it contains the first exoplanet ever found on a path at right angles to the orbit of its two host stars.

A planet orbiting not just a binary, but a binary brown dwarf, as well as being on a polar orbit is rather incredible and exciting, said University of Birminghams Professor Amaury Triaud.

The astronomers found 2M1510b while refining the orbital and physical parameters of the two brown dwarfs by collecting observations with the Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) instrument on ESOs Very Large Telescope.

They observed the orbital path of the brown dwarfs in 2M1510 being pushed and pulled in unusual ways, leading them to infer the existence of an exoplanet with its strange orbital angle.

We reviewed all possible scenarios, and the only one consistent with the data is if a planet is on a polar orbit about this binary, Baycroft said.

The discovery was serendipitous, in the sense that our observations were not collected to seek such a planet, or orbital configuration. As such, it is a big surprise, Professor Triaud said.

Overall, I think this shows to us astronomers, but also to the public at large, what is possible in the fascinating Universe we inhabit.

The discovery was made possible thanks to pioneering data analysis developed by University of Cambridges Dr. Lalitha Sairam.

From variations in velocity of the two brown dwarfs, we can measure their physical and orbital parameters, however being faint, these measurements and therefore their parameters were uncertain, Dr. Sairam said.

Thanks to that improvement we noticed the orbits of the two brown dwarfs around one another were being delicately affected.

The study was published in the journal Science Advances.

_____

Thomas A. Baycroft et al. 2025. Evidence for a polar circumbinary exoplanet orbiting a pair of eclipsing brown dwarfs. Science Advances 11 (16); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adu0627
Paleontologists have described the oldest known member of Haidomyrmecinae  an extinct subfamily of ants that only lived during the Cretaceous period  preserved as a rock impression in the limestone of the Crato Formation in northeastern Brazil.

Named Vulcanidris cratensis, the new ant species lived 113 million years ago (Early Cretaceous epoch).

The species represents the oldest definitive ant known to science and also the most complete evidence for the early evolution of ants in the fossil record.

Vulcanidris cratensis represents the earliest undisputable geological record of ants, said author Dr. Anderson Lepeco, a paleontologist at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo.

What makes this discovery particularly interesting is that it belongs to the extinct hell ant, known for their bizarre predatory adaptations.

Despite being part of an ancient lineage, this species already displayed highly specialized anatomical features, suggesting unique hunting behaviors.

The previous oldest ants were found in France and Myanmar and were preserved in amber instead of limestone.

The existence of a hell ant in Brazil shows that ants were already widely distributed and diversified early in their evolution.

Even though there have been hell ants described from amber, this was the first time we could visualize this in a rock fossil, Dr. Lepeco said.

Dr. Lepeco and colleagues discovered the remarkably well-preserved ant specimen while systematically examining one of the worlds largest collections of fossil insects from the Crato Formation, a deposit renowned for its exceptional fossil preservation.

When I encountered this extraordinary specimen, we immediately recognized its significance, not only as a new species but as potentially the definitive evidence of ants in the Crato Formation, Dr. Lepeco said.

This finding highlights the importance of thorough examination of existing collections  private or in museums  and brings a spotlight to Brazilian paleontology and the underexplored fossil insect fauna of the country.

Using micro-computed tomography imaging, the paleontologists found that Vulcanidris cratensis was closely related to hell ants previously known only from specimens preserved in Burmese amber from Myanmar.

The finding shows that the ants were widely distributed across the globe and must have crossed Cretaceous landmasses repeatedly.

But what astonished them most was the hell ants specialized features.

While we expected to find hell ant features, we were shocked by the characteristics of its feeding apparatus, Dr. Lepeco said.

Unlike modern ants with laterally moving mandibles, this species possessed mandibles that ran forward parallel to the head and facial projection anterior to the eyes.

Finding such an anatomically specialized ant from 113 million years ago challenges our assumptions about how quickly these insects developed complex adaptations.

The intricate morphology suggests that even these earliest ants had already evolved sophisticated predatory strategies significantly different from their modern counterparts.

The discovery of this new ant specimen raises broader questions about the evolutionary pressures that led to the hell ants unique adaptations.

With advanced imaging tools, its now possible to examine such fossil specimens in much greater detail than ever before.

The discovery of Vulcanidris cratensis is reported in a paper published today in the journal Current Biology.

_____

Anderson Lepeco et al. A hell ant from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil. Current Biology, published online April 24, 2025; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.023
In an experiment reminiscent of the Transformers movie franchise, engineers at Princeton University have created a type of material that can expand, assume new shapes, move and follow electromagnetic commands like a remotely controlled robot even though it lacks any motor or internal gears.

"You can transform between a material and a robot, and it is controllable with an external magnetic field," said researcher Glaucio Paulino, the Margareta Engman Augustine Professor of Engineering at Princeton.

In an article published April 23 in the journal Nature, the researchers describe how they drew inspiration from the folding art of origami to create a structure that blurs the lines between robotics and materials. The invention is a metamaterial, which is a material engineered to feature new and unusual properties that depend on the material's physical structure rather than its chemical composition. In this case, the researchers built their metamaterial using a combination of simple plastics and custom-made magnetic composites. Using a magnetic field, the researchers changed the metamaterial's structure, causing it to expand, move and deform in different directions, all remotely without touching the metamaterial.

The team called their creation a "metabot" -- a metamaterial that can shift its shape and move.

"The electromagnetic fields carry power and signal at the same time. Each behavior is very simple but when you put them together the behavior can be very complex," said Minjie Chen, an author of the paper and an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton. "This research has pushed the boundaries of power electronics by demonstrating that torque can be passed remotely, instantaneously, and precisely over a distance to trigger intricate robotic motions."

The metabot is a modular conglomeration of many reconfigurable unit cells that are mirror images of each other. This mirroring, called chirality, allows for complex behavior. Tuo Zhao, a postdoctoral researcher in Paulino's lab said the metabot can make large contortions -- twisting, contracting and shrinking -- in response to a simple push.

Xuanhe Zhao, an expert in materials and robotics who was not involved in the research, said the "work opens a new and exciting avenue in origami design and applications."

"The current work has achieved extremely versatile mechanical metamaterials by controlling the assembly and chiral state of the modules," said Zhao, the Uncas and Helen Whitaker Professor at MIT. "The versatility and potential functionality of the modular, chiral origami metamaterials are truly impressive."

Davide Bigoni, a professor of solid and structural mechanics at the Universita' di Trento in Italy, called the work groundbreaking and said it could "drive a paradigm shift across multiple fields including soft robotics, aerospace engineering, energy absorption, and spontaneous thermoregulation."

Exploring the technology's robotics applications, Tuo Zhao, an author of the paper, used a laser lithography machine at the Princeton Materials Institute to create a prototype metabot that was 100 microns in height (a little thicker than a human hair). The researchers said similar robots could one day deliver medicines to specific parts of the body or help surgeons repair damaged bones or tissue.

The researchers also used the metamaterial to create a thermoregulator that works by shifting between a light-absorbing black surface and reflective one. In an experiment, the researchers exposed the metamaterial to bright sunlight and were able to adjust the surface temperature from 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) to 70 C (158 F) and back again.

Another possible use lies in applications for antennae, lenses and devices that deal with wavelengths of light.

Geometry holds the key to the new material. The researchers built plastic tubes with supporting struts arranged so the tubes twist when compressed, and compress when twisted. In origami, these tubes are called Kresling Patterns. The researchers created the building blocks of their design by connecting two mirror-image Kresling tubes at the base to make one long cylinder. As a result, one end of the cylinder folds when twisted in one direction and the other end folds when twisted in the opposite direction.

This simple pattern of repeating tubes makes it possible to move each section of the tube independently using precisely engineering magnetic fields. The magnetic field causes the Kresling tubes to twist, collapse, or pop open, creating complex behaviors.

Paulino said that one consequence of chirality -- the mirror-image sections -- is that the material can defy the typical rules of actions and reactions in physical objects. "Usually, if I twist a rubber-beam clockwise and then counter-clockwise, it returns to its starting point." Paulino said. The group created a simple metabot that collapses when twisted clockwise, then reopens when twisted counterclockwise -- a normal behavior. However, if twisted in the opposite sequence -- counterclockwise then clockwise -- the same device collapses, then collapses further.

Paulino said this asymmetrical behavior simulates a phenomenon called hysteresis, in which a system's response to a stimulus depends on the history of changes within the system. Such systems, which are found in engineering, physics and economics, are difficult to model mathematically. Paulino said the metamaterial offers a way to directly simulate these systems.

A more distant use for the new material would be to design physical structures that mimic the performance of logic gates made with transistors in a computer.

"This gives us a physical method to simulate complex behavior, such as non-commutative states" Paulino said.

The work was a joint effort at Princeton. Postdoctoral researcher Xiangxin Dang, of Paulino's civil engineering lab, prepared simulations and models for analyzing the metamaterial deformation, Konstantinos Manos, a graduate student co-advised by both Chen's electrical engineering lab and Paulino's lab, worked to build the magnetic drive hardware, and postdoctoral researcher Shixi Zang from Paulino's lab performed experiments and worked with Prof. Jyotirmoy Mandal's Optical and Thermal Design Lab to design and build the thermoregulator.
Scientists and space explorers have been on the hunt to determine where and how much ice is present on the Moon. Water ice would be an important resource at a future lunar base, as it could be used to support humans or be broken down to hydrogen and oxygen, key components of rocket fuel. University of Hawai'i at Manoa researchers are using two innovative approaches to advance the search for ice on the Moon.

ShadowCam scouts for surface ice

Water ice was previously detected in the permanently shaded regions of the Moon's north and south poles by Shuai Li, assistant researcher at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) in the UH Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). A new study led by Jordan Ando, planetary sciences graduate student in Li's laboratory, examined images from a specialized camera, the "ShadowCam," that was on board the Korea Aerospace Research Institute Korea Lunar Pathfinder Orbiter.

Craters in the Moon's polar regions receive no direct sunlight, but sunlight that bounces off of one side of a crater can indirectly illuminate another side. The ShadowCam, designed specifically to look only at the dark, permanently shaded areas on the Moon, is extremely sensitive to the indirect light reflected off the lunar surface.

"Ice is generally brighter, that is, reflects more light, than rocks," said Ando. "We analyzed high-quality images from this sensitive camera to look really closely into these permanently shaded areas and investigate whether water ice in these regions leads to widespread brightening of the surface."

While the ice in the shaded regions did not significantly brighten the surface, the team's analysis of the ShadowCam images helps to refine the estimate of the amount of ice that could be on the lunar surface. Li's previous method suggested that the lunar surface contains between five and 30 percent water ice. The analysis of Shadow Cam images narrows the range -- indicating that water ice makes up less than 20 percent of the lunar surface.

Cosmic rays help search for buried ice

In addition to these investigations of lunar ice at the surface, another group of UH Manoa researchers with HIGP and Department of Physics and Astronomy recently published a study in Geophysical Research Letters that outlines an innovative approach to detect buried ice deposits at the Moon's poles.

"With our recent study, we showed that a new technique for detecting buried water ice on the Moon is possible using naturally-occurring cosmic rays," said Emily S. Costello, study lead author and postdoctoral researcher at HIGP. "These ultra-high-energy cosmic rays strike the lunar surface and penetrate to the layers below. The rays emit radar waves that bounce off buried ice and rock layers, which we can use to infer what's below the surface."

The team used an advanced computer simulation that tests how radar waves travel through the lunar soil and how they encode information about possible buried ice layers.

"This method for searching for water ice on the Moon is brand new and really exciting," said Christian Tai Udovicic, a co-author on the study who presented the findings at the recent Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston, Texas. "Since it relies on high-energy physics that only a few scientists in the world are experts in, even planetary scientists who are studying ways to find lunar water ice are often surprised when they hear about this technique."

A team of HIGP and Physics Department researchers are working to assemble a radar instrument specifically tuned to listen for these signals on the Moon and hope to test the full system by early 2026. They will look for opportunities to send it to the Moon to hopefully detect large deposits of buried water ice on the Moon for the first time.

"More and more, Hawai'i is becoming a hub for space exploration, and specifically the exploration of the Moon," said Costello. "These projects, led by UH Manoa scientists, represent up-and-coming opportunities for students and professionals in Hawai'i to lead and participate in the budding space industry."
A day after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers raided a courthouse in downtown Charlottesville and detained two men without explanation, the citys Court Square was flooded with protesters demanding answers.

At the same time, the FBIs Richmond office confirmed its involvement in statewide immigration operations  though officials would not say if the federal agency was involved in the recent raid in Charlottesville.

Two prominent retired public officials came out Wednesday to protest the ICE raid.

Im infuriated, former Charlottesville Mayor Virginia Daugherty told The Daily Progress outside the county courthouse. The local officials should have stopped it.

Hoisting a sign reading Uphold due process, Daugherty was one of roughly 150 people who gathered on Court Square. She was joined by another former Charlottesville mayor, Kay Slaughter.

My poster says, No seizure without warrants, Slaughter told The Daily Progress while looking upon her hand-scrawled message. Theyve got to have due process before just seizing people and carrying them away.

Video of Tuesdays raid shows three men dressed in street clothes  one masking his face with a balaclava  handcuffing another man as he emerges from Albemarle County General District Court.

The three men never display badges or arrest warrants, despite the pleas of two women seen in the video attempting to prevent the arrest. Those women are then threatened with arrest themselves.

Albemarle County Sheriff Chan Bryant, who oversees law enforcement operations at the courthouse, said Wednesday that the officers showed proper identification to bailiffs prior to the arrests.

I want to be clear to the citizens of Albemarle County that the safety and security of the citizens and its courts are the top priority of our office, Bryant said in a statement. At no time was this a raid of the courthouse.

Bryant said the three men making the arrest showed their federal credentials, including badges, and the proper paperwork to bailiffs on their way into the building.

Which would be the same practice whether it be Albemarle or Charlottesville police, state agencies or federal agencies, Bryant said.

Because the Albemarle County Courthouse is a public building, Bryant said that the only people who can prohibit entry are the judges within, and no such court order appears to have been produced. The Daily Progress inquired with Bryants office whether the man seen in the video wearing a balaclava would be charged with a crime, seeing as wearing a mask to obscure ones identity in a public place is a Class 6 felony in Virginia. She did not respond.

Many of those who attended Wednesdays protest in Court Square said they want to know if local law enforcement agencies are cooperating with federal immigration officials.

Albemarle County Police Chief Sean Reeves said his department was not involved in the Tuesday raid.

I can confirm that ACPD officers were not involved in the federal enforcement action at the courthouse on April 22, 2025, he said in a statement issued to The Daily Progress. ACPD does not inquire into the immigration status of individuals, including victims and witnesses. Our focus is on building trust with members of the community to ensure public safety. While ACPD may collaborate with federal partners on criminal investigationssuch as those involving violent crimes or exploitationimmigration enforcement falls within the jurisdiction of federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

But one local lawyer says that even if Albemarle County police werent involved in Tuesdays operation, it doesnt mean they arent involved in others.

Earlier this year, an Albemarle County police detective named Roberto Figueroa, assigned to the departments special victims unit, was named detective of the year by the police department for his unparalleled dedication and professionalism in handling sensitive investigations.

But according to immigration attorney Tanishka Cruz, who represents a minor immigrant child, a recent phone call she placed to Figueroa cast doubt on that designation.

Cruz said she received a call from the childs mother because Figueroas business card was allegedly left at the minors residence. Cruz said when she dialed Figueroas number on April 14, an agent with Homeland Security Investigations, or HSI, answered.

I was not expecting a federal agent to be on the other side of the call, Cruz told The Daily Progress.

As recently reported by the Washington Post, an array of federal investigative agencies including HSI and the FBI have recently been drafted to conduct welfare checks to prevent child abuse and sex trafficking.

Theyre assuring people that no ones being arrested in this quote-unquote welfare check, said Cruz. But to me, its just pretext; I see this as a pipeline to enforcement.

Cruz contends that the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, appears to being running the initiative to contact minors, and her concerns were heightened by her attempt to contact Figueroa.

These officers are showing up with a litany of questions, she said, including, Who paid for your travel to the united states?

Cruz said that when she tried to comply with the agents request for a meeting, she was told that her law office wouldnt suffice, that the meeting must be conducted at the minors residence.

The DHS does not care about the childrens welfare, said Cruz. To me its a fishing expedition, a warrantless way of gathering information that will be used for enforcement purposes.

The FBIs Richmond office confirmed with The Daily Progress on Wednesday that it is assisting ICE in its operations in Virginia.

FBI Richmond is assisting our partners at Immigration and Customs Enforcement with enforcement operations across the state of Virginia, the office said in a prepared statement.

Meanwhile, the manner of Tuesdays detention continues to draw concern. Albemarle Commonwealths Attorney Jim Hingeley said he has launched an investigation.

I am grateful that no one was hurt in this operation, Hingeley told The Daily Progress via email, but I am also greatly concerned that arrests carried out in this manner could escalate into a violent confrontation, because the person being arrested or bystanders might resist what appears on its face to be an unlawful assault and abduction.

Charlottesvilles delegation to the General Assembly in Richmond is also demanding answers.

Democratic Del. Katrina Callsen announced on X Wednesday that she and state Sen. Creigh Deeds had filed a public records request with the county, asking for:

Albemarle County police correspondence referencing Homeland Security or ICE.Body-worn camera footage from law enforcement officers working in or around the Albemarle County Courthouse at the time of the raid.Albemarle County police correspondence referring to unaccompanied minors or immigrant minors.Albemarle County Courthouse surveillance footage from the day of the raid.Albemarle County police correspondence including the phrase welfare check or referring to noncriminal investigations involving unaccompanied and immigrant minors. Correspondence between Albemarle County agencies and officers referring to the countys relationship with federal immigration authorities.Albemarle County police records or correspondence referring to Virginias mask laws.And all Albemarle County records referring to the parts of the Immigration and Nationality Act that allow Homeland Security to delegate certain immigration enforcement functions to state and local law enforcement officers.

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine expressed shock that one of the arresting officers Tuesday was wearing a ski mask.

Particularly in settings like courthouses, which are staffed by armed officers, the Virginia Democrat told The Daily Progress in an email, its important that law enforcement officers are clearly identified to help avoid misunderstandings that could lead to officer-on-officer fire.

An eyewitness to the arrest caught on camera Tuesday said no warrant was ever shown to the man being detained.

The American Civil Liberties Union questions that approach.

Even if the sheriff says the bailiffs saw paperwork, the terrified public who saw yesterdays sudden, violent detainment have no way of knowing who these masked men were, ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Mary Bauer told The Daily Progress in an email. Courthouses are places where crime survivors, witnesses, and everyone should feel safe and secure, but ICEs campaign of intimidation and secrecy has the opposite effect.

One person protesting outside the Albemarle County Courthouse Wednesday was Charlottesville parent Natalie Aviles, who noted Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkins late February executive order directing Virginia State Police and Department of Corrections officers to assist ICE in its operations. Aviles is worried that the order could get extended to local police, including school resource officers.

On March 27, the Charlottesville School Board voted, after a five-year hiatus, to return SROs to city schools.

We want to know if they are going to get deputized by ICE to enforce immigration in our city schools, Aviles told The Daily Progress. A lot of us have really important questions, and we want the answers.

Another protester, Peter Griesar, who operates the locally based Brazos Tacos restaurants, said that ICE detentions require too many men and resources to significantly reduce the number of people in the country without legal paperwork. A 2022 estimate by the Pew Research Center put that number at 11 million.

Theyll never accomplish what they want, even in 20 or 40 or 50 years, Griesar told The Daily Progress. And so it just seems like what theyre doing is just being cruel for no reason.

Neither ICE nor Homeland Security responded to Daily Progress inquiries regarding the safety and whereabouts of the two men detained Tuesday. Jailhouse records show they were taken to the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office in Harrisonburg before being transferred to another facility.
A team of San Antonio-based biomedical researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to identify more than two dozen viable treatments for diseases caused by zoonotic pathogens that can jump from animal hosts to infect humans. Scientists from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) used SwRI-developed Rhodium software to study bat-borne Nipah and Hendra henipaviruses, which are endemic to some parts of the world and cause particularly lethal infections in humans.

Through the collaboration, researchers mapped the protein structure of the measles virus, which is in the same family of viruses as henipaviruses. With measles as a blueprint, Rhodium virtually screened and ranked compounds for corresponding structures and binding effectiveness. Out of 40 million compounds, Rhodium identified 30 potentially viable viral inhibitors for Nipah and Hendra. Although the research focused on antiviral treatments for henipaviruses, any broad-spectrum therapeutic that's developed could potentially treat related viruses, including measles.

"The results suggest that machine learning can rapidly identify antiviral candidates for highly pathogenic viruses that are difficult to study due to space limitations and biosafety constraints," said Dr. Jonathan Bohmann, a staff scientist at SwRI, who presented these findings at Hendra@30 Henipavirus International Conference in Melbourne, Australia. "Our algorithms allow us to make the best use of resources to deliver a 'short list' of potential treatments for further testing."

This Department of Defense research is funded by the Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program(PRMRP), under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), and opens the door to finding treatments for Nipah and Hendra. According to the World Health organization, 40-75% of people infected with these diseases die.

"Henipaviruses are lethal pathogens," said Bohmann. "They're endemic to animal populations in Asia and Australia, but spillover events to livestock and humans occur regularly on a seasonal basis, which is concerning due to the pandemic potential."

Studying such infectious diseases requires adherence to strict safety standards and access to a BSL-4 rated high-containment laboratory. By virtually screening compounds, researchers save time and resources.

"Our work highlights the power of collaborative, multidisciplinary research by our San Antonio institutions to bring together a comprehensive and cohesive strategy for developing novel anti-viral drug candidates," Dr. Stanton McHardy, professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio and director of the Medicinal Chemistry and Synthesis Core Facility at the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery.

"Rhodium does a very good job of sifting out compounds that are toxic and finding effective disease inhibitors," said Dr. Olena Shtanko, assistant professor at Texas Biomed, who collaborated with McHardy and Bohmann by evaluating the effectiveness of the antiviral compounds identified by Rhodium. "We've made quite a lot of progress in a short amount of time, but more research is needed."

SwRI's Pharmaceutical and Bioengineering Department provides FDA-inspected facilities that meet Current Good Manufacturing practice standards.




Two months after the Trump administration abolished the countrys leading development and training center for federal employees, the Charlottesville school division is seeking to acquire the property that once housed the Federal Executive Institute in the city.

Charlottesville City Schools announced Wednesday that it had submitted an application to take over the 14-acre property at 1301 Emmet St. N, with plans to open its new early childhood education center and move its administrative offices there. The additional 57,479 square feet offered at the old Federal Executive Institute also would free up space across the school division to allow it to expand alternative education programs and services for students with learning disabilities, the division said.

The unexpected availability of this property creates a generational opportunity for the schools to advance and expand programming serving students and families, City Manager Sam Sanders said in a statement announcing the bid.

President Donald Trump eliminated the Federal Executive Institute by edict earlier this year, issuing a Feb. 10 executive order abolishing the center which had served and trained more than 30,000 senior federal employees since it was founded in 1968. The institute operated out of the former Thomas Jefferson Inn in the citys Meadows neighborhood about a mile and a half north of the University of Virginia and 2 miles northwest of downtown Charlottesville.

Sometime in mid-March, the property was made available for purchase by any educational institution within Charlottesville city limits through the Federal Real Property Assistance Program, part of the U.S. Department of Education. If selected, the city school division would be able to use the programs educational discount and acquire the campus at a reduced or no cost.

The property was last assessed earlier this year at $19.6 million, according city property records.

This single opportunity offers a cost-effective way to impact young people in Charlottesville from age 3 through graduation, Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Royal Gurley said in his own statement Wednesday.

If it acquires the property, Charlottesville City Schools said it plans to relocate all of its administrative offices there as well as build out a family welcome center, staff training facilities and a forum for the School Board and other public meetings. Charlottesville City Schools administrative offices are currently housed in a 4,700-square-foot building at 1562 Dairy Road, next door to Walker Upper Elementary School in the citys Barracks Rugby neighborhood. Charlottesville School Board meetings are typically held at Charlottesville High School at 1400 Melbourne Road on the other side of the U.S. 250 Bypass in the Greenbrier neighborhood.

Should it acquire the shuttered institutes property, the school division also is prepared to execute several interior renovations to transform the main building into an educational facility equipped with classrooms with connected restrooms in addition to wheelchair-accessible connections between other buildings on site.

Some features of the old institute dont need any updates, according to the school division.

With full fencing, no visibility from the road, and a pool that could be converted into a play space or splash pad, the grounds of [the Federal Executive Institute] are well-suited to outdoor play for our youngest learners, the division said in its Wednesday statement. Additionally, the facilities have space for early-intervention services for preschoolers such as speech and physical therapy.

The cost of these capital improvements will be covered by the funds that the city allocated to the school division for the creation of its future centralized preschool.

Currently, the city supports six preschool programs spread across its six elementary schools. The school division has been planning to consolidate all of these programs at Walker, which currently houses fifth and sixth grades, in time for the 2026-2027 school year.

Should the school divisions bid for the old Federal Executive Institute prove successful, a major reshuffling would take place. Instead of moving into Walker, the centralized preschool would be based out of the former Federal Executive Institute. Then, the citys alternative high school, Lugo-McGinness Academy, would expand into Walker. The building that currently houses the academy at 341 11th St. NW would then be available to serve students with special needs.

Once administrators are moved into the former institute, the school division said it would move its alternative middle school, the New Pathways Academy, into its empty offices on Dairy Road.

From our preschool to a family welcome center to alternative learning programs, this acquisition would allow us to make powerful changes on an accelerated timeline, said Gurley. This opportunity arose quickly following the recent closure of the FEI program by Executive Order, and Im grateful for my staff, the School Board, and the leadership of the City of Charlottesville for moving swiftly to put in a strong application.

While the school division appears ready to move as soon as it gets the all-clear, the federal government has yet to set a timeline for a decision. If the city school divisions application is accepted, it expects a more thorough review of the facilities and opportunities to follow.

That decision, however, falls under the purview of the embattled U.S. Department of Education, which Trump has been working to dismantle since issuing a March 20 executive order titled Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities.

Unlike the Federal Executive Institute, the presidents attempts to eliminate that federal agency havent been entirely successful, as such a move requires an act of Congress. However, in the past couple of months, the Education Department has lost half of its workforce and millions of dollars in funding.
Defense Update is an online defense magazine published in Israel.

Editorial team:

Editor in Chief: Tamir Eshel (Contact: editor @ defense-update.com)

Assistant Editor, Senior Defense Systems Analyst: Lt. Col. (Ret) Dan Zeevi

Assistant Editor, Photography: Noam Eshel

Founded in 1978 by Col. (Ret) David Eshel (1928-2019), Defense-Update provides trusted, unbiased features written by defense professionals for defense professionals, scholars, and analysts. Defense-Update highlights defense technology programs and innovation, including land warfare covering armor, infantry and support elements, aerospace, naval, C4ISR, EW, Cyber Warfare, Intelligence, net-centric warfare, unmanned systems and robotics, and homeland defense.

Written by experienced defense journalists from different nations, with the contribution by analysts specializing in various fields, Defense Update provides comprehensive coverage of particular defense-related topics, including Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV), Future Combat Systems, Aerospace  and unmanned systems, as well as robotics and Precision Strike Weapons. It also covers an in-depth analysis of developing trends in Command, Control, Communications and Computing, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR).

Focusing on evolving trends such as multi-domain and hybrid warfare, net-centric operations, active defense, C-RAM, counter-drone force protection, and homeland security, Defense-Update is recognized as a reliable source of updated information among international decision-makers.

Besides the news and features, Defense-Update also provides an up-to-date and comprehensive list of defense exhibitions and professional events, including the US and International defense and aerospace exhibitions, professional conferences, and other events. Most of the major events are also covered in detail by our editors.

All features published by Defense-Update are periodically updated to reflect the development and progress of key defense-related programs.

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Stocks are set for a flattish start as investors monitor their screens for any sign of a thawing in trade relations between China and the US.

For its part, Washington has already dropped hints that it could move to reduce its levies as part of talks - but not unilaterally.

Also of potentially key importance for the session are the weekly jobless claims data due out later in the States.

Investors are keen to assess whether - and to what extent - recent financial market turbulence is weighing on hiring and firing decisions.

As of 0618 GMT, futures tracking the FTSE 100 are off by 5.50 points to 8.397,50.

In the geopolitical space, overnight the US President criticised his Ukrainian counterpart for saying that his country would refuse to ever recognise the Crimean peninsula as Russian territory, explaining that a deal would not require that of Kyiv and labelling the remarks "inflammatory" given the current phase of talks.

There were also differences of criteria between Washington on the one side, and Ukraine and some of its European allies on the other, regarding how to sequence the next steps in efforts to reach a ceasefire.

Those disagreements over sequencing were reminiscent of the ones that preceded the failure of the Minsk II agreements.

At 1230 GMT, the US Department of Labor will release weekly jobless claims figures.

In parallel, the Department of Commerce will publish durable goods orders data for March.

Due out earlier, at 0800 GMT, is the IFO Institute's business confidence index for April.

Weir Group, Unilever deliver positive updates

Weir Group reported continued strong demand in the first quarter on Thursday, driven by high mining activity, with original equipment and aftermarket orders each rising 5% year-on-year. The FTSE 100 engineering services company highlighted positive momentum in orders for brownfield and sustainability projects, and noted improving aftermarket demand, particularly in minerals and ESCO products. It reiterated its full-year guidance, citing a robust order book, expected revenue and profit growth in constant currency, and free cash conversion of 90% to 100%.

Consumer goods conglomerate Unilever said it expected a modest improvement in underlying operating margin for the full year, versus 18.4% in 2024, adding that the impact of US tariffs would be limited and manageable. The company on Thursday reaffirmed annual guidance after reporting underlying sales growth of 3% for the first quarter.
British brands have warned they are being doubly penalised after DHL suspended deliveries to the US because of President Trumps tariff war, which is loading extra costs and paperwork on to exporters. The logistics group temporarily halted shipments worth more than $800 to the United States for business-to-consumer deliveries on Monday as it scrambles to deal with added shipping complexities caused by White House policy changes on imports. - The Times

Rachel Reeves has ruled out any trade deal with the US that would put chlorinated chicken or hormone beef on British supermarket shelves. The Chancellor said food standards had never been on the table as Britain pursues an agreement with the Trump administration. Ms Reeves also insisted Britain was in no rush to sign an agreement as she ruled out imports of larger US trucks that failed to meet British safety standards, as well as amending online safety protections for children. - Telegraph

Britains most senior government ministers could soon be drawn into a deepening row over plans to charge some households higher electricity bills than others, as Ed Miliband prepares to decide on sweeping energy reforms. The energy secretary is understood to be close to making a decision on whether to move ahead with proposals to replace the countrys single electricity market with several market zones. - Guardian

The head of Britains largest drug company has demanded Europe ramp up spending on medicines amid fears over Donald Trumps tariffs. Pascal Soriot, the chief executive of FTSE 100 giant AstraZeneca, said Europe was falling behind the US on drug spending and needed to boost investment to help protect its people from illness. - Telegraph

Keir Starmer is under pressure from more than 60 Labour MPs to allow thousands of young Europeans to live and work in the UK, a move seen as key to unlocking a more ambitious trade reset with Brussels. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said discussions on a potential scheme were ongoing, in the clearest hint yet that the government is preparing to do a deal. - Guardian
At Eurosatory 2024, Rheinmetall announced a new alternative fuel production concept under the Giga-PtX project, which, according to the company study, will offer an efficient, dependable diesel fuel independent of existing fossil-fuel hydrocarbon supply chain that will be able to support military consumption with more survivable and sustainable production and distribution. This groundbreaking vision ensures the armed forces a secure, war-ready fuel supply dependent on water and CO precursors and grid-independent energy sources (such as wind-generated electricity). Unlike the supply chain based on fossil fuels that are prone to collapse in wartime, the Giga-PtX approach aims to establish a robust, localized synthetic fuel production network located near electrical energy generation facilities, thus enhancing combat readiness while contributing to defossilization.

Addressing Fuel Supply Challenges

A secure and reliable fuel supply is essential for military forces combat readiness. The current fossil fuel supply chains are designed for peacetime operations. At war, they are logistically complex and vulnerable to wartime disruptions, as seen in the Russo-Ukraine war.

Traditional fossil diesel and kerosene remain the backbone of the military energy supply, with the average fuel requirement in wartime ranging from 20 to 60 liters per day per soldier. Fuel logistics are critical, as evidenced by the fact that 60% of NATO casualties in Afghanistan were related to logistics, predominantly fuel logistics.

The Giga-PtX project seeks to mitigate these risks by investing in a distributed network of renewable energy sources and synthesizing e-fuels to supply diesel fuel to users from multiple locations. These synthetic fuels can be produced efficiently and integrated into existing logistics systems (pipelines, tank farms, tankers, etc.), providing a resilient and sustainable energy solution for military operations. Each synthesizing unit can be packed in several ISO containers that can be moved on tracks, trains or ships, each facility can be relocated quickly to compensate for combat damage or increased demand. Such facilities can also be installed on large ships, such as amphibious ships or aircraft carriers, leveraging the platforms unlimited energy supply (nuclear reactor) to supply aircraft jet fuel or diesel for amphibious forces.

Hydrogen is a key component in producing synthetic fuels, indispensable for military applications due to their high energy density and ease of use. Rheinmetall leverages over 20 years of experience in hydrogen technology to develop efficient and cost-effective solutions for producing, storing, transporting, and utilizing hydrogen.

The Giga-PtX Vision

Unlike the centralized approach of crude oil-based fuel refining, the Giga-PtX project envisions a network of decentralized synthetic fuel production plants, each with a capacity of up to 50 MW. These plants combine energy generation, hydrogen, CO supply, and fuel synthesis in one location, ideally near military units or pipeline systems. Utilizing renewable energy, each plant can produce several thousand tonnes of fuel annually without requiring electrical grid expansion. Initially, CO can be sourced from power plants, cement works, and biogenic sources, making direct air capture unnecessary in the short term. Relying on available energy, clean water, and CO resources, production costs are expected to be lower than diesel refined from fossil fuel with the added advantage of lower carbon footprint and fuel independence.

The decentralized nature of the Giga-PtX network makes it difficult to target and disrupt. The moderate size of the plants allows for rapid scaling and low-risk replication of tested prototypes. This strategic distribution ensures a resilient fuel supply, enhancing military forces operational readiness and sustainability. In partnership with Ineratec, Rheinmetall is poised to offer a scalable and replicable solution to address the armed forces critical fuel supply challenges. The Giga-PtX project represents a forward-looking approach to military fuel logistics, ensuring that armed forces remain operationally ready and sustainable in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

Ineratec is known for its sustainable and ready-to-use e-fuels. These synthetic fuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), e-diesel, and e-methanol, are derived from recycled CO and renewable energy. They are CO-neutral and miscible with conventional fuels, which means that no adjustments to engines, logistics, or infrastructure are required.

Ineratec is building what is currently the largest production plant for sustainable e-fuel in Frankfurt am Main, making it a pioneering plant for the global use of Power-to-Liquid technology. The production plant in Industriepark Hochst, one of the largest research and production sites for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry in Europe, will produce up to 2,500 tons of sustainable e-fuel per year.

More news from Eurosatory 2024
India and Saudi Arabia have committed to collaborating on enhancing the stability of global oil markets and balancing energy market dynamics, as outlined in a joint statement released on Wednesday. This announcement followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia, which was abbreviated due to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

The Indian delegation highlighted the necessity of ensuring a secure supply of all energy sources in global markets. Both nations recognized the significance of strengthening cooperation in various energy sectors, particularly in the supply of crude oil and its derivatives.

Additionally, the two countries emphasized the importance of collaboration in green and clean hydrogen initiatives, which include stimulating demand, developing technologies for hydrogen transport and storage, and sharing expertise to implement best practices.

They also acknowledged the need to develop supply chains and projects related to the energy sector, facilitate cooperation among companies, improve energy efficiency, and promote rational energy consumption in buildings, industry, and transportation, while raising awareness of its significance.

Regarding climate change, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need to create and implement climate agreements focused on emissions rather than sources.

This visit marked Modi's third trip to Saudi Arabia, following Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to India in September 2023 for the G-20 Summit and the inaugural meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
Telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has joined forces with global technology company Cisco to upgrade its network infrastructure, aiming to enhance mobile internet services across India. The collaboration will see Vi implement Ciscos Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based transport network, designed to improve the reliability and capacity of its 4G and 5G services.

The new MPLS system will enable Vi to manage growing data traffic more efficiently, resulting in faster, more stable internet connections for users. As a result, Vi customers can expect smoother video streaming, enhanced video call quality, better online gaming experiences, and improved browsing speeds. Additionally, the upgrade will provide businesses with more secure and dependable internet access, crucial for daily operations in the digital age.

improve service management, potentially reducing operational costs and accelerating the launch of new services. Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer at Vi, emphasized that the partnership with Cisco aligns with the companys commitment to staying ahead in mobile technology. He noted that Ciscos MPLS expertise would enable better network automation and data traffic management. The modernized network will also leverage software-based tools to, potentially reducing operational costs and accelerating the launch of new services., emphasized that the partnership with Cisco aligns with the companys commitment to staying ahead in mobile technology. He noted that Ciscos MPLS expertise would enable better network automation and data traffic management.

Ciscos Vice President for Service Providers in EMEA, Gordon Thomson, highlighted that this collaboration would help build a future-ready network, ensuring reliable and faster connectivity across India. This upgrade marks a significant step towards enhancing the overall customer experience and meeting the evolving demands of the digital world.
The World Bank Group announced today the opening of the next stage of its Private Sector Investment Lab, directed at deploying evidenced-based solutions at scale. This latest chapter also increases the Lab's membership base to cover industry leaders with a track record of creating employment in emerging economies, directly corresponding with the Bank's intensifying interest in employment generation as a fundamental driver of development.

With the expanded membership, we are mainstreaming this work across our operations and tying it directly to the jobs agenda that is driving our strategy, said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. This isnt about altruism its about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. Its central to our mandate.

Over the last 18 months, the Lab brought together leaders from global financial institutions to identify the most pressing barriers to private sector investment in developing countries and to test actionable solutions. That work has now been consolidated into five priority focus areas that are being integrated across Bank Group operations:

Regulatory and Policy Certainty: Supporting governments in creating stable regulatory frameworks. For instance, the effort to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity relies on upfront policy clarity to attract long-term capital.

Political Risk Insurance: Streamlined guarantee instruments has led to a 30% increase in issuance compared to last yearenhancing investor confidence and helping the Bank meet its goal of tripling the use of guarantees by 2030.

Foreign Exchange Risk: Scaling local currency financing to deepen domestic capital markets. Last year, IFC committed one-third of its long-term financing in local currency with a goal of reaching 40% by 2030.

Junior Equity Capital: Launched the Frontier Opportunities Fund to absorb early-stage risk. Initially capitalized with IFC income, the fund will grow with donor and philanthropic contributions.

Securitization: Collaborating with institutions such as S&P and BlackRock to standardize and securitize portfolios, unlocking capital from pension funds, insurers, and sovereign wealth funds.

As the Lab enters its implementation phase, it is also expanding its membership to include private sector leaders in sectors critical to job creation such as infrastructure and energy, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. These industries have a proven ability to translate investment into broad-based employment and economic opportunity.

New members of the Lab include:

Bill Anderson, CEO, Bayer AG

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair, Bharti Enterprises

Aliko Dangote, President & CEO, Dangote Group

Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

We are grateful to the original Lab leaders who helped us deliver strong results in the initial work period, Banga said. Now were building on that foundation bringing in additional leaders from sectors that are central to job creation and moving from ideas to implementation.

The Labs founding members included senior executives from AXA, BlackRock, HSBC, Macquarie, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Ninety One, Ping An Group, Royal Philips, Standard Bank, Standard Chartered, Sustainable Energy for All, Tata Sons, Temasek, and Three Cairns Group. The Lab is chaired by Shriti Vadera, Chair of Prudential plc.

We are grateful to the Lab leaders who helped deliver such important results in the first phase. We welcome our new members support in continuing our focus on five key areas: regulatory and policy certainty; guarantees, as the most widely used and understood instrument to address political and credit risks; foreign exchange risk; scaling different forms of equity; and creating an asset class and liquid market to attract institutional funds. Shriti Vadera, Chair, Prudential plc. and Chair, Private Sector Investment Lab

The World Bank Group is leading the way with initiatives to grow economies and create opportunities in emerging markets around the globe. As President Banga has said, the private sector will play a pivotal role in this transformation, and I am delighted to join the PSIL alongside other distinguished business leaders. I have seen firsthand the power of connectivity to transform lives by creating opportunities for businesses to grow and communities to thrive. I hope that the successes of the telecommunications sector will be valuable as PSIL embarks on the next stage of its important work, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair, Bharti Enterprises.

I am honored to join the Private Sector Investment Lab during its next phase focused on implementation. Together, businesses and the WBG can unleash job creation in emerging markets by managing the risks and realizing the opportunities for the next generation growing up in low and middle income countries, Bill Anderson, CEO, Bayer AG.
The parent company of Zomato, Eternal Group, rejected recent media reports claiming that Rakesh Ranjan, CEO of Zomato's food delivery arm, has resigned. In a stock exchange filing, the group cleared the air that Ranjan has not tendered any resignation and is still a part of the leadership team.

"We would like to clarify that, as on date, there has been no resignation tendered by Mr. Rakesh Ranjan, and he continues to be a member of the leadership team", the company added.

Clarifying speculations, Eternal Group underscored that internal reshuffling of leadership positions is a normal practice intended to improve organizational effectiveness. "Internal reshuffling of the leadership team is viewed as a normal practice within Eternal Group as part of the Company's continuous efforts to optimise organisational effectiveness", the filing stated.

The company also said that there have been no material internal developments that need to be disclosed. If any do arise, they will be disclosed to the stock exchanges in accordance with regulatory standards. The clarification, it said, was given voluntarily to prevent unnecessary confusion.

Zomato Founder Deepinder Goyal would take the division on a temporary basis. The recently-debunked reports had indicated that Ranjan, who became CEO of the food delivery business in May 2023, was leaving amid growing competition from Swiggy and worry over slowing expansion. They further assertedwould take the division on a temporary basis.

Food delivery business of Zomato continues to be the company's major revenue and profitability driver. In Q3 FY24, the segment generated gross order value (GOV) of a9,913 crore, up 2% sequentially and 17% year-on-year.
India remains resilient despite U.S. retaliatory tariffs, leveraging its first-mover advantage through bilateral trade negotiations. With strategic measures to counter challenges, India strengthens its global trade position amidst shifting U.S. tariff policies and increased global alliances.

FREMONT, CA: Despite the United States' decision to impose a 26 percent retaliatory tariff, India is expected to maintain a first mover advantage as bilateral discussions for a trade agreement with the U.S. are already underway. India is in a relatively stronger position than competing nations or regional rivals such as Indonesia and Vietnam, which are facing higher reciprocal tariffs.

On April 2, the United States. President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing a new structure of reciprocal tariffs, applying additional ad valorem duties ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent on imports from various countries. The baseline 10 percent duty came into effect on Saturday, with additional country-specific tariffs scheduled to be implemented from April 9.

According to a White House Fact Sheet, the United States may reduce tariffs if its trading partners undertake significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align with its economic and national security interests.

India and the United States are engaged in intensive discussions to finalize a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by the fall of 2025. The envisioned agreement seeks to be fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial. Both parties are exploring all available negotiating options, with the scope of the BTA expected to encompass both goods and services.

The immediate effect of reciprocal tariffs may initially dampen demand from the United States; however, according to a government source, demand is expected to recover over time as the United States administration prepares for income tax reductions and petroleum prices continue to decline.

Amid concerns that sectors such as carpets and marine products have been adversely affected by the reciprocal tariffs, the Department of Commerce is actively engaging with exporters to assess the potential impact. The government has also expressed willingness to extend support should exporters seek assistance.

India is closely monitoring inbound shipments in light of the heightened risk of product dumping following the announcement of reciprocal tariffs. This development has raised concerns over increased inflows of Chinese goods into the Indian market, particularly as the United States has raised its tariff on Chinese imports to 54 percentcomprising an additional 34 percent tariff on top of an existing 20 percent. The source noted that India is prepared to undertake measures in compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) norms, if necessary.

Further, the United States' plan to implement reciprocal tariffs on most countries has prompted several key trade partners to approach India for free trade agreements (FTAs). In addition to the United States, India is currently engaged in trade negotiations with the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), New Zealand, Peru, Chile, and Oman. Discussions around potential trade agreements with Bahrain, Qatar, or the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) may soon materialize.
Never Ride Stock, a popular Staten Island destination for vehicle customization, window tinting, accessories, apparel and more, recently opened a location in Pleasant Plains. The new spot is named NRS Tint South. (Courtesy of Never Ride Stock) (Courtesy of Never Ride Stock)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Never Ride Stock  a popular Staten Island destination for vehicle customization, window tinting, accessories, apparel and more  has recently expanded to Staten Islands South Shore, bringing the business in-demand automotive services to another portion of the borough.

Over the past several years weve found ourselves serving a lot of clients from this section of the borough, so we felt it was a good move to set up shop on this end of the Island, noted Christian Zagami, one of the business partners. We knew that a lot of South Shore residents were going to New Jersey for these services, and it was a move we wanted to make for a long time.
Around 150 people rally together at the steps of Borough Hall in St. George to commemorate Denim Day and speak out against sexual assault on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Petel

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Dozens of jeans covered with uplifting messages denouncing sexual assault lined the steps of Staten Island Borough Hall in St. George Wednesday afternoon; the denim display an emphatic exhibition of solidarity with survivors.

While the symbolic gesture would serve as a statement in itself, around 150 people rallied together to ensure that the message of Denim Day is heard loud and clear.

Denim Day is acknowledged across the globe as a day to show support for survivors of sexual assault. It was established in 1999 on the heels of a 1998 Italian Supreme Court of Appeals decision in which the court overturned a rape conviction because of the tightness of the victims jeans, according to DenimDay.org.

The steps of Borough Hall in St. George are lined with denim clothing to commemorate Denim Day on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Petel

The conviction was overturned because the victim was wearing tight jeans, and the justices believed that she must have assisted the individual responsible in removing her jeans, thereby implying consent. The very next day, the women in the Italian Parliament took to work in jeans; a sign of solidarity with the victim, DenimDayInfo.org reports.

Much like the women of the Italian Parliament, men and women of Staten Island donned denim attire of their own to show support for all those victims of sexual assault.

Let the word go forth from these steps here today, that in Staten Island we do not accept victimizing people because of who they are or who they love or what they think or how they look, and that is certainly true in the case of sexual assault against innocent victims, no matter who they are, said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, who was clad in denim jeans of his own. Thats why were out here in solidarity on Denim Day and thats why Im so privileged and honored to be here with you.

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon speaks at the Denim Day event outside Borough Hall in St. George on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Petel

McMahon was not the only law enforcement official to firmly denounce sexual assault and offer support to the community. Also in attendance was NYPD Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, the borough commander, who spoke about her experience previously serving as the commanding officer to the Chief of Departments Domestic Violence Unit for about two years.

It has inspired me and continues to inspire me, as in my current position as the first female borough commander in Staten Island, she said.

We  my team, the NYPD  want survivors of sexual violence to feel that support, and come forward and report incidents, added Eger.

NYPD Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, the borough commander, speaks at the Denim Day event outside Borough Hall in St. George on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Petel

One survivor who spoke out at the event shared her experience with domestic violence. The woman said as a child she was physically, mentally and sexually abused, which instilled the idea that this type of heinous behavior was tolerable, she said. Growing up, she became involved in a relationship with a man who she says raped her despite her saying no.

I finally got the courage to get up and leave him and I never went back, the victim said. I never went back and I never talked to him, but it was hard cause it was so normal to me.

Standing behind the survivors and law enforcement officials were providers and individuals who simply wanted to show their support. They were keeping with this years theme of use your voice, encouraging the community to speak out against sexual violence.

Ericker Onaga, center, executive director of Community Health Action of Staten Island, speaks at the Denim Day event outside Borough Hall in St. George on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Petel

Today, I wear denim, because the real power lies, not in the titles, but in using our voices, said Stephanie Garcia-Vega, a former Miss New York and senior advocate for the Staten Island Special Victims Division with Safe Horizons Crime Victims Assistance Program. I wear it for the brave survivors who speak out. I wear it for those who are still finding their strength, and I wear it to challenge a culture that too often blames the victim instead of confronting the truth.

In addition to a series of speakers, attendees at the afternoon rally were invited to peruse an array of tables from various local organizations, including the Mayors Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, the Seamans Society for Children and Families and Community Health Action of Staten Island.

Community Health Action of Staten Island works alongside survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence every day, from the Staten Island Family Justice Center and across the Island, said Ericker Onaga, executive director of the organization. On Denim Day, we bring this work outside in the sunlight, to the steps of Borough Hall. Along with our partners and elected officials, we want to amplify the voices of survivors and advocates as a reminder that all survivors are welcome in this community of support and hope.

The steps of Borough Hall in St. George are lined with denim clothing to commemorate Denim Day on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Petel

The steps of Borough Hall in St. George are lined with denim clothing to commemorate Denim Day on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Petel

Members of The Seamen's Society for Children and Families attend the Denim Day event outside Borough Hall in St. George on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Petel
What began as a confrontation devolved into a brutal beatdown and robbery of a 36-year-old man in Great Kills on Friday, according to authorities and court documents. (Getty Images/Kali9)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  What began as a confrontation devolved into a brutal beatdown and robbery of a 36-year-old man in Great Kills on Friday, according to authorities.

Among the items allegedly unlawfully taken from the victim: a vehicle worth about $85,000, and a watch worth $50,000, a law enforcement source told the Advance/SILive.com.

The robbery took place around 11 p.m. on the 200 block of Elverton Avenue, court documents state.

The victim told police he was meeting a man, who remains unapprehended, and Vita Karlinskaya, 29, of the 3200 block of Emmons Avenue in Brooklyn.

The unapprehended male suspect then got into a confrontation with the victim, said police.

From there, it devolved into a bloody beating, according to authorities.

The male suspect allegedly struck the victim in the head with his fist multiple times, and also kicked him in the head. The victim was beaten so badly he lost several teeth and was left unconsciousness, the criminal complaint noted.

The victim refused medical attention at the scene, the NYPD said.

The male assailant and Karlinskaya acted together and in concert, in that they took the victims white 2023 Dodge Durango RT, his Rolex watch, and his wallet, which contained $2,500, a debit card and drivers license, according to court documents.

Police allege they found Karlinskaya driving the victims vehicle later that night in the vicinity of Forest Hill Road and Harold Street in Willowbrook. Officers conducted a traffic stop, and took Karlinskaya into custody.

As revealed in court documents, Karlinskaya allegedly told a police officer, in sum and substance, I was just driving the car because he told me to.

An investigation remains ongoing.

Karlinskaya faces more than a dozen charges, including robbery in the second and third degrees, grand larceny in the third and fourth degrees as well as criminal possession of stolen property in the third and fourth degrees.

She is being held on bail for $10,000 cash/$30,000 bond, and is due in Criminal Court in St. George on May 1.

An attorney for Karlinskaya did not return a request for comment by the time of publication.
Police raided the home of a 19-year-old man in Huguenot in October, after the NYPD had allegedly fielded "complaints from the community." (Google Maps)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Huguenot man who was the subject of an NYPD raid last fall was already on probation for the group assault and robbery of a food truck operator, court records show.

Frank Ortalano, 19, is due back in court May 14 in connection with the October raid at his home, in which police say they seized a loaded, unlicensed handgun. The raid was carried out in response to community complaints, police said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Those New York City residents sensitive to poor air quality will want to reconsider any strenuous outdoor activities on Thursday, as the National Weather Service has issued an air quality alert.

The alert, which will remain in effect until midnight, is a direct result of the smoke from an Ocean County, New Jersey, wildfire, according to Bob Larson, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather.

The alert, which was issued early Thursday morning, encapsulates all five boroughs, Long Island and some areas north of the city.

.@NYSDEC Air Quality Health Advisory: Air Quality Index (AQI) forecast to reach 101-150 tomorrow, Thursday, April 24th. Unhealthy for sensitive groups & for those sensitive to air pollution. Info: https://t.co/qrjF4dYyPo. Multilingual & ASL Link: https://t.co/PefNUSKD4R.  NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) April 23, 2025

Due to fine particle pollutants, the weather service said that air quality levels are predicted to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

As of 10 a.m., Staten Island had an air quality index value of 80, which is moderate, according to AirNow.

Due to the fact that winds were lighter yesterday (Wednesday) than they were the day before (Tuesday), firefighters were able to gain some advantage and start to increase the amount of containment, Larson said.

As of Wednesday morning, the fire was only 10% contained, but by the end of the day the blaze was 50% contained, added Larson.

While winds may not be as light as they were on Wednesday, Larson believes relatively low winds on Thursday should assist firefighters in their efforts.

Larson explained that whatever wind does blow about will direct smoke from this wildfire to the city.

Larson noted that this situation should not become as severe as the Canadian wildfires of 2023, when the citys skies turned a hazy orange.

However, a similar weather event is not impossible.

Should the fire flare up again and smoke is directed precisely toward the city, its possible that there is a dramatic increase in haze and air quality worsens even further, Larson said.

Although some rain will move in late Friday night to help alleviate the wildfire conditions, Larson forecasts that low humidity, elevated winds and warming temperatures could move in early next week and make for conditions that would allow the New Jersey wildfire to flare up once again.

A suspect taken into custody

A 19-year-old man has been taken into custody for allegedly starting the Ocean County wildfire, which as of Thursday had scorched more than 15,000 acres of land and destroyed a commercial building, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office announced.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners extends it appreciation to all of those involved in the investigation. Posted by Ocean County Government on Thursday 24 April 2025

Joseph W. Kling of the Waretown section of Ocean Township is charged with aggravated arson and arson, the prosecutors office stated.

The fire, which began Tuesday morning within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trusts Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, was traced back to an improperly extinguished bonfire, the prosecutors office revealed.

An investigation found that Kling allegedly set wooden pallets on fire and left the area before the flames were fully extinguished.

Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township Police Headquarters and then transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains pending a detention hearing, added the prosecutors office.
Following is the Defense-Update unmanned systems news summary for the current week.

General Atomics EagleEye Enters Production

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced the production of its first EagleEye multi-mode radar, set to enhance the U.S. Armys Gray Eagle Extended Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems capabilities. This radar is designed to provide high-resolution imagery through various atmospheric conditions and is a critical component of the new Gray Eagle 25M UAS. The EagleEye radar features improved range and multi-mode performance, tailored for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), and includes advanced technologies such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and real-time AI/ML software for enhanced target detection. The development of EagleEye represents a significant advancement in radar technology, offering capabilities such as Moving Target Indication (MTI) and Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) mode for tracking vessels. This radar system supports the U.S. Armys strategic goals, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and is expected to improve situational awareness and operational effectiveness in various global theaters.

Maiden Flight of the Model 437 Vanguard

Last week, Scaled Composites performed the first flight of its Model 437 Vanguard experimental aircraft, demonstrating Northrop Grummans digital pathfinder wings. The Model 437 Vanguard is a crewed variant of the original concept powered by a single Pratt & Whitney 535 engine with approximately 3,400 pounds of thrust. The aircraft has a wingspan of 41 feet and is 41 feet long with a gross takeoff weight of 10,000 pounds. Northrop Grumman defined, developed, built, and verified the removable wing assemblies using advanced digital tools and processes as part of their Digital Pathfinder effort. The aircraft will have a range of approximately 3000 nautical miles and an endurance of 6 hours. It can carry up to 2,000 pounds of payload in multiple locations, including an internal weapons bay sized to accommodate two AIM-120s. While flown by a pilot, the aircraft will likely serve as a testbed of collaborative combat aircraft, acting as a loyal wingman for other combat aircraft.

Allen Control Systems Bullfrog Counter-Drone System

Allen Control Systems (ACS) has successfully demonstrated its Bullfrog counter-drone robotic gun system at the U.S. Department of Defense Technology Readiness Experimentation 2024. The Bullfrog system autonomously performs a counter-drone kill chain capable of executing the full detect, track, identify, and defeat process. It integrates advanced software, computer vision, and AI with a standard machine gun to target and destroy drones.

New VTOL Drone from Attis Aviation

Israeli defense technology company Attis Aerospace Systems has announced the development of a new ROC unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and forward flight missions. This innovative system aims to enhance the integration of VTOL UAVs into civilian and military airspace, addressing the growing demand for unmanned aircraft operations in various sectors. The ROC system is being developed to provide a comprehensive solution for remote piloting of VTOL UAVs, incorporating advanced features such as real-time situational awareness, secure communication links, and intuitive control interfaces. This technology is expected to improve the safety and efficiency of UAV operations, particularly in complex airspace environments. Attis Aerospace Systems initiative reflects the ongoing efforts in the aerospace industry to develop sophisticated control systems that can facilitate the seamless integration of unmanned aircraft into existing air traffic management frameworks, potentially opening up new applications for VTOL UAVs in both civilian and military domains.

Israeli Remotely Controlled Armored Vehicles Debut in Combat

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have introduced a new capability by converting M113 armored personnel carriers and D-9 bulldozers into remote-controlled vehicles. This approach allows the IDF to operate these armored vehicles without putting personnel at risk, particularly in dangerous combat zones. The conversion process involves retrofitting the vehicles with remote control systems while maintaining the option for manned use when necessary.

For weekly more news by topic, refer to the following reports:
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella stood in front of the Richmond County Supreme Courthouse in St. George on Thursday, April 24, and announced plans to file a lawsuit to stop the proliferation of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems on Staten Island. (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-Gorman) (Advance/SILive | Jessica Jones-

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella stood in front of the Richmond County Supreme Courthouse in St. George on Thursday and announced plans to file a lawsuit to stop the proliferation of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems on Staten Island.

Weve tried for years to prevent these sites from being located near residential properties, but theyre still being constructed 20 feet from peoples front doors, Fossella said. This is not in the best interest of Staten Island.

Flanked by attorney Lou Gelormino, who says he has spent the past year researching battery energy storage legislation with his partner Mark Fonte and will be representing the Borough President in his challenge against these facility sitings, Fossella told members of the media that legal action has become the only alternative.

Weve sued New York City before when they allowed non-citizens to vote in municipal elections and when migrant shelters were being placed throughout the borough, Fossella continued. We also took legal action to fight congestion pricing and most recently against City of Yes.

Fossella says he will make a similar move next week, seeking a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to prevent a battery energy storage facility from operating at 283 Nelson Ave. in Great Kills, and asking that a stay be issued at a battery energy storage site currently under construction at Tillman Street and Manor Road in Manor Heights. The legal filing will also include all battery energy storage sites in Richmond County.

Were taking this to the courts to fight for what is right, Fossella said.

According to a press release issued by the Borough Presidents office, the suits co-plaintiffs include 10 residents living in close proximity to the residentially zoned battery energy storage sites. The lawsuit will allege the location of such sites in residential communities are inherently unsafe and that the establishment of these sites is illegal as the City of New York violated a series of zoning and municipal regulations.

The lawsuit will also argue that the proliferation of battery energy storage sites on Staten Island violates fair share provisions of the New York City Charter and other regulatory processes designed to protect the public.

A technology that uses a group of batteries to store electrical energy, allowing the energy to be released later when needed, the storage system sites  commonly referred to as BESS  essentially act as backup power sources for homes or the grid, particularly during peak demand or power outages. They are often used in conjunction with renewable energy sources, like solar power.

Developers and green energy proponents tout the lithium-ion structures  which started popping up in several NYC neighborhoods in 2022  as quiet neighbors that are a necessary agent for renewable change. They are designed to remove pressure from the citys stressed grid, using rechargeable batteries to store electrical energy from various sources, and then releasing that stored energy when needed.

But over the past two years, borough residents and local officials have voiced their concerns about their siting. Community Boards voted against their proximity to bakeries and storefronts and elected officials issued a moratorium on applications filed within residential districts. In one instance, an energy developer retracted plans to place batteries in a Bulls Head church parking lot.

Half a million people are getting the short end of the stick, Fossella said, referring to the approximate number of the residents in the borough. The city continues to play with fire and we need to put an end to it.
FILE - The U.S. Department of Education building is seen in Washington, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) AP

NEW YORK (AP)  Starting next month, the Education Department says student loans that are in default will be referred for collections.

Roughly 5.3 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans and soon could be subject to having their wages garnished.

Referrals for collection had been put on hold since March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the U.S. government also paused federal student loan payments and interest accrual as a temporary relief measure. That grace period was extended multiple times by the Biden administration and ended in October.

One of the borrowers facing more severe consequences is Kat Hanchon, who works in higher education information technology in Michigan.

My stomach dropped immediately as soon as I read (the news), said Hanchon, 33. I wanted to throw up because I already live paycheck to paycheck.

Hanchon said she owes nearly $85,000 in debt between their undergraduate and masters degrees. And even with an income-driven repayment plan, Hanchon said she could not afford to pay those loans off on top of other expenses including a mortgage and medical bills.

The last time Hanchon remembers being able to make a student loan payment was September 2024. I couldnt even afford the like $55 that they were trying to charge me ... because its that tight of a budget, she said.

The department says it will soon begin sending notices on collection efforts, but there are options for borrowers to get out of default.

Here are some key things to know.

How will involuntary collection work?

Beginning May 5, the department will begin involuntary collection through the Treasury Departments offset program. Borrowers who have student loans in default will receive communication from Federal Student Aid in the upcoming weeks with information about their options, according to the Education Department.

Involuntary collection means the government can garnish wages, intercept tax refunds and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments to go toward paying back the loan.

What is the difference between delinquent and default in my student loans?

A student loan becomes delinquent when a borrower doesnt make a payment 90 days after its due date. If you continue to be delinquent on your loan for 270 days  or roughly nine months  then your loan goes into default.

While being delinquent affects your credit score, going into default has more serious consequences such as wage garnishment.

What happens when a loan goes into default?

When you fall behind on a loan by 270 days, the loan appears on your credit report as being in default. Once a loan is in default the government will send the borrower into collections.

What can I do right now if my student loan is in default?

The Education Department is recommending borrowers visit its Default Resolution Group to make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan, or sign up for loan rehabilitation.

Betsy Mayotte, president of The Institute for Student Loan Advisors, recommends loan rehabilitation as an option.

Borrowers in default must ask their loan servicer to be placed into such a program. Typically, servicers ask for proof of income and expenses to calculate a payment amount. Once a borrower has paid on time for nine months in a row, they are taken out of default, Mayotte said. A loan rehabilitation can only be done once.

What does forbearance mean?

Student loan forbearance is a temporary pause on your student loan payments granted to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulties. To apply for forbearance, borrowers must contact their loan servicer.

Borrowers can be granted forbearance by their loan servicer for up to 12 months but interest will continue to accrue during this period.

Forbearance is not an option for borrowers whose student loans are in default. However, they are an option if you are delinquent on your loan.

How can a borrower find the status of their student loans?

Borrowers need to know the status of their student loans in order to find out if they are in default, said Kate Wood, student loans expert at NerdWallet.

To find the status of a student loan and their loan servicer information, borrowers need to access their studentaid.gov account. Since the Education Department is going to send notices about involuntary collections through email, borrowers want to make sure all their personal information is updated such as email and physical address, Wood recommended.

Can involuntary collections affect my Supplemental Security Income?

Yes, benefits from Social Security are considered income and can be affected by involuntary collections.

How does delinquency affect my credit score?

Borrowers who are delinquent on their student loans take a massive hit on their credit scores, said Wood. Those who are delinquent on their student loans might see a drop of one hundred points or more to their credit score. A delinquency stays on your credit report for seven years.

Credit scores are used in many aspects of peoples financial lives such as access to credit cards, buying a house or renting an apartment.

Can I apply to income-driven repayment plans?

Income-driven repayment plans applications are currently open. These plans base your monthly student loan payment amount on your income and family size.

The Biden administrations SAVE program is no longer open for applications since it was challenged in court. However, those who got accepted into the SAVE program are currently in administrative forbearance, meaning they dont have to make payments.

To review income-driven repayment plan options, you can check the loan simulator at studentaid.gov.
Interested in fishing but not sure where to begin? Join the Urban Park Rangers for free lessons at Willowbrook Park this Sunday. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez).

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Celebrate community, nature, and fun! From Earth Day festivities to free prom attire giveaways, this weekend has a lot to offer.

Friday

Earth Day on the Esplanade / April 25, 3-6 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day this Friday on the Esplanade with an afternoon of nature and community fun! Join a nature walk and scavenger hunt with the Park Rangers, explore the NYC Parks Playmobile, and help clean the Kill Van Kull shoreline with the Natural Resource Protective Association. Meet Frankie the Staten Island Ferry Hawk, enjoy crafts, games, snacks, and giveaways  all along the beautiful North Shore Esplanade Park.

Admission cost: Free

Location: The North Shore Esplanade Park, across from 404 Richmond Terr. at the Westervelt Avenue entrance

Saturday

Heathy Kids Day at YMCA / April 26, 10 a.m.

Head to YMA for Healthy Kids Day this Saturday. Enjoy family games, fitness activities, crafts, giveaways, face painting, a bounce house, an escape room, an aquatics table, Zumba and more  free and open to the public!

Admission cost: Free

Location: Broadway YMCA, 651 Broadway

Free prom attire giveaway / April 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Three Amigas Helping Hands, in partnership with Soroptimist International of Staten Island, is hosting a free prom attire giveaway  because every graduate deserves to shine. Browse a great selection of gowns, suits, and shoes, all available at no cost for those in need.

Admission cost : Free

Location: United Activities Unlimited - West Brighton Cornerstone, 230 Broadway

Sunday

Freshwater fishing / April 27, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Interested in fishing but not sure where to begin? Join the Urban Park Rangers for free lessons! Learn how to use a fishing rod, the ethics of fishing, and the ecology of local waterways. Equipment is provided. Open to ages 8 and up, with one pole per family.

Admission cost: Free

Location: Eton Place Parking Lot in Willowbrook Park

Moana at St. George Theatre / April 27, 4 p.m.

Visit the St. George Theatre for a Sing-A-Long with Tina Kenny Jones, followed by a special screening of Disneys Moana, as part of the Better on the Big Screen Movie Series. Grab your tickets here.

Admission cost: $15-$20

Location: St. George Theatre
New York City students who go to Catholic school are on spring break this week. In this 2023 photo, families and children crowd outside Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy in South Beach for the first day of school. Priya Shahi

New York City students who attend a Catholic elementary school are enjoying some rest and relaxation during spring break this week  but when do they return to class?

Elementary schools in the Archdiocese of New York have been closed for Easter recess since last week, with the first day off on Friday, April 18, or Good Friday.

During vacation, students have time off for Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, followed by several more days off until April 25.

Easter vacation ends when students return to school on Monday, April 28.

Its important to note that Catholic high schools and private schools may have different dates for spring break.

It marks the last weeklong break for Catholic schools in the current academic year.

The next day off for students after spring break is Memorial Day on Monday, May 26.

The last day of school for Catholic school students is Friday, June 13.
From left, Clifford Hagen, Frank Morano, and Griffin Fossella appear in a composite photo. All three are set to appear in the April 29, 2025 special election for the South Shore City Council seat. (Advance file photos)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  More than 1,500 South Shore residents have had their say in the election to select their next representative in the City Council as of Thursday.

According to the New York City Board of Elections, 1,507 people have cast their ballot in the race for the 51st Council District seat among Frank Morano, 40, Cliff Hagen, 58, and Griffin Fossella, 27. The Board specifies that those numbers are unofficial.
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Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased its new Iron Dome Mission Module at last weeks Land Forces 2024 exhibition in Australia and the Air Force Association Air, Space, and Cyber (ASC) event in Washington, D.C., this week.

Utilizing a mobile radar sensor from Leonardo DRS (RADA) and a 10-canister launcher mounted on light tactical vehicles such as the JLTV, the Iron Domes mission module is a compact, flexible solution that can be integrated into various defense platforms. It responds rapidly to aerial threats, including rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The module can be deployed in static and mobile configurations, making it versatile for different operational needs.

The system is designed to be deployed as part of a tactical layered air defense protecting contingency Air Force or Marines units deployed overseas. These elements in Australia address the Littoral Lift Group Australias plans to stand up in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The Iron Dome, a proven system that has successfully intercepted thousands of rockets in operational use, is being marketed to allied nations as a key component of multi-tiered air defense strategies.
Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, sharply criticised President Donald Trumps erratic trade policies on Wednesday, saying that they risk doing so much damage around the world and that most Americans do not support them.

The unpredictability is just awful for everybody around the world, Branson said during a business trip to Saudi Arabia. Its just erratic, unpredictable, which is very, very difficult for business to deal with.

Im just sad, incredibly sad: Sir Richard Branson has publicly criticised Trump. Credit: Louise Kennerley

He added: An unsettled world is not good for anybody. People delay decisions on investment and spending.

Bransons comments were striking because many business leaders have avoided direct public criticism of Trump, apparently for fear of antagonising his administration.
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Exclusive Eating outComing soon The Clam Bar team announce their biggest venue yet  with an unexpected cuisine The trio behind Neptunes Grotto and Pellegrino 2000 will launch their next venture at a site just near Ivy. Scott Bolles April 24, 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

Sydney hospitality trio Andy Tyson, Dan Pepperell and Mikey Clift have successfully launched Italian and French restaurants, and a New York-style grill. Next, theyll turn their attention to Asia, with a new Chinese-inspired restaurant set to open near Martin Place. The team behind Sydney restaurants Pellegrino 2000, Neptunes Grotto and Clam Bar  plus Bistrot 916, which closed last year due to the redevelopment of its Potts Point building  have secured the former site of Long Chim restaurant, on the corner of Pitt Street and Angel Place in the CBD, close to Merivales Ivy precinct. Dan Pepperell, Andy Tyson and Michael Clift have turned their attention to their favourite cuisine. The Chinese-inspired restaurant, which will be called Grandfathers, will open in late winter 2025. [Chinese] is the worlds greatest cuisine, says Tyson, adding that the venue will focus on regional Chinese cuisines Cantonese and Sichuan.

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With the recruitment of a head chef currently under way, the trio is leaving some culinary wriggle room. This isnt to say theyre short of knowledge. Mikey [Clift] was at Rockpool and loosely involved at Spice Temple, and we have a big team with lots of experience, Tyson says. The Sydney dining market already has plenty of recent high-stakes investment in Chinese restaurants. Chinatown institution Golden Century was reborn at Crown in January and Neil Perry splashed $10 million on Song Bird at Double Bay (although the chef recently added some broader Asian dishes to its Cantonese menu). The team behind Clam Bar (above) is recruiting a new chef for their Chinese-inspired venue. Jennifer Soo Merivale is also strongly tipped to include an Asian restaurant as part of an operations management agreement at Club Rose Bay, with the mega-groups Queen Chow Chinese restaurant brand a rumoured inclusion. Tyson says they arent chasing a trend or a gap in the market, given the Martin Place precinct is relatively short on Chinese restaurants (although he notes that China Lane is essentially next door).

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We look at the four walls and think about the greatest thing that can go into it, he says. Its a strategy thats worked so far, with the teams venues awarded Good Food Guide hats since the launch of Bistrot 916 in 2021. A life-sized classical statue of the Roman god of the sea presides over Neptunes Grotto. Edwina Pickles Tyson declines to weigh in on Long Chims departure from the site last December. Launched in 2016 by Bangkok-based Sydney chef David Thompson, Long Chim listed a number of parting gripes on social media when the restaurant closed last December, including scaffolding blocking its entrance and rent levels. The Long Chim space fitted the Clam Bar teams plans and, with capacity for about 120 seats, presents a new challenge for the experienced operators: Tyson says the restaurant will have about twice the capacity of the trios other venues. Related Article Good Food hat Good Food hat 16 / 20 Review New York could do with more steakhouses like Sydneys new two-hatted Clam Bar

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1 / 5 Caffe Greco gives equal billing to Greek and Italian dishes on its menu. Supplied 2 / 5 Frutti di mare pasta. Supplied 3 / 5 Melbourne institution Caffe Greco is back open after a 10-plus year hiatus. Supplied 4 / 5 Black Angus cotoletta with feta, olives and semi-dried tomato. Supplied 5 / 5 Caffe Greco Oakleigh revives an old Melbourne favourite from the 90s. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide

Greek$$$$

A fixture of 1990s Melbourne has been resurrected, this time in the heart of Oakleigh. Owner Nick Zampelis first opened Caffe Greco on Chapel Street in 1994, inspired by the story behind Romes oldest coffee house (with which it shares a name), established 265 years ago by a Greek migrant and visited by writers, artists, revolutionaries and royalty.

Reviving the all-day restaurant in Melbournes Greek centre was a no-brainer - and Zampelis has gone all out for the 300-seater. The originals red-leather booths are joined by marble, classical frescoes and imposing chandeliers at this third iteration (a branch operated at Crown until 2010).

The Greek-meets-Italian menu includes 14-hour lamb shoulder, bruschetta, and rib-eye cotoletta with semi-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and feta. Classic Italian pizzas are joined by a saganaki one with fig jam. Family-sized pastas, including frutti di mare, feed five people. Sicilian sweets, such as cannoli, are made by the Bruno family who ran Cafe Siciliadolce.
As we commemorate the thousands of our countrymen and countrywomen who have given their lives or served in the nations armed forces, at home and overseas, there are haunting signs of the 1930s this Anzac Day. Russias Vladimir Putin is doing his best to emulate Hitler, European nations are wondering how to deal with another modern-day authoritarian dictator, and Donald Trump has abandoned the US leadership role to become a curious amalgam of 1930s America and the British prime minister Neville Chamberlain, isolationist and great appeaser at one. Diggers march on Anzac Day last year. Credit: Chris Hopkins In such circumstances its little wonder that, while they argue over defence spending, both the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Richard Marles, and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have warned that Australia faced the most complex, the most threatening, strategic circumstances since the end of the Second World War. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza threaten to reflect a world that appears to have forgotten how the US rescued Europe, established the institutions of global order and set the conditions for a long period of prosperity and relative peace.

Anzac Day has a way of reminding us about the imperatives of war and its cost. Anniversaries somehow make our sense of loss more poignant. It is 80 years since the Second World War ended, 60 years next Tuesday since Robert Menzies announced he would send an Australian battalion to Vietnam and 110 years today since the Diggers went ashore at what would become known as Anzac Cove. The Heralds C.E.W. (Charles) Bean, the nations official war correspondent, took the people of Australia into battle on the Gallipoli Peninsula, his despatch beginning with a heroic opening paragraph: The Australians and Maorilanders landed in two bodies, the first being a covering force to seize the ridges around the landing about an hour later. The moon that night set about an hour and a half before daylight. This just gave time for the warships and transports of the covering force to steam in and land the troops before dawn. In a truly unique Australian achievement, Beans subsequent Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 helped turn defeat in battle into an enduring victory of the spirit that Australians carried through conflict and war, only one of which  the Japanese bombing raids on Darwin and other coastal settlements and the submarine attacks on coastal shipping and Sydney Harbour  saw us under direct military threat. As conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East threaten, Australias Chief of Army, Simon Stuart, warned the Lowy Institute earlier this month that the next war would not be fought in Europe or the Middle East, but rather the islands and jungles of the Pacific and South-East Asia.
On April 30, 1945, Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his Berlin bunker, and just over a week later on May 8, Germany surrendered. This years Anzac Day, therefore, marks almost exactly 80 years since of the end of WWII in Europe. This sad anniversary gives our commemoration added significance.

Adolf Hitler in about 1933.

The words we are taught to recite on Anzac Day are lest we forget  by which we typically mean: remember the fallen. This year, lest we forget must take on a new and more urgent meaning: to remember how WWII began so we can prevent it from repeating.

With every passing year, remembering the horrors and causes of that war becomes ever more difficult. Very few who fought in WWII are still with us. The 18-year-olds who enlisted in 1945 are now turning 98. Even those who were children at that time, with the haziest recollections of what it meant, are entering their twilight years. Soon all direct memory of that war will have disappeared completely.

Can deep understanding of the costs and causes of global war survive beyond the span of a human life? Are we doomed to re-fight those wars every 80 to 100 years? Or can historical understanding guide us to safety? Can we keep the lessons of 1939 to 1945 near the forefront of our minds? We have to hope so. More to the point, we have to ensure it is so.
Disgraced soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has suffered a blow to his plans to appeal against a defamation judgment which found he committed war crimes while on duty in Afghanistan.

The former Special Air Service corporal sued the publisher of this newspaper, then known as Fairfax Media, and The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald investigative journalist Nick McKenzie, after a series of articles alleged Roberts-Smith carried out war crime murders while deployed with the SAS.

Ben Roberts-Smith departs the Federal Court of Australia in Sydney after the first day of his defamation case in 2021. Credit: Brook Mitchell

The Federal Court dismissed the case in June 2023 when a judge found, to the civil standard of the balance of probabilities, that Roberts-Smith had committed multiple war crime murders, assaulted Afghans and engaged in a campaign of bullying against Australian troops a decade earlier.

The Victoria Cross recipient appealed against the judgment and has been waiting for a decision for more than a year.
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 Gwenda Moulton, aged just 19, sat with six other young women in their green uniforms in the small room she knew only as Y Hut, located at HMAS Harman outside Canberra. It was 1942, and as a newly qualified telegraphist she had been listening to Japanese Morse code messages over her headphones well into her evening shift when, without warning, came the most important signal she recognised. It was RS NO (the women knew it as RS negative, the Japanese codeword for submarine). RS NO, the Japanese code for submarine. As soon as you heard that, you called out to your leading hand, Gwenda, now Gwenda Garde, 102, told Australian National Maritime Museum historian and curator Dr Roland Leikauf at her home in Orange in the NSW Central Tablelands. She would then dial the direction finder operator, who was way out up on a hill in the country. He would contact other direction finders and they would cross reference their bearings to get a fix on where the Japanese submarine was. We never found out if they sank the submarine.

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Other Morse messages she received were sent by teleprinter to Melbourne, where they were decoded. It was a time of change for the forces in Australia, where wartime shortages helped women break gender barriers. What! Women in the Royal Australian Navy? Good gracious, no. The response from officialdom was if women wanted to dress up and do something to help the war effort, why, they could work in a canteen or take a job in a factory or carry on with their knitting in a womans proper place, the home. Gwenda Garde (nee Moulton), now aged 102, at home in Orange, served in the Womens Royal Australian Naval Service. Credit: Belinda Soole That was the reaction, according to W.R.A.N.S, a history of the Womens Royal Australian Naval Service by Margaret Curtis-Otter, the organisations Acting First Officer. But even before the declaration of World War II in 1939, several womens voluntary organisations had sprung up, despite the derision heaped upon them. One was the Womens Emergency Signalling Corps, started in Sydney by Florence McKenzie (known as Mrs Mac), who trained women who at the time were barred from joining any of the services in Australia but were willing to learn wireless telegraphy.

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It wasnt until April 18, 1941, that the Minister for Navy approved the employment of telegraphists for HMAS Harman, the navys communications base  with the proviso that no publicity be given to the break in gender tradition. Gwenda was among those first 48 recruits. I heard about Mrs McKenzie and went to her classes in Clarence Street, Gwenda said. She was the first female electrical engineer, founder of the Womens Emergency Signalling Corps and a lifelong promoter for technical education for women. Gwenda Moulton, aged 19, front left (with six buttons), on pay day at HMAS Harman. She was a little woman, not much bigger than me at five foot, but about 20 years older, said Gwenda. One day she said to me: We are going for a [Morse code] test, Gwenda; you had better come for the experience. I went and, of course, I passed. The next thing I knew I was joining the navy. Then I was on a train going to HMAS Harman on Dec 27, 1941. Mrs Mac got the navy, with great difficulty, to take girls  I was WRANS number 36. When we got to our accommodation, they wanted us to paint the place, to camouflage it. The male telegraphists went off to sea and we moved into their cottages. We ate in the mess; the girls ate on one side and the remaining men on the other.

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Loading There was a dance every Saturday night in Canberra. I would dance with boys from the Army and Air Force, but we werent allowed to date naval officers, they were way above us. The girls were divided into two lots. One lot went to the ordinary station and did ordinary communications and the group I was in went to a very secret location called the Y Hut, it was a separate little building. It was important work, but it was so secret we didnt know what the other people on the base were doing. We werent allowed to talk about it and we had to learn the Japanese Morse, which was a bit different to ours. The Japanese didnt know, but we had their code books, and we knew, for instance, what their signal was for submarine. It was dit dah dit dit dit dit dah dit dah dah dah. A Japanese midget submarine is salvaged from Sydney Harbour in June 1942. Credit: Gordon Short You would listen in to different frequencies until you heard something that you knew was Japanese. We knew quite a lot of the frequencies that they used. We would write it down in Morse code and then we had to change it into letters [kana] so it could be sent on the teleprinter to Melbourne. We were never told what kana was. When you heard submarine there was great excitement! Youd call to the leading hand, tell her the frequency you were on, the DF [Direction Finding] station got in touch with others and they took a bearing. There were a lot of submarines down our coast, but you never knew if that submarine was sunk.

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Loading In 1944, I was based in Townsville, then a petty officer in charge of 32 girls. Dengue fever was rife and everyone seemed to get it at one time or another. As soon as the war ended, they took me off listening to the Japanese and we had to listen to the Russians. I thought that was terrible because the Russians were our allies. Gwenda didnt speak about her wartime role to anyone until COVID, when she sat down with her oldest daughter, Robin Thompson, and told her the complete story. Gwenda Moulton outside the cottages at HMAS Harman. Gwenda had a boyfriend, Robert, a Spitfire pilot who was killed over the north Atlantic. After the war, she married his best friend, John, who had flown Kittyhawks in New Guinea. They had three children. Mum may be 102, but shes as bright as ever and playing bridge four times a week  and still winning! Thompson said. Florence McKenzie was appointed OBE in 1950. She died in 1982.
Former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann wants prosecutors to hand over CCTV and witness statements ahead of his rape trial after his solicitor claimed important evidence had been withheld.

Lehrmann is accused of raping a woman twice during the morning of October 10, 2021 after they met at a strip club the previous night in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

The case was mentioned in Toowoomba District Court on Thursday.

Bruce Lehrmann in June last year. Credit: Dan Peled

Lehrmanns solicitor Zali Burrows told Judge Dennis Lynch she would apply for a complete consolidated brief of evidence.
Northrop Grummans B-21 Raider program is making significant strides in both flight testing and production, marking a new era in strategic bomber development. The Combined Test Force (CTF), comprising Northrop Grumman and Air Force personnel, is conducting a comprehensive flight test campaign at Edwards Air Force Base to evaluate the aircrafts capabilities.

Early feedback from test pilots has been overwhelmingly positive. Chris Hoss Moss, a B-21 Raider test pilot, noted that the aircrafts handling qualities are exceeding expectations based on simulations.

The flight test program rapidly expands the B-21s operational envelope, executing multiple test events within a week. According to Northrop Grumman, this efficiency is attributed to its digital ecosystem, which allows for quick analysis of test data and swift implementation of updates.

In parallel with flight testing, Northrop Grumman has completed static testing to verify the B-21s structural design and has begun fatigue testing to simulate a lifetime of flight conditions. The company is also scaling production, utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques and digital tooling across the factory. Innovative approaches, such as augmented reality tools and advanced robotics, are being employed to enhance efficiency and accuracy in the production process.

This strategy of building the first test aircraft, like the production model, aims to ensure a smooth transition to full-scale production and facilitate future technology insertions to keep the B-21 ahead of emerging threats.

Saab Delivers Fifth GlobalEye Aircraft to UAE

The UAE has received the fifth and final GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft built by SAAB. to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). GlobalEyes delivery spanned over four years, showcasing Saabs efficiency in fulfilling the development and manufacturing program within less than ten years.

Boeing Completes First Flight of UK E-7 Wedgetail for Royal Air Force

Boeing has successfully conducted the first flight of the UKs E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, marking a significant milestone in developing the Royal Air Forces (RAF) future Airborne Early Warning & Control fleet. The functional check flight, performed by a Boeing flight-test crew, took place at Birmingham Airport, initiating the programs test and evaluation phase.

The E-7 Wedgetail, based on a modified 737 NG airframe, is equipped with advanced capabilities, including a Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar sensor. This combat-proven system provides 360-degree coverage, enabling long-range detection and tracking of multiple airborne and maritime threats simultaneously.

Three 737 NG aircraft are undergoing modification in the UK, with over 100 personnel working on the project at STS Aviation Services in Birmingham. The E-7 fleet will be based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, where infrastructure preparations are nearing completion. The RAF participates in a trilateral agreement with the Royal Australian Air Force and U.S. Air Force for cooperative Wedgetail operations.

L3Harris Advances Hypersonic Propulsion Technology

L3Harris Technologies has announced significant progress in developing operational hypersonic propulsion systems, building on over 14 years of advancements since the historic X-51A WaveRider flight. The company has demonstrated the propulsion technology and production capacity needed to field operational hypersonic systems for warfighters. The Successful demonstration of scramjet technology through the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) program and continued advancement of 3D-printing technology for hypersonic applications via programs like GAMMA-H, are among the achievements, along with a significant reduction in production time (75%), manufacturing costs (75%), and number of parts (95%) for scramjet engines compared to first-generation designs and the Development of dual-mode air-breathing scramjets that can operate as both subsonic combustion ramjets and scramjets.

L3Harris is aligning its efforts with the Department of Defenses National Hypersonics Initiative 2.0, which aims to accelerate hypersonic technology development affordably and responsibly.

US Navy Begins LRASM integration with F-35C

AGM-158C LRASM flight testing begins on F-35C. As part of ongoing integration efforts, the Pax River F-35 Integrated Test Force team flew two days of test flights to evaluate flutter, loads, and flying qualities with two AGM-158 loaded on external stations.

Leonardos AW249 Completes First Operational Exercise

Leonardos new AW249 attack helicopter, dubbed FENICE, has successfully participated in its first operational exercise, marking a significant milestone in its development. The new helicopter was integrated into the Stella Alpina 2024 operations tactical bubble, demonstrating its advanced capabilities in a multi-domain operational environment during the exercise.

Nigeria Considers Acquiring Four Prachand Light Combat Helicopters from India

Nigeria is poised to become the first export customer of Indias indigenously developed Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). The Nigerian Air Force has shown interest in procuring four advanced attack helicopters, marking a significant milestone in Indias defense export efforts. The Prachand LCH, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a multi-role attack helicopter designed for high-altitude operations. This potential sale to Nigeria represents a significant step forward in Indias ambition to expand its defense exports.

Return to: Defense-Update Weekly News Summary 26.9.2024
Teachers have been urged ahead of Anzac Day to draw attention to Australian soldiers violence in the Middle East by a pro-Palestine activist group frustrated by resources that gloss over historical evidence to glorify war.

Teachers and School Staff for Palestine Victoria has developed and distributed a new teaching resource  called Challenging Anzac Day  to thousands of teachers nationwide, encouraging them to share with students details of Australian troops role in the Middle East just after World War I.

Anzac Day marchers in Melbourne last year. Credit: Getty Images

The lesson guide urges teachers to tell children that members of an Australian Light Horse brigade raided and patrolled hundreds of villages, killing up to 137 civilians at Sarafand al-Amar  also known as Surafend  in late 1918 in what was then Palestine.

The brutal massacre committed by the ANZACs at Sarafand al-Amar chillingly portended the Nakba, the catastrophic displacement of Palestinians in 1947-1949, the resource 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 No matter your budget, your taste in travel or preferred time of the year, there really is a Thai island  and, yes, including Koh Samui, the star location of the heavily hyped third series of The White Lotus  for absolutely everyone. There are, after all, more than 1400 idyllic forested limestone isles spread along nearly 3500 kilometres of Thai coastline. On the far west coast, the Andaman Sea flows south from Myanmar through the remote Surin Islands and Similan Islands National Park, neither of which allows for overnight stays but can be reached on live-aboards or day trips from Khao Lak, on the mainland north of Phuket. Little wonder Thailand is expected to welcome a record 40 million visitors in 2025. Phuket  Thailands largest and most developed island  is also the hopping-off point for Phang Nga Bay, where you will find the unspoilt islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, which were recommending over Koh Phi Phi, a once-Edenic spot now burdened with rubbish, water pollution, lowbrow tourists and jaded locals. Sail south instead to laid-back Koh Lanta, and onwards to Koh Lipe, bordering the pristine prehistoric wilds of Tarutao National Marine Park. Monsoons sweep along the Andaman coast from June, with rainfall steadily increasing until October. Over the summer months, the Gulf of Thailand has you covered, with fine sunny skies and calm seas for 10 months of the year. This region embraces Koh Samet, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in the east, and the Trat province islands, including Koh Kood and Koh Chang as you head south-west towards Cambodia.

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Map of Thailands best islands. Credit: No wonder Thailand is expected to welcome a record-breaking 40 million visitors in 2025, many of whom will be drawn to the countrys dreamy beaches and islands, the jewels in Thailands tourism crown. In the wake of The White Lotus, Traveller ranks, in order of greatest and across a range of price points, our dozen favourite Thai islands, including that dream streaming island. Koh Larn, Bay of Bangkok Beachfront at Andaz Pattaya. Best for A snapshot of a typical holiday island for Thais.

Tell me more A short hop from the Thai capital, a 45-minute public ferry ride from the busy shores of Pattaya, Koh Larns stripe of white beach lapped by turquoise waters is among the prettiest in the country. Also known as Coral Island, Koh Larn lures visitors on day trips and weekend breaks from Bangkok, which makes it feel more local than most other holiday islands. Sweet little cafes, friendly family-run restaurants and barbecue street food stalls line the pastel-coloured streets, which you can rent golf buggies to explore. There are basic guest houses and small hotels on the island, but it makes more sense to visit for the day, staying on the mainland instead, skipping grotty over-touristed Pattaya for cheerful Jomtien Beach down the coast.

When to go The dry season is from November to May, but the rainy season brings life to Chonburis rainforests, filling little-visited waterfalls to sensational effect.

Where to stay Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach has double rooms from $455 including breakfast. See hyatt.com Koh Chang, Gulf of Thailand

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Where the rivers meet the sea. Credit: iStock Best for Families looking to get off the beaten track.

Tell me more Koh Chang, which translates as Elephant Island, is named after its voluminous shape and is a favourite holiday spot for Thais seeking beachside R&R. As such, it feels relatively quiet compared with big hitters such as Phuket and Koh Samui, while still offering a good choice of places to stay, including a nice range of family-friendly resorts with great swimming pools, kids clubs and watersports centres. In Mu Ko Chang National Park, its one of 50 islands sprinkled along the immaculate Trat province coast, where the beaches  long, cottony stretches of soft sand and crystal-clear waters are  the main draw. If not on par with Koh Lanta or Koh Tao, the diving and snorkelling are still rather good; expect to encounter angelfish and clownfish (Nemos) around the shore and, at sea, turtles, reef sharks and porpoises.

When to visit As temperatures top 35 degrees, March and April may be too hot and humid for some families. Better to stick to the November-to-March high season, which is lively without being overwhelmed with tourists.

Where to stay Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort & Spa has garden-view double rooms from $294, all-inclusive. See centarahotelsresorts.com Koh Phangan, Gulf of Thailand Best for A wellness break with a side of snorkelling.

Tell me more You can see the lush green curves of Koh Phangan from Koh Samuis north coast. The slow ferry takes one hour and 45 minutes and the fast boats will have you there in under an hour. The island is best known for its notorious Full Moon parties  dont take any valuables and never leave your drink unattended  but the monthly raves are just a tiny part of the islands identity. Phangan has a thriving wellness scene, with yoga studios, fitness centres, Muay Thai boxing clubs and detox retreats scattered along the coast. Inland, theres a steamy national park laced with hiking trails and waterfalls, while Ang Thong National Marine Park is an easy long-tail boat ride away for diving and snorkelling.

When to visit As in Koh Samui, the weather is temperate for most of the year  just try to avoid June and November, when torrential rains prevail.

Where to stay Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas has double rooms from $434 including breakfast. See anantara.com Koh Racha Yai, Andaman Sea Moored at Siam Bay, Koh Racha Yai Credit: iStock

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Best for Honeymooning in the dreamy intimate setting and high-end hotels.

Tell me more In glowing green waters 20 kilometres off the southern tip of Phuket, Koh Racha is one of two sister islands, also known as the Raya Islands. Small but perfectly formed, Racha Yai is ringed by five beaches with blinding-white sand so soft you immediately sink up to your ankles. The islands proximity to Phuket, its beaches and fish-filled bays make it a popular spot for day trippers. Stay overnight and youll feel as if youve got the island to yourself  for at least a few hours each morning and night. During the day, you can walk or ATV around the island, making a snorkelling stop at Lha Bay, which gets fewer visitors. Wave goodbye to the tour boats at 5pm and settle in for a stupendous sunset paired with a seafood dinner caught that day by the islands fishermen. Low light pollution makes for glitter-bomb night skies.

When to visit The best time is from December to March, but prices start to drop in April and May as temperatures soar. Avoid the July-to-October monsoon season.

How to do it The Racha has double rooms from $514 including breakfast. See slh.com Koh Samet, Eastern Gulf of Thailand A longtail boat at the beach in Krabi Provence. Credit: iStock Best for Samets best-of-both-worlds vibe will appeal to bohemians.

Tell me more Bangkoks affluent set slide into Samet at the weekend to hang out in bars with DJs and dazzling fire shows on fashionable Ao Phai beach. Venture beyond the party zone and youll find a little-visited national park with golden, boulder-strewn beaches, peaceful coral reefs, shacks with kayaks for hire, and a web of cycling and hiking trails. Despite the islands popularity, accommodation options arent as attractive or well managed as elsewhere, consisting mainly of guest houses, bungalows and a handful of resorts.

When to visit Ferries run to the island throughout the year, but thunderstorms sweep in and out of this region from June to October. The November and May shoulder seasons are better value than the December-to-April high season.

Where to stay Slicker-than-most, Sai Kaew Beach Resort has double rooms from $265, including breakfast. See saikaewbeachresort.com

Koh Tao, Gulf of Thailand Lush Nang Yuan Island, Koh Tao. Credit: Getty Images Best for Divers, sporty young things and outdoorsy types.

Tell me more Whale sharks as big as buses, beefy barracuda, elegant black-tip reef sharks, UFO-like stingrays, pulsating pink cuttlefish peeking through the portholes of spooky shipwrecks  divers flock from across the globe to view these attractions in the marine-rich waters surrounding Koh Tao. Its a super spot for learners too, with Padi deep-water courses generally cheaper than at Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Try Simple Life Divers (simplelifedivers.com), where three-and-a-half-day open water courses start from $514. Snorkellers neednt miss out, as colourful corals bursting with reef fish are just offshore; the deep limpid rock pools at Mango Beach are especially vibrant. There are rock climbing, trail running, Muay Thai boxing and dancing with the sand between your toes at Sairee Beachs bars.

When to visit Koh Tao enjoys hot, sunny weather and typically calm seas with excellent visibility most of the year, excluding the monsoon months of June and November.

Where to stay A hideaway villa at Haadtien Beach Resort costs from $776, including breakfast and transfers to and from Mae Haad pier. See haadtien.com

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Koh Kood, Southern Gulf of Thailand Dining in the treetops at Soneva Kiri. Best for Switching off from the outside world.

Tell me more If you were to conjure up an idyllic vision of Thailand, it might look something like Koh Kood, with its golden beaches, Tiffany-blue waters, lush jungle, mangrove forests and secret rock pools and waterfalls  which makes it all the more surprising that it remains so undeveloped. Thats partly due to the limited season, limited flight and ferry services, and annoying sandflies (which are really only a problem on certain beaches at sunrise and sunset). Make the effort to get there and the pay-off is the Thailand dream scene of 50 years ago, all hazy golden days, empty swirls of beach, pristine waters frequented by sea turtles and stingrays, and traditional Thai hospitality. A small but eclectic mix of accommodation covers everything from beachside shacks to trendy Airbnb bungalows to family-run resorts and the eye-wateringly expensive eco-luxury escape Soneva Kiri.

When to visit Between October and May; Koh Kood closes and ferry services are suspended during the summer monsoon season.

Where to stay Ultra-luxury eco-resort Soneva Kiri has one-bedroom bay view pool villas from $1751, including breakfast and private aircraft transfers. See soneva.com

Koh Lanta, Andaman Sea Islands of Koh Haa off the shore of Ko Lanta. Credit: Getty Images Best for Socialising sans sleaze, Koh Lanta is the spot for solo travellers.

Tell me more A cluster of 16 islands in the luminous blue-green Andaman Sea, a few hours south of Phuket and Krabi by speedboat or ferry, Mu Koh Lanta National Park shares many of the same glorious natural attributes as its neighbours: rippling coastline, white powder beaches studded with boulders and some of the planets most biologically diverse coral reefs. Its also home to sea nomads known as the Chao Le, as well as an abundance of wildlife, including 130 bird species, flying lemurs, dusky leaf monkeys, Sunda slow lorises and a shrinking population of highly endangered dugongs. The diving is, naturally, tip-top, but Koh Lantas slower pace of life and warm local community endows a real sense of escape. Accommodation ranges from beach bungalows to private villas, family-run resorts and a couple of luxury hotels, with most located on the largest island, Lanta Yai.

When to visit Koh Lantas peak season is from November until March. Temperatures soar in late April and May but hotel rates drop by as much as 40 per cent. Limited availability means its best to book well in advance for the biggest savings.

Where to stay Pimalai Resort & Spahas double rooms from $265, including breakfast. Speedboat transfers take 90 minutes from Phukets Rassada Pier 4. See slh.com Koh Lipe, Southern Andaman Sea

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Washington: US President Donald Trump offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin on Thursday (Washington time), urging the Russian leader to STOP! after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraines capital.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

A mother comforts her daughter in a school basement used as a shelter after a Russian airstrike in Kyiv. Credit: AP/Evgeniy Maloletka

Russia struck Kyiv with an hours-long barrage of missiles and drones. At least 12 people were killed and 90 were injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said based on early information, Russia had used a North Korean ballistic missile to hit one of Kyivs residential buildings.

If the information that this missile was made in North Korea is confirmed, this will be further proof of the criminal nature of the alliance between Russia and Pyongyang, Zelensky said on X.
Elon Musk and US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent are alleged to have had a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)-style shouting match in the White House.

The fracas, reported by American news website Axios, was said to have been witnessed by US President Donald Trump.

The falling-out was spectacular, according to White House insiders, with an aide at one point stepping in between the two men.

Elon Musk allegedly dismissed the Treasury secretary as a Soros agent. Credit: Bloomberg

It was two billionaires, middle-aged men thinking it was WWE in the hall of the West Wing, one witness said.
The Dutch Navy Ship HNLMS Groningen intercepted 3 drug shipments in the Caribbean Region, within a week. This kept a total of 1,653 kilograms of narcotics off the streets. The interceptions date from 4, 5 and 9 April, but have now been announced.



During the first action on April 4, a Caribbean Coast Guard patrol aircraft spotted a suspicious vessel: the NH90 helicopter and 2 fast interceptor boats (Friscs) of HNLMS. Groningen was immediately deployed.

It led to an attempted escape during which packages were thrown overboard. Stop signals and warning shots were ignored. The outboard engines of the go-fast were then shot to pieces by the NH90.

The team of the American Coast Guard and the Marine Corps then intercepted 921 kilos of marijuana.

Second and third catch

Less than 24 hours later, another fast smuggling boat was spotted during a patrol. In this case as well, a forced interdiction of the vessel was required. During this interception, 342 kilos of cocaine were seized.

During a similar operation on April 9, 145 kilograms of marijuana and 245 kilograms of cocaine were seized. All illegal goods were handed over to the American Coast Guard.

Stationship

HNLMS Groningen has been the station ship in the Caribbean Region since the end of January. Carrying out counter-drug operations is one of her tasks. The naval vessel works alternately with the American Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard.

In the meantime, HNLMS Groningen has intercepted more than 5,000 kilograms of contraband during six drug transports.
PORT ST. MAARTEN:--- In a significant development for St. Maartens cruise tourism sector, senior executives from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) recently met with Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alexander Gumbs and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten.

The meeting focused on deepening the collaboration between NCL and Port St. Maarten, aiming to increase passenger arrivals and services.

Representing NCL were Juan Kuryla, Senior Vice President of Port Development and Construction Management, and Matthew Weintraub, Director Port Development, who expressed the companys interest in increasing cruise calls to St. Maarten.

NCL shared insights into their upcoming fleet expansion plans, including the debut of NCL Aqua just this month, and highlighted a new class of vessels set to debut soon. This initiative aligns with Port St. Maartens goals to diversify its cruise offerings and enhance passenger experiences.

Minister Heyliger-Marten expressed enthusiasm about the growth prospective, stating that Port St. Maartens role as a testing ground for NCLs new initiatives presents a significant opportunity to boost the islands cruise tourism sector.

Gumbs noted that discussions commenced during the FCCA conference hosted in St. Maarten in October 2024 and thereafter follow-up ongoing engagements with NCL have paved the way for this potential collaboration.

Gumbs emphasized the potential economic benefits, citing current average passenger expenditures of $161 and crew expenditures of $117.

Strategically, this also fits within the framework of improving the off-season months between May and October while improving berth occupancy during the high season, particularly on Fridays through Monday.

Typically, Tuesdays through Thursdays are the busiest days during the high season.
EU slaps fines on Apple and Meta, risking Trump fury



Brussels, Belgium, April 23 (AFP) Apr 23, 2025



The EU on Wednesday slapped Apple and Meta with 700 million euros in fines for breaking digital competition rules, risking the wrath of US President Donald Trump.

The penalties threaten to cause more tension in the already fraught relationship between the bloc and Trump, as the two sides discuss a deal to avoid his sweeping tariffs on the EU.

The European Commission fined Apple 500 million euros ($570 million) after concluding the company prevented developers from steering customers outside its App Store to access cheaper deals.

The EU also fined Meta 200 million euros over its "pay or consent" system after it violated rules on the use of personal data on Facebook and Instagram.

The fines are the first under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which came into effect last year, forcing the world's biggest tech firms to open up to competition in the EU.

They could rise further if Meta and Apple fail to comply within 60 days, the commission said, threatening the US giants with "periodic penalty payments".

The EU bolstered its legal arsenal over the past two years with major twin laws, the Digital Services Act and the DMA.

But since Trump's return to the White House, there have been concerns that the EU would shy away from enforcing them.

Trump frequently lashes out at the EU over its digital laws and taxes -- claiming they are "non-tariff barriers" to trade -- and many tech CEOs have aligned with his administration.

He has imposed 25 percent tariffs on steel, aluminium and auto imports from the EU, which Brussels hopes he will lift after an agreement.

Antitrust commissioner Teresa Ribera said in a statement the fines "send a strong and clear message", insisting the bloc had taken "firm but balanced enforcement action".

She denied there was any link to Trump's trade war, telling reporters during a visit to Mexico that EU competition rules "apply equally to everyone".



- Apple appeal -



The fines -- which come after the investigations began in March 2024 -- also appear to be more modest than past penalties against US Big Tech.

When Apple committed similar offences on its App Store, the commission slapped a 1.8 billion euro fine in March 2024 under different EU rules.

The EU defended the size of the fine because the violations happened over a shorter time period since the law applied from last year.

Apple faces a litany of accusations. The EU also told Apple in preliminary findings it was in breach of the DMA -- and therefore at risk of another hefty fine -- for not making it easy for rivals to provide alternatives to its App Store.

Apple, however, slammed the decisions and said in a statement it would appeal the fine.

"Today's announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free," the company said.

Meta accused the EU of "attempting to handicap successful American businesses while allowing Chinese and European companies to operate under different standards".

"The Commission forcing us to change our business model effectively imposes a multi-billion-dollar tariff on Meta while requiring us to offer an inferior service," said Meta's chief global affairs officer Joel Kaplan, a prominent Republican and Trump ally.

The commission pushed back on his comments.

"We don't care who owns the company. We don't care where the company is located," EU spokesman Thomas Regnier said.

"Be it a Chinese company, be it an American company, or be it a European company, you will have to play by the rules in the European Union," he added.

In a rare bit of good news for Apple, the EU closed its investigation over its user choice obligations after Apple complied with the DMA, and made it easy to select a default browser and for users to remove pre-installed apps such as Safari.



- Meta's data use -



The fine against Meta concerned its "pay for privacy" system, which has faced fierce criticism by rights defenders in Europe after its introduction in November 2023.

It means users have to pay to avoid data collection, or agree to share their data with Facebook and Instagram to keep using the platforms for free.

But the commission concluded Meta did not provide users a less personalised but equivalent version of the platforms, and "did not allow users to exercise their right to freely consent to the combination of their personal data".

Meta in November last year proposed a new version, which the EU is currently assessing.

Separately, around 200 French media groups are taking legal action against Meta over targeted advertisements that exploited data collected from users without their consent, their lawyers said.

raz/dr/dhc

Apple
Chinese astronauts set to blast off for space station



Jiuquan, China, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



China will send a new team of astronauts to its space station on Thursday, as the country marches towards its ambition of becoming a space power to rival the dominance of the United States.

Beijing has pumped billions of dollars into its space programme in recent years in an effort to achieve what President Xi Jinping describes as the Chinese people's "space dream".

The world's second-largest economy has bold plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon by the end of the decade and eventually build a base on the lunar surface.

It will mark its latest milestone on Thursday, when the Shenzhou-20 mission will ferry a team of three astronauts to the country's self-built Tiangong space station.

The all-male trio will blast off at 5:17 pm (0917 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the country's remote northwestern desert, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

Leading the mission is Chen Dong, 46, a former fighter pilot and veteran space explorer who in 2022 became the first Chinese astronaut to clock up more than 200 cumulative days in orbit.

The other two crew members -- 40-year-old former air force pilot Chen Zhongrui, and 35-year-old former space technology engineer Wang Jie -- will be embarking on their first space flight.

"Today, I am on the point of realising my dream of flying in space," Chen Zhongrui told a news conference on Wednesday arranged to introduce the astronauts to the public.

The crew will work on Tiangong for six months, carrying out experiments in physics and life sciences and installing protective equipment against space debris.

For the first time, they will also bring aboard planarians -- aquatic flatworms known for their regenerative abilities.

The team will also conduct spacewalks, replenish supplies and carry out general maintenance on the structure.

Three astronauts currently aboard Tiangong are scheduled to return to Earth on April 29 after completing handover procedures.



- Jewel in the crown -



During a government tour on Wednesday afternoon, AFP journalists saw the rocket ensconced in a sky-blue launch tower, surrounded by red flags as workers in blue jumpsuits made final checks before the launch.

China's space programme is the third to put humans in orbit and has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon as it seeks parity with the world's two most established celestial powers, the United States and Russia.

Crewed by rotating teams of three astronauts every six months, Tiangong -- whose name means "celestial palace" in Chinese -- is the jewel in its crown.

China has been excluded from the International Space Station since 2011, when the United States banned NASA from collaborating with Beijing.

It has since sought to bring other countries into its space programme, and in February signed a deal with longtime ally Pakistan to bring the first foreign astronaut aboard Tiangong.

As part of this process, "two Pakistani astronauts will be selected to come to China for training", the CMSA confirmed on Wednesday.
Three Chinese astronauts blast off for Tiangong space station



Jiuquan, China, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



A Chinese rocket carrying three astronauts to the country's space station blasted off from its remote launch site Thursday, the latest milestone in Beijing's race to become a leading celestial power.

Beijing has pumped billions of dollars into its space programme in recent years in an effort to achieve what President Xi Jinping describes as the Chinese people's "space dream".

The world's second-largest economy has bold plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon by the end of the decade and eventually build a base on the lunar surface.

Thursday's launch of the Shenzhou-20 mission is intended to ferry a team of three astronauts to China's Tiangong space station.

The Long March-2F rocket lifted into the air in a plume of flame and smoke at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Base in the desert of northwest China, AFP journalists saw, heralding the start of the six-month mission.

Leading the newest crew is Chen Dong, 46, a former fighter pilot and veteran space explorer who in 2022 became the first Chinese astronaut to clock up more than 200 cumulative days in orbit.

The other two crew members -- 40-year-old former air force pilot Chen Zhongrui, and 35-year-old former space technology engineer Wang Jie -- are embarking on their first space flight.

Hundreds of people brandishing bouquets and miniature national flags packed into the streets of the space base hours before the launch to see the astronauts off on Thursday afternoon.

A band played a rousing military march as the trio, clad in white spacesuits, waved in front of a red banner proclaiming: "Learn from our astronauts! Salute our astronauts!"

"We wish you success!" the crowd shouted in unison as the crew members passed.

Live images on state television then showed the three astronauts being transported by bus to the launch site, beyond which vast stretches of empty desert could be seen.

The crew will work on Tiangong for six months, carrying out experiments in physics and life sciences and installing protective equipment against space debris.

For the first time, they will also bring aboard planarians -- aquatic flatworms known for their regenerative abilities.

The team will also conduct spacewalks, replenish supplies and carry out general maintenance on the space station.

Three astronauts currently aboard Tiangong are scheduled to return to Earth on April 29 after completing handover procedures.

Busloads of space enthusiasts waited by a barren highway several hours ahead of Thursday's launch, braving the high desert sun to catch a glimpse of the rocket perched on the horizon.

A kiosk by the entrance to the launch base did brisk trade in toy rockets and mission-themed memorabilia.



- Jewel in the crown -



During a government tour on Wednesday afternoon, AFP journalists saw the rocket ensconced in a sky-blue launch tower, surrounded by red flags as workers in blue jumpsuits made final checks before the launch.

China's space programme is the third to put humans in orbit and has also landed robotic rovers on Mars and the Moon as it seeks parity with the world's two most established celestial powers, the United States and Russia.

Crewed by rotating teams of three astronauts every six months, Tiangong -- whose name means "celestial palace" in Chinese -- is the jewel in its crown.

China has been excluded from the International Space Station since 2011, when the United States banned NASA from collaborating with Beijing.

It has since sought to bring other countries into its space programme, and signed a deal with longtime ally Pakistan in February to bring the first foreign astronaut aboard Tiangong.

As part of this process, "two Pakistani astronauts will be selected to come to China for training", the CMSA confirmed on Wednesday.
Brandon Tseng, Co-founder and President of Shield AI, presented a compelling case for reforming the Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition process in his statement to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. Tseng, a former Navy SEAL and engineer, emphasized shifting from a requirements-based to a problem-based acquisition system to foster innovation and maintain Americas military edge.

Tseng highlighted Shield AIs achievements in developing AI-piloted aircraft and drones, including the MQ-35 V-BAT and autonomous F-16 flights. He argued that current DoD acquisition processes often result in incremental improvements (faster horses) rather than transformative solutions. The existing requirements-based system, Tseng contended, is slow, inflexible, and discourages innovation from defense contractors.

To address these issues, Tseng proposed establishing a new problem-based acquisition system separate from current processes. This system would focus on solving identified problems without specifying requirements, provide flexible budgeting based on value, and target 25% adoption of major acquisition efforts within three years. Tseng also recommended implementing pre-deployment training under electronic warfare conditions to assess the survivability of U.S. military systems.

Tsengs testimony underscores the critical role of software and AI in future military capabilities, emphasizing the need for increased investment and a shift in DoD culture to recognize these technologies strategic importance. (Read the complete statement)

Forterra Secures $75 Million in Funding for Autonomous Driving Systems

The US-based Forterra company (formerly RRAI) has successfully raised $75 million to advance its autonomous AutoDrive vehicle technology, which facilitates autonomous driving systems for military and commercial vehicles. The AutoDrive systems have become central elements in autonomy systems explored or used by the US Army and US Marine Corps, including autonomous convoys (ACE/GEARS), autonomy retrofits, robotic combat vehicles (RCV), small, multipurpose equipment transports (SMET), and remotely operated ground units for Expeditionary forces (ROGUE).

Northrop Grumman and Lithuania Partner to Boost Defense Industrial Capabilities

Northrop Grumman Corporation and the Lithuanian government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on enhancing Lithuanias defense industrial capabilities. The agreement, signed on September 23, 2024, focuses on supporting Lithuanian industry in producing medium-caliber ammunition for Infantry Fighting Vehicles. This collaboration is expected to contribute to replenishing stockpiles and improving munitions supply chains for allied nations. The project is anticipated to involve the state-owned Giraite Armaments Plant, aligning with Lithuanias broader strategic objective of enhancing its defense industry.

Honeywell Finalizes $1.9 Billion Acquisition of CAES

Honeywell has acquired CAES Systems Holdings LLC from Advent International for $1.9 billion in cash. This strategic move significantly enhances Honeywells defense and space portfolio, particularly in high-reliability radio frequency technologies.

Rolls-Royce Sells Naval Propulsors and Handling Business to FMD

Rolls-Royce has agreed to sell its Naval Propulsors and Handling Systems business to Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a leading provider of marine power solutions for naval forces. This divestment is part of Rolls-Royces ongoing efforts to streamline its portfolio and focus on core areas of expertise. Rolls-Royce will retain its Naval Gas Turbines and Generator Sets operations, which provide power-dense solutions for naval propulsion and onboard power needs.

Return to: Defense-Update Weekly News Summary 26.9.2024
UN watchdog asks Iran to clarify tunnels but upbeat on deal



Washington, April 23 (AFP) Apr 23, 2025



The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency called Wednesday on Iran to explain tunnels built around a nuclear site but voiced optimism that US-Iran talks would land a deal.

The Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington think tank, released satellite imagery on Wednesday that it said showed a new, deeply buried tunnel alongside an older one around the Natanz site, as well as a new security perimeter.

"I've been raising this issue repeatedly, and I will continue to do so," Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told reporters on a visit to Washington.

Grossi, who visited Tehran last week, said that all countries need to inform the IAEA of intentions for facilities around nuclear sites but that Iran has a stance "unique in the world" that it does not need to inform the agency ahead of time.

"We're asking them, what is this for? They are telling us, it's none of your business," Grossi said.

Grossi said it "cannot be excluded" that the tunnels would store undeclared material but said he did not want to speculate on intentions.

But Grossi also said that Iranian and IAEA experts would meet to follow up on his visit, including on reinstalling cameras on nuclear sites.

"It was agreed that I am sending a technical team to continue our discussions on this very specific kind of things," he said.

"They are going to be meeting in the next few days in Tehran."



- Expectation of new deal -



Iran and the United States have held two rounds of talks since President Donald Trump called for a diplomatic solution to avoid conflict. A new round of technical talks is expected this weekend.

"I think there's a general expectation that this goes well and that the agreement is verified by the IAEA," Grossi said.

He said that was "more or less the sense of what I'm getting when I'm talking to leaders," mentioning specifically Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as hopeful for a US-Iran deal.

Trump in 2018 ripped up an earlier nuclear agreement negotiated under Barack Obama and reimposed sweeping sanctions.

But Trump has voiced hope in his second term for a new accord that would resolve the issue diplomatically, and has discouraged Israel from a military strike on Iran.

Asked about a military option, Grossi said: "I should simply remind that attacks on nuclear facilities is something that could have potentially very, very serious consequences."



- US talks tough -



The Obama deal, known as the JCPOA, allowed Iran to maintain uranium enrichment at 3.67 percent -- far below the level needed for nuclear weapons -- for civilian nuclear usage.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stood firm in an interview released Wednesday that there should be no enrichment.

"If Iran wants a civil nuclear program, they can have one just like many other countries in the world have one, and that is they import enriched material," he told the Honestly podcast.

Rubio said the Trump team would not repeat the Obama deal which "gave Iran immediate and full sanctions relief in exchange for enrichment capabilities that at any point could be weaponized in the future."

Obama administration officials counter that the JCPOA worked in constraining Iran's program until Trump walked away and that it is unrealistic to expect Iran to surrender its whole program.

The Trump administration has kept up sanctions despite the diplomacy. On Tuesday, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on an Iranian shipping network and its purported owner.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei responded that the move was in "clear contradiction with the United States' demand for dialogue and negotiation and indicates America's lack of goodwill and seriousness in this regard."

burs-sct/mlm
Ukraine authorities report missile attack on Kyiv



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Ukrainian authorities issued an alert for a missile attack on Kyiv early Thursday, and AFP journalists heard explosions across the capital.

"Kyiv is being attacked by enemy missiles," the city's military authorities said in a post on Telegram.

They said damage had been reported in at least two districts and called on residents to take shelter.

Flights of drones could also be heard across the city.

In a bomb shelter set up in a basement of a residential building, over a dozen residents gathered after the air alert started, an AFP journalist witnessed.

City mayor Vitali Klitschko said a three-year-old child had been taken to hospital, later adding that at least 21 people were injured.

"The 21st casualty was already hospitalised," Klitschko said.

Kyiv was last hit by missiles on April 5 when at least three people were wounded.

It has been the target of sporadic attacks since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

In Ukraine's east, the city of Kharkiv was hit by seven missiles, city mayor Igor Terekhov said.

Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, said Russia was attacking Kyiv, Kharkiv and other cities "with missiles and drones right now".

"Putin shows only a desire to kill," he said. "The attacks on civilians must stop."
Two killed, 54 wounded in Russian missile attack on Kyiv: city mayor



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



At least two people were killed and 54 wounded after a missile attack on Kyiv early Thursday, the city mayor said.

Ukrainian authorities issued an alert for a missile attack, and AFP journalists heard explosions across the capital.

"Kyiv is being attacked by enemy missiles," the city's military authorities said on Telegram.

Hours later, city mayor Vitali Klitschko said: "two people were killed in the capital".

"54 people were injured. 38 of them, including 6 children, were hospitalised," he said in a Telegram post.

In a bomb shelter set up in a basement of a residential building, over a dozen residents gathered after the air alert started, an AFP journalist witnessed.

Kyiv was last hit by missiles in early April when at least three people were wounded.

It has been the target of sporadic attacks since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

In Ukraine's east, the city of Kharkiv was hit by seven missiles, city mayor Igor Terekhov said, adding later that "a massive drone attack" on the city was ongoing.

"Stay safe!" said Terekhov.

Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, said Russia was attacking Kyiv, Kharkiv and other cities "with missiles and drones right now".

"Putin shows only a desire to kill," he said. "The attacks on civilians must stop."
Zelensky cuts short South Africa trip after deadly attack on Kyiv



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cancelled part of his trip to South Africa on Thursday after Russia fired a barrage of missiles and drones at Kyiv, killing at least eight people and trapping others under rubble.

Ukraine has been battered with aerial attacks throughout Russia's three-year invasion, but deadly strikes on Kyiv, which is better protected by air defences than other cities, are less common.

The attacks threw yet more doubt on already fraught US efforts to push Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, hours after US President Donald Trump lashed out at Zelensky for refusing to accept Moscow's occupation of Crimea as a condition for peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is yet to respond to Zelensky's proposal to completely halt air attacks on civilian targets, and last month rejected a US-Ukrainian call for a full and unconditional ceasefire.

"It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire and a halt to strikes... And it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people," Zelensky said in a post on X.

The Ukrainian leader, who was on a trip to South Africa, announced he would return to Ukraine immediately after meeting the country's president Cyril Ramaphosa.

"The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally," he added.

Rescuers initially said nine people were killed, but interior minister Igor Klymenko later told reporters eight were dead, while more than 70 were injured.

Rescuers were working to recover people from the rubble of buildings, he added.

Olena Davydiuk, a 33-year-old lawyer in Kyiv, told AFP she saw windows breaking and doors "falling out of their hinges" during the barrage.

"People were being pulled out of the rubble. They said that there were dead people there too," she added.



- 'Phone calls under rubble' -



Russia fired at least 70 missiles and 145 drones at Ukraine between late Wednesday and early Thursday, the main target being Kyiv, the Ukrainian air force said.

Of the 215 projectiles, 112 were "confirmed to have been shot down", it wrote on Telegram.

Loud blasts sounded over the Ukrainian capital at around 1:00 am (2200 GMT), after air raid sirens rang out across Kyiv warning residents to head to shelters, AFP journalists on the ground said.

Through the night, rescue workers were scouring through the rubble of destroyed buildings and tackling blazes in apartment blocks. The interior ministry said damage was recorded at 13 separate locations across the capital.

"Phone calls can be heard from under the rubble -- the search will continue until we are confident that we have found everyone," Klymenko said, adding that two children were unaccounted for.

In the Sviatoshinsky district in the west of Kyiv, an AFP journalist saw a body bag with one of the victims lain out on a strip of grass.

Construction equipment was being used nearby to clear piles of debris from a destroyed building, and roofs and windows had been blown off an apartment block.

A woman sat on a small folded-out chair stroking the arm of another person killed in the attack, the body covered in a striped blue sheet.

Nearby an AFP journalist saw a first responder talking to a woman wounded in the attack, her face bloodied and bruised as she clutched a dog in her arms.



- 'Killing field' -



Moscow's army has launched some of its most deadly and brazen aerial strikes at Ukraine over the last month -- defying Trump's push to bring about a rapid end to the bloodshed.

A ballistic missile strike on the centre of northeastern city of Sumy killed at least 35 on April 13.

And an attack on Zelensky's home town of Kryvyi Rig in early April killed at least 19 -- including nine children after a missile slammed into a residential area near a children's playground.

Hours before the attack, Trump had said a peace deal was "very close" -- and effectively closed with Moscow -- but accused Zelensky of being "harder" to negotiate with.

The Ukrainian president's refusal to accept US terms for ending the conflict -- which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 -- "will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field'," he said.

Russia also launched a large-scale attack on the northeastern city of Kharkiv overnight, firing at least seven missiles and hitting a "densely populated residential area," city mayor Igor Terekhov said.

Separately, Russia's defence ministry reported downing 87 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 45 over Crimea.
Swedish jets intercept Russian plane near Poland



Stockholm, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Two Swedish fighter jets under NATO command were scrambled Thursday over the Baltic Sea to escort away a Russian reconnaissance plane that was approaching Polish airspace, Sweden's armed forces said.

"The plane was close to Polish airspace so we went up to signal our presence, make a visual identification and escort it out of the area," Swedish air force spokeswoman Therese Akerstedt told AFP.

The Swedish jets, based in Malbork, Poland under NATO command, identified the aircraft as a Russian IL-20 Coot reconnaissance plane.

The mission took place in international airspace, the armed forces said in a statement.

Sweden joined NATO in March 2024.

Tensions over the Baltic Sea have heightened since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
W.African bloc slams 'barbaric' Benin jihadist attack



Abidjan, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



West African regional bloc ECOWAS on Thursday condemned an attack by suspected jihadists which killed 54 troops in northern Benin as a "barbaric and cowardly act".

After authorities previously gave a death toll of eight soldiers, the Benin government on Wednesday said suspected jihadist insurgents killed 54 troops last week in an attack on military posts in a Benin national park.

The Economic Community of West African States "condemns in the strongest possible terms this barbaric and cowardly act, which once again aims to sow terror and destabilise our member states", it said in a statement.

The "odious terrorist attack" caused the "loss of lives and left several people injured", the statement added, without giving precise figures.

The April 17 attack was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which said it had killed 70 Beninese soldiers.

The official toll of 54 dead would make it the deadliest attack confirmed by the Beninese authorities since a recent uptick in strikes on military bases.

Benin's government often blames such attacks on Islamist militants seeking to extend their reach from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.

Both countries have been locked in conflict with militants affiliated to the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda for more than a decade.

Benin deployed nearly 3,000 soldiers to secure its borders in January 2022. It later sent an additional 5,000 troops to bolster security in the north.

Twenty-eight Benin soldiers were killed near the border between Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso in January in an attack also claimed by the JNIM.
DEFTECH LLC, a cutting-edge defense technology company from Azerbaijan, unveiled a new family of reconnaissance and attack platforms featuring a unique tandem-wing design at the ADEX 2024 arms exhibition in Baku. Originally introduced as conceptual models at ADEX 2022, these platforms have matured through flight testing and are now designed for long-endurance surveillance missions and attack roles. In collaboration with Azerbaijans Ministry of National Defense Production and UAV solutions providers, DEFTECH has made significant advancements with the DT-101 and DT-001 drone designs and their associated loitering munitions. The tandem-wing configuration, a hallmark of DEFTECHs design, enhances the UAVs aerodynamics by providing improved longitudinal stability and lift efficiency, making them highly effective across various flight regimes.

The DT-101 is a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV built for long-endurance surveillance and targeting missions. It boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 55-75 kg and a wingspan of 3.6 meters. It is powered by a hybrid propulsion system combining a 180 CC internal combustion engine with four electric VTOL motors. Capable of reaching cruising altitudes between 3,000 and 5,000 meters, the DT-101 can remain airborne for up to 10 hours, depending on mission requirements.

The heavier DT-001 UAV is runway-launched, with a 75-120 kg takeoff weight, powered by a 360 CC internal combustion engine. It is designed to carry heavier payloads and supports up to two F-1500 loitering munitions under its fuselage. The DT-101 and DT-001 can carry a range of mission payloads, including EO/IR cameras, multispectral sensors, LIDAR, SIGINT/ELINT pods, and jamming equipment.

The F-1500 loitering munition, specifically designed for the DT-001, is a compact tube or air-launched system weighing 7 kg. It can loiter for 20-40 minutes and strike targets up to 40 km away. The tube-launched version carries a 1.5 kg warhead with options for high explosive fragmenting, armor-piercing, or thermobaric warheads, while the air-launched version can carry a larger 3 kg warhead. The F-1500 features AI-based target identification, anti-jamming technologies, and an autopilot system for autonomous targeting.

The larger F-5000E loitering munition, launched via catapult, weighs 16 kg and carries a 5 kg warhead. Offering greater strike power, it has a range of 250 km and an airborne endurance of up to five hours, providing increased tactical flexibility compared to the F-1500.

Azerbaijan has been an early adopter of drone and loitering munitions technologies, widely using these systems in combat. The progress made in domestically developed systems like those from DEFTECH will significantly bolster the countrys defense industry, enhancing resilience amid regional instability.
India, Pakistan and the Kashmir attack: what we know



New Delhi, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Long-troubled relations between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan rapidly worsened after gunmen targeting tourists killed 26 men in Indian-administered Kashmir.

It was the deadliest attack on civilians in the disputed Himalayan territory in a quarter of a century.

India accuses Pakistan of being behind Tuesday's attack but Islamabad rejects those claims as "frivolous".

The South Asian neighbours have issued a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures but analysts fear any further escalation could involve military action.



- What happened? -



Holidaymakers escaping the sweltering heat of India's lowland plains were enjoying the tranquil meadows of the Baisaran Valley on Tuesday. The popular site lies beneath snowcapped mountains near the town of Pahalgam.

Gunmen burst out of surrounding pine forests, raking the crowds with automatic weapons.

Survivors told reporters that the gunmen separated men from women and children and then executed several at close range.

They also reported that the gunmen ordered some of the men to recite the Muslim declaration of faith.

Those who could not were shot.

All 26 killed were Indian nationals, except one from Nepal.

Most were Hindus. One was a Kashmiri Muslim who gave horse rides for tourists.



- What is the issue in Kashmir? -



Muslim-majority Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the territory in full.

Rebels in the Indian-run area have waged an insurgency since 1989, seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Tens of thousands of people have died in the conflict.

New Delhi's government revoked the region's limited autonomy in 2019 and India has an estimated 500,000 soldiers deployed permanently in the territory.



- Who were the attackers? -



Indian police have identified two Pakistani nationals among the three fugitive alleged gunmen. The other is Indian.

Police say they are members of the Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), designated a terrorist organisation by the United Nations.

A shadowy group called The Resistance Front (TRF)has purportedly claimed responsibility, according to an unverified claim quoted by some Indian media.

India designates TRF as a terrorist organisation and the India-based Observer Research Foundation calls it "a smokescreen and an offshoot of LeT".



- Who is responsible? -



New Delhi regularly blames Islamabad for backing gunmen in Kashmir.

Islamabad denies such charges, saying it only backs Kashmir's struggle for self-determination.

New Delhi issued fresh claims after this attack, saying Islamabad supported "cross-border terrorism".

Pakistan has denied any role in the attack.



- How has India responded? -



Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to "punish every terrorist and their backer".

New Delhi has also issued a raft of punitive diplomatic measures.

Those include suspending a water-sharing treaty, the closure of the main land border crossing with Pakistan and downgrading diplomatic ties.

India has ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave the country, with the exception of remaining diplomats, by April 29.



- How has Pakistan responded? -



Pakistan hit back with tit-for-tat measures, including expelling New Delhi's diplomats, and cancelling visas for Indian nationals with the exception of Sikh pilgrims.

It also closed its airspace to Indian airlines.

Islamabad also warned it would regard any attempt by India to stop the supply of water from the headwaters of the Indus River as an "act of war".



- How has Kashmir been affected? -



The attack targeting tourists was a dramatic shift from the previously common smaller-scale assaults against Indian security forces.

Tourism is vital to the region's economy and analysts say the unprecedented targeting of visitors will be a body blow to the industry.

Hoteliers reported mass cancellations at the start of the usually busy summer season.

Indian security forces have also launched a huge manhunt, with large numbers of people detained.

Rights groups say previous crackdowns have seen sweeping arrests and a repression of civil liberties.



- What will happen next? -



Some fear New Delhi's diplomatic moves may just be an opening salvo -- with the potential risk of military action.

The worst attack in recent years in Indian-run Kashmir was at Pulwama in 2019, when insurgents rammed a car packed with explosives into a police convoy, killing 40 and wounding 35.

Indian fighter jets carried out air strikes on Pakistani territory 12 days later.
Tank fire killed UN worker in Gaza, initial Israeli army probe says



Jerusalem, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Israeli tank fire killed a UN worker in Gaza last month, according to initial findings from an investigation released Thursday by Israel's military, which initially denied operating in the area.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) announced on March 19 the death of one of its employees in the central Gaza city of Deir el-Balah when an unidentified piece of "explosive ordnance" hit their building.

"According to the findings collected so far, the examination indicates that the fatality was caused by tank fire from IDF (Israeli military) troops operating in the area," the military said in a statement.

"The building was struck due to assessed enemy presence and was not identified by the forces as a UN facility".

At the time, an Israeli army spokesman told AFP that "there was no IDF operational activity there and that the IDF didn't strike the UN compound".

Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein also said on March 19 that "the initial examination found no connection... whatsoever" to Israeli military activity, though the circumstances were under investigation.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric later said "an Israeli tank" had hit the UN compound, killing a Bulgarian employee and severely wounding six others.

The killing came a day after Israel renewed its intense bombardment of the Palestinian territory following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire with Hamas Palestinian militants.

In its statement on Thursday, Israel's military said it "regrets this serious incident and continues to conduct thorough review processes... to prevent such events in the future."

"We express our deep sorrow for the loss and send our condolences to the family," it added.

The military said it had shared its initial findings with the UN.

The latest investigation findings come after the military last Sunday reported on a separate probe into the killing of 15 Palestinian emergency workers in Gaza. The military admitted that mistakes led to their deaths and said a field commander would be dismissed.
Iran FM says ready to visit Berlin, Paris, London for nuclear talks



Tehran, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday he would be willing to visit Germany, France and Britain for talks on his country's nuclear programme.

Tehran recently reopened nuclear talks with its arch-foe the United States, engaging in two rounds of mediated negotiations in Muscat and Rome, with a third slated for Saturday back in the Omani capital.

Germany, France and Britain, along with the United States, were among the parties to a landmark 2015 deal that placed curbs Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief -- a deal that collapsed after US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018.

"After my recent consultations in Moscow and Beijing, I am ready to take the first step with visits to Paris, Berlin and London," Araghchi said in a post on X, adding that he was open to talks "not only on the nuclear issue, but in each and every other area of mutual interest and concern".

Araghchi was in China on Wednesday to meet with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi ahead of Saturday's talks with the United States.

Last week he visited Moscow for similar discussions and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Araghchi voiced satisfaction at the level of cooperation with allies China and Russia, but said on Thursday that ties with the three European powers, or E3, "are currently down".

He added that "the ball is now in the E3's court", saying they "have an opportunity to do away with the grip of Special Interest groups and forge a different path".

French foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine told AFP that Paris would wait and see "if this announcement by the Iranian minister is followed by effects".

He added that France "will very willingly continue to dialogue with the Iranians" on the nuclear subject.

Germany and Britain did not immediately comment on the matter.



- Snapback -



Iran and the E3 have recently taken steps to re-establish a dialogue on the nuclear issue, holding a handful of meetings since late last year.

Following Washington's withdrawal, Tehran stuck to the 2015 agreement for a year before scaling back its compliance, increasing its enrichment of uranium to up to 60 percent -- far above the 3.67 percent ceiling set by the deal, but short of the 90 percent required for a bomb.

In December, the three European countries warned of the possibility of triggering the so-called "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 accord if Iran continued to develop its nuclear programme.

If triggered, the mechanism would automatically reinstate UN sanctions on Iran over its non-compliance. The option to activate it expires in October.

Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European countries to decide whether to use the option.

Iran has previously warned it could withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if the mechanism were triggered.

On Wednesday Araghchi slammed, without elaborating, "attempts by the Israeli regime and certain Special Interest groups to derail diplomacy" and undermine the ongoing talks with the US.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said Wednesday that Iran was an existential threat and warned that "the fate of all humanity" was at stake if it acquired nuclear arms.

Iran has consistently denied allegations it is pursuing an atomic bomb, insisting its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

Western governments have also criticised Iran's missile programme and accused it of providing Russia with weapons in its war against Ukraine.

Iran has denied the accusations, saying it has not supported any side in the conflict.

rkh-mz/smw
Israel military issues evacuation order for residents of two north Gaza areas



Jerusalem, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



The Israeli military issued an evacuation order on Thursday for Palestinians residing in two north Gaza areas ahead of a planned attack.

"To all of the civilians of the Gaza Strip staying in the areas of Beit Hanoun and Sheikh Zayed. This is a preliminary and a final warning... move west immediately toward Gaza City," the military's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X.

"Due to ongoing terrorist activities and sniper fire against IDF troops in the area, the IDF is intensely operating in the area, any location from which terrorist activity is carried out will be struck," he said.

Israel resumed its intense aerial and ground assault across Gaza from March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas that had largely halted fighting in the territory.
Crimea, territory at heart of US-Ukraine tensions



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Crimea, the focus of fresh tensions between US President Donald Trump and his Ukranian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 in the first act of the countries' ongoing war.

According to US media reports, Washington's plan to end the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, includes the US recognizing Russian control of the peninsula -- a prospect unacceptable to Kyiv.

The annexation of Crimea in March 2014 sparked the first wave of Western sanctions against Russia, and caused a surge in tensions in Moscow's relations with Ukraine as well as with the United States and Europe.

Here are some facts about the territory.



- Pre- and post-Soviet history -



The Black Sea peninsula has a rugged landscape and beautiful beaches as well as ancient remains and architecture reflecting a diverse history of settlers including Greeks, Romans, Tatars and Turks.

Its main sea resort, Yalta, hosted the conference of British, Soviet and US leaders that divided up Europe at the end of World War II. Its warm temperate climate makes it also a wine-growing region.

Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, himself from Ukraine, transferred Crimea from Russia to Ukraine in 1954 as a "gift" to commemorate 300 years of a treaty between the Ukrainian Cossacks and the Russian tsardom.

But this was largely a symbolic move since Ukraine and Russia were both republics of the USSR.

A year after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Kyiv gave Crimea the status of an autonomous republic in a bid to prevent separatist tendencies among its mainly Russian-speaking population.

After years of disputes, Russia gained the right to station its naval fleet in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, extending its sphere of operations in the Black Sea and beyond, towards the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Despite this agreement, the Crimean issue poisoned relations between Moscow and Kyiv for years. Some regional officials regularly challenged Ukraine's right to be in charge there.

- 2014 annexation -



After pro-Western authorities came to power in Ukraine following the Maidan revolution in February 2014, clashes erupted in Crimea between pro-Moscow and pro-Kyiv supporters.

A heavily armed pro-Russian commando unit seized the parliament building, supported by thousands of uniformed personnel deployed across the peninsula.

Those soldiers, in balaclavas and without military insignia, quickly took control of public buildings and besieged Ukrainian military bases. President Vladimir Putin only later acknowledged that they were Russian soldiers.

On March 16 Russia held a hastily-organised referendum in Crimea. It said that 97 percent voted "yes" to Crimea becoming part of Russia.

The vote was declared null and void by Kyiv and the West, which denounced as illegal its annexation, formalised in a treaty signed by Putin.

The treaty has still not been recognised as valid except by a handful of countries including Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Syria and Zimbabwe. China has not recognised the annexation, nor have some Moscow-allied countries such as Belarus and Kazakhstan.

The European Union, the United States, Britain and Canada adopted initial sanctions against Russia, in the form of asset freezes, embargoes targeting specific sectors and a ban on investments in Crimea.



- Crimea since 2014 -



Crimea, which covered 4.5 percent of Ukraine's territory, was integrated into Russia in 2014, becoming an autonomous republic with its own government and institutions subordinate to Moscow.

The city of Sevastopol was granted a special separate status, like the Russian capital and the northwestern city of Saint Petersburg.

The ruble replaced the Ukrainian hryvnia currency and the peninsula switched to Moscow time, while Russian companies, including some banks and telephone operators, set up branches there.

Western and Ukrainian tourism to the region slumped, replaced by hordes of Russian and Belarusian holidaymakers.

Local authorities are massively distributing Russian passports to the population, while the Crimean Tatars, a Muslim minority who voted overwhelmingly against the annexation, are subject to repression.

In 2016, the Mejlis, the representative body of the Crimean Tatar community, was declared "extremist", sparking a wave of arrests and forced exile.

Since 2018, the peninsula has been linked to mainland Russia by the Kerch road bridge, 19 kilometres (12 miles) long. It has been struck and damaged by Ukrainian forces numerous times.
Top uranium producer Namibia to open talks on nuclear energy plant



Windhoek, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Leading uranium producer Namibia will this year launch talks on its first nuclear energy plant as it seeks to exploit its rich natural wealth to transform its economy, the president said on Thursday.

As the world's third-highest producer of uranium, the southern African nation should benefit from this resource to meet its own energy needs, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah told parliament.

"While I am not in a position to tell you when we will have a nuclear energy power plant in Namibia, I can assure you that the discussions will certainly begin this financial year," she said in her first state of the nation address since assuming office a month ago.

Uranium mines in the sparsely populated nation are estimated by the World Nuclear Association as capable of providing 10 percent of the world supply of the metal used in nuclear power production.

Namibia has long stated its interest in introducing nuclear power into its energy mix, which relies on imports, mainly from South Africa.

"The oil and gas sector holds the potential to transform our economy in the next five years," the president added, explaining her decision to move management of this portfolio directly into her office.

This would require building its first oil refinery, she said.

Investments in this sector -- which has attracted significant international interest -- would secure Namibia's energy supply and also drive electrification, job creation and growth, Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

Unemployment in the country of three million people stands at nearly 37 percent with growth slowing to 3.8 percent in 2024, down from 4.2 the previous year.

"Mining contributes 12 percent to our gross domestic product and over 50 percent of our foreign exchange earnings. Regrettably, this figure does not reflect the true potential of mining and our mineral resources," she said.

There was potential also in exploiting lithium, cobalt, manganese, graphite and rare earth elements, the president added.
EU chief says talks with UK PM could 'pave way' for defence pact



London, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday could "pave the way" for a defence and security pact between Britain and the European Union, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said as the pair met in London.

With a landmark post-Brexit EU-UK summit due next month, both sides are seeking to improve ties amid the global turmoil ushered in by US President Donald Trump.

But Starmer faces a tricky balancing act, as he is also looking to reach out to the Trump administration and secure a favourable trade deal with the United States.

UK and EU officials have been hoping a defence and security pact will be the highlight of the May 19 meeting, as Trump's return to the White House casts doubt on the United States' commitment to NATO and European security.

Before Thursday's talks, European Commission President von der Leyen said the discussions with Starmer could lead to the UK joining a European defence programme.

"We will discuss work on a strategic security and defence partnership agreement, which might pave the way then to a joint procurement and UK participation in our SAFE programme," she said.

She was referring to a 150-billion-euro ($170-billion) joint EU fund allowing countries to buy missiles, artillery, drones, ammunition and other equipment.

Britain needs to sign a defence pact to be included in the fund, which could benefit UK companies including BAE Systems and Rolls Royce.



- Post-Brexit 'reset' -



The London summit in May is also meant to turn the page on years of post-Brexit strife, as part of a "reset" in relations promised by Starmer.

Welcoming von der Leyen to his Downing Street office after the pair attended a global energy security summit in London, Starmer said: "In a world which seems increasingly unstable with an uncertain future, it is so good that we are working so closely together on so many issues."

Following the talks, a Downing Street spokesperson said the pair made "good progress", without giving details on the defence pact.

The discussions "focused on a range of issues including Ukraine, energy security, the global economy and defence," the spokesperson said.

Von der Leyen posted on X that there was "great potential for more cooperation" on energy, migration, and "a dedicated partnership" on defence and security.

May's summit is set to be a milestone in Labour leader Starmer's pursuit of closer relations with the bloc following Britain's bitter 2020 departure under the previous Conservative government.

However Starmer has laid out strict red lines, while the EU has its own demands, raising questions about what exactly the talks can achieve.

Starmer has vowed Britain will not return to the single market or customs union and has ruled out signing up to freedom of movement across EU-UK borders.

lcm/rlp

BAE Systems

ROLLS-ROYCE HOLDINGS
Trump envoy Witkoff to meet Iranians Saturday in Oman: US



Washington, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Globe-trotting US envoy Steve Witkoff will take part in talks with Iran on Saturday in Oman, his third encounter within weeks on Tehran's nuclear program, the State Department said.

Michael Anton, a conservative scholar who serves as the State Department head of policy planning, will lead technical work on the US side, the State Department said.

"The next round of talks will take place in Oman on Saturday, and will be the first meeting of technical teams," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters.

"Special Envoy Witkoff also will be present," she said.

Witkoff last met Iranian officials in Rome on Saturday, with both sides voicing optimism afterward but not offering details.

President Donald Trump, who ripped up an earlier deal with Iran in 2018, has voiced hope for a diplomatic solution on Iran's contested nuclear program and has discouraged Israel from a military strike.
Spain scraps contested Israeli arms deal after uproar



Madrid, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Spain on Thursday cancelled a contract to buy bullets from an Israeli company following pressure from the Socialist-led government's far-left coalition partner -- a move swiftly condemned by Israel.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of the most outspoken critics of Israel's military operations in Gaza, halted weapons transactions with Israel after the outbreak of the war following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The interior ministry sought to terminate the 6.8-million-euro ($7.8 million) contract with Israeli firm IMI Systems, which was to supply bullets to the Spanish Civil Guard police force.

But on Wednesday the ministry said it had abandoned its attempt to cancel the deal after state legal services advised against it "due to the advanced stage of the processing of the contract" and because it would have had to pay without receiving the bullets.

The far-left Sumar party, the junior partner in Sanchez's ruling coalition, reacted angrily, calling the reversal "a blatant violation" of the government's pledge not to trade weapons with Israel.

On Thursday government sources said the contract would be "unilaterally" terminated.

"The investment board for dual-use material will deny this company permission to import this equipment to our country for reasons of general interest and, immediately afterwards, the interior ministry will terminate the contract," the sources added.

Sumar's Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz said she had personally "negotiated" with the interior minister and the prime minister to pull the plug on the contract.

Spain "cannot buy arms from a government that massacres the Palestinian people", she told reporters.

Israel's military offensive has devastated Gaza and killed more than 50,000 people in the tiny coastal territory, according to the health ministry there.

Israel said it "strongly condemns" the decision to cancel the contract, and accused the Spanish government of "sacrificing security considerations for political purposes".

Spain "continues to stand on the wrong side of history -- against the Jewish state that is defending itself from terrorist attacks", Israel's foreign ministry said in a statement to AFP.

The row over the contract came as Sumar was still reeling from Sanchez's announcement on Tuesday that Madrid will boost defence spending to two percent of annual economic output this year -- the benchmark agreed by NATO allies.

The government had previously aimed to meet this target in 2029 but brought it forward under pressure from Washington.

Sanchez's minority government has struggled to pass legislation since he secured a new term in 2023 by cobbling together an alliance of left-wing and regional separatist parties traditionally hostile to NATO and alignment with US foreign policy.



- Conservative criticism -



Spain's main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) criticised the government's decision to cancel the contract.

"When a state concludes a contract with another state, it must be respected," PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo told reporters.

"What is the price of cancelling this contract? Who is going to pay it?" he asked.

The Hamas attack in Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Palestinian militants also seized 251 hostages in their attack and 58 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's military response in Gaza has caused a humanitarian crisis and killed at least 51,355 people, mainly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

The United Nations considers the figures reliable.

The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Mayman Aerospace has completed a series of flight tests of a testbed platform designed to surrogate the RAZOR P100. These tests validated the platforms avionics, propulsion, and control systems using the same propulsion, engine gimballing, thrust vectoring, and flight control systems. With projected speeds exceeding 450 knots (approximately 500 mph), the RAZOR offers capabilities far beyond rotor-based propulsion, enabling it to intercept drones and precisely deliver payloads.

As a multi-mission aerial platform, the RAZOR demonstrated its ability to transition from hover mode to high-speed winged flight, a critical feature for rapid deployment in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The aircraft will be able to support Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface missions, carrying Brimstone, Hellfire, and Sidewinder guided missiles, with a range exceeding 300 kilometers (200 miles).

During the tests, the RAZOR flew seven autonomous mission sets. According to Dr. Manu Sharma, Chief Engineer at Mayman Aerospace, the primary goal was to validate recent software and control-law updates, particularly the transition from hover mode, where the engines are canted outwards, to winged flight mode, where all engines are aligned in the same direction. This transition is crucial for achieving high-speed flight. The tests also increased autonomous flight time, particularly for takeoff and landing, enhancing confidence in the systems reliability.

These flight tests were conducted under the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract that Mayman Aerospace holds with the U.S. Department of Defense. Since 2016, the company has built four full-scale prototypes and is preparing for additional tests. Production of the P100 model is scheduled to begin by 2025.

The SkyField mesh system is designed to respond intelligently to command and control decisions, whether operated by Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) oversight or autonomously in GPS-denied or compromised environments. Commanders can confidently deploy assets through real-time decision support powered by actionable AI recommendations, with human operators retaining final decision-making authority.

David Mayman, CEO of Mayman Aerospace, foresees VTOL aircraft playing a vital role in future conflicts, particularly in contested environments where traditional airfields may not be viable. The RAZOR platforms versatility and speed are expected to be crucial in these scenarios. The RAZOR aircraft is fully scalable, and the team plans to develop P100, P500 and P1000 variants.

Mayman Aerospace continues integrating AI-driven technologies, including its SkyField navigation and control system, which provides dynamic battlefield awareness to enhance operational efficiency. The companys dual-use approach extends beyond military applications, targeting civilian sectors for disaster recovery, rescue operations, and rapid cargo delivery. After achieving military certification and completing extensive flight testing, Mayman Aerospace aims to supply the civilian market with RAZOR.




The case begins when Frost (Landon Price), a silver-haired, wealthy-looking guest, uses a biometric scan to access a secure safe. Viewers instinctively know both Frost and his hand are doomed. Meanwhile, GBI Supervisor Amanda Wagner (Sonja Sohn) and her bestie, Evelyn Mitchell (Lisa Gay Hamilton), vacationing at the same luxury resort, cant resist launching an impromptu investigation. Evelyn calls Faith Mitchell (Iantha Richardson) for backup, who, dealing with her roommate Michael Ormewoods (Jake McLaughlin) brain tumor news, ropes him into the case as a welcome distraction.



 The Most Beautiful, Fierce, Smart, Powerful Creature in the Whole World  WILL TRENT, Pictured: Jeff Hiller as Lance. Photo: Zac Popik/Disney  2025 Disney. All rights reserved.

The resorts manager, Lance (Jeff Hiller), is a walking contradiction who provides much of the episodes comedy. His exaggerated frustration with pregnant Lola (Lacy Hartsell), whom he accuses of Drama, drama, drama! is pure Jan Brady energy, reminiscent of her iconic Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! complaint. Overshadowed by the chaos of the resorts soft launch, Lance is hilariously exasperated, insisting Faith and Michael wear resort attirebecause police look too procedural. Lance grows increasingly fed up with the unfolding disaster when the head of security, Garrett (Jaiden Kaine) also turns up dead. Ironically, his disdain for his job becomes his alibi, as he was busy on Zoom, secretly job-hunting in Thailand. The resorts manager, Lance (Jeff Hiller), is a walking contradiction who provides much of the episodes comedy. His exaggerated frustration with pregnant Lola (Lacy Hartsell), whom he accuses of Drama, drama, drama! is pure Jan Brady energy, reminiscent of her iconic Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! complaint. Overshadowed by the chaos of the resorts soft launch, Lance is hilariously exasperated, insisting Faith and Michael wear resort attirebecause police look too procedural. Lance grows increasingly fed up with the unfolding disaster when the head of security, Garrett (Jaiden Kaine) also turns up dead. Ironically, his disdain for his job becomes his alibi, as he was busy on Zoom, secretly job-hunting in Thailand.





Amanda, determined to relax with her novel, Murderous Tides, struggles with her own Imposter Syndrome. Once a love them and leave them kind of gal, Amanda reflects, I got older. I had my job, and I never restocked the (man) pantry, a sentiment I deeply relate to.





Enter Alonso St. James (Jason Alan Carvell), conveniently reading the same book at the bar. Sparks fly fast, leading Amanda to reminisce about her wild past as Randy Mandy. Alonso doesnt hold back: I want to take you to bed. Amanda smirks: Theres always time to make new mistakes. Whos bed? Randy Mandy rides again!



"The Most Beautiful, Fierce, Smart, Powerful Creature in the Whole World  WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Jason Alan Carvell as Alonso St. James and Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner. Photo: Zac Popik/Disney  2025 Disney. All rights reserved.

Using influencer Analieses (Victoria Park) photos, the team connects Frost, a diamond seller, to Mars St. James (William Romeo), Alonsos brother. Amanda finds Alonsos stash of diamonds in prescription bottles, forcing her to pull her gunbut hes no villain. As a reformed jewel thief, he tips them off to a single culprit capable of such audacious crimes: the falconess. Using influencer Analieses (Victoria Park) photos, the team connects Frost, a diamond seller, to Mars St. James (William Romeo), Alonsos brother. Amanda finds Alonsos stash of diamonds in prescription bottles, forcing her to pull her gunbut hes no villain. As a reformed jewel thief, he tips them off to a single culprit capable of such audacious crimes: the falconess.





The falconess turns out to be Lola, faking labor to escape with the stolen diamonds. After a wild chase, including parkour leaps from an ambulance, Faith literally rips off Lolas fake belly and recovers the gems. Meanwhile, Faith and Michael return home, their supportive, platonic friendship a refreshing change from the usual forced TV romances. If writers sacrifice this dynamic for romance, the show will have jumped the shark.



"The Most Beautiful, Fierce, Smart, Powerful Creature in the Whole World  WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood and Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell. Photo: Zak Popik/Disney  2025 Disney. All rights reserved.

In addition to Amanda, both Lance and Michael subtly reflect Imposter Syndrome in different waysLance through professional dissatisfaction and self-image, Michael through the fear of losing his own sense of competence. But nowhere is Imposter Syndrome more devastating than in the personal struggles of Will Trent and Angie Polaski. In addition to Amanda, both Lance and Michael subtly reflect Imposter Syndrome in different waysLance through professional dissatisfaction and self-image, Michael through the fear of losing his own sense of competence. But nowhere is Imposter Syndrome more devastating than in the personal struggles of Will Trent and Angie Polaski.





The emotional core of the episode belongs to Will Trent (Ramon Rodriguez) and Angie Polaski (Erika Christensen). Will, haunted by the accidental death of 14-year-old Marco Sanchez, is confronted by Marcos younger brother, Diego (Carlos Solorzano), a child trying too hard to be the man of the house. Bringing a gun to Wills home for vengeance, Diego instead finds himself petting Wills dog Betty. Will gently redirects him: Are you going to arrest me? Diego asks. No, worse. Im taking you home to your mother.



"The Most Beautiful, Fierce, Smart, Powerful Creature in the Whole World  WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Kimberlie Flores as Mrs. Sanchez and Carlos Solorzano as Diego Sanchez. Photo: Wilford Harewood/Disney  2025 Disney. All rights reserved.

At Diegos home, his attempt to fix a smoke alarm by himself leads to a fallsymbolic of his struggle to be the man of the house. Will helps him complete the task, and Diego beams: You did it. Will corrects him: No. We did it. Later, Diegos mother (Kimberli Flores) forgives Will and asks him to describe Marcos last moments. His heartfelt recountingMarcos fear, his regret, Will holding him until the endwas beautifully solemn. At Diegos home, his attempt to fix a smoke alarm by himself leads to a fallsymbolic of his struggle to be the man of the house. Will helps him complete the task, and Diego beams: You did it. Will corrects him: No. We did it. Later, Diegos mother (Kimberli Flores) forgives Will and asks him to describe Marcos last moments. His heartfelt recountingMarcos fear, his regret, Will holding him until the endwas beautifully solemn.





Angies storyline takes an emotional nosedive. Flashbacks reveal her mother, Didi (Molly Price), encouraging her to repeat, I am the most beautiful, fierce, smart, powerful creature in the world. Words meant to empower, yet hollow, given their sourcean addict who sold Angie out at age five.





Despite this, Angie clings to them, battling a deep-seated Imposter Syndrome that makes her question whether shell ever truly embody the strength shes told to believe in. With sponsor Franklins (Kevin Daniels) support, she commits to second chances, tending to her comatose mothereven dyeing her hair in an unconscious attempt to stave off the fate Didi feared most: resembling death itself. As if proving herself capable of care might finally make the words I am the most beautiful, fierce, smart, powerful creature in the worldfeel real."



"The Most Beautiful, Fierce, Smart, Powerful Creature in the Whole World  WILL TRENT, Pictured (L-R): Erika Christensen as Detective Angie Polaski and Molly Price as Didi Polaski. Photo: Wilford Harewood/Disney  2025 Disney. All rights reserved.

Didi wakes briefly, admitting, I was a terrible mother. You deserved better. Im proud of you. But the words Angie truly needed I love younever come. Instead, Didi grimly declares their shared affliction: I gave addiction to you. Were the same. Didi wakes briefly, admitting, I was a terrible mother. You deserved better. Im proud of you. But the words Angie truly needed I love younever come. Instead, Didi grimly declares their shared affliction: I gave addiction to you. Were the same.





Angies response? She didnt call her new boyfriend, Seth (also in recovery), her steadfast sponsor and friend Franklin, or even Will Trenther interrupted love, her soulmate, the one who has always understood her darkness. Instead, she called on whiskey neat and drank it downa devastating choice.





Angies sponsor and friend, Franklin, continues to prove himself as an essential figure in her life. As she spirals, its clear that having someone who understands addiction from the inside could make all the difference. Given the weight of Angies storyline, Franklin deserves to be upgraded to a series regularnot just as her guide, but as someone viewers can count on as a grounding presence.





However, allowing Angie to become engulfed by the darkness could tip the balance of the show, which wins the hearts and minds of viewers by seamlessly weaving lighthearted comedy into its emotional depth. Lets hope she doesnt let her addictions consume her again.





Has Angie reignited her addiction? Will her mothers death push her toward Will and away from Seth? Share your thoughts in the comments!





Overall Rating

9:10

The latest Will Trent episode, The Most Beautiful, Fierce, Smart, Powerful Creature in the World, delivered a female-driven story that was far more entertaining than it had any right to beespecially for a woman of a certain age like me. Balancing high drama with sharp comedy, it was emotionally rich and thoroughly enjoyable. Lets dive in.
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?
BAE Systems conducted the initial flight test of its new EW radar system, an advanced new radar that will equip Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots with the ability to locate, identify, and suppress enemy air defenses has taken to the skies for the first time.

This significant achievement saw the prototype of the European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) operated on a UK Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft at BAE Systems in Lancashire, supported by the radars developer, Leonardo UK.

The ECRS Mk2 can perform traditional radar functions such as search and targeting and provide advanced electronic warfare capabilities. This will enable Typhoons to locate and deny using an adversarys radar with a powerful electronic attack while staying beyond the reach of threats.

Furthermore, unlike traditional radars, which are limited to a specific, narrow, and congested part of the radio frequency spectrum, the ECRS Mk2 operates across a broader range of the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling operation above or below the congested and contested frequencies where most fighter radars operate.

BAE Systems Advances in Mission-Integrated Network Control Technology

BAE Systems was awarded a Phase 2 DARPA contract for developing autonomous software for secure multi-domain communications under the Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) program. The contract builds upon BAE Systems work in Phase 1 of the MINC program, which aims to create an integrated, advanced capability for secure communications networks supporting multi-domain operations. Under Phase 2, BAE Systems FAST Labs research and development organization will further advance the algorithms and software developed in the initial phase to anticipate and dynamically adapt network services. According to Brian Decleene, chief scientist at BAE Systems FAST Labs, The goal is to deliver the right information to the right user at the right time across multiple domains. This contract continues BAE Systems involvement in the MINC program, which began in May 2022 with a $24 million award for Phase 1.

The contract builds upon BAE Systems work in Phase 1 of the MINC program, which aims to create an integrated, advanced capability for secure communications networks supporting multi-domain operations. Under Phase 2, BAE Systems FAST Labs research and development organization will further advance the algorithms and software developed in the initial phase to anticipate and dynamically adapt network services.

Lockheed Martin and Altera Showcase Advanced Electronic Warfare Capabilities:

In collaboration with Altera, Lockheed Martin completed the SWIFT demonstration, showcasing their Gen12 transceiver for electronic warfare utilizing Alteras Agilex 9 Direct RF FPGA (Multi-Chip Package, MCP-2) mounted in a Class-2 UAV. The test demonstrated the systems ability to locate and neutralize threats in contested environments. The test successfully showcased the Gen12s Electronic Support (ES) capability by detecting, identifying, and locating enemy emitters in a simulated battlespace range.

RTX Developing Ultra-Wide Bandgap Semiconductors for DARPA

Raytheon was awarded a contract by DARPA to develop ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors (UWBGS) based on diamond and aluminum nitride, enhancing conductivity and thermal properties to revolutionize semiconductor electronics. This new class of materials offers improved conductivity and thermal management properties, which could revolutionize semiconductor electronics in various applications, including sensors and electronic systems.

AeroVironment Unveils Solar-Powered Aircraft for Stratospheric Missions

AeroVironment flight-tested the Horus A, an upgraded Sunglider UAS for high-altitude applications, showcasing improved payload and power capabilities for resilient ISR missions. Horus A significantly improves payload capacity and power availability, carrying up to 150 lb of payload with 1.5 kW of available power. The aircraft received airworthiness approval from the U.S. Army and an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate for national airspace flight testing. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering and Rapid Prototyping Programs supports the program.

During its recent flight test, Horus A showcased its ability to simultaneously operate multiple payloads, including a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and a Tactical Grade Mesh Network radio. The aircraft demonstrated effective maneuvering in adverse weather conditions and validated new systems, payload interoperability, and performance enhancements.

Leidos Develops Small Cruise Missile Solution

Leidos announced progress in its small cruise missile program, utilizing digital twin technology and modular architecture to develop the Black Arrow Small Cruise Missile (SCM). designed to meet the U.S. Department of Defenses need for affordable stand-off strike capabilities.

In December 2023, the company conducted successful store separation testing from an AC-130J aircraft, confirming digital twin predictions of safe separation, benign store dynamics, and trajectory characteristics. Additional captive flight testing demonstrated integration with the NSWC Battle Management System, operational flight software function, navigation performance, and flight safety system functionality.

Leidos began the SCM project in 2021 and continued with government funding secured under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) signed in 2022 with the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) PEO-Fixed Wing and AFSOC.

Leidoss development of the Black Arrow followed past milestones, including the GBU-69 Small Glide Bomb and X-61 Gremlin aerial vehicle. The company employs advanced techniques such as model-based systems engineering, additive manufacturing, and AI optimization to support the timely and cost-effective development of the SCM. (Read More)

Mayman Aerospaces RAZOR P100 Completes Successful Flight Tests

Mayman Aerospace has significantly progressed in developing its RAZOR P100 aircraft, completing flight tests using a testbed platform. The tests validated crucial systems, including avionics, propulsion, and control, demonstrating the aircrafts ability to transition from hover to high-speed winged flight.

The RAZOR P100 is designed as a multi-mission aerial platform capable of speeds exceeding 450 knots (approximately 500 mph), with a range of over 300 kilometers (200 miles). It can support various missions, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, and carry guided missiles for Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface missions[1]. During the tests, the aircraft successfully flew seven autonomous mission sets, focusing on validating software and control-law updates, particularly the critical transition between hover and winged flight modes.

These tests were conducted under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. Mayman Aerospace plans to begin production of the P100 model by 2025 and is developing additional variants, including P500 and P1000. The company is also integrating AI-driven technologies, such as its SkyField navigation and control system, to enhance operational efficiency in both military and civilian applications.

U.S. Navy Awards Raytheon $192 Million Contract for Next Generation Jammer Upgrade

Raytheon, an RTX business, has been awarded a $192 million contract by the U.S. Navy to develop the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band Expansion (NGJ-MBX), an upgrade to the current Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. This modification will extend the frequency range of the NGJ-MB system, enabling it to counter additional threats and improve operational effectiveness. A few weeks ago, the Navy awarded L3Harris a contract to develop the NGJ Low Band component of the Next Generation Jammer for the EA-18G.

The NGJ-MB is an airborne electronic attack system consisting of two pods containing active electronically scanned arrays that radiate in the mid-band frequency range. It is employed on the EA-18G GROWLER aircraft to target advanced electronic warfare threats. The NGJ-MBX upgrade will ensure the Navys spectrum dominance electronic attack.

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The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: We share President Trumps desire to bring this barbaric war to an end and we are, as you saw in the talks yesterday in London, working closely with the US and other international partners to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, but we have been clear it remains the case that how and on what terms that war comes to end can only be decided by Ukraine.
Dame Priti described the missile strike on Kyiv as abhorrent, adding: There is much debate about the initiatives to end the war by negotiations, but we cannot forget that this war was started by Putin, a murderous, vile autocrat, who is being propped up by an axis of authoritarian states trying to extinguish democracy in our continent and by those who are opposed to our values, including China, North Korea and Iran.
He added: Life is better off social media. I say that as a parent and I say that as someone who has spoken to many of the kids here tonight who arent on social media because they have lost a brother or a sister to social media. But clearly enough is not being done.
Technology used in the Russian defence and energy sectors are among the items which can no longer be exported to Russia, including software used to search for and tap new oil and gas wells.
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I think it will be a first; I have never seen the royal couple painted together on the cover of a magazine, and I just want people to enjoy it and see it as a celebration of our King and Queen.
I got two Olivier nominations for best actress, so its just been all my dreams come true here, and I didnt even know that this was the place I was supposed to be, but sometimes you dont know thats where youre supposed to be until you land, and then you make it your home.
Elbit Systems has signed a 1.5-billion-shekel (approximately $400 million) contract with Israels Ministry of Defense to establish an aerial bomb manufacturing bombs for the Israeli Air Force. In the past, the government-owned IMI operated this factory before Elbit Systems acquired it. This strategic move aims to reduce Israels dependence on bomb supplies from abroad.

Elbit Systems product portfolio comprises a wide range of aerial bombs and deep penetrator bodies with precision-guided aerial weapons. Until recently, Israels defense companies focused more effort on the advanced, precision guidance kits rather than the explosive and bunker buster bombs used as warheads, considered by many as commodities. The shortage of bombs and other munitions emphasized the need for Israel to maintain local supplies of ammunition. The company currently operates several production lines for manufacturing artillery and tank rounds, mortar bombs, and small-caliber ammunition. Expanding those lines is part of Israels broader strategy to strengthen domestic production capabilities and expand manufacturing lines within Israeli industries, as outlined by the Ministry of Defense.

Anduril and FlackTek Partner to Transform Rocket Motor Production

Anduril Industries announced a strategic partnership with FlackTek to enhance rocket motor production capabilities for defense and commercial applications. FlackTek is known for its high-velocity bladeless mixing and processing solutions to develop and manufacture the worlds most advanced mixing machine  the Mega FlackTek, also known as The GOAT  in Boulder, CO. Anduril Rocket Motor Systems is building and scaling a smarter, more agile production pipeline for Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs).

This larger and more advanced dual asymmetric centrifugal machine will power a more than ten-fold increase in Andurils production throughput, which amounts to a more than 24x increase in production throughput compared to conventional planetary mixers of a similar size. For most tactical rocket propellants, the new mixer will match the throughput of a traditional 500-gallon bladed mixer. It will exceed that throughput for high-performance formulations that typically take longer to mix. FlackTek machinery also provides exceptional repeatability, minimizes waste, and ensures safer working environments through enhanced safety features, consistent processing, and minimizing exposure to energetic material hazards.

FlackTek technology enables Anduril to focus on mission-critical projects without being burdened by the inefficiencies of traditional manufacturing processes. This enhances Andurils ability to deliver solid rocket motors to the most critical defense programs at greater speed and scale.

Dassault Aviation Launches MRO Subsidiary

Dassault Aviation announced a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company to support military aircraft, enhancing through-life support services for Rafale and Falcon fleets. This strategic move aims to improve the companys ability to address the life support needs of the growing global fleet of Rafale fighter jets, and the evolving needs of its military customers, and the development of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).

The new entity, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, will begin operations on January 1, 2025. It will be headquartered in Merignac, near Bordeaux, and employ approximately 1,000 staff members. The company will focus on providing through-life support services for Rafale and Falcon aircraft in government service and for the Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft.

Pratt & Whitney Opens Largest Military Engines Facility in Oklahoma City

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has inaugurated its new 845,000-square-foot facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, marking a significant expansion of its military engine operations. The $255 million investment establishes the site as Pratt & Whitneys largest military engines field location, designed to support the growing demands of U.S. and global defense customers for various engine programs, including the F135, F117, TF33, F100, and F119.

The new facility, which more than doubles Pratt & Whitneys footprint in Oklahoma City, will serve as a hub for all military engine programs and is expected to create an additional 100 full-time jobs over the next five years. The expansion features state-of-the-art automation and advanced technologies to streamline processes, improving accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness.

The company has recently been awarded a contract worth up to $1.3 billion to continue work on the F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) for the F-35 fighter jet. The ECU is designed to enhance engine durability and provide additional power and cooling capabilities for Block 4 and future upgrades across all three F-35 variants. The contract will enable Pratt & Whitney to progress with design maturation, aircraft integration, and supply base preparation for production. This follows the completion of the ECUs preliminary design review in July, which aligned the upgrades design between Pratt & Whitney and the F-35 Joint Program Office.

Leonardo DRS Opens Facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground

Leonardo DRS inaugurated a facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground to support engineering and integration work for C4ISR systems and other capabilities. The facility, which opened on October 1, 2024, features an engineering lab, specialized vehicle integration bays, and fully equipped conference rooms to improve connectivity with Leonardo DRS program personnel and technologies.

KNDS Opens Subsidiary in Ukraine

KNDS has announced the opening of a subsidiary in Ukraine. This expansion marks a significant step for the company, formed through the merger of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (Germany) and Nexter (France).

The newly established Ukrainian subsidiary reinforces KNDSs position in the European defense industry. KNDS, with approximately 9,500 employees, reported a turnover of 3.3 billion euros in 2023, an order backlog of around 16 billion euros, and incoming orders of 7.8 billion euros. The companys extensive product range includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, and other defense-related equipment and services; many of the armored vehicles, combat engineering, and artillery systems donated to Ukraine by the European nations are KNDS products, which will need support, refurbishment, and modernization.

QinetiQ and Metasonixx Partnership for Vehicle Noise Reduction

QinetiQ and Metasonixx teamed up to improve vehicle cooling and noise control using acoustic metamaterials, which are vital for modern military vehicle performance. This partnership addresses two critical challenges in vehicle design: efficient thermal management and noise control.

The collaboration will leverage Metasonixxs expertise in acoustic metamaterials, engineered structures designed to control, direct, and manipulate sound waves. By combining this technology with QinetiQs extensive experience in defense and security applications, the partnership seeks to create advanced cooling systems that operate more quietly and efficiently.

One key focus area of this collaboration is improving the performance of vehicle cooling fans. Cooling fans play a crucial role in regulating engine temperature but can also be a significant noise source. The partnership aims to develop cooling solutions that provide effective heat dissipation while minimizing noise output by applying acoustic metamaterial technology to fan design.

Patria Expands in Drone and Cyber Sectors

Patria received authority approval to acquire Nordic Drones Oy and expand its presence in the defense and security industry, focusing on drone systems and cyber capabilities.

The acquisitions, initially announced on June 13 and September 4, 2024, respectively, have now completed the necessary authority process. Patria has confirmed that these transactions will not impact existing customer commitments, employment relationships, or other obligations made by the company or business areas involved. The formal transfer of both businesses to Patria is scheduled for October 1, 2024.

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Mrs OLeary said she felt it was their duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here in the days following the Popes death aged 88 on Easter Monday, while her 14-year-old daughter described it as amazing to be in there and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of pontifical liturgical ceremonies, had then told Vatican News the simplification of the rites was to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.
HOW MUCH DID KAMALA HARRIS PAY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN FOR HIS POOR PERFORMANCE DURING HER CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT? WHY DID HE ACCEPT THAT MONEY IF HE IS SUCH A FAN OF HERS? ISNT THAT A MAJOR AND ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION? WHAT ABOUT BEYONCE?  AND HOW MUCH WENT TO OPRAH, AND BONO??? I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter, he yelled into the online ether.
The spray of gunfire at tourists on Tuesday in the Baisaran Valley was the worst assault in years targeting civilians in the region that is claimed by both countries. The gunmen also wounded 17 other people.
Our goal is clear: to have a plan, to have coordination between institutions, to know who is responsible for what, and to trust our defence forces... hoping that this plan will never need to be activated.
Speaking to reporters as the coimisiun launched its three-year strategy on Thursday, Mr Godfrey said: I think the question of the levy, ministers have the ministerial decision about how you trade off the impact on consumers against the potential benefits of the industry, of being able to support, that is a policy matter for ministers.
Naval Group to Deliver Barracuda Submarines to the Netherlands

Naval Group contracted to provide four Barracuda expeditionary submarines to replace the Royal Netherlands Navys currently operational Walrus-class submarines. The agreement follows a thorough evaluation and bidding process conducted by the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) on behalf of the Netherlands Ministry of Defense.

The new submarines, designated the Orka-class, will significantly enhance the Royal Netherlands Navys strategic capabilities. Commander Jan Willem Hartman of COMMIT stated that the new submarines  Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda, and Tijgerhaai submarines  would give the Netherlands Submarine Service a head start in underwater warfare.

A key aspect of this agreement is the focus on production autonomy and industrial cooperation. Naval Group has committed to a 20-year industrial cooperation plan, formalized through an Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) signed with the Ministry of Economic Affairs on September 10, 2024. This plan involves collaboration with numerous Dutch companies and knowledge institutes, ensuring the Netherlands develops and retains expertise over the submarine life cycle. The industrial organization aligns with the Netherlands MODs requirement for autonomy during the submarines lifetime, providing opportunities for the Dutch maritime cluster to expand its business and expertise in submarine operations, maintenance, and upgrades.

BAE Systems Launches HMS Agamemnon

The sixth Astute class nuclear-powered attack submarine rolled out of the Devonshire Dock Hall and entered the water for the first time on Thursday this week. The new submarine weighs 7,400 tonnes and is 97 meters long. The new submarine is the sixth of the seven Astute vessels contracted for the Royal Navy. The Astute Class boats are the largest and most advanced attack submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. Nuclear propulsion means they are unrestricted by needing fuel, oxygen, or water reservoirs for life support. They do not need to be refueled on a mission. They manufacture oxygen and drinking water for their 98 crew members so they can circumnavigate the globe without surfacing. Following the launch, it will begin the next phase of its test and commissioning program before leaving Barrow for sea trials with the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy has received the first five submarines in the class: HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious, and HMS Anson. Work is well underway on the final Astute boat, Agincourt. Agamemnon is named after the ancient Greek King.

Fincantieri Delivers the Fourth Multipurpose Combat Ship to the Italian Navy

Fincantieri has delivered the fourth Multipurpose Combat ship (PPA), Giovanni delle Bande Nere, to the Italian Navy at its shipyard in Muggiano, La Spezia. This vessel is the first of its class in the full configuration, equipped with complete combat capabilities.

The PPA is part of the Italian Navys fleet renewal plan, approved by the government and parliament under the supervision of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur lArmement). The ship is designed to be highly flexible and capable of performing multiple functions ranging from patrol and sea rescue to Civil Protection operations and full-scale naval combat operations. Key specifications of the PPA include a length of 143 meters, a top speed exceeding 31 knots, and accommodation for a crew of 171. The vessel features a combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant (CODAG) and an electric propulsion system.

The PPA ships are built at the Fincantieri Integrated Shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano, and deliveries are expected in 2026.

More News This Week:
The French Ministry of Armed Forces has officially launched the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program as part of the Rafale F5 standard development. This event marks the beginning of a new era in aerial combat capabilities for the French Air and Space Force and Navy.

The UCAV program aims to develop a combat drone that will operate alongside the Rafale fighter jet, enhancing its capabilities and expanding its operational range. This UAV will complement the Rafale and be suited to collaborative combat. It will incorporate stealth technologies, autonomous control (with man-in-the-loop), internal payload capacity, and more. It will be highly versatile and designed to evolve in line with future threats.

As part of the Rafale F5 program, the UCAV will fully integrate into the fighter jets systems, allowing seamless coordination and data sharing. This integration will enable the Rafale to extend its sensor reach, engage targets at greater distances, and perform high-risk missions without putting pilots in harms way. The program is set to leverage advanced technologies in artificial intelligence, secure communications, and autonomous systems to ensure the UCAVs effectiveness in complex operational environments.

The UCAV will benefit from the achievements of the nEUROn program, Europes first stealth UCAV demonstrator. Initiated in 2003, the nEUROn program brought together the aeronautics resources of six European countries, with project management by Dassault Aviation. nEUROn completed its maiden flight in December 2012. More than 170 test flights have been conducted to date. The nEUROn program has lived up to all its promises regarding performance levels, lead times, and budget.

Saab and KAI Partner to Offer GlobalEye AEW&C System to South Korea

Saab and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on offering the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). This partnership aims to meet South Koreas specific requirements for a new AEW&C aircraft, potentially replacing or supplementing their existing Boeing E-7 Peace Eye fleet.

The GlobalEye system, based on Bombardiers Global 6000 aircraft, offers multi-domain capabilities, including air, maritime, and ground surveillance. It features Saabs Erieye Extended Range radar and a comprehensive suite of command and control systems.

Aurora Flight Sciences Unveils Revolutionary Fan-in-Wing Aircraft Concept for DARPAs SPRINT Program

Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, has revealed a groundbreaking vertical lift aircraft concept utilizing fan-in-wing (FIW) technology for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agencys (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) program. The innovative design aims to provide high-speed, runway-independent mobility for contested environments, combining vertical lift agility with fixed-wing aircrafts payload capacity and aerodynamic efficiency.

The currently designed uncrewed demonstrator has a 14-meter (45-ft) wingspan and a 454 kg (1,000-pound) payload capacity. Powered by off-the-shelf turbofan and turboshaft engines, the aircraft is expected to reach a maximum speed of 450 knots (833 km/h) true airspeed (KTAS). The FIW propulsion system integrates embedded lift fans with a blended wing body design, enabling vertical take-off and landing capabilities without sacrificing performance.

Aurora and Boeing are collaborating on key technologies for this revolutionary solution, which has the potential to be scaled up for medium and heavy-lift applications. The team envisions a future manned aircraft with a 40-meter (130-ft) wingspan, four lift fans, and a 12-meter (40-ft) payload bay, capable of meeting or exceeding the performance of typical fixed-wing military transport aircraft while offering the tactical advantage of vertical takeoff and landing.

The SPRINT program is progressing through various testing phases, with the team having completed the first of three major test events earlier this year. A ground effect test using a 1.4 meter (4.6-ft) wingspan model with three lift fans demonstrated negligible suck-down effects during hover. Upcoming wind tunnel tests in late 2024 and early 2025 will further evaluate stability, control, and aerodynamic effects. The programs current phase is set to continue through May 2025, with flight testing planned for 2027.

RTXs Raytheon Secures $736 Million Contract for AIM-9X Missile Production

Raytheon, a business unit of RTX, has been awarded a $736 million contract by the U.S. Navy to produce AIM-9X SIDEWINDER missiles. The contract specifically covers the production of the improved Block II variant, which incorporates upgrades to address hardware obsolescence and ensure superior performance and long-term reliability. Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, emphasized the strong worldwide demand for the AIM-9X and stated that the company is investing, innovating, and partnering with the U.S. Navy to increase production capacity starting with orders next year significantly. The contract work will be carried out at various locations within the continental United States through 2029.

More news this week:
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The US Department of Defenses annual report on Chinese military and security developments was presented to Congress today. In this post and podcast, we dissect the report, which isnt just another geopolitical overview. Its a deep dive into the PRCs strategic ambitions as viewed by the West, a review of Chinas military modernization efforts and implications for the international order.

Well start by exploring the core tenets of the PRCs national strategy, focusing on its long-term goal of achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by 2049.

Well then analyze how this overarching strategy influences the countrys foreign, economic, and defense policies, including its view of the international system and its relationship with the United States.

Then, well shift our attention to the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), examining its modernization goals, current capabilities, and future aspirations. Well discuss the PLAs aims to become a world-class military and the key milestones along this pathspecifically the 2027, 2035, and 2049 objectives. This will include an assessment of the PLAs progress in areas like:

Hypersonic missiles and Ballistic Missiles

Naval expansion and its transition to open seas protection

Air Force modernization

AI integration into warfare

Cyber warfare and cognitive domain operations

Space and counter-space capabilities

Nuclear force modernization, including developing a sea-based nuclear deterrent and an increasing nuclear stockpile.

Well also address Chinas growing global presence through overseas military activities, including its counterterrorism strategy, expanding military logistics, and basing infrastructure. Well examine the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its sub-efforts and consider how the PRC uses its economic policies and foreign influence to advance its strategic goals. Well discuss the PRCs efforts to shape international perceptions through influence operations, including disinformation and cognitive warfare.

Finally, we will address the critical issue of military-to-military communication between the United States and the PRC and the challenges to maintaining open dialogue. We will discuss the impacts of corruption on the PLA and how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ensures political loyalty within the armed forces. We will also explore the concept of comprehensive national power (CNP) and how the PRC uses it to measure its overall strength and progress.

This report and the podcast are crucial for understanding the complex security environment of the 21st century. Listen to this episode to learn the driving forces behind Chinas global rise and its potential implications. Dont miss out; tune in now to better understand Chinas military and security developments and how these advancements could impact the world.

This podcast was produced with the assistance of AI technology.
Romania will play an active and constructive role in the consultations for the post 2027 Multiannual Financial Framework so that it results in a balanced proposal, able to respond to the objectives of the European Union and to the political, economic and security changes, said Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, at the meeting with the delegation led by the European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin.

"For Romania, the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy are of major interest in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, too. These two policies are and must remain powerful tools for reducing inequalities between regions, communities and people, for stimulating convergence and increasing the competitiveness of our economies," Marcel Ciolacu emphasized, as quoted in a government press release.

At the same time, the head of the Executive maintained that the Cohesion Policy must remain a vector of competitiveness and the main structural investment policy that should maintain the balance of the three dimensions: economic, social and territorial.

"The Cohesion Policy must continue to benefit from an adequate separate allocation, comparable with its current share. The main criterion for distributing funds among Member States must be based on the principle of supporting communities, regions and citizens who are most in need of development support and take into account their proximity to Ukraine," the prime minister said.

In the period 2014-2020, Romania has benefited from 24 billion EUR in funding through the Cohesion Policy, achieving an absorption rate of 99.7% and ranking fourth among EU Member States, according to the press release.

"For the current programming period, 2021-2027, Romania's allocations from the European Cohesion Policy funds amount to approximately 31 billion EUR, to which the national contribution is added. This brings the total funding to approximately 44.5 billion EUR for projects in the fields of sustainable development, transport, health, education and employment, social inclusion and dignity, just transition, smart growth, digitalization, financial instruments and technical assistance. So far, calls for projects have been opened for Cohesion Policy amounting to more than 35 billion EUR, which accounts for 77% of the EU allocation for the programs," the cited source said.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also emphasized the importance of maintaining the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027 in a form that contributes to EU cohesion and security.

"The Common Agricultural Policy is the main income support instrument for farmers in the EU, and this policy must benefit from balanced allocation and simplified rules that can be easily understood and implemented by farmers," premier Ciolacu pointed out.

In the period 2021-2027, Romania's allocation under the Common Agricultural Policy amounts to about 20 billion EUR, of which 13.3 billion EUR represent direct payments to farmers and 6.7 billion EUR funding for regional development projects.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu appreciated the initiative of the European Comissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, to visit the Member States for consultations in preparation of the Commission's proposal on the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

The two officials discussed making the procedures for Member States to access European funds simpler and more flexible, so that resources can be put to best use for the benefit of citizens and communities.

"The major challenges we are facing oblige us to be ambitious in terms of both objectives and funding. The future multiannual budget is particularly important to support the fulfillment of the strategic objectives of the European Union and of each Member State," mentioned Marcel Ciolacu.

The government points out that Romania is a net beneficiary of the EU budget, and the total funding received from the European Commission, after accession to the European Union (2007-2025), is about three times higher than the national contribution paid to the EU budget, namely 101 billion EUR, compared to 33 billion EUR.

The meeting between Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, was also attended by Victor Negrescu, vice-president of the European Parliament, Florin Barbu, minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Radu-Oprea, head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery.
The European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, will meet on Thursday in Bucharest with interim President Ilie Bolojan and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.

He will be received at 10:00 by interim president Ilie Bolojan and at 11:30 he will go to the Victoria Palace for a discussion with the head of the executive, according to the official agenda.

The European Commission representative is on a two-day visit to Romania.

According to the Representation of the European Commission in Bucharest, the visit will focus on improving social inclusion, creating jobs and strengthening local communities with the help of EU funds.

The visit will include discussions with authorities and stakeholders to better support Romania's economic growth and align the country's priorities with plans for the future EU budget.

The visit is part of the European Commission's pan-European consultations ahead of the presentation of the EU's next long-term budget, planned for July this year.

European Commissioner Piotr Serafin will also meet Internal Affairs Minister Catalin Predoiu to discuss security, border protection and migration management, with a focus on Romania's key role in protecting the EU's external borders.

Piotr Serafin will also talk to Romanian business people and investor groups to get their views on how current EU funding is working.

On Friday, he will travel to Oradea, where he will visit major infrastructure projects such as Oradea County Hospital and Oradea Airport.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has announced that Saturday April 26 will be a day of national mourning in Romania in memory of Pope Francis, saying that this is a "decision that shows deep respect for the total openness and warmth permanently shown to Romanians."

"We approve a day of national mourning in Romania in memory of Pope Francis, on Saturday, April 26, on the very day of the funeral at the Vatican. It is a decision that shows the deep respect for his total openness and warmth permanently shown to Romanians. Like any Christian, I felt that his presence was a blessing for all humanity," the prime minister said at the beginning of a government meeting on Thursday.

Also on Thursday, Ciolacu wrote a message in a condolence book opened at the Apostolic Nunciature to Romania in memory of Pope Francis. He announced that he will attend the pope's funeral.

The funeral of Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88, will take place on Saturday morning in St. Peter's Square, where hundreds of thousands of believers are expected.
Pope Francis was an extremely strong and very important leader for Romania, said on Thursday the interim president of the Senate, Mircea Abrudean, who conveyed a message of condolences on the death of the Pontiff at the Apostolic Nunciature in Bucharest.

"May the courage and goodness of His Holiness continue to inspire all Romanians. We remember with great emotion the historic visit His Holiness made to Romania, which was also a very important event for all Romanians. Although Romania is a predominantly Orthodox country, His Holiness's visit meant a great deal for all Romanians, for all of Romania. We remember this with great emotion and we wish that God may rest him among His saints, as he deserves," said the head of the Senate.

A condolence book for officials is open inside the diplomatic mission, and all those who wish to convey a few words to the Vatican can do so by having access to a condolence book in the courtyard of the nunciature that is displayed next to a portrait of Pope Francis.

Several diplomats have sent messages since the opening of the book accessible to the public until Friday evening.
Apostolic Nuncio to Romania and the Republic of Moldova, Monsignor Giampiero Gloder, will lead the Requiem Mass for the late Pope Francis on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bucharest informs.

Metropolitan Archbishop of Bucharest Aurel Perca will attend the funeral of Pope Francis, which will take place on Saturday, starting at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Square.

The ceremony, which has the confirmed presence of about 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, will be officiated by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, and will be aired from 11:00 a.m. (Romania time) by broadcaster Angelus TV.

The funeral procession to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Pope Francis' burial place, will move at a slow pace so that people can bid farewell to the late Pontiff.

The entire event will be televised, but the broadcast will stop at the entrance to the basilica dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary because Pope Francis' burial will be private, according to his wishes.

Pope Francis died Monday morning at the age of 88 following a stroke and a subsequent heart failure.
At today's sitting, the Romanian Government is to discuss a draft decision declaring April 26 a day of national mourning in Romania in memory of Pope Francis.

According to the draft published in decision-making transparency on the website of the General Secretariat of the Government, on the day of national mourning all central and local public administration institutions and authorities will fly the flag of Romania at half-mast.

"The flag of Romania at half-mast shall also be hoisted: at the headquarters of political parties, trade unions, employers' associations, educational establishments of any degree, cultural organisations and diplomatic missions of Romania; at border crossings, as well as at airports, ports, train stations and bus stations; as a flag on ships of any kind and on other vessels sailing under the Romanian flag."

The same obligation is incumbent on individuals, if they fly the Romanian flag at home or at residence, according to the draft.

Radio and television stations, as well as cultural organisations are to adjust their programmes accordingly.

The funeral of Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88, will take place on Saturday morning in St. Peter's Square, where hundreds of thousands of faithful are expected to arrive.
Rubbing alcohol, distilled water and 5-litre PET bottles should be urgently introduced into the SGR deposit-refund system for its improved functioning, says deputy chairman of the National Association of Romania's Small and Medium Traders (ANCMM) Feliciu Paraschiv.

"I admit that at first we were a little opposed to the system, because we knew that something very difficult was going to come, but we got used to it and I think it can't be done without. I think that there is no longer a serious trader with plans for the future who refuses to integrate or who does not want to participate in the system, which is why we were really thinking about the last discussions we had within the association, about what we could do to improve the functioning of the system. We concluded that there should be an urgent introduction of rubbing alcohol, distilled water PET bottles, which are clean packaging, and we do not understand why they are not in the system. I believe that this can be done under a ministerial order, very simple, leaving a period of grace. Then, I didn't understand why the 5-litre packages are left to chance. Maybe we should find an option to manual collection to be received (...) There are things that can be improved and that we try to do better. There are things that RetuRo must also improve and here I am referring to the frequency of collection. We still have to work on the collection triggers. An automatic trigger is tried through which the collector automatically comes to a supermarket, to pick up the bags with packaging, but it does not always manage to accurately point out the needs of the trader," the ANCMM official told "SGR in Romania" conference on Thursday.

In Paraschiv's opinion, retailers are doing their job very well if RetuRo is satisfied and claims that the figures look very good.

"I would like to tell you from the beginning that the SGR is a system consisting of three components. One component is RetuRo, where RetuRo does a job and receives some money. That's what it's paid for. The second component is the producers who pay for this system, and if the system had not existed, they would have paid even more. And the third component are the retailers who a year and a half ago had no business, who had no obligation and now have to do all the work without being paid. And when I say without being paid I mean the fact that the handling that everyone knows, is a tax that must only cover the costs. That is, we have to carry out a voluntary operation without any profit... If RetuRo is satisfied and the figures are very good, it means that we are doing our job very well."

PRIAevents organised on Thursday the PRIA Environment conference on SGR in Romania, during which representatives of RetuRO, producers, retailers, associations, environmental companies, administrative-territorial units and central authorities debated.
Kezia Jackson struggled through a rough time as a teenager. Her parents arranged for her to talk to a therapist.

In the very first session, the therapist flippantly told Jackson why she believed she was acting out.

I was uncomfortable and offended, and I shut down, Jackson says. She felt judged. She never went back, and her depression went untreated. She decided in high school she wanted to become a psychologist.

Jackson ended up earning her doctoral degree in psychology. In 2018, she started Healing Spaces Psychological Services, a private practice in Clayton that now employs 14 people, nearly all of whom are Black.

Thats rare considering the dearth of Black mental health providers  around 2 percent of psychiatrists and 4 percent of therapists in America, according to estimates by the American Psychiatric Association. Its even more unusual considering that Jackson never recruited other practitioners.

Instead, they found her.

Drawn to Healing Spaces

Patrick Charlier sought a therapist after a suicide attempt in his mid-20s. Charlier, who is Haitian American, connected with a Black woman, who gave off motherly energy, he says. It was exactly what he needed at that moment.

She made a tremendous difference in the quality of my life going forward, he says. So much so, that he decided to get his masters degree in Mental Health Counseling. It took about five years of going to school while working. He moved to St. Louis from New York in 2020. When he met Jackson, he was drawn to the cohesion and flow of her practice.

It just felt like a very safe space to work, he says. He focuses mainly on couples counseling and more than half his clients are Black.

Theres no monolith experience of being Black, brown or white, he says. But, he can relate to the cultural context of being a racial minority in America. Its one of those things where sometimes whats understood doesnt have to be explained, he says.

His colleague, Anita Santiago, a doctoral student and licensed clinical therapist, said she wanted to enter the field because of her familys personal history with mental illness. She witnessed firsthand the hardship of trying to get an accurate diagnosis and finding a provider who accepts Medicaid, especially for those who live in rural areas.

I know the years of struggle and pain that comes with being misdiagnosed and misunderstood, especially in communities of color, Santiago says.

She switched careers at 48  when she began a masters degree in counseling  and enrolled in her doctoral program at 52. She wanted to be part of a team providing culturally competent care.

Were not just slapping a label on someone, she says.

Nicole Murdock, a therapist and staff manager at Healing Spaces, remembers reading a book in middle school that changed her life. A Child Called It is a memoir of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California history, in which a boy was severely beaten, tortured and starved for years by his mother.

It really opened my eyes, Murdock says. Growing up in the African American Baptist church community, she said therapy was never discussed.

You prayed it away. Jesus would solve all your problems. Therapy was not a thing at all, she says. When she first got into the profession, she did not know a single Black psychiatrist and just a handful of Black therapists. She was used to being the only Black person in many educational and work spaces.

Before she met Jackson in 2020, it had not occurred to her that they could build something different.

It felt like we were in a system that was already the way it was, she says. Jackson began talking about a different way to engage with the community, and it made sense to her.

We can create this, she says.

Confronting the past

Dr. Stephen McLeod-Bryant, president of Black Psychiatrists of America, notes that Black providers are significantly underrepresented in medicine, overall. He points out that Black people were not allowed to study medicine for much of the countrys history. It was not until 1966, after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, that African Americans were admitted into all U.S. medical schools. White institutions denied generations of Black people the opportunity, along with the economic and social resources, from participating in medicine, he says.

The recent Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action has already led to a decline in the number of Black and Hispanic medical students, he says. The push to ban efforts to diversify the medical workforce hurts all Americans, McLeod-Bryant says. It takes away brains and innovation that can bring better health care to all Americans.

His organization has started a mentoring program to match medical students and residents with senior psychiatrists.

The field of psychiatry carries a racist, oppressive and abusive history that has led to historical distrust among Black Americans. In 2021, the American Psychiatric Association issued an apology for its appalling past actions and apologized for its racist past.

The history of psychiatry has not been kind to Black people. It has not been kind to Black people, at all, said Dr. Russell Ledet, a resident in pediatrics, psychiatry and fellow in child psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine. Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and less likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety despite similar symptomatology, he says. They are less likely to be referred for therapy and more likely to be sent to emergency rooms and correctional settings. Black children are more likely to be suspended and criminalized than treated for therapy or psychiatric care.

Im reframing therapy as a tool of liberation and not as weakness, he says. Every time a black patient sees someone who looks like them in a mental health space, it sends a powerful message  that we deserve healing, too.

Ledet is the co-founder of the nonprofit 15 White Coats, which mentors and encourages more Black students to apply to medical school. Hes also doing Afro-centric and culturally adaptive psychotherapy in youth incarceration facilities. He uses rapper Kendrick Lamars lyrics to teach Black boys about anger, and how the response to it is learned. He is teaching them about authenticity, family, loyalty, relationships and resiliency from a culture he shares.

I wanted to explain it in a way I never heard psychiatry explain it, he says. People are not coming to therapy to lose who they are; they are coming to better understand who they are.

The work goes beyond individual patient care to addressing the hurdles built into the system, he says. The barriers to mental health care are vast  lack of insurance, higher out-of-pocket costs, fewer providers who accept Medicaid, extremely long wait times for those who do, finding transportation and being able to take time off work for regular sessions. Even the medical forms, filled with jargon and difficult to understand, can alienate families looking for help, he says. He wants to reimagine what the screening tools for depression and anxiety sound like to make them more applicable to diverse populations.

There are a lot of built-in inequities for mental health care that I want to address over time, Ledet says. Its incredibly important for me to create a space that helps people from communities where I came from and tells them they are important and includes their culture.

In St. Louis, Jackson is pursuing the same goal.

Looking to the future

It wasnt until she was in graduate school, when Jackson was particularly stressed and anxious, that she tried therapy again. This time, she found the right fit  a woman, similar to her in age from the same background. This therapist engaged her in what her healing and treatment would look like.

It allowed me to put some guards down, Jackson says. She was able to get the help she needed.

Jackson knew the demographics in her field and was aware there would not be many people who looked like her. But it was still jarring to work for community health organizations that served predominantly Black and brown people and to be the only Black psychologist on staff. She noticed the failure to diagnose Black children with certain mental health conditions and label them as behavior problems. The impact of culture was largely ignored.

That became especially apparent after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson and the unrest that began a nationwide movement about racial injustice.

An email went out, and then it was business, as usual, she says. There was so much happening in their backyard, but no one in leadership was talking about it or how it was impacting their clients, she says.

We cant pretend this is not happening, she thought. When another Black therapist talked about starting her own practice, Jackson started contemplating the same move.

I wanted to create a space where people who looked like me could come in and feel safe and get the healing they need and feel acknowledged, she says.

In her business, she prioritizes creating a diverse, inclusive space that fosters cultural competency. Many Black clients seek her out because they want to ensure their child is not being misdiagnosed or over-pathologized. Those from other marginalized communities come because they want a place where they wont be judged, she says. And, there are people who come because they know what they stand for and agree with the mission.

She never had the plan of creating a large group practice. Providers approached her and said: I heard what youre doing. Can I do it with you?

Now, she has a new vision.

I see us continuing to do the work, not just within these walls, but in St. Louis, she says. She wants to equip people with the skills to build their own healing spaces  in homes, schools and their communities. Some mental health care providers want to become the person who could have been there for them when they were younger, she says.

Thats exactly where her journey has led her.
The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday afternoon the first case of measles in the state.

The measles diagnosis involving an adult in far southern Illinois was confirmed through laboratory testing, according to a press release sent out by IDPH.

This is the only IDPH-confirmed case in the state.

This is not considered an outbreak at this time. IDPH will update the public should there be any notable developments, the release stated.

IDPH is working to identify potential locations of exposure, including the clinic in southern Illinois where the patient sought care, to see whether any other patients were exposed. Health workers were wearing masks and are considered immune, the release said.

There have been no reported cases of measles since an outbreak in Chicago in early 2024 that resulted in 67 cases.

The Centers for Disease Control reports 800 confirmed cases in 26 states: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. Those numbers were updated last week, according to the CDC website.

IDPH has been monitoring an outbreak in New Mexico and Texas that has resulted in three deaths, including two children.

The first reported cases of measles in Illinois in 2025 is a reminder to our Illinois residents that this disease can be prevented with up-to-date vaccinations, IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. With hundreds of cases being reported nationally, we have been working closely with our local public health and health care partners to prepare for any potential meals cases in Illinois.

Two doses of measles/mumps/rubella vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles, Vohra said.

Measles symptoms may take from seven to 21 days to emerge and include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Anyone exposed and not immune to measles should notify their local health department if they become symptomatic.

Those with measles symptoms should contact their health care provider by phone or email before going to their office, urgent care or hospital emergency room so special arrangements can be made to prevent further transmission.

IDPH unveiled a Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard to allow the public to find out the vaccination rate of schools so they can determine the risk of a child being exposed to measles if a case is introduced in their school.

Vaccination rates have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic. The current secretary of the federal Health and Human Services Department, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been on record as being opposed to vaccines, which health officials fear has influenced some parents to not have their children vaccinated.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
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JEFFERSON CITY  In the fall of 2017, Dylan Dunn was an officer at the Northeast Correctional Center in Bowling Green. Things werent going well.

Dunn is gay, and some of his fellow corrections officers harassed him.

They made sexually derogatory comments over the prisons loudspeaker. They started rumors about him. They made sexual jokes in his presence, demeaning the LGBTQ community.

Dunn filed grievances and went through the chain of command. In March 2018, despite having a strong employee record, he was fired.

Five years ago, Dunn filed a discrimination lawsuit against the state Department of Corrections. The department for several years has been inundated with complaints about sexual assault and sexual harassment. The complaints have come from employees and inmates.

Since 2020, according to data from the Missouri Attorney Generals legal expense fund, the state has paid nearly $70 million in lawsuit settlements related to the Department of Corrections. The cases ranged from wrongful death accusations to employee harassment.

Dunn, however, is struggling to get his day in court. Thats because the office of Attorney General Andrew Bailey cant seem to keep enough staff lawyers, says Dunns attorney, Rod Chapel.

They went through a herd of people over the past few years, Chapel says. And basically, nobody was paying attention to the case.

Baileys lawsuits against the federal government, China, Starbucks and local school districts over culture issues earn him face time on Fox News. But it seems that at least some parts of the job of running his office may need more of his attention. Its not a problem entirely of his own making. The revolving door at the attorney generals office started under Baileys two predecessors, Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt.

In a hearing before the Missouri Legislature earlier this year, when he asked for more money, Bailey, a Republican, said he was improving retention at the office. But hes still not spending his entire budget, lawmakers of his own political party told him, because his office is understaffed. In 2024, state budget documents show, nearly a third of the budgeted positions in the attorney generals office were vacant.

Indeed, Dunns court file shows a litany of assistant attorneys general entering the case and leaving it, with few filings in between. And any motions that were filed came late, Chapel claims in court documents.

Earlier this year, in a motion for default judgment, Chapel wrote that 1,751 days after Plaintiffs Petition was filed, Defendants have no answer on file. He also said the state had failed to cooperate with discovery, and he objected to the states push to move the case to Pike County.

The default wasnt granted and, much to Chapels dismay, the case was transferred to Pike County. That means his client faces more delays.

The delays are similar to those in a case that was argued before the Missouri Supreme Court earlier this month. It was brought by Trent Berhow, an inmate who was hurt while performing repairs at the now-closed Western Missouri Correctional Center. Berhow is seeking sanctions against the attorney generals office for delays in his personal injury case.

The attorney generals office strays from this idea of enforcing the law as written when representing the state of Missouri, Berhows attorney, Gabe Harris, argued before the Supreme Court. The trial court should have punished and not rewarded the state for its years-long discovery delays.

The case, filed in 2019, was more than 1,400 days old when it finally made it to trial, where the state prevailed. Harris filed an appeal because of the delays and the trial courts refusal to punish the attorney generals office for not responding properly to discovery requests.

Between the date of the original filing and ultimate judgment, no fewer than 10 Assistant Attorneys General entered their appearance on behalf of the State, Harris wrote in his appeal.

The problem is well-known among lawyers, Chapel says, and some judges are starting to draw attention to the failure of the attorney generals office to fulfill its duties.

In another case Chapel has against the Department of Corrections, a judge ordered sanctions against the attorney generals office for failing to produce a witness at a deposition. And in a third Chapel case, also involving employee discrimination, a judge issued a default judgement of more than $414,000 against the Department of Corrections, pointing out that serial attorneys on this case filed and yet again filed the same motions in an attempt to avoid default judgment.

James Lawson, the deputy chief of staff for Bailey, declined to discuss specific cases but said the office is making progress on hiring and retaining attorneys.

In Dunns case, the office has hired outside lawyers to fight the discrimination claim, meaning the delays are now costing taxpayers. In their response to Chapels motion for default judgment, the attorneys representing the Department of Corrections suggest the delays are due to excusable neglect.

Chapel, who is also president of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, recalls Bailey making similar arguments against former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner when she couldnt manage her office well enough to have prosecutors show up for trial. Those delays contributed to her removal from office.

The rules should mean what they say for state agencies just like they do other litigants, Chapel says.

He suggests, as Harris did in the Supreme Court case, that Bailey needs to do a better job of listening to his own words.

Do as I say but not what I do, Chapel says. Thats what it sounds like to me.
Greece is actively modernizing its military capabilities with two significant procurements. Firstly, the Government Council for Foreign and Defense Affairs, known as KYSEA, has approved the purchase of approximately 590 U.S.-made Switchblade loitering munitions, commonly called kamikaze drones. These include the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 models, designed for precision strikes against personnel, light vehicles, and armored targets. This acquisition costs around 75.2 million, with Greece contributing 25 million and the remainder financed through U.S. foreign military funding.

In addition to the drone procurement, Greece is in advanced discussions to acquire 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel. The PULS, or Precise and Universal Launching System, developed by Elbit Systems, is a versatile rocket artillery platform capable of launching various rockets with ranges up to 300 kilometers. This deal, estimated between 600 and 700 million, also includes provisions for constructing components within Greece, fostering local industry collaboration.

These acquisitions align with Greeces broader strategy to modernize its armed forces and enhance its defense posture amid regional tensions. After transferring older Soviet-era equipment to Ukraine, Greece will also replenish and upgrade its military inventory. Greece has provided Ukraine with various military aid, including BMP-1A1 infantry fighting vehicles, RPG-18 grenade launchers, Kalashnikov rifles, and 122mm rocket artillery rounds. This support is part of international efforts to bolster Ukraines defense capabilities amid ongoing conflicts.

With these acquisitions, Greece ensures its military remains robust and capable by replacing outdated systems with advanced technology like the Switchblade drones and PULS artillery systems. Simultaneously, transferring older equipment to Ukraine underscores Greeces commitment to supporting allies and contributing to regional stability.

In summary, Greeces strategic acquisitions and equipment transfers reflect a dual approach: strengthening its defense capabilities while supporting international partners in need. This balanced strategy enhances Greeces military readiness and reinforces its role as a cooperative player in global defense matters.

This podcast was produced with the assistance of AI technology.
CLAYTON  A teenage McDonalds employee who was pulled by her braids and stomped on her head last year outside the fast food restaurant in north St. Louis County lied about her injuries, attorneys said on Thursday.

The man charged in the case, 26-year-old Johnny Ricks, took a plea deal with prosecutors Thursday afternoon.

Prosecutors reduced Ricks assault charge after getting 15-year-old Aryiah Lynchs medical records. The teen and her family raised almost $54,000 with a GoFundMe that said she suffered a fractured skull and broken eye socket, among other injuries, during the fight on April 7, 2024.

All of that was false, said Ricks defense attorney, Alex Klimenko. The only thing that the evidence really showed was a minor injury to her nose.

A spokesman for the St. Louis County prosecutors office said on Thursday that Lynch suffered a broken nose.

The fight outside McDonalds, at 6863 Parker Road, attracted significant public interest after a one-minute video of the fight went viral.

It shows about 12 people caught up in the fighting. A man, later identified by authorities as Ricks, is seen dragging Aryiah by her long braids, stomping her head on the concrete and punching her when she gets up.

The video that circulated through the media didnt show the entire story, Klimenko said Thursday. It was only a selective clip that was used to mislead the public, as well as the state. The state overcharged everything based on the lies of the family and the manipulation of the media.

Outside the courtroom, his family reiterated what was said in a bond hearing last year: Ricks intervened in the fight because his younger sister was being assaulted.

Lynchs family attended that hearing and her mother asked the judge to never let him out jail. The teen and her family did not attend Thursdays plea hearing or submit a victim impact statement.

The prosecutors office said Thursday that Lynchs medical records were the impetus for the reduction in charge from first-degree assault to third-degree assault, where the burden of proof is physical injury rather than serious physical injury.

Of course, securing a guilty plea with the amended charge also holds the defendant accountable without the stress of trial for the victim, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith said in a statement.

Ricks was originally charged with with second-degree assault and second-degree property damage. A few weeks after that, they upgraded his assault charge to first-degree, which carried a minimum of 10 years in prison.

On Thursday afternoon, with several family members in attendance, Ricks pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and second-degree property damage.

He was sentenced to a total of three years.

Klimenko said Missouri law requires he only has to serve 33% of that sentence, which Ricks has done while in pre-trial custody.

We are expecting him to be out within the next few months, Klimenko said.

Ricks has been in jail on a $150,000 cash-only bond since his arrest.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis woman says she was dragged across the floor of a drug store and taken on a rough ride to the hospital in a St. Louis police van during an arrest, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday.

Del-Rio Swink was waiting for a prescription at a Walgreens in the Central West End when a Berkeley police officer working as a security guard took her to the ground, dragged her by the arms and handcuffed her, according to a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit advocacy firm ArchCity Defenders.

St. Louis police arrived and marched her to a van despite repeated protestations that she suffered chronic nerve damage and was in extreme pain, the suit says.

It put my mind in a turmoil, Swink said in a video posted by Arch City.

City public safety and police spokespeople declined to comment on pending litigation. A Walgreens spokesman denied any wrongdoing. The Berkeley police did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Swink, who is in her mid-50s, was treated in 2017 for breast cancer. As a result, she developed nerve damage and degenerative joint disease, the suit says.

On Nov. 4, 2022, she went to the Walgreens on Lindell Boulevard to pick up a prescription for a dental condition when she noticed a pharmacy clerk spitting sunflower seeds into a cup, the suit says.

Swink expressed her displeasure, and she and the clerk exchanged words, the suit says. Eventually, another pharmacist intervened, and Swink sat down to wait.

Meanwhile, the clerk told off-duty Berkeley police Officer Thomas Love  who was working as a security guard  to remove Swink from the store.

After a brief exchange, Love toppled her out of her chair and onto the floor, the suit says. She felt pain radiating from her back and hip.

Love tried to handcuff her, but Swink said she couldnt put her arm behind her back due to her disability. In order to handcuff her around the front he dragged her across the floor by her arms, the suit says.

Eventually, St. Louis police officers arrived and walked Swink to the van despite her protestations that she was in pain.

She eventually got into the van, but she wasnt properly secured with a seat belt, the suit says. As they pulled away, she fell to the floor and was tossed around until they arrived at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the suit says.

Swink was never charged with a crime, the suit says.

But over time, her pain worsened. She struggled to sit and stand. She suffered intense anxiety and fear, the suit says.

Swink is seeking an unspecified amount of damages. A hearing has not yet been set in the case.
A former employee at a prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to smuggling drugs and weapons into the facility to deliver them to an inmate serving time for a St. Louis shooting.

Steven M. Reminger, 53, an electronics technician at the Eastern Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center at the time, came under scrutiny after a number of overdoses, according to a plea agreement. Inmates reached out to prison officials and told them that Reminger was smuggling drugs into the prison.

A United States Postal inspector learned that Reminger had a post office box in Farmington, Missouri, at which he received 12 packages between late 2021 and mid-2022. He used the name David Vale to receive the deliveries.

When Reminger picked up the final package in May 2022, postal inspectors interviewed him, during which time he consented to a search of the package. Inside it, authorities found $4,000 in cash, fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, K2, THC edibles, marijuana, knives and cellphones in four vacuum-sealed packages.

Reminger said the cash was his pay for bringing the packages into the prison, but he said he never opened the packages. Ignorance is bliss, Reminger told authorities, admitting that he remained deliberately ignorant to the packages contents. He said he had gotten six or seven similar packages over the previous year.

Reminger indicated he was sent the packages under the direction of inmate Belvin Williams, a man serving 120 years for a north St. Louis shooting, according to a plea agreement. Reminger would deliver the packages to Williams inside the prison.

He said he made no more than $50,000 from the scheme, and he turned over $15,000 to investigators.

Reminger is scheduled to be sentenced in July, and each of the two charges carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both.
ST. LOUIS  A city police officer was seriously injured in a crash Thursday afternoon as he was responding to assist in an arrest, the city police department said.

The incident took place just before 1 p.m. at North Vandeventer and Bell avenues, police said, just north of Cardinal Ritter High School.

The officer was in the area to assist with the arrest of suspects operating a stolen vehicle, police said.

Police said the officer had turned on his lights and siren before he crashed with another vehicle.

Police said the officer was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his leg and wrist, including what the department believed was a broken femur.

The female driver of the other vehicle was also taken to the hospital, and was stable, police said.
ST. LOUIS  City officials are setting aside millions of dollars in federal pandemic aid to pay court judgments in the wake of one of the citys largest courtroom losses in recent memory.

A proposed budget for next year, unveiled Wednesday, puts $10.3 million in interest earned on the pandemic aid into a judgment fund, which already gets $6 million per year from elsewhere in the budget.

Budget Director Paul Payne, who put together the proposal, said the line item wasnt for any particular case. But it follows closely behind a federal jurys decision in January to award nearly $19 million to the family of Mansur Ball-Bey, who was killed by St. Louis police a decade ago.

The city counselors office previously indicated plans to appeal that case under Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, who left office April 15. And newly elected Mayor Cara Spencer declined Wednesday to comment on whether she would change course.

But in recent months, some activists have urged against that, and it became a topic of interest at a mayoral campaign forum in February, where Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler said the city should just pay the bill. And the number of officials in agreement is growing.

On Wednesday, Aldermanic President Megan Green said Butler had a point.

I dont know that an appeal will result in anything different, she said. We should likely just go through with paying the settlement and avoid spending any more legal fees.

Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, of downtown, said the same thing. We need to give the family justice, he said, and move on.

Javad Khazaeli, an attorney for Ball-Beys parents, declined comment.

But the citys debt continues to grow: The judgment is currently accruing roughly $65,000 in interest per month. And the city's ledger continues to grow: It settled a lawsuit from Tennessee teen Janae Edmondson, whose legs had to be amputated after a high-profile crash downtown, for $450,000. Then a city jury awarded $1.5 million to a man injured when a branch falling from a city tree hit him.

The judgment cash marked one of a few shifts in the fiscal 2026 spending blueprint, which Budget Director Paul Payne presented Wednesday afternoon to the citys Estimate Board, composed of Spencer, Aldermanic President Megan Green and Comptroller Donna Baringer.

The proposed $1.4 billion budget is about 5% larger than it was last year. But Payne said thats due in large part to last year's surge in pandemic-era earnings tax refunds coming to an end, and the use of interest on the pandemic aid.

The city is projecting only modest bumps in new earnings and sales tax proceeds in the coming year as the city braces for uncertainty amid looming federal spending cuts and tariff-fueled trade wars.

This is about as close as you can get to a recession forecast without having a recession, Payne told officials.

The budget does include money for the raises approved for police, firefighters and other city employees in recent months, which will add about $23 million in annual costs.

And it sets aside another $10 million that could pay for further salary increases as the city works to tackle stubborn staffing shortages blamed for problems picking up trash, filling potholes, trimming trees and towing cars.

The blueprint also foresees putting $11 million, including nearly $7 million in federal pandemic aid interest, toward repairs of the citys court buildings. Both the Carnahan Courthouse and the Civil Courts Building, on Market Street downtown, are nearly 100 years old and badly in need of maintenance.

The money will help pay to repair the Civil Courts Buildings weathered facade, fix broken steps at the Carnahan Courthouse, modernize courtrooms and replace an array of aging of electrical, water and heating and air conditioning equipment.

It will also pay for new windows at the juvenile court building on Vandeventer Avenue.

The Estimate Board will hold a virtual public hearing on the budget at 1 p.m. Friday, and is scheduled to vote on the budget next week.

Once the budget is approved by the Estimate Board, it will move to the Board of Aldermen for further consideration.
JEFFERSON CITY  Republican state lawmakers failed early Thursday in their latest bid to torpedo a voter-approved increase in the state minimum wage and new guaranteed paid sick leave rules.

Five months after 57% of the states voters approved a plan to boost the minimum wage to $15 an hour and require companies to offer paid leave to employees, business-friendly Republicans tried to muscle a partial repeal through the upper chamber over the objections of Democrats and labor groups.

The GOP effort, however, was scuttled in the early morning hours amid internal disputes over the contours of a compromise. The measure could come back to the Senate floor next week before the new rules kick in May 1.

Democrats, who hold 10 of 34 seats in the Senate, have blocked the proposed changes from advancing over the course of more than hours 18 hours of debate.

Its imperative that we uphold the will of the people, said Sen. Brian Williams, D-University City, during the initial stages of debate Wednesday.

Senate President Cindy OLaughlin, R-Shelbina, has placed herself at the center of a pressure campaign on behalf of business owners to force a vote.

Calling the law an economic bomb, OLaughlin said she believes workers will abuse the time-off provisions, leaving businesses understaffed.

The Senate proposal carves out sick leave exemptions for certain on-call hospital workers, barge operators, labor unions and companies with under 25 full-time workers.

And, rather than go into effect on May 1, the change would delay implementation until Aug. 1.

The Republican-led changes brokered by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, also would allow an employer to deny the use of paid sick time if such use would unduly disrupt the employers operations.

Democrats say the changes presented by Bernskoetter could exempt 90% of all employers from the mandate after voters in six of the states eight congressional districts supported the initiative. It also won in 20 of the states 34 Senate districts, including 10 Republican districts.

Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, said some of the changes made sense, but dismissed the GOP concerns.

There seems to be this sky is falling mentality. But it is never as bad as people think, McCreery said.

Some Democrats said special interests were ignoring voters.

This building is run by lobbyists, not by legislators, added Sen. Angela Mosley, D-Florissant. The last I checked we were the ones elected and not them.

Along with lobbying OLaughlin and other Republicans in the legislative branch, business groups also have asked the Missouri Supreme Court to stop the new law. The high court had yet to act after hearing arguments in March.

The legislation is the latest example of the majority party attempting to overrule voters on citizen-led ballot measures. Along with attempting to put barriers on efforts to change the constitution and state statutes, the GOP also has attempted to block voters from legalizing abortion, expanding Medicaid and making marijuana legal.

Here we go again, said Sen. Patty Lewis. Why are we wasting time at this when the voters overwhelmingly passed it?

The legislation is House Bill 567.
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe withdrew the nomination of Tom Prater to the State Board of Education on Thursday after concerns circulated from a national advocacy group and a state senator.

Prater, a Springfield eye surgeon who donated $21,000 to Kehoes political action committee last year, was appointed in an interim capacity following the retirement of 33-year board member Peter Herschend. He was reappointed by Kehoe this year alongside three new board members.

But in the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee hearing Wednesday, his selection was singled out by Republican state Sen. Mike Moon.

Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, said his constituents had complained about Praters appointment. He asked Prater about his role in United Springfield, a committee that has donated to candidates on both sides of the aisle in local elections.

Prater said the group didnt look at political affiliations but asked questions about education issues.

Moon told The Independent on Thursday he spoke to Kehoe about his concerns but didnt want to talk more about Prater or the reasons his nomination was withdrawn.

If the Senate had voted Praters nomination down, he would have been banned from serving on the board for life. Instead, the nomination was withdrawn shortly after the Senate convened Thursday and the other education board nominee, Republican Brooks Miller, was confirmed on a voice vote.

A spokeswoman for Kehoe said he was confident in (Praters) qualifications.

Given the short amount of time left this legislative session and the obstacles presented during Praters confirmation, the governor did not want to ask the Missouri Senate to use valuable floor time on this appointment at the expense of other critical legislation awaiting action, she said in a statement.

The State Board of Education, by law, cant be dominated by a political party. Prater was nominated as an independent, with the maximum number of Republicans already in office or appointed.

Prater has a history of donating to both Republican and Democratic candidates, with the majority of his contributions benefiting those on the political right.

These donations came under scrutiny from the American Accountability Foundation, a D.C.-based nonprofit committed to the American First conservative agenda, according to its social media.

If you want a pro-tax, anti-voucher, pro-teacher union voice on the State Board of Education, then Tom Prater is your guy, the organizations founder, Thomas Jones, said in an email to state officials Wednesday. But if you want reform-minded conservatives, youre going to need a new nominee.

Jones noted Praters donations to ActBlue, which received $250 from Prater last year, and donations to local Democrats often below $1,000.

Jones told The Independent Thursday that any donations to blue candidates are terrible.

He shouldnt be on the board at all, he said. He has donated to a bunch of terrible liberals in your state. He is going to be a toxic influence on the Board of Education.

Missouri-based groups Freedom Principle MO and MO Education Watch celebrated the withdrawal on social media.

The people won, MO Education Watch said on X, formerly Twitter.

Prater did not respond to a request for comment.

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.
Before Missouris new child welfare leader even printed out business cards, she made stickers. A lot of them.

Centered on safety, they read. And these stickers, Sara Smith says, remind her of an underlying question that drives her as she begins her tenure running the Childrens Division, an agency where she first started working nearly 20 years ago.

Its like, how do we embed safety into every aspect of our work? Smith said in an interview with The Star last week, after her first full month as the CD director. ... There is definite room for improvement for Childrens Division and looking at safety.

Smiths focus on safety comes after nearly three years of the previous leader transforming the system into one that prioritizes keeping families together. Some advocates voiced concern at that time that a narrow focus on family preservation may have sacrificed safety in some cases and ultimately led to bad outcomes, though past leaders and national child advocates disagreed.

The Stars conversation with Smith came a day after the Missouri Department of Social Services, which oversees the division, finally released records about a Kansas City boy who died in late 2023 after falling from a 17th floor apartment window. Those records show that hotline callers tried in vain for years to help Grayson OConnor, 5, but more than once his mother refused help without consequence.

The records also show, child welfare advocates say, that more must be done across the state to ensure kids like Grayson are safe when they remain at home. Since 2017, seven hotline calls reported everything from his mother having unstable housing and previous drug use to seeing her berate and scream at him, and on one occasion they said she left him at an intersection.

Improving the system for all kids, advocates say, requires taking a hard look at cases where children died and seeing what more, if anything, could have been done. And Smith said her administrative team will be doing that.

Seven times somebody showed up at Graysons door and walked away and didnt help him, said Lisa Mizell, chief executive officer of the Child Protection Center in Kansas City. Seven times. That breaks my heart. That kills me.

Prosecutors now accuse the mom of causing her sons death by removing safety devices from the window of her apartment.

In the hour-long interview detailing her plans for the Childrens Division, Smith outlined several areas shell concentrate on in the coming months at an agency that has had a revolving door of directors in the past decade. Those plans include an organized review of random cases to analyze what services were provided and what may have been missed, as well as the implementation of a Critical Investigations Unit.

That team will be made up of experienced members who will respond to complex investigations, allowing newer employees to develop their skills before taking on such cases.

Smith, herself, has worked in the investigations unit at the Childrens Division. Shes also spent years working at the states child abuse/neglect hotline.

Jessica Seitz, executive director of the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse, formerly known as Missouri KidsFirst, said shes eager to see what Smith can do as leader of the states child welfare agency.

Its exciting that you have somebody who came from the Childrens Division, Seitz said, and kind of speaks the language.

Its when Smith was working at the hotline that she would begin her day by reading the daily fatality report, which details not only alleged abuse and neglect deaths, but also deaths due to natural causes or ones at birth.

Since taking over the top post, she started reading that report again.

It should put you in the mindset of why were here, Smith said. Were here to prevent that. And so our eyes should be on those.

Balancing family preservation, safety

As Smith hones in on safety, some fear that the focus on keeping families together that previous director Darrell Missey, a former juvenile court judge, emphasized will fade. Misseys leadership and direction has been praised by many front-line workers, supervisors and experts who have fought to safely keep families together when possible.

On the last day of 2021, just days before Missey took over the top post inside the Childrens Division, there were 14,137 kids in care. That represented a 34% increase from a decade earlier. And at the time, Missouri had among the highest number of children in foster care per capita nationwide.

Missey soon shared that he wanted to begin transforming Missouris system, which had a rate double the national average for removing kids. For him, it was all about family preservation, a move that systems across the nation have been embracing.

Numbers show that during Misseys tenure  he left the department the first of November  the number of kids in Missouri foster care dropped by nearly 3,000 children, with around 11,400 in care at the end of October.

After children who had been on the radar of Childrens Division died  including Grayson and several others in the Kansas City area  child advocates began to worry that children were being kept in unsafe homes in the name of family preservation, a fear Missey and other leaders across the state didnt agree with.

The hope, advocates say, is that the department will intentionally strike a balance.

I think safety and family preservation are not mutually exclusive, Mizell said. You can do both.

In the past few years, with the emphasis in Missouri on family preservation, Mizell said she felt from the beginning, they were missing the safety piece.

I would say, Well, what about safety? What are you doing for the kids? Mizell said. There were really no answers given.

You cant concentrate on one or the other.  Its really important just to walk and chew gum at the same time. And I have a lot of faith that Sara will do that.

Lori Ross  a founder of FosterAdopt Connect who has worked in child welfare in Missouri for decades  agrees that the child welfare system needs to balance the two.

Family preservation absolutely should remain a major emphasis because it is the right thing for kids and families, Ross said. It should never have been an afterthought. Going into foster care, and living in foster care, is incredibly traumatizing for children, for their parents, and for the families that take the children in.

So doing what we can do to keep kids safe and stable at home should be our priority.

If Missouri stops working on preventing kids from coming into foster care through family preservation, then we will be subjecting way too many kids to the trauma of foster care.

And that, Ross said, can have lifelong negative outcomes with health and mental health.

On the flip side, if child welfare leaders emphasize family preservation without a focus on safety, Ross said, the efforts result in tragic outcomes.

It can never be one without the other, Ross said. It should always be both.

An audit of cases

For years, child advocates have hoped for an organized audit of past cases to see how workers handled investigations and assessments  with the goal to improve overall practices across Missouri.

Smith said she and her team have already begun mapping out that process. By early June, Smith said her team should have action items on that.

Were going to sit down and read some cases, she said. We should be auditing ourselves. We should be doing that.

Advocates say this type of audit is a smart and valuable move if the review is used to improve the system. For Seitz, its a necessary step for safety.

Thats the only way we can look at how to prevent these types of tragedies from occurring., Seitz said. Trying to find out what points of intervention there were, what points were missed, what options were not taken, is the only way to prevent this type of tragedy moving forward.

This kind of audit, can also help develop what legislation needs to be passed in Missouri, Mizell said.

Ross said that thoroughly reviewing all cases with very negative outcomes should be standard practice. And it should include recommendations for practice changes, she said. coming from that process, Ross said in an email.

I also think pulling random cases (ongoing and with no indication that they are headed for bad outcomes) for review is enlightening, Ross said.

When Jackson County was under a federal Consent Decree many years ago, Ross said she was part of a few teams that conducted random case reviews. The findings pointed out weaknesses and strengths in how current cases were being handled, and supervisors were able to address any weaknesses in real time.

The work is cumbersome and requires a pretty decent knowledge of how things work to be effective, Ross said. So doing this well will require an investment in building a skilled team and supporting that team to travel, do in person interviews with everyone on a case, read case files, gather documentation, etc.

Smith said she wants to get samples of closed investigations and assessments from each region where it was determined that the children were safe. The goal is to look at what may have been missed, any missteps, in addition to what went right. Cases where a child was injured or even died will be a significant part of the audit, she said.

Itll just really help us know how our practice is going, Smith said. What was supposed to kind of come alongside that safety assessment  that for some reason, the work wasnt done  was the risk assessment. And so were picking up that work as well.

Safety is one component, but risk is a huge other component that we should be looking at.

Transparency key, new leaders say

With the release of Graysons records last week, as well as other child deaths across the state, Jessica Bax, the director of the Missouri Department of Social Services, also sent a letter to The Star.

Transparency and communication are key values of this DSS leadership team, Bax wrote. Our commitment to all Missourians is to ensure these values guide our actions, allowing DSS to work collaboratively toward improvements for Missouris children.

Missouri law leaves the decision on whether to release information after a child fatality or near fatality to the sole discretion of the DSS director after reviewing whether the information could harm siblings. Because of that caveat, in many abuse and neglect deaths across Missouri, the public never does find out what Childrens Division did, or failed to do, to protect those children.

Bax referred to that part of the law when she declined to release information in the death of three children in the Kansas City area since February 2022. Releasing information in the deaths of Karvell Stevens, Ivy House and Tidus Bass could have an impact on the siblings of those children, Bax said.

Child advocates say information should be shared after any fatality or near fatality. Thats the way, they say, the system designed to protect children is improved.

I think its not just transparency that is important, but I think its working as a team to address those things, Mizell said. And if youre not transparent with the team and the community, then nobody can help you find a solution. If youre working in a vacuum, youre not working together to help make things better.

I dont know how you find solutions when youre not willing to share information.

Bax did not elaborate on those cases where records were not released. Instead, she focused on the departments decision to release records in some deaths after learning of outstanding requests for information under the Missouri Sunshine law.

At the Childrens Division, Smith said shes very aligned with Bax on transparency.

This is why we released these reports, Smith said. I value the feedback that comes from that to better the system. And if Im able to share something, youll get it. ... There are areas that we need better practice, not policy, because I think we have the policy. Is just supporting them for better practice.

After Graysons death, Bax told The Star that DSS reviewed local practice and took several steps to address and improve that. Childrens Division also conducted a review of Family Centered Services cases, Bax said, and provided enhanced safety training for Family Centered Services workers, supervisors, and managers.

This resulted in increased tracking and alignment of supervisor consultations, Bax said, as well as oversight of documentation and visitants with children and families involved in Family Centered Services cases.

Furthermore, in Jackson County, Bax said, the DSS has increased targeted case reviews to monitor for practice and identify safety concerns.
Representatives of the Israeli and Slovakian Defense ministries have Signed a 560 million Euro Agreement to deliver the Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System Produced by IAI.

The BARAK MX Integrated Air Defense System is designed to counter current and future aerial threats, including ballistic threats. Its operational success in Israel and globally underscores its reliability and effectiveness, making it a valuable addition to Slovakias defense infrastructure.

The system is known for its flexible capability to counter threats from various sources, including fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. With three interceptors for operational ranges of 35, 70, and 150 km, each equipped with an active radar seeker, dual-pulse engine, and powerful warhead, the system delivers unparalleled interception performance against a wide range of threats. The Slovakian acquisition is important in integrating the BARAK MX system into the NATO air defense network, which could pave the systems entry into other Alliance members.

Barak MX and Barak 8 air defense systems are currently operational with several nations, including India, Israel, and Azerbaijan. Recent contracts for land-based systems have also been signed with Morocco and Cyprus. The Royal Dutch Navy also considers a containerized system version on its multifunction support ships.

Photo Credit: Israel Ministry of Defense
JEFFERSON CITY  After a House committee failed to advance legislation seeking to ban soda and candy from a federal food assistance program, the idea seemed dead in Missouri.

Turns out, the plan may have support from Missouris governor.

Gov. Mike Kehoe was among governors who recently met with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to look at ways to reform the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Gabby Picard, Kehoes communications director, told the Post-Dispatch.

The goal, Picard said, is to encourage Missouri families to use their benefits on healthier foods.

Other governors have already taken action. Over half a dozen states have already submitted or announced a plan to submit a waiver to USDA asking to bar certain items like candy or soda. Some states, like Idaho, submitted a waiver after bills were passed in their legislatures; others, like Arkansas, used executive orders.

Picard wouldnt say whether Kehoe would sidestep the Legislature to ask for a waiver from USDA.

During a recent House committee hearing, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers balked at the idea, arguing the restrictions would open a slippery slope to further government intrusion into what people eat. Others found the legislation to be overly broad or punitive.

By contrast, lawmakers were more receptive at a Senate committee hearing where they heard testimony on a bill sponsored by Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican.

Brattins proposal is aimed at keeping Missouri SNAP recipients from buying products with sugar, honey, or other natural or artificial sweeteners in combination with chocolate, fruit, nuts, or other ingredients or flavorings in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. It also would prohibit drinks with natural or artificial sweeteners except milk and some juices. The language is similar to language adopted by Idaho.

On Wednesday, a barrage of soda manufacturers, grocery lobbyists, and consumer advocates pressed the Senate Families, Seniors and Health committee to block Brattins legislation.

Youre certainly sending a message to everyone that our (Coca-Cola) products are unhealthy and that just cant be said generally, said Sally Hargis, vice president/chairman of The Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company.

Restrictions will allow bureaucrats to decide whats healthy and whats not. Its well-intentioned, but its massive elitism, Hargis continued.

Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, disagreed.

Are we not (already) limiting their choices by limiting what beverages they can choose? Carter asked. Its already illegal to purchase alcohol and cigarettes with SNAP benefits.

Were saying you cannot force taxpayers to purchase this item for someone else when the taxpayer may have a real problem with their dollars going to purchase something thats supposed to be nutritional, but its not, Sen. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, said.

Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, D-Kansas City, offered the only real criticism of the proposal but said her objections come down to definition. Based on how candy is defined by the bill, granola bars could be prohibited, she said.

I share your (Brattins) concerns about making sure that our kids have access to nutritious but at the same time, I dont want to put unnecessary burden where all of a sudden were cutting off a huge chunk of food, Nurrenbern added.

While there isnt ample data on the spending habits of SNAP versus non-SNAP shoppers, a 2016 study from the USDA found that SNAP families only spend slightly more on soft drinks. SNAP participants spend a higher percentage of their budget on meat, poultry and seafood, according to the study.

Adding restrictions to the SNAP program would come with a cost. A fiscal analysis says it would cost about $30 million to update the states SNAP software to program the restrictions.

Restricting soda in SNAP has been attempted many times over the years, even at the laws inception in 1964.

The U.S. House version of the Food Stamp Act, written by former U.S. Rep. Leonor K. Sullivan, a Democrat who represented St. Louis, barred soft drinks. The Senate Agriculture Committee stripped that provision out, arguing it would cause insurmountable administrative problems and disrupt well-established food habits.

In 2011, the Obama administration blocked New York City Mayor Michael Bloombergs attempt to bar food stamp recipients from buying sugary drinks.

By contrast, the current leadership of the USDA appears receptive to the idea. Rollins has spoken very favorably of the waivers submitted to this point, calling Arkansas announcement a welcome one.

Brattins legislation is Senate Bill 662.
JEFFERSON CITY  The House approved legislation preventing welfare officials from using around $10 million of foster childrens benefits to pay for their care.

Currently, the states Childrens Division uses benefits granted to foster children, such as Social Security, to cover their expenses. As of October 2024, 1,267 kids in foster care were receiving some kind of federal benefit. The bill would only allow the state to use those benefits for unmet needs outside of what the state is obligated to provide.

House Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lees Summit, targeted the legislation as a top priority. He pledged it would be the first bill to be sent to the Senate, and it was. Now, after back-and-forth between the two chambers, its one vote away from the governors desk.

Most of the debate Thursday surrounded a provision added to the bill by the Senate prohibiting child marriage. Under current law, 16-year-olds can marry someone under the age of 21 with parental consent. The provision would end that allowance.

There are legitimate reasons for 16- and 17-year-olds to get married, said Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, R-Savannah.

Rep. Hardy Billington, R-Poplar Bluff, also spoke against the child marriage ban, saying he believed it would cause pregnant minors to instead seek abortions. He urged anti-abortion lawmakers who did not want to be on record as voting against the bill to leave the chamber.

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, countered that minors who are trafficked are often married against their will.

When I spoke to the Platte County recorder of deeds, whos a Republican, what he shared with me is how horrifying his experience is when he has to assist a young woman with their marriage certificate, Aune said. The look in her eyes when he knows that this is against her will.

Unchained At Last, a nonprofit dedicated to ending child marriage, ranked Missouri 16th out of all 50 states in the amount of child marriages per capita. From 2011 to 2018, 78% of child marriages were between a minor girl and an adult man.

Several other provisions were tacked on to the bill by the Senate and a conference committee of members in both chambers. One, voids nondisclosure agreements involving childhood sexual abuse allegations. Another increases a tax credit for organizations providing positive development for young people while discouraging criminal activity.

The bill with the added provisions was approved by a vote of 129 to 14. Eighteen members, including Van Schoiack and Billington, were absent.

Upon final approval by the Senate, the bill goes to the governor. It would go into effect at the end of August if it becomes law.

The legislation is House Bill 737.
ST. LOUIS  The steamboat Natchez labored noisily up the Mississippi river bearing the most admired tourist in America. Townsfolk jammed the landing at the foot of Market Street, scanning the river for a wisp of smoke.

As the boat approached, the crowd erupted in extended cheers. A musket salute popped from the hill behind them. Four white horses hitched to a carriage waited on the dirt path.

The Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the American Revolution, arrived at 9 a.m. on April 29, 1825, for a one-night visit during a lengthy tour of his beloved United States. St. Louis, a frontier outpost of perhaps 12,000 people, was as deep as he ventured into the great American wilderness.

Accompanying him down the gangplank were U.S. Sen. Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri and William Clark, former Missouri territorial governor and hero of the expedition to the Pacific Ocean. They joined Lafayette the night before in the village of Carondelet, where the Natchez had tied up for the night. (It was the first of many steamboats to bear that name.)

William Carr Lane, St. Louis first mayor, thanked Lafayette for the magic influence of your presence. Lafayette greeted his hosts warmly, clearly enjoying the citys link to his native land.

I have once more the satisfaction to see the descendants of France and the descendants of my American contemporaries mingle in the blessings of republican institutions, Lafayette said.

Dignitaries and militia on horseback accompanied him through the low river bluff, although haltingly. The borrowed team pulling his carriage had been gathered from several owners, and the horses worked poorly together. The assembly gathered for lunch at the home of town patriarch Pierre Chouteau, at Locust and First streets. Lafayette tearfully embraced Alexander Bellisime, who still limped from wounds suffered at the battle of Yorktown. Lafayette had served there, too.

He first arrived in America in 1777 and offered himself to the rebellion. Lafayette earned the close confidence of Gen. George Washington and named his son for the future first president. When he announced plans to return in 1824, almost every town begged him to drop by. He promised to visit St. Louis after New Orleans.

The mayor asked the Missouri Legislature to cover a public reception, but the state declined. Civic leaders threw together a fund, supplemented by $37 from the city. Guests paid their own way to a ball that night in Lafayettes honor at the Mansion House hotel, Third and Vine (St. Charles) streets.

Everyone had a grand time. Lafayettes promenade partner was Alzire Menard, daughter of Illinois Lt. Gov. Pierre Menard. She wore a Paris-made dress of embroidered white muslin. Lafayette slept that night on the Natchez, which headed downriver in the morning. He toured the Ohio River and returned to France in September.

St. Louis named a park and major street in Lafayettes honor. For the Bicentennial in 1976, France gave the city a bust of Lafayette. It is on display in the Park House, in Lafayette Park.
If theres one lesson that university presidents across America should have learned by now, its that capitulating to the Trump administrations frontal assaults on academia will always yield a failing grade. If principle alone isnt reason enough to resist (it should be), theres the practical consideration that bending to this presidents authoritarian whims has consistently been shown to invite, rather than avoid, further abuse.

Kudos to St. Louis University President Fred Pestello for having absorbed that lesson. In joining more than 400 of his peers across the nation who have signed onto a public document calling out the administration's "undue government intrusion" on campuses, pushing back on President Donald Trumps malignant campaign against academic independence, Pestello has done both the smart and the right thing.

Washington University in St. Louis has, so far, chosen to keep its head down in apparent hopes of avoiding Trumps anti-academia wrath. That may look like the safer path, but as Columbia University in New York could attest, its not. WashU should lend its well-earned prestige to this urgent act of resistance.

Like Trumps other campaigns against illegal immigration, government waste and trade imbalances, his campaign against academia starts with the grain of a valid issue: ideological insularity at Americas top universities. Its virtually beyond debate that too much of academia today tends toward silencing rather than engaging conservative dissent against its generally liberal worldview.

But just as Trumps governmental reform push has recklessly hobbled important government functions; just as his obsession with trade imbalances has prompted spastic and self-destructive rounds of ill-conceived tariffs; just as his illegal immigration fixation has become a cruel jihad against even legal immigrants  his supposed concern with free speech on campuses has become the lever with which he is trying to control speech, as well as protest rights, admission policies, curriculum and every other element of academia.

This is how authoritarians operate: They set themselves up as champions of legitimate reform causes, only to pursue their true goal of breaking the independence of societal institutions for the sake of their own unfettered power.

The approach is no carrot/all stick  the stick in this case being the suspension of federal research funding. Never one to sweat the real pain his power plays inflict on real people, Trump has preemptively frozen billions of university research dollars that fund crucial work on health, the environment and more, then demanded far-reaching, often brazenly ideological policy concessions from university presidents to get that money back.

Columbia University was among Trumps first targets, with the suspension last month of some $400 million in federal research grants. The university quickly capitulated to Trumps demands, with new policies restricting student protests, expanding on-campus arrest powers and undermining Middle Eastern and African studies.

And how did the administration react to this meek compliance with its illegitimate bullying? The way bullies always do: by bullying some more. Not only did the administration continue withholding the initial $400 million in funding, but it froze another $250 million from the National Institutes of Health while pressing new demands.

The administration, no doubt emboldened by Columbias self-abasement, then set its sights on Harvard, freezing more than $2 billion in funds, threatening its tax-exempt status and making even more brazen demands.

They include an audit to ensure viewpoint diversity among students. Pardon us, but isnt that also called a quota  the very thing Trump and his movement supposedly abhor?

It was Harvard President Alan Garber who finally said, Enough. In forcefully rejecting the administrations illegal  sweeping and intrusive demands and filing suit in response, Americas oldest and most prestigious university is forging a path of resistance for other schools to follow.

SLU President Pestello is among (as of early Thursday) 416 higher education leaders across the country to sign onto a statement titled the Call for Constructive Engagement, decrying the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.

Harvards Garber is among the signatories. So is Claire Shipman, who was appointed late last month as Columbias new interim president at the height of the controversy over that schools capitulation to Trump.

But as of late Thursday morning, Washington University Chancellor Andrew Martin wasnt among the signers.

As the Post-Dispatchs Monica Obradovic reports, Martin in February co-authored an op-ed in The Chronicle of Higher Education that suggested universities should eschew official positions on political and social issues and instead re-focus on their core purposes of education and research.

That isnt unreasonable as a general academic principle, particularly as it was expressed before Trumps current anti-academic assault project was in full swing.

But wed argue there are moments when in fact institutions of learning must robustly defend their ability to continue their core purposes by standing up to political demagogues seeking to undermine those purposes. That moment is upon Americas colleges and universities right now.
Vice President JD Vance pours beer for a service member during a visit to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 24, 2025. Vance chatted and served beers to dozens of service members during a refueling stop at the installation. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)



RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany  Vice President JD Vance toasted U.S. service members with a beer stein in hand during a visit Thursday to this major military transportation hub.

Accompanied by his wife and children, Vance served beers to service members to show his appreciation during a brief refueling layover at the installation, part of his return from a weeklong trip to Italy and India that began late last week.

The family also toured a C-130 and spent time speaking with several dozen airmen, soldiers and Space Force guardians while at the installation.

The hangar hosting the event buzzed with excitement as music played and service members chatted while eagerly awaiting Vances arrival. Hot dogs, fresh popcorn and a variety of cold drinks added to the festive mood.

Gen. James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe  Air Forces Africa, greeted the Vance family on the flight line upon their arrival.

When the vice president stepped into view, service members welcomed him with cheers and prepoured beers in hand.

Vice President JD Vance pours beer for a service member during a visit to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 24, 2025. Vance served beers during a refueling stop to show his appreciation to service members. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)

Vice President JD Vance speaks with a U.S. service member during a visit to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 24, 2025. Vance raised a toast to service members and then offered them beer. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)

A U.S. service member records a video of Vice President JD Vance at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 24, 2025. Vances plane made a refueling stop at the installation. (Zade Vadnais/Stars and Stripes)



Brig. Gen. Adrienne Williams, the 86th Airlift Wing commander, welcomed the vice president with a commemorative beer stein bearing the wings insignia.

Vance used the stein to offer a toast in honor of the troops.

To the airmen of this base and all of our troops serving overseas, God bless you guys, he said.

We know that military service, especially at the level you guys do it, is an incredible sacrifice, he said. Were grateful to you guys. Were thankful for what you do, and as a small token of appreciation, Im going to serve you some beers.

He then manned a nearby beer tap, topping off drinks and spending the better part of an hour chatting with service members, thanking them personally and posing for photos.

I was one of the first in line, said Tech. Sgt. Michael Killebrew, a cyber technician with USAFE-AFAFRICAs directorate of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Hes been in our shoes before, so he understands what it means to sacrifice for your country. This was a really exciting experience for me and my troops to meet someone so high up in our chain of command.
Army Pvt. Jonathan Kang Lee is led into court at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., on April 23, 2025. (Gary Warner/Stars and Stripes)



JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash  A soldier pleaded guilty Wednesday at his court-martial to killing a cab driver during his attempt to desert the Army and avoid conviction on child rape charges.

Pvt. Jonathan Kang Lee, 26, faced a possible maximum penalty of life in prison without parole for killing Nicholas Hokema, 34, of Tumwater, Wash.

Under a plea agreement, Lee admitted his guilt in exchange for a sentence of life with the possibility of parole. He also pleaded guilty to desertion, resisting arrest, and two specifications of failure to obey a lawful order.

Lee was previously convicted of rape and sexual abuse of his stepdaughters.

Lee will be incarcerated at the U.S. Military Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for no less than 20 years.

He will be eligible for parole for these offenses no earlier than 2045, said Michelle McCaskill, spokeswoman for the Armys Office of Special Trial Counsel at Fort Belvoir, Md. The office prosecutes some of the most serious cases against service members, including charges of murder, kidnapping, and major sex crimes.

Lee was also sentenced to a dishonorable discharge and the forfeiture of all pay and benefits.

After accepting the plea agreement, Col. Tayesha Smith, the military judge, asked Lee whether he had stabbed Hokema to death.

There was a lot of blood, Lee said. I didnt think he would live.

Lees admission of guilt for the first time publicly provided details of the events in January 2024 when Lee deserted from the Army and avoided capture for 12 days.

Lee, then a specialist with the 201st Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade at Lewis-McChord, was facing a Jan. 16 court-martial appearance for the rape and sexual abuse of his stepdaughters, who were at the time 8 and 4 years old.

Under Army policy, he was not in pre-trial detention but restricted to the base and ordered to report daily to an officer.

On Jan. 14, Lee drove away from Lewis-McChord in a white 2011 Honda Pilot SUV.

I was going to commit suicide or desert, Lee told the judge.

He said his vehicle broke down and he paid a tow truck to take it away. He then got into a red taxi driven by Hokema.

Lee said he planned to have Hokema drive him to a bus stop because he was running low on money. He said he began feeling ill in the cab and told Hokema to drop him off at the Westfield Southcenter shopping mall in Tukwila, south of Seattle.

Security camera footage of the mall parking lot at about 4 a.m. on Jan. 15 showed Hokema and Lee struggling and Lee stabbing Hokema before dumping the drivers body in the parking lot and stealing and fleeing in his 2012 Toyota Camry taxi, prosecutors said.

Lee initially said he intended to brandish his knife and get Hokema to back off in a dispute over how much fare that Lee owed.

But Lee admitted in court that he stabbed Hokema in the chest, then stabbed him in the neck or head as he slumped over the cars middle console.

I killed him, Lee said. I did not think he was going to kill or seriously hurt me. He was unarmed and just wanted to get his change back.

Lee was discovered missing at Lewis-McChord, and the Army Criminal Investigation Division put out a be on the lookout bulletin to law enforcement in the region near the base.

In the early hours of Jan. 15, police in Tukwila responded to a report of a body in the parking lot of the mall. They found Hokema fatally stabbed.

On Jan. 19, with Lee still at large, a court-martial panel at Lewis-McChord found him guilty of child rape and sexual abuse charges. He was sentenced to a maximum of 64 years in prison and demoted to private.

Hokemas taxi was found abandoned in Redmond, north of Seattle, on Jan. 26. Army CID agents went to a nearby apartment that they believed was rented by Lees girlfriend.

Lee said when the agents came to the door, his girlfriend warned him and he hid behind a bed in the upstairs bedroom.

Lee jumped from a second-story window, and wrestled with the agents, grabbing for one of the officers handgun. Lee was knocked to the ground, handcuffed, and taken away, according to Army CID.

Having been convicted of the child rape and sexual abuse charges, he was confined to the Northwestern Joint Regional Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison at Lewis-McChord.

At the time of his arrest, Tukwila police considered Lee a person of interest in Hokemas death. He named a suspect in March. In September, the Army charged Lee in Hokemas killing.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers called witnesses as part of the sentencing process to testify about the impact of the case and their relationships with Hokema or Lee.

Nicole Sharkody said she and Hokema had lived happily together with their two cats and a dog. When he failed to come home from his nighttime job as a taxi driver, she left a note on the refrigerator whiteboard telling him to call her as soon as he got home.

Local police told her to come in and file a missing person report. When she arrived at the station with her mother, they were ushered to a room where an officer told them Nick was dead.

The news shattered, shattered her life, Sharkody said.

She found out from a friend that Hokema had been shopping for an engagement ring and planned on proposing.

He was going to ask me to marry him, and I would have said yes, she said. I felt so loved. I miss what could have been.

Sharkody testified that she had decided to commit suicide out of grief in September, but was hospitalized before she could act.

Jamie Dixon, a forensic psychologist from Atlanta, said she had testified more than 130 times in civilian and military trials.

Dixon said she interviewed Lee. She testified an aggregate of 27 studies show sexual and violent offenders who get group and individual therapy are about 25% less likely to commit the same type of crimes again.

It starts with taking responsibility, she said.

Lee told the court of his violent childhood in Virginia, where he said he was beaten by his father, mother, and older brother.

I joined the Army to get away from home, he said.

Lee said a deployment to Afghanistan had given him a purpose but almost every aspect of my life was spiraling when he came back to the U.S. in 2019.

It was then that he abused his stepdaughters, which led to his first court-martial, his 2024 desertion, and the killing of Nicholas Hokema.

After the sentencing, Lt. Col. Sean Fitzgibbon, the chief prosecutor at the trial, said the life sentence was a just outcome.

While nothing the court can do will bring Mr. Hokema back, hopefully this sentence will allow for some closure for his friends and family, he said.
The Guam Police Department identified the missing USS Nimitz sailor as Gabriel D. Holt on April 19, 2025, when it sought the publics help in the search. (Guam Police Department)



The U.S. Navy has suspended its nearly weeklong search for a sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz who was reported missing Saturday.

The active search was officially called off at 9 a.m. Thursday, after U.S. and civilian agencies looked for 120 hours and covered more than 14,000 square miles offshore, Carrier Strike Group 11 said in a news release that day.

The Guam Police Department identified the sailor as Gabriel D. Holt on Saturday, when it sought the publics help. The Navy named him a day after calling off the search, and said he is from Washington, Utah. That release lists Holts duty status as whereabouts unknown.

A strike group spokesperson did not respond to multiple emails this week seeking additional information, including the circumstances of the sailors disappearance.

Holt was last seen at 11:57 p.m. Friday between Hotel Nikko and Gun Beach, a distance of about 220 yards, the police department said on its official Instagram account. Police described him as 6 feet tall, 192 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, and last seen wearing a white tank top, green shorts and gray shoes.

The USS Nimitz was in Guam for a scheduled port visit as part of what is likely the aircraft carriers last deployment.

Police spokeswoman Berlyn Savella confirmed by email Thursday that collaborative efforts within local and federal agencies have ceased but Guam police consider the case open.

Military assets involved in the search included crews from U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 from Guam; a Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft from Task Force 72 at Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan; and Guam-based 45-foot response boats and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry, according to the release.

Guam Fire Rescues coast and offshore teams also assisted, the strike group said.

Savella encouraged anyone with information about Holts whereabouts to contact the police department.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard on Saturday suspended its weeklong search for a local man who went missing offshore on a recreational fishing trip.

The search for Jeffrey Hattori, 58, concluded Saturday after the Coast Guard, Guam Fire Rescue and the Navy covered more than 120,000 miles looking for him after he disappeared April 12.
The Okinawa Prefectural Police headquarters in Naha city, Okinawa, is pictured on April 24, 2025. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)



CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  Two U.S. Marines have been accused of sexually assaulting women in separate incidents on Okinawa earlier this year, according to Japanese police  the latest in a string of similar cases stirring public discontent on the island.

Okinawa Prefectural Police forwarded both cases to the Naha Public Prosecutors Office on April 7, a police spokesman said by phone Thursday.

In the first case, a Marine in his 20s was suspected of sexually assaulting a woman older than 20 in January, the spokesman said.

Prosecutors on Thursday decided against formal charges, without stating a reason, the Ryukyu Shimpo newspaper reported that afternoon.

In the second case, a Marine in his 20s is suspected of sexually assaulting a woman older than 20 and injuring a second woman, also older than 20, in March, the spokesman said.

Both Marines are under U.S. administration, he added without elaborating. He declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Some Japanese government officials may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

The Marine Corps is cooperating with police investigators, Marine Corps Installations Pacific spokesman 1st Lt. Grant Hoel told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday.

Both incidents occurred on a U.S. base in the central part of Okinawa, according to the Ryukyu Shimpo report, citing unnamed officials.

The Marine in the March incident is accused of sexually assaulting a Japanese civilian employee in an on-base bathroom, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources involved in the investigation. The second woman was injured while trying to help the employee, the report said.

Another unidentified Marine heard the victim in distress and rushed to assist, preventing possible further action by the alleged perpetrator, Hoel wrote in a subsequent email. The accused Marine is confined in the Camp Hansen brig, he added.

Hoel declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

We will work closely with our Japanese allies to ensure U.S. personnel maintain the highest standards of behavior and conduct in support of our mutual security, he said.

The latest cases follow continued public outcry over a U.S. airmans December conviction for sexual assault of a minor, and two unrelated sexual assault cases still pending against U.S. service members.

Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington was convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in 2023. He was sentenced to five years in prison with labor and has appealed the verdict.

In the other cases, two Marine lance corporals are awaiting trial in Japanese courts  one is charged with sexual assault and the other with attempted sexual assault.

In response to those allegations, U.S. Forces Japan imposed new liberty restrictions in October, barring U.S. troops from off-base drinking establishments between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

On Friday, representatives of U.S. commands joined Okinawa police and government officials for a joint patrol of a nightlife district outside Kadena Air Base  the first such patrol on the island since 1974, according to prefectural police.

Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki on Wednesday called on the U.S. military to educate its personnel and further tighten liberty restrictions, according to a statement emailed Thursday by a prefectural spokeswoman.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass said he is deeply concerned about the incidents, according to a news release Wednesday from the U.S. Embassy Tokyo.

We deeply value the ties of trust and friendship we have built over many decades with our Japanese hosts, and I am committed to doing everything I can to prevent actions that may jeopardize these bonds, he said.
The Vietnam Defence 2024 exhibition (DSE 2024), held at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, marked its second edition. The Ministry of National Defense organized it to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Vietnamese military and the 80th anniversary of national independence. The event served as a major platform for showcasing Vietnams rapidly developing defense industry, fostering international partnerships, and highlighting its military modernization efforts. With 140 companies from 28 countries participating, the exhibition reflected Vietnams growing strategic importance in the global defense sector.

A key focus of the exhibition was Vietnams drive for self-reliance in defense production. The government has invested heavily in its domestic arms industry, prioritizing research and development, technology transfer, and local manufacturing. New laws have been enacted to provide financial and infrastructural support for Vietnamese defense firms, ensuring the country can produce its military equipment rather than relying on imports. The exhibition displayed locally manufactured weapon systems prominently, signaling a shift toward greater autonomy in defense production. Industries displays also highlighted the sophistication and advanced level of automation of some of the local industries, enabling Vietnamese manufacturers to take on relatively complex projects from Eastern and Western origins.

Another dominant theme was Vietnams gradual reduction of dependence on Russian arms, a trend accelerated by concerns over Western sanctions on Russia and the impact of the Ukraine war on Moscows defense industry. Traditionally, Russian weapons accounted for 75-80% of Vietnams military imports, but the country is now actively diversifying its suppliers. At the exhibition, this shift was evident in the wide participation of American, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian defense companies, many of which presented advanced alternatives to Russian systems.

Given the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, its naval and coastal defense capabilities remain one of Vietnams highest defense priorities. Significant investments have been made in acquiring submarines, frigates, and anti-ship missiles, as well as enhancing the Vietnamese Coast Guards capabilities through new patrol vessels and maritime surveillance aircraft. The exhibition displayed a range of advanced missile systems and maritime defense solutions, reflecting the governments commitment to protecting its maritime interests.

Another critical focus of the event was the modernization of the Vietnamese Air Force. The country is upgrading its fighter jet fleet, expanding its use of UAVs, and improving its air surveillance systems. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were particularly prominent at the exhibition, with manufacturers from Vietnam, Iran, China, and Israel presenting cutting-edge drone technologies. These ranged from reconnaissance UAVs to loitering munitions and anti-UAV defense systems, highlighting the growing importance of drone warfare in Vietnams strategic planning.

In addition to air and naval defense, the exhibition showcased Vietnams increasing investments in cyber warfare and electronic warfare technologies. Modern conflicts place a greater emphasis on digital battlefields, electronic intelligence, and cyber security, so the Vietnamese military is enhancing its capabilities in these domains. Several UAV jamming systems, electronic warfare tools, and cyber defense platforms were unveiled, illustrating Vietnams ambition to develop a technologically advanced military.

The international presence at Vietnam Defence 2024 was particularly diverse, demonstrating the countrys balanced and strategic approach to defense partnerships. Despite its declining arms sales to Vietnam, Russia maintained a strong presence at the exhibition. ROSOBORONEXPORT and ROSTEC showcased a variety of military systems, including air defense systems, armored vehicles, missiles, and UAVs. Russia eyes Vietnam as a lucrative market for its latest weapon systems, including the SU-57, Russias 5th Gen fighter plane. Russia continues to offer Vietnam technology transfers and licensed production agreements, allowing Vietnamese factories to produce and manufacture Russian weaponry domestically. Some examples of these projects include the local version of the Lancet loitering weapon, the Rubezh coastal defense system, the RPG-30 anti-tank weapon, and others, slightly altered weapon systems that are likely utilizing Russian designs locally manufactured in Vietnam under local designations.

China also played a significant role in the exhibition. NORINCO, one of Chinas leading state-owned defense corporations, presented a variety of military equipment, including tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and guided missiles. Meanwhile, Iran debuted at Vietnam Defence 2024, displaying an impressive lineup of UAVs, anti-tank missiles, and rocket systems. The Iranian CM-200 anti-ship missile drew particular attention as a potential alternative to Russian coastal defense systems.

The United States has steadily increased its defense ties with Vietnam since the lifting of the arms embargo in 2016. At the exhibition, it showcased military equipment used by the U.S. Armed Forces, emphasizing its growing role as an arms supplier to Vietnam. Discussions revolved around potential sales of Coast Guard vessels, transport aircraft, and fighter jets, further strengthening the U.S.-Vietnam defense relationship.

Israel also played a notable role in Vietnam Defence 2024, reinforcing its emerging status as a key defense technology partner for Vietnam. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems were among the major exhibitors, presenting a range of advanced solutions. IAI showcased its Heron UAV series, known for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, alongside the BARAK MX air and missile defense system, designed to counter multiple airborne threats. Rafael, on the other hand, featured the SPYDER air defense system, which Vietnam has been operating since 2015. The SPYDER systems Python-5 and Derby missiles, combined with its ability to track 1,200 targets simultaneously, have made it a cornerstone of Vietnams air defense network. Israeli firms also expressed interest in establishing joint ventures with Vietnamese companies, particularly in UAV development and radar technology, highlighting the potential for long-term defense collaboration.

In addition to the major powers, France, Singapore, India, and Turkey were actively engaged in the exhibition, aiming to expand their defense footprint in Vietnam. Turkey, particularly, attracted attention with its guided missile technology and UAVs, offering Vietnam additional options for modernizing its military forces.

At the heart of Vietnam Defence 2024 was the growing role of Vietnamese defense firms, many of which operate under the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Ministry of Public Security (MPS). Companies such as VIETTEL, VAXUCO, and GAET demonstrated their military production, telecommunications, and cyber defense capabilities. The Vietnamese government has actively encouraged joint ventures with foreign companies, and the exhibition provided a platform for new partnerships in weapons manufacturing and technology transfers.

The broader defense landscape reflected a clear shift in Vietnams military strategy. While Russia remains an important supplier, its dominance in the Vietnamese arms market is declining, with Vietnam increasingly turning to the United States, Europe, Israel, and regional partners for advanced weaponry. Israeli and Iranian companies exhibiting side by side underscored Vietnams neutral, pragmatic approach to defense procurement, prioritizing national security over geopolitical alignments.

As Vietnam continues its military modernization, its defense budget is projected to reach $10.2 billion by 2029, focusing on naval forces, air defense, and electronic warfare. The exhibition made it clear that Vietnam is determined to build a self-reliant, technologically sophisticated military capable of addressing both traditional and emerging security threats. With a commitment to strategic autonomy and regional stability, Vietnam Defence 2024 reaffirmed the nations ambition to become a modern military power while maintaining its policy of neutrality in global conflicts.
Students head to class at a Department of Defense Education Activity school in Germany in 2024. An executive order signed April 23, 2025, by President Donald Trump directs U.S. public schools, including those operated by DODEA, to end discipline policies based on racial considerations and instead make student behavior the standard. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)



U.S. public schools, including those operated by the Defense Department on bases stateside and abroad, are being told by the White House to rework discipline policies that it says are based on racial considerations rather than behavior.

The mandate came in an executive order signed Wednesday by President Donald Trump and titled Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline Policies.

A provision applying to Department of Defense Education Activity schools gives the Pentagon chief 90 days to issue a revised school discipline code that appropriately protects and enhances the education of the children of Americas military-service families.

Trumps order asserts that schools have become more dangerous by letting some student misconduct slide to avoid racial inequity in discipline numbers.

Having a disparate number of Black or Latino students suspended versus white students, for instance, could have led to scrutiny by the federal government and a loss of federal funds under the guidance of previous administrations, according to the White House.

The federal government will no longer tolerate known risks to childrens safety and well-being in the classroom that result from the application of school discipline based on discriminatory and unlawful equity ideology, the order states.

DODEA is reviewing the order and will implement all appropriate actions once it receives direction from the Defense Department, an agency spokeswoman said in a statement Thursday.

The order cites a 2018 report from the Federal Commission on School Safety that found schools ignored or covered up  rather than disciplined  student misconduct in order to avoid any purported racial disparity in discipline numbers that might catch the eye of the federal government.

At issue in the new Trump administration order is the restoration under former President Joe Biden of federal guidance saying that racial discrepancies in school discipline could be grounds for punishment.

A joint letter from the Justice and Education departments in 2014 told schools they could lose federal funding if the disciplinary policies were deemed to violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That portion of the law bars discrimination by federal funding recipients.

The Biden administrations 2023 guidance effectively reinstated the practice of weaponizing Title VI to promote an approach to school discipline based on discriminatory equity ideology, the executive order states.

It directs the education secretary to issue new guidance within 30 days to local and state educational agencies regarding school discipline.

And within 60 days, the department must coordinate with governors and state attorneys general on how to prevent racial discrimination in school discipline, according to the order.

In addition, the White House wants an analysis of the nature and consequences of all discipline-related investigations in American education since 2009 under Title VI. The order did not specify the significance of 2009 as a starting point.

Schools across the United States have reported increased behavioral issues since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a July 2024 report by the National Center for Education Statistics.

In May 2024, 80% of public school leaders reported that they agree or strongly agree with the statement, The COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering effects continue to negatively impact the behavioral development of students at my school, according to the report.

Also In 2024, the Associated Press reported that suspension rates for Black students had dropped in the past decade, but it found that large disparities still exist after reviewing discipline data in key states.

In California, for example, the suspension rate for Black students fell from 13% in 2013 to 9% a decade later, but that was still three times higher than the suspension rate for white students, according to the AP report.
Sgt. Korbein Schultz, shown here in an Army video screenshot from Aug. 30, 2021, was sentenced to seven years on April 23, 2025, for selling classified military information to an individual believed to be working for the Chinese government. (Ryan Rayno/U.S. Army)



A 25-year-old Army sergeant was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison for selling classified military information about weapons, aircraft and tactics to an individual believed to be affiliated with the Chinese government, the Justice Department announced that day.

Korbein Schultz, of Wills Point, Texas, pleaded guilty in August to conspiring to collect and transmit national defense information, unlawfully exporting controlled information to China and accepting bribes in exchange for sensitive, U.S. government information.

Schultz, an intelligence analyst with the 506th Infantry Battalion who had a top-secret clearance, was sentenced in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.

He was paid $42,000 for passing on information from 2022 until his arrest in March 2024 at Fort Campbell, Ky., according to the DOJ.

Schultzs motive for selling secrets was apparently not limited to simply making money.

He at one point told his handler that he wished he could be Jason Bourne, according to the indictment filed March 6, 2024.

Schultz and his Chinese contact had attempted to expand their espionage ring by recruiting one of Schultzs friends, an Army intelligence analyst assigned to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the news release states.

The information he sold, according to the indictment, included:

 His Army units operational order before it deployed to Eastern Europe in support of NATO operations

 Lessons the Army learned from the Ukraine-Russia conflict that would be applicable in the defense of Taiwan in the event of an attack by China

 Technical manuals for the HH-60 helicopter, F-22A fighter jet and intercontinental ballistic missile systems

 Details on U.S. military exercises in South Korea and the Philippines

 Information on U.S. military satellites and missile defense systems such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD

 Tactics for countering drones in large-scale combat operations.

The Chinese handler had initially contacted Schultz through an internet platform that connects freelancers with clients, the news release states.

The contact claimed to be with a geopolitical consulting firm, according to the DOJ. As the relationship progressed, the handler pressed harder for sensitive and classified information, while offering higher payments for such materials than for open-source information.

Protecting classified information is paramount to our national security, and this sentencing reflects the ramifications when there is a breach of that trust, Brig. Gen. Rhett Cox, head of Army Counterintelligence Command, said in the release.

This Soldiers actions put Army personnel at risk placing individual gain above personal honor, he said.
Sgt. Greville Clarke enters the Lawrence H. Williams Judicial Center at Fort Cavazos, Texas, on Dec. 10, 2024, for a hearing. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



FORT CAVAZOS, Texas  A sergeant who attacked young women who were alone and new to the Fort Cavazos barracks will spend the rest of his life in prison after at least two of his five victims asked the judge for no leniency.

I want this man to suffer in fear for the rest of his life, said the woman who was nearly strangled to death in July 2022 by Sgt. Greville Clarke. I want him to have a long life behind bars wondering when God will decide to give him his last breath.

Clarke, 32, was convicted of 29 separate crimes including attempted premeditated murder, rape and kidnapping after a court-martial without a jury that lasted more than two weeks. Military Judge Col. Maureen Kohn on Thursday announced his sentence  life in prison with the eligibility for parole for the attempted murder charge and more than 112 years for all the other crimes.

Clarke was also found guilty of assault with the intent to commit rape, burglary, robbery, aggravated sexual contact, aggravated assault, assault with intent to commit kidnapping, assault consummated by battery, indecent visual recording and obstruction of justice. He would serve the 112-year sentence should he ever be approved for parole, according to the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, which prosecuted the case.

Kohn acquitted Clarke of just two crimes  a second count of attempted premeditated murder and attempted fraudulent use of an access device.

Clarke was also demoted in rank to E-1, forfeited all pay and allowances and will receive a dishonorable discharge. He will serve his time at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., though he has been in confinement at Bell County Jail since his arrest Oct. 2, 2022.

Clarkes crime spree began in March 2021 when he broke into a womans barracks room while she slept. A year later, he began again, escalating his violence and concealing his crimes by wearing gloves, masks and sunglasses. In the third of his five attacks, Clarke was scared away from the womans room when he heard her roommate speak. He was caught Oct. 2, 2022, when the woman escaped from him.

I am incredibly proud of the five survivors of Sgt. Clarkes violence for standing strong against him during trial. It has been my honor to walk with them on the journey to receive justice for the heinous acts the accused carried out against them, Maj. Allyson Montgomery, prosecutor with the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, said in a statement Thursday. May they now begin their lifelong paths of healing and vindication knowing their voices have ensured the accused is held accountable for his crimes.

Clarkes lawyers presented evidence this week to show there were factors from Clarkes life that deserved leniency and an opportunity for parole, such as an abusive childhood and lack of stability growing up. Attorneys also presented family members who testified they were willing to support Clarke, should he ever be released.

The fifth and final woman attacked by Clarke spoke Wednesday, saying the pain and panic of that day have never really left her.

Stars and Stripes does not name victims of sexual assault, unless given permission to do so.

Clarke hid behind her shower curtain on a Sunday morning in October 2022 and surprised her while she cleaned the toilet. In the roughly three hours that Clarke held her hostage in her own barracks room, he tied her up, blindfolded her, hit her in the head with a pistol, raped her, forced her to shower to his specifications and then began a plan to take her from the room in a large plastic bin to kill her in another location, according to evidence presented in court.

As he cleared the bin, the woman ran from the room naked and screaming for help. Once safe in another womans room, she sobbed and dry heaved before an ambulance arrived.

Surviving is not the same as healing, she said.

She keeps pepper spray around her home, only buys see-through shower curtains, cries without warning and flinches anytime someone around her moves too quickly, she said. To occupy her mind, shell spend days cleaning every tile in the bathroom to keep dark thoughts from taking over.

However, the woman said shes been able to achieve far more than she ever thought possible, including continuing her Army career, getting married and completing extreme physical challenges. Now a sergeant, she addressed the court wearing her Army dress uniform and glasses that she removed to wipe tears from her eyes as she moved to the memories and trauma that still echo in her mind.

I carry the weight of leadership and what you did to me, she said addressing Clarke directly, though he was not in court to listen. He waived his right attend any portion of the court-martial.

I screamed from a mountaintop in Alaska ... because I dont know how to hold all this pain that was caused, she said. My wife wants to help but sometimes she doesnt know how to reach me when I shut down.  I never used to be this way.

The woman Clarke attacked three months earlier and nearly strangled to death was not able to continue her service in the Army because she became afraid of every man she saw in uniform. The Army was the only career that she had ever planned or imagined for herself, she said Wednesday.

I dont know what to do anymore, she said.

On the July 2022 night that Clarke came to her room, he wore his uniform and a medical mask. He banged on her door after 2 a.m., and she only answered because she saw his sergeant rank. He then forced his way in with a pistol and proceeded for the next four hours to undress her, tie her up, rape her, force her to shower, waterboard her and then strangle her with a lamp cord until she was unconscious, according to evidence presented in court.

It felt like a dream, like it wasnt real. When I would seek help, people didnt believe me, the woman said, as she began to cry. There are nights where I sit on the bathroom floor crying. Why did I live? Why did his attempt to take my life fail?

After the two women spoke, two relatives of Clarkes answered questions for Maj. Duncan Roberts, an attorney for Clarke.

Jamickia Clarke, the convicted soldiers younger sister, said her brother is known to his family as Patrick. He found their mother dead in the bathtub when he was 2 years old. They then moved in with their father, who was later deported back to Jamaica for drug charges. Their stepmother raised them until she died nine years later.

I cant remember a time he wasnt beaten every day, Jamickia Clarke said of living with their stepmother in Florida. It was a horrible, abusive environment, she said.

Her brother could only eat bread and water for dinner some nights and would be forced to stand for hours as punishment, once leading him to urinate on himself, she said.

Jamickia Clarke, an Air Force veteran, said she understood the impact that her brothers actions had on the lives of the victims, and she is sorry.

I know these nights of terror will impact you for the rest of your life in ways I will never understand, she said.

Sondra Logan, Greville Clarkes aunt and a medically retired Army veteran, also apologized to the women on behalf of her nephew.

You did nothing wrong, she said to the women. I feel your pain. I feel your familys pain. This isnt an easy road for you guys.
Former soldier Jason Charles Manuelito was sentenced in federal court in North Carolina on April 23, 2025, to more than 24 years in prison for producing child pornography. (Joshua Magbanua/U.S. Air Force)



A former U.S. soldier who authorities said solicited lewd images from children as young as 11 was given a prison term of more than two decades during his sentencing this week, according to the Justice Department.

A federal court in North Carolina sentenced Jason Charles Manuelito, 27, on Wednesday to 24-plus years behind bars for producing child pornography, a DOJ statement the same day said. He had pleaded guilty in June.

Manuelito admitted he had been involved in online relationships with minors, the statement said. During those online interactions, both he and the victims engaged in sexualized conversations and exchanged illicit images.

Manuelitos rank, job and duty station were not listed in publicly available court records or the DOJ statement, which says investigators were tipped off to child pornography being uploaded by someone using an IP address on the military base.

Manuelito was prosecuted and sentenced by a court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, a region that includes Fort Bragg. The Army base near Fayetteville is the services largest installation by population.

Investigators discovered numerous conversations between Manuelito and minors. In those conversations, Manuelito encouraged the children to send pornographic images and engage in sexual acts, the statement said.

Court records state that Manuelito received illicit images from an unknown date until May 2021.

Investigators identified and interviewed approximately nine victims, with additional victims remaining unidentified, the Justice Department said.
Retired Marine Sgt. Kirstie Ennis and Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bittenbender on a warm-up hike for their attempt to set a world record for the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim trail at Grand Canyon National Park. The effort fell short Monday, April 21, 2025, as time ran out and darkness made continuing unsafe. (Courtesy of Kevin Bittenbender and Kirstie Ennis)



An attempt this week by two veterans to set a world record for adaptive athletes on the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike at the Grand Canyon fell short due to time constraints and safety concerns, the hikers said.

Kevin Bittenbender, a retired Army sergeant major from Pennsylvania, and Kirstie Ennis, a retired Marine Corps sergeant from Colorado, had both lost part of their left leg while serving in Afghanistan.

The duo sought to establish a time record for a one-day hike by adaptive athletes on the grueling 47.5-mile trek from the South Rim to the North Rim and back again. They had set a goal of 20 hours.

After hiking 24.5 miles from the South Rim to the North Rim, it became clear the hikers were not on a pace to complete the route in one day.

Ennis said safety became a paramount factor as the time wound down.

When the decision was made to call the attempt due to it becoming impossible to meet the 24-hour time limit, the priority was to ensure everyone got out of the canyon on their own two feet, she said.

Ennis, a top adaptive hiker who has walked 1,000 miles in Great Britain and scaled major peaks such as Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, praised her battle buddy.

Kevin surprised the hell out of me asking me to be his battle buddy and Im honored I get to be one of his, she said. Grateful to call him one of mine too.

The attempt raised $5,498 for Building Homes for Heroes, a New York nonprofit that constructs or adapts homes for wounded and injured veterans.

Ennis has tried twice to summit Mount Everest, the worlds tallest mountain, and fallen short both times. She plans to try again this year.

She and Bittenbender have left the door open for a second try at the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim trail record, she said.

Everest has taught me, you can leave a piece of your heart there and always go back for it, Ennis said.
More Gripens for Latin America

In Latin America, Saabs JAS 39 Gripen E/F is gaining considerable traction. The Swedish government has formally requested parliamentary approval to negotiate a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with Peru for the potential sale of up to 12 Gripen E/F aircraft, along with associated air defense systems. This responds to Perus requirement to procure 24 new multirole fighters to replace its aging MiG-29 and Mirage 2000P fleets. The Gripen E/F is shortlisted alongside the Lockheed Martin F-16V Block 70 and Dassault Rafale F4. Peru is reportedly seeking financing for an initial batch of 12 aircraft, matching the number in the Swedish proposal.

More decisively, Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed the selection of the Saab Gripen E/F as the replacement for the Colombian Air Forces veteran IAI Kfir fighters. This decision follows a letter of intent signed with Sweden and concludes a lengthy evaluation process that previously considered the Dassault Rafale and Lockheed Martin F-16. While the exact number of aircraft and contract value are yet to be finalized, reports suggest a total requirement of 15-24 aircraft, likely acquired in batches. The agreement reportedly includes significant industrial and social offset commitments from Sweden, covering projects in solar energy, water infrastructure, and medical facilities. Saab has highlighted the potential for leveraging its existing Gripen production and technology transfer infrastructure in neighboring Brazil to support the Colombian program. A potential complication involves the Gripen E/Fs use of the US-made General Electric F414 engine, subjecting the sale to US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). While unconfirmed reports suggested a potential US veto, Saab has stated it possesses the necessary licenses and permits for Colombia.

Portugal is also reportedly reconsidering its planned acquisition of the F-35A, with Saab confirming that ongoing talks are underway regarding the Gripen as a potential alternative. Citing concerns over geopolitical unpredictability and the need to evaluate European options, Portugal is assessing both the modernized Gripen C/D and the newer Gripen E/F. The Gripen is positioned as a cost-effective and operationally flexible option compared to the F-35, with lower operating costs and the potential for industrial cooperation, possibly leveraging Saabs existing partnership with Embraer in Brazil. However, the Gripens reliance on a US-made engine could still pose political hurdles.

China Joins the Fighter Race

China is also actively marketing its fighter aircraft, particularly in Central Asia and the Middle East. Uzbekistan is reportedly considering a major purchase of Chinese fighters, potentially including the JF-17 Block III, J-10C, or even the 5th-generation J-35, to replace its aging Soviet-era Su-27 and MiG-29 fleet. This potential deal follows Uzbekistans earlier acquisition of Chinese air defense systems (HQ-9B, FM-90, KS-1C) and reflects a broader trend of seeking cost-effective, readily available alternatives to Russian or Western suppliers, often with fewer political conditions attached. While unconfirmed, reports suggest China has authorized the sale and Uzbek pilots may have trained on the JF-17 in China.

In a significant confirmed sale, Azerbaijan received its first JF-17C Block III fighters from Pakistan in September 2024. The deal, reportedly worth $1.6 billion for an unspecified number of aircraft (potentially around 30), marks a major export success for the Sino-Pakistani program and provides Azerbaijan with advanced capabilities, including AESA radar and modern munitions like the PL-15E. This acquisition allows Azerbaijan to modernize its fleet beyond its older MiG-29s and Su-25s, shifting its reliance away from Russian suppliers.

KF-21 Launches Marketing campaign

Elsewhere, South Koreas aerospace industry, (KAI), continues to attract international interest. A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visited KAIs facilities to inspect production lines for the KF-21 Boramae 4.5-generation fighter and the FA-50 light combat aircraft. The UAE had previously expressed interest in the KF-21 program in 2023 as part of its evaluation of next-generation fighter options. KAI officials briefed the delegation on the KF-21s development status and future potential, including planned integration of AI capabilities. This engagement underscores ongoing export prospects for both the developing KF-21 and the successful FA-50, particularly in the Middle East market. Egypt has also been frequently cited as a potential customer for Chinese J-10C or J-35/FC-31 fighters, though reports of a finalized deal in late 2024 were officially denied by China in March 2025.
The troubled Brit was sentenced for attempted murder of his 9-year-old neighbour

This dramatic footage shows the moment that police caught and arrested Jordan Wilkes for the attempted murder of a 9-year-old girl.

The court heard this week how the man had researched the Southport stabbings and other ways to murder a child before being jailed for 30 years.

Jordan Wilkes was convicted following the attack on 20 August last year - three weeks after the Southport stabbings.

The 29-year-old stabbed the girl three times as she was playing on the stairs of the flats where he lived with his mother in Glider Close, Christchurch, Dorset.

Prosecution lawyers told Bournemouth Crown Court that the victim and her friend had been playing on the stairs when Wilkes came out of his flat and approached the two youngsters while concealing a folding pocket knife.

He then stabbed the victim in the neck, chest and knee while grabbing her by the arm and hair. Incredibly, the youngster was said to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Wilkes tore a clump of hair out from the girl which lawyers suggested he kept as a trophy until he was told to throw it away by his mother.

The girls managed to run away and get help until the emergency services arrived.

Analysis of his mobile phone revealed 69 files relating to YouTube videos, news articles and podcasts focused on murders and child killings.

This included the so-called "Valentine's Day massacre" at a high school in Parkland, Florida, in 2018 in which 17 people were killed.

And a day after the Southport killings, he had clicked on a link for a local dance class, the court heard.

Judge William Mousley KC sentenced Wilkes to 30 years in custody with an extended five-year period on licence for attempted murder and possession of a knife, telling him: You are a dangerous offender, there is a significant risk of you causing serious harm to others in the future.

This was a very serious offence, as an attempt to kill a nine-year-old child it was short-lived and not premeditated, you lost your temper.

You had an interest in child-killing and you decided to try it out for yourself.

The victim's family said justice had been delivered in a statement after the hearing.
Arlo Kilpatrick, 21, also took a photograph of himself outside the victims home and disclosed that he had written more than 30 love songs for her, a judge was told

Arlo Kilpatrick, 21, also took a photograph of himself outside the victims home and disclosed that he had written more than 30 love songs for her, a judge was told.

An obsessed Belfast student allegedly made comments about rape and murder under videos of a woman he posted on Incel forums, a court heard today.

Arlo Kilpatrick, 21, also took a photograph of himself outside the victims home and disclosed that he had written more than 30 love songs for her, a judge was told.

Police claimed in one online message he stated: I support the rape and killing of women in real life.

Kilpatrick, of Florenceville Avenue in the south of the city, appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court charged with stalking and threatening communications.

The alleged offences were committed on March 28 this year.

Police were initially alerted last June after the complaint, an active TikTok user, became aware that sexual fantasies about her had allegedly been posted on a mens self-improvement website.

At that stage the investigation was closed due to issues with identifying any perpetrator.

But the court heard the woman then joined the site and began contact in a bid to stop any further material about her appearing online.

A PSNI officer claimed Kilpatrick then began an escalating campaign of behaviour against the complainant.

He appears to have copied those videos from TikTok, posting them on Incel websites and writing under the thoughts of rape and murder, she said.

Recently, the defendant has taken a photograph of himself outside the front of her home address and posted it on that website.

The woman provided police with screenshots of a series of messages on the forum allegedly linked to Kilpatrick, the court heard.

They included: Shes an evil b***h, I hope she dies, rape and murder on my mind 24/7, and I support the rape and killing of women in real life.

Opposing bail, police expressed major concerns based on Kilpatrick knowing where she lives.

He allegedly told her during the conversations that he was obsessed with her and had written over 30 love songs for her, the officer revealed.

By his own admission he is obsessed with her.

During police questioning Kilpatrick allegedly stated I wished death on her and I said in a song I hope she gets raped.

He told interviewing officers that he wanted the woman to see the messages to piss her off, but insisted it was merely a platform for posting extreme comments which were not serious.

Asked his intention in publishing the photograph, he replied: I get that it looks like me trying to be a threat, but it was just me and this other guy from Lithuania from the forum.

Defence counsel Kelly Doherty confirmed her client accepted making totally unacceptable and horrible comments.

She argued that Kilpatrick, who is studying at Ulster University, has an attention deficit disorder and no history of aggression.

Referring to the photo outside the womans house, Ms Doherty submitted: He says it was done in a poor attempt at humour, there was no attempted threat.

Kilpatrick was refused bail and remanded in custody until May 7.

Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers KC ruled: The real concerns relate to the potential for re-offending and interference with the witness.
Beast cut slashed throat of innocent 5-year-old Ciaran Malone

Jerome Kavanagh after he was sentenced for the horrific killing

ONE of the countrys most notorious child killers Jerome Kavanagh is back on the streets after being freed from Shelton Abbey Open Prison in Wicklow last week.

The vile brute, who fatally cut innocent five-year-old Ciaran Malones throat during a botched attempt to rape the childs mother in February 1995, was released from Shelton Abbey Open Prison on Monday.

The crime, for which Kavanagh spent more than three decades behind bars, is widely regarded as one of the most shocking to have ever occurred in this country.

Victim Ciaran Malone

The horror unfurled on Saturday, February 11th 1995 when Kavanagh, who had concealed his face behind a balaclava, forced his way into the home of his neighbours, the Malones, in Caragh, Co. Kildare.

In a letter read out at his sentencing hearing in December 1995, Kavanagh confessed to having brutally murdered the innocent five-year-old and stabbed his aunt during a botched attempt to rape Ciarans mother Mary.

The reading of the letter at the sentencing was unprecedented at the time, given Kavanagh had pleaded guilty to the murder, but took place after Judge Paul Carney ruled: It seems to me the people of Ireland are entitled to know Jerome Kavanaghs explanation of why he took a life.

In the statement Kavanagh, a single man who worked as an apprentice printer at the Leinster Leader, gave a detailed account of his motivation for carrying out the sickening attack and also of the subsequent three days he spent in hiding while a manhunt was carried out.

I reside next door to Mary and David Malone. They have three children, Ciaran, Gareth and baby David, he wrote.

About two or three weeks ago I went to Dublin. I called to Clerys and purchased two knives. I also bought plastic ties, black and white in colour.

For the past three months I was sexually attracted to Mary Malone. I purchased the knives and ties for the purpose of breaking into her home and raping her.

Jerome Kavanagh after he was sentenced for the horrific killing

He continued that when Mary Malone answered the door he put a knife hed purchased in Clearys in Dublin three weeks earlier to her face.

Kavanagh then ordered children Ciaran and Gareth upstairs before forcing Mary Malone into her own bedroom.

He then entering the room where Patricia, Ciaran and Gareth were before stabbing Patricia and Ciaran with the knife.

In his letter he said: I dont know why I did it.

Kavanaghs horrific plot to rape Ciarans mother was interrupted when her husband David arrived home and a fight ensued.

Another man, Pat Dolly, then arrived at the scene leading to Kavanagh fleeing through a window.

Kavanagh spent the majority of his sentence incarcerated in the Midlands Prison but was moved to Shelton Abbey seven years ago.
Thomas Joseph Moore (55) from Farren Park on Buncrana Road is charged with assisting in arranging a meeting which he knew to be to support a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA

Masked members of a Dissident Republican colour party take part in a commemorative march in Derry (Londonderry) in Northern Ireland on April 21, 2025, to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising (Credit: PAUL FAITH / AFP)

The Public Prosecution Service will appeal a decision to grant bail to a security company employee charged over alleged offences connected to a dissident republican parade on Easter Monday in Derry.

Thomas Joseph Moore (55) from Farren Park on Buncrana Road is charged with assisting in arranging a meeting which he knew to be to support a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA.

Appearing before the Magistrates Court in Derry, Moore was further charged "the defendant, that unknown persons wore items of clothing and articles, namely military-style jackets, military-style trousers, military-style boots, military-style belts, military-style sunglasses, berets and scarves in such circumstances as to arouse a reasonable suspicion that they were members of or supporters of a proscribed organisation that he aided and abetted the offence".

The defendant is additionally charged that "unknown persons failed to comply with a condition obtained within the Parades Commission on April 16 under the Public Processions Act that no paramilitary-style clothing is to be worn at any time during the parade, aided and abetted the failure to comply with that condition".

When charged with the three offences, each of which carries a maximum jail sentence of six months, the defendant replied "this is all nonsense, all I was doing was stewarding".

A member of the PSNIs Terrorism Investigation Unit told Deputy District Judge Brian Archer bail was objected on the basis that the defendant could interfere with witnesses in an ongoing police investigation.

The officer added that if granted bail the defendant could leave the jurisdiction. He also described the defendant as being "influential in the Republican community".

The detective inspector said that at Monday's parade, after which fifty petrol bombs were thrown at the police, the defendant was seen liaising with masked men.

He said the defendant was also seen by the police dismantling a gazebo which was used by people who changed their clothing before and after the parade.

He said the gazebo was later recovered by the police in the defendant's security company van as he drove from the scene after the parade.

Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey told Deputy District Judge Brian Archer that the defendant worked in the local security business for 35 years during which time he worked as a steward at numerous public events including at the 1995 visit by President Bill Clinton to Derry.

"He was at this parade on Monday in a professional capacity, the solicitor said.

"One of the police officers there has worked with the defendant at previous public events and the defendant has worked hand-in-hand with the PSNI at a multitude of events during his security stewarding career.

"His name, address, mobile 'phone number and van registration number were all on the application form submitted to the Parades Commission for this event," Mr Harvey added.

Granting bail, the Deputy District Judge said the defendant did not have a relevant record and the last entry in his record was over thirty years ago.

He said the defendant had stewarded at a multitude of public events in a security capacity and he did not have any role in organising last Monday's parade.

He then released the defendant on his own bail of 500 on condition that he continued to reside at his current address and would not participate in any Republican events. Mr Archer also refused a police application to have the defendant electronically monitored when on bail.

A solicitor for the Public Prosecution Service said the bail decision was to be appealed.

Mr Archer said the appeal application had to be lodged within two hours. He said the appeal hearing would be in the High Court in Belfast tomorrow and he adjourned the case pending the outcome of the appeal until May 22.
The men, aged in late 30s and early 40s, were arrested following the incidents at the Kilcruttin and Midlands Regional Hospital areas on Friday, March 21

Two men have been charged in connection with incidents of violent disorder and the discharge of a firearm in Tullamore, Co Offaly last month.

The men, aged in late 30s and early 40s, were arrested following the incidents at the Kilcruttin and Midlands Regional Hospital areas on Friday, March 21.

They were detained under Section 30 Offences Against the State Act, 1939 at a Garda Station in Co. Offaly and have since been charged.

They are due to appear before Portlaoise District Court this morning.

Gardai had responded to incidents of violent disorder and the discharge of a firearm in Tullamore on the night of Friday, March 21.

At approximately 9.50pm, gardai were alerted to a public disturbance at Midlands Regional Hospital, a garda spokesperson said at the time

A short time later, gardai with assistance from the Divisional Armed Support Unit responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in Kilcruttin.

Two men, in their 30s and 40s, were conveyed from the scene and transferred to St. Jamess Hospital, Dublin for treatment of serious injuries.

Gardai said they do not believe the injuries to be life-threatening at this time and that no other injuries were reported.

"The scene is currently preserved for examination by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit. No arrests have been made at this time, a garda spokesperson said.

Investigating gardai are appealing to any person who may have information in relation to these incidents to contact them.

Any road users who were in the Midlands Regional Hospital and Kilcruttin areas of Tullamore between 9:30pm and 10:30pm and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam footage) are asked to make this available to Gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station
This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.

Investment and activity in unmanned maritime systems (UMS), encompassing Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), continue to accelerate, driven by naval requirements for missions like Mine Countermeasures (MCM), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).

Saronic Expand Manufacturing Capabilities

A significant indicator of the sectors growth and industrial maneuvering is the acquisition by autonomous vessel startup Saronic of Louisiana-based shipbuilder Gulf Craft. This deal provides Saronic with nearly 100 acres of shipbuilding facilities. Saronic has pledged a $250 million investment to modernize the shipyard, specifically for the production of unmanned systems, aiming for an annual capacity of up to 50 USVs and creating up to 500 jobs. The immediate focus is on establishing the capacity to develop, test, and produce larger Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs), including the companys first Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) model. This strategic move towards vertical integration signals Saronics ambition to secure dedicated, scalable production capabilities needed to compete for major naval programs and meet broader defense and commercial demand.

Bollinger Delivers the First MCM USV

Crucially, the transition from development to operational deployment is underway. Bollinger Shipyards delivered the first three full-rate production Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicles (MCM USVs) to the U.S. Navy. This marks a significant milestone, representing the first unmanned surface vessels produced at scale under an official Navy program of record. The delivery signals a concrete shift in the Navys mine warfare strategy, moving away from legacy manned platforms like the MCM-1 Avenger-class ships and MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters towards autonomous systems. The MCM USVs are designed to perform minesweeping, minehunting, and mine neutralization tasks, reducing risks to personnel while offering greater operational resilience, endurance, and adaptability for operations in high-threat maritime environments. These modular vessels can be deployed from various platforms and integrated into broader network-centric naval operations.

DIU Solicits Proposals for Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform (CAMP)

Further indicating the drive for advanced UMS capabilities, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has an open solicitation for the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform (CAMP). This initiative seeks commercially available, demonstration-ready uncrewed systems capable of deploying large payloads (up to 21ft long) over extended ranges exceeding 1000nm and operating at depths greater than 200m. Key focus areas include payload emplacement, ISR, bathymetric surveys, communications across the air/water interface, and autonomous operation in GPS-denied environments. Desired attributes emphasize modularity, open architecture for integrating third-party payloads and control systems (including pathways for UMAA compliance), transportability, and minimal surface presence. Responses are due by May 1, 2025.

Exail Growth Order Intakes by reported a dramatic 519%

Established players are also experiencing strong growth. Exail Technologies, the French high-tech group specializing in UUVs and navigation equipment, reported a dramatic 519% surge in order intake during the first quarter of 2025, reaching 487 million ($554.3 million). This growth was primarily attributed to increased defense spending by European governments. A major contract for drone systems, valued at several hundred million euros and placed by an unspecified leading Navy, was a key driver. Exails order backlog reached 1.1 billion ($1.25 billion) by the end of Q1, with the defense sector accounting for 75% of total orders. Group sales increased by 18%, supported by its core navigation and maritime robotics business. Exail confirmed its outlook for double-digit revenue growth in 2025, reflecting the buoyant market for maritime autonomy solutions.

Andurill Joins Ultra Maritime To Establish a Seabed Sentry

Collaborations are also shaping the development of advanced capabilities. Anduril Industries and Ultra Maritime announced an exclusive partnership to develop a novel autonomous subsea sensing capability focused on ASW. The initiative combines Ultra Maritimes Sea Spear deployable acoustic arrays and AI-enabled acoustic processing technology with Andurils UUV platforms (Dive XL), modular undersea payload systems (Seabed Sentry), and Lattice command and control framework. The operational concept involves an Anduril Dive XL UUV autonomously deploying the Seabed Sentry system, which hosts the Sea Spear array as a payload. Sea Spear will perform sonar processing using AI at the tactical edge, with data relayed in near real-time via acoustic communications integrated into the Lattice network. The partners plan end-to-end in-water testing in 2025, aiming to provide a rapidly deployable, potentially low-cost, distributed ASW capability to counter increasingly quiet submarine threats.

Summary

The Bollinger delivery and Saronics shipyard investment clearly indicate the unmanned maritime sector is maturing beyond R&D into series production and fielding, particularly for well-defined mission sets like MCM. The focus on MCM and ASW, along with DIUs push for long-range, large-payload platforms, highlights these traditionally dangerous and resource-intensive tasks as key drivers for adopting autonomy, leveraging the inherent advantages of unmanned systems in persistence, payload capacity, and risk reduction. The contrasting strategies observed  Saronics vertical integration versus the Anduril/Ultra collaboration  reflect a dynamic industrial landscape where companies are exploring different models (building in-house capacity vs. partnering for specialized expertise) to deliver complex integrated systems and capture market share in this rapidly growing field.

Return to this weeks DefenseTech Brief
Both incidents occurred on Easter Sunday with the first house raided at around 3am

A man in his 50s was brought by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick following the second incident

Gardai have launched a major investigation into two aggravated burglaries in Co Limerick that left one scene like a horror movie.

Both incidents occurred on Easter Sunday with the first house raided in Kilteely at around 3am.

A number of men, armed with weapons, entered the home of the injured party.

A man in his 30s who was injured during the incident was removed from the scene by ambulance where he is being treated at hospital for his injuries, a Garda spokesperson said.

Then, in the second incident, just three hours later, four assailants smashed their way into a house in a housing estate in Kilfinane at around 6am.

A garda spokesperson said: Gardai are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred at Kilfinane, Co Limerick in the early hours of Sunday morning, April 20.

A number of men, armed with weapons, entered a residential property.

A man, aged in his 50s, was injured during the incident. He was removed from the scene by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he is being treated for his injuries.

A video from the scene of the Kilfinane aggravated burglary shows blood spattered on a wall, prompting one local to tell the Limerick Leader it was like a horror movie.

Gardai have launched a major investigation and appealed to anybody who may have been in the Kilteely or Kilfinane areas between 2am and 7am on Easter Sunday morning and witnessed any suspicious behaviour to contact Bruff garda station on 061 382940.
Vikat Bhagat, an Indian gang member, was found guilty of raping and murdering the 28-year-old and was sentenced to life in jail on February 17 in Goa

A memorial has been set up where Danielle McLaughlin's body was found in Goa, India

The mother of Danielle McLaughlin has said an appeal by her murderer to his double life sentence is not welcome.

Vikat Bhagat, an Indian gang member, was found guilty of raping and murdering the 28-year-old and was sentenced to life in jail on February 17 in Goa.

Danielles mother, Andrea Brannigan, said that while she was upset, you just have to get on with it.

The appeal might not be granted, she told the Examiner, adding that an appeal can take some three to five years, she said.

Ms Brannigan had travelled to India for the conclusion of the trial, accompanied by one of her daughters as well as Ms McLaughlins best friend.

In March 2017, Ms McLaughlin, who had been backpacking in the area, was found dead in a field in the western state of Goa. Her murderer, who she mistakenly believed to be her friend, has already indicated he intends to appeal his conviction through his lawyers, according to Ms Brannigan.

Killer Vikat Bhagat

In the wake of the conviction, the familys solicitor and international human rights lawyer, Desmond Doherty, confirmed he has now written to the Office of the Attorney General, seeking that an inquest into Ms McLaughlins murder be held in Ireland.

Ms Brannigan said there were several reasons she hoped this might be granted.

We got a post-mortem report, it was over 100 pages long. It is very technical. Part of the job of a coroner is to condense that for us, to explain it, she said.

According to Ms Brannigan, the former state pathologist Marie Cassidy carried out a second post-mortem after Danielles body was returned.

"We think, therefore, we should be granted an inquest on that basis alone, she added.

Also, Danielles death certificate is an Indian one. All it says it that my daughter died in a field in Canacona. I would like an Irish death certificate. I have always wanted one. When Irish people are killed overseas, their families have very little rights. They dont get a garda liaison officer to help them.

They also dont get to have their say in court. Its too late for me, and Danielle, but Id like to try and pave the way to make things easier for other families who will find themselves in this situation.

Ms Brannigan added that it would mean a lot for an inquest to be held in Donegal.

Ive always wanted to be part of an Irish court process in relation to this. The families of loved ones who die overseas really have very few rights and I feel that should change, she said.

Upon her return to Ireland following Bhagats sentencing Ms Brannigan said she was very grateful for the support she received in India.

The two lead policemen in Danielles investigation, they never missed a day between them of that mans 250 court appearances, she said.

A memorial has been set up where Danielle McLaughlin's body was found in Goa, India

Ms Brannigan twice visited the area where her eldest childs body was discovered in a remote field.

A memorial has been set up there and her mother left memorial cards, flowers and a QR code, which provides people who visit the spot with information about Danielle, as well as photographs of her.

Ms Brannigan must now wait until Bhagats appeal process ends before she can apply through lawyers in India to have Danielles personal belongings returned, including her two diaries.

As her mother I wouldnt read them, out of respect for her privacy, they would be more for her sisters. She always kept a diary since she was a young girl, she said.

There is also her Kindle, her clothes and her phone. At the memorial, at the spot where Danielle was found, we took some leaves from the ground home, too. Because there were leaves from the ground found in her hair.
Civil Guard officers have also appeared to rule out further arrests

SPANISH police have confirmed Belfast man John George was shot dead on December 14 and announced they have completed their investigation into his murder.

Civil Guard officers have also appeared to rule out further arrests after revealing the evidence they have points to the two suspects being with the 37-year-old victim around the last time he spoke with his dad.

Suspected killer Jonny Smyth was extradited to Spain earlier this month after being arrested at an Airbnb in Braga in northern Portugal on March 25.

John George and Jonny Smyth

The first man arrested, a Czech national who has not been officially named, is on bail but still being investigated as an alleged accomplice.

Detectives had been tight-lipped about their probe, confirming only the two arrests and the discovery of dad-of-two Johns body in Rojales near Torrevieja on Spains Costa Blanca on January 7.

Today they released new video of property searches they conducted as part of their investigation and footage from the spot in an orchard where the victims body was found as they made their first detailed comments about the case.

They also said the main suspect abandoned his two pet dogs when he left Spain in a hurry with his girlfriend to evade capture after Johns dad Billy reported him missing.

A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Alicante said: The Civil Guard has completed its investigation into the disappearance of a young Irish man in December last year following the arrest in Braga in Portugal in April and the subsequent extradition of the alleged material author of that mans homicide.

Jonny Smyth

The victims body was found around two weeks after his father reported him missing and thought he was in Benidorm visiting friends.

Investigators found the body in Rojales near Torrevieja after an intense search of the area sparked by the fact they suspected the mans disappearance was involuntary and believed the crime linked to it could have been committed there.

Before the discovery officers had already managed to identify the two suspects. One of them was arrested the same day the body was found.

Saying the police investigation began on December 21 when Mr George reported his son missing after flying to Spain from Northern Ireland to look for him, the force spokesman added: Officers began a reconstruction of what could have happened from the moment the victim vanished after reaching Spain on December 6.

They located people who had been in contact with him from that day and spoke to witnesses.

The evidence they gathered pointed to the man found dead being with the two people who became the principal suspects around the time he last contacted his father.

The first arrest occurred a couple of hours after the body was found, that of a Czech national aged 32 based in Torrevieja who is suspected of being an accomplice and is currently on bail.

The Civil Guard continued after that with its work of locating the other suspect, the man believed to be the killer, who according to information gathered by investigators allegedly fled Spain after the homicide and following the reporting of his disappearance to police.

He left the country in a hurry with his girlfriend, even abandoning his two pet dogs at his home in Orihuela on the Costa Blanca as he sought to evade capture.

The Civil Guard requested the issue of a European Arrest Warrant for him and the cooperation of other police forces through Interpol and he was located in Portugal on March 25 and extradited to Spain on April 3.

Family members of John George return to Belfast airport after they were involved in the search operation for John. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Although Spanish police did not formally name Smyth in a lengthy statement officers have described him as someone with previous in his country of origin.

It was not immediately clear if they were referring to him having a criminal record with convictions, or as being someone known to police because of previous arrests.

He has been remanded in custody pending an ongoing investigation led by a judge in Torrevieja.

The Civil Guard said: The autopsy has revealed death occurred the night of December 14 from gunshot wounds, the same day the victim spoke with his father for the last time and a week before the dad reported him missing."

The video footage the police force released showed police removing tin foil wrapped-packages from an air conditioning vent during a property search.

It was not immediately clear which of the two suspects properties were being searched in the footage.

The defence lawyer of the man described as an alleged accomplice, the first individual arrested, has attributed the decision to detain his client to his recent friendship with Smyth.
The man confessed to the habit after he was pressed by doctors

A man in China was admitted to hospital with a severe fungal lung infection after admitting to years of sniffing his own dirty socks.

The unnamed male, described as an ordinary office worker presented at the Southwest Hospital of the Army Medical University with a relentless cough that had begun interrupting his sleep, local media reports.

After trying over-the-counter medication to no avail, he decided to get medical help.

They gave the man a scan and discovered an infection in his right lung, following which they placed a tube down his throat to collect samples from his airways.

The test revealed aspergillosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling spores from aspergillus mould.

The man was only identified as Li Qi in local media.

Doctors questioned the man further, and he revealed he had a long-term daily habit of sniffing his used socks when he took them off at the end of the work day.

When doctors tested his socks they discovered the same strain of fungus as was in his lungs.

Dr. Luo Hu, deputy director of the hospitals respiratory department, said that the socks had provided the perfect breeding ground for the fungus.

Wearing shoes for a long time forms a closed, humid, and warm space, which is easy to breed fungi, he said.

If you smell or absorb fungus-filled socks, the fungi may enter the lower respiratory tract through the mouth and nose.

If the body's immune function is low, it may cause diseases such as fungal pneumonia.
Sharing the news via Instagram on Wednesday evening, he posted a photo of their first child, Rae, holding a baby scan

Tadhg with Alannah and their first child, Rae

Social media star Tadhg Fleming has revealed that he and wife Alannah are expecting their second child.

Sharing the news via Instagram on Wednesday evening, he posted a photo of their first child, Rae, holding a baby scan.

He wrote in the caption: Every troublemaker needs a partner in crime ,  alongside the hashtag #BigSisDutiesComing.

There were numerous comments left by well-wishers including one from Miriam Mullins who wrote: Congrats Tadgh.

Eric Roberts added: Amazing news guys huge congratulations.

In May of last year the Tiktoker introduced his newborn daughter to his delighted dad Derry.

He shared some snaps of their first few days of parenthood, including photos of their little girl in hospital and wearing Manchester United gear.

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Welcome to this mad world lil Rae Fleming, Tadhg captioned the post.

Tadhgs dad Derry, who frequently pops up on his social media channels, also shared his joy at becoming a grandfather.

In some photos shared to Instagram, he held Rae in his arms before he was joined by his wife Maureen.

The proud grandparents posed with their new granddaughter and their delighted son from the hospital.

Captioning the post, Derry wrote: Im a grandad. Words cannot describe the feeling! adding crying and heart emojis.

Followers flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages as they gushed over the latest addition to the Fleming family.

In November 2023, the social media funnyman announced that he was expecting his first child with Alannah.

Tadhg shared the happy news via Instagram when he posted a snap from their wedding day and another of their family pets with their ultrasound.

Tadhg wrote: This day six months ago we had the best craic. Onto the next chapter #NewAdditionToThePack #InsertSoppyAnniversaryQuote.

Various Irish celebs took to the comments section to express their joy with fellow TikToker Kayleigh Trappe declaring: That child will be some craic! Congratulations to you both.

Yayyyyyyyy best news ever! So exciting guys, huge congratulations, Blathnaid Treacy added.

Terrie McEvoy wrote: Aghhhhh!!!!! Huge congrats to you both!!!! Life is about to get a whole lot sweeter!!!

Tadhg and Alannah were married in Killarney earlier that year and celebrated the occasion at a reception at the five-star Dunloe Hotel in Co Kerry.

After nearly ten years together, Tadhg originally proposed to his girlfriend in 2021 and tied the knot on May 30 with a traditional Irish session featuring trad music and dancing.

Tadhg offered his experience of married life in an interview with RSVP Live when he said: "I can't believe how different it is the minute you put on the ring. It's such a change. I'm only messing. It's completely the same."
The interview was filmed in the Freemasons Hall venue last week and aired last Friday night

The Freemasons of Ireland are to make a 2,500 charity donation after incalculable damage was caused to the organisation by Tucker Carlsons interview with Conor McGregor.

The interview was filmed in the Freemasons Hall venue last week and aired last Friday night.

The organisation has since apologised and said it would not have accepted the booking if it knew what the venue was being used for.

It said the Grand Lodge Conduct Committee will now investigate the use of the Grand Lodge Room, and a risk assessment will be carried out into the security of its venue at 17 Molesworth Street.

Lodge rooms will also be only used for Lodge purposes and no non-masonic meetings will be held in the Lodge rooms until further notice.

At a meeting of the Grand Masters Council this week, the organisation also decided it would make an anonymous donation of 2,500 to an appropriate non-political charity.

Richard S G Ensor, the Grand Master Elect, told members the venue was used for grossly inappropriate purposes by allowing the interview to take place there.

The Grand Lodge of Ireland does not comment on any political matter and so regrets letting our premises facilitate any political discussion, he said in an email to members.

He said the Freemasons are now fighting to restore our reputation following the airing of the interview.

The damage that has been caused in recent days is incalculable, Mr Ensor said.

I look for your support to get us over this unpleasant time and steer us back on the right path. I am personally abhorred at what has taken place and extend my personal apology to our members, family and friends.

The organisation issued an apology shortly after the interview aired and said it had no association with the interviewer or interviewee.

In the interview, McGregor appeared to play down the chances of putting himself forward for the presidential election later this year.

Carlson did not ask the former MMA fighter about the decision of a jury, after a civil case last November, to find him liable for the rape of Dublin woman Nikita Hand.

When asked by the host why he cant run for president, Mr McGregor said: There are stipulations. You have four county councils which are controlled by the government parties or you have to get 20 nominations of the Oireachtas, which are mostly party affiliates.

He said he doesnt believe Ireland is a democratic country and that they will have to answer to their constituents at some stage.
Over the public holidays many Kiwis will be looking to unplug and enjoy some uninterrupted time in nature.

But before you take a hike, take a moment to Have a hmmm.

In 2024, ACC accepted nearly 9000 claims for tramping-related injuries. The cost to support people recover was almost $12 million.

Tramping-related injuries can peak anywhere from January to now, when many Kiwis look to take advantage of some extra days off and hit the tracks and trails over the public holidays, said ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker.

Fortunately, most walking and tramping injuries can be prevented, or their seriousness reduced, by thorough trip planning and sound decision-making, he said.

Whether its a short walk, a day trip, or an overnight tramp, the bare minimum should be: warm clothes (insulation layers and thermal base layers), rain jacket, head torch, extra layers, plenty of food and drink, and an appropriate emergency communications device, said Whitaker.

A lot of hiking and tramping injuries are caused by slips and trips, so watch out for uneven ground and wear sturdy footwear for support.

Always tramp with other people, stick together and make decisions as a group, and tell someone else where youre going and when you expect to be back. Its also important to choose a track that suits everyones abilities, and check the weather forecast, both in advance and on the day.

NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) said this is due to the number of Kiwis getting out to enjoy the great outdoors.

NZ adults who go hiking have continued to increase over the last decade with a corresponding increase in injuries, said MSC chief executive Mike Daisley.

Most of the injuries reported annually are minor, with people recovering quickly and with no long-term impact. These are often soft tissue injuries caused by trips, slips and falls. While some of these injuries are due to the nature of tramping  walking over rough ground with a pack on  others are avoidable or preventable.

MSC has a range of free resources to help people prepare effectively for their trips, reducing the chance of being injured.

This includes Plan My Walk trip planning tool.

The easy-to-use free app and website are designed to improve planning, preparation and decision-making for day walkers, overnight hikers and multi-day trampers.

We know through our extensive analysis of injuries, search and rescues, and fatalities that trip planning and preparation play a major role in prevention, said Daisley.

Its great people are getting out in the outdoors and seeing the amazing scenery our country has to offer, but its crucial to be prepared and make safe decisions, says Whitaker. Stop and Have a hmmm, if in doubt, dont go out, and always be prepared for the weather to change  even if it looks like its going to be great.

There are lots of injury prevention tips and other essential information accessible to all members of the public on the MSC website.

Tramping injury data

Tramping-related injury claims and costs to treat these injuries has been trending up over the past five years. There were just over 6000 claims received in 2020, which cost just under $5.5m to help people recover. Over the past five years (2020-2024), there have been around 40,000 tramping-related injury claims, which has cost $42m to support people with their recoveries.

The regions with the highest number of tramping-related injury claims were Auckland (1463), Canterbury (1262), Otago (1214), Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough areas (861), Waikato (825), and Wellington (701). There were fewer claims for Bay of Plenty (476), and Northland (259).

The age groups with the most claims were 30-34-year-olds (922), 25-29-year-olds (882), 55-59-year-olds (767), 50-54-year-olds (741), and 35-39-year-olds (738).
Tauranga will be commemorating Anzac Day on Friday, April 25, 2025, with a series of events across the city to honour the bravery and sacrifice of New Zealands servicemen and women.

Councils, community groups, and local Returned Service Associations (RSAs) have worked together to organise dawn and civic ceremonies, providing opportunities for reflection and remembrance.

Mayor Mahe Drysdale, who will deliver the welcome at the Tauranga Civic Service, says Anzac Day is a meaningful opportunity for reflection and unity.

On Anzac Day, communities around New Zealand come together to honour those who served, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and acknowledge the contributions of our returned and current service personnel. I encourage everyone to attend a service and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country.



Cadets from the Air Force, Army, and Navy at the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service at Memorial Park in 2024. Photo / Simon Dawson Photography

The Tauranga Dawn Service will hold special significance this year as the Tauranga RSA prepares to host its final service at its Cameron Rd site before relocating.

Since 1918, the Tauranga RSA has played a vital role in supporting returned servicemen and their families, making this years service a significant moment for the community.

The Tauranga RSA has hosted dawn services at its present site since 2009, and this years event will be a poignant moment of reflection on its legacy. The service will feature a special address, participation from HMNZS Te Mana, and support from the New Zealand Defence Forces Hauraki unit, reinforcing the strong connection between past and present service personnel.

Tauranga RSA President Morton Anderson, who served 21 years in the New Zealand Navy, emphasises the importance of community involvement in Anzac Day commemorations.

Its important to keep the memory alive, to pay respects to those who served and those who never made it home. These events are not just about remembering history, theyre about ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made.



Some of the team at the Tauranga RSA standing in front of the Tauranga RSA Cenotaph on the Cameron Rd site, Fred Milligan (chairman Support Trust), Lyn Thomas (district support adviser), Tricia Hague (district support manager), Duncan Poole (vice-president and local support adviser), and Morton Anderson (president). Photo / Supplied

John Clark, a Royal Navy World War II veteran and long-standing member of the Tauranga RSA, will mark a remarkable milestone this year - his 100th birthday on Anzac Day.

John plans to attend the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service on April 25 to honour his fellow servicemen and women.

In honour of this significant birthday, his family will also be holding a special Anzac Day service for him, where he will be presented with a meaningful gift.

Anzac Day is very poignant for John, as he reflects on the war and the terrible loss of life. He remembers some names of past friends on Anzac Day with great sadness as they lost their lives at a young age, never seeing their families grow up, says his family.



Royal Navy, World War II veteran John Clark stands in front of the Tauranga RSA Cenotaph following the Anzac parade in 2015. John enlisted in March 1942, just before his 17th birthday, and served aboard HMS Suffolk as a signalman and telegraphist during the war. Photo / Supplied

Over the past few years, council support and volunteer efforts have strengthened Anzac commemorations with improved sound systems, growing community participation, and increased cadet involvement.

Many services now involve students from local schools and flag escorts from cadets representing the Air Force, Army, and Navy.

As the Tauranga RSA prepares to relocate and combine locations with the Mount Maunganui RSA, the organisation remains committed to strengthening support for veterans and their families.

They have been instrumental in broader community initiatives, including donating a van to Maketu School, providing a car to the Tauranga Womens Refuge, and supporting ex-service members and their immediate families with welfare assistance.

Future initiatives include enhancing Remembrance Day commemorations, supporting cadet forces, and funding community projects.

Anderson also expressed his gratitude to past and present Tauranga RSA members and volunteers, whose dedication has kept the spirit of remembrance alive in Tauranga.

Anzac Day 2025 service schedule:

A free park and ride service, courtesy of Tauranga City Council, is available for the Tauranga Civic Memorial Service and the Mount Maunganui Dawn Service.

Papamoa Memorial dawn service

Service start time: 6am

Dawn parade timetable:

- 5.30am: Assemble at event car parking area, Stella Place

- 5.55am: March off

- 6am: Service begins

Location: Papamoa Memorial, Stella Place beach car park, Papamoa Beach Road

Mount Maunganui dawn service

Service start time: 6am

Dawn parade timetable:

- 5.45am: Assemble at Hopukiore, Mount Drury

- 5.55am: March off

- 6am: Service begins

Location: Mount Maunganui Cenotaph, Marine Parade (opposite Hopukiore, Mount Drury)

Free park and ride: Park on Kawaka St (behind Blake Park) and catch the free bus to Maunganui Rd (behind Hopukiore - Mount Drury Reserve). Buses depart from Kawaka St (opposite Club Mount Maunganui) between 5am-5.50am. Return buses run after the dawn service between 6.15am - 7.30am. All buses are accessible for people with limited mobility.

Tauranga dawn service

Service start time: 6am

Dawn Parade timetable:

- 5.45am: Assemble at Hayes Ave

- 5.55am: March off

- 6am: Service begins

Location: Tauranga RSA Cenotaph, 1237 Cameron Rd

Tauranga Civic Memorial Service

Service start time: 9am

Civic Parade timetable:

- 8.45am: Parade assemble on the grass beside Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre

- 8.55am: March off

- 9am: Service begins

Location: Memorial Park, Eleventh Avenue

Free Park and Ride: Park at Tauranga Boys College carpark on Devonport Rd and bus to Memorial Park. Buses depart from the bus bays on Devonport Rd, right outside the school between, 8am-8.40am. Return buses depart straight after the service from the bus stop outside the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre. All buses are accessible for people with limited mobility.

Wet weather location: The 9am service will take place indoors at Queen Elizabeth youth centre should poor weather prevent an outside gathering at Memorial Park.

- Wreath laying is available for this service.

Mount Maunganui Civic Memorial Service

Service start time: 9.30am

Civic parade timetable:

- 9.15am: Assemble at Mount Drury Reserve, Hopukiore

- 9.25am: March off

- 9.30am: Service begins

Location: Mount Maunganui Cenotaph, Marine Parade (opposite Mount Drury Reserve, Hopukiore)

Pyes Pa remembrance service

Start time: 11am

Location: Pyes Pa Cemetery, 403 Pyes Pa Rd

Tauranga Moana Tumatauenga Anzac Commemorations

Start time: 5.45am

Location: Poututerangi Marae, 26 Pitua Rd, Te Puna. There will be road closures for the Tauranga civic memorial and Mount Maunganui dawn services.

For more detailed information on Anzac Day services in Tauranga, please visit Tauranga City Councils website.
Every year on April 25 there are opportunities across the country to honour men and women who have served in wars at Anzac Day ceremonies.

This year is particularly poignant as it has been 110 years since the Gallipoli landing and 80 years since the end of World War II, said Katikati RSA president Trevor Gilbert.

Lest we forget, Gilbert said. Its important to honour those who have served as there are many of us, not just the two world wars, theres been many conflicts since the end of World War II.

New Zealand has commemorated the Gallipoli landing ever since and Anzac Day has been a public holiday since 1921. Katikati has been holding Anzac services since World War I, Gilbert said.

Gilbert is a Vietnam veteran (1970-1971) of the New Zealand Army.

You make friends for life with those who served. Weve experienced some tough situations  you form a bond that is never broken.

Anzac Day events

The parade will form at 5.45am behind Katikati War Memorial Hall and march at 5.55am, led by Katikati Band. There will be veterans, scouts and service men and women.

Anyone can join the parade if theyd like to, Gilbert says. He encourages the families of war veterans to wear their medals.

Colonel Selwyn Heaton RNZE will address the crowd, as will Katikati Colleges head boy and girl.

The local RSA has made Katikati Bowling Club its new home since moving out of the Henry Rd building. Everyone is invited to a breakfast at the bowling club (for a small charge) after the ceremony.

2025 Anzac Day services

Katikati

5.45am: Anzac Day service assembly in Katikati Library carpark and march on foot to Katikati War Memorial Hall

6am: Attendees assemble at the square in front of the War Memorial Hall for the service

Waihi Beach / Waihi

6am: Dawn Parade and service at the Waihi Beach RSA

6.30am: Breakfast buffet at the Waihi RSA

8am: Wreath-laying service  Waihi Cemetery

9am: Waihi Heritage Vision and Tunnelling Company descendants  Tunnellers Memorial Reserve, Gilmour Lake, Waihi

10.45am: Waihi RSA march to Waihi Memorial Hall

11am: Memorial Service  Waihi Memorial Hall

Tuapiro

6am: Tuapiro Marae Dawn Service, 24 Hikurangi Rd, Katikati

Omokoroa

6am: Dawn Service and laying of wreaths  Remembrance Cairn, Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve, Omokoroa Point

Te Puke

9.50am: Civic Parade - march assembled opposite Te Puke War Memorial Hall and lead off

10am: Service starts at Te Puke War Memorial Hall (please be seated before the arrival of the parade)

11am: Wreath laying at Cenotaph

11.30am: March off - everyone is invited to attend the Citizens RSA Te Puke in Jellicoe St/Beatty Ave for light refreshments

Oropi

10.30am: Anzac Day service at Oropi Memorial Hall and Community Centre.

Maketu

5.30am: Muster at the Landing (shop)

6am: March to Remembrance Rock, following march fall in at the Remembrance Rock, Park Rd Reserve

Followed by breakfast at Whakaue Marae (gold coin koha please)

Waitangi, Te Puke

5am: Begin gathering and parking at Moko Marae

6am: Congregate in front of the war memorial gates at TKKM o Te Matai Kura, beginning service at 6am

Please bring photos of whanau who have served, to display. You are most welcome to share stories if you wish at the service

7am-7.30am: Head to Moko Marae for parakuihi

Tauranga

For Tauranga City service information, see the Tauranga City Council website

Source: https://www.westernbay.govt.nz
Thanks to historian Christine Clement, as Anzac Day approaches, we can acknowledge the sacrifice made by two brothers whose names are among those on the memorial gates at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Matai, now known as Te Matai  Te Kura a Iwi o Tapuika) in Waitangi.

See the bottom of this story for a list of Anzac services happening in the Te Puke aea.

The Nicholls

Obadiah (Oparia), also known as Frederick, and Thompson Nicholls were the sons of Humphrey Nicholls and his wife Harete Ngakoura Tamihana, of Te Kahika, near Te Puke (Ngati Tuheke, Tapuika).

Obadiah Thompson

Obadiah attended Te Puke School and enlisted as Frederick for service with the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion on August 23, 1916, at the Narrow Neck Camp between Devonport and Takapuna, Auckland.

He gave his date of birth as February 25, 1895, but the Te Puke School rolls have his birth date as January 25, 1900, meaning he would have been 16 on enlistment.

Obadiah gave his occupation as labourer for Mr Mends, flax miller of Te Puke.

He left New Zealand with the 12th Reinforcements and marched into Sling Camp on the Salisbury Plains before leaving for France in July 1917, joining up with the Pioneer Battalion in the field in August.

On September 1, the battalion became a full Maori unit again, known as the New Zealand Pioneer (Maori) Battalion.

Pioneers were not frontline fighting units but a labour force trained and organised to work on engineering duties, digging trenches, building roads and railways, and taking on any other logistical tasks.

This was essential and dangerous work that was often carried out under fire.

In October 1917, the New Zealand forces were involved in the disastrous attack on the Passchendaele Ridge in Belgium.

October 12 became known as New Zealands Blackest Day when the country suffered 1190 deaths and 2106 injured.

Wounded in action

On January 4, 1918, Obadiah was admitted to the 2nd New Zealand Field Ambulance suffering from bronchitis and re-joining the battalion on January 16, 1918.

On October 6, he was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to his back and side. This was during the push for the Hindenburg Line.

He was admitted to the 49th Casualty Clearing Station, Grevillers, France and died there from his wounds. He is buried in the Grevillers British Cemetery.

Thompson Nicholls

Thompson William (Tamihana Wiremu) Nicholls was born in Te Puke and attended the Te Matai Native School, which was then at Te Paamu.

When he enlisted on October 21, 1914, he stated he was a member of the fourth (Waikato) Mounted Rifles Regiment and had registered for compulsory military training at Te Puke.

He was a seaman with the Northern Steam Ship Company based at Tauranga.

Thompson gave his religious profession as Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints). Obadiah said he was Church of England.

After training at the Avondale Camp, Thompson embarked from New Zealand on February 14, 1915, with the first New Zealand Maori Contingent  B Company Platoon 5 (Te Arawa) bound for Egypt.

Along with other members of the Maori Contingent, Thompson landed at the Dardanelle Peninsula on June 30, 1915.

On July 1, he was appointed Lance Corporal, but on August 21, 1915, was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to the thigh.

He was evacuated on board the HS Arcadian and admitted to the 2nd Western General Hospital in Manchester.

After time in Manchester and at the New Zealand Convalescent Hospital in Hornchurch, Essex, he re-joined his unit in France on April 9, 1916.

He relinquished his rank of Lance Corporal at the same time, at his own request.

On November 8, 1916, he was admitted for an unspecified reason to a casualty clearing station and then to hospital at Wimereux, a coastal town 4.8km north of Boulogne.

Military rankings

Thompson re-joined his unit on November 17. However, Christmas Eve 1916 he was punished with the stoppage of 3 shillings 6 pence for loss of equipment.

From his military file, it appears he lost his badges. He was reappointed Lance Corporal on September 9. On September 27, he was promoted to Corporal.

Thompson William Nicholls was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for conspicuous coolness and devotion to duty on the night of October 1 and 2, 1917.

His citation reads: This NCO had charge of a carrying party working on Wieltje-Gravenstafel Rd. The enemy shelled the road very heavily, but Nicholls got through with his load and then withdrew his men in perfect order and got them under cover in shell holes. One man was wounded, and Nicholls escorted him out of danger at great personal risk. His coolness under heavy shellfire and the excellent control he exercised over his party saved many casualties. He set a splendid example to his men.

Medical issues

However, he was not a well man, and, on January 4, 1918, Thompson was admitted to the 2nd New Zealand Field Ambulance suffering from bronchitis. His brother Obadiah was also there.

Thompson was discharged eight days later but then, on February 24, was re-admitted to hospital in Boulogne suffering from pleurisy.

He was placed on the seriously ill list on March 12, 1918, and admitted to the 2nd New Zealand General Hospital at Walton-on-Thames in Surrey.

On May 25, 1918, he was placed on the New Zealand Roll to be returned to New Zealand.

The hospital report said he was suffering from acute tuberculosis of the lung. He was shipped home on the Hospital Ship Maheno on September 28.

Thompson William Nicholls died in the Auckland Hospital on November 6, 1918, during the worldwide influenza epidemic, though his cause of death is not noted. His body was shipped to Tauranga for burial in the Te Kahika urupa, Te Puke.

Thompson has a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone. He had served four years, 17 days, with 133 in New Zealand service and 1345 days overseas, the longest service of the Te Puke men on the Te Puke World War One war memorial.

Anzac Day Commemorations:

Te Puke

9.50am: Civic Parade - march assembled opposite Te Puke War Memorial Hall and lead off

10am: Service starts at Te Puke War Memorial Hall (please be seated before the arrival of the parade)

11am: Wreath laying at Cenotaph

11.30am: March off - everyone is invited to attend the Citizens RSA Te Puke in Jellicoe St/Beatty Ave for light refreshments

Oropi

10.30am: Anzac Day service at Oropi Memorial Hall and Community Centre.

Maketu

5.30am: Muster at the Landing (shop)

6am: March to Remembrance Rock, following march fall in at the Remembrance Rock, Park Rd Reserve

Followed by breakfast at Whakaue Marae (gold coin koha please)

Waitangi, Te Puke

5am: Begin gathering and parking at Moko Marae

6am: Congregate in front of the war memorial gates at TKKM o Te Matai Kura, beginning service at 6am

Please bring photos of whanau who have served, to display. You are most welcome to share stories if you wish at the service

7am-7.30am: Head to Moko Marae for parakuihi
This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.

Loitering munitions (LMs), which provide relatively low-cost precision strike capabilities with surveillance potential, continue to proliferate. Development efforts focus on increasing range, autonomy, and resilience.

AeroShul to Develop Multi-Barrel Loitering Munition

The Indian Army is leveraging domestic innovation, partnering with Gurugram-based startup AeroShul Technologies Pvt Ltd to develop a Multi-Barrel Loitering Munition (MBLM) system. This project, under the Defence Ministers ADITI 2.0 initiative and the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme, aims to convert existing artillery rocket systems, including the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), into long-range precision strike platforms. The requirement specifies extending the range up to 500 kilometers, utilizing satellite-based command, control, and communication. The MBLM system will feature UAVs capable of loitering, surveillance, combat strikes, and post-strike damage assessment. Key features include salvo-launching, swarming capabilities, and onboard Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. The inclusion of a minimum purchase quantity in the contract signals the Armys firm intent to procure the system upon successful development, highlighting a strategy to enhance existing assets cost-effectively while integrating modern AI-driven capabilities.

STARK introduces the Virtus OWE-V

In Europe, German startup STARK announced that its One Way Effector  Vertical (OWE-V), also marketed as Virtus, has successfully demonstrated operational readiness during tests in Ukraine and is currently undergoing military qualification. This marks the companys first public statement on the systems capabilities demonstrated in a relevant operational environment. The OWE-V is a vertically launching and landing (VTOL) system weighing approximately 30 kg, designed to engage targets up to 100 km away. Its AI-supported control system enables real-time reaction to changing conditions and effectiveness in electronically contested environments, a critical factor given the prevalence of electronic warfare (EW) in conflicts like Ukraine.

The system boasts a 60-minute flight time, a 5 kg modular payload, cruise speed of 120 km/h (up to 250 km/h in terminal dive), and an operational altitude of 2 km. Key AI-supported functions include GNSS-free navigation (claiming 1m accuracy), object recognition, tracking, and automatic target approach, coupled with a hardened data link. The VTOL capability allows operation without launch infrastructure and enables the use of inert versions for cost-effective training. STARK has established a production facility in Bavaria and mentioned a broader portfolio including the Minerva mission system for controlling multiple unmanned systems.

US Army Explores One Way Attack UAS under Project Artemis

In the United States, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is advancing its Project Artemis, selecting four companiesSwan, Dragoon, Aerovironment, and Auterionto prototype long-range, one-way unmanned platforms. Notably, Swan and Auterion are US software firms partnering with Ukrainian UAS companies. The project aims to evaluate these platforms, which use loitering munitions, in operationally relevant Electronic Warfare (EW) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)- denied environments. Key requirements include ground launch, affordability, a range of 50 to over 300 km, rapid deployment, low-altitude navigation, payload flexibility, rapid upgradability, and robust operation in contested electromagnetic environments. This initiative aims to deliver low-cost, adaptable LMs suitable for mass deployment, with a focus on speed to the warfighter.

Return to this weeks DefenseTech Brief
. .- .--. .--. -.-- / - .. .-. - . -.. .- -.- 

A Morse code birthday blessing for John Daniel Clark  because the wartime Royal Navy signalman and telegraphists second language is Morse code. He still taps it, speaks it, thinks it  even 80 years after the war. And now, as he turns 100 on Anzac Day, April 25, the new centenarian is saluted with dits and dahs.

. .- .--. .--. -.-- / - .. .-. - . -.. .- -.-  Happy Birthday.

For three years aboard that beast of a heavy cruiser, the 10,000-ton, 70-gun HMS Suffolk during the dark days of Word War II, it was Clarks duty to shadow Hitler  in a windowless radio cabin trawling for active Morse transmissions from enemy territory, and to transmit critical messages on enemy troop movements and positions, weather and tactical orders

Four hours on, eight off, round the clock. You started thinking in Morse, said the Leading Signalman when The Weekend Sun visited last week. Probably dreaming, too, in Morse. Now its a party piece. The 100-year-old can still chatter in Morse, mimicking a Morse key by clicking his tongue and lips.

Dit-dit-dit-dit dit dit-dah-dit-dit dit-da-dit-dit dah-dah-dah  hullo

He likes that, thinks its funny.

Dreadful

But death was always near. Sometimes, as Clark indicates with his fingers, just the half-inch thickness of the plate steel hull away. The Suffolk was headed to Gibraltar when it came under attack. Dreadful noise. You could hear and feel the German Dorniers big bombs exploding right outside. They missed, but the 10,000-ton ship heaved and tossed. We were really rocking.

When he picked up distress calls from stricken ships that had struck mines or were under attack, he would locate other vessels that could assist. It was demanding, exacting, crucial stuff. Lives depended on short and long beeps  dots and dashes.



Teenager at war  Royal Navy signalman and telegraphist John Clark off HMS Suffolk. Photo / Supplied

Today at Clarks Arcadia Manor Care Home in Edgecumbe Rd, the early sun was beaming through the lounge window, giving him an aura. Uncanny, but not inappropriate for a lifelong devout Christian whod been blessed with a beautiful and rich high tenor voice, often heard singing sacred psalms in the Anglican churches of Essex.

Clark had watched his fathers struggles after being badly injured in the Battle of the Somme in WWI. Id seen enough suffering. Id think of poor soldiers scrambling out of the trenches to meet the foe. I didnt want any bayonetting.



John Clark honed his morse skills as a sea cadet. Photo / Supplied

So a fresh-faced Clark volunteered for the Royal Navy, which seized on this sea cadets signalling skills. He was deployed to Iceland to join the Suffolk as it patrolled the fiords  a choirboy pitched into the murderous turmoil of Hitlers war.

Sheet of flame

I was walking messages on the deck when the Suffolks 8-inch guns went off right beside me. An enormous, deafening roar and I was swallowed up by this rolling sheet of flame.

He was left blackened and choking. The memorys vivid. But he insists he never worried or cared. Never! Even in the crazy cold of the North Atlantic Arctic Circle. You never thawed. You just kept putting on more gear. The cold was ghastly, miserable. He shivers at the thought.



The leading signalmans medal haul. Photo / David Hall

But if you keep on a good line with God, he will never leave or forsake you. And in Clarks case, He didnt. In 1946, after the Axis powers capitulated, Clarks faith delivered him safely home.

The jack would then swap his sailors Achilles cap for the policemans custodian helmet on Londons docks. Then he would swap one police force, and one country, for another.

In 1954 Clark, his wife and two daughters arrived in Auckland one day and the next he was patrolling notorious K Road. That was an eye-opener. Rough. Lots of drunks. Lots of soliciting too. He became the proselytising policeman  assigned to look after the Sallies as they fought vice with hymns at one end of K Road. He would then move into security work.

Enter Grace

Now hes sitting here in Tauranga on the brink of 100. Steely blue eyes, an almost-flawless complexion, not so much as a wrinkle and white, wavy hair preened to a naval nicety. His chest is dripping with medals. But whats telltale is the sparkly gold band on the fourth finger of his right hand.

He lost two wives before reconnecting with Grace, who he first met 60 or 70 years ago. Grace decided the 95-year-old was handsome enough to go out with and then marry. Graces son married them. Its a lovely love story. Of course they hold hands, have a good kiss and a hug.

John and Grace will be at an Anzac Day service on his birthday. The following day theres a family fuss-making for the centenarian.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will hold its biannual Data Users Meeting on April 29, 2025, starting at 12 p.m. ET. This virtual meeting is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required to attend this event.

The Data Users Meeting is held to share updates to USDA data and statistical products with the public and to solicit input on agency programs important to agriculture. The event is organized by NASS in cooperation with USDAs World Agricultural Outlook Board, Farm Service Agency, Economic Research...
SIDNEY--On Monday, April 21, 2025, the County of Cheyenne Commissioners met for their regular meeting. Among the items on their agenda were a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the WING Drug Task Force Grant and new policies and job descriptions for the Cheyenne County Visitors Committee.

After approving the previous meetings' minutes, the commissioners heard from Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs concerning a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the WING Drug Task Force. Frerichs explained that every few years the WING Task Force applies for a Federal Grant for reimbursement for overt...
On April 29, Day 70 of the legislative session, the state budget will be introduced and deliberated by members of the Legislature, marking the beginning of debate on the two-year budget. The Appropriations Committee has been meeting regularly over the noon hour during full debate days to develop a preliminary version of the budget. The Committee has now reached an agreement, and is awaiting the finalized preliminary version from the fiscal office. Although the exact figure continues to evolve, Nebraska has yet to reach a balanced budget.

The state budget process involves two key committees wit...
George Orwell, the British writer from the mid-twentieth century, is in the news these days. Some suggest we are stuck in "Animal Farm," "an animal fable about totalitarianism," but others believe America is edging toward conditions that existed in Orwell's well-read novel, "1984."

Big Brother is watching you, Winston Smith, as he is watching all citizens of Oceania.

A recent "New York Times Magazine" ran a two-and-a-half page article on Orwell. Its author Matthew Purdy, wrote, "Warnings of language as a weapon of manipulation, obfuscation, and oppression run through Orwell's work."

I often re...
Raquel Merino Malaga Thursday, 24 April 2025, 20:19 Compartir

Bioparc Fuengirola on Spain's Costa del Sol is celebrating another birth, that of three cubs of the giant otter species (Pteronura brasiliensis). The park has described the event as an "extraordinary milestone", as the giant otter is one of the most endangered species in South America, with no more than 7,000 specimens in the wild.

At the moment, the cubs are in the inner area of the park, out of public view, in a quiet and controlled environment, as they are completely dependent on their parents during the first weeks of life. In fact, they do not open their eyes until they are about 30 days old.

Zoom The giant otter parents at Bioparc Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol. Bioparc Fuengirola

Bioparc has installed cameras inside the nest boxes to capture "unique moments of family life: tender scenes such as the mother breastfeeding her cubs or the father actively participating in their care". Employees have even observed how both parents move the young from one nest to the other several times a day - an instinctive behaviour that promotes hygiene and comfort for the newborns.

When will the public be able to meet them?

According to the animal and conservation park, presenting the cubs to the world depends on their parents' behaviour. It is estimated that, in about a couple of weeks, the mother and the father may start to show interest in exploring the outside area, leaving the young in the nest. It is then that free access will be provided so that the adults can return when they need to. This transition will be carefully monitored by the park's teams, in order to adapt to the animals' needs at all times.

The giant otter has completely disappeared from countries such as Argentina and Uruguay.

The giant otter, also known as the 'river wold', is considered an 'umbrella species' due to its key role in the aquatic ecosystems of South America. It has completely disappeared from countries such as Argentina and Uruguay, where pioneering reintroduction programmes are now being carried out. In Argentina, for example, several specimens born in European parks that collaborate with the European endangered species programme (EEP) have been sent to the Ibera and El Impenetrable national parks since 2019.

Bioparc Fuengirola is one of only two zoos in Spain that house this species and actively participate in international conservation programmes.
SUR in English Fuengirola Thursday, 24 April 2025, 08:52 Compartir

The gentle sound of tropical rain on the dense foliage and the murmur of the jungle welcome a very special new resident at BIOPARC Fuengirola. On 29 March, this park in Malaga became the setting for a historic moment in biodiversity conservation: the birth of Spains first Malayan tapir calf (Tapirus indicus).

This remarkable event marks a milestone that establishes BIOPARC Fuengirola as a European benchmark in the reproduction of one of Southeast Asias most threatened species. The birth is the result of the parks ongoing dedication to international conservation programmes and the meticulous efforts of a team fully committed to protecting this unique animal.

A birth that brings hope

The mother, Rawa, arrived at BIOPARC Fuengirola from Edinburgh Zoo and is part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), coordinated by EAZA. After a pregnancy lasting over 390 daysone of the longest among land mammalsshe gave birth without complications in a controlled and safe environment.

From the very beginning, the calf has shown healthy behaviour, feeding normally and developing steadily. Right now, the young tapir is in a constant phase of growth. Visitors can see it under its mother's watchful eye, enjoying the outdoor area, trotting around and exploring every corner. During their first few months, Malayan tapir calves rely completely on maternal care.

Zoom

They are born with a striped and spotted coat that acts as natural camouflage in the undergrowth. This pattern remains until around six months of age, when they begin to develop the distinctive two-tone colouring of adults.

At this early stage, the calf starts to investigate plants and explore its surroundings. They are known for being active, curious and highly alert to sounds and movementsinstincts that help protect them. This growth period is vital for their physical, neurological and social development, and in optimal conditions, like those at BIOPARC Fuengirola, calves can achieve a healthy and balanced pace of growth.

The Malayan tapir: a time-traveller in danger

The Malayan tapir is considered a true living fossil. Its lineage dates back over 50 million years, and although it may seem strange and solitary, it is closely related to horses and rhinos.

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Native to the dense jungles of Malaysia, Thailand and Sumatra, its habitat has been drastically reduced due to deforestation, agricultural expansion and poaching. Fewer than 2,500 individuals are estimated to remain in the wild, placing it in the Endangered category on the IUCN Red List.

A calf yet to be named

The story of this calf doesnt end with its birth. BIOPARC Fuengirola wants to involve the public in this special chapter and will soon launch a campaign inviting people to help choose its name. Its a symbolic but powerful way to connect people with the cause of conservation.

Meet it in person  now with children's tickets for one euro, until 31 May

If you'd like to meet the Malayan tapir and witness this special moment, you can do so by visiting BIOPARC Fuengirola. The park has just launched a special offer to help everyone discover this little one, along with the rest of the animals and plants it protects. From 21 April to 31 May, when you buy a general admission ticket, a children's ticket will cost just one euro. This euro goes entirely to the BIOPARC Foundation.

Located in the heart of the town, just steps from the seafront promenade, the park offers a unique immersive experience where visitors can explore carefully recreated habitats such as the forests of Southeast Asia, Madagascar, Equatorial Africa, the Indo-Pacific and now the rainforests of Central and South America.

BIOPARCs philosophy removes visual barriers and encourages close contact with the animals, always with the utmost respect. This makes BIOPARC Fuengirola the perfect plan for families, nature lovers and school groups looking for something differentan educational and exciting experience.

BIOPARC Fuengirola is open every day of the year and offers a wide range of activities and experiences for all ages. For more information on prices, opening hours and news, visit www.bioparcfuengirola.es.
This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous capabilities into military platforms and software continues at a rapid pace, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness, reduce personnel workload, and enable novel concepts of operation across different domains.

In ground systems, Overland AI, initially known for its OverDrive autonomy software stack utilized in various military unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) like the Textron Ripsaw and General Dynamics S-MET, is now producing its own UGV, the Ultra. Designed for logistical support roles such as supply transport, communications enhancement, and drone launching, several Ultra units are reportedly already undergoing military testing. This move signifies the maturation of specialized autonomy software providers, who may potentially expand into integrated hardware solutions, meeting the growing demand for versatile autonomous ground support platforms in the military.

Major platform integrators are also deepening their focus on software and AI through strategic partnerships. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) announced several new collaborations to bolster its combat capabilities. These include partnerships with Applied Intuition for expertise in autonomy and software-defined vehicles, Palantir Technologies for data fusion and user experience, GD Mission Systems and GD Information Technology (GDIT) for AI, cybersecurity, digital engineering, and quantum technology, and Strategic Technology Consulting (STC) for advanced Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). This reflects a strategic approach by GDLS to leverage specialized expertise from across the industry, highlighting the centrality of software, AI, data fusion, and digital engineering in developing future ground combat systems and fostering an ecosystem for innovation.

The US Army is embracing advanced simulation for integrating complex AI systems. To incorporate an AI-powered anti-drone capability, the AI Target Detection and Recognition system (AiTDR), into the future XM30 combat vehicle (a replacement for the Bradley), the Army is using Duality AIs Falcon digital simulation platform. This digital-first strategy uses Falcons digital twin technology to generate high-quality synthetic data across diverse simulated operational conditions, including varying speeds, weather, drone types, and terrain. This data is used to train and refine the AiTDRs AI models before physical hardware integration, aiming to improve system development efficiency and reduce the gap between test results and real-world performance. The project involves phased development, iteratively optimizing the AI algorithms and simulation methodologies within the Falcon environment. This approach is expected to shorten development timelines, reduce costs, and allow for robust pre-deployment testing and validation of the C-UAS system, a critical capability for future armored vehicles.

In the air domain, long-term partnerships are solidifying for key autonomous programs. BAE Systems Australia and Boeing Defence Australia signed a 10-year Head Agreement concerning the MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Under this agreement, BAE Systems will continue delivering its sovereign Vehicle Management System (VMS) software, which enables the MQ-28s autonomous flight. BAE also provides elements of the Ground Control Station and the Independent Flight Termination System. This long-term commitment strengthens the strategic partnership established in 2017 and ensures ongoing development and support for the critical flight control systems of Australias pioneering uncrewed teaming aircraft program.

These developments collectively signal that software, AI, and autonomy are becoming increasingly core components that define the capabilities of modern military platforms. The emphasis on partnerships suggests that major primes are adopting an ecosystem model, collaborating with specialized tech firms to access cutting-edge capabilities, rather than relying solely on in-house development. Concurrently, the use of advanced simulation and digital engineering tools represents a methodological shift toward more agile, software-centric design, integration, and testing processes, aiming to accelerate the deployment of complex AI-enabled systems.

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United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III announced Lisa M. Fletcher has been appointed chief of the criminal division. Fletcher joins other senior managers that U.S. Attorney Sarcone has elected to retain in their positions.

>> Send us your companys news about People in Motion

She joined the U.S. Attorneys Office in 1999 and previously served as deputy criminal chief and the project safe childhood coordinator.

Prior to joining the U.S. Attorneys Office, Fletcher served as an assistant district attorney in New York County and Onondaga County. Fletcher is a 1986 graduate of Niagara University and a 1989 graduate of St. Johns University School of Law.

If youd like to submit an item about People in Motion at your organization, send a press release including photo, to business@syracuse.com with Company News in the subject field. We publish news about people with ties to Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties. See all recent Company News items.
Stephen Scuderi, left, and John Clark promoted by Cushman & Wakefield | Pyramid Brokerage Co. provided photos

Cushman & Wakefield | Pyramid Brokerage Company announced two executive leadership changes.

Stephen Scuderi has been appointed president of its Syracuse, Utica and Watertown offices.
Police and emergency responders surround homes in the 100 block of Neutral Court after a man in his 20s was shot multiple times in the neighborhood on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Timia Cobb

Syracuse, N.Y.  A man was shot multiple times in his midsection Wednesday evening on the North Side of Syracuse.

When police arrived at the 100 block of Neutral Court, they found a man in his 20s with multiple gunshot wounds at about 7:21 p.m., according to Kieran Coffey, a spokesman for the Syracuse Police Department.

The man was found on the street, according to Onondaga County 911 dispatchers. Clothing items like a shoe and hat were also on the ground next to splashes of blood.

A man was shot multiple times in the 100 block of Neutral Court on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Timia Cobb

The man was taken to Upstate University Hospital with life-threatening injuries; the person who shot the man has not been caught, Coffey said.

It was the second shooting of the day in Syracuse. A man in his 60s died earlier after he was shot near Armory Square

Police ask anyone with information to contact its criminal investigations division at (315) 442-5222.

Syracuse.com staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile, right, and Mayor Ben Walsh speak at a news conference regarding a road rage incident near armory square on Wednesday April 23 that ended with a fatal shooting at Syracuse City Hall on Thursday April, 24, 2024, in Syracuse, N.Y. (Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com) Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y.  Police have identified the man who was fatally shot Wednesday afternoon near Armory Square following a road rage incident.

The man was identified as Ezell Hicks Jr., 61, according to Kieran Coffey, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Police Department.

Police Chief Joseph Cecile said at a news conference that Hicks and another man, 43, were motorists that had gotten into a roving dispute with each other.

Hicks and the other man eventually stopped on West Fayette Street near South West Street, according to Robert Moran, a chief assistant district attorney in the Onondaga County District Attorneys Office.

Hicks then get out of his car and walked over to the other car with a knife, Moran said.

Hicks was reported shot at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, near the busy intersection at the edge of Armory Square.

Hicks was taken to Upstate University Hospital, where he later died.

A preliminary review showed the shooter had a valid pistol permit, according to District Attorney William Fitzpatrick. Hicks had a knife, he said.

Police investigate a shooting at the intersection of South West Street and West Fayette Street on the edge of Armory Square in Syracuse on Wednesday afternoon, April 23, 2025. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

As of Thursday morning, no charges had been filed in the shooting, Fitzpatrick said. A grand jury will review the case, he said.

The shooting was captured by surveillance cameras at nearby businesses, Cecile said. Police have obtained that video footage, he said.

Cecile declined to answer many questions about the shooting, citing the pending grand jury investigation.

Cecile said the shooting did not need to happen.

Theres all kinds of ways to resolve this without it coming to this, he said. Drive on. Just dont get into a dispute to begin with.

The shooter has not been publicly identified.

Hicks has cycled in and out of prison for decades, according to a review of court records by syracuse.com.

His record includes a year sentence in prison after robbing a man in Syracuse in 1994, another prison sentence for violating probation in 2004. He also has two federal convictions for possessing a firearm as a felon, one in 2010 and another in 2015.

A defense lawyer said in 2010 that Hicks has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and has an extensive mental health history, according to court records.

Hicks was accused three years ago of stabbing a man in the face during a dispute. He was never indicted and the case is now sealed, records show.

Also on Wednesday, another man was shot on the North Side three hours after the road rage killing. The 26-year-old man was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Syracuse man was sentenced to over eight years in federal prison Wednesday for selling cocaine in Onondaga County, prosecutors said.

Ricardo Lane, 43, admitted that from April 2021 through July 2022, he worked with others to sell cocaine throughout the county, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York said in a news release Wednesday.

Lane admitted to using the United States Postal Service to ship packages from Puerto Rico that contained a total of 24 pounds of cocaine, according to court papers.

Lane has been sent to prison before.

Lane, along with five other men, were arrested in 2012 after Syracuse police searched an apartment at 412 Bear St. During the drug bust, one of the men jumped out of a second-floor window to escape.

Inside the apartment police found cocaine, marijuana, synthetic designer drugs and almost $24,000 in cash, they said.

In 2013, Lane was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for criminal possession of a weapon, according to county records.

In 2007, Lane was also convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

Syracuse.com staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Three New York state corrections officer have now admitted to assaulting an inmate two years ago in a Central New York prison.

They all pleaded guilty in federal court in Syracuse to a single count of deprivation of rights under the color of law. That means they deprived the inmate of a right or privilege under the Constitution or federal law.

The assault took place at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Oneida County. Thats the same prison where guards went on a day of terror in 2016 beating inmates and other guards were accused of killing an inmate last month and trying to cover it up.

Corrections officers Brandon Montanari and Rohail Khan and trainee Michael Williams assaulted the inmate, James Barton, in the early morning hours of April 13, 2023, according to a statement of facts in the plea agreement between Montanari and federal prosecutors.

The guards led Barton out of his cell and into a hallway area at the prison, the agreement said. Williams told Barton to put his hands against the hall wall.

The guards then began punching and kicking Barton in the body and legs, without provocation or justification, the agreement said. Williams then swept Bartons legs out from under him and pinned him down.

Barton also has filed a lawsuit in federal court over the assault. The lawsuit said one of the officers next said, Lets give him the George Floyd challenge! Barton, who is Black, said he was put into a chokehold as another officer punched him.

A Minneapolis police officer put Floyd in a fatal chokehold by pinning him to the ground with his knee. The killing in spring 2020 sparked nationwide protests.

After the assault on Barton, according to the plea agreement, the three corrections officers did not report their use of force. They agreed to lie and deny any involvement or knowledge of what happened if they were questioned by prison system investigators.

Montanari pleaded guilty Wednesday. Williams and Khan pleaded guilty last year.

Montanari, Williams and Khan are scheduled to be sentenced this summer. They each face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

None of the employees have faced state-level charges, according to Todd Carville, the district attorney for Oneida County.

Barton, formerly of Syracuse, was sentenced in 2008 to 10 years to life for predatory sexual assault against a child and course of sexual conduct against a child. He has a parole hearing scheduled for next month, records show.

Mid-State is one of two state prisons in Oneida County facing increased scrutiny.

Dozens of Mid-State corrections officers brutally jumped on, kicked and sodomized inmates in 2016. A judge ruled in December that the state owes monetary damages to the inmates. Many of the officers still work at the prison.

Ten corrections officers at Mid-State were indicted earlier this month for allegedly killing inmate Messiah Nantwi and then trying to cover it up.

Across the street at Marcy Correctional Facility, 10 corrections officers have been indicted for brutally beating inmate Robert L. Brooks in December on an exam table in the prison infirmary.

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
Harvey Weinstein appears in state court in Manhattan in his retrial on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in New York. (Steven Hirsch /New York Post via AP, Pool) AP

New York  Harvey Weinsteins #MeToo retrial opened Wednesday, giving a new jury a fresh look at familiar rape and sexual assault allegations  plus a newly added claim from a former model.

For the first time, prosecutors publicly identified Kaja Sokola and detailed her account of what unfolded between her and the Oscar-winning movie producer in the early 2000s. He is criminally charged with forcing oral sex on her in 2006, but she also accused him in a civil lawsuit of groping her against her will four years earlier, when she was 16.

Like the two other accusers in the case, Sokola alleges a complex series of encounters and reactions  being sexually assaulted, yet staying in touch, wary of Weinstein but wanting to remain on good terms with a power broker who dangled the possibility of an acting career.

Why did the defendant hold this level of power and control in the eyes of these three women?  Its because Harvey Weinstein defined the field, prosecutor Shannon Lucey told jurors in an opening statement. He knew how tempting promises of success were. He produced, he choreographed, he therefore directed, their ultimate silence for years.

Weinstein has pleaded not guilty, and defense lawyer Arthur Aidala countered by portraying the accusers as willing partners in a showbiz quid pro quo.

The casting couch is not a crime scene, Aidala told the majority-female jury. He compared prosecutors allegations to the preview of a movie that falls flat on its face.

A reversal and a retrial

The 73-year-old Weinstein, seated in the wheelchair he now uses because of health problems, didnt look at Lucey or the jury during her presentation before Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and others in a packed courtroom audience. But Weinstein watched intently as Aidala outlined his defense.

The retrial is happening because New Yorks top court last year threw out Weinsteins conviction, which in 2020 was a watershed moment for the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct. The high court found that the previous trial judge allowed prejudicial testimony about allegations that were separate from the charges.

Weinsteins retrial is playing out at a different cultural moment than the first. #MeToo, which exploded in 2017 with allegations against Weinstein, has evolved and ebbed.

At the start of Weinsteins first trial, chants of rapist could be heard from protesters outside. This time, there was none of that.

Nevertheless, Sokolas lawyer, Lindsay Goldbrum, has called Weinsteins retrial a signal to other survivors that the system is catching up  and that its worth speaking out even when the odds seem insurmountable.

A teenage model and a movie model

While this jury wont hear about the allegations that got the first conviction thrown out, the panel is expected to hear from Sokola. After the high court sent the case back for retrial, prosecutors added a criminal sex act charge based on her allegations.

The Polish-born Sokola met Weinstein in 2002 after traveling alone to New York for a modeling trip at age 16, according to prosecutors. She alleges he invited her to lunch to discuss potential acting jobs but detoured to his apartment and demanded she take off her shirt if she wanted to make it in the movie business. Then, Sokola alleges, Weinstein fondled her while making her touch his genitals.

Over the next few years, Sokola stayed in contact with Weinstein, even after telling him off for allegedly groping her in a car around 2004, Lucey told jurors. She said Weinstein arranged for Sokola to be an extra and talk to the stars of the 2007 rom-com The Nanny Diaries, and she invited him to lunch with her visiting sister, hoping to impress the sibling.

After the lunch, he lured Sokola to his Manhattan hotel room by saying he had scripts for her to see, ordered her to undress, held her down on a bed, and performed oral sex on her while she tearfully implored him not to do so, Lucey said.

In the weeks after, Sokola was photographed with Weinstein and a third person at an event, and his company wrote her a recommendation letter for acting school, the prosecutor said. Lucey told jurors that power imbalances often cause victims to behave in ways that laypersons possibly might not expect.

After other allegations emerged against Weinstein in 2017, Sokola sued. Prosecutors said she received $3.5 million in compensation.

Two of the original charges remain

Aidala said Sokola and the other accusers were trying to take advantage of Mr. Weinstein when he was at the top, then benefited from making allegations when he was headed toward the bottom.

Outside court, Sokolas attorney decried Weinsteins defense as full of victim blaming and rape myths.

In addition to the charge related to Sokola, Weinstein is being retried on a criminal sex act charge for allegedly forcibly performing oral sex on then-production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006, and a third-degree rape charge for allegedly assaulting then-aspiring actor Jessica Mann in 2013.

Weinsteins 2020 acquittals on two other charges  predatory sexual assault and first-degree rape  still stand.

The Associated Press generally does not identify people alleging sexual assault unless they consent to be named, as Haley, Mann and Sokola have done.
Meredith Mancini plays Goldilocks (middle) in 1997 and is being hidden from the three bears by Children in the audience in this production by Syracuse's Magic Circle Children's Theatre. Lisa Krantz

For generations, children have sat through productions of fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks and the Three Bears helpless as the heroes of the play faced danger.

Not so at Syracuses Magic Circle Childrens Theatre.

For 25 years the local theater group asked the kids in their audience to actively participate in the adventures.

Children were invited to throw fake Styrofoam snowballs as the Big Bad Wolf or The Three Bears.

The theatres players asked questions, hid in the audience, and invited the children onstage.

"Snow White" at the Spaghetti Warehouse (l-r) during Winterfest 1998. Meredith Mancini, in the center, played Happy. The three year old audience participant put the ring on Snow White's finger which woke her up in the interactive Magic Circle Children's Theatre production. C.W. McKeen

We take the basic story and think of ways to get the kids involved, the Magic Circle Childrens Theatres founder Mancini explained in 1997.

Meredith Mancini, of DeWitt, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

She was a graduate of Jamesville-DeWitt High School and attended the College of Boca Raton in Florida before studying Human Services and Social Work at Empire State University.

The first time she made news locally was when she was just seven years old. A book of her poetry was put into circulation at the DeWitt Community Library at the Shoppingtown Mall in 1973.

The Post-Standard even published her poem, Buttercup.

Buttercup, buttercup

I love you so much

I wish I could pick you

But I cant, I cant

cause Im a little girl

And you live at a ladys house

And thats why I cant pick you.

Mancini earned her Registered Nursing degree from Onondaga Community College, beginning a second career in health care and working in various hospitals and nursing facilities.

She was a local actor and received great reviews for her portrayal of Lady Macduff in Appleseed Productions Macbeth in 1996.

In 1995, she earned a glowing review by The Post-Standards theater critic Neil Novelli for her Shelby in the Talent Companys Steel Magnolias.

Meredith Mancini is the best Shelby I have ever seen, anywhere, he wrote. She gives a magnetic, truth-filled performance that would be impressive in any company, at any level.

Holly Wilson-Perrotto, Doug Rougeux and Meredith Mancini from Theatre 90 pose for a production photo of "Noises Off" in 2000. Post-Standard File Photo

Mancini told The Post-Standard that she modeled her Magic Circle Childrens Theatre after an off-off-Broadway childrens theater that I worked with for three years in New York City.

She started the company here after realizing there wasnt a regular interactive childrens theater in Syracuse.

She wrote, directed, produced, and performed in her original plays, her obituary said.

It began with Cinderella at the Boulevard Diner in DeWitt in 1996.

We invite (children) onstage to help Cinderella clean the house, get dressed for the ball, dance at the palace and even hide the glass slipper, Mancini said.

I like the whole thing, a six-year-old audience member said, especially when we helped Cinderella out. I want to see it again.

The childs mother added, All the kids were screaming and yelling at the play. They were extremely involved. Ive never seen anything like this before.

Mancinis obituary said that the theater ran for over 25 years.

It became very much the Syracuse tradition she was hoping for on opening night and a beloved part of the local arts community.

In addition to her work in theater and nursing, Mancini was devoted to her beloved dogs and had a lifelong affection for animals.

Her care and compassion extended to every part of her life-from the children she entertained to the patients she comforted to the pets she cherished, her obituary said. Mancini was predeceased by her daughter, Harper Lily Carroll, and her former husband, Cameron Carroll.

She is survived by her parents, Hope and DJ Mancini; her sister, Hilken Mancini-MacBain (Andy); and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Mancinis life will be held at a later date. Leave condolences at mathewsonforani.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
South Glens Falls, N.Y.  A man was shot in the arm by state police in South Glens Falls after he refused to put down a firearm he pointed at them, troopers said.

This is the fourth state trooper-involved shooting in April.

Billy Cassell III, 45, of Kingsbury, fled from troopers in his vehicle after troopers attempted to stop him near State Route 9 in South Glens Falls at about 12:13 p.m., troopers said in a news release.

Troopers had been looking for Cassell under an active arrest warrant out of Washington County, they said.

As Cassell tried to get away from troopers he crashed into a home at the intersection of State Route 9 and Catherine Street.

Cassell continued to flee on foot with a loaded Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, troopers said. Another person who was inside the car with Cassell also fled but was arrested on Jackson Avenue by a South Glens Falls police officer.

Cassell was later located by troopers trying to hide in front of a home, they said.

When asked to put down his firearm, Cassell ignored the requests. As he raised the firearm he was shot in the right arm by a trooper. Cassell was taken to Albany Medical Center and is listed in stable condition, according to troopers.

There have been three other trooper-involving shootings this month. Two shootings in Malta resulted in the death of a 37-year-old man who pointed a BB gun at troopers and a 69-year-old man who opened fire at the State Police barracks. A 69-year-old woman in Deerpark was also fatally shot as she pointed a pellet gun at troopers.

Syracuse.com staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
This article is part of our weekly DefenseTech Brief.

NATO has taken a significant step in modernizing its warfighting capabilities by rapidly acquiring an AI-enabled platform from Palantir Technologies. On March 25, 2025, the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) finalized the procurement of the Palantir Maven Smart System NATO (MSS NATO) for employment within NATOs Allied Command Operations (ACO), headquartered at SHAPE.

The procurement process was notably swift, completed in just six months from the initial outlining of the requirement to the final agreement  one of the fastest acquisitions in NATOs history. Deployment within ACO is expected to commence within 30 days of the contract signing.

MSS NATO is designed as an AI-enabled warfighting platform intended to provide a common, data-enabled capability across the Alliance. Its core purpose is to empower commanders and warfighters by leveraging AI applications, including large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and machine learning, to enhance critical military functions. Key areas of improvement targeted by the system include intelligence fusion, targeting processes, battlespace awareness, operational planning, and accelerating decision-making cycles. The system aims to achieve this by integrating and processing structured and unstructured data from multiple sources, both classified and open, into a unified, searchable platform, thereby breaking down traditional data silos that hinder multinational operations. While leveraging concepts from the US militarys Project Maven, MSS NATO is positioned as a distinct NATO capability. Its open architecture is designed to allow for the integration of additional AI models, simulation tools, and potentially third-party applications developed across the Alliance.

The acquisition carries significant strategic implications. The remarkable speed of the procurement process signals NATOs recognition of an urgent need to integrate operational AI capabilities and demonstrates institutional agility in adopting disruptive technologies rapidly, likely influenced by the current security environment and the pace of technological advancements. The systems focus on fusing data from disparate sources suggests that NATO views effective data integration as the foundational layer necessary for successfully implementing more advanced AI-driven functionalities at the operational command level. However, the selection of a US technology company, Palantir, for such a central, Alliance-wide system highlights the ongoing tension between the need to leverage readily available, cutting-edge technology (often originating from the US) for immediate capability enhancement and the longer-term European aspiration for greater strategic autonomy and reduced technological dependence on non-European suppliers for critical defense systems. This decision highlights the complex trade-offs the Alliance faces in its modernization efforts.

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Lucy Lang serves as New York State Inspector General. She is based in New York City.

As April marks Neurodiversity Celebration Month, I have been reflecting on the lessons Ive learned over the nearly two years since my now 9-year-old daughter was diagnosed with language-based learning differences. Its cliche but true to say that, as a parent, I learn more from her than she does from me. But what I never expected was the extent to which my third-grade powerhouse  braids, braces and all  would impact my work and workplace.

Im a lawyer by training and a public servant by choice, serving as New Yorks 11th Inspector General and charged with overseeing the agency that investigates fraud and corruption in New York state government. This work requires collaboration with teams possessing a wide range of skills  investigative, mathematical, analytical and many more  to work with a diverse group of New Yorkers to solve crimes and identify policy and regulatory failures. Like most of my colleagues in law and law enforcement, I have participated in many diversity trainings, including most recently on implementing trauma-informed approaches, which have become a best practice in many public-facing or client-oriented jobs. However, the lessons Ive gained from parenting, particularly understanding neurodiversity, have gone much further than any training could in facilitating my, and by extension, my agencys understanding of our staff and the public we serve.

It has started with acknowledging my own biases  deeply baked-in presumptions that peoples abilities correlate in some way with how they present, the misperception that the speed with which someone accomplishes a task is related to their skills, or the sense that forgetfulness or the inability to relay facts accurately or in order are indicators of dishonesty. My daughter, like many dyslexic learners and creative people, at times cannot remember the names of people she knows well. She relays stories powerfully but rarely in the order in which they occurred. She is always brilliant, but there is no doubt that she is at her most successful when she is given instructions verbally.

After more than 18 years of hearing peoples stories as part of my profession, at times about tragic and traumatizing things, it was only recently, while listening to my daughter recount a schoolyard conflict, that I realized how much my mindset has shifted thanks to her. My evolution to truly appreciating how many people are wired differently from myself and from what I was trained to expect and understand has been as eye-opening as it is humbling.

This has real implications for those of us who are charged with fact-finding, particularly when it requires assessing peoples credibility. Theres no doubt that our evolving understanding of neurodiversity will have profound, yet largely unexplored, implications for the American criminal legal system in years to come. To that end, recently all my colleagues at the Offices of the Inspector General across New York state attended training by the remarkable Haley Moss, a lawyer with autism whose expertise includes neurodiversity in the workplace. She reminded that this should matter to all of us, because in addition to its prevalence all around us, neurodiversity can happen unexpectedly and in an instant, and indeed if we live long enough, we are all likely to someday become neurodiverse ourselves.

I hope that these lessons in neurodiversity and teachings from my daughter will make me a stronger boss and leader: that they will make me sensitive and compassionate to my colleagues, that my agency will increasingly become a place that accommodates and leverages a staff that is as diverse as the public we serve.

If others believe, as I now deeply do, that human brains function differently and that this diversity is natural and beneficial for our species, we will only be better for heeding the lessons that my little girl and so many other people are teaching us. Because, as Moss reminded the investigators, lawyers and auditors who work with me in our mission to improve integrity in government: The future is a neurodiverse place.
An aerial view of the Syracuse University quad is shown in this 2019 photo.

When more than 200 college leaders signed an open letter Tuesday condemning unprecedented government overreach and political interference by the Trump administration, one large school was conspicuously absent.

Syracuse University stood out from seven other colleges and universities in Central New York  including Cornell University  whose leaders signed the letter circulated by the American Association of Colleges and Universities.
Central Square School District and others in Oswego County are meeting with state Department of Transportation officials to talk about slowing traffic near a middle school after a student was fatally hit by a vehicle. Courtesy of school district

Central Square, NY - School district officials here first asked state transportation officials for safety improvements along Route 11 by its middle school back in 2000, records show.

The district asked for a flashing light to slow down traffic. The states Department of Transportation rejected the idea, saying a traffic study showed no need for the change.

Over the years, Central Square school district superintendents kept asking for similar changes to improve safety and slow down traffic along the state route, where the speed limit is 35 mph. The state would study traffic patterns, then recommend no changes.

Most recently in 2016, school officials asked the state for a traffic signal on Route 11 at the middle schools entrance, according to copies of the letter obtained by syracuse.com | The Post-Standard.

The state again rejected the idea. Then-DOT Commissioner Matt Driscoll cited a traffic study that showed the number of vehicles using the road were below the minimum needed for a signal.

Plus, he wrote, the accident history did not support making any changes to the intersection.

Now the state is once again studying traffic on the two-lane state road in front of the middle school, this time after a 12-year-old girl was fatally hit while crossing Route 11. Aunamarie M. Mahnken, of Central Square, was hit at 2:44 p.m. March 31 and died April 3.

Aunamarie M. Mahnken,12, of Central Square, died on Thursday, April 3, 2025 after she was hit by a vehicle in front of her middle school on April 1. Family photo

Since then, state DOT officials have been studying traffic along that section of Route 11, Central Square School Superintendent Thomas Colabufo said.

They are doing their process, and their analysis, Colabufo said.

On Thursday, state DOT officials are meeting with Colabufo, the Oswego County Sheriffs Office, Assemblyman Will Barclay and state Sen. Chris Ryan, the superintendent said.

That comes after the Oswego County Legislature and the school district passed resolutions urging state DOT officials to take action.

TeNesha Murphy, a state DOT spokeswoman, said safety is always a priority and said the state has started a new traffic study. She declined to comment on the fatal crash.

Colabufo said a crosswalk and yellow flashing light would go a long way toward improving safety. Legally, cars would then have to stop, he said.

Already, one of the districts elementary schools, which sits about two miles south on the same state road, has a crosswalk and flashing light, Colabufo said.

Assemblyman Barclay, R-Pulaski, said hes optimistic a solution will be worked out this time. He said hes aware his predecessors have asked repeatedly for improvements.

Over the years, the school has given permission to very few students to walk home, Colabufo said, though a handful do. Sometimes students walk across the road after school, or on the weekends, to access the school fields, he said.

Occasionally a student who misses the bus and lives nearby might cross that road, where there is no sidewalk.

Colabufo said he worries that the traffic near the middle school could increase in coming years as Micron Technology moves into the area.

The computer chip maker is planning to build its factories just six miles away, a move expected to spur more housing in the area. That could also mean more students would want to walk across that road, he said.

A sign and memorial for Aunamarie M. Mahnken,12, of Central Square, on Monday outside Bonnet Sales and Services on Route 11. Aunamarie died on Thursday, April 3, 2025 after she was hit by a vehicle in front of her middle school on April 1. Photo courtesy Susan Bonnet

Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com
Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards, walks through the vineyards past solar panels Friday, March 21, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. (Natasha Kaiser via AP) AP

PENN YAN, N.Y. (AP)  A decade ago, Scott Osborn would have eagerly told prospective vineyard owners looking to join the wine industry to jump into it.

Now, his message is different.

Youre crazy, said Osborn, who owns Fox Run Vineyards, a sprawling 50-acre (20-hectare) farm on Seneca Lake, the largest of New Yorks Finger Lakes.

Its becoming riskier to grow grapes in the states prominent winemaking region. Harvests like Osborns are increasingly endangered by unpredictable weather from climate change. Attitudes on wine are shifting. Political tensions, such as tariffs amid President Donald Trumps trade wars and the administrations rollback of environmental policies, are also looming problems.

Despite the challenges, however, many winegrowers are embracing sustainable practices, wanting to be part of the solution to global warming while hoping they can adapt to changing times.

The Finger Lakes, which span a large area of western New York, have water that can sparkle and give off a sapphire hue on sunny days. More than 130 wineries dot the shorelines and offer some of Americas most famous white wines.

At Fox Run, visitors step inside to sip wines and bring a bottle  or two  home. Many are longtime customers, like Michele Magda and her husband, who have frequently made the trip from Pennsylvania.

Rose and Paul Wells taste wine at Fox Run Vineyards, Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Penn Yan, N.Y. (Natasha Kaiser via AP) AP

This is like a little escape, a little getaway, she said.

Traditionally, the plants buds break out in spring, emerging with colorful grapes that range from the cabernet francs deep blues to the soft greens of the regions most popular grape, riesling. However, a warming world is making that happen earlier, adding to uncertainty and potential risks for farmers. If a frost comes after the buds have broken, growers can lose much of the harvest.

Year-round rain and warmer night temperatures differentiate the Finger Lakes from its West Coast competitors, said Paul Brock, a viticulture and wine technology professor at Finger Lakes Community College. Learning to adapt to those fluctuations has given local winemakers a competitive advantage, he said.

Globally, vineyards are grappling with the impacts of increasingly unpredictable weather. In France, record rainfall and harsh weather have spelled trouble for winegrowers trying their best to adapt. Along the West Coast, destructive wildfires are worsening wine quality.

Winegrowers as part of the solution

Many winegrowers say they are working to make their operations more sustainable, wanting to help solve climate change caused by the burning of fuels like gasoline, coal and natural gas.

Farms can become certified under initiatives such as the New York Sustainable Winegrowing program. Fox Run and more than 50 others are certified, which requires that growers improve practices like bettering soil health and protecting water quality of nearby lakes.

Beyond the rustic metal gate featuring the titular foxes, some of Osborns sustainability initiatives come into view.

Hundreds of solar panels powering 90% of the farms electricity are the most obvious feature. Other initiatives are more subtle, like underground webs of fungi used to insulate crops from drought and disease.

We all have to do something, Osborn said.

One winegrowers sustainability push  and struggle to stay in business

For Suzanne Hunt and her familys 7th-generation vineyard, doing something about climate change means devoting much of their efforts to sustainability.

Hunt Country Vineyards, along Keuka Lake, took on initiatives like using underground geothermal pipelines for heating and cooling, along with composting. Despite the forward-looking actions, climate change is one of the factors forcing the family to make tough decisions about their future.

Devastating frosts in recent years have caused catastrophic crop loss. Theyve also had to reconcile with changing consumer attitudes, as U.S. consumption of wine fell over the past few years, according to wine industry advocacy group Wine Institute.

By this years end, the vineyard will stop producing wine and instead will hold community workshops and sell certain grape varieties.

The farm and the vineyard, you know, its part of me, Hunt said. Ill let the people whose dream and life is to make wine do that part, and Ill happily support them.

Tariffs and US policy changes loom

Vinny Aliperti, owner of Billsboro Winery along Seneca Lake, is working to improve the wine industrys environmental footprint. In the past year, hes helped establish communal wine bottle dumpsters that divert the glass from entering landfills and reuse it for construction materials.

But Aliperti said hed like to see more nearby wineries and vineyards in sustainability efforts. The wine industrys longevity depends on it, especially under a presidential administration that doesnt seem to have sustainability at top of mind, he said.

I think were all a bit scared, frankly, a bit, I mean, depressed, he said. I dont see very good things coming out of the next four years in terms of the environment.

Osborn is bracing for sweeping cuts to federal environmental policies that previously made it easier to fund sustainability initiatives. Tax credits for Osborns solar panels made up about half of over $400,000 in upfront costs, in addition to some state and federal grants. Osborn wants to increase his solar production, but he said he wont have enough money without those programs.

Fox Run could also lose thousands of dollars from retaliatory tariffs and boycotts of American wine from his Canadian customers. In March, Canada introduced 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods  including wine.

Osborn fears he cant compete with larger wine-growing states like California, which may flood the American market to make up for lost customers abroad. Smaller vineyards in the Finger Lakes might not survive these economic pressures, he said.

Back at Fox Runs barrel room, Aric Bryant, a decade-long patron, says all the challenges make him even more supportive of New York wines.

I have this, like, fierce loyalty, he said. I go to restaurants around here and if they dont have Finger Lakes wines on their menu, Im like, What are you even doing serving wine?

Note: This story is a collaboration between Rochester Institute of Technology and The Associated Press.
FILE - Crime scene investigators use metal detectors to search a marsh for the remains of a victim, Dec. 12, 2011 in Oak Beach, N.Y. (James Carbone/Newsday via AP, Pool, File) AP

MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP)  A woman and toddler whose remains were discovered scattered along an oceanfront highway not far from the victims of Long Islands infamous Gilgo Beach killings were identified Wednesday as a U.S. Army veteran from Alabama and her daughter.

Tanya Denise Jackson, 26, of Mobile, had been living in Brooklyn with her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, at the time of their deaths, Nassau County police announced.

Jackson, who police say may have worked as a medical assistant, had been previously nicknamed Peaches by investigators after a tattoo on her body.

Her identity had been a mystery for nearly 28 years. For roughly half that time, investigators have sought to determine whether she and her daughter were victims of the same killer, or killers, who left the bodies of several other people strewn in the sand along the parkway that runs the length of Jones Beach Island.

Nassau County police and prosecutors display photos of Tanya Jackson and Tatiana Dykes, whose remains were found near Long Island's Gilgo Beach, during a news conference, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Mineola, N.Y. (AP Photo/Philip Marcelo) AP

Police said Wednesday that they had no evidence at this point linking the mother and daughters deaths to Rex Heuermann, who has been charged in the deaths of seven women whose remains were discovered elsewhere on the beach road and other parts of Long Island.

Although Tanya and Tatiana have commonly been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings because the timing and locations of their recovered remains, we are not discounting the possibility that their cases are unrelated from that investigation, Nassau Police Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said.

Im not saying it is Rex Heuermann and Im not saying its not, he added. We are proceeding as if its not, keeping our eyes wide open.

Some of Jacksons remains were discovered on June 28, 1997, stuffed inside a plastic tub in a state park in West Hempstead. More remains, and the skeletal remains of the female child, were found in April 2011 off Ocean Parkway, which runs for 15 miles (24 kilometers) along Long Islands barrier island beaches.

At the briefing Wednesday, law enforcement officials said they had identified Jackson and her daughter through advanced DNA and genealogy research.

The reality is, our work has just begun, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. Knowing the identities of the mom and the little baby is just a first step to help us get to solving these murders.

Fitzpatrick said police spoke with the childs father, who was cooperating with the investigation and is not considered a suspect at this time.

He said local authorities initially turned over DNA evidence to the FBI, which provided a likely identification for the two in 2022. Additional DNA samples obtained the following year allowed police to notify surviving family members last year. The two were recently laid to rest, with Jackson receiving full military honors, Fitzpatrick said.

Jackson, who drove a black 1991 Geo Storm, was estranged from her family so it was some time before she was reported missing, he added. She served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1995, living on three bases in Texas, Georgia and Missouri, according to Fitzpatrick.

We never gave up on striving for justice for either Tanya or Tatiana, he said. Were determined to find the reasons and circumstances that led to their untimely deaths.

Nassau Police said theyre offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information leading to an arrest.

Public interest in the mystery of Peaches identity surged in 2011, when police searching for victims of a possible serial killer discovered that her bones were among 10 sets of human remains discovered off of Ocean Parkway not far from Gilgo Beach.

Most of the victims were female sex workers.

Heuermann, an architect who lived on Long Island, was charged with killing three of the women in 2023. Authorities have since charged him with four more killings. Heuermann has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierneys office, which is prosecuting Heuermann, said in a statement he is not commenting on any topics even tangentially involved to the investigation while a pre-trial hearing plays out.

Authorities are still trying to identify one more set of remains. In September, Long Island officials released more detailed renderings of a victim believed to be of Chinese descent whose remains were found off Ocean Parkway in 2011. The victim died in 2006 or earlier, was likely between ages 17 and 23 and about 5 feet 6 inches (170 centimeters) tall.

Officials for years had identified the victim as male, but said they now believe the person may have presented outwardly as female as they were dressed in womens clothing.
Spirt Airlines President and CEO Ben Baldanza doing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in August 2014 at the company's headquarters. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter) AP

The ice bucket challenge, the viral social media challenge that took the internet by storm in 2014 to raise awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), has made a comeback with a new cause: mental health.

However, this latest iteration, introduced by the University of South Carolinas MIND club (Mental Illness Needs Discussion), has received mixed reactions from the public.

Last month, USCs MIND Club launched the SpeakYourMIND ice bucket challenge across its social media channels to raise awareness for mental health.

Similar to the first challenge, participants film themselves having a bucket of ice water dumped on their head. Then, they nominate others to take part in the social media trend. Audiences are also encouraged to donate to Active Minds, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for youth mental health.

So far, the SpeakYourMIND ice bucket challenge has been successful. As of Wednesday, Active Minds had raised $300,000 since the challenge launched on March 31, per USA Today.

However, not everyone has been supportive of this rebrand.

One TikTok user expressed her disapproval for the SpeakYourMIND ice bucket challenge in a video, writing, Seeing this USC ice bucket challenge become so popular when it was literally for ALS to raise awareness because nobody knows what ALS is.

Her post sparked mixed reviews, with one user commenting, As someone from South Carolina, USC SpeakYourMIND is for someone who took their life at USC. Theyre two completely different things and both deserve recognition.

Another user opined, People wouldnt be talking about the ALS ice bucket challenge rn if the USC MIND [hadnt] brought it back for mental health. So really both are being talking about now.

Meanwhile, a third pointed out that the latest challenge didnt make sense compared to the original. It only confuses me bc the USC ice bucket challenge is about mental health but what does the ice do? like with the ALS one it is supposed to give that almost frozen/paralyzed feeling.

On Wednesday, the ALS Instagram shared a video recapping the first challenge and its mission, The Ice Bucket Challenge started with ALS. We remember who we are  and we wont stop until theres a cure. Raise your bucket and join us."

In 2014, the ALS ice bucket challenge raised an impressive $115 million for the ALS Association. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of muscle control. It is also called Lou Gehrigs disease.
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A change in popes  through death or resignation  is a complicated process, with centuries-old rituals involving the transition in leadership for both the spiritual head of the global Catholic Church and the Vaticans head of state.

These are the need-to-know terms  some of them in Latin  to help make sense of news:

Who is the Vatican camerlengo?

This is the chamberlain  the cardinal in charge of formally verifying the popes death  and then sealing his room and study. Between then and the election of the new pope, the camerlengo administers the goods and temporal rights of the Holy See. The current one is the Irish-born American Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

Who is in the College of Cardinals?

There are 252 cardinals worldwide, and as a body, they are in charge of the Holy Sees affairs in-between popes, albeit with limits. Of them, 135 are cardinal electors, who gather in the Vatican to choose the new pope. For centuries, they have chosen one of their own. The vast majority of the electors  108  were made cardinals by Pope Francis, according to Vatican statistics.

What is the conclave?

This is the closed-door meeting of the cardinal electors to choose the new pope in the Sistine Chapel. Its name, literally "with a key, was used in the 13th century to describe the process of locking up the cardinals until the election is completed. It must begin no more than 20 days after the death or resignation of a pope. The electors are sequestered from all outsiders for the duration; the last three popes were chosen within days.

Who is the dean of the College of Cardinals?

The current dean is Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. He is the head of the College of Cardinals who informs the rest of the cardinals and the ambassadors to the Holy See of the popes death once he learns of it from the camerlengo. He convenes the conclave and presides as the electors take their oaths. Once a new pope is chosen, the dean asks him if he accepts and what name he wants to be called.

What is St. Peters Basilica?

The 16th century church, built over the traditional tomb of the apostle St. Peter, is one of the largest Catholic basilicas in the world and is the centerpiece of Vatican City, headquarters of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church. The faithful are invited to the church to pay their final respects to Francis, whose body will lay in state on the main altar. The Renaissance masterpiece was built and decorated by some of the most illustrious architects and artists of the time. Its grottoes contain the remains of popes past and its vast, marbled interior is home to some of the Vaticans greatest treasures, including Michelangelos Pieta sculpture and Gian Lorenzo Berninis bronze baldacchino canopy over the main altar.

What is the Domus Santa Marta?

This Vatican guesthouse, built in 1996, specifically houses cardinals during a conclave and is used at other times as a hotel for visiting priests and Vatican officials. Pope Francis never moved out after he was elected pope, choosing to live in suite 201, rather than the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace.

What does extra omnes mean?

A Latin phrase for all out, it's spoken by the master for papal liturgical celebrations, currently Italian Archbishop Diego Ravelli, to ask all those present except the cardinal electors to leave the Sistine Chapel to begin the voting process during the conclave.

Why is the popes ring called the fishermans ring?

Each pope gets this ring at the Mass marking the beginning of his pontificate. It bears this name because Jesus told St. Peter, the first pope, that he would be a fisher of men. Until the 1990s, it was destroyed upon a popes death. Now, its annulled, or marked in such a way that it cant be used as a seal.

What are the General Congregations?

This is the name given to the gathering of all members of the College of Cardinals after the popes death and before the start of the conclave to discuss major church affairs. All cardinals who aren't infirm take part in this meeting in the Vaticans Apostolic Palace. They also discuss preparations for the conclave, under oath and in secret.

What does it mean when they say, Habemus Papam?

This Latin phrase translates to We have a pope. These are the words used by the protodeacon of the College of Cardinals to announce from the loggia of St. Peters Basilica that a new pope has been elected. He then says the new pope's birth name and the name he has chosen to use as pope, also in Latin. The current protodeacon is French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti.

Who are the infirmarii?

These are the three cardinals, chosen by a random drawing from the electors, who are charged with gathering the ballots of any electors who are ill during the conclave.

What does Pope Francis motto miserando atque eligendo mean?

This is Latin for having had mercy and choosing him  a phrase that Francis chose as his motto when he was elevated to bishop and kept as his papal seal. It was drawn from the homilies of St. Bede the Venerable, an 8th century monk. It comes from the Gospel narrative of St. Matthew, a tax collector whom Jesus called to follow him.

Who are the revisers?

These are the three cardinals, chosen by random drawing from the electors, who are charged with reviewing the ballots during the conclave.

What is a rogito?

This is the document, or deed, listing key details of the popes life and papacy that is placed in his coffin. Its written in Latin by the master for papal liturgical celebrations. A copy is kept in the Vatican archives.

Who are the scrutineers?

These are the three cardinals, chosen by random drawing from the electors, who are charged with reviewing each ballot and announcing it to the assembled conclave after each round of voting. They then tally the votes  to win the election, two-thirds of the votes is necessary  and they also burn the ballots.

What does the saying sede vacante mean?

This is Latin for vacant seat, the period between the popes death or resignation and the election of a new one.

What is St. Mary Major?

This is the basilica in Rome where Pope Francis said he wants to be buried. Francis is breaking with the tradition of his predecessors who are buried inside the Vatican, saying he wanted to be near his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, the Salus Populi Romani, a Byzantine-style painting of the Madonna draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus who in turn is holding a jeweled golden book. The icon is located in the church first built in the 5th century and devoted to the Virgin Mary. In his will, Francis said he wanted a simple underground tomb with only Franciscus written on it.

What does the text Universi Dominici Gregis contain?

This Latin phrase means the Lords whole flock. Its the Vatican constitution that regulates the processes from a popes death until a new one is elected. St. John Paul II issued it in 1996 during his papacy, and Pope Benedict XVI twice amended it, most significantly by removing John Paul's provision that after about 12 days of balloting a simple majority could elect a new pope rather than a two-thirds majority. If the conclave lasts that long, the top two vote-getters go to a runoff, with a two-thirds majority required to win. Neither of the top two candidates casts a ballot in the runoff.

What does white or black smoke mean during a papal transition?

After each round of voting in the Sistine Chapel, the ballots are burned in a special furnace to indicate the outcome to the outside world. If no pope is chosen, the ballots are mixed with cartridges containing potassium perchlorate, anthracene (a component of coal tar), and sulfur to produce black smoke. But if there is a winner, the burning ballots are mixed with potassium chlorate, lactose and chloroform resin to produce the white smoke. Bells also are rung to further signal there is a new pope.
It's back on: Predictions of 4chan's death were precipitated: after nearly two weeks offline following a major breach, the notorious forum has resurfaced. Despite leaked internal files, compromised admin accounts, and warnings from a former moderator that the site was likely beyond saving, 4chan has managed to claw its way back online. The attack exposed serious flaws in the platform's aging infrastructure and revealed sensitive user data, but even after one of the worst incidents in its history, the chaotic community endures.

4chan has long been one of the internet's most infamous communities, playing a central role in the rise of various memes and controversial incidents. Following a cyberattack that abruptly took the site offline, comments from an anonymous former moderator suggest its chances of returning are slim.

Access to 4chan was disrupted on April 14, and troves of internal data appeared online shortly after. Members of Soyjak, a rival forum, claimed responsibility, declaring victory in a feud that has spanned several years.

The attackers claimed they had infiltrated 4chan's systems for over a year before executing the attack. At least one admin account was compromised, a previously deleted board was revived and defaced, and visiting 4chan now results in a 503 error message.

So 4chan very likely got hacked because they were running on an extremely out of date version of PHP that has a lot of vulnerabilities and exploits and are using deprecated function to interact with there MySQL database.



Web security 101: Keep your code and software up to date. pic.twitter.com/JFDOsbr5rt  Yushe (@_yushe) April 15, 2025

Information from the leaks indicates that the site's source code was extremely outdated and vulnerable to numerous exploits. The hack also exposed administrators' email addresses and revealed that they could see the IP addresses of everyone who posted on the ostensibly anonymous forum. Additionally, the attackers obtained the personal information of paid subscribers.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a 4chan moderator told TechCrunch that the damage likely extends beyond what has been publicly revealed. Given that the attackers appeared to gain complete control over the forum  and access has not been restored more than a week later  its return seems unlikely.

4chan was founded in 2003 by Christopher "moot" Poole, then a high school student, as an alternative space for discussing anime culture. Poole based the site's design and code on Japan's 2chan, one of the world's largest online communities.

A reference to the viral "Chicken Jockey" meme from the Minecraft movie is likely 4chan's final post.

Poole's English-language version quickly gained notoriety for its irreverent and often offensive content. In 2015, he sold 4chan to Hiroyuki Nishimura, the founder of 2channel (not to be confused with 2chan). The site's cultural influence and infamy only grew throughout the 2010s.

Widely known trends like Pepe the Frog, wojaks, rage comics, and trolling were popularized on 4chan, but the forum also gained a reputation as one of the internet's darkest. 4chan played a central role in the rise of movements like QAnnon, the incel community, GamerGate, and the alt-right. The site was also linked to multiple mass shootings, the 2014 celebrity photo leak scandal, and other serious incidents.

4chan's influence on 21st-century culture is undeniable, but if it really is gone, many won't miss it.
The big picture: Gemini AI comes preinstalled on Samsung's latest mobile devices, and Google is paying a significant amount for that privilege. According to executives in Mountain View, the deal is set to last for several years, and over time, Gemini is expected to begin delivering ads directly to users.

Alphabet is spending an "enormous sum of money" to keep its Gemini chatbot preinstalled on Samsung phones. According to Google's vice president of platforms and device partnerships, Peter Fitzgerald, the company is paying the Korean manufacturer on a monthly basis, though no information about the actual amount has been disclosed so far.

Fitzgerald revealed the exclusive deal earlier this week during his testimony in Google's ongoing antitrust case. The partnership is set to run for at least two years, with Google paying for every Samsung device that ships with Gemini preinstalled. The phone maker is also receiving a share of Google's revenue from paid subscriptions, along with a cut from future advertising earnings.

Gemini currently doesn't include ads, but Google may be forced to implement this "feature" in the app down the line. Gemini boss Sissie Hsiao confirmed this possibility, noting that Google executives are already discussing the matter internally.

So far, Gemini and other AI chatbots haven't begun to "cannibalize" the company's core revenue streams from search and advertising, Hsiao said  but that could change. In her latest testimony, she stated: "It really depends on whether chatbots or AI assistants become good at helping people" online.

Before entering into a partnership with Google, Samsung received "competitive" offers from other companies developing AI models. Google apparently took those proposals into account and likely presented Samsung with an offer it couldn't refuse. Payments from Mountain View began in January, coinciding with the launch of the Galaxy S25, which came with Gemini preinstalled.

However, Google may eventually be forced to reevaluate its deal with Samsung, and potentially all similar partnerships with phone makers. US courts have already found the company guilty of maintaining an unlawful advertising monopoly, and the Department of Justice is now determining the most appropriate penalties for Google's anticompetitive conduct.

Under a potential second Trump administration, the DOJ could force Google to divest the Chrome web browser, license the large proprietary datasets behind Google Search, or block the company from entering future default search agreements. While Google might prefer to simply end those default deals, the new administration appears poised to impose far more severe consequences on Mountain View.
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A hot potato: Health insurance provider Blue Shield of California is notifying customers that it had been sharing the private health information of up to 4.7 million members with Google's analytics and advertising platforms for three years without their knowledge or consent. A wide range of data was exposed, and it may have been used by Google for targeted ad purposes.

Blue Shield of California wrote on its website that it has begun notifying certain members of a potential data breach that may have included elements of their protected health information.

The issue stems from Blue Shield using Google Analytics to internally track website usage of members who entered certain Blue Shield sites.

On February 11, 2025, Blue Shield discovered that, between April 2021 and January 2024, a misconfiguration of Google Analytics on certain Blue Shield sites allowed members' sensitive health data to be shared with Google Ads.

The shared data may have included insurance plan details, addresses, gender, family size, Blue Shield-assigned account identifiers, financial responsibility info, and search queries and results for the "Find a Doctor" tool (location, plan name and type, provider name and type).

The notice adds that Google may have used this data to carry out targeted ad campaigns against individual members. That's certainly unnerving when private, personal health details are being exploited.

Blue Shield says it ended its relationship with Google Analytics and Google Ads on its websites in January 2024.

Blue Shield writes that Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and banking or credit card information were not disclosed. However, it's recommended that members closely review their account statements and credit reports for anything suspicious. There are also recommendations to order a free credit report and place a fraud alert on it.

Companies tend to offer free identity fraud and theft protection in cases like these, but there's no mention of Blue Shield offering these services. The notice's "What we are doing" section simply states that Blue Shield "regrets" what happened; there's no actual apology.

Blue Shield isn't the first healthcare firm to make this mistake. As noted by TechCrunch, insurance giant Kaiser said it shared the data of 13 million patients with advertisers, including Google, Microsoft, and X, after embedding tracking code on its website. Cerebral, Monument, and Tempest also shared patients' personal and health information with advertisers.

Masthead: Steve Rhodes
In brief: Google is following Amazon's hardline approach for workers who refuse to come back to the office. The company is demanding that some of its full-time remote employees return to their closest office locations for at least three days per week or face losing their jobs.

Google was one of the companies who decided to play it safe when it came to bringing workers back following the pandemic. It introduced hybrid work models in April 2022, though managers were able to approve fully remote exceptions.

Google started tightening the leash in June 2023, when it began tracking hybrid employees' office badges to find out if they come in on the days they're supposed to. These office attendance records are recorded for performance reviews. Google also asked fully remote staff to consider coming back three days each week.

2023 was also the year that Google's HR told managers to review long-term remote arrangements and require some people to move closer to an office or convert to hybrid. More changes came last year when Google decided to approve remote requests only in "exceptional" cases.

Now, according to internal documents viewed by CNBC, Google is pushing many remote staffers to switch to hybrid or face the consequences. Employees in Google Technical Services have been told to either come in at least three days per week or take a voluntary exit package. Remote employees in the unit are also being offered a one-time relocation expense to move within 50 miles of an office.

Moreover, remote employees in Google's People Operations division who live within 50 miles of an office must switch to hybrid work this month or their roles will be eliminated.

Earlier this year, Google offered voluntary exit packages for employees working in the Platforms and Devices group, which includes the Pixel and Android teams that had just merged. The offer was extended to full-time employees in its People Operations division in March.

Sergey Brin, the billionaire who co-founded Google with Larry Page in 1998 and is now assisting with its AI efforts, recently said that 60-hour in-office weeks were crucial for Google to come out on top in the ultra-competitive AI industry.

In a Stanford talk posted today, Eric Schmidt says the reason why Google is losing to @OpenAI and other startups is because Google only has people coming in 1 day per week pic.twitter.com/XPxr3kdNaC  Alex Kehr (@alexkehr) August 13, 2024

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt also made his feelings on remote work clear in 2024. He said that "Google decided that work-life balance and going home early, and working from home, was more important than winning." He later partially backtracked following an outcry over his comments.
So Much Winning: According to multiple analysts, Donald Trump introduced his unprecedented tariff plan in an effort to force manufacturers to return to the US. If that was truly the goal, the tariffs ended up being instrumental in achieving the exact opposite outcome.

The so-called "reciprocal tariffs" imposed by the Trump administration could push major PC manufacturers to find new production hubs, and it likely won't be in the US. Earlier this month, laptop makers were already forced to halt shipments to the US due to tariff-related uncertainty and logistical chaos. Now, some of the world's largest PC brands appear to be eyeing Saudi Arabia as their next manufacturing base.

According to a recent report by DigiTimes, Lenovo, HP, and Dell are actively exploring new manufacturing initiatives in the Middle Eastern kingdom. Lenovo publicly announced its plans earlier this year, stating that the move is part of a broader strategy to diversify operations and gain privileged access to markets in the Middle East and Africa.

Lenovo's initiative is backed by a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, a massive $620 billion fund aimed at transforming the kingdom's economy beyond its dependence on fossil fuels. PIF is also expected to play a role in supporting HP and Dell's potential relocations, although progress on those fronts has been slower.

The two US-based OEMs have dispatched teams to Saudi Arabia after being approached by local government authorities. These scouting teams are tasked with assessing the situation on the ground and identifying potential sites for new manufacturing facilities. Sources indicate the new plants would likely be located near Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

In addition, Riyadh officials have extended invitations to several original design manufacturers including Foxconn, Quanta, Wistron, Compal, and Inventec. These companies are capable of both designing and manufacturing their own products and typically require specific industrial conditions to meet their production goals. To attract OEMs and ODMs, Saudi Arabia is offering a range of exclusive incentives including covering the full cost of constructing the new facilities.

Relocating to Saudi Arabia could offer manufacturers strategic advantages amid current global economic volatility. While Donald Trump has imposed a steep 245 percent tariff on imports from China, Saudi Arabia faces a relatively modest 10 percent reciprocal tariff. For OEMs, improved access to Middle East and African markets is an appealing proposition, while ODMs may also leverage existing operations in Mexico to circumvent US tariffs altogether.
Over the years, Meta has worked on making its Ray-Bans Smart Glasses smarter with new features to enjoy, but in its latest update, the company has given it the ability to call upon Meta AI for whatever users need.

Users may now directly ask the chatbot for assistance and other concerns by simply saying "Hey Meta," and then give the command which they need to be done.

This takes advantage of the "live AI" feature that is made available to the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, with the glasses getting powered by machine learning technology that picks up from a previous feature.

Ray-Ban Meta AI Upgrade: 'Hey Meta' Now Available

A new report from CNET expands on the latest update available on Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses ahead of the summer season, centering on the latest AI upgrades available now for the wearables.

The biggest update in this release is the "Hey Meta" voice prompt that allows users to directly access Meta's AI assistant for the smart glasses.

Users may use the "Hey Meta" feature to also bring up live AI, with this feature known for helping see the people, objects, places, and other things that can be seen through the glasses, once given permission.

Through this feature, users may also ask Meta AI to identify the said people, objects, or places that it sees and ask the AI about it. Users can also ask it for help in solving problems or coming up with alternatives.

Meta AI's Voice Prompt and MORE For Smart Glasses

Users may also enjoy live translation using Meta AI's voice command via the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, and it already includes support for languages like English, French, Italian, and Spanish. This feature works in real-time and picks up the audio through its built-in microphone to translate, and then lets users hear the translation using its open-ear speakers.

Through the voice command, users may also ask the AI to post directly on Instagram, send messages on Messenger, and play songs via music streaming platforms.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Latest Features

Meta has been active in bringing new features to enjoy for its featured wearable, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, which has seen a significant following since it was released. Previously, the company integrated access to Apple Music, which users may also control using voice commands, making music streaming easier via the Apple platform.

Last year's arrival of Meta AI gave different products of the company access to its artificial intelligence experience that greatly boosted what they have to offer, and the smart glasses are no exception. The company introduced its multimodal AI using the Llama model to the Ray-Ban Meta wearables with a dedicated assistant available to access via the smart glasses directly.

Instead of stopping with the smart capabilities that the wearable device already offers right out of the box, Meta has been pushing for more integrations and experiences to be available to access via the Ray-Ban smart glasses.
This years race for Corvallis school board is in many ways overshadowed by the political landscape it takes place within.

In March, the Trump administration issued an executive order to begin the dismantling of the Department of Education, which, according to the ACLU, erodes its ability to carry out its responsibilities as mandated by law.

The Department of Education is the federal agency responsible for establishing policy for, administering and coordinating most federal assistance to education.

The Trump administration is also cracking down on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. In a recent escalation against DEI policies, the Trump administration ordered K-12 schools to certify that they are ending "discriminatory" DEI practices as a condition for receiving federal money, according to the Associated Press.

Oregons state schools chief recently said the state will not comply with this ultimatum.

Heres what Corvallis School Board candidates in the only contested race have to say about Trumps approach to education.

Chris Blacker

Chris Blacker, an IT consultant and contract worker with two small children attending Letitia Carson Elementary School, told Mid-Valley Media that it is a right-wing conservative goal to dismantle anything that supports the public, and education is at the top of the list.

I think the reason that (Trump) won the first time and that our country is falling into fascism and idiocy is because of a lack of fundamental education, critical thinking, reading, writing, logic, he said. And he thinks the administrations goal is to dismantle education because its much easier to gaslight an uneducated populace.

I grew up very conservative, so I had to be taken out of this through education, he said. I understand these people well.

In tandem with that, he thinks it's time to update curriculum  not all that kids are being taught about government, politics and finances is as relevant anymore.

We need to invite kids to the front lines, who can help with the political challenges, he said.

Blacker supports the role of DEI in schools, but in the current political environment  which he says is not normal  he questions how public this support ought to be.

Fight the good fight, he said, but be smart about it.

Charlotte Willer

Charlotte Willer, a real estate broker, designer, farmer and mom, told Mid-Valley Media that she views herself in opposition to the goals of the Trump administration when it comes to education  the administration is trying to dismantle public education, and Willers goal is to build it up.

If we dont have a strong public education so that everybody has the opportunity to have knowledge and be a free thinker, she said, then that is a detriment to our country and our democracy.

She feels lucky to be in Oregon, a state that supports public education and boasts politicos that are willing to stand up to the Trump administration.

When it comes to DEI, Willer believes its principles are common sense and represent the way a public entity should be operating. That said, its a topic thats so polarizing, she feels it's become destructive  on both sides.

Theres a huge focus on diversity within the school district, she said, but its gone so far that its repelling parents.

Ive watched as programs and opportunities have been taken away because if everybody cant do it, then nobody gets to do it, she said.

And thats not what DEI is about. Its about giving everybody an opportunity. But that doesnt mean that we all have to have the same exact experience.

Sami Al-Abdrabbuh

Incumbent Sami Al-Abdrabbuh, who has served on Corvallis school board since 2017, finds Trumps approach to education reprehensible. When the executive order calling for the closure of the Department of Education was signed, Al-Abdrabbuh was in Washington, D.C., advocating to ensure schools remain protected from political interference.

Al-Abdrabbuh believes strongly in legislative advocacy, and if reelected, will continue to keep members of Congress and members of the state Legislature up to date and informed about the work being done for education at the local level, as well as the impacts of the Trump administrations decisions in Corvallis.

He also believes the federal funding currently under threat by the Trump administration is a right for all students, and as a member of the Oregon School Board Association, has provided guidance to school districts in the state encouraging them not to comply with Trumps attack on DEI practices in K-12 education.

Were going to make sure that we fight tooth and nail, he said. They cannot bully us.

Al-Abdrabbuh says that if one is not for DEI, then they are for uniformity, injustice and exclusion. He knows the Trump administration believes DEI doesnt belong in public schools, and Al-Abdrabbuh thinks it does, but its not about thinks, he said  its about facts. And the fact is, he said, DEI makes schools more effective.

We cant shy away from this awesome idea that the United States of America, as an idea, gives each of us the opportunity to see ourselves in the textbook, he said, to see ourselves as president, carpenter, engineer, doctor, no matter what my familys history looks like.

Related stories:

Mid-valley schools take wait-and-see stance on Trump's DEI threats A Trump administration order last weekend demanding an end to diversity, equity and inclusion programs  at the risk of withholding federal fu
CORRECTED: Philippine typhoon victims remember day Pope Francis brought hope



Tacloban, Philippines, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Fourteen months after the deadliest storm in Philippine history, Pope Francis stood on a rain-swept stage to deliver a message of hope to the battered town of Tacloban.

It was desperately needed, mayor Alfred Romualdez told AFP on Tuesday, a day after the pontiff died in Rome.

Already in his late 70s, the pope had insisted on making the January 2015 trip to the central Philippines despite an approaching storm.

"He didn't have to do that. He didn't have to come here in bad weather. He could have waited for three or four more days," said Romualdez.

Just over a year earlier, Super Typhoon Haiyan had left more than 7,000 people dead or missing after it slammed into Leyte province and the surrounding areas.

The storm and the massive waves it generated flattened entire coastal communities that were already among the poorest in the Catholic-majority country, leaving mass graves, collapsed homes and dazed survivors in its wake.

"(People) were asking a lot of questions, and they were important questions. It affected their faith... they were shattered," said Romualdez.

"We lost 500 children, so people were starting to question... These children were innocent. Why did they have to die?"



- 'Was I a sinner?' -



"The pope gave us hope," Jenita Aguilar said of his 2015 visit. Her seven-year-old son Rujin was among the hundreds of lost children.

The 53-year-old still remembers the moment Haiyan's surging winds and floodwaters ripped her son from his uncle's arms as the family clung to the unfinished rooftop of a store.

They would spend two days walking through Tacloban's villages searching piles of bodies -- human and livestock -- in hopes of finding him.

Sometimes she still imagines him alive, rescued and living safely in someone else's home, his memories of his parents wiped away by trauma.

"I was asking God why it had to happen. Was I a sinner?" she told AFP through tears. "I was asking if I wasn't a good mother."

With grief driving a wedge in her marriage, Aguilar said she went outside to catch a glimpse of the passing Popemobile on the day Pope Francis spoke in Tacloban.

To her surprise, the pontiff reached down and clasped her hand, delivering a blessing.

"It was a sign the Lord still loved me," she said, tightly clutching a rosary the pontiff personally handed her that day.

"God used (the pope) as a bridge for me and my husband to return to Him."



- A heart at ease -



Aguilar's neighbour Gina Henoso, 50, was among the sea of 200,000 that turned out in heavy rain that day to watch Pope Francis conduct his mass at the Tacloban airport.

Dressed in a thin yellow rain poncho, identical to the one worn by the pope onstage, she walked two hours from her home to reach the venue.

It was nothing compared with the hours she had spent wandering in search of food each day after Haiyan, she said.

"When I saw him, I was reminded that I was really alive," Henoso said, her voice cracking.

At the storm's peak, she and her seven children had been forced to squeeze into a neighbour's cramped toilet as they waited for authorities to evacuate them.

"I still have nightmares about what happened... I'm still anxious whenever it rains," Henoso told AFP on Tuesday.

She described walking "with dead bodies all around just to look for milk for my children".

But the pain lifted for her that rainy January day, she said.

"The rain was hard, but when you see him in his Popemobile, there's something about it that makes your heart at ease."



- 'With his flock' -



"How do you mourn ... (when) you don't have a roof over your head, you have a lot of dead, and you still have to prepare for your next meal?" Father Chris Militante asked Tuesday.

The priest, who serves as media director for the Archdiocese of Palo, told AFP he had every reason to fear his parishioners would begin to doubt their faith after Haiyan's devastation.

But when the pope arrived in Tacloban, he didn't pretend to have easy answers.

"Maybe you have a lot of questions. Maybe I don't know the answers. But I am here," he remembers Pope Francis saying during the mass.

And it was his presence that mattered, said Militante.

"In spite of the devastation... God was with us through the (pope's) presence," he said of that day. "We didn't worry."

A decade on, the priest said he hopes people will remember Pope Francis as he chooses to -- as a shepherd "being with his flock".

"(Pope Francis said) that you have to smell like the sheep, and he did. He walked the talk."

With all eyes now turning to Rome, where a conclave will determine Pope Francis's successor, Aguilar, the grieving mother, insists she knows exactly what kind of man is right for the job.

"Someone who will treat Filipinos the way Pope Francis treated us," she said.

"Someone who would go back to Tacloban again."
More than 80,000 litres of oil spilled around a barge on Danube in Serbia



Belgrade, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Around 82,000 litres of oil were spilled during a transfer to a barge on the Danube about 20 kilometres (12 miles) downstream from Serbia's capital Belgrade, officials analysing water samples confirmed on Thursday.

The oil ended up in a containment barrier and officials are checking whether it has leaked into the river, said the Secretariat for Environmental Protection of Vojvodina, the province in which the spill occurred.

The incident happened on April 21 at the Pancevo Oil Refinery, when oil was being transferred from the refinery to a barge owned by Naftachem, a petroleum products company based in Novi Sad.

Local authorities have indicated that, based on initial findings, the spill was most likely to have been the result of negligence by the barge crew.

"It has been established that 82 cubic metres of Euro diesel were spilled and that the fuel was contained within a protective barrier surrounding the barge," the environmental protection institute said.

The Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the extent of pollution to the Danube and who may be held responsible.

"Technicians collected samples from seven locations identified by the inspector. The analysis is ongoing and we'll see what the results show," Ljiljana Lazic, director of the Institute of Public Health in Pancevo, told AFP.

Serbia already struggles with water pollution and, according to official estimates, treats less than 15 percent of its wastewater.

The rest, along with sewage waste, is discharged untreated into its rivers.
Teen charged as New Jersey blaze scorches 15,000 acres



New York, April 24 (AFP) Apr 24, 2025



Authorities charged a teenager with aggravated arson, prosecutors said Thursday, after a forest fire scorched 15,000 acres of land in New Jersey, in the northeastern United States, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

The fires spreading in Ocean County, the coastal region of New Jersey, south of New York, are only half contained, according to the latest update from firefighters posted on Facebook.

The fire, which has so far destroyed a commercial building, could become the largest in New Jersey for 20 years.

Prosecutors said that on Wednesday they charged a 19-year-old man from the region with aggravated arson following what they allege was an improperly extinguished bonfire.

Since Tuesday, images have shown thick smoke in the sky above the region.

New York health authorities warned Thursday morning that air quality would be degraded, recommending vulnerable communities limit their outdoor activities.

The blaze erupted in the pine forests of New Jersey, one of the largest protected areas on the East Coast. The state was put under drought alert in March.
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Conventional wisdom tells us that there are five love languages: gifts, acts of service, quality time, physical touch and words of affirmation. But, as fans of Joe Wrights 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice well know, there is a secret sixth: the hand flex. Those three words refer to a brief, narratively insignificant moment never described in Jane Austens 1813 masterwork. Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley), the second-eldest of five sisters all out on the marriage circuit, has arrived at Netherfield Park to visit her sibling Jane (Rosamund Pike), whos been incapacitated by a cold caught while riding out in the rain to see the handsome and wealthy Charles Bingley (Simon Woods)  exactly as their artful mother (Brenda Blethyn) has planned it.

Bingleys closest confidante, Mr Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), is there. Elizabeth finds him haughty and sullen. They trade subtle barbs while they await Janes recovery. Finally, the sisters bid the residents of Netherfield Park farewell and mount their carriage home. Only this iteration suddenly cuts close in on Elizabeths expression. She looks down in shock  Darcys palm has cradled hers, guiding her gently up to her seat. He doesnt speak. He turns away with barely a moments eye contact.

Then, the camera goes in for the kill: a close-up of Darcys fingers splayed out as the muscles contract, as if he were trying to shake off the ghost of her touch. This, the so-called hand flex, perfectly encapsulates the kind of romantic euphoria thats attached itself to director Wrights take on Austens novel, which returns now to UK cinemas to mark the 20th anniversary of its release.

Pride & Prejudice was well received on release, earning four Oscar nominations  among them Best Actress for Knightley  and full marks from critic Roger Ebert, who declared it one of the most delightful and heartwarming adaptations made from Austen or anybody else. Yet for the films millennial and Gen Z audience, its grown into something bigger and more definitive, a milestone of their youths and romantic developments.

Online, the words hand flex  despite the moment having originated as a bit of improvisation from Macfadyen  have become a shortcut for any tortuously subtle expression of desire. American distributor Focus Features, as part of the films rerelease, has started selling hand flex merchandise, including T-shirts and pins. Artist Jenna Lee Ahlman, meanwhile, paints and sells her own interpretations of the scene.

The first time I saw [it] I was atomically altered, she tells me. It is the epitome of the female gaze. He literally was so overwhelmed by a mere touch that he had to physically react to it? Melt me like an ice cream sundae. At first, shed simply chosen the scene as a reference for a study of hands, but I did not anticipate me getting butterflies as I painted it. I was giggling the entire time and I feel like I was able to infuse all that with trepidation into the piece. Now I cant stop.

open image in gallery Wrights adaptation is less a literal translation and more a threshold into Austens world ( Shutterstock )

Itd be easy to psychoanalyse the millennial and Gen Z attachment to the hand flex as a subconscious rejection of our increasingly digitised and depersonalised dating landscape. Theres no equivalent to the hand flex on Tinder; no way to communicate silent yearning in a way that doesnt inevitably read as ghosting. Yet, Wrights tactile approach to Pride & Prejudice, and its origins in Deborah Moggachs script, is about more than romanticised emotional repression  its a way to subtly reveal the psyche of his characters to the audience before even Austen does so in her work.

As Ferdosa, a critic and period drama aficionado who writes for Muses of Media, tells me, to truly appreciate the hand flex, you need to see and recognise the precursor, the double-take. As Mr Darcy, flanked by the Bingleys, crosses the dance hall, he spots Elizabeth, and his head jerks back and forth. He thought he was slick with the quick recovery, but poor Mr Darcy got caught. He had an instant love at first sight reaction.

The 1995 BBC TV adaptation of the novel, fronted by Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth and featuring its own delirium-inducing sequence of Mr Darcy emerging, wet-shirted, from a lake, undeniably remains the most faithful adaptation of Austens novel. Ferdosa, though, considers Wrights adaptation to be concise while remaining authentic to the source material, condensing its protracted courtships into these subtle, but provocative presentations of desire (an underrated moment: a lovesick Bingley, following Jane across the dance floor, giddily clutches a ribbon at the back of her dress and allows himself to be led around like a pet).

Its most effective, then, less as a literal translation (drop the pitchforks, purists) and more as a threshold into Austens world, deftly reenergised for a new generation. I could probably thank Joe Wright for introducing me to Jane Austen because I went wild into her works for a bit because of it, Ahlman notes.

open image in gallery Joe Wright directs Knightley on the set ( Shutterstock )

Writer and academic Dr Gabrielle Malcolm, who edited the essay collection Fan Phenomena: Jane Austen and wrote Theres Something About Darcy, the latter dedicated entirely to the study of Darcymania, argues for the role of these more accessible adaptations as a sort of skeleton key for those new to Austens prose.

I have spoken to many international Austen fans over the years and thats what they can keep coming back to, she tells me. Until their study of English became good enough to read the original novels, they had the adaptations, which helped them to understand and follow the narrative and get a sense of the society. That type of scene  the wet shirt or the hand flex  results in a shorthand and a universal vocabulary for Austen fans around the globe. We know whats meant by it  we get it  just as Austen got it too!

Whats lost in the mix is some of the brilliant savagery of Austens satire, and the defiance and rebellion that the novel possesses, blunted in favour of more explicitly romantic (and more explicitly likeable) iterations of Elizabeth and Darcy. For Austen, their marriage was not only a victory of the heart, but a victory against strict social hierarchy. The author was, as Malcolm describes, a champion of womens agency, mobility, and decisiveness, whose own sense of modernity was embodied by a line (cut from the film), in which Elizabeth firmly declares that Mr Darcy is a gentleman, I am a gentlemans daughter. So far we are equal.

Moggachs script minimises the presence of Darcys aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Judi Dench), and Bingleys sister, Caroline (Kelly Reilly), who in the novel are presented as foils to Elizabeths social mobility. Wright, instead, expresses that tension by setting the film in the 1790s, when Austen first began work on a novel titled First Impressions, which would eventually evolve into Pride and Prejudice. In the time between the books conception and eventual publication in 1813, the effects of the industrial revolution would create what Malcolm calls more subtle societal distinctions.

open image in gallery Jena Malone, Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, Brenda Blethyn, Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Talulah Riley in the film ( Shutterstock )

Wrights film, however, sticks to a stricter divide between town and country  between Darcys refined airs and the boisterous Bennet farmhouse, in which dogs, chickens, and one rather testicularly endowed pig will happily interrupt the action. To modern audiences, its that particular energy that sets it apart. As Ferdosa sees it, It indulges in the splendour and romanticism of the era whilst being very grounded and gritty.

According to Malcolm, Austens use  her invention  of what we now call free indirect narrative style is at the heart of her enduring popularity, in her ability to shift rapidly between tones and perspectives, inserting her own voice and wit into the story. Thats why fans like her, as a person, and believe they could be friends with Jane herself! she adds. And theres some sense of that connection between audience and storyteller in Knightleys performance, particularly in her eyes, which volley between mischief, incandescence, and anger, but seem always to invite us, the viewer, in to share that emotion with her.

Theres also a striking emotionality to Macfadyens Darcy. Hes less sturdy and arrogant than previous iterations, instead a deeply loyal introvert who will protect those he loves, as Ahlman describes. Darcy is more of a sympathetic character. You see him with his slutty clavicle strolling across the field and its peak romance! But that broodiness (and that slutty clavicle, too) has led Malcolm to suggest that Macfadyens Darcy hovers into a more Victorian mode  like Jane Eyres Mr Rochester  than a Regency gentleman.

The early morning scenes of Darcy walking across the fields in the mist  thats straight out of Bronte country! Where Charlotte did not like or approve of Austens work, I think she would have liked this version! Bronte, too, can be spotted in the shot of Elizabeth standing on a gritstone ridge looking dramatically out at the Peak Districts Hope Valley, wind whipping at her coat. Austen died a year after Charlotte Bronte was born. Its hard to say if she would have equally disapproved of Jane Eyres feverish passions.

open image in gallery Macfadyen and Knightley at the Pride & Prejudice premiere in Toronto in 2005 ( Getty )

But for Wright, clearly, the trick worked. He adapted Ian McEwans Atonement (2007) and Leo Tolstoys Anna Karenina (2012) in much the same way, establishing a trend of largely faithful though spirited period adaptations that Ferdosa points out have only recently been challenged by costume dramas that are anachronistic, postmodern interpretations driven by aesthetics and pop culture  the obvious one, of course, being Netflixs Austen-lite series Bridgerton. That said, would Simon Basset (Rege-Jean Page) have ever licked that spoon if it werent for the hand flex?

Whatever the case, Pride & Prejudice will live on happily in the hearts of its fans, a constant reminder that a woman born almost 250 years ago shared in our same feelings of heartbreak, of sisterhood, and of being 27 with no money and no prospects. My fondest memory of watching Pride & Prejudice was during a rough time in university, Ferdosa says. I revisited the film and, for the first time ever, I was struck by the thought, The Bennets are so Somali-coded. The time, place, characters religion, ethnicity, and manner of speaking were foreign to me, but I felt connected. I felt seen.

Anytime I felt sad or hopeful as a kid, from my first heartbreak to birthday celebrations to my bachelorette party to healing after two C-sections, Pride & Prejudice was a constant, Ahlman adds. This movie has carried me through my entire life.

Pride & Prejudice is back in cinemas from 25 April
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The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has drawn renewed attention to Conclave, which was set within the cloistered world of the Vatican during the election process for a new Pope.

According to figures published last month, viewership of the film surged by 283% following the news of the Popes death.

In Edward Bergers adaptation of a Robert Harris novel, from a script by Oscar-winning screenwriter Peter Straughan, the election of a new Pope is depicted as a gossipy affair, full of infighting and political maneuvering by cardinals jostling for power and leverage over their rivals.

While the film is by no means a documentary, it did set out to recreate a real Papal Conclave as accurately as possible. However, the caveat here is that very little is known about the true inner workings of a conclave, as participants must take a vow of secrecy.

open image in gallery Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Lawrence in Conclave ( Philippe Antonello/Focus Features )

We do know that the overall logistics shown in the film are broadly accurate. We see cardinals played by the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow living, eating (and vaping) together at the Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse on the grounds of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican City. The guesthouse shown in the film was a movie set, but the real-life cardinals will be sequestered there from the beginning of May.

The voting process, which takes place within the Sistine Chapel, is also accurately shown. Cardinals will write down the name of their vote for the next Pope, and then place those votes in a sealed container. Once the votes have been totaled, an official will read them aloud. If a two-thirds majority is not reached, they will be burned with an additive that produces black smoke. It is only when a decision has been reached that the additive will not be used, and the smoke will burn white to announce that a new Pope has been selected.

One major difference between the process as shown in the film and reality is that the role played by Ralph Fiennes character, Cardinal Lawrence, conflates two real-life positions. In the film, Cardinal Lawrence acts as the camerlengo, who takes over the Holy See, which governs the Catholic Church and the Vatican, after the Popes death. He is also seen acting as the dean of the College of Cardinals, who oversees the election of the new Pope.

open image in gallery Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell took over the Holy See as camerlengo ( Reuters )

In reality, the camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Farrell. An Irish-born American, Cardinal Farrell was responsible for announcing the death of Pope Francis, sealing the papal apartment and breaking the pontiff's fisherman's ring, which symbolizes that there is now a vacancy in the Vatican. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, an Italian, is the real-life dean of the College of Cardinals. He will oversee the gathering of the conclave, and will also be the one to ask the newly elected pope what name he will take, as Fiennes Cardinal Lawrence is depicted doing in the film.

open image in gallery White smoke rises from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, meaning that cardinals elected a new pope on the second day of their secret conclave on March 13, 2013, at the Vatican ( AFP/Getty )

Another key error in the film is that a cardinal in pectore is depicted as taking part in the conclave. A cardinal in pectore is a cardinal who has been appointed by the Pope in secret, which can happen in reality. However, unlike the pivotal part Cardinal Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz) is shown playing in Conclave, a secret cardinal would not be allowed to participate in the election of a new Pope.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last year, Conclave director Berger explained that he spoke to cardinals who had been involved in conclaves about general details, and also hired a religious advisor, but did not approach the Vatican directly. Thats a senseless approach, said Berger. First, they wont help you, and secondly, they shouldnt.

How to watch Conclave.
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Jason Isaacs has reflected on playing racist Harry Potter villain Lucius Malfoy, saying that his job in the film series was to help audiences understand why his characters son, Draco, was such a little s*** at school.

The 61-year-old British actor, who starred as the pure-blood wizard and Lord Voldemort follower in six of the eight movie adaptations of J.K. Rowlings book series, spoke about his role as the popinjay Lucius on Mondays episode of The Hollywood Reporters Awards Chatter podcast.

My job wasnt being in a franchise, Isaacs clarified. My job was trying to explain to the audience why Draco was such a little s*** at school.

He came from a loveless home, and I came from a long, unbroken chain of loveless parenting, he said of his on-screen son, portrayed by Tom Felton.

And to play that popinjay and that racist, it might be magical, but the parallels are pretty transparent: someone who doesnt think that Muggles should mix blood with wizards, and somebody trying to make Hogwarts great again, The White Lotus star continued in an apparent reference to President Donald Trumps Make America Great Again slogan.

Isaacs further hit out at the term franchise, often used to describe the Harry Potter films, saying he was repulsed by it.

open image in gallery Jason Isaacs starred as Lucius Malfoy in six of the eight Harry Potter films ( Warner Bros )

As much as it was fantastical, I always take the acting incredibly seriously, he said.

Offering an example, he recalled filming one of the scenes in 2010s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 when [Ralph Fiennes] was around bullying me as Voldemort, humiliating me, and snapping my wand at my table.

It felt like being castrated in front of my family, Isaacs said. It was heartbreaking and humiliating. I dont know how to phone a performance in, really. That felt like serious acting. It didnt feel like we were in something silly.

Despite his efforts in the movies, Isaacs previously confessed that they werent that fun to make.

Theres some magic that happens in those books. and in those films, he said during a February appearance on the BBCs One Show. Its a terrible confession to make, but they werent that fun to make. Its quite boring, to make these big special effects films.

He added, however, that the pleasures all come afterwards when I see and meet people for whom their lives were changed by it.

open image in gallery Isaacs recently starred in season three of The White Lotus' ( HBO )

And still, people are reading it and sharing it with their children. Some people say their lives were saved by it, and I believe them. Theres something happened, who knows why? Isaacs continued. But when those ingredients came together and the souffle rose, and it created just love around the world. And a sense of belonging.

Isaacs remarks come as Warner Bros. and HBO are currently in the process of rebooting Harry Potter for an expected 10-year-long television series, with each season based on one of Rowlings seven books.

Major casting announcements have already been revealed as John Lithgow has been confirmed to take on the role of Hogwarts beloved headmaster, Albus Dumbledore; Janet McTeer as Hogwarts professor and head of Gryffindor, Minerva McGonagall; Paapa Essiedu as the cold and mysterious Professor Severus Snape; and Nick Frost as gameskeeper and half-giant Rubeus Hagrid.

Additionally, Luke Thallon will play Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch.

The lead casting of the young trio, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, has not yet been announced, though an open casting call was launched earlier this year for children from the UK and Ireland to audition. The hope is that newcomers will take over the iconic roles made famous by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
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Marvels newest blockbuster Thunderbolts* has received largely positive reviews after the film was screened to the members of the press for the first time.

The movie, which stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Olga Kurylenko and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, focuses on a team of anti-heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), who are tasked with completing a dangerous mission.

Thunderbolts* is the first time that many of these stars have headlined an MCU movie and it appears that the bold move has been a success, with critics and fans alike calling the film fantastic and praising its bold dive into trauma, healing and redemption.

Matt Neglia, editor-in-chief of Next Best Picture, said that the films freshness couldnt have arrived at a more opportune time when the franchise is in need of new blood and direction. He added that the movie belongs to Florence Pugh, who carries much of the dramatic weight of the movie on her back, while Lewis Pullman delivers a complex performance as a sympathetic character at war with himself.

Critic Rendy Jones added: Thunderbolts*: finally a Marvel movie that treats mental health and depression as a serious matter and not like undercutting it for the sake of a quip. A legit good character ensemble piece with a compelling Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman performance in the centre.

Thunderbolts* sees Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan lead new group of antiheroes ( Marvel Studios )

Jacob Fisher, the owner of DiscussingFilm, wrote: Thunderbolts* is truly fantastic, the cast has electric chemistry with each other (Florence Pugh & Lewis Pullman are the standouts) and the action sequences are very strong. But most of all, the films story hit me like a ton of bricks, its bold, important and so well-written.

Brian Davids of The Hollywood Reporter remarked: I never expected a Marvel movie to tackle loneliness and depression in such a meaningful way, but Thunderbolts* has done it. I also didn't anticipate Bob having an experiential overlap with [Breaking Bad character] Jesse Pinkman. Overall, it might be the most psychological film the MCU has ever made.

Meanwhile, journalist Emily Murray said that Thunderbolts* is easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time. Murray added that the film has so much spark, charisma, and tells a genuinely emotional story you connect with. A tear was shed.

Marvel will be pleased to hear the positive reviews of Thunderbolts* following a string of critical flops including Deadpool and Wolverine and Captain America: Brave New World.

In recent years, the record-breaking film and TV franchise has faced mounting criticism from fans, critics and even actors and directors within the US film industry.

Speaking to Variety in September 2024, Stan said: Its become really convenient to pick on [Marvel films]. And thats fine. Everyones got an opinion. But theyre a big part of what contributes to this business and allow us to have smaller movies as well.

This is an artery travelling through the system of this entire machinery thats Hollywood. It feeds in so many more ways than people acknowledge.
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Pedro Pascal has dubbed JK Rowling a heinous loser after the Harry Potter author celebrated the UK Supreme Courts recent ruling that trans women are not legally women under the Equality Act.

The Last of Us actor, 50, who attended the London premiere of the Marvel blockbuster Thunderbolts*wearing a trans rights T-shirt this week, left the remark under an Instagram post by activist Tariq Ra'ouf, who called for his followers to boycott all Harry Potter projects in light of Rowlings actions.

Rowling had shared a photo from her superyacht, smoking a cigar, alongside the caption, I love it when a plan comes together, after five judges ruled unanimously that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex last week.

The ruling follows a series of legal challenges brought by the campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS), which were backed by the author. Rowling has denied being transphobic, but has previously stated that she would rather go to jail than refer to a trans person by their preferred pronouns.

Stars of the Harry Potter franchise, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, have condemned Rowlings comments and distanced themselves from the author and her work.

Ra'ouf urged his followers to boycott the Harry Potter franchise altogether. Dont watch the show. Dont go to Universal. Dont buy a single Harry Potter thing ever. Its time to tell these corporations that transphobia loses money, he wrote in the caption alongside the post.

It has become our mission as the general public to make sure that every single thing that's Harry Potter related fails... because that awful disgusting s***, that has consequences, he said in the video.

Pedro Pascal condemned JK Rowling for her stance on transgender rights ( Getty/Instagram )

As well as liking the post, Pascal shared his thoughts on the author in the comment section: Awful disgusting S*** is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behaviour, he wrote.

Pascal has been a vocal supporter of the trans community since his sister came out as a transgender woman in February 2021.

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Posting on Instagram, the Mandalorian star shared a picture of his sister on the cover of the Spanish magazine Ya, alongside the phrase: Mi hermana, mi corazon, nuestra Lux. The phrase translates into English as: "My sister, my heart, our Lux."

In another Instagram post supporting trans people, shared in February 2025, the Fantastic Four actor wrote: I cant think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorising the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, except the right to exist.

The UK Supreme Courts landmark ruling means that transgender women can no longer sit on public boards in places set aside for women. It could also impact the way that trans people use single-sex spaces such as toilets, refuge spaces and hospital wards.

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.
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There are few reasons to revisit The Accountant, the bog-standard 2016 thriller whose only distinguishing feature was the fact that Ben Afflecks protagonist was explicitly characterised as autistic. But if you were to revisit it, surely itd be to retool the character to better reflect the neurodivergent experience? In the first film, were told that when Christian Wolff (Affleck) was diagnosed, as a child, his fathers immediate response was to train both him and his brother (Jon Bernthals Braxton) in the Indonesian martial art of pencak silat, leading the latter to become a hitman and the former an accountant for criminals and terrorists.

It was, realistically, about as good as the autistic community could hope for from mainstream film. Christian adhered to the classic autistic savant trope; his mathematical skills boosted to the point hes essentially a superhero while, of course, being portrayed by a neurotypical actor. Yet Bill Dubuques script was at least sensitive to, and occasionally realistic in, its depiction of how autism shapes Christians daily life and relationships, depicting him not as deliberately aloof, but as someone desperately trying to connect to a world that communicates by different means. And Affleck, to his credit, never treated the role as caricature, but as a goddamn action hero.

The Accountant 2s response to all this tells us a lot about the state of disability representation in cinema. On the one hand, an autistic actor, Allison Robertson, has been cast in the role of Justine, Christians hacker aide and a non-verbal autistic woman. That specific kind of representation is incredibly rare. On the other hand, her character is the head of what can only be described as Charles Xaviers School for Gifted Autistics, an X-Men-style academy in which a child army sits at computer keyboards and hacks drones and web cameras purely for Christians benefit. This time around, no one in the film can actually bring themselves to say the word autistic. Christian alludes to my condition, my people, etc etc.

Its a patently ridiculous element of a sequel whose only move is to amp up everything that was ridiculous about its predecessor. And maybe itd all be easier to laugh off if the US health secretary hadnt just called autism an epidemic in need of elimination. But while the near-decade delay in The Accountant 2s release comes with a variety of excuses (Covid, strikes, regime changes at Warner Bros), the bigger crisis at the heart of the film is its inability to justify why we should have come back here in the first place.

Returning writer-director team Dubuque and Gavin OConnor have refitted their goofy-but-serious first film to become a violent, knockabout buddy comedy, bringing back Bernthals Braxton and rewriting his character so hes now nothing but a human peacock. He struts around his hotel room in his underwear, hollering down the phone about a corgi puppy; he monologues about The Wizard of Oz while eating ice cream in front of a woman hes holding hostage.

Ben Affleck in the action sequel The Accountant 2 ( Warner Bros )

Hes now, for narrative convenience, a cocksure opposite to Christians methodical introvert. Out on the trail of a missing immigrant family, the brothers smash heads, fire guns, and bicker their way through a vague and insensitively handled plot line about cartel-backed human traffickers. Christian, at one point, goes to a speed dating event. At another, he does some line dancing. Its teetering right on the edge of seeing his autism as nothing more than a punchline. After nearly 10 years, can anyone really call The Accountant 2 progress?

Dir: Gavin O'Connor. Starring: Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Daniella Pineda, JK Simmons. Cert 15, 132 minutes.

The Accountant 2 is in cinemas from 25 April
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Former child actress Sophie Nyweide, who passed away last week aged just 24, was pregnant when she died her death certificate reveals.

Nyweide, best known for starring beside Jessica Alba in Invisible Sign, along with her roles in Noah and Mammoth, was pronounced dead just after 4:50 a.m. on April 14 in a wooded area near Park Street in Bennington, Vermont.

Bennington Police Department confirmed to The Independent earlier this week that it responded to a report of an unresponsive female that day and administered life-saving measures before Nyweide was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed that they are investigating the death as a possible unintentional overdose.

open image in gallery Sophie Nyweide died last week and police are continuing to investigate ( Getty )

The cause of death is still being determined, with the autopsy and toxicology results not yet revealed.

My knowledge is she was using drugs and was a tiny young woman, her mother, Shelly Gibson, told the celebrity news site earlier this week. She was with other people when she died.

Gibson confirmed details of the investigation and said that it could take up to eight weeks for autopsy results to be determined. She added that family and friends of Nyweide are very distraught and mourning.

open image in gallery Nyweide, pictured in 2007, was a former child actor who starred alongside Jessica Alba in An Invisible Sign ( Getty )

Bennington Chief of Police Paul Doucette confirmed that an individual was present with Nyweide at the time of her death. That same individual, who phoned 911, is cooperating with investigators, he added.

Investigators are investigating this as a possible unintentional overdose, he added. As with any untimely death, Bennington Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation leading up to, as well as the cause of, Nyweides death.

Nyweide made her screen debut at the age of six in Alejandro Gomez Monteverdes 2006 drama Bella.

She appeared in an episode of Law & Order in 2007, before going on to be cast as the daughter of Gael Garcia Bernal and Michelle Williams characters in Lukas Moodyssons 2009 romantic drama Mammoth. Her minor role in Darren Aronofskys 2014 adventure epic Noah was her last casting in a feature film.

open image in gallery The cast of Mammoth which included Nyweide (bottom row, second from right) at the Berlin Film Festival in 2009 ( Getty )

Following Nyweides death, her family honored her life on and off the screen in an online tribute.

She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her and she relish [sic] from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being, it read.

Her death has left a hole in all. Sadness, loss, heartbreak and even anger is present for those who loved her and now will have to continue on without her laughter, infectious passion and zest  without those amazing blue eyes that could look directly into ones soul.
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George Clooney has revealed why he chose to use footage of Elon Musks notorious salute in his new Broadway production of Good Night, and Good Luck.

The 63-year-old actor and director has adapted the 2005 historical drama film he directed and co-wrote for the stage, and is making his Broadway debut in the lead role of journalist Edward R. Murrow.

Near the end of the stage version, video footage is shown of former Fox host Megyn Kelly and of Musks controversial salute at an inauguration event for President Donald Trump.

Speaking to fellow actor Patti LuPone in a new interview for Variety, Clooney noted that Kelly had criticized him for not being a journalist, to which LuPone responded: Neither is she.

Clooney continued: Ive at least been to Darfur and Sudan and the Congo and been shot at to try to get stories out. Im not quite sure what shes done to be a journalist. Having said that, we only show her words in this play. We dont tell people what to think. Its not out of context. We dont manipulate it. We literally just go, These are your words.

Now, people can look at Elon Musk doing his move and go, Thats a Roman salute. And maybe it is. We put it on a big screen, and we let you make your own decisions. Having said that, I will argue that when you retweet a statement that says that Hitler wasnt responsible for the Holocaust  which he did  then maybe it is a Nazi salute. Maybe. 

George Clooney and Elon Musk ( Getty )

Asked by LuPone whether he ever wonders about Musks relationship to Trump and whether its a threat to the government, Clooney responded: Well, the president of the United States sent some nice tweets. Its funny because hes just a New York beast. Weve all known him for 30 years, and he was just a guy chasing women. But whatever. Its fine. Were going to get through it.

The new interview comes as Clooney recently 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 Good Night and Good Luck  for which the actor dyed his hair, drawing bemused reactions from fans  CNN host 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.
Things have gone pretty quiet at Damien Hirsts Newport Street Gallery. The last time I visited the free exhibition space in Vauxhall was in 2022 for the infamous burn event at which international media gathered to watch Hirst  once the worlds wealthiest artist, behind headline-making pieces such as a diamond-encrusted human skull  feed 10m worth of small paintings from his first non-fungible token (NFT) collection into an oven.

The fact that the bottom dropped out of the market in NFT almost immediately afterwards has rather got lost in the mists of time  but the fact remains that Newport Street, which opened in 2015 as a showcase for Hirsts personal art collection, has generated so little brouhaha over the past year that one would be forgiven for thinking it had closed.

The handsome space, converted from a Victorian scenery-painting workshop, was almost eerily quiet the day I attended two new exhibitions curated by Hirsts son, Connor. The 30-year-old has previously put together shows of his fathers work. Dominion, seen at Newport Street last summer, was a fairly straightforward greatest hits of his dads holdings (Koons, Emin, Marcus Harvey et al), while The Civilisation Paintings at Phillips auction house, also last year, comprised entirely new Hirst works. The current shows, however, Raging Planet and The Power and the Glory, focus on the more niche allures of the Hirst collection.

On the ground floor, Raging Planet spotlights artists whose work incorporates chaos that is the essential characteristic of the natural world. If that sounds all too typically Hirst, theres as much emphasis here on the balancing order of nature as there is on its nasty, destructive aspects. Mexican artist Bosco Sodi coats his paintings in mixtures of pigment, sawdust, glue and other organic materials so that their surfaces rise and fracture as they dry, evoking both earthquake-riven landscapes and gigantic primary-coloured cakes. If the densely textured ultramarines of Organic Blue (2010) look positively toxic, Untitled (2010) with its rich reds and yellows appears as though it should be sliced up and served at teatime.

Elsewhere, Roger Hiorns found objects (everything from car engines to models of Chartres cathedral) encrusted in blue copper sulphate crystals recall his best-known work, Seizure, in which a London council flat was flooded with 75,000 litres of the chemical, turning it into a glittering blue cave that attracted vast numbers of visitors back in 2008. Far from an example of chaos, however, this spectacle was precisely what any half-competent scientist would have foreseen. Yet 17 years on, Hiorns sparkling automotive body parts still make quite the impact, positioned around the gallery like surreal idols.

open image in gallery Angela Bulloch Chain B 3:1:52:4, 2002 ( Photographed by Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd .  Angela Bulloch )

Hirsts fellow YBA (Young British Artist) Keith Tyson produces even more seductive results by tipping whats described as various paints, pigments, resins and catalysts over panels of acid-primed aluminium. The magma-like oozings merge with what looks like creamy gloss paint, creating cosmic-psychedelic textures, which seem to open up a portal to deep space.

The chaos idea feels further removed in a room of minimalist colour-based works, with ethereal airbrushed paintings by British artist Oliver Marsden. Angela Bullochs elegant plywood cubes, with their changing colours radiating from within, ostensibly represent pixels  though Im not sure how  to reflect the Canadians obsession with systems and rules. Both artists work within the classic Western colour spectrum, which, far from representing the chaos of nature, is an entirely human-devised construct.

open image in gallery Small Lingbi scholar's rock with ornate base ( Photographed by Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd )

Theres a more provocative juxtaposition of the creative and destructive capacities of nature in the upstairs exhibition, The Power and the Glory. Photographs of post-war nuclear tests are arranged around groups of scholars stones or gongshi, which are intricately weathered lumps of stone that have been used as objects for contemplation in China for millennia. Ranging from palm-sized to monumental, their often mindbendingly complex forms resemble the ghostly, incandescent shapes of nuclear mushroom clouds more frequently than youd imagine. If the idea might sound a touch glib, the cumulative effect is hypnotically compelling. Oh yes! Beauty and horror, creation and destruction: its all so Damien Hirst. Young Connor may have brought these elements together, but who acquired them in the first place? Whether they were purchased in dribs and drabs, or through wholesale acquisition of existing collections, we arent told, but one way or another this feels like a surrogate Damien Hirst exhibition.

As I sit alone in the gallerys long-closed restaurant, once tipped to be one of Londons great eateries, availing myself of the free tea and biscuits provided for visitors, theres a sense of the end of an era. Yet that atmosphere, while poignant, feels more than a little knowing. Whatever the immediate future of the Newport Street Gallery, Ill wager that the final episode of this particular art world drama wont be upon us for a good while yet.

Raging Planet and The Power and the Glory at Newport Street Gallery, London until 31 August 2025
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The Office star Rainn Wilson has called into question left-leaning news media outlets treatment of Donald Trump in contrast to Joe Biden.

Wilson, who played Dwight Schrute in the American adaptation of The Office from 2005 to 2013, made the comments during a conversation about Trump with MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle.

On the Soul Boom podcast, in an episode titled Why Everyone's Turning Off the News, Ruhle claimed that, since Trumps return to office, the president is making a concerted effort to destroy the media.

She added that the presidents friend, Elon Musk, wants people to leave traditional media behind thanks to the changes that he has made since purchasing X/Twitter. However, Wilson didnt agree with this sentiment, replying: This is where I would push back.

I see this kind of insight and passion being directed at the current administration, and the lack of this kind of insight and passion being directed at the previous administration.

Clarifying, Wilson said that his remarks were aimed at left-leaning news media organisations.

He added: [They] were kind of like, 'La, la, la, la, la, Everything's fine. Look, the economy's great. La, la, la. Immigration's not that much of a problem,' and really, being Cleopatra, Queen of Denial.

Ruhle responded by saying that she felt American news outlets did put pressure on Biden on topics such as immigration, but added that Republicans are more willing to talk about some of the unpleasant things that people feel.

open image in gallery Actor Rainn Wilson at a climate protest in Los Angeles in 2020 ( Getty Images )

When people say those things out loud, they're immediately called xenophobic or racist. And we have to make space for how people feel.

Wilson then speculated: Most people, a large majority of people who have a problem with the current immigration crisis and have for the last five or 10 years, are not racist. But are often kind of tarred as racist by the liberal left.

Ruhle said Americas scepticism towards immigrants comes from ordinary people struggling to make ends meet despite working hard. We need to give space, to sort of hear those people, hear what their needs are, and instead, a lot of those people have felt like when they voice their opinions, they're treated like they're xenophobic, and they're racist, and they're anti-immigrant, and I don't think they are, she said.

open image in gallery Stephanie Ruhle ( 2019 Invision )

Changing the subject, Wilson noted: Half our guests have said, 'I don't watch the news anymore, and my life is so much better. I turn it off, I took Apple News off my phone, I don't even subscribe, I don't go on social media, and I don't read news articles, and I'm raising bees and growing poppies and washing my dishes and meditating and my life is so much better and richer for it.

Ruhle countered this by observing: I think you said the most important thing: 'richer. That's a very rich thing to say because people of privilege can afford to tune out.

It comes after Musk said hed be reducing his time with the Department of Government Efficiency beginning next month after Tesla reported disappointing earnings, missing Wall Street expectations. Musk said in a Tuesday earnings call that he would begin stepping back from his Trump administration role next month and return his focus to his ailing EV brand.

Musk is also said to be keen to leave his government role because hes tired of what he sees as a litany of vicious and unethical attacks from the left, according to a report from The Washington Post.
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So how have the first 100 days of Trump 2.0 been for you? Its been quite a ride. In the opening three months of his second term as US president, Donald Trump has declared a trade war with the world, enlisted the help of the richest man on the planet to gut Americas federal workforce and destroy its foreign aid programme, threatened to annex Canada and Greenland, started deporting alleged criminals and gang members to El Salvador without trial, described Gaza as incredible real estate and accused Ukraine of starting a war with Russia.

Trump is a severe stress test for all manner of institutions. The inner workings of US democratic law failed its course module before Trump was even re-elected, by allowing him to stand again despite inciting an attempted insurrection in 2021. Since then, US legal, political, business, cultural and educational institutions have all largely flunked their biggest tests, and some of those failures are  albeit much too tentatively  documented in Channel 4s Trump Revolution: 100 Days That Changed the World.

But how about the media? Trump was arguably sane-washed by many elements of it during the election campaign. His indiscretions were either minimised or underreported. Is there any chance that a more rigorous examination will take place during his actual term of power? On the basis of this documentary, fronted by Channel 4 Newss Matt Frei, it doesnt look promising. Theres a key issue that the one-off episode neglects: the fact that none of this is normal.

The bare minimum requirement of any documentary about Trump is that it should examine the madness he has unleashed on the world and attempt to interrogate it. This, after a fashion, it tries to do. But here is the intro to the segment on Trumps predatory interest in Greenland  and here is the problem. It could arguably be Trumps greatest real estate deal, chirps the voiceover, in a trite callback to Trumps former life as a property magnate. It sounds superficially slick and smooth but has the effect of obscuring rather than illuminating reality. This is not a potential real estate deal. Its an assault on the international order. Its an overt attack on the sovereignty of another country. It is not a statement of bias to call it that; its a statement of objective fact.

This habit of both-sidesing demonstrably unequal positions has long been a symptom of the mainstream medias struggles to report on the populist era. Its frequently been evident in coverage of climate change and its disappointing to see it here. Various apologists for Trump (Sean Spicer and KT McFarland, who were part of his first administration) are wheeled out to spout banalities about his agenda. Other voices (such as rogue Republican critic Joe Walsh) come down hard against him. But there are fundamental issues here that are too stark to ignore; too wild to treat as business as usual. The possibility of Trump standing for a third term, for example, is described as a remarkable notion. It is not a remarkable notion; it is a direct challenge to the US constitution and should be unequivocally described as such.

Flood the zone: Trump 2.0s bedlam is treated with kid gloves in the documentary ( AP )

And on it goes. The tariffs are discussed at length and Trumps mantra about reordering international trade is examined  although sadly, largely by the same underqualified talking heads, rather than by an economist who might be in a position to give the idea the unsparing audit it deserves. Little more than lip service is paid to Trumps brutal attacks on free speech (and his increasing inclination to enforce these boundaries physically, through deportations). The obvious corruption within the regime  the money made by Trump acolytes after the pause on the tariffs, for example, or the tariff exemptions for the tech monsters who supported him  isnt mentioned at all.

But this is part of the problem with reporting on Trump 2.0. Theres just too much. His former strategist Steve Bannon used to talk about the need to flood the zone with s***; to create a sort of misinformation overload that eventually overwhelms meaning, creates a logjam of perception and makes analysis impossible. Bannon was describing media strategy but it often feels like Trump is doing something similar with actual policy. Where do you go with this stuff? Therell be more of it in an hour or so; equally baffling and alarming and sinister. Its an avalanche.

In the end, the whole thing feels slightly pointless. Its not even clear whether thats the fault of the makers of this documentary. It does an essentially normal job of covering an utterly abnormal situation. But the usual terms of engagement just arent good enough here. In a situation as potentially dangerous as this, independent news coverage cant afford to pull a single punch. Perhaps the last word should go to the odious Spicer. He is trolling the media, he says, in a way that is so beautiful. Well, consider us trolled. But didnt America used to be better, dare I say greater, than this?
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Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates youngest daughter, Phoebe, has opened up about how much pressure she feels to succeed, given her parents careers.

Phoebe and her former college roommate, Sophia Kianni, just launched their own business, Phia, an app that compares the prices of items being sold online to help shoppers save time and money. From jewelry to clothes, the app tells users if something is overpriced, before showing them a cheaper version of the item.

However, the 22-year-old confessed that given her famous parents, she knew from a young age that people would make comments about her career choices.

Growing up, I realized that people are always going to have thoughts about me, she said during an interview with The New York Times, published Thursday. If the business is successful, people will say, Its because of her family.

And a huge portion of that is true. I never would have been able to go to Stanford, or have such an amazing upbringing, or feel the drive to do something, if it wasnt for my parents, she continued. But I also feel a huge amount of internalized pressure.

She said shes expecting people to assume her famous last name got her business investors, including a venture capital firm, and networks of mentors, like reality star Kris Jenner. Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper also agreed to sign Phoebe and Sophia to her podcast company, as the pair will be launching their own podcast, The Burnouts with Phoebe and Sophia.

Phoebe Gates says she wouldnt have had her success without such an amazing upbringing ( ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images )

Despite the expected criticism, Phoebe mainly focused on having a business based on what shes most passionate about.

Were roommates fighting about clothing. We are the girls who are scouring shopping sites for deals. And there are, frankly, thousands of other young women like us, she said.

Phoebes business endeavor comes as her father, the co-founder of Microsoft, was ranked the 13th richest billionaire, according to Forbes. According to the publication, Bill currently has a net worth of $107.6 billion.

Bill confessed that when he first learned about Phoebes interest in entering the e-commerce space, he had his concerns.

Wow, a lot of people have tried, and theres some big guys in there, he recalled telling his daughter during the Times interview, noting he was worried she needed money. I thought, Oh boy, shes going to come and ask.

Although he said he would have helped fund Phia if he needed to, it would be under certain conditions. And then I would have kept her on a short leash and be doing business reviews, which I would have found tricky, and I probably would have been overly nice but wondered if it was the right thing to do? Luckily, it never happened, he added.

Meanwhile, Phoebe said that when her mother heard about the business, she was urged to secure venture backing and the money from investors she needed on her own.

She saw it as a real opportunity for me to, like, learn and fail, Phoebe said of Melinda.

Along with Phoebe, Bill and Melinda, who divorced in 2021, have two other children, Jennifer, 28, and Rory, 25. But Bill has been extremely open about the fact that his children wont inherit all this wealth one day. During an appearance on the Figuring Out With Raj Shamani podcast last month, Bill reiterated how much of his money hell pass down to his children.

My kids got a great upbringing and education, but less than 1 percent of the total wealth because I decided it wouldnt be a favor to them, he said. Its not a dynasty. Im not asking them to run Microsoft. I want to give them a chance to have their own earnings and success. You know, be significant and not overshadowed by the incredible luck and good fortune I had.
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Alabama is scheduled to execute a man on Thursday after he dropped his appeals, admitting that he is guilty of raping and murdering a woman 15 years ago and doesn't want to keep wasting everybody's time.

James Osgood, 55, will be executed by lethal injection at 6pm at William Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama. When his sentence is administered, he will join the approximately one in ten people on death rows across America who have asked for their own executions.

Osgood was convicted of capital murder by a jury for the killing of Tracy Lynn Brown in Chilton County in 2010. Prosecutors said Osgood cut Brown's throat after he and his girlfriend sexually assaulted her.

The man told reporters that he wants to apologize to Brown's family and that he dropped his appeals because, "I am guilty of murder." In a letter to his lawyer explaining his decision to seek an execution date, he wrote that he's tired and no longer feels like he's "even existing."

"I'm a firm believer in, like I said in court, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I took a life so mine was forfeited. I don't believe in sitting here and wasting everybody's time and everybody's money," Osgood told the Associated Press.

open image in gallery Executions are regularly carried out at the William Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama ( REUTERS )

Brown was found dead in her home on 23 October 2010. Prosecutors said Osgood admitted to police that he and his girlfriend sexually assaulted Brown, forcing her to perform sex acts, after discussing how they had fantasies about kidnapping and torturing someone. Then he cut her throat. His girlfriend, who was Brown's cousin, was sentenced to life in prison.

"I can't imagine anyone doing that to someone, even their worst enemy. I don't know what kind of mind has that kind of thinking," Jackie Wileman, Brown's stepmother, told the judge at Osgood's 2014 sentencing hearing.

In handing down the death sentence, the judge noted that Osgood had a difficult childhood that included sexual abuse, abandonment and a suicide attempt. But the judge also said that it was Osgood who cut Brown's neck and stabbed her as she begged the couple not to hurt her.

Osgood said last week that he regrets all the "pain and suffering" he has caused Brown's family, and his own.

"I would like to say to the victim's family, I apologize," Osgood said. "I'm not going to ask their forgiveness because I know they can't give it." Only God can grant forgiveness, he added.

Osgood's initial death sentence was thrown out by an appeals court ruling that jurors were given improper instructions. At his resentencing in 2018, Osgood asked to be executed, saying he didn't want the families to endure another hearing.

The Death Penalty Information Center reported last year that 165 of the people executed since a moratorium on the death penalty ended in 1977  a total that has since grown to more than 1650 people  asked to be put to death. The center also said that the overwhelming majority of these volunteers had histories of mentall illness, substance abuse or suicidal ideation.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey made a rare move this year to grant clemency to another death row inmate, commuting the death sentence of Robin "Rocky" Myers to life in prison. The governor said there were enough questions about his guilt that she could not move forward with his execution. It was the only time Ivey has granted clemency, and the first time any Alabama governor commuted a death sentence since 1999.
 Close Harvey Weinstein retrial set for opening statements

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The rape and sexual assault retrial of disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein continued on Thursday in a New York courtroom.

Weinstein, who was wheeled into court in a wheelchair as proceedings kicked off on Wednesday, is being tried again after New Yorks highest court last year overturned his 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence in a major blow to the #MeToo movement.

State prosecutors brought a new charge against Weinstein in September: a criminal sexual act stemming from accusations from former model and aspiring actress Kaja Sokola. He is being retried on charges of rape and criminal sex act based on accusations from former TV production assistant, Miriam Haley, and aspiring actress, Jessica Mann.

The 73-year-old has pleaded not guilty.

In her opening statement on Wednesday, prosecutor Shannon Lucey recounted the claims of several accusers, telling them that Weinstein "didn't take no for an answer. The court was also introduced to the account of Sokola, the third woman bringing forward allegations in Weinstein's retrial. She did not testify in the previous trial.

Sokola was 16 at the time that she alleges Weinstein sexually assaulted her and is reportedly the youngest accuser to speak out against her.

Court is not sitting on Friday or Monday.
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State prosecutors are once again trying Harvey Weinstein for sex crimes in New York. Whatever the jury decides, the film mogul will likely never be free from prison again, but the stakes of the case are still incredibly high.

Weinstein faces three sex crimes counts  two are the same as in the initial New York trial, while one is a new charge. The criminal counts stem from alleged encounters with three women: production assistant Miriam Haley, aspiring actress Jessica Mann, and former model Kaja Sokola, who accused him of assault. He has pleaded not guilty. It was similar claims against the former film mogul that helped kick off the #MeToo movement, where sexual assault accusers spoke out against their alleged attackers.

The 73-year-old was convicted in New York in 2020 and then in Los Angeles in 2022. But the victories for the movement waned after an appeals court in New York last year overturned his sexual assault and rape conviction. The fate of this trial could rebrand Weinstein as a rapist or formally clear his name in the state; it could also help dictate the future of the #MeToo movement.

The case is unique, in part due to the overturned conviction that has resulted in an eight-year gap between when Weinstein first faced a mountain of sexual misconduct allegations and this months retrial. Its unclear which side time will favor.

But one thing is clear: the fanfare around his case seems to have dwindled with time. Five years ago, more than 100 women packed into the park across from Manhattan criminal court to chant an anti-rape anthem while Weinstein was criminally tried inside. This time around, the park was empty. Only a handful of members of the public showed up to his retrial.

The women in the case have been attacked after coming forward, including one who was accused of being a prostitute, Lindsay Goldbrum, Sokolas attorney, said at a mid-day press conference. The outcome of this case could potentially influence others willingness to speak out  especially eight years since #MeToo kicked off.

open image in gallery Disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein was wheeled into Manhattan Criminal Court, where he faces a retrial on sex crimes. His trial could help dictate the future direction of #MeToo ( Getty )

Asked about the lack of supporters outside the courthouse, Goldbrum said: I think that theres been a shift in the media attention surrounding this trial, not only because this is the third criminal trial [of Harvey Weinstein in relation to allegations of] sexual assault but also because of the environment and the other large scale criminal sexual assault trials that are going on and about to go on.

The federal sex trafficking case against Sean Diddy Combs is set to begin in New York next month.

Although it may not be outside the courthouse Wednesday, the groundswell of support for survivors is still there, Gloria Allred, Haleys attorney, said: The #MeToo movement is alive and well and is living in New York.

Goldbrum agreed, noting the strides that have resulted from the movement: Theres been incredible changes in legislation surrounding sexual assault. I think as a society, we are starting to have a better collective understanding about the trauma that sexual assault survivors have faced.

The jury heard opening statements in court Wednesday. Both the prosecution and defense agreed on two things: Weinstein is extremely successful and he held the key to the industry as Hollywoods gatekeeper.

open image in gallery The park across from Manhattan criminal court is devoid of supporters as Harvey Weinsteins retrial kicks into gear ( The Independent )

Inside the courtroom, Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey branded Weinstein as the gatekeeper who held power for 30 years in that industry.

Weinstein had enormous control over those working in TV and film because he determined who was in and out, she said. He used those dream opportunities as weapons.

Lucey walked through each of the accusers accounts one by one, detailing their allegations of forced sex by the film mogul with the calmness of a well-trained therapist. The jury saw photos of each of the women; the prosecutor repeatedly pointed out the size difference between Weinstein and the women as part of her argument to underscore just how much power  physically and professionally  Weinstein possessed.

Arthur Aidala, Weinsteins defense attorney, delivered very impassioned remarks in which he placed blame on the accusers and insisted their alleged encounters with his client were consensual. He called the three women manipulative and conniving.

"He can get you in the door. They all realized he had the key to get them into that room, Aidala told the jury. The women were flirtatious, he argued: They wanted him. He could change the trajectory of their lives.

He mentioned the industrys transactional history. The casting couch was not a crime scene. Was it immoral? 100 percent.

Aidala also tried to cast doubt in the jurors minds regarding all of the accusers allegations. He focused on money that Weinsteins accusers received from a hefty settlement over civil suit allegations of sexual misconduct.

There are 4 million reasons to lie. Thats how much they all took: $4 million after making accusations, Aidala said.

open image in gallery Arthur Aidala, lead attorney for Harvey Weinstein, blamed accusers of his client, calling them manipulative and conniving in his opening statements ( AP )

The defense attorney also argued that the allegations against his client are just pages but the jury needs to read the whole book for context.

These women used Weinstein to try to get ahead, he argued. They tried to cut the line, they tried to take a shortcut. These encounters were consensual and transactional, Aidala argued. He then pointed out how Weinstein cheated on his wife before underscoring: Theres a lot of real estate between immorality and criminality.

Last week, the judge ruled Weinstein  who suffers from chronic myeloid leukaemia and other ailments  could remain in the hospital for the duration of the trial. He rolled into the courtroom Wednesday in a wheelchair.

The disgraced film mogul is unlikely to see life outside of prison regardless of the trials outcome because he has yet to start serving his 16-year sentence following his California conviction on similar allegations.

Still, the stakes are high in New York for his future and, potentially, the trajectory of #MeToo.
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A 24-year-old Minnesota man's shoplifting arrest quickly became much more - as police say they uncovered his plans to commit a mass casualty event within the next 24 hours.

Mohamed Adan Mohamed faces charges of theft and threats of violence after allegedly stealing firearm magazines and posting threatening remarks on social media.

The incident occurred on April 17, when Mankato Department of Public Safety responded to reports of a suspicious person at a local business. Mohamed walked into the store wearing a heavy winter jacket, green stocking cap, a medical face mask and gloves while he was selecting several magazines for a 9mm firearm, bear spray, and body armor, the complaint states.

The business became suspicious as he was selecting high-priced items and not checking the prices, authorities wrote. Mohamed told people on the sales floor that he had an AR-style rifle that was calibrated to 9mm before fleeing the store with about $2,150 worth of stolen goods.

Investigators later found that he escaped in a blue Toyota Sienna on the side of the building with no rear license plate. Store security attempted a citizens arrest but to no avail  Mohamed was able to get into the car and drive off. In his escape, he nearly ran someone over, the complaint says.

open image in gallery Mohamed Adan Mohamed was arrested for shoplifting, but authorities later feared he could have been plotting a 'mass casualty event' ( Blue Earth County Jail Roster )

Left behind at the store was a list that Mohamed had been eyeing as he was picking out items. At the top of the list read Survival Gear List with Alternative and it included sleeping bag, lighters, eight magazines, knives, pepper spray, a 6-mag chest right, bows and arrows, investigators said. He stole eight magazines, the filing states.

Mohamed had reportedly made several social media posts showing firearms and ammunition and one post showing himself pointing an apparent assault rifle at the camera, the filing says. The hashtag for the media post was #deathtoamerikkan&israelliImperialism.

An officer recalled that he was already investigating the posts before the alleged shoplifting, the complaint says.

A special agent in the states criminal investigation bureau told law enforcement that there were strong indicators that Mohamed was preparing to conduct some sort of attack (Mass Casualty Event) in the next 24 hours, the filing says.

The St. Peter Police Department executed a Search Warrant at Mohamed's residence in St. Peter and found the firearm that was pictured in one of his posts. The 24-year-old was then arrested by St. Peter police and placed in the Blue Earth County Jail.

Court filings also show that on April 18, the St. Peter Police Department filed a petition for an extreme risk protection order against him.

An officer wrote that his social media activity speaks to a revolution and law enforcement is concerned he may commit a mass casualty event. A judge granted the order Wednesday.
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A man used his final words to appolgize to the family of a young woman who he strangled and stabbed.

Moises Sandoval Mendoza, 41, was executed by lethal injection on Wednesday for the murder of 20-year-old Rachelle ONeil Tolleson.

Mendozas execution, witnessed by Tollesons mother and other family members, received a lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville and was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m.

He had been convicted and sentenced to death for the brutal slaying, which involved strangulation and stabbing, that took place in March 2004.

The execution marks the end of a two-decade legal battle for justice in Tolleson's case.

After a spiritual adviser prayed over him for about two minutes, Mendoza apologized repeatedly to the victim's two parents and other relatives present, calling to each by name.

"I am sorry for having robbed you of Rachelle's life," he said, addressing the parents, one of her brothers, a cousin and an uncle watching through a window from an adjoining room.

open image in gallery An inmate works outside the Texas prison unit in Huntsville, Texas

Mendoza also said he had robbed Tolleson's daughter of her mother, adding, "I'm sorry for that. I know nothing that I could ever say or do would ever make up for that. I want you to know that I am sincere. I apologize."

The daughter wasn't present for the execution.

He then spoke briefly in Spanish, addressing his wife, his sister and two friends watching through a window from another witness room.

"I love you, I am with you, I am well and at peace," he said in Spanish, his words provided in a transcript in English translation.

"You know that I'm well, and everything is love."

Prosecutors say Mendoza, 41, took Tolleson from her north Texas home, leaving her six-month-old daughter alone. The infant was found cold and wet but safe the next day by Tolleson's mother. Tolleson's body was discovered six days later, left in a field near a creek.

Evidence in Mendoza's case showed he also had burned Tolleson's body to hide his fingerprints. Dental records were used to identify her, according to investigators.

Pam O'Neil, the victim's mother, told reporters after witnessing Mendoza's execution that it could not undo the loss of her daughter.

Reading from a statement, she said of Mendoza: "He's been on death row 20 years. That ended today. He was put to sleep. He felt no pain. I wish I could say the same about my daughter's death."

As Mendoza's relatives and friends left the prison, they appeared distraught and embraced one another.

Hours earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a final request by Mendoza's attorneys to stop his execution. Mendoza's attorneys told the justices in a filing that he had been prevented by lower courts from arguing that he had been denied effective assistance of counsel earlier in the appeals process.

But the Texas Attorney General's Office told the Supreme Court that Mendoza's claim of ineffective assistance of counsel had previously been found "meritless and insubstantial" by a lower federal court.

open image in gallery Moises Sandoval Mendoza ( Texas Department of Criminal Justice )

Lower courts also had previously rejected his petitions for a stay. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on Monday denied Mendoza's request to commute his death sentence to a lesser penalty.

Authorities said that in the days before the killing, Mendoza had attended a party at Tolleson's home in Farmersville, located about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northeast of Dallas. On the day her body was found, Mendoza told a friend about the killing. The friend called police, and Mendoza was arrested.

Mendoza confessed to police but couldn't give detectives a reason for the killing, authorities said. He told investigators he repeatedly choked Tolleson, sexually assaulted her and dragged her body to a field, where he choked her again and then stabbed her in the throat. He later moved her body to a more remote location and burned it, they said.

Mendoza was the third inmate put to death this year in Texas, historically the nation's busiest capital punishment state, and the 13th in the U.S.

On Thursday, Alabama plans to execute James Osgood for the 2010 rape and murder of a woman.
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A Minnesota woman has been charged in a more than decade-old cold case of a baby girl whose body was found floating down the Mississippi River.

DNA evidence now shows that Jennifer Nichole Baechle, 43, is the mother of the dead newborn, who was dubbed Baby Angel, according to investigators.

Boaters found the baby girl in the Mississippi River in Minnesota, seven miles south of Winona, 13 years ago.

The childs body was located in a bag with incense, a pendant and multiple angel figures in September 2011 over that Labor Day weekend.

One of the boaters tried to perform CPR on the child, according to News 8 Now, but it was clear the infant had died.

The angel figurines led authorities to give the child the Baby Angel nickname. She was likely only a couple of days old.

A medical examiner found the infant had a four-inch section of her umbilical cord attached and several fractures on the front and side of her skull, a criminal complaint stated. The child had sustained the injuries while she was alive, an autopsy conducted in 2024 found.

For years, officials didnt know what happened to the child or how she came to be in the river.

That was until DNA technology led investigators to Baechle in May 2023. Authorities had used DNA samples from the baby to help find possible relatives.

Officials later approached Baechle for a DNA sample and she retained an attorney. To confirm a DNA match, officers went through the womans trash and sent samples to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

There, investigators determined the infant was the womans biological child.

Relatives told police they immediately recognized the blue pendant found with the child and were certain it belonged to Baechle. The mother, they said, collected angels and bought an angel ornament each year for Christmas.

The relatives said they had not been in touch with the woman and stated she was living in a van in 2011.

After the DNA test results came back, authorities with the Winona County Sheriffs Office charged Baechle with two counts of manslaughter.

During a news conference Thursday, Sheriff Ron Ganrude said: For more than 13 years, Baby Angel's tragic death has weighed heavily on the Winona community.

She deserved better than a watery grave. She deserved more than a life cut short. And while her birth mother remained hidden, this community wrapped its arms around this little girl."

Baechle appeared in court Thursday for her arraignment. She's given a $200,000 unconditional bond and a $20,000 conditional bond.

She had recently been hired to teach one class at Winona State University for the spring semester.

In a statement to the outlet, the university said another professor would be taking over.
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The discovery of an eighth body in New England is fueling speculation by internet sleuths that a serial killer might be behind a spate of recent deaths across the region.

On Tuesday, the body of a woman was discovered off a bike path in Springfield, Massachusetts. Her cause of death is currently unknown and police have not yet released her identity.

The following day, officers in Salem, Massachusetts, found two dead men in a wooded area next to a Walmart. Authorities are trying to determine whether foul play was involved.

As the investigations continue, people in a Facebook group with over 4,000 members dedicated to news of a potential area serial killer think the deaths could be connected to other murders that occurred in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island over the last two months.

Social media commentators have discussed whether the killer could be someone with military or law enforcement connections or a truck driver. One commenter even asked Chat GPT to come up with a sketch of the potential murderer.

It's a very scary world in New England right now and if the police are putting people at risk telling everyone not to worry when they should, one person in the group wrote.

A spokesperson for the Connecticut State Police told The Independent that an investigation remains active and ongoing.

There is no information at this time suggesting any connection to similar remains discoveries, the spokesperson said, refuting the serial killer rumors.

But some authorities are following up on the rumors.

On Thursday, the Narragansett Police Department in Rhode Island said it had recently been made aware of concerning posts claiming that multiple bodies had been buried in the Black Point area of Scarborough Beach, about 40 miles from Providence.

Officials contacted the FBI and conducted an extensive search of the area, but no hidden graves were found.

So far, only three of the deceased individuals have been identified  Paige Fannon, 35, of West Islip New York, whose body was discovered in March in the Norwalk River, Denise Leary, 59, who was found deceased in New Haven last month and Michele Romano, 56, of Warwick, New York, who was found in Foster, Rhode Island also in March.

An obituary for Romano states she loved spending time in nature, the beach, painting, and listening to music.

Her radiant energy, generosity, and bubbly personality will be missed by all who knew her.

Shes survived by her two children, nieces, nephews, cousins, sister and extended family.
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The estranged husband of a woman found dead in a submerged Chevrolet Camaro in 2001 has been indicted almost 25 years later.

Paul Hicks, of Sandusky, Ohio, is facing three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping in the cold case of Regina Rowe Hicks. He has pleaded not guilty and is due to stand trial.

Regina Hicks was last seen on October 18, 2001, after leaving her boyfriends home in her white Camaro to pick up her son.

open image in gallery Regina Hicks disappeared in October 2001 - her body was found days later ( Ohio Attorney General's Office )

The 25 year-old never arrived, and days later on October 22 the car was found ditched in a pond at Section Line Road 30 in Willard.

Her bruised body was found inside the car but for decades no one was charged and the crime remained unsolved.

On Wednesday, the Ohio Attorney Generals Office revealed that her former husband Hicks, now 50, had been indicted.

Investigators allege the suspect met his ex at a spot in Huron County on the day she vanished and rendered her unconscious, according to charging documents seen by ABC News.

open image in gallery Paul Hicks is facing three counts of murder and one count of kidnapping ( Huron County Jail )

Hicks dragged her through the mud before placing her in the passenger seat of the Camaro, it is further alleged. He is then accused of plowing the vehicle into the pond with the drivers side window fully down. Regina died from drowning.

According to the indictment, Hicks had filed for divorce the day after the victim went missing. Charging records filed on the day her body was recovered, and seen by ABC News, stated that the two had a violent, turbulent relationship.

Hicks reportedly had a previous run-in with the law. Clermont County Sheriffs Office alleged that Hicks coordinated a plot in 2015 to set his own house on fire and frame his ex-girlfriend as the culprit to claim insurance money.

He was indicted on multiple charges over the incident, ABC News reports, but later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor insurance fraud charge while aggravated arson charges were dismissed.

open image in gallery The victims family has been waiting decades for justice ( Ohio Attorney General's Office )

Reginas younger brother Chad Rowe told ABC News last year the family refused to give up on finding out what happened to their loved one.

It was like ripping a piece of your insides out, and you arent going to get that back, Rowe told the outlet in 2024.

And the victims mother, Lacella Holbrook, spent thousands of dollars over the years to find out what happened to her daughter, buying up newspaper adverts and plastering billboards with her photo, ABC added.

Huron County Prosecutors Office is leading the prosecution with the assistance of Yosts Special Prosecutions Section. Hicks is due back in court on May 19 for a pretrial hearing.
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The mass shooter who admitted to killing seven people and wounding dozens of others during a 2022 Illinois Independence Day parade in Highland Park has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Robert Crimo, 24, received seven life sentences for the killings and 50 years for 48 counts of attempted murder in the north Chicago suburb of Waukegan, Illinois.

This court has absolutely no words that could adequately describe and capture the horror and pain that was inflicted on July 4th, said Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti at the sentencing hearing.

She said Crimo, who wasnt present at the sentencing, is irretrievably depraved, permanently incorrigible, irreparably corrupt and beyond any rehabilitation."

Rossetti followed the requests of the prosecutors in handing down the sentence after hearing emotional testimony from survivors and the relatives of the murdered.

The proceedings have been marked by unpredictable behavior, including Thursday when Rossetti briefly paused the hearing because Crimo changed his mind and was being escorted to the hearing. However, his defense attorneys later said it was for an unrelated issue and he went back to his Lake County jail cell.

open image in gallery Robert Crimo was given seven life sentences for the mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, in July 2022 ( via REUTERS )

Crimo, who didnt put forward a statement to the court, will die in prison, public defender Gregory Ticsay said.

Shortly before jurors were set to report for opening statements last month, Crimo pleaded guilty.

Hes always known that he was facing life in prison, Ticsay added. He has spared this community the lengthy trial.

The dozens wounded include people in their 80s and an eight-year-old boy who was paralyzed from the waist down.

Those killed included Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and a married couple, Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35.

open image in gallery Seven people were killed in the shooting in Illinois, while others were left with life-changing injuries. ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Before his guilty plea, Crimo backed out of a plea deal, fired his public defenders, and went back on his decision to represent himself.

When he waived his right to a trial, he signed his name and that of President Donald Trump. The 24-year-old has skipped a number of hearings in the face of warnings from the judge that the case would go on without him.

Survivors called Crimo a coward for not being present at the hearing, while others said seeing him made them anxious. One person said they forgave him, pointing to their faith.

Liz Turnipseed was injured in the shooting and now uses a cane. She said Crimo skipping court was part of his antics and, I dont need to see his face. I know what he looks like.

open image in gallery A visitor prays at a memorial to the seven people killed and others injured in the Fourth of July mass shooting at the Highland Park War Memorial. ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Its unusual for defendants to skip their trials, particularly the sentencing stage, but they do have the right to be absent, according to former state appellate judge David Erickson.

Certainly in crimes of violence its not unusual for a defendant to show some remorse, he said.

In this case, however, both Rossetti and the prosecutors said Crimo didnt appear to show any remorse. Crimo was in full control of his actions during the shooting, when he fired 83 shots over the course of 40 seconds from the roof of a building near the parade route in downtown Highland Park, according to prosecutors.

Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart called the actions Crimos evil plan.

He intended to end the happiness that he saw around him, he added, referring to the gunman as merciless.

Prosecutors presented evidence that they had prepared in the event of a trial, such as footage from Crimos recorded confession. With a blank expression, slumped in a chair, Crimo said that he briefly reconsidered the attack as he fixed an issue with a firearm, but that he ultimately decided to move forward.

I walked up the stairs, jumped on the roof, and opened fire, he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
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A Texas mortuary worker has been accused of fraudulently obtaining copies of death certificates and dismembering corpses to conduct experiments.

Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui, 50, carried out the alleged crimes while employed at Capital Mortuary Services in north Austin, according to court documents. She turned herself in to Travis County Jail on April 18.

She has been charged with one count of state-jail felony abuse of corpse and five counts of second-degree felony tampering with governmental records with intent to defraud or harm.

It comes after the Austin Police Department was made aware of an investigation by the Texas Funeral Service Commission into Capital Mortuary Services, which was launched following a complaint from a former TFSC employee.

The employee claimed that Bui had fraudulently initiated and obtained at least 10 death certificates under his name, and that she had allegedly conducted experiments on corpses arms, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KXAN.

APD later discovered 128 cases where Bui had used the mans name to complete or amend death certificates.

According to KXAN, her alleged experiments involved injecting formaldehyde into the arms to see the effect it had over time on severed extremities.

Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui, a Texas mortuary worker has been accused of fraudulently obtaining copies of death certificates and dismembering corpses in order to conduct experiments. She has been charged with one count of state-jail felony abuse of corpse and five counts of second-degree felony tampering with governmental records with intent to defraud or harm ( Austin Police Department )

Police obtained screenshots from a work computer in December 2023, which appeared to show photos and updates on the experiments by Bui under a conversation thread titled Freedom Art Experiment.

The TFSC investigator stated that once Bui was finished with the limbs, she then allowed the severed body parts to be placed in the crematory retort, where the body parts in their dissected and disturbed state, would be cremated, KXAN reported.

On April 10, APD executed a search warrant at Capital Mortuary Services and officers spoke to Bui about the allegations.

According to KXAN, she admitted to using the former employees identity to submit death certificates without his consent.

She also admitted that she directed her employees to conduct experiments on bodies to study the effects of embalming fluid with and without formaldehyde, which included cutting heads, arms and spines from remains sent to her facility while acting in the licensed capacity as a mortuary, the outlet reported.

It was later revealed that Bui also worked with medical-training company MedtoMarket on the alleged experiments.

The CEO of MedtoMarket later told APD he knew Capital Mortuary was embalming arms to see how long they could preserve them and that such practices were common among medical schools. However, he denied any experimental testing.

In a statement to KXAN, MedtoMarket said it has become aware of certain allegations related to a mortuary MedtoMarket has contracted with in performing its important work and mission. MedtoMarket will cooperate with law enforcement and state regulatory officials as part of any investigation.

Buis lawyer, Jessica Huynh of Smith and Vinson Law Firm, said the case involves complexities that are not immediately apparent and should not be sensationalized. Our legal team remains fully committed to defending and advocating for our client with the expectation of fairness and due process, she said.

According to online court records, Bui is currently out on bond.
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The wife of a wrongly deported Salvadoran father living in Maryland was moved to a safe house after Donald Trumps administration posted a court document that included her address on social media.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Kilmar Abrego Garcias wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura said she began fearing for her safety and the safety of her three children after the Department of Homeland Security shared a protective order from 2021 that prominently featured her address to the departments 2.4 million followers on X.

I dont feel safe when the government posts my address, the house where my family lives, for everyone to see, especially when this case has gone viral and people have all sorts of opinions, she told The Washington Post. So, this is definitely a bit terrifying. Im scared for my kids.

A statement from DHS to The Independent said these are public documents that anyone could get access to.

After a series of court rulings criticized the administration for failing to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the United States from prisons in El Salvador, the White House and administration officials have sought to justify his detention by publicly introducing allegations of criminality against him, none of which have been submitted in court.

Kilmar Abrego Garcias wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura says she moved to a safe house after the Department of Homeland Security posted her address on X ( AP )

Democratic officials and advocates argue Abrego Garcia was denied due process to fight such claims in court after the administration defied a 2019 court order that blocked his removal from the United States for humanitarian reasons. The government has instead tried to argue that allegations against Abrego Garcia are enough to deport him. He was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and swiftly deported to El Salvador on March 15.

The administration has characterized Abrego Garcia as a violent MS-13 gang member involved in human trafficking. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller labeled him a woman beater.

Officials have pointed to a protective order filed by Vasquez Sura in 2021 after her husband struck her in a car. Vasquez Sura dissolved the order a month later.

She has acknowledged difficulties in their relationship, largely due to financial stress, raising special needs children, and Abrego Garcias 2019 arrest by immigration authorities, according to The Washington Post.

That pressure boiled over during an argument in 2021.

Vasquez Sura said it was an isolated incident she attributed to the strain of his immigration detention and being a parent without steady work.

She said in a statement earlier this month that the incident does not justify federal agents abducting him and deporting him to a country where he was supposed to be protected from deportation.

Look, Kilmar is not perfect  nobody is, she told The Washington Post. Day by day, you grow. Every day, you learn. And he was trying his best for me, for our kids, for our future.

The Independent has requested comment from DHS.
This weeks Bulls N Bears ASX Runner of the Week is copper exploration company Redstone Resources. The company saw its share price surge on Wednesday after it announced a biblically deep drill hole at its West Musgraves project in Western Australia to test the source of its high-grade Tollu copper deposit.

The company believes the high-grade copper at Tollu is remobilised from a Voiseys Bay-style magmatic massive sulphide deposit. This seems like a highly prospective analogue, particularly considering Tollu is just 60 kilometres from BHPs $2 billion West Musgraves project and its Nebo-Babel and Succoth magmatic deposits.

Redstones announcement of a 1200m deep hole sent the companys share price flying on Wednesday, finishing up at 0.6 cents per share from a close of 0.35c per share last week.

The region has become a major metallogenic province near the intersection of the borders between WA, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

It recently emerged as a new mining hub, following BHPs takeover of OZ Minerals in 2022.

The worlds biggest miner has been busy building all the infrastructure for the once-isolated region, in the process creating a potential boon for juniors looking to piggyback off it with their own discovery.

The potentially company-making hole will test below existing drill hits at Redstones Chatsworth prospect, including a 5m hit running 1.46 per cent copper from 61m and a higher-grade 10m intercept coming in at an impressive 3.4 per cent copper from 427m.

If the hole turns up a Voiseys Bay-style nickel-copper discovery, neighbouring BHP would be all over Redstone like a rash.

ANTERIS TECHNOLOGIES GLOBAL CORP (ASX: AVR)

up 71.3% ($4.58  $7.85)

Losing by a nose on this weeks Runners list is Anteris Technologies Global, which flew late in the week on no news to the market. Surprisingly, the company did not receive a speeding ticket from the good people in ASX land.

Maybe they noticed a $9 price target issued by the US-based securities research team at Cantor Fitzgerald, following Anteris 100-patient milestone for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis late last month?

Anteris says it is a leader in structural heart solutions. The company recently topped 100 uses of its DurAVR transcatheter heart valve, which is used to treat aortic stenosis - a severe form of heart disease which restricts or blocks blood flow.

The companys share price ran up across the week, topping at $7.85 per share on more than $500,000 of shares changing hands. Please note: dollar signs are not usually seen in our Runners column.

Anteris says its replacement heart valve has been deployed across a wide range of cases and diverse patient groups and has demonstrated an exceptional safety profile, with no valve or cardiovascular-related deaths reported within the first year of use.

Anteris is the first biomimetic heart valve of its kind and is constructed using the companys patented ADAPT tissue, a single-piece, anti-calcification technology cleared by the US Federal Drugs Administration (FDA). The technology has been used in more than 55,000 patients globally.

The company says it remains on track to initiate its pivotal DurAVR valve trial in the second half of the year, pending FDA approval, marking a major step towards becoming a first-in-class solution in the structural heart market. One thing is for sure - cardiologists care about first-in-class and will take note.

Jindalee Lithiums flagship McDermitt project in Oregon, in the United States, has been added to the Trump administrations FAST-41 faster permitting framework due to its strategic importance.

JINDALEE LITHIUM LTD (ASX: JLL)

Up 65% (25.5c  42c)

Jindalee Lithium started the week in style, shooting out of the blocks thanks to the Trump administrations inclusion of its flagship McDermitt Lithium project in Oregon to the incoming US FAST-41 permitting framework.

The companys inclusion in FAST-41 earned it a bronze medal on Bulls N Bears Runners of the week.

The FAST-41 initiative is set up to streamline and improve project coordination, predictability and transparency of federal permitting for critical minerals projects deemed to be of national strategic importance.

Jindalees share price peaked at a high of 42c and was up 65 per cent on more than $1 million of paper traded on Tuesday, before it settled down considerably to finish the short trading week.

The McDermitt deposit was designated a transparency project under the FAST-41 framework because it has one of the biggest contained lithium resources nationally. It was one of an initial 10 resource projects nationally listed in FAST-41 in a White House announcement earlier this week.

The company says its 21.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent, within shallow hosted mineralisation, is uniquely placed to provide lithium chemicals to the American automotive industry.

Management has submitted a simultaneous application to the US Department of Defence for a grant to co-fund a feasibility study at McDermitt. The company expects to receive word of any award decision by mid-year.

Jindalee has seen its struggles of late in a depressed lithium market, however. Given the need for domestically sourced lithium is a priority for the Trump administration, any developments in this space could seriously contribute to McDermitt becoming a producing lithium mine.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
Finland is a country that punches well above its weight. The northern European nation is less than half the size of NSW, has a population of just 5.6 million people, and surprised the world  including many of its citizens  when it was first named the happiest country on Earth in 2018.

Last month, Finland held onto the title for an unprecedented eighth year in a row, according to the World Happiness Report  a list published annually by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, an initiative of the United Nations and Gallup research.

Finland: beautiful, serene, and a little bit boring. Credit: Getty Images

Every year, 100,000 people are asked how satisfied they are with their lives to compare differences in personal and national happiness. This year, Australia fell one place to be ranked 11th in the world.

As part of research for my latest book, Work Backwards, I spent almost a month travelling around Finland to try to get to the bottom of why theyve risen to the top of the happiness charts and stayed there.
Prince Louis was filmed leaping off a log and pressing his face up against the camera during his seventh birthday portrait shoot.

Prince Louis poses for a portrait on his seventh birthday. Credit: Josh Shinner

The young prince, who turned seven on Wednesday, suggested to photographer Josh Shinner: I can jump down from here, gesturing to a fallen tree.

In the 20-second video montage, Louis occasionally glanced directly at the camera to offer a cheeky, gap-toothed smile and at one point shrugged his shoulders with a shy grin.

After leaping off the fallen tree trunk, he landed with both feet, using one hand to steady himself on the ground before standing up proudly and smiling for the camera.
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Eating outHot & new The best Ive had outside Cornwall: The Melbourne bakery reviving proper Cornish pasties Theres nothing Cornish about a pasty with minced beef or  heaven forbid  peas and carrots, according to the purists. Bobbys Bakery is luring Brits with its real-deal Cornish pasties, a rare sight in Melbourne. Tomas Telegramma April 25, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in the May 2025 hit list. See all stories .

If youve ever had a Cornish pasty in Melbourne, chances are it wasnt a proper one. But the real-deal became easier to find last November when Bobbys Bakery opened in North Melbourne. Run by the British-born Sam Iversen, whose mum is from Cornwall, its one of the few bakeries in Victoria obeying the letter of the law in its pasty production. That law is laid down by the Cornish Pasty Association, which was formed in 2002 to champion and protect the authenticity and distinctiveness of the genuine Cornish pasty. At Bobbys, Sam Iversen has tried to honour the pasties he remembers eating in Cornwall. Chris Hopkins Iversen, a proud purist, taught himself to bake them using the Associations recipe. I wanted them to be as close as possible to what I was having in Cornwall, he says. The pasty originated about 700 years ago in England before evolving into the crimp-edged Cornish pasty popular in the countrys south-west that was later taken around the world by emigrating miners. Today in the UK, a geographical indication (or GI) stops imposter pasties not made in accordance with strict stipulations  such as lard in the pastry and cubed beef skirt in the filling  being passed off as the real deal outside of Cornwall.

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Cornish pasties at Bobbys include beef skirt, swede, potato and onion. Chris Hopkins But that legal protection doesnt apply in Australia, where bakeries are free to slap the name on any old pasty. It has led to a lot of bastardisation, says leading baker Michael James, who grew up in Cornwall before settling in Melbourne, co-founding the respected Tivoli Road Bakery, which he sold in 2018. No one really does [Cornish pasties] right, here, he says. Theres lots of mince, which is wrong. And peas and carrots, which arent right either. In his Tivoli Road Bakery days, James made Cornish pasties the old-fashioned way. He approved of those that Meatsmith, Andrew McConnells butcher shop, used to sell. And beyond city limits, Gippsland bakery Salt Organics also does things traditionally.

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At Iversens Dryburgh Street bakery, the pastys popularity speaks for itself. Oh, Jesus, Iversen says out of nowhere on a recent Friday, noticing that a full tray of pasties is suddenly empty. Someones just bought 12 of them. We need to bake some more! Bobbys pasties attract homesick Brits who will buy up big. Chris Hopkins We see a few people doing that, he adds. They come in, buy a shitload and bring them to their friends ... Brits get super excited to get a pasty like theyd get back home. One of those people is Alex Maddern, a Cornwall native who now lives in the Dandenong Ranges, from where hes travelled several times to secure the (baked) goods from Bobbys. He buys not only for himself, but for neighbours too, who leave him with orders.

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Theyre from a little-known part of the world. I just wanted to give them a bit of respect. Baker Sam Iversen of Bobbys Bakery Maddern has long been frustrated by the lack of true-to-tradition Cornish pasties in Australia. But the Bobbys version hooked him instantly. It was absolutely perfect, he says. Its the best Ive had outside Cornwall. The secret is animal fat. At first, Iversen used lard that he rendered himself. But that was too laborious, so he traded it for beef suet (the fat from around the cows kidneys and loins), minced by a local butcher. Related Article Feels like a country town: The inner-city enclave luring Melbournes best bakers and bar owners Unlike a lot of flaky or puff pastries that you see for pies and sausage rolls, you actually mix the dough quite a lot because you need the elasticity to be able to crimp it up and have it stay without tearing, says Iversen. Its more a dough than a pastry.

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The thick, burnished-bottomed pastry is certainly sturdy, but a pleasant flake factor remains, even on the crimp. And the flavour? Deeply savoury and satisfyingly salty. Michael James with his pies at Tivoli Road Bakery in 2013. Eddie Jim James knows not to judge a book by its cover, though. Ive seen some good-looking [pasties] that have horrible, mushy insides, he says. Im looking for some juiciness  some gravy  from the beef, texture from the vegies and a bit of spice from the pepper. Iversens Cornish pasty ticks all those boxes. The filling starts with high-quality beef skirt, cubed and generously seasoned with salt and black pepper. Vegetable-wise, Iversen uses only potato, swede and onion  a Cornish Pasty Association requirement. Veg and beef hit the pastry raw, with a knob of butter. You want almost a pressure-cooker situation in the oven, says James.

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Done right, Cornish pasties are downright delicious, but theyve struggled to crack the mainstream. Maybe people dont get them because theres not much around, or its not the right kind of weather for it [in Australia], says James. But could Bobbys where, in just a few months, theyve become an unlikely signature, turn the tide? Who knows, it could be the next crazy trend, says Maddern. I was legit worried when we opened, Iversen says. I didnt want to call them Cornish pasties because I thought Id get in trouble ... and I didnt know how they would go. But going back to his roots  and respecting those of the humble Cornish pasty  is paying off. Theyre from a little-known part of the world, Iversen says. I just wanted to give them a bit of respect.

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Politics was the last thing on Catherine Buck and Joel Morgans minds when they locked in May 3 as their wedding date just over a year ago. They had found the perfect venue in Sorrento on Port Phillip Bay near Melbourne, and were excited about their autumn nuptials.

But just over a month before their ceremony, their big days date was overshadowed. After hours upon hours of planning and a few hefty non-refundable deposits, there was no way around it  the couple would announce their commitment to each other while the nation committed to its leaders.

Having a wedding the same day as the federal election? Catherine Buck and Joel Morgan arent worried. Credit: Simon Schluter

For some, sharing the date with the federal election could have spelt disaster. Can family members put political disagreements aside? Will guests be distracted? Can everyone vote and make it to the wedding on time? But for Buck and Morgan, who are more or less on the same political page, it was nothing to panic about.

The election is obviously very important, but were only getting married once, Buck says. So, it will be on our minds, but we wont be completely obsessed with it.
A Sydney aged carer allegedly recorded herself sexually abusing numerous patients in a Sydney nursing home and shared the videos with her partner, before the pair were both arrested by police.

Tracy Leah Salmon, 47, worked at Carrington Care on Sydneys south-west fringe.

Tracy Salmon allegedly filmed herself sexually abusing elderly patients at a care home and sent the videos to her partner, Troy Campbell, before both were arrested. Credit: Facebook

Salmon had posted happy snaps with members of staff, in her work uniform, but sex crime detectives were quietly picking through her phone under a secretive strike force known as Saddleworth.

Saddleworth detectives found videos depicting sexual abuse being carried out against elderly patients at an aged care facility in Grasmere, where she was employed, NSW Police said in a statement on Thursday evening.
The estate of former Queensland rich-lister Keith Lloyd can finally be settled after a court ruled that an ex-partner had already been paid out and was not entitled to another $1 million from the sale of his luxury properties and superyacht.

Lloyd died in November 2023, aged 85, and was survived by children and grandchildren from his first marriage to ex-wife, Meta.

He left an estate that included his Kangaroo Point home  around the river bend from his former pink mansion at Norman Park  and Mistress, a 46-metre Italian-built superyacht, moored on the Gold Coast.

Queensland businessman Keith Lloyd died in 2023, leaving an estate that included a Gold Coast condominium, Brisbane apartment, and a 46-metre superyacht called Mistress. Credit: Monique Westermann

A former shipbuilder and businessman, Lloyd founded Shafston International College in Brisbane but resigned all positions in 2004 amid accusations of sexual impropriety involving students. No charges were laid.
Monash IVF has been ordered to explain why it failed to raise the alarm with shareholders about an embryo mix-up that resulted in a Queensland woman giving birth to a strangers baby and its share price plummeting.

The fertility giant has also revealed it waited a week to inform fertility industry regulators about the error and three weeks to commission an independent investigation.

Monash IVF has blamed human error for the incident. Credit: Getty Images

The ASX wrote to Monash IVF Group (MVF) last week demanding to know why it withheld notice of the bungle to the market for two months, warning that a failure to respond to its please explain would probably lead to suspension in trading of its stock.

When news of the mix-up broke on April 11, Monash IVFs share price plunged from $1.08 to 69.
There has been unease expressed by the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) about many of the provisions in Zambia's new Cyber Security Act, which recently became law.

In a lengthy statement reviewing the progress of the law to date, it pointed out that, in December 2024, it had expressed serious concern that certain provisions of the proposed legislation risked undermining fundamental rights, such as the right to privacy and freedom of expression.

While it welcomed the resulting consultative process, it said that process fell short of meaningfully addressing the numerous concerns of stakeholders, including those expressed by LAZ.

Indeed, it says numerous provisions of the Act, which is now law, infringe upon the rights and freedoms of citizens, hinder a free press and have the potential to undermine the cherished democracy in our country.

People who are said to have offended against the provisions (there are quite a few) of this law may face fines or even imprisonment for a number of offences. In addition, as the ITWeb Africa news service explains, the law allows the interception and surveillance of all electronic communications, including calls, emails, messages and streamed content.

Spuki Mulemwa, Western Province coordinator for the ruling party, describes the Cyber Security Act as a progressive and necessary law to protect citizens from what he calls wanton cyberattacks by disgruntled elements that are sponsored by some sections of society and politicians agitating for regime change.

However, the legal community is not alone in worrying that the new law defines critical information and potential crimes in very broad terms, allowing a subjective assessment of some offences, with huge potential by the State to use the provisions to stifle dissent or opposing views, as LAZ puts it.

There is also no exemption made for the press to freely disseminate computer data relating to matters of public safety, public health, economic stability, national security, international stability and sustainability.

Another problem is the localisation of the Zambia Cyber Security Agency in the Office of the President, operating at the general direction of President Hakainde Hichilema, as opposed to an independent institution. This raises serious issues relating to governance and oversight.

The fear overall appears to be that cybersecurity may be used as a tool for political control rather than national protection. Therefore LAZ says it will petition the High Court to review the constitutionality of the provisions which, it says, infringe on the rights and freedoms of citizens and a free press.

The BBC says the act was signed into law by President Hakainde Hichilema on 8 April with very little publicity. In fact, it adds, the first many Zambians knew about it was when the US embassy posted an alert on Facebook telling its citizens to be wary of a new "intrusive" cybersecurity law.
There was dread in Labors huddled ranks that the weeks of forced hesitation would erode Labors chances of gaining sorely needed lift-off from the interest-rate reduction announced by the Reserve Bank in mid-February. Worse, the postponement meant the government would have to host a budget it did not want to deliver. It could only herald a sea of red running into the hazy distance, guaranteeing the taunt that Labor cant handle the economy. Instead, the forced interregnum allowed weeks for a witchs brew to begin bubbling  one that would turn close to toxic for the surging Dutton. Predominant among the ingredients was Donald Trump. It is strange now to recall that Trumps latest elevation to the US presidency at the start of this year was thought, at least by some conservatives, to bestow a sort of blessing upon Dutton and his agenda.

The stance against woke culture, the plan to take an axe to the public service, the talk of deporting dual citizens; these, it was said quietly, blended handily with the sort of approach that had reunited Trump with the worlds most powerful job. Dutton got so carried away that he spoke of Trump as shrewd after the president proposed turning the ruins of war-shredded Gaza into a Riviera-style Middle Eastern playground. The Trump factor has weighed heavily on Peter Dutton. Credit: AP Its worth recalling Duttons words of the time, for you will never hear them from any sensible mouth again: People who dismiss President Trump and say that hes not serious or whatever derogatory comments they want to make, I just think it defies the reality of the gravitas he brings to the situation. Time passed, Trumps name became more poisonous daily, and Dutton, as the campaign finally got under way and Trump blew up the worlds trading and economic systems, was hoist with his own petard.

We dont need to examine this in much greater detail. It has already become the stuff of numerous columns. Meanwhile, the budget so feared by shaky Labor strategists turned out to be not much more than a ho-hum event, with  surprise, surprise  slim tax cuts getting the headlines. Much of it was forgotten in days. Any hope Dutton might have had in gaining traction with his budget-in-reply  resting on that old standby, tax relief on fuel for a year  stalled when Albanese called the election the following morning. The Liberal campaign was caught in neutral. Mysteriously, it took Dutton a whole week to find himself in proximity to a petrol bowser, where he might have been able to get pedalling by spruiking his promise to reduce fuel prices by 25 a litre for a year. When he finally got to the fuel pumps, the novelty wore off as fast as the campaign was sprinting away from him.

If lucks a fortune in politics, momentum is the holy grail in election campaigns. After the Cyclone Alfred pause and the subsequent later date for the election gave time for the Trump dump to begin turning voters sour on the Liberals, according to polls and bookies, Dutton desperately needed to find momentum from somewhere. Momentum in a five-week campaign is always in short supply. Peter Dutton campaigning in compulsory high-vis. Credit: James Brickwood Those with memories recalled Malcolm Frasers decision to briefly suspend campaigning in 1983 after the Ash Wednesday bushfires. He never regained whatever momentum he might have had, and soon Bob Hawke was prime minister.

Three weeks after Albanese and Dutton began touring the nation in their compulsory high-vis jackets, Easter arrived, clogging the roads with families escaping hearth, home and electioneering doorknockers. Loading The campaign was suspended to allow the leaders to prove their God-fearing credentials. By Easter Monday, with combat renewed, Dutton proved mad keen to regain momentum by announcing that crime was so bad down south, Victorians were afraid to go to the shops. And then word came that the Pope had ended his earthly duties.

Albanese, a Catholic of Italian heritage, was off to Mass on Tuesday morning, announcing, with Duttons concurrence, that the campaign should pause for the day. Dutton, who has said he identifies with the Catholic Church, went to Mass too. Loading The mourning period gave them time to prepare for the evenings third televised debate of the campaign. Two of the three journalists asking the questions thought they detected a pulse  Dutton and Albanese briefly abandoned their recitations of talking points to call each other liars  and gave the event, possibly out of pity, to Dutton. Our astute political editor, David Crowe, called it a draw, politely avoiding scoring it nil-all.
Public research university and technical institute the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT B) has signed an agreement with telecom infrastructure firm Indus Towers for research initiatives in sustainable energy.

The research will primarily focus on solar power generation and energy storage.

The first initiative will be an effort to develop perovskite (a crystalline material) solar cell technology that might overcome the limitations of conventional silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells.

The aim is to achieve higher efficiency without increasing cell cost. This technology has extensive applications in both terrestrial and space-based solar systems.

The second initiative under this collaboration will aim to develop a scalable method to convert rice straw, an abundant agricultural residue, into what are called doped hard carbon materials.

These materials, when deployed as anodes or additives in sodium-ion batteries, could offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion technology.

Theres an obvious benefit in limiting the environmental hazards of stubble burning but there may also be a chance to strengthen the country's clean energy ecosystem by utilising indigenous, eco-friendly resources.

This isnt the first green initative involving Indus Towers. In 2024 we reported that NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), a division of Indian state-owned power giant NTPC, had signed an initial pact with Indus Towers, related to the need to pursue green energy objectives and support for the government's efforts towards a carbon-neutral economy.

That memorandum of understanding (MoU) was related to exploring joint development of grid-connected renewable energy-based power projects including solar, wind, energy storage and related solutions.
Ambazari Flood PIL: High Court blasts Irrigation Deptt, NMC





Staff Reporter :

The High Court directs Divisional Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner and Executive Director of the Irrigation Department to appear in person at 10.30 am on Thursday

The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court has strongly criticised the Irrigation Department and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for their failure to install gates at the Ambazari Lake spillway, which is crucial for controlling floods in the city. The comments were made during a hearing, on Wednesday, by Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi. The PIL is linked to the devastating floods that occurred in September 2023 due to heavy rains and water overflow from Ambazari Lake. Many citizens were affected, and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by flood victims seeking answers and action from the authorities.

During the court hearing, the Irrigation Department informed the judges that they had proposed building four radial gates at Ambazari Lake to help release up to 75 cubic meters of water. However, their efforts to start the project failed as they could not find a contractor even after inviting tenders twice. The court was not satisfied with this explanation. Justice Sambre questioned the departments seriousness and verbally said, You are not sensitive about the lives of citizens. The judges were visibly upset and criticized the way the government departments were handling the issue. Adding to the concern, the petitioners lawyer, Advocate Tushar Mandlekar, informed the court that illegal structures along the Naag River had still not been removed, despite a High Court order issued on January 17.

He showed photographs to the court that clearly displayed how the flow of the river was being blocked at several points, especially near Mokshadham. The court then questioned the responsible departments about their failure to act on the previous orders. Justice Sambre and Justice Joshi ordered that the Divisional Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, and Executive Director of the Irrigation Department must appear in court in person at 10.30 am on Thursday. They must also present affidavits showing what steps have been taken to follow the courts orders. This strong reaction from the High Court comes after repeated delays and inaction by the administration, even after the Ambazari floods. Adv Tushar Mandlekar represented the petitioners.
First time in 35 years Entire Kashmir shuts down in protest





People protest against Pahalgam terror attack in Srinagar on Wednesday. (PTI)

SRINAGAR :

Kashmir Valley observed a shutdown against a terror attack for the first time in 35 years on Wednesday as organisations from all walks of life supported the bandh call to protest the killings in Pahalgam tourist resort, officials said. Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others. Security has been beefed up across the Valley, especially at vital tourist spots. Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments were shut in Srinagar, the officials said. They said, only shops dealing in essential commodities were open across the city. Public transport was also sparse, but private vehicles were plying normally, they added. Private schools were also shut across the Valley, but government schools were open, the officials said.

The effect of the shutdown was also witnessed in the other district headquarters of the Valley, they said. Peaceful protests were also held at several places in the Valley, with the protesters denouncing the attack. They called for stopping the killing of innocent people. Several political parties, socio-religious organisation, trade bodies, and civil society groups called for a shutdown in Kashmir to protest against the attack in Baisaran meadows of the Pahalgam resort in south Kashmirs Anantnag district. The ruling National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference, and Apni Party were among the political outfits that supported the shutdown to protest the attack. Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU) -- an amalgam of several religious bodies -- which is headed by Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq -- appealed to the people of J-K to protest the heinous crime by marking a shutdown on Wednesday.

The Islamic fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir through Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU) in support and solidarity with the bereaved families of those killed appeal to people of Jammu Kashmir to peacefully protest this heinous crime tomorrow by a shutdown, Mirwaiz said. Kashmirs trade and tourism bodies, including Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, had also called for a shutdown. As a mark of respect and solidarity with the victims and their families, the Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) announced the closure of all private schools across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The Kashmir University has postponed all examinations scheduled on Wednesday. Security has been beefed up across the Kashmir Valley, the officials said. They said, security personnel were deployed in strength at vital installations, important tourist spots and the entry and exit points of the city as well as other districts. Check-points have been established at several places in the city as well as other districts, they said. Security forces were conducting checking and frisking of vehicles and people at several places, they added.

The forces were maintaining a strong vigil at the famous tourist places and establishments, the officials said. Security forces were conducting a massive search operation in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam to nab the attackers, the officials said. Additional forces have been deployed at the tourist resort a day after the attack. Several parts of Jammu region also observed a complete shutdown on Wednesday. Besides Jammu city, shutdown was observed in Reasi, Udhampur, Katra, Kathua, and Samba. Protests were held in several parts of Jammu city, with many protesters raising anti-Pakistan slogans. We want a befitting reply to Pakistan on the pattern of surgical strikes to destroy terror bases there. We want terrorists and their supporters in J-K to be eliminated, senior BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi told reporters here. He further said Pakistan will never end support to terrorism and that strict action should be taken. We want to avenge the killings. Security forces should take revenge, another BJP leader Rajesh Gupta said.
FSA team conducts inspection, collects food samples from different eateries





Staff Reporter :

Following the instructions of Commissioner, Food Safety Madhya Pradesh and Collector, the team of Food Safety Administration conducted an inspection and collected samples from different eateries located at Garha, Gulaua Chowk, Tilhari, Ekta Market and Sadar Chowpatty. The team members collected samples of paneer, chickpeas, maida, gram flour, burger from Gul Paratha and Snacks Center Tilhari, Kulhad Chai and Bakery, Yadav Juice Center and ice cream from Subhan Cakes Bakers Ice Cream located at Sadar Chowpatty, Noodles Momos Center and Kolkata Corner, gram flour sev and Pani Puri water from Mayank Chaat Center Sadar, namkeen from Samrat Chaat, phulki water from Shri Sai Chaat Center, paneer from Manish Dosa Center.

It may be mentioned that in view of the ongoing scorching summer, instructions were issued to take special hygiene related precautions in food production and sale. On the spot, food safety officers provided training to all street food vendors and junk food stalls owners of the area under Schedule 4 of food safety and directed them to display food safety display boards. Food Safety Officer Pankaj Srivastava said that the Food Safety Administration Jabalpur is continuously taking action against junk food, street and fast food.

In case, the foods are being prepared in an unhygienic condition in the stalls, or the license is not displayed, or the food safety display board is not displayed, then the case will be presented in the court. All food samples are being sent to the State Food Laboratory in Bhopal for testing. If the food samples are found to be substandard in the test, then strict action will be taken against the guilty persons and the case will be presented in the court as per the rules under the Food Safety Act.
Hit back hard





THE Pahalgam terror strike targetting tourists should be treated as the last straw on the camels back. The Government should now live by its own promise that the perpetrators of the crime would be made to pay for their sin. But this must happen immediately -- possibly in the next couple of days in the most merciless manner. If the Government fails to comply with this, then it will prove itself as incompetent. In the past few days, Kashmir is witnessing increased terrorist activity -- keeping the Security Forces continually engaged in counter-terrorism operations. In the process, the country has lost a few brave-hearts who laid their lives down for the honour of the motherland.

To keep their pledge intact and honour upheld, the Government must now act with utmost urgency it can command in the given situation. For, now is the time to act decisively and with a clear and stated intent of meting out to terror mechanism a punishment that its masterminds would never forget. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has done well to cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah, too, has moved to Kashmir to oversee the counter-operations personally and take last-minute quick decisions in favour of elimination of terror in every possible nook and corner not just in Kashmir but also elsewhere -- so that the terror outfits learn a lesson of their lifetime. This is one situation that should be treated as a provocation to wage a war against Indias enemies.

The modus operandi adopted by the terror outfit is most damning. Its terrorists have chosen to target unsuspecting tourists who were enjoying the Kashmir summer. There were approximately 5,000 men, women and children in the tourist spot at the time of attack. Everything was going on with the happy spirit of vacation and mental and physical rejuvenation. Then suddenly, terrorists appeared on the scene, asking the tourists their identities -- only to ascertain who they should target. Having done that, they then opened fire on unsuspecting, innocent tourists 26 among whom lay dead and several others seriously injured. In other words, the terrorists zeroed in on chosen human targets. There can be nothing more dastardly than this. Hence now the need for the Government to take a firm, no-nonsense decision and hit back the hardest at the terrorists holed up as different people.

There is every reason for the common people -- of India and the world -- to believe that the Government (of India) means business at least this time and would teach the terror masterminds and their political masters across the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) a lesson they would never forget, or never want to keep in memory. In fact, the Indian Security Forces should have crossed the LoC or the International Border by the midnight of April 22 and scalps of dozens of Pakistani operatives and terror. In the past, they have acted tough and avenged their drubbing at the hands of the Pakistanis on a few occasions -- the most prominent among those strike-backs being the counter-attack on Pulwama, and the second being the airstrikes at Balakot in Pakistan. Those two strikes unnerved Pakistan to no end. Now also, similar concrete measures are called for in the current situation as well. The world has now realised afresh how Pakistan shields the terrorists. That is the reason why a majority of countries around the globe have supported India and have expressed a sentiment that suggests an immediate and hard hit-back by Indian Security Forces. This should have been done at the midnight of April 22-23, 2025. Such an attack would have earned a global appreciation for Indias guts and power.
HORROR IN VALLEY 194 from distt stranded in J&K





Condemning the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad staged a protest at Badkas Chowk in Mahal, on Wednesday. (More reports on page 8) (Pic by Anil Futane)

Staff Reporter :

District Administration issues helpline numbers n Collectorate makes contact, all safe

The dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam has left the world shocked. Jammu & Kashmir had become a hot favourite among tourists in recent years and its popular spots would remain choc-o-bloc with tourists during peak summer season. When the attack took place on Tuesday, hundreds of people from Vidarbha, including 194 from Nagpur district, were also holidaying in Kashmir. What followed was frantic calls from family and friends to ensure that they were safe. Fortunately, they are safe and shall return to their hometowns soon. Nagpur District Collectorate, on Wednesday, issued a list of 194 tourists from Nagpur district, who are now in different parts of Jammu & Kashmir and trying to come back to their home town.

The Collectorate also confirmed that no casualty was reported among those from the district in this terrorist attack. The administration also issued a 24x7 helpline number -- 0712-2562668, 8860018817 -- for family members of stranded tourists who can contact to get details about their people. As per the information, district administration has been contacted by 220 tourists of the district so far. It was also confirmed that most of the tourists are stranded in Srinagar whereas some are in Jammu and other parts of J&K.

District administration is helping 24x7 to the families here and the tourists who want any assistance from the State Government for their safe return to the city. During the time of the attack, a Nagpur-based family was present in the affected area. Reacting to the sound of gunfire, the family attempted to flee by jumping down a hillside. In the process, one of the members of the family, Simran Rupchandnani sustained minor injuries after slipping. Fortunately, all three members of the family are now confirmed to be safe.

The district administration remains in close co-ordination with authorities in Kashmir to ensure the continued safety of Nagpur tourists and is actively monitoring the situation. Deshmukh talks to Katol families in Srinagar Anil Deshmukh, former Home Minister of Maharashtra, talked with two families of Katol who were present few kilometres away the spot where the Pahalgam terror attack took place. Deshmukh took the stock of their status and assured to provide all help they require in Kashmir. Deshbhratar and Waghmare families of Katol are safe and staying in their hotel in Kashmir. Both families confimed that they wee few kilometres away from the site when the terrorist attack took place.

Narrow escape for citys Rupchandani family

Tilak, Simran and Garv Rupchandani, residents of Dayanand Park in Jaripatka area of the city, poured out their harrowing experience which they encountered during the terrorist attack with The Hitavada on Wednesday. The family was in Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir where the terror attack took place. They just came out of the tourist spot when they suddenly noticed the gun shots which triggered panic among the tourists. Simran Rupchandani, with her husband and son, started running away from the site and suddenly, she fell and suffered a fracture on her leg in the chaos. Recounting the terrifying ordeal, Simran said, they were about to leave the valley when sudden gunshots shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
India mourns Bharat will not bend to terror, says Shah





NEW DELHI :

NIA team reaches Pahalgam, visits attack site

FOLLOWING the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on tourists; entire country along with families, friends and neighbours of the victims mourned their loss, and strongly condemned the attack. Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid wreaths on the bodies of 26 people killed in the attack and assured the survivors that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be brought to justice, officials said. Shah laid the wreaths on the coffins of the victims of the terror attack at the Police Control Room in Srinagar. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also paid their tributes to the victims, the officials said. The Home Minister later interacted with families of the slain persons and other survivors of the attack. He assured them that the Security Forces would leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators of the deadly attack to the book, the officials said. Earlier, the bodies of victims killed in the gruesome terror attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam on Tuesday were brought here.

The Home Minister later asserted that the country will not bend to terror and that those responsible for the killing of tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir will not be spared. After laying wreaths on the bodies of those killed in the terror attack, he said on X, With a heavy heart, paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared, he said. Shah also visited Baisaran meadows, the scene of gruesome killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam. Shah reached the Baisaran meadows in a helicopter and was given a briefing by security officials. The home minister was told about the sequence of events and the possible routes the terrorists took to reach the popular tourist spot, which is surrounded by thick pine forests, sources said. Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Nalin Prabhat and GoC of the Armys 15 Corps Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava were among the senior officers who were present at the site, which is around 110 km from Srinagar. Shah also took an aerial view of the area.

Later, in another post, the Home Minister said every Indian feels the pain of those who lost their loved ones in the terrorist attack and that words cannot express this sadness. I assure all these families and the whole country that these terrorists killing innocent people will not be spared, he said. Shah arrived in Srinagar within hours of the attack on Tuesday night and was briefed about the situation by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat. The Home Minister also chaired a security review meeting, which was also attended by the Lieutenant Governor.

NIA TEAM REACHES TERROR-HIT PAHALGAM: A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) led by an Inspector General on Wednesday reached terror-hit Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said. The team would provide assistance to the local police probing Tuesdays dastardly terrorist attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists from different parts of the country, were killed in cold blood, the sources said. The anti-terror agencys team visited the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, the spot of Tuesdays deadly terrorist strike, they said. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Kashmir papers protest with Black Front Pages





SRINAGAR :

SEVERAL prominent newspapers in Kashmir on Wednesday printed their front pages black to protest the brutal terrorist attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead in the Pahalgam hill resort the previous day. The striking act of protest by the newspapers, each bearing powerful headlines in white or red, was a powerful public display of solidarity and grief, symbolising the collective sorrow felt by the residents and the media over the inhuman act. The change in format by leading English and Urdu dailies, including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab and Taimeel Irshad, serves as a stark reminder of the violence that has plagued the region for decades. Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving, screamed the headline of leading English daily Greater Kashmir in white on a black layout, followed by the subhead 26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in red.

The papers front-page editorial with the headline The massacre in the meadow - Protect Kashmirs soul said the attack has cast a dark shadow over J&K, a region striving to reclaim its legacy as a Paradise on Earth. This heinous act is not merely an assault on innocent lives but a deliberate blow to Kashmirs identity and values -- its hospitality, its economy, and its fragile peace. Kashmirs soul stands in unequivocal condemnation of this brutality and offers heartfelt condolences to the victims families, who sought beauty but found tragedy, the editorial said.

Highlighting the fact that terrorists could strike a high-traffic tourist spot, accessible only by foot or pony, signals a need for sharper Intelligence and tighter coordination among agencies, the paper called for proactive measures -- enhanced vigilance, community engagement, and uprooting terrorism -- which are imperative to prevent such horrors from recurring. Kashmirs people have endured violence for too long, yet their spirit remains unbroken. This attack must not sow division but unite us in defiance of terror. We urge all -- government, security forces, civil society, and citizens -- to forge a collective front. Only through unwavering resolve can we protect our lands future, ensuring that Pahalgams meadows echo with laughter, not gunfire, and that Kashmir remains a beacon of peace and prosperity, the editorial said.
Mah Govt announces Rs 5 lakh aid for families of six victims from State





MUMBAI ;

MAHARASHTRA Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said six of the 26 people gunned down by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam town hailed from the State and their bodies are being brought back. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased hailing from the state. Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, said he has deputed ministers to oversee the arrangements for bringing back the mortal remains of the tourists from the state.

The CM said six residents from Maharashtra, including natives from Mumbai and Pune, were among the 26 people killed in Tuesdays terrorist attack in Pahalgam which he denounced as a cowardly act. In a post on X, Fadnavis said the mortal remains of Sanjay Lele and Dilip Disle will be brought to Mumbai by an Air India flight from Srinagar. Cabinet ministers Ashish Shelar and Mangalprabhat Lodha will be at the Mumbai airport for coordination, while minister Madhuri Misal has been entrusted with the responsibility in Pune, he said. Another cabinet minister Girish Mahajan is leaving for Srinagar, the CM said. Arrangements are also being made to bring back other tourists from Maharashtra who are in Jammu and Kashmir, the CM maintained. Meanwhile, Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi said the administration is coordinating with the families of the slain tourists, Kaustubh Ganavate and Santosh Jagdale, for their funeral.

We are coordinating with the families to facilitate the last rites, Dudi said. A total of 264 tourists from Pune city and nearby areas had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir in recent days, and many of them are currently stranded at various locations across the Union Territory, he informed. Dy CM Shinde heads to Srinagar to expedite return of Maharashtra tourists from Kashmir: MAHARASHTRA Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday left for Srinagar to expedite the process of bringing back State tourists stuck in Kashmir, an official said. Several tourists from the state are stuck in the Union Territory after the terror attack in Pahalgam in Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack claimed the lives of 26 persons, mostly tourists. Shinde himself going to Kashmir is likely to expedite the process of bringing back the tourists, his office said in a statement. He left for Srinagar in a private aircraft, it said. Shinde will meet the stranded tourists, assess the local situation and supervise the logistics related to their return, official sources said.
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Pahalgam terror attack Thought someone was bursting crackers, Chhindwara resident after narrow escape





A picture provided by the family of Naveen Choudhary.

Our Correspondent

CHHINDWARA

Choudhary said that when he heard people shouting and running, only then he understood that it was a terrorist attack

After the attack, Choudhary and other tourists immediately left the spot and took shelter in the nearest Army camp

Congress leader Naveen Choudhary from Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh had a narrow escape during the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. Choudhary (45), belonging to Chourai Assembly constituency, had gone on a vacation to Kashmir with his friends. He is a Block Congress Kisan leader in Chhindwara district. Naveen Choudhary said that at the time of the attack he was making a reel at a tourist spot in Pahalgam. He said, Initially I thought that crackers were bursting somewhere. Naveen Chaudharys son Manthan said that his father had gone to Jammu and Kashmir on April 20 with three of his friends.

He was present at the spot when the attack took place on April 22 at 2:30 pm. Two hours after the attack, at around 5 pm, he called home and informed that he was safe. Naveen Chaudharys nephew Swami Patel said that he had spoken a day before the incident, when he spoke to his family, he had mentioned about visiting Pahalgam. After this, on Tuesday, my friend called me and told me that there has been an attack in Pahalgam, your uncle was on TV. After this, the family got worried but soon Naveen called to inform that he was completely safe. He was present at the place where the incident took place and the attackers were just a few steps away from him. On hearing the gun shots, initially first he felt that crackers were bursting, but as soon people understood that it was an attack, everyone ran away to save their lives. Right now he is completely safe in the Army base camp. He will return to Chhindwara in two to three days. Manthan said that his father told him on phone that he is currently in the base camp in Jammu. He also told that the Armys activity has increased in the area, due to which road and air routes are closed.

He will return to Chhindwara in 2 to 3 days. Choudhary said that when he heard people shouting and running, he understood that it was a terrorist attack. While running to save his life, he made a video in selfie mode with his mobile phone, in which he is seen thanking God. In the video, he said that now only God can protect his life. After the attack, Choudhary and other tourists immediately left the spot and took shelter in the nearest Army camp.
Shining star A gritty tale of Malas feat





By Shashwat Bhuskute ;

Abandoned by her parents, visually impaired Mala braved the odds to clear MPSC exam. Taken under his wings by Padma Shri Shankarbaba Papalkar, she now sets sight on the skies

In a world often clouded by indifference, stories like Mala Papalkar shine like beacons of resilience, love and unwavering determination. Found abandoned and frail at Jalgaon Railway Station, Malas early life was shrouded in uncertainty. With impaired vision and no one to call her own, her future seemed bleak, until destiny intervened in the form of Padma Shri Shankar Baba Papalkar. A man with immense compassion, Baba Papalkar not only gave her shelter, but a name and identity, proudly registering her Aadhaar Card at the age of 10 as Mala Shankar Papalkar. Despite her visual impairment, Malas hunger for learning never dimmed. She began her education in Braille at Vivekanand Blind School and continued at Bhiwapurkar Blind School, where she scored a commendable 60 per cent in her SSC exam. Her academic journey continued at Vidarbha Mahavidyaylay, where she graduated in Economics with 65 per cent, a feat made all the more remarkable given the challenges she faced.

Recognising her potential, Baba Papalkar took her to Amol Patil Unique Academy, firmly believing that she was destined to clear the prestigious MPSC examination. With a laptop, a phone and unwavering support from educators like Prakash Tople Patil, Mala immersed herself in audio and video study material. Yet success did not come easy as she faltered in attempt to crack the MPSC twice. But each failure only fueled her determination. However, January 2023 marked a turning point. With renewed confidence and relentless preparation, Mala finally crossed the MPSC hurdles.

Now, she stands at the doors of a new chapter as she is soon to join the Collectors Office in Nagpur, expected to begin in early May. But for Mala this is just the beginning, as she has set her sights on the skies. Though she has lived most of her life in Wazzar, Amravati, with Baba Papalkar, her greatest pillar of strength, Mala understands that her path will eventually take her beyond those familiar surrounding. Her ambition does not at one achievement. According to Shankar Baba Papalkar her next goal is to become a Tehsildar, a position she aspires with conviction, even if it means resigning from her current role. She studies a lot, always with her audiobooks Baba proudly says, Shes very studious and I believe she will go very far. Indeed, Malas journey is more than just an inspiring success story. It is a living testament to the power of second chances, the importance of support and the endless possibilities that lie within every determined soul.
State Govt assures full support to Pahalgam attack victims kin





Minister Tankram Verma with the family of Dinesh Mirania. (Pic by Manoj Dewangan)

Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

Governor, CM condemn cowardly act, assure full support to bereaved family

Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai have condemned the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmirs Pahalgam, which claimed atl east 26 lives, including that of Raipur-based businessman Dinesh Mirania. Calling the incident a cowardly act, Governor Deka expressed deep anguish and prayed for peace to the departed souls. He said the entire nation stands with the families of the victims in this hour of grief. The Governor also mourned the death of Mirania and directed the State Government to ensure all possible assistance to his family. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai termed the attack brutal and inhuman, saying terrorism is the gravest threat to humanity and cannot be tolerated in any form.

In this difficult time, the State Government stands firmly with the bereaved family, he said. Local authorities and officials have been instructed to extend all necessary support, the chief minister said. He also prayed for strength and courage to the family to bear the loss. Taking to social media, the Chief Minister said, Deeply saddened by the demise of Dinesh Mirania of Raipur in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We are with the bereaved family. No words are enough to condemn this act. A family vacation to Kashmir turned into a nightmare for a Raipur-based businessman who was shot dead by a terrorist in Pahalgam on Tuesday  the day he and his wife were celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary. Dinesh Mirania, a resident of Samta Colony, had travelled to Pahalgam with his wife Neha and their two children, Shaurya and Lakshita.

The family was out for a stroll when the attacker approached Dinesh and asked him about his religion. On being told he was Hindu, the terrorist opened fire at point-blank range, killing him on the spot. The incident took place in full view of his daughter, while his wife and son were walking a few steps ahead. Eyewitnesses said the attack lasted only a few seconds. A local bystander, sensing the threat, managed to pull the daughter aside, potentially saving her life. Initial reports suggested that Dinesh had sustained injuries.

However, late in the night, confirmation of his death was received. His son Shaurya Mirania and Raipur Collector Gaurav Singh confirmed the death. Dineshs sudden killing has left the local business community in Raipur stunned. Friends and neighbours remember him as a soft-spoken, family-oriented person. The family is expected to return to Raipur with the body on Wednesday. Authorities in Kashmir have launched a search operation to track down the assailant. A little-know outfit, Kashmir Resistance, claimed the responsibility for the attack. However, the security agencies did not confirm the veracity of the claim.
Terrorists asked tourists to recite Kalma before killing them





KANPUR :

SHUBHAM Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman from Kanpur, got married just two months back on February 12. On Tuesday, the Dwivedi household was rocked as news came in that Shubham was gunned down right in front of his wife in Kashmirs Pahalgam. Shubham was among the 26 persons, mostly tourists, who were killed at Baisaran meadow near the resort town of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, in one of the most gruesome attacks targeting civilians in Kashmir in a long time. Shubham, who ran a company dealing in cement, had gone to Kashmir on a week-long vacation on April 16 with his wife and nine other family members.

The group, including Shubhams parents, sister, brother-in-law, and her sisters in-laws, visited Sonamarg and Gulmarg before reaching Pahalgam, sources said. According to Manoj Dwivedi, Shubhams uncle living next-door in Kanpur, the newly-wed couple decided to go horse riding around noon on Tuesday while the rest of the family hung out near their hotel. However, the couples joyride soon turned into a nightmare as two to three terrorists reportedly approached them, sought to know their identities before shooting Shubham on the head, killing him instantly in front of his wife, said Manoj Dwivedi, who received the tragic news from Shubhams father Sanjay Dwivedi over phone.

According to Shubhams cousin Saurabh Dwivedi, the terrorists first asked Shubham to recite a Kalma (Islamic declaration of faith). As he failed to do so, they shot him on the head, Saurabh told mediapersons. After killing Shubham, one of the terrorists reportedly turned to his wife and said, Tell your Government what we did to your husband, Saurabh said. The grieving family was scheduled to fly back to Delhi on Wednesday after completing their trip. Their relatives from Kanpur have left for the capital to receive the family and bring back Shubhams body to his hometown.
Villagers hold officials hostage during Excise raid in Bechulbhata





Police authorities convincing villagers during the standoff at Bechulbhata.

Our Correspondent

KORBA

A routine raid to crack down on illegal liquor trade spiralled into a dramatic standoff on Wednesday, after enraged villagers in Bechulbhata allegedly held Excise and police officials hostage, demanding the release of three fellow villagers taken away during the operation. The high-voltage drama unfolded on the Korba-Urga road when a joint team of the Excise Department and local police raided the house of Mukesh Uraon following a tip-off on illicit liquor trade. Tension escalated as the team attempted to detain Mukesh, along with his wife and another woman, after they reportedly obstructed the officials during the raid. What began as a crackdown quickly turned volatile when news of the detention spread. Dozens of angry villagers gathered and accused the police of high-handedness. Matters worsened after a woman allegedly suffered a push during the altercation.

In retaliation, villagers detained members of the Excise and Police teams, demanding immediate release of those held. Alleging extortion and planted evidence, villagers claimed no liquor was found during the search. The police bring liquor themselves and exaggerate the quantity for show, a villager alleged, adding that such raids have become a tool for officials to extract bribes. With the situation threatening to spiral further, Korba City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Bhushan Ekka rushed to the scene with reinforcements. After prolonged discussions, the CSP was able to pacify the villagers and secure the safe release of both the detained officers and the three villagers.
In a stunning wake-up call for consumer product brands, new research reveals that 58% of Australians dont care about brand names when buying goods, as long as the product gets the job done.

With cost-of-living pressures pushing 60% of shoppers toward cheaper own-label alternatives, brands are scrambling to stay relevant. But a select few are thriving, turning consumer apathy into a competitive edge. A groundbreaking report from SAP Emarsys, in collaboration with Deloitte, unveils how 15% of marketers are cracking the code in the Engagement Era by leveraging AI and real-time strategies to build true customer loyalty. Heres how theyre doing it.

Brands take a backseat

The Consumer Products Engagement: Australia report, surveyed over 2,000 Australian consumers and 100 senior marketers, exposing a seismic shift in shopping habits. With 55% of Aussies believing own-label products match branded ones in quality, loyalty to big names is eroding fast. Sara Richter, CMO at SAP Emarsys, doesnt mince words: Aussie consumers arent just becoming less loyal to brands  theyre ignoring them entirely. Thats a wake-up call for marketers. Without a strong data foundation, its impossible to deliver the real-time, personalised experiences needed to achieve that all-important true loyalty.

The report introduces the Customer Engagement Maturity (CEM) Index, ranking brands on their ability to connect with customers. Only 15% of brands rank as Predictive, using AI-driven, omnichannel strategies to engage consumers across their lifecycle. The rest? Theyre stuck in outdated Reactive or Proactive modes, struggling to keep up.

The elite 15% are setting the pace by engaging customers in the moment. Brands like Krispy Kreme and Ferrara are leading the charge, using SAP Emarsys platform to deliver seamless experiences. Krispy Kreme, for example, boosted leads by 53% through omnichannel integration. Carolina Figueiredo, E-commerce and Digital Solutions Manager at Krispy Kreme, explains their success: It is really important that we provide a unified experience. So having digital partners that really allow that seamless integration is essential. Their recent Hersheys collaboration, blending iconic chocolate with doughnuts, keeps fans hooked, proving that fresh, engaging offerings can combat apathy.

Yet, while 49% of consumer product brands claim they can engage in real time, only 30% actually do. The gap highlights a critical opportunity for brands to invest in technology that delivers instant, personalized interactions.

Predicting consumer needs with AI

To stay ahead, brands must anticipate what customers want before they know it themselves. The report finds 84% of marketers believe they can predict consumer behavior, but only 16% are putting it into practice. Predictive brands use AI to analyze data across silos, turning insights into tailored offers that build long-term relationships. Richter emphasizes the stakes: Without a strong data foundation, its impossible to deliver the real-time, personalised experiences needed to achieve that all-important true loyalty. By integrating customer engagement data with ERP systems, something only 33% of marketers currently do, brands can unlock predictive power and stay one step ahead of consumer needs.

With 79% of marketers admitting they need to revamp engagement strategies in 2025, the urgency is clear. But only 26% feel confident in their ability to personalize marketing effectively. The CEM Index shows that Reactive brands, stuck in mass-marketing mode, risk falling further behind. Proactive brands, using mobile and messaging but relying on manual processes, are a step ahead but still lack the agility of Predictive leaders. Figueiredos Krispy Kreme exemplifies the latter, leveraging digital partners to ensure a unified experience that resonates across channels.

The message is stark: brands that cling to outdated strategies will lose ground in the Engagement Era. Investing in AI-driven, real-time engagement isnt just a nice-to-have its a must. As Richter notes, Krispy Kreme is an outstanding example of a brand hitting their business goals while winning the hearts and minds of customers by making every interaction count. With consumer apathy on the rise and own-label alternatives gaining traction, brands must act fast to build robust data foundations, embrace omnichannel strategies, and deliver the personalized experiences that turn casual buyers into loyal advocates.

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Entrepreneurship in Australia can be a solitary journey for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners, but the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) provides a vital community where they find connection, support, and growth.

With over 20,000 members worldwide, including hundreds across Australia, EO offers confidential forums, peer mentorship, and tailored programs like EO Accelerator for businesses generating annual revenues of $250,000 or more. These resources enable SME owners to share experiences, tackle challenges, and build resilience, especially critical when 88% of entrepreneurs report mental health difficulties, according to the 2024 Founders Report. EOs unique blend of business development and personal well-being support empowers entrepreneurs to thrive in both their professional and personal lives.

EOs community fosters open dialogue and collaboration. Confidential forums create a safe space for honest discussions about business challenges, from cash flow management to team dynamics. Peer mentorship connects SME owners with experienced entrepreneurs who provide practical insights drawn from real-world successes and setbacks.

EO Accelerator, a structured program for high-potential businesses, offers workshops, strategic planning tools, and access to global best practices, helping participants scale their operations effectively. Beyond business growth, EO emphasizes well-being, offering resources to manage stress and combat the isolation that often accompanies entrepreneurship. This holistic approach strengthens entrepreneurs ability to lead with clarity and confidence, fostering a sense of belonging that drives sustained success.

Voices from the community

The impact of EOs network is evident in the experiences of its members. Ash Woodcock, Founder of RPM Hire, shares, When I joined EO, our revenue sat at $6 million. This year, were tracking towards $50 million. Thats 800% growth over seven years  and we now operate nationally, not just in one state. He reflects on the communitys broader role, saying, If youre only considering EO for the business benefits, youre missing out. True growth happens when you improve yourself, your business, and your family life all at once. The EO philosophy really proves that you can really improve all elements at once.

Jeremy Goldman, Founder of WAG, a natural dog treat brand, also highlights EOs transformative role. Since joining EO nine years ago, weve transformed from a tiny team of three to a robust team of sixty, he says. Every metric, from revenue and profitability to market reach, has significantly grown. Goldman adds, EO has fundamentally shaped me as a leader. Its given me the confidence to lead boldly, knowing that others have navigated the same paths before. The biggest lesson from EO is realising that youre not alone in your journey.

How to become an

EO member

Membership Requirements:

Must be an owner, founder, or majority stakeholder of an established LLC.

Business must have annual revenue of $1 million USD or more in the most recent fiscal year.

Venture-backed companies need $2 million in privately-raised funds or $5 million in publicly-raised funds, plus at least 10 employees.

Application Process:

Submit a short online interest form. Connect with a local chapter representative to discuss qualifications. Complete a full application (15-20 minutes). Attend a member interview with the local chapter. Upon acceptance, participate in EO orientation to learn about forums and resources.

Costs and Expectations:

Membership includes a one-time $3,500 initiation fee and annual chapter dues (vary by chapter, prorated by join date).

Members must maintain confidentiality, adhere to a non-solicitation policy, promote a safe environment, uphold ethical and legal standards, and fulfill EO obligations.

More info here.

EOs impact is backed by compelling data. Australian EO members report an average annual growth rate of 30%, effectively doubling their businesses over three years. In contrast, the national small business growth rate is 3.7% per annum, or 11.5% over the same period, according to the 2024 Xero Small Business Insights Australia Update.

This means EO members grow eight times faster, achieving 935% more growth than the national average. These figures highlight the tangible benefits of EOs peer-driven, community-focused model, which equips entrepreneurs with the tools and support to outperform industry benchmarks.

EO Australia is conducting a national study to explore the links between community support, well-being, and business performance, with results expected in June 2025. This research will provide deeper insights into how connection drives SME success, potentially shaping future initiatives to support Australian entrepreneurs. By fostering a culture of shared learning and mutual support, EO is redefining what it means to grow a business sustainably.

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Yes  Significant efforts are being made

No  Much more needs to be done

Some progress  But there are still critical gaps

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Small businesses are key to our citys economic growth and liveability, and Melbourne is full of fantastic success stories.

The Lord Mayors Small Business Awards acknowledge longstanding small businesses that have operated in the city for more than 10 years, and businesses that deserve recognition for their innovation and services to the city.

The Lord Mayors Small Business Awards acknowledge and celebrate Melbournes longstanding independent small businesses, and the people who run them. Each year we say thank you to the small businesses that make a significant contribution to the citys culture, economic prosperity, and liveability. The awards honour the achievements of small businesses that have been operating in the City of Melbourne for milestones of 10+, 20+, 40+ years and recognise outstanding organisations in the Small Business of the Year, Small Business Innovation, and the newly introduced Small Social Enterprise award.

2025 applications are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 9 May.

Award categories

Small Business Achievement Award

Honouring longstanding small businesses who have been operating in the City of Melbourne for milestones of 10+, 20+, 40+ years.

For current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne for at least 40 years.

For current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne for at least 20 years.

For current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne for at least 10 years.

Benefits for recipients include recognition by the City of Melbourne, a certificate signed by the Lord Mayor, inclusion in a photographic exhibition, an invitation to attend the Lord Mayors Small Business Awards Ceremony, along with marketing and promotional opportunities.

Please note:

More than one proprietor of a business may apply. However, a separate application form is required for each applicant.

Previous recipients of the Lord Mayor Commendation awards who are eligible for the next category may apply. They must submit a new application form, giving any additional biographical material to their previous commendation.

Eligible proprietors may only receive one achievement award per category.

Small Business of the Year

Open to all small businesses located within the City of Melbourne, this award honours an outstanding small business that has successfully implemented initiatives demonstrating excellence across all areas of its operations. Were looking for, but not limited to, small businesses who have professionally navigated challenges in their business environment, and demonstrated leadership in sustainability, innovation, staff support, and customer care practices.

The Small Business of the Year applications will be judged by a panel of City of Melbourne and external judges. The winner will be presented with a cash prize at the Lord Mayors Small Business Awards ceremony, a certificate signed by the Lord Mayor, inclusion in a photographic exhibition, as well as marketing and promotional opportunities.

Please note that you may only apply for one merit-based category  Small Business of the Year, Small Social Enterprise, or Small Business Innovation Award.

Small Business Innovation Award

This award honours a small business that has embraced innovation to improve outcomes for their business, clients, and/or community. This includes innovation applied through the introduction or improvement of knowledge, technology, method, or process. Were looking for, but not limited to, small businesses that have professionally navigated and demonstrated excellence in the introduction, implementation, and successful outcome of their innovative approach. Each applicant will be required to demonstrate significant improvement in management or business practices or in their products or services. All businesses must be located in the City of Melbourne.

The Small Business Innovation Award applications will be judged by a panel of City of Melbourne and external judges. The winner will be presented with a cash prize at the Lord Mayors Small Business Awards ceremony, a certificate signed by the Lord Mayor, inclusion in a photographic exhibition, as well as marketing and promotional opportunities.

Small Social Enterprise Award

The Small Social Enterprise Award recognises a social enterprise or not-for-profit that has applied commercial strategies to maximise improvements in financial, social, and environmental well-being. The successful social enterprise must demonstrate growth in environmental care, people-centred services, access to decent work, and community-led innovation.

Were looking for small social enterprises who might have implemented environmentally responsible practices throughout operations, designed services and products that directly address the needs and challenges of a target community, or created decent job opportunities with fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions, providing training and skills development programs.

The Small Social Enterprise Award applications will be judged by a panel of City of Melbourne and external judges, and all eligible applicants must be located within the City of Melbourne municipality. The winner will be presented with a cash prize at the Lord Mayors Small Business Awards ceremony, a certificate signed by the Lord Mayor, inclusion in a photographic exhibition, as well as marketing and promotional opportunities.

Who can apply

Achievement Award : Applications are open to current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne for at least 10 years or more.

: Applications are open to current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne for at least 10 years or more. Small Business of the Year : Applications are open to current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) within the City of Melbourne.

: Applications are open to current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) within the City of Melbourne. Small Business Innovation Award : Applications are open to current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) within the City of Melbourne.

: Applications are open to current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) within the City of Melbourne. Small Social Enterprise Award: Applications are open to current proprietors of independent small businesses (fewer than 20 employees equivalent full-time) within the City of Melbourne.

It is a condition of entry that proprietors consent to having their photo taken for the purpose of publicity of the Lord Mayors Small Business Awards, including the photo exhibition. To be eligible, nominees must have no outstanding fees, dues, or fines with the City of Melbourne. The decision to grant a Small Business Award is at the City of Melbournes absolute discretion. The qualifying period for applicants starts from the year the applicant became a financial partner or proprietor in the business.

Lord Mayors Small Business Awards applications are now open, and close on 9 May 2025. Apply here.

For more info contact them at lmsba@melbourne.vic.gov.au

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The Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS) is set to mark 50 years in May 2025. It was established in 1975 by 16 member states. Though seven of the founding leaders had ascended to power through coups detat, the initial focus was economic growth and regional trade and cooperation.

Within three years, however, its mandates were expanded to encompass political, security and other objectives. These additions were necessary as the west African post-independence governments sought to respond to shifting socio-economic and security challenges. These included coup detats in Niger, Nigeria, Ghana and Mauritania. There were also other threats to the rule of law, electoral integrity and good governance.

To address the expansion of its mandate, the Ecowas treaties were revised in 1993 to pass more power to the regional bloc.

These changes unsettled the relationships among member states. Acting in unison or following the rules hasnt always suited national agendas. That partly explains the decision by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to break away from Ecowas in 2024.

Most recently, the military government in Guinea and Togos Gnassingbe dynasty have both resisted Ecowas pressure. Their domestic political agendas contradict the organisations norms and principles.

We have years of research spanning politics, citizenship, international relations and civil conflict.

Admittedly, the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso  to form the Alliance of Sahel States  will form an unsettling cloud over the Ecowas anniversary. We argue however that despite inevitable upheavals during five decades of postcolonial nation-building, Ecowas can look back on successes in integration, peace and security, and good governance.

These include its emphasis on good governance; its conflict prevention framework; and member states responsibility to protect their populations from grave violations of human rights.

An unprecedented challenge

The consequences of the withdrawal of the three countries for Ecowas as a whole shouldnt be overstated. Still, it is a telling blow to the organisation. It represents a direct questioning of the principle of regional integration and cooperation.

The three military juntas evidently see Ecowas as a dysfunctional club of self-interested heads of state that kowtows to Europe.

African public opinion has swung in favour of a brand of populism promising quick military solutions. Its seen as the antidote to the failure of domestic and multilateral attempts to stem jihadist violence in the Sahel.

In practice, the juntas have relied on states of emergency as a cover for systematic aggression and abuse of civilian populations.

Even if one accepts the trade-off between security and democracy, the new military rulers have so far been unable to stem jihadist violence in their countries. Instead they have committed violence against their own populations. This is especially the case in Mali and Burkina Faso.

These acts include the summary execution of several hundred civilians in Burkina Faso in 2024.

Despite these abuses, the military juntas have succeeded in framing Ecowas as part of the problem of external control over national sovereignty. This is at the heart of Ecowass emerging legitimacy crisis. It is a crisis which undermines many of the soft diplomacy tools that have worked relatively well in the past to unite its members.

The soft power tools include:

the Council of the Wise  deployed in mediation and negotiation in a number of political crises in the region, including those in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Niger, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Togo

Offices of the Special Representative and Special Mediators, tasked with conflict mediation and election monitoring

Traditional Authorities and Leaders, who are sent in when other mechanisms fail.

These diplomatic tools are less visible than high-level delegations and official statements or sanctions. But they have been employed in numerous political crises in the subregion over the past two decades.

They have arguably tempered the outcomes of constitutional crises, like the one sparked by a popular uprising in Burkina Faso in 2014. They also defused the political crisis in Guinea Bissau between 2015 and 2019.

The small victories of soft diplomacy dont always lead to outright successes. But they have been a means to allow Ecowas involvement in mediation efforts. They have ensured the organisations overall relevance and justification in the face of unconstitutional changes of government.

The failure of the soft diplomacy mechanisms in the biggest crisis to face Ecowas tests the organisations ability to withstand future crises.

The way forward for Ecowas at 50

The next phase for Ecowas starts in the context of public perceptions critical of the member states. Criticism has been levelled against Ecowas as a union of heads of state prioritising their interests over the peoples.

Nevertheless, most of the citizens still prefer democracy as a political system. Even the military juntas embrace (at least on paper) these basic principles as their long-term aspiration.

Ecowas has championed democratic values of equality, freedom, justice, pluralism, tolerance, respect and public participation. These remain the keys to reversing the sub-regions recent unconstitutional changes of government. Ecowas must strengthen its voice in calling for a return to civilian rule and the respect of its fundamental democratic principles.

The organisations representatives must articulate these basic values as an expression of the will of its citizens.

On the other hand, Ecowas must continue to leave the doors open to the military juntas. This could potentially facilitate the transition to civilian rule and signal a fresh start for regional collaboration. Its soft diplomacy tools will be essential for improving dialogue and reaching viable compromises.

Ecowas must strive to improve its legitimacy in the eyes of the populations of its member states. This can be achieved by applying its own democratic values consistently and objectively across the region. The anniversary provides an important opportunity for introspection and genuine institutional reform.

Professor Emmanuel Kwesi Aning is of the Faculty of Academic Affairs & Research, Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Center, Ghana.

Dr Jesper Bjarnesen is a Senior Researcher, The Nordic Africa Institute, Sweden. (Culled from The Conversation.)
Vietnam's foreign ministry said representatives from several countries and organizations, including the U.S., will participate in the celebration of Vietnam's 50th reunification anniversary on April 30.

High-ranking delegations, including leaders, representatives and international friends, including the U.S., have confirmed their participation in Vietnam's 50th anniversary of national reunification, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said in a press meet on Thursday.

Upon an inquiry about an article on the New York Times published on April 22, which cited four officials saying the U.S. government has "told its senior diplomats in Vietnam not to take part in events marking the 50th anniversary" of the end of the Vietnam War, Hang said she "has not received further verification with regard to the information provided in the article by the New York Times.

"The victory of April 30 is the victory of human conscience and righteousness, one that put an end to the losses and suffering for not only the people of Vietnam but also to countless American families," Hang said.

"Over the past years, we have witnessed the efforts from generations of people from both countries, for the two countries to develop the relations as they stand today," she said.

Vietnam's 50th anniversary of national reunification is a chance to celebrate timeless values of compassion, peace and reconciliation, of putting the past behind to head towards the future, she added.

"From adversaries, Vietnam and the U.S. have normalized and established diplomatic relations in 1995, established a comprehensive partnership in 2013, and most recently elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development."

Upon an inquiry about Vietnam inviting the armies of Laos, China and Cambodia to the parade of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's national reunification, Hang said the event is very important, not just for Vietnam, but also for international friends who have supported and accompanied Vietnam during its fight for independence. Among them, Laos, China and Cambodia are three neighbor countries with longstanding, traditional and friendly relations with Vietnam.

"We are much delighted for the participation of military officials from Laos, China and Cambodia during this anniversary, representing the solidarity, friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries," Hang said.

The 50th anniversary of Vietnam's national reunification will include events like parades and fireworks shows.
Asia's most loved country extends visa exemption for Chinese tourists for another 5 years

Malaysia, voted Asia's most loved country, has agreed to extend its visa exemption for Chinese travelers for another five years as part of ongoing efforts to boost tourism growth.

"We will continue this for five more years with the option to extend it for another five years after this period ends," Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said as quoted by The Star.

The agreement was among the 32 memoranda of understanding signed during the recent state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, New Straits Times reported.

Under the initiative, Chinese tourists are allowed to stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa.

China would also reciprocate by offering visa-free entry to Malaysian citizens for the same period, Ismail said.

Malaysia, named Asia's most loved country last year by the American finance website Insider Monkey, introduced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens in December 2023 and previously extended the scheme until 2026.

In 2024, Malaysia welcomed 3.29 million Chinese tourists, a significant increase from the previous year, making China the third-largest source of visitors after Singapore and Indonesia.

China was the second-largest source of visitors to Malaysia during the first two months of this year with nearly one million arrivals.
Edward Lee Henry, Jr., 89, of Orange, Texas, passed away on April 18, 2025, at his home in Orange.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Ninth & Elm Church of Christ in Orange.

Born in Orange, Texas, on September 26, 1935, he was the son of Edward Lee "Duke" Henry, Sr. and Beulah Mae Corbell Henry. The family resided on Border Street across from the courthouse. Until 1939, when the family moved to West Orange. Edward grew up on Crabtree Street in a house he still owned to this day. A devoted family man and esteemed member of his community, his life was marked by dedication, creativity, and an unwavering passion for history and the arts. Edward received his education in the local schools, attending West Orange Elementary School, Carr Junior High, and graduating from Lutcher Stark Senior High, where he was affectionately known as "Ed" by his classmates. He furthered his education at Lamar College and Abilene Christian College, laying a strong foundation for a successful career. In 1959, Edward proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, serving with honor in the reserves for five years, where he held the rank of Corporal. His military service instilled in him values of discipline and commitment that carried throughout his life. In January 1960, Edward began a long and fulfilling career with DuPont. He spent 18 years as a Chemical Analyst before transitioning to fulfill another 18 years as a draftsman. His contributions to the company were significant, and he was known for his work ethic and dedication. Edward was a faithful member of the 9th and Elm Church of Christ, where he embraced his faith as a guiding light in his life. He had a passion for the arts, particularly painting landscapes and wood carving, which allowed him to express his creativity and appreciation for the beauty of the world around him. A proud third-generation resident of Orange, Edward developed a keen interest in the history of his hometown. In his later years, he contributed to the Las Sabinas magazine, published by the Orange County Historical Society, writing articles that reflected his extensive knowledge and profound love of world history. His insights will be missed, but his legacy will live on through the historical narratives he crafted and the lives he touched with his wisdom and warm spirit. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his loved ones and his community.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Lee and Beaulah Mae Henry; brother Floyd Allen Henry; and wife Karen Henry.

He is survived by his two sons, Ashely Kevin Henry and Kendall Miles Henry and wife Lisa; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Eugene Lee Coulter, 84, of Orangefield, passed away on April 20, 2025, in Orangefield.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, at McLewis Church of Christ in Orange. Officiating will be Todd Shores. Burial will follow at Bayou Scie Cemetery in Zwolle, Louisiana.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with military honors at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, at McLewis Church of Christ in Orange.

Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on March 4, 1941, he was the son of William Coulter and Alice Coulter. Eugene lived a life full of adventure, service, and friendship. He worked as a draftsman at DuPont, where his meticulous attention to detail and innovative thinking contributed greatly to the projects he undertook. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Eugene served his country honorably in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Korea. His time in service instilled in him a sense of duty that he carried throughout his life. Eugene was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in the tranquil moments spent hunting deer and fishing. He had a particular fondness for travel, with memories of trips to Yellowstone holding a special place in his heart. Eugene's kindness and warmth earned him the affectionate title of "Grandpa" among those who knew him well. His friendly demeanor allowed him to connect with people from all

walks of life, and he had friends everywhere he went. A devoted member of the McLewis Church of Christ, Eugene's faith was an integral part of his life. In a remarkable moment in 1996, Eugene had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch during the summer Olympics, a testament to his spirited nature and love for life. Eugene Lee Coulter leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable stories. His spirit and the memories he created will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be dearly missed and remembered fondly.

He is preceded in death by his son, Chad Coulter; and his first wife, Barbara Coulter.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Rose Coulter; his daughter, Hollie Erickson and husband, John; his grandchildren, Jordan Erickson, Nicholas Erickson, Ian Erickson, Cole Coulter, Coby Coulter, Justin Fusilier, Jessie Fusilier, and Courtney Nesbit; his great-grandchildren, Levi, Abagail, and Ophelia; his brother, David Rocker; and numerous other loving family members and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Alex Ruff, Nicholas Erickson, Ian Erickson, Cole Coulter, Coby Coulter, Steven Fusilier, Michael Durbin, and Daniel Durbin.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Cascades at Port Arthur for providing loving support and care during Lee's last months. They would also like to thank Don Juneau for his enduring love and attention in helping Lee and Rose with the upkeep of their property.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude at http://www.stjude.org/donate.
President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday, after the signing of a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. FENG YONGBIN/CHINA DAILY

China and Azerbaijan elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership on Wednesday, a move that marks the countries' commitment to enhancing all-around cooperation amid complex changes in the international landscape.

President Xi Jinping and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who started his three-day state visit to China on Tuesday, announced the upgrading of bilateral relations during their talks in Beijing.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of 20 documents on cooperation in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, justice, green development, the digital economy, intellectual property rights and aerospace.

During the meeting, Xi highlighted that supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests is not only a fine tradition between China and Azerbaijan, but also a rightful obligation as strategic partners.

Both countries should continuously enhance political mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation and strengthen international coordination to open a new chapter of all-around cooperation, he said.

The two countries are ready to initiate negotiations on a free-trade agreement to provide a high-level institutional safeguard for them to deepen trade and investment cooperation, according to a joint statement on the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Azerbaijan, which was signed by Xi and Aliyev after their talks.

Both sides highly appreciate their cooperation in the field of transportation, and are committed to promoting the construction of transportation infrastructure and enhancing logistics efficiency in order to facilitate mutual connectivity in the region, the statement said.

In the statement, China also expressed its support for Azerbaijan's accession to the World Trade Organization.

Both sides support promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, oppose unilateralism, protectionism and hegemony, oppose actions that undermine international trade rules, and jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system to achieve shared prosperity, the statement said.

Xi told Aliyev that tariff and trade wars undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, hurt the multilateral trading system, and disrupt the world economic order.

China is willing to work with Azerbaijan to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, firmly protect their respective legitimate rights and interests, and defend international fairness and justice, he said.

Xi also expressed China's support for Azerbaijan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in continuing to pursue a development path that suits its national conditions.

China is willing to intensify law enforcement and security cooperation with Azerbaijan to resolutely combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, he said.

Xi called on both countries to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, enhance the alignment of development strategies, and strengthen people-to-people bonds through educational, cultural, tourism, youth and subnational exchanges.

China has become one of Azerbaijan's key economic partners, with bilateral trade increasing over 43 percent in 2024, amounting to $2.46 billion, according to statistics from the General Administration of Customs.

At the recent China-Azerbaijan Industrial and Investment Cooperation Promotion Conference held in Beijing, Azerbaijan signed agreements on 13 projects with Chinese institutions and enterprises, covering areas such as the digital economy, aluminum capacity expansion, and the establishment of agricultural machinery production sites.

During Wednesday's talks, Aliyev hailed the sound development of bilateral ties, saying that despite the profound changes in the international order, Azerbaijan and China have always respected and trusted each other, with cooperation deepening continuously.

He assured Xi that Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle, insists that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

Aliyev commended Xi's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, saying that the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, all proposed by Xi, are conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity.

Azerbaijan is willing to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, and expand cooperation with China in areas such as the BRI, the digital economy, green energy, and science and technology, he said.

Aliyev attended separate meetings on Wednesday with Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

Also on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders, in order to facilitate mutual visits.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee today expressed shock and anguish over the terror attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir at the state cabinet meeting held at the secretariat, Nabanna today.

At the start of the meeting, Miss Banerjee said: Im shocked and rattled at the incident and pray that perpetrators would get punished. A grim hour for all of us, a source in the know, claimed.

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In another decision that the cabinet took today was that another 100 MW capacity solar power would come up at Goaltore at an estimated cost of Rs 680 cr. For this, the state would have its share of 30 per cent amounting to Rs of 205cr, said the minister Manas Ranjan Bhuniya.

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Besides, Miss Banerjee also talked tough with her cabinet colleagues on the strife that broke out at Murshidabad and Malda and cautioned them against any laxity in sounding an alert to the local administration.

The chief minister also held the MLAs and leaders of the twin districts responsible for their abject failure in pre-empting the situation. As she said at the meeting: The local leaders failed to read the groundswell in advance. It is your failure that you could not carry out your duties properly.

Talking tough, she alluded to the public representatives further, saying: MLAs should exercise maximum restraint while uttering any word while addressing his or her core constituencies without thinking anything that any loose talk would put them and the party in trouble. They even forget that once we become public representatives, we cant talk rubbish.

Reminding their duties, Miss Banerjee told MLAs to pull up their socks and increase surveillance in their areas.

Do your duties attentively. Recent riots are a glaring example that your alertness was lacking. These and more would be discussed at the Assembly in time. If you do not do your work properly then I shall have to do your work?

Mr Bhuniya claimed that the cabinet took another landmark decision to increase solar power in the state after yesterdays grand inauguration of 112.5 MW solar power at Goaltore.
The Trinamul Congress (TMC) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Union home minister Amit Shah, holding him directly responsible for what it called a colossal and unforgivable security failure in the wake of the terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The assault on a group of tourists on 22 April left at least 26 dead and several others critically injured.

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Three of the deceased hailed from West Bengal. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed their identities and announced state assistance to the bereaved families in bringing back their bodies. Our administration is extending full support. I am personally overseeing all arrangements, she said in a statement on X.

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Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee too condemned the attack, yesterday. He wrote on X-handle: Todays terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir is not only unfortunate and horrifying but it must serve as a clarion call for the GoI.

This is the same government that claimed demonetisation would end black money and terror funding and that the abrogation of Article 370 would bring lasting peace to the region. Yet, todays tragic incident stands as a stark reminder of the failure of these promises, policies and propaganda.

My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident. I pray that God grants them strength and comfort in this time of immense grief. Wishing a speedy and complete recovery to all who are injured.

Other TMC leaders also condemned the incident, attributing the attack to lapses in intelligence, surveillance, and border vigilance. Trinamul Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale wrote on X: For years, the Modi Govt kept boasting that everything is normal in J&K. In Parliament, Modi & Shah kept saying that everything is perfect in J&KTruth is the Modi Govt FAILED to protect the lives of innocent Indian tourists yesterdayWhy hasnt Amit Shah uttered even a word of apology to the families of those who died & admitted that hes failed in his job?

The party also slammed how instead of taking accountability, the home minister is still busy in optics. Posting a video of Amit Shah walking on a red carpet in the terror-hit region, Sagarika Ghose wrote: The photo op culture of the @narendramodi  @AmitShah governance model is glaringly exposed in #PahalgamTerrorAttack. A RED CARPET at a time of tragedy only illustrates how totally insensitive and shamelessly disconnected the Modi shah regime is. This is the time for ACCOUNTABILITY not VVIP optics.

Referring to reports that general intelligence about militant movement was available ahead of the attack, state education minister Bratya Basu asked: Why were terrorists allowed to reach #Pahalgam? Why didnt the forces intervene to prevent this senseless massacre? This is Pulwama all over again. HM @AmitShah would be doing the nation a favour by resigning.

TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta amplified the partys criticism by posting a video of Union home minister Amit Shah praising the Modi government for ending terrorism in Kashmir since 2019. Dutta questioned the credibility of such claims in light of the Pahalgam attack. Now that blood has been spilled in Pahalgam, will those same BJP loudmouths demand accountability from the self-styled Prachar Mantri and his shadow, Home Minister Amit Shah? he wrote on X.*

TMC leaders further accused the BJP-led Centre of politicising national tragedies. On the other hand, the BJP has become active using this tragedy for inciting communal hate. How low can a political party go when fellow Indianshave lost their lives? Why cant the BJP spare a single dead body ever from their dirty politics? said Gokhale.

TMC MLA Dr Shashi Panja also said: Innocents have been massacred in cold blood, and the home ministry offers silence. Unprecedented is not a defence  it is an admission of failure.

The party also amplified voices demanding Shahs resignation in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. This isnt the first failure, just the latest. Pulwama. Rajouri. Now #Pahalgam, said TMC Mahila Wing chief and minister Chandrima Bhattacharya. The only thing consistent is @AmitShahs incompetence. Terrorists are hiding in plain sight and the Home Ministry is clueless.
Actor Bhaswar Chatterjee, who has a deep-rooted association with Kashmir, is shocked and also disturbed with the news of Pahalgam shooting.

The Bengali actor, who has written many books on Kashmir, including his recent release, Maharani Didda, travels to the valley quite often to be with local friends. It is shocking but more than that it is very disturbing for me, said Bhaswar.

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I have lots of memories at Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, where the ghastly incident happened. My friends and I have been on picnics many times there and enjoyed barbeque. Pahalgam is also a very important place for Hindu pilgrims as it has many temples, which I have also mentioned in my books. Since yesterday, I have been in constant touch with my friends in Kashmir. They are talking about the shutdown in Srinagar and how the taxi and auto associations are volunteering free service for all tourists who are heading to the airport. This shows that humanity is alive in Kashmir, said Bhaswar.

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People are very tourist friendly in Kashmir says the Tollywood actor. In 1990, when the Hindus were targeted in Kashmir, the situation was different from today. Now, nobody is supporting these killings. Candle marches and processions can be seen across the valley against the killings. This time was very good for tourism and people were having good business, Even, cinema halls were running full shows there. The Amarnath Yatra is in the next couple of months and later during Durga Puja, when tourists visit the valley. Will they visit anytime soon? Two of my friends in Kashmir said that they had two families booked with them for Durga Pujas, but it looks bleak, opines the Micchil actor.

Bhaswar runs an NGO in Kashmir, named after his mother. The NGO sent rations for the house boat operators and pony and horse operators in Kashmir. He also arranged for the marriage of a local girl, which was stalled for want of funds. He rebuilt a house for a family whose house was gutted, apart from supporting a few orphans with their studies.

Bhaswar first visited Kashmir in 2019, which turned out to be a very bad experience as that was the time when Article 370 was scrapped. He had to cancel his travel and return home in a hurry in August 2019. He again visited the valley with his father in 2021. In the interim, I had learnt the local language and also how to sing in the local language. At Pahalgam, he met a local boy, Ghulam Mohammad, who also runs a travel agency apart from having a meat business, who asked him to sing in the local language, said Bhaswar.

After he heard me, we became very good friends. Now, I have around 30 friends in Kashmir, who are from different works of life, said the actor, adding, Tourism has taken a big hit. I have come to know that one of the pony owner was also killed who had tried to resist the killing. He was a local boy. This is Pakistans design to cripple tourism, which will render the youth jobless there.
To preserve and share the legislative archives for generations to come, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta advocated emphasizes digitization of legislative archives stored in record room of the iconic Town Hall of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The speaker, on Thursday, visited the record room, a treasure trove of historical documents of national significance. His visit marked a pivotal moment in safeguarding Indias democratic and legislative legacy, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also advocating the protection and digitization of legislative heritage.

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Notably, there are several initiatives underway at the Delhi assembly under the guidance of speaker Vijender Gupta aimed at preserving the historic documents of the assembly for future generations by transforming the complex into a heritage site and coming up with a museum and library at the complex which people can access.

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The Town Hall record room contains official proceedings, budgets, and administrative documents dating back to 1880including rare archival material related to Municipalities.

During his visit, Gupta personally reviewed these records and expressed deep appreciation for their careful preservation. He underscored their critical role in recording the evolution of Indias governance and civic institutions.

According to Gupta, this initiative resonates strongly with the vision of LS speaker Om Birla, who has persistently advocated for the protection and digitization of Indias legislative heritage.

The Delhi assembly speaker was accompanied by Sanjeev Singh, Head of the Heritage Cell of the MCD, along with other senior officials, during his visit to Town Hall. The delegation engaged in detailed discussions on the value of the preserved documents and explored strategies for their long-term protection.

Speaker Gupta emphasized the importance of collaboration between local civic bodies, heritage departments, and archival institutions.

As part of this broader vision, the Parliament of India Secretariat has pledged support for the digitization of these documents.
A 35-year-old man was arrested for alleged rape of a 37-year-old woman working as caretaker of a farmhouse in the Swaroop Nagar area of Outer North Delhi, police said on Thursday.

According to the police, they received a complaint from the woman on Thursday at around 2 pm regarding the alleged rape that occured on the intervening night of 20-21 April.

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According to the complainant, while she and her 11-year-old daughter were sleeping in the verandah of the farmhouse, their neighbour trespassed the premises of the farmhouse. He forcibly restrained both the complainant, her daughter before sexually assaulting the woman and fleeing the scene by jumping over the wall.

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Following the complaint, a medical examination of the victim was conducted at BJRM Hospital, Jahangir Puri. Based on her statement, an FIR under relevant sections of BNS was registered at Police Station Swaroop Nagar and investigation was promptly initiated. .

During the course of the investigation, the accused, a resident of Bihar, was apprehended within two hours of the registration of the complaint who has been remanded to judicial custody.
The Anti-Terror Action Forum on Thursday staged a strong protest near the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, along with BJP leaders, against the recent terror attack in Jammu & Kashmirs Pahalgam, and raised slogans against the neighbouring country.

The protesters raised slogans such as We will not bow down to terror and Pakistan Haaye Haaye.

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The protesters attempted to breach the barricades, following which Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and hundreds of party workers were detained by the police and taken to the Chanakyapuri Police Station, from where they were later released.

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Sachdeva stated that every Indian who loves the country is angry today, and added that the terrorists behind the dastardly act will soon face the consequences of their deeds.

He said that not only the people of Delhi, but the entire country is angry and stands with the steps taken by the Prime Minister with regard to Pakistan.

The BJP leader said that Pakistan-backed terrorism needs to be brought to a logical end and that an appropriate response should be given in this regard.

The Delhi BJP chief said, Those who kill innocent people after asking their caste or religion must be answered in their own language.

Sachdeva said that this is todays India, with a government led by PM Narendra Modi, which has responded to attacks in Uri and Pulwama in the past and will soon respond to the Pahalgam attack as well.

According to Sachdeva, the country has so far only stopped the flow of river water, cancelled visas, and reduced the strength at the embassy, but will soon pay back for the Pahalgam attack in a manner they understand.

Several BJP leaders, including Dr Harsh Vardhan, Satish Upadhyay, State General Secretary Vishnu Mittal, and other party workers, observed a one-minute silence in the memory of those killed in the Pahalgam attack.
Writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avenge the death of the innocent lives lost in the Pahalgam attack.

Shukla dropped a thought-provoking video on his IG, urging the Hindu community to unite against Muslim terror. Thank God, none of your loved ones were killed in the Pahalgam attack, but for how long. If not in Kashmir, then in Murshidabad, Kolkata, Godhra, Delhi, or Muzaffarnagar, your number will come. If you have decided not to fight, then simply wait for your turn. If you cannot unite by saying Har Har Mahadev, then learn Kalma, at least your life will be spared, he said

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Bashing the secular act, Shukla went on saying If I say, Hindu is in danger, you will say- He is a Sanghi, a member of the RSS. If I say Batoge to Katoge, you will say he is a BJP sycophant. If I say Auranzebs Islam will not rule now, you will say we are secular. Why did your secular card not work in Pahalgam? Please do not say that terrorism does not have a religion- this liberal mindset influenced by social media does not hold any value in my eyes. 

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Citing the examples of victims Santosh Jagdale and Manju Nath who were brutally killed by the terrorists, he said, Santosh Jagdales family hid in the tent to save their lives- the terrorists asked him to come out and recite the Kalima and when he was unable to recite it, he was shot. Manju Nath Rao from Karnataka was shot in front of his wife Pallavi. When Pallavi said- You have killed my husband, killed me as well, they replied- we wont kill you, just go and tell Modi'

The writer requested our Prime Minister to avenge the death of the 28 lives lost during the Pahalgam terror attack. Yes, we will tell Modi. A Prime Minister is like a father to the nation- Modi Ji, your children have been killed, your daughters have been widowed, your mothers have lost their children  you will have to avenge their deaths, Shukla said
Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal has become the target of trolling after he posted a heartfelt note condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of more than 26 individuals.

The super star found himself at the centre of social media backlash for his role in Empuraan, where he portrays a character mentoring a Kashmiri youth who becomes a mercenary, leading to accusations of hypocrisy.

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Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mohanlal expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, calling the attack devastating and urging the nation to stay united in grief and hope.

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In his post, Mohanlal wrote, My heart goes out to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. It is devastating to witness such cruelty. No cause can ever justify the taking of innocent lives. To the grieving families, your sorrow is beyond words. Please know that you are not alone. The entire nation stands with you in mourning. Let us hold on to each other a little tighter and never let go of the hope that peace will prevail even in the face of darkness.

The comment section of his post quickly filled with criticism linking his role in Empuraan to perceived political messaging.

One user commented, Shame on you! Your just-launched movie narrated a boy getting trained in Kashmir and launching an attack against India! For money, you guys stoop to any low!. Another comment read, Take one more Empuraan and justify terrorism, Have lost all respect for this man. A third one commented, We dont trust your words anymore. A fourth one commented, You got a script for making another movie with your Zayed Masood!!!

Im sorry to be rude but your latest movie literally glorified foreign Islamic mercenaries and you lost a lot of goodwill by choosing to associate with that crowd. So, spare us the theatrics while we are mourning our people, tweeted another person under his post.

Some netizens challenged whether future sequels of Empuraan would depict the Pahalgam attack .

Following Tuesdays terrorist attack, Malayalam actor Prithviraj, who directed the movie,Empuraan, also faced renewed backlash, with users posting critical comments on his earlier social media posts.

However, several other netizens expressed concern over the intensity of the criticism. The level of hate directed at Mohanlal was disproportionate compared to others involved in the film, some have pointed out.
The all-party meeting in Srinagar on Thursday unanimously supported the steps taken against Pakistan by the central government in retaliation against the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 persons were killed.

The meeting was convened by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to jointly condemn the terrorist attack.

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The participants unequivocally condemned in the strongest possible terms the heinous, inhumane attack in Pahalgam that targeted and killed innocent civilians. Such cowardly acts of brutality against peaceful citizens have no place in society and are a direct assault on the values of Kashmiriyat, and the idea of India which has long been a symbol of unity, peace, and harmony in the region.

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The resolution unanimously adopted in the meeting read We stand unwavering in our commitment to support all efforts in bringing these perpetrators to justice. In doing so, we affirm that no act of terror can ever weaken our resolve or extinguish our indominable spirit. We also support the steps taken by the Union Government announced yesterday.

We salute the supreme sacrifice of Shaheed Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who ferried tourists on his horse in Pahalgam, and was martyred during his attempt to fight one of the terrorists to save the tourists. His valour and selflessness shall forever remain an inspiration to all. He is a true face of Kashmiriyat and Kashmir hospitality, the resolution said.

We commend our people for the extraordinary display of their moral and material support to all the tourists across the Kashmir Valley and for their resolute unity in condemning the recent attack.

We appreciate the spontaneous, peaceful demonstrations across towns and villages across the length and breadth of J&K, which exemplify our unwavering commitment to peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law, and reaffirm our collective resolve to foster mutual respect, uphold constitutional values, and work collaboratively for the prosperity and stability of Jammu & Kashmir.

We humbly and earnestly appeal to the governments of all States and Union Territories, in these trying times, to come forward with unwavering commitment to protect the Kashmiri students and citizens who find themselves far from home. These individuals, whether traveling or residing outside Jammu and Kashmir, must be safeguarded against any form of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation, the resolution said.

We call upon all political parties, community leaders, religious institutions, youth groups, civil society organizations and media organizations in Jammu & Kashmir and the Nation to maintain calm, resist the provocations of those who seek to disrupt harmony, and continue working together for the peace and development of the region, the resolution added.
The Chinese leader's selection of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia for visits after the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries underscores Beijing's emphasis on fostering cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. This engagement aligns with a new era of neighborhood diplomacy, characterized by a more pragmatic and comprehensive approach. The focus on strengthening ties with neighboring countries is expanding the scope of cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries.

Both sides recognize the importance of political cooperation in strengthening and further developing relations, particularly through regular high-level meetings. In essence, cooperation is being strengthened on the foundation of steadily growing political trust between China and individual Southeast Asian countries. The realm of practical cooperation is also widening. Key areas include trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity and so on within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Current geopolitical shifts and the imposition of tariffs by major powers are driving Southeast Asian countries to enhance cooperation with China in order to diversify markets and mitigate risks. Furthermore, collaboration with China is seen by Southeast Asian businesses as an opportunity to adjust business models, improve corporate governance, and meet the rising demands of the Chinese market, while capitalizing on China's increased efforts to attract foreign investment.

Infrastructure development, including railway connectivity, is emerging as a key trend. An increasing number of Southeast Asian countries are willing to boost railway cooperation projects with China. The future is likely to see the emergence of railway networks that not only connect every single Southeast Asian country but also China and Southeast Asian countries. Those networks have the potential to support Southeast Asian countries diversify their transportation routes, reaching not only the Chinese market but also other international markets, including Europe.

In addition, the promotion of two-way investment between China and Southeast Asian countries is also expanding. China is increasing its investment projects under the Belt and Road Initiative and actively seeking investment from Southeast Asian countries. Significantly, during President Xi Jinping's official visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, investors from many regions including these three countries participated in the China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, reaffirming China's continued attractiveness as a promising market for foreign investors, including investors from Southeast Asia.

The room for technological cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries has also broadened further, as the demand for such cooperation and talent education is growing. China's leading role in high-tech fields, demonstrated by its achievements in areas like artificial intelligence and humanoid robots, is largely attributed to its effective policies for nurturing, training, and attracting technological talent.

China is promoting the application of science and technology across various aspects of its socio-economic life. Currently, Southeast Asian countries also have a strong demand for cooperation in high-tech development and the training of science and technology professionals. Tech firms in Southeast Asia suggest that Chinese technology may be well-suited to their requirements.

At the same time, the pattern of Chinese technology development might hold lessons for them. The leader of FPT, a tech giant in Vietnam, said "FPT will develop AI models similar to DeepSeek, designed for specific areas and industries". Taken together, high-tech cooperation is considered a bright spot in the relationship between China and its neighboring countries. This was emphasized by To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, in his meeting with the visiting Chinese leader on April 14, and in many agreements signed between China and Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia during Xi's official visits to those countries.

China and Southeast Asian countries are also diversifying their cooperation within multilateral frameworks, extending beyond China-ASEAN collaboration to include mechanisms like BRICS, RCEP and so on. China and ASEAN countries both believe in promoting the high-quality implementation of RCEP and swiftly concluding negotiations on the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0.

Simultaneously, China and ASEAN countries affirm strengthening coordination and multilateral cooperation in line with the building of a community with a shared future between China and each individual ASEAN country. That is why China and Southeast Asian countries reaffirmed to defend the international system with all the countries as its core, the international order with international law as its foundation and the adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the basic norms of international relations as the cornerstone. Such shared understandings between China and Southeast Asian countries can assist both in navigating the uncertainty, instability, and unpredictability of the international environment.
All political parties across political affiliations condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir in unison while calling for efforts to maintain peace in the state, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said after attending an all-party meeting convened by the government on Thursday in the aftermath of the terror attack that left 26 people dead and several injured.

The government, at the meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, however, conceded that there was a security lapse, a member, not willing to go on record, said.

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Talking to reporters after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the Pahalgam attack was carried out to vitiate the atmosphere when economy was on upswing and tourism was booming.

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Mr Rijiju said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefed the meeting on how the Pahalgam attack took place and subsequent decisions being taken by the government.

Reasserting that all parties ensured that they are with the government against terror, he said the IB and MHA officials briefed the members on the lapses and the steps being taken to prevent recurrence of such attacks. He said that the government has assured the leaders of action against terror.

Rahul Gandhi said everyone uniformly condemned the attack and offered full support to the government to take any action. Opposition has given Centre full support to take any action, he said.

While on the governments side the meeting among others was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers J P Nadda, Members of Parliament from more than 12 political parties also attended the meeting.

Earlier in the day, the Congress stated that the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam was an outcome of intelligence failure and security lapses even as the party blamed Pakistan for masterminding the assault.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the top decision-making body of the party, held an emergency meeting to deliberate on the Pahalgam terror attack.

The resolution passed by the party in the meeting said, It is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in a Union territory  an area directly under the purview of the Union Home Ministry.

The CPI (M) had earlier condemned the Pahalgam attack asking the government to probe all angles including lack of security in crowded areas.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had raised the issue of safety of Kashmiri students across other states. We stand unwavering in our commitment to support all efforts to bring perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice, Omar Abdullah.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has condemned the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, asserting that the Centre should have taken stricter decisions on this matter.

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh had said that India should give a befitting reply to the terrorist incident in Pahalgam. If Pakistan is promoting terrorists, then take action against it too. Do not give any relaxation to anyone, he demanded.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) also condemned the Pahalgam terror attack dubbing it as unthinkable and called for justice for the victims. The party had stressed the need for an investigation into the security lapse.

The Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) also questioned the security failure, which it felt led to the terrorist attack. The party also questioned the governments earlier claims of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Security presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to take several steps on the diplomatic front, including placing the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, and cancelling visas issued to Pakistani nationals and closure of the integrated check post at Attari.

India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered the Pakistani envoys to leave the country within 48 hours.
Hours after India retaliated against Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam, the Pakistan Navy issued Notice to Airmen/Mariners (NOTAM) for a live fire exercise being undertaken in the Arabian Sea.

As per the details published on the Hydrographer of Pakistan (HoP) website, the live fire exercise is being conducted on April 24-25. NAVAL SHIPS WILL CONDUCT LIVE SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE FIRING FROM 240300 TO 251600 UTC APR 25 IN AREA BOUNDED BY FOLLOWING COORDINATES: 24-05.00N 066-32.00E, 24-05.00N 061-50.00E, 23-10.00N 061-50.00E, 23-10.00N 066-32.00E. MARINERS KEEP WELL CLEAR OF EXERCISE AREA, read the advisory posted by NAVAREA IX on the website.

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As per the reports, the exercise is being undertaken near the ports of Karachi and Gwadar in the Arabian Sea. Meanwhile, the Indian Navys indigenous guided-missile destroyer INS Surat carried out a sea-skimming target, deploying its Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system as part of a high-readiness drill in the Arabian Sea on Thursday. In a statement, the Naval spokesperson said, This achievement demonstrates Indias growing prowess in indigenous warship design, development, and operations, and underscores the nations commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

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On Wednesday, as a first step towards avenging the death of 26 tourists killed in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam by the terrorists from The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, India suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty and closed the Attari checkpost.

The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also rescinded the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation visas of Pakistani nationals. Pakistani diplomats have been classified as persona non grata and have been asked to leave the country within a week, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said after the CCS meeting.

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. The Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 01 May 2025, Misri added.

Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

Further, the Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisers in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will withdraw its Defence/Navy/Air Advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisers will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions, he said.

It was also decided to reduce the overall strength of the High Commissions to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by 01 May.
Amidst the ongoing counter-terror operations being carried out in Jammu and Kashmir to flush out infiltrators, Indian Army Chief Upender Dwivedi is set to visit Srinagar on Friday. The COAS will be reviewing the security situation following the deadly massacre of 26 tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

The terror attack was carried out by the Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to Defence sources, General Dwivedi will be briefed by the commanders of local army formations and Rashtriya Rifles. The Corps Commander of Srinagar based Chinar Corps is also likely to be part of the reviewal meeting.

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Following the dastardly attack, deemed to be the bloodiest since Pulwama attack in 2019, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured of a loud and clear response.

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Singh while calling the attack a cowardly act extended condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. I want to repeat Indias resolve against terrorism. We have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. I want to assure the countrymen that the government will take every necessary step. We will not only reach the perpetrators of this act but also the actors behind the scenes. The accused will soon see a loud and clear response, I want to assure the country, Singh said in his address.

The defence minister had also held a key meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Navy chief Dinesh Tripathi.

As reported earlier, the TRF came into existence in October 2019, months after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and abrogation of Article 370. As per the Ministry of Home Affairs TRF is a front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2023.
A soldier of the elite Para Special Forces (Para SF), special forces of the Indian Army, specifically within the Parachute Regiment, of the Indian Army was killed on Thursday in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the Basantgarh area of the Udhampur district.

The braveheart Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 Para SF made the supreme sacrifice during a counter terror operation in the Udhampur district of Jammu.

The soldier was injured during the gunfight with a group of terrorists and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital.

The Army, CRPF and J&K Police had launched an anti-terror operation in the area following intelligence inputs of the presence of terrorists.

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Giving details, the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army wrote on X; Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with @JmuKmrPolice was launched today in Basantgarh, Udhampur. Contact was established and a fierce firefight ensued. One of our Bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite best medical efforts.

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GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks salute Braveheart Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, who made the supreme sacrifice during a counter terror operation. His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of grief, the Armys Corps wrote on X.

Pakistani terrorists have reportedly been hiding in the forest area of Basantgarh. They managed to escape after a brief encounter a few days ago.

Indian Army has launched a joint search operation with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police in Lasana forest area of the Poonch district to nab the hiding terrorists.
Union Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi very appropriately given strong message to Pakistan, saying Ab Rakta and Pani Dono Sath Nahin Bahenge (Blood Shedding and water flow would not be allowed parallelly).

Talking to the reporters this morning at the residence of CA Neeraj Udhwani, who was among the 26 victims gunned down by terrorists in Pahalgam, Shekhawat said that the Union Cabinet (Committees) decision of suspending the Indus River Water Sharing Treaty of 1960, symbolises PM Modis very strong message to Pakistan.

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The Minister, who in his earlier term was the incharge of the Jal Shakti portfolio, said The Indus River Water Treaty was viewed with such sanctity that despite repeated wars with the neighbouring countrythe 1965 war, 1971 war and the Kargil war) this remained in force in letter and spirit, in absolutely intact manner.

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The PMs resolve to stop the water flowing along with the blood shedding, is self explanatory on the seriousness of the situation as well as message from the Prime Minister, Shekhawat observed.

This would for sure cause economic breakdown in Pakistan, he added.

Besides this, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister (Amit Shah) have made their resolve plenty clear in their opening statements  about extremely stringent punishment to the perpetrators and people behind the tragic incident of Tuesday.

The entire nation is not just shocked, it is also agitated and anguished. The country has a firm resolve for early delivery of justice to the victims of the terror strike, he nooted.

To a question, the Union Minister termed AICC General Secretary and sitting MP Priyanka Gandhis husband Robert Vadras comment on the terror attack as unfortunate saying This reflected on the mentality of the grand old party and the Gandhi family.

Minister Shekhawat visited Neeraj Udhwani residence here to pay him tributes. The body was brought here from Kashmir Wednesday night.

Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also visited Neerajs residence this morning to pay their last respects.
The Congress on Thursday stated that the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which left 26 tourists dead, is an outcome of intelligence failure and security lapses, even as the party blamed Pakistan for masterminding the assault.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the top decision making body of the party, held an emergency meeting to deliberate on the Pahalgam terror attack.

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The resolution passed by the party in the meeting said, It is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in a Union territory  an area directly under the purview of the Union Home Ministry.

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Blaming Pakistan for masterminding the terror attack, and appealing for calm the resolution underlined: This cowardly and calculated act of terror, mastermind by Pakistan, is a direct assault on the values of our Republic. The deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to inflame passions across the country.

Pahalgam is known to be a heavily guarded area, secured by a three-tier security arrangement. It is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in a Union Territory.

These questions must be raised in the larger public interest. This is the only way justice can truly be seen to be served for the families whose lives have been so brutally devastated, the resolution stated.

The party also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for trying to sow polarization by exploiting the sentiments.

The massacre has rightly drawn condemnation from all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and from a wide cross-section of its citizens. However, it is shocking that the BJP is exploiting this grave tragedy through official and proxy social media platforms to sow further discord, mistrust, polarization and division at a time when unity and solidarity is most needed, the resolution stated.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, general secretaries K C Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, among others, attended the meeting, that started with leaders paying homage to the victims of the attack by observing a moment of silence in their memory.

Rahul Gandhi had cut short his visit to the United States in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.

Asserting in view of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the CWC resolution added: Robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements must be put in place without delay. The safety of pilgrims, as well as the livelihoods of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom depend on tourism, must be protected with full sincerity and seriousness.
The Thiruvananthapuram Additional Sessions Court- VII on Thursday sentenced Rajendran (40), the prime accused in the brutal murder of Vineetha(38), to death.

The Sessions Court Judge Prasoon Mohan, who delivered the verdict, stated that no punishment other than the death penalty is appropriate to the accused, given the severity and brutality of the crime.

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The court also slapped a fine of Rs 4 lakh on the convict. If the convict fails to pay the fine, he shall serve additional term of three years, the court ordered.The amount shall be given to Vineethas children, the court said.

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Earlier on April 11, the Additional Sessions Court found Rajendran, a native of Thovala in Tamil Nadus Kanyakumari district, guilty of murder, destruction of evidence and other allied charges.

Special Public Prosecutor M. Salahuddin argued forcefully for the death penalty, describing Rajendran as a hardened criminal responsible for four murders, three of which involved women, during robberies across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

During the sentencing hearing, Rajendran claimed he had a 70-year-old mother who depended on him. However, he also stated he felt no remorse, insisting he had done nothing wrongan admission that further underscored the courts conclusion that he lacked any capacity for remorse or reform.

The crime that shocked Thiruvananthapurm took place on February 6, 2022, when Vineetha was stabbed to death by Rajendran, a staff member at an ornamental plant shop at Ambalamukku to steal her gold chain.

Rajendran had a disturbing history, having previously murdered three members of a single family in Tamil Nadu. His latest crime in Kerala sealed his fate, with the court determining that society would be unsafe were he ever released.
The Bengaluru police will summon persons related to the BJP IT cell and social media cell in Karnataka for questioning in connection with the defamatory posts against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

The citys High Grounds Police station has registered an FIR against the BJP IT Cell and Social Media cell for their posts under sections 196 (promotion of enmity between different groups on grounds like religion, race, place of birth, resident, language) and 353 (2) (public mischief through misinformation) of the BNS.

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The complainant, CM Dhananjaya, KPCC legal and human resources department chairman and spokesperson, said the BJP IT cell post suggested that Rahul Gandhis foreign trip was linked to the terror attack in Pahalgam.

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This is not only intended to tarnish the image of Rahul Gandhi, but also to divert attention and escape from their responsibility. This will also create a rift in society, which needs to be dealt with firmly, the Congress leader said and added that strict action must be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring.
A high alert has been sounded along the India-Pakistan border in Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner districts after the terror strike in Pahalgam on Tuesday.

In the aftermath of the tragic attack in Pahalgam that left 26 tourists dead, the Border Security Force (BSF) has stepped up vigil along the entire international border stretch with round-the-clock 24 hour surveillance and deployment of additional patrol squads.

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High ranks at the BSF Sector headquarters have been advised to maintain constant communication with troops at the border posts and all Central security agencies are also kept on the (extra) alert mode.

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Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also held a discussion via video conferencing with the district and the divisional authorities of police and civil administration in these districts on Wednesday evening, a report from Bikaner said.

In turn, the Divisional Commissioner Bikaner Dr Ravi Kumar Surpur held a meeting with Inspector General Om Prakash, District Collector Namrita Vishni and Superintendent of Police Kavindra Sagar, and BSF Assistant Commandant Mahendra Singh to ensure better coordination among all agencies and their components and mobilize field forces with more alertness.

Surpur stressed up on strict compliance of all standard criteria and parameters of internal security management. Share with each other every tip-off or information received from sources while keeping a tab on tendencies of rumour mongers.

Likewise, in Jaisalmer, the BSF has stepped up its arrangements for ensuring the high security, patrolling and surveillance against any misadventure from across the border.

Besides, the police and district officials are resorting to all standard drills to keep a tab on untoward incidents and movement of the miscreants, even stranger  outsiders.

In bid to instill confidence among people in the security and administrative machinery, the armed police columns held flag marches in urban areas of the golden city of Jaisalmer, official sources said.
The state government has decided to enhance coordination with the ITBPs regional response centre to strengthen disaster management.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated this at a meeting held on Thursday with Sanjay Gunjyal, Frontier Commander of the Northern Frontier Headquarters of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Dehradun.

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During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the role of the ITBP in the border districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti and issues concerning security along the India-China border. Apart from this, various topics were deliberated upon, including a roadmap for promoting border tourism in the frontier regions of the state, procurement of local produce for ITBP supplies, and provision of medical services to local communities through ITBP healthcare facilities.

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He said that helipads located in ITBP-controlled zones could be utilised to promote tourism in remote areas.

All formalities in this regard will be completed in consultation with the force, which would also help enhance connectivity, he added.

Sukhu said the state government is taking several steps to strengthen the rural economy. If ITBP procures food products directly from local residents, it would create employment opportunities and benefit farmers and horticulturists, he added.

He also urged ITBP officials to prioritise the involvement of local residents in construction projects after completing all requisite formalities.

The Chief Minister also directed the state officials to expedite all procedures for establishing communication towers in border areas. He lauded the developmental efforts and other initiatives undertaken by the ITBP in frontier regions.

Commander Sanjay Gunjyal briefed the Chief Minister on the steps taken under the Vibrant Village Programme for the construction of three proposed border regions of the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister attended the meeting virtually and shared his views and suggestions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. Xi held talks with Aliyev, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Beijing on Wednesday.

The two leaders announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Both sides should continuously enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and strengthen international collaboration to open a new chapter of all-round cooperation, Xi said.

He added that China supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in continuing to follow a development path that suits its national conditions.

China is willing to carry out in-depth law enforcement and security cooperation with Azerbaijan to resolutely combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, Xi said.

He called on both sides to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and encourage educational, cultural, tourism, youth and sub-national cooperation.

Xi said tariff and trade wars undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, hurt the multilateral trading system, and impact the world economic order.

China is willing to work with Azerbaijan to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, firmly protect their respective legitimate rights and interests, and defend international fairness and justice, he said.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan and China have always respected and trusted each other in the face of changes unseen in a century, with bilateral cooperation continuously deepened, economic and trade relations developing rapidly, and local exchanges becoming closer.

He added that Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle, insists that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, and supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

The concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi are conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity, Aliyev said, adding that Azerbaijan highly appreciates and actively supports them.

Azerbaijan stands ready to work with China to promote the building of a comprehensive strategic partnership, expand cooperation concerning the Belt and Road Initiative, digital economy, green energy and science and technology, deepen exchanges between political parties and people of the two countries, and strengthen cooperation in international and regional affairs, Aliyev said.

After the talks, the two heads of state signed a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and witnessed the signing of 20 documents on cooperation in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, justice, green development, digital economy, intellectual property rights and aerospace.

Prior to the talks, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, held a welcoming ceremony for Aliyev and his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People.

Xi and Peng also hosted a welcoming banquet for Aliyev and Aliyeva in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People at noon on Wednesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sign a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. Xi held talks with Aliyev, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. Xi held talks with Aliyev, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. Xi held talks with Aliyev, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. Xi held talks with Aliyev, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. Xi held talks with Aliyev, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Editor: ZAD
With the theme Enhancement of Maintenance Capability and Capacity to Maximise Operational Potential of the Indian Air Force, the Indian Air Force organized a two-day Maintenance Command Commanders Conference at Vayusena Nagar, Nagpur, on Thursday.

The conference focused on bolstering self-reliance, indigenization, and long-term sustainment of critical assets. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who attended the conference through hybrid mode, was apprised of Maintenance Commands initiatives aimed at reducing dependency on foreign OEMs, enhancing system reliability, life extension studies and innovations.

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Emphasising inclusive growth and transformational reforms, the CAS encouraged commanders of units under Maintenance Command to proactively reduce dependence on foreign OEMs and enhance indigenous capability to maximise operational potential of the IAF.

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In what is seen as a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, India on Thursday briefed envoys of G20 countries, including China and Canada, on the Pahalgam terror attack and the role of the neighbouring country in the assault.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, meanwhile, briefed President Droupadi Murmu on the terror attack in which at least 26 tourists were killed, and the actions being taken by the government in its aftermath.

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Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri led a series of briefings for foreign diplomats and ambassadors stationed in New Delhi. Diplomats from key nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, China, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Norway, were called to the foreign office and given a detailed account of the terror attack and Indias response.

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Significantly, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong also attended the special briefing at the South Block. This engagement is being viewed as part of Indias broader effort to impress upon all regional stakeholders the gravity of the terror threat in Jammu and Kashmir and the imperative for international support in countering terrorism, sources said.

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov also arrived at the MEA for a briefing along with ambassadors and senior diplomats from Gulf countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Oman. Diplomats from Southeast Asia, representing Indonesia and Malaysia, were also given a comprehensive briefing.

The briefings, which lasted about 30 minutes per session, were described as comprehensive and focused on Indias security measures, intelligence assessments, and the operational response already under way. Senior MEA officials emphasised Indias commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and securing the region against cross-border terrorism.

Sources indicated that the outreach was not only to share Indias assessment of the current situation but also to ensure a coordinated international stance on terrorism, particularly from countries that share intelligence and counterterrorism cooperation frameworks with India.
The last rites of 41-year-old Prashant Satpathy, who was gunned down in Baisaran meadow of Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam by terrorists on 22 April right before his spouse and minor son, were performed on Thursday in his native Ishani village in Remuna block of Odishas Balasore district. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi took part in the funeral ceremony.

There was an outpouring of grief and a visible show of anger over the barbaric killing of innocents as hundreds of people gathered to mourn Prashants tragic death.

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Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, after taking part in the last rites of the deceased tourist, announced Rs 20 lakh financial assistance for the family of Prashant Satpathy.

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The state government would provide a job for Satpathys wife Priya Darshani Achariya, and take care of the education of their nine-year-old son Tanuj, CM Majhi later announced.

I strongly condemn the incident, and the state government solidly stands with the family of Prashant Satpathy at this hour of crisis. The state will provide financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh, a job for his wife, and take care of his sons education, the CM told reporters.

The mortal remains were brought back from Srinagar late last night, and Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, flanked by Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi, State BJP unit President Manmohan Samal, was also present to pay tribute.

A pall of gloom prevailed at Prashants familys modest house in Ishani village. The heart-rending scene was witnessed as Prashants widow clung to her deceased husbands mortal remains, refusing to let go for the last rites. The deceaseds wife, Priya Darshani, also fainted while talking to Chief Minister Majhi.

The mourners, including Chief Minister Majhi, took part in the procession to the cremation ground, where the last rites of Prashant were conducted as a sombre atmosphere prevailed at the nondescript village in the northern part of Odisha.
As a precautionary measure following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, the authorities have directed the government employees engaged under the PMs rehab package to work from home till April 27 in Kashmir

Orders issued initially by the district education officer, Baramulla, were later circulated by officials in other districts of the Valley asking PM package employees to work from home till April 27 and not attend their places of posting.

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PMs rehab package was announced by the erstwhile UPA government at the Centre for the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to abandon their homes under threats from the terrorists in the 1990s.

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The decision to allow the PM package government employees to work from home comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local, were killed by terrorists in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam on April 22.

A massive operation to trace and hunt down the terrorists is underway. The operation is tech-assisted using drones, helicopters, surveillance electronic equipment and sniffer dogs.

India has reacted to Pakistan-sponsored and directed terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir by suspending the Indus Water Treaty signed by the two countries in 1960.

The Attari border crossing point has been shut. The staff at Indias High Commission in Pakistan has been brought down to 30 per cent.

All Pakistani nationals presently in India have been directed to vacate within 48 hours, and military attaches at the Pakistani High Commission in India have been declared persona non grata.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met the families of the Pahalgam terror attack on Wednesday. He condoled the loss of their dear ones and assured them that the blood of the innocents spilt by the terrorists would be avenged.

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has directed security forces to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre to justice at all costs and spare no effort to hunt them down.
Security agencies on Wednesday released the sketches of three terrorists who attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district. The sketches have been prepared with the help of the survivors.

According to reports, the suspects have been identified as Asif Fauji alias Moosa, Suleman Shah alias Yunus and Abu Talha alias Asif. They were also involved in terror-related incidents in Poonch.

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The authorities suspect that two of the terrorists could be foreign nationals, probably from neighboring Pakistan. In view of the recent provocative statement from Pakistani Army Chief, the role of Pakistan is also suspected in the attack.

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As per the reports, the terrorists are believed to have crossed over from Kishtwar in Jammu and reached the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam via Kokernag.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the attack, in a social media post.

At least 28 people, mostly tourists from across the country, were killed in one of the largest attacks in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Two foreign nationals, and a local were also among the deceased.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his Saudi Arabia visit and arrived in Delhi early Wednesday morning. Upon his arrival in India, Modi held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening. He held a high-level security meeting with L-G Manoj Sinha and other officials from THE Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Army.

Earlier today, Shah visited the Baisaran meadow where the attack took place and paid his last respects to the victims by laying a wreath outside the Police Control Room in Srinagar. He also met with family members of the victims and expressed his condolences.

The PM is also believed to have called a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also chaired a key meet with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwiwedi and Navy chief Dinesh Tripathi over the attack.

Both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have vowed to punish the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack and hunt is on to nab the accused.
Five terrorists, including three Pakistani nationals and two residents of Jammu and Kashmir have been identified, who carried out the horrific attack near Pahalgam town, as authorities ramped up efforts to nab the perpetrators of the worst terror strike to rock the region in nearly two decades.

The investigation agencies identified named three Pakistani nationals  Asif Fauji (code name Moosa), Suleman Shah (code name Yunus) and Abu Talha (code name Asif), said people aware of developments.

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Two other Valley based operatives  Adil Guri, a local from Bijbehara in Anantnag who went to Pakistan in 2018, and Ahsan, a resident of Pulwama who also went to Pakistan in 2018  were also identified, said the people cited above.

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The Kashmiri operatives recently infiltrated into India after getting years of training in Pakistan, but Fauji and Shah were operating in Jammu and Kashmir for some time and were involved in previous attacks as well, including in Poonch, said the investigators.

The terrorists involved in Tuesdays attack in Pahalgams Baisaran meadow asked civilians, particularly men, to prove their religion by reciting Islamic prayers or showing physical markers such as circumcision, according to a preliminary investigation by central agencies based on survivors testimonies.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have already released sketches of three suspects and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh each for information on them.

One of the attackers has been identified by central intelligence agencies as Moosa  a code name  who, the officer cited above said, was also most likely involved in the May 2024 attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Poonch.

There is no CCTV camera at any establishment in the close vicinity of the Baisaran meadow, which means investigators are largely relying on information shared by the survivors. It is suspected that the attackers fled to higher ranges of the Pir Panjal after the attack.

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team led by Inspector General Vijay Sakhare is stationed in Srinagar to conduct a thorough investigation.

Officials said the federal anti-terror agency has already taken over the probe, with the J&K Police lending assistance.

The role of Saifullah Kasuri, one of the deputies of Lashkar-e-Toiba Chief Hafiz Saeed, is being investigated, officials added.

In a video shared on social media, Kasuri can be seen saying on February 2 this year that Kashmir will become land of the pure by February 2, 2026 and that in the coming days Mujahideen will intensify their attacks and Kashmir will be freed.
The official X account of the Government of Pakistan has been suspended in India following Tuesdays terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. After reports claimed that two of the terrorists were foreign nationals, probably from Pakistan, India announced several punitive measures, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with the neighbouring country.

According to X, the account was withheld in India in response to a legal demand. As per the Xs official policy on withholding the account, a valid and properly scoped request from an authorised entity is necessary to withhold access to certain content in a particular country.

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Such withholdings will be limited to the specific jurisdiction that has issued the valid legal demand or where the content has been found to violate local law(s), the X help centre stated in its policy.

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The move comes in response to the brutal terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district on Tuesday. A group of terrorists opened fire at tourists, killing 26 people, including a local guide and a Nepali national.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security and announced several punitive measures against Pakistan, officially holding the country responsible for the attack.

Pakistan, however, has denied any involvement in the attack. Following Indias announcement of punitive measures, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Thursday.

According to Pakistans Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, PM Sharif has convened the meeting of the National Security Committee to respond to the Indian Governments punitive measures against the country.
The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party have wholeheartedly supported the governments action following the Pahalgam terror attack and appealed to political parties not to derive political advantage from the prevailing situation.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav said that the entire nation stands with the government on matters of security. The Pahalgam terror attack is a failure of the intelligence system. Why didnt they take a lesson from earlier incidents? he asked.

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He said that even in this time of grief, the BJP people are circulating animated posters on social media. People associated with airlines are also taking advantage of the incident by hiking ticket fares. These people are also looking for opportunities in the midst of a tragedy. We want terrorism to be eradicated from its roots.

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Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, he said, The attack on tourists in Pahalgam is a very tragic incident, and we stand with the government on this issue. The central government should take strict action against the terrorists.

The SP president claimed that the BJP cannot absolve itself of responsibility for this attack. Had it taken lessons earlier, such an incident could have been averted, he added.

He said terrorists have no religion, and their sole aim is to trigger panic, which has triggered anger across the country.

Akhilesh Yadav said that instead of spending money on propaganda, the BJP government should have enhanced the countrys security. No party should derive political advantage from such incidents, he added.

The SP president further said, I repeat once again that the youth of the country are not in favour of the Agniveer scheme. A confirmed job should be assured, and the budget should reflect that. The government has taken five decisions against Pakistanwe support them, and if needed, the government should take even more rigorous decisions.

Meanwhile, BSP chief Mayawati, in a couple of social media posts on Thursday, said, The brutal massacre of tourists by Pakistan-supported terrorists in Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination in Kashmir, has shocked the entire nation. The lack of security at such a crucial place during the peak tourist season has triggered widespread anger and resentment among the people. This highlights the need for greater accountability on the part of the government.

She further said, At this time, restoring public trust and focusing on the steps taken by the central government is more important than engaging in party politics or making accusations over an incident that concerns national security. The government must ensure that every possible measure is taken to prevent such a painful incident from recurring anywhere in the country.
Reacting to the renewed Do Not Travel advisory issued by the United States to its citizens, Ladakhs Lt. Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) on Thursday said appropriate action would be taken against the travel advisories issued by the US and the United Kingdom. He objected to categorising the Union Territory of Ladakh under Jammu and Kashmir, saying it creates confusion and concern among foreign and domestic tourists.

The New Delhi-based US embassy on Wednesday issued a travel advisory, saying, On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Kashmir, with media reporting multiple casualties. According to local media, several cities in India remain on high alert due to the attack. Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this state (except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan., the advisory added.

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The US embassy has not lifted the adverse advisory for travel to parts of the Kargil district along the Line of Control (LoC).

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In view of the terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, in which 26 people lost their lives, the LG appealed to all stakeholders and sought their assistance in welcoming tourists with open arms and taking all necessary measures to increase the footfall of tourists in Ladakh.

Stating that tourism is the lifeline of people of Ladakh as a majority of people are engaged in tourism activities for their livelihood, the LG sought cooperation from all tourism stakeholders to welcome and support tourists and not indulge in any malpractices that might hamper the footfall of tourists in Ladakh and affect the livelihood opportunities of the people of Ladakh. The LG stated that, in keeping with the trend, he was expecting more tourists to visit Ladakh in 2025 than in 2024.

Stating that the nation is facing a difficult time, the LG emphasised the need to secure the country. He further noted that no one wants Kashmirs tourism-dependent economy to suffer, as a majority of people in areas such as Pahalgam rely on it for their livelihood. The LG appealed for everyones goodwill and support, urging the need to evoke the sentiment of nation above everything else to overcome the challenging period.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena wrote to Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday extending its unconditional support to any decision by the Modi government to counter the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam town.

However, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Senas Lok Sabha MP informed Rijiju that hell not be able to attend the all-party meeting to be presided over by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh due to what he termed unavoidable circumstances.

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Received your message about todays all-party meeting, but regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend the meeting due to unavoidable circumstances. But I assure you on behalf of the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena that at this crucial juncture and when 28 innocent tourists have been killed in the attack by terrorists, we stand firmly with the decisions and action initiated by the Government of India to counter this cowardly, dastardly attack, Sawant wrote to Rijiju.

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Yet, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Senas daily Marathi newspaper Saamna published an editorial sharply criticising the BJP government and its Kashmir policy. The Saamna editorial claimed that the latest attack on tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday was the result of an intelligence failure and that terrorism being borne by the state of Jammu & Kashmir would not go away simply by threatening Pakistan.

The Saamna editorial stated that the scrapping of Article 370, which provided special status to the erstwhile state, has not ended violence in the Kashmir Valley, where Hindus are still being targeted.

According to the Saamna editorial, the BJP celebrated a political festival after Article 370 of the Constitution was revoked in 2019, but left Hindus in the lurch, without resolving the security threat from Pakistan.

The editorial stated that since August 5, 2019, as many as 197 security personnel, 135 civilians, and 700 terrorists have been killed in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Terrorists struck Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, in the latest terror attack. Where is National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, who poses as James Bond? the Saamna dailys editorial asked.

After the Pulwama strike in 2019, the Pahalgam attack has revealed the failure of intelligence agencies, the editorial noted.

The editorial stated that the BJP sought West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees resignation for violence against Hindus in her state, but the BJP is not willing to accept responsibility for the massacre of Hindus in Pahalgam, the Saamna editorial stated.

The editorial also pointed out how Prime Minister Narendra Modi lied when he said that the 2016 demonetisation would break the backbone of terrorism and how Union Home Minister Amit Shah had claimed that terrorism had ended in the Kashmir Valley after Article 370 was nullified. Yet blood is being shed there every day, the editorial stated.

There are no signs of violence ending in the Kashmir Valley. Hindus are still being targeted, and promises made to displaced Kashmiri Pandits have not been kept. On the contrary, Hindus are fleeing the Kashmir Valley. The BJP, which claims to be the messiah of Hindus, should be ashamed of itself, the Saamna editorial stated.

The Centre governs Jammu and Kashmir through the Lieutenant Governor, but the cries and wails from Pahalgam have made it evident how inefficient that has been. The issues are not going to get resolved by simply threatening Pakistan. This will only make bhakts (BJP supporters) feel good for some time, the Saamna editorial stated.

Who will protect Hindus? It is their (the BJPs) business to cry and wail after Hindus die and then blame Pakistan. This happened even after the Pulwama attack, the editorial stated.

The editorial attacked the BJP-led central government, even as it alleged that hatred along religious lines has been spread throughout the country in the last ten years.
Kyiv-based Oschadbank has secured the seizure of approximately EUR 87 million in Russian assets in France as part of its legal battle for compensation over assets lost in Crimea.

"The asset freeze in France is the result of years of systematic work by Oschadbank in multiple jurisdictions. The bank operates in strict accordance with international law to ensure legal protection," said Oschadbank Chairman Serhiy Naumov in a press release on Thursday.

France has recognized a 2018 arbitration tribunal ruling in Oschadbank's favor, ordering Russia to pay over $1.11 billion in damages for the illegal expropriation of the bank's property in Crimea following Russia's occupation of the peninsula.

Under French law, Oschadbank, as the first claimant, has priority in satisfying its claims from the seized assets.

"We are meticulously documenting all damages sustained by the bank since 2022  these will serve as the basis for further claims against the aggressor state," said Arsen Miliutin, Deputy Chairman of Oschadbank's Management Board.

According to the National Bank of Ukraine, Oschadbank ranked second among Ukraine's 61 banks in terms of total assets as of early 2025, with UAH 963.39 billion (12.4% market share).
Patrolling by the security forces across the Himalayan state, particularly along International border, have been intensified after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

The Uttarakhand Police have been alerted and asked to remain highly vigilant in view of the upcoming Chardham pilgrimage to begin on April 30.

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State Home Department has directed the police to increase security in the light of the general threat perception for the Chardham pilgrimage that has increased following the Pahalgam terror attack. The government asked the police to be more vigilant for the safety of pilgrims in the hill areas specially Chardham Shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath and other religious places.

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Police officials informed that additional security deployments would be made at several places on the Chardham Yatra route in coming days taking stock of security threats. As per officials state polices intelligence system has also been instructed to be alert and take every information seriously and important to prevent any untoward incidents in the state.

Intelligence wing of the state police will deploy more personnel on Chardham routes to gather every information that may have damaging impact in smooth run of the pilgrimage.

Intelligence personnel have also been asked to take sensitive social media security related contents seriously and use their channels adequately to gather inputs. Officials informed that additional forces will also be deployed in border areas. Apart from this, instructions have been issued to the police for regular exchange of information with the border states police.

The Chardham Yatra is scheduled to start from 30 April. Preparations for the yatra are in final stages.
Thousands gathered at Deori Ghat on Thursday to bid a tearful farewell to Shubham Dwivedi of Kanpur, who lost his life in the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

The cremation was conducted with full state honours, in a moving ceremony marked by solemn dignity and public solidarity.

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Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Shubhams Hathipur (Kanpur) residence to pay his respects. Bowing before the mortal remains of the brave youth, the Chief Minister offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

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He spoke with Shubhams father and listened closely as his wife recounted the tragic incident.

Addressing the media afterwards, CM Yogi condemned the Pahalgam terror attack as a barbaric and cowardly act, asserting that it is a sign that terrorism is on its last breath. He reiterated the governments commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and extremism, assuring the people of Uttar Pradesh and the nation that those responsible will face the full force of justice.

This government will crush the venomous fangs of terror with absolute resolve, the Chief Minister declared. Those involved in this conspiracy will face severe consequences, and the nation will bear witness to it. The terrorists and their handlers will be punished for the barbarity inflicted upon Hindu women, stripping them of their sindoor in an act of inhuman cruelty. There should be no doubt about this.

CM Yogi further emphasized that the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where innocent tourists were targeted based on their religion, is not only condemned by India but by every civilized society around the world. No society with a conscience can tolerate such acts, he said.

Highlighting decisive steps taken at the national level, the Chief Minister pointed out that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has already made key decisions in response. Home Minister Amit Shah personally visited the affected areas, and a comprehensive strategy to eliminate terrorism is now underway.

The final nail is being driven into the coffin of terrorism, CM Yogi remarked. India has taken a firm stand under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The entire country must unite in trust and determination to uphold our zero-tolerance policy and bring an end to extremism once and for all.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of Shubham Dwivedi, stating that Shubham was the only son of his family and had been married just two months ago. We pray for the peace of his soul and extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, the Chief Minister said. At this painful time, the entire nation stands united in condemning this inhuman and barbaric act.

Reaffirming the governments commitment, CM Yogi emphasized that the double-engine government firmly stands with Shubhams family in this hour of grief. This is a government that follows a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and barbarity. Unlike those who withdraw cases against terrorists for vote bank politics, this government delivers justice and stands by its people with unwavering resolve.

Shubhams mortal remains arrived in Lucknow on Wednesday night and were later transported to Kanpur. Following the Chief Ministers instructions, all arrangements were made for his cremation with full state honours.

To personally share the familys grief, CM Yogi visited their residence in Hathipur, where he met with Shubhams father and wife, listening closely to their account of the incident. The pain of losing a newlywed son echoed deeply in the sombre atmosphere.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by several prominent leaders, including Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, BJP State President Bhupendra Chaudhary, Cabinet Minister Rakesh Sachan, MP Ramesh Awasthi, Minister Pratibha Shukla, along with local MLAs and senior officials.
The true heart of India resides in the soil of its villages  a heart that beats with the first rays of the morning sun, speaks through the voices echoing in village squares, and breathes in the decisions made in panchayat halls. The air here carries the scent of hard work, the lanes resonate with the sound of unity, and the village assemblies pulse with the vibrancy of democracy.

When a farmer openly shares concerns about the crop, when a woman stands firm and challenges societal norms, or when a youth weaves dreams for the villages future  that is when Indias democracy paints its most beautiful picture. This is the strength, the magic that we celebrate every year on 24 April as National Panchayati Raj Day. This day is a celebration of the authority, self-reliance, and decisionmaking saga of villages. It reminds us that Indias true power lies not in the corridors of Delhi or the dazzle of big cities, but in the simple village squares where every voice matters. In 1992, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment gave panchayati raj not just legal but constitutional strength.

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This was no ordinary law; it was a revolution that shook the old structures of power. Power was no longer confined to the offices of capitals; it reached the footpaths, fields, and panchayat halls of villages. This amendment did not merely make villagers beneficiaries of schemes  it made them creators, implementers, and overseers of those schemes. Villages gained the right to determine their own needs. Where a road should be built, what improvements are needed in schools, where a well should be dug  these decisions began to be made in village meetings. This was not just an administrative change; it was a social, cultural, and psychological revolution that restored the lost dignity and identity of villages. The most inspiring aspect of panchayati raj has been womens empowerment.

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The 33 per cent reservation in panchayats gave millions of women not only a platform for leadership but also brought their voices into the mainstream. Today, women across the country are not just making decisions as sarpanches, village heads, or district council members  they are breaking societal shackles. These women are not only changing the direction of their villages; they are writing a new story of Indias inclusive development. A woman who was once confined to the four walls of her home now speaks up in village assemblies, approves schemes, and shapes her villages future. This change is not just in numbers but is clearly visible in the transforming face of villages.

But is this story complete? National Panchayati Raj Day also forces us to ask this question. In many villages, panchayats remain mere formalities, decisions are imposed from above, and village assemblies are reduced to token gestures. Yet, where panchayats are empowered, where transparency and accountability are valued, the pace and impact of development are unparalleled. Todays era is one of digital revolution, and panchayati raj has become a part of this transformation. Initiatives like e-Gram Swaraj, digital panchayat portals, and online accounting systems have not only made panchayats more transparent but also more empowered.

Now, any villager can check on their phone how much funding came to their village, where it was spent, and which schemes are underway. This technology is not just providing information  it is making villagers aware of their rights. Digital tools have made panchayat operations faster, more accountable, and more effective. Villages are not only becoming self-reliant but are also carving out their identity on the global stage. National Panchayati Raj Day is not just a celebration but also an opportunity for introspection. It compels us to ask whether we have truly understood the soul of panchayati raj.

Are our panchayats truly independent and empowered? Can villagers voice their opinions fearlessly? Administrative hurdles, corruption, and social pressures often weaken the autonomy of panchayats. Yet, inspiring stories emerge from every corner of the country. In a small village in Madhya Pradesh, women used the panchayat to promote solar energy. In a Rajasthan village, water conservation efforts set an example for the entire nation. These stories show that when a village awakens, it lights the way not just for itself but for the entire country.

Every year on 24 April, when we honour outstanding panchayats with national awards, we do not just celebrate their achievements  we send a message to the entire nation that the true strength of democracy lies at the grassroots. These awards are not just trophies; they are symbols of the hard work, unity, and integrity of villages. They remind us that strong villages make a strong nation. Panchayati raj is not just a governance system; it is a promise to give every villager rights, respect, and a platform to be heard. It is a celebration of the India that is made of village soil, whose future is being written in village squares.

This day, 24 April, is an inspiration for every village that aspires to be self-reliant, for every woman who wants to raise her voice, for every youth who dreams of bringing change to the village, and for every Indian who envisions an India where the river of development flows through village lanes. National Panchayati Raj Day is a celebration of the truest, most beautiful form of democracy: the voice of the village, the decisions of the village, and the future of the village. It is the day we salute villages, honour their strength, and dream of a new India together with them.

(The writer is a Madhya Pradesh based academic and freelance contributor.)
A total of 154 aftershocks have hit Myanmar since a devastating earthquake struck the country on March 28, according to the countrys Department of Meteorology and Hydrology on Wednesday.

These tremors ranged in magnitude from 2.8 to 7.5, according to the department, Xinhua news agency reported.

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As of Tuesday, the earthquake has claimed 3,759 lives and injured 5,107 others, with 114 people still reported missing nationwide, official data showed.

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On April 17, India, under Operation Brahma, had sent an additional consignment of relief material that was handed over by Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Abhay Thakur to Mandalay Chief Minister Myo Aung in the presence of diaspora leaders of Mandalay and Sagaing.

The relief aid included RO water plant, genset, rice, noodles, cooking oil, atta, sugar, dal, salt, MREs, blankets and medicines for the needy, the Embassy of India in Yangon stated.

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.

Under Operation Brahma, India was the first responder to the earthquake-hit Myanmar and has provided relief supplies of over 750 MT including essential medicines, foodgrain, ready-to-eat meals, tents, blankets, gensets, rapidly deployable surgical and medical shelters, water sanitation and hygiene services, drinking water, essential clothing, prefabricated office/residential structures, etc.

Further, humanitarian assistance consisting of an 80-member NDRF Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Specialists Team and a 127-member Indian Army field hospital team were also deployed.

The supply of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material to Myanmar demonstrates Indias willingness to stand with the people of Myanmar and support through this difficult time, the Ministry of External Affairs maintained.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also expressed deep sorrow over the disaster and conveyed Indias condolences directly to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar, reaffirming Indias commitment to assisting Myanmar during this crisis.

On April 4, Prime Minister 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 had 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.
Nepals Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba on Wednesday confirmed that a Nepali national died following the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The deceased, identified as Sudip Neupane, was a resident of the Rupandehi district of Nepal. His mother was also injured during the attack, according to the minister.

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Condemning the terror attack as cruel and inhuman, Nepals foreign minister Deuba took to her social media and offered deepest condolences on the death of Sudip Neupane.

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I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Nepali citizen Sudip Neupane of Butwal-11, Kalikanagar, Rupandehi, in the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Kashmir yesterday. I pay my heartfelt tributes to him and express my deepest condolences to his family, she posted on X.

I also wish a speedy recovery to his mother, who was injured in the terrorist attack. We have also received news that they had gone there for a visit, the post added.

Minister Deuba condemned the act as cruel and inhuman and affirmed that the Government of Nepal stands with the Indian Government and the people of India in this hour of grief.

Meanwhile, Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli called PM Narendra Modi to strongly condemn the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag district and extend his condolences on the loss of precious lives.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi also conveyed his condolences on the death of a young Nepali national in the terror attack, and underlined that India remains committed to bringing the perpetrators of the brutal terror attack to justice.

Oli termed the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir as heinous and spoke in detail with Prime Minister Modi on the issue.

Spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conveyed my deepest condolences on the loss of lives in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Reiterated Nepals firm solidarity with India against such heinous acts. Grateful for his heartfelt condolences on the loss of the Nepali citizen, Oli posted on X.

Earlier in the day, Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel took to social media, terming the act of violence as utterly reprehensible.

My profound grief over the loss of innocent lives in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Such acts of violence, targeting innocent lives, are utterly reprehensible. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their dear ones and my prayers for the quick recovery of the injured, he posted on X

The Foreign Ministry of Nepal also unequivocally condemned the barbaric terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and extended deepest condolences to the bereaved families and expressed sincere wishes for the swift and full recovery of those injured.

In line with our firm and principled position, Nepal condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believes that such heinous acts of terrorism cannot and should not be justified on any ground, the ministry added.

The brutal assault, which left 26 tourists dead and several others critically injured, unfolded on Tuesday in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, where heavily armed terrorists emerged from the surrounding dense forests and opened indiscriminate fire on tourists. The attack has been described as one of the most horrific in the region in recent memory.

According to initial Intelligence reports, Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir remain on a high alert following Tuesdays gruesome attack. Security has been tightened at all vulnerable spots, and additional forces have been deployed across the Valley.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday called for an international peace conference to be held under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), the US, Russia, China, the European Union, Japan, South Africa and Brazil, aiming to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.

During a speech in a Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Central Council meeting hold in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Abbas stressed that the proposed conference must be based on UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, the International Court of Justice, the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, and the signed agreements between the PLO and Israel.

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He also talked about the creation of the position of Vice President of the Executive Committee of the PLO and the State of Palestine, noting that he has referred the matter to the PLO National Council and requested its President to take necessary legal steps to amend the PLOs basic law to establish the position.

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The central council began its two-day meeting on Wednesday in Ramallah, Xinhua news agency reported.

The meeting will discuss the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the creation of the position of Vice President of the PLO, the first since its history.

Earlier on Wednesday, Hamas said that the PLO meeting could be an opportunity to make a unified national position.

The movement stressed the need for the meeting to take responsible and courageous decisions to stop the war and restore the unified Palestinian position in defence of national rights.

The PLO is a coalition of parties that signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1993 and formed a new government in the Palestinian Authority with promises of statehood that never materialised. Both are dominated by Fatah, which Abbas leads.

Hamas was not party to the 1993 accords and does not recognise Israel.

While Abbas has never outright condemned the October 7 attack on Israel, he has criticised Hamas for it in the past and reiterated his general condemnation of attacks against civilians.

Abbass speech laid out his vision to create a Palestinian state, calling for an end to the war in Gaza and renewed calls for a unification of Palestinian political factions under the umbrella of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). His list of priorities also called for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The UN is looking at the terrorist strike in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the attack, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday.

Guterres strongly condemned the armed attack in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday and stresses that attacks against civilians are unacceptable, under any circumstances, Dujarric said.

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The secretary-general offers his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the victims, he said.

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Were just looking at that incident right, that horrific terror attack in which more than 20 people were killed, which we strongly condemn, he added.

The targeted attack by a front organisation of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) killed tourists at Pahalgam, a popular tourism spot.

Tensions have mounted between the two neighbouring countries following the attack.

The Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata and given a week to leave India, and the diplomatic mission is ordered to downsize, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

It added that Pakistanis in India under certain visas have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

India also said the Indus Water Treaty will be held in abeyance.

Asked by a reporter at his daily briefing how concerned Guterres was that the attack could intensify the tensions and lead to a cross-border conflict, Dujarric said, Were not going to predict or analyse what may happen.

I will leave it to analysts as that would lead to a rise in tensions, he said.

The LeT front that styles itself The Resistance Front and Kashmir Resistance said that it carried out the attack.

With the LeT declared an international terrorist organisation and under sanctions, the terrorist organisation sprouts fronts as a diversionary tactic to take the blame for attacks by its operatives.
Polish company Getin Holding SA has, on its third attempt, sold 100% of the shares of Idea Bank (Lviv)  27th in terms of assets in Ukraine. The buyer was Cyprus-based Alkemi Limited, owned by the TAS Group of Sergiy Tigipko, in accordance with a conditional sale and purchase agreement signed on October 18 of last year, according to a stock exchange statement by the seller.

"Under the agreement, the issuer received a price for the shares equivalent to $36.5 million. Additionally, the issuer received a fee equivalent to EUR 194,339 under an exclusive agreement signed with the buyer on April 22, 2025," Getin stated.

It added that a further payment was received for the transfer of rights to funds accumulated in an Idea Bank deposit, totaling UAH 30.24 million in euros  EUR 633,790  based on a mandate agreement signed by the seller, the buyer, and the bank on April 23, 2025.

As reported, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) approved Tigipko's indirect acquisition of 100% of Idea Bank shares on April 21.

Back in February 2022, Getin noted that it had failed a second time to sell Idea Bank. An agreement signed on November 10, 2021, with the First Ukrainian International Bank (FUIB, Kyiv), owned by Rinat Akhmetov, was terminated due to failure to fulfill all ownership transfer conditions by the February 25 deadline. After the deal with FUIB fell through, Getin declined to pursue the sale of its Ukrainian subsidiary under wartime conditions.

That deal had stipulated a sale price equivalent in euros to the bank's total net assets, according to audited 2021 financial results, multiplied by a coefficient of 1.072 plus net profit for the period from January 1, 2022, until the sale, but not exceeding UAH 45 million (PLN 6.86 million). Analysts had estimated the deal at approximately $50 million.

Even earlier  at the end of 2019  Getin had signed an agreement to sell Idea Bank and LLC New Finance Service (NFS, Kyiv) to Dragon Capital, owned by Tomas Fiala, together with Ivan Svitek. The purchase price for Idea Bank in euros was equivalent to UAH 1.368 billion (around $57.8 million at the exchange rate at the beginning of 2020), minus the amount of dividends paid before closing, and around UAH 5 million for 100% of NFS. Although the deal was approved by the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine, it was terminated as the parties failed to agree on commercial terms within the contractual deadline.

On March 27, 2023, the NBU deemed both the Polish holding and its primary owner, Leszek Czarnecki, to have an unsatisfactory business reputation. As a result, the Ukrainian regulator temporarily stripped Getin of voting rights for 100% of Idea Bank shares and gave both the holding and Czarnecki one year to rectify the violation. A year later, the NBU refused to restore the voting rights. Additionally, the NBU approved Jacek Piechota, President of the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, as trustee manager for Idea Bank.

At the end of April 2024, the regulator gave Getin six months to sell its entire stake in Idea Bank. The same demand was made of Czarnecki, who was required to sell Getin's 44.98% stake in Idea Bank or alternatively divest his stake in Getin or in LC Corp BV, which owns 34.17% of Getin.

Subsequently, in October 2024, Getin's management and Tigipko's TAS Group signed a purchase agreement for Idea Bank. The base amount of the transaction was $34 million. That same month, Getin received the NBU's decision extending the sale deadline to the end of January 2025.

The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine approved the deal on December 12, 2024, and the NBU reported at the end of January 2025 that it had received Tigipko's documents for acquisition approval.
In the warehouses of the state enterprise Forests of Ukraine, 100,000 cubic meters of round timber are waiting for shipment, and the business has increased its debt to UAH 500 million for already delivered products, the press service of the state enterprise reported.

Forests of Ukraine recalled that during recent meetings with the business there was a demand to increase the harvest, since the resource is in dire straits.

"But the facts show otherwise. Since the beginning of April, the "hotline" of the state enterprise Forests of Ukraine has not received a single complaint about non-fulfillment of contracts for the supply of wood due to the fault of foresters (the only case concerns a conflict between entrepreneurs in the Carpathian region, in which our employees became hostages). However, the volume of unselected products in warehouses has increased noticeably," the report says.

Forests of Ukraine drew attention to the fact that among those who do not fulfill their obligations there are companies from the top ten.

The responsibility of business for the disruption of contracts is currently minimal. Buyers practically do not risk anything. With significant fluctuations in market prices, it is sometimes easier not to select products under an open contract and go to the auction again, the state enterprise explained.

Meanwhile, Forests of Ukraine is experiencing increasing storage costs due to the accumulation of forest products and reloading of warehouses. Late payment negatively affects the state of settlements with service providers (primarily from logging). A forced stop destabilizes the work of harvesters, scarce workers are lost, who are difficult to replace.

"Our company is working on solving the problem. We are increasing the share of long-term contracts. The situation is certainly normalizing. However, the issue of business responsibility must be taken into account in further discussions on increasing harvesting. If we demand, then we respond," the state-owned enterprise emphasized.
Lockheed Martin may have lost the race for the US Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme to Boeing, but the company has no plans to relent.

The defence and aerospace manufacturer, which does not wish to protest the US Air Forces decision to award the NGAD contract to Boeing, intends to use the technology and knowledge it gained from the investments in NGAD race to enhance the capabilities of its fifth-generation fighter F-35 to make it transform it to fifth-generation-plus capability.

During the companys first-quarter earnings call, CEO Jim Taiclet said he challenged the team that was in the NGAD competition to deliver "80 per cent of sixth-gen capability at 50 per cent of the cost."

ALSO READ: 'F-35s will give IAF strength to protect India's air space like never before': JD Vance renews stealth jet pitch

While it may be out of the sixth-gen fighter jet programme for the near future, Lockheed Martin will now focus on upgrading its F-35 and F-22 Raptor with sixth-gen technology, and according to Taiclet, they intend to take the F-35 chassis and turn it into a Ferrari.

"Eventually, there will be 3,500 of these (F-35) chassis out there at various stages of technology and capability. We think we can get most of the way to sixth-gen at half the cost."

He said this will provide the customers of the company, including the US Air Force, with the best possible value.

Reports suggest that the company plans to incorporate advanced manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) into the upgraded F-35s. MUM-T refers to the collaborative operation of manned and unmanned systems, where piloted aircraft like the fifth-gen F-35 work alongside drones and other autonomous platforms.
Amid the heightened tensions with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were dead, the Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INS Surat successfully test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile. According to the Navy, this marks a major milestone for the force in strengthening its defence capabilities.

The missile has a range of around 70 km.

#IndianNavy's latest indigenous guided missile destroyer #INSSurat successfully carried out a precision cooperative engagement of a sea skimming target marking another milestone in strengthening our defence capabilities.



Proud moment for #AatmaNirbharBharat!@SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/hhgJbWMw98  SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 24, 2025

INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world. It is the first Artificial Intelligence-enabled warship in the Indian Navy and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.

ALSO READ: Fifth-generation fighter AMCA, LCA Tejas Mark-2 priority for govt, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

"The Indian Navy's latest indigenous guided missile destroyer INS Surat has successfully carried out a precision cooperative engagement of a sea-skimming target, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Navy's defence capabilities," the Indian Navy said.

The Navy claimed that this achievement demonstrates the country's growing prowess in indigenous warship design, development, and operations, and underscores the nation's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

According to the Navy, the "milestone" is a "testament" to the force's "unwavering commitment" to safeguarding the nation's maritime interests and its dedication to a self-reliant India.
After the Indian Navy reported that it test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile from the guided missile destroyer INS Surat, reports now emerge that Pakistan may be preparing for a missile test as well.

Pakistan reportedly issued a notification for a surface-to-surface missile test to be conducted off the Karachi coast within its Exclusive Economic Zone on Thursday or Friday.

According to defence sources, Indian agencies are keeping a close watch on all the developments.

#AreaWarning #Pakistan issues a notification for likely missile test in the Arabian Sea Region



Dates | 24-25 April 2025 pic.twitter.com/Z0zoLLGJhR  Damien Symon (@detresfa_) April 24, 2025

Prominent open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst Damien Symon took to X to say that an image taken yesterday shows "the Indian Navy Aircraft Carrier - INS Vikrant underway in the Arabian Sea Region off the coast of Karwar."

ALSO READ: INS Surat test fires surface-to-air missile amid tensions with Pakistan after Pahalgam attack

The reports of Pakistan planning the missile test come amid increasing tensions with India in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed.

The move to conduct surface-to-surface missile test suggest that Pakistan may be jittery after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty and announced downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan including the expulsion of its military attaches.

India will be withdrawing its own defence, navy and air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
'Natural Star' Nani, who is back in the third film in the HIT (Homicide Intervention Team) movie series titled HIT: The Third Case, was in Kerala to promote the film co-starring Srinidhi Shetty (KGF films), and directed by Sailesh Kolanu who made the first two films as well.

While the first starred Vishwak Sen and the second, Adivi Sesh, the third has Nani playing the protagonist, a fierce cop named Arjun Sarkaar ("Arjun to the people and Sarkaar to the criminals," he says in the recently released trailer), who showed up in a cameo in HIT: The Second Case.

Dulquer Salmaan's Wayfarer Films is distributing the film in Kerala. Interestingly, Nani's connection with the Malayalam star goes way back  to OK Bangaram, the Telugu-dubbed version of the Mani Ratnam romantic drama, in which Nani lent his voice to the actor.

On collaborating with Dulquer, the Shyam Singha Roy actor said he is happy that Wayfarer Films is releasing HIT 3 in Kerala and "extending the collaboration that started with OK Bangaram. Calling him a "good friend," Nani said he loves Dulquer's work and hopes to associate with him in the future.

7 days to go for the BLOODY & BRUTAL #HIT3 : THE THIRD CASE to unfold 



Arjun Sarkaar will take charge over the BOX OFFICE from May 1st.#HIT3Trailer.

 https://t.co/iFwJXtaxOp#AbkiBaarArjunSarkaar

Natural Star @NameisNani @KolanuSailesh @SrinidhiShetty7 pic.twitter.com/OKaXxfnN2c  Wayfarer Films (@DQsWayfarerFilm) April 24, 2025

An actor known for his natural performances and versatility, Nani, who has demonstrated his knack for choosing different genres that run the gamut from comedy to romance to action, added that his interest in trying different genres compelled him to pick HIT: The Third Case.

"The first two films were whodunits; this film, however, is not like that... it's more about the overall experience," he said, calling it a theatre-friendly, adrenaline-charged experience. "There are a lot of edge-of-the-seat scenes, but it's not about one person  it's much larger than that."

Since the HIT 3 trailer slightly hinted at the expected level of bloodshed, Nani told the press that the violence is not over-the-top and there is a reason for this approach. "Violence is just a part of it. But once you see the film, you'll see it's not the violence you'll be talking about, but the overall experience."

HIT: The Third Case also sees Nani reuniting with Malayali cinematographer Sanu John Varghese, who previously worked with him in Hi Nanna, Jersey and Shyam Singha Roy.

The Ante Sundaraniki actor also confirmed that the series will have "even more exciting" instalments in the future.

Meanwhile, the actor also promises to deliver a big-screen, high-octane theatrical experience with his upcoming pan-Indian film The Paradise, slated for release on March 26, 2026. The film reteams Nani with Dasara director Srikanth Odela.
Jhumpa Lahiri fans may have something to rejoice. Netflix is working on a series adaptation of Unaccustomed Earth, the short story collection of the esteemed British author of Indian origin. John Wells, the creator of the acclaimed HBO Max show, The Pitt, is developing it. Wells, also known for the popular medical drama series ER and the comedy-drama series Shameless, is involved as a writer, showrunner and executive producer.

Netflix's official logline for the adaptation, which has Lahiri attached as one of the executive producers, describes it as "an epic, soapy drama about a tight-knit immigrant community navigating love, desire, and belonging. When a star-crossed romance between a devoted wife and her long-lost love comes to light, a scandalous affair is born, and new battle lines are drawn in the elite, insular Indian American community of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Rich with passion and unforgettable characters, Unaccustomed Earth is an intimate, nuanced look inside a tight-knit community."

Wells is backing the project through his John Wells Productions jointly with Warner Bros. Television. Also involved in the team are writer and executive producer Madhuri Shekar (of Netflix's 3 Body Problem) and Nisha Ganatra (Freakier Friday, Late Night), who will direct the first episode and serve as co-executive producer.

It's worth noting that Wells previously partnered with Netflix and Warner Bros. Television for the widely praised limited series Maid (starring Margaret Qualley) and an in-production miniseries titled Untamed.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning author (for the short story collection Interpreter of Maladies), Lahiri is also known for The Namesake, which got a film adaptation directed by Mira Nair and starring Irrfan Khan and Tabu.
Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir came together for an all-party meeting and adopted a resolution strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, calling it a "barbaric" act and an attack on Kashmiriyat, the spirit of peaceful coexistence.

On April 22, militants opened fire on tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 24 tourists. A local horseman, Adil Shah, and a Nepali national also lost their lives in the attack.

The meeting, called by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) near Dal Lake. It began at 3:30 pm and lasted for two hours.

Leaders from major partiesincluding the National Conference, BJP, PDP, Congress, CPI(M), Apni Party, and other smaller regional partiesattended the meeting. Ghulam Nabi Azad of DPAP and Altaf Bukhari of Apni Party were also present.

All parties supported the resolution and pledged full backing for the investigation and efforts to bring the attackers to justice.

Reading out the resolution after the meeting, Omar Abdullah said, "We strongly condemn this barbaric act of terror. Such violence is a direct attack on Kashmiriyat, which stands for unity, peace, and harmony."

The resolution paid tribute to Adil, who died trying to protect tourists.His sacrifice will be remembered as a symbol of courage and selflessness, it said.

It also praised the support and kindness shown by locals who helped the injured and stranded tourists after the attack.

Peaceful protests were held in many towns and villages across Kashmir in solidarity with the victims.

The resolution urged all State and Union Territory governments to ensure the safety and dignity of Kashmiri students and citizens living outside J&K, amid reports of growing hostility in some areas.

Kashmiri students enrolled in institutions across India have faced harassment, with many facing assaults from extremists.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a detailed interview to renowned American journalist Ben Shapiro, which he reported on the X platform on Wednesday.

I traveled to Ukraine to interview President Zelenskyy. Part 1 of our conversation drops tomorrow [on Thursday, April24] on The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro said on X.

Prior to this, the American publicist of Jewish origin met with the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Moshe Azman, which Azman reported on platform X.

I had the honor to host Ben Shapiro, one of the most prominent journalists and bloggers of American-Jewish descent, who visited Ukraine for the first time. His visit included important meetings and events with the country's top officials  I am sincerely grateful to Ben Shapiro for his efforts to show the truth  helping both Ukraine and Israel by shining a light where others choose to look away, Azman said on X.
The Kerala State Waqf Board has submitted a preliminary reply in the Supreme Court opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The reply, filed through Advocate Subhash Chandran, argues that Section 40 of the Waqf Act, 1995which designates the Board as the primary authority to determine whether an endowment property is Waqfhas been entirely omitted in the amended Act. The Waqf Board termed this omission an encroachment on its authority.

Waqf properties have been protected to a great extent because the Waqf Board has undertaken the complex legal task of verifying whether a property is a Waqf dedicated to God, as defined under Waqf law, the reply stated. Several decisions made by the Waqf Boards under Section 40 have been upheld by various High Courts and by this Hon'ble Court as well. Transferring this power to a designated magistrate or district collector would make the process lengthier and more complicated, increasing the risk of Waqf properties being lost.

Notably, while presenting the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had described Section 40 as draconian.

The Board also raised several other objections to the new Act, including a new sub-section inserted in Section 61. According to the amendment, a Mutawalli (Waqf caretaker) may face imprisonment of up to one month and a fine of up to 1 lakh for failing to comply with directions from the Board and the district collector. This effectively compels the Mutawalli to act as per the collectors instructions. Moreover, failure to upload Waqf details on the Central government portal each year will attract the same punishment. This appears to be an attempt by the Central government to gather detailed data about Waqf assets and incomea level of scrutiny not applied to any other community, thus violating the right to equality, the Board said.

The reply also emphasized that not all religious communities in India are governed by laws regulating the management of properties dedicated to religious purposes. The Board accused the Union government of adopting a pick and choose policy, unfairly targeting certain religions.

Additionally, the state Waqf Board opposed the proposal to include non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council, arguing that it infringes on the fundamental right of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs. The Board also objected to the removal of the concept of Waqf-by-user and the new requirement that only individuals who have practised Islam for at least five years may create a Waqf.

It further asserted that the new amendments are entirely unilateral and strip the state Waqf Boards and state governments of their powers. The amendments are designed to centralize control, with all information about Waqf properties, their revenues, and the management of Mutawallis being vested in the Central Government. The provisions promote regulation, data collection, and interference by non-Muslim individuals in Waqf decision-makingan approach not applied to any other religious community. These amendments, which erode fundamental rights guaranteed by Indias constitutional structure, suggest an ulterior motive, the Board stated.

The reply was filed following the Supreme Courts decision to allow state governments and state Waqf Boards to respond, while considering the petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Two days ago, Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met in Delhi and reportedly discussed about a vacant Rajya Sabha seat along with a host of other issues. The seat fell vacant due to resignation of former YSRCP leader V. Vijayasai Reddy. Now, he has become a vocal voice in the alleged liquor scam case being probed by authorities under the current TDP-led coalition government against those associated with the past YSRCP government. The Rajya Sabha seat, whose by-election is on May 9, has thrown up the name of K. Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP chief, indicating that this is an important move for the saffron party ahead of reforging ties with AIADMK and in view of the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections next year. A lone Rajya Sabha seat is in focus as it dictates politics across two states Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh and impacts multiple partiesTDP, BJP, YSRCP and AIADMK.

In January this year, Vijayasai Reddy, once a close aide of former AP CM and YSRCP chief, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, surprised everyone when he quit the party and resigned from his Rajya Sabha membership. He was seen as the YSRCPs representative in Delhi and also served as the parliamentary party leader. He resigned in the backdrop of Kakinada ports scam case in which he was named as one of the accused by the state CID after the TDP-JSP-BJP had come to power. He was also investigated by the ED in the same case. The allegation against him was that he forced the management of Kakinada Seaports Private Limited to transfer shares to the company managed by his family members while YSRCP was in power. Though he had three more years for his tenure to end, Vijaysai Reddy dismissed allegations that he resigned abruptly to shield himself.

With his resignation, a seat had been vacated that by default will be grabbed by the BJP or the TDP since the NDA enjoys a majority in the state Assembly. Though Vijayasai Reddy declared retirement from active politics, he became active in the last few days. Speculations are rife that he could join the BJP. He was in the news for aggressively criticising the accused in the alleged liquor scam case in AP. He declared that he is the whistleblower in the case and is willing to spill the beans on the information he was privy to. Amidst this, it has become clear that Vijayasai Reddy is not in the Rajya Sabha race though there were rumours earlier that he could be fielded by the BJP. The seat, which should have ideally gone to the TDP since they are numerically stronger in the assembly, has instead fallen into the lap of BJP. The meeting between Shah and Naidu had apparently sealed the deal. The TDP seem to have left the seat to its ally, the BJP as a strategic decision in return for favourable allocations and decisions for capital Amaravathi capital and also future support for redevelopment of the state. Ever since YSRCP lost power in 2024, four Rajya Sabha MPs from the party quit their posts. In the by-elections held in December 2024, two TDP and one BJP MP got elected. Coming to the latest election, the buzz is that the BJP wants to nominate former BJP state president Annamalai from this seat in a bid to elevate him to Rajya Sabha.

Annamalai who has left for California to participate in the Stanford India Conference at the Stanford university, will return on April 27. At the conference in California on April 26, Annamalai will deliver the keynote address to engage with the Indian students and the diaspora. The timing of his trip and his return has triggered various speculations of his nomination to the Rajya Sabha.

Annamalai was asked to step down as the chief of Tamil Nadu BJP unit, as the national party chose to align with the AIADMK. Sources in the Tamil Nadu BJP say that Annamalai might be accommodated in the cabinet and might be given a lucrative portfolio as the high command is looking to accommodate him in a significant position, either in the party organisation or Parliament.

Incidentally, six Rajya Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu will be falling vacant in July this year, of which two seats will be claimed by the AIADMK and its allies. Sources in the AIADMK say that the party will retain one for itself and might give one more term to PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss. So, the BJPs option of getting a Rajya Sabha ticket through its renewed ally AIADMK is impossible. On the other hand, Edappadi K. Palanisami, the leader of opposition and AIADMK general secretary, is in no mood to accommodate Annamalai, as the latter is considered to be the sole reason for the AIADMK walking out of the NDA.
Amid the tightened security around the Pakistan high commission in Delhi in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack which left 26 people dead, a man was spotted going to the embassy with a cake in hand.

A cake was delivered to Pakistan High Commission, Delhi.



Journalists kept asking this man why do they need cake....what exactly are they celebrating??? pic.twitter.com/J5EWxaSWt9  Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) April 24, 2025

While the man refused to answer questions from the media, the timing of the cake being deliveredtwo days after the horrific attack in Pahalgamhas raised eyebrows, with many wondering what the Pakistan high commission was celebrating.

Cakes ordered & delivered at Pak High Commission. Delhi . Whats the occasion? pic.twitter.com/d5a6PvkXPZ  Vikram Pratap Singh (@VIKRAMPRATAPSIN) April 24, 2025

The video was posted online even as a protest was staged outside the high commission, with people demanding decisive action against Pakistan, accusing it of supporting terror activities in India.

Barricades were put up around 500 metres from the high commission, and the protesters were stopped there, a Delhi Police officer said.

Some protesters tried to climb over the barricades but were stopped by the police personnel and taken away.

On Wednesday, India had downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan including expulsion of its military attaches. India will also be withdrawing its defence, navy and air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

"These posts in the respective high commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the service advisors will also be withdrawn from both high commissions," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said.

The overall strength of the high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1.
India on Thursday announced suspending visa services to citizens of Pakistan with immediate effect. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said all existing valid visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from April 27. Medical visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be valid only till April 29, New Delhi confirmed.

Islamabad, in a tit-for-tat response, decided against allotting visas to Indian citizens until further notice. Any threat to Pakistan's sovereignty and security will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains, a statement read after a meeting of Pakistans National Security Committee (NSC)  the top security body of the country.

ALSO READ | As India mourns Pahalgam, cake being delivered to Pakistan high commission sparks outrage

Pakistan has reportedly closed in air space for Indian planes and has closed the Wagah border after the MEA asked all Pakistani nationals currently in India to leave before the expiry of visas. The government has advised all Indians in Pakistan to return home at the earliest in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack. Meanwhile, some television reports claimed that all Indians in Pakistan have been asked to exit country within 48 hours.

The series of measures is to counter the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of India, which disregards international conventions, UN Security Council Resolutions and international obligations at will, the statement released after the NSC meet reportedly read.

Earlier on Wednesday, New Delhi had expelled Pakistani military attaches and suspended the Indus Water Treaty. The measures against Pakistan were decided at a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, news agency PTI reported.

ALSO READ | Pahalgam terror attack: US issues 'Do Not Travel' advisory for J&K

Terrorists targeted non-Muslim tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, gunning down 25 Indian nationals and a Nepali citizen. Several were injured in the gruesome attack which is one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has selected former Akali Dal leader Raja Iqbal Singh as its candidate for Delhis mayoral polls set for April 25. Singh, who joined the BJP during the 2020-21 farmers protests, gained media attention for overseeing a demolition drive in Jahangirpuri and navigating a shifting political landscape.

Political journey and party switch

Singh initially represented GTB Nagar as an Akali Dal councillor and headed the Civil Lines zone in the North Delhi Municipal Corporation until September 2020. When the Akali Dal withdrew from the NDA alliance opposing farm reforms, Singh declined to step down as councillor, eventually aligning with the BJP. By mid-2021, he was appointed mayor of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation.

Analysts note Singhs deep-rooted connections to Akali Dal politicshis father-in-law once served as a GTB Nagar councillor, and his brother-in-law remains active in the partycould help attract former Akali supporters to the BJP. With the Akali Dals Delhi presence waning and leaders defecting, Singhs shift solidified his position within the BJP.

Nominations for Delhi Mayor & Deputy Mayor have been submitted today.



Mayor: Raja Iqbal Singh (BJP) & Mandeep Singh (Congress)



 Deputy Mayor: Jai Bhagwan Yadav (BJP) & Ariba Khan (Congress)#Elections will be held in the General Meeting of the House on April 25.#mcd pic.twitter.com/yj24aw5XA7  Municipal Corporation of Delhi (@MCD_Delhi) April 21, 2025

Singh, often described as a reserved yet decisive figure, faces the task of maintaining the BJPs hold amid scrutiny over his administrative decisions.

As the election approaches, Singhs ability to balance his pragmatic approach with the BJPs broader strategy will determine whether the party retains its dominance in Delhis civic leadership.

Jahangirpuri demolitions and backlash

A defining moment in Singhs career emerged in April 2022, when the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, under his leadership, carried out a demolition drive in Jahangirpuri. The action followed communal violence during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, which resulted in 20 arrests and NSA charges against five individuals. Authorities cited illegal constructions as the reason for targeting structures primarily owned by Muslim residents. Singh later emphasized the drive was procedural, not communal, aligning with municipal policies.

AAP boycotts

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhis ruling party until 2025, opted out of the mayoral race, accusing the BJP of unethical tactics to sway votes.
The Narendra Modi governments diplomatic response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives of domestic tourists from across the country, has failed to enthuse the aggrieved families and the ruling BJPs own partyworkers who are demanding a befitting response to avenge the killings and to root out terrorism from Kashmir once and for all.

The Centre has reiterated that the steps taken against Pakistan after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) were only indicative and not exhaustive. But the families that have lost their loved ones did not mince their words to register their protest against the inadequate security measures in the valley that turned a nightmare for vacationers.

VIDEO | Bengaluru: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) pays his last respects to Bharath Bhushan, a victim of the Pahalgram terror attack. Here's what he says:#Pahalgamterrorattack #Pahalgam



(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/52Mr0wJu7w  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 24, 2025

Chennaveerappa, father of late Bengaluru techie Bharat Bhushan, 41, who was shot dead in the terror attack, said, We welcome the diplomatic action. But there should have been better security arrangements. The Centre should step up the security in Kashmir and eliminate all the terrorists so that no one meets the same fate as my son.

Pallavi, wife of late Manjunath Rao, 47, the slain realtor from Shivamogga, said, The terrorists were roaming freely and we Indians were living in fear there. After they killed my husband and other men, there was no help for more than an hour as it is a tough terrain. But I feel they should have deployed security personnel in this tourist spot (Baisaran) to avert this tragedy. My only appeal to Modi is to take a daunting step that will terrorise these terrorists to an extent they would dread laying their hands on any Indian in future. They (terrorists) should break into a sweat at the mere thought of attacking India, just like how I am sweating profusely now (at the funeral procession in the sweltering heat).

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Centre should eliminate terrorism from the country. "We are with the Centre in this fight against terror. They need to eliminate the terrorists. Innocent lives have been lost. The terrorists have killed the men before their wife and children and there is nothing more cowardly than this. The same district had witnessed Pulwama attack where 40 Indian soldiers were killed. I feel there has been an intelligence failure. Our government will provide compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased," he said.

Governor Thawarchand Gehlot who visited Bhushans Mathikere residence in Bengaluru, said, I reiterate that the current regime in the country has taken stern steps at the CCS meeting that will bring Pakistan on its knees and also end terror in Kashmir too. Trust me when I say the diplomatic decisions taken by India will trouble Pakistan and the future course of action will also be harsh too. I also believe, like in the past, India will strike back at Pakistan. Have faith, this (terror) attack will be avenged.

Gehlot admitted that there could have been a security lapse and said the country was outraged and the Modi government would avenge this act of terror, teach a lesson to Pakistan and the terrorists and ensure such incidents do not repeat in the future. He also lauded the efforts of the Karnataka government for its efforts to bring back the bodies along with the aggrieved families home, while ensuring the safe return of the stranded Karnataka tourists from Kashmir.

A huge lineup of both state and central ministers, legislators and officials were in attendance to pay their last respects to the deceased, both in Bengaluru and Shivamogga. The mortal remains of Manjunath Rao reached Bengaluru airport on Thursday morning and the vehicle carrying the mortal remains was intercepted several times by people and BJP partyworkers all through the journey from Bengaluru to Shivamogga, to pay tributes.

At Shivamogga, the heartland of the Hindutva movement, the town observed an undeclared bandh and people turned out in large numbers to join the funeral procession. The vehicle was decorated with saffron flags, ABVP workers staged a protest and hung effigies of the terrorists from an earth mover and chanted the slogans Bharat mata ki jai and Manjunath amar rahe all along the way.

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said the attack was a bid to derail the Indian governments efforts to develop Kashmir. The people of Kashmir, rising above the barriers of religion and caste, had begun to feel safer and come to trust the Indian government and its development agenda for Kashmir. There was a decline in terror activities and a boom in tourism. So, the terror attack was a bid to derail all these efforts. The Modi government has already taken stern diplomatic measures against Pakistan. As reiterated by both the prime minister and home minister, those who claimed the lives of innocent people of our country, will be brought to justice. Besides isolating Pakistan, we will intensify our fight against terror, said Joshi.

BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, who consoled the grieving family in his constituency, said, It is Pakistans ploy to scuttle the development of tourism in Kashmir so that the Kashmiri youth dont get employment opportunities and come to the streets. This would help terrorists recruit and exploit these youth for terror.

Vijayendra also slammed the Congress leaders for blaming security lapse and intelligence failure in Kashmir for the tragedy.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who alleges there was a security and intelligence failure in Kashmir should pose the question to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as Congress ruled the country for more than 60 years and could not uproot terrorism. All parties should stand united and as one nation to send a strong message to the world. Terrorism is a global challenge and Modi has been advocating for eradicating this evil on all international forums. It is strange that Kharges tweets only mention that terrorists have attacked Indian tourists, though it is now proven that the terrorists targeted only Hindu tourists. This is the misfortune of this country. Stop politicising the incident and stand united, he said.
For the first time, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) held a state-level commemorative meeting for Chettur Sankaran Naira distinguished jurist and statesman from Kerala, and the only Malayali to have served as the national president of the Indian National Congress.

The decision to honour Nair came amid growing speculation that the BJP was attempting to appropriate his legacy. These concerns were heightened by recent political and cultural developments spotlighting his contributions, particularly with the release of the film 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh', which portrays his legal battle against the British Raj, following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

On April 14, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Nair during a speech in Haryana, lauding his courage in resigning from the Viceroys Executive Council and speaking out against British atrocities. A week later, Union Minister and BJP MP Suresh Gopi visited Nairs descendants. Sensing an attempt to politically co-opt Nairs legacy, the KPCC swiftly organised the commemorative event.

Ironically, the occasion became a platform for veteran Congress leader and former KPCC president K. Muraleedharan to cast doubts on Nairs nationalist credentials.

Some of his actions at the time do not align with our views today, Muraleedharan remarked.

Just highlighting the positives isn't enough; we must acknowledge the negatives too. After becoming Congress president, Sankaran Nair accepted positions such as Advocate General, Judge, and later, a Member of the Viceroys Executive Council. That raises questions, as freedom fighters then were boycotting courts and distancing themselves from colonial institutions.

He went further, stating:

The British even built a railway station for his convenience. So, did he compromise with the British after stepping down as Congress president? I have that doubt, and so will todays younger generation.

Sankaran Nair was also a notably-strong critic of Mahatma Gandhi. In his book 'Gandhi and Anarchy', he argued that Gandhis non-cooperation movement could plunge the country into disorder. According to Muraleedharan, the Congress may have refrained from honouring Nair nationally, not because he was outside the Nehru family, as the BJP alleged, but due to his ideological divergence from Gandhian values.

Still, we cannot hand him over to the BJP eitherbecause he wasnt communal. He stood for religious harmony, Muraleedharan said.

Thats why Ive said all this. Whether the facts are positive or negative, the new generation must know them objectively. History is a fact.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's April 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia marked a pivotal moment in Indo-Saudi relations, underscoring a multifaceted partnership that spans energy, defence, technology, and cultural ties. Despite being curtailed due to a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the visit yielded significant agreements and reaffirmed the deepening bond between the two nations. PM Modi's arrival in Jeddah was historic, being the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the city in over four decades. The ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute and a Royal Saudi Air Force escort, highlighted the significance Saudi Arabia places on its relationship with India. This visit was Modi's third to the Kingdom, reflecting the ongoing commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Strategic Partnership Council: Deepening cooperation

Central to the visit was the second meeting of the IndiaSaudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), co-chaired by Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The SPC serves as a platform to institutionalize bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including defense, energy, and technology. The leaders reviewed progress since the Council's inception and set the stage for future collaborations. Energy cooperation remains a cornerstone of Indo-Saudi relations. The two countries agreed to enhance collaboration in the supply of crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), reinforcing Saudi Arabia's role as one of India's primary energy suppliers. Additionally, discussions on joint refinery and petrochemical projects signify a move towards deeper industrial integration. In defence, both nations committed to expanding ties, including cooperation in defence manufacturing. This aligns with India's push for indigenization of defence production and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.

The joint statement emphasised the importance of counter-terrorism cooperation, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. The visit also spotlighted emerging areas of collaboration. India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital governance. Tourism emerged as another focal point, with both countries agreeing to promote sustainable tourism practices and cultural exchanges. Recognising the importance of cultural diplomacy, the leaders discussed initiatives to boost cooperation in education, media, and sports. These efforts aim to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds between the peoples of both nations. Modi's visit also addressed the concerns of Indian Muslims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage. India's Hajj quota for 2025 increased to 1,75,025, up from 1,36,020 in 2014. However, logistical challenges have left approximately 42,000 pilgrims unable to make the journey this year. Discussions with Saudi authorities aimed to streamline processes and ensure better support for Indian pilgrims.

A visit marked by tragedy

The visit was overshadowed by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, resulting in 26 deaths. In response, PM Modi cut short his trip, skipping the official dinner and returning to India. The Crown Prince condemned the attack, and both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all forms. Despite the unforeseen tragedy, PM Modi's 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia reinforced the resilience and depth of Indo-Saudi relations. The agreements signed and discussions held during the visit underscore a shared vision for a strategic partnership that transcends traditional sectors, embracing innovation, cultural exchange, and mutual security concerns. To further contextualise PM Modis visit, it is important to recognise the strategic recalibration that both nations are undertaking in response to shifting global dynamics. The Indo-Saudi partnership is increasingly being shaped not only by bilateral interests but also by the evolving multipolar world order. Indias active engagement in the Gulf reflects a broader foreign policy strategy that prioritises connectivity, economic diversification, and energy security.

For Saudi Arabia, closer ties with India serve its ambition to emerge as a global investment hub under Vision 2030. The visit, therefore, signifies more than a series of agreementsit marks a deeper strategic convergence with long-term implications for regional stability and global geopolitics. As both nations navigate the complexities of the 21st century, their collaboration serves as a model for bilateral engagement rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations.

Dr Anu Sharma is assistant professor, Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Amity University, Noida.

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
Shital Kalathiya recounts her terrifying experience at Pahalgam | ANI

Shital Kalathiya, widowed after her husband was one among the 26 men brutally gunned down in the terrifying Pahalgam attack on Tuesday, criticised the security arrangements at Jammu and Kashmir, demanding justice from politicians and the government for families of terror victims.

Her ire was particularly directed at C.R. Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Surat MP Mukesh Dalal, Gujarat's Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi, and Gujarat's Education Minister Praful Pansheriya, who had shown up to the funeral proceedings in Surat, in addition to a large crowd of relatives, well-wishers, and politicians as per a Times of India report.

Her husband Shailesh Kalathiya, aged 44, had been an employee at a State Bank of India branch in Mumbai, who had applied for a week's leave to take his family to Pahalgam for a vacation.

"All politicians, officials, and security came only after the incident for a photo op, but were not there when my husband needed it most. The terrorist who shot my husband was laughing at that time. He stayed there till my husband died. They separated the tourists based on religion before opening fire. What kind of government is this that could not save its citizens? I want the government to secure the futures of all families that have lost a member, she urged.

She also alleged that the blame was put on her family for travelling to Pahalgam when she had asked an army official for help, leading her to lose faith in them.

ALSO READ | Karnataka: Families of Pahalgam terror attack victims lament security lapses

Shital pointed out how they did not even receive the basic security they were entitled to, as tax-paying citizens.

The government cuts the tax before we get our salary. We pay taxes at the time of shopping and also pay toll tax. VIPs get all facilities, including helicopters. But when my husband needed security, he failed to get it.

According to her 10-year-old son, the terrorists, who wore caps fitted with cameras on top, opened fire in the vicinity, creating chaos as people ran helter-skelter, at which time his parents had sent him and his sibling away for safety, the report said.

"As we were hungry, we went to have food. Suddenly, the noise of firing bullets started as everyone started running here and there to save their lives. My mother stayed with my father and asked us to go down. The terrorists separated the males based on religion and killed them.

After Pakistan-origin proxy group The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the deadly Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, tensions flared between the two nations, with both sides engaging in tit-for-tat diplomatic moves.
Beleaguered Kashmir is looking at a tourism apocalypse, with the summer season set to be washed out thanks to the mindless terrorist attack in Pahalgam targeting tourists on Tuesday.

A LocalCircles survey conducted after the attack found that out of Indian domestic tourists who were planning to visit the once Heaven on Earth this year, as many as 62 per cent have decided not to go, saying they were now cancelling plans/bookings.

The attack in Pahalgam saw nearly 30 tourists murdered in cold blood, and was possibly the first time tourists were targeted en masse like this in the insurgency-infested Valley.

The larger domino impact of the attack on tourists is multifoldstarting with the body blow to the tourism ecosystem in the cash-strapped state. Jammu and Kashmir was hoping that its once-bread-and-butter tourism industry would bounce back strongly as it had shown signs of after the pandemic lockdowns were lifted.

Tourism influx had been pretty strong over the past three years, not just from other parts of India, but also from abroad, despite several leading Western nations having advisories in place warning against visiting the troubled region.

By some estimates, there are about 2.5 lakh local Kashmiris who work directly and indirectly with the travel and hospitality industry in the union territory. The region also features some 3,000 hotel rooms big and small, along with the 1,500 stay options available aboard shikhara/houseboats on the Dal Lake, which is itself a big tourist attraction.

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah consoles the father of Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who was killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack | PTI

According to LocalCircles, the fear of more terror attacks targeting tourists is likely to keep away many people from visiting Kashmir is a real possibility.

In fact, when the survey further asked the larger population, just 3 in 10 surveyed said they were likely to visit Kashmir sometime in the next three years, with another 3 in 10 saying they would decide based on how the government handles the situation.

The survey conducted by LocalCircles received more than 21,000 responses from about 361 districts across the country.
The massive night attack on Ukrainian cities and communities once again proves that it is Russia, not Ukraine, that is an obstacle to peace, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, targeting civilians in Kyiv and other areas. Yesterdays Russian maximalist demands for Ukraine to withdraw from its regions, combined with these brutal strikes, show that Russia, not Ukraine, is the obstacle to peace. Moscow, not Kyiv, is where pressure should be applied, he said on X Thursday.

Sybiha noted that Ukraine's capital experienced a particularly horrible and loud night. As of now, 9 civilian people have been reported killed in Kyiv and over 70 injured, including 6 children. Other cities and communities across Ukraine were targeted with Russian missiles and drones in the middle of the night, killing and injuring civilians.

Putin demonstrates through his actions, not words, that he does not respect any peace efforts and only wants to continue the war. Weakness and concessions will not stop his terror and aggression. Only strength and pressure will, he stressed.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he is in touch with his counterparts in states where reports have emerged of Kashmiri students being harassed following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Abdullah assured that his government was coordinating with the concerned state governments.

I am also in touch with my counterpart Chief Ministers in these states and have requested that they take extra care, he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Reports suggest that Kashmiri students studying in various institutions across India are facing harassment. In some cases, landlords have asked students to vacate rented accommodations.

The J&K government is in touch with the governments of the states where these reports are originating from. Im also in touch with my counterpart Chief Ministers in these states & have requested they take extra care. https://t.co/oMTx06o08Y  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 24, 2025

Thousands of Kashmiri students pursue higher education across India in various disciplines.

Many are beneficiaries of the Prime Ministers Scholarship Scheme, which covers tuition, boarding, and lodging. The scheme, started by the UPA government under late Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, has so far benefited over 50,000 students, helping them follow the academic and career paths of their choice.

There has also been an increase in the number of students from other states enrolling in engineering and medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370.

In response to the current situation, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has issued an urgent advisory for students studying outside the Union Territory.

The association has urged students to remain calm and cautious during this sensitive period. They have been advised to avoid political discussions, refrain from posting sensitive content on social media, and stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, to ensure their safety.

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the JKSA, said in a statement, We appeal to all Kashmiri students to maintain calm, avoid political debates or provocative posts online, and refrain from going out unnecessarily. The current situation is volatile and may escalate, posing a serious risk to your safety.
India has summoned Pakistans charge daffaires in Delhi and handed over in person the persona non grata note for its military diplomats. The service advisors and their support staff have been allowed a weeks time to leave the country.

As per reports, Saad Ahmad Warraich, the Charge dAffaires of the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi was summoned by Centre on Wednesday and was handed over persona non grata note for its military, navy and air advisors. The defence advisors and their five support staff have a week to leave India. India has also withdrawn its own defence, Navy and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

The move comes after India announced a slew of measures against Pakistan in the wake of gruesome terror attack in which 26 tourists were killed in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on Tuesday. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the following measures against Pakistan in the wake of the attacks.

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

The integrated check post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 01 May 2025.

Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.

The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by 01 May 2025.

All-party meet

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will convene an all-party meeting on Thursday and is likely to inform the opposition about steps taken by the Union government in the wake of the attacks. The move comes after several opposition parties including Congress demanded that the government convene a meeting of all parties over the issue.

Though opposition parties have condemned the attacks, they are likely to question the Centre over alleged security lapses that led to the attacks.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will lead an all-party meeting on Thursday to discuss the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 24 tourists on Tuesday.

The meeting is set for 3pm at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre, located by Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Invitations have been sent to all major political parties, including the Leader of Opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Sunil Sharma, and Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir.

In a letter, Abdullah said, This is not merely a tragedy for a region or party, but a wound upon the very soul of Jammu and Kashmir. Political leaders must act as custodians of democratic values and unite beyond political affiliations.

During the meeting, attendees will discuss the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, condemn the killings, and consider ways to ensure peace, justice, and resilience.

They will also look into adopting a joint resolution and extend condolences to the victims' families. Abdullah said the invitation was extended not just in his official role but as a friend and a fellow citizen, calling for unity in this hour of pain and resolve.

A shutdown was observed across Kashmir on Wednesday in protest against the killing of tourists in Pahalgam. Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti was the first to call for the shutdown. I appeal to all Kashmiris to support the bandh called by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries as a mark of respect for the innocent lives lost, she said. The National Conference (NC) also supported this call.

Prominent religious leaders joined the protest as well. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, head of the Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), condemned the killings as a heinous crime and urged for peaceful protests. Quoting the Quran, he wrote, Whoever kills an innocent soul... it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.

Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam also backed the bandh and called on people to mourn together. Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone suggested silent protests across towns and villages.

The business community participated in the protest too, with organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK), Hoteliers Club, travel agents, transporters, and restaurant owners joining the shutdown. CCIK president Tariq Rashid Ghani said, This barbaric act must be condemned by all.
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said all the opposition parties have condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam and offered full support to the government in taking any necessary action.

The Congress MPs remarks came after an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to deliberate on the security situation in the wake of the terror strike.

"Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The opposition has given full support to the government in taking any action, Gandhi said.

VIDEO | After attending the all party meeting in Delhi over the Pahalam terror attack, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) says, "We have uniformly condemned this act and the opposition gave its full support to the government to take any action."



(Full video available on pic.twitter.com/4yJsvyahsR  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 24, 2025

Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay, too, said that all parties had assured the government of their full support. He also stated that the alleged security lapses that led to the attack were discussed at the all-party meeting.

"Security lapses were discussed. We assured the government that all political parties would stand by the government, whatever decisions they made were in the interest of the country," he said.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh demanded that the accountability of the incident be fixed and action be taken as to why there was a security lapse.

"The entire nation is angry, sad and the nation wants the central government to give a befitting reply to the terrorists in their language. The way they have killed the innocent people, their camps should be destroyed and action should also be taken against Pakistan, he said.

Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge were present at the meeting.

#WATCH | Delhi: A two-minute silence was observed during the all-party meeting called by the Central Government to honour the innocent lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack pic.twitter.com/0Hf5XPcedK  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

Those who attended the meeting also included NCP-SP's Supriya Sule, NCP's Praful Patel, AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, BJD's Sasmit Patra, YSRCP's Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde, RJD's Premchand Gupta, DMK's T Siva and SP's Ram Gopal Yadav.

Besides Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju were present from the government's side.

The all-party meeting comes a day after the government announced a host of measures targeting Pakistan in the aftermath of Tuesday's Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.

India on Wednesday downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced a raft of measures, including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post.
The Jammu and Kashmir police have announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information about the militants involved in the killings of as many as 26 people, mostly tourists, at Baisaran, Pahalgam on April 22.

Identity to remain confidential

A police poster about the cash reward said informants identities will remain confidential. Informants can contact Anantnags Senior Superintendent of Police (9596777666) or Police Control Room (9596777669) via call or email (dpoanantnag-jk@nic.in). The police released the sketches of three Pakistani militants believed to be involved in the killings in Pahalgam on Wednesday.

A photograph of four armed men, who resembled those in the sketches, was also released by security agencies on Wednesday.

The Resistance Front, considered an arm of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, had claimed responsibility for the attack. The claim was not confirmed by the security agencies.

Several tourists were spending time at Baisaran meadow, also called mini Switzerland, four kilometres from Pahalgam, when a group of militants entered the meadow and started shooting at them.

The attackers, according to eyewitnesses, donned combat uniforms and continued shooting for 15 to 20 minutes. They later escaped from the spot and into the forests nearby. Soon after the attacks, security forces launched a manhunt to track down the culprits.

After the attack, most tourists in Pahalgam cut short their trip. The Centre has arranged additional flights from Delhi to Srinagar and a special train from Katra to Delhi for the stranded tourists.

Currently, trains run from Baramulla to Sangaldan in Rabman in Jammu. The remaining portion is from Sangaldan to Katra in Reasi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was supposed to inaugurate the train from Katra to Srinagar in April however, due to the forecast for heavy rains and the visit of the US vice president J D Vance the inauguration was postponed. New dates for the inauguration are expected soon.
A heartbroken wife, mourning the horrific loss of her husband, and her three-year-old son, still too young to understand the tragedy that took his father, returned to Kolkata on Wednesday. Instead of a moment of peace, they were met by a swarm of politicians eager for photo ops.

In their rush to be seen, leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties did not seem to care whatsoever for any sense of decency or respect for the grieving family.

Bitan Adhikari, a 40-year-old resident of Kolkatas Patuli, was working in Florida as an IT employee. He was among the 28 killed in Tuesdays militant attack in Kashmirs Pahalgam. He, his wife Sohini, and their son Hridan had returned to Kolkata on April 8 and left for a Kashmir vacation on April 16.

As his coffin, along with his grieving wife and son, arrived at the Kolkata airport, a flurry of activities followed. Leaders from across the political spectrum, including ministers, MLAs, and municipal officials, gathered in what turned into a spectacle. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim and West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas were present to offer tributes.

People pay tribute to Samir Guha, who died in the Pahalgam terror attack, after his mortal remains were brought to his residence in Kolkata | PTI

Meanwhile, West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari held the young child and called him a Hindu martyr. They are killing Hindus in Hindustan. Gaza is finished. Israel has finished it. We will also finish them. We are Modis followers, Adhikari was seen saying to Bitan Adhikaris wife. Forget politics, he was killed only because he was a Hindu.

Adhikari was joined by other senior BJP leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya, Lok Sabha MP Abhijit Gangopadhyay, Agnimitra Pal and Rudrani Ghosh. As soon as the LoP reached the airport, a crowd had gathered outside the cargo gate. On being removed by security personnel, they returned with the national flag.

Later, at the Bitans residence, Minister Aroop Biswas was seen caring for the child. Trinamool MP Mala Roy, local councillor Sudip Polley, and party workers were also present, as were BJP leaders Indranil Khan and Anupam Bhattacharya.

Alongside Bitans coffin, the body of Samir Guha, another Kolkata resident killed in the tragic Pahalgam attack, also arrived. A government employee, Samir had travelled to Kashmir with his wife and daughter, who returned with his body. He was paid last respects at the airport before being taken home for the last rites.
Although their demands have yet to be officially fulfilled, the number of protesters outside the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) has significantly reduced.

Jobless teachers and education workers have been staging a sit-in protest in front of the SSC office since Monday. They started their protest demanding that a list distinguishing the tainted and untainted candidates and mirror images of OMR sheets of all candidates of the 2016 SSC panel be made public. This panel has been annulled by both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court.

Even though it was not made public, the West Bengal government had initially compiled a list of 17,206 teachers who were not identified as ineligible or tainted, which was later submitted to the Supreme Court by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE). However, on Wednesday, the board removed 1,803 names from the list after identifying various discrepancies.

Following the revision, the board started sending names of teachers who return to work and receive their salaries till December 31, 2025, until new appointments are made, as directed by the Supreme Court last week. As a result, many of these teachers began returning to their schools starting Thursday.

Additionally, the 40-degree Kolkata heat has also forced many to withdraw from the SSC office. Many have fallen sick during the course of their protest. Representatives of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front, the organisation leading the protest during the RG Kar movement, ran a medical camp on Wednesday at the protest site.

However, the teachers refuse to believe that this is the end of their movement. During the course of their protest, they also demanded that those whose names were not put on the list of untainted or ineligible must be identified.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday had directed the protesting teachers to get back to work and not bother about who is tainted and who is not. The state government is there to worry about it. The court is there, she said from Paschim Medinipur.

You dont need the list. You have a job and you need to see whether that job is there or not. You need to see whether you are getting your salary or not.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court had instructed the state to recover salaries from the tainted candidates. The government is yet to initiate the process of salary recovery. A contempt petition was filed at the Calcutta High Court as well related to the matter.

On Monday, the SSC faced questions over not complying with the Supreme Court's directive. But during Wednesdays hearing at the division bench of Justices Debangsu Basak and Justice Mohammad Shabbar Rashidi, the Education Department and SSC counsels offered no update on salary recovery. Instead, they questioned the High Court's authority to hear a contempt case.
There seems to be a ray of hope in the road ahead for India-Bangladesh ties. The neighbouring country is not keen to ruffle its feathers with New Delhi on national security concerns at a time when the terror attack in Pahalgam has strained India's ties with Pakistan.

ALSO READ | As India mourns Pahalgam, cake being delivered to Pakistan high commission sparks outrage

While no reason is being attributed to the proposed visit of Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar being cancelled for now, sources said that owing to unforeseen circumstances, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan is unable to undertake the visit to Bangladesh on April 27-28.

Peace being paramount in the neighbourhood , visit of Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh being cancelled . Sources say due to unforeseen circumstances, he is unable to undertake visit to Bangladesh on April 27-28. new dates after mutual consultations @TheWeekLive  namratabijiahuja (@nambiji) April 24, 2025

The new dates for the visit will be finalised through mutual consultations, sources said. It is learnt that the decision has been taken in consultation with the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka .

ALSO READ | 'Will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force': 5 decisions to counter India as Pak PM chairs NSC meet

The Interim government of Muhammad Yunus is keen to stabilise its relations with India and is mindful of the security concerns being raised by New Delhi after several lives have been lost in Kashmir to the horrific terror attack. Regional security and stability being paramount, efforts are afoot to maintain peace, sources said.

ALSO READ | Pakistan hits back: Foreign Minister Dar dares India to validate Pahalgam attack accusations

India has taken a strong diplomatic stance and is headed to a strategic standoff to counter the continued cross-border terror sponsorship by Pakistans state and non-state actors. Officials say it is for the peace in the region that nations have to take a responsible stand against terror networks that plague not just India but the neighbourhood as well.
Pakistans national security committee headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet on Thursday after India announced a series of diplomatic measures against the neighbouring country over the gruesome Pahalgam terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attacks.

As per reports, Islamabad has denied any role in the terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Pakistans Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar tweeted, Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz has convened the meeting of the National Security Committee on Thursday morning 24th April 2025 to respond to the Indian Governments statement of this evening.

Dar told a regional channel that Indias reaction was a political move and Pakistan would give a befitting reply. Dar said India has not provided any evidence of the terrorist incident in Pahalgam and it was inappropriate to vent anger without evidence.

Dar told The Thursday Times that Pakistan rejects accusations against it and India has not provided any evidence. The repeated reliance on unverified allegations undermines the credibility of Indias global narrative, the publication quoted the foreign minister as saying.

India on Wednesday announced a slew of diplomatic measures including the suspension of the 1960 Indus water treaty and expulsion of defence advisors at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

India announced the following measures against Pakistan in the wake of the attacks:

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

The integrated check post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 01 May 2025.

Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.
In a press conference following a high-level National Security Committee meeting, Pakistan's Foreign Minister (and Deputy PM) Ishaq Dar accused India of playing a blame game, challenging its neighbour to present proof of Pakistan's involvement in the recent Pahalgam attacks on civilian tourists that left more than 25 dead, as per a Dawn report.

India has time and again played the blame game and if there is proof of Pakistans involvement [in Pahalgam], please share it with us and the world, he declared.

On April 22, a group of gunmen opened fire on tourists, killing as many as 26all of whom were men from across India, as well as one foreigner from Nepaland leaving 17 injured. This was reportedly the worst attack of its kind since the terrifying Pulwama incident of February 2019, for which a proxy terrorist group, The Resistance Front (TRF)an offshoot of the infamous Pakistan-origin Lashkar-e-Taibaclaimed responsibility.

The brutal, unprovoked act of terrorism ignited anger across the country, prompting it to swiftly shut its borders with Pakistan, downgrade diplomatic ties, and suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960, an important treaty brokered by the World Bank after nine years of talks. Pakistan responded by closing its airspace for Indian planes and reportedly urging Indian citizens in Pakistan to exit within 48 hours.

ALSO READ | 'Will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force': 5 decisions to counter India as Pak PM chairs NSC meet

This series of measures were taken to counter the reckless and irresponsible behaviour of India, which disregards international conventions, UN Security Council Resolutions and international obligations at will, the statement released after Pakistan's NSC meet reportedly read.

At the press conference, Dar added that Pakistan had noted the arrival of some foreign nationals in Srinagar, who were being monitored by Pakistan's intelligence agencies.

We know that Indian intelligence is supporting them and the foreigners are trying to export IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). You can imagine where they are trying to export them, he said, stating that Pakistans armed forces were ready to respond to any challenge.

We are prepared in regard to defence. If anyone tries to attempt any adventure, then theyve tried in the past as well [and failed] so this time around it will be even worse for them.

We have categorically condemned this [attack]. We condemn all forms of terrorism anywhere in the world without any hesitation, be it in India, said Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. He also added that Pakistan was the greatest victim of terrorism in the world.

He claimed that terrorism was being exported to Pakistan, saying that whatever was emanating from Afghanistan or happening in Balochistan clearly shows the footprints and fingerprints of India.

Citing the example of Indian national Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, he said that there were a series of incidents in the past 15 to 20 years which proved that India played a part in terrorism in Pakistan.

If they want to ramp up its scale then we are ready for that, let no have any doubt. We are not about to fold to any international pressure when it comes to our soil and security, Asif declared.
Defense minister of Netherlands calls for increased support for Ukraine following Russia's night attack

Photo: https://x.com/DefensieMin/status/1910691506320458175

(Headline, first, second paragraphs updated)

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans has said there is a need to increase military support for Ukraine after Russia's missile and drone strikes on Kyiv on Thursday night.

"If Russia wants peace, all it needs to do is stop attacking Ukraine. But Putin is doing the opposite. Kyiv has been attacked again tonight. Ukrainians are paying the highest price," he wrote on social media X.

"Stopping this aggressor in Europe requires greater support for Ukraine and military deterrence," the minister emphasized.
Anticipating military retaliation from India for a deadly terror attack by Islamabad-backed terrorists on tourists in Kashmirs Pahalgam on Tuesday, the Pakistan military is on high alert.

The Indian military establishment has gone into a huddle possibly indicative of a punitive military action being planned. India had twice in the last decade crossed the Line of Control (LoC) to punish perpetrators of Pak-backed terrorist acts in Kashmir.

READ HERE | Pakistan hits back: Foreign Minister Dar dares India to validate Pahalgam attack accusations

With its Navy mounting live fire exercises in the Arabian Sea, Pakistan issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen/Mariners) for the area on Wednesday, effectively shutting off that particular area for air and marine operations.

While the Army has been sounded to be on high alert, there were reports of Pakistani Air Force aircraft operating close to the Indian bordersfar from their base in Karachi.

Online tracking showed two aircraftPAF198 (Lockheed Martins C-130E Hercules transporter) and PAF101 (Embraer Phenom 100) that are equipped with intelligence-gathering capability. The two planes were tracked to Lahore and Rawalpindi -- both very close to the Indian border.

ALSO READ | India will identify, track and punish every terrorist behind Pahalgam terror attack: PM Modi

However, as of now no unusual movement of Pakistani troops has been noticed on the LoC: Their regular troop movements are on and we do not notice any unusual movement at the moment, a source in the Indian security establishment told THE WEEK.

The heinous act by well-trained Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives of tourists visiting a picturesque hilltop valley. On Thursday, an emotive PM Modi indicated Indias deep resolve to retaliate. He said in Bihars Madhubani: I would like to make it clear that those who have carried out this terrorist attack and those who have planned it will get a bigger punishment than they can imagine. We will punish them.

Meanwhile, Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level National Security Committee (NSC) meeting that announced the suspension of all trade and bilateral accords with India besides the closure of airspace for Indian aircraft in response to Indias decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, among a raft of other measures.

ALSO READ | 'Will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force': 5 decisions to counter India as Pak PM chairs NSC meet

The suspension of the Indus WatersTreaty is unprecedented and has huge potential of crippling Pakistans irrigation-based agriculture and considerably impact electricity supplies.
Islamabad on Thursday suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement in a new escalation of India-Pakistan diplomatic warfare over the Pahalgam attack on April 22, that saw 26 killed and 17 injured. The historic peace treaty had been signed by the two nations, following the third India-Pakistan war of 1971.

This was announced after a high-level National Security Commission (NSC) meeting in Pakistan, chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, to formulate its response to India's diplomatic retaliation to the attacks: the closure of the Wagah border, reduction of diplomatic ties, refusal of Indian SVES visas, and most importantly, the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty.

Pakistan shall exercise the right to hold all bilateral agreements with India, including but not limited to Simla Agreement in abeyance, till India desists from its manifested behaviour of fomenting terrorism inside Pakistan, trans-national killings, and non-adherence to international law and UN Resolutions on Kashmir, a Pakistan PMO statement said, just after the meeting.

ALSO READ | Pahalgam aftermath: After New Delhi suspends visa services for Pak citizens, Islamabad closes air space for Indian planes

The Simla Agreement, signed on July 2, 1972 by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhuttothe then-Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan respectivelywas a historic peace treaty, by which the two nations effectively agreed to bury the hatchet and maintain relations with each other in line with the United Nations Charter of 1945.

It was a conclusion to the third India-Pakistan war of 1971, which ended with the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani troops in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

The bilateral treaty defined a Line of Control (LoC) between the two nations at what was once the ceasefire line at Jammu and Kashmir in 1971, effectively establishing a de facto border there, and also led to Islamabad's recognition of Bangladesh as a nation.

The LoC has long been a point of contention for the two nations, frequently witnessing ceasefire violations, cross-border shelling, and infiltration attempts. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, that revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status, intensified cross-border conflict, leading Pakistan to internationalise the issuea violation of the Simla treaty, among numerous others since 2003.

With the suspension of the Simla treaty altogether, the mutual agreement to maintain the sanctity of the LoC would itself crumble, leading to grave hostilities.

India has not yet responded to the suspension of the Simla Agreement.
Jordan has formally banned the Muslim Brotherhood, closing the organisations offices nationwide and criminalising all forms of affiliation and ideological promotion. Interior Minister Mazin Abdellah Hilal al-Farrayeh announced the sweeping measure yesterday at a news briefing, declaring that any activity by the group, regardless of its nature, is considered a violation of the law.

The Muslim Brotherhood is a political Islamist group founded in Cairo in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, an Egyptian schoolteacher who believed that an Islamic renewal would help the Middle East deal with the rising tide of western influence and the perils of colonialism. The Sunni movement has branches across the Middle East, including in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine.

The drastic decision by the Jordanian government comes after the arrest of 16 alleged Brotherhood members on April 15 on charges of plotting attacks on Jordanian targets using drones, rockets and homemade explosives. According to Jordanian security forces the men were trained and financed in Lebanon and had plotted attacks on targets inside the kingdom. Authorities claimed that at least one rocket was ready to launch and that the group had been operating covertly since 2021, manufacturing weapons, training operatives and moving materials between residential areas in Amman and other cities. Jordanian security forces also alleged that the Brotherhood attempted to destroy and smuggle documents during the night of the arrests.

Although the Muslim Brotherhood has denied any involvement in the alleged plot, the government has alleged that the group remains a serious threat to national stability. They were working in secret and undertaking activities that threatened to undermine stability, security and national unity, said Farrayeh.

While Jordans Court of Cassation dissolved the Muslim Brotherhood in 2020 on the grounds that it had failed to regularise its legal status, the organisation continued operating through its political wing, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), which remains Jordans largest and most organised opposition party. In last Septembers parliamentary elections, the IAF won 31 of 138 seats, buoyed by its strong criticism of Jordans peace treaty with Israel and its vocal support for Palestinians during Israels war on Gaza.

The monarchy under the Hashemite king Abdullah II has moved swiftly against the IAF in recent days, raiding its offices and arresting several members, including senior figures. A week ago, police arrested Khaled al-Johani, the office director of the IAF.

Although the IAF has publicly distanced itself from the Muslim Brotherhoods organisational structure, authorities appear to view it as effectively indistinguishable. On April 22, the IAF announced that it had suspended three members allegedly linked to the April plot.

Human rights activists, meanwhile, point out that the latest clampdown is happening at a time Jordan is witnessing a broader erosion of civil liberties. They have repeatedly warned of Jordans shrinking civic space, citing examples such as the cybercrime law passed two years ago that criminalised online speech deemed harmful to national unity. Since 2021, Jordan has been deemed not free by Freedom House because of the mounting suppression of political dissent and civil society.

The timing of the ban also reflects Jordans growing political anxiety. The Brotherhood and its ally Hamas have seen a surge in popularity among Jordaniansparticularly those of Palestinian descentsince the onset of Israels Gaza offensive. Worryingly for the Hashemite kingdom, a majority of its population are of Palestinian origin and it has always created uncomfortable questions about loyalty and subversion. Jordanian authorities expelled Hamas in 1999, but the groups growing support on the streets has raised concerns within the monarchy about internal stability.

Public anger over Israels actions in Gaza has led to widespread protests in Amman, with demonstrators calling on the government to annul the unpopular 1994 peace treaty with Israel, end gas and trade agreements with the Jewish state, and more forcefully support the Palestinian cause. Though the Jordanian government expelled the Israeli ambassador and condemned the Gaza war, it has also taken steps to suppress domestic unrestarresting protesters, curbing online speech and now moving against Islamist opposition groups. While Farraya said the government was committed to freedom of expression and political activity, the Jordanian cybercrime unit warned that social media posts about the Muslim Brotherhood would result in legal action.

This latest move also coincides with the return of Donald Trump to power in the United States. Jordanian analysts suggest that Amman may be responding to renewed pressure from Washington. During his previous administration, Trump pushed for regional plans that included resettling displaced Palestinians, particularly from Gaza, in neighbouring countries, including Jordan. Though Jordan has strongly opposed any resettlement of the Palestinians, it may feel compelled to appear more cooperative with Trump while preemptively neutralising groups seen as hostile to such proposals.

Another reason behind the latest crackdown could be internal divisions within the Jordanian Brotherhood. While moderates within the group have sought dialogue and compromise with the government, the hardline bloc prefers more confrontational tactics. Jordanian officials seem to have capitalised on this divide, painting the Brotherhood as a fragmented and increasingly dangerous organisation.

Across the region, the Brotherhoods fortunes have declined. In Egypt, the group was banned in 2013 following the military ouster of president Mohamed Morsi, and many of its leaders remain imprisoned. Tunisias Ennahda party, once associated with the Brotherhood, has also seen a dramatic decline under government pressure.

Still, Jordans IAF insists that it is a lawful political entity committed to constitutional principles. Despite the raids and suspensions, the party has vowed to continue its political work. We are an independent party with no organisational ties to any dissolved group, said IAF Secretary General Wael Sakka. Our commitment remains to the law, the constitution, and the will of the Jordanian people.
A woman and toddler whose remains were discovered scattered along an oceanfront highway not far from the victims of Long Islands infamous Gilgo Beach killings were identified Wednesday as an Army veteran from Alabama and her daughter.

Tanya Denise Jackson, 26, of Mobile, had been living in Brooklyn with her 2-year-old daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, at the time of their deaths, Nassau County police announced.

The U.S. Army veteran, who police say may have worked as a medical assistant, had been previously nicknamed Peaches by investigators after a tattoo on her body.

Police releasing photos and other images related to the two victims Wednesday said they had no evidence at this point to suggest the unsolved killings are linked to Rex Heuermann, who has been charged in the deaths of seven women whose remains were discovered elsewhere on Long Island.

Although Tanya and Tatiana have commonly been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings because the timing and locations of their recovered remains, we are not discounting the possibility that their cases are unrelated from that investigation, Homicide Det. Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said.

Im not saying it is Rex Heuermann and Im not saying its not, he added. We are proceeding as if its not, keeping our eyes wide open.

Some of the Jacksons remains were discovered on June 28, 1997, stuffed inside a plastic tub in a state park in West Hempstead on Long Island. More remains, and the skeletal remains of the female child, were found off Ocean Parkway in April 2011.

At the briefing Wednesday, law enforcement officials said they had identified the victims through DNA evidence found at the scene and advanced genetic and genealogy research.

The reality is our work has just begun, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. Knowing the identities of the mom and the little baby is just a first step to help us get to solving these murders.

Officials said Wednesday they had spoken with the childs father, who was cooperating with the investigation and not considered a suspect at this time.

Fitzpatrick added that authorities initially identified the mother and daughter in 2022, obtained additional DNA information the following year and notified surviving family last year. The two were laid to rest recently, he said.

Officials said Jackson had been estranged from much of her family for some time. She served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1995, living on three bases in Texas, Georgia and Missouri, and drove a black 1991 Geo Storm.

Nassau Police said theyre offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information leading to an arrest.

It has long been unclear whether there is any connection between the mother and daughter and other women found slain elsewhere on Long Island.

Since late 2010, police have been investigating the deaths of at least 10 people whose remains were discovered there.

Heuermann, a Manhattan architect, has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all counts. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierneys office, which is prosecuting Heuermann, said in a statement he is not commenting on any topics even tangentially involved to the investigation while a pre-trial hearing plays out.

The two female victims are among three sets of human remains long associated with the Gilgo Beach case that have not been identified, at least publicly, by authorities.

In September, Long Island officials released more detailed renderings of a victim believed to be of Chinese descent whose remains were found off Ocean Parkway in 2011. The victim died in 2006 or earlier, was likely between ages 17 and 23 and about 5 feet 6 inches (170 centimeters) tall.

(AP)
Tensions in the Trump administration erupted into a full-blown confrontation last week when Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent engaged in a fiery shouting match inside the White House  within earshot of President Trump himself.

According to multiple sources close to the White House, the two top officials locked horns over the future of the IRS, with Musk reportedly raising his voice and gesturing aggressively as Bessent stood his ground. Elon was shouting and rambling, and Scott just wasnt putting up with it, one insider told The Post, confirming that the standoff was intense enough to draw attention from nearby staff.

The clash, first reported by Axios, is said to reflect deeper philosophical differences in how the two men approach reform. Musk, a vocal critic of federal bureaucracy, has long advocated for a radical overhaul of the tax system. Bessent, by contrast, is focused on incremental changes designed to both reform and stabilize existing systems.

Bessent has two mandates: reform and stabilize, a source familiar with the discussion said. Elon has one: break things in the process of reform.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was present during the dispute, appeared to side with Musk  a move not surprising to insiders, given Musks past endorsements of Lutnick for Treasury Secretary over Bessent.

This isnt Musks first public feud with members of the Trump administration. In November, he criticized the selection of Bessent, calling him a business-as-usual choice and praising Lutnick as someone who would actually enact change. More recently, Musk ignited a separate online war with Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro, calling him a moron and accusing him of spreading lies about Tesla.

The White House downplayed the altercation. Disagreements are a normal part of any healthy policy process, said press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Ultimately, everyone knows they serve at the pleasure of President Trump.

Musk, who has been serving as a special government employee, revealed he plans to scale back his role at the end of May. However, he told Tesla shareholders hell remain involved with DOGE matters a day or two a week.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has formally referred two members of the intelligence community to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution over alleged leaks of classified information to major media outlets, Fox News Digital reported. A third referral is expected imminently.

According to a senior official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the individuals are accused of leaking sensitive intelligence to The Washington Post and The New York Times. The official characterized the move as a warning to others within the intelligence community.

Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nations security at risk and must end, Gabbard said in a statement. Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

In remarks to Fox News Digital, Gabbard was explicit in her accusations, saying the leaks were for partisan political purposes to undermine President Trumps agenda. She added that she intends to cooperate closely with the Justice Department and FBI to investigate, terminate, and prosecute these criminals.

An ODNI official explained that the decision followed a comprehensive internal review, with the case now in the hands of the DOJ, which is expected to refer the matter to the FBI for a full investigation. The official added, We are aggressively investigating other leaks and will pursue further criminal referrals as warranted.

The Trump administration, the official noted, is committed to identifying and prosecuting intelligence community members who disclose classified information without authorization.

The development comes amid a broader crackdown by Gabbard on what she describes as systemic abuses within the intelligence apparatus. Earlier this month, she launched the Directors Initiative Group (DIG), a new task force tasked with exposing internal politicization and unauthorized disclosures, as well as declassifying information deemed in the public interest.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Canada would cease to exist if it werent for the United States  comments that came just days before Canadians are set to vote in an election dominated by Trumps remarks on the countrys economy and sovereignty.

Trump reinserted himself into Canadas election during a signing ceremony inside the Oval Office, saying Canada would cease to exist as a country if the U.S. stopped buying its goods.

I have to be honest, as a state, it works great, said Trump, who previously threatened to make the country the 51st state through economic coercion.

Trump reiterated his claim that the U.S. doesnt need anything from Canada  including autos and oil.

We dont really want Canada to make cars for us, to put it bluntly. We want to make our own cars, Trump said.

In recent weeks, Trump has dialed back his talk of Canada becoming the 51st state. He stopped saying it after a call with new Prime Minister Mark Carney last month.

Trump also suggested Wednesday that he might increase import taxes on cars from Canada. Trump has a 25% tariff on autos, although there are some exemptions related to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade, and automakers are seeking other policy changes to minimize the tariff burden. Trump has separate 25% tariffs on Canadian goods  ostensibly to address drug smuggling into the U.S.

I really dont want cars from Canada, Trump said. So when I put tariffs on Canada, theyre paying 25%, but that could go up in terms of cars. When we put tariffs on, all were doing is were saying, We dont want your cars, in all due respect.

Trump cautioned that hes not currently considering additional auto tariffs, but he said there could be an increase.

Carney said last week that eliminating trade barriers within Canada would benefit Canadians as he made his case to retain power ahead of an April 28 vote. Carney has set a goal of free trade within the countrys 10 provinces and three territories by July 1. Canada has long had interprovincial trade barriers.

We can give ourselves far more than Donald Trump can ever take away, Carney said. We can have one economy. This is within our grasp.

Carney said the relationship Canada has had with the United States for the past 40 years has fundamentally changed because of Trumps tariffs. Trumps trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state have infuriated Canadians and led to a surge in Canadian nationalism that has bolstered Liberal Party poll numbers.

(AP)
South Korean prosecutors indicted former liberal President Moon Jae-in on bribery charges Thursday, saying that a budget airline gave his son-in-law a lucrative no-show job during Moons term in office.

Moons indictment adds him to a long list of South Korean leaders who have faced trials or scandals at the close of their terms or after leaving office.

Prosecutors allege that Moon, who served as president from 2017-2022, received bribes totaling 217 million won ($151,705) from Lee Sang-jik, founder of the budget carrier Thai Eastar Jet, in the form of wages, housing expenses and other financial assistance provided to Moons then-son-in-law from 2018-2020.

South Korean media reported that Moons daughter and her husband were divorced in 2021.

The Jeonju District Prosecutors Office said in a statement that Lee was also indicted on charges of paying bribes to Moon and committing breaches of trust.

The prosecutors office said Moons former son-in-law was hired as a director-level employee at Lees company in Thailand even though he had no work experience in the airline industry. The office said he spent only brief periods at the companys office in Thailand and carried out only minor duties while claiming to be working remotely from South Korea.

The prosecutors office said it had not found evidence that Moon directly performed political favors for Lee, but that Lee, who worked on Moons campaign, likely expected his assistance to be repaid.

Lee was later named the head of the state-funded Korea SME and Startups Agency and was nominated by Moons party to run for parliament while Moon was in office. A former Moon aide on personnel affairs was earlier indicted over Lees agency job appointment, but prosecutors said she refused to testify during questioning so they were unable to find any direct evidence that Moon helped Lee win that position.

Moons indictment comes before South Korea elects a new president on June 3 to succeed conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over an ill-fated imposition of martial law in December. Yoon, a former top prosecutor, now stands a criminal trial on rebellion charges connection with his martial law decree.

Its unclear if Moons indictment will influence prospects for liberals to win back the presidency. But observers say liberal presidential aspirant Lee Jae-myung is heavily favored to win the vote as conservatives remain in disarray over Yoons ouster, although Lee also faces criminal trials on allegations of corruption and other charges.

There was no immediate response from Moon. But his political allies at the main liberal opposition Democratic Party criticized the indictment, calling it a politically motivated attempt by Yoon supporters at the prosecution service to humiliate the former liberal leader ahead of the election.

Youn Kun-young, a Democratic Party lawmaker who worked at Moons presidential office, accused prosecutors of trying to divert attention from Yoons tragic end by putting Moon on trial to influence the election outcome. A Democratic Party committee separately warned it would hold the prosecution service to account for its indictment.

Most past South Korean presidents have been embroiled in scandal in the final months of their terms or after leaving office. In 2017, Park Geun-hye, South Koreas first female president, was removed from office and arrested over an explosive corruption scandal.

Parks conservative predecessor Lee Myung-bak was also arrested on a range of crimes, years after leaving office. Moons friend and former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun jumped to his death in 2009 amid corruption investigations into his family.

Moon is best known for his push to reconcile with rival North Korea as he met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times and facilitated the start of the high-stakes nuclear diplomacy between Kim and President Donald Trump.

Moons supporters credit him with achieving now-stalled cooperation with North Korea and avoiding major armed clashes, but opponents say he was a naive North Korea sympathizer who ended up helping the North buy time to advance its nuclear program in the face of international sanctions and pressure.

(AP)
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) is taking part in the liquidation of the consequences of the Russian massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight.

Emergency response teams from the National Committee of the Ukrainian Red Cross and the Kyiv regional branch, together with first responders from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, are currently at the scene of the overnight strike on Kyiv, the URCS reported on Facebook on Thursday. Volunteers are evacuating victims from under the rubble.

Volunteers are evacuating people trapped under the rubble and providing both first aid and psychological first aid to those affected.

At the site, a Ukrainian Red Cross aid station is offering water, tea, and a moment of rest to those affected and the emergency teams on the ground.

Emergency response and rescue operations are still ongoing.

As reported, as a result of a combined attack on Kyiv using UAVs and ballistic missiles on Thursday, April 24, nine people were killed and more than 70 people were injured, including children. Damage and destruction of residential buildings were recorded in Sviatoshynsky, Solomyansky, Holosiyivsky, Obolonsky and Shevchenkivsky districts of the capital. An apartment building in Sviatoshynsky district was destroyed, windows of a metro station and food establishments were also damaged, and cars were destroyed.
Russia attacked Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 70 in its deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since last July and just as peace efforts are coming to a head.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after the attack he is cutting short his official trip to South Africa and returning home as the city reeled from the bombardment that kept residents on edge for about 11 hours. It appeared to be Russias biggest attack on Kyiv in nine months, and Zelenskyy branded it as one of (Russias) most outrageous.

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko announced that Friday would be an official day of mourning day in the capital.

The Ukrainian air force said Russia fired 66 ballistic and cruise missiles, four plane-launched air-to-surface missiles, and 145 Shahed and decoy drones at Kyiv and four other regions of Ukraine. Rescue workers with flashlights scoured the charred rubble of partly collapsed homes as the blue lights of emergency vehicles lit up the dark city streets.

The attack came as weeks of peace negotiations appeared to be culminating without an agreement in sight and hours after U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal.

Zelenskyy says future of negotiations depends on Moscow

Zelenskyy has repeated many times during the more than three-year war that recognizing occupied territory as Russian is a red line for his country. He noted Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal 44 days ago, as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Russias attacks had continued.

He said in South Africa that the latest attack meant the future of negotiations depends on Russias intention because it is in Moscow where they have to make a decision.

While talks have been going on in recent weeks, Russia has hit the city of Sumy, killing more than 30 civilians gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, battered Odesa with drones and blasted Zaporizhzhia with powerful glide bombs.

The European Unions foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said the attack underscored that the main obstacle to ending the war is Russia.

While claiming to seek peace, Russia launched a deadly airstrike on Kyiv, she wrote on social media. This isnt a pursuit of peace, its a mockery of it.

Senior U.S. officials have warned that the Trump administration could soon give up its efforts to stop the war if the two sides dont compromise.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the attack showed Russian President Vladimir Putin is determined to press his bigger armys advantage on the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, where it currently holds the momentum.

Putin demonstrates through his actions, not words, that he does not respect any peace efforts and only wants to continue the war, Sybiha said on X. Weakness and concessions will not stop his terror and aggression. Only strength and pressure will.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that since Russias February 2022 full-scale invasion of its neighbor, Russian attacks haves killed some 13,000 civilians, including 618 children.

Kyiv residents spent the night in shelters

At least 42 people were hospitalized following the attack on residential suburbs of Kyiv, Ukraines State Emergency Service said.

At a Kyiv residential building that was almost entirely destroyed, emergency workers removed rubble with their hands, rescuing a trapped woman who emerged from the wreckage covered in white dust and moaning in pain.

An elderly woman sat against a brick wall, face smeared with blood, her eyes fixed to the ground in shock as medics tended to her wounds.

Fires were reported in several residential buildings said Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the city military administration.

The attack, which began around 1 a.m., hit at least five neighborhoods in Kyiv.

Oksana Bilozir, a student, suffered a head injury in the attack. With blood seeping from her bandaged head, she said that she heard a loud explosion after the air alarm blared and began to grab her things to flee to a shelter when another blast caused her homes walls to crumble and the lights to go off.

I honestly dont even know how this will all end, its very scary, said Bilozir, referring to the war against Russias invasion. I only believe that if we can stop them on the battlefield, then thats it. No diplomacy works here.

The attack kept many people awake all night long as multiple loud explosions reverberated around the city and flashes of light punctuated the sky. Families gathered in public air raid shelters, some of them bringing their pet cat and dog.

Zelenskyy returning from South Africa

Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that he would fly back to Kyiv after meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Ukrainian leader had hoped to recruit further South African support in efforts to end his countrys war with Russia, now in its fourth year.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the Kyiv attack was yet another appalling violation of international humanitarian law.

Civilians must never be targets. This senseless use of force must stop, it said in a statement.

Anastasiia Zhuravlova, 33, a mother of two, was sheltering in a basement after multiple blasts damaged her home. Her family was sleeping when the first explosion shattered their windows and sent kitchen appliances flying in the air. Shards of glass rained down on them as they rushed to take cover in the corridor.

After that we came to the shelter because it was scary and dangerous at home, she said.

In Kyivs Sviatoshynskyi district, the attack flattened a two-story residential building and heavily damaged nearby multi-story buildings. Rescue work continued through the morning.

At a nearby school-turned-relief center, children helped parents cover blown-out windows with plastic while others queued for government compensation. Many stood in blood-stained clothes, still shaken.

(AP)
In a deeply moving event held at the Presidents Residence in Yerushalayim, the final letters were written in a Sefer Torah dedicated lilui nishmas Sergeant Segev Schwartz Hyd  a courageous young soldier who gave his life al kiddush Hashem to save dozens of his fellow soldiers during the horrific October 7th attack.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Ayelet HaShachar organization, under the leadership of Rabbi Shlomo Raanan, who remarked: The heroic mesirus nefesh of Sergeant Segev Schwartz, and the decision to commemorate his memory through a Sefer Torah, reflect the deep bond between ahavas haTorah and dedication to Klal Yisrael.

Present were Segevs parents and family members, who joined President Yitzchak Herzog in the emotional writing of the final letters. The President recalled his visit during the shivah and again expressed his hakaras hatov to the family for their sons extraordinary bravery. Your son saved many lives, the President said. This Torah, written in his memory, is a lasting testimony to who he was.

On that dreadful Shabbos morning, Sergeant Schwartz, a soldier in the Nachal Brigades 50th Battalion, was stationed at the Sufa outpost near the Gaza border. As waves of terrorists infiltrated the area, Segev and his fellow soldiers rushed to defend their position. On his way to the dining hall, where they planned to regroup, Segev spotted a grenade  and without hesitation, threw himself on it, sacrificing his life to protect his brothers-in-arms.

Among those who participated in the writing of the Torah were prominent Rabbanim, including the Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchak Yosef shlita, who received the family in his office and wrote a letter in the Sefer Torah. Rav Yosef praised Segevs mesirus nefesh and offered words of nechamah: Not only did your son give his life al kiddush Hashem, he also merited to save many others. Such a zechus places him among the lofty neshamos who sit before the Kisei HaKavod.

The Stropkover Rebbe also requested to meet with Segevs mother after hearing about his act of heroism. She shared that, although weve done many things to remember Segev, this Sefer Torah feels like the true crown of it all. Deeply moved, the Rebbe later told the father, Your son gave his life for Hashem and Klal Yisrael. Please give me a brachah  there is no greater zechus than this.

Later that evening, the family visited the home of the renowned mekubal, the Yinuka, who, despite feeling weak, insisted on writing a letter in the Torah and spending time with the Schwartz family. After hearing the story, he, too, asked for a brachah from the father  a powerful gesture of kavod for one who had raised a son of such caliber.

The family also met with Rav Dovid Lau, former Chief Rabbi of Israel, and Rabbi Marc Schneier of the Hampton Synagogue in New York. After hearing the moving details of Segevs final moments, the rabbanim were presented with a bottle of wine from a line dedicated to Segevs memory.

Though Segev Schwartz Hyd was tragically taken in his youth, his legacy lives on  not only in the hearts of his family and comrades, but now through the letters of a Torah scroll that will continue to teach and inspire. In a world so desperately in need of emunah and achdus, his ultimate act of mesirus nefesh stands as a living example of what it means to give everything for another Yid.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A fast-moving wildfire engulfing part of New Jerseys Pine Barrens was expected grow Thursday, with smoke affecting the air quality in the New York City area before rain arrives this week, authorities said.

Higher-than-normal pollution levels were expected Thursday in New York City, Rockland and Westchester counties, and in Long Islands Nassau and Suffolk counties, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation advised Wednesday. The fire is roughly 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of New York City.

It said going indoors may reduce exposure to problems such as eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath.

The fire in the southern part of New Jersey has grown to more than 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) and could continue to burn for days, officials said. No one has been injured so far in the blaze, and 5,000 residents were evacuated but have been permitted to return home. A single commercial building and some vehicles were destroyed in the fire, while 12 structures remained threatened Wednesday evening.

This is still a very active fire, said New Jerseys Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. As we continue to get this under full control the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.

The Ocean County Sheriffs Office in New Jersey also cautioned early Thursday about air quality, saying smoke will continue to permeate the area. It said emergency personnel will be on site for the next few days.

In New York, dry conditions across the state are resulting in a high fire danger rating in several regions including New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and portions of the North Country, the state air quality advisory said. The rest of the state is at a moderate or low level of fire danger.

Officials said the fire is believed to be the second-worst in the last two decades, smaller only than a 2007 blaze that burned 26 square miles (67 square kilometers).

Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency Wednesday and officials said theyve contained about 50% of the wildfire.

Video released by the state agency overseeing the fire service showed billowing white and black clouds of smoke, intense flames engulfing pines and firefighters dousing a charred structure.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities said.

Forest fires are a common occurrence in the Pine Barrens, a 1.1 million-acre (445,000-hectare) state and federally protected reserve about the size of the Grand Canyon lying halfway between Philadelphia to the west and the Atlantic coast to the east. The region, with its quick-draining sandy soil, is in peak forest fire season. The trees are still developing leaves, humidity remains low and winds can kick up, drying out the forest floor.

The area had been under a severe drought until recently.

(AP)
President Donald Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to STOP! after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraines capital.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

Russia struck Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones. At least 12 people were killed and 90 were injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.

Trumps frustration is growing as a U.S.-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

Trump lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimea Peninsula as part of a possible deal. Russia illegally annexed that area from Ukraine in 2014.

Zelenskyy has repeated many times during the war that began when Russia invaded in February 2022 that recognizing occupied territory as Russias is a red line for Ukraine. Zelenskyy noted Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscows attacks had continued.

Trumps criticism of Putin is notable because Trump has repeatedly said Russia, the aggressor in the conflict, is more willing than Ukraine to get a deal done.

I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy, Trump told reporters Wednesday. So far its been harder, but thats OK. Its all right.

In his dealings with Zelenskyy and Putin, Trump has focused on which leader has leverage. Putin has the cards and Zelenskyy does not, Trump has said repeatedly. At the same time, the new Republican administration has taken steps toward a more cooperative line with Putin, for whom Trump has long shown admiration.

Trump is set to meet later Thursday with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre to discuss the war in Ukraine, U.S. tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of NATO and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile (198-kilometer) border with Russia.

Gahr Stre said in a social media post Thursday that he would underscore during the talks that close contact between Norway and the USA is crucial.

We must contribute to a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, he said.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said Putin should stop lying when he claims to want peace while continuing to bomb Ukraine.

There is only one answer we are waiting for: Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire? said Macron during a visit to Madagascar. Macron added that the Americans anger should focus on just one person: President Putin.

The French Foreign Ministry also offered measured pushback on Trumps criticism of Zelenskyy over the Ukrainians stance on Crimea.

During talks last week in Paris, U.S. officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal, according to a European official familiar with the matter. The matter was discussed again Wednesday during talks with U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials.

The principle of Ukraines territorial integrity is not something that can be negotiated, Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine said. This was the position taken last week and reiterated yesterday in London in a meeting of a similar format.

Asked whether France agreed with Trumps comments that Ukraines position was to blame for prolonging the war, Lemoine said Ukrainians showed they are open to negotiations while Russia continues its strikes.

We rather have the impression that it is the Russians who are slowing down the discussions, he said.

The White House announced Tuesday that Trumps special envoy, Steve Witkoff, would visit Moscow this week for a new round of talks with Putin about the war. It would be their fourth meeting since Trump took office in January.

(AP)
A deadly attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir has again moved India and Pakistan closer to war as the two rivals downgraded diplomatic and trade ties, closed the main border crossing and revoked visas for each others nationals.

Pakistan has denied it was behind Tuesdays attack that killed 26 mostly Indian tourists at a popular scenic spot in the Himalayan region, where India claimed it restored a sense of calm despite a decades-long rebellion. A previously unknown militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Heres what to know about an escalation in tensions between the two nuclear armed rivals. They have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety.

Whats at the heart of the dispute?

Ties between India and Pakistan have been shaped by conflict, aggressive diplomacy and mutual suspicion, most notably in their competing claims over the stunning Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Armed insurgents in Kashmir have resisted New Delhi for decades, with many Muslim Kashmiris supporting the rebels goal of uniting the territory either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. India accuses Pakistan of fomenting violence, a charge denied by Islamabad. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict over the years.

How has Pakistan responded to Indias reprisals?

On Tuesday, gunmen fatally shot 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, in an attack near the picturesque town of Pahalgam. New Delhi immediately linked Pakistan to the attack, although it did not publicly produce any evidence.

India announced a string of punitive measures. It downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad and on Thursday, Indias Foreign Ministry said it had revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. India also said it will reduce its staff in its high commission in Pakistan and bring down the number of Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi to 30 from 55 from May 1.

Pakistan called Indias actions irresponsible and canceled visas for Indian nationals, suspended all trade with India including via third countries and closed its airspace to Indian aircraft.

Islamabad warns dispute over water could lead to war

Indias decision to suspend the water treaty could potentially mark a major turning point in how the two neighbors manage an essential shared resource between them. Pakistan warned Thursday that any Indian attempt to stop or divert the flow of water between them would be considered an act of war.

The Indus Water Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, allows for sharing the waters of a river system that is a lifeline for both countries. The treaty has survived two wars between the countries, in 1965 and 1971, and a major border skirmish in 1999.

It governs sharing of the water supply from the Indus River system and its distributaries. Under the treaty, India has control over the eastern rivers of Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas, and Pakistan controls the western rivers of Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus that follow through Kashmir region.

Water treaty is Pakistan vital national interest

Pakistan said the treaty was a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contained no provision for unilateral suspension. Pakistan described it as a vital national interest and a lifeline for the countrys 240 million people.

The treaty is essential for supporting Pakistans agriculture and hydropower needs. Suspending it could lead to water shortages at a time when parts of the country are already struggling with drought and declining rainfall.

Militant attacks scale back peace efforts

Despite largely strained relations, the neighbors have intermittently made efforts for peace. However, regular border flare-ups and multiple militant attacks in Kashmir and India have marred peace overtures as New Delhi has taken tough position on Islamabad, accusing it of terrorism.

In 1999, Pakistan-backed rebels and Pakistani soldiers seized Indian military posts in the icy heights of Kargil region. Indian troops responded and a 10-week conflict killed at least 1,000 combatants on both sides. The fighting stopped after a U.S. intervention.

In 2008, a group of heavily armed assailants of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group went on a rampage in Indias financial capital Mumbai, killing 166 people. New Delhi blamed Pakistans intelligence service for the assault, an accusation denied by Islamabad.

In 2019, a suicide car bombing killed 40 Indian soldiers in Kashmir and brought the countries closer to war. In response, India said its air force struck a militant training camp inside Pakistan. Pakistan responded by aerial raids, downed an Indian military aircraft and captured an Indian pilot, who was later released.

Months later, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government revoked Kashmirs semi-autonomous status and imposed sweeping security measures. Since then, India has kept order in the region with a huge security presence and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms.

Worries of nuclear confrontation

India and Pakistan have built up their armies and nuclear arsenals over the years. India was the first to conduct a nuclear test in 1974, followed by another in 1998. Pakistan followed with its own nuclear tests just a few weeks later. The sides have since armed themselves with hundreds of nuclear warheads, missile delivery systems, advanced fighter jets and modern weapons to take on each other.

(AP)
Russias illegal seizure of Crimea from Ukraine 11 years ago was quick and bloodless. But Kyiv  and most of the world  never recognized Moscows annexation of the strategic peninsula, which is now a major focus of U.S.-led efforts to end Russias war in Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at Ukraines president Wednesday, accusing Volodymyr Zelenskyy of prolonging the killing field after he insisted he would not give up any Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, to Russia as part of a potential peace plan.

There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people, he said.

Trump called Zelenskyys pushback very harmful to talks.

Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? he wrote on social media.

During Trumps first term, the U.S. said it would never recognize Crimea as Russian.

How did Russia seize Crimea?

In 2013-14, a massive popular uprising gripped Ukraine for weeks, eventually forcing pro-Moscow President Victor Yanukovich from office.

With Ukraine engulfed in turmoil, Russian President Vladimir Putin pounced, sending troops to overrun Crimea, a diamond-shaped peninsula in the Black Sea that Russia has long coveted.

The armed troops appeared in Crimea in uniforms without insignia, and Putin soon called a vote on joining Russia that Ukraine and the West dismissed as illegal.

Russias relations with the West plummeted to new lows. The United States, the European Union and other countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and its officials.

Moscows illegal annexation of Crimea on March 18, 2014, was only recognized internationally by countries such as North Korea and Sudan. In Russia, it touched off a wave of patriotism, and Krym nash!  Crimea is ours!  became a rallying cry.

The move sent Putins popularity soaring. His approval rating, which had declined to 65% in January 2014, shot to 86% in June, according to the Levada Center, an independent Russian pollster.

Putin has called Crimea a sacred place, and has prosecuted those who publicly argue it is part of Ukraine  particularly Crimean Tatars, who strongly opposed the annexation.

What happened after the annexation?

Weeks after the annexation, fighting broke out in eastern Ukraine between pro-Kremlin militias and Kyivs forces. Moscow threw its weight behind the insurgents, even though the Kremlin denied supporting them with troops and weapons. There was abundant evidence to the contrary, including a Dutch courts finding that a Russia-supplied air defense system shot down a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet over eastern Ukraine in July 2014, killing all 298 people aboard.

Russian hard-liners later criticized Putin for failing to capture all of Ukraine that year, arguing it was easily possible at a time when the government in Kyiv was in disarray and its military in shambles.

The fighting in eastern Ukraine continued, on and off, until February 2022, when Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Why is Crimea important?

Crimeas unique location makes it a strategically important asset, and Russia has spent centuries fighting for it.

The peninsula was home to Turkic-speaking Tatars when the Russian empire first annexed it in the 18th century. It briefly regained independence two centuries later before being swallowed by the Soviet Union.

Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transferred Crimea from Russia to Ukraine in 1954, when both were part of the USSR, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the unification of Moscow and Kyiv. In 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed, the peninsula became part of newly independent Ukraine.

Russia kept a foot in the door, however: Its Black Sea Fleet had a base in the city of Sevastopol, and Crimea  as part of Ukraine  continued to host it.

By the time Russia annexed it in 2014, it had been a part of Ukraine for 60 years and had become part of the countrys identity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to retake it and said that Russia wont be able to steal the peninsula.

For either side, possession of Crimea is key to control over activities in the Black Sea  a critical corridor for the worlds grain, among other goods.

What role does Crimea play in Russias war in Ukraine?

Ahead of its full-scale invasion, Moscow deployed troops and weapons to Crimea, allowing Russian forces to quickly seize large parts of southern Ukraine in the first weeks of the war.

A top Russian military official later said that securing a land corridor from Russia to Crimea by holding the occupied parts of Ukraines Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions was among the key goals of what the Kremlin insisted on calling its special military operation in Ukraine.

Before the invasion, Zelenskyy focused on diplomatic efforts to get Crimea back, but after Russian troops poured across the border, Kyiv started publicly contemplating retaking the peninsula by force.

The peninsula soon became a battleground, with Ukraine launching drone attacks and bombing it to try to dislodge Moscows hold on the territory.

The attacks targeted the Russian Black Sea Fleet there, as well as ammunition depots, air fields and Putins prized asset  the Kerch Bridge linking Crimea to Russia, which was struck in October 2022 and again in July 2023.

How does Crimea factor into peace efforts?

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said this week that Washington issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and its time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process.

He told reporters during a visit to India that it was a very fair proposal that would freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today, though both sides would have to give up some territory they currently hold. He did not provide details.

While Trump said that nobody is asking Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, its not clear whether the U.S. proposal would see Washington recognize it as such  in what would be a reversal of years of its own foreign policy.

In 2017, Trumps then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared at a meeting also attended by Russias top diplomat: We will never accept Russias occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea. The following year, his successor, Mike Pompeo, reiterated that the U.S. rejected the attempted annexation.

Zelenskyy on Wednesday pointed out Pompeos statement in a post on X, adding: We are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decisions.

Putin, however, listed Ukraines recognition of Crimea as part of Russia among Moscows demands for peace in June 2024. Those also include Ukraine ceding four regions Russia illegally annexed in 2022, dropping its bid to join NATO, keeping the countrys nonnuclear status, restricting its military force and protecting the interests of the Russian-speaking population.

Kyiv has rejected ceding territory as a nonstarter.

Russia currently holds roughly 20% of Ukrainian land, including Crimea, so any deal that freezes the lines more or less where they are would benefit Moscow.

(AP)
Agudath Israel of America proudly celebrates a historic victory for parents and students across the Lone Star State as the Texas Legislature passes a landmark universal school choice bill.

On Thursday, the Texas Senate voted to concur with the House and pass SB2, finally giving families the educational freedom they have been asking for. SB2 is an Education Savings Account (ESA) program that would provide parents with approximately $10,000 per student to spend on a wide range of educational expenses, including private school tuition. Students with special needs could receive up to $30,000 per year. The bill allocates one billion dollars to the program. If the number of applicants exceeds available funds, low-income (see chart here) and special education students will be prioritized.

Agudath Israel thanks Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, House Education Chairman Brad Buckley, and Senate Education Committee Chairman Brandon Creighton for their leadership, said Rabbi Ari Weisenfeld, director of state relations for Agudath Israel of America. More importantly, this couldnt have happened without the countless parents and community members who have advocated alongside Agudath Israel and our coalition partners for the last two decades.

This ESA program will have a tangible positive impact on our families and community said Rabbi Avi Pekier Head of School of Torah Day School of Dallas.

I have had the privilege of joining Agudath Israels missions to Austin since 2007, said Yakov Polatsek a Houston community leader. We are grateful to Agudath Israel of America for representing our community in Texas, session after session, and for refusing to give up.

School choice is on the rise, said Rabbi A. D. Motzen, Agudahs national director of government affairs. With Texas becoming the 16th state to enact universal school choice in the last four years, the next step is for President Trump and Congress to bring school choice to all 50 states with the federal passage of the Educational Choice for Children Act.

Prioritization:

Tier 1: Special ed student from families earning less than 500% of the federal poverty level (FPL)

Tier 2: Students from families earning less than 200%FPL

Tier 3: Students from families earning between 200%-500%FPL

Tier 4: Students from families earning more than 500% FPL

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Iran is expanding a vast security perimeter around two heavily fortified tunnel complexes near its main nuclear site, raising fresh alarms in Washington and Jerusalem amid renewed negotiations over Tehrans nuclear ambitions.

A new report from the Institute for Science and International Security, based on commercial satellite imagery taken March 29, suggests the underground sites beneath Mt. Kolang Gaz La may soon become operational. The facilitiesunder construction for several yearsare situated near Natanz, the heart of Irans nuclear program.

The analysis, led by institute president David Albright, highlights hardened tunnel entrances and a network of high wall panels encircling the mountain. The security perimeter on the north side connects directly to the Natanz facility, which suffered a major act of sabotage in 2020 widely attributed to Israeli intelligence.

The complexes are being excavated at significantly greater depths than the Fordo enrichment facility near Qom, suggesting Irans intention to shield sensitive operations from potential airstrikes or sabotage. Tehran has barred United Nations nuclear inspectors from accessing the new sites, fueling concerns among Western analysts.

Albright warns that the tunnels may be intended to house advanced centrifuges or components of Irans growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Such materials could be rapidly converted into fuel for a nuclear weapon, should Iran make the decision to cross that threshold.

The report comes as the United States and Iran prepare for a third round of negotiations this weekend aimed at reviving restrictions on Irans nuclear program. Talks have resumed amid heightened regional tensions, as Israeli leaders continue to warn that time is running out to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state.

Iran has publicly said that one of the tunnel complexes will house centrifuge production, replacing the sabotaged facility at Natanz. But with inspectors locked out and construction accelerating, international skepticism is mounting.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
In an update to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Lt. Col. Avigdor Dickstein, head of the IDFs Charedi Recruitment Branch, reported that the military is falling significantly short of its goal to enlist 4,800 Charedi men during the current 20242025 draft cycle. As of now, only 1,721 have enlisted.

We set ourselves a target of 4,800 and we will not reach that, Dickstein acknowledged, noting that while enlistment numbers are slightly improving, they remain far below what the army considers necessary. There is an upward trend here, but it is not sufficient and does not correspond to the very large operational need, he told the committee.

Out of 18,915 Charedi men who received initial conscription notices, only 232 have thus far reported for service, with just 57 volunteering for combat roles. In contrast, 1,840 ignored the draft order altogether and were issued immediate call-up noticesfailure to respond to these results in being labeled a draft evader.

Those classified as draft evaders face serious consequences, including no-exit orders preventing them from leaving the country. According to Dickstein, 962 Charedi men have already been officially declared draft evaders, while 68 received exemptions on various grounds.

One of the IDFs most effective enforcement tools has been Ben Gurion Airport. Since January, 340 eligible individuals were held for questioning at the airport322 while attempting to leave the country. Of these, 100 were barred from departing; half of them were Charedim.

Currently, the most significant and effective sanction is Ben Gurion Airport; there is currently no other sanction, Dickstein said. There is the ability to make arrests, but it is extremely ineffective. If I grab him and put him in a police car, will he end up enlisting?

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israels Fire and Rescue Services reported on Thursday morning that their forces have gained control of the massive fire that has been raging since Wednesday morning in the forest areas near Beit Shemesh, in the Jerusalem hills.

Over a hundred firefighting teams, aided by aircraft, are still working to extinguish five remaining fires. However, all residents of three yishuvim near Beit Shemesh who were evacuated on Wednesday have been allowed to return to their homes and the roads in the area were reopened to traffic.

The incident is under control, Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi announced: I toured the area and was in all areas. The incident will end in the coming hours.

Many forces operated throughout the night, including KKL teams, the Nature and Parks Authority, security squads and volunteers. The Fire Commissioner praised the cooperation between all parties and emphasized their contribution to saving lives and property.

It is estimated that about 10,000 dunams [2,500 acres] of forests and fields have been burned.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Zelenskyy cancels part of his visit to South Africa, immediately returning to Ukraine after meeting with President Ramaphosa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cancels part of his visit to South Africa and returns to Ukraine after meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Today, I will brief President Ramaphosa of South Africa, who currently holds the G20 Presidency, on the situation and our need to intensify global diplomatic efforts. The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally. We also count on support in humanitarian matters  in the return of our prisoners and Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. I am canceling part of the program for this visit and will return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the President of South Africa, Zelenskyy said on X Thursday.

According to the President, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will hold all necessary meetings in South Africa to fully inform the country's political and public leaders about the situation.

Zelenskyy thanked everyone in the world who supports Ukraine.
Hod Hasharon Mayor and Yesh Atid member Amir Kochavi spoke at a Yom HaShoah event and compared the IDFs actions in Gaza to Naza atrocities.

We must not remain silent in the face of atrocities against people of other nationalities in the world  even if they are carried out in our name, he said.

Jewish morality dictates  never again, not only to us, but to all nations as an ethical and moral commandment of a just and healthy society.

There are 59 people in Gaza; their never again is still going on. Lust for revenge, blood, and destruction has not brought back the dead  and not the living either.

As descendants of Holocaust survivors who, together with other pioneers, established the Jewish state, we must ensure that the memory of the Holocaust, the processes that led to it, its legal and ethical justifications, and the silence that accompanied it, all serve as a warning sign to the whole world. Also to us, so that we remember and be careful.

His words caused a major furor. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman responded sharply, stating: On Yom HaShoah, while 59 hostages are languishing in the inferno of Gaza, the mayor of Hod Hasharon, Amir Kochavi, is inciting against the IDF and standing by the terrorists. I expect Yair Lapid, with whose party Kochavi is identified, to condemn his words immediately.

Culture Minister Miki Zohar responded: The embarrassing words of the mayor of Hod Hasharon are a spit in the face of Holocaust survivors  those who immigrated to Eretz Yisrael, established a state, and survived the terrible massacre carried out by other nations. I have no doubt that the vast majority of Hod Hasharon residents disavow these outrageous statements.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Well always have Kikar Hashabbos but the citys grown

Theres a new iconic intersection in Yerushalayim. Its the vibrant crossroads of Yirmiyahu and Shamgar, where the pulse of the modern city beats strongest. Here Yerushalayims past meets its future. Just off this famous corner, Y38, a sophisticated residential building rises.

Designed by the renowned Feigin Architects, whose portfolio includes prestigious projects like the Waldorf Astoria, Y38 challenges conventional Jerusalem architecture while paying homage to the citys timeless character. The striking 40-unit boutique building features a distinctive facade that harmoniously blends contemporary design with Jerusalem stone, creating an immediate visual impact.

Beyond its prime location at the nexus of convenience  with dozens of shuls, bakeries, and trendy boutiques down the block  Y38 offers a living experience crafted for the discerning resident. Each of the 3-6 room apartments boasts thoughtfully designed spaces with high ceilings and full-height windows that frame Jerusalems famous blue skies. Large balconies, with space for a sukka, extend living spaces outdoors, while premium finishes and state-of-the-art systems elevate daily life.

The buildings amenities rival those of luxury hotels, including a sophisticated business lounge, fully-equipped fitness center, relaxing spa, and a residents hall for celebrations. For added convenience a beautiful on-site shul and private mikvas are available all without leaving the building, while three levels of underground parking ensure seamless vehicle accommodation.

Y38s location perfectly serves the English-speaking community that has long favored this neighborhood. From Ganei Romema to Ganei Geula, Shefa and Tnvua the area has evolved into a comfortable enclave where residents connect through shared language and values, united by their love for Eretz Yisrael.

The developments innovative features include VRF air conditioning with individual room controls, smart home technology, electric underfloor heating, and charging stations for electric vehicles. Security and convenience are enhanced through motorized smart locks with multiple access options and a sophisticated intercom system.

As a testament to Ir Shalem Groups commitment to excellence, Y38 represents more than just an address  its a statement of arrival, a private retreat in the citys center where modern luxury meets traditional Jerusalem living. With its perfect blend of location, design, and amenities, Y38 sets a new standard for sophisticated urban living in Jerusalems evolving landscape.

For more information >>>
We should be grateful for small mercies. Rachel Reeves, at her second International Monetary Fund (IMF) gathering as Chancellor, did not come empty-handed.

It has been embarrassing that Britain, which has been a beacon of free trade and open markets, cravenly accepted that there was no point in antagonising an irascible White House by resisting Donald Trumps tariff war on friends and foes.

Ironically, among the biggest victims of Trumps actions has been Silicon Valley. Much of the innovation may come from the Magnificent Seven tech firms but manufacturing skills left a long time ago.

Reeves mission here has been to reiterate the UK is still for free, open and fair trade. It is not directly hitting back at America with reciprocal levies as threatened by the EU, Canada, China and others.

Instead, it has listened to business, particularly the retailers, and seeks to strengthen barriers against dumping of goods at UK ports.

Cheap steel may be welcome, as the UK enhances its defence capabilities and builds  key Labour commitments. Allowing the remains of our steel industry to disappear and switching off blast furnaces before replacements are installed should never have been an option.

Challenges: Chancellor Rachel Reeves is at her second International Monetary Fund gathering in Washington ahead of trade talks

Blocking the free passage into the UK of parcels valued at under 135 may prove an organisational nightmare.

But the risks of China and other Asian countries diverting shipments previously destined for America to Britain is an obvious response.

The quality and monitoring of trade flows and data for kinks is also an important exercise if dumping is to be corrected. It is a curiosity that the US thinks it has a goods trade surplus with Britain when for years UK data has said otherwise.

Trade and tariffs overhang the whole global economic debate at present, raising the risk of global recession to 40 per cent, according to the latest IMF analysis, and lifting a sword of Damocles over financial stability and undermining budgetary restraint.

The Funds Fiscal Monitor report released yesterday is alarming. It projects that the scale of borrowing in 2025 will rise across the globe by 2.3 per cent of total output, twice the expansion last year.

Overall debt levels will balloon to 117 per cent of gross domestic product, which is the highest level since the Second World War.

Reeves may talk a good trade game but her budgetary problems loom large. The latest borrowing figures are a disaster.

Just a month after the Spring Statement, the deficit for the 2024-5 fiscal year came in at 152billion. That is 15billion more than projected.

The IMF warning that fiscal buffers need to be bigger could be directly aimed at the UK. When Reeves put in place her fiscal rules in October 2024, she left herself just 10billion of headroom.

This had vanished by the Spring Statement when it was restored partly by cutting welfare and disabled benefits.

But the peril will unavoidably come back to haunt the Chancellor. UK deficits, IMF data says, will head downward as a percentage of GDP.

Not fast enough to lower the national debt. It is set to rise to 105 per cent of national wealth next year and shows no signs of tapering down.

Reeves claims to have fixed the foundations are looking premature. Slower-than-expected growth (partly the result of daft tax decisions) emptied the buffers.

Trumps tariffs and a loss of faith in Britains fiscal settlement are keeping bond rates elevated and lifting the cost of servicing the national debt.

All of this before the UK has to find fiscal room for its defence spending and mad dash for net zero. The upcoming public spending round in June will be painful, but is unlikely to move the dial.

The tariff and market shocks illustrate the foolishness of failing to listen to monitors, such as the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which cautioned from the outset that UK budget policy was defenceless in the face of global shocks.

Reeves could have a good IMF, especially if she receives a decent hearing from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a one-on-one meeting.

But the strain of keeping to fiscal rules is the dynamic which could eventually up-end her sojourn at Number 11.
There is only one star at this years Washington financial gatherings. As much as Rachel Reeves likes to make a splash, it is the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

His appearance before bankers at the Willard Hotel, which hosted an 1861 peace congress to try to avert a war between states, needed a video feed as it was so oversubscribed.

The big hope among those gathered here is that Bessent is for real and is able to moderate the social media flow from his boss President Trump.

In the last 72 hours he is credited with calling a pause to the campaign against Jay Powell at the Federal Reserve.

Just hours after Trump had labelled him a loser and called on Powell to step down, the President was back on social media saying he had no intention of sacking the Fed chair. The markets had tanked and Bessent helped to engineer change.

He also has offered an olive branch to China of sensible trade negotiations not conducted under the threat of ever more hostile trade barriers.

Calming influence: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's appearance before bankers at the Willard Hotel needed a video feed as it was so oversubscribed

At the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, there is relief that Bessent has decided to work on reform rather than tear them down, as proposed by the Right-wing Heritage Foundation in its Project 2025 blueprint for Trump Two.

Bessent and the US, the founding and controlling shareholder in both the Fund and World Bank, are demanding real change.

Visitors to Washington might be puzzled at why these two institutions occupy so much space in the heart of the city adjacent to the White House.

Bessent must have been reading too many Chancellor Reeves speeches with his reference to restoring the foundations of the Fund and the Bank.

That is code for paring back the IMF mission to something closer to what its founders envisaged at Bretton Woods.

He wants a close focus on surveillance, making sure country policies are effectively policed, and resolving balance of payments imbalances.

In the mid to late 20th century resolving trade deficits, of the kind the US has with China, was a critical mission. In recent times the IMF broadened its horizons, focusing on fashionable issues such as climate change, gender and social reforms.

Anyone who has read an IMF Article 4 report on the annual inspection by fund officials of member countries will be aware of mission creep beyond the macro to social policy.

In the UK, for example, it has been an advocate of charging for health services. That may be sensible but it is an appropriation of a wider agenda which thrusts it into politics.

No one in the UK will forget how Christine Lagarde, now president of the European Central Bank, thought it her duty as managing director of the IMF to interject herself into the Brexit debate.

Taking some lessons from Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, Bessent wants a clampdown on remuneration and staffing. Managing director Kristalina Georgievas weak defence is to insist Fund budgets have remained frozen for several years.

The World Bank faces different issues. Before leaving office, the Biden administration backed new funding for the International Development Association (IDA), the arm of the Bank which provides grants to the poorest countries.

The US pledged $4billion (3billion), but there are doubts as to whether it will be paid in full, or at all.

Behind closed doors the World Bank is becoming a proxy battleground for the struggle between the US and China.

The Americans see no justification for Chinas receipt of $1billion (752,000) of loans from the Bank, down from $2.5bn (1.9billion).

If the US were to remove funding for IDA, where it is the biggest shareholder, it would open up a path for Beijing to be ever more dominant, both as a borrower and funder. Bessent and Trumpers insist the Bank use its triple AAA credit rating to maximise market funding.

Reform rather than demolition of the Bretton Woods institutions is what is on offer from their most influential funder.

The grandees running the show, Kristalina Georgieva at the Fund and Ajay Banga at the Bank, are being forced to ingest some nasty medicine.
Gucci owner Kering saw its shares fall over 5 per cent on Thursday after the group revealed its sales dropped more than expected in the first quarter.

Shares have lost around half their value in a year  it is one of the worst-performing luxury goods stocks.

Kering reported a 14 per cent fall in annual sales to 3.3billion, with a 25 per cent drop at flagship label Gucci to 1.4billion, suggesting the broader luxury sector faces another tough year.

The drop in sales was worse than forecasts from analysts at Citibank and Barclays, who had estimated year-on-year falls of 10 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.

Kerig, which also owns Yves Saint Laurent, blamed Gucci's dwindling sales on 'low store traffic.'

The sales report confirmed 'a weakening backdrop' since February, analysts at Jefferies said, noting 'the uncertainties around reigniting Gucci's desirability remain plentiful.'

Fashion crisis: Sales at Kering, led by billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault (pictured with actress Salma Hayek) fell 14% to 3.3bn year-on-year

The industry, languishing after a slowdown in demand, is reeling from Donald Trumps trade war.

Chief financial officer Armelle Poulou said Kering would most likely adopt a careful, gradual approach of price rises to offset tariffs.

And the groups leader, billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault vowed: I am convinced that we will come out stronger.

Kering has struggled to compete with rivals such as LVMH and Hermes, whose pricey products are seen as status symbols.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'Gucci-owner Kering offered further evidence of the luxury sectors woes as its core brand struggles to recover against a difficult backdrop.

'There is a large degree of scepticism about recently appointed Gucci creative director Demna Gvasalias ability to revive the brand, based on his CV.

'After a string of profit warnings in 2024, Kering has very little credit in the bank with investors and new Gucci boss Stefano Cantino is already on the back foot, having been appointed at the start of this year.'

He added: 'Luxury is supposed to be immune to the vagaries of the economy as its customer base are relatively untouched in a downturn.

'However, the Chinese market, which has been a source of significant growth for the industry, has been depressed since Covid and whats now apparent is not all luxury brands are created equal.

'Hopes North America could help drive Kerings sales have been undermined by the recent tariff drama and Gucci will hope its ability to weather previous storms and come out the other side holds true this time around.

'Given the durability of the brand it could ultimately become a takeover target in a sector which is beginning to see consolidation.'
The chairman of NatWest yesterday hailed a symbolic moment as the banking giant prepares to return to full private ownership for the first time since a Government bailout during the 2008 financial crisis.

Rick Haythornthwaite said the FTSE 100 group was incredibly grateful to the UK taxpayer for stepping in to save the bank from collapse, saying it had fundamentally changed over the last 17 years.

The Government ended up owning as much as 84 per cent of NatWest, then known as Royal Bank of Scotland Group, following multiple bailouts during the crisis, which cost the taxpayer more than 45billion.

Over the years, the Treasury has been steadily selling its holding, falling below 50 per cent ownership in 2022.

The process has been accelerated over the last three years, with the Governments stake dropping to below 40 per cent in 2023, and earlier this month it fell to less than 3 per cent. It now plans to reach zero by July.

We are on the verge of a return to full private ownership. This will be a symbolic moment, marking a new, forward-looking chapter in our story, Haythornthwaite told investors at the annual meeting in Edinburgh yesterday.

Thanks: Natwest chairman Rick Haythornthwaite (pictured) said the banking giant was incredibly grateful to taxpayers for stepping in to save the it from collapse

Chief executive Paul Thwaite said the Governments exit would allow the UK to turn the page on the global financial crisis.

I am sincerely grateful to the UK taxpayer. Having long been defined by our past, we can look forward with confidence and optimism about the opportunities ahead, without forgetting the lessons of the financial crisis, he added.

It came as investors backed all the measures put to a vote at the annual meeting, including a 7.8million pay packet for Thwaite, who took over as chief executive in 2023  up from 4.9million a year earlier.

It comes as the sector takes advantage of a decision by regulators to lift the cap on bankers bonuses, with many banks cutting the base salary of their senior executives in exchange for larger awards for good performance.

Haythornthwaite told reporters that NatWest had been very measured in its changes, noting that other banks had gone further.

Lets not open up floodgates of risk exposure and forget lessons of previous years. Now we dont think were close to testing the limits, he added.

NatWest shares were up 3.7 per cent, or 16.8p, at 476.5p.
BP shares jumped 5 per cent early yesterday after activist investor Elliott increased its stake in the embattled oil giant.

Elliott, which wants it to ditch its green agenda and double down on fossil fuels, has just over 5 per cent of voting rights, making it the second-largest shareholder after Blackrock at 9.2 per cent.

Despite the early rise BP closed 0.3 per cent, or 1.2p, down at 357.75p. Elliott is seen as highly effective at pushing for change, with BP already renewing its focus on oil and gas, and chairman Helge Lund heading for the exit.

Elsewhere, THG fell 1.2 per cent, or 0.36p, to 28.68p after it rejected a bid for its Myprotein business worth up to 600million, saying it turned down a largely unfunded and conditional approach from Selkirk, set up by two of its early backers, including a previous chairman.

Wealth manager Quilter rose 1 per cent, or 1.3p, to 133.2p after it reported a rise in assets under management to 119.6billion in the first quarter of the year.

And estate agent Foxtons climbed 3.5 per cent, or 2p, to 59.3p after a 24 per cent rise in first-quarter revenue.
The chief executive of Asos insists the struggling fast fashion retailer's new commercial model 'is working' after reporting smaller losses for its first half.

The Miss Selfridge owner, which is currently engaged in a long-running turnaround plan, saw pre-tax losses fall 28.5million year-on-year to 241.5million in the six months ending 2 March.

But reported revenues slumped 14 per cent to 1.3billion as Asos continued efforts to clear the 1.1billion of stock it has built up since 2022 and reduced its number of discounted items.

Asos warned revenues are expected to come in at the 'bottom end' of its guidance range for the full year.

Meanwhile, its adjusted earnings before nasties swung from a 16.3million loss the previous year to a positive 42.5million this time around.

The London-based company has slashed its inventory levels by about 60 per cent over the past three years and prioritised profitable sales by selling fewer goods at knock-off prices.

Gross margins at the FTSE 250 firm improved by 5.1 percentage points to 45.1 per cent, supported by a higher mix of full-price sales and decreasing markdown activity.

Jose Antonio Ramos Calamonte, chief executive of ASOS, said the results were 'the strongest sign yet that our new commercial model is working'.

Rebound: Asos achieved lower half-year losses despite its turnover slumping by 14 per cent to 1.3billion amidst weaker trade across Europe and the United States

European sales shrank by 19 per cent in the first half, owing to weaker consumer demand and cost-of-living pressures.

Sales fell by 30 per cent in the US following the introduction of initiatives aimed at boosting profitability.

UK revenues only fell by 6 per cent as reduced discounting rates helped bolster average basket values.

Under a turnaround plan, the London-based company has slashed its inventory levels by about 60 per cent over the past three years and prioritised profitable sales by selling fewer goods at knock-off prices.

Asos accumulated excess stock after online clothing sales skyrocketed during the early part of the Covid-19 pandemic.

When lockdown curbs ended, the company's sales slowed dramatically and started declining as consumers returned to buying in stores and competition from Chinese rivals Shein and Temu heightened.

Calamonte said: 'Customers are responding positively to our focus on full-price sales, speed to market, and quality...and positive momentum with our partner brands.'

The group upheld its annual guidance for a minimum gross margin of 46 per cent and adjusted earnings before nasties at least 60 per cent higher at between 130million and 150million.

Yet the retailer faces a potential impact from President Donald Trump's new tariffs on countries like China, India and Bangladesh, where Asos has numerous suppliers.

Julie Palmer, partner at Begbies Traynor, remarked: 'Sadly, ASOS continues to face an uphill battle to regain its footing in the competitive online retail market.

'With revenue growth remaining elusive, the share price sitting far below its pandemic heights, and now the looming threat of tariffs, investors have little to be hopeful about.'

ASOS shares were 1 per cent down at 307p on Thursday morning and remain more than 90 per cent down on their pandemic-era peak in spring 2021.
Unilevers new boss said he is moving swiftly to turn around the Dove and Hellmanns owner as sales rose in the first quarter.

In his maiden address, Fernando Fernandez said it was on track to hit annual targets and distanced himself from its previous woke posturing.

Fernandez, the former finance chief who took over in March after the ousting of predecessor Hein Schumacher, said Unilever began the year with a resilient performance.

He said: We are moving at pace, confident in making progress in 2025 and beyond.

The consumer giant, whose brands include Lynx and Persil, saw sales grow 3 per cent during the first three months of the year.

Price increases of 1.7 per cent helped, but it also sold 1.3 per cent more in volume.

Turnaround: Unilever's new boss Fernando Fernandez said the firm was on track to hit annual targets and distanced himself from its previous 'woke' posturing

Schumachers strategy to do fewer things better has paid off as demand for its power brands such as Dove and Vaseline rose sharply.

And the group stuck by its forecast for annual sales to grow between 3 per cent and 5 per cent.

Fernandez echoed his predecessor in making clear he will steer it away from a woke agenda, vowing not to force feed messages about the environment on to brands.

Investors had fiercely criticised the notion that it should prioritise doing good in the world above profit.

Fund manager Terry Smith accused it of virtue-signalling after it claimed Hellmanns mayonnaise had a social purpose.

And the new chief also shrugged off reports that its Ben & Jerrys founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have been keen to buy back the ice cream firm.

The division, where sales rose 4 per cent to 1.54bn, is to be spun off and listed in Amsterdam.

Fernandez said: The separation and listing of ice cream is the option we considered to maximise shareholder value. That has not changed. Ben & Jerrys is not for sale.

Unilever has axed 6,000 jobs in a restructure set in motion by Schumacher last year. Schumacher, who had only been in the post since July 2023 before he was ousted in February, announced plans to slash 7,500 jobs to save 470million.

Fernandezs optimism came even though Donald Trumps trade war has cast a shadow over global supply chains.

He warned of declining consumer sentiment in North American markets but anticipated a very limited and a manageable impact. We have many levers within our own system to handle it, he said.
A bitter row has broken out over allegations of misconduct surrounding 87-year-old Davos founder Klaus Schwab  days after he retired as chairman of the global gathering of elites.

Schwab reportedly faces accusations, which he denies, including that he asked junior staff to withdraw thousands of dollars from cash machines for him.

A whistleblower letter is said to claim the founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 1971, used its funds to pay for private, in-room massages at hotels.

The anonymous letter to the WEF board, whose members include Queen Rania of Jordan, former US vice-president Al Gore and BlackRock boss Larry Fink, prompted it to launch an investigation.

But in a statement reported by the Financial Times, Schwab criticised former colleagues for responding to calumnious and unfounded allegations without giving him the chance to respond.

Schwab said he was the victim of a character assassination and denied all claims against him, which also included allegations that he asked staff to promote him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Denial: Davos founder Klaus Schwab (pictured) reportedly faces accusations including that he asked junior staff to withdraw thousands of dollars from cash machines

The whistleblower reportedly said he manipulated the WEFs global competitiveness report after being approached by countries unhappy with their ranking.

Schwab said: Some governments contacted me offering corrections to take updated data into account or to correct flaws. I passed on this information to the teams. To construct this as manipulation is an insult to my academic standing.

The WEF organises an annual January gathering of elites at the Swiss resort of Davos.

This year it was attended by nearly 3,000 senior figures including presidents, prime ministers and chief executives, and featured a live videolink address by Donald Trump days after his inauguration as US president.

This week, it was announced that Schwab was stepping down as chairman and quitting the board.

Subsequently, a report in by The Wall Street Journal cited allegations of financial and ethical misconduct by Schwab and his wife, Hilde, including claims that the family mixed personal affairs with Forum resources.

The WEF said its board backed an independent investigation.

While the Forum takes these allegations seriously, it emphasises that they remain unproven, and will await the outcome of the investigation to comment further, its statement said.
Number of victims in Kyiv grows to 77, eight people die

As a result of the Russian night strike on Kyiv, 77 people were injured in the capital, said the city mayor Vitali Klitschko.

"The search and rescue operation is ongoing. The rubble is being removed in two houses in Sviatoshynsky district. The death of eight people has been confirmed. Seventy-seven people have sought medical help. Thirty-one victims are in hospitals," Klitschko wrote on his Telegram channel.

In total, 12 buildings were damaged in the capital as a result of the night attack.

"The city is providing assistance to residents of damaged residential buildings. A support center for victims has been set up in Sviatoshynsky district," the mayor added.

Earlier, 70 victims were known, and nine deaths were reported.
Topshop is returning to the High Street. Part-owner Asos will launch a Topshop website later this year, and it has agreements with other retailers for them to sell the Topshop brand in their stores.

Boss Jose Antonio Ramos Calamonte said shoppers want the much-loved fashion label to have its own presence, and did not rule out standalone Topshop stores.

The time has come to come back, to be much more present with consumers in the UK, but also globally, he said.

Asos rescued the Topshop brand after it went into administration in 2020 with the closure of its 70 stores.

It has since sold a 75 per cent stake to its biggest shareholder, Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen.

Asos sales fell 13 per cent to 1.3billion in the six months to March 2 as losses narrowed to 241.5million from 270million a year before but Calamonte said: This first half is the strongest sign yet that our transformation strategy is working.
Nationwide is still winning the current account switching war driven by generous cash bribes to move, according to new figures.

More than 1million bank account switches took place in the past 12 months, with 222,805 happening in the first three months of the year, figures from the Current Account Switch Service show.

Britain's biggest building society came out top with the highest net switching gains of 51,254 between October and December 2024, according to the bank-specific data, which is three months in arrears.

It was followed closely by Lloyds Bank, which saw 50,061 net switchers between October and December 2024.

This is the second quarter in a row that Nationwide had the highest net switching gains. Between July and September 2024 Nationwide saw net switching gains of 22,622.

Switching banks was previously a fiddly process that involved customers having to change direct debits and other payments manually and and telling their employer their new details.

Cass, which launched in 2013, automatically does those processes, allowing customers to switch their current accounts online, with a promise of compensate if anything goes wrong.

Switching wars: Nationwide had the highest net switching gains between October and December 2024, followed closely by Lloyds

Any payments that are accidentally paid into your old account will be redirected and the switching process should be completed within seven days.

The switching figures, which mark the second consecutive year of over a million switches, coincide with turbulent economic conditions.

John Dentry of Pay.UK, which operates Cass, said: 'The past quarter has provided a turbulent economic backdrop, no doubt encouraging increasingly money-conscious consumers to take action.'

The figures also coincide with generous bank switching bonuses being paid out by both Nationwide and Lloyds.

Between October and December 2024, Lloyds was paying a 200 cash bonus to new current account customers while Nationwide was paying 175 until 31 March 2025.

Nationwide also dished out a highly anticipated 100 fairer share payment last summer and has hinted that it will repeat the payment this year.

This would also have appealed to new current account customers hoping to nab any 100 bonus announced this year along with the promise of a 175 switching bonus.

Andrew Hagger, director of personal finance website MoneyComms said: 'No doubt the Fairer Share payments from Nationwide Building Society are an added draw and a possible reason to stick with the society going forward.

'The Lloyds Bank figures are 79,004 gains and 28,943 switches away (net gain 50,061 switchers). If the bank had paid 200 for each of the 79,004 gains it would have shelled out 15.8million to attract those new customers.'

Mr Hagger said the data 'highlights the power of a cash incentive when it comes to persuading customers to switch banks.

Switching incentives are an expensive way for banks to acquire new customers, particularly when some account holders will simply up sticks and leave within a few months if another bank is offering a cash bonus.

The data shows cumulative switching data for five years to 31 Dec 24 and reveals that Nationwide and NatWest have been by far the most successful when it comes to attracting new customers while Barclays is at the bottom of the switching league tables.

Between October and December 2024, Barclays had net losses of 37,128, gaining just 3,759 new customers while losing 40,887 customers.

Which banks offer switching deals now?

Switching banks can be a good way to earn a bit of cash, as the latest switching figures show.

Currently, only two banks are offering switching incentives: First Direct is offering 175 to new 1st Account customers.

NatWest is offering 150 to those who switch to its Reward current account, which comes with a 2 monthly fee and offers perks such as 1 per cent cashback on selected retailers.
Dedicated mourners queued overnight to pay respects to Pope Francis, as the Vatican extended viewing hours to see the popular pontiffs remains.

By Thursday lunchtime, more than 60,000 people had stood in line for hours in St Peters Square to make their way into the basilica to catch a glimpse of Franciss body, which is laid out in an open coffin.

The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been dubbed by some as the peoples pope, having spoken out for the poor and those in need in his lifetime and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life.

Since his remains were transferred to St Peters Basilica, waves of mourners stood patiently in line, with the queue snaking its way through the square to the Holy Door of the building.

Thousands more are expected to flock to pay their respects throughout Thursday and until 7pm local time on Friday.

While it had been expected that the basilica would close at midnight, it remained open for most of the night, save for an hour for cleaning, to allow more people to pay their respects.

Among those filing past the coffin, some blessing themselves with the sign of the cross or pausing briefly in prayer, were a mother and daughter who described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Primary school teacher Marguerite OLeary and her teenage daughter Ellen, from County Clare in Ireland, stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiffs remains inside St Peters Basilica in the Vatican.

Mrs OLeary said she felt it was their duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here in the days following the Popes death, while her 14-year-old daughter described it as amazing to be in there and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Meanwhile, Patrick Gavigan, based in County Kildare, said it was momentous to be inside the basilica to witness the Popes remains close up after queuing with his wife Alice for almost four hours.

The retired couple, who are in Rome celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary year, said they were so happy to have been able to experience what they said was a historic occasion  having first met each other on a papal visit by Pope John Paul II to Dublin in 1979.

Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols in the area.

Police have been managing crowd control at various points on the approach to the square, with some checking bags, as mourners mingled with the usual tourist population.

Large crowds are also expected for Saturdays funeral in St Peters Square, with the Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, confirmed to be attending on the Kings behalf.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also be there, alongside other global leaders and dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin, Irish President Michael D Higgins and Scotlands First Minister John Swinney.

In accordance with the late popes wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peters Basilica.
Trump says hes reached agreement with Russia to end the war, hopes to reach the same with Zelenskyy

Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

US President Donald Trump believes he has reached an agreement with Vladimir Putin to end the war he started against Ukraine and hopes to achieve the same result with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, although he notes that it has proven to be more difficult than he thought.

I will say that I think Russia is ready  I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy, and I hope that Zelenskyy  I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy. So far, it's been harder, but that's okay. It's all right, he told reporters at the White House on Thursday night, Kyiv time.

But I think we have a deal with both. I hope they do it, Trump summed up.

The US President said he did not know whether he would meet Zelenskyy during his trip to Rome on Saturday for the funeral of Pope Francis.

I don't know that he's going to the funeral or not. I just hope he gets this thing solved, Trump said.

He again stated that between 3,000 and 5,000 soldiers, Russians and Ukrainians, are dying in the war every week, and he wants to stop it.

And if I can solve it because of a certain ability, that would be great, the US President noted.

He also said he plans to meet with Putin soon after his visit to Arab countries, scheduled for May 13-16.
An Irish couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary have told of the "significance" of being able to attend Pope Franciss wake in Rome  having first met decades ago at another papal event.

Patrick and Alice Gavigan were among some 20,000 people paying their respects to Francis in St Peters Basilica on the first day of his lying-in-state.

The nearly four-hour queue was well worth it, the retired couple aged in their 60s said, as they reminisced on their first meeting during a visit by Pope John Paul II to Ireland.

The pair, now living in Leixlip, Co Kildare, did not know each other when they went to Phoenix Park in Dublin in 1979 for that event, but met, married and have since had two daughters.

READ NEXT: EXPLAINER: How to view Pope Francis' wake from Ireland

Mr Gavigan said,

There is a significance, really and truly. Not planned.

We met for the first time ever in the Phoenix Park when John Paul II visited Ireland, and were married.

And 40 years later we decided to come to Rome to see the current pope, whom we had seen in Knock (in 2018).

But lo and behold he didnt stick around for our visit. We thought we were coming for a party (in their wedding anniversary year) but alas its not a party, its a mourning.

The couple had booked their holiday to Rome last year, and were glad to arrive on Wednesday just as Pope Franciss remains went on display at the basilica.

Mr Gavigan, a retired prison governor originally from Longford, said it had been momentous to be in the basilica.

He added: Truly once in a lifetime. Im so happy weve done that. Looking up there now at the dome, its hard to believe that Pope Francis is waking there.

Mr Gavigan added that the experience felt surreal.

He said: Having seen Pope Francis when he visited Ireland in 2018  we went to Knock to see him  we felt coming here now that he is no longer with us and going to his wake was just surreal really. To see him alive and see him now in death.

READ NEXT: 'All are most welcome' - Funeral details announced for TV legend Julian Benson's funeral

Mrs Gavigan, a retired Health Service Executive (HSE) worker originally from Co Mayo, said while the atmosphere was subdued, those queuing alongside them were friendly as they stood in line for hours.

She said: It was very quiet and sombre (in the basilica), but everyone was in good form and chatting to each other in the queue.

It was long but it was well worth it in the end, just to go in to see him.

Referring to the fact Pope John Paul was later canonised, and his positive views of Francis as a reformative pope, Mr Gavigan said: Perhaps well have seen two saints in our lifetimes.

The Vatican extended viewing times at the basilica due to high demand from mourners, opting not to close it at midnight as originally planned.

Franciss remains are due to remain on display until 7pm local time on Friday, ahead of his funeral mass in St Peters Square on Saturday.
As the longer evenings have finally returned, many people may decide to try their hand at wild camping this summer. However, the laws surrounding wild camping in Ireland are not so straight forward and it can be difficult to find out whether it is actually legal to set up camp at people's chosen destination. So just what are the rules?

In Ireland, land is either privately owned or owned by state organisations. Other countries like the UK do have designated recreational land areas but Ireland does not, meaning that laws surrounding wild camping is not at all straight forward as it would be in these countries.

You might think that public lands mean that the public have access rights to such areas for the purpose of camping, but not necessarily. Whether the land you want to camp on is public or private, you do need permission before heading out on your trip.

READ NEXT: Irish people urged not to get caught out travelling in Europe without this essential item

Designated safe spaces

Whether or not you can camp on private land is of course at the discretion of the owner of the property. However, some state owned land does have designated camping areas where you are free to set up camp safely and legally.

Coillte have been developing a number of wild camping sites across their lands which can be used by hikers to camp overnight. Hikers must have their own equipment and the sites typically have room for one or two tents. These sites are usually beside a National Waymarked Way as well as a stream or watercourse.

Currently there are wild camping sites at Coillte lands at the Slieve Blooms, Glenbeigh/Iveragh Penninsula, Knockmealdowns and in North Mayo. New sites will also be added soon.

It is also possible to partake in wild camping at some national parks or nature reserves in Ireland. However, it is important to note that every national park will have different policies when it comes to camping and so it is crucial that you check these out before you set off on your trip.

Leave No Trace

Camping on Coillte lands and most other sites like many of the national parks follow the principals of the Leave No Trace policy. This involves leaving campsites visually unobtrusive and free of all waste, litter, food and anything not biodegradable.

Some interesting rules under this umbrella includes that fires should only be lit where a fire ring is officially provided and then completely extinguished before the campsite is vacated. Many of the national parks do not allow any fires to be lit at all so it is important that you are clear on the rules surrounding camp fires wherever you decide to camp.

Additionally, on Coillte sites, campsites should also not be used for more than one consecutive night and people should not camp among trees if there are high winds or if high winds are forecasted.

Plan ahead

Wherever you decide to go this summer to camp, make sure you plan ahead. Check with the owner of the land before you set up camp to ensure that you have permission and that you follow all the safety rules.
An underground school shelter in Ukraine has been officially opened following funding from the Irish Government.

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne visited Odesa on Thursday to open the shelter which was co-funded by Ireland with Lithuania and the European Commission.

Mr Byrne also met his Lithuanian counterpart, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus.

Ireland responded to the need identified by the Ukrainian Government for the construction and equipping of six underground school shelters across Ukraine.

The project addresses the immediate protection needs of children and teachers, and enables continuity of education and learning, amid the ongoing war following Russias invasion.

The underground shelter opened by Mr Byrne is the first completed shelter to support the people of Odesa.

Speaking in Odesa, Minister Byrne said: As I arrive in Ukraine, I want to condemn Russias latest missile attacks on Kyiv, Odesa and other cities.

The deliberate targeting of civilians is reprehensible.

Ireland will continue to stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people.

He added: It is an outrage that we need to build underground shelters for school children in Ukraine.

But these shelters have become a necessity, as a direct result of Russias illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion.

The right to an education is something which we in Ireland very much cherish.

Our progress as a nation stems from our want for education and its enjoyment.

But it is only when a child feels safe, that their mind is free to learn and absorb, the teachings on offer to them.
Follow-up against a local "sideshow" denizen now confronting an array of legal consequences.



Check-it . . .



"Charged with first-degree assault, armed criminal action and aggravated fleeing a stop, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced Wednesday."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Man charged with running over Kansas City police officer with ATV The driver of an ATV who allegedly struck a Kansas City, Missouri police officer is now facing charges.
In fairness, we share on the record push back to a recent note asking the AG to sue the Courthouse over property tax rollback . . . Here's the word:



Jackson County Executive Statement

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. today has issued the following statement:



The letter recently sent to the Missouri Attorney General by a small group of Jackson County legislators is a deeply disappointing attempt to mislead the public through false and politically motivated accusations. This coordinated attack does not reflect the facts, the law or the truth about my commitment to the people of Jackson County.



As County Executive, I have upheld every responsibility of this office with integrity, accountability and full-time dedication. I was elected to lead, not to play politics, and I remain focused on advancing the work that matters most  delivering critical services, ensuring fiscal stability and supporting our communities. My administration continues to operate within the framework of the County Charter and state law, even as others choose division over collaboration.



What our residents need is steady, principled leadership, not sensationalism. These attacks are a distraction from the real work that must be done to strengthen our county and serve every person who calls it home. I will not be deterred. My focus remains on doing the job I was elected to do and doing it with integrity.



###

Developing . . .
We're moving closer and closer to a historic voter rebellion at the courthouse but that doesn't mean smoothing sailing if angry voters get their way.

Consider . . .

Insiders have already warned that there are some tricky rules for the interim Jackson County Exec buried deep in the "home charter" rules. And that's why nobody from the Legislature really wants the jorb.



Even more interestingly . . . And given yet another recent behind the scenes plea for a resignation . . .



TEAM FRANK VOWS TO FIGHT THE RECALL EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!!!

Moreover . . .

Organizers can expect a court challenge, the possibility of legal action directed at organizers AND a virtual standstill of just about every government function.

Remember, Jackson County has been without a budget for MONTHS.

Don't worry . . . It gets worse . . .

The recall showdown will come in the midst of Summer Chiefs & Royals stadium moves and threaten to send the teams packing amid very obvious municipal upheaval.



And while it may not be a newsflash that the Executive is totally unwilling to go gently into that good night . . . We get the feeling that recall organizers are expecting a speedy removal given more than a year of hard work gathering signatures. That would be nice but it doesn't look like it'll go down that way.

In the meantime . . . Here's a quick update on recall efforts and a recap of this week's slap fight.

Check-it . . .



Organizers say theyve collected more than 6,000 petition sheets, each with up to 10 signatures.



"It's about the taxes first and foremost, and especially the way it was done and the amount that it was done. Nothing was followed by what the law states," said Tima Ford, one of the residents who collected signatures.



To trigger a recall election, at least 43,000 valid signatures are required. County election officials say it will take approximately two weeks to verify the signatures.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Organizers say they have nearly 60,000 signatures to recall Jackson County Executive Frank White Organizers say they have submitted nearly 60,000 signatures to election officials in an effort to force a recall election of Jackson County Executive Frank White.

Frank White recall effort gaining steam among Jackson County residents A new count is underway in the petition effort to recall Jackson County Executive Frank White.

Three Jackson County legislators call on AG to investigate Frank White Three Jackson County legislators have called on Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to investigate County Executive Frank White amid a two-year-long battle about potentially illegitimate proper...

Jackson County legislators ask state to investigate Frank White after property tax debacle The State Tax Commission has sent another order to Jackson County, this time about the 2025 assessments. The county's fight over the tax commission's previous order has cemented a feud between a majority of legislators and County Executive Frank White Jr.

Developing . . .
An altercation on the nicer side of the bridge turns deadly, here's the aftermath . . .



Homicide 7800 block of NE 75th Court

This afternoon about 2:15pm officers were called to the 7800 block of NE 75th court on a shooting call.



On arrival officers located a male shooting victim unresponsive in the front yard of a residence there.



Officers summoned EMS to the scene who transported the victim to the hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. A short time later the victim was declared deceased by medical personnel.



Homicide detectives have responded to the scene and taken over this investigation.



Crime scene investigators will be processing the scene for evidence as well to hopefully give detectives a better indication of what led up to the shooting.



Preliminary information indicates that the victim had an interaction at that location with one or more suspects that led to shots being fired and the victim being struck.



The victim appears to be a teen but his identification is not yet confirmed whether he is a juvenile or adult.



If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

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Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Kansas City police investigating fatal shooting of teen or young adult in Northland neighborhood Officers responded to the 7800 block of Northeast 75th Court on reports of a shooting Wednesday afternoon. It's now being investigated as a homicide.

Northland shooting in Kansas City results in death of 1, no suspect in custody The Kansas City Police Department stated that officers have responded to the 7800 block of NE 75th Court in reference to the fatal shooting.

Developing . . .
An old-school progressive town hall raises the blood pressure of these locals who offer their criticism & suggestions in between yelling at clouds & empty chairs . . . Check-it . . .



OMalley and Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, hosted a town hall-style gathering at John Knox Village, a senior living community, to discuss Social Security. OMalley, a former Maryland governor who ran the agency during President Joe Bidens administration, has become a vocal critic of Trumps approach to the agency, which he warns risks its ability to deliver benefits on time and without interruption.



But many of the questions from the roughly 100 seniors in attendance spoke to the deep unease, even fear, they feel over the countrys direction. While OMalley and Cleaver certainly fielded questions about Social Security  was something a scam, whats Medicares role, how will artificial intelligence affect the program  several others struck a more ominous tone.



I cannot understand why the Democrats dont do more? Why dont you get out front? Why? one person asked.





Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Kansas City-area seniors voice fears for the country's future. 'I'm afraid' At a meeting to discuss Social Security, seniors at a retirement community in Lee's Summit voiced alarm and deep concern about where the United States is headed.

UPDATE . . . Another, better report on the meetup:
Last nigh we talked about Kansas City's infamous high crime ranking . . . And today readers send an important perspective our way . . .

Consider . . .

MANY IRISH ALLEGEDLY FEAR KANSAS CITY VIOLENCE AFTER ONE OF THEIR NATIVE SONS WAS RECENTLY GUNNED DOWN ON LOCAL STREETS!!!

Here's the word . . .



Great work guys! Shootings and murder at the Super Bowl victory party- 2/3 hoodlums, who were involved, are out.

The Shawn Brady murder has been broadcast all over Ireland and the Irish Expat community . . . I have extensive family living in Ireland who have read about the Shawn Brady murder and obviously saw the Super Bowl gunfight who view this town as something outta the Wild West.





Folks its time to stand up for law abiding citizens of KC and put these criminals away for a long time. If you guys cant get this done then the Governor and Donald Trump need to reactivate Operation Legend 2.0.



Get to work.

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Developing . . .


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not link the Russian airstrike on Ukraine to his visit to South Africa, but does link the Russian attack to Russia's pressure on the United States.

"Today's attack is certainly one of the most complex, the most brazen on the part of Russia. 215, if I'm not mistaken, strike drones, ballistic missiles and other missiles were recorded. On civilian infrastructure, on people, on the residential sector, on various infrastructure facilities. That is, this is a serious blow. What is it connected with? I don't think I would connect it with the visit to South Africa," Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following the talks in South Africa.
Here's what's most important about this one . . .

KC'S DANGER RANKING IS BASED ON LAW ENFORCEMENT STATS!!!



By contrast, tourist sentiment has always favored this town and there are a great many locals who don't understand the level of violence on local streets . . . Accordingly, this stat fact check is important to consider . . . Check-it:



The U.S. News & World Report ranked the City of Fountains as No. 8 in its 25 Most Dangerous Places in the U.S. in 2024-2025.



The media company ranked cities based on their murder and property crime rates per 100,000 people, determined by FBI crime reports, it stated.



In 2023, 182 people died as a result of a homicide, the deadliest in the citys history. That number dropped by 20 percent in 2024 (144), the lowest number for Kansas City since 2019.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
As shoppers rush for deals during ongoing Hudsons Bay liquidation sales, an uncertain future awaits dozens of Ontario department store spaces.

Eleven residential towers have been proposed for a now-vacant Hudsons Bay store at Burlington Centre, for example.

According to court filings reported on by the Canadian Press, Hudsons Bay could soon begin liquidating all stores in Canada, including the six it had initially hoped to maintain following the liquidation process.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

BMO Place

While the looming store closures could leave empty spaces in shopping malls across the country, Torontos BMO Place offers a glimpse of how an underutilized retail space can be reinvigorated and repurposed. Located at the corner of Dundas Street West and Yonge Street, the multipurpose space occupies the top four floors of the Eaton Centre, formerly home to Sears. It also includes an ultra modern BMO (Bank of Montreal) main bank branch.

The 350,000-square-foot BMO Place is a home base for 3,200 BMO employees and includes a digitally enabled learning space  BMO Academy  that supports a blend of in-person and virtual experiences. BMO Place held its grand opening in April 2023.

Keys to success

George Della Rocca, BMOs global head of corporate real estate, said early communication was key to repurposing the massive retail space as a modern office and learning complex.

That meant engaging with property owner Cadillac Fairview while Sears was still occupying the space, back in 2018.

This particular building was positioned uniquely for BMO, for our employees, for our customers and the community in terms of where its located in the city, Della Rocca said.

As a partner with Cadillac Fairview, Della Rocca said it was also crucial for BMO to codesign the space to meet its needs.

Revamped space

The revamped interior space features two atrium openings and strategically placed skylight slopes. An offset design tracks sunlight and shadows from neighbouring towers to bring in natural light.

This particular location was outstanding for office space, said Della Rocca. We were able to take advantage of the challenges of the building.

While escalators would be considered unusual in most office buildings, Della Rocca said they provide unique networking opportunities for thousands of workers at BMO Place.

We didnt separate the floors, Della Rocca noted. The floors are so big we treated them like a university campus almost. You can see people on the escalators up and down and see people on upper floors.

Massive scope

While a typical office building is 25,000 to 35,000 square feet, BMO also had to decide what to do with the buildings 90,000 square-foot floor plates (the gross leasable area of a single floor within a building.)

It creates some spectacular opportunities to look at how do you do things differently and create a completely unique space in a seven-storey building where youre able to bring light from above, not just the windows around, said Della Rocca.

BMO Place features a massive 105-foot atrium, for example, to capture natural light from above.

Capitalizing on the buildings massive scope, BMO Place also includes more than 9,500 square feet of outdoor workspace and a wellness centre with a yoga studio, plus separate spaces for mediation or prayer.

Theres also a smudging room and sharing circle, gender neutral and barrier-free washrooms and a recreation room.

Conversion challenges

Renovating the space wasnt easy, Della Rocca acknowledged, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Atrium construction required cutting through concrete floors, for example.

Every single system in the building had to be replaced because the prior use wasnt suitable, Della Rocca recalled.

Take-aways for Hudsons Bay conversions

While some Hudsons Bay stores could be converted into housing, office space or even indoor pickleball courts, Della Rocca said theres no perfect formula when it comes to converting vacant department store units  every project is unique.

While hes not an expert on the topic, Della Rocca also isnt expecting a big increase in demand for office space over the next few years.

Residential conversions can be difficult in mall spaces, as they may require changing the building envelope completely and building a base, plus a tower on top, he said.

Della Rocca believes some Hudsons Bay stores could be separated into smaller retail units with common spaces.

Its almost like creating a mini mall within these spaces, he said. I think were going to see that from a few that are already in development.


Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : EXPLORE THE MALDIVIAN DEPTHS WITH OVER 40 WORLD-CLASS DIVE SITES AROUND NH MALDIVES KUDA RAH Industry: Resorts

The crystalline waters of South Ari Atoll promise year-round underwater adventures and captivating marine encounters for divers of all skill levels.



(TRAVPR.COM) MALDIVES - April 24th, 2025 - Sun-kissed and serene, NH Maldives Kuda Rah is the ultimate retreat for poolside relaxation. It is also a gateway to some of the Maldives' most breathtaking dive sites, with over 40 unique spots accessible within ten to 90 minutes of the resort. From experienced divers seeking encounters with the giants of the deep to beginners discovering the house reef, every level of expertise will find opportunities to be both challenged and inspired.



Stepping out of their beach villa, holidaymakers are greeted by five dive spots accessible via shore entry. Ideal for beginners, the house reef teems with life, including stingrays, white tip reef sharks, sand eels, eagle rays and more.



Shipwrecked and awe-struck: adventures further afield



Beyond the house reef, marine explorers will discover an extraordinary array of dive sites mapped by the resort's experienced dive centre team. Intermediate divers can challenge themselves at the iconic Big Valley, where two underwater pinnacles converge to form a breathtaking landscape. Another quintessential Maldivian experience, grey reef shark spotting, is a highlight at Lhamiyaru Gaa.



Advanced divers, meanwhile, will delight in the depths of Bodufinolhu Thila, a small yet captivating thila resting on a sandy plateau. Beneath the coral blocks, baby white tip reef sharks, stingrays, and in-seas on schooling modular mantas and whale sharks make their presence known.



Shipwreck enthusiasts will find their haven at Kudhimaa, where a medium-sized steel wreck lies conveniently close to the Machafushi house reef. The easily accessible cargo holds make this site a favourite for budding photographers and filmmakers. Meanwhile, the ship's surface has become a battleground for algae, sponges, sea squirts and corals competing for space on its metal hull.



For a new perspective, holidaymakers can consider a night dive when reclusive creatures come out to feed, mate or simply be active. The peacefulness allows for a more intimate experience, while the need to adapt to reduced visibility hones diving skills, making the experience both exhilarating and rewarding.



Aquatic adventures beyond diving



For those who prefer to stay close to the surface, snorkelling the house reef offers plenty of thrills amid schools of colourful fish, turtles and the occasional reef shark. Adventurers comfortable in deeper waters can join guided tours to snorkel with whale sharks, hawksbill and green sea turtles, and manta rays, particularly from September to May.



Diving novices and those feeling a bit rusty can opt for introductory or certification courses at the dive centre. Alternatively, guests can balance their underwater escapades with activities like fishing, sailing to sandbanks, canoeing or parasailing  all set against the dazzling backdrop of nature's beauty.



For more information please visit https://world.nh-hotels.com/en/nh-maldives-kuda-rah/diving. ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release :



CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Mark Thomson Company: NH Maldives Kuda Rah Phone: +66 (0)2 365 7678 Email: mthomson@minor.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reported a conversation with US President Donald Trump regarding the peace process in Ukraine.

We both agreed that the war should be brought to an end as soon as possible to stop further unnecessary deaths, Ramaphosa said on X Thursday following the talks.

According to him, the parties agreed to meet in the near future to discuss issues of relations between the United States and South Africa. We also spoke about the need to foster good relations between our two countries, added Ramaphosa.
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Malegaon shuts down over Pahalgam terror attack

Malegaon, the Muslim dominated Textile City in Maharashtra, Thursday April 24, 2025 observed a day long shut down in solidarity with the victims of Pahalgam terror attack and to condemn terrorism

Friday April 25, 2025 0:47 AM , Zohair M Safwan

Malegaon: Malegaon, the Muslim dominated Textile City in Maharashtra, Thursday April 24, 2025 observed a day long shut down in solidarity with the victims of Pahalgam terror attack and to condemn terrorism.

Shops remained closed, routine activities came to a halt, markets and streets gave a deserted look as local residents stayed away in support of the bandh call given by local Hindu and Muslim organizations.

A protest march was also taken out from Shani Mandir to Sardar Chowk where a symbolic effigy of terrorism was burnt.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board Secretary Maulana Umrain Mahfooz Rahmani was among the first to set the effigy on fire.

We demand from the government to punish the perpetrators and bring justice to the victims, he said while addressing the protesters.

In solidarity of the Pahalgam attack victims, a candle light vigil was held in front of the Gandhi Putla near Mosum Pool by the local members of the NCP (Sharad Pawar).

A silent march was also taken out by Sakal Jain Samaj to protest against the Pahalgam terrorist attack and show solidarity with the victims.

Reports of protests against the Pahalgam attack also coming from other parts of India, including Jammu and Kashmir. However, in a wrroying development, some Kashmiri students were attacked in states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh.

At least 25 tourists and 01 local were killed when 4-5 gunmen opened fired on the lot vacating in the Pahalgam area of the Valley .

Apparently holding Pakistan responsible for the attack, India has announced to suspend Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and also downgraded its diplomatic ties with its immediate neighbor.

Pakistan on the other hand said "it does not have anything to do with the attack".

(Zohair M Safwan is Staff Writer at ummid.com)

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Muslim Personal Law Board suspends Waqf Act protest over Pahalgam attack

To show solidarity with the victims of Pahalgam terror attack, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has suspended the ongoing protest against the Waqf Act 2025

Thursday April 24, 2025 12:15 PM , ummid.com News Network

[Kashmiri cab driver Adil had given shelter to a Maharashtra family after the attack.]

New Delhi: To show solidarity with the victims of Pahalgam terror attack, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has suspended the ongoing protest against the Waqf Act 2025.

In a statement released Wednesday the board said that the terrorist attack in Pahalgam is deeply tragic and strongly condemnable.

Therefore, the board has decided to suspend for three days its protest against the Waqf Act 2025 launched under the Waqf Protection Campaign as an expression of mourning and sympathy for the victims' families, AIMPLB Secretary General, Maulana Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, said.

The MuslimPersonal Law Board has given a nationwide protest call against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025. Accusing that the right-wing BJP government in New Delhi wants to control Muslim Waqf through the newly enacted law, the Muslim organisations are demanding its roll-back.

The matter is also in the Supreme Court of India where it has asked some tough questions to the Modi government about the controversial provisions of the act.

The Muslim Panel, however, said the Waqf Protection Campaign has been out on hold in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.

Indian Muslims against terrorism

[Son bids farewell to his father Syed Adil Hussain Shah  the Kashmiri horseman who sacrificed his life while saving the tourists in Pahalgam]

Indian Muslims in different parts of India are also standing side by side with their non-Muslim brethren to show solidarity with the victims of Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Every big and small organisations representing the Indian Muslims have issued statement condemning the latest Kahmir terror attack targeting the civilians.

Every big and small organisations representing the Indian Muslims have issued statement condemning the latest Kashmir terror attack targeting the civilians.

The peak of the protest was seen in Kashmir itself where responding to the shutdown call people stayed away from routine activities.

Solidarity messages and condemnation statements were also relayed through the mosque loudspeakers across the Valley.

"Kashmir se awaaz aai; Hindu, Muslim bhai bhai"

The Kashmiris also opened their homes for the tourists who panicked after the terror attack. Earlier, a huge number of Kashmiris had also lined up to donate blood for those injured in the attack.

In another positive gesture in the wake of the tragedy, some tourists refused to home saying they trust the Kashmiris and wont go back.

In contrast, the BJP and its affiliates are trying to communalise the attack and using the incident to polarize the country on communal line.

In a strong counter to the right wing hate propaganda, some protesters gathered at Lal Chowk in Srinagar raising slogans Kashmir se awaaz aai; Hindu, Muslim bhai bhai in front of the national media which was trying to give communal colour to the incident.

      ,                   

        ,     "   ,               " pic.twitter.com/yK5vJbWZlV  Roshan Lal Saini (@roshan_saini04) April 24, 2025

At least 25 tourists and 01 local were killed when 4-5 gunmen opened fired on the lot vacating in the Pahalgam area of the Valley .

Apparently holding Pakistan responsible for the attack, India has announced to suspend Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and also downgraded its diplomatic ties with its immediate neighbor.

Pakistan on the other hand said "it does not have anything to do with the attack".

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
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West Bengal 10th Madhyamik result 2025 date, time officially confirmed

West Bengal Class 10 Madhyamik Pariksha, also known as Secondary Examination (SE) or Class 10 exam was held from February 12 to 24, 2025

Thursday April 24, 2025 8:33 PM , Falak Athar Faizee

West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2025: The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has officialy confirmed the date and time to announce the result of the Class 10 Madhyamik board exam 2025.

West Bengal Madhyamik Result 2025 Date

In a statement released today, the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education said Class 10 Madhyamik result on Friday May 02, 2025.

WB Madhyamik 10th result will be declared at 09:00 am on May 02, 2025, the WBBSE said.

"The WBBSE will release Class 10 Madhyamik result 2025 in a press conference held at 09:00 am on Friday, May 02, 2025", the state board said.

The state board said that schools will be able to collect mark sheets and certificates from their respective camp offices of the Board from May 2, 2025 from 10:00 am onwards.

Where to check WB 10th result 2025?

Once released the WB 10th result will be able to check their scorecard at the official website "wbbse.wb.gov.in" through candidate login.

The date of birth and registration number of the candidate will have to be typed to access the score sheet.

The West Bengal 10th result of the year 2025 will also be uploaded on "www.wbresults.nic.in".

The board will also release Merit List containing the name and score of toppers.

West Bengal Class 10 Madhyamik Pariksha, also known as Secondary Examination (SE) or Class 10 exam was held from February 12 to 24, 2025.

Close to 7 lakh students from different districts of West Bengal had appeared for the secondary exam.

West Bengal 10th result of past few years

The West Bengal Madhyamik Class 10th 2024 results were declared on May 02, 2024 . The state had registered an overall pass percentage 86.31% in 2024.

Mohammad Saharuddin Ali and Asif Kamal were among the state toppers in the West Bengal Madhyamik Class 10 2024 Exams.

In 2023, when the exams were held from Feb 23 to March 04, the result was declared on May 19, 2023. The overall pass percentage of Class 10 in 2023 was 86.15 .

In 2022, the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education had declared the result of the 10th exam last year on June 03, 2022. The state had registered an overall pass percentage of 86.6 in 2022.

(The writer, Falak Athar Faizee, is Staff Writer at ummid.com)

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By Abigail Lauten-Scrivner, UM News Service

MISSOULA  Growing up on a ranch west of Missoula, University of Montana junior Joseph Knudsens childhood was spent tending horses, running off coyotes and learning how to keep the animals healthy.

Thats where I got my first taste of science and medicine, working with the family vet, Knudsen said.

After exploring different careers, including stints as a veterinary assistant, auto body worker, personal trainer, leather worker and phlebotomist, Knudsen landed in UMs pre-medical sciences program, pursuing a chemistry degree and biology minor.

I took a lot of years to figure out what I wanted to do, and medicine was what I always oriented back to and what was fulfilling to me, Knudsen said.

As an undergraduate, Knudsen has leveraged UMs assets as a R1 top-tier research institution to help move his career ambitions toward fruition. He took advantage of the University's 13:1 student-faculty ratio by building authentic relationships with professors, got experience with research early by joining a lab as a first-year student and participated in UMs Conference on Undergraduate Research the past two years.

UMCUR is UMs annual showcase celebrating achievements in undergraduate research, creative scholarship and experiential learning. The 24th annual installment will take place all day Friday, April 25, in the University Center, with a variety of oral presentations followed by a Q&A, poster exhibitions with audience discussion and several types of performances.

A major offering of the Office of Undergraduate Research is to guide students through what I call the Three Cs of research and creative activities: conceptualizing the project, conducting the project and communicating the project with different audiences, said Dr. Catalina de Onis, Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship director.

UMCUR strives to provide a convenient, accessible and well-supported multidisciplinary gathering for students to translate their projects for general audiences with the goal of moving people to care about their research and creative activities, including why their project matters and for whom, Onis said.

Including Knudsens, the conference received a record 141 submissions this year from across campus. Presentation topics range from biological studies and Indigenous languages to environmental litigation and much more.

A lot of the professors are pretty accommodating, Knudsen said of finding research opportunities as an undergraduate. You have more of a chance to stand out here, because you're not in a room with 200 people.

Joining Dr. Lu Hus atmospheric chemistry lab his first year allowed Knudsen to become the main contributor to the High-Quality Atmospheric Readings and Telemetry Station, which he built, programmed and installed atop the Missoula Public Library.

Hus lab researches atmospheric organic chemistry and air pollution, improving understanding of the atmospheres chemical composition and how it is impacted by human activities and natural processes. He encourages undergraduates to seek out research opportunities, as he did with Knudsen when they met in his preparation for chemistry class. Knudsen struck Hu as a determined and capable student.

Its OK to approach faculty and see if theres a position in the lab, Hu said. Some students may think they need to wait till year three or maybe senior year. I think starting early on, like Joseph, you should do that. Take advantage of being R1. There are so many fantastic labs doing all kinds of phenomenal things.

Knudsen enjoyed the puzzle of building the HART Station from the ground up. It now collects meteorological and particulate matter data, helping alleviate information gaps, communicate the importance of air quality studies and understand the potential health risks of pollution. Knudsen also created a display at the librarys spectrUMs Discovery Area so kids can visualize the data in a way that is engaging and understandable to young minds.

Joseph finished the HART Station very fast, but he spent time trying to get it technically right, Hu said. We essentially gave him some directions, and he took all the rest of the initiative. I think his work is equivalent to first-year or second-year graduate students work.

Knudsen presented on the HART Station at UMCUR last year, translating the how and the why of the project for the general public. Ultimately, he clinched best oral presentation.

I was pretty shocked, Knudsen said. I was sprinting around like everyone is at the end of the semester, and my phone dinged. Id forgotten almost entirely that Id entered into UMCUR. It was a nice surprise.

Lu was excited too, Knudsen added. Hes always supportive as a mentor.

At UMCUR this year, Knudsen will present his subsequent project with the atmospheric chemistry group: building instrumentation for a mobile laboratory that quantifies prescribed-burn pollution compounds in forest fire emissions. The modular design lets the lab to be put in either a vehicle or aircraft, facilitating readings from close to a fires source or in the thick of smoke.

The data will help build better models for planning prescribed burns to reduce emissions and minimize public health impacts. Knudsen was awarded funding by NASAs Montana Space Grant Consortium for the project, as well as the HART Station.

Knudsen saw his work in action last October, heading out with the lab on a sunny day to two controlled burns in UMs Lubrecht Experimental Forest.

We got to be very close to the fire, coasting right alongside the fire crews, he said. It was pretty exciting to see all that work come to life and start collecting real information thats going to be used in modeling and other studies.

Knudsens UMCUR presentation will discuss the mobile laboratorys details, preliminary data and how the project will play out over the long term, potentially impacting the way land is managed and prescribed burns are conducted to mitigate increasing wildfires.

(The data) has very real ramifications for how we interact with nature and combat the climate change crisis, he said. Its a huge interdisciplinary effort to use prescribed burns to minimize wildfires, but it also ties back to Indigenous means of land management that was the original way people existed in the Pacific Northwest.

Hopefully we can move toward a more sustainable future, he added.

Knudsen hopes to broaden his education by working in other labs to learn more about immunology and drug design. After graduating, he plans to pursue medical school and obtain a MD-Ph.D. with the intent to become a cardiothoracic surgeon and medical researcher.

Participating in undergraduate research and presenting at UMCUR has helped him to pursue his goals, Knudsen said, noting that he would recommend other undergraduates to consider participating in UMCUR to help hone their ambitions.

You really dont know what research looks like until youve done something like this  it gives you the full ark of research and lets people decide if they want to do this or not, he said. It's a real opportunity to grow and push yourself to rise to the occasion and not just work in science, but also be able to communicate it.

A complete schedule of UMCUR events and presentations is available online. UMCUR is free and open to the public.

###

Contact: Dave Kuntz, UM director of strategic communications, 406-243-5659, dave.kuntz@umontana.edu.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/news/all

Ukraine removed everything that was unconstitutional from the minerals agreement with the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"President Trump proposed an agreement on minerals. We removed everything that was outside the Constitution of Ukraine. And we immediately went to a memorandum that did not contradict our legislation and we signed it," Zelenskyy said during a press conference in South Africa on Thursday.

The president also expressed hope that the United States could put more pressure on Russia.

Speaking about security guarantors for Ukraine, Zelenskyy stressed that these should be strong countries and strong alliances.

"Because we don't want this to be a frozen conflict and in a year, two, three, the war will start again," the head of state added.
President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm in higher education with an executive order signed on April 23, 2025, targeting college accreditors. The order takes aim at what the administration calls "ideological overreach" in universities, seeking to hold accreditors accountable, foster competition, and shift focus from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to student outcomes. For students, faculty, and administrators, this bold move could reshape campus operations and access to federal funding, sparking heated debate across the academic world.

Accreditors are the gatekeepers of higher education, evaluating colleges' academic quality and financial health to determine eligibility for over $100 billion in federal student loans and Pell Grants each year. Trump's executive order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to investigate accreditors for "poor performance" or violations of federal civil rights law, with penalties ranging from monitoring to loss of federal recognition. The White House argues that accreditors have pushed "divisive DEI ideology" at the expense of student success. "Instead of pushing schools to adopt a divisive DEI ideology, accreditors should be focused on helping schools improve graduation rates and graduates' performance in the labor market." McMahon said in a statement. The order also streamlines the process for colleges to switch accreditors and for new accrediting agencies to enter the field, aiming to break the grip of established organizations.

The order taps into conservative concerns that universities have become bastions of liberal ideology. Trump, who campaigned on rooting out "radical left accreditors," claims the system allows colleges to prioritize DEI over academic rigor. The directive calls for fostering "intellectual diversity" among faculty and developing programs that deliver "high-value" education. It also tasks the Justice and Education Departments with probing discriminatory practices in higher education, including in professional schools. For students, the implications are significant. Accreditation determines a college's access to federal aid, which funds scholarships, loans, and campus resources.

The order has sparked fierce debate. Over 200 college presidents, including leaders from Ivy League institutions, signed a letter condemning the administration's interference, citing threats to academic autonomy. Harvard University recently sued the Trump administration after it froze $2.2 billion in federal grants, calling the action "unprecedented overreach."

The executive order is one of seven education-focused actions signed this week, addressing issues like foreign funding transparency and AI in K-12 schools. But the accreditation reform is the most consequential for colleges, potentially affecting everything from tuition affordability to curriculum design. States like Florida and North Carolina, which require public universities to switch accreditors periodically, offer a glimpse of what's to come. These policies aim to disrupt entrenched accreditor influence but have raised concerns about instability.

As the Education Department begins implementing the order, universities and accreditors are bracing for a turbulent period. The push for new accreditors and stricter oversight could drive innovation, but it risks upending a system that, while imperfect, has long ensured educational quality.
Columbia University is bracing for renewed unrest as a group of protesters plans to erect tent encampments on its campuses this week to protest the ongoing war in Gaza, according to sources familiar with the planning. The move, shrouded in secrecy and organized by masked participants using code names, comes just over a year after similar demonstrations drew international attention and prompted harsh responses from both the university and the Trump administration. With the university vowing to dismantle any encampments immediately, students face potential sanctions, arrests, and a chilling effect on campus activism.

The plans were discussed during a clandestine meeting in Brooklyn on Tuesday night, where participants wore masks and identified themselves only by their Signal handles, such as "Squirtle" and "butterfly," to maintain anonymity. "Individuals who refuse to disperse will be identified and sanctions, including potential removal from campus and possible arrest, may be applied," Columbia's public safety division stated, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to the planned protests. The university plans to remove tents, restrict access to affected areas, and possibly limit campus entry to prevent a repeat of last year's events.

Last spring, Columbia students erected about 50 tents on a university lawn, sparking a wave of similar protests nationwide and drawing scrutiny from the Trump administration, which accused the university of failing to address antisemitism on campus. Those demonstrations led to significant concessions from Columbia, including a mask ban, new security measures, and the appointment of a senior vice provost to oversee its Department of Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies. The administration also faced the loss of $400 million in federal funding, which it is now negotiating to restore by complying with federal demands.

The planned encampments follow a turbulent period for Columbia's pro-Palestinian activists. Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student and prominent protest leader, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 8, 2025, and faces deportation, prompting nationwide outrage and protests. "It is incumbent upon each of you to reclaim the University and join the student movement to carry forward the work of the past year," Khalil wrote in an op-ed, urging students to continue their activism despite the risks. Other students, like Yunseo Chung, have also faced deportation threats, while some have been disciplined or suspended for their involvement in protests.

The Trump administration's crackdown has intensified fears among students, particularly international students, who worry about visa revocations and arrests. Elora Mukherjee, director of the Immigrants' Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School, described the targeting of students as an effort to send a "clear message about who is unwelcome in the United States," noting that most affected students are from nonwhite backgrounds. Columbia's interim president, Dr. Katrina Armstrong, stepped down last month amid the turmoil, and the university's recent compliance with federal demands has left some students feeling betrayed.

Posts on X reflect the polarized sentiment, with some users like@cethomas19 warning of consequences for protesters"HERE WE GO AGAIN! FAFO!"while others, like@pjmooney, blame the Trump administration for "creating more and more chaos" [,]. The planned protests also draw inspiration from last year's encampments, documented in the film The Encampments, which portrays the demonstrations as largely peaceful and inclusive, with Jewish students holding Passover seders alongside pro-Palestinian activists.

HERE WE GO AGAIN! FAFO!

Columbia University students plan to build tent encampments this week



REMEMBER LAST YEARS COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRO-PALESTINE PROTEST

https://t.co/kGyQeZqbaO  Christy Thomas  (@cethomas19) April 24, 2025

Columbia University students plan to build tent encampments this week, sources say - Trump's outrageous behavior is creating more and more chaos. . https://t.co/ovzezEGZT5  Paul Mooney  (@pjmooney) April 24, 2025

For students like those quoted anonymously in campus forums, the stakes are high. "I'm scared to protest now, but staying silent feels like giving up," one student said. Faculty members, too, are concerned about the erosion of free speech, with some citing Columbia's history of progressive activism as a reason to resist federal overreach. As the university prepares to clamp down on the encampments, the clash between student activism and administrative control promises to reignite tensions on a campus already on edge.
The executive order invokes Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which requires institutions to report gifts or contracts from foreign sources exceeding $250,000 annually to the Department of Education. The White House stated, "Many institutions of higher education fail to fully comply with Section 117, leaving foreign funding flowing into American universities hidden and unchecked, including from countries of concern like the People's Republic of China". To address this, the order directs the Secretary of Education to issue regulations within 180 days to clarify reporting requirements, enforce timely submissions, and penalize non-compliance with fines or loss of federal funding.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the national security implications, stating, "Foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party should not be permitted to buy influence or steal intellectual property from our universities, which serve as the foundation for American innovation and economic prosperity". The order prioritizes identifying funding from "countries of concern," including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba, and requires universities to report all foreign funding, regardless of amount, from these nations within 30 days.

"Colleges and universities have a legal duty to report foreign gifts and contracts and, in President Trump's first term, the Department of Education held them to it. Unfortunately, in the last four years, the Biden Administration undermined the structures the President built to do this critical work, allowing nations like China and Qatar to funnel billions of dollars to U.S. universities with little to no oversight. This financial infiltration enabled foreign governments to steal taxpayer-funded intellectual property and reshape how our elite campuses teach about Israel and the Middle East. President Trump's Executive Order will safeguard American interests on campus and protect students. The Department of Education will 'follow the money,' put a stop to malign foreign infiltration, secure the research enterprise, and restore American campuses to marketplaces of ideas rather than hosts for foreign propaganda" Secretary of Education Statement on President Trumps Executive Order to End Harmful Foreign Influence at American Universities

The directive builds on prior enforcement efforts. In 2020, the Department of Education found that universities failed to report $6.5 billion in foreign funding, with significant contributions from China, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The order aims to close loopholes by mandating public disclosure of all foreign contracts and gifts, including anonymized donations, and requiring universities to maintain searchable databases of these transactions. It also tasks the Department of Education with referring violations to the Department of Justice for investigation, potentially leading to criminal penalties.

The order aligns with broader concerns about foreign influence in academia, particularly from China, which has been linked to Confucius Institutes and research partnerships that critics argue compromise academic freedom and intellectual property. The White House highlighted that "American universities have entered into hundreds of contracts and accepted hundreds of millions of dollars in gifts from countries that seek to harm the United States," citing risks to national security and economic competitiveness.

Universities now face increased administrative burdens to comply with the order's requirements. The Department of Education will establish a public portal within 180 days to display reported foreign funding, enhancing transparency for students, parents, and taxpayers.

The executive order has sparked varied reactions. Some stakeholders, as noted in posts on X, support the measures as necessary to protect national interests, while others, including university administrators, worry about potential overreach and the impact on international collaborations. The order does not explicitly ban foreign partnerships but emphasizes accountability, leaving institutions to navigate compliance while maintaining global academic ties.

As the Department of Education prepares to implement these regulations, universities must adapt to stricter oversight. The order's focus on transparency aims to safeguard academic integrity and national security, but its success will depend on effective enforcement and cooperation from higher education institutions. For now, the directive marks a significant step toward addressing foreign influence in U.S. academia, with implications for funding, research, and campus operations.
Ukraine offers South Africa to create joint hub for production and transportation of fertilizers - Zelenskyy

Ukraine offers the Republic of South Africa to create a joint hub for the production and transportation of fertilizers, joint projects in agriculture and other sectors can increase bilateral trade between Ukraine and South Africa, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Ukraine offers South Africa to create such a joint general hub, a hub for the production and transportation of fertilizers, which supports your entire region. There is significant potential in the agro-industrial sector," Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following talks in South Africa.

According to the head of the Ukrainian state, joint projects in agriculture and other sectors can increase bilateral trade between Ukraine and South Africa.

"We are ready to work together to create modern security systems, in particular at facilities like your national parks and new technological steps on our part. We are ready to talk about this," Zelenskyy added.

In addition, according to him, Ukraine and South Africa can also work together to significantly increase electricity generation in South Africa from nuclear to renewable energy.

Zelenskyy instructed "government officials to study in detail every possible joint project between our countries."
Amy McLaughlin

An experienced technology leader and faculty member has been chosen as the University of Wyomings vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

Amy McLaughlin, currently the executive director for technical and solutions architecture at Oregon State University (OSU), will begin the role at UW Tuesday, July 1.

I am thrilled to welcome Amy to UW, President Ed Seidel says. Her extensive background in IT and her experience as a faculty member prepare her to further strengthen our already strong IT division and enhance its collaborations with faculty, staff and students for the benefit of the entire university community.

Im honored and excited to join the University of Wyoming as vice president for information technology and CIO, McLaughlin says. UWs mission as a land-grant institution -- to unlock the extraordinary in every person through education, research, innovation, engagement and service -- deeply resonates with me. I look forward to collaborating with the administration, faculty, staff and students and, most especially, the dedicated IT professionals at UW, to advance that mission and support the university community in meaningful and transformative ways.

McLaughlin has served in IT leadership since 2001, including multiple statewide leadership roles for the state of Oregon. Before joining OSU, she held key positions that spanned agencies and impacted state-level IT strategy and operations, culminating in her role as director of IT operations and acting deputy chief information officer for state relationships at the Oregon Department of Education.

In 2017, she took her expertise to OSU as director of information services for Student Health Services and was promoted to executive director of technical and solutions architecture in 2021. She also is an adjunct faculty member teaching IT and workplace psychology courses.

McLaughlin holds a B.A. in English literature and history from the University of Oregon, an M.A. in marriage and family therapy from Northwest Christian University (now Bushnell University), and an M.S. in information technology management from Western Governors University.
Thirty-five University of Wyoming instructors who inspire students intellectually in first-year courses are this years Promoting Intellectual Engagement (PIE) Award recipients.

PIE Award recipients were nominated online by first- and second-year students, and then they were selected by a committee based on the number of nominations and students comments. The committee reviewed nearly 300 nominations this year.

"This year marks the 16th PIE Award celebration. This award is meant to recognize faculty and staff who are genuinely involved and passionate about their first-year courses, April Heaney, UW LeaRN director, says. Student nominators frequently praise their nominees ability to engage them in difficult course material, often making a lifelong impact on the students learning and understanding of the discipline. We are very proud of all of the nominees and thank them for their care, imagination, accessibility and hearts for first-year students.

Several programs within the Office of Academic Affairs and the Division of Student Affairs sponsor the PIE Award: Advising, Career and Exploratory Studies; the Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning; the LeaRN Program; and Residence Life and Dining Services.

Each PIE Award recipient will receive a pie from Residence Life and Dining Services, and five-time recipients each will receive a personalized pie plate. All recipients will be recognized at a reception from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, May 1, in the Wyoming Union Yellowstone Ballroom. The reception is open to faculty, staff and students.

Some of the student nominees included these comments:

-- His passion for teaching and his ability to create engaging and supportive class activities motivated us to stay focused and put in our best effort.

-- Anyone can see the love he has for his profession and discipline and he shares that love with all of his students.

-- She showed extreme dedication to the personal development of her students. Her course gave me affirmation that I am pursuing the correct major.

PIE Award recipients, listed by their programs, departments, schools or colleges, are:

-- Navamoney Arulsamy, Department of Chemistry.

-- Maggie Bourque, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.

-- Nathan Clements, Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

-- Robert Erikson, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

-- Tim Etzkorn, LeaRN Programs.

-- Todd Fantz, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

-- Irina Fay, Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

-- Casey Frome, Department of Management and Marketing.

-- Dana Govaerts, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

-- Matt Gray, Department of Psychology.

-- Esther Hartsky, Division of Communication Disorders.

-- Harvey Hix, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies.

-- Lori Howe, Honors College.

-- Cheyenne Hume, Department of English.

-- Shelby Hutson, LeaRN Programs.

-- ONeil Jones, Department of Music.

-- Erin Klauk, Science Institute.

-- Christina Knox, Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

-- Chip Kobulnicky, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

-- Greg Livingston, Department of Management and Marketing.

-- Peyton Lunzer, LeaRN Programs.

-- Mark Lyford, Department of Botany.

-- Shelley Macy, Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering.

-- Jason McConnell, School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies.

-- Ahmad Nadalizadeh, Honors College.

-- Eric Nigh, School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies.

-- Kate Northrop, Department of English.

-- Ronald Pepino, Department of Physics and Astronomy.

-- Joseph Russo, School of Teacher Education.

-- Brian Sebade, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.

-- Joseph Schroer, School of Teacher Education.

-- Shelby Shadwell, Department of Visual Arts.

-- Amanda Sikirica, Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology.

-- Nicolina Taylor, Department of Management and Marketing.

-- Cedar Wiseman, Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

A list of all recipients from previous years may be found at www.uwyo.edu/learn/fac_resources_recognition/pie/index.html.
Trump has on his table strategy for Ukraines territories, agreed upon by parties during talks in London  Zelenskyy

Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

The United States proposed a strategy for the territories of Ukraine during the talks in London, which was discussed by the Ukrainian, European teams and American representatives, now this format is on the table of US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"The United States of America proposed its vision. There was a corresponding strategy in London, which they proposed. Structurally, our team, the European team and representatives of the United States talked and the corresponding points appeared on paper. After the United States proposal, another paper appeared," Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following the talks in South Africa.

"And I believe that today this format, this document is on President Trump's desk. Anything that contradicts our values or our Constitution cannot be in any agreements," the president emphasized.
Tens of thousands of mourners flocked Thursday to catch a last glimpse of Pope Francis's body on the second day of public tributes as Italian authorities stepped up security arrangements ahead of his funeral.

Some 90,000 people had filed past the late Catholic leader's red-lined wooden coffin in the first day and a half that it lay in state at St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican said.

Vatican and Italian authorities have placed the area around St Peter's under tight security ahead of Saturday's ceremony in front of the basilica that is expected to draw huge crowds as well as world leaders including US President Donald Trump.

Such was the demand to see the pope that Vatican authorities extended visiting hours on Wednesday from midnight until 5:30 am.

After a break of just 90 minutes, the doors reopened, with authorities saying the window would be extended on Thursday night if necessary.

On Thursday, the queue quickly stretched far past the two entry points to St Peter's Square, where spirits were high despite the long wait.

"It's true that it feels oppressive but at the same time you all feel united, everyone happy," French woman Laure Du Moulin who visited with her family, told AFP.

"Everyone seems enthusiastic, fraternal, like a big community."

Florencia Soria and Ana Sofia Alicata, both 26 and -- like Francis -- from Argentina, came prepared for a long wait with coffees and wondered whether the light rain might work in their favour.

"We're here and we hope it will go as well as possible, with people leaving because of the rain," joked Soria, although the sun soon returned.

- World leaders expected -

Francis died on Monday aged 88, after 12 years as head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

Condolences have flooded in from around the world for the Jesuit, an energetic reformer who championed the most vulnerable in society.

Lined in red silk, the pope's wooden coffin has been set before St Peter's altar, with Francis dressed in his papal vestments -- a red chasuble, white mitre and black shoes -- with a rosary in his hands.

Mourners were ushered past the casket in just seconds, while authorities on Thursday banned the use of smartphones inside the Basilica.

"It was a brief but intense moment next to his body," Italian Massimo Palo, 63, told AFP.

"He was a pope amongst his flock, amongst his people, and I hope the next papacies will be a bit like his," he added.

Italian football coach Claudio Ranieri and several players form his top flight Roma side were amongst the visitors on Thursday.

The coffin is to be sealed on Friday at 8:00 pm in a special ceremony presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo who is running the Vatican's day-to-day affairs until a new pope is elected.

- Massive security operation -

Francis, who suffered a stroke, died at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican less than a month after he was released from five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia.

The Vatican said on Thursday that 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs will attend the funeral. Alongside Trump, they include Argentina's President Javier Milei and Britain's Prince William.

At least 130 foreign delegations have confirmed their attendance, the Vatican said.

Authorities have put fighter jets on standby, deployed electromagnetic devices to prevent drones from flying over the city and will have snipers stationed on rooftops.

Further check-points will be activated on Friday night, police said.

Italy's civil protection agency estimates that "several hundred thousand" people will descend on Rome.

- No conclave date yet -

After the funeral, Francis's coffin will be taken to his favourite church, Rome's papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

A group of "poor and needy" will be at the basilica to welcome the coffin, the Vatican said.

He will be interred in the ground, his simple tomb marked with just one word: Franciscus. People will be able to visit it from Sunday, the Vatican announced.

Following that, all eyes will turn to the process to choose Francis's successor.

Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was Francois's number two, is the favourite with British bookmakers William Hill, ahead of Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle, the Metropolitan Archbishop emeritus of Manila.

Cardinals from around the world are returning to Rome for the conclave, which must begin no fewer than 15 days and no more than 20 days after a pope's death.

Only those under the age of 80 -- currently some 135 cardinals -- are eligible to vote.

They have already held meetings to discuss preparations for the funeral and looming conclave.

Cardinals have agreed that the traditional nine days of mourning for the pope, the so-called "novemdiales", will begin on Saturday and conclude on May 4.

However, the Vatican brushed aside hopes of an announcement of the conclave date, insisting the focus is on the funeral.

At the time of his death, Francis was under doctors' orders to rest for two months but had continued to make public appearances right up until Easter Sunday.

bur-bc/ub/tw
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the Russian strikes on Kyiv on Thursday night, noting that they were launched at an untimely time, and called for a peace agreement.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE! Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform on Thursday.

As reported, a combined attack on Kyiv using UAVs and ballistic missiles on Thursday, April 24, killed nine people, injured 77, including children, and 44 people were hospitalized.
Russia was counting on a big scandal yesterday, and some emotions were heard in the media space, believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Yesterday there was a meeting in London. And indeed European countries were present: Ukraine, Britain, France, Germany, and the USA. Yesterday there was a conversation. It ended in any case. It was not easy, but constructive," Zelenskyy said at a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following the talks in South Africa.

According to the president, the talks in London ended not with disagreements, but with a desire to work further.

"I am sure that Russia was counting on a big scandal yesterday. And even some emotions were heard in the media space. But these are still emotions. Russia does not like the alliance around Ukraine, because Ukraine, if it is alone, is an easier target for Russia," Zelenskyy noted.
Who are the potential contenders to succeed Pope Francis?

Predicting the outcome of the upcoming papal conclave to select the next pope is notoriously difficult, with Vatican experts and the media rarely getting it right.

The conclave, which will be held in the Sistine Chapel, is scheduled to start on Wednesday 7 May.

Pope Francis appointed 108 of the 135 cardinal-electors (two of whom have dropped out of the conclave for health reasons), many of them in countries far away from the Vatican's traditional European powerhouse, offering a more global perspective than ever before.

This also makes it even harder to second-guess who will emerge from the conclave as the 267th pope and leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

With that in mind, here are the names of the so-called papabili - the cardinals being spoken about as potential successors to Pope Francis.

Pietro Parolin, Italy

Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Photo: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com.

The bookies' favourite is Italian cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, who has served as the Vatican's secretary of state since 2013. Viewed as a moderate candidate and a "safe pair of hands", the gently-spoken cardinal from the northern Veneto region has acted as the Vatican's second-in-command under Francis. A skilled diplomat, critics say Parolin could place diplomacy above Catholic dogma, as well as citing his lack of pastoral experience, however his supporters champion his pragmatic, idealistic style. In recent days the Vatican press office flatly denied rumours that Parolin had suffered a health scare in the lead-up to the conclave.

Luis Tagle, Philippines

Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle. Photo: Eduardo BR / Shutterstock.com.

Dubbed "the Asian Francis" for his dedication to social justice, the poor and migrants, Cardinal Luis Tagle, 67, could be in line to become the first Asian pope. Known for being social media savvy, Tagle is popular with young people in the Philippines and is a fan of singing and dancing. A resurfaced video clip from 2019 of him singing along to John Lennon's Imagine has caused the cardinal some embarrassment. Tagle is also known for upholding the Church's stance against divisive topics including abortion, euthanasia and same-sex marriage. The Vatican evangelization chief and former archbishop of Manila was touted as a papabile candidate ahead of the conclave that elected Francis.

Matteo Zuppi, Italy

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. Photo: GIO_LE / Shutterstock.com.

Viewed as one of the more progressive, liberal-leaning candidates, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, was a close associate of Francis, sharing the late pontiff's concerns for the marginalised. Zuppi has collaborated closely for decades with the Rome-based Communita di S. Egidio, the Catholic charity which serves the poor, promotes peace and engages in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. Zuppi was one of four mediators who brokered a peace accord in 1992 to end the 15-year civil war in Mozambique. From Rome, Zuppi has been president of the Episcopal Conference of Italy for the last three years. In 2023 he was asked by Francis to lead a mission to help ease tensions in the conflict in Ukraine. Known for his affable personality, Zuppi became a cardinal in 2019 and has served as Archbishop of Bologna for the last decade.

Peter Turkson, Ghana

Cardinal Peter Turkson. Photo Vatican Media.

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, was among the favourites touted as a papabile in 2013, with some believing he has a better chance this time. Francis appointed Turkson in 2022 as chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences. Prior to this he headed the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Although in the conservative wing, Turkson has opposed the criminalisation of homosexual relationships in African countries. He is known for his strong diplomatic and communication skills, and in 2016 Francis sent him as his envoy to pursue peace in South Sudan.

Robert Sarah, Guinea

Cardinal Robert Sarah. Photo Vatican News.

Cardinal Roberto Sarah, 79, is considered an arch-conservative for his defence of traditional church teachings, making him a hero to traditionalist Catholics. A former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Sarah has also spoken out against Islamic fundamentalism, denounced gender ideology as a threat to society, and warned against the dangers of Western secularism. As the conclave draws near, he is garnering growing support on social media where he is being touted as an "anti-woke alternative to Pope Francis".

Peter Erdo, Hungary

Cardinal Peter Erdo

Hungarian Peter Erdo, 72, is a conservative and a strong advocate for traditional Catholic teachings and doctrine. Seen by some as an "anti-Francis" candidate, Erdo maintains that Europe needs to rediscover its Christian roots. A high-profile cardinal for two decades, Erdo was part of the conclaves that elected Francis and Benedict XVI. Archbishop of Budapest and primate of Hungary, Erdo was twice elected head of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences. In 2015 he appeared to align himself with Hungarys nationalist prime minister Viktor Orban by opposing Francis call for churches to take in migrants, claiming it would constitute human trafficking.

Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, DRC

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu

Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, has served as Archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2018. He was appointed a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019. Seen as one of Africa's leading candidates as a potential future pope, Ambongo holds firm traditional views and is a vocal opponent of same-sex blessings, describing homosexual unions as "intrinsically evil". He is also known for his social justice work and for speaking out against political corruption, environmental exploitation and human rights abuses.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Italy

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Photo ANSA.

A Franciscan friar from the northern Italian city of Bergamo, Pizzaballa was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and has served as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020. Pizzaballa, 60, has lived in the Holy Land for over three decades and speaks fluent Hebrew. He shared views with Francis on the environment and inter-religious dialogue, telling La Stampa newspaper of his desire for a pontificate in continuity with that of the late pontiff, including openness to immigrants and a greater role for women in the Church.

Mario Grech, Malta

Cardinal Mario Grech. Photo credit: Simon Roughneen / Shutterstock.com.



Once seen as a conservative figure, Maltese cardinal Mario Grech adopted more progressive views after being appointed secretary general of the Synod of Bishops by Pope Francis five years ago. Grech, 68, has since championed the late pontiffs vision for a more welcoming, synodal Church that embraces diversity. His critics suggest that his changed views prove he is unreliable however his supporters see him as continuity candidate who could build on Franciss legacy.

Jean-Marc Aveline, France

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline. Photo credit: Obatala-photography / Shutterstock.com.

Jean-Marc Aveline, 66, was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022 and was recently elected as the head of the French bishops' conference. Aveline, who is of Spanish descent, was born in Algeria during France's colonial rule. At the age of four he left Algeria, after the country gained independence, eventually settling with his family in the French port city of Marseille. In 2019 he become Archbishop of Marseille where he is known for his work defending migrants, refugees and the poor, as well as promoting interreligious dialogue - all concerns shared by the late pontiff.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

An Post is offering to send Mass or sympathy cards to the Vatican for free for people who wish to pay their respects to Pope Francis.

The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been dubbed by some as the peoples pope, having spoken out for the poor and those in need in his lifetime and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life.

In St Peters Square, thousands have stood in line for hours, sometimes overnight, for the chance to pay their respects to the late Pope.

The postal service said it would deliver Mass or sympathy cards to the Vatican free-of charge for anyone who wants to express their condolences.

Post offices had received queries from the public looking for advice on what was the correct address and stamp to use.

In response, the postal service said it would offer the service for free and send cards to the Vatican from Ireland in one batch in three weeks time.

An Post said: Cards may be posted to the following PO Box for free until May 14 and An Post will ensure they are delivered directly to the Vatican:

Cards to the Vatican, PO Box 13812, FREEPOST, Dublin 1.

On Thursday, Taoiseach Micheal Martin signed a book of condolence for Pope Francis at the residence of the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin.

Books of condolences are also open at St Marys Pro-Cathedral in Dublin, Galway Cathedral, the Apparition Chapel in Knock, and St Patricks Cathedral in Armagh.

St Patricks Cathedral will also hold a memorial mass at 7pm on Thursday in memory of the late pope, with Archbishop Eamon Martin as the chief celebrant.

Archbishop Martin; President Micheal D Higgins and his wife, Sabina; Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris are all expected to attend the Popes funeral on Saturday.

Global leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also attend.
A Lemybrien man who claims to be a pastor, appeared in Waterford Circuit Court recently for collecting over 50,000 in disability allowance payments whilst living outside the country.

Desmond Breen (58), of Forest Lodge, Lemybrien, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft and two counts of making misleading or false statements.

Events

Whilst he was living in South Africa, Breen continued receiving disability which came to a total value of 54,308.50.

In February 2020, Gardai called to the mans Lemybrien address. Upon arrival, they found a female living there, concluding that Breen had been renting the property to her.

An investigation took place, in which financial information showed both rent and disability allowance payments were going into Breens account. His account also showed South African rand transactions.

Breens defense counsel, Mr. Gareth Hayden BL, said that while in South Africa, Breen was made pastor of a Christian church, was working with a charity and would give food to the poor.

Gardai said they were unable to confirm whether the man was actually a pastor.

During his interview with Gardai, Breen was asked if he was aware that he had no entitlements to be receiving a disability allowance while living outside of the country, to which he responded I am fully aware of it now.

He was also asked about not informing the Department of Social Protection that he had left Ireland. He responded I never considered it to be a problem.

He further said in the interview: It wasnt malicious. I didnt set out to do it.

Court

At the time of the court hearing on April 9, Breen still owed approximately 51,962 in outstanding repayments, which he is repaying at a rate of 20 per week.

Judge Eugene OKelly outlined that Breen would be 108 years old by the time the fees are fully paid off, describing the rate as not realistic.

This is theft and you cant argue about that, Judge OKelly said.

The matter was adjourned until a realistic plan could be conjured for repayment.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A fire at a flat in Co Antrim is believed to have been caused by a petrol bomb attack, police have said.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses after the incident at the ground-floor flat in the Carnduff Drive area of Ballymena on Wednesday at 10.40pm.

Appeal for information after arson attack at Ballymena flat. Read more here:https://t.co/t1Qtw6XEfn pic.twitter.com/i0oVm3kfvj  Police Mid and East Antrim (@PSNIMEADistrict) April 24, 2025

A PSNI spokesperson said: We believe the fire resulted from a petrol bomb being thrown through the bedroom window of the flat in what appears to have been a deliberate act.

Thankfully, no one was inside at the time and there were no injuries reported.

A number of windows were smashed. However, the fire and subsequent damage was contained to the bedroom.

As a precaution, residents from the neighbouring flats were evacuated for a short time before returning to their homes.

Our enquiries are ongoing and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate.
The latest 'Life and Songs' gig has been unveiled, celebrating the legacy of one of Ireland's most beloved folk heroes, Luke Kelly of the Dubliners.

On May 30 and May 31, in the Coastguard Cultural Centre, Tramore, Theatre Vamps will pay tribute to Kelly, with local artist Derek Flynn celebrating the life, legacy, and unmistakable voice of the folk legend.

The show will bring to life the spirit of the man whose music captured the struggles, joys, and resilience of the Irish people, and whose passion still echoes through generations. With a fiery red beard, a booming voice, and a heart that beat for the working class, Kellys music was deeply rooted in truth and tradition.

A founding member of The Dubliners, he helped bring Irish folk music to global audiences, breathing new life into old ballads and introducing fresh protest songs to the canon.

The upcoming gig honours his unforgettable interpretations of folk standards, with songs that continue to resonate in today's world.

With storytelling that sheds light on the man behind the music, this show is a journey through the heart of Irelands musical soul and one of its greatest voices.

From the haunting beauty of 'Raglan Road', to the rousing power of 'The Auld Triangle', and pub favourites like 'Whiskey in the Jar' and 'The Wild Rover'.

Poignant numbers like 'Scorn Not His Simplicity' and 'The Town I Loved So Well' will also form part of the show that revisits the songs that made Luke a legend.

No tribute to Luke Kelly would be complete without 'Dirty Old Town', or 'Joe Hill', the protest anthem that showcased his commitment to social justice.

The Life and Songs series has so far celebrated the legacy of defining artists such as Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse, Fleetwood Mac and more

Tickets available on Theatre Vamps page on Eventbrite.ie
BHP Group is preparing to search for a new chief executive officer in coming months as key lieutenants  including the two most senior female executives in the company  jostle for position to succeed Mike Henry at the top of the worlds biggest miner.

The understanding at BHP is that Henry is heading toward the end of his tenure, according to company insiders. They emphasised that no decision had been made, but some people close to BHP say a change could come as soon as early next year, and some top executives have begun increasing their interaction with investors and other stakeholders ahead of a likely succession process.

BHP boss Mike Henry is heading toward the end of his tenure, sources say. Credit: Bloomberg

Internal frontrunners for the role are seen to be Geraldine Slattery, who heads the companys Australian mines, chief financial officer Vandita Pant and Ragnar Udd, who runs the commercial team. However, the search is also likely to include external candidates, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified while discussing private information.

A change of leadership would come at a pivotal time for BHP and the wider mining sector. The company and its biggest rivals spent the past couple of years pursuing a series of failed mega-deals, while US President Donald Trumps trade war has cast fresh uncertainty over future demand for key commodities.
China, Iran exchange in-depth views on latest progress of Iran nuclear issue

Xinhua) 08:24, April 24, 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, with the two sides exchanging in-depth views on the latest progress of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the friendship between China and Iran has stood the test of the international situation, and that developing China-Iran relations is a shared strategic choice for both sides.

In recent years, China and Iran have deepened political mutual trust through mutual support, tightened the connection between their interests through practical cooperation, and united and collaborated in the fight against unilateral bullying, Wang said.

"Today's world is full of turbulence. The United States' abuse of tariffs has lost people's support and isolated the country itself from the international community. The international community needs to stand united more than ever to uphold multilateralism and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations," Wang said.

He said that China is willing to work with Iran to implement the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries, and to continuously consolidate coordination and collaboration in deepening friendly cooperation in various fields of international and regional affairs. China is also ready to work with Iran to promote the greater influence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS mechanism and other multilateral frameworks, and to make more efforts to safeguard the common interests of the two countries, as well as efforts to promote regional and world peace and stability.

Araghchi said that Iran attaches great importance to developing its relations with China, abides by the one-China principle, and supports China in safeguarding its core interests. Iran will continue to work with China to provide firm mutual support, oppose unilateralism and hegemonism, and safeguard multilateralism.

Wang emphasized that China has always been committed to a political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, and opposes the abuse of force and illegal unilateral sanctions.

China appreciates Iran's commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, respects Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, supports Iran in conducting dialogue with all parties -- including the United States -- and in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests through consultation and negotiation, Wang said, adding that it will help safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and promote regional peace and stability.

Araghchi praised China's important, positive role in promoting the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, and expressed willingness to maintain close communication and coordination with China.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa discussed global efforts to put pressure on the Russian Federation, as well as the possibilities of the G20 in protecting Ukraine.

"Today, we talked with the president about how important it is that global efforts are now as united as possible and that there is the necessary pressure on Russia to end the war. Pressure for peace. We talked about opportunities at the G20 level. South Africa currently chairs this G20, and the role of the G20 countries can be much greater in protecting life. And we are very much counting on it," Zelenskyy said at a press conference on Thursday.

In addition, the president said that he had handed over to Ramaphosa a list of 400 Ukrainian children who were abducted by Russia.

"The Russians have kidnapped tens of thousands of children in Ukraine. We must return them all. And just as thousands of military and civilian prisoners who have been held in Russian prisons for years are being held in inhumane conditions, South Africa is a co-leader in the Global Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children," Zelenskyy added.

He expressed hope that South Africa will help return the kidnapped children to Ukraine.
The far-right hecklers who disrupted the Welcome to Country ceremonies at Friday mornings Anzac Day services in Melbourne and Perth were quickly condemned as fringe actors.

But what they shouted  We dont need to be welcomed, according to reports  has become a common refrain. It is repeated with rising frequency in conservative debates about Welcomes to Country on social media, in Sky News segments and even the Senate.

Police lead away white supremacist Jacob Hersant, who heckled the Welcome to Country at the dawn service at Melbournes Shrine of Rememberance. Credit: Getty Images

The Coalition stoked this debate earlier this year, when it brought the phrase into mainstream politics by pledging to wind back spending on Welcomes to Country if it formed government.

Welcomes to Country should be reserved for rare occasions, especially when the taxpayer is being asked to pick up the tab, the oppositions Indigenous affairs spokeswoman, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, said in February.

Clive Palmers $100 million Anzac Day ad blitz, including in this masthead, has kept the issue alive ahead of next weekends election, with banners that declare: We dont need to be welcomed to our own country.

Then, on Friday, neo-Nazi agitators hijacked the conversation.

Josh Roose, a Deakin University academic who specialises in extremism, said it demonstrated the latest tactics of far-right extremists, who are seeking to appropriate anti-woke talking points for their own ends as they stage attention-seeking stunts during this years election campaign.

Read the full analysis here.
Liberal loyalists are adamant that Peter Dutton has been visiting teal seats in the run-up to the election to reclaim the prized territory that helped their party hold power for decades. But the opposition leaders flightpath over the past few weeks tells a very different story, because there is no doubt he is avoiding the leafy seats where voters put the Liberals in the doghouse three years ago.

The independent MPs who won these seats  lets call them the teals, even though they have different colours and characters  are being targeted by vigorous Liberal campaigns to paint them as proxies for Labor or the Greens. But there is a missing element in these local campaigns: the man who aspires to be prime minister.

Illustration by Simon Letch Credit:

Dutton is absent for good reason. Liberals admit that he will drag down the vote for a Liberal candidate in a teal seat if he turns up at a polling station. It would not be doing them any favours to be seen campaigning with him, says one. The Liberal campaign admits this every day by sending the leader to regional and outer-suburban Australia, well away from those blue-ribbon seats.

On Tuesday, for instance, he was in the NSW town of Orange to help the Nationals win the regional seat of Calare. Ten days ago, he was in the Macedon Ranges in Victoria to try to win the seat of McEwen. But he has not held an event in the Melbourne seats of Kooyong or Goldstein since the campaign began, nor held one in the Sydney seats of Mackellar, Warringah or Wentworth.
The 4th Conference of Partners of the WCO West and Central Africa Region (WCA) was held from 9 to 11 April 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria. Organized by the Office of the Vice-Chair for the WCA region (Mali Customs) in collaboration with the WCO Secretariat and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Conference had as its theme, Partner mobilization around the priority projects of the WCOs WCA region: a genuine pledge to meet the modernization goals and performance targets of Member Customs administrations. The Conference was attended by more than 100 participants, including seven Directors General/Deputy Director General of Customs administrations from the WCA, representatives of development partners and international and regional organizations. All speakers expressed their gratitude for the partners contributions to the WCO and WCA region.

The speakers at the Conferences opening, H.E. Olawale EDUN, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Ba ADENIYI, Comptroller General of the NCS, and Mr. Ebenezer Gebding TAFILI, WCO Deputy Director, Capacity Building Directorate, all expressed gratitude for the contributions of various development partners, which had been vital for the reform and modernization of Customs administrations of the WCA region against the backdrop of increasing expectations to deliver on national and regional development goals. H.E. EDUN stressed the urgent need to modernize Customs administrations in the WCO-WCA region to optimize trade facilitation, revenue mobilization and regional integration, particularly in the context of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) before officially declaring the Conference open.

In the ensuing three-day dialogue, moderated by the Vice-Chair of the WCOs WCA (Director General of Mali Customs), assisted by the Comptroller General of NCS and Director General of Cameroun Customs, and the representative of the WCO Secretary General, the new WCO capacity-building paradigm, which focuses on a more collaborative and needs-based approach to capacity-building, was explained, and the WCO capacity-building activities in the Region were presented. The participating donors/partners (especially Japan Customs, Indian Customs, ITC, Importation and Customs Clearance Together group (IMPACCT) and Tradewater) presented their approaches and cooperation activities in the Region. For their part, the WCA Region presented regional-level and national-level projects, showing its priority on e-commerce, AI and data analytics, geospatial intelligence, digitalization, the interconnectivity of Customs IT systems, AEO, Time Release Studies (TRS), risk management, response to disasters and epidemics, human resource management, and Gender Equality and Diversity (GED). The Conference developed recommendations for the realization of prioritized projects.

All the participants expressed their appreciation to the Vice Chair for his leadership and the NCS for its warm hospitality, which enabled fruitful dialogue among the participants. Further discussions would be expected at the next Conference of Directors General of Customs of the WCA Region in May 2025.

For more information, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.
The death toll from the Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv on Thursday night has reached 12 people, said head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko.

"Rescuers have unblocked two more bodies from under the rubble in the Sviatoshynsky district. We already have 12 dead. Work continues on the scene to eliminate the consequences," Tkachenko wrote on Telegram.

In turn, Suspilne reports that the tenth deceased in Kyiv was a 17-year-old boy.

"While rescuers were searching for him under the rubble, his friends were waiting nearby. They are continuing to search for the boy's parents," the publication reported.

Earlier, ten people were reported dead and 90 injured in the missile attack on Kyiv. Among the injured were 12 children aged 1.5 to 18. At least 44 people were hospitalized.
President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa called the visit of his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Pretoria historic, as it was the first time that the head of the Ukrainian state had visited South Africa since the establishment of official diplomatic relations between the countries.

He said at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Pretoria on Thursday that the official working visit reflected their shared desire to strengthen bilateral relations between their countries for the benefit of their peoples. He noted that it was a historic visit in many ways, as it was the first visit by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa in 33 years since the establishment of official diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Ramaphosa said he had successful talks with President Zelenskyy, during which the leaders exchanged views on how to strengthen and deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries. They also discussed how ministers from both sides could work together to deepen and expand this relationship.

They specifically noted the growing interest in expanding relations in the areas of diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction, development and the empowerment of people, especially women.

They also discussed opportunities for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, trade, education, infrastructure and energy, as well as other social issues.

In addition, Ramaphosa noted the significant steps that Ukraine, and in particular President Zelenskyy, has taken to expand relations with the African continent. In particular, this concerns the provision of grain in the food sector, the expansion of agricultural cooperation and the opening of a grain hub to the port of Mombasa in Kenya.

According to him, today's meeting provided an opportunity to discuss common interests in promoting peace, security, stability and sustainable development on the continent, in Ukraine and around the world.
Duda believes Ukraine to be forced to make some compromises in talks with Russia, neither side will be able to win

Ukraine will be forced to make some compromises in peace negotiations with Russia, believes Polish President Andrzej Duda.

It has to be a compromise. I mean, de facto this peace should, in my personal opinion, come down to the fact that neither side will be able to say that it won this war, because each side in some sense will have to step down," Duda said in an interview with Euronews.

"Ukraine will also have to step down in some sense, because that's what will probably happen. To what extent? It is difficult for me to answer at this stage, he explained.

"The war is exhausting Russia, Vladimir Putin is playing a risky game. This war is exploiting Ukraine in a terrible way. These countries want to end the war. Each of them wants to win this war, that's natural," said the president.

He believes that only the US and Donald Trump have the power to end the war. Today my conclusion is absolutely unequivocal, there is no one outside the United States who can stop (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, Duda said. That's why I believe that President Donald Trump, with his determination, can bring this war to an end t is only this American pressure that can really bring this war to an end and help forge a peace that will not be comfortable for either side. But maybe that's what will make it last," he pointed out.

I expected that Donald Trump would act in such a way, a very tough policy of equalising what he considers disparities in trade relations and guarding America's interests," Duda told Euronews. It's just a certain business game that President Donald Trump has brought into politics right now and is playing it hard in his second term. You have to negotiate hard with him," he said.

Duda also stressed the importance of NATO's collective defense clause, reaffirming Poland's commitment to the alliance. I assume that in the event of an attack on any NATO country, Article 5 will apply and everyone will collectively stand up for support and defence, he said.

He noted the importance of the US military presence in Poland, calling the cooperation close and permanent. American troops have remained in Poland, we have a rotational American presence. There are about 10,000 soldiers on our territory. This cooperation is close and permanent I will encourage President Trump to have more American units here, he added.
The United States will demand that Russia recognize Ukraine's right to its own army and defense industry as part of a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, Bloomberg said, citing informed sources.

"US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to raise the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin when they next meet," the agency said.

According to the agency, this is a sign that the Trump administration is seeking certain concessions from the Kremlin, as well as from Ukraine, in an attempt to end the war, which has been going on for four years. So far, critics have viewed the U.S. proposals as leaning towards Russia, in particular the Trump administration's insistence that Ukraine abandon its aspirations to join the NATO military alliance.

By agreeing to allow Kyiv to have an adequately equipped and manned army, as demanded by Ukraine and its European allies, Putin would be forced to abandon his goal of demilitarizing Ukraine, one of his main stated goals in the war.
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Gardai are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 14-year-old Tyler Berry who is reported missing from Claregalway, Co Galway since 21st April 2025.

Tyler was last seen at approximately 8.40pm in the Claregalway area.

Tyler is described as being approximately 5 foot 5 inches in height with a slim build, light brown hair and blue eyes.

Gardai are concerned for Tylers well-being.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Ellen O'Donoghue

A wide variety of stories feature on Irish front pages on Thursday morning.

The Irish Times lead with a story about State funding of RTE's redundancy plan depending on the broadcaster reaching annual targets to reduce its headcount, a story about Pope Francis's death, and a story about Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid owners starting legal action after being told not to plug them in due to a fire risk from a battery defect.

The Irish Examiner lead with the Government missing social home building targets, a story about Irish staff at Intel fearing for their jobs amid cuts, a crackdown on customers using supermarket loyalty cards for discounts on alchol, gardai catching a man selling fake driving licences and Pope Francis having been "disgusted" by abuse in Ireland.

The Echo lead with a story about a Cork woman who says she has no idea where she will live next month due to the home she has been renting from a private landlord being sold to the council through the tenant-in-situ scheme, and a story about calls being made for toilets along the Marina.

The Irish Independent lead with a story saying that businessman Denis O'Brien has received 5.8 million from the State Claims Agency for his legal costs in relation to the Moriarty Tribunal.

The Herald lead with a story about the mother of an Irish woman allegedly murdered by her partner in Spain breaking down in tears as the trial began.

The Belfast Telegraph lead with a story about a Belfast student being refused bail after allegedly stalking a woman, alongside a story about Kneecap's London concert footage being assessed by counter-terrorism police.

The Irish Daily Mail lead with a story about US President Donald Trump giving Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky an ultimatum after he rejected terms of a peace deal.

The Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star both lead with stories about Pope Francis's death and an interview with the former Garda who investigated the murder of Elaine O'Hara by Graham Dwyer.
Monday, April 14th, marked the launch of the Old Ireland in Colour photography exhibition at Kylemore Abbey. The exhibition will run until late Autumn 2025 in the Victorian Castle and will be part of the heritage experience which welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year.

The Old Ireland in Colour exhibition is based on the best-selling book series by University of Galway academics, Professor John Breslin and Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley. It features colourised historical black and white photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries. The exhibition includes a previously unseen image of Pollacappul Lake in front of Kylemore Castle, with the tower of the estates neo-Gothic Church stretching above the trees.

Dr Buckley noted: "We strongly believe that viewing the past through the lens of colour, using a combination of AI technologies plus human creativity, engages more people - democratising history - and connects us to the past more than ever before. We were so overwhelmed with the positive response to the Old Ireland in Colour books, never expecting it to become such a publishing phenomenon over the past few years."

Kylemores Abbess, Mother Karol OConnell OSB, said, We are so pleased to host this beautiful and interesting exhibition in Kylemores new cultural space, Fordham Hall, a place where Kylemore has welcomed the world for over 150 years. We are delighted that the local community and visitors will be able to enjoy the Old Ireland in Colour exhibition here, and to see Irelands past in this fresh new way, through the photographs and text in this exhibition.

Cllr Eileen Mannion, Catherine Gagneux, Honorary Consul of France in Connacht and Donegal, past pupils of Kylemore Abbey School and members of the Benedictine community were among those who attended the launch, which featured a moderated discussion with Professor Breslin, Dr Buckley and Liz McConnell on the Old Ireland in Colour project and its significance.

Speaking on behalf of Kylemore Trust, Liz McConnell, Executive Director, said: Heritage, hospitality and education are at the heart of Kylemore Abbey. This exhibition features the changing nature of Irish life, and we look forward to hosting a number of public talks focussed on these themes over the next few months. Were very grateful to John Breslin and Sarah Anne Buckley for their partnership and engagement in this way with Kylemore Abbey.
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.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticized US President Donald Trump's "peace plan" after Russia's missile strike on Kyiv on Thursday, writing about it on the social network X.

Putin indiscriminately butchers more Ukrainian civilians, killing and injuring 100 in Kyiv including children. And what is his reward under the latest peace proposals? 1. The right to keep sovereign Ukrainian territory he has taken by violence and in breach of international law. 2. The right to control Ukraines destiny by forbidding Nato membership. 3. The lifting of sanctions against Russia. 4. An economic partnership with America. 5. The chance to rebuild his armed forces for the next attack in a few short years time, Johnson wrote.

He noted that under the proposed "peace plan," Ukraine would not receive anything that "can realistically stop a third Russian invasion."

As for Ukraine - what do they get after three years of heroic resistance against a brutal and unprovoked invasion? What is their reward for the appalling sacrifices they have made - for the sake, as they have endlessly been told, of freedom and democracy around the world? Apart from the right to share their natural resources with the United States they get nothing. What is there in this deal that can realistically stop a third Russian invasion? Nothing, the politician noted.

Johnson stressed that a "long term, credible and above all properly funded security guarantee for Ukraine" is needed, provided by the UK, the US and Western allies.

If we are to prevent more atrocities by Putin then we must have a long term, credible and above all properly funded security guarantee for Ukraine - a guarantee issued by the UK, the US and all western allies, he stressed.
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.
Photo: https://t.me/vitaliy_klitschko/4509

Kyiv has received 13 modern KATO mini excavators from Japanese partners to eliminate the consequences of Russian shelling in dense urban areas, mayor of the Ukrainian capital Vitali Klitschko reported.

"Mini excavators, due to their compact size, allow working in dense urban areas or in conditions of limited access. They are especially effective for rapid elimination of craters after the strike of enemy missiles and drones. More powerful excavators [two of them were received] will be involved in large-scale reconstruction works in territories that have suffered significant damage," Klitschko reported.

The assistance was handed over by Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Nakagome Masashi. Klitschko and he have already transferred new equipment to the Kyivzelenbud joint-stock company, as it can also be used to prepare the basis for landscaping the city, the report says. The assistance was provided within the Emergency Recovery Program of Ukraine, which the Japanese government is implementing through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko handed over a batch of aid from the capitals community to the 25th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine and the 241st Territorial Defense Brigade of Kyiv.

The capitals community continues to help the military. It handed over 500 digital anti-aircraft FPV drones and eight control units to the fighters of the 25th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, which will help the military shoot down air targets. Several dozen electronic warfare systems also went to the front. The 241st Territorial Defense Brigade of Kyiv received 2,000 multirotor systems [FPV drones], Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

The mayor of Kyiv also noted that since the beginning of the year, the capital has allocated UAH 30 million from the city budget to the 25th brigade of the National Guard, and UAH 200 million to the 241st brigade of the National Guard. Klitschko stressed that Kyiv community will continue to help the defenders of Ukraine.
Trump says he has his own deadline for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, but avoids naming specific date

US President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, said that he is confident that Russia and Ukraine "both want peace," and urges them to "get to the table" as soon as possible, and also believes that Putin is heeding his call to refrain from launching new massive strikes on Ukraine.

"We're waiting a long time, they have to get to the table, and I think they're going to get peace," he said.

Asked about a deadline for a deal, Trump added "I have my own deadline".

"I'm saying we can save thousands of people, and I don't like that it takes long at all.

Norway's Prime Minister is also asked about talks to end the war, and heaped the praise on Trump.

"I salute Trump for taking very important initiatives to get this conflict to an end," he said.

When asked by a journalist whether Putin would heed his call to stop the massive missile strikes on Ukraine, Trump replied curtly: "Yes."
The Dobrobut health center in Sviatoshyn district of Kyiv is providing free medical assistance to victims of the aggressor's night rocket attack.

As Interfax-Ukraine was informed by the healthcare network, Dobrobut center in Sviatoshyn district also suffered minor damage from the night attack.

"The clinic's glass was broken, the ceilings were damaged," Dobrobut said.

As reported, according to the State Emergency Service, the death toll from the Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight reached ten people, 90 injured with varying degrees of injuries: from acute stress reaction to multiple injuries and wounds: fractures, cuts, shrapnel wounds, etc. Among the injured are 12 children aged one and a half to 18 years.
The High Anti-Corruption Court took Roman Nasirov, the former head of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, into custody and increased his bail from UAH 27 to UAH 40 million, the Anti-Corruption Action Centre reported on Thursday.

The panel of judges  Ihor Strohy, Lesia Fedorak and Viktor Nohachevsky  partially satisfied the SAPO prosecutors request for the application of a preventive measure in the form of detention with the alternative of posting bail in the amount of UAH 75 million, the message on the Telegram channel says.

This request was the result of Nasirovs mobilization. The consideration of this motion continued during the last two court sessions, the court heard the arguments of the prosecutor, who noted that Nasirov's desire to mobilize was only due to the expiration of the term of criminal liability, which expires in less than a year.

In turn, Nasirov and his defense lawyers objected to the satisfaction of the motion and argued that the motives for voluntary mobilization are "a duty to the state and an obligation."

In addition, the court questioned witnesses who confirmed Nasirov's initiative to search for a military unit himself, his transfer from a combat position to a non-combat position due to the presence of a corresponding conclusion of the health examination commission. At the same time, they noted that Nasirov did not inform them of the need for him to appear in court while on duty, the Anti-Corruption Action Centre reports.

The Anti-Corruption Action Centre recalls that Nasirov is accused of the fact that in 20152016 he and the director of the State Fiscal Service Department allegedly allowed the companies of fugitive MP Oleksandr Onyschenko not to pay the state a royalty for the use of subsoil. As a result, the state suffered losses in the amount of more than UAH 2 billion.

On April 11, the SAPO prosecutor sent a motion to the court to change Nasirov's preventive measure to detention with the possibility of posting bail in the amount of UAH 75 million.

Nasirov is accused of committing a crime under Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of official position, which entailed grave consequences). During 20152016, acting in the interests of the MP of Ukraine of the VIII convocation, he personally made a number of unfounded and illegal decisions on the installment payment of tax debt and obligations of Nadra Geocenter LLC, Firm XAS LLC, Karpatnadrainvest LLC.

On April 9, 2025, the accused did not appear in court, his defense lawyer filed a motion to suspend the said proceedings in connection with the mobilization of his client, the SAPO noted.
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. Xi held talks with Aliyev, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday. [Xinhua/Rao Aimin]

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Beijing on Wednesday.

The two leaders announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Both sides should continuously enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and strengthen international collaboration to open a new chapter of all-round cooperation, Xi said.

He added that China supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in continuing to follow a development path that suits its national conditions.

China is willing to carry out in-depth law enforcement and security cooperation with Azerbaijan to resolutely combat the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism, Xi said.

He called on both sides to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and encourage educational, cultural, tourism, youth and sub-national cooperation.

Xi said tariff and trade wars undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, hurt the multilateral trading system, and impact the world economic order.

China is willing to work with Azerbaijan to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, firmly protect their respective legitimate rights and interests, and defend international fairness and justice, he said.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan and China have always respected and trusted each other in the face of changes unseen in a century, with bilateral cooperation continuously deepened, economic and trade relations developing rapidly, and local exchanges becoming closer.

He added that Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle, insists that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, and supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

The concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi are conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity, Aliyev said, adding that Azerbaijan highly appreciates and actively supports them.

Azerbaijan stands ready to work with China to promote the building of a comprehensive strategic partnership, expand cooperation concerning the Belt and Road Initiative, digital economy, green energy and science and technology, deepen exchanges between political parties and people of the two countries, and strengthen cooperation in international and regional affairs, Aliyev said.

After the talks, the two heads of state signed a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and witnessed the signing of 20 documents on cooperation in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, justice, green development, digital economy, intellectual property rights and aerospace.

Prior to the talks, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, held a welcoming ceremony for Aliyev and his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People.

Xi and Peng also hosted a welcoming banquet for Aliyev and Aliyeva in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People at noon on Wednesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sign a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. [Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan]

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. [Xinhua/Huang Jingwen]

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. [Xinhua/Ding Lin]

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. [Xinhua/Li Tao]

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. [Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan]



(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Salvadoran police officers escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua recently deported by the US government to be imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison in Tecoluca, El Salvador, in this handout image obtained March 16, 2025.
There was a rescue in Springhurst after a man fell nearly 20 feet from a bridge behind a gas station, and officials are praising a worker who helped the man before they arrived.
The Department of Nephrology and Dialysis opened at the Okhmatdyt Polyclinic (Kyiv) within the cooperation between the Ministry of Health, Okhmatdyt and the German government.

According to the Ministry of Health, construction work, purchase and installation of modern equipment were carried out in accordance with the signed memorandum of cooperation between the ministry, Okhmatdyt and German Development Agency (GIZ). The funds for the restoration and modernization of Okhmatdyt real estate after the Russian attack on July 8, 2024 were allocated by the German government.

The Nephrology and Dialysis Department is located on the second floor of the polyclinic.

Construction work started in November 2024 and was completed in March 2025. The renovation project took into account the requirements for specialized medical equipment, in particular, the installation of a dialysis water treatment system weighing more than three tonnes.

Six 6008 SN/BPM/BTM/BVM CAREsystem hemodialysis machines have been installed in the new dialysis room. This special equipment provides treatment for children weighing up to 40 kg. In total, Okhmatdyt received more than 60 units of medical equipment for the polyclinic and hospital, including two water purification systems, one of which is mobile, medical beds, devices for continuous renal replacement therapy, body composition monitors, etc.

The polyclinic also installed the first medical elevator for transporting patients in beds.

In addition, the premises of the One Day Surgery operating unit with an area of 22 square meters were renovated, 30 units of medical equipment were purchased, including a modern multifunctional electric radiolucent surgical table, and an anesthesia machine for magnetic resonance imaging was purchased and delivered.

Comprehensive work on the repair of individual rooms in buildings on the territory of the main complex of the Okhmatdyt hospital with funding from the German government is currently ongoing and will be completed in the autumn of 2025.
LifeWalk organizer Sean Slusher at his first tabling event. This picture was posted to the murraylifewalk instagram page.
A Leopard II battle tank is on display to advertise for joining the German army Bundeswehr at the Essen Motor Show in Essen, Germany, Friday, December 1, 2023. [AP Photo/Martin Meissner]

One of the stated goals of the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD is the militarization of Germanys universities.

We are committed to removing obstacles that impede dual-use research or civil-military research cooperation, for example, the agreement says in the section on defense policy. In addition, we want to eliminate the deficit that exists in Germany in the area of strategic security research and advocate its promotion in the sense of a networked understanding of security.

This is intended to further advance the transformation of universities into centers of German militarism. This process, which began with the official announcement of the return of German militarism in 2013/14, has been constantly driven forward, especially in recent years since the start of the war in Ukraine.

In the summer of 2024, the board of directors of Desy (German Electron Synchrotron)Germanys largest research center for particle physicsannounced that they were considering allowing their research to be used for military purposes, signaling a turning point in their science policy. Desy is a research institute that works with elementary particles, founded in 1959 during the Cold War. In 2013, the center adopted the principle that their research should only be used for civilian and peaceful purposes.

However, after the start of the Ukraine war, outgoing German chancellor Olaf Scholz (Social Democratic Party, SPD) announced a turning point in history, ushering in a new era (Zeitenwende) of rearmament and militarization. And Desy director Helmut Dosch followed suit. The center has ended cooperation with Russian researchers and disallowed contact with Russian colleagues. In 2024, the board of directors started working on a key issues paper that would amend the centers guiding principle to exclude the word civilian. This would allow research for security purposes, as Dosch sees such research as a means to secure peace.

In an interview with Der Spiegel, Dosch stated that to preserve liberal democracy, Germany needs to be able to defend itself from outside threats. While he alleged that he does not want the center to become a weapons laboratory, he also stated that he cannot rule out that security-related research connected to weapon systems will be conducted.

A big challenge to the ruling classs rearmament plans has been the civil clausesvoluntary commitments to conduct research solely for civilian and peaceful purposes. Institutions started introducing these clauses during the Cold War as a reaction to the arms race. Presently, around 70 higher education institutions in Germany have voluntarily adopted the clause. Some states have even enshrined it in law. But now, states and institutions like Desy are lifting the clause.

The abolition of civil clauses is part of the growing trend toward militarization. The blueprint for this was provided in 2013, in a position paper by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). In this paper, they argued that the goal must be to establish an intellectual environment that not only enables and nurtures political creativity but is also able to develop policy options quickly and in formats that can be operationalized. One of these policy options is the use of military force. Research institutions and universities are explicitly mentioned as part of this intellectual environment. In this way, academic and research institutions are to be put at the service of German militarism.

In March of 2024, the German Ministry of Education and Research published a position paper arguing for reconsidering the strict divide between civilian and military research. Former Federal Minister of Education and Research Bettina Stark-Watzinger (Free Democratic Party, FDP) also personally called for abolishing the civil clause, arguing that research is integral to German security. Part of her reasoning was that the US and Israel have proven dual-use researchresearch for both civilian and military purposesto be successfultwo countries that have been enacting genocide in Gaza with Germanys support.

Later in December, the Federal Cabinet adopted the National Security and Defense Strategy (SVI Strategy). This strategy aims to prepare Germany for war. The strategy notes that the current separation between civilian and military research could prevent spill-over effects and inhibit the emergence of an innovative state-wide ecosystem. Thus, in the strategy the government commits itself to an open discussion about the civil clauses with academic and research institutions, in reality preparing to abolish the clauses.

That same year, the Bavarian state parliament passed the Act on the Promotion of the Bundeswehr in Bavaria, which forces higher education institutions to cooperate with the military, essentially banning the civil clause. Additionally, the military may recruit in schools. This law was justified by referencing the Ukraine war and the genocide in Gaza and came as a reaction to the student protests against the genocide. The Act represents an infringement on academic freedom and may serve as a blueprint for other German states.

Germanys leading political parties are the drivers of this militarization. In the run-up to the 2025 German federal election, calls for the abolition of the clause have increased. Already in 2022, Friedrich Merz, Unions (Christian Democratic Union/ Christian Social Union, CDU/CSU) candidate for chancellor, argued that civil clauses should be lifted. The Union and FDP include repealing civil clauses and increasing military research in their proposed programs.

In Bavaria, the CSU, the Free Voters, and the SPD voted to abolish civil clauses. In Bremen, the CDU is calling for the abolition of civil clauses. In Hesse, the state government (CDU, SPD) promised to support universities in further developing security-related research and to help them review civil clauses. In North Rhine-Westphalia, where some universities voluntarily retained the civil clause despite it being lifted in 2019, the AfD (Alternative for Germany) called on the state government to encourage the abolition of civil clauses. The Green Partys candidate for chancellor, Robert Habeck, has also stated that the strict divide between military and civilian use and development should be reconsidered.

Although the Left Party officially advocates compliance with the civil clauses, it voted in favor of the massive CDU/CSU and SPD rearmament package in the Bundesrat (Federal Council), thereby making it clear where it really stands.

Demands to open civilian research up to military use also comes from international actors. In January of 2024, the EU Commission published a white paper in which they encourage dual-use research programs, i.e., combining research with military and civilian purposes. The EU research program Horizon Europe will be opened for dual-use projects. This program also sends funds to non-EU countries like Israel whose universities have ties to its military.

The civil clauses have already been circumvented for a long time. In North Rhine-Westphalia, even before the civil clause was lifted in 2019, universities conducted research for military purposes. Additionally, several universities in Germany have been receiving funds from the US Department of Defense. Although the University of Bremen had voluntarily committed itself to the civil clause, between 2003 and 2011, more than two dozen of its projects included companies connected to the military sector. One of these projects on meteorites was funded by the Pentagon. However, civil clauses are now being attacked directly as the government prepares Germany for war.

At the same time, right-wing ideology has been increasing in universities for years, from professor Jorg Baberowski stating that Hitler was not vicious, to professor Herfried Munkler downplaying Germanys role in the First World War.

Moves to abolish the civil clause have been met with disapproval from a wide range of the population. Scientists at Desy have organized as part of Science4Peace@Desy. The initiatives leader physician Hannes Jung argues that many scientists work at Desy because they dont want to engage in military research. Now, these scientists feel that their academic freedom is in danger. Around 300 scientists have signed a petition against lifting the civil clause.

The GEWthe Education and Science Workers Unionhas come out in support of this petition and against calls to connect research for civilian and military purposes. Coming from the GEW this is merely lip service in order to control and ultimately suppress the opposition. In reality, the GEW, like the entire DGB, supports the new wartime government. The coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU and SPD contains a number of positive approaches, according to a GEW statement. The government must now deliver and follow up.

Above all, opposition among students against the use of their academic institutions for military purposes is growing. At several universities, students have protested in favor of civil clauses. At Humboldt University in Berlin, students held a general assembly in which students voiced their disagreement with the increased militarization. The student parliament also passed a resolution by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) calling on the universitys board of directors to prevent the militarization of the university.

Significantly the resolution draws the connection between social cuts and the arms build-up, and calls on students to join forces with the working class. Students, researchers and workers need to band together and fight against militarization and the abolition of civil clauses. The only way to fight these developments and prevent an escalation of current conflicts into a third world war is to mobilize the working class against capitalism. This needs to be done on the basis of an international socialist program.
The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People categorically rejects any proposals or actions aimed at recognizing as Russian the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, which are an integral part of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, according to a statement published on the Mejlis website on Thursday.

"The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People warns that any attempts to recognize the temporarily occupied territory of the Crimean Peninsula as Russian, by whomever and for whatever purpose, will mean: a gross violation of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, numerous resolutions of the UN General Assembly, and other fundamental norms of international law; an encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a sovereign independent state," the statement reads.

The Mejlis also notes that such attempts will indicate contempt and disregard for the inalienable rights of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people, justification of all crimes committed against the Crimean Tatar people during the years of colonial enslavement of Crimea by the Russian Empire, denial of the 1944 genocide and encouragement of the policy of ethnocide of the Crimean Tatar people, currently being carried out by the bodies of the Russian occupation authorities, Russification and assimilation, as well as changes in the demographic and ethnic composition of the population of the Crimean peninsula.

In addition, this will create a precedent of impunity for the aggressor, which will become a signal for states that may also resort to the use of force and occupation of the territories of other states, hoping for their further legitimization.

"The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People declares that the only legitimate way to end the Russian-Ukrainian war, establish a guaranteed and just peace in the region is the de-occupation of Crimea and other occupied territories of Ukraine and the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Any other options threaten consequences in which the suffering of people, including the indigenous Crimean Tatar people, due to the violation of their fundamental rights may reach catastrophic proportions," the statement reads.

The Mejlis calls on governments and parliaments of foreign states, international organizations, human rights and humanitarian organizations to show solidarity with the struggle of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for freedom, independence and the right to freely determine their future. "Crimean Tatars are the indigenous people of Crimea and Ukraine, and an integral part of the Ukrainian political nation," according to the statement.

The organization also referred to the Crimean Declaration, published by the U.S. Department of State in 2018, calling it "an example of a clear and verified position of the country, based on compliance with international law and the desire to achieve a just peace in the Russian-Ukrainian war," and expressed the hope that the U.S. position stated therein will not be subject to revision and revision.

"The position of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People remains unchanged and consists of the following: unwavering commitment to the struggle for the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the right of the Crimean Tatar people to self-determination in the form of national-territorial autonomy of Crimea within the independent Ukrainian state; categorical rejection of attempts to recognize Crimea as Russian territory  neither de facto nor de jure, and from whomever side they are made; declaring illegal any agreements on the status of Crimea concluded and adopted without the participation and consent of the Ukrainian state and the indigenous Crimean Tatar people," the statement reads.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) statement for the May 3 Australian federal election warns that the climate catastrophe is one of the existential issues posed by the crisis of capitalism, alongside the twin dangers of war and fascism.

Bush fires near Toowoomba, Queensland on October 30, 2023. [Photo: Facebook/Queensland Fire and Emergency Services]

Rapidly rising global temperatures, a product of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily produced by the burning of fossil fuels, threaten the planet with ecological collapse. Among the greatest dangers are rising sea levels, more intense and frequent extreme weather events, and increasing outbreaks of diseases, all of which threaten the worlds population with injury, illness, displacement and death.

The SEPs candidates in the election are both exposing the treacherous role played by all the capitalist parties in allowing this crisis to unfold and explaining the only political program that can halt climate change: socialism.

Far from being a distant threat, climate change is already impacting the lives of millions of people, including in Australia. Extreme weather events are becoming more common, with heatwaves and intense fire weather contributing to more severe bushfire seasons, such as the catastrophic Black Summer fires of 201920 in Australia.

Polling from the Climate Council indicates that 84 percent of Australians have been directly affected by at least one climate-fuelled disaster since 2019, including heatwaves, floods, bushfires, droughts, destructive storms and landslides.

Climate change is also affecting critical ecosystems. Increased ocean temperatures have led to six severe coral bleaching events at the Great Barrier Reef in nine years, the most recent of which was confirmed earlier this month.

This is a worldwide crisis. 2024 marked the first calendar year for global temperatures to exceed 1.5 above pre-industrial levels. The warming has been accompanied by widespread adverse impacts and related loss and damages to nature and people, as stated by a 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.

Some of the most serious consequences include hundreds of thousands of deaths from increased heatwaves, and millions more people exposed to food and water insecurity. Hundreds of millions of people are projected to be displaced from rising sea levels inundating coastal communities, a process already well underway.

For decades, successive federal governments have continued to support fossil fuel corporations, bringing Australias domestic CO2 emissions to 370 megatons in 2022. This makes Australia the eighth-largest emitting country on a per capita basis.

But it is Australias fossil fuel exports, particularly of coal, that make it one of the most substantial contributors to the planetary climate crisis. It is responsible for 1.5 gigatons of CO2 emissions every year, making it the second-largest emitting country, only behind Russia, which has five times the number of inhabitants.

Millions of voters are rightly concerned and outraged about the total lack of action from governments. That became a factor in the 2022 election defeat of the former Liberal-National Coalition government, which left people to fend for themselves in the Black Summer fires and the 2022 floods.

Labor barely scraped into office with less than a third of the vote. Nevertheless, much of the capitalist media hailed the 2022 election as historic because Labor promised strong climate action.

There can be no doubt now how fraudulent that claim was, given Labors record during the past three years.

During that time, Labor has doubled down on gas extraction through the Future Gas Strategy of 2024 and approved ten coal mine expansions that will collectively produce almost 2.5 gigatons of CO2 emissions.

Labors flagship climate policya toothless Environmental Protection Agencywas dropped at the behest of the mining giants, particularly in Western Australia.

Nor has the Labor government taken any steps to safeguard people from the increasing threat of extreme weather disasters. This was exposed this year with the intense flooding in northern Queensland in February and the serious impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March. None of the basic issues of vulnerable infrastructure, inadequate disaster relief payments and lack of disaster preparation have been addressed.

The undeniable scientific reality is that events like these will become more frequent as the climate crisis intensifies.

As everywhere else in the world, the poorest and working-class members of society pay the price. Soaring home insurance premiums and the increasing numbers of uninsurable homes particularly those in low-lying, flood-risk areasleave many workers without the means to either protect themselves or recover from the climate disasters.

No less than in 2022, the choice between the Coalition and Labor on climate change is a sham. To the extent that the climate is even mentioned in their election campaigns, nowhere can a scientific program to halt the climate crisis be found.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton promotes the use of nuclear power as a means to discredit the need for a vast expansion of renewable energy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claims his government trusts the science, while covering up Labors unrelenting support for fossil fuels. Neither party has issued a 2035 climate target, which is expected as part of the next round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

The emissions target of net-zero by 2050 touted by both Labor and the Coalition is equally phoney. First of all, their track records give no reason to believe they will follow through with it. More importantly, the vast body of scientific literature on climate change mitigation shows that there must be a rapid and immediate reduction in emissions to net-zero by 2035, to keep global warming as close to 1.5 as possible.

Labor and the Coalition alike have both committed to continued fossil fuel use and expansion that would see Australias emissions increase, not decrease.

The Greens posture as critics of the two major parties but are equally devoted to shoring up the capitalist profit system. The SEP warns in our election statement: As climate change spins out of control, the Greens promote the hoax that environmental disasters can be averted in a world where corporate profit and national interest are the overriding priorities.

The Greens track record is damning. The Greens-backed Labor government under Julia Gillard saw Australias emissions increase from 2010 to 2013. Now in 2025, they are pleading once again for a coalition, either formal or de facto, with the same Labor party that is actively supporting the fossil fuel companies.

The scientific resources and technology exist to mitigate climate change, but under capitalism they are squandered on war and propping up the big corporations.

Furthermore, capitalism is rooted in the nation-state system, which obstructs the global response required to adequately deal with the climate crisis. As the SEP election statement explains: Every issue confronting humanity, from war to climate catastrophes, pandemics and dictatorship, is global in scope and requires a unified response from the international working class.

Only the SEP and its candidates are explaining the truth to workers and young people. This election will solve nothing. The capitalist parties offer nothing but climate disaster on top of war and austerity. Trillions of dollars must be invested in scientific research and development to deal with the climate crisis.

For this, the colossal fortunes of the billionaires must be expropriated and placed under the control of the working class, which produces all of societys wealth. Nothing short of the overthrow of the disastrous private profit system and the complete and global reorganisation of society on a socialist basis under democratic workers control can achieve this.

This is the fight workers and young people must take up to save the planet from environmental disaster. We urge people to get involved with our election campaign and, above all, join the SEP to build it into the mass party that the working class so urgently needs.

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Level 1/457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia.
Peru's President Dina Boluarte in "war room" with military and police commanders [Photo: Andina]

Transport workers in the Peruvian capital of Lima and the neighboring port city of Callao carried out their seventh and most extensive strike on April 10, involving an estimated 20,000 drivers and 700 transport companies. The strike, like the previous ones over the past year, was staged as a protest against the violent extortionist gangs that have claimed the lives of numerous transport workers and terrorized working class neighborhoods, with over 500 deaths attributed to assassinations so far this year.

The strike received overwhelming support from the population, which is increasingly hostile to the political setup in a country deemed by the World Bank as the fourth most unequal in the world, with seven out of ten inhabitants living in poverty or at risk of falling into poverty.

A constant throughout the seven transport strikes has been the disparity between the demands of the transport organizations leaders, centered on the call for increased police enforcement against the extortionist mafias, and the broader public, which is calling for the resignation of Perus unelected President Dina Boluarte and the corrupt Congress under the slogan, Throw them all out.

Initially expected to last three days, the April 10 walkout was limited to just 24 hours by the strike leaders. The strike's suspension, announced by Martin Valeriano, president of Anitra, the main organizer of the strike, followed meetings between public transport leaders and members of Congress, which resulted in an agreement to bolster the presence of the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces.

Public transport leaders, representing the owners of small private companies, are aligned with corrupt legislators in Congress and are concerned with restoring law and order on the streets so that they can assure their profits, while workers fear for their lives at the hands of gunmen demanding protection payoffs.

Social media captured the unfolding April 10 strike in Limas North Cone, composed of densely populated districts of workers and immigrants from the countryside. Live videos revealed that no buses were operational, with only illegal combis and micros  minivans  picking up passengers, charging twice or three times the usual rates.

Starting early in the morning, a caravan of buses from Los Chinos, a company frequently targeted with extortion, joined the transport workers march. The Chinos buses provided transportation for protesters heading to the meeting point of Acho in the Rimac district, from where they would proceed on foot crossing the Balta bridge on their way to Congress.

The strike was marked by clashes between the National Police and protesters. In various parts of the city, the police used tear gas to disperse the crowds, which led to the closure of several businesses. Protesters threw rocks, and the police responded with pepper spray, leading to multiple arrests. Transport workers in Puente Piedra, in Limas North Cone, were confronted by the police while attempting to block vehicles that were not participating in the strike.

Universities and schools announced a shift to virtual teaching, but this did not deter a group of students from the National University of San Marcos (UNMSM) from participating in the protests. They joined tens of thousands of others who marched from various working-class districts toward the Congress in downtown Lima. One student was injured by pellets fired by the police as the march approached the Congress.

The widow of Loymer Benigno, a driver murdered by hitmen the day before the strike, marched holding a banner with her husband's portrait, telling the media that he was a devoted father who worked tirelessly for his children.

The crowd marching along the Panamericana Norte highway towards Congress was stopped by a contingent of riot police, which prevented them from occupying all three lanes of the road. As the protesters reached Abancay Avenue, police repression intensified, and tear gas was used extensively, resulting in injuries among protesters and causing local merchants to flee.

Despite efforts by the strike leaders to limit demands to pressuring Congress to strengthen the police apparatus, demands for political change persisted on April 10. A 76-year-old passerby, interviewed by Radio Programas del Peru (RPP), said: The only people responsible are Dina Boluarte and the Ministry of the Interior. She flaunts her Rolex watches. The ministers have their security. They protect themselves while the people starve.

Magda Cortes told RPP: Crime is chronic in El Callao. Yesterday, in retaliation, two people were killed. It's very sad. This stems from poor government policies. The political class protects itself while the extortionists continue to operate.

Government officials and Perus ruling financial oligarchy are well aware of the mounting anger in the working class as Boluartes popularity rate remains in the single digits, with that of the Congress just as low. The increase in repressive measures ostensibly directed against crime organizations that enjoy both police and political protection are aimed at preparing for upcoming conflicts involving the working class, peasants, youth, and millions of poor families in Peru.

In addition to the approval by the Peruvian Congress of a 180-day state of emergency and the buildup of the National Police (PNP), President Boluarte recently approved a law introduced by Renovacion Popular, the far-right party led by multimillionaire Opus Dei member and current Lima Mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga, that, according to a front-page headline in La Republica, Authorizes the PNP to Kill with Impunity.

Also, on the day of the strike, Boluarte appeared live on television from what she called her War Room, a name she assigned to the Caceres Room in the Government Palace. This ostentatious title may be meant to evoke the White House Situation Room, from which former President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton oversaw the assassination of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011. It explicitly indicates that she views her government as engaged in an armed conflict.

But, who is the enemy? After she assumed the presidency in December 2022 she imposed a shoot to kill policy against protesters, and all indications are her war continues to be directed against the impoverished majority of Peruvians.

La Republica explains that the new measures go against a principle of due process and reveal something bigger: the fear of the members of the ruling alliance of an almost entirely fed-up citizenry. There is a growing fear that the mounting social crisis will spark a revolt by the working class, which has yet to play a central role in the protests.

As her government turns towards increased repression, Boluarte appears poised to follow the examples of the right-wing authoritarian regimes of Argentinas Javier Milei, Ecuadors Daniel Noboa and El Salvadors Nayib Bukele in forging a close and subservient relationship with Trump and US imperialism. During the February meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Boluarte went so far as to extend an open invitation to Trump, suggesting he visit Peru, or that failing, she be given an audience at the White House or at his Mar-a-Lago mansion.

However, Boluarte faces a major challenge. Forty percent of Peru's exports go to China, compared to only 15 percent for the United States. Additionally, China far surpasses the US in direct investment in Peru, having invested $38.8 billion compared to just $6.6 billion from the US.

The Chancay mega-port, developed and managed by the Chinese multinational Cosco, is set to become the central hub for South American goods shipped to Asia, reducing transportation times and costs for exports from Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Bolivia. It is designed to serve as the final point in an interoceanic highway or railway linking Sao Paulo, the largest and most economically important city in South America, to the Pacific.

Without a doubt, the Trump administration views Chinas involvement in Chancay with the same militaristic hostility it unleashed against Panama over Chinese companies operating port facilities on the Panama Canal.

Meanwhile, the Peruvian regime has aped the right-wing anti-immigrant campaign waged by Trump, with the government and the media promoting the narrative that street crime is attributable to the influx of approximately 1.5 million Venezuelans immigrants.

During an interview on the April 10 strike, Gen. Oscar Manuel Arriola, the chief the National Police, was asked by a journalist why the PNPs many announcements had not been accompanied by any apparent action. Visibly angered, Arriola responded: Today, we expelled 40 Venezuelans for posing a risk. We are prioritizing safety by highlighting these dangers.

Arriola went on to proudly recall that the Armed Forces had defeated the guerrilla groups Shining Path and MRTA, capturing and imprisoning their leaders. Peru remains deeply scarred by this protracted internal war. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) created in its aftermath recorded 23,969 cases of deaths and disappearances, with the real toll believed to be more than twice as high. This was accompanied by widespread torture and the unjust imprisonment of tens of thousands.
In a major escalation of state repression against anti-war and pro-Palestinian activists, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents joined Michigan State Police and local police in coordinated raids on the homes of University of Michigan (U-M) pro-Palestinian activists in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Canton Township on the morning of Wednesday, April 23.

The raids, which began around 8:00 a.m., resulted in the confiscation of electronic devices, the detention and questioning of at least six activists, and the seizure of personal belongingsall under the direction of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat.

In September of 2024, during the Biden administration, Nessel filed criminal charges against nine U-M students and alumni for participating in an anti-Gaza genocide encampment on the campus, which was broken up by police last May.

Police broke down the door of at least one of the three raided residences and initially refused to show warrants for the assault. In Ann Arbor, FBI agents, Michigan State Police and local police in unmarked vehicles raided the residence of two pro-Palestinian activists, confiscated electronics, and briefly detained the occupants before releasing them later that day.

In Ypsilanti, officers from the Michigan Attorney Generals office, Plymouth Police Department and FBI raided another residence, detaining four individuals and seizing personal property. Those detained were brought out on the porch in handcuffs before officers released them roughly 15 minutes later.

The FBI and Canton Police raided a third residence, confiscating items but detaining no one.

The Graduate Employees Organization (GEO), an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and bargaining agent for graduate workers at U-M, said in a post on X that one of its members was targeted in the raids.

The pro-Palestinian Tahrir coalition at U-M posted an alert early in the morning informing its supporters of the raids in Ypsilanti and Canton and urging them to go to the scenes and protest the attacks. At both locations crowds gathered while the raids were underway and denounced the police-state operations. Some protesters demanded to know if the FBI and police were planning to ship the residents to El Salvador.

The Michigan Attorney Generals office, the Detroit FBI, and local police have to this point refused to give any serious explanation for the raids or tell the media the nature of the supposed investigation that prompted them and what, if any, charges are being prepared against the activists.

According to the Michigan Attorney Generals office, the raids involved the execution of search warrants against multiple individuals across several jurisdictions. No arrests were made, and all those briefly detained were released.

A spokesperson for the Michigan Attorney Generals office, Danny Wimmer, told MLive and the Ann Arbor News, Were not discussing the nature of the investigation at this time. He added that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was not involved in the warrants and that all subjects were believed to be American citizens.

FBI spokesperson Jordan Hall confirmed the agencys presence in Ypsilanti, but would say only that the agency was conducting law enforcement activities.

The Ypsilanti Police Department confirmed in a post on social media that it was aware of the FBI presence and said immigration enforcement was not on the scene. The department was there for crowd control, it said. The Michigan State Police did not respond to a request for comment.

The raids come amid an intensifying crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism at U-M and across the United States. Over the past year, campus protests demanding an end to US support for Israels war on Gaza have faced mounting repression, including mass arrests, felony charges, university bans and the suspension of student organizations.

The U-M administration banned the local chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), called Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE). The administration suspended its club status for two yearsdepriving it of access to campus facilitiesa first in the universitys history.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed suit against the university for banning activists from campus, arguing that these actions constitute a grave violation of free speech and the right to protest.

These latest raids echo the notorious FBI operations of the past, such as the 2010 coordinated raids on anti-war and international solidarity activists in Minneapolis, Chicago and Michigan, carried out under the pretext of investigating material support for terrorism. These raids occurred under the Democratic Obama administration. In those instances, no arrests were made, but agents seized computers, cell phones and documents and issued grand jury subpoenas in an attempt to intimidate and silence political dissent.

The current raids in Michigan are part of a broader campaign by both Democratic and Republican administrations to criminalize opposition to US imperialist policy in the Middle East and to suppress the growing movement against the genocide in Gaza. The Biden administration, and now the Trump administration, have presided over the escalation of police state measures against students, workers and all those who dare to challenge the status quo.

The World Socialist Web Site and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at U-M unequivocally condemn the FBI and police raids on the homes of pro-Palestinian activists in Michigan. These actions are a direct assault on democratic rights, aimed at intimidating and silencing opposition to US and Israeli war crimes. The working class, students, and all defenders of democratic rights must stand in solidarity with those targeted, demand an immediate end to the repression, and fight for the unconditional right to protest and organize against imperialist war and oppression.
Israeli far-right lawmaker and head of the Jewish Power party, Itamar Ben-Gvir, gestures after the first exit poll results for the Israeli Parliamentary election at his partys headquarters in Jerusalem. November 2, 2022. [AP Photo/Oren Ziv]

On Tuesday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attended a meeting with leading members of Congress at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, where he pledged to bomb food and aid distribution centers in Gaza, claiming his proposals met with support on the part of the lawmakers.

I had the honor and privilege of meeting with senior Republican Party officials at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate, Ben-Gvir said in a post on X. They expressed support for my very clear position on how to act in Gaza and that the food and aid depots should be bombed in order to create military and political pressure to bring our hostages home safely.

Ben-Gvir was expressing the actual policy of the Israeli government, which aims to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian population from Gaza through deliberate starvation.

On Tuesday, the total Israeli blockade of all food, water, electricity, and medical supplies into Gaza reached its 50th day.

In a statement, the UN relief coordination office said this is now the longest period without any supplies entering the Gaza strip since the start of Israels onslaught in October 2023.

Right now, it is probably the worst humanitarian situation ever seen throughout the war in Gaza, UN spokesperson Jens Laerke said Tuesday, noting that the entire population of Gaza is facing acute shortages of food, medicine, fuel and clean water.

Hunger is spreading and deepeningdeliberate and man-made, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement Tuesday. Gaza has become a land of desperation humanitarian aid is being used as a bargaining chip and a weapon of war.

Gazas bakeries have been forced to shut down, and the entire health system is collapsing amid a lack of medical supplies. Two million peoplea majority of women and childrenare undergoing collective punishment, Lazzarini said.

Last week, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor published a damning account of Gaza teetering on the brink of famine:

Euro-Med Monitors field team in the Gaza Strip has observed alarming indicators pointing to a severe food crisis that may soon reach the level of famine. The ongoing Israeli blockade has caused a severe and persistent shortage of essential food items necessary for survival, including grains, proteins, and fats. Much of the enclaves remaining agricultural and food infrastructure has either been bombed or otherwise destroyed, and/or is currently under Israeli military control. As a result, people have been forced to sell their most basic belongings just to secure food, signaling the onset of a breakdown in their ability to endure the hunger. Families in the Gaza Strip have been forced to cut the number of their daily meals, resulting in noticeable weight loss among residents. In the near-total absence of fresh and nutritious food, most people now rely almost entirely on the enclaves limited supply of canned goods, while many others have become fully dependent on food banks for their daily meals. However, these food banks have come under intensified Israeli military attacks in recent weeks, further depriving residents of access to even the most basic food necessities.

On April 17, a group of humanitarian organizations including Oxfam and Save the Children published a statement warning that the humanitarian aid system in Gaza is facing total collapse.

The statement declared that This is one of the worst humanitarian failures of our generation. Every single person in Gaza is relying on humanitarian aid to survive. That lifeline has been completely cut off since a blockade on all aid supplies was imposed by Israeli authorities on 2 March.

The statement noted that More than 400 aid workers and over 1,300 health workers have been reported killed in Gaza since October 2023, despite the requirement under international humanitarian law for humanitarian workers to be protected.

The statements by Ben-Gvir make clear that the Israeli militarys attack on humanitarian organizations is a deliberate policy, aimed at provoking famine throughout the region.

Ben-Gvirs trip to Mar-A-Lago is part of a tour throughout the United States, involving a visit to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut on Wednesday. Ben-Gvirs office said that among the congressmen in attendance was Republican Congressman Tom Emmer, the third-highest-ranking member of the US House of Representatives.

On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated the position of the Netanyahu government that no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza.

The visit by Ben-Gvir follows by two weeks the trip by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where Netanyahu declared that the Israeli government is working on Trumps pledge to ethnically cleanse Gaza.

This plan is being implemented through the deliberate starvation of the Palestinian population, the daily bombardment and mass killing of the civilian population, and the active preparations for the full, permanent, military occupation of the Gaza Strip and the creation of the infrastructure to forcibly displace and transfer the Palestinian population outside of Gaza.

Last month, NPR, the Financial Times, and Haaretz reported that the Israeli military has drawn up a plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, internally displace the remaining population, and provide only the minimum caloric amount necessary for survival, in the words of Haaretz.

One month ago, the Israeli security cabinet formally voted to establish an office dedicated to overseeing the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.

Defense Minister Katz stated that the bureau would manage the departure to third countries, including securing their movement, establishing movement routes, checking pedestrians at designated crossings in the Gaza Strip, as well as coordinating the provision of infrastructure that will enable passage by land, sea and air to the destination countries.

In 2007, Ben-Gvir was convicted by an Israeli court of racist incitement and support for groups on terrorism blacklists. Since 2023, his policies of ethnic cleansing and mass killing have been adopted by the Israeli government in its genocidal onslaught on Gaza, using the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack as a pretext.

According to Gazas health ministry, at least 51,300 Palestinians have been killed in the genocide to date, with 1,928 Palestinians killed since Israel unilaterally abrogated a ceasefire agreement on March 18.

On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes killed 25 people, including 11 people in a school that was transformed into an emergency shelter. This followed the killing of at least 17 people, mostly women and children, in strikes on Tuesday.

Despite the ongoing famine, coverage of the humanitarian situation has almost totally dropped from news coverage in the United States. And after having overseen the Gaza genocide under President Joe Biden, the Democrats have voted repeatedly against any restrictions on US arms sales to Israel under the Trump administration.
US Vice President JD Vance meets with late Pope Francis in the Vatican during Easter celebrations, April 20, 2025 [Photo: @VP]

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died Monday at the age of 88, following a protracted case of pneumonia that kept him hospitalized for five weeks.

Since the bells tolled in the Vaticans St. Peters Square announcing his death, the corporate news cycle in much of the world has been dominated by fawning coverage of the Argentine Jesuit, the first pope from Latin America.

In the United States, where barely a fifth of the population identifies as Catholic, the news media delves unceasingly into the intricacies of the papacy. This fascination can only be explained in political and class terms.

Following tributes by Barack Obama and Joe Biden, US President Donald Trump announced that the first foreign trip of his second term will be to attend the Popes funeral in Rome, which will take place Saturday.

The medias canonization of Bergoglio as the Father of the poor, Man of the people, and the Progressive Pope aims to place a last coat of democratic and modern varnish on the Catholic Church as it grants its blessing to the ruling elites global turn to fascist and dictatorial forms of rule.

Speaking at the White House Easter Egg Roll Monday, the American would-be Fuhrer called Bergoglio a good man. In a clear affront against the separation of church and state, Trump said, Were bringing religion back in America as he ordered US and state flags flown at half-mast across the country.

Italys fascistic Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni applauded the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his advice, his teachings. Meloni is the political heir of Mussolini, who also enjoyed a close friendship with the papacy even as his Blackshirt gangs beat up Catholic clerics and youth.

From Brazils Lula da Silva and Spains Pedro Sanchez to the fascistic Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines, several heads of state with large Catholic populations declared days of national mourning.

Argentinas fascist President Javier Milei, who had previously called Bergoglio an imbecile, recalled the time he was received by the Pope in the Vatican and declared a week of mourning.

Genuine sympathy is naturally being felt by workers and youth across the world as they hear or read about Bergoglios painful illness and verbal denunciations of war, inequality, greed, and racism, among other popular positions. These feelings emerge not because of, but despite, the eulogies from hated capitalist politicians and media outlets.

Most recently, Bergoglio had denounced Trumps mass deportation plans as a violation of human dignity and specifically berated US Vice President JD Vance for claiming these policies were in accordance with Catholic views.

One could almost be forgiven for suspecting that Vances Easter Sunday visit was too much to bear for the pontiff, who died only hours later.

I know you have not been feeling great, but its great to see you in better health, he told the visibly dying man.

But Bergoglios framing of migrant rights as a priority for his papacy, his encyclical calling climate change a moral crisis, calls to decriminalize the LGBTQ community, and other minimally progressive gestures were never intended to alter the reactionary character of the Catholic Church, whose official teachings on issues like same-sex marriage, abortion, and gender identity remain unchanged.

Bergoglios calls for humility have not stopped the Catholic Church from maintaining its hundreds of billions of dollars in assets and status as the worlds largest landlord.

For that matter, his description of inequality as a social disease failed to stop him from hosting in the friendliest and most complacent terms members of todays tech and financial aristocracy, including Teslas Elon Musk, Amazons Jeff Bezos, Apples Tim Cook, and Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg.

His appeals for peace, famously kissing the feet of South Sudanese warlords to end the civil war, went hand-in-hand with the faithful blessing of imperialist leaders responsible for the worst war crimes since World War II, including Obama, Biden and Trump.

Such performative stances on social and environmental issues were aimed at regaining the Catholic Church at least some measure of popular credibility amid a historic drop in followers, as youth and workers in general feel repulsed by its obscurantism in the age of globalization and smartphones. A limited adaptation to the growing radicalization of masses around the world was seen as an existential question for the Church.

Now, ruling elites everywhere exploit the death of the peoples pope as an opportunity for proclaiming a return of religion, with all its backwardness and ignorance. Amid the deepest crisis of capitalism since World War II, such efforts are seen as necessary to provide a cover for the enrichment of the worlds oligarchs and the suppression of growing mass opposition through the promotion of feudal-like, fascist reaction.

Such has been the character of previous reform efforts in the Catholic Church, which remains the same bastion of reaction that carried out the Inquisition and oversaw the genocide of Native peoples during the colonial period.

Figures like Pope Leo IX (10491054) condemned clerical corruption and simony, yet rural churches remained mired in abuses, contributing to the rise of movements like Catharism, denounced by the Church as 'heretical.' The Council of Trent (15451563) centralized doctrine and discipline but entrenched the Churchs alignment with political power and resistance to doctrinal evolution. John XXIIIs reforms (19621965) modernized liturgy and engagement with the world, yet post-conciliar battles over implementation deepened divisions and failed to resolve systemic clericalism or abuse scandals.

Franciss own past reflects the Catholic Churchs natural alliance with fascism. As a leading figure in the Argentine church during the countrys dirty war (19761983), Bergoglio was accused by priests and lay workers of collaborating with the military dictatorship in efforts to cleanse the Church of leftist elements.

This was not merely a personal failing; the Argentine church hierarchy as a whole provided cover and moral sanction to the juntas torturers and assassins, assuring them they were doing Gods work. An estimated 30,000 suspected leftists among workers, students and intellectuals were disappeared, tortured and murdered.

Bergoglio was implicated in the 1976 kidnapping of Jesuit priests Orlando Yorio and Francisco Jalics, whom he allegedly failed to protect, and was accused of withholding support for their social work in Buenos Aires slumsa factor that led to their detention.

The military junta also systematically kidnapped babies born to women in torture centers, placing them with regime-aligned families. Survivors, including Estela de la Cuadra, testified that Bergoglio provided a handwritten note to her father in 1978 to inquire about her missing pregnant sister, only to learn the baby had been taken by the regime. This contradicted Bergoglios 2010 court claim that he was unaware of baby thefts until after the dictatorship. Bergoglio testified in 2010 to address these allegations, though survivors criticized his evasive responses and refusal to appear in open court initially.

As pope, Francis never returned to his native Argentina.

Independently of his mental state on Sunday, Bergoglio had no trouble in blessing the Trump administration as it adopts political disappearances that echo those of Latin Americas military juntas, including of foreign students who have protested the genocide in Gaza.

That was his last major official act in his meeting with Vance and one of the most consequential ones that he will be remembered for.
Restraints lie on the tarmac as personal belongings of immigrants who entered the United States are loaded onto a plane for a deportation flight to El Salvador by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. [AP Photo/David J. Phillip]

Every day, scenes reminiscent of 1930s Nazi Germany or Cold War-era US-backed Latin American dictatorships are unfolding across the United States. Immigrants, legal residents, touristseven US citizensare being arbitrarily detained and disappeared into a network of remote detention centers without due process.

Two men abducted at Virginia courthouse by alleged immigration agents

On Tuesday, two men in Charlottesville, Virginia were abducted at the Albemarle County Courthouse by men believed to be immigration agents. A disturbing video published by The Daily Progress showed a man being detained by three plain-clothed men, one of whom concealed his face with a balaclava.

The presumed agents presented no badges or warrants when confronted by two women from the Immigration Rapid Response Hotlinea national coalition of human rights advocates, lawyers and volunteers. In the video, the women nonviolently tried to block the agents from taking the man, demanding to see a warrant.

The apparent leader, dressed in a pink shirt and blue jeans, snapped, Do not touch or impede me in my lawful duties. Do you understand? It is a crime for you to do so. Despite claiming to have a warrant, he refused to show it and threatened the women with arrest for assault on a federal officer.

Ultimately, the agents shoved the women aside and handcuffed their target before leaving. Nicholas Reppucci, a public defender at the Charlottesville office, confirmed that the agents never showed any identification or legal documents.

Its horrifying for the person being detained, Reppucci told The Daily Progress. Its horrifying for the community members watching it. One of the abducted men was his client. As of this writing, neither mans location or legal status has been disclosed.

Ive been here since 1999, and I have not seen anything like this before, Reppucci added.

US citizen imprisoned for 10 days by immigration agents rejects lies advanced by Homeland Security Department

In an interview with Judd Legum, author of the Popular Information Substack, 19-year-old Jose Hermosillo, a US citizen from New Mexico, recounted being detained by Customs and Border Protection for 10 days in a private prison despite his legal status.

On April 8, Hermosillo, visiting his girlfriends family in Tucson, Arizona, suffered a seizure and was taken to a hospital. Without his New Mexico state ID on him, he was left disoriented and lost after discharge. Seeking help, he approached a nearby Border Patrol officer.

I saw a car, and I asked for help, Hermosillo said. He told the officer he was from New Mexico and staying with family. Instead of helping, the officer demanded papers.

Youre not from here. Do you have your papers? the officer barked. When Hermosillo insisted he was American, the officer replied, Dont make me out like Im stupid. I know youre from Mexico.

Despite repeatedly affirming his US citizenship, Hermosillo was arrested and held in the Florence Correctional Center. Days later, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin claimed on X that Hermosillo admitted to being a Mexican national who had entered illegally. Hermosillo refutes this, stating that at no point did he say he was Mexican or undocumented.

Hermosillo acknowledged signing a DHS document that claimed he was a Mexican national who entered the US illegally, but he told Legum he never read it. He explained that he dropped out of school in the 10th grade and cannot read. According to Hermosillo, the border patrol agent never explained the contents of the document to him, only instructing him to sign it.

Inside Florence Correctional Center, Hermosillo said he was fed cold food and got the flu. Its cold in there and everybodys getting sick, he said, adding that requests for medicine were ignored.

He told guards repeatedly, Im a US citizen, but was told, Tell your lawyer. Hermosillo spent his time crying, afraid he would never be released. Theyre not going to let me out, he thought.

Georgetown postdoc Badar Khan Suri speaks out on kidnapping and poor conditions from inside Texas ICE facility

Flyers in support of Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University professor, demanding his release are posted at Georgetown University in Washington, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. [AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana]

In his first interview since being abducted on March 17 outside his home in Rosslyn, Virginia, Georgetown postdoctoral fellow Badar Khan Suri has spoken out about his detention and the grim reality inside US immigration facilities.

Suri is one of more than 1,730 international students and graduates who have had their visas revokednot for crimes, but for alleged political views. He joins a growing list of detainees like Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk, held without charge and facing deportation under Trumps fascist immigration agenda.

Speaking with Nader Hashemi, director of the Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, in an interview for New Lines Magazine, Khan Suri recounted his abduction by masked ICE agents after returning from a Ramadan dinner. He said the agents did not accuse him of any crime, but said he was being targeted because a senior-level person in the State Department does not want you here.

He was transportedshackled and chainedthrough multiple facilities in Virginia and Louisiana before arriving in Texas. At one point, he asked to be uncuffed to use the bathroom. The guard replied, Not my problem.

Suri described inhumane conditions: no more than two hours of fresh air per week, routine denial of medical care, psychological torment. Yet he continues to support fellow detainees by helping them write legal correspondence.

Despite not participating in any campus protests, Suri is accused by the Trump administration of spreading Hamas propaganda and antisemitism via social media. Married to a US citizen of Palestinian descent, Suri believes he is being targeted for his wifes heritage and their political views.

Suri said that if his suffering can help expose the naked authoritarianism in America today and keep the spotlight on the genocide in Gaza, it will be worth it.
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Guests, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington D.C., on Monday, January 20, 2025. [Photo by AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool]

The Wall Street Journal, an authoritative voice of the capitalist class, published on its front page Wednesday a report that the 19 richest households in America increased their wealth by $1 trillion in the year 2024. Their combined wealth rose from $1.6 trillion to $2.6 trillion, a staggering 62.5 percent increase in a single year. The smallest fortune in this group comes to $45 billion.

Most of the names are familiar ones, mainly from the technology sector: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison (Oracle), Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer (Microsoft), Sergey Brin and Larry Page (Google), Michael Dell. They are joined by Warren Buffett, Michael Bloomberg and Steven Schwarzman (Blackstone private equity). There is one new tech mogul, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, plus three Waltons, heirs to the Wal-Mart empire, and two Kochs, of the ultra-right oil company family.

How the wealth of the top 0.00001 percent has changed over the past century, as a percentage of total US wealth. [Photo: Gabriel Zucman]

The estimates were produced by Professor Gabriel Zucman, one of the leading analysts of trends in wealth accumulation, accompanied by the chart posted here, showing the trend in the proportion of wealth held by the top 0.00001 percent of US households, or one in every 10 million households, over the past century. There was a steady downward drift from 1913 until 1982, then a sharp upturn after the tax cuts of the Reagan administration, culminating in a spike in 1999, just before the dot-com crash, and a slow descent into the 2008 Wall Street crash. After that, a steady rise in inequality turned into a skyrocket in 2023-24, the last two years of the Biden administration.

The Journal wrote:

It took four decades for the top 0.00001% of Americans share of total U.S. household wealth to grow from 0.1% in 1982when 11 households made up that rarefied groupto 1.2% in 2023. ... In one year, by the end of 2024, the share of total U.S. household wealth for the modern 0.00001%those 19 householdsjumped to 1.8%, or about $2.6 trillion. That is the biggest one-year increase on record, according to Zucman.

The Biden administration, which came into power in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, made its central domestic priority the reopening of schools and workplaces, aimed at ensuring a steady supply of labor and falling labor prices for US corporations despite the mounting death toll. As a result of this policy, carried out with the support of the trade union bureaucracy, workers share of national income fell to a historic low.

In January, just weeks after Trump took office, Biden declared that an oligarchy is taking shape in America. But Zucmans figures demonstrate, first, that the Democrats own policies aided the billionaires, and second, that they thus helped Trump to win the election with his false promises of economic revival and lower prices.

As the WSWS has explained, the second election of Trump represented the violent realignment of the American political superstructure to correspond with the real social relations that exist in the United States. Trump, himself a billionaire, heads a government of, by and for the financial oligarchy, with the worlds richest man, Elon Musk, overseeing measures to slash $1 trillion by firing federal workers and cutting the social benefits provided by the federal government.

It would make far more sense, from the standpoint of the working class, to oppose the Trump-Musk cuts with demands to seize the $1 trillion in additional wealth accumulated by just 19 super-billionaires in 2024 alone. More fundamentally, the entire wealth of the capitalist class, the trillions produced by the labor of the working class, should be expropriated to provide the basis for the socialist reorganization of economic life under a workers government.

A workers government in the United States, simply by laying its hands on the $1 trillion increase in wealth for 19 households, could abolish poverty, hunger and homelessness. It could pay a wage increase of $7,000 to every American worker. It could more than double the budget for K-12 public education.

There is, however, an even more important reason for seizing the wealth of the oligarchy, not only the 19 at the top, but all the billionaires, who now number nearly 2,000 in the United States. This wealth is not only an entirely wasteful diversion of socially-produced resources which could be put to better use. Beyond that, its possession gives the financial overlords unparalleled social power. This tiny parasitic layer dominates every aspect of American society: economy, politics, media.

The capitalist system determines the living standards of the working class, who are the vast majority of the population, with the corporate elite deciding on jobs, wage rates, working conditions, exercising an effective dictatorship within the workplace, reinforced by their paid industrial police in the union bureaucracies.

The billionaires control the leading educational institutions, as indicated in the report in the New York Times that large donors to Harvard are pressuring the university to reach a compromise with the Trump administrations demands for a right-wing takeover and purge of faculty, students and curriculum.

They own the major newspapers, the television networks, the film studios. And they increasingly seek to censor both the corporate and social media. The billionaire Rupert Murdoch (Fox News) has spearheaded the fascist transformation of the Republican Party, Jeff Bezos of Amazon has remade the Washington Post, and billionaire Shari Redstone has just forced out the producer of 60 Minutes to facilitate her sale of Paramount/CBS to the son of Larry Ellison, one of Trumps top billionaire backers.

The billionaires buy and sell politicians in both the Democratic and Republican parties, thus enjoying an unchallenged monopoly in official politics. When the fundamental interests of the financial aristocracy are at issue, congressmen, senators and presidents snap to attention. Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer abruptly dropped his opposition to the Trump administration spending bill and secured the votes to pass it when it became necessary to reassure the financial markets. Trump himself backed off his bullying threats against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, when Wall Street signaled that firing the top central banker could trigger a market crash.

It is from this standpoint that the World Socialist Web Site has exposed the fraudulent Fighting Oligarchy campaign mounted by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The large turnouts at their rallies, as well as the huge participation in the April 5 and April 19 protests against the Trump administration, express the social anger among millions of working people and their desire to fight back. But Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez never indict capitalism as a system or call for a struggle against it. And they supported and hailed the Biden administration even as it was presiding over the greatest-ever accumulation of wealth on the part of the financial aristocracy.

For all their fulminations against the oligarchy, they carefully avoid advancing any demand that would deprive the billionaires of their ill-gotten riches. They pretend that society can be changed without a drastic redistribution of wealth, which requires the expropriation of the billionaires.

In recent weeks, the WSWS has published several important commentaries on the American Revolution and the Civil War. These have been occasioned by anniversaries, but there is a more fundamental significance. Workers in the United States must learn the lessons of history. The first American Revolution of 1775-83 proclaimed the equality of man. The Civil War, the second American Revolution, acted on that principle by putting an end to slavery. This meant, in practice, depriving the slaveowners of their property, that is, their revolutionary expropriation.

There can be no solution to the great social problems of the contemporary United States without the expropriation of the billionaires.

Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez know that their pinprick reform proposals, such as overturning the notorious Citizens United decision of the Supreme Court or raising the income tax rate for the wealthy by a tiny amount, cannot be carried out in the face of billionaire opposition, and would have no significant effect in any case. They offer such proposals because they are political charlatans who seek to keep the rising tide of working class anger and militancy trapped within the rotten framework of the Democratic Party.

The Socialist Equality Party calls for a break with the two parties of the capitalist oligarchy, which collectively ensure the domination of the ruling class over society.

Workers must break through the straitjacket imposed on them by the unions, which isolate every struggle by workplace and industry and subordinate all struggles to the strictures of contracts and laws written by the bosses. They must reject the efforts, particularly fostered by the pseudo-left and the Democratic Party, to divide them along the lines of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Above all, the working class must reject nationalism, which divides American workers from their class brothers and sisters in Canada, Mexico, China, Europe and throughout the world. This means, particularly now, taking up the defense of immigrant workers in every country and their right to live and work freely and without restriction.

In pursuing the class struggle to defend jobs, living standards and democratic rights, and to halt the threat of imperialist world war, the world Trotskyist movement urges workers to form new, independent class organizations, rank-and-file committees. These are based on rejection of the profit system and the capitalist nation-state, and seek instead to unite workers across national boundaries on the basis of their common class interests.

We urge workers and young people who wish to learn more about this perspective to attend the International May Day Online Rally organized by the International Committee of the Fourth International on May 3.
Moises Sandoval Mendoza [AP Photo/Texas Department of Criminal Justice]

Moises Sandoval Mendoza was put to death Wednesday at the state prison in Huntsville, Texas. He was executed by lethal injection and was pronounced dead at 6:40 p.m. by prison authorities. He was the third person executed in Texas in 2025 and the 13th put to death in the US this year.

The US Supreme Court denied Mendozas request for a stay of execution, clearing the way for his state killing. His attorneys had asked the high court to review a Texas Criminal Court of Appeals decision to deny a request that claimed Mendozas counsel at trial was ineffective.

Mendoza, now 40, was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2004 kidnapping, sexual assault and murder of Rachel ONeil Tolleson in March 2004 in Farmersville, Texas.

The crime that landed Mendoza on death row was particularly brutal. He entered Tollesons home in Farmersville, northeast of Dallas, through a back door on the night of March 18, 2004. Leaving Tollesons 6-month-old daughter, the two left in Mendozas car to get cigarettes. Mendoza told police that after driving for a while, he began to choke Tolleson in his vehicle for no reason, according to court documents.

Mendoza told police that he then drove to a field near his house, where he raped and choked her. He then poked her throat with a knife to make sure she was dead. After a few days he moved her body, wrapped in a tarp, to a more remote area and set her body on fire in a dug-out pit.

I dont know what happened to me at that moment, Mendoza wrote to his parents before his conviction and sentencing, according to the Courier-Gazette of McKinney, Texas. I turned into the devil and after I did something that I thought was in a dream.

Death row in America is overwhelmingly populated by the poor, the mentally incompetent, and those of African American, Latino or immigrant backgrounds. As is the case with so many of the individuals sentenced to death in the US, there was no consideration given to Mendozas mental state, or any investigation of what in his background may have driven him to commit the brutal crime.

Mendoza stood trial in 2005. He had confessed to the Tolleson murder, so his conviction was all but assured. His trial attorneys main task was to save him from a death sentence, but they failed in this miserably. In a supposed effort to humanize Mendoza, they called psychologist Mark Vigen as an expert witness to provide an explanation of why Mendoza carried out the murder and demonstrate what in his life might have mitigated his responsibility for the crime.

According to appeals filed by condemned inmates current attorneys, however, Vigen testified instead that nothing could explain Mendozas actions, and that he remained a dangerous man.

The first opinion that defense counsel elicited from Vigen dehumanized Mendoza completely, the Austin Chronicle reports that his attorneys wrote in 2023. Vigen told the jury that Mendoza lacks the internal compass that each of us has and that he has no  inner self and no clear inner identity.

Vigen went on to testify that Mendoza chose a depraved and disrespectful, aggressive, and drug-and-alcohol lifestyle in which ... empty sexuality was involved. His attorneys wrote, It is difficult to comprehend how an opinion characterizing a defendants life as depraved could ever be helpful in a capital case.

The psychologist also described Mendoza as immature and psychologically under-developed, and testified that Mendoza got angry when others criticized him, as stated in court documents. Vigen also bolstered prosecutors claims that Mendoza was very dangerous. The jury sentenced him to death.

Mendozas family environment was violent, and his violent tendencies escalated during adolescence and young adulthood, leading to violent incidents, including threatening others with weapons and sexual assault, according to court documents. He argued in post-conviction proceedings that his actions could partially be explained by attachment disorder, claiming he never formed a strong bond with his parents, particularly his father.

Mendozas current attorneys argued that prosecutors presented false testimony during the sentencing phase of Mendozas trial that his trial attorneys failed to challenge. This testimony came from a corrections officer who claimed that Mendoza attacked another inmate, Melvin Johnson, while in jail awaiting trial.

Mendozas attorneys had collected two separate accounts of the fight from Johnson, who stated both times that he, not Mendoza, was the aggressor. In his most recent account he said that he attacked Mendoza to please guards at the jail.

As I saw him [Mendoza] walking down the stairs, my cell door opened, Johnson told the attorneys. I was shocked because a guard has to open my door and I was not supposed to be out with Mendoza. When my door opened with Mendoza out, I knew the guards wanted me to jump him, and thats what I did. I rushed out of my cell and attacked Mendoza. He immediately fell to the ground and covered up to protect himself. He never threw a punch. Johnson said he was given an extra tray of food that night for starting the fight.

The only remaining option for Mendoza to avoid execution would have been executive clemency from Republican Governor Greg Abbott, which he denied. The group Death Penalty Action initiated a petition campaign addressed to Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, which garnered close to 6,000 signatures.

Death Penalty Action dispelled the assertion that granting clemency is out of the governors hands if the Board of Pardons and Paroles does not recommend clemency. They wrote: But the fact is that the governor appoints the members of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He can choose to appoint members who will take valid claims and concerns more seriously, instead of acting like rubber-stamping gate-keepers. He can still use his position of power and inuence to enact justice in the State of Texas.

The group also called on people to email the governors office and the Board of Pardons with a message that read in part: Moises takes full responsibility for his crime and has expressed tremendous remorse. Now 21 years later, he is not the same person who committed the crime. He has [had] no disciplinary issues in prison since 200817 years He is really the picture of what we want when it comes to rehabilitation and redemption.

But it is retribution and vengeance, not rehabilitation, that drives the death penalty system in Texas and 26 other US states that have capital punishment on the books, along with the federal government and the military. Texas has carried out 594 executions since the US Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, accounting for more than a third of all executions in the US during this time.

Since 1976, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has made clemency recommendations for death row prisoners facing imminent execution only six times, according to the Associated Press. Only two of these recommended were accepted by the governor in office: Henry Lee Lucas in 1998 (George W. Bush) and Thomas Bart Whitaker in 2018 (Abbott).
On Monday, April 21, Washington launched the largest and most openly aggressive set of joint military exercises ever staged with the Philippines. The exercises, which involve 17,000 troops and will be staged until May 9, are a combined and coordinated simulation of war with China over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner, left, and US Marines Lieutenant General James Glynn, right, commander of the US Marines Pacific, during the opening ceremony of the Philippines-US joint military exercise at Camp Aguinaldo military headquarters in Quezon city, April 21, 2025. [AP Photo/Aaron Favila]

Termed Balikatan, or shoulder-to-shoulder, the exercises are the 40th iteration of the annual war games. Balikatan exercises used to involve domestic operations, largely targeting the Muslim population of the southern island of Mindanao. They were, in a sense, colonial affairs. Over the past decade, this character has utterly changed. Discreetly at first, now openly and explicitly, Balikatan has turned into joint preparations for war with China.

Marine Lt. Gen. James Glynn, US exercise director for Balikatan 2025, told the press on Monday that the war games were a full battle test. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, added, We will assess our readiness in all domainsair, land, sea, cyber, information and the emerging frontier of space.

The exercises will be led by 9,000 US troops alongside 5,000 Filipinos. They are joined by participating contingents of soldiers from Australia, Japan, Britain, France and Canada. Sixteen countries have joined as observers, the largest number ever, including Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Poland, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and South Korea. The front row seats at the war games are intended to demonstrate what Lt. Gen. Glynn termed the lethality of US arms.

Japan joins the war games for the first time this year. Eighty years after it departed the land it ravaged during its three-year occupation during World War II, Tokyo returns bearing arms. Last year, Manila and Tokyo signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), granting limited basing rights to Japanese forces in the Philippines. Under the auspices of this deal, Japans so-called Self-Defense Forces deployed 150 personnel and a warship, the Mogami-class frigate Yahagi, to take part in Balikatan.

The Balikatan exercises are a combined battle situation, including countering missile threats, conducting invasions at sea and sinking a decommissioned Philippine naval ship with missile strikes.

The most provocative aspect of the war games is Washingtons deployment of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), a remotely controlled unmanned vehicle armed with Naval Strike Missiles, to the Batanes islands in the midst of the Bashi Channel just south of Taiwan.

This is the closest to mainland China that US land-based missiles have been deployed since the Second Taiwan Straits Crisis in 1958. The Batanes islands stretch halfway across the channel, reaching the midway point to Taiwan. The Bashi Channel is a vital strategic water route from the South China Sea to the Pacific.

The US troops based on the Batanes islands will be staging a live-fire exercise, sinking a naval vessel in the waters south of Taiwan.

The deployment of NMESIS follows last years deployment of the Typhon missile system to the Philippines, with the capacity of launching missiles at much of eastern mainland China. At least 16 SM-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack missiles have been deployed to the Philippines with the Typhon system, according to the Associated Press.

While Typhon directly targets China, the anti-ship missiles of NMESIS are designed to establish control over the critical waterways, above all the Bashi Channel. From its point of deployment in the Batanes islands, and with a range of 110 nautical miles on its Naval Strike Missiles, NMESIS has the capacity to target any ship in the straits, all the way to the southern tip of Taiwan.

The open targeting of the waters around Taiwan is immensely provocative, the island being the most sensitive of all of Beijings national security concerns. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun told the press, The parties concerned are advised not to provoke the Taiwan issue, and those who play with fire will burn themselves.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, in an interview with the Global Times stated: By deploying two types of missile systems, the US has established a comprehensive long-, medium-, and short-range strike network, with a maximum range of 1,800 kilometers, covering Chinas southeastern coastal areas, the Taiwan Straits, the Bashi Channel, and the northern South China Sea.  In the event of a conflict, these locations where missiles are deployed will inevitably become targets for counter-strikes.

On Wednesday, in a clear response to the Balikatan exercises, China deployed its People Liberation Army Navy carrier strike group, led by the Shandong aircraft carrier to the Philippine Sea in the western Pacific, immediately off the east coast of Luzon island. The rival deployments place the US live-fire ship-sinking exercises within approximately 100 nautical miles of Chinas strike group.

US Third Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) is testing a new short-range surface to air counter-drone system, named the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), in a live-fire drill. Designed for the detection and destruction of unmanned aircraft, MADIS was first tested in Hawaii in January. Balikatan marks the first deployment of the new technology outside of the United States.

The Third MLR is based in the Philippines. Lt. Col. Matthew Sladek, commanding officer of the MLR Anti-Air Battalion stated that the more repetitions we get to integrate it [MADIS] with the Philippine Marine Corps in training, the more it will enhance our collective lethality.

The war games take place in the midst of an ongoing build-up of US-led forces targeting China in the Asia-Pacific region

Last week, the US deployed its first Bomber Task Force mission to Japan, sending four B-1B Lancer bombers to Misawa Air Base. On April 2, the US approved the sale of $US5.5 billion in F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines. On April 9, the Philippines acquired two corvette class warships with advanced weapons and radar systems from South Korea.

In early April, the Philippines received the first of three batches of BrahMos cruise missiles, a supersonic anti-ship missile system, from India. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr told the press on Wednesday that a second batch was already en route. The purchase of three batteries of the BrahMos system for $US375 million was arranged in 2022.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru will be travelling to Manila for an official visit on April 29, to oversee a series of high-level talks between Manila and Tokyo for further military integration.

Washington is preparing the Philippines to serve as a staging ground for conflict over Taiwan. These preparations are alarmingly advanced. In March, AFP Chief Brawner told the Northern Luzon Command to prepare for a Taiwan invasion contingency. If something happens to Taiwan, he said, inevitably we will be involved. Start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan.

Balikatan 2025 is a key part of these plans. The entire event is a calculated provocation. Washington is staging a dress rehearsal for the opening salvos of World War Three.
Two police officers shot dead a homeless man on April 17 in the inner-west Melbourne suburb of Footscray, in front of horrified Easter shoppers. Abdifatah Ahmed, 35, who had no fixed address and suffered mental health problems, was well-known in the busy Footscray centre, an area where rough sleepers tend to gather.

A section of the April 22 protest against the police killing of Abdifatah Ahmed

Two police officers arrived at the shops at 9 p.m., minutes after a Triple Zero emergency call. They opened fire on Abdifatah at close range, allegedly because he was armed with a knife and dangerous. One witness to the killing told the Age newspaper that the shooting seemed to go on forever, with an estimated six to eight rounds fired. A video taken seconds later showed the two police approaching him lying on the ground, and standing over him. He was then treated by paramedics, who were unable to save Abdifatah, and he died on a pedestrian crossing.

Shortly afterwards, a group of bystanders became enraged that the police had not tried to de-escalate the situation and began to verbally abuse them. This was to be the beginning of sustained community outrage at the killing, among both Somali-Australians and the wider working class.

On April 18, a vigil was held at the scene of the shooting, with 100 people attending. Members of the crowd held up homemade placards, with the main one asking, Who are the police actually protecting? Others stated: Services not bullets, Stop police killings and Remember the one they killed.

Vigil organiser Gemma Cafarella, vice president of civil liberties group Liberty Victoria, said: This is a 35-year-old person who should have had his whole life ahead of him. What we need is investment in health responses, investment in housing, investment in social support.

A larger demonstration, organised by members of the Somali community, of which Abdifatah was a widely known member, was held on Tuesday in the Footscray Mall, a few hundred metres from the scene of the shooting.

A poster at the scene of his death stated: This is Abdifatah Ahmed. He was shot dead by police in Footscray a few days ago during a mental health crisis. He was not a criminal like the media was spinning. He was a vulnerable mentally unwell person who required assistance by professionals to de-escalate the situation in order to get the help he needed. All witnesses have stated the shock of how the situation was handled. Not OK.

The crowd of 400 to 500 consisted of both African and non-African people, many of whom carried placards calling for Justice for Abdi and Abdifatah needed support not bullets.

Protesters demand justice for police killing of Abdifatah Ahmed

A critical shortage of affordable housing, grossly inadequate mental health services and escalating poverty rates have seen increasing numbers of homeless people in Footscray and other inner-city meeting points.

The inner-west suburb has a long working-class history, and has seen waves of migrants move through, with immigrants and refugees from Africa now making their mark in the vicinity. But the factories that once served as a magnet to the new arrivals have largely disappeared, leaving a whole layer of unemployed young people. Lately there has been a considerable demographic shift, with riverside high-rise apartments catering to tenants who want to live in an inner suburban area close to services and easily within reach of metropolitan Melbourne.

Disparate layers were reflected in Tuesdays demonstration, but the sentiment that unified the crowd was expressed in the loud cheers when speakers expressed the need for mental health services not guns.

After over an hour of speeches, during which there were calls for an independent inquiry, demonstrators marched half a kilometre to Footscray Police Station. Shepherded by a phalanx of uniformed police, protesters chanted, No justice, no peace. Later as the crowd dispersed, there was a brief confrontation between a small section of demonstrators and police, with bottles being thrown.

In the past month, police have shot two people in separate, non-fatal incidents in Melbournes southeastern suburbs.

On March 29, police shot a man who allegedly charged at them with a metal pole in the outer suburb of Doveton. On April 4, a police officer shot a woman through the window of the car she was in, after she allegedly pointed a gun following a police pursuit.

Both incidents are being investigated by Professional Standards Command, an agency of the police itself, which is routine after a shooting. The same process will follow after the shooting of Abdifatah Ahmed, as well as a coronial inquest.

Victoria Police has a bad record of police killings. There have been multiple instances of mentally ill people holding knives being fatally shot by police. From 1987 to 1995, there were 24 police killings in Victoria. From 1995 to 2008, there were another 18. A large proportion of the victims had a history of mental illness.

In 2008, three police fatally shot 15-year-old Tyler Cassidy in a Melbourne skate park. He was armed with two knives and was suffering acute mental stress. His young age aroused public outrage against the police.

In May 2020, police killed a mentally ill man who was standing holding a knife while parked beside a Melbourne freeway. Police claimed they had tried to calm him down. In September 2020, a 24-year-old was shot by police in Lilydale. He was holding a knife and wandering confusedly.

When a coronial inquest is held, the coroner inevitably recommends that the police should receive more training in dealing with vulnerable young and/or mentally ill people, and should be accompanied by trained mental health professionals. The purpose of such inquiries is to create the illusion that the capitalist state is responding to public outrage, while nothing changes and the police violence continues unabated.

The 2021 Royal Commission into Mental Health and Wellbeing was met with promises that the Labor government would implement all its recommendations. Recommendation 10 was that first responders to Triple Zero calls for mental health emergencies should be paramedics and not police. This was supposed to be implemented in September 2023, but Labors then Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, enforcing a law-and-order agenda, insisted it would not happen, claiming the reason was poor ambulance response times.

According to a parliamentary estimates committee, Recommendation 10 will not be implemented until 2027, four years late, despite funding being allocated to the justice and health departments.

State Labor Premier Jacinta Allan, as part of a deepening move to the right, is stepping up the governments so-called law-and-order campaign. Casualties such as Abdifatah Ahmed are the consequence of this orientation.

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Level 1/457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia.
Photo: https://x.com/benshapiro/status/1915121386361626749

Ukraine considers the United States as a strong strategic partner and would like to have a common understanding that Russia is the aggressor, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"We know that the United States has a mediator position in this conflict. And this is the choice that the United States made. But we consider the United States as a strong strategic partner that has influence. And we would very much like these two forces to be used in relation to Russia, so that the force is directed at Russia, because it is Russia that is the aggressor. And we would very much like to have a common understanding that Russia is the aggressor, not us," Zelenskyy said in an interview with American journalist Ben Shapiro.

According to the president, Ukraine wants the United States to "not look for balance in these words."

"I understand what President Trump wants. I very much respect the fact that he is looking for an approach. This is his approach," Zelenskyy noted.
Workers at the Dundee Engine Complex [Photo by Stellantis Media]

Autoworkers are calling for an independent rank-and-file investigation into the death of 63-year-old Ronnie Adams at Stellantis Dundee Engine Plant on April 7. The machine repairman was reportedly crushed to death by an automatic overhead crane, known as a gantry, as he did maintenance work by a conveyor line.

Funeral services for Adams, who left behind a wife, Shamenia Stewart-Adams, and several children and grandchildren in their blended family, are planned for 11 a.m. April 28 at Kadesh Baptist Church, 20361 Plymouth Road in Detroit.

In the more than two weeks since Adams death, virtually no new information has been released to the public about the circumstances and causes of the tragedy.

The day of the fatal accident, Stellantis issued a perfunctory statement offering its heartfelt condolences to family, friends and co-workers and saying management was currently working with local authorities to investigate the incident. The company has provided no further information.

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSH) opened an investigation on April 7 after its inspectors arrived on the scene. According to spokesman Mike Krafcik, however, the agency cannot provide information on an open investigation, which typically takes several weeks or months to complete.

The only information provided by the safety agency on the incident was a brief description on the MIOSHA 2025 Fatality Information page. It reads:

On April 7, 2025, a 63-year-old machine repairman was performing maintenance tasks near a conveyor line. During the task, a motorized arm pinned the victim to the conveyor causing fatal crushing injuries.

The Washtenaw County Medical Examiner has not issued its findings on the official cause of death. A spokesperson told this reporter on April 23 that the results were still pending, and the office had 60-90 days to release its findings.

Ronald Adams Sr. and his widow, Shamenia Stewart-Adams [Photo by Adams Family ]

The United Auto Workers union has been no more forthcoming.

On April 7, United Auto Workers Local 723 President Michael Miller posted a statement on the locals Facebook page reporting a fatal accident involving one of our UAW 723 brothers. But it did not provide any further details.

Information regarding this incident will be shared as soon as possible, Miller said, adding, I am collaborating closely with UAW Safety and UAW EAP personnel, who are present in the building. This refers to officials from the UAW Internationals Health and Safety Department, headed by UAW President Shawn Fain, and its employee assistance program.

In a similar vein, Chris Sharpe, the local union vice president, issued an April 8 post stating, At the appropriate time, we will share more information to you all.

Ten days after the fatal accident, on April 17, the UAW posted a small notice about Adams at the bottom of a graphic on Workers Memorial Day 2025, which marks the anniversary of the founding of OSHA in 1970. The graphic was not posted on the Local 723 page until a week later.

It said:

The victim, Brother Adams, was working in Department 7300 on a Cinetic Washer when, at some point during the maintenance task, the overhead gantry engaged, pinning Brother Adams between the gantry and the conveyor which resulted in fatal crushing injuries to the upper torso. This incident is currently under investigation by the UAW-Stellantis Health and Safety Department with assistance from the International Union, UAW Health and Safety Department and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

This reporter called and emailed UAW Local 723 President Michael Miller on April 23 for more information about the unions investigation, but Miller has not replied.

The lack of information has generated concern among workers about a possible cover up. The day of the tragedy, Dundee workers who spoke to the World Socialist Web Site immediately raised the possibility that company and union officials had skirted basic safety precautions to hasten the restart of production at the Dundee Engine Complex, which is undergoing a $150 million retooling to produce new engines and battery trays for Jeep and Dodge brand vehicles.

This was followed by a letter sent to the WSWS from a former co-worker of Adams who suffered a severe injury during a previous product launch at the Dundee Engine Complex. Posted by the WSWS on April 15, the letter painted a devastating picture of the unsafe conditions at the plant, and the negligence and complicity of the UAW bureaucracy.

In a recent interview with the WSWS, the worker, identified here as John to protect his identity, described the intense pressure workers face during product launches. Production deadlines often lead management to bypass critical safety procedures, especially the lockout/tagout systems designed to prevent machinery from activating during maintenance. The first thing I thought when I heard about Ronnie getting crushed was that they bypassed safety, John said. Thats the only way something like that can happen.

Lockout procedures involve authorized skilled trades workers using individualized locks with name tags and photos to shut off machinery power before entering hazardous areas. According to John, who was a certified skilled trades worker like Adams, these systems are often circumvented under managements directive to keep the line moving at all costs. When you got deadlines and inspectors there, theyll tell you, Were going to bypass this. We got to get this going or were losing money every day.

Union leaders like UAW President Shawn Fain, he said, have been lining their pockets off us for years. When a worker gets killed, they look at it like, Oh, thats just another number. Theyre telling us were going to do this and do that and that we should just shut up and go right back in there so it can happen again.

Ronnie Adams death, he believes, fits a familiar pattern. Based on discussions with workers still inside the plant, John suspected a gantry was involveda motorized crane that runs along an overhead rail or gantry that moves heavy engine components. If lockout procedures were bypassed or improperly restored, any worker inside the area would have been at risk. Once these machines go from spot A to B, anything that is in the way gets crushed. Flesh and bone cant stop it.

He explained: They give you locks with your picture and name on it. Youre the only one with the key. That way, if someone sees your lock, they know not to start the machine. But if somebody bypasses the system and doesnt put a lock back, and you think its safethats how you get killed.

Dundee engine worker [Photo by Stellantis Media]

John stressed that Adams, a veteran skilled tradesman and former aircraft mechanic at Northwest/Delta airlines, would never have endangered himself unless under extreme pressure. Ronnie was a good man. He didnt play around with safety. If he was in there, its because someone told him, We need to get this line running now.

The lack of transparency around Adams deathcombined with the silence from OSHA, Stellantis and the UAWraises serious concerns. John called for an independent investigation by rank-and-file workers. We cant trust OSHA or the union. We need workers to expose whats happening inside these plants.

He also highlighted another tragic case: Antonio Gaston, a worker at the Toledo Jeep Complex, who was similarly killed on the job, with OSHA issuing nothing but a wrist-slap fine to Stellantis. They fined the company $16,000 and the companys contesting it. A man lost his life. I almost fell on the floor.

But now, everything is just hush, hush and nothing. They try to scare people but if we dont get the truth, its going to happen again and again.

John condemned President Donald Trump for cutting Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) staff and slashing funding for social programs like Social Security and Medicare. Trump speaks for the oligarchy. Now he wants to cut Social Security. That money came out of our checks. You take that away, and people will be out here ready to snap. People are already living check to check.

Fain has backed Trumps tariffs based on the lie they will benefit American workers. Instead, he is collaborating with the fascist president to re-shore military production and prepare for war against China. In his April 17 letter marking Workers Memorial Day, Fain deliberately concealed Trumps plans to gut OSHA, saying only, Every administration puts a different emphasis on different topics.

John expressed support for Will Lehman, a Mack Trucks worker in Pennsylvania who ran for UAW president on a platform of abolishing the union bureaucracy and transferring power to the shop floor. He agreed with Lehmans denunciation of economic nationalism to divide workers from their brothers and sisters in Mexico, Canada, and China. Were all working for the same companies, and we should fight together. These tariffs are going to create more Flints where all the plants are closed.

John said he reached out to the WSWS after reading the article on Ronnie Adams, especially because of what you mentioned about the UAW being on the side of management. They go up and do all this negotiating for us and then they next thing you know, they have beautiful homes, theyve moved up into management positions.

Johns message to fellow autoworkers is that they must take matters in their own hands.

We need real leadership, not people getting rich off our dues. We need our own organizations, run by us. They dont want anyone stopping the machines when theres a safety problem. But thats the only way were going to live.

He concluded with a warning to Ronnie Adams family: Dont trust what the UAW tells you. Get the best lawyer you can. Get your own investigation. Someones going to talk. The truth will come out. Dont fold.

As more workers speak out, he said, a movement from below would emerge to challenge not only the corporations but their enablers in the union apparatus. I know theyre trying to cover it up, John said. Thats what they tried to do with me. And now Ronnies gone. Dont let it happen again.

If you have further information about the death of Ronnie Adams or want to join the fight for a rank-and-file investigation into it, fill out the form below.
A recent study published using data collected by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has reported the most detailed study of the atmosphere of a planet beyond the Solar System yet, including tentative but tantalizing evidence for two chemical compounds, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), on the exoplanet K2-18b, found on Earth primarily as a result of biological processes but also found in the universe from non-biological sources.

The exoplanet orbits around a red dwarf star, which is smaller, cooler and redder than our Sun. The system is about 120 light years from Earth and one of many that have been or are being studied by astronomers working with the JWST.

The work was carried out by Nikku Madhusudhan, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Cambridge. His team consisted of researchers in the United Kingdom and the United States and was supported by the thousands of scientists, engineers and technicians all over the world who operate the JWST.

This artist's conception shows K2-18b (right) as a large, water-covered world orbiting its nearby red dwarf parent star. The system is estimated to be 120 light years from Earth. [Photo: NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI)]

Media coverage has largely centered on the potential biological implications of the sulfur compounds. To be clear, what has been discovered is both significant and very preliminary. While the results indicate that there is a 99.7 percent chance the data show the existence of both chemicals, a 3 sigma significance, even that high level of confidence is not sufficient to rule out other possibilities. The paper itself notes that more observations are needed to increase the robustness of the findings. Other scientists have also pointed out that a limited number of chemical compounds were surveyed as potential matches, so while something was almost certainly detected, there is less certainty of its identification.

The data are not any indication, definite or otherwise, of extraterrestrial life on another world, despite the initial sensationalized headlines in the corporate media. Even if the presence of DMS and DMDS were confirmed, a great deal more work would need to be carried out to rule out other processes through which the chemicals could be produced. There also needs to be more study of the general chemistry of K2-18b and the atmospheric chemistry of so-called hycean worlds as a whole.

The more refined study of the chemistry of K2-18b builds off of previous work done using observations from the Kepler and Hubble space telescopes over the past ten years. The exoplanet was first discovered by the Kepler mission in 2015, which detected that the light from the planets star, K2-18, dimmed in a periodic fashion, suggesting a large body was transiting between the star and our vantage point on Earth. Subsequent observations allowed astronomers to determine that the exoplanet has a mass 8.6 times that of Earth and a radius about 2.6 times that of our planet.

The calculated size and mass of the object highlighted the planet for further study. Most early detections of exoplanets were those the size of Jupiter (or larger) because their large size made them easier to detect. The enormous amount of data collected by Kepler from 2009 to 2018, as well as constantly improving computational techniques, have made finding worlds smaller than Neptune a more regular occurrence.

Follow-up studies with Hubble were then undertaken in 2019 in an attempt to determine the chemical composition of the exoplanets atmosphere. Several scenarios exist for such worlds: a small gas giant (a mini-Neptune), a rocky planet with a thin hydrogen atmosphere (gas dwarf) or a world with a vast liquid water ocean covered in a hydrogen atmosphere (a hycean planet).

The analysis using Hubble was inconclusive. Initial spectral data from its Wide Field Camera 3 instrument inferred the presence of water vapor or methane in K2-18bs atmosphere, but the spectral resolution was not fine enough to completely differentiate between the two.

Using the higher resolution of data from the JWST, Madhusudhan found much stronger evidence for methane than water vapor in the planets atmosphere. The data also indicated the presence of carbon dioxide. The studies did not rule out the existence of water, but instead suggested it wasnt present in the atmospheric layers the telescope is able to probe.

The most recent JWST data were also what provided the possible indications of DMS and DMDS. The pursuit of life on other worlds has always been guided by so-called biosignatures, chemicals found on Earth that emerge only as the result of biological processes, and DMS in Earths atmosphere is found largely as a result of marine biological activity. It has also been found in giant molecular clouds in the Universe, however, so if this detection is confirmed, it is a tantalizing indication of the scope of chemical and biological studies opened up by the new techniques made possible by JWST.

The new data also provided more tests of the models of hycean worlds, a new class of worlds that has been hypothesized for many years. Current models suggest they will be larger than Earth and have a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. The planets most important feature is that they orbit their parent stars at a distance which allows for liquid water on their surface.

No such world exists in our own Solar System, and not even K2-18b is a confirmed hycean world. Among the difficulties of confirming such a status, which includes detailed studies of the atmosphere, is that most hycean worlds are suspected to orbit red dwarf stars.

Essentially every bit of interesting data about exoplanets beyond their radius and mass is determined through studying the colors of light, their spectra, that are seen as the light of their parent star transmits through different atmospheric layers and detected with extraordinarily precise instruments like Hubble or the JWST. From experiments on Earth going back more than a century, it is an established scientific fact that every atom and molecule has a distinct spectral signature that can be used to identify them.

What makes detecting molecular signatures difficult in a planet orbiting a red dwarf, however, is that the background from the star itself is usually extremely active. One of the defining features of this class of star is that their surface is constantly changing, meaning the light they are emitted is constantly changing. Accordingly, it is difficult to subtract out the emissions from the star and isolate the chemical signatures of a given planets atmosphere.

That JWST is able to do this at all is an extraordinary triumph of careful engineering and scientific thought. It proves once again that the decades-long effort to design, build and launch the telescope, including against an attempt by the US Congress to axe the project entirely, was entirely justified. The material world is law-governed and knowable, and the centuries of human inquiry to understand this world are among the pinnacles of human culture.

The boundless potential of astronomical discovery contrasts sharply with the backwardness and reaction promoted by Trump and the entire American oligarchy. This was most recently highlighted by the Trump administrations removal of all official references to the virology and biology of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, instead using the office of the presidency to promote the anti-scientific lab-leak hoax.

Such retrograde attitudes are also present in the recently leaked 2026 budget for NASA, which strips away essentially all new science that the agency was planning on carrying out. In effect, when the current missions, including the JWST, reach the end of their lifespan, Trump and his acolytes would render NASA a defunct organization and ultimately scuttle it, while any space operations that prove profitable would be handed over to Elon Musk and other billionaire cronies.

There is, however, enormous support for science and human progress in the broad masses of workers and youth in the US and internationally. Developments in materials science, agriculture, thermodynamics, chemical engineering, biology and more, as well as the recent developments in artificial intelligence, have improved the lives of millions. And the worlds population will experience even greater heights as a result of these advances when capitalism, the social order that Trump, the Democrats and their ilk defend, is finally swept away.
Ukraine received $105 billion in weapons and aid from the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"My country clearly documents how much aid was provided. Just so you know, we received $105 billion, most of it in the form of weapons," Zelenskyy said in an interview with American journalist Ben Shapiro.
Interfax-Ukraine to host discussion Trump and vacuum of global security

On Monday, April 28, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a discussion entitled "Trump and vacuum of global security."

Participants include: political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; PhD of Political Sciences, expert of the Analytical Center United Ukraine Ihor Petrenko; political scientist, co-founder of the National Platform of Resilience and Cohesion Oleh Sahakian (8/5a Reitarska Street).

The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards.
In April, the sociological company Active Group, together with the Experts Club information and analytical center, conducted a public opinion survey on international sympathies of Ukrainians. The survey was conducted online among 800 respondents, representative of age, gender and regions. The purpose of the study was to find out which countries enjoy the greatest trust and sympathy in Ukrainian society.

"This study confirms the general vector of public sentiment in Ukraine, which has intensified since the outbreak of a large-scale war. Ukrainians clearly associate the support received primarily from the European Union and the United Kingdom with a positive attitude towards them," said Alexander Poznyi, co-founder of Active Group, at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday.

According to the survey, Ukrainians have the most positive attitude towards the UK - 77.2% of respondents gave positive answers, Canada (76.3%) and France (74%). It is particularly significant that only 1.1% of respondents were completely negative about France. Germany currently enjoys the support of 68.8% of Ukrainians. According to Oleksandr Poznyi, the high level of trust in this country is primarily determined by long-term support for Ukrainian reforms and the defense industry, policy toward Ukrainian refugees, and other initiatives.

Ukrainians have a moderately positive attitude toward the United States of America: 36.1% of respondents assess the United States positively, while another 31.2% are neutral. On the other hand, almost a third - 29.9% - have a negative attitude toward the country. According to experts, these results indicate a deep polarization in the perception of the United States within Ukraine, which is caused by changes in American policy after the new administration came to power.

For many Ukrainians, the United States is still a guarantor of support, but it is also a country with an ambivalent role in global conflicts, which can cause a mixed reaction in society, said Maksym Urakin, founder of Experts Club.

Ukrainians are quite critical of Hungary (56% negative attitude) and Slovakia (34.6% negative).

Such results are not unexpected - the official rhetoric of Budapest and Bratislava often diverges from the interests of Ukraine and is seen as pro-Russian, which cannot but be reflected in public opinion, commented Oleksandr Poznyi.

The situation with China is no better: 42.8% of Ukrainians have a negative opinion of this country, while only 19.6% have a positive one. At the same time, 27.6% chose a neutral answer.

"It is particularly interesting that even Ukraine's economically important partners, such as China (the largest trading partner), receive low support ratings among Ukrainians. This indicates that Ukrainian society places moral support above actual trade and does not recognize neutrality unless it is accompanied by humanitarian gestures," said Maksym Urakin.

There is a high level of trust in Japan: 66% of respondents have a positive attitude, while only 3.6% have a negative attitude. Japan is perceived as a country with a high cultural reputation and technological leadership. South Korea also has a positive attitude from 49.7% of Ukrainians, although the level of negativity is slightly higher at 14%.

Turkey, despite partnership projects (particularly in the field of drones), has a rather ambiguous perception: 46.4% of respondents have a positive attitude toward it, and 12% have a negative attitude.

Ukrainians have a favorable attitude toward Brazil, with 33.3% positive versus 9.3% negative, and mostly neutral attitudes toward other Latin American countries. This, according to Oleksandr Poznyi, indicates a neutral interest rather than a clearly defined position.

Regarding Saudi Arabia, 25.2% of Ukrainians have a positive attitude, and 9.5% have a negative attitude. The rest of the respondents either have a neutral position or refrained from answering.

These countries are trustworthy due to their efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, including prisoner exchanges, and also act as a negotiation platform, and they are also of interest in the economic sphere, Urakin said.

According to Mr. Poznyi, the findings of the study are an indicator of international trust and the potential for the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and other countries.

Maksym Urakin, in turn, added that the image of states in the perception of Ukrainians can be improved by supporting projects to restore Ukraine (even without military involvement), establishing direct dialogue through embassies and public diplomacy projects, explaining their position through the historical context without avoiding publicity.

The presentation can be viewed here
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. In the CIS+ region, the direct impact of tariffs will be low as exports to the US are limited, Trend reports via Fitch.

Armenia and Georgia are oil importers, while banks in oil-exporting CIS+ countries such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan generally have low direct exposure to the oil and gas sector, and strong liquidity buffers. In countries with high external liabilities, particularly Uzbekistan, refinancing for state-owned banks may become more costly, but risks are mitigated by state support and the long-term nature of most external borrowings, mainly from international financial institutions on concessional terms, reads the report released by Fitch.



The rating agencys analysts note that the US dollar has weakened since the major tariff increases, but if this trend reversed, local-currency depreciation would be likely to weaken asset quality in countries with high dollarisation.

However, most banks have capacity to absorb moderate losses, and the authorities could support domestic currencies if needed.



In Africa, Nigeria and Angola are most exposed to lower oil prices, meaning asset quality and foreign-exchange liquidity are likely to weaken. Capital could also weaken if the local currencies depreciate, a possibility exacerbated by likely reduced availability of external aid, but most bank ratings are low and unlikely to be affected. Refinancing risks are limited due to banks low reliance on foreign-currency wholesale funding, reads the report.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The visit of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to China in April 2025 marks a pivotal and symbolic moment in the evolving landscape of international relations.

As the dominance of Western universalism rapidly declines, Baku and Beijing are laying the foundation for a new model of cooperationone that is equal, multidimensional, and strategically resilient.

This historic visit culminated in the signing of a Joint Declaration that elevated bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and China to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The document outlines a shared commitment to mutual respect, long-term cooperation, and geopolitical synergy.

The meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and President Xi Jinping of the Peoples Republic of China was held in an atmosphere of warmth and sincerity. The leaders reflected positively on over three decades of diplomatic relations, agreeing to deepen ties through trust, strategic foresight, and mutual interest.

The declaration reaffirmed support for each others sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security. Azerbaijan expressed its unwavering support for the One China principle, affirming Taiwan as an integral part of China. In turn, China voiced its backing of Azerbaijans peace initiatives and regional stability efforts.

Leadership diplomacy emerged as a key focus, with agreements to enhance cooperation among political parties, parliaments, foreign ministries, and intergovernmental bodies. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will be aligned with Azerbaijans national development plans, with collaboration extending across trade, investment, green energy, and the digital economy. A special task force will be created to implement joint projects.

Transportation and logistics feature prominently in the partnership. Both countries plan to strengthen multimodal freight routes between China and Europe via the Trans-Caspian corridor. Negotiations will begin on a potential free trade agreement.

Cultural, scientific, educational, and tourism exchanges will also deepen. Plans include expanding student exchange programs, supporting Confucius Institutes, conducting joint research, and organizing cultural events. A mutual visa waiver agreement is also under consideration.

In energy, particularly renewable sources and clean technologies, cooperation will expand. In industry, areas such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, and mechanical engineering will be prioritized.

On the global stage, Azerbaijan supports China's international initiatives on development and security and is ready for active cooperation. Beijing congratulated Baku for hosting the upcoming COP29 climate summit and stressed the importance of joint efforts in combating climate change.

The declaration also touched on Azerbaijans bid for World Trade Organization (WTO) membership, cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), and Chinese technical assistance for demining.

As global geopolitical structures shift, Azerbaijans engagement with China signifies its emerging role in shaping a new world orderone driven by the nations of the Global South. The countries of the "global majority" are rejecting their status as peripheral actors and becoming architects of a multipolar world, from Latin America to Central Asia and from East Africa to the South Caucasus.

Within this context, Azerbaijan and China are entering a new phase of partnership that goes beyond commerce and energy. Their cooperation is rooted in mutual respect, sovereignty, and technological synergy.

Today, the global agenda is no longer shaped by hollow cliches about "post-democracy" and "libertarianism." Instead, it is grounded in tangible, unified mechanisms that ensure energy security, transport connectivity, digital sovereignty, and climate resilience. Within this evolving framework, Azerbaijan and China are forging an alliance not aimed against any other power but built on inter-civilizational synergyan alliance of nations united by mutual respect and shared commitment to technological cooperation.

Azerbaijan has demonstrated the capacity to resolve conflicts, develop critical infrastructure, and uphold regional stability independently, without external intervention. This capability has positioned the country as a compelling partner for Chinanot just in the realms of energy and logistics, but as an equal and strategic player on the broader geopolitical stage.

Chinas BRI is evolving into a Eurasian integration platform, with the Middle Corridorpassing through the Caspian Sea, South Caucasus, and Turkiyegaining strategic significance. Azerbaijan is not merely a transit country; it is a co-author of this route, investing in ports, railways, logistics, and security.

In todays fragmented global order, Baku emerges not as a passive bridge but as an active hubcoordinating transregional integration and shaping new forms of influence.

President Xi Jinping described President Ilham Aliyev as a wonderful friend of the Chinese people. This remark was more than diplomaticit was a political signal. Beijing recognizes Azerbaijan as a stable and pragmatic leader in the Eurasian energy and transport corridors.

Following the visit, a new agreement was signed, officially upgrading the relationship from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive partnershipmarking a significant qualitative shift. China reserves this level of partnership for countries with mutual trust, international relevance, and tangible geo-economic assets. For Azerbaijan, this move signifies recognition not only as an energy exporter and transit hub but as a sovereign player with the ability to make a meaningful contribution to global stability.

A key aspect of this evolving partnership is the focus on renewable energy. Recently, Azerbaijan has demonstrated a growing commitment to green transformation. In the lead-up to COP29, Baku has already positioned itself as a proactive participant in the global climate agenda.

In this context, Chinathe undisputed leader in solar and wind energyoffers more than just cutting-edge technologies. The partnership includes investments, training programs, and credit facilities. As a result of President Ilham Aliyev's visit, projects related to the development of solar power plants in Karabakh, Absheron, and Nakhchivan have gained significant momentum. Chinese support is fast-tracking Azerbaijans transformation into a green energy hub, bridging the East and West.

A key aspect of this collaboration is that the technology transfer process is rooted in partnership principles. The integration of projects into the local economy and the training of national personnel highlight the mature approach of both parties involved.

Humanitarian concerns were also addressed during the discussions. Notably, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's efforts in promoting cultural initiatives and fostering inter-civilizational dialogue were acknowledged. China views Azerbaijan not only as an energy and transit hub but as a strategic ally based on shared principles and values, including non-interference in domestic affairs, respect for sovereignty, and the diversity of development models.

In return, Azerbaijan expressed its support for Beijings global initiatives, particularly the concepts of shared destiny, security, and human development. This alignment further confirms the strategic proximity between the two nations on a worldview level.

Overall, the post-colonial world is entering a phase of gradual but irreversible transformation. Since the nineteenth century, the West has maintained global dominance through a triple mechanism: control over sea routes, financial infrastructure, and resource dominance. While these instruments remain in place, their monopoly is waning. The rise of China, the growing autonomy of East and South Asia, the shifting dynamics of the Middle East, and the increasing influence of Eurasia are driving a shift from global centralization to a more multipolar world order.

In An in-depth analysis of the bilateral negotiations between Beijing and Baku is necessary in this context.ina's BRI is viewed as a framework for flexible, mutually beneficial partnerships. Within this process, Azerbaijan stands as one of the architects of a new transport and energy corridorone that is driven by synergies rather than dependence.

One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was a package of agreements that extend far beyond traditional trade relations. These include direct investments in renewable energy, the assembly of BYD electric buses in Sumgayit, cooperation in hydrogen energy, and digital decarbonization. All of this signals Azerbaijan's commitment to industrial transformation and technological self-sufficiency.

The $34 million investment in the electric bus project is more than just a financial figureit serves as an infrastructure milestone, reflecting a shift in Azerbaijans economic priorities. The country is transitioning from being a raw material exporter to a creator of high-tech value chains. Moreover, unlike many Western counterparts, China is investing in tangible production capacities rather than offering politically tied loans.

A major focus of the visit was green energy, which carries a symbolic significance. A nation that once built its wealth on oil and gas is now embarking on an energy transition. In this transformation, China plays a pivotal role as a technological partner. Solar and wind power plants, joint research projects, local equipment production, and personnel training are transforming Baku into a "laboratory" for new energy solutions in the south. Significantly, China views Azerbaijan not only as a market but also as a crucial platform for advancing its green agenda in the Caucasus.

Baku views Beijing not just as an investor but also as a political guarantor of stability in the face of global energy competition. As such, the energy sector encompasses a broad array of issues, ranging from logistics to climate and humanitarian cooperation.

In stark contrast to Western capitals that are increasingly losing their veneer of neutrality in international relations, China and Azerbaijan are strengthening their partnership based on mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. The joint statement signed in Beijing highlighted Azerbaijan's strong support for China's key initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative and the "Common Destiny for Humanity" concept.

A particular focus of the negotiations was the Middle Corridor project. This strategic transport route, which links China and Europe via the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and Turkiye, is being developed as a key alternative to the Northern Sea Route and the paths passing through Russia.

The meeting in Beijing reinforced Azerbaijan's pivotal role in the Middle Corridor. With its advanced seaport infrastructure, railway hubs, and multimodal logistics centers, the country has become an invaluable partner for China. Chinese companies are already increasing investments in the expansion of Azerbaijan's transport networkfrom the Alat port to the Baku-Tbilisi railway line.

Azerbaijan's internal stability has made the Middle Corridor even more strategically appealing to China amid growing geopolitical uncertainty in Eastern Europe and ongoing instability in the Middle East. In today's world, logistics has emerged as a new currency of global influence. In 2024 alone, cargo transit between China and Azerbaijan surged by 86 percenta figure that reflects not just trade flows but strategic geopolitics. With the ongoing expansion of its ports, container terminals, and multimodal transport infrastructure, Azerbaijan is evolving into a vital hub capable of linking Southeast Asia, the Caspian and Black Seas, and Europe along a unified energy and trade axis.

Azerbaijans foreign policy is increasingly guided by the principle of global justice. President Ilham Aliyev has consistently advocated for the rights and interests of the Global South, pushing back against neo-colonial pressure, double standards, and monopolistic control. During its leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan went beyond symbolic gestures, proposing concrete mechanisms such as climate finance, digital equality, and targeted support for underdeveloped nations. These initiatives have been well received by Chinaa country that has also faced marginalization in the past and has since emerged as a global center of power.

At a time when the international landscape is becoming more polarized, Azerbaijans growing recognition as a voice for the Global South is particularly significant. China commended the success of the COP29 climate summit in Baku and emphasized Azerbaijans capacity to represent the interests of developing nations while crafting balanced and practical solutions on pressing global issues such as climate change, energy transition, and food security.

The message is clear: Baku is no longer just a regional player. It is increasingly positioning itself as a global platform for dialoguean emerging voice in shaping the future architecture of international stability.

Beijing and Baku may not align ideologically, but they share a common challenge: the outdated world order that once split the globe into rulers and the ruled. President Ilham Aliyevs visit to China was more than a diplomatic gestureit was a strategic move toward a new geopolitical framework, one in which sovereign nations take the lead as independent actors, not passive participants. Azerbaijan is no longer simply navigating this emerging reality; it is actively shaping it.

The world is changingnot by decree or design, but through deep, tectonic shifts across economic, cultural, and energy landscapes. The old certainties are dissolving. Traditional powers are losing their monopoly on what is considered truth, while new centers of influence are risingnot through conquest, but by connecting continents and economies, and the 21st century is not only witnessing the rise of new nations but also the emergence of new ideas.

meanings. Oil, while still valuable, is no longer the centerpiece of global power. Today, we measure diplomacy not in banquets but in solar grids, railway corridors, and collective climate action. In this context, Azerbaijan is no longer just a bridge between regionsit is a hub where Eurasian routes converge, where energy transforms, and where geography becomes geopolitical agency. Baku is already at the heart of a new model of regional influence, grounded in participation, not hierarchy.

President Ilham Aliyevs visit to China marks the beginning of a broader chapterone in which Azerbaijan and China are not only forging a partnership but also nurturing a civilizational alliance alliance. This cooperation is not about military blocs; its about energy intelligence, infrastructure development, and long-term strategic resilience. It is a dialogue not just between two presidents, but between two visions of development, two models of sustainability, and two civilizations charting new paths.

If the 20th century was a geopolitical symphony conducted by the West, the 21st is an era of polyphony. The notes are now written in Baku and Beijing, echoed in Ankara and Brasilia, and concluded in Doha and Addis Ababa. And in this global orchestra, Azerbaijan is not playing second fiddleit is helping to compose the melody.

At a time when global roles and rules are being redrawn, this visit sent a clear message: Azerbaijan has stepped out of the shadows of externally scripted narratives. It stands today among sovereign states that are co-authoring the future.

While old powers wrestle for dominance, new nations are quietly constructing the world of tomorrow with ports, highways, power stations, bridges, and, above all, mutual trust.

Azerbaijan is not just part of the multipolar world. It is writing its story into its foundation.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Asghar Farhadi will shoot his next film Parallel Tales in Paris this coming fall, with Isabelle Huppert, Virginie Efira, Vincent Cassel, Pierre Niney and Adam Bessa in the cast.

It is the Oscar-winning Iranian directors first feature since A Hero, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2021.

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Parallel Tales marks Farhadis second French-language film after The Past with Tahar Rahim and Berenice Bejo, who won Best Actress award for her performance at Cannes in 2013.

The feature will be produced by Alexandre Mallet-Guy alongside Farhadi and David Levine. Mallet-Guy has worked with Farhadi on all of his films starting with and since The Past, having originally connected with the director as the French distributor of his earlier titles including About Elly and A Separation.

The film is an official French-Italian-Belgian coproduction between Mallet-Guys Memento Production in France, Andrea Occhipintis Lucky Red in Italy, and Andre Logies Panache Productions and Gaetan Davids La Compagnie Cinematographique in Belgium. Anonymous Content in the U.S. will also co-produce the film.

Charades and UTA Independent Film Group will launch the film at the Cannes Film Festival. Charades will handle international sales, while UTA Independent Film Group will rep U.S. rights. Memento will handle distribution in France.

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The film is set for theatrical release in France in the spring of 2026.

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Apr. 24BOYD COUNTY  Tyler Childers, who began his music career in the Tri-State, will be headlining the Healing Appalachia concert on Sept. 19 and 20, along with Chris Stapleton.

Childers, a Lawrence County, Kentucky native, began his music career in 2011 when he was just 19.

In 2013, he played the Appalachian Uprising concert in Scottown. He played at the first Valstock in Kitts Hills in 2016, the Paramount Arts Center in 2018, the Nelsonville Music Festival in 2019 and numerous gigs in this area from Huntington to Chillicothe. In fact, he's played this area so many times that, in his song "Country Squire," he mentions Chillicothe, Circleville and the Country Music Highway. In 2020, Childers name was added to the Country Music Highway sign in Lawrence County, Kentucky, along with Ricky Skaggs, Larry Cordle, Don Rigsby and Keith Whitley.

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It was the Country Music Highway that brought Healing Appalachia to Boyd County from after the concert attendance outgrew the West Virginia State Fairgrounds where it had been held for the last five years. In its first year, the audience was about 1,500. Last year, it attracted nearly 20,000 music fans from 42 states and three countries. And the organizers decided to look for a bigger space along the Country Music Highway and decided on the Boyd County Fairgrounds.

Healing Appalachia co-founder and show producer Charlie Hatcher explains he originally envisioned the concert "like a Farm Aid that would move around Appalachia. Let's not forget Appalachia is thirteen states and we love Appalachia whether you're from New York or Mississippi."

Healing Appalachia's aim is to celebrate recovery and raise awareness of the opioid crisis in the region. In addition to its music acts, the event features speeches from those impacted by addiction, as well as resources and free Naloxone training.

The rest of this year's lineup has yet to be announced, but "Blind Faith" tickets to the three-day show are on sale now at https://tickets.healingappalachia.org.

Organizations and businesses that would like to sponsor or partner with Healing Appalachia can email producer David Johnson at djohnson@healingappalachia.org.
Mediawan has scored a raft of major licensing deals on The Count of Monte Cristo, the highly anticipated epic series directed by two-time Palme dOr winner Bille August.

A lushly lensed adaptation of Alexandre Dumas iconic masterpiece, the series will have a gala premiere on closing night of Canneseries where it will play out of competition in the Lumiere Theatre, in the presence of August, and his key cast, Sam Claflin (Peaky Blinders) and Ana Girardot (The Returned).

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Produced by Palomar and DEMD Productions, two Mediawan companies, The Count of Monte Cristo has lured PBS Masterpiece in the U.S. and UKTV in the U.K., along with TVE in Spain, RTS in Switzerland, and the Nordic PSB alliance which includes SVT, NRK, DR, YLE and RUV.

The eight-episode series will also be broadcast in Eastern European countries, including Poland with TVP, Hungary with TV2, and the Czech Republic with Ceska TV. Mediawan is also in negotiation to close more major territories.

Claflin stars in The Count of Monte Cristo as Edmond Dantes, a nineteen-year-old sailor who was falsely accused of treason and is imprisoned without trial in the Chateau dIf, a grim island fortress off Marseille. After many years of captivity he finally escapes and, under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, he plans to take revenge on those who have wrongly accused him.

The Count of Monte Cristo already premiered in Italy where it broke rating records. On Rai1, the miniseries was a massive success, attracting nearly 6 million viewers, a 30.5% market share. Mediawan said the ratings on Rai marked the broadcasters highest score on that slot within the last three years.

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The show was commissioned by France Televisions in France and RAI in Italy, and distributed worldwide by Mediawan Rights in cooperation with CAA for North America and with the participation of Entourage Ventures.



Valerie Vleeschhouwer, Mediawan Rights managing director, said the shows global resonance underscores Mediawan Rights enduring commitment to supporting the best talents and the best IPs.

Vleeschhouwer said The Count of Monte Cristo taps into the needs of a dynamic global market for appealing premium content.

Nicola Serra, Palomar CEO, praised the series wonderful talents. Their amazing work made this show a worldwide event for a global audience. We hope they will love the show as much as we loved to make it, said Serra.

August, the revered Danish filmmaker whose credits include Pelle the Conqueror, The Best Intentions and Les Miserables, shot the series on location in Europe over five-months.

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The Count of Monte Cristo is the first international series of that caliber fully produced as well as distributed by Mediawan, and financed with Entourage.

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Credit: Anne-Marie Forker

Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery has revealed details of his new project Bioscope, a collaboration with Tangerine Dream's Thorsten Quaeschning.

The pair will release their first album, Gento, through earMusic in late July or early August, although the CD version is now available to pre-order from Marillion's Racket label for shipping in early May, the first 500 of which will be signed by the guitarist.

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"Ive just returned from Abbey Road where the half-speed vinyl was being cut for my Bioscope project with Thorsten Quaeschning from Tangerine Dream," Rothery told Marillion fans in the band's regular newsletter. "The project started life in early 2020 and after several five-day trips to Berlin over the years, and a few days in my home studio, it was finally ready to be mixed and mastered! It has taken a little longer than anticipated but its really sounding fantastic!"

The album also features Elbow drummer Alex Reeves whose performance across the album is labelled by Rothery as "fantastic" You can see the new album art and tracklisting below.

Rothery has been busy with Marillion in a live front, as the band have been performing their celebrated Weekend live events in the Netherlands, Canada and France, with Italy, the UK, Germany and Norway to folllow.

Marillion are also working on a new studio album, although that is unlikely to see the light of day until 2026 at the earliest.

Pre-order Bioscope CD.

Credit: ear Music

Bioscope: Gento

1. Vanishing Point

2. Gento

3. Kinetoscope

4. Bioscope

5. Kaleidoscope
With more than 40,000 operating locations worldwide, McDonald's is one of the biggest fast food chains on Earth. In the United States, it seems like there's a Mickey D's on almost every corner. Considering its popularity and wide global expansion, you might think there isn't a country on the planet that doesn't play host to this fast food giant  but you'd be wrong. One nation that doesn't have a single, solitary Golden Arches anywhere on its turf is Iceland.

Per McDonald's corporate website, the restaurant brand operates in more than 90 countries. Iceland, however, is conspicuously not one of them. Iceland is a fairly small nation  just shy of 400,000 total residents as of 2023, per data from the World Health Organization. To put that in perspective, the city of Las Vegas is home to just over 670,000 as of 2025 -- funny enough, the City of Lights also houses 72 McDonald's locations. Clearly, it's not Iceland's small size that has kept McDonald's out. So then, why the lack of Golden Arches?

McD's did once have a presence in Iceland. In the 1990s, a few branches of the restaurant opened in Reykjavik, the country's capital city. But a meat shortage in Iceland later necessitated importing ingredients from Germany, bringing with them high import taxes that caused McDonald's local prices to significantly increase. The worldwide economic crisis of 2008, coupled with a subsequent economic crash in Iceland and the collapse of the local currency, made operating the brand even more financially difficult. These factors ultimately finished off the franchise in that country. By late 2009, the existence of Icelandic McDonald's was nothing but a memory.

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Read more: Ranking Fast Food Burgers From Worst To Best, According To Reddit

Other Countries That Don't Have McDonald's

A hand holds McDonald's french fries outside a McDonald's restaurant - Annie's Studio/Shutterstock

Iceland isn't the only country where McDonald's famous fries  its best-selling menu item  and its cooked-fresh-not-frozen Quarter Pounder are nowhere to be found. A few other prominent nations are bereft of the Golden Arches and its world-famous quick service menu. Some are small in terms of population, like Iceland, but others have huge numbers of residents, making the restaurant's absence in those countries more surprising.

Greenland is even smaller in terms of residents than its neighbor, Iceland -- with a population of 56,000 and some change as of 2023, according to Info Norden -- and similarly has no McDonald's in residence. More highly populated countries like Iran, Zimbabwe, and Yemen also have no Mickey D's.

A surprising member of the McDonald's-less list is Russia. With more than 145 million people, this nation initially welcomed McD's in 1990, when the first branch of the restaurant debuted in Moscow. It was the culmination of a long effort on McDonald's behalf to forge good relations with the country. During the 1976 Olympics, Mickey D's held out an olive branch by volunteering to shuttle Russian participants around in its Big Mac Bus. This gesture blossomed into negotiations that ultimately resulted in the opening of McDonald's restaurants in Russia more than a decade later. However, the advent of the Russia-Ukraine war prompted the fast food giant to pull out of the country entirely in 2022. The former Russian McDonald's locations were sold to a new owner, who has reopened under new branding that is no longer tied to McDonald's.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Longmont police have arrested one person after another was found dead Wednesday evening.

Officers on Wednesday at about 6 p.m. responded to the 700 block of Brookside Drive, which is near 9th Avenue and Pace Street on the east side of the city. Arriving officers found a male dead and took another male into custody.

80-year-old killed, 16-year-old injured in Greeley crash after both run red light: police

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Police did not specify the males ages.

They also did not say how the male died, nor on why they took the other male into custody.

Police said they are investigating, but there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  April 23, 2025. It marks one year since one of the biggest political scandals in Kern County history  the downfall of former county supervisor Zack Scrivner.

Scrivner faces allegations of child sexual assault, and in February was charged with five felony counts  including child abuse and weapons possession.

This has been a lengthy process for all parties involved, sparking concerns Scrivner  as one of Kern Countys top elected officials and nephew of District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer  was receiving special treatment.

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It took 10 months for charges to be filed, and his trial will likely begin well into the summer.

Finally, its happened, said Bakersfield criminal defense attorney David A. Torres on the day Scrivner was arraigned.

Torres, referencing the resounding community-wide echo when former Kern District 2 Supervisor Zack Scrivner was charged on February 14  297 days after allegations of child sexual assault first surfaced.

The California Department of Justice charged the 51-year-old Scrivner with five felonies  three counts of willful cruelty to a child and two counts of possessing weapons  including AK-47 and AR-15 style rifles.

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His attorney  H.A. Sala  pleaded not guilty to all charges on Scrivners behalf.

But, but he will not be convicted, Sala told reporters outside of the courtroom, following Scrivners first court appearance.

17 News spoke extensively with Sala the following week.

17s Jenny Huh: So, everything thats detailed in the complaint such as the penetration thats mentioned, the fact that the supervisor was under mind or mood-altering substances and treated the victim inappropriately, all of those charges you deny?

H.A. Sala: Well, yes.

17s Jenny Huh: If you deny all those allegations, are you essentially saying the victims claims are false then?

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H.A. Sala: I am saying my client is innocent.

17s Jenny Huh: Are there victims in the case?

H.A. Sala: I dont believe there are victims in this case.

That fateful night, Tuesday, April 23, around 11, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer  Scrivners aunt  placed a personal call to Sheriff Donny Youngblood.

She told the sheriff Scrivner was armed with a gun and was suicidal at his Tehachapi home.

It is alleged Scrivner sexually assaulted a preteen girl and was stabbed by that girls teenage brother, who was trying to protect her.

Sala told 17 News Scrivner was stabbed twice in the back.



The complaint details that while responsible for the care of the girl, Scrivner got into bed with her and touched her inappropriately.

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It also states that Scrivner introduced firearms in a situation where the child would attempt to get control of the firearms or otherwise prevent the defendant from committing self-harm, and struggled with the child over the firearms, seriously aggravating an existing injury.



Following the charges, Sheriff Donny Youngblood joined 17 News at Sunrise.

I told you 10 months ago I would, if I disagreed, I would tell you. And I totally disagree, the sheriff stated. I think that hes receiving preferential treatmentIm really disappointed at not only the 10 months that it took, but the charges that they charged him with. Scrivner walked into a courtroom, never booked. Even the president of the United States was booked, photographed and fingerprinted. Zack Scrivner was not.

Youngblood asked why there were no sex crime charges, despite the complaint stating allegations like sexually penetrate, injure, cause, and permit a child, to suffer and to be inflicted with unjustifiable physical pain and mental suffering.

There were no sex charges, even though in the charging documents they articulate a sex crime, Penal Code 288, and then they dont charge Scrivner with that crime, which means he will never have to register as a sex offender, the sheriff said.

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To which, Scrivners defense responded, There are certain elements that need to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. This particular charge could not be proved and cannot be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

At the county and state levels, only Sheriff Youngblood spoke publicly about Zack Scrivner.

He was treated differently. From the very beginning, because he was a sitting supervisor. He was the nephew of the sitting district attorney, Sheriff Youngblood said, saying he agrees Scrivner received special treatment.

All details about the case came from Youngblood and his April 25, 2024, press conference.

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I wouldnt be standing up here if we didnt believe something occurred, Youngblood told reporters that day.

No insight from Scrivner nor his attorney. No insight from our district attorney.

No insight from the state Department of Justice; not until charges were filed.

No one is above the law. Everyone must be held accountable if they break it, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said during an unrelated press conference, when asked about Scrivners charges.

Youngblood also noted that Scrivners parents were also home when the incident occurred.

And, he said, no 911 calls were made. The only calls for help were directly to him.

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Zack Scrivner was one of the most well-connected politicians in Kern.

Even his mother, Kathy Scrivner, has been on the Kern High School District board of trustees since 2022.

Kathy Scrivner has not responded to any requests for comment since last April.

Neither has her sister, DA Cynthia Zimmer.



17 News wants to emphasize theres one party we have not received comment from over the past year  the District Attorneys Office.

They say shes hands off because of the familial conflict of interest.

However, weve asked DA Zimmer for comment  not only as the aunt of Zack Scrivner, but also as the countys top law enforcement official, who has a duty of transparency to her constituents.

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Her spokesperson declined multiple requests for comment, just over the past few weeks.

17 News sent emails on March 6, March 13, March 24 then again on March 31.

Some of the questions were still hoping to get answered?

Why did you call the Sheriff himself instead of 911 or Tehachapi Police?

What was said in the phone call you made to Sheriff Youngblood?

Since you made this call for help, is that not direct involvement in the case?

Were you asked to be part of the criminal investigation? If so, did you cooperate?

Wednesday, the DAs Office declined yet another request for comment.



Following his arraignment, Scrivner was released on his own recognizance because he did not pose a flight risk or public safety threat.

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In the latest update, Sala told 17 News its unclear if Scrivner will attend his May 1 court date.



Scrivners civil case with now-estranged wife Christina Scrivner remains on hold as his criminal case plays out.

Meantime, a 3-year restraining order has been granted for Christina Scrivner and their four children.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
Vietnam has been called the first television war. But it has also inspired generations of writers who have explored its origins, its horrors, its aftermath and the innate flaws and miscalculations that drove the world's most powerful country, the U.S., into a long, gruesome and hopeless conflict.

FICTION The Quiet American, Graham Greene (1955)

British author Graham Greene's novel has long held the stature of tragic prophecy. Alden Pyle is a naive CIA agent whose dreams of forging a better path for Vietnam  a Third Force between communism and colonialism that existed only in books  leads to senseless destruction. The Quiet American was released when U.S. military involvement in Vietnam was just beginning, yet anticipated the Americans' prolonged and deadly failure to comprehend the country they claimed to be saving.

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The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien (1990)

The Vietnam War was the last extended conflict waged while the U.S. still had a military draft, and the last to inspire a wide range of notable, first-hand fiction  none more celebrated or popular than O'Brien's 1990 collection of interconnected stories. O'Brien served in an infantry unit in 1969-70, and the million-selling The Things They Carried has tales ranging from a soldier who wears his girlfriend's stockings around his neck, even in battle, to the author trying to conjure the life story of a Vietnamese soldier he killed. O'Brien's book has become standard reading about the war and inspired an exhibit at the National Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.

Matterhorn, Karl Marlantes (2009)

Karl Marlantes, a Rhodes scholar and decorated Marine commander, fictionalized his experiences in his 600-plus page novel about a recent college graduate and his fellow members of Bravo Company as they seek to retake a base near the border with Laos. Like The Quiet American, Matterhorn is, in part, the story of disillusionment, a young man's discovery that education and privilege are no shields against enemy fire. No strategy was perfect, he realizes. All choices were bad in some way.

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The Sympathizer, Viet Thanh Nguyen (2015)

Viet Thanh Nguyen was just 4 when his family fled Vietnam in 1975, eventually settling in San Jose, California. The Sympathizer, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2016, is Nguyen's first book and high in the canon of Vietnamese American literature. The novel unfolds as the confessions of a onetime spy for North Vietnam who becomes a Hollywood consultant and later returns to Vietnam fighting on the opposite side. I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces, the narrator tells us. Perhaps not surprisingly, I am also a man of two minds.

The Mountains Sing, Nguyen Phan Que Mai (2020)

Nguyen Phan Que Mai was born in North Vietnam in 1973, two years before the U.S. departure, and was reared on stories of her native countrys haunted and heroic past. Her novel alternates narration between a grandmother born in 1920 and a granddaughter born 40 years later. Together, they take readers through much of 20th century Vietnam, from French colonialism and Japanese occupation to the rise of Communism and the growing and brutal American military campaign to fight it. Que Mai dedicates the novel to various ancestors, including an uncle whose youth the Vietnam War consumed.

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NONFICTION The Best and the Brightest, David Halberstam (1972)

As a young reporter in Vietnam, David Halberstam had been among the first journalists to report candidly on the military's failures and the government's deceptions. The title of his bestseller became a catchphrase and the book itself a document of how the supposedly finest minds of the post-World War II generation  the elite set of advisers in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations  could so badly miscalculate the planning and execution of a war and so misunderstand the country they were fighting against.

Fire in the Lake, Frances FitzGerald (1972)

Frances FitzGerald's celebrated book was published the same year and stands with The Best and the Brightest as an early and prescient take on the war's legacy. Fitzgerald had reported from South Vietnam for the Village Voice and The New Yorker, and she drew upon firsthand observations and deep research in contending that the U.S. was fatally ignorant of Vietnamese history and culture.

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Dispatches, Michael Herr (1977)

Michael Herr, who would eventually help write Apocalypse Now, was a Vietnam correspondent for Esquire who brought an off-hand, charged-up rock 'n' roll sensibility to his highly praised and influential book. In one dispatch, he tells of a soldier who took his pills by the fistful, uppers in one pocket and downers in another. He told me they cooled out things just right for him, Herr wrote, that he could see that old jungle at night like he was looking at it through a starlight scope.

Bloods, Wallace Terry (1984)

A landmark, Bloods was among the first books to center the experiences of Black veterans. Former Time magazine correspondent Wallace Terry compiled the oral histories of 20 Black veterans of varying backgrounds and ranks. One interviewee, Richard J. Ford III, was wounded three times and remembered being visited at the hospital by generals and other officers: They respected you and pat you on the back. They said, You brave and you courageous. You Americas finest. Americas best. Back in the states, the same officers that pat me on the back wouldnt even speak to me.

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A Bright Shining Lie, Neil Sheehan (1988)

Halberstam's sources as a reporter included Lt. Col. John Paul Vann, a U.S. adviser to South Vietnam who became a determined critic of American military leadership and eventually died in battle in 1972. Vann's story is told in full in A Bright Shining Lie, by Neil Sheehan, the New York Times reporter known for breaking the story of the Pentagon Papers and how they revealed the U.S. government's long history of deceiving the public about the war. Winner of the Pulitzer in 1989, A Bright Shining Lie was adapted into an HBO movie starring Bill Paxton as Vann.

___

For more coverage of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam Wars end, visit https://apnews.com/hub/vietnam-war.
By Tim Reid, Alexandra Alper and Nathan Layne

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - At the Social Security Administration, lawyers, statisticians and other high-ranking agency officials are being sent from the Baltimore headquarters to regional offices to replace veteran claims processors who have been fired or taken buyouts from the Trump administration.

But most of the new arrivals don't know how to do the job, leading to longer wait times for disabled and elderly Americans who depend on these benefits, according to two people familiar with the situation. Asked about the changes, an SSA official said in an email that reassigned employees "have vast knowledge about our programs and services."

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At the Internal Revenue Service, the internet has become so patchy since President Donald Trump ordered remote workers back to overcrowded offices that staff are resorting to personal hotspots, crashing their computers at the height of tax processing season, two IRS officials told Reuters. The IRS did not respond to a request for comment.

Nearly 100 days into what Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have called a mission to make the federal bureaucracy more efficient, Reuters found 20 instances where the staff and funding cuts led to purchasing bottlenecks and increased costs; paralysis in decision-making; longer public wait times; higher-paid civil servants filling in menial jobs, and a brain drain of scientific and technological talent.

"DOGE is not a serious exercise," said Jessica Riedl, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a fiscally conservative think tank that supports streamlining government. She estimates DOGE has only saved $5 billion to date, and believes it will end up costing more than it saves.

The examples - previously unreported - span 14 government agencies and were described in Reuters interviews with three dozen federal workers, union representatives and governance experts.

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Although these accounts do not provide a comprehensive picture of the project by Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to drastically cut the cost and size of the federal bureaucracy, they do reveal collateral damage resulting from DOGE's efforts to make the sprawling federal bureaucracy more efficient.

In response to questions about the impact of DOGE's cuts on government efficiency, White House spokesman Harrison Fields said in a statement that Musk's team "has already modernized government technology, prevented fraud, streamlined processes, and identified billions of dollars in savings for American taxpayers."

Fields did not offer examples of improvements to government computer systems or workforce efficiency.

SAVING BILLIONS

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Musk confirmed on Tuesday he will step back next month from his role overseeing DOGE. His 130-day mandate as a special government employee was set to expire at the end of May. He said he will continue to help Trump overhaul the government, but not full-time. His reduced role leaves DOGE's future in doubt, but governance experts said they believe the cost-cutting will continue.

Musk and his lieutenants have to date provided little concrete evidence about how the government is operating more efficiently as a result of the mass layoffs and terminated government contracts.

DOGE teams that have burrowed into a swath of government agencies and their computer systems operate in great secrecy, dozens of government officials have told Reuters.

A DOGE website that gives regular updates on what it claims it has saved U.S. taxpayers - $160 billion to date - has been riddled with errors and corrections.

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The White House provided Reuters with examples of cost savings including: the uncovering of more than $630 million in fraudulent loans made by the Small Business Administration to applicants over the age of 115 and under the age of 11 in 2020-2021; $382 million in fraudulent unemployment payments by the Labor Department since 2020; and trimming $18 million in leasing costs at the Environmental Protection Agency by moving staff out of a building in Washington.

Reuters was unable to independently verify those claims.

DOGE did not respond to requests for comment. In an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier on March 27, Musk said his team is careful how it makes cuts, admits to and fixes errors, and has discovered "astonishing" amounts of waste and fraud.

CANNOT BUY DRY ICE

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In its drive to cut costs, DOGE says it has canceled almost 500,000 government credit cards. It has placed a $1 limit on many others, and centralized decision making within some agency headquarters. That means managers in some regional offices can't buy basic supplies.

At one center at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, it took a scientist a month to get authorization to buy $200 of dry ice to preserve urine samples, a purchase usually made at a local supermarket. Because the administration has barred many employees from making purchases, a colleague in another regional office who still has a government credit card paid for the dry ice, but it had to be shipped to the lab - at an additional cost of $100, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which oversees NIOSH, did not respond to a request for comment.

DOGE and the White House have also banned many agencies from communicating with outside vendors as they halt thousands of federal contracts.

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One casualty of the ban: a nearly half-a-million dollar chemical analysis instrument at a CDC facility in Cincinnati, which has sat idle for months because scientists can't schedule training with the vendor to start using the machine, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The CDC did not respond to a request for comment.

At the Social Security Administration, in a four-day period in the first week of March, computer systems crashed 10 times. Because a quarter of the agency's IT staff have quit or been fired, it's taking longer to get the systems online again, disrupting the processing of claims, one IT worker told Reuters.

Few dispute the SSA's computer systems are old, often crash and need updating. Musk told Baier the agency's computer systems are "failing", and "we're fixing it."

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HUMANITARIAN AID CUT

So far, the people most affected by DOGE's efforts have been recipients of foreign aid. Since its founding on Trump's first day in the White House, DOGE has largely shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development, which provides aid to the world's needy, canceling more than 80 percent of its humanitarian programs. Almost all of the agency's employees will be fired by September, all of its overseas offices shut, with some functions absorbed into the State Department.

At home, the government overhaul has resulted in the firing, resignations and early retirements of 260,000 civil servants, according to a Reuters tally.

Over 20,000 probationary workers - recently hired or recently reassigned employees - were fired in February. After court rulings they were reinstated but most were sent home on full pay. Most are now being fired again after further court decisions.

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Trump and Musk have said the U.S. government is beset by fraud and waste. Few civil servants and governance experts dispute efficiencies can be made, but say there are already people inside the federal bureaucracy trying to save taxpayer dollars. Yet some of these offices have been targeted for cuts by DOGE.

In January, Trump fired 17 inspectors general, whose mission as government watchdogs includes reducing waste and fraud.

Christi Grimm, who was fired as the Department of Health and Human Services inspector general, told Reuters she had identified for expected recovery $14.5 billion - "cold hard cash expected to come back to the U.S. Treasury" - over three years from audits and fraud investigations.

Last month, DOGE eliminated one of the few government units charged with streamlining technology across the federal government, a 90-member team known as 18-F.

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Waldo Jaquith, who worked for 18F between 2016 and 2020, said the team had saved the Pentagon $500 million during one three-day project alone after discovering two departments were unwittingly doing the same work.

Reuters was not able to independently verify that figure.

"18F worked just how Musk and his team pretend that they want government to work. But when his team found it, they destroyed it," Jaquith said.

18F was deemed "non-critical" by Thomas Shedd, a Trump appointee at the General Services Administration, in an email to staff last month.

(This story has been refiled to change wording in paragraph 25)

(Reporting by Tim Reid, Alexandra Alper and Nathan Layne, additional reporting Julie Steenhuysen, Leah Douglas, editing by Ross Colvin and Suzanne Goldenberg)
Flies landing on open packages of fish, dead roaches behind a fryer, and an employee who touched dirty dishes and a trash can then handled food tongs were among the violations that led the state to temporarily close seven restaurants and one food truck in South Florida last week.

The Sun Sentinel typically highlights restaurant inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in Broward and Palm Beach counties. We cull through inspections that happen weekly and spotlight places ordered shut for high-priority violations, such as improper food temperatures or dead cockroaches.

Any restaurant that fails a state inspection must stay closed until it passes a follow-up. If you spot a possible violation and wish to file a complaint, contact Florida DBPR. (But please dont contact us: The Sun Sentinel doesnt inspect restaurants.)

BROWARD COUNTY

The Food Republic

1910 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

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Ordered shut: April 18

Why: Eight violations (five high-priority), including:

About 22 flies landing on reach-in cooler, cutting board and storage shelves at cook-line area, on dry storage shelves near containers of dry food at dry storage area, and on wall and shelves with clean glasses at bar area.

Container of medicine stored over raw shell eggs at walk-in cooler.

Raw chicken not commercially packaged stored over raw ground beef.

Employee handled dirty dishes [then] proceeded to handle clean dishes without changing their gloves or washing their hands.

Time/temperature issues involved butter, shredded and sliced cheeses, and gallon milk.

Status: Reopened April 19 after a follow-up inspection found one basic violation.

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Titie Restaurant & Lounge

300 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Ordered shut: April 17

Why: 19 violations (four high-priority), including:

About 25 rodent droppings underneath two-door, stainless reach-in cooler.

12 live roaches in water heater room on door panel, in trap in water heater room, on cook line next to stove and steam table, behind white, reach-in freezer in prep area and on wall above grey reach-in freezer.

Seven dead roaches in trap in water heater room and behind fryer.

Raw chicken over ready-to-eat commercially processed vegetables in reach-in freezer.

Time/temperature issue involved snapper.

Ceiling vent in prep area heavily soiled with dust.

Kitchen hoods heavily soiled with grease.

Excessive amounts of trash and food debris behind reach-in freezers.

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Status: Reopened April 18 after a follow-up inspection found seven intermediate and basic violations.

El Rey De La Medialuna

3253 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

Ordered shut: April 15

Why: 10 violations (two high-priority), including:

About 105 flies landing on clean wares on shelves above triple sink and on boxes in storage area and shelving and boxes above prep tables, as well as hovering in mop sink area next to triple sink and at front counter area.

About 17 live roaches inside of soap and hand sanitizer dispensers above hand-wash sink in prep area.

One dead roach in hand-wash sink in prep area.

Wall soiled with accumulated dust. Observed at front-counter menu board.

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Status: Reopened April 17 after a follow-up inspection found no violations.

Antonios Pizza

4551 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

Ordered shut: April 15

Why: Nine violations (five high-priority), including:

Six live roaches on floor in dry storage area, on wall in dishwashing area, on wall behind dishwashing machine in kitchen, on floor next to white single-door, reach-in freezer in kitchen and on floor next to coffee station at entrance of kitchen.

Three dead roaches in dry storage area in kitchen.

Time/temperature issues involved shredded cheese and marinara sauce.

Employee went outside, returned to work area and started working with cooked, ready-to-eat food and handled a clean plate without removing gloves or washing hands.

Containers of raw shell eggs stored above containers of sauces and dressings in walk-in cooler.

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Status: Reopened April 16 after a second inspection found no violations.

Sajna Indian Cuisine

1933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

Ordered shut: April 15

Why: 10 violations (two high-priority), including:

About 72 live roaches in areas such as under tape covering scorched electrical outlet behind prep table next to triple sink in kitchen area, under milk crate on cardboard-lined shelf directly next to cook line flip-top, inside of control device located in back of cook line flip-top, on top of dish machine under chemicals and wall behind dish machine in kitchen area, inside of middle hinge of chest freezer behind cook line flip-top and inside of triple sink.

About 28 dead roaches under tape covering scorched electrical outlet behind prep table next to triple sink in kitchen area, in control device located in back of cook line flip-top and on top of dish machine in kitchen.

Raw chicken stored above bottled drink in three-door, reach-in cooler.

Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves.

Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.

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Status: Reopened April 16 after another visit found four intermediate and basic violations, with a follow-up inspection required.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Joy Luck II

5796 Jog Road, Lake Worth

Ordered shut: April 17

Why: Eight violations (five high-priority), including:

About 11 live roaches on food preparation table under plastic bins used to store bulk sugar, flour and inside of refrigerator with no food products stored inside.

About 10 dead roaches in kitchen under three-compartment sink on floor, inside of three-compartment sink, on floor under food preparation table and on shelf under food preparation table.

Employee handled dirty dishes in sink and touched rim of trash can and, without washing hands, employee began to handle tongs to portion veggies into a pot to cook.

Time/temperature issues involved an unopened bag of uncooked lo mein noodles containing eggs and cream cheese-filled wontons.

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Status: Reopened April 18 after a second visit found no violations.

Deshi Bhoj Home Style Bangladeshi Feast

1709 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach

Ordered shut: April 14

Why: Five violations (one high-priority), including:

About 68 rodent droppings in kitchen areas such as on shelf over prep table next to food/equipment, on floor under [and] behind cooktop/stove, on top of pizza oven, on prep table, as well as on floor in dining room/front counter and in dry storage closets.

Hand-wash sink in kitchen not accessible for employee use at all times (blocked by storage of multiple items).

Employee eating in a food preparation (in kitchen on cook line) or other restricted area.

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Status: Remained closed on April 17 after a second inspection found one high-priority violation. Reopened April 18 after a third visit found no violations.

Ostines Fingers Taste (food truck)

4576 Cresthaven Blvd., West Palm Beach

Ordered shut: April 16

Why: 17 violations (six high-priority), including:

About 32 live flies around/landing on equipment/utensils/unwashed produce and on opened package(s) of salted fish.

Stop sale ordered for salted fish because of live flies.

Stop sale ordered for raw snapper due to temperature abuse.

Unwashed carrots and onions stored on floor.

Raw shell eggs stored over cooked turkey.

Cook top/cutting board/reach-in cooler interiors soiled.

Hand-wash sink blocked by storage of multiple items.

Status: Reopened April 17 after a follow-up visit found four violations (one high-priority, with a follow-up inspection required.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Tofig Musayev drew attention to Armenia's inflammatory rhetoric in a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Trend reports.

"It is particularly ironic that Armenia, a mono-ethnic State with a long-standing and deeply entrenched policy of ethnic exclusivity and intolerance, where international terrorists, war criminals and racist ideologues are welcomed and honoured as national heroes, volunteered to speak at the commemorative meeting on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

In reality, as anticipated, such a performance had the exact opposite effect for Armenia, leaving Member States perplexed and bewildered by the stark inconsistency between conciliatory declarations by its leadership, on the one hand, and the incendiary rhetoric by the same countrys representative in the United Nations, on the other," the letter said.
ST. LOUIS  UPDATE: St. Louis County Police have announced that the 11-year-old has been located and is safe.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
A New York City teen was sentenced to 10 years to life in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to shooting an 11-year-old girl in the stomach during a gang-related shootout in the Bronx.

Matthew Godwin, who was 15 at the time of the shooting and is now 18, was sentenced on a second-degree murder charge for the death of 11-year-old Kyhara Tay, according to a news release from Darcel Clark, the Bronx District Attorney.

A police investigation found that on May 16, 2022, Godwin along with Omar Bojang, 21, were riding on an electric scooter driven by Bojang in the Bronx and were looking for a rival gang member.

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Bojang drove the scooter onto the sidewalk and spotted their 13-year-old male target.

Godwin, wielding a handgun, fired two shots from the scooter. One of the rounds struck Tay, who was waiting outside a nail salon for her friends. According to the district attorney, she died that night at a local hospital.

Bojang pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on March 6 and is set to be sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release on May 14, the news release from the Bronx District Attorneys Office said.

Kyhara never had the chance to grow up. She was an innocent 11-year-old girl who was killed when the defendant, 15 years old at the time, started shooting at a 13-year-old boy, Clark said in a statement. Her death is a profound tragedy, especially considering the ages of everyone involved.

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More than two years after Tays death, her mother says the pain her family feels from Tays absence has brought them anger, restless nights, anxiety and depression, amNewYork reported.

You denied her the opportunity to graduate, to fall in love, to live life  they took away all her dreams, Tays mother said in court, per the outlet.

Godwins attorney argued in court that he has been remorseful for the killing and has attempted to better his life, according to the local outlet.

I am so sorry for what I have done and the pain I have caused you. Im also very disappointed in myself and I take full responsibility, Godwin said to Tay's family. I never intended to hurt your little girl. Im so sorry I hope that one day you will be able to forgive me.

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In court, Bojang also expressed remorse for the killing, according to amNewYork. Im sincerely sorry. The loss and pain that I caused to families, unimaginable and relentless. I just want to pay my dues to society, he said.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The district attorney applauded Tays family for turning their pain into purpose by advocating against gun violence.

Todays sentence is the culmination of justice, but this is not the final chapter of Kyharas life story," Clark said in the news release. "Through their voice, Kyharas legacy will live on."



Read the original article on People
A bad day and a dead end for a Cretaceous ant has parlayed into some pretty spectacular science some 113 million years later.

The tiny insect, fossilized in a chunk of limestone in Brazil, is the oldest known ant specimen ever identified. Even better, it's a member of an extinct subfamily called Haidomyrmecinae  more affectionately known as 'hell ants'  that have vertically articulated, scythe-like mandibles used for spearing and pinning their prey.

It's a newly discovered species, and its name is Vulcanidris cratensis.

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"Our team has discovered a new fossil ant species representing the earliest undisputable geological record of ants," says entomologist Anderson Lepeco of the Museum of Zoology of the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil.

"What makes this discovery particularly interesting is that it belongs to the extinct 'hell ant,' known for their bizarre predatory adaptations. Despite being part of an ancient lineage, this species already displayed highly specialized anatomical features, suggesting unique hunting behaviors."

The exceptional limestone fossil of Vulcanidris cratensis. (Anderson Lepeco)

Ants are among the most diverse and abundant animals on the planet today, with over 13,800 species known, of an estimated total of around 22,000. We barely notice them, living out their bustling ant lives, so ubiquitous are they on almost every continent.

No living ant, however, resembles the hell ant family. They're notable for their sometimes ornate head architecture, which can involve metal-reinforced spikes, and the alignment of their jaws: up-and-down, rather than side-to-side like all the other ants that are around today.

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This group is mostly known from specimens preserved in amber from across Europe, Asia, and North America, from between about 80 to 100 million years ago. V. cratensis, by contrast, is a remarkably well-preserved fossil from the Crato Formation Lagerstatte, a type of fossil bed that produces exceptionally detailed fossils.

The fossil as reconstructed from CT scans. (Odair M. Meira)

This makes it several firsts. It's the first hell ant known from a rock impression fossil; and it's the first found on the South American continent, suggesting that hell ants were both older and more widely distributed than we knew.

The researchers used micro-CT imaging to analyze the fossil, teasing out its anatomical peculiarities from the flattened impression in the Crato Formation limestone. They found, interestingly, that it appeared to be most closely related to the hell ant species Aquilomyrmex huangi from 99 million years ago that was found in Myanmar amber.

"While we expected to find hell ant features, we were shocked by the characteristics of its feeding apparatus," Lepeco says.

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"Finding such an anatomically specialized ant from 113 million years ago challenges our assumptions about how quickly these insects developed complex adaptations. The intricate morphology suggests that even these earliest ants had already evolved sophisticated predatory strategies significantly different from their modern counterparts."

Details of the head anatomy of Vulcanidris cratensis. (Lepeco et al., Curr. Bio., 2025)

Ants are thought to have first emerged sometime between the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods, with hell ants potentially representing the first lineage to diverge.

The discovery of a hell ant in a new part of the world, much earlier than other species, and with well-established anatomy, gives scientists a new touchstone for understanding the evolution of this diverse, ubiquitous group of insects.

"The newly reported species represents the oldest definitive ant known to science and also the most complete evidence for the early evolution of ants in the fossil record," the researchers write in their paper.

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"Hell ants may have endured for a long time through the angiosperm terrestrial spread during the Cretaceous, before being decisively affected by geological events toward the end of that period."

The research has been published in Current Biology.

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DENVER (KDVR)  The 12-year-old girl who was a passenger on a motorcycle involved in a deadly crash on April 15 has died, Thornton police said in an update Thursday.

The man who was riding the motorcycle with the girl died the night of the crash, which happened at about 8:15 p.m. after a 17-year-old driving a BMW sedan hit a Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling east on Thornton Parkway near Welby Road. Police had said the girl was in critical condition after the crash.

Teen killed in crash after driving away from Thornton officers, 6 injured

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Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss, police said in a Thursday press release. Thornton Police investigators continue to work diligently to gather all the facts and evidence in this case. We are committed to presenting the strongest possible case to the District Attorneys Office as we pursue justice for both victims and their family.

The BMW driver stayed at the scene and was arrested on a count of careless driving causing death, but was released pending further investigation, police said at the time.

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  Several University High School seniors have stepped up to join the less than 1% of Americans who serve in our armed forces.

Military Signing Day was held at University High School (UHS) on Wednesday, where 12 students officially enlisted in service.

UHS held a ceremony consisting of remarks from military officials and state educators, in addition to recognition among the students family and friends during the signing.

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12 News spoke with Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, Frank Vitale, on the importance of recognizing these students.

Tree falls through Star City familys roof during storm

Its a great day. West Virginia has a proud history of serving our nation. Per capita, we have more people serve in the United States military than in any other state. We see that legacy continues with the enlistment of our high school students throughout the last couple of weeks of military signing, said Vitale.

Listed are the names and branches of UHS seniors who participated in Wednesdays signing.

Demetrius Almon  U.S. Marines

Kennadi Barnhart  U.S. Army

Victoria Britton  WV Army National Guard

Joshua Espinoza  U.S. Army

Nicholas Harrison  WV Army National Guard

Herschel Heiskell  WV Army National Guard

Halle Lewis  U.S. Army

Nikolas McCray  U.S. Marines

Kaelan Owens  WV Army National Guard

Shyanne Sapp  U.S. Army

Rayna Schnopp  WV Army National Guard

Aiden Strauss  U.S. Air Force

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12 News also spoke with UHS student Kaelan Owens on why he chose to join the military.

Ive been wanting to do it since I was a little kid and my great grandpa was in the military, so its just been something Ive wanted to do, said Owens.

Military signing week is supported by the West Virginia Department of Education.

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HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)- Governor Maura Healey announced that $18 million will bring new units in six gateway cities across the state. Holyoke is one of them.

Holyoke police arrest 15-year-old, seize large capacity firearm

These awards close out the third and final competitive Housing Development Incentive Program application round of 2024.

Ever since Governor Healey increased HDIP from $10 million to $30 million a year with a one-time infusion of $57 million in 2023, the state has seen a record number of new homes created.

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$952,000 is coming to Holyoke. The C Elliott Developers LLC will sponsor a building on 174 Lyman Street after its been empty for 17 years. This is making residents very excited to use for referring places to live. There are a lot of abandoned buildings around here, and Im glad theyre trying to fix them up so it wont be a shortage of housing here, and thats a plus, said Arthur Pinkney.

Co-owner of C Elliott Developers LLC, Chris Elliott is a Holyoke native. Hes always had a passion for lifting up his city in the midst of a housing crisis across Massachusetts. Now hes lifting it up through high tariffs.

When I see these old buildings, I want to save them, said Chris Elliot, co-owner of C Elliott Developers LLC.

Chris and his wife Cristie Elliott are pouring back into Holyoke with revitalizing an 1890 building into a new 14-unit apartment complex, near the start of the St. Patricks road race on Lyman Street.

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Were trying to build market-rate housing to bring in some young professionals to Holyoke and help boost Holyokes economy and start bringing back some restaurants and downtown shopping, said Elliott.

With renovations costing up to $2 million, the state granted the developers more than $900,000 from HDIP. This is Holyokes 4th HDIP award in the last year.

Basically, after the building is done and 80 percent occupied. Thats when the HDIP funding will fall into place, and its kind of a repayment plan to get some of the funding to keep the rents down to a market rate, said Elliott.

Thats something he wishes he couldve used when finishing his first project in Holyoke.

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C Elliott Developers LLC also has an 8-unit apartment and retail space on Main Street in South Holyoke.

While they secure more funding and permits in the next week, Elliott hopes for a 14-month turnaround. Elliott told 22News theyre expecting to have an open house by the time of the St. Patricks road race next year and get people living in the apartments within 14 months of opening.

Because of other recent builds that have contributed to the housing crisis in the state, the Holyoke Office of Planning and Economic Development said that process can be unlikely, but very possible.

At that rate, were not going to get out of the housing crisis anytime soon, right? So the state has great programs out there, but then again, these large projects that have multiple units taking 6, 8, 9, 10 years to get housing online are way to long, said Aaron Vega, Director of Holyoke Office of Planning and Economic Development.

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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DENVER (KDVR)  Two people are dead after an apparent shooting in a Brighton alleyway, according to the Brighton Police Department.

Police responded to the 100 block of North 7th Avenue at about 6:20 p.m. and found two adults dead from apparent gunshot wounds in the alley behind a residence.

2 facing charges connected to murder, setting body on fire and I-25 crash near Mead

The agency said witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and also reported a dark colored, older model sedan fleeing the area. Investigators have not made any arrests, but believe the shooting to be an isolated incident with no ongoing danger to the community.

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Neither victim has been publicly identified by the Adams County Coroners Office.

The Brighton Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and still in the early stages. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is requested to call the Brighton police tip line at 303-655-8740.

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FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  West Florence firefighters were able to quickly contain a kitchen fire on Wednesday after successfully developing their new accountability system, the department said.

West Florence and Howe Springs fire crews responded at 12:46 p.m. to the 2600 block of Cleveland Road in Effingham for a house fire, officials said. Two people were evaluated by Florence County EMS at the scene, but declined transport.

Photo courtesy of West Florence Fire Rescue Photo courtesy of West Florence Fire Rescue Photo courtesy of West Florence Fire Rescue Photo courtesy of West Florence Fire Rescue Photo courtesy of West Florence Fire Rescue

Crews encountered visible smoke stemming from a kitchen fire, West Florence Fire Rescue said. The residents were alerted by smoke detectors and were able to evacuate quickly.

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The incident also marked a significant milestone for Florence County, as its the first time the countys new Firefighter Accountability System was put into operation.

The innovative, tablet-based system integrates with each firefighters assigned radio, allowing the incident commander and accountability officer to track personnel on the scene and monitor their specific assignments in real time, West Florence Fire Rescue said in a release.

The department said the system provides vital location data to coordinate a response for critical situations, like when a firefighter becomes trapped or separated from their crew. The system is now available to all fire departments in Florence County, including Florence City and Lake City fire departments.

* * *

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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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DENVER (KDVR)  Two suspects are facing charges of first-degree murder in connection with a body found ablaze at the Stevens Gulch Picnic Area and a crash on Interstate 25 near Mead that closed the highway for hours.

The Larimer County Sheriffs Office announced the arrests on Wednesday and said the Poudre Canyon Volunteer Fire Department had been dispatched on April 11 before 5 a.m. to a reported fire under the bridge at Stevens Gulch Picnic Area, which is on Poudre Canyon Road. The agency discovered an obviously deceased person who was on fire.

Original reporting: 3 deputies and suspect injured after chase ends on I-25, closing highway for hours

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The Larimer County Sheriffs Office investigated the scene and the Larimer County Coroners Office, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, identified the decedent as Gerardo Hernandez Lucio, 49, of Greeley. The coroners office said his cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.

Through forensic evidence and information gathering, investigators identified Isaac Valdez-Salvador, 32, as the murder suspect and Juana Espino, 37, as a co-conspirator in the weapon purchase and homicide.

The sheriffs office said the suspects and the victim were associated with each other.

This was a disturbing case that started with a lot of unknowns. Our investigators have worked nonstop for the last week to gather crucial evidence, identify the victims associates, locate the suspects, and build a strong case that resulted in these charges, said Captain Bobby Moll, who leads the Investigations Division, in a release. This wouldnt have been possible without our regional partners and this teams unwavering dedication to public safety. If you bring violent crime into our county, well find you.

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On April 14, deputies attempted a traffic stop on Valdez-Salvador near the intersection of Rocky Mountain Avenue and Highway 34 in Loveland. He drove away, and deputies pursued, according to the sheriffs office.

The agency said Valdez-Salvador was seen driving recklessly during the chase at speeds over 100 mph, passing vehicles on the shoulder and hitting traffic cones in construction zones. Authorities also said on April 14 that the vehicle Valdez-Salvador used was reported stolen out of Denver.

Stolen vehicle rams Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office cruiser after traffic stop

The suspect vehicle stopped on I-25 at milepost 245 in Mead due to a flat tire, the sheriffs office reported, and the suspect fled the vehicle with a handgun. Deputies said he jumped the center median and was hit by a car in the northbound lanes of I-25. Valdez-Salvador reportedly sustained serious injuries but is recovering.

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Valdez-Salvador is facing felony charges of:

First-degree murder after deliberation

Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder after deliberation

Tampering with a deceased human body

Motor vehicle theft

Vehicular eluding

Tampering with physical evidence

According to court records, Valdez-Salvador has not been given a bond. There is no new court date filed online as of publication.

Espino was arrested on April 18 and is facing felony charges of:

First-degree murder after deliberation

Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder after deliberation

Unlawful purchase of firearms

Tampering with physical evidence

Espino was denied bond and she remains in the Weld County Jail. She is scheduled to appear for a status conference in court on June 20.

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The sheriffs office said the case investigators believe Lucio, the victim, was murdered in Weld County several days before the fire on April 11. The case will be prosecuted in the 19th Judicial District because of that.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the suspects or incident should contact Larimer County Sheriffs Office Investigator Ryan Gebhardt at 970-498-5586. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact the Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or stopcriminals.org.

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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BEIJING, Azerbaijan, April 24. On April 24, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met in Beijing with Song Hailiang, Chairman of the Board of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (Energy China), Trend reports.

It was noted during the meeting that China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited is currently implementing several projects in Azerbaijan. The company is the contractor for a 1-gigawatt offshore wind energy megaproject in the Caspian Sea and has also invested in solar energy and other projects in the Fuzuli district.

Song Hailiang presented proposals from his company for cooperation with Azerbaijan with respect to energy corridors.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the priority and strategic importance of the partnership with China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited.

They exchanged views on a long-term joint energy planning project. A document concerning this project was signed during President Ilham Aliyevs state visit to China.

Discussions also included the potential establishment of an energy research center in Azerbaijan. In addition, they explored possible collaboration in water management, an area in which the Chinese company has significant expertise.

Energy Chinas portfolio spans beyond renewable energy, covering hydrogen energy, energy storage, and the construction of large-scale power grids. The corporation operates 256 branches across 147 countries, is currently executing 416 projects, and holds a 50% share of Chinas renewable energy market.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Developing tonight, Memphis Police are searching for a suspect in a deadly domestic violence shooting.

The deadly shooting unfolded in a Frayser neighborhood on Tuesday night.

Memphis Police said three people were shot in the 1700 block of Cleoford Avenue.

Sadly, two victims died and another is in critical condition.

At a Memphis City Council meeting in March, Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis mentioned an uptick in domestic violence cases.

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Of course we see more cases of domestic violence than we care to see and were really thinking hard about how do we work with our partners in reducing domestic violence cases in the city, Davis said.

Multiple shootings reported across Memphis overnight

So far this year, there have been 597 reports of aggravated assaults involving domestic violence.

In 2024, there were 646 reports of those incidents.

The Family Safety Center served as a resource for domestic violence victims. However, its abrupt closure has created a gap within the Memphis community.

This can be a very confusing time for victims, not knowing where to go, not knowing you know, who to call, not knowing what agency to reach out to, Gwen Turner said. So, I must say that it is a full-team effort thats going forth.

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Turner, the Shelter Coordinator for the YWCA of Greater Memphis, said the organization is working with others to fulfill the needs of domestic violence victims.

For instance, orders of protection are now being handled by the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center.

No charges for pregnant woman who shot husband dead in attack

Turner told WREG that legal assistance and a safety plan are usually the resources domestic violence victims need the most.

Everybody needs a safety plan because sometimes you have to remain safe in the situation youre in until you can get to a point where you can get [out] and possibly come to a safe place like this, Turner said.

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She also said its important for people to be aware of the signs of domestic violence.

As Memphis Police piece together Tuesdays deadly shooting, theyre working closely with the YWCA and other organizations to protect victims and hold abusers accountable.

In January, Memphis Police launched its joint Domestic Violence Prolific Offender Initiative.

Its Fugitive Unit has arrested 105 domestic violence suspects this year, while its Domestic Violence Unit has made 953 arrests.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The Thompson Hollow wildfire is continuing to spread across Michaux State Forest in Cumberland County.

DCNR officials said in an update Thursday night update, a little after 10 p.m., that no buildings have been lost to the fire. Residents were asked to evacuate out of an abundance of caution.

Residents in the area are being asked to evacuate as the PA Bureau of Forestry says the fire has spread to 750 acres. A second fire in the region, the Hammonds Rock fire, has expanded to over 200 acres.

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The DCNR said the wildfire was reported in the Shippensburg area at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23.

DCNR originally reported the fire to be about 200 acres, but updated that number on Thursday afternoon, downgrading the estimate to about 100 acres. On Thursday night, the estimated number of acres burning expanded to 750 acres.

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The rapid spread is due to the dry conditions and large amounts of leaf litter, dead timber, and other fuel sources, according to the DCNR.

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry said on Thursday afternoon that the fire was zero percent contained. The Bureau of Forestry added that the public should avoid burning objects, but they dont think that is the cause.

Smoke can be seen from afar from the wildfire burning in the Michaux State Forest. Photo from abc27s Luke Dreyer Smoke can be seen from afar from the wildfire burning in the Michaux State Forest. Photo from abc27s Luke Dreyer

Aerial units are being sent in to assist with fire suppression today.

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Traffic is restricted on Shippensburg and Thompson Hollow roads for operational needs and public safety.

Michaux State Forest covers more than 85,500 acres in the South Mountain area of Adams, Cumberland, and Franklin counties. The forest is named after French botanist Andre Michaux.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The Texas Education Agency has released their A-F accountability ratings for the 2022-2023 school year, and under these ratings, Abilene ISD has several failing campuses while Wylie ISD received mostly Bs.

The scores were released Thursday after a two-year delay caused by a lawsuit from school districts.

TEA is prevented from sharing more recent school ratings from the 2023-24 school year due to a separate, ongoing lawsuit, TEA officials explain.

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Ratings are issues on criteria such as Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps.

For 2022-2023 school year, Abilene ISD received an overall district rating of C(72).

Looking at the ratings for each of Abilene ISDs 26 campuses, 11 campuses received an individual rating of C, 5 campuses received an individual rating of D (this is failing under TEA standards), 3 campuses received an individual rating of B, 2 campuses received an individual rating of A, one campus received an individual rating of F (this is failing under TEA standards), and 4 campuses were not rated.

The breakdown for each campus is as follows:

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Abilene HS  C(70)

Academy for Technology Engineering Math and Science  A(91)

Alcorta Elementary  C(71)

Austin Elementary  C(72)

Bassetti Elementary  D(64)

Bonham Elementary  C(74)

Bowie Elementary  C(76)

Clack Middle School  C(78)

Cooper High School  C(77)

Craig Middle School  B(82)

DAEP  Not Rated

Dyess Elementary  B(87)

Juvenile Detention Center  Not Rated

Long Early Learning Center  C(72)

Madison Middle School  D(67)

Mann Middle School  D(65)

Martinez Elementary  D(63)

Oceans Behavioral Health  Not Rated

Ortiz Elementary  F(48)

Purcell Elementary  D(63)

Stafford Elementary  A(90)

Taylor County Learning Center  Not Rated

Taylor Elementary  C(75)

Thomas Elementary  C(79)

Ward Elementary  C(74)

Woodson Center for Excellence  B(84)

Abilenes other school district, Wylie ISD, received an overall district rating of B(87), which is in line with the rating for most of their individual campuses.

Wylie ISDs individual campus breakdown is as follows:

Wylie East Elementary  B(80)

Wylie East Intermediate  B(82)

Wylie East Junior High  B(87)

Wylie High School  B(87)

Wylie West Early Childhood Center  B(85)

Wylie West Elementary  B(85)

Wylie West Intermediate  B(85)

Wylie West Junior High  B(90)

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To learn more about what factored in to these scores, and to get demographics for districts and individual campuses, visit the Texas Education Agency website.

BigCountryHomepage.com will publish a list of ratings from additional school districts across the area soon. Check back for the latest information.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  The Grand Junction Economic Partnership (GJEP) held its 2025 Western Colorado Economic Summit Thursday inside the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) ballroom.

This is our third year in a row with a sellout crowd, said Executive Director of GJEP Curtis Englehart.

This is really just a showcase of the areas partnerships and collaborations that we have in place.

The event kicked off at 8 a.m. and continued until 2 p.m. WesternSlopeNow caught two of the event speakers after their presentations. CMU Vice President of External Relations Derek Wagner discussed ways to improve and grow the workforce in the Grand Valley by offering those looking to complete their education a way to do so.

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The CMU Promise is a promise that we made to families statewide, that basically say, if you make $70,000 or less, you can come to this university, and we will find a way to pay for your tuition.

Click here to learn more about CMU Promise.

Also taking the stage this morning was District 51 Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill. Hill talked about the challenges and successes currently facing D51, even though it is one of the least funded districts in the state.

We do have financial challenges as a state and as a school district, being one of the lowest funded school districts in the state, but weve also been able to accomplish some really great things.

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Like community support for its students in apprentices, work-based learning opportunities and several construction projects around the district. Some are funded by bonds.

We are able to do a $190 million bond without raising the tax rate. But we have over $600 million worth of differed maintenance needs in our buildings. So, this will take care a huge chunk of that.

As for the future of the Western Slope economy, Englehart has a positive outlook.

The future looks really bright on the Western Slope and in Mesa County.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A man has received his sentence after a guilty plea for the murder of a 35-year-old man last December.

According to court documents, Deondrae Poole, 23, pleaded guilty to murder in the Clark County Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday.

On Dec. 30, Poole was indicted on several charges, including aggravated murder, three counts of murder, felonious assault, aggravated robbery and aggravated robbery.

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The count-2 murder charge was upheld by the court after Pooles plea on Tuesday, while the remaining charges were dropped.

As a result, Poole will serve an indefinite sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Johnson received jail-time credit from Dec. 19, 2024 to April 22, 2025.

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, a man was found dead, with a wound to the chest, in the parking lot of the Meijer on Hillcrest Avenue in Springfield.

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Apr. 24MOSCOW  A University of Idaho professor says the termination of a nearly $59 million USDA grant caused an "enormous disruption" to a university research project.

Sanford Eigenbrode, an entomology professor, was co-director of the project being funded by the USDA grant, called the Innovated Agriculture and Marketing Partnership project (IAMP).

The IAMP project, which is also co-directed by UI professor Erin Brooks, was supposed to help Idaho growers use climate-smart agricultural practices. That includes incentivising them to make crops more resilient to a fluctuating climate, and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

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It was the largest grant in the University of Idaho's history. More than 200 Idaho growers applied to take part in the project.

On April 13, the USDA notified UI that it planned to terminate the grant. Eigenbrode said the termination became official Tuesday.

"It caused enormous disruption to stop so quickly," he said.

He said 27 UI employees lost funding for their positions. That includes part-time and full-time employees, students and administrative personnel.

"It was a five-year grant, so we hired people with that in mind and people were employed with that expectation," Eigenbrode said.
A 1-year-old boy in Ingham County now has the measles, state and county health officials announced April 23, one day after confirming that he was infected following exposure to a 12-month-old girl who also has the highly contagious virus.

The boy's family was contacted by communicable disease nurses from the Ingham County Health Department after he was exposed to the 12-month-old girl, whose measles infection was confirmed April 15. When he developed symptoms, he was immediately tested.

The boy was vaccinated with an age-appropriate one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, Dr. Nike Shoyinka, the county's medical health officer, said in a statement. But the single dose wasn't enough to fully protect him from illness. His symptoms, however, are mild.

The Ingham County Health Department held a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine clinic on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the office in Lansing.

We understand that news of another case may cause concern in our community, Shoyinka said. However, this childs vaccination status helped lessen the severity of illness, and early isolation significantly reduced the risk of transmission.

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"This case highlights the importance of timely vaccinations and swift public health response.

This is at least the eighth confirmed measles case in Michigan so far this year. An outbreak was declared April 17 in Montcalm County, and an additional case in Eaton County is still awaiting confirmation, said Emily Smale, a spokesperson from the Barry-Eaton District Health Department told the Free Press.

The Ingham County boy with measles may have exposed others to the virus between 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. April 15 at Lansing Urgent Care  Frandor, 505 N. Clippert St., Lansing.

Anyone who was at the urgent care center during that time is asked to monitor for symptoms of measles for 21 days from the date of exposure, and should call a doctor if symptoms develop before seeking treatment to ensure precautions can be taken to prevent further exposure.

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Measles is so contagious that even after a person infected with the virus leaves a room, 90% of people without immunity to the virus will get sick if they enter the room for up to two hours later. Additionally, a person can be infectious and spreading the disease for as many as four days before the telltale rash develops and for four days after the rash begins, according to the CDC.

What are the symptoms of measles?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles symptoms typically start within seven to 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 and 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 chart shows how measles affects a patient, with children being most at risk.

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, 85 people in the U.S. with confirmed measles cases have been hospitalized for treatment  that's about 11% of the 800 confirmed infections nationally as of April 17. The vast majority  68 of the 85 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.

More: Michigan baby had measles vaccine 1 day before trip to airport with contagious traveler

How can I protect myself from measles?

"Our recommendation is for everyone to be vaccinated," Shoyinka said in a previous interview.

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 12-15 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?

Ingham County residents can get an MMR vaccine at the health departments immunization clinic, 303 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (Use entrance No. 3 when entering the building and go to the second floor.) Walk in hours are:

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9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

1-4 p.m. Thursdays.

Call the health department at 517-887-4316 or email Immunization@ingham.org to make an appointment.

Both county and state health officials said they are continuing efforts to trace the child's contacts and identify others who may have been been exposed.

Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ingham County reports 2nd measles case in 1-year-old boy
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The three Utahns accused of participating in a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo appeared in a federal court in Utah on Thursday.

Joseph Peter Moesser, 67, Tyler Thompson, 22, and Marcel Malanga, 22 were presented before a federal judge at 2 p.m. on Thursday. All three were wearing Weber County Inmate shirts.

Malanga, Moesser, and Thompson all pleaded not guilty. They are facing several federal charges, including conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to bomb places of government facilities, and conspiracy to kill or kidnap persons in a foreign country, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Four Americans accused of Congo coup attempt now facing federal charges in Salt Lake City

On April 8, Congo agreed to return the three Americans to U.S. soil to serve their sentences in their own country. All three men initally made court appearances in New York before being moved to Utah.

Malanga and Thomson claim to have evidence to support their innocence. The U.S. Department of Justice said they will work with the defendants to understand the case. A Discovery Conference is set for June 10 at 10 a.m.

All four men involved have detention hearings set to determine whether they can be released before their trial. Moesser will have is hearing on May 15, while the other three men have their hearing on May 28 at 1:30 p.m.





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Charges have just been filed in a theft scheme involving virtual slot machines across several Western Pennsylvania counties.

Ryan Black, 52, of Homestead, Matthew Cubberley, 38, of Pittsburgh and Keith Lumley, 48, of McKeesport, are facing several charges, including corrupt organizations, forgery, theft by deception and access device fraud.

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General said the group operated in Allegheny, Butler, Lawrence, Armstrong, Crawford and Blair counties between January and March.

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Authorities said the men accused would play games at gas stations, convenience stores, bars, and restaurants, earning a redemption ticket. They would then take the tickets outside and wash them with chemicals to make the payout much larger before redeeming them.

Around $71,000 was taken in the scheme, according to the AGs office.

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PRICEVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  Three Indiana men are now facing multiple charges after being pulled over in Priceville on Wednesday.

Officers pulled a vehicle over along I-65 SB around 9:35 p.m. Once making contact with the individuals inside the vehicle, several indicators led authorities to believe the people inside were involved in criminal activity.

Upon further investigation, officers learned that William Bradley Ellis, 35, of Indianapolis Indiana, had an active felony warrant out of Illinois with full U.S. extradition for being a prohibited person with a firearm along with multiple caution flags.

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Once Ellis was detained, PPDs K-9 Kilo gave a positive alert for narcotics being inside the vehicle which led to a narcotics field investigation.

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As a result, a quantity of methamphetamine, methamphetamine/fentanyl mixture, crack cocaine, as well as a variety of drug paraphernalia items were all found inside the vehicle.

Priceville Police said that Jason Edward Marcum, 42, of Shelbyville, Indiana and Roger Lee Weaver, 60, of Indianapolis, Indiana were also arrested. All three men was transported to the Morgan County Jail.

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According to PPD, Marcum was found to have an additional drug paraphernalia item on him during the booking process.

William Bradley Ellis was charged with drug trafficking, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, operating a vehicle with a secret compartment, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of brass knuckles, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He received a $470,000 bond and has a hold placed on him for authorities in Illinois.

Roger Lee Weaver was charged with drug trafficking, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a controlled substance two counts, tampering with physical evidence, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He received a $465,000 bond.

Jason Edward Marcum was charged with drug trafficking, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and promoting prison contraband 2nd degree. He received a $405,000 bond.

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Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The claim made by the Armenian Ministry of Defense alleging that Azerbaijani Army units opened fire toward the Khaznevar settlement on April 23 at around 22:20 (GMT+4) is yet another instance of disinformation and does not correspond to reality, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence said in a statement, Trend reports.

"We reiterate that the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces never open fire in the direction of civilian populations or infrastructure," the Ministry emphasized in its statement.

The ministry added that Armenia is using such targeted disinformation campaigns to conceal its own provocations and to create a distorted perception within the international community.

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(FOX40.COM)  Three people were arrested in a multi-agency, week-long Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children operation, according to the Brentwood Police Department.

Video Above: Efforts by law enforcement to stop AI-generated child sex abuse images

The goal of the operation is to identify people in the northern California area looking to sexually exploit minors online, authorities said.

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Police said 12 law enforcement agencies came together and arrested 29-year-old Sheldon Ludd of Sacramento, 29-year-old Anthony Mozingo of Elk Grove and 48-year-old Tommy Vance of Brentwood.

(IMAGE: Brentwood Police Department) (IMAGE: Brentwood Police Department) (IMAGE: Brentwood Police Department) (IMAGE: Brentwood Police Department)

Digital devices and guns were also seized, according to authorities.

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A United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Singapore encountered severe turbulence last month.

Four crew members and one passenger were hurt, with one crew sustaining serious injuries.

Turbulence is becoming stronger and more common due to the climate crisis, experts say.

Five people were injured when a United Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence last month.

The incident emerged after the Federal Aviation Administration filed a report about it on Tuesday.

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United Airlines Flight 1 travelled from San Francisco to Singapore on March 26  a 16-hour redeye flight.

It was in the Philippines' airspace, about 12 hours from San Francisco, when the incident occurred.

According to the FAA's report, the Boeing 787 was carrying 174 passengers and 14 crew members when it encountered severe turbulence.

One passenger and three cabin crew members sustained minor injuries, while one cabin crew member was seriously injured.

It isn't yet clear precisely what type of injuries they sustained.

An airline spokesperson told Business Insider that the flight "experienced a brief period of unexpected turbulence."

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"Medical personnel met the aircraft upon arrival in Singapore and transported one customer and four flight attendants to the hospital," they added. "We're grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of fellow crew members and our customers."

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation along with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

The risks of turbulence have come under more scrutiny since an incident last May when a Singapore Airlines passenger died. Another 71 people were injured.

Growing problem

Korean Air has announced it will stop serving instant noodles in a bid to prevent burn accidents caused by turbulence.

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It said turbulence had "become a persistent and growing problem in recent years," adding that the number of incidents had doubled between 2024 and 2019.

The airline also suggested climate change had had an impact, citing "large temperature differences between altitudes."

Turbulence is created when differences in wind speed result in more friction between air molecules. The warming climate imparts more energy into the air, which creates more friction.

This is especially notable around the jet streams, where clear-air turbulence is most prevalent.

"Climate change is making encounters with clear air turbulence more likely and more severe," Guy Gratton, an associate professor of aviation and the environment at Cranfield University, previously told BI.

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In a 2023 study , researchers from the University of Reading found turbulence was getting more common over the North Atlantic, around the north polar jet stream.

At a typical point, the most severe type of clear-air turbulence increased by 55% between 1979 and 2020, the study found.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Five teen suspects were arrested in connection with a violent gang-related assault that left two people hospitalized in Thousand Oaks.

The suspects were identified by the Ventura County Sheriffs Office as:

Jefferson Lima, 18, of Thousand Oaks

Jeremy Platz, 18, of Thousand Oaks

Male juvenile, 17, of Thousand Oaks

Male juvenile, 16, of Thousand Oaks

Male juvenile, 16, of Simi Valley

On April 17, deputies responded to an assault inside a business in the 400 block of North Moorpark Road at 9:30 p.m.

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The group of teens had chased a victim into a local business and assaulted him inside the store. At least one suspect used a sharp-edged weapon to injure the victim, deputies said.

During the violent confrontation, a store employee who attempted to intervene was also attacked by the suspect wielding the sharp weapon.

The group of teens fled the store before deputies arrived. The victims were treated at a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Following an investigation, the next day, Platz and a juvenile suspect were found in the 200 block of East Wilbur Road. Both attempted to flee from detectives, but were eventually captured.

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On the same day, Lima was located at his residence. While searching the home, detectives reportedly found significant evidence related to the assault.

The two remaining juvenile suspects were also found and arrested shortly after. All five teenagers are documented members of a local criminal street gang, authorities confirmed.

Platz and Lima were arrested for assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit a crime, and street terrorism. Both remain in custody on $500,000 bail.

The three juvenile suspects were booked into the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center on similar charges, with a court date pending. The victims identities were not released and the motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

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The Thousand Oaks Police Department takes a zero-tolerance stance against gang violence and encourages anyone with information regarding criminal or gang activity to notify Sheriffs Dispatch by calling 911 or 805-654-9511 in non-emergencies, the sheriffs department said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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AUSTIN (Nexstar)  As the Texas House debated bipartisan House Joint Resolution 72, a proposed amendment to the Texas constitution, State Rep. Gene Wu, D  Houston, stepped up to the microphone with a unique question for the bills author, State Rep. Candy Noble, R  Murphy.

I fully support this resolution, began Wu, the chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said. HJR 72 grants property tax relief for family members of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), if they own their family members homes in their name.

I called you last night and asked you to just have a brief delay in this bill, correct? Wu asked.

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Yes, Noble replied.

You agreed and you gave me your word that you would delay just briefly, Wu said.

I did, and after talking with my IDD constituents I decided to choose them and I apologize that that did not happen, Noble replied.

The exchange came after a constitutional amendment discussion was delayed on Tuesday. Ahead of a vote on Senate Bill 2  the education savings accounts bill  the Texas Tribune reported that Democrats were threatening to vote against all proposed constitutional amendments if Republicans didnt help them put the ESA legislation to a public vote.

Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds vote from both chambers of the Texas legislature before heading to the voters, meaning 51 of the 62 Democratic House members can kill one without any Republican dissenting.

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When HJR 72 got to a vote, 90 members voted in favor, two against with 51 members registering as present, not voting (PNV). Among the 51 PNVs, 50 were Democratic House members with the 51st being Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, who typically only breaks ties.

While 100 votes are needed to pass joint resolutions/constitutional amendments, HJR 72 wasnt killed by the vote, but rather sent to a third reading where it will need 100 votes. The third reading was scheduled for Thursday, but after Wednesdays vote, Noble motioned to move the vote to Monday.

Maybe Im being told we are going to vote it out

HJR 72 wasnt the only proposed constitutional amendment on the House docket Wednesday. A couple hours prior, State Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, appeared unsure if he should bring forward Senate Joint Resolution 3 which, in conjunction with Senate Bill 5, would create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

(SB 5) has a constitutional amendment thats attached to it which were not going to vote on today. Were going to do like the other constitutional amendments, Craddick said before turning to State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston.

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We got the votes, we got the votes, Senfronia, a co-sponsor on the bill with Craddick, told him.

With a collection of State Representatives gathered near the Speakers desk, the microphone picked up one saying the Ds are deciding.

After SB 5 advanced to a third reading, Craddick ultimately decided to postpone debate of SJR 3 to Monday.

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Disability rights advocates gather Feb. 26 at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix to urge Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and Republican legislative leaders to remedy a funding shortfall in the state's Division of Developmental Disabilities that could leave them suddenly without essential services. Photo by Caitlin Sievers | Arizona Mirror

Relief is in sight for Arizonans with developmental disabilities who depend on government-funded services and the loved ones who care for them.

Just seven days before the states Division of Developmental Disabilities is expected to run out of money, the Arizona House of Representatives voted 48-11 to pass a supplemental funding bill that would ensure it can keep paying its bills.

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The vote came after 7 p.m. on Wednesday, following hours of closed-door negotiations. After lawmakers approved an amendment adding provisions from a deal Republicans struck with Gov. Katie Hobbs to settle the disability funding, House Bill 2945 garnered unanimous support from Democrats and dissent from only 11 Republicans, most of them members of the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus.

This has not been easy, but we will help save lives. Rep. David Livingston, R-Peoria, said before voting for the bill.

The bill will head to the Senate next, where a different funding proposal passed with only Republican support on Wednesday morning, which Hobbs, a Democrat, declared dead-on-arrival. That legislation failed to pass the House earlier on Wednesday, sparking the talks that ended up breaking the logjam and leading to a deal.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Hobbs expressed support for the bill the House approved.

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Arizonans with disabilities and their families have been awash in anxiety, finding themselves forced to grapple with the increasing likelihood that theyll lose access to crucial services in May, all because the Republicans who control the state legislature and the governor continue to fight over how to resolve a $122 million funding shortage at DDD.

To get Democrats on board, the House nixed plans to use $38 million that was already allocated to the Housing Trust Fund to shore up DDD and instead opted to cover the gap with money from the Prescription Drug Rebate Fund.

Legislators in the House also scrapped requirements that the Arizona Health Cost Containment System, the states Medicaid program that runs DDD, acquire authorization from the legislature before it amends existing waivers from the federal government. But it kept intact requirements for legislative approval for new waivers or amendments to old waivers that expand services to new populations, increase services offered or make changes that cause a jump in utilization of 10% or more.

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Legislators, who are constitutionally responsible for funding state government, have had since January to negotiate a supplemental funding bill to allocate $122 million to DDD to get it through the end of the fiscal year on June 30. But Republican lawmakers instead played politics for months, letting care for some of the states most vulnerable people hang in the balance.

On Wednesday, Republicans and Democrats in the House thanked one another for their work to come to a compromise that they agreed was not perfect, but that they urged the Senate to approve.

If the legislature and Hobbs dont agree on a supplemental funding measure by April 30, the nearly 60,000 Arizonans with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism and other developmental disabilities will lose access to vital services. Parents who rely on those services have been trekking to the Capitol regularly since January to beg legislators to find a solution that wont mean they have to quit their jobs to care for their children or institutionalize them.

The Parents as Paid Caregivers program, which was responsible for a large chunk of DDDs budget deficit, trains parents and then pays them to provide in-home care to their own children  instead of third-party caregivers  but only if they require extraordinary care above and beyond typical parenting tasks. That might include assisting a teenager who has cerebral palsy, autism or cognitive disabilities with tasks like bathing, dressing and eating.

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The program was initially entirely federally funded, but beginning this month, the state is on the hook for around one-third of the cost.

The PPCG program has expanded over the last year from about 3,000 participants to around 6,000, even after Republicans in the legislature refused to provide specific funding for it. They accused Hobbs of executive overreach for allowing the program to balloon without the necessary funding to pay for it.

But Republicans who supported HB2945 took a slightly softer tone Wednesday evening.

The care of our most vulnerable citizens has always been a bipartisan obligation, one that speaks to the conscience of our society, said Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix.

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He said that Hobbs continuation of the program without explicit legislative approval was well-intentioned, but praised the guardrails that the supplemental spending legislation would put on PPCG, including the allocation of $355,000 for a special audit of the program.

The Houses version of the bill maintained several stipulations for the program that were included in the Senate version, including a 40-hour per week cap, which Hobbs had already planned to implement last October, but delayed until July.

It would also prevent parents from billing for care while their children are at school or hospitalized, would limit paid care from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and would implement numerous reporting requirements about utilization of the program.

Several Republicans, including Rep. Jeff Weninger of Chandler thanked Rep. Julie Willoughby, R-Chandler, for her dedication to ensuring that parents who rely on the PPCG program dont face devastating cuts. Republican leaders in the House last week killed a bipartisan supplemental funding bill that Willoughby proposed by stacking a House Appropriations Committee with additional Republicans who opposed the amendment just minutes before a meeting started.

In the Senate

Sen. Jake Hoffman, of Queen Creek, was the only Republican in the Senate who voted alongside Democrats to oppose Senate Bill 1743 Wednesday.

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Democrats in the Senate called the waiver approval requirements poison pills that could threaten the existence of PPCG  and possibly even AHCCCS itself.

Senate Democrats criticized Republicans for not including them in the development of the extensive amendment to SB1743 that they said was provided to them only minutes before legislators began discussing the changes on Wednesday.

***UPDATE: This story has been updated to reflect new developments. The headline has also been changed.

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A majority of Americans have a gloomy view of the U.S.s trajectory under Donald Trumps administration as the president approaches the 100-day mark of his second term, a new national survey suggests.

Some 60 percent believe that the country is seriously off on the wrong track, according to a poll released Tuesday from the University of Pennsylvanias Annenberg Public Policy Center. The question is used across major polling organizations to capture public sentiment about where they believe the nation is headed.

Fifty-four percent of respondents believe that, a year from now, the U.S. economy will be in a worse position than it is currently.

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Trust in the Supreme Court, the highest court in the federal judiciary, has hit a steep decline, falling sharply from 68 percent in 2019 to just 41 percent today, according to the survey. It marks a continued decline since the courts landmark ruling to overturn Roe V. Wade in 2022, per APPCs polling.

It comes amid an intensifying battle between Trump and the legislative branch, which has intervened to block a string of his administrations executive orders and obstruct the presidents agenda.

Trumps initial months in office have seen him attempt to boost his power, using dozens of executive orders to target government departments, as well as universities and law firms.

Americans believe the country on the wrong track under President Trump, according to new polling (AFP via Getty Images)

Thirty-two percent of respondents said they have no trust at all in the High Court.

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The Supreme Court, however, remains a more trusted symbol of authority than the president (40 percent), elected officials (36 percent) and Congress (32 percent). Per the polling, Americans express the greatest trust in medical scientists and the military, at 73 percent and 72 percent respectively.

Despite waning support for the Supreme Court, the electorate continues to support a system of checks and balances.

Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike believe that the courts and Congress should be able to check the presidents actions, Matt Levendusky, director of APPCs Institutions of Democracy division, said of the 1,360 American citizens surveyed between March 6 to March 16.

Two-thirds66 percentof Americans said that presidents should not ignore court rulings, even if they are at odds with their own agendas. Among GOP voters surveyed, 27 percent believe it is okay for presidents to ignore court rulings.

The Supreme Court remains a more trusted symbol of authority than the president despite slumping support (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

It comes as Trumps overall approval rating sank this week to the lowest level since commencing his second term amid Americans concerns about his attempts to expand his power.

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The poll, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos over six days and closing on Monday, found that just 42 percent approved of Trump's performance as president, compared to 43 percent three weeks prior. Following his second inauguration, his approval rating stood at 47 percent.

Just 37 percent approved of Trumps economic handling as the president conceded that ultra-high tariffs on China would fall but warned they would not hit zero.

Out of the 4,306 respondentsthat includes 73 percent of Republicans and 96 percent of Democrats83 percent said that the president must obey court orders that he disagrees with.

Despite Trumps slumping favorability, only two percent of voters said they regret their vote and would vote differently if they had the chance, according to a recent University of Massachusetts Amherst/YouGov poll.

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And MAGA populism is surging among Republican voters, according to NBC News polling last week.

More than a third of registered American voters surveyed in March identified themselves as followers of Trumps Make America Great Again movement.
Update: Interstate 70 is now open outside of Glenwood Springs. The Garfield County Sheriffs Office reported 106 of the 107 cattle survived the crash. The original story follows.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (KREX)  A portion of U.S. Interstate 70 closed Thursday morning after a commercial vehicle carrying cattle crashed onto its side.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the vehicle blocked both eastbound lanes of traffic near mile point 116, west of the Grand Avenue exit in Glenwood. Its unknown when the interstate will re-open for eastbound travelers.

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For local traffic, I-70 eastbound is open up to exit 114, west Glenwood.

CDOT said there are detour routes in place for travelers.

The first one allows eastbound commuters to take CO Highway 13 in Rifle north to Craig then turn east on U.S. Highway 40 to Steamboat Springs. Before Steamboat, travelers can take either CO 131 south and back on I70 or U.S. 40.

The other route has eastbound motorists from the Grand Junction area travel on U.S. 50, and U.S. 285 through Gunnison and continue to Denver or areas near the capital.

CDOT, the Glenwood Springs Police Department and other first responders are on the scene.

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Were in our peak wildfire season, and there has been no relief  or rain  in weeks.

First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh says we have not had a significant rainfall since April 11.

>>> WATCH THE FORECAST <<<

Action News Jax rode along with the Florida Forest Service, who gave us an up-close look at measures they take to fight - and prevent wildfires in the Bryceville area, and beyond.

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Robert Chase with the Florida Forest Service said 80% of fires are caused by people.

Theyre from things like yard burning, debris burning, thats another one. One little ember that gets out, and now were in a wildfire situation, said Chase.

Mother Nature is next to blame, behind humans, when it comes to sparking fires.

Lightning strikes, typically, we find them mostly on trees, is the next biggest cause of fires. One lightning strike and the next thing you know, its expanding, said Chase.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Cary State Forest is marked with signs of fire prevention. Heavy machinery is used on site to plow fire breaks and clear brush.

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The Florida Forest Service also fights fire with fire  prescribed burns help to clear hazardous fuel buildups.

But Chase said there are safety concerns with conducting prescribed burns in weather as hot and dry as this.

Its a very methodical process that we do. Theres a lot of steps taken to mitigate the risks of those prescribed fires. But its also the best tool that we have, said Chase.

He said peak wildfire season typically runs from March to May.

For now, its simply too dangerous to burn debris on your own, so Chase cautions people to hold off, to prevent a fire from burning or spreading out of control.

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Yard debris burning is always banned in Duval County.

To check the burn ban status of your county, check the Florida Forest Service dashboard.

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Apr. 24Two injured in three-vehicle accident

SEAL TOWNSHIP  A 95-year-old woman was killed and two were injured in a crash in Pike County on April 17.

Leona Pertuset, 95, of Peebles, died Monday from her injuries from the three-vehicle accident three days earlier, the Ohio State Highway patrol reported.

At 4:08 p.m. on April 17, the Portsmouth Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol received a call of an injury crash involving a commercial vehicle at the intersection of State Route 32 and U.S. 23.

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A 2017 Cadillac CTS was northbound on U.S. 23 and failed to yield from the stop sign at State Route 32.

A 2007 Peterbilt 379 series truck was headed eastbound on State Route 32, and struck the Cadillac, which spun into a 2011 Kia Sorento waiting to turn from State Route 32 onto U.S. 23 northbound.

The driver of the 2017 Cadillac CTS, James Pertuset, 93, of Peebles, was transported to Ohio State University Medical Center Columbus for injuries sustained from the crash.

His passenger, Leona Pertuset, was transported to Ohio State University Medical Center Columbus, Ohio for injuries sustained from the crash. She died on Monday.

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Tyler Walton, 29, of Wellston, was driving the 2007 Peterbilt 379 series truck and reported no injuries at the crash scene.

Annette Peck, 63, of Wheelersburg, Ohio was driving the 2011 Kia Sorento, reported non-life-threatening injuries on scene.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Seal Township Fire Department, Portsmouth Ambulance, and Pike County Sheriff's Department.
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL)  An investigation into alleged child abuse at Blue Mountain Childcare in Abingdon yielded two arrests recently.

Following their firing from the facility, the Washington County Virginia Sheriffs Office charged Ambrosia Kierre Monk, 30, of Bristol, VA, and Rachel Puckett, 25, of Saltville, VA, with assault and battery.

All eight alleged victims were 4-year-olds.

SEE ALSO: Two women arrested after investigation into Abingdon daycare uncovers alleged child abuse

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The owner of Blue Mountain, Clint Waddell, said he reported the employees himself and fired them when he first learned of the alleged abuse from a different employee.

After interviewing the initial one that came to me, I interviewed five others, with four of those others having statements that were concerning, Waddell explained.

Waddell said his employees go through background checks, fingerprinting and are submitted through a central registry before being hired.

Weve done everything that we could do in interviewing and checking references and doing those background checks, said Waddell. We also do drug screens and all those things. It still didnt prevent this from happening.

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An investigation by the Virginia Department of Social Services said two employees, referenced as nine and ten, physically abused the children by spanking or smacking them on the hands and mouth, and allegedly made the children lie on their stomachs while sitting on top of their backs.

The report also said these acts had been happening since December, but no other employees had reported it.

Waddell said he was made known of the acts in March and reported them immediately.

He also says he wishes his employees had reported it as soon as they had known.

I wish they would have reported directly to DSS or CPS. I cant speak on somebody elses behalf. I certainly wish they did.

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To me, the acts are egregious, but at the same time, the inactions of others are also hard to stomach, too.

Waddell said he is planning on making surprise check-ins at the daycare once a week. He also says he has hired a new director.

Im up here on site a lot more, and weve got a new director with plenty of experience. All we can do is face it head-on. We can take our public meetings, and we can just make sure that weve got staff here that knows that they are all mandatory reporters.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Under the Ministry of Defenses annual training plan, special attention is paid to practical classes held during training sessions with a group of reservists called from the reserve, conducted within the framework of joint actions with the State Service for Mobilization and Conscription, the Ministry of Defense told Trend.

In accordance with the training program, theoretical and practical classes were conducted with the personnel involved in the session held in one of the special-purpose military units, and the drill training of reservists was improved.

Within the classes held in various training ranges, the reservists received training in the rules of providing first aid during combat, worked out methods of evacuating the wounded from the territory, and were informed in detail about modern special equipment available in the armament of the Azerbaijan Armys engineering units.

During the classes, the reservists enhanced their practical skills in the incomplete disassembly and reassembly of small arms available in the armament of Azerbaijani army units, as well as learned the rules for the use of personal chemical protection equipment.

After enlightening talks with reservists and informing them on safety rules, they successfully carried out practical shooting from various small arms.

According to the plan, the training session focused on raising the combat training level of reservists, enhancing their knowledge and abilities, improving their practical skills, and introducing them to weapons recently received in the arsenal of the Azerbaijan Army, including the study of their combat use.

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Medical researchers say that the distinctive threats faced by Black women in the South include the potential for medical discrimination by health care providers, criminalization of pregnant women, and the highest rate of maternal mortality in the nation, which have increased since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. (Photo: Getty Images)

This story was originally published by Capital B. Capital B is a local and national nonprofit news organization reporting on stories you wont find anywhere else.

Kneeling on the cold bathroom floor of her apartment, Kisha clutched the pregnancy test she had just picked up from the Walgreens down the street. She waited for a single blue line to appear. Instead, there were two.

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When I looked down at that test, I didnt believe it, she said. I told myself there was just no way. This cant be happening to me.

She was pregnant at 41 years old.

With no partner to support her and no financial cushion to fall back on, living paycheck to paycheck, she couldnt afford to raise a child alone and had no desire to.

Working long shifts for an online retailing company, loading packages for $20 an hour, Kisha was facing a reality that she did not expect  and could not afford.

I knew exactly what my next steps would be, she said.

That step would be an abortion.

As the Trump administration moved to pause Planned Parenthoods funding and a federal court ruled against criminalizing doctors in Alabama for helping patients seek abortions across state lines, Black women in the South are sounding the alarm, organizing to defend whats left of their reproductive freedom.

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But living in South Carolina, where a law bans abortions around six weeks of pregnancy, Kisha said she felt like her next steps were under threat. Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments about whether her state could cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. That decision will not come until this summer.

The fear has only intensified since the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established federal protections for abortion. By giving states the right to restrict or ban abortions altogether, the ruling created a new legal landscape that abortion rights advocates say creates a particular set of hurdles for Black women who already face significant barriers to care.

Medical researchers say that the distinctive threats faced by Black women in the South include the potential for medical discrimination by health care providers, criminalization of pregnant women, and the highest rate of maternal mortality in the nation, which has only increased since the Dobbs decision.

Taken together, researchers say, those issues and others create disproportionately high risks for Black women seeking abortions when compared to their counterparts from other demographic groups.

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People need to understand that the current policies are going to, in a very material way, lead to more Black and brown women in jails, [and] more Black and brown women dying because doctors cannot provide them with the care that they swore an oath to provide, said Dr. Karenne Fru, an Atlanta-based reproductive endocrinologist and OB-GYN. I remind people that the biggest risk for a Black woman is getting pregnant.

In Kishas case, she made an appointment at a Planned Parenthood clinic where she was able to obtain the abortion pill at a reduced cost, and found some much-needed emotional support during a time she calls one of the most gut-wrenching moments of her life.

I didnt feel judged, she said. They just saw a woman who needed help, and they gave it.

Kisha agreed to speak with Capital B only on the condition that her last name not be used, out of fear that sharing her story publicly could lead to criminal prosecution under her states abortion laws  laws that place the kind of health care she received under threat.

Abortions, health care and Planned Parenthood under scrutiny

The rebuilt Planned Parenthood clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, reopened in November 2024, nearly three years after an arson attack destroyed the facility. (Angela Dennis)

During the first two months of the second Trump administration, the battle over reproductive rights has continued. On April 1, the Trump administration revoked Title X funding for Planned Parenthood, cutting tens of millions from clinics that provide reproductive and preventive health care.

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The very next day, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review South Carolinas attempt to exclude Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program, a decision that could significantly impact health care access for many low-income residents.

President Trump and Elon Musk are pushing their dangerous political agenda, stripping healthcare access from people nationwide, and not giving a second thought to the devastation they will cause, Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood, said in a statement.

Several Planned Parenthood clinics across Michigan announced their doors would be closing following the latest federal funding cuts. In addition, the cuts drew outrage from Planned Parenthood centers across the South  especially in states like Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, where strict abortion laws already make it harder for people to get care. These states also provide some of the weakest maternal health support in the nation.

We know the chaos and terror from this administration will impact marginalized communities and people of color the most, said Ashley Coffield, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi. This especially puts Black women at risk.

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Abby Ledoux, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, said one of her organizations clinics  serving Louisiana and southeast Texas  was also directly impacted.

Its just one in a long line of attacks. Were doing everything we can to fill the gaps in a broken health care system, she said.

Dr. Karenne Fru, an Atlanta-based reproductive endocrinologist and OB-GYN. (Handberry Creative)

Fru, a reproductive endocrinologist and OB-GYN, testified in March against Georgias House Bill 441  a law that would ban nearly all abortions by defining life as beginning at fertilization. Her testimony went viral.

Frus practice is rooted in helping women conceive. But she also supports patients through miscarriages, failed pregnancies, and medically necessary abortions  highlighting how interconnected reproductive care is.

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In states like Georgia, with six-week abortion bans, detecting fetal cardiac activity prevents termination, no matter the circumstances.

Fru said as many as a quarter of all pregnancies will not make it outside of the first trimester, and at that point, you have to do a lot to prove that it was not willfully terminated.

She explained that many of her patients have highly desired pregnancies  individuals who have paid for fertility treatments to conceive. But when those pregnancies become nonviable, the treatment options often involve the same medication used in abortions.

I have to put a note at the bottom of their prescription for the pharmacist to see that says this patient has a nonviable, desired pregnancy and is in distress, please dispense the meds as written without questioning her. And the reason I do that is because I have had patients calling me crying. After all, here theyre having the worst day of their life, and now a pharmacist is asking them if theyre using the pills to perform an abortion.

Fighting for abortion rights in the South

Fru warns that the growing criminalization of reproductive care affects not just patients, but also the providers trying to help them.

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Thats why, for many advocates, a recent federal court ruling in Alabama offered a rare moment of relief. On the same day that the Trump administration cut Title X funds, a U.S. district judge blocked a 2023 Alabama law that criminalized helping women travel across state lines to obtain legal abortions  ruling that the state could not prosecute individuals or providers for doing so.

The lawsuit was brought by a coalition, including the Yellowhammer Fund, which offers financial and logistical support to abortion seekers in the South.

The funds executive director, Jenice Fountain, said the group was ready to resume support the moment the ruling came down.

People shouldnt have to go out of state to get health care. Abortion should be free and accessible in this state, and we arent there yet, said Jenice Fountain, executive director of Yellowhammer Fund. (Tosha Gaines)

We funded an abortion just 15 minutes after the ruling. Thats how urgent and how serious this is for the women who need our help. We can celebrate this victory for a day or two, but we have to get back to work, Fountain said. Id say we are done celebrating. Its not acceptable that the best we can do for anyone is advise or fund their care out of state. People shouldnt have to go out of state to get health care. Abortion should be free and accessible in this state, and we arent there yet.

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While the judges ruling reaffirmed that Alabamians still have the constitutional right to travel and seek legal medical care, even if their home state criminalizes it, for Fountain, the ruling is far from enough.

Just having Black women watch an entire system fail them is mentally and emotionally horrendous on our bodies. Theres the actual talk of us dying from a lack of health care, and its horrendous. And knowing that the collateral for all of this is going to be someone that looks like you. If youre not trying to kill Black women, what are you trying to do? Fountain said.

Advocates in other Southern states echoed her concerns. Jules, a health care executive in Tennessee who would only speak on the condition that her last name be withheld, said 60% of the people they support live in West Tennessee, where that states Black population is concentrated  and where many residents are low-income or uninsured.

The Alabama ruling gives us some legal precedent to fight with, she said. But legislators are getting more creative with how they attack our services. Were not in the clear.

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Alexis Alsup, a doula in Knoxville, says Black women in the rural South are often hit the hardest because there arent enough resources nearby. She says many also dont know where to go for help.

For Kisha, the administrations cuts and restrictions on abortion laws feels deeply personal.

Yes, we will suffer under these cuts, and we will also find ways to care for one another, said Deon Haywood, executive director of Women With a Vision. (Anthony LaMothe Photography of New Orleans)

This is an attack on women. If it was really about the kids, theyd be reforming foster care or adoption systems. They wouldnt be making women responsible for systemic problems or policing our bodies, she said. And where are the laws that hold men accountable? We dont get pregnant alone.

As for her decision  the one she made with a heavy heart  Kisha says it wasnt easy. And she knows it couldve been her last chance to have a child.

I felt super selfish. I couldnt even tell my mom because I know she wants grandchildren. But I also know that I wouldve felt just as selfish raising a child in these circumstances. I had to forgive myself.

Longtime advocate Deon Haywood, executive director of Women With a Vision, says Kishas story is one of many, woven into a legacy of resistance by Black women across generations.

Yes, we will suffer under these cuts, and we will also find ways to care for one another, Haywood said. Black people are a passionate people, and we are filled with spirit and soul, and thats what we bring to the streets when were fighting back. Thats what we bring to the halls. Thats what we bring to courthouses.

We take it with us because its a part of our DNA left and shared by our ancestors. Because of that, we owe it to ourselves to stay in this fight.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, said she and her children have been moved to a safe house after the Department of Homeland Security posted a court document on social media that included their home address.

I dont feel safe when the government posts my address, the house where my family lives, for everyone to see, especially when this case has gone viral and people have all sorts of opinions, Vasquez Sura told The Washington Post in an interview published Tuesday.

As the Trump administration released documents detailing its case against Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father with protected status who officials admitted was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, DHS last week posted a copy of a civil protective order granted to his wife in 2021.

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia had a history of violence and was not the upstanding Maryland Man the media has portrayed him as, the agency wrote in a post on X.

The familys home address and other personal information about the couple was not redacted. The Department of Homeland Security told MSNBC that the documents it posted are publicly accessible.

In a statement last week, Vasquez Sura revealed her experience with domestic violence in a previous relationship and said she sought the protective order after a disagreement with Abrego Garcia in case things escalated.

Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process, she said. 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.

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According to the Post, Abrego Garcia had struck her during an argument in their car in 2021. Vasquez Sura attributed it to the mounting pressure they were facing while raising three children, including their youngest son, who is nonverbal and autistic, as well as lingering trauma from Abrego Garcias seven-month detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2019. (That detention is now the central focus of the Trump administrations case against him.)

Look, Kilmar is not perfect  nobody is, Vasquez Sura told the Post. Day by day, you grow. Every day, you learn. And he was trying his best for me, for our kids, for our future.

Abrego Garcias case is arguably the most high-profile one among the Trump administrations sweeping deportation efforts. The government has repeatedly accused him of being a member of the MS-13 gang, allegations that his lawyer and Vasquez Sura have vehemently denied.

As the legal battle over his removal and court-ordered return to the U.S. plays out, Trump officials  and even Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele  have portrayed Abrego Garcia as a violent gang member, a terrorist and a less-than-stellar husband and father.

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Meanwhile, Vasquez Sura has continued to advocate for his return. Enough is enough, she told reporters last week. My family cant be robbed from another day without seeing Kilmar. This administration has already taken so much from my children, from Kilmars mother, brother, sisters and me.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Top Trump administration officials and the president himself insist the executive branch must have the power to deport illegal immigrants without minimal due process under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act because its the only practical way to carry out mass deportations.

The alternative to such sweeping power, White House adviser Stephen Miller said on Fox News earlier this month, is that every single invader that Joe Biden let in should get their own individual judicial trial before theyre deported  each one gets a million-dollar trial in front of a communist judge to decide whether or not we can send them home. How about hell no?! How about we pick them up and we get them out of this country, so they cant hurt anyone else?

And there are Vice President J.D. Vances claims. Consider that Joe Biden allowed approximately 20 million illegal aliens into our country, Vance wrote on X last week, offering a high estimate of the total number of all illegal immigrants in the country (not merely those who entered since 2021). The President has successfully stopped the inflow of illegal aliens, and now we must deport the people who came here illegally.

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Trump himself wrote earlier this week in response to a Supreme Court order temporarily halting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act: We cannot give everyone a trial, because to do so would take, without exaggeration, 200 years.

But the argument that the Alien Enemies Act is a key tool necessary to carry out mass deportations is absurd on its face. Trumps proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act applied only to a very tiny percentage of the more than 500,000 Venezuelan unauthorized immigrants in the countrythose who are members of the gang Tren de Aragua (TdA). While there arent reliable estimates for the total number of TdA members in the United States, it is perhaps a number in the thousands. The gang MS-13, which is much more well-established in America than Tren de Aragua, has an estimated 10,000 members in the United States according to the Department of Justice.

In other words, Trumps Alien Enemies Act proclamation likely applies to less than 0.1 percent of the entire population of 15 million illegal immigrants in the United States.

Deporting members of criminal gangs is no doubt a higher priority than deporting other illegal immigrants, butcontrary to the claims of Miller, Vance, and Trumpnothing supports the notion that illegal immigrants are entitled to million-dollar jury trials that would take centuries to carry out.

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The entire budget for the immigration court system was $840 million in 2024. If all illegal immigrants were given million-dollar trials as Miller claims, that budget would allow for the deportation of 840 people. The actual number of deportations carried out by the Department of Homeland Security in 2024 totaled more than 271,000 people. The idea that it is going to cost a million dollars per case is just Stephen Miller being a propagandist, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of American Immigration Council, an organization that advocates on behalf of immigrants, told The Dispatch.

The due process typically afforded to illegal immigrants is spelled out under a federal statute, the Immigration and Nationality Act. That law gives some (but not all) people subject to deportation the opportunity for a hearing before one of roughly 700 immigration judges who are employees of the Department of Justicenot judges under Article III of the U.S. Constitution. People challenging deportation in immigration court have fewer rights and opportunities to appeal decisions than defendants in criminal trials do. Theres no right to a government-appointed lawyer, for example, and the attorney general can overrule immigration court judges. But most deportees in 2024 were removed from the country by expedited removalincluding people claiming asylum at the border who failed to pass a credible fear screeningwithout ever even appearing before an immigration court judge.

Trump now claims that he has been stymied at every turn by even the U.S. Supreme Court  which seemingly doesnt want me to send violent criminals and terrorists back to Venezuela, or any other Country. The standoff between Trump and the Supreme Court over the law has taken the country to the brink of a constitutional crisis. But the high court has not yet ruled on the merits of whether Trump can invoke the Alien Enemies Act against Tren de Aragua. It unanimously ruled on April 7 that those subject to deportation under the Alien Enemies Act must be given notice and a reasonable opportunity to challenge their designation as members of TdA, though the court split 5-4 over which courts should hear such disputes. Over the weekend, a 7-2 Supreme Court majorityapparently alarmed that the Trump administration might carry out more Alien Enemies Act deportations without such minimal due processtemporarily halted AEA deportations.

Apart from the AEA, existing immigration law provides multiple avenues for deporting suspected gang members. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), last year 3,706 known or suspected gang members were deportednot far below the 4,276 known or suspected gang members deported during the last year of Trumps first term.

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And Trumps decision to have the State Department designate Tren de Aragua and other transnational gangs as foreign terrorist organizations under the Immigration and Nationality Act will make it even easier to deport known or suspected gang members. There are plenty of problems with existing immigration lawincluding a backlog of 2 million asylum casesbut the foreign terrorist designation means that an illegal immigrant found by an immigration court judge to be a member of Tren de Aragua cannot claim asylum. Only very limited relief under the Convention Against Torture could be sought, according to Reichlin-Melnick. While such relief would prevent deportation to a country where the individual would likely be tortured, such relief would not prevent deportation to a third country where the likelihood of torture is absent.

Cutting against the Trump administrations complaints about recent court rulings, several factors unrelated to the Alien Enemies Act could still stymie Trumps efforts to carry out mass deportations.

First, Trumps policies have succeeded in mostly shutting down the flow of illegal immigrants at the southern border. Its much more difficult to find, detain, and deport people once they are in the interior of the country than simply turning them around at the border. Thats why there were reportedly fewer deportations (which includes people turned away at the border) carried out this March than last March. The Atlantics Nick Miroff reported last week that according to unpublished ICE data he obtained, there were about 18,500 deportations in March 2025, down from 23,100 in March 2024.

Second, there are limits on detention capacity. ICE has the ability right now to hold fewer than 50,000 people in detentionand it is currently operating at that max capacity. Border czar Tom Homan has said with additional funding from Congress, hed like to get that number up to 100,000. But even with higher detention capacity, its going to be difficult for Trump to get to his goal of 1 million people deported this year. Uncomplicated deportation proceedings still take some time and resources. Even if youre dealing with people from Mexico or Central America where the governments are not obstructing the return of their own citizens, youre still going hold people [in detention] for a week or two to get the paperwork lined up, Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies told The Dispatch.

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Third, Trump seems reluctant, for now, to carry out the kind of worksite raids at scale that could greatly increase the number of deportations. If ICE is sending five guys to arrest one Venezuelan gangbanger, youre not going to get big numbers that way. The way youre going to get higher numbers of removals is when they step up worksite enforcement, Krikorian, a prominent immigration hawk, told The Dispatch in late March. The five guys you sent to arrest one gang member can actually turn up 20 or 30 or 40 illegal aliens at a worksite. But on April 10, Trump indicated he was wary of such raids on a large scale. We have to take care of our farmers and our hotels and various places where they need the people who are illegal immigrants to work, he said.

But ultimately, Trumps ability to carry out mass deportations will not hinge on whether he has unchecked power to target 0.1 percent of the total population of illegal immigrants for deportation via the Alien Enemies Act rather than the Immigration and Nationality Act.

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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis had once vowed to eradicate the evil of sexual abuse from the Roman Catholic Church. He called bishops to Rome for listening sessions. He drew up new guidelines for handling cases.

Anti-abuse advocates commend Francis for grasping the systemic nature of the problem and for meeting empathetically with victims. But they say he struggled to alter the churchs penchant for secrecy and its habit of acting forcefully only when under outside pressure.

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What that means, in the aftermath of Franciss death, is that the next pope will inherit a crisis that is still roiling the Catholic Church.

Even now, the Holy See is receiving a steady 800 cases per year from places such as Poland, Italy, Latin America and Asia, according to Archbishop Charles Scicluna, a member of the Vatican department that oversees the handling of abuse claims.

The church, with its meticulous recordkeeping, was aware of rampant clerical sexual abuse well before it exploded into public view in the early 2000s. The first revelations emerged primarily in Western countries with strong prosecution services, independent media and advocacy groups. Now, the nature of the crisis is changing, and new regions are training a spotlight on crimes within the church.

Now it is different places, he said. A culture of disclosure takes time to develop.

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One concern within the church is that any revelations could geographically broaden the churchs credibility problems, which have already driven an exodus of Mass-goers in Western Europe. The church is growing most quickly in Africa and parts of Asia, and even if reckonings dont happen anytime soon, they lurk as potential risks during future pontificates. The lesson of the past three decades is that clerical abuse is widespread - so long as somebody is looking for it and victims have confidence to come forward.

Shaun Dougherty, an American who is the board president of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, said that abuse is the single biggest issue in the church today.

They are still more willing to protect their church and themselves than the innocent, he said.

The issue has altered the course of the last three pontificates.

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Pope John Paul II, who led the church when the early evidence came to light, tended to view individual priests as the problem, paying less attention to crimes or cover-ups in the hierarchy. That oversight posthumously bruised his reputation, when it emerged that he had known about and overlooked sexual misconduct claims against Theodore McCarrick, a powerful American cardinal who was defrocked in 2019.

John Paul IIs successor, Pope Benedict XVI, moved more aggressively to punish priests and was the first pope to meet with clerical abuse survivors. But he also faced accusations - levied in a 1,900-page report released a year before his death - that hed mishandled cases during an earlier point in his career. He expressed profound shame to abuse victims but admitted no wrongdoing.

Francis faced abuse-related challenges on many fronts. Conservatives, connecting the scourge to homosexuality in the priesthood, accused the pope of overlooking the root causes. Liberals, particularly in Germany, said the pope wasnt going far enough in reforming the church. And several of Franciss international trips, including to Belgium in September, were dominated by feelings of anger and betrayal stemming from the churchs response to abuse.

It is shameful, Francis said during that trip. The church must be ashamed, ask for pardon and try to solve this situation.

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Some critics say that Francis, when not directly confronted with the issue, paid less attention to abuse in his final few years. During a landmark two-year church gathering that ended in 2024, known as a synod, many thorny church issues were discussed. But abuse was not a focus.

Given that this was the existential crisis to the moral legitimacy to the church around the world, it was a stunning disappointment, said Anne Barrett Doyle, the co-director of the watchdog group BishopAccountability.

- - -

All-out battle against abuse

Franciss most relevant measures to counter abuse came at the midpoint of his pontificate, when global scandals brought pressure to an unprecedented level. In Chile, prosecutors were raiding church offices and accusing church leaders of a cover-up. In Australia, a cardinal was preparing to stand trial on numerous sex-related offenses. And in the United States, accusations about McCarrick were bubbling to the surface - as the pope promised a canonical trial.

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Francis swiftly summoned bishops to Rome for a first-of-its-kind meeting to discuss abuse.

They listened to victims and aired proposals about improving oversight.

At the end of the four-day summit, the pope vowed an all-out battle against abuse.

He subsequently issued a sweeping new law that aimed to create a better system for fielding and investigating abuse claims. As part of that law, dioceses were required to set up offices for receiving complaints. Priests and nuns were obligated for the first time to report accusations of wrongdoing to religious authorities. And, perhaps most importantly, the measures added a new layer of oversight for bishops, whod previously been answerable only to the pope - meaning they could operate without much scrutiny. Under the new system, bishops could essentially police their own ranks: If one bishop was accused of abuse or a cover-up, a prelate heading the largest regional dioceses could step in and lead an investigation.

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The Vatican also made an example out of McCarrick. He was stripped of the rights of the priesthood, the most significant abuse-related punishment ever given to a onetime cardinal. His rise through the ranks was also subjected to an internal investigation, resulting in a 449-page report that unearthed papal decision-making in searing detail.

- - -

Lack of transparency

But the McCarrick report was a one-off.

And abuse experts, as well as Vatican officials, acknowledge that the church still does not operate with transparency or consistency.

A report issued in October by the popes abuse commission noted that not all dioceses have created the offices for receiving cases.

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Sometimes the church investigates higher-ups according to its rules. But other cases are improvised, without explanation. Experts say it is hard to tell how well the system is working, because the church does not make public information about which bishops are punished and why.

We need to work on a consistent application of adhering to the law, said Hans Zollner, a German priest who helped organize Franciss abuse summit, and who specializes in safeguarding. This is the main challenge for the church when it comes to abuse.

When one of Franciss top-ranking cardinals, Canadian Marc Ouellet, faced accusations of inappropriate touching, the Vatican delegated the investigation to a priest who already knew Ouellet well. When a Nobel-winning bishop from East Timor, Carlos Ximenes Belo, was accused of abusing impoverished children, the Vatican disciplined him. But the restrictions - including a ban on contact with minors - were kept secret until a Dutch news outlet looked into the case.

Victims commonly say they struggle to obtain information about any discipline meted out against their alleged abusers.

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Scicluna called that a fair criticism.

If you look at the record of Pope Francis, we are in a better place when it comes to laws and structures, Scicluna said. One thing is having laws and structures. Another is how they operate on the ground.

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What does it take to beat an evil empire? Andor knows.
(KTLA)  A man suspected of killing and kidnapping cats in California was arrested on Wednesday, police confirmed.

Officers served a search warrant at the suspects home in Orange County to arrest the man that the Santa Ana Police Department described as a serial cat killer.

In an Instagram video posted on Wednesday, the department identified the man as Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, 45, of Santa Ana, California.

Alejandro Acosta Oliveros (Santa Ana PD)

Police confirmed to Nexstars KTLA that Oliveros has confessed but that they are still investigating to figure out the scope of the case.

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As of Wednesday afternoon, detectives did not have a specific number or estimate of cats killed, but said they believe it was a lot.

Man killed by hit-and-run driver, struck again by second vehicle in California

Santa Ana residents had been speaking out for weeks, alerting the public, especially pet owners, of a man whos been caught on camera luring and grabbing cats out of their homes and taking off, leaving families devastated.

Police said that Oliveros is believed to be the man behind many, if not all, of these cat thefts, especially one in Westminster last month.

Surveillance video taken on March 21 showed a man, believed to be Oliveros, snagging a 10-month-old Bengal Lynx cat named Clubber.

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Clubber was eventually returned to his home.

Along with the catnapping reports, neighbors started posting to social media sites such as Nextdoor, saying the cats were now being killed as well.

We saw our cameras, and this guy just grabbed a neighborhood cat, seemed like he tied his legs up and took him around 5 p.m., read one of the Nextdoor posts. He went walking on Shelton Street towards McFadden. The cat is black with light brown spots.

A person in another post said the man injected a cat that later died. Hello! Im near El Salvador park, and my neighbors cat was killed by a man who injected it with some sort of substance.

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Police said they expect charges to be filed, hopefully within the next few days.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
A sign supporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia at an April 9 news conference by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Capitol Hill. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The federal judge overseeing the case of erroneously deported Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia agreed Wednesday to a weeks delay in discovery that was supposed to get the case moving.

The one-page order by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis came without explanation after the government filed sealed documents requesting a one-week extension of the original 6 p.m. Wednesday deadline to file discovery materials in the case.

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That expedited discovery schedule had been ordered last week, after Xinis said the government appeared to have done nothing to aid in Abrego Garcias release from custody and return to the United States where courts would handle his case, as was ordered earlier this month by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Abrego Garcia, an undocumented immigrant living in Beltsville, was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 12 and soon deported to El Salvador, even though ICE now acknowledges that he was still under the protection of a 2019 court order that prohibited his return to that country for fear he would be harassed or killed by gangs there.

Abrego Garcias family  his wife and children are U.S. citizens  sued for his return and Xinis ordered him brought back by April 7. That deadline passed as her order was appealed to higher courts, but the Supreme Court on April 10 largely agreed with Xinis and said the government needed to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the U.S.

But U.S. offiicials, all the way up to President Donald Trump, have said they do not have the power to bring him back from El Salvador. And Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has also said he does not have the power to return Abrego Garcia, who remains in prison in El Salvador.

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Wednesdays pause in the case also came one day after Xinis, in a sternly worded order, charged the government with a willful and bad faith refusal to comply with discovery obligations.

That foot-dragging included claims that information could not be produced because it was shielded by government privilege, attorney-client privilege, state secrets privilege and more that Xinis rejected as unsupported.

For weeks, defendants have sought refuge behind vague and unsubstantiated assertions of privilege, using them as a shield to obstruct discovery and evade compliance with this Courts orders, Xinis wrote Tuesday.

While agreeing with the government that one discovery question from the plaintiffs was overly broad, Xinis rejected most of the governments complaints about other interrogatories, or found its answers to them vague, evasive and incomplete and an indication of willful and intentional noncompliance with the courts orders and the discovery process.

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Despite the Supreme Courts finding that the deportation was improper  unlawful in the words of Justice Sonia Sotomayor  Trump, and members of his administration, now insist that the deportation was proper and that Abrego Garcia is a member of the Salvadoran gang MS-13, even though he has never been charged and has no criminal record. If he was returned to the U.S., they say, he would just be tried and deported again.

Supporters of Abrego Garcia, particularly Democrats who have taken up his cause, said thats all theyre asking for  a chance for Abrego Garcia to have his day in court.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who made headlines by going to El Salvador and forcing a meeting with Abrego Garcia last week, said on the Sunday talk shows this week that he was not defending Abrego Garcia the man as much as he was defending the rights of this man to due process.

That refrain was picked up by Democrats in Maryland this week.

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Del. Jheanelle K. Wilkins (D-Montgomery), who took part Wednesday in a virtual panel with EMERGE, an organization that pushes Democratic women to run for office, said Maryland has become an example of the Trump administrations deportation efforts through the Abrego Garcia case.

It is really an example that has spotlighted the danger of this administration, where we are seeing a lack of checks and balances, said Wilkins, who sponsored successful legislation in the 2025 legislature to protect undocumented immigrants from unnecessary interactions with immigration officials at specific public locations.

For the Supreme Court to agree with previous decisions and that this was wrong for a person who a judge has deemed can stay in the country, she said, who has been convicted of no crime, neither in the United States, in the state of Maryland and El Salvador  to be kidnapped basically and in cahoots with another country to be imprisoned is just really beyond the pale.

Gov. Wes Moore (D), speaking to reporters Wednesday, said authorities here are only being told that Abrego Garcia is moving around from prison to prison in El Salvador simply because Donald Trump says he is guilty of something.

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A judge has not said that. A court has not said that. And so what were simply saying is bring him home to stand trial and then let a judge decide what exactly should be the fate of him, Moore said. Because this is, this is not about immigration. This is about due process.

Are we going to follow the Constitution or not? Are we going to follow the word of the Supreme Court or not, because Donald Trump alone does not have say whether or not a person is guilty or not of a crime, he said.

Moore said his administration is talking to the states congressional delegation and with Attorney General Anthony Browns office to look at all available options to ensure that due process is followed by El Salvador, but he did not discuss details.

I think we have a whole series of options that we are looking at right now , he said.
Apr. 23A New Mexico Tech student from Ghana has sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement after having his student visa revoked.

The 38-year-old Ph.D. student, who appears to be the only student at New Mexico Tech to have their visa revoked, was not made available for an interview and was not named in court documents by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, which is representing the student in the lawsuit filed Wednesday. He instead is listed under the alias K.O.D.

The lawsuit seeks to reinstate his student visa and allow him to continue his studies at New Mexico Tech.

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Nine students at New Mexico State University have had their visas revoked, and several University of New Mexico students have also had their visas terminated, though the university has declined multiple requests to specify a number. New Mexico Tech confirmed one student had their visa revoked earlier in the month but did not respond to an inquiry Wednesday on whether that number has grown.

The suit comes during a month in which the Trump administration revoked thousands of student visas at universities across the country as it aims to fulfill a long-standing campaign promise to tighten up the nation's immigration policies. Other ACLU chapters across the country are filing lawsuits on behalf of the students who've had visas pulled.

"The American Civil Liberties Union appears far more interested in protecting foreign students than the civil liberties and safety of Americans. They should consider changing their name," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement Thursday. "It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live & study in the United States of America. When you break our laws and advocate for violence and terrorism that privilege should be revoked and you should not be in this country."

While it appeared initially that many of the international students had their visas revoked for reasons ranging from minor crimes to participation in campus protests against the war in Gaza, K.O.D maintains a spotless record on both fronts, according to his attorney, Shayne Huffman.

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"He's never been convicted of a crime, he's never even had a traffic citation since he's lived in the United States," Huffman told the Journal on Wednesday. "As far as I can tell, he doesn't really have strong opinions about anything the government is doing, at least with respect to the Israel-Gaza situation. We're at a loss truly about how or why our client was targeted."

The lawsuit states K.O.D's visa was revoked for "unknown and unspecified reasons" and that his chances of finishing his research are in "severe jeopardy" because of the decision to "abruptly terminate" his visa. K.O.D is studying and working as a research assistant at New Mexico Tech's main campus in Socorro to get his Ph.D. in petroleum engineering, and Huffman hopes he can keep his client working and in good spirits.

"He's co-authored academic research papers, he's presented at professional conferences in the field of energy," Huffman said. "That has a direct impact on New Mexico, has a direct impact on the country, and he's advancing research in the sciences in an area that actually does impact us."

Though he has not met his client, who is some 70 miles from Albuquerque, Huffman said he has spoken with K.O.D directly.

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"He's anxious ... he uprooted his life, received a valid student visa, came here from Ghana, he's a long way from home, and he spent the last two years dedicated to this Ph.D. program," Huffman said.

The case filed in Albuquerque's federal district court has not yet received a response, and ICE did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.

"It's important to remember or realize that everybody in this country is entitled to due process under the U.S. Constitution. It doesn't matter whether you're a citizen or not," Huffman said. "I'm hopeful that the court will recognize that our client was not afforded any process at all."
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  A day after a judge issued an order allowing a Marshall University student from India to remain in the country after his visa was revoked, another lawsuit has been filed for a West Virginia University student who suffered a similar fate.

On Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia (ACLU-WV) filed a lawsuit on behalf of Sajawal Ali Sohail, a 25-year-old computer science major from Pakistan who is studying at WVU and had his F-1 visa revoked by the Trump Administration earlier this month.

The suit claims that Sohail received an email from WVU on April 10 telling him that his records with the Student Exchange Visitor Information (SEVIS) system had been revoked and that his visa had been terminated because he appeared in a criminal database. The suit says that Sohail has never been convicted of a crime and that he and his family have instead been victims of one.

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In 2023, WVU police questioned Sohail regarding an investigation into his tuition payments, according to the suit. The investigation revealed that Sohails father had been scammed by someone who claimed to pay for his sons tuition. It was later revealed that the scammer used stolen credit cards to make the initial payment.

During that situation, Sohail was initially charged with identity theft, but the charges were dismissed, according to the West Virginia Magistrate Court system. The suit says that a judge ruled that Sohail and his family were victims rather than perpetrators. The suit added that Sohails family assisted law enforcement with tracking down the real perpetrator.

Screenshot from the West Virginia Magistrate Court system Screenshot from the West Virginia Magistrate Court system Screenshot from the West Virginia Magistrate Court system

Marshall student who had visa revoked may remain in US: Judge

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The suit claims that the Trump Administration violated the Fifth Amendment and the Administrative Procedures Act by revoking Sohails visa and terminating his SEVIS records without due process or a lawful reason for doing so. These are the same grounds that the ACLU-WV used in its case representing a Marshall University student, who had his visa revoked; he was granted a temporary restraining order on Wednesday, allowing him to remain in the country.

Sohail is one of four students and three alumni at WVU who had their visas revoked by the Trump Administration earlier this month, all of whom were given notices on the grounds that the recipients were found in a criminal database.

You can read the full suit filed on Thursday below:

sohail_filed_complaint_1Download

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Editors note: Since this lawsuit was filed, 12 News has learned that three WVU students, including Sajawal Ali Sohail, have had their visas restored by the federal government. Click here for more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Hodges Hall, home of the Department of World Languages, Literatures & Linguistics at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va. (Aidan Cornue | West Virginia Watch)

The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia filed a lawsuit Thursday on behalf of a West Virginia University student whose visa the Trump administration revoked.

The ACLU-WV filed the suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. The complaint names Kristi Noem, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Todd Lyons, acting director of the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

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According to a news release, Sajawal Ali Sohail, a 25-year-old computer science student from Pakistan, received an email April 10 that his visa had been revoked because he appeared in a criminal database.

Sohail was never convicted of a crime, the ACLU said, his family was actually the victim of one. According to the complaint, WVU police questioned Sohail in 2023 as part of an investigation into his tuition payments. Sohails father had been scammed by someone who offered to pay for Sohails tuition, but the person had used stolen cards to make the first payment.

Sohail was initially charged in the incident but the charges were dismissed, according to the complaint.

Our client has been victimized three times now  once by a scammer, then again by police who incorrectly charged him with a crime, and now a third time by the Trump administration for citing that charge as grounds to endanger his legal status in the country, ACLU Legal Director Aubrey Sparks said in a news release.

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More than 1,000 international students at 160 colleges and universities across the country have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since March, according to a report by the Associated Press. That includes students at colleges and universities in West Virginia. The ACLU-WV filed a similar lawsuit late last week on behalf of a Marshall University graduate student from India whose visa was revoked. A judge on Wednesday issued a temporary restraining order allowing the Marshall student to stay in the country.

Weve heard time and again from the Trump administration that they only want to remove criminals from the country, but we know that simply isnt the case, ACLU-WV Executive Director Eli Baumwell said in the news release. Its obvious the administration has embarked on a policy of mass terminations regardless of the facts. We look forward to a courts ruling on Mr. Sohails case.

Sohail, who would be set to graduate next month, said he still wants to pursue job opportunities in the United States.

This has been an incredibly stressful time for me, he said in a news release. I am losing my hair due to stress, I could not sleep in my own house for fear of getting arrested and deported. I am a good student from a good family, and I dont deserve this.

All my family and I have wanted since day one is to do everything the right way, the legal way, and I just want to complete my degree here in the U.S, he said.
The German Centre for Addiction Issues (DHS) is calling for higher prices for alcoholic beverages due to the high number of alcohol-related illnesses and deaths in the country.

Presenting its annual Addiction Yearbook, the DHS said alcohol is cheaper in Germany than anywhere else in Europe.

Beer duty was last raised in 1993, while wine carries no excise tax at all, managing director Christina Rummel noted. Millions of people's health should take precedence over the alcohol industry's economic interests, she said, citing research that link higher prices to lower consumption.

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The DHS estimates alcohol abuse costs the German economy about 57 billion ($64.7 billion) a year, while smoking related costs reach roughly 97 billion. Several million people are dependent on either alcohol or nicotine and thousands die annually from related diseases, according to the DHS.

The Addiction Yearbook 2025 reports that more than 30% of the population smoked last year.

The DHS says addiction and drug problems should be a top priority on the health policy agenda, urging the new German government to address them vigorously.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The Almaty Process aims to enhance cooperation on protecting the rights of migrants and refugees in the region, facilitate legal migration, and strengthen institutional and interstate coordination, said Vusal Huseynov, Head of the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Speaking to journalists during the third Ministerial Conference of the Almaty Process held today in Baku, Huseynov highlighted that Azerbaijan has chaired the event for the past two years.

Today's event focuses on three main goals: First, reviewing Azerbaijans chairmanship and the development of the Almaty Process over the last two years. Second, ensuring the handover of the chairmanship to the next presiding country, which is the Republic of Kazakhstan. And third, discussing the future priorities of the platform for the coming years.

A significant milestone was also achieved at this Ministerial Conference with the adoption of the Baku Declaration. Initiated and coordinated by the Azerbaijani side, the Baku Declaration is a jointly agreed document that outlines the key areas of focus for the Almaty Process in the years ahead, he noted.

The Almaty Process serves as a regional consultation platform addressing refugee protection and international migration concerns in Central Asia. It seeks to tackle the various challenges presented by mixed migration dynamics and to enhance regional collaboration and coordination regarding mixed migration matters.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke Thursday at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, opening up about his own struggles with substance abuse and how communities can be part of the solution.

RFK Jr. shared how his addiction began at a young age following the assassination of his father.

Now 42 years sober and working in his new role as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, he said the fight against addiction starts with strong community support.

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I go to a meeting every day; I got off the plane last night. I went to a meeting, Kennedy explained. When I came in 42 years ago, I said to a guy, How long do I have to keep coming to these meetings? He said, Just keep coming until you like it. Ive been going 42 years, and I still dont like it.

Make America safe again: U.S. Attorney General gives update to the fight against opioid crisis

Kennedy called the addiction and overdose crisis a national security threat.

Addiction is about isolation, Kennedy said.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, 3,814 people died from overdoses in 2021, which is a 26% jump from the year before.

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Kennedy advocated for 12-step programs and local support systems, saying the key is rebuilding hope, especially for young people.

I found that in the 12-step program, it is about getting rid of isolation, overcoming isolation, and re-establishing our connection to community, he said.

My life made it obvious that I didnt know how to run things, and I had to let someone else, which was God, run them, Kennedy expressed. But when the cash prices start coming in, my inclination was to say, Thanks God I got it from here and take the wheel of the car and drive off the cliff again. And the challenge for me, and I think for all of us who are trying to maintain long-term sobriety, is: how do we stay in a posture of surrender even when everything is going well in our lives?

During his speech, protestors voiced frustration with his previous statements on autism and job cuts.

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Autism community sounds alarms over harmful RFK Jr. comments

These topics were not addressed in his speech on Thursday. But he did touch on topics often associated with the growing issue of substance abuse, including open borders.

President Trump was in [Mexico] three weeks ago, Kennedy described. He met with Claudia Sheinbaum, the new president of Mexico. He said to her, All of the drugs are coming through your country. Do you have an addiction problem? She said, No, not really. He said, Why is that? and she said, Because we have strong families in this country. And one of the things that addiction is a source of misery, it is also a source of misery.

He continued on to say that while Narcan, border security, and funding are important, they are not enough without community connection.

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We have $4 billion at my agency to finance those solutions, and those attacks on addiction and overdose; that alone throwing money at it is not alone going to work, Kennedy said. We need to really focus on re-establishing these historic ties to the community. We have this whole generation of kids who have lost hope in their future.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Kennedy closed with a call for action to help young people find purpose and build a sense of belonging.

I would encourage you all to think broadly about what our mission is because it is not just about making sure every cop and paramedic has Naloxone on them, though that is important, Kennedy concluded. And it is not just about prevention on the border, that is important. It is not just making sure every addict, when they have those moments when they are willing to ask for help, that theres a rehab ready for them to go to, and that is critically important. But there are bigger issues: how do we restore our families? How do we restore that commitment to the community?

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His answer was to prioritize serving one another.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Citing a decrease in activity by extremist organizations, the Anti-Defamation League's Florida Region reported a drop in the number of antisemitic acts both for Florida and for Palm Beach County in 2024, bucking a national trend that showed a record-high number of cases.

Despite the decline, ADL officials in Florida said there were still troubling trends, including a nearly identical number of bomb threats against Jewish institutions and a growing number of Israel-related antisemitic acts.

Despite recording a 39% decrease in 2024 from 2023, Palm Beach County had the highest number of incidents in Florida for the second consecutive year, the ADL Florida Region reported April 22 in its 2024 audit.

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There were 51 reported antisemitic incidents in Palm Beach County for 2024, down from 83 cases in 2023, according to the ADL audit. Estimates have placed the Jewish population in the county, home to about 1.5 million people, at about 12%.

Statewide, there were 353 incidents report in 2024 compared to 463 cases the year before.

Nationally, there were 9,354 antisemitic incidents reported in 2024, the highest total recorded since the ADL began tracking data in 1979, the organization reported. That total translates to more than 25 per day across the U.S.

"One of the trends that we saw in the state of Florida was that extremist and white supremacist activity declined in Florida in 2024," said Lonny Wilk, deputy director of the ADL Florida Region.

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ADL officials noted a "substantial reduction" in offensive literature distributed to Jewish communities, with only eight reported incidents statewide in 2024, compared to 75 in 2023. They credited in part a state law introduced in 2023 that allows for such acts to be prosecuted as hate crimes.

More: Man guilty of blunt-force fatal beating near Greenacres to spend less than year in prison

ADL: Some types of antisemitic incidents stayed at 2023's levels

The ADL's audit includes criminal and noncriminal acts of harassment, vandalism, and assault against individuals and groups as reported by victims, law enforcement, media outlets, and partner organizations.

"While we most certainly welcome any decrease in the total number of incidents, the Florida numbers remain at significant levels," said Daniel Frank, the ADL Florida regional director.

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He noted that Florida had the seventh-highest total of reported incidents nationally, behind New York, California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Maryland.

"These improved numbers in context illustrate concerning trends and an overall trajectory that requires a little further exploration," Frank said. "When we look at the last five years, it is clear that despite a decrease in 2024, the overall pattern is one of increasing antisemitic incidents in Florida."

Bomb threats against Jewish institutions remained near previous levels, with 82 incidents in 2024 compared to 89 the previous year. Statewide there were 292 reports of harassment and 55 acts of vandalism, the ADL reported.

The organization noted an incident from 2024 at an unspecified Palm Beach County school in which multiple students harassed a Jewish classmate with antisemitic comments, including including, Kill the Jews."

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It also referenced an incident near Jupiter in October in which a neo-Nazi organization infiltrated a boat parade in support of President Donald Trump, then a candidate for a new term in office, and displayed flags bearing swastikas.

Acts of antisemitism should not be alarming just for the Jewish community, but must be recognized as detrimental to our entire society, Frank said.

ADL: Antisemitic acts followed Israel's response to Oct. 7 attack

While addressing the increase nationally, Oren Segal, the ADL's vice president of its Center on Extremism, said the 2024 statistics show that a rise in antisemitic acts in the wake of Israel's response to the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks was not a temporary spike.

"There has been a fundamental shift in the landscape," he said. "Antisemitism has become a persistent reality for the American Jewish community.  It corresponds with the notable rise in antisemitic attitudes."

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The ADL reported that first time in the history of the audit, a majority of all antisemitic incidents  58%  contained elements directly related to protests against Israel. Segal rejected arguments that such acts are a form of political activism.

'If your idea of protesting Israeli government policies is to assault, or harass, or intimidate Jews, that doesn't make you a political activist," he said. "That makes you a bigot."

Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: ADL: Antisemitic acts down in 2024; Palm Beach County most in Florida
A famed aerobatic pilot died Thursday in a crash at the Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, where he was set to participate in an airshow this weekend.

Rob Holland, a full-time airshow pilot for two decades, was killed in the accident at the base in Hampton, according to his social media accounts.

MORE: Former NCAA woman of the year, 5 other family members killed in upstate New York plane crash

"Rob was one of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history," a post on his Instagram account announcing his death stated. "Even with an absolutely impressive list of accomplishments, both in classical competition aerobatics and within the air show world, Rob was the most humble person with a singular goal to simply be better than he was yesterday."

PHOTO: In this March 25, 2017, file photo, Rob Holland is taxiing an a MXS-RH during Los Angeles County Air Show at the William J Fox Airfiel (Betto Rodrigues/Shutterstock, FILE)

The crash occurred on Thursday, shortly before noon, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. An experimental MX Aircraft MXS crashed while the pilot was attempting to land at the base, the FAA said.

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The aircraft impacted the terrain between the taxiway and the runway, according to Dan Boggs, an air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board. It is undetermined yet how the crash happened, he said during a briefing on Friday.

"Over the next two to three days, we will be doing a detailed examination of the flight controls, the engine, any avionics that may be installed on the aircraft behind the scenes," he said.

The pilot was the only person on board, the FAA said.

The FAA and the NTSB are investigating the crash.

PHOTO: In this Sept. 24, 2022, file photo, air show legend Rob Holland, in his MXS-RH, flies above the 2022 Miramar Airshow, in Miramar, Calif. (Bill Chizek/Shutterstock, FILE)

MORE: Small plane crashes in Boca Raton, Florida; all 3 on board killed

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Holland was set to participate in the Air Power Over Hampton Roads Airshow, happening Saturday and Sunday at the base.

"We lost a great friend to the Air Force and an airman and a legend of air power," Col. Matt Altman, the Joint Base Langley-Eustis installation commander, said at a press briefing on Thursday. "On behalf of all of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, all the friends and family of the pilot, just want to offer our deepest, deepest condolences to the family the friends all who loved and respected him."

Altman said they hold airshows at the base to inspire future airmen "to look up and imagine what can be -- and this individual did it better than anybody."

Altman said Friday that the base has received all other aircraft scheduled to arrive for the airshow and they have decided to proceed with the event as scheduled.

PHOTO: In this Nov. 12, 2019, file photo, the Langley Air Force Base gate is shown near North Armistead Avenue in Hampton, Virginia. (Kaitlin McKeown/Newport News Daily Press via TNS via Getty Images, FILE)

The aircraft was a single-engine, single-seat plane "specifically built and designed for airshows," Boggs said.

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"It's just an all-around stunt airplane," he said. "It's just well-respected in the air show community."

On behalf of the NTSB, Boggs gave their "sincere condolences to the family and friends of the well-known pilot."

Holland was a 13-time U.S. National Aerobatic champion, according to his website biography.

"Rob will be remembered as a friend, a mentor, a leader, and an innovator," Jim Bourke, president of the International Aerobatic Club, which organizes the competition, said in a statement. "To Rob's family: words cannot express our grief over your loss, but we are so glad we were able to share Rob Holland with you."

Aerobatic pilot dies in crash at Langley Air Force Base ahead of weekend airshow originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
CLEVELAND (WJW)  Marianna Trecarichi, 19, from Medina is thriving at Cleveland State University as a cheerleader and psychology major.

As the first in her family to go to college, she knew there would be an uphill battle in paying for school.

I already knew Cleveland States tuition was the cheapest and I just knew that it made the most sense for me financially to not be tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, Trecarichi said.

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SURVEY: More Americans say college isnt worthwhile

Rising tuition costs, combined with limited financial aid options and the burden of student debt, are creating a tough landscape for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

Im applying for this scholarship despite my unwavering commitment to my future, the financial cloud looms over me like an unshakable weight, Trecarichi said.

Jimmy Malone is the founder of the Jimmy Malone Scholarship Program and said for more than 30 years hes been receiving emotional application essays just like these.

This year, Malones non-profit received higher than usual submissions from students in search of free money, a trend thats also being felt nationwide.

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The latest education stats show 19% of students surveyed dropped out with financial uncertainty as the cause. Fifty-nine percent considered dropping out due to financial stress and 78% percent reported negative impacts on mental health.

Colleges will cost up to $95K for some. Schools say financial aid can numb sticker shock

There are many, many students who graduate from college with little or no debt, but you have to make an intelligent decision, Malone said.

Malone said students should start applying for college scholarships while still in high school. And to fill out the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to apply for grants.

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Whats Trecarichis advice?

It might seem fun and great to go to one school, but if the other one makes financially more sense and you cant afford the other school then I feel like the decision kinda gets made for you, she said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Attorney General Gentner Drummond on Wednesday says his office is pushing the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board reject clemency for convicted murderer George John Hanson.

Hansons clemency hearing is set for May 7.

It is my firm hope that any plea for clemency is denied for the man who brutally murdered 77-year-old Mary Bowles more than 25 years ago, said Drummond. This murderers execution has been delayed for far too long. I am committed to ensuring that the Bowles family finally sees that justice is done for their loved one.

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Residents of a Stillwater neighborhood say data center construction is killing their pond

According to AG Drummonds Office, Hanson and an accomplice carjacked and kidnapped Bowles from a Tulsa mall in 1999. She was shot to death at an isolated dirt pit near Owasso. Just minutes before killing Bowles, Hanson and his accomplice also gunned down an innocent bystander, Jerald Thurman.

Drummond says Hanson was transferred last month from a Louisiana federal prison at his request. The transfer was previously blocked by the Biden Administration.

These bullet points were sent to KFOR by John Hansons legal team at the Oklahoma federal defender office highlighting why they believe he should be granted clemency:

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The more culpable co-defendant is serving life

Mr. Hanson is autisticfacts about which jurors never heard of his now-diagnosed developmental disability

New evidence undercuts the prosecutions case: Just before Mr. Hansons resentencing, the state disclosed that Mr. Miller had previously confessed to killing Mary Bowles. A trial judge found this evidence compelling enough to grant a new trialbut the ruling was overturned. The jury that sentenced Mr. Hanson to death never heard from the critical witness who heard Millers confession.

Two men were convicted in connection to this crime, one is serving life and Hanson faces execution.

Hansons execution date is set for June 12, 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois announced on Wednesday he will not be seeking reelection next year. Durbin, who is 80, has spent more than half of his life serving first in the House and then the Senate, where he was elevated to Democratic Whip, party leaderships second-highest role. I truly love the job of being a United States senator, but in my heart, I know its time to pass the torch, Durbin said in a video message.

Meredith Shiner, a communications professional, was in a Zoom training for work when news of Durbins retirement broke. Her phone exploded with texts. A former Senate reporter, Shiner has promoted the idea of primarying every Democrat  and particularly Durbin, who represents her home state of Illinois.

She is part of an increasingly vocal subset of Democrats furious at the lack of initiative their own elected leaders have shown in the face of Americas rapid descent into autocracy. Others include DNC vice chair David Hogg, whose PAC, Leaders We Deserve, announced it would put $20 million toward primarying ineffective, out-of-touch Democrats, and TikTok-famous political commentator Kat Abughazaleh who declared her intention to run for the seat currently occupied by liberal stalwart Jan Schakowsky. Abughazaleh told me shortly before she entered the race last month that she didnt take issue with Schakowskys positions so much as the fact she had been in office for the entirety of Abughazalehs life. Schakowsky, also 80, is now reportedly planning to retire.

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Saikat Chakrabarti, the 39-year-old former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, meanwhile, announced his intention to primary former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is 85, citing Pelosis backing of Rep. Gerry Connolly, the cancer-stricken 75-year old congressman, over Ocasio-Cortez to lead Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. I respect what Nancy Pelosi has accomplished in her career, but we are living in a totally different America than the one she knew when she entered politics 45 years ago, Chakrabarti wrote on X.

Shiner articulated her complaints  with the Democratic Party broadly, and Durbin specifically  in a piece for the New Republic in February, in which she announced she was forming an exploratory committee to oust Durbin from office. She didnt want to be a senator, she wrote, but railed that two weeks into the Trump administration, it is clear that Democrats on Capitol Hill are failing so spectacularly to confront a constitutional crisis (which their own political incompetence helped create) that I am willing to channel the anger coursing through my body and finally put my country before my own personal well-being.

The threat was only half tongue-in-cheek, Shiner told me by phone hours after Durbins announcement. As someone who had covered the United States Senate for almost a decade, I think one of the things that I was able to see clearly is that so many of the stakeholders in Congress care more about the norms and the pageantry of Congress and less about the responsibility of actually representing the people who sent them there, she says.

Durbin in particular, she adds, has been in Congress longer than the average Illinois resident has been alive. He took over the role leading the Senate Judiciary committee after 90-year-old Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein died in office. When we think about some of the most devastating impacts of the past 10 years, many spring from the fact the judiciary has been wholesale hijacked. Senate Democrats went from Dianne Feinstein leading the Judiciary Committee to Dick Durbin, and there was no clear articulation of why these [issues that committee worked and voted on] mattered. There was no effort to make clear to the average person why things that were happening in Washington really impacted them.

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Durbin is the fifth sitting senator to announce they are retiring before 2026  all five are over the age of 65. In the House, meanwhile, two Democrats  Reps. Raul Grijalva and Sylvester Turner  both died while serving this session, votes that could make a difference with this Houses razor-thin Republican majority. Shiner recalls covering the Obama-era fight to pass the Affordable Care Act, when Ted Kennedys death derailed the legislations passage. One of the things thats really scary to think about is that weve built a democratic system where any one person dying could throw the whole thing out of balance, Shiner says. The arguments that seniority is its own kind of currency are increasingly out of date, she adds: Who cares if you have a senior role on the Appropriations Committee in a world where the executive is acting extra-constitutionally and saying that it doesnt matter what Congress has appropriated?

Shiners argument for primarying Durbin started as a rhetorical device, but she says shes contemplating it more seriously. Its not enough for some of these people who have been in office too long to retire  the people who come after them have to believe in the right things and talk about things in a way that really makes sense for this moment. And I worry that some of the candidates who have been groomed by this party culture arent really willing to stake out a territory that actually helps recapture peoples imaginations  especially as we might have already run out of time to do that right. We might have already missed the opportunity to win an election when they were free and fair.

Among the names that have already tossed around to fill Durbins seat are former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel. I think it would be catastrophic at every level if he were to become a United States senator, Shiner says. In every role hes held, she says, Emanuel has consistently shown that hes been willing to compromise core values if he thinks that its politically expedient. At the end of the day, our country and the people of Illinois are not well served by someone who thinks that political expedience is a priority  and who has also completely misread what is politically expedient. He was quoted in Politico saying that Democrats just could concede USAID as a little treat to Donald Trump, because maybe hell be satisfied, and USAID might not be popular. Were going to put millions of lives across the world at risk. Why isnt that something worth fighting for?

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Initially, I was skeptical when Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Gov. Mike Braun held a press conference at the Indiana State Library. I appreciated the Make Indiana Healthy Again slogan, but it didnt strike me as serious. The optics felt more like a campaign rally than a credible public health initiative.

But, about a week later, RFK Jr. formally announced a proposal to phase out eight artificial food dyes in the U.S. It is the kind of common sense move our leaders on both sides should be making.

Artificial dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 are linked to serious issues. Research published in 2021 found that artificial food dyes increase hyperactivity in 10% to 20% of children with ADHD. They can also trigger allergic reactions and behavioral problems in sensitive kids.

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Opinion: Make Indiana Healthy Again is about cost-cutting, not wellness

These dyes are purely cosmetic, making snacks more colorful but offering zero nutritional value. Europe banned or labeled many of these dyes years ago. Yet, in the U.S., they are still found in everything from cereal to school lunches.

U.S. companies already make dye-free products for international markets but do not offer them here. This double standard puts corporate convenience over American childrens health. Some critics argue that reformulation raises costs, but natural ingredients add less than 2% to production expenses, and targeted subsidies, as seen in the EU, can help ease consumer prices.

Holding food companies accountable is good governance. No parent should need a chemistry degree to read food labels or worry that candy will lead to classroom meltdowns.

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Indiana has a major stake in this. Our childhood obesity rate reached 17.8% in 2023, which is among the highest in the nation, with processed food as a key contributor. ADHD diagnoses are climbing, too, now affecting 12% of Hoosier children. In many rural and lower income communities, families turn to low-cost processed foods because healthier choices are simply out of reach.

Opinion: My son has autism. He deserves better than RFK Jr.'s ignorance. | Opinion

But there is also opportunity. Indianas $16 billion agriculture industry could grow by an estimated $500 million annually by supplying clean, additive-free foods. Our farmers are ready to meet the moment. With the right support, we can align economic growth with better health and do it in a way that reflects Indianas conservative values: protecting kids, empowering parents and ensuring transparency.

RFK Jr.s plan is a strong start. Indiana can lead by taking these steps:

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Subsidize organic produce: Allocate $2 million annually to help farmers grow organic fruits and vegetables, prioritizing SNAP accessible stores.

Ban harmful additives: Prohibit the eight targeted dyes within 24 months.

Require clear labeling: Mandate bold warnings on dyed foods.

Fund mobile markets: Launch mobile markets in food desert counties, such as Jay and Perry, with a strict implementation timeline.

Offer tax breaks: Provide 5% tax credits to companies that reformulate products without dyes.

Support local farmers: Grant $1 million annually to small farms transitioning to clean food production.

Boost nutrition education: Integrate healthy eating into Indiana school curricula.

Indiana was the first state to seek to restrict soda and candy purchases under SNAP. Now, lets be the first to implement a comprehensive, forward-looking plan to eliminate artificial dyes.

Phasing out artificial dyes may be the lowest hanging fruit in American health policy, and it offers a rare opportunity for real bipartisanship on an issue that affects everyone.

Dr. Raja Ramaswamy is an Indianapolis-based physician and the author of "You Are the New Prescription."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Food dyes are cosmetic and harmful. RFK Jr. is right. | Opinion
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The European Union (EU) has established three missions in Armenia under various names to date, said Ramid Namazov, Chairman of the Temporary Commission of the Azerbaijani Parliament on External Interference and Hybrid Threats, Trend reports.

Speaking at a public hearing of the commission on the topic of "Hybrid Attack on Stability in the South Caucasus under the Name of Peacekeeping Mission," Namazov pointed out the discrepancy between Azerbaijan's independent foreign policy and the interests of certain Western circles, particularly in the EU and its member states.

"Azerbaijan's independent foreign policy conflicts with the interests of certain factions in the West, particularly within the European Union and its member states. Consequently, these factions, operating under the guise of the EU and its institutions, have, at the instigation of the Armenian lobby, sought to undermine Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty, including through hybrid threats," he said.

Namazov highlighted that after the local counterterrorism measures conducted by Azerbaijans Armed Forces in Karabakh in September 2023, these activities became more apparent.

He also emphasized that the creation of any mission within the EU or other countries is subject to two legal conditions: either an invitation from the partner country or a corresponding resolution from the United Nations Security Council.

"The legal foundation for establishing any mission in the European Union or other countries is governed by two conditions: it must either be an invitation from the partner country or a relevant resolution from the UN Security Council.

However, the situation in Armenia presents a different scenario. To date, the European Union has established three missions in Armenia under various names. While one of these missions is partially grounded in legal principles, the other two can be viewed as operations that pose a threat to Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, border inviolability, and sovereignty, all without Azerbaijan's consent," he added.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  In recent weeks, international students, local families, and naturalized citizens in Utah  and across the United States  have been informed that their immigration status had changed or that they have mere days to leave the country.

One attorney has recently told ABC4.com that new technology like AI may be behind mistaken visa revocations or emails demanding self-deportation. ABC4.com spoke with a local expert about what role tech might be playing in the Trump administrations immigration crackdown.

Sharad Jones is a professional practice assistant professor at Utah State University. He said government employees who are dealing with immigration have large caseloads and face constant changing political pressures.

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We need to identify places where AI  kind of automation technologies  allow us to speed up the necessary pieces of our workflow, but dont replace the decision-maker the person that is held accountable for that final piece of it. Thats not an easy thing, Jones said.

Utah immigration lawyer, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, ordered to self-deport

Jones said that there are several data points and patterns that an algorithm would need to look at to determine a persons citizenship status. However, he said one limitation is that the only way to know for sure whether someone is a resident or not is to speak to a person directly  but that is difficult to do on such a large scale.

Theres not been a single machine learning model that has been developed that is perfect and has never made an error, Jones said. To me, this sounds like one of those cases imperfect data resulted in an imperfect model, which therefore can result into in-error cases, and this happens every day.

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He said that it is important for technology to improve efficiency, but it is also important not to reinforce issues in the data: These arent unknown problems. This is us rehashing the same things we keep doing.

Adam Crayk, a local attorney, has previously speculated that new technology is being used by the Trump administration to enforce new immigration policies  and mistaken visa revocations or self-deport emails may be a result of faulty technology.

Technology has its place. It does, Crayk told ABC4.com. But we cant let it run rampant. We cant let it make every decision for us. We actually have to intervene at some point and look and see if its making correct decisions.

Jones encouraged people to learn more about technology as it develops, and said a lot of concerns with AI are reminiscent of concerns with the internet when it was first becoming mainstream.

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The best bit of advice I can give to anybody is to try and learn just a little bit about this technology. Really try to understand at its core what its trying to answer, Jones said.

Matthew Drachman contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
(This April 23 story has been corrected to add a dropped word in the headline)

LONDON (Reuters) - Global aid funding cuts, led by the United States, are disrupting efforts to vaccinate children against deadly diseases almost as much as the COVID-19 pandemic did, the United Nations said on Thursday.

Outbreaks of infectious diseases, including measles, meningitis and yellow fever, have been increasing globally.

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Emergency and routine vaccinations meanwhile were significantly affected in nearly half of countries at the start of April due to the funding cuts, according to reports from World Health Organization offices in 108 largely low and lower-middle income countries.

Cuts to funding also reduced vaccine supplies and hampered disease surveillance, the WHO and UNICEF said in a joint release with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

"Setbacks (are) at a similar level to what we saw during COVID-19. We cannot afford to lose ground in the fight against preventable disease," said Catherine Russell, UNICEF executive director.

COVID-19 caused what was called the largest backslide in childhood vaccination in a generation, and aid funding cuts, led by the U.S.  formerly the worlds largest donor  risked the same outcome, the joint release said.

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They called for funding for childhood immunisation to be maintained ahead of Gavis funding round, which will be launched in June. The group is seeking $9 billion for its work from 2026-2030.

Sania Nishtar, Gavis chief executive officer, said it was possible to fight the rise of infectious diseases but only if the group is fully funded.

Measles cases have increased year-on-year since 2021, while meningitis surged in Africa last year and yellow fever cases also rose after declines in the last decade, the agencies said.

Last month, an internal U.S. government document showed it would follow its cuts to UNICEF and the WHO, part of wider plans to streamline and focus foreign aid to align with the "America First" policy, by cancelling its contribution of around $300 million annually to Gavi.

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Last week, the U.S. State Department told Reuters it had nominated Mark Lloyd, assistant administrator for global health, to Gavis 28-person board. The U.S. seat had previously been vacant.

Both the U.S. State Department and Gavi declined to comment about what this could mean for U.S. funding.

(Reporting by Jennifer Rigby; editing by Barbara Lewis)
NEW YORK (PIX11)  As the New Jersey wildfire rages on, the air quality across the tri-state area is worsening.

The air quality index for the New York City-Long Island area is expected to be 101 on Thursday, according to AirNow. That means it could be dangerous for sensitive groups to go outside, the agency said.

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Others shouldnt be affected much by the AQI, according to AirNow. Parts of New Jersey could also see an AQI of 100 amid the Jones Road Wildfire, which has burned more than 13,000 acres.

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The wildfire is 50% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

To learn more about the air quality near you, click here.

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.
MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Al Shabaab fighters battled Somali troops and allied forces for control of a strategic army base in central Somalia on Thursday, the government and a military official said, as the al Qaeda-linked militants tried to extend recent gains in the region.

Capturing the base in Wargaadhi town in the Middle Shabelle region, which houses soldiers, special forces and clan fighters, would enable al Shabaab to sever an important trunk road between the capital Mogadishu, 200 km (124 miles) to the southwest, and Galmudug State.

Al Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2007 to seize power, said in a statement that its fighters had captured the base and Wargaadhi town, something the government denied was the case.

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The information ministry said in a statement that government forces had killed more than 40 jihadists after they attempted to attack the base on Thursday morning.

However, army officer Hussein Ali told Reuters the militants had taken the town of Wargaadhi after "fierce fighting".

"Our forces lost 12 men, mostly (clan fighters). Around 20 al Shabaab fighters were also killed," Ali said. "But finally al Shabaab got more reinforcements and managed to capture the town."

He said Somalia's military was struggling to send reinforcements because they would need to use routes passing through areas held by al Shabaab.

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Two soldiers said the government forces, backed by air strikes, had managed to recapture part of the town by mid-morning.

Reuters could not independently verify any of the claims made by either side about the fighting.

Last week al Shabaab attacked the town of Adan Yabal, about 245 km (150 miles) north of Mogadishu which the military had been using as an operating base for raids on the group.

The attacks are part of an offensive by the group launched last month. Al Shabaab briefly captured villages within 50 km (30 miles) of Mogadishu, raising fears among residents of the capital that the city could be targeted.

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Somali forces have since recaptured those villages but al Shabaab has continued to advance in the countryside, as the future of international security support to Somalia appears increasingly precarious.

A new African Union peacekeeping mission replaced a larger force at the start of the year, but its funding is uncertain, with the United States opposed to a plan to transition to a U.N. financing model.

(Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Writing by Hereward Holland and Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Ammu Kannampilly and Gareth Jones)
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  A report from the CDC shows fewer women are dying from pregnancy-related causes. However, there are still some sharp differences in mortality rates among women of different races.

News 19 reached out to Dr. Margaret Carter at Huntsville Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine to discuss these findings.

Madison County Commission reviews feasibility study for new courthouse

Dr. Carter primarily treats women whose pregnancies may have an increased risk of complications. She also serves on the State of Alabama Maternal Mortality Review Committee.

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The report from the CDC uses data from 2023 (the most recent available), which states the maternal mortality rate for 2023 decreased to 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared with a rate of 22.3 in 2022.

Theres definitely an obvious discrepancy between the amount of maternal mortality for African-American women versus women that are not African American, so of any other race, Dr. Carter said.

That same report said that Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox.

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Earlier in April, the CDC joined in Black Maternal Health Week to bring attention and action to improving Black maternal health. The CDC said multiple factors contribute to this, such as variation in healthcare quality and underlying chronic conditions.

We definitely need to look into that more and address the issues, Dr. Carter said.

The CDC said most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Dr. Carter urges women who are pregnant to advocate for their own health.

I think the big thing that I would recommend for pregnant women is to always advocate for themselves, she said. Not to the point where theyre not listening to their health care providers or taking recommendations, [but] just being more open to asking questions, understanding why things are being done the way that theyre done.

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In addition to taking charge of your health, Dr. Carter recommends getting any existing medical conditions under control before getting pregnant.

For example, if you have diabetes, you want to have your diabetes well-controlled before you become pregnant, Dr. Carter said.

The CDC said it is important for pregnant women to know some of the urgent maternal warning signs. Some of those are dizziness or fainting, extreme swelling of your hands or face and changes in your vision. Click here to view the full list.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Alabama death-row inmate James Osgood was executed Thursday for the 2010 rape and murder of his girlfriend's cousin. Osgood's execution took place at Atmore, Alabama's William C. Holman Correctional Facility. Photo courtesy Alabama Department of Corrections

April 24 (UPI) -- Alabama on Thursday executed James Osgood, a man who asked for death to atone for the rape and murder of his girlfriend's cousin in 2010, making him the 14th death row inmate to be killed this year.

Osgood was executed by lethal injection at Alabama's William C. Holman Correctional Facility, in Atmore. Attorney General Steven Marshall cleared the execution to commence at 6:12 p.m. EDT. Osgood was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m., the Alabama Department of Corrections told UPI in an emailed statement.

Ahead of being strapped to the gurney, he had a last meal of pizza after after refusing lunch but was seen eating breakfast and snacks earlier in the day, UPI was told.

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He had 11 visitors throughout Thursday and one phone call. On Wednesday, he received 12 visitors and took seven phone calls.

Osgood, also known as Taz, was sentenced to death for killing Tracy Lynn Wilemon, whose legal last name was Brown, on Oct. 13, 2010. Her family now prefers that her birth name, Wilemon, be used.

His attorney, Alison Mollman, the Alabama legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement published after her client was executed that Osgood knows that while no words can repair the harm he caused, he hopes that his decision to volunteer for execution will bring his victim's family closure.

"Those of us who loved Taz will remember him as a man who was more than his worst actions. Like. Taz, we will not make excuses for the harm he caused, but we will remember the good we saw in him. We will remember Taz the person, not James Osgood the 'criminal,'" Mollman said in a statement.

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"We will remember that actions may be evil or bad, but people are not. People are redeemable."

Osgood confessed to police after initially denying the crime and was convicted in 2014.

Due to a jury instruction error, the case was scheduled for a retrial when Osgood decided to waive it during jury selection.

His death sentence was reimposed by a circuit court in 2016.

Osgood said during a resentencing hearing in 2018 that he believed in "an eye for an eye."

"If you can't do the time, don't do the crime. I screwed up. I deserve what I was given," he said.

One prosecutor on the case called the crime a "twisted fantasy."

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Chief Assistant District Attorney C.J. Robinson said during remarks to jurors that Osgood took a life because "he wanted to fulfill some twisted fantasy to kill someone."

Wilemon was attacked by Osgood and his girlfriend, Tonya Vandyke, on Oct. 13, 2010, in a bedroom.

Vandyke and the victim were cousins. Osgood slashed and stabbed his victim to death after raping her.

In a graphic description during his confession to Chilton County Sheriff's Department detectives, Osgood said: "I remember seeing the fear in her eyes and seeing her shaking. I know there was a lot of cutting involved but it wasn't a crime of violence. There was no anger involved. I was scared. She wasn't dying, so I kept cutting her throat and neck."

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Osgood had an abusive childhood and his drug-addicted sex worker mother was murdered when he was an infant. He was admitted to a psychiatric hospital as a teen, according to court records.

"Tonight, my heart and prayers are with Tracy's family," Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement. "No one should have to endure the pain they've carried or relive the horror of her tragic and senseless death."

Wilemon's family declined to issue a statement.

Osgood was the second person to be executed in Alabama following the state's lethal punishment of Demetrius Frazier by nitrogen gas in early February for the 1991 rape and murder of 41-year-old Pauline Brown.

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Osgood was killed a day after Texas put to death Moises Sandoval Mendoza for the 2004 brutal murder of 20-year-old mother Rachelle Tolleson.

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 34 execution dates have been scheduled in nine states for this year.

In 2024, a total of 25 death row inmates were killed in the United States.
Johannah McDonald, a Huntsville resident, sits in a crowded House Health Committee meeting on April 23, 2025, with her daughter, Ruhama McDonald, to watch the public hearing on SB 87, which would only allow midwives to conduct the heel stick test of the newborn screening panel. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama House committee Wednesday passed a bill changing the scope of practice for midwives in Alabama after a packed public hearing over the measure.

As originally filed, SB 87, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, would have allowed midwives to administer three parts of newborn screenings: heel stick, hearing screening and Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening, which can provide early detection of genetic or metabolic conditions.

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But in the Senate, the bill was amended to only allow midwives to conduct a heel stick and adds language prohibiting midwives from providing any care that is not in law or in an emergency to newborns.

This bill started out with those three newborn screening tests included, but two of them were removed when the substitute was submitted over in the Senate. It passed the Senate, and so thats where the bill stands today, said Rep. Ben Harrison, R-Elkmont, who is carrying the bill in the House.

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Midwives in Alabama were only allowed to practice after the state in 2017 started regulating midwifery and lifted a four-decade ban on the practice. Midwives have since then been fighting to provide more comprehensive care. The medical community has historically pushed back against such efforts, saying midwives dont have sufficient training, especially in cases of emergency.

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State health guidelines in Alabama require newborn screenings within 24-48 hours postpartum. Midwives must refer newborns to pediatricians, often delaying these critical tests. While midwives can administer screenings if a doctor is absent, they are not allowed to order these tests.

The new version also states that while a licensed midwife may order and administer a heel lance within 72 hours after birth, they are prohibited from interpreting any tests or screens under this subsection and shall cause any results to be referred to a physician of the mothers choosing who is licensed to practice medicine.

Today, Im calling out a disgrace  SB 87 has been hijacked. As is, it denigrates the sanctity of motherhood, the safety of newborns, and above all, is a wolf in sheeps clothing, said Aaron Crawford, president of the Alabama Birth Coalition, who blamed lobbyists for changes in the bill.

Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, said he opposed the bill as amended but supported its original intent.

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Choices and options are being removed or denied from Alabama mothers because it would seem special interest and a general attitude that our mothers and their midwives cant possibly make good decisions and should trust the experts. I would humbly submit that 6,000 years plus of evidence would be different to that, he said.

Maria Cranford, a midwife in north Alabama, said that national standards provide midwives are trained and educated in the care of mothers and newborns through the first six weeks after birth.

This includes performing newborn exams, administering newborn screens, critical congenital heart screenings with referral and newborn screenings, she said. All of which Im taught students to do in clinical settings  not here in Alabama, because Im legally not allowed to.

Support for the amended bill came from the medical community, who said it would preserve medical standards.

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Linda Lee, executive director of the American Academy of Pediatrics Alabama chapter, read a statement from Dr. Nola Jean Ernest, a pediatrician in Enterprise. Claiming theres no evidence that midwifery improves infant mortality rates, Ernest said that all further medical evaluation and care should be performed by a medical provider.

Lay midwives attending home births do not have the equivalent training or clinical experience as pediatricians or neonatologists, Ernest wrote in the letter.

Danne Howard, deputy director of the Alabama Hospital Association, also supported the bill as it passed the Senate and defended notions that hospitals across the state have not abandoned labor and delivery. Rural hospitals have faced financial struggle for years, which had led to some delivery units being closed around the state.

Alabama Hospital [Association] supported the bill as it was passed by the Senate and look forward to additional work in years to come to see what other avenues that we can make great strides in improving access to care, Howard said.

The committee approved the bill on a voice vote. The legislation moves to the full House.

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ALABAMA (WDHN)  The Alabama Senate Committee on Healthcare passed a bill that does not allow vapes to be sold to people under 21.



The bill includes fees for distributors that makes $2.5 million for enforcement efforts.

If distributors violate the law, they will pay a $1,000 fine for a third violation, face suspension, or get their permit taken away.

There are small penalties if someone under 21 get their hands on a vape, which are written warnings, community service and fines.

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The legislation enforces the State Board of Education to have a vaping awareness, education and prevention program.

The bill now goes to the full Senate for a vote.

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Source: The Rest is Politics

What I really like to do in my spare time is to listen to two arrogant men pontificating on a subject they know nothing about and, my God, the world of podcasts has made it possible 24/7.

Actually, I dont listen to The Rest is Politics. It is presented by Alastair Campbell, a man chiefly known for lying and bullying during his time in Downing Street. His sidekick is one of those stupid, clever people, Rory Stewart. He is posh and very smart about some things, but he doesnt know what he doesnt know, a very special sign of arrogance.

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Neither of these men listen to women unless they happen to live with them or are related to them. Why should they when they live in an echo chamber? When they broach subjects outside of their bubble, its just embarrassing. Last November, Campbell had an epiphany because a man told him something. James Rubin, a former United States diplomat, informed him that the trans issue had played a part in the election of Trump. Up until this point, Campbell had dismissed this all as a silly, Right-wing culture war.

In the latest podcast, he criticises the Supreme Courts ruling that transgender women are not legally women, and then insists that he hasnt been brainwashed. His opinions, he tells us, have been informed by Grace, my daughter, and her friends, almost all of whom found this judgment really quite alarming and dangerous, and his partner Fiona Millar. He also cites the child of a prominent politician who was male and is now female  a family friend.

Source: The Rest is Politics

Like Campbell, I know trans adults as well as trans kids and always have. Some are happy and some are not, and I have also met detransitioners who are left with mutilated bodies, infertility and osteoporosis. They have been sold a lie. You cannot change sex and, medicalising children for the rest of their lives only profits dubious doctors. Campbell could have researched all this, but he gets his opinions apparently from his partner and his daughter, Grace Campbell, the nepo-comic who insists that trans women are women.

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Men like Campbell think that so-called terfs, the slur used against gender critical women, are the enemy rather than ordinary women who  like the nurses in Darlington who objected to a trans colleague using their female changing rooms  do not want to undress in front of men. Their class privilege is as visible as their Adams apples. The only women acceptable are the women who say yes. Women saying no is not something these entitled men can compute.

Campbells comedian daughter Grace insists that trans women are women - Geoff Pugh

Campbell and his ilk display no empathy to the elderly, the disabled, or raped or incarcerated women who do not want biological men in their spaces. He empathises with the men who want to violate womens spaces. Did he watch the aggression on display at the trans protests at the weekend? I have been physically intimidated by these people. Its nasty stuff, but familiar. Its male violence but now dressed up in little girl clothes with fake boobs.

The Supreme Court judgment gave back another minority  lesbians  the right to meet without men being there, but Campbell and Stewart appear not to care about that.

Campbell then attempted to mansplain the differences between the US and Britain on this issue. Books have been written on this, but its too much to expect these self-important men to read them. American women dont have paid maternity leave or secure abortion rights. One of the reasons for this is that feminism here has often been tied to progressive, unionised organisations who have argued for sex-based rights for women. We also have a national health system. In the States, private healthcare has meant unscrupulous doctors performing double mastectomies on 14-year-olds. Recently I saw a clip online of an American girl asking if after having a phalloplasty (a fake penis made out the flesh of the arm or thigh), she could father children.

Source: The Rest is Politics

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It is so sad that such kids do not know basic biology, but I dont blame them. I blame the likes of Campbell, who could easily inform themselves of all this, who could recognise that the conflict between trans rights (basically mens rights) and womens rights is real and that British women have fought long and hard to maintain rights we already had. We are due some respect instead of yet more displays of ignorance and intransigence.

However, bullies dont back down unless forced to. A real man would apologise, and we would think better of them for it. It is OK, when the evidence changes, to say that you have changed your mind.

The Rest is Politics? No. The rest is pathetic, ill-informed idiocy. Educating oneself on this subject means listening to the shrinks, to the doctors, to the legal experts, to women , instead of parroting what your kids mate has told you.

I really thought I could not despise the bullying warmonger more, but somehow, I have found it in myself to do so.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcomed the expected adoption of the Baku Declaration during the third Ministerial Conference of the Almaty Process, underlining its importance for advancing regional cooperation on migration, Trend reports.

Speaking at the event, Arthur Erken, IOM's Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized that the declaration will contribute to facilitating regional cooperation and ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration. He noted its alignment with both the Global Compact on Migration and IOMs strategic plan, which emphasize partnership and coordinated responses to current migration dynamics.

Erken pointed to the Almaty Process as a valuable platform for its member and observer states, offering a unique chance to hold both formal and informal exchanges in a region where migration is increasingly relevant and will remain so in the foreseeable future.

Highlighting regional migration figures, Erken stated that Almaty Process member states have around 8 million citizens abroad, while hosting 9.5 million international migrants. The broader group of members, observers, and invited countries collectively host nearly 25 million international migrants and have approximately 22 million of their own citizens abroad.

He also acknowledged the rise in labor mobility across the region. We are very pleased to see and to observe a growing number of labor-related mobility agreements among the countries in this region, he said, adding that citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union already benefit from free movement for work.

Central Asian countries have also established bilateral labor migration agreements with several European countries, as well as Turkiye and South Korea, he noted. Through the UK seasonal workers scheme that we are supporting with a number of your countries in this region, Central Asian migrant workers are increasingly filling gaps in the UK agricultural sector, Erken said.
As Mayor Brandon Johnson trumpeted a new working group this week to tackle the citys budget problems, half the aldermen invited to join were already hedging.

Of the eight City Council members Johnson initially asked to be a part of the task force that will be charged with making far-reaching budget recommendations, four had not accepted as of Thursday morning, the Tribune has learned.

Three cited a lack of trust that their budget concerns would be taken seriously, while another was concerned the group could be more symbolic than productive.

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Though working groups often do not possess decision-making power, Johnsons Monday rollout of the new body of aldermen, mayoral staffers, business and labor leaders and community groups was pitched as a means to ensure diverse voices have a seat at the table ahead of what is likely to be a difficult 2026 budget for the mayor to pass. But behind the scenes, that seat appeared to be a double-edged sword to several invitees.

Progressive Northwest Side Ald. Ruth Cruz, 30th, told the Tribune on Wednesday that she declined the invitation because she believes the best way for her to shape the citys budget is from outside the mayors group.

While I appreciate the consideration, Im concerned that this group may be more about appearances than a genuine desire for input, said the freshman alderman, who has often voted with Johnson but recently put more distance between herself and the mayor. We have seen it for quite some time. Input has been provided and the administration decides to continue with their original plan.

Ald. Jessie Fuentes, another progressive, said she has not yet accepted a spot on the group but avoided pinning the delay on misgivings with the Johnson administration. Instead, she said she wants to see who else will be on board and stressed that invitees also could be considering opting out because of the time commitment, while some other aldermen might not make meaningful additions because they just want to see this administration fail.

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It has to be a serious table, not a symbolic one, so I want to make sure that folks that are being invited have the capacity to do the work, said Fuentes, 26th.

Still, it was a rare moment of public hesitancy from the Humboldt Park alderman. Both Cruz and Fuentes are part of a new class of progressive aldermen elected two years ago under the banner of the most left-leaning and diverse City Council in modern times. Two years later, trepidation likely swirls among many of those first-termers over their path to reelection in 2027.

In a Thursday statement, Johnson spokesperson Cassio Mendoza noted that aldermen were publicly demanding more involvement with the budget process, and we are doing that through this working group.

If Aldermen decline to participate, it speaks to the fact that this will be a challenging budget, given the threats from the federal government, coupled with rising pension and debt obligations, Mendoza wrote. The Mayors Office has extended an invitation to several individuals to be part of the solution to these challenges. It is understandable that some Aldermen may be hesitant to take on such a difficult challenge.

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Johnsons Monday rollout of the working group entailed signing an executive order creating the body as well as directing his Office of Budget and Management to make a comprehensive review of all city spending. Mendozas Thursday statement added that the working group has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from invitees.

By including a wide swath of city leaders, the mayor likely hopes to avoid shouldering all the blame for any unpopular solutions to the citys fiscal woes, which could include tax increases, layoffs or service cuts.

Last summer, Budget Director Annette Guzman forecast a 2026 budget gap of $1.12 billion, a number she said Monday was mitigated by the new taxes and fees City Hall imposed in December. But the challenge Chicago faces could grow by orders of magnitude with President Donald Trump threatening to cut $3 billion in federal funding to the city.

In fact, following weeks of market fluctuations over Trumps tariffs, the citys pension funds lost $1 billion, a source in the mayors office said.

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We essentially need to do more with less, Johnson told reporters Monday.

The 2025 budget cycle was one of City Halls most disorganized and tense in years, with the mayor clinching a close vote in mid-December as aldermen warned that he needs to work better with them next time. In fact, 27 of them signed a letter demanding more say: This is a moment where both history and the public demand that we do better, and we believe that is absolutely possible, but it requires true collaboration.

Johnson retorted in a news conference that month: Theres not an alder that doesnt have access to me or my team. Not one.

To get the 26 out of 50 votes needed to pass his next budget, Johnson will have to both sustain backing from an increasingly apprehensive Progressive Caucus and win buy-in from moderates. The ongoing mixed support from that first bloc  his most ideologically aligned  signals concern among progressives that being tied to the mayor could hurt them politically.

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Two politically middle-of-the-pack aldermen  Alds. Matt OShea and Timmy Knudsen  are so far not accepting their invitations to join the new working group.

Knudsen, 43rd, said Wednesday he hasnt ruled it out. Before he joins, the Lincoln Park moderate wants Johnsons administration to support his bid to amend the $830 million infrastructure bond the City Council passed in February.

Knudsen wants Johnsons team to change the controversial plans repayment structure to add small early payments. The switch would cut down on back-loaded debt to eventually save the city over $200 million, he said.

Basically, I need to see in good faith that theyre interested in making decisions such as the ones in this amendment to the bond before I then in good faith go support that budget working group, he said. My time right now, as it relates to the budget, is best spent on this amendment.  Weve got to stop thinking about just the next three years.

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OShea, 19th, served as one of 10 budgeteers selected by the mayors intergovernmental affairs team last summer to make suggestions on the 2025 budget. It points to a larger problem, the Southwest Side council veteran said of the rejections. Trust.

I was a part of this process last year, OShea said. It was a very frustrating experience for me. I felt that ideas werent considered, and I felt that things that I was told were going to happen didnt happen.

The four City Council members out of the initial eight Johnson tapped to join who have so far accepted are Alds. Pat Dowell, Jason Ervin, David Moore and William Hall, they told the Tribune. Johnson previously appointed Dowell, Ervin and Hall to critical roles in shaping this years budget.

Moore, a South Side alderman frequently at odds with the mayor, touted the independent voice he brings to the group. Though he suspects some of the people who rejected the offer might perceive the mayor as a lame duck, he has faith that Johnsons new effort is a serious bid to find a fiscal path forward, he said.

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I think this mayor is looking for people who care and are gonna try to do the right thing  and not be obstructionist, Moore said. If youre not at the table, then youre on the menu.

Ervin, Johnsons Budget Committee chair, said this is an unprecedented opportunity to work with a variety of city leaders, and why anyone wouldnt want to participate in that is beyond me.

I think what will probably happen is that people will wish they were at the table that may have been invited to the table, he said. Id rather be at the table trying to craft it than having something dictated to me.

After the first batch of invites, a Johnson official also asked Ald. Mike Rodriguez, 22nd, if he wanted to participate. Rodriguez has accepted and plans to bring a labor perspective, he said.
An Aliquippa man was sentenced for his role in a drug conspiracy in which he distributed narcotics, including counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, on darknet markets.

Jacob Blair, 27, on Wednesday, was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. In December, Blair pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and 50 grams of methamphetamine, and to a charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. He also pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to a charge, originally filed in the Western District of Pennsylvania, of distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Investigators say Blair is responsible for manufacturing and obtaining counterfeit Oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax pills for sale. He then posted advertisements for the narcotics and accepted payment in cryptocurrency.

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Between Aug. 1, 2022, and Feb. 24, 2023, Blair and co-defendant Ddyani Pezzelle completed at least 459 sales of illegal narcotics on darknet marketplaces. Blairs accused of distributing between 1.2-4 kilograms of fentanyl and between 50-200 grams of methamphetamine.

Blair was arrested in February 2023, and while executing search warrants, law enforcement officers found 10 firearms and over 20,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl.

Pezzelle has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and 50 grams of methamphetamine and will be sentenced in September.

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A man arrested on suspicion of luring and killing an unknown number of cats in Southern California has been released on bail, police confirmed Thursday.

Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, 45, from Santa Ana, was arrested after police served a search warrant at his home on Wednesday.

Oliveros was described as a serial cat killer on a video posted to the Santa Ana Police Departments Instagram page following his arrest.

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Police told KTLA that Oliveros confessed and that they were still trying to figure out just how many cats had been killed, but said they believe it was a lot.

Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, 45, of Santa Ana. is seen in this booking photo after he was arrested for allegedly killing and kidnapping cats in Orange County. (Santa Ana PD)

Santa Ana residents have been reaching out on social media sites such as Nextdoor for weeks to alert neighbors and police about neighborhood cats being taken and even killed.

We saw our cameras, and this guy just grabbed a neighborhood cat, seemed like he tied his legs up and took him around 5 p.m., read one of the Nextdoor posts. He went walking on Shelton Street towards McFadden. The cat is black with light brown spots.

A person in another post said the man injected a cat that later died. Hello! Im near El Salvador park, and my neighbors cat was killed by a man who injected it with some sort of substance.

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Police said following Oliveros arrest that they expected charges to be filed, but further details were not immediately provided upon his release.

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CHICAGO  A felony charge has been filed against an alleged porch pirate who authorities believe is responsible for several mail theft incidents on the Northwest Side.

According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, 42-year-old Ralph Rodriguez has been charged with one count of felony theft.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Officials said the charge stems from Rodriguezs alleged role in a string of mail thefts that unfolded on the northwest side, though they did not say what was stolen or where the incident occurred.

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Additionally, authorities indicated that Rodriguez had been identified as the suspect responsible for multiple mail theft incidents, though it is unclear how many unfolded.

After identifying him as a suspect in the case, authorities took Rodriguez into custody in West Town on Wednesday, April 16.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nations mail system from criminal activity, protecting United States Postal Service employees, and preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail, Ruth Mendonca, Inspector in Charge, Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, said. We value our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

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Rodriguezs arrest was the result of a joint operation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Chicago Police Department, and Cook County Sheriffs Office.

Authorities did not provide a booking photo for Rodriguez.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service asks anyone who feels they may have been the victim of mail theft to contact USPIS online or by phone at 1-877-876-2455.

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Social media was abuzz on Wednesday over a video with a rumored alligator swimming in Worcesters Indian Lake.

The video posted by Lilianna Gonzalez, who goes by Endless Love Saez on Facebook, showed something swimming in the lake. When asked by a Facebook user about what it was, she wrote she thought it was an alligator.

On the r/Worcester Reddit page, commenters questioned if there really was an alligator swimming in the lake.

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It turns out, however, that the animal in question wasnt an alligator but a muskrat, according to a spokesperson for the Worcester Police Department.

Muskrats are semi-aquatic rodents that are common in Massachusetts. They are usually found in lakes, ponds and open swamps. They can swim underwater and build homes known as bank dens.

Worcesters animal control did not need to catch the muskrat, the spokesperson told MassLive. There were no reports to animal control on April 23, the date the video on Facebook was posted, about an alligator, the spokesperson said.

Alligators typically dont live in Massachusetts; instead, they prefer wetlands, swamps, and rivers in the southeastern region of the United States.

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In 2021, an Agawam fisherman rescued an alligator that was in the Westfield River, saving it from certain death due to the cold weather.

Alligators are illegal to own in Massachusetts but they are available online in other states.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (ABC4)  The Alpine School District voted unanimously to approve a new $238 million bond for the building of two new schools in the western half of the district.

Voting during their board meeting on April 22, the ASD board heard from residents who expressed concerns over overcrowding in the schools they currently had, and the need for more space for student mental health.

This bond is desperately needed, Eden Davenport, resident of Saratoga Springs, said during the meeting. I have seen firsthand the negative implication that overcrowded schools have. I have the difficulties that some of our children face making social connections because our schools are at maximum capacity.

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The bond has become apart a timeline of events that began back in 2024 when the district voted to split itself into three separate districts. As a part of the new West District, the bond will fund the building of a new elementary school, and a new high school in Saratoga Springs. Unlike other bonds, the district is issuing lease revenue bonds, which are bonds that primarily funded by leases of public facilities.

PREVIOUS: Alpine School District split: Here are the proposed boundaries ahead of final vote

As a part of S.B. 188, School District Modifications, which was passed in the 2025 General Session, opened up more options for school districts to raise funds for new buildings and other expenses, including lease revenue bonding.

With the future split in mind, the bond itself wont be on ASD forever. The bill also specified that these bonds issued after Nov. 4, 2024, will fall on the new district to fund and pay for once they are formed in 2027.

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The public comment for the bonds was brief, with only three residents commenting on the proposal. One resident came with concerns regarding the debt burden that the past bonds, and now passed bond will put on residents in the area.

Youre tripling [the bond] just because you can, John Gad, a resident of the district, told board members in opposition to resolution. Which is a really horrible reason to take out debt for the next 31 years. Debt that I am going to be paying, and kids who arent even born yet are going to be paying property taxes on this debt you are going to be deciding on.

Alpine had originally approved increases to property taxes back in 2023, and 2024. However, with this new funding, they are hoping to be able to provide the funding needed to build the proposed new schools.

Along with approving the bond, the ASD school board also approved the purchase of land in both Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs for the proposed schools. In total, the district approved the purchase of 83 acres of land.

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SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  A Sioux Falls business that touts itself as a year-round craft fair is celebrating a year of being around.

In April 2024, AMC Collective opened its doors on South Minnesota Avenue to serve as a showcase for locally handmade crafts and artwork.

And the business is already experiencing growing pains.

Whats in South Dakotas settlement with the NCAA

Theres plenty of conversation amid the creativity in the back room at AMC Collective.

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Its a lot of talking about where do you get your wool, where do you get your yard. And we talk about our kids and social things, too, vendor Kathryn Daniels said.

Kathryn Daniels is one of the vendors who sells her needle-felting products at AMC Collective.

The needle has barbs on the end of it and every time you stab into it, it tangles the wool together and solidifies it, so youre sculpting with a needle, Daniels said.

Daniels own business is called Ouch I Felt That.

Because I stab myself every day. Not intentionally, inadvertently, Daniels said.

Vendor Cheryl Pappadackis sells her handmade coasters at AMC Collective.

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And then I take a needle and weave and they come right off the loom and it looks like this, Pappadackis said.

Owner Carrie Thompson opened AMC Collective in April 2024. She has 25 vendors selling their products in her store. AMC stands for artists, makers and crafters.

Its all about the artists and all about the art and being creative, and community, Thompson said.

This is a family enterprise. Thompsons mother sells her artwork at the store.

I do a little of everything. Thats one of my paintings. And then I do fabric garlands and lot of different fabric things, Cindy Thompson said.

Carrie Thompson says AMC Collective, like any other business, has had its ups and downs in the year its been open. She says the tight economy plays a role in the down times.

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People are scared to spend their money sometimes you know, and hand-made items tend to be a little more expensive because theres a person behind it that has their expenses they have to cover, Thompson said.

Usually, you dont get compensated for time when people buy your things for your time. But youre doing it because you enjoy it, Pappadackis said.

One way AMC Collective gets more customers through the door is by hosting crafting workshops and classes, including how to crochet.

I try to show people the different things that they can make and educate them so you can make them lovely dolls, flowers. But the way it all starts is with a nice ball of yarn, crochet instructor Anna Flowers said.

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The business is always trying to recruit new vendors, as well. One of the newest, is Alicia Cafaro, who brought her New Jersey-based cookie enterprise into the store this month.

I make biscotti. My companys called Bits-scotti, because theyre miniature. But they are crunchy little Italian cookies, normally served with coffee or wine, Cafaro said.

AMC Collective is entering its second year in expansion mode. Theyve already added an extra room into their workshop. Now, theyre looking at adding an additional 800 square feet in a storage area behind the shop.

People with like furniture or larger sculptures or something like that, we could have a home for those kinds of things to be sold here because right now, we really dont, Thompson said.

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Vendors say AMC Collective offers them exposure of their products they might not receive by going it alone. They find strength in numbers by stitching together this productive business arrangement.

Thompson also plans on hosting birthday parties at her store.

Shes added five new vendors this month alone. Those vendors can work three-hour shifts to help cover the cost of their rent.

You can learn about upcoming events and store hours on their website

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Jan. 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The U.S. Surgeon Generals Office released a Healthy People report in 1979. Section I of the report, titled Toward a Healthier America, was a cooperation of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, and the 1978 Departmental Task Force on Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

It opens with the following statement: The health of the American people has never been better.

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I came across this report almost five years ago, while researching an article about Black maternal health. I still cringe at the level of disconnect needed to make such a declaration based on detailed data outlining health disparities attributed to environment, biology, behavior, and inadequacies in the health care system.

One such disparity is infant mortality: The death rate in 1977 for Black infants (24 per 1,000 live births) is about the same as that for white infants 25 years ago. Additional gains are clearly attainable. If present trends in the United States continue, our rate should drop below 12 in 1982, and new preventive efforts could allow us to reach the goal of nine by 1990.

Black infants born in the U.S. in 1977 died at the rate of white infants born in the U.S. in 1952. By 1952, more births occurred in hospitals with trained medical professionals and the use of medications such as anesthesia and penicillin for those who could afford them. The introduction of Medicaid increased affordability for minority communities but did not significantly improve outcomes.

From 1933  when infant mortality rates first became available nationally  to today, infant mortality rates for Black infants have consistently averaged at least twice that of white infants.

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It is not lost on me that the infant mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black infants was 10.9 per 1,000 live births in 2023. Every other infant mortality rate, except American Indian and Alaska Native, is below Healthy Peoples 1990 target of nine despite significant medical and technological advances since 1979. Infant mortality rates are also a key indicator of maternal health.

The maternal mortality rate in the United States is highest among developed nations, with rates of death for all U.S. women at 22.3 per 100,000 live births and Black women at 49.5 in 2024. Some 45 years following the release of Healthy People, the maternal mortality rate in America is equal to underdeveloped countries.

How healthy can a country be if disparities continue to be identified within similar ranges for the same segments of its population?

The report further states the health of our country can be improved and maintained through personal responsibility, efforts of decision-makers, and the private sector in conjunction with intensified educational efforts by schools, health providers, and the media.

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Schools and health providers are completely overwhelmed by the needs of Americans still recovering from the pandemic. Most of their efforts feel like one step forward, three steps back. Research indicates that patient satisfaction with health care facilities is significantly lower post-pandemic, with higher instances of negative interactions identified in predominantly minority areas.

A 2021 meta-analysis confirmed the persistence of many of the health inequities discussed in Healthy People. The disproportionate existence of these health conditions contributed to increased risk of COVID-19 complications in already struggling minority communities. The Annie E. Casey Foundation identified unprecedented drops in basic reading and math following the pandemic. Minority and low-income students attending low-income schools historically experienced significant learning deficits before the pandemic.

We must recognize that some of the educators attempting to make up for the deficits in reading and math include those dissatisfied with health care facilities. They may be working with health challenges and frustration with their providers. I cannot speak for anyone else, but when I am not feeling well, the quality of my work is less than standard and it shows.

Healthy People hints at the interconnectedness of biological, environmental, and behavioral well-being contributing to overall health, and the need for policies and programming at all levels to consider prevention first.

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Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s justification for reorganizing the Department of Health and Human Services into the Administration for a Healthy America feels eerily like the indifference that led to the 1979 perception that Americans were healthier than they have ever been.

The effort to make America healthy again assumes that there is a moment in time when America was healthy. The targets identified in the 1979 Healthy People report remain unmet for many, contradicting any semblance of healthy functioning for America. Logic dictates that it is impossible for America to be healthy again when many segments of its population have yet to reach a baseline of health.

The benefits of starting a health improvement program are rarely seen overnight. However, at a molecular level, changes may occur almost immediately. The same can be said of federal programs to help those seeking a healthy existence. Disrupting a program because it lacks visible progress ignores the needs of individuals and punishes them for being human. In either instance, disruption can result in setbacks that are just as, if not more harmful than the old habits.

Reorganizing the Department of Health and Human Services without fully understanding its work sends the message that public health is expendable, that lives measured in quiet progress and unseen healing are unworthy of investment. Authentic wellness is a journey, not an annual report that gives all the good feels until it is put in a drawer to be forgotten.

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If we claim to be a nation that values life, dignity, and resilience, we must protect the institutions designed to care for our most vulnerable, not strip them away in the name of impatience or politics. Healing takes time. Compassion requires commitment.

Tara D. Wallace is a licensed clinician and trauma therapist in Topeka. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The United States Attorney General visited Nashville Wednesday morning and gave an update on the Trump administrations fight against the opioid crisis.

Pam Bondi spoke at a conference at the Opryland Hotel focusing on the mission to make America safe again.

President Trump gave us a very clear directive, Make America safe again, and that includes going back to the basics of fighting violent crime, and that is the basics, Bondi expressed.

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Metro officials see uptick in drug overdoses, look to expand response

In 2022, nearly 108,000 people died from drug overdoses  76% of those deaths were tied to opioids, according to the CDC.

Opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain relievers, continue to devastate communities.

Tennessee ranks third in the nation for prescription drug abuse, according to the TBI.

At the conference, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) spoke about an effort to bring new high-risk systems to identify repeat overdose victims through EMS and the justice system.

So of course, a natural thought is what do we need to do to engage those systems to screen and intervene when they observe that individual, an individual at high risk, NIDA director, Dr. Nora Volkow, explained.

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Naloxone vending machine opens at convenience store in Midtown Nashville

Volkow also provided insight into her goal of one day healing the brain of all drug effects.

I do think that one day we will be able to completely heal the brain that has been addicted to drugs, Volkow said. I think we should all look that way, we should all be ambitious.

Then, Attorney General Pam Bondi laid out the administrations enforcement strategy, working with DEA, FBI, and Homeland Security to curb drug flow at the border.

Bondi said efforts include tariffs, increased ICE enforcement, and seizure  including 21.5 million fentanyl pills seized so far this year.

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So much of this junk is imported through Mexico and Canada, but we are working with our counterparts there, Bondi explained.

She emphasized that open borders contribute to drug trafficking and violence, and she is following President Trumps directive to tackle the crisis from the ground up.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

We are doing everything we can to fight violent crime, Bondi said. I always tell the President we need ten more hours in every day, but we are going nonstop.

Its all over our country; its killing our kids, its killing adults, and people are getting highly addicted, Bondi continued. So that is why securing the borders is of utmost importance, but it is multi-faceted, you know, we secured the borders as best we can, but the drugs are already in our country, and the gangs are already in our country, cartels are already in our country so it is keeping Americans safe and getting these violent criminals off our streets.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to speak at the conference and provide insight into the federal response to substance abuse.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The priorities of the Almaty Process for the upcoming years will be discussed today, said Vusal Huseynov, Head of the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan, at the 3rd Ministerial Conference of the Almaty Process in Baku, Trend reports.

"The Almaty Process is aimed at deepening cooperation in the field of migration, protecting the rights of refugees in affected regions, promoting legal migration, and strengthening interaction between relevant governmental bodies," he noted.

Huseynov pointed out that Azerbaijan has chaired this process for the past two years.

"Today's event covers three key areas: reviewing the outcomes of Azerbaijan's chairmanship and the development of the Almaty Process over the last two years; transferring the chairmanship to the Republic of Kazakhstan; and setting the priorities for the upcoming period," he said.

He also emphasized the significance of adopting the Baku Declaration at the conferencea document prepared at Azerbaijan's initiative.

"The declaration outlines the key areas that the participants of the Almaty Process will focus on in the coming years," he added.

To note, the Almaty Process serves as a regional consultation platform addressing refugee protection and international migration concerns in Central Asia. It seeks to tackle the various challenges presented by mixed migration dynamics and to enhance regional collaboration and coordination regarding mixed migration matters.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The man who owned The Davenport building, which partially collapsed on May 28, 2023, has a new name and a new job in Florida.

Sarasota County, Fla. court records show that on December 18, 2024, Andrew Wold petitioned to change his name to Andrew Langel. The petition has the last four addresses for the petitioner, and Wold claims to have moved to Florida on May 1, 2024. It also shows that he has worked as a realtor in Venice since November 5, 2024. A judge approved the name change on January 13, 2025 and the case was closed the same day.

When asked about the name change and new career, Andrew M. Stroth, legal counsel for Peach and Lexus Berry, told Our Quad Cities News, While disappointing, not surprising, ultimately, we think Mr. Wold will be held responsible.

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Hes trying to avoid responsibility.

The Davenport apartment building, located at 324 Main St., Davenport, sustained a partial building collapse May 28, 2023. (OurQuadCities.com)

Three people, Branden Colvin Sr., Ryan Hitchcock and Daniel Prien were killed on May 28, 2023 when The Davenport, 324 Main St., partially collapsed. The building was owned by Wold. Peach Berry had to have a leg amputated so she could be removed from the rubble. Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham announced in February that Wold would not face criminal charges, but a civil suit with multiple plaintiffs is pending.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Another major retailer in San Franciscos Union Square is closing next month. Saks Fifth Avenue is closing its downtown store at 384 Post St., a Saks Global spokesperson said in a statement. The retailer cited the decision to close as one to focus on long-term growth.

The stores last day will be on Saturday, May 10. Saks says customers can visit its sister company store, Neiman Marcus, about two blocks away on Stockton Street. The two companies are both subsidiaries of Saks Global.

While we saw meaningful engagement and success through the appointment-only format, we have made this decision as part of our integration process as we focus on long-term growth. We look forward to serving the Bay Area community at Neiman Marcus San Francisco, Neiman Marcus Palo Alto, The Fifth Avenue Club Palo Alto, Saks.com and NeimanMarcus.com. Saks Global Spokesperson

Last summer, Saks Fifth Avenue ended its in-store shopping experience. It transitioned to appointment-only operations in which customers must set up an appointment before coming into the store.

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First-of-its-kind curbside EV chargers coming to San Francisco, ready for use this week

The Saks Fifth Avenue building in Union Square in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

LIST: Union Square newly-opened establishments look to revive downtown SF

Earlier this year, Bloomingdales announced it was closing its flagship Union Square store.

Despite this major retailer closing in Union Square, another one is moving in across the street at 400 Post St. Zara is opening a 40,000-square-foot flagship store that will be four stories. There is no opening date set.

Nintendo is opening its second U.S. store in San Francisco. The opening date is set for May 15.

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In 2024, the Anti-Defamation Leagues annual audit showed an alarming rise in antisemitism for the fourth consecutive year.



The ADL reports that 9,354 antisemitic incidents occurred across the country last year, marking an 893% increase over the last decade.

Semi fire destroys two brand new vehicles, causing traffic



The Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League, Marc Levine, notes that with the rise of antisemitism also comes the rise of Jewish generational trauma.

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Its like having your blood pressure slowly rise and rise and rise, and you cannot sustain yourself at that very high, alarming rate, Levine tells Fox40. We cant have this be normalized, we need to bring the hate in our society down.



1,344 Antisemitic incidents were reported across California, the second-highest number of reported incidents per state.



In Northern California, we witnessed 498 incidents of antisemitism, including over 100 acts of vandalism, and really sadly, five incidents of assault, and 89 different incidents occurred on college campuses, Levine adds.



Sacramento City Council member and former President of the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento region, Lisa Kaplan, says its not surprising.

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Sacramento County approves 30-year lease for new mental health facility



I think weve lost sight of humanity, and so it makes me sad, Kaplan said.



For the first time, the majority of all incidents reported to the ADL contained Israel-related rhetoric and elements.



This comes after the Oct. 7th brutal Hamas attack on Israel, which saw the largest number of Jewish people killed in a single day since the Holocaust.

The day after, on Oct. 8th, there were people celebrating in the streets of our own country, here in America, the death, destruction, murder, rape that occurred by Hamas terrorists, Levine adds. Its almost like accusing the rape victim of rape, and that actually did occur.

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This hatred has been a reality for Sacramento City Council member Kaplan.



She was forced to increase security at home after protesters showed up, harassing her and her family for her Zionist identity and stance on the war. A banner was also previously hung on an overpass comparing her to the Ku Klux Klan.



Kaplan says she didnt report any of this to the ADL, highlighting how underreported these cases are.



As a mom of two younger kids, its hard to have that conversation that somebody might not like you because of how you identify, Kaplan said. Violence and treating somebody differently because of how they identify, the color of their skin, what religion they are, is not okay.

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Incidents on college campuses rose more than those in any other location. There were 8 incidents included in ADLs audit on the UC Davis Campus in 2023 and 10 in 2024.





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Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville, defends a compromise provision shifting teaching scholarships named after Black former lawmakers to five teacher-strapped counties on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

A bill to limit diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools, state government and health profession licensing advanced to the governor Thursday following a 64-26 vote in the House and a 34-16 tally in the Senate.

Senate Bill 289  authored by Republican Sens. Tyler Johnson of Leo, and Gary Byrne of Byrneville  was tweaked in the final days of the session to specifically outlaw discrimination in state education, public employment and licensing settings that is based on a personal characteristic of the person.

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Lawmakers also made last-minute changes to characteristics outlined in the bill, removing disability and status as a veteran from the list. The personal characteristics remaining in the bill are race, religion, color, sex, national origin, or ancestry.

You cant fix discrimination with discrimination, Byrne said. This bill is good for Indiana, and everybody should be judged by how hard you work  and thats what this bill is about.

The latest draft exempts employment action(s) concerning participation in a public contract by a minority business enterprise, womens business enterprise, or veteran business enterprise, if the employment action is authorized by law.

A carveout also exists for colleges and universities. Schools can also make decisions around grants, scholarships or fee remissions on the basis of personal characteristic(s) as long as those awards do not include any state funds or resources.

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But state offices and universities would not be allowed to require employees to complete training  or licensing  asserting that, or endorsing the theory that, a person with a certain personal characteristic:

is inherently superior or inferior to a person with a different personal characteristic;

should be blamed for actions committed in the past;

or has a moral character that is determined by a personal characteristic of the person.

Opposition remained

Democrats remained opposed to the bill on Thursday  particularly in the Senate, where debate lasted nearly two hours.

In a utopia, every human should be treated equally and should not be discriminated against based on their race, their gender, their creed, their nationality, their political identity, said Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis. But this legislation is extremely harmful because it gives a blind eye to historical injustices by which generations of communities have been discriminated against.

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It flips the script by saying we have no discrimination, we have no racism, and we should treat everybody equally. It ignores historical facts that continue to occur until this moment, he continued. This legislation ignores that people have different starting points in their lives, and in most of our history as a country, it was our government that pushed people behind the starting line.

The legislations passage comes on the heels of Gov. Mike Brauns executive order to replace DEI throughout state government policies and programming with merit, excellence and innovation, or MEI.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Canadians will vote in federal elections that follow a tumultuous several months defined by U.S. President Donald Trump s often unpredictable global tariff policies and his calls for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state.

Prime Minister Mark Carney called for Monday's elections in March shortly after taking office to replace former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His Liberal Party appeared headed for electoral defeat under Trudeau, but Trumps economic and rhetorical broadsides seem to have markedly improved the partys standing among voters.

His chief opposition for a full term is Pierre Poilievre, a populist firebrand and head of the Conservative Party that has been out of power for a decade.

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Jagmeet Singh heads the progressive New Democratic Party. Yves-Francois Blanchet leads Bloc Quebecois, a Quebec nationalist party. At the time Parliament was dissolved, the Liberal Party held 152 seats, compared to 120 for Conservatives. Bloc Quebecois held 33 seats, all in Quebec, and the NDP held 24. The remaining seats were held by unrecognized parties, independents or were vacant.

Canada is a constitutional monarchy, with Britains King Charles III serving as ceremonial head of state. The countrys electoral system is modeled after the U.K.'s.

Heres a look at how federal elections work in Canada:

Election day

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Canadas election will be held Monday. Polling hours vary across Canadas six time zones, although most polls are coordinated to close at 9:30 p.m. EDT, which coincides with Eastern Daylight Time in the U.S. Polls in the Newfoundland Time Zone in the east and the Pacific Time Zone in the west close at 10 p.m. EDT. Some electoral districts span more than one time zone.

Whats on the ballot

Voters will elect their local representative to the House of Commons. No other contests will appear on the ballot. Voters do not directly cast ballots for Prime Minister.

How are the prime minister and members of Parliament elected?

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A member of the House of Commons will be elected in each of the nations 343 federal electoral districts, also known as a constituency or a riding. The winner in each district is the candidate who receives the most votes. A majority vote is not required to get elected to Parliament. This is sometimes called a first-past-the-post system.

The leader of the party that wins a majority of seats in the House of Commons will form a new government and serve as prime minister. If no party wins a majority, a party  usually the one with the most seats  can form a minority government but must rely on support from some opposition members. In rare cases, two or more parties might reach a formal agreement to form a coalition government together.

Canadas Parliament has an upper chamber called the Senate, but those members are appointed and do not play a role in determining the prime minister.

Who runs the election?

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Unlike in the United States, where federal elections are administered by state and local elections officials, the Canadian federal election is administered on a national level by Elections Canada, an independent, nonpartisan government agency.

Who gets to vote?

Any Canadian citizen who will be at least 18 years old on election day may vote in the federal election. This includes Canadians who live outside the country, as well as those who are incarcerated. The chief electoral officer, the government official responsible for running the election, may not vote.

How are ballots cast?

Canadian voters have several options for casting their ballots either in person or by mail. Most are cast in person on election day at a voters assigned local polling place. Voters also had the option of voting in person at a local polling place by April 21 or at a local Elections Canada office by April 22. Special polling sites were also available for incarcerated voters on the 12th day before election day and for members of the military. Voters who are unable to vote in person on election day or who live abroad may vote by mail.

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How are votes counted?

All ballots are counted by hand by federal election officials in the presence of witnesses, usually campaign or party representatives. Additional details of how votes are counted depend on how the ballots were cast.

Ballots cast in person on election day are counted at each local polling place after polls close. Ballots cast in person before election day and mail ballots cast from within the district are tabulated at the districts local Elections Canada office.

Ballots from incarcerated voters, members of the military, Canadians living overseas and voters who live in Canada but outside their home district (such as some college students) are counted at a centralized Elections Canada facility in Ottawa. In some cases, the counting of these ballots may begin up to 14 days before election day, although the results cannot be released until after polls close.

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Are there recounts?

An election in an individual district is subject to a recount if the vote margin is less than one one-thousandth of the total votes cast. In other words, in a district where 100,000 votes are cast, a recount would be required if fewer than 100 votes separated the top two vote-getters. A judge would preside over the recount process. Losing candidates or voters may also request a recount.

When and where are results available?

Elections Canada says it expects to count the vast majority of ballots on election night. Each polling place counts its election day vote by hand after polls close and reports the results to the districts local Elections Canada office, which then posts the results on the Elections Canada website. Results are also released directly to Canadian news organizations.

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Results from mail voting and ballots cast at special locations such as military bases and correctional institutions are also reported on the Elections Canada website and released to the news media, but they can take longer to tabulate.

Only preliminary results are available on election night. Vote totals are double-checked in the days following the election, but final, official results typically are not available until about six months after election day, according to Elections Canada.

Elections Canada does not declare winners in any district or in the overall contest for prime minister. Canadian media organizations typically announce winners based on their own independent analysis of election results.

What is The Associated Press' role in Canadian election?

Unlike in U.S. elections, the AP will not compile vote results or declare winners in this years Canadian elections.
Kate Korman was 82 when she was found dead in her Sun City West home.

Six days earlier, Arizona Public Service had shut off her electricity.

Its a story that will make you sick and, sadly, one weve heard before.

Remember Stephanie Pullman?

She was 72 when she died inside her Sun City West home on a sweltering 107-degree day in September 2018. She died for lack of a $51 payment to APS.

Pullmans death, when it eventually came to light the following year, resulted in a sizable amount of outrage and a new regulation barring power companies from disconnecting their customers from June 1 through Oct. 15.

APS says it followed power shutoff rules

Now comes Kate Korman. 12 News Joe Dana reports she was found dead inside her Sun City West home on May 19, 2024. Six days earlier, APS turned off her power on a day when the temperature reached 99 degrees.

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When my brother and I came out to Arizona because of my mothers death, we arrived at our house and it was like an oven in there, Jonathan Korman told Dana. Was there something mechanically wrong? No. We figured out it was the power company.

Kate Korman, it seems, had not paid her APS bill since January. She owed roughly $500 at the time of her death.

An APS spokeswoman told Dana the utility followed established practices and rules.

We communicated directly to this customer 10 times through email, phone, monthly bill and notifications, Jill Hanks told Dana.

Its not clear whether APS went out to Kormans home before transforming the place into a death trap. If not, shame on the utility, knowing that she was elderly and quite possibly, alone.

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And shame on the rest of us, for not paying more attention.

Arizona can do better. You can play a part

Dana reports that 138 people died in heat-related incidents indoors in Maricopa County last year. Thirteen of them died in homes where the electricity was off. One of them was Kate Korman, who died due to chronic alcohol use and exposure to elevated temperatures.

Surely, we can do better.

We can do better by demanding a law that forbids utilities from shutting off the power on days when the temperature reaches 95 degrees. The month that Korman died, the temperature in Phoenix hit 95 or above on 17 days.

Opinion: Your AC can't handle the heat. In Arizona, that's deadly

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APS records show it disconnected 2,208 homes for non-payment of bills in May 2024. The utility also began voluntarily halting disconnections on May 16, three days after cutting off Korman.

Three days before her body was found.

We can do better by calling the Arizona Corporation Commission and demanding that they get answers from APS about what, specifically, they do to ensure the safety of their customers before cutting them off.

We can do better by signing up with the utilities to be informed if our elderly parents or friends fall behind on their bills. APS has a Safety Net program. So does Salt River Project. Im betting that every utility does, or if not, they should.

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And we can do better by checking on our neighbors who live alone, just to make sure theyre OK.

Who knows? You might find a friend, which is exceedingly preferable to finding a body.

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz, on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz and on BlueSky at @laurieroberts.bsky.social.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: APS turned off power on a 99-degree day. A woman still died | Opinion
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  After being locked down for several hours Thursday morning, Reid Healths main campus is resuming normal operations.

According to a press release, the hospital went into lockdown around 1: 40 a.m. after receiving a call from a person threatening the campus.

The threat was relayed to area law enforcement including Reid Health Police Department, Richmond Police Department, Wayne County Sheriffs Office, Randolph County Sheriffs Department, and the Indiana State Police.

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These agencies proceeded to establish a perimeter around the campus.

Threat deemed not credible after Greene Memorial lockdown

While the building was locked down, patients remained at the campus and were not diverted to another facility. After 90 minutes, operations resumed, as it was determined that the threat was not on campus. Lockdown was still in effect while operations resumed.

Hospital activity began again around 5:27 a.m. Those arriving at this time were escorted by law enforcement.

Were incredibly grateful for the help of all our law enforcement partners and thankful the threat turned out to be unsubstantiated, said Ben Wells, Acting President/CEO at Reid Health in a press release.

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All appointments scheduled for today will remain as scheduled.

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Sarah Huckabee Sanders addresses the crowd outside the State Capitol on Jan. 10, 2023, after she was sworn in as Arkansas' 47th governor. (Karen E. Segrave/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders vetoed two bills from the 2025 legislative session on Tuesday and returned them to their respective chambers.

Both bills had emergency clauses, meaning they would have gone into effect immediately upon Sanders signature.

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House Bill 1961 would have created limited reasons for medical providers to temporarily withhold a patients medical records from being released directly to the patient or any individual authorized by the patient for up to 30 days.

Those reasons would have included the need to review a patients medical information or discuss it with the patient, or if the provider reasonably believes that immediate disclosure of the medical records may lead to the patients misinterpreting the information in a manner that could adversely affect the patients health or safety.

Individuals have a right to access personal medical information, including medical imaging, test results, and other health records, in a timely fashion, Sanders wrote in a letter explaining her decision not to sign HB 1961. Because this bill may, in some cases, unduly delay the release of such information to patients who are entitled to it, I am vetoing this legislation.

Senate Bill 451 would have required the state Education and Human Services departments to collaboratively establish regional behavioral health programs to help public and charter schools determine how best to help students who display behavior substantially likely to cause injury to the student, other students, or staff. It also would have required both state agencies to formulate behavioral health management plans for these students and help them transition back into school after the behavioral issue has been addressed.

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Sanders wrote in her veto letter that she understands the need for sufficient interventions and has directed the Education and Human Services departments to come up with a solution that is more tailored to the needs of our local public schools than SB 451.

Arkansas Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs (John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)

School administrators, teachers, and principals are increasingly managing student behavioral issues, including aggression and violence, Sanders wrote. These issues cause disruptions in the academic environment, distracting from schools core function: a safe environment where all students can learn.

Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, was SB 451s primary sponsor and said he appreciated Sanders assurances that she understands the seriousness and the need for an immediate solution.

Im less concerned with how its done, just that it is done, Hester said.

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SB 451 passed the Senate with a bipartisan majority of 30 votes, but it passed the House by the slimmest margin of 51 votes. Emergency clauses require two-thirds of lawmakers support to pass, and the House voted three times before SB 451s emergency clause passed with 77 votes, 10 more than the minimum.

Similarly, HB 1961 passed the House with 75 votes but scraped the minimum of 18 votes in the Senate. The emergency clause subsequently passed with 26 votes when 24 were needed.

Sen. Justin Boyd, R-Fort Smith (Courtesy/Arkansas Legislature)

HB 1961 was sponsored by two pharmacists: Rep. Brandon Achor, R-Maumelle, and Sen. Justin Boyd, R-Fort Smith.

The intent behind HB 1961 was to give medical professionals the opportunity to sit down and have a real conversation about a patients health needs, such as a cancer diagnosis, before this scary news or potentially unclear news gets uploaded into an electronic chart of some sort and becomes immediately available without the appropriate context and compassion and the human side of the doctor-patient relationship, Boyd said Wednesday.

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He added that he might sponsor similar legislation in the future that addresses the governors implementation concerns.

Sanders issued two vetoes last week  one that vetoed a bill to legalize the delivery of medical marijuana or the purchase of it from a drive-thru, and a line-item veto eliminating the salary for the director of the University of Arkansas at Little Rocks Institute on Race and Ethnicity. A UALR spokesperson said the position was vacant and the university had not planned to fill it.

Lawmakers can vote to override the governors vetoes with a simple majority in both chambers before the sine die adjournment of a legislative session. Hester and Boyd said they do not expect to ask their colleagues to override the vetoes of their respective bills.

The Legislature concluded its session and recessed April 16, and it will reconvene May 5 to handle any unfinished business before adjourning sine die.

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VIDEO: Arkansas man accused of driving corpse to Missouri before getting in shootout with police, family speaks out

INDEPENDENCE COUNTY, Ark.  An Arkansas man arrested in Missouri has now been charged in connection with a murder investigation.

Court records show 40-year-old Jarrett W. Cousins of Bradford is facing a first-degree murder charge and is being held on a million-dollar bond.

Arkansas State Police: Womans body found in car after officer-involved shooting in Missouri

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Cousins was allegedly involved in a shootout with law enforcement in Festus, Missouri on Dec. 8.

Police say they found the body of 45-year-old Clara Blaxton in the passenger side of his truck after he was taken into custody.

The investigation determined Blaxton had been dead for 24 to 48 hours before the shooting.

Arkansas man accused of driving corpse to Missouri before getting in shootout with police, family speaks out

An affidavit from a special agent for the Arkansas State Police says Cousins admitted killing Blaxton on a relatives property in Floral, in Independence County.

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Arkansas State Police arrest Viola man on 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material

VIOLA, Ark.  Arkansas State Police said a Viola man is facing multiple charges for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material.

State police said agents with the Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, state troopers and Fulton County deputies executed a search warrant at a home in Viola around 6 a.m. after a cybertip on social media.

Former Arkansas pastor sentenced to 110 years for child pornography possession

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ASP officials said 25-year-old Skylar Crisp was arrested and is facing 10 counts of possession or use of child sexual abuse material.

Crisp was booked into the Fulton County Detention Center, authorities said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, visited Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Trend reports.

During the visit, Leyla Aliyeva met with Zhao Gang, Vice President of BFSU, and Chinese students studying Azerbaijani. The meeting highlighted the role of youth in the expansion of AzerbaijanChina relations, as well as the projects implemented in the education systems of both countries in this direction.

The importance of the Azerbaijani Language Department at BFSUdedicated to studying, researching, and promoting Azerbaijani culturewas emphasized, alongside its role in training specialists in the Azerbaijani language. The universitys curriculum not only includes the Azerbaijani language but also courses in Azerbaijani history, culture, and literature.

Within the nearly 10-year-long cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and BFSU, a number of joint projects have been carried out. Distance Chinese language courses have been held at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) since 2019 on the initiative and with the support of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

During the meeting, they decided that a memorandum of understanding would be signed between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and BFSU this year.

Later, Leyla Aliyeva visited the Azerbaijani Language Department. She was informed about upcoming measures to further expand the departments activities. The importance of the Heydar Aliyev Foundations publications in various fieldsincluding those promoting Azerbaijani culture in Chinesewas also stressed.
ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  As the Pope lies in state at Saint Peters Basilica in Rome, many honored the Pontiff Wednesday with prayers in Arlington.

Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington led a memorial Mass for the Holy Father at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More.

A photo of Pope Francis was placed by a candle at the altar inside the Cathedral.

Pope Francis remembered as champion of interfaith dialogue

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Pope Franciss humility reminded all of us that thats who we are, said Arlington Bishop Michael Burbidge. Were humble servants of the Lord. And like Jesus, we come to serve, not to be served. And he reflected that throughout his ministry.

Burbidge remembered Pope Francis as a missionary disciple who led by example by ministering to those on the peripheries of society.

Where those who are lonely, or fearful and afraid, or feel forgotten might dwell and in those places to inspire, said Bishop Burbidge.

Pope Francis appointed Burbidge as Bishop of Arlington.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore says Japanese investment is paying off in western regions

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The bishop met the Holy Father several times before his passing.

I always remember that as he spoke to you, he spoke to you as if you were the only person in the room, said Burbidge. Eyeball to eyeball. Heart to heart. And thats how he suggested and encouraged us to treat one another.

Parishioners here say they were moved by the Mass and will be forever inspired by the life of Pope Francis.

I was so humbled to be here, said Heather Sullivan. I think he is such a champion of peace in the world. And just an impressive experience. I just feel like my faith is on fire after that Mass.

The Vatican announced that the popes funeral in Rome will take place on Saturday, April 23.

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In 1915, Armenian Bishop Krikoris Balakian was one of just sixteen survivors out of 250 intellectuals arrested and deported during the Armenian Genocide. His harrowing escape from the death marches into the Syrian desert is chronicled in Armenian Golgotha, a testimony that rebukes historical amnesia and warns of its deadly consequences.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. On April 24, Armenians around the world will gather to commemorate this tragedy. In 2015 the Armenian Church canonised the victims, officially declaring them saints. This moment of remembrance is not only about mourning the past, it is about confronting the present. The continuity between historical and continuing atrocities demands that we speak now, without equivocation.

Today, the descendants of those same Armenians are once again targeted  this time by Azerbaijan which, in 2023, completed the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), forcing 120,000 ethnic Armenians from their ancestral homeland. Despite urgent warnings from human rights experts and international bodies, world leaders have yet again looked away.

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Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous enclave with Armenian roots dating back to the 2nd century BC, and which I have visited, was blockaded for ten months by Azerbaijan, cutting off food, medicine and vital supplies. It culminated in a September military assault and mass exodus, eerily echoing past atrocities.

We are not speaking hypothetically. A former ICC Chief Prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, has declared that Azerbaijans actions meet the legal definition of genocide under Article II(b) of the Genocide Convention. The European Parliament, Genocide Watch and the Lemkin Institute agree. So why is the UK government still unwilling to call it what it is?

Worse still, Azerbaijans assault didnt end with displacement. Twenty-three Armenians, many of them civilians or elected officials of the former Artsakh Republic, remain detained in Baku under spurious charges of terrorism. One was abducted from a Red Cross convoy. Their treatment  solitary confinement, medical neglect and forced confessions  has been documented by human rights organisations and former detainees. They are denied due process.

Just days ago, Azerbaijan expelled the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)  the only body allowed access to these prisoners. Alongside the Red Cross, BBC Azerbaijan and other credible media outlets were expelled. This was no accident: it is a calculated attempt to sever the last humanitarian lifeline and eliminate scrutiny of human rights abuses.

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This is not the first time Armenians have been silenced. Azerbaijan has spent years airbrushing Armenian history, destroying ancient churches and cemeteries and denying the Armenian Genocide. It has also cultivated generations of hate: schoolchildren are taught that Armenians are enemies, and convicted murderers of Armenians have been pardoned, glorified and financially rewarded.

Let us be clear: this is not a conflict. It is the culmination of a state-sponsored campaign of dehumanisation and erasure. As with past genocides  from Rwanda to Bosnia  the warning signs were there, yet the world did little to intervene.

If this is not the moment to act, then when? The United Kingdom is a signatory to the Genocide Convention. That signature is not symbolic  it binds us to prevent, protect, and punish. And yet, we have failed to call out ethnic cleansing when we see it; we have failed to impose sanctions on Azerbaijani leaders responsible for war crimes; and we have failed the victims by speaking in the language of false equivalence.

Armenia joined the International Criminal Court by ratifying the Rome Statute. This opens the door to international accountability. Arrest warrants for Azeri officials responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity are now possible. But justice must not only be retrospective  it must be preventative.

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The international community must urgently demand the release of the 23 Armenian detainees, ensure international observers are allowed back into Azerbaijan, and press for the return of forcibly displaced people. Without these steps, the rule of law is reduced to empty rhetoric.

Crucially, the release of Armenian detainees is not only a matter of justice  it is a precondition for peace. Any agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot be sustainable while prisoners remain unjustly held in Baku. Their freedom is not a concession; it is a litmus test of good faith and a necessary foundation for reconciliation.

When, a year ago, I delivered the first Archbishop Krikoris Balakian Memorial Lecture at the Armenian Church in London, I asked: does international law still matter? The answer must be a resounding yes, if we are willing to enforce it.

Failure to do so will signal that might makes right, and that the lessons of 1915, 1945 and 1994 mean nothing. It will embolden dictators, silence survivors and render phrases like never again as nothing more than historical wallpaper.

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Let it not be said of our generation what Hitler once asked: Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?

It is time we did.

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North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong presents to lawmakers at the Capitol on Jan. 15, 2025. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Wednesday vetoed a bill to use public tax dollars for private school tuition but signaled support for a separate Education Savings Account bill still under consideration.

House Bill 1540 would have established Education Savings Accounts for private school students. Armstrong said in a statement that he supports school choice but said the bill falls far short of truly expanding choice as it only impacts one sector of our student population.

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The statement noted that of North Dakotas 168 school districts, only 19 have private schools, with most in larger communities.

House Bill 1540 fails to deliver the school choice North Dakota needs, especially in rural areas where nonpublic school options are few and far between, Armstrong said in the statement.

The bill passed the House 49-43 on Monday. It had previously passed the Senate 27-20.

Lawmakers would need 63 votes in the House and 32 votes in the Senate to override the veto.

The cost to the state would have depended on how many families used the vouchers but was estimated at about $20 million in the first year.

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A competing bill, Senate Bill 2400, would allow public dollars to be used for private school tuition, but also would establish Education Savings Accounts for public school and homeschooled students.

Armstrong in his veto message urged lawmakers to use Senate Bill 2400 to combine the best parts of both bills.

Passing a voucher bill that caters to only a small segment of North Dakotas student population all but guarantees a voter referendum and threatens to derail the prospect of good school choice policy for years to come, he wrote.

Armstrong on Monday signed a bill that could lead to public charter schools in North Dakota.

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HB 1540 veto message signed
The Army has suspended a commander at a Wisconsin training base after portraits of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had been flipped to face the wall.

Col. Sheyla Baez Ramirez, the first female commander at Fort McCoy, was suspended last week after the incident, according to a statement from the U.S. Army Reserve and the senior commander of the base. The statement noted that Baez Ramirez was suspended for administrative reasons and not for misconduct. The statement did not include any further information, except that the investigation into what it called the Leader Board incident was under review, and that Baez Ramirez did not order or support the removal of the portraits.

On April 14, the Defense Department posted images of the leader board at the base on X, showing where photos of Trump and Hegseth had been turned to face the wall. The DOD said it had launched an investigation into the matter.

Regarding the Ft. McCoy Chain of Command wall controversy.



WE FIXED IT!



Also, an investigation has begun to figure out exactly what happened. pic.twitter.com/y0gcRtBQZq  DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) April 14, 2025

The Army Reserve called it an act of vandalism, adding that it would ensure that all legal and appropriate actions are taken in accordance with our commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct.

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The Pentagon has been in turmoil in recent weeks amid a series of high-profile departures, including some top officials who were in Hegseths inner circle. The secretary, a former Fox News host, has broken protocol by using Signal, an encrypted messaging app, to communicate about U.S. military war plans in Yemen in at least two different group chats. Administration spokespeople emphasized that no classified information had been shared in those chats.

Hegseth has blamed disgruntled former employees for leaking information, though he did not deny reports about his use of Signal.

This is what the media does, he said earlier this week at the White House. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees, and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
On 28 April 1925, the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts opened in Paris. It was a landmark event in the evolution of art, architecture and design, and aroused great interest both for the works on display and for their impact.

The exhibitions posters showcased the now iconic Deco style. Wikimedia Commons

In interwar Spain, it was the most widely publicised event in architecture magazines, coinciding with a shift in the focus of these publications towards interior design and furniture.

The exhibition has been a source of interest and inspiration ever since the Second World War, and the abundance of published works on it is a testament to its continued significance. It marked a turning point in the aesthetic conception of the period, one that deliberately sought to distance itself from historicism and emphasise originality and novelty in both artistic and industrial creations.

The birth of modern

The Paris Exhibitions lengthy gestation process generated great expectation. In 1911, Rene Guillere, president of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs, proposed an international event that would reaffirm French supremacy in design, especially in the face of German competition.

The space occupied by the 1925 exhibition, in the centre of Paris. Biblioteque nationale de France

Approved in 1912, its celebration was originally slated for 1915. However, it was delayed by the First World War, and did not actually occur until 1925. Throughout this period, the exhibition was widely advertised in the press and specialist magazines, creating the opportunity to produce a new style.

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The idea of innovation was reflected in the exhibitions guidelines, which required works to be previously unpublished, and excluded any reproduction of historical styles. Its fourth article expressly stated that only works of new inspiration and real originality would be accepted, prohibiting copies and imitations from the past.

While it aimed to encourage a new aesthetic language in line with social and technological change, this guideline sparked debate over the interpretation of modern. The lack of clear criteria led to arbitrary decisions.

The exhibition therfore became a scene of tension between designers who embraced the radical avant-garde and those that, without renouncing modernity, maintained certain links with traditional styles.

Two visions of modernity

For more conservative architects and designers, the show represented the culmination of a style that had been in the making since the beginning of the 20th century.

An inkwell, a letter opener and a wrought iron and silver-plated countertop, made by Paul Kiss for the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, Paris, 1925. Wikimedia Commons

It was instrumental in the international dissemination of the 1925 style as it was then known. It was only in 1966, at the retrospective exhibition Les Annees 25, held at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, that this style became known as Art Deco.

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Most of the French and other European pavilions interpreted modernity as an expression of the style of the time, often fused with local elements. The Spanish pavilion was a prime example: designed by Pascual Bravo, it drew clear inspiration from the traditional styles of Andalusia.

Although the exhibition excluded historical styles, folk art  along with a range of other references such as exoticism, cubism, French neoclassicism and machinery  was incorporated into many projects. This demonstrated the diversity of approaches within Art Deco, where low-relief decoration and geometric motifs predominated.

Postcard of the pavillion created by Galeries Lafayette. Wikimedia Commons

However, the avant-gardists considered that the exhibition reinforced a decorative approach far removed from true modernity. The Belgian architect Auguste Perret, for instance, claimed that real art did not require decoration. For his part, Swiss architect Le Corbusiers book L'Art decoratif d'aujourd'hui (The Decorative Art of Today), criticised the notion of a modern decorative art, and stated that true modernity should not include ornamentation  an idea that the Austrian Adolf Loos had already put forward years earlier.

Indeed, the Le Corbusier-designed L'Esprit Nouveau pavillion clashed with the exhibitions predominant Art Deco style, as did Konstantin Melnikovs Soviet pavilion and Aleksandr Rodchenkos workers canteen. These works shocked the public and critics by presenting a radically different vision of modernity.

The Pavillon de L'Esprit Nouveau, designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. Wikimedia Commons

A 100-year legacy

One hundred years after its inauguration, the Paris Exhibition remains a milestone in the history of design. Its impact transcended the purely aesthetic, and it consolidated Art Deco as the one of the centurys great decorative styles. It also served as a stage for the emergence of the Modern movement, whose rationalist ideas would transform the design of the future.

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Later examples of Decos influence included the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and chairs designed by Jacques Emile Ruhlmann, while Modern design gave us the clean lines of the Ville Savoye, the Bauhaus building in Dessau and furniture by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand.

The coexistence of these two visions in the exhibition highlighted a key debate that still resonates today: the balance between tradition and innovation in design. Beyond its role in defining styles, the exhibition raised fundamental questions about the relationship between art and industry, the function of ornament, and the need to connect design with social demands. These tensions are still relevant today, where the challenges of combining creativity and industrial production persist.

The 1925 exhibition was therefore not only a showcase for the aesthetic change of its time, but a pivotal moment that continues to inspire contemporary design. Its legacy invites us to reflect on the nature of modernity, and how it evolves over time.

Este articulo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos academicos.

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Lee mas:



This article is part of the DISARQ project 'Aportaciones desde la arquitectura a la teoria, la pedagogia y la divulgacion del diseno espanol (1925-1975)' ('Architecture's contributions to the theory, pedagogy and dissemination of Spanish design, 1925-1975') (PID2023-153253NA-I00), financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 FEDER, EU. Maria Villanueva Fernandez y Hector Garcia-Diego Villarias are the project's lead researchers.

Hector Garcia-Diego Villarias receives public funding for the DISARQ research project, which were obtained through a competitive open call.
I recently got to poke my head into the back of a 1930s paddy wagon at the new Los Angeles County Sheriffs Museum and it did not look like a fun place to wake up in. Those black behemoths cruised around the city in search of drunks during aggressive police sweeps where anyone who appeared to stumble might get tossed in the back. Drunks have long been a problem, police told a surprise delegation of politicians who visited the jail in 1946. Neither fines nor jail seem to cure them.



At one point, some 80,000 souses per year ended up in the drunk tank at the Lincoln Heights jail. They were stacked like cordwood, says crime historian Joan Renner. Cordwood soaked in vomit. Sweeps ended in the 1970s as courts began to see alcoholism as more of a disease than a crime and more non-profits offered rehabilitation near Skid Row.

Lincoln Heights jail 'drunk tank' before Christmas, 1950Photo by Herald Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library

Certainly, sober people were caught up in decades of cleanups, and period accounts remind me of the hysterical women sent to insane asylums when their husbands got tired of them: A union boss called a troublemaker, a controversial coroner, Charlie Chaplin Jr., picked up at a Hollywood pool party. One judge forced an accordion player to prove his temperance by playing the unwieldy instrument in the courtroom.



Innovative programs attempted rehabilitation over the decades. In the 1930s, the Wayside Honor Rancho in Castaic had offenders harvesting barley, beans and corn for county cafeterias. By midcentury, the Sybil Brand Institute in East L.A. offered women courses in culinary arts and cosmetology.

Inmates working in nursery of Los Angeles Police Dept. Alcohol Rehabilitation Center near Saugus, Calif., 1958Photo by Los Angeles Times Photographic Collection/University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections

Men picked up for public intoxication did their time at the Saugus Rehabilitation Center, or Drunk Farm, starting in 1954 Inmates grew potatoes and canned tomatoes and learned trades like welding and landscaping on the 520-acre spread.



After the county took responsibility for inebriates away from the City of L.A. in 1962, they wound down operations at the farm. Temporarily operating it as a camp for kids from Watts and a vocational training facility. Today, that land is Santa Claritas Central Park, which you can visit this spring for the Tequila &Taco Festival and whiskey tasting at Boots in the Park. Just dont go overboard on the sauce.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  On Wednesday, the states largest Assemblies of God church announced it was severing formal ties with its longtime denomination. The news from James River Church is of particular interest, considering it serves the city thats home to the world Assemblies of God (AG) organization. For years, several members of AG leadership have been members of the congregation.

During the churchs weekly Wednesday evening service, Lead Pastor John Lindell announced the change to the congregation. He said the vote of the Board of Trustees to leave the A/G was unanimous, and went on to describe the severing of the formal denominational ties as an administrative change.

According to filings with the Missouri Secretary of States office, the churchs board consists of Lindell himself (as chairman) and three other individuals. Due to changes in the churchs operational structure, attendees/members of James River Church do not hold voting rights.

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Ozarks Firsts Mike Landis reached out to the Southern Missouri Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, which is made up of all AG churches in the region.

Don Miller, Superintendent of the Southern Missouri Network of the Assemblies of God, stated, James River Church has informed the Southern Missouri Ministry Network

of their decision to leave the Assemblies of God. We are aware of the impact

that James River has made for the Kingdom and have been thankful to have

them part of the Assemblies of God.

Miller continued, In the Assemblies of God, there is a process in place to work through

matters of this nature, and Southern Missouri will be following that process.

During Wednesdays announcement, Pastor Lindell told congregants that the church still intended to support AG missionaries. It will also continue a partnership with Evangel University for its James River College, located on the church campus. Evangel is the flagship educational institution of the AG.

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Ozarks Firsts Parker Padget spoke with Evangel about the news. Chief of Staff Mark Kolstad said he didnt think the separation would have an impact on the Evangel.

We dont believe it does. You know, we are dedicated to educating and equipping students to go out and impact the church in society worldwide. And a number of these churches that have come along and partnered with us for that very mission, including Ginger, we dont expect anything to change, Kolstad explained.

The Assemblies, nor James River Chruch, have provided specific reasons for the separation after more than three decades of affiliation.

The church was planted in 1991 as James River Assembly of God. The small and growing congregation, which met in a shopping center on the citys south side, soon hired John Lindell and his wife, Debbie, as pastors. The congregation eventually outgrew the strip mall and built a new building on S. Southwood Rd. near Evans Road and U.S. 65. The church met there until continued growth led it to construct its current multi-million dollar campus in north Ozark near U.S. 65 and Route CC. Since then, James River has grown to include additional campuses in north Springfield, west Springfield, and Joplin.

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In 2013, the church made a change to its name, replacing the Assembly with Church. However, the congregation maintained its full affiliation with the denomination.

In 2023, James River announced a leadership transition plan that would result in John and Debbie Lindell stepping away from their roles as Lead Pastors. The church announced that the Lindells sons, David and Brandon, would become co-lead pastors in 2027. John and Debbie would remain on the pastoral staff.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Bigger, better, and now with a $50,000 budget infusion coming down the tracks, things are looking good for the Johnson City Railroad Experience half a year after the museums relocation to downtown, director Fred Alsop told News Channel 11 Thursday.

Mother of man killed by train in downtown Johnson City pleads for added safety measures

Weve had about 8,000 people come through the doors so far, and were getting more and more school groups, and were really happy about that, Alsop said as two groups of Lake Ridge Elementary first graders enjoyed the exhibits. This is a good place for kids to be.

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First-year teacher Lakyn James, there with her Lake Ridge Elementary first-grade class, agreed wholeheartedly.

Theyre getting to interact with the trains, James said. Theyre really liking the simulator where they get to drive a train. So we really like it that theyre getting the learning aspect, but its also hands-on with early childhood grades.

You want to make sure that theres an engaging part and theyre not just having to like sit and listen to something.

A Lake Ridge Elementary first-grader enjoys one of the four model layouts at the Johnson City Railroad Experience in downtown Johnson City, Tenn. on April 24, 2025. (Photo: WJHL)

That kind of response was just what Alsop had hoped for when the museum, formerly the George L. Carter Railroad Museum, moved from 5,000 square feet tucked away on the East Tennessee State University campus last October.

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Weve almost doubled the space that we have, and were actually working on some additional space, Alsop said.

Thats allowed for four operating layouts, where model trains run through realistic scenarios. And the already existing Tweetsie layout, representing the regions beloved East Tennessee and Western North Carolina narrow-gauge, has added 160 feet of track.

We can put it in, finally, Johnson City, where it started, and Elizabethton, and that was the next big town going east that it ran through, Alsop said.

In addition to that, weve got a lot of hands-on stuff. Weve got interactive things that we never had the space for before. Weve got rotating displays with our assistant director, Carson Sailor, who has vast museum experience, and hes creating some great displays for us.

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The experience seemed to be a hit for the first-graders. It certainly was for State Rep. Tim Hickss grandchild. After a visit to the new location, he successfully encouraged Gov. Bill Lee to put $50,000 for the museum in his proposed budget, and the legislature backed that.

I think anyone in Washington County or the surrounding areas that went to that museum would be amazed at what those folks have put together there, the Republican from Gray said.

Its history of our area that goes back generations, and I hope and pray our schools take children there, he said.

So far, so good. The new location is on track for about 20,000 visitors in its first full year, while the old location averaged around 7,500. Alsop said the staff is working hard to make it a great time for students and a useful one for the teachers who bring them, working science, technology, engineering, the arts and math into the experience.

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Weve got a program online for K through 12, and were encouraging teachers to pick up this program, do the work with it with your students, and then bring them in here, and well put them back to work with another take-home, Alsop said.

James said theres something for every grade level.

They touched on topics like the Great Depression, and they got a lot of vocabulary from that, James said. So even extending that into middle school and even high school, doing like research projects and a lot of history classes, I think would benefit from this too.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. More information is at the museums website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday issued a memo of directives to Justice Department employees to enforce the Trump administrations policies targeting gender-affirming care for minors, according to a copy of the memo obtained by CNN.

The memo comes after President Donald Trump issued an executive order in January titled, Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation. The executive order targets minors that identify as transgender and says that the United States will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support minors who are seeking gender-affirming care.

Pursuant to the Presidents directive, I am issuing the following guidance to all Department of Justice employees to enforce rigorous protections and hold accountable those who prey on vulnerable children and their parents, the memo from Bondi said.

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The memo, which was first reported by LawDork, outlines several guidelines that Justice Department employees must follow in order to implement the policies outlined in Trumps executive order. Initiatives include drafting and promoting new legislation, establishing a state and federal coalition against child mutilation, and investigating medical providers and pharmaceutical companies who the memo says mislead the public on the side effects of gender-affirming care for minors.

Bondis memo specifically targets the medical community, saying that it has given families misleading advice, when seeking the help of medical professionals for this type of care.

Major mainstream medical associations  including the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the Endocrine Society, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry  have affirmed the practice of gender-affirming care and agree that its clinically appropriate care that can provide lifesaving treatment for children and adults.

The medical community, with its roots in hard science, is well-positioned to serve as a bulwark against this sociological disease, Bondis memo said. And indeed, parents who are desperate to help their confused, frustrated children have understandably turned to medical professionals for help.

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Medicine and surgery can be used in the broader practice known as gender-affirming care, but such interventions are typically reserved for adults. International guidelines do not recommend medical or surgical intervention before transgender children reach puberty. Even for older teens and adults, surgery is relatively rare, research shows. The broader practice of gender-affirming care can also include counseling for the individual and for the family at any age.

For children, gender-affirming care is defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics as developmentally appropriate, nonjudgmental treatment thats provided in a safe clinical space. The care is individualized and based on peer-reviewed scientific studies that show its effectiveness.

Bondi concludes her memo by stating again that the Justice Department will carry out the administrations policies on gender-affirming care.

Protecting Americas children must be a top priority, whether from drug cartels, terrorists, or even our own medical community, Bondi wrote. Every day, we hear more harrowing stories about children who will suffer for the rest of their lives because of the unconscionable ideology behind gender-affirming care.

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Twenty-six states have passed bans on gender-affirming health care for transgender children and teenagers, according to a CNN analysis of data from the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit think tank that advocates for LGBTQ rights.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijan has successfully strengthened the role of the Almaty Process in promoting regional cooperation, Tajikistan's Deputy Labor Minister Shakhnoza Nodiri said, Trend reports.



She made the remark during the III Ministerial Conference of the Almaty Process, timed to mark the end of the Republic of Azerbaijan's two-year chairmanship in the process (2023-2024).

Despite its relatively short existence, the Almaty Process has already confirmed its importance as a key regional platform for Central Asian countries. It has become an effective forum for exchange of information and services, capacity building as well as development of harmonized approaches to the issue of migration and forced displacement, she said.

Nodiri expressed her sincere gratitude to Azerbaijan for its effective and purposeful chairmanship of the Almaty Process.

Thanks to Azerbaijan, the Almaty Process has remained an active and inclusive platform for dialogue and cooperation on migration issues. During its Chairmanship, Azerbaijan has successfully strengthened the role of the Almaty Process in promoting regional cooperation. Under Azerbaijan's leadership, the process has gained new momentum, with renewed political engagement and participation of all States and participants. This increased activity has strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the countries, the Deputy Minister said.

According to her, thematic sessions within the framework of Azerbaijan's chairmanship were devoted to topical issues such as effective migration management.

This contributed not only to the results but also strengthened a shared sense of responsibility. The Chairmanship also played an important role in advancing the institutional development of the Almaty process, promoting a more structured and sustainable approach to its management and functioning, she added.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  The trial of former Tennessee House speaker and his onetime chief of staff on bribery, kickback and money laundering charges began on Thursday with defense attorneys arguing that the pair did nothing illegal.

The case accuses former Republican Rep. Glen Casada and his former aide Cade Cothren of taking taxpayer money to produce political mailings while hiding Cothren's involvement after the two had been pressured out of their leadership roles following a political scandal.

The charging documents say Cothren, under the fake name Matthew Phoenix, launched Phoenix Solutions to offer mail and consulting services to lawmakers. Cothren registered the company in New Mexico because the state allows anonymous registration of LLCs, and rebuffed requests for in-person meetings. Both Casada and former state Rep. Robin Smith, who took a plea deal in the scheme, promoted the firm and its fake owner.

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In opening statements in federal court in Nashville on Thursday, Cothren attorney Joy Longnecker did not dispute that he used the fake name to court business, WTVF-TV reported. But she said that was necessary because of all the negative publicity surrounding him.

Cade may be a sinner, but hes not a criminal, Longnecker said.

Ed Yarbrough, representing Casada, portrayed the investigation as politically motivated and orchestrated by current House Speaker Cameron Sexton.

This is a political battle between rivals, Yarbrough said.
Miriam was 14 when she and her sisters, Adele and Anna, as well as Annas baby, Esther, were rounded up with hundreds of other Jews in Poland during the Second World War and ordered to remove their clothes. Instead, the sisters ran, finding refuge in an abandoned tannery. It was very quiet. Suddenly, the stillness was broken by Annas voice pleading for her baby. Two shots rang out. They would never see Anna or her child again.

Then silence. After a cough from Miriam broke the silence, an armed collaborator discovered the pair in hiding. As the girls emerged facing certain execution, a German soldier looked at his watch and said, Let them go. Enough for today.

Eventually, the sisters were separated. Miriam, needing a ration card, attempted to register at an employment center using false baptismal papers, but she was met with suspicion. Her fate was now in the hands of German officers who had already murdered her sister Anna, baby Esther, as well as two brothers beforehand.

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As she was waiting on the challenge to her credentials, a German officer walked in, looked at Miriam, and said, This girl will do. That is how Miriam escaped certain death for the second time and became a slave laborer for the duration of WW II. My aunts, Miriam and Adele, survived the war and immigrated to the United States.

Holocaust Remembrance Day should be call to action

I often think of the horrors they endured but particularly on April 24, Holocaust Remembrance Day or Yom Hashoah. Its a day set aside to reflect on the lives of survivors like my aunts, as well as the 6 million Jews who were murdered by the German fascists.

Miriam and Adele have passed. There are now few survivors left, but a cottage industry of Holocaust deniers has gained momentum. A recent survey reports that one in 10 young Americans believes that the Holocaust never happened; 23% think its a myth or that the number of those killed has been exaggerated. Far-right organizations like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers have emerged and been legitimized. The Trump Administration has embraced White Christian nationalist leaders like Viktor Orban in Hungary and Vladimir Putin in Russia.

Opinion: Hatred of Jews led to 6 million deaths in Holocaust. Now new antisemitism takes root.

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These developments make Holocaust Remembrance Day even more important as a day to educate the public about the state-sponsored mass persecution and murder of millions of people by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. That genocidal campaign targeted opponents of Germanys fascist government and people that the Nazis believed to be biologically inferior because of anti-Semitism, homophobia or a hatred of the other. During the Holocaust two-thirds of European Jews were murdered.

Remembrance days should be more than a time to remember and reflect. They must also be a call to action against the use of state power to persecute minority groups and engage in ethnic cleansing.

To honor the memory, we must oppose state sanctioned attacks on our freedoms and rights taking place in the United States today. That means rejecting the Trump Administrations demonization of immigrants, refugees and the LGBTQ community.

U.S. experiencing same attack on freedoms as in Nazi Germany

Fascism didnt start with the gas chambers. It began with banning books, censorship and attacks on individual freedoms of the press, speech and assembly followed by the persecution and arrest of political opponents and the persecution of inferior races. The death camps were the final stage of the states goal of establishing Aryan supremacy.

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Today we are experiencing attacks on these same freedoms. School districts and the U.S. military academies are banning books that promote racial and gender equality. Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish graduate student on her way to dinner was surrounded, handcuffed and kidnapped by unidentified masked ICE agents in a scene reminiscent of discredited Latin American dictatorships. Her only crime was engaging in free speech, coauthoring an article criticizing the United States support for Israels genocidal war against the Palestinian people. Other foreign students have also been arrested by ICE agents and incarcerated far from their family and friends without due process. Hundreds have had their visas terminated.

Opinion: We are members of the Jewish community. Protesting Israel is not antisemitic.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a father of three who had protected status, was arrested and jailed in what the government admits was an "administrative error." He remains imprisoned in a brutal El Salvadoran prison. The point of these arrests is to institutionalize terror as state policy much as the Nazis terrorized Jewish families.

These attacks are not confined to immigrants and refugees although this would be bad enough. Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian business consultant was "kidnapped" by immigration authorities and jailed for 12 days despite possessing a job offer and visa paperwork. And in a shocking statement, President Trump has confirmed that he intends to start deporting American citizens to the El Salvador gulag.

We cannot remain silent in the face of assault on liberties

Trump is pursuing these assaults on our freedoms in the name of fighting antisemitism by incorrectly equating criticism of Israels foreign policy with antisemitism. They are not the same.

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It wasnt long ago that Trump was praising a mob chanting Jews will not replace us as very fine people and claiming, reminiscent of Hitler, that immigrants were poisoning the blood of the country. His rationale is a smokescreen.

Letters: Ron Johnson needs to read Constitution, do his job and support the rule of law

As the son of first-generation Jewish parents whose father fought fascism in WW II, I was taught to never be silent in the face of injustice. That remains the lesson of the Holocaust. Silence in the face of the Trump administrations assaults on our freedoms and democracy is complicity.

In August 1963 Miriam traveled to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom with 250,000 others. If she was alive today, I know how she would celebrate Holocaust Remembrance Day: by actively opposing the Trump administration's attacks on the rights and liberties of all of us, citizens, immigrants and refugees. That is the only way to give meaning to the saying never again.

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Michael Rosen is a retired professor at Milwaukee Area Technical College.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: US experiencing assault on rights similar to Nazi Germany | Opinion
The Texas Education Agency has given the Austin school district until June 30 to create a plan to turn around Dobie Middle School's academic performance, according to a letter sent to families Wednesday night.

The extended deadline, originally set for April 30, gives Austin school administrators two more months to decide the best option for students at the Northeast Austin middle school, which has failed to meet state academic standards for multiple consecutive years. District administrators have proposed either closing the middle school permanently, temporarily shutting it down and reopening it in a few years, or finding a charter operator to manage the school.

Austin district officials first warned parents in an April 3 letter of the campus's precarious situation, explaining they feared additional years of continuous academic shortcomings could put the district in jeopardy of a state takeover.

Dameka King receives a hug during an April 14 community meeting to discuss the options for the future of Dobie Middle School. The state deadline for a decision on the school has now been extended to June 30.

On Tuesday, "the TEA shared new guidance for Texas schools in a similar position as Dobie," Austin school Superintendent Matias Segura told families in the letter sent out Wednesday.

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The announcement comes after a meeting Monday night at Lamar Middle School at which district officials presented a proposal to move Dobie students to Lamar, about 6 miles west. Many parents expressed concern about the school's capacity and the logistics involved with merging the two campuses.

District officials also held a meeting last week at Dobie to discuss the options on the table. Parents and students urged officials to keep the 51-year-old campus, a hub of community activity, open.

"This new deadline gives us more time to explore the feedback we've received from both communities and more deeply explore options for Dobie's future," Segura said in the letter.

The Austin school board had planned to meet Monday to take a possible vote on a plan for Dobie, but, after the new state deadline, the district canceled the meeting, Segura said.

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The board has a regularly scheduled meeting Thursday during which the board members are scheduled to receive an update on the middle school.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: TEA gives Austin ISD more time to decide Dobie Middle Schools fate
Know a student interested in learning how to launch their own startup?

Latinitas, an Austin-area nonprofit, is inviting girls ages 9 to 14 to its annual Startup Chica conference this Saturday. The event connects STEM-interested students with local professionals to learn about entrepreneurship and business ownership.

"We bring in a lot of women entrepreneurs that come in and share with our students about their experiences and provide advice and leadership for them throughout the day," Beatriz Castillo, Latinitas' senior program manager, told the American-Statesman. "The main point of that is that they see themselves represented in the different fields, and to open up opportunities to what they can do."

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Latinitas started the Startup Chica conference in 2016 as a way to connect young girls with Austin-area businesswomen representing tech, government, startup, nonprofit and other industries.

At Saturday's conference, students will have workshops and panels about ownership, finances, idea-generation and more before the students break-up into teams for a pitch contest similar to ABC's "Shark Tank."

Throughout the day, the conference will have workshops and panels about ownership, finances, idea-generation and more before the students break-up into teams for the pitch contest. Three winners are chosen, and they usually win a certificate as well as a prize from a sponsor, said Alondra Adame, Latinitas communications and social media manager.

Founded in 2002, Latinitas aims to empower young girls and communities through "culturally relevant" education.

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Castillo said the conference helps to provide young girls, especially those coming from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities, with the resources and representation in startups and tech spaces.

"I've seen a couple of our students do the conference a couple of times, and a lot of them might be a little bit more on the timid side," Castillo said. "You get to see them just flourish throughout the conference. ... It's really awesome to see that, as well as we get to show them different careers and different things that they can do, it shows a lot of leadership. They get to pitch, be up there and communicate. Starting young and letting them know that they can go out there and be the leaders that we know they can be."

Students at this year's conference will get to hear from six local businesswomen and representatives, who will serve as mentors throughout the day:

Vanessa Fuentes, district 2 Austin City Council member

Bessy Martinez, CEO and founder of The Latina Foundation

Gretel Perera, director of public relations at Expedia, president of L500 and co-founder of Latinas in Tech

Daisy Marquez, influencer and entrepreneur

LaRessa Quintana, district 2 representative on the Austin school board

Ana Ruelas, founder and managing partner of THE AGENCY AUSTIN and co-owner of Austin Woman Magazine

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"Starting those conversations really young, showing that they're able to do those things and get into the tech industry is what's really important for the conference," Castillo said. "You're able to create your own business in tech. ... (The industry) might not be as diverse, but we're here to change that, and we have the support to change that. We have the mentors and the adults that are here to help you."

Startup Chica's Austin conference is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, located at 2309 Panther Trail.

It costs $30 to participate, and students are provided breakfast and lunch during the conference. Interested students can register online at this link. Latinitas also hosts a Startup Chica conference in San Antonio in the fall.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Latinitas invites young girls to Startup Chica conference in Austin
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Detectives from the Daviess County Sheriffs Office have made another arrest in connection to alleged illicit sexual activity occurring at two Owensboro massage businesses.

Earlier this month, detectives with the Daviess County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant at East Spa and Bloom 88, following an eight-month long investigation into illicit sexual activity at the businesses. During the search, investigators reported finding numerous items supporting the allegations, and four people were charged with engaging in organized crime.

On Wednesday, authorities also arrested Meixin Li, 53, of Flushing, New York, and charged her with engaging in organized crime. Authorities say Li had been developed as a suspect during the investigation, but was not present when the search warrants were executed.

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EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A statewide crackdown on illegal cannabis products has yielded hundreds of pounds of contraband and is spurring state Attorney General William Tong to push legislation that would dedicate more resources to go after dealers.

On Thursday morning, Tong held a press conference in East Hartford to urge lawmakers to pass a bill that would establish a statewide task force to go after illegal cannabis operations and would make it a Class E felony for a cannabis shop to sell cannabis, synthetic cannabis, or cannabis paraphernalia to anyone under the age of 21.

State lawmakers advance tax proposals

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In recent months, state and local authorities have joined forces for a series of high-profile sweeps of smoke shops that were discovered to be selling illegal, unregulated cannabis products. Late last year, a sweep of eight businesses in Stamford nabbed 135 pounds of illegal cannabis product. A similar string of raids in Danbury earlier this month led to the discovery of 55 pounds of contraband.

Those investigations, Tong said, are indicative of a much broader black market for illegal cannabis.

I think in any town or city across Connecticut, if you walk into a smoke shop, more likely than not, you are going to see illegal products being sold, Tong said.

Many of the products seized in the raids are packaged with familiar, brand-name graphics. Some are nearly indistinguishable from everyday snack foods, while others borrow color schemes, fonts and logo schemes that look very similar to popular brands.

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In addition to possibly being laced with other drugs, Tong said the products often have levels of THC that are much higher than is allowed in the states legal market  a market where products are subject to chemical testing to ensure safety.

So, what happens when a five-year-old, a seven-year-old, sees a Cheetos bag on a kitchen counter, doesnt know any better and eats the whole thing? Tong asked at a press conference on Thursday. They dont just get sick, they go to the hospital.

The proliferation of illegal cannabis products packaged with logos familiar to children has led Tong to take a variety of actions to crack down and raise public awareness.

His office collaborates with local law enforcement agencies and the states Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) to plan and conduct raids. DCP has jurisdiction over the states alcohol, tobacco and cannabis rules. Tong also appeared in a televised public service announcement with Bryan Cafferelli, the head of DCP, calling attention to the misleading packaging used on black market products.

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Efforts to strengthen enforcement against illegal cannabis sales have support on both sides of the aisle. State Sen. Steve Harding, the leader of the Republican caucus in the State Senate, said, If youre seeing a problem, and youre seeing it pop up time and time again, we have an obligation to address it.

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Districts like DeKalb County Schools have reported big improvements in classroom discipline after instituting cell phone-free policies, but for some parents and students, concerns over safety linger, especially in the shadow of last year's shooting at Apalachee High School. Getty Images

There may be a lot fewer likes, comments and subscriptions coming out of Georgia schools next summer when a ban on cell phones for all elementary and middle schoolers is set to go into effect during the school day, pending Gov. Brian Kemps signature on a bill.

Ban backers say there will also be a lot fewer distractions and disciplinary problems once devices are out of kids hands.

A promising pilot

A handful of districts around the state have implemented their own phone bans. DeKalb County Schools has launched a pilot program in 17 of its schools as part of its Disconnect to Reconnect initiative launched in August. Darnell Logan, the districts director of student relations, said the initial results have been very promising.

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During the first semester of the program, the pilot schools saw a 70% drop in student referrals for district due process hearings  hearings for when a school wants to suspend a student for more than 10 days  as well as a 15-16% decrease in suspensions.

Logan said the district already had a policy against using cell phones in class, but before the program, teachers had a hard time enforcing the rule with each of their students. Now, the kids lock up their devices at the start of the day  about half of the participating schools have a phone locker in the classrooms and the other half use special phone locking pouches from a company called Yondr.

Logan said the program was not an immediate hit with students and some parents.

It varied, you know, the students, of course, were not for the pilot process, he said. Parents also had concerns. The main concern for parents was they talked about safety. They felt they needed to be able to contact their students anytime if something was to happen at the school.

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But he said the district stressed to parents that they could get in touch with their students by calling the schools and that procedures are in place for emergencies  for example, administrators are able to unlock the storage devices so students can access their phones after evacuating to a safe place.

Verdaillia Turner, president of the Georgia Federation of Teachers and a former classroom teacher, said she hears the safety argument from parents but rejects it because she says mass shootings are the exception, while teachers are flooded with disciplinary and academic problems caused by kids on phones every day.

Turner said kids are showing declines in imagination and attention span, which she blames on cell phones and social media.

How many hours are these kids on their phones and their computers, and how are they using them? You tell me why a child needs a cell phone. Parents who complain about the cost of various educational apparatus and educational support that they should be adding are the same folk thats paying money for cell phones.

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Logan said his team is conducting regular interviews during the pilot, and even some of the students are coming around to the ban.

Of course theres kids who say they dont like it, but then those same kids who dont like it have also said it does help me focus or pay attention, it has helped me to be more sociable, he said. Kids have stated that they have made new friends and talked to people that they normally would not have talked to because they were so engaged on their phone scrolling during the school day.

Some students try to get around the ban  either by finding creative ways to open the pouches or locking up a decoy phone and keeping their real one in their pocket  but a few neer-do-wells dont spoil the overall benefit, Logan said.

Even if those things happen, we are still not seeing students readily pulling out their phones, using the phones during the school day, he said. Our ultimate goal was to hit 75 to 80% of our students with this initiative, and were truly reaching that at this point. Because if you walk into a school that is doing our Yondr pilot program, youre not going to see phones out as you would have in previous school years.

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Nia Batra, a member of the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition and a student at Decatur High School, said shes a fan of her schools phone ban. She said the policy there is to lock up phones at the beginning of every period  more lenient than the pending bill, which would call for a ban between the first and final bells.

Batra said unplugging, even for just the school day, can help students dealing with anxiety or other issues and help them focus on their academics instead of what their friends are up to.

We know that anxiety and depression is rising because of the constant use of smartphones, and especially since the pandemic, students just dont have face-to-face conversations with each other. Its really difficult to get students to engage with one another, she added.

After the ban, a lot of people are actually going like, now Im actually focusing on my learning, Im getting work done in class, Im less stressed about it, I can actually focus on whats going on, she added. So theres a little bit of personal, like, OK, yeah, this actually benefits me.

Real school safety measures

While she supports keeping cell phones away during school hours, Batra said the safety argument resonates with her and a lot of other children.

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We had a lockdown last year in our school after a gun went off, she said. I remember hiding under my desk. I was texting my parents and my sister, like, I love you, and I dont know whats going on. Im really scared. And so whenever I have to put my phone in a box, Im thinking about that. Im thinking about what if something were to happen again, and I cant text my family? We just had the deadliest school shooting in Georgia.

Batra was speaking about the September shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder that took the lives of two students and two teachers.

The shooting has changed a lot for Layla Renee Contreras, including her thoughts on school cell phone bans. Contreras is lead organizer for Change for Chee, an organization pushing for safety improvements in the wake of the shooting. Shes also an Apalachee High School graduate, and her mother and sister were at the school during the shooting.

Technology is part of our new normal and its going to be, she said. Kids need to realize that theres a time and place for cell phones and during school isnt one of those, but it shouldnt be taken off of their person in case of an emergency.

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Contreras said safety protocols like unlocking storage devices after an evacuation may be well intentioned, but may not be followed during a chaotic situation like a school shooting.

Teachers, being part of a procedure, grabbing a cell phone box is not going to be the No. 1, it really isnt, she said. I definitely want to have it be part of that, but the way the kids and teachers described to me, it was just a matter of protecting themselves and getting to a safe spot. Theyre not going to be worrying about XYZ grabbing a specific list or a box of cell phones. Its a matter of life or death, and the kids having it on their person already, I mean, thats the quickest way, to just have it on them.

Contreras said she would like to see lawmakers take action on gun storage laws or a database on student disciplinary problems that can follow students when they transfer schools.

The teenage suspect in the Apalachee shooting was interviewed by law enforcement a year before the attack regarding threatening social media posts targeting another school in Jackson County, but that information did not follow him when he transferred to Barrow County.

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Lawmakers passed a bill this year with sweeping provisions aimed at preventing another shooting, including requirements that schools quickly send transfer student records to their new district, but some major provisions were stripped out, including the creation of a statewide database on students who may pose threats.

State lawmakers have proposed bills to encourage Georgians to buy gun lockers and other storage devices through a tax credit or to create a law punishing people whose improperly stored guns are accessed by minors and used in a crime. Neither bill moved forward this year.

To be honest, this is a performative ban, because the phones arent the enemy here, inaction is, and we need to be talking about real school safety measures, Contreras said. That could look like more gun safety laws or seeing a threat database be installed and put into place or addressing more root causes of mental health.

Though she supports the ban, Batra said she doesnt feel especially supported by lawmakers either.

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When were talking about health and safety, if were not making the same investments in counselors and gun safety as we are for phones, it makes us feel like they care more about our test scores than our actual lives, she said. Its not about our mental health as far as phones, its about what level of achievement can we generate.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, visited the Chinese National Human Genome Center (CHGB) in Beijing, Trend reports.

Established by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, CHGB is one of Chinas leading national institutions in genome research.

The Chinese National Human Genome Center promotes the commercialization of research outcomes and the development of a genomic industry in China. The center implements projects in the fields of fundamental and clinical research, population genetics, and bioinformatics. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.

Leyla Aliyeva toured the laboratories and biobank of the center. During her meeting with the centers leadership, prospects for cooperation with relevant Azerbaijani institutions were discussed, including the potential application of CHGBs methods in the treatment of oncological diseases, cerebral palsy, and other conditions.
An employee of the Barnstable County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) has been placed on leave for leaking personal information of past and present employees, according to officials.

A spokesperson for Sheriff Donna D. Buckleys office says they were advised of the breach on April 22.

After launching an investigation, officials say the breach appeared to be an intentional act by an employee.

According to Sheriff Buckley, the employee sent an email containing the names, home addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and social security numbers of 1 current and 100 former Barnstable County Sheriffs Office employees to their own personal email account.

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The employee, whose name was not released, has been placed on administrative leave while the incident is being investigated.

The affected employees were notified as well as the Attorney Generals Office.

"Because this matter remains under investigation, we cannot comment further at this time," a BCSO spokesperson said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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BARRY COUNTY, Mo.  A man from Purdy, Missouri, faces felonies after allegedly helping others hide the body of a person who was shot in the head.

According to online court dockets, Nathan Wayne Bates, born 1986, is charged with tampering with evidence in a felony prosecution and abandonment of a corpse.

The probable cause statement says that after a post-Miranda Rights interview with a Barry County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) detective on March 27, 2025, Bates told the detective hed received a phone call from suspect #2 stating she needed Bates to come to her residence in Verona.

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Bates noted that when he arrived at the suspects camper, the suspect told Bates that she had shot the crimes victim in the back of the head. A third suspect was also present when Bates arrived, the statement says.

Bates told the detective that he went to the second suspects residence three days in a row to help the suspect. On the third day, he helped the third suspect carry the victims body into the trunk of the victims vehicle. Bates said he hooked a chain to the vehicle and used his truck to pull the car out of the suspects driveway.

Bates towed the victims car to Farm Road 1170, where he allegedly observed the third suspect set the vehicle on fire, the statement says.

Three people arrested in West Plains drug bust

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According to previous Ozarks First coverage, Brandy Coburn, 34, of Verona, and Jimmy Taylor, 46, of Exeter, are facing charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, tampering with physical evidence and abandonment of a corpse.

The BCSO was notified of the body in the trunk on March 20 around 3 p.m. The body was identified through DNA as Marvin Lance McCullough, 55, of Aurora, previous Ozarks First coverage says.

A warrant has been issued for Bates arrest with a $100,000 cash-only bond.

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Apr. 23For the second time in four years an Odessa doctor has been issued a criminal trespass warning by a hospital.

Dr. Richard Bartlett was issued a trespass warning by Lubbock's Covenant Health last week, a senior media and community relations manager said via email Wednesday.

Bartlett, reached by phone Wednesday, said he had no idea "what you are talking about" when asked why he was trespassed from another hospital. He also indicated the OA should be doing a story about his many awards instead of asking him about Lubbock.

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Covenant is a private hospital system in Lubbock.

Criminal trespassing in Texas means being on someone's property after being asked to leave and can lead to fines up to $2,000 and jail time.

Bartlett was issued a criminal trespass warning in October 2021 from Ector County Hospital District police after he was caught on a video first putting his hands in the trash and later in a patient area looking for plastic bags  without a mask or gloves on.

Bartlett does not have medical privileges at Medical Center Hospital and cannot be in the dock area or restricted patient areas or storerooms. The criminal trespass means that Bartlett is not allowed in any MCH building unless he is actually a patient. If he violates the no trespass he can be arrested.

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MCH CEO Russell Tippin at the time said the matter was handled with a criminal trespass "to protect our staff and the integrity of our hospital... someone claiming to be a doctor and digging through your trash is not something you see every day."

On Wednesday Tippin confirmed the criminal trespass remains in place.

Bartlett, in October 2021, said he didn't see any no trespassing signs and simply went into the hospital after being invited in by a hospital worker. "It never crossed my mind a doctor couldn't go into a hospital," he said but didn't indicate why he went through the back instead of the front.

The dock area is in the back of the hospital, which requires an MCH badge for entry.

The officer notes on the MCH criminal trespass report indicated that Bartlett used "deception" to enter through the dock area "un-masked, un-screened and no ID, as required. Dr. Bartlett then went to the respiratory unit taking pictures of the equipment that was covered with clear coverings located on 2 west."
Health officials are warning that a bat found in Orange County last week has tested positive for rabies.

The bat was discovered on the ground by a walking path around Rancho Santa Margarita Lake on April 17, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.

The health department is urging anyone who may have had physical contact with the bat, or witnessed someone else come in contact with it, to call the HCAs Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180 any time of day.

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Pet owners who believe their animals may have come into contact with the bat are advised to contact their veterinarian.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Though rare, the virus can also spread if infected saliva comes into contact with eyes, mouth or open wounds. Bats are the leading cause of rabies deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and their bites can be difficult to detect due to the small size of their teeth.

Immediate medical treatment following exposure is essential to prevent the onset of symptoms, which are almost always fatal once they appear, officials said.

The HCA and Mission Viejo Animal Services Center recommend the public take the following precautions:

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Avoid contact with wild animals.

Keep cats and dogs vaccinated against rabies.

Do not sleep with unscreened windows or doors open.

Contact animal control if bats are found indoors.

Avoid leaving pet food outdoors.

Wash any animal bites thoroughly and seek medical attention immediately.

Report all animal bites to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at 949-470-3045.

For more information about rabies, visit the CDCs website at cdc.gov/rabies.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  People in the Baton Rouge area looking for a new job can attend the EmployBR Regional Job Fair this month.

Several companies will be doing on-the-spot job interviews. A turnout of about 700 to 1,000 people is expected for the Wednesday, April 30 job fair. Skip the line by registering early online.

We want you to prepare like youre coming to get the job today, Director of EmployBR Amanda Stanley said.

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The East Baton Rouge Parish Library will help people prepare with a seminar at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26. The library offers resources to help people write resumes, practice for job interviews and job searching.

Free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided at the job fair.

The 10 jobs expected to decline over the next decade

What to know

When : 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. Entry schedule: 7 a.m. for employer/vendor arrival; 9 a.m. for veteran and disability entry; 10 a.m. for general public entry.

Where: Raising Canes River Center Ballroom, 275 S. River Road, Baton Rouge.

People are asked to enter from St. Louis Street. Free parking is available in the East Garage at 345 St. Louis St.

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(KRON)  A Sacramento resident who authorities said defrauded hundreds of victims over several years was arrested last week following a Sonoma County Sheriffs Office investigation.

According to the sheriffs office, the investigation began months ago when a felony warrant arrest was made in eastern Santa Rosa. Evidence of check fraud was uncovered during the arrest, which led to the identification of several local suspects, including Anh Phan and Nguyet Nguyen from Sacramento, SCSO said.

Urgent alert: Napa County officials warn residents of phishing scam

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In the scheme, Phan and Nguyen allegedly manufactured and distributed counterfeit United States Postal Service mail keys to a ring of Bay Area suspects. The ring would then steal mail and deliver it to Phan, authorities said.

He then used stolen checks and credit/debit cards to commit fraud, the sheriffs office said. This involved creating fake identities, complete with forged documents, for others to cash checks or use cards until they were canceled.

(Sonoma County Sheriffs Office)

Phan is accused of stealing tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in the scheme.

On April 17, search warrants were served at Phans and Nguyens residences in Sacramento. Detectives said they recovered hundreds of pieces of stolen mail, personal checks and fraudulently created credit cards.

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Phan and Nguyen were arrested at a Sacramento-area casino and booked into the Sonoma County Jail. Phan posted $150,000 bail and Nguyen posted $100,000 bail, authorities said.

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Once again, the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah are potentially on a political merry-go-round for rumored development of mining and oil drilling.

As reported in The Washington Post Thursday, anonymous sources within the U.S. Department of Interior  which is in charge of these monuments  say President Donald Trump is considering shrinking the boundaries of six national monuments in the West for energy development.

Those monuments include Bears Ears and Grand Staircase, which Trump reduced significantly in 2017.

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Trumps proclamation reduced Bears Ears from nearly 1.35 million acres into an 86,447-acre Indian Creek unit and a 142,337-acre Shash Jaa unit.

Grand Staircase-Escalante was cut back from nearly 1.9 million acres to three units, the 211,983-acre Grand Staircase, the 551,117-acre Kaiparowits, and the 243,241-acre Escalante Canyons.

Just months after Trump was defeated by President Joe Biden, the monuments were restored to their original size.

Both reportedly are awaiting yet another review by Trump, as well as four other monuments  Baaj Nwaavjo Itah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon, Ironwood Forest, Chuckwalla, and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, encompassing landscapes across California, New Mexico and Arizona.

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Bears Ears and the Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments have hosted three different Interior secretaries: Sally Jewell under President Barack Obama, Ryan Zinke under Trumps first term, and Deb Haaland with President Joe Bidens administration.

Jewell said she was shocked at the lack of protections for Bears Ears, while Zinke said it was an immensely big chunk of land that needed to be right-sized.

The legacy and controversy related to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument stretches back even longer.

It was in 1996 when President Bill Clinton, in front of a desk perched in the neighboring state of Arizona, issued the official monument proclamation, outraging state and local officials.

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But the Center for Biological Diversity is already preparing for a fight based on the rumored review.

Trumps plan to strip protections from our national monuments shows just how low hell go to sell out our most treasured and wild places, said Kieran Suckling, executive director and co-founder of the Center for Biological Diversity. This reveals Trumps disdain for Americas natural heritage and his disregard for the American peoples love of public lands.

The rumored idea behind Trumps move to once again revisit these monument designations stems from his desire for the country to gain energy independence.

In the past, the Bureau of Land Management under the Interior Department said both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase have little to offer in terms of oil and gas potential.

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There are uranium and vanadium resources in the Bears Ears area, but an existing mine was grandfathered in with the monument designation. Critics worry downsizing the monument opens up more potential for uranium mining, key to advanced nuclear technologies.

Utah officials said Thursday they are not surprised by the latest debate regarding Trump and monuments, given his track record.

It remains to be seen, however, how fast Trump could pump life into the coal market given his determination to unleash the fossil fuel development in the nation. But it also remains to be seen how much of that effort gets tied up in the courts.
BEAUFORT, N.C. (WNCT)  The Town of Beaufort is having its Wine and Food Festival this week, the 20th year for the event.

It all gets started Thursday with restaurants downtown offering special wine dinners. Friday will be the luncheon and New Spirits tasting event.

The event goes into the weekend with wine tasting, brunch and a fashion show.

Weve given back to the culinary arts program at the community college. We gave them $100,000 a few years ago for a food truck and new curriculum development there, Executive Director of the Beaufort Wine and Food Festival Brittany Pittman said. Around that, weve given back to the Salvation Army, the Boys and Girls Club during COVID-19, we set up a restaurant workers relief fund. So, just a few things in the most recent years.

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People can still purchase tickets online for the weekends events.

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BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN)  The Beavercreek Police Department has been utilizing social media to catch thieves who have been stealing thousands of dollars from area businesses.

While finding theft suspects can be challenging, Beavercreek PD has taken to social media to ask the public to help them identify culprits. The department is reporting a high success rate  70 percent  in arresting these thieves.

Its all thanks to the community itself calling in tips.

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Lawmakers discuss surge in retail theft

We probably wouldnt have much to go on without tips from the public, usually within a week or so, said Beavercreek PD Capt. Scott Molnar.

The department says once the public gives them a lead, investigators can more easily connect the thieves to the theft.

Were pretty confident when we do have an ID that we can verify that and make an arrest or at least file charges, said Molnar.

Beavercreek police seek to ID Sephora theft suspects

And these tips on social media have led Beavercreek PD to discover a new trend among these thieves.

It seems as though most of the people that come to Beavercreek to steal dont live in Beavercreek, said Molnar.

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Recent thefts range across a variety of items, including clothes, electronics, makeup. Molnar says often their hauls go over $1,000.

Beavercreek police seek help in $1,400 Walmart theft investigation

I dont think that they take into consideration the value when theyre stealing, said Molnar. It just so happens that anything over $1,000 is a felony theft.

And even though there have been an increase in theft postings on their social media pages, Beavercreek PD says that there has not been a rise in theft in the city  just visibility.

It just looks like theres more now, because were putting more of them out on social media, said Molnar. So thats just helping us identify those people that we may not have had the opportunity to identify before.

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Police seek identities of two alleged of $1K+ theft from Dicks House of Sport

The department hopes that the community will continue to step up, so that they can send a strong message to would-be thieves.

By putting it out on social media, we hope that word gets out through that criminal network, Beavercreek is not going to be tolerated, said Molnar.



The Beavercreek Police Department wants to remind residents that you can remain anonymous if you want to help them identify the suspects that are stealing from the area.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Documents related to the events leading up to the occupation of Shusha, which shed light on the military aggression by Armenian forces, were examined today in the ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court, Trend reports.

According to state prosecutors' documents, Shusha and its surrounding villages were repeatedly attacked by Armenian armed forces using rockets and artillery prior to the city's occupation. These attacks resulted in numerous Azerbaijani casualties, including fatalities, injuries, and hostages. Armenian forces also targeted civilian infrastructure, including water pipelines in Azerbaijani-inhabited villages, and caused significant damage to schools, hospitals, and homes. Criminal cases were initiated at the time concerning these incidents.

Among the key events reviewed in court were the Malibeyli and Gushchular massacres. Another protocol examined concerned the shooting down of a helicopter during a flight near Goytala, Shusha, on April 4, 1991. Armenian forces fired upon the Ministry of Internal Affairs' helicopter N27057, which was carrying Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet deputies. The helicopter, damaged by gunfire, was forced to make an emergency landing, injuring some passengers.

The court also reviewed a protocol regarding the shooting down of a passenger helicopter on January 28, 1992. The "MI-8T" helicopter, belonging to AZALPANX, was shot down by Armenian forces from the village of Karkijahan, Khankendi city, while en route from Aghdam to Shusha. The crash, which occurred near the village of Gaybali, resulted in the deaths of 42 people, including 39 passengers and 3 crew members. The wreckage and remains of the victims were found burned and dismembered following the explosion. Shrapnel fragments were recovered from the scene.

The trial continues for Armenian nationals accused of crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, terrorism, waging and preparing aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, forcible seizure and retention of power, and financing terrorism, among other offenses related to Armenias military aggression.
Its the summer of 2023 and Ukrainian troops are furiously digging trenches under Russian fire in the pine forests outside Kreminna. Suddenly, a rocket crashes to the ground, and Zhakhar, a special forces sergeant, shouts at his troops to retreat to the car.

It was a dispiriting pushback, but at least it gave him a chance to inspect his latest battlefield trophy. Examining two boxes in his hand, he saw markings that were not Russian, but clearly Chinese.

Moreover, he says, Moscow doesnt manufacture the 60mm rounds contained. China does.

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After two years of gathering ammunition on the battlefield and open source research, Ukraine is now coming forward with what it says is evidence to suggest that China has long been supplying Russias army not just from outside the country but inside also.

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, said Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president.

Some of the Chinese ammunition found in 2023 - Fermin Torrano

For years, Beijing has denied supplying lethal aid to Russia, claiming it cannot control how third countries resell ammunition.

But that defence began to unravel in 2023 with the interception of communications known as the Discord leaks, which revealed that Beijing had quietly approved the export of dual-use materials  including weapons-grade components  on two conditions: secrecy and that they be disguised as civilian goods.

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Last week, Mr Zelensky also announced the first capture of two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Ukraine. While they claim to have been recruited as mercenaries and not deployed on behalf of the Chinese state, the brazenness of recruiters targeting Chinese nationals speaks to Moscow and Beijings relationship.

Credit: X/@ZelenskyyUa

Mr Zelensky says he has the personal data of another 163 Chinese citizens believed to be serving with Russian units.

The Telegraph contacted Ukrainian authorities requesting access to the two Chinese nationals detained on the battlefield, as well as the brigades involved in their capture. The request was denied.

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We are collecting information, we believe that there are many more, the Ukrainian leader says.

His announcement came hours before the United States moderated its tariffs on all countries  except China  and just three days before a Ukrainian delegations visit to Washington on April 11 to discuss a new draft mineral deal.

For Ukraine, Beijing ceased being a neutral state long ago. Instead, it is a silent player in an invasion it refuses to condemn. For Donald Trump, China is the enemy to beat.

In the fight for Western support, Kyiv hopes to use Beijing as a political pressure point. If China is the USs main concern, it may also be Ukraines wild card.

Zhakhar, the sergeant who made the discovery, rests underground just two kilometres from the Russian lines - Fermin Torrano

But proving China has been helping Russia circumvent sanctions with dual-use materials is key.

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China can deliver this material directly  by air, land or sea, said Yuriy Poyta, head of the Asia section at NGRN, a Ukrainian think tank.

Shipping containers conceal dual-use items under ordinary commercial codes. Its very likely these deliveries are coming straight from China  not through third countries.

One of the clearest examples of this is Russias use of nitrocellulose. The flammable chemical compound looks like cotton, but burns rapidly to generate the pressure needed to fire artillery shells. Without it, modern cannons dont work.

Despite sanctions, the Kremlins nitrocellulose imports surged 70 per cent in 2022, and to nearly double pre-war levels in the second year of the invasion.

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Still, accusing Beijing of supplying Russia is not straightforward. In 2023, nearly half of those imports were channelled through a Turkish firm that procured it from Germany, the US, and Taiwan, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Zhakhar stands by his Humvee, having got out to check if a road is safe. Below, he and a comrade advance across a field - Fermin Torran

The intricate web of intermediaries made prosecution then virtually impossible. It wasnt until December 2023 that nitrocellulose was finally added to Western sanctions lists, severely restricting Moscows access.

But the Kremlin adapted. This chemical is widely used in the paint and ink industries, allowing Moscow to import under civilian codes.

In 2024, a report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) identified three main categories of Chinese goods sustaining Russias war effort: electronic circuits, specialised systems, and industrial components.

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On the battlefield, they translate into something simpler: brains, fire, and tanks.

The report tracked a significant rise in Chinese microchips used in precision missiles, radar systems and unmanned drones. It also documented shipments of GPS units, communications gear and ball bearings  components found not only in cars and washing machines, but also in tanks and howitzers.

By late 2023, Chinese exports of ball bearings to Russia had soared 345 per cent compared to the same period in 2021, mirroring a surge in Russian tank production.

Everything seems to indicate that the same is happening now with optical fibre cables, and the development of drones that are causing heavy casualties to the Ukrainian army.

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The pattern is consistent: behind each unexplained spike in trade, the military has had a boost. According to the US State Department, China is supplying around 80 per cent of the dual-use goods Russia relies on to sustain its war.

Stopping this flow may not be possible, but we try to make it manageable, a European official told The Telegraph.

Zhakhar and a comrade advance across a field

Added to the difficulty in achieving that is the Russia-China trade running in the opposite direction. Sanctions meant to punish Moscow have turned Beijing into its main buyer for energy. As a result, Russia sustains its war efforts by exporting huge amounts of raw materials at cheaper prices.

Beijing now buys 47 per cent of its crude oil exports, 45 per cent of its coal, and up to 28 per cent of its gas, according to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Only in the liquefied natural gas and pipeline categories does the European Union still lead as a customer.

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Confronting Chinas alleged support for Russia is not uncomplicated for Ukraine, however. They too have relied on the country for military support.

For years, China has supplied Ukraine with optics, drones, and other critical components that are hard to find. Sanctioning Chinese firms would mean cutting off part of Kyivs supply chain.

To hedge against that, Ukraine is ramping up domestic production of those. Perhaps it is testament to its confidence that it can cut off Chinese supplies soon that Ukraine is now trying to frame Beijing as an active player in the war, while appealing to Mr Trumps anti-China sentiment.

On Wednesday Ukraines Foreign Ministry said it had summoned Ma Shengkun, the Chinese ambassador to Kyiv, to express and Ukraines serious concerns over Chinese involvement in Russias war in Ukraine.

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It followed Mr Zelensky saying on Tuesday that Chinese citizens were working at a drone production site in Russia and suggesting that Moscow may have stolen drone technology from China.

With Mr Trump continuing to parrot Russian narratives around the war, accusing Kyiv and Biden of starting it, uniting around a common enemy in China might be Ukraines best bet of bringing Washington back onside.

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He can have peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country. Venting his anger with Volodymyr Zelensky on his platform Truth Social on Wednesday night, Donald Trump has threatened to walk away from his attempt to broker a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia.

More than anything, the American President famously prides himself on having perfected the Art of the Deal. Finally, though, it seems that Trump has revealed once and for all exactly how he likes to negotiate  which is terribly.

Yet again the American President accused Zelensky of prolonging the war in Ukraine. A peace deal with Russia was very close, Trump claimed, but the man with no cards to play should now, finally, GET IT DONE.

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But since when is forcing the loser of a conflict  as Trump so obviously sees Zelensky  to his knees the way for its supposedly neutral mediator to bring about a just end to a negotiation?

The reality is that Trump has blown it on securing a just, lasting peace deal for Ukraine  that is if he ever truly cared about achieving this in the first place.

The US President has a lot of leverage over Russia at his disposal to eke meaningful concessions for Ukraine out of Putin. At the start of the month, for example, there had been rumours that if the Russian President continued to drag his heels on meaningfully negotiating, Trump would crack down hard on Moscows shadow fleet of oil tankers, until now so vital for funding the war in Ukraine. Its not too late for Trump to do it, but all talk of further sanctions has evaporated in Washington.

Trump wants an end to the war now, at any cost. In his book, the quickest way to do that is simply to offer Putin everything he wants  often before hes even asked for it at the negotiating table.

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Last week, the details of the deal Trump is proposing began to emerge. Included among the terms are US recognition of Crimea as Russian territory (something Trump promised America would never do during his first term); granting Moscow control of all Ukrainian territories occupied since February 2022; lifting all sanctions on Russia and improving relations with the US. Some of the terms dont even mention Ukraine at all. Zelensky and the country he has fought so hard to defend have been reduced to an irritating afterthought.

If the terms of Trumps deal sound familiar, that is because they are: these terms echo the maximalist demands made by Putin over the past three years almost word for word. Yet before the American President or his team had even started speaking to their Russian counterparts, they publicly stated just how many of Russias demands theyd be willing to concede to. Having shown Putin his hand before hed even got him to the table, the only route Trump has left himself to achieving this deal is to strong-arm Ukraine into accepting it.

Is it any surprise, then, that Zelensky is refusing to bend over and accept Trumps proposed deal for his country? After all, while Putin is being served up all his demands on a silver platter, it is Ukraine who will lose out. Trumps outburst on Truth Social brings to mind the famous catchphrase Scooby Doo villains utter when the gang unmasks them: I would have gotten away with it too if it werent for you meddling kids! Zelensky is the stumbling block to Trump getting his way.

In truth, Trump set himself up to fail before he had even begun trying to force Zelensky and Putin to negotiate. On the presidential campaign trail last year, he repeatedly, hubristically promised to end the war in 24 hours. Three months into his second term, with no end to the conflict in sight and an increasingly bruised ego, he has resorted to cajoling, bullying and emotional blackmail to try to force Ukraine into a deal that suits him and Russia.

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Trump might have failed but it is important to be clear, his decision to give Russia all the carrots and Ukraine all of the stick is a choice.

This bodes terribly for other negotiations Trump plans to kick off around the world, including with Iran (on its nuclear programme) and China (on trade). Where Trump at least claims to enjoy mutual respect with Putin, the same cant be said of his relations with Ali Khamenei or Xi Jinping. If Trump cant successfully strike a fair deal between Russia and Ukraine, how can he be expected to do the same where American interests are so much more obviously on the line?

Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is planning to meet with Putin imminently to finesse the agreement over Ukraine. But as much as the American President would like to think otherwise, without Zelenskys signature, any deal over his countrys future is meaningless.

Ukraine may be showing up Trumps weaknesses, but the only person he has to blame is himself.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Frankfort woman is accused of spitting on a police officer and acting belligerent after crashing in an apartment parking lot Wednesday morning.

An arrest citation showed that, around 1:40 a.m., Frankfort police saw a woman, identified as Miriah Beckham, 18, and another man yelling at each other. She was then seen getting into her vehicle before allegedly driving off and passing another vehicle on the opposite side of the road at a high rate of speed.

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The police pursued and said that, after catching up with her vehicle, which had crashed into a metal fence in the Prince Hall Village Apartment parking lot, she was seen running away. The police found her inside an apartment, yelling, with blood running from her knees, and with no shoes.

The citation noted a strong odor of alcohol coming from Beckhams breath. She was handcuffed and placed in the back of the police vehicle. An officer said she allegedly slipped her restraints several times and began smacking the back windows, attracting a gathering crowd while officers tried to control her. Beckham was warned numerous times that she could face a disorderly conduct charge.

She became extremely belligerent and yelled at officers while banging on the cage in the police vehicle, according to the citation. She would later spit multiple times on the car windows.

The police said Beckham was taken to the Frankfort Regional Medical Center for medical evaluation. While inside, officers said she continued her belligerent behavior, refusing to enter her room and yelling throughout the hospital.

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After she was medically cleared to go into custody, the police said she refused to walk to and enter the police vehicle and spat on an officer twice.

Court records show that she was charged with:

Third-degree assault of a police officer (two counts)

First-degree criminal mischief

Reckless driving

Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol

Leaving the scene of an accident

Second-degree disorderly conduct

Second-degree criminal mischief

FOX 56 has reached out to the Franklin County Regional Jail for Beckhams mugshot.

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COTONOU, Benin (AP)  An attack by Islamic militants on military posts in northern Benin last week left at least 54 soldiers dead, the West African country's government said.

Authorities had previously said that only eight soldiers were killed on April 17.

JNIM, an extremist group linked to al-Qaida, claimed responsibility for the attack and said it killed 70 soldiers, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.

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The attacks took place in Benins northeastern Alibori department, which borders Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria.

Benin has for years faced spillover violence in its north from Sahel countries like Burkina Faso and Niger in their battle against Islamic extremist groups.

The tri-border area has long been a hotbed for extremist violence, primarily concentrated around the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex. The large national park spills over into all three countries and has become a launching pad for cross-border attacks by militants.

Government spokesperson Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji on Wednesday deplored the lack of cooperation with Benins neighbors in the fight against extremist groups.

The points where these attacks of April 17 took place are on the border, so you can understand that if, on the other side of the border, there was a force like ours, these attacks would not take place in this way or would not even occur, he said.
COTONOU (Reuters) - Benin's government said that 54 soldiers were killed in an attack in the country's north last week, providing a lower toll than reported by Al Qaeda affiliate JNIM.

The West African state and its coastal neighbour Togo have seen a rise in jihadist activity in recent years, as groups linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda have spread from the Sahel region into northern areas.

"Heavy losses for the nation," wrote Serge Nonvignon, a presidential spokesman, in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

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Al Qaeda affiliate JNIM said it killed 70 soldiers in raids on two military posts in north Benin, the SITE Intelligence Group said on Saturday.

The Sahel insurgency took root after a Tuareg rebellion in north Mali in 2012 and spread into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger before reaching the north of coastal West African countries such as Benin more recently.

Thousands have been killed and millions displaced by the conflict, which contributed to spurring five military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger between 2020 and 2023.

(Reporting by Pulcherie Adjoha; Writing by Jessica Donati; Editing by Alex Richardson)
BEREA, Ky. (FOX 56)  Jobs for Americas Graduates, better known as JAG, is facing an uncertain future at Berea Middle and Berea Community High School.

Every time I tell someone about JAG, I always say that its more than a program, said Delaney Lemaster, a freshman and vice president of the Central Region for JAGKYs Leadership Team.

The program teaches students things like leadership skills, trauma-informed care, and employment outreach. Those who are a part of it say the effects of JAG getting cut will be detrimental.

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Madison County advocates for emergency shelter funding on National Day of Action

Those skills that the students are learning and participating in those, they wont have other opportunities to do that on a daily basis. This is an everyday class. So, theyre immersed in those skills every day, said middle school JAG Specialist Nikki McHenry.

Lemaster says shes one of the students whom JAG helped bring out of her shell.

She told FOX 56, I was always a student who was too shy to raise her hand in class or too shy to share my voice or anything, but then I found myself in just a couple of years going to Washington, D.C., and shaking the hand of congressmen and not being nervous at all.

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The controversial cuts to school programs and staff came as the district found itself in a financial hole due to overspending.

But students said you cant put a price on the positive changes theyve seen in themselves because of this program.

Its honestly heartbreaking. And I remember whenever I found out that JAG was going to leave, it was kind of just like a crush. Its like I found this thing that I love. I found this thing that gives me opportunities, and suddenly, its going away, said Jacklyn Stephens, Vice President of J.A.G. Leadership.

As it stands, next school year, students who are a part of JAG will be saying goodbye to the opportunities this program provides and the impact it has on the community.

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These are students that society might say arent going to graduate high school, but we know that they can, and we instill that confidence within them, said McHenry.

Students and faculty leaders are currently planning a Bed Build community service project to help supply children in the community who do not have anywhere to sleep.

Saryanna Watts, vice president of Berea Middle Schools JAG Program, said, Knowing that were helping someone, that is just a really great feeling.

To save JAG, they are also planning a Sing and Save fundraiser for May 2 at Union Church in Berea.

With the help of community partners, the fundraiser will feature musical performances from local performers and students. Funds will go toward making sure JAG can stay alive.

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It seeks for students with adversities. And every single adversity I faced, JAG has taught me to overcome it. And that its just a knock at the door and I can walk right through it, and this is just another adversity, said Lemaster.

To find out more details about Berea JAGs Sing and Save fundraiser, click here.

For more information on Berea JAGKY, click here.

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Downtown Los Angeles has seen more than its share of indignity over the last few years.

The pandemic sent office vacancy rates rising as masses of in-person workers stayed home, and, in turn, many restaurants and businesses shuttered. Homelessness soared amid interconnected economic, mental health and drug crises.

And though downtown has since seen some development, a looming sense of disarray and decline lingers. After the 6th Street Viaduct was triumphantly unveiled, its hype quickly gave way to unruly street takeovers and copper thieves wire-stripping its lighting.

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Even as the skyline expanded, Angelenos' attention fell on two skyscrapers that taggers had almost entirely covered in graffiti.

Taggers sprayed graffiti on at least 27 floors of a partially completed downtown Los Angeles skyscraper in February 2024. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Which is why this weekend's shocking act of vandalism that took out six of the city's mature trees felt all the more disheartening.

This has struck a chord," said Cassy Horton, a 37-year-old downtown resident. "It just really like flies in the face of everything that we're trying to do [to revitalize] the community, and for somebody to go around ... and set back what little progress we already have ... was really, really upsetting and hurtful."

Read more: Vandals chainsaw dozens of trees across downtown L.A.

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Along with safety, she said, green space has been one of the top concerns of the almost 100,000 people who live downtown, so the attack on some of the area's few trees particularly angered people.

"It's kind of an 'Enough is enough,'" said Horton, who serves on the board of directors of the Downtown Los Angeles Residents Assn., which advocates for more than 2,300 residents and community stakeholders. "A lot of the issues that we face when we're talking about homelessness and mental health and open-air drug use and all of these things  they feel really thorny and complicated. ... But something like this, it's become a bit of a rallying cry for people downtown. We want to have a warm, welcoming, safe public realm."

Many of the downed trees were discovered Saturday morning, when images of the sawed trunks and their massive, felled branches lit up online message boards and went viral on social media.

On Wednesday, the LAPD announced the arrest of Samuel Patrick Groft, 44, on suspicion of felony vandalism. Investigators say they linked the suspect to 13 downed trees in five locations across the city, and tips about additional trees continue to come. Groft was reportedly captured on surveillance footage using an electric chainsaw to cut down the trees on several different days, at several different times for more than a week. The earliest confirmed date was April 13.

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StreetsLA, the city bureau responsible for maintaining streets and the urban forest, said its teams confirmed a total of six trees vandalized downtown this past weekend: two ficus, one sycamore and three Chinese elm, according to a statement from bureau director Dan Halden.

These large shade trees, many along South Grand Avenue, were severed at the base or cut several feet above the pavement. He didn't immediately respond to questions about trees that were cut in other parts of L.A.

The StreetsLA team "quickly responded and cleared the debris from all six locations," Halden said. He said they were still evaluating the total cost of the damage and of potential replacements.

For many, this blatant act of disrespect represents the latest failure by city officials to keep downtown from further deterioration, and underscores a gnawing feeling that the heart of Los Angeles has fallen by the wayside.

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Its indicative of the lack of regard, said John Sischo, a longtime developer downtown. Its because no one is really caring. ... This stuff happens when there's not enough people."

Sischo said it's hard to get people and businesses to return to the area when there are real and perceived safety concerns that remain unaddressed. A turnaround requires addressing homelessness through an engaged and proactive government that works cooperatively with business and local leaders, he said. He hasn't seen that yet.

Read more: In Altadena, a fight to save the trees that survived the fire

The office of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass has issued a statement calling the tree vandalism "beyond comprehension." (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

In many ways, Paul Kaufman, a small business owner downtown, agrees.

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There are some areas of progress, but it seems very halting," Kaufman said, who loves the area and believes it deserves better. "Something seems really great and then it withers. .... The real thing to make downtown work and feel safer is to have more people there."

Downtown offices remain about one-third vacant, according to real estate brokerage CBRE, with the pandemic's effects still looming large. Crime rates in the area appear to be relatively stable over the last few months, according to available data from LAPD's Central Division, which covers all of downtown. (However, it's hard to comprehensively evaluate how much crime has changed over the last few years, as the LAPD recently overhauled how it records such statistics.)

But there have been areas of progress and resilience: Apartments downtown have remained relatively full. New restaurants are opening, Metro's regional connector is up and running, and several new high-end retail and hotel spaces have debuted. Plus, plans to revitalize the L.A. Convention Center and gear up for the the 2028 Olympics promise a wave of investment in downtown.

And perhaps that's why this violent assault on the community's trees "really struck a nerve," said Nick Griffin, the executive vice president of the DTLA Alliance, formerly the Downtown Center Improvement District.

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"In the downtown L.A. community, we are working to bring downtown back and [are] particularly focused on improving the public realm  this just seemed like such a senseless attack on that," Griffin said. It just seems so absurdly senseless."

Homelessness has been an enduring problem in downtown Los Angeles. Here a man repairs bicycles along 5th Street in Skid Row. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

But he and other area organizers are hopeful the concern about the trees  and what it means about the state of downtown living  could inspire renewed action, investment and hope.

In some ways, one of the key things that were focused on is building the community and coalitions that it takes to revitalize a place like downtown," Griffin said. "Theres no one silver bullet and theres no one organization that can do it.

Ricardo Sebastian, an entrepreneur who lives and works downtown, has been trying to change the perception of the neighborhood through social media and marketing campaigns  but unfortunately, it feels like this incident could hurt those efforts.

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This actually perpetuates the stereotype that downtown is dirty, filthy, unsafe," Sebastian said. We can paint and we can prime and we can build out storefronts and bring in really interesting businesses. ... But if we have people coming into town wielding chainsaws or defacing [buildings] .... we have to work that much harder."

For some, that's the plan.

Horton and other board members from the residents group have called for immediate action from city officials, both to replace the trees and to hold the perpetrator to account  in an effort to help "shift the anti-social, chaotic trajectory of our neighborhood," the group wrote in a letter to city officials. The group said it looked forward to working with officials, notably Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents downtown, to ensure that "the loss of these trees signals the beginning of the end of the ongoing corrosion of DTLAs public realm."

"We need champions; we need folks in L.A. to care about downtown and to see it as the heart of our city," Horton said. "It's where we convene, it's where we protest, it's where we go out. ... We're starting to see some of our elected leaders step up and support us, but our challenges are acute."

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Read more: Former L.A. Councilmember Kevin de Leon faces ethics fine for voting on issues in which he had a financial stake

In a public statement, Jurado's office said her team was in "close communication" with the LAPD about its ongoing investigation, and that she had brought forward a motion that would increase penalties in the municipal code for tree injury violations, in hopes of deterring future incidents. The statement thanked the community for bringing the issue to officials' attention, saying "this is exactly what co-governance in action looks like. Stay tuned for updates."

The office of L.A. Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement calling the act "beyond comprehension."

"City public works crews are assessing the damage and we will be making plans to quickly replace these damaged trees," Bass' spokesperson Zach Seidl said in a statement. "Those responsible must be held accountable."

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But some didn't see this incident as a sign of larger issues downtown, though there's a clear environmental loss with losing any tree: They provide shade, stormwater and pollution management and habitats for birds and other small animals. Urban trees have also been found to slow the deterioration of streets and reduce crime.

"It's a huge hit," said Lee Coffee, who lives and works in downtown L.A., mostly lamenting the loss of shade. But he called the whole ordeal "kind of random."

"The cleanup was really fast," Coffee said. I havent noticed any other events like this."

Times staff writers Roger Vincent and Clara Harter contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Armenia is being prepared for war through the European Peace Facility (EPF), Chairman of the Temporary Commission of the Azerbaijani Parliament on Countering Foreign Interference and Hybrid Threats Ramid Namazov said, Trend reports.

He made the remark during the presentation of a special investigation titled Hybrid Offensive Under the Name of Peace Mission for Stability in the South Caucasus.

He claims that instead of bringing about peace, the European Peace Facility - established to offer military aid to one side - decided on July 22, 2024, to allocate 10 million euros to the Armenian armed forces. A bigger aid package was supposed to be announced, but it has allegedly been delayed for reasons that are not yet clear.

Namazov pointed out that Article 1 of the decision signed by former Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell outlines the following objectives:

To strengthen Armenias national security and enhance stability and resilience in the defense sector by contributing to the development of its Armed Forces in line with the EUs overall policy towards Armenia;

To improve the operational efficiency of the Armenian Armed Forces, speed up alignment with EU standards, and enhance interoperability, including better protection of civilians in crisis and emergency situations;

To build Armenias capacity to potentially participate in future EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations.

According to the MP, the supplied support consists of logistical equipment to set up a mobile field camp that can accommodate a unit the size of a battalion, complete with a main medical aid station.

"Thus, as can be seen from the decision itself, the provision of tents and other equipment to Armenia for the establishment of a mobile field camp can in no way serve to enhance the country's national security and defense capabilities.

At the same time, the Armenian side must submit regular annual reports to the EU regarding the use, usability, and condition of the military equipment and other items provided to it and must allow auditors from the EPF to inspect them on site. These assets provided to Armenia cannot be lost or transferred to others without the consent of the relevant committee of the fund.

The decision also states that in November 2023, the Armenian side officially approached the EU, expressing its desire to begin negotiations on defining a framework for participation in CSDP missions and operations," he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
NBC Nightly News is set to air an exclusive interview with Harvard University President Alan Garber Wednesday night amid the ongoing feud between the university and the Trump administration.

On Monday, Harvard filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston over the Trump administrations freezing of $2.2 billion in federal funding for the university. The funding freeze was instituted in retaliation for Harvards public rejection of the administrations demands for increased government control, shuttering of diversity initiatives and ramping up of efforts to crack down on antisemitism at the university.

A preview of the interview shows anchor Lester Holt asking Garber whether he views the issue as bigger than Harvard.

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Of course its bigger than Harvard, because we look at whats at risk here, the university president answered. Whats at risk is the excellence of higher education in the United States, and in particular the research mission of many of our universities, which plays such a vital role in the U.S. economy and in the health and wellbeing of the American people.

During the interview, Garber admitted that Harvard has had a real problem with antisemitism in the wake of the war in Gaza, according to NBC News.

We are committed to addressing the problems that the federal government has raised, to addressing the criticisms and to ensuring that we are a place where speech can thrive, where learning can thrive, where nobody feels excluded on our campus and where we can fulfill our broad mission to the country, the university president said in the preview.

Garbers interview is set to air at 6:30 p.m. EST.

More higher ed

Read the original article on MassLive.
Bill aimed at holding health insurance companies accountable stalls at Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A bill that would have held health insurance companies accountable has stalled at the Oklahoma State Capitol. House Bill 2144 would have given Oklahoma patients the right to sue medical insurance companies if their health was affected by denied or delayed treatments.

The measure passed off the House floor with unanimous support in March and it seemed the legislation was moving in the right direction. This week, the bill was not heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee and the deadline for bills to be heard in committee is Thursday, April 24.

Representative Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, authored the bill. He said he has heard of situations where Oklahomans have been impacted by denials of insurance companies while he introduced the bill on the House floor.

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Once the insurance company figured out the cost of the treatment, they pulled the authorization, said Kannady, in March.

Lacy Cornelius-Boyd of Yukon has been fighting with her insurance company for more than a year. Her life was forever changed after a car crash.



Most people have 35 feet of intestines, said Cornelius-Boyd, who said after the crash she would need an intestine transplant. I have been left with 35 inches.

Her insurance company has denied the transplant several times. She said they have told her she can live just fine without it.

Oklahoma lawmakers work across the aisle to address high eviction rates

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Im in liver failure, said Cornelius-Boyd. Not being able to drink water normally is damaging my kidneys. The hope is, if I can get the transplant sooner than later, I will not end up with a multi-organ transplant.

She said she has not been able to get the care she needs or help from her lawmakers.



I just expect people to do the right thing in the world. Doesnt work that way, said Cornelius-Boyd. If it was their family or if it was him, they would want it. So its very disappointing.

The Oklahoma State Medical Association has come out in support of the proposed legislation.



Many patients that we see every hour have these issues, Dr. Sumit Nanda. Im living this problem on a daily basis. The bill was expected to be heard in the Senate committee this week but the chair of the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, decided to leave the legislation off the agenda despite lawmakers overwhelming support.



To have a bill that seeks to build in that consumer protection for individuals and give them give it some teeth, not be hurt, and its unfortunate, said Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa.

If you would like to hear more about Lacy Cornelius-Boyds story, click here.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  If passed, a proposed bill that aims to expand commercial air service in Kern County and improve funding for airports throughout California may play a crucial role in helping the state prepare for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Senate Bill 661, also known as the Airport Expansion and Regional Optimization (AERO) Act, passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee with bipartisan support, according to a press release from Sen. Melissa Hurtados office.

The bill would increase funding sources to increase the number of commercial flights to and from Kern County and improve infrastructure at the Meadows Field Airport.

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These changes are meant to take account of the growing population and economic potential in Kern County, according to the bill.

Honor Flight 51 returns to Kern County

The bill would also allocate state sales tax revenue from aviation fuel for improvements in airports of all sizes throughout California as well as other developments in Californias aviation industry.

Senate Bill 661 would help California prepare for major statewide events like the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles by encouraging partnerships among local governments and communities, according to Hurtado.

Kern County feeds the nation, fuels the state and increasingly powers the clean energy transition  but it remains one of the most disconnected regions by air, Hurtado said in the release. SB 661 is about building something better for Kern County and something stronger for all of California.

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Hurtado also announced a collaborative agreement with the Senate Transportation Committee to continue working with airports throughout California for a fairer and more transparent funding distribution plan.

Senate Bill 661 will now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee, according to Hurtado.

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Boats are docked at an Okoboji marina on July 10, 2014. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The Iowa House sent a bill to the governor Thursday that would allow hard roofs over boat docks, slips and lifts in Iowa.

House File 710 advanced from the Senate floor Wednesday, with an amendment that swapped the term enclosed structure to roof in the bill. The House approved the amendment from senators.

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Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, said the legislation would put Iowas boat dock regulations in line with the other 49 states, which he said do not prohibit hard roofs on docks.

Current law only allows roofs or siding of soft-sided materials over boat hoists. The issue has made regulation difficult on Carter Lake, which is in both Iowa and Nebraska.

Turek said he does not own a dock or a boat on Carter Lake, despite an allegation made the day prior on the Senate floor by Sen. Dave Sires, R-Cedar Falls, that the legislation was sponsored by a House of Representative person who built an illegal dock on Carter Lake.

Sires opposed the bill, saying hard roofs would cause more damage to an area during flooding or high winds and allow gargantuan docks to be built.

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The bill would require that docks with roofs be less than 30 feet wide, and no taller than 20 feet above the surface of the water. Dock owners would also be required to maintain dock liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence to be in compliance with the bill.

Rep. Austin Harris, R-Moulton, thanked the people of Carter Lake who he said were very, very persistent on the bill.

HF 710 advanced unanimously from the House.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  There was a lot of debate at a public hearing Wednesday in one Senate committee. Its all about a bill that would make law enforcement immune from lawsuits in some instances. Supporters of the bill said they want to back the blue, while those opposed said its dangerous.

I like for the officers, the deputies, to get out and talk to the community like theyre family, said Clarke County Sheriff DeWayne Smith. I believe its a family relationship, and we need to all get along together on that.

Smith said that relationship elevates public safety. When it comes to protecting the public, Smith said police need immunity, but not without accountability.

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JSU to host special luncheon to honor local law enforcement during Police Week

If they do something wrong, lets hold them accountable, he explained. But, if theyre not doing something wrong, lets dont tie them up with stuff they dont need to be tied up with. And how do they determine that? Through the courts. Its just like anybody else.

Thats why former Huntsville Police Chief and Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville) brought his bill before a Senate committee today. It gives blanket immunity to police officers in lawsuits, unless they violate someones rights.

But, Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) said police could abuse that immunity.

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This is a green light for black folks to get killed, and its gonna be done under the name of immunity, he said. And thats unconscionable to think about where youre going to put our people in this state.

Law enforcement would also be entitled to a pre-trial hearing if they are prosecuted after using force. In the meeting, Senators heard from attendees- some for, and some against the bill.

We do not want to create more situations where more boots go on the necks of more George Floyds, said Gita Smith, opposing the bill.

This does not protect unconstitutional acts, said Hoss Mack with the Alabama Sheriffs Association. This bill will provide due process of law for law enforcement.

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Rep. Reynolds said that due process is needed.

I worry about that split second decision theyve gotta go through, he said. And what if they hesitate? And what if they are killed?

The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on the bill when they meet again next week. If it passes, it will head to the Senate floor.

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Gov. Kelly Armstrong signs a bill that seeks to prevent insurance prior authorization from blocking patients' access to care in an April, 23, 2025, ceremony at the Capitol. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

New legislation signed Wednesday by Gov. Kelly Armstrong aims to protect patients from care-delaying snags in the health insurance prior authorization process.

Prior authorization refers to when someone must obtain approval from their insurance company before they can undergo a procedure, obtain medication or receive some other health service.

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The process allows insurance companies to review whether the service or medication is necessary for the patient. Insurers say prior authorization helps control costs and make sure that patients are getting the best care they can.

But some doctors, patients and advocates say the process can be misused in a way that prevents people from accessing necessary services, or that leaves patients and hospitals to foot the bill for expensive treatments.

Susan Finneman, a Bismarck resident who testified in favor of the bill, said 10 years ago her insurance company refused to authorize medical scans needed to treat her spine infection, leading her to put off health care and for the infection to fester.

She ultimately needed spinal reconstruction surgery  which she said her insurance company took so long to authorize that she nearly had to reschedule the procedure.

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Finneman said she had to personally call the highest-ranking doctor working at her insurance company to get the surgery approved.

Its not right that people have to figure out how to navigate it on their own, she said at a Wednesday ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 2280.

The new law sets guidelines for how insurance companies must handle the prior authorization process, including mandatory deadlines for responding to authorization requests and requirements that denials are reviewed by medical professionals.

The law does not cover all state-regulated insurance markets, according to testimony from Sanford Health. State employee health insurance plans, for example, are excluded.

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Other sections direct insurance companies to publicize information about how its prior authorization process works, and to give advance notice to patients and health care providers when the company plans to change this process.

Andrew Askew, vice president of public policy for Essentia Health, said in testimony on the bill most large insurers in North Dakota dont cause issues with their prior authorization procedures.

But thats not the case with every company, he said.

Theres a lot of insurance companies that are completely unreasonable, Askew said.

In 2024 survey results published by the American Medical Association, 93% of doctors reported the prior authorization process had resulted in care delays to patients that posed significant health risks.

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Doctors occasionally must provide an emergency procedure on short notice without time to send a request to an insurance company. The prior authorization process in those instances must happen retroactively.

Askew said in some cases, the insurance companies dont give medical providers enough time to send this retroactive claim and to supply the backup documentation showing the procedure was necessary.

When prior authorization cannot be obtained after a procedure is provided, the patient or hospital may be forced to cover the full cost, he said.

Thats extremely burdensome for hospitals that are trying to make a margin, trying to get patients care when they need it, Askew said.

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The new law says that prior authorization may not be required for a patient to receive emergency health care. It also says patients and health care providers have at least two business days after an emergency procedure to notify insurance.

Insurance companies must also ensure that when they deny health care to someone, that decision is made by a medical doctor or pharmacist, the statute states.

The law also mandates that appeals to prior authorization decisions are reviewed by medical doctors.

In both cases, the medical professionals must have active, specialized experience in the field of medicine relevant to the health service in question.

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Several other provisions in the law are intended to prevent patients from being abruptly cut off from their health care.

For example, the law states that if an insurance company changes its prior authorization coverage requirements for a medication or health care service, the change generally may not impact those receiving the medication or service until those patients insurance plans turn over.

If an insurance company violates the requirements outlined in the law, any health care services under prior authorization review are automatically granted, it states.

A prior authorization decision does not determine whether the insurance will cover something. A patient can be granted pre-authorization for a procedure but then still have to pay for part or all of it, in other words.

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Some insurers testified in opposition to the law.

Megan Hruby of Blue Cross Blue Shield testified that prior authorization only impacts a small number of procedures, and said the requirements would create more bureaucratic barriers, not remove them.

She said the law would also increase insurance costs for taxpayers.

Hruby noted that the Legislatures Health Care Committee studied prior authorization during the 2023-2025 interim session and didnt end up making any policy recommendations.

The law will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

It also requires that covered insurance companies report annual data to the state related to prior authorizations, including the number of approvals and denials, and the reason requests were denied.

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The statute directs the Legislature to consider two prior authorization-related studies during the interim legislative session.

The first will study prior authorization requirements under state employee health insurance, and how those requirements impact patients and health care costs. The study would the require insurance plans to submit data by July 1 to the North Dakota Insurance Commissioner detailing the previous years worth of prior authorization requests granted, denied and appealed. The data would also have to include why any requests were denied, and how many denials were reversed.

The second study tasks legislators to research ways to send prior authorization requests electronically, as opposed to through the mail.

Any policy recommendations to come out of the studies will be forwarded to lawmakers to consider for the 2027-2029 legislative session.

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Produce at a grocery store. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

A bill to create grocery reinvestment and local food processing grant programs advanced Thursday from the Iowa House of Representatives.

House File 1032 aims to help rural areas of the state retain grocery stores and expand local food systems with the goal of preventing rural food deserts.

Rep. Shannon Latham, R-Sheffield, said rural grocery stores are often just one freezer breakdown or one cooler breakdown away from having to close their doors.

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This bill can help bridge the gap between local producers, processors and consumers, Latham said.

Through the grocery reinvestment program, existing or new grocery stores could apply for funds to expand capacity, upgrade utilities, purchase equipment or technology and cover professional costs.

Recipients must provide matching funds and financial assistance could not exceed $100,000. Grocery chains with 10 or more stores would not be eligible.

The bill also creates a program for local food processing grants that would expand the availability, access, efficiency and capacity of local food processing in a community.

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The local food processing grant program would have $100,000, or 10% of the total allocated fund, annually to award to eligible local processing projects that source goods from more than one Iowa farm.

Earlier versions of the bill, House File 59, and House File 550, included an appropriation of $2 million, from the general fund, to the programs.

This section was not in the version of the bill that passed on the floor. Advocates of the bill said they have been told by lawmakers that an appropriation is expected, though it likely wont be the full amount from the initial bill.

Cynthia Farmer, Iowa policy manager with the Center for Rural Affairs, said the group is excited to see the bill advance and is hopeful for buy in from Senate appropriators.

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Although we may not receive the full appropriation requested in the initial bill, we continue to ask legislators to invest the $2 million appropriation, Farmer said in a statement.

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Amendments

The bill had three proposed amendments, the first of which was introduced by Rep. Austin Harris, R-Moulton, to amend the definition of a rural grocery store.

The intent of this bill is to make sure that our rural areas, that are more prone to be food desert areas are able to take advantage of this program, Harris said.

The amendment, which was adopted, expands the definition of an eligible rural grocery store to a business where 50% of the retail space, or 30% of revenue, relate to general line food retail.

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Harris said this would account for grocery stores that share space with other businesses, like a fuel stop or a diner, as is common in rural towns.

The second amendment, brought forth by Rep. J.D. Scholten, D-Sioux City, did not pass, but would have addressed the real problem of price discrimination by distributors who favor corporate stores.

For decades, weve had out-of-state corporations undercut local grocers  thats the problem, Scholten said.

Scholten said it would stop suppliers from giving preferential pricing to established corporate stores over local grocers.

This will allow your local grocer to play on an even field, Scholten said.

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Latham recommended a no vote on the amendment because she did not have an opportunity to speak with the office of the attorney general or other noted offices in the amendment. The amendment failed 58-31.

The final amendment, brought forth by Rep. Chad Ingels, R-Randalia, moved the local processing element of the bill under the purview of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, instead of Iowa Economic Development Authority, where the rest of the program is managed.

The amendment would also prioritize funding for local facilities that process goods from three or more Iowa farms, participate in the Choose Iowa program or sell to a rural grocery store.

Rep. Ken Croken, D-Davenport, said all of the amendments made the good bill better and better.

HF 1032 passed with no dissenting votes and moves to the Senate.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A bipartisan bill introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives Thursday would offer a tax credit to Northern Michigan residents impacted by Marchs historic ice storm.

The relief would only apply for the 2025 tax year. Residents of a county covered by the state of emergency declared by the governorAlcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Islewould be eligible to claim a tax credit of up to $5,000 for qualified expenses.

More time needed for federal ice storm relief request, governor says

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The tax credit is meant to support residents who are still working to clean up the extensive damages brought on by the storm, says State Rep.John Roth (R-Interlochen), in a news release obtained by 6 News. Many people have already or will have to pay for generators, heaters, tarps, new appliances, chainsaws, tree and debris removal, and structure repairs.

Residents with expenses that were a direct result of the storm, including building damages, power outages, road closures, and loss of phone services, would be eligible could claim a tax credit on those expenses.

This includes things such as the purchase of generators, chainsaws, or building materials to make repairs.

The bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee for further consideration.

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One of the Republican Partys biggest donors in the last election cycle gave a harsh assessment of Donald Trumps efforts to reorganize the global trade order on Wedneday.

Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, donated more than $100m to Republican candidates and causes during the 2024 cycle, when the party protected a key majority in the House and took back control of the Senate. His efforts contributed to a second Trump administration where the president enjoys a dual-chamber majority, albeit a slim one.

But in a discussion at the Semafor World Economy Summit in Washington on Wednesday, the billionaire investor warned that Trumps on-again-off-again tariff strategy was eroding Americas brand as a reliable partner.

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The United States was more than just a nation. Its a brand. Its a universal brand, whether its our culture, our financial strength, our military strength, Griffin said in comments reported by Fortune and CNN. And were eroding that brand right now.

Citadel CEO Ken Griffin spoke about Donald Trump's damage to America's brand on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at a Semafor event in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images for Semafor)

If you think of your behavior as a consumer, how many times do you buy a product with a brand on it because you trust that brand? he continued. In the financial markets, no brand compares to the brand of the US Treasuries  the strength of the US dollar and the strength and creditworthiness of US Treasuries. No brand came close. We put that brand at risk.

Griffins comments come as the stock market has lost trillions in value in recent weeks while the US dollar sank to a three-year low. In his interview, he predicted that volatility in the US market would dissuade the crucial investments in American manufacturing that Trump is hoping to spur with his tariffs on all US imports to avert a price hike on American consumers. The Citadel chiefs opposition to tariffs predates Trumps second presidency and he was on the record last November saying that he was very anxious about Trumps willingness to levy them against US trade partners.

The White House is now battling recession indicators and predictions from economists of serious cuts to US economic growth. Layoffs have begun hitting the auto and tech industries, and last week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted a global slowdown of trade as a result of Trumps policies. Global tourism to the US is dropping. Administration officials have turned to insisting that numerous foreign countries, including China, are close to folding  but no major deals have yet emerged.

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Even close US diplomatic partners including Canada are publicly turning away from America as the threats of a global trade war deepen. Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a March speech that the nations old relationship with the US is over and said that America was no longer a reliable partner.

Donald Trump has accused Americas closest trading partners of ripping the US off (AP)

The CEOs point about Americas brand extending past economics comes as Europe, for the first time since the second World War, is seriously contemplating a future where the US military cannot be relied upon to defend western Europe from Russia.

Next month, the UK is set to host leaders from the European Union (EU) for a defense summit, the first of its kind since Brexit. On the issue of Ukraine, diplomatic overtures towards Russia appear to be making little progress as Kyiv remains a willing participant in a US-backed ceasefire process while Moscow delays and continues attacks on Ukrainian civilian centers.

Trump, on Thursday, was reduced to complaining that he was not happy about an overnight strike on Ukraines capital via his Truth Social platform, his promise to end the Ukraine-Russia war in 24 hours now in tatters and his administration yet to take a meaningful response to Russias slow-walking of peace talks.






Key Points

Climate change is making rice more toxic: A new study found that rising temperatures and CO2 levels significantly increase arsenic levels in rice, a staple food for 3.5 billion people.

Health risks are projected to rise sharply: Under future climate scenarios, arsenic-related cancer and disease cases could jump by up to 44% in major rice-consuming countries.

There are ways to reduce the risk: Farming techniques like alternating water use and breeding arsenic-resistant rice strains, along with climate action, could help mitigate the threat.







An estimated 3.5 billion people around the globe depend on rice as a food staple. According to the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, these 3.5 billion individuals rely on rice for "more than 20% of their daily calories. By 2035, an additional 116 million tons of rice will be needed to feed the planet's growing population."

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It added that rice consumption is growing faster than any other commodity in Africa "because the growing urban population considers it a convenience food." However, a new study published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health has found that rice and access to it may be in serious danger.

In April, researchers from Columbia University published the findings of their study on the impact of climate change on arsenic concentrations in paddy rice in Asia. And the findings are, quite simply, alarming.

To be clear, rice has always contained some level of arsenic, a naturally occurring element found in soil that is toxic to humans, especially in its "inorganic" form, which the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) explains can cause a range of health issues, including lung and bladder cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and developmental problems in children. The NIEHS notes, "It is not possible to remove arsenic entirely from the environment or food supply."

Related: Seafood Is Getting Riskier to Eat Due to Climate Change, According to Science

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The way rice grows in water-filled paddies, along with its porous nature, allows it to easily absorb contaminants like arsenic. However, the researchers who partnered with scientists from China and Johns Hopkins for the report aimed to determine how rice and its contaminants will appear in the future.

To figure this out, the team cultivated 28 popular rice varieties in four open-air paddies in China's Yangtze River Delta from 2014 to 2023. They surrounded each paddy with metal rings to increase the surrounding air's carbon dioxide level by about 200 parts per million during the day, which is approximately the amount scientists believe will rise by the mid-21st century. They also equipped two of the sites with infrared heaters to maintain the water at about 2C (3.6F) warmer than usual, again to replicate the anticipated future climate.

The scientists would then periodically harvest grain, stems, and leaves, as well as mud samples, to measure the levels of arsenic and other microorganisms. They found that when carbon dioxide levels rose independently, arsenic levels in the rice kernels barely increased. When measuring the arsenic concentrations with an increase in temperature, arsenic levels rose noticeably higher. However, when heat and extra carbon dioxide were combined, the arsenic levels surged far more than either factor alone, which the authors called a "synergistic increase."

"Previous work has focused on individual responses  some on carbon dioxide and some on temperature, but not both, and not on a wide range of rice genetics," Lewis Ziska, a plant physiologist and associate professor at Columbia University, told Climate News. "We knew that temperature by itself could increase levels, and carbon dioxide by a little bit. But when we put both of them together, then wow, that was really something we were not expecting. You're looking at a crop staple that's consumed by a billion people every day, and any effect on toxicity is going to have a pretty damn large effect."

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Related: How a Single Grain Shaped the History of This City  and Holds the Key to Its Future

Additionally, the researchers ran computer models for seven countries where rice is the main dish, including Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam. They used current rice consumption figures and projections for the 2050 populations, along with data collected from their sample rice fields. They found that under today's climate, approximately 13.4 million lifetime cancer cases in China can be attributed to arsenic in rice. However, under the warmer, high carbon dioxide scenario, that number will jump to 19.3 million. Across all seven countries, the risks of cancer and other chronic diseases rose by about 44%.

"There is a toxicological effect of climate change relative to one of the most consumed staples in the world," Ziska additionally told Inside Climate News, adding, "and the consumption is one of the hallmarks of whether you're going to be vulnerable to that effect."

There is, however, at least a sliver of hope in this report. The researchers note that techniques like alternating wetting and drying of paddies can introduce bursts of oxygen, which may help keep arsenic levels at bay. They also state that scientists could breed more arsenic-resistant strains of rice for future planting.

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There are also steps you can take at home to reduce your arsenic exposure. According to Ohio State University, you can try rinsing rice thoroughly when it's in its raw state and cooking it in extra water that you pour off later. This method has been shown to lower the levels of arsenic in your final dish by as much as 60%.

Of course, none of these address our growing climate crisis. However, perhaps this study is the reminder some need. "Rice has always been a food where arsenic is an issue, and climate change is making it worse," Keeve Nachman, one of the report's authors and a professor at Johns Hopkins University, added. "This is one more reason to intervene  to control people's exposure. The number one thing we can do is everything in our power to slow climate change."



Read the original article on Food & Wine
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Chairman of the Temporary Commission of the Azerbaijani Parliament on Countering Foreign Interference and Hybrid Threats Ramid Namazov has announced the results of the survey entitled "EUMA's activities in the region, its possible contribution to peace and confidence-building", Trend reports.

Speaking during the presentation of a special investigation titled Hybrid Offensive Under the Name of Peace Mission for Stability in the South Caucasus, Namazov noted that the Center for Social Research addressed 36 open-ended questions primarily via the LinkedIn, Facebook, and X social media platforms to individuals currently serving or formerly involved in the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA).

"It must be noted with regret that 80 percent of respondents did not answer the questions; in some cases, they displayed intolerance or recommended contacting the EUMA Press and Public Relations Department. At the same time, based on the responses received, although not fully comprehensive, a number of interesting points regarding the mission and its activities have come to light. The responses revealed that although EUMA is a civilian mission, it largely comprises former military personnel, law enforcement officers, and military analysts," the MP noted.

According to him, in order to start working in the mission, it is primarily necessary to have specific professional experience in certain fields and to possess a Personal Security Clearance; knowledge of foreign languages, including Russian and Armenian, is considered an advantage.

"It hasn't been denied that EUMA is not engaged in intelligence, although the presence of certain intelligence elements has been acknowledged. It has been mentioned that some staff members have arrived with their families and that the working conditions provided are well organized.

At the same time, it is noted that the living conditions, infrastructure, and healthcare system in Armenia are not very satisfactory. The attitude of the local population toward EUMA personnel is said to be generally normal, although there have been cases of occasional dissatisfaction.

Although misunderstandings or conflicts among EUMA personnel are rare, it is noted that in some cases the issues were at least partially resolved thanks to the swift intervention of leadership. There has also been a case in which a person was forced to leave the mission before the end of their term. The reason for this has not been stated," Namazov explained.

He pointed out that the leading countries of Europe are the main decision-makers within the mission, and their personnel constitute the majority.

"Although the question regarding whether the mission is against Azerbaijan and preparing Armenia for a new war was unequivocally answered in the negative, the question about whether it is against Iran or Russia was left unaddressed.

Regarding the future of the mission, it was stated that its presence is important and that there is a necessity to increase its personnel several times over. Depending on the situation and if necessary, the possibility of the mission continuing in the future as a civil-military mission was also among the answers.

As for the missions contribution to the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, its operation solely on the Armenian side has been evaluated as a hindrance to its full effectiveness. Respondents answered positively when asked whether they were informed about the past conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Regarding their attitude toward the Mission from the Azerbaijani side, they said they had only heard about it in the media, had never visited Azerbaijan before, but would be willing to do so if such an opportunity arose in the future. They did not answer the question of how they would react if sanctions were imposed against them by Azerbaijan.

It was also stated that they were unaware of the issue that EUMAs activities in Azerbaijan could constitute a criminal offense and be punishable by imprisonment from ten to fifteen years," Namazov added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Department is investigating a homicide after a 50-year-old man was pronounced dead Wednesday.

Darius Stinson, of Birmingham, sustained injuries during an alleged assault on April 10. He was transported to Princeton Baptist Medical Center and was pronounced dead April 23 at 3 p.m.

Anyone with information can call BPD at 205-254-1700.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Museum of Art is presenting its annual African Heritage Festival in May.

On May 10, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will celebration African culture with art, music, dance, and more. Visitors can experience live performances, explore African art galleries, and take part in creative activities.

The festival is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
POTTSVILLE  Schuylkill County Election Bureau chief Albert Gricoski was surprised recently when he noticed fewer candidates were seeking public office in the upcoming primary.

There are quite a few more vacancies this year, Gricoski said. It seems that people dont want to place their name on the ballot.

Director of the Schuylkill County Voter Registration and Election Bureau Albert Gricoski looks at unofficial ballots at the Schuylkill County Election office in Pottsville, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Its not unusual to see blank spaces on the ballot for judge of election, inspector of election and municipal auditor.

On the May 20 primary ballot, however, there are vacancies for township supervisor, borough council, mayor and even school directors.

In Mahanoy Area, for example, there are only two candidates for four school board positions. In Minersville, there are three candidates for four school board slots.

There are no candidates for mayor in Coaldale, Landingville, Girardville, McAdoo, Mount Carbon, New Philadelphia and Tower City.

And while there are Republicans vying for their partys nomination, there are no Democrats on the ballot for Schuylkill County Sheriff and Schuylkill County District Attorney.

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Not an election

Though its often referred to as one, a primary is not an election.

Its when members of political parties, primarily Democrats and Republicans, get to select their candidates to run in the general election in November.

Howard Howie Merrick, vice chairman of the Schuylkill County Republican Committee, says theres no problem finding candidates for the major offices.

The interest is there, insists Merrick, at least on the Republican side.

In Schuylkill County, the Republican party has more than twice as many registered voters as Democrats  52,668 to 25,530.

Perhaps reflecting the difficulty of overcoming the Republican voter registration edge, throughout the ballot there are numerous offices where no Democrats are seeking their partys nomination.

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In Republican strongholds like Ringtown, there are no Democrats on the ballot for any offices. There are no candidates on the Democratic ballot in Orwigsburg either; however, Democrat Bill Knecht is running as a write-in candidate for Orwigsburg Borough Council, according to his recent Facebook post.

In Democratic strongholds of Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven and Palo Alto, however, there are full slates of candidates.

Todd Zimmerman, Schuylkill County Democratic Committee chairman, sees a tendency for people to shy away from politics.

A lot of people dont want to get involved, said Zimmerman, a professor of history at Lehigh Carbon Community College. It surprises me, especially for offices like the school board.

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Zimmerman said he is urging Democrats to write-in their names for vacant positions on the ballot, like Knecht is doing. Hes hopeful that some of the energy shown by recent protest demonstrations will result in greater participation in the political process.

Trend toward empty seats

Dr. Christopher P. Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, said a decline in seeking public office is not limited to Schuylkill County.

In areas where one party is dominant, seats often go unfulfilled, he said. When its an uphill battle, do you want to put yourself out with no chance of winning  No.

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Borick believes the anger and animosity that characterizes the current political atmosphere is discouraging people from seeking office.

On school boards, the debate is no longer about taxes, whether to build a new stadium or teachers salaries, said Borick, whos conducted polls on national, state and local issues for more than 20 years. Its about big cultural issues, and some people dont want to get involved in these debates.

In an era when it takes two incomes to sustain a middle class lifestyle, balancing the demands of work, career and family often leave little time for civic life  once a hallmark of the American character.

In the 1830s, the French political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville toured America and published his findings in Democracy In America, a seminal book on American political and social life.

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One of de Tocquevilles observations, Borick noted, was that America was a nation of joiners. The reference was to the tendency of the American people to join social clubs, civic associations and volunteer fire companies.

The merger of Phoenix and Humane fire companies in Pottsville is a case in point.

Fire Chief James Misstishin, who endorsed the merger, recently said it comes as volunteer fire companies face new challenges in the 21st Century.

In this day and age, when its increasingly tough to find volunteers, mergers need to take place more often, the chief said.
bluefield, va.  Following a public hearing, the Bluefield, Va. Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing the sale of the towns sewer system and in a separate motion to raise the towns water rates by 8%.

Town Manager Andrew Hanson said that the town council approved an ordinance Tuesday evening which would let the town sell its sewer and wastewater treatment along with the City of Bluefields system to West Virginia American Water.

This sale would have to be approved by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia.

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The ordinance last night that the council approved was, should the Sanitary Board for the two Bluefields sell to West Virginia American Water, that our portion of it  the pipes in the ground in Virginia  that our portion would also sell, Hanson said Wednesday. Because currently, the pipes that are in the ground is a franchise agreement to the Sanitary Board. Theres a separate agreement then that the Town of Bluefield, Va., will have with West Virginia American Water to sell those assets for $3 million.

If the towns water system is privatized, the town could use the $3 million going into the general fund to pay off debt, use for a project and however else the council sees fit for the towns financial practices, Hanson said. Rates would be adjudicated through the regulatory commissions in Virginia and West Virginia.

Theres another course of action where the West Virginia commission and the Virginia commission, where the rate case could be separated, meaning the rate case could be different for each side of the border, but the goal would be for the rate case to be similar under one structure, he said.

In a separate action, the town council approved an 8% water rate increase in upcoming fiscal years town budget.

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I had asked for a water rate increase. The initial budget I submitted to the town council on the first of April, I asked for a 6% increase to go into effect, Hanson said. I had revised the numbers and I needed to ask for 2% for that so it would be an 8% increase for Fiscal Year 26. The numbers that were coming to fruition in the budget, with the 6% increase I was still at about a $51,000 deficit in the water department fund. By raising it by an additional 2%, taking it a total 8% raise, it brings me to still about a $25,000 deficit for that budget. Budget wise Im still not breaking even, but I think Ill be able to cut some costs to bring expenses down and half a balanced budget by 1 July.

The 8% increase would take the base water rate, which includes the first 2,000 gallons of water, from $27.25 to $29.43 a month. This amounts to an extra $26.18 over the year, he said.

A public hearing about the proposed town budget is scheduled for May 27.

Contact Greg Jordan at

gjordan@bdtonline.com
Gov. Wes Moore (center) and the Board of Public Works approved recommendations Wednesday to hold the state's property tax rates on residential, commercial and utility properties at the current rate. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

Maryland property owners will not see an increase in the state share of the property tax rate next year, when the rate will hold steady at the same level its been since 2007.

The three-member Board of Public Works voted unanimously, and without debate, Wednesday to approve a recommendation to hold taxes on commercial and residential properties at 11.2 cents per $100 in assessed value. The property tax rate on utilities will remain at 28 cents per $100 of assessed value.

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Taxpayers are still likely to see their tax bills go up, however, even as the tax rate remains flat. Thats because all 23 counties and Baltimore City reported increased assessments for seven consecutive years.

Still, Gov. Wes Moore (D), who chairs the board, lauded his administrations efforts Wednesday to hold the line on property taxes for the third straight year.

I want to highlight that, because when I first introduced this administrations budget proposal back in January, we made one thing very, very clear  the state of Maryland will not balance this budget on the backs of the working and middle class, Moore said.

Everything we were going to do was to make sure that working- and middle-class families were not just protected inside of this moment, but also that we can give just a little bit of extra breathing room for families that were actually receiving a whole lot of additional pressure, he said.

The recommendation to keep the property tax rates unchanged was made two weeks ago by the Commission on State Debt, which is chaired by Treasurer Dereck Davis, who is also a member of the Board of Public Works.

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State property taxes are used to repay general obligation bond borrowing. Currently there is more than $10 billion in outstanding debt. State law calls for the rate to be set at an amount sufficient to repay the annual debt service.

The current rate does not cover that amount. The difference is made up with hundreds of millions in cash from the operating budget.

In fiscal 2026, the state will use $156 million in general funds to backfill the debt service not covered by property tax collections. That amount grows to about $400 million a year later. In fiscal 2030, the general fund will kick in an estimated $500 million for debt service.

The rate-setting vote comes in advance of meetings with three major bond rating agencies in coming weeks, as well as a scheduled June bond sale.

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Maryland enjoys a triple-A bond rating, the highest, from all three major rating agencies  Fitch, Moodys and Standard & Poors. The high rating means the state pays lower interest on money it borrows.

The state has held that coveted triple, triple-A rating for more than three decades. Maryland got its first triple-A rating from Standard & Poors in 1961. Moodys followed 12 years later and Fitch gave Maryland its highest rating in 1993.

Maryland is one of 13 states with the highest rating of all three agencies.

But there are rumblings and concerns about a potential downgrade on the horizon.

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A year ago, all three rating agencies reaffirmed the states creditworthiness. Moodys, however, placed the state on a negative outlook.

In its report, the agency cited the difficulties Maryland will face to achieve balanced financial operations in coming years without sacrificing service delivery goals or adding to the weight of the state governments burden on individual and corporate taxpayers.

That report was released six months before the election of President Donald Trump and eight months before his administration began making good on his promises to slash federal employment and funds.

Last month, Moodys released a new report naming Maryland as the most at risk from changing federal priorities and policies.

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Those back-to-back Moodys reports and continuing uncertainty at the federal level, as well as how rating agencies will react to potentially billions in looming sex abuse settlements the state could be facing, are stirring concerns about a potential downgrade.

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BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI)  Traffic was disrupted at a Bristol intersection after a boat fell off its trailer on Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, the incident happened around 2:07 p.m. when an SUV, driven by an elderly resident, made a sharp turn from Michael Drive onto Metacom Avenue.

During the turn, the trailer struck the base of a traffic light, causing the boat to dislodge and land in the roadway.

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Emergency crews from the Bristol Police and Fire departments quickly responded to the scene, providing support and rerouting traffic.

Webster Marine Services worked with a local tower to hoist the boat off the street and onto a trailer using a crane.

Images shared to the Bristol Police Departments Facebook page show the boat being stabilized and lifted off the roadway.

(Courtesy: Bristol Police Department)

(Courtesy: Bristol Police Department)

(Courtesy: Bristol Police Department)

The road was briefly closed but has since reopened.

The crash remains under investigation, however, police said no traffic violations are expected to be issued, due to the navigating error of the operator.

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Boca Bash 2025 is almost here, bringing a full day of boats, bikinis, and booze on Lake Boca Raton. What started as a private gathering has grown into a massive celebration that draws crowds to Boca Raton each year.

But what happens at Boca Bash doesnt always stay at Boca Bash. Over the years, the event has led to arrests, environmental damage, and even a few viral moments. The event gained national attention last year after a video of teens dumping pounds of trash into Lake Boca Raton, seen above, went viral on social media.

Heres a look at Boca Bash through the years.

Pictures of Boca Bash 2024 on Lake Boca Raton

Images of Boca Bash 2021

Pre-COVID: Boca Bash 2019

Photos of Boca Bash 2017

When is Boca Bash 2025?

The annual party takes place on the last Sunday in April. This year it's April 27.

Where is Boca Bash 2025?

The unofficial boat party is held on Lake Boca Raton in Florida. Lake Boca Raton is located in Palm Beach County and is a popular area for boating. However, it is not easy to anchor because boats often find nothing to grip except soft sand. Boats can often drift. The inlet leads to a channel of more active water, which eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

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Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boca Bash 2025: Pictures of boat party on Lake Boca Raton, Florida
Apr. 23LIMA  A judge set bond at $1 million Wednesday for a man that police identified as the suspect in an April 18 stabbing death.

Marcus Tyson, 45, appeared via a video hook-up from the Allen County jail for an arraignment hearing conducted by Lima Municipal Court Judge Tammie Hursh. The Allen County man entered a plea of not guilty to a preliminary charge of murder, an unclassified felony.

Lima police identified Tyson as a suspect in the April 18 stabbing death of Anthony Townsend.

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Hursh followed a recommendation from the state that Tyson's bond be set at $1 million. A laundry list of criminal offenses committed by the defendant over the past two decades were read aloud in court. Those offenses included trafficking in marijuana, domestic violence, assault, resisting arrest and felonious assault.

Tyson asked the judge to consider a lesser bond, saying he is self-employed and has "no intention" of leaving Allen County.

"I know the accusations are serious, but I'm dealing with this head-on. I'm asking you for mercy," he said.

Hursh noted that Tyson had failed to appear for court dates at least seven times over the years and left the $1 million bond in place.

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The judge set a probable cause hearing for 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 in municipal court.

According to a release from the Lima Police Department, at approximately 2:25 p.m. April 18, officers responded to 658 N. Elizabeth St. in response to a report of a stabbing victim. Officers found Townsend, 47, suffering from a stab wound to his abdomen. He was transported to Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center and died a short time later.

An investigation by Lima Police detectives led to the identification of Tyson as a suspect. He was taken into custody in Adams County, Indiana, a few hours after the stabbing.

Tyson was returned to Allen County on Tuesday after he agreed to be extradited from Indiana.

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The Lima Police Department's investigation into the fatal stabbing is still ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sgt. Steve Stechschulte at 419-221-5181 or 419-227-4444.

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Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the U.S. government's reported peace proposal for Ukraine on April 24, calling it a reward for aggression after a Russian missile attack killed at least 12 civilians and injured 90 in Kyiv.

Johnson, once a vocal supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war, criticized the reported terms of the plan as deeply flawed.

"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin indiscriminately butchers more Ukrainian civilians, killing and injuring 100 in Kyiv, including children. And what is his reward under the latest peace proposals?" Johnson wrote on X.

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He pointed to provisions that would allow Russia to retain sovereign Ukrainian territory seized by force, block Ukraine from joining NATO, and lift sanctions against Moscow.

"As for Ukraine - what do they get after three years of heroic resistance against a brutal and unprovoked invasion?" Johnson said. "What is their reward for the appalling sacrifices they have made - for the sake, as they have endlessly been told, of freedom and democracy around the world?"

Commenting on a proposed U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, he said that "apart from the right to share their natural resources with the United States, (the Ukrainians) get nothing."

The U.S. peace proposal  first reported by the Wall Street Journal on April 20  was presented during a closed-door meeting in Paris on April 17 and confirmed by Western officials.

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The plan reportedly includes U.S. recognition of Russia's illegal 2014 annexation of Crimea and a permanent ban on Ukraine joining NATO, two of the Kremlin's core demands.

Johnson warned that accepting such terms would allow Russian troops to regroup and launch another assault.

"If we are to prevent more atrocities by Putin, then we must have a long-term, credible, and above all properly funded security guarantee for Ukraine  a guarantee issued by the UK, the US, and all Western allies."

Ukraine has firmly rejected negotiating its territorial integrity under pressure. "This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 22.

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Trump has denied that his administration is pressuring Ukraine to accept Crimea as Russian territory. "Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory," he wrote on Truth Social on April 23.

Trump responded to Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv by writing that he was "not happy with the Russian strikes," calling them "not necessary" and "very bad timing."

He urged Putin to "stop" and "get the peace deal done," but stopped short of any condemnation or threat of consequences.

Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire, first proposed on March 11 in Jeddah. Moscow has refused to join, continuing its offensive operations across the front line.

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Read also: After Russias deadly attack on Kyiv, Vance reposts denunciation of Zelensky

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BELGRADE (Reuters) - Bosnia's international peace envoy, Christian Schmidt, said on Thursday he had ordered a halt of all budget allocations for the party of the secessionist Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who is sought by state authorities.

The decision marks an escalation of Bosnia's biggest political crisis since the end of the country's war in the 1990s and a standoff between Dodik and Schmidt.

"I have decided to suspend all payments from budget funds for the financing of the SNSD and the United Srpska parties," Schmidt told a news conference in Sarajevo.

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The decision is effective immediately, he said, speaking through an interpreter.

The dispute threatens Bosnia's stability and pits Dodik and his allies Russia and Serbia against the United States and the European Union.

Under the Dayton peace deal that those powers helped broker to end Bosnia's 1992-95 war, Schmidt is the ultimate interpreter of Bosnia's constitution.

However, Serbs do not recognise Schmidt because his appointment was not endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

"I am not recognising him (Schmidt) and his decisions. I could not care less," Dodik told reporters in response to Schmidt's decision.

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According to Bosnian laws each of the parties in parliament gets budget funding proportional to its strength, for use in election campaigns and other activities.

Dodik's SNSD party is the biggest single party in the regional and state parliaments. In 2023, it received about one million euros ($1.14 million) from the budget, according to the state election commission.

United Srpska Party is led by the speaker of the regional parliament, Nenad Stevandic.

Dodik is a long-time advocate for the secession of the autonomous Serb Republic, one of two regions in Bosnia linked by a weak central government.

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He initiated the current political crisis after he was sentenced in February to one year in prison and banned from politics for six years over defying rulings by Schmidt.

Last month, Interpol declined a request from Bosnia's state court for an international arrest warrant for Dodik.

Bosnia's state police, SIPA, said on Wednesday they had tried to arrest Dodik. On Thursday, regional N1 TV reported that heavily armed special police units were protecting Dodik while he was moving through East Sarajevo, bordering the capital.

($1 = 0.8793 euros)

(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac and Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Alex Richardson and Aidan Lewis)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. A public discussion on "Hybrid Attack under the Guise of 'Peace Mission' Targeting Stability in South Caucasus" was held on April 24 by the Temporary Commission on Foreign Interventions and Hybrid Threats of the Azerbaijani Parliament, the Parliamentary Press and Public Relations Department told Trend.

The event saw a full house with members of Parliament, media representatives, think tank members, civil society representatives, experts, and a host of other officials all in attendance.

Ramid Namazov, the Chairman of the Temporary Commission, noted that the public discussion on the EUs mission in Armenia was organized based on the instructions of the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova.

The meeting highlighted that one of the main obstacles to peace in the South Caucasus, a region subjected to various geopolitical interests, is the missions created by the EU within the framework of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The presence of hybrid threat elements directed against Azerbaijan's interests was observed within the activities of these missions, prompting the Milli Majlis to launch a special investigation, resulting in a document titled "Hybrid Attack under the Guise of 'Peace Mission' Targeting Stability in South Caucasus."

Namazov presented the findings of the special investigation in a PowerPoint show, highlighting that a significant source of contention between the two nations was the unacceptable deployment of military from third-party countries along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

He also mentioned that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan, under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, have been fully restored, but this reality contradicts the interests of certain circles in the West, particularly within the EU and its member states. These circles, utilizing EU resources, have started to form threats against Azerbaijan's sovereignty, including hybrid threats, under the influence of Armenian lobbying groups.

As a result, he noted, these circles, leveraging the resources of the European Union and its institutions, began to orchestrate threats to Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including hybrid threats, under the influence of the Armenian lobby. The most intense phase of these hybrid attacks occurred from the moment the decision to host the COP29 event in our country was made until the event's conclusion.

Speaking about the details of the investigation, the chairman of the temporary commission highlighted that the document outlines the history of Azerbaijan-European Union relations and emphasizes the principles established in international law regarding territorial integrity, border inviolability, and respect for sovereignty, as reflected in the documents signed to date.

The investigation also thoroughly examined the secrecy surrounding the operations of the EU missions in Armenia, revealing illegitimate features in their composition. In particular, it scrutinized the lack of transparency in the activities of the most recent mission, the criteria used for personnel selection, the role of supporting states, and the intelligence-driven activities carried out under the guise of "peace and confidence-building."

The document further explores the actions taken by the mission that could potentially escalate risks of new conflicts in the region, the financial and military support provided, the response of regional countries to these actions, France's involvement in the process, and potential future scenarios.
By the end of this year, some drivers in the Boston area may begin to receive a new type of traffic ticket in the mail.

The MBTA is developing regulations for using automated cameras to ticket drivers who block public bus stops or bus lanes. In the not-so-distant future, doing so could result in a ticket as high as $125 for violations captured on camera.

The T aims to equip a small fleet of buses with enforcement cameras later this year before expanding the technology to other buses throughout 2026, staff told the agencys Board of Directors at a meeting Thursday.

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In the initial phase of the new program, first-time violations may result in a relatively low-cost ticket or only a warning. The T is still sorting out those fine points.

The new regulations have been on the horizon since January, when Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill into law allowing authorities to use cameras to automatically capture the license plates of drivers who violate bus lane or bus stop laws, a practice used in other parts of the country but new to Massachusetts.

Together with a twin law allowing camera-based ticketing of drivers who illegally pass school buses, it represents the first time the Bay State has permitted any form of automated enforcement of moving violations.

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A drive down a Boston-area street will find bus lanes routinely used by other vehicles and bus stops often treated as temporary parking spaces. Not only do such patterns hold up public buses and further gridlock, they can also make boarding the bus far more difficult for people with physical disabilities who need the bus to stop close to the curb, the MBTA said.

The new regulations aim to crack down on those practices, but with the goal of changing driver behavior rather than generating revenue for the state, Alexandra Hallowell, the MBTAs director of transit priority, said at Thursdays Board of Directors meeting.

The MBTA has over 40 miles of dedicated bus lanes, with plans to have more than 50 miles by the end of the decade. Transit officials have identified seven locations across the network where they could begin using cameras to ticket cars blocking bus lanes, according to presentation materials for the Thursday board meeting.

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They include a portion of Brighton Avenue, a brief stretch of North Washington Street between the North End and West End, Sullivan Square in Charlestown, a few blocks of St. James Avenue in the Back Bay, a stretch of Columbus Avenue between Jamaica Plain and Roxbury, and extended portions of Huntington Avenue and Washington Street.

Potential locations where cameras could be used to ticket drivers who block MBTA bus lanes. This screenshot is from an MBTA presentation on potential regulations for the new camera system.MBTA

Enforcement cameras could also be mounted roadside at any of the MBTAs 7,000 bus stops and bus exchange plazas. While the responsibility for installing and managing those cameras would fall on the town or city where each is located, they would be subject to the same regulations the MBTA is developing.

An initial analysis by the T identified 10 locations where bus stops are most often blocked near major health care facilities, which could be the first stops to feature enforcement cameras. Several are in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston and Brookline, while others are clustered near Tufts Medical Center, Boston Medical Center and St. Elizabeths Medical Center.

Potential locations where cameras could be used to ticket drivers who block MBTA bus stops. This screenshot is from an MBTA presentation on potential regulations for the new camera system.MBTA

The laws signed by Healey allow authorities to issue tickets only once theyve reviewed the images captured by automated cameras for accuracy.

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Drivers could be fined up to $100 for parking at a bus stop. For blocking a bus lane, they could face fines of $25 to $125, with citations increasing for subsequent offenses and different fines for personal and commercial vehicles.

Notably, the fines in most cases would not be issued to drivers themselves, but to the owner of the car. An appeals process would allow that person to challenge the ticket if they were not at the wheel when it was issued or if it was assessed improperly.

Similar ticketing technology is already in use in New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, MBTA officials said.

In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has used cameras to ticket drivers for blocking bus lanes since 2019. Last year, it expanded the program to target vehicles double-parked or illegally parked at bus stops.

Images of traffic violations captured by the MBTA's automated enforcement cameras would be reviewed by humans before any tickets are issued. This screenshot is from an MBTA presentation on potential regulations for the new camera system.MBTA

The law does not allow automated ticketing of drivers operating in a bus lane. Rather, it targets vehicles parked or standing in a bus lane.

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But Rachel Morse, the MBTAs director of transit policy, said the agency would aim to define standing as broadly as possible to capture any cars preventing buses from using their reserve lanes.

It doesnt matter what gear the car is in or whether the car is occupied, she said. Its caught on camera, if its staying in one place, thats standing.

The regulations being drafted by the MBTA will cover the fines, appeals process and other procedures for the new cameras.

The agency also must decide whether the educational period before tickets carry fines should be longer than the 60 days established by law. The grace period could extend as long as two years, Hallowell said.

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The T will receive public comments on the regulations in June, with a public hearing late that month, before seeking board approval in July or August.

An MBTA bus in Porter Square in Cambridge. (Will Katcher/MassLive)

The regulations could apply to other regional transit authorities who opt in, and Morse said the T is developing rules it thinks could work in other parts of the state.

Laws allowing automated ticketing had historically stalled in the Legislature, state Sen. Will Brownsberger, a Belmont Democrat who long supported the measures, told MassLive in January.

But the bills for bus lane, bus stop and school bus passing enforcement found sufficient support at the end of last year as more lawmakers become increasingly aware that theres not enough traffic enforcement, Brownsberger said, a pattern hes attributed to changes in driver behavior from the COVID-19 pandemic and a pullback from police officers since the nationwide protests of 2020.

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Lawmakers also felt the bills addressed privacy and due process concerns that had held them back in the past, Brownsberger said.

In San Francisco, Hallowell said, the city found that 93% of those cited using automated cameras received only a ticket. In other words, the single citation appeared to be enough to change their behavior.

However, the remaining 7% of drivers cited accounted for 20% of all tickets.

Theres a small group of people who dont care and will continue to behave badly, Hallowell said. I dont think we want to design our system around those edge cases. What were trying to design this for is those 93% who are alerted theyre doing something wrong and will change their behavior.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  Boston police arrested a woman in a sting operation after she allegedly trafficked an underage girl for sex.

Three charged in Boston for drug trafficking conspiracy, two face deportation

On Wednesday, police said that 29-year-old Shakera Stacks Pina of Boston was arrested on April 9th, NBC Boston states. Investigators found photos of a juvenile victim in an online advertisement.

Undercover officers replied to the ad and arranged a meeting at a hotel, disguising themselves as buying sexual services. Police identified themselves as law enforcement when the 15-year-old victim arrived at the hotel room. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

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Pina was arrested after waiting outside the hotel. She attempted to drive away when the officers approached her. Her charges include human trafficking, deriving support from prostitution, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The Boston Police Department is asking anyone with information related to human trafficking to call the departments human trafficking unit at 617-343-6533.

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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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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(Getty Images).

Missouris sexual and reproductive health care safety-net is in crisis  and Congress must act before its too late.

The attacks are coming fast and from every direction.

While much of the publics attention has been rightly focused on efforts by extremist state lawmakers to unravel Amendment 3 and roll back our constitutional right to reproductive freedom, a quieter but equally dangerous assault is underway: a federal effort to dismantle the nations only dedicated family planning program, Title X.

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And Missouri is one of the first targets.

As the executive director of Missouri Family Health Council, I have a responsibility to sound the alarm. We are Missouris sole Title X grantee  the organization trusted for over 40 years to administer family planning funds to health centers across the state. From health departments to FQHCs to hospital clinics to community action agencies and independent family planning centers, these clinics serve tens of thousands of Missourians each year at over fifty-two sites, providing contraception, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings and other critical health services, often at low- or no-cost.

For many individuals, these health centers are often their only source of care.

Now, that entire system is at risk.

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On April 1, Missouri Family Health Councils federal Title X funding was suddenly and indefinitely frozen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and in the meantime, our network of health centers was left hanging in the balance.

Let me be absolutely clear: if Title X funds are not reinstated immediately, clinics across Missouri will be forced to lay off staff, scale back services or shut down entirely. Tens of thousands of Missourians will be denied life-saving care. This is not theoretical  this is happening now. And this crisis is compounded by the fact that Title X is often the only health care touchpoint for our patients. Six in ten women who access contraceptive care at Title X clinics say its their only provider.

But the attacks dont stop there.

While Missouris Title X program is in limbo, Congressional leaders are simultaneously advancing devastating cuts to Medicaid  the countrys largest source of public health insurance. The federal budget proposal would reduce funding to Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade, threatening the health coverage of tens of millions of Americans.

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Here in Missouri, over 1.3 million people rely on Medicaid  including children, seniors, people with disabilities and low-income families  to access basic health care.

For many Missourians, Medicaid is the only way they can afford health services; slashing Medicaid means rolling back eligibility, cutting critical benefits, and reducing provider reimbursement rates  of which will result in fewer providers accepting Medicaid and fewer patients able to get the care they need. These cuts will disproportionately hurt rural communities, people with low incomes, and those who already face systemic barriers to health care.

Lets be honest: this isnt about fiscal responsibility. Its about making it harder for people, especially those historically marginalized, to control their reproductive lives and access essential health care.

Either one of these threats to the sexual and reproductive health care safety-net would severely harm our communities. Together, they are catastrophic.

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If both Title X and Medicaid are gutted, Missourians will face impossible barriers to care. People will lose access to affordable contraception. STI rates  already on the rise  will climb even higher. Basic health care will be out of reach for hundreds of thousands of people.

These arent just cuts. They are deliberate choices to strip people of their agency, their dignity, and their health.

We refuse to stay silent while our safety-net is being dismantled.

We are calling upon Missouris Congressional delegation  especially Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt  to stand up for their constituents and restore Missouris Title X funding immediately. We call on them to oppose all attempts to slash Medicaid and protect the essential programs that keep Missourians healthy and safe.

This is a moment for action. Lives are on the line. And Missourians are watching.
The body of a Maryland mother who went missing from the home she shared with her boyfriend nearly a month ago has been found, authorities said. The discovery also led to charges against her boyfriend and his uncle.

On April 17, the body of Lesbia Mileth Ramirez Guerra, 23, was found buried in a "heavily wooded area" of Cedarville State Forest in Prince Georges County, according to a press release from the Charles County Sheriffs Office.

Her cause of death was not disclosed but authorities noted that her body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, Md., for an autopsy.

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Guerra was last seen on March 31 in the Waldorf, Md., home she shared with her boyfriend and several others, but her boyfriend reported her missing on April 2, the sheriffs office previously said.

Related: Mom of 2 Missing from Home She Shared with Boyfriend  Who Police Say Was Living Under a Fake Identity

After the discovery of Guerras body, the boyfriend, identified as Keycy Robinson Alexi Barrera Rosa, 24, was charged with murder in connection with her death, according to the sheriffs office. He is in custody out of state while awaiting his return to Charles County.

Rosas uncle, Rolvin Eduardo Bererra Bererra, 37, was also arrested and charged as an accessory for alleged "actions he took in Prince Georges County following her murder, the sheriff's office said. Berrera is being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.

Charles County Sheriff's Office Rolvin Eduardo Bererra Bererra (left) and Keycy Robinson Alexi Barrera Rosa Rolvin Eduardo Bererra Bererra (left) and Keycy Robinson Alexi Barrera Rosa

Its unclear if Rosa and Berrera have entered pleas or retained attorneys to speak on their behalf.

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Authorities have said they suspected foul play in the mother of twos disappearance after identifying unusual and suspicious activity at her home the day before she was reported missing, per a previous press release shared by the sheriffs office.

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.

Investigators who executed a search warrant at Guerras home could not find her but noted that a family vehicle, believed to be "involved in the case," was at the residence on April 2. During the search, investigators also found counterfeit federal documents belonging to Guerra's boyfriend, who shares two children with the woman.

Detectives learned from immigration authorities that the documents about the boyfriends identity were "fraudulent" and that he was in the country without legal paperwork. Rosa, whose identity was not shared by the sheriffs office at the time, was subsequently taken into custody by immigration authorities.

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While this was not the ending that we all hoped for, I am grateful to all those who worked so hard to find Ms. Guerra," Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry said in the release. "On behalf of the Charles County Sheriffs Office, I offer our most sincere condolences to all of her family and friends.



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America has stood as a world superpower for the past century or so, and much of that power has been derived from the countrys scientific and technological prowess. From medicine to aerospace, some of the greatest thinkers in modern history have called the United States their home and pushed boundaries while residing within its borders.

That tradition is under threat in ways it has never been before as Donald Trumps administration engages in the mass firing of scientists in the federal government, cuts funding to scientific research, and generally pushes an agenda that opposes scientific inquiry.

The Trump administration has thrown out hundreds of National Institutes of Health (NIH) research projects, fired thousands of the agencys scientists, and looks intent on further dismantling the agency. Research funding for universities is also being stripped. So is climate science. Science is under attack in the United States basically everywhere you look.

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Trumps attacks on science are making American scientists anxious, and many are considering leaving the country indefinitely. Nearly 2,000 members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine signed a letter in March warning of the administrations threat to science. A poll from the international science journal Nature in late March found that 75 percent of American scientists are considering leaving the United States. European countries are planning on increasing their science funding, and countries like France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have launched programs to lure American scientists.

Jan Danckaert, rector of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, says his university has launched its own program to attract American scientists.

Our university is establishing a dedicated contact point for researchers who want to continue their work in Brussels, Danckaert tells Rolling Stone. U.S. universities and their scholars are victims of political and ideological interference by the Trump administration. They are seeing millions of dollars in research funding being abruptly cut for ideological reasons.

In France, Aix-Marseille University has received nearly 300 applications from Americans for its Safe Place for Science program. Europe saw many scientists flee for the U.S. during World War II, and it now appears that experts are starting to flow in the opposite direction.

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I never thought I would live in a country where I would see scientists basically seeking asylum, says Jennifer Jones, director for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Massachusetts-based Union of Concerned Scientists. Some are seeking asylum because their work is no longer valued or funded. Some just dont see the future of their career here.

Jones says shes heard from scientists who are actively looking for positions overseas, and that these scientists are often at the beginning or end of their career. Those who are just starting out can easily relocate, and some who are at the tail end of their career might want to finish it off somewhere else. Many scientists are also from outside of the U.S. and are considering returning home.

If we lose elements of both generations, thats so hard. Youre losing the most senior, deep level of expertise, Jones says. Theyre also the ones who mentor and train the next generation. When you lose early career folks, you lose capacity that could take years or decades to regain.

Adam Siepel, a computational biologist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York, says hes been seriously considering moving to Europe or Canada. He says the atmosphere in America is very spooky right now and almost reminiscent of Nazi Germany or the Cultural Revolution in China. He says a lot of scientists are worried about the future.

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You start to wonder if its going to be possible to do science in this country, and if there is a major flow of scientists to other countries, where should we go? Siepel says. Im not ready to leave the United States yet, but I think were all keeping our eyes open and looking for our options if things do turn out really badly.

Dr. Stephen Jones, a biochemist who now works at Vilnius University in Lithuania, started considering leaving the U.S. during the 2020 presidential election while he was finishing his postdoc at the University of Texas. He and his wife werent sure how the election was going to turn out, but there was a lot of anti-science sentiment during the Covid-19 pandemic and Europe looked appealing. Even though Trump didnt win that election, they decided to leave.

You know what I dont have to experience right now? I havent had to kick any students or any researchers off my team. My funding is more secure than ever, Jones says. I have a friend who had to start a GoFundMe to keep her laboratory going [in America]. Im not thinking about those things.

Jones says hes advised other scientists on how to exit the U.S. for Europe. He says he was not having those meetings before January of this year. He also just welcomed an American researcher to his team who recently completed his PhD. Some European scientists who were considering moving to the U.S. for work have told him theyre no longer considering that option.

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Its going to become, and its already becoming, a brain drain, Jones says. Its the kind of thing you dont see immediately. This takes time to manifest itself  sometimes because it has to get bad enough for people to decide to finally go somewhere else.

Americas brain drain hasnt just affected scientists. Jason Stanley, a former Yale philosophy professor, expert on authoritarianism and author of How Fascism Works, decided to take a job at the University of Toronto earlier this year. He said he feared the U.S. was at risk of becoming a fascist dictatorship under Trump. (Surely theres no reason to worry about a fascism expert deciding to pack his bags and flee the country.)

The Trump administration claims to want to reduce government spending, but if thats part of its rationalization for gutting the sciences, then its not behaving logically. Investing in basic science often generates more money than it costs.

Every dollar spent on NIH research results in about $2.50 worth of economic growth, Siepel says. I think around 90 percent of FDA-approved new drugs started out with NIH support.

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All of the scientists arent going to leave at once, and so far its only a trickle exiting the U.S., but its clear that the future of science is in question in America. If things continue on the path theyre on, more and more scientists will decide to work elsewhere. This will make the U.S. less competitive and deprive it of important innovations.

Its a lot easier to break things than to build them. Unfortunately, were in the breaking phase right now, Dr. Jones says. The building materials are being used elsewhere in the world now.

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A Brazilian meat company and a mysterious family trust are among the biggest donors to President Donald Trumps record $239 million haul for his 2025 inauguration, for which he raised $239 million,

For his 2021 inauguration, President Joe Biden raised $61 million, compared to $44 million and $53 million for President Barack Obama in 2013 and 2009, respectively. In 2017, Trump raised $107 million.

Trump raked in contributions from corporations and wealthy people, more than a dozen of whom the president has since appointed to serve in his administration.

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Companies and wealthy individuals have used inaugurations as opportunities to curry favor with incoming presidents and administrations. Some of those who donated to the presidents inaugural committee were appointed as ambassadors or to the cabinet. Companies that had business with federal agencies or were hoping for regulatory decisions in their favor also made donations, The Washington Post noted. Several firms have attempted to influence the administration on issues such as taxes, trade, and federal spending.

NASA administrator nominee Jarden Isaacman donated $2 million to the inauguration - but some of the donors have more mysterious backgrounds. (AP)

Tech and crypto companies spent tens of millions on the inauguration after they battled regulatory challenges during Trumps first stint in the White House, as well as during the Biden administration.

Inaugural funds are usually used to pay for opening ceremonies, the inaugural parade, galas, and balls; however, this year, the events were scaled back due to freezing conditions. The committee can decide how to spend the funds that are left over after the events, such as using them for a presidential library or events like the recent White House Easter Egg Roll.

More than a dozen donors who gave at least $1 million to Trumps inauguration also donated to the Biden inaugural committee.

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Investment banker Warren Stephens donated $4 million to Trump and has been nominated to be the U.S. ambassador to the U.K. Similarly, real estate investor Melissa Argyros has been nominated to serve as the ambassador to Latvia after donating $2 million. Jared Isaacman, a billionaire businessman and the nominee to be the next NASA administrator, also donated $2 million. Dan Newlin, a Florida attorney, donated $1 million before being nominated as the next ambassador to Colombia.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was CEO of financial service firm Canton Fitzgerald, who donated $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund. (AP)

The top donor among companies is the poultry company Pilgrims Pride, a subsidiary of JBS, the Brazilian meat company, which donated $5 million. It could benefit from a recent effort by the Trump White House to ease regulations on poultry processing. On January 27, it agreed to pay a fine of $41 million in an antitrust case in which it faced claims that it artificially inflated its stock price. However, the company rejected those claims and didnt admit to doing anything wrong.

The cryptocurrency firm Ripple Labs donated $4.9 million, and in March, it revealed that the Securities and Exchange Commission had dropped litigation regarding whether the firms cryptocurrency met the legal definition of a security. Similarly, the financial technology company Robinhood Markets, which donated $2 million, said in February that the SEC had closed an investigation into its crypto business.

A mysterious family trust, the Tang Family Trust, also donated $2 million; however, it remains unclear who the trust is connected to, The Post noted.

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The financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald donated $1 million. Its former chairman and CEO, Howard Lutnick, was subsequently nominated and confirmed as the Secretary of Commerce.

Other individuals who donated $1 million include Ken Howery, a former ambassador to Sweden whos now nominated to be the ambassador to Denmark, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and the nominee to be the ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta.

Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, donated $250,000, and Edward Walsh, the nominee to be the ambassador to Ireland, donated $25,000, as did his wife, Lynn Walsh.

The oil and gas company Chevron donated $2 million to the inauguration, after not making a donation to Bidens 2021 inauguration, following his ban on donations from fossil fuel companies.
President Donald Trumps administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to reinstate his sweeping ban on transgender military servicejust two days after Justice Department attorneys faced sharp skepticism from a federal appeals court panel in Washington, D.C.

In an emergency filing, the DOJ asked the court to lift a nationwide injunction issued by Washington state U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle in Shilling v. United States. Settle blocked the enforcement of Trumps January executive order banning transgender peoples service. He ruled that the policy likely violates the Fifth Amendments equal protection guarantee and called it dramatic and facially unfair, citing a lack of evidence that transgender troops harm military readiness.

The filing argues the policy is legally indistinguishable from a 2018 Mattis policy, which the high court previously allowed to take effect.

The DOJ says courts should give broad leeway to military decisions and claims the policy only needs to be rationalmeaning it just has to make some sense, even if its flawed or controversial. That legal test, rational-basis review, is the most forgiving standard in constitutional law.

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The government claims that allowing transgender people with gender dysphoria to serve would impact military effectiveness and increase health care costs.

The Department has found the current policy to be inconsistent with the high mental and physical standards necessary for military service, the DOJ wrote, warning the injunction could undermine national security.

Lower court judges have said that the government is misinterpreting its reports and that the government spends far more on erectile dysfunction medications annually than it has for gender-affirming care in ten years.

Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings told The Advocate that the organization will challenge the DOJs Supreme Court claim.

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Lambda Legal will shortly file a response asking the Supreme Court to uphold our victory and allow patriotic trans Americans to continue to serve our country, Jennings said.

The named lead plaintiff in the case now before the high court is Commander Emily Shilling, a transgender woman and decorated Navy officer who has served more than two decades, including 60 combat missions. Her case represents a group of active-duty transgender service members and a transgender man seeking to enlist, all of whom face discharge or denial of service under Trumps order.

This is just pure bigotry. Plain and simple," Jennings said. "Bigotry is not rational. Its irrational, and what the Trump administration is doing is irrational because trans service members like Commander Shilling, who were representing, who has flown over 60 combat missions for this country, serve with distinction and honor. Theres no reason for this ban beyond bigotry.

Jennings noted that Lambda Legal is committed to the long haul. We dont file a case unless we plan to stick with it to the end, he said. We will stay with the suit for a decade if we have to. Weve done that before.

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He added that the plaintiffs are ordinary Americans who stepped up because of injustice. Theyre not trying to be heroes. Theyre just trying to live their livesand serve their country, he said. They often get enormous hate mail and harassment, but they do it not just for themselves but for the whole community.

And in a final note, Jennings pointed to the irony of Trumpwho dodged the drafttrying to purge volunteers from the armed forces. We dont have a draft anymore. Everybody in our military volunteered, Jennings said. Whos the real patriot here? The man who dodged the draft, or the trans woman who flew over 60 combat missions?The filing follows a rough showing for the government in Talbott v. United States on Tuesday, a parallel case in which a D.C. Circuit panel questioned the administrations legal rationale. DOJ attorney Jason Manion admitted under oath that he could not answer how the policy would be implemented or enforced or whether similar automatic discharges existed for any other condition.

You can serve as a transgender person as long as you dont serve as a transgender person? Judge Cornelia Pillard asked, summarizing the policys contradictions.

Shannon Minter, legal director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which, along with GLAD Law, is representing the Talbott plaintiffs, told The Advocate that he wasnt surprised by the governments move.

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"We expected the government would ask the Supreme Court for an emergency stay as the administration has been doing that routinely, in the hope that the Supreme Court will override lower court decisions enjoining blatantly unconstitutional actions," Minter said. "The Talbott service members will urge the court to reject this request. There is no basis for a stay, so we are hopeful the court will deny it and allow the normal judicial process to continue."

On Thursday afternoon, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America founder and executive director Paul Rieckhoff appeared on MSNBC to denounce Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths role in advancing the ban.

This is what happens when you have an overtly extreme political culture warrior as your Secretary of Defense, Rieckhoff said. He says that DEI is the enemy instead of Russia. Thats the problem here. The reality is that transgender people should be able to openly serve just like everyone else. [The ban is] bad politics, its bad moralityand its very bad for our national defense.

Rieckhoff called the policy disruptive not just for those being targeted, but for their entire units: You have to actually rip transgender service members out of their unit and impact the people around them. Its another distraction from bigger issues.

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The governments Supreme Court request follows the Ninth Circuits upholding a similar injunction in Shilling. Both cases challenge Executive Order 14183, which claims that transgender identity is incompatible with military service.

D.C. District Judge Ana Reyes, who issued the Talbott injunction, described the ban as soaked in animus and dripping with pretext.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.


For several years, Fred Neary had been seeing five doctors at the Baylor Scott & White Health system, whose 52 hospitals serve central and northern Texas, including Nearys home in Dallas. But in October, his Humana Medicare Advantage planan alternative to government-run Medicarewarned that Baylor and the insurer were fighting over a new contract. If they couldnt reach an agreement, hed have to find new doctors or new health insurance.

All my medical information is with Baylor Scott & White, said Neary, 87, who retired from a career in financial services. His doctors are a five-minute drive from his house. After so many years, starting over with that many new doctor relationships didnt feel like an option.

After several anxious weeks, Neary learned Humana and Baylor were parting ways as of this year, and he was forced to choose between the two. Because the breakup happened during the annual fall enrollment period for Medicare Advantage, he was able to pick a new Advantage plan with coverage starting Jan. 1, a day after his Humana plan ended.

When Fred Nearys five doctors at the Baylor Scott & White Health system were leaving his Medicare Advantage plan, he was forced to choose: Get new doctors or new insurance. After so many years, starting over with that many new doctor relationships didnt feel like an option, says Neary, a retiree in Dallas. (Kay McCoy)

Other Advantage members who lose providers are not as lucky. Although disputes between health systems and insurers happen all the time, members are usually locked into their plans for the year and restricted to a network of providers, even if that network shrinks. Unless members qualify for whats called a special enrollment period, switching plans or returning to traditional Medicare is allowed only at years end, with new coverage starting in January.

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But in the past 15 months, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees the Medicare Advantage program, has quietly offered roughly three-month special enrollment periods allowing thousands of Advantage members in at least 13 states to change plans. They were also allowed to leave Advantage plans entirely and choose traditional Medicare coverage without penalty, regardless of when they lost their providers. But even when CMS lets Advantage members leave a plan that lost a key provider, insurers can still enroll new members without telling them the network has shrunk.

At least 41 hospital systems have dropped out of 62 Advantage plans serving all or parts of 25 states since July, according to Beckers Hospital Review. Over the past two years, separations between Advantage plans and health systems have tripled, said FTI Consulting, which tracks reports of the disputes.

CMS spokesperson Catherine Howden said it is a routine occurrence for the agency to determine that provider network changes trigger a special enrollment period for their members. It has happened many times in the past, though we have seen an uptick in recent years.

Still, CMS would not identify plans whose members were allowed to disenroll after losing health providers. The agency also would not say whether the plans violated federal provider network rules intended to ensure that Medicare Advantage members have sufficient providers within certain distances and travel times.

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The secrecy around when and how Advantage members can escape plans after their doctors and hospitals drop out worries Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees CMS.

Seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans deserve to know they can change their plan when their local doctor or hospital exits the plan due to profit-driven business practices, Wyden said.

The increase in insurer-provider breakups isnt surprising, given the growing popularity of Medicare Advantage. The plans attracted about 54% of the 61.2 million people who had both Medicare Parts A and B and were eligible to sign up for Medicare Advantage in 2024, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

The plans can offer supplemental benefits unavailable from traditional Medicare because the federal government pays insurers about 20% more per member than traditional Medicare per-member costs, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, which advises Congress. The extra spending, which some lawmakers call wasteful, will total about $84 billion in 2025, MedPAC estimates. While traditional Medicare does not offer the additional benefits Advantage plans advertise, it does not limit beneficiaries choice of providers. They can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, as nearly all do.

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Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the U.S., serving parts of seven states from South Dakota to Michigan, decided to leave a Humana Medicare Advantage plan last year that covered 15,000 of its patients. It's not so much about the finances or administrative burden, although those are real concerns, said Nick Olson, Sanford Healths chief financial officer. The most important thing for us is the fact that coverage denials and prior authorization delays impact the care a patient receives, and thats unacceptable.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, representing insurance regulators from every state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, has appealed to CMS to help Advantage members.

State regulators in several states are seeing hospitals and crucial provider groups making decisions to no longer contract with any MA plans, which can leave enrollees without ready access to care, the group wrote in September. Lack of CMS guidance could result in unnecessary financial or medical injury to Americas seniors.

The commissioners appealed again last month to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Significant network changes trigger important rights for beneficiaries, and they should receive clear notice of their rights and have access to counseling to help them make appropriate choices, they wrote.

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The insurance commissioners asked CMS to consider offering a special enrollment period for all Advantage members who lose the same major provider, instead of placing the burden on individuals to find help on their own. No matter what time of year, members would be able to change plans or enroll in government-run Medicare.

Advantage members granted this special enrollment period who choose traditional Medicare get a bonus: If they want to purchase a Medigap policysupplemental insurance that helps cover Medicares considerable out-of-pocket costsinsurers cant turn them away or charge them more because of preexisting health conditions.

Those potential extra costs have long been a deterrent for people who want to leave Medicare Advantage for traditional Medicare.

People are being trapped in Medicare Advantage because they can't get a Medigap plan, said Bonnie Burns, a training and policy specialist at California Health Advocates, a nonprofit watchdog that helps seniors navigate Medicare.

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Guaranteed access to Medigap coverage is especially important when providers drop out of all Advantage plans. Only four statesConnecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Yorkoffer that guarantee to anyone who wants to reenroll in Medicare.

But some hospital systems, including Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska, are so frustrated by Advantage plans that they wont participate in any of them.

It had the same problems with delays and denials of coverage as other providers, but one incident stands out for CEO Ivan Mitchell: A patient too sick to go home had to stay in the hospital an extra six weeks because her plan wouldnt cover care in a rehabilitation facility.

With traditional Medicare the only option this year for Great Plains Health patients, Nebraska insurance commissioner Eric Dunning asked for a special enrollment period with guaranteed Medigap access for some 1,200 beneficiaries. After six months, CMS agreed.

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Once Delawares insurance commissioner contacted CMS about the Bayhealth medical system dropping out of a Cigna Advantage plan, members received a special enrollment period starting in January.

Maines congressional delegation pushed for an enrollment period for nearly 4,000 patients of Northern Light Health after the 10-hospital system dropped out of a Humana Advantage plan last year.

Our constituents have told us that they are anticipating serious challenges, ranging from worries about substantial changes to cost-sharing rates to concerns about maintaining care with current providers, the delegation told CMS.

CMS granted the request to ensure that MA enrollees have access to medically necessary care, then-CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure wrote to Sen. Angus King (I-Maine).

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Minnesota insurance officials appealed to CMS on behalf of some 75,000 members of Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare Advantage plans after six health systems announced last year they would leave the plans in 2025. So many provider changes caused "tremendous problems, said Kelli Jo Greiner, director of the Minnesota State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as a SHIP, at the Minnesota Board on Aging. SHIP counselors across the country provide Medicare beneficiaries free help choosing and using Medicare drug and Advantage plans.

Providers serving about 15,000 of Minnesotas Advantage members ultimately agreed to stay in the insurers' networks. CMS decided 14,000 Humana members qualified for a network-change special enrollment period.

The remaining 46,000 peopleAetna and UnitedHealthcare Advantage memberswho lost access to four health systems were not eligible for the special enrollment period. CMS decided their plans still had enough other providers to care for them.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Its an innovative bracket-style tournament where the defining factor for victory isnt the players performance but their teams mascot.

On Thursday, April 24, The64, an interactive voting platform, introduced the inaugural National High School Mascot Tournament.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

From fierce Volcanoes, Horned Toads, and mighty Spartans, the competition starts with two regions containing 64 mascots nationwide, including three from Kentucky, that will battle for Best High School Mascot and a cash prize for their school. And its not just about the schools; fans from anywhere can vote and rally behind their favorite mascot, The64 wrote.

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According to a news release, three Kentucky schools are in the running for Americas favorite mascot.

Ashland Paul Blazer School (Ashland)Tomcats

Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)Valkyries

Somerset High School (Somerset)Briar Jumpers

This mascot rivalry isnt just a competitionits a national celebration of school pride and community spirit, said Justin Woo, founder of The64. Were giving schools and their fans a chance to showcase their spirit in a fun, interactive way while engaging in some friendly competition.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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Heres how it works:

Sign up here.

Vote in each head-to-head matchup as the bracket narrows.

The tournament runs for 18 days, with new matchups every 3 days.

More information and the latest tournament standings can be found here.

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27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?

27,523 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others?
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Footage of President Ilham Aliyevs state visit to China has been published on his social media accounts, Trend reports.

The post reads:

"President Ilham Aliyev's state visit to China (22-24.04.2025)".
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  For the first time, FOX8 is hearing from the bride who lost her husband after a deadly shooting outside their wedding in Greensboro.

Kiara Burton talked about memories from what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life; the day she married her long-time partner Tyrek Burton.

Our families always knew each other, but I didnt actually meet him until I was like 17. He was so giving. He was a provider. He was a protector. Great husband. Great friend, Kiara said.

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On October 12, 2024, the couple exchanged vows at the Barber Park Event Center in Greensboro.

I would have to say our happiest moments was seeing our kids smiling  The wedding was for them. Our plan was to elope  The kids wanted a wedding, Kiara said.

After sharing a joyous and fun-filled wedding with her husband, Kiara said that several hours after saying I do, things took an unimaginable turn.

Greensboro police say that around 8:49 p.m. that night, officers responded to a shooting report at Barber Park Drive.

When they arrived, they found Tyrek in the parking lot suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

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Despite life-saving efforts, Tyrek died.

It was a road rage incident. Pretty much a stranger or someone we didnt know. Felt that he cut him off and confronted him about it, and it ended up terribly wrong, Kiara said.

Six months later, Greensboro police have not made any arrests in the case.

Kiara returned to the scene to canvass the neighborhood.

Theres no way this person did something like this and slept on it and didnt tell nobody. If you know something, say something, Kiara said.

While Kiara continues to pray for justice for her late-husband, she says the source of her strength is their children.

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Thats the only strength I got  No matter what I do, the kids are my strength, Kiara said.

FOX8 reached out to Greensboro police for an update on the investigation into Tyreks death.

A spokesperson says that because this is an active homicide, detectives will not discuss it publicly to protect the integrity of their ongoing investigation.

If you have any information, youre asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000. You can remain anonymous.

A GoFundMe has been set up.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
The British Airways flight attendant who was found dead in a San Francisco hotel room has been identified.

The crew member was 45-year-old Irfan Ali Mirza, the County Medical Examiners Office confirmed with PEOPLE. He was a British resident.

"There is no additional information to disclose or further comment at this time," the medical examiner's office said in a statement. Mirzas next of kin has been notified.

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Mirza was found deceased in a hotel on April 17, around 2:21 p.m. local time, the San Francisco Police Department tells PEOPLE. The officers who reported to the scene did not find any evidence of foul play.

Related: No Survivors Found After Plane Hits Power Lines and Crashes into Roadway in Central Illinois

The flight attendant checked into the hotel two days ahead of a scheduled return flight to the United Kingdom, according to The Standard and The Telegraph.

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.

Crew members raised concerns about their colleague's whereabouts to hotel management after he failed to show up for work and "didnt answer his phone" on April 17, according to the reports.

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Related: Qatar Airways Says Staff Handled Passenger Death with Dignity After Couple Is Forced to Sit Next to Dead Body for 4 Hours

Mirza was expected to fly on the BA 284 flight from San Francisco International Airport to London Heathrow, taking off at 4:20 p.m. local time. The scheduled flight was ultimately canceled, according to FlightAware.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of our colleague at this difficult time," British Airways tells PEOPLE in a statement.

Mirzas cause of death has not been disclosed at this time.

Read the original article on People
COMMERCE, Okla.  A GoFundMe account has been established to help defray funeral-related costs associated with the death of a 10-year-old Commerce student.

Easton Freeman was killed in an unfortunate accident on Tuesday evening.

Family members describe the child as a joyful one who brought light to every room and brought smiles and laughter to each person he met. 

Easton loved the outdoors, spending time planting flowers and hunting deer in the fall.

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Easton was a loved member of this community, and we all know hell be missed, the family said in the link.

In addition, Commerce Public Schools has opened up a donation fund in honor of Freeman, who attended Alexander Elementary. The district said in a release that every dollar donated will go to the Freeman family to assist with immediate and ongoing needs.

Those wishing to help can do so by dropping off or mailing their donation to:

Easton Freeman Memorial Fund

c/o Commerce Public Schools

217 Commerce Street

Commerce, OK 74339

Douglas Gray, 67, of Miami, was released from the Ottawa County jail on Wednesday. He was being held on a complaint of first-degree manslaughter in the fatal crash.

District Attorney Doug Pewitt and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

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Gray was driving a 2018 Can-Am Defender, a side-by-side utility vehicle.

Preliminary investigation indicates the childs death was the result of an unfortunate accident and not caused by the alleged consumption of alcohol, said Pewitt.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A man connected to the death of a 68-year-old woman earlier this month was arrested in Ohio Friday morning.

Richard Stinson, 68, was wanted on charges of first-degree murder and home invasion, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. Investigators believe Stinson is connected to the death of Rose Davillier, who was found dead in her home on White Sands Drive on April 14.

Davillier was found around 9:30 p.m. after reportedly being attacked. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said she had been battered before first responders arrived.

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Detectives believe he entered Davilliers home, attacked her, and fled the area.

Authorities said an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip led to his arrest in Cincinnati by the US Marshals. Stinson will be extradited to Baton Rouge for first-degree murder and home invasion, according to BRPD.

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
Three burglary suspects pretending to be part of a food delivery service to determine if a home was vacant have been taken into custody in Alhambra, police said Tuesday.

The incident took place in the 3300 block of Balzac Street and was captured on surveillance video.

A suspicious individual posing as an Uber Eats driver pulled up and asked if the residents ordered DoorDash. We dont think she even knew which app she was pretending to work for, the Alhambra Police Department posted on Instagram.

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After determining that no one was home, the suspect signaled to her crew and waited outside as a lookout while they jumped a fence and forced entry.

A burglary suspect is seen in an image taken from video provided by the Alhambra Police Department.

Just as they started grabbing stuff, they noticed APD outside and decided to play hide-and-seek, the post read.

The lookout then tried to warn her partners by texting that officers were in the area, but she got caught herself, police said.

Officers set up a perimeter and used K-9 unit Doggo to help capture the suspects identified as Kennisha Powell of Lake Elsinore, Dejon Brown of Baldwin Park and Jerry Mullens of Los Angeles.

All three were booked on suspicion of residential burglary.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
BURKBURNETT (KFDX/KJTL)As the month of the military child continues, Burkburnett ISD held a family night to honor students from both civilian and military families.

Whether it was through wearing purple for the Month of the Military Child or Burkburnetts orange and black, students from civilian and military families alike were welcome at the annual Family Night.

For Superintendent Brad Owen, the celebration is perfectly timed.

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Were about 26% military-connected students in our school district, which means a lot to us, Owen said. And so, we want to ensure that we celebrate all of our students who are connected to the military in some way, shape, or form.

The family night was a sharing program for students of all ages to show their hard work over the year to their families, but for those in the Student2Student program, like Carlie Ash, its a way to continue integrating kids in military families into the school district.

Our Student2Student club does a great job of promoting things like this, to make sure that they feel welcome, Ash said. This is a great opportunity for military students to get to know the community theyre new to and just learn to love it like we do.

Getting to know a new community is something fellow student Gracyn Haas is all too familiar with.

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I was a military child not so long ago, and so I know how it feels coming into a community, Haas said. And whenever its such a tight-knit community like this, its easy to find friends where you fit in.

As someone who has seen both sides of the civilian and military life, Jimmy Beeson, one of the Burkburnett school board members, applauds the districts efforts to keep military students engaged.

They dont have the opportunity to build some of those long-term relationships because they get uprooted, Beeson said. But to have schools that, no kidding, focus on them and make sure that theyre made a part of the school district and the family, thats huge.

When it comes to recognizing kids during the military child month, no gesture is too large.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
A Burlington police officer required medical treatment after a man head-butted him while being carried out of a North Avenue business.

Police say Jeremy Bald , 35, was issued a trespass notice for the business at 3:23 p.m. Wednesday, but Bald resisted and officers had to carry him out.

Blad continued to resist, police say, kicking officers trying to put him into a cruiser. Officers subdued Bald with pepper spray and he was taken to UVM Medical Center for evaluation, where police say he threatened staff and refused treatment.

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As officers were attempting to put Bald back in the police cruiser, he headbutted one of the officers. He received medical treatment for an undisclosed injury.

Bald, who police say does not have a criminal record in Vermont, was jailed on $2,000 bail at the Northwest Correctional Facility. He is dued on court Thursday on charges of aggravated assault on protected professional, resisting Arrest, unlawful trespass and disorderly conduct,

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Apr. 24Doctors believe Roy and Janet Palmer could have spent another decade together. More yearly trips to the Fryeburg Fair, more nights spent watching "NCIS" and NASCAR races, more spontaneous day trips and visits with family.

Janet Palmer thought they'd still have that future when she dropped her 69-year-old husband off at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta five years ago for abnormal stomach pain. The U.S. Army veteran died less than a month later as a result of medical negligence, a judge ruled Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Stacy Neumann awarded Palmer $1.3 million in damages for the VA's role in her husband's death.

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"Janet and Roy both met each other later in life. And both loved each other deeply," said her attorney, Travis Brennan. "They had plans for the future and expected to have many more years together, and that was suddenly and abruptly stolen from Janet back in 2020."

Roy Palmer arrived at Togus on April 6, 2020, suffering unusual and severe abdominal pain, according to court records. He was immediately admitted and, over the next three days, received extremely high doses of pain medication by several doctors who didn't seem to communicate with each other.

He was given so much hydromorphone, a type of opioid, that staff had to override an automatic alert in their electronic medical system, according to court records, and he was prescribed conflicting medications that are known to increase the risk of overdose. He also was being held in an overflow unit where he wasn't closely monitored.

"This case highlights a system failure at the Togus VA, where several different providers expected other providers to do things and didn't take responsibility themselves for checking or changing things," Brennan said in a phone interview Thursday. "And that's a constant theme we see when patients receive poor medical care at hospitals. We often see a system where multiple providers see patients, and no one is actually managing the patient's care from a 30,000-foot view."

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'CONSCIOUS SUFFERING'

Roy Palmer suffered severe brain damage after overdosing and going into respiratory cardiac arrest on April 9, 2020, records show. He was transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he spent more than 20 days ebbing in and out of consciousness. Doctors told the court they believe he struggled so hard to breathe that he probably thought he was drowning.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, Palmer's family and friends weren't able to visit or comfort him. His wife was only allowed to see him once before making the difficult decision to move him to hospice a day before he died.

"While it is true that Mr. Palmer was treated with pain medication such that his physical pain was neither severe nor enduring, the concept of conscious suffering includes more than just physical pain but also the mental anguish that accompanies the realities of the injury," Neumann wrote in her order.

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"Prior to entering the Togus VA for abdominal pain and ultimately being rendered unconscious by the government's negligence, Mr. Palmer could walk, talk, eat and engage in all his normal activities of daily life," she added. "The next time he regained consciousness, he was at an entirely different hospital, intubated and hooked up to machines in the ICU, and unable to communicate. Mr. Palmer was isolated from Mrs. Palmer and all other family and friends throughout the rest of his conscious life."

For Roy Palmer's suffering, Neumann included $175,000 in damages. She then ordered the government to pay his widow more than $450,000 in economic losses, figuring that's what he would have received in income had he lived another 11 years.

Neumann's decision also included $750,000 for what Janet Palmer has lost without his companionship.

SHOWING UP

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Janet Palmer declined to be interviewed through her attorney. Neumann described the widow's testimony at trial, including the fact that she still carries a picture of the couple on their wedding day "so that Mr. Palmer is always close to her."

The couple began dating in 2009 and married in 2016. They lived together in Buxton, where Roy Palmer had lived since he was 7, according to his obituary.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine, which represented the VA, declined to comment on the ruling Thursday. The hospital admitted to the negligence before trial after going through the legal discovery process, but disagreed on how much Janet Palmer was owed.

Parties aren't allowed to advocate for a specific amount of damages in federal court. Neumann's decision to award Janet Palmer $750,000 met the legal limit on these kinds of damages under the law at the time. (Lawmakers increased the cap to $1 million for deaths after 2023, but that doesn't apply retroactively.)

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The VA didn't respond to a request to discuss the ruling or any changes they've made to patient care since Palmer's death.

Brennan acknowledged most facilities have closed-door "peer reviews" to address these issues.

"Our hope is that this type of process would have occurred here," Brennan said. "What we hope for, and certainly what Janet hopes for, is that (when) veterans like Roy need medical care in this country, they will receive quality medical care."

"Our veterans really show up and put their lives on the line for this country. And they deserve quality medical care when they need it, and that should be provided to them. When Roy showed up and he needed that quality care, unfortunately, the system let him down."

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(NewsNation)  Bystanders in Florida helped save a mother and two young children from a man trying to pull them into an SUV.

Witnesses outside the Department of Motor Vehicles in Jacksonville, Florida, saw a man driving away in an SUV while a woman was trying to pull two young children, ages 2 and 6 months, out of the back seat.

Investigators say the man was driving off against the womans will, dragging her and one of the children through the parking lot.

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Robert Crimo III sentenced to life without parole in parade shooting

Bystanders stepped up to help the woman and children, getting them to safety before the driver fled the scene. The witnesses also provided police with a description of the vehicle and the license plate number.

Police later identified and arrested 26-year-old Yanni Human as the suspect.

Human is charged with child abuse, false imprisonment, battery, possession of marijuana and resisting an officer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Engaging in advocacy for the Armenian National Committee of Canada, rather than prioritizing Canadian national interests and maintaining credibility on the international stage, raises serious concerns about the judgment and awareness required for the role of Foreign Minister, said Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada, Trend reports.

Unfortunately, you never acknowledged the suffering of more than 1 million Azerbaijanis who faced ethnic cleansing, massacres, atrocities, cultural erasures and other crimes against humanity committed by Armenia.

As it is well said: Bias, like a shadow, darkens the light of reason.

Just a kind reminder: always stick to facts, not false narratives of Armenian diaspora.

Azerbaijans counter-terrorism measures in 2023, was legitimate and proportionate response to provocations of #Armenias illegal military units present in the territories of Azerbaijan. The operation, that lasted less than 24 hours, aimed to neutralize illegal Armenian military formations and infrastructure, being in full compliance with international humanitarian law.

Civilian populations and infrastructure were not targeted, and Armenian residents departure from the region was a voluntary choice, he wrote on his page on X.
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  On Thursday, April 24th, more than 80 leaders from across Caddo Parish traveled together to Baton Rouge to engage directly with cabinet departments and members of the legislature on behalf of the citizens of Caddo Parish, according to a press release.

We were delighted to be able to bring so many of our local leaders to Baton Rouge for this inaugural event, said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. This is the first time in recent memory that we have brought the needs of Shreveport and Caddo Parish to Baton Rouge as a group.

SPD hosts Gary, Indiana police officers as part of Public Safety Partnership

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Organizations included Caddo Parish administrators and commissioners, Shreveport administration and council members, Shreveport Police and Fire Departments, District Attorneys Office, Caddo Schools administration and School Board members, Caddo Sheriff, Shreveport City Marshall, Port of Caddo-Bossier, LSUS, NLCOG, NLEP, Red River Waterway Commission, Caddo Levee District, Caddo Head Start, Town of Vivian, Village of Ida, and Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber and the Greater Shreveport Chamber.

Caddo Parish Day at the Capitol is all about collaboration, said Caddo Parish Administrator/CEO Erica R. Bryant. When leaders from across our parish come together to engage our state agencies and legislators, the conversations and solutions that result allow us to align our priorities and work toward solutions that ultimately help us improve the quality of life for our residents.

Louisianans honored for art, service at Community Awards Ceremony

The release added that participants met with Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley, LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois, Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson, and representatives from the Office of the Governor, Attorney General, Juvenile Justice, and Department of Transportation.

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Education is the foundation of a strong Louisiana, and its important that our voices are heard at the Capitol, said Keith Burton, Superintendent of Caddo Parish Schools. For us, Caddo Parish Day provided a critical opportunity to ensure our Board Members and school leaders are at the table with agency heads and lawmakers, sharing what our students need and how we can move faster to help them succeed.

Leaders gather to celebrate business growth at annual chamber banquet in Marshall

Attendees also visited the Capitol, witnessed legislative activity, and met with members of the Northwest Louisiana Delegation to share specific requests.

Source: Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Source: Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Source: Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Source: Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Source: Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce

By aligning the outreach of our School Board, City Council, and Parish Commission with members of our business community, we are showcasing for the administration and the legislature the collaborative approach we are taking to improving our community, said Dr. Timothy Magner, President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. With the tremendous turnout and success of this inaugural effort, our goal is to make this an annual event that will grow in size and impact year after year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
California laws require that community colleges in the state accept any legitimate student, and state lawmakers have spent decades making enrollment easier so everyone gets a chance at an education.

Unfortunately, as the non-profit news agency CalMatters reveals, scammers are using this to their advantage, enrolling in California's community colleges as fake students to steal millions in federal financial aid.

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The rise of AI has only made this process easier for thieves, as they can use ChatGPT to create written responses aimed at verifying their identities.

Here's how the scam works, along with some details on how it's leading to stolen federal funds and potentially putting schools at risk.

One in three student applications is fake

Fake students are a big problem in California community colleges, and the problem is growing.

According to CalMatters, in 2021, the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office reported that 20% of applicants were likely fake. That jumped to 25% in 2024. Now, the state believes one in three student applications  34%  is fake.

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"Those are all the ones that are stopped, John Hetts, executive vice chancellor for the data team at the chancellors office, told CalMatters.

Read more: This hedge fund legend warns US stock market will crash a stunning 80%  claims 'Armageddon is coming. Dont believe him? He earned 4,144% during COVID. Heres 3 ways to protect yourself

Colleges report that the imposters have stolen millions in financial aid in the past few years; the scammers have siphoned off more than $10 million in federal funds and $3 million in state funds in the past 12 months alone.

While it's true that this is just a small share of the $1.7 billion in federal aid and $1.5 billion in state aid distributed to California's community colleges, it's still a lot of money lost to fraud.

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Since 2022, officials have spent $150 million on cybersecurity to fight back against the growing scam. The chancellor's office even enlisted the help of tech companies. Individual schools have contracted with ID.Me to provide ID verification for enrollees.

Hetts said its an ongoing battle, as every time colleges update technologies to keep fraudsters out, the bad actors adapt with new techniques.

Hetts added that many students accepted at California's community colleges, including foster children and undocumented individuals, don't have much documentation, making the process of separating legitimate applicants from fraudsters even harder.

How is this affecting students and teachers?

Federal and state funds are likely to continue to flow to the thieves, as real students who need financial aid and a good education are competing with bots for space.

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Teachers are now forced to take on a policing role and root out fake students. They have to do it fast as its difficult to remove students after the first week of school.

Then there is a financial penalty for dropping students  even if theyre fake. Funding is pegged to enrollment.

If they see Im running a class that starts with 35 students and ends with 15, that looks terrible," said librarian Heather Dodge, who teaches an online research course at Berkeley City College.

Federal officials helped fight such fraud in the past, with the Department of Education opening an investigation in 2022 into a fraud ring using the identities of 57 individuals that stole $1.1 million in student aid over four years. However, community leaders already felt the federal government could do more, even before the cuts.

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Unfortunately, leaders at these colleges warn that the Trump Administration's recent cuts to the Department of Education are likely to exacerbate this growing problem, especially given that the office in charge of administering federal financial aid has lost around half of its staff since Trump took office.

When you direct less resources to combating fraud  youre going to get more fraud, Hett said.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
If California were its own country, its economy would now rank as the fourth-largest of any nation across the globe, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, a new milestone that comes at a time of major economic turbulence.

California has long been a global powerhouse, fueled by a variety of sectors including technology, agriculture, tourism and entertainment. The new ranking comes as the state is facing challenges from a trade war with China and other nations that are key California trading partners.

Newsom announced the state's new economic ranking Wednesday after recently released data from the International Monetary Fund and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis indicated that California's nominal gross domestic product now exceeds Japan's.

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According to the data, Californias nominal GDP reached $4.1 trillion, surpassing Japans $4.02 trillion. That places the Golden State behind only the United States at $29.18 trillion, China at $18.74 trillion and Germany at $4.65 trillion.

"California isnt just keeping pace with the world  were setting the pace," Newsom said in a statement. "Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability, and believe in the power of innovation."

Of the top-four global economies, California's is also the fastest growing, according to data and Newsom's office. Its nominal GDP grew at a rate of 6% in 2024, outpacing the U.S.' overall 5.3% rate, China's 2.6% rate and Germany's 2.9% rate. Meanwhile, Japan's growth has declined when measured in U.S. dollars, due in part to exchange-rate fluctuations and a drop in population.

In 2023, California's gross domestic product was about $3.9 trillion, comprising roughly 14% of the national GDP, according to data published in January by the Public Policy Institute of California.

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Read more: California is growing again: Golden State's population rebounds to near pre-pandemic level

Newsom attributed California's showing to a growing population and record tourism spending coupled with a high concentration of venture capital and new business ventures. He also touted the strength of the state's agricultural, high-tech and manufacturing centers.

Growth in jobs and businesses have largely powered the state's economy. And the Golden State has benefited from its ties to the global marketplace and its position as the hub of the world's entrepreneurs, experts say.

"We've known for a long time that California is a very powerful economy. We have 40 million people. We have very productive workers and we have some unicorn businesses that have started here and continue here, such as Apple and Google," said Lee Ohanian, an economics professor at UCLA.

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Real estate and finance have for decades been the largest contributors to the state's GDP. The professional services and information industries, driven largely by tech, have also grown significantly, data show.

California's labor market grew by roughly 30%  or 4.2 million jobs  between 1998 and the second quarter of 2024. Over the same time frame, the number of businesses with employees expanded more than 72%, according to the Public Policy Institute of California report.

The new data come at an uncertain time for the country as economists and business owners continue to sound the alarm about the toll a trade war could take on the economy, both in the United States and California.

President Trump's tariffs could hammer Southern California's nearly $300-billion trade and logistics industry in the coming years, according to a Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. report released this week.

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The effects of tariffs could jeopardize California's ability to remain in fourth place, Kevin Klowden, executive director of Milken Institute Finance, told The Times in an email.

"Shipping and logistics make up a huge part of the economy as do California's ties in supply chains, exports and entrepreneurial activity, especially to Asia," Klowden said. "California is benefiting from the exemptions on computers and phones, but it is more exposed to world trade than most states. The main threat though is probably India, provided it is also not hit hard by tariffs."

Last week Newsom announced a lawsuit challenging Trumps executive authority to enact international tariffs without the support of Congress, calling the president's economic policies a "wrecking ball" to Americas global reputation.

Read more: 'I don't trust America.' Trump's tariffs, detentions take a toll on local tourism

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The legal action argues that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act that Trump cited to impose tariffs does not grant the president the ability to unilaterally adopt tariffs on goods imported to the U.S.

Newsom's office said California engaged in $675 billion in two-way trade last year and stands to lose billions in state revenue under Trumps initial tariff policies. Some tariffs have since been relaxed.

"While we celebrate this success, we recognize that our progress is threatened by the reckless tariff policies of the current federal administration," Newsom said in a statement this week on the new economic milestone. "Californias economy powers the nation, and it must be protected.

As U.S. and global markets tumbled following Trump's tariff announcement, Newsom announced that California would look for ways to expand trade and persuade international partners to continue working with the state, which he referred to as the "tent pole of the U.S. economy."

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The last time California advanced in world economic ratings was 2018, when its nominal GDP surpassed the United Kingdom's to move into fifth place. India's economy, which is currently $3.90 trillion, is predicted to overtake California's in 2026, according to current data trends.

And even amid economic growth, the state is grappling with deep financial inequalities that persist between its various regions and other headwinds that could hamper further prosperity.

In 2023, the Bay Area's per capita income was $131,000, more than double that of the Inland Empire and Central Valley. Twenty-five years earlier, the regions had a roughly $32,000 difference at most in per capita income, according to the PPIC analysis.

The chronic problems of housing unaffordability, homelessness, delayed infrastructure improvements, issues surrounding water storage and conveyance, and the loss of private-sector jobs could be barriers to additional growth, Ohanian said.

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Since September 2022, California's private sector has lost a net 154,000 jobs, while the public sector has gained 361,000, according to last year's Legislative Analyst's Office report.

"We need those private-sector jobs because they provide the tax base and tax revenue that fund what the state and local governments do," Ohanian said. "If we can make progress on those fronts, then I think California growth will accelerate."

Times staff writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A California man appeared in federal court on Tuesday after authorities said he cyberstalked and posted sexually explicit photos of his Oregon ex-girlfriend online over the course of 14 years.

Court documents allege that from 2009 to 2023, 42-year-old Jason Campos stalked and harassed his former intimate partner by posting the explicit images of her and posting personal information online.

Gresham man slashed partners throat in front of 10-year-old daughter, gets 70-month sentence

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The documents further allege that in 2007, when they were still in a relationship, Campos told the victim that a laptop containing the explicit images was stolen from his vehicle. Their relationship ended in 2008.

However, a year later, the documents state the victim searched her name online and discovered the images had been posted on multiple sites, including Facebook, Craigslist, without her consent.

Campos continued to use these accounts to publish sexually explicit images of the victim online over the next 14 years, with Campos even asking viewers to contact the victim directly, the documents state.

Suspect arrested after shooting in Hazelwood Neighborhood, 1 injured

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In one July 2021 instance, Campos created an email account under the victims name and posed as her while contacting her attorney in Oregon. He then requested and obtained a file which contained the victims address and information about a child, court documents say.

In January 2022, Campos then emailed the victim, mentioning the child by name and asking if the victim was the childs mother. He further used the email account to post more explicit images of the victim on an online message board.

The court documents add Campos then asked viewers to print the images and post them around the Oregon neighborhood in which the victim lived at the time.

After being indicted on charges of stalking, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, Campos was arrested in Granite Bay, Calif. He appeared in federal court in Sacramento on Tuesday, plead not guilty on all charges and was detained pending further court proceedings.

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According to the United States Attorneys Office with the District of Oregon, Campos faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted for the wire fraud, five years in prison if convicted for stalking, and a minimum of two years in federal prison if only convicted for aggravated identity theft.

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(KRON)  California has overtaken Japan and is now the fourth largest economy in the world, according to newly released data cited by Gov. Gavin Newsoms office. The data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) was released on Wednesday.

According to Gov. Newsoms office, the data indicates Californias nominal GDP reached $4.1 trillion, surpassing Japans $4.02 trillion. California now ranks only behind the United States, China and Germany in global rankings.

Californias GDP figure, according to Gov. Newsoms office, is based on state-level GDP data from the BEA.

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Trans San Jose State U. volleyball player Blaire Fleming speaks out

California isnt just keeping pace with the world  were setting the pace, said Gov. Newsom. Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability, and believe in the power of innovation.

Californias economy is also growing at a faster rate than the worlds top three economies, Newsoms office said. In 2024, Californias growth rate of 6% outpaced the U.S. (5.3%), China (2.6%), and Germany (2.9%).

However, the Golden States long-term standing is not assured. According to Gov. Newsoms office, preliminary data indicates that India is projected to surpass California by next year.

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The governor also cautioned that the current tariff-based trade policies of the Trump administration could slow Californias economic ascent.

And, while we celebrate this success, we recognize that our progress is threatened by the reckless tariff policies of the current federal administration. Californias economy powers the nation, and it must be protected, Newsom said.

Industries leading Californias economic charge cited by the governors office include tourism, startups, access to venture capital funding, manufacturing, high-tech, and agriculture. The state, according to Newsom, also sends over $83 billion more to the federal government than it receives in federal funding.

Last week, Gov. Newsom filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the presidents use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs.

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As tariff drama unfolds and threatens to snarl the movement of goods into the U.S., the San Pedro Bay ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach could see steeper-than-anticipated drop-offs in cargo volume to kick off the first full week of May.

According to the L.A. ports Port Optimizer, inbound cargo volume for the week of May 4-10 is forecast to plummet 32.8 percent from the year prior to 74,925 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

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In March, Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka projected a 2025 second-half volume decline of 10 percent, before indicating earlier this month that the drop-off could start as early as May.

When including Long Beach, the full complex could see a much deeper year-over-year drop in total vessel calls, with Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero citing a 44 percent decline in ships projected to enter both ports that week.

Cordero had already been more bearish than Seroka about the rest of the year, previously saying that total cargo volumes into the Long Beach port would sink 20 percent in 2025s second half.

The Port Optimizer indicates a current flood of cargo into the L.A. port ahead of the downturn, representing much of the remaining product that has been out on the ocean for weeks, ahead of President Donald Trumps Liberation Day announcement of country-specific reciprocal tariffs and a repeatedly escalating series of duties on goods out of China.

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For the current week of April 20-26, TEUs are up 56 percent from the year prior to 119,784 containers. The product rush is immediately expected to subside 28.6 percent on a weekly basis next week (April 27-May 3) to 85,486 TEUs.

This would mark a 10.5 percent dip from the year prior, and be the first week the tariffs will significantly impact volume into West Coast ports.

The China tariffs in particular, which have since ran up to 145 percent, have spooked U.S. importers into cancelling or postponing shipments en masse until the situation is clearer.

The ripples from the cancellations and delays have manifested out on the Pacific Ocean, first with a slowdown in export activity out of major China ports including Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen and a slew of blank sailings from ocean carriers on the trans-Pacific trade lane.

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As much as 28 percent of weekly cargo capacity on the Asia-to-U.S. West Coast route is expecting to be blanked on the week of April 28-May 3, says Sea-Intelligence.

One of the worlds largest ocean carriers, Hapag-Lloyd, said its customers have cancelled 30 percent of China-to-U.S. shipments. While the shipping firm is keeping the number of passages unchanged, it is using smaller vessels on the trans-Pacific.

For now, it appears demand is coming from elsewhere as the 145-percent tariffs remain in effect.

There is substantial cargo from China being held back and a big increase in bookings from Southeast Asia like Thailand and Cambodia, said Nils Haupt, a spokesperson for the German container shipping liner. This is the most unpredictable period weve ever been in.

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Thailand and Cambodia are currently both subject to the 10-percent baseline tariffs Trump slapped on all countries after putting his original country-specific tariffs on pause for 90 days.

If the China tariffs are lowered, which has been hinted at by both Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, container shipping would likely bring a sudden surge in Chinese cargo volumes back to the West Coast ports.

This will in part be cargo which has been held back over the past three weeks, and in part an effect of U.S. importers being wary that tariffs changes tend to happen very quickly and therefore would want to get the peak season volumes moved as fast as possible lest the tariffs should suddenly rise again, said Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, in his daily LinkedIn update Wednesday.

However, a positive turn of fortunes would not make supply chain operations any easier.

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Given the rash of blank sailings in recent weeks, a sudden sharp lowering of U.S. tariffs and surge in volume is likely to cause short-term hiccups in the supply chain with possible capacity shortage and resultant escalating rate levels, said Jensen.

The unpredictability out at sea is inevitably expected to cascade over to U.S. logistics industries like trucking, rail and warehousing.

Trucking companies have largely avoided the California ports in recent weeks due to the tariffs, as truck drivers anticipate fewer volumes for transportation.

On the rail, Union Pacific noted in an earnings call that the company expects decreased international intermodal volume in the second half of the year as customers diversify back to East Coast and Canadian ports. CSX, which doesnt operate on the West Coast, remained optimistic that volumes on the East Coast would possibly benefit due to the West Coast ports high concentration of Chinese imports.

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And in warehousing, Prologis has already seen a stockpiling of inventory levels and a search for overflow space, with one prominent customer increasing their warehouse utilization from 83 percent to over 90 percent.

Even with the pause in some tariffs or a resolution of others, customers simply lack a steady backdrop upon which to plan their businesses, said Prologis chief financial officer Tim Arndt in a recent earnings call.
Five employees of a private Northern California security company, known for using controversial tactics, have been charged in connection with a February incident in Idaho where an audience member in a Republican town hall was forcibly removed by men in plainclothes.

The men, wearing civilian clothing, pulled the woman from her seat and carried her out of the building by her arms and feet as she resisted and repeatedly asked who they were.

"Who are these guys?" she shouts in the video as the unidentified men grab her to eject her from the building.

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On Wednesday, officials in the Idaho city of Coeur d'Alene said those men were from the security company Lear Asset Management and were facing several misdemeanor charges in connection with the incident, including not wearing a uniform or visible security identification. The company's chief executive, Paul Trouette, was listed among the defendants and is also charged with four counts of battery, two counts of false imprisonment, and one count of security agent uniform violation, according to the city attorney's office.

The four other employees, identified as Alex Trouette IV, Russell Dunne, Christofer Berg and Jesse Jones, also face additional charges, including battery and false imprisonment.

A sixth man, Michael Keller, who authorities say is not affiliated with the company, is also charged with battery in connection with the incident.

Neither Paul Trouette nor his company responded to requests for comment.

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Founded and based in the small town of Willits, in Mendocino County, Lear Asset Management was founded by Trouette in 2012, according to state records.

The company attracted clients in the logging industry, as well as from marijuana growers and private landowners looking to eradicate unlicensed grows.

In operations, its employees were often seen heavily armed and wearing camouflage.

The firm was at times contracted by companies who clashed with environmentalists.

One activist told SFGate they faced Lear employees while protesting Humboldt Redwood Co.'s operations.

Sarah Luttio told the publication that during protests from 2019 to 2022, where they sat in trees to prevent them from being removed, Lear employees used intimidation tactics including harassing them with floodlights and playing loud music, sounds of screaming animals and right-wing talk radio.

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According to its website, Lear Asset Management operates mainly in the Pacific Northwest. The company has worked with clients with "large land assets" such as timber companies but has also worked with schools, corporations and private assets.

The company also touts that it works with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including local police and sheriff departments, California state parks, the Bureau of Land Management, FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration.

In a 2014 article in Time, the magazine reported that Lear employed about 15 people, including former military personnel, who were being hired by large property owners to clear illegal pot grows, while wearing camouflaged gear and carrying AR-15 rifles.

When video of the Feb. 22 incident in Idaho surfaced, it quickly turned viral online, with many wondering who the men were since they weren't wearing any type of uniform.

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Teresa Borrenpohl, the protester who was removed by the employees, later commented on the incident on Instagram.

"I could have never imagined my right to free speech and my right to assemble could be stripped in such a violent way," she wrote.

Two days after the violent confrontation, the city identified the men as employees of Lear Asset Management.

Borrenpohl had been initially cited for allegedly biting one of the men, but city officials said the citation was dismissed. City officials also revoked the business license for Lear Asset Management for violating the city ordinance regarding private security companies.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The California Supreme Court urged the State Bar of California on Thursday to explain how and why it utilized artificial intelligence to develop multiple-choice questions for its botched February bar exams.

Californias highest court, which oversees the State Bar, disclosed Tuesday that its justices were not informed before the exam that the State Bar had allowed its independent psychometrician to use AI to develop a small subset of questions.

The Court on Thursday upped its public pressure on the State Bar, demanding it explain how it used AI to develop questions  and what actions it took to ensure the reliability of the questions.

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The demand comes as the State Bar petitions the court to adjust test scores for hundreds of prospective California lawyers who complained of multiple technical problems and irregularities during the February exams.

Read more: State Bar of California admits it used AI to develop exam questions, triggering new furor

The controversy is about more than the State Bars use of artificial intelligence per se. Its about how the State Bar used AI to develop questions  and how rigorous its vetting process was  for a high-stakes exam that determines whether thousands of aspiring attorneys can practice law in California each year.

It also raises questions about how transparent State Bar officials were as they sought to ditch the National Conference of Bar Examiners Multistate Bar Examination  a system used by most states  and roll out a new hybrid model of in-person and remote testing in an effort to cut costs.

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In a statement Thursday, the Supreme Court said it was seeking answers as to "how and why AI was used to draft, revise, or otherwise develop certain multiple-choice questions, efforts taken to ensure the reliability of the AI-assisted multiple-choice questions before they were administered, the reliability of the AI-assisted multiple-choice questions, whether any multiple-choice questions were removed from scoring because they were determined to be unreliable, and the reliability of the remaining multiple-choice questions used for scoring."

Last year, the court approved the State Bars plan to forge an $8.25-million, five-year deal with Kaplan to create 200 test questions for a new exam. The State Bar also hired a separate company, Meazure Learning, to administer the exam.

It was not until this week  nearly two months after the exam  that the State Bar revealed in a news release that it had deviated from its plan to use Kaplan Exam Services to write all the multiple-choice questions.

In a presentation , the State Bar revealed that 100 of the 171 scored multiple-choice questions were made by Kaplan and 48 were drawn from a first-year law students' exam. A smaller subset of 23 scored questions was made by ACS Ventures, the State Bars psychometrician, and developed with artificial intelligence.

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We have confidence in the validity of the [multiple-choice questions] to accurately and fairly assess the legal competence of test-takers, Leah Wilson, the State Bars executive director, said in a statement.

Read more: Trump releases new files on RFK assassination

Alex Chan, an attorney who chairs the Committee of Bar Examiners, which exercises oversight over the California Bar Examination, told The Times on Tuesday that only a small subset of questions used AI  and not necessarily to create the questions.

Chan also noted that the California Supreme Court urged the State Bar in October to review the availability of any new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, that might innovate and improve upon the reliability and cost-effectiveness of such testing.

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The court has given its guidance to consider the use of AI, and thats exactly what were going to do, Chan said.

That process, Chan later explained, would be subject to the courts review and approval.

On Thursday, Chan revealed to The Times that State Bar officials had not told the Committee of Bar Examiners ahead of the exams that it planned to use AI.

The Committee was never informed about the use of AI before the exam took place, so it could not have considered, much less endorsed, its use, Chan said.

Katie Moran, an associate professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law who specializes in bar exam preparation, said this raised a series of questions.

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Who at the State Bar directed ACS Ventures, a psychometric company with no background in writing bar exam questions, to author multiple-choice questions that would appear on the bar exam? she said on LinkedIn . What guidelines, if any, did the State Bar provide?

Mary Basick, assistant dean of academic skills at UC Irvine Law School, said it was a big deal that the changes in how the State Bar drafted its questions were not approved by the Committee of Bar Examiners or the California Supreme Court.

What they approved was a multiple-choice exam with Kaplan-drafted questions, she said. Kaplan is a bar prep company, so of course, has knowledge about the legal concepts being tested, the bar exam itself, how the questions should be structured. So the thinking was that it wouldn't be a big change.

Read more: Its a shambles: DOGE cuts bring chaos, long waits at Social Security for seniors

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Any major change that could impact how test-takers prepare for the exam, she noted, requires a two-year notice under Californias Business and Professions Code.

Typically, these types of questions take years to develop to make sure they're valid and reliable and there's multiple steps of review, Basick said. There was simply not enough time to do that.

Basick and other professors have also raised concerns that hiring a non-legally trained psychometrist to develop questions with AI, as well as determine whether the questions are valid and reliable, represents a conflict of interest.

The State Bar has disputed that idea: The process to validate questions and test for reliability is not a subjective one, and the statistical parameters used by the psychometrician remain the same regardless of the source of the question, it said in a statement.

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On Tuesday, the State Bar told The Times that all questions were reviewed by content validation panels and subject matter experts ahead of the exam for factors including legal accuracy, minimum competence and potential bias.

When measured for reliability, the State Bar said, the combined scored multiple-choice questions from all sources  including AI  performed above the psychometric target of 0.80.

The State Bar has yet to answer questions about why it deviated from its plan for Kaplan to draft all the exam multiple-choice questions. It has also not elaborated on how ACS Ventures used AI to develop its questions.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Dozens of campsites across the Midwest will be closing in May, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced Thursday.

The Kansas City District of USACE said it will be temporarily closing or reducing services at recreation areas across Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa beginning May 15.

Kansas City tattoo artist helps self-harm survivors find beauty in brokenness

According to the USACE, staffing shortages and a lack of resources are the reasons for these changes.

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USACE is currently managing seasonal staffing and resource limitations that affect its ability to safely open and maintain all recreation sites at normal levels of service, the USACE said in a news release.

These temporary adjustments are being made at all 18 Kansas City District lakes to ensure visitor safety, protect environmental resources and sustain critical hydropower and dam operations.

Its important to note that these USACE closures have no impact on services at state parks.

Although impacts will be seen at all 18 district lakes, the USACE said there will be significant impacts at the following lake projects:

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Campground closures

The following campgrounds will be fully or partially closed for the 2025 season:

Minooka Park: Marshall Cove Loop, Wilson Lake, KS  closed for dispersed overnight use, day use remains open

North and South Outlet Park: Harlan County Lake, NE  closure of 25 primitive campsites, river access and day use remain open

Information Center impacts

The following information centers will be closed:

Hillsdale Lake Information Center: Hillsdale Lake, KS  closed to public, no public services including interagency pass and USACE annual pass sales. Visit store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes for sale information.

Kanopolis Lake Information Center: Kanopolis Lake, KS  closed to the public, pass sales by appointment only.

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The USACE said it is committed to resuming full services when conditions allow.

Until then, the USACE is encouraging visitors to verify the status of recreation sites before traveling and to consider alternative locations where needed.

Click here for the USACEs official recreation website for the most current status of affected sites, updates and detailed maps.

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Columnist Randy Stapilus suggests (Getty Images)

In recent weeks, both of Oregons major political parties have changed leadership, under very different circumstances. Party leadership is only a small part of what makes the candidates under their banner successful, but it can be a coal mine canary of sorts, an indicator of underlying issues or strengths.

Over the last generation, Democrats have been faring gradually better in Oregon, and Republicans less well. What might we learn from a look at party leadership?

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Start with the Democrats.

They have had three chairs in this decade. Carla KC Hanson, following five years leading the Multnomah County Democrats, was elected to two-year terms in 2019 and 2021. In 2023, she departed and the partys vice chair, Rosa Colquitt, who also had worked for years in various positions in the party organization, was elected to the top spot.

This year, the state Democratic Central Committee met in Corvallis on March 16 and in a contested election replaced her with a new chair, Nathan Soltz, who at age 27 happens to be the youngest person to hold that job. He isnt a newcomer to the party organization, however.

Soltz started work with the Democrats in Jackson County (one of Oregons most competitive) a decade ago, has worked in labor organizing and in the Legislature and was elected state party secretary two years ago.

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Theres something to be said for injecting new blood in leadership positions from time to time (and Soltz may well provide some of that). But party organizations also can benefit from leaders who know how things work and understand how to get along with the various interests and groups that make up a large party, and manage to avoid conflict and controversy (other than when directed at the opposition).

Over to the Republicans.

Six people have led the Oregon Republican Party since 2020. These years opened with a period of some stability under Bill Currier, a mayor of Adair Village who had worked in various party positions for years before his election as chair in February 2015.

Six years later, shortly after releasing a statement (that many party leaders had backed) saying the Jan. 6, 2021 attempted insurrection in Washington, D.C. was a false flag operation (drawing complaints from within and outside the party), he lost a re-election bid to state Sen. Dallas Heard of Myrtle Creek.

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After serving just over a year, Heard departed after complaining about conflict within the party, including communist psychological warfare tactics. (Others in the party said a flashpoint was debate over whether to open the partys primary to non-Republicans.) The vice-chair, former legislator Herman Baertschiger, served as acting chair for about four months but then quit.

The job next went to Justin Hwang, a Gresham restaurant owner and former legislative candidate who had become vice-chair of the state party only three months before. He held the job until February of this year, providing some stability. During Hwangs tenure, Oregon Republicans won in 2022  and then lost in 2024  a second congressional seat and legislative races that temporarily ended Democrats supermajority control in the House and Senate.

When the post came open for election early this year, a range of candidates contended, including former Senate candidate Jo Rae Perkins (the incumbent party secretary), Washington County Republican leader Gabriel Buehler, as well as a legislative candidate and a city councilor.

It was won from outside: A Columbia County pastor and insurance agent, Jerry Cummings. He prevailed after saying the party should focus less on hot-button issues to reach beyond the Republican base and do a better job of presenting a message that makes us contenders around the state.

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But on April 8, the Oregon Journalism Project reported on court records from a long-running divorce and custody case and more recent lawsuits filed by creditors. The legal records included accusations from Cummings ex-wife that he engaged in sexual violence, allegations Cummings denied.

He soon resigned, and the job once again went to the partys vice chair, Connie Whelchel of Deschutes County.

Considering that the party chair takes the lead in party organization, hiring, planning for campaigns and more, these rapid-fire turnovers, frequent controversies and overall lack of stability could have contributed to the partys gradual weakening in the state during the last couple of decades.

Thats not all, of course. A great deal of political strength in the party is held by people and groups outside the Oregon voting mainstream.

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But problems with stable leadership arent helping the party either. They may do well to consider why the job seems hard to fill with the kind of leaders they need.

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SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azerbaijans Karabakh boasts vast untapped tourism potential, Xavier Cortal, a visitor from Barcelona, told Trend.

Having already been to Azerbaijan a couple of times, this was his first opportunity to explore Karabakh, a place he described as both beautiful and welcoming.

Cortal reflected on his visit, noting the positive signs of progress in the region. "Many countries that were at war often face a lot of destruction afterward, he said. "But I think this is going the right way. You are rebuilding the country." He expressed hope for the future, especially for the people returning to the area. "When they come back, you just hope they will have work opportunities," he added.

Cortal also highlighted the regions potential for tourism, describing it as an area with great prospects for development in that sector. "Its a beautiful place. In the future, I think it has great tourism potential," he noted.

Meanwhile, today, travelers from 30 countries of the world have started their trip to Azerbaijan's Karabakh. The delegation will spend three days in Karabakh and East Zangezur, where they will observe the extensive reconstruction and restoration efforts, demining activities, and the destruction caused by the brutalities during the period of occupation by Armenia.

Over the past 5 years, the large delegations of the major international travel networks, such as ETIC, MTP, TCC, NomadMania, and the Turkish Travel Club, as well as the Turkish Travelers Club, British "Piki Reels", Swedish "Club 100," have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 12 times. This trip is the 13th group visit of foreign travelers to Karabakh.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A group of Canisius High School students are still in awe from their trip to the Vatican on Easter Sunday, where they witnessed Pope Francis give his final blessing.

Pope Francis died on Monday at 88 years old after he suffered a stroke. Western New Yorkers and local Catholics have been honoring his legacy and mourning him since.

To see him in person was truly a blessing, said high school sophomore Gabriele Pili. Ive never seen a pope before and to see him was truly remarkable.

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Now knowing that that was his last blessing, his last day, I really dont know how I feel about it. Its amazing, said high school junior Anthony Pepe.

Every year during Easter break, students from Canisius High School embark on an educational trip somewhere around the world. This year, the trip just so happened to be in Italy.

On Sunday, the group attended Easter mass and then saw the late Pope Francis give his blessing in Saint Peters Square.

To have him come out and give that blessing, it was pretty moving, said Craig Hinchcliffe, a leader of the trip and history teacher at Canisius High School.

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It was amazing, being there present for the blessing, Pepe said.

It was just nice to see all the people, different backgrounds, different places, whether from Italy, Ethiopia, Australia  just coming together to see the pope and to celebrate Gods grace, said high school freshman Jayden Munyana.

Leading up to the trip, the school wasnt sure the Pope Francis would even be there, which is what made this moment even more meaningful.

It truly felt special to see him alive, Pili said.

Students and faculty are still processing what they experienced, but said its a moment theyll never forget.

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Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work.

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The Cannes Film Festival has expressed profound sadness over the death in an Israeli airstrike of Palestinian artist and photojournalist Fatima Hassouna, who is the subject of a documentary invited to the parallel ACID section this year.

Hassouna was killed with nine members of her family in a direct strike on their home in Gaza City on April 16.

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The 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist had made it her mission to bear witness to the daily lives of the inhabitants of Gaza in 2025 through her work and dedication, despite the risks associated with the war in the Palestinian enclave, the Cannes Film Festival said in a statement.

Fatima Hassouna is one of the far too many victims of the violence that has engulfed the region for months, it continued.

Hassouna, who had gained recognition for her photojournalism capturing the impact on the Gaza Strips civilian population of the Israeli military campaign, appears in French-Iranian director Sepideh Farsis Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk.

The film will play in the parallel ACID sidebar, run by Frances Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema, on April 15.

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The Festival de Cannes wishes to express its dread and profound sadness at this tragedy that has moved and shocked the whole world. Although a film is a small thing in the face of such a tragedy, the screening of Sepideh Farsis Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk on May 15 in Cannes as part of ACID, will be, in addition to the message of the film itself, a way to honor the memory of Fatima Hassouna.

Israels bombing and invasion of Gaza began in October 2023 in response to Hamas October 7 attacks on southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in the taking of 251 hostages.

Eighteen months on, at least 51,065 people have died according to figures released by the Hamas-run Gaza health authority, endorsed by the United Nations, although statistical research published by the Lancet medical journal in February suggested this figure may be 15,000 higher.

Another 116,505 people have also been injured in the Gaza Strip, while 90 percent of the territorys 2.1 million-strong population has been displaced. Of the 251 hostages taken during the October 7 attack, 59 remain in the Gaza Strip, with around 24 of them still believed to be alive.

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Canon Gordon Reid, who has died aged 82, was an Anglican clergyman of an advanced bells-and-smells kind.

Reids last posting was to St Clements Church, Philadelphia, famous  perhaps notorious  for its extravagant liturgical ritualism. He had previously held some of the most evocative offices in the Anglican Communion: Chaplain of Genoa and Milan, Dean of Gibraltar and Archdeacon of Italy.

Dashing and handsome in his youth, Reid retained a rich Scots brogue which charmed many of those he met; he also had a mischievous sense of humour and a prodigious gift for forging personal connections, especially with the young. His colourful dress sense  he often appeared in the guise of a Roman Catholic monsignor, dripping in amaranthine purple  belied a steely determination to get things done.

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As a young priest in Edinburgh, Reid had instigated a prodigious youth ministry and was an assiduous visitor of people in their homes and in prison; he also appreciated the value of a priest doing normal things, like having a pint in a pub.

Marrying friends in Califonia, 2016

His practical side saw him sent to be Chaplain in Stockholm in 1989, where his predecessors had had a particularly wretched time. The bishop was clear where the problem lay, and knew that it would be difficult: But I know that when you get there, Gordon, whoever has a nervous breakdown, it wont be you.

A skill for languages helped immensely with his peripatetic lifestyle; he spoke German and French well, had a smattering of Swedish and Turkish, and enough Italian and Spanish to get by. In 2003 he caught himself thinking not the Riviera again, and realised it was time to return to a parish before he retired: he arrived in Philadelphia in 2004. The Episcopal Church in the United States suited him well  not least in its progressive approach to the sacraments (notably matrimony).

After a decade at St Clements, Reid decided to remain in the US in retirement rather than return to Britain. He continued to minister in local parishes and was enthusiastic about making himself available to churches who needed a clergyman for the weekend  celebrating the Eucharist, hearing confessions, and preaching for no longer than seven minutes.

St Josephs Day celebrated at Reids apartment in Philadelphia, 2020

William Gordon Reid (always known as Gordon) was born in Hawick in the Scottish Borders on January 28 1943. His father was a tweed worker and his mother a midwife; he was baptised in the Kirk, and his early religious instruction was seen to by three colleagues of his fathers, middle-aged maiden Baptists. After the family moved to Galashiels, he joined the choir at St Peters Episcopal Church, where he first encountered Anglicanism.

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The priesthood was not always his settled path; he had decided on a career in the Foreign Office, and duly read French and German at Edinburgh. The influence of attending the ultra-ritualistic Old St Pauls bent the arc, however; when he graduated he went to Oxford to train for ordination at Cuddesdon Theological College. Robert Runcie was its principal; Reid also fell under the influence of mid-20th-century Anglo-Catholic figureheads like Austin Farrer and Colin Stephenson.

Reid was made deacon in 1967 and ordained to the priesthood a year later by Bishop Kenneth Carey, a former principal of Westcott House, Cambridge, and a noted liberal who had been elected to the see of Edinburgh in 1961 by just one vote  seeing off his orthodox rival in what was widely regarded at the time as a battle for the soul of the diocese.

Reid liked Carey, and duly served his curacy at St Salvadors, Edinburgh (St Sallys, as it was known). Afterwards he became chaplain at Salisbury Theological College  during which time he also ministered to Anglicans in Oberammergau during the 1970 Passion Play. He returned to Edinburgh in 1972 as Rector of St Michael and All Saints.

With his mother on the day of his ordination

Reid turned St Michaels, which was well up the candle already, into the kind of incense-filled Anglo-Papalist shrine that he adored. When Colin Stephenson died suddenly in 1973, Reid found himself his sole heir; he gladly took possession of a new car, and with an advance from the estate drove with a friend to the South of France, lighting candles for the weal of his benefactor in every church they entered.

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With considerable skills of preaching and leadership, in 1984 he was appointed Provost of St Andrews Cathedral, Inverness. He had also been an effective councillor and convenor of the local police board, as well as being chaplain to the nearby Kings Theatre  he loved a party and enjoyed entertaining visiting actors as they arrived.

He might have become a bishop, had he not in 1987 demonstrated both kindness and indiscretion towards a young man he had befriended who turned out to be an undercover journalist for a Sunday tabloid.

With sailors at the University of Pennsylvanias graduation ceremony, 2018

Reid was known to be progressive on homosexuality: he once told a startled congregation, in comparing cruel words with sexual immorality, that you can do more harm with your tongue than with your penis.

He generously shared intimate details with the imposter (including a taste for leather and policemen) and did not notice a missing photograph until it was too late. The newspaper, which had also managed to entrap another clergyman called Gordon  probably for the sake of the inevitable Gay Gordons pun that ensued  splashed it all over the front page.

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Leaving Scotland in a hurry, Reid was saved by the Bishop of Gibraltar, John Satterthwaite, who sent him to be Chaplain to the British Embassy in Ankara. From there he went to Stockholm, and with the air having cleared returned to London as Satterthwaites Vicar-General and a Canon of Gibraltar Cathedral.

He then combined the Archdeaconry in Europe with being, briefly, priest-in-charge of St Michaels, Cornhill, before crossing the Channel once more to be Dean of Gibraltar from 1998 to 2000.

With a newly ordained colleague

Reids last European postings took in Malta, Genoa and Milan. He enjoyed the later stability of St Clements, but still travelled regularly  he had criss-crossed America extensively already, and was a regular fixture at All Saints, Rome.

In the US he threw tongue-in-cheek Happy Losers parties in his rectory on July 5 (the day after the July 4th celebrations), and even in his later years he retained the capacity to surprise: It is time that the Church abandoned the ancient ideas of marriage, he said in 2014, in the context of cohabitation, of which he approved.

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Reid also thoroughly embraced the Episcopal Churchs introduction of same-sex marriage. As a regular habitue of Facebook, he could be seen presiding at ceremonies (both in church and at the beach) in his trademark lavish vestments; his ministry in this respect was greatly appreciated in some quarters. In 2020 he supported the openly gay Democrat Pete Buttigiegs campaign for the presidency, proudly sporting a Priest for Pete T-shirt.

A memoir of Gordon Reids life remains unpublished.

Canon Gordon Reid, born January 28 1943, died March 19 2025

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  School nurses at Canutillo Independent School District will keep their jobs, at least for the upcoming school year.

The school board decided not to move forward with proposed cuts to its school nursing staff during a meeting on Tuesday, April 22.

The proposal would have replaced several registered nurses (RNs) with licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), who have less medical training and would cost the district less money.

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During the meeting, multiple nurses and parents addressed the board directly, expressing concerns about student health and well-being without RNs on campus.

The decision to remove RNs from our schools is one that I believe will impact my school in a very detrimental way. I work on a campus where many of us students and their families are low-income. I am the primary source of medical care, said one school nurse during the board meeting.

The board took no action on the proposed cuts, allowing existing school nurses to be offered contracts for the 2025-2026 school year, district officials said.

We had a lot of parents come forward during the board meeting to advocate for the current system that we have. And that might have played a role in convincing them that having our schools is the way to go, Gustavo Reveles, spokesperson for Canutillo ISD, said.

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Reveles adds that the district originally faced a $5.9 million shortfall but has managed to reduce the deficit to $2.3 million through previous staff cuts and program changes. However, he warns that tougher decisions may be ahead.

Its not something we wanted to do. Its something we were forced to do, you know. Again, the state has refused to properly fund schools since 2019, he said.

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A cardinal who was banned from public and administrative duties for helping to cover up a child sex abuse scandal will take part in the closing of Pope Franciss coffin.

Cardinal Roger Michael Mahony, 89, from Los Angeles, who ran the archdiocese for 25 years, was criticised for mismanaging a crisis where hundreds of priests were accused of abusing countless victims.

His inclusion in the coffin closure was described as deeply unsettling and risked sending the message that the Catholic Church had not fully grasped the gravity of its failures.

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Vatican documents detailing the closing of Pope Franciss coffin at 8pm on Friday, ahead of his funeral on Saturday, lists eleven senior clergymen who have been requested to take part in the celebration that Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo, will preside over.

At the closing of the coffin ceremony, each of the three orders of the College of Cardinals have to be present - priest, bishop and deacon.

When asked about him during a press conference on Thursday, a spokesman for the Vatican said Cardinal Mahony had been chosen according to the seniority of his order.

It should not have happened

In 2013, Cardinal Mahony was stripped of his administrative and public duties by his successor Jose Horacio Gomez after confidential church files showed the cardinal worked behind the scenes to shield accused priests and protect the church from scandal in the 1980s.

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The decision was made after the LA archdiocese, the largest in the US, released thousands of pages concerning priests accused of child molestation.

Six years before, the archdiocese made a 415 million payout to alleged victims of abuse, the largest sex abuse payout on record.

The payout, which would be the first of several, was a settlement between lawyers representing more than 500 alleged victims of abuse carried out by more than 220 priests, teachers and other church employees over multiple decades.

At the time Cardinal Mahony said: There really is no way to go back and give them that innocence that was taken from them. The one thing I wish I could give the victims ... I cannot.

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Once again, I apologise to anyone who has been offended, who has been abused. It should not have happened, and it will not happen again.

Cardinal Mahony was stripped of his public and administrative duties in 2013 - Reed Saxon/AP

Cardinal Mahony had been scheduled to testify at one of the civil trials, but this was cancelled as a result of the settlement.

The 12,000 pages showed the archdiocese sent priests accused of molesting children to out-of-state treatment facilities rather than defrocking them and contacting the police.

In 1986, the cardinal wrote to a New Mexico treatment centre where Msgr Peter Garcia, an abusive priest, had been sent, saying: I believe that if Monsignor Garcia were to reappear here within the archdiocese we might very well have some type of legal action filed in both the criminal and civil sectors.

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Msgr Garcia admitted to abusing more than a dozen young boys, most of them from families of illegal immigrants, since he was ordained in 1966 and in at least one case he threatened to have a boy he had molested deported if he talked about it, according to documents later filed in court.

But like many others accused, no criminal prosecution was ever brought against him. He died in 2009.

The irony is striking

Very few were prosecuted even after the documents were published because many of the accused had died or the statute of limitations having expired.

In response to the decision, Father Patrick Briscoe, the editor of Our Sunday Visitor Magazine, said: To take part in the solemn rite of closing a popes casket is no small thing. Its a deeply symbolic act that speaks volumes about the life of the Church.

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For many of the faithful  especially those who have carried the wounds of the abuse crisis  seeing Cardinal Mahoney in such a role is deeply unsettling. It risks sending the message that the Church has not fully grasped the gravity of its failures or the need for continued reform and healing.

He added: The irony is striking, given that Pope Francis has consistently spoken out against clericalism and the mishandling of abuse cases, though he has not been without his critics. Cardinal Mahonys inclusion in this liturgy appears at odds with the values and priorities the late pope sought to uphold.

Early on in his tenure, Pope Francis told his staff to take decisive action on child abuse and ensure perpetrators were punished.

But some critics have claimed there is still too little transparency in Vatican processes and child abuse within the Catholic church continued to dog his papacy.

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In Chile, Pope Francis defended Juan Barros, a bishop who had been accused of being an accomplice to the countrys most notorious paedophile priest, Fernando Karadima.

In 2018, Pope Francis accused the victims of slander for pressing their case against Barros and demanded they present proof of their claims.

He revealed he had twice rejected Barross resignation and insisted: I am convinced he is innocent.

Following a backlash on his comments, Pope Francis sent the Vaticans most respected sex abuse investigator, Archbishop Charles Sciclun, to Chile.

Working with a colleague, the Most Rev Scicluna spent nearly a fortnight in Chile and New York interviewing Karadimas victims, who had denounced Barross silence.

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Karadima himself was removed from the ministry by the Vatican for sexually abusing minors and sentenced in 2011 to a lifetime of penance and prayer.

He was never prosecuted in Chile because so much time had passed.

Wounds of their souls

In a letter following the investigation, the late pope thanked 64 people who testified and had the courage to bare the wounds of their souls for the sake of truth.

He said he felt pain and shame in reading the 2,300-page dossier his envoys prepared. He said the investigators were overwhelmed by the pain of so many victims.

He added: For my part, I recognise and so I want it to be faithfully transmitted that I have incurred grave mistakes of judgment and perception of the situation, especially due to the lack of truthful and balanced information.

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The Pope wrote: From now on I ask forgiveness of all those I offended and I hope to be able to do it personally in the coming weeks.

The Pope went on to accept Barros resignation in June 2018.

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Two cars crashed and hit the Palace Tavern in East Moline about 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The Palace Tavern, also known as the Old Palace Tavern, is at 701 15th Ave., East Moline. Our Quad Cities News crew saw a Dodge Durango and a Honda CRV, both with airbags deployed and heavy damage. Emergency responders are on the scene.

((Mike Colon, OurQuadCities.com)

The impact shattered the window in the tavern door, and knocked a chunk of stone off the base of the building. Both drivers were transported from the scene by ambulance for evaluation.

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The immediate area was blocked to traffic. We will stay in contact with police to provide details as soon as they become available.

While cleanup continued, a group celebrating a birthday continued their party on the patio.

In 2022, the Old Palace Tavern in downtown East Moline added a new attraction: A 115-foot- long and 11.5-foot-tall mural by Quad Cities muralist Atlanta Dawn,. The name of the mural is Midwest Mississippi Waltz, and you can see a video of it HERE.

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SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  One Northwest Arkansas organization is searching for volunteers who are willing to travel in order to advocate for children in foster care.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a non-profit organization that serves hundreds of children in foster care in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties.

According to the CASA website, it provides compassionate volunteers who advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

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When a child enters foster care in Northwest Arkansas, a local advocate is assigned to stay with them throughout the duration of their caseoften 12 to 18 months, sometimes even longerproviding a consistent voice during that time.

Ryan Brashears, a training manager at CASA of Northwest Arkansas, says it is now searching for volunteers that are willing to travel for children who have been relocated.

But what can happen more often than we would like is that kids are sent out of area, Brashears said.

An Arkansas law promises to enhance support for pregnant women and new mothers by creating a new type of certified care in the state.

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Brashears said they need volunteers who are willing and able to travel long distances, sometimes four to five hours, to visit children placed out of the area.

What we are needing is volunteers that are able to make those trips down to see those kids and make sure that they know that theyre still cared about and that their voices are heard, Brashears said.

Brashears says when children are relocated to an unfamiliar place, it can be extremely difficult.

They are hours away from the judge who oversees their case and the attorneys that advocate for them alongside us, and their workers and just the people that they know as well as their biological families and the folks that we are trying to work reunification with, Brashears said.

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However, CASAs goal is to provide a familiar face for those children.

Some of those volunteers are like family to these kiddos, Brashears said, even recalling a personal story. [This child] has been in foster care for almost 11 years. She has grown up in the system and she has had these two volunteers by her side the entire time.

Brashears says the expense of getting an advocate to a child who is multiple counties away, is something theyre willing to help out with.

We like to support our volunteers by helping with mileage or hotel reimbursement if they have to make those overnight trips to see kiddos, Brashears said.

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Those interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate can find more information on the CASA website, and sign up for a training class.

A five-week evening Zoom training class for new volunteers is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 20, and will run through mid-June. The class is designed to accommodate those with full-time jobs, and ten volunteer spots remain open.

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Opening statements began April 24 in the corruption trial of former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his ex-chief of staff Cade Cothren in a case prosecutors described as an epic fall for a once powerful lawmaker.

This is a case about powerful politicians and how they used their influence to line their pockets, said federal prosecutor Taylor Phillips.

Casada and Cothren each face up to 20 years in prison for charges connected with an alleged bribery scheme involving a political mailer company that was used by Republican state lawmakers.

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Prosecutors alleged that Casada pressured his fellow lawmakers into using the shadowy mailer company so he could receive kickbacks. The defense has argued the case is a form of political payback from current House Speaker Cameron Sexton and is nothing more than business as usual on the hill.

Sexton is expected to testify later in the trial.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton listens during a press conference on the last day of session at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

In early 2109, prosecutors said, Casada was riding high as House speaker with Cothren as his right-hand man until they were both brought down by a scandal involving lewd and racist text messages. Cothren was pushed out of his job while Casada resigned as speaker.

Blacklisted from Tennessee politics, Cothren opted to start a political mailer business called Phoenix Solutions under the fake name Matthew Phoenix.

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He made sure the name Cade Cothren was nowhere to be seen, Phillips said.

Prosecutors said Cothren teamed up with Casada and former Rep. Robin Smith, R-Hixson, to get business from lawmakers without divulging the connection between Cothren and Phoenix Solutions.

Smith pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge in 2022 and is expected to be a key witness in the trial.

Prosecutors said the trio collected thousands in taxpayers dollars from the kickback business.

Casadas lawyer, Ed Yarbrough, in his opening statement said Casada only made around $4,000 to $7,000 and believed he was operating a legitimate consulting business providing mailers for lawmakers.

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If Casada wanted to make money as a politician, would he have done it this way? Yarbrough asked. Does it make sense to put his life on the line for $4,000 to $7,000?

Yarbrough said Sexton, who was named House speaker after Casada stepped down, has been a political rival since Casada supported Sextons opponents in previous races. In 2019, Yarbrough said, Sexton met with the FBI in an unrelated matter and has since had a cozy relationship with the agency.

Yarbrough said Sexton went to the FBI because he wanted to get Casada completely out of his political life.

In the past, Sexton has said he had cooperated with federal authorities in the case.

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"I commend the FBI and DOJ on their hard work, dedication, and resolve in uncovering a criminal scheme that brought over 20 felony charges," Sexton said in a 2023 statement. "It is clear from the indictments that individuals knowingly used their official capacity and connections to target General Assembly members and the Republican Caucus by using fake companies to siphon off money illegally and deceptively.

Cothrens attorney, Joy Boyd Longnecker, said the trial will paint a picture of a General Assembly fraught with backstabbing, infighting, competition and lies.

At the end of the day you will see what happened in this case is just politics and business as usual on the hill, she said.

Boyd Longnecker said that prosecutors have literally made a case out of junk mail and that Cothren did not commit any crimes because lawmakers received the services they paid for.

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She said Cothren opted for the pseudonym Matthew Phoenix for privacy reasons after he was hounded by the media in the fallout over the texting scandal.

Jurors are expected to hear from several lawmakers in the trial who used Phoenix Solutions for their mailers.

First to testify was former Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain, who lost reelection last year in a primary.

Hazlewood said she was approached in 2019 by Smith, who asked if she would like mailer services. Hazlewood said she assumed Smith would use previous vendors and was curious when she later saw the name Phoenix Solutions on an invoice.

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Hazlewood said Smith lied to her, telling her that she had worked with Matthew Phoenix and that he was based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hazlewood said she would not have agreed to work with Cothren because of his bad reputation.

I think she was incredibly dishonest, Hazlewood said.

The trial continues April 25 in the courtroom of Judge Eli Richardson.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Casada trial: Defense argues case stems from political rivalry with Sexton
With the 2026 Florida gubernatorial primary still over a year away, Casey DeSantis, wife of Governor Ron DeSantis, is emerging as a prominent political figure. She is best known for her leadership of Hope Florida, a state initiative launched to help residents achieve economic independence by connecting them with community-based resources.

Recently, Hope Florida has come under review due to questions surrounding its funding and the allocation of resources.

Here is everything you need to know about Florida's potential new governor, Casey DeSantis.

Who is Casey DeSantis?

Casey DeSantis, the wife of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is a former television news anchor and journalist. As Florida's first lady, she has focused on mental health initiatives, military family support, and addressing the opioid crisis, NBC News reports.

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Casey DeSantis was featured in a television ad opposing Florida's Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana.

More: Can Florida Governor DeSantis run for re-election in 2026? His wife, Casey, may run

Is Casey DeSantis running for Florida governor?

Casey DeSantis, the first lady of Florida, is seen during a press conference about the "Hope Florida Fund," at Beachside Fellowship Miracle Center in Panama City Beach, Fla., May 9, 2024. She was accompanied by her husband, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, and their two children. (Tyler Orsburn/News Herald)

Casey DeSantis is considering a run for Florida governor in 2026 following discussions with top Republican donors, NBC News reported. Although theres no official confirmation, these conversations suggest she is weighing the possibility of pursuing the role after her husbands term.

What is Hope Florida?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, smiles with his children next to wife Casey DeSantis, left, at SoFi Center, home of the TGL, interactive golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy on January 14, 2025 at Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Hope Florida is a state-backed initiative launched in 2021 by First Lady Casey DeSantis. The program aims to help Floridians achieve long-term economic independence by connecting them with community-based resources, such as nonprofits, faith organizations, and private businesses.

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Through a network of "Hope Navigators," the initiative offers personalized support to individuals and families, guiding them toward housing, employment, mental health services, and more. While the program has expanded to serve veterans, seniors, foster youth, and others, it's also gained attention as a potential platform boosting Casey DeSantis political visibility.

More: Can DeSantis run for Florida governor again in 2026? What to know about term limits

Why is Hope Florida under review?

Hope Florida is under review after receiving a $10 million donation from a Medicaid settlement with Centene, according to Politico. Lawmakers are questioning why the money was directed to a nonprofit linked to the program instead of the state. Some of those funds were later donated to groups opposing a marijuana referendum, raising concerns about transparency and political influence.

Casey DeSantis' battle with cancer

Casey DeSantis was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and underwent treatment. She is now in remission and has used her experience to raise awareness about cancer, mental health, and the importance of support for others facing similar challenges.

When do we vote for governor in Florida?

Florida voters will elect their next governor on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, during the state's gubernatorial election. The winner will be sworn into office in January 2027 for a four-year term.

Can Ron DeSantis run for governor again?

Florida law limits governors to two consecutive terms, meaning Gov. Ron DeSantis cannot seek re-election in 2026. However, he could run again after sitting out a term, according to the Florida Constitution.

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Florida, like 22 other states, restricts governors to two consecutive, four-year terms. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

In contrast, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, and Oklahoma limit governors to no more than two terms in a lifetime.

From 2021: Casey DeSantis' cancer journey will include balancing the private and public, survivors say

Contributing : C. A. Bridges and Cheryl McCloud

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Diamond Walker is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at dkwalker@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Ron, Casey DeSantis under fire for $10 million Hope Florida donation
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. A delegation of the National Evaluation and Examination Center (NEC) of Georgia is in Azerbaijan to exchange experience and extend the Memorandum of Understanding with the State Examination Center (SEC) of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

According to information, the visit will take place until April 27. The main goal is to deepen cooperation between the institutions within the framework of their professional activities.

The meeting with the participation of the Center's Board Chairman, Maleyka Abbaszadeh, and Nino Tsereteli, Director of the National Center for Examinations of Georgia, was held at the SEC on April 24.

Welcoming the guests, M. Abbaszadeh spoke about the work carried out by the Center.

She noted that the SEC system provides full automation of the examination process - from preparation to evaluation - with the use of special equipment, software, and decision-making algorithms. This excludes any external influence on the results of exams and guarantees the objectivity of assessment.

The Chairperson also recalled that the SCE was the first state body in Azerbaijan to introduce ICT to manage mass examination processes. Most of the stages of the examinations have been successfully automated.

The importance of launching SCE's electronic examination corpus, which was the first step in the digitalization of the entire knowledge assessment system, was separately noted. Thanks to the technological infrastructure and innovative software, it became possible to conduct electronic examinations throughout the country, including remote regions.

In turn, Nino Tsereteli, Director of the National Center for Education and Science of Georgia, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to familiarize with the SES system of Azerbaijan and noted that the innovative approaches introduced here can be useful in Georgian practice as well.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the cooperation within the Memorandum signed in 2020, in particular, on the development and improvement of language tests in the Azerbaijani and Georgian languages. It was considered expedient to prolong the agreement and sign a new Memorandum envisaging the expansion of interaction directions. The document was signed during the meeting.

As part of the Memorandum, work is underway on mutual consideration and improvement of test tasks used in various examinations in the Azerbaijani and Georgian languages.

Following the meeting, the Georgian delegation viewed the Museum reflecting the history of the national assessment system, located in the SEC administrative building, the closed area where examination materials are prepared, as well as the system of their automated printing.

On April 25, the guests will visit the SEC electronic examination building to review the conditions created for the participants of the exam. Also, in order to exchange experience with the Georgian side, various presentations will be made by the relevant structural units of the Center. On April 27, the guests will observe the final exam for the general (9-year) level of secondary education.
VATICAN CITY (WGN)  Catholics in Italy are now able to pay their respects to Pope Francis, as a public viewing began Wednesday before his funeral this weekend.

For his final journey, the body of Pope Francis was brought to St. Peters Basilica and placed in front of the altar. Not far from the Vatican, preparations for his burial are underway at Saint Mary Major, a church beloved by Francis throughout his papacy.

Following the solemn procession to St Peters Basilica, Pope Franciss body lay in state until Friday evening in his simple wooden coffin, at eye level and among the people, wearing black shoes. Francis shunned the traditional papal red shoes and fancy adornments worn by his predecessors.

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Memorial Mass honoring Pope Francis held at Chicagos Holy Name

Mourner Milagros Nabur remembered the pope on Wednesday for his kindness.

He is a very sweet pope. He really had a good heart, a big heart for us, Nabur said.

Just a few miles away at St. Mary Major, his final resting spot is under construction. The Basilica brought him much comfort throughout his papacy. Pope Francis was a regular visitor, often stopping in to pray on his own as the man far from his home in Argentina likely found comfort in the house of the Blessed Mother. Now hell rest next to her.

We were going in a different direction and then I saw the name of the church and said, Lucy, this is where the pope is going to be buried,' said Priscilla De Palma, who, along with her daughter, Luciana, prayed during the serendipitous stop.

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Loyola University leader reflects on inspiring encounter with Pope Francis

Luciana De Palma spoke about the emotions felt in the aftermath of the popes passing.

For a lot of young people, Pope Francis was so humble, so special, because he really spoke to people, especially young people, she said. Im 22 years old, so I feel like he found the perfect way to speak to young people and sort of inspire you to never be afraid to do anything.

Now mourners have migrated to his side as thousands of people, like Stephanie Alvarez Applewhite, lined up outside St Peters to pay their ultimate respects.

For me, its important to pay my respects, but also this is an opportunity I never thought Id get to have, she said.

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Chicago-born cardinal on list of possible contenders to become the next pope

Pope Francis will lay in state on Thursday from 7 a.m. until midnight and again on Friday through 7 p.m.

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The Prosecutor General's Office has reported that the Russians returned the body of the deceased journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna to Ukraine on 25 February as part of an exchange. The cause of her death has not yet been established, and the examination is ongoing.

Source: Yurii Bielousov, Head of the Department for Combating Crimes Committed in the Context of Armed Conflict at the Office of the Prosecutor General; Sevgil Musaieva, Editor-in-Chief of Ukrainska Pravda

Details: Law enforcement officials reported that on 25 February 2025, several dozen bodies were delivered to the city of Vinnytsia as a result of the exchange. A tag with the name Roshchyna was found on one of them. During the examination, it was found that the body was hers.

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Bielousov added that DNA samples had also been taken from Viktoriia's parents. The expert examination had concluded with a probability of over 99% that the body was Viktoriia's.

Bielousov said it had not been possible to establish the cause of death due to the condition of the body.

Quote from Bielousov: "Due to the condition of the body, changes and mummification, according to the results of the forensic examination, it was not possible to establish the cause of death. Therefore, samples were taken and the issue is currently being resolved with the involvement of French experts to conduct an additional forensic examination to determine the cause of death."

Read some of Viktoriia Roshchyna's writing for Ukrainska Pravda here

Details: Bielousov said Roshchyna's body showed numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment. In particular, there were abrasions and haemorrhages on various parts of the body and a broken rib.

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The experts also saw possible signs of electric shock. This information will be clarified during an additional forensic examination involving international experts.

The editor-in-chief of Ukrainska Pravda, Sevgil Musaieva, said that the return of Roshchyna's body to Ukraine had been known to her, but the family had insisted on additional examinations.

Quote from Musaieva: "We were aware that as part of repatriation measures, a body was returned to Ukraine and the preliminary examination had established a match with the DNA of freelance UP journalist Viktoria Roshchyna. However, since the family insisted on additional international examinations, we did not disclose this information."

Background:

Viktoriia Roshchyna left Ukraine for Poland on 25 July 2023 to travel to the occupied territory. She planned to reach the occupied part of Ukraine's east via Russia in three days.

Roshchyna disappeared on 3 August 2023 in the TOT from where she was reporting.

Russia admitted for the first time in May 2024 that they had detained Roshchyna. The Russian Ministry of Defence sent a letter of confirmation to her father, Volodymyr Roshchyn.

On 10 October 2024, Petro Yatsenko, the head of the press service of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, confirmed on the 24/7 national joint newscast that Viktoriia Roshchyna had died in Russian custody. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said she had been due to be brought back to Ukraine in the near future.

On 11 October, the Office of the Prosecutor General reported that the criminal proceedings initiated into Roshchyna's disappearance had been reclassified as a war crime combined with premeditated murder.

Investigators from Slidstvo.Info found that Viktoriia Roshchyna was brutally tortured in Russian captivity. She had stab wounds on her body and had been electrocuted, and staff at the Russian penal colony where she was held hid her away when inspections were carried out.

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PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ)  A Pennsylvania senator announced that hes written a letter to the Department of Corrections Secretary Laurel Harry for information regarding the committee that suggested the closure of SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp.

According to his letter, Senator Cris Dush (R-25) expressed his shock after learning that the factors that led to the committees recommendation are not lining up with what hes seen firsthand. Dush, who is part of the Senate State Government Committee and also a retired corrections officer, is now requesting the names of the DOCs steering committee, along with other information.

Dush wrote that he was told that in regard to SCI Rockview, work was needed on the roof, along with paving work and boiler replacements. He said that he took the committees word at face value but was shocked to learn in a recent visit that the work has already started or is under contract to be completed.

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I visited SCI Rockview and stood on asphalt less than a year old. I then saw the roofs were partially done and what isnt done is under contract. I also saw boilers, and one of them was finished, whilst the other was either under contract or finished, Dush wrote.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Local officials want their questions about SCI Rockviews proposed closure answered

He went on to say that this revelation has made him question the legitimacy of the committee and that he wants to make sure that their findings are based on accurate and current information. Further, he added that he no longer has the luxury of believing your department (The DOC) assertions.

Hes asked Secretary Harry to provide the following information:

The names of the members of the Steering Committee

Each of the criteria that were considered when determining which institutions to close

Documents that demonstrate how the criteria was applied to each of the Departments institutions and how each one was scored

Any other documents that were provided to the steering committee relating to each of the Departments institutions

Any correspondence between or among steering committee members and the administration relating to the work of the steering committee

Copies of any and all communications and/or notes from the Governors office and/or the Department of Corrections relative to the evaluation of facilities, work of the steering committee, and the selection of SCI Rockview and Quehenna Boot Camp for closure.

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His letter goes on to say that he hopes to receive a response by May 2 and that if they fail to do so, he will work to hold a State Government Committee Hearing for the purpose of issuing a subpoena for that information.

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Senator Cris Dushs full letter can be read here.

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(CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo.)  The Chaffee County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) said a deputy on routine patrol located a wanted suspect, causing a brief chase before the suspect was located days later at a hotel, leading to a tactical team response.

According to CCSO, on Saturday, April 19, at around 5:30 p.m., a deputy was performing routine patrol on Highway 24 east of Johnsons Village when he got a safety notification from a stationary license plate reader in the Flock camera system. The system informed the deputy that the owner of a vehicle with multiple warrants for his arrest was seen heading eastbound on Trout Creek Pass.

License plate readers help law enforcement tackle crime

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The deputy was able to find the car on Trout Creek Pass and tried to initiate a traffic stop, however, the driver of the car refused to stop, and the deputy pursued the vehicle towards Park County for several minutes. However, due to the drivers erratic and dangerous driving, the pursuit was called off after the deputy got a good look at the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 43-year-old Rowland Miller from Denver, the same person who was allegedly wanted for the warrants. Over the next several days, CCSO investigations and the patrol division worked with the U.S. Marshals Office to find Miller.

On Wednesday, April 24, the team was able to find Miller at a hotel in the Johnsons Village area on Highway 24. CCSO said deputies tried to make contact with Miller in his hotel room, but he refused to exit.

The Chaffee County Combined Tactical Team was called to assist with Millers arrest. According to CCSO, tear gas was deployed, and Miller eventually left the building and surrendered without further incident.

Courtesy: Chaffee County Sheriffs Office

Courtesy: Chaffee County Sheriffs Office

Miller is being held in the Chaffee County Jail on several bonds:

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No bond felony parole violation fugitive of justice warrant

$1,000 bond misdemeanor warrant out of Chaffee County

$500 bond traffic offense warrant out of Boulder

$5,000 bond warrant out of Chaffee County for vehicular eluding and reckless driving.

Our investigations, patrol, and tactical teams remained determined to take Miller into custody. Although they had to let him go a few days earlier to ensure no innocent motorists were injured, they did not give up. Our team was unwavering in their pursuit to ensure that Miller was held accountable for his actions and did so, because of their exceptional training, without loss of life or injury, said Sheriff Andy Rohrich.

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SCOTT COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  A misdemeanor charge against Scott County Sheriff Jeff Edds was dismissed on Wednesday.

In September 2024, Edds was issued a criminal summons accusing him of misdemeanor assault and battery.

Two women arrested after investigation into Abingdon daycare uncovers alleged child abuse

The charge was dismissed during a court appearance on Wednesday, according to the Scott County District Court.

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Edds was issued the summons after a woman who identified herself as his daughter-in-law alleged that he pushed her and tried to force her out the door of a home. The woman had claimed she returned to her home to find her and her childs belongings outside and Edds in the home, telling her to leave.

News Channel 11 reached out to Edds for a statement regarding the dismissal of the charge. As of 5:50 p.m., Edds had not responded.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  If youre in the market for a new home, its going to cost you here in Charlotte. A new report from Homes.com says the price of a home here is $5,000 above the national median  but not all hope is lost.

You dont have to drive far to find new homes going up everywhere in the Queen City.

Dina Ashley is a Lending Market Leader for Bank of America. She said inventory has stabilized this year compared to last, but home prices are expected to increase 3-4% each year.

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Most Americans expect higher prices as a result of Trumps tariffs, a new AP-NORC poll finds

I dont think you can drive anywhere in Charlotte without seeing new construction, Ashley said. I think all of the industries that are moving here, were seeing, a lot of large corporations bring their headquarters to Charlotte, and with that comes a lot of job growth opportunity.

Joe and Jojo Brunette just moved here. They tell Queen City News theyre renting until they can get a better idea of whats out there.

Im always looking at Zillow because Im curious, but its really expensive, Brunette said. Definitely the areas that we like seem expensive. I think we need to look outside this area.

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Stefan Mortl said his lease is up in November, so hes looking for one.

I just proposed to my girlfriend a few weeks ago. That was a major purchase, now were wedding planning, Mortl said. Im only 26, so I got some time yet, but would like to try and buy because the prices keep going up and up.

So whens a good time to buy?

Bank of America: Consider Before You Buy

Check your financial health Be sure debt is not excessive Hold off on big job changes or purchases Costs beyond the home price

Ashley said the largest obstacle to home ownership is the down payment.

There are so many programs out there, Ashley said. Its critically important that you sit down with a specialist who can provide you with that advice, guidance, and give you access to these grant programs that can help you.

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Bank of America recommends bettermoneyhabits.com to help your family with savings, budgeting, investing, and purchasing.

Ashley said grant programs can help you get up to $17,500 toward closing costs and down payment assistance.

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HOUSING

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(NewsNation)  The NASCAR Cup Series will roar into the iconic Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday for the Jack Links 500.

Chase Elliott, who is hunting for his third career victory at Talladega, joins Morning in America to share how he plans to navigate the superspeedways high banks and many unpredictable moments.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  For Earth Month, a local business invites the community to experience the world of bees through a talk story and tasting event.

WakeUp2Days Chris Latronic joined co-owners Richard and Shiyana Wainscoat and Manager Stephanie Wethe of Kailua Honey to learn about their thriving business.

Fresh Catch Kaneohe offers new dining experience

He also got a glimpse of the tasty Earth Month celebration flights & bites while learning about the importance of bees in our world.

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Nows your chance to learn, taste and talk story with Kailua Honeys owners in the heart of Kailua. If youve ever been curious about bees, local honey, or how pollinators keep our island ecosystems alive, this is your moment.

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Bee Talk Story & Tasting is a guided experience that introduces guests to the world of bees in Hawaii. Youll get a no-stings peek into hive life and enjoy a guided Honey Tasting featuring our raw island varietals in Kailua Honeys tasting room and boutique.

For those looking to elevate their palate, guests can upgrade to a rare Global Honey Flight, sampling exotic honeys from around the world, alongside signature Hawaii-grown selections.

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The guided experience will take place on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Honey Flight & Bites self-guided tour is accessible Thursday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and noon, and Fridays at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

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Weve always believed that bees and honey connect us to nature, to flavor, and to each other. Opening Bee Talk Story to our local community during Earth Month feels like the perfect way to celebrate our shared commitment to malama aina. other, said Wainscoat.

Guests can book their spot on Kailua Honeys website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
CHEROKEE, Iowa (KCAU)  A Cherokee man charged with first-degree murder has bonded out and been released from custody.

According to court documents, Richard Hammond, 66, posted bond on Tuesday, April 22 in the amount of $100,000. He had been arrested on Monday, April 21 after he had allegedly run over another man earlier that morning.

The Cherokee County Sheriffs Office said in a release at the time that a person called 911 on Monday at 12:24 a.m., saying that someone had been ran over at a farm east of Cherokee. The caller also said the driver left the scene after the incident.

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First responders arrived to the scene and performed life-saving measures on the victim, identified as Christopher Wheeler. He died shortly afterward.

Passenger dies in southeast South Dakota crash

According to court documents, Hammond intentionally ran over Wheeler with a Chevrolet Silverado. Witnesses allegedly told authorities that Hammond entered the driveway at a high rate of speed heading towards a pick-up that Wheeler was working on. Wheeler tried to run away, but Hammond hit Wheeler before then leaving the scene.

Hammonds next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30 at 3 p.m.

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Wesley Thoene contributed to this report.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. On the eve of the 102nd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev's birth, students from the Gabala Village Development Center visited this personality's monument in Georgia's Tbilisi park to pay tribute to his enduring legacy, Trend reports via the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan.

According to the committee, participants laid flowers at the monument and honored the legacy of the great leader with deep respect.

Yaver Mammadov, director of the center, emphasized that the major achievements of modern Azerbaijan are the result of Heydar Aliyevs visionary leadership, under whose guidance fundamental strategic steps were taken that laid the groundwork for the country's development.

He noted that Heydar Aliyev not only defended Azerbaijans independence but also established the ideological and political foundations of the state. His life and work were described as an irreplaceable example for both current and future generations.

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This article was originally published in Chalkbeat.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez is one step closer to becoming the top education official in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted during a public meeting on Tuesday to recommend Martinez to be the next commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Nine of 11 members of the Massachusetts board voted for Martinez. The other two abstained. Both said earlier in the meeting that they supported candidate Lily Laux, the former deputy commissioner of school programs at the Texas Education Agency.

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The board will now send its recommendation to the Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, who must give final approval and is also currently serving as the departments interim commissioner. However, Tutwiler, who also sits on the board, said he supports Martinez and voted yes for him.

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Martinez, who was fired from CPS without cause in December, was one of three finalists for the Massachusetts job and one of 42 people who had applied. If he takes the job, he will be responsible for overseeing and providing state support for Massachusetts roughly 400 school districts. He would also become the first Latino to have the job, according to a press release from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

This is someone who has had progressive experience in increasingly larger and more complex organizations with significantly increased, lets say, political situations that they have to balance, said Matt Hills, the boards vice chair, during the meeting. But at the end of the day, this is someone who has been able to lead large organizations to get pretty significantly positive results in key education priorities that we have.

Several board members said they were impressed by Martinezs leadership experience  with some generally noting controversy hes faced  as well as his interest in students from low-income households and those learning English as a new language. Another noted she was impressed that he was able to raise teacher salaries in Chicago, which most recently came after a tense, yearlong bargaining process with the Chicago Teachers Union.

Martinezs firing was fueled in part by a tense disagreement with Mayor Brandon Johnson over how to pay for labor contracts and a pension contribution.

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Board member Martin West said he was concerned about Martinezs lack of state experience relative to Laux, but he found through Martinezs interview that district leadership is in some ways more similar to the state role in terms of the levers available for driving change.

Board member Ericka Fisher said she felt Martinez was the sort of candidate who can stay standing and continue fighting the good fight in the face of the education climate both in Massachusetts and under the Trump administration.

The boards decision comes after it interviewed Martinez and two other finalists at an hourslong public meeting last week. Martinez attended that meeting in person and spoke about a variety of topics, including serving English learners, students with disabilities and efforts to expose students to early college programs.

In a statement, Martinez said he is honored to be selected for the job and that Chicago and CPS will always hold a special place in my heart.

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I am committed to finishing the school year strong here and will leave CPS in mid-June with a deep sense of pride and optimism for its future, knowing the district is in strong hands and moving in the right direction, Martinez said.

Once the education secretary finalizes the boards recommendation, Martinez plans to accept the job after negotiating terms of his contract, according to a source close to the CEO.

The Massachusetts board chair previously said she hoped to have a commissioner in place by July 1, according to Jackie Reis, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Per his CPS contract, a firing without cause allows Martinez to stay at the district through June.

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Before CPS, Martinez was the superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District and held various education roles in Nevada.

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.
WESTFIELD  An amended ordinance to allow backyard chickens by right in Westfield will be going for public hearings in the City Council on May 1 at 7 p.m. and to the Planning Board on May 6 at 7 p.m.

Ward 3 Councilor Ralph Figy first introduced an ordinance to allow backyard chickens two years ago when he was approached by concerned residents in his ward who wanted to keep chickens, but are not allowed to in Westfield according to the animal control ordinances. Figy decided to propose a zoning ordinance change that would allow chickens within certain parameters.

Currently, chickens are only allowed to be kept in Rural Residential zoning with a minimum of 5 acres, Figy said at the time, adding that a lot of people living in residential zones had chickens that were illegal. He said the ordinance was only enforced by the Board of Health if there were complaints.

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After several well-attended public hearings, mostly in favor of backyard chickens, that ordinance went to committee but was eventually withdrawn without prejudice. Figy said the ordinance is being reintroduced for a number of reasons.

I think theres a combination of reasons. When we withdrew it, we understood that wed be bringing it back. There are also the spiking egg prices, Figy said.

Recently, Councilor Nicholas Morganelli got involved in updating the ordinance. The two met and discussed it with City Planner Jay Vinskey, and came up with a much simpler version.

I personally will be listening to the public hearings so we can do our very best to create an ordinance that is safe and allows homeowners to have chickens. Many communities in Massachusetts have done this and are successful. We have used that as a guide to create this one, Morganelli said.

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The new ordinance, which is available for viewing at www.cityofwestfield.org/applications under zoning ordinance amendments, proposes allowing backyard chickens to be maintained by right for single or two-family non-commercial use with certain conditions.

On a lot containing at least 5,000 square feet a maximum of six hens  no roosters  would be allowed; or on a lot of at least 20,000 square feet, a maximum of 12 hens  no roosters.

The owner must register with the citys animal control officer, who must be allowed access to the property for inspection. Figy said the animal control officer would be the assigned authority.

A suitable coop must be provided, with it and any run areas located at least 30 feet from any neighborhood residence and 10 feet from any lot line.

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Other proposed requirements in the amended ordinance state that the birds are maintained only within the subject lot, but outside of the front yard setback, at all times; the shelter, run and feed storage areas are secured and maintained to limit rodents, stormwater runoff, dust and odor so as not to constitute a nuisance or safety hazard, and on-site slaughtering is prohibited outside of the Rural Residential District.

Also, any quantity of birds, exclusive of immature offspring, kept in excess of the ordinance or on a lot smaller than specified will require a special permit from the Board of Appeals.

Additionally, the ordinance goes on to say that where not otherwise regulated, any livestock or farm animal, including a horse, may not be kept on a lot of less than 5 acres.

Farm animals/livestock of any type or quantity may be kept as an accessory use for personal and non-commercial purposes in the Rural Residential District on lots of 5 acres or more (subject to any non-zoning regulations), or if authorized by a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals, on a lot of at least 60,000 square feet in the RR district.

The proposed ordinance will be available for comment at a City Council public hearing next week on May 1 and at a Planning Board public hearing the following week on May 6 during the 7 p.m. meetings in City Council Chambers, Room 207, City Hall, 59 Court St.
Kaja Kallas, European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has commented on Russia's deadly combined attack on Kyiv on Thursday 24 April.

Source: Kallas on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kallas said that while "claiming to seek peace, Russia launched a deadly airstrike on Kyiv".

"This isn't a pursuit of peace, its a mockery of it. The real obstacle is not Ukraine but Russia, whose war aims have not changed," the EU High Representative stressed.

Background:

On the night of 23-24 April, Ukraine came under a large-scale combined Russian attack. In the morning, it became known that eight people were killed in the Russian strike on the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv.

A total of 77 people were injured, including 26 adults and 5 children who have been hospitalised.

After the nighttime attack, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed that in attempts to end the war, pressure should be put on Moscow, not Kyiv.

After the nighttime attack, Latvias foreign minister called Putin "the butcher in Kremlin", while Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that the latest attack clearly shows Russia's real intentions and that it can only be stopped by force.

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  A child who chased the family dog into oncoming traffic was killed after being struck by traffic Wednesday night, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department.

The child reportedly left their home, following the family dog that escaped, and ran into oncoming traffic. They were then struck by two vehicles.

Florida mom nearly poisoned by adopted son who put bleach in her milk, deputies say

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According to NBC affiliate WESH, the child was identified as a 1-year-old.

Officers responded to the 2900 block of North Halifax Avenue around 8:21 p.m. regarding the collision, finding the child with severe injuries.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, but was later pronounced dead.

Daytona Beach police are continuing to investigate this incident.

WFLA.com has reached out to the police department for additional information.

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The rate of measles vaccination among Kentucky children has declined, state officials say. (Getty Images)

A child traveling through Kentucky was diagnosed with measles in March, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) announced Thursday.

The child isnt a United States resident, CHFS said. The child was diagnosed while being treated at a health care facility in Kentucky, the cabinet said.

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A cabinet spokeswoman said Friday that the child was unvaccinated, school aged and is no longer in KY.

The case did not result in exposures for others, the cabinet said, because the health care facility adhered to strict safety protocols.

This is the second confirmed case of measles in Kentucky this year. The first was reported in February in a Kentuckian who attended Frankfort Planet Fitness.

Meanwhile, CHFS reports that amid the largest outbreak of measles in the United States since measles was declared eliminated in the country in 2000, not enough Kentucky school children are getting immunizations.

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Coverage among kindergartners for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is effective at preventing diseases, including measles, and is legally required for school attendance in Kentucky, has dropped to 86.9%, which is lower than the national average of 93%, CHFS said. This is a decline from 90% in the 2023-2024 school year.

Measles is extremely contagious and is spread through the air from coughs or sneezes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One infected person can infect nine in 10 unprotected people around them, the CDC says.

Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash. The CDC recommends the measles vaccination series at 12-15 months and then at 4-6 years old.

These are concerning trends that we are seeing, Dr. Steven Stack, the states public health commissioner, said in a statement. It is really important that folks are properly informed about vaccines so they can take safe steps to protect their children. Vaccines are safe and effective. We urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure they are protected from preventable diseases like measles.

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Confronting President Donald Trumps repeated calls to make Canada the 51st American state, Canadians have become accustomed to fighting talk from politicians and diplomats recently. On Thursday, Mark Carney confirmed that the US president had even raised it in a one-to-one call with him. So, remarks from Ottawa this week were not out of the ordinary.

Faced with the USs unilateral bullying, Canada has not backed down, a suited official declared. Instead, Canada is standing on the right side of history, on the right side of international fairness and justice.

What was different was that the speaker was no Canadian politician, but instead Wang Di, Chinas ambassador to Ottawa. It is the nicest thing any Chinese official has said about Canada in years. It is also an abrupt volte-face that underscores Chinas determination to capitalise on the White Houses alienation of Americas traditional allies.

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Canada is not alone. Britain is also being love-bombed by Beijing. This Wednesday, Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, telephoned David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to say they were willing to eliminate all distractions in its relationship with the UK so the two could stand up to Trumps rampant unilateral bullying.

The Foreign Office said Lammys call with Yi covered the war in Ukraine and Chinas denial of entry to Hong Kong for Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse - Grigory Sysosev/ AFP via Getty

The same day, Japans Kyodo news agency reported that Li Qiang, Chinas premier, had sent a letter to Shigeru Ishiba, Japans prime minister, calling for a coordinated response to American tariffs.

From Canada to Cambodia, Chinese officials have been on a charm offensive. Their message is a simple one: While Donald Trumps America tries to dismantle the global trade system, China can still be relied on to play by the rules. Join Xi Jinping in his mission to save globalisation, they suggest, and your country and China can prosper together  and be shielded from Trumps next bout of vindictiveness.

China doesnt have alliances in the way we think of them, said Charles Parton, a distinguished fellow at the think tank Council on Geostrategy who spent 22 years working on China as a British diplomat. But if you are talking about forming blocs, then yes, they are clearly trying to pose as the champion of the way international law should work.

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Not that China is a paragon in this regard, says Parton, given accusations that it abuses World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, is flexing its muscles territorially in the South China Sea, and allegedly committing human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang province. It is quite rich, really, he notes.

(L-R) Trade ministers Yoji Muto (Japan), Ahn Duk-geun (South Korea) and Wang Wentao (China) met in Seoul earlier this March - AFP

Yet Beijings charm offensive has already created some previously unthinkable, headline-grabbing moments. On March 30, the trade ministers of China, South Korea and Japan met for the first time in five years. A picture of the trio holding hands in a collective gesture of defiance made the front pages across East Asia. The Telegraphs Ambrose Evans-Pritchard called it one of the most striking economic defeats suffered by America that he had ever witnessed.

Since then, Xi Jinping himself has led the charge in Southeast Asia. Earlier this month, he visited Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia, all tentative American allies who were hit hard by Trumps tariffs (before he announced a 90-day pause). It is an audacious gambit. And there are signs that China may be overreaching in its effort to lead a vanguard of free-traders against Donald Trumps protectionist America. After the trade ministers meeting in Seoul, for example, Chinese state media said the three had jointly agreed to respond to US tariffs. South Korea called that an exaggeration. Japan said there had been no such discussion.

In a similar vein, the Foreign Office said Lammys call with Yi covered the war in Ukraine and Chinas denial of entry to Hong Kong for Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse, but would not confirm whether Trump or tariffs were mentioned. We will continue to take a calm and steady approach on international trade, to protect the UKs interests, a Foreign Office spokesperson said.

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Still, Chinas overtures towards Canada are astonishingly bold. After all, relations between Ottawa and Beijing have been in the deep freeze since 2018, when Canadian police (acting on a US warrant) arrested Meng Wanzhou, a senior Huawei executive. That same year, China arrested two Canadian citizens, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, in what Canada called a blatant act of hostage diplomacy (the two were released in 2021).

Canadian police arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in 2018 on fraud charges - AFP

Since then, the two countries have been locked in a death spiral of diplomatic expulsions, retaliatory tariffs, and allegations of meddling in one anothers affairs. The most recent clash came just last month, when it emerged China had executed four Canadian-Chinese dual citizens on drug charges. Quarrels like that do not usually go away overnight.

There are three big obstacles to Xi Jinping capitalising on Donald Trumps alienation of his trade allies, said one Taiwanese China watcher: it has a large surplus of goods that could overwhelm other countries markets; a poor record of abiding by the spirit of free trade rules; and, at least so far, has little to put on the table to convince other countries to side with it over America.

The UK, Brazil, India  all of these countries are already not very happy about Chinas trade practices. Even Japan and South Korea have serious complaints, said Parton.

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In the short term, the Americans are taking a bashing. But it would be pretty premature to say China is the more reliable partner.

Consequently, Chinas message to some potential partners has been less carrot and more stick. In Vietnam and Cambodia, for example, Xi Jinping issued a warning not to put Chinese interests on the table as chips with the United States after both countries said they would crack down on Chinese companies using them as re-export routes.

I also know that theres some discussion in Taiwan, maybe Japan as well, about building a trading bloc without the US. But the question is, how possible is it when the US is their biggest market? Would China be included, or actually is this a non-China, non-US trading bloc here we are seeing? said the Taiwanese source, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive trade talks.

But on the non-economic, geopolitical side, I think its a great opportunity for China to boost its influence. Even with the closest US allies and partners, relations are warming, the source added.

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Japan and South Korea are showing a willingness to make gestures, if not to capitulate entirely to Chinese demands.

Xi Jinpings visit to Vietnam, a country that has increasingly aligned itself with the United States in order to balance the threat from Beijing, is particularly significant.

The news that EU leaders will visit Beijing in July for a summit with Xi Jinping is being taken as a sign of a warming of ties with Europe too.

Xi Jinping on his state visit to Cambodia in April, where he issued a warning not to use China interests as bargaining chips - AFP

Definitely there are openings, says Ben Bland, the director of the Asia Pacific programme at think tank Chatham House. Certain countries have reopened lines of dialogue. Because of the unpredictability of the Trump administration, they want their own lines to Beijing.

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And China is more predictable. Whether people like what its doing is a different question. For Chinas neighbours, there is no future in Asia without a close relationship with China.

None of that makes trade tensions and territorial disputes vanish into thin air, however. So while Trump has created obvious opportunities for the Chinese Communist Party, it is hardly an open goal.

They are all hedging, said the source in Taipei. Biden spoke about American-led multilateralism. [Now] under America First, theres nothing multilateral: Its just America tells you what to do, and maybe thats not in your interest. So you have to align with your own interests to manage who else you can get along with to minimise the damage.

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AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, April 24. The visit of the delegation of the world-famous travel club NomadMania to Aghdam has ended, Trend reports.

The travelers visited the Alley of Martyrs, the Aghdam Juma Mosque, and the Imarat complex.

17:35

The world-renowned NomadMania travel club has visited Azerbaijan's Aghdam district, Trend reports.

During the visit, the group paid tribute to the memory of those killed during the Second Karabakh War at the Martyrs' Alley in Aghdam, a symbolic place.

The delegation will spend three days in Karabakh and East Zangezur, where they will observe the extensive reconstruction and restoration efforts, demining activities, and the destruction caused by the brutalities during the period of occupation by Armenia.

This visit plays a key role in introducing the liberated territories within the scope of "Black tourism."

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Chinese government has denied claims from President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that the two nations are engaged in productive discussions over a potential end to the trade war set off by Trump jacking up tariffs on Americas third-largest trade partner.

On Thursday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said that China and the United States have not held consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue, let alone reached an agreement.

Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. economic and trade negotiations are groundless and have no factual basis, the ministry added.

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In a Cabinet meeting later on Wednesday, Trump accused a journalist of having his reporting wrong when asked about Chinas denial.

The disavowal comes less than a day after Trump told reporters at the White House that the administration is actively in talks with China over a potential trade agreement after Trump raised the U.S. tariff on Chinese imports to 145 percent earlier this month. China responded with retaliatory tariffs, and has generally not been publicly receptive to the idea of coming to the table. The nation earlier this month accused the U.S. of blackmail, insisting it will fight to the end.

Trump, meanwhile, has portrayed China and other nations hit with tariffs as desperate to make a deal with the U.S. Everybody wants to be a part of what were doing, Trump said, adding that his administration was speaking to Chinese representatives every day.

The Chinese governments denials track with reports from earlier this month indicating that White House officials had begged their Chinese counterparts to have Chinese President Xi Jinping request a phone call with Trump, only to be ignored.

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On Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund reported that they expect a global shock to the economy and an international slowdown in GDP growth as a result of Trumps global tariff regime. The announcement came as it became increasingly clear that the White House has made little progress negotiating the promised trade deals that would save the American economy from a self-induced hemorrhage.

Several imminent deals with major trade partners have been touted by the White House, only to seemingly fall through at the last second. On Thursday, sources told Fox Business that the White House was signaling to major Wall Street executives that the administration was on the precipice of a trade deal with India. No details on timing, and recall that we have been here before with Japan only to have the goal posts changed, and terms renegotiated, Fox Business Charles Gasparino wrote on X. It could be used as a template for a deal with Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

As it stands, consumers in the United States stand to face a shortage of the cheap, imported goods theyve become so accustomed to. Shipping volumes and American port bookings are already falling, and according to a Wednesday report from the Federal Reserve, companies are already exploring ways to pass along the increased cost of goods to consumers.

Most Districts noted that firms expected elevated input cost growth resulting from tariffs, the report stated. Many firms have already received notices from suppliers that costs would be increasing.

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In January, Chinas National Energy Administration said it was eyeing stable oil production of over 200 million tons in 2025. Two months later, oil production in the worlds largest importer of the commodity hit an all-time high of 4.6 million barrels daily, per official data. China is taking Drill, baby, drill to heart.

It was Bloombergs energy columnist Javier Blas who cited the Chinese official oil production data. He also pointed out the rather ironic fact that while U.S. shale producers were hunkering down amid falling oil prices despite Trumps passion for drilling, Chinese state energy majors were boosting local production consistently, reversing a downward trend in that production that had begun a decade agodespite predictions that Chinas oil demand is about to peak any day now.

Earlier this year, CNPC said it was likely that demand for fuels in China peaked two years ago. The suggestion was based on a 1.9% in crude oil imports in 2024 to just over 11 million barrels daily. This was the first decline in imports of crude oil to China in two decadesbut domestic production rose.

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The National Energy Administration reported in January that total oil and gas production in China last year topped 400 million tons of oil equivalent for the first time ever, playing a "ballast" role in ensuring the stable production, supply and prices of oil and gas in the country. Crude oil output specifically reached 213 million tons, equal to a daily average of about 4.3 million barrels. This was close to an all-time high, and, per the figures cited by Bloombergs Blas, the all-time high has now been reached, EV proliferation and all.

Related: Tariff Concerns Weigh on Baker Hughes Outlook

It was, of course, EVs that prompted all the oil demand peak predictions. It wasnt just CNPC. It was pretty much every forecaster in the industry that saw Chinas oil demand peak as imminent. And then, just this month, CNPC again forecast that demand for oil in China would rise by 1.1% this year, driven primarily by petrochemicals. There could be some disruption in the sector because of the tariff war, which is set to affect U.S.-Chinese trade in petrochemical feedstocks, notably propane and ethane, but if the war ends soon enough, that demand projection should remain valid.

But even with peak demandif it is indeed imminentChina will continue to boost its domestic oil production because it is a matter of energy security for Beijing. Despite all the wind and solar, and the EVs, and despite the battery storage push that has accompanied Chinas energy transition push. Energy security still depends on oiland gasand the Chinese leadership knows it.

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Thanks to that knowledge, China has become one of the top ten oil producers in the world, vying with Iraq for the number-five spot, per Bloombergs Blas. What this means is something that will have implications for oil price forecasts. Greater domestic production means a lower need for imports, and that means the effect of Chinas import data on international prices should, at some point in the not-too-distant future, cease to have the dramatic effect it does now.

Of course, China will not cease to be a major importer of crude anytime soon. Its domestic production is very far from covering even half of its demand for crude. Last year, Chinas total oil demand reached 16.68 million barrels daily, per OPEC calculations. Compared to this figure, a domestic daily average of 4.3 million barrels is, while not negligible, not exactly an example of self-sufficiency, either. Yet this domestic average is growing.

There are constraints to this growth, of course. For one thing, most of Chinas additional output, per Blas, comes from mature conventional fields discovered decades ago. Shale exploration is challenging for geological purposes, but the majors are keeping at it and reporting results. Earlier this year, Sinopec reported that it had added 1.3 billion in new oil and gas reserves from two shale fields in eastern China. Adding the reserves does not automatically mean utilizing them, but it certainly suggests an intention to do so, despite the challenges, such as the fact they are located at depths of between 3,000 meters and 4,650 meters. With some state help, however, the challenge should be overcome.

China is essentially doing with oil and gas what it did with wind and solar. Where U.S. drillers are accountable to their shareholders, Chinese state drillers are accountable to the government, whose responsibility, in turn, is to provide the financial support that would make projects viableexactly as it did with wind and solar. For China, Drill, baby, drill is state policy and the countrys track record in transition technology suggests that it will squeeze out every last drop of every field worth exploiting. After all, those demand peak projections are very far from set in stone.

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By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com

Read this article on OilPrice.com
By Farah Master

BEIJING (Reuters) -China and Kenya announced they had upgraded ties to a "new level" on Thursday during a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing, as they both pledged to create an "all-weather" China-Africa community.

In a joint China-Kenya statement, both leaders said they were "committed to injecting more stability into the world with the certainty of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation".

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This would provide a backbone to safeguard the "common interests of developing countries", it said, and defend the multilateral system, via "inclusive economic globalisation".

The decision to upgrade China-Kenya relations was made "in the face of a turbulent international situation", the Chinese president was quoted as saying in a separate media pool report.

Africa is a key focus of Xi's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013 to extend China's geopolitical and economic influence through global infrastructure development.

Kenya has been a key BRI recipient, and Nairobi has taken a raft of loans from China to finance infrastructure construction projects that have made China the East African nation's biggest bilateral lender.

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Among new projects announced by the Kenyan presidency on Thursday, China will invest in the extension of a standard gauge railway to the border with Uganda. Completion of the line has stalled since 2019 due to lack of funds.

China will also invest in the expansion of a major highway linking the capital Nairobi with the Rift Valley city of Nakuru, through a public-private partnership model, it said.

Ruto's office did not provide details on the deals, but previous Kenyan government estimates have put their value in the billions of dollars each.

Xi and Ruto signed 20 documents together on Thursday, according to a media pool report. These included agreements on science and technology cooperation, vocational education, water resources, ecommerce, intelligent transport systems and the railway sector.

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Kenya has been struggling with a heavy debt load and the accompanying cost of servicing it.

Ruto, who took office in September 2022, has promised that his government will not default on its external debt, pledging to cut waste and boost revenue to tackle the challenge.

It is Ruto's first state visit to China as president of Kenya.

INCREASED COOPERATION

Ruto and Xi's joint statement said both countries would continue to uphold the World Trade Organisation's values and basic principles and "resolutely oppose new hegemonic tactics such as illegal unilateral sanctions, 'decoupling and chain breaking', tariff barriers and technological blockades".

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The two sides said they would deepen peace and security exchanges by strengthening cooperation in personnel training, the military industry, counter-terrorism, joint exercises and training.

Chinese companies can cooperate with Kenya in building a local medical and health industry according to Kenya's needs, the statement said.

Both sides are also willing to rely on major projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi railway to enhance infrastructure construction and connectivity within Africa.

The opening of direct flights between Beijing and Nairobi was also being "actively explored", it said.

(Reporting by Farah Master in Hong Kong, Liz Lee and Beijing newsroom; Additional reporting by Duncan Miriri in Nairobi; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Kate Mayberry, Michael Perry and Joe Bavier)
By Eduardo Baptista

SHANGHAI (Reuters) -China's national space agency announced on Thursday it would let scientists from the U.S. and allied countries analyse rocks it retrieved from the moon, Beijing's latest move to increase the international influence of its lunar exploration programme.

The announcement highlights how U.S.-China cooperation in some areas like space has not completely ended, despite tensions between the two countries over geopolitics and tariffs.

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Two U.S. universities that receive NASA funding, Brown University and the State University of New York at Stony Brook, are among the seven institutions that have been allowed to borrow lunar samples China retrieved from the moon in 2020.

The remaining authorised institutions are from Japan, France, Germany, Britain, and Pakistan.

With its uncrewed Chang'e-5 mission in 2020 China became only the third country to collect rocks from the lunar surface, joining the Soviet Union and the United States, which last went to the moon and retrieved samples in 1972.

China's subsequent uncrewed Chang'e-6 mission, completed in June last year, made it the first country to bring back rocks from the side of the moon facing away from Earth.

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U.S.-China cooperation on space has long been deterred by a 2011 U.S. law that seeks to ensure American technologies stay out of the hands of China's military. Under the law, NASA must work with the FBI to certify to Congress that any such talks with China would not threaten U.S. national security.

NASA head Bill Nelson told Reuters in October that NASA and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) were discussing the terms of Beijing's loan agreement for the Chang'e-5 moon rocks after he assured American lawmakers that the talks would not pose national security concerns.

Four U.S. universities had applied for access to the Chang'e-5 samples, Nelson said then, adding he thought the talks would end with China agreeing to provide access to samples.

However, he said he expects NASA to have to work with the FBI for another national security certification to enable any moon rock deliveries to U.S. universities for research.

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Beijing hopes to use its space prowess to forge closer political ties with close partners and U.S. allies alike.

"It seems the United States is quite closed off now despite being open in the past, while we were closed off in the past and are now open; this is because of the increase in our nation's overall strength and consequent rise in self-confidence," Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration programme, told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday, adding that growing U.S. "isolationism" would not help its space ambitions.

A CNSA official said on Wednesday the Chang'e-4 and 6 missions had four international payloads, while the Chang'e-7 mission next year will have six international payloads and "cooperation with 10 countries" is being discussed for the subsequent Chang'e-8 mission.

China hopes Chang'e-7 and 8 can help provide the information it needs to decide where and how to build a permanent manned lunar base by 2035.

(Reporting by Eduardo Baptista; Editing by William Maclean)
China claimed it is not actively engaged in the negotiating process over tariffs with the U.S., contradicting President Trump, who expressed confidence he can strike a new trade deal with Beijing.

Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said Thursday that any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis.

Chinas position is consistent, and we are open to consultations and dialogues, but any form of consultations and negotiations must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and in an equal manner, He told reporters during a press briefing.

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Trump acknowledged the additional 125 percent tariff he slapped on China earlier this month  paired with the existing 20 percent  was very high while signaling he could forge a fresh trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Were dealing with a lot of countries right now and could be with China, but maybe well make a special  you know, a deal  and we will see what it will be. Right now, its at 145 percent, thats very high, he said Wednesday.

A day earlier, the president made a similar comment, suggesting the 145 percent duty on Chinese goods coming into the U.S. will come down substantially, but he said, it wont be zero.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also told a private meeting of investors Tuesday that he expects a de-escalation between the worlds two largest economies, according to reports.

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After imposing the hefty tariff rate on China, Beijing retaliated with its own 125 percent tariff on U.S. products. Trump has largely paused reciprocal tariffs for most countries for 90 days, leaving room for negotiations, but China was notably left out of the reprieve.

China has utilized other economic means to get back at the U.S. over the escalating trade war, including choking off exports of critical minerals and magnets.

The U.S. should respond to rational voices in the international community and within its own borders and thoroughly remove all unilateral tariffs imposed on China, if it really wants to solve the problem, He, the Commerce spokesperson, said Thursday.

Trump emphasized on Thursday that the administration is having discussions with China, slamming the media for questions over Beijings claim that talks are not happening.

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They had meetings this morning and weve been meeting with China. And, so I think you have as usual, I think you have your reporting wrong, Trump told reporters.

He added, We may reveal it later, when asked who is speaking with Chinese officials on behalf of the administration.

 Updated at 1:25 p.m. EDT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Two Chinese officials said that there are no ongoing talks with the US.

Their comments come after President Donald Trump said the two countries were "actively" talking.

The White House has signaled hope for a deal in recent days.

Bejing is throwing cold water on President Donald Trump's hopes for lessening tensions between the world's two largest economies, whose trade war has roiled global markets.

On Wednesday, Trump told reporters that the two sides were "actively" talking. On Thursday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said conversations had yet to begin.

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"None of that is true," Spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters during the Foreign Ministry's daily news conference. "For all I know, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal."

Wall Street responded positively on Wednesday after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump raised the prospects of a deal. The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House was considering whether to de-escalate by slashing some tariffs.

Bessent said there was "an opportunity for a big deal."

On Tuesday, Trump said tariffs on Chinese goods would come down "substantially" from 145%, which the White House imposed after Beijing slapped retaliatory tariffs on US goods following the president's "Liberation Day" announcement.

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According to CNBC, a separate Chinese official also said there are no ongoing talks.

"At present there are absolutely no negotiations on the economy and trade between China and the U.S.," Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson He Yadong told reporters. His remarks were originally in Mandarin and were translated by the financial publication.

The White House did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BEIJING (Reuters) -China's military said on Thursday that it had dispatched naval and air forces to monitor and warn a U.S. guided missile destroyer that sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, the second such mission since Donald Trump became U.S. president.

The U.S. Navy sends ships, occasionally accompanied by vessels from allied countries, through the Taiwan Strait about once a month. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, says the strategic waterway belongs to it.

China held its latest round of war games around Taiwan earlier this month, drawing condemnation from Taipei and concern from the United States and its allies.

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The Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army named the ship as the guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence, and said it passed through the strait on Wednesday in an act of "public hyping".

"Relevant remarks by the United States have inverted right and wrong, distorted legal principles, confused the public and misled international perception," the command said in a statement, without specifying which comments it was referring to.

"We are telling the United States to stop their distortions and hyping and to work together to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

The command also published a short video on its social media account of a Chinese navy sailor observing the U.S. warship with a pair of binoculars from a distance. It did not give an exact location for the encounter.

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The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in an emailed statement that its ship had conducted a routine transit of the strait "through waters where freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law."

The sailing demonstrates U.S. commitment to upholding freedom of navigation for all nations, it said.

"The international community's navigational rights and freedoms in the Taiwan Strait should not be limited."

The U.S. Navy's last publicly announced sailing through the strait was in February, the month after Trump was inaugurated for a second term.

(Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Additional reporting and writing by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, Aidan Lewis and Tom Hogue)
Apr. 23By Ayanna Eckblad

HOLLANDALE  Family of Faith Community Church in Hollandale will host the launch of their new church name and worship service format on Sunday.

Formerly Hollandale Reformed Church, the church has a rich history in the community.

It was originally founded in 1922 with the permanent building established in 1927 followed by an addition in 1984. When it opened, it mostly consisted of Dutch immigrant farmers, explained church committee member Debbie Majeski.

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The congregation continued to be from the farming community, often in multiple generations, for many years afterward.

However, about 20 years ago, the demographics of the church began to change.

Farms became larger while the number of farmers decreased, and children of farmers tended to leave the area after graduating high school, Majeski said.

Then in August, the church's pastor, Neal Ooms, was diagnosed with leukemia and was unable to preach for an extended time during initial treatment. He is also close to the age of retirement.

The church members found themselves at a crossroads, like many other rural churches.

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"We need some life brought back into the church. We're just a typical rural church that struggles to bring people in and we felt to keep the doors open, a change was needed," said Mike Ravenhorst, another committee member.

At a meeting in late 2024, the congregation unanimously decided to implement changes rather than closing the church's doors.

The church then reached out to Eagle Brook Church in the Twin Cities and inquired about streaming their church services.

The church is very popular, Ravenhorst said. He added his two daughters drive up to the Twin Cities to attend services regularly.

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"The Eagle Brook name has a great reputation and is very well known in Minnesota," Ravenhorst said. "We're really hoping that just the Eagle Brook name alone will help draw people to us because they are very, very popular right now."

Majeski said Eagle Brook has been great to work with, providing leadership training and resources free of charge.

Although Family of Faith Church is a Reformed church with teachings from Calvinism, and Eagle Brook has roots in the Baptist denomination, Majeski said the churches had similar pillars of beliefs, including Jesus Christ as the head of the church and the Bible as the infallible word of God.

Majeski also said Family of Faith Community Church is not becoming a Baptist church, and will continue to have the feel of a Reformed church.

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Not only is this partnership a new experience for Family of Faith Community Church, but it is new for Eagle Brook Church as well.

Although they have about 15 locations that stream their services, Eagle Brook usually expands by starting a satellite location at a home or empty storefront and adds a physical building when resources are available.

This will be their first time having their services streamed by a church that is already established and over 100 years old.

Majeski said if this new format is successful, Eagle Brook may partner with other rural churches as part of their outreach as well.

Family of Faith Community Church decided that, including the change in name and worship services, they would also do a re-brand of their building.

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Coming to church for the first time can already be intimidating, Majeski said, especially in a large, old building like theirs.

"We've made some dramatic changes to try and soften the impression when people first come in to make it more welcoming," she said.

With the help of other congregation members, the church redecorated its entry room where coffee fellowship will be held before services. They also updated the building's nursery and made a room dedicated to middle school and high school ministries. They are also nearly finished remodeling their new children's room.

All these changes, Majeski said, will hopefully make the church more laid back and welcoming.

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"That's probably the hardest part for somebody who's never been to church before, is getting through the front doors for the first time," said Ravenhorst.

Family of Faith Community Church invites everyone from Hollandale and the surrounding communities to check them out Sunday, Majeski said.

She said it will be different from streaming Eagle Brook services from home because it will come with the fellowship and support of having a church family, Bible studies, prayer support and other things a person can only get from attending a church.

Additionally, as Ooms continues to heal and improve in health, he will continue to conduct weddings, funerals, home visits, hospital visits and other pastoral duties.

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Family of Faith Community Church's kick-off event on Sunday will begin with coffee fellowship at 8:45 a.m. with the service beginning at 9 a.m.

Family of Faith Community Church is at 101 Park Ave E. in Hollandale. Those interested in learning more can visit the church's website, familyoffaithhollandalemn.org, email ffcchollandale@gmail.com or check out the church's Facebook or Instagram pages. Majeski said people are also welcome to stop by the building.
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Donato Lannis staggering success, both as a bloodstock agent and owner

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BloodHorse Marketwatch

Pedigree trends in American classic races, plus Kentucky Derby statistics

 by Eric Mitchell

Americas Best Racing

Traditions abound in Triple Crowns middle jewel, the Preakness Stakes, which will be run for the 150th time this year

 by Jennifer Kelly

Additional Features:
Details added: first version posted on 17:35

AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, April 24. The visit of the delegation of the world-famous travel club NomadMania to Aghdam has ended, Trend reports.

The travelers visited the Alley of Martyrs, the Aghdam Juma Mosque and the Imarat complex.

17:35

The world-renowned NomadMania travel club has visited Azerbaijan's Aghdam district, Trend reports.

During the visit, the group paid tribute to the memory of those killed during the Second Karabakh War at the Martyrs' Alley in Aghdam, a symbolic place.

The delegation will spend three days in Karabakh and East Zangezur, where they will observe the extensive reconstruction and restoration efforts, demining activities, and the destruction caused by the brutalities during the period of occupation by Armenia.

This visit plays a key role in introducing the liberated territories within the scope of "Black tourism."
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati will hold memorial Masses for the late Pope Francis starting at the end of April and lasting through May.

Archbishop Robert Casey will remember and pray for "the repose of the soul of Pope Francis" during four Masses at different churches throughout the archdiocese, church officials said in a news release.

The churches include and services include:

St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie on April 28 at 7 p.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Church in Centerville on May 5 at 7 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Church in Dayton on May 12. The services will be given in Spanish, which officials say will be the first Mass spoken in Spanish by a Cincinnati archbishop.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati on May 21 at 7 p.m.

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Pope Francis died April 21 at the age of 88 of a stroke and cardiac arrest after an extended respiratory illness. His funeral service has been set for April 26.

The announcement of Francis' death came one day after the frail pontiff greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square following Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism six years ago at a Greater Cincinnati church, was one of the last officials to meet with Pope Francis.

After the pope's death, a formal set of practices codified by the 1996 document "Universi Dominici Gregis"  Of the Lord's Whole Flock  prompts formal notifications, the sealing of the pontiff's rooms and papers, and the destruction of the papal signet ring.

The death of a pope is solemnly observed in a nine-day mourning period known as Novemdiales, along with time-honored rituals from certification of death to burial.

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The Roman Catholic Church has about 1.3 billion members worldwide, and papal funerals typically draw millions of mourners to Rome. The funeral for Pope John Paul II in 2005 drew an estimated 4 million people to Rome and Vatican City. World leaders often attend.

The College of Cardinals, or the church's most senior officials residing either at the Vatican or spread across the world, gather in Rome to choose the next pope. The college is also acting as the head of the church in the interim.

USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati archbishop celebrate Masses for Pope Francis
Cincinnati has paid a $95,000 settlement to a police officer who sued over comments about white people made by her supervisor and colleagues, which she claimed created a hostile work environment.

Officer Carrie Hollyfield, then a school resource officer, filed a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission in late 2021.

Hollyfield said her supervisor, Lt. Chantia Miller, formerly Chantia Pearson, and other officers singled her out as the only white officer in the youth services unit.

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The complaint states Miller made comments about "the white mother f-----s on the second floor," and said "we have all worked with white people we don't like."

Hollyfield said Miller also allowed other officers to make racial comments, like calling Hollyfield "Ms. Affirmative Action."

In a response to the complaint, the city suggested Miller was upset about promotions. The department's internal investigation section looked into the allegations and Miller was given an oral reprimand, the documents state. The city found no pattern of bad behavior that was not addressed with the reprimand.

In September 2022, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission issued a letter saying Hollyfield faced discrimination due to Miller's comments. The letter stated it was "probable" that the Cincinnati Police Department "engaged in unlawful discriminatory practice" in violation of state law.

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The commission recommended conciliation, which is similar to mediation, where both parties work together to try to reach an agreement.

Unsatisfied with the conciliation process, Hollyfield filed a lawsuit in federal court in Cincinnati in December 2023. The case was again referred to a mediation process in November 2024.

A settlement agreement was signed in March and the federal case was dismissed. As part of the agreement, the city and the individuals named in the lawsuit admitted no wrongdoing.

After the settlement information became public, Cincinnati's police union president, Ken Kober, said that both Miller and Hollyfield are still employed at the department but have been given new assignments.

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"When you have a department the size of CPD, sometimes officers are going to have differences and sometimes those differences are settled in court, " Kober said. "The city clearly thought it was best to settle this case."

Officials at the city manager's office declined to comment on the settlement.

A statement from Hollyfield's lawyer, Zach Gottesman, said his client's goal was to ensure accountability, foster a workplace free from discrimination, and advocate for fair treatment for all officers.

Officer Hollyfield is grateful for the resolution of this matter, which allows her to move forward while reinforcing the importance of equality and respect within the police department," Gottesman said. "Her hope is that this outcome encourages meaningful change to prevent similar experiences for others in the future.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: City pays $95K in case over CPD officer's comments about white people
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  The City of Abilene has filed a Catastrophe Notice due to a cyber attack.

The Catastrophe Notice was filed with the Office of Attorney General in order for the City of Abilene to suspended the requirements for the Public Information Act from April 22 to April 28.

This means that the cyber attack is preventing the City of Abilene from responding to Public Information Requests in a timely manner, which is usually required by law.

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Cyber incident disrupts City of Abilenes network systems, including phones

Since the suspension was approved, the City doesnt have to worry about the time constraints on responding to requests until the suspension is over.

During Abilenes City Council meeting Thursday, the sign language interpreter was missing as well as the live stream and computerized voting  all due to the cyber attack.

City Manager Mindy Patterson said the City first learned of the cyber attack April 18 around 4:00 a.m.

Out of an abundance of caution, industry experts and cyber security professionals were called in to address the issue, which is still ongoing.

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Certain city services remain impacted, but the City of Abilene says emergency services are still up and running, as well as water. Its mostly just areas of communication that are still experiencing problems.

CityLink as well as the Abilene Public Library are just a couple of the City Departments affected.

KTAB and KRBC have asked the City of Abilene multiple times about exactly which city services, departments, and functions are affected, but they say they are unable to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.

No further information is available at this time.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The City of Charlotte is considering donating a surplus vehicle to Mecklenburg County.

The City of Charlotte owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, which is surplus, obsolete, or unused property and has been determined as eligible for conveyance pursuant to North Carolina law to another governmental unit.

The City will consider the Resolution to donate the surplus vehicle to Mecklenburg County at the Charlotte City Council Meeting to be held in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, at 5 p.m. on May 12.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA)  The Mayor of Effingham has announced that the city is one of just nine communities statewide receiving a Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) grant.

Governor JB Pritzker announced on Tuesday that the city was awarded $373,500 in RISE funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The funding will be used to buy 2.6 acres of property on Heritage Avenue. The goal of this purchase is collaborating with investors to turn the property into workforce housing.

Newborn kittens abandoned in Effingham as kitten season ramps up

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The result of this grant award will be another component in our overall strategy to stimulate the renovation of current housing stock and the building of new housing stock for the working families of Effingham and the surrounding area, said Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach.

The RISE grant development is one of a series of recent housing initiatives by Effingham. The city has also implemented a TIF Housing Redevelopment Program and a Housing Enterprise Zone Program.

Several City of Effingham staff members significantly contributed to this grant award from DCEO, and they continue to work with the community to identify more opportunities for housing

development, Schutzbach said.

Those interested in additional information on these programs should contact City Administrator Steve Miller at 217-342-5300 ext. 5314 or smiller@effinghamil.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Paso Public Libraries will host a graduation ceremony on Thursday, April 24, for students who completed the career online high school program, the City said in a press release.

The celebration will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Mexican American Cultural Center.

This year, 18 graduates will receive their accredited high school diplomas through the Smart Horizons Career Online High School, an initiative offered by the El Paso Public Libraries, the City said.

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Since launching in 2016, the program has helped more than 180 people earn their diplomas, with graduates ranging in age from 19-years-old to 74-years-old, the City said.

The Career Online High School program, organized by the El Paso Public Libraries, is designed for students who are 19 years of age or older who did not complete high school and are ready to earn a diploma and advance their career or education, the City said.

For more information about the Career Online High School program, click here: www.ElPasoLibrary.org.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI)  San Diego City Council is moving forward with its plan to turn the old H Barracks into a Safe Parking Lot for the homeless community as soon as May.

Crews have already knocked down the old barracks and repaved the lot.

Its a plan that has caused a stir throughout the Point Loma community, with many saying its too close to the airport, homes and Liberty Station.

Most people are against it.

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Weve got enough homeless wandering our streets, said John, a Point Loma resident.

The plan sparked a community fight dating back to 2023.

John doesnt feel like his voice has been heard.

They walk across the bridge here, and theyre here at the houses. Its not too, too far. Its too close, he said.

Community members have expressed concerns about safety, particularly in relation to the proximity to the airport, a childrens playground and Liberty Station.

The City entered into an agreement with Jewish Family Service to operate the new site and continue operating the existing ones. They say the former H Barracks site is supposed to nearly double the size of the program by adding 190 parking spots for people facing homelessness.

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The community opposition, I dont think, is to the actual safe parking program. Its the location that its located at. Im assuming that its located at Liberty Station, and thats just not true. Its separated by boat channel a 20-minute walk, in terms of location, said Kohta Zaiser, City of San Diego.

The city acknowledges the communitys pushback and has faced it with every new shelter site.

They say the safe parking program gives people, including seniors and families, a safe place to stay.



They need a safe, stable and secure place to be able to go each evening, rest, wake up in the morning, go to work, and go to school. All of our Safe Parking programs and our city shelters across the board are programmed and activated. They have services on site, including housing navigation, mental health, and substitute counseling assistance with signing up for disability payments or social security, all the resources and services that somebody needs to get off the street and then theyre homeless, Zaiser said.

The site wont be open forever; the city is just using space as safe parking site until the pure water project opens in 2029.

In the meantime, the citys one-year contract with Jewish Family Service has four one-year renewal options.

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While these are the City of San Diegos plans, a lawsuit by a real estate developer is currently moving through the courts and could potentially derail them.

The City tells FOX 5/KUSI in part, An injunction could delay this and leave hundreds of people in vehicles on our streets and in parks  instead of safely parked with access to services.



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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The City of Portlands core services costs could be slashed up to 20% in the coming year as the city works to address a $93 million budget shortfall, the citys administrator announced on Wednesday.

City Administrator Mike Jordan said in an email to city employees that the cuts, which will impact communication, engagement, equity, human resource, technology, procurement, and the new budget and finance service, might include layoffs, contracts and other spending.

Jordan said the proposed changes will be included in Mayor Keith Wilsons budget, slated for an early May release.

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Police seize enough fentanyl to kill everyone in Portland twice, arrest 46 in multi-agency trafficking crackdown

Portland is facing a challenging budget as we make decisions that will shape our city for years to come, Wilson said in a statement on the reductions. As we work toward a balanced budget, I want to express my deep appreciation for City Administrator Michael Jordans ongoing collaboration. Addressing our financial realities is a sobering responsibility  one that I approach with care, collaboration, and a commitment to the people of Portland.

Jordans email also said the savings will come in a phased approach, with full savings expected to take effect by the next budget year, starting in July 2026.

Layoffs associated with core service realignment will be effective when changes are implemented for a given work area, with the earliest dates coming Sept. 30. In other words, we do not anticipate additional layoffs June 30 as a result of core service assessments, Jordans email stated.

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The memo from Jordans office came as Portland City Council released survey results asking Portlanders what tough choices they would prefer in cuts from the General Fund.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  City of Portland officials said they are working with local and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate a $6.7 million fraud scheme.

About $6.7 million set aside for use in the Bull Run Filtration Project was redirected due to the fraudulent activity, according to the City of Portland.

Unhappy homeowners target Habitat for Humanity lunch

Initially, the city filed a lawsuit against a New York law firm whose account held the deposited funds, Portland officials said. However, the lawsuit will be dropped after the law firm provided information supporting that they were also a victim.

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The law firm has cooperated with the City of Portland and others to facilitate securing the funds, the City of Portland said in a press release. The funds are currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The city said it is taking the matter seriously, will work to hold others accountable and is committed to transparency as the investigation continues. They also said the information that they can share about the case may be limited as the investigation is underway.

According to the original lawsuit, a man going by the alias John Lisman allegedly fraudulently presented himself as a vendor for the Bull Run Filtration Project and manipulated city officials into rerouting the $6.7 million.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  The City of Sacramento announced its goal of promoting economic growth and revitalizing commercial corridors in North Sacramento by awarding businesses nearly $1.7 million in grants and loans.

Video Above: Local business in Old Sacramento focused on Eco-Friendly products

The North Sacramento Business Investment Program provides funding for multiple business developments, including the completion of tenant improvements, the purchase of equipment that allows the growth of operations, and the funding for property owners to restore vacant buildings and prepare them for tenancy, officials said.

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These awards are another critical step toward creating lasting economic opportunity in our community, said Councilmember Roger Dickinson, who represents the area. By supporting small businesses and helping them grow, we are not just revitalizing commercial corridorswe are investing in jobs, equity, and the long-term vitality of North Sacramento.

Renting far cheaper than buying in Californias largest metro areas, report finds

The full list of North Sacramento Business Investment awardees can be found on the citys website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The partnership between Azerbaijan and China has really taken off in recent years, blossoming across various sectors and becoming a key player on both the economic and political chessboard.

As part of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's official visit to the People's Republic of China, a "Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" was signed, laying the foundation for a new chapter in Azerbaijan-China relations.

The recent signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders by the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and China really puts the icing on the cake, highlighting the fast track that bilateral relations are on.

Meanwhile, expectations are mounting around the strategic potential of the Zangezur corridor  a key transit route poised to strengthen regional connectivity and unlock new economic opportunities.

Speaking to Trend, economist Eldeniz Amirov emphasized that the agreement presents wide-ranging opportunities. From now on, Azerbaijani entrepreneurs can travel to China for exhibitions, business negotiations, and other purposes without needing a visa. This creates, according to him, real prospects for both diversifying imports and promoting Azerbaijani goodsparticularly agricultural and food productsin the Chinese market.

He also mentioned that Chinese investors will now have the green light to visit Azerbaijan without a visa, which could open the floodgates for investment in industrial zones, technology parks, and innovation projects.

Amirov shone a light on the rising hopes tied to the Zangezur Corridor and how it could put Azerbaijan on the map as a logistics powerhouse.

Azerbaijan's position as a regional logistics hub continues to solidify. There is also a growing potential for the integration of Chinese technologies into the country through collaborative development projects.

Chinas experience in the field of green energy offers strategic support to Azerbaijans energy transition goals. In addition, Beijings interest in Azerbaijans intellectual property ecosystem may create new international commercialization opportunities for local tech startups, he said.

Amirov highlighted that tourism will likely be one of the first and most noticeable benefits of the new developments.

"China is among the top countries globally for outbound tourism, with 87 million Chinese citizens traveling abroad in 2023. Redirecting a fraction of this flow to Azerbaijan would give a substantial boost to the tourism sector.

Azerbaijan's designation as the 26th country to have mutual visa requirements lifted with China marks a significant demonstration of strategic trust from the Chinese government.

The key point I want to emphasize is that China has evolved into a global economic powerhouse with potential that extends far beyond its borders. It is actively seeking new, reliable partners for expansion, and in this context, Azerbaijan stands out as both a trusted and strategically essential ally. While the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and China is expected to grow by 27.7 percent in 2024, reaching $3.7 billion, this figure remains well below its true potential. The expansion of mutual investment and trade opportunities could significantly amplify this number in the future.

As of today, China has signed mutual visa-free travel agreements with 25 countries, and Azerbaijan has become the 26th to join this list. This move is a clear indication of the strategic trust that Beijing has placed in our country.

In essence, the outcomes of this visit are expected to shape relations for years to come, making it a visit of exceptional strategic significance," the economist noted.

Meanwhile, MP Vugar Bayramov emphasizes that the shift to a visa-free regime between Azerbaijan and China will further strengthen the strategic and economic ties between the two nations.

He highlighted that in 2024, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Azerbaijan surged nearly twofold (1.9 times), reaching 45,000:

"In the first quarter of this year, the number of visitors from China to Azerbaijan grew by 1.8 times, with approximately 9,000 Chinese citizens visiting. Meanwhile, the number of tourists traveling to China saw a 61 percent increase, reaching 132 million, generating 6.4 trillion yuan in revenue for China," he said.
EAU CLAIRE  The Neighborhood Services Division is starting exterior surveys of residential homes in Putnam Heights this week.

Previously done by the Eau Claire City-County Health Department, the Neighborhood Services specialist will conduct a block-by-block walking inspection to evaluate the exterior condition of all residential properties. This includes both owner-occupied homes and rentals.

What the neighborhood services division is doing is they are walking around and doing an exterior survey of each home, said Nicole Kragness, Regulation and Licensing Division Manager at the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. Its required in the city of Eau Claire once every five years. Every single house in the city gets surveyed. Theyre scoring it based on 13 different criteria.

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The team will look at the sidewalk, roof, chimney, siding, windows, and other exterior features.

Each of those things has a zero, one, or a two, Kragness said. The higher the score, the more deteriorated a home is. From there, we create a block map called a residential environmental quality assessment. That helps us start to pinpoint where we should focus our inspection efforts.

Neighborhood Services Manager Billie Hufford said that the survey would begin this week in the Putnam Heights neighborhood and continue on the south side. The last time this area was surveyed was in 2020.

Well look at anything that may be a violation of code, health, and safety, things like chipping paint, she said. Then we send the scores over to the health department. We dont go on the property.

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Once the health department determines where itll be conducting more thorough inspections, property owners and renters will be notified of an upcoming inspection. The health departments inspector then conducts a full interior inspection.

Were looking for health and safety concerns, Kragness said. If there are issues to get fixed, sometimes we direct them to grant resources. Sometimes its the responsibility of the owner to get those fixed and meet the minimum housing code. We really just try to lean towards compliance rather than enforcement. Were trying to negate or eliminate those hazards before they turn into anything more serious healthwise for people.

Kragness said residents shouldnt be concerned about orders to have their property torn down.

Those really dilapidated things come through our department in a complaint based system, she said. They could be correlated, but I dont think they are hand-in-hand at all.

All staff conducting the initial exterior surveys will be carrying a city-issued photo ID badge. The neighborhood services department can be contacted with questions at 715-839-4961.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Three advocacy groups are suing the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Kristi Noem, seeking to restore staff jobs at three gutted offices that oversee civil rights protections across the department's broad mission.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, the Southern Border Communities Coalition, and the Urban Justice Center.

On March 21, Homeland Security said it was implementing a reduction in force at the three offices: the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman.

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When asked about the lawsuit Thursday, department officials said they're committed to civil rights protections but called the three offices a roadblock.

These offices have obstructed immigration enforcement by adding bureaucratic hurdles and undermining DHSs mission, the department said.

Democrats have suggested that the cuts were about removing transparency at the department, which is key to the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts.

The groups suing on Thursday said that because Congress set up the offices, only Congress can shutter them.

They're asking the court to force Homeland Security to immediately rehire the staff and let them do their oversight jobs without interference.

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The three offices are key to immigration oversight, but the jobs go beyond that. Homeland Security is the country's third-largest Cabinet agency, with responsibilities for airport security, protecting the president and other top leaders, and responding to disasters.

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties was created by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, with the mission of protecting civil liberties in the department created in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. It investigates hundreds of complaints a year about the agencys mission and recommends changes as necessary.

The Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman is an independent office within Homeland Security  not connected to either Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection. Its job is to make sure immigration detention facilities are safe and humane. Staff regularly visited detention facilities to do things such as making sure detainees have proper medical care. According to the lawsuit, staff visited over 100 detention facilities each month.

The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman is responsible for helping people or businesses resolve issues with the agency that oversees immigration benefits. According to the lawsuit, it handled nearly 24,000 requests for assistance during fiscal year 2023 through its online portal. Those requests can range from helping a business figure out why an H-1B visa renewal is taking so long to helping someone who applies for a green card or work permit figure out why it was rejected.

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Property tax cuts, sales tax cuts, spending for schools and health care programs all remain in limbo for next year as legislative budget negotiators are still at odds.

And the impasse between the House and Senate means lawmakers will go into overtime on the 60-day legislative session to pass a budget  the only constitutionally-required job of the Florida Legislature each year.

In the meantime, as of April 24 they had passed only 53 of the almost 2,000 bills that were filed for this year. The session, now going into its last week, was scheduled to end May 2.

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We are all familiar with the timelines for getting the budget on the desk and concluding session on time, Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, told members on the floor. Its clear at this point, those timelines have come and gone.

The main sticking point is overall spending, including how much to cut in taxes. House and Senate negotiators need to agree to a topline number on that before formal talks on the rest of the states spending can begin. Lawmakers must have a budget in place by April 29 to meet the state constitutions required 72-hour cooling off period before they can vote on the budget.

The Houses tax cut plan is centered on a reduction in the sales tax, from 6% to 5.25%, and would cut about $5.5 billion in taxes, with about $5 billion being state revenues and the rest coming from local governments. The Senates plan is about $2.2 billion, and would eliminate the sales tax on clothing items worth $75 and less, in addition to the sales tax holidays the Legislature has routinely passed in recent years, such as on back-to-school items.

Rep. Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, the Houses chief budget negotiator, said the House had made good faith offers to the Senate but a gap in overall spending and cuts remains. Theres a philosophical discussion. We in the House believe that we dont need to spend as much money, McClure told a reporter April 23.

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The budget passed by the House earlier in the month is less than $113 billion. Thats about $4.4 billion less than the Senates spending plan and $5.6 billion less than the current budget.

House and Senate members have said theyre wary of a potential shortfall of $7 billion in two years as state economists project if current spending trends continue. Albritton stressed again April 24 that he doesnt want to slash taxes by so much that it hands a shortfall to future legislatures.

Make no mistake about it, I am committed to passing historic, unprecedented tax relief. However, it wont be at the expense of the long-term financial stability of our state, Albritton said.

He noted that major programs would suffer if heavy cuts were imposed: The free state of Florida is still growing, and growing quickly. There is a cost associated with maintaining our transportation, clean water, and health care infrastructure, ensuring universal school choice for every family, hurricane response and recovery, Everglades restoration and of course, public safety.

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In talks between the chambers, McClure said the House had moved closer to the Senate position, and made an offer in the afternoon of April 23. Later that evening, the Senate made a counter offer of $2.8 billion in tax cuts, which when local taxes are included would come to more than $3 billion.

The Senate offer added shoes to its permanent elimination of sales tax on clothing valued at $75 or less, included a reduction in the business rent tax from 2% to 1%, had a one-time credit for vehicle registration fees and a set of sales tax holidays for back-to-school items, disaster preparedness items, tools and outdoor goods throughout the year.

Albritton said he is still working with House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and called him a strong and dedicated partner. We all know time is running out on this session. I hope to have further updates for you early next week, he said.

Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: State budget deadlock forces Florida Legislature into overtime
NEW YORK  A climate protester was arrested Wednesday for spray-painting a sign inside Trump Tower in Manhattan.

Video of the incident shows a light-haired man wearing a black T-shirt and black pants spraying USA in green paint over the center of a mock Presidential Seal plaque that reads President of the United States at the top, Donald Trump at the bottom and 45 in the middle. The man then kneels down and folds his hands in front of himself.

As a security guard approaches, the man holds up a small banner reading GAME OVER with the symbol for the climate activist group Extinction Rebellion. Another man identifies himself as a New York City police officer when asked, then comes and puts the mans hands behind his back while a bystander says, Do not touch him.

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After being handcuffed, the man then says, This is your country. This is our country. This is our planet. You cannot ruin it without comment. They are ruining the planet for profit as a group of security leads him away and parts the crowd.

The suspect was identified as Crown Heights resident Nathaniel Smith, 36.

He was charged with making graffiti, possession of graffiti instrument and criminal tampering.

Smith was previously arrested April 9 for criminal trespass at Columbia University.

The U.S. Secret Service is aware of an incident involving a person spray painting graffiti inside the public lobby of Trump Tower in New York City, U.S. Secret Service spokesperson told the Daily News. There are no disruptions to protective operations. We thank the NYPD for their immediate response and unwavering partnership.

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The incident came a day after Extinction Rebellion activists spray-painted the Wall St. bull statue and then cleaned it up as part of an Earth Day demonstration.

The group also vandalized a Tesla dealership in the Meatpacking District and interrupted a New York City Ballet performance Tuesday.

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Former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett expressed his dismay toward the proposed closure of the embassy he just left (Barrett: US should keep embassy in Luxembourg, April 17).

As a conservative voter, I seldom agreed with Barrett during his mayoral tenure. However, on this issue I think he is on the mark.

With the Chinese spreading their influential wings globally, I believe it would be dangerous for the United States to retract from the diplomatic scene, no matter the size or location of the nation involved.

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I fully understand the goal of the current administration to cut the perceived unnecessary and save money, but China's influence must be faced wherever to show this country's determination.

Dennis Bohen, New Berlin

Letters: Ron Johnson needs to read Constitution, do his job and support the rule of law

Letters: Wisconsin Republicans keep trotting out Milwaukee vote trope as built-in excuse

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: We need to cut spending but also must blunt Chinese influence | Letters
A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in South Charlotte over the weekend, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

It happened on the 5300 block of South Tryon Street.

At the scene, 25-year-old Jose Alexander Lara Hernandez was pronounced deceased.

ALSO READ: Man who fled to Paris after deadly Midland crash extradited to US

On Thursday, police announced that 22-year-old Danny Cardoza-Lara had been identified as a suspect in this case.

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Cardoza-Lara was detained in Alexandria, Virginia, and will be extradited to Charlotte. He has been charged with murder and robbery with a deadly weapon, according to police.

CMPD said the investigation into this incident is active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this shooting is asked to call 704-432-8477 and speak directly to a homicide unit detective.

VIDEO: Man who fled to Paris after deadly Midland crash extradited to US
CNN Senior Correspondent Donie OSullivan confronted a trio of Trump-friendly media figures with White House access, asking one directly: Do you consider yourself a journalist?

OSullivan spoke with Real Americas Voice Chief White House Correspondent Brian Glenn, LindellTV White House reporter Cara Castronuova, and Bannons War Room Co-Host and White House Correspondent Natalie Winters for a segment that aired on the network Wednesday.

When OSullivan asked Winters if she viewed herself as a journalist, she replied that she did.

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Yes, she said, adding at another point in the discussion: Our bias is not to be sycophants for President Trump. Our bias is for our audience, which is the working class of Americathe people who want to put this country first."

OSullivan followed up by asking whether she would call it out if Trump messes up.

A staff writer for Steve Bannons podcast in her first year at the University of Chicago, Natalie Winters began making on-camera appearances in 2020. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Yeah, and we have, I think time and time again, particularly on the...issue of immigration, she replied. We are not for stapling green cards to diplomas.

Winters, a self-described populist nationalist who has said she agrees with most of what Trump does, emphasized in a New York Times profile that she is not a cultist.

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A staff writer for Bannons podcast in her first year at the University of Chicago, Winters began making on-camera appearances in 2020.

The pandemics really where she got her sea legs, Bannon said of the 24-year-old.

OSullivan also asked Winters about those who are skeptical of her credentials.

To the peopleand Im sure you see this online every single daywho say you dont deserve to be here because youre not a real journalist, whats your response to them? he wondered.

Winters replied, Well, Im pretty sure the group of people in there spent, what was it, four years, covering for someone who was essentially deadand thats being charitable in my description of hima president by the name of Joe Biden" she said. So to all those people who are apoplectic over having new media voices, you guys failed, and thats why were here.

OSullivan also spoke with Castronuova and Glenn, whose contributions as members of the White Houses shakeup of the briefing room and press pool include Glenn insulting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for not wearing a suit, and Castronuova asking about Donald Trumps fitness plan while commenting admiringly that the president looks healthier than ever before.

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Castronuova, a self-described Trump fan, claimed she too would have no issue holding Trump to account.

Im sure things will happen that I disagree with, she said.

When pressed if she could name any such instances thus far from Trumps second term, she didnt do so.

Im not going tolet me put some thought into that for a second, she said, pausing. Um, Im just overwhelmed with how well I perceive things to be going.

As for Glenn, he insisted his comment about Zelenskys attire was earnest.

Im not a troll. Never have been, he told OSullivan. That was a legitimate question that I just wanted to ask. I didnt mean to get everyone fired up like they did.
CNNs chief data analyst Harry Enten on Wednesday stressed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been a problem for President Donald Trump as the former Fox News host wades through infighting and chaos at the Pentagon.

The bottom line is that Pete Hegseth is a headache for Donald Trump, a headache that, personally, I dont think he needs ... and he is potentially dragging Donald Trump down, Enten told CNNs Sara Sidner.

Hegseth, in addition to dealing with a second Signal chat scandal involving sensitive military information he shared with his wife and his brother, has seen the departure of his top spokesperson and fired three aides for reasons they claimed werent immediately clear.

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On Wednesday, in a speech at Pennsylvanias U.S. Army War College, Hegseth dismissed critics of his leadership.

The media likes to call it chaos, he said. We call it overdue.

Trump, whose job approval rating continues to sink following his chaotic tariffs rollout earlier this month, praised Hegseth for doing what he described as a great job on Monday.

While Trumps net favorability rating is not so hot but not terrible at -5 points, Enten emphasized that Hegseths rating is way underwater at -14 points, according to the data analysts aggregate.

Enten added that Hegseth is so much more unpopular than youd expect from the average presidential cabinet member and, in Trumps case, hes the least liked among those in the presidents administration.

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In fact, hes the least liked secretary of defense, revealed Enten, who noted that youd have to go back to Donald Rumsfeld  who played a key role in the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq during George W. Bushs administration  to find a defense secretary liked less than Hegseth is at the moment.

Enten then turned to a CBS News/YouGov poll from March where 76% of respondents  56% of whom were Republicans  indicated that its not appropriate to use the third-party messaging app to discuss military plans.

H/T: Mediaite

Related...
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Coca-Cola Amphitheatre will be hosting a job fair beginning May 8.

On May 8, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., May 9, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., there will be a job fair at 1101 22nd Street North. Security, cleaning, supervisors, and more positions will be available.

To apply, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The first day of the Space Technology Conference (STC2025) wraps up in Azerbaijan's Baku, Trend reports.

This prestigious two-day event is being hosted by the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Azercosmos).

Throughout the conference, participants will address a range of pressing topics such as Earth Observation for Sustainable Regional Development, Connectivity in Central Eurasia: The Role of Satellite Communications, The Latest Technologies Driving Innovation & Investment in the Space Industry, Small-Scale Satellites, Coordinating International Space Activities for Sustainable Development, and Satellite Technologies for Regional Challenges.

The conference has brought together over four hundred participants representing one hundred and twelve organizations from thirty-five countries. Representatives from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa are attending the event.

A day prior to the conference, on April 23, the heads of space agencies from the member states of the Organization of Turkic States  Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, as well as observer states Hungary and Turkmenistan, held their latest meeting.

Speaking at the Space Technology Conference (STC2025) held in Baku today, Acting Chairman of the Board of Azerkosmos, Dunay Badirkhanov, said that Azercosmos (Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan) is preparing to launch a new generation of satellite systems.

These next-generation satellite systems will feature enhanced capabilities in high-precision Earth observation, next-generation telecommunications services, and regional connectivity. We are also exploring the potential for new international missions, including joint initiatives with our partners in Turkiye and other countries, he said.

In turn, the President and CEO of SSI-Monaco (Space Systems International-Monaco), Ilhami Aygun, noted at the meeting that Central Eurasia is rapidly becoming a key player in the advancement of satellite technologies.

"Satellite communication can help nations strengthen their positions, overcome digital inequality, and stimulate socio-economic development in the region. We live in a time of transformation, where space is no longer the final frontier but a vital component of economic growth, digital infrastructure, and geopolitical influence. Central Eurasia is not merely a participant but a driving force in this global systeminvesting in critical infrastructure and promoting intergovernmental and public-private cooperation," he said.

Furthermore, the Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Sameddin Asadov, emphasized that Azerbaijan has made significant progress in the development of information and communication technologies in recent years.

Asadov announced the successful completion of the "Online Azerbaijan" project, implemented through a public-private partnership model.

"The entire country is now covered with stable broadband internet. Over the past few years, the number of households with access to fixed high-speed broadband internet has increased manyfold. This development has also been reflected in international rankings on infrastructure progress.

Azerbaijans cybersecurity index has shown notable improvement in the Global Cybersecurity Index published by the International Telecommunication Union [ITU]. Our country scored 94 points out of a possible 100, positioning us among the top-ranked nations globally.

We place special focus on cultivating talent across the technology spectrum and have achieved substantial results in building professional capacity in the ICT sector.

Over the past few years, 10,000 ICT specialists have graduated under the National Scholarship Program, ensuring a workforce that meets the needs of the labor market. Today, these professionals play a key role in the advancement of ICT in our country'' he noted.

Speaking at the meeting, Malik Olzhabekov, the Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, stressed that I am delighted with the progress made by Azerbaijan and our other partner countries in space endeavors.

We are collaborating with several companies in this field. Recently, we met with a company in Tashkent, which is now a major partner for Kazakhstan. I wont mention them for free, but its worth noting. At a recent event in Ankara, we also found another company from Eastern Europe, and we are now working with them, he said.

The head of the Turkish Space Agency, Yusuf Krac, noted that as part of its National Space Program, Turkiye aims to achieve a hard landing on the Moon by the end of 2026.

Krac emphasized that Turkiye's National Space Program is a roadmap with realistic and competitive objectives, outlining the strategy, goals, and projects for the country's space policy. It takes into account both global trends and the countrys internal capabilities.

The day before the conference - April 23 - a regular meeting of the heads of the space agencies of Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the observer members of the Organization of Turkic States - Hungary and Turkmenistan - was held.

The conference will continue tomorrow.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Dayton Public Schools held a forum Wednesday night to get community input on transportation issues.

A call to action has been heard by DPS leadership, after community members and parents had the opportunity to have an open discussion with transportation officials about bus service reliability and their kids safety.

2 NEWS speaks with DPS superintendent ahead of district transportation forum

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Wednesdays meeting was just the first in a series of meetings DPS plans to hold in order to receive input from DPS parents and students. Its all in the hopes to form a plan to combat the transportation issues the district is dealing with.

We have a lot of concerned community members screaming for collaboration, said Dr. Marvin Jones, DPS business manager.

People at the meeting spoke to leaders about bus driver conduct, buses not arriving on time and shortages leaving some kids scrambling to get to school.

But the main topic of the meeting was safety  specifically around the RTA hub in downtown, which has become a cornerstone in the morning commute for DPS high school students.

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After a Dunbar High School student was shot and killed at the RTA hub earlier this month, multiple ideas were discussed to bring about more safety measures. Ideas including buying yellow buses, getting a students-only hub, or avoiding the RTA hub entirely.

Hopefully we can find another place for the students to have their own hub, said Cheryl Thomas, community member.

But people opposed to those ideas cite millions of dollars in cost to purchase buses, or say reorganizing routes would be logistically impossible.

Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr and Rep. Phil Plummer are in support of avoiding the hub  even going to far as to amend the upcoming state budget bill to outlaw schools using urban bus hubs across Ohio.

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Both DPS leaders and those attending the meeting all agree something substantial must be done.

Were not pointing fingers at anyone, said Jones. We want results, we want things to improve, and were asking people to collaborate with us.

Leaders at the meeting are adamant that the only solution is going to involve more than just DPS officials putting in the work.

If its bad for our students, if its bad for the community, we defy, said Jones.

DPS will be holding another forum Thursday night in the exact same spot, where they will be looking to get more feedback from community members again.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  Governor Jared Polis warns that the Trump Administrations tariffs on outdoor recreation equipment and widespread layoffs in the outdoor industry pose major risks to Colorados beloved natural spaces.

In response, Gov. Polis is launching the Colorados Outdoors Strategy, a statewide initiative to protect Colorados great outdoors.

We are the very first state to have a comprehensive strategy, which is really remarkable, Gov. Polis explained. When you think about what makes Colorado special, one of our greatest assets is our outdoors. Its important to make sure that we have a vision for conservation and outdoor recreation, climate resilience, and agriculture to make sure we can deploy, use, and protect our outdoors in a way that benefits us and future generations.

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Colorados Outdoors StrategyDownload

State leaders are concernedwith more people moving in, climate change, wildfires, and drought, Colorados outdoor spaces are feeling the pressure.

The biggest short-term threat, I think, on everybodys mind is tariffs because these are actually really a question of whether our outdoor industry can even exist, Gov. Polis said.

The Outdoor Industry Association reports new tariffs will make it more expensive to make and sell outdoor gear in the U.S., which could lead to fewer jobs and a lack of options for customers.

Colorado leaders are also concerned about growth, with the states population expected to jump from 5.5 million to 8.5 million by 2050. The new plan is all about helping Colorado strike the right balance between enjoying the outdoors and protecting it for the future.

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Smart growth is a term we hear a lot in our urban core along the front range, but often its not thought about in our outdoors, said Becky Leinweber, Executive Director of the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance. If we just open up the floodgates and just let everybody go and didnt do anything different to try and get ahead of it, have good management practices, support our land managers, make sure that those experiences are there for the long haul so that future generations enjoy it, then wed be in a world of hurt.

The strategy comes to life through nine objectives and 33 coordinating partner actions, along with a resource huboffering free online data, mapping tools, and other resources to support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience planning.

This effort is really rooted in our need to understand and meet the challenges that we know our outdoors face, and this is a strategic approach to not only protect, but frankly enhance our outdoor recreation industry, both from the experience side for residents, for visitors, and also for the business side, Gov. Polis explained.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
A group of protesters is planning to set up tent encampments on Columbia University campuses this week in protest of the war in Gaza, according to three people familiar with the planning and a recording of a meeting to plan the action shared with NBC News.

The planned encampments come just over a year after students first erected about 50 tents on a university lawn to protest the war and drew the world's attention.

Those demonstrations, in part, fueled the Trump administration's effort to extract concessions from Columbia, saying the university failed to quell antisemitism on its campus.

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Planning for the encampments has been shrouded in secrecy.

The coordinating meeting took place at a community center on Tuesday night in Brooklyns Bushwick neighborhood, approximately 12 miles from campus, according to screenshots of Signal messages from organizers and a person who was at the meeting.

Invitations for the meeting were largely distributed in person or verbally over the phone, according to the person who attended the meeting and asked not to be named due to fears of discipline from the school.

More than 100 people were present at the gathering and all wore masks to conceal their identities, according to the person. It is unclear if all of the participants were Columbia students, the person said.

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The student organizers did not introduce speakers by name and instead used Signal usernames and code names  including the beloved Pokemon Squirtle and words such as butterfly  to distinguish one another, according to the recording.

Organizers have also refrained from referring to the upcoming encampments as "encampments," according to screenshots of Signal messages from the organizers and conversations with two people familiar with the planning for the protests. In writing, and verbally, participants have designated the encampments with a code name, the circus."

Organizers asked demonstrators not to arrive on campus wearing masks on the days of the protests, which they said could alert campus security officers, according to the recording.

This year feels so much more organized and careful, the person who was at the meeting said.

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Columbia did not confirm or deny whether it knew about the upcoming protests.

Our focus is on protecting the safety of our community and ensuring that the University is able to proceed normally with all academic activities," a university spokesperson said in a statement. "We are closely monitoring, as always, for any disruptions, and campus activities are currently proceeding as usual."

The spokesperson added that encampments are against the university's policies and participation could result in disciplinary action.

In a statement, the school's public safety division said it would immediately try to remove tents or other structures, restrict access to the affected areas and possibly implement other restrictions to campus access.

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Participants will also be told to disperse. "Individuals who refuse to disperse will be identified and sanctions, including potential removal from campus and possible arrest, may be applied," the public safety division said.

A demonstrator waves a Palestinian flag at a protest encampment on the quad of Columbia University last year.

Students are planning to erect an encampment on Thursday at the university's main campus in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood and a second encampment on Friday at the university's nearby Manhattanville campus, according to the recording.

"When we take over the lawn, our goal is to unify the space and make it our own," one of the organizers said, according to the recording.

Thursdays encampment was planned to start at 1 p.m. on the West Butler Lawn of the universitys main campus, where encampments were set up last year, according to the recording, and disperse before nightfall or before police enter the campus.

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There will be a second encampment that is expected to be more robust and begin the next day. It is unclear when the Friday encampment will begin, but according to the recording, students plan to stay indefinitely and expect arrests to be made.

Organizers chose to stage Friday's encampment at the Manhattanville campus  the site of the university's business school  because it is not gated off to outsiders, unlike the main campus, according to a person who attended the meeting.

A speaker at the meeting also said that the site of the second encampment was aimed at protesting the university's gentrification of Harlem, according to the recording.

"Any action that we do will bring police, will bring repression and we thought about that deeply and we're aware of that," a speaker at the meeting said to applause. "And we're stuck in this situation where inaction is also violence."

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Organizers of the upcoming protests have distributed several guidelines, obtained by NBC News, to student protesters. These guidelines cover legal risks associated with protesting, best practices for encounters with law enforcement and strategies for securing their digital presence.

The document on digital security advises that students communicate only through encrypted messaging services such as Signal, over the phone, or in person. It also suggests that students turn off Wi-Fi on their phones while protesting to avoid being traced by the university.

Another form shared by the organizers and obtained by NBC News asks students to provide "all the information necessary to support your legal defense" for their emergency contacts in the event of arrest.

The NYPD detains protesters from the pro-Palestinian protest encampment at Columbia University last year.

It asks for student protesters to list any medical conditions, insurance information, prescriptions, if they have dependents, where their government IDs are, their address and how emergency contacts can access their apartments or homes.

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"Given the Trump Administrations commitment to pursuing federal action against pro-Palestine protestors and the abduction of our comrade Mahmoud Khalil, we are now asking students to prepare not only for potential arrest and jail for several hours or overnight, but for the possibility of prolonged jail time," the form reads. "Give serious thought to the question of how you would prepare for weeks or months in jail."

The upcoming encampments precede a monthslong campaign of protests at the university last year, which inspired similar demonstrations at college campuses across the country and around the world. Dozens of students who participated in the encampments were arrested by local authorities or expelled from the university.

The protests were prompted by the Israeli militarys response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks, in which more than 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage, according to Israel. More than 51,000 people have been killed in Gaza and nearly 2 million have been displaced in the war that followed, according to health officials in Gaza.

Student activists staged the demonstrations last year in an attempt to get their universities to divest from companies linked to the Israeli government.

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The encampments also come amid the Trump administration's push to intervene in Columbia's affairs and some of the nation's oldest higher education institutions. The federal government canceled the universitys federal grants on March 7, part of what the Trump administration says is a broader effort to root out antisemitism on college campuses.

In an effort to restore the grants, which fund dozens of universities' top-tier research expeditions, Columbia agreed to a list of the administration's demands on March 21.

The demands included instituting a mask ban at protests in most cases; hiring an outsider to oversee its department of Middle East, South Asian and African studies; committing to "greater institutional neutrality"; and enlisting three dozen new security officers with newly installed powers to arrest students.

Faced with its own deal by the Trump administration, Harvard University rejected the administration's demands and sued the administration several days later, aiming to restore billions in funding.

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The protests also come several weeks after federal immigration officials apprehended at least three Columbia students who participated in the student-led protests, including 30-year-old Mahmoud Khalil.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Apr. 23A Columbus-area man who was accused of choking his ex-girlfriend and firing gunshots into her house in Dayton has been sentenced to probation.

J'veon Jamell Grooms, 24, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was sentenced by Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge Steven K. Dankof to one year of probation. He was also ordered to attend domestic violence counseling, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office.

If he violates the terms of his probation, he would alternatively be sentenced to 180 days in jail.

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Dayton police were called to a reported burglary in progress around 5:45 a.m. Nov. 17, 2024 in the 300 block of Kenilworth Avenue.

According to an affidavit filed in Dayton Municipal Court, police met with a woman who said that Grooms choked her three days earlier.

She said, "Grooms became angry with her and forced her onto the bed by her throat. He then squeezed her neck to the point that she could not breathe and also left bruising on her neck," according to the affidavit.

On Nov. 17, Grooms allegedly returned and tried to force his way into her home. Court documents said he fired eight shots from a handgun into the bathroom window before fleeing.

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He was indicted on felony charges of felonious assault, strangulation, improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation and a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.

However, in a document filed March 11 in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, Grooms claimed that he was not the person who shot into the house, saying that he was at an apartment building in the 1400 block of Harvard Boulevard in Dayton at the time of the shooting.

On March 28, as part of a plea agreement all but the domestic violence charge were dismissed, with the condition that Grooms have no contact with the victim.
On Sept. 11, 2014, at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Chicago, Cardinal Francis George told the audience: Before I went to the Conclave of the College of Cardinals this past February to elect a successor to Pope Benedict XVI, I asked Rabbi Poupko, What would the Jewish community like to see in the next pope? He answered: We need a pope who knows us.

This is who was elected pope. As archbishop of Buenos Aires, then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio attended Rosh Hashanah services at the Benei Tikva synagogue in September 2007. Bergoglio told the congregation that he was there like a pilgrim, together with you, my elder brothers.

In 2010, Rabbi Abraham Skorka and Bergoglio began memorializing their two decades of conversation in a book. Friends since 1990, the two had much to share. In the introduction to the book they co-wrote, On Heaven and Earth, Francis described their friendship: With Rabbi Skorka I never had to compromise my Catholic identity, just like he never had to with his Jewish identity.

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The Jewish people have good memories of Francis. One of the gestures of Francis friendship with the Jewish people came early in his papacy. In 2013, in a letter to journalist Eugenio Scalfari in the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Francis responded to the question: What should we say to our Jewish brothers about the promise made to them by God: Has it all come to nothing?

This question, believe me, is a radical one for us Christians because with the help of God, especially in the light of the Second Vatican Council, we have rediscovered that the Jewish people remain for us the holy root from which Jesus was born. I too have cultivated many friendships through the years with my Jewish brothers in Argentina and often while in prayer, as my mind turned to the terrible experience of the Shoah, I looked to God, he wrote.

God has never neglected his faithfulness to the covenant with Israel, and that, through the awful trials of these last centuries, the Jews have preserved their faith in God. And for this, we, the Church and the whole human family, can never be sufficiently grateful to them.

As the Germans murdered 6 million Jews, most of Christendom collaborated actively or passively with Nazism. In that time, the Jewish people gave witness to the one God. We alone were the sole sacred witness to the one God. Francis deepened that because he did not limit admiration and respect for Jewish witness to the period of the Shoah.

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He refers to the terrible trials of these centuries in which the Jews have kept their faith in God. He refers to the torment inflicted upon us by the Catholic Church and the Reformation churches throughout the ages. He affirms that the church and all of humanity will never be sufficiently grateful to them. The pope affirms that Israel provided unique witness to the one God; that this unique witness came despite all the torment; and that Israels faithfulness to the one God is a gift both to the church and to humanity. This is a remarkable affirmation of Judaism and the Jewish people.

People do not often pay enough attention to performance theology. Instead of issuing formal statements and teachings in well-reasoned theological papers, occasionally a pope will act out, will express in behavior, a religious idea.

In an act of performance theology while in Israel in 2014, Francis visited the grave of Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism, the Jewish national liberation movement.

The honor paid to Herzl at his last resting place is compelling. One hundred and 10 years earlier, on Jan. 26, 1904, Herzl had an audience with Pope Pius X. Herzl sought the popes support for Zionism. The pope replied, We cannot give approval to this movement. We cannot prevent the Jews from going to Jerusalem  but we could never sanction it. The soil of Jerusalem  has been sanctified by the life of Jesus Christ. As the Head of the Church, I cannot tell you anything different. The Jews have not recognized our Lord, therefore we cannot recognize the Jewish people.

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Pius X established what was the popular and official Christian attitude to Zionism and the establishment of the state of Israel. Christian theology has had a difficult time accounting for the Jewish return to the ancient homeland.

Francis act of honor and respect to Herzl and to Zionism demonstrated that the Roman Catholic Church no longer holds any theological objection to the Jewish return to sovereignty in the ancient homeland.

In every relationship, there are disappointments. It is because of Francis friendship extended to the Jewish people that several of his statements on Israels war to prevent Hamas from annihilating Israel were received with pain.

The Jewish people will remember that as the sun set on Passover, Francis departed this life. He left behind the great Passover legacy, to ever seek freedom from slavery; to ever fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) to take care of the poor and the stranger.

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In these days following his passing, we know that his abiding friendship for us will never be forgotten. Judaism holds that good deeds will ever endure. This is his gift and legacy.

____

Rabbi Yehiel Poupko is a Rabbinic scholar at the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Chicago

___
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A number of film and TV projects have been made in Rhode Island as the state has become an attractive location for productions.

Most recently, director M. Night Shyamalan announced his next movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal will be filmed entirely in the Ocean State.

READ MORE: M. Night Shyamalan, Jake Gyllenhaal movie to film in RI

Rhode Island Film & TV Office Executive Director Steven Feinberg joined 12 News at 4 to discuss recent projects, plus the limitations caused by an annual cap on film and TV tax credits.

Watch the full interview in the video player above.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

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TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (WSPA)  Developers pushing to build a luxury hotel on Paris Mountain are now facing another setback to the project.

A group of people have filed a legal protest against the development, meaning that the Travelers Rest City Council will need a super-majority vote, or 7-9 vote, for the hotel to move forward.

Future $60 million hotel on Paris Mountain faces uphill battle

The project has been heavily criticized by locals since The Inn at Altamont was first announced in January. Many have shared concerns over its impact to wildlife, traffic and hikers.

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The development is an effort of The Divine Group, the developer that owns the property.

We should protest, said Paris Mountain resident Jana Gordon. This is our right. We should do whatever is necessary for this mountain.

At a planning commission meeting Thursday night, community members spoke out about their apprehensions. The commission voted to deny plans for the hotel.

Were talking about something much more integral  that is the slow erosion of trust before citizens and city governance, said Tara Rolland, another resident.

The meeting room was so jam-packed that it exceeded room capacity. Some attendees even waited in the parking lot.

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I think youre seeing the impact of that lack of transparency by the turnout here tonight, declared Ben Lord, a resident.

Currently, the majority of Paris Mountain is zoned as environmentally sensitive area, meaning the area is designated for special protections. But, theres a loophole.

The land for the hotel can be annexed into the city limits of Travelers Rest, meaning the hotel could be built, much to the dismay of many locals.

To us, that live on the mountain it feels like Travelers Rest reaching out and land grabbing or invading an area thats clearly not Travelers Rest, said resident Tommie Reece. Its requiring nearly 40-acres [which] is fundamentally at odds with the communitys identity and the small town character that makes Travelers Rest unique.

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Despite pushback, Krut Patel, the CEO of The Divine Group, said his team has completed environmental and traffic studies that indicated there was no cause for concern.

We are experts in forming and collaborating with industry leaders that have the experience  that have the expertise, Patel said.

Paris Mountain hotel developer wants to partner with colleges, universities

Now, residents are urging elected officials to listen to their constituents.

So, whats next? While the development was denied by the planning commission, city council can still make their own vote to move the development forward.

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Multiple meetings in the coming weeks will determine the fate of The Inn at Altamont:

May 5 at 5 p.m.: Planning and Development Committee Meeting

May 15 at 6 p.m.: City Council Meeting- First Reading

June 18 at 6 p.m.: City Council Meeting- Second Reading

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Parents want changes when it comes to their childrens school transportation.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Dayton Public Schools (DPS) hosted a community forum for parents to discuss their plan to improve transportation Wednesday evening.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Parents told News Center 7 that they are not happy that some DPS students are riding RTA buses instead of yellow school buses.

This comes weeks after a Dunbar High School student, Alfred Hale, was shot and killed near the RTA Hub in downtown Dayton.

>>RELATED: 18-year-old high school student killed in downtown Dayton shooting

DPS Business Manager Marvin Jones said the problems impacting students getting to and from school are much bigger than the district.

We have a lot of concerned community members and theyre screaming for collaboration. Were not pointing fingers at anyone. We want results. We want things to improve, Jones said.

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Penny Brown has grandchildren in DPS. She attended the meeting to figure out whats next.

This is a community problem. This is a RTA, Dayton Public Schools and City of Dayton problem and the only people here tonight, were Dayton Public Schools. And thats a problem for me, Brown said.

Dayton Public Schools started using RTA buses in 2022.

City leaders said they spoke with Greater Dayton RTA and the school district about keeping school kids out of downtown altogether.

You know, at the end of the day, were going to do this right, Jones said.

Jones had parents and guardians in attendance fill out a survey about what they want for the districts transportation.

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Some people think the students need more guidance, while others suggest that parent advocates could help.

Hey, I see such and such arguing, lets pull them in and have a talk, one parent said during the meeting.

Other parents said they want better communication from the district when there are changes to bus routes or drivers.

So you can automate, you know, a little chatbot to notify parents about the bus being late instead of an actual person having to make the calls. We have roughly 6-7 people that make those types of calls, Jones said.

Jones said the survey will be posted on social media for any parents and guardians who were unable to attend.

The transportation department is holding another community meeting on Thursday night.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed $24.3 billion from its own resources in 2024, alongside $14.9 billion in cofinancing from partners, to tackle pressing development challenges across Asia and the Pacific, Trend reports.

Published in its Annual Report 2024, ADBs latest results highlight progress on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth in its developing member countries. The banks investments covered a wide range of sectors, including energy, transport, education, health, and social protection.

With our increased financial firepower and a sharper strategic focus, ADB is turning commitment into concrete results, said ADB President Masato Kanda. He noted the banks growing support for affordable infrastructure, job creation, and basic services.

Private sector operations played a growing role, reaching $4.8 billionan increase of nearly 29% from 2023supporting over 1 million direct jobs. These investments focused on improving business environments, expanding capital markets, and boosting trade.

Key developments in 2024 included reforms to strengthen ADBs capital base, enabling a projected 50% expansion in operations over the next decade, and a record $5 billion replenishment of the Asian Development Fund, which supports the regions poorest and most vulnerable economies.

ADB also ramped up efforts to address climate impacts, food security, and environmental degradation, while helping countries implement fiscal reforms and improve public financial management.
WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WGN)  The man who admitted to fatally shooting seven people and wounding dozens of others during a 2022 Fourth of July parade in Highland Park has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Robert Crimo III, 24, changed his plea to guilty last month just moments before opening statements at his trial.

On Thursday, Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti handed down seven consecutive sentences of life in prison to Crimo. She also sentenced him to 50 years on each of the 48 counts of attempted murder to be served consecutively to the seven life sentences.

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This court has absolutely no words that could adequately describe and capture the horror and pain that was inflicted on July 4th, the judge said.

Robert E. Crimo III, 24, has a complete disregard for human life and is irretrievably depraved, permanently incorrigible, irreparably corrupt and beyond any rehabilitation, she said.

While delivering the sentence, the judge paused the hearing briefly after being tapped on the shoulder with word that Crimo wanted to return to the courtroom.

According to prosecutors, Crimo was upset about an issue with his personal property at the jail and his complaints to the sheriffs deputies were unrelated to the sentencing.

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Crimo was asked at the jail if he wanted to give a written statement, but he maintained his silence. He also didnt provide anything for his lawyers to say on his behalf Thursday.

After an hour long break and no show from Crimo, the judge continued with her sentencing. Court was officially adjourned around 11 a.m.

This hearing wraps up after two days of testimony from survivors and relatives who say the event forever changed their lives.

Eighteen people spoke and read statements addressed to Crimo on Wednesday, recounting how they fled the route, hid inside businesses or treated the wounded packed into an emergency room.

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Erica Weeder was one of them.

Our son and daughter drove to the hospital in terror and in tears, not knowing if theyd find us alive. For me, the worst impact is the impact on my kids. They still suffer as young adults knowing that their parents could have been wiped out. Erica Weeder, Highland Park shooting victim

Crimo also refused to attend his sentencing hearing on Wednesday despite a judges previous warnings that the case would proceed without him.

The seven people killed were Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35.

Crimos father, Robert Crimo Jr., a former mayoral candidate, was charged in connection with how his son obtained a gun license. He pleaded guilty in 2023 to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct. He served less than two months in jail.

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Strangers from across New England and the globe are penning their birthday wishes to Howard Hanson, a lifetime Canton resident and World War II veteran who turns 100 this weekend.

Hansons centennial celebrations kicked off two weeks ago when he was surprised by generations of his family at the Brookmeadow Country Club.

In 1943, at the age of 18, he was sworn into the Navy as a third-class petty officer coxswain.

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During his service at the height of World War II, he landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, after the storm on D-Day. His family says he spent the next three nights in a foxhole on the island.

In the years following his service, he received many awards for his heroism, including the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) for Extraordinary Heroism, the Croix de Guerre, and more.

After the war, he studied the saxophone and clarinet at Schillinger House, which is currently known as Berklee College of Music.

You can find Hanson on his Walpole Street home nowadays. His letter carrier, Jayne Murphy, stops by almost every day.

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Over the last two weeks, ahead of his birthday, Murphys been delivering dozens of birthday letters for Howard across New England and the globe.

Murphy told Boston 25 shes been spreading Howards story on social media and asking community members and strangers to wish her friend a happy birthday before turning 100 on Sunday.

Hanson added, Unbelievable! Complete surprise.

The two read one letter he received out loud, Thank you for your service, and god bless. Youre an amazing veteran and a wonderful man... Keep having fun!

Murphy finished, Its so simple. Everybody says mail doesnt matter ... It does matter because I get to see this clown every day!

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PULASKI COUNTY, Ark.  Land purchased by a developer outside of the city of Maumelle that runs along the White Oak Bayou is home to 11 lots and will soon see an expansion.

The land, in the Marche community, was annexed into the city back in 2003 and the citys director of planning and permits said its set to come before their planning commission on Thursday at 6:30 pm for review and he anticipates much public input.

Weve heard lots of concerns from residents in the area and were sensitive to their concerns, Scott Grummer said. We always look to residents to come out and share their concerns so that those can be discussed with the developer.

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City of Maumelle announces dedication of all inclusive playground

Among the issues brought before the city about the expansion of the development, Grummer said the issue of flooding and inaccessibility from the city was taken into account in the design of the community.

The land itself sits at a higher grade than most of the surrounding areas in the flood plain, Grummer said. Its very beautiful, a low number of lots, and that density has a low impact to the area which overlooks the bayou.

Grummer said developer Eric Holloway, owner of Holloway Engineering and co-owner of the DeVoe Bend subdivision, is a long-time resident who understands the wants and needs of the community.

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We feel like overall what he has planned is the best option for what to bring to the area, Grummer said.

Holloway said hes taken those concerns of residents and the potential disruption of the areas natural beauty to heart. Even slashing the proposed 21 lots for 48 acres of land to 11 lots, all appropriate sizes for the surrounding areas.

I bought the land and came up with plans to develop it that kept us out of the sensitive areas and protect all the wetlands with low impact, Holloway said.

Working with the site hydrologists, Holloway said the residential areas were moved out of the floodplains and given big natural buffers away from the wetlands to keep the surrounding area natural and pristine.

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We had a meeting about a week ago and I listened to residents who were very upset, and I looked at the plan and tried to answer their concerns as best I could, Holloway said.

Maumelle restaurant featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show

Holloway said there was much pushback about the traffic, which he said he was able to cut in half keeping the area to under 400 drivers per day, on par with local road standards.

Holloway said hes looking at a two to three year time frame for people to begin moving to the area, but said hes not concerned about the citys concern of disrupting the nature his development will surround.

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Its against City of Maumelles ordinances to impact the lands here, thats the crux of the issue and I get that, Holloway said. To some extent I tried to soften the blow of that.

Paul Fowler lives in the DeVoe Bend community and said concerns about the disruptions to the natural amenities of the community may be overblown.

Its the country in the city, Fowler said. We cant even cut a tree more than 12 inches in diameter without the developers permission.

Moratorium bill passes Arkansas legislature while still protecting Buffalo, Maumelle watersheds

Fowler said an enhanced community of Marche will only help the appeal of Maumelle.

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Grummer said if approved in the next step before the council on Thursday the communitys construction will move onto the next steps for development.

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An amendment by State Sen. Bob Andersen of north-central Sarpy County was at the center of debate Wednesday on the legislative floor. April 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A bill that would extend an expanded eligibility threshold for Nebraska food benefits has advanced to its final lawmaking round, but not before a latecomer amendment that some described as hostile was debated and defeated.

Legislative Bill 192, by State Sen. Dan Quick of Grand Island, calls for the elimination of an October expiration on Nebraskas current eligibility levels for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

State Sen. Dan Quick of Grand Island, left, talks with State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair. Feb. 4, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Right now, a key qualifier for households is if gross income is at or below 165% of the federal poverty level.

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If the Quick bill fails, the lower pre-pandemic income eligibility level of 130% of gross income is set to return.

The SNAP program helps qualified recipients buy groceries. The federal government pays 100% of program benefits, and 50% of administrative costs.

Shoulda put a ring on it

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, which administers the program, estimated that more than 4,000 families that otherwise might be disqualified because of income could remain on SNAP if the eligibility threshold is maintained.

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha. April 17, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LB 192, which State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha made his priority this session, ultimately advanced Tuesday on a 29-9 vote and now moves on to a third and final reading.

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The bulk of debate came after State Sen. Bob Andersen of north-central Sarpy County tried to attach an amendment essentially mirroring his LB 656, which would prohibit DHHS from seeking federal waivers that make exceptions to SNAP work requirements, such as living in areas with high unemployment.

Andersen said his proposal still would retain certain exceptions, including for caregivers of a child with disabilities, students enrolled at least half-time and teens ages 16 to 18 who are in training programs. But generally, he said, he wants able-bodied SNAP recipients to work.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. Aug. 8, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln led opposition to Andersens amendment, peppering him with questions about rationale and cost.

While a previous fiscal analysis of Andersens LB 656 came with an estimated price tag of more than $2.2 million next fiscal year, Andersen told colleagues Wednesday that DHHS officials more recently told him expenses could be absorbed into their existing budget.

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Thats because instead of requiring DHHS officials to help find work for impacted SNAP recipients, the agency may help provide assignments.

State Sen. Ashlei Spivey of Omaha said the Andersen amendment represented an approach she has seen this session of demonizing and dehumanizing the working class.

Some Democratic lawmakers took issue with Andersens late and hostile amendment to someone elses bill, which Quick also opposed.

State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha. Jan. 19, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska News Service)

State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha invoked the lyrics of Beyonce  If you like it, then you shoulda put a ring on it  to drive home her point that he should have prioritized the effort as his own legislation.

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While Andersens LB 656 was advanced out of a legislative committee and onto full debate by the Legislature, it was not prioritized and therefore is unlikely to be debated this session on its own.

Good governance

Some Republicans, however, defended Andersens tactic as not extraordinary and said they supported his goal.

State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, said that if Andersens amendment would add no state cost, he was supportive.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair said he saw Andersens effort to ratchet up work requirements for the SNAP program as compatible and a good compromise to Quicks effort to extend current eligibility levels. Hansen has brought similar legislation in the past.

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Hansen noted he was the only member of the Health and Human Services Committee who voted against pushing Quicks LB 192 out of the committee stage and onto the legislative floor.

I think thats good governance, Hansen said of the Andersen amendment, which ultimately failed 22-14, three votes short. To say that its not, maybe Im missing the point.

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OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL)  With an empty chair on stage reserved for Congressman Mike Rogers, dozens of East Alabama residents are expected to gather Thursday evening at the Opelika Public Library for a Peoples Town Hall  an event organized by Indivisible Auburn-Opelika to give local voices a platform amid what organizers say is a lack of public engagement by their representative in Washington.

Dr. Nicole Carter, a pediatrician who lives in Lee County, emphasized the importance of public and nonpartisan dialogue.

Many of us in Alabamas 3rd Congressional District are worried about the decisions being made in D.C. and how they are impacting our families and our community. We had hoped to have Congressman Rogers join us for a town hall where we, his constituents, could ask real questions and share our concerns with him, Dr. Carter told WRBL.

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Carrie Cole, Communications Director for Rep. Rogers, responded to WRBLs inquiry about the Congressmans absence:

Congressman Rogers lives in the district and is in near-constant contact with his constituents and local leaders. The Democratic Party has encouraged activists to hold events that they have branded as town halls in an effort to ambush Republican members of Congress. We welcome any constituents to contact any of our three offices.

Dr. Carter says she has tried to contact Congressman Rogers to express her concerns. I call his office nearly every single day. No response back. As a pediatrician for two decades, public health and science policy  are areas she is eager to discuss with Congressman Rogers.

Though Rep. Rogers (R-AL) declined the groups invitation to attend, organizers say the event will move forward with community speakers and an open mic session where constituents can share personal stories and pose questions they say deserve answers  particularly on issues ranging from health care to environmental policy to overseas military spending. The event will be livestreamed and, according to organizers, shared with Rep. Rogers office.

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In his absence, we still hope to provide a nonpartisan, open forum for the community to gather and share their own stories and experiences, said Dr. Carter.

Rogers has represented Alabamas 3rd Congressional District since 2003, making him one of the more senior members of the House Republican Conference. He currently serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

Whether or not Rep. Rogers responds to the video or the statements collected at Opelikas town hall remains to be seen. One message is clear: the conversation will continue  with or without him.

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ATLANTA, Ill. (WMBD)  U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) traveled from Chicago to Atlanta to Urbana, visiting small businesses that are being impacted by tariffs.

He witnessed firsthand how small business owners are struggling from President Trumps tariffs.

In Atlanta, he met with the owner of Kindred Farms and other agriculture leaders.

He said people who sell fruits and vegetables have to deal with rising prices and that means shoppers are having to pay more out of pocket.

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The congressman said hes from downstate, and it hurts him to see an area with so many small businesses struggling.

At this moment, when Ron is facing both retaliation and higher inputs, his competition, the very largest farmers, agribusinesses, and corporations, will take advantage of this position to try to squeeze Ron and other small businesses. And as a former small business person, I can tell you its a moment of high vulnerability, said Krishnamoorthi.

He said its up to our lawmakers on the other side to join democrats to gain more control over trade policies.

When asked about Senator Dick Durbin announcing his retirement, he thanked Durbin for his long career in politics. He joked that he could be the one to replace him, saying the person to take his spot could have a long last name.

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Were going to make an announcement on that later. Someone with a very long name, probably. Im just kidding. I think that the bottom line is right now its a day to talk about Senator Durbin, he said.

After visiting Atlanta, the congressman headed to Cold Mountain Brewery in Urbana.

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Attorney General William Tong speaks at a Press Conference with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Photo by Emilia Otte/CT Mirror)

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a multistate lawsuit Wednesday that is suing to block the Trump administrations tariffs, which have rattled the markets and worried businesses and consumers about higher prices.

Connecticut is one of a dozen states challenging four of President Donald J. Trumps executive orders, arguing that he does not have the authority to circumvent Congress and increase tariffs on most imports.

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At a press conference on Wednesday, Tong called the tariffs unlawful, unconstitutional and destructive. He argued that under Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, only Congress is given the power to levy tariffs.

The lawsuit also argues that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which allows the president to regulate international trade during a national emergency, and which President Trump has cited as allowing him to enact the tariffs, does not provide a legitimate legal backing for Trumps actions.

The executive orders include a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, a 145% tariff on China and a 10% tariff on countries worldwide. Trump has also promised reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries but paused most of them for 90 days.

The back-and-forth over the presidents tariff policy has left things in a state of flux, particularly amid a growing trade war with China. But Trump said Tuesday that a 145% rate on Chinese imports will come down substantially, but it wont be zero. Those comments, in part, led to a rise in global markets on Wednesday.

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Trump said Wednesday afternoon from the Oval Office that he hasnt brought down the high tariffs on China yet.

I havent brought it down. I said its a high tariff, but I havent brought it down, Trump said after signing executive orders on Wednesday. It basically means China is not doing any business with us essentially because its a very high number.

But U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said during the Wednesday press conference that even with the pauses on reciprocal tariffs, the new levies would hurt consumers and businesses.

Ten percent [tariffs] still across the board  on our allies. On countries that make things we could never make: Bananas. Coffee. Were not growing them in the United States, said Blumenthal.

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Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, who also joined Tongs announcement on Wednesday, have been vocal opponents of the tariff policy and support bipartisan legislation that would allow Congress to regain authority on the issue.

Blumenthal touted this legislation, noting that it is supported by seven Democrats and seven Republicans. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., has introduced similar legislation in the House.

The lawsuit alleges that states are going to face increased costs when purchasing necessary equipment and supplies essential to their economies as a result of the tariffs, an assumption echoed at the Wednesday press conference.

Tong and Blumenthal both cited research from the Yale Budget Lab estimating a loss of $4,900 per household as a result of the tariffs, with prices for clothing and shoes being particularly affected.

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Courtney, whose district includes the General Dynamics Electric Boat plant that produces submarines for the U.S. Navy, said he was particularly concerned about how the tariffs would affect agreements with other countries.

He referenced Australia, which is part of a deal, along with the U.S. and the U.K., to build three Virginia class submarines.

Right now, those same questions that are being asked in Canada are being asked in Australia about whether or not the U.S. is really an ally that they can rely on, said Courtney.

Oregons attorney general filed the latest tariff lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade. So far, only attorneys general from Democratic-led states have joined.

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That same court rejected a temporary restraining order requested by a group of small businesses that argued they would be immediately harmed by the tariffs. The judges ruled the tariffs can be left in place while the lawsuit continues in court.

Since the start of Trumps tenure, Tong has been a part of numerous lawsuits challenging various executive orders and policies from the president. The most recent sued the administration for seeking to gut a handful of federal agencies that mediate labor disputes, provide funding for public libraries, museums and minority-owned businesses.

Connecticut Republican Party Chair Ben Proto said that by instituting the tariffs, Trump was doing exactly what hed told voters he would do.

 He said he was going to institute tariffs if he was elected, and he was pretty overwhelmingly elected. I know the Democrats dont like to think he was overwhelmingly elected, but some 78 million people voted for him, knowing full well what he was going to do.

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Proto also criticized Tong, calling the lawsuit a waste of taxpayer dollars. He also said neither Tong, Blumenthal nor Murphy knew what the fallout would be from the tariffs.

 I have no idea what the tariffs are going to do, and I think the issue is if youre looking for an answer as to what theyre going to do in the next 10 minutes, I think that will be a very different answer than what theyre going to do in the next 10 months, Proto said.

When asked specifically about what has been gained from the China tariffs, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters outside the White House Wednesday that it is ensuring the rest of the world knows that the United States of America is no longer going to be ripped off. She said there are 18 proposals on paper from other countries to try and strike a trade deal.

Leavitt said to have some patience and you will see when pressed if the tariffs have worked.

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Trump said Wednesday that tariff negotiations with multiple countries are doing very well. The president said his team is still working with other countries on potential deals. But if those dont come to fruition, they will set new rates in the coming weeks.

If we dont have a deal with a company or a country, were going to set the tariff. That will happen over the next two or three weeks. Well be setting the number, Trump said. Were dealing with a lot of countries right now.

This article first appeared on CT Mirror and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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Photo: West Haven Police Department

A wellness check for a woman who went rogue for almost two months turned into a horrifying discovery for Connecticut police.However, the findings of the womans remains are nearly just as disturbing as the suspect they arrested in connection to her killing.

Theodore Lloyd was arrested following an officer response to a New Haven home on March 24. Police received a call that evening from a man concerned about his mother, per NBC Connecticut. He requested a welfare check, telling the police neither he nor her landlord had seen her.

Her neighbor from across the street, Denny Steeves, also grew concerned after realizing he hadnt seen her emerge from her home in weeks.

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She would go up and down the street with her walker, and if she came home with a lot of groceries, Id ask her, Tina do you want me to help you with your groceries? and shed go, No this is how I get my exercise. Very, very nice lady, said Steeves via WFSB.

When officers arrived at the home, they came across a morbid finding: the decomposing remains of the woman they were looking for. Police also said they found her remains dismembered and disbursed across 14 trash bags.

They also found evidence of attempted arson, along with an electric chainsaw and various cutting utensils, the report says. Later, the police determined the woman had been deceased for up to two months.

As if this story couldnt get any worse, police identified the woman as 70-year-old Tina Lloyd - the mother of the man they eventually arrested. Police said her older son is the one who called the police while the younger one, Lloyd,is now suspected of slaying their matriarch. He is believed to have acted alone. Police said he lived at the home with Tina until 2018 when he was charged in a domestic dispute and moved out, per FOX 61 News.

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I cant speak for everybody up here who has more time than me, but I have never seen anything like this in my 22 years in this police department, said West Haven Police Sgt. Scott Allard via FOX 61.

Lloyd was taken into custody on April 14 in Hartford, Conn. and charged with attempted arson and an act to conceal criminal activity. Authorities predict more will be filed. Hes being held on a $1 million bond.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. I am delighted with the progress made by Azerbaijan and our other partner countries in space endeavors, said Malik Olzhabekov, the Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

Speaking at the Space Technology Conference (STC2025) in Baku, Olzhabekov expressed satisfaction with the achievements of Azerbaijan and other partner countries in the space sector.

We are collaborating with several companies in this field. Recently, we met with a company in Tashkent, which is now a major partner for Kazakhstan. I wont mention them for free, but its worth noting. At a recent event in Ankara, we also found another company from Eastern Europe, and we are now working with them, he said.

Olzhabekov added that the STC2025 conference was a great opportunity to establish new friendships, set new goals, and explore innovations.

We are also doing serious work in the space sector in Kazakhstan. On September 8-10, Kazakhstan will host a special space event  Kazakhstan Space Days. If you have time, I recommend you book it. It will be great, as Almaty is an excellent place. I hope to meet some friends and colleagues there, he said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Sen. Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat, takes a phone call before the start of the Rhode Island Senate's floor session on April 1, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Providence Democratic Sen. Frank Ciccone III says hes seeking a Senate leadership spot as a way to pay tribute to his friend and brother, the late Sen. President Dominick Ruggerio.

Hes teamed up with an unlikely ally, Senate Majority Leader Valarie Lawson, to do so.

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Lawson will seek the vacant Senate president spot, with Ciccone as her No. 2, the duo confirmed late Thursday afternoon. The leadership contest has ignited long-simmering tensions between progressive and conservative Rhode Island Democrats, with the fate of a proposed state ban on assault-style weapons dependent upon the election outcome.

Progressive group Indivisible Rhode Island is publicly urging residents to tell their state senator not to support a ticket that includes Ciccone in a leadership role, referring to Ciccone as Trump Lite in a post Wednesday on BlueSky.

Meanwhile, even senators who support Lawson are reluctant to vote for her if it props up Ciccone due to his voting history opposing abortion rights, gun restrictions, and gay marriage. Lawson did not return multiple inquiries for comment.

Another option: Sen. Ryan Pearson, a Cumberland Democrat who already gathered the backing of one-third of Senate Democrats when he unsuccessfully challenged Ruggerio for the president spot during the partys November caucus. Pearson confirmed his candidacy Thursday, but declined to comment when asked about Lawson and Ciccone.

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This is a time for us to bring the Senate together and have us work as a unified team for the people of Rhode Island, Pearson said in a text message Thursday. I am seeking my colleagues support based on my past record working with each of them as Finance Chair and Majority leader, delivering on their priorities and meeting the diverse needs of their districts.

Ciccone also said he wants to bring harmony to a divided chamber. Thats what prompted him to start calling lawmakers for support on April 21, following Ruggerios death earlier that day.

I even feel bad talking about this to you right now, Ciccone, 77, said Thursday morning. I dont think we should do anything, make any statements, cut any deals, go public until after the funeral.

Six hours later, Lawson and Ciccone announced their ticket for president and majority leader, respectively.

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Our goal in coming together as a team is to unite the very diverse membership of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate, they said in a joint statement. While our focus right now is on honoring the legacy of President Dominick Ruggerio, we believe that we have a consensus on a vision to move our Chamber forward at the appropriate time, which is after we pay our respects to our dear friend Dominick. We have commitments of support from a majority of the Caucus, and a majority of the Chamber, and we are continuing to have conversations with all of our colleagues.

Pearsons response: false, he wrote in a text message Thursday afternoon.

Ruggerios funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 28. The Senate has been on hiatus since his death, but is expected to reconvene following his funeral, at which time a simple majority of the sitting 37 senators will vote for a new president.

I even feel bad talking about this to you right now. I don't think we should do anything, make any statements, cut any deals, go public until after the funeral.

 Sen. Frank Ciccone III, a Providence Democrat, regarding Senate leadership elections

Theres little daylight between Pearson and Lawson on policy issues: Both support stronger reproductive rights and gun restrictions, champion education issues and want to strengthen the states health care landscape. Ciccone, first elected in 2002, represents a much different brand of Democrat, making his alliance with Lawson surprising, and potentially, damaging to her candidacy.

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I like Val, and would absolutely support her on the leadership team, said Sen. Tiara Mack, a Providence Democrat. Mack is the youngest, and one of the most progressive members of the chamber.

Referring to Ciccone, Mack continued, But I cannot stand behind someone who is, in this state of the world, not going to give us a firm commitment to what 75% of Rhode Islanders believe we need: an assault-weapons ban.

Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat, chats with Senate Majority Leader Valarie Lawson, an East Providence Democrat, before the start of the Rhode Island Senates floor session on April 1, 2025. At lower right is Deputy Senate President Pro Tempore Matt LaMountain, a Warwick Democrat. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Gun rights under fire

Ciccone is a licensed federal firearms dealer and gun rights supporter with an high rating by the National Rifle Association. He sells guns out of the basement of his Silver Lake home, no more than one per year to someone I know, he said Thursday.

He plans to seek an advisory opinion from the Rhode Island Ethics Commission regarding whether his gun sale business conflicts with a potential leadership position in the Senate, he said Thursday.

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Ciccone has routinely voted against stricter gun protections throughout his 22 years in the Senate, including the safe storage bill signed into law in 2024. And he doesnt support an assault-style weapons ban, at least as currently proposed.

The fact that someone owns a semi-automatic shotgun, or rifle they hunt with, or a pistol, I dont define that as an assault weapon, Ciccone said.

Companion bills introduced by Sen. Lou DiPalma and Rep. Jason Knight would ban the sale of various types of semi-automatic shotguns and rifles. The legislation also requires residents who already own assault-style weapons to register them with a police department, which Ciccone contends is unconstitutional.

Ciccone said he would be open to an alternative proposal that eliminates the registry and narrows the definition of assault-style weapons, to something similar to the description used by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Gun rights advocates expressed similar views during a March 26 hearing on Knights bill in the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate Committee on Judiciary has not yet held an initial hearing on DiPalmas companion bill.

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DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat, said Thursday he was open to amending the language of his bill, including the registry component and the definition of an assault-style weapon.

I am still focused on getting this over the goal line, DiPalma said. We need to get it done, and get it done this session. But done does not mean the bill we have is the exact bill we are going to pass.

DiPalma has decided, but declined to say, who he would be supporting in the Senate leadership elections. DiPalma had spoken with Ciccone and Lawson, but not Pearson, as of Thursday morning,

Listening to voters

Ruggerio and Ciccone share similar politics, ages and union backgrounds. Their shared history spans four decades, dating back to when Ciccone was business manager of the Rhode Island Judicial, Professional, and Technical Employees Local Union 808.

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The pair would bicker constantly  just like brothers  Ciccone said, but always worked it out in the end.

Ciccone, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming, said his union experience translated well to Smith Hill.

You have to listen to everyone, hear them out, and try to work out an agreement, Ciccone said. I enjoy the fact everybody [in the Senate] has a different opinion. They represent different constituencies.

Ciccone cited his constituents viewpoints as the reason why he voted against legalizing gay marriage in 2010.

I represent a district with five Catholic churches and a large Hispanic population, Ciccone said. They were not in favor of it. What do I do? Go against my constituents?

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Little comfort to Sen. Meghan Kallman, a Pawtucket Democrat.

As a member of the LGBTQ caucus, I cannot vote for someone who is not in full-throated support of the rights of my community, Kallman said in an interview Thursday.

Ciccone also opposed the states 2019 law codifying Roe v. Wade, and the 2023 law expanding insurance coverage for abortion access.

That issue has come and went and now its decided, he said.

Ciccone is a co-sponsor on a Republican-backed proposal introduced this year that would repeal the states 2021 Act on Climate Law, which set decarbonization mandates with the goal of reaching net-zero by 2050.

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Ciccone said the purpose of his support was to start a discussion around the states ability to meet the incremental decarbonization benchmarks laid out in the existing law.

I want to be realistic, Ciccone said, who voted in favor of the original bill in 2021.

But Kallman called Act on Climate the single-most important and ambitious piece of legislation passed since she was elected in 2020.

The Act on Climate is key to my generation and anyone younger than me being able to survive, she said.

Rebuilding the bench

Kallman, 41, and Mack, 31, both pushed for new blood in leadership  in age and political philosophy.

We need a Senate chamber that is also going to have a bold vision, maybe not the boldest, but someone whos not going to just copy and paste what our Senate president did, Mack said.

We need a Senate chamber that is also going to have a bold vision, maybe not the boldest, but someone whos not going to just copy and paste what our Senate president did.

 Sen. Tiara Mack, a Providence Democrat and co-chair of the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific-Islander Caucus

Mack, who co-chairs the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific-Islander Caucus, also highlighted the lack of diversity in a Lawson-Ciccone ticket.

Pearson is 36, and openly gay  the first member of the Senate leadership team to identify as such when he was chosen to be majority leader in 2022.

This is a chance to have an LGBTQ+ leader, a millennial leader, a different path, Mack said.

Her comments come hours before David Hogg, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, is set to headline a Rhode Island Democratic Party fundraiser at Fish Co. in Providence Thursday night. Hogg has been vocal about his efforts to unseat long-time party incumbents in Congress and rebuild the bench with new, younger representation.

Liz Beretta-Perik, state party chair, did not immediately return requests for comment Thursday about Hoggs position on incumbents.

Ciccone said he was in good health and his age should not be a factor. He remained focused on restoring the chamber, noting the need for fiscal responsibility amid a projected deficit in fiscal 2026 and uncertainty over federal funding.

My door, similar to Dominicks, is going to be open, Ciccone said.

Updated to include new information regarding Senate Majority Leader Val Lawson and Sen. Frank Ciccones ticket and a response from Sen. Ryan Pearson.

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Due process is really having a moment, and the Founders are rolling in their graves.

The basic legal principlethat people have the right to challenge the evidence against them before the government takes away their libertyis central to the Constitution. And yet, it has come under fire recently, after President Donald Trump's administration deported hundreds of immigrants it alleges are gang members to a prison in El Salvador.

It appears that many people are now eager to dispense with due process, or simply do not understand what it is or why it exists.

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"The entire American media and left wing industrial complex has decided the most important issue today," said Vice President J.D. Vance last week, "is that the Trump admin deported an MS-13 gang member (and illegal alien)."

Vance was referring to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the Trump administration illegally deported to El Salvador in violation of a court orderan action the government attributes to an "administration error." Abrego Garcia and many other men, most of them Venezuelan, were shipped to El Salvador's mega prison, Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT). There, President Nayib Bukele has suspended civil liberties, including due process, allowing him to imprison people indefinitely without a fair trial.

Is it possible that some people sent to a Salvadoran prison were in a gang? It is. It is also possible some were not, which is precisely why we have due process: to test the integrity of the government's allegations. That is an American value, not a left-wing value.

"Did Rachel Morin get due process? Did Laken Riley get due process?" right-wing influencer Jack Posobiec inquired recently. "No one ever asks that."

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Morin and Riley were murdered by immigrants, which is tragic. But Posobiec's question implies he doesn't understand what due process is at a basic level. By his logic, we should abolish the doctrine for anyone accused of bad acts, which is backward: The point of due process is to provide fairness to people accused of crimes, because the government doesn't always get it right. "Because we said so" isn't good enough.

OutKick founder Clay Travis noted that "if the president can't deport illegal immigrants then we have no border at all."

The president can, in fact, deport people. At issue is whether or not he can send them to a third-world prison, where they will be held without charge or conviction. These are two different things. And it isn't relevant that the people deported weren't U.S. citizens, because the Supreme Court has repeatedly confirmed that even immigrants suspected of being in the U.S. illegally are entitled to due process of law.

"I can't fully articulate this problem yet," former Libertarian Party chair Angela McArdle wrote, "but I think that libertarianism has been hijacked by radical empathy & that we don't fully understand the concept of a right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence. Libertarians have elevated it over all other rights & factors."

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The Founders made due process central to the Constitution not because they loved criminals, but because they understood that any system of justice will give people a chance to publicly challenge the government before it deprives them of their liberty indefinitely, as the government has done here. That should be important to anyone who cares about the Constitution and the rule of law. "Libertarians Who Believe the Government Is Perfect and Trustworthy" is not a coherent ideology.

If you love the Constitution, you have to love due process.

Photo Credits: Juan Carlos/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom; EL SALVADOR PRESIDENTIAL PRESS O/UPI/Newscom; AFP / GDA Photo Service/Newscom; Taylor Friehl on Unsplash; Randy Laybourne on Unsplash; Ben Moreland on Unsplash

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Music Credits: "Grab the Goods" by MooveKa via Artlist; "Above the Skies" by Icosphere via Artlist; "The Walking Cat" by Out of Flux via Artlist; "Swiping Right" by Damon Power via Artlist

Video Editor: Danielle Thompson

The post Is This Constitutional? Here's How Due Process Works appeared first on Reason.com.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Spring is in full swing in Central Illinois, but so is allergy season.

Dr. Ravi Kashyap, pulmonologist at Carle Methodist Hospital, said grass and tree pollen allergies have spiked recently. Symptoms include itchy eyes, stuffy nose, cough and scratchy throat.

We are seeing a lot of allergy patients, both the patients as well as our staff as well. It looks like especially last week or so the allergies have been really rampant. Both the grass allergy and the tree pollen allergies have been troubling patients a lot, he said.

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Kashyap suggests limiting your time outside and using antihistamines or nasal sprays to control symptoms. If you do go outside, he recommends changing your clothes or taking a shower when you come inside.

If you cannot do that, you can use a mask. We had seen during COVID times when using the mask, we also saw the allergies were low. So that means the mask will help you with that, he said.

If your allergies are severe, he said its a good idea to talk with your doctor. They can prescribe you medication like Montekulast or give your allergy shots.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Fire crews battled an out of control brush fire Wednesday night near Longview, authorities said.

According to Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, firefighters responded to the end of Clark Creek Road at around 4:50 p.m., where a caller had reported the brush fire.

When crews arrived, they said there was a large column of smoke coming from the area and more water tenders were called to the scene.

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New poll asks Portlanders what services they would prefer to cut from citys budget amid $93M shortfall

At the time, the fire crews said the blaze was about two acres and moderately growing.

Officials said that the fire started next to a residence and spread quickly before the people at the home could attempt to stop it.

By 6:23 p.m., officials said the fire was contained at 3.4 acres and that all vegetation near the home that wasnt fully green was completely consumed by the flames, including just five feet away from two sides of the home.

By 7:50 p.m., the fire was fully tuned over to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, who will be investigating the fire and monitoring the perimeter.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths controversial chief of staff, who played a central role in a power struggle that gripped the Pentagon, will exit the agency today.

Joe Kasper was originally expected to transition to another role within the Defense Department, but is now planning to go back to government relations and consulting, he said in an interview.

He will continue to support and advise the Pentagon, he said, but as a special government employee. This will limit him to performing temporary jobs for just 130 days a year.

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A former longtime chief of staff to indicted Rep. Duncan Hunter, Kasper was a leading figure in the firings of senior adviser Dan Caldwell, Hegseth deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick and Colin Carroll, the chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg. The trio were ousted last week in a leak investigation.

Some officials saw the wave of firings as a bid by Kasper to consolidate power.

Kasper did not like that those guys had the secretarys ear, a person familiar with the dynamic said. He did not like that they had walk-in and hanging-out privileges in the office. He wanted them out. It was a knife fight.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Hegseth confirmed Tuesday on Fox & Friends that Kasper would move into a different role at the Pentagon. But he insisted that his top aide had not been fired and reaffirmed support for him.

Joe is a great guy, great American, Hegseth said. He has done a fantastic job for us at the Defense DepartmentYou make changes over time, and were grateful for everything Joes done.
A cardinal who was sentenced to five and a half years in prison after being convicted of embezzlement said Tuesday he intends to participate in the next conclave  the election to pick Pope Francis successor  even though the Holy See press office has declared him a non-elector.

Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, who became the first cardinal to ever be prosecuted by the Vaticans criminal court in December 2023, has appealed the conviction, denying wrongdoing. Becciu can still live in a Vatican apartment while his appeal is pending, according to CNN.

While the press office of the Holy See designated Becciu as a non-elector, Becciu is demanding that he take part in the conclave.

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The Pope recognized my cardinals prerogatives as being intact as there was no explicit wish to exclude me from the conclave, nor a request for an explicit written renunciation on my part, Becciu told Sardinian newspaper LUnione Sarda, according to a translation by the Times of London.

Becciu was convicted of embezzlement over a London real estate investment and for funneling money to a charity led by his brother and using the Vaticans funds to pay an intelligence analyst.

In September 2020, Pope Francis reportedly demanded the resignation of Becciu, who at the time headed the Vaticans saint making office, over his role in the scandal, demanding that he give up his rights and privileges as a cardinal. Still, Becciu retained the title of cardinal. Previously, Becciu also served as the No. 2 in the Vaticans secretariat of state.

CNN reports that Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin will be the ones to ultimately decide whether Becciu will participate in the upcoming conclave.

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Experts told the Times the Vatican is in a tough spot, as excluding Becciu could potentially give him grounds to contest the election, while allowing him to participate when he shouldnt could allow some to claim the conclave was tainted.

Cardinals under 80 years old will gather to select the next pope within 20 days of Francis death.

Pope Francis died Monday at age 88 due to a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican said. His funeral and burial are set to take place Saturday; several world leaders, including President Donald Trump, are scheduled to travel to Rome to attend the ceremony.

Related...
By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Cardinals in meetings ahead of the start of a secret conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis are scratching the hair under their red skull caps as they try to decide whether a cardinal convicted of embezzlement and fraud can join in the vote.

Their quandary concerns Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who in December 2023 was sentenced to 5-1/2 years in jail. He was the most senior Catholic Church official ever to stand trial before a Vatican criminal court.

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Becciu has denied all wrongdoing and is appealing the court's ruling. The Italian cardinal, who is free pending his appeal, confirmed in a conversation with Reuters on Thursday night that he felt he should be allowed into the conclave.

His complex legal standing in Church law goes back to the night of September 24, 2020, when Francis summoned Becciu to his residence and summarily fired him from the job as head of the Vatican department that decides who will be saints, as the cardinal recounted.

Francis bluntly accused a shocked Becciu of nepotism and embezzlement, saying: "I no longer have trust in you."

The pope allowed Becciu to keep his ecclesiastical title and his Vatican apartment but stripped him of what the Vatican said were "the rights associated with the Cardinalate".

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At the time, Becciu said this included losing the right to take part in a future conclave.

Under Church law, cardinals under the age of 80 can enter the Sistine Chapel for a secret conclave where they cast their votes under the gaze of a severe God depicted in Michelangelos Last Judgement fresco behind the main altar.

The conclave is not expected to start before May 6.

About 135 cardinals are currently eligible to take part. On its website, the Vatican lists the 76-year-old Becciu as a "non-elector," lumping him with those who have reached the age of 80.

Between the time of his sacking and the end of the trial, Becciu had several meetings with the pope, including at a Mass in the cardinal's private chapel.

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CARDINAL SAYS STATUS HAS CHANGED

Becciu says his status has changed since that night in 2020 when the pope punished him.

Becciu told L'Unione Sarda, the main newspaper on his native island of Sardinia, that the Vatican list of non-eligible cardinals "has no legal value," that there had been "no explicit willingness" to bar him from the conclave and that he had never been asked to formally renounce the privilege in writing.

In the conversation with Reuters near the Vatican on Thursday night, Becciu confirmed the comments he made to the newspaper and added that he believed the pope was close to making a decision on his status.

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He told Reuters that he met with the pope in January, before the pontiff was hospitalized in February, and quoted the pontiff as saying, "I think I have a found a solution".

Becciu said he did not know if the pope had left any written instructions about his situation.

In briefings since the pope died on Monday, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni has repeatedly declined to answer questions about Becciu's position, suggesting he may tackle the topic after Francis' funeral on Saturday.

Before the conclave starts, all cardinals, regardless of their age, can take part in daily meetings known as General Congregations, where they mainly discuss the day-to-day business of running the 1.4 billion-member Roman Catholic Church.

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Most cardinals entering the Vatican for the General Congregations have not spoken to reporters or have declined to discuss the Becciu issue.

"It will be my brother cardinals who will decide," Becciu told Reuters, referring to all the roughly 250 prelates, including electors and non-electors  who will take part in the General Congregations before the conclave.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; additional reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Gareth Jones and Diane Craft)
CONWAY, Ark.  Police cars surrounded a school bus on Wednesday morning after a man was arrested for allegedly stealing it.

While leaving Mayflower on the way to work, Kelly French was met by a long line of traffic.

As I drove by, what I saw was like eight police cars, and a bus with the door open pulled over on the side of the road, French said.

Jefferson County Sheriffs Office warns of recent phone scams

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No children were inside the bus, with police adding the bus wasnt stolen from school grounds.

It said Fairfax on the side and I thought, Theres no Fairfax County in Arkansas, French said. Wheres this bus from?

The 911 call came from an address on Covington Park Drive, where a company called Bus Upfitters, a school bus service, is located in Conway.

This person, from what I understood, was serving. And the door was open and who knows what condition the driver was in, French said.

After the school bus was recovered, Conway police announced they had arrested Shane Andrew Ingle of Russellville in connection with the theft.

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Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announces financial fraud task force

CPD officials said Ingle is facing multiple charges, including theft of property, fleeing, breaking or entering, driving on a suspended license and criminal mischief.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will be held in Azerbaijan's Khankendi this year, said Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trend reports.

In his address at the "Azerbaijan and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO): Opportunities and Prospects" conference, Mirzayev noted that the meeting will be successfully organized

"The theme for this year's summit will focus on sustainable development and climate-resilient economic cooperation," he said.

The 16th ECO summit took place in 2023 in the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent.

The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), of which Azerbaijan has been a member since 1992, is a political and economic intergovernmental institution in Eurasia, founded in 1985 in Tehran by the leaders of Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye. It provides a platform to examine strategies for promoting growth and facilitating trade and investment opportunities.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
FLORISSANT, Mo.  On Wednesday, the Army Corps of Engineers held an open house at the Florissant Municipal Court to discuss the cleanup efforts of nuclear waste.

Colonel Andy Pannier, commander of the St. Louis District Corps of Engineers, met with FOX 2 News ahead of the meeting and said some of the key points being discussed are updated to the downtown site as well as providing an update on the north county and Coldwater Creek site.

Col. Pannier said his team will also provide an update on the additional properties being added to the cleanup list.

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What the public will hear this evening in those explanation of significant differences or ESDs will be updates to work that weve already been doing in a large part and were just clarifying that on public record now through these ESDs, Pannier said.

Karen Nickel with Just Moms STL said a big concern she hopes the Army Corps will address is the soil along the creek.

If youve been out to look at the creek lately, huge chunks of the bank of the creek, they are washed away and at some point, are they going back and testing these banks, she said.

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Americans are having fewer babies, with the annual birth rate now standing near a record low. It's a trend that has implications for the nation's long-term outlook  and has drawn attention from the Trump administration, with the New York Times reporting that a proposal for a $5,000 "baby bonus" may be one option for juicing the birth rate.

"Sounds like a good idea to me," President Trump said on Tuesday at a White House event when asked about the possibility of a federal baby bonus.

Yet the idea may be far from becoming a reality, with a White House official telling CBS MoneyWatch that no final decision on such a plan has been made.

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A declining birth rate can spell long-term economic problems, including a shrinking labor force that's financially strapped to pay for medical services and retirement benefits for an aging population. But reversing a nation's declining birth rate could take far more than a one-time payment that, for most parents, would be quickly consumed by the costs of diapers, child care and other essentials.

Other countries with similar demographic trends have tried an array of strategies to revive their birth rates, but in most cases with short-lived results or no impact at all.

Some experts point out that by tackling long-standing economic issues  such as providing affordable day care and paid parental leave after the birth of a child  the government could provide a more hospitable environment for families. The U.S. is one of a only a handful of nations that doesn't provide paid leave for parents, including countries such as Papua New Guinea and Suriname.

"President Trump is proudly implementing policies to uplift American families, from securing order [at the] border to keep violent criminals out of our communities, to lowering taxes and the cost of living," White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in an email in response to a question about the baby bonus idea. "The President wants America to be a country where all children can safely grow up and achieve the American dream."

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By 2050, 26 states will take an economic hit due to their aging populations changes, with GDP declining by $162.3 billion from 2050 to 2100 over that period, according to a new analysis from PwC. Those states range from Maine to Mississippi.

Here's what to know about baby bonuses.

How much has the U.S. birth rate declined?

About 3.6 million babies were born in the U.S. last year, according to the most recent CDC data. That's little changed from the prior year, when the number of births hit a new record low.

The fertility rate, or the average number of children born to each woman in the U.S., dropped to about 1.6 in 2023, down from 3.7 in 1960, when the nation was in the midst of the post-war baby boom, according to data from the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

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What's causing the decline?

That's unclear from an economic or policy standpoint, according to economists Melissa Kearney of University of Maryland, Philip Levine of Wellesley College and Luke Pardue of the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, the authors of a 2022 analysis of the birth rate decline in the economics publication Econofact.

But, they added, "Shifting priorities could be the primary driver for the decline in the birth rate since 2007."

Survey and anecdotal data suggests that "young adults have different preferences for having children, aspirations for life and views about parenting norms that are driving the decline in the U.S. birth rates," they wrote.

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Could financial incentives increase the birth rate?

Other countries that have tried similar monetary incentives have had mixed success.

Australia introduced a baby bonus in 2004, providing $3,000 Australian dollars to parents for each birth, an amount that was eventually hiked to A$5,000.

After an initial bump in births when the policy was introduced, Australia's birth rate has continued to decline, dropping from about 2 children on average for each woman to about 1.5 in 2023, below the U.S. rate, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Likewise, Hungary has introduced a number of incentives to convince its citizens to have more children, from providing baby grants to tax breaks for families with three or more children. Its birth rate increased slightly in the 2010s after hitting a record low of about 1.2 in 2011.

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But after rising to 1.6 in 2021, Hungary's birth rate is once again dropping, demographic data shows.

"Baby bonuses have not worked for Hungary. Why would we replicate this here in [the U.S.]?" wrote Gabriella Hoffman, the director of the Center for Energy and Conservation at Independent Women's Forum, in a social media post.

How much does it cost to raise a child?

Raising a child in the U.S. doesn't come cheap, with one recent analysis finding parents will spend about $300,000 to raise a child to age 18.

How would a U.S. baby bonus work?

Typically such incentives are paid either through a tax credit or a government check, similar to the stimulus checks that were given to millions of households during the pandemic.

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Already, the U.S. has a Child Tax Credit of about $2,000 per child, but that is claimed on a parent's annual tax return, which means families must wait until tax season to collect the benefit.

"Unlike the Child Tax Credit, a baby bonus could come right after a child is born  there would be no wait until next year's tax season to get the money that parents need for a crib and a car seat today," wrote senior policy analyst Leah Sargeant in a recent post at the Niskanen Center, a political think tank. "It can be more generously structured than the CTC because it is a supplement for a single, critical year, not an ongoing payment."

How much would a $5,000 baby bonus cost the U.S.?

If the parent of every child born in the U.S. annually qualified for a $5,000 bonus, the cost could mount to more than $15 billion a year.

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That could be tough to pass at a time when Republican lawmakers are seeking to reduce federal spending in order to pay for an extension of Mr. Trump's tax cuts, which is currently part of a bill advancing in Congress.

Russian foreign minister on latest Kyiv strikes: "We only target military goals"

Judge halts own order demanding Kilmar Abrego Garcia updates

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Downtown Albuquerque business owners are looking at an idea that could see property owners paying into a special fund to help spruce up the area and add more security. Its still in the planning stages, but organizers say the idea is to give businesses more of a say in making downtown look nicer and addressing problems like vandalism, panhandling, and littering.

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Other southwest cities like Tucson, Arizona, have the districts that raise money from property owners to help pay for downtown-centric beautification, security, and clean-up. The lamp posts are all clean and look nice downtown. The street sweepers run frequently. You see the hospitality ambassadors out. Its a very nice vibe and we can bring that to downtown, said Keleher.

The initiative could affect areas from Lomas Blvd. to Coal Ave. and between Broadway Blvd. and 10th Street. If businesses give it the green light, theyd pay a monthly fee toward a special downtown fund. So people that are trained in cleaning and basically hospitality ambassadors and interacting with folks that are causing a disturbance and asking them if they can help and then in the right situation asking for a police response, said Keleher.

They havent determined how much a business would pay, but said the BID would charge different rates, based on a propertys square footage. Organizers behind BID said there are still a lot of steps ahead, including getting signatures from at least 51% of area property and asking for Albuquerque City Councils approval, just to start the process of potentially creating the district.

Albuquerque had a downtown improvement district a decade ago, but it was dissolved after some property owners disagreed with how it was being run.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  A major endorsement could shake up the race for New York City mayor.

For the first time, a large and powerful union is NOT backing former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

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Instead, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is getting the nod from DC37, a union representing nearly a quarter million active and retired city workers. She also got the backing of several smaller unions and New York Attorney General Letitia James at a rally Wednesday.

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The people need to power, I dont need it for myself, Adams said. So I am here to empower the people, so I thank you for your support.

DC37 represents a quarter million active and retired New York City 911 dispatchers, childcare workers, social workers, and more. Other major NYC unions like Hotel and Gaming Workers and 32BJ, which represents service employees around the city, have lined up behind Cuomo.

Led by Henry Garrido, DC37 said it is committed to sending someone besides Cuomo to City Hall. Garrido cited the pension reform Cuomo signed as Governor that made benefits less generous. The union also suggests ranking other candidates for Mayor, like Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and State Senator Zellnor Myrie.

PIX11 asked Garrido if he is worried that multiple endorsements could muddy the water and lead to a Cuomo victory.

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No, Im not worried at all, he said. We thought the ranked choice and the discussion were a strategy to move forward, and we stand by our choice.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

As for the Attorney General, whose office produced the report on the sexual harassment that led to Cuomos resignation, James said she will personally go into Black churches with Speaker Adams to make the case for her and against Cuomo.

We lived under the thumb of not the Superman from COVID, but the one who kept PPE and COVID vaccine away from communities of color for too long, yall better tell that story, Adams said.

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Cuomo has said the sexual harassment report has been discredited, pointing to a lack of criminal charges. In response to questions about his commitment to the black community, his campaign released the following statement from Bishop Orlando Findlayter of the New Hope Christian Fellowship, who endorsed Governor Cuomo:

Governor Cuomo stood with the Black community during our most difficult days, in ways few elected officials ever have. It is deeply troubling when any leader chooses to mislead our community for political gain. I hope Speaker Adams, as someone who understands the weight of leadership, will reflect on the importance of honesty and unity as we all work toward a better future for our communities.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Since President Donald Trump took office, the day-to-day lives of international students like Harvard sophomore Abdullah Shahid Sial have changed.

When Shahid Sial, from Pakistan, walks around the Cambridge campus, he carries his passport and other identification documents in case his student visa is abruptly revoked or his Student and Exchange Visitor Information status is terminated.

He knows which lawyer might represent him if he is picked up by ICE and has even drafted a pre-written message to his friend to send to his parents in case he is detained and cant speak to them.

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" The fact that you only have one of me right now and not many international students in front of you, willing to speak, is a big testament to how frightened people are to speak up in this environment. Its a level which I havent seen before, ever. I dont think Ive seen this in any university in Pakistan," said Shahid Sial, the co-president of Harvards undergraduate student body.

The fear for many international students comes after Harvard, along with hundreds of other institutions across the country, has been dealing with an onslaught of student visa revocations and their Student and Exchange Visitor Information statuses have been terminated.

On top of that, the Department of Homeland Security also ordered Harvard to submit detailed records of illegal and violent activities by foreign student visa holders before the end of the month, or it would lose a key certification allowing international students to attend Harvard.

About 27% of Harvards undergraduate and graduate students are international, according to 2024 to 2025 data.

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The federal governments actions toward Harvard and international students could have significant effects on higher education enrollment and the viability of colleges.

Many schools have already been contending with declines in enrollment, leading to many institutions across Massachusetts closing. With shifts in birth rates, the issue is only expected to worsen.

Thats a challenge that we face independent of immigration policy at the national level, said Luc Schuster, executive director of the research center Boston Indicators. And then there is a real risk that that problem is exacerbated by declining numbers of international students coming if it becomes much harder to get a student visa to come here from abroad.

International students have been an integral part of slowing down what could have been a faster decline in enrollment, Schuster said.

Why have there been declines in college enrollment?

A key fear in higher education is the demographic cliff, where there will be fewer traditionally college-aged students in the United States.

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The total number of high school graduates is estimated to peak in 2026 in Massachusetts before steadily declining through 2041, decreasing by over 77,000 students in the state and about 500,000 or 13% nationwide, according to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

This is partly due to fewer people having children beginning around the Great Recession of 2008.

This is a big deal for a state like Massachusetts, where education is one of its largest industries.

While the peak is still on the horizon, enrollment declines have already begun  more than two dozen Massachusetts colleges have closed or merged. Most recently, Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy announced in June that it would close by the end of the academic year, citing financial issues.

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Another school, Bard College at Simons Rock, said in February that it would close its Great Barrington campus due to declining enrollment.

International students impact on Massachusetts

At the same time that enrollment is declining for many institutions, more colleges and universities have been looking to recruit international students in part because they are often full-pay, said Lynn Pasquerella, the former president of Mount Holyoke College who now serves as president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

" When we look at alternative sources of revenue apart from the traditional domestic students, campus leaders are looking at recruiting international students who often are full-pay students. Many institutions dont provide financial aid or full financial aid for international students," Pasquerella said.

Massachusetts has more than 82,000 international students, the fourth largest number after Texas, New York and California, according to Open Doors data from 2023 to 2024.

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Thats 18.3% of Massachusetts 449,000 college students, or nearly 1 in 5.

International students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2023-2024 academic year, according to the NAFSA or the Association of International Educators.

Abdullah Shahid Sial, a Harvard University sophomore from Lahore, Pakistan, pictured in front of the Statue of John Harvard at the Cambridge campus.(Will Katcher/MassLive)

Despite the impact on the U.S. economy, international students right now are being used as poker chips to push Harvard to comply with what the federal government wants, Shahid Sial said.

Friends of Shahid Sial from Pakistan who were planning to come to the U.S. for college are second-guessing or backing out and current students are questioning whether they should transfer.

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I heard the word transfer so many times over the past few days, people are considering many places in the U.K., many places in Canada, Shahid Sial said.

Harvard is Harvard because, again, it has the ability to get the best people from around the world. If that is threatened, then Harvard is not Harvard anymore, he said.

Clark Universitys president, David Fithian, told MassLive Tuesday morning that fears about student visa revocations and statuses being terminated could have an effect on enrollment.

" Were already hearing from students who are uncertain about coming to the United States to start their education, an educational program at Clark. And for students already here, theyre obviously deeply concerned about their ability to stay, their ability to travel home and return and their ability to continue to study the subjects that they came to study and the right we all enjoy to speak freely about world matters," Fithian said.

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International students comprise about 35% of Clarks student body, including undergraduates and graduates, he said.

The potential impact of fewer international students in Massachusetts could be drastic and an act of self-sabotage, according to Schuster, from Boston Indicators.

... Part of whats made our local economy so strong is the number of international students who come here for undergraduate or graduate studies, and then end up staying here, laying down roots, starting businesses, working in the information technology sector, he said.

So its both a direct concern for the institutions themselves but also for the broader regional economy over the next generation or so, he said.

Harvards international population could be in jeopardy

There has been an all-out government attack on Harvard, where anything that touches the federal government and the university is being looked at, said Sarah Spreitzer, from the American Council on Education.

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A surprising part of that has been the threat that the federal government will walk back Harvards certification to allow international students at the institution.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program, also known as SEVP, allows higher education institutions to issue forms to prospective international students after admitting them. The forms are used to apply for a visa to enter the United States.

The certification requirements include that the school is operational and instructing students, has the necessary facilities and adequate finances to operate, provides instruction to a degree or objective and meets state requirements to operate, according to the Department of Homeland Security website.

If Harvard, for some reason, sees their certification revoked, thats basically limiting the students that they can admit, which starts to walk the line with academic freedom, Spreitzer said.

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Colleges are recertified every two years, but it isnt frequently taken away. When it has, it is due to some sort of fraud, according to Spreitzer.

For instance, Herguan University in California in 2016 was stripped of the certification after its CEO pleaded guilty to providing fraudulent documents to the Department of Homeland Security, according to East Bay Times.

The threat to Harvards certification lays bare the concerns that hundreds of higher education leaders have about government overreach and political interference in higher education.

" My fears are that this continued governmental overreach will upend the strength of American higher education," said Pasquerella.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Trumbull County judge has ordered County Auditor Martha Yoder to pay $80,857.18 to Bazetta Township after the townships tax funds were mistakenly deposited into a fraudulent bank account.

The ruling follows a cyberattack in August 2024, when hackers infiltrated the townships fiscal officers email and posed as officials to redirect where the townships tax revenue should be sent. The auditors office failed to verify the request and sent the money to a fraudulent account at Green Dot Bank.

Just one day after a judge ordered Trumbull County Auditor Martha Yoder to pay more than $80,000 plus interest to Bazetta after its tax funds were mistakenly deposited into a fraudulent bank account, township trustees are now calling on Yoder to comply.

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Make this payment, make our taxpayers whole and move on, said trustee Michael Hovis.

Thats what were asking for  nothing more, nothing less than what we are already guaranteed by the taxpayers, said trustee Michael Morelli.

Yoder previously stated that the townships fiscal officer admitted to asking for the multifactor authentication (MFA) to be turned off for the email account. MFA is an electronic authentication

security method that allows access to an application only after a user successfully presents two or more pieces of evidence to authenticate identity.

According to court documents, Bazetta Township filed a petition for a writ of mandamus, arguing it had a clear legal right to the funds. The court agreed, stating that the auditor has a mandatory duty to distribute tax revenue, regardless of the cybercrime.

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I think that if the township is celebrating this as a victory, its a little premature, Yoder said.

Judges findings emphasized that the auditor could not withhold payment due to the mistake and that Bazetta Township had no other legal remedy due to statutory immunity shielding the auditor from negligence claims.

The court ordered the full amount plus interest to be paid and directed the clerk of courts to serve copies of the decision.

I think the judge is wrong, Yoder said. My attorney and I agree, judges are people too, they make mistakes just like the rest of us, and quite frankly, thats why we have appellate courts is to try to correct those mistakes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Apr. 23MORGANTOWN  In his tenure on the Monongalia County Commission, Jeff Arnett said he's come to understand that unexpected, early-morning phone calls are rarely made to deliver good news.

That goes extra on Easter Sunday.

"Easter morning, after a sunrise service ; we were out of town and [MECCA 911 Director ] Jimmy Smith is calling me, and I'm thinking 'Oh, good Lord, did the town explode ?'" Arnett recalled.

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The answer, he soon learned, was yesto a degree.

Members of the commission took time Wednesday to recognize the efforts made by countless individualsfrom first responders to linemen to neighbors and even total strangersin response to Saturday evening's brief but destructive storm.

"We were without power for almost 48 hours on the other side of the lake. I can't thank enough First Energy Mon Power. They mobilized, and if you saw the parking lot at Kroger yesterday, there had to be 50 trucks down there. Every hotel was filled with the trucks they brought in from the whole region to attack the problem on a holiday, " Arnett said. "For the extent of the damage, we lamented not having power for a couple daysbut it's pretty remarkable the amount of power they've got back on in a short period of time."

As of Wednesday morning's 10 a.m. meeting, Mon Power indicated 1, 033 customers remained without power in Monongalia County. Six hours later, the number stood at 589 in all of West Virginiacentered primarily in and around Monongalia County.

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Those numbers are down from tens of thousands late Saturday into Sunday morning.

Commissioner Sean Sikora lives in the area of Collins Ferry Road, which saw a series of large power poles snap, dropping transmission lines into the road.

He credits a group of good Samaritans from the Timberline Apartments with likely preventing serious accidents by flagging down drivers and routing them through the apartment complex and around the problem.

"I texted the sheriff. It was about 11 o'clock at night and said, 'Can you guys park a car out here with the flashers on ?' because obviously there was no light and it was pitch dark and there were poles and wires in the road and people were coming down 25, 30 miles an hour, " Sikora said. "If it weren't for these people directing them around ... it made it very safe."

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Given the religious significance of the weekend, Commissioner Tom Bloom said he didn't know whether the burning flying WV bushes were a sign from above or a portent of things to come.

"When someone said there was a burning bush, being Jewish, I was like, 'Oh no, what's going on ?'" Bloom joked.

"I want to thank the first responders ... and the public who came out and helped each other. I had one caller say, 'My neighbor, who's never talked to me and I hate, came over with a saw and cut some of the trees down.'" Bloom said. "So, it does bring the best out of people and I really appreciate that."
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso County Public Works is hosting a free community clean-up event this Saturday, April 26.

The event will be from 8 a.m. to noon (or until capacity) on Saturday, April 26.

The drop-off location for this event will be 15311 El Rosio, El Paso, TX, 79928.

Passenger tires, bulk trash, and electronic waste will be accepted as followed:

Tires

Each resident may bring up to five tires. There will be a maximum collection of 1,500 tires for the event.

Accepted tires must measure 17 inches or smaller.

Tires from retailers, semi-trucks, equipment-trucks, or those with rims will NOT be accepted.

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Bulk Trash and Electronic Waste

Residents may bring one pick-up truck load of bulk trash, including furniture, chairs, carpet, etc.

Accepted electronics include computers, tablets, scanners, video games, cameras, radios, cellphones, VCRs, and DVD players.

CRT monitors and televisions will NOT be accepted.

The County says some items may not be accepted, so residents are encouraged to sort their bulk waste prior to arrival. For any questions, you can contact the El Paso County Public Works Office at (915) 273-3330.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Azercosmos has generated over 650 million manat ($382.3 million) in revenue from its investments, exceeding 700 million manat ($411.7 million), the Acting Chairman of the Board of Azercosmos, Dunay Badirkhanov, told reporters on the sidelines of the Space Technology Conference (STC2025) in Baku, Trend reports.

"Since 2013, Azercosmos has launched three satellites into orbit. Through the 'Azerspace-1' and 'Azerspace-2' satellites, we are currently operating in nearly 50 countries. Out of the 700 million manat invested, we have already earned 650 million manat in revenue," he said.

The Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Azercosmos) is a public legal entity under the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the successor to Azercosmos Open Joint Stock Company, the inaugural satellite operator in the Caucasus region, wholly owned by the Government of Azerbaijan. The company offers internet and television services to clients throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia through the telecommunication satellite Azerspace-1. Azercosmos offers satellite imaging and geoinformation services through the Earth observation satellite Azersky. Azercosmos manages a teleport in Baku that acquires communications through intermediary satellites, metronet, and fiber optics. This teleport facilitates uplink services, data dissemination, and internet access.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)  The Columbiana County Engineers Office is getting ready to move its equipment into a new storage facility.

It comes on the heels of a busy construction season, and it wouldnt be possible without some help with funding.

We have some really nice equipment and we maintain it well, and were very aggressive with our maintenance program, said Columbiana County Engineer Bert Dawson.

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Part of that program includes completing a new 15,000 square foot facility that will help keep them out of the elements and out of the shop. Its a $2.5 million project thats utilizing nearly a million dollars worth of ARPA funding, with another million and a half coming from former Congressman Bill Johnsons office.

Not even a prayer, taking it on without the ARPA money, Dawson said.

The added space will allow the engineers office to store its entire fleet indoors, and ideally, increase the lifespan of its equipment.

One of those trucks today is in the $350,000 range when you get the plow and the asher on it and get all the controls and the GPS. Very expensive. So we like to get, traditionally we try to get 20-25 years out of them, said Dawson.

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The project is nearing completion as the engineers office prepares for a busy construction season. One of the biggest, a multi-phase realignment project along Calcutta Smith Ferry Road, is expected to resume this summer.

Weve (added) curb and gutters. Widened it out. Made all the bends flatter so the bends arent as big, said Dawson.

Its been a years-long project that has taken aim at improving safety along the stretch of road thats seen an increase in traffic in recent years.

A lot of accidents happened on that road. Weve widened it out, weve strained it out. Were getting more traffic on it. But a side benefit is going to be a lot safer for school buses from Beaver Local, Dawson said.

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Police in Australia rescued a young couple who found themselves stranded for three days in a closed national park.

On Friday, April 18, a 21-year-old man and 19-year-old woman from the Tablelands region of Australia were traveling on closed roads in the country's Cape Melville National Park when the vehicle they were driving became stuck in thick mud, according to local outlets 7News, 9News and Newsport Daily. They tried to get the car out themselves, but were unable to.

The park, according to Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, is closed every year during its wet season from Dec. 1 to July 31. It remains unclear why the couple were in the park.

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Related: Teen Thought He Was 'Going to Die' When Car Got Stuck on Autopilot at 113 MPH. Then a Trooper Saved His Life

After the couple's vehicle became stuck, they sent an emergency SOS message through their iPhone's satellite connection  but it still took police in Hope Vale began days to find them, and their efforts were initially unsuccessful due to closed roads and wet terrain, according to 7News.

Rescuers eventually spotted the pair via helicopter on Monday, April 21, at 10 a.m. local time, according to 7News and Newsport. Then the pair, who were found with a few cuts and bruises, were transported back to Laura Police Station.

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In a statement to all three outlets, Special Constable Adam Tickner of the Queensland Police Service said the couple made the right move sticking with their vehicle throughout the entire ordeal.

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It was fortunate that these people had enough food and water to last a few days, however this is very challenging terrain, especially during the wet season, Tickner said. These roads are closed for a reason, and phone reception is limited."

Getty Cape Melville National Park Cape Melville National Park

The Queensland Police Service later shared footage of the helicopter rescue to YouTube, showing an aerial view of the couple's vehicle trapped in the roadway. A man and a women then approached rescuers, who shared part of the conversation via bodycam footage.

"The roads are closed, they's the whole point," one man could be heard saying, as another added: "You shouldn't be in this area."

Rescuers eventually encouraged the couple to grab "essential items" as they apparently loaded them up in the helicopter. In the footage, their truck's back wheels appeared to be several inches deep in the dirt as they had a mini gas stove and other items set up in front of it.



The Queensland Police Service did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on Thursday, April 24.

Read the original article on People
The judge overseeing the high-profile deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an immigrant who entered the U.S. illegally and is allegedly a Salvadoran gang member, filed an order that was agreed on by both parties to postpone further discovery of information regarding the Trump administrations efforts to return Abrego Garcia to the states.

The Wednesday decision came just after U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis filed a separate order on Tuesday, demanding that the Department of Homeland Security present its plan.

For weeks, Defendants have sought refuge behind vague and unsubstantiated assertions of privilege, using them as a shield to obstruct discovery and evade compliance with this Courts orders, Xinis wrote. Defendants have known, at least since last week, that this Court requires specific legal and factual showings to support any claim of privilege. Yet they have continued to rely on boilerplate assertions. That ends now.

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She also gave defendants until Wednesday evening to provide legitimate details to preserve their privilege claims.

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign filed a sealed motion requesting a stay in response to Xinis order demanding testimony and plans of Abrego Garcias return, according to The Associated Press. The attorneys of Abrego Garcia apparently also filed a sealed motion in opposition.

The stay is granted until April 30  no clarification as to why was mentioned in the order, but it was stated that an agreement of the parties was made.

The battle of Abrego Garcias return

The ongoing legal challenges surrounding the Salvadoran man, who, until March, had been residing in Maryland with his wife and family, have become a national spotlight in the Trump administrations tactics to deport apparent immigrant gang members who are living in the country illegally out of the U.S.

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Despite the U.S. Department of Justices acknowledgement that Abrego Garcias deportation was an administrative error, President Donald Trumps advisers have been adamant in their decision to do so, refuting the oppositions arguments that Abrego Garcia is nothing more than a Maryland father.

Though hes never been charged in court, Abrego Garcia unlawfully entered the U.S. from El Salvador in 2011 and was among the alleged MS-13 gang members sent to the Terrorism Confinement Center, a megaprison in El Salvador, last month.

He has been accused of gang affiliation with MS-13, deemed a national terrorist organization by the U.S., called an alleged woman beater by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt after revealing that his wife filed for an order of protection against him in 2021 regarding domestic abuse, and more recently, DHS sources said that in 2022, Abrego Garcia was pulled over driving an SUV belonging to confessed human smuggler and illegal alien Jose Ramon Hernandez Reyes, per Fox News.

Advocates and Democratic officials have argued that Abrego Garcia has been denied his constitutional right to due process, which would allow him to rebut any claims.

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Multiple Democratic lawmakers have since traveled to El Salvador, seeking to meet with Abrego Garcia. Only one has been successful, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen.

His conversation with me was the first communication hed had with anybody outside of prison since he was abducted, Van Hollen told the press following his return to the U.S. after meeting with Abrego Garcia. He said he felt very sad about being in a prison because he had not committed any crimes.

Florida Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost told reporters in El Salvador on Monday that the Trump administrations deportation of hundreds of alleged gang members is completely disregarding the rule of law.

The Constitution applies to all people in our country, due process applies to all people in our country, its one of the things that sets our country apart, he said.

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Were in a situation where the administration has sent someone here to El Salvador by mistake, admitted to it, a Supreme Court decision has come down to say, You need to facilitate the return of this man back to the United States so he can go through due process, and the administration is saying, No, were not going to do it, Frost added.

But Trump said Tuesday that the number of the millions of immigrants who came into the country illegally during the Biden administration makes it impossible to grant every single person a trial.

He also posted about Abrego Garcia on social media:

This is the man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, that the Courts are trying to save from being deported? He was supposed to be, according to the Judge and the Democrats, a wonderful father from Maryland, but then they noticed he had MS-13 tattooed onto his knuckles (and lots of really bad stories about his past!). This is the gang that is, perhaps, the worst of them all. What is wrong with our Country?

His administration has confirmed that if Abrego Garcia were to return to U.S. soil, he would be deported to another country.
Mike Norton, right, tours a Citi Cargo facility in Eagan as part of a listening tour in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. Photo courtesy Mike Norton.

Former Minneapolis DFL vice chair, prolific X poster and business owner Mike Norton has taken another step toward running for the south metro seat held by U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, Norton said Thursday. Hes formed an exploratory committee that is often a precursor to a campaign.

Craig, who has represented Minnesotas 2nd Congressional District since 2019, has been signaling a run for governor or the Senate seat held by Sen. Tina Smith, who is retiring at the end of her term. Craig has not yet officially announced anything. Shes in the middle of touring Minnesota congressional districts that arent her own.

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She appeared to stop accepting donations on her congressional fundraising page this week despite her reputation as a relentless fundraiser, and a fundraising page for a Senate run appeared to be briefly live Thursday morning before donations were turned off, according to a Minnesota DFL activist who posted it to X.

Congresswoman Craig has said that she will make an announcement by the end of April about her intentions for 2026, a spokesperson for Craig said.

A webpage hosted by ActBlue, Democrats fundraising website, displays Fundraiser: Angie Craig, MN-Sen, though the fundraiser is not accepting donations.

Since the districts longtime Republican Rep. John Kline announced his retirement ahead of the 2016 election, the 2nd District has been purple. Craig lost in 2016 before winning narrowly in the Democratic wave year of 2018 and adding to her margins of victory ever since.

Redistricting following the 2020 census made the district slightly bluer, but even in a good year for Republicans, Craig won by more than 13 percentage points in 2024 after staking her claim to traditionally GOP issues like border security and support for law enforcement.

Minneapolis booster says hell move

Norton said the districts changing demographics mean the area is now more blue than purple  and thats why he thinks hed have a good chance of winning despite a more progressive agenda than Craig. He wants to legalize marijuana at the federal level, eliminate daylight saving time and expand public school programming, including making public schools year-round.

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Norton isnt a resident of the district, but the U.S. Constitution only requires residency in the state of Minnesota to be elected to Congress. Other candidates would surely accuse him of carpetbagging were he to continue to live in Minneapolis.

Im not going to pull a Curtis Johnson, Norton said when asked about his residency, referring to the DFL candidate for the state Legislature who was ruled ineligible for office last year because he didnt live in the district. I think what matters to CD-2 constituents is that theyre represented by somebody that can be effective in Congress  and I think I would be highly effective in Congress.

Norton has been at times a vocal critic of his own party, and resigned from his post as vice chair of the Minneapolis DFL in 2023, citing concerns with the caucus and convention process.

Norton could face a crowded Democratic-Farmer-Labor field. A website touting the congressional candidacy of state Sen. Matt Klein was briefly up recently before it was taken down. State Sen. Erin Maye Quade could also be up for contention, should Craig run for higher office.

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Norton is the founder of a logistics company that has twice been named one of the 50 fastest growing privately-held firms in Minnesota. Hes also something of an internet celebrity for promoting Minneapolis, capturing scenes of the City of Lakes  always referred to as lovely in his X posts  while riding his bike. Hes attracted legions of anti-Minneapolis trolls but has also sought to build bridges, including a bike ride with conservative state Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville.

If Craig opts to run for Senate, she will face a tough primary against one of the states other top Democrats in Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who presents a more progressive option for voters who are wary of Craigs moderation.

Ahead of any expected Craig announcement, Flanagan released a list of endorsements from state legislators in Craigs district, including DFL state Sens. Lindsey Port and Erin Maye Quade, and Reps. Kristi Pursell, Jess Hanson and Mary Frances Clardy.
CONNEAUT LAKE  Service is second nature for Dan Crandall, owner of Fine Print Commercial Printers. That was on banner display Wednesday night as Crandall, 67, received the Raymond P. Shafer Award at the Meadville-Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerces Diamond Awards dinner at Hotel Conneaut.

Im looking around the room, and Im realizing, everyone here is a winner, Crandall said in his speech. Everyone here is great. Thats what makes this community really go; you cant do it alone.

Crandall moved to Meadville in his mid-20s after growing up in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Richard Dick Lang of Dads Dog Food was one of his first mentors, and Crandall had been in business just a few months when he received a call to meet with Lang.

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When you get someone like Dick Lang, thats kind of a big deal, Crandall said. So I sat down, and he said, I gotta tell you something. Im going to tell you how to be successful.

The young entrepreneur was all ears  and lots of hair  as he took in Langs words: You have to share. You have to share with your community. You have to share with your employees. You have to share with your family. He said, If you live and work here and you derive your income from our area, you gotta give back.  So Ive always held that close to my heart. Its important.

Crandall quickly became ingrained in the community.

Aside from owning a business, Crandall is also on the Active Aging board and the Iroquois Boating & Fishing Club board, is a member of the Meadville Coin Club, and is chairman of the ONE Federal Credit Union board. He has also held the positions of chairman of the Redevelopment Authority, and president of Rotary AM Meadville, Meadville Community Theatre and the Academy Theatre.

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Hes been involved in several community-based projects like rehabilitating dilapidated structures or organizing a coin show twice a year.

The award, created in 1991 and named after Gov. Raymond P. Shafer, recognizes an individual who has made a positive impact on the quality of life in western Crawford County through volunteer service. The award for distinguished community service is named after Shafer (1917-2006), the former governor of Pennsylvania, who also served as the states lieutenant governor and Crawford Countys district attorney.

Crandalls acceptance speech was riddled with his recognition of others, though. He applauded community figures like Andy Walker, Jackie Roberson, Heather Clancy-Young and Richard Friedberg for their mentorship and proper examples of being a community ally.

Aside from the pomp and circumstance, though, Crandall held up the little green trophy he received earlier that evening before the awards. It reads Greatest Grandpa.

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Crandalls voice cracked as he thanked his wife, Sue Crandall, and his stepdaughter, Makenzie Black, for their support and the support of his entire family.

When I first got into business, I was motivated by money and I wanted to be successful, he said. Now, Im motivated by my grandchildren, one of whom is here tonight. He called me and asked if he could come, and I said, heck yea.

His 8-year-old grandson, Pierce Buhman, then took to the stage to embrace his grandfather and take in the applause.

My motivation now is to be a good guy so they think Im alright, Crandall beamed.
SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  The body of a missing swimmer who disappeared in the Lumber River near Wagram was found on Friday, according to Jordan McQueen, assistant chief of the Scotland County Rescue Squad.

Several North Carolina agencies deployed dive teams and used cadaver dogs after they were called at 12:25 p.m. Thursday to the river at N. Turnpike Road near the Hoke County line, McQueen said. The swimmer, a male, was found dead Friday afternoon.

Photo courtesy Pembroke Rescue Squad Photo courtesy Pembroke Rescue Squad Photo courtesy Pembroke Rescue Squad Photo courtesy Pembroke Rescue Squad Photo courtesy Pembroke Rescue Squad

A witness saw the person go under, McQueen told News13 on Thursday, adding that crews arrived within seven or eight minutes and began searching for the person.

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The search team included divers from the Scotland County Rescue Squad, the Hoke County Sheriffs Office, the Pembroke Rescue Squad and the Fayetteville Police Department. In addition, rangers from the Lumber River State Park deployed a boat and the Harnett County Sheriffs Office had cadaver dogs assisting in the search.

Others who assisted in the search include Scotland County EMS, Hoke County EMS, Lee County EMS units, the Laurinburg, Wagram and Spring Hill fire departments, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

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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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Springfield Fire Department was sent to a porch fire early Thursday morning.

Springfield Police Union approves new labor contract, prioritizing safety

Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte told 22News that there was a porch fire at 37 Mountainview Street at around 4:50 a.m. on Thursday. It has since been put out.

MAP: 37 Mountainview Street in Springfield

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is being investigated by the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad.

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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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Apr. 23CRIDERSVILLE  Cridersville Police Chief Nathan Fried will resign from his position April 29.

Fried described his decision to resign as "difficult but necessary," as disagreements with the village council about finances and how to modernize the five-person police department became too difficult for the police chief to overlook.

"It has become clear that my view regarding public safety needs and resources required to achieve sustainable practices does not align with the views of several council members," Fried wrote in an email to The Lima News. "Council has demanded certain actions that are not possible with current staffing and budget. Public safety must be viewed as a long-term investment, not simply another line item in the budget.

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"Despite consistent efforts to present cost-effective solutions that clearly demonstrated value and return on investment, over the years departmental resources have declined, even as expectations have increased," Fried continued. "This misalignment creates a growing gap between what the council expects from its police force and what is realistically achieveable."

Fried left the Lima Police Department two years ago to become chief of the Cridersville Police Department.

He recently accepted a job as a patrolman for the Sidney Police Department and tendered his resignation to Cridersville Mayor Rick Walls on April 18. Walls did not return a request for comment Wednesday.

Cridersville police responded to 1,856 calls for service in 2024, according to the council's January meeting minutes.

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The police department, which employs four full-time police officers and one part-time officer, published an advertisement on Facebook two weeks ago seeking applicants for full-time police officers.

The village council met with Fried, the fiscal officer, village solicitor and village administrator in executive session in January to discuss personnel, but Fried was excused one hour into the meeting, according to meeting minutes.

The village police chief's job became a salaried position a decade ago after The Lima News discovered former chief John Drake earned almost as much as Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin in 2012 through overtime pay, prompting council to re-examine the chief's duties and pay structure.

"Serving the Village of Cridersville has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life," Fried wrote in a letter to constituents published on Facebook on Wednesday morning. "Thank you to Mayor Walls for appointing me as chief. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have led our department and worked alongside an outstanding team of officers and staff.

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"Transparency from Village leadership is vitally important," the chief wrote. "Throughout my tenure, my approach to sustainable community safety has not always aligned with the views of other Village leaders. In stepping aside, I sincerely hope that both the Village and the department can create this alignment to ensure effective safety services for our community in a sustainable way."

Fried spoke to Walls and Lt. Miles Truex about how the department should move forward from his departure, but only one council member has contacted him since he tendered his resignation, he said.

Why Fried decided to leave Cridersville Police Department:

"The decision to resign was a difficult but necessary one. I've been the Chief of Police at Cridersville for just over two years and have had the privilege to lead & work alongside dedicated officers and staff who consistently serve our community with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. During this time, the department has made significant strides in modernizing operations, strengthening community partnerships, and improving overall service delivery to better meet the evolving needs of Cridersville's residents.

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It has become clear that my view regarding public safety needs and the resources required to achieve sustainable practices does not align with the views of several council members. Council has demanded certain actions that are not possible with the current staffing and budget. Public safety must be viewed as a long-term investment, not simply another line item in the budget. Despite consistent efforts to present cost-effective solutions that clearly demonstrated value and return on investment, over the years departmental resources have declined, even as expectations have increased. This misalignment creates a growing gap between what the Council expects from its police force and what is realistically achievable.

The department's efforts to bring administrative operations into the modern era were necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency. However, this progress must be met with forward thinking, rather than resistance. The administrative work required to ensure the department meets the evolving needs of the community cannot simply be viewed through the lens of taking time away from more visible patrol work. Both are essential to effective policing.

Consistent, two-way communication is critical for the department and Village leadership to maintain positive, effective policing efforts. When a leader seeks clear guidance on priorities and areas needing improvement, the Village must be willing and able to provide feedback that communicates measurable, achievable metrics to ensure departmental strategies align with Village expectations.

Constructive, evidence-based dialogue between leadership and the department will be essential to ensure shared goals and mutual understanding.

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Community trust is rooted in a healthy and respectful relationship between Village leadership and public safety officials. Our department has overwhelming support from residents, which contrasts with internal dynamics between leadership and the Village Council. For the department to function at its highest potential, future leaders must be empowered with trust, supported with open communication, and afforded the professional respect that their position requires."

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Russia's illegal seizure of Crimea from Ukraine 11 years ago was quick and bloodless. But Kyiv  and most of the world  never recognized Moscow's annexation of the strategic peninsula, which is now a major focus of U.S.-led efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at Ukraines president Wednesday, accusing Volodymyr Zelenskyy of prolonging the killing field after he insisted he would not give up any Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, to Russia as part of a potential peace plan.

There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people, he said.

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Trump called Zelenskyys pushback very harmful to talks.

Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? he wrote on social media.

During Trump's first term, the U.S. said it would never recognize Crimea as Russian.

How did Russia seize Crimea?

In 2013-14, a massive popular uprising gripped Ukraine for weeks, eventually forcing pro-Moscow President Victor Yanukovich from office.

With Ukraine engulfed in turmoil, Russian President Vladimir Putin pounced, sending troops to overrun Crimea, a diamond-shaped peninsula in the Black Sea that Russia has long coveted.

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The armed troops appeared in Crimea in uniforms without insignia, and Putin soon called a vote on joining Russia that Ukraine and the West dismissed as illegal.

Russias relations with the West plummeted to new lows. The United States, the European Union and other countries imposed sanctions on Moscow and its officials.

Moscow's illegal annexation of Crimea on March 18, 2014, was only recognized internationally by countries such as North Korea and Sudan. In Russia, it touched off a wave of patriotism, and Krym nash!  Crimea is ours!  became a rallying cry.

The move sent Putins popularity soaring. His approval rating, which had declined to 65% in January 2014, shot to 86% in June, according to the Levada Center, an independent Russian pollster.

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Putin has called Crimea a sacred place, and has prosecuted those who publicly argue it is part of Ukraine  particularly Crimean Tatars, who strongly opposed the annexation.

What happened after the annexation?

Weeks after the annexation, fighting broke out in eastern Ukraine between pro-Kremlin militias and Kyivs forces. Moscow threw its weight behind the insurgents, even though the Kremlin denied supporting them with troops and weapons. There was abundant evidence to the contrary, including a Dutch courts finding that a Russia-supplied air defense system shot down a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet over eastern Ukraine in July 2014, killing all 298 people aboard.

Russian hard-liners later criticized Putin for failing to capture all of Ukraine that year, arguing it was easily possible at a time when the government in Kyiv was in disarray and its military in shambles.

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The fighting in eastern Ukraine continued, on and off, until February 2022, when Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Why is Crimea important?

Crimeas unique location makes it a strategically important asset, and Russia has spent centuries fighting for it.

The peninsula was home to Turkic-speaking Tatars when the Russian empire first annexed it in the 18th century. It briefly regained independence two centuries later before being swallowed by the Soviet Union.

Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transferred Crimea from Russia to Ukraine in 1954, when both were part of the USSR, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the unification of Moscow and Kyiv. In 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed, the peninsula became part of newly independent Ukraine.

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Russia kept a foot in the door, however: Its Black Sea Fleet had a base in the city of Sevastopol, and Crimea  as part of Ukraine  continued to host it.

By the time Russia annexed it in 2014, it had been a part of Ukraine for 60 years and had become part of the countrys identity.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to retake it and said that Russia wont be able to steal the peninsula.

For either side, possession of Crimea is key to control over activities in the Black Sea  a critical corridor for the world's grain, among other goods.

What role does Crimea play in Russias war in Ukraine?

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Ahead of its full-scale invasion, Moscow deployed troops and weapons to Crimea, allowing Russian forces to quickly seize large parts of southern Ukraine in the first weeks of the war.

A top Russian military official later said that securing a land corridor from Russia to Crimea by holding the occupied parts of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions was among the key goals of what the Kremlin insisted on calling its special military operation in Ukraine.

Before the invasion, Zelenskyy focused on diplomatic efforts to get Crimea back, but after Russian troops poured across the border, Kyiv started publicly contemplating retaking the peninsula by force.

The peninsula soon became a battleground, with Ukraine launching drone attacks and bombing it to try to dislodge Moscows hold on the territory.

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The attacks targeted the Russian Black Sea Fleet there, as well as ammunition depots, air fields and Putins prized asset  the Kerch Bridge linking Crimea to Russia, which was struck in October 2022 and again in July 2023.

How does Crimea factor into peace efforts?

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said this week that Washington "issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and its time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process.

He told reporters during a visit to India that it was a very fair proposal that would freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today, though both sides would have to give up some territory they currently hold. He did not provide details.

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While Trump said that nobody is asking Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian territory, its not clear whether the U.S. proposal would see Washington recognize it as such  in what would be a reversal of years of its own foreign policy.

In 2017, Trump's then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared at a meeting also attended by Russia's top diplomat: "We will never accept Russias occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea." The following year, his successor, Mike Pompeo, reiterated that the U.S. rejected the attempted annexation.

Zelenskyy on Wednesday pointed out Pompeos statement in a post on X, adding: We are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decisions.

Putin, however, listed Ukraines recognition of Crimea as part of Russia among Moscow's demands for peace in June 2024. Those also include Ukraine ceding four regions Russia illegally annexed in 2022, dropping its bid to join NATO, keeping the countrys nonnuclear status, restricting its military force and protecting the interests of the Russian-speaking population.

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Kyiv has rejected ceding territory as a nonstarter.

Russia currently holds roughly 20% of Ukrainian land, including Crimea, so any deal that freezes the lines more or less where they are would benefit Moscow.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
For nearly two years in Russian captivity, Leniie Umerova clung to a single hope: that one day, she would return home  to Crimea.

I thought about Crimea all the time, Umerova told the Kyiv Independent. I dreamed of going there without the permission of the occupying forces, without going through filtration, without hiding, simply  going home.

A Ukrainian of Crimean Tatar descent, Umerova, 26, was captured by Russian forces in 2022 while trying to reach occupied Crimea to visit her then-sick father, who had cancer.

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She spent almost two years in Russian prisons on trumped-up charges of espionage before being released in September as part of a prisoner exchange with Ukraine.

Though finally being back in Kyiv was a big relief, grim news about the future of Umerovas home soon followed.

On April 23, Axios reported, citing its sources, that the U.S. President Donald Trump administration's final proposal for ending the Russia-Ukraine war included U.S. de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea. The move would make it increasingly difficult for Ukraine to ever reclaim the Crimean Peninsula and likely only through military means.

Russia invaded and unlawfully annexed Crimea in 2014, cracking down violently on any opposition to its regime. Over 11 years of occupation, Crimean Tatars, the peninsula's indigenous population, have faced the brunt of Russia's harsh repressions.

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For 26-year-old Umerova, who was imprisoned for simply being Ukrainian and spent most of her captivity in solitary confinement, the news stirred a sense of outrage and pain.

Some see Crimea as just a piece of land. I see people  people who risk their lives every day by simply remaining Ukrainian. Thousands of political prisoners held for their dissent, she says. Dozens of activists tortured to death who will never come back. They believed in justice. We have no moral right to betray them.

(Recognizing Russias control of Crimea) would be a devaluation of international law, of human rights, of the very idea of justice. It would legitimize a crime. It would mean that justice doesnt depend on whats right, but on who has more power.

Fear and rage

Born in Crimea, Umerova left the peninsula a year after Russia occupied it to finish high school in Kyiv, where she and her older brother Aziz found a new home. Their parents, however, stayed in their hometown, living under occupation.

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After learning that her father had cancer, Umerova decided to travel to Crimea, despite realizing the danger the trip would involve.

As the only passenger with a Ukrainian passport, she was pulled off the bus at the Russian-Georgian border in December 2022.

She was then held in detention facilities in the remote cities of Vladikavkaz and Beslan before being transferred to Moscow, where Russia brought trumped-up espionage charges against her, facing up to 20 years behind bars.

Crimean Tatar marketing specialist Leniie Umerova during a court hearing in Moscow on July 4, 2023. Screenshot from a video)

Over 14,000 Ukrainian civilians were held in Russian captivity as of 2024, according to Ukraine's Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets. The return of civilians is very difficult because Ukraine has no Russian civilians to exchange them for, says Lubinets. Captive soldiers can only be exchanged for soldiers.

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Umerova says that the tactics Russia used to detain and illegally keep her under custody showed the "absurdity" of the Russian judicial system.

Court hearings at 3 a.m., kidnappings, threats, and interrogations are just part of the horrors Umerova endured in Vladikavkaz and Beslan, as Russia exploited any possible excuse to extend her detention while fabricating a criminal case against her.

"I personally witnessed how just a few hours before the trial, a person comes in, speaks with them (the judge), then leaves, and the verdict is already decided. That's all you need to know about the current judicial system in Russia," Umerova says.

In early May 2023, Umerova was transferred to the Lefortovo pre-trial detention center in Moscow, often described as Russia's most "severe" prison. Handcuffed and guarded by armed Russian officers, she was transported there on a regular civilian charter flight.

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"It felt so weird," Umerova says. "When you're in handcuffs and two men are holding you on either side and the flight attendant just smiles at you."

She was the first one taken to the plane and the last to leave, ensuring no passengers could see her. While being escorted from the plane, one of the Russian officers tried to intimidate her psychologically and make her feel ashamed.

"He talked loudly to attract attention, telling me I should be ashamed of what I had done. It wasn't just directed at me. The whole spectacle was staged for the audience to watch, to somehow justify their actions in the eyes of their society."

"I looked at him and thought: 'What do you want from me? What should I be ashamed of? For you attacking my country?'"

Crimean Tatar Leniie Umerova poses for a portrait in Kyiv, on Dec. 12, 2024, following her release from Russian captivity in September. (Oksana Parafeniuk)

The same month, Umerova learned that the Lefortovo district court was pressing espionage charges against her, meaning she could end up spending up to 20 years in Russian imprisonment.

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"As I was reading my charges, I couldn't string the words together into sentences. They just scattered in my mind because it was all so absurd  that I'm a spy."

Russia filed espionage charges against Umerova after she had already been in captivity for five months, which was a clear indication that the case was fabricated, Olha Skrypnyk, the head of the Crimean Human Rights Group, told the Kyiv Independent last October.

"It was not just a feeling of fear and rage, but an understanding of the insanity of the situation. A complete sense of helplessness in the moment because you have no connection (to the outside world), and you can't do anything about it," Umerova said.

A non-negotiable

Locked in an eight-meter prison cell, she was threatened and interrogated, and rarely had a chance to speak to other prisoners. Once, the prison guards accidentally brought her to a neighboring cell, where she saw a male prisoner.

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"It was the first time I saw someone not in uniform," Umerova recalls, adding that from the wall of her cell, she decided to tap out the rhythm from the Ukrainian folk song "Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow" to see if he was Ukrainian.

"So I started tapping out a verse, and there was silence for a minute or two. But then, after a couple of minutes, he starts tapping back," she says. "I had tears in my eyes when I heard it."

The man later turned out to be a Ukrainian POW. Umerova believes he was severely beaten during interrogations  a common practice in Russia's treatment of Ukrainian POWs.

Umerova says the occasional letters from her loved ones and strangers who had heard her story helped to keep her sane.

Former prisoner of Russia, Crimean Tatar Leniie Ymerova, holds letters sent to her while she was in captivity in Kyiv on Dec. 12, 2024. (Oksana Parafeniuk)

"There were difficult times, but I never truly lost hope, even when I realized I might not get out until I was over 40."

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However, letters of support  many of which came from the U.S., Georgia, and Armenia  gave her energy to be strong.

Knowing that people know your story and understand that it's unfair helps you realize that you haven't lost your mind because of the surrealism happening around," she said.

A couple of months after arriving at Lefortovo, Umerova received a letter from a stranger abroad who shared that he had endured a similar experience. He wrote: "Don't let them break you and make you like them, keep that fire of life inside you."

"Those were the right words at that time, helping me to distract myself from all of that."

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Although she held onto the hope of being exchanged one day, Umerova tried not to get her hopes up too much. In captivity, prisoners are often moved from one prison to another with little explanation from the Russian guards.

So when, on Sept. 11, she was asked to pack her belongings and prepare to leave, Umerova expected nothing more than being transferred to another prison cell. Instead, two days later, she crossed into Ukraine after spending a total of 21 months in captivity.

Crimean Tatar Leniie Umerova was brought back from Russian captivity during the 56th prisoner exchange in September 2024. (Volodymyr Zelensky)

During her long-awaited journey to freedom, Umerova lost all the letters she had received during captivity.

Although devastated by the recent news about Crimeas potential recognition as Russian territory, Umerova stays positive.

If a person can be brought back from that side (Russia), then anything is possible," she says.

She has no intention of giving up on her dream to one day return home to free Crimea.

Political positions may shift, but for me and many Ukrainians, Crimea remains a part of Ukraine. That is non-negotiable, Umerova says.

Note from the author:

Hi! Daria Shulzhenko here. I wrote this piece for you. Since the first day of Russia's all-out war, I have been working almost non-stop to tell the stories of those affected by Russias brutal aggression. By telling all those painful stories, we are helping to keep the world informed about the reality of Russias war against Ukraine. By becoming the Kyiv Independent's member, you can help us continue telling the world the truth about this war.

Read also: Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 24. A new strategic document outlining the priorities of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan for 20262030 must be developed, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the XXXIV session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

In his address, President Tokayev underscored that the upcoming concept should incorporate fresh principles and approaches aimed at unifying society, fostering harmonious development, and safeguarding the rights of all ethnic groups in the country.

"The government should conduct a thorough review of all national and regional plans related to interethnic relations and propose measures to enhance their effectiveness. More broadly, we must continue refining both state and civil mechanisms that support national unity," he added.

Today, Kazakhstan marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The Assembly was established in 1995 under the auspices of the inaugural President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The primary objective is to enhance interethnic cohesion and bolster sociopolitical equilibrium within a nation that encompasses a diverse array of over 130 ethnic constituencies.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said a man was arrested after he allegedly broke into a home in the early morning of Thursday, April 24.

According to CSPD, on Thursday, about 20 minutes after midnight, officers were called to a home in the 400 block of St. Vrain Place near Uintah Street and North 17th Street about a home invasion.

When police arrived, they contacted the victim, who told police her ex had broken into her home and assaulted her before running from the area. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

Robert King, Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department

Police, with the help of the Downtown Area Response Team and the Real Time Crime Center, found the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Robert King, who was taken into custody without issue. CSPD said during the course of the investigation, police learned King had allegedly been stalking the victim before the home invasion.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Democratic lawmakers set up a clash Wednesday night with Gov. Ned Lamont by voting for a capital gains surcharge on the states wealthiest residents.

Lamont, a wealthy Greenwich entrepreneur who started his own business, has repeatedly rejected increased taxes on the states richest residents, saying that he opposes increases on anyone at a time of state budget surpluses.

The Democratic tax package includes a capital gains surcharge of 1.75 percentage points for single individuals earning $1 million per year and couples earning more than $2 million per year. The tax increase would end after four years under a sunset provision. The wealthiest residents currently pay 6.99% on their capital gains through the state income tax, which has helped lead to budget surpluses in recent years as Wall Street boomed in 2023 and 2024 before recent volatility under President Donald J. Trump.

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After some spirited debate, the legislatures tax-writing finance committee approved the capital gains amendment by 27 to 21 with three members absent. Democrats later approved the broader tax package, which included the amendment.

After the vote, Lamonts chief spokesman, Rob Blanchard, said that the state has managed to turn its fiscal house around under Lamonts stewardship that has led to a record-breaking rainy day fund for fiscal emergencies.

However, increasing taxes wont help our state grow, which is also a priority for the governor, Blanchard said. While its early in the process, we look forward to working together to pass an honest budget that reflects the needs of our state today and builds a better tomorrow.

Democrats who control the committee supported the surcharge as a method for achieving tax fairness, but Republicans blasted the surcharge as a bad idea with bad timing.

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In ranking after ranking, Connecticut is one of the highest-taxed states in the country, said Sen. Ryan Fazio, a Greenwich Republican whose district includes millionaires and billionaires in lower Fairfield County. The people of this state have had enough tax increases.  We dont need more revenue. We dont need more taxes. We need more taxpayers.  Lets not make the same mistakes of other states.

The measure would provide exemptions for one-time sales of residential properties and businesses in order to help longtime homeowners and business owners, lawmakers said. The tax would generate an additional $284 million per year in taxes, officials said.

Rep. Joe Polletta, the committees ranking House Republican, said the Democratic tax package would harm the progress that the state has made over the past seven years.

After I read this, Im sick, he said.

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The recommendations by the finance committee are subject to final approval by the full House of Representatives and Senate, along with Lamont. Top legislative leaders are expected to negotiate a final compromise on the two-year, $55.5 billion budget before the regular legislative session ends on June 4.

State Rep. Kerry Wood, a Rocky Hill Democrat who serves as the co-leader of the House Democratic moderate caucus, voted against the surcharge, saying the timing is wrong as the state has been generating surpluses in recent years.

Rep. Jill Barry, a fellow moderate Democrat from Glastonbury, voted against both the capital gains surcharge and the overall tax package.

In short, now is not the time to raise taxes, Barry said.

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But Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo, a Ridgefield Democrat, said she was much more comfortable voting for the package because of the one-time exemptions that would waive the surcharge.

State Rep. Maria Horn, a Litchfield County Democrat, said she had hesitations about the idea but ultimately decided to move ahead as federal budget cuts are looming ahead from President Donald Trumps administration.

We shouldnt sit here and pretend that were living in ordinary times, Horn said. We are looking ahead at more significant cuts ahead.

She said she fears using the states rainy day fund to cover federal cuts and then have nothing left in the fund.

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We very well may need it to protect against recession, Horn said of the reserve fund.

Child tax credit

Democrats have been pushing for years for a child tax credit, and the latest proposal calls for a permanent, refundable credit of $150 per child for a maximum of three children, or $450 per year. That represents a sharp drop from an original proposal of $600 per child for an overall total of $1,800 per year. With various pressing needs on the tax and spending sides of the complicated state budget, lawmakers say they are often unable to award as much tax relief as they would like.

The full tax credit would be available to single parents earning up to $100,000 per year, heads of households earning up to $160,000 per year, and couples filing jointly earning up to $200,000 per year, according to an analysis by the legislatures nonpartisan fiscal office. The credit would start on January 1, 2026 and would save families a combined $82.7 million per year.

While pushing for the child tax credit, the committee documents remained silent on Lamonts proposal for an increase in the popular property tax credit to $350, up from $300, per tax filer. Lamonts proposal was expected to help 800,000 tax filers, officials said, as the income eligibility would increase, an issue that had restricted the credit in the past.

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The credit, Democrats said, provides tax relief for middle-class families.

Democrats also called for approving Lamonts plan to eliminate the licensing fees for a wide range of occupations, including nurses, dental hygienists, paramedics, occupational therapists, electricians, plumbers, and public school teachers, among others. The combined savings for the workers would be $25 million in the second year of the two-year budget.

Business taxes

The committee documents also showed that Democrats agreed with Lamont on business tax increases.

Republicans and businesses have not been happy with Lamonts proposed change to the unitary tax reporting system that they said would lead to tax increases for large, multi-state corporations like Electric Boat, Raytheon, Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, AT&T, Verizon, and the parent company of Sikorsky helicopters, among others. Amazon is now the fifth-largest employer in the state, and the unitary tax would hit about 20 major corporations, officials said. The tax has not been mentioned much at the state Capitol in recent years, but Fairfield-based General Electric Co. cited the tax among the reasons that the company decided to move its headquarters to Boston during the tenure of then-Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

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Lamont and his team are in frequent contact with top business leaders, and he said after the initial proposal was released that they had not raised major objections.

In addition, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association was among those unhappy with Lamonts proposed three-year extension of the 10% corporation tax surcharge, which was originally designed to be temporary and is now more than 20 years old. The overall increase in the corporation tax, which includes the unitary tax, is $168 million in the second year of the two-year budget, according to Lamonts plan. The documents state that the committees view is the same as the governor.

For individuals, the budget-writing appropriations committee Tuesday blocked a plan by Lamont to increase bus fares by 25 cents per ride to $2, which would have marked the first fare increase in 10 years.

After caucuses and delays, the finance committee started its public debate at about 5 p.m. Wednesday. The first bill was the annual bond package, which had widespread bipartisan support. While various projects are included in the legislative package each year, the items cannot move forward until they gain final approval from the 10-member State Bond Commission that is chaired by Lamont.

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This remains under the borrowing cap, said Sen. Tony Hwang, a Fairfield Republican who supported the plan. This package is not final. It is rather a starting point for negotiations between the executive and the legislative branch.

Fazio, who voted against the bond package, said Connecticut has among the highest bonded indebtedness rates among all states.

Studying soda tax

The battle over a soda tax has a long history at the state Capitol, but one of the most recent iterations was a proposal by Lamont in 2019 that generated strong opposition from Republicans.

On the day that Lamont unveiled his 2019 budget proposal, some Republican legislators responded in the historic Hall of the House by drinking from large 7/11 Double Gulp cups of soda to show their opposition to the tax.

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The latest iteration Wednesday called for creating a working group to study the issue under a separate bill that is titled : An act imposing a tax on certain sweetened beverages, syrups and powders and dedicating the revenue generated to a universal free school meals program.

Republicans have been concerned about the issue, but the substitute language on Wednesday called for creating a work group to study ways to fund a program to provide public school students with free breakfasts and lunches before issuing a report by January 1, 2026.

The Republican ranking members and numerous colleagues voted against the bill Wednesday.

Dating back to Lamonts proposal in 2019, some Republicans have opposed any tax increases and said there should not be an extra charge on sugar-sweetened beverages. Democrats, meanwhile, have said it is necessary for health reasons.

State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, a Westport Democrat, was not amused.

If they want to be the party of Big Gulps, thats up to them, Steinberg said at the time. I think this is not a Libertarian issue. This is a public health issue. Its a shame that sometimes you see people taking advantage and pandering to the public for political gain. I was hoping that something like health care would not be subject to that kind of partisan pandering.

Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com
A previously convicted felon has been arrested and accused of fleeing the scene of a three-car crash on Interstate 84 in Hartford in March 2024, allegedly abandoning a stolen Infiniti that was found to have ammunition and multiple high-capacity magazines inside.

Divarys Hernandez, 24, of East Hartford turned himself in on Monday at the Troop H state police barracks in Hartford where troopers had a warrant out for his arrest after investigators reportedly linked him to the abandoned vehicle using DNA, according to Connecticut State Police. He faces charges of criminal possession of a firearm or ammunition, violation of large-capacity magazine requirements, larceny of a motor vehicle and evading the scene of an accident.

According to the warrant affidavit, state police shortly responded to the report of a multi-vehicle crash on I-84 East in the area of Exit 51 before 8 p.m. on March 31, 2024, and found three vehicles were involved, including a 2013 Audi A4, a 2018 Honda Accord and a 2023 Infiniti Q50. The Infiniti had been abandoned.

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The drivers of the Audi and the Honda told investigators the operator of the Infiniti drove in a swale area of the highway between traffic and collided with their vehicles in the left center lane, the warrant affidavit said. The Infiniti then went out of control and became disabled. Its airbags went off during the crash.

Following the collisions, witnesses claimed that two males ditched the Infiniti and left the area in another vehicle before troopers arrived, according to the warrant affidavit. State police found that the abandoned vehicle had been reported stolen in October 2023 after being stolen about a month earlier from a car dealership in the Lynbrook Village area of Hempstead, New York.

Inside the vehicle, state police allegedly found five large-capacity magazines, 117 bullets of varying calibers and two spent shell casings. They also reported finding several license plates, including two that were counterfeit. Multiple items, including a nylon head wrap and the airbag, were sent to the state Division of Scientific Services for forensic testing.

According to the warrant affidavit, testing on the head wrap was linked to Hernandez. Investigators also found a nexus between him and multiple investigations in Simsbury, Avon and Hartford involving the report of stolen vehicles and gunshots being fired, the warrant affidavit said. State police also found that he is on the states Deadly Weapons Offender Registry and was on supervised release in connection with a prior criminal conviction, according to the warrant affidavit.

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According to court records, Hernandez was sentenced to 15 months in prison and three years of probation in July 2019 after being convicted of conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery. He was later found to have violated that probation, court records show.

Hernandez was then sentenced in November 2021 to four years in prison followed by four years of special parole after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a firearm, according to court records.

Police obtained a search warrant to collect a DNA sample from Hernandez that would be compared to the head wrap recovered in the abandoned Infiniti. The warrant was carried out on Nov. 22 at the Hartford Parole Office on Sheldon Street where investigators obtained a DNA sample from him, the warrant affidavit said.

Forensic testing later reportedly showed that Hernandezs DNA was consistent with a sample taken from the head wrap, according to the warrant affidavit.

Hernandez was released on a $275,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on May 9.
A man charged with DUI following a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Route 12 in Lisbon in October 2024 now faces manslaughter and reckless driving charges.

William Stonier, 36, of Ledyard was charged Wednesday in connection with a warrant troopers obtained following an investigation into a crash that killed 57-year-old Richard Dupont of the Jewett City section of Griswold, according to Connecticut State Police. Troopers charged Stonier at Norwich Superior Court.

Immediately following the crash, Stonier was arrested on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and illegally carrying a firearm while intoxicated. He was charged this week with second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving and failure to maintain the proper lane.

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According to the warrant affidavit, troopers on Oct. 14, 2024, responded to Route 12, which also goes by River Road, just before 10:30 p.m. on the report of a one-vehicle crash and found Dupont lying on the ground, unresponsive and without a pulse. He was given CPR and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the warrant affidavit, a trooper who spoke to Stonier alleged that his speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot and watery. Stonier did not report any injuries but appeared to be struggling to keep his balance, state police wrote. He told state police he had a firearm in the 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn truck he was driving. The pistol was later found unsecured in the vehicle and seized, the warrant affidavit said.

Stonier reportedly failed field sobriety testing at the scene and was taken into custody, the warrant affidavit said. After being taken to the Troop E state police barracks in Montville, he took two breathalyzer tests which allegedly showed his blood alcohol content was 0.18 and 0.17, according to the warrant affidavit.

A witness to the crash said he was driving a Mack dump truck north on Route 12 when he passed a pedestrian who was walking on the northbound shoulder and was not wearing any reflective clothing, the warrant affidavit said. He said he drove slightly into the opposite lane as he passed the pedestrian.

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Immediately afterward, the dump truck driver told police he heard a loud bang and saw a red pickup truck coming straight towards him through his passenger side mirror, according to the warrant affidavit. He crossed over the yellow lines to avoid a collision with the pickup truck, he claimed.

The man alleged that the pickup passed him at a very high rate of speed and went airborne before hitting a telephone pole, the warrant affidavit said. He said the truck did not appear to slow down at any point and looked like it may have sped up before hitting the telephone pole.

The incident was investigated by the state police Collision, Analysis and Reconstruction Squad. The analysis reportedly found that Stonier, as he was headed north, veered partially off the road where the tires on the passenger side of his vehicle were traveling on sand and grass, leaving rut marks, the warrant affidavit said. The vehicle then struck a fire hydrant and continued north before striking Dupont, state police wrote.

According to the warrant affidavit, Stonier then passed the dump truck and struck a guardrail before continuing north. The truck then collided with a rock wall and a wooden pole before going airborne and rolling over, state police wrote. The truck rolled over once and settled back onto its wheels, the warrant affidavit said.

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The analysis conducted by state police reportedly found that the Ram was going between 56 and 68 mph when it collided with the pole, according to the warrant affidavit. The vehicle was reportedly found to have been going as fast as 81 to 88 mph before the crash, the warrant affidavit said.

The warrant for Stoniers arrest was signed by a judge on Monday. He appeared in court following his arrest on the new charges and posted a $300,000 bond, court records show.

Stonier is scheduled to appear in court again on June 4 in connection with the new charges as well as those stemming from his arrest at the scene.

According to an obituary, Dupont graduated from Griswold High School in 1986 and was a loyal fan of the Red Sox and 49ers. He had recently begun working at WalMart in the meat and produce division after working at Better Val-U for 28 years, the obituary said.

Many who have commented with high regards on social media after learning about Richs passing, noted that Rich could be seen regularly, walking to and from work, the obituary said. A testament to his work ethic and determination to go to work every day.
British multiculturalism did not start when HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury in 1948. Nor did it begin in the 50 years after the end of the Second World War. When Enoch Powell rallied against immigration in his rivers of blood speech in 1968, 98 per cent of the UK population was white British.

Before the latter half of the 1990s, immigration played a marginal role in the mainstream life of our islands. The year zero of multiculturalism was 1997. Tony Blairs election in May that year marked the start of a new Britain; the nation has changed profoundly since.

This might sound odd. We are used to hearing about the Huguenots of the early modern period and the Jews of the late 19th century. But migration to Britain was relatively insubstantial until the late 20th-century.

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In the 50 years between 1945 and 1995, net migration to this country was less than one million. And much of that number was from the 1990s; before then, more people left the UK than came in. In the 30 years since 1995, net migration has risen to around eight million.

But 1997 was significant for another reason. The Runnymede Trust, an anti-racist think tank, established a commission to explore the diversity of the British people. Its remit was countering racial discrimination and disadvantage and making Britain a confident and vibrant society at ease with its rich diversity.

The commissions findings  known as the Parekh Report  were published three years later, to controversy and acclaim. Home Secretary Jack Straw described it as the most important contribution to the national debate on racial discrimination for many years.

We are still living in its shadow, 25 years on: the debate around two-tier policing; the use of positive discrimination by West Yorkshire Police to hire ethnic minority officers; the grooming gangs scandal; the Gaza activists reportedly instructing Muslim people to vote on the basis of a foreign conflict thousands of miles away rather than on domestic issues. All of this needs to be seen in light of the statements and contradictions at the heart of the Parekh Report.

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On the one hand, it rejected positive discrimination as a solution to racial inequality. The chairman of the commission, Bhikhu Parekh, stated: The report rejects quotas, positive discrimination and all attempts to give any group a privileged treatment. What it strove for, it insisted, was, fairness, equality and common belonging as the necessary basis of a just, plural, rich and self-confident Britain. It didnt argue that British identity was in itself racist. It was more nuanced. It argued instead that Britishness has largely unspoken, racial connotations, and that we should be more inclusive of how we define British identity: black British and Asian British people belong just as much as anyone else.

All of this sounds admirable. But it is not the whole story. The commission also argued that we should think of Britain not as a unitary nation, but as a looser federation of cultures, or a community of communities. And that we should formally declare ourselves to be a multicultural society.

The report was correct to note that diversity, widely defined, is a fact of life. But the report presented diversity not simply as a reality, but an ideology to which we must adhere.

Multiculturalism stopped being the same as people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds living together, but about emphasising the differences between them.

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This gave credence to a kind of cultural relativism: if an ethnic minority practice is morally offensive to most of the population, on what basis can that practice be questioned? Shouldnt we practice tolerance?

The multiculturalism the report celebrated sealed communities off from each other, rather than bringing them together. It is impossible to generate belonging out of thin air, and it must be grounded in something deeper than values when values are always evolving: a white British person of 1945 would find the values of a white British person in 1995 alien.

The world the report aimed to describe has come to pass. Ethnic minority people now play a major part in British life, from politics to popular culture. Their successes at school and at work are a remarkable achievement of which Britain should be proud.

But are we a nation at ease with diversity? Compared to our peers in Europe, the answer is yes. We should not, however, be complacent. The riots last summer suggest things are far from rosy. We have acquired a multicultural nation in a fit of absent-mindedness.

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Britain is more than a collection of communities or a set of abstract values. It is a place with a history and traditions. Unless this is accounted for, the dream envisioned by the Parekh Report will turn into a nightmare.

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Significant cuts to Los Angeles transportation agency could threaten major transit plans for the Olympics and citywide safety goals, the agency's top leader warned.

The mayors budget proposed the reduction of more than $7 million in expenses and the elimination of nearly 24% of the Department of Transportation's workforce  making it one of the heaviest-hit departments. The cuts would affect parking enforcement, traffic signal updates, goals to improve traffic safety and support for major rail and bus lane projects ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

Many of LADOTs core services are driven by safety  a singular goal to make our streets safer and provide Angelenos with safer options for travelling," General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo wrote in a memo Tuesday to Katy Yaroslavsky, the citys budget and finance committee chair. "The budget cuts and proposed layoffs threaten this fundamental goal."

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Other departments that focus on transportation are also facing big cuts. The Bureau of Engineering is poised to lose 131 positions in its department, which focuses on street and bridge improvements and major infrastructure updates. StreetsLA, formerly the Bureau of Street Services, could face a reduction of more than 260 jobs. The cuts would affect the timing for pothole repairs, street sweeping, tree trimming and emergency response, and would prevent the bureau from investigating Americans With Disabilities Act violations, according to StreetsLA Executive Director and General Manager Keith Mozee, who wrote a letter to the committee.

The proposed cuts to departments come as residents press city officials to implement a decade-old mobility plan and improve traffic safety. The reductions could affect that voter mandate.

This budget is a street safety and livability disaster," said Michael Schneider, who heads Streets for All, which advocates for more public transportation, bike lanes, walkways and green spaces. "More pedestrians and cyclists will die because of dark streets, even worse sidewalks, and broken pavement. And were supposed to be hosting the World Cup and Olympics?"

Mayor Karen Bass' proposed budget, released Monday, would eliminate a nearly $1-billion financial gap by cutting more than 2,700 city jobs.

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The proposed transportation agency reduction of 271 filled positions and 152 vacant ones would limit the citys ability to monitor parking enforcement and traffic control at protests and special events and would create lags in investigating complaints of abandoned vehicles, Rubio-Cornejo wrote. The cuts would affect response times by the department to answer requests from the Fire and Police departments, and would result in roughly 700 unanswered daily calls from residents to the Transportation Department's communications center. They would slow down repairs to traffic signals and maintenance of signage and lane striping.

Identifying system malfunctions and repairs to the signal system will be slow and may have direct impacts in emergency response, Rubio-Cornejo wrote.

The cuts would affect the agency's ability to support some of Metros "major rail and bus-only lane projects" ahead of the Olympic Games, according to the memo. A Metro spokesperson declined to comment.

Metro's plans ahead of the Olympics include an expansion of its transit network that would depend heavily on bus use, more bus priority lanes and faster speeds. Construction is underway to update Metro's G Line bus route in the San Fernando Valley  a project that relies on the city transportation agency to update traffic signals to favor Metro's electric buses for faster service.

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The city is on the hook for $183 million to improve streets at stations for three Metro projects under Measure M. That money could go to the transportation agency or directly to Metro, but Rubio-Cornjeo warned that the loss of transportation agency staff would pose challenges to the projects.

The memo comes after a report was shared with the mayor detailing recommendations from the transit agency about how to improve the citys Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic deaths. The joint report from the chief administrative officer and the Department of Transportation focuses largely on the need for traffic enforcement  which has dropped over time amid staff cuts and priority shifts at LAPD  after findings of failures in the program.

The proposed transportation cuts would affect the departments ability to carry out its recommendations, Rubio-Cornejo wrote, which includes reevaluating data collection and developing public awareness campaigns around traffic safety. And it would lead to a drop in revenue from parking citations and in overall traffic compliance.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Patrick Crusius, the man who will spend the rest of his life in prison for shooting and killing 23 people and injuring 22 others in a hate-inspired mass shooting on Aug. 3, 2019, walked out of an El Paso courtroom for the final time on Tuesday, April 22.

District Attorney James Montoya and KTSM Anchor Andy Morgan sit down in a one-on-one discussing the finality of the Walmart mass shooting case.

Crusius pleaded guilty to state charges on Monday, April 21, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The shooter pleaded guilty to one count of capital murder of multiple people and 22 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

El Pasos District Attorney James Montoya sat down for a one-on-one interview with KTSM 9 News evening anchor, Andy Morgan, to discuss the finality of the Walmart mass shooting case, including the consequential decisions that were made following the Aug. 3 massacre that altered the course of justice.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Nigel Farage has given a press conference in Dover as Reform ramp up their campaigning with the local elections just over a week away.

He made immigration the central plank of his speech, saying that we must discriminate when it comes to who can come into our country. We must choose who the right people are regardless of race, religion, or geography.

Speaking to The Daily T afterwards, Farage said that multiculturalism had been a huge error encouraged by the Labour Party under Tony Blair, and that successive governments havent thought it mattered.

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Camilla and Kamal reflect on Farages comments, as well as Tomiwa Owolades article in The Daily Telegraph about how multiculturalism has failed Britain.

Later, they cross to Sweden to speak to journalist and Kosovan immigrant Diamant Salihu about how the multicultural dream there has gone fatally wrong, with a country that once prided itself on welcoming migrants suffering the effects of a crime epidemic driven by ethnic mafias from the Balkans and the Middle East.

Watch episodes of the Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to The Daily T newsletter for updates

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Turkiye aims to join Azerbaijan in becoming one of the leading countries in the field of space exploration, Yusuf Krac, the head of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), said in an interview with Trend.

Krac also pointed out that the space sector is moving at breakneck speed with technological advancements.

"Currently, several developed countries have independent research goals on the Moon. Technological solutions are essential to achieving all these objectives. Interest in technological advancements has significantly increased in this regard. Turkiye now has its own independent space goals.

Turkiye has a comprehensive and ambitious program, encompassing everything from its own spaceport to advanced flight and rocket systems for space exploration.

As the 11th country in the world capable of building its own satellites, Turkiye aims to push even further in advancing its capabilities in this field," Krac added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
By Elizabeth Pineau, Michel Rose and Juliette Jabkhiro

PARIS (Reuters) - The daughter of French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has described being assaulted by a priest at a Catholic school in the 1980s, echoing fellow former pupils in complaints that have prompted scrutiny of her father's time as education minister.

The eldest of Bayrou's six children, Helene Perlant, 53, a teacher unknown to the public until this week, said in a book published on Thursday that she was beaten up by a now-deceased priest at the school in the 1980s when she was 14.

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"He grabbed me by the hair, dragged me along the ground for several meters, and kicked me all over my body, especially in the stomach," Perlant told weekly Paris Match in an interview, adding that she was so shocked that she wet herself.

Former pupils at the Notre-Dame de Betharram school near Pau in the southwest have filed dozens of complaints against staff and religious members of the school for physical and sexual abuse.

Prosecutors in Pau opened a preliminary investigation early last year but said that many of the allegations fell under the statute of limitations, which is 30 years for rape and 10 years for sexual assault.

Bayrou has been accused by political opponents of lying when he said he did not know about the extent of the scandal when he was education minister from 1993-1997, although some complaints had been made by then.

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Perlant said she had not told her father about her own experience until this week.

"The real question is one of denial, at the individual and collective level. Not one of lies," Perlant said.

Bayrou, who is still the mayor of Pau, sent three of his six children to the school, where his wife taught religious education. He is scheduled to be grilled by lawmakers on May 14 after they opened a parliamentary inquiry into the scandal.

'DEVASTATED'

An official from Bayrou's office said the premier was in a state of shock after learning what his daughter went through, but maintained he was not at fault and did not lie, and that the scandal was being weaponised by political opponents.

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"He is devastated. The doting father he is has just got a big slap in the face," the official told Reuters. "Helene's account backs up what Francois Bayrou said all along: that he didn't know."

Some lawmakers have floated threats of a no-confidence vote in Bayrou, who has led a centrist minority government since December last year, and could be toppled if left-wing and far-right parties unite to vote against him.

Bayrou told lawmakers in February "he had never been informed of any violence, let alone sexual violence". He later said he had ordered an inspection of the school in 1996 in light of some complaints and that its findings were "reassuring".

The special French court that handles cases involving government ministers, the Republic's Court of Justice, has dismissed two reports from opposition lawmakers against Bayrou, saying there was no sign of wrongdoing in his former capacity as education minister at this stage.

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But the court said it could re-explore the case should more details come to light. A school alumnus, whose name was not revealed, has also filed a legal complaint against Bayrou for failure to report a crime, according to French media.

His education minister ordered an administrative inspection of the school in March; its findings have yet to be made public.

The author of the book in which Bayrou's daughter tells her story, Alain Esquere, a former pupil at the school, is behind a social media campaign launched in 2023 to collect the stories of alleged abuse at the school between the 1950s and 2010.

Contacted by Reuters, management at the school, which has been renamed Le Beau Rameau, did not immediately return a request for comment. The school has yet to make any official statement about the complaints.

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The scandal has fuelled a broader reckoning in France over the culture and oversight of private religious schools, particularly boarding institutions that have operated with limited transparency.

(Writing by Michel Rose; editing by Andrew Heavens and Philippa Fletcher)
Former GOP Congressman David Jolly in front of the Capitol in Tallahassee on March 25, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

Former Pinellas County Republican U.S. Rep. David Jolly is making moves indicating that he is close to entering the Democratic race for Florida governor in 2026.

As first reported by Politico Thursday morning, Jolly, a political independent for the past seven years, registered as a Democrat Wednesday and simultaneously launched a state political committee, enabling him to begin raising money for a potential candidacy.

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A former aide to Pinellas GOP Congressman C.W. Bill Young, Jolly served for nearly three years in Congress (2014-2017) before becoming a national figure as a cable news analyst for MSNBC (where his contact has been paused since he began exploring a gubernatorial run, according to a source with the network).

As an indication of his intentions, Jolly has hired Democratic campaign strategist Eric Hyers as an adviser. Among the successful campaigns Hyers has been involved was Montana Gov. Steve Bullocks re-election victory in 2016. That was the same year Donald Trump won that state by more than 20 percentage points.

Eric Hyers has proven that he can help elect Democratic candidates in gubernatorial races in either red states or red-wave elections, Jolly told the Phoenix in a phone interview. And he may be the most talented political professional in the country today, so Im excited that hes agreed to advise on the entire 2026 cycle, and that includes whether I become a candidate or not.

Jolly has been attending Democratic town-hall meetings since he announced that he was considering a run for governor a month ago, and he says those meetings have encouraged him to step back into the political arena. The intensity displayed in these events in reaction to the first months of the second iteration of a Trump presidency shows that Democrats have a chance to win back voters disaffected by the party in recent years, he said.

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Democrats are turning out and theyre showing up and they want to be active, he said, adding that he has been asking for a show of hands of people who have never previously attended such events.

Usually about a third of the audience is a first-time attendee, which shows that new voters and new converts, if you will, are excited about the Democratic Party. I will tell you that it is an enthusiastic Democratic party right now, he said. We talk openly about my prospects of running for governor, and I am incredibly encouraged by the kindness and the support that I get at these town halls, and obviously that goes into my decision making.

Praise for Donalds

Republicans around the country have faced hostile crowds when theyve hosted town halls this year, leading top GOP officials such as House Speaker Mike Johnson to advise that they dont attend them.

One Republican member of Congress who hasnt shown a reluctance to engage with his voters is Byron Donalds, the biggest name so far to enter the 2026 sweepstakes for governor in Florida. Jolly says thats admirable.

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I commend Bryon Donalds for holding town halls, he said. I saw [Southeast Florida Republican Congressman] Brian Mast just had three, and one of the asks in these town halls is where is our member of Congress? And so kudos to Byron Donalds for showing up and having the conversation.

The former Republican says hes been watching closely the allegations over the past month regarding the Hope Florida Foundation, nonprofit arm of Hope Florida, the welfare assistance program connected to First Lady Casey DeSantis.

Weve already codified corruption in the state statute to allow it in many areas, Jolly said. Remarkably, this may be an area where the governor and First Lady have gone too far and even acted outside of what type of corruption is already allowed.

Jolly has said that if he does enter the contest, the affordability crisis in the Sunshine State will be front and center of his candidacy. He also wants to talk about gun safety, which is back in the headlines following the shootings last week at Florida State University in Tallahassee.

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I think leaders sometimes have to lead in shaping public opinion and taking hard positions when you know its right. And you know, if you look at the website  and Ive said this many times on TV  I support an assault weapons ban.

I think we need comprehensive and universal background checks, and what I mean by that is universal means every transaction  between families, gun shows, you name it. But comprehensive means more than what were currently checking. We basically currently check for a criminal conviction. I support the red flag laws. I think we should expand the Parkland package that was passed and what some Republicans want to roll back. I just think we need leaders to lead on reducing gun violence. Its not that hard.

Whomever the Democrats nominate as their gubernatorial choice in 2026, that candidate will be an decided underdog, as Republicans have won races for governor, senator, and president by more than double digits over the past two election cycles.

Republicans scoff

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power scoffed at the news that Jolly has joined the Democratic Party.

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Its good to know Never Trumper and failed MSNBC analyst has found his true home in the irrelevant @FlaDems. Power wrote on X. I welcome him to run for Governor, the nearly 40% of the electorate that voted for @CharlieCrist deserve an equally bad choice this cycle.

Leon County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Ryan Ray said that he welcomed Jolly to the Democratic Party and called it a great sign of the emerging 2026 Democratic midterm wave that MAGA is already alienating longtime Republicans like David Jolly, turned off by the Constitutional chaos and economic damage of MAGA.

Ryan wondered, however, how much support there might be for Jolly from elements of the party.

Personally, Ill be looking for a candidate with a longer track record of standing up against GOP extremism, he said in a text message. Party switchers have historically not won.

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Jolly said last month that hell likely announce his candidacy before June. I remain very serious about it and will make a decision around Memorial Day, but certainly it is under the strongest possible consideration.

This story has been updated to include Jollys current status with MSNBC.

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Democrats may get a second shot at running a party convert for Florida governor in their ongoing effort to claw back the states battleground status.

Former Republican Rep. David Jolly, who has made a national name for himself as a vocal opponent of President Donald Trump, took a step Thursday toward a possible run for governor of Florida in 2026 by launching a state political committee.

Jolly, 52, also switched his no-party affiliation voter registration to Democrat on Wednesday afternoon, which would make him eligible to run statewide under the partys ticket by next years qualification period in June.

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The ex-Republican first told POLITICO he was weighing the decision to run to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in an interview last month, drawing comparisons to former Rep. Charlie Crist, the Republican-turned-independent-turned-Democrat who lost the gubernatorial race to DeSantis by 19 points in 2022.

Jolly talked about the new committee in a video hell be posting to social media, provided first to POLITICO, saying its goal was to engage Floridas voters, promote voter registration and talk about issues like affordability, property insurance costs, reinvesting in public education and fixing our broken voucher system.

Well tackle ending gun violence and so many other priorities for Florida voters, he added.

Jollys political committee will allow him to start raising money for a possible 2026 statewide run, and he posted details about his biography and policy positions at DavidJolly.com. A state committee can accept unlimited sums from companies and individual donors, and candidates are allowed to be directly involved in their operation and decision-making  which isnt the case for federal campaign committees.

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Jolly is also bringing on Eric Hyers, a prominent campaign veteran for red-state Democrats, to advise his team on the 2026 cycle. Hyers managed winning campaigns for Democratic Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Steve Bullock of Montana and Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island.

Hyers told POLITICO in an interview that Democrats had a huge opportunity to win back middle-of-the-road voters in 2026.

Jolly is a really pragmatic person, Hyers said. And in this cycle, people are not focused on the letter in front of your name  they want people they trust who do what they think is right and put them first.

Having the support of a surrogate close to Beshear is also significant, given that the Kentucky governor is set to chair the Democratic Governors Association in 2026. Its a midterm year in which 35 states besides Florida will have governors races  many of which will likely serve as a barometer for how voters are feeling about Trumps policies.

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Hyers stressed, however, that the political committee would be focused not on nationalizing the race but on finding solutions to the challenges and biggest problems facing the people of Florida such as grocery costs and retirement portfolios.

Should Jolly officially file to run for governor, hed be making a big bet that his electoral prospects might turn out differently than Crists, the same politician who defeated him in 2016s House race.

Mitchell Berger, a major Democratic party fundraiser and prominent Fort Lauderdale attorney who represented former Vice President Al Gore in the post-2000 election Florida lawsuits, argued Jollys situation would be different. Crists flip came across as more opportunistic, he said, because it happened after losing elections and because he took a swing at running for statewide office so many times.

Rep. Jolly is responding to a national emergency  in the spirit of so many others who are choosing to respond in a national emergency  and trying to defeat emerging authoritarianism in the U.S., he said. We have all heard him speak eloquently on it over the last few years, and we have all heard him speak practically about it as well.

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Jolly is joining the Democratic Party as Florida has shifted decidedly to the right despite once being the largest swing state in the U.S. Florida currently has 1.2 million more registered Republicans than Democrats, and no Democrat holds statewide elected office. The state also has served as an informal staffing agency and policy workshop for the Trump administration, with major roles and initiatives from the Sunshine State making their way to Washington.

Nikki Fried, the chair of the Florida Democratic Party who mounted her own run for governor in 2022, welcomed Jollys decision to join the party.

We want people who want to fight and want to stand up for this moment, said Fried, who added she would remain impartial in a potential Democratic primary for governor.

If Jolly follows through with a run for governor, he could potentially tap into a national network of donors and support given his ubiquitous appearances on cable television the last several years.

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But the Democrats sizable voter registration gap in the state means a competitive campaign would need to garner support from their own party, nonaffiliated voters and disaffected Republicans.

Florida has closed primaries, meaning only Democrats can vote for the nominee of their party. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) predicted Jolly would be able to bring Florida back into play very quickly, calling him a strong champion on the environment and citing his objections to how Trump was dismantling portions of the federal government.

Electoral politics today is a game of inches, Raskin said. If you can bring over huge numbers of independents and 5 percent or 10 percent of Republicans, that will be breakthrough politics in Florida.

Jolly left the GOP in 2018 because he disagreed with the direction of the party under Trump. Running on an aggressively anti-Trump platform is risky in Florida, a state the president won three times and one he calls home. Even after being elected, Trump spends many weekends at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach and could decide to get actively involved in the governors race and hold rallies here, just as he did for Ron DeSantis in 2018.

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Trump endorsed Republican Rep. Byron Donalds for governor, though Florida first lady Casey DeSantis is also considering a run. The governor and first lady recently traveled to the White House to ask for Trumps endorsement and blessing  but were denied  in a sign of the presidents influence in the contest.

Jolly has been meeting with Democrats over the course of the last year and has written in MSNBC about his experiences doing town halls across Florida, saying voters are concerned about their financial security and agency cuts under DOGE.

Jolly served only one full term in Congress, where he became known for his centrist stances, but is a well-known figure in Florida and nationally because hes been an MSNBC political contributor for years.

Right now no other well-known Democrats have stepped forward to run for governor. State Sen. Jason Pizzo, currently the Democratic leader of the state Senate, has spoken about a possible run. But when asked this week, he said he would make a decision about his political future by September.

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Berger, the Democratic fundraiser, said he would contribute in any way I can if Jolly were to ask for his support.

Since 2020 there has been a rapid and unfortunate underperformance for the Democratic Party, he said. I truly believe the underlying Florida voter is someone who is quite independent in thought and will respond to an appropriate, unifying message.
LINCOLN, R.I. (WPRI)  Davies Career and Technical High School culinary students are rolling up their sleeves for a national cooking competition.

The team proved their skills at a state level earlier this year and are now ready to represent Rhode Island.

Gov. Dan McKee stopped by Wednesday to wish them luck as they prepare for the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, next weekend.

Students will prepare a three-course meal in 60 minutes, with limited resources. They will be judged on taste, teamwork, safety, and sanitation.

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I couldnt imagine not doing this, its just changed everything. Its what I spend my free time doing, thinking about, like its my whole life, Bobby Calder said.

While theyre excited, they told 12 News theyre still a little nervous heading into the competition.

Its all about focusing on what you are doing first, block out everybody else because if you dont do that, its going to get in your head, Abigail Grullon explained. It takes a while to get used to it, but after that it becomes easy.

Along with the chefs, two students will represent the management side of the hospitality industry. They will present a proposal for the next promising restaurant concept to a panel of experts.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.

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This Week in Good News

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Apr. 23MITCHELL  The following cases were among those heard Tuesday, April 22, during a circuit court session at the Davison County Public Safety Center, with Judge Chris Giles presiding:

* Matthew Sherman, 35, of Chamberlain, received a suspended 10-year prison sentence for distributing methamphetamine, a Class 4 felony. He was fined $1,000 and placed on six years of probation.

* Elliott Ray Star Iron Shell, 35, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to fifth-offense domestic abuse simple assault, a Class 4 felony. The charge also constituted a probation violation, as he had been sentenced in February for a fourth simple assault offense. For the violation, he received a two-year prison sentence with all time suspended, and his two-year probation was restarted. He was fined $600. For the fifth offense charge, Iron Shell was sentenced to two years in prison with six years suspended and received credit for 67 days already served. He was also ordered to pay a $750 fine. As part of a plea agreement, a newer simple assault charge was dismissed.

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* Brandi Allen, 28, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance as a habitual offender, a Class 4 felony. Under a plea agreement, several other charges were dropped, including drug distribution,a Class 4 felony; two counts of simple assault on a law enforcement officer, Class 6 felonies; obstruction and resisting arrest, both Class 1 misdemeanors; and additional Class 2 misdemeanors for driving with a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia and a lighting violation. Allen was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with all time suspended. She was ordered to serve 25 days in jail, with credit for 11 days already served. In addition, she was fined $750 and placed on probation for four years.

* Mario Perez, 39, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, failed to appear for a scheduled bond forfeiture hearing. He previously missed a required court appearance last month, leading the court to forfeit his bond. Perez faces several charges, including third-offense DUI, a Class 6 felony; driving with a revoked license, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and speeding, resisting arrest, and careless driving, all Class 2 misdemeanors.

* Aaron Unzelman, 38, of Sioux Falls, pleaded not guilty to multiple drug-related charges, including driving without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia, both Class 2 misdemeanors. He is also charged with possession of methamphetamine and cocaine, unauthorized ingestion of meth, all Class 5 felonies, and distribution of meth, a Class 3 felony. A jury trial is scheduled for August.

* Kyle Erickson, 34, of Sioux Falls, had his sentencing postponed by two weeks after failing to cooperate with the preparation of a court-ordered pre-sentencing report. Erickson is awaiting sentencing for third-degree burglary, a Class 5 felony. According to court documents, he broke into a shop and attempted to steal a stack of tools valued at over $1,000. During the incident, he caused less than $400 in damage to an interior wall.

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* Thomas Givens Jr., 38, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, appeared in court for a motions hearing as he faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. He pleaded not guilty in December to several offenses, including possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana, a Class 1 misdemeanor; possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor; possession of unauthorized articles in jail, a Class 6 felony; and four counts of possession of a controlled substance  psilocybin mushrooms, THC oil, cocaine, and fentanyl  all classified as Class 5 felonies.If convicted on all charges, Givens faces up to 32 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $64,000. A jury trial is scheduled for June.

* David Henrichsen, 59, of Mitchell, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with six years suspended, for distribution of hydrocodone, a Class 4 felony. He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

* Nicholasa Farmer, 33, of Sioux Falls, admitted to violating the terms of her probation. She had been on probation for a possession of methamphetamine charge, a Class 5 felony. As a result of the violation, Farmer was sentenced to two years in prison, with credit for 18 days already served.

* Jacob Terrill, 34, of Ethan, admitted to violating the terms of his probation. He was arrested earlier this month for meth possession and multiple traffic violations while on probation for a previous meth possession charge. His original five-year prison sentence remains suspended, but his two-year probation period will restart. As part of a plea agreement, the new charges were dismissed in exchange for his admission to the violation. The dismissed charges included possession of meth, a Class 5 felony; trafficking in or using substitute plates, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and several Class 2 misdemeanors, including failure to renew registration during the assigned month, failure to maintain financial responsibility, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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* Kenneth Hauge, 74, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a motions hearing as he works to file a recusal request seeking a different judge. Hauge is asking for the change because Judge Giles previously presided over another case involving him. His case was continued. Earlier this month, his attorney withdrew due to a conflict of interest, and Judge Giles recommended he apply for a new court-appointed lawyer. Hauge faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, a Class 5 felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor.

* Jason Dargatz, 46, of Webster, South Dakota, appeared in court for a probation violation while serving probation for a methamphetamine possession charge. His case was continued until July to allow time for developments related to new charges he faces in Codington County.

* Mark Leach Jr., 43, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a motions hearing. Leach, who is currently serving probation for a 2022 drug-related conviction, is facing charges that include unauthorized distribution of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; a drug-free zone violation, a Class 4 felony; two counts of possession of controlled substances (methamphetamine and Ritalin), both Class 5 felonies; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor. If convicted, Leach faces up to 35 years in prison and fines of up to $70,000. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of six years in prison.

* Andrew Whittecar, 36, of Surprise, Arizona, appeared in court for a motions hearing. Whittecar pleaded not guilty to multiple drug-related charges in March. These charges include possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor; possession of two ounces or less of marijuana and operating a vehicle with a suspended registration, both Class 1 misdemeanors; three counts of possession of a controlled substance, including cocaine, hydrocodone, and methamphetamine, all Class 5 felonies; distributing cocaine, a Class 4 felony; and committing a felony while carrying a firearm, a Class 2 felony. A jury trial is scheduled for June.

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* Carrie Lefort, 57, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a motions hearing related to charges of grand theft, involving the alleged theft of $133,400 in bank deposits from the Highland Travel Plaza, where she worked as manager. During the hearing, her attorney requested approval to hire an expert accountant to review the financials, at a cost of $5,000. The court moved her jury trial from June to August. Lefort has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which stem from missing deposits between August and October 2024. Security footage and a financial audit reportedly link her to the theft. She faces up to 15 years in prison and/or a $30,000 fine if convicted.

* Randy Mendel, 54, of Yankton, did not appear in court as his attorney requested a two-week continuance due to Mendel's limited mobility following recent knee surgery. He is facing a grand theft charge involving an amount between $5,000 and $100,000, a Class 4 felony. The court granted the request.

* John Bunker, 58, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a motions hearing. Bunkers pleaded not guilty to several drug-related charges last month, including distribution/intent to distribute more than one-half pound but less than one pound of marijuana, a Class 4 felony; possession of more than one-half pound but less than one pound of marijuana, possession of meth, two counts of possession of controlled substances, and keeping a place for the use or sale of controlled substances, all Class 5 felonies; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor. A jury trial is scheduled for June.

* Brian Johnson, 63, of Mitchell, appeared in court on a Class 6 felony charge for failing to register a new address. He requested a court-appointed attorney, and his case was continued for two weeks.

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* Selena Ross, 19, of Sioux Falls, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for intentional damage to property valued between $5,000 and $100,000, a Class 4 felony. The sentence was a suspended execution, meaning she will not serve prison time. However, she was ordered to serve 50 days in jail, with credit for 47 days already served. Ross was also sentenced to eight years of probation and must pay $5,594.93 in restitution. As part of a plea deal, charges of attempted first-degree robbery, a Class 3 felony, and first-degree burglary, a Class 2 felony, were dismissed.

* Anthony Barras, 46, of Bryant, Arkansas, appeared in court for a bond hearing. Although a previous request to modify his bond was denied, the court granted him a personal recognizance bond. Barras is facing five counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, all Class 4 felonies. His jury trial, originally set for June, has been rescheduled for August.

* Bruno Nava-Trujillo, 29, of Mitchell, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including possession of cocaine, a Class 5 felony; having an altered or invalid license, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and three Class 2 misdemeanors, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license and failure to maintain financial responsibility. A jury trial is set for August.

* Trenton Slattery, 23, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a bond hearing where he requested and was granted a personal recognizance (PR) bond. He is currently facing a Class 6 felony charge for a third or subsequent offense of domestic abuse simple assault, along with a Class 1 misdemeanor for violating a no-contact order with the victim prior to his court appearance. His arraignment is scheduled for May.

* Angel Brown, 30, of Mitchell, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with five years suspended, for distributing cocaine in a drug-free zone. He was also fined $1,000 and received a credit of 229 days for time already served.
The atmosphere at Davos next year may well be a little frosty, and not just because its hosted in the Alps. The World Economic Forum (WEF), which hosts the high-net-worth jamboree in the Swiss ski resort, is in deep trouble.

Its founder Klaus Schwab has already begun the process of stepping down after whistleblowers reportedly accused him of manipulating research, of a toxic workplace culture at the organisation, of demanding that staff promote the founder for the Nobel Peace Prize, and of mixing up personal and corporate expenses.

Schwab maintains that the charges are completely baseless and claims he is the victim of an attempted character assassination. But the holier than thou image proudly projected by the forum has been shattered, and its reputation has been dealt a heavy blow.

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Even setting aside this latest controversy, the WEF always stood for a brand of centrist elitism that was the epitome of smug virtue-signalling. The titles of each conference were masterpieces of the kind of grandiose pomposity that characterises corporate waffle at its most vacuous. In 2023, it focused on co-operation in a fragmented world, in 2024 on rebuilding trust and this year on collaboration for an intelligent age. It was so vacuous it was beyond satire.

Twenty years ago the political scientist Samuel P Huntington coined the term Davos Man to describe what he saw as an elite who have little need for national loyalty, view national boundaries as obstacles that thankfully are vanishing, and see national governments as residues from the past whose only useful function is to facilitate the elites global operations.

That was a very accurate description. The WEF was always on hand to give its stamp of approval to whatever fashionable cause happened to be surfing a wave of popularity. It was hysterical about climate change, giving a high-profile platform to even the most extreme activists such as Greta Thunberg. It pushed stakeholder capitalism even as it became more and more clear that the phase was just a cover for CEOs to indulge in pet projects at the expense of returns to shareholders or lower prices for consumers.

It was obsessed with rising inequality, allowing charities such as Oxfam to present research of dubious rigour which promoted ever higher taxes. It was a cheerleader for lockdowns, seemed convinced that Brexit was a catastrophe, and once described populism as poison. Whatever the centre-Left was worried about, Davos was right behind it, and whatever the issue, Davos always seemed to come down on the wrong side of it.

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Yet there was always a heavy whiff of hypocrisy about its annual conference. Campaigning against climate change didnt stop corporate chiefs from flying to the Alps on their private jets.

While fretting about inequality it charged tens of thousands of francs for tickets and social events. And it handed legitimacy to despotic regimes, preaching higher taxes and more regulation that would clobber global economies from its Alpine base.

The validity of these corruption claims will be established during investigations. But with Schwabs departure amid a storm of allegations, Davos Man may finally have had his day. I doubt he will be missed.

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April 24 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1704, the Boston News-Letter became the first U.S. newspaper to be published on a regular basis.

In 1800, the U.S. Congress established the Library of Congress.

In 1913, the Woolworth Building, designed by architect Cass Gilbert, an early proponent of skyscrapers, opened to the public and its tenants.

In 1914, the Easter Rising began. Irish republicans armed themselves in rebellion against the British government. Nearly 500 people died --including more than 250 civilians -- during the six-day skirmish, and the British executed 16 rebels.

On April 24, 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard the space shuttle Discovery. File Photo courtesy of NASA

In 1957, the Suez Canal was reopened to shipping after being shut for more than five months following a conflict between Egypt, and the trio of Israel, Britain and France.

File Photo by Jim Hampshire/U.S. Navy

On April 24, 1800, the U.S. Congress established the Library of Congress. Pool photo by Olivier Douliery/UPI

In 1980, Operation Eagle Claw, the attempt to rescue 52 embassy staff held captive in Tehran, ends with the death of eight servicemen when a helicopter crashed into a transport aircraft.

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In 1983, German endurance racing driver Rolf Stommelen died during a crash at the Riverside International Raceway in California. He was 39.

Rodney "Rocky" Sickman, one of 66 taken hostage when Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran November 4, 1979, returned to Missouri on January 28, 1981 to a hero's welcome. On April 24, 1980, Operation Eagle Claw, the attempt to rescue 52 embassy staff held captive in Tehran, ends with the death of eight servicemen when a helicopter crashed into a transport aircraft. UPI File Photo

In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard the space shuttle Discovery.

In 1996, the Palestinian National Council voted to drop its official commitment to the destruction of Israel.

File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI

In 2005, Benedict XVI was installed in Rome as the 265th Roman Catholic pope.

In 2013, a building that housed clothing factories collapsed in Bangladesh, killing more than 1,000 people.

In 2023, Fox News announced that its top opinion show host, Tucker Carlson, agreed to leave the network in the wake of the network settling a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million.
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly will feature a Dayton history showcase. It was announced Thursday by Congressman Mike Turner.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Part of the plan for the NATO conference is to let international visitors know how important Dayton is to world history.

A lot of downtown will be restricted while NATO is in town, beginning May 19. But NATO members will be invited and encouraged to go to the courthouse square, which will be transformed into a Dayton Around the World Exhibition.

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[It] will celebrate Daytons legacy from our pioneering role in aviation and innovation to our proud role in advancing peace through the Dayton Peace Accords, Turner said.

The exhibit will be put together by representatives from the Dayton Museum of Natural History.

We want these folks from all over the world to recognize that, too, President and CEO of Dayton History Brady Kress said. Things that they use everyday will be showcased in this exhibit.

The courthouse is within the NATO village restricted area, which means only those with approved passes will be able to see the exhibit.

There are plans in the works to allow the Dayton community to see the exhibit as well.

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We are the home of the cash register, home of the pop-top can, the Wright brothers and modern aviation, Kress said.

The exhibit will also include items from the libraries of Harry Truman and Bill Clinton.

The Dayton community will be able to attend the exhibit for free the Tuesday and Wednesday after the NATO Assembly is over.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Dayton Metro Library is offering a selection of programs this May to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The New Lebanon Branch, 715 W. Main St., will host a Thursday Matinee screening of Minari (2020, PG-13) on May 1, from 2-4 p.m. The film follows a family of South Korean immigrants adjusting to rural life in 1980s America. (Adults only.)

The romance book club Between the Sheets will meet at the Miami Township Branch, 2718 Lyons Road, on Saturday, May 10, from 1-2 p.m. They will read Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev, then discuss it. (Adults only.)

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Half of America cant name a famous Asian American actor or event, survey finds

Guests can learn about hula culture at the Olohana Polynesian dances over two consecutive Mondays. (All ages.)

May 12, 7-8 p.m., at the Miami Township Branch, 2718 Lyons Road.

May 19, 7-8 pm, at the Huber Heights Branch, 6243 Brandt Pike.

Teens will be invited to make mandalas at the Southeast Branch, 21 Watervliet Ave. on Tuesday, May 27, from 4-5:30 p.m. A mandala is a style of geometric art that is significant to many Eastern religions. (Teens only.)

Kids will learn about the art of folding paper at an origami paper craft event at the Trotwood Branch, 855 E Main St. on Thursday, May 29, from 4-5 p.m. (Registration required. First through fourth grade.)

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How a canoe helped turn Hawaiian culture into a source of pride and even influenced Hollywood

There will be special storytimes to honor AANHPI heritage.

On Friday, May 2, and May 30, from 10:30-11 a.m. at the Trotwood Branch, 855 E Main St. This is for preschool and kindergarten-aged kids.

On Saturday, May 3, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Huber Heights Branch, 6243 Brandt Pike. A family storytime.

On Wednesday, May 7, 11-11:45 am, Huber Heights Branch. For little kids ages 3-5.

To learn more, click here or call the Librarys Ask Me Line at (937) 463-2665.

The library asks anyone who needs a sign language interpreter, assistive device, language translation, or accessibility services to call the Ask Me Line at (937) 463-2665 or click here. This is so they can get the service ready ahead of time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The 3rd Ministerial Conference of the Almaty Process is being held today in Azerbaijan's Baku, marking the conclusion of the country's two-year chairmanship (2023-2024) of this initiative, Trend reports.

The event is attended by representatives from member, observer, and invited countries, along with high-level officials from relevant migration agencies and international organizations.

The Almaty Process serves as a regional consultation platform addressing refugee protection and international migration concerns in Central Asia. It seeks to tackle the various challenges presented by mixed migration dynamics and to enhance regional collaboration and coordination regarding mixed migration matters.

Will be updated
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police are asking for assistance in identifying a suspect accused of felony threats, including hate/bias that occurred in Northwest back in March.

Police: 2 officers shot during traffic stop in Fairfax County; suspect dead

On Thursday, March 20, just before 10 p.m., the suspect allegedly used hateful and homophobic language toward two victims at the intersection of 6th Street and H Street, NW. The suspect then threatened to hurt one of the victims and then left the area.

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Surveillance cameras caught footage of the suspect.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the departments TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Witness testimony in Karen Reads retrial enters its third day on Thursday morning, less than 24 hours after the mother of the man shes accused of killing shed tears on the stand in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court.

Read is accused of striking her boyfriend, John OKeefe, with her SUV in January 2022 and leaving him to die alone in the snow outside of a house party in Canton. She has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene.

UPDATE (12 p.m.): Judge dismisses jurors early after confusion about witnesses on Day 3 of Karen Reads retrial

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Last on the stand: Nicholas Guarino (Massachusetts State Police trooper who analyzed Karen Read and John OKeefes cellphones) -- He is reading texts exchanged by the couple on Jan. 28, 2022, hours before he was found dead.

Watch live: Day 3 of witness testimony in Karen Read's retrial

Previously on the stand today: Daniel Whitley (Canton firefighter), Jean DeMulis (General Manager of C.F. McCarthys), Brigid Meehan (Owner of Waterfall Bar and Grill), Michael Camerano (friend of John OKeefe)

Follow along with Ted Daniels live updates from court:

Tweets by TedDanielnews

Highlights from Day 2 of the retrial:

Johns mother, Peggy OKeefe, was called to the stand on Wednesday by special prosecutor Hank Brennan, marking the first time that she has spoken publicly since her sons death.

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OKeefe did not testify in Reads first trial and has never given any interviews. She was one of four people who took the stand for the prosecution on Day 2 of testimony.

OKeefe described how Read spoke to her over the phone at Good Samaritan Hospital, where OKeefe was pronounced deceased.

As Im walking down, I hear Karen Read yell, Peg, is he dead? Is he dead, Peg? OKeefe testified. I asked her what happened, and she said I. We went to a party. I left him there. I said, You just left him there. She said, Yes"

Thats my son: John OKeefes mom gives emotional testimony for the first time in Karen Read case

OKeefe also told the court that Read and her father, William, showed up at their house later that day, asking to go upstairs for a few things. She said she should never have let them do that.

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OKeefe lost her daughter, Kristen, to a brain tumor in 2013, and Kristens husband, Stephen Furbush, died of a heart attack shortly thereafter. The pain of losing another child at a young age was devastating, she said.

She had two children. And then two months after she passed, her husband passed from a heart attack. And then you all know about John, Peggy OKeefe said through tears.

She cried on the witness stand while relaying the story of seeing her son in the hospital after he was found lifeless in the snow.

He was bruised up. His eyes were closed. Just not a good scene, she said.

Kerry Roberts, a close friend of John OKeefe, also returned to the stand on Wednesday. She told the court that before OKeefe was found, Read asked her to look at her taillight.

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Karen pointed out and said, Look, my taillight. And she said, Do you think I hit him? And I said, No, I dont think you hit him, Roberts recounted.

Defense attorney Alan Jackson asked Roberts about her previous testimony to a grand jury,have heard where she claimed to hear Read ask Jennifer McCabe to Google How long to die in cold?

Kerry Roberts, who was with Karen Read when the body of Read's police officer boyfriend John OKeefe was discovered is questioned by Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan at Read's second murder trial on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Stuart Cahill/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

The reason that you said that false statement was because someone told you to say it, Jackson pried.

I misunderstood Mr. Lallys question, Roberts replied.

Massachusetts State Police trooper Nicholas Guarino, who analyzed OKeefes cellphone, and a Canton Firefighter Daniel Whitley, who responded to 34 Fairview Road in Canton, where OKeefes body was found, also testified on Wednesday.

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When leaving court earlier this week, Read expressed confidence in her team of lawyers to reporters.

I feel great, today went well. We prepped hard, and Im just proud of my team. I cant be prouder, and we have the truth, so we forge ahead, Read said.

Prosecutors allege Read intentionally backed into OKeefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense has claimed that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that OKeefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

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The biggest difference in the current trial is the lead prosecutor, Brennan. Brought in as a special prosecutor after the mistrial, the former defense attorney has represented a number of prominent clients, including notorious Boston gangster James Whitey Bulger.

Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

Highlights for Day 1 of the retrial

Get caught up with the latest in Karen Reads retrial

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WASHINGTON (NewsNation)  The clock is ticking for schools across the United States to dismantle their diversity, equity and inclusion programs or risk losing federal funding.

The U.S. Department of Education has ordered state and K-12 school district leaders to certify compliance with their antidiscrimination obligations, which the Trump administration argues are violated by DEI programs that advantage one race over another.

School officials face a Thursday deadline to confirm the removal of DEI initiatives. If they dont, they could face cuts to federal funds, which account for about 10% of public school budgets on average.

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Education Department to restart collections on defaulted student loans

No student should be denied opportunity or treated differently because of their race, the department said in a statement to NewsNation. When state education commissioners accept federal funding, they undertake the obligation to abide by federal antidiscrimination law. The Department is simply asking school districts to certify they are following the law and not using race preferences or pernicious race stereotypes in schools.

According to Education Week, at least 16 states have declined to certify compliance, and more than a dozen are either still reviewing the order or have not issued a statement.

Colleges in crosshairs of Trump DEI fight

This move has led to pushback. The National Education Association has accused the White House of punishing students and teachers for fostering inclusive classrooms.

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However, the Education Department has claimed some schools, even at the collegiate level, use DEI programs to discriminate against some students.

Trump signs executive orders targeting colleges, plus schools equity efforts

Through several executive orders signed Wednesday, Trump ordered increased enforcement of laws requiring colleges to disclose their financial ties to foreign sources.

Another order targets college accreditors, which allows universities to access federal financial aid for students. Trump is demanding the termination or suspension of accreditors that base their standards on DEI and not merit.

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This week, more than 150 university presidents signed a statement accusing Trump of overreach and political interference in higher education.

Trump eyes implementing AI in classrooms

On Wednesday, Trump also signed an executive order requiring schools to implement more artificial intelligence into classrooms and programs. He claimed the plan could help prepare children for the future workforce.

During his first several days in office this year, Trump announced a $500 billion investment for AI data centers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The deadline for students looking to apply for Birmingham Promise scholarship funds is set for May 1.

The program covers up to four years of tuition at public state colleges and universities for Birmingham City Schools graduates. The program has provided over $11 million in tuition assistance to more than 1,600 graduates since its inception.

Jefferson County Coroners Office searching for family of 86-year-old woman who died in hospice care

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Prospective students must fill out a Birmingham Promise application and FASFA form to qualify.

Scholarship funds can also be used for students wishing to complete a two-year community college or shorter programs.

Completing the application keeps students options open in case other assistance falls through, or they end up staying in state at a public college or university, Samantha Williams, executive director of Birmingham Promise, said. We dont want anyone to miss out on the benefits of Birmingham Promise simply because they didnt meet the deadline to apply.

According to a release, graduating seniors should have received a link to apply to the program via their Outlook school account. Anyone needing assistance applying or has questions is asked to email scholarships@birminghampromise.org or call 205-843-5967.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Video above: This Nexstar Media video explains what to do if you witnessed a crime.

FALLBROOK, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Authorities have launched a death investigation in Fallbrook after a body was found inside a home on Wednesday morning.

According to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department, a call came in around 9:30 a.m. with an individual reporting that they had possibly seen a dead body while checking on a residence in the 3000 block of Willow Heights Road.

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Deputies responded to the home and found a deceased person inside. The sheriffs Homicide Unit was then called in to investigate the scene.

No further details were immediately released.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call San Diego Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest in this case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Cade Cothren, who served as chief of staff to former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada, walks to the Fred D. Thompson Federal Courthouse in Nashville on April 22, 2025. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Day two of former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casadas federal corruption trial ended with a jury chosen and indications of how defense lawyers could try to keep their client out of prison.

Casada and his former chief of staff Cade Cothren are on trial for allegations of conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, bribery and kickbacks after funneling contracts for political consulting services for state House members to a company founded by Cothren called Phoenix Solutions.

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Casadas attorney Ed Yarbrough questioned prospective alternate jurors Tuesday about whether they have worked in sales, received commissions in exchange for work  raising the question of whether commissions and kickbacks could be seen as mutually exchangeable terms  or outsourced work to subcontractors.

Did your customers always know who was doing the work? Yarbrough asked.

Federal prosecutors case rests partially on the premise that Casada and former Chattanooga Rep. Robin Smith secured contracts for political consulting services from House Republican Caucus members, receiving a cut of the proceeds from Cothren in return.

Cothren resigned from his post in May 2019 amid a scandal over racist and sexist text messages that was heavily reported by Nashville-area media. He formed Phoenix Solutions in 2020 and prosecutors allege Casada and Smith purposely concealed Cothrens identity on the assumption House members would not contract with Phoenix if they knew Cothren was behind it.

Opening arguments will begin Thursday morning.

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FROSTBURG  Research is powerful and must continue, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney said.

She spoke at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory Wednesday.

The congresswoman toured the lab to learn how researchers help guide policy  on issues including air and water quality, wildlife management, sustainable agriculture, forest health and biodiversity conservation  at state, national and international levels.

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After the tour, McClain Delaney participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting of the labs solar project that helps reduce the facilitys carbon footprint and serves as a model for renewable energy integration in scientific research institutions, she said.

The event symbolized lighting the way for science, she said.

Its really important work, McClain Delaney said of the scientific research, adding that she represents more than 35,000 government workers and countless more connected to federal agencies.

The Trump administration recently froze billions of dollars in funding to research organizations, including Harvard University and the National Science Foundation.

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These freezes impact all of us, the congresswoman said, and talked of the need to build a cleaner, healthier world for the next generation.

Appalachian Laboratory Director and Professor David Nelson talked of the need to move away from fossil fuels and toward green energy.

David Nelson

David Nelson

The work we do ... relates to sustainability, he said.

We also lead by example, Nelson said of hundreds of new solar panels on the labs roof that provide power for the building and electrical grid.

He thanked the Maryland Energy Administration for its support of the project.

UMCES President Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm said the institute is the only one of its kind that spans mountains to ocean.

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Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm

Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm

We are very, very unique, he said.

UMCES is one of 12 universities, including Frostburg State, in the University System of Maryland.

Founded in Frostburg in 1962, Appalachian Laboratory scientists advise state, national and international leaders on air and water quality, wildlife management, forest and agricultural management and biodiversity conservation, while also training and engaging tomorrows researchers and environmental stewards through advanced degree offerings, citizen science initiatives and K-12 curriculum development, according to the UMCES website.

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Mike Studholme, senior solar professional at Mountain View Solar based in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, worked on the project with Nelson and others.

Solar panels generate power where its consumed, he said.

Also at the event, which included roughly 45 folks, were Robin Summerfield of U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollens office; Delanie Blubaugh, regional director of Western and Mountain Maryland for U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks; and Allegany County Economic Development Specialist Adam Strott.

The Appalachian Lab is kicking butt, Summerfield said. This really demonstrates that here at UMCES youre applying science.
The head of Niagara Countys Democratic Party has filed a legal challenge aimed at knocking the countys former economic development commissioner Mike Casale off the ballot in both the primary and general elections for a legislative seat in Lewiston.

In a lawsuit filed last week in State Supreme Court in Niagara County, Democratic Party Chairman Chris Borgatti argues that Casale cant legally assume Republican and Conservative ballot positions left vacant by outgoing Second District Legislator Becky Wydyshs decision to decline the nominations.

Wydysh, who serves as the countys deputy commissioner of jurors, confirmed earlier this month that her employer, the New York State Office of Court Administration, denied her most recent request to hold a second job as a legislator beyond her current term.

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State court employees are not allowed to hold second jobs, including that of legislators, without obtaining prior approval from the OCA. Although Wydysh received permission to hold a side job as a legislator on five prior occasions, her bosses denied her request, without providing a reason, this year. Because her most recent approval letter, which she secured in 2023, authorized her to serve as a legislator for a full term she can remain in her current position as a legislator and legislature chair through Dec. 31, 2025.

In his legal claim, Borgatti contends Wydysh needed permission to seek reelection from her employer prior to circulating nominations and, because she did not have it when the process started, petitions passed in her name should be deemed ineligible.

Earlier this month, Wydysh declined to accept nominating petitions circulated in her name, which allowed members of the committee to fill vacancies appearing on her petitions to endorse Casale as her replacement.

Borgatti argues the switch shouldnt be allowed because Casale moved to fill Wydyshs vacancy with knowledge that she was ineligible to hold public office.

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Although knowing of her eligibility, Ms. Wydysh filed her designating petitions, and thereafter declined the designation one day after filing them, prompting her committee to fill vacancies to proceed with the nomination of a new candidate, improperly, Borgatti asserts in his legal filing.

Borgatti has asked the courts to invalidate Casales certificate of acceptance for nominating petitions circulated in Wydyshs name and to print ballots for the June primary and November general elections without his name on them.

In her formal response filed by her attorney in the matter, former Niagara County GOP Chairman Henry Wojtaszek denies all of Borgattis claims, while suggesting the restrictions placed on Wydysh by her employer relate only to her employment, not to her ability to run for office or hold public office in Niagara County.

Wydysh meets all the qualifications to serve as a Niagara County legislator, Wojtaszek argues in Wydyshs formal response to Borgattis claims. She will continue to meet these qualifications in January 2026 when the new county legislative term begins. Her Republican and Conservative designating petitions are, therefore, valid.

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Niagara County GOP Chairman Rich Andres, R-North Tonawanda, agreed on Wednesday, saying Wydysh was not barred from circulating petitions in her name and that she is considered a qualified candidate to run for public office in the county.

Had she proven successful in her reelection bid in the Second District race, he said she would have had to quit her full-time job in light of the OCAs stance that she could not hold a second job, which he described as ridiculous.

She would have had to determine if she wanted to do one or the other, he said. She would have to make a decision and go from there. The permission was for her to serve. She was qualified to run by the standards that were set.

Andres suggested the same process has played out on five previous occasions for Wydysh without complaint or legal action from county Democrats.

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Is it his contention that at no point she should have passed petitions? Andres said. Shes done this exact move every time and every time except for this time and weve been through this before. This is not some new territory here. I cant believe its even going to be heard by a court.

I guess throw it all against the wall and see what stick is what would be the motto over there, he added.

Arguments in the case are scheduled to be heard Friday in front of New York State Supreme Court Justice in Niagara County court.
A Democratic candidate recruitment group is pledging to pour $12 million into rural organizing in an effort to make inroads in red America and to lay groundwork for 2028, the organization shared first with Morning Score.

The investment by Contest Every Race in rural areas marks an expansion of the groups grants program, which gave $1.2 million to local parties in 2024 but has seen a surge in donor interest in the second Trump administration. The groups grant program, which has given to local parties in 29 states since 2021, is now expanding nationwide in what it casts as the largest long-term, volunteer-powered organizing initiative aligned with the Democratic Party.

The investment comes as Democrats for years have struggled in rural swaths of the country, a problem compounded by President Donald Trumps appeal to working class voters and Democratic messaging some in the party have argued is out of touch. The program  in which local parties typically receive at least $600 a quarter from Contest Every Race  involves tiny sums of money. But it also provides monthly trainings and free texting services, which can go a long way for small, mostly volunteer parties in rural areas.

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The group has applications for money from 1,200 local parties across all 50 states  nearly three times the number of local parties the group worked with in the run up to 2024. It said it will work in as many as possible, though battleground states will be prioritized.

Democrats' recent wins in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Wisconsin didnt happen by accident  theyre the result of relentless, year-round local organizing in places national Democrats too often ignore, said Zoe Stein, executive director of Contest Every Race, in a statement.



The group is aiming to boost Democrats and recruit candidates for the 100,000 local elections across the country in 2025, while also building a foundation in rural areas that could boost turnout in the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election.

One rural Democratic Party said the groups support helped them boost the number of candidates on the ballot. In 2023, Democrats in Union County, Pennsylvania, had only 10 candidates on the ballot in municipal elections, according to Chair Shari Jacobson.

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Last year, there were Democratic candidates running in almost every race in the area, she said, and this year, 29 Democrats are running in local elections, said Jacobson, who added that Contest Every Race was crucial to meeting that mark.

Almost every single voter in Union County had someone to vote for for every single seat, Jacobson said.

While those candidates didnt all win, Vice President Kamala Harris made gains in the county over President Joe Bidens 2020 numbers, and having locals on the ballot helped drive voter turnout, Jacobson said.

We're playing a long game, she said. It's not gonna happen overnight.

This story first appeared in the Morning Score newsletter. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. Youll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the days biggest stories.
The News in Brief Thursday, April 24, 2025

Robert Amsterdam, the international legal representative of Giorgi Bachiashvili, has released a public statement disclosing credible threats against his client's life. According to Amsterdam, the threats were identified through intelligence provided by two foreign agencies.In response to the gravity of the situation, Amsterdam's legal team has called for immediate intervention by global law enforcement authorities. They are urging that Bachiashvili be granted protective measures and that a thorough investigation be launched to uncover those responsible for the alleged assassination plot.Amsterdam noted that Bachiashvili personally approved the release of this information.Highlighting the severity of the case, Amsterdam stated: "We believe that the Georgian authorities would engage in virtually any level of violence necessary to achieve their objectives of eliminating all credible political opponents and critics of the regime." He further suggested that external actors might also be involved, aiming to deepen instability in Georgia.Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the opposition's Strategy Aghmashenebeli party, was granted bail set at 50,000 GEL after being charged with failing to comply with a request from the Georgian Parliament's temporary investigative commission.Following the trial, Vashadze sharply criticized the ruling, suggesting the outcome was predetermined. "The so-called court, of course, 100% shared the position of the so-called prosecutor's office because the judge is powerless and she will do whatever the upper echelon of the clan orders. I'm sorry for her," he said.Vashadze framed the case as part of a broader political struggle and reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values. "I know exactly what I am fighting for and we all know exactly what we are fighting for. I am fighting for Georgia to be a strong, united country, a country of free people, to have a democratic system, where there are no political prisoners and which is rapidly moving towards the European Union."He added that the government's actions have only reinforced the opposition's belief in its cause. "We are fighting a regime that wants to leave us alone without friends and partners. Let us consider that this is another line of this struggle and all such steps from the regime only strengthen us, unite us and convince us more that we are on the right path. Believe me, very soon we will all celebrate victory together," said Vashadze.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. As the company I represent, we are fully prepared to invest in both Azerbaijan and its thriving ecosystem, Istvan Sarhegyi, CEO of the Hungarian company "4iG Space and Defense Technologies," said in an interview with Trend.

Sarhegyi mentioned that the company plans to establish close cooperation with Azercosmos.

"In fact, this afternoon, we will announce the signing of an agreement between our companies. We are particularly eager to collaborate on projects related to remote sensing, small-scale satellites, and other initiatives," he stated.

We are prepared to invest in Azerbaijan and its ecosystem. Although we have not yet determined the financiers or the specific amounts, if we find good business opportunities, we are ready to invest the necessary funds into space solutions in Azerbaijan," Sarhegyi added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Democrats are rolling out a war plan in order to abolish its weak and woke image and defeat Donald Trump.

Elissa Slotkin, a CIA analyst turned senator, has been tasked with road testing a new strategy to contain and defeat the US president.

In a series of speeches, the Michigan senator will acknowledge public perception that the party is weak and woke and urge Democrats to embrace alpha energy.

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Its a military-style operational plan. I dont understand how to rally us into a coherent approach if we arent on the same page on where were going, she told Politico.

Trump is doing a whole bunch of things that I think are a threat to our economy and a threat to our Democracy and I have a responsibility on behalf of my state to point that out and try to do something about that.

Rudderless party

Democrats have had little to crow about since Mr Trump started his second term, and have been largely outsmarted by a White House plan to flood the zone with relentless policy initiatives.

There have been small victories in state elections that have shown a glimmer of hope, but the party remains largely rudderless and searching for leadership.

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Ms Slotkin, a first-term senator, will deliver the remarks to an audience of home state Democrats and volunteers in Lansing.

I thought it was very important to put something down on paper, but it wasnt to liken him to ISIS or anything like that. It was just to say if you want to counter something that you see as a problem, you got to have a plan or what else are you doing? she added.

We got ourselves in a mess

Ms Slotkins strategy is at odds with that of Minnesota Governor and failed vice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz, who suggested that the party had lost its way because it wasnt bold enough to stand up for DEI and immigration.

Weve been talking about this for years as a country of immigrants, and we let them define the issue on immigration, he told supporters last month.

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We got ourselves in this mess because we werent bold enough to stand up and say you damn right were proud of these policies. Were going to put them in, and were going to execute them.

Mr Trump has suggested Mr Walz contributed to the Democrats embarrassing defeat in the 2024 election.

He played a part. You know, usually a vice-president doesnt play a part, he said last month.

I think Tim played a part. I think he was so bad that he hurt her. But she hurt herself. And Joe hurt them both. They didnt have a great group, but I would probably put him at the bottom of the group.

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NEW YORK  New York Democratic Attorney General Letitia James and the top prosecutors of 11 other states are suing President Donald Trump for instituting a flurry of tariffs they say have upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the American economy.

In court papers filed Wednesday, the Democratic attorneys general of New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont allege Trump lacks statutory authority to impose the tariffs, which they argue are effectively massive taxes on Americans that were not approved by Congress.

Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is also suing the Trump administration for its bid to rescind a local traffic toll, supports the tariff suit.

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President Trumps reckless tariffs have skyrocketed costs for consumers and unleashed economic chaos across the country, she said in a statement. New York is standing up to fight back against the largest federal tax hike in American history. Attorney General James and I are partnering on this litigation on behalf of New York consumers, because we can't let President Trump push our country into a recession.

In a statement, White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended the tariffs and blasted James over the suit.

"Once again, Democrats like Letitia James are prioritizing a witch hunt against President Trump over protecting the safety and wellbeing of their constituents," he said. "The Trump Administration remains committed to using its full legal authority to confront the distinct national emergencies our country is currently facing  both the scourge of illegal migration and fentanyl flows across our border and the exploding annual U.S. goods trade deficit.

The lawsuit, obtained by POLITICO, comes three weeks after Trump announced a 10 percent universal tariff on all countries around the world, with higher rates for some top trade partners, in an effort he dubbed Liberation Day.

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The president has since issued a 90-day pause for many of those tariffs, but some Chinese imports are currently subject to tariffs north of 145 percent.

The president says the tariffs are an important negotiating tool in his efforts to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and address what he regards as unfair trade relationships between the U.S. and other countries.

For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike, Trump said during the April 2 announcement. But its not going to happen anymore.

Wednesday's lawsuit argues the Trump tariffs have created increased costs when purchasing necessary equipment and supplies essential to their economies and are a violation of the separation of powers laid out in the U.S. Constitution.

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The president has absolutely no legal authority to issue these tariffs. The tariffs are illegal and if allowed to stand, they will drastically increase prices for Arizonans in every single corner of our state, that states attorney general, Kris Mayes, said in a press conference Wednesday.

The damage is not theoretical," Mayes added. "It is happening in real time. The ripple effects are already starting to show."

Mayes cited increased prices, market reactions and reticence from global partners.

"The Port of Los Angeles has seen a steep drop in freight traffic as companies begin to halt shipments from overseas. Tourism is dropping," she added.

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Trump is the first president to impose tariffs under the 1970s-era International Emergency Economic Powers Act, opening the door to legal battles that will test the limits of a presidents executive power. The law grants the president broad authority over economic transactions during emergencies, and a wide range of abilities to deal with any unusual and extraordinary threat, stemming in whole or in part from foreign sources.

The Trump administration has claimed several ongoing emergencies, such drug trafficking and illegal immigration, which the president has invoked to support tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China. To support others, he has claimed that the countrys trade deficits constitute the emergency.

Some legal scholars say its possible a judge will deem Trumps use of the emergency law illegal, unraveling the White Houses bid to hit trading partners with duties not seen in a century.

But any lawsuit could take months  or even years  to reach a conclusion, which would likely come after the 90-day pause of Trumps so-called reciprocal tariffs, scheduled to return in early July.

The Court of International Trade on Tuesday denied a request from a group of five small businesses seeking a preliminary injunction to immediately stop Trump from collecting the duties, saying the companies failed to clearly show a "likelihood that immediate and irreparable harm would occur," according to a filing.
State Sen. Jason Pizzo said he was stepping down as the Florida Senate's Democratic leader  because he is quitting the Democratic Party.

Pizzo, who represents parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, made the surprise announcement on the floor of the chamber after the April 24 session. He'll remain a senator, but as one with no party affiliation.

For months, he had teased at a run for governor next year when Gov. Ron DeSantis will be term-limited. And Pizzo's announcement came later the same day of news that former U.S. Rep. David Jolly of Pinellas County was moving toward his own run for governor in 2026 as a Democrat.

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It also comes as legislative leadership said they were unable to agree on state budget allocations, the large pots of money that go to each budget subcommittee to divvy up to fund various parts of state government. That means the current legislative session will almost certainly not end on time on May 2.

Comparing "modern partisanship" to "the fall of Rome," he said the Legislature's "constituents are craving practical leaders, not political hacks."

"Here's the issue: The Democratic Party in Florida is dead," he told fellow senators. "There are good people who can resuscitate it but they don't want it to be me."

But he added he "will continue to fight incredibly hard for everyone in the state of Florida. I am not in this position because of Democrats. I got elected because of NPAs (no party affiliated voters). The 3.7 million people who have no party, who have no representation ... Stripping myself of a title, of a party designation, allows me to run free and clear, clean and transparent and help many, many more."

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Pizzo is now the third sitting Florida lawmaker to leave the Democratic Party in the last six months, following state Reps. Susan Valdes of Tampa and Hillary Cassel of Dania Beach, who became Republicans.

Just a reminder: Florida law requires that anyone to run for office in a different party must switch parties at least 1 full year prior to qualifying. Qualifying for 2026 elections will be in June of next year.  Gary Fineout (@fineout) April 24, 2025

More: Inside Florida Politics: Battles over guns, budget and hope in Florida politics

Sen. Jason Pizzo stands next to one of his sons for the National Anthem during the opening day of the Florida legislative session, Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, quickly responded by slamming Pizzo as "one of the most ineffective and unpopular Democratic leaders in recent memory."

"His resignation is one of the best things to happen to the party in years, she said in a statement. His legacy as leader includes continually disparaging the party base, starting fights with other members, and chasing his own personal ambitions at the expense of Democratic values.

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Jasons failure to build support within our party for a gubernatorial run has led to this final embarrassing temper tantrum. Id be lying if I said Im sad to see him go, but I wish him the best of luck in the political wilderness hes created for himself.

His analogue in the House  Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa  said Pizzo "has been alienating himself from the Democratic Party for a long time now. Hes completely distracted by his ambition to be governor, and he has clearly lost the ability to lead the Senate Democratic Caucus ... Legislative Democrats will be fine without him."

And Bill Helmich, executive director of the Republican Party of Florida, posted on X, "3 elected @FlaDems have left their party this session so far. @NikkiFried and her allies have driven the Dem party into the ground! Who is next?"

Pizzo himself, who didn't speak with reporters in the Capitol after his remarks, finally posted on X, "I wont punch down. Wishing everyone well."

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Later, Senate Democrats elected Lori Berman of Boca Raton as their new leader. Berman will serve out the remainder of the 2024-26 term, and Sen. Tracie Davis of Jacksonville remains the Democratic Leader pro tempore, a caucus statement said.

"The caucus thanks former Leader Pizzo for his service," it added.

Congratulations to Lori Berman on her election as new Senate Democratic Leader. We welcome her steady leadership and longtime commitment to upholding Democratic values.



Lets get this session done. pic.twitter.com/Zg2jnnr7n8  Florida Democrats (@FlaDems) April 24, 2025

Gray Rohrer contributed. Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network  Florida Capital Bureau. Reach him at jrosica@tallahassee.com and follow him on Twitter/X: @JimRosicaFL.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Senate top Democrat Jason Pizzo quits party, says it's 'dead'
The six Democrats vying to become our next governor have all taken aim at billionaire Trump adviser Elon Musk. (Photo by Gage Skidmore)

As Democrats spar in one of the most competitive races for governor in decades, one of their chief adversaries on the campaign trail is not on the ballot and holds no elected office.

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX and X, and one of President Donald Trumps closest advisers, has become the newest target of the six Democrats vying to become our next chief executive. All of them have featured Musk in their campaign ads. One wants the state to stop investing pension funds in Tesla. Another wants to force Musk to get tested for drugs.

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Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University, said its a no-brainer that Democrats hoping to capitalize on their voters disdain of the Trump administration would single out Musk for attacks.

His vehicles have become symbolic and intertwined with greed and oligarchy and his kind of powerful billionaire status, as opposed to the everyday person and the person who is struggling, Koning said. Democrats likely want to take advantage of that.

Musk, the wealthiest person in the world, supported Democrats through 2020, but in 2022 pivoted to campaigning for the GOP and urged people to vote Republican in that years congressional races. He was a key donor for Trumps last presidential campaign, and the president tapped him to slash federal spending as head of the new Department of Government Efficiency.

But Musk has taken a big hit recently. He poured $20 million into flipping a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race and lost. His favorability has tanked. And sales of Tesla have nosedived. He said this week he would step back from his work in D.C. in May.

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Now, New Jersey Democrats are attacking Musk more than they attack their own rivals on the ballot.

Hes the Democrats new boogeyman, said Jeanette Hoffman, a Republican strategist. The Democrats are looking to nationalize this election, but really, in the end in November, its going to come down to New Jersey issues.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Statehouse in Trenton on Feb. 17, 2025, for a Not My Presidents Day protest against President Donald Trump and his administration. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop last week called on the state to stop investing pension funds in Tesla, saying on X, the social media platform owned by Musk, that he couldnt believe that this step hasnt been taken yet.

As Elon Musk threatens Medicaid, Social Security, school funding worth billions to our residents, Fulop said, there is zero reason to hold a direct position in Tesla.

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New Jersey held more than 1 million shares of Tesla in a pension fund valued at roughly $425 million in December 2024, which represented 1.72% of the funds total portfolio in January.

The campaign website for teachers union chief Sean Spiller has a section called protect democracy that warns people must face the fact that the President and Elon Musk are doing everything and anything to make our lives harder. In a recent television spot, Spiller referred to Musk as Trumps puppet master.

Former state Sen. Steve Sweeney joined the chorus this week, rolling out a new television ad Tuesday branding Trump and Musk as creeps.

When our daughter was born with Down syndrome, we had to fight to get the health care she deserves, Sweeney says in the ad. Now, Trump and Musk are threatening everything we care about, and too many Democrats are too weak to stop them.

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A new ad from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka released Wednesday features Musks raised-arm salute from the day of Trumps second inauguration. The narrator of the spot says Baraka is the candidate to make the wealthy pay their fair share, to stand up to Musk and Trump.

The two members of Congress seeking the Democratic nomination for governor  Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill  have sponsored federal legislation targeting Musk. Sherrill called for investigations into Musks Department of Government Efficiency cuts and introduced a bill that would require Musk  an admitted ketamine user  to pass drug tests to maintain his special government employee status. Gottheimer supported a bill to block Musks access to Americans private medical and financial data.

The two recently came under fire for accepting donations from Musks SpaceX corporate PAC. Sherrill donated $24,000 of those donations to a food bank, her campaign filings show, while Gottheimer told NJ Advance Media he gave the $2,500 he received to other Democrats so they could beat Republicans.

For many Democrats, Musk is symbolic of Trump handing the reins over to this billionaire and all that DOGE has done thus far, Koning said.

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The Musk hatred is not on display in the Republican race for governor, where some of the five candidates have pledged to bring DOGE-style spending cuts to New Jersey. Last month, Bill Spadea, a former radio host, joined a rally in support of Musk near the Tesla dealership in Paramus.

Lots of proud President Trump supporters there to make it known that we support the America First agenda! When Im Governor, NJDOGE starts on Day 1, Spadea said on Instagram.
A group of Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers from nine major law firms that struck deals with Donald Trumps administration to avoid being targeted by the presidents fury.

In a series of letters Thursday, 16 Democratic lawmakers warned the managing partners of several large law firms that the agreements theyd made with the Trump administrationoffering millions of dollars in pro bono work on issues that support the presidents agenda, among other concessionswere unenforceable and potentially violated federal and state laws.

The 16 lawmakers that sent the letters included Representatives Dave Min of California, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, and Becca Balint of Vermont. They warned that by issuing executive orders targeting certain law firms, the Trump administration had used coercive and illegal measures to target certain law firms and threaten their ability to represent and retain their clients. In total, the law firms had pledged a whopping $940 million in pro bono work to the Trump administration.

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The letters alleged that Trumps scheme to blackmail firms into abolishing their DEI practices and cough up millions in free work could potentially violate federal laws against bribery, defrauding the public, and even racketeering. The deals could also potentially violate the Hobbs Act, according to lawmakers, which prohibits obstruction, delay, or affecting commerce by extortion under color of official right.

The deals potentially violated state laws and rules of professional conduct too, the lawmakers said.

Not every firm that struck a deal, or received a letter, had been openly targeted by the Trump administration. Several had preemptively approached the government to make concessions, according to statements from the firms. The lawmakers warned that the deals would have a chilling effect on the availability of legal services for those clients and matters targeted by the Trump administration.

The nine law firms that received letters were Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP; Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP; Latham & Watkins LLP; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; Milbank LLP; Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; and Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

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In the letters, each firm was asked a series of questions about the details of their individual deals with the Trump administration, and how exactly theyd come about.

For example, Paul Weiss, the first law firm to bow to Trump, had agreed to acknowledge that one of its attorneys, Mark Pomerantz, had committed wrongdoing, according to the White House. Trump had targeted Pomerantz for his efforts to build a case against the president when Pomerantz served at the Manhattan District Attorneys Officenot illegal in the slightest. The lawmakers asked Paul Weiss to explain specifically what alleged wrongdoing Pomerantz had committed. Like many of the other firms, Paul Weiss had also offered millions in free legal services and revoked their hiring practices that promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Other questions were the same for every firm. Outside observers have also stated that these agreements represent a Sword of Damocles, with a risk that the administration will again threaten to target firms with Executive Orders if they do not again yield to the Presidents demands, one question read, asking what the firm planned to do to ensure that the administration will not be able to require more from the firm beyond the provisions currently in place?

Earlier this week, Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut penned letters to five major law firms that they accused of being complicit in efforts to undermine the rule of law.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed seven travel-related cases of dengue virus so far in 2025.

One case was reported on Maui and six on Oahu. These cases came from travelers who were infected while visiting places where dengue is common.

Top 9 warning signs the economys in trouble: What that means for you

Right now, dengue is not spreading locally in Hawaii, but the mosquitoes that can carry the virus are here which means the risk of local transmission is real.

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Health officials are monitoring affected areas and working to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the virus further.

The secret language of power: How dominance works without saying a word

So, KHON2.com did a bit of digging to figure out how to protect yourself and how to recognize the signs that you may have contracted it.

1. What dengue fever actually is

Dengue (pronounced DEN-gay) is a virus spread to humans by mosquito bites. You cant catch it from another person like a cold because it takes a mosquito to carry it from one infected person to another.

The mosquitoes that spread dengue, like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are common in tropical and subtropical places, including parts of Hawaii.

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Dengue has been called breakbone fever because it causes strong pain in muscles and joints. While many people recover in about a week, some can get very sick and even die from severe dengue.

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2. Dengue symptoms: What to watch for

If youve recently traveled to a country with dengue or if you live with someone who has, its important to know what dengue looks like. Symptoms can show up 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite, and they often include:

High fever (up to 104F).

Headache and pain behind the eyes.

Nausea or vomiting.

Muscle and joint pain.

Skin rash.

Swollen glands.

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These symptoms usually last 2 to 7 days. But in some cases, dengue can get worse after the fever goes away. Thats when people need to watch for severe dengue.

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3. Severe dengue is dangerous and can be deadly

Severe dengue happens in a small number of cases but can lead to bleeding, organ damage and even death. It usually shows up after the person starts feeling better, which makes it tricky.

Signs of severe dengue include:

Stomach pain that wont go away.

Constant vomiting.

Bleeding gums or nose.

Blood in vomit or poop.

Cold, pale skin.

Feeling weak or restless.

Trouble breathing.

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If you or someone you know has these symptoms after a fever, get medical help right away.

4. Dengue is a global problem, and its growing

More than half the worlds population is at risk of dengue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 100 and 400 million infections happen every year.

Some countries are seeing more dengue than ever before. Places like Fiji, the Philippines, Mexico, Tonga and Brazil have recently experienced cases.

In 2023, more than 6.5 million cases and more than 7,300 deaths were reported globally. Warmer temperatures, climate change and urban growth are helping mosquitoes spread into new places.

5. Theres no cure, but there is treatment

Theres no specific medicine to cure dengue, but most people can recover at home. Rest and fluids are the most important. Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) can help with pain and fever. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin because they can make bleeding worse.

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If symptoms get severe, hospital care may be needed. The good news? With early care, most people recover completely.

6. Stopping dengue starts with mosquito control

The only way to stop dengue is by stopping mosquitoes. In areas where cases are found, Hawaiis DOH sends out Vector Control teams to look for standing water and reduce mosquito breeding.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in even small amounts of water, like in buckets, rain barrels or plants like bromeliads. To help protect yourself and your community:

Dump standing water at least once a week.

Clean and cover water containers.

Use screens on windows and doors.

Wear long sleeves and pants.

Use EPA-registered repellents.

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Mosquitoes that spread dengue bite during the day; so, protection is needed even when the sun is out.

7. Returning travelers: Dont bring dengue back with you

If you travel to areas where dengue is common, take steps to avoid mosquito bites. This includes wearing long clothes, using repellent and staying in rooms with screens or air conditioning.

Some countries currently seeing a rise in dengue include:

The Republic of the Philippines.

French Polynesia.

Colombia

American Samoa.

Tonga.

Mexico.

After you return home, continue using mosquito repellent for three weeks, even if you feel fine. Why? Because you could still pass the virus to a mosquito; and then, that mosquito could infect someone else.

8. Can you get a dengue vaccine? Heres what to know

Right now, only one dengue vaccine is available worldwide. Its called Qdenga (also known as TAK-003), and its made to help prevent serious illness from all four types of dengue virus. But its not for everyone.

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WHO recommends Qdenga only for kids between 6 and 16 years old who live in places where dengue spreads a lot. This is because the vaccine works best when theres a high chance of getting the virus.

The vaccine is given in two shots, three months apart. If you miss the second shot, dont worry; you can get it as soon as possible.

Talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine, especially if youre planning a trip to a high-risk area.

9. Does the vaccine fully protect you?

No. The dengue vaccine doesnt protect everyone from getting sick. Thats why it should be part of a bigger plan that includes avoiding mosquito bites, cleaning up standing water and educating your community.

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Even with a vaccine, mosquitoes can still spread other dangerous diseases like Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. So, protecting yourself from mosquitoes is always important, whether you haver the vaccine or not.

Bottom line: Stay informed, stay protected

Dengue is not spreading widely in Hawaii right now, but it could. Protecting your family and neighborhood means learning how dengue spreads, recognizing the symptoms and getting rid of mosquitoes before they bite.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

You can click here to learn more about dengue and here to learn more about the vaccines. To learn more or report a possible case, call the Hawaii Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.

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Whether youre traveling or staying home, dengue prevention starts with you.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kans.  A Joplin dentist may not be one any longer, if the Missouri Dental Board has its way. It has filed a petition to revoke the license of Dr. John Jay Joseph.

Dr. John Jay Joseph

Dr. John Jay Joseph

Youll recall, he was charged with first-degree drug trafficking and unlawful use of a weapon, after he was arrested in early March in Newton County by members of the Joplin Police Departments Flex Platoon.

Joplin dentist facing drug charges could lose license amid legal troubles

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Kansas prosecutor says Joplin dentist is danger to community after fentanyl trafficking arrest

According to the petition (below), the board believes hes, a serious danger to the health, safety or welfare to patients.

Petition-For-Injunction-KSNF-WatermarkDownload

Joseph, along with his son, Rocco, still face charges in Cherokee County for the 2023 hit-and-run death of Gary Laturner, of Galena.

Joplin dentist gets booked, made to post bond in fatal hit and run case

Earlier this month, a judge said there was enough evidence for both to stand trial.

The elder Joseph was booked, then posted bond. He and his son are scheduled to be back in court in August.

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Investigators say video and GPS data shows Joplin doctor returned to site of fatal southeast Kansas crash

We will continue to bring updates to this story as information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Attorneys for the Department of Homeland Security say the agency didn't violate a judge's order detailing when people may be deported to countries other than their own because it was the Defense Department  not DHS officials  doing the deporting.

Justice Department attorney Mary Larakers made the argument in a court document filed Wednesday, suggesting that U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy's order wasn't violated because the Defense Department isn't a defendant in the lawsuit.

Murphy's order, first issued March 28, blocked the Trump administration from deporting people who have exhausted legal appeals to countries other than their country of origin unless they are told of their destination and given a chance to object if they fear they will face torture or death there.

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Some countries do not accept deportations from the United States, which has led the Trump administration to strike agreements with other countries like Panama to house them. Some Venezuelans subject to Trumps Alien Enemies Act have been sent to El Salvador and housed in its notorious main prison.

In the court filing, Larakers said four people were deported to El Salvador on March 31  three days after Murphy issued the restraining order  but said that was done by the Defense Department, and DHS officials were not on the flight and did not direct the removals.

Two people were removed to Mexico, Larakers wrote, but one of them was sent three days before the restraining order was issued and the other one was sent the morning of March 28, several hours before the order came out.

The man deported on March 28 was first asked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers if he was afraid of being returned to Mexico. At this time, he stated he was not afraid of returning to Mexico, Larakers wrote.

Laraker also provided a sworn statement from DHS official Tracy Huettl, who said each of the deportees had been convicted of crimes in the U.S. and were ordered removed by an immigration judge. The men who were deported after the court order were all in ICE custody before they were transferred to a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, where they were held until Defense Department officials had them flown to El Salvador, Huettl wrote.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 24. President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasized the importance of UN reforms and the need to adhere to its Charter during his speech at the XXXIV session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, Trend reports.



In his address, Tokayev noted that, in the context of current global realities, the United Nations stands as a cornerstone for tackling international issues, and Kazakhstan will keep its shoulder to the wheel in supporting its endeavors.

Our country is actively working on creating strong bridges of friendship and cooperation between different countries and regions, fostering a dialogue of civilizations. For over twenty years, Kazakhstan has regularly hosted representatives of all major faiths. This fall, we will hold the VIII Congress of World and Traditional Religious Leaders, the president said.

He underscored that the election of goodwill ambassadors of the Congress, who will promote the ideas of morality, spirituality, and mutual understanding between nations, was an important step toward strengthening mutual understanding and moral values.

The president also highlighted the importance of peoples diplomacy, embodied in the activities of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK).

Direct contacts and friendly ties between people of different countries and cultures are the best tool for preventing conflicts and wars, Tokayev added.

Today, Kazakhstan celebrates the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The Assembly was founded in 1995 at the initiative of the First President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Its primary goal is to strengthen interethnic harmony and sociopolitical stability in a country that is home to representatives of over 130 ethnic groups.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel






When I became a federal prosecutor, I was surprised to learn that an important part of my job would be protecting the rights of criminal defendants. Once invested with the coercive power of government, however, you quickly realize that our freedoms depend on the fairness and honesty of law enforcement and government lawyers. Under the Justice Department, I worked for during four different administrations, protecting our freedoms by respecting procedural rights was a government lawyers first duty.

I am now in mourning. The governments appalling behavior in the Abrego Garcia case is the most shocking example of the rot at the top of this Justice Department. You may not care about Abrego Garcias fate, but if you care about freedom, you will care intensely about his case. The facts are simple. A judge determined in 2019 that the government could not remove Garcia to El Salvador, his home country, because a gang had threatened to kill him.

On March 15, however, the government arrested Garcia and flew him to a notorious terrorist prison in El Salvador without any process whatsoever. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court held unanimously that the United States must facilitate his release from El Salvadoran custody and provide him with the legal process the government admits hes entitled to. Garcia has no criminal history, and his wife desperately wants him back in the U.S.

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Governments make mistakes, including doozies like this one. Any responsible government would repair the harm and make sure nothing like this happens again. If Garcia is such a danger, the government can prove that to a judge.

Instead, the Justice Department is stonewalling the courts. Despite the Supreme Courts order, Attorney General Pam Bondi said flatly that Garcia is not coming back to our country. The White House press secretary accused those speaking up for Garcias rights of defending an illegal foreign terrorist gang member  in other words, no one should care about depriving bad people of their rights. The president has disingenuously insisted the United States cant tell El Salvador to return Garcia, even though its president seems willing to do anything he asks. The departments recent responses to the trial courts orders have been so evasive that the judge is considering holding the government in contempt.

I pity the department lawyer who had to appear initially in court to argue against Garcias rights. He was honest enough to admit that the deportation was illegal. The department, unable to tolerate his honesty, fired him. Channeling Stalin, Stephen Miller even described him as a saboteur on Fox News.

More: In love, mercy and laughter we can find true justice in a world of conflict | Opinion

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Abrego Garcias case is hardly unique. On April 16, a federal judge found probable cause that the government should be held in criminal contempt for its handling of mass deportations to El Salvadors notorious prison. The courts 46-page opinion details how the government not only ignored its order to afford deportees basic due process but also publicly boasted about its defiance deliberately and gleefully.

If all this werent chilling enough, the president is now floating the idea of sending American citizens to prison in El Salvador, where U.S. courts couldnt reach them. The Garcia case is not about getting tough on immigration so much as neutering the courts and strangling their respect for individuals procedural rights.

I was always proud to announce at the beginning of every hearing that I represented the United States. Although far from perfect, the United States was the most inspiring client in the world. No longer. Unless Department of Justice leadership respects the rule of law again, we will have lost what makes America great.

Scott Williams

Scott E. Williams was a federal prosecutor in Oklahoma City for more than 20 years. Before his retirement in September 2024, he oversaw evaluations of all 93 U.S. Attorneys offices as an assistant director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: DOJ rotting from the top down under Trump administration | Opinion
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) dismissed the attacks on first lady Casey DeSantiss signature welfare assistance program as bogus and political during a press conference Thursday, arguing that the attacks are coming from people who are threatened by the first lady.

Some of these left journalists dont like it. They dont like you working with the faith-based community. Some of these people view it as a way to attack the first lady and all the great things shes done and they view her as a threat, the governor told reporters in St. Augustine.

The first lady, who has been mulling a run for Florida governor, was also present at the press conference and told reporters she thinks there is a misunderstanding about what Hope Florida is.

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Hope Florida is not a program. Hope Florida is an idea; Hope Florida is a philosophy. It is how can we help people in need and do better, the first lady said.

The comments come as questions swirl around a $10 million payment to the Hope Florida Foundation, which is tied to Casey DeSantiss welfare assistance program Hope Florida and has led to criticism from some state House Republicans. Critics argue this money was inappropriately used to help campaign against a ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state last November.

Critics say that money was taken from a larger settlement stemming from a case involving the states largest Medicaid contractor, Centene. According to them, money from that settlement, all of which was intended to be returned to state and federal coffers, was sent to the Hope Florida Foundation and eventually ended up in the hands of political groups that campaigned against the ballot measure. Gov. DeSantis was among the measures opponents.

On Tuesday, Florida media obtained a draft of an agreement that suggested the payment was Medicaid money. However, Ron DeSantis and his allies point to a separate letter from the states Agency for Health Care Administration to state Rep. Alex Andrade (R), who has been investigating the matter, saying the money was not Medicaid funds and the donation was not illegal.

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Dont misunderstand, when you see some of these political attacks, thats just because people know this is effective. This is because theyre threatened by this model. Some people are threatened politically because the first lady has been so good at doing this, the governor said.

So thats what thats about. Its not about the actual substance of this, and shouldnt we as Floridians put aside political agenda to actually embrace things that have actually lifted people up, offered them up hope and put them on a pathway to self sufficiency? You should not wield political agenda to try to kneecap something that is helping people do really, really big things.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DES MOINES, Iowa  A Nevada, Iowa man accused of threatening a mass shooting at Iowa State University has now been charged federally in the case.

Tanner Bandy

Tanner Bandy is charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend, who he had dated for about 10 years. Federal court documents said the pair broke up in October of 2024. The documents claim Bandy sent multiple threatening text and voice messages to the victim between January 26th and April 15th in 2025. Among them were threats to beat the victim and murder her by shooting her in the head.

Some of the messages contained threats of a mass shooting at the ISU commencement ceremony at C.Y. Stephens Auditorium on May 16th, 2025. The criminal complaint said the victim was graduating at the ceremony.

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According to the complaint, on April 16th the Iowa DNR notified Iowa State University Police about an individual shooting at a printed-out Facebook photo of a person at an Iowa City shooting range. Bandys vehicle was spotted by a license plate reader as being in Iowa City around the time of the incident. The vehicle and gun described as being seen at the shooting range were similar to those owned by Bandy

Felon arrested for alleged gunfire near Des Moines River

That same day, Bandy tried to renew his Iowa permit to purchase firearms documentation with the Johnson County Sheriffs Office and the Nevada Police Department but was unable to because of his current residence. He was directed to the Story County Sheriffs Office.

On April 17th when he attempted to renew the permit to purchase firearms at the Story County Sheriffs Office, Bandy was arrested on multiple state charges of first-degree harassment and stalking  possession of dangerous weapon.

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A search of Bandys car and residence turned up a Glock pistol and a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun as well as ammunition. Investigators also found a printout with details about the ISU commencement ceremony taped to his bathroom mirror, as well as the date, May 16th, handwritten below the information.

Bandy is being held in federal custody. A detention hearing is scheduled for May 1st at the Federal Courthouse in Des Moines.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Detroit City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero has filed a lawsuit against the Detroit City Clerk's Office and the city's election commission for disqualifying her from the Aug. 5 primary ballot, asking the court to certify her candidacy so she can seek reelection to her District 6 seat.

In the lawsuit, Santiago-Romero claims "wrongful disqualification," saying she provided the appropriate paperwork and signed an Affidavit of Identity with the city of Detroit on April 17 when she filed to run without being informed of any issues or outstanding fees. A part of the language of that affidavit requires the signee to attest that they owe no outstanding fines or fees. And there's the rub. The Wayne County Clerk's Office  which is where campaign finance reports are filed  claims that Santiago-Romero's campaign missed an October deadline for a quarterly campaign finance report and slapped her with a $250 late fee that still was outstanding at the time the councilwoman signed her affidavit, prompting the city to disqualify her from the ballot.

Detroit City Council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for The Brooke on Bagley 78-unit apartment building ribbon cutting ceremony near the Michigan Central Station in Detroit's Hubbard Richard neighborhood on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Its a shame that we have to go this far, but we have the facts on our side and will take this to court," Santiago-Romero said in a statement Thursday. "We expect to win in court, and give voters the opportunity to decide who they want as their next city council member.

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Mark Brewer, an attorney with Goodman Acker and the former chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, is representing her in the lawsuit. Santiago-Romero has scheduled a news conference at 1 p.m. on April 25 at Clark Park to demand that she be placed on the primary ballot.

More: Detroit City Council member claims Wayne County erred in reelection campaign filings

More: Detroit mayoral, city candidates submit petitions to run for office in 2025 election

Santiago-Romero said she received an emailed confirmation indicating that her Oct. 25, 2024, campaign finance report was filed on time. But the campaign mistakenly filed it as a "pre-general" election statement instead of a "quarterly" statement, and the county asked her to refile it on Nov. 11, 2024. But after noticing the report did not appear on Wayne County's campaign finance system website, the campaign filed another copy on Nov. 8, 2024.

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The councilwoman said she received a "notice of failure to file" on Oct. 28, 2024, county records show. However, the lawsuit alleges the county clerk "failed to notify" the campaign of the Oct. 28, 2024, notice and Nov. 11, 2024, late filing notice by registered mail within four business days, which is required by state law.

"These failures mean that those notices cannot be the basis for the $250 fine, which in turn cannot be the basis for a claim that Santiago-Romeros (Affidavit of Identity) was defective," according to the lawsuit.

Michigan law requires that candidates be current on all campaign finance statements, fines and other filings when running for office.

Santiago-Romero on April 17 filed more than 600 petition signatures and an Affidavit of Identity with the Detroit City Clerks Office, which did not inform her of an unpaid fine, leading her to believe she did not hold any fees or errors, according to the lawsuit.

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However, on April 21, the councilwoman received a letter from the city clerk's office notifying her that she had been disqualified due to the unpaid $250 fee, which was based on the duplicate Nov. 8, 2024, filing of the Oct. 25, 2024, report. The lawsuit alleges the fee was erroneously assessed in the first place. She attempted to pay the $250 fee at the Wayne County Clerk's office on April 21, but they refused, according to the lawsuit.

"This Court has found that candidates who dispute whether fees or fines are owed should not be disqualified from the ballot for allegedly filing a false (Affidavit of Identity)," adding that it will not harm the public if she appears on the ballot with other eligible candidates, according to the lawsuit.

Santiago-Romero's lawsuit is not the first of this kind.

Wayne County Commissioner Tim Killeen said he dealt with a similar issue in 2022 after the county clerk found that he had overdue campaign finance reports and determined he was not eligible for the ballot. The commissioner filed a lawsuit through the Wayne County Circuit Court, in which a judge ruled he did not violate campaign finance laws, allowing him to be on the ballot.

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The entire basis of the Wayne County Clerk Offices ballot disqualification was the $250 late fee, Santiago-Romero said in a statement Wednesday. Our campaign has now released conclusive documentation demonstrating that the fee was mistakenly imposed. Detroiters deserve better, which makes the Clerks inability to answer basic factual questions all the more disappointing.

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gabriela Santiago-Romero sues Detroit city clerk, elections commission
A longstanding diner, a Vietnamese dessert spot, several cafes and a few of the citys best restaurants are among 18 Tacoma-area businesses participating in this years Dining Out for Life, an annual nationwide fundraiser that supports local HIV service organizations.

On Thursday, April 24, South Sound participants will donate a portion of their sales to Affordable Housing and Treatment Homecare (AHAT). The nonprofit has helped people living with HIV/AIDS access affordable healthcare and housing, expanding their services to also assist those with Hepatitis C in 2016.

The biggest percentage will come from The Mix, the beloved queer bar with nightly karaoke near downtown Tacoma, which will donate 75% of all sales on Thursday to AHAT. The Powder Room Champagne Bar, open for lunch and dinner in the Stadium District, will donate 25%.

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Most of the other local spots will send 10% of sales, with a couple offering an undisclosed fixed amount.

In Tacoma, participating businesses include:

 Lincoln District: Bambu

 McKinley: Dustys Hideaway, Tamis in Tacoma

 Dome District: Alfreds Cafe

 Downtown: Wooden City, Chez Lafayette Creole Brasserie, en Rama, Fusion Donut Cafe & Cocktail Lounge, Soulberry Coffee House

 St. Helens/Stadium: The Mix, Structure Cellars, The Powder Room

 Hilltop: Red Elm Cafe, Three Hearts

 Sixth Ave: Primo Grill

In Puyallup, Bourbon Street Creole Kitchen and The Coaster will support the cause.

More 2,400 restaurants are expected to participate in at least 22 states on Thursday, sending funds to 50-some service local organizations. Past events have raised $4.5 million, according to the event page. In each city, donations from participating restaurants are sent exclusively to the local partner.

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Dining Out for Life is a fun, easy way for the community to give back, said AHAT executive director Chace Hunter in a press release. The nonprofit serves some of our most vulnerable populations, he added. In a time when funding for HIV care and housing is being slashed from administrative budgets, we rely on that support more than ever.

Around 15,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV in Washington, according to the state Department of Healths 2024 report, with most living in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. More than 1.2 million are living with HIV nationwide, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Another 32 restaurants in Seattle will also send a portion of sales on April 24 to Lifelong, a nonprofit that supports vulnerable populations, including those living with HIV, kidney disease and diabetes.

Find the full list of participants, donation amounts and more details at diningoutforlife.com.
PULASKI COUNTY, Mo.  A woman has been charged following a report of drugs being in reach of her children in Dixon, Missouri.

According to online court documents, the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office responded to a call made by the Missouri Department of Social Services Childrens Division Law Enforcement Referral regarding suspensions of a woman in illicit drug activity.

Court documents say an officer responded to the scene after sending a search warrant on the home.

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Man booked in Polk County jail for kidnapping, sodomy at residential facility

Officers arrived on the scene to find Searcey Rickerson and two children in the residence. The home contained fentanyl, meth, 5 lbs. of marijuana and 14 firearms scattered around different rooms.

Rickerson and her two children were requested for a drug screening and tested positive for different drugs.

Rickerson was charged for first-degree endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Photo: The Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 24. By 2030, Uzbekistan aims to achieve upper-middle-income status, double its exports to $45 billion, and boost GDP to $200 billion, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade.

The announcement was made by Minister Laziz Kudratov during an international business forum held in the city of Jizzakh. The event was part of President Shavkat Mirziyoyevs broader initiative to actively promote regional investment opportunities across the country.

Meanwhile, last year, Uzbekistan attracted $35 billion in foreign direct investment  a tenfold increase compared to 2017. The countrys GDP has been growing at over 6 percent annually.

Minister Kudratov also underscored the importance of unlocking regional potential as a key driver of national development. He highlighted Jizzakhs strategic advantages, including its prime geographic location, abundant land resources, expanding infrastructure, and skilled labor force  all of which contribute to its growing investment appeal.

Several sectors in the region, such as construction materials, textiles, agriculture, and tourism, are experiencing dynamic growth, positioning Jizzakh as an increasingly attractive destination for long-term, sustainable investment.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
PHOENIX (AP)  Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said Thursday that party officers should be banned from taking sides in primaries, countering DNC Vice Chair David Hogg's plan to raise money for candidates challenging Democratic incumbents.

Martin's proposal escalates a public feud between the new DNC boss and Hogg, who rose to prominence as a gun-control advocate after surviving the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Both were elected by DNC members earlier this year.

Martin said he's drafting proposed bylaw changes to require officers to remain neutral in all Democratic primaries.

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Martin said party neutrality is crucial to maintaining the confidence of voters, pointing to the bitter feud that emerged after supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders 2016 campaign believed he was stymied by party insiders putting their thumb on the scale in favor of Hillary Clinton, who won the nomination but went on to lose the general election to Donald Trump.

You cant be both the player and the referee, Martin wrote in an opinion piece published by Time.

Hogg has said he'll raise millions of dollars through a political action committee unaffiliated with the DNC to support primary challengers running against longtime incumbents in solidly Democratic congressional districts. He says the party needs a shakeup to bring in leaders who will more aggressively confront Trump and connect with younger voters.

Hogg said in a statement posted on social media that he is not breaking any current DNC rules, and his actions don't interfere with the party's responsibilities, including setting a presidential nominating calendar, supporting state Democratic parties, building data infrastructure and creating the campaign infrastructure for a future Democratic presidential nominee.

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Voters don't view Democrats as a real alternative to the Republican Party, he said.

That will not change if we keep the status quo, Hogg said. We have no other option but to do the hard work of holding ourselves and our own party accountable.

Also on Thursday, Martin said the DNC would increase its financial support for state Democratic parties by $5,000 to $17,500 per month, with an additional $5,000 monthly for Republican-led states.

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A Democratic intraparty feud deepened Thursday as the Democratic National Committee warned Vice Chairman David Hogg to stop openly backing primary challengers to sitting lawmakers from the partys aging old guard.

DNC Chairman Ken Martin said the youthful Hogg should not take sides in primaries as the party squabbles over the best way to confront President Trump.

Let me be unequivocal: No DNC officer should ever attempt to influence the outcome of a primary election, Martin told reporters.

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Martin, the former Minnesota party chief who was recently elected national DNC chairman, said Hogg, an outspoken 25-year-old gun-control advocate, should step down from his DNC post if he wants to spearhead generational primary challenges.

If you want to challenge incumbents, youre more than free to do that, but just not as an officer of the DNC, Martin said.

[Hogg] cant have both, added Nebraska Democratic leader Jane Kleeb, who leads an organization of state party bosses.

Hogg didnt immediately comment on the ultimatum from fellow party leaders.

Hogg has vowed to raise up to $20 million for 2026 Democratic primary challenges to long-serving lawmakers. His Leaders We Deserve political action committee says it will only target members of Congress who represent deep-blue districts, a move designed to blunt criticism that it could boost Republicans.

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He says the party should embrace fresh blood as it seeks to provide an effective political alternative to Trump, who outperformed expectations among young voters in his 2024 win.

But establishment lawmakers, especially moderates and those in heavily Democratic urban districts  including members of the Congressional Black Caucus  say the party should focus on flipping GOP-held seats and defending so-called frontline Democratic lawmakers who represent swing seats.

The DNC has had a policy against taking sides in presidential primaries after it was accused of siding with Hillary Rodham Clinton in her successful 2016 battle against progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Martin has circulated a similar policy barring DNC officials from taking sides in other Democratic primaries, like for Congress and state house seats. All DNC officials signed onto it except Hogg.

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Hogg, a survivor the Parkland High School mass shooting, portrays the primary push as a fight for renewal within the party in the face of Trumps aggressive push on multiple issues like cuts to government programs and tariffs that will likely raise prices for consumers.

He hasnt named names of potential primary targets.

Democrats are suffering extremely low approval ratings from voters, Polls show widespread dissatisfaction with the partys leadership as the partys base angrily calls for a more confrontational posture against Trump.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took plenty of criticism for allowing Republicans to pass a stopgap spending plan when many in the party wanted him to refuse to cooperate even if it led to a government shutdown.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx, Queens) has burnished her image as a leader of the next generation of Democrats, drawing big crowds even in deep-red states throughout her joint rally tour with Sanders.
A Democratic intraparty feud deepened Thursday as the Democratic National Committee warned Vice Chair David Hogg to stop openly backing primary challengers to sitting lawmakers from the partys aging old guard.

DNC chair Ken Martin said the youthful Hogg should not take sides in primaries as the party squabbles over the best way to confront President Donald Trump.

Let me be unequivocal: No DNC officer should ever attempt to influence the outcome of a primary election, Martin told reporters.

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Martin, the former Minnesota party chief who was recently elected national DNC chair, said Hogg, an outspoken 25-year-old gun control advocate, should step down from his DNC post if he wants to spearhead generational primary challenges.

If you want to challenge incumbents, youre more than free to do that, but just not as an officer of the DNC, Martin said.

(Hogg) cant have both, added Nebraska Democratic leader Jane Kleeb, who leads an organization of state party bosses.

Hogg didnt immediately comment on the ultimatum from fellow party leaders.

Hogg has vowed to raise up to $20 million for 2026 Democratic primary challenges to long-serving lawmakers. His Leaders We Deserve political action committee says it will only target members of Congress who represent deep-blue districts, a move designed to blunt criticism that it could boost Republicans.

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He says the party should embrace fresh blood as it seeks to provide an effective political alternative to Trump, who outperformed expectations among young voters in his 2024 win.

But establishment lawmakers, especially moderates and those in heavily Democratic urban districts  including members of the Congressional Black Caucus  say the party should focus on flipping GOP-held seats and defending so-called frontline Democratic lawmakers who represent swing seats.

The DNC has had a policy against taking sides in presidential primaries after it was accused of siding with Hillary Rodham Clinton in her successful 2016 battle against progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Martin has circulated a similar policy barring DNC officials from taking sides in other Democratic primaries, like for Congress and state house seats. All DNC officials signed onto it except Hogg.

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Hogg, a survivor the Parkland High School mass shooting, portrays the primary push as a fight for renewal within the party in the face of Trumps aggressive push on multiple issues like cuts to government programs and tariffs that will likely raise prices for consumers.

He hasnt named names of potential primary targets.

Democrats are suffering extremely low approval ratings from voters, Polls show widespread dissatisfaction with the partys leadership as the partys base angrily calls for a more confrontational posture against Trump.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took plenty of criticism for allowing Republicans to pass a stopgap spending plan when many in the party wanted him to refuse to cooperate even if it led to a government shutdown.

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, has burnished her image as a leader of the next generation of Democrats, drawing big crowds even in deep red states throughout her joint rally tour with Sanders.

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A man accused of kidnapping and murdering an 82-year-old woman he worked for has been charged in connection to the crime. Newly-released court documents detail what may have happened.

Jeffrey Zizz, 47, has been charged in connection with Marcia Normans murder.

Marcia was last seen at her home on April 1. When she didnt show up to scheduled plans or appointments, or answer her phone, friends and family got worried. Her wallet and cars were still at home, which led investigators to disclose that she had disappeared under suspicious circumstances.

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On April 9, her body was found partially encased in concrete underneath a shed in Olympia.

Zizz as a suspect

Early on in the investigation, detectives named Zizz as a person of interest, believing he was the last person to see her alive.

Phone records from Marcia indicate that she had asked Zizz to come over for dinner on the day she was last seen. Zizz worked as a handyman for Marcia.

When detectives learned he may have been the last person to see her, Marcias son told police of an alleged troubling incident that his mother had told him:

Marcia told her son about an incident that had happened several months prior with Zizz entering the home when she was asleep. Her son stated that she was startled by Zizz in the middle of the night when she was sleeping and awoke to him standing at the foot of her bed. Marcia stated that she told Zizz that it was inappropriate for him to be there and that he needed to leave. Marcia told her son that she spoke with Zizz later and made it clear to him that they were to keep a professional relationship; he was not to cross those boundaries again. He advised that this was not reported to law enforcement, court documents detailed.

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When questioned about what he was doing on April 1, Zizz told officers that he went straight home after dinner with Marcia, according to court documents.

However, court documents say officers found surveillance footage of Zizzs truck leaving the area of her home a few times in the early morning of April 2. He later claimed he went back for tools and his trailer, according to investigators.

During the course of the investigation, detectives executed a search warrant to search Zizzs home and found a five-page typed letter, which appeared to be a meticulously planned out burglary/sexual assault of an adult woman, identified as a customer, court documents said.

Apprehension of Zizz and locating Marcia

According to court documents, Zizz allegedly took a roommates truck to Montana, which the roommate reported as stolen.

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Troopers in Idaho found the vehicle in a rural area near Missoula, Montana but Zizz was not in it.

On April 7, found and arrested for violating probation for an unrelated child molestation charge.

He was extradited to Washington.

On April 8, a search warrant was executed to search Zizzs truck in Washington. According to court documents, cadaver dogs detected the presence of human decomposition in that truck.

The dogs also searched a construction site in Olympia that Zizz had been working at, and GPS had placed him there, according to court documents.

Those dogs also scented to human decomposition, and Marcia was found under a shed that Zizz was working on.

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According to court documents, the owner of the shed was a friend of Marcias, who hired Zizz at her suggestion.

During the autopsy, it was discovered that Velcro strips were wrapped around Marcias wrists and ankles, and there was evidence that she had been bound before her death.

Her cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma as well as penetrating injuries to her head. Charging documents say a nail gun was used, but it was not specified how.

Zizz has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a deadly weapon/aggravating circumstances, first-degree kidnapping, and unlawful disposal of human remains.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A man and a woman were recently arrested and charged with endangering a child after their two children tested positive for cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and other drugs, according to court documents.

As we previously reported, Brandon Garibay, 24, and Clarissa Villalobos, 21, were arrested on April 18 and April 19, respectively, and charged with two counts of abandoning or endangering a child with a bond set at $50,000 each, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office.

Sheriffs Office: 2 arrested after children test positive for drugs

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According to court documents, on April 1, the Sheriffs Office was notified about an active Child Protective Services (CPS) case at a home located at the 1300 block of Southwood Road about two children who came out positive for narcotics.

The two children involved in the case were identified as a 2-year-old boy and an 8-month-old girl. Garibay was identified as their dad, and Villalobos as their mom, according to court documents.

The CPS case was initiated on March 8, when the Sheriffs Office responded to a domestic violence call at the home, according to court documents.

A CPS investigator said that on March 11, she arrived at the home to begin her investigation. She said that she encountered the homeowner, but she did not make contact with any of the childrens parents, according to court documents.

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According to court documents, the investigator said that a couple of hours later that day, she met with Villalobos at the 300 block of Isaias Avenue.

Villalobos confirmed to the investigator that she does smoke marijuana on occasions, but then later denied smoking. Villalobos also denied using any other narcotics in front of her children but then admitted that Garibay consumed narcotics, she just did not know which ones he used, according to court documents.

According to court documents, the investigator said she met with Garibay the next day. Garibay admitted smoking marijuana occasionally, and also said he has tried weed, mushrooms, Xanax, cocaine, and alcohol. Garibay also said the last time he used cocaine was back in January, and that he smokes marijuana approximately five times a week.

On March 17, the children took a hair follicle test, and 10 days later, the boys results came back as an unsuitable specimen, and the girls results showed she tested positive for cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, benzoylecgonine, methamphetamine, and carboxy-THC, according to court documents.

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According to court documents, on April 1, the investigator met with Villalobos again, who denied exposing her children to any narcotics and shifted the blame to the homeowner of the home at the 1300 block of Southwood Road and a friend.

Villalobos said she knew the homeowner and a friend used methamphetamine and cocaine within the home. She also said that neither she nor Garibay consumed narcotics around their children, according to court documents.

According to court documents, on April 4, Villalobos met with the Sheriffs Office to provide a voluntary statement. Villalobos, once again, denied her children ever being exposed to any of the narcotics they tested positive for by either her or Garibay. Villalobos also said the homeowner and a friend used narcotics, but in a different bedroom and never around the children.

Villalobos also denied that neither she nor Garibay consumed narcotics, according to court documents.

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According to court documents, Villalobos said that Garibay would smoke TCH vape near the kids, on the opposite side of the room. Villalobos continued to deny that the children were ever directly exposed to any narcotics. She concluded saying that the children were either under her supervision or Garibays and never with anybody else inside the home.

On April 10, the Sheriffs Office received an email from the investigator that contained the hair follicle results for the boy. He tested positive for the presence of cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, benzoylecgonine, methamphetamine, and carboxy-THC, according to court documents.

According to court documents, attempts were made to contact Garibay but were unsuccessful.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Three days after Pope Francis death, the popes doctor is sharing new details about his final moments.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Dr. Sergio Alfieri described being called to the Vatican early on Monday and realizing there was nothing he could do to help.

I went into his room, and he had his eyes open. I noted that he did not have respiratory issues, so I tried to call him but he did not respond, Alfieri said in the interview, according to The Associated Press. He also did not respond to stimuli, even painful ones. In that moment I understood there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma.

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Alfieri and other members of Pope Francis care team decided not to try to transport the pope to a hospital, since he had previously expressed that hed like to die in his home.

A woman takes a picture of a photograph of the late Pope Francis, that reads "Please, don't forget to pray for me" during a mass in his memory at the Chiesa di Santo Spirito in Sassia outside the Vatican, Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Andreea Alexandru

And so instead of arranging transport, they sat with the pope and offered love and support.

Pope Francis died about two hours after suffering the stroke that put him into the coma, per Alfieri.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived and said the rosary over the body, accompanied by the papal household staff, the AP reported.

In a separate interview with Vatican News, others who were with Pope Francis during the final hours of his life said that among the popes last words were words of gratitude to his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti.

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Pope Francis thanked Strappetti for going with him to St. Peters Square on Easter Sunday to greet the people gathered there for the holiday.

Thank you for bringing me back to the Square, the pope said, per Vatican News.

Pope Francis funeral will take place on Saturday, as the Deseret News previously reported.
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  The operations director for the Knox County Trustees Office was terminated from his position last week amid an investigation into the office.

A separation notice from the Knox County Government states that Jason Dobbins was terminated from his position as operations director on April 14 because of policy violations. The notice did not go into detail about how policy was violated. Dobbins had worked at the office since September of 2022.

Tip to fraud hotline led to investigations into Knox County Trustees Office

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On April 14, Knox County Trustee Justin Briggs posted on social media, sharing that over the past two weeks, a review by the Tennessee Comptrollers Office had uncovered an unfortunate breach of policies. He added that one employee had been terminated because of that breach of policies.

6 News also obtained a letter from a Knox County internal auditor revealed that the investigation began after Knox Countys Internal Audit received a tip to their fraud, waste and abuse hotline in November 2024. The office then conducted two investigations, and the two preliminary investigative reports were shared with the Comptrollers Office. The comptroller is conducting its own investigation. News of the state investigation was first reported by Knox News.

Man killed, driver charged after crash on North Broadway

Another Knox County Government employee has been reprimanded. Director of Procurement Matt Myers was disciplined after it was discovered that he took a department vehicle home during his lunch hour on multiple occasions.

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The countys Senior Director for Human Resources to the Knox County Commission said that Myers was transparent and remorseful for the oversite. She also told 6 News that Myers was placed on a two-week unpaid suspension and given a disciplinary write up, among other disciplinary actions.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  This week, the city of San Diego began sending out protest vote mailers to the more than 200,000 single-family homeowners who could potentially begin paying a new fee for trash collection.

The vote is the last step in the process for the city before it can implement the proposed charge under California state law regulating how municipalities are able to impose fees on residents related to their property.

Could the city of San Diego lower its new trash collection fee even more?

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Heres what homeowners should know about the vote is and how it works.

What is a protest vote?

A protest vote, or a majority protest, is a sort of referendum giving residents who oppose a new fee related to services for their property  in this case, trash collection  an opportunity to stop it from going into effect.

Under state law, if more than 50% of all property owners affected by a new charge present written opposition to a new fee, the municipality seeking to impose it would be barred from doing so.

Why are homeowners able to mount a majority protest?

In California, the bar for local governments to increase or add new fees on residents properties is quite high to clear. Thats because of a proposition passed by voters back in the 1970s, Proposition 13, that set off a series of reforms to limit how municipalities can levy taxes.

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Prop 13 specifically targeted property taxes, capping how much cities could charge and when they could determine new tax rates for a given property. This, in effect, cut in half the revenue cities were bringing in from these taxes, forcing them to look at other sources to fund services.

By the 1990s, many cities turned to benefit-based assessment fees, as well other charges not subject to Prop 13s restrictions, as a way to close the gap. That practice inspired another measure, Proposition 218, to further limit how cities could raise revenue from taxes.

One of the many changes Prop 218 made was to impose a new public notice requirements and create a mechanism for those affected by any proposed fees to halt their implementation: the protest vote, officially called a majority protest.

How does a protest vote work?

The protest vote part of a public hearing required before a fee is approved and goes into effect. A hearing notice and the protest ballot are required to be sent out a minimum of 45 days before the meeting to all property owners that would be impacted by the new charge.

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Before the hearing, property owners opposed to the fee who would like to participate must fill out the ballot with their name, address or parcel number, and signature to submit it for their protest to be counted.

The notice and ballot sent out to more than 230,000 homeowners in the city that would be impacted by the proposed waste collection fee can be found here.

H Barracks approved as safe sleeping site

Property owners have until the end of the June 9 hearing to turn in the ballot to the San Diego City Clerks office. This can be done either by dropping it off in person or by sending it via mail. Those sent by mail must be received prior to the hearing.

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The public will also have the option to give oral comment on the fee at the 2 p.m. hearing, but it will not count towards the Prop 218 vote.

Once all the ballots have been collected, the city clerk will have several weeks to count them, weighing the total against the number of homeowners. If it is determined there is a majority against the fee when all have been tabulated, the fee effectively dies.

According to the city, the council will consider the protests  and whether to allow the fee to be collected using the county tax roll  at a final hearing on June 24.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Satellite-based monitoring of water usage in Uzbekistan is driving higher crop yields, Mukhiddin Ibragimov, Deputy Director of UzSpace, said at the Space Technology Conference (STC 2025) in Baku, Trend reports.

"In Central Asia, one of the key challenges associated with climate change is the deterioration of water balance. Rational water usage is becoming an increasingly urgent task. Facing this challenge, we began to think about how we could redesign the water resource management system. Remote sensing technologies are providing some of the answers," he said.

Ibragimov explained that the technology used for water monitoring is based on satellite data, specifically utilizing evapotranspirationthe combined process of water evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration through plants.

"Remote sensing satellites, using data from various spectral ranges, allow us to collect information on water flows. This includes considering all sources of water inflow: precipitation, groundwater, irrigation, and others," he added.

The official also pointed out that the data includes information about the types of crops being grown, their yields, and other parameters.

"Ultimately, we create a digital map where every field, crop, and water source can be seen. We can analyze how much water was delivered and how much was used. These insights allow us to determine how efficiently water is being used. Some fields achieve high yields with less water consumption, and these can be considered exemplary. There are also 'outsiders'fields with high water consumption but low yields. This data enables the government to assist farmers in either increasing yields without increasing water usage or reducing water consumption," he said.

The technology is currently being applied in three regions of Uzbekistan, covering over five million hectares, including more than 1.6 million hectares of agricultural land, which are being monitored for ten major crops.

"For example, in the Fergana Valley, the entire water infrastructure has been digitized, including rivers, canals, irrigation, and drainage systems. Agricultural lands were then identified, and a field audit was conducted, including sensors, pumping stations, and wells. All this has become part of a unified digital model," Ibragimov explained.

He emphasized that around 90 percent of the water in Uzbekistan is used for agriculture, with 3040 percent being wasted. The monitoring system indicates that by optimizing the existing system without increasing water intake, wheat yields can be boosted by 3040 percent, significantly enhancing food security.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
April 24 (UPI) -- Animal control personnel in a Massachusetts city came to the rescue of a dog seen wandering on commuter train tracks behind a casino.

Everett Animal Control said on social media that employees at the Encore Casino spotted the small, white dog wandering around the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Commuter Rail tracks behind the casino.

Officers responded to the area and were able to wrangle the dog "after an extended period of time," animal control said.

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The officers discovered a length of leash tied to the tracks that had apparently been chewed through by the canine.

Animal control is asking anyone with information about the dog to contact Everett police.
What might be called Day of the Dead Living is being continually played out at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in upstate New York, and likely across the country.

We have people who did not receive benefits come in every day with their ID and say, Im not dead, Im alive! says Rennie Glasgow, a claims technical analyst with 15 years of experience at the agency who handles the most challenging cases at the Schenectady office.

These supposed dead are not to be confused with more than 6,000 living immigrants the Trump administration moved to the SSA Death Master File (DMF) in an attempt to force them to self-deport by depriving them of the ability to work legally.

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Many more American citizens were wrongly consigned to the DMF after Elon Musks DOGE goons bullied their way onto the SSAs databases and mistakenly decided that countless people listed as 120 years old and older were receiving benefits.

[DOGE staffers] went into the system and they killed off people, Glasgow told the Daily Beast. About 4 million people, they marked them as dead. But theyre not sure if those people were supposed to be marked as dead, so theyre sending us an email saying, If these people come into the office with their identification, you can reinstate them.

The 55-year-old father of six added, So were going to be resurrecting a lot of dead people.

Rennie Glasgow, pictured, is critical of Elon Musk and DOGE's involvement with the Social Security Administration. / Courtesy of Rennie Glasgow

And restoring financial life is never simple.

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We have to go through this long process to resurrect them, to get them back as alive, which can take about three to four days, Glasgow said.

He noted that until people get off the DMF, they endure a kind of financial death.

When they mark someone dead on the Social Security record, it stops their life, he said. It stops their car payments, it stops their credit, it stops their ability to do anything. Their identification gets flagged. And most times those things have to go to the payment center.

The systems payment centers have suffered DOGE cutbacks that have at least doubled and maybe tripled the wait people must endure.

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What used to take 15 days to get done when we send something to a payment center is now taking about 30 to 45, Glasgow reported.

Cutbacks have also hit Glasgows office hard. The staff there has been cut from 38 to a bare-bones 30. Only four of the 18 service windows are open due to the staffing shortage. And a person could finally step up to a window after a three-hour wait only to encounter more DOGE-induced inefficiency.

Every day, between the hours of 10 to about 12, our system goes down, Glasgow told The Daily Beast. So its not just that people are sitting there, waiting for us to help them. When they get to the window, theyre told, Our system is down. We cant help you. We dont know whats going on.

The staffing might get even tighter. Glasgow says that on Friday, DOGE sent out a renewed offer of a lump sum of $20,000 for early retirement.

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DOGE is simultaneously making the workday more stressful for the remaining staff.

Every day there is a new email that is either derogatory, disgusting, [or] threatening, Glasgow said.

Elon Musk during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

In the DOGE era, even missives that might have otherwise seemed positive can have a malevolent undertone.

Today, there was a new email that came out [saying] that, We want to recognize Social Security month. April every year will be Social Security month, and we will continue with our efficiency push to maximize customer service, Glasgow said on Wednesday.

The DOGE-controlled SSA did not respond to a request for comment.

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Glasgow, who is vice president of the union representing the regions SSA workers, Local 3343 of the American Federation of Government Employees, cannot help but feel there is a deliberate effort to sabotage the heretofore-popular SSA to the point that the public will turn against it. The next step would be privatization and access to the trillions in the SSA coffers.

Whatever the motive, the purported efficiency people are creating onerous inefficiencies.

Its crazy, Glasgow said.

Glasgow figures it will all continue even if Musk reduces his direct involvement next month, as he said he will this week.

Whether or not Musk goes, the Day of the Dead Living seems sure to continue.
The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to allow President Trump to enforce his ban on transgender troops serving openly in the military.

The emergency application asks the justices to lift a Seattle-based federal judges nationwide injunction blocking the policy.

The district courts injunction cannot be squared with the substantial deference that the Departments professional military judgments are owed, Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in the application.

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At minimum, Sauer told the high court it should limit the judges nationwide order so it only blocks enforcement of the policy against the eight transgender service members suing.

Justice Elena Kagan, who received the request because she handles emergency requests arising from Washington state by default, ordered the service members legal team respond in writing by May 1.

Trumps January policy declared that transgender service members cant meet the rigorous standards needed to serve. Soon after, the Department of Defense directed the military to remove service members with gender dysphoria and to pause integration of new transgender recruits.

Sauer contended the new policy is materially indistinguishable from the one Trump ordered during his first term, which the Supreme Court enabled him to enforce.

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That policy banned transgender service members but made an exception for some who had already started to transition, in line with rules that were put in place during former President Obamas administration.

The new policy makes no such exception, deeming any service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria not fit for military service.

In the 2025 policy, as in the [Former Defense Secretary James] Mattis policy before it, the Department rationally determined that service by individuals with gender dysphoria would undermine military effectiveness and lethalityconsistent with similar, longstanding determinations for a wide range of other medical conditions (such as asthma and hypertension), Sauer wrote.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit last week declined to stop Trumps new ban from going into effect while the government appeals.

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It is the only nationwide block in effect, as of now.

In a joint statement, the advocacy groups representing the service members said they stand ready to zealously represent their clients as we have at every juncture.

Transgender service members have been openly serving our country with honor and distinction for almost a decade and have met and are meeting every neutral service-based standard, said Lambda Legal and Human Rights Campaign in a joint statement. The U.S. Supreme Court should reject the invitation to stay the district courts injunction so that they can impose their discriminatory ban while the litigation proceeds.

In another lawsuit challenging the ban, a federal judge barred any policy effectuating Trumps directive from taking effect. But a temporary pause on that order is in place while the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit weighs whether to suspend that decision as the administration appeals.

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The Trump administrations alternative ask that the Supreme Court limit the reach of the Seattle judges order comes as the justices weigh whether several other judges were proper in blocking Trumps birthright citizenship executive order nationwide.

Oral arguments in that case are set for May 15.

Updated at 11:58 a.m. EDT

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced terrorism charges against an alleged high-ranking member of Tren de Aragua (TdA), the first charges of their kind the Trump administration has filed against the gang.

The DOJ said the five-count indictment was unsealed Wednesday against 24-year-old Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, also known as Chuqui. He has been charged with conspiring to provide and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, as well as conspiracy and distribution in Colombia with intent for the U.S.

According to information presented to the court, Flores is a high-ranking TdA leader in Bogota, Colombia and is part of the inner circle of senior TdA leadership, the DOJ said in its release. Flores also allegedly caused the delivery of approximately five kilograms or more of cocaine for international distribution, proceeds that were used to further TdAs criminal goals.

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The charges stem from a larger push from the Trump administration to crack down on the Venezuelan gang.

TdA is not a street gang  it is a highly structured terrorist organization that put down roots in our country during the prior administration, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. Todays charges represent an inflection point in how this Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle this evil organization, which has destroyed American families and poisoned our communities.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the charges against Flores, who was arrested by Colombian authorities March 31, according to an arrest warrant from the U.S.

He remains in custody in Colombia pending further proceedings, the DOJ said.

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With Attorney General Bondi leadership, these charges are a major step in breaking the operations of violent terrorist gangs and rooting them out of American communities, Patel wrote on social media.

The Trump administration declared in February that TdA was one of several groups it had deemed terrorist organizations.

The charges against Flores follow a large deportation effort from the administration.

Last month, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century wartime act that had not been used since World War II, to deport more than 200 TdA members. The action is being challenged in court, as the administration claims a flight carrying the members had already left U.S. airspace when the judge ordered it to turn around.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo this week seeking to further curtail access to transgender health care for minors. In the memo, Bondi said the Justice Department will use a variety of existing U.S. laws to investigate providers of such care, as well as drug manufacturers and distributors.

She directed U.S. attorneys to use laws against female genital mutilation to investigate doctors who mutilate children under the guise of care and to prosecute these offenses to the fullest extent possible.

I am putting medical practitioners, hospitals, and clinics on notice: In the United States, it is a felony to perform, attempt to perform, or conspire to perform female genital mutilation (FGM) on any person under the age of 18, Bondi wrote. That crime carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years per count.

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Bondi also directed the Consumer Protection Branch of the DOJs Civil Division to investigate potential violations of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by drug manufacturers and distributors who engage "in misbranding by making false claims about the on- or off-label use of puberty blockers, sex hormones, or any other drug used to facilitate a minors gender transition.

And she directed the Civil Divisions Fraud Section to investigate potential violations of the False Claims Act by physicians who submit false claims  to federal health care programs for any non-covered services related to radical gender experimentation. (She included as an example of this a physician prescribing puberty blockers to a minor for gender-transition care but reporting it to Medicaid as being for early-onset puberty.)

Robin Maril, an assistant professor of constitutional law at Oregons Willamette University, said Bondis memo doesnt change any existing laws. Doctors, she said, will not be breaking the law by continuing to treat trans minors if they live in a state where such care is still legal. She also noted that Medicaid fraud and defrauding the government are already crimes.

The bulk of this is just showing how theyre going to use resources and investigate, Maril said. Thats not a law change. Its meant to have a chilling effect on physicians providing access to necessary care, fearing that it will be characterized as chemical and surgical mutilation of children.

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She added that the memos call on whistleblowers to report knowledge of any such violations could further make doctors afraid of being reported.

Chase Strangio, the first transgender attorney to argue before the Supreme Court, with supporters on Dec. 4, when the court heard the case of U.S. vs. Skrmetti.

Its unclear what type of procedure would be considered female genital mutilation under the guise of care according to Bondis interpretation of U.S. law. The FBI defines it as partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Transition-related care for minors can encompass a range of treatments, including talk therapy for younger children, puberty-blocking medications for adolescents and hormone therapy for older teens. Bondis memo specifically mentions gender-affirming surgeries, which are not recommended for minors. In rare cases, older teens can receive a double mastectomy, or removal of the breasts.

Its also unclear if Bondis directives would conflict with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. A provision in the Affordable Care Act, for example, prohibits physicians who are providing federally funded services from discriminating based on sex. The Biden administration issued a notice interpreting that provision to include protection based on gender identity, but the Trump administration rescinded that notice in February. Some advocates argue the provisions protections and some state nondiscrimination laws still apply.

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Since the 1980s, medical providers have prescribed puberty blockers, which temporarily stop puberty, to children who start puberty too early, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and they've used them off label to treat trans adolescents since the 1990s.

Major medical associations in the U.S., such as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association, support access to transition-related care for minors and oppose restrictions on it.

Despite this, Bondis memo refers to this type of care as radical gender experimentation, and it cites research conducted by an advocacy group that opposes gender-affirming care for minors. That group found that, from 2019 to 2023, 14,000 children received treatment for gender dysphoria  the medical term for the distress caused by the misalignment between ones gender identity and sex assigned at birth  and 5,700 had surgery.

However, trans advocates have noted that the rate of breast surgeries among adolescents who are cisgender, meaning not transgender, is much higher. For example, in 2011, more than 14,000 breast reduction procedures were performed in the United States on adolescent boys to correct gynecomastia, a benign condition that causes enlarged breast tissue, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Bondis memo is the administrations latest attempt at restricting trans health care. Just over a week after his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order aimed at curtailing transition-related care for minors by prohibiting federal funding for such care and threatening to withhold grants from hospitals and medical universities that provide the care, among other restrictions. At least two judges have temporarily blocked that order from taking effect.

Over the last few years, 27 states have enacted measures restricting access to transition-related care for minors. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision soon in a lawsuit against such a restriction in Tennessee, which could affect minors access to care nationwide and potentially care for trans adults under federally funded health programs.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A 24-year-old man wanted for domestic violence was taken into custody in Antioch Wednesday afternoon.

According to Metro police, Leonel Vargas Jr. was arrested during a SWAT operation at a home on Brenda Court off Apache Trail.

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Vargas has been a fugitive since last year on felony domestic aggravated assault, burglary and theft warrants.

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Specialized Investigations Division detectives and federal ATF agents, who have been investigating Vargas association with the MS-13 gang, coordinated the surveillance that led to his arrest, according to a release.

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Vargas was booked into the Metro jail without bond on the outstanding warrants, which include a felony probation violation charge.

Anyone with information on Vargas and/or MS-13 associations in this area is asked to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

No additional information was immediately released.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The city of Bakersfield said they are rescinding the decision to increase the sewer and water usage rate.

Multiple Bakersfield residents attended the city council meeting on April 23 to comment on the sewer rate proposal, which would increase the rate up to 300% over the next five years.

The current sewer rate in Bakersfield is $239 per year, or $19.92 per month. The proposed rate calls for $950 per year, or $79.17 per month over the next five years.

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Bakersfield sewer rates set to skyrocket over the next 5 years

According to the city, the money from this increase would be used to fix an old sewer plant off of East Planz Road. This change would affect around 165,000 people in Bakersfield.

We already have a problem with housing, a member of the public said during the public comment segment. We dont need another nail in the coffin.

Before Mayor Karen Goh opened up public comments, Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg said the city will rescind Proposition 218.

Proposition 218 is a state law passed in 1996 that requires government entities to notify property owners of any property-related tax hike. The law also allows property owners to protest the hike to stop it.

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The city sent out the notice when the sewage and water usage rate proposals were approved.

We are pausing and reevaluating the proposed rate and increase, and as vice mayor, Id like to tell the public we hear you, Bakersfield Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur said.

The city will formally rescind the notice in a vote at the next city council meeting set for May 14.

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THE ANIMATING BELIEFS OF THIS ADMINISTRATION range from dangerously wrong to head-spinningly crazy. Tariffs are in the first tranche, along with the myth that NATO has been ripping off the United States for decades, that immigrants commit more crimes than native-born Americans, and that He who saves his Country does not violate any Law (just to name four). The beliefs that vaccines cause autism, that fluoridated water is a public-health threat, that threatening allies and neighbors enhances national security, and that taxing foreign holders of Treasuries would be a good way to solve the (nonexistent) problem of trade deficits belong in the second tranche.

The Trump administration marries insane ideas to gross, bullying tactics. But even when this administration stumbles upon an idea that is not deranged, illegal, or immoral, it has the capacity to do great harm. Im thinking of the apparent plans to encourage marriage and motherhood. The administration is reportedly considering proposals to award mothers $5,000 baby bonuses, to reserve 30 percent of Fulbright scholarships to parents, to reduce the costs of IVF (not clear how), and to fund programs to educate women about ovulation cycles (I kid you not).

Ive been promoting marriage for decades, not as part of a religious agenda but as the result of studying the social-science literature demonstrating that marriage makes adults happier than non-marriage and that stable, two-parent homes are the best environment for raising children, building thriving neighborhoods, and reducing crime, homelessness, and substance abuse.

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The Trump administration cannot adopt this message without turning it rancid. If you hope to persuade people, you must start by showing good faiththat your intentions for them are good. This crowd has displayed open contempt for womenat least those women who vote for the other party or otherwise assert their individuality. In light of the presidents apparent requirement that any nominee for a major cabinet role have at least one serious accusation of sexual misconduct, the vice presidents sneers about childless cat ladies seem mild. Matt Gaetz, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Pete Hegseth, and Linda McMahon all trailed accusations that would have been disqualifying in any other administration. (Only Gaetz was undone.)

But then, the thrice-married, adulterous president himself has been found legally liable for sexual assault in the E. Jean Carroll case, and has been accused of similar behavior half a dozen or so times by other women. What that may mean is that Trump must convince himself and others that accusations of sexual misconduct are always and everywhere fake news. Also, he just doesnt give a damn. Trump has endorsed and campaigned with alleged sexual predators ranging from Roy Moore to Herschel Walker, and one of his first acts as president in the second term was to effectuate the release of Andrew and Tristan Tate from custody in Romania on rape and human trafficking charges. (So they can effectuate releases from foreign countries.)

The Trump crowds approach to fertility is not the joy of parenthood or the warmth of close families. Its more like the Great Replacement theory made flesh. Give them credit for honesty, I guess. They dont really claim to be speaking up for family values. Instead, as Elon Musk admits, he wants a legion of offspring before the apocalypse and is creating a harem to achieve it. He is married, but also father to at least fourteen children by four different women and willing to outsource his semen upon request. No romance or anything, he explained to one baby mama, just sperm.

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Its remarkable to consider that Musk is a pinup for the GOP these days. I well remember the party of family values. Musk is the most famous progenitor of illegitimacy in the world. (William J. Bennett, call your office.)

THE TRUMP CROWD WORRIES about Americas declining fertility rate and yet treats immigration as a mortal threat. So when they encourage childbearing, the not-so-veiled subtext is that they want not more babies but more white babies. Perhaps they will begin awarding Mother Heroine honors as the Soviet Union did, or the Cross of Honor with which Nazi Germany rewarded fecundity.

You dont convince women in a free country to have more babies for the sake of the fatherland. If you want to encourage family formation and increase the birth rate, you cant treat women as breeder mares. It helps to model good behavior. That includes being good husbands who dont cheat on their wives, good fathers who actually live with their kids, and good parents who dont commit or condone adultery.

Baby bonuses have been tried in other countries with poor results. Hungary has adopted a suite of policies to support families that are far more generous than what the Trump administration is considering, but the results have been disappointing. Singapore, South Korea, and Russia have seen similar results. Subsidies for babies dont seem to budge fertility rates much if at all. Polands program of incentives showed some early success but more recent data found that childbearing is still trending down.

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There are many things governments can do to ease the burden on parentstax credits, parental leave, and banning smartphones in schools, among other ideasbut policymakers should keep their expectations in check about the effect these initiatives will have on fertility. If they just make family life easier and better, thats a good start. But frankly, wed all be better off if the Trump people stay far away from family policy, lest they besmirch it.

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Donald Trump went after Fox News on Thursday after its latest poll showed him 11 points underwater in job approval.

Despite the presence of a friendly slate of opinion hosts on Fox News, the president has lashed out over its polls, which are done under the direction of the Democratic firm Beacon Research and the Republican firm Shaw & Company.

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The poll results showed that 44% approved of Trumps job performance, and 55% disapproved. Its in line with a series of other survey results in recent days, as the president nears the 100-day mark.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, Rupert Murdoch has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so. This pollster has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years. Also, and while hes at it, he should start making changes at the China Loving Wall Street Journal. It sucks!!!

A Fox News spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment.

The Journal, owned by the Murdochs News Corp., has run editorials critical of Trump, particularly when it comes to tariffs. Its news side also has produced a number of hard-hitting stories about the early months of Trumps administration.

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Trump did reveal that he was planning to meet with The Atlantics editor Jeffrey Goldberg, who was mistakenly added to the Signal group chat of top Trump national security officials in March. After the White House attacked Goldberg and claimed that what was shared in the chat was not classified, he published the text messages, showing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted attack plans on the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Trump wrote, Later today I will be meeting with, of all people, Jeffrey Goldberg, the Editor of The Atlantic, and the person responsible for many fictional stories about me, including the made-up HOAX on Suckers and Losers and, SignalGate, something he was somewhat more successful with. Jeffrey is bringing with him Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker, not exactly pro-Trump writers, either, to put it mildly! The story they are writing, they have told my representatives, will be entitled, The Most Consequential President of this Century. I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if its possible for The Atlantic to be truthful. Are they capable of writing a fair story on TRUMP? The way I look at it, what can be so bad  I WON!

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. A delegation led by First Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Aliyar Mammadyarov is on a working visit to the US, a source in the CBA told Trend.

According to the source, during the visit, the delegation will participate in various events within the framework of the Summer Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to be held in Washington, D.C., and in bilateral meetings with the leadership of a number of financial and investment institutions cooperating with the CBA.

The delegation is also expected to participate in a regional financial conference on "Strengthening Financial Partnership between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye and the US" to be organized by the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce.
In his first few months of office, President Donald Trump has targeted immigrantswith tattoos and foreign university students with green cards or visas for deportation  and a recent alarming case is raising concerns that U.S. citizens could be next.

Last Wednesday, Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, a Georgia-born U.S. citizen, was arrested in Florida and charged with illegally entering the state as an unauthorized alien.

Even though a judge later said Lopez-Gomezs birth certificate was authentic and there was no probable cause for his charge, he was still put on an ICE detainer, as the Florida Phoenix first reported.

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An ICE detainer is when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement gets local authorities to agree to hold a person in jail for up to 48 hours beyond the time they would ordinarily be released so that ICE can pick them up and place them in immigration detention.

Lopez-Gomezs case sparked protest, and he was released last Thursday. He maintains that he told a state trooper he was a U.S. citizen and had shared his Georgia ID and Social Security card  but the Department of Homeland Security denies this, claiming that Lopez-Gomez had told a Florida Highway Patrol trooper that he was in the country illegally.

Immediately after learning the individual was a United States citizen, [Lopez-Gomez] was released, a DHS senior official told the Florida Phoenix in a statement.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting field work and may request identification to establish an individuals identity, ICE said in a statement in response to HuffPost questions about Lopez-Gomezs case about what would necessitate ICE to investigate a U.S. citizen. Any U.S. immigration officer has authority to question, without warrant, any alien or person believed to be an alien concerning his or her right to be, or to remain, in the United States.

U.S. citizens don't need to carry proof of citizenship, but immigration attorneys shared why it's valid for many who fear being targeted by the Trump administration to do so, nonetheless. Bloomberg via Getty Images

Lopez-Gomezs case and others like it, along with rising anti-immigrant sentiment in general, are raising concerns about whether U.S. citizens need to be carrying proof of their citizenship while they drive or go to bars with friends  and if that is even helpful or necessary.



HuffPost talked with immigration experts about what people should know.

The law is divorced from reality.

Legal noncitizen immigrants like green card-holders are already required to keep their immigration papers with them at all times, but U.S. citizens arent obligated to carry proof of their citizenship.

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In an ideal world, U.S. citizens wouldnt be questioned about whether or not they are authorized to be in the U.S., but it happens.

In 2020, the American Civil Liberties Union settled a case with U.S. Customs and Border Protection over two U.S. citizens in Montana who were detained for speaking Spanish in the store in a state where its predominantly English speaking, according to the agent who detained them.

If somebody were to be picked up by ICE whos a US citizen, they have a very strong civil rights suit because of the racial profiling involved and the detention that would be involved, said Saira Hussain, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights organization.

But under this political climate, its understandable why you might want to carry proof of U.S. citizenship  particularly if you fear being a target of the Trump administration.

Jennifer Ibanez Whitlock, senior policy counsel for the National Immigration Law Center, said its a 100% valid concern for U.S. citizens to be afraid of being detained by ICE.

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She noted that people who dont appear American  a broad, subjective category reliant on stereotypes and misconceptions about who can be an American  are the most at risk of being targeted by immigration authorities.

With the immigrant populations she works with, Theres a sense of that you need to have [documentation] on you, just in case, no matter how long you lived here, and even if youre a naturalized citizen if you speak with an accent, or have a last name someone may assume is Latin American, Whitlock said. In these cases, there is a belief you may need to have that on your person to avoid being taken into custody.

The bigger problem, I think that all of us should be concerned about, is Why are we looking over our shoulder? Whitlock continued. And the answer is because we have an executive that thinks that they can be judge, jury, executioner. So if they think that you dont belong here, they think they should they have the right to arrest you, referring to Trumps mass deportation plans.

Hussain said that U.S. citizens are not legally required to carry documentation, but added, The law is divorced from reality.

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Hussain used herself as an example. On a recent trip to San Diego, California, which is near a U.S. border, she and her husband both brought their U.S. passports. She did this in case she was stopped by Border Patrol and needed to show evidence of U.S. citizenship.

That isnt something that should have to happen, because the case law is very clear about that, Hussain said. But the practical reality on the ground is that it seems like the Department of Homeland Security and all of their subcomponents, like ICE and CBP [Customs and Border Protection] may not necessarily be following case law at the moment.

Carrying copies of your IDs and citizenship documentation can be helpful.

Whitlock said she would not recommend walking around with original documents like your naturalization or birth certificate. However, she said that having a scanned copy of your documents is a good idea so that you can easily pull it up on your phone.

Immigration attorney David Nachman also said that carrying proof of citizenship is not necessary for a U.S. citizen and is a personal choice. At the same time, he has clients who are U.S. citizens and do carry documentation with them to work, because they work in places that Homeland Security investigations often target, like warehouses and restaurants, he said.

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Nachman shared the example of one hospitality worker who keeps a laminated copy of his naturalization certificate in his wallet because he does not want to be erroneously swept up in an ICE raid.

Keeping copies like this on your person at least raises a presumption of your citizenship, Nachman said, noting that he finds it sad and depressing to state that carrying documentation is not a bad idea for some U.S. citizens because the message being communicated is Hey, our government is going to stereotype.

But carrying proof of citizenship is not a foolproof solution, either.

Your U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate or naturalization certificate can be strong evidence of your U.S. citizenship  but the reality is that many Americans may not have all of these documents readily available, either.

Only half of Americans have a valid passport, according to the Center for American Progress policy institute.

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Even having IDs in your pocket may not be a foolproof solution to unwanted questioning from immigration authorities. Lopez-Gomezs case is not the first time ICE has detained a U.S. citizen this year. In January, a U.S. citizen  who had his identification in his wallet  was reportedly detained by ICE in Chicago for 10 hours before being released.

Additionally, in April, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen was detained by Border Patrol agents in Arizona for 10 days; DHS claims the teen said he had entered the country illegally from Mexico. The charges were dismissed after his family presented documents showing his U.S. citizenship.

In the case of Lopez-Gomez and the Chicago-area man, they both had access to their IDs when they were detained, a reminder that legal rights can be asserted, but are often retrospective and may not provide full protection in the moment if law enforcement is insistent on violating the law, Hussain said.

Between 2018 and 2024, ICE reported that the agency arrested 80 U.S. citizens, 13 of them in 2024.

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That number might grow under Trumps second term. In March, ICE said in a statement that it has made more at-large arrests in the first few weeks of President Trumps presidency than the entire last year under the previous administration.

And its not just ICE who might arrest you; it might be a local police department they partner with.

Since Trumps reelection, the number of active 287(g) agreements, or partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement agencies, has doubled. Under these agreements, ICE can delegate immigration enforcement duties to state and local police. Some states like California strictly limit the scope of these 287(g) agreements, while states like Florida  where Lopez-Gomez was arrested  have announced that every county jail will agree to comply with ICE.

The bigger the net, the more likely [ICE is]...going to arrest people who have [legal] status, or are U.S. citizens, Whitlock said. And then the burden, unfortunately, is going to fall on the individual to prove that theyre here legally.

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A nascent industry for buying and selling restaurant reservations could meet its end soon in Louisiana. State lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill Thursday that forces such trading platforms to officially partner with the restaurants whose tables are going to the highest bidder. So far, the trading has taken place without any input or involvement from the dining establishments.

House Bill 90, sponsored by Rep. Troy Hebert, R-Lafayette, cleared the Louisiana House of Representatives in an 89-0 vote without debate. It seeks to ban companies such as Appointment Trader, Dorsia and ResX from arranging reservations through their platforms if they do not have explicit contracts with the restaurants.

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Hebert said he doesnt want to ban the trading apps existence; he just wants them to get the restaurants permission before operating in Louisiana.

Reservation trading platforms allow diners with hard-to-get table reservations to sell them online in auction-style transactions similar to eBay. Prospective buyers can also use the platforms as a concierge service, offering a flat fee to anyone who can secure them a table at a particular establishment.

While the practice of paying for restaurant reservations is more common in places such as New York and Miami, the trading platforms came under scrutiny in Louisiana after the Illuminator reported on the high-dollar trades in the New Orleans market during Super Bowl weekend. They included a $2,138 reservation for a table of four at Antoines.

Hebert amended his bill on the floor, adding a provision that would allow the Louisiana attorney general to seek restitution on behalf of anyone who purchases an unlawfully sold reservation. Some diners are buying reservations without realizing the restaurants are not actually selling them, he said.

Were not talking about Chik-fil-A here, Hebert said in an interview after his bill was approved. Its a select group of restaurants theyre doing this to Theyre profiting off of a restaurants brand, and the restaurants dont even know about it.

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The bill originated from a dispute between online restaurant booking platforms  such as OpenTable and Resy  and the newer reservation trading platforms. Hebert sponsored the legislation on behalf of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, which modeled it after a state law New York adopted last year with the backing of booking sites.

If trading platforms can secure partnerships with restaurants, they would pose a threat to the established booking apps. The trading apps make money by taking a percentage of the winning bid price for each trade, whereas OpenTable and the other booking platforms make their money by charging restaurants a fee every time someone reserves a table through their sites.

Appointment Trader founder Jonas Frey said he is currently offering contracts to restaurants that will give them an equal share of the winning bids for every reservation. It would give dining businesses a new revenue stream from something that currently costs them money, he said.

The viability of the reservation trading business model depends on whether there is genuine demand for seats at a particular restaurant or whether that demand is artificially inflated just to cash in on wealthy tourists.

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Hebert told his colleagues he believes the trading platforms use software bots to snap up reservations on OpenTable and Resy and then list them for sale on their sites.

Heberts bill heads next to the Senate for consideration.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Thursday marks two years since two restaurant employees were killed at the American Elm restaurant, and still, no arrests in the case have been made.

Emerall Vaugh-Dahler and Ignacio Gutierrez Morales were fatally shot at the restaurant off of W. 38th St. in Denver while working; no possible motive or suspect description is publicly known.

Emerall Vaughn-Dahler, left, and Ignacio Gutierrez Morales, right, were killed at American Elm restaurant on 38th Avenue on April 24, 2024. (Credit: Denver Police Department)

Denver Police are putting the word out and reminding anyone with information leading to an arrest could get a $32,600 reward.

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Anyone with information in this case should contact Denver Police or the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego Police and the Downtown San Diego Partnership are sharing the success of a walking patrol program thats been in effect for the last six months to curb crime and strengthen the community.

I lost too many windows, too many police reports, said Mary Mansoor, owner of Sammich House Deli and Juice Bar.

Mansoor almost gave up on her business because of how bad crime had become in the area.

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It looked bad in front of the customers. They were like urinating on the windows while they were eating or overdosing in here. It was a lot and thats why now were seeing a lot of improvement with the police, Monsoor said.

In just six months, the San Diego Police Department along with nonprofit Downtown San Diego Partnership have yielded impressive results through their downtown patrol walking pilot.

When you have police officers that you know that you can engage with, you have a relationship with, that contributes to that feeling of being safe, said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl.

Since the program began last October, property crime in downtown decreased by 24%, while other crimes like loitering, drugs, or public intoxication went down by 16%. Walking patrols made more than 170 felony arrests, 105 misdemeanor citations and 145 citations involving narcotics.

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A team of six from San Diego police is dedicated to this effort, working four days a week.

They join forces with the Downtown San Diego Partnership Clean and Safe team, which works 24/7 every day of the year.

This report follows the announcement that overall crime was down citywide in San Diego for a third year.

The Clean and Safe team has been around for 25 years and there are plans to continue for at least the next decade. As for the walking patrol partnership with police, the hope is that it continues well beyond this year as well.

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  Myrtle Beachs growing arts and innovation district is leaning into the first part of its name, welcoming its first sculpture celebrating the deaf community.

South Carolinas School for the Deaf and Blind dedicated the I Love You piece at 506 9th Ave. N. City leaders say its a huge step in the districts development alongside other major infrastructure projects.

John Krajc, chairman of the citys cultural resources committee, said the sculpture is a symbol of welcome to anyone living in or visiting Myrtle Beach.

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The committee painstakingly wanted the sculpture to be located in the arts and innovation district to start building up art, he said. Public art takes time. Theres a lot of work that goes into it.

Krajc said officials have been working hard behind the scenes to secure installations.

While there hasnt been a lot of movement in the public eye, theres a lot behind the scenes thats happening, he said. Whether its working on designs for murals or being approached by folks for great sculptures like this.

As the city continues to expand, Krajc said introducing even more pieces of art will make the area feel more vibrant.

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A lot of folks forget that places like Charleston and Greenville  two of the best cities in the state  took over 30 years to get where they are in their downtowns, Krajc said. In the past several years under the guidance of our city council, weve had very fast progress.

Jake ONeil has been visiting Myrtle Beach from Massachusetts for three years. He said the sculpture and murals on the sides of buildings adds an extra draw.

I think if you bring art to any community, it enlightens everybody, he said. It brings a lot more color. Its a good thing to see, and my kids love it.

ONeil said hes been working graffiti since his teenage years and appreciates the creativity behind the citys art displays.

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Isabel Cruz of Jacksonville, N.C., said she also appreciates the addition.

You can just tell theres so many different types of people with the different types of art that are around, Cruz said. I feel like it really brings people in, and it brings people together and really starts conversations.

Verodiana Polaschi, assistant manager of Boteca VIP, said the sculpture has already led to more customers. Originally from Brazil, she said its meaning helps reflect the diversity of Myrtle Beach.

In Brazil, we have mixed with everybody from everywhere in the world. For me, its very important because everybody has something different to show, and we can learn from each other, Polaschi said.

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Krajd said new mural projects are being discussed for other parts of the city.

* * *

Gabby Jonas joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in April 2024. She is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University in May 2023. Follow Gabby on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

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ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Authorities in Greece have arrested six people on the island of Crete in connection with an alleged antiquities smuggling ring that was attempting to sell dozens of ancient artifacts, police said Thursday.

The arrests came after a sting operation on Wednesday, during which the suspects were reportedly trying to sell a collection of antiquities. Investigators say the group operated as a coordinated criminal network, with clearly defined roles, including a leader, go-betweens, and a designated transporter.

Among the recovered items were 15 ancient oil lamps, 17 figurines or fragments, several ceramic vessels, and a marble sculpture believed to depict a childs head. All are thought to date from various periods of ancient Greek history and will be assessed by a state archaeological service.

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Police also confiscated metal detectors and scanning equipment believed to have been used to locate buried relics, as well as firearms, ammunition, quantities of cannabis, and more than 3,000 euros ($3,200) in cash.

Greece, known for its rich archaeological heritage, has long battled the illicit trade in antiquities. Despite strict national laws, such artifacts remain highly sought-after on the international black market.

All six suspects are facing multiple charges, including membership in a criminal organization and breaches of cultural heritage protection legislation.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper has received an award for his life-saving efforts!

The department announced on Tuesday that Trooper Boggs was honored with a Meritorious Unit Award from the Waco Police Department, which DPS says was well-deserved!

Trooper Boggs sprang into action and provided immediate, life-saving first aid to a person suffering from a torn artery in July 2022. DPS says his quick thinking, being calm under pressure, and commitment to serving others helped save a life on that day.

(Courtesy: Texas Department of Public Safety  Central Texas Region) (Courtesy: Texas Department of Public Safety  Central Texas Region) (Courtesy: Texas Department of Public Safety  Central Texas Region) (Courtesy: Texas Department of Public Safety  Central Texas Region)

The department says this award is a testament to his courage, training, and dedication to public safety. Well done, Trooper!

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 24. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Turkmenistans National Leader, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held bilateral talks with the participation of official delegations, Trend reports.

The discussions focused on strengthening and expanding the long-standing friendship, good-neighborliness, and strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Both leaders noted the positive dynamics in multi-faceted cooperation across political, inter-parliamentary, trade, economic, transport, communication, and cultural sectors.

Notable achievements include regular meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Business Council, regional forums, and cultural events, such as exhibitions and cultural days. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $1.1 billion, with plans to increase this to $2 billion in the coming years. Additionally, trade houses were established in both capitals, and cargo transportation volumes have risen.

The countries are also enhancing cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, water resources, and other sectors, with the creation of a border trade zone "Shavat-Dashoguz" being one of the key projects.

Active regional exchanges and a rich program of cultural and humanitarian events are underway. This year, Turkmenistans Cultural Days will be held in Uzbekistan, and the third Regional Forum will take place in Khiva.

Both leaders also discussed regional partnerships, including preparations for the upcoming "Central Asia Plus" summit and the seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, set to be held in Tashkent.

President Mirziyoyev highlighted the significance of the upcoming Forum in Ashgabat in December 2025, organized within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust, declared by the United Nations General Assembly at Turkmenistan's initiative.
April 24 (UPI) -- The Presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced a cease-fire between its government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.

"By mutual agreement, both parties reaffirm their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities, the categorical rejection of all hate speech and intimidation, and call on all local communities to respect these commitments," both said in a press release Wednesday.

The peace agreement followed talks enabled by Qatar, whose Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted to X Thursday that it "encourages both parties to continue this dialogue in a constructive spirit, working towards an agreement that aligns with the aspirations of the Congolese people for peace and development."

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The two sides had first met in Qatar in March, and both expressed gratitude Wednesday "to the State of Qatar for its continued efforts and unwavering commitment to facilitating these peace talks, which contribute to advancing dialogue and promoting mutual understanding."

The truce if successful could bring peace to eastern DRC, where 7,000 people have been reportedly killed since January.

Conflict in the mineral-rich region has been active between the DRC government and the M23 since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, but it was in January that M23 fighters captured the city of Goma, where the United Nations then declared a humanitarian crisis in February.

It is unclear how long or successful this current ceasefire may be, and there have been several arranged since 2021, but none so far have lasted.
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A woman faces up to four months in jail after she fatally struck two children who were walking to school in Riverdale nearly a year and a half ago.

On the morning of Nov. 20, 2023, 5-year-old Sky Sosa and 10-year-old Shalom Mbah were walking in a crosswalk at an intersection near Riverdale Elementary School with Skys father when a van struck them.

The Washington Post reported that 52-year-old Olga Lugo Jiminez, of Hyattsville, was driving a van for an unlicensed school drop-off service when she hit the three.

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The children were both rushed to the hospital, where they died, authorities said. Skys father sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the deadly crash, Olga Lugo Jiminez was charged with two counts of criminally negligent manslaughter and two counts of causing serious physical injury/death of a vulnerable individual while operating a motor vehicle.

Under those charges, she potentially faced multiple years in prison.

She was scheduled to go on trial last week, but pleaded guilty on Monday, April 14, to two counts of driving a vehicle into a crosswalk and contributing to an accident.

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States Attorney Aisha Braveboy said the statute under which she entered her guilty plea was designed to punish the specific wrongful conduct of causing harm by entering a crosswalk.

In this case, Braveboy stated, the harm was devastating.

We believe that this is the best outcome. This specific case is particularly horrific because it took the lives of the most precious and innocent of children, Braveboy stated, in part.

In exchange for her guilty plea, she faces a maximum of 120 days in jail. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 31.

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A New Hampshire woman was flown to an area hospital with serious injuries after crashing into a truck on Wednesday afternoon, state police said.

Erin Baker, 53, of South Hampton, suffered serious injuries in the crash, state police said in a statement. Her condition was not known on Wednesday night.

At 12:26 p.m. Wednesday, state troopers responded to a report of a serious crash on South Road in East Kingston. At the request of East Kingston Police, troopers assumed primary responsibility of the investigation.

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A preliminary investigation found that a 2015 Jeep Patriot, driven by Baker, was traveling southbound on South Road, when it left its lane of travel, crossed the road and collided with the rear end of a stationary 1994 International 9200 6x4 truck, state police said.

The International truck was unoccupied at the time of crash.

The crash remain under investigation. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Trooper Kevin LeDoux at Kevin.P.LeDoux@dos.nh.gov.

Troopers on the scene were assisted by East Kingston Police and Fire, Newton Fire, and Kensington Police.

East Kingston is a small town located southwest of Exeter.

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Italian special forces have deployed drone-killing weapons to protect world leaders attending the Popes funeral.

Soldiers in combat uniform have been mobilised to St Peters Square to guard it from an aerial terrorist attack. They will join the Swiss Guard, the Vaticans own army, which despite its appearance as a purely ceremonial force undergoes rigorous military training.

Pope Franciss funeral will take place on Saturday in the open air in front of St Peters Basilica, with world leaders including Donald Trump, Sir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky as well as dignitaries, among them the Prince of Wales, seated outside.

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In total 170 national delegations are expected to attend along with cardinals, other religious leaders and as many as a million mourners.

Two Swiss guards watch on near St Peters Square. The Vaticans land is protected by the special armed forces - ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP

The threat posed by drones has alarmed counter-terror agencies over the past decade and has escalated further in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where expertise in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in warfare has been honed on the battlefield.

A no-fly zone is already in place around the Vatican area.

The Telegraph saw at least two soldiers carrying two different versions of anti-drone weapons, which block the signal between the controller at a remote location and the drone itself, forcing it to crash to the ground.

The jammer gun blocks the signal between the controller at a remote location and the drone - Chris Warde-Jones

One soldier, with permission from his superior, allowed The Telegraph to take his photograph holding the device.

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The weapon  which looks like an enlarged machine gun  has no markings on it and the soldier declined to say who had supplied it or where it was manufactured.

The anti-drone gun, all black apart from a white plastic plate at the front end, weighs somewhere between seven and eight kilograms (about 17lbs), said the soldier, and is about a metre-long (three ft).

The weapon has no markings and the soldier did not say where it had been manufactured - Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

It is a frequency jammer, explained the soldier, who stood in a cordoned-off area to one side of St Peters Square. He was accompanied by another soldier with binoculars looking for UAVs flying in the vicinity and without permission.

It is a drone killer. If we find a drone we can jam the signal to the controller and force it to the ground. It drops straight to the ground. It is used by the army and the air force. We have been practising with it for a few years now but never needed to use it.

Drone-buster

A second anti-drone weapon was being deployed by the Italian air force near the square. That one had three barrels, each about four inches wide and requires what looks like a huge battery back. One observer likened it to a drone-buster in a reference to the movie Ghostbusters.

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The security surrounding the funeral is a huge logistical undertaking for the Italian authorities complicated by the need to stage the funeral outside and the fact it is held on Vatican land, which is protected by the Swiss Guard.

Its members must be from Switzerland, aged 19 or over and single. They receive tactical training from Swiss special forces.

The Vatican also has its own security police force called the Corps of Gendarmerie.

Italian authorities will need to protect visitors, with at least a million mourners expected to attend the funeral - GIUSEPPE LAMI/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

There are also myriad Italian security and police forces, including the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza, that tackles financial crime and smuggling, who were out in force at St Peters Square ahead of the funeral.

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Authorities are expecting crowds of anywhere between 400,000 and a million people to flood into Rome for Saturdays funeral. The weather  expected to be warm and sunny  will encourage the crowds.

Nello Musumeci, the minister for civil protection and maritime policies, has briefed reporters that he expected there to be over a million pilgrims arriving for the funeral.

Police reinforcements are being drafted in from other regions of Italy to bolster security. There will be snipers on rooftops and rigorous checks of drains and other underground spaces, the authorities have said.

Some roads around the Vatican are already closed and police boats have been deployed on the River Tiber, while police are carrying out checks at train and metro stations.

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The presence of officers on the streets is noticeable, with 400 local traffic police drafted in to help with closures, along with an estimated 2,000 security agents, Carabinieri and others forces.

Italian police officers on guard in Rome ahead of the funeral - Bernat Armangue/Associated Press

As many as 7,000 volunteers have been recruited, handing out water and helping mourners who have already started to arrive at St Peters Square in huge numbers.

A five-hour queue to see Pope Francis lying in state had amassed by Wednesday night, with tens of thousands more mourners expected over the next two days.

Giant screens will be erected along via della Conciliazione, the broad avenue that leads from Romes historic centre to the Vatican, so that crowds can watch proceedings.

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TRIAD  A Mexican national and high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel was arrested Wednesday in Nogales, Arizona, after being indicted last fall on federal charges accusing him of helping lead a large drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy that operated in Guilford County and other parts of the region.

Emmanuel Martimiano Leon-Soto, 42, of Naco, Mexico, is the last person arrested of 38 total individuals charged in November 2024 by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of North Carolina with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine hydrochloride. He is one of 10 of the defendants also charged with conspiracy to launder the proceeds of the drug trafficking scheme.

Among those previously arrested were Crandall Ortais Turk Ingram, 32, Anthony Okurtis Rashad Ant Lloyd, 29, and Nikonda Taye Slatt or Big Boy Ingram, 31, all of High Point, and Michael William Curtis, 49, of Archdale.

The indictment specifically mentions Guilford County as a place that the drug ring operated but includes no other details other than the drugs involved, but among the law enforcement agencies listed in a U.S. Justice Department press release as cooperating are the Forsyth County Drug Task Force, Surry County Sheriffs Office, Davie County Sheriffs Office, Moore County Sheriffs Office, Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, Stanly County Sheriffs Office and Candor Police Department.
A jailed Congolese drug dealer has been allowed to stay in Britain because his son has a rare blood disease.

The convicted criminal won his legal fight to remain in the UK as his son has haemophilia. An immigration tribunal dismissed the Home Offices attempts to deport him, ruling it would be unduly harsh on his son.

Despite being in prison for dealing class A drugs, it was found he plays a crucial role in his sons upbringing and caring for his complex medical needs.

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In trying to send the unnamed man back to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Home Office argued his sons health condition was not an adequate reason.

But the tribunal ruled there were very particular circumstances of this case and ruled in the Congolese mans favour.

The case, disclosed in court papers, is the latest example exposed by The Telegraph where illegal migrants or convicted foreign criminals have used human rights laws to remain in the UK or halt their deportations.

There are a record 41,987 outstanding immigration appeals, largely on human rights grounds, which threaten to hamper Labours efforts to fast-track removal of illegal migrants.

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The Congolese man, in his 30s, who has been granted anonymity entered Britain in 1999 aged seven and was granted leave to remain. In 2011, he received seven convictions for 16 offences.

He faced a deportation order at the time but in 2016 an immigration tribunal quashed it as it would be unfair on his partners young child due to his haemophilia.

In 2023, the Congolese man was convicted of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and was sentenced to three years and two months in jail. As a result, the Home Office renewed its bid to deport him.

The tribunal was told the mans eldest son has a severe medical condition. Haemophilia is a rare condition that affects how the blood clots and causes increased bleeding.

Complex needs

The mans son has prophylactic treatment by way of weekly injections given by his parents directly into his veins, is required to have regular medical appointments, and attends hospital regularly. His second child has also been diagnosed as being a symptomatic carrier of haemophilia B.

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The Congolese man successfully appealed the deportation order at a tribunal hearing last year, but the Home Office appealed that decision at the Upper Tribunal.

Outlining the Home Offices argument, a tribunal report said: The [Home Office] submits the [tribunal] has failed to provide adequate reasons and/or made a material misdirection of law.

[The Home Office argues] The [Congolese mans] two children both remain under the care of their mother (his partner) and her own statement shows she has the full support from family and friends to help her cope during [his] incarceration.

It is not disputed [he] was incarcerated and, as such, any involvement he may have with his children remains severely limited. [His] relationship with his partner and children remains interrupted by his ongoing incarceration and his contact with both children is severely limited.

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Further, the [Home Office] maintains there is little evidence to support the claim [he] has been able to exert a positive influence on either child from prison.

This was challenged by the lower tier tribunal which found that the weight of the evidence was that there was a good, stable and ongoing relationship between him and the children.

He had been their full-time carer prior to the recent sentence and played a very active role in their daily lives. [He had] a strong relationship with the children, and it was in their best interests to have [him] living with them and resuming his caring duties, it added.

He played a crucial role in the childrens lives particularly the eldest child who had special medical needs; taking care of the school transport, medical appointments and other daily activities and dealt with the medical emergencies and hospital stays, it was also found.

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At the latest hearing, the Upper Tribunal found there had not been any mistakes in law with last years ruling and dismissed the Home Offices appeal.

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The Colorado River is pictured near Moab on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Researchers at the University of Utah recently published a first-of-its-kind study that measures the impact dust has on melting snow in the Colorado River basin.

Dust has long been credited to accelerating snowmelt in the Intermountain West. Blowing from arid regions and settling in the mountains, the dust darkens the snow, lowering its albedo  essentially, darker snow doesnt reflect the sunlight as well, leading to more heat absorption and speeding up the melting process.

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Its particularly prevalent in the Colorado River basin, with large mountain ranges like the San Juans, La Sals and Maroon Bells pushed up against dry expanses of desert. As drought continues to impact the region, dust events have worsened, depleting the snowpack at faster rates and complicating an already precarious situation for the Colorado River and the 40 million people who get their drinking water from it.

And while previous papers have recorded the impact dust has on snowmelt, University of Utah researchers are the first to study an area as large as the Colorado River headwaters, which spans multiple states. According to the university, there are no snowmelt models  streamflow forecasts in mountain basins essential for areas that rely on snowpack for water  that take dust into account.

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The degree of darkening caused by dust has been related to water forecasting errors. The water comes earlier than expected, and this can have real world impacts  for example if the ground is still frozen its too early for farmers to use. A reservoir manager can store early snowmelt, but they need the information to plan for that, said McKenzie Skiles, associate professor at the universitys School of Environment, Society and Sustainability. If we can start to build dust into the snowmelt forecast models, it will make water management decision-making more informed.

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Stiles is a co-lead author of the study, which was published in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters in March.

Stiles and other researchers analyzed 23 years of satellite images, from 2021 to 2023, to observe snow darkened by dust in the spring months. They found that dust accelerated snowmelt in the Colorado River Basin every spring, even during less-dusty years.

During runoff season, typically between April and May, the snowpack melts about 10 to 15 millimeters each day. According to the study, dust deposition can accelerate snowmelt by 1 millimeter per hour during peak sunlight  during a high-dust year, that can factor out to about 10 extra millimeters each day.

Its not just how much dust gets deposited over a season, but also the timing of dust deposition that matters, said Patrick Naple, doctoral candidate of geography at the University of Utah and lead author of the study. Dust is very effective at speeding up melt because its most frequently deposited in the spring when days are getting longer and the sun more intense. Even an extra millimeter per hour can make the snowpack disappear several weeks earlier than without dust deposition.

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One of the most comprehensive analyses of dust and snowmelt yet, the university says this research could improve water forecasting and allocation for communities that rely on the Colorado River.

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The above video shows the rescue of two manatees last week that were stranded in a canal.

MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  Rescuers extended a helping hand to a manatee Tuesday that was found with a fishing lure lodged in its mouth.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said staff at its Melbourne Beach lab teamed up with specialists from four organizations to help the marine mammal.

PHOTOS: Pinellas detective rescues young owl from busy Clearwater parking lot

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The team safely removed the lure, completed a health assessment and equipped the manatee with new tracking gear, including a satellite tag.

(Credit: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute) (Credit: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute) (Credit: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute)

Rescuers gave the manatee the name, Calliope, before she was released back into the water.

Calliopes rescue happened to coincide with Earth Day. The FWC said it should serve as a reminder to stash the trash and keep an eye out for distressed wildlife.

Those who assisted in the rescue included members of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Save the Manatee Club, Volusia County Marine Mammal Stranding and ZooTampa.

Anyone who spots a manatee that is deceased, injured, entangled, distressed, or tagged, is asked to call the FWCs Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 24. At the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the Chairman of the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK), Timur Suleimenov, signed a Framework Agreement with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), Trend reports via Kazakhstans National Bank.

According to information, the agreement aims to develop cooperation in key areas such as strengthening expertise, conducting joint research, and exchanging best practices between the two organizations. These initiatives are intended to contribute to improving financial stability and the development of Kazakhstan's economy.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is part of the World Bank, which provides loans and financing for the development of middle-income countries and the poorest countries that need support to achieve sustainable economic growth.

In March 2024, the World Bank approved a $600 million loan for Kazakhstan under the Policy Development Program. The goal of the program is to support reforms aimed at transitioning to a more competitive, environmentally friendly, and inclusive economy.
As earthquake tremors hit Istanbul and surrounding areas on Wednesday afternoon, including a 6.2 magnitude shakeup, people reacted quickly, leaving buildings and running into the streets.

Most offices were fortunately not open as it was a national holiday in Turkey.

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Small tremors continue, an apparel industry spokesperson told Sourcing Journal, adding that anxieties were running high. Schools were announced closed for two days, leaving factory workers in the region anxious.

Istanbul authorities warned the public not to enter buildings that might be damaged following the earthquakes.

Manufacturers who have their offices around the Istanbul area were stoicciting that earthquakes were not unknown in the region.

More than 20,000 people died in the northwest region, including some parts of Istanbul, when two massive quakes hit the region in 1999. In 2023, the damage and loss of lives was extensive as a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on destroyed buildings and more than 50,000 people lost their lives. It also left a substantial impact in the apparel production sector, causing damage to 10 percent in Turkeys garment production, and 30.5 percent in the textile sector.

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Seismic too, has been the effect of the Trump tariffs announced earlier this month. The textile sector in Turkey is being shaken out of its torpor, gathering to see if it can now really see a change of fortune.

We have daily and monthly reports to the industry and are also arranging webinars and talks with the members for the future strategies, Toygar Narbay, co-chair Turkish Clothing Manufacturers Association (TGSD) told Sourcing Journal on Wednesday.

This week, the World Bank upwardly revised the outlook for Turkey, with a forecast of 3.1 percent growth.

Treasury and finance minister Mehmet Simsek, who was in New York on Monday, and subsequently in Washington to attend the G-20, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring meetings, was busy making assurances that Turkey was on a strong recovery path.

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His plan for the visit, as he shared before he left Istanbul, was to meet with U.S. companies that plan to shift their supply to Turkey, especially following recent developments. In his meetings over the last few days he has been reaffirming the point that Narbay made. I think Turkey is one of the very few countries out there with a sizable manufacturing culture and capacity where we could see integration in global value chains, when it comes to the West in general, be strengthened, he said.

It was one of the points that came up in a meeting with Secretary of the Treasury Scott K.H. Bessent, who met him along with Central Bank Governor Fatih Karahan of Turkey.

The Secretary also inquired as to current and future actions by the Turkish government towards addressing Turkish market volatility, and Turkeys uncertain economic outlook, a readout from the US department of the Treasury said on Wednesday.

But is the industry actually ready to take on the manufacturing that might have to move from China?

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Absolutely so, Narbay said, There are approximately 55,000 factories in this sector in Turkey. Many of them are very small, but an approximate 1.5 percent or 800 factories have more than 250 employees.

The European continent and U.K. account for approximately 74 percent of apparel exports from Turkey, while the North American continent accounts for less than 6 percent.

While there has been much talk about the closure of factories in the last two years, Narbay said that total bankruptcies in 2024 were 1,800, and were from across industries, out of three million companies. If you take the numbers from the apparel industrythose are very smallbut companies have been trying to find a way out because they invested too much in 2022, and with the shrinking economy the investments became empty. Given the tariffs as they were announced, a lot of manufacturing will have to shiftwe have the ability to build that capacity very quickly, because so much was already invested in this area, he said

Narbay believes that it is not only an economic situation with the tariffs, but the underlying politics. If Trump would have asked the buyers nicely Please step out of China and Vietnam, there would have been a conflict of interests, because companies are opportunistic. But if you raise the tariff enormously, then they have no choice but to look at their options. The problem is not just the trade deficit. There are military exercises in the China sea, there is the NATO meeting, and statement, in 2022 that China has to be watched, he cited.

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He believes there will need to be a shift, and that Turkey has a big role, and India has a big role in this changing world of eco-politics.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced last week that he would travel to the U.S. to meet president Trump in mid-May, telling the local media that he would hold talks.

Manufacturers are holding their breaths.

Narbay said it simply. Although we realize that the European market is very different from the U.S. which wants less specialty items and larger number of orderswe have the capacity and can easily add in much more to access to the U.S. market.
DANDRIDGE, Tenn. (WATE)  The operator of a kitchen cabinet business in Dandridge has finally returned deposit checks to three customers who never received the cabinets and countertops they ordered a year ago. The refunds were returned much to the surprise of the families, who never expected to see the money.

Business owner Michael Bossert said last November that refund checks for cabinets to three of his customers would arrive by December. The kitchen cabinets were ordered at Heartland Cabinet Factory Outlet in Dandridge. Checks amounting to full deposits were finally processed for each family in early March and April.

Lawyer breaks down Savannah Grace Copeland Act as Powell teen murder case continues

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6 News first talked with Sharon Ruttan, Jeff and Randi Swan, Ed and Allison Murphy in November 2024. The Murphys received their check for more than $10,000 on April 15.

I told my wife, you aint going to believe this, Michael Bossert just texted me and said to come pick up the check, said Ed Murphy.

Allison Murphy continued, I said, we need to get in the car and go now. I was excited.

Its been a long time. We put a deposit down on our cabinets on February 20, 2024, said Ed Murphy.

He said when he received Mr. Bosserts text message, he immediately went to the store.

Finally, after eight months of his promising to give us the money, we finally got it, said Allison Murphy.

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Man killed in crash along Norris Freeway on Easter

Jeff Swan also received a similar text from Michael Bossert last week.

He told me that he had a refund check for me and that I could come and pick it up at his store or he would mail it to us. I quickly hopped in the truck and headed down there. I was in disbelief. I honestly never thought we would see it, he said.

There was disbelief because Bossert wrote to the state Attorney Generals office saying the Swans would get their deposit by October 4, 2024.

I never thought that this would happen, said Randi Swan. Because its been so long. We pretty much had gotten to the point where we were accepting that we are never going to see it.

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He claimed the attorneys were involved, and thats why it took so long, Jeff Swan added.

Sharon Ruttan received her full deposit in early March. She paid 50% down on March 11, 2024, but her cabinets never arrived. When she filed a complaint with the state licensing board against Heartland last month, her deposit was sent within days.

On March 31, Bossert filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with federal court. He plans to restructure his debt and lists liabilities between $1 to $10 million, with over 50 creditors he owes money to. His store remains open in Dandridge, allowing him to negotiate with creditors and potentially leading to a repayment plan and a path to financial recovery.

I think it could have been avoided. I think there were many things Mr. Bossert could have done. I think he could have been more upfront with us, said Allison Murphy.

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Sharron Ruttan, the Swans and Murphys said they paid another business to install their cabinets and countertops last year.

Knoxville woman faces eviction due to daughters behavior at apartment complex

Together with his attorney, Bossert will next appear in bankruptcy court to outline his plan to restructure his debt. In the meantime, his store remains open for business. The families weve followed since last November are happy to see their money.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Volunteers were taking calls on Wednesday for the third day of the Easterseals Community Rally Telethon.

The community rally will raise money and awareness for children with disabilities. As part of the Rally, Easterseals will be holding a telethon from April 21 through 25.

Easterseals Community Rally 2025: Day 2

Easterseals Board member Mark Scott said he is thankful for everybody giving back during the Community Rally.

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Its unbelievable, over 100 years, we service over 5,000 kids each and every year, Scott said. We just thank everybody, and this community. Peoria is such an incredible giving community, with so many different organizations, and were just proud to be a part of that.

Easterseals Ambassador Jessica Rosenbahm thanked everyone who helped her raise $9,095.

Easterseals is a really good organization that helped me walk and talk and be friendly to people, Rosenbahm said. If it wasnt for them, I wouldnt be where I am right now.

Sgt. Darrin Kesler with Team Airguard said he was inspired to give back due to his mentor, who had children with Easterseals. They teamed up with Brad Gebhards with Schooners and raised just under $17,000.

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Those who want to donate can call (309) 688-2022 during the telethon or go to the Easterseals website.

This story will be updated.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council members moved forward with a 10-2 vote on the intragovernmental agreement with the City of St. George.

Charlie Davis, chief administrative officer with the East Baton Rouge Parish Mayors Office, said this has been a great step forward.

Its the beginning, I think the future of these two cities in this parish is working closely together for the benefit of all the citizens, said Davis. Davis said even though the plans are starting to be completed, having a full agreement wasnt easy.

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During the meeting, several metro councilmembers addressed that an additional item was missing from the agenda. District 7 Councilwoman Twhana Harris said during the meeting that the Sewage agreement was supposed to be the third item. Davis said the agreement hasnt been agreed upon yet, as they just started the discussion on the agreement Wednesday.

Louisiana Senate committee approves bills for St. George school district; EBR warns of $140M hit

So, the sewage agreement is almost done. Even as of tonight, its not quite ready yet. And so, we got two or three agreements done. We just didnt get the third one done, he said.

This is to be discussed at a later date.

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The council also approved the 2% sales tax for St. George, which now gives them full access to the funding. Much of it ranges to over $17 million. This would now leave a deficit in the funding for East Baton Rouge Parish. Dustin Yates, mayor of St. George, said during the meeting that funding has always caused the divide between the cities, and said he wants to be able to collaborate effectively.

Before the item was agreed upon, District 10 Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman asked Yates if they would sue if this didnt pass. Yates said thats not something he can give a yes or no answer to.

Litigation is our last course of offense here. Ive fought hard, unbelievably hard over the last seven or eight months to keep us out of continued litigation with the city-parish, and today is a testament to that, he said.

Yates said this is just the start of the process on agreements and services for the new city.

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I think there needs to be a lot of third-party folks brought in to look at the way our city-parish operates. And in totality, not just in regard to the City of Saint George, he said.

Another concern was the citys true incorporation date. St. George was officially incorporated in April of last year, and the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled in its favor. Davis said the date of the citys incorporation is not as important.

The corporation date. Functionally, is going to be 2024, whether thats ever legally instituted or not. I dont think its critical at this point, he said.

Dunn and District 5 Councilman Darryl Hurst voted no. Dunn said he didnt disagree with the agreement, but with its presentation.

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Only a few components of that were presented tonight. I would have preferred to take them all together as discussed, not separate, he said.

Dunn said hes all for wanting to unite with St. George and collaborating on making better changes, litigation remains at the forefront of their concerns, and how this could affect those who live in East Baton Rouge Parish.

No matter what the motivation is. You want to make sure youre not harming the parish and not at the expense of any other agenda, in my opinion, said Dunn.

St. George is set to have full responsibility for their services on July 1.

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SACRAMENTO, California  Gov. Gavin Newsom has waded into a bitter fight at Californias privacy agency over proposed automation rules that could have nationwide impacts on everything from hiring to health care.

Newsom, in a rare letter to the California Privacy Protection Agencys five-member board on Wednesday, obtained by POLITICO, urged regulators not to crush the states flourishing artificial intelligence sector under onerous regulations  echoing complaints from tech and business groups.

As my office has relayed to Agency staff over the last year, enacting these regulations could create significant unintended consequences and impose substantial costs that threaten Californias enduring dominance in technological innovation, Newsom wrote.

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CPPA Executive Director Tom Kemp in a statement to POLITICO on Wednesday said the agency appreciate[s] Governor Newsoms letter and his engagement on this important issue.

Big picture: California is home to many of the worlds largest AI companies, which help fuel the states budget through tax revenue, but also some of the nations most robust privacy and tech regulations, often putting the industry at odds with state policymakers. The CPPA, created in 2020, is also the only dedicated privacy agency in the country.

Newsoms letter is the latest example of the governor intervening to oppose regulations he feels would undercut Californias global competitiveness in the lucrative tech industry. It lends support to business groups that spent months campaigning to weaken the CPPAs proposed automation regulations, much to the disdain of privacy advocates and labor unions that support the rules.

The draft rules would require companies to scale back their use of automated tools in a wide array of scenarios if customers ask to opt out, ranging from hiring to health care to loan applications. They would likely set a de facto national standard, given Californias preeminence in the global tech sector.

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More details: Newsom said he was pleased that the board asked CPPA staff earlier this month to exclude generative AI tools from proposed opt-out and risk assessment requirements.

California is home to over half of the world's top artificial intelligence companies, granting us a unique responsibility to lead in the safe advancement of an industry that has the potential to improve our lives, maintain the state's economic dominance, and benefit the public good for decades to come, he wrote.

However, CPPA board members remain divided over the proposed regulations. Some, like board chair Jennifer Urban, support passing strong safeguards that grant consumers broad rights to control how automated tools use their data, while others, like Alastair Mactaggart, argue stringent rules could expose the agency to legal threats and undermine its mission.

Background: Newsoms letter comes after a bipartisan group of 18 state lawmakers, in partnership with the California Chamber of Commerce, sent a letter in February warning the agency against approving strict and potentially costly AI regulations.

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The governor said he agreed with the lawmakers in his letter to the CPPA.

Financial outlook: Newsom made particular note of the potential financial impacts of the rules. The CPPA in an October analysis projected its draft rules could cost California businesses approximately $3.5 billion in the first year of implementation, though it also forecasted benefits would outweigh costs in the long run.

Whats next: Newsom said his team will continue engaging with Agency staff as regulators weigh how much to amend the proposed rules. The CPPA board has a November deadline to finalize the rules.
Apr. 23The 2023 A-F Accountability Ratings are now final following a nearly two-year court case that was recently resolved by an appellate court ruling.

The ratings award Ector County ISD an overall grade of C for the 2022-23 school year, with six (6) schools earning an A, and twelve (12) earning a B.

"We are glad to finally receive our official accountability ratings for 2022-23 school year," ECISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Keeley Boyer said in a news release. "While the official letter grades are new, the data behind them are not. Our team recognized the areas of need then and has been working each year to improve our students' achievement."

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In the 2022-23 school year, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) introduced several changes to create a more rigorous accountability system. Among those changes were weighted proportionality (where larger campuses make up a larger percentage of a district's grade, i.e. a middle school of 1,000 students counts more heavily than an elementary school with 700 students), and a dramatic increase in the College Career Military Readiness standards (in 2022 ECISD's CCMR score was a 65 and earned an A, in 2023 ECISD's CCMR score increased to 73 yet was graded a C).

It is interesting to note, ECISD's district score in 2022 was 82 and the district received its first overall B rating. Under the new accountability system implemented in 2023, ECISD's district score was a 73 earning a C. Using TEA's "What if" calculations, applying the 2023 standards to 2022, ECISD's district score would have been a 72 (rather than an 82), indicating ECISD students overall performance improved slightly from 2022 to 2023 under the new accountability system, the release said.

"We have work to do," said Dr. Boyer. "We have seen growth in many areas over the past five years, but to be the great school district we aspire to be, we must continue to improve.

"While these ratings are important for us, we are right now in the midst of 2025 STAAR testing. Our teachers and students have worked hard all year to be successful and we look forward to seeing these test results in early summer and, ultimately, the 2025 accountability ratings later in the summer."

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In 2023, 121 Texas school districts across the state, including Ector County ISD, filed for an injunction against TEA's accountability system changes which were sent to districts after the statutory deadline for doing so. A Travis County judge ruled in favor of granting the injunction, however, last month the 15th Court of Appeals overturned that injunction and ruled the ratings should be released. In 2024, a second lawsuit was filed against TEA, of which ECISD was not part. A final ruling on the 2024 accountability ratings has not yet been issued.

School by school 2023 Accountability Ratings:

A schools

 Hays STEAM Academy Elementary

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 Reagan Magnet Elementary

 Gale Pond Alamo STEAM Academy

 New Tech Odessa

 Odessa Collegiate Academy

 OCTECHS

B schools

 Austin Montessori

 Blanton Elementary

 Burnet Elementary

 Cameron Dual Language Elementary

 Dowling Elementary

 West Elementary

 Ross Elementary

 San Jacinto Elementary

 Ector College Prep MS

 Nimitz MS

 Wilson & Young MS

 STEM Academy

C schools

 Milam Fine Arts Elementary

 LBJ Elementary

 Fly Elementary

 Noel Elementary

 Crockett MS

 Permian HS

D schools

 Jordan Elementary

 Blackshear Elementary

 Travis (closed in May 2024)

 Goliad Elementary

 Gonzales Elementary

 Ireland Elementary

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 Cavazos Elementary

 Buice Elementary

 Bonham MS

 Bowie MS

 Odessa HS

F schools

 Burleson (closed in May 2024, will reopen in August 2026 as an early education center)

 EK Downing Elementary

 Sam Houston Elementary
In a time roiled with fear, division and rancor, the loss of Pope Francis is a cruel and stunning blow. The pontiff  who died early Monday morning at the age of 88, after celebrating Holy Week  made a deep and profound impact on the face of Catholicism worldwide and was a voice for healing and justice that resonated beyond the boundaries of the Catholic church.

He commanded the attention of world leaders in a way that few of his predecessors attempted, focusing a clear and holy light on the plight of the poor and marginalized. He spoke with simple eloquence on the duty of humans to respect divine gifts  including the planet we share. He insisted the church hold itself accountable for sins of its recent past.

That gentle fearlessness came with a populist appeal: Francis rejected many of the luxurious trappings of his office (famously, he often swapped the papal limousine for a modest Fiat or Ford, and rarely appeared in elaborate vestments or jeweled pectorals). He took to social media and personal appearances to make his points directly to the people who looked to him for guidance. And he often charmed his followers with informality and humor, often sharing the spotlight with children.

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Time and again, he rebuked judgmental viewpoints with a quiet emphasis on shared humanity. That led him to abandon the churchs condemnation of homosexual relationships, relaxing rules to allow blessings of same-sex couples (though he stopped short of suggesting that lesbian or gay marriages could be solemnized in the church, and maintained an opposition to gender reassignment).

He also broke down barriers that kept women out of senior positions in the church, though again, he didnt go as far as to endorse their ordination as priests. His key message: All were welcome in the church he led  exemplified during a 2023 gathering in Portugal where he led a half-million young people chanting todos, todos, todos, Spanish for everyone, everyone, everyone. And though he once embraced the churchs policy of denying claims of sexual abuse, he came to express deep penitence for that stance, along with a commitment to do a better job of holding abusers accountable.

Francis drive for inclusiveness also saw him making common cause with leaders of other faiths, and agreeing to meet with elected officials who embraced the exclusionist policies he often rebuked. It is impossible for peace to exist without dialogue, he said in a 2013 interview with the atheist editor of an Italian daily newspaper. All the wars, all the strife, all the unsolved problems over which we clash are due to a lack of dialogue. When there is a problem, talk: this makes peace.

He also surprised many with his repeated exhortations to practice better stewardship of the globe: Time, my brothers and sisters, seems to be running out; we are not yet tearing one another apart, but we are tearing apart our common home. Today, the scientific community realizes what the poor have long told us: harm, perhaps irreversible harm, is being done to the ecosystem.  And behind all this pain, death and destruction there is the stench of what Basil of Caesarea called the dung of the devil: An unfettered pursuit of money rules. These comments, part of a 2015 address in Bolivia, helped set the stage for a common theme that he would visit again and again.

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But his deepest compassion and most passionate advocacy was reserved for those who, to too many world leaders, mattered the least: The poor, the immigrants and the refugees who often suffered as political targets. Openness to God makes us open towards the marginalized of this world, and gives us the courage to leave the confines of our own security and comfort to become bruised, hurting and dirty as we joyfully approach the suffering other, he said in his first official communication as pope.

Is it any wonder that Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most beloved faith leaders in modern history? His vision  of a world where humanity is elevated above doctrine, and kind humility usurps formality and the trappings of power  is one that should resonate for generations to come in a rich legacy of hope, justice and compassion.

_____
As U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin told reporters Wednesday of his intention not to run for reelection, he clearly was worried that his own exit at the age of 80 would be taken as a rallying cry for the Democratic Partys myriad other oldsters to hang it up already.

In the wake of the Joe Biden disaster, when Democrats failed to see Bidens age-related political demise staring them in the face, many younger Democrats have been calling for a new generation of leaders capable of fighting, and defeating, the chaotic agenda of President Donald Trump and his allies.

But Durbin made clear that was not his intent, pointing out the ongoing vitality of the likes of Chuck Grassley (aged 91) and Bernie Sanders (aged 83), two senators on the opposite ends of the ideological spectrum.

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Durbin is, of course, correct: Peoples cognitive abilities are not defined merely by a number. But the tricky part of this whole retirement business is that some politicians also experience a decline in judgment when it comes to the very thing that matters most: their own abilities, which they know better than anyone else.

Deciding when to leave the stage is a tricky business in any profession, not least because those dependent on you for their own jobs, or even those genuinely grateful, often are reluctant to tell you the truth. Look at what happened with Biden. As soon as he stepped aside, some of the very journalists who had insisted he was doing fine then started publishing books insisting they had known the opposite, all along.

Whether its fair to say an 80-year-old is still at the top of his cognitive game is open to question but in the case of Durbin, who spoke with this board many times after first entering the Senate in 1996, and debated his opponents in front of us, cognitive matters are buoyed by decades of experience and the mans fundamentally decent nature.

Take what he said to us about Democratic infighting in 2007: I received a letter about two months ago from a group in Chicago asking me if I would go to Springfield and mediate their difficulties. I said Id rather go to Iraq  and I meant it. Im very disappointed as a Democrat that it has reached this point. I cannot explain it other than there are personal elements involved here that have unfortunately transcended the real issues and there is not a good spirit of cooperation and compromise.

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The metaphor was apt, for Durbin did then go to Iraq. When we asked him back then about how America should resolve the embers of what time has proven to be a misadventure, he said, You know, stay the course, gut it out, dont cut and run, were waiting for victory, sounds great at a convention of veterans. But the bottom line is these soldiers have given more than most should ever be asked.

Indeed. But Durbin was also not for a chaotic withdrawal: Some of my friends say, Leave tomorrow. Get everybody out tomorrow if you can. Its not only physically impossible, I dont think its politically wise. We made a mess getting into this war; we shouldnt make a mess getting out.

Thats a good indicator both of Durbins integrity and general reluctance to score cheap political points that come with human costs.

During his tenure, he has had a rich understanding of the need for comprehensive and bipartisan immigration reform, as yet unrealized. His early focus on providing a pathway to legal residency and citizenship for the immigrants lacking permanent legal status, who were brought to this country as children through no fault of their own, came to be one of the few potential compromises in the fraught matter of immigration; this board has long supported help for these immigrants who grew up in America and now deserve the chance to thrive here. Durbin helped brand them as the Dreamers, a definition that Trump has acknowledged as persuasive and might yet provide them with long-term protection. As it should.

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But in terms of our daily lives, the biggest Durbin achievement surely was in the area of tobacco legislation. There, he both surfed and harnessed a great wave as a reluctant America finally came to see the health dangers of cigarettes and other products and slowly but surely transitioned to a mostly smoke-free society, at least in public spaces. Big Tobacco was a powerful adversary, but Durbin and his bipartisan allies prevailed.

At least in part, you have Durbin to thank for no longer having to cover your nose on an L train or cough and splutter on a public bus. No more do we have swirls of smoke spiraling in a fuselage at 30,000 feet, as if an airplanes so-called smoking section had an invisible wall from the rest of us.

Durbins work there saved lives in a far more direct way than most politicians ever manage.

We congratulate the distinguished senator from Illinois on his well-deserved retirement and look forward to the battles to replace him.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Thank you to state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for publishing an analysis of the balance of payments between the 50 states and the federal government. This is his ninth annual review, continuing a tradition that began when Pat Moynihan first arrived in the U.S. Senate in 1977 and that Moynihan kept up for all his 24 years of service.

Moynihan, always the professor, called his report the fisc. While the word fisc was archaic (look it up and learn something), the purpose was, and remains, cutting edge: How much does each state pay into the U.S. treasury in total taxes and how much government spending does each state receive from Uncle Sam?

Thus there are surplus states and deficit states, or recipient states and donor states and, of course, it does not balance to zero since the U.S. government annually runs hundreds of billions in the red. Getting the most back from the federal government are the poorest states like Mississippi and West Virginia, which makes sense since they need the most assistance. At the other end are the richest ones like New York, Massachusetts and Washington State paying for that assistance.

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The other factor than poverty is government spending, so Virginia is a big surplus state being loaded with federal facilities like the Pentagon and No. 1 on the DiNapolis list is New Mexico, which has the Sandia National Laboratories and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, both funded with billions from the feds every year. On that scale, New York also comes up short, with many fewer per capita federal employees and at the bottom for federal highway expenditures.

Which is why for decades New York has been one of the biggest donor states, sending more money each year to Washington than we got back. What temporarily changed that was COVID, as the Congress sent out billions to state and local governments and businesses and individuals when the pandemic began in 2020 in order to keep people afloat and prevent the economy from collapsing as the virus tore through the country, killing more than a million Americans.

DiNapolis report finds that during the last four years, due to all those COVID dollars, New York was a surplus state, but that is ending. Yet even being on the plus side was not by much, as for every tax dollar remitted to feds from New Yorkers in fiscal year 2023, New York got back $1.06 in return, but the national average was $1.32.

Now comes what could be the next disaster putting New York into even more of a negative balance than before COVID, as DiNapoli warns: Actions taken by the Trump administration and Congress may cut health care, food assistance, infrastructure and other critical programs to the detriment of all New Yorkers. He continued, saying that will exacerbate the long-standing history of New Yorkers sending more of their hard-earned tax dollars to the federal government than they get back.

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For two dozen years, Moynihan showed that New York was carrying much more of the federal weight than other states. The numbers told the truth, even as politicians from elsewhere complained about New York getting too big of a share. The facts, now collected by DiNapoli, are that New York gets a small slice of the pie.

___
Photo: State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Supervision under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. One of the important steps taken by the Azerbaijani State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control is the expansion of opportunities for implementing digital platforms for collecting and analyzing information related to competition legislation, the agency's head Elnur Baghirov said during a public discussion titled "The Role of Trade Networks in the Market Economy: Opportunities and Perspectives", Trend reports.

According to him, on this basis, the agency initiated the establishment of the Electronic Competition Information System.

Baghirov noted that the mentioned system will enable the acceptance and processing of applications from consumers and market participants in the areas of competition and consumer rights protection, obtaining the necessary documents or information in real time from other state bodies, the electronic submission of decisions and information regarding these applications, as well as ensuring the accessibility of information in these areas for users.

On July 9 of last year, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the creation of the Electronic Competition Information System.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Aldi, the fastest growing grocery store chain in the U.S., makes its Las Vegas debut on Thursday, opening a stores in Henderson and North Las Vegas.

And if you need a reason to go, eggs are cheaper than Smiths and Albertsons. A dozen Grade A eggs (cage-free) were priced at $4.47 during a media preview event on Tuesday afternoon. The stores opening Thursday are at:

621 Marks St. in Henderson

2106 W. Craig Road in North Las Vegas

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The opening date for a third store in the southwest valley at Rainbow Boulevard and Arby Avenue is expected in May, according to a company news release.

8 News Now has learned that a fourth store is planned in Henderson, near Eastern Avenue and Horizon Ridge Parkway in a former Albertsons location. Officials at Tuesdays event would not confirm that information.

Thursdays grand opening events are scheduled at 8 a.m., with special giveaways for the first 100 customers. Normal business hours for the two stores are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A dozen grade A eggs is priced at $4.47 as Aldi opens two stores in the Las Vegas valley. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow) Aldi Regional Vice President Shawn Eddy. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow) Raspberry oranges on display at Aldi. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow) Kim Brazington is the director of national buying and a certified cheese professional at Aldi. (Greg Haas / 8NewsNow)

Aldi prides itself on helping its customers save money. They do it primarily through store-brand products, although youll see some national brands, too.

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The stores are less than half the size of a typical Las Vegas supermarket, and you wont get mailers with the weekly specials. You can find those online at https://www.aldi.us/weekly-specials/our-weekly-ads/.

Shawn Eddy, Aldis regional vice president, said saving money is a major focus for the chain.

Price is key for us. Were the price leader, which we believe is why were the nations fastest growing grocer right now, Eddy said.

Youll bag your own groceries and plunk down a quarter to use a cart (youll get it back when you return the cart  see the video below).

And if Aldi is thrifty, theres no shortage of interesting items on store shelves. Produce offerings include Cotton Candy grapes, Cara Cara navel oranges and raspberry oranges, described as similar to a blood orange but sweeter. Specialty cheeses  more than 50 varieties, including imports  meats and seafood are available.

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We have a lot of great products, great costs. We have our Aldi Finds aisle back there, Eddy said, pointing to a section of 100 unique items every week that the stores dont always offer. Our customers seem to love that. They can come in and get seasonally trendy items, things that we dont always carry. Its fun. You can get shoes, to a backpack, to a lawnmower.

Kim Brazington, the director of national buying and a certified cheese professional, said Aldi has the products that are right for the time of the year.

Its a great shopping experience because its quick, and then weve got the products that you need and you want, like when youre going to need them. So, for a grilling season or for the summertime, were going to have a fresh goat or that marinated mozzarella type of product, Brazington said.

And also, you never really know what youre going to find in our Aldi Finds selection, she said.

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Aldi looks for items that are fun and innovative. Anything from like a truckle from the U.K. all the way to baked lemon ricotta, Brazington said.

Shes looking for whats next, too.

Sheeps milk cheese is a really great kind of step from goats milk cheese, Brazington said. It has the benefits of being easy to digest without some of the flavor that sometimes turns people off from goats milk.

I think sheeps milk cheese next year is going to be kind of the next big thing because sometimes the goat milk flavor that comes through on a goat cheese is a little bit earthy, Brazington said.

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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A multi-agency effort led by the Mooresville Police Department resulted in eight arrests tied to internet crimes against children.

Dubbed Operation Millstone, the initiative brought together 78 personnel from 21 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Those arrested ranged in age from 25 to 91 and allegedly used various online platforms to solicit minors.

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Charges include felony solicitation of a child by computer, with some suspects also facing charges for appearing to meet a minor. Mooresville Police said this operation was built upon Operation Artemis, a 2024 investigation that led to 15 arrests.

The eight individuals taken into custody include:

Damon Jefferson, 25, Salisbury  Felony solicitation and appearing; $250,000 bond

Judson Creech II, 36, Mooresville  Felony solicitation and appearing; $30,000 bond

Jorge Armondo Martinez, 37, Charlotte  Felony solicitation and appearing; $30,000 bond

Ismael Vazquez, 33, Charlotte  Felony solicitation and appearing; $30,000 bond

James David Courtney, 91, Lexington, SC  Felony solicitation; $50,000 bond

Eddie Rigdon, 72, Leland  Felony solicitation; $2,500 bond

William Dane Tobey, 75, Salisbury  Felony solicitation and appearing; $30,000 bond

Manuel Crispin Gonzalez, 35, Winston-Salem  Misdemeanor charges unrelated to solicitation; $1,000 bond

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Two students from the El Paso Classical Academy were awarded scholarships to the University of Texas at El Paso.

According to the news release by the El Paso Classical Academy, students Danielle Ceniceros and Daniela de Luna received the UTEP Excellence Scholarship.

El Paso Classical Academy students Danielle Ceniceros and Daniela de Luna, recipients of UTEPs Excellence Scholarship. Photo courtesy of El Paso Classical Academy.

The scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship (that) recognizes outstanding academic merit, leadership, and community service and is renewable for up to four years, helping to cover tuition and additional expenses, the Academy said.

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Ceniceros and de Luna will be graduating from the El Paso Classical Academy in May 2025 and will continue their education at UTEP in the fall.

We are incredibly proud of Danielle and Daniela. Their academic achievements, leadership, and service to others exemplify the values we strive to instill at El Paso Classical Academy, Headmaster Martha Crespo said. This scholarship is well-deserved, and we are excited to see all they will accomplish in the future.

According to the Academy, Ceniceros will pursue a law degree, and de Luna wants to study business administration.

The El Paso Classical Academy is a tuition-free ResponsiveEd public charter school that serves grades pre-K through 12, according to the news release by the school.

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For more information about the El Paso Classical Academy, you can visit their website or call (915) 260-6982.

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ORIGINAL: EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso Fire crews knocked down a Condition 3 house fire on Wednesday, April 23, in West El Paso.

According to El Paso Fire, the call came in at 2:18 p.m. on April 23, about a house fire at the 900 block of Broadmoor Drive.

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According to Chief Battalion Sergio Armendariz, the fire started in the garage and spread to nearby trees, shrubs and a basketball court.

The fire stayed in the garage and didnt spread, but there was smoke damage done throughout the house, Armendariz said.

The condition was upgraded because we didnt have enough water, cause the hydrant was a low-rated hydrant, and I believe there was a layer between the sheetrock of the ceiling and the roof. So, the fire went in there, and we couldnt get access to it. Thats why we needed more personnel. Armendariz said.

It took fire crews roughly one hour to contain the fire, Armendariz said.

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According to Armendariz, 21 units responded, and about 45 personnel were on the scene.

No injuries to the residents or firefighters were reported, Armendariz said.

Armendariz said an inspector with the City of El Paso has yet to determine if the house is still livable.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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The Australian cassowary is one of the most dangerous birds out there. An elderly man recently experienced this firsthand, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

What's happening?

A man in his 70s was relaxing in his backyard in the northern Australian town of Cardwell when a cassowary found its way in and attacked, leaving him bleeding from the back of his thigh. He was taken to a hospital in nearby Tully, treated, and released shortly thereafter. Agents from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation were unable to track down the animal afterward, despite other encounters in the vicinity.

Why are wildlife attacks important?

The cassowary plays a vital role in rainforest ecosystems as the only long-distance dispersal animal for large-seeded fruits in the region, per the Wet Tropics Management Authority.

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Local experts suggest that cassowaries become comfortable around people only after receiving food from them. This leads to a shift in behavior where wild animals approach humans more routinely with the expectation of food, contributing to an increase in more dangerous encounters  a pattern observed in other animal species, such as bears in North America.

"They will come into people's yards and look for food," said veterinarian Graham Lauridsen, per the ABC. "They become less scared of people and then they'll approach people and then dramas can happen."

Lauridsen also said that recent floods in the encompassing Cassowary Coast region were likely a contributing factor.

What's being done about wildlife attacks?

There is broad consensus among wildlife experts that feeding wild animals leads to negative and sometimes harmful outcomes. Food sources can significantly alter animal behavior, and the closer they are to humans, the greater the likelihood of injury.

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The Wet Tropics Management Authority has a robust conservation plan to keep cassowaries healthy and safe. This includes protecting habitats and migration corridors and educating locals on cassowary behavior. These efforts are vital, as the iconic bird is endangered.

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LIMA (Reuters) -Archaeologists in coastal Peru have discovered the 5,000-year-old remains of a woman who may have belonged to the upper echelons of the ancient Caral civilization, a find they say points to the importance of women in the city some five millennia earlier.

Caral, located some 180 km (112 miles) up the Pacific coast from Lima, is considered the oldest city in the Americas and would have been inhabited at the same time as ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Sumerian civilizations - though unlike these, researchers say it developed in complete isolation.

Aspero, the area in the Caral site where the tomb was found, was formerly used as a municipal dump.

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"This is an important burial because it has elements that correspond to a woman of high status," archeologist David Palomino told Reuters on Thursday, pointing to the way the corpse was wrapped and preservation of her skin, hair and nails.

The body of the woman, who would have died at around 20 to 35 years of age, was found with a mantle of blue and brown feathers that could come from an Amazonian bird such as a macaw, he said, adding the tomb was surrounded by baskets with offerings, vases, gourds and a toucan's beak.

Palomino said the finding showed that "not only men had an important association in this civilization, but this was also complementary with that of women."

Though researchers do not know the exact date of the burial, the Caral civilization was active around 3,000 B.C.

(Reporting by Reuters TV; Writing by Marco Aquino and Sarah Morland; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
(FOX40.COM)  Elk Grove Police Department responded to a burglary in progress after the homeowner called the authorities, saying they could see people breaking into their home via a video feed. The incident happened in March 8:30 p.m.

According to EGPD, a witness saw a silver vehicle with four occupants leaving the house. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the vehicle and attempted to make a stop.

Union Pacific train collides with pedestrian in South Sacramento

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Police said the suspect vehicle led officers on a pursuit down southbound 99 until they eventually yielded in Galt. All four occupants took off on foot from the car.

EGPD stated that all suspects have been taken into custody and booked at the Sacramento Main Jail on several charges, including burglary, conspiracy, evading, and resisting arrest.

EGPD said, Quick action and teamwork at its best, kudos to our officers, Galt PD, and the sharp-eyed witnesses.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
The Department of Government Efficiency has been digging around in government agencies, trying to find waste, fraud and abuse, and Elon Musk says the departments efforts will save the country $160 billion in fiscal year 2026.

Musk has been leading the department as a special government employee since Jan. 20, but starting in May, his time allocation to DOGE will drop significantly, per his remarks on a conference call to discuss Teslas earnings. Tesla shares have fallen 41% so far in 2025, but they jumped 4% after his announcement on Tuesday.

With the savings from the cuts DOGE has suggested to USAID, Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., have proposed that $2 billion get reallocated to pay for outstanding repairs in state veterans homes.

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USAID came under scrutiny for its spending almost immediately after President Donald Trump took office in January.

Spending by the agency that came under fire from Republicans included a $2 million grant to strengthen gender-affirming health care in Central America, a $20 million investment to enhance foreign fertilizer and a $1 million grant to see if cocaine makes Japanese quail friskier.

Here are some of the other most interesting DOGE findings so far  and whether or not theyre real.

How much has DOGE saved?

DOGEs website says it has rooted out $160 billion dollars of waste and fraud from the federal government and that these findings will save the average taxpayer $993.79 each.

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So far, the department has reported terminating 8,454 contracts, saving $30 billion; 9,699 grants, saving $33 billion; and 643 leases, saving about $311 million.

These terminations total $63.3 billion, and the website does not report where the remaining $97 billion is or will be cut from.

However, the site does include a breakdown of how much federal agencies spent in 2019 compared to 2024. Overall, there was a 51.7% increase in agency spending and a 42% increase in total government revenue in the last four years.

Here are some of the cuts initiated by DOGE.

$59 million to house migrants in New York City hotels

About a week and a half after Trump signed a February executive order that halted all FEMA expenditures temporarily, DOGE discovered a $59 million payment to house migrants in the country illegally in New York City hotels.

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Elon Musk posted on X, The @DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants. Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the Presidents executive order.

As a result, four FEMA members were fired, per CNN.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said after news broke, Sending $59 million to a migrant hotel to house illegal immigrants when there are still people in North Carolina and California who have not received FEMA funding is not something that this administration is going to tolerate.

$15 million for family planning in Afghanistan

As part of a $100 million package to Afghanistan focused on strengthening civil society, supporting media freedoms and protecting human rights, with a particular focus on the rights of women and girls, USAID allocated $15 million to procure contraceptives, which included oral contraceptives and condoms, per a non-public congressional funding notice given to the Washington Free Beacon.

$700k to find out if the moon landing quote is what we thought it was

The National Science Foundation was awarded $700,000 to figure out if Neil Armstrongs famous quote on the moon was transcribed incorrectly.

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Was it Thats one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind, or was it Thats one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind?

Well, the study was inconclusive, according to the Washington Examiner.

Protesters heckle during a Department of Government Efficiency( DOGE) Caucus news conference on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Washington. | Manuel Balce Ceneta

Who are the people behind DOGE?

Musk has been at the forefront of media and public scrutiny of DOGE, often becoming the target of those unhappy with the cuts. That has extended to his Tesla company, with multiple acts of vandalism against the car company reported across the country.

In one interview with Fox News host turned podcaster Tucker Carlson, Musk explained the need for DOGE.

Weve got a gigantic government bureaucracy. Weve got overregulation, youve got agencies that have overlapping responsibilities. Theres something like 450 federal government agencies, almost two per year since America was founded, he said. Were just creating new agencies all the time. Its getting to the point where basically everything is illegal.

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Musk continued, You just cant get anything done. These become real costs to people. Theyre hidden costs, but theyre very substantial. He then gave the example of regular Americans trying to build new housing. Its very hard to build new housing if youre burdened with massive requirements that dont make any sense.

But Musk is not the only one whos working with DOGE who sees the department as necessary.

In an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, high-profile members of the department answered questions about the work theyve been doing. Interviewees included Anthony Armstrong, a Morgan Stanley investment banker working with the Office of Personnel; Tyler Hassen, an energy executive working with the Interior Department; Tom Krause, the CEO of Cloud Software Group working with the Treasury; Steve Davis, the president of the Boring Company working as a DOGE administrator; and Joe Gebbia, a co-founder of Airbnb working with the digital retirement process.

Musk has also recruited a fleet of young coders, software engineers and entrepreneurs. The youngest on the team is 19-year-old Edward Coristine who had a summer internship at Musks brain-computer interface company, Neuralink. Coristine came under fire for his past social media posts.
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President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

A majority of Americans fear a constitutional crisis is developing from the ongoing conflicts between the Trump Administration and the courts, according to a national survey released Thursday by the Elon University Poll.

Since the beginning of his second term, Trump has worked to concentrate power, signing 130 executive orders so far. Critics are challenging some of those orders as unconstitutional.

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The policy journal Just Security had documented 206 legal challenges against Trump administration actions as of April 22, the Elon press release noted.

Forty-six percent of Elon poll respondents said the president has too much power compared to the other branches of government, while 38% said he has the right amount, and 5% said he had too little.

Theres a partisan split in the responses, with 79% of Democrats saying the president had too much power, and 67% of Republicans saying he has the right amount. A slim majority of independents said he has too much power.

Sixty-seven percent of those surveyed said they were concerned about a situation in which the executive branch and the courts strongly disagree over their constitutional powers and neither side backs downcreating a crisis over who has the final say.

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A majority, 54%, said the executive branch should not have the authority to ignore or override court rulings. The partisan breakdown on that question was 78% of Democrats, 53% of independents, and 33% of Republicans saying the executive branch should not have the authority to ignore the courts.

The poll found Trumps approval rating slipping, with 41% approving of the job hes doing and 47% disapproving. That compares with a 45% approval to 41% disapproval rating from the February poll.

Opinions on Trumps executive orders:

Responses to the Elon University Poll on Trumps administrative actions. (Source: Elon University Poll)

Opinions on federal court rulings:

Elon University Poll on federal judges rulings (Source: Elon University Poll)

The national survey of 1,000 American adults was administered by YouGov from April 10-17. It has a 3.58 percentage point margin of error.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Rumors of a New England serial killer are swirling online, and some people are speculating that a body found in Springfield earlier this week could be connected to others found across the region.

Authorities are investigating the death of a woman found unresponsive off a bike path near the Connecticut Riverfront on Tuesday. On Friday, the victim was identified as 45-year-old Meggan Meredith, and her death follows seven others between March and April in New England.

Two bodies discovered in woods near Salem Walmart

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Human remains, mostly of women, have been found in New Haven, Norwalk, Groton, and Killingly, Connecticut; Foster, Rhode Island; as well as Framingham and Plymouth, Massachusetts and now in Springfield.

Authorities have not announced any connection between the deaths, and Dr. Peter Valentin from the University of New Haven said there is not enough known physical evidence to link them.

We really want to be careful about how we interpret the forensic evidence that were recovering, and that tends to be the most difficult thing not to overinterpret the evidence that we recover, Dr. Valentin said.

Initial rumors spread through a New England serial killer Facebook group, where users say these remains could indicate a serial killer. Experts say, however, that just because victims were located at the same time does not mean they died at the same time or the same way.

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The Springfield Police Department is currently investigating Merediths death as a homicide, but no details regarding the cause of death have been released to the public at this time. 22News will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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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BOCA RATON  Boca Bash is returning April 27, and despite its popularity among party-goers, the annual boating event has taken quite the beating in terms of negative publicity the past few years.

The event gained national attention in 2024 after a video of teens dumping pounds of trash into the ocean went viral on social media. The incident stirred anger among many Boca Raton locals and environmentalists. One local YouTuber even went snorkeling for the trash that following morning.

Two of the teens, who were 15 and 16 at the time, faced felony charges following an investigation launched by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). One of their parents apologized through a spokesperson, saying the family was extremely saddened by the incident and encouraged community service as a punishment for the teens.

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However, the controversy surrounding the Boca Bash doesnt stop there.

Boca Bash isn't a city event, but it drains city resources

Boca Bash is not a city-run event; it is an unsanctioned boat party kept alive through local tradition. In fact, there is no legal documentation of the events inception, one city spokeswoman said in 2017. It began as a birthday party for one of the founders, stemming from a website invitation in 2007 that got out of hand.

The city had shut it down that first year, but boaters showed up regardless, and the rest is history. Officials are still dedicating numerous resources to attempt to police the event.

In 2018, the city spent nearly $45,000 on police monitoring, fire department responses, and help from the U.S. Coast Guard and the FWC.

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It is an enormous challenge for the city. It is an enormous use of resources by us, by taxpayers, on an event that is not sanctioned and really in any way related to the city, City Councilman Andy Thomson said.

Both the Coast Guards boat crews and law enforcement partners will be monitoring this years Boca Bash. We are committed to preserving and protecting our environment and want everyone to have a safe and fun time, a Coast Guard spokesperson wrote.

The Boca Raton Police Department will also be in attendance, as usual, and asks party-goers to make things a bit easier on them this year.

We encourage all attendees to conduct themselves in a safe, respectful, and lawful manner throughout the event, wrote Boca Raton spokesperson Dylan Huberman on behalf of Boca Raton police.

Boca Bash: An unfortunate life lost in 2018

Boaters gather in Lake Boca Raton for the Boca Bash Sunday, April 25, 2021.

Even with the significant effort that Boca Raton put into monitoring the Bash, tragedy still ensued in 2018.

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A 32-year-old man drowned in the shallow depths of the Intracoastal Waterway just hours into the event.

Former City Councilwoman Andrea ORourke expressed grief and frustration over the death. One life lost for this event is too much, she said.

Boca Bash: A barrage of annual boating law violations

FWC brings in a man in handcuffs at the Boca Bash on Lake Boca Raton on Sunday in Boca Raton. [GREG LOVETT/palmbeachpost.com]

Each year, the Boca Police issue over a dozen boating under the influence (BUI) citations.

In 2018, FWC issued six BUI citations and 16 boating violations. Boca Police issued seven uniform citations along with nine warnings and seven juvenile referrals.

Last year, Boca Raton police made 16 arrests, most for BUIs. In 2023, police made 18 BUI arrests, according to Palm Beach County court records.

When is Boca Bash 2025?

Boca Bash takes place on the last Sunday of April each year. The party on Lake Boca returns April 27.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boca Bash 2025: Boat party returns to Lake Boca with police warnings
Apr. 23EPHRATA  The Ephrata School District, in collaboration with the North Central Educational Service District, the Ephrata Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff's Office, is set to host a town hall meeting titled "Understanding Youth Gangs" on Thursday, May 8.

"At a minimum, we believe we're still on the front side of this, and so we're really trying to be very proactive in recognizing and understanding for our district to be positioned as well as we want to be," Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray said. "It really needs to be a collaborative effort between not only law enforcement, but also the school district (and) families. The goal is to increase awareness so that we can stay ahead of this to the best of our ability."

The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center. This free, public meeting will engage community members in vital discussions about gang activity in Ephrata and the surrounding communities.

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"Criminal street gangs have been in Grant County for decades," said GCSO Sheriff Joey Kriete. "They are involved in drug distribution, human trafficking and the violence that goes along with those enterprises. For communities to better manage their gang issues, the public needs to be educated about the criminal street gang culture. Better understanding can help prevent our children from joining gangs and can help the entire community band together to reduce gang-involved crimes."

The evening will feature a detailed presentation by the NCESD that will cover several key topics, including the types of gangs operating in Grant County, recognizably behaviors and indicators of gang involvement, observable markers of gang affiliation and preventive steps that communities can take to combat gang influence.

Following the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session featuring representatives from the Ephrata School District, the Ephrata PD and the GCSO.

This, according to Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch, is essential for fostering an inclusive dialogue.

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"This is not just a law enforcement issue  it's a community issue," Koch said. "We all play a role in keeping our neighborhoods and schools safe. Open conversations like this help strengthen the trust and partnerships we need to make lasting change."

Murray said this is going to be a significant event for the community.

"Our kids deserve to grow up in a community that sees them, supports them and stands beside them," he said. "This town hall gives us a chance to come together around the shared responsibility of keeping our youth safe and on a positive path."

He noted that the meeting serves not only to inform but also to engage parents, caregivers, educators, students and all community stakeholders in discussions about the important social issues impacting local youth. Murray said that the intention is to stay ahead of these emergent issues rather than merely react to them as they occur.

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"Ephrata is my home," Murray said. "It's been my home for a long time. I bleed orange and black almost to a fault. At the end of the day, I want this community to be the best it can possibly be, and for us to be the best we can possibly be, we also have to ensure that we're aware of (the current reality). I think for a long time in Ephrata we have had a mindset that it doesn't happen here, but it is happening here. If we're not going to take some proactive steps to engaging conversations and try to be responsive, at some point, Ephrata may not be what we want it to be."

GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman echoed this sentiment, highlighting that public education on the dynamics of gang culture is vital.

"An informed community is a safer community," he said. "Helping our communities understand criminal street gangs can lead to bigger conversations about keeping our youth and neighborhoods safe."

As part of the town hall, attendees will receive information about observable behaviors associated with gang involvement, such as specific dress codes, graffiti, and social interactions.

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"We want our families to recognize tendencies in their children or their friends. If they see these indicators, they should feel empowered to discuss those issues," Murray said.

The town hall is not expected to be a standalone effort. Murray indicated that there is a vision for ongoing education and engagement with the community regarding gang-related issues.

"This is absolutely the first step in our community ... we want to grow our capacity to be responsive, and this initiative is just the beginning," he said.

In addition to being a platform for education and engagement, the town hall invites a broad spectrum of community members to attend.

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"We want our community members that have youth in their homes to be there, whether or not they're a school district patron," Murray said.

The Ephrata School District has communicated with neighboring school districts to encourage participation, ensuring a wider reach within the community.

"If we see a decrease in our community of some of the graffiti that we're seeing, if we see a decrease in some of the violent behaviors that we're seeing in our region. I say that's a win," Murray said. "At the end of the day, we want all of the people that are within our county  whether it's Moses Lake, Quincy, Mattawa, Ephrata, Grand Coulee  we want everybody in our region to know that this is a region that's safe, that this is a region where kids can thrive. At the end of the day, if we can reduce some of the gang behaviors and some of the associated risks that it presents to our youth, then that's a win."

GANGS TOWN HALL

Ephrata High School Performing Arts Center

333 Fourth Ave. NW

Thursday, May 8

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Free and open to the public
The European Commission is excluding lobbyists from Chinese technology giant Huawei amid investigations in Belgium into suspicions of undue influence in the European Parliament involving the company.

"We've made very clear that Huawei representatives can no longer access commission officials. They can't enter the building," a spokesman for the commission told journalists in Brussels on Thursday.

A differentiated approach will be taken with lobby umbrella organizations with links to Huawei. Instead of a blanket ban, meetings will be evaluated on an ad-hoc basis.

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"If there's any hint that agenda points of any meetings go in the wrong direction, then we put a stop to it. It's as simple as that," the spokesman said.

"There are smart people here in the European Commission who have the ability to understand whether a particular issue being on the agenda with a particular umbrella organization relates to issues that are of interest to Huawei or not," he added.

In a possible new corruption scandal in the European Parliament, the Belgian public prosecutor has charged eight suspects with corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organization.

This was decided by the investigating judge, the Belgian public prosecutor announced. Offices in the European Parliament were searched in mid-March.

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The investigations are related to allegations that Huawei tried to exert undue influence on decision-making processes.

Chinese technology companies like Huawei have been criticized for years over fears that Beijing could gain influence on Western telecommunications infrastructures.
The EU prepares a roadmap to fully phase out Russian fossil fuel imports, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on April 24 during the Summit on the Future of Energy Security.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the roadmap, set to be announced in two weeks, will lay out concrete steps to eliminate the blocs reliance on energy supplies from Russia.

The strategy was originally planned for publication in March, but was postponed due to rising uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trumps proposed tariffs.

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For decades, I must say, we failed to recognize the costs that came with this dependence, she said, referencing Europe's former overreliance on Russia, which once supplied 45% of the EUs gas, half of its coal, and nearly a third of its oil.

That reality was exposed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia tried to exploit our overdependence by cutting us off from gas. They failed, von der Leyen said.

The European Commission President credited the EUs REPowerEU initiative for accelerating the clean energy transition and lowering Russian gas imports from 45% to 18% in 2024. The strategy, she said, not only strengthened Europes energy security but also deprived Moscow of critical funding for its war economy.

The EU committed in 2022 to fully ending Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, but the process has faced political and logistical problems.

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While pipeline gas from Russia has largely been cut off, most recently following Ukraine's decision not to renew its transit deal with Gazprom in December 2024, the bloc remains dependent on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), which made up 19% of EU gas and LNG supplies in 2024.

Unlike crude oil and coal, Russian gas has not been sanctioned due to internal divisions within the 27-member bloc. On April 17, Reuters reported that restrictions on LNG are unlikely to be part of the EU's upcoming 17th sanctions package.

Read also: Czechia independent of Russian oil for first time in history

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The European Commission will soon present a roadmap outlining steps to gradually end imports of Russian energy resources.

Source: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at an event in London, as reported by European Pravda with reference to Reuters

Details: Von der Leyen recalled that the EU committed to phasing out Russian oil and gas following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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She noted that Russian gas currently accounts for 18% of the EUs total gas imports, down from 45% in 2021.

This reduction was made possible through increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the United States and higher volumes of gas imported from Norway.

"These energy partnerships, including imports of LNG from the United States, remain of strategic importance for the European Union," von der Leyen emphasised.

Speaking about the roadmap to end the EUs energy dependence on Russia, von der Leyen did not confirm a specific publication date, though the European Commissions agenda indicates it may be released on 6 May.

Background:

Previously, European Commission officials abandoned the idea of including a ban on Russian LNG imports in EU sanctions packages, as some member states had vowed to block such restrictions.

Instead, the Commission is considering various legal instruments to include in the roadmap, such as prohibiting companies from signing new gas contracts with Russia or providing legal grounds to terminate existing contracts.

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Europe will not support any U.S. move to recognize Russian control over occupied Crimea and will not pressure Kyiv to accept it, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 24, citing undisclosed Western officials.

The Trump administration's final proposal for ending Russia's all-out war against Ukraine reportedly included U.S. de jure recognition of Moscow's control over Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its partial occupation of other Ukrainian regions  Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 23 that Washington is not forcing Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian. He then blamed Ukraine for not fighting back when Russia illegally seized the peninsula in 2014.

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An unnamed senior European official told the FT that the Trump administration had already been informed that European countries would not recognize Crimea as Russian. Major European NATO powers should "discourage" the U.S. from doing so unilaterally, according to the official.

Earlier this week, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said that the European Union will never recognize the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula as legally Russian.

Recognition of the annexation would contradict a decade of bipartisan U.S. policy and a 2014 United Nations General Assembly resolution, in which 100 member states declared the seizure illegal.

Trump's claim that Crimea was taken without force is false. During Russia's 2014 annexation, armed Russian troops in unmarked uniforms seized Ukrainian government buildings, military installations, and blockaded bases.

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Following the U.S. president's remarks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 23 that Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution, sharing a 2018 U.S. declaration denouncing Russian occupation of Crimea and reaffirming Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Read also: If Trump recognizes Crimea, the biggest losers are Ukraine  and the US, experts say

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The EU is providing funds to help boost Ukraine's domestic arms manufacturing.

It's a strategy to make Ukraine more self-reliant and ease pressure on Europe's own stockpiles.

Ukraine is a far cheaper place to manufacture weapons at scale, one expert told BI.

European countries are shifting their strategy when it comes to Ukraine, aiming to boost the country's capacity to produce enough weapons for its own defense rather than handing over ready-made weapons from their own depleting stockpiles.

In March, the European Union said that half of a 2 billion ($2.3 billion) aid package, taken from frozen Russian assets, was being earmarked specifically to help Ukraine boost its own artillery production, the largest package of its kind to date.

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It's a trend that could have wider repercussions.

Military analysts told Business Insider that directing funds to grow Ukraine's defense industry can help reduce Ukrainian dependence on foreign military aid and strengthen Europe's own growing defense sector.

Europe struggles to produce enough shells

After decades of peace, Europe is rapidly bolstering its defenses amid waning US support and renewed threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Even so, its armaments industry is struggling to rebuild military stockpiles while simultaneously providing Ukraine with the shells and other weapons it needs to fend off Russia.

Ukraine's own burgeoning defense sector offers a solution, Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at the Bruegel think tank and a non-resident senior fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told BI.

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"It makes imminent financial and economic sense for especially richer Western European nations to directly finance the full utilization of expanding Ukrainian production capacity," he said.

Ukraine, Kirkegaard added, is a far cheaper place to manufacture weapons at scale than Western Europe, and it already has a growing and innovative defense manufacturing sector.

Refocusing European arms production in Ukraine itself is a "win-win," he suggested, enabling Europe to cut costs, boost a crucial ally, and also see weaponry tested and refined on the battlefield.

Ukraine boosts weapons production

Shells being manufactured for Ukraine in France in 2024. LIONEL BONAVENTURE via Getty Images

In the early years of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine was heavily dependent on its Western allies for weapons and ammunition, and was manufacturing only a small fraction of the weapons it needed.

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But it's fired up old Soviet weapons manufacturing plants and now produces around 40% of the weapons it uses at the front, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this month.

Ukraine is also now a world leader in the development and production of cheap UAV drones, which have become ubiquitous weapons on the battlefield.

"We've become the biggest drone manufacturer in the world, drones of tactical and strategic level," Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's defense minister, said in February.

And as BI's Jake Epstein reported, Ukraine's drone makers aren't just building weapons  they are rewriting the rules of modern warfare at a pace and scale that few could have imagined only a few years ago.

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"With the rising importance of drones, the share of Ukrainian domestic production will also rise," said Kirkegaard.

Europe's defense sector, meanwhile, has struggled to boost production to keep pace with demand, with military analysts at the UK's Royal United Services Institute in April identifying regulation and a lack of coordination as factors holding it back.

"Increasing the output of domestic industry takes time," Jacob Parakilas, research leader for Defence Strategy, Policy and Capabilities at RAND Europe, told BI. "Ukrainian industry, which is already much more mobilized, can be effectively supported in the short term with direct investment and targeted knowledge transfer."

Parakilas said that European countries would also get a major boost from working more closely with Ukraine to jointly raise production.

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"These approaches can happen simultaneously, and ideally produces synergies," he added, with "Ukrainian experience informing European understanding of the state of the art, while European money supports Ukrainian industry."

European defense firms set up shop in Ukraine

A Rheinmetall vehicle in Ukraine in 2024. Global Images Ukraine/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

Several European defense firms, including Rheinmetall in Germany, BAE Systems in the UK, and the Franco-German firm KDNS, have already set up manufacturing operations in Ukraine to make military supplies, including armored vehicles.

Others, such as France's Thales, have entered into joint ventures with Ukrainian companies.

And cooperation between Ukraine and NATO countries on arms production is steadily increasing.

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According to Ukrainian media, state arms manufacturer Ukroboronprom State Concern has been working with an unspecified NATO country to manufacture ammo since 2022. The ammunition is reportedly made to the alliance's standards, further integrating NATO and the Ukrainian military.

Ukraine has also been working with Poland to manufacture shells and other equipment domestically since 2023.

The latest aid packages will further boost these efforts. "This trend is expected to gain pace during 2025 as the US pivot away from Europe fuels increased defense spending across the continent," Serhii Kuzan, chairman of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center, wrote for The Atlantic Council in March.

Parakilas projected that with more European support, Ukraine could manufacture significantly more than 40% of its equipment domestically, and move into manufacturing more complex weapons and technology, which it still relies heavily on its allies for.

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But this, he said, meant the sector would become more exposed to Russian attacks and would "probably require greater and more careful investment to produce resilient returns."

Even so, it seems likely that Western European and Ukrainian defense sectors are moving toward closer integration.

"It will over time not be sensible to distinguish between the EU/European and Ukrainian defense sectors," Kirkegaard said. "They will become one."

Read the original article on Business Insider
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Iran's relations with E3 countries have experienced ups and downs in recent history, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on X, Trend reported.

''Like it or not, they are currently on the decline. Why? Each side has its own version. In my opinion, laying blame is a futile exercise. What is important is that the status quo is a lose-lose'' the minister added.

According to him, last September in New York, Iran proposed dialogue during a meeting with E3 foreign ministers and other European counterparts.

He added that instead of confrontation, Iran offered cooperation not only on the nuclear issue but also in every other area of mutual interest and concern. Unfortunately, they chose the hard path.

''Iran has once again offered diplomacy. After recent consultations in Moscow and Beijing, Iran is ready to take the first step by visiting Paris, Berlin, and London. We were ready to do this even before Iran started an indirect dialogue with the U.S., but the troika refused to engage.

Now the ball is in the court of the Six. They have an opportunity to get rid of the power of special interest groups and chart a different path. How we proceed at this critical crossroads will likely determine the foreseeable future,'' the publication reads.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that there are only a few great films about international politics. The best of them, like The Godfather, are more allegorical than literal. Despite the high stakes, few filmmakers know how to make global tensions palpable to most viewers. There are exceptions, of course. Dr. Strangelove is a classic, as is The Hunt for Red October. Since the end of the Cold War, however, most films that attempt to portray important IR themes usually fall well short.

Unfortunately, the newly released G20, starring Oscar-winning luminary Viola Davis, is no exception to this rule. Davis plays Danielle Sutton, the U.S. president and Army veteran, who travels to Cape Town, South Africa, for the Group of Twenty summit that gives the film its name. There she plans to secure an agreement for her ambitious plan to use a central bank digital currency, or CBDC, to end global poverty. But nefarious villains converging on the G20 summit have other ideas.

The plot of G20 could best be summarized as Die Hard, but at a global summitthe kind of absurd movie premise in which the U.S. presidents biggest headache is neither international diplomacy nor domestic politics, but a rebellious teenage daughter. Unsurprisingly, the reviews have been pretty mediocre, with one critic asking flat-out, Is there value in trash like G20?

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IR scholarship provides a surprising answer to this question: Yes.

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

There are several reasons for this. First, films about foreign policyeven schlocky onespossess some explanatory value. And as multiple scholars have noted, genre films can also shape how ordinary citizens think about world politics. This is because when people first hear about something happening in the world, they employ analogical reasoning to connect the new developments with known examples from the past. Usually, the past examples are drawn from real-world history, but they can also be drawn from the synthetic experiences of fictional narratives as well. In other words, for better and worse, for a mass public largely uninterested in world politics, bad action flicks can be a source of information that forms and informs their worldview.

So what are the thematic takeaways from the G20? The most obvious point is that we are all living in an incredibly low-trust environment.

Second, precisely because of its pedestrian, by-the-numbers plot, an unoriginal action movie like G20 provides a window into what Hollywood screenwriters think are the lowest common denominators in popular conceptions of contemporary world politics. So even if very few people watch G20, the same tropes that appeared in it will in all likelihood recur in other bad actions films about international relations. That means they provide IR scholars with a window into the publics foreign policy mindset.

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So what are the thematic takeaways from the G20? The most obvious point is that we are all living in an incredibly low-trust environment. After taking the G20 leaders hostage, the films villains record them speaking in order to create deepfake videos in which the heads of government seem corrupt and interested primarily in surveilling their citizens, extracting national wealth and preserving their power. As the videos are released, markets begin to crash, despite mainstream media warnings that they are deepfakes. As Clark Gregg, playing U.S. Vice President Harold Moseley, helpfully explains, the deepfake videos are damning because we live in a world where disinformation is more powerful than information. Unsurprisingly, part of the villainous plot is encouraging people across the world to buy cryptocurrencies because, unlike CBDCs, they are not controlled by national governments.

Lack of trust in institutions and authority is a well-known phenomenon in the U.S., but it is actually a worldwide trend that is fueled by grievance. As the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer recently reported, Sixty-one percent globally have a moderate or high sense of grievance, which is defined by a belief that government and business make their lives harder and serve narrow interests, and wealthy people benefit unfairly from the system. Edelman found that respondents with a high degree of grievance expressed the lowest trust in governments. The premise of G20that fake news would cause markets to gyrateseems all too plausible in a world in which a bogus claim that real-life U.S. President Trump would pause his reciprocal tariffs had a similar effect on stock markets earlier this month. Days later, of course, Trump went on to do just that.

The film also suggests a slightly surprising Patient Zero behind the global epidemic of distrust: the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. In G20, Suttons backstory as an Army veteran is key to her political career, which was launched by a Time magazine cover photo of her rescuing an Iraqi child during the battle of Fallujah. In one monologue, however, Sutton expresses bittersweet feelings about the cover shot, noting that it omitted the horrors that preceded it. Furthermore, we learn that the Iraq war is also the origin story for Anthony Starrs character, Edward Rutledge, the chief villain and former Australian special forces soldier who was also deployed to Fallujah, where he lost several friends in the fighting. The one scene in G20 that has any real juice to it is when Rutledge and Sutton trade venomous barbs about who is at fault for Iraq and who should pay the political price for what happened. Rutledge seethes, You know whats worse than losing your mates in a war zone? Its knowing that you never shouldve been there in the first place.

The idea that a foreign policy fiasco would be the cause of antisocial behavior a generation later is also consistent with contemporary social science. Any longitudinal analysis of U.S. public trust in government in this century shows the same trendline: a surge in trust following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, followed by a slow and steady evaporation of that trust as Operation Iraqi Freedom turned out to be based on faulty premises and bad strategy. Other social science research shows that national traumas like pandemics can have durable generational effects on public trust in institutions. Indeed, one could argue that the reservoirs of skepticism within both U.S. political parties toward a more internationalist foreign policy have their origins in the Iraq debacle.

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While these tropes about Iraq and distrust are shot through G20, so are a lot of other absolutely ridiculous plot points that make the film, at best, an amusing diversion. Perhaps the films most noteworthy aspect is the cognitive dissonance between Viola Davis steely portrayal of the leader of the free world and the current presidents profound disinterest in promoting democracy or ending global poverty. It is doubtful that Davis presidential performance will have the cultural half-life of Morgan Freeman in Deep Impact or Martin Sheen in The West Wing. The warnings in G20 about the lack of trust and durable cynicism generated by the Iraq War, however, are likely to have more staying power.

Daniel W. Drezner is distinguished professor of international politics at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. He is the author of Drezners World.

The post Even Bad IR Movies Can Teach Us Something About Global Politics appeared first on World Politics Review.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Stillwater is hosting an event Friday to bring more attention to the White Houses efforts to revoke international student visas.

Addressing the Revocation of Local International Students Visas and What to Do About It will run from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday at 320 S Stallard.

There will be a potluck dinner, funds will be raised in support of international students facing deportation, guests will learn about international students rights and be able to join in songs of solidarity. The public is welcome to attend.

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Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person, a news release reads. We hope to see you there.

Earlier this month, the government began revoking visas from international students that included public universities in Oklahoma. At the time, it was reported eight students at Oklahoma State University had visas revoked. The OColly, OSUs student newspaper, reported last week that the number had grown to 13.

According to reports, the University of Oklahoma had the visas of seven international students revoked, while University of Central Oklahoma saw as many as four visas revoked.
Schools across Los Angeles Unified School District are closed today in observance of 'Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day' as events are planned across Los Angeles County to mark the mass murder of 1.5 million Armenians slaughtered in 1915.



The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a proclamation making April 24 a holiday in 2022 and it was signed into law that same year. L.A. County libraries celebrated April as Armenian History Month and the Museum of Natural History has exhibits honoring the country's heritage.



Events across the county will bring attention to the ongoing conflict that began five years ago when the neighboring nation of Azerbaijan launched a military assault on Artsakh, followed by a ten-month-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor, cutting off over 120,000 Armenians from food, medicine, and critical supplies.



Armenians continue to be persecuted as atrocities run rampant in the region as the world remains largely silent about the war crimes being routinely committed by Azerbaijan's military regime. Less than two years ago, in September 2023, over 100,000 Armenians were forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands. Religious sites have been desecrated and systematically destroyed and political prisoners have been abused.



There will be events across L.A. county to mark the day - and the continuing struggle - on Thursday through the weekend. On Thursday afternoon there will be a protest outside the Turkish consulate in Beverly Hills, where hateful flyers containing anti-Armenian propaganda was posted on street signs in recent years. On Thursday evening there will be a "Demand for Justice community rally on Parcher Plaza at Glendale City Hall.

On Thursday night the vaunted Armenian civil rights group Truth and Accountability League will hold an event at the Glendale Library honoring prominent Armenians. Among them Dr. Kev Abazajian a Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Director of the Center for Cosmology at UC Irvine, who will be honored for given a Service Award acknowledging patriotism, and defense attorney Mark Geragos, who will be given an Icon Award under the category Pinnacle of Achievement from the group. [Geragos is the co-owner of Engine Vision Media, the parent company of Los Angeles magazine.]

On Saturday, Armenians from all over L.A. County will gather at Grand Park for a hike with the motto: "They tried to bury us, they didnt know we were seeds.



Last year New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on charges that he, among other crimes, took bribes from Turkish officials to ignore Armenian Genocide Day in the city. After he was sworn into office a Turkish official "repeatedly" demanded Adams ignore the Armenian Genocide and bypass any statements of condolences to its victims in deference to that country's continued denials of the atrocities that began in 1915 when the Ottoman Empire began a targeted decimation of its civilian Armenian population. The systematic killings continued until 1923 when the Ottoman Empire ceased to exist and was replaced by the Republic of Turkey.
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WKRN)  A former Army intelligence analyst stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky has been sentenced to prison for selling sensitive military information to a foreign national in China, the Department of Justice announced.

Last year, the Department of Justice said Korbein Schultz pleaded guilty to a number of charges, including conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data related to defense articles without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license and bribery of a public official.

On Wednesday, the DOJ announced that Schultz was sentenced 84 months in prison for those charges.

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This sentencing is a stark warning to those who betray our country: you will pay a steep price for it, FBI Director Kash Patel said in the announcement. The Peoples Republic of China is relentless in its efforts to steal our national defense information, and service members are a prime target.

POW who shared cell with McCain recounts six-year ordeal

Court documents revealed that between May 2022 and March 2024, Schultz conspired to provide a foreign national likely connected to the Chinese government with sensitive military documents in exchange for about $42,000. The DOJ said that Schultz was fully aware of the grave national security implications what he was doing, which included transmitting documents containing information including: technical manuals for missile systems and aircraft; documents outlining secret military exercises; details about military satellites; and tactics for countering drone attacks, among other classified information.

The DOJ said the foreign national had initially posed as a a client from a geopolitical consulting firm when first contacting Schultz. This person had asked Schultz to provide classified details before making more specific requests. The DOJ said Schultz was complicit in supplying some of this information after a financial agreement was made.

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Schultz was also accused of trying to recruit an analyst with the Department of Defenses Indo-Pacific Command  described by the DOJ as a friend of his  to get in on the scheme. It was unclear how this analyst responded to the attempts.

U.S. congressmen tour El Salvador prison

Those who collaborate with Americas foreign adversaries put our country, and those who defend it, at grave risk and we will do whatever it takes to hold them accountable for their crimes, acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee said. We will proudly stand in support of our men and women in uniform and work diligently to protect them from people like the defendant who would sell them out for a few bucks.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man who stabbed and killed his ex-girlfriend while her young children, who found her body the next morning, were in the home, could serve the rest of his life in prison, a judge ruled Thursday.

In January 2024, David Perry, 35, killed Breyanna Sotomayor, 33, at a short-term rental property near Blue Diamond Road and Durango Drive. When police arrived, they found Sotomayor with multiple stab wounds to her back, neck and chest, documents said.

Last January, Perry took a plea deal on charges of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and child abuse, records said. As part of the deal, Perry agreed to serve a life sentence with parole eligibility after several decades.

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In court Thursday, Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones sentenced Perry to life in prison with parole eligibility after 30 years.

Shortly before police arrived, Sotomayors children used an iPad to FaceTime Sotomayors mother, who was in California, documents said. The children told their grandmother that Sotomayor wouldnt wake up and there was blood all around her.

Sotomayor and Perry dated for several months in 2023, but records show Perry was arrested for domestic battery strangulation against Sotomayor in September. According to police, the case was dismissed due to a lack of cooperation from Sotomayor, and Perry was released from custody in October 2023.

Police in Kentucky arrested Perry a week after the murder.

For a list of local and state resources for domestic violence and abuse victims, visit this link.

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A federal judge sentenced William Smith, 52, to 19 years in prison for stealing at least $44.3 million from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, concluding a staggering case of theft that went undiscovered for more than a decade under the noses of some of the region's most powerful business and government leaders.

The nonprofit's ex-chief financial officer pleaded guilty late last year to one count each of wire fraud and money laundering for the elaborate embezzlement scheme that spanned from 2012 through early last year. Smith faced a maximum of 20 years in prison; prosecutors had requested he be sentenced to 18 years, while defense attorneys sought 12 to 15 years.

"My actions were wrong, plain and simple," Smith told U.S. District Court Judge Susan DeClercq before she announced his sentence. "I recognize I allowed selfishness, pride and poor judgment to lead me down a destructive path."

William Smith, former CFO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, walks outside the U.S. District Court surrounded by the media after being sentenced to prison for $44.3M fraud in Detroit on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

He stood and read from prepared remarks, adding, "Someday I hope to be able to earn back the trust that I lost and make a meaningful contribution to the riverfront."

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DeClercq also ordered Smith to pay $48.1 million in restitution  $43.1 million to the conservancy and $5 million to Citizens Bank. He was permitted to remain out on bond, with plans that he report to prison at a later date.

In handing down the sentence that exceeded prosecutors' recommendations, DeClercq situated Smith's theft from a Detroit nonprofit in the context of the city's decline and post-bankruptcy rebound.

You stole from an organization dedicated to serving a city that had already felt the sting of corruption and the loss of jobs, people, and businesses, DeClercq said, adding that the rebuilding of the riverfront stands above other initiatives for its universal benefit to Detroiters.

"Detroits nonprofit community will be feeling this loss for a long time, she said. Victim impact statements submitted by prosecutors said the conservancy has faced greater difficulty fundraising. Recent donations to help the organization recover from the theft meanwhile represent dollars that "had to be diverted from other nonprofits and initiatives," DeClercq said.

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Smiths lawyer, Gerald Evelyn, urged the judge to show some mercy to his client.

While it was a terrible crime (Smith) committed, Evelyn noted the former CFO had no prior criminal record, cooperated with federal investigators and was a positive influence to young people and employees at his former restaurant, as reflected in more than two dozen character letters from friends and former employees.

They're all meaningful steps toward rehabilitation, and it is a bit more than just an apology, Evelyn said. I understand the conservancy wants vengeance because they feel betrayed, but your sentence can't be based on vengeance.

The nonprofit requested DeClercq issue the maximum 20-year penalty in a victim impact statement submitted this week, arguing Smiths theft harmed donors, staff and, more broadly, Detroit's reputation.

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Federal prosecutors have accused Smith of embezzling to support a lavish lifestyle, with spending that includes $3.7 million in wire transfers to a mistress, $500,000 in Pistons floor tickets, and nearly $200,000 to charter a private jet and yacht.

In court April 24, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Neal called the case "one of the most serious economic crimes weve seen in this jurisdiction in quite some time, noting the scale of the theft and that it involved "hundreds and hundreds" of actions and "daily lies."

He didn't have to do this, Neal said. The only explanation is greed for a lifestyle beyond the one he had, which most people would be more than comfortable with.

Smith earned about $200,000 per year as CFO of the conservancy, a role to which he was promoted from fiscal analyst in 2011.

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DeClercq noted her 19-year ruling matches the number of years Smith was at the organization.

In issuing it, she highlighted the apparent needlessness of his actions, saying he lacked the desperation of other defendants she's encountered.

As far as I can tell, you've always had everything," DeClercq told Smith. "You grew up in a supportive household and your needs were always met.

Looking at the breakdown of all of your assets and how the riverfront money was spent is appalling, she added.

DeClercqs April 24 ruling comes just over a year after leaders of the nonprofit discovered financial irregularities amid a cash shortfall and commissioned an external audit. The findings were forwarded to federal authorities, leading to Smiths June arrest and a criminal complaint that outlined the stunning scope of his theft from a nonprofit whose work is largely supported by philanthropic and public dollars.

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Smith's scheme involved transferring funds from a secondary conservancy checking account to a bank account in the name of an LLC he registered shortly after his promotion to CFO, authorities said. He allegedly covered up the theft by doctoring records and taking out an unauthorized line of credit for $5 million to keep the nonprofit solvent.

In that time, he amassed millions in assets, including numerous properties throughout the country and in Mexico, a yacht, and the restaurant through which a lawyer for the conservancy alleged he laundered $4 million.

Prosecutors have said they expect to recoup up to $3 million from Smith's seized assets. Efforts by the conservancy to retrieve additional funds are ongoing, including via a civil suit against Smith's mother, wife, sister and the best man at his wedding, who the conservancy says benefited from Smith's largesse.

On April 24, the conservancy added to the suit a woman they said received millions from Smith. Also added to the suit was Alter Ego Properties, an LLC the woman allegedly organized and to which Smith transferred ownership of a Cabo San Lucas condo in 2021.

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In court April 24, three conservancy members including board chair Matt Cullen pleaded for DeClercq to issue Smith the maximum possible sentence, highlighting the organization's difficulty dealing with a cash crunch he caused.

Karen Slaughter Duperry, a former longtime GM employee who helped set up the conservancy and remains there, spoke of employees who feared layoffs or loss of benefits, contractors not paid for months, and project delays and mounting costs.

Growing tearful, she said Smith could have "put the organization out of business and our staff on the streets.

Cullen spoke of the unprecedented levels of cooperation between public, private and philanthropic leaders that over the past 20 years allowed approximately 5 miles of walkable riverfront to sprout from the largely abandoned warehouse district that was there before.

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What we didn't realize was that in that vast coalition, we had one snake who only cared about himself," Cullen said.

He went on to declare Smith one of the worst guys in the history of the city of Detroit  a guy who wants to dress up in ridiculous trappings rather than help the people in his own community.

Even a maximum possible 20-year sentence for the former CFO, Cullen said, was not enough.

In statement issued after sentencing, the conservancy said it is "incredibly grateful to U.S. District Judge Susan DeClercq for imposing a sentence commensurate (with) the damage Will Smith inflicted."

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Violet Ikonomova is an investigative reporter at the Free Press. Contact her at vikonomova@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ex-Detroit Riverfront CFO William Smith sentenced to 19 years prison
A Biden-era Pentagon official is warning against trying to run the Pentagon like a business.

The Department of Defense requires reform but differs fundamentally from corporate structures, she said.

Risk is present throughout all parts of the military in a way that's not seen in civilian companies.

A Biden-era DoD official is warning that trying to run the Pentagon like a business is a bad idea.

Mara Karlin, who previously served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities, wrote in a commentary for Foreign Affairs that ignoring the harsh realities of how risk works in the military could backfire.

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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said that he hopes the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, can bring "actual businesslike efficiency to government."

Karlin said that the need for reform at DoD isn't in dispute the Pentagon is notorious for waste, and the department has failed seven straight audits. It's widely acknowledged throughout defense circles that the department needs some serious reform, but treating the Pentagon like a corporation isn't the answer, she said.

"The Pentagon is not a business," Karlin said.

For starters, the DoD's workforce, compromised of an all-volunteer force and legions of lifelong civilian public servants, is 40% larger than the next largest US employer, and it often relies on institutional knowledge because of the department's complexity.

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And unlike a company, the DoD doesn't have its own CEO or board of directors that can force fast change.

The US military's board of directors is the hundreds of members of Congress, which has consistently failed to address the broken continuing resolution process, temporary stopgaps that hamper the ability to fund contracts for everything from munitions and equipment maintenance.

It's Congress that oversees DoD's massive budget, an eye-popping $850 billion figure that is expected to grow, and ultimately decides where that money is spent.

Additionally, the Pentagon is unable to overhaul its own organizational structure easily, nor can it alone decide to promote tons of its own people. Those also require Congress.

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That alone is key to why the Department of Defense is "large" and "unwieldy," Karlin wrote, but another reason the military isn't exactly like a business is its unique relationship with national security.

There is a different kind of risk in DoD compared to private sector companies, Karlin said. In the business world, if a startup fails, investors lose money and people lose their jobs. But risk is different in DoD, she said. If the military fails, people die.

"The stakes for risk taking in defense" are "uniquely high," wrote Karlin, who is now a professor at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University and a Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution. She said the DoD has to consider risk "far more soberly and carefully than in the corporate world."

The difference between the department and private-sector companies means that "attempts to make the Pentagon run more like a corporation will backfire," Karlin said. "If Hegseth and DOGE continue as they have begun," they may fail and also potentially "harm the US military in the process."

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"The Pentagon needs change, but effective reform will require appreciating the uniqueness of the organization. So far, the signs are not encouraging," she said.

Karlin cautioned that a DOGE assault on DoD might end up worse than failure and "could backfire in terrifying ways, like at the Department of Energy. There, "DOGE forced out many employees who handled nuclear materials before the Trump administration realized just how critical these positions are and rescinded most of the firings," she said.

For right now, Pentagon leadership has been focused on cutting what they consider wasteful spending. Earlier this month, Hegseth announced that the DoD had slashed "$5.1 billion in wasteful Defense Department contracts."

Read the original article on Business Insider
It is genuinely unhinged to oversee a RAID on an organizations headquarters and then APPLY TO WORK THERE, L.A. Times reporter Keri Blakinger wrote on social media.



Yet thats exactly what former Sheriff of Los Angeles County Alex Villanueva allegedly did. Recently, he applied for a job with L.A. Metro, an agency his department once targeted in a controversial investigation.



In 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, under Villanueva's leadership, conducted a series of high-profile searches as part of a corruption probe. This included the home of former L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and offices connected to a Metro contractor. The investigation, which critics called politically motivated, was not pursued by the California Attorney Generals office.



Now, Villanueva wants to work for Metro.

In a deposition for his lawsuit against the county, which was filed after he was placed on its do not rehire list following findings of harassment and discrimination against county employees, Villanueva confirmed that he applied for a position at Metro. He also said he completed a preliminary screening with a headhunting firm and is waiting to hear back.



Blakinger shared court documents from the case, noting that Villanueva does not consider Metro a county department, which he claims exempts him from the rehire ban.



The job hes seeking is reportedly part of a new police force that Metro is building.



This is absolutely wild, Blakinger added, since he oversaw investigations targeting Metro as part of a probe many saw as a political vendetta.
Tacoma City Council on Tuesday voted to pay $500,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a former chief of staff for the Police Department who claimed he was subjected to racial bias and discrimination before he resigned.

The lawsuit in Pierce County Superior Court included allegations of a hostile work environment, hiring practices that were discriminatory to Black applicants and uneven discipline between Black and non-Black employees.

Some of the claims described problems with the highest levels of department leadership, now-fired Deputy Chief Paul Junger and former Chief Avery Moore, who resigned in February with a hefty payout.

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Curtis Hairston, who brought the lawsuit, is Black and reported directly to Moore when he was hired in April 2022. Neither Moore nor Junger were identified as defendants in the legal action, but it described Junger, who is white, making racist comments to Hairston and implied Moore, who is Black, didnt do enough to step in. The City of Tacoma denied both those allegations.

The settlement gives Hairston significant vindication and allows him to move forward in his life, his attorney, Jeff Musto, said in a phone call with The News Tribune. Musto said it wont solve all of the Police Departments problems, but he said it was a step in the right direction.

Tacoma Police Department has a history which continues to this day of allowing, if not encouraging, racial discrimination in the department, Musto said.

The settlement has yet to be finalized, according to Musto. A settlement in a lawsuit often means the defendant does not have to admit to any wrongdoing. Musto said it was likely the settlement agreement in this case would include that, too.

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A spokesperson for the City of Tacoma, Maria Lee, said the city does not comment on settlements. A spokesperson for the Police Department did not respond to a request for comment.

The City Councils vote to authorize the settlement came and went quickly. After Deputy Mayor Kiara Daniels read the motion, there was an oral vote, and there appeared to be no dissent.

The responsibilities of chief of staff included managing administrative workers and driving long-term planning, according to a now-closed job posting for Hairstons replacement. Its unclear if the department ever hired someone. According to Hairstons lawsuit, he also was brought on to address racial biases in the department.

Curtis Hairston came to Tacoma, Washington in 2022 to try to help address racial biases and inequities within the Tacoma Police Department, the lawsuit said. Unfortunately, over the next year and a half, Mr. Hairston would be yet another in a long line of victims of insidious racism and discrimination within (TPD) and the City of Tacoma.

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The racist comments Junger allegedly made occurred when Hairston walked by the deputy chiefs office and was abruptly told to retrieve a woman from downstairs and bring her to Junger in a conference room.

Hairston told Junger he would this time, according to the lawsuit, but said, The way you asked you might as well have said, Boy go fetch me my guest.

Junger allegedly responded, No. You will go do it because I am your boss and if I said, Boy go wash my car, you will do that too.

Later, Junger gave what Hairston described as an insincere apology. When Hairston indicated he wasnt prepared to accept the apology, Junger allegedly said, You people are full of [expletive] and rude as hell.

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Among other allegations, Hairstons lawsuit claimed he was fired in October 2023 after he was investigated over an ethics complaint that claimed Hairston used his position to try to get his stepson hired at the Police Department.

The investigation was closed without discipline imposed, but Hairston claimed the Police Department still moved to fire him less than a month later. The City of Tacoma denied that allegation in a legal response to the lawsuit, instead contending that Moore was dissatisfied with Hairstons performance and gave him the option to resign instead of termination, which Hairston agreed to.

Asked about recent changes to Police Department leadership, including whether it was moving in the right direction with its new chief, Patti Jackson, Hairstons attorney declined to comment.

In regard to the case itself, Musto described how Hairston still felt the effects of his 18 months with the Police Department. He said a settlement doesnt take that away.

The scars of racial discrimination accumulate over time, Musto said. Its not the type of thing, its not something where they just simply go away. And they certainly remain with Mr. Hairston, with Curtis and others like him every day.
Webster Banks former General Counsel James Blose was sentenced to four years in prison Thursday for stealing more than $7.4 million from the bank by skimming money from closings and other transactions for eight years.

Federal prosecutors said Blose, who was paid more than $5 million in legitimate salary over the same period, spent the money on, among other things, a $13,000 Swiss watch, $60,000 of furniture for a vacation home he built on Kiawah Island in South Carolina; a $22,000 sound system for his home in Fairfield and $400,000 on charter air travel.

Blose was the senior lawyer and a top executive for Webster bank and before that held the same positions for Sterling Bank, which Webster acquired in 2022. He was employed by both banks from 2015 to 2023. He is accused of fraud, which was detected in 2023, over the same period.

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Blose pleaded guilty late last year to bank fraud and engaging in illegal monetary transactions.

Under Bloses direction, his bank legal departments represented Sterling and Webster on commercial loan closings and charged commercial borrowers fees for legal work they did.

The U.S. Attorneys office accused Blose of falsely inflating the cost of bank transactions, skimming fees and diverting the money from bank transactions through a variety of personal and business accounts he controlled, among them an account belonging to his wifes law firm.

Blose would, as part of the scheme, create two versions of the closing documents, one version was provided to the Bank and a different version was provided to the counterparty, the prosecution said in a court filing. The false and fraudulent versions of the closing statements prevented discovery of the fraud because the counterparty received closing documents that corresponded with the fees paid, while the Bank received closing documents that corresponded with the funds the Bank received, with Blose keeping the difference.

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Blose was in charge of negotiating the sale of excess bank property, including closed branches. Federal prosecutors said he skimmed funds generated by the sale of 43 bank properties and tried to conceal the theft by generating phony closing documents.

According to a victim impact statement referred to in court filings, Blose has never provided Webster Bank with a complete and fulsome explanation of the extent of his misconduct.

He never pointed out which deals contained fraud, nor explained where all the metaphorical bodies were buried. According to the Victim Impact Statement, throughout the investigation, Mr. Blose never once provided a full account of his misconduct, instead claiming, in correspondence to Websters leadership, that his current circumstances were simply the result of a misunderstanding., according to the court filing.

In addition to the prison sentence, Blose will be ordered to make restitution, the amount of which has yet to be determined.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Iran welcomes Chinas effective and constructive approach to its nuclear program and the lifting of international sanctions, said the country's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Trend reports.

Speaking at a meeting in Beijing with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Araghchi emphasized that the friendship and strategic ties between Iran and China will not be affected by any third party.

He noted that the friendly and strategic ties between Iran and China remain immune to third-party influence, reaffirming both countries commitment to leveraging all available opportunities to safeguard their mutual interests.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the strategic partnership between Iran and China in advancing shared interests and contributing to regional and global peace and security.

Wang Yi also praised Irans responsible approach to the nuclear issue and reiterated Chinas full support for the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Additionally, the Iranian and Chinese foreign ministers also reviewed the current progress of bilateral cooperation agreements and joint projects across various economic and trade sectors. They exchanged views on existing opportunities and the untapped potential for further strengthening and expanding their partnership.

The second round of negotiations between Iran and the US was held on April 19 under the chairmanship of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The second round of talks between Iran and the US was conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi. The third round of these indirect talks is scheduled for April 26.

The first indirect talks between Iran and the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program took place on April 12, in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The discussions were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi and US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Steve Whitkoff. Sources indicate that the talks were conducted in a constructive and respectful atmosphere.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
By Luc Cohen

(Reuters) - President Donald Trump's administration moved a Venezuelan man who had worked in construction in Philadelphia to Texas for possible deportation after a federal judge had issued an order blocking his removal from Pennsylvania or the United States, according to court records.

A plane transporting the man took off on April 15 from an airport in the state capital Harrisburg about a half hour after U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines issued an order temporarily blocking the administration from moving him out of her western Pennsylvania judicial district or the country, Justice Department lawyer Laura Irwin told an April 17 hearing, conducted as a conference call.

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The Venezuelan, referred to in court papers as "A.S.R.," was then brought to the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, according to the government and American Civil Liberties Union, which represents him.

The administration has not been accused of violating the order by Haines, appointed by Trump during his first presidential term, by sending the man to Texas. But his transfer demonstrates the administration's aggressive tactics to try to swiftly deport Venezuelan migrants it accuses of being members of the criminal gang Tren de Aragua even as various courts including the Supreme Court impose restrictions.

Representatives of the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Details about the transfer of A.S.R. were revealed in three court filings by his lawyers and a transcript of the April 17 hearing, all previously unreported.

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He was believed to be among dozens of Venezuelans at the Bluebonnet facility who the Trump administration had tried to deport last week under a 1798 law called the Alien Enemies Act that historically has been used only in wartime, the ACLU said.

That deportation effort was blocked by an emergency ruling by the Supreme Court last Saturday.

Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act in March as legal justification for deporting hundreds of men his administration accused of being Tren de Aragua members to a prison in El Salvador under an arrangement in which the United States is paying the Central American nation $6 million. It is part of Trump's hardline approach toward immigration.

The Trump administration has designated the gang as a foreign terrorist organization. The man's lawyers said in court papers he denies gang membership.

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A FEBRUARY ARREST

Brennan Gian-Grasso, a Philadelphia-based immigration lawyer also representing the man, said in court papers that A.S.R. entered the United States through Texas in November 2023 with his wife, child and two stepchildren. Born in 1995, he had been employed as a construction worker in Philadelphia since December, Gian-Grasso said.

A.S.R. was arrested on February 26, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers told him a neighbor had reported that he was a Tren de Aragua member, Gian-Grasso said in court papers.

ACLU lawyer Vanessa Stine said on Wednesday it is her understanding that A.S.R. remains detained at the Bluebonnet facility.

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Irwin said at the April 17 hearing that the government began moving A.S.R. out of a detention facility in the judicial district where Johnstown-based Haines serves - the Western District of Pennsylvania - before his lawyers filed a petition challenging his possible deportation, according to the transcript.

The Harrisburg airport is located in a different judicial district. Irwin said at the April 17 hearing she did not know exactly when A.S.R. left the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Lee Gelernt, an ACLU lawyer, told the hearing that Haines likely would still have jurisdiction even if A.S.R. had been removed from detention before his petition was filed.

"Our purpose here in this discussion is not to say that the government purposely avoided your court's jurisdiction, but just to get to the bottom of it," Gelernt said, according to the transcript.

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Haines has asked both sides to present arguments in written filings about whether she has jurisdiction in the case.

A PRESIDENT'S VOW

Trump, who began his second term in January, has pledged to dramatically step up deportations. The Republican president has lashed out at judges who have ruled against his administration in immigration cases.

Democrats and some legal analysts have said administration officials in some cases have dragged their feet in complying with unfavorable court orders, signaling what these critics call a potential willingness by the executive branch to disobey the federal judiciary, which the U.S. Constitution holds as a coequal branch of the government.

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The Supreme Court on April 7 ended a nationwide order issued by Washington-based U.S. District Judge James Boasberg barring further Alien Enemies Act deportations, but imposed certain due process requirements. Following that Supreme Court ruling, detained Venezuelans across the United States who believed they were at risk of being deported under the law raced to secure judicial orders temporarily blocking their removal. Federal judges in Manhattan, Colorado and Texas issued rulings similar to the one by Haines that shielded migrants detained in their judicial districts from deportation.

The government responded by moving dozens of Venezuelans to Bluebonnet, located in a northern Texas judicial district where Trump administration officials believed courts would not block Alien Enemies Act deportations, ACLU lawyer Tim Macdonald said.

"What the government was doing was finding Venezuelan men, rounding them up and shipping them to the Northern District of Texas," Macdonald said at a court hearing in Denver on Monday, adding that the government perceived northern Texas as a "favorable venue."

The judicial district is known for its conservative-leaning judges.

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Lubbock, Texas-based U.S. District Judge Wesley Hendrix, a Trump appointee, on April 17 declined to block Alien Enemies Act deportations in the district. The next day, the ACLU said, the government loaded at least 28 migrants onto buses headed to an airport in Abilene, Texas - inside that judicial district - for deportation.

Macdonald said at Monday's hearing that the buses carrying the migrants to the Abilene airport turned around after the ACLU filed emergency petitions with the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Additional reporting by Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Will Dunham)
By Sarah N. Lynch and Peter Eisler

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department is terminating $811 million in grants, including some impacting victim service programs ranging from trauma centers and sign language interpretation for domestic violence victims to police training, according to internal documents and two sources.

The 365 competitive grants being terminated were valued at $811 million when awarded, a total reported exclusively by Reuters. These grants are typically paid out over three years, though it remains unclear how much money was left unspent at the time of the cuts.

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The cuts affect awards managed by the Office of Justice Programs. As a measure of scope, the office received approval to award roughly $3 billion in total competitive grants in the 2024 fiscal year.

After Reuters highlighted some of the cuts on Thursday, a Justice Department official said that seven of the victim services grants were being restored.

"We are confident that these cuts are consistent with the administration's priorities while at the same time protecting services that tangibly impact victims," a department official said.

Among those restored included a grant to the National Center for Victims of Crime to fund crime-victim hotlines, and a grant to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the official said.

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President Donald Trump's administration is engaged in a wide-ranging campaign to slash the federal government that is taking particular aim at policies he opposes, including those that promote diversity, equity and inclusion and refugee resettlement. Accounts from federal workers and experts depict the effort as chaotic at times, with agencies in some cases laying off workers that they then need to rehire.

The Justice Department told Reuters on Wednesday it was discerning in how it selected which grants to cut, with Attorney General Pam Bondi saying it would "continue to ensure that services for victims are not impacted."

Following a Reuters report on Wednesday that referenced funding cuts to a program for pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, the department separately restored aid for some recipients. These included one of the only Connecticut providers accepting pets across all its shelters, along with a service provider in Maryland.

"Attorney General Bondi personally extends her appreciation to the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence for its steadfast commitment to domestic violence survivors and the professionals who support them," wrote Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg in an email seen by Reuters that was sent on Wednesday night to the group, rescinding the termination of the grant.

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A review of the cuts to grant programs from the Office for Victims of Crime shows that many provided a mix of direct and indirect assistance for domestic violence and trafficking victims.

'RECKLESS CUTS'

Activating Change, a nonprofit that supports domestic violence victims with disabilities, lost five federal grants totaling more than $2 million, said Executive Director Nancy Smith.

One of those paid for American Sign Language interpretation services for domestic violence victims, while another trains police on how to investigate trafficking crimes against people with disabilities.

Another recipient that lost funding is the Central Iowa Trauma Recovery Center, which received support from Republican Senator Charles Grassley.

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Other types of canceled grants, meanwhile, funded programs from criminal justice research, to efforts to help reduce recidivism and support people after they leave prison.

A Justice Department official said Thursday evening the grant to the Iowa-based trauma recovery center was being restored, but the department would not restore the grants to Activating Change because of its affiliation with the Vera Institute of Justice.

The Vera Institute of Justice, an independent nonprofit, was recently targeted by billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency as part of its cost-cutting effort.

"The DOJ's reckless cuts to their federal grants endanger these victims' safety," the Vera Institute of Justice told Reuters in a statement.

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"It is unconscionable that this administration would put partisan politics over the wellbeing of victims of crime," the group added.

Smith, from Activating Change, said in a statement that terminating her group's grants represented a "political act."

"This punishes deaf and disabled survivors, silences marginalized voices, and dismantles vital support for those already facing the greatest barriers to safety and healing," she said.

Of the $811 million in total cuts, about $71 million comes from grants offered by the Office for Victims of Crime, according to a spreadsheet of the grants seen by Reuters.

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DOJ cut roughly $535 million to programs from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which funds programs to support many local police departments and correctional facilities, the data shows.

The federal agency cut about $136 million from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and terminated nearly $59 million in research grants funded by the National Institute of Justice.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Peter Eisler; Editing by Scott Malone, Lisa Shumaker and Shri Navaratnam)
The exhumation of the bodies of Polish citizens who were killed in 1945 began in Ukraines Ternopil Oblast on 24 April, at the site of the disappeared village of Puzhnyky. [The Volyn (Volhynia) tragedy was a series of events that led to the ethnic cleansing of the Polish and Ukrainian populations in 1943 during World War II. It was part of a long-standing rivalry between Ukrainians and Poles in what is now Ukraine's west. Poland considers the Volyn tragedy a genocide of Poles  ed.]

Source: European Pravda with reference to the Polish radio station RMF FM

Details: A Polish-Ukrainian team of researchers, including forensic doctors, archaeologists, geneticists, and anthropologists, is carrying out the exhumation work.

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On the Polish side, researchers from the Freedom and Democracy Foundation, scientists from the Pomeranian Medical University, and representatives of the Institute of National Remembrance are working on the site. Representatives of the Ukrainian foundation Volyn Antiquities are also participating in the work.

"Polish citizens, whose identities have been established, were killed in Puzhnyky. We want to identify all the victims of that tragic night in 1945 and give them a decent burial. This is what their families are waiting for, and they are involved in the process, for example, by providing us with genetic material [for comparison]," said Maciej Wrobel, State Secretary of the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, before the exhumation began.

It is estimated that around 80 people were killed in Puzhnyky during the tragic events of 1945.

The work is not easy, as the cemetery and mass grave, the place where the exhumations are carried out, are located in the middle of a forest. Transporting several tonnes of specialised equipment was a challenge.

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Rainy weather could have made the road more difficult. However, the weather is sunny this morning in Ternopil Oblast.

Background:

In response to the mass destruction of Ukrainian monuments in Poland in 2015-2017 and the insufficient investigation of these crimes, Ukraine imposed moratoriums on the search and exhumation of the remains of Poles killed in 1943-1945 by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.

For years, the issue of exhumations has been a bone of contention in relations between Ukraine and Poland. The new Polish government, headed by Donald Tusk, put pressure on Kyiv to lift the moratorium.

Warsaw even said that the resolution of historical disputes would be a prerequisite for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

It became known in January that the Freedom and Democracy Foundation, which discovered the Puzhnyky grave site two years ago, had received permission from the Ukrainian authorities to dig up the remains and conduct further research.

This news comes after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a breakthrough in the exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy earlier this year.

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A team of Polish and Ukrainian researchers on April 24 began exhuming Polish victims of the World War II-era Volyn massacres in what is today western Ukraine, the Polish media reported.

Forensic experts, archeologists, and geneticists began their work at 9 a.m. local time at the site of the destroyed Puzhnyky (Puzniki in Polish) village in Ternopil Oblast.

This is the first such exhumation since 2017, when Ukraine imposed a moratorium in response to the destruction of Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) memorials in Poland.

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The Volyn massacres, which peaked in 1943-1944, took place in the Nazi-occupied territory of what is now western Ukraine during World War II. UPA members killed tens of thousands of Poles, while thousands of Ukrainians were killed in retaliation.

The massacre represents one of the most painful chapters of the Polish-Ukrainian history and has continued to strain mutual relations to this day.

UPA fighters are believed to have killed between 50 and 120 Poles in Puzhnyky overnight on Feb. 13, 1945. The settlement no longer exists, and the area has been overgrown with vegetation, but close to 80 victims may remain buried here.

The research team includes Polish experts from the Freedom and Democracy Foundation, the Pomeranian Medical University, and the Institute of National Remembrance, as well as Ukrainian researchers from the Society of Volyn Antiquities.

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Maciej Wrobel, state secretary at the Polish Culture Ministry, told Polsat News that the goal is to identify the victims and ensure dignified burial. He also said that the work is complicated by Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, and warned against possible Russian disinformation operations.

In recent months, the Polish and Ukrainian governments have made efforts to resolve the issue of the Volyn exhumations, with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk announcing a "breakthrough" in January.

Multiple Polish government and opposition officials have said that Warsaw would block Ukraine's entry into the EU and NATO unless the matter is resolved.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Kansas Corporation Commissioner Andrew French said Wednesday the commission will reach a decision in Evergy's request to build two new natural gas plants by July 7. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Opponents to two new natural gas plants proposed by Evergy testified Wednesday about uncertain costs of natural gas and pushed the Kansas Corporation Commission to consider other options for expanding power generation in the state.

During the third day of KCC hearings, Nick Jones, a senior analyst at New Energy Economics, told commissioners he had the dubious distinction of being the only person in the room to have worked as a natural gas forecaster.

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Im familiar with some of the pitfalls and some of the risks in trying to forecast natural gas that far in advance, he said, referring to projected costs that will be incurred for Evergy natural gas plants expected to go into service in 2029 and 2030.

Jones said the U.S. Energy Information Administration has substantially revised its forecast for natural gas prices expected in the 2030s in its most recent energy outlook report.

Its now significantly above the mid-case (price) that Evergy has proposed in this docket, he said, referring to low, mid- and high-case projections made by Evergy for natural gas costs.

Supporting his concerns, Jones said, a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City of leading energy producers also predicted increases in natural gas costs in the coming years.

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Now all of these are just data points. I dont think any of those are definitive, but I do see that the early signals indicate that there is upside risk in the natural gas market, and that the commission should take seriously the potential that these plants could be operating in a scenario closer to the high gas scenario that Evergy modeled, and potentially even beyond that, Jones said.

Natural gas volatility

In written, prefiled testimony, Jones said Evergy failed to account for natural gas price volatility in its supply plan, which showed purchasing natural gas in a manner similar to purchasing coal.

Natural gas cannot be easily stockpiled on site, as is common practice for coal, Jones written testimony said. Nor can natural gas be delivered through multiple modes of transport, as can be done for coal. Nor is natural gas marketed almost exclusively to the power sector, as is the case for thermal coal. In contrast to coal markets, natural gas markets rely on centralized storage and delivery to end-users via pipelines.

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Those and other factors Jones listed in testimony mean natural gas is a just-in-time fuel for which the timing and volume of deliveries must coincide exactly with the needs of the power plant.

Therefore, procuring natural gas inherently requires more sophisticated methods and leaves less room for error than procuring coal, he said during Wednesdays hearing.

Jones primarily focused on the need for more diversification in Evergys portfolio than what the natural gas plants would add, and he questioned whether commissioners should approve the second natural gas plant at this time.

Im not, you know, going to sit here and claim that batteries are a one-to-one swap for natural gas or that theres some kind of panacea, he said. All these options have advantages and drawbacks, but one thing that we can say for sure is that the more diversity that there is in Evergys expansion plans, the less that they will be exposed to any particular risk, and that includes the risk of high natural gas prices.

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Outdated model

The second and final witness Wednesday was Lucy Metz, an associate with Synapse Energy Economics testifying for the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board. On Tuesday, KCCs Justin Grady, deputy director of utilities, criticized Metzs focus on adding battery storage, saying it did not mesh with the Integrated Resource Plan that Every is required to file. The IRP lays out the companys projections for market needs and how it will meet them.

Market conditions have changed significantly since Evergy developed that 2024 IRP preferred portfolio, and in particular, the relative cost of different replacement resources has changed significantly, Metz said Wednesday. It no longer makes sense under these new and current conditions we face for Evergy to forge ahead with that outdated preferred portfolio, which may no longer represent the most cost effective and the lowest risk option for ratepayers.

Metz said that Evergy did offer updated modeling for the current docket, addressing some of those concerns, but she still felt it did not adequately address market changes.

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I have a number of concerns with this updated modeling, including that Evergy did not account for the future risk of operational restrictions on the combined cycle units from environmental regulations, she said.

Metz questioned whether Evergy considered the full range of resource options before moving forward with proposals for the natural gas plants. She listed converting more of its coal units to gas, for example, to give the company additional time before adding a large resource addition like the proposed plants.

I believe that if Evergy had corrected these shortcomings, its very likely that the model would no longer have selected that 2030 (combined cycle natural gas plant) and would have gone with some of those other alternatives instead, she said. And I really sympathize with staffs instinct in this time of uncertainty related to political headwinds and tariffs and trade wars to lock in this generation. But I just think that perspective really ignores some other categories of risk that ratepayers will be very exposed to.

Addressing uncertainty

Given the current tariff and generally uncertain environment, Metz said, she believes one of the best ways to protect ratepayers would be to select a portfolio that will be robust across that uncertainty, no matter how things turn out with the tariffs.

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So its really not clear at this moment what the net effect across all the different energy supply chains will be of these tariffs threats, but if Evergy builds the combined cycle units, it will be locking repairs into these very large assets that will then rely on gas over their entire lifetime, and the tariffs could affect gas prices as well, she said. Whereas more modular and incremental resource additions, such as batteries or solar energy, can really adapt as it goes, and while tariffs may affect capital costs of these resources, once theyre built, they will have no fuel costs, and so rate payers will no longer be exposed to that uncertainty.

The predetermination hearing ended after Metzs testimony. Commissioner Andrew French said the KCC would reach its decision by July 7.
Powerful computing centers enable many of the functions of our contemporary lifestyles, but their sheer magnitude threatens the stability of our energy grids, Reuters reported.

What are these data centers?

It's easy to slip into complicated technological and computing jargon when discussing data centers; however, at their core, data centers are massive physical spaces that house computers.

This allows the company using the data center to house IT systems "for building, running and delivering applications and services," explains IBM. "It also stores and manages the data associated with those applications and services."

Why are data centers expanding so rapidly?

The more digital applications and services consumers use, the more data centers will be needed.

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This is why the amount of power used by data centers has tripled over the past 10 years and could triple again in the next three years, Reuters reported, citing a report from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency mining play a large part. Computers are used continuously to generate AI models and crypto operations, and that continuous usage requires a tremendous amount of energy.

How do data centers contribute to grid instability?

Unfortunately, the exponential growth of data centers comes with a particular set of issues  namely, the growing likelihood of crashing the power grid.

Alison Silverstein, a former senior adviser to the chairman of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, told Reuters, "What it tells us is that the behavior of data centers has the potential to cause cascading power outages for an entire region."

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This means that as data centers expand, grid operators are forced to reevaluate how they supply power and plan for possible emergency shutdowns and surges, further complicating an already complicated task. The need for solutions grows with each passing day as more near-misses threaten to throw major power grids off balance temporarily.

For example, a recent power surge in Data Center Alley  an area near Washington, D.C., that consumes the same amount of electricity as Boston  forced nearly a third of the area's data centers to drop off the grid suddenly.

"As these data centers get bigger and consume more energy, the grid is not designed to withstand the loss of 1,500-megawatt data centers," said John Moura, director of reliability assessment and system analysis for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. "At some level it becomes too large to withstand unless more grid resources are added."

Reuters reviewed disclosures from several other states and found that the number of near-miss incidents has grown. For example, in December 2022, a Texas facility caused nearly 400 facilities to unplug.

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"The mass exodus produced an oversupply of nearly 1,700 megawatts of electricity  equivalent to about 5% of the grid's total demand - and forced 112 megawatts of power generation to shut down," according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Reuters reported.

The NERC reported in December that much of the United States will face increased risks of energy shortfalls within the next five to 10 years.

Can anything be done to avoid grid shutdowns?

Grid operators and data centers have opposing motivations, which makes finding a quick solution difficult.

While grid operators want the government to require data centers to "ride through" routine dips in voltage without switching to generator power, per Reuters, data centers object, saying that this risks damaging their equipment and operating systems.

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With Big Tech's demand for AI and crypto continuing to grow, states risk losing jobs and income from data centers if their regulations are too strict, suggesting the sector has much more work to do to be "grid-friendly," according to Jim Simonelli, chief technology officer for Schneider Electric's secure power division.

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When tropical cyclone Alfred battered Australia's east coast in March, it didn't just knock out power for hundreds of thousands of people  it also left wildlife injured, displaced, and struggling to survive.

Across Queensland, dedicated rescuers rushed to help, including veterinary nurse Hannah Gallagher, who works with Wildlife Rescue Queensland.

Gallagher cares for many different animals at her home outside Brisbane, from koalas to cassowaries. But since the storm, her focus has been on rehabilitating storm-tossed birds  many of which aren't normally seen on land.

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"It's a bit like The Wizard of Oz, caught up in a cyclone and dumped somewhere completely weird and out of your routine," she told The World.

Gallagher's backyard triage area has become a makeshift recovery center, with six birds recovering in mesh carriers on the day she spoke with The World.

At one point, locals had brought 38 birds to her doorstep  sadly, only six survived. Many were seabirds so exhausted that they'd developed pressure sores on their feet since they're not used to standing for such long periods.

Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, south of Brisbane, treated around 500 injured animals affected by the storm. Senior veterinarian Michael Pyne said the hardest-hit were tree-dwellers like koalas and possums.

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Even the hospital itself had to evacuate for the first time ever because of the storm. One koala, Laura Leaf, spent her recovery period after surgery at a nurse's home.

"Every koala's important, and to lose any of them is heartbreaking," Pyne said.

Scientists like April Reside, a lecturer at the University of Queensland, warn that these storms are part of a larger pattern. Rising global temperatures and extreme weather like more frequent wildfires  all of which have been linked to human-induced climate change  are threatening already-vulnerable species, especially those in rainforests. Some birds are shifting their ranges south; others may not be able to adapt.

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Not only do these weather events affect animals, but their increased severity and frequency is creating new challenges for people. As entire ecosystems are threatened, it ultimately disrupts the food chain and throws nature off balance, impacting everything from pollinators to the crops we depend on.

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But there is hope. Conservationists are using advanced mapping tools and historical data to identify potential safe havens where species might have the best chance of survival as the climate changes.

Reside explained: "If we can find the areas which are suitable for species in the future, and we can make sure those areas are secured for the biodiversity that needs them, that is probably one of the best things we can do."

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(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order this week targeting the non-government agencies that accredit universities and other higher-education institutions, saying that some promote diversity he considers to be a form of unlawful discrimination.

The order instructs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to consider terminating government approval of higher-education accrediting agencies that require colleges to show a commitment to having staff and students who are diverse with regard to gender, race and ethnic background.

HOW ARE U.S. UNIVERSITIES ACCREDITED?

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The U.S. federal government does not run any universities or colleges, nor does it accredit them. Instead, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, the education secretary "recognizes" various private educational associations, as well as some agencies run by state governments, that can accredit colleges through a peer review process if they meet criteria laid out by Congress.

The government has recognized more than 30 accrediting agencies, including regional agencies and agencies with a narrow focus on particular professional educational programs. For example, a division of the American Bar Association is the main accrediting agency for law degree programs in the U.S.; the New England Commission of Higher Education accredits colleges in much of the Northeast, including Harvard University.

WHAT DOES ACCREDITING MEAN?

The Higher Education Act says that the main role of accrediting agencies is to ensure the quality of education received by students and to serve as a guarantor of the diplomas issued by accredited schools.

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In order to receive Pell Grants or student loans disbursed by the U.S. Department of Education, a student must generally enroll at an accredited or "pre-accredited" institution. The department issues more than $100 billion in grants and loans each year, according to the White House.

The law requires accrediting agencies to lay out clear standards and processes, and that they must assess a college or university by looking at student achievement, graduation rates, curricula, faculty, facilities and admissions practices, among other criteria.

WHAT IS TRUMP'S CRITICISM OF ACCREDITING AGENCIES?

Trump, a Republican, has repeatedly criticized U.S. universities for being bastions of what he calls anti-American, Marxist and "radical left" ideologies, and has said accreditation agencies are partly to blame.

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In his order, he criticized any agency that sought to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in its accreditation standards with regards to gender, race or ethnic background. He ordered the education secretary to eradicate those criteria within the bounds of existing law. He also ordered McMahon to see that accredited institutions support "intellectual diversity" in their faculties, which many conservatives consider to be left-leaning.

WHAT POWERS DOES THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE OVER ACCREDITORS?

Some of Trump's goals may require Congress to amend the law. The Higher Education Act says the education secretary is not permitted to establish additional criteria for accrediting agencies beyond those Congress included in the Higher Education Act. Nor is the secretary allowed to define or prescribe the standards used by an agency to assess a college's student achievement.

However, the law does allow accrediting agencies to adopt "additional standards" beyond those laid out by Congress in making their accreditation decisions.

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An accrediting agency must reapply for recognition by the education secretary at most every five years. If an accrediting agency fails to meet the criteria laid out in the Higher Education Act, the education secretary can terminate its recognition only "after notice and opportunity for a hearing."

WHAT DOES THE HIGHER EDUCATION ACT SAY ABOUT DIVERSITY?

The law repeatedly refers to promoting various forms of diversity at U.S. colleges. For example, the law requires institutions provide information for current and prospective students on "student body diversity," including a breakdown of the gender and racial makeup of full-time students. The law also lays out grant programs intended for women and other historically under-represented minority groups, and it states that "underrepresentation of minorities in science and technological fields diminishes our Nation's competitiveness."

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Frank McGurty and Daniel Wallis)
The city of Kharkiv has come under a large-scale Russian drone attack after a missile strike on the night of 23-24 April. Explosions have been heard in the city.

Source: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov

Quote: "Now Kharkiv is under attack by enemy UAVs. An explosion was heard. Shahed drones are still flying in the airspace. Be careful!"

Details: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, reported that the city was under Russian drone attack for over half an hour.

Background:

The Russians conducted a large-scale attack on Kharkiv on the night of 23-24 April, launching seven missile strikes.

Russia launched a combined strike on Ukraine on the night of 23-24 April, using drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.

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An almost overlooked fossil discovered in a Brazilian museum collection has revealed the oldest ant specimen known to science, according to new research.

The prehistoric ant lived among dinosaurs 113 million years ago  several millions of years before previously found fossilized ants  and had an unusual way to kill its prey. Anderson Lepeco, a researcher at the Museum of Zoology of the University of Sao Paulo, said he came across the extraordinary specimen in September 2024 while examining a fossil collection housed at the Museum of Zoology of the University of Sao Paulo.

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The museum has one of the worlds largest collections of fossilized insects and contains specimens from northeastern Brazils Crato Formation, a geological deposit renowned for its exceptional fossil preservation.

Preserved in limestone, the newly described extinct insect is whats known as a hell ant, a member of a subfamily called Haidomyrmecinae that lived during the Cretaceous period between 66 million and 145 million years ago and is not related to any ant alive today, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Current Biology. The fossil species, which has been named Vulcanidris cratensis, had scythe-like jaws that it likely used to pin or impale prey.

I was just shocked to see that weird projection in front of this (insects) head, Lepeco, the studys lead author, said. Other hell ants have been described with odd mandibles, but always as amber specimens.

Its rare to find insects preserved in rock. Other hell ants from the Cretaceous have been found entombed in amber from France and Myanmar but they date back to around 99 million years ago. That a hell ant lived before that in whats now Brazil means ants were already widely distributed across the planet at an early point in their evolution, the study authors noted.

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The discovery sheds light on how ants evolved during the early Cretaceous, a time of significant change. It also offers some insight into unusual features in ant species of this period that didnt survive the mass extinction that ended the dinosaur era, the researchers said.

A CT scan was used to visualize what the ant would have looked like. - Odair M. Meira

Anatomical features lost to time

Today, ants are one of the most conspicuous and abundant groups of insects on the planet, found on all continents except Antarctica, the study noted.

However, ants havent always been dominant. They evolved during the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous, roughly 145 million years ago, when ant ancestors diverged from the same group that would give rise to wasps and bees.

It wasnt until after an asteroid strike doomed the dinosaurs and other species to extinction 66 million years ago that ants became the most common insect found in the fossil record, according to the study.

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The fossil is a pretty big deal, said Phil Barden, an associate professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology who studies the evolutionary history of insects.

This new find now represents the oldest ant known, it extends the known fossil record for ants by about ten million years, Barden, who wasnt involved in the study, said via email.

Although fossil ants have been described since the 19th centuryUntil now, it was not clear if the absence of ants older than 100 million years was because they were not around or just that they were not preserved in deposits where people were looking, he added.

The newly identified species also had some wasp-like characteristics indicative of the common ancestry between the two creatures. For example, the ants wings had far more veins than those of living ants, Lepeco said.

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Micro-computed tomography imaging  a 3D-imaging technique that employs X-rays to view inside the ant  revealed that the bug was closely related to hell ants previously known only from Burmese amber fossils.

What was most striking about the ant was its unusual anatomical features. Modern ants have jaws that grasp laterally  side to side. However, this ant possessed scythe-like jaws that ran parallel to its head and projected forward from near the eyes, the researchers noted in the study.

It could have worked as a kind of forklift, moving upwards as the ant preyed on other extinct insects, Lepeco explained via email.

The intricate morphology suggests that even these earliest ants had already evolved sophisticated predatory strategies significantly different from their modern counterparts, Lepeco added.

A previous version of this story inaccurately dated the period in which the fossil ant species lived.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Progress could be achieved in the indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which are set to take place on April 26 in Oman, said the Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Trend reports.

In a statement to Iranian media in Beijing, Araghchi emphasized that, as in the previous two rounds, Iran is committed to participating seriously in the talks, and if the other side also engages constructively, there is hope for reaching an agreement.

Araghchi expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations, noting that Iran's approach remains cautious due to contradictory statements from the US. He acknowledged that numerous misunderstandings still exist between the two countries.

"We have made better progress on the principles compared to previous agreements, and this process can continue," Araghchi stated.

He further explained that while Iran is open to ensuring that its nuclear program does not lead to the development of nuclear weapons, discussions could encounter difficulties if the US presents unreasonable or additional demands.

The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed that Iran has never walked away from the negotiation table, and the indirect nature of the talks so far has not posed any problems. He reiterated that the discussions, mediated by Oman, are proceeding in a positive direction.

The second round of negotiations between Iran and the US was held on April 19 under the chairmanship of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The second round of talks between Iran and the US was conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi. The third round of these indirect talks is scheduled for April 26.

The first indirect talks between Iran and the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program took place on April 12 in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The discussions were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi and US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Steve Whitkoff. Sources indicate that the talks were conducted in a constructive and respectful atmosphere.

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Ukrainian pilots flying Western fighter jets F-16 and Mirage shot down several dozen Russian aerial targets during a combined large-scale Russian attack on the night of 23-24 April.

Source: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, on the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "The commander of the Air Force praised the work of our tactical aircraft. In particular, F-16 and Mirage pilots delivered quite good results today: several dozen aerial targets were shot down by our Ukrainian pilots. These included cruise missiles and Shahed drones.

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Of course, both Mirage and F-16 aircraft, as well as the still-used Soviet-era fleet, can shoot down targets flying on aerodynamic trajectories  these are cruise missiles and drones. Unfortunately, aircraft cannot intercept ballistic missiles, which is why our Patriot system handles them."

Details: Ihnat added that the effectiveness of Western aircraft in repelling Russian air attacks is quite high.

Background: On the night of 23-24 April, Russian forces launched 215 missiles of various types and drones on Ukraine, with the main impact falling on the city of Kyiv. Ukrainian air defence units shot down 112 Russian aerial targets, namely 7 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 31 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 6 Kalibr missiles, 4 Kh-59/Kh-69 air-to-surface missiles and 64 Shahed loitering munitions.

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The U.S. Air Force is firmly of the view that its new F-47 6th generation stealth fighters are key to how we win in future fights, according to the services top general in charge of force structure planning. Though the Air Force previously said it would buy 200 of the next-generation combat jets, how many of the aircraft the service now plans to acquire is an open question as its vision of the core air superiority mission set continues to evolve.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel talked about the F-47 and how it factors into his services current work on a new overarching force design during a virtual talk that the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) hosted today. Kunkel is currently the director of Force Design, Integration, and Wargaming within the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures at the Pentagon.

Kunkel described the announcement in March that Boeings F-47 had won the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) combat jet competition as a fantastic day for the Air Force that has assured air superiority for generations to come. The Air Force had put the NGAD combat jet program on hold for a deep review last year, which ultimately concluded that the service needed to acquire the aircraft to be best positioned to achieve air superiority in future high-end fights.

One of two renderings of the F-47 that the US Air Force has released to date. USAF

The F-47, the capabilities that it brings to the fight, are game-changing for us, he continued. It doesnt change the character [of] the fight just for the Air Force, it changes it for the joint force. It allows us to get places  allows the joint force to get places where it otherwise couldnt. It allows us to move closer to the adversary [and] allows us to counter the adversary in ways we cant [now].

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Kunkel said that he could not provide any more granular information about the F-47s design and capabilities due to the high degree of classification currently surrounding the program. Air & Space Forces Magazine reported last week that the F-47 concept art that the Air Force has released to date has been heavily manipulated to obscure key details about the actual aircraft. You can find TWZs previous in-depth analysis of what has been shown so far here.

The F-47, I think, is a perfect example of a war-winning story, a coherent narrative, [a] cohesive hey, this is how we win,' Kunkel added today. This is how the joint force wins.

US Air Force Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel seen here speaking at the Air and Space Forces Associations annual Warfare Symposium in March 2025. USAF

There are still questions about how exactly the F-47 will fit into the Air Forces future force structure and how many of the jets the service might actually purchase.

We wont be able to get to F-47 force structure numbers in this conversation, Kunkel said today in direct response to a question from the author. It does point to a larger question of, weve got a force design, how do you transition that force design into force structure, and then is there a force-sizing construct that needs to accompany it? And that larger force-sizing structure or concept is something were working on right now.

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During a quarterly earnings call yesterday, Boeings CEO Kelly Ortberg also said he could not offer any details about the current F-47 contract beyond what the Air Force has already announced.

In 2023, then-Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said that his service was working around a future force planning construct that included 200 NGAD combat jets. That aligned with the original vision for what was first referred to as the Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA) platform, which was intended as more or less a one-for-one replacement for the existing F-22 Raptor stealth fighter. In July 2024, Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, head of Air Combat Command (ACC), said that there was no longer a firm timeline for replacing the F-22 at all, and it is unclear how those plans may have further changed since then. Significant F-22 modernization projects are underway now, which have also been feeding into the larger NGAD initiative.

An F-22 Raptor. USAF Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin

These questions are directly tied to the Air Forces still-evolving vision of what achieving air superiority  the primary expected mission of the F-47  will look like in future conflicts.

I was part of the group that did the [NGAD combat jet] analysis, and said, hey, is there a different way to do this? Can we do this with the current capabilities?' Kunkel said today. I guess we probably didnt need to do the analysis, because what we found is we found out that we were right, that air superiority, in fact, does matter.

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At the same time, theres an evolution in how we do air superiority, right? Kunkel added. All domains is [sic] enabled by air superiority. So the Air Force must continue to provide it.

But there might be places where air superiority, it doesnt turn into air supremacy. And on this scale, it goes from blue or U.S. air supremacy, and goes down to your superiority, and then goes down to neutral, and then red is on the other side, he continued. Theres probably places where theres mutual air denial. Where no ones no one has air superiority, but were denying the air domain to the adversary. And I think, in some of these cases, that may be perfectly acceptable, where we dont have this dominant presence all the time.

This is in line with a concept of pulsed airpower operations the Air Force has outlined in the past, defined as a concentrating of airpower in time and space to create windows of opportunity for the rest of the force.

Now, is that your superiority? I dont know. I tend to think it is, but it may not be, Kunkel further noted today.

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The video below offers a view of how the Air Force has described the air superiority mission in the past.

As already noted, the air superiority mission set was absolutely central to the development of the NGAD combat jet requirements that led to the F-47. Kunkel himself highlighted just earlier this year how critical the jets are expected to be in providing a forward airpower presence, especially in heavily contested environments.

Youve got to be forward in order to sustain the tempo thats required to bring the adversary to a sneeze. So an all-long-range force,  it sounds wonderful, doesnt it? You sit in Topeka, Kansas, you press a red button, the war gets fought. Nobody gets hurt. Its all done at long range, Kunkel said during a talk at the Hudson Institute think tank in Washington, D.C., in February. [But] it doesnt win because it just cant sustain the tempo of the fight.

The service has also previously made clear in the past that plans for the NGAD combat jet, as well as its future fleets of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones and next-generation aerial refueling capabilities, are all directly intertwined. The Air Force is still very much refining its vision for how it will employ CCAs and is similarly ironing out requirements for future aerial refueling capabilities. The forward drone controller role is still expected to be another key task for the F-47.

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CCA integration with F-47 makes the F-47 better, Kunkel said today.

Budgetary considerations will have an impact on the ultimate F-47 force structure, as well. Just completing the jets development is expected to cost at least $20 billion on top of what has already been spent. The aircrafts estimated unit cost is unclear, but has been pegged in the past at three times the average price of an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or upwards of $300 million based on publicly available information.

Separately this week, Lockheed Martin, which lost the NGAD combat jet competition to Boeing, also pitched the idea of a major NASCAR upgrade for the F-35 that could deliver 80% of 6th gen capability at 50% of the cost, according to the companys CEO Jim Taiclet. Kunkel said today he had not heard about this ambitious proposal, but would be interested in talking with Lockheed Martin about it.

Regardless, a major realignment of priorities is currently underway across the entire U.S. military under President Donald Trump. Despite expectations that some existing programs will be cut, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the total U.S. defense budget request is set to rise to around $1 trillion. Kunkel and other Air Force officials have been and continue to be bullish on their service coming out ahead in the end budget-wise.

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So, when you say balance out the budget, what we cant do as a nation is say that the Air Force needs to balance out its budget, Kunkel said today. The Department [of Defense] needs to balance its budget, and the resources need to follow the strategy.  If the strategy has changed  which I would argue that the strategy for the last 30 years is not the strategy for the future  if the strategy has changed, then the resources need to follow the strategy. Heres the truth. The truth is that future fights depend on the Air Force to a greater extent than they ever have.

There are still concerns about what tradeoffs the Air Force may need to make in order to afford its F-47 plans on top of other expensive top-tier priorities, including the future LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile and the forthcoming B-21 Raider stealth bomber. There has notably been renewed talk in recent months about increasing planned B-21 purchases.

The first pre-production B-21 Raider. Northrop Grumman

When I left the Pentagon, the Department of the Air Force had a list of unfunded strategic priorities that were higher priority than NGAD. At the top of the list were counter-space weapons and airbase defense, Kendall wrote in an op-ed for Defense News earlier this month. Our new F-47s  and all of our forward-based aircraft  will never get off the ground if we dont address these threats through substantial budget increases.

Kendall had already disclosed that he had been willing to trade the NGAD combat jet for new investments in counter-space capabilities and improved base defenses during an episode of Defense & Aerospace Reports Air Power Podcast put out in March. During the podcast, Kendall, together with former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Andrew Hunter, provided a slew of other new details about the F-47 and its origins, as you can read more about here.

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Overall, the Air Forces current leadership is clearly very committed to the F-47, but how the service expects to eventually weave the jets into its future force structure plans looks to be still evolving.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Federal Aviation Administration's head of commercial space is among employees opting to take an early retirement offer, the agency said on Thursday.

Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation Kelvin Coleman is opting to leave as are some other senior officials in the air traffic organization, officials said.

Coleman in December announced the agency was streamlining a key commercial space launch and reentry license hurdle.

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In September, the FAA proposed a $633,000 fine against SpaceX for failing to follow license requirements in 2023 before two launches, drawing the ire of SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk, who has led President Donald Trump's effort to reform the U.S. government.

Musk last year called for the resignation of FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker, who opted to step down when Trump took office.

Earlier this month, the Transportation Department said around 4,000 employees have applied to take a new buyout that offers pay and benefits through September 30, a department official told Reuters.

"The agency continues to recruit and hire employees who perform safety-critical functions, and those employees are not eligible for the program," the FAA said on Thursday. "We are confident in our ability to continue safe operations and perform the job the American public expects us to do."

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The offer exempts public safety positions such as FAA air traffic controllers and aviation safety inspectors as well as railroad safety inspectors, pipeline and hazardous materials safety inspectors and cybersecurity employees.

Reuters reported this month that Tim Arel, head of the FAA's air traffic organization, is stepping down after 40 years of federal government service. Other senior air traffic officials are also opting to leave, officials said.

The Transportation Department has around 57,000 employees, according to a government website.

The Trump administration came under fire for initially offering buyouts to air traffic controllers and other safety workers when there are serious shortages of those workers, but it later reversed course. The FAA wants to hire 2,000 air traffic controller trainees this year.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese)
Apr. 23OLYMPIA  Like watching the winter snow slowly melt off of the peaks of Mt. Rainier in the spring sun, legislators continue their work to adopt a budget, even if the progress is hard to discern with the naked eye.

As the 2025 legislative session comes to a close, addressing the state's multibillion-dollar budget deficit remains the top priority for state lawmakers.

So far, the Senate passed three revenue bills, including a bill Democrats say would "modernize" the state's sales tax and bring in a projected $2.9 billion over the next two years and $4.7 billion over four years. The sales tax would be expanded to cover software development and other information technology services. The state's tobacco tax would also be extended to cover nicotine pouches, such as Zyn.

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A proposal to raise the capital gains tax on assets over $1 million and bring in approximately $282 million over the next two years and $561 million over four years also found support among Senate Democrats. The Senate also adopted a bill to repeal tax exemptions where the "public policy objective was not met," including with the international Business and Occupation tax credit and the dentistry prepayment insurance premiums tax exemption, or where the exemption is "legally obsolete."

Following their public hearings on Monday, each proposal received a "do pass" recommendation from the House Finance Committee on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, revenue proposals that have passed the House include amending the state's business and occupation tax by increasing the B&O tax on manufacturing, retailing and wholesale businesses and on taxpayers with state income above $250 million, and raising the per-student limit on school enrichment levels. The bills, which passed Tuesday evening, each received a hearing in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday and could be voted out of the committee on Friday.

While an array of revenue proposals continues to work its way through the legislature, it remains unclear how much revenue Gov. Bob Ferguson will support.

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Ferguson  who has publicly rejected a wealth tax and called the plan to raise $12 billion in new taxes "too costly"  has not tipped his hand on what he would support in a new budget, though he has rejected adopting a cuts-only budget.

Following a bill signing Tuesday, Ferguson said he remains "optimistic" the legislature will adjourn on time.

"Of course, if it takes an extra day or two, I'm not overly worried about that," Ferguson said. "But I think a lot of progress is being made."

The governor declined to discuss unresolved legislation, including a proposal to cap yearly rent increases that has also progressed this session.

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While he previously ruled out a wealth tax, Ferguson has largely avoided saying which tax proposals he could support, or at what amount, and has kept his discussions with Democratic leadership and budget writers private.

"I've got nothing more to say on the revenue," Ferguson said. "I think that they're working hard, and I appreciate their hard work."

The most important thing, Ferguson said, is "a budget that meets our needs and balances out revenue and some savings."

Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, was equally optimistic about the legislature completing its work on time.

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"There's a lot of things to be worked out here in the closing days," Riccelli said. "This place works in that scenario, where the pressure helps us move to action."

Riccelli said he believes a lot of the "key agreements" are in place.

A member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Riccelli said each of the revenue proposals "still have to go through the process."

"Everybody gets to have a touch on it, that's how the process works, both chambers," Riccelli said.

Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, meanwhile, estimated Wednesday that there's a 50/50 chance the legislature needs a special session to complete its work.

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"Depending on where they land, the governor has been pretty clear that he is not comfortable with the level of spending they've put forward," Braun said.

"My best guess is that it's going to run to the end, and it's going to land in the governor's lap, and whatever they have planned and haven't shared with all of us yet, and the governor's going to have to decide if he thinks that's right for the state of Washington.

"That's what's going to drive a special session at this point."

House Minority Leader Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, was also critical of the Democrats' budgeting process, which has long frustrated Republicans .

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"Democrats have engaged in the most reckless taxing spree one could possibly imagine, and I mean that both substantively and procedurally," Stokesbary said. "Substantively, they are taxing the jobs out of Washington."

Procedurally, Stokesbary said, Democrats have engaged in the "worst way imaginable" to draft tax policy.

"Tax policy should be well thought out, it should be fair, uniform, predictable, treat taxpayers evenly, allow businesses to plan," Stokesbary said. "That is not what is happening."

Stokesbary said rank-and-file legislators in both parties have yet to see what's in the budget, which "definitely means the public hasn't seen what's in the budget."

"Which is a big problem," Stokesbary said.
Claim:

A screenshot circulating in April 2025 showed an authentic Fox News chyron that quoted U.S. President Donald Trump saying: Its high imperial treason to troll me on Facebook and Twitter.

Rating:

Rating: Fake

Context:

U.S. President Donald Trump never made the above statement, though in 2023 he accused the news media of country threatening treason supposedly for coverage of his purported ties to Russia.

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In late April 2025, an image spread online showing a purported screenshot from Fox News in which U.S. President Donald Trump was shown standing in the Oval Office during an episode of "The Ingraham Angle." The screenshot included a chyron at the bottom of the screen of an alleged quote by Trump: "It's high imperial treason to troll me on Facebook and Twitter."

The image appeared on X, Facebook and TikTok, and while some social media users laughed at it, others took it seriously, with captions like "This, from the man who insisted his slanderous words about Hilary Clinton, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, etc., are protected under "Free Speech" rights."

(Facebook user "Kathy-Mike Haley")

However, the above image was manipulated to show a fake Trump quote inserted into the chyron.

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The image was taken from a real Fox News clip of Trump showing the Oval Office to Fox News host Laura Ingraham, but the chyron at the bottom of the screen had been edited with a false quote he never made during that interview. The background of the image had also been manipulated. We traced the source of the screenshot to a satirical Facebook account.

As such, we rate this screenshot as fake.

Snopes contacted Trump via the White House media team to ask if he had ever made such a comment in any interview and will update this story if we receive a response.

The real version of the interview appeared on Fox News' website on March 19, 2025, and showed Trump walking around the Oval Office in the White House, alongside Ingraham. During the clip, he gave Fox News an "exclusive tour," and discussed the decoration choices he had made as president.

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The moment used in the screenshot is visible after the 7:20 mark. Trump responded to a question from Ingraham on whether he would ever talk to his predecessor, former U.S. President Joe Biden. Trump said, "Yeah I'll talk to him," while adding that he doesn't talk to former presidents "that much." Trump said, "It's not about friends, I didn't like the job they [former presidents] did. [...] They let our country down."

Fox News had a few different chyrons in the real clip. One stated: "The Angle's exclusive tour of the Oval Office."

The chyron then changed to state: "Trump: I'll talk to Biden."

In the real screenshot, a portrait of 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan is visible over Trump's left shoulder. However, in the fake screenshot being spread across social media, a blurry image of Trump facing a woman was edited over Reagan's portrait.

(Facebook user "Kathy-Mike Haley"/Fox News)

The fake screenshot also has the watermark "@JAMBOSCHLARMBO." We found a user with that handle on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. We found the earliest example of this fake screenshot on April 17, 2025, on a Facebook page belonging to user "James Schlarmann." The same account links to the @JAMBOSCHLARMBO Instagram account, which describes the user profile as "Comedian. Satirist. Amateur Professional." These accounts all posted similar Fox News-related screenshots of other political figures with fake chyrons.

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https://www.facebook.com/JamboSchlarmbo/posts/pfbid02GVUYoJ1FgQayGYiL4p3XsxazknAponNTNL1u43N9cQYhnyFFSmcDJSZfK4FHpdLwl

Further, numerous online searches produced no credible evidence that Trump ever made such a statement. Searches on Google and Newspapers.com, for instance, produced no matching results.

Trump has accused news organizations of "treason" in the past, seemingly over their coverage of his purported Russia ties. In September 2023, he accused news organizations of "country threatening treason" on his social media platform, TruthSocial:

They are almost all dishonest and corrupt, but Comcast, with its one-side and vicious coverage by NBC NEWS, and in particular MSNBC, often and correctly referred to as MSDNC (Democrat National Committee!), should be investigated for its "Country Threatening Treason." Their endless coverage of the now fully debunked SCAM known as Russia, Russia, Russia, and much else, is one big Campaign Contribution to the Radical Left Democrat Party. I say up front, openly, and proudly, that when I WIN the Presidency of the United States, they and others of the LameStream Media will be thoroughly scrutinized for their knowingly dishonest and corrupt coverage of people, things, and events.

Snopes has previously reported on fake Fox News chyrons, including the claim Tom Homan, Trump's "border czar," said he found it "offensive that Taco Bell has items in Mexican, not English." We also reported on a fake chyron claiming White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "Avoid woke things like math, and you'll love the tariffs." Snopes also reported on a fake Fox News chyron about U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announcing that anyone who said "f*** Trump" would be sent to El Salvador.

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In sum, the Fox News chyron is not real, nor is the claim that Trump said trolling him on social media was "treason."

Sources:

Clarke, Amelia. "Fake Fox News Chyron Claims 'border Czar' Was Offended by Taco Bell Menu with Items in 'Mexican, Not English.'" Snopes, 9 Apr. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/tom-homan-taco-bell-fox-news/." target="blank">https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/tom-homan-taco-bell-fox-news/.">https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/tom-homan-taco-bell-fox-news/. Accessed 24 April 2025.

Izzo, Jack. "Supposed Fox News Chyron of AG Pam Bondi Announcing 15 Years in Prison for Anti-Trump Speech Is Fake." Snopes, 23 Apr. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-fox-news-ag-pam-bondi/." target="blank">https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-fox-news-ag-pam-bondi/.">https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-fox-news-ag-pam-bondi/. Accessed 24 April 2025.

Scully, Rachel. "Trump Pledges to Investigate MSNBC Parent Company for 'Threatening Treason.'" The Hill, 25 Sept. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/4221310-trump-pledges-to-investigate-msnbc-parent-for-threatening-treason/." target="blank">https://thehill.com/homenews/4221310-trump-pledges-to-investigate-msnbc-parent-for-threatening-treason/.">https://thehill.com/homenews/4221310-trump-pledges-to-investigate-msnbc-parent-for-threatening-treason/. Accessed 24 April 2025.

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"WATCH: President Trump Gives an Exclusive Tour of the Oval Office | Fox News Video." Fox News, 20 Mar. 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6370254748112." target="blank">https://www.foxnews.com/video/6370254748112.">https://www.foxnews.com/video/6370254748112. Accessed 24 April 2025.

Wrona, Aleksandra. "Fake Fox News Chyron Claims Karoline Leavitt Said People Will Love Tariffs If They 'Avoid Woke Things like Math.'" Snopes, 18 Apr. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/math-tariffs-fox-news-leavitt/." target="blank">https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/math-tariffs-fox-news-leavitt/.">https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/math-tariffs-fox-news-leavitt/. Accessed 24 April 2025.


Claim:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on April 22, 2025, he will ban artificial dyes from all American food products, effective immediately.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

What's True:

Kennedy did announce a planned phase-out of all synthetic, petroleum-based food dyes during a news conference on April 22, 2025. Also, the Food and Drug Administration announced it would revoke authorization for two specific, rarely used dyes. However 

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What's False:

Officials merely asked food companies to voluntarily stop using the six more common synthetic food dyes, stopping short of an outright ban. Furthermore, officials hope to eliminate those dyes from America's food supply by the end of 2026, not immediately.

On April 22, 2025, social media users began claiming that U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a ban on artificial food dyes, effective immediately.

The rumor spread widely on platforms like X, Facebook and Threads.

For example, an X post dated April 22 with nearly 100,000 likes claimed: "Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially announced that, effective as of 4 PM EST today, artificial dyes will be banned from all food products." A community note underneath the post alleged that "the ban is not effective immediately."

The United States has officially banned all artificial dyes from food products, effective immediately pic.twitter.com/0oEqmVujeI  FearBuck (@FearedBuck) April 22, 2025

But neither the X post nor the community note was entirely accurate. Kennedy did, indeed, hold a news conference alongside Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary announcing the U.S. government's intention to phase out the use of all petroleum-based synthetic dyes in American food products.

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However, officials announced an outright ban only on two rarely used dyes; they will rely on voluntary cooperation from the food industry to end use of the remaining six and to accelerate a deadline set by the previous administration eliminating a dye known as Red No. 3. Furthermore, officials expressed the hope American food products will be free of synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, not immediately following the news conference. Thus, we rate this claim a mixture of truth and falsehood.

The FDA, which HHS oversees, did not directly answer an inquiry from Snopes about whether the it intends to consider enforcement mechanisms for its stated timeline or an outright ban on artificial dyes. Instead, an unidentified HHS official said via email: "As Secretary Kennedy and Commissioner Makary stated during yesterday's press conference, the food companies HHS met with recognize the harmful effects of synthetic food dyes on children. These companies are eager to engage in discussions about phasing out these dyes to promote a healthier America."

The research on the safety of these dyes is mixed, although growing evidence indicates an association between artificial dyes and behavioral and cognitive issues. An April 2021 review of research on the subject by the California Environmental Protection Agency found that the evidence suggests "synthetic food dyes are associated with adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in children, and that children vary in their sensitivity."

But the FDA also reviews scientific literature as part of its efforts to regulate the dyes, and according to an agency Q&A webpage, "the totality of scientific evidence indicates that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives."

Plan to eliminate food coloring

Here is how Makary outlined the FDA's plans regarding food coloring during his April 22 news conference with Kennedy (at 7:16, emphasis ours):

Today, the FDA is taking the following steps. No. 1: establishing a national standard and timeline for the food industry to transition from petroleum-based food dyes to natural alternatives. No. 2: initiating a process to revoke authorization of synthetic food colorings, including those not in production, namely Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, within the coming weeks. No. 3: taking steps to eliminate the remaining six synthetic dyes on the market from the U.S. food supply, specifically Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2 and Green Dye No. 3 by the end of next year. We are also requesting food companies to remove Red Dye No. 3 sooner than the 2027-2028 deadline previously announced.

A full video of the news conference is available here.

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As Makary states, the FDA will only end authorization  and thus permissible use for  two of the dyes: Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B. Both are rarely used by the food industry. Neither the FDA nor HHS set an immediate or specific deadline for banning these dyes; while Makary, as shown above, said the FDA will revoke authorization for the two dyes in "the coming weeks," HHS wrote in an April 22 news release that the ban will happen "in the coming months."

As far as the other six more commonly used dyes are concerned, the "steps" taken appear to be simply asking the food industry not to use the other dyes by a requested timeline of "the end of next year," or 2026. Thus, the FDA's announcement does not mean a ban on all artificial food coloring, nor does it mean an immediate ban on any synthetic food dyes.

Former President Joe Biden's administration revoked authorization for Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs on Jan. 15, 2025, with a deadline set for Jan. 15, 2027 for food and Jan. 18, 2028 for drugs. While Makary said the agency requested that food and drug industries move that deadline up, HHS did not set a specific earlier deadline in the news conference or in its accompanying news release.

A request, not a ban

According to Kennedy, the U.S. government requested that the food industry phase out use of artificial dyes and the industry agreed  which, by definition, is not a ban because officials are not prohibiting the industry from doing anything, at least not as of this writing. See this exchange between Kennedy and Food Fix reporter Helena Bottemiller Evich during the news conference at 44:09 (emphasis ours):

EVICH: You mentioned that the goal is to work with the food industry to get most of the major synthetic food dyes out. What is the plan if the food industry does not voluntarily agree to do that, and what are the next steps if you can't get agreement within the industry? KENNEDY: Well, here the industry has voluntarily agreed.  I think as we move forward, we are going to work with the industry. They've shown a lot of leadership on this right now. In fact, we're getting food companies now, and fast-food companies who are calling us almost every day, and asking us, "How do we do this, what do you want us to do, will you do a press conference with us?" and so we're really happy with the reception  and I think they're ready to change the industry; they have children too.

Furthermore, officials acknowledged that this effort does not involve any regulatory or legislative changes during an exchange with New York Times reporter Sheryl Gay Stolberg (at 52:59, emphasis ours):

STOLBERG: I just want to make sure we understand the parameters of this agreement with the food companies. Do you actually have a settlement with the food companies and a formal agreement for them to adhere to these guidelines, and if so, why don't we have anyone from the food industry here? KENNEDY: I would say we don't have an agreement, we have an understanding, but I'm gonna let Marty take this question. MAKARY: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. You win more bees with honey than fire. Good to see you, Sheryl. So, there are a number of tools at our disposal. And so, I believe in love, and let's start in a friendly way, and see if we can do this without any statutory or regulatory changes, but we are exploring every tool in the toolbox to make sure this gets done very quickly. And they want to do it. They want to do it. So why go down a complicated road with Congress when they want to do this?

It is worth noting that no major food industry group has appeared to publicly concede to the 2026 deadline in full. Many wrote noncommittal statements that called artificial dyes "safe"; meanwhile, the International Dairy Foods Association announced a voluntary pledge to end use of artificial colors in products specifically sold through federal K-12 school meal programs by July 2026. The association's pledge covers "more than 50 dairy and food companies," which represents "nearly all of the dairy foods sold to schools in the U.S."

Headlines caused confusion

Confusion about whether Kennedy announced a prohibition on artificial food dyes is understandable, given that many reputable news outlets, such as the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times, wrote in their headlines that Kennedy announced a "ban" on food dyes  in contrast to other outlets, such as CBS News, which wrote, "FDA stops short of synthetic food dye ban, calls on industry to stop use."

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But the headlines don't tell the full story; The New York Times, for example, wrote in its story that Kennedy "asserted he has 'an understanding' with major food manufacturers to remove petroleum-based food colorings from their products by 2026" and then noted that "none have publicly agreed" to Kennedy's demands. (One of the reporters on the New York Times story was Stolberg, the reporter who clarified with Makary that the government's supposed agreement with the food companies does not mean any regulatory changes will occur.)

In conclusion, Kennedy and the FDA, on April 22, 2025, revealed a plan to phase out synthetic food colorings from American food products. But the effort largely requires voluntary participation from the industries involved, rather than regulatory, legislative or policy changes that would constitute a ban on artificial food dye. Furthermore, should the plan go exactly as described, the country's food supply won't be free of synthetic dyes until the end of 2026.

Sources:

Bailey, M. M. "Synthetic Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks." Center for Science in the Public Interest, 15 Apr. 2024, www.cspinet.org/cspi-news/synthetic-food-dyes-rainbow-risks. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Children's Environmental Health Center, et al. Health Effects Assessment Potential Neurobehavioral Effects of Synthetic Food Dyes in Children. Apr. 2021, oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/risk-assessment/report/healthefftsassess041621.pdf. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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"Definition of BAN." Www.merriam-Webster.com, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ban. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

FDA. "Color Additives Questions and Answers for Consumers." FDA, Dec. 2023, www.fda.gov/food/color-additives-information-consumers/color-additives-questions-and-answers-consumers. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

---. "Summary of Color Additives for Use in the United States." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024, www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/summary-color-additives-use-united-states-foods-drugs-cosmetics-and-medical-devices. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

"Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment." IDFA, www.idfa.org/healthydairyinschools. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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"HHS, FDA to Phase out Petroleum-Based Synthetic Dyes in Nation's Food Supply." HHS.gov, 22 Apr. 2025, www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-fda-food-dyes-food.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

"NCA Statement on HHS, FDA Announcement Regarding Food Dyes." NCA, 22 Apr. 2025, candyusa.com/news/nca-statement-on-hhs-fda-announcement-regarding-food-dyes/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

PBS NewsHour. "WATCH LIVE: RFK Jr. To Announce Phasing out of Artificial Food Dyes." Www.youtube.com, 22 Apr. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnnxgKp1eGk. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Rubino, Natalie. "Consumer Brands Issues Statement on HHS, FDA Phasing out Food Dyes from Food Supply - Consumer Brands Association." Consumer Brands Association, 22 Apr. 2025, consumerbrandsassociation.org/press-releases/consumer-brands-issues-statement-on-hhs-fda-phasing-out-food-dyes-from-food-supply/. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Claim:

The United States Air Force removed a webpage about Col. Nicole Malachowski, a 21-year veteran and the first woman to fly with the Air Force's Thunderbirds demonstration team.

Rating:

Rating: Outdated

Context:

The page has since been restored to the Air Force website, with the organization citing the temporary removal as part of its efforts to "comply with Defense Department directives while honoring our Air Force history."

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In mid-April 2025, a rumor circulated online that an article celebrating U.S. Air Force Col. Nicole Malachowski  the first woman to fly for the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's storied air demonstration team  was removed due to President Donald Trump's administration's ongoing initiative to purge government websites of what it perceives as diversity, equity and inclusion content.

According to the Air Force, the Thunderbirds perform flyovers and demonstrations at events such as air shows and sporting events "for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents."

The claim circulated in online forums like Reddit and social media platforms such as Facebook (archived) and Bluesky (archived), while also being picked up by news media outlets. Snopes readers also reached out to learn more about the veracity of the claim.

In short, the claim that the Air Force removed a webpage about Malachowski is true, according to an email from the public affairs office of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, where she once held the position of commander.

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However, officials said via email that "digital content related to Col. (ret) Malachowski's career, including the story posted to the 4 FW website, is currently being restored across all Air Force platforms following clarifying guidance from higher headquarters."

The specific webpage in question was an article titled "A life in flight for first woman 'Thunderbirds' pilot," originally published March 19, 2013. The article described Malachowski's career, including joining the Air Force in 1996, her "1,600 flying hours, including 185 hours of combat time in Operation Deliberate Forge and Operation Iraqi Freedom," her assignment to the Thunderbirds in 2005 and ultimately becoming "commander of the 333rd Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base."

Beginning April 16, 2025, reports surfaced that the feature no longer appeared on the Air Force website. Instead, "DEI" was added to the URL string and led to a "404  page not found" error.

That "DEI" version of the URL (archived) no longer displays the "404" message shown in the screenshot below. In some instances, it redirects to the original article, while for other users it points to an alternate version of the page that is identical aside from "DEI" placed in front of the headline. Meanwhile, the original URL (which does not include the "DEI" addition) is displaying properly (archived) as cited by the Air Force in its statement above.

(United States Air Force)

The Air Force appeared to initially delete the page as a result of the Trump administration's attempt to remove what it perceives as DEI efforts in the government and branches of the military. "We continue to review all content under our purview to comply with Defense Department directives while honoring our Air Force history," a spokesperson for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base said via email.

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Prior to the reinstatement of the article, Malachowski spoke via email of the dangers she believed were evident in the Air Force's actions: "If we are willing to censor the stories of service members and veterans, what else are we willing to censor? This sets a very dangerous precedent and this kind of censorship erodes democracy."

After the retired pilot made appearances on CNN and CBS to address the situation and the Air Force restored the page, Malachowski followed up via direct message on Instagram to offer a new comment. "It appears the Air Force decided to reinstate my articles this morning after getting pressure from journalist[s]," she said. "Well, that is nice, [but] it is not enough. There are tens of thousands of other articles, posts, photos, and videos of countless other service members and veterans that need to be restored  They must not stop with just restoring my story. They must restore every service member and veteran[']s story."

Malachowski's temporary erasure from a government website is becoming a familiar pattern in the early months of Trump's second term in the Oval Office. Official government pages have purged a variety of historical information on the grounds that it fell into the opaque parameters of what the administration views as DEI, including erasing stories of other service members like a Black Medal of Honor recipient and a Black female Army officer who died in combat.

The deletion of such articles was not limited to service members and veterans. Snopes also covered the temporary deletion of content pertaining to historical figures such as Jackie Robinson and Harriet Tubman as well as events like the Holocaust.

Sources:

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmy14SG7MiA. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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---. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPYC9THryuk. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

---. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSl-OlVx2no. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Horbacewicz, Sarah. Colorado Air Force Veteran's Article Restored after Initial Removal under New DEI Policies - CBS Colorado. 20 Apr. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-veterans-article-restored-after-initial-removal-dei-policies/.

"The Pentagon's DEI Purge: Officials Describe a Scramble to Remove and Then Restore Online Content." AP News, 22 Mar. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-dei-diversity-social-media-purge-fb15996733408a8122a97acd3baa6820.


By Paul Simao

(Reuters) -The fraying relationship with the U.S. has taken on oversized importance for Canadian voters who head to the polls on Monday to decide whether to give Prime Minister Mark Carney's ruling Liberals another mandate.

The five-week campaign is taking place in the slipstream of the trade war that President Donald Trump launched against Canada and other countries, and the U.S. leader's public musings about annexing Canada.

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Trump's actions triggered a nationalist wave in Canada, exposed cracks in one of the world's closest alliances and resuscitated a Liberal government that appeared headed for defeat against the resurgent Conservatives after nearly a decade in power.

Here are some highlights of recent U.S.-Canada relations:

'NOT FOR SALE'

Trump's return to power in January set Canada on edge, as the country braced for a possible trade war with its largest economic partner. Those fears were quickly realized when he announced 25% tariffs on nearly all goods from Canada and Mexico.

Justin Trudeau, who was prime minister at the time, described the move as a "very dumb thing" to do and on March 6 hit back with 25% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. orange juice, spirits, wine and other products. Trump paused the tariffs and granted exemptions for goods that were compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade. But he later imposed a 25% tariff on steel, aluminum and autos that affects all countries. That action prompted Trudeau on March 12 to widen the tariffs on U.S. products.

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In a December 18 post on his Truth Social media site, Trump suggested Canada should become part of the U.S. and referred to its prime minister as "Governor Justin Trudeau," likening him to the leader of a U.S. state.

Trump and U.S. officials ramped up the annexation rhetoric after he returned to power on January 20. Angry Canadians responded by boycotting U.S. goods, forgoing travel to Florida and other U.S. winter destinations, and booing the U.S. anthem at sporting events. "Canada Is Not For Sale" hats became popular accessories on the streets of Toronto, Vancouver and other cities.

Carney, who replaced Trudeau as Liberal leader and prime minister last month, is the biggest beneficiary of this friction. A former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, he has seen the popularity of his Liberals soar. Polls now favor them to defeat Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives.

TRUMP 1.0

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In his first term in 2018, Trump also slapped tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, ending the calm that had marked relations between the two countries and prompting Canada to retaliate with levies of its own. Tensions boiled over soon after when Trump stormed out of a G7 summit in La Malbaie, Quebec, and labeled Trudeau as "dishonest" and "weak." The prime minister vowed that Canada would not be "pushed around" by its southern neighbor.

Nevertheless, U.S., Canadian and Mexican negotiators managed later that year to hammer out the USMCA, which replaced the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement among the three countries.

IRAQ WAR HICCUP

Relations between the U.S. and Canada were rock-solid in the 1990s and 2000s, as the two countries ramped up economic integration and maintained tight cooperation on defense and security. A notable exception occurred in 2003 when then-Prime Minister Jean Chretien refused to support the U.S.-led war in Iraq, souring relations between his government and the George W. Bush administration.

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'SOLD US OUT'

The 1988 Canadian election was also dominated by economic relations with Washington. Brian Mulroney, the Progressive Conservative prime minister at the time, campaigned in favor of his 1988 Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement, while the opposition Liberals and left-leaning New Democrats attacked it. A flashpoint occurred during a televised debate when then-Liberal leader John Turner accused Mulroney of favoring U.S. interests over those of Canada. "I happen to believe you have sold us out," Turner charged. Mulroney angrily defended his patriotism and went on to win another majority government, effectively ending the debate over closer economic relations with the U.S. for some three decades.

VIETNAM WAR

The escalation of the U.S. war in Vietnam in the 1960s put the Canadian government in an awkward position. U.S. draft dodgers were streaming across the border and sentiment in Canada was beginning to turn against the conflict. While publicly supportive of U.S. policy, then-Liberal Prime Minister Lester Pearson called for a pause in the bombing of North Vietnam during a 1965 speech at Temple University in Philadelphia, infuriating then-President Lyndon Johnson.

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Pierre Trudeau, the father of Justin Trudeau, became more critical of the war and charted an increasingly independent and nationalist course after succeeding Pearson as Liberal leader and prime minister in 1968.

"Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant; no matter how friendly or even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt," the elder Trudeau said of Canada's relations with the U.S. during a speech in Washington in 1969.

(Reporting and writing by Paul Simao; Editing by David Ljunggren and Rod Nickel)
By Sarita Chaganti Singh, Ariba Shahid

NEW DELHI/KARACHI (Reuters) -India suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan last month after the killing of 26 civilians in Kashmir, which New Delhi blames on Islamabad. Pakistan denies the charges, which led to the worst fighting between the countries in decades before a ceasefire was agreed last week.

The treaty had survived three wars and other conflicts between the bitter rivals, while withstanding many twists and turns in diplomatic ties. Reuters reported on May 16 that Delhi is considering projects that would likely reduce the flow of water into Pakistan from rivers allocated to that country.

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India says it will "keep the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism," while Islamabad says "any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan" will be an "act of war."

WHAT IS THE INDUS WATERS TREATY?

The nuclear-armed neighbours disagree over use of the water from rivers that flow downstream from India into the Indus river basin in Pakistan.

The use of the water is governed by the Indus Waters Treaty, which was mediated by the World Bank and signed by the neighbours in September 1960.

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The agreement split the Indus and its tributaries between the two countries and regulated water sharing. India was granted the use of water from three eastern rivers - Sutlej, Beas and Ravi - while Pakistan was granted most of the three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.

There is no provision in the treaty for either country to unilaterally suspend or terminate the pact, which has clear dispute resolution systems.

WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS OVER WATER?

The countries have argued over and disputed several projects on the Indus and its tributaries for years.

Pakistan is heavily dependent on water from this river system for its hydropower and irrigation needs. Pakistan says India unfairly diverts water with the upstream construction of barrages and dams, a charge India denies.

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Pakistan is concerned that India's dams will cut flows on the river, which feeds 80% of its irrigated agriculture. It has asked for a neutral expert and then an arbitration court to intervene in two recent hydropower projects.

India has accused Pakistan of dragging out the complaints process, and says the construction of its Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects is allowed under the treaty. It has also sought modification of the pact to get around such delays.

WHAT COULD THE SUSPENSION CHANGE?

The suspension of the accord is not expected to have an immediate impact on the flow of water to Pakistan as India does not have enough storage capacity. However, water at a key receiving point in Pakistan briefly fell by as much as 90% in early May after India started maintenance work on some Indus projects.

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India's move could also bring uncertainty to Pakistan's agricultural system.

The suspension means India can stop sharing crucial information and data on release of water from barrages/dams or on flooding, Indian officials said, adding that New Delhi will also not be obliged to release minimum amounts of water during the lean season.

HOW HAS PAKISTAN REACTED TO THE DECISION?

Pakistan says the treaty is a binding international agreement brokered by the World Bank and contains no provision for unilateral suspension.

Ghasharib Shaokat, the head of product at Pakistan Agriculture Research, called the treaty the backbone of the country's agriculture sector.

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"It puts our agricultural future on shaky ground. If water flows become erratic, the entire system takes a hit  especially irrigation-dependent crops such as wheat, rice, and sugarcane," Shaokat said.

"Yields could drop. Costs could rise. Food prices would likely spike. And small-scale farmers, who already operate on thin margins, would bear the brunt of it."

Khalid Hussain Baath, chairman of a national farmers' union in Pakistan, painted the move as an act of belligerence.

"This is a true war," Baath said from Lahore. "We already have a water shortage because of climate change. Low rainfall this year, and limited snow means that the water level is already 20-25% lower than last year."

(Reporting by Sarita Chaganti Singh in New Delhi and Ariba Shahid in Karachi; writing by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; Editing by YP Rajesh and Aidan Lewis)
FAIRWAY, Kan.  Jules Kellogg, a Fairway, Kansas resident, has been working with a company named Evolve Construction since her roof was damaged during a storm last summer.

Kellogg says her roof has yet to be repaired despite the company cashing her insurance check six months ago.

They called me and said, Were going to be in the neighborhood. Were doing roofs. Theres a lot of roof damage in your neighborhood. Can we stop by? Kellogg explained.

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Kellogg got that call from an Evolve Construction salesman named Jonathan Whitman right after a storm last summer.

Johnson County, Kansas residents outraged over property tax error

An Evolve Construction representative, along with an inspector from Kelloggs insurance company, said she needed a new roof.

Once she received a check from her insurance company to cover roof repairs, she met with an Evolve representative at her house.

Hes like, I need the information on the check, and so he was writing it all on the contract, and then he just took the check and he put it in his folder, and Im like, well, wait, you take the check? Kellogg said.

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Hes like, Yeah, we put it in an escrow account for you, and then we do the job.

Weeks went by without any update from Evolve, so she called her insurance company.

I called my insurance company, and they said they cashed the check in October. The insurance company stated that it is not in an escrow account. They cashed your check. Then the back of the check is signed by I dont know who, because I never signed it over to them, and that name doesnt look like the name of the business card that guy gave me, Kellogg said.

Kellogg has called and sent dozens of messages to Evolve Construction, trying to figure out when the company will repair her roof.

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So thats kind of where we stand today. I dont have a roof. They have my money, and I really think theyve ripped me off, Kellogg said.

On Wednesday, FOX4 spoke on the phone with Jonathan Whitman, the Evolve salesman with whom Kellogg has been in contact.

KC mayor eyes legislation to combat predatory towing

He said winter weather initially delayed repairs. Now the company claims to need a license renewal from Johnson County before moving forward with Kelloggs repairs.

You have to renew it like every January. So its not renewed. I talked to my production coordinator about it today. So you have to renew it, and we are just waiting on that process to get through. Im having my production coordinator reach out to her as well to kind of give some updates, Whitman said over the phone.

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But we have a year to do the work. So, legally, we have a year to do the work. Ive been in constant contact with her, answering her phone calls every time she calls.

When FOX4 asked why the check was cashed back in October, rather than waiting until after the renewal, we didnt get a clear answer.

Kellogg is sharing her story in the hope that others will exercise caution when selecting construction companies to work with.

I just took these guys at their word. And again, I never thought Id be that person. And here I am, that person, Kellogg said.

So thats kind of a tough pill to swallow, to have to know that someone has taken advantage of you.

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According to Evolve Constructions website, the company is headquartered in Naples, FL, and Sherman Oaks, California.

Whitman told FOX4 on the phone that Evolve has worked on plenty of projects in Johnson County, Kansas.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Iran has agreed to resume negotiations regarding the reactivation of surveillance cameras at its nuclear facilities, said Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Trend reports.

Speaking at a press briefing, Grossi noted that IAEA technical experts are scheduled to visit Iran in the coming days to discuss the matter.

He also noted that Iran's position on nuclear talks with the US has been encouraging.

The Director General of the IAEA visited Tehran on April 22, where he held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Aragchi and Mohammad Eslami, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

The second round of negotiations between Iran and the US was held on April 19 under the chairmanship of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The second round of talks between Iran and the US was conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi. The third round of these indirect talks is scheduled for April 26.

The first indirect talks between Iran and the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program took place on April 12 in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The discussions were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Aragchi and US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Steve Whitkoff. Sources indicate that the talks were conducted in a constructive and respectful atmosphere.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Survivors and families affected by a hit-and-run fatal crash that occurred in 2023 in Chaparral, New Mexico, were awarded a $190 million verdict by a Santa Fe jury on Tuesday, April 22, Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers announced in a news release.

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As we previously reported, in January 2023, Jose Marrero, 20, and Desiree Seanez, 20, were both killed in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 213 in Chaparral.

El Paso man accused of killing 2 in Chaparral crash

The crash occurred when James Patrick Woods was driving north on Highway 213 at a high rate of speed when he crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a vehicle, which Marrero was driving, and Seanez was a passenger in. Woods vehicle then went airborne and struck the third vehicle head-on, according to an affidavit.

According to the affidavit, Woods then fled the scene on foot and was later located. Deputies said they located an open bottle of Fireball, an alcoholic beverage, on the floor where Woods vehicle rolled over.

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Woods was then charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle, failure to render aid, resisting and evading arrest, immediate notice of an accident, and open container.

According to the law firm, the jury determined that Woods was acting within the course and scope of his employment at the time of the crash.

The jury also concluded that the parent company of the defendant home builder was the employer of the drunk driver, despite attempts to shift liability to a smaller subsidiary, read the news release by the law firm.

This verdict sends a strong message that companies cannot avoid accountability by hiding

behind corporate structures, said Noe Valles of Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers,

one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs. Our clients have endured unimaginable loss, and this

decision reflects the severity of the wrongdoing and the need for corporate responsibility.

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According to the law firm, the jurys decision provides justice to the families and highlights the dangers of impaired driving, particularly when it intersects with corporate negligence.

In addition, a press conference was held on Thursday morning at Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, 1101 Montana Ave., where attorneys Noe Valles and Laney Piercy, along with the families of the victims, were present to discuss the new verdict.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The family of a jailed Egyptian dissident has expressed renewed fears for his life as his health worsens more than 50 days after he went on hunger strike.

Prominent government critic Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a 42-year-old dual Egyptian British citizen, has remained in prison despite completing his sentence last September, according to his family, which has appealed to the UK prime minister to help secure his release.

The activists health has deteriorated since he began his third full-scale hunger strike in less than two years on March 1 in solidarity with his mothers own partial hunger strike to call for his release, his family said in a statement on Facebook Tuesday.

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Abd El-Fattah has suffered from vomiting, stomach flu and severe fatigue. He has been diagnosed with chronic inflammation of the esophagus and his body is rejecting previously prescribed medication because of his prolonged hunger strike, according to the statement.

His mother, Laila Soueif, expressed her deep concern for her son and his health, saying he could not bear the strike. She renewed her demand for his release, the statement said.

Abd El-Fattahs more than decade-long imprisonment has long drawn international condemnation.

Arrested repeatedly since the height of the Egyptian uprising in 2011, he was sentenced in 2021 to an additional five years in prison for spreading false news and assaulting a police officer  charges that human rights organizations say were politically motivated.

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Amnesty International says Abd El-Fattah is a political prisoner who remains imprisoned in arbitrary detention, according to a statement from the rights group in February.

Abd El-Fattah was granted British citizenship in 2022, through his British-born mother, in what his family said was part of the campaign for his release and to shed light on the struggle of his fellow inmates.

Alaa Abd el-Fattah's mother, Laila Soueif, takes part in a vigil for the jailed activist outside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London in 2023. - Jordan Pettitt/AP/File

On Tuesday, his sister Sanaa Seif issued an urgent plea to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to raise his case with Egyptian authorities.

Im always afraid that we are on the verge of a tragedy. We need Keir Starmer to do all he can to bring Alaa home to us, she said.

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Starmer, who met with the jailed activists mother in February, previously vowed to do all that I can to secure (Alaas) release.

In 2022, then-UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak raised the activists case during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on the sidelines of the COP27 climate summit, a Downing Street spokesperson said at the time.

Sisi, a former military general, has long faced criticism for cracking down on dissent, imprisoning activists, journalists, and opposition figures since he came to power in 2014.

Abd El-Fattahs mother launched her own hunger strike last September to demand her sons release.

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She was hospitalized in February on her 149th day of protest after her blood sugar, blood pressure, and sodium levels plummeted to critical lows. Abd El-Fattah escalated his protest following her hospitalization, according to relatives.

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A Chatsworth family is reeling after burglars ransacked their home while they were visiting a relative in the hospital earlier this week, getting away with cash, jewelry and a lifetimes worth of sentimental keepsakes.

The unsettling April 21 ordeal unfolded at around 7:40 p.m. in the 22000 block of Kinzie Street, officials with the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to KTLA.

Home surveillance cameras captured three suspects wearing hoodies and gloves exiting a dark-colored, possibly gray, Nissan Rogue parked at the curb, with a fourth suspect remaining behind the wheel of the vehicle.

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The intruders moved to the back of the home through a side gate, where the homeowners, who did not want to be identified, said they shattered a sliding glass door to gain access to the home.

A burglary crew ransacked a familys Chatsworth home on April 21, 2025. (viewer image) A burglary crew ransacked a familys Chatsworth home on April 21, 2025. (viewer image) A burglary crew ransacked a familys Chatsworth home on April 21, 2025. (viewer image) A burglary crew ransacked a familys Chatsworth home on April 21, 2025. (viewer image) A burglary crew ransacked a familys Chatsworth home on April 21, 2025. (viewer image) A burglary crew ransacked a familys Chatsworth home on April 21, 2025. (viewer image) A burglary crew ransacked a familys Chatsworth home on April 21, 2025. (viewer image) A burglary crew ransacked a familys Chatsworth home on April 21, 2025. (viewer image) A burglary crew ransacked a familys Chatsworth home on April 21, 2025. (viewer image)

Once inside the residence, the burglary crew ransacked each of the bedrooms, stealing whatever cash and jewelry they could find. After approximately 13 minutes, cameras captured the three suspects leaving, one carrying a backpack, another with what appeared to be a briefcase and the third with a sack filled with the familys property.

$4M in stolen cargo recovered from South American theft crew in L.A.

After the video was shared with community members, the homeowners were told that the crew was speaking Armenian over a walkie-talkie while exiting the house, though police have not confirmed that detail with KTLA.

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The intruders left the way they got in and fled the area in the Nissan Rogue.

While its unclear just how much the suspects got away with, the shaken homeowners only shared that they were heartbroken, as the thieves took everything my parents had worked their entire lives for.

Anyone who might recognize the intruders is asked to call the Los Angeles Police Department. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477.

KTLAs Elizabeth Chapman contributed to this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  The Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team (WCSART) rescued a family of three who got lost on a hiking trail in the Red River Gorge area on Tuesday.

The search and rescue team said it received a 911 call about the family, which included a small child, being lost.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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The family had alerted an Apple Dispatch Center using the SOS messaging feature.

Officials used coordinates provided by Apple that reportedly showed the family near the Bison Way Trail Head, along the northern section of the Sheltowee Trace.

A hasty team was dispatched to the area and quickly located the family. They were cold, but otherwise uninjured, Wolfe County Search and Rescue said on Facebook.

The team said the family had hiked the Tower Rock Trail and ventured onto the Osborne Bend Loop, not realizing how long a hike they were on. The family went from Osborne Bend to Sheltowee and onto Lost Branch Trail before they ran out of daylight.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

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Earlier in April, another group was rescued thanks to the SOS feature on their cellphones.

This is the second call, over the past couple of weeks, where hikers have used the SOS messaging feature. If you carry an iPhone, we strongly encourage you to learn how to use this life saving tool, the rescue team said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
The eternal flame burns at the center of the Florida A&M campus with Lee Hall in the background. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)

FAMU has named four finalists for president, with a final vote scheduled next month. How the search committee developed its list is under question, however, with some trustees saying there are clouds hanging over the process.

Under Florida law, presidential search committees, comprising university trustees, stakeholders, and a university system Board of Governors (BOG) member, work on a confidential search before presenting a list of finalists to the public and trustees.

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FAMU trustees questioned Thursday whether to investigate the legality of the search so far.

Certainly, there may be a rumor mill, FAMU Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper said during a virtual meeting Thursday, adding the board has an obligation to address those rumors.

FAMU released its list of finalists Tuesday. the Tallahassee Democrat published the names on Monday. Harper questioned how the names of finalists were released to the newspaper before the university formally announced them, considering the nondisclosure agreement signed by the members of the committee.

Harper called it grossly unfair that the names were released before the university announced them.

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The list has four finalists, including University of Maryland Eastern Shore Provost Rondall Allen, University of Central Florida VP for Administration and Finance Gerald Hector, FAMU Chief Operating Officer Donald Palm, and former Florida Board of Education Chair Marva Johnson.

The Democrat reported: There has been wide speculation that [search committee chair Deveron] Gibbons insisted on adding Johnson to an already existing list of three finalists.

The Board of Governors is requesting information related to the search, according to FAMU trustees, although that request is not part of a formal investigation and does not pause the search, they said. The Phoenix did not receive a response to a Thursday request for comment from the BOG.

The scope of the BOG request for information was unknown Thursday.

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Pause or not?

Trustees debated whether it would be proper for FAMU to conduct its own investigation and pause the search before final interviews and a vote is taken during the week of May 12.

There are too many clouds hanging over this process, trustee Earnie Ellison said. He served on the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees when that university suspended a presidential search due to ethics concerns.

We are not just potted plants, FAMU Trustee Belvin Perry Jr., a former judge, said, adding that the board has its own fiduciary duty.

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Gibbons insisted FAMU has conducted a transparent, inclusive process.

This is almost laughable. We have run a very clean process, Gibbons said, objecting to a pause on the search.

We are being reactionary to a group of people who are hurling around rumors and innuendo, Gibbons said, decrying a witch-hunt.

Eight trustees voted against pausing the search to hire an independent consultant to investigate the process, while five supported doing so.

From outside the process, Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor, a political science instructor at FAMU, has called one finalist weak but did not specify which one, the Democrat reported. Proctor said the public now believes the process of a search is a farce, and called on trustees to peer through the haze of this Hanky Panky Express and restart the search process.

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The search began after former President Larry Robinson stepped down after announcing a $237 million gift that was later found to be fraudulent.

While lawmakers at the Capitol struggle to reach an agreement on a state budget, Trustee Kelvin Lawson said FAMU is on thin ice as lawmakers decide how much money the school will receive next fiscal year.

I dont think we have enough facts or precedent to stop or slow this process, Lawson said.

Presidential search tension

Presidential searches have been a major topic of discussion in the Florida Capitol this session, with the House passing a bill with broad support that would eliminate the confidentiality of presidential searches and end BOG involvement.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has worked to install political allies as presidents of public universities, said he will veto the bill if it gets to his desk.

Johnson was appointed to the Florida Board of Education by former Gov. Rick Scott and was appointed by DeSantis to serve on the Florida Scholars Academy Board of Trustees. Thats an education program for juvenile offenders.

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Nigel Farage has said Reform UK could work with the Tories to run local councils despite previously insisting he would not do deals at any level.

The Reform leader said his party would work with anybody in local government, in an apparent U-turn on his previous comments ruling out formal coalitions.

He also said he believed there were 21 Tory MPs who ought to be in Reform, potentially including Robert Jenrick, whom he described as a Nigel Farage impersonator.

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At a press conference in Dover, Mr Farage said his party would revolt over a pact to unite the Right after Mr Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, hinted at a deal with Reform.

However, he has now said he would be open to working with the Conservatives at a local scale.

He also announced plans for a new minister for deportations to deal with Britains population explosion and committed to a ban on diversity jobs in the public sector.

Nigel Farage has ruled out any national coalitions between Reform and the Tories before the next general election - Ben Stansall/AFP

Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, said earlier this month her party could work with Reform to run local councils, insisting such arrangements were not unusual in local authorities.

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Asked about working with Mr Farages party, she said it would be up to local Tory leaders to make the choice about what is right for their councils after the local elections on May 1.

Mr Farage appeared to dismiss the suggestion at the time, saying Reform had no intention of forming coalitions with the Tories at any level.

At Thursdays press conference, he was asked by The Telegraph if that meant he was ruling out Tory-Reform coalitions at a local level after the elections.

He replied: We could work with anybody at local government. We could work with independents. We could work with Labour. We could work with Lib Dems ... If were in that position, we would work with other people.

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But our demands are that we bring the auditors in, we have a look at what long-term contracts have been signed. We have a look at why so much money is being spent on consultants. We have a look at why, in some cases, up to 10 million a year are being spent on agency workers by county councils across this country.

We have a look at who the pothole contracts are with, and if theyre with failing providers, why they signed up for five years, or, in one case that I know of, 10 years.

He added: We would work with other people if we were able to achieve those objectives, and that, I think, is what our voters would want and would demand of us.

Mr Farage previously left the door open to informal arrangements with the Tories, telling BBC East Midlands: Therell be no formal coalitions with anybody, there will be working relationships.

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Well maintain our independence, but of course, in the interests of local people well do deals.

It comes after Mr Jenrick caused a stir by vowing to unite the Tories and Reform against Labour.

In a leaked recording, the shadow justice secretary said that he was not prepared for divisions on the Right to enable Sir Keir Starmer to win a second term in power.

On Wednesday, allies of Mr Jenrick insisted he wanted to put Reform out of business and that he was referring to voters of both parties, rather than the parties themselves.

But his remarks are the furthest that a Tory frontbencher has gone in indicating the possible need for some form of arrangement between their party and Reform.

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Both Mrs Badenoch and Mr Farage have categorically ruled out any deal at a national level before the next general election.

At Thursdays press conference, Mr Farage also announced plans for a new minister for deportations, who would sit within the Home Office.

Reform has vowed to deport foreign nationals who are currently in prison immediately after their sentences end, while stripping immigrants of their British citizenship if they go on to commit crimes  with the exception of some misdemeanour offences.

The Reform leader also committed to banning all diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) hires in the public sector, following Donald Trumps similar shake-up of federal jobs in the US.

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On his first day back in the White House, the US president signed an executive order revoking Lyndon B Johnsons protection of workers against discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

The protections also encouraged the private sector to end illegal DEI discrimination and preferences.

Mr Farage said: We will end all DEI recruitment in the public sector, the fact that 43 police forces now discriminate against white people in favour of ethnic minorities for jobs can only divide our country yet further. Its a mistake.

We as a political party are colour-blind. We couldnt care less what colour you are. We couldnt care less where you come from. We couldnt care less what your religion is. We just ask that you come, you come here, you work, you pay your taxes, you speak our language, you integrate with us.

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Of course, you can have your own private observance, but that is what we demand of people, and we have to have a meritocratic society.

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Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, speaks on the House floor on April 1, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Rep. Jim Kasper, R-Fargo, is not expected to return to the Legislature during the closing weeks of the 2025 session after being hospitalized Wednesday.

Kasper represents District 46, elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2000. He won reelection in 2024 with 27% of the vote.

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Rep. Dan Ruby, R-Minot, visited Kasper in a Bismarck hospital. Kaspers condition required surgery on Wednesday, Ruby said.

Hes going to have to get a lot of rest and then work to get some of his strength back, Ruby said. Its a situation where he wont be back for session.

Kasper was replaced on a conference committee for House Bill 1298, dealing with a potential increase to the interstate speed limit to 80 mph, with Rep. Ty Dressler, R-Richardton.

Rob Muntz, chair of NDGOP District 46, said news of Kaspers hospitalization shook the district.

We are praying Rep. Kasper makes a full recovery, Muntz said in a statement. We ask the public to pray for him and his family.

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SHADY SPRING, WV (WNVS)  Last years drought devastated farmers across the Mountain State and left them wondering what this year would bring.

Local farmers still feel the effects of last years drought

It left many of them with only a first cutting of hay for the entire season.

The lack of rain meant there would be no second cuttings for nearly anyone.

Keith Richmond, County Executive Director for the Raleigh County Farm Service Agency, said several local farmers have had to search out of state for quality hay.

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Well, the only option theyre gonna have is to go somewhere that does have it and buy it. We had a lot of people doing that through the winter just to get through. Weve had one person go as far as Minnesota to buy hay. So, a lot of hay out of Ohio and Kentucky was purchased this winter, said Richmond.

Richmond said it may be the case this year as well.

He said according to the drought monitor, conditions are drier right now than they were this time last year.

Sarah Jones is a hay and livestock farmer in Shady Spring, and she said there is only one thing every farmer is wishing for right now.

Honestly, were really desperate for some rain. Its just getting drier all the time and if it doesnt start raining, were probably gonna be hurting for a first cutting, said Jones.

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Jones was able to fall back on excess hay given to her by family members last year, but she worries there will not be any excess hay to be shared with anyone this year.

How is this wacky weather affecting your planting season?

She said she and her husband are doing all they can to encourage growth in their fields, but without several good, soaking rains, their options are limited.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
(NewsNation)  American farmers say the U.S.-China trade war is leaving them uncertain of what is going to happen to their farms.

President Donald Trump has imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, and in response, China raised tariffs on American agricultural products such as corn and soybeans to 125%. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, China imported more than 27 million tons of soybeans from the United States, worth $12.8 billion, in 2024.

Farmers in more agricultural states like Ohio are facing billions of potential losses as tariffs take effect and China starts to pivot, buying from competitors in countries like Brazil and Argentina and ramping up production within the country.

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A dozen states sue the Trump administration to stop tariff policy

They could cause some price problems for us with Mexico being an importer of corn and China with some imports of soybeans, farmer Bryan Claude said.

Farmer Gary Brumer told NewsNation he believes Trump is just using the tariffs to scare other countries into making a fair deal.

Sometimes you have to break something in order to fix it, he said.

Trump has said China was in negotiations with the White House on tariffs, but China said Thursday there were no active negotiations underway.

Farmers have said they hope to see a change in tariffs from Washington and have turned to lawmakers for support to offset any potential losses.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Jon Bahr holds his newborn daughter, Taverie, in March while testing equipment at the new MilkShake Factory franchise in Colorado Springs, Colo., he opened with his wife, Micayla Bahr. Colorado had a 4.5% increase in births last year, the largest in the nation, as births increased nationally for the first time since 2021. (Courtesy of Jon Bahr/MilkShake Factory)

The number of births in some Western states that are adding new housing rose last year, reversing losses the year before in many cases, according to new federal statistics released Wednesday.

Increases from 2023 to 2024 were highest in Colorado (4.5%), Idaho (3.8%), Utah (3.6%), Washington state and Nebraska (each 2.6%). Births increased around 2% in West Virginia, South Dakota, North Carolina, Montana, Rhode Island and South Carolina.

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Almost all those states had decreases in births the previous year, and many have been building housing rapidly since 2023. Idaho, North Carolina and Utah have issued enough building permits in 2023 and 2024 to add about 4% to their housing stock, the highest in the nation.

Melissa Kearney, an economics professor at the University of Maryland who specializes in families and fertility, said there could be a link between homebuilding and more babies.

It is quite possible that increased access to home ownership, coming from a reduction in the price of houses in places that are building more houses, could meaningfully increase birth rates, Kearney told Stateline in an e-mail.

Many of the other states with increases in births are also seeing building booms: Colorado, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota and Washington state are all set to add more than 2% to housing stock based on permits issued in 2023 and 2024, according to a Stateline analysis of U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data.

Building permits can take up to two years to translate into finished houses and apartments, but they indicate which states are most willing to allow new housing that can boost population, tax receipts and the workforce. In Colorado, Denver County is set to add almost 10,000 housing units and in Idaho, Ada County, which includes Boise, could add 11,200 units based on building permits.

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Nationally births were slightly higher in 2024 than the year before, by about 1%, according to provisional federal numbers from the National Vital Statistics System within the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The fertility rate also increased slightly, but it remains below the replacement level needed to keep the population stable  2.1 children for each woman over her lifetime.

All the increase nationally was in births to Hispanic and Asian mothers, with births continuing to decline for Black, American Indian and white mothers. Births to teenagers and women ages 20-24, in sharp decline since 2007, continued to drop last year, while births increased for women 25 and older.

The number of births dropped most in states struggling with stagnant population: falling about 4% in Louisiana, 3% in Mississippi, and 2% in New Mexico and New Hampshire. All those states had little or no population growth between mid-2023 and mid-2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to pay an official visit to China soon, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said in a statement, Trend reports.

Speaking to local media, Araghchi noted that preparatory discussions regarding the visit have already taken place in Beijing. Following the Iranian presidents visit, a reciprocal visit by the Chinese president to Iran is anticipated. President Pezeshkian is also scheduled to attend the upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State later this year.

The FM added that bilateral and regional issues were discussed during recent meetings in Beijing, where Iran and China reaffirmed their positive understanding on topics including Irans nuclear file and indirect talks with the US.

On April 23, Foreign Minister Araghchi held high-level meetings in China to advance diplomatic coordination between the two countries.

The second round of negotiations between Iran and the US was held on April 19 under the chairmanship of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Envoy to Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff. The second round of talks between Iran and the US was conducted indirectly with the mediation of the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi. The third round of these indirect talks is scheduled for April 26.

The first indirect talks between Iran and the United States regarding Iran's nuclear program took place on April 12 in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The discussions were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Steve Whitkoff. Sources indicate that the talks were conducted in a constructive and respectful atmosphere.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ST. LOUIS  A fatal shooting was reported at the 4100 block of Farlin Ave. in St. Louis, leaving one woman dead.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police reported that the shooting happened just before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Ofallon neighborhood, where two women were shot.

According to officials, the incident occurred inside of the home, with five kidsages 2-10inside, witnessing the shooting. Police say one of the victims was found deceased at the scene.

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Authorities say that the second victim was transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Homicide detectives are investigating the incident, but police believe the suspect is a family member.

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Its painful just knowing that those kids were in the house and had to see all of that, said Mary Mims, a neighbor who did not know the victims.

Members of Show Me Peace, a city-funded violence reduction program, arrived at the shooting scene to offer resources to the victims families.

Usually, we try to prevent violence before it happens, said Monte Streeter-El, a Show Me Peace site supervisor. This is too much.

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Streeter-El said he lost his son, Lamonte Streeter, to violence in 2015. He encourages anyone believing violence is about to occur in the neighborhood to reach out.

Sometimes people notify us before things escalate, he said. So sometimes it doesnt get to the place where we have to de-escalate. Were able to prevent it.

Mims avoids sitting on her porch and is uneasy about letting her grandchildren play outside.

She said, It could be daytime, nighttime, or early in the morning; its just gunshots all the time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
(KRON)  A San Francisco father is being held in jail with $5 million bail after he allegedly kidnapped his 3-year-old daughter in Millbrae and took her to Mexico.

Victor David Enriquez, 36, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday for a preliminary hearing in San Mateo County court.

On New Years Day in 2023, Enriquez went to his daughters mothers home on Magnolia Avenue in Millbrae for one of his court-ordered visits. According to prosecutors, Enriquez was allowed to visit his daughter for two hours three times a week. The young girl lived full time with her mother, and her father did not have legal custody beyond visitation rights.

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The father took his daughter and drove her from Millbrae to San Diego before they traveled into Mexico, prosecutors said.

After the girl went missing, San Mateo County Sheriffs Office investigators learned that the father had previously used the Internet to research child abduction, the District Attorneys Office wrote. U.S. federal authorities worked together with Mexico City police to find the 3-year-old and her abductor.

Piedmont Cybertruck crash victims family demands answers

Police found Enriquez and the girl at an airport in Mexico City and they arrested the father. Authorities returned the 3-year-old child to her mother in Millbrae and Enriquez was later extradited back to San Mateo County.

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Prosecutors charged the father with violating a domestic violence restraining order and abducting a child without legal custody. He pleaded not guilty on April 14.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The Milwaukee County Courthouse. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

The activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents around the Milwaukee County Courthouse continue to spur controversy. Late last week, ICE agents arrested Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a 30-year-old Mexican immigrant accused of misdemeanor battery. Flores-Ruiz appeared in Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugans court on April 18, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Now, the FBI is investigating whether Dugan helped an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest after that immigrant appeared in her courtroom. Although the immigrant hasnt been identified, Flores-Ruiz, whose immigration status is unclear, appears to match the description, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation.

On April 23, Dugan declined to comment on the investigation or possible legal proceedings. ICE officials referred questions to the FBIs Milwaukee office, which also declined to comment. The Journal Sentinel reported that an email sent by Chief Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Carly Ashley said that ICE agents came to the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 18 with an arrest warrant. Dugan wasnt mentioned in Ashleys communication, which went on to say that ICE agents arrived in the morning, identified themselves to security, and went to the sixth floor where Dugans courtroom is located.

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Ashley said that the agents were asked to wait until court proceedings were over, and that their actions were consistent with draft policies. Dugan responded to the email, however, saying a warrant was not presented in the hallway on the 6th floor, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Instead, unnamed sources in the story said that Dugan didnt hide a defendant, but rather took the defendant and an attorney to a side door which led to a private hallway into a public area on the sixth floor.

It was the third time since March that ICE agents arrived at the courthouse to conduct arrests. Two arrests were made in March and April, with one of the individuals arrested after appearing in family court for a hearing on a domestic violence restraining order, which was ultimately dismissed.

Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee) said that Dugan acted in defense of due process by preventing ICE from shamefully using her courtroom as an ad hoc holding area for deportations. Clancy added that we cannot have a functional legal system if people are justifiably afraid to show up for legal proceedings, especially when ICE agents have already repeatedly grabbed people off the street in retaliation for speech and free association, without even obtaining proper warrants.

While Clancy praised Dugan, Rep. Bob Donovan (R-Greenfield) said I have never seen a more irresponsible act by an officer of the court, let alone a judge, if true.
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  Federal attorneys seemingly acknowledged the federal government is in a losing battle to kill New York Citys congestion pricing program, new court documents show.

In an internal memo inadvertently filed in court Wednesday evening, the U.S. Attorneys representing the federal government challenged the Trump administrations arguments against congestion pricing and advised the administration to change course.

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A judge is unlikely to side with the federal governments current approach of revoking previous approval under the Biden administration, the attorneys wrote in a memo to the federal Department of Transportation.

Instead, the government should argue that the program no longer aligns with agency priorities using existing Office of Management and Budget procedures, they wrote.

There is considerable litigation risk in defending [Transportation Secretary Sean Duffys] February 19, 2025 decision, three U.S. Attorneys overseeing the case wrote. It is unlikely that Judge Liman or further courts of review will accept the argument that [congestion pricing] was not a statutorily authorized value pricing pilot.

In a letter to Judge Liman on Thursday, the U.S. Attorneys said the attorney-client letter was inadvertently uploaded, court records show.

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This was an honest error and was not intentional in any way. Upon realizing the error, we immediately took steps to have the document removed. We look forward to continuing to vigorously advocate in the best interest of our clients, the DOT and FHWA, in this matter, said a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys office.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportation accused the Southern District of New York of legal malpractice. The DOT does not agree with the new strategy and maintains that congestion pricing was hastily and illegally approved by the Biden administration, according to the spokesperson.

SDNYs memo doesnt represent reality, the spokesperson said.

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Supporters of congestion pricing, on the other hand, continue to say the program is a success. Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA Chair Janno Lieber said they will not discontinue the program without an order from a judge.

The feckless feds have no case against New Yorks immensely successful congestion relief program. Bus riders and drivers will enjoy faster commutes and subway riders will be winning reliable signals and accessible stations for a very long time to come, said Riders Alliance Policy & Communications Director Danny Pearlstein.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Updated April 28

Adding to the legal challenges over the U.S. Department of Educations efforts to rid schools of DEI, 19 Democrat-led states sued Friday over an April 3 dear colleague letter.

The threat to withhold funding if states dont sign what the complaint calls a novel and unlawful certification would be catastrophic for plaintiff states students from kindergarten through high school, the attorneys general wrote.

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Collectively, the Democrat-led states stand to lose almost $14 billion, including Title I money for low-income schools and funds for students with disabilities. The complaint asks a federal district court in Massachusetts to declare the April 3 letter unlawful and prevent the department from taking any action based on its interpretation of anti-discrimination laws and the Supreme Court decision that ended racial preferences in college admissions.

States and school districts resisting a U.S. Department of Education ultimatum regarding diversity, equity and inclusion got a temporary reprieve Thursday. Two federal judges  one in New Hampshire and another in the District of Columbia  blocked the departments ability to withhold federal funding from those that didnt sign on to its interpretation of non-discrimination laws or agree to end what officials called impermissible DEI programs.

A third judge in Maryland suspended for now a Feb. 14 dear colleague letter warning districts against racial diversity efforts. The deadline to sign a form certifying compliance was Thursday.

States and districts are no longer under the immediate threat of losing funds if they continue to offer long-standing lawful programs or dont sign the form, said Katrina Feldkamp, assistant counsel at the Legal Defense Fund. Representing the NAACP, the law firm is among several groups, including unions, school districts and advocacy groups, involved in three separate lawsuits over the departments anti-DEI guidance.

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In a statement, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers  part of the Maryland case  called the courts ruling a huge win for students, families and educators.

The departments follow-up Q&A document on Feb. 28 appeared to soften officials stance on practices it considers illegal, saying cultural and historical observances were acceptable as long as all students were welcome to participate. But the certification requirement took a firm tone, cautioning states that they could face substantial financial penalties if they sign it and are then found to be in violation.

The court finds that threatening penalties under those legal provisions without sufficiently defining the conduct that might trigger liability violates the Fifth Amendments prohibition on vagueness, Judge Dabney Friedrich of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, said in her oral ruling granting a preliminary injunction. The departments documents, she said, placed a particular emphasis on certain DEI practices without providing an actual definition of what constitutes DEI or DEI practice.

At the time of publication 12 states, including Arizona, Arkansas and Montana, and the District of Columbia, had signed the certification. Twenty-two, including California, Michigan and New Mexico, declined to sign, and 17 either hadnt announced their decision or did not respond to calls or emails from The 74. Madi Biedermann, spokeswoman for the Education Department, said she didnt know if officials would share the full count of states complying. She didnt respond to a request for comment on the court rulings.

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Signing the form indicates compliance with Title VI, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin, as well as the departments view of a 2023 Supreme Court ruling against racial preferences in higher education admissions.

State chiefs who didnt sign argued that the Education Department didnt clearly define DEI and ignored proper procedures for collecting such information. Overall, the documents have left leaders bewildered over whether they stand to lose millions in federal funds. In Denver Public Schools, for example, roughly $36 million in Title I funds for high-poverty schools and another $20 million for special education services are at stake. Like state chiefs in several other blue states, Colorados Susana Cordova declined to sign the document.

I think all districts across the country are forced to grapple with this question of What would you do without it?  said Chuck Carpenter, chief financial officer.

Related

The Education Department Asked for Reports of DEI. It Might Get Something Else

Title I funds in his district, Colorados largest, cover salaries for school social workers, help to reduce class sizes and support interventions for students who are behind academically.

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These are very much on-the-ground expenses, he said. This doesnt get caught up in the bureaucracy. This is for real kids and real people.

Several GOP state chiefs welcomed the departments message. Arizona state Superintendent Tom Horne jotted down, Thank you for fighting for our Constitution and laws! along with his signature. Oklahoma chief Ryan Walters posted a video of himself at his desk signing the form.

No DEI in Oklahoma schools, he said. We will talk about merit and American exceptionalism, and well have the best school system possible, thanks to President Trump.

Oklahoma was the first state to ban DEI in our schools. We will continue to eliminate leftist indoctrination@POTUS sent this DEI certification letter to every statewere proud to sign it and reaffirm our commitment to protecting students from divisive, discriminatory ideology. pic.twitter.com/rYVqmCx4xv  Ryan Walters (@RyanWalters_) April 11, 2025

While some state and district leaders likely viewed the form as a box to check, others may see it as provocation, said Jackie Wernz, a civil rights attorney and consultant who worked in both the Obama and first Trump administrations.

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The departments shifting guidance in recent months has created a lot of confusion in the field, she said. Its not always clear whether this is a legal compliance issue or a political messaging moment.

Even some critics of DEI agree. Steven Wilson, a senior fellow at the free market-oriented Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research in Boston, argues that many schools, including high-performing charter networks, went astray by embracing anti-racist teaching approaches.

He pointed, for example, to author Tema Okuns argument that worship of the written word is evidence of white supremacy and framing math word problems around social justice issues.

These teachings are enormously destructive, said Wilson, who founded the Ascend charter school network in Brooklyn, New York. I would be hard pressed to think of a more damaging message to impart to teachers of Black and brown children than that the worship of the written word is whiteness.

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But Wilson views the departments threat to federal funding as equally harmful. The audacity of tying the compliance form to funding for programs that serve students in poverty and those with disabilities, he said has to be vigorously contested.

Annual Title I funding to the states that have not signed the certification form ranges from $43 million in Vermont to $2.2 billion in California. (Burbio, U.S. Department of Education)

Historically underserved

Title I, the biggest federal education program, totals over $18 billion. Part of the 1960s War on Poverty, it has really been a cornerstone of federal funding in K-12 for the better part of a century, said Jess Gartner, founder of Allovue, a school finance technology company thats now part of PowerSchool. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, currently funded at $15 billion, came a decade later in 1975.

Officials cant withhold those funds with a wave of the hand and a strike of the pen or because someone wont sign a form, Gartner said. There is a process for reporting, investigating and determining that discrimination has actually occurred.

In 2023, under former Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, the department withheld federal funds from Maine for not meeting state testing requirements. But that was after two years of being out of compliance, and officials pulled a quarter of the Title I funds the state could reserve for administrative costs  not the money that goes to schools.

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The Trump administration has demonstrated that it will abruptly cancel funding that has already been approved by Congress. Thats why finance officers like Carpenter in Denver are on edge about how the department will respond to states that didnt sign the form.

Related

Education Dept. Cancels Over $600M in Grants for Teacher Pipeline Programs

Title I funding supports about half of the Denver districts 207 schools, where immigrant and non-English-speaking parents especially rely on liaisons like Boni Sanchez Florez. He helps them access after-school classes, mental health services and low-cost internet. But Florez also encourages them to take leadership roles and speak up about issues that affect their children, like school closures.

Its hard enough for them to walk in a building with a staff that is predominantly 80% white. How do you build that trust in a community that doesnt trust the system? asked Florez, who moved to the U.S. from Mexico as a child. If Im in my dads shoes 30 years ago, I would want people to reach out to me.

Boni Sanchez Florez, bottom right, a parent and community liaison in the Denver Public Schools, is pictured with parents who completed a leadership development program. (Denver Parents for Public Schools)

Nearby in Jeffco Public Schools, Colorados second largest district, roughly 100 staff members are directly paid with Title I funds, said Tara Pena, chief of family partnerships and community engagement. They include three family ambassadors who work out of a mobile welcome center  a customized bus that hosts enrollment fairs, book giveaways and what Pena called goodwill events.

Operating a mobile welcome center is one way that the Jeffco school district in Colorado uses federal funds. At a recent event, the staff offered hot chocolate and distributed books, hats and gloves. (Jeffco Public Schools)

The welcome center staff signs families up for Medicaid or free lunch programs and teams up with other community groups to distribute school and hygiene supplies.

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A loss in federal funding would be very destructive and be very impactful to the supports and the services that we provide to our most vulnerable students, Pena said. The students whove been historically underserved would continue to be the ones that would be harmed.

Four years?

The potential cuts to funding also come as districts across the country are finalizing their budgets for the upcoming school year, with federal funds in mind. Before McMahon announced the certification requirement on April 3, most had already issued contracts for staff for this fall.

In California, which receives over $2 billion in Title I funds and almost $1.6 billion from IDEA, the deadline to issue any layoff notices was March 15.

That means districts would still be obligated to pay employees whose salaries come from those sources whether they get funding or dont, said Michael Fine, CEO of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, a state agency responsible for financial oversight of districts. Districts did not contemplate such a loss before the March 15 layoff window.

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Districts in Michigan, another state that declined to sign the form, are in the same predicament. For now, the Detroit Public Schools Community District  where roughly 25% of the budget comes from federal sources  has committed to not letting any employees go. But Jeremy Vidito, chief financial officer, said that could just be a temporary solution if the department fully cuts Title I.

Maybe we can bridge two years with our fund balance. But four years? Theres no way, he said. It will mean school closures. It will mean reduced services for our kids and walking back the intervention programs.

Related

After Outcry, Education Department Walks Back Diversity Guidance

With a student poverty rate of more than 80%, the nearly $125 million Detroit receives in Title I funding pays for counselors, social workers, and art and music teachers, as well as high school administrators who are focused on keeping ninth graders on track for graduation.

For LaQuitta Browns son Kermari, a 7 year old with autism, art has been especially important. He struggled to speak until last year, but he could communicate with his mother by drawing pictures, Brown said. Through special education, he receives speech and occupational therapy. His mother also depends on a mobile vision screening program for his checkups.

He wouldnt be where he would be without those services, she said. It takes a village, especially when you have a child needing special attention.

LaQuitta Brown and her 7 year old son Kermari depend on programs in Detroit funded with federal funds. (Courtesy of Laquitta Brown)

Title I also supports high-dosage tutoring in Detroit, one of the reasons, Vidito said, why the district outperformed most other large, urban systems in a national study from researchers at Harvard and Stanford universities. Last school year, the district also saw greater gains in reading than the state as a whole.

We are seeing results, he said. We have committed to educating all kids, but if we start to defund education, then were stepping back from that commitment.

Most right-leaning think tanks, like the Heritage Foundation, welcome the departments certification requirement and its interpretation of the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard decision.

That opinion didnt mention K-12 schools, but it has broad implications for the use of racial preferences in public education services at the K-12 and postsecondary levels, said Jonathan Butcher, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation. The majority opinion and supporting opinions deal with rooting out racism writ large from education.

But Wilson at the Pioneer Institute said the AFT lawsuit is one of those relatively rare moments of agreement he has with AFT President Randi Weingarten. She said the anti-DEI directives would hamper schools efforts to teach accurate history, including the harms of slavery and persecution of minority groups.

If that is what [the department] has in mind as a federal prohibition, that would be devastating. he said. Trump, is claiming, rather flamboyantly, to devolve education back to the states while announcing this unprecedented intrusion into what schools and districts may teach.

The 74s Mark Keierleber contributed to this story.
Mia Maldonado

Idaho Capital Sun



At the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, a program called the Teens at The Art Museum is meant to encourage youth to participate in museum activities.



The demographic that visits museums is aging, and so teenagers and young adults are really the demographic that need to feel like a museum is a vital part of their community, Amy Thompson, the museums development director, told the Idaho Capital Sun.



The program consists of a teen leadership council that plans art-related events throughout the year. Thompson said it gives youth the opportunity to learn marketing, leadership, community outreach and public speaking skills, and it encourages their peers to visit the museum.



The program is funded through a $10,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that has funded millions of dollars in projects supporting libraries and museums throughout Idaho. Its other contributions include funding a quarter of the Idaho Commission for Libraries budget, providing interpretive signs at the Boise Zoo, supporting programs for individuals who are deaf at the Boise Art Museum, and supplying library materials to different tribal nations across the state.



But funding for programs like hers is in jeopardy.



In late March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reduce the federal agency to its statutory functions, ordering that non-statutory components and functions shall be eliminated to the maximum extent.



Since then, all the institutes staff has been placed on administrative leave, NPR reported. This has caused delays in processing federal funds that have already been approved, and libraries have no way of contacting the agency. And so far three states, California, Washington and Connecticut, have all had their federal library funding cut.



As the federal government continues to reduce funding  including this months cut to the Idaho Humanities Council  organizations that rely on federal support, like the Idaho Commission for Libraries, are preparing in case they are next.



I dont know about how were going to fund it next year actually, but were hoping that we still can, because its kind of gaining momentum, Thompson said. It would be really sad to shut it down when were just getting speed.



Idaho Commission for Libraries prepares for potential funding loss



Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services makes up 26 percent of the Idaho Commission for Libraries funding, or on average $1.6 million each year.



So far, the commission has not had federal funding withheld, but on Friday, the commission held a special meeting to create a contingency plan in case its federal funding becomes unavailable.



The commission requested board approval to allocate $300,000 to cover personnel costs through the end of the fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The board approved the funding.



Some of the commissions key programs that are federally funded include:

The Idaho Talking Book Service, a free audiobook library for Idahoans who are blind, have low vision or experience other qualifying conditions. The $435,200 in annual funding pays for six full-time workers who administer the program.

My First Books/Early Learning, a program that has existed for more than 27 years and provides a book a month for eight months to children who are unlikely to have many books at home. Since the program began, it has served more than 68,000 Idaho youth, and distributed 617,000 books. It costs $114,880 each year.

Other programs include the Library Linking Idaho databases, which provides Idahoans free 24/7 access to online education, business and recreation resources; programs and professional development for Idaho youth; and continuing education opportunities and training for Idaho library staff.



Processing for 2025 grants has ceased, and 2026 funding applications have paused, according to the Idaho Library Association.



The Idaho Library Association implores President Trump to reconsider this adverse action against the Institute of Library Services and the millions of Americans who love and use their libraries, the statement reads.



Two lawsuits have been filed to challenge Trumps executive order. One lawsuit was filed by 21 states attorney generals is scheduled to be heard in court on Friday, and a second lawsuit was filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of the American Library Association.
What is the real lesson that the federal government is teaching students at the Palm Beach County School District when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion? Money talks and policy, no matter how much needed, just walks?

It's clear that the Trump administration frowns on DEI policies and programs. Whether it's rolling back contracting goals with minority- and women-owned businesses, removing photos of distinguished Jewish graduates from a display case at the U.S. Naval Academy, or purging photos of the Enola Gay from the U.S. Defense Department because of, well, "gay."

That anti-DEI sentiment has hit home as the Palm Beach County School Board, in an emergency vote, ended district DEI programs for fear of losing $300 million in federal funding. No more diversity goals in minority- and women-owned contracting, hiring or curriculum programs. No more data collection to determine how effectively the district is using its resources to help more than three-quarters of its students who aren't white.

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'The threat was real': Palm Beach County School board to end DEI programs over objections

We don't blame the School Board for this painful decision. We do blame a narrow-minded Trump White House for putting them in this position.

Editorial: Florida Senate poised to pass legislation to protect state parks. Get it done.

Palm Beach County schools face budgetary threats to popular school programs and services thanks to proposed state and federal spending cuts.

A federal judge in New Hampshire ruled to limit Trump's withholding of federal funds from schools that have certain DEI programs, but that decision isn't a nationwide pause on the policy. The cuts could move forward as the controversy plays out in court. In the meantime, money still talks and the harsh lesson of school budgets under the Trump regime continues to be taught.

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The district earlier this month got bad news that it could lose up to $47 million in state revenue as state lawmakers consider cuts to popular college and career coursework like Advance Placement and industry certification programs. The fact that those cuts are coming at a time of dwindling public school student enrollment isn't helpful. State funding follows students. The fewer the students, the less money Palm Beach County and other school districts have to work with.

Editorial: After FSU shooting, will we repeat our cycle of anguish, anger and inaction?

The Trump administration already cancelled the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement, which provides funding to local farmers to provide food to school districts. Now comes the threat of more federal cuts, amounting to another budgetary body blow the district simply can't afford.

The district needs every dollar it can get to assist schools with significant numbers of low-income students, educate special needs students and train teachers. The money has to come from somewhere. If not the federal government, the Florida Legislature, then locally in either higher property and sales taxes. Or, residents could sit back, grumble and just tolerate deep cuts to school services that will affect the district's bond rating and overall status for quality education.

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Money talks. Principled programs that are key to a child's education? Not so much.

That's a lesson Palm Beach County school students shouldn't accept.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County schools end DEI effort for moneys sake | Editorial
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  In a space that should be closer to completion, Dr. Scott Shone, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services State Public Health Laboratory director, described what can be seen under plastic sheeting.

You can see new benches and vial safety cabinets, which are designed to keep our staff safe from what their working on.

If there is another viral outbreak like COVID in the near future, this lab and the ones like it down the hall wont be finished in time. If there is another viral outbreak like COVID in the near future, this lab and the ones like it down the hall wont be finished in time. If there is another viral outbreak like COVID in the near future, this lab and the ones like it down the hall wont be finished in time. If there is another viral outbreak like COVID in the near future, this lab and the ones like it down the hall wont be finished in time. If there is another viral outbreak like COVID in the near future, this lab and the ones like it down the hall wont be finished in time.

But the reality is if there is another viral outbreak like COVID in the near future, this lab and the ones like it down the hall wont be finished in time.

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Last month, construction came to an abrupt halt after the Trump administration cut $230 million dollars due to the NCDHHS. Within that funding was around $2 million dollars to be used to complete the construction of testing space at the State Lab in Raleigh.

The federal funding cuts and the unpredictability of them really present a challenge with how we can navigate each day, much less the next, Shone said.

Its at the State Health Lab that threats like avian flu, measles, and other infectious diseases are tracked and identified, blood work for every newborn in the state is tested, as well as potential human exposure to things ranging from lead to rabies

We are here to keep North Carolina safe, Shone said. We have the staff and the expertise to respond to the threats that we currently face. The reality is that federal funding cuts jeopardize the sustainability of that response.

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Staff members were moved into a fraction of the space they were using prior to construction until work could be done. They are able to keep up with the demand so far, but any sudden and large outbreak could be a different story.

Another issue is the cuts also hit the CDC and its labs that states rely on.

That does shift the burden to the states and where we have to look at testing that was previously done in Atlanta, Shone said. Is that something we now need to pick up here in Raleigh and is that funded?

A lot of expansion funded by the government at the State Lab has been completed since COVID exposed the real need. But theyre not there yet.

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Phase 1 of renovations began in 2021. The actual renovation work in the space current construction area began in October 2024 as part of the final phases of the overall renovation plans for the State Lab.

All of this work started with COVID, but its addressing these long-standing infrastructural challenges in public health and public health laboratory sites, Shone said.

The solution may be up to the courts.

In the meantime, officials are weighing a number of options including whether the burden to make up the financial difference falls on state lawmakers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A January 2025 view of the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

A few months ago, South Dakota State Librarian George Seamon got an invite to a Pizza Ranch lunch with members of the South Dakota Library Association.

The invite had come at a trying time.

Weeks earlier, former Gov. Kristi Noem had released a budget that wouldve slashed the State Library to a bare-bones operation. Were lawmakers to go along with the cuts, the lions share of the services that flow from the State Library to the associations member libraries  interlibrary loans, summer reading program assistance, professional development and access to dozens of paid database services for use by local patrons border to border  would have disappeared.

But something else happened between the budget address and the Pizza Ranch meet-up: Seamons organization benefited from a groundswell of support.

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Dozens of libraries had shared news stories of the cuts potential impact on social media. Librarians had peppered legislators with letters and calls. Members of the public had done the same.

On Thursday, Seamon held back tears recounting to the State Library Board what had happened when he showed up at the restaurant to connect with some of those supporters.

As soon as I walked in, everybody stood and clapped, Seamon recalled about the meeting, which took place after the first legislative hearing on State Library funding. And that wasnt for me. That was for the State Library.

By the end of the legislative session, lawmakers had reached a compromise to spare the library. Four employees would depart, and some services would be pared back. The library board  which had its final meeting Thursday in Pierre  would dissolve. But most of the organizations services would survive.

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Joe Graves, secretary for the states Department of Education and overseer of the State Library, worked hard to find that compromise, Seamon told the board. Lawmakers stepped in to back Graves plan.

There was a sigh of relief in the library community, but it didnt last.

The path forward had protected enough state funding to preserve about a million dollars in federal matching funds from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). But shortly after the legislative sessions end, President Trump issued an executive order designed to pare down IMLS to the greatest extent possible under the law.

Congress had authorized funding for IMLS grants, with enough money to extend the grant the State Library expected for this year. But some opponents of the executive order were concerned that staffing cuts at IMLS would make it impossible for the institute to process grant requests.

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We saw that light at the end of the tunnel, then we were let back down, Seamon said Thursday.

But this week, Seamon got notice that South Dakotas grant funding was on the way. The librarian told the board that IMLS had released half the money, and asked for documentation of the librarys operational plans to release the other half.

Based on those assurances, I strongly believe that we will receive the second half of our grant, Seamons told the board.

It hasnt been easy to see State Library staff go, Seamon said, but he reported that each staff member has secured new employment. One will work closely with the library, as shes taken a position with a nonprofit organization that creates summer reading program materials and helps disseminate them, often through state libraries. Another will work for the public library in Pierre. A digitization specialist took a job at a bank.

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One of the State Librarys longer-term employees will retire.

Im jealous, because Im a lot farther away in life from retirement, Seamon said.

He didnt get a standing ovation from the dissolving board of citizen advisers to whom he reported those details, and details on the librarys current culling of its non-fiction collection, much of which will become the property of the State Historical Society.

Seamon and his organization werent spared from gratitude and compliments, though.

Board President Tom Nelson said the state shouldve thought more carefully before targeting an organization that runs as quietly and efficiently as the State Library. Board member Kim Borsch, a 20-year member of the local library board in Lead, thanked Nelson for helping her get onto the state board, then thanked Seamon and the State Library staff for the opportunity to peer under the hood of an organization whose work she admires.

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Jane Norling of Beresford, the boards vice president, lamented the loss of the board and reiterated Nelsons hope that lawmakers consider renewing a smaller version of it to serve as a voice for rural library patrons.

Seamon thanked the board members for their kind words and reiterated his gratitude to Graves and the other departments that showed support to the State Library through the emotional ride of the past five months.

He added, Its definitely something I dont want to go through again.

The future of the State Library is not assured, however. In 2018, during Trumps first term in office, Congress authorized grant funding for IMLS through the end of September 2025. Its members will soon need to decide whether to authorize another round of the grant funding that props up state libraries across the U.S.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. U.S. President Donald Trump has once again refrained from using the term genocide in his annual statement on the events of April 24, 1915, Trend reports.

In a message published by the White House, Trump described the events as one of the worst disasters, stopping short of labeling them as genocide.

Throughout his presidency, Trump consistently avoided using the term when referring to the 1915 events.

Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that the predecessor state of modern Turkiye, the Ottoman Empire, allegedly committed what they call a genocide against Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915. Ankara has repeatedly called on Armenia to open its historical archives and establish a joint commission to investigate the events. To date, Armenia has not responded to Turkiyes proposal.
Saint Francis Ministries in November 2020 severed ties with CEO Robert "Father Bobby" Smith and other leaders following an investigation into financial mismanagement. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  A federal judge rejected a former Kansas foster care leaders request to leave the country, even though a Chicago faith leader vouched for him.

Robert Father Bobby Smith, who led Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, faces federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, and one count of money laundering. He asked the court last month to travel from his home in Johnson City, Tennessee, to El Salvador so he could visit his ex-wife and attend their daughters high school graduation.

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U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse sided with a prosecutor who warned that Smith was a flight risk, based on family connections and the federal governments inability to apprehend him if he stayed in El Salvador.

Pastor Corey Brooks, of New Beginnings Church of Chicago, wrote a letter dated April 10 to the judge in support of Smiths request to travel.

I have every confidence that his intent is to attend the graduation, celebrate his daughters success, and return to Tennessee, Brooks wrote.

Brooks said he believes so much in Smith that he was willing to travel with him to the graduation.

But court records show Crouse denied Smiths request at an April 16 hearing.

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The judge also set a status conference for April 30. Past court filings showed Smith and co-defendant William Whymark, the former IT director for Saint Francis, are negotiating a plea deal.

The two are accused of defrauding Saint Francis, the largest foster care contractor in Kansas, of at least $4.7 million.

Saint Francis hired Smith, who had been ordained as an Episcopal priest by the Diocese of Chicago, as president and CEO in 2014. Kansas Reflector first reported on allegations of misconduct by Smith and Whymark shortly after they left Saint Francis in November 2020.

Internal and external audits revealed excessive billing for IT services and charges by Smith for lavish personal expenses.
CONCORD  A New Hampshire federal judge has barred the U.S. Department of Education from carrying out its threats to pull federal funding from public schools that dont eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiatives.

Judge Landya McCafferty issued a preliminary injunction Thursday blocking the U.S. Department of Education, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, from enforcing numerous threats made to American public schools since the start of President Donald Trumps second term.

The order states the U.S. Department of Education cannot enforce a February Dear Colleague letter and an April federal civil rights compliance certification form, which both threaten federal funding being removed from public schools. McCaffertys order also blocks the U.S. Department of Education from taking action against any school district at the heart of any complaint made via the agencys End DEI online portal, which encourages reports about illegal discriminatory practices at institutions of learning, according to the website.

Sarah Hinger, right, attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, answers questions following a hearing in the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire in Concord Thursday, April 17, 2025.

McCafferty wrote Thursday the defendant cannot enforce any action against the plaintiffs, their members, and any entity that employs, contracts with, or works with one or more plaintiffs or one or more of plaintiffs members.

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"The ban on DEI embodied in the 2025 ('Dear Colleague') Letter leaves teachers with a Hobsons choice," McCafferty wrote Thursday. "If they fail to abide by the ill-defined standards set forth in the letter, they leave themselves open to (1) their schools decision to terminate their employment or curb their work in order to preserve essential federal funding, (2) public ostracization based on one persons view of what DEI is, or (3) potential disciplinary proceedings that put their license at risk. But even if they endeavor to abide by the 2025 Letters requirements, they risk failing to comply with certification requirements necessary for retention of their professional credentials. All while not being afforded a reasonable opportunity to know what the 2025 Letter even requires of them. The Constitution requires more."

The Trump administrations crusade against DEI programming in American public schools took center stage in New Hampshire, as the National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education. The Center for Black Educator Development is another co-plaintiff, and three local school districts - the Dover, Oyster River and Somersworth school systems - make up another small group planning to sign on to the lawsuit.

A hearing on the three plaintiffs motion for preliminary injunction was held at the Warren G. Rudman U.S. Courthouse Concord on Thursday, April 17. Their entire request for injunction was granted Thursday with McCaffertys order.

"This injunction shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect pending further order of this court," her order adds.

ACLU attorneys hail judge's decision

Sarah Hinger, a national ACLU attorney and deputy director of its Racial Justice Program, led the plaintiffs' arguments last week.

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She and Gilles Bissonnette, the legal director for the ACLU of New Hampshire, called McCafferty's ruling a victory for "academic freedom" in the United States.

"Every student deserves an education that reflects the full diversity of our society, free from political interference, Hinger said in a prepared statement. The federal government has no authority to dictate what schools can and cannot teach to serve its own agenda, and this ruling is an important step in reaffirming that.

"Every student, both in the Granite State and across the country, deserves to feel seen, heard, and connected in school - and that can't happen when classroom censorship laws and policies are allowed to stand," Bissonnette added in his own prepared statement.

Department of Education expected to appeal

U.S. Department of Education attorney Abhishek Kambli indicated in the Concord courthouse last week the agency would appeal if McCafferty ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.

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Over 160 New Hampshire public school districts  including all of SAU 50 (comprising Greenland, New Castle, Newington and Rye students) and the Hampton and Seabrook districts  all signed and submitted the certification form due Thursday, per the New Hampshire Department of Education's compliance tracker. There were several holdouts, including the Dover, Oyster River and Somersworth school districts.

More: Exeter area SAU 16 board votes to sign DEI compliance order. Here's why.

The New Hampshire Department of Education required all state public school districts to fill out the form by last Thursday, April 17, though the U.S. Department of Educations deadline was set for Thursday.

The Exeter area SAU 16 Joint Board voted Monday to authorize Superintendent Esther Asbell to sign the federal compliance form, believing it is in compliance already. SAU 16 represents students from the Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields and Stratham school districts, in addition to the Exeter Region Cooperative School District.

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The Portsmouth school district submitted the certification this month but rescinded it days later. SAU 52 intended to join the federal lawsuit alongside other area school districts but has dropped the plan for now.

Susan Morrell, Portsmouths city attorney, briefed the City Council on the matter Monday evening.

The city will continue to follow this lawsuit carefully and take its own actions in regard to the certification letters that are being demanded, Morrell said. If there is an injunction, we believe that well be protected under that umbrella, as well, even though were not part of that lawsuit.

(This story has been updated with new information.)

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Judge in NH blocks Trump administration's threats over DEI in schools
A federal judge has set a deadline for immigration officials to return Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk back to Vermont.

Boston 25 news obtained court documents Thursday that show Ozturk must be back in Vermont no later than May 1st- a week from today.

At the end of the filing, Judge William Sessions says he intends to resolve the case expeditiously.

Ozturk is currently being held in an ice detention facility in Louisiana.

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In an arrest caught on camera, Ozturk was surrounded by a group of masked federal agents in plain clothes as she walked along a street near her off-campus apartment on March 25.

Ozturk, a PhD student in Tufts Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, was handcuffed and quickly whisked away.

In less than 24 hours, she was transported from Massachusetts to New Hampshire to Vermont, then down to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Basile, Louisiana, where shes been jailed for more than three weeks.

Federal authorities have alleged that Ozturk engaged in activities supporting the terrorist group Hamas and revoked her visa.

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Ozturks lawyer Marty Rosenbluth argued that she hasnt been accused of any crime and that the Trump administration targeted her for arrest, detention, and deportation in retaliation for an op-ed she co-authored in her student newspaper.

Rosenbluth said the federal judge denied his clients bond based on an untenable conclusion.

Yesterday was a complete violation of due process and the rule of law. The immigration courts are cowering to the Trump administrations attempts to silence advocates of Palestinian rights, Rosenbluth said in a statement. 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.

In a court filing earlier this month, Ozturk said she is one of 24 people in a cell that has a sign stating a capacity for 14.

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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 dont leave the room in time, meaning we wont get a meal.

Ozturk has said she wants to go back to Tufts so she can finish her degree, which she has been working on for five years.

Earlier this month, a Vermont judge ordered that Ozturk not be deported until he can rule on her case. Her lawyers want her case moved to Vermont from 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 expressing support for Palestinians.

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Boston 25 News has reached out to ICE for a statement on the judges ruling.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A federal jury has convicted a Hawaii man of multiple counts of sex trafficking for crimes committed between 2019 and 2021.

Officials say Isaiah McCoy, 38, trafficked three adults and one minor, promising them a life of luxury, romance and financial security.

Miske daughter-in-law to serve 7 years in prison

According to the Department of Justice, McCoy would lure them in with these false promises before turning violent and abusive if they didnt follow his rules.

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Officials added that he would force them into commercial sex work and would abuse them if they did not comply.

Additionally, prosecutor say McCoy forced the victims to give him all their money from his commercial sex business because he felt that the money belonged to him.

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He would then use the money to buy designer items for himself and would use them as rewards for the victims.

Todays conviction vindicates the rights of multiple women and girls who the defendant terrorized over several years within the District of Hawaii. There is no place in a civilized society for the defendants atrocious conduct, and the Justice Department is committed to standing up for vulnerable human trafficking victims and holding their traffickers accountable. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division

McCoy faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and restitution when he is sentenced in August.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Anyone who may have information on human trafficking should call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.

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Elon Musk announced his plans to step back from DOGE to focus more on Tesla.

BI spoke with 17 federal workers about what a possible Musk retreat would mean.

Several said they hope they no longer have to send Musk's weekly "What did you do last week" email.

Elon Musk has said he stepping away from DOGE and the West Wing, but there's one thing federal workers really want to know.

"Can we stop sending this weekly email now?" an employee at the Internal Revenue Service asked.

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Business Insider spoke to 17 federal workers after the Tesla CEO said on a Tuesday earnings call that he hopes to devote more time to the company because the "major work of establishing" DOGE is complete.

Several federal workers brought up the "What did you do last week" email required by Musk's DOGE office since February. Many said they're skeptical that Musk will forfeit his White House influence. Even if he does, some said Musk's legacy will live on in DOGE through cuts to the federal workforce and government budget. Others are simply hopeful they'll have one less weekly email to send.

As a special government employee, Musk is only legally allowed to work for the Trump administration for 130 days a year. Still, the federal workers BI spoke with said they expect him to continue making political headlines.

"My reaction is, 'I'll believe it when I see it,'" a programmer at the IRS said, adding, "I believe the richest man in the world has hacked his way into the most powerful government in the world, and there is nobody to stop him from keeping that access, even if he looks 'gone' on paper."

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A former employee at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that they aren't taking Musk's announcement seriously. An employee at the Office of Personnel Management added that Musk's vow to step back seems like "PR spin."

Have a tip? Contact these reporters via Signal at alliekelly.10, asheffey.97, julianakaplan.33, alicetecotzky.05, and madisonhoff.06. Use a personal email address and a nonwork device; heres our guide to sharing information securely.

Other federal workers said that even if Musk does leave DOGE, his actions will have a lasting impact on the government and its staff.

"The effect he's had on the federal government can't be as neatly defined as quarterly earnings reports," the OPM employee said. Several workers expressed concern over reports that DOGE and Musk have access to sensitive information like internal government databases and Americans' Social Security details.

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Some talked about the anxiety that DOGE's federal firing spree has caused in their own lives. A few said they are constantly worried about losing their livelihoods. Federal workers who voted for Donald Trump and support his money-saving goals have previously told BI they felt betrayed by Musk's abrupt mass firings of what DOGE called "low performers."

"There is a methodical way to downsize, and I'm all for right-sizing to meet current events," a Department of Agriculture employee said. "The way Musk and his team have handled and are continuing to handle the situation is harmful to federal workers (who are real people with families), harmful to American institutions, and ultimately harmful to the American public."

A Department of Defense employee hopes that Musk stepping back will give them "a little relief" about their job security.

And then there are the possible effects on their day-to-day work. Several federal workers told BI they hope Musk's departure signals the end of his "five bullets" email. It's unclear what Musk and his colleagues do with the information or if it has led directly to any employee firings.

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"I have to look and research and see what I did  that's 10 minutes that's wasted," one Social Security Administration employee said, adding, "I could be spending my time more efficiently doing other things." Another IRS employee said they send nearly the same email every week.

Musk said on Tuesday's Tesla call that he will still spend a day or two a week on government matters, "as long as it is useful" to the president. When reporters asked Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday about Musk's departure, he said that Musk "is an incredible guy" and "was a tremendous help both in the campaign and what he's done with DOGE." Neither Musk nor Trump elaborated on Musk's future role in the administration.

The possible DOGE shake-up comes alongside plummeting first-quarter Tesla earnings. The electric-vehicle company's earnings per share and revenue were down 71% and 9% year over year, respectively. Musk said last month that his role in the White House was "costing me a lot" and he was running his businesses with "great difficulty." With news that he could be retreating from Trumpworld, Tesla's stock was trading up over 5% after hours and jumped again Wednesday.

One federal employee said they aren't surprised Musk is leaning back into his CEO role. They said working in the government is likely "too much trouble for someone who is trained to see things as engineering problems."

Read the original article on Business Insider
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration is replacing lawyers in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan after they accidentally filed an internal government letter that cast significant doubt on the Transportation Department's effort to kill New York's congestion pricing program in New York, a government spokesperson said.

Lawyers for the U.S. Attorney's Office erroneously filed an April 11 letter late on Wednesday that said it was very unlikely Judge Lewis Liman or other courts would uphold Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's decision.

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A spokesperson for Duffy said the defense of the government's effort to end congestion pricing would now be handled by the Justice Department's Civil Division in Washington, rather than the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan. The Justice Department did not immediately comment.

The Duffy spokesperson blasted the lawyers from the U.S. Attorney's Office, suggesting they were either incompetent or attempting to intentionally obstruct the effort.

"At the very least, its legal malpractice. Its sad to see a premier legal organization continue to fall into such disgrace," the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office said earlier that the filing was "an honest error and was not intentional in any way. Upon realizing the error, we immediately took steps to have the document removed. We look forward to continuing to vigorously advocate in the best interest of our clients, the DOT and (Federal Highway Administration)."

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The office apologized for the error in a letter to Judge Liman Thursday and asked him to seal the filing.

New York in early January launched its first-in-the-nation program that charges most passenger vehicles a $9 toll during peak periods to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street to reduce congestion and raise money for mass transit improvements.

Duffy on Monday told New York Governor Kathy Hochul that USDOT may withhold environmental approvals or project funding if the state does not end congestion pricing.

This week, Hochul ignored a deadline set by Duffy to end the program. Hochul's office said on Thursday that the government's filing "doesnt change the facts: congestion pricing is legal, its working and the cameras are staying on."

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Evergreen Action, an environmental group, said that government lawyers "said it better than we ever could: Duffys case is flimsy, and his illegal order is falling apart."

The USDOT under Democratic President Joe Biden had approved the congestion program in November, which is monitored via electronic license plate readers. U.S. approval is needed because it involves tolls on federal highways.

Officials say the program, which follows similar ones in London and Singapore, has sharply cut traffic and eased the flow of vehicles. Opponents including Duffy say it takes money from working people and leaves drivers without a free highway option.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Daniel Wallis)
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Big changes could be coming to public parks on Oahu.

The City is asking for input as it considers expanding dog-friendly parks.

Ruff Situation: Kailua residents call for compromise on dog park ban

Only a fraction of Oahus 308 City parks allow dogs, and even fewer have designated off-leash areas, but that will soon change as the Parks and Recreation Department launches a new initiative to make more parks accessible for pups on leashes.

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So we wanted to get input from the community about where it would be appropriate, but what do we need to have in place? What type of signage? What type of reminders? Having stations where people can pick up extra bags so were sure that they can pick up their waste, said DPR director Laura Thielen.

Anyone can weigh in through hearings at their area neighborhood board.

Ideally, they would let us know which park locations they would like to see on-leash privileges. And if there is one where they do not want to see it, they would list that as well too, said DPR spokesman Nate Serota.

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That feedback will be collected in September, and the first parks could see rule changes as soon as October. Dog lovers celebrated the idea and also made sure there was a focus on keeping everyone safe.

Nobody likes to go out and leave their family members at home. At the same time, making sure those family members act responsibly and we all act responsibly is something thats important, said Sen. Chris Lee.

A new law that will take effect in July 2025 defines what qualifies as a dangerous dog and includes felony charges if someone is maimed or killed  owners said they hope more designated spaces to take on-leash canines will discourage such encounters.

But I think having a good representation of pets who are well behaved with good pet owners is going to help transform the way that community believes that pets should be included in public space, said dog owner Hollie Patterson.

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A new off-leash option is also in the works. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board just passed a resolution that requests DPR approve the construction of a dog park in a portion of Blaisdell Park.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Not only for Pearl City, but Aiea and Waipahu can come here, relax with their pets and if we build it right with all the obstacles for dogs and make it fun for the families, Pearl City Neighborhood Board chair Larry Veray said, we can use it for dog shows!

Click here for more information about the proposed changes and an interactive map of dog-friendly parks on Oahu.

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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 KHON2.
SPRINGFIELD  A woman from the Feeding Hills section of Agawam has agreed to plead guilty in connection with what prosecutors describe as a scheme to defraud commercial lenders.

Christine Gendron, 59, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, the United States Attorneys office said in a statement. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the court.

Gendron was a certified public accountant who worked as the financial manager for JLL Realty Developers, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

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Gendron was charged in connection with her sister, Jeannette Norman, and brother-in-law Louis R. Masaschi whose real estate holdings once included the historic Clock Tower Building at 113 State Street in downtown Springfield, prosecutors said.

Normans case is still pending.

Masaschi pleaded guilty on April 22 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud.

Prosecutors said the three defendants provided materially false, fictitious and fraudulent financial information  including false rent rolls and forged lease agreements for properties in Springfield, East Longmeadow and Enfield, Connecticut  to obtain loans for their companies.

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After receiving the loans, the companies of the defendants allegedly made some or no payments and ultimately defaulted on the loans, causing substantial losses to the financial institutions and commercial lenders, prosecutors said.

Between May 2016 and November 2018, Masaschi, and allegedly Norman, fraudulently obtained or sought to obtain approximately $60 million in loans and caused a total loss of $19 million, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The city of Springfield eventually wrested ownership of the Clock Tower Building and other properties away in order to start redevelopment in the neighborhood.

Stories by Jim Kinney

Read the original article on MassLive.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 24. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has rejected statements contradicting historical facts regarding the events of 1915, Trend reports via the ministry's statement.

"We completely reject statements that contradict historical facts and international law regarding the events of 1915.

We once again call for support for the ongoing normalization process between Turkiye and Armenia," the statement reads.
BOSTON (WWLP)  A woman from Feeding Hills agreed to plead guilty in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud commercial lenders by giving false and fake rent rolls and forged lease agreements for properties in Springfield, East Longmeadow, and Enfield, Conn.

Boston woman arrested for trafficking underage girl

The Department of Justice states 59-year-old Christine Gendron of Feeding Hills was a certified public accountant and worked as a financial manager got JLL Realty Developers, LLC (JLLRD), which is a limited liability company where her sister, Jeannette Norman, and brother-in-law, Louis R. Masaschi, served as partners.

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Masaschi and Norman allegedly were partners in limited liability companies, including JLLRD, where they owned commercial and some residential property in western Massachusetts, Connecticut, and other locations. Allegedly, Gendron conspired with Masachi and Norman to defraud several financial institutions and a commercial lender.

It is alleged that the three provided false, fictitious, and fraudulent financial information, such as fake rent rolls and forged lease agreements, to get loans from their companies. After obtaining the loans, Masaschi, Norman and their companies allegedly made little to no payments and defaulted on the loans, which caused substantial losses to the financial institutions and commercial lenders.

Gendrons plea agreement states that between May 2016 and November 2018, Masaschi, and allegedly Norman, wanted to obtain approximately $60,123,000 in loans and caused a total loss of $19,305,473.

Gendron agreed to plead guilty to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled. Masaschi pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud in a related case on April 22nd. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud is a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss.

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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DES MOINES, Iowa  Des Moines police have arrested a man accused of firing a handgun within the city limits Wednesday, and hes now facing felony charges.

Officers with the Des Moines Police Department were called to a wooded area near Vermont Street and Washington Avenue shortly before 5:00 p.m. on a report of gunfire near the Des Moines River, according to DMPD spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek.

Paul Furey

When officers arrived, they found 38-year-old Paul Furey standing along the levee, apparently arguing with a woman. Furey rode away on a bicycle after noticing officers approaching.

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Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-olds death

Furey was located and stopped by officers near the 2nd Avenue Bridge. A criminal complaint filed in the case said he admitted to possessing and firing the handgun into the ground 2-3 times.

Sgt. Parizek said investigators found multiple shell casings at a campsite in the wooded area, and they recovered a handgun near the scene.

Court documents revealed Furey was a felon after being convicted on multiple charges in Florida, including robbery and drug possession.

Furey has been charged with felon in possession of a firearm, discharging firearms within the city limits. There are also active warrants for methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia possession.

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He is being held in the Polk County Jail.

Metro news

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LAHAINA, Hawaii (KHON2)  At the start of the week, nearly 200 out of around 1,000 households on FEMAs temporary housing program had not paid rent. Now, its down 100  or one in 10.

For a year and a half after the deadly August 2023 Lahaina fire, thousands of people relied on FEMA for recovery resources, including federally funded rentals.

Maui drivers: Avoid Honoapiilani Highway during Maui Marathon

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Those units were no longer free as of this spring, with the first payments due April 1.

Dominance hacks: What the strongest do differently

I know a lot of people are having a challenging time doing that, but we are in a new phase, and its disaster recovery, not disaster response, which means the federal government no longer is going to cover everybodys rent, said Senator Brian Schatz (D), Hawaii.

About 91% of our FEMA direct housing population were renters prior to the fire. So we assume that theyre used to paying rent, and we need to bring back some of that normalcy, because the ultimate goal is to transition households to their permanent housing plans, as FEMAs program is really only to provide temporary housing, said Ali Slous, FEMA.

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Dengue has come to Hawaii: 9 things to know to protect your ohana

Out of nearly 1,000 households on the temporary rental program, just over 100 have not paid March rent, and even more were late as of just a few days ago.

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FEMA said theyve done extensive outreach to those households to make sure they understand possible consequences, including having to move out.

So it will take some time to reconcile, you know, with our finance department after May 1, who still has not paid their rent, and then that will essentially trigger what we call a revocation process.

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The process starts with a 15-day warning, a notice of revocation, and then a notice to surrender the property. And the unpaid bill doesnt go away.

It goes up to the Treasury level, and then the US Treasury will follow up. And there are different ways that the federal government can recoup those funds, including garnishing wages and or having it be taken out of Social Security.

Maui Council passes bill allowing certain Lahaina structures to build back as it was

Philanthropic partners are still offering assistance to help people get back on their feet.

That assistance is not necessarily for them to pay rent, but it may help offset other bills that are that are coming up for them right now, and we understand the financial stress of this recovery.

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So, how much monthly rent are we talking about?

The allowable range FEMA can charge is $1,750 for a studio to nearly $3,600 for a four-bedroom or more for bigger places.

Most of the 1,000 renters appealed for subsidies, and 836 of them were approved to pay as little as $50 a month. Landlords get paid by FEMA regardless of the renters remittances to the federal agency.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Officials said property owners should not feel the impact of the delay in rent payment by the household thats occupying their unit.

All of this is set to end after February 2026. FEMA told KHON2 they do not anticipate any risk to the federal funds between now and then.

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BURKE COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF)  FEMA is hosting a Housing Resource Fair on Saturday, April 26th from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.

The housing fair will take place at the Burke County Office Park Auditorium at 715 W 6th Street in Waynesboro.

According to organizers, the Housing Resource Fair will bring together federal, state and local agencies in one place to offer services and resources to families recovering from Hurricane Helene.

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The Housing Resource Fair is an opportunity for survivors to:

 Explore affordable housing options and rental assistance programs.

 Meet with representatives from local housing organizations, landlords and property managers.

 Gain access to resources for displaced individuals and families.

 Learn from community partners about educational funding resources.

Organizers state that the goal of this collaborative effort is to help connect eligible disaster survivors with affordable housing along with valuable information and resources on their road to recovery, and survivors will meet with local housing organizations, property owners and landlords, as well as get information on the HEARTS Georgia Sheltering Program and U.S. Small Business Administration loans.

Anyone affected by Tropical Storm Debby or Hurricane Helene, whether they applied for FEMA assistance or not, is welcome to attend.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is calling on President Trump to strike and destroy the nuclear facilities in Iran ahead of a third round of talks later this week.

Youre never going to be able to negotiate with that kind of regime that has been destabilizing the region for decades already, and now we have an incredible window, I believe, to do that, to strike and destroy Irans nuclear facilities, Fetterman said Wednesday in an interview with The Washington Free Beacon.

Fettermans comments come as the Trump administrations two-month timeline to reach a deal with Iran over its nuclear program nears an end.

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Trump has expressed confidence ahead of a third round of talks to be held later this week, but its unclear if the two countries can find common ground about eliminating Irans nuclear program, among other priorities.

Fetterman dismissed foreign policy experts who say the U.S. striking Iran would lead to a regional war.

He sharply criticized Hezbollah, the Iranian proxy group, as a group that couldnt fight and slammed the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a bunch of tunnel rats with junkie rockets in the back of a Toyota truck.

Its unclear if the Trump administration will look to strike a deal with Iran that resembles the Obama-era nuclear agreement that restricted the countrys ability to create a nuclear weapon but kept the infrastructure intact.

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Fetterman said that years ago he understood why Trump withdrew from the Obama-era deal, and today, he cant understand why Trump would negotiate with this diseased regime.

The negotiations should be comprised of 30,000-pound bombs and the Israeli military, Fetterman said.

The Pennsylvania senator has been one of the most vocal Democratic voices in support of Israel in its war with Hamas and regional enemies.

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A bill to sharply reduce the energy credits given to homeowners with rooftop solar panels is pitting union electrical workers and the state's big utilities against people who benefit from the solar credits  and one of the first skirmishes took place in the City of Industry on Wednesday.

Waving signs and blowing whistles, dozens of rooftop solar owners protested outside the office of Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier), who proposed Assembly Bill 942 to slash the credits for people who installed the systems before April 15, 2023.

Jim Matthews, one of the rooftop solar owners at the protest, said he doubts he would have purchased the panels if he would have known the state would be reversing the incentives.

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Stuff like this tears my heart, said Matthews, who lives in Hawthorne. I think it's scandalous.

Calderon worked for Southern California Edison and its parent company, Edison International, for 25 years before she was elected in 2020. Her last position included managing the parent company's political action committee.

Edison and the states two other big for-profit utilities have long tried to reduce the energy credits that incentivized Californians to invest in the solar panels. The rooftop systems have reduced the utilities sales of electricity.

Calderon: For the People or for Edison? said one sign waved by protesters outside Calderons office in the City of Industry. Stop SCEs Revolving Door in Sacramento, said another.

Solar panel installers in Watts on June 18, 2021. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)

Calderon told the Times she introduced the bill because she had learned that 97% of the people in her district were paying higher electric bills because of the solar credits going to the remaining 3% when they sent the unused electricity from their solar panels to the grid.

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"From an equity standpoint, that's not fair," she said. "I would love for everyone to have solar, but we need to do it in a fair and equitable way."

Calderon said Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric have all sent her letters supporting the bill.

AB 942 would limit the energy credits provided to those who purchased the systems to 10 years  half the 20-year period the state had told rooftop owners they would receive. It would also end the incentives if the house was sold.

Uniting in the effort to oppose the bill are dozens of environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and the Environmental Working Group, which point out that the state has long said the solar contracts would last for 20 years.

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Also attending the protest were representatives from the California Solar & Storage Assn., a trade group that represents companies selling the rooftop solar systems. The protest was organized by the Solar Rights Alliance , a statewide association of solar users.

Read more: Former Edison executive Calderon, now a lawmaker, seeks to cut rooftop solar credits

Jeff Monford, a spokesperson for Edison, said the company sent Calderon a letter Wednesday backing the bill. He said the bill has "nothing to do with utility profits. It will result in savings for our customers."

The company estimates that those customers who don't have solar would save $500 million by 2030 if AB 942 passed, or about 3% of the average household electric bill.

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The unions of electrical workers who install and repair equipment built by Edison and other electric companies are lobbying to get the bill passed.

In an email, a spokesperson for the California State Assn. of Electrical Workers said the group strongly supports the bill, which it said would alleviate the financial burden on non-solar ratepayers.

At a meeting in Sacramento in late March, leaders of the group, which represents 83,000 electrical workers in the state, said a top goal was to reform the rooftop solar incentives.

It is unjust, unreasonable and unsustainable for Californians to continue shoveling billions of dollars every year to an industry when it is no longer justified nor fair to non-solar customers, particularly when the burden falls hardest on low-income customers, Scott Wetch, a lobbyist for the electrical workers, wrote in a letter to the chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee.

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Calderon and the electrical workers point to an analysis by the state Public Utilities Commissions public advocates office that said the credits given to rooftop owners for the electricity they send to the grid is raising the electric bills of customers who dont own the panels by $8.5 billion a year.

The rooftop solar industry and environmental groups disagree with that analysis, saying it was flawed.

Read more: California officials push to cut energy credits to households with rooftop solar panels

In a recent letter to the Assembly committee, the environmental groups pointed to an analysis that economist Richard McCann performed for the rooftop solar industry that found that electric rates had risen as the utilities spent more on infrastructure. That equipment includes the transmission lines needed to connect industrial-scale solar farms to the grid.

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Even though homeowners solar panels helped keep demand for electricity flat for 20 years, the three utilities spending on transmission and distribution infrastructure had risen by 300%, McCann found.

To address rising rates, California must focus on whats really wrong with our energy system: uncontrolled utility spending and record utility profits, the environmental groups wrote.

In December 2022, the commission voted to cut incentives for anyone installing the panels after April 15, 2023, by 75% but left the incentives in place for legacy customers.

AB 942 would not apply to rooftop solar customers who live in territory served by the states municipal utilities, including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

A hearing on the bill is scheduled for April 30.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A New York City financial advisor faces dozens of criminal charges alleging he raped and tortured several women he met online at his Manhattan bachelor pad.

Ryan Hemphill, 43, was indicted on 116 counts on Thursday, including rape, predatory sexual assault, facilitating a sex offense with a controlled substance and bribing witnesses, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced in a news release.

Hemphill was arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to all counts. A judge ordered him remanded to Rikers Island.

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Hemphill, who describes himself on his website as a "successful private equity and venture capital executive" and a "committed philanthropist," is accused of luring six women to his Midtown apartment after posing as a sugar daddy on sites like Seeking Arrangements, Craigslist, and FetLife. The women were allegedly under the impression Hemphill was seeking sex or companionship in exchange for money, according to the release.

But the women allegedly arrived to a house of horrors. Between October 2024 and March 2025, prosecutors say, the six women  who were allegedly never paid, except with fake money  endured physical and psychological torture at the hands of Hemphill.

Hemphill's alleged depraved behavior encompassed a wide range of abuse, say prosecutors. He allegedly handcuffed the women as he punched and slapped them, "forced or tricked" them into ingesting physically impairing substances and threatened his victims with guns and knives, the release states.

He also allegedly tortured his victims using a cattle prod and made some of them wear a shock collar as he raped them. He also is alleged to have urinated on some of his victims as a form of torture.

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Prosecutors even allege in the release that when the women confided in Hemphill about their past sexual traumas, he proceeded to reenact those traumas.

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Hemphill would then allegedly threaten the women over text message to ensure they wouldn't report the incidents. Some of the victims were allegedly forced to say, on camera, that their encounters were consensual. In another case, he allegedly drafted a contract wherein he'd pay a woman $2,000 to drop a complaint she had made to police, according to the release.

Text messages shared by the DA's office in the release allegedly show he told one woman not to bother reporting the assault, because he "know[s] half the precinct."

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Hemphill was arrested on March 1. Authorities executing a search warrant allegedly found a cattle prod, hundreds of bullets, high-capacity magazines, handcuffs and fake cash. Also recovered were "large amounts" of drugs including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, the DA's office reported.

At a Thursday press conference, Bragg said that surveillance cameras were outfitted at Hemphill's apartment that captured "dozens, if not hundreds, of different women."



Legal Aid, which is representing Hemphill, declined PEOPLE's request for comment.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

Read the original article on People
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  A structure fire broke out in central Sioux Falls Wednesday morning.

The fundraiser to show what unhoused people face

Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the 1900 block of West Johnson Place around 5 a.m. after visible flames were reported. All residents of the home were evacuated. The fire was extinguished in 20 minutes.

SFFR says there was significant damage to the structure. They are still investigating the cause of the fire.

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History written in the present tense

The House of Breguet celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2025, with the unveiling of the Classique Souscription 2025 wristwatch in Paris, home to Abraham-Louis Breguets workshop, which saw the birth of the master watchmakers great inventions.

The first timepiece with a simplified architecture, the design is epitomised by the purity of the white enamel dial, the time displayed by a single hand, yet with a remarkable legibility. More than two centuries ago, it was presented through an advertising pamphlet, the likes of which had never been seen before. Today, the historic, groundbreaking Souscription pocket watch is reborn as a wristwatch.

Classique Souscription  Breguet

Abraham-Louis Breguet, in search of a wider audience

To protect himself from the violence of the French Revolution, A.-L. Breguet returned to Switzerland in 1793, staying in Neuchatel and Le Locle. In 1795 he went back to Paris where, in 1775, he had set up his workshop, on the Ile de la Cite, and had already achieved fame. On his return, he set about turning his company around, developing numerous projects, including the Souscription watch.

Although the term Souscription appears as early as 1796 in the sales registers, now carefully preserved in the Musee Breguet at place Vendome, this single-hand timepiece was mainly marketed from 1797 onwards. It was through an advertising pamphlet devised by the master that this robust, reliable creation, with a large diameter of around 61mm, a white, enamelled dial and a movement with a simple architecture, became known. While most people think of A.-L. Breguet first and foremost as an exceptional watchmaker, he was no less a seasoned and visionary businessman, not hesitating to innovate even in his commercial methods.

The principle is simple: if the customer wishes to purchase a watch of this type, he or she must confirm the order by paying a quarter of the price. This deposit enabled the Quai de lHorloge workshop to acquire the supplies needed to manufacture the watches, thus marking the start of series production. Around 700 timepieces were produced in this way over more than 30 years.

The Souscription watch embodies the desires of A.-L. Breguets philosophy of broadening his clientele and opening the doors to haute horlogerie with a watch that was revolutionary in its design and conception, as well as in its production and sales methods. In many ways, the Souscription watch is a cornerstone of Breguets work.

Classique Souscription  Breguet

As part of its 250th anniversary celebrations, the House is unveiling the Souscription 2025, a fusion of the art of the Neuchatel master watchmaker with contemporary know-how.

"This watch is the link between what we wish to share of the history of Breguet and our desire to perpetuate this history going forward."

Gregory Kissling, CEO

Classique Souscription 2025, perpetuating a passion born in 1775

The face of the Souscription 2025 model is adorned with a dazzling white, grand feu enamel dial that faithfully reproduces the spirit of the timepieces once produced at the Quai de lHorloge workshop, such as the No. 246, No. 324 and No. 383 watches. The back is directly inspired by the architecture of the first Souscription watches signed by A.-L. Breguet.

Classique Souscription  Breguet

A radiant face with classic features

Dressed in immaculate enamel, the dial symbolises the refined aesthetic intended by the master watchmaker. Based on simplicity and contrasts, it is easy to read. At its centre is a unique, steel, open-tipped Breguet hand, which has been flame-blued and curved entirely by hand. Its tapered tip hovers over the famous, slightly inclined Breguet Arabic numerals, as well as the circular chemin de fer (railroad track) with its specially designed sectoring indicating the hours and the 5, 10, 15 and 30-minute markings. The numbers and minute markers are in black, petit feu enamel, the same as the Breguet signature placed at 12 oclock.

Depending on the light, the inscriptions Souscription, the unique serial number and the secret signature appear discreetly between the centre of the dial and 6 oclock.

Generalised on the original Souscription watch, this signature served to authenticate the work of the Breguet workshops and fight against counterfeiting. It is produced, as it was in A.-L. Breguets day, using a precision tool equipped with articulated arms: the diamond-point pantograph, which makes it possible to delicately engrave this guarantee of authenticity into the enamel.

This face, with its classic features, is protected by a sapphire crystal with a cheve profile. This innovation is also the work of A.-L. Breguet. This format, thinner and less domed than those then in vogue, has a relatively flat surface that gently curves towards the edges to blend harmoniously into the case, which was unprecedented at the time. This distinctive shape, like Breguet numerals and hands, has become part of the vocabulary of contemporary watchmaking.

Classique Souscription  Breguet

A redesigned Breguet gold case

With the Classique Souscription 2025, Breguet introduces its own gold alloy: Breguet gold, a blond precious metal that combines gold, silver, copper and palladium. The case, measuring 40 mm in diameter and 10.8 mm high, is of a new design, standing apart from other watches, with a particular attention paid to its ergonomics. The typical Breguet fluting has been replaced by a delicately satin-brushed case middle that respects the style of the original timepieces, while the lugs have been curved to better fit the wrist and, as such, offer a more fluid appearance than the traditional straight lugs.

To celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2025, Breguet presents its own gold alloy: Breguet gold

Combining tradition and modernity, its warm, subtly pink hue is inspired by the gold used by watchmakers of the eighteenth century, following the example of A.-L. Breguet. At the time, this alloy met precise requirements in terms of resistance, durability and aesthetics, enhancing the prestige of watches.

Conceived and developed in the Houses workshops, 18K Breguet gold is composed of 75% gold, enriched with silver, copper and palladium. Beyond its brilliance, it is distinguished by its resistance to discolouration and its stability over time, guaranteeing a pure, elegant finish. Every detail has been designed to enhance the Houses collections, with particular attention paid to aesthetics and durability.

During the design stage, after selecting the ideal alloy, Breguet carefully ensured that it aligns with the various watchmaking skills, particularly the decorative finishes. Breguet gold thus embodies the Houses commitment to pushing back the boundaries of watchmaking expertise and exceeding established standards. It enriches the pieces in an exceptional anniversary collection, symbolising a unique heritage and a constant quest for innovation and excellence.

Breguet Gold  Breguet

A beating heart , of mechanical art

On the back of the case, the generously sized, slightly domed, sapphire crystal reveals the mechanical construction of the new VS00 calibre in gilded brass in the same shade as Breguet gold. It is decorated with an entirely new type of guilloche pattern unveiled this year, called Quai de lHorloge. This new design is inspired by the singular curves of the Ile de la Cite and the slender refinement of the Ile Saint-Louis to create a harmonious rhythm that can be infinitely modulated. This new creation celebrates guilloche as a living art, sublimated by Breguets expertise. The structural typology of the movements in the first Souscription watches produced by A.-L. Breguet was the inspiration for this calibre.

The result of a meticulous development process, this movement beats at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and delivers an impressive four-day power reserve using only a single barrel. The balance spring, a small, coiled spring that is at the heart of the precision timekeeping of the watch, is blued and features a Breguet overcoil. It is made from NivachronTM, a non-magnetic alloy essentially composed of titanium. This makes the movement more resistant to temperature variations, magnetic fields and shocks.

Classique Souscription Caseback  Breguet

The plate and bridges are finely shot-blasted, a new decoration directly inspired by the movements of A.-L. Breguet. Blued steel screws and rubies further enhance the movement. At the centre sits the imposing ratchet wheel, which features an engraved inscription: the founders words, explaining the design of the Souscription movement and taken from his advertising brochure, are faithfully reproduced in his characteristic cursive script.

A new presentation box, between time and elegance

In the purest tradition of exceptional leather goods, Breguet is unveiling an original presentation box to mark its 250th anniversary. Inspired by the red Moroccan leather cases once used by A.-L. Breguet to protect his precious creations, this box, in lightly grained calf leather, features gold hot embossing bearing the inscription BREGUET 250 YEARS, which is accompanied by the individual serial number of the timepiece inside.

Its soft, rounded silhouette designed with an aesthetic and philosophical concern shaped over time, marks a real difference from traditional watch boxes. The opening mechanism, faithful to the techniques used in A.-L. Breguets time, is based on a simple, elegant push-button, while its hinge is plated with Breguet gold. The interior is lined with refined blue fabrics housing the watch in a vertical position, thus optimising space and evoking the spirit of pocket watches.

A new presentation box  Breguet

A nod to the first Breguet logo in the form of an escutcheon (a type of shield often seen in coats of arms) adorns the underside of the case. Much more than just a watch box, it is a collectors item, a symbol of timeless heritage and watchmaking expertise that spans the ages.
SCOTT, La. (KLFY)  A fire in a Scott apartment caused moderate damage to a second-story bedroom.

Earlier this evening fire officials responded to a structure fire at the Ile des Cannes Apartment Complex, located in the 100 block of Natchez Street. When they arrived, officials observed smoke emitting from a second-story apartment.

Officials said when they entered the apartment, they found the fire in a second-story bedroom. Officials quickly put out the fire before it could spread throughout the apartment.

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Officials said the bedroom sustained moderate fire damage, while the remainder of the apartment was primarily affected by smoke. There were no injuries reported in this incident.

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Photo courtesy of Scott Fire Department

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Multiple people were arrested after officers responded to a reported weapons and burglary call in Harrison Township on Tuesday evening.

The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said the call was made to an apartment complex on Gant Avenue. Police said the caller told them there were four men armed with guns.

Deputies said they detained a juvenile upon arrival without issues. They said the remaining men fled into an apartment. Two ran upstairs and one stayed on the first floor, according to police.

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Officials said the man who stayed on the first floor refused to comply. They allege he had a loaded handgun.

The two men who went upstairs followed the polices order to return downstairs. Both were taken in without incident.

Once the apartment was secured, a search warrant was subsequently executed. Officials said they found five firearms, multiple rounds of ammunition, and several bags containing suspected narcotics.

Photo via MCSO. Photo via MCSO. Photo via MCSO.

After further investigation, two adult men were booked into the Montgomery County Jail for Concealed Carry Weapon charges. The other charges are under review.

Were grateful for the quick, professional response by our deputies, which ensured this dangerous situation was brought under control without injury, said Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck. Firearms and suspected drugs in the hands of individuals willing to flee and resist law enforcement create an unacceptable threat to our community.

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The Harrison Township Substation is still investigating the incident.

2 NEWS will update this article when more information is available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshals Office is investigating what might have caused a house fire that broke out Wednesday night in Sterling, displacing a family.

Just before 10 p.m., the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received multiple calls about a home on fire in the 100 block of Applegate Drive.

Victims lost over $700,000 after computer pop-up alert schemes in Prince Georges County

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Multiple units from Sterling Park, Cascades, Kinora, Fairfax County and Loudoun County were dispatched to respond to the scene.

(Courtesy of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue)

(Courtesy of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue)

Firefighters found heavy fire and smoke coming from the back of the single-family home. The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System (LC-CFRS) said a Rapid Intervention Task Force, Emergency Rehabilitation Unit and Air Unit were all immediately requested for additional support.

West Potomac High School students return to new security measures after teen stabbed

Luckily, all of the homes occupants were able to evacuate safely from the home.

Firefighters determined the fire had spread to both floors of the home, as well as the attic.

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Four adults and one child were displaced, and no one was hurt.

The LC-CFRS noted the fire caused $694,000 in estimated damages.

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Firefighters extinguished around 40 fires in nine Ukrainian oblasts that had broken out as a result of Russian large-scale combined missile and drone attacks on the night of 23-24 April. A firefighter has been injured in a double-tap strike on Zhytomyr Oblast.

Source: Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, on Telegram

Quote: "Last night, firefighters from the State Emergency Service extinguished around 40 fires in nine oblasts of the country. The city of Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, Zhytomyr Oblast, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Kharkiv Oblast, Poltava Oblast, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Sumy Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast came under a large-scale combined attack from Russia.

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Kyiv suffered the most: emergency workers were operating at 13 locations... As of 07:30, nine fatalities have been confirmed in Kyiv as a result of the Russian strike. Over 70 people suffered various injuries."

Details: Klymenko said rescue operations had continued throughout the night under threat of further attack.

"The enemy launched a double-tap strike on a State Emergency Service unit that had arrived to extinguish a fire in Zhytomyr Oblast. A 39-year-old firefighter was injured," he concluded.

Background:

Ukraine came under a large-scale combined Russian attack on the night of 23-24 April. Air defence systems were responding.

As of 06:00, 9 people had been killed and 63 injured in the city of Kyiv, including 6 children and a pregnant woman. Hits on civilian infrastructure had also been recorded. By morning, the sounds of phones ringing were heard from under the rubble of a building destroyed by the Russians in the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv. The search and rescue operation is ongoing. Two children are among those being searched for.

Two people were injured and several five-storey residential buildings, as well as shops, warehouses, a public transport stop and cars were damaged in a combined Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast.

A train driver in Kyiv and a conductor in Zhytomyr were injured in a Russian combined attack on the night of 23-24 April. In addition, service tracks and office and maintenance buildings were damaged in the city of Kyiv and in Kharkiv Oblast due to the attack.

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Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren's Save Our Schools campaign is launching a comprehensive investigation into the Trump administration's effort to close the Department of Education.

"I'm opening this investigation to hear directly from students, parents, teachers, and borrowers who are being hurt by Trump's dangerous agenda," Warren wrote in a statement obtained first by ABC News.

"Their stories matter -- and they are why I'm in this fight," she said.

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Warren said since Trump's move to effectively abolish the agency, Americans have told her how public education has shaped and strengthened their lives. She sent a letter to a dozen education and civil rights groups, seeking answers to how abolishing the department will impact millions of students and families.

PHOTO: Sen. Elizabeth Warren questions Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a Senate Finance Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, April 8, 2025. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

MORE: Elizabeth Warren launches campaign to investigate Department of Education closure: 'I will fight it with everything I've got'

The letters went out to the NAACP, NEA, AFT and several other groups. In them, Warren called Trump's plan to close the department and ostensibly return education power and decision to the states a "reckless crusade."

"I request your assistance in understanding whether the Trump Administration's efforts to dismantle the Department will jeopardize students' access to affordable, accessible, and high-quality public education," Warren wrote in the series of letters.

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Warren asks for details on how students and families will be affected by any cuts to funding or services if the Education Department is abolished or its functions are transferred to other federal agencies. The groups have until May 22 to respond.

The Massachusetts Democrat and former public school teacher outlines what she calls the Education Department's key functions in each letter, including protecting the civil rights of students, providing funding for students with disabilities, funding research that helps educators and students, and distributing federal financial aid for students to attain higher education.

"School districts are already preparing for potential funding delays or cuts caused by the dismantling of the Department, with states sounding the alarm about the impact of these funding disruptions on programs like free school lunches for low-income students," Warren wrote.

PHOTO: Education Secretary Linda McMahon does a television interview at the White House, April 16, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)

MORE: Warren warns of 'dire consequences' of Education Department firings for student loans

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But Education Secretary Linda McMahon previously told ABC News "none of the funding will stop" for mandatory programs, arguing that more funding could go to the states if the department is eliminated. It would also take 60 "yes" votes in the Senate to overcome a Democratic filibuster and completely dismantle the agency Congress created.

National Parents Union President Keri Rodrigues decried the president and McMahon's mission to shutter the agency, calling it a "constitutional crisis on almost every front."

NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the administration is "deliberately dismantling the basic functions of our democracy, one piece at a time."

Warren's comprehensive investigation also comes on the heels of roughly 2,000 employees at the education department officially being separated from the agency. The Education Department was slashed nearly in half, including hundreds of Federal Student Aid (FSA) employees whose jobs Warren stressed are critically important to students in need. In addition, Warren said downsizing the agency will have "dire consequences" for the country's more than 40 million student loan borrowers.

PHOTO: An exterior view of the Department of Education building, March 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

MORE: Trump signs order gutting Department of Education while surrounded by kids

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Launched in April, her Save Our Schools campaign vowed to fight back against the administration's executive order entitled improving education outcomes by empowering parents, states and communities.

Through a combination of federal investigations, oversight, storytelling, and lawsuits, Warren said she will work with the community, including lawmakers in Congress, to do everything she possibly can to defend public education.

"The federal government has invested in our public schools," Warren said in an exclusive interview with ABC News.

"Taking that away from our kids so that a handful of billionaires can be even richer is just plain ugly and I will fight it with everything I've got."

Warren investigates impact on students, teachers from Education Dept. cuts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Five people facing federal charges are accused of working with one of the worlds most powerful drug cartels to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs in West Tennessee.

The men, identified as Juan Palomino, 36, of Selmer, TN, Joaquin Elizalde, 44, of Selmer, TN, Javier Varela, 41, of Byhalia, MS, Luis Lizarraga, 36, of Memphis, TN and David Asua, 46, of Memphis, TN, were indicted for drug trafficking following a two-year investigation by the FBI, and several area law enforcement agencies.

According to court documents, the drug trafficking organization was linked to and collaborated with the Sinaloa cartel to enhance distribution efforts within McNairy County and Memphis, Tennessee.

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New MPD command center opens downtown

The Sinaloa cartel, also known as Cartel de Sinaloa, is a transnational organization based in Sinaloa, Mexico, and was designated on February 20, 2025, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

Cartel de Sinaloa is one of the largest producers and traffickers of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States.

The United States Attorneys Office for the Western District said agents seized 10 kilograms of cocaine, over 16 pounds of methamphetamine, 30,000 fentanyl pills, approximately 40 pounds of marijuana, approximately $21,000 in cash, and a firearm.

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Immigrant family grateful to be in U.S., despite anxiety

On March 20, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging all five individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine; four of the individuals with conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine; and three of the individuals with conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana.

Two of the defendants were charged with multiple individual counts of distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

One defendant was charged with being an illegal alien and unlawfully in the United States, and knowingly possessing a firearm.

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Suspects aged 14, 10 charged in mobile home arsons

These defendants took part in a conspiracy that exposed our communities to significant amounts of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana, said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling any criminal enterprise that risks the well-being of our citizens.

Selmer Police Department, McNairy County Sheriffs Office, Adamsville Police Department, Bolivar Police Department, and Jackson Police Department were also involved in the investigation.

McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck said he was extremely proud of the outcome and thanked federal, state, and local agencies for their contributions to the success.

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This case highlights how even small, tight-knit communities are directly impacted by the influence of drug cartels and the international drug trade. As Sheriff, I want to emphasize that no one is above the law, and we will ensure that every individual involved is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, said Sheriff Buck.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said the case was 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.

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More than 100,000 people have taken refuge in emergency shelters by Thursday after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Istanbul a day ago, followed by hundreds of aftershocks, the largest measuring 5.9.

Others are leaving the city, sleeping in cars, camping outdoors, or just continuing with their daily routines as usual.

The country's Ministry of Urban Development said some 1,400 reports of building damage have been registered in the region so far.

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"For Istanbul, every second counts and time is running out," said Urban Development Minister Murat Kurum.

Approximately 1.5 million buildings in the area are already classified as "at risk" in the event of a major earthquake. Many residents are reluctant to return to their homes, as experts warn that an even stronger earthquake could strike the coastal metropolis.

"In an earthquake, we have nowhere to take shelter. So we stay here to have at least some protection," a man who spent the night outdoors told the Turkish news agency DHA.

Orhan Belge, president of the Association of Tourist Hoteliers in Cesme on the Aegean coast, told the Anadolu news agency that there has been a noticeable increase in hotel bookings in that region.

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"Those who can afford it seem to be leaving," he said. Domestic flights from Istanbul were reportedly almost impossible to book as early as Wednesday evening, according to travellers.

Tsunami warnings

Japanese earthquake expert Yoshinori Moriwaki, who lives in Istanbul, warned on the TV channel Haber Turk of further earthquakes and the possibility of a tsunami. In the event of a strong earthquake, tsunamis up to 3 metres high could not be ruled out, he said.

Moriwaki estimated the probability of a major earthquake in the region within the next 30 years at 60%. This aligns with predictions from Turkish seismologists, who expect a major quake with a magnitude of 7 or higher.

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Marco Bohnhoff from the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam warned that such an earthquake could cause massive destruction. A tremor with a magnitude of 7.4, for example, would be approximately 60 times stronger than the largest of the recent quakes.

Some experts cited in Turkish media even predict a magnitude of 7.7. Despite decades of warnings from experts about a major earthquake, Istanbul, with its population of around 16 million, is not considered earthquake-safe.

In an interview, geologist Celal Sengor from the Istanbul Technical University said while it is safe to return to houses without visible damage for now, in the long term "the time has come to leave Istanbul."

The comment drew immediate criticism from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development (AKP) party.

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Erdogan warned people not to exploit the situation for political purposes, but one of his senior advisors called Sengor an "idiot" in a post on X.

Such days are not there to "play politics," but to remember "unity and brotherhood," the president stressed on Thursday.

Erdogan said he did not wish to debate at such a sensitive time and saw this as "disrespect for the people."

"Our greatest consolation is that we have no dead to mourn," said Erdogan, whose government, according to the opposition, has failed to develop Istanbul and protect it from earthquakes.

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At the same time, the broader opposition accuses the largest opposition force, the Republican People's Party (CHP), of using its control of the city to block progress on earthquake safety.

Turkish Red Crescent providing help

The Turkish Red Crescent has so far provided food aid to 350,000 people in emergency shelters, according to state broadcaster TRT Haber.

The relief organization reported that 3,000 volunteers and staff, along with more than 100 catering vehicles, are currently in operation. More than 100,000 people have sought refuge in emergency shelters located in mosques, schools, and logistics centres.
Flint Community Schools  once a district with dozens of school buildings  will go from 11 to 7 active school buildings using $35.9 million from a state grant program encouraging districts to consolidate, the Michigan Department of Education announced April 24.

The state granted $75 million to three districts including Flint to "modernize school buildings" and "reduce square footage," according to Michael Rice, state superintendent of schools. The three districts are Flint, North Central Area Schools in the Upper Peninsula and Union City Community Schools in the south central part of the state.

But based on application for the grant, the demand for money to consolidate and improve infrastructure is high: The state received requests for more than $626 million from schools, 51 applicants total.

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There is great demand for additional state funding to improve learning environments for our children, Rice wrote in a news release.

The grant to Flint in particular is important. The district's enrollment has been on a downward slide for decades, leaving more and more school buildings abandoned throughout the long-embattled city. The school district's population has declined by nearly 3,600 students in nearly a decade  from 6,533 in the 2014-15 school year to 2,605 this school year, a 60% decline. The loss of students is more staggering looking further back: In the 2004-05 school year, 19,025 students attended Flint schools, according to state data.

More: GM storing poor-selling Canadian-made electric vans on Flint lot

More: Could no-strings-attached 'cash prescriptions' slash poverty among Michigan's youngest?

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Flint Community Schools will use the money combined with funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to close four buildings, while building a high school and upgrading existing buildings.

"These investments are not just about bricks and mortar," wrote Kevelin Jones, Flint Community Schools' superintendent. "They're about our children, our future, and our commitment to excellence. Flint scholars will have access to a state-of-the-art high school designed to support modern learning, expanded programming, and the success of every scholar."

Union City Community Schools will receive more than $23.6 million schools to go from three to two buildings, demolishing one and modernizing its elementary and high school facilities. And North Central will receive more than $15.4 million, according to the state, to consolidate to a single school building from two, investing in technology and other modernization efforts.

Advocates say Michigan schools desperately need money to improve facilities for student health and safety. A recent report commissioned by the state Legislature estimated $22.8 billion in repairs or renovations are needed.

Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: $75M grant will help 3 Michigan school districts consolidate
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Wednesday told state and local law enforcement agencies that he cannot prevent them from enforcing a new state immigration law and that if they continue to make arrests of undocumented immigrants entering Florida, he thinks it would be lawful  even though a federal judge specifically ruled otherwise.

It is my view that no lawful, legitimate order currently impedes your agencies from continuing to enforce Floridas new illegal entry and reentry laws, Uthmeier wrote in the memo, which his office shared with the Herald/Times.

The memo, echoed in a brief filed by his office on Wednesday in Miami federal court, sets up a showdown with U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams. Last Friday, Williams scolded lawyers for the state attorney generals office after learning that Florida Highway Patrol officers had arrested more than a dozen people  including a U.S. citizen  after she had ordered them to stop in an April 4 ruling.

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The law in question makes it a crime for an undocumented adult who came to the U.S. without checking in with border authorities to enter Florida. It is a key part of Ron DeSantis agenda as the governor pushes local and state law enforcement to join Donald Trumps immigration crackdown.

In an order Friday, Williams also extended her ruling blocking the enforcement of the law through April 29 and set another hearing for that day. She made clear that Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, municipal and county police departments, and any law enforcement officer with power to enforce the law were bound by her orders.

READ MORE: Federal judge astounded that Florida cops violated her order on immigration arrests

After the Friday court order, Uthmeier sent a memo to state and local law enforcement officers and told them they must refrain from enforcing the law and obey the judges order, even though he disagreed with it.

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Please instruct your officers and agents to comply with Judge Williams directive, he wrote in the Friday memo.

On Wednesday, he changed his tune.

Judge Williams ordered my office to notify you of the evolving scope of her order, and I did so, Uthmeier wrote. But I cannot prevent you from enforcing [the state immigration laws] where there remains no judicial order that properly restrains you from doing so.

In a court filing on Wednesday, Uthmeiers office argued that the case, brought by immigrants and advocacy groups challenging the new state law, only applies to the named defendants: his office, Floridas statewide prosecutor and the various state attorneys in Florida. State lawyers said the ruling does not apply to independent law enforcement agencies, such as the Highway Patrol, FDLE, county sheriffs offices and local police.

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They are not parties, the state attorney generals office argued, because they are not in active concert or participation with that office and state attorneys in Florida.

Uthmeiers office argued defendants have no power to control or direct the behavior of state and local law enforcement.

While the Attorney General communicated the [judges] view that law enforcement should not make arrests under [the state immigration law], he did so solely to comply with this Courts orderwhich Defendants maintain is unlawful, the office added.

In a statement Wednesday night, the ACLU of Florida, whose attorneys are among those representing the plaintiffs in the case, said Uthmeiers memo runs afoul of the court order.

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The federal judges order was clear: it prohibits the state and its officers, agents, employees, attorneys in, and any persons who are in active concert or participation with them from enforcing this law. Law enforcement agencies that enforce this unconstitutional law do so at their own legal peril, the organization said.

DeSantis, who appointed Uthmeier to the attorney general post, backed him up. The governor circulated Uthmeiers Wednesday letter and said immigration law must be enforced and FL is leading on working with the Trump administration to get it done.

The mission continues, DeSantis said in a post on X.

The governors office did not immediately respond when asked to clarify if he wanted police to continue making arrests despite the court order blocking enforcement of the law.

The development in Florida comes as the Trump administration wrangles with the federal courts. Trumps Department of Justice, led by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, has questioned the scope of judges orders, and asked the Supreme Court to limit the authority of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions.
Breguet lays the foundation for a celebration of its 250th anniversary. A watch with a simple appearance, but the result of a remarkable approach by the manufacture and the great watchmaker who gave it his name. An in-depth analysis.

High expectations can lead to disappointment. For its 250th anniversary, one might have expected Breguet to present a new type of tourbillon. A grand complication. New metiers dart. Perhaps even a sympathique clock. Or maybe a bold move from new CEO Gregory Kissling to make his mark. But none of that happened.

Instead of these cliches, the manufacture took not one, but several risks. With the product itself, its finishing, materials, decoration, and historical references. By multiplying potential pitfalls, Breguet simultaneously increased its chances of going astray.

Breaking the glass ceiling

But the duo of Gregory Kissling and Emmanuel Breguet finally broke through the glass ceiling that had, until now, boxed the brand into a space too small for it: no, Breguet collectors are not unchangeable conservatives. It was a grave mistake to believe they were frozen in place. Kissling and Breguet understood this perfectly. In truth, Breguet's most knowledgeable fans are much like Abraham-Louis Breguet himself: curious, attuned to their era, drawn to innovation, and sensitive to boldness.

Abraham-Louis Breguet  Breguet

This shift in mindset is not just semantic. Its a true paradigm shift. A horizon opens, full of new possibilities. Breguet once again allows itself to push its own limits, to surprise its audience, to step out of its comfort zone. And the Classique Souscription 2025 is the first embodiment of that.

A piece for seasoned collectors

The piece will likely shock casual fans of the brand. Thats a good thing: the Classique Souscription 2025 isnt meant for them. It requires a deep knowledge of the Breguet universe to fully grasp, particularly the curious choice of making a watch so simple it has only one hand.

Breguet Souscription 2025  Breguet

This piece avoids the easy trope of returning to the roots of Abraham-Louis Breguet or other heavy-handed marketing gimmicks. Instead, it targets a specific period in the life of the master watchmaker: thirty years, from 1795 to 1825. At that time, Breguet had just returned to Paris. He had fled the capital on August 12, 1793, forced to escape the Reign of Terror in his adopted country: I was not myself, (...), I left behind my home and my workshops, he would write about that fateful day.

Back to Paris

Two years later, in 1795, Breguet returned to Paris. The business needed a restart. Despite solid support from his second-in-command Thomas Boulanger, the Quai de lHorloge workshop had slowed significantly. What to do?

Breguet understood the times had changed. Royal commissions for grand complications were no longer in demandafter all, many of those royal heads had rolled at Place de la Revolution (now Place de la Concorde). He needed to create a more widely accessible watch. He also needed immediate cash. Hence the idea of a subscription model: a watch partially paid for in advance, with the remainder due upon delivery.

The Souscription n 324, caseback -  Breguet

Simple, yet uncompromising

Breguet designed the simplest watch possible, thus the single-hand display. The idea wasnt new: in 1792, he had sold a single-hand watch to Talleyrand. In 1795, with the subscription watch, he took the concept further without compromising on quality or precision. He opted for large diameters (up to 61 mm) to make the minute scale legible enough for accuracy. The cases were gold. A few silver-and-gold models were made, but never one in silver onlylikely not good enough for Breguets standards.

Lepine, a starting point

In this endeavor, Breguet was somewhat following in the footsteps of Jean-Antoine Lepine. The two were contemporaries. Lepine significantly advanced pocket watches with his now-famous movement design. In short, Lepine removed the bulky two-plate sandwich design in favor of a single plate and individual bridges for each component.

This made watches slimmersomething Breguet already masteredbut more importantly, much simpler. Breguet, however, would take Lepines approach to the next level in two ways.

First, aesthetically: the arrangement of the components was more harmonious. Then, practically: placing a large barrel at the center made energy transmission more efficient. The Souscription is an exercise in minimalism approaching perfection. And it wasnt random: Breguet sold his first single-hand watch in 1792, returned to the concept in 1794 when business was at its lowest (only 14 simple watches were delivered that yeara sad record), refined the subscription concept in 1795, and came up with its final design in 1796. The project therefore took 5 years to complete.

Subscription No. 383, caseback, sold in 1798. The design of the Souscription caliber had reached its final form -  Breguet

A true product launch

But Breguets genius went far beyond just the design of the Souscription movementthough its elegance in simplicity should not be underestimated. He also orchestrated what wed now call a full-on product launch, 250 years ahead of its time.

First, Breguet created a brochure to promote his subscription watch. That was unprecedented. The terms were clear: The price of the watches will be 600 livres (...) ; a quarter of this sum shall be paid upon subscription; production will not be delayed, and delivery will follow the order of subscriptions.

It was a success. For more than 25 years, Breguet sold between 40 and 70 per year. To understand that volume, consider that the Quai de lHorloge workshop produced about 150 pieces annually on average. Subscription watches thus made up to 50% of Breguets output at their peak. Thats significant.

In total, about 700 Souscriptions were made in 30 years. Of that number, some were montres a tactalso single-hand, but with fundamentally different movements and construction. So the count of true Souscriptions is likely just over 600.

Souscription Watch Breguet n324 -  Breguet

Horological theory

Directly stemming from this, Breguet developed a specific manufacturing method aimed at three goals: meeting demand, maintaining consistent quality, and ensuring permanent reparability.

For that last point, he applied to the Souscription the modular construction method hed tested on some marine chronometers. Hence the introduction of a unique escapementa balance (...) held in a separate cage forming an independent system that can be removed to verify the full isolation of the regulator. Its essentially the invention of modular escapementwhat wed now call plug & play! Today, its the standard for almost all simple mechanical movements.

Still, it would be premature to talk of industrialization. Volumes were too low. The watch industry didnt yet existit would arise in the U.S. mid-19th century. But Breguet conceptualized the two pillars of industrialization: division of labor and standardization. A visionary, he stated, Nothing must be left to the judgment or memory of the worker for what has already been decided. He must have models for everything.

Blueprint of a watch factory

Were not yet at full industrializationbut already at the prototype of a watch factory, its essential precursor. Still, Breguet couldnt resist his old demons, as Emmanuel Breguet notes with a smile. The master watchmaker gave in to creative temptation and designed many variations of his Souscription. It was ultimately made in many sizesincluding a 40 mm version called the medallion, from which todays piece directly descendsas well as variations in finishing and decoration.

Breguet Souscription 2025  Breguet

The Breguet Museum on Place Vendome holds a dozen Souscription watches, of various eras, diameters (from 61 to 40 mm), and materials. This range reflects Abraham-Louis Breguets work in this category, though more pieces occasionally surface at auction. Collectors take note: under its apparent simplicity, this watch represents an entire chapter of horological history going under the hammer.
HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  A wanted fugitive, with multiple felony charges from Florida, was arrested in Henderson County.

The Henderson County Sheriffs Office said that members of the Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Advanced Criminal Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force issued a coordinated operation after receiving information regarding the fugitives whereabouts in Henderson County.

24-year-old Tyler Moreland was wanted in Florida for aggravated battery with a weapon, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and firing a weapon into a dwelling.

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Deputies said that a vehicle, suspected to be occupied by Moreland, was identified and officials conducted a felony traffic stop. Moreland and his wife, 33-year-old Jannelise Jusino, were taken into custody.

Two handguns were found during the vehicle search, resulting in additional charges in Henderson County.

Moreland was charged in North Carolina with the following:

Possession of a firearm by a felon

Felony conspiracy

Fugitive from another state

Jusino was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and felony conspiracy.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TALLAHASSEE  Two nonprofit executives called to testify about a charity affiliated with First Lady Casey DeSantis failed to show Thursday morning, and the state lawmaker leading the investigation into Hope Florida announced he was suspending that work, at least for now.

But Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, also said he has evidence Attorney General James Uthmeier and Orlando attorney Jeff Aaron engaged in a conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud, and that several parties played a role in the misuse of $10 million in Medicaid funds.

Any charging decisions would be up to the U.S. Department of Justice, he said, adding that he has spoken to some folks at that federal agency.

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Both Uthmeier and Aaron  also the attorney for the agency that runs Orlandos airport  have denied wrongdoing. Aaron wrote on X after the Thursday morning hearing that he might sue Andrade for defamation and that he hoped others in the Legislature would call for Andrades ridiculous behavior to end.

Aaron was to appear before Andrades committee Friday but bowed out because some members of the Hope Florida Foundation board wouldnt waive attorney-client privilege, he said.

I want to testify, but the privilege is not mine to waive, Aaron told the Orlando Sentinel.

Andrade led a three-week investigation into the money the Hope Florida Foundation received as part of a $67 million Medicaid overpayment settlement agreement Florida made with Centene Corp., a managed care contractor. The foundation is a Legislature-created charity arm of the Hope Florida initiative embraced by Casey DeSantis as a way to help people get off traditional welfare and other government assistance.

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The Hope Florida Foundation ended up with $10 million from Centenes settlement with Florida. It then donated that money to two dark-money groups that within days of receiving those funds donated $8.5 million to a political committee set up by Uthmeier. That committees goal was to raise funds to help Gov. Ron DeSantis defeat last Novembers ballot initiative to legalize marijuana.

Andrade has said that all the settlement money  resulting from overpayments by the state  should have been returned to Florida to help provide health care for needy residents and that diverting it to Hope Florida and then a political action committee looks to be a crime.

His investigation pitted the Panhandle lawmaker against DeSantis, a fellow Republican, who Andrade said could no longer be trusted.

The purpose of these meetings has been to obtain the information necessary for us to frame our decisions as the legislature, Andrade said. When the executive exhibits no care or concern for the misuse of taxpayer dollars, we as the legislature have an obligation to everyday Floridians to be even more vigilant.

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He also said he has more questions about state and federal money being directed to Hope Florida that he plans to discuss when the Legislature meets in the fall for pre-session committee hearings.

DeSantis and his wife blasted Andrade, the investigation and the reporters whove covered it during a news conference Thursday morning to tout Hope Florida, described as an alternative to welfare that refers residents to private charities to help them become self sufficient.

Partisan journalists were told this was coming, and they still tried to produce these phony narratives, DeSantis said. Theyre doing it to try to impugn Hope Florida. Theyre trying to smear this program.

DeSantis added that reporting on Hope Florida was a way to attack the First Lady and all the great things shes done because they view her as a threat. Casey DeSantis has been mentioned as a potential 2026 candidate for governor as her husband is term limited.

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Thursday, Andrade had invited the heads of the two dark-money that received $5 million each from the Hope Florida Foundation to appear at his House committee meeting.

But they both told Andrade Thursday morning they would not testify.

Mark Wilson, CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and chair of the group Secure Floridas Future, said he had already shared what he could with Andrade during a phone call on April 11.

Because I already have shared what I am able to share, and consistent with my obligation to maintain and uphold the rights of my organization and its donors, I do not believe a further discussion would be productive or a good use of the committees time, Wilson said in a letter to Andrade.

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Secure Floridas Future is an organization that doesnt have to disclose its donors, deliberations or expenditures, he said. Doing so would infringe bedrock associational rights, undermining the organization and chilling its constitutionally protected conduct. I therefore respectfully decline your invitation.

Amy Ronshausen, CEO of Drug Free America Foundation and chair of the Save Our Society From Drugs PAC, said she was declining the invitation to appear to preserve all privileges on behalf of SOS.

During this springs legislative session, Hope Florida faced mounting criticism and scrutiny for failing to provide hard data on the number of people it has helped and for failing to respond to questions about how it has used state workers and taxpayer dollars.

But things took a dramatic turn when Andrade questioned how the foundation, which had only received $2 million in donations and issued no grant larger than $50,000 suddenly wound up with a $10 million from the Medicaid settlement.

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Andrade was suspicious, he said, because Florida, unlike every other state in the country that recouped millions of dollars from Centene in similar settlements, never issued a press release about its windfall.

He grew more suspicious that the money was wired to a charity associated with the governors wife, and said he had evidence that Uthmeier contacted Wilson and Ronshausen to tell them the foundation had money and that they should apply for $5 million grants.

When the foundation received unsolicited grants from those two organizations, Aaron, their newly hired attorney, vetted the documents for the board. Aaron also supervised the transfer of funds to Ronshausens nonprofit.

Within days of getting the grants, Secure Floridas Future transferred $3.75 million and Save Our Society from Drugs wired $4.75 million to Keep Florida Clean, the political action committing fighting the proposal to legalize marijuana.

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Those donations exceed the federal limits charities are allowed to give, Andrade said.

Uthmeier has said and had no role in the final settlement agreement with Centene, but his calendar shows him meeting several times in 2022 with the company executives and attorneys after negotiations began.

The $10 million from the settlement that was donated to Hope Florida was not associated with the Medicaid damages so was neither illegal nor illicit, wrote Andrew Sheeran, general counsel for the states health care agency that manages the Medicaid program, in a letter to Andrade and state legislative leaders.

At Thursdays news conference, DeSantis said the general counsels letter totally debunks the bogus media narratives that were out there.

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But Andrade said that Sheerans interpretation of the law is questionable at best.

I know I can never trust Governor DeSantis again, especially with Medicaid dollars, Andrade told reporters after the committee hearing ended.

Steven Lemongello of the Sentinel staff contributed to this story.
TALLAHASSEE  State lawmakers are in a budget standstill as they enter the final stretch of their spring session, with legislative leaders and Gov. Ron DeSantis at odds on how to best provide tax relief to Floridians.

Senate President Ben Albritton told senators Thursday that no spending deal has been reached with the House and that they were free to head home for a three-day weekend. That means legislators wont finish budget negotiations in time to end their session as scheduled on May 2.

The biggest hurdle at this time is related to tax relief, both the number and the policy, Albritton said.

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Though it appears Floridians will likely see a tax break of some sort, DeSantis and legislative leaders all have offered different proposals and have yet to reach a consensus. Lawmakers must pass a budget before July 1, and the governor has line-item veto authority over spending.

Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez both want to provide a sales tax break, but the Houses plan goes further. DeSantis has called for $1,000 property tax rebates for primary residences, saying that would be a bigger help for Floridians.

At an event in Naples on Tuesday, DeSantis slammed state representatives, part of a growing rift between him and the Florida House.

On so many issues, they have just gone AWOL, he said. They are not doing anything to address my call for property tax relief.

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The Houses tax plan would lower the sales tax from 6% to 5.25%, providing taxpayers savings of about $5 billion. The Senates plan includes about $3 billion in recurring and one-time tax breaks. It would eliminate sales tax for clothes and shoes priced at $75 or less, reduce the business rent tax and provide a one-time credit on vehicle-registration fees.

Albritton, R-Wauchula, said he has concerns the Houses proposal could lead to budget shortfalls in the future.

I am committed to passing historic, unprecedented tax relief, he said. However, it wont be at the expense of the long-term financial stability of our state.

In a fiery speech late Thursday, Perez vowed to fight for a smaller budget, adding that he thinks the Legislature has been addicted to spending and slashing the sales tax would help fix that.

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We will hold the course until we can vote on a fiscally conservative budget that genuinely addresses the states spending problem and provides meaningful tax relief to people of this state, he said. The real danger to the state budget is the habit of pathological overspending that is enshrined in the Senates budget.

DeSantis ultimate goal is to eliminate property taxes entirely, and he wants to put a proposal to do that on the 2026 ballot. That would require the support of at least 60% of voters to pass.

Scrapping property taxes would threaten billions of dollars cities, schools and counties allocate to educate children, pave roads, maintain parks and police neighborhoods, among other civic functions. Some analysts say such a cut would be doable only if state leaders hiked the sales tax considerably.

Budget negotiators are also hashing out proposed changes to Floridas hotel tax, a key source of revenue for Central Floridas tourism economy. Orange County collects roughly $360 million from visitors annually, which is used for the tourism marketing organization Visit Orlando, the convention center, and sporting and arts venues.

The Houses tax plan would require that money be used to lower property tax bills starting in 2026, less any grandfathered debt commitments. The Senates plan eases the mandatory spending requirement for tourism marketing, while keeping the tax intact.
Florida mom nearly poisoned by adopted son who put bleach in her milk, deputies say

DELTONA, Fla. (WFLA)  A 17-year-old boy was arrested on multiple felony charges after deputies said he tried to poison his adoptive mother with bleach.

It was the morning of April 19 when the boys 77-year-old mother went to the kitchen in their Volusia County home to grab a glass of milk. However, after pouring the milk into a glass and taking a sip, she was immediately struck by an intense chemical taste, deputies told NBC affiliate WESH.

Florida boy shaken up, mom charged after abduction prompts AMBER Alert: police

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The womans other son was home at the time and called 911. During the call, he can be heard telling dispatchers that the 17-year-old put Clorox in the milk container and was attempting to poison their mother.

Body camera video released by the Volusia County Sheriffs Office shows deputies arriving at the home and speaking with the boys mother.

At one point a deputy asks her, How much do you think you had, referring to the bleach-contaminated milk.

I think I had a little bit, and I tasted it, she replied.

A deputy smelled the milk and confirmed that it had a strong odor of bleach.

The teens mother did not report any immediate symptoms but requested a medical evaluation.

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Authorities found the 17-year-old hiding in a room in the house.

Investigators said the teen told them he was aware of the danger and had intended for his mother to get sick. He added that he was upset with his mother and didnt want to live with her.

The teen was arrested on felony charges of poisoning food or water, attempted felony murder, and aggravated abuse of an elderly person, according to WESH.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WFLA)  A Florida mom is charged with attempted first-degree murder after stabbing her 3-year-old 20 times in the torso and right arm, according to an arrest affidavit.

Home surveillance video, shown to Palm Beach County deputies by the childs father, shows 27-year-old Roshawn Gatlin walking into the kitchen and coming out with a large kitchen knife. The report said Gatlin then grabbed her daughter by the hand, bringing her into a nearby hallway.

Child chasing dog struck, killed by oncoming traffic in Florida, police say

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At some point, Gatlin stabbed the young girl more than 20 times, however, the details of the attempted murder have been redacted.

The document only details the victim as a female, with the occupation listed as child. Palm Beach County officials told WFLA.com that the child is 3 years old and is the daughter of the suspect.

Gatlin was reportedly the one to call 911.

Florida mom nearly poisoned by adopted son who put bleach in her milk, deputies say

The child was taken to the emergency room at Saint Marys Hospital. Detectives noted an excess of [20] stab wounds to the torso of [the victim] and one on the right arm, according to the affidavit.

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Officials said the child is expected to survive.

Court documents show Gatlin was arrested on the charge of attempted first-degree murder with a deadly weapon and is being held without bond. Gatlin was Baker Acted following her first appearance on Tuesday.

It remains unknown whose care the child is in, the sheriffs office said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
SUNRISE, Fla. (WFLA)  A Miami-Dade officer is accused of beating his wife and striking her approximately 40 times on Easter Sunday.

Christian Sanchez, 29, returned to his home with his wife and daughter following an Easter event. His wife told authorities that Sanchez was heavily intoxicated due to drinking a bottle of rum.

Florida high schooler punches teacher after being approached about using phone in class: deputies

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Sanchez got in the shower upon returning home, during which the shower rod fell due to him losing his balance from being intoxicated, an arrest report said. When he got out, his wife put her daughter in the bath.

Sanchez grabbed the fallen rod and put it in their living room before returning to the bathroom to make sexual advances toward his wife. When she declined, he demanded she gather her things and leave.

According to the report, Sanchez grabbed the womans ponytail and yanked it backwards, causing her to strike her daughter in the head with her arm. When the child began crying, Sanchez said he was sorry that her mom is such a b****.

The woman moved to another room to get away from Sanchez, who followed her in, demanding she leave and give him her cellphone. Lying facedown on the bed, Sanchez got on top of her and punched her 30 times, demanding she hand over her phone, the report said.

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Family horrified as boater appears to run over manatees in Clearwater

Sanchez threatened to keep hitting her if she didnt give him the cellphone. According to the affidavit, he then grabbed her ponytail again and struck her approximately 10 more times before dragging her by the hair into the living room.

The wife grabbed the shower rod Sanchez had placed in the living room and chucked it at him in self-defense. Due to her blurry vision, she was unsure if she struck Sanchez, but was able to get out of the home and alert neighbors.

Another individual in the home called 911. When Sanchez told them to hang it up, hang it up, hang it up, hang it up, and approached the witness, they told officials their body went dead out of fear.

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Sanchez grabbed the witnesss phone, hung up with the operator and fled in a vehicle.

When officials arrived at the home, the woman had a bloody bottom lip, with blood smeared on her teeth, the affidavit said.

Man armed with assault rifle on busy Brandon street killed by deputies: HCSO

A statement from the City of Miami Police, obtained by NBC affiliate WTVJ, read:

At this time I can confirm that Christian Sanchez is an officer with the City of Miami Police Department and he has been relieved of duty w/ pay pending the Internal Affairs Division investigation.

Court records show Sanchez was arrested on charges of battery causing bodily harm and robbery without a firearm or weapon. He was granted a $50,000 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival is days away from rolling through downtown Orlando Saturday.

This years parade theme is on renewable energy and the environment - something the Museum of Natural History and Conservation of Puerto Rico knows a lot about.

The museum recently opened in Aguadilla, which is the city being honored at this years Florida parade. Its dedicated to preserving Puerto Ricos natural wonders, as well as its history.

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Before the museums creation, any fossils found on the island were taken by museums around the word.

The museum now in Aguadilla will be able to keep the fossils that we collect in Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico, said the museums co-founder, geologist Hernan Santos.

The goal is to research geology and paleontology, diving into specimens, sedimentary rocks and marine deposits. Its all part of an effort to not only educate, but create advancements in technology to help save lives in natural disasters, such as landslides.

Santos gave an example of instruments that are installed in the ground that alert municipalities when the soils saturation level gets too high.

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So they saved lives by actually monitoring the amount of rain, amount of water going into the soil, he said.

WFTV is the official broadcast partner for the Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival. It will be streamed live on air and online at wftv.com starting at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
FOLEY, Ala. (WKRG)  A man was arrested Thursday morning after he allegedly burglarized a local business, according to the Foley Police Department.

Pensacola Fire Department rescues man from silo

According to an FPD news release, officers responded around 2:45 a.m. to a burglary call on the 15000 block of State Highway 59.

LOCATION:

When they arrived, officers allegedly found Patrick Odell Levens, 52, inside the business and arrested him.

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According to FPD, further investigation revealed that Levens used a power tool to cut a hole in the buildings rear wall to gain entry.

FPD is now conducting a further investigation to determine whether Levens was involved in other burglaries across Baldwin County, as he traveled from Pensacola, Florida, officials said.

Amtrak unveils Mardi Gras service for Mobile-New Orleans route

Levens is accused of third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief and burglary tools possession.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
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Russia's Yelabuga zone, where it makes Shaheds, came under drone attack on Wednesday.

Yelabuga is about 700 miles from Ukraine.

Ukraine previously struck the local Shahed facility in 2024, using aircraft converted into a drone.

Russian air defenses were seen battling a drone over the Yelabuga special economic zone on Wednesday, where Moscow builds its Shahed loitering munitions.

Footage on Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels showed air-defense munitions struggling to destroy what appears to be a drone resembling a small airplane. Business Insider geolocated one of these clips, which was filmed by a person standing near an Aurus car factory in Yelabuga.

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In the video, the flying object maneuvers over the special economic zone, avoiding munitions that miss and explode in midair.



:fire::fire::fire:WOW

Good Unknow Drones hit drone manufacturing plant in russia

1700 km from the border(:bangbang:)



In the video, the Pantsir-S1 missile defense system misses our drone, which is maneuvering before the attack. pic.twitter.com/2VrNVJbSxS  Angelica Shalagina:flag-ua: (@angelshalagina) April 23, 2025

Yelabuga is some 700 miles from the Ukrainian border, making this one of Ukraine's longer-range drone attacks into Russia. There have been conflicting reports on the outcome, and it is unclear if Russia's Shahed production suffered any damage.

Andriy Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, alluded to a strike in a Telegram post, writing of an event that occurred "somewhat loudly, and somewhat successfully in places" in Yelabuga.

He did not say directly that Ukraine had carried out a strike on Yelabuga, a 7.7 square-mile area in the Republic of Tatarstan that the White House said in 2023 was home to a joint Russian-Iranian facility for producing Shaheds.

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Kovalenko wrote: "This year, the Russians have set a target of producing between 8,000 and 10,000 Shahed/Geran drones annually in Yelabuga, as well as 15,000 decoy drones."

As the video of the drone evading Russian defenses circulated on social media, the Telegram channel Operation Z, run by pro-Kremlin bloggers, posted a clip on Wednesday of a similar drone descending in a ball of flame after being struck by an air-defense missile.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that it had shot down an "aircraft-type" drone over Tatarstan but did not mention Yelabuga.

Ukrainian and Russian channels said more drones were present, but both sides reported different outcomes. The popular Ukrainian Telegram blogger Nikolaevsky Vanyok, who posts regular updates on the war, wrote that five drones hit their target while one was shot down. Operation Z wrote that four drones were destroyed. BI couldn't independently verify the authenticity of either claim.

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Ukraine struck Russia's Shahed production facility in Yelabuga in early April 2024 using a drone that resembled the fixed-wing ones filmed this week.

Kyiv used a Cessna-style ultralight sporting aircraft, the Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat, that was converted into an uncrewed aerial vehicle that can be packed with explosives.

The Iranian-designed Shaheds have been core to Russia's operations in Ukraine, where the Kremlin has deployed thousands of the loitering munitions to harass and attack Ukrainian cities and military targets.

The day before Wednesday's attack at Yelabuga, another major Russian facility, an ammunition depot near Moscow, suffered a massive explosion.

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Ukraine did not comment on the cause of the explosive incident. It regularly carries out long-range drone and missile strikes on ammunition depots and military production facilities within Russia. The Kremlin said the blast was the result of a mishandling of explosives.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The unhinged Russian stowaway who snuck onto a Paris-bound flight at JFK Airport last year gained access to the plane by blending in with a group of passengers and sneaking past two distracted gate agents, new video captured.

Svetlana Dali, 57, was spotted on surveillance footage as she navigated past several security checkpoints before boarding the Delta jet at the Queens airport on Nov. 26, 2024.

Dali was waved through a security screening checkpoint before a female TSA agent conducted a quick body pat-down and allowed the woman through to the terminal, according to video from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and obtained by the Associated Press.

Svetlana Dali walks through a security checkpoint at JFK International Airport on Nov. 26, 2024. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey via AP

She had allegedly been turned away at one security checkpoint for not having a boarding pass, but took advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday travel chaos and snuck through a screening area for airport employees.

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The individual bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and boarded the aircraft, a TSA spokesperson told The Post in November.

The Russian citizen, who held a US green card, carried her bags to the Delta gate, where she waited to board Flight 264 bound for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Dressed in a coat and gray hood, Dali blended in with a group of five travelers who were being checked in by the two gate agents and walked onto the jetway unnoticed.

After boarding the plane, the stowaway hid in one of the lavatories during takeoff.

Dali is stopped by a TSA agent for a pat-down after passing through the body scanner. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey via AP

Svetlana Dali leaves Brooklyn federal court on Dec. 6, 2024. Robert Mecea

A flight attendant spotted her inside one of the bathrooms toward the end of the seven-hour flight.

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She was restrained in a seat and was detained by French police upon landing at the airport.

Dali was booted off two return flights after she caused a disruptive outburst on the first attempt and was barred by the airline for the second trip.

She was eventually extradited to New York, where law enforcement officials waited for her.

Dali stands behind a group of travelers at the gate before boarding the flight. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey via AP

Dali, wearing a jacket and gray hood, walks past two Delta gate agents to board the Paris-bound flight. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey via AP

A federal grand jury indicted her in January for one count of stowaway on an aircraft.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Dali was initially released from jail under conditions of wearing an ankle monitor, which she ditched during her attempt to cross the border into Canada on a Greyhound bus from Buffalo.

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The brazen attempt to flee the country came only 10 days after she was released by a judge and ordered to wear the GPS tracker.

Svetlana Dali is questioned after becoming disruptive onboard a return flight from Paris to New York on Nov. 30, 2024. Gary Treichler via Storyful

A federal grand jury indicted her in January for one count of stowaway on an aircraft. Svetlana Dali/Facebook

She had been staying at a friends home in Philadelphia at the time.

Border officials arrested her after she failed to provide a passport and they discovered an active warrant out for her because she breached her release agreements.

After her latest arrest, she was ordered to be held in a Brooklyn federal lockup.

A trial is set for May, but lawyers are reportedly working on a plea deal before the court date.

With Post wires
DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  Editors Note: This story has been updated with Canos response to the New Mexico Supreme Court in March.

The New Mexico Supreme Court has permanently barred a former Dona Ana County magistrate judge from ever serving on the bench. The justices ruled that Joel Canos conduct was unbefitting of a judge after Cano resigned last month when the Department of Homeland Security arrested alleged Venezuelan gang member Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, who was living on his property. Ortega-Lopez has been in the country illegally since 2023 and was caught after social media posts surfaced showing him in possession of firearms.

New Mexico AG joins 10 other states in lawsuit to stop tariffs

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In a response to the court, Cano denied having any knowledge of Ortega-Lopezs affiliation with the Tran De Aragua transitional criminal organization. Cano has not been charged with a crime. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will appoint a new judge to serve out his term through 2026.

Canos response to the New Mexico Supreme Court in March was unsealed on Wednesday. It can be read here:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
VICTORIA, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A former Big Country principal was arrested by federal agents for a child sex crime.

Kenneth Wade Wallace, 58, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshal-Led Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force Victoria Division earlier this month on a warrant for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child under the age of 14 in connection to the allegations.

Wallace has worked as an educator for several different school districts in and around central

Texas, including Paint Creek ISD, Fort Stockton ISD, Ector County ISD, and most recently as

a Principal for the Panther Creek Consolidated ISD, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

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The exact circumstances surrounding the allegations against Wallace have not been publicly disclosed.

Wallace now remains held in jail on a $100,000 bond, and if he posts bail, he is mandated to have no contact with children.

No further information is available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA)  A former fourth grade teacher in Bradenton was accused of inappropriately touching elementary school students.

Several children complained of being touched by Richard Silberman, 72, in ways that made them feel uncomfortable, according to the Manatee County Sheriffs Office.

Man armed with assault rifle on busy Brandon street killed by deputies: HCSO

A student told deputies Silberman placed his hand on a 10-year-olds clothing in their genital region, a sheriffs office news release said. The student also alleged it wasnt the first time Silberman did something of that nature.

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You are talking about a 10-year-old child. Right? It takes a lot of courage for most adults to come forward and give that information, much less a child to trust a stranger, law-enforcement enough to say hey, this is what happened to me; very courageous for not only that child, but also the other ones that came forward, said Capt. Mark Morie with MCSOs Child Protection Investigation Division. A teacher is in a position of trust and as a parent, you are trusting the teacher and the school with the safety of your child, he continued.

Capt. Morie stressed the importance of keeping an open line of communication with your children every day.

Richard Silberman (Manatee County Sheriffs Office)

Detectives interviewed other students who backed up the claims. He was charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and two counts of battery.

Silberman was described as a teacher at Team Success, a public charter school in Bradenton. He was relieved of his duties after school administrators learned of the allegations.

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He denied all accusations and was arrested on Wednesday.

Deputies say Silberman worked at the charter school as a full time teacher for just seven weeks. Prior to that they say he was a substitute teacher with the Manatee County School District.

Mr. Silberman was employed by the School District of Manatee County at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School from January 2024 to May 2024. During Mr. Silbermans employment with the School District, no allegations were reported concerning his behavior at Mona Jain and he has no prior disciplinary history in the School District, said a school district spokesperson.

Silberman is being held on $50,000 bond for the battery charges. Additional bond measures will be set on the molestation charges during a hearing on Friday morning.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Apr. 23MOUNT CARROLL  A former Carroll County sheriff's deputy has pleaded not guilty to reckless homicide, destroying evidence and several other criminal charges in connection with the July death of a Mount Carroll teen found dead on a state highway.

Matthew Herpstreith, 44, of Savanna, entered the not guilty plea during his arraignment Wednesday in Carroll County Circuit Court. He was charged March 24 with reckless homicide, reckless conduct, obstructing justice  all felonies  a misdemeanor count each of attempted obstruction of justice and destruction of evidence, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident in the death of 18-year-old Jackson Kradle of Mount Carroll.

Kradle's body was found at 3:30 a.m. July 28 on Route 78, less than a mile north of Mount Carroll's city limits. He was the victim of blunt force trauma, which a forensic pathologist ruled was the result of a vehicle/pedestrian crash.

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Herpstreith and a Carroll County dispatcher, who were off duty at the time, alerted the Carroll County dispatch center, via a nonemergency call, that they had found the body on the highway. Herpstreith's arrest came eight months later.

Discussion during Wednesday's arraignment laid some groundwork for how the case will proceed. Lee County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Klahn presided over the hearing, saying that although he expects to be assigned as the judge through the entirety of the case, that has yet to be decided. He said he has informed the chief judge that his brother-in-law is employed by the Illinois State Police; if his brother-in-law was involved in the investigation and is going to be called to testify, Klahn will recuse himself, he said.

Klahn also told the courtroom, filled to capacity with Kradle's friends and family, that emotions will run high throughout the case, to be prepared for it and to act accordingly.

"It's not lost on me that this case has had quite a bit of attention, and will continue to probably have quite a bit of attention," Klahn said. "My job is going to be to manage the courtroom to make sure that everyone's rights are respected. I want to make sure everyone gets a fair shake in this process and that Illinois law is followed."

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As such, he said, he would not tolerate any outbursts or any harassment or intimidation of witnesses or attorneys.

"I can't allow that," Klahn said. "I don't like to ever be in a situation where I am going to have to place somebody in contempt of court. I really dislike that, but I just ask that, please, just don't test my resolve on that, and I will make sure that everyone's rights are respected through this process, and that everyone is treated fairly."

The case

Kradle's death was reported about 3:30 a.m. July 28, when the Carroll County dispatch center received a nonemergency call from Herpstreith and Amy Hubble, a former 911 dispatcher, who were off duty when they reported finding a body in the road.

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Dispatch personnel sent an on-duty deputy sheriff as well as a local city officer, as that officer was closer to the reported location, to the scene.

[ Carroll County sheriff breaks silence about teen's death, confirms sheriff's employees who found body resigned ]

Carroll County Sheriff Ryan Kloepping a few months later said that when the on-duty deputy arrived at the site of the body's discovery, they were told the reporting party already had been released from the scene. The Illinois State Police also were called in after the body was discovered to lead the investigation.

Herpstreith and Hubble were placed on administrative leave after Kradle's body was found. Represented by the police union, the two turned in their resignations three days after they found the body and just before the time they knew they were going to be interrogated, Kloepping said.

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In November, Dr. Mark Peters, a forensic pathologist, ruled that Kradle died from blunt force trauma as the result of a motor vehicle-pedestrian crash. A coroner's inquest was held, and on Jan. 14, Kradle's death was ruled a homicide caused by blunt trauma to the head from a motor vehicle-pedestrian crash.

The charges filed in March came after the Illinois State Appellate Prosecutor's Office reviewed the state police investigation. Special prosecutor Charles Colburn, who is employed with Illinois State Appellate Prosecutor's Office, is prosecuting the case. Herpstreith is being represented by defense attorney Joseph Nack.

Herpstreith's next court appearance is a preliminary hearing set for 1:30 p.m. May 9 at the Carroll County Courthouse.
A 44-year-old former Carroll County Sheriffs Office deputy on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in the death of an 18-year-old man found dead last year in the middle of Illinois Route 78.

Matthew Herpstreith (Illinois State Police)

Matthew Herpstreith, of Savanna, appeared in Carroll County County Court with his attorney.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. May 9, according to Carroll County Court documents.

Herpstreith faces charges including reckless homicide, reckless conduct, and obstructing justice, court documents show

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On July 28, 2024, the Carroll County Sheriffs Office asked the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 2 to investigate the death of 18-year-old Jackson Kradle, of Mount Carroll, who was found lying in the middle of Illinois Route 78 just north of Mount Carroll around 3:30 a.m. Kradle was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Josh Fitzpatrick - WVIR

Former WVIR meteorologist Josh Fitzpatrick has been charged with felony sexual extortion and unlawful creation of image of another.

Fitzpatrick left the Charlottesville, Virginia NBC station in early March. He was arrested on Tuesday in Ohio on a fugitive warrant.

"Investigators learned that Fitzpatrick had relocated to Ohio shortly after the investigation began," according to an Albemarle County Police news release. "With the assistance of Ohio law enforcement, Fitzpatrick was arrested on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. He is currently being held in Ohio awaiting extradition to Virginia."

Police said they think there may be more victims and encourage anyone who may have had an encounter with Fitzpatrick to contact the department's Criminal Investigations Division at 434-296-5807.
With the death of Pope Francis on Monday at the age of 88, on-demand streaming platforms have brought content from their respective catalogs related to the historical figure of the pontiff to the forefront. One of those that has been resurrected is the documentary series Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History. Consisting of six episodes and narrated by Liam Neeson, this 2018 non-fiction series produced by CNN reviews the origins of what is considered one of the most influential positions in human history. And it analyzes how 12 apostles became approximately 1.2 billion Catholics.

In its second episode, Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History addresses the controversial voluntary resignation of Benedict XVI in 2013. Despite being a very rare move  it had only happened a handful of times in more than 2,000 years  it brought with it the arrival of Pope Francis. Father James M. Weiss, professor of theology at Boston University and Episcopal priest, explains in the documentary how the Argentine inherited from his predecessor financial chaos, the chaos of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, and administrative chaos.

The CNN series connects the story of this resignation with a much more controversial one, that of Benedict IX, which gave rise to now-iconic processes, such as the conclave and the white smoke, which are used to elect each new pope. Benedict IX was a medieval nepobaby who held the office up to three times during the 11th century. The nephew of several popes, he was a member of the most powerful family in Rome, who bought the position for him. Benedict IX took office in 1032, while practically a teenager. At that time, the papacy was the legal center of the Western world, Weiss recalls on camera.

His corrupt reign led him to participate in all kinds of crimes and to damage the image of the Church to such an extent that the Catholic cardinals decided to force him to resign. To convince him, they offered him a generous sum of money, which some historians estimate at 1,500 pounds of gold. His successor, Sylvester III, lasted barely six months in office. Benedict IX resorted to a powerful army assembled by his influential family to forcefully overthrow him and return to power. A few days after taking office by force, he decided he would rather leave to marry his cousin and chose his godfather as his successor: Gregory VI. The marriage did not take place, and, once again, Benedict IX decided to resume his role as pope.

As Susan Wise Bauer, a writer trained in theology and art and author of The History of the Medieval World recalls, this decision placed the Church before three candidates claiming to be the successor to Saint Peter, a conflict that, once again, was resolved by military means and which, once again, Benedict IX won with the support of his powerful family. At that moment, the cardinals decided to create a clear process for electing the future pontiff.

Meeting between Benedict XVI and Pope Francis at the Vatican, in 2014. ZUMA via Europa Press (ZUMA via Europa Press)

It was the first step toward what we know today as the conclave and the white smoke. During those years, there were several attempts at an electoral process that all ended up rigged, until Pope Gregory X made a decision in the 13th century. He ordered a meeting of cardinals to be held behind closed doors, locked, and with no outside contact for voters. The name of the assembly comes from the Latin cum-clavis (with a key): conclave.

The process is well explained in both the CNN documentary and the film Conclave. The deliberation begins with the presentation of the candidates. For one of them to be elected, they need the support of two-thirds of the voters. If the candidate with the most votes doesnt achieve that number, the pieces of paper containing the anonymous votes are burned. In the past, they were mixed with wet straw to create a black smoke, indicating that a new round of voting must begin if a consensus isnt reached. When, at the end of a round, one of the candidates names appears on more than two-thirds of the ballots, they are burned without any condiments, causing the smoke to rise white and producing the white smoke that announces the arrival of a new pontiff.

Currently, chemicals are used to color the smoke that announces the result of each round of voting. Since John Paul IIs mandate, the cardinals participating in the conclave have been housed in the Santa Marta residence, built in the Vatican, to make this decision.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A former DCFS employee has been indicted after being accused of malfeasance in office and computer tampering.

According to East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore, Eddriene Sylvester, 55, was accused of deleting important files relevant to the Department of Child and Family Services in June 2022, while employed at the department.

Louisiana law states that the felony charge of malfeasance in office carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and/or up to a $5,000 fine. The state may also seek restitution if it suffered a loss. Computer tampering can hold a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

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Sylvesters next court appearance is scheduled for May 29, 2025.

According to school records, she is currently employed at St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools System as the Chief Financial Officer.

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A former Disney employee found to have hacked the computer system that Walt Disney World uses to create its menus has learned his punishment.

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Michael Scheuer, 40, was sentenced to three years in federal prison. He must also forfeit his computer and pay $687,776.50 in restitution to the victims of his crimes, our sister station at WFTV reported.

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Scheuer pleaded guilty in January to knowingly transmitting a program, code or command to a protected computer and intentionally causing damage and for committing aggravated identity theft.

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Scheuer published the companys menus as a Walt Disney World production manager.

According to court documents, after he was fired, he hacked their system to manipulate allergen information in restaurant menus to indicate that food items were safe for customers with certain allergies when they were not.

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Prosecutors say he also altered menu information related to wine regions to reflect locations of recent mass shootings.

He also launched denial-of-service attacks designed to lock certain company employees out of their accounts.

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FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WKRN)  A former Fort Campbell soldier has been sentenced to prison in connection with allegations of selling sensitive military information to China.

Last year, the DOJ reported that Korbein Schultz pleaded guilty to a number of charges  including conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data related to defense articles without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license and bribery of a public official. On Wednesday, the DOJ announced that Schultz was sentenced 84 months in prison for those charges.

MARCH 2024 | Fort Campbell soldier accused of selling information to China appears in Nashville court

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This sentencing is a stark warning to those who betray our country: you will pay a steep price for it, FBI Director Kash Patel said in the announcement. The Peoples Republic of China is relentless in its efforts to steal our national defense information, and service members are a prime target.

Court documents revealed that between May 2022 and March 2024, Schultz engaged in an ongoing conspiracy to provide someone likely connected to the Chinese government with dozens of sensitive U.S. military documents in exchange for about $42,000. The DOJ said that Schultz was fully aware of the grave national security implications of downloading and transmitting at least 92 documents, which included information like:

Technical manuals for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile systems and fighter aircraft, including the F-22A and the HH-60 helicopter

Lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine and Russia applicable to Taiwans defense

Details about U.S. military exercises in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines

Documents about U.S. military satellites and missile defense systems

Schultzs Army units operational order before the unit was deployed to Eastern Europe in support of NATO operations

Information on Chinese military tactics and the Peoples Liberation Army Rocket Force

Tactics for countering unmanned aerial systems in large-scale combat scenarios

ORIGINAL STORY | Fort Campbell soldier accused of selling military secrets to China

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As the conspiracy continued, the individuals demands reportedly became more specific and sensitive  with additional requests for technical manuals, intelligence assessments and operational procedures. The individual, described by the DOJ as a foreign national residing in China, was explicitly interested in materials not publicly available, emphasizing exclusiveness. Schultz allegedly agreed to obtain higher levels of classified information in exchange for money.

This defendant swore an oath to defend the United States  instead, he betrayed it for a payout and put Americas military and service members at risk, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. The Justice Department remains vigilant against Chinas efforts to target our military and will ensure that those who leak military secrets spend years behind bars.

The DOJ added that Schultz allegedly tried to recruit his friend and fellow Army analyst, who was working with the combatant command that covers China and its regional areas of influence, into the conspiracy.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Protecting classified information is paramount to our national security, and this sentencing reflects the ramifications when there is a breach of that trust, Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, commanding general of the Army Counterintelligence Command, said. This Soldiers actions put Army personnel at risk placing individual gain above personal honor.

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Those who collaborate with Americas foreign adversaries put our country, and those who defend it, at grave risk and we will do whatever it takes to hold them accountable for their crimes, acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee said. We will proudly stand in support of our men and women in uniform and work diligently to protect them from people like the defendant who would sell them out for a few bucks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A new role at the Jessamine County Detention Center is giving inmates a roadmap to rebuild. The man leading that effort knows the struggle firsthand.

For years, Robert Barbosa lived a life consumed by addiction. It landed him in jail 35 times by the age of 42.

It wasnt an easy ride, said Barbosa. I was coming off drugs and real heavy. I had some mishaps happen while in this place, and, you know, the same judge that started locking me up when I was 18, Judge Doherty, was the same judge that I went in front of this time.

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He said, at the time, it felt like a cycle that would never end, but others around him believed he could break it.

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When he was in here, I always would tell everybody, Man, Barbosa has got so much potential. So much potential, said Jessamine County Jailer Jon Sallee. And it was awesome to see his transition.

Barbosa said he was eventually given an ultimatum: If he didnt turn his life around, he was told he might never see his children again.

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Not having a father in my life, I knew the importance of me needing one in my life, said Barbosa. And if I needed one, my kids needed one as well. And so, that family piece was everything to me.

A judge offered him an opportunity to enter a long-term recovery program, and he never looked back.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

Now almost eight years sober, Barbosa said his strength is grounded in faith and family and that hes found purpose in helping other incarcerated people navigate their second chance at life.

If we can give them a lens to look through outside of these walls and help guide them, I think that well have a lot of success stories, said Barbosa.

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Barbosa is now returning to the Jessamine County Detention Center, this time on the other side as a re-entry coordinator. Its a position dedicated to helping inmates attain a future unchained.

He said it will be an honor serving the place and people that helped him achieve the life he always dreamed of.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

Because it was the very pit I was pulled from, he said.

Sallee said he couldnt be happier to welcome Barbosa back in this role.

So glad that I was able to scoop you up and bring you in here. And you know, use you as a vessel to help these guys and girls out.

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Barbosa will officially start his new job in June.

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The trial for former JBLM soldier Jonathan Kang Lee began and ended in one day Wednesday, as he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Redicab driver Nick Hokema.

This doesnt bring him back. It doesnt complete that family picture.but he got some justice, Hokemas fiance Nicole Sharkody said.

Sharkody has been following this case from the get go. She says while the family is happy to see some sort of justice for what happened to Hokema, she believes JBLM has a lot more to answer to.

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And I am going to use everything that I have learned about previous cases that JBLM has dropped the ball on and I am going to make sure that people get accountability, Sharokody said.

In court this afternoon, Lee pled guilty to first-degree murder, admitting he stabbed Hokema in the back of the head and chest.

Before todays trial, Lee was also charged with pre-meditated murder and robbery, but those charges were dropped by the judge.

Character witnesses took the stand on behalf of Lee, alongside emotional testimony from Hokemas family about the pain Lee has caused them.

And I got to see him afraid. I got to see him afraid, Sharkody said.

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Lee was also convicted of child sex crimes prior to the murder, and will continue to serve 64 additional years for those charges, on top of his life sentence.

The U.S. Army Office of Special Trial Counsel issued the following statement regarding the trial:

The court-martial for the case United States vs. PVT Jonathan K. Lee concluded today at the Cascade Court Complex, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Nicholas F. Hokema.

In addition, he also pleaded guilty to desertion, resisting arrest, and two specifications of failure to obey a lawful order.

The military judge sentenced him to life In prison and a dishonorable discharge.

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This sentence is in addition to his previous sentence of 64 years in confinement for felony sexual assault offenses where he also received a dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of all pay and allowances. His prison sentences will be served consecutively.

While nothing the court can do will bring Mr. Hokema back, hopefully this sentence will allow for some closure for his friends and family, said Lt. Col. Sean Fitzgibbon, circuit chief, Sixth Circuit, Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. This would not have been possible without the tremendous work from the Tukwila Police Department and the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division.

PVT Lee will serve his prison sentence at the United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

He will be eligible for parole for these offenses no earlier than 2045.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A former high school science teacher from Booneville, Mississippi was convicted by a federal jury Wednesday for possessing child pornography.

Andrew Murphy, 36, faces up to ten years imprisonment, five years to life on supervised release, and registration on the sex offender registration.

The United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Mississippi said evidence showed Murphy collected images of child nudity, child erotica, and images of children engaged in sexual activity, using a peer-to-peer network online.

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No charges for pregnant woman who shot husband dead in attack

The case was investigated and conducted by the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office and the FBI.

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Former State Sen. Mark Kolterman of Seward returns to the Nebraska Legislature for an annual event honoring former state lawmakers. April 16, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A bill to reduce contributions to a state teachers retirement plan advanced toward final passage on Thursday despite a stern warning from a former Nebraska lawmaker who once guided state retirement plan policies.

The measure, Legislative Bill 645, is designed to help close the states projected $457 million budget deficit over two years by reducing the states contributions into teacher retirement plans by about $77 million, thus freeing up that money to help close the budget gap.

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Former State Sen. Mark Kolterman, who headed the Legislatures Retirement Systems Committee for seven years, said that using retirement plan funds to balance the budget doesnt make financial sense, particularly when its uncertain if investments will garner enough revenue to maintain retirement funds.

You dont make reductions in contributions when the economy is moving in the wrong direction, Kolterman said, noting the recent stock market tumble.

State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Letter outlines objections

Advocates of LB 645, including Lincoln Sen. Beau Ballard, the current chair of the Retirement Committee, dismissed the concern, maintaining that the state can safely lower its contributions to the school retirement plan because that plan is currently nearly 100% funded, and is taking in more contributions  from teachers, local school districts and the state  than needed.

Ballard has called the bill a win for the state budget and for teachers, because they will see about $1,000 a year in additional take-home pay by reducing their contributions via the proposal.

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Kolterman commented after the state lawmakers, on a voice vote, advanced LB 645 to the final stage of debate. Prior to Thursdays debate on the bill, the former senator sent a letter  obtained by the Nebraska Examiner  to the members of the Retirement Committee outlining his objections.

In the letter, Kolterman said that major changes in the states retirement plan contributions are usually not made so hastily, because if a pension plan becomes underfunded, the state has to make up the difference.

Any changes to retirement benefits in any of the retirement plans must be approached with great caution, study, and examination of the actuarially calculated costs, he wrote. LB 645, he said, was kicking the can down the road and delivering higher costs for taxpayers later.

Kolterman pointed out that during the 2008-09 recession, the states retirements plans lost 28% of its assets  about $2 billion  and that it took years of work to make them healthy again.

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He cautioned in his letter that Nebraska doesnt want to find itself in the same situation again  forced to increase funds toward pension plans. It doesnt make sense, he argued, to mess with whats working.

Rule of 85

Despite that, and despite similar warnings during floor debate on Thursday from Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad, the bill advanced to final reading.

Ballard said that he was reassured that LB 645 would not require additional state funds. He quoted from a projection that even with a 0% increase in state investment income, no additional state contribution would be needed.

On Thursday, he withdrew his amendment that would have changed the states long standing Rule of 85 for teachers that now allows educators, of at least 60 years of age, to retire if they have at least 25 years of service, which adds up to 85. Ballards amendment would have allowed younger teachers, of at least 55 years of age, to retire with 30 years of service.

State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. Jan. 8, 2025 (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Education groups, during a public hearing on that amendment on Wednesday, had opposed the idea out of concern that its impact  which some feared would increase retirement fund payouts  had not been studied.

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Conrad also withdrew a proposed amendment to ensure that the state would not be liable for covering any financial shortages in the Omaha Public Schools retirement plan, a plan that the state recently took over to manage.

The senator said it was a belt and suspenders amendment to continue the states current policy of not being liable for shortages in that plan. She agreed to let fellow senators have more time to consider her proposal, and that she will reintroduce it during final round debate on LB 645.

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Roadblocks in Michoacan, Guanajuato, and Jalisco Wednesday. RR.SS.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is in revolt. The Mexican government has tightened its grip on the powerful criminal organization in recent weeks in Michoacan, Jalisco, and Guanajuato, a strategy aimed at weakening the CJNGs strength through confrontations and the arrests of key logistics operators. The goal is to strike the cartel in its major strongholds and gradually suffocate it. The cartel, led by Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho, reacted Wednesday afternoon with roadblocks and by burning vehicles and businesses in the three states. El Mencho, the most wanted drug trafficker in the United States, is flexing his muscles on his home turf and demonstrating that his organization will sell its skin dearly.

Some local media outlets reported firefights between the armed forces and members of the CJNG, with the help of Los Viagras, an armed wing of La Familia Michoacana in Apatzingan, but official information is scarce or nonexistent at the time of writing. Sources familiar with the operation indicate that federal elements arrested a high-ranking criminal leader, triggering the blockades in that area. This is the CJNGs standard modus operandi, one it previously employed in 2022 during a failed military operation to capture two of its leaders, Ricardo Ruiz, known as El Doble R, and Gerardo Gonzalez, known as El Apa. At the moment, neither Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla, nor Pablo Lemus, nor Libia Dennise, governors of Michoacan, Jalisco, and Guanajuato, respectively, have commented on the matter. Neither has President Claudia Sheinbaum, nor any of the three state prosecutors offices.

The attacks, which have so far resulted in no casualties or arrests, have primarily targeted federal highways, the countrys busiest thoroughfares. The CJNG has turned trucks and private vehicles into makeshift burning barricades. The state of Michoacan has been the hardest hit, with blockades in a dozen municipalities in its rural areas, where there is a strong National Guard and army presence. At least two Oxxo stores were also set ablaze in Apatzingan.

The cartel violence has spread at a lesser rate to the Guanajuato region bordering Michoacan, with burning trailers blocking highways connecting the municipalities of La Piedad, Penjamo, Abasolo, and San Gregorio, according to the State Public Security Secretariat. Another burning truck shut down traffic on the highway between Irapuato and Zapotlanejo, and further afield between Zapotlanejo and Maravatio. Other vehicles were also burned at the Ocotlan toll booth in Jalisco.

On March 16, on the border between Jalisco and Michoacan, El Menchos men ambushed soldiers and National Guardsmen in coordinated attacks in various municipalities, some of which were also the scene of blockades on Wednesday, such as Ocotlan, in Jalisco, and Zamora, in Michoacan. In that assault, four soldiers and two National Guardsmen were shot dead, while three CJNG hitmen were killed. The battle was fierce, and desperate calls for help could be heard in communications between the military personnel, to which EL PAIS had access. Three days later, the government counterattacked in Autlan de Navarro, one of the strongholds of the criminal organization, and two more National Guardsmen were killed.

It was one of the most intense and visual moments of the cartels violent reaction to the new offensive by the government, which for years had given drug traffickers a free hand. The CJNG took advantage of former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors hugs, not bullets policy almost as much as it is taking advantage of the internal war waged by the two major factions of its main rival, the Sinaloa Cartel. With the old bosses, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Ismael El Mayo Zambada, in the hands of U.S. authorities, Los Chapitos, led by El Chapos sons, and La Mayiza, Zambadas loyalists, have been massacring each other since September, with Culiacan as the main frontline and its inhabitants as regular collateral damage. The Sinaloa cartel war has strengthened El Mencho territorially and economically.

Things changed with the return of Donald Trump to the White House and his obsession  a long-standing mania of Washington hawks  with hunting down Mexican drug lords, whom they blame for all their countrys ills: the epidemic of fentanyl addiction, trafficked primarily by the CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel, or the massive crossing of irregular migrants from Mexico north of the border. On his first official day in the White House, Trump designated six Mexican cartels  Sinaloa, the CJNG, La Familia Michoacana, Carteles Unidos, Cartel del Noroeste and the Gulf Cartel  as terrorist groups, forcing Sheinbaum to intensify the fight against criminal groups under the threat of a trade war.

Under pressure, the Mexican president militarized the border, drug seizures and high-profile arrests skyrocketed, the trafficking of fentanyl into the United States was cut in half, and 29 drug lords were handed over to appease U.S. authorities. As a result, organized crime in Mexico is being shaken daily, with the renewed pursuit of the CJNG being one of its most visible manifestations. The blockades and fires in Michoacan, Jalisco, and Guanajuato are just the latest aftershocks of a tremor that has yet to end.

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A federal judge sentenced an Arkansas woman Thursday to three years in prison for stealing more than $300,000 from elderly customers of a New Hampshire credit union, justice officials said.

Tyra Brown, 27, of Benton, Arkansas, pleaded guilty Jan. 23 to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Brian Miller sentenced Brown to 36 months of prison time and three years of supervised release.

Brown was a customer service representative at the credit union, which was not named in the court documents or in the news release after her sentencing.

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(Brown) deliberately abused her position of trust and chose to target elderly account holders, knowing some of whom were unfamiliar with electronic banking, acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack said in a statement.

Officials said Brown had access to customers personal information, security questions and answers and account balances, but that access was only for business purposes, like answering questions while talking to customers over the phone.

However, she took $301,674.89 total from at least 10 elderly victims and attempted to steal $428,526.85, justice officials said.

According to court documents, Brown used wires, electronic debits and Zelle to transfer the victims money to other accounts.

What she did isnt just cowardly, its cruel, said James Crowley, acting special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division.
A former U.S. Army intelligence analyst was sentenced Wednesday to 7 years in prison for selling military secrets to a contact in China, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Sgt. Korbein Schultz was arrested for conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information and other charges. Photo released March 7, 2024 by the U.S. Army. / Credit: U.S. Army photo

Korbein Schultz, 25, of Wills Point, Texas, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiring to collect and transmit national defense information, unlawfully exporting controlled information to China, and accepting bribes in exchange of sensitive, non-public U.S. government information.

Schultz agreed to enter into a long-term partnership with an individual referred to in court documents as "Conspirator A," who claimed to live in Hong Kong. Schultz sent "Conspirator A" at least 92 sensitive U.S. military documents between May 2022 and his arrest in March 2024 in exchange for approximately $42,000, court documents said.

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"This sentencing is a stark warning to those who betray our country: you will pay a steep price for it," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. "The People's Republic of China is relentless in its efforts to steal our national defense information, and service members are a prime target."

"Conspirator A" claimed to be a client from a geopolitical consulting firm and solicited Schultz to send detailed analyses on U.S. military capabilities and planning, particularly concerning Taiwan and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Schultz, whose job was in part to instruct others on the proper handling of classified information, sent information related to Russia's war in Ukraine, details on U.S. military exercises in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines, and documents concerning U.S. military satellites and missile defense systems, among others.

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Former UFC signee Pietro Menga has been sentenced to serve 15-and-a-half years in a British jail.

Menga, 37, was arrested in January 2024 for his actions in what Greater Manchester Police (GMP) call a "lucrative job as a middleman for an organized crime group," according to Sky News. Menga pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

The arrest came under Operation Foam, an effort by GMP to identify and arrest criminals using the encrypted messaging application EncroChat. Menga was one of 300 arrests.

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According to police, Menga was involved in drug sales that estimated somewhere between $652,000 to $825,000 (490,000 to 620,000).

Nicknamed "The Italian Stallion," Menga compiled a 14-4 record and was still active at the time of his arrest. He was scheduled for a bout in OKTAGON the same month he was arrested.

Menga's biggest claim to fame was his short-notice UFC signing to face Tim Elliott in December 2017. After he did not weigh in, the flyweight fight was canceled and Menga was released. He also competed once in Bellator in 2016 and once in ACB in 2018.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Former UFC signee sentenced to 15 years in jail on drug, gun charges
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) The former owner of York Pain Management has been sentenced to 42 months in prison after admitting to defrauding Medicare and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2016 to 2022.

The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said Rodney L. Yentzer, 55, formerly of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to charges of healthcare fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and theft of public money.

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Yentzer was also ordered to pay an additional $2,993,386.19 in restitution, after having already paid $900,000 toward a civil settlement with the United States, according to the attorneys office.

The attorneys office said Yentzer and others defrauded Medicare by submitting medically unnecessary urine drug tests for chronic opioid patients at medical clinics he controlled, including a group of clinics called Pain Medicine of York or All Better Wellness.

200-acre fire continues to spread at Michaux State Forest

This defendants only interest was in his own wealth, and he exploited patients and

defrauded a state healthcare system designed to promote wellness for vulnerable residents in

order to line his pockets, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. I commend our

federal partners for collaborating with our team on a comprehensive investigation that

culminated in a significant prison sentence.

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Yentzer gained control of medical practices between 2014 and 2018, including control of a group of clinics run by John H. Johnson, per the attorneys office.

The attorneys office said Johnson was indicted on tax offenses in Pennsylvania and charged in connection with a separate healthcare fraud scheme in Florida in 2016. Johnson was sentenced to 84 months in prison in 2017.

The attorneys office said Johnson advised Yentzer to unlawfully order multiple urine tests for each patient at every visit.

Hershey Theatre shares update on year-long renovations

Pain Medicine of York (PMY) billed Medicare for $10 million in urine drug tests from 2017 to 2019, which Medicare paid out $4 million. The attorneys office said Pennsylvanias Medicaid program was also billed for the tests. The tests would often go to an in-house laboratory at PMY, so when necessary tests were billed to Medicare or Medicaid, the proceeds went to PMY.

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Yentzer used the proceeds to purchase luxury items for himself, his wife, Johnson, and others, and made upgrades to his home. Luxury items purchased included Rolex watches, cars, a motorhome, and properties.

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He later sold the home to make restitution and civil settlement payments, according to the attorneys office.

The attorneys office said PMY was shut down in 2019 after a law enforcement raid. Yentzer also received more than $191,000 in stimulus money intended to support health care providers during the pandemic from the Department of Health and Human Services in 2020

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Johnson and his wife also continued to benefit from Yenzter. The attorneys office said Johnson had asked Yentzer to place his wife on the PMY payroll to make it look like she was doing work.

In 2024, John Johnson was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for his involvement, and the CEO of PMY, Florentina Mayko, was sentenced to 30 months in prison in 2023, according to the attorneys office.

Johnsons wife, Paula Johnson, was sentenced to three years of probation with six months of home detention.

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The Fort Campbell soldier who pleaded guilty to selling military information to people tied to the Chinese government was sentenced April 23 to seven years in federal prison.

Korbein Schultz, 25, of Wills Port, Texas, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to collect and transmit national defense information, unlawfully exporting controlled information to China and accepting bribes in exchange of sensitive, non-public U.S. government information.

More: Fort Campbell soldier pleads guilty to selling info to China, including about Taiwan

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"This defendant swore an oath to defend the United States  instead, he betrayed it for a payout and put Americas military and service members at risk, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a news release. The Justice Department remains vigilant against Chinas efforts to target our military and will ensure that those who leak military secrets spend years behind bars."

Court documents showed Schultz engaged in an ongoing conspiracy to provide dozens of sensitive U.S. military documents, many containing export-controlled tactical and technical information, directly to a foreign national living in the Peoples Republic of China between May 2022 until his arrest in March 2024.

The U.S. attorneys office said in a release that the person, referred to in documents as Conspirator A, was "likely" connected to the Chinese government and continued a relationship with Schultz for about $42,000 in exchange for Schultz providing documents and data related to U.S. military capabilities, including:

His Army units operational order before it was deployed to Eastern Europe in support of NATO operations;

Lessons learned by the U.S. Army from the Ukraine/Russia conflict applicable to Taiwans defense;

Technical manuals for the HH-60 helicopter, F-22A fighter aircraft and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile systems;

Information on Chinese military tactics and the Peoples Liberation Army Rocket Force;

Details on U.S. military exercises in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines;

Documents concerning U.S. military satellites and missile defense systems like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).

Tactics for countering unmanned aerial systems in large-scale combat operations.

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As the relationship progressed, Conspirator As demands grew increasingly specific and sensitive, requesting technical manuals, operational procedures and intelligence assessments, the release said. Conspirator A made explicit his interest in materials that were not publicly available and encouraged the defendant to seek out higher levels of classification.

Schultz agreed to obtain higher levels of classified information for Conspirator A in exchange for money.

The attorney's office said Schultz was fully aware of the national security implications but used his position and access to restricted databases  including closed U.S. government computer networks  to download and transmit at least 92 sensitive U.S. military documents.

The case also revealed attempts by Schultz to recruit a friend and fellow Army intelligence analyst into the conspiracy. At the time, Schultzs friend was assigned to the U.S. Department of Defenses Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), which is the combatant command that covers China and its regional areas of influence.

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Schultz and Conspirator A discussed the need to recruit another person into their scheme who had better access to classified material. They agreed that the recruitment needed to be done in a nice and slow fashion, documents show.

"This sentencing is a stark warning to those who betray our country: you will pay a steep price for it, FBI Director Kash Patel said in the release. The Peoples Republic of China is relentless in its efforts to steal our national defense information, and service members are a prime target. The FBI and our partners will continue to root out espionage and hold those accountable who abandon their obligation to safeguard defense information from hostile foreign governments.

The FBIs Nashville Field Office investigated the case, with the assistance from the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command and the Department of Defense.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Ex-Tennessee soldier sentenced for selling military secrets to China
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  UPDATE: Josh Buchfink with the city of Fort Smith says the board of directors voted in a special meeting April 24 to terminate the agreement between Cowan and the city.

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Fort Smiths incoming internal auditor is set to appear in court in Oklahoma for a felony stalking charge next month, according to court documents.

Rebecca Cowan, 48 (Courtesy: Sebastian County Detention Center)

On Tuesday, the Fort Smith Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution to hire Rebecca Cowan for the position of internal auditor with an annual salary of $110,000.

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According to Talk Business & Politics, Cowan, 48, is facing a felony stalking charge in Oklahoma.

Court documents filed in LeFlore County say on March 15, 2023, a man identified as Cowans husband received a notification on his phone that there was an Apple AirTag near him.

The man went to a friends house, and they found the tag zip-tied under his truck.

Authorities later found that the AirTag was linked back to Cowans phone number. The man said he was divorcing Cowan at the time and this was not the first time he had been tracked by her, according to the affidavit.

Man accused of Fort Smith double homicide pleads not guilty

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A detective with the LeFlore County Sheriffs Office spoke with Cowan over the phone to get her side of the story. Cowan said she only put an AirTag in her daughters bag.

The detective tried to contact Cowan multiple times two weeks later, but she reportedly did not answer any of the calls, the affidavit said.

The husbands friend gave a statement detailing where they found the AirTag and said Cowan had a previous history of stalking.

Cowan was arrested in connection with that case in Sebastian County on June 7, 2024, and was transferred to LeFlore County on June 10, 2024. She is set to appear in LeFlore County court in Poteau on May 21.

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Cowans start date as internal auditor for Fort Smith is set for May 27.

The city of Fort Smith responded to Cowans arrest with a statement.

The City of Fort Smith is aware of recent media reports concerning Rebecca Cowan, who was appointed as the Citys Director of Internal Audit on April 22. The applicant disclosed references to ongoing legal issues as part of her application materials. As this involves a personnel matter and a personal, active legal situation, the City of Fort Smith will refrain from further comment until that process is complete. City of Fort Smith

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A forthcoming Supreme Court decision is poised to weaken a bedrock law that requires federal agencies to study the potential environmental impacts of major projects.

The case, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, concerns a proposed 88-mile railroad that would link an oil-producing region of Utah to tracks that reach refineries in the Gulf Coast. Environmental groups and a Colorado county argued that the federal Surface Transportation Board failed to adequately consider climate, pollution, and other effects as required under the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, in approving the project. In 2023, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the challengers. The groups behind the railway project, including several Utah counties, appealed the case to the highest court, which is expected to hand down a decision within the next few months.

Court observers told Grist the Supreme Court will likely rule in favor of the railway developers, with consequences far beyond Utah. The court could limit the scope of environmental harms federal agencies have to consider under NEPA, including climate impacts. Depending on how the justices rule, the decision could also bolster  or constrain  parallel moves by the Trump administration to roll back decades-old regulations governing how NEPA is implemented.

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All of these rollbacks and attacks on NEPA are going to harm communities, especially those that are dealing with the worst effects of climate change and industrial pollution, said Wendy Park, senior attorney at the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, a party in the Supreme Court case.

Since 1970, NEPA has required federal agencies to take a hard look at the environmental effects of proposed major projects or actions. Oil and gas pipelines, dams, mines, highways, and other infrastructure projects must undergo an environmental study before they can get federal permits, for example. Agencies consider measures to reduce potential impacts during their review and can even reject a proposal if the harms outweigh the benefits.

NEPA ensures that environmental concerns are part of the agenda for all federal agencies  even ones that dont otherwise focus on the environment, said Dan Farber, a law professor at the University of California Berkeley. Its also a crucial tool for communities to understand how a project will affect them and provide input during the decision-making process, according to Park.

Two black cylindrical rail cars are hitched to each other, with a third in the background and an empty railroad track in the foreground

In 2021, the Surface Transportation Board, a small federal agency that oversees railways, approved a line that would connect the Uinta Basin to the national rail network. The basin, which contains large deposits of crude oil, spans about 12,000 square miles across northeastern Utah and northwestern Colorado and is currently accessible only by truck. The proposed track would allow companies to transport crude oil to existing refineries along the Gulf Coast, quadrupling waxy crude oil production in the basin. According to the agencys environmental review, under a high oil production scenario, burning those fuels could represent up to approximately 0.8 percent of nationwide emissions and 0.1 percent of global emissions  about 53 million tons of carbon dioxide a year.

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Environmental groups and a Colorado county challenged the boards approval at the D.C. Circuit Court. The groups argued that the agency had failed to consider key impacts in its NEPA review, including the effects of increased oil refining on communities already burdened by pollution along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana and Texas, and the potential for more oil spills and wildfires along the broader rail network. In August 2023, the D.C. Circuit largely agreed, finding numerous NEPA violations in the agencys environmental review.

In their appeal to the Supreme Court, the developers of the railway initially argued that an agency shouldnt have to consider any environmental effects of a project that would fall under the responsibility of a different agency. In this case, for example, the Surface Transportation Board wouldnt have to consider air pollution impacts of oil refining on Gulf Coast communities because the Environmental Protection Agency, not the Surface Transportation Board, regulates air pollution.

By oral arguments in December, however, the railway backers had walked away from this drastic interpretation, which contradicts decades of NEPA precedent. Its standard practice for one agencys environmental review to study impacts that fall under the responsibility of other agencies, said Deborah Sivas, a law professor at Stanford University. The railway proponents instead proposed that agencies shouldnt have to consider impacts that fall outside of their authority and are remote in time and space. That would include the effects on Gulf Coast communities residing thousands of miles away  as well as climate impacts like greenhouse gas emissions.

Park, from the Center for Biological Diversity, argued that overlooking those impacts would undermine the intent of NEPA, which is to inform the public of likely harms. The entire purpose of this project is to ramp up oil production in Utah and to deliver that oil to Gulf Coast refineries, she said. To effectively allow the agency to turn a blind eye to that purpose and ignore all of the predictable environmental harms that would result from that ramped-up oil production and downstream refining is antithetical to NEPAs purpose.

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Lawyers for the railways developers didnt respond to Grists request for comment. A coalition of Utah counties backing the project has previously underlined the economic potential of the project. We are optimistic about the Supreme Courts review and confident in the thorough environmental assessments conducted by the STB, said Keith Heaton, director of the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, said in a statement after the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case. This project is vital for the economic growth and connectivity of the Uinta Basin region, and we are committed to seeing it through.

The Supreme Court has historically always ruled in favor of the government in NEPA cases, and legal experts told Grist the decision will likely support the railway developers in some manner. But during oral arguments, several justices seemed skeptical of positions presented by railway supporters. Chief Justice John Roberts noted that imposing such severe limits on NEPA review could open agencies up to legal risk.

A close-up of a white man's face. He is smiling tightly, has gray hair, and is wearing a red tie

The court could reach some kind of middle ground in its decision  not going as far as the D.C. Circuit to affirm the legitimacy of considering a wide range of climate and other risks, but also not excluding as many impacts as the railway developers had hoped, said Farber.

Any decision will ultimately serve as an important guide for agencies as the Trump administration introduces even more uncertainty in the federal permitting process. In February, the administration issued an interim rule to rescind regulations issued by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, which oversees NEPA implementation across the federal government. The councils rules have guided agencies in applying the law for nearly five decades. Now, Trump officials have left it up to each individual agency to develop its own regulations by next February.

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In developing those standards, agencies will likely look to the Supreme Courts decision, legal experts said. What the Supreme Court rules here could be a very important guide as to how agencies implement NEPA and how they fashion their regulations interpreting NEPA, said Park. If the court rules that agencies dont need to consider climate impacts in NEPA reviews, for example, that could make it easier for Trump appointees to ignore greenhouse gas emissions, said Sivas. The White House has already instructed agencies not to include environmental justice impacts in their assessments.

On the other hand, a more nuanced opinion by the Supreme Court could end up undercutting efforts by the Trump administration to limit the scope of environmental reviews, said Farber. If justices end up affirming the need to consider certain impacts of the Utah railway project, for example, that could limit how much agencies under Trump can legally avoid evaluating particular effects. Agencies need to design regulations that will withstand challenges in lower courts  which will inevitably rely on the Supreme Courts ruling when deciding on NEPA challenges moving forward.

In the meantime, however, legal experts say that Trumps decision to have each agency create its own NEPA regulations will create even more chaos and uncertainty, even as the administration seeks to expedite and simplify the permitting process through sweeping reforms.

I think thats going to just slow down the process more and cause more confusion, and not really serve their own goals, said Farber.

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Corrections: This article originally misstated how much carbon dioxide would result from burning fuels from the Uinta Basin under a high oil production scenario. It also misidentified the National Environmental Policy Act.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline A forthcoming Supreme Court decision could limit agencies duty to consider environmental harms on Apr 24, 2025.
WATERBURY, Conn. (WWLP)  Four people are dead after a car crashed into a building early Thursday morning in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Paving project in Enfield, East Windsor on I-91 to cause traffic delays

Waterbury police say it happened a little before 1:00 a.m. on the corner of Cherry and Maple Street where a BMW Sedan collided with the Hernandez Market, WTNH states. Police says three people were killed in the crash and a fourth person was taken to the hospital, but later died from their injuries.

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Speed played a factor in the crash, according to police, and no one was inside the market when it was hit.

The identities of the victims have not been released.

One neighbor nearby says he could feel the impact in his home. I heard an enormous bang like someone grenade outside and I could feel it impact me through me up at the house, said Steve Weltsek of Waterbury.

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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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SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  Four Missouri State University (MSU) students who had their legal status revoked earlier this month have been granted some relief.

Missouri State University has told Ozarks First that the three international students who had their F-1 visas and Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records terminated last week have since been reinstated.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Students call on MSU to stand up for international students whose visas were revoked

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A postgraduate student in the OPT program also had his active status reinstated, MSU says. The school has no updates on the other two post-graduate students impacted.

MSU says no other international students have lost their F-1 status as of now.

These reinstatements come as the Trump Administrations visa revocations for several international students in the country are being challenged in federal courts. One such case filed in Atlanta  where at least one Missouri State student is a plaintiff  led to 133 plaintiffs having their legal status restored temporarily by a judge, according to the Associated Press.

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For the foreseeable future, if Televisa or any other broadcast licensee airs Donald Trumps controversial anti-immigrant campaign, they will pay dearly. Literally. Claudia Sheinbaums government is pushing through a reform to the law in which fines of between 2% and 5% of the total income of the concessionaire that broadcasts propaganda from foreign governments will be applied. Taking into account the main Mexican broadcasting concessionaires  Televisa and TV Azteca  which are in the hands of two of the richest men in the country, the fines would reach stratospheric figures. Federal government sources have told EL PAIS that radio and TV executives have condemned the proposal because they were not consulted and consider the penalties too high. The bill will be approved next week in the Senate and immediately sent for ratification to the Chamber of Deputies.

The proposed amendment to the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law establishes that sanctions will be handled by the Ministry of the Interior, to which powers are restored in the oversight of concessionaires. A fine for the equivalent of 2%, up to 5%, of the income of the concessionaire, authorized [entity], programmer, or digital platform will be applied for [...] failing to comply with the prohibition of advertising established in Article 210 of the law, states the directive. Concessionaires that provide restricted radio, television, or audio broadcasting service in the country may not transmit political, ideological, commercial, or any type of propaganda of foreign governments or entities, with the exception of tourism or cultural promotion. Nor will foreign governments be allowed to use the national media to influence the internal affairs of the country.

The article extends the same prohibition  and the possibility of the same fines  to digital platforms, from social networks such as X to streaming services such as YouTube. Digital platforms, whose contents are available in the national territory, may not commercialize advertising spaces for the dissemination of publicity, propaganda, or any information from foreign governments other than that which has cultural or tourism purposes, the initiative states.

The aggressive anti-migrant campaign sponsored by Washington made headlines this week and has struck a nationalist chord among Mexican authorities. The campaigns first spot shows U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem warning people who enter the country illegally that they will be hunted down and deported. So far, the spot, in English and with subtitles, has been aired on Televisas most popular channels and programs, although the government has also confirmed the spot has been broadcast on local radio stations (with Spanish dubbing).

00:38 Kristi Noem at the Cecot facility in El Salvador Kristi Noem at the Cecot facility in El Salvador

According to public information, Televisa, owned by Emilio Azcarraga Jean, had revenues of 62.261 billion pesos ($3.171 billion) in 2024. On the other hand, TV Azteca, owned by Ricardo Salinas Pliego, had revenues of 15.1 billion pesos ($769 million) in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available (the station has ceased to be listed on the Stock Exchange). If the law were to apply immediately to Azcarraga Jeans network, the fine to which it would be subject would range between 1,245 and 3,113 million pesos ($63.5-159.8 million)

The bill states that the administration of the radio spectrum will be in the hands of the powerful Digital Transformation Agency (ATD), headed by Pepe Merino, one of President Sheinbaums closest collaborators. The law states that spectrum management is a public priority, as its proper administration will guarantee the availability of this resource to meet the growing demand for wireless communication. It states that it is necessary to ensure equitable access to the spectrum, technological innovation, and optimization of use in an efficient and sustainable manner. With strategic planning, we can close the digital divide, improve the countrys competitiveness, and ensure that more people benefit from the opportunities offered by digitalization, Merino said.

In fact, the ATD will take over the role of the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), decommissioned by the Sheinbaum administration together with a raft of autonomous governmental institutions. The agency will be in charge of the elaboration and approval of plans and programs for the use of the spectrum; the establishment of conditions for the allocation of frequency bands; the granting of concessions, authorizations and registration certificates; the supervision of radio emissions and the application of the sanctions regime. In short, the government will once again have absolute control over spectrum concessions.

The initiative indicates that, although the government will supervise to ensure content respects human and audience rights, the concessionaires will have full freedom of expression, programmatic freedom, editorial freedom, and it is assured that there will be no prior censorship over their contents. The law states that audiences and users are the most important component in the telecommunications ecosystem, the services offered by concessionaires are for them and by them, and therefore a robust scaffolding has been designed to guarantee their rights through the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco).

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By Leah Douglas

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Four Republican states have asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to let them ban soda, energy drinks and other food items from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, according to an agency spokesperson.

President Donald Trump's administration has said it will hastily approve such waivers submitted by states as part of its agenda to "Make America Healthy Again," a slogan popularized by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and his supporters.

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More than 41 million Americans receive benefits from the SNAP program, the nation's largest food assistance program.

Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas and Indiana have submitted waivers to the agency, a spokesperson said on Thursday. The agency did not make copies of the waivers available.

Arkansas wants to exclude soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, "unhealthy drinks" and candy, according to a copy of the waiver on the website of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Indiana hopes to exclude candy and soda, according to an April 15 press release from Governor Mike Braun. Nebraska would exclude soda and energy drinks, according to an April 7 letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins by Governor Jim Pillen.

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Reuters could not immediately verify the content of Iowa's waiver. Iowa lawmakers have been considering a bill that would limit SNAP purchases to whole foods like eggs, milk and vegetables.

Soda and candy lobby groups have criticized the waivers. Some anti-hunger groups and lawmakers have said restricting certain items from SNAP is stigmatizing to benefit recipients.

(Reporting by Leah Douglas in Washington, editing by Deepa Babington)
Correction, April 24, 2025 at 2:33 p.m. : A previous version of this story incorrectly reported the number of school districts whose latest ratings could trigger a state takeover. Fort Worth ISD is the only district that currently qualifies for a takeover. The Midland, Wichita Falls and Beaumont school districts all had low grades four years in a row, but do not yet face takeovers.

The Texas Education Agency on Thursday released the 2023 performance ratings for the state's schools and school districts. The ratings were held up on court for 19 months. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

Texas public school ratings  which grade how well districts educate their students  drastically dropped after the state implemented stricter scoring standards, new data released Thursday shows.

Low performance ratings on the states A-F scale set the stage for big consequences. Parents may enroll their students at a different campus, and businesses may forgo investments in those communities. Districts that get consecutive failing grades can face bruising state sanctions, like an order to shut down underperforming schools or a state takeover.

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[Texas school districts got their first A-F grades in five years. See how your school did here.]

The Thursday release of ratings for the 2022-23 school year marked the first time failing grades for districts have been made public in five years. The percentage of schools in the state that got an F rating increased from 4.5% in 2019 to 7.6% in 2023.

Of the 8,539 public schools evaluated in the state, 19.3% received an A. Another 33.6% got a B, 24.7% a C, and 14.8% a D.

Fort Worth ISD was the only district that had a school get an F rating five years in a row, meeting the threshold for a state takeover, the highest level of state intervention.

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Performance scores for schools and districts are based on three categories: how students perform on state tests and meet college and career readiness benchmarks; how students improve over time; and how well schools are educating the states most disadvantaged students.

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath interpreted the 2022-23 declines as a stabilization of student improvement after rapid recoveries following the pandemic. School districts across the state, meanwhile, say new accountability standards made it harder to get a high rating.

Ratings dropped for districts under stricter standards

The 2023 ratings show 56% of Texas high schools had more of their seniors prove they were ready for college, the military or the workforce than the previous school year. At the same time, nearly 90% of campuses saw their student readiness score decrease, a reflection of higher standards that went into effect that year.

We keep raising the bar so that Texas is a leader in preparing students for postsecondary success, Morath said during a call with reporters Tuesday.

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In the 2022-23 school year, for the first time, TEA only awarded an A in college and career readiness when 88% of a schools graduates were considered ready for life after high school. Thats up from 60% in previous years.

A legal battle blocked the release of the ratings for 19 months. More than 120 districts across the state argued TEA did not give them adequate notice before rolling out stricter college and career readiness benchmarks.

An appeals court earlier this month ruled that Morath did not overstep his authority when he made those changes, clearing TEA to make the 2023 A-F grades public.

The role poverty plays in ratings

Districts with higher rates of low-income students were more likely to get a D or an F than their wealthier counterparts. Almost none of the school districts with a rate of low-income students lower than 20% received an overall rating of D or F.

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Schools in lower-income areas are often working with fewer resources to meet the same goalposts as every other school in the state. Opponents of the rating system say it is unfair for schools working with fewer resources and doesnt reflect the enormous needs of educating students coming from struggling families.

Chronically underperforming schools put districts at risk of sanctions

The ratings released Thursday show Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade in Fort Worth was the only school that has accrued five consecutive years of failing scores.

Teachers have struggled to build out high-quality curricula for math and reading because of leadership turnover, contributing to years of low performance ratings, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar said.

The ratings are not new to us, even though they're just newly released, Molinar said. We're making changes. They're very bold, but they have a sense of urgency.

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Molinar said the district will have Texas Wesleyan University help oversee operations. That kind of partnership is a life raft for struggling districts: Handing over the management of underperforming schools to a nonprofit, university or charter group means a two-year pause from sanctions.

The Fort Worth ISD school board also voted last month to close the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade and move students to the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Middle School.

At least five other districts across the state had campuses with four years of unacceptable grades, bringing them closer to state sanctions.

One of those districts, Wichita Falls ISD, shut down Kirby Middle School in 2023 and moved students to a new building. But a TEA spokesperson said district leadership largely stayed the same, which means their failing grades  and the possibility of state sanctions that come with them  will follow them to their new campus.

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.
French authorities plan to confiscate the mobile phones of drug users and dealers if they are found to have used them for illegal purchases.

A decree to this effect was to be sent to all public prosecutors on Thursday, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin told the France Info radio station.

In addition to the standing fine of 200 ($227), drug dealers and users caught by police can expect to have their mobile phones seized if investigations reveal that the drugs were ordered by phone, text message or via WhatsApp or Telegram, Darmanin said.

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The confiscation of money, cars or phones is sometimes more of a deterrent than legal prosecution, according to the minister.

The aim is to take action against the use of drugs and to put pressure on users.

"If a young person has an 800 phone and it is taken away from him, he will think twice before using his phone to order drugs," police union representative Laurent Vitello told the BFMTV broadcaster.

Currently, anyone caught dealing up to 30 grams of cannabis or five grams of cocaine has to pay the flat-rate fine.

However, since the French authorities cracked down on drug sales points, particularly in the high-rise districts of large cities, with a massive police presence, they have shifted their business to delivery services.

Instead of selling drugs on the street, suppliers offer their goods via messenger services and deliver to customers by car or scooter, just like a pizza delivery service.
Eintracht Frankfurt president Mathias Beck has said he was in a critical condition when he underwent heart surgery in February, and that his wife then cut all means of communications during his recovery out of fear for his health.

Beck, 54, told reporters on Thursday he underwent heart surgery due to protracted pneumonia and a thickening of the aorta.

He said he was told he was in a life-threatening condition, and admitted that he had been negligent with his health.

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"The doctor said I had to go into the operating theatre straight away. I was totally weak, I couldn't do anything at all. I had blurred eyes, I felt really bad," Beck said.

"In retrospect, I'm delighted with how it went. An hour after the operation, I was back to how I used to be. I had a completely different relationship with my health again."

Beck said his wife made sure that he recovered well as she limited his contact to the club before his return in late March with reduced working hours.

"It was really bad for me that I couldn't attend the members' assembly. My wife also cut off all my communication channels"," Beck said.

He said his wife only allowed him to follow the assembly via live text but added that "I was allowed to watch TV" by her so that he could follow the team's matches.
WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Frankies Hot Dog in West Haven is celebrating 51 years of service to Connecticut.

Connecticuts top-rated seafood restaurant is in North Branford, Yelp says

From now until April 30, you can check out different promotions and share your community appreciation for them, along with memories over the years.

Im coming down Im going to have a hot dog. If it was the nighttime, Id get off the dinner menu, you know the shrimp or the ribs. And of course in the morning with the scrambled eggs, home fries, or a bacon egg sandwich, Richard Deleo, frequent customer, said.

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They have a couple of other locations across Connecticut, including one in Waterbury, Naugatuck and Plainville.

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PARIS (AP)  A high school student stabbed four other students at his school in western France on Thursday, killing at least one and injuring three others before being arrested, police said. The motive for the stabbing was unclear.

Such fatal attacks are quite rare in French schools.

France's Prime Minister Francois Bayrou ordered tighter security outside and inside schools nationwide, and called for new proposals within four weeks for preventing and punishing knife violence by teens and children. He said metal detectors at schools could be considered.

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The 15-year-old student stabbed four people with a knife during a lunch break at the private Catholic Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides High School in Nantes near Frances Atlantic coast, a national police official said.

Teachers subdued him, and he was later taken in by police, the official said. The official was not authorized to be publicly named according to national police policy.

The suspect had sent an email with unspecified grievances to all students just before the attack, students at the school told French media at the scene.

One of the targeted students died of wounds. Three were wounded, including one who was hospitalized in "very serious condition, Nantes Mayor Johanna Rolland told reporters. She did not give details about the suspect, but raised concerns about the mental health of the youth of this country.

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Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said the attack was probably an isolated act, without providing details about the investigation.

The school confined the students inside for hours while police secured the site and carried out questioning, according to French broadcasts. Police and armed military forces surrounded the area, and worried parents waited outside the perimeter.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised the courage of the teachers who intervened, saying in a post on X that they undoubtedly prevented other dramas.

An official at the school, which is part of a complex housing a primary and middle school, would not comment on what happened, saying the school is concentrating on caring for the students who were on campus at the time. The school website was down.

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A terrible drama happened at midday today, and my thoughts go first to the teenage girl who lost her life, and to the three wounded students" and their families, Education Minister Elisabeth Borne said. The teachers "are in shock, and at the same time, very mobilized to return to class.''

France's counterterrorism prosecutor's office said it was evaluating'' the incident, but did not take over the investigation as it does when terrorist motives are suspected. Counterterrorism agencies across Europe and beyond have warned recently about a new generation of underage attackers or plotters who have fed on ultraviolent and potentially radicalizing content online.

It was unclear what led the student to carry out Thursday's attack.
By Stephane Mahe

NANTES, France (Reuters) -A 15-year-old boy killed a fellow pupil and wounded three others in a stabbing attack at a high school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday before he was overpowered by teachers, police said.

BFM TV reported that the student who died was a girl and that the three injured students were boys. Police did not confirm the age or gender of the victims.

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Teaching staff subdued the attacker at the Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides, a private Catholic school, before law enforcement officials arrived, a police spokesperson said.

She said there was nothing to indicate a terrorist motive.

Students were held inside the school after the midday attack but allowed to leave in the mid-afternoon under police protection. Dozens of parents waited outside.

"We're waiting to be able to hold them in our arms ... to help them deal with the stress this will have caused," said Nicolas, a parent at the school.

A classmate of the boy told reporters that the attacker had expressed Nazi sympathies.

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"He spoke of Nazi ideology. We thought he just said that to make people laugh. ... What we heard is that he wanted to bring back the Nazi ideas of Hitler," she told reporters outside the school.

The classmate also said that shortly before the attack, the attacker had sent a long email to the entire school.

French media published excerpts of the mail, which they said had an environmental and anti-globalisation message but did not mention a possible attack.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, a conservative, gave no details about the attacker's background or motives.

"The general climate of laxism and a lack of order and hierarchy is what leads to this kind of violence," he told reporters in Nantes.

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Nantes Mayor Johanna Rolland, a socialist, said it was too soon to draw political conclusions.

"The mental health of the youth of this country is an issue that needs to be raised," she said.

The Nantes prosecutor will hold a press conference about the attack on Friday.

(Reporting by Geert De Clercq in Paris and Stephane Mahe in Nantes; Editing by Makini Brice, Timothy Heritage, Frances Kerry and Mark Porter)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  Less than a week ago, Florida State University turned into a crime scene. Since then, FSU students, advocates, and members of the community have held several rallies to call on state leaders, demanding them to take action before the current session wraps up.

Florida State students, who lived through the frightened moments of the shooting, marched to the capitol to plead with state lawmakers.

Thursdays shooting killed two men and injured six others, just one mile away from the statehouse.

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A 20-year-old with a gun was devastating my school and I watched from inside the very building where lawmakers have been debating a bill to lower the age to buy a gun back down to 18, said Samantha Mason, Students Demand Action.

That bill, House Bill 759, passed off of the house floor a month ago before the shooting at Florida State. However, its Senate companion bill, SB 920, sponsored by Hillsborough County lawmaker, Jay Collins, seems to be stalled.

Look at our faces, listen to our stories, and know that we are not going anywhere. You have the power to help us. Were not asking for miracles. Were demanding common sense gun safety laws that save lives, said Stephanie Horowitz, FSU Student.

Horowitz was a freshman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas when a 19-year-old killed 17 people and wounded 17 others.

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Four of my friends died that day and I have been visiting their graves since, for the last seven years, said Horowitz.

Horowitz was teaching a class last week at FSU when the suspected shooter Phoenix Ikner made his way to the student union. Now, she is begging lawmakers to prioritize students over guns.

Inside the statehouse on Wednesday, Senate members gathered for a session, and while there were no talks of gun legislation, there was a moment of silence for the lives lost and those impacted.

Last Thursday my FSU familywas rocked by reckless violence on our campus with six students being shot and 2 adults being killed, said State Senator Corey Simon, (R-Tallahassee). Today I rise and ask for a moment of silence for my Seminole family as we mourn those lost and the many lives that have been changed forever.

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House Democrats are calling out their Republican colleagues, saying the Republican majority can waive the rules at any time and allow any bill at this point to be heard.

Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, and Governor Ron DeSantis did not publicly address FSU students concerns about gun violence on Wednesday.

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Daily attacks and deaths in Ukraine are a harsh reality in the face of the lack of clarity in the indirect negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, which provide no light at the end of the tunnel despite pressure from the United States. A wave of more than 200 Russian drones and missiles hit a dozen regions of Ukraine throughout the early hours of Thursday morning. The worst-hit was Kyiv, which suffered the largest attack on the capital since last summer. The death toll so far is nine with more than 60 wounded, including six children and a pregnant woman, according to municipal, military, and government authorities. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced that he will cut short his trip to South Africa due to the crisis in his country and has insisted that diplomatic efforts be intensified to reach a ceasefire.

The search for missing people is still ongoing among the wreckage of buildings hit in various districts of the city. Wounded people and bodies have been recovered amid fires and collapses of apartment buildings, vehicles, garages, and commercial premises. Russian peace in all its splendor, Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv military administration, summed up in a statement posted on the social network Telegram, urging the population to remain in bomb shelters.

As if from the scene of an earthquake, emergency teams have managed to extract some survivors from the piles of rubble that some buildings have been transformed into and among which cell phones ring occasionally, as witnessed in images shown by local media. The air strikes have caused destruction and casualties in up to 13 locations in Kyiv, where rescuers assisted by dogs are racing against the clock to try to find more trapped people while police officers search for residents among the affected buildings.

In the Sviatoshynskyi neighborhood, the hardest hit, Lyudmyla Ryabovol sits on a chair in the middle of the street, now in daylight, next to the blanket-covered body of her 84-year-old mother, Olena Lunivna. She was old, but not yet dead, she sighs, speaking to a camera. In addition to Kyiv and its surrounding areas, the attack hit Kharkiv, the countrys second-largest city, as well as the regions of Yitomir, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Sumy, and Khmelnytskyi. Damage has also affected rail infrastructure, although trains continue to run normally.

The attack occurred while Zelenskiy was visiting South Africa, where he met with his counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa. The president has reduced his schedule to return to Ukraine as soon as possible. Zelenskiy was decisive Wednesday in refusing to accept Kyivs legal recognition of the Crimean peninsula as Russian territory, as demanded in the proposal put forward by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Republican leader insists that Crimea was lost years ago and that its ownership isnt even part of the current discussions, according to a statement on social media. Trump asserted Wednesday that he already has an agreement with Russia to end the war, although Kyivs approval is still lacking, which he said is so difficult to achieve, expressing his frustration with Zelenskiy for not accepting Washingtons proposed plan, which clearly benefits Moscow.

It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire and a halt to strikes. This was a proposal from the United States. And it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people and evading tough pressure and accountability for its actions, Zelensky lamented in a statement on X.

Yesterdays Russian maximalist demands for Ukraine to withdraw from its regions, combined with these brutal strikes, show that Russia, not Ukraine, is the obstacle to peace. Moscow, not Kyiv, is where pressure should be applied, wrote Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in a post on his X profile. Putin demonstrates through his actions, not words, that he does not respect any peace efforts and only wants to continue the war, added Sybiha, who remains in South Africa pursuing the agenda that Zelenskiy has cut short.

Russian authorities, for their part, accuse Zelenskiy of scuppering diplomatic efforts by refusing to formalize the occupation of Crimea. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova believes the Ukrainian president lacks the capacity to negotiate an agreement that would end the war, Reuters reports.

Russia launched the intense bombardment hours after a high-level delegation from the Ukrainian government, which included Sybiha himself, traveled to London to continue exploring a ceasefire, along with representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States. The latter delegation arrived in a rather lax manner at the last minute, in the absence of Secretary of State Marco Rubio or Trumps special envoy, Steve Witkoff, suggesting Washington viewed the meeting as immaterial: not as significant, at least, as Witkoffs planned visit to Russia this Friday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On the other side, Kremlin authorities denounced, without reporting casualties, the destruction of 87 Ukrainian drones, more than half of them  up to 45  launched over the Crimean peninsula, a Ukrainian territory illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. Hours earlier, Ukrainian authorities had admitted  and celebrated  having managed to strike a factory capable of producing 300 drones a day in the town of Yelabuga, over 600 miles from the border between the two countries.

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The Financial Times has reported that European capitals will not support any US move to recognise Crimea as Russian or pressure Kyiv to accept such a deal. However, some European officials fear that disagreements over the issue will undermine transatlantic security and even disrupt the NATO summit in late June.

Source: Financial Times

Details: The Financial Times noted that the Trump administration had presented Kyiv with a draft agreement with terms that were very favourable to Moscow, including US recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Crimea.

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However, Western officials told the FT that European capitals would not support any US move to recognise Crimea as Russian or pressure Kyiv to accept it.

As officials from unnamed countries said, they will stick to their long-standing position: they will not accept anything that affects Ukraine's sovereignty.

According to the Financial Times, for Europeans, the idea of recognising the annexation of Crimea is unacceptable, as it would destroy the rules-based order that has ensured peace on the continent for generations.

"Crimea and [Ukraine's] future NATO membership aspirations are red lines for us. We cant give them up," an unnamed EU official said.

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The European official said that the Trump administration has already been told that European capitals will not be able to recognise Crimea as Russian. The largest European NATO powers should dissuade Washington from unilateral action, the official added.

The status of Crimea could lead to a serious diplomatic crisis in NATO, the newspaper notes. Prior to the US proposal, NATO officials tried to downplay internal divisions over Ukraine, insisting that the annual summit of alliance leaders in The Hague would focus on defence spending, not war, as participants in the discussions said.

However, Trump's proposed deal and the possibility that the US could abandon the talks, blame Kyiv and normalise relations with Moscow could lead to a split among NATO leaders. "The core issue for the summit is where we are on Ukraine," a Western official said.

Similar divisions are likely to deepen in the EU, particularly over what to do with the EU's economic sanctions against Russia if Washington decides to lift its restrictions.

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"Things don't look good at all," an EU official said. They said that any move by the US to recognise Crimea as part of Russia or to demand that European capitals ease sanctions against Moscow would destroy the unity of the EU.

Background:

Earlier reports indicated that President Trumps administration handed Ukraine a one-page document in Paris last week, presented as a "final" offer for peace  the key points of that proposal are outlined in this news.

Among other things, the US is reportedly ready to recognise Russian control over Ukrainian Crimea and to ease sanctions against Moscow as part of a potential peace agreement.

Zelenskyy recently reiterated that Ukraine does not recognise Russias occupation of Crimea, which is internationally acknowledged as Ukrainian territory.

Trump criticised the statement, saying that "Crimea was lost many years ago" and that Zelenskyy's words "harm peace talks".

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will use his visit to the United States on Thursday 24 April to urge President Donald Trumps administration not to pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace agreement against its will.

Source: Financial Times, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Three informed sources who spoke to the FT said that Rutte is expected to meet with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz.

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The NATO chief will argue that no peace deal should be made without taking Ukraines interests into account, as it would only strengthen Russia, the sources said.

He will also stress that imposing a settlement that is primarily favourable to Moscow could jeopardise the security of the whole of Europe, the FT added.

"The key message is making the Americans understand whats at stake," one NATO diplomat told the newspaper on condition of anonymity.

Rutte will also discuss how best to coordinate the shift of most of NATOs defence burden from the US to European armed forces, the sources said.

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The Trump administration was reported to have provided Ukraine with a one-page document, described as a "final proposal" for a peace settlement, in Paris last week. Among other provisions, the US is reportedly prepared to recognise Russia's control over Ukrainian Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine does not recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea, which remains internationally recognised as Ukrainian territory.

The FT says some European officials are concerned that differences over Trumps unilateral peace proposal  which includes US recognition of Crimea as part of Russia  could undermine transatlantic security and even derail the NATO summit scheduled for late June.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger sat down with WSAVs Andrew Davis to discuss the Afghan Christian refugees, immigration and election laws in Georgia.

Raffensperger recently wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Kristi Noem asking that the Trump Administration hear the asylum claims of Afghan Christian refugees currently residing in the United States prior to sending them back to Afghanistan, where Christians face persecution and even execution by the Taliban.

He then discussed the Trump administrations current immigration laws and the states voting laws.

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Watch the full interview in the video player above.

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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said she made two criminal referrals on Wednesday related to alleged leaks in the intelligence community and said a third referral is on its way.

In a post on the social platform X, Gabbard said the third criminal referral includes the recent illegal leak to the Washington Post, without elaborating on details.

Politicization of our intelligence and leaking classified information puts our nations security at risk and must end, Gabbard said in her statement. Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

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Gabbard said she looks forward to working with federal law enforcement to prosecute the deep-state criminals allegedly involved.

These deep-state criminals leaked classified information for partisan political purposes to undermine POTUS agenda. I look forward to working with @TheJusticeDept and @FBI to investigate, terminate and prosecute these criminals, she wrote.

The statement comes as Trump administration officials have sought to clamp down on leaks to journalists. Last month, Gabbard announced the Trump administration would be aggressively pursuing leakers, accusing them of being politically motivated.

Unfortunately, such leaks have become commonplace with no investigation or accountability. That ends now. We know of and are aggressively pursuing recent leakers from within the Intelligence Community and will hold them accountable, Gabbard wrote in a post last month.

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Alleged leaks have plagued the Department of Defense (DOD) in recent days as well.

The Pentagon on Friday fired senior aides Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll and Darin Selnick after the DOD opened an investigation into leaks of information to news outlets.

The three political appointees said in a joint statement Saturday that they had not been told what they were probed for and are incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended.

Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door, they wrote. All three of us served our country honorably in uniform  for two of us, this included deployments to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And, based on our collective service, we understand the importance of information security and worked every day to protect it.

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But Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has doubled down in recent days, saying in a Tuesday interview that the former top aides could face charges at the end of the investigation into the alleged leaks.

Were going to investigate, and when we investigate, well take it anywhere it leads, Hegseth said in an interview with Brian Kilmeade on Fox Newss Fox & Friends, which Hegseth formerly co-hosted on the weekends.

When that evidence is gathered sufficiently  and this has all happened very quickly  it will be handed over to DOJ [the Department of Justice], and those people will be prosecuted, if necessary, the secretary added.

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Gabriela Hearst, Willy Chavarria and Padma Lakshmi helped the American Civil Liberties Union launch its Creatives for Freedom initiative Wednesday night at The Standard, East Village.

The organizations aim is to bring together leaders in fashion, film, television, social media, music, comedy and advocacy to draw attention to critical issues facing democracy. The crowd in the Cooper Square hotels penthouse included designers Jameel Mohammed, Kim Shui and Kingsley Gbadegesin, actors Alan Cumming, Busy Phillips and Danai Gurira, rapper Joey Bada$$, artist Dustin Yellen, model Ella Snyder, as well as others like Glenda Bailey and Julie Gilhart.

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Hearst, Chavarria and Lakshmi cohosted the event with the ACLUs deputy executive director for strategy and culture AJ Hikes, and its national legal director Cecillia Wang spoke of the groups ongoing efforts to protect and advance fundamental freedoms.

As an ACLU member since 2017, Hearst said its important to remember that it is a nonpartisan 105-year-old organization that is here to defend our rights and the Constitution. The designer said that when Trumps second administration started in a dramatic, vicious and targeted way, she inquired about doing more. Hearst spoke of Steven Spielbergs upcoming series on Netflix about the ACLU, and her $250,000 donation to the organization. Anyone who wants to match is welcome to. If you cant, come with whatever you can. Come with your work, your brain, your heart  everything is welcome, she said.

Chavarria, a Mexican American, spoke of having the good fortune of having been born and raised by a humble, good and working family in an immigrant community in California. Im also of the LGBQT persuasion, which means that every ounce of blood in my body is really built to fight against the oppression that we are seeing right now that is stronger than ever, he said. All of the creatives in this room can have such incredible impact and contact with people both emotionally and spiritually. Through our art and the way we communicate, we can really make people feel and think differently about whats going on. Its important that we do that especially at a time when so many brands, TV series and whatever are just ignoring whats going on.

Encouraging attendees to use messaging about the current situation through the beauty of fashion, makeup, music or other disciplines, Chavarria said, We are the ones who are probably best poised to get people to really see whats going on. We need to protect people, the institutions and the organizations that are under attack. Our ability to contribute to and guide unique and powerful cultural and topical conversations is more necessary now than ever before.

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The author and Emmy-nominated TV host Lakshmi, who is also the ACLU artist ambassador for immigrants and womens rights, said, Democracy is really being threatened at every turn whether it is bodily autonomy, LGBQT rights, equal rights, or First Amendment rights. There is no frontier of our society or culture that is not under attack.

Hikes spoke of the ACLUs millions of supporters around the country, and its legal arguments in the Supreme Court with equal rights for all being its guiding principles. Hikes and other supporters talked about the groups priorities that were designated more than a year ago  immigration, reproductive freedom, trans justice, and free speech  always free speech. With 350 litigators nationwide, Hikes said, Even with that kind of force, we are still David to the governments Goliath.

During Trumps first administration, the ACLU took 434 legal actions and, thus far, into his second administration, more than 100 legal actions have been taken. Wang highlighted how the ACLU helped four theater groups take legal action in a Rhode Island federal court to challenge the National Endowment for the Arts from requiring that grantees projects not promote gender ideology, per a Trump executive order.

After the panel discussion, one of the ACLUs more seasoned supporters, Terry McDonnell, spoke of his commitment. Having supported the ACLU since he was 25, the media executive, literary editor and author said that was due to how, They echo that great thinking about I could agree with you, or disagree with you, or hate whatever you think, but I will die to protect your right to think that. I hope theyre still doing that. Its a First Amendment thing foremost. Im totally in support of that.

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Referring to the long and broad menu that the ACLU presents to people, McDonnell said he would like to see that expand. As for the events strong turnout, his wife Stacey Hadash said, I think people are really frustrated, sad, angry and feeling all different emotions. And they dont know what to do or how to organize. One of the messages that came out tonight was, Check us out. Do anything. Anything that you do with us is worthwhile, and that can make you feel better.

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GADSDEN  Gadsden State Community Colleges Police and Public Safety Department has launched a new chaplain program aimed at supporting officer wellness, providing mental health resources for students and employees, and strengthening community ties.

The volunteer chaplaincy team, one of the first of its kind at a community college in Alabama, is trained in law enforcement chaplaincy and will serve as a resource during crises, moments of need and for day-to-day support. The initiative is designed to be accessible to all five Gadsden State campuses.

This chaplain program is about people  offering compassion, comfort and emotional support, Gadsden State police Chief Jay Freeman said. In law enforcement, we encounter difficult situations. Our officers, employees and students face challenges, and we want to ensure they know theyre not alone. This program is here for them  no matter the situation. Its one more step in building a department and a college community that looks out for one another.

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A formal swearing-in ceremony for the chaplain team will take place at 4 p.m. Monday, April 21, at the Gadsden State Police Department. Family and friends are invited to attend.

The inaugural team includes:

 Gary Cardwell, lead pastor of Black Creek Church

 Tracy Griggs, campus minister at the Etowah Baptist Association

 Robby Davis, youth director and associate pastor at Cross Creek Community Church

 Steven Fraizer, lead pastor of Riverbend Baptist Church

 Joe Simmons, pastor at New Liberty Tabernacle of Praise

These chaplains will be available to provide emotional and spiritual care to those experiencing crises, as well as to offer a consistent presence around campus.

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Freeman credited Gadsden State President Dr. Kathy Murphy for her role in bringing the program to life.

This place will be better for it, he said. Were grateful to Dr. Murphy for believing in this program from the beginning.

The department plans to expand the chaplaincy program over time, continuing to adapt it to the needs of the Gadsden State community.

We always want to be prepared for any and all events, Freeman said. Were not just preparing to respond  were preparing to support one another.

For more information about the Chaplain Program or to get involved, contact the Gadsden State Police/Public Safety Department at (256) 549-8611.
My phone rang at 4 AM. This was during the worst of the COVID pandemic, when most Americans with good sense were hiding from the poison air. I was watching television and reading. When the phone rings at 4 AM, it rarely means anything good. The call was from my aunt. I held my breath to calm down, exhaled, and then I asked her, Is everything OK? Are you alright? Did you get sick or something? My aunt is in her 80s. She is a bit of a trickster. With age, she has only become more of her true self in that way. She giggled and told me, Papa Trump just paid off. I got my COVID money! I was annoyed that she called me at such an obscenely early hour to tell me that she got her Trump money.

My aunt does not like Donald Trump. Like many other Black working-class folks that I know, she thinks that Trump can be a bit off at times and does bad things. But, she admits, he is very funny. She also likes that Donald Trump says what everyone is thinking, but most politicians dont have the nerve to say publicly. She was amazed by how Trump got up from the ground so quickly and pumped his fist in the air after being shot at in Pennsylvania during the 2024 campaign by that crazy man who should never have been allowed to get that close to the president and how the whole thing was like a scene in an action movie or comic book!

After my aunt shared her glee at getting her Trump bucks, I asked, Are you going to vote for him now? And what are you going to spend your big Trump bucks on? She immediately answered, Hell no! But I do need some more money. I have to make up for being so behind because everything got so expensive, and I needed all these supplies for COVID. Some months later I asked my aunt who she voted for in the 2020 election. She changed the subject and wanted to talk about neighborhood gossip instead.

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When Donald Trump gave the American people COVID stimulus money  with his signature on the check  I knew that was a defining moment which would, quite literally, pay-off for him. The payoff came not in the 2020 election but four years later in 2024. The American people were traumatized by the mass death and pain of the COVID years. As is common for individuals and societies under extreme duress, many Americans have actually forgotten or misremembered Donald Trump and his administrations willful incompetence and malign behavior during the COVID pandemic. However, they remembered Trumps COVID relief checks.

Public opinion, focus group, and other research  as well as anecdotal evidence  suggests that Donald Trumps COVID relief money and the expectation that he would be giving out more money if he won the 2024 election, likely played a role in his victory over Kamala Harris.

In a story that was published following the 2024 election, CBS News provided this context:

President-elect Donald Trump in his first term as president sent out two stimulus checks to millions of Americans during the pandemic, part of the federal government's goal of keeping consumers financially afloat during the crisis. Now, some social media posts are claiming that Trump, once he takes office next year, may issue another check  a likelihood that experts say is extremely slim. Posts on TikTok are suggesting Trump might issue another round of checks, while on X, some users are questioning if they're in line for a payment. While some consumers might believe that Trump or Biden alone was responsible for sending out stimulus checks  perhaps because Trump put his name on the memo line of the first check  the payments were part of three bills passed by Congress, which were then sent to the sitting president for his signature. "A president can't unilaterally issue stimulus checks, and the ones sent out during his last administration were largely the result of a push from Democrats in the House and Senate," Channel noted. "Though Trump ultimately did sign the bill that sent stimulus checks to Americans, he isn't solely responsible for them." In other words, there would first need to be legislation passed by Congress to authorize another stimulus check, something that currently isn't on the horizon.

In a story from October 2024, The Detroit Free Press reported:

Oprah Winfrey recounted an interaction with a Black man who told her hes voting for Trump at the airport ahead of a Farmington Hills campaign event with Vice President Kamala Harris last month. He goes, Im voting for Trump because he gave me that check,  Winfrey told the audience. Ive heard that from several people: that I got the check. He gave us the check. And so therefore, forget about everything else. Its about the checks. The Trump supporters comment is a familiar one for Black voters across the country and in Detroit. Its been suggested by popular rappers in interviews and songs. Detroits Babyface Rays 2021 hit If You Know You Know features the hook: Im tipping, pass it out like Trump. And it all stems from the up to $1,200 and $600 pandemic relief checks sent out in March and December 2020. Another round of checks for up to $1,400 went out in March 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden That money was taxpayer dollars, said former state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo. During COVID, Congress passed legislation to move that money. We need civics back in school because people dont even understand the process. The money didnt come out of Trumps pocket, he didnt go and tell Congress, it was the other way around. Trump insisted on signing the checks."

Like a game show host, in a new series of emails Donald Trump is hinting that he will give the American people  specifically his MAGA followers  free money, money saved from the gutting of the federal government:

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This new email reads:

DOGE dividend check? Friend, should I give DOGE savings back to you? Check signed by Trump!

Trumps new email then has a link to a poll asking:

SHOULD TRUMP GIVE DOGE SAVINGS BACK TO AMERICAN CITIZENS VIA CHECK?

As a master propagandist and expert manipulator of the media and information environment, Donald Trump is very intentional with his strategic messaging. Trump would not be sending such emails if he did not have research suggesting that such messaging would be effective in keeping his MAGA followers loyalty, bringing in new supporters, and/or generating more distraction and spectacle that he can use as cover and camouflage for his autocratic project.

Those outside of the MAGAverse and TrumpWorld, especially the mainstream liberals and centrists in the news media and political class, will, as they have consistently done, mock Trumps free money bonanza emails and other outreach and fake populist appeals. Such voices tend to believe that anyone who would trust Trumps promises of free money are dumb, dupes, rubes and/or easy marks. These same public voices and elites have a credibility and legitimacy problem. They are the same people who underestimated Donald Trumps broad appeal and power in 2024.

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Donald Trumps repeated hint that he is going to send the American people more money reflects a larger strategy with him at the center of a vast propaganda experience machine. The Democrats, liberals, progressives and mainstream political class more broadly have no equivalent experience machine. Nor do they have an easy way of countering it.

There is also the self-sabotage. For example, in a speech at the Brookings Institution in December of last year, President Biden shared his regrets at not signing the COVID relief checks. Rolling Stone reports:

Within the first two months of office I signed the American Rescue Plan, Biden said. And also learned something from Donald Trump  he signed checks for people, $7,400 for people because we passed the plan. I didnt  stupid. Bidens statement was incorrect on several fronts. The maximum amount given to an individual with no children through the three combined pandemic-era stimulus payments was $3,200. Two of those checks were authorized under Trumps administration, and the third under Biden. Trump did make a show of having his name printed on the first round of checks issued in mid-2020, marking the first time a presidents name had appeared on an IRS disbursement. While the president-elect was criticized for treating economic relief born of an act of Congress as a personal payment to Americans, his signatures presence on the checks had staying power.

Bidens top economic adviser, Jared Bernstein, told reporters that Biden was just kidding when he shared his regrets. It would seem that Biden told too much truth.

During the 2020 campaign, Biden promised the American people a final COVID relief check of 2,000 dollars. He reneged on this promise, and the American people only received a final check of 1,400 dollars. President Biden said it was all a big misunderstanding. This failure to fulfill a promise, and then pretend that it was not made, could not have helped Bidens electoral fortunes and those of Kamala Harris and the Democrats in the 2024 election.

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Trumps suggestion that he may give the American people another stimulus check (or DOGE dividends) resonates because of the countrys extreme levels of wealth and income inequality. Research has repeatedly shown that most Americans do not have 1,000 dollars that they could use for an emergency without going into (further) debt, selling something, or borrowing money from a friend or relative. As a function of the race-wealth gap, African-Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, Native Americans and members of other marginalized communities have even less in savings than the average white American. This level of extreme economic anxiety and fear does not resonate in a direct and personal way with the news media and political elites as a group. Many (if not most) of its members come from affluent backgrounds and have other forms of privilege and social capital. To many of them, the very idea that an everyday American would trade their democracy and freedom and civil rights for a few hundred (or even thousands of) dollars seems absurd and ridiculous.

"Democracy is an abstract concept that many Americans cannot explain even in the most basic terms. However, those same Americans are experts on their daily lived experience of being terrified that they will not be able to pay their bills at the end of the month or weather the hardship of a financial emergency. For them, Trump bucks would be a literal lifeline.

In politics, there is the truism and question, What have you done for me lately? If President Trump sends out another stimulus check, he and the MAGA Republicans will be able to say, I gave you money. The Democrats and the so-called Resistance possess no comparable answer, brand, or competing message.

I have a deep and horrible intuition, based on Donald Trumps long pattern of behavior and public statements (and specifically his carny showman professional wrestling instincts) that he is going to declare a national holiday to honor himself and the MAGA movement. Trump will likely call this holiday something like American Freedom Day. As part of that holiday, Donald Trump will also announce that he is giving the American people money as a gift. If Trump does follow through on this scenario, he will likely have cemented the next election for himself (what will be a third term in violation of the Constitution), his designated successors, and the MAGA Republicans for a long time. No voter nullification, voter suppression or other skullduggery and interference will be needed. The 2024 election may have signaled a fundamental realignment in American politics. More Trump bucks could make that realignment a near certainty.
In a crisis-wracked nation where hospitals were hurting even before U.S. aid freezes earlier this year and gangs torched or gutted many medical facilities, the University Hospital of Mirebalais was among the last still standing.

With solar-power, 300-plus beds and a network of U.S. doctors and experts in global health, the 205,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility provided free cancer care to women and children. It allowed renal patients in northern and central Haiti to access free dialysis treatments without risking their lives passing through gang controlled roads to Port-au-Prince. And it had boasting rights as the only place in the entire Caribbean where conjoined twins were ever separated.

It was our beacon of hope, said Dr. Henri Ford, the Haiti-born dean of the University of Miamis Miller School of Medicine, who in 2015 led a team of more than two dozen health professionals in separating the 6-months old girls, joined at the abdomen, inside the Mirebalais hospitals operating room. It really stood as a symbol of the Haitian potential; what we could realize as a nation if we came together and put our minds to it.

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With billions of dollars promised, and never delivered, after the devastating 2010 earthquake, lHopital Universitaire de Mirebalais, as it is known in French, was also a promise met. The $24 million privately built, public facility in Haitis Central Plateau opened its doors in April of 2013 and was the vision of the late Dr. Paul Farmer. A world-renowned global health champion and co-founder of Boston-based Partners In Health, Farmer devoted his career to bringing healthcare to Haitis rural poor.

Weeks after evacuating the facility, the hospitals executive management has now informed staff in an internal note that the doors will remain closed until further notice. The team cited the worrying security situation prevailing in the city.

Its another Haitian city fallen into the hands of armed gangs and another health facility forced to shutter its doors, further reducing the dwindling healthcare options for millions of Haitians.

There is no way to justify the needless destruction of these medical facilities by the gangs, said Dr. Ted Higgins, a retired Kansas city vascular surgeon who built and runs the Higgins Brothers Surgicenter for Hope, east of Port-au-Prince in the town of Fond-Parisien near the border with the Dominican Republic. It is senseless and criminal but continues to occur as we watch from a distance.

A nurse at the University Hospital of Mirebalais in central Haiti calls out the names of patients who will be getting their chemotherapy treatment.

An American missionary, who helps with a medical clinic near the city of Mirebalais, described to Higgins on Wednesday the aftermath of the gangs attack in the city, 30 miles northeast of the capital and near another border crossing with the Dominican border.

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They removed the solar panels, broke into the church and clinic, and stole medications along with medical and dental equipment, including the new X-ray and sonogram machines, the missionary said.

Even sadder, we built homes for two families that were squatting on the property when we purchased it years ago, they burned their homes. The area is under their control, she went on to say, adding that the facility is now a gang headquarters.

One church member who managed to escape to the nearby town of Cange, where Farmer first began his work in Haiti with a clinic before opening a network of medical centers, is now considering returning, the missionary added, because the woman believes it is only a matter of time before the armed groups attack Cange and she doesnt want to be there for the initial violence.

At least, the woman has rationalized about her return to Mirebalais even while being overrun by gangs, she will have a roof and food they give out from time to time.

Gangs force out thousands in central Haiti

The attacks were launched by two gangs, 400 Mawozo and the Canaan gang, which also refers to itself as Taliban. Both are part of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition, which now controls up to 90% of metropolitan Port-au-Prince and on Wednesday killed several members of Haitis security forces and of a self-defense brigade during gangs attempt to gain control of two new capital neighborhoods.

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After storming Mirebalais on March 31 and attacking the police station, gangs released more than 500 prisoners from the local prison. They then targeted the rural town of Saut dEau, which lies at the crossroads of the Central Plateau where Mirebalais is located and the West region where Port-au-Prince is situated.

READ MORE: Cervical cancer is treatable. Why are women in Haiti still dying from it?

More than 51,400 Haitians have been internally displaced in the Central Plateau area, the United Nations International Organization for Migration said this week. At least 76 others have been killed, according to Haitis Office of Civil Protection.

The crisis has disrupted public services and education, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters in New York. All schools in Mirebalais and Saut-dEau are closed, with more than 30 schools in neighboring communes being used as temporary shelters for displaced families.

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Power cuts, disruptions to communications networks, and the ongoing presence of armed groups were all hampering response efforts, he said. But despite the challenges, U.N. aid agencies and their partners were scaling up the response to support those affected by the brutal violence including deploying mobile clinics to try and provide healthcare to reach 30,000 people in host communities and displacement camps.

Our humanitarian colleagues note that protection needs are surging. Women, children and people with disabilities require urgent support, and signs of post-traumatic stress have been reported, particularly in the area of Boucan Carre, Dujarric said about the neighboring town where the majority have fled.

Dozens of hospitals, clinics shuttered

In less than four years, Haiti has seen the destruction and closure of dozens of hospitals and medical clinics as armed groups take over entire towns and set up encampments in places of worship, private homes and buildings that once saved lived.

In January, when the Trump administration announced cuts to foreign aid, Mirebalais was still functioning and opening its doors to HIV/AIDS patients forced to find a new treatment after cuts forced some agencies dependent on the United States Agency for International Development, to close their doors.

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Now its beds are empty, all of its patients either sent home or transferred elsewhere including 10 hospitalized children, some of whom with Cerebral palsy and others abandoned, now being cared for by a partner organization.

Its the biggest tragedy of my lifetime to see this shut down and taken over by a bunch of thugs, Ford said.

When COVID-19 hit, the University Hospital of Mirebalais opened a specialized unit.

In a statement about the situation, Partners In Health noted that for the past decade, whenever someone has fallen sick or a disaster has struck Haiti, the University Hospital of Mirebalais has proudly stood as a place where anyone, no matter their background or income, could get access to the free, high-quality health care that they deserve.

The tenacity of our colleagues throughout this incredibly challenging period has been a beacon of hope for the people of Haiti and served as the physical manifestation of our organizations commitment to serving as an antidote to despair, the statement said.

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At the time of the statement, the hospital had not been attacked. As of now, staff is still trying to assess its state, unable to safely access its grounds or any area south of the Riviere de Fer a Cheval, which is part of the main tributary of the Artibonite River, due to the heavy presence of heavily armed gang members.

PIH began in Haiti, and our core values of solidarity and accompaniment emerged from our work with Haitian communities, Dr. Shelia Davis, CEO of Partners In Health, said. No matter how daunting the challenges of this particular moment have seemed, our Haitian colleagues have never wavered or indulged in the luxury of pessimism, and I couldnt be more proud to say that our organization will continue to stand with the people of Haiti today, tomorrow, and long into the future.

Dr. Wesler Lambert, executive director of Zanmi Lasante as Partners In Health is known in Haiti, said clinical operations are continuing in other institutions in the network, where patients have been transferred, and staff reallocated.

Both Lambert and Davis spoke of resuming activities in Mirebalais as soon as it is safe to do so. But when, is anyones guest. Police have lost control of the city and the gunmen are now declaring themselves rulers of the region. Theyve seized control of at least one station, renamed it Taliban FM, and now use it to spread their propaganda amid mounting fears the regions capital of Hinche, will soon be their next target.

Dr. Pascale Yola Gassant (far right), performs a test on Djooly Jeune, 18, while the staff at the University Hospital of Mirebalais in central Haiti observe. Gassant, a pediatric oncologist, founded Haits only childhood cancer program at St. Damien Pediatric Hospital in metropolitan Port-au-Prince.

The escalating gang violence has left Haitis health system on the brink of collapse, and Haitians with few options as they not only battle chronic illnesses but increase cases of sexual violence, hunger and malnutrition.

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Before its closure, the University Hospital of Mirebalais served nearly 850 patients a day, including providing maternal care and advanced cancer treatment. Two other hospitals in the area  St. Therese in Hinche and the 200-bed Albert Schweitzer Hospital in the Artibonite  are now coming under increased strain and face critical shortages of oxygen, emergency medical kits and other supplies, Dujarric said on Wednesday.

The two facilities have treated more than 200 patients for gunshot wounds, strokes, suspected cholera and malnutrition, since the Mirebalais hospital closure. St. Therese has received more than 3,500 internally displaced people tripling its outpatient caseload. Albert Schweitzer, meanwhile, transformed its Cholera Treatment Center into a refuge for those fleeing the violence and after helping Mirebalais doctors and nurses flee, provided meals and housing.

In Port-au-Prince, where gunshot victims are dying due to a lack of blood supply and oxygen, less than 40% of hospitals are fully functionally, according to the U.N. Elsewhere, the access to healthcare is even more scarce as communities find themselves unable to get lifesaving medicines and supplies, or even a doctor due to gangs control of roads.

Earlier this month, Haitians lost access to two facilities in metropolitan Port-au-Prince run by the French medical charity, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres. Citing the spiraling violence and what it described as an intentional attack against its staff, the charity said it was closing an emergency center and a trauma hospital for three months. During that time, MSF says it plans to evaluate whether its staff can continue operating in such an environment after being targeted.

Dominican immigration crackdown

This week, Higgins and others were grappling with another fallout of the health crisis and gang violence. One of his physicians, Dr. Jolius Thelusme, a urologist surgeon, found himself jailed in the Dominican Republic while trying to cross back into Haiti from northern Haiti where he was seeing patients in Cap-Haitien. Because of the gangs control of Saut dEau, and other cities leading to Fond-Parisien where Thelusme lives and works, he could only access eastern Haiti via the Dominican Republic.

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But as he traveled through one immigration check point after another on a bus on Saturday, he was eventually arrested by Dominican immigration and placed in an iron box truck, despite presenting his passport and authorization to enter the country. He was taken to a detention center in Haina. After being confined to a crammed cell, Thelusme was eventually released on Tuesday but not before he was handcuffed and forced to have his photo taken before being handed over to an official of the Haitian embassy. Other Haitians, have not been as lucky.

READ MORE: Aid cuts mean Haiti will need to do more to shoulder humanitarian response, UN says

On Wednesday, Dominican authorities said they had deported 135 people, including children and dozens of women whom had just given birth and others still pregnant, back to Haiti as part of a crackdown on undocumented Haitians. The deportations are part of series of 15 new controversial measures President Luis Abinader announced would begin taking effect on Monday.

Dominican police officers were deployed to over 30 hospitals and the government said 48 pregnant women, 39 new mothers and 48 minors were apprehended on the first day and taken to a detention center to be fingerprinted. They were later dropped off at the Elias Pina border crossing, which is in the same region as gang-controlled Mirebalais.

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Delivering healthcare in Haiti is nearly impossible with a lack of humanitarian corridors, particularly around the Port-au-Prince area, and difficult entry routes for medical supplies, medications, and equipment, Higgins said. Now with the gangs destroying medical centers and medical facilities, trashing medical equipment, and turning the facilities into headquarters, there will soon be no delivery of healthcare in Haiti if this pattern continues.

The Haitians who remain and provide care for their people are all heroes, he added. They know and are fearful of the gang warfare situation, but most healthcare providers stay with the hope that stability in Haiti somehow can be accomplished.
The story made headlines around the world. A massive meteor may have destroyed the biblical city of Sodom, was the headline in Forbes magazine. A team of U.S. scientists had just presented evidence suggesting that a cosmic airburst obliterated Tall el-Hammam, a town located in the Jordan River Valley, in present-day Jordan, around 3,600 years ago.

The researchers shared images of a destruction layer uncovered at the archaeological site  complete with molten metals indicating temperatures that may have exceeded 2,000 degrees Celsius (3,632F). They proposed that a cloud of salt, hurled into the air by the explosion, may have rendered the region uninhabitable for centuries. According to the team, the memory of this cataclysm could have inspired the biblical tale of Sodoms destruction.

The scientific journal Scientific Reports, which originally published the study in September 2021, retracted it this Thursday after editors found clear errors and concluded that the data no longer supported the authors conclusions.

In the Bible, the Christian God rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire because their inhabitants were wicked and sinning greatly against the Lord. The biblical account is confusing, but has traditionally been interpreted to suggest that the men of Sodom engaged freely in same-sex relations.

The Quran is more direct, quoting the shepherd Lot as saying: Will ye commit abomination such as no creature ever did before you? Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Lo! ye come with lust unto men instead of women. Nay, but ye are wanton folk. According to scripture, Lots wife looked back at the devastation, and was turned into a pillar of salt.

The now-retracted study was authored by several founding members of the Comet Research Group, a team of mostly U.S. scientists whose stated mission is to find evidence about comet impacts and raise awareness about them before your city is next, as stated on their website. The groups director, geologist Allen West, is outraged over the retraction. I and the other co-authors strongly disagree with the retraction, he tells EL PAIS.

West  known for his frequent appearances in documentaries on historical catastrophes  acknowledges that, as cosmologist Carl Sagan famously said, extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. But he also cites another Sagan quote: The suppression of uncomfortable ideas may be common in religion or in politics, but it is not the path to knowledge, and theres no place for it in the endeavor of science.

West contends that a small but vocal group of scientists has actively sought to stifle discussion on the Tall el-Hammam airburst. He and his colleagues plan to republish the study with updated findings, including new data on the directionality of the blast wave and shocked quartz  found in the soil of the site.

The archaeological site of Tall el-Hammam in Jordan. Universidad de California en Santa Barbara

The founders of the Comet Research Group are convinced that an airburst occurred at the site in Jordan, one even larger than the 1908 explosion over Siberias Tunguska region, where an extraterrestrial object disintegrated in the atmosphere, unleashing energy said to be a thousand times greater than the Hiroshima atomic bomb.

The critics thought that they could suppress this discussion, but they failed. We are simply going around them so that the debate about these extremely dangerous airbursts can continue, says West.

The journal that published their study, Scientific Reports, is part of the same publishing group as Nature, widely regarded as a gold standard in global scientific publishing. But the quality of the two journals differs significantly. Nature is elite. Scientific Reports, by contrast, is the most prolific scientific journal in the world, publishing more than 20,000 papers a year.

German expert Stefanie Haustein has estimated that the journal generated 100 million ($113 million) over four years, thanks to fees charged to authors  about 2,400 ($2,730) per article  for open-access publication. Under this model, many journals have a built-in, perverse incentive: the more studies they publish, the more revenue they generate, regardless of quality.

The initial announcement that a cosmic airburst may have inspired the biblical story of Sodom stirred immediate controversy. But the editor-in-chief of Scientific Reports, chemist Rafal Marszalek, defends the actions taken over the past four years. This was a complex case for which differing concerns emerged over many months, with the final concerns raised undermining the conclusions of the paper and necessitating retraction, he explains to EL PAIS.

As early as 2022, the journal had identified what it described as an inappropriate level of manipulation in dozens of images associated with the alleged impact. That same year, U.S. geologists Steven Jaret, from the American Museum of Natural History, and Robert Scott Harris, from the University of Georgia, argued that the supposed minerals melted by a cosmic explosion could instead be remnants of ceramic vessels fired by the inhabitants of Tall el-Hammam.

Marszalek says that the re-evaluation of the study was based strictly on the validity of the results, never on the ideological positions of any of the parties involved.

Two days ago, Scientific Reports published a new analysis by independent experts Andy Bruno and Mark Boslough, from Indiana University and the University of New Mexico, respectively. The article addressed the misunderstandings surrounding the Tunguska explosion, which they say led to erroneous interpretations of the evidence at Tall el-Hammam.

Bruno and Boslough criticized the Comet Research Group for accepting false data that had been circulating for decades  such as the claim that the Tunguska event toppled more than 80 million trees in the Siberian taiga.

In their view, even if a similar event had occurred in Jordan, it would not have been sufficient to cause the destruction described by West and his colleagues. Marszalek agrees, stating that the new analysis demonstrates clear errors and confirms longstanding concerns. The editors therefore no longer have confidence that the conclusions presented are reliable and so have taken the decision to retract the paper, he concludes.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  A shooting that claimed the life of a beloved grandmother in Harlem Tuesday night and a gang bust involving 27 accused Tren de Aragua members have many in the local community on edge.

On Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams appeared on PIX11 News to discuss recent incidents and deliver a message to New Yorkers who may feel fearful of random acts of violence and crime.

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Stats mean nothing if people dont feel safe, said Adams. We are at the lowest shooting this quarter in recorded history in the city, but what does that mean if you have a 61-year-old grandmother who lost her life?

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In response to the gang takedown, Adams stated, Gangs cannot control our city. The most horrific part of this takedown is that they were also preying on migrants and asylum seekers. They were taking their documentation and reportedly holding onto them and forcing them into prostitution and going after their family members, both here and in their countries. These are dangerous people we are talking about.

Watch the video player for the full interview.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Gangs trying to seize full control of Haiti 's capital have killed at least four soldiers and four armed civilians who worked with law enforcement to protect their communities, an official said Thursday.

Lionel Lazarre, spokesman for Haitis National Police, told Radio Caraibes that two soldiers and four civilians were killed in Kenscoff, a once peaceful community on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Two other soldiers and an undetermined number of civilians were killed in the community of Pacot inside the capital, he said.

On Wednesday night, the government said that at least four police officers and armed civilians from the community of Canape-Vert, one of the few neighborhoods not controlled by gangs, were killed in the attacks.

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In videos posted on social media, gunmen are seen mutilating several bodies and picking up severed heads as trophies, saying, We got the dogs.

Ergens St. Pierre, a police officer and the leader of armed civilians in Canape-Verte, told online news site Tripotay Lakay late Wednesday that he was in mourning.

The people of Canape-Vert are crying a lot, he said. It was a personal initiative that they died for, so that the criminals wouldnt come and take over their area.

Haitis transitional presidential council and the prime ministers office condemned the attacks in separate statements and said that multiple people were injured.

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The government reaffirms that the fight against insecurity remains its top priority, the office said.

Gangs that control at least 85% of Port-au-Prince have launched recent attacks on previously peaceful areas that police and armed residents are trying to protect.

More than 260 people were killed in attacks on Kenscoff and Carrefour earlier this year, according to the U.N. political mission in Haiti.

Haitian police are working alongside a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to repel gangs, although they have struggled in their efforts. The mission is underfunded and only has some 1,000 personnel out of the 2,500 envisioned.

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On Monday, the top U.N. official in Haiti told the U.N. Security Council that escalating gang violence is likely to lead the Caribbean nation to a point of no return. Maria Isabel Salvador warned that Haiti could face total chaos without increased funding and support for the multinational force.

More than 5,600 people were killed in Haiti last year, with gang violence leaving more than one million people homeless. I n February and March alone, 1,086 people were killed and 383 injured, according to the U.N.
GLENNVILLE, Ga. (WSAV)  A recent report from the Justice Department calls the activity inside Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) facilities unconstitutional.

Just last month, a drone, carrying contraband, crashed into a home in Glennville. Officers believe it was heading to Smith State Prison.

WSAV has also reported on several violent deaths inside the prison, inmates and even staff members like Aureon Grace. An anonymous employee told us last June, the inmates are running the prison. Were just allowed to be there. Were allowed to go home every day by the grace of the inmates.

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And in 2021, a cell phone was used inside the prison order a hit on a corrections officer (CO), but the murder for hire was botched. Instead of that prison guard, an innocent, 88-year-old man, Bobby Kicklighter, was shot and killed in his sleep.

Court documents show the case and the death of Jessica Gerling, a former GDC CO, in June 2021, is tied to the Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Squad. Investigators say this gang included prisoners, some employees and even the former warden, Brian Adams.

A report from the Justice Department shows there were 142 homicides in GDC facilities over a 6 year period  35 of those in 2023 alone. The department stating the violence reached crisis level.

News 3 had the opportunity to ask Attorney General Chris Carr about these concerns and what his office is doing to fight gangs inside prison walls.

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If you are going to break the law, were coming after you. I dont care who you are, Carr said. This is a public safety issue. People are dying. Theyre losing their life savings in scams. And were going after them.

Carr says his office now able to prosecute gangs no matter where they are.

We take that very seriously. Were working with GDC to make sure that anybody thats helping an individual commit a crime, were going after them as well, Carr said.

Carr told WSAV that hes supporting legislation that would change a law preventing local and state law enforcement from tapping into cell phones.

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As for the Kicklighter case, a hearing for the alleged leader of YSL Squad, Nathan Weekes, has been scheduled for May 22nd. A trial date is set for the fall.

WSAV has reached out to GDC Public Affairs for comment. We have not yet heard back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
(NewsNation)  Cenk Uygur is trying to recruit Democrats who will lean into left-wing populism, which he says is the only way for the party to rebound after the bruising 2024 election. Also joining CUOMO is Geraldo Rivera, NewsNation correspondent-at-large, who offers some thoughts on the idea.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Russian intelligence services are increasingly targeting German academic organizations focused on Eastern Europe, according to the head of the Academic Network Eastern Europe (AKNO), Philipp Schmadeke.

This marks a shift, as such operations mostly affected exiled opposition figures and journalists before 2021, not scientists and their organizations, Schmadeke told dpa.

He added that one of AKNO's partner organizations had been broken into three times and the Berlin-based network itself had successfully repelled two cyberattacks, as they anticipated such threats. While difficult to prove, Schmadeke believes Russian services are behind these efforts.

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AKNO, which has supported 1,200 people from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine over the past four years, helps scientists forced to flee repression, persecution, employment bans and war.

Since December 2023, AKNO has been named an "undesirable foreign organization" in Russia, banning it from operating there.

Germany's Federal Office for Information Security and the domestic intelligence agency are currently looking into a cyberattack on the German Association for East European Studies, presumably directed from Russia, that was made public at the end of March.
German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Muller, one of late Pope Francis' fiercest critics, on Thursday said he hopes the new pontiff will reverse course on some of the more progressive issues pushed by the pontiff, including dialogue with Muslims.

Muller told Italian daily La Repubblicca that he thought it was possible to "enter into dialogue" with Muslims "on the level of reason."

"They respect certain principles of natural ethics and believe in God in their own way," he said.

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"But we have to ask ourselves how it's possible for someone, who believes in God, the creator of humankind, to kill in the name of God," Muller added, apparently referring to Islamist extremism.

The cardinal went on to say that while he was generally in favour of dialogue, "any form of relativism" has to be avoided.

Muller is among the conservative clergy who have been warning for years that showing too much tolerance towards other religions could water down the Catholic faith.

Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, always advocated for dialogue with other religions, including Islam.

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The late pontiff also promoted openness towards marginalized groups, including homosexuals, drawing ire from conservative forces within the Church when he approved blessings for same-sex couples in 2023.

Muller said he hoped the new pope, who will be elected by cardinals in the coming weeks, will reverse the course chartered by Francis regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) issues.

He said the new pope "must make clear" that "the Catholic doctrine of marriage must not be relativized."

The cardinal said that, in his opinion, church doctrine was not one of Francis' strengths.

While the pontificate of Francis' predecessor pope Benedict XVI was characterized by "complete theological clarity," Pope Francis' "abilities" had lain more in "the social sphere," Muller said.
BERLIN (Reuters) - A German police officer has been suspended from duty pending a homicide investigation after shooting dead a 21-year-old Black man, state prosecutors said on Thursday, in a case that has raised concerns over racism.

Police said the man began spraying tear gas at security staff of a night club in the northern city of Oldenburg early on Sunday after being refused entry, causing minor injuries. He also threatened people with a knife before running away.

A patrol car caught up with the man who again sprayed tear gas while walking "menacingly" towards a 27-year-old officer who then opened fire, the police said in a statement on Sunday.

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A coroner's examination found three bullets had hit the back of the man's head, upper body and hip, the Oldenburg prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Authorities have not named the victim, citing German privacy law, but local media identified him as Lorenz A.

The homicide investigation will likely "take a while", with a focus on potential surveillance camera footage, a spokesperson for the Oldenburg prosecutors' office told Reuters on Thursday.

The incident has drawn criticism from human rights groups.

"Deadly violence against Black people is not an isolated incident," said Tahir Della, a spokesperson for the Initiative Black People in Germany (ISD). "It is a systemic problem, an institutional problem, and must be addressed accordingly."

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Amnesty International Germany called for structural racism in police to be addressed and for independent investigation mechanisms not controlled by the police or local authorities.

A rally is planned on Friday in Oldenburg by the "Justice for Lorenz" initiative, which was set up on social media and has attracted over 10,000 followers. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend, according to social media accounts.

Deadly police shootings are relatively rare in Germany.

Racism in German police forces came under the spotlight in 2020 when an investigation was launched into officers suspected of using a chat group on their mobile phones to exchange racist messages about African and Muslim migrants.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger and Miranda Murray, editing by Kirsti Knolle and Gareth Jones)
Last month, after news broke that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was using Signal to discuss sensitive military operations in violation of Pentagon policy, one of his closest military aides made an unusual inquiry to the Defense Departments chief information officer: Would they grant an exception so Hegseth could keep using Signal freely?

The question came from Col. Ricky Buria, a former aide to previous Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin who has rapidly established himself as a key member of Hegseths inner circle, multiple people familiar with the matter told CNN. The Signal inquiry raised eyebrows among other senior Pentagon officials, who wondered whether the request was appropriate  especially from a uniformed officer, rather than Hegseths civilian chief of staff.

Weeks earlier, before The Atlantic revealed that Hegseth had been using the app to discuss detailed military plans, Buria had pushed to get Hegseth an extra desktop computer in his office that he could use Signal on, ostensibly for personal communications so he could more easily text friends and family from the Pentagon, the sources said.

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The Secretarys office is considered a secure space, where cell phones are not typically permitted. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency recommends that highly targeted individuals use Signal, but DoD policy says Signal is NOT authorized to access, transmit, process non-public DoD information. It notes that requests for exceptions to that policy can be submitted to the chief information officer.

It is not clear whether Hegseth was ever given an exception to use Signal freely, or if he has continued to use it for sensitive military planning in the fallout of the Signalgate episode.

In a statement to CNN, Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said, The Secretary of Defenses use of communications systems and channels is classified. However, we can confirm that the Secretary has never used and does not currently use Signal on his government computer.

Parnell did not comment on why Hegseth had another computer set up in his office that Signal was installed on.

A rapid rise in Hegseths inner circle

Buria, a career Marine with multiple combat deployments who served as both Austin and Hegseths junior military assistant, has for months been straddling the line between military aide and civilian adviser, the sources said. And last week, he submitted his retirement papers to the Marine Corps, a Marine spokesperson confirmed.

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On Thursday morning, Buria was at the Pentagon in civilian clothing and greeted the NATO Secretary General before accompanying him, Hegseth, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Pentagons head of policy into a meeting room.

Hegseth greets Rutte during a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon on April 24. Buria is seen at the table. - Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Buria did not respond to repeated requests for comment about his increasingly influential position in Hegseths inner circle, including his role in helping to facilitate Hegseths use of Signal inside the Pentagon.

Burias plan is to stay at the Pentagon, but as a senior civilian adviser to Hegseth, the sources said. Hegseth is even considering appointing Buria as his new chief of staff, now that his former chief of staff Joe Kasper is moving into a new role at the department, the sources added.

Burias transition from military assistant to senior adviser was extremely unusual, particularly since he worked so closely with Austin, according to officials that served in the Biden and second Trump administration. And Hegseth moved quickly to root out other holdover military officials upon taking office, including former Joint Chiefs Chairman CQ Brown; former Air Force vice chairman Gen. Jim Slife; former Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti; and Jen Short, a three-star general who was appointed senior military assistant under Austin.

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Underscoring the trust Hegseth placed in him, Buria, not even a general officer, filled the crucial senior military assistant role on an acting basis, current and former officials said. The SMA, which is a three-star position that requires Senate confirmation, serves as both the chief military point of contact for the secretary and as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs representative to the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

The sources all said that Burias rise appears to largely be a function of how much Hegseth has narrowed his inner circle, as he has become increasingly paranoid about leaks and concerned about being undermined. After firing two of his most senior advisers last week and accusing them of leaking, Hegseth now relies primarily on his wife Jennifer, Buria, and his lawyer for counsel, the sources said.

Hegseth also likes Burias yes, sir attitude, said one defense official who has observed their interactions.

He likes that Ricky does what he asks and gets him what he needs, the official said.

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Under Secretary Austin, Buria was cool, calm, collected, never got ruffled, and had a good attitude, a former senior Pentagon official in the Biden administration told CNN, adding that he was very good and capable. But he was also essentially a body man for Austin  carrying his bags and appearing only in the background of official photos, if at all.

Under Hegseth, however, Buria has in a few short months become one of Hegseths most trusted advisers and friends.

Elon Musk is greeted with Buria at the Pentagon on March 21. - US Air Force Senior Airman Spencer Perkins/Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

Buria has routine access to Hegseths personal and government phones, multiple people familiar with the matter told CNN, and is often seen working out with the secretary in photos posted on X. He has even started sitting at the table with foreign leaders, most recently during official meetings in Panama and with El Salvadors defense minister at the Pentagon. He also appeared in a photo laughing with Elon Musk when he visited the Pentagon earlier this month.

Buria never did anything of the sort while serving in the same role for Austin, the former senior Pentagon official said.

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He would never sit in on bilats or meetings or anything like that, like he is now, the former official said, referring to official bilateral meetings between the secretary and his counterparts.

An unlikely path

Current and former officials have also raised questions about whether Buria is experienced enough to serve as Hegseths chief of staff  and whether the White House would accept that, given Burias history working under Austin and Trumps push to root out Biden-era holdovers from his administration.

Its certainly an unlikely path, to move from the military assistant to a political appointee, said a second former senior DOD official. I cant think of another case.

It could be a tough adjustment, the first former senior official said.

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You need someone with a political background who understands the political context, someone who can call up a four-star and yell at them for not being on message or not doing things the right way, this person added. I think thats the biggest concern  do we really think [CENTCOM Commander] Erik Kurilla is going to take Ricky seriously, as a recently retired colonel?

In this photo from the Department of Defense, Buria, left, attends a meeting with Hegseth and El Salvador Minister of National Defense Rene Francis Merino Monroy at the Pentagon on April 16. - US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza/Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

A third former senior DOD official who served under Austin agreed, saying the chief of staff has to be comfortable holding their own against career political operators who are working at senior levels of other government agencies.

As for his work with Austin, the second former senior DoD official emphasized that the military services  in Burias case, the Marine Corps  put forward their rising-star officers for the job of junior military assistant.

The officers themselves shouldnt be considered political, and Buria never appeared to be, this former official said. While he seemed ambitious, this person added, there was no indication he would be interested in leaving the military service and becoming a Trump political appointee.

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In fact, multiple sources told CNN that Buria was on the fast-track to becoming a general officer within the Marine Corps, which has made his decision to leave uniform all the more bewildering to those who have worked alongside him.

As he has risen in Hegseths inner circle, Buria has gotten bolder in advising Hegseth on political and policy matters, the current defense official and a former official said. And he has sometimes ruffled feathers in the way hes spoken to more senior military officers, including at least two combatant commanders, the sources added.

Hes gotten far too casual with them, and presents too unprofessionally, said the current official.

In a sign of his increasingly political role, Buria joined X in January, and three days ago began regularly reposting Trump, Hegseth, and Vance, as well as posts from DoDs rapid response account criticizing the media coverage of Hegseth  including one calling NPR a fake news propaganda machine.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  In March alone, Mesa County saw four deaths suspected to be from fentanyl. Now, the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) is warning residents of a new drug on the streets that could be deadly,

Related to fentanyl, carfentanil is now on the streets of Grand Junction.

Carfentanilis approximately 100 times stronger than fentanyl, says patrol officer for GJPD Chad Simpson.

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Fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to help those with severe pain. Carfentanil is not approved for human consumption and was originally developed as a tranquilizer for large animals like elephants.

Simpson recently finished working with the GJPD Drug Task Force. Simpson states the drug is becoming more common due to several reasons, one of which is how easy it is to smuggle.

One of the main reasons is because it takes such a small amount of the drug to be a usable dose.

WesternSlopeNow asked Simpson where the drug was coming from and how it made its way into the Grand Valley. Simpson said that as recently as 2023, a drug trafficking organization was investigated that had direct ties to the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico.

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Simpson says none of this work would be possible without community input.

There is a number of techniques used to investigate drug traffickers. The main one being our relationship with the community. Often times, the community is very open with us in providing us tips and reliable information of their knowledge (in) reference to drug traffickers in the area.

An organization bringing awareness to these drugs is Facing Fentanyl, a trademarked subsidiary of Voices for Awareness foundation based here in Grand Junction.

WesternSlopeNow will have more on the organizations efforts later this week.

GJPD wants to remind residents that if they see something, say something. If you know about somebody engaged in trafficking drugs, contact the GJPD at 970-549-5000.

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Salvadoran prison guards escort alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang and the MS-13 gang, recently deported by the U.S. government, to be incarcerated at the Terrorism Detention Center (CECOT) in El Salvador, April 12, 2025.

Ricardo Prada Vasquez has been found, but he is in a place no one wants to end up. The 32-year-old Venezuelan, whom family and friends had been searching for days, is now at the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT), El Salvadors mega-prison to which the Donald Trump administration sent about 252 Venezuelan migrants accused of being criminals.

They tell me he also ended up in El Salvador and is linked to the Tren de Aragua, confirms Pradas friend in the United States, who prefers to remain anonymous for fear of facing the same fate.

Pradas name does not appear in the records of U.S. detention centers or the ICE detainee tracking system, nor does it appear on any of the lists published by the media days after three planes departed from Texas and landed in Central America with hundreds of inmates on board. With no trace of Prada and no information until now about whether he was alive or dead, there are now questions about whether more people have actually been deported than the U.S. government has been willing to admit.

Gris Vogt, a Mexican-American woman in contact with Pradas relatives, and who uses her TikTok account to give a voice to people sent to CECOT, confirmed that Prada has been found. Since March 14, the family hadnt heard from Ricardo, and they were very afraid to speak out. But this isnt the only case; many people are still searching for their relatives, she tells EL PAIS.

Relatives of Venezuelan migrants, whom the United States says are members of the Tren de Aragua gang and sent to the Terrorism Detention Center (CECOT) in El Salvador, hold signs and photographs of their loved ones during a protest in front of the United Nations building, in Caracas, Venezuela, April 22, 2025. Leonardo Fernandez Viloria (REUTERS)

On Tuesday, when the case of a missing ICE detainee made headlines, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly acknowledged on social media that the young man was expelled to El Salvador on March 15, the same day the first 238 detainees were sent. In response to an article published by The New York Times, the Department called the report false and claimed that, after Pradas arrest and a subsequent investigation, they concluded he was a public safety threat as a confirmed member of TdA [Tren de Aragua] and in violation of his conditions admission.

On January 15, five days before Donald Trump took office, Prada  a food delivery driver in Detroit, Michigan, who had entered the United States legally in November 2024 through the CBP One app  was detained while delivering a McDonalds order. He mistakenly crossed the Ambassador Suspension Bridge, which rises about 118 meters above the Detroit River and connects the U.S. city with Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

When he attempted to re-enter the United States, Prada  the father of a four-year-old boy  was detained by authorities. Initially, it was reported that the Venezuelan national was being held at the Calhoun County Correctional Facility in western Michigan. Later, it was revealed that he had been transferred to an ICE detention center in Ohio, and eventually to the El Valle detention center in Texas, the same location from which the deportation flights organized by Trumps administration began departing.

Since February 27, the day he was issued a deportation order, Prada knew he would likely be expelled from the country, but he always believed he would end up in Caracas  just as dozens of other detainees had thought. Instead, without prior notice, they were sent to El Salvador. Family members have condemned the lack of transparency and communication with the detainees. Some only learned their loved ones had been sent to CECOT after identifying them from tattoos or physical features in the images released from the prison. Days later, media outlets published the lists of those deported to El Salvador. The people searching for Prada never saw him in the videos, nor in any records that provided information about his whereabouts.

Ricardo Prada Vasquez in 2021.

But hes not the only inmate whose whereabouts are unknown. Gris Vogt says she has helped other Venezuelan and Salvadoran mothers locate their children in prisons in New York or Baltimore, after weeks without any news.

Neiyerver Adrian Leon Rengel, a 27-year-old Venezuelan barber who was arrested on March 13 in Dallas, is another name that never appeared on the notorious deportee list. His relatives first learned of his detention through an Instagram post by ICE. When they called the Hidalgo center where he was held on March 16, authorities informed them that he had been transferred. It wasnt until March 24 that the federal agency confirmed he had been deported to El Salvador.

Juan Pappier, deputy director of the Americas Division at Human Rights Watch (HRW), an organization investigating these deportations and recording other cases of deportees whose names do not appear on any list, tells EL PAIS that these deportations not only violate due process, but also amount to forced disappearances. From the perspective of international law, this is a crime  a serious human rights violation, he says.

According to Pappier, it is inconceivable that the government has not yet issued an official list of deportees, beyond the one leaked to the press. He also highlights that it was only when Bukele proposed an exchange of detainees for political prisoners with Nicolas Maduro that it was revealed that 252 Venezuelans had actually been deported to El Salvador.

The first flight of deportees departed on March 15, carrying 238 inmates. On March 31, the State Department announced that 17 more suspected gang members had been deported to the Central American country. On April 13, El Salvadors Minister of Security announced the arrival of 10 more individuals from Guantanamo. Some of their families have still not heard from them.

Families should not have to rely on the work of journalists to discover the whereabouts of their loved ones, says Pappier. The state has an obligation to disclose the whereabouts of these people. This is extremely cruel and causes immense suffering for the families.

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GLUCKSTADT, Miss. (WJTV)  Gluckstadt leaders want to revive GermanFest.

The Madison County Journal reported city leaders want to see the tradition continue. GermanFest is usually held on the last Sunday in September on the grounds of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Alcorn States Jazz Fest to feature NEA master Louis Hayes

Gluckstadt Mayor Walter Morrison said he has spoken with representatives of the church, and they would like to continue the tradition.

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In 2023, leaders with St. Joseph Catholic Church announced the event was canceled due to parking concerns. The event was not held in 2024.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Its the biggest project in the region for the DOT. As we previously reported, its a $60 million project to replace the existing bridges on I-490.

With 48,000 cars driving this bridge on a daily: Backup is expected. This work zone awareness week the NYSDOT wants to make sure drivers respect the zone.

We want to get engaged with the public to make sure that theyre respecting the zone. And what I mean by zone is the work zone. What I mean by respect is slowing down in the work zone, paying attention in the work zone and moving over, said Regional Director Chris Reeve.

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Last week the DOT posted a video on social media of a crash that happened late last year on I-81 near Whitney Point, where one of their highway works was nearly struck by a distracted driver while in a work zone. According to the post, the worker did walk away but they say it could have been a tragedy.

News 8s Adelisa Badzic also spoke with Todd Brennessel, the engineer in charge, who said its important for everybody to make it home to their families.

Everybody wants to get home, Brennessel said. And thats one of our goals as an individual and as a co-worker, to make sure everybody gets home at night.

Regional Director Reeve also gave News 8 an exclusive look at the bridge, which is about almost taken apart now. Reeve said it is absolutely safe, and they use up every inch thats available for cars to get through.

This will be the only year theres one lane in each direction, Reeve said. He added next year it will be wide enough to accommodate two lanes.

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Wednesday is also Go Orange Day for the DOT, where all the regions dress up in orange to raise awareness for work zone safety.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday afternoon that New York State landmarks will be illuminated in orange to honor highway workers across New York.

National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week is in effect until Friday, April 25.

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REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (WHNT)  FBI Director Kash Patel visited Redstone Arsenal with Sen. Katie Britt and Sen. Tommy Tuberville Wednesday.

The visit comes as leadership in the FBI looks to restructure, moving agents away from the Washington D.C. headquarters to other bureau offices. Earlier this year, Patel said he planned to move hundreds of agents to the Huntsville area.

Madison County Commission reviews feasibility study for new courthouse

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On Wednesday, Patel confirmed 500, full time FBI employees will be transferred to Redstone Arsenal before the end of the year, saying he is committed to moving more jobs from D.C. to Huntsville down the line.

We are going to put more and more and more people here on a permanent basis from the FBI, Patel said about Redstone Arsenal.

Patel said the 38,000 acre base has the space to expand, and he believes it has already established cyber, terrorism and explosive resources that will support the FBIs mission.

We have two more buildings coming online in 2027 that can have the capacity for 1,500 or 1,600 more people, so were going to keep building, Patel said.

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In addition to field agents, Patel said he plans for the transferred employees to include intel analysts, support staff and specialists. Sen. Britt said she believes the personnel and facilities on the Arsenal are ready to support the FBIs mission, which she describes Wednesday.

Let good cops be cops, getting back to law enforcement, making sure were tackling the opioid epidemic and that we are giving people faith again in this department that serves them, Britt said.

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With the influx of people moving to the Huntsville area, Tuberville said he expects to see more home construction and a positive impact on the local economy. He also said he expects to see a decision made on the permanent location of Space Command soon, which could bring even more workers to the area.

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You cant put a number on bringing in 500 or 1,000 people, Tuberville said. Space Command would be 1,500 to 3,000 families. You cant put a number on that.

Tuberville acknowledged the Huntsville area may experience some growing pains. He said the city will have to keep up on infrastructure, like roads, to accommodate the people moving to the area.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  North Louisianas largest day of philanthropy returns on Tuesday, May 6, featuring 232 organizations participating in the Give for Good day.

Give for Good is currently welcoming early donations, organized by the Community Foundation of North Louisiana (CFNLA). This year, they aim to uplift the community by reaching their goal of $3 million.

Their online platform provides each nonprofit with a customized giving page, where the organization can share its mission, programs, needs, and volunteer opportunities, according to Give for Good. Donors can easily browse, search, and filter participating organizations by sector or location.

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Noble Savage, nonprofit host Give for Good Watch Party

We are proud to sponsor Give For Good in our community for the 12th year, says CFNLA CEO Kristi Gustavson. Give For Good day is always exciting and energizing as we watch the donation total grow and hear from our local nonprofit organizations about the programs and the people who will benefit from this community support. Every year, I am amazed at and humbled by the generosity and civic spirit illustrated through Give For Good.

CFNLA says, donors can also contribute to the Lagniappe Fund, a bonus pool of over $200,000 that boosts donations made to participating nonprofits on a pro-rata basis. Participating nonprofits are also eligible to win special Give For Good prizes throughout the giving event.

To find local businesses hosting events, visit their Community Events tab on their website.

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Remote work is a dwindling option at Google (GOOGL), as the company further tightens its return-to-work policy. The company has reportedly told some remote employees that they need to start showing up in the office at least three days a week if they want to avoid being part of broader cost-cutting at the company.

According to internal documents obtained by CNBC, remote employees in several Google departments  including the companys Technical Services and People Operations  were told they needed to return to their nearest office on a hybrid schedule.

Per an internal memo, employees in the technical services operation were told that they must either adopt a hybrid office schedule or take a voluntary exit package; they were reportedly offered a one-time relocation expense to move within 50 miles of an office. Meanwhile, the message for the human resources employees was even starker: Failure to return to the office  reportedly by June  on a hybrid basis would result in their roles being eliminated altogether.

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Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini said in a statement to CNBC (CMCSA) that the decisions about return-to-work policies are based on individual teams and arent part of a companywide policy.

As weve said before, in-person collaboration is an important part of how we innovate and solve complex problems, Mencini said. To support this, some teams have asked remote employees that live near an office to return to in-person work three days a week.

This shift away from remote work is part of a larger trend in Silicon Valley, where companies are increasingly moving away from the flexible, remote-work schedules they offered during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Google has been gradually nudging employees back to the office, this latest move amounts to a crack down on workers dodging the hybrid-schedule mandates.

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This return-to-office mandate doesnt exist in a vacuum. Its part of a larger wave that seems to be sweeping through Google. Earlier this year, the company began offering voluntary exit packages to U.S.-based employees in its People Operations division, following a memo from chief people officer Fiona Cicconi in February.

That offer came on the heels of a similar program announced in January where the company offered voluntary exit packages for full-time employees in the U.S. for workers in Googles Platforms and Devices group, which oversees products such as Android, Chrome, Fitbit, and Nest. That unit has seen cuts across nearly two dozen teams. While internal correspondence indicated that remote work was a factor in the layoffs, Google spokesperson Mencini told CNBC that it wasnt a major consideration for the changes.

A year ago, Google combined its Android unit with its hardware group under the leadership of Rick Osterloh, a senior vice president, who said in January that the voluntary exit plan may be a fit for employees who struggle with Googles hybrid work expectations.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who returned to help lead Googles AI push, has made it clear that the bar is rising. In a February memo to AI teams, Brin encouraged employees to return to the office at least every weekday, claiming 60 hours a week is the sweet spot of productivity if the company wants to stay ahead in the increasingly competitive space.

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Still, Googles shift away from remote work has been met with resistance  especially from employees who relocated during the pandemic or who have come to appreciate the benefits of a work-from-home lifestyle. Plus, some experts say return-to-office mandates in tech amount to soft layoffs, or excuses for companies to reduce their workforces while mitigating the negative headlines and costs associated with conventional layoffs.

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Just weeks after Gov. Ron DeSantis touted record-breaking tourist numbers, the state House is targeting organizations that supporters say play a key role in drawing those millions of visitors.

The Houses $5.4 billion tax break package would eliminate the states 62 tourist development councils, requiring tax dollars they raise to be handed over to property owners to lower their taxes.

The $1.8 billion these councils collect currently are used in ways to promote tourism, from advertising local festivals, financing convention centers, building fishing piers and improving beach access, to luring people back after hurricanes.

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Supporters see them as a huge driver of Floridas economy. But reducing property taxes is among the goals in play as lawmakers try to settle on a major tax-cut package as the Legislature hurtles toward the finish line, which now is certain to go past the scheduled May 2 adjournment. amid struggles over tax breaks and the state budget.

The Florida Department of Transportation debuted new state line signs that say "Welcome to the Free State of Florida" in early July 2024.

Many tax cuts in play

DeSantis wanted $1,000 rebates to go to homesteaded property owners. But that provision has failed to attract any attention from House and Senate leaders.

Still, the House Budget Committee rolled out the idea of erasing tourist development councils April 22, making their dollars more available to county governments and taxpayers.

Most analysts acknowledge that the Houses latest tax-cut provision faces long odds. But the idea of erasing TDCs has certainly caught the attention of tourist officials across the 62 counties that have councils that draw robust dollars from taxes on hotel rooms and short-term rentals.

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DeSantis influence diminishes? Losses pile up this session for Gov. DeSantis as wish list trimmed by GOP lawmakers

Massive tax cut plans abound: Florida GOP tax cut feud erupts as state, national economies teeter on edge

This will be an economic disaster for Polk County  one that will be magnified 62 times by the loss of other TDCs around the state, said Mark Jackson, director of Visit Central Florida, in a statement warning against an effort to defund Florida tourism.

Another advocate, from rural Washington County in the Florida Panhandle, told the House Budget Committee that the move could rock even her county of 26,000 people.

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We represent a small community, small businesses, who depend on us to get their voice heard, said Heather Lopez, director of the Washington County TDC.

Florida House has targeted tourism dollars for years

The Florida House for years has criticized the amount of dollars state and local governments collect and spend on tourism promotion.

While DeSantis has hailed the state for drawing 142.9 million visitors in 2024, the highest numbers on record, spending by these visitors has also helped swell these TDC coffers with tax collections. In many counties, lawmakers and local officials would like to spend these dollars on more than just tourism.

Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, a sponsor of the TDC tax cut, said the House plan would get dollars in property owners pockets fast. DeSantis has floated the idea of a 2026 ballot initiative intended to ask voters about eliminating property taxes completely.

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We are trying to provide as many options as we can come up with to provide property tax relief prior to the November 26 general election ballot, Duggan said.

In recent years, the House has pushed efforts to eliminate Visit Florida, the states main tourism promotion arm, then sharply scaled it back. Two years ago, the House also advanced the idea of making TDCs steer some of their money to Visit Florida to keep it afloat, but that idea fizzled.

No surprise: Tourism dollars help fuel state government

Roughly 16% of state sales tax dollars come from tourists, according to state economists.

But tourist cash is susceptible to downturns in the national economy, when visitors often curtail travel plans  a worry for many officials now wary of President Trumps tariffs.

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Conservative politics also may be shaping the proposal.

Americans for Prosperity, the conservative advocacy organization funded by the Koch family, has portrayed Floridas tourist promotion dollars as wasteful for many years. And AFP has been a DeSantis backer, along with supporting many Republicans in the Florida House.

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: Florida lawmakers push to scrap tourism groups, drawing criticism
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Indiana Governor Mike Braun has ordered an independent forensic audit of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and its affiliated entities in the name of transparency for taxpayers.

Governor Mike Braun addressed the state on Thursday to reiterate his ideas of transparency in state government for taxpayers. During this address, he spoke on the audit of the IEDC. According to the news release from the governors office, the Indiana Economic Development Foundation (IEDF) had not filed audited financial reports with the State Budget Committee since 2019, which are required by law. The reports have now been filed and can be viewed at this link.

The firm that will conduct the new audit of the IEDC is expected to be hired within the next few weeks. The audit is expected to last from six months to one year to complete and will be paid for with funds from the IEDC.

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From the beginning, I committed to bring more transparency to the agency, and that is what we are doing. In addition to this independent forensic audit, earlier this month, I signed an executive order requiring all state-affiliated foundations, including the Indiana Economic Development Foundation, to go above and beyond in their reporting and disclosures. Even though they have an IRS exemption, all state foundations must file 990 reports, Gov. Braun said. Transparency is essential. Its essential for good government, and its what taxpayers deserve.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Governor Laura Kelly has signed a bill that will consolidate nearly 20 state programs for young children into a new office.

On Thursday, Kelly signed House Bill 2045 into law. Under the bill, existing programs will be merged into the Office of Early Childhood, which will open in mid-2026. The office will work with child care licensing, child care subsidies, home visitation programs and the Kansas Childrens Cabinet and Trust Fund.

House Bill 2045 is a win for businesses, early childhood providers, and most importantly, Kansas children and families, Governor Laura Kelly said. Now, our early childhood system will no longer be bogged down by inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape. Through collaboration with the Legislature, this bill will streamline access to high-quality early childhood services and make Kansas the premier place to raise a family while ensuring the highest standards for child well-being and safety.

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HB2045 gained bipartisan support in the House and Senate. The bill passed the House 99-23 and passed the Senate 30-10.

61st year for biggest car part swap meet in Kansas

According to a press release from the Office of the Governor, the Office of Early Childhood will be staffed by current state employees who will be retrained. A director will be appointed and a transition team will oversee the consolidation of programs.

Kansas has a very urgent need for more, affordable child care and this legislation hits directly at bottlenecks in the system that, quite frankly, suppress availability and drive up cost, said Speaker of the House of Representatives Dan Hawkins. These are real solutions that will immediately increase slots by reducing overly burdensome regulations, streamlining support services for providers and families, and addressing underserved and rural shortages by increasing flexibility for home-based providers. I especially want to thank House Commerce Chair Sean Tarwater, Vice Chair Adam Turk, and Representative Laura Williams for their tireless work to solve these issues without growing government in the process.

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Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs Senate Bill 25-183 into law on April 25, 2025 at the Colorado Capitol. The bill implements Amendment 79, a constitutional amendment that guarantees the right to abortion and lifts a prohibition on public funds for care. (Sara Wilson/Colorado Newsline)

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday signed a pair of bills into law that safeguard access to abortion and gender-affirming care as the national landscape grows hostile to such policies.

Colorado is a state where people can look for the health care they want, and they can trust that in Colorado, health care is a very personal and private decision, not the business of the government, the Democrat said during a bill signing ceremony in his office at the Capitol.

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Senate Bill 25-129 builds on a 2023 shield law that protects out-of-state patients who come to Colorado for care and the providers who treat them. There have been multiple cases this year of states that outlaw abortion pursuing criminal charges against out-of-state doctors who prescribe abortion medication via telehealth.

The bill allows providers to exclude their names from medication abortion prescription labels to protect their privacy. It also requires any subpoena requests to include an affirmation that it does not pertain to reproductive or gender-affirming care.

Theres fear from our health care providers about being able to provide the best health care they can and use their skills. Theres fear from patients accessing care, especially if theyre traveling from out of state. Theres fear from parents and counselors. And we hope that this bill gives hope, said bill sponsor Sen. Faith Winter, a Broomfield Democrat.

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There's fear from our health care providers about being able to provide the best health care they can and use their skills. There's fear from patients accessing care, especially if theyre traveling from out of state. There's fear from parents and counselors. And we hope that this bill gives hope.

 State Sen. Faith Winter

Since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned of Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a constitutional right to abortion, Colorado has become an island of reproductive health care as surrounding states criminalize abortion. In 2023, about 29% of people who got an abortion in Colorado were from another state, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. That share was a little over 10% in 2019.

Insurance for abortion

Polis also signed Senate Bill 25-183, which implements Amendment 79, a constitutional update that Colorado voters approved in 2024. It puts the right to abortion into the state constitution and removes a ban on using public funds to cover abortion care. Beginning next year, state employees and people on Medicaid will have the care covered by their insurance. Amendment 79 passed with about 62% of the vote.

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By signing these bills into law, Governor Polis reaffirms Colorados role as a national leader for reproductive justice and freedom, Dusti Gurule, the president of Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, which co-chaired the Amendment 79 effort, said in a statement. But this achievement is truly a reflection of community power. Thousands of Coloradans from across the state organized, advocated, and mobilized to fight for these bills that allow them to lead safer, healthier, and more self-determined lives.

Another bill modeled after federal standards for emergency medical care, including abortion, passed the Senate and has been introduced in the House but does not have a committee hearing scheduled. The legislative session ends on May 7.

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Trump demands Putin halt strikes after Kyiv bombing: Vladimir, STOP! The warning from the US president, who has typically aligned himself with Russias stance on the war in Ukraine, comes as Washington steps up its diplomatic efforts to broker a peace agreement in the coming days

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, demanding an end to the latest wave of airstrikes against Ukraine. I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing, Trump wrote on his social media site Truth Social. Vladimir, STOP!

Moscow launched at least 70 missiles and 145 drones at Ukraine on Thursday, most of them aimed at residential areas and civilian infrastructure in the capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the attacks as an attempt to pressure Washington and extract concessions from Kyiv at a critical stage in ongoing peace negotiations. At least 12 people have been killed, and many others remain trapped beneath the rubble. The assault prompted Zelenskiy to cut short an official trip to South Africa and return to Ukraine.

Trumps public condemnation of the Kremlin is notable given his previous alignment with Moscows positions throughout the war. It comes as Washington increases its diplomatic efforts and pressure  particularly on Ukraine  to try to reach a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv in the coming days, preferably before the Trumps first 100 days in office next Wednesday. Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump claimed he had already secured an agreement with Moscow and was waiting on Zelenskiys approval.

Trump is scheduled to meet Thursday at the White House with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre and Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO secretary general and ex-prime minister of Norway, to discuss NATOs future and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, current NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is set to meet Thursday at the State Department with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to further discuss Ukraine and Alliance matters.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, Trump and his national security team have threatened to withdraw from their mediating role if Kyiv does not accept the U.S. peace proposal  which disproportionately favors Moscow. The plan reportedly includes U.S. legal recognition of Russias annexation of Crimea and, de facto, most of the Ukrainian territories currently under Russian control. It also calls for the lifting of sanctions on Moscow and a permanent bar on Ukraines NATO membership.

Five thousand soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE! Trump posted on Truth Social on Thursday.

The presidents sharp rebuke of Putin marks a departure from his usual rhetoric. Trump has long avoided direct criticism of the Russian leader, whom he often praises as very smart, while reserving his harshest remarks for Zelenskiy. Since returning to office, Trump has called the Ukrainian president a dictator, blamed him for the war, and accused him of dragging out the conflict unnecessarily  despite prior U.S. commitments to do whatever it takes to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Russias Defense Ministry said Thursdays bombardment was a massive strike with long-range air, land and sea-based weapons, and drones, on Ukraines aviation, aerospace, machine-building and armored vehicle industries. The objectives of the strike have been achieved, it said.

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UNICOI CO., Tenn. (WJHL)  In one of its last acts, the 2025 Tennessee General Assembly passed the Governors Response and Recovery Fund (GRRF), a $100 million initiative established to provide flexible financial assistance for current and future unmet disaster recovery needs, including Hurricane Helene.

Wednesday marks nearly seven months since Helene changed the lives of thousands in the Tri-Cities region. Insurance, FEMA and charity groups have helped many with recovery, but others impacted financially felt there was a gap in available assistance. Thats where the Governors Response and Recovery Fund should help.

Erwin Utilities to receive $20M for wastewater treatment plant

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Trey Moore, owner of the Eddyhopper Workshop and a kayaking instructor, plans to apply for his part of the $100 million initiative. He has been unable to provide kayaking lessons on the upper section of the Nolichucky River because the U.S. Forest Service hasnt reopened an access point in Poplar, N.C. due to repair work on the CSX railroad.

So the challenge for a lot of our outfitters specifically is that their buildings werent necessarily like located in the floodplain and they werent impacted (flooded). So, Small Business Administration, FEMA assistance was unavailable to us because we had no physical damage to our property, and they didnt understand why we werent allowed to go do work, said Moore.

Other businesses, non-profits, farmers, foresters and even local governments in impacted counties are also eligible to apply for the funding. Moore does not know how the funds will be allocated, but he understands that repairing infrastructure like roads and railways helps all businesses.

I imagine that theyre probably going to be more highly prioritized than us because infrastructure is how you get to things, like USA Raft cannot do anything right now because the road to their property is still not fixed, and they continue to be told, Well look at it next month,' Moore told News Channel 11.

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Austin Finch, Unicoi Countys Economic Development Director, said news of the funding is a huge relief after working for months trying to find other resources to fill the gap for area businesses impacted by the storm. The next step is the application process, which is lengthy, but Finch said most are ready to complete.

My hope is that the way weve been preparing businesses and the type of questions that weve asked through this whole process have already sort of teed them up to be able to answer those questions. You know, a lot of the kind of gaps in revenue, total damages, all those different things have been asked before, Finch said.

Impacted parties can visit TEMAs website to apply. Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2025.

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Over 112 million acres of once-protected forests are opening for business, mostly in Western states. An emergency order issued this month will allow logging companies to operate on nearly 60% of National Forest System lands, as USA Today reported.

What's happening?

The Secretary of Agriculture's memorandum, which followed up on previous executive orders, rolls back federal environmental protections, claiming that it will help manage wildfires, increase timber supply, and create jobs.

Geopolitical uncertainties may have at least partly motivated the move, as USA Today said tariffs on Canada, the top exporter of timber to the United States, could impact the lumber supply. In 2021, Canada sent $28 billion worth of lumber to the U.S., per The New York Times. With deteriorating relations caused by tariffs and annexation threats, the administration appears to be turning to domestic sources for lumber.

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While this is a win for the logging industry, which made Donald Trump the biggest recipient of political donations in the 2024 election cycle, per the research group OpenSecrets, scientists and environmental groups have reacted to the order with dismay.

The Sierra Club decried the perceived motivations behind the order, calling it "a giveaway to logging" and stating, "Again and again, the Trump administration has shown it's more interested in boosting the bottom lines of corporate polluters than protecting our national forests and public lands."

Why is the removal of forest protections concerning?

The benefits of forest lands to people and the planet go beyond the value of their lumber. As the U.S. Forest Service itself has noted, healthy forests help supply clean air and water as well as recreational opportunities that are invaluable to communities.

Trees also store heat-trapping carbon pollution, but the effects are most apparent in mature trees around 70-125 years old, according to Yale Environment 360. Unfortunately, those older, larger trees are exactly the type that are most valuable to logging companies. Planting new trees is helpful, but keeping mature forests intact is a much better move.

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Opening up the nation's forests to logging to reduce forest fires is a debated strategy, as USA Today pointed out. The John Muir Project has argued that wildfire suppression and logging has actually been part of the problem. "Land managers have requested, and received, increasingly more money for forest 'thinning' operations under the guise of 'fuel reduction,'" the organization noted, adding that "the discredited policies of the past, including fire suppression and removal of mature, fire-resistant trees, has continued  even increased in many cases."

As USA Today also noted: "Many U.S. forests are considered to be at high wildfire risk, due to climate change and almost a century of wildfire suppression policies that have resulted in overgrown, fire-prone land. Neither are mentioned in the memorandum."

Additionally, removing protections in national forests places endangered species at risk of habitat loss.

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.

What's being done about the removal of forest protections?

The first laws to protect land as national forests began with Benjamin Harrison, a Republican president, in 1891. These were expanded by Teddy Roosevelt, another politician who started as a Republican, with the creation of the Forest Service in 1905. Yet another Republican, Richard Nixon, signed the Endangered Species Act of 1973 into law.

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Experts hope existing laws such as these will provide the framework for legal challenges against the changes to forest protections. "The federal government still has to comply with federal law even if the president doesn't want to," Washington state Commissioner of Public Lands David Upthegrove told Fox 13 Seattle.

Polling indicates the majority of Americans want to protect public land. Local and individual acts can make a big impact on conservation efforts. Contacting your local representative is easy with the right tools for using your voice, too.

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.




COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)  Governor Henry McMaster signaled his support this week for legislation that advocates say could bring major tax relief to boat owners in South Carolina.

S.C. boat owners pay the highest property taxes in America, McMaster wrote in an April 22 X post. We have a chance to change that. I support cutting boat and motor property taxes so working families can keep enjoying our states beautiful waters.

Most boats in the Palmetto State are currently taxed at 10.5%, though counties can reduce that rate to 6% through local ordinances, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

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Rep. Gary Brewer (R-Charleston) reintroduced a bill in January that would slash the maximum property tax rate on boats in half. A similar bill was filed in the Senate.

10.5 percent on an item in South Carolina for state tax is too high, Brewer said during an April 23 House Ways and Means subcommittee hearing. We are growing and having more people come here that weve ever had, and we need to make sure that we take care of our people that reach out ot us, that tell us theyre tired of paying the highest tax in the country.

There are half a million registered boats in South Carolina, generating an economic impact of $6.5 billion annually for the state, according to the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance.

The alliance contends that the states tax rate  more than 3 times higher than neighboring states  has pushed boat owners to register their larger watercraft out-of-state.

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We surveyed seven of our dealers and 80% of the boats over $120,000 in this state bought by South Carolina residents are registered out of state, CEO Gettys Brannon told lawmakers during the subcommittee meeting, adding that a boat owner could pay $2,400 in taxes on a $50,000 boat in Cherokee County but only $378 on the same boat in Charlotte.

How South Carolina tests ocean water to keep beachgoers safe

But while some view the change as a necessary step toward fairness for taxpayers, not everyone is on board.

Opponents, including counties and municipalities, argue that a tax cut could lead to a loss of tens of millions of dollars in local revenue.

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Owen McBride, the Assistant Director of Governmental Affairs for the South Carolina Association of Counties, claimed it would amount to a $60 million fiscal impact to counties, cities, and school districts that collect the taxes.

That money would need to be made up for in some other way, Oconee County Auditor Christy Hubbard suggested.

Our boat taxes generate around $4 million each year, Hubbard said, adding that the county would be forced to increase the millage to account for the $2 million reduction that would come if the bill passed.

Somewhere like Charleston County would be hit even harder, and Auditor Peter Tecklenburg said he does not believe the change would achieve the stated goal of bringing more boats back to South Carolina.

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He pointed to Horry County, where the assessment ratio was lowered to 6% in 2009, noting that growth in boat ownership in that county has not outpaced Charleston or Beaufort counties despite a lower tax rate.

If there was evidence that lowering the taxes would create more boat ownership and more people buying boats or bringing boats in, we would have seen it already, Tecklenburg said.

Another component of the bill would eliminate the requirement that boats and outboard motors be taxed separately  a practice enforced by only a handful of states.

The bill advanced to the full committee for further consideration.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The grand jury in Hays County said theres not enough evidence for felony charges against a man who authorities accused of starting a fire that killed five people, according to the office of Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins.

Former resident arrested after deadly 2018 apartment fire in San Marcos

The office said that the Grand Jury said they failed to find a bill of indictment against the accused but encourage law enforcement to continue this investigation.

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Higgins thanked the jurors for their efforts and the victims families for their patience.

We feel for their loss every day and we remain committed to bringing the arsonist to justice to provide closure to those who have lost so much. We take the Grand Jurys encouragement to continue the investigation to heart and will continue to work with the task force to that end, Higgins said.

The fire occurred on July 20, 2018, and five people died in it. The San Marcos Fire Marshal was assisted in the investigation by a task force that included the ATF, Texas Rangers and San Marcos Police. A suspect was arrested in 2023.

Higgins said in the release that the suspect has been released from bond.

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SAN MARCOS, Texas (AP)  A grand jury has declined to indict a man who was arrested in connection with a Texas apartment fire that killed five people in 2018, prosecutors said Thursday.

The grand jury this week decided against indicting 31-year-old Jacobe Ferguson in the arson causing death case, the Hays County District Attorney's Office said in a news release. He'd been accused of starting the July 20, 2018, fire in San Marcos, a city of about 70,000 southwest of Austin that's home to Texas State University.

Ferguson was arrested in July 2023  five years after the fire that authorities said was intentionally set. The district attorney's office said Ferguson has been free on bond and that the grand jury's decision releases him from that bond.

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Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins said in the news release that his office would continue to work with law enforcement to continue the investigation into the fire.

Fergusons attorney, Kristin Dow of the nonprofit Neighborhood Defender Service, said they were extremely grateful that the grand jury took the time to review the facts of the case and decided no charges were warranted.

Ferguson was a student at Texas State University at the time of the fire. And four of the victims were either current or former students there.
By Juliette Jabkhiro

PARIS (Reuters) - A group of men dubbed the "grandpa robbers" will be among 10 people to go on trial next week accused of stealing millions of dollars worth of jewellery from Kim Kardashian, who was held at gunpoint in her apartment during Paris fashion week in 2016.

The reality TV star will travel to Paris to give evidence against the defendants, including men in their 70s, in the trial which will run for almost a month, her lawyer said.

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The suspects, wearing ski masks and clothes with police markings, tied Kardashian up in the bedroom of the luxury suite, before making off with a $4 million engagement ring given to her by her then husband, rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye), and other jewels, according to investigators.

The heist left Kardashian, whose bodyguard had accompanied her sister Kourtney to a nightclub on the night of the robbery, badly shaken but unhurt.

"They were yelling at me in French," Kardashian recalled in an interview with David Letterman in 2020. "They kept on saying 'the ring, the ring'."

"I kept looking at the concierge," she said. "I was like 'are we gonna die? Just tell them I have children, I have babies ... I have to get home'."

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Kardashian's legal team said she would not comment ahead of the trial.

"At this time, Ms. Kardashian is preserving her testimony for the court and jury," the team said. "She wishes for the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case."

DIAMOND TARGET

In total, 10 people will be tried by the criminal court. Five of them face armed robbery and kidnapping charges. The others are charged with complicity in the heist or the unauthorised possession of a weapon.

Investigators say that in the early hours of October 3, 2016, three of the men allegedly gained entry to the building under the pretence of being police, threatening the concierge at gunpoint. Two of them forced him to lead them to Kardashian's suite.

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The apartment block, with several secret entrances, was in a discreet building behind the city's Madeleine church often frequented by movie and music stars who paid up to 15,000 euros ($16,800) a night.

One of the accused, Yunice Abbas, 71, has admitted his participation in the robbery. He told French television channel TF1 that he struggled to make ends meet as a pensioner having spent 20 years of his working life in jail.

The "big job was to be the last", he said, adding that he had been told a big diamond was the target but that he had no idea it belonged to a celebrity billionaire.

The men fled on bicycles with an estimated $9 million in loot. Abbas fell off his bike, losing some jewels on the pavement.

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Abbas' lawyer, Gabriel Dumenil, told Reuters his client had immediately acknowledged his involvement in the heist under interrogation. Abbas denies being the ringleader and had not been aware arms would be used, his lawyer said.

DNA traces found on plastic bands used to tie the wrists of Kardashian helped French police make arrests the following January.

(Reporting by Juliette Jabkhiro; Editing by Richard Lough and Alison Williams)
Arizona wildfire season

Training wildland firefighters| Grassland threat| Urban wildfire risk

High-risk areas | Rebuilding smarter

Wildfire forecast (coming soon)

SONOITA, AZ  There are very few trees in this southern Arizona town. Golden hills roll for miles, studded with soaptree yuccas and prickly pear. In many parts of the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, forest fires are impossible because there are no forests.

Still, the residents of the Casas Arroyo subdivision near Sonoita gather every year to harden their properties against wildfire. Though their homeowners association maintains some well-spaced trees, residents were focused on another kind of fuel, which is far more widespread in southern Arizona: grass.

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When we have training, often the films that they show us are California or Colorado fires, ponderosa fires, said Juanita Havill, head of HOA's fire mitigation board. Our grass fires just burn differently.

After a bone-dry summer, fall and winter, Arizona is preparing for what could be a challenging fire year in 2025. In much of central and southern Arizona, that means focusing on grass fires.

In some ways, the recent dryness has been good for desert and prairie fire conditions, keeping down grass growth and reducing fuel. But local fire officials arent letting their guard down. Despite the dryness, a touch of rain and snow in March produced some grass over the winter, which has now become tinder for wildfire.

Our fuel load is similar to 2004-05, which was a really bad fire year out here, so were thinking that areas that havent seen fire in years are going to see fire, said Michael Deleskiewicz, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Managements south zone prevention captain, speaking during a community information session in Green Valley.

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In the Santa Rita Fire District, which covers Sahuarita and Green Valley, fire officials said they responded to two small brush and grass fires per week in March. In Sonoita, Sonoita-Elgin Fire District Capt. Aaron Sapienza said their incidents were surprisingly low this winter, but nerves are high. Communities across the region, including Havills HOA, are dusting off their weed whackers and trimming the blond meadows around their homes and roads.

I mean, I'm literally looking out my window right now, and I'm looking at fuel that is ready to burn, you know, at any moment. And so that's a major concern that we have this year, Sonoita-Elgin Fire Chief Marc Meredith said in an interview.

Sonoita-Elgin Fire District Capt. Aaron Sapienza at the Vein Fire scar, March 25, 2025, east of Sonoita, Arizona. The fire burned over 1,400 acres in October 2024 before being contained.

Grass fires: Underestimated destroyers

Grass fires are frequent, fast and underappreciated forms of wildfire, according to experts. Grass has created some of Arizonas most devastating recent fires and burned more homes nationally than forest fires.

"The challenge of a grass fire is it burns very hot and very fast, so it can go from a small fire to a big fire very rapidly," Meredith said.

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Fire would hardly exist in Arizonas low-lying deserts if it weren't for invasive grasses, according to Alan Sinclair, a former federal fire official and current owner of a private fire management contractor headquartered in Apache Junction.

In a well-documented process called grassification, invasive grass species have taken over Arizonas deserts, increasing risks for neighboring forests and structures. Without grass, Sinclair argued, Arizonas native desert plants wouldnt provide easy fuel for wildfires.

I've never seen the desert burn without the grasses, said Sinclair, who has fought wildfire in Arizona for more than 30 years.

A Sonoita-Elgin Fire District Type 6 brush truck at the Vein Fire scar, March 25, 2025, east of Sonoita, Arizona. The fire burned over 1,400 acres in October 2024 before being contained.

In Arizona, invasive grasses are causing wildfires to burn hotter and faster, according to a 2024 study by the Southwest Fire Science Consortium. The study cited the 2020 Bush Fire and 2021 Telegraph Fire, both of which started in desert lowlands with the help of invasive plants, expanding to forested environments and burning a combined 300,000 acres.

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Its not on everybody's radar because it's the big flames and the big trees that everybody's really interested in, but it's the grass that carries fire to those trees, Sinclair said.

Reclaiming the land: On the Bush Fire scar, volunteers have begun restoring the desert, one saguaro at a time

Invasive grasses have been key players in some of the nations most destructive recent wildfires, Sinclair said. The 2025 Palisades Fire in Malibu, California; the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California; the 2023 Lahaina Fire in Maui, Hawaii; and the 2024 Watch Fire in Arizona's Gila and Graham counties were all exacerbated by invasive grass species that burn hotter and faster than native vegetation.

Sinclair, who also heads the newly created International Wildfire Alliance, said the same invasive species troubling Arizona are also causing headaches around the world. Buffelgrass, an invasive species from South Africa now at the center of Arizonas invasive grass issues, is also a major concern for fire managers in Australia.

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Even when they dont reach forested areas, grass fires can wreak havoc. While each grass fire is less likely to burn down homes than a forest fire, grass fires are so common that they end up burning more structures, according to a 2023 study. The study found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. wildfires between 1990 and 2020 burned in grass and shrublands, destroying twice as many homes as forest fires did.

The Telegraph Fire, June 8, 2021, at the base of Madera Peak near Miami and Globe.

Fighting back, neighbor helping neighbor

The source of a grass fires strength is also its greatest weakness. Because their fuel burns fast and low, grass fires can flare out if they run into obstacles like roads, downward slopes or gravelly washes. The key to managing them, firefighters say, is organization and planning, an easier process in some areas than in others.

In the early 1970s, soon-to-be U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz., and two other developers created Casas Arroyo, the development near Sonoita where Havill lives. Kolbe and his partners wanted to build a housing development that emphasized privacy and community of compatible neighbors with common objectives, according to a 1972 pamphlet, so they settled on a relatively uncommon model for the community: 39 private lots clustered in a 20-acre space, surrounded by 190 acres of open land owned in common by all the homeowners.

Today, Casas Arroyo residents share the responsibility of managing those common areas for wildfire risk. After evacuating from the 2017 Encino Fire, which burned five homes in the Sonoita area, Casas Arroyo residents decided to get serious about wildfire, Havill said. Since then, theyve gathered once per year to mow areas of their common lands, waiting until nesting animals have left the meadows each year before they start.

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I think everybody gets it. We get together because we know it's a necessity. We work pretty well together, and I think you feel better afterwards, said Walter Miller, a Casas Arroyo resident.

There's a lot of talent here. You just need to know who's doing what and where, and pull them together, Havill added.

A pronghorn antelope grazes in a field, March 25, 2025, east of Sonoita, Arizona.

When residents cant join the work because of their health or physical ability, they hire workers to clear their lots, or the other residents help out. One resident had to move into a rest home, so neighbors stepped in to mow the area around his home. In a community where residents value their privacy, Havill said the effort gives people a chance to meet their neighbors.

It's a good time to meet your neighbors and see how theyre doing, Havill said. Otherwise, you really don't see them all the time. You might wave to them, but when you're out here working in the field, you're all out there together.

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Fire management responsibilities get more complicated in larger areas with more development. During a community information session in Green Valley, residents peppered local officials with questions about the management of washes, road medians and other areas where private properties run up against public lands.

It's a very complex setup that we have in how we manage our drainages, explained Pima County flood management official Luke Heinzelman, answering questions from residents.

Sonoita-Elgin Fire District Wildland Fire Coordinator Brian Jackson, right, talks with Cami Schlappy during a Firewise Assessment of her property, March 26, 2025, in Sonoita, Arizona.

Stretching resources in creative ways

In a largely retirement community like Green Valley, officials also face some challenges protecting part-time residents' homes and communicating with the community through modern technology.

Around 100 residents attended the event at a Green Valley recreation center. While rec center members swam laps in the pool outside, state and local fire officials explained how part-time residents can keep their homes safe when theyre out of town for the summer: Dont stack patio furniture by the walls, clear out gutters, dont throw pruned limbs over a neighbors fence, etc.

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At one point in the meeting, an official struggled to explain what a QR code is to the largely retired audience, who could use the code to sign up for emergency alerts. One resident asked how he could get alerts to a friend who didnt use a cellphone.

After Rodeo-Chediski: Wildfires are a part of life in the White Mountains. Here's how Arizona towns are preparing

At the same time, retirees often have the time and energy to engage with fire management, explained Deleskiewicz in an interview.

If you have a large group of people who are active and really want to get things done in their community, its a huge asset for the community, Deleskiewicz said.

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Beyond community prevention efforts, responders also rely on communication and cooperation once fires have already started. In rural Sonoita, the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District relies on federal, state, and neighboring local fire teams to handle anything larger than a small fire.

The Sonoita-Elgin Fire District was all volunteers until 2006, and the district struggles to offer the same pay packages and benefits that larger, urban departments provide, making it harder to find employees, Sapienza said. Some of SEFDs personnel drive from as far away as Phoenix (2.5 hours) for their shifts. The firefighters work 48-hour shifts, with the rest of the week off.

Grass is mowed to reduce fire danger, March 25, 2025, at the Casas Arroyo community in Sonoita, Arizona.

With only four or five firefighters on duty at any time, the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District sometimes calls for reinforcements before theyve even arrived at a fire.

"If I can see a huge column of smoke, I just start calling for resources right then and there, Sapienza said.

In October, the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District responded to a grass fire on Arizona Highway 82, only six miles from the fire district headquarters. The Vein Fire, as it was later named, started when a dragging chain on a vehicle struck the road and sent a spark into nearby grass. The flames crawled away from the highway in a widening fan, turning the yuccas into torches and cow pies into mini bonfires.

It kept running over the hills, Sapienza said. Every time we crested a hill, we thought we would catch it, but it had already gone further.

Sonoita-Elgin firefighters drove their engines, including two lightweight brush trucks named Maverick and Goose, off the highway and followed the flames. State and other local crews arrived, ultimately numbering 80 personnel. Two days later, the fire was almost entirely contained. The Vein Fire consumed 1,400 acres of prairie but didnt touch any buildings.

"I would stack up a lot of our guys against the city guys because we have unique challenges.  We have to be more creative, Sapienza said. It's a lot harder when you show up with four people instead of eight or 10.

Creativity and know-how are especially important with grass fires, Sapienza said. Because they move quickly, grass fires can outrun firefighters and sometimes trap them.

You think its all low-burning grass, you come to find out its a six-foot wall of flame coming at you that you didnt see, and you try to jump through it, Sapienza said. You see the flame front, but you dont know how much is behind it.

Austin Corona covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to austin.corona@arizonarepublic.com

Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

Sign up for AZ Climate, our weekly environment newsletter, and follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: In southern Arizona, communities look to mitigate grass fire threat
Jared Faurots blue jeans are getting sprayed under the drip hose sprinklers.

Faurot stands beside a center pivot tower, fiddling with a spigot, aiming it closer to the ground. He turned water on this field two weeks ago and ever since the wheat has sprung up and started marching toward harvest.

One of the last conversations Faurot had with his grandpa in the hospital was about a new irrigation technology on this field. A radar, measuring soil moisture ahead of the center pivot, calculated exactly how much water the crops needed that day  ultimately saving water while not lowering yield.

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Its a common goal among farmers in western Kansas to conserve water. Its the resource that built towns here. It made large-scale farming possible and brought feedlots to the High Plains.

But the water is running out.

Wells in western Kansas pump out of the Ogallala Aquifer, a vast underground water repository stretching from South Dakota to New Mexico. The U.S. Geological Survey describes aquifers as layers and areas of rocks below ground where all the cracks, crevices and spaces between rock particles are full of water. The water is able to move through aquifers and people drill wells into them and pull the water out to use for their own uses.

The Ogallala is the largest aquifer in North America, holding as much water as Lake Huron. Between row crop farmers and the feedlots that buy their grain, the Ogallala supports one-fifth of U.S. agriculture.

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But longer droughts and increased pumping rates are draining the aquifer faster than it can recharge. Since the 1960s  when gas and electric pumps, combined with center pivot irrigation, made it possible to extract high volumes of water for agricultural use  the Ogallala water table has dropped more than a hundred feet in some areas  bringing the aquifer to within a decade of disappearing.

Climate change, say scientists, could aggravate the problem. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Global warming is likely to make droughts across the Ogallala region longer-lasting and more intense over the next 50 years.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture warned in December It is anticipated that over time the many complicated aspects of managing the Ogallala will only become more difficult as increasingly hot summers lead to increased demand for water from the aquifer; demand that already exceeds its recharge rate. The expected result will be an ongoing drawdown of the aquifer into the future.

... If predicted changes and impacts are realized, agricultural production in the region will run into binding resource constraints that will affect regional physical output and economic outcomes for Great Plains producers and their supply chains; the economies of the region, the U.S., and the global agricultural sector; and consumers worldwide.

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Faurot is fortunate to farm on some of the same acres his grandfather farmed. But if he wants his grandson to have the same opportunity, his generation is at an environmental precipice: How can farmers dependent of the Ogallala reduce water use while still meeting market demands?

Farmers in western Kansas, including Faurot, are organizing grassroots water management areas and cost-sharing irrigation technology to conserve water  all to keep farming communities, and the nation they feed, healthy for future generations.

Precision technology

Crop irrigation has evolved from flood irrigating to center pivots with spray guns to subterranean drip lines. As water becomes scarce, farmers continue to experiment with finding the right technology to conserve water without sacrificing yields.

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Since the 1960s, when motors were attached to wells allowing for high-volume pumping, center pivots have been the most prevalent irrigation technology in western Kansas: A quarter-mile pipe with sprinklers rolls in a circle on metal towers with big wheels  watering crop circles.

Adding drip lines  hoses on the center pivot pipe that hang sprinklers closer to the ground  reduces water loss to wind drift.

These mechanical adjustments to the basic center pivot silhouette have helped deliver water more effectively to crops, and new radar technology is helping measure precisely how much water crops need  solving the guessing game.

Two years ago, Faurot started using an Autonomous Pivot, a radar, placed in front of the center pivot sprinklers, that measures soil moisture and calculates precisely how much water the crop needs. It accounts for weather conditions, plant growth stage and position in the field  some corners need more water than others.

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An app on Faurots phone allows him to track year-to-year numbers, budget pumping at individual wells, and make decisions based on data, not just instincts.

Faurot recounts that in the first year of the Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA)  a recently inspired management district aimed at reducing agricultural water use on a localized level  he watered by instinct and went over the allocation by 20%.

The second year, he installed the Autonomous Pivot and finished 25% under  recouping the first years overuse and spilling 5% into the following year.

At first it was hard to trust  I wanted to go with my instinct, Faurot says. But I didnt have any yield lag at the end of the year, so now a couple of my neighbors are going to give it a shot.

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LEMA districts also offer cost-sharing programs to help farmers invest in new technologies.

Localizing policy

Faurot farms a few thousand acres scattered around Scott City, Kansas, where he rotates wheat, corn and drought-resistant sorghum.

Most of Faurots acres are dryland  relying on rainfall to grow crops  but as many acres as he can manage, he irrigates. Irrigated fields  especially for crops like corn that require more water  produce significantly higher yields.

In Kansas, four LEMAs were organized in central and western parts of the state, areas impacted by the Ogallalas decline. The LEMAs were organized within the last decade, originating among farmers who voluntarily wanted to reduce their water use.

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They formed within the boundaries of preexisting Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs), which have managed groundwater resources  specifically wells in agriculture  since 1972.

One of the biggest differences a LEMA makes is the timeline it gives farmers to use water. Previously, water was allocated through water rights inherited at each well. Pumping quantities were based on historical data and assigned in 1-year increments.

This meant that yearly water allocations had to be sufficient for wet and dry years  and whether or not crops needed all the water in wet years, farmers could use it.

Faurot, who owns water rights to five wells on his property, admits that this led to a use it or lose it mentality among farmers with irrigation.

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During peak growing season, Faurot says, it was common practice to just turn on pivots and leave them running for days, whether or not the crop needed it. We didnt know how much water we needed. and we thought it was better to use all the water we were given rather than risk a yield lag.

LEMAs initially set 10-25% water reductions and replaced 1-year allocations with 5-year allocations  allowing farmers to save water in wet years, and carry it over into drought years.

Its hard to make policies with one year of data. You need at least five or 10 years of data, says Katie Durham, manager of Kansas Groundwater Management District 1, which includes Wichita County LEMA and 4-County LEMA.
GREECE, N.Y. (WROC)  A man and two teenagers were arrested after allegedly attacking and robbing a 14-year-old getting off a school bus.

Donovan Walker, 39, was arrested by the Greece Police Department alongside a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old after Greece Police responded to reports of a robbery at the intersection of Desmond Road and Tait Avenue on April 23.

According to police, the victim was attacked by the 15-year-old and two other suspects upon getting off the bus. Walker and the other teen allegedly surrounded the victim, took his phone, and left the scene.

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Mother accused of killing one-year-old child will be sent to psychiatric hospital

Later in the day, the phone was recovered from Walkers vehicle, and all suspects were apprehended and taken into custody by the Greece Police on Sparling Drive.

Walker has since been charged with second-degree robbery, fourth-degree grand larceny, endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was arraigned in court.

The two teens have also been charged with second-degree robbery and fourth-degree robbery. The 14-year-old was additionally charged with resisting arrest and released into the custody of an adult. The 15-year-old was charged with second-degree harassment and is being held in detention.

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Greece police said the investigation into this incident is ongoing.

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For years, proponents of green energy have argued that a slow, inefficient permitting process in the United States hinders a transition to clean sources of electricity.

Permitting reform, as it's called, is needed to unleash green energies like solar and wind, which don't emit greenhouse gases that cause climate change, supporters have argued.

The Trump administration agrees on the need to speed up energy projects, but not for wind or for solar, which is the fastest-growing source of electricity generation in the U.S.

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The Interior Department said late Wednesday its adopting an alternative process for energy projects to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, shortening the reviews to about 28 days and 14 days respectively. It typically takes about two years for the federal government to approve a full environmental impact statement or up to one year to complete an environmental assessment. The 1970 environmental law, known as NEPA, is designed to ensure community safeguards during reviews for a wide range of federal proposals, including roads, bridges and energy projects.

The procedures apply to energy sources including oil, natural gas, petroleum, uranium, coal, biofuels and critical minerals. Theyll also apply to geothermal and hydropower, both which generate electricity without emitting planet-warming greenhouse gases.

President Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency on his first day in office to speed up fossil fuel development.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the department is cutting through unnecessary delays to fast-track resources that are essential to the nation's economy, military readiness and global competitiveness.

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The cumbersome process helped enable China to dominant in processing and refining critical minerals, said Rich Nolan, president and chief executive officer of the National Mining Association. Streamlining it will make the U.S. more competitive, he added.

Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen said the administration is using a fake energy emergency to strip away essential legal safeguards.

Its a blatantly illegal move, and we will see them in court, she said in a statement.

The Sierra Club said it's concerned the new approach effectively reduces environmental review and public input to a formality.

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These arbitrary time limits make a complete review of the risks of potentially hazardous projects impossible, Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Clubs Lands Protection Program, said in a statement Thursday. A shoddy review means the true hazards of a project may only be known when the air or water thousands of people rely on is dangerously polluted.

Randi Spivak, at the Center for Biological Diversity, said Interiors plan proves that Trumps fabricated energy emergency is a hoax designed to ram through new fracking and coal mining. Spivak, the center's public lands policy director, said it's a lose-lose deal for everyone other than the fossil fuel executives who support Trump.

During the Biden administration, the Interior Department tried to move fast on energy projects but did so within the fairly comfortable confines of existing permitting processes, said Travis Annatoyn, who was then the department's deputy solicitor for energy and mineral resources.

Burgum, on the other hand, is attempting to change the entire permitting process at a deep, structural level overnight, added Annatoyn, now counsel at the law firm Arnold & Porter.

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By excluding solar and wind, the administration risks undercutting the asserted rationale for the energy emergency.

In a real emergency, you would want to be pouring electrons onto the grid from any source you could find, he said.

Last week, the Interior Department issued an order to stop construction on a major offshore wind project to power more than 500,000 New York homes. Burgum said he was doing so because it appeared the Biden administration rushed the approval. The Norwegian company Equinor went through a seven-year permitting process before starting to build Empire Wind last year.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
MAEBASHI, Japan - The temperature outside was below freezing in this city northwest of Tokyo as local residents stirred early on a February morning.

But the atmosphere was tense inside the heated parked vehicle where Japanese police officers awaited a report near an apartment building. The radio crackled to life. "She came out. She's carrying trash," a police officer said over the radio.

A Filipina woman had emerged from a second-floor room of the building carrying a garbage bag. The moment she descended the stairs, Gunma prefectural police investigators and officers from the Immigration Services Agency rushed her.

"She admits she has overstayed her visa," came another report over the radio. She was taken into custody without incident.

The woman was caught on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. This law imposes penalties on those who "do not renew or change their period of stay and remain in Japan past the expiration date."

She appeared to be no different from other foreigners of good standing in the neighborhood she resided in Kiryu, a city of 100,000 in Gunma Prefecture. So why, some have begun to ask, are foreigners who overstay their visa treated like common criminals?

On the same day, three other Filipino men and women were detained for violating the immigration law in a joint investigation by the prefectural police and the immigration office.

All of them including the woman had entered Japan as short-term visitors or as technical interns and stayed past the expiration dates of their visas. There were no other charges against them.

After being "voluntarily" questioned at the police station, three, with the exception of a pregnant woman, were transferred to a detention facility in the afternoon.

If arrested, the process is detention, prosecution and trial. But in cases where there are no additional crimes or the period of undocumented stay is short, a warrantless arrest is carried out, followed by questioning, detention and deportation to the country of origin, as in this case.

According to the Justice Ministry, in 2024, 18,908 foreigners were deported by the immigration office for violating the immigration control law. Of these, more than 90 percent (17,746) had overstayed.

In 2024, in Gunma Prefecture in particular, foreigners accounted for 12.2 percent of "criminal offenses and special law offenses," also including those committed by Japanese nationals.

In terms of ratio, Gunma ranked first in the nation for foreign crime offenses from 2019 to 2023, and second in 2024. About half (232) of the arrests were of foreigners of undocumented status.

According to interviews conducted by the immigration office and investigative authorities, 90 percent came to Gunma for the purpose of employment, and 70 percent worked as laborers or in agriculture.

The prefectural police, however, say they are not solely focused on identifying those who overstay their visas. "Many foreigners are living in compliance with the law. We are also working with the prefectural and local governments to implement multicultural policies," said a police official.

Although cracking down on foreign nationals who overstay their visas aligns with the law, there are those who have doubts.

A Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Honjo, Saitama Prefecture, which provides shelter to destitute Vietnamese residents of Japan, is regularly visited by technical interns seeking advice on bullying and work-related accidents.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Daionji temple took in waves of Vietnamese who were suddenly laid off and unable to return to their home country.

"The main hall was filled to overflowing. Things have calmed down now," said Buddhist nun Thich Tam Tri, 47.

Since 2020, Thich has appealed for assistance through the media and has distributed food and supplies for approximately 60,000 people. Including three other shelters, one of which is in Tokyo, over 2,000 people have taken refuge at the sites.

While expressing shame over fellow Vietnamese who commit crimes in Japan, when asked if being undocumented falls under the same category, she said, "There are people who overstay due to unavoidable circumstances. It is difficult under current Japanese law, but I hope they will be given another chance."

Overseas, there is a growing realization that not having regular residency status does not constitute the same "crime" as injury, theft or other criminal offenses.

In 1975, the U.N. General Assembly and in 2009, the European Parliament asked relevant organizations to describe "illegal immigrants," which has a negative connotation, as "irregular" or "undocumented" immigrants among other more neutral terms to protect the human rights of foreign workers.

In contrast, Japan has seen little to no progress in revising the language to call illegal immigrants undocumented.

However, in 2023, the Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan, a nonprofit organization, launched a campaign calling for the terms "irregular stay" or "unregistered stay" to be used to describe those without residence status.

"The word 'illegal' itself gives a negative impression and promotes prejudice and discrimination against immigrants and refugees," said Sachi Takaya, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Tokyo and a member of the network's steering committee.

Related coverage:

FEATURE: Hate speech bringing unwanted focus on Japan's Kurdish community

FEATURE: Firms urged to end "maternity harassment" of technical interns
GREENBACK, Tenn. (WATE)  The small town of Greenback is preparing for thousands of people to visit this weekend for Rock the Country music festival.

The festival will be at Maple Lane Farms on Friday and Saturday. Greenback sits on the Blount-Loudon County line and the festival will be on the Blount County side.

Event planners are anticipating 12,000 to 15,000 attendees for each day of the event. Greenback Mayor Dewayne Birchfield is excited for out-of-town visitors to see what Greenback has to offer.

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Traffic plan released with thousands expected at Rock The Country festival in Greenback

This here is a small community and we do our best to treat people right and to make them feel welcome, he said.

Local businesses are also hoping guests will take advantage of restaurants and cafes close to the venue. Jess Barnhart and Abby Brown work at Bluestem Hollow Cafe nearby.

I believe we are expecting a pretty good crowd, just because people are going to be out there and when theyre not at the festival they might meander out here and try to find some coffee, some snacks, and were ready for that, Barnhart said.

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To prepare for the crowd, the cafe has added a special drink to the menu for this weekend only. It has also stocked up on its snacks, meats, non-alcoholic beverages and other products that come from its farm.

I think that a lot of people will just love coming to visit and seeing everything, a little bit different here in Greenback and we love it here, Brown said.

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With the big crowds, will come traffic. The Blount County Sheriffs Office has made a traffic plan ahead of time to try and lessen the impact on neighbors.

Were going to have units assigned here Thursday through Sunday, to try to lessen that impact. The flow of traffic, were going to try not to change anymore than we absolutely have to, well have two-way streets on all the roads, we wont be shutting down any roadways, Lt. Randy Ailey with the BCSO Traffic Unit said.

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Kid Rock and Nickelback are headlining the festival, with their shows kicking off at 9:30 on Friday and Saturday night.

East TN families receive refunds as cabinet business files for bankruptcy

When the concert actually lets out is when well have the biggest crowd, biggest influx at one time, and we will probably have 20-25 deputies, either out roaming checking on people or at intersections directing traffic, Ailey said.

The last time a big concert was held at Maple Lane Farms was in 2016 when Luke Bryan performed.

Greenback is the second stop of the Rock the Country tour. The tour is stopping in 10 small towns across the eastern United States.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  The Greensboro community will soon be the first in the state with the title Family Forward North Carolina Certified Community.

There are 82 employers across the community that meet the qualifications. There are big corporations and small businesses, and they all have their own way of making sure that family comes first, even at work.

I have been here for 27 years, Associate Vice Provost for Student Success at UNC-Greensboro Regina McCoy said.

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McCoy knows what its like to balance being a mom and climbing up the career ladder.

I was pregnant in my interview, and that was the first thing I asked: How do you support working moms, working families? McCoy said.

Most recently, she helped bring a lactation pod to UNCGs campus. Another one is on the way soon. UNCG also offers child care on campus.

You can come and drop them off. You can also make sure there is time you just play with your kids. You can learn with your kids, McCoy said.

It is a similar story across town at North Carolina A&T State University.

We have lactation rooms and child care facilities that support families that are growing, Associate Vice Chancellor at NC A&T Veronica Sills said.

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NC A&T knows a thing or two about breaking barriers, and this certification is no exception.

It also means we are setting the pace. We are setting the tone and the expectation as we set the bar for other employers about what it means to be a family-first and family-forward employer, Sills said.

Something similar is happening in downtown Greensboro.

We help clients find talent, Chief People Officer at Charles Aris Danielle Bowman said.

The executive search firm also has a lactation room.

We have necessities under the cabinet, and we have a refrigerator  If they want to store their breast milk until they leave, they can do that, Bowman said.

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The office also offers a space for mental health.

We have what we call a Zen room here in the Greensboro office where if you just need a moment to go chill, you can go and sit down and shut the door and get away from the noise of technology and people around you and have that quiet moment to reset, Bowman said.

There are five categories that are considered to make the cut, including child care, health and wellness, parental leave and designated facilities. If an employer qualifies, they get a badge that shows they are certified.

I think that really gives them kind of a competitive edge when they are recruiting or retaining talent, Executive Director at Action Greensboro Cecilia Thompson said.

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On Thursday, Greensboro will officially be certified as a family-forward community.

The celebration starts on Friday. Anyone is welcome to come to LeBauer Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to meet some of the employers.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  A Greensboro woman pleaded guilty on Monday to death by distribution of fentanyl and other drug-related charges, according to the office of Guilford County District Attorney Avery Crump.

Krista Ann Lay, 39, of Greensboro, was charged with death by distribution of fentanyl on Aug. 3, 2022, after an investigation by the Guilford County Sheriffs Office into the death of 23-year-old Austin Guthrie, which happened on April 19, 2022.

Lay was indicted for the Class C homicide, coupled with related drug charges of sale and

delivery of fentanyl and possession with intent to sell and deliver fentanyl on Nov. 28, 2022.

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She was also charged with unrelated drug possession offenses investigated by the Greensboro Police Department in 2024 and 2025.

She was sentenced to 60 (5 years) months to 84 months (7 years) in prison.

This is the first death by distribution of fentanyl conviction in Greensboro, according to Crumps office.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Gresham man pleaded guilty to slashing his partners throat in front of their daughter in 2021.

Manuel Jesus Huchin-Interian took the plea offer on April 18, prior to the case going to trial. Under Measure 11, he is expected to be sentenced to nearly six years in prison for the charge of second-degree assault constituting domestic violence, the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office said.

Diver creates GoFundMe to recover Martin Family car

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The incident unfolded on June 7, 2021, after police responded to the home following multiple 911 calls, including from the couples 10-year-old daughter.

When Gresham police officers arrived, they found the woman lifeless in a pool of her own blood with an 8-inch cut to her neck, though she ultimately survived.

The daughter had reported that her parents had argued and then her father stabbed her mother. She then took a knife to defend herself, attempting to stab her father, but it was too dull, so she dropped it and barricaded herself in her room with her younger siblings, court documents said.

She only unlocked the door and emerged from the room after her dad left, staying on the line with 911 and rendering aid to her mom.

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Portlands core services facing cuts up to 20%

The victim later told police the defendant had accused her of cheating and took a knife and cut her throat. While doing so he said he was going to finish her and then finish the kids,' the Multnomah County DAs office said in a press release.

Huchin-Interian fled and was later arrested in San Francisco in March 2024. His sentencing is set for April 28, where he is expected to receive 70 months in prison and three years of post-prison supervision.

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Greylock Federal Credit Union has announced the promotion of Brianna Lison to branch manager of its Great Barrington location.

The promotion recognizes Lisons dedication to member service and professional growth since joining the credit union in 2019.

Brianna Lison (Courtesy of Greylock Federal Credit Union)

Lison, a Pittsfield native, will oversee daily branch operations, lead an expanded team, and play a key role in business development and community engagement. Her responsibilities include branch compliance, mortgage and home equity loan origination, consumer loan underwriting, and the management of a broad range of member accounts.

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I am thrilled about Briannas promotion, said Jennifer ONeil, Vice President and Market Manager. Since day one, Brianna has demonstrated a passion for delivering exceptional service and a drive to deepen her expertise in the credit union industry. I have every confidence she will continue to lead with care and commitment.

Lison began her career with Greylock as a branch specialist, working across multiple branches including Great Barrington, Lee, and Lenox. She completed the Greylock Management Academy and in 2024 earned her designation as a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC), further equipping her to support the financial well-being of Greylock members.

Reflecting on the promotion, Lison expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the new role. It is a privilege to continue working alongside the incredible team here in Great Barrington, she said. Every day, I strive to make a positive impact on our members lives, and I look forward to growing these relationships and serving our community in this new capacity.

Greylock Federal Credit Union serves more than 90,000 members throughout Berkshire County and surrounding areas, offering a range of financial services with a focus on community-driven values.

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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GRIMES COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  A burglar in Grimes County with many more convictions has been sentenced to 75 years in prison.

The Grimes County District Attorneys Office says a jury found 44-year-old William Eric Tisdale guilty of Burglary of a Habitation on Wednesday.

A Sheriffs deputy originally responded to a burglary in progress on County Road 175 in Iola on July 4, 2024. When the deputy arrived on scene, it was discovered Tisdale had entered an occupied home and committed theft.

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The D.A.s Office says the victims, who were still in bed, heard sounds coming from inside their home. When they checked their Ring camera, they witnessed Tisdale on camera walking away with stolen packages.

The victims confronted Tisdale after calling law enforcement and nearby family members for help. The victims were able to keep Tisdale on scene until law enforcement arrived.

The D.A.s Office says a jury trial began in the 12th District Court on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, which was presided over by Judge David Moorman. The assistant district attorney put on testimony from the Sheriffs deputy, both victims who were home at the time of the burglary and video evidence for the jury to consider.

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After the jury found Tisdale guilty of Burglary of a Habitation on Wednesday, the assistant district attorney put on evidence of Tisdales extensive criminal history dating back to 1997. Jurors learned Tisdale was a registered sex offender who had previous convictions for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, Burglary of a Habitation, Assault, Deadly Conduct, various drug charges and Burglary of a Vehicle.

The D.A.s Office says jurors also heard from the female victim of the offense on trial. She detailed to the jury how being victimized initially effected her and how it continues to impact her life.

The jury sentenced Tisdale to 75 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The available range of punishment was five to 99 years in prison.

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GRIMES COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  The Grimes County Sheriffs Office has a spiffy new vehicle to help fight crime!

The agency has recently acquired a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP). This vehicle will be used by its Tactical and Containment Team (TACT) for high-risk operations and will also assist in high water rescues during severe weather events.

This comes after the Sheriffs Office was accepted into the 1033 Program last November, also known as the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) from the Department of Defense. This federal program was established under the 1997 National Defense Authorization Act, and allows state and local law enforcement agencies to receive surplus military equipment to enhance public safety and emergency response.

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The Sheriffs Office says its new MRAP will receive custom decals in the near future in order to match the agencys branding and to enhance its visibility within the community.

(Courtesy: Grimes County Sheriffs Office)

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NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD)  Heartland Community College in Normal hosted a groundbreaking for an expansion of the Constitution Trail around the colleges Birky Pond on Wednesday.

The country financial trail will include a gazebo, a pond overlook and a bird watching blind. A new walking and running trail will be bordered by native prairie grasses.

Keith Cornille, president of HCC said the project will restore 13 acres of prairie lands. He said the new amphitheater classroom will continue outdoor education along with Illinois State Universitys horticulture center.

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With the horticulture center, the Corn Crib and now the Country Financial Trail, we are furthering this area of our community as a destination point for Bloomington-Normal, Cornille said.

Construction will continue throughout the summer. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

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A neighborhood association group is suing the city of Seattle and its department of parks and recreation for allegedly failing to take action on multiple reports of public indecency and drug use.

The suit was filed by Denny Blaine Park for All, which is an association of concerned neighbors dedicated to creating a welcoming and safe environment at Denny Blaine Park, its website says.

The group says neighbors have repeatedly witnessed and documented men masturbating in broad daylighton benches, sidewalks, and outside homes.

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In their suit, they claim that the city and parks department have failed to act despite years of complaints.

These acts are not occasional. Incidents are persistent, aggressive, and illegal. The park has become a magnet for indecent exposure, harassment, drug use, and trespassing, the group said in an email to KIRO 7.

People who use the park disagree. Several said theyve never seen the acts described, others saying the few times they have, park users call it out. Erin has been visiting the park for more than ten years.

If we do see bad eggs, we do a good job of calling it out, stop doing that, dont cross the line, Erin said. We want to keep this a nice, chill place to hang out, be free, and be naked.

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The calling-out strategy isnt for everyone.

Theres a lot of people that are intimidated by that who dont want to have to call it out, said YVette, a frequent user of the park.

YVette has been going to the beach since it was first known as a lesbian-topless beach. She says around 12 years ago, it started to change, and people of all backgrounds began migrating to it. She sees the small size of the beach, combined with its popularity, as part of the problem for users and neighbors alike.

Its completely legitimate that they want the City to do something. I live in the neighborhood and when it gets busy in the summer, there are no bathrooms and people are going to the bathroom in peoples yards, she said.

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The lawsuit is calling on Seattle Parks to enforce its own Code of Conduct and dedicate resources to restore safety.

According to an email from the group, if the City cant ensure a safe environment, the suit urges temporary closure of the park until it can. 

This lawsuit isnt about prohibiting access to the park or targeting expression its about forcing the City to stop illegal, predatory behavior that endangers residents and parkgoers alike. Public spaces should be welcoming to everyone, but thats impossible when harmful behavior goes unchecked. The Citys inaction has turned Denny Blaine into a place where aggressive, illegal behavior is toleratedand that puts the whole community at risk," the group said in an email.

Mari Allday, who attends the park regularly in the spring and summer, says she hasnt seen or felt the predatory behavior described and feels the community is welcome.

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Coming here as a single female, I feel safe, Allday said.

She says that one of the reasons, even if she did see people touching themselves at the park, is that she has seen that in other settings across the city as well.

How does the city enforce that anywhere? If youre on a city bus? I feel like I have been more uncomfortable just on, like, places on the street, Allday said.

The Mayors office has said park rangers and SPD patrols have increased, which was confirmed by Erin.

According to the suit, neighbors have been reaching out to the city since at least 2017.

The city of Seattle told KIRO 7 that it cannot comment on pending litigation.

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In a statement to KIRO 7, the city of Seattle said:

Creating clean, safe, and welcoming parks has been a top priority for Mayor Harrell from day one  including resolving encampments in parks across the city, increasing park maintenance, and increasing the number of park rangers from 2 to 28.

The mayor has consistently stated that while individuals have a right to be nude at parks under state law, no one has the right to commit lewd, illegal, and unwanted sexual conduct at our parks, and no one has the right to make others feel unsafe at the park. Under this administration, efforts at Denny Blaine Park have included SPD enforcement of lewd conduct laws, deployment of park rangers, clearer parking regulations and enhanced parking enforcement, more frequent litter pickup, installation of portable toilets, and signage restoration."

KIRO 7 has also reached out to Seattle Police for information on enforcement for lewd behavior.
SAPPORO - A Japanese court on Thursday sentenced a man to three years in prison, suspended for five years, following an accident in which one of the wheels of a modified car he was driving came off and hit a girl, who remains in a coma.

The Sapporo District Court gave the suspended term to Toyoshi Wakamoto, 51, after the wheel came loose and hit the 5-year-old girl, who was walking along the road, in November 2023.

Masamitsu Tanaka, 51, owner of the vehicle, meanwhile, was fined 200,000 yen ($1,400) for illegally modifying the vehicle.

According to the ruling, the suspension of the car was extended in a way that left the wheels protruding a few centimeters from the vehicle's body.

"The car was modified in a way that would increase the risk of causing an accident, and it was clear that the (modification) was unauthorized," Presiding Judge Shiro Watanabe said in handing down the ruling.

Japanese law prohibits any unauthorized modifications of vehicles such as the installation and removal of vehicle parts.

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Apr. 23GRAND FORKS  Administrators and residents who worked in two groups tasked with redrawing Grand Forks' school boundary lines will have the opportunity Thursday to set the record straight on their work.

Grand Forks School Board members are set to meet Thursday with members of the demographic task force, a group of mostly school and district officials charged last year with redrawing school boundaries to address Grand Forks' growth and changing demographics.

The task force produced the first of what has become several proposals on how to redraw boundaries, a process that has now gone months past district leadership's initial timeline to approve new maps.

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The School Board has not yet committed to a date when it will approve new school boundaries, though top administrators have repeatedly spoken in recent weeks about what they've said is an increasingly unworkable overcrowding in some southern elementary schools.

Most members of the task force and the larger administrator group who spoke to the Grand Forks Herald said they are looking forward to moving the boundary lines process forward with Thursday's meeting.

"It's about problem-solving," said Central High School Principal Jon Strandell. "We just need to get together and solve the problem, not just get together in isolation."

Two groups principally composed of school and district administrators met between October and January to hash out the future of Grand Forks' school boundaries. Fifteen district administrators, principals and two civilian members on the demographic task force spent their time digging into data provided by district demographer Rob Schwarz's firm RSP & Associates and drawing out hypothetical school borders on maps.

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Most of the demographic task force was also part of the larger boundary administration group, which met separately to talk about big-picture issues the new maps needed to address, like school building capacities and new bus routes.

Superintendent Terry Brenner, who participated in the larger administrator group, said he would withhold comment on the boundary lines process until after Thursday's discussion.

School Board members decided in a September special meeting that the boundary lines groups should prioritize using the district's existing building space, meaning members had to find creative ways to stretch the boundaries of Grand Forks' mostly northern and centrally-located schools to the south.

Clark Piepkorn, one of two task force members who is not a district employee, said the task force also prioritized keeping elementary students from having to cross major thoroughfares and making sure that only one middle school would be split between the two high schools.

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Boundary lines group members also sought to draw a map that addressed an economic divide between Central and Red River high schools, the latter of which has absorbed much of the city's new development  and its wealth  in recent decades.

One member of the boundary administration team, who requested anonymity after the district employees received an email telling them to refer all queries about the boundary lines process to the district office, told the Herald that members came to a "pretty good consensus" with the work that went into the first map.

That work remained largely unknown to the public, though, which some members say they believe contributed to the negative response to the maps presented in January.

"I don't know that there's a clear understanding of all the factors the demographic task force put into play," Strandell said.

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Most of the more than 900 respondents to an RSP survey conducted after

two January

public forums

responded negatively to the task force's new maps.

Residents disliked the potential disruption to their neighborhoods, expressed concern the map adjustments would be temporary fixes, and complained the district had not sufficiently sought public input.

"The process was maybe a little bit broken," said one principal who served on the task force and also requested anonymity. "The urgency, the purpose, was not clearly defined to the public."

School Board members have since criticized much of the boundary lines process, while some members have called for the process to be revamped to potentially incorporate input from more community stakeholders, including more residents.

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Piepkorn is among the task force members who supports greater resident input, saying he would like to have seen the task force solicit community members from all regions of the city.

"I would like to have someone from each area that's fairly well-connected, so they can go talk to their neighbors," Piekporn said. "I just think it's easier if you're living in those areas and hearing their neighbor's concerns."

Some boundary line participants feel frustrated with the School Board's abortive response to the demographic task force's work.

"I had a bit of a problem with that reception," the administrator on the boundary admin team said.

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The move by some board members to consider new construction after task force members were told not to do so particularly rankled some administrators.

"What the hell? You gave us these principles and said to not do that and now you're looking over our work and saying this is no good?" said the principal on the task force.

Several participants also remain concerned about addressing the economic and real estate divides between Central and Red River high schools.

Two maps

created by RSP since January without demographic task force input have repeatedly reworked Central's borders east of Washington, pushing Central's southeastern border past the 47th Avenue South limit included in the task force's first map and then pulling it back to 32nd Avenue.

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Piepkorn noted the last set of maps provided to the School Board in March undid the task force's effort to push Central's boundaries out to include new southern development.

"They have no new growth," he said. "The area they're looking at adding in, I live in that area. Those houses are 55 years old. There's some nice homes, but it's an established neighborhood."

One administrator pointed to Associate Superintendent Catherine Gillach's observation at a Feb. 24 School Board meeting that board members and public participants were likely wealthier and more likely to reside on the southern end of town.

Families in southern schools were disproportionately represented in RSP's survey results, with some 71% of respondents saying their home was located in Red River's current boundaries.

"We need to make sure that ... if we have more public voices and public input, we have all voices," Gillach said at the time. "We have components of our community that are working so hard just to put food on the table, they don't even know that they should be advocating."
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The group Protect Tesuque held a town hall on Wednesday about its efforts to stop the Bishop Lodge Resorts new wastewater treatment facility from discharging 30,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater per day near Little Tesuque Creek and upstream of community wells.

Protesters block entrance to Holloman Air Force Base

They are taking legal action against the facility and the state, arguing there are laws on the books to stop it, but New Mexicos Environment Department is failing to do so. How long are you going to have to filter your drinking water to protect yourself? Why should you have to do that when, instead, if the New Mexico Environment Department applied the liquid waste regulations and make them follow safe disposal practices or discharge their waste to the sewer, you wouldnt have to do that, said Rusty Day, Protect Tesuque Board Member.

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The group is asking the New Mexico Supreme Court to step in and require NMED to enforce the regulations. The Environment Department maintains that the Bishops Lodge facility can treat water to a higher degree than its previous plant.

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HERMITAGE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A proposed development in the Hermitage area of Davidson County has hit a roadblock  literally.

A proposed multi-family development on Central Pike in the eastern part of Davidson County near the Wilson County line has been delayed for months as city planners, codes officials and the developer coordinate on a way for the development to fit into the long-range plans for Metro Nashville as it continues to grow.

According to Metro Councilmember for District 12 Erin Evans, the development was originally intended to be a single-family subdivision, but long-term plans in the area required higher-density development.

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The Council had shifted  to something thats called a conservation subdivision. Once we made those changes last term, it impacted the owners ability to do single-family [units] at that project, Evans told News 2. As a result, he had to go and find a partner that could do a few single-family lots and then townhouses to be able to make the parcel viable for any kind of development.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | Hundreds of new residential units could come to Nolensville Pike

As the plans came to fruition, Evans said the adjacent parcel to the west of the proposed development had a small-area study done on it prior to her time on the Council. The result of that study showed that all properties running from South New Hope Road to the Wilson County border will need to have whats called a public road network constructed on them.

When a developer opts to build a subdivision, typically the streets inside that subdivision are private ones maintained by a homeowners association or management complex for that residential development, like an apartment complex. But with this area of Hermitage, any substantial development requires public roads to be built rather than private streets.

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In this particular circumstance, because were trying to connect South New Hope Road all the way across to Wilson County, and then also north of South New Hope theres another section of public road network required thats kind of across the street down to North New Hope Road, because therell be parallel paths, Evans said. So you wont have to take Central Piketo be able to travel around to make connection pointsItll be maintained by the city. Once the project is complete, itll be transferred to NDOTs responsibility to care for, repave, fix potholes, that kind of thing. Thats the biggest distinction.

Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More

An unintended consequence of requiring a public road be built in that area is having more expensive homes built, according to Evans. Should single-family homes be built on that land, they would have to be in the neighborhood of $700,000 or more because of the offsetting costs of building a whole new public street. Thats why a townhome development would be a good candidate for the future of the area  despite some existing topographical challenges.

One such challenge is the existence of a cemetery on the land where the townhome development will be.

(Source: WKRN) (Source: WKRN) (Source: WKRN) (Source: WKRN)

Tennessee has strict laws around the preservation of burial sites, according to Evans, so if the developer wanted to get it moved, they have the option of petitioning for it in court. Moving a cemetery, however, carries a high price tag and more scrutiny, so what most developers choose to do is simply build around them.

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According to Evans, there are a number of developments in her district that include private cemeteries on their grounds, including an apartment complex and another townhouse development.

Its very interesting when you see these pop up, Evans said of developments with cemeteries on them.

Further, Evans said the Davidson County Historical Commission has an ongoing survey of all the cemeteries in the county.

As historic as we are, there are plenty of families that have these tiny family cemeteries, and as we grow, theyre incorporated into new projects and developments based on state law, Evans added.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The proposed townhome development did the same  offering access to the cemetery already located on the plot in case any descendants wanted to come continue to maintain the burial site, according to a site plan submitted to the Metro Nashville Planning Department.

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Having family cemeteries located on them also presents a potential new challenge in the future: What happens when all the remaining family members are gone?

I have found, of course, that there are some cemetery plots that are so old that the descendants have died off, and theres no one taking care of it, and that presents another challenge, because then whats the mechanism for maintaining these little cemeteries? Evans said. Keeping up with the headstones, those kinds of things. Thats something thats on my radar.

How to balance needed development with existing cemeteries and other historical markers is one of those challenges that Evans says developers and landowners work with and around daily, especially as city sprawl moves further and further toward the outer-lying areas of the county.

Ultimately, the project will align with the Nashville Next plan and the upcoming planning departments planning and infrastructure study, according to Evans.

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Theyre looking more at how our pikes developed, and Central Pike is, of course, a state road  its meant for more high-density development. It aligns with all of that. I think were just navigating some of the hurdles of the vision and the execution and reality can sometimes not connect very well, so theyre dealing with all those things, Evans said.

The Central Pike development is on the April 24 Planning Commission agenda with a recommendation to defer until the first May meeting, according to the planning commission agenda.

Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com.

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Sonia Perez D.

Associated Press

GUATEMALA CITY (AP)  Guatemalan authorities on Wednesday arrested an Indigenous leader of nationwide protests in 2023 that sought to ensure then President-elect Bernardo Arevalo's transition to power while also demanding the resignation of the country's attorney general.

The Attorney General's Office accuses Luis Pacheco, now serving in Arevalo's government, of terrorism and illicit association, according to an official who requested anonymity to speak about a case under seal.

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In October 2023, Pacheco led an alliance of 48 Indigenous communities in peaceful protests that shut down highways across Guatemala for three weeks.

Despite Arevalo's resounding victory that August, the Attorney General's Office continued to investigate the election and members of his party, accusing them among other things of improperly gathering signatures required for the party to form.

Attorney General Consuelo Porras has been the focus of much of that ire as she has refused to step down or halt her investigations into Arevalo's party. The U.S. government has sanctioned her for allegedly impeding corruption investigations.

Arevalo said later Wednesday that the arrest was unfounded and "spurious" and "criminalizes principles and rights that are guaranteed."

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Attorney Francisco Vivar said that federal agents had denied them access to the home where Pacheco was arrested and they had not seen him since his arrest.

Pacheco, a member of the K'iche' people, said at the time that the galvanizing moment for the community he represented was a raid on electoral offices broadcast live in which federal agents opened and took away  despite resistance from some electoral officials  boxes containing precinct vote tally sheets. "The people already voted and you have to respect the decision taken," he said then.

After Arevalo took power, Pacheco was appointed as a deputy minister for sustainable development in the Energy and Mines Ministry.

____

Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Carlos Santana cancelled a second consecutive show on Wednesday, April 23 after it was revealed that the guitar legend has been diagnosed with COVID, according to a post on his official social media channels.

This comes after he was forced to cancel his April 22 date due to a medical emergency that sent the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer to the hospital.

Santana is postponing his Oneness Tour 2025 show at Smart Financial Center, tonight (Wednesday, April 23, 2025) in Sugar Land, Texas, the announcement reads. Mr. Santana has tested positive for Covid and is resting at his hotel.

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The statement goes on to quote Santanas manager Michael Vrionis. As some of you are aware, we postponed last nights show in San Antonio. Unfortunately, out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to also postpone this evening's show in Sugar Land. Carlos experienced dehydration yesterday, and has since tested positive for Covid. I am happy to report that Carlos is doing well and will be back on his US Tour this Friday in Thackerville, OK, Vrionis said in the statement.

We appreciate everyones well wishes and concern. Carlos is looking forward to seeing you all very soon, Vrionis added.

The message encouraged fans to hang onto your tickets - we will advise on the rescheduled show date as soon as possible.

Santanas other U.S. dates include a May 1 stop at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival followed by a residency at the House of Blues in Las Vegas running from May 14-25. Hes scheduled to start a European tour on June 9 in Lodz, Poland.

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Prior to Tuesdays medical emergency, Santana posted a message on social media thanking his fans for the previous show in Albuquerque, N.M.

To the Amazing fans in Albuquerque, NM. From our hearts, we wish to thank you for showing up with such beautiful energy and love in the cold & rain. You danced, you sang, and you braved the elements like true warriors of light. Your warmth and passion lit up the night more than any spotlight ever could. It was truly an honor to share our hearts music with you. The post included a picture of the crowd shot by his wife and drummer, Cindy Blackman Santana.
Groups of armed men torched vehicles and blocked roads across Mexico on Wednesday, police and local media said, as a turf war rages between the influential Jalisco New Generation drug cartel and local criminal groups.

Gunmen seized cargo trucks and set them on fire on a highway connecting Mexico City to Guadalajara, before police reported at least 18 similar cases in the neighboring states of Michoacan and Guanajuato.

A Michoacan police source said on condition of anonymity that the attacks were a reaction by Jalisco New Generation to a military operation in the area.

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The fires were under control by Wednesday evening, with roads cleared and no casualties reported, according to local media.

The Mexican government declared war on drug trafficking groups in 2006 and violence has rocked the country ever since, with around 480,000 people murdered in the past 19 years.

The Jalisco New Generation cartel was designated a terrorist organization by President Trump in February. The cartel, which the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says has some 19,000 in its ranks, developed rapidly into an extremely violent and capable force after it split from the Sinaloa cartel following the 2010 killing of Sinaloa cartel capo Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel Villarreal by the military.

The group has been accused of using fake job advertisements to lure new members and of torturing and killing recruits who resist. Last month, a group of people looking for missing relatives found charred bones, shoes and clothing at a suspected training ground for the cartel.

Agents from the Jalisco prosecutor's office guard the Izaguirre ranch, in Teuchitlan, Jalisco, Mexico on March 20, 2025. Mexico's Attorney General, Alejandro Gertz Manero, is investigating an alleged cartel killing site and training camp in Teuchitlan, Jalisco, after state authorities failed to properly handle evidence. / Credit: Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Jalisco cartel is led by Nemesio Ruben "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes. The U.S. government has offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. Oseguera drew renewed attention after his image was projected as a band played at a music festival in Jalisco in late March.

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In February, his wife, Rosalinda Gonzalez, was released from prison in Mexico after receiving a five-year sentence following her arrest in 2021 for the illicit financial operation of an organized criminal group. Her release came on the same day that 29 drug traffickers being held in Mexican prisons were sent to the United States.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Graham Baxter was on Tinder looking for a girlfriend when he matched with a woman. After a few days of getting to know each other, she suggested moving to WhatsApp. Then she began talking about cryptocurrency, and sent him screenshots of money she was making.

The conversation led to, Do you want to make lots of money? says the 33-year-old from Kent. I was still trying to get to know her, but she kept turning the conversation to money. That should have been my first alarm bell.

It was, of course, a scam.

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The woman showed Baxter an app where he could see her making money in real time with cryptocurrency, and over the next few weeks, she convinced him to invest 2,200. The app gradually showed his investment turning into 200,000  but when he tried to take the money out, he began to have doubts.

She kept giving me different excuses for not withdrawing my money, and the penny dropped, Baxter explains. I tried to take the money out myself, but when I logged in, everything had gone.

Doing some digging online, he realised that the woman he had trusted was actually a man, and a scammer from Nigeria.

Baxter used his phone number to track him down on Facebook, but when he contacted him, he immediately blocked him. His bank refused to reimburse him the 2,200 he had lost  saying he had sent the money out of his account voluntarily.

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I was absolutely mortified, he recalls. I felt really upset and angry. It still affects me today. I came off Tinder and other dating apps for a long time, because Id lost faith in people. Im still on my guard all the time. My trust has gone.

Its given me more reason not to trust people

More of us are being scammed than ever before.

According to Ofcom, 87pc of adults who are online in the UK have come across content they suspected to be a fraud, while nearly half of those surveyed said theyd personally been drawn in by an online scam. Some 75pc of those using dating apps believe they have come across deepfake profiles, according to Sumsub, a verification firm.

Despite the widespread nature of scams, the sense of shame after falling victim to one can seem uniquely personal. Research from Lloyds reveals that 69pc of victims report negative mental health impacts, and one fifth still feel vulnerable five years later.

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Some 40pc of people who have been scammed feel changed as a person by being a victim of the crime. Research by Akamai, a cybersecurity firm, also showed that nearly two thirds of victims blamed themselves, and a similar number said they felt traumatised.

I struggle trusting people at the best of times, so being scammed has given me more evidence not to do so, says Graham Baxter. He lost 2,200 to a crypto scammer

Graham suffers from anxiety and the experience heightened his worries. I struggle trusting people at the best of times, so its given me more evidence not to trust people, he says.

Im extremely wary. I think a lot of people online are vulnerable in a way  I certainly dont have the confidence to go out to a bar and just talk to people. Thats why I was doing it online, because thats where I thought I felt safer.

Susie Masterson, a psychotherapist, says the emotional impact of being scammed can be compared to navigating grief  with feelings of anger, betrayal, embarrassment and shame all common in the aftermath.

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Many people who have been affected by scams speak about a loss of trust  both in themselves and others  similar to when people are burgled or mugged, she explains.

Despite many scams being transacted digitally, the sense of personal violation and increased vulnerability is the same as if the crime were committed in person.

Masterson warns that while all of us are at risk of being scammed, particular traits or circumstances might make some individuals more susceptible.

This includes those with a history of abusive relationships, those in caring roles, or those going through a life transition such as moving house  such as starting a new job, or after a relationship breakdown.

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Another category is those who feel isolated at that particular time, which Baxter relates to.I was living by myself at the time, and I didnt have anyone who I could speak to about it.

He adds: If I had someone there, then maybe they couldve helped me in noticing that it was a scam quicker.

I was mortified and embarrassed

Abbie Blyth, 30, from Glasgow, also struggles with the emotional effects of her own scam story years later.

Blyth unwittingly sent thousands of pounds to a fraudster who was posing as her clothing businesss bank. The shock at discovering she only had 9.98 left in her bank account was so visceral that she immediately ran to the bathroom to throw up.

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After working tirelessly to set up a fashion label, and losing a years worth of earnings in minutes, Blyth felt completely despondent. The scam occurred the same week as a relationship breakdown, compounding her distress.

She stayed awake for 24 hours, desperately contacting the bank and trying to claw back some money. To this day she hasnt received a penny back, though the scammer has been found and charged.

The emotional impacts on Blyth were as bad as the financial impacts  she felt guilt, shame, and as if she was a complete failure.

I was depressed, lost and felt I didnt have much in life that was worth living for, she says. I was mortified, embarrassed and felt guilty. I would wake up in the morning and think Whats the point? I wasnt sleeping, I wasnt eating right, and I cried every single day.

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The overwhelming feelings affected her health. A few months later, Blyth suffered from viral meningitis, which doctors attributed to stress and exhaustion.

The scammer could tell me that it wasnt my fault and itd make no difference

But why does being a victim of a scam feel so personal?

Masterson says that falling victim to fraud can activate earlier unprocessed trauma: When we are tricked or duped, we can often feel a sense of responsibility, she explains.

This can tap into negative beliefs about ourselves, usually stemming from childhood experiences such as Im stupid, Im not good enough or I dont matter.

Many clients find it difficult to talk about being scammed. It can take a long time to disclose information that evokes so many strong emotions and negative beliefs.

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Blyth went to a therapist when she couldnt shake the feelings of guilt, which helped her to process the effects of the scam  but to this day, she feels responsible.

Although the global online scam industry is worth at least $500bn (375bn) each year, making it more lucrative than the illicit drug trade, theres very little awareness about it.

Sue-Lin Wong, host of podcast Scam Inc, says that falling for a scam can shatter someones sense of self-worth  and that a lack of awareness around the scam industry leads to victims being branded as stupid or naive or gullible rather than a target of a sophisticated operation.

Victims often interact with police officers and other parts of the government that may inadvertently blame them for being naive or gullible, says Wong. Victim blaming is a huge reason why people may feel ashamed.

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Scam victims may also feel ashamed because they themselves dont understand that they were targeted by a sophisticated, predatory, multibillion dollar industry and not just a couple of hackers in hoodies sitting in a basement somewhere.

Blyths business is up and running again, but she says shell always blame herself for falling for the scam.

I still blame myself because I always wonder how different things would be if I didnt answer that call, she admits. I always think I should have had my wits about me. I shouldnt have been so stupid.

The experience opened my eyes that everyone is not as nice as you might think. It completely changed me as a person. Ive never suffered from sadness on that level. Youd only need to look at me to know that I was suffering.

The actual scammer could tell me that it wasnt my fault and it would make no difference. Ive spoken to other people whove been scammed before and they say the same thing: nothing can shift that feeling. You feel so stupid that you allowed that to happen. Ive carried anxiousness since that day.

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(NewsNation)  The father of an American IDF soldier held hostage in Gaza dismissed Hamas claims that it has lost contact with the group holding his son, comparing it to previous false statements from the terrorist organization.

I cant really comment on Hamas tweets, said Adi Alexander, father of 21-year-old hostage Edan Alexander. This is what happened last time when another American, Hersh Goldberg-Polins video, was released the day after. It was the same claim.

His comments come as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas used harsh language toward Hamas, calling them sons of dogs and demanding they release the hostages, specifically mentioning the American IDF soldier.

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Vance: Ukraine, Russia need to reach a deal or US will walk away

Meanwhile, Hamas has claimed it lost contact with the cell holding Edan Alexander, though these claims remain unconfirmed.

We urge everybody to go back to the bargaining table, start talking again and at least get this bridging deal out, Adi Alexander told NewsNation.

Alexander specifically called for greater involvement from Adam Boehler, Trumps special hostage negotiator, who has secured the release of over 40 wrongfully detained Americans in the first 100 days of the Trump administration.

The closest [Edan] got to get out from this situation is only through Adams efforts, Alexander said. We [are] urging Adam and the special envoy with the State Department to keep pushing forward to release all Americans.

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US and Iran to hold expert-level nuclear talks

The familys frustration extends to the Israeli government after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that freeing hostages was not the most important goal of the war in Gaza.

Its really heartbreaking  this is absolutely a disgrace, Alexander said about Smotrichs comments.

When asked about the emotional toll of waiting for news about his son, who was taken hostage during a gap year in Israel, Alexander expressed disappointment that what he thought would last weeks or months has stretched beyond 18 months.

Where is the outrage, and why is the press not knocking on the Prime Ministers door asking, where is the second phase? Alexander questioned, referring to the stalled second phase of hostage releases that was expected to follow initial releases in late 2023.

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HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV)  A Deputy with the Hampton County Sheriffs Office (HCSO) was honored with the Medal of Valor.

The South Carolina Sheriffs Association awarded Deputy Kyle Horton the 2024 Medal of Valor. The award is reserved for law enforcement officers who demonstrate extraordinary courage in the face of danger.

Deputy Horton was nominated for this award by Sheriff Russell, who recognized his heroic actions during a life-threatening emergency.

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In addition to being awarded the Medal of Valor, Deputy Horton was also presented with a resolution from the South Carolina State House, formally commending his bravery and exemplary service.

Sheriff Russell extended thanks to Ms. Velma Carter for bringing this remarkable act of courage to light and for her continued support of Deputy Horton..

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  Safety and well-being are the two biggest priorities for Lauderdale County Schools, after recently welcoming the Handle with Care program.

Lauderdale County Sheriff Joe Hamilton explained to News 19 what this new program is all about.

Madison County Commission reviews feasibility study for new courthouse

Its a way for us to notify the school system that this child has been involved in something and make them aware of it, the sheriff said. So when that child comes to school the next day and they may not be acting theyre their normal self, or their homework not finished, or they may be in the same clothes, they will have a heads up of something has happened in that childs life.

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The program is under the National Childrens Advocacy Center, and Hamilton said often times, deputies are called to domestic, drug and even search warrant situations where children are a witness or sometimes a victim. Hamilton also said this program ensures the care and safety of the child while at school.

All officers seem to really care about that, and its just the way that we can help even after we clear off the call, we can still help that child along the way, Hamilton said.

Its a pretty simple system: if a deputy is on a call where a child is involved, that deputy will log into a portal, type the childs name and school in, and it will then alert the school right away.

Our Planet Our Power: Earth Day and clean energy in Alabama

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News 19 sat down with the Lauderdale County School systems spokesperson, Whitney Coates, who told us the next step.

Our counselors do a great job of saying, ok, do I need to go to the home? Do I need to make a home visit? Do I need to check on this student? Do we need to make a phone call?' she said. So, having our counselors be ready to do that is something that is technically, probably, not in their job description.

The program applies to all 17 schools in the Lauderdale County School System, grades K-12.

It is such a blessing for our communities to know that its not taking away from something else, it is truly just a benefit, and thats really what handle with care is for our students, its just a benefit, Coates said.

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Other schools in the area that have this program are Muscle Shoals City Schools and Madison City Schools.

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TOKYO - Crew on a domestic flight operated by budget carrier Jetstar Japan Co., which made an emergency landing following a bomb threat in 2023, failed to instruct passengers on how to use the evacuation slide safely, according to a report on the incident released Thursday.

The report from the Japan Transport Safety Board said the company did not tell passengers how to correctly position themselves on the slide during evacuation. It also found passengers were not instructed how to get off the slide, nor were they asked to assist fellow passengers after reaching the ground.

The evacuation occurred at Chubu Centrair Airport in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan. Among the 142 passengers and crew who used the slide, 10 people fell, including a man in his 60s who jumped and suffered a broken hip.

Four others suffered minor injuries after the Airbus A320, which departed Narita airport near Tokyo bound for Fukuoka in southwest Japan, was targeted with a bomb threat, according to the board under the transport ministry.

A call was made to Narita airport in the early morning of Jan. 7, 2023, claiming that a bomb had been placed on the aircraft.

Related coverage:

Jetstar plane makes emergency landing in Japan after bomb threat
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A fishing tournament expected to draw thousands of people to the Upstate in the days ahead kicked off in Anderson County Thursday.

Event organizers told 7NEWS more than a hundred of the worlds top anglers are participating in The BASSMASTER Elite Series at Green Pond Landing on Lake Hartwell. According to organizers, some traveled from as far as Japan and Australia. 

Theres no guessing where theyre going to be. So, thats the thing. I need reasoning, I need steadiness and consistency to do well, Bryan Schmitt, who is an angler, told 7NEWS.

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Schmitt said fishing Lake Hartwell is a first for him traveling from Maryland to compete. Other anglers like Bryan New said they look forward to fishing Lake Hartwell every chance they get. New is among those who are willing to fish for 100 miles if they need to in the search for the largest bass, and the $100,000 prize.

Im not going to be keyed in on one thing. Do a little bit of the blue back herring, and a little bit of junk fishing, a little bit of sight fishing. A little bit of everything, said New.

B.A.S.S. Director of Events Eric Lopez said this is all part of a four day event that will have an estimated $1 million economic impact in Anderson County. He said The BASSMASTER Elite Series returned to Lake Hartwell for the first time since 2017.

Throughout the course of the four days, were hoping when were done to have 8,000 to 10,000 people come by, watch the festivities, partake, get up close and personal with the anglers, get some autographs, get some techniquesinteract with the sponsors, Lopez said.

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Thursday and Friday will be all about fishing. Saturday is when the festivals begin. Event staff are also hosting a workshop on Saturday, BassmastHER, for women who are interested in the sport.

The competition starts at 7 a.m. each day. The anglers will return to Green Pond Landing Thursday thru Sunday at 3 p.m. for the official weigh-ins.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
A 19-year-old woman was arrested Sunday evening after allegedly stabbing her father and slashing her mothers throat during a violent confrontation inside a northeast Vancouver home, according to police reports.

Just before 5:40 p.m. on April 20, Vancouver police responded to a report of an assault with a weapon at a home in the 1200 block of Northeast 112th Avenue.

The caller said McKenzy Hafer had stabbed her father in the stomach and attempted to cut the throat of the person calling for help.

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When officers arrived at the residence, they found a womanlater identified as McKenzy Haferoutside the home. She was detained without incident and placed in the back of a patrol car.

According to the police report, Hafer was read her Miranda rights and agreed to speak with officers.

She told police she lived at the home with her father, Benjamin Hafer; her mother, Erin Hetzler; and her brother.

The incident reportedly began after Benjamin wished McKenzy a Happy Resurrection Day, to which McKenzy replied that she did not believe in God.

The exchange escalated into an argument between father and daughter. After some time, they separated and went into different rooms.

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While McKenzy was in the kitchen preparing food, her mother Erin approached her and asked about the earlier argument. The two began to argue, and McKenzy admitted to throwing her phone on the floor during the exchange.

When Erin confronted her about it, Benjamin came out of his room and entered the kitchen to find out what had happened.

At that point, McKenzy allegedly grabbed a knife from a block on the kitchen counter. She described it as silver with a black handle. She then stabbed her father once above the belly button, telling police she intended to kill him.

Erin began yelling, and McKenzy reportedly turned the knife on her mother, cutting her in the throatagain stating she had intended to kill.

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Both parents sustained injuries consistent with McKenzys account, according to the report.

Based on her statements and the evidence at the scene, police arrested McKenzy Hafer on two counts of second-degree attempted murder under Washingtons domestic violence statute.

Authorities have not released additional details on the victims medical conditions.
The Wall Street Journal said President Donald Trump is finally listening to reality as he caves on his tariff agenda and backs off his threats to try to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

The MAGA media echo chamber that praised Mr. Trumps tariffs as strategic genius looks foolish, the newspapers editorial board wrote on Wednesday evening.

Trump placed massive tariffs on many nations, causing markets to crash, then reduced most of them except for those on China. Next, he issued carve-outs for specific types of products coming from China.

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And on Wednesday, he appeared to be backing away from the remaining tariffs on China as well, saying they will come down substantially.

Another harsh reality is that China called Mr. Trumps bluff and seems to have won this round, the Journal said in its assessment of the move.

The newspaper noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping retaliated with some restraint to Trump during his first term in office.

But not this time.

He retaliated in tit-for-tat fashion and pushed all of his anti-U.S. economic and diplomatic levers, the editorial board wrote. He has cut off U.S. access to crucial rare-earth minerals, stopped the delivery of Boeing jets, looked elsewhere for food and natural-gas imports, and unleashed regulators against American companies.

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Xi also warned other nations not to make deals with the U.S. that didnt include China.

With even U.S. allies facing Mr. Trumps tariff assault, Beijings threat has resonated in a way that it never previously did, the newspaper said. U.S. diplomatic sway is ebbing.

It urged Trump to take the path to political survival and continue to back away from his aggressive tariffs.

Read the full editorial at The Wall Street Journal.
As the countrys oldest university sets the stage for a showdown against President Donald Trump that could decide the future of American higher education, its world-famous endowment is catching the spotlight.

Harvard University sued the federal government on Monday after Trump threatened to pull $9 billion in funding unless the school agreed to a set of demands that included broad changes to its admissions, discipline and management policies.

The Trump administration says its actions, which include a threat to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status, are a response to unchecked antisemitism on campus. Those standing in defense of Harvard and other institutions, including some local Jewish groups, claim antisemitism is being used as a veil for a larger master plan to control and dictate colleges and universities across the country.

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Harvard University is generally seen as the wealthiest university in the world with a $53.2 billion endowment. The enormous sum is considered synonymous with the schools eminence as the first higher education institution in the U.S.

As Harvard stands to potentially lose billions from the federal government  pending the ongoing and likely lengthy court case  some, including a former Harvard president, have publicly pondered if using the endowment during this unprecedented time is exactly what its meant for, at its core.

However, according to Harvard, there is a common misconception that endowments can be accessed like bank accounts.

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In reality, Harvards flexibility in spending from the endowment is limited by the fact that it must be maintained in perpetuity and that it is largely restricted, the universitys website says.

That, said Bruce Kimball, emeritus academy professor at Ohio State University and co-author of Wealth, Cost, and Price in American Higher Education, has always been a point of tension for the public. As endowments at wealthy, elite universities have risen in value, so has their tuition, leaving many to ask why the burgeoning funds arent used to bring costs down.

The simple answer is 80% of Harvards endowment funds are restricted  donor-directed to specific programs, departments or purposes. Unrestricted funds account for approximately 20%.

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Kimball, who lives in Newton and holds two degrees from Harvard, explained that endowments contain red tape-galore when it comes to universities accessing them for impromptu or emergency reasons.

A Harvard spokesperson declined to comment in response to questions from MassLive about the universitys endowment.

What is Harvards endowment?

Harvards endowment has existed for almost four centuries and is the universitys largest financial asset.

It is a perpetual source of support for the university and its mission of teaching and research, according to the school, and is managed by Harvard Management Company, a nonprofit financial firm owned by Harvard.

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In 2017, then-Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust said the endowments commitment is to make Harvard as close to immortal as any earthly institution might be.

Made up of more than 14,000 individual funds, the endowments two largest categories support faculty and students, including professorships, and financial aid for undergraduates, graduate fellowships, and student life and activities, according to the university.

A statue of John Harvard overlooks Harvard Yard at Harvard University in Cambridge.(Will Katcher/MassLive)

The endowment has grown substantially in recent decades. In 2013, it stood at $31 billion, meaning its increased by more than $20 billion in 12 years to reach todays $53 billion-plus.

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During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the endowment distributed $2.4 billion, contributing to 37% of Harvards total operating revenue that year, the universitys annual financial report says.

In the report, Vice President for Finance Ritu Kalra and Treasurer Timothy R. Barakett wrote that safeguarding the Universitys financial resilience is vital, referencing the endowment.

Our financial resources, built over years through disciplined planning and sound financial management, allow Harvards schools and units to withstand shocks, they wrote.

Could the endowment fill the federal funding gap?

Lawrence Summers, an economist and former Harvard president who previously served as U.S. Treasury secretary, recently set the stage in an article published by The New Yorker that the university could tap into its endowment in this historic moment.

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Harvards endowment is not there just to be envied or admired, Summers said. Its there to be used, and it is hard to imagine a better use than maintaining the continuity of its operations at a moment of great threat like the present.

The New Yorker article positioned Harvards endowment as a war chest as the school leads the higher education community in resisting the Trump administration.

However, Kimball said accessing the pot of wealth isnt an easy venture, and the school has other tools to draw upon first.

Harvard and other elite universities have aggressively invested much of their endowments in illiquid assets, Kimball explained, meaning theyre assets that cant easily be converted to cash without a significant loss in value.

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He argued that Harvard would be better off selling bonds to weather the Trump storm, ultimately positioning itself to more accurately recover damages at the end of its lawsuit against the federal government.

If youre covering your damages due to the canceling of grants by the bonds that you floated, you can very accurately identify what are the damages as how much money youre actually paying to cover those things, Kimball said. Whereas if youre trying to sell a lithium mine in Chile or a copper mine in Zambia, the damages are very hard to calculate.

If Harvard ultimately decides to use unrestricted endowment funds to cover lost federal dollars, the most accessible way would be drawing upon the funds annual income, versus dipping into the principal balance, Kimball said.

Last year, approximately 11% of Harvards operating revenues came from the federal government, according to its 2024 financial report.

More higher ed

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.
The president of Harvard has no plans of backing down in the institutions defiance of the Trump administration, arguing the governments threat to freeze $2.2 billion in federal funding violates constitutional rights.

We are defending what I believe is one of the most important lynchpins of the American economy and way of life, our universities, Alan Garber, who has held the post for over a year, told NBC during an interview aired on Wednesday. We cannot compromise on basic principles like defense of our First Amendment rights.

The administration has targeted college campuses across America in recent months, revoking students visas and attempting to defund universities over pro-Palestine activism  canceling funding for Columbia and freezing funding for Brown, Cornell, and Northwestern over what the government says is antisemitism on campuses.

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Garber, who is Jewish, said that antisemitism at Harvard is a real problem that they are trying to address, but that putting that research at jeopardy because of claims of antisemitism seems to us to be misguided. He told the outlet: The effort to address antisemitism will not be advanced by shutting off funding.

Although Harvard previously agreed to the definition of antisemitism promoted largely by the right, it pushed back against the administrations attempts to seize greater control by demanding the university allow the government to audit who it hires, fires, and admits into the school or risk a freeze of $2.2 billion in grants. That is what we are objecting to, said Garber.

On Monday, Harvard filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration and accused it of violating the First Amendment. 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 said in a statement at the time. Garber warned that research for child cancer, s outbreaks, and easing the pain of wounded soldiers on the battlefield will be at risk, as well as future opportunities to reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimers disease, and Parkinsons disease.

When asked by NBC if this was a fight he could win, the head of Harvard University replied: I dont know the answer to this question, but the stakes are so high that we have no choice.

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Trump lashed out at the university on Thursday. Harvard is an Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution, as are numerous others, with students being accepted from all over the World that want to rip our Country apart. The place is a Liberal mess, allowing a certain group of crazed lunatics to enter and exit the classroom and spew fake ANGER AND HATE. It is truly horrific! the president wrote on Truth Social, adding that the esteemed institution is a threat to Democracy.

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The president of Harvard University has no plans to back down in his fight with the Trump administration.

Alan Garber, who has held the position for just over a year, told NBC News anchor Lester Holt that the institution will not change course, whether the federal government fully follows through on its plan to freeze billions in funding or not.

In an interview Wednesday, Garber claimed that the countrys wealthiest school had no choice but to resist what it considers the current administrations illegal overreach, adding that we will not compromise on certain issues.

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What they are indicating is that they want to directly review who we hire on our faculty. That has implications for what kinds of views can be expressed on campus. They also want to be able to tell us who we need to fire, and they also want to intervene in our admissions processes. That is what we are objecting to, Garber added.

We are defending what I believe is one of the most important lynchpins of the American economy and way of life: our universities.

The defiant statement seems to fly in the face of requests from some of the universitys biggest financial backers.

Last week, Harvard reportedly solicited its wealthiest donors, including Michael Bloomberg, John Paulson, and David Rubenstein, after Trump froze $2.26 billion in federal funding.

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Some, including Bloomberg, pushed for the university to fight Trumpbut a group of influential donors, including Paulson and Bill Ackman, are urging Harvard to soften its stance and seek a settlement instead, The New York Times reported.

The fracas began earlier this month when the Harvard Corporationthe powerful and secretive board that governs the universityrejected a number of White House demands for control over the schools hiring policies, admissions policies, and curriculum. The Trump administration has claimed that the concessions were necessary to combat a climate of antisemitism on the elite campus following a series of pro-Palestine protests last year.

A poster for a protest is pinned to a telephone pole at Harvard University amid mass funding cuts. / Boston Globe / Boston Globe via Getty Images

After Harvard declined to comply with the administrations demands, the White House announced it would freeze more than $2 billion in federal funding.

In a statement on April 14, the government said Harvard was reinforcing 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."

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In response, Harvard filed a lawsuit against the federal government on Monday to stop the freeze.

Garber this week said the research now in jeopardy includes work aimed at improving outcomes for children who survive cancer, uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind cancers spread, predicting infectious disease outbreaks, and alleviating the pain of wounded soldiers on the battlefield, among many other beneficial programs.

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

Putting that research at jeopardy because of claims of antisemitism seems to us to be misguided, Garber said. The effort to address antisemitism will not be advanced by shutting off funding.

Garber, who spoke publicly about the debacle for the first time on Wednesday, said that the lawsuit was needed after the school was backed into a corner.

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We will not compromise on certain issues, Garber told Holt. Weve made that very clear.

Garber, who has held the position since 2024 and is Jewish himself, has admitted that the Massachusetts campus has had some real problems with antisemitism following last years protests.

To combat this, Garber said that Harvard will implement meaningful discipline for policy violators to help curb incidents of antisemitism, in addition to beefing up security and enhancing programs that address bias.

Palestine supporters gather at Harvard University. / Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images

The Harvard president confessed that he is very concerned about Harvards future amid the escalating battle with Trump, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the federal government and research universities, which he claims have enhanced lives and helped make the U.S. a technological powerhouse.

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That partnership has been responsible over the decades for dramatic innovation in science and technology, he said.

On that note, Garber added that of course the feud between Trump and his university has broader implications.

Look at whats at risk here, he said. Whats at risk is the excellence of higher education in the United States and in particular the research mission of many of our universities which play such a vital role in the U.S. economy and in the health and well-being of the American people.
As Harvard squares up for a bruising legal fight with the White House over billions in frozen federal grants, the universitys fortunes could depend on its Rolodex of ultra-wealthy alumni.

But some of the top donors who have given Harvard the most money in recent years have also cultivated close ties to the Trump administration, a CNN review of tax records found  potentially complicating Harvards job of convincing them to back the university in a battle with the president.

Among the top-giving family foundations, according to IRS data, is that of John Paulson, a hedge fund titan who helped raise tens of millions of dollars for Trumps presidential campaigns and was a candidate to be his treasury secretary.

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Other top Harvard donors include Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO and founder of Meta, which donated to Trumps inauguration fund, and Ken Griffin, a hedge fund billionaire and major supporter of Republican campaigns who has previously said he would stop giving to the university over concerns about its handling of antisemitism.

Behind the scenes, Harvard leaders have met frequently with the universitys megadonors, a person familiar with the matter told CNN. Several pro-Trump donors, including Paulson and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, have pushed Harvard to make a deal with the administration and avoid a drawn-out fight, the New York Times reported this week. Mike Bloomberg, on the other hand, pushed Harvard to stand strong on a private call with large donors, the New York Times reported.

So far, even those donors who have kept their distance from the president  including Bloomberg and Bill Gates  arent publicly rallying to the universitys defense. CNN asked more than 30 top Harvard donors over the last week how the universitys battle with Trump could affect their future donations, and none provided a comment.

Some donors might be worried about retribution from Trump if they publicly back Harvard, experts in philanthropy said, although they could also decide to give anonymously.

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The public silence from the megadonors contrasts with exuberant support Harvard has received from many small donors since the university refused the White Houses demands to rewrite its academic and disciplinary policies. Harvard took in nearly 4,000 online donations in the first two days after it announced it would fight the Trump administration, totaling a windfall of about $1.1 million, according to university documents reported by the Harvard Crimson.

Jonathan Simon, a 1978 graduate who works at a nonprofit news organization, gave Harvard $100 for the first time in his life, he said, because he wanted to show support for my alma mater at a time when its taking a stand, in contrast to other major American institutions.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg arrives for President Trump's inauguration in January. - Kenny Holston/Pool/Getty Images

But even thousands of donors like Simon cant make up for the hole in Harvards budget caused by the frozen federal funding.

If youre going to make up two or three billion dollars, you have to have large donors, said Ron Brown, a former director of gift planning at Princeton University. You arent going to get there otherwise.

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While Harvards more than $53 billion endowment  the largest of any university in the US  gives it breathing room, most of that funding is locked up in non-liquid assets or restricted funds that are donated for a specific purpose.

Still, experts in university fundraising and tax law said Harvard has significant resources for a protracted battle with the White House  and Trumps threat to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status could have less impact than the drastic nature of the move might suggest.

The endowment may be smaller four years from now than it is today, but Harvard will survive Trump, predicted Daniel Hemel, an NYU tax law professor. If it could survive the Revolutionary War, its going to make it through Trump.

Pride in Harvard leading the resistance

Harvards defiant posture came as other Ivy League universities and powerful institutions like some major law firms capitulated to Trump in recent weeks.

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After the Trump administration froze federal funds to Columbia University in early March, the school largely acquiesced to demands to enforce disciplinary policies and appoint new leadership to oversee its Middle Eastern studies department. Various law firms targeted by Trump agreed to do pro bono legal work for causes supported by his administration, among other measures.

Harvard had been negotiating with Trump officials to avoid being the next target, the Times reported. But after the university received a letter on April 11 outlining demands like shutting down diversity programs and reviewing admissions policies around international students, it went public on April 14 with a statement vowing to fight.

The administration quickly responded by freezing $2.2 billion in federal funds that were set to go to the university, including for medical research projects. Earlier this week, Harvard filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the funding freeze.

As Harvard plots out its clash with Trump  and a possible future without billions in federal funding  its leadership has turned to the megadonors whose names adorn the universitys schools and research institutes.

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But that effort could be more difficult because Harvards benefactors are a politically mixed bag of billionaires. Even before Trump took office, some of its biggest supporters, including Griffin and Trump donor Len Blavatnik, had vowed in late 2023 and early 2024 to stop giving to the university over concerns about its handling of antisemitism amid pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

Blavatnik, a Ukrainian-born billionaire, relented on that threat and released a portion of his Harvard donations in recent months, including funds for Harvard Business School, the American Repertory Theater and various research projects, because he felt Harvard was making progress, according to a source familiar with the matter. A spokesperson for Blavatniks family foundation declined to comment.

Len Blavatnik, a major Harvard donor, speaks at a press conference in London in September 2024. - Mark Robinson/Getty Images

In the days since Harvard refused Trumps demands, Harvard President Alan Garber has been in frequent touch with top donors through Zoom meetings and one-on-one phone calls, the source said.

To understand Harvards donor base, CNN analyzed IRS data on thousands of private foundations that reported making donations to Harvard or associated schools and groups on their annual tax forms over roughly the last four years. Reporters sought comment from the top 20 foundations who have reported giving the most money, which collectively donated more than $1.2 billion over that period  including groups associated with Paulson, Zuckerberg, Gates, Bloomberg and Blavatnik.

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None answered questions about their perspective on the Trump-Harvard fight and their plans for future donations to the university.

John is not taking interviews at this time, a spokesperson for Paulson said last week.

Not all ultrawealthy donors give through personal foundations  others give money directly, or through donor-advised funds that make it more difficult to track the flow of money. CNN also requested comment from other donors whove been publicly reported as giving millions or more to Harvard, including Griffin and Ackman, none of whom provided a comment.

Thats a stark contrast to small donors, many of whom have enthusiastically voiced their support for Harvards battle with Trump. Clara Bingham, who graduated from Harvard in 1985 and works as a journalist and an author, said she hasnt given much over the years because Harvard has such an enormous endowment that Ive always felt like the little money I have to give away can go towards people who need it more.

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But after Harvard denied Trumps demands, Bingham said she was considering donating to the university.

Everyone Ive talked to is rejoicing, she said. Theres this sort of newfound pride that Harvard is now leading the resistance for universities.

Another alum, a filmmaker who has degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Law School and whose three children all attended or are enrolled in the university, said that he made an extra donation to Harvard last week in addition to his annual gift to the school.

The universitys decision to fight Trumps demands has confirmed my belief that giving to Harvard is an important source of where I want to extend my philanthropy, said the alum, who asked not to be named because we live in uncertain times.

Harvard University is reflected in the window of a merchandise store across the street from the university's campus. - Sophie Park/Getty Images

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a Harvard alum and Yale professor who runs a leadership institute for CEOs, said he thought that behind the scenes, Harvards megadonors would have its back as it went toe-to-toe with Trump.

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Harvards biggest donors may not have the biggest mouths, but they have the biggest wallets, and they are wildly enthusiastic about Harvard setting boundaries for academic integrity and fighting against autocratic intrusion, Sonnenfeld said. The most important thing is for Harvard to not collapse now.

Harvard faces the nuclear option

One potential concern for donors large or small is whether their gifts to the university will continue to be tax deductible. The IRS is making plans to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status, CNN reported last week, an idea that Trump has floated on social media. Federal law prohibits presidents from directing an IRS audit or investigation.

The IRS commissioner has authority under federal law to revoke an organizations tax-exempt status if the agency finds it violated the rules that govern tax exemptions. If Harvard does lose its status, the university would have to start paying federal income tax, and donors would not be able to deduct the value of their donations from their own taxes.

Nina Olson, who served as the independent national taxpayer advocate within the IRS for nearly two decades and now runs the nonpartisan Center for Taxpayer Rights, told CNN that typically the IRS would first conduct a full audit, then seek to work out a deal to address any issues before issuing a revocation notice.

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Revocation is the nuclear option, she said.

Such a decision wouldnt be unprecedented. In 1976, the IRS revoked the tax-exempt status of Bob Jones University, a private Christian school in South Carolina, which had violated federal laws against racial discrimination by prohibiting interracial dating and refusing to admit students in interracial marriages. The Supreme Court upheld that revocation in 1983, and the university didnt regain tax-exempt status until 2017, long after it dropped its interracial dating ban.

But Hemel, the NYU law professor, said the Harvard case is quite different: Even if Trump opposes some of Harvards actions, unlike Bob Jones University, the school isnt in open defiance of fundamental public policy.

If the IRS did act to remove its tax-exempt status, the university could petition a judge to declare that it qualifies for the status, Hemel said. Once a judge approved, it could continue to avoid paying taxes, and donors could continue to claim a deduction.

Its cut and dried that Harvard is eligible for tax-exempt status, Hemel said. My guess is that Harvard would win 9-0 at the Supreme Court.

Even conservative justices who have no love lost for Harvard dont want to get into a world where Democratic administrations are revoking the tax-exempt status of organizations Republicans like, and Republican administrations are revoking the tax-exempt status of organizations Democrats like, he added. Thats a bad world for everybody.

University fundraising experts said they saw the Trump-Harvard fight as a defining moment for American academia. Brown, the former Princeton executive, argued that Harvard should make clear to its donors that their giving is more crucial now than ever before.

Appeasing Trump is not in any sense a winning strategy, he said. I would make that case to the donors: Leaders lead. Now is when we need your support, and ideally your public support.

CNNs Samantha Delouya, Curt Devine, Nayeli Jaramillo-Plata and Kara Scannell contributed reporting to this story.

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By Pritam Biswas and Ateev Bhandari

(Reuters) -Harvard University's endowment is in advanced talks to sell private equity fund interests totaling about $1 billion, a person familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

The sale process started last year and is unrelated to threats of funding cuts from U.S. President Donald Trump, the person said, requesting anonymity as the matter was private.

Harvard Management Company, which oversees the largest endowment in U.S. higher education, is being advised by Jefferies Financial Group to sell the portfolio to private equity firm Lexington Partners, according to Bloomberg News, which first reported about the development.

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The terms of the deal, which might be in a secondaries transaction, are not final and are subject to change, according to the report.

Jefferies and Lexington Partners did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

The move comes as investors are looking to increase sales of their private credit holdings for new ways to generate liquidity amid the unprecedented market volatility brought on by Trump's tit-for-tat trade policy.

The sale does not indicate a change in asset allocation for the $53 billion endowment, according to the source.

Harvard had 39% of its funds into private equity assets in 2024, according to the annual Harvard financial report. This is up from 34% in 2021, when the university also sold close to $1 billion of such funds in the secondary market.

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Thursday's report comes after Harvard University said earlier in the month that it plans to borrow $750 million from Wall Street as part of contingency measures.

Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from colleges and universities over pro-Palestinian campus protests against U.S. ally Israel's military assault on Gaza, as well as a host of other issues such as climate initiatives, transgender policies, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Advocates, students and several faculty members had called on university leadership to resist the demands of the Trump administration.

Yale University said on Tuesday that it was exploring a sale of private equity fund interests as well, and is being advised by investment banking firm Evercore.

(Reporting by Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Alan Barona)
NEW YORK  Five years after producer Harvey Weinsteins since-overturned landmark #MeToo conviction, a prosecutor unveiled new sexual assault allegations involving a minor in opening statements Wednesday at his Manhattan retrial.

The ailing and jailed Weinstein was once a Hollywood power player who preyed upon young women in a profoundly psychological manner while holding their dreams in his hands, Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey told jurors in Manhattan Supreme Court, who said three of them would testify at the trial.

Why did the defendant hold this level of power and control in the eyes of these three women? Lucey said. Its because Harvey Weinstein defined the field.  He knew how tempting promises of success were. He produced. He choreographed. He therefore directed their ultimate silence for years.

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Lucey said that throughout the trial, jurors would hear from Kaja Sokola, a native of Poland who is now 38, about Weinstein allegedly molesting and sexually assaulting her multiple times starting when she was 16 and in the city alone working on one of her first modeling jobs. Jessica Mann and Miriam Haley are also set to take the stand to allege they were raped and sexually assaulted by Weinstein in 2013 and 2006, respectively.

The fallen moviemakers landmark 2020 conviction and subsequent 23-year prison sentence were thrown out last year by New Yorks Court of Appeals, which found that trial court judge James Burke erroneously permitted a jury to hear prejudicial testimony concerning incidents for which Weinstein was not charged. He had been convicted on counts stemming from allegations involving Haley and Mann.

Describing Weinstein as now a frail man in a wheelchair, Lucey said evidence would make clear that he was once one of the most powerful men in show business who was so used to getting what he wanted when he wanted. Even when the women he wanted told him no and resisted him.

In a spirited opening statement, defense attorney Arthur Aidala accused the women of lying and manipulating his client. He said all three had engaged in yearslong, mutually beneficial relationships with Weinstein.

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He gets them jobs, and in return, they fool around  consensually, Aidala said, adding the casting couch was not a crime scene and had been going on since the beginning of time.

Was it immoral? One-hundred percent, Aidala, said, at times growing hoarse. Immoral on both ends.

The defense attorney said Mann, Haley and Sokola had four million reasons to lie, due to their collecting a total of $4 million in civil matters for Weinsteins abuse.

Sokola is expected to testify about Weinstein first molesting her when he was in his fifties and she was 16, visiting the city for the first time for a modeling job, allegations that have featured in separate civil litigation. Four years later, in 2006, he would subdue her in a Manhattan hotel room and forcibly perform oral sex on her while she cried and said, Please dont do this, Lucey alleged Wednesday. Prosecutors have criminally charged Weinstein for that alleged incident.

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Lucey told the jury theyd hear from Haley about how Weinstein began preying upon her after getting her a production job on Project Runway and forcing oral sex on her after luring her to his SoHo loft in 2006.

Lucey said Mann would testify about a toxic relationship with Weinstein, who was nearly twice her age, that began after she moved to Los Angeles from Washington state, where she grew up poor in an evangelical family.

When the Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love producer sought to mentor Mann after they met at an event, she dodged Weinsteins advances successfully until she didnt, the prosecutor said, acknowledging several of their sexual encounters were consensual.

Lucey said jurors would hear from Mann and an expert about the confusing dynamic she had with her abuser, including a disturbing incident at at Midtown hotel in 2013 when Mann said no and Weinstein didnt listen, raping her.

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She will explain in her own words why she attempted human connection with a man who was abusing her, the ADA said.

Weinsteins downfall came in 2017 when more than 80 women accused him of sexual misconduct in exposes in the New Yorker and The New York Times, supercharging the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment in the workplace.

The 73-year-old will be detained at Bellevue for the remainder of his trial as he receives treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia and heart issues. Hes pleaded not guilty to all charges in the case being retried by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who attended openings Wednesday.

In December 2022, Weinstein was convicted a second time at a separate Los Angeles trial and sentenced to another 16 years in prison, a term hes set to continue serving regardless of the outcome of his retrial.

_____
Harvey Weinstein will continue to remain at Bellevue Hospital for now as his trial proceeds. A civil court judge postponed making a more permanent decision on the stay Thursday.

Weinstein is being retried on a criminal sexual charge and a rape charge related to respective claims from Miriam Haley, a former production assistant on Project Runway who alleges he forced oral sex on her at his TriBeCa apartment in 2006, and from aspiring actress Jessica Mann, who alleges she was raped by Weinstein in 2013 in a Manhattan hotel.

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Weinstein is being newly charged with a criminal sexual charge related to claims from former model and actress Kaja Sokola, who alleges he forced oral sex on her in 2006.

Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the new trial.

His health has been an underlying issue leading up the trial, but it will not be discussed in front of the jurors. Weinsteins lawyers filed an emergency petition April 15 seeking to transfer Weinstein to Bellevue Hospital from Rikers, as they said he was suffering from several conditions, including chronic myeloid leukemia, diabetes mellitus and extensive coronary artery disease. He has been housed at Bellevue for the past several days and has appeared alert in court the past two days and has been conferring with his lawyers at the table.

Thursday marked the first full day of Weinsteins trial, after opening statements were delivered Wednesday, with prosecutors laying out the claims from the three women at the center of the case, and describing it as an abuse of power by Weinstein, and with Weinsteins attorneys calling the interactions mutually beneficial relationships.

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The first witness Thursday was Elizabeth Entin, a podcast host and author who was friends and roommates with Miriam Haley in 2006, when Haley was working on the Weinstein-produced Project Runway. Entin testified that Haley had told her in July 2006 that Weinstein forcibly put his mouth on her vagina without her consent, and that Entin had said that sounds like rape and advised her to call a lawyer.

Entin testified at the 2020 trial as well and when questioned on cross examination about the claim that she had glared at Weinstein at that trial, she affirmed she had because he raped my friend.

Its a very, very rare opportunity for the average person to get a chance to face a rapist, Entin said. I found it very satisfying.

Christine Pressman, a former actress and model and friend to Haley, also testified that Haley had told her about the alleged incident while the two were guests at Lorne Michaels East Hampton home due to their shared connection to producer Michael White.

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I said Harvey Weinstein is the king of New York. Hes extremely powerful. You are not. Youre here on a tourist visa. Just let it go, said Pressman, who then began crying on the stand.

Entin was forceful Thursday as she was asked to identify Weinstein in the courtroom and as she was cross-examined by the defense team lawyer Jennfier Bonjean, who repeatedly pointed to the publicity she had garnered after the last trial amid a flurry of sustained objections from prosecutors. The defense team and prosecutors traded heated objections throughout the day.

The day began with prosecutors bringing out out a Getty Images specialist to identify Weinstein in photos with a number of prominent figures including Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton and the Queen of England, as well as with a number of celebrities, including with Gwyneth Paltrow after she won her Oscar for Shakespeare in Love, which Weinstein produced.

The first witness, called Wednesday, was Stefan Sterns, former assistant with the Weinstein Company, who testified that he had dropped off Weinstein at the Mercer Hotel lobby in New York to meet Haley.

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The trial is expected to continue Tuesday, and is expected to last four to six weeks.

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National Economic Council (NEC) Director Kevin Hassett said Wednesday that he was very optimistic about the potential for a trade deal with China, echoing President Trumps tone shift in recent days.

In an interview on Fox Newss The Ingraham Angle, anchor Brian Kilmeade asked how close the U.S. is to even starting to talk to China again, remarking on the more positive tone from the president in the last two days.

The president will announce when talks happen  if they happen, Hassett responded, noting that whatever happens with China, the president will decide, and hell announce it to the world first.

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But the White House is optimistic, Hassett said.

Its clear that the president and our team are open to talks. The Chinese have signaled that theyre open to talks, Hassett said. In addition, the president has mentioned that American government officials and Chinese government officials are talking every day about many things, and often current events come up.

But were very optimistic about China, and especially optimistic about just about everybody else, he added.

Trump sought to quell concerns about the trade war with China, saying Wednesday that the 145 percent duty he slapped on Beijing is very high while signaling a sense of optimism about the potential for a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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Were dealing with a lot of countries right now and could be with China, but maybe well make a special  you know, a deal  and we will see what it will be. Right now, its at 145 percent, thats very high, Trump said Wednesday, following remarks the day before when he suggested the China tariff could come down substantially.

Asked to respond to a Chinese government official who said the U.S. should stop threatening and blackmailing China, Trump insisted he had a good relationship with Xi.

I have great relationships in China, with President Xi in particular, but China has been charging us massive tariffs for many years, Trump said. Were going to get along great with China, I have no doubt about it.

But Trump also gave no indication that the massive tariffs on Chinese goods would be going away anytime soon.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
welch  While the Feb. 15 flood didnt force any trail closures, the deluge of water did cause damage to drainage systems along the Hatfield-McCoy system in Southern West Virginia.

In fact, officials with the Hatfield-McCoy Trails Authority are still working to make drainage repairs along several of the trails, according to Jeff Lusk, executive director of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Authority.

Lusk said the winter flood caused damage to parts of the multi-county trail system, while snow and ice from a colder than normal winter caused problems on other trails.

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We had over $160,000 in damage on the trails primarily with the drainage system we put in, Lusk said. The culverts we put in couldnt handle the volume of the rains.

The Feb. 15 flood was caused by a combination factors, including a torrential rainfall on that day, melting snow and grounds that were already saturated from previous storms.

Lusk said all of the trails remain open, but crews are still working on long-term repairs to the drainage system.

The Feb. 15 flood was declared a federal disaster by President Donald Trump. The last day for residents impacted by that flood to apply for federal disaster assistance with FEMA is April 28.

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McDowell County, in particular, was hit very hard by the flood.

As a result, the trail system in McDowell County was among those where the drainage system was overwhelmed by the volume of water.

Lusk said the ongoing repairs will likely continue into the summer months.

Snow and ice was more of a problem along the Pocahontas trail system in Mercer County, according to Lusk.

Our whole system got hit, but it got hit by different kinds of weather, Lusk said. Most of the ice damage was Mercer. Flooding was McDowell, Logan and Mingo.

Just five months earlier, the trail system was impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which also adversely impacted ridership from North Carolina  a state that sustained far greater hurricane damage than West Virginia.

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Although ridership levels from North Carolina dropped for a brief period of time, the trail system still finished the 2024 ridership season with an increase in permit sales.

Lusk said he is hoping for good weather from this point forward.

We feel like we kind of turned the curve after this last flood, he said. All of our lodges are open, and they seem to be doing really good. The past two weeks have been really excellent. And we are hoping it will continue.

Contact Charles Owens at

cowens@bdtonline.com
Lia Kamana - Lia Kamana

Lia Kamana is joining Fox affiliate KPTV in Portland, Oregon after working at KITV in Honolulu, Hawaii for more than three years.

I am thrilled to announce I am joining the outstanding team at FOX12 (KPTV). I will anchor the weekday 12 p.m. newscast and report for Good Day Oregon M-F mornings, she wrote on social media. Beyond grateful to continue doing what I love, while learning about and exploring this beautiful state. Oregon, I am looking forward to sharing your stories. Aloha!

Kamana started her career as an mmj in Amarillo, Texas. Shes also worked in Flint, Michigan
BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  UPDATE: The victim of the fatal car accident on Highway 36 in Bell County has been identified.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says the head-on collision occurred at approximately 3:47 p.m. Thursday at the Belton Lake long bridge. A 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, operated by 30-year-old Emily Grace Meyer, of Temple, was traveling eastbound. A 2005 Dodge Ram pickup truck operated by a 62-year-old man from Hamilton, Texas, was traveling westbound and approached the Chevrolet.

According to investigators, the Chevrolet was traveling at an unsafe speed for the wet roadway. Troopers said the drive of the Chevrolet lost control and it crossed into the path of the Dodge truck and collided with it.

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DPS says Meyer was pronounced dead on scene. The driver of the Dodge was evaluated for his injuries. Next of kin have been notified.

Copperas Cove woman dead after being hit by vehicle in north Texas

The Bell County Sheriffs Office says the roadway was closed in both directions. Vehicles west bound were being turned around at the long bridge over Belton Lake. Travelers were urged to avoid the area.

This investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and UW-Madison Jennifer Mnookin told lawmakers that the DEI practices throughout the system are constantly evolving.

President of the Dane County NAACP chapter Greg Jones was the only member of the public to testify at a Joint Audit Committee hearing Tuesday on two recent audits into the diversity, equity and inclusion practices of state agencies and the Universities of Wisconsin. His message to lawmakers was simple: listen to individuals stories about the impact of diversity, equity and inclusion programs and stay away from politicized attacks on DEI.

If the question is about whether DEI is functioning or not, whether its effective or not, then do it  assess it, examine it and make the case, but dont let the politicized environment we now face become an issue of concern, Jones said.

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Jones told lawmakers on the committee about his own experience working in what was then known as the American Ethnic Coordinate office at UW-Eau Claire many years ago. His responsibilities in that first iteration for the stuff called DEI, belonging and so forth was ensuring that African-American, Native American, Hispanic American and white students were comfortable on campus.

It caused me to do a lot of different things. I worked with them to facilitate transportation back home to Kenosha, Racine when they lost a family member, helped them get that money from the financial aid office, advocated for them with English teachers who wouldnt accept Black English as a method of communication in the class, even when writing poetry, short stories, or any other literary form, Jones said.

Jones added that these efforts helped students succeed in school and were designed to accomplish similar goals to the many DEI initiatives across UW campuses today.

Theyre trying to do the same thing: make those students, who dont live in those communities, are not from those communities, who dont relate culturally, racially, ethnically, economically to members of that community, [feel] comfortable.

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Jones comments came after four hours of back and forth between the leaders of the state Department of Administration (DOA) and the University of Wisconsin system, who defended their DEI practices, and lawmakers on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Republicans on the committee pressed the leaders on the results of recent audits and criticized DEI efforts saying they are racist and do not benefit the state.

Republican lawmakers launched the audits into DEI practices last year after getting concessions from the UW system on cutting back DEI in 2023. The lawmakers then expressed their intent to continue targeting and trying to eliminate diversity programs.

The audit results, which were released earlier this month, come as Republican lawmakers have felt emboldened by a U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended consideration of race in admission processes and as the Trump administration has made targeting and eliminating DEI efforts, especially in K-12 and higher education, one of its top priorities. According to a recent poll by Pew Reseach Center, 54% of Americans disapprove of the Trump administrations actions to end DEI in the federal government, while 44% approve.

Committee co-chair Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Oconto) opened the hearing on the audits by attacking diversity, equity and inclusion, saying that it abandons the pursuit of a colorblind society and demands stereotyping. He said the audits expose the waste and unconstitutionality of rebranded discrimination based on immutable characteristics.

Co-chairs Rep. Robert Wittke and Sen. Eric Wimberger pressed leaders on their DEI practices. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner)

Wimberger added he would be seeking information from leaders on how the practices would be abandoned or how each DEI initiative satisfies a compelling government interest and is narrowly tailored to accomplish that interest.

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The DOA audit focused on actions that have been taken in accordance with Executive Order 59, which Gov. Tony Evers signed in 2019 to instruct state agencies to create equity and inclusion plans. Auditors analyzed how much is spent by agencies for DEI activities, including for staffing, and reviewed reported outcomes resulting from DEI activities.

The audit found that none of the 24 state agencies tracked the amount they were spending on DEI, though the audit attempts to estimate some of the costs. According to the audit in 2023-24, agencies spent $2.16 million for salary costs for positions with job duties pertaining to DEI, $705,300 for salary costs for time spent attending diversity, equity, and inclusion training required by the executive order, $444,300 on costs for completing certain actions listed in equity and inclusion action plans and $200,200 for salary costs for time spent attending meetings of DEI committees.

It also found that agencies did not consistently document that they had corrected issues of noncompliance that DOA had identified, and that DOA did not consistently require agencies to take corrective action. The audit recommended that DOA improve its monitoring efforts and ensure that it comply with the executive order and other statutory and administrative rules related to affirmative action.

The UW audit found that UW institutions planned DEI activities and programs mostly at an institutional level, and not across the board. There is no system wide definition of DEI and implementation of DEI activities were left up to the decision of each institution.

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The UW audit similarly found that spending related to DEI was not specifically tracked across the system. According to the audit during the 2023-24 fiscal year, there were $40,221,000 in costs for UW offices with duties pertaining to DEI, $12,484,900 in estimated salary costs for positions with duties related to DEI and $7,911,900 in working on certain diversity, equity, and inclusion activities listed in selected strategic plans and diversity, equity, and inclusion plans.

Republicans expressed contempt for DEI related programs and practices repeatedly throughout the hearing.

Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) said at one point that he was encouraged by the lack of implementation of Evers executive order.

The programs are disgusting. Its racist, Kapenga said.

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Democrats on the committee rejected Republicans characterizations of DEI  defending the practices and also seeking to understand the cost of the audit itself, which took 10 months to complete and included extensive interviews by the LAB of the agencies and UW institutions to compile the information included.

Rep. Sequanna Taylor (D-Milwaukee) said that DEI practices are not meant to be racist.

It is meant to be a step  so that we ensure everyone is successful in their learning opportunities, Taylor said.

Rep. Sequanna Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison) asked questions about the cost of the audits and pushed back on Republicans characterizations of DEI. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner)

Sen. Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove) asked LAB how much money was spent preparing the report.

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State Auditor Joe Chrisman said the LAB spent about $423,000.

DOA says practices help recruit new state employees

In her testimony, DOA Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfield said that her agencys DEI practices have been beneficial for recruiting and retaining employees.

Blumenfield also reminded lawmakers that a year ago when lawmakers were launching the audit she told them it would be hard because the work of DEI isnt done exclusively by one agency, nor is it a program staffed by specific employees with policies and procedures. She brought up concerns about the methodology of the audit, saying that the audit likely overstated costs.

One example, Blumenfield said, was in relation to town hall events that were hosted by the Department of Workforce Development. The audit lists the events as costing $165,400 in 2023-24, however, Blumenfield said DEI wasnt the main focus.

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The content of these meetings included a wide variety of other topics unrelated to [the executive order] Only 12% of the town hall meeting could be associated with [the executive order], which would equate to a cost of only $19,800  reducing [the agencys] total estimated cost by 86%, Blumenfield said.

Blumenfield also said that many of the activities and positions that were covered in the audit existed in previous administrations and were already required by state law  before the Evers executive order.

Blumenfield said she thinks DEI practices have been beneficial to the state and that luckily the audit didnt opine on whether DEI was good or bad.

This was very, very difficult and very, very challenging, Blumenfield said, adding that she sees the audit as actually telling us to lean in more to this work.

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If you look at the actual recommendations out of the audit, its saying do more in this space, Blumenfield continued.

Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) said he is concerned with whether the audit finds the agency complies with the law and DEI programs are a good use of state resources. He said he couldnt wrap my head around why the state needs DEI to recruit candidates.

Blumenfield said that DOA is complying with the law and that the agency is trying to explore ways, including nontraditional ones, to ensure the workforce represents the people of Wisconsin better.

What you just said there is super important because you didnt say we want our applicants [to be] a little more diverse, Born said. You said you want the workforce How do you make it look more like the state if youre not hiring people based on race  gender or whatever?

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DOA legislative advisor Cara Connors responded that outreach is important.

Historically, you had folks who didnt even apply to state jobs, Connors said. She added that outreach was not because we need to put a thumb on the scale in the hiring process and look at race. It was that we needed to get these people to apply to jobs in the first place.

One example they used to illustrate the point is outreach to female engineers.

Female engineers are really hard to come by. [The Public Service Commission] has a really hard time just retaining and recruiting engineers, so theyve sent their female engineers to the career fairs and all of a sudden theyre attracting more female engineers, Blumenfield said. This isnt rocket science.

In response to a question from Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown), Blumenfield clarified that there are no quotas for these programs.

If Im at a career fair and Im a woman and I dont see anyone that looks like me, you know, I might not be as excited to apply with that organization as if I see someone that I can see myself in, Blumenfield said.

Knodl asked whether there are any engineer positions currently open.

Are there male engineers available to fill those spots? Are you keeping them open for female engineers? Knodl asked.

No we dont do that, Connors responded. Blumenfield asked if he knew any engineers, and Knodl said his son is an engineer.

Wimberger argued that by implementing DEI programs, people are presuming things about people based on immutable characteristics.

Respectfully, Senator, I think this committee is conflating this idea of what DEI is with whats actually happening at the state agencies, Connor said. Whats happening at the state agencies is what the secretary is describing. Its this effort to recruit and retain talent in line with [several factors]. She used the example of the American with Disabilities Act, noting that its an anti-discrimination law.

If Im building a building, and I have multiple floors, I have to have an elevator, I have to have ramps, Connors said.

If I wanted to help people with disabilities, would I build a ramp? Wimberger asked.

If you want them to access your building, Connors said.

Not if their disability isnt related to mobility, Wimberger shot back.

Sen. Melissa Ratcliff asked about the time the agencies spent complying with the audit.

Blumenfield said they spent over 600 hours  or more than 75 eight-hour work days.

That took us, actually, away from the work that we were doing to try and achieve a lot of the outcomes, Blumenfield said.

UW leaders say DEI efforts focused on student success

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and UW-Madison Jennifer Mnookin told lawmakers that the DEI practices throughout the system are constantly evolving and are important to student success.

Rothman said he has come to think of DEI as a broad concept that includes differences in political ideology and religious beliefs, first generation status, disabled status, veteran status, in addition to those who would come from historically underrepresented groups and that UWs focus is on each individual student as an individual to ensure their success as a student and to ensure that they leave our universities with enhanced level of cultural competency.

Wimberger asked about whether UW-Madison has scholarships that consider race.

Mnookin said that while it was considered as a modest factor in admissions before the U.S. Supreme Court decision, that is no longer the case. She added that the U.S. Supreme Court decision does not directly speak to scholarships and that there are a few exceptions to this at UW-Madison because of some state statutes.

Nobody is getting a scholarship from UW Madison on the basis of the racial preference, Mnookin said. We also are no longer accepting new scholarships from donors that call out identity characteristics in that way.

Some Republican lawmakers also asked about LaVar J. Charlteston, the UW-Madison chief diversity officer who was demoted from his position due to financial concerns including highly atypical and excessive spending across multiple dimensions  from bonuses to compensation adjustments to travel, supplies and furnishings. Wimberger asked if UW would fill the position he left vacant.

Mnookin said she has a new part-time advisor, but it is not the same.

It is not at all the same role that Dr. Charlteston had, Mnookin said. We were trying to think about what does pluralism look like? How do we create a culture where conversations across our differences, no matter your identity or no matter your beliefs, are something that is happening?

Mnookin said they are also working on implementing new financial controls with consultation from Deloitte to help prevent further occurrences like this.

I dont begrudge you for doing that, Wimberger said.

Rep. Robert Wittke (R-Caledonia), who expressed concerns about the variety of DEI definitions on campus, asked Rothman what the system is going to do to work on setting a standard across campuses.

There was the sense coming out of the audit that we didnt have a sense of whats going on. I dont think thats a fair characterization, Rothman said.

During the hearing, Rothman commended Mnookin for her work, particularly naming the Deliberation Dinners she has hosted, which are an opportunity for students to participate in conversations about controversial issues. Mnookin said it is part of their work to make people feel included on campus.

Part of what we are trying to create  and, Senator, I acknowledge that we have further work to do  is a place where, whatever your background or your identity you can feel comfortable sharing perspectives, Mnookin said.

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A piece of heavy industrial equipment fell out of place on Thursday at the Reworld facility in Niagara Falls.

On-site reports indicate that there were no injuries when the piece of equipment, known as a spray dryer absorber came crashing down on the property, which is located at 100 Energy Blvd., off 56th Street in the LaSalle section of the city.

Spray drier absorbers, which typically weigh around 1,500 pounds each, are used to remove acidic pollutants, heavy metals and dust from flue- and off-gasses at fossil-fueled plants, waste incinerators and industrial installations.

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Reworlds, formerly known as Covanta, Niagara Falls processes more than 810,000 tons of waste yearly that would have otherwise gone to landfills, according to company's website. A 2023 facility performance report states it exported 195,000 megawatt hours of electricity and recovered 21,100 tons of metals.

A telephone message left on Thursday afternoon with Reworld's corporate office on Thursday was not immediately returned.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday denied reporting that he ordered a makeup room to be crafted at the Pentagon after details emerged about a green room in the building being refurbished.

1) Totally fake story. No orders and no makeup  but whatever. 2) We should have installed tampon machines in every mens bathroom at [the Defense Department] instead  the leftist news media would have loved that, Hegseth wrote on the social platform X in response to CBS Newss report on the refurbishment.

The outlet reported earlier Wednesday, quoting sources familiar, that the Defense chief ordered alterations for the addition of a makeup studio in a room alongside the Pentagon press briefing room.

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Most of the changes in the Green Room were furniture modifications  a directors style chair, mirror, and a makeup light  all of which were added from existing inventories, a Defense Department official told The Hill in an email Wednesday, discussing the refurbishment.

A countertop was added and constructed internally by the Facilities Services Directorate, Washington Headquarters Services, the official added.

They also stated that with the project, the Pentagon was deliberately conservative and opted for several less expensive, on-hand materiel solutions that provide the Secretary and other VIPs the needed support and space for on-camera press engagements.

The news comes as Hegseth faces mounting scrutiny over his usage of the Signal messaging app and controversy over his management of the department. The New York Times reported over the weekend that sensitive military plans were disclosed by the Defense secretary in a chat featuring his wife, brother and lawyer.

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Hegseth defended his actions, saying the information he shared was unclassified and informal. He made a similar argument after a separate Signal chat incident involving several top Trump administration officials inadvertently included a top journalist on the thread.

The Hill has reached out to CBS News for comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
GUAM - U.S. Marine Corps troops, who began relocating from Japan's Okinawa to Guam late last year, will begin occupying barracks at Camp Blaz in June, a spokesperson for the Guam-based facility said, as construction of the facilities continues.

The remark comes amid the ongoing relocation of 100 logistics personnel to Guam this year, marking the first group among more than 4,000 U.S. Marines set to be transferred from Japan's southern island prefecture of Okinawa. The move is part of efforts to ease the base-hosting burden on local communities in Okinawa.

Maj. Diann Rosenfeld told Kyodo News on Wednesday that junior enlisted Marines have arrived from Okinawa and are currently housed at other military facilities on the U.S. island territory, without specifying the number.

"We're on track to be able to receive the Marines, to have the buildings for the Marines to start moving into and start working," Rosenfeld said, referring to the barracks, which will accommodate up to 5,000 personnel once completed.

Aside from the barracks, Rosenfeld said other facilities, such as a fire station, will open soon, while the headquarters building is expected to be fully operational by fall.

The relocation is based on the U.S.-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation, an agreement reached by the two countries in 2006. The cost of the transfer is estimated at $8.7 billion, of which up to $2.8 billion will be covered by the Japanese government.

Currently, some 18,000 Marine Corps are stationed in Okinawa.

Related coverage:

Top court nixes Okinawa Pref.'s last appeal over U.S. base landfill

Work begins to reinforce soft soil in Okinawa U.S. base transfer

U.S. Marines in Okinawa start moving to Guam, over 10 yrs after accord
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had the Signal app installed on an office computer because he couldnt get cell phone service in the Pentagon, according to a report.

Hegseth directed the installation of the encrypted app on a desktop Pentagon computer as a work-around that enabled him to use Signal in a classified space, the Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The embattled former Fox News host discussed with aides how the app could enable them to coordinate more quickly with White House officials because of the Pentagons lack of cell phone service, according to the Post.

It is the latest in the Signalgate saga involving Hegseths use of the app to discuss military plans, which he has repeatedly claimed were not classified.

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Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell denied the Posts reporting in a statement to The Independent.

The Secretary of Defenses use of communications systems and channels is classified, Parnell said. However, we can confirm that the Secretary has never used and does not currently use Signal on his government computer.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed with aides how the app could enable them to coordinate more quickly with White House officials because of the Pentagons lack of cell phone service, according to a report. (EPA)

Hegseth furiously hit back against revelations this week that he created a second Signal chat to discuss military plans in Yemen that included his own wife, brother and personal attorney.

He blamed fired staffers for the leaks about the second Signal chat group about strikes against the Houthis in March, as he accused them of trying to sabotage President Donald Trumps agenda.

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Those folks who are leaking, who have been pushed out of the building, are now attempting to leak and sabotage the president's agenda, Hegseth said. We're for the war fighters. We're for the president. And none of this is based in reality.

It emerged last month that Hegseth texted sensitive war plans involving a wave of U.S. air strikes in Yemen in a Signal chat called Houthi PC small group that inadvertently included The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg. The chat was created by Trumps national security adviser Mike Waltz.

After the second Signal group chat story broke, the mood in the West Wing has grown dark, according to The Atlantic. The president is standing by Hegseth but Trump and those closest to him are said to be frustrated about revisiting the saga that they believe slowed their momentum last month, according to the outlet.

Here we go again. Just a waste of time. He is doing a great job, Trump said at Mondays White House Easter Egg Roll event when asked about the newest report about a Signal chat involving Hegseth.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly directed a desktop computer in his Pentagon office be installed with the messaging app Signal, adding another layer to the controversy around his use of the encrypted messaging app, multiple outlets reported Thursday.

Hegseth earlier this year effectively cloned the Signal app on his personal cellphone to his computer as a way to get around blocks on the messaging app in classified areas, and to message people outside the Pentagon, The Washington Post first reported. Personal cell phones and electronics are not allowed in classified areas of the Pentagon.

Three people familiar with the matter told the outlet Hegseth and his aides discussed how they could bypass the lack of cellphone service in the Pentagon and more quickly connect with the White House and other top Trump officials using Signal.

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Hegseth has two computers in his office, one for personal use and another that is government-issued, one of the people familiar with the matter told The Post.

The New York Times also reported Hegseth had cables installed in early March so he could connect the computer to Signal, a capability his confidential assistant and Col. Ricky Buria, his junior military aide, also had.

In addition, the Pentagon chief was interested in installing a program to send conventional text messages from the office, according to the Post.

When emailed by The Hill, Pentagon press secretary Sean Parnell denied the Signal usage on Hegseths computer.

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The Secretary of Defenses use of communications systems and channels is classified. However, we can confirm that the Secretary has never used and does not currently use Signal on his government computer, Parnell said in a statement.

The news follows the bombshell revelation that Hegseth on March 15 shared highly sensitive attack plans in a Signal chat group that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer hours ahead of airstrikes against Houthi militants in Yemen, an exchange reported by the Times on Sunday.

Hegseth had shared similar information in a group chat with top national security officials also hours before the U.S. operation. Details of that text chain became public knowledge because Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic, reported he had been mistakenly added to the chat.

The Trump administration has sought to downplay the seriousness of the leaked war plans, with officials including Hegseth insisting no classified information was shared. That line of defense is being given more scrutiny after it was reported this week that Hegseth directly pulled details about the strikes sent from U.S. Central Command using a secure government network.

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The Signal incident is under review by the Defense Departments acting inspector general, which announced its investigation earlier this month after prompting by multiple lawmakers including Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss).

The scandal continues to make headlines amid infighting in Hegseths front office, with three senior aides fired last week over accusations of leaking to the media, a claim they deny.

Hegseths chief of staff, Joe Kasper, is also being moved to another position in the building, while a former top spokesperson, John Ullyot, penned a damning op-ed shortly after his departure, claiming the Defense Department has descended into chaos under Hegseths leadership.

Democrats have rallied around calls for Hegseth to step down, but most Republicans have remained publicly supportive, and President Trump continued to defend his Defense secretary.

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ARKADELPHIA, Ark.  A change made last week at Henderson State University is ensuring more people are Reddie to fly.

The aviation flight training program, turning into the Arkansas Aviation Academy, is more than a name change. It expands flight education beyond those enrolled at the school.

New Arkansas law creates incentives for alternative aviation fuel

Three courses are now open to non-degree students. They include a commercial multi-engine add-on course, a tailwheel course, and a Certified Flight Instructor spin-training course.

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They are available only to people who already have a commercial pilot certificate. Shannon Clardy, Henderson State University Dean of the College of Aviation, Science, and Nursing, said the 16-plane fleet allows more room for advanced training.

Thats what were focused on right now. As our fleet capacity grows, then our offerings will also grow, Clardy said.

It also fills a hiring need in the aviation industry.

That is all experience that pilots will need to move out into industry, whether they are flying charter airplanes, flying freight, or flying passengers, Clardy explained.

United Airlines wants to turn algae into jet fuel

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Taylor Scalzi went from student to instructor. She completed the commercial multi-engine add-on courses last week.

It really broadens my horizons of where I can go, and what I can do, Scalzi explained.

Each of the three initial courses can be completed in less than a week. Accommodations will be available on campus for participating pilots during their week-long training. Scalzi said she is excited to see who the academy brings in.

It is a very dynamic group. It could be anybody from 18 years old to in their 50s. It doesnt matter, Scalzi said.

The creation of an aviation advisory board is underway, and the academy is working on alumni connections, along with pursuing potential partnerships with airlines, which could help with landing a job.

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Chad Cocroft is a junior HSU aviation major. He said the course is his next step in achieving his dream of becoming a career pilot.

I enjoy it. I want to do it for the rest of my life, Cocroft said.

University of Central Arkansas celebrates groundbreaking of Aviation Academy hangar

Hendersons long-established professional pilot bachelors degree program is the only public university program of its kind in the state. For additional information, visit HSU.edu/aviation or call (870) 230-5585 to schedule training.

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OXFORD, Ohio (WDTN)  A teenager has died following a devastating house fire Tuesday.

According to NBC affiliate WLWT, a fire broke out on Booth Road near US-27 in Oxford on Tuesday night. Upon arrival around 4:30 p.m., fire crews say they were faced with heavy fire and smoke across the front of the house.

Fire officials say one resident was able to escape through a window, telling officials that her son was still inside. Crews attempted to enter the home to rescue him, but heavy fire conditions prevented entry.

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The Oxford Fire Department says the heavy volume of fire was fed by a damaged natural gas meter. Once the gas line was shut off, the fire was brought under control and crews found the missing male deceased inside the home.

The teen was identified as 18-year-old Ryan Starrett, a senior at Talawanda High School.

The high school told WLWT that counseling services will be available for anyone who needs it.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. The Ohio State Fire Marshals Office Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau is investigating.

Officials declared the home to be a total loss.

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WAUKEGAN, Ill.  The man who opened fire at a Fourth of July parade near Chicago in 2022, killing seven people and leaving behind "oceans of grief," will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no possibility of parole, a judge said Thursday.

Robert Bobby Crimo III, 24, was a no-show for the sentencing hearing that began Wednesday, and he declined to make a statement to the court, his lawyer said.

"The court finds hes irrevocably depraved," state Circuit Judge Victoria Rossetti said as she handed down the maximum sentence. "He is beyond any rehabilitation."

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Crimo pleaded guilty last month in the mass shooting on July 4, 2022, in Highland Park, about 30 miles outside Chicago, which wounded nearly 50 people in addition to the seven who were killed.

In addition to Crimo, all members of his family also opted against attending court, said a lawyer for Crimo's father.

Liz Turnipseed, who was shot in the pelvis and still struggles with mobility, called Crimo a "coward" for hiding from victims.

"But at the same time, I wasnt surprised at all," Turnipseed told reporters outside court. "And regardless of whether he was there or not, this was going to happen. I dont need to see his face. I know what he looks like. I watched the videos with the confession. That was enough to see how cavalier he was about murdering seven people."

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Even though the life sentence seemed all but certain coming into Thursday, Highland Park resident Ashely Beasley, who was at the parade, said there was still tension in the courtroom up until Rossetti ruled.

"We just all held our breath just to make sure that he would never, ever be free again," Beasley said. "And now that that's happened, it's like we can exhale knowing that he will not be free."

The seven people Crimo killed were Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35. Cooper Roberts, then 8, was shot and paralyzed.

"In the middle of that joy, in the middle of that celebration, 83 shots rang out over 40 seconds. Eighty-three attempts to hurt people, do as much damage as possible. Eighty-three attempts to kill. Eighty-three attempts to reduce light in the world," Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart told the court. "He intended to end the happiness he saw around him. "

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Some in the court sobbed and hugged one another as Rinehart summed up the mass trauma.

"I cannot attempt to rein in the pain, oceans of grief, trauma, heartache and loss," he said.

A mourner visits a memorial for the victims of the shooting in Highland Park.

Rossetti appeared to be moments away from adjourning court for the day when a sheriff's deputy approached the bench and delivered her a note that forced an immediate break in proceedings.

With Crimo in a nearby jail, survivors in court believed he might have changed his mind about appearing in court.

But the half-hour delay turned out to be Crimo's claim that some of his belongings in jail had been taken, his lawyers said.

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"The offender had a concern about something that was happening in the jail," Rinehart later told reporters. "It was not related to the sentencing hearing. That's all I'm going to say."

Thursday's hearing was a continuation from Wednesday, when more than a dozen witnesses testified, recalling the horrors of that day nearly three years ago.

Erica Weeder and her husband, John Kezdy, survived their physical wounds but were left with permanent emotional scars, she said.

Because of this mass shooting, this act of terror, Weeder testified Thursday, I and my children and entire community now know no one is ever really safe.

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Kezdy, a punk rocker-turned-state prosecutor, was killed a year later in a bicycle accident.

Weeder said she is still nervous about driving and hearing loud noises from construction sites.

John and I willed ourselves to minimize the impact of shooting on our lives, she said.

Robert Crimo III at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, Ill., on May 29.

After he was captured, Crimo told police he was trying to avoid shooting children by targeting adults and aiming for the chest up.

Life without the possibility of parole is the most severe punishment he faced, as Illinois doesnt have capital punishment.

Lance Northcutt, an attorney representing the McCarthy family and the slain couples orphaned son, said Thursday that there was nothing the judge could do Thursday to bring "justice" to the victims' loved ones.

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"Justice would be that little Aidan McCarthy would walk out of a kindergarten today and see his mother and his father waiting there with open arms to greet him," he said after court.

Technically, Crimo was ordered to serve seven consecutive life terms for the seven slayings, in addition to another 50-year sentence, to be served consecutively, for attempted murder and 47 more 50-year terms for attempted murder, to be served concurrently.

"He will not survive his first life sentence, then there would be six more," Rinehart said.

Outside court, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said she has always been struck by the symbolism of Crimo's attack's unfolding on a day when Americans celebrate freedom.

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"Our peer nations can't understand how we put up with this, and I recognize that we, as a community, we're coming together to celebrate freedom," Rotering said. "But how free are you if you're constantly worried that somebody's going to come leave 83 bullets on your community in under a minute? That's not freedom."

There were 503 mass shootings in America last year, and there have been at least 85 so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

Samira Puskar reported from Waukegan and David K. Li from Los Angeles County.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Robert E. Crimo III at the Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, Ill., Wednesday, June 26, 2024. - Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool

The man responsible for the shooting deaths of seven people at a July 4th parade near Chicago in 2022 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Thursday.

Robert Crimo III, who previously pleaded guilty to the Independence Day mass shooting that also left dozens of people injured, was given seven consecutive life sentences for each of his first-degree murder victims, as well as 50 years for each of the 48 counts of attempted murder Crimo was also convicted of, the Associated Press reported.

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This court has absolutely no words that could adequately describe and capture the horror and pain that was inflicted on July 4th, Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti said during sentencing, adding that the 24-year-old Crimo has a complete disregard for human life and is irretrievably depraved, permanently incorrigible, irreparably corrupt and beyond any rehabilitation.

A former teacher, the parents of a two-year-old, and a grandfather visiting his family from Mexico were among the seven people killed in the mass shooting during a 4th of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois. Crimo was later indicted on 117 counts, ranging from the 21 first degree murder charges (three for each of the seven people killed during the 4th of July attack) to 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery with a firearm for each victim who was struck by a bullet, bullet fragment, or shrapnel.

The trial was delayed in part because of Crimo backing out of his plea, firing his public defenders, and a brief attempt to serve as his own lawyer. Just moments before the trial finally began in March 2025, Crimo surprised the court by changing his plea to guilty. Crimo did not attend Wednesdays sentencing hearing, where families of some of the victims testified in court.

In November 2023, Crimos father, Robert Crimo Jr., a one-time mayoral candidate, pleaded guilty to seven counts of misdemeanor reckless conduct for aiding his son in obtaining a license to own firearms prior to the shootings and was subsequently sentenced to 60 days in jail.

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Anyone weary of the fire hose of dire news from the White House might have found respite in an uplifting story emanating from Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based genetics startup, early this month: Colossal reported that it had successfully resurrected the dire wolf from its 12,000-year-long extinction.

The feat was "the world's first de-extinction," the company said  "a revolutionary milestone of scientific progress that illustrates another leap forward in Colossals de-extinction technologies and is a critical step on the pathway to the de-extinction of other target species."

Its achievement drew Page 1 reportage and plaudits from conservationists and animal welfare groups who saw it as a path to "making extinction events a thing of the past," as Robin R. Ganzert, chief executive of the American Humane Society, gushed on Colossal's website.

The dire wolf genome likely differs from that of the gray wolf in millions or tens of millions of ways. Editing 14 genes is interesting, but it's not a reconstruction or de-extinction. It's not even close.

Paul S. Knoepfler, UC Davis

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Umm, not so fast.

Many in the genetics community have questioned whether the three animals produced at Colossal's genetics laboratory and currently housed at an unidentified preserve are truly dire wolves, as opposed to modern-day gray wolves with relatively modest genetic alterations.

"The three produced gray wolves with 15 gene edits making them genetically a smidge more like dire wolves are not a de-extinction event," asserts Paul S. Knoepfler, an expert in cell biology and human anatomy at UC Davis medical school.

In a post on his blog, Knoepfler called Colossal's claims "colossal baloney" and warned, "This kind of hype is toxic and harmful to science including public trust."

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Colossal dismisses the professional questioning over whether it truly has resurrected the dire wolf from extinction as a distraction from its scientific goals and achievement.

"Everybody just wanted to argue what to call these things," Ben Lamm, an entrepreneur in software engineering who is one of Colossal's two co-founders, told me. (The other is Harvard and MIT geneticist George Church.) "No one got deep into the science of how we created new models for ancient DNA extraction."

Read more: Hiltzik: Trump's assault on science will make Americans dumber and sicker

If that's so, Colossal has only itself to blame. The company hasn't exactly reported its work with anything resembling scientific circumspection. Instead, it has promoted its claim to have resurrected the dire wolf with unsparing razzmatazz. "The dire wolf is no longer extinct," it trumpets on its website. "De-extinction is no longer science fiction  its reality."

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The company orchestrated a media rollout of its announcement by arranging pre-disclosure tours of its labs for Time magazine and ABC's "Good Morning America." Time posted two largely uncritical articles about the dire wolf project online on April 7, the day of the company announcement. The cover of its May 12 issue, in which the pieces will be in print, features a photo of one of the pups under the headline "This is Remus. He's a dire wolf. The first to exist in over 10,000 years."

GMA's segment aired April 8. Leavened slightly with cautionary remarks from a Columbia University ethicist, it was introduced with all the sober skepticism one would expect from a press release  as a GMA host declared breathlessly: "This is 'Jurassic Park' meets 'Game of Thrones'!"

Its publicity campaign and website presenting the dire wolf project as the achieved resurrection of a long-extinct species could not help but shoulder any nuanced assessment of its science off the front page of some publications.

"A website is marketing," Lamm acknowledged. "It's not a scientific paper. It hasn't gone through peer review."

The real thing: A wall at the La Brea Tar Pits of the Natural History Museum of L.A. County displays dire wolf skulls extracted from the ooze. (Courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County)

Colossal has teams working on the "de-extinction" of species including the woolly mammoth, which went extinct as long as 14,000 years ago presumably because of climatic changes; the dodo, which was lost in the 1600s when humans introduced competing species to its sole habitat, the island of Mauritius; and the Tasmanian tiger, a marsupial that was hunted down as a livestock pest by farmers and went extinct in the 1930s.

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Colossal says its goals include restoring some of these species to their ancient positions in the ecosystem in order to restore lost biodiversity.

But the company's choice of the dire wolf as its first announced successful "de-extinction" seems almost preordained. The dire wolf is familiar to fans of the "Game of Thrones" books and TV series, in which they're depicted as animals gifted as pups to children of the Stark clan and known for their loyalty, strength and size.

It's probably no coincidence that George R.R. Martin, the author of the books, is an investor and advisor to Colossal; he's even named as a co-author on a technical paper the company published as a non-peer-reviewed preprint describing its de-extinction effort. The text credits him with the "review and editing" of the paper's text among 36 other credited co-authors in that category.

A Colossal video calls the species "a prehistoric pop-culture icon"  it also plays a role in "World of Warcraft," Dungeons & Dragons and the card game Magic: The Gathering. Visitors to the La Brea Tar Pits are aware of the species' role in the ecosystem of primordial Southern California, thanks to a wall at the museum displaying hundreds of dire wolf skulls extracted from the ooze.

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Colossal has given one of its three "dire wolves" the name Khaleesi, a "Game of Thrones" character. The other two are named Romulus and Remus, after the mythical founders of Rome said to have been suckled by a she-wolf as infants. (Khaleesi, a female, was born four months after her brothers, who are twins.)

The dire wolves known to paleontologists, however, are different from the creatures that can now be viewed in Colossal videos gamboling in an open field. The Colossal animals are snowy white, resembling the snowy or gray animals of the TV series. The real dire wolves are thought to have had dark fur and to have been the size of large dogs or wolves, not lion- or horse-sized as on TV.

Read more: Hiltzik: Black spatulas and mystery drones: Your guide to the unfounded panics of the season

Although the pups have powerful musculature and broader shoulders than today's gray wolves, whether some of their other characteristics mimic those of the long-gone dire wolves  such as deep-throated howls and an apparent aversion to human contact  can only be conjectured, since no one on Earth has ever heard a dire wolf's howl or witnessed its interaction with humans.

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That brings us to the question of what Colossal Biosciences actually accomplished. It certainly appears to have advanced the science and techniques of genetic recovery and editing. That's unsurprising, given its scientific pedigree: Church is a prominent geneticist, and the company's chief science officer, Beth Shapiro, is a renowned biologist and winner of a MacArthur "genius" award who taught evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz before moving to Colossal.

The company's project involved recovering DNA of the extinct dire wolf from a fossil tooth found in Idaho and an ear bone in Ohio, parts of the animal's primordial habitat, but the key was its editing of a donor genome of the gray wolf to alter 14 of its thousands of genes. The process produced 45 embryos, which were implanted in dogs as surrogate mothers, ultimately producing the three pups.

After its latest round of venture funding, Colossal's private market value was about $10.2 billion. It has announced spinoffs of two companies  Form Bio, which markets advanced computational techniques to develop new therapies, and Breaking, which develops technologies to remove plastics from the environment.

As for its de-extinction projects, to the extent they contribute to efforts at conservation, "we just give them to the world for free," Lamm told me. But he also foresees marketing biodiversity credits to other companies, similar to the environmental regulatory credits that Tesla sells to automakers without its zero-emission footprint (revenue from which enabled it to report a profit for the first quarter of 2025 this week).

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"Some of our internal modeling suggests that there's billions of dollars in annual reoccurring revenue" that could be generated by these projects, Lamm said.

Experts have continued to raise ethical and ecological issues with "de-extinction," even as science has advanced to the point where manipulating mammalian genomes is technically possible.

Shapiro raised some of these issues in a 2015 book, "How to Clone a Mammoth." The biggest concern of the de-extinction community, Shapiro wrote then, was "to try to limit hyperbole so that our message could be heard by anyone who cared to hear it." She posed other concerns in a closing chapter titled, "Should We?"

Read more: Hiltzik: Elon Musk's dumbest idea is to send human colonists to Mars

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Among them are that bringing back extinct species might revive dangerous pathogens, that resurrected species would inhabit a world in which their original habitats had disappeared, leaving them with nowhere to live, and that the de-extinction project might undermine work to protect existing species from their own march toward extinction.

Fears that prospects for de-extinction would lend momentum to attacks on efforts to protect endangered species have already been validated. President Trump's Interior secretary, Doug Burgum, cited Colossal's dire wolf project on the very day it was announced, with a tweet advocating that we "fundamentally change how we think about species conservation. ... The only thing wed like to see go extinct is the need for an endangered species list to exist."

It shouldn't be forgotten that Trump has had his knives out for the Endangered Species Act since his first term, when his then-Interior secretary, corporate lawyer David Bernhardt, called for a rollback of the law.

The truth is that Colossal didn't re-create the dire wolf of prehistoric times. "The dire wolf genome likely differs from that of the gray wolf in millions or tens of millions of ways," Knoepfler says. "Editing 14 genes is interesting, but it's not a reconstruction or de-extinction. It's not even close."

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Colossal asserts that what it's done is close enough to meet the goal of enhancing biodiversity. But how a restored species could fit into an ecosystem or habitat that has little or nothing in common with the world it once inhabited is an open question.

The dire wolf affair underscores how marketing can overtake sober assessment of scientific advances  conceivably to the detriment of scientists' public standing. "The very credulous way in which the media was essentially acting as an effective PR arm for Colossal was really shocking to me," paleoecologist Jacquelyn Gill of the University of Maine told the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. She's right to be concerned  for science and for the media.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SHANGHAI, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 17 countries and international organizations, as well as more than 50 international research institutions have joined the China-initiated International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a senior official of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said Wednesday at a conference held in Shanghai.

In current international lunar exploration, traditional spacefaring nations continue to carry out missions, emerging space nations are constantly joining in, and commercial spaceflight is flourishing, Bian Zhigang, deputy director of the CNSA, noted at the International Conference on Developers of the ILRS.

Lunar exploration activities are evolving from short-term missions to long-term construction, from single-craft exploration to multi-craft collaboration, and from national missions to international cooperation, Bian said. The modes of exploration and cooperation are undergoing fundamental changes, he added.

Bian stressed that the ILRS will offer new opportunities and platforms for fostering global intelligence integration, technological innovation, inclusive cooperation, and shared development.

Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, said that the ILRS, which is a scientific experimental facility consisting of sections on the lunar surface and in lunar orbit, is projected to be built in two phases: a basic model to be built by 2035 in the lunar south pole region, and an extended model to be built in the 2040s.

Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 will become parts of the basic model.

The ILRS will possess capabilities such as Earth-Moon transportation, energy supply, centralized control, communication, navigation, lunar surface scientific exploration and ground support capabilities, Wu said.

It will conduct multidisciplinary, multiple-objective and comprehensive scientific and technological activities continuously, Wu added.

The ILRS integrates observation, exploration, scientific experiments and in-situ resource utilization into a single system. It will conduct large-scale, long-duration, multiple-point continuous and real-time synchronous observations, according to Wang Chi, director of the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and a CAS academician.

The overall scientific objectives of the ILRS include lunar geology, lunar-based astronomical observation, space environment observation of the Sun-Earth-Moon system, lunar-based fundamental science experiments, and lunar in-situ resource utilization, Wang noted.

The CNSA has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual benefits, the peaceful utilization of space, and win-win cooperation, Bian noted. It welcomes international partners to participate in various stages of the ILRS and at all levels of the mission. This will promote the use of space technology to benefit humanity and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity in the field of outer space, he said.

Amjad Ali, deputy director general and chairman secretariat of the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) of Pakistan, said that the CNSA leads in inclusive space exploration, enabling emerging space nations like Pakistan to rise.

The upcoming Chang'e-8 mission will carry a 30-kilogram lunar rover developed by SUPARCO which will contribute to terrain mapping and regolith analysis, according to Ali.

He said that the ILRS, led by the CNSA, envisions the construction of a permanent lunar outpost by the 2030s. Pakistan's involvement offers opportunities in science, infrastructure and in-situ resource utilization.

"Our instruments will analyze regolith composition, test autonomous surface mobility and study lunar environmental conditions, contributing to global lunar science databases," Ali said.

"The CNSA-SUPARCO partnership strengthens intercultural dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful collaboration, proving that shared dreams can unite nations among the stars," he added.

More than 120 leaders of space agencies, as well as experts and scholars, from 13 countries, regions and international organizations attended the meeting. 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  After surviving decades of disaster, East Nashvilles former Tulip Street United Methodist Church building is preparing for a special homecoming.

Its a remarkable survivor for well over a century, said Jim Hoobler, retired senior curator for the Tennessee State Museum and Tennessee State Capitol.

Built in 1891 on Russell Street, Hoobler said the building is one of the most historic churches in East Nashville. Its original congregationorganized in 1859moved in after it outgrew its previous building on the other end of the block.

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Its Richardsonian Romanesque, which means that its architecture before gothic. So it has rounded arches, and some beautiful terracotta  thats glazed clay, Hoobler said.

Hoobler pointed out a variety of life-sized elements including cherubs, figures of the archangel Gabriel holding a trumpet and a dragon holding up a balcony.

More than three decades after it was built, the churchs stunning features were faced with one Nashvilles most devastating tragedies  the Great East Nashville Fire of 1916.

(Courtesy: Tennessee State Library and Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library and Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library and Archives) (Courtesy: Tennessee State Library and Archives)

According to Hoobler, the fire is rumored to have been started by a child playing with a ball of yarn that caught fire near lumberyards by the Cumberland River.

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Bam! With all of the wind, a huge fire started. It swept through this area. It burned 650 buildings and 3,000 people were homeless, he said.

But, miraculouslythe church survived. And more than 80 years later, it made it through yet another disaster in 1998.

When the tornado came through here, it decimated the building. It blew out the entire east wall of the building, and the stained glass was lying in the street, the sanctuary was wide open, Hoobler recalled.

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Still though, the church was rebuilt and remained standing. Ultimately, it wasnt a force of nature that closed its doors in 2017, but rather low attendance.

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The Methodist Church decided its congregation was too small, and moved in another congregationone that just happened to have been started at this very same church, and lost their building in a 2020 tornado.

A church that was formed here, East End Methodist, lost their building. So they are now coming back to their mother church, and they will be worshipping in here at Tulip Street once again, Hoobler said.

East End United Methodist Church confirmed they have purchased the building and are in the process of renovating it what Hoobler estimates is a $4.5 million project.

The congregation declined a full interview with News 2 as they are in the middle of the process, but did provide some insight into their plans.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

East End Rev. Brandon Baxter said in a statement he believes this is the congregations best pathway forward.

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After our historic sanctuary was catastrophically damaged in the 2020 tornadoes, we had a strong desire to remain in ministry in East Nashville, he said.

Baxter added East End plans to fully renovate the building for ministry to the community while maintaining its historic character, restoring elements like the Jardine organ in the sanctuary.

(Courtesy: East End United Methodist Church)

(Courtesy: East End United Methodist Church)

Jardine organs are late 19th century organs. Its remarkable that one of those still survives, that theyve maintained it all of these years and its still playable, Hoobler said.

Until the renovations are complete, Baxter said East End will continue to worship one block away in the auditorium at Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School.

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Hoobler said survivors like the former Tulip Street Church building show us who we are; a sentiment best portrayed by John Steinbeck in a quote he shared from The Grapes of Wrath.

She says, How are you going to know where you come from, unless you remember where that was? And thats what historic structures tell us. They tell us where we came from, and they help us remember where we are, Hoobler concluded.

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Boston Archbishop Richard Henning led a mass paying tribute to the late Pope Francis ahead of his flight to Rome for Saturdays funeral.

The mass at St. Theresas Parish in West Roxbury on Wednesday was the first of three masses announced by the Boston Archdiocese in the wake of the Argentinian pontiffs death.

Clergy and community members said they feel connected to the 88-year-old and what he stood for.

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Francis is being remembered for championing the causes of the less fortunate and adopting a more progressive tone for Catholics around the world.

Theres been a real beauty to the compassion and the solidarity that he has lived and that he has proclaimed and the way he gives that voice to the voiceless, said Archbishop Henning.

Henning said hes traveling to Rome partly because he wants to bring the people of Boston with him.

I do know this is a historic moment. This holy father has certainly had an enormous effect on the church and the world, said Henning.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through St. Peters Basilica in the coming days to pay their final respects.

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The Vatican is considering extending the viewing hours even longer due to the high turnout.

He wasnt looking for a lot of credit. He was a really humble priest. Were gunna miss him, said Boston resident Nancy Geourntas.

The second mass held by the Boston Archdiocese is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Parish in Lowell.

The third will begin at 7:00 p.m. Friday at St. James Church in Stoughton.

The funeral for Pope Francis has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peters Square.

It will be attended by world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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CNN host Sara Sidner on Wednesday hit back at Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) after he tried pivoting to a Biden administration scandal in response to questions on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths controversial leadership.

Sidner referred to a CNN report on the chaos at the Pentagon as Hegseth deals with leaks, mass firings and further infighting  all while responding to the fallout of a second Signal chat scandal.

Does this not bother you at all? Sidner bluntly asked Donalds, who is President Donald Trumps pick to succeed term-limited Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

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Donalds responded by claiming that Hegseth is just weeks into his job and that the Pentagon is going through a transitory phase between administrations.

He then pivoted to talk of former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins January 2024 hospitalization following surgery to treat prostate cancer. Austin and his staff kept his hospitalization secret at the time, a decision that the Pentagon later determined to have no ill intent but was widely criticized by Democrats and Republicans alike.

Nobody was saying a word when Lloyd Austin, the previous defense secretary, disappeared for a month, Donalds claimed.

We did say a word, we reported that story, said Sidner of the hospitalization scandal. Wait, hold on, Byron.

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Austin, after news of his hospitalization surfaced, said it was wrong to conceal his cancer diagnosis from Biden and the public. His duties were taken up by then-Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks at the time.

Sidner, after summarizing the hospitalization scandal, unloaded on Donalds.

[You think thats] an equal thing to somebody who is giving out information to his wife, who does not have a security clearance, to his lawyer, to his brother, on a personal cell phone, on a Signal chat, which hes already been looked at for, for doing that with a whole bunch of folks from the administration.

She continued, Youre equating those two things. Do you think those are the same things, and youre OK with Pete Hegseth and what he did, but not OK with what Lloyd Austin did?

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Donalds responded, Im not equating those two things.

Sidner shot back, You just did.

Donalds went on to argue that the hospitalization scandal was significantly worse than an allegation against Hegseth.

Byron Donalds's use of whataboutism to defend Pete Hegseth on CNN did not go well for him pic.twitter.com/NjAdr5M47r  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 23, 2025

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HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss.  The political climate in Holly Springs is heating up after Mayor Sharon Gipson lost her bid for a second term.

Candidates are now focused on the June 3 general election, when voters will chose either a Democrat or one of two Independents as their new mayor.

WREG spoke with candidates on Wednesday who said they were not surprised by Mayor Gipsons defeat and pledged to push the city in a new direction if elected.

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Its something thats for the betterment of the city, Charles Terry said. Its the reason I decided to run.

Marshall County Supervisor Charles Terry addressed the media after defeating Mayor Gipson in Tuesdays Democratic primary runoff election.

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Terry said he believes voters expressed their displeasure in Mayor Gipson and failures at the Holly Springs Utility Department.

If elected, Terry said hell put HSUD under a magnifying glass.

Were going to have to have some audits to find out where we are financially, Terry said. We need to have an inventory of our equipment. What do we have to operate with? So theres work to be done in the utility department and I just hope the citizens are patient.

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Including absentee ballots, 1,462 votes were cast. The unofficial numbers showed Terry received 837 votes and Gipson finished with 604.

Terry will face two Independent candidates for Mayor in the general election on June 3.

Tim Liddy and Rodney Lowe both told Your News Leader that economic growth, jobs, crime and opportunities for youth are critical issues.

Luxury RV and water resort to open in MS this week

Liddy, a Holly Springs businessman and former alderman, placed HSUDs woes at Mayor Gipsons feet.

Unfortunately the response to some situations like storms and some metering issues has been either slow or none, Liddy said. And its caused a situation with our reliability of the grid as well as the billing now.

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Lowe is a former President of the Marshall County NAACP Branch and said he aims to restore transparency to the Mayors office if elected.

The last four years been really challenging to the citizens of Holly Springs, the taxpayers, Lowe said. The utility department, parks and rec, no activity for our children. Its been real challenging across the board for the last four years.

WREG attempted to speak with Mayor Gipson at Holly Springs City Hall but were told she was gone for the day.

Tuesdays runoff results will have to be certified before they are official. We will update this story when that happens.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)   It could happen to anybody, is how Cathy Rothbard, the daughter of a survivor from the SS St. Louis, describes the Holocaust.

The day started with community volunteers reading the names of the 1 million children lost.

The main focus of todays event is not only remembrance but acknowledgement. The SS St. Louis was a ship carrying German Jewish people that was rejected by America, Canada and Cuba. Those people ended up returning to Germany, where they met their demise.

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The message was that nobody wants the Jews. And Hitler took great advantage of the great note of that to say, if no one in the world wants them, then we can proceed with the final solution, Robert Krakow, Executive Director of the SS St. Louis legacy project, explained.



The US and Canadian governments have issued apologies, and the first-ever public exhibit of those apologies to the passengers will be displayed at the Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA). Cathy Rothbard, the daughter of a survivor from the SS St. Louis, remembers her dad telling her about his journey.

Sailing along the coast of Miami, hes he was telling us and my father has passed now for over 20 years, but he told us he saw the lights of Miami and they were all hoping and praying that they would be able to be let in, Rothbard stated.

Robert Krakow, Executive Director of the SS St. Louis legacy project, explains why its so important for us to continue to acknowledge and educate on the topic.

Krakow later said, 17 million jews in the world at that time. He was successful in killing a third, but he had hoped to kill all. The idea that such a thing could take place in a certain way is would be science fiction. If we didnt know the story was true and someone said that this has happened, you would say, no, no, no. Humanity cant be that barbaric.

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The program started here at the JEA at 5:00 p.m., and there were many speakers as well as holocaust survivors. Reading names starts again today from 9:00 am until 9:00 p.m. Program director Michelle Allan wants everyone to know that they are welcome to join, no matter how you identify religiously.

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HOLYOKE  With help from the state, a developer will create 14 apartments in downtown Holyoke, part of a $18 million package of grants announced this week by Gov. Maura Healey.

The state funding will help build 288 new housing units in six Gateway Cities across Massachusetts.

C Elliott Developers LLC received $952,000 to create housing units at 174 Lyman St. in Holyoke.

The awards are the last round of Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) grants for 2024. This year, a record number of new homes were built after Healey increased HDIP funding from $10 million to $30 million a year.

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Healey also added $57 million as part of a $1 billion tax cuts package signed in October 2023. Overall, the administration awarded $72 million to create 1,544 new housing units in Gateway Cities in 2024.

In a statement, Healey said the incentive program has succeeded in creating more reasonably priced housing in Gateway Cities.

We were proud to expand this program as part of our historic tax cuts package, and were thrilled to see this funding being put to work across the states, Healey said. Together, were making it more affordable for people to live in their communities while also attracting more business, industry and culture to our incredible Gateway Cities.

Community Development Director Alicia M. Zoeller was unavailable for comment.

Chuck Emery of Hatfield unloads wood and insulation to 174 Lyman St. in Holyoke. A developer is creating 14 new units after receiving funding from the state. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said the administration is dedicated to addressing housing needs.

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This funding brings a significant impact to cities across the state and goes a long way toward making Massachusetts a more affordable place to live, work, start a family and build a future, Driscoll said.

The announcement was made Tuesday at 347 Main St. in Fitchburg, an eight-unit housing development and previous HDIP award recipient.

The program aims to build market-rate housing to help the economy, increase housing variety and create lively neighborhoods, backers say.

The governors plan includes the $5.12 billion Affordable Homes Act, the MBTA Communities Law, more Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and work by the Housing Advisory Council and the Unlocking Housing Production Commission.

Chuck Emery of Hatfield unloads wood and insulation at 174 Lyman St. in Holyoke. A developer will create 14 housing units in the building. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.
FORTY FORT, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A branch of Homeland Security is coming to Luzerne County. The Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority approved contracts for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which is overseen by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to work out of its facility.

HSI is a department under ICE. This agency will soon occupy a vacant section of the facility.

The executive director tells 28/22 News the leasing deal has been a few years in the making, and its one a county resident I spoke with feels unsure about.

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The Luzerne County Flood Protection Facility in Forty Fort will soon be home to the HSI.

It wont make any difference to me if they are here or not here, said Back Mountain resident Paul Haradem.

Haradem of the Back Mountain area says he feels indifferent about an agency overseen by ICE moving into Luzerne County.

He just wishes these kind of operations were more transparent.

I think we should know who our police are. We dont want to have secret police is essentially how they are acting, Haradem added.

For the safety of Homeland Securitys employees and also for the authoritys staff, we cant go into discussions about the lease agreement, Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority Executive Director Chris Belleman explained.

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But Belleman could clarify the following:

I can say that there will be no overnight detention or holding cells. I mean people will be brought in to be processed, but then they will be removed and go to Luzerne County Prison, Belleman stated.

The flood authority occupies two-thirds of the space inside the facility.

Belleman tells 28/22 News they advertised the vacant space to be rented roughly two years ago, and Homeland Security was the only firm to want it.

The lease was signed in the fall of 2024.

This isnt something that just happened. Its been a discussion for several years now, Belleman added.

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Belleman says it was business-driven and not a politically driven decision.

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The sole source of income for the flood authority is the levee fee thats imposed on the properties behind the Wyoming Valley flood protection system.

He says he wants to keep that fee as low as possible.

Our mission, as you can see by our title, is we want to protect the infrastructure and save lives from flooding along the river, Belleman continued.

Belleman says they have a three-year term with Homeland Security and expect to receive roughly 30,000 annually in lease payments.

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He anticipates the homeland security agency to occupy the space by the end of summer.

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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Honduran immigrant found in Mobile during a work site inspection has been sentenced for illegally reentering the country after being deported, according to the Department of Justice.

UPDATE: Skeletal remains found in Prichard, police say

39-year-old Saul Cruz-Argueta was found by Homeland Security investigators during Enforcement Removal Operations, according to a DOJ news release.

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Officials said they found Cruz-Argueta had been removed from the U.S. in 2016 and 2018. He has two previous convictions for illegally reentering, News 5 has learned.

Cruz-Argueta also has prior convictions for theft of property and possession of marijuana.

The judge sentenced Cruz-Argueta to time served and a one-year term of supervised release.

Semmes man arrested on child pornography charges: SPD

Cruz-Argueta has been in custody since March 7. He will be referred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings.

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HONG KONG (AP)  Hong Kong's outspoken Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen was allowed to leave the southern Chinese city to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City.

Zen, a 93-year-old retired bishop, left Hong Kong on Wednesday night after applying at a court to get back his passport, his secretary told The Associated Press in a text message on Thursday. Authorities confiscated his passport after his controversial arrest under a Beijing-imposed national security law in 2022.

Zen is among the critics in recent years who have said the Vaticans agreement with Chinese authorities on the appointment of bishops betrays pro-Vatican Chinese Catholics. He has also criticized Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the official charged with negotiations with Beijing, as a man of little faith."

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Parolin is considered one of the main contenders to be the next pope, given his prominence in the Catholic hierarchy.

On Tuesday, media reports said Zen had issued a critique of the Vatican, questioning why pre-conclave meetings started as early as Tuesday. The AP could not independently verify the reports, but Zen reposted the reporters' posts about his statement on his X account.

Given his age, Zen will not be among the cardinals voting in the conclave for a new pope.

His secretary said Zen would return to Hong Kong after the late popes funeral, which is scheduled for Saturday. But she was unsure about his exact return date.

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It was not the first time Zen had to go through the city's court to leave Hong Kong. In 2023, he went through similar procedures to pay his respects to the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He met Pope Francis in a private audience during that trip, but suffered health issues and was hospitalized for a time after his return to the city.

Last November, he was seen attending the national security trial of Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. He could walk on his own at that time.

Zen was first arrested in 2022 on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces under the security law. His arrest sent shockwaves through the Catholic community at that time.

While Zen has not yet faced national security-related charges, he and five others were fined in 2022 after being found guilty of failing to register a now-defunct fund that aimed to help people arrested in widespread 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. A hearing on his appeal against the conviction is scheduled for December.

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Separately, Hong Kong cardinal Stephen Chow will travel to the Vatican for the conclave, the city's Catholic Social Communications Office said Thursday.

In 2023, a Beijing bishop who was installed by China's state-controlled Catholic church as an archbishop visited Hong Kong at the invitation of Chow. It was the first-ever official visit by a Beijing bishop to the city. Experts at that time said Chow's invitation was a symbolic gesture that could strengthen the fragile ties between China and the Vatican.

Beijing and the Vatican severed diplomatic ties following the Chinese Communist Partys rise to power and the expulsion of foreign priests. Since the break in ties, Catholics in China have been divided between those who belong to an official, state-sanctioned church and those in an underground church loyal to the pope. The Vatican recognizes members of both as Catholics but claims the exclusive right to choose bishops.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  People driving on Military Pike in southwestern Fayette County shouldnt be so noisy when passing Winter Quarter Farm. There are babies asleep in the fields and other newborns trying to focus on their mothers. At farms all over the Bluegrass, foals will be born at a rapid pace in April and May.

Every birth is very exciting, and to see these young foals running around, its just the promise, said Don Robinson, owner and manager at Winter Quarter Farm.

MORE SPIRIT OF THE BLUEGRASS:

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He is proud of the thoroughbreds raised on this family farm; some of them are his, some have other owners.

We are a bit like investment bankers, Robinson explained, noting that most horse owners dont have farms. We keep their horses. We manage their equine portfolio. So, their horses reside here, we raise them, we advise them on breeding, and we consign and sell the horses at Keeneland and Fasig Tipton at auction.

All of the horses at Winter Quarter Farm will be prepared for racing or auction, and Robinson says theres no better place to raise a foal than central Kentucky. Hes an advocate for the land, with mineral-rich soil that produces grass full of calcium, which makes for strong bones.

Its God-given with the limestone underlayment and high phosphorus content of the soil, he said. It is magic earth here. Its more than just because we love it and its beautiful. Its productive, and its considered endangered.

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Winter Quarter Farm is part of the Purchased Development Rights program, meaning the Fayette County government paid him to protect his land from future development. Robinson has 389 acres of the more than 33,000 acres that have been protected on nearly 300 farms.

He is also one of a growing number of farm owners using solar power in his barns, saying that it has cut his electric bills nearly in half.

Each spring, Robinson wonders if one of the foals on his farm will be a future champion. In 2005, his medium-sized farm was home to a giant of a yearling named Zenyatta.

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It ensured my reputation. It was a huge plus.

Zenyatta seemed unimpressive at first and sold for just $60,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sale, where horses often sell for a million dollars or more. Four years later, she was the first mare to win the Breeders Cup Classic and was Horse of the Year in 2010. She won 19 out of 20 races in her career.

Art project opens windows into Lexingtons past: I Was Here

Robinson said no one could have predicted Zenyattas success. Sometimes you can see it, often not.

Even non-horse owners can relate to the emotions that come with foaling season. The Jockey Club estimates that there are nearly 12,000 foals born in Kentucky each year. Only about 30 of them will be raised at Winter Quarter Farm. But somewhere in the mix of large and small farms across the state, there could be a future Kentucky Derby winner.

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You never know how your little ones will turn out. You just try to give them a good home and raise them right.

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TOKYO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- One person died while two others were injured following an accident involving three vehicles on the Tohoku Expressway about 70 km from Tokyo early Thursday morning, local media reported.

The person who was killed was driving a semi-truck with a trailer that caught fire following the accident in the city of Hanyu, while the two injured were driving a tanker truck and a minivehicle, respectively, Kyodo News reported, citing local police.

The semi-trailer and the tanker truck overturned, causing one side of the expressway to be temporarily closed from the Hanyu interchange in Saitama Prefecture, near the accident site, to the Tatebayashi interchange in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, the report said.

The police said they are investigating the cause of the collision. 
In Japan, a combination of lifestyle changes, urbanization, and a shrinking population is threatening the preservation of many of the traditional crafts for which the country is known. But over recent years, craft-focused hotels have emerged as tools to support artisans livelihoods while providing travelers with one-of-a-kind experiences.

The sales of traditional Japanese crafts peaked in 1975 and have been on a continuous decline ever since, dropping to one-fifth of their peak, while the number of artisans has decreased to one-third, says Tomotsugu Yamakawa, president of Bed and Craft in Toyama Prefectures small town of Inami, where around 150 people out of a population of 8,000 are woodcarvers.

Given this situation, I wondered if tourism could be a means to revitalize the industry, he says. In 2016, Yamakawa launched Bed and Craft, a scattered hotel that supports artisans' livelihoods in several ways: It offers its guests exclusive apprenticeship experiences with local craftspeople (who get paid for their time), and each of its six private villas serves as a gallery for the work of individual artisans who earn a portion of the nightly fee.

A Toyama artisan carefully cuts mother of pearl to create the intricate designs of Takaoka shikki lacquerware. Photograph provided by Rakudo-An

Takaoka shikki lacquerware made by master craftsman Takeshi Musashigawa. Photograph provided by Rakudo-An

A wood carving by master carpenter, Shoichiro Kono. Photograph by Momoka Omote via TANIYA

Master carpenter, Shoichiro Kono, at work in the studio. Photograph by Momoka Omote via TANIYA

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In Fukuoka Prefectures Yame region theres a similar story. In the 1930s, there were around 1,500 workshops producing Kurume Kasuri [Japanese ikat textiles), but today, only about 20 remain, says Aya Tamura, owner of Craft Inn Te. By offering tourists craft experiences and ensuring that the majority of the revenue goes directly to the artisans, we help them secure a new source of income while also promoting their work to an overseas audience.

(Related: How to avoid touristy spots and experience Japan like a local)

However, Tayama stresses that this is a mutually beneficial relationship. Were not simply supporting local craftspeople, she says, were able to run our accommodation and craft experience business thanks to them.

1. Bed and Craft, Toyama Prefecture

Bed and Craft occupies six historic buildings around Inami. Repurposing them, says Yamakawa, contributes to the preservation and transmission of traditional craftsmanship within the local community. The projects seen results: Since 2016, numerous young entrepreneurs have moved into Inamis vacant buildings and Inami is now recognized as the only area in Toyama where building vacancies have decreased. Hotel guests can work alongside a local artisan in the workshop of their choice, from carving woodblocks or spoons to lacquering chopsticks, then dine in the hotels Italian restaurant where dishes are smoked with wood shavings sourced from Inamis woodcarvers.

2. Craft Inn Te, Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuokas Yame region is home to a number of traditional crafts, including Kuruke Kasuri, washi paper, and Yame chochin (paper lanterns). Craft Inn Tes two guest rooms are themed around two more traditional crafts: indigo dyeing and bamboo work. Each room features modernized Yame-style lantern lampshades, a traditional cedar wood bath, and amenities including locally crafted ceramics, glassware, and Kurume Kasuri loungewear, which, says Tamura, allows guests to fully experience the regions craftsmanship during their stay. The company also operates nearby Unagi no Nedoko, where visitors can buy traditional crafts from Yame and from around Japan.

3. TANIYA, Gifu Prefecture

A semi-gas (woven straw hat) craftsman at work in Gifu Prefecture. Photograph by Hiroaki Tanooka via TANAYA

Tucked among the centuries-old merchants' mansions that line the narrow streets of Takayama, TANIYA occupies an old machiya wooden townhouse next to the Kusakabe Folk Museum, which guests can use as their own private lounge during their stay. The Kusakabe family, the owners of TANIYA, have long supported local craftspeople and carry on this tradition by providing young artisans a platform to showcase their work at the museum; by sourcing materials from the region; and by offering guest activities rooted in local craft culture, such as visiting the last remaining semi-gas (woven straw hat) craftsman.

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(Related: Top 10 things to do in Japan)

4. TAKIGAHARA, Ishikawa Prefecture

TAKIGAHARA is more than a hotel: Its a community thats home to a farm, workshop, nature school, music festival, and more. Centered around a once-abandoned 140-year-old farmhouse, the communitys mission is the revitalization of rural culture, including its traditional crafts, which, are deeply rooted in the lives of local people," says manager Shirei Chihiro. Four times a year, TAKIGAHARA hosts two-day, one-night craft tours, including a washi paper and gold leaf experience. Additionally, guests can take part in individual craft experiences while staying here, such as lacquerware woodturning and Takigahara-yaki pottery making.

5. Satoyama Jujo, Niigata Prefecture

Satoyama Jujo (translating to 10 stories of a mountain village) is deep in Japans snow country. Here, people have long made use of the resources at hand, including Echigo-jofu artisans who bleach their fabrics by spreading them on the abundant snow. If youre visiting in February or March, ask the concierge about opportunities to watch the process nearby. Niigatas rich textile heritage is one of Satoyama Jujos 10 stories and the hotel has helped to revive the 300-year-old textile Kamedajima by collaborating with students from Musashino Art University to create new designs that are used in the hotels bed covers and uniforms.

6. Rakudo-An, Toyama Prefecture

Visit Toyamas last traditional silk weaver with a stay at Rakudo-An.

Surrounded by rice paddies among the sankyo-son scattered settlements of the Tonami Plain in central Japan, Rakudo-An occupies a restored farmhouse and has just three guest rooms, each designed by a different craftsperson. The hotel offers an ongoing showcase for craftspeoples work, from the restaurants ceramic tableware to guest room lounge jackets, and the on-site boutique sells locally made craftwork and local food and drink. Experiences include visiting Toyamas last traditional silk weaver and crafting your own suzugami (tin paper).

7. Izumigaya Craft Inn Waraku, Shizuoka Prefecture

Guests at Izumigaya Craft Inn Waraku can book a local artisan-led craft workshop at next-door Takumishuku, one of Japans biggest craft experience facilities, from Suruga bamboo latticework to tea dying. Local crafts all feature in the inns eight guest rooms, each of which has its own private sauna. Beyond workshops, guests can purchase one-of-a kind items and view curated exhibitions of local crafts at the hotels Gallery Teto Teto.

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(Related: Everything you should know before visiting Japan)

Karen Gardiner is a Scottish writer based in Northern New York covering culture, craft, and sustainable travel. Her work has appeared in BBC Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, the Washington Post, The Times and other outlets. You can follow her stories on Instagram.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  After an hours-long manhunt took place in Wichita Falls, Britton Ancell has been apprehended and is now in custody.

Legacy High School, Southern Hills Elementary, and the Career Education Center were put on lockout around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, while authorities searched the area for a suspect with outstanding warrants.

The North Texas Rehabilitation Center was also under lockdown as of 2 p.m., but the lockdown was later lifted.

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According to Sheriff David Duke, Ancell was spotted in the area wearing a backpack and jacket as authorities waited nearby. Before they could move on him, an emergency management vehicle pulled up to the clinic to get something.

Ancell noticed the emergency vehicle, ran off, and hid in a bush.

K-9 units were searching for Ancell, but they lost his scent, so they sent in the prison dogs from Allred to help.

Britton Ancell detained. Photo courtesy of Sheriff David Duke Britton Ancell detained. Photo courtesy of Sheriff David Duke

Finally, after nearly 5 hours of searching, around 4:50 p.m., according to Duke, Ancell was apprehended by authorities underwater below a beaver dam.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
Florida Channel screenshot of Gov. Ron DeSantis speaking in St. Augustine on April 23, 2025.

A high-profile inquiry by the Florida House into a charity associated with an initiative started by First Lady Casey DeSantis has abruptly come to an end, at least for now.

But House Speaker Daniel Perez suggested on Thursday that there are still unanswered questions surrounding Hope Florida and the foundation.

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At this point all options are still on the table with Hope Florida, Perez said. We have not closed the door on that.

Perez pointed out that the House still has outstanding requests for documents and other information it is seeking from state agencies and others related to the organization.

We dont have the facts yet, we are not done receiving facts, Perez said.

The ongoing probe of Hope Florida has transfixed the Capitol and lead to fierce pushback from Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has lashed out at Republicans over what he has branded a hoax.

The investigation has centered on a $10 million donation to the Hope Florida Foundation  the non-profit affiliated with Hope Florida  from health care giant Centene. As it has unfolded the House Republican leading the probe  Rep. Alex Andrade  has raised the prospect of money laundering and other possible crimes.

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The final hearing on the inquiry came on Thursday before the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee but it ended quickly after several people asked by Andrade declined to appear and testify. They did not cancel their appearances until shortly before the meeting.

He attributed the last-minute cancellations to fear, given the stakes.

$10 million is a lot of money in the real world, right? If someone defrauded the state or a charity out of $10 million, they would go to prison, he said.

The Hope Florida Foundation is a direct-service organization that helps serve the Hope Florida program, which aims to remove people from Medicaid and food assistance by connecting them with navigators in state agencies who work with faith-based communities and other private sector efforts to transition people to financial security.

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Following the truncated hearing Andrade, chairman of the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee said the House did not intend to subpoena anyone or force delivery of requested information. Everyone and their mother knows what happened, he told reporters.

He criticized Attorney General James Uthmeier, who was chief of staff for Gov. DeSantis at the time the foundation got the money that it subsequently sent to two political committees that then made substantial donations to a third committee battling a citizens constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana. Uthmeier controlled the third committee, Keep Florida Clean.

The transactions were first reported by the Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald.

Im a legislator making policy decisions, and Im comfortable making the policy decisions based on the fact that James Uthmeier was involved, transferred this money illicitly, misled people and lied to people in the process, harmed several people in their jobs in the process, caused innumerable harm to several people, and that harm is not fully realized yet.

No shows

Andrade had invited Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and chair of Secure Floridas Future; Amy Ronshausen, executive director of Save Our Society From Drugs; and Tallahassee attorney and Hope Florida Foundation legal counsel Jeff Aaron to appear at the meeting but none showed.

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Ten million dollars is a lot of money in the real world, right? If someone defrauded the state or a charity out of $10 million they would go to prison.

 Rep. Alex Andrade

The $10 million came from health care giant Centene in settlement of a legal dispute over overpayments of Medicaid pharmacy benefits. It was part of a larger $67 million settlement with the state in September 2024.

Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris insisted that the $10 million wasnt taxpayer money, but rather a donation in addition to the settlement payment, and so have other DeSantis officials.

Appearing at a press conference at a church in St. Augustine, DeSantis didnt comment on the dropped investigation. Instead, he and First Lady Casey DeSantis touted the Hope Florida program once again, asserting that it has helped more than 30,000 Floridians reduce or completely eliminate their reliance on public assistance.

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They asserted that the program would save taxpayers over $100 million a year. They have provided no documentation proving that, however.

Casey DeSantis spoke extensively about the work done by Hope Florida, including with the faith-based community. What we are doing is good, she said. What we are doing is just. Sometimes you have to put on the full armor of God and you fight, because you know what youre doing is righteous.

Her only direct reference to the growing controversy was to say, No matter what is written, dont ever let politics get in the way of purpose.

When asked by a reporter to comment about whether the $10 million came from Medicaid dollars, the governor said that documents released earlier this week by the the Florida AHCA totally debunks the bogus media narratives that were out there.

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Why are they doing narrative? he asked he said of news organizations. Theyre not doing it because they really care about that, he said. Theyre doing it to try to impugn Hope Florida. Theyre trying to smear this program. They dont like working with the faith based community.

No shows

Andrade had invited Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and chair of Secure Floridas Future; Amy Ronshausen, executive director of Save Our Society From Drugs; and Tallahassee attorney and Hope Florida Foundation legal counsel Jeff Aaron to appear at the meeting but none showed.

The $10 million came from health care giant Centene in settlement of a legal dispute over overpayments of Medicaid pharmacy benefits. It was part of a larger $67 million settlement with the state in September 2024.

Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris insisted that the $10 million wasnt taxpayer money, but rather a donation in addition to the settlement payment, and so have other DeSantis officials.

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Appearing at a press conference at a church in St. Augustine, DeSantis didnt comment on the dropped investigation. Instead, he and First Lady Casey DeSantis touted the Hope Florida program once again, asserting that it has helped more than 30,000 Floridians reduce or completely eliminate their reliance on public assistance.

They asserted that the program would save taxpayers over $100 million a year. They have provided no documentation proving that, however.

Casey DeSantis spoke extensively about the work done by Hope Florida, including with the faith-based community. What we are doing is good, she said. What we are doing is just. Sometimes you have to put on the full armor of God and you fight, because you know what youre doing is righteous.

Her only direct reference to the growing controversy was to say, No matter what is written, dont ever let politics get in the way of purpose.

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When asked by a reporter to comment about whether the $10 million came from Medicaid dollars, the governor said that documents released earlier this week by the the Florida AHCA totally debunks the bogus media narratives that were out there.

Why are they doing narrative? he asked he said of news organizations. Theyre not doing it because they really care about that, he said. Theyre doing it to try to impugn Hope Florida. Theyre trying to smear this program. They dont like working with the faith based community.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

This story has been updated to reflect House Speaker Daniel Perezs comments.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  State lawmakers are considering a bill that could return the Providence Public School District back to local control for the first time since 2019.

At a hearing of the House Committee on Education on Wednesday night, Mayor Brett Smiley told lawmakers why the city should regain control of the schools on July 1.

Over the last two years, we have listened closely to students, families, educators and community members  on both sides of this debate, Smiley said. The feedback that we have heard is a bit overwhelming, that the residents of Providence would like their schools back to local control.

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Smiley told the committee that the city was also firm in its commitment to fulfilling its legal obligation to properly fund Providence schools. Last fall, the city entered into a $15 million settlement with the R.I. Department of Education, which has had control of the schools since 2019, and demanded more K-12 funding from the city.

Tonights conversation is not about funding, that issue has been settled, Smiley explained Wednesday. Tonights conversation is how can we take the next step for better outcomes for the largest school district in the state of Rhode Island?

The mayor released a report earlier this month showing how the city plans to transition the district back to local control, which was met with heavy criticism by state and local education leaders.

Its a report, its not a plan, Infante-Green said on April 10. It would be irresponsible on our part to move forward on something that is incomplete.

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Last year, the R.I. Council on Elementary and Secondary Education voted to extend the takeover for up to three additional years, through October 2027. If passed, the bill would rescind the recommendation as of July 1.

If the answer is that youre dissatisfied with the citys proposal for how to do better, the question should be then to the people currently running the Providence Public School District, what are they going to do differently, and how will they do better? I think that is a fair question to ask, Smiley said.

Providence Superintendent Javier Montanez told the committee that there needs to be a clear path forward, and urged lawmakers to vote no on the bill.

But we need to have a plan, a strategic plan approach, a comprehensive detailed transition plan that considers and incorporates the community, the district schools, the city and the states feedback, Montanez said.

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Montanez called the citys report one-sided.

It feels like it was something that was done to us and not with us, Montanez said.

Zack Scott, the districts deputy superintendent for operations, said he took issue with the citys approach to the procurement process.

Our understanding is if we were to return to local control, we would essentially be going back to the former system which involved, not only School Board meetings, but Board of Contract and Supply meetings that you have to have the perfect alignment of those meetings to actually get a purchase from the district to a school, Scott explained.

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The superintendent asked the committee to think about the progress the district has made since the state takeover. He said said the school district brought in a unified curriculum, increased attendance, decreased chronic absenteeism, increased CTE programs and more.

Carol Pagan, a teacher and parent in the district, said she felt the state takeover has negatively impacted students, particularly those who speak multiple languages. She said over-testing of multilingual learners was both overwhelming and ineffective in driving meaningful educational change.

The amount of testing that dramatically increased, particularly for dual-language and bilingual classrooms, where students often have to take the same assessments twice, Pagan said. This means our students are spending double the time testing, often without a clear connection between the data collected and the actual improvements in instruction, because the time between each assessment is quite short and doesnt allow for data analysis.

Andrea Harrington, another district teacher, said she felt the environment worsened when the state intervened.

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They reduced the number of student facing support staff to ensure they could afford bloated office positions and raises, Harrington said. Their lack of transparency equaled last-minute, rushed afterschool meetings where staff were told their schools were closing moments before the press.

Dr. William Riley, the principal of Nathanael Greene Middle School, told the committee that RIDE has provided critical leadership and structure, and that because of that, he felt that the district was prepared to return to local control by July 1.

A handful of people submitted written testimony, including one resident in opposition of returning the schools back to local control.

Having lived and/or worked in PVD since 1970, I can unequivocally state there is no way PVD

is ready to take back its schools, Ray Mathieu wrote. With the possible exception of Classical, PVDs schools are such a joke that I happily spent a small fortune putting my kids through grades N-12 at Wheeler.

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The bill was held for further study, and a subsequent hearing date has not yet been determined.

Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Rep. Henry Cuellar (Texas), a moderate Democrat who represents a border district, criticized members of his party for focusing intently on the case involving Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador last month.

In an interview Wednesday on NewsNations On Balance with Leland Vittert, Cuellar acknowledged the due process questions in Abrego Garcias case but said there were more pressing issues that constituents want Democrats to focus on.

Cuellar also recognized some Democrats have been talking more about border security, but he suggested it struck him as inconsistent for Democrats to be then pushing for Abrego Garcias return to the United States.

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Weve been talking about strong border security for so many years, and now, you know, there are Democrats who are talking about the border, Cuellar said.

But, with all due respect, he continued, when youre talking about bringing somebody  and I know there were due process questions  that was in Maryland, and now El Salvador. I dont know if thats the right issue that Democrats should be focusing on right now.

He said Democrats should focus on strong border security as well as the cost of living, what the tariffs are doing to the consumer, whats happened to the stock market.

Those are the things that people want to talk about in my district, Cuellar said, adding that when he travels within his district, its rare that somebody brings up that case of that person from Maryland, because they want to talk about other things.

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The interview comes as a divide has developed in the party over handling the case, as some Democrats wonder whether the explosive issue is a winning strategy as Republicans go on offense.

Four House Democrats arrived in El Salvador on Monday to push for Abrego Garcias return to the U.S. after Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) made the same trip last week. The group has framed the effort as pushing back on a threat to basic constitutional rights.

This is about due process. Its about ensuring that we follow the laws of this country, Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said Tuesday, after returning from El Salvador.

Cuellar addressed the trip in the interview Wednesday.

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I know some of my colleagues  they went down there, you know, they, trying to bring back the individual. Is that the topic we ought to be talking about? Cuellar said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Heather Ryan with the organization "Bitches Get Stuff Done" spoke to lawmakers on the House Ethics Committee April 23, 2025 about a complaint filed over a posting on the organization's website that identified a lawmaker's profession as "former stripper." (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The House Ethics Committee unanimously voted to reprimand members of the Bitches Get Stuff Done organization for publishing content online claiming Rep. Samantha Fett, R-Carlisle, was a former stripper.

The committee met to discuss a complaint made by Fett against the liberal group for alleging she was a former stripper. On a section of the organizations website titled the Burn Book providing information about Republican lawmakers, Fetts occupation is listed as Former Stripper, Moms for Liberty Fanatic, Devil in Disguise. Fett, who works as a marketing communications director, said the claim was false and the online post could impact her work in the future.

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The complaint was received March 24, and Rep. Bill Gustoff, R-Des Moines, said the group was given a 10-day period, expiring April 10, to respond. When no response was received, he said, the committee later proceeded to schedule the meeting and gave members of the organization time to respond.

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Heather Ryan, one of the leaders of the group, said she got a tip from a constituent that said that that was her former profession. Ryan said she could not prove that Fett formerly worked as an adult dancer.

There was no reason for me to not believe it, Ryan said. I dont think its bad work. Sex work is work. So, you know, I dont care about that. I thought shed be more upset that we called her a devil in disguise, but who am I to judge? So had she contacted me, had she reached out in any fashion and said anything about it, I would have taken it down. But she didnt.

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Heaven Chamberlain, another organizer with the group, said she made the graphic with information from a reputable source, but said she would not name who she received the information from. She also said that listing Fetts profession as a former stripper was not inherently negative.

Im just gonna say, I worked as an OnlyFans model, theres nothing wrong with that, just like theres nothing wrong with being a stripper, Chamberlain said.

Fett told the committee she filed the complaint because the group was registered to lobby lawmakers.

Rep. Samantha Fett, R-Carlisle, spoke at a lawmakers on the House Ethics Committee April 23, 2025 about a complaint filed against the organization B Get Stuff Done over a posting on the groups website that identified a her profession as former stripper. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

When you do register as a lobbyist, you agree to operate at a higher level of professionalism, under rules, Fett said. And as you heard two individuals say, this was a rumor on an occupation that clearly isnt true, that was published and promoted as a way to harm.

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Rep. Timi Brown-Powers, D-Waterloo, questioned the economic damage caused by the posting, but said she understood that it is very frustrating to be an attacked on social media. Gustoff said the rules allow the ethics committee to take action on subjects that have the intention of harm, and do not necessarily require proof of harm.

The committee unanimously approved issuing a public reprimand against the organization  a way of expressing disapproval of the groups actions, but that does not put other sanctions on the organization.

Fett said her complaint was filed to ensure that professionalism is upheld at the Legislature.

The end result is not the reason its the right thing to do, Fett said. Like I said, were taking a stance (against people who) make a statement with the intention of harming someone else, especially someone whos representing constituents.

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The House is set to vote on a resolution next week to overturn the Biden-era approvals of several California state regulations, including a ban on new sales of gas-powered cars

The vote comes despite a nonpartisan internal watchdog determining that they are not subject to be overturned via resolution under the Congressional Review Act.

Punchbowl previously reported that the House would vote on resolutions targeting Californias rules limiting pollution and forcing electric vehicle sales for cars and trucks.

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A spokesperson for Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) confirmed to The Hill that the votes would take place next week.

The California car rule is particularly controversial because it would require all new vehicles sold in the state, as well as other states that adopt the rule, to be electric or otherwise emissions free by 2035.

The Congressional Review Act allows to use a simple congressional majority and presidential approval to overturn recently passed regulations  sometimes giving a new administration the chance to repeal last minute decisions made by its predecessor.

However, the Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan internal watchdog that also issues legal opinions, found that the Biden-era approvals of these rules were waivers rather than regulations themselves, and therefore were not subject to the Congressional Review Act.

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The votes come in defiance of that ruling. If the Senate defies a similar finding from its own parliamentarian, approval of the resolutions could spark a legal and procedural conundrum.

Senate Republicans indicated after the parliamentarians ruling that they would consider pressing forward anyway, but did not make a firm commitment to do so.

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DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  The Houston County Commission Chairman announced he will seek reelection in 2026.

Serving in this role has been a unique blend of challenge, humility, and reward. I believe the progress were making today will leave future generations better off  and that, in my view, is the only reason anyone should ever seek to serve in public office, said Brandon Shoupe on Wednesday.

Shoupe has led the commission for the past two and a half years.

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Before his election, Shoupe served 8 years as Houston Countys District 4 commissioner.

The commissions most recent project, spearheaded by Shoupe, is an attempt to get millions of dollars from Congress to assist with major renovations to the Houston County Jail.

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Claudette Merchant was doing what millions of parents do every day  grocery shopping for her kids. But when she got to the checkout at her local H-E-B, her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card was declined.

She had received her monthly deposit  nearly $700  just hours earlier, but by lunchtime, nearly all her funds were gone.

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I said, you got to be kidding me, Merchant told KPRC 2. $5 on my card. I thought he meant $500, but $5. Thats crazy.

With just a few dollars left on her card and three kids to feed, the Houston single mom says every day has been a struggle.

"Ive been scammed, she told KPRC 2. Its hard for single parents, especially single mothers that dont have help like theyre supposed to.

Why cant the funds be replaced?

Unfortunately, the SNAP funds cannot be replaced  even though they were taken without her permission through no fault of her own.

Merchant is among the many victims of SNAP skimming, a growing type of electronic theft in which criminals install hidden devices on card readers to steal card numbers and PINs. Once the information is cloned, they can wipe out an account in minutes.

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Until recently, stolen SNAP funds could be reimbursed under a federal protection program  but that law expired on Dec. 20, 2024, and Congress has not renewed it. That means any benefits stolen after that date  including Merchants  are not eligible for replacement unless the state sets up its own replacement program. Texas has not.

It sounds like youre not getting that money back, KPRC 2 reporter Gage Goulding told her.

Nope. And thats wrong, and thats why its so much fraud  because no ones doing nothing about it, Merchant replied.

Merchant has since canceled her old card and ordered a new one, as advised by Texas Health and Human Services. But that doesnt solve the larger issue: how to feed her children with almost no funds for the month.

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Read more: This hedge fund legend warns US stock market will crash a stunning 80%  claims 'Armageddon is coming. Dont believe him? He earned 4,144% during COVID. Heres 3 ways to protect yourself

How to protect your SNAP benefits  and what to do if you're scammed

SNAP provides monthly food assistance to low-income households. In Texas, funds are loaded onto a Lone Star Card, which works like a debit card at grocery stores. Households can receive anywhere from roughly $300 to nearly $2,000 per month, depending on income and family size, according to Texas Health and Human Services.

However, as electronic theft rises, protecting those benefits has become a major concern.

Here are some ways SNAP recommends you protect your account  and what to do if you're targeted.

Never share your PIN

State officials will never ask for your PIN, and neither should store clerks, friends or anyone outside your household. Only share your PIN with trusted adults who live in your household.

Be wary at checkout

Check card readers for loose parts or hidden devices often used for phishing  tug slightly to see if anything moves. If you see wires or if the card reader moves or comes apart, don't use your card. When entering your PIN, use your hand or body to shield others from seeing it.

Change your PIN every month

Set a reminder to change your PIN each month. The USDA recommends changing it the day before your benefits are expected to be deposited. That way, if phishers have your current PIN, they won't be able to access the funds.

Report fraud immediately

If your card is compromised, contact your local SNAP office right away. Cancel the card and request a new one. States can use their own funds to replace stolen benefits, so check in your area before assuming they won't be replaced. Even if benefits cant be reimbursed, reporting the incident helps officials track skimming trends and locations.

How to access food if your benefits are stolen

Start by contacting your local food bank, which may offer emergency groceries or prepared meals. Community organizations, churches and mutual aid groups can also provide short-term support.

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If youre on social media, look for Buy Nothing, Food Not Bombs or other neighborhood support groups where members often share food or supplies. These steps wont replace the stolen funds, but they can help you get through a tough time while you explore your options.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
On Saturday, HuffPost will attend the White House Correspondents Associations annual dinner in Washington, D.C. This years event comes amid a sustained government assault on the federal workforce and the press, both without precedent in the United States.

Trump seeks to use the power of the state to meddle in CBS News  and appears to be succeeding. The White House has blocked access to The Associated Press for the crime of calling the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of Mexico. College students fear being kicked out of the U.S. because of op-eds they have written. Prominent conservatives have salivated at the thought of denaturalizing and deporting a journalist.

HuffPost has been targeted, too. Weeks after eliciting Trumps rage by asking pertinent questions aboard Air Force One, the Trump administration blocked HuffPost White House correspondent S.V. Date from a scheduled press pool appearance, in an act that broke with decades of precedent. After a sustained outcry, HuffPost was granted access the following month.

To highlight the Trump administrations scorched-earth attack on vital government functions and its workers, HuffPost is bringing guests to this years dinner who have experienced the fallout firsthand:

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Hampton Dellinger, a federal watchdog in charge of protecting whistleblowers whom Trump fired just one year into a five-year term

Rohit Chopra, who headed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau until Trump fired him as part of a larger government purge

Andrew Bivins, a USAID employee who was fired from the government as part of DOGEs cuts

A free press is a necessary, if hardly sufficient, bulwark to fend off the threat of authoritarianism. This weekend, we honor the countless journalists who inform Americans and expose truths that some would rather keep hidden. And we thank you for helping to sustain us everyday  by reading our coverage, by sharing it with people in your life, and by supporting us directly.
A Palestinian man inspects a destroyed apartment building after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)

GAZA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense.

"Among the victims were 10 police officers who died in an airstrike targeting a police station in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern part of the Gaza Strip," Mahmoud Basal, the spokesperson of the civil defense, told Xinhua.

He said that the attack also caused injuries among Palestinians and damage to houses.

"The casualties were transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City," he added, noting that the civil defense teams face severe challenges in removing the victims due to the lack of equipment.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army said in a press statement that it targeted a facility that served as a command-and-control center for Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the compound "was used to coordinate attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel," adding that "steps were taken to reduce civilian casualties, including the use of precision-guided munitions and aerial surveillance."

Neither Hamas nor the PIJ commented on the attack yet.

Other Israeli strikes were reported in the southern city of Khan Younis, around Gaza City, and in the Deir al-Balah area of the central Gaza Strip.

At least 1,978 Palestinians have been killed and 5,207 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes on March 18 across the Gaza Strip, while the total Palestinian death toll since October 2023 has risen to 51,355, Gaza-based health authorities said on Thursday. 

Palestinians inspect a destroyed apartment building after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)

A Palestinian man inspects a destroyed apartment building after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)

Palestinians inspect a destroyed apartment building after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)

Palestinians inspect a destroyed apartment building after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)

Palestinians inspect a destroyed apartment building after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)

Palestinians inspect a destroyed apartment building after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)

Palestinians inspect a destroyed apartment building after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)

Palestinians inspect a destroyed apartment building after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. At least 29 Palestinians were killed on Thursday in multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's civil defense. (Xinhua/Rizek Abdeljawad)
The massive New Jersey wildfire that has burned more than 13,000 acres in Ocean County has triggered an air quality health advisory for the New York City area.

The Jones Road Wildfire, first reported around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, prompted mandatory evacuations and led the state to declare a state of emergency on Wednesday.

The blaze was initially detected in Barnegat Township, approximately 90 miles south of Midtown Manhattan. By late Wednesday night, it had grown to 13,250 acres and was about 50% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

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Heavy smoke from the fire is now expected to affect the air quality in and around the Big Apple, forecasters said.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Air Quality Index (AQI) for the area reached unhealthy levels on Thursday.

Ranging from 0 to 500, the AQI is used to measure air pollution levels and to alert the public when pollutant levels may make the air hazardous to health.

When levels are between 101 and 150, air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.

In a Thursday morning update, health officials warned that the AQI for fine particulate matter in the New York City metro area (the five boroughs, Rockland and Westchester counties), as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island, was expected to fall within that unhealthy range.

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Particulate matter is defined as a mixture of solid particles and liquids in the air that, when inhaled, could potentially lead to serious health problems like difficulty breathing, heart and lung damage.

While the general public is less likely to be affected by such levels, individuals in sensitive groups are urged to avoid strenuous outdoor physical activities and watch for symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

Sensitive groups include children and teens, older adults, pregnant individuals, people with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease, individuals in disadvantaged communities, as well as anyone who exercises or works outdoors.

The advisory would remain in effect through midnight on Thursday, officials said. Air quality appeared to improve later in the afternoon falling within the moderate range.

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The Jones Road Wildfire may end up being the largest wildfire in New Jersey in 20 years, according to New Jerseys Commissioner of Environmental Protection, Shawn LaTourette

While evacuation orders were lifted Wednesday morning, the area remains under a state of emergency.

On Thursday, state officials announced the arrest of a 19-year-old man on charges of aggravated arson and arson in connection with the historic fire.

Investigators believe Joseph Kling, of Ocean Township, was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire  and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Hundreds of people from across West Texas gathered for mass at San Angelos Sacred Heart Cathedral for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis on April 23.

Bishop Michael Sis said all were invited to celebrate the Popes life and pray for him.

This was an opportunity for us as Catholics in West Texas to gather together all of our different churches and pray for him, Sis said.

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Along with much of the Catholic community, Bishop Sis said he was saddened to hear of the Popes passing but is comforted by a hope and trust in eternal life.

For us, death is not a disaster. For us, death is simply the gateway to the next life, Sis said.

During the celebration, Bishop Sis shared that the Popes passing marks a new chapter for the Catholic church. He said he trusts that the new pope will be a source of unity.

We trust that he will be a source of unity among Catholics and a source of connection between us today and the whole tradition dating back to Jesus Christ, Sis said.

Bishop Sis will attend the funeral mass for Pope Francis on April 26. The day also marks the start of Novena, a tradition of nine days of prayer following the death of a pope.

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Its an ancient tradition that we pray for nine days after the death of a pope, praying that God will be merciful on his soul, Sis said.

The text for the Novena will be available on the San Angelo Diocese website in English and Spanish. A second mass for Pope Francis will be held at San Angelos Sacred Heart Cathedral on April 24 at 6 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
(FOX40.COM)  As house republicans hammer out a budget reconciliation bill, Californians took to the streets Wednesday, calling for their local representatives to protect access to Medicaid.

Many say they are worried that a budget passed by the GOP-controlled House could make cuts to the program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals.

One of those demonstrations took place this afternoon outside congressman Tom McClintocks office in Modesto. It was there that at least 200 people demanded that McClintock vote against the cuts.

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Our demand for McClintock is to do whats right by his people, said Astrid Zuniga, United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930 President.

Sacramento County approves 30-year lease for new mental health facility

In a statement to FOX40, the office of Congressman McClintock said:

Medicaid spending has nearly doubled in ten years and now costs more than the entire defense budget, taking $6,900 a year from an average American household to support. The budget resolution anticipates long overdue common-sense reforms such as restoring the work requirement for able-bodied adults, prosecuting fraud, and ending services to non-citizens. Left-wing groups oppose these reforms and are instead advocating for a crushing tax increase that would cost a family earning $75,000 a year an additional $1,500 in new taxes next year.

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Demonstrators outside Congressman McClintocks office included residents with a wide range of disabilities, elderly patients, and organizations, including members of the United Domestic Workers (UDW) who play a role in the care provided for certain groups of patients.

Many said they are afraid that if these cuts are made, it could have devastating and potentially deadly impacts on their health.

The UDW worries that any cuts to Medicaid would leave millions without the necessary resources and care they need if they cant afford it.

The impact is huge. It could be devastating for millions of Americans, Zuniga said. Specifically in Stanislaus County, about 51 percent of the residents rely on Medicaid services.

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Wayne Junso, an 81-year-old Modesto resident, said he is worried about the added work and resources it would take to care for his son, who is paralyzed, if impacted.

The price of medicine, the price of doctors, the price of equipment, Junso said. For most of the people, it is a big issue because if they lose doctors, nurses, and help, what are they going to do? What are they going to do?

The government has not finalized a budget yet, but residents here say they hope politicians will keep the potential repercussions and their fears in mind.

Well, one, I probably wouldnt have a job, said UDW worker Billie Hughes. My grandson would not be able to go and get the help that he needs. He cant talk right now, he just learned to walk, and hes in a great facility where hes going to school, so that would be cut, everything would be cut.

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Zuniga said she is hopeful their cries will be heard.

These are some really scary times, and its unfortunate, but I have to keep hope that as long as we continue to apply the pressure and make our voices heard, that it doesnt fall on deaf ears, Zuniga said.

Demonstrators say they will be back out to continue the movement on Thursday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The City of Huntsville is celebrating National Community Development Week, highlighting the impact of federal housing programs in the city.

Since 1986, National Community Development Week has spotlighted the power of partnership between cities, residents and federal programs to improve lives and uplift communities. The city is celebrating from April 21-25.

Our Planet Our Power: Earth Day and clean energy in Alabama

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Huntsvilles Home Rehabilitation Program gives essential repairs and upgrades to homes owned by low-to-moderate income residents, many of whom are seniors, individuals with disabilities or working families. Its funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

This is a special time to recognize the meaningful work that often happens quietly, but powerfully, behind the scenes, said Mayor Tommy Battle. These improvements arent just about siding and shutters. Theyre about protecting the ability of legacy residents to remain in their homes.

(Courtesy of the City of Huntsville)

(Courtesy of the City of Huntsville)

(Courtesy of the City of Huntsville)

(Courtesy of the City of Huntsville)

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The focus of this years National Community Development Week is a home rehabilitation project for longtime resident Esther Hurt. Shes been in Huntsville since 1979 and bought her Mount Vernon Road home in 1998.

Over the years, Hurts home has been a cherished gathering place for children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.

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Her home is receiving much-needed exterior upgrades, including new siding, soffit, aluminum fascia and shutters, to restore its appearance and ensure its longevity.

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That house has seen generations of her family, kids, grandkids, and even great-grandkids  have all grown up within her walls. So its only right that this house is taken care of because it has taken care of so many during the years, Mayor Battle said.

Community Development Manager Scott Erwin gave praise to the staff and volunteers who make these projects possible.

This teams dedication is inspiring, said Erwin. Their hard work strengthens our city one person and one project, at a time.

To learn more about Community Developments CDBG Home Rehabilitation Program, visit the City of Huntsville website.

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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 WHNT.com.
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Appeals judges at the International Criminal Court on Thursday ordered a lower panel to reconsider Israels objections to the courts jurisdiction over arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders last year.

The appeals chamber said the court had not properly weighed challenges by Israel to its jurisdiction and the legality of arrest warrant requests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for their conduct of the Gaza war.

The so-called Pre-Trial Chamber had ruled that Israel's challenges had been premature, but the appeals judges now said that had been an "error of law".

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It said Israel's argument that it was entitled to challenge the jurisdiction was not sufficiently addressed.

"The Appeals Chamber therefore reversed the decision and remanded the matter to the Pre-Trial Chamber for a new ruling on the substance of Israel's challenge to the jurisdiction of the Court," they said.

The office of the ICC Prosecutor said it was studying the new ruling, without offering further comment.

Israel and Palestinian leaders have dismissed allegations of war crimes, and representatives for both sides have criticised ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan's decision to seek warrants for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; writing by Bart Meijer; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
What if someone could flip a switch to mess with your life?

Thats what ICE appears to be doing to several international students and recent grads in Washington state, two of whom were in post-graduate training at UW Tacoma. One day a database said they had valid status as students in the United States, and the next day it didnt, because someone with Immigration and Customs Enforcement clicked on a button.

Worryingly, it appears in at least one case that Immigration and Customs Enforcement cant really explain what it was doing when it flipped that switch. The recent grads from UW Tacoma who saw their records changed could be in a similar predicament, though the details of their cases havent emerged. More cases for students in the region are going forward in Tacoma on Thursday.

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International scholars are guests in our region. They add to the accomplishments of our universities and put their education in our hands. They deserve competent and humane treatment from the government agency that manages their legal status in the country. This isnt that.

Even if their treatment doesnt concern you, a government agency that doesnt follow its own rules when deciding any one persons fate sets a dangerous precedent for everyone.

ICE maintains a database of international scholars in the United States with a valid student status. At a hearing in Tacoma on April 17, U.S. District Court Judge David G. Estudillo asked a lawyer representing ICE to explain the agencys decision to change the status of a Seattle-based UW doctoral student in this system.

What was the basis for ICEs action? Was the student, from China, now in the country without legal status? Would he be detained if he didnt leave immediately? Could he continue studying or not?

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That a judge had to ask those questions to get the student answers was wild enough. According to his lawyer, Jay Gairson, the student learned through UW that the change could be related to the results of a criminal background check. He has a pending DUI charge from 2023.

A pending charge isnt enough for ICE to end his legal status, Gairson argued. Under U.S. immigration law, there has to be a conviction, the crime must be violent, and it must have a possible prison sentence of over one year. Gairson said not one of those things has happened  nor could they happen  based on the DUI charge. Its a nonviolent offense thats subject to a sentence of 364 days or fewer.

A person walks past a University of Washington Tacoma sign on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Tacoma. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has recently changed the status of student visas in Washington state, including recent UW Tacoma grads. Liesbeth Powers/Liesbeth Powers / lpowers@thenewstribune.com

Even wilder were the answers ICEs lawyer, assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney Passmore, gave to the judge. Yes, she said, ICE changed the students status within its system because of the DUI charge. In a kafkaesque twist, she said ICE was not taking a position on whether the change means hes lost his valid status as a student.

Why? Because ICEs lawyers dont know the answer to that question yet.

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So as ICEs lawyers have described it, it sounds like the agency altered official records of a residents legal status, without following its own rules, and without knowing the consequences of its own actions. That in turn sounds like something from dystopian fiction exploring themes of cruelty and incompetence.

In a temporary order, Estudillo required ICE to restore the UW doctoral students record. He also forbade the agency from putting the student into removal proceedings based on its earlier decision to terminate the record. The judge will revisit his decision in early May after getting more information from both legal teams.

The details of the cases for the recent grads of UW Tacoma and many of the other students might be different. It might turn out that ICE discovered things about them that fall within the agencys rules for ending their legal status. Based on last weeks hearing, it seems like it could take a court hearing to get that information from ICE.

For now, the switch is flipped back for one student.
An engraving illustration of the old Bastille prison in Paris. (mikroman6 via Getty Images)

In 18th century France, the Bastille came to represent the malignancy of the monarchy.

Built as a fortress in Paris, the imposing structure had become under the Bourbon kings a state prison to which a capricious royal authority could disappear disfavored residents without warning or due process.

Some of the detainees had committed no offense other than to express views the king deemed seditious or dangerous. The conditions were squalid. Many prisoners were stripped of their ability to communicate with anyone on the outside.

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The Bastille symbolized all that was inhumane, repressive and rotten in the reign of Louis XVI, which is why it was a primary target, both in principle and practice, of the liberty-minded revolutionaries who crushed the monarchy and remade French government and society.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Colorado is reminiscent of the Bastille. The center is a regional analog, and its remit is narrower than was its French counterparts. But, under the Trump administration, its purpose is no less emblematic of the cruel whims of a despot, and it operates equally as an intolerable trespass on the peoples conscience.

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Known formally by ICE as the Denver Contract Detention Facility, the center is located on Oakland Street in Aurora. Its run by a profit-making private contractor, The GEO Group.

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Immigration rights advocates have long alleged that living conditions at the center are deplorable and that detainees are mistreated.

I think that a lot of the strategy that they have there in that detention center is to try to make the living conditions so bad that you will want to deport yourself and not wait for the legal process. Theyre not focused on treating them in a humane way, the brother of a detainee told researchers in 2023.

Also that year, immigration rights groups filed a complaint with federal authorities, urging them to investigate reported misuse of solitary confinement at the center. Democratic U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, who represents the centers district, became so alarmed by disturbing accounts of poor conditions at the center that he undertook his own oversight actions.

He has encountered resistance to transparency from ICE at every turn, but he managed at least to extract bare-minimum information about the place. During an in-person inspection in March, he reported that 1,243 detainees were confined there and that they were mostly from Mexico, India and Venezuela.

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The ICE detention center is hardly the only place designed to lock away human beings that has faced complaints about poor living conditions. It took the rogue immigration enforcement policies of the second Trump administration to make the center singularly eligible for comparison to its French antecedent.

The center is one of several sites around the country where immigration enforcement authorities have sent hundreds of immigrants, often without any warning, meaningful due process or transparency. These facilities are becoming black sites where constitutional values are exchanged for MAGA depravity and lawlessness.

In March, ICE agents arrested longtime Denver resident Jeanette Vizguerra during her break at work at Target, and shes been detained and awaiting deportation at the Aurora detention center ever since. Federal authorities claim the Mexican national is subject to a removal order from more than a decade ago, but her lawyers dispute the premise of her detention. They have persuasively argued in federal court that she was targeted solely for her vocal support  constitutionally protected speech  for immigration rights. In other words, she expressed views that Americas aspiring king deems dangerous, and his henchmen caged her for it.

Two other Aurora detainees, both asylum seekers who have not been charged with any crime, filed a lawsuit in federal court saying they fear they could be deported. Authorities allege the men have ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, but not only do both men reject that charge, one of them fled Venezuela after TdA members murdered his wifes father and uncle.

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A lawyer for the two men told reporters this week that more than 100 people detained in Aurora, including his clients, are at risk of being deported under President Donald Trumps March invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law that has been used on only three previous occasions and only during war.

These detainees are afforded limited communication to people beyond the prison walls, face unlawful deportations, and are being deprived of meaningful due process.

Worse, the lawyer said that at least 11 people who were detained in Aurora have already been removed to the brutal CECOT prison in El Salvador. Thats the prison where U.S. authorities, who proudly refuse to do anything to reverse their error, mistakenly sent Maryland resident Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, as well as hundreds of others.

The Aurora detention center symbolizes all that is inhumane, repressive and rotten about the Trump administration, and Coloradans who want to preserve democracy and the rule of law cannot abide its presence in the state.

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The most celebrated day of the French Revolution is July 14, 1789. Thats when residents of Paris stormed the Bastille, marking the end of this symbol of government tyranny. The date is now a French national holiday. The attack on the prison involved reckless violence that in no way should be emulated. But what is admirable about the event is the peoples courageous defiance of grave government abuses.

American institutions have utterly failed to shield Americans from the Trumpist sewage of corruption and unchecked power, which more than any other site in Colorado the Aurora detention center exemplifies.

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Government lawyers say officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) did not have a warrant for Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil's arrest when they took him into custody last month, according to a filing submitted in the case.

Khalil's lawyers say the admission contradicts what officers told Khalil and his lawyers at the time of his arrest and in a subsequent arrest report.

In the filing, lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security said Khalil, a green card holder and permanent legal resident, was served with a warrant once he was brought into an ICE office in New York after his arrest.

PHOTO: Mahmoud Khalil is seen at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the Columbia University campus in New York, April 29, 2024. (Ted Shaffrey/AP, FILE)

MORE: Columbia University associate of Mahmoud Khalil arrested by DHS

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The officers "had exigent circumstances to conduct the warrantless arrest, it is the pattern and practice of DHS to fully process a respondent once in custody with an I-200 (warrant) as part of that intake processing," government lawyers wrote.

DHS claimed its officers were not required to obtain a warrant for Khalil's arrest, in part, because they had reasons to believe it was likely "he would escape before they could obtain a warrant."

In the filing, DHS attorneys said agents approached Khalil inside the foyer of his Columbia-owned apartment building and claimed that, while his wife went to retrieve his identification, Khalil told them he was going to leave the scene.

"The HSI supervisory agent believed there was a flight risk and arrest was necessary," the filing stated.

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Khalil's lawyers have pushed back on the claim that he was uncooperative with authorities.

In a sworn declaration submitted in court last month, attorney Amy Greer, who was on the phone with Khalil's wife at the time of his arrest, said an agent at the scene told her they had an administrative warrant.

"I asked the basis of the warrant, and he said the U.S. Department of State revoked Mahmoud's student visa," Greer said. "When I told Agent Hernandez that Mahmoud does not have a student visa because he is a green card holder and permanent resident in the U.S., he said DHS revoked the green card, too," she wrote in the declaration.

MORE: Columbia University associate of Mahmoud Khalil arrested by DHS

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Khalil's lawyers say the warrantless arrest is one of the reasons he should be released.

"That night, I was on the phone with Mahmoud, Noor, and even the arresting agent," Greer said in a statement. "In the face of multiple agents in plain clothes who clearly intended to abduct him, and despite the fact that those agents repeatedly failed to show us a warrant, Mahmoud remained calm and complied with their orders. Today we now know why they never showed Mahmoud that warrant - they didn't have one.

The statement went on to say: "This is clearly yet another desperate attempt by the Trump administration to justify its unlawful arrest and detention of human rights defender Mahmoud Khalil, who is now, by the government's own tacit admission, a political prisoner of the United States."

An immigration judge earlier this month ruled that Khalil, a leader of Columbia's encampment protests in the spring of 2024, could be deported on grounds that he threatens foreign policy, as alleged by the Trump administration.

ICE did not have warrant when agents detained Mahmoud Khalil: Court filing originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
DENVER (KDVR)  On any given day, even before sunrise, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents say they are on the streets preparing to make arrests in Denver.

FOX31 had asked ICE for a ride-along so our crew could witness how agents make arrests. The agency granted that request and allowed FOX31 reporter Vicente Arenas and photographer Eugene Bergman to travel with them as they made arrests on Tuesday morning.

New ICE detention center could be set up in Colorado by the end of the year

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Our crew first went to a pre-dawn briefing and a stakeout in Westminster.

A short while later, agents were arresting a 50-year-old year old man, an ICE Spokesman said had a criminal history and 6 previous removals to Mexico.

A lot of man-hours go into this. You can see the number of agents it takes to make one arrest, ICE Field Office Director Robert Guadian said.

Our crews saw about 20 agents at one location. Other federal agencies were also present. Most of the officers were working undercover. We then moved on to an apartment complex in Aurora.

One undocumented immigrant with what ICE says is a criminal history was caught, but another person got away.

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This is a great example of why we need to conduct transfers of these prisoners in a safe, secure setting like a jail, Guadian said.

ICE says driver sentenced in deadly 2024 US 285 crash has been deported

Our crew then went to the ICE Field office in Centennial, where undocumented immigrants are taken shortly after being arrested.

A handcuffed 31-year-old man from Mexico was brought in by agents. An ICE spokesperson said the man had a final order of removal along with state criminal convictions

FOX31 is then allowed to see where the undocumented immigrants are processed. Denvers Field Office Director Robert Guadian says ICE agents have already arrested more immigrants this fiscal year than the previous year.

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Agents, he said, go after the worst first, referring to a number of men being held in a secure section at ICEs Field Office.

Everyone in this holding room were targets, targeted law enforcement operations that ICE was undertaking. These people were known to us. Their addresses were known to us. Their crimes were known to us. They were targeted law enforcement operations, Guadian said.

Guadian says there are now plans to establish another ICE holding facility in Hudson by the end of the year to help handle the increase in arrests. FOX31 is told the new facility will have at least as many beds as the more than 1,500 beds in the existing Aurora ICE Facility.

Agents expect to continue making a large number of arrests of immigrants they say are a threat to public safety.

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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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WELLINGTON, April 24 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand scientists are voicing serious concern over the planned decommissioning of several public scientific databases by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), warning of its potential global impact on weather and climate research.

Earlier this month, the NOAA announced changes that will affect data sources related to earthquakes, as well as marine, coastal, and estuarine sciences. The move comes amid growing concerns about the erosion of public access to scientific data in the U.S. and a broader trend of reduced federal support for research.

Prof. James Renwick, a climate scientist at Victoria University of Wellington, said on Thursday, "The loss of environmental services and products eat away at our knowledge of the world around us. The recent news of cuts to the NOAA and the NWS (National Weather Service) have been hugely concerning for weather, climate and climate sciences worldwide."

Prof. Craig Stevens of the University of Auckland's Department of Physics echoed these concerns, noting that the international scientific community has spent the past decade improving access to environmental data.

"These closures make this findability harder, and moreover, it is likely the tip of the iceberg in terms of coming impacts of reduced funding," Stevens said.

He emphasized that the NOAA plays a crucial role in providing globally relevant data and research that supports many aspects of ocean and Antarctic science.

"From an ocean and Antarctic perspective, some of the potential cuts to the NOAA are exceedingly concerning," he added, noting that reductions of up to 50 percent in NOAA staff numbers have been reported.

Satellite data, according to Stevens, are essential for tracking tropical cyclones and conducting Antarctic research.

"This is not the time to have less data about how Earth's climate and weather are changing," he said. 
The trial for the man accused of killing four Idaho college students in their beds will continue as a death penalty case, despite the fact that suspect Bryan Kohberger was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, an Idaho judge ruled late Thursday.

Additionally, Fourth District Judge Steven Hippler came down on the side of prosecutors  ruling that the "bulk" of what was said on a 911 call the morning after Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were stabbed to death in November 2022 can be shared with the jury, as can text messages between the two surviving roommates. There will be a few exceptions, he said.

Kohberger has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the murders of the four University of Idaho students. His trial is set to start on Aug. 11 and is expected to last several months.

PHOTO: Bryan Kohberger is escorted into a courtroom for a hearing in Latah County District Court, Sept. 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. (Ted S. Warren/AP, FILE)

Autism and the death penalty

The defense attempted to get the death penalty taken off the table on grounds of Kohberger's autism spectrum disorder, saying that it could make proving his innocence harder. However, in his decision denying the request, Hippler said those concerns could be addressed during jury selection.

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"Intellectual impairment  a hallmark of an intellectual disability  is not present in the diagnostic criteria of ASD and no court has ever found the two to be equivalent," the judge wrote. Kohberger, the judge noted, "has not presented any evidence of a national consensus as to whether the death penalty is a disproportionate punishment for individuals with ASD."

The judge argued that Kohberger's lawyers tried to argue with an "apples-to-oranges comparison" of intellectual impairments that ultimately fell flat. And defense lawyers cited no capital case precedent in trying to argue there's "growing societal sensitivity to mental disorders" and antipathy to executing those who live with them, the judge said.

"No court has ever found ASD to be categorically death-disqualifying diagnosis," Hippler wrote.

Kohberger may have poor social skills, the judge acknowledged. In fact, Kohberger's social difficulties, including with personal space, actually "played a role" in his Ph.D. funding being yanked, the judge said, citing a defense expert who interviewed his family, former teachers and peers.

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He was never "overtly inappropriate," but didn't have a lot of friends  nor insight as to why that might be. He could be rather awkward and "monotone," using formal and scripted phrases like "Objectively speaking..." and "Mind you..."

But even defense experts did not find him irretrievably impaired, the judge said. Kohberger has an IQ in the 90th percentile for his age, graduated from his master's degree program with a 4.0 GPA, showed "some typical social behaviors" and could be polite, the judge cited from defense experts.

MORE: Idaho college killings: Judge denies Bryan Kohberger request to exclude DNA evidence

King Road 911 call

The "bulk" of what was said on the 911 call placed by the surviving roommates of the victims on the morning after they were stabbed to death on Nov. 13, 2022, can be used at trial, Hippler ruled.

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He has also ruled in favor of admitting the surviving roommates' texts to each other, as well as their attempts to reach the victims in those crucial hours the night the killings occurred.

A full breakdown charting out what is and what is not admissible from the call was appended to the end of the judge's filing.

Explaining why those text messages can be admitted, the judge said that much of it describes what they were seeing, feeling and doing in the moment  and the results of those actions.

"The events are sufficiently startling to both D.M. and B.F for purposes of the excited utterance exception. D.M. and B.F. are young female college students and the self-described 'scaredy cats of the house,'" the judge wrote. "They were awoken from sleep after a night of drinking with D.M. reporting that she heard noises and saw a masked intruder in their home. None of the other roommates were responding to their calls and texts, further indicating something was amiss."

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"It would be potentially terrifying for anyone, including these young women," the judge continued. "To argue that they would have run out of the house or called someone else for help had they really been startled unempathetically ignores these circumstances and the trauma and confusion they were evidently experiencing, which likely offset logical thought."

Among the few items needing redaction is an instance when the person on the phone to the 911 dispatcher describes how one of the roommates had relayed that Xana was "passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up" and that they "saw some man in their house last night."

The judge said that person on the call did not have firsthand knowledge and was only telling the dispatcher what they had been told; therefore, that could not be played for the jury.

He also ruled that one of the surviving roommate's attempts to start a timeline of those early morning hours should be redacted, since it's not an in-the-moment remark, having come after "several hours to reflect on what she had seen and experienced at 4:00 a.m."

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The latest court filings also provide new information about the moments the surviving roommates came upon the victims, such as when one of them called a friend "to come over and check the house because she was scared."

The friend and her boyfriend came over and met the two survivors "at the bottom floor of the house," and together they "started to walk up the stairs to the second floor."

"When they reached the second floor, H.J. went to the kitchen to grab a kitchen knife. When he came backout, D.M. 'saw Xana again for a split second. And I just started bawling because I thought she had just like - I don't even know. I thought maybe she was still just drunk and all asleep on the floor,'" the judge quoted from grand jury transcripts.

"H.J. told D.M. and B.F. to 'get out,'" the judge quoted. "E.A., who had started up the stairs, also turned around after H.J. instructed her not to come any further. They both went outside."

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"Shortly afterwards, H.J. exited the house and told them to call 911. He was pale white and mentioned something about someone being unconscious," the judge continued.

MORE: Idaho college killings: Dramatic 911 call revealed

Expert witnesses

Siding with prosecutors, the judge ruled Thursday that expert witnesses on a range of fronts will be able to testify.

Those include an FBI special agent who helped analyze Kohberger's cellphone records  something his lawyers have repeatedly pushed back on.

Defense lawyers said Kohberger was driving around alone on the night the killings occurred, and they wanted to call to the stand a cellphone data expert to back that up. The special agent is expected to counter that data expert's argument.

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Experts also include a forensic accountant for the FBI who can talk about how Kohberger spent his money  including how he only made ATM withdrawals around and after the killings and totally stopped using his debit card just a couple days before the killings  whereas prior, debit card use had been a regular habit.

They also include a supervisor at Amazon.com, expected to speak specifically to Kohberger's click history and other online shopping data. Prosecutors have alleged that eight months before the killings, Kohberger bought a knife and sheath that could have been the murder weapon.

DNA matching Kohberger's was found on a KA-BAR knife sheath by one of the victim's bodies, prosecutors have said  a linchpin in an otherwise largely circumstantial case. No murder weapon has been found.

Prosecutors can also call a detective who can testify that stabbing to death all four students could have been achieved in mere minutes  and that just one person would have needed no help.

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"Depending on the suspect's pace and route, he could have carried out the crimes in approximately two to four minutes," the judge said in his ruling.

The judge acknowledged that the detective could potentially be called as a rebuttal witness if the defense tries to argue, as they have suggested, that Kohberger's ASD deficits make it "not possible" for him to have "acted with the speed and coordination required to commit the crimes in the time frame alleged."

Idaho college killings: Judge denies attempt to toss out death penalty over autism spectrum diagnosis originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
People who purchased generic prescription drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation in the settlement, the Idaho Attorney Generals Office said. (Getty Images)

Idahoans should see if theyre eligible for compensation as part of a proposed settlement over an alleged conspiracy to inflate generic drug prices and limit competition, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador said.

Idaho is among 50 states and U.S. territories that are seeking preliminary approval for the $39.1 million settlement with drug manufacturer Apotex in federal court in Connecticut, the Idaho Office of the Attorney General announced in a news release. A coalition of states last fall also announced a $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals.

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When companies conspire to fix prices, real people pay the price  especially Idaho families who rely on affordable prescription drugs, Labrador said in a prepared statement. I encourage every Idahoan who purchased generic medications during the covered period to review their eligibility and seek compensation if you qualify. Our office will continue to defend the integrity of the market and ensure Idahoans are protected from corporate misconduct.

People who purchased generic prescription drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation in the settlement, the Idaho Attorney Generals Office said.

Heres how to find out if youre eligible:

Visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com, which lists generic drugs involved in the settlements

Email info@AGGenericDrugs.com

Call 1-866-290-0182, a toll free number

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The chief of the general staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Eyal Zamir, warned on Thursday of an expanded military operation in Gaza if there is no progress in securing the return of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

"If we do not see progress in the return of the hostages, we will expand our activities into a more intense and significant operation until we reach a decisive outcome," he said during a visit to troops in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, a military statement said.

"Hamas is mistaken about our capabilities, our intentions, and our determination," he added.

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Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz recently echoed similar threats, stating that the longer Hamas withholds the hostages, the more severe Israel's strikes would become.

Katz also suggested that Israel could permanently occupy parts of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli authorities believe 24 hostages are still alive in the Gaza Strip, while Hamas and its allies hold the bodies of 35 others.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD)  The Illinois Department of Public Health announced its first confirmed case of measles in the state this year on Wednesday.

The case involved an adult in far southern Illinois and was confirmed through laboratory testing, according to the IDPH news release.

The IDPH is working with local health officials to see if they can identify where the person was exposed to measles and if anyone else who may have been exposed is at risk.

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This first reported case of measles in Illinois in 2025 is a reminder to our Illinois residents that this disease can be prevented with up-to-date vaccination, said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. With hundreds of cases being reported nationally, we have been working closely with our local public health and health care partners to prepare for any potential measles cases in Illinois. IDPH is urging medical providers to consider a measles diagnosis in patients with consistent symptoms and alert their local health department immediately if they suspect a case.

These are the first confirmed cases of measles in the state since the outbreak in Chicago in 2024 that resulted in 67 cases.

The health department will also continue to monitor the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico that has led to 680 confirmed cases and three deaths.

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Visitors pay their respects on July 7, 2022, at altars for the seven people killed in the Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park, Illinois. via Associated Press

The gunman who opened fire during a 2022 Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, in a mass shooting that killed seven was sentenced Thursday to seven consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

The court finds hes irrevocably depraved, Judge Victoria Rossetti said during the sentencing, according to NBC News. He is beyond any rehabilitation.

Robert Crimo III, who was not present during Thursdays sentencing, pleaded guilty last month to 21 counts of murder, three for each of the seven people who died, and 48 counts of attempted murder.

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After evidence was presented, victims read their impact statements.

You took my mom, said Leah Sundheim, the child of Jacquelyn Sundheim, according to The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. I will never be able to summarize how simply extraordinary she was, and how devastating and out of balance my life is without her.

Keely Roberts son Cooper Roberts was 8 when he was shot in the back during the mass shooting and became paralyzed from the waist down. Keely Roberts called the shooter cowardly for not attending the sentencing.

You will not get my sad stories, she said. You have no power over my life.

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Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a news conference Thursday that the sentencing was about the victims, survivors and the Highland Park community.

The amount of trauma and pain that they have gone through in this case is something that is hard to describe, Rinehart said.

He continued, saying the shooter has never shown one bit of remorse.

It was clear he was unable to confront what he had done, Rinehart said about the shooter not showing up for his sentencing.

Nancy Rotering, the mayor of Highland Park, Illinois, said at the news conference that the sentencing is another call to action for lawmakers to take decisive action to prevent future tragedies.

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No community should ever have to endure this kind of devastation, Rotering said.

On July 4, 2022, the shooter opened fire with a rifle from a nearby rooftop during Highland Parks annual Fourth of July parade. The mass shooting killed seven people and injured 48 more and the shooter was arrested about eight hours after the shooting began. Victims of the shooting ranged in ages 8 to 88.

The shooters father was also charged in connection to the shooting. Robert Crimo Jr. pleaded guilty in November 2023 to seven counts of misdemeanor reckless conduct for helping his then-teenage son get a firearms license to buy guns. He served 60 days in prison and is still on two years of probation.

The shooting resulted in lawsuits, including one from the victims who sued Smith and Wesson, the manufacturer of the rifle used in the shooting, for allegedly targeting its ads to young men who might commit mass violence. The case is ongoing.

Related...
CHICAGO  Health officials in Illinois have identified the states first measles case of 2025.

On Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first confirmed measles case of 2025 in Illinois, which was reported in an adult patient in far southern Illinois.

According to the IDPH, the case was confirmed through laboratory testing on Wednesday, though officials did not confirm the exact location.

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So far, it is the only case that the IDPH is aware of and officials said it is not considered an outbreak. Officials added that the risk of community transmission for the general public in Illinois remains low.

The IDPH says it is closely monitoring the situation and supporting local health departments in southern Illinois.

This first reported case of measles in Illinois in 2025 is a reminder to our Illinois residents that this disease can be prevented with up-to-date vaccination, IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. With hundreds of cases being reported nationally, we have been working closely with our local public health and health care partners to prepare for any potential measles cases in Illinois. IDPH is urging medical providers to consider a measles diagnosis in patients with consistent symptoms and alert their local health department immediately if they suspect a case.

Dr. Vohra also advised the public to seek out vaccinations if they are not already protected.

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The key to preventing measles is the highly effective measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles, Dr. Vohra said. I recommend that our Illinois residents make sure that they and their family members are up to date on the MMR vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations.

The new case is the first to be reported in the state since an outbreak in Chicago last year resulted in 67 cases.

Nationally, the CDC has reported 800 cases of measles in more than 25 jurisdictions around the country, more than double the national total in 2024.

Potential exposure locations

The IDPH said it has identified the following seven locations in Marion, Illinois, where exposures may have occurred between April 7 and April 15:

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Don Sol Restaurant

Legacy Fitness

Walmart

Kroger Grocery

Wonder Wash Laundry

Easy Coin Laundry

Small Star Laundry

Officials say anyone who may have been present at any of the potential exposure locations between April 7 and April 15 should monitor themselves for 21 days from the day they were potentially exposed for symptoms of measles.

The IDPH said the chances of infection are minimal for those who are immune to measles either from vaccination or prior infection.

According to the IDPH, the clinic in southern Illinois where the patient sought care is also working to identify any possible exposed patients and check the immune status of those who may have been in contact with the patient.

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Healthcare workers at the clinic who were exposed were all wearing masks at the time and are also considered immune.

What do I do in the event of an exposure?

Health officials advise anyone who believes they may have been in a location that would have put them at risk of exposure to review their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on the MMR vaccine.

The IDPH warns anyone who may have been exposed to measles and is not immune to monitor themselves for symptoms like rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Symptoms can take from seven to 21 days to show up.

Health officials say those who develop symptoms should stay home and away from others. Symptomatic individuals should also contact a healthcare provider before the medical office or emergency department, so special arrangements can be made to protect patients and medical staff.

Am I protected against measles?

Measles, which is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, can spread easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Many in the United States are already protected.

The CDC said the measles vaccine, which has been used for over 50 years, is considered to be very effective. Two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus, and one dose is about 93% effective.

Those who received the vaccine are usually fully protected for life after about two or three weeks, according to the CDC.

While the vaccine has historically proven to be highly effective, the CDC said about three out of 100 who get the vaccine will still have measles if exposed.

For more information on how to get vaccinated, call Cook County Health at 833-308-1988.

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Illinois residents can view their immunization records on the states Vax Verify portal.

Gabriel Castillo contributed to this report

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Visit the IDPH website for more information on how to stay safe.

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Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) on Thursday became the first major Democrat to announce a bid for retiring Sen. Dick Durbins (D-Ill.) seat, a development that came less than a day after Durbin said he would be forgoing another run.

As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their relentless attack on Americans, we need new voices in Washington who will stand firm and fight fiercely to move us forward and protect the values we hold dear, Stratton said in a statement announcing her candidacy.

I am that leader, and I promise to fight everyday for the people of Illinois, she added.

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The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association (DLGA) immediately announced it would endorse her senatorial bid and a seven-figure commitment going toward her campaign.

Democratic lieutenant governors are the Democratic Partys bench, and with these types of investments, we look forward to helping to elect the next generation of Governors and Senators across the country, said Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis (D), chair of the DLGA, in a statement.

Durbin announced Wednesday he would seek a sixth term in the upper chamber, saying in a video announcement its time to pass the torch.

Durbins announcement is likely to tee up a competitive primary for his seat because several other Democrats are widely expected to make bids, including Illinois Reps. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lauren Underwood.

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On the GOP side, Illinois Rep. Darin LaHood hinted he might be interested in running for the seat, too.

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Durbins seat solid Democrat.

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CHICAGO  Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Thursday became the first of what is expected to be many candidates to launch bids for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.

Strattons quick move  announcing her plans in a video posted on social media at 5 a.m. and less than 24 hours after Durbin declared his intent not to run for a sixth term  was designed to position herself as an early front-runner in what is expected to be a highly competitive race.

A former state lawmaker, Strattons decision isnt a shocking one. The states two-term lieutenant governor under Gov. JB Pritzker since 2019, Stratton announced in late January her interest in Durbins seat if he decided not to run and formed a federal political action committee called Level Up. Stratton has also sought to increase her public visibility and boosted staffing in recent weeks as she awaited Durbins decision.

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In her two-minute video, Stratton portrays herself as an atypical politician who will challenge President Donald Trump differently than others in Washington.

My story isnt the story of a typical senator. Then again, typical isnt what we need right now, Stratton said, appearing inside a home with a mess of papers and other debris on the floor. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are trying to distract us, to create such a mess that we dont even know where to start. But in Washington, theyre still doing the same old things theyve always done. And that old playbook isnt working.

Describing herself as a mother of four and the daughter of a teacher and Navy veteran from Chicagos South Side, Stratton said she was drawn to run for state representative while caring for her mother, who had Alzheimers, and then-Gov. Bruce Rauner was trying to cut healthcare for seniors.

Stratton makes several mentions of Pritzker in her promotional video, saying after she became his running mate, the two worked to improve the lives of people across Illinois, noting passage of a state law hiking the minimum wage, the states infrastructure program Rebuild Illinois, gun safety laws and abortion rights, among others.

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They like to talk, weve actually gotten things done, she said. Now Im running for Senate because the only way out of this mess is to bring new energy, new voices and new leaders who understand the lives of working people.

Other potential contenders for the seat are U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, Robin Kelly of Matteson and Lauren Underwood of Naperville.

Later Thursday, Krishnamoorthi is scheduled to launch from Chicago a tour to central Illinois to warn of the impact of Trumps tariffs on small businesses and families. And Kelly is set to hold an afternoon town hall on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, in the heavily GOP congressional district of far-right U.S. Rep. Mary Miller.

Three-term Democratic state Treasurer Michael Frerichs said this week he is weighing a bid for Durbins seat and other Democrats have floated the names of first-term Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, state Sen. Robert Peters of Chicago and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who has been looking for a reentry into Democratic politics and policy.

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Emanuel, a former congressman, White House chief of staff and ambassador to Japan, prefers an executive rather than legislative post and is unlikely to seek Durbins seat, those close to him say.

For statewide officeholders like Stratton, a run for the Senate creates a disadvantage since money in their state campaign funds cannot be converted for use in a federal campaign, which has stricter fundraising restrictions. Strattons Level Up campaign fund reported no contributions last week. The lieutenant governor has been spending down her state campaign fund by doling out more than $98,000 in digital advertising in recent weeks.

Among the potential U.S. House Democrats considering a Senate contest, Krishnamoorthi, who has served five terms, had a federal campaign war chest of $19.4 million as of April 1. Kelly, who has served in the House since 2013, had more than $2 million in her campaign bank account as of April 1. And the four-term Underwood has $1.1 million in cash on hand at the start of April, records show.

While the eventual Democratic nominee is expected to have the advantage in a state where party members have held all statewide elected offices since 2019, Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria acknowledged Wednesday he was considering a Senate bid.

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LaHood, the son of former longtime GOP congressman and Obama transportation secretary Ray LaHood, had nearly $5.9 million in his federal campaign fund as of April 1. One of only three House Republicans in Illinois congressional delegation, LaHood has served since 2015 in Congress and has been a strong supporter of President Trump.

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WAUKEGAN, Ill. (AP)  An Illinois man has been sentenced to life in prison after admitting to deadly mass shooting at 2022 July Fourth parade.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Kenyan President William Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Kenyan President William Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Li noted that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Kenya relations have continued to improve, with fruitful cooperation outcomes across various fields significantly enhancing the well-being of the two peoples. He added that the two heads of state will hold talks to further plan the deepening of China-Kenya relations and cooperation.

China is willing to work with Kenya to continually enrich the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, and strive toward modernization together, Li said.

Noting that the two countries have strong economic complementarity and broad cooperation prospects, Li said China is willing to work with Kenya to continue advancing the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, steadily advance major projects such as infrastructure, deepen cooperation in areas such as finance, digital economy, green energy, agricultural science and technology, and blue economy, jointly cultivate and expand new drivers of development, and promote more practical achievements.

China is also willing to import more high-quality products from Kenya, promoting an optimized and balanced trade relationship, Li said, adding that the two sides should further facilitate personnel exchanges and enhance cooperation in cultural, tourism, and media sectors.

In the current international landscape of intertwined challenges, China and Africa, as significant forces in the Global South, should unite more closely to confront difficulties and promote development and prosperity together, Li said, adding that China is willing to work with Kenya and other African countries to fully accelerate the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, especially the ten partnership actions for modernization, and practice true multilateralism.

Ruto said Kenya firmly abides by the one-China principle, recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory, and acknowledges that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

The Kenyan side looks forward to aligning development strategies with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, tapping into cooperation potential, and promoting practical collaboration in trade, investment, transportation infrastructure, and social welfare, Ruto said.

Kenya highly appreciates China's important role in international affairs and is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, to better promote unity and cooperation among the Global South and to pave a bright future for China-Africa cooperation, he added. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Kenyan President William Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
WAUKEGAN, Ill.  Robert Crimo III will spend the rest of his life in prison for opening fire on spectators at the 2022 Highland Park Independence Day Parade.

Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti imposed the expected sentence Thursday after listening to statements from 19 survivors and loved ones of people killed in the mass shooting. He was sentenced to seven consecutive natural life sentences without the possibility of parole  one for each of the seven people he murdered  plus an additional 50 years for the four dozen spectators he injured.

The court finds that the defendant is irretrievably depraved, permanently incorrigible, irreparably corrupt and beyond any rehabilitation, Rossetti said.

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The proceeding has been temporarily halted because Crimo who repeatedly declined to attend the two-day hearing  reportedly decided he wanted to make an appearance. The judge had already issued the seven consecutive life sentences when she abruptly called for a break.

A mass shooting is like a bomb blast throughout a community, said Highland Park resident Erica Weeder, who was injured in the attack alongside her husband. Because of this mass shooting, this act of terror, I, my children, and our entire community now know that no one is ever really safe.

The 24-year-old gunman unexpectedly pleaded guilty last month to 21 counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of attempted murder, minutes before opening statements were set to begin in his murder trial. His decision eliminated the need for a weekslong, high-profile court battle that would almost certainly have ended in a guilty verdict.

Under state law, anyone found guilty of committing two or more murders receives an automatic life sentence in prison with no possibility of parole. Before Rossetti announced her decision, Crimos attorney said the shooter understands he will die in prison because of his actions.

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Killed in the shooting were Katherine Goldstein, 64; Irina McCarthy, 35, and her husband, Kevin McCarthy, 37; Stephen Straus, 88; Jacki Sundheim, 63; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; and Eduardo Uvaldo, 69.

Several victims and their families remain in civil litigation related to the shooting, including against Crimo III, his father, gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson and the gun shops that helped Crimo III get his weapons. Several lawsuits also have been filed against the Illinois State Police for approving Crimos Firearm Owners Identification card application despite concerns he was a danger to public safety.

Crimos father, Robert Crimo Jr., sponsored his sons FOID card, which allowed him to purchase the high-powered rifle used in the shooting despite red flags. Crimo Jr. pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct for his role in helping to secure the gun permit and was sentenced to 60 days behind bars in late 2023.

Several survivors spoke about the need for gun control during their impact statements, saying there was no reason for Crimo to have the AR-15-style assault rifle he used to fire 83 bullets at spectators over a 40-second period.

My dad was living the American Dream, said Karina Mendez, whose father Eduardo Uvaldo was among those killed. And died the American nightmare.

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GATX, the company that owned one of the railcars in a 2023 Ohio train derailment, will not have to pay a portion of railroad Norfolk Southerns $600 million settlement with residents.

After a trial that lasted more than three weeks, a federal jury in Youngstown, Ohio, on Wednesday found GATX Corp. not liable in the settlement for damages caused by the incident in East Palestine.

GATX is pleased with the trial outcome, which affirms what we have known for some time: Norfolk Southern alone is responsible for the derailment and resulting damage in East Palestine, the company said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.

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The train derailment in February 2023 in East Palestine led to the intentional release and burning of toxic vinyl chloride from five railcars three days after the crash.

The derailment and release of the chemicals led to the evacuation of thousands of area residents. Norfolk Southern agreed to a $600 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit brought by residents and businesses affected by the incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board said in June that a GATX-leased railcars defective wheel bearing caused the derailment and subsequent hazardous material release in East Palestine.

Chicago-based GATX (NYSE: GATX) is a railcar lessor that owns fleets in North America, Europe and Asia.

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The company maintained Norfolk Southern operated and inspected the train and all the cars and was responsible for delivering the cargo safely.

Officials for Norfolk Southern said the verdict was disappointing but wont change the railroads commitments to everyone affected by the derailment.

Atlanta-based Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) is a Class I freight railroad operating in the eastern United States.

For more than two years, Norfolk Southern has paid the costs related to the derailment while acknowledging and acting on our own responsibility for the accident, Norfolk Southern said in an email to FreightWaves. Our belief has always been that GATX shares in that responsibility and should also be held to account. While todays verdict on our claims against GATX is disappointing, it does not affect our ongoing commitments in East Palestine.

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Norfolk Southern and OxyVinyls, the chemical company that made the vinyl chloride that was released and burned after the derailment, announced an agreement April 17 about how much each side will help pay for the $600 million settlement.

The settlement details between Norfolk Southern and OxyVinyls were not disclosed.

A lawsuit filed in February against Norfolk Southern and other defendants includes seven wrongful death claims related to the incident.

The post Illinois railcar owner doesnt have to pay damages in Ohio train derailment appeared first on FreightWaves.
I am writing to you today as a parent, a chapter leader for MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction), and a member of the Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project to express my full support for House Bill 949  the Wireless Communications Devices on School Grounds Act  which was passed unanimously by the House on April 16. I am asking the Senate Rules Committee to take this bill up now for a review. (The bill was received in the Rules Committee on Tuesday.)

Cell phones do not belong in schools. They are an undeniable distraction, even outside of classroom instruction. Students come to school not only to learn academically, but to grow socially and emotionally  by engaging face-to-face, making eye contact, resolving conflicts, and yes, even learning through boredom. Instead, many will spend precious school hours browsing shopping sites, playing video games, watching pornography, and worse.

According to the Seattle Childrens Research Institute, adolescents ages 1318 years spend 1.5 hours out of a 6.5-hour school day on their smartphones. Thats nearly a quarter of the school day  and a quarter of our taxpayer-funded education  diverted to activities with no academic or developmental value. This is not just an issue of distraction. It is a misuse of public funding, and worse, a profound loss of learning opportunity.

Pupils using mobile phone at the elementary school during recreation time. Group of multiethnic children sitting in a row and typing a message on smartphone. Young boys and girls playing with cellphone.

Florida has been a national leader in protecting children from online harm. From Gov. Ron DeSantis critical decision to prioritize in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, to supporting legislation like HB 379, which removed phones from classrooms during instruction, and HB 3, aimed at shielding children from pornographic content and harmful social media  Florida has consistently acted ahead of the curve. Passing HB 949 would build on this momentum, ensuring Florida students are not only safer but also better positioned to thrive academically and socially than their peers in states still allowing these constant distractions in schools.

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And in a crisis, experts state that students are safer listening to trained adults rather than reaching for their phones. A full school-day break from devices is necessary to allow students to be present and focused throughout the day.

Opinion: Florida's future shouldn't be at the expense of wildlife. New bill honors both.

The school environment when phones are allowed has grown silent, each child hunched over a glowing screen. In contrast, schools that implement full phone-free policies report more social interaction, improved classroom focus, and fewer disciplinary incidents. Teachers notice the difference, and over time, so do parents  often transitioning from initial hesitation to full support.

To those who argue that students must "learn to manage" their devices: managing addiction is not a skill that can be taught. Smartphones and social media platforms are deliberately engineered to be addictive. Even tech executives (those who know the risks best) refuse to let their own children use these tools. Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams testified under oath that Silicon Valley executives ban screens in their own homes. If they wont expose their children to these products, why should we expose Floridas children during school hours?

J.R. Talamantez, Panama City Beach's chief of police, addresses families during the Parents Against Predators workshop at Bay High School in Panama City Jan. 14, 2024. The conversation was about specific smartphone apps and their possible use to exploit children for sex. (Tyler Orsburn/News Herald)

Let us also consider how phones intensify the emotional toll of adolescence. Imagine your worst day in middle or high school  embarrassed, awkward, maybe even bullied. Now imagine that moment recorded, uploaded, tagged and shared with the entire student body. That is a terrifying reality for todays students. Why are we arming them with surveillance tools  and permanent platforms for public shame  during the school day?

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School is not the place for social media rabbit holes, violent video streaming, or peer surveillance. It is a place for learning, growing, and becoming fully present in real life. If 23% of the school day is spent on phones, then 23% of our children's education  and our public investment  is lost to distraction, anxiety, and harm.

Opinion: Palm Beach County out front using concierge care to fix broken health care system

Lets follow the lead of the Florida districts already seeing success with bell-to-bell phone-free policies. Lets protect kids the way tech executives protect their own children. And lets ensure that every Florida student has the chance to focus, learn, and connect  without the shadow of a phone screen.

I urge parents, educators, Florida senators and Gov. DeSantis to support HB 949. Our children deserve our protection.

Jill Coleman, MAMA

Jill Coleman is co-Chair of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) Palm Beach County. She is a resident of Palm Beach Gardens.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida schools should ban cell phones. Do it, DeSantis | Opinion
WASHINGTON (AP)  The head of the International Monetary Fund urged countries to move swiftly to resolve trade disputes that threaten global economic growth.

IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said the unpredictability arising from President Donald Trumps aggressive campaign of taxes on foreign imports is causing companies to delay investments and consumers to hold off on spending.

Uncertainty is bad for business, she told reporters Thursday in a briefing during the spring meetings of the IMF and its sister agency, the World Bank.

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Georgievas comments came two days after the IMF downgraded the outlook for world economic growth this year. The 191-country lending organization, which seeks to promote global growth, financial stability and to reduce poverty, also sharply lowered its forecast for the United States. It said the chances that the worlds biggest economy would fall into recession have risen from 25%, to about 40%.

Georgieva warned that the economic fallout from trade conflict would fall most heavily on poor countries, which do not have the money to offset the damage.

Since returning the White House in January, Trump has aggressively imposed tariffs on American trading partners. Among other things, hes slapped 145% import taxes on China and 10% on almost every country in the world, raising U.S. tariffs to levels not seen in more than a century. But he has repeatedly changed U.S. policy  suddenly suspending or altering the tariffs  and left companies bewildered about what he is trying to accomplish and what his end game might be.

Trumps tariffs  a sharp reversal of decades of U.S. policy in favor of free trade  and the resulting uncertainty around them have caused a weekslong rout in financial markets. But stocks rallied Wednesday after the Trump administration signaled that it is open to reducing the massive tariffs on China. There is an opportunity for a big deal here, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund plans to work with Syria to help it reintegrate into the global economy, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday, citing a meeting on the war-scarred nation held this week.

Georgieva told reporters that Syria's central bank governor and finance minister attended the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank this week for the first time in over 20 years.

"Our intention is to, first and foremost, help them rebuild institutions so they can plug themselves in the world economy," she said.

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Officials from the IMF and World Bank met with Syrian officials and other finance ministers and key stakeholders to discuss the country's reconstruction on the sidelines of the meetings in Washington.

The high-level Syrian government delegation's Washington trip marked the first U.S. visit by Syria's new authorities since former President Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December.

Much of Syria's infrastructure has been left in ruins by nearly 14 years of war sparked by the government authorities' deadly crackdown on protests against Assad.

The Islamist-led government that took over after Assad was ousted has sought to rebuild Syria's ties in the region and further afield and to win support for reconstruction efforts.

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But tough U.S. sanctions imposed during Assad's rule remain in place.

In January, the U.S. issued a six-month exemption for some sanctions to encourage humanitarian aid, but this has had limited effect.

Reuters reported in February that efforts to bring in foreign financing to pay public sector salaries had been hampered by uncertainty over whether this could breach U.S. sanctions.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal and David Lawder; Editing by Joe Bavier)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  President Trumps increasing immigration enforcement has struck fear in the hearts of hundreds of families living in the U.S.

Here in the Mid-South, many Latino and Hispanic families are experiencing stress which is affecting their daily lives.

WREGs Tia McKenzie sat down with one family who says despite the adversity, theyre still grateful.

The Flores family is one of many families feeling anxiety, not knowing what could happen next.

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Judge rules the Trump administration violated a 2019 settlement in deporting a man to El Salvador

As someone who doesnt have any legal status here, she is afraid of her kids being left alone, said attorney Matthew Orr, who translated for Cindy Flores. Even though her kids have some type of protected status now, she still has that fear of them going to school, of something happening to them. She says one always comes here with the, looking for opportunities, and its just something sad and shameful to happen.

Orr is the organizations managing attorney for Latino Memphis, which offers a multitude of services from immigration and legal services to community health and outreach.

Orr says its been difficult for lawyers to get due process for their clients.

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Its the governments job to prove that you have done something illegal, right? So you never want to volunteer information that, incriminate you. You never want to volunteer information that makes the governments job easier, he said.

Orr believes misinformation has pushed a narrative thats led to the immigration rhetoric were seeing. One example is Abrego Garcia, the man ICE mistakenly deported to an El Salvador prison.

Federal judge temporarily halts order for details on any efforts to return Abrego Garcia to US

What is sort of frightening to me and what angers me to be completely honest with you, is hearing the federal government making completely misleading or flat-out false, blatantly false statements, Orr said.

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The Flores family says they immigrated to the U.S. 12 years ago for a better life.

The reason why they immigrated was due to the gang violence, said Orr. Theyre in their neighborhood. Where theyre from. Theyre frequented by gangs. They lost a family member, due to that violence.

But despite the tension and fear, they say they feel blessed to be in the United States.

One is always walking with God even through the fear of it. One is always being walking next to God, Samuel Flores said.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and community partners, including Latino Memphis, are hosting a summit focused on immigration justice and due process Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Gaisman Community Center.

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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 WREG.com.
Migration from other states but more so by people from other countries accounts for Kentucky's population growth in 2024. (Getty Images)

Thanks to The Daily Yonders Sarah Melotte for providing Kentuckys Census data to the Lantern.

Kentuckys population grew in 2024, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. And over 80% of that growth was due to the migration of people from other countries.

The Census makes yearly estimates of population changes at the state and county level. Here are five items to note from the report on 2024:

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Kentucky added a net 37,777 people last year, an increase of .8%. At the end of last year, Kentucky had a population of 4,588,372, according to the Census. Kentucky had more deaths (53,140) than births (52,248) in 2024. That loss was made up by a net increase in domestic migration of 7,294 people. (More people moved into Kentucky from other states than moved out.) The largest contributor to Kentuckys population growth was international migration. The state gained 31,430 people in the net exchange of people between Kentucky and other countries. Over 80% of the net gain in Kentuckys population came from international migration. Of Kentuckys 120 counties, 38 lost population in 2024. A large number of these are places that have been dependent on coal mining. The states two largest counties (Jefferson and Fayette) both had decreases in domestic migration, but gained population overall because of international migration. For example, Jefferson lost just over 4,600 people to domestic migration, but gained 13,807 people from other counties. (Counties surrounding these two metro counties gained from domestic migration; some of that growth likely came from moving out of the large metro counties.)

The 2024 report is a snapshot of population trends. And in many ways, Kentucky is like the rest of the nation. For example, most of the population growth in the U.S. in 2024 was due to international migration.

Top 10 counties in increase in absolute population, percent increase

Louisville from across the Ohio River just after sunset. (Getty Images)

Jefferson, 1.3%

Fayette, 1.5%

Warren, 2.8%

Boone, 1.9%

Kenton, 1.5%

Madison, 2.0%

Scott, 1.8%

Jessamine, 1.8%

Bullitt, 0.9%

Nelson, 1.5%

Top 10 counties in decrease in absolute population, percent loss

Pikeville is the county seat of Pike County. (explorekywildlands.com)

Pike, -1.0%

Floyd, -1.3%

Perry, -1.3%

Letcher, -1.3%

Harlan, -1.0%

McCreary, -1.4%

Martin, -2.1%

Christian, -0.3%

Knott, -1.6%

Larue, -1.3%

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U.S. President Donald Trump has once again failed to condemn his Russian counterpart in the aftermath of yet another devastating missile attack on Ukraine, casting further doubt on Washington's ability to fairly broker a peace in the country.

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, Stop!" Trump said on the Truth Social platform, after 12 people were killed in Kyiv overnight on April 24, and 90 others injured.

Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "get the peace deal done," stopping short of directly condemning him.

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At the scene of one of the residential buildings devastated in last night's attack, the Kyiv Independent asked some of the survivors if they thought the Trump administration was actually provoking such attacks by taking such a soft stance toward Russia.

"Yes, I think so," 30-year-old linguist Polina Levytska, who survived with her mother and two cats, said.

"Of course, the current American strategy is not working. It is harmful to Ukraine, and this is already obvious."

The response from U.S. Vice President JD Vance in the aftermath of the attack was even more lacking  instead of condemning or even commenting on the strike, he instead reshared a post from Trump denouncing President Volodymyr Zelensky and accusing him of being the main impediment to peace in Ukraine.

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"It is almost impossible to believe," Inna Sovsun, a Ukrainian lawmaker from the Holos political party, told the Kyiv Independent.

"That the beacon of democracy  and all of that  that they would be behaving in such a way."

Rescue workers at the site of a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Thursday, April 24, 2025 (Andrew Kravchenko/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Frustration with the U.S.-backed peace process continues to mount  Kyiv has done all that has been asked of it since it began in earnest, and yet still faces devastating strikes from Russia, and pressure from Washington to accept demands that are unacceptable for Ukraine..

On March 11, Kyiv signed off on a U.S.-proposed, full 30-day truce, and has taken steps toward signing a minerals deal with Washington after Trump cut off military and intelligence sharing following a now-infamous rebuke of Zelensky in the Oval Office in February.

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In stark contrast, Russia has refused to agree to a full ceasefire, and ramped up attacks on Ukrainian civilians  yet the White House has not taken a single step to apply pressure on the Kremlin to get them to stop.

The Trump administration is now pushing a peace deal that rewards Russia's war of aggression and strips Ukraine of territory with no security guarantees that could prevent Moscow from launching another war in the future.

"Putin won't leave us alone," Maria Rumiantseva, a 40-year-old resident of one of the buildings damaged in the attack, told the Kyiv Independent.

"We'll give him a bit of something now, give him some more, get a respite, and Putin will attack us again. He's a sick man. Who are we going to negotiate with? There's no point in negotiating," she added.

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The attack on Kyiv came just hours after the Kremlin yet again demanded Ukraine's full recognition of Russias claim over four Ukrainian oblasts it partially occupies, and Crimea that Moscow occupies in full, neutral status for Ukraine, and an end to all Western military support.

"I do think that it is terrifying, the whole situation," Sovsun said, adding: "And I do think that why it came about is because in the process of negotiations, the U.S. put pressure only on one side.

"And the side they chose to put pressure on is the side of the victim, instead of trying to deal with the aggressor, with those who created this whole mess.

"They're basically indulging Putin to continue acting as he did."

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Read also: Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Apr. 24MOSES LAKE  One man died following a high-speed pursuit, while two women have been taken into custody on charges of robbery and unlawful imprisonment following an incident early Wednesday morning in Moses Lake, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

"This investigation is underway, and detectives are gathering evidence, and once we're able to share more information, we will do so immediately," GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said.

The incident, which unfolded around 4:30 a.m., began with a 911 call from a female victim who reported a robbery and assault. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, called from a residence in the 4900 block of Road L.9 Northeast, about five miles north of Moses Lake. The woman claimed that she had been robbed and beaten by two women and pistol-whipped by a man, according to GCSO.

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She told the authorities that she had been held against her will for approximately two hours.

The victim provided descriptions of her assailants, including several street names that would later assist law enforcement in identifying the suspects and location, according to GCSO.

Deputies were able to connect the street names provided by the victim to actual names. Deputies were then able to link the suspects to specific vehicles.

The victim had told deputies that two women and a male had left in one vehicle prior to police arrival.

GCSO deputies spotted a vehicle described by the victim at a drive-thru on Wheeler Road. Law enforcement from GCSO and the Moses Lake Police Department intercepted the vehicle on Third Avenue.

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Two women, identified as 36-year-old Champagne Garza and 30-year-old Becky Avalos, exited the vehicle and surrendered to authorities without incident. They are detained in the Grant County Jail for suspicion of first-degree robbery and unlawful imprisonment.

However, the situation took a turn after one male occupant of the car jumped into the driver's seat and initiated a high-speed flight from law enforcement.

The pursuit concluded when the driver failed to negotiate a curve on Lakeshore Drive, which is located just south of the I-90 overpass. He lost control of the vehicle, crashed through a fence and struck a utility pole before ultimately coming to a halt beside the pole. Emergency responders arrived on the scene but pronounced the driver dead.

A statement from Grant Public Utility District said the crash resulted in around 1,000 customers in the Peninsula area losing electricity. Grant PUD had restored power to around 850 customers by 6 a.m., with 150 customers still without power due to the ongoing investigation GCSO was conducting. As of 8 a.m., all customers' power had been restored.

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The GCSO is withholding the identity of the deceased male pending notification of the next of kin.

Following the incident, the Washington State Patrol is overseeing the investigation into the crash, as law enforcement deputies from the GCSO were involved in the pursuit.

"We've asked the Washington State Patrol to conduct the investigation, to have a fair and impartial assessment," Foreman said.

The authorities have emphasized that this incident was not random. A GCSO statement said that all parties involved had prior associations with each other.

"This is early and preliminary information that is subject to change," Foreman said. "Some information is being withheld to protect the investigation."

The Columbia Basin Herald will provide an update as more information is released.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Happy Wednesday, Utah! Were seeing cloudy skies over the northern half of the state as moist southwest flow is in place.

Active weather will pick up into the afternoon and evening as a weak trough will move through the region, expect isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms to form up north while southern Utah will remain dry.

This pattern will largely remain in place for our Thursday with the large-scale weather pattern holding on to southwest flow into Utah. The higher terrain has the best chance for thunderstorm development, but some of those could hold and roll into adjacent valleys in Northern Utah. Temperatures remain roughly 5-10 degrees above seasonal averages throughout the week.

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Another approaching trough for the end of the week will increase southerly flow, limiting some of the moisture potential into the weekend. It will also keep temperatures above average statewide into the weekend.

The trough inches closer to the state into the weekend, which means that winds really pick up Friday and Saturday, and that brings blowing dust potential and warmer conditions along the Wasatch Front. Expect low to mid-70s through Saturday in the northern half of the state, with 80s turning to 70s in St. George as we hit the weekend.

Memorial services set for South Jordan firefighter who died while on duty

After warm and windy conditions Friday and Saturday, we will see increasing cloud cover and a passing front begin to knock down temps a few degrees by Saturday evening. We could also see some scattered wet weather Sunday and into next week, but were fine-tuning those details. Stay tuned!

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Well keep you updated in our 4Warn Weather Forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
People stand in silence as a siren sounds to commemorate Jewish Holocaust victims in Jerusalem, April 24, 2025. The Holocaust remembrance day, which began on Wednesday at nightfall and will continue until Thursday afternoon, is observed annually in Israel one week before Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Independence Day. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Sirens blared across Israel Thursday morning as the country came to a standstill during a two-minute silence marking Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day.

On highways, drivers stopped their cars, and pedestrians paused to commemorate the 6 million Jews murdered during World War II. Immediately after the sirens, a ceremony began at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials laid wreaths in honor of the victims.

Ceremonies were also held in schools and workplaces across the country. Radio stations played somber music, while television channels aired only survivor testimonies, documentaries, and shows about the Holocaust.

At the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, lawmakers and officials read the names of Holocaust victims throughout the day as part of a memorial ceremony titled "Every Person Has a Name." During the ceremony, Defense Minister Israel Katz slammed Hamas and Iran as "Holocaust deniers" and "part of the axis of evil" and vowed "to do everything possible to bring back all of the hostages and eliminate the axis of evil."

This year's commemoration comes as Israel continues its 18-month military offensive in Gaza, amid growing accusations of war crimes. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials over war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

The Holocaust remembrance day, which began on Wednesday at nightfall and will continue until Thursday afternoon, is observed annually in Israel one week before Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Independence Day. According to a Knesset statement, its timing symbolizes "the Jewish people's historical transition from Holocaust to national revival." 

People stand in silence as a siren sounds to commemorate Jewish Holocaust victims in Jerusalem, April 24, 2025. The Holocaust remembrance day, which began on Wednesday at nightfall and will continue until Thursday afternoon, is observed annually in Israel one week before Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Independence Day. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

People stand in silence as a siren sounds to commemorate Jewish Holocaust victims in Jerusalem, April 24, 2025. The Holocaust remembrance day, which began on Wednesday at nightfall and will continue until Thursday afternoon, is observed annually in Israel one week before Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Independence Day. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)
MUMBAI (Reuters) - India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, two days after 26 men were killed in an attack on tourists by suspected militants in the Himalayan territory of Kashmir.

The attackers and their backers will be punished "beyond their imagination", Modi told a public meeting in the eastern state of Bihar.

(Reporting by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh)
NEW DELHI (AP)  A deadly attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir has again moved India and Pakistan closer to war as the two rivals downgraded diplomatic and trade ties, closed the main border crossing and revoked visas for each others nationals.

Pakistan has denied it was behind Tuesday's attack that killed 26 mostly Indian tourists at a scenic spot in the Himalayan region, where India claimed it restored a sense of calm despite a decadeslong rebellion. A previously unknown militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility for the attack.

India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety. Here's what to know about an escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals.

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What's at the heart of the dispute?

Ties between India and Pakistan have been shaped by conflict, aggressive diplomacy and mutual suspicion, most notably in their competing claims over the stunning Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Armed insurgents in Kashmir have resisted New Delhi for decades, with many Muslim Kashmiris supporting the rebels goal of uniting the territory either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. India accuses Pakistan of fomenting violence, a charge denied by Islamabad. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict over the years.

How has Pakistan responded to India's reprisals?

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On Tuesday, gunmen fatally shot 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, in an attack near the picturesque town of Pahalgam. New Delhi immediately linked Pakistan to the attack, although it did not publicly produce any evidence.

India announced a string of punitive measures. It downgraded diplomatic ties, suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty and revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. India also said it will reduce its staff in its high commission in Pakistan and bring down the number of Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi to 30 from 55 from May 1.

Pakistan called India's actions irresponsible" and canceled visas for Indian nationals, suspended all trade with India including via third countries and closed its airspace to Indian aircraft.

Islamabad warns dispute over water could lead to war

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Indias decision to suspend the water treaty could potentially mark a major turning point in how the two neighbors manage an essential shared resource between them. Pakistan warned Thursday that any Indian attempt to stop or divert the flow of water between them would be considered an act of war.

The Indus Water Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, allows for sharing the waters of a river system that is a lifeline for both countries. The treaty has survived two wars between the countries, in 1965 and 1971, and a major border skirmish in 1999.

It governs sharing of the water supply from the Indus River system and its distributaries. Under the treaty, India has control over the eastern rivers of Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas, and Pakistan controls the western rivers of Jhelum, Chenab, and Indus that follow through Kashmir region.

Pakistan said the treaty was binding and contained no provision for unilateral suspension.

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Pakistan described it as a vital national interest. The treaty is essential for supporting agriculture and hydropower in the country with 240 million people. Suspending it could lead to water shortages at a time when parts of Pakistan are already struggling with drought and declining rainfall.

Pakistan warns it could suspend a peace treaty

Islamabad, meanwhile, has warned it could suspend the Simla Agreement, a significant peace treaty signed after the 1971 India-Pakistan war that ended in Bangladesh splitting from Pakistan.

Under the agreement, India and Pakistan established the Line of Control, previously called the Ceasefire Line, a highly militarized de facto border that divides disputed Kashmir between the countries. They also committed to settle their differences through bilateral negotiations.

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Militant attacks scale back peace efforts

Despite largely strained relations, the neighbors have intermittently made efforts for peace. However, regular border flare-ups and multiple militant attacks in Kashmir and India have marred peace overtures as New Delhi has taken tough position on Islamabad, accusing it of terrorism.

In 1999, Pakistan-backed rebels and Pakistani soldiers seized Indian military posts in the icy heights of Kargil region. Indian troops responded and a 10-week conflict killed at least 1,000 combatants on both sides. The fighting stopped after a U.S. intervention.

In 2008, a group of heavily armed assailants of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group went on a rampage in Indias financial capital Mumbai, killing 166 people. New Delhi blamed Pakistans intelligence service for the assault, an accusation denied by Islamabad.

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In 2019, a suicide car bombing killed 40 Indian soldiers in Kashmir and brought the countries closer to war. In response, India said its air force struck a militant training camp inside Pakistan. Pakistan responded by aerial raids, downed an Indian military aircraft and captured an Indian pilot, who was later released.

Months later, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government revoked Kashmirs semi-autonomous status and imposed sweeping security measures. Since then, India has kept order in the region with a huge security presence and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms.

Worries of nuclear confrontation

India and Pakistan have built up their armies and nuclear arsenals over the years. India was the first to conduct a nuclear test in 1974, followed by another in 1998. Pakistan followed with its own nuclear tests just a few weeks later. The sides have since armed themselves with hundreds of nuclear warheads, missile delivery systems, advanced fighter jets and modern weapons to take on each other.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Dr. Terry Daugherty, the dean of ISUs Scott College of Business, was one of 100 masters and doctoral alumni to be named a Centennial Scholar.

The 100 individuals were honored by the University of Alabama to commemorate 100 years of graduate education. The 100 chosen were those the University of Alabama believed had distinguished themselves professionally and had brought honor to their institutions.

I congratulate Dr. Daugherty on this distinguished and well-deserved achievement, said Dr. Christopher Olsen, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Indiana State. His decorated research and academic achievements have not only garnered national recognition but have been a pillar of his leadership at the Scott College of Business, which is nationally recognized as one of the best business schools in the nation.

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Dr. Daugherty earned his masters degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Alabama in 1999. Dr. Daugherty has served on the faculty of Vanderbilt University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Akron before working with ISU. Dr. Daugherty ranks among the top 1% of marketing researchers by ResearchGate (a 25+ million-member global community), with work that has been read by more than 180,000 scientists and the top 1% of advertising researchers according to ScholarGPS, a site that classifies 30 million scientists across 55,000 institutions. He has also co-authored a textbook titled eMarketing: Digital Marketing Strategy that was recognized by the Cunningham Memorial Librarys Authors & Artists award from ISU.

I am honored by this recognition, as my experience at the University of Alabama was truly a formative period for my development, and I feel tremendous gratitude for the wonderful professors who invested in me as a student, stated Dr. Daugherty. When I think about the total number of people who have received graduate degrees from the university, it is humbling to be among a small number commemorated for this celebration. I have been fortunate throughout my career to have wonderful mentors who continue to influence my actions today. It is these many lessons and experiences that I draw upon in service of our students and my colleagues at Indiana State.

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A man with a lengthy history of drug, robbery and other felony convictions has been indicted in connection with an armed robbery at Westfarms mall last July.

The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in New Haven on April 16 charging Willie White, 58, with interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut.

White, who has formerly resided in Bristol, New Britain and Hartford, could face between a minimum of seven years in prison and a maximum of a life sentence if he were convicted on the charges, federal officials said.

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White appeared Wednesday in federal court where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to authorities, the indictment alleges that White robbed the Sunglass Hut at Westfarms mall in West Hartford on July 15, 2024. He allegedly showed a Glock pistol during the theft and stole multiple pairs of designer glasses, officials said.

White has been detained since the day of the robbery, according to federal officials. His previous criminal history includes more than 15 felony convictions on drug, robbery, burglary and other charges.

Federal officials noted that White was on state supervision, which included GPS monitoring, at the time of the robbery. Officials also said his felony convictions disqualify him from having a gun.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada prison officials are investigating the alleged murder of an inmate inside High Desert State Prison outside Las Vegas, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Robert Villalobos, 38, an inmate in Nevada through an agreement with the state of Arizona, who was serving a life sentence, was stabbed multiple times in a common area of the prison on April 19, sources said.

The killing appeared to be gang-related, and three to four suspects have been identified, according to sources. The unit where the stabbing occurred was placed on lockdown.

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Villalobos was convicted in 2017 for attacking and plotting to kill a detention officer who was stabbed more than 20 times inside the Pinal County, Arizona, jail, the Associated Press reported. The officer survived.

Robert Villalobos, 38, an inmate in Nevada through an agreement with the state of Arizona, who was serving a life sentence, was stabbed multiple times in a common area of the prison on April 19, sources said. (NDOC/KLAS)

Court documents indicate the defendants have ties to the Arizona Mexican Mafia prison gang, the AP reported.

Villalobos was transferred to Nevadas prison system on Nov. 20, 2024, the Nevada Department of Corrections reported.

The department also announced the recent deaths of two additional inmates.

Michael Sonner, a death row inmate, was pronounced dead at High Desert State Prison on April 23, according to the department. Sonner, 57, appeared to have collapsed in his cell, sources said. Sonner killed a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper in 1993.

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Samuel Abraham, 71, was pronounced dead at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center on April 19. He was serving 840 months to life with the possibility of parole at North Nevada Correctional Center for sexual assault, kidnapping in the first degree, and use of a deadly weapon, according to the department. Sources said he appeared to die of natural causes.

An autopsy was requested for all three inmates, and next-of-kin was notified, the department said.

To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.

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CHICAGO  Shootings and murders in Chicago so far this year are lower than theyve been in six years. Other major categories of crime have dropped to their lowest level since 2021. It comes as Chicago police detectives report solving more cases.

WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud

WGN Investigates was given rare access inside CPDs forensics labs for a look at the new techniques and technology thats helping investigators take criminals off the streets.

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The owner of a Texas mortuary faces charges after authorities allege she conducted "experiments" on corpses and tampered with death certificates.

Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui has been charged with abuse of corpse and five counts of tampering with governmental records, online court records show. She was booked into the Travis County Jail on April 18.

Bui's attorney, Jessica Huynh, tells PEOPLE her client has since been released on $27,500 bond and has not yet entered a plea. Bui is scheduled to appear in court on May 9, according to online court records.

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On April 2, the Texas Funeral Service Commission contacted the Austin Police Departments Homicide Unit regarding allegations that Capital Mortuary Services and its owner, Bui, were engaging in criminal conduct including abuse of corpse and tampering with governmental records, a spokesperson for the Austin Police Department said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

Police said their investigation resulted in a search warrant being served at the business on April 10. The evidence police allegedly found led to Buis arrest, per the statement. Police declined to share further information regarding the investigation, but noted it remains ongoing.

Google Maps Capital Mortuary Services in Austin, Texas. Capital Mortuary Services in Austin, Texas.

However, further details were released by authorities in Bui's arrest affidavit obtained by KVUE, KXANand Fox 7 Austin.

According to the arrest affidavit, the initial April 2 complaint came from a former employee at the Texas Funeral Service Commission who claimed Bui had fraudulently initiated and obtained at least 10 death certificates under his name, KXAN reported. The employee also said that Bui, 50, had allegedly been conducting experiments on the arms of corpses.

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The "experiments" allegedly included Bui injecting formaldehyde into the arms to study "the effect it had over time on severed extremities, the affidavit states, according to KXAN.

After the experiments were completed, Bui would allegedly let "the severed body parts to be placed in the crematory retort, where the body parts in their dissected and disturbed state, would be cremated, authorities said in the affidavit, per KVUE.

Bui is also accused of documenting the alleged experiments through notes and photos shared to a message thread titled Freedom Art Experiment, according to a December 2023 screenshot that the former employee shared with police, per the affidavit cited by KXAN.

According to the affidavit obtained by Fox 7 Austin, the photos showed what police claimed were severed and detached arms in various stages of decomposition.

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.

When police executed the search warrant on April 10, they spoke with Bui, who allegedly admitted to using the former embalmers name on death certificates without his knowledge, Fox 7 Austin reported, citing the affidavit.

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According to KVUE, Bui also allegedly confessed to ordering her staff to conduct the experiments on about 15 bodies with the permission of MedtoMarket, which had a contract with the business for transportation and cremation services, per the affidavit.

The outlet reported that police spoke with MedtoMarket, which denied the companys involvement in experimental testing but said that it was aware of arms being embalmed to see how long they could preserve them, per the affidavit.

According to the affidavit cited by Fox 7 Austin, authorities also allegedly found power tools with human remains on them during the search of the business.

"Our criminal justice system is based on the presumption of innocence and a careful, critical evaluation of the evidence, facts, and their sources," Huynh says in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

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"This case involves complexities that are not immediately apparent and should not be sensationalized. Our legal team remains fully committed to defending and advocating for our client, Adeline Bui, with the expectation of fairness and due process," the attorney concluded.



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If theres one thing people thought they knew about Donald Trumps second term, it was that he would take the fight to Iran. The Iran Deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into, he declared seven years ago, when he pulled America out of the nuclear accord and reimposed crippling sanctions on the regime. Less than two years later, Trump ordered the killing of Irans top general, Qassem Soleimani. In return, Iran allegedly targeted former Trump officials and Trump himself for assassination. On the 2024 campaign trail, Trump and his allies argued that his maximum pressure approach to Iran had prevented war in the Middle East, whereas sanctions relief provided by Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden had enabled the regime to flood its proxies with cash, leading to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

And yet, Trump has spent the past few months making nice with Iran. Although he has repeatedly threatened the country with military strikes, the president has made clear that he prefers to resolve differences diplomatically, and in the past month, the two sides have engaged in talks aimed at hammering out a new nuclear deal that appears similar to the original one. The approach has drawn unexpected praise from former Obama-Biden officials and alarm from many conservatives. This new deal will preserve Irans latent nuclear weapons capabilitiescentrifuges, scientific expertise, and unmonitored sites, facilitating a simple reconstitution in the future, warned the pro-Trump Middle East analyst Michael Doran, dubbing the proposed arrangement a return to Obamaland.

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This turnaround is the product of a struggle for control over the administrations foreign policy that has been unfolding behind closed doors. Today, many of the big names who set the agenda for Trumps first termhis son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, Director of Policy Planning Brian Hook, Middle East Envoy Jason Greenblatt, Israel Ambassador David Friedmanare conspicuously absent. Some have even had their security details revoked. Staffers who worked under them and elsewhere in the previous Trump administration have been kept out of the current administration; some Trump 1.0 staffers who made it in were fired.

The reason for this shake-up is simple: In 2016, Trump didnt expect to win, wasnt prepared to govern, and didnt have a universe of professionals around him waiting to take power. This void allowed a small group of individuals in the presidents orbitsome from the Republican establishment and others from Trumps personal lifeto exercise outsize influence over his policy, including in the Middle East. They helped Trump make moves that upended the region, such as the Abraham Accords and the Soleimani assassination. In 2025, however, Trump entered office with a retinue of staffers divided into competing camps, each pulling the presidents policy in different directions.

These players include Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Trumps personal Swiss Army knife, who has been dispatched to resolve conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran. A real-estate developer with no diplomatic experience, Witkoff nonetheless holds the key to credibility with foreign leaders: the trust of his friend, the president. Adam Boehler, the administrations special envoy for hostage response, has also been elevated in authority. He recently negotiated directly with Hamas, a dramatic break with past U.S. policy that alarmed Israel, in an abortive attempt to free the American hostage Edan Alexander. These men operate independently, largely on the instructions of the president.

At the same time, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and the Witkoff deputy Morgan Ortagus have represented traditional Republican foreign-policy priorities. They are deeply suspicious of the Iranian theocracy and its proxies, and inclined to amp up the pressure on them. These figures have been opposed by neo-isolationists within the administration, led by Vice President J. D. Vance, who seek American retrenchment from world affairs following decades of military misadventures overseas. Vances internal allies in this endeavor include Donald Trump Jr. and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Externally, Vance has been boosted by an array of far-right influencers, including the top conservative talker Tucker Carlson, who has sought to realign America against its traditional European allies and toward Vladimir Putins Russia, and whose conspiratorial harangues against warmongers and neocons have shaded into coded attempts to blame Jewish actors for subverting the country against its national interest.

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Publicly, the administrations officials maintain the appearance of complete alignment on foreign policy. Privately, it is another story entirely. The Trump teams stark divides were evident in the Signal chat that inadvertently included The Atlantics editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in which Vance vocally opposed Trump-ordered air strikes on Yemens Houthis, claiming that the groups attacks on international shipping should be Europes problem. Indeed, once one understands that a subterranean struggle for influence is taking place within the Trump administration, many other odd developments begin to make more sense.

On April 14, Witkoff told Fox News that the goal of his negotiations with Iran was to compel it to capbut not eliminateits enrichment of nuclear material, a position in line with the old Obama-era deal. One day later, however, he backtracked on social media, writing that Iran must eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization programonly to seemingly return to the more lenient position during this past Saturdays talks with Iran. These fluctuations reflect fundamental differences of opinion within the White House.

The disagreements have spilled out onto Capitol Hill. Last month, when a group of Republican senators criticized Vance over his apparent reluctance to confront the Houthis, the vice president referred reporters to Donald Trump Jr., who retorted in a statement, These seven cowardly neocons attacking JD anonymously are genuine pussies. This bizarre deployment of the presidents son by Vance against GOP members of Congress seems somewhat less bizarre when one grasps that the two men are allied on foreign policy against the Republican establishment. The same dynamic also explains why former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has repeatedly voted against Trumps neo-isolationist nominees.

Other fights over personnel have taken on an ideological valence. Last week, the Pentagon fired several top aides to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Subsequent reporting indicated that the three men, rather than having been removed over policy considerations, might be casualties of a leak investigation and internal rivalries in a chaotic Defense Department. (The three have denied wrongdoing.) But that didnt stop Carlson from interviewing one of them, Dan Caldwell, a longtime friend and colleague of Hegseths, and dubiously insinuating that Caldwell had been fired due to a sinister warmonger scheme to ignite conflict with Iran.

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The White Houses factional infighting might seem dysfunctional, but it is actually quite normal. Most administrations are composed of competing camps attempting to persuade the president to steer the ship of state in their preferred direction. It was the concentration of power in the hands of a small number of like-minded individuals during the first Trump administration that was unusualand unsustainable. Once people recognized that Trump was not a fluke but a force, they enlisted in his campaign in order to gain influence and power in any future administration. Now they are cashing in, sidelining previous Trump allies, altering past Trump policies, and attempting to turn the MAGA movement into a vehicle for advancing their own ideas.

Related:

Here are four new stories from The Atlantic:

Todays News

President Donald Trump and Vice President J. D. Vance called for Ukraine to accept a cease-fire plan that strongly favors Russias interests. The National Institutes of Health will draw from Americans private health records as part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s initiative to study autism. Elon Musk told Tesla investors yesterday that he will take a major step back from running DOGE next month and refocus on Tesla. The companys first-quarter earnings report for 2025 shows that profits dropped 71 percent from the same time last year.

Evening Read

Ryan Coogler Didnt Want to Hide Anymore

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By David Sims

Sinners is Cooglers first entirely original worka strange, heady piece of horror set in the Jim Crow Deep South over the course of a single evening. A pair of identical twins (both played by Michael B. Jordan) have returned home after years spent fighting in the German trenches and bootlegging in Chicago, only to be pitted against a coven of vampires. The film reimagines the time period as something seductively magical: when the blues that emerged from the Mississippi Delta was so culturally potent that it could even attract the attention of the undead.

Read the full article.

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Illustration by Matt Chase

Read. Why do novelists love to imagine great historical figures as detectives? Talya Zax writes about how these murder-solving characters let readers glimpse the minds of geniuses.

Take a sip. Organ meat is in some smoothies now. Heres how offal became a trendy foodin grocery stores and online, Valerie Trapp writes.

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Stephanie Bai contributed to this newsletter.

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Article originally published at The Atlantic
SHANGHAI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai Spacesail Technologies Co., Ltd. inked a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Thailand's National Telecom Public Company Limited on Thursday at a ceremony held in Shanghai for China's Space Day.

The partnership aims to advance Thailand's digital economy through collaborative ventures in the fields of commercial spaceflight and low-Earth-orbit satellite internet.

Thailand's state-owned telecommunication company will leverage the Spacesail Constellation to enhance satellite connectivity in the country's remote regions. The partnership will also explore new business models by integrating satellite internet with vertical industries.

Developed by Shanghai Spacesail Technologies Co., Ltd., the Spacesail Constellation is China's first mega constellation to enter a formal networking phase.

Lu Ben, senior vice president of the company, said that satellite internet provides reliable internet access in remote areas like mountains, deserts and oceans, where terrestrial coverage is unavailable or unstable. 
In this week's Inside Florida Politics podcast, Antonio Fins, James Call and John Kennedy break down the fallout from a deadly and tragic shooting at Florida State University, friction between the governor and Republicans in the Florida Legislature and the local impact of the death of Pope Francis across the Sunshine State.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Podcast: Guns, Budget and hope top Florida politics
KYIV, Ukraine  Inside a nondescript high-rise in Kyiv, stacks of drone frames are piled on metal shelves, in cardboard boxes, and strewn across the floor. Nearby, young workers lean over their desks, turning the black, square-shaped frames into lethal weapons.

Down the hall are more rooms with more drones, hobby-style quadcopters not too much bigger than a human hand. They'll soon be sent to Ukraine's drone operators fighting to drive the Russians from their homeland in a new kind of war.

This assembly line, operated by 3DTech, is just one of hundreds of similar operations making Ukraine's killer drones. They're made with cheap parts, such as motors, cameras, and carbon-fiber frames, largely sourced from China, allowing Ukraine to build an arsenal on a budget. Companies like this one are on the ground floor of an industry that, within years, has grown into a juggernaut rivaling Russia's own war machine. Kyiv has said it produced 2.2 million drones last year, compared to Moscow's 1.5 million.

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That industry has also become a model for the rest of the world in drone warfare. Business Insider traveled to Kyiv last month and interviewed drone company executives, troops, and other industry leaders to find out what countries can learn from Ukraine.

With Ukraine burning through thousands of combat drones each month, its drone makers are focused on rapid assembly and sourcing cheap parts. New firms are popping up in unusual spots like apartment complexes and basements as they race to meet demand. And to stay on the cutting edge of innovation, the manufacturers are fostering a new level of communication with troops in combat. Ukrainian soldiers have said that they routinely call or text manufacturers, leading to rapid iterative development, refinement, and, ultimately, better combat equipment.

Ukrainian companies are also developing drone ammunition, working on making parts domestically, and researching artificially intelligent systems that could power future drone swarms.

Ukraine's drone industry has emerged as a juggernaut rivaling that of Russia. Photo by Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images

Ukraine's drone industry now aims to double production to 4.5 million aircraft this year. It's funded largely by the country's defense ministry  which since 2024 has spent more than $2.5 billion on uncrewed aerial systems  as well as Kyiv's international partners, charity operations, crowdfunding efforts, and even individual military units.

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"We've become the biggest drone manufacturer in the world, drones of tactical and strategic level," Rustem Umerov, the Ukrainian defense minister, declared in February.

With defense tech booming, Ukraine's drone makers aren't just building weapons  they are rewriting the rules of modern warfare at a pace and scale that few could have imagined only a few years ago.

"This is especially prominent in the field of unmanned systems," said Nataliia Kushnerska, a senior executive in Ukraine's defense industry. "The invasion has brought immense tragedy and suffering for Ukrainian people, but it has also become a catalyst for rapid development of these technologies."

'We had to learn how to fight'

Ukraine has a long history of defense manufacturing. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Kyiv inherited a little less than a third of the empire's arms industry. It had both production and research and development facilities, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, but it also had a problem.

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The Soviet industrial base was highly integrated, meaning that Ukraine's industries were suddenly fragmented and largely unable to produce complete systems and the accompanying ammunition. The post-Cold War political environment also placed less emphasis on military spending, and the number of arms-producing enterprises in the country dropped off over time.

3DTech is one of hundreds of similar operations making drones for Ukraine's military. Jake Epstein/Business Insider

Then, in 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine and military spending started to increase. At the time, the weapons procurement budget was $62 million; by 2021, it hit $836 million, SIPRI researchers wrote in February.

In 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion, sending forces across the border from multiple directions in a bid to capture Kyiv and topple the government. Spending on weapons and dual-use goods in turn surged to nearly $31 billion by 2023, SIPRI said. While a lot of that went to buying arms from abroad, the country's defense industry was also growing.

Oleksandr Kamyshin, then-Ukraine's minister of strategic industries, told BI last summer that Ukraine had long been a "peaceful" agricultural country.

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Then, "they came and started killing us. We had to learn how to fight," he said. "It was not our decision to switch from being a bread basket to being the arsenal."

Kushnerska, the new chief executive of Brave1, a Ukrainian government incubator that funds defense industry innovation, said the full-scale invasion was a wake-up call.

The Ukrainians recognized that crippling Russia's war machine, which enjoys manpower, machinery, and material advantages over Ukraine's armed forces, required asymmetrical solutions. They also understood that self-sustainability is necessary; international partners are not always reliable.

A Ukrainian operator prepares combat FPV drones in the Bakhmut area. Photo by Yevhenii Vasyliev/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

"From the start of the full-scale invasion, we understood that Ukraine cannot rely on available resources or international support alone  we needed to develop our own capabilities," Kushnerska told BI.

Ukraine sought drones to level the playing field

Early in the conflict, Ukraine struggled with artillery shell shortages and the high cost of missiles and guided rounds, which typically cost hundreds of thousands of dollars apiece. Ukraine needed to generate mass firepower and needed to be able to do it cheaply.

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That's when uncrewed systems became a major focus area for the Ukrainian defense industry.

Ukrainian defense companies are now manufacturing all kinds of drones for combat missions. The most common are the small FPV drones that can fly into armored vehicles or troop positions and detonate or drop explosives from above. Typically, these are small quadcopters that companies like 3DTech have assembled and rigged with cable ties to carry warheads like RPGs that detonate on impact. One of 3DTech's smaller FPV drones costs $220.

Ukraine is building other airborne drones, as well, including medium- and long-range assets, which Ukraine uses to execute strikes deep inside Russia, targeting its military and energy infrastructure. Kyiv also has reconnaissance and surveillance drones to spot the movements of Russian soldiers.

Serhiy Rakhmanin, a member of Ukraine's parliamentary committee on national security, defense, and intelligence, told BI in Kyiv last month that "given the difficulty in obtaining or producing large quantities of missiles, Ukraine has focused on developing long-range drones, including drone-based missiles."

Ukraine uses long-range drones to attack Russian military and energy facilities. AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka

"These drones are being used to strike targets inside Russia, impacting its military-industrial complex and front-line operations," the lawmaker said through a translator. Zli Ptakhy is a Ukrainian company making fixed-wing "bomber" drones that can carry out strikes behind enemy lines.

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Ukraine's drone program isn't only for producing a range of uncrewed aerial systems. The military fields several different types of naval drones that have been used in attacks on Russia's Black Sea Fleet and ground robots for combat and logistics missions.

Drones vary in cost. Many smaller types cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while some of the bigger, more sophisticated versions can run for tens of thousands. Even on the high end, they're still significantly cheaper than a cruise missile or tactical ballistic missile, which can cost millions.

The drones are eliminating warships, tanks, radar arrays, and advanced reconnaissance platforms, among other expensive combat assets. They're also targeting bunkers with troops inside while sparing humans from dangerous missions.

"High-tech solutions like drones and robots became such game-changers," Kushnerska said.

How Ukraine funded its drone development

The Ukrainian drone industry was born from crowdfunding efforts and start-ups, often civilians with software or engineering backgrounds. They were not connected to the military.

Drones are far cheaper than missiles and can be used to take out expensive pieces of military hardware. Photo by Alfons Cabrera/NurPhoto

The Ukrainian government recognized their potential, though, and supported projects through initiatives like United24's Army of Drones or Brave 1, the latter of which was set up in 2023 to help companies get their technologies to the front.

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The market is decentralized, and combat units are in direct contact with manufacturers. The Ukrainian government has given units a total of $60 million a month to buy drones and offered direct access to manufacturers.

"Private companies are the drivers of innovation, creating breakthrough technologies that change the situation on the battlefield and create a new defense tech market," Kushnerska said.

The results are striking. At the start of the war, just a handful of Ukrainian companies were working on aerial drones. Now, there are over 500, with more than 1,100 individual products. Most of these products are registered with Brave1, which hosts testing events.

The planned procurement of 4.5 million drones this year is a massive increase over the roughly 2.2 million drones the war-torn country made in total last year.

Drone makers targeted innovations like electronic warfare

As the war has advanced, both sides have increasingly relied on electronic warfare, which renders weapons inoperable through signal jamming. At the start of the war, roughly 10 companies made electronic warfare devices. That figure has since swelled to nearly 150.

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One such company is Rebel Group, which is working on a way to defend against unjammable fiber-optic drones, one of the latest innovations in drone warfare.

Fiber-optic-controlled drones have proven to be a headache for Ukrainian and Russian troops. Mykhaylo Palinchak/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Many drones rely on radio frequency connections between them and the operators, but these systems are vulnerable to signal jamming, flooding the control frequencies with noise.

Engineers must regularly shift their frequencies or use frequency-hopping software to reduce their exposure to noisy bandwidths. Both sides have adapted to this problem with drones that use fiber-optic cables to preserve a stable link; the drones are resistant to electronic warfare.

Rebel Group told BI at their office in Kyiv last month that fiber-optic drones have been increasingly used in combat over the past six months. It has given rise to an urgent need for better drone defenses.

Drones are ultimately faster, cheaper solutions for strong defenses

Ukraine's drone-making industry and the broader arms business in Kyiv are different from those of many of the country's NATO partners.

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The US, for instance, often prioritizes larger and more expensive systems like fighter jets or armored vehicles, pursuing smaller quantities of exquisite systems rather than mass production through the acquisition of large quantities of cheap systems.

Kateryna Mykhalko, the director of Tech Force in UA, a coalition of Ukrainian weapons makers, said Western arms makers invest hundreds of millions of dollars in weapon systems that take years to make and may or may not work in real combat conditions.

"In Ukraine, it's a totally different situation," Mykhalko told BI at the Tech Force office in Kyiv. Ukraine's drone makers invent their products within a few months or weeks; they quickly supply them to the military, test them in realistic situations, and adapt. At that point, they can receive investments for scaled production.

The process moves much faster, which has been essential for producing drones that meet battlefield needs at a scale able to match front-line demands.

Ukrainian companies continue to adapt their drones with innovative designs and tactics. Photo by Roman Chop/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

"When you have unlimited resources and you could have a lot of time, it's easier" Mykhalko said. But she added that this type of situation "makes Ukraine really professional and efficient, and you could produce really cheap solutions which could provide strong national defenses."

NATO allies are paying close attention to the drone fight, and some Ukrainians see this as a lucrative opportunity to sell their products abroad. Mykhalko said that Tech Forces advocates on behalf of private enterprises so they can operate internationally. But that is a difficult task because the government won't allow it.

"We are trying to open controlled exports from Ukraine because the government budget is limited," she said. Kyiv doesn't have the money to procure all of the domestically produced drones.

What Ukraine lacks in size and resources compared to Russia, it is making up for with rapid innovation in its ever-expanding defense industry.

Kamyshin, the former minister of strategic industries, said last year that Ukraine will always have a smaller budget and fewer soldiers than Russia. This makes it critical for Kyiv to outperform its neighbor in the quality of its weapons and the people behind them.

"That's the only way we can withstand," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Pentagon will deploy nearly 200 intelligence and signals troops to the border, according to a military news release Wednesday, adding to the more than 10,000 troops border-wide amid President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

Eighty Army "military intelligence professionals" from Fort Drum, New York, and the XVIII Airborne Corps headquartered out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will augment the Joint Intelligence Task Force-Southern Border. They are joined by 100 personnel from a yet-to-be named Army signals unit.

U.S. Northern Command announced that it had created the intelligence joint task force in February meant to "integrate and deconflict intelligence planning and threat analysis" during the border mission.

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Read Next: 'Everything Is on the Table': Army Eyeing Expansion of Privatized Barracks

"The exact timeline for these deployments has not been determined, and the exact number of personnel will fluctuate as units rotate personnel and as additional forces are tasked to deploy once planning efforts are finalized," the news release said. It was unclear where the units would be specifically headed along the border.

Becky Farmer, a spokesperson for NORTHCOM, said that the command was "limited" on what it could release regarding the roles and responsibilities of the personnel. However, she said that military intelligence analysts sift through information streams to better inform Gen. Gregory Guillot, head of the command, while regularly collaborating with organizations like the CIA and Defense Intelligence Agency.

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"They are prohibited from collecting intelligence on U.S. citizens," she said when asked about the legality of active-duty service members collecting intelligence within the contiguous U.S. She added that "we are definitely in compliance with all intelligence oversight laws and regulations in conducting this mission."

CNN previously reported that the CIA was flying secret drone missions into Mexico in an effort to surveil drug cartels, which the Trump administration has designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Intelligence analysts for the Air Force were deployed to the border as well, Northern Command said last month.

The announcement of additional intel troops heading to the border comes after Northern Command announced that service members assigned to the New Mexico border were authorized to temporarily detain, search and conduct crowd control against "trespassers" along a newly military-controlled strip of land the command is calling the National Defense Area.

On April 11, Trump transferred the Roosevelt Reservation, a 60-foot-wide stretch of border land, to the Pentagon in an effort to increase migrant apprehension, something service members were restricted from doing prior to the authorization.

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Farmer said in a follow-up email that Northern Command's intelligence activities are governed by U.S. attorney general-approved procedures and a 2017 policy on the Pentagon's Intelligence Oversight program.

"These procedures balance the need to collect information for national security with the need to protect individual rights," she said.

Related: 48 Hours with Marines and Soldiers on the US Southern Border
Instability is brewing within the Arizona Democratic Party, due to a recent spat between state and federal elected officials.

Arizona Democratic Party chairman Robert Branscomb II leveled several accusations over the weekend.

He alleged Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego interfered with and intimidated the chairman over staffing decisions. In response, Kelly and Gallego, joined by other state leaders, said on Saturday theyve lost faith in Branscomb to serve as chairman.

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This freshly exposed internal rift comes at a vulnerable time for Arizona Democrats, who are trying to stay focused on next years elections. Nine House seats and the governorship will be up for grabs in the swing state, as will control of the state Legislature.

What happened between chairman Branscomb and Sen. Kelly?

Branscomb became chairman after defeating incumbent Yolanda Bejarano, who had the backing of Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and the two senators.

But Branscombs transition into office was far from smooth, as he said the existing leadership withheld information and created roadblocks.

When I arrived at the state party office just three days after the state committee meeting, I found an empty workspace  no computers, minimal furniture, and no transition documents. What should have been a professional hand off of responsibilities instead became a scramble to uncover critical information, he wrote.

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After firing the partys executive director, Morgan Dick, for failing to facilitate a smooth transition, Branscomb received a call from Kelly, who, he said, strongly discouraged me from making staffing changes without consulting him.

He emphasized his role in raising funds for the party and implied that I should be grateful, even beholden, to him for the partys financial resources, Branscomb said.

Arizona Democratic Senate candidate Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., right, is introduced to voters and supporters by Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, center, and Kelly's wife, former Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords, left, near a voting precinct at Arizona State University on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. | Ross D. Franklin

Dick denied the allegations and said the chairs statement is an attack on me professionally, riddled with inaccuracies, and is counterproductive to the goal of winning in 2026, according to KJZZ Phoenix. She added she worked incredibly hard to provide a successful transition to Branscombs office.

in his letter, the chairman said that while a committee searched for a permanent executive director, a process he had no role in, he ultimately appointed Michael Ruff to the position.

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Branscomb said he reached out to the stakeholders before making this news public. Within 15 minutes, the chairman received a text from one of our U.S. senators stating he would no longer support or participate in state party fundraising.

Shortly after, the other senator called me directly  demeaning me and demanding I reverse my decision within 24 hours or face consequences," he continued, without naming names.

What did Sen. Kelly and others say in response?

In a joint statement, Kelly, Gallego, Hobbs, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Attorney General Kris Mayes conveyed theyve lost trust in Branscomb.

Unfortunately, his statement today includes many false claims and is the kind of bad-faith response weve come to expect from the new leadership over the last several weeks, the statement said, as 12 News Brahm Resnik reported.

While the chair has lost our trust, were not going to let that deter us from our mission of winning in 2026, they said. In fact, three of the names on the letter  Hobbs, Fontes and Mayes  have to defend their seats next year.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Appeals judges at the International Criminal Court on Thursday ordered a pretrial panel to reconsider an Israeli appeal against the court's jurisdiction over Gaza and the West Bank.

The decision comes amid ongoing litigation into Israel's assertion that the court did not have the legal authority to issue arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant.

The warrants allege that Netanyahu and Gallant are responsible for crimes against humanity in the Gaza war. Israel, which is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, strongly refutes the allegations.

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Judges at The Hague-based court dismissed a request from Israel to suspend the warrants.

But in a legal victory for Israel, appeals judges said in their written decision that the pretrial panel committed an error of law by failing to sufficiently address Israels argument that it was entitled to make a jurisdictional challenge under the court's founding treaty, the Rome Statute.

It ordered the pretrial judges to make a new ruling on the substance of Israels challenge to the jurisdiction of the Court. The challenge was filed in September  before the warrants were issued  and rejected two months later. It was not immediately clear how long judges will take to issue a new ruling.

In a statement on X, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the arrest warrants were issued unlawfully and are null and void.

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Israel has long argued that it does not have jurisdiction. The court, however, has accepted The State of Palestine as one of its 125 member nations.

"We said it from the start: The International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC) doesnt have, and never had, jurisdiction to issue arrest warrants against Israels Prime Minister and its former Minister of Defense. Israel is not a member of the ICC and is not party to the 'Rome Statute.' Saar wrote.

The ICC prosecutor's office said in a written response that it was studying the decision and had no immediate comment.

When issuing the arrest warrants, judges said there was reason to believe Netanyahu and Gallant have used starvation as a method of warfare by restricting humanitarian aid and have intentionally targeted civilians in Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza  charges Israeli officials deny.

Along with the warrants for the Israeli officials, the court also issued a warrant for Mohammed Deif, head of Hamas armed wing, over the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that triggered Israels offensive in Gaza. It said it found reasonable grounds to believe Deif was involved in murder, rape, torture and the taking of hostages amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The warrant was withdrawn in February, after his death in an Israeli airstrike was confirmed.
Mine worker Justin Andrew examines and core samples at the Donlin mine camp on Aug. 11, 2022. Outside is the hillside that would be dug for its gold if the huge mine is developed. Barrick Gold, a large Canadian mining company, is selling off its half-share ownership in the Donlin Gold project. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

A major mining company is pulling out of Western Alaskas Donlin Gold project, selling most of its shares to a U.S. billionaire with a history of investing in gold.

Barrick Gold Corp., a Canadian company that operates in 18 countries, said Tuesday it is selling its 50% share in Donlin Gold for about $1 billion. Under the deal, Novagold Resources Inc., the smaller Canadian mining company that has been Barricks Donlin partner, will add another 10% share of the projects ownership to its current 50% share, while an investment company headed by billionaire John Paulson will wind up with a 40% share in the project. Paulsons company was already a major Novagold shareholder.

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The deal is expected to close at about midyear, Barrick said.

In dual statements, the companies said the sale is mutually beneficial.

In its statement about the deal, Novagold praised Paulsons expertise and said the ownership change will help move the project forward.

For myriad reasons, Paulson is quite literally the finest partner we could have hoped for. The embodiment of smart money, John has been recognized as having a unique ability to identify the right vehicle to execute legendary trades. John and his teams expertise and counsel will be invaluable as we work to advance Donlin Gold through feasibility and financing, Novagold Chairman Thomas Kaplan said in the companys statement.

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Paulson, also quoted in the statement, called Donlin one of the most attractive development gold projects in the world.

With 39 million ounces of gold at double the industry average grade, and an optimal location in the prime jurisdiction of Alaska  already the second largest gold-producing state in the United States  we believe that the project could create value for decades to come, he said in the statement.

Paulson has investments in other gold-mining companies, including International Tower Hill Mines Ltd., which is trying to develop a gold mine at Livengood, northwest of Fairbanks.

In its statement, Barrick said that by selling off its share in the Donlin project, it will be able to continue a strategic shift that includes more of a focus on copper.

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The Donlin agreement allows Barrick to exit the Donlin Gold Project at an attractive valuation, while allowing NOVAGOLD and Paulson to pursue the development of the project. This is a good example of an instance where an asset we own might be better suited in the hands of others, while we pursue our priority portfolio of Barrick-managed growth projects, Mark Bristow, Barricks president and chief executive, said in the statement.

The Donlin project has been controversial in Western Alaska and elsewhere.

Supporters say it will bring important economic benefits to a region of the state that has long struggled with poverty. Supporters include the for-profit Native corporations that own the mineral rights and surface lands where the mine project is located: Calista Corp., owned by Yupik people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region, and The Kuskokwim Corp., owned by people from 10 villages along the mid-Kuskokwim region. Those Native corporations are partners in Donlin and point out that revenues from the mine, if it starts operating, will be shared with Native corporations statewide under terms of the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

Opponents, who include Yukon-Kuskokwim tribal members and Native corporation shareholders themselves, consider the mine to be a threat to the ecosystem and to the food resources and cultural practices that depend on it.

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Tribal opponents have been fighting the mine in state and federal courts.

To opponents, Barricks sell-off is a sign of project trouble.

Sophie Swope, executive director of an anti-Donlin tribal coalition called Mother Kuskokwim, said Barricks sell-off is a sign of project trouble.

The Donlin Gold Mine is a bad investmentplain and simple. Its riddled with environmental, economic, operational, reputational, regulatory, and legal risksand completely lacks a social license to operate, Swope said in a statement.

She cited the mines planned 471-foot tailings dam, which has been a particular source of controversy, the potential for river contamination and the expected increase in disruptive barge traffic as some of the concerns.

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While Donlin Gold has received key permits, final development decisions have not been made. The Toronto-based Globe and Mail reported Tuesday that there had been disagreements between Barrick and Novagold over how to proceed with Donlin.

The transaction leaves the Donlin project without a major partner with experience operating large producing mines. Novagold does have some operating experience, but it is spotty. It developed a mine near Nome, the Rock Creek Mine, but was able to operate it for only two months in 2008. During construction in 2007, two workers died at the site, and the company was later penalized for water pollution violations as well. The site was later acquired by the Bering Straits Native Corp., which completed reclamation in 2016, according to state officials. Last month, other assets from the property were sold off.

Another controversial Alaska mining project, the Pebble copper project in Southwest Alaska, also lost its major corporate partner. In 2013, Anglo American, one of the worlds largest mining companies, dropped out of the Pebble Limited Partnership, leaving Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. as the sole partner. In 2014, another major international mining company, Rio Tinto, also dropped out by donating its 19% Northern Dynasty shares to Bristol Bay regional nonprofits.

The Pebble project is limbo. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2023 invoked a provision in the Clean Water Act to bar federal permitting because of anticipated damages to salmon habitat. Northern Dynasty is trying to overturn that finding and has expressed optimism that the Trump administration will help revive the project.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  An invasive insect is returning to Ohio.

Officials are asking Ohioans to keep their eyes peeled for the spotted lanternfly, a pretty but destructive invasive insect.

The spotted lanternfly was first identified in the Buckeye State in 2020. Its an invasive plant hopper that can easily be mistaken for a butterfly.

Columbus launches multi-lingual, video enhanced 911 system

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Franklin County was among 12 counties in the state under quarantine for the spotted lanternfly last year. It was also among six counties in the state with high infestation rates.

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Brian Heath, district manager for Davey Tree, said he anticipates this year will be even worse. The spotted lanternflys biggest food source is the tree of heaven, but its also known to feed on grapes, hops, stone fruits and other agriculturally important plants.

The National Phenology Networks spotted lanternfly forecast projects eggs will hatch in central Ohio within the next week or so, with adults expected to emerge in about two months.

If you see the egg mass on the tree, which kind of looks like mud or bubblegum that might be stuck to the tree, you can scrape that off and dispose of it, put it in a bag with some rubbing alcohol or something like that to make sure that it kills it, Heath said.

Ohio University composts nearly 100% of campus food waste

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Spotted lanternflies lay their eggs wherever they can on things like trees, bushes and patio furniture.

When they eat, they produce a fluid called honeydew, which can be attractive to flies and wasps and can further damage plants.

That falls on to leaves or anything below the tree, could be pavement, concrete, patios, things like that, Heath said. When people are going to notice this is either when they touch it and its sticky, or when it turns black because of sooty mold, which is a fungus.

According to Heath, being proactive is key. He suggests calling in an expert for preventative treatment before eggs begin hatching.

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Despite setbacks, businesses, leaders confident Intel project will thrive

It would be, you know, a certified technician coming out and most likely injecting a systemic insecticide into the soil, which then gets taken up into the tree, Heath said. So when the spotted lanternfly tries to feed on the tree, it basically will poison it and itll die.

Spotted lanternflies are also known to be hitchhikers. They cant fly, but they can jump and climb. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends taking your car through the car wash before traveling, especially if you find yourself in an area thats highly infested.

Anyone who finds a spotted lanternfly is encouraged to squash it and report it to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. To report a sighting, visit this link.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
A test of a handful of popular chamomile tea brands found toxic "forever chemicals" in the bags of more than half of the samples.

What's happening?

Consumer watchdog group Mamavation sent 13 chamomile teas from 13 popular brands to an Environmental Protection Agency-certified laboratory to test for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals."

Tea leaves from seven of these samples had detectable levels of PFAS, with four of them containing quantifiable levels. The most common type of PFAS detected was PFBA. In addition, three of the tea bags tested positive for fluorine, a combination of inorganic fluoride and potential PFAS.

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Mamavation noted that this was not the first time PFAS has been detected in tea, pointing to a number of studies, including one of its own that found detectable PFAS in 91% of Earl Grey teas sampled.

"It's disappointing to find PFAS inside chamomile tea," said Scientist Emeritus and Former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program at Duke University, per Mamavation. "This relaxing tea is used by millions of people around the world, and exposure to these hormone-disrupting chemicals is very problematic to human health. Let's hope these companies address this issue."

Why is PFAS exposure concerning?

PFAS refers to a group of thousands of human-made chemicals that can be found in household items such as non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing, along with firefighting foams. These chemicals are persistent in the environment following human use, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a number of health concerns, including certain types of cancer, developmental delays in children, and decreased ability of the immune system to do its job, per the EPA.

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That said, we do not know the full range of dangers linked with PFAS, and new discoveries are being made all the time. For example, one study found that exposure to these chemicals can alter the expression of certain genes within the brain. Another paper tied PFAS to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.

Meanwhile, these chemicals are all around us, as they have made their way into our water supplies, food, air, and soil. In fact, one study found that more than 20% of Americans may be exposed to PFAS-laced tap water. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry asserts that most Americans already have these chemicals in their blood.

What's being done about PFAS?

Though PFAS have earned the moniker "forever chemicals," scientists have recently discovered some groundbreaking methods to help break them down in water. For instance, one University of Illinois team found a way to remove the full spectrum of PFAS from water in a single process.

Plus, certain states are enacting legislation to protect citizens from PFAS  New Hampshire recently banned ski, board, and boat waxes containing these chemicals.

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Meanwhile, the EPA has a strategic plan to address PFAS, but it's unclear how the agency will move forward under the Trump administration. For instance, Environmental Health News recently reported that public health advocates are worried that the administration could continue to weaken drinking water standards for these chemicals, as it already withdrew a Biden administration plan for PFAS drinking water regulations in January.

You can help reduce your exposure by purchasing from PFAS-free brands, opting for nonstick cookware, and limiting your purchases of stain- or water-resistant clothing.

If you're a chamomile tea lover, Mamavation recommends Celestial Seasonings Chamomile Herbal Tea, From Great Origins (FGO) Organic Chamomile Tea Bags, RISHI Chamomile Medley Organic Botanical Blend Tea Sachet, Taylors of Harrogate Organic Chamomile Caffeine-Free Herbal Infusion Tea, and TAZO Organic Calm Chamomile Herbal Tea, which all tested negative for PFAS and fluorine in the latest study.

The group also listed the results for the other teas tested on its website.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Israeli military on Thursday acknowledged that it mistakenly fired on a United Nations facility in Gaza in March, killing a UN employee.

The military said the building, located in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, was targeted "due to suspicions of enemy presence" and "was not identified" as a UN site at the time of the attack.

The military expressed regret over "this serious incident."

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Preliminary findings indicate the employee was killed by tank fire.

"We regret the unintentional harm to the UN employee and share in the family's grief," the statement continued.

The attack occurred on March 19, injuring five people, some seriously, according to the UN.

At the time, the Israeli military denied any involvement, stating: "Contrary to reports, the Israeli army did not attack a UN building in Deir al-Balah." A Foreign Ministry spokesperson also said initial findings showed no connection between the incident and Israeli operations.

Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the UN Office for Project Services, said strikes had taken place on and around the facility in the days prior, prompting the organization to alert the Israeli military. He said that the site, involved in demining efforts, was well known to Israeli forces.
The Israeli government on Thursday shared its condolences over the death of Pope Francis, three days after the 88-year-old passed away.

"The State of Israel expresses its deepest condolences to the Catholic Church and the Catholic community worldwide at the passing of Pope Francis," said a post from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. "May he rest in peace."

Relations between Israel and the Vatican have deteriorated significantly since the war in Gaza.

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Pope Francis repeatedly criticized Israel's actions in the Palestinian territory, in which around 1,000 Christians also live.

According to Israeli media, the Israeli government deleted a message of condolence following the Pope's death a few hours after it was published on social media.

Unlike many other countries that are sending their leaders to the Pope's funeral on Saturday, Israel will only be represented by the Israeli ambassador, the Times of Israel reported.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his condolences to Christians immediately after the death of Pope Francis became public.

He said that Pope Francis was "a man of deep faith and boundless compassion" and had worked to strengthen relations with the Jewish world.
SYDNEY, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Australian charities have reported a significant surge in people seeking food support over the past year, with thousands turned away every month amid increasing demand.

A comprehensive survey of frontline charities conducted by Sydney-based food rescue organization OzHarvest found that 77 percent of services have experienced an increase in the number of people seeking food support in the last year.

According to the survey released on Thursday, the number of people turned away by charities has increased by 54 percent to an estimated 50,000 every month as frontline organizations struggle to meet growing demand.

OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn described it as a "national emergency hiding in plain sight."

"We are in the midst of a national food security crisis. Driven by the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and spiralling housing costs and energy bills, Australians are sacrificing food just to get by," Kahn said in a statement.

She said that OzHarvest currently supplies food to 1,550 charities with another 1,200 on the waitlist.

The survey found that 31 percent of people seeking food support were doing so for the first time. Families and single parents accounted for 79 percent of people seeking support.

OzHarvest has called for the federal government to appoint a dedicated minister for food to coordinate food security, food waste and food system solutions. 
Israel has scored a small procedural victory at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the legal dispute over the prosecution of war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

However, this ruling does not affect the arrest warrants issued last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant.

In its decision announced on Thursday, the ICC's Appeals Chamber overturned a lower court decision and upheld Israel's appeal that challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.

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The lower court had previously rejected Israel's appeal against the criminal investigation, asserting that the court had jurisdiction.

The Appeals Chamber, however, found that the Pre-Trial Chamber's reasoning did not "sufficiently address" Israel's concerns. As a result, the case has been sent back for reconsideration. It remains unclear when a new decision will be reached.

In November, the UN-backed ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza Strip after October 8, 2023.

Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has been investigating alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza conflict, including by Hamas.

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A warrant was issued for Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Israel. However, Hamas confirmed in January that Deif was killed last year in an Israeli attack in Gaza.

Israel has questioned the court's jurisdiction, noting that it has not signed the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.

However, the Palestinian territories, which are signatories, have allowed the court's jurisdiction over them.

Furthermore, in 2021 the ICC, based in The Hague, ruled it had jurisdiction over territories occupied by Israel since 1967.
A series of Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have left dozens dead, Palestinian media reported on Thursday.

At least 15 people were killed in Jabaliya in the north of the blockaded coastal strip when a building sheltering displaced persons was hit, according to the news agency WAFA.

WAFA also reported multiple other deadly strikes, including in Gaza City. Citing medics, the agency said a total of 52 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since early morning.

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The Israeli military said it targeted a command and control center used by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants in Jabaliya. The military stated the facility was used to plan and coordinate attacks on Israeli civilians and said precautions were taken to minimize harm to non-combatants.

The claims from both sides could not be independently verified.

The ongoing war in Gaza began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages taken to Gaza.

Since then, more than 51,300 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to the Hamas-run health authority.
A series of Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have left dozens dead, Palestinian media reported on Thursday.

At least 15 people were killed in Jabaliya in the north of the blockaded coastal strip when a building sheltering displaced persons was hit, according to the news agency WAFA.

WAFA also reported multiple other deadly strikes, including in Gaza City. Citing medics, the agency said a total of 52 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since early morning.

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The Israeli military said it targeted a command and control center used by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants in Jabaliya. The military stated the facility was used to plan and coordinate attacks on Israeli civilians and said precautions were taken to minimize harm to non-combatants.

The claims from both sides could not be independently verified.

The ongoing war in Gaza began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages taken to Gaza.

Since then, more than 51,300 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to the Hamas-run health authority.

IDF general warns of expanded operation

Also on Thursday, the chief of the general staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Eyal Zamir, warned of an expanded military operation in Gaza if there is no progress in securing the return of hostages held by Hamas.

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"If we do not see progress in the return of the hostages, we will expand our activities into a more intense and significant operation until we reach a decisive outcome," he said during a visit to troops in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, a military statement said.

"Hamas is mistaken about our capabilities, our intentions, and our determination," he added.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz recently echoed similar threats, stating that the longer Hamas withholds the hostages, the more severe Israel's strikes would become.

Katz also suggested that Israel could permanently occupy parts of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli authorities believe 24 hostages are still alive in the Gaza Strip, while Hamas and its allies hold the bodies of 35 others.

Palestinians hose down hotspots as they clean up the residue of tents destroyed in an Israeli attack on Gaza City. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
A series of earthquakes continued to rattle Istanbul on Thursday, with Turkey's disaster agency AFAD reporting some 300 aftershocks, one of them measuring a magnitude of 4.6.

Since the major tremor on Wednesday, which had a magnitude of 6.2, AFAD has recorded hundreds of further quakes, all along the tectonic faults in the Sea of Marmara.

Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu said on X that 236 people were injured, including 173 in Istanbul. Fifteen had to be treated in hospital, while some were hurt jumping from buildings in panic. The Istanbul governor's office said there were no reports of collapsed structures.

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Urban Development Minister Murat Kurum reported that 12 buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

Seismologists and geologists cited in Turkish media largely agree that a major earthquake is still expected. While the timing remains uncertain, experts predict it could reach a magnitude of 7.4, with some even estimating a potential magnitude of 7.7.

Many flee to the coast

Many residents have left the city out of fear of a larger earthquake, with hotels on Turkey's Aegean coast reporting a significant increase in bookings.

Flights from Istanbul to other cities in Turkey were unavailable on the evening of the earthquake and on Thursday, according to a dpa reporter, and airline websites showed all flights were fully booked.

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Orhan Belge, president of the Association of Tourist Hoteliers and Operators in Cesme on the coast some 575 kilometres from Istanbul, told the Anadolu news agency that there had been a noticeable rise in enquiries along the coast since the earthquake.

"We are observing increased movement towards Cesme," he said. Hotels in the popular holiday region have seen a surge in reservation requests after schools in Istanbul were closed for two days due to the earthquakes, creating a four-day holiday period with the upcoming weekend.

Not everyone can or wants to leave, despite experts repeatedly warning that an even stronger earthquake could occur.

Some people were reportedly asked to go to work regardless, according to the dpa reporter. For those unwilling to return to their homes, the Turkish Red Crescent has begun providing food in communal shelters, the state broadcaster TRT Haber reported.

Geologist: "Time to leave Istanbul"

In an interview, geologist Celal Sengor from the Istanbul Technical University said while it is safe to return to houses without visible damage for now, in the long term "the time has come to leave Istanbul."

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The comment drew immediate criticism from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development (AKP) party.

A senior Erdogan adviser called Sengor an "idiot" in a post on X.

Turkey is located in one of the most seismically active regions in the world, and more than 1 million buildings in Istanbul are considered vulnerable to quakes.

Local media showed residents spending the night in parks and open spaces, pitching tents rather than returning indoors.

AFAD urged people to avoid potentially unsafe buildings, warning that aftershocks could persist for some time.
The grandchild of late President John F. Kennedy, Jack Schlossberg, issued a bizarre challenge to his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the secretary of health and human services.

RFK Jr ... I have got a challenge for you, Schlossberg said in an Instagram video Wednesday. Me and you, one-on-one, locked in a room, we hash this out. Nobody comes out until one of us has autism. What do you say?

The video appears to be mocking Kennedys recent statements in which he said toxins or ultrasound scans could be behind a tsunami of autism diagnoses in the U.S.

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Kennedy held a press conference last week during which he suggested that industries were profiting from autism-causing environmental toxins, seemingly a reference to his decades of anti-vaccine activism and work against artificial food ingredients.

The health secretary called the press conference after a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that the number of children with autism in the U.S. rose from one in 56 in 2016 to one in 36 in 2020 and one in 31 in 2022.

However, Kennedy has faced criticism from scientists and advocates who have slammed his views as misleading and downright harmful.

The secretary went against mainstream research during his press conference, which states that autism is a complicated condition, formed mainly by genetics.

RFK Jr disputed the CDCs findings on autism diagnosis in the U.S., floating conspiracy theories instead. (AP)

We need to move away from the ideology that the relentless autism prevalence increase is simply an artifact of better recognition and better diagnostic criteria, he argued. Doctors and therapists in the past weren't stupid. They weren't missing all these cases.

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He went on to say that only a small percentage of autism cases can be attributed to better recognition or better diagnostic criteria.

The answer is very clear, and this is catastrophic for our country, said Kennedy, adding that he would push for a number of studies to find precisely what the environmental toxins are, which may be a part of the rise in cases.

External factors, environmental exposures, that's where we're going to find the answer, he claimed.

We will have some answers by September ... there will be an answer for the American people very, very quickly, said Kennedy.

RFK Jr's grandson Jack Schlossberg took to Instagram to issue the bizarre challenge. (Grab/Instagram)

However, Kennedys claim that the rising number isnt because of better screening efforts goes against the researchers who put together the CDC report, who said that the rise in cases might be due to differences in availability of services for early detection and evaluation and diagnostic practices.

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They also noted insurance coverage as a possible factor.

Schlossberg has slammed Kennedy on repeated occasions following the start of his presidential campaign in 2023.

He's trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories, and conflict for personal gain and fame, Schlossberg said at the time.

I've listened to him. I know him. I have no idea why anyone thinks he should be president. What I do know is his candidacy is an embarrassment, he added.

Schlossberg also pushed senators to reject his nomination to be health secretary during his Senate confirmation hearing.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Jackson residents voted for change in Tuesdays Municipal Primary Runoff Election. The focus is now shifting to the General Election in June.

Nearly 25,000 people voted in Jacksons mayoral runoff. The majority of them, who voted in the Democratic primary, chose State Senator John Horn (D-District 26) over incumbent Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba.

Im very confident that Mr. Horhn will stand behind everything that he has represented so far, and I look forward to watching him progress as a leader, said Kathy Smith, a Jackson voter.

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Councilman Brian Grizzell, Ward 4, said hes ready to work with the next mayor. He wants action on roads and abandoned buildings.

Horhn is projected winner of Jackson Democratic mayoral primary runoff

Were going to embrace them, and were going to really look forward to working with them to make sure that our priorities, again, are well communicated and that we see that our projects get done, Grizzell said.

Councilman Vernon Hartley, Ward 5, said voters want a clear vision from City Hall. He said he will work with the next mayor, plan or no plan.

But its so much easier when we know what direction were actually going. Give us a plan, so we can support any administration with the money and the laws from the legislative branch, Hartley stated.

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Jackson voters will return to the polls on June 3, 2025. They will choose between Democrat John Horhn, Republican Kenney Gee and Independent candidates Rodney DePriest, Zach Service, Lille Stewart-Robinson and Kim Wade.

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Jacksonville University music students will bid their final farewell in a series of concerts.

The performances mark the last of the university music programs that are being cut.

Action News Jax has been reporting on the elimination of university degree programs and the layoffs of 40 faculty members since it was first announced on April 15.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

You can read our previous reports here:

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Imani Waters will graduate this spring, but said she planned to stay for another year before she learned her degree program was being terminated.

Now she is gearing up for the last of the universitys concerts and says emotions are high.

Its a very bittersweet feeling, she said.

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On Wednesday, Jacksonville University will play its final orchestra concert at 7:30. The concert will be live-streamed at this link:

https://youtube.com/live/DyMeNUhhRLY?feature=share

The universitys choir will host its final performance the following night on Thursday. The choir concert starts at 7:30, too.

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Concert organizers suggest early arrival at the Terry Concert Hall. They are expecting seats to fill quickly.

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OZARK, MO  The largest Assemblies of God church in Missouri has severed formal ties with its denomination.

On Wednesday evening, James River Church announced that its Board of Trustees had decided to leave the Springfield-based Assemblies of God organization.

In a media statement, the church explained, We are thankful for the Assemblies of God, and we intend to continue partnering with the Assemblies of God in a variety of ways  including our continued support of missionaries and missions efforts to take the Gospel around the world.

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In addition, the announcement stated, James River Church is not changing its doctrine, and the church remains committed to preaching the Bible and impacting the local community and the world for the cause of Christ.

During the churchs weekly Wednesday evening service, Pastor John Lindell addressed the congregation regarding the change. He said the vote of the Board to leave the A/G was unanimous, and went on to describe the severing of the formal denominational ties as an administrative change.

Lindell said the church intends to continue to assist in supporting A/G missionaries around the world, and continue a partnership with Evangel University for its James River College.

James River Church was founded in 1991 as James River Assembly of God. John Lindell and his wife, Debbie, were brought on board as senior pastors within a few months.

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The church quickly outgrew its original home in a south Springfield shopping center and moved into a new campus at 5500 S. Southwood Avenue. The congregation then built and moved into a new multi-million dollar facility in north Ozark, off of Route CC and U.S. 65, near the turn of the millennium.

James River Church, which has grown to become one of the largest mega churches in the country, has expanded to include several satellite campuses in the Springfield area and one in Joplin. According to the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, nearly 9,000 people attend the Ozark campus alone each week, making it the largest congregation in the state.

In 2013, James River dropped the Assembly from its name and replaced it with Church. The move was in line with the trend of many congregations dropping denominational names in hopes of appealing to the public. Despite the change, James River retained its full affiliation with the Assemblies.

This is a developing story. Ozarks First will update this story when additional details become available.

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BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday released a new judicial interpretation to intensify the crackdown on criminal cases involving intellectual property infringement.

The interpretation aims to meet the growing public demand for strengthened intellectual property protection as criminal activities are "increasingly taking on new forms, becoming more complex and technologically sophisticated," said Tao Kaiyuan, deputy head of the Supreme People's Court (SPC).

The interpretation lowers the threshold for criminal liability. For instance, in the case of selling infringing copies, the criterion for "a relatively large amount of illegal gains" has been reduced from 100,000 yuan (about 13,870 U.S. dollars) to 50,000 yuan.

Harsher penalties have been included in the interpretation to target offenses with significant social harm and clear malicious intent.

The interpretation raises the upper limit for fines, increasing the range from the previous "between one and five times the amount of illegal gains" to "between one and 10 times."

The interpretation was jointly issued by the SPC and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

According to official data, from 2013 to 2024, procuratorates across China filed a total of 69,100 criminal cases involving intellectual property infringement, while courts concluded 64,600 such cases at the first-instance level. 
(FOX40.COM)  The owner of a janitorial service was sentenced to 270 days in county jail for insurance fraud and tax evasion, according to the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office.

Video Above: How to report a scam to the Better Business Bureau

Officials said the California Department of Insurance began investigating Martha Toro, the owner of MT Janitorial Services, in February 2020.

CDI and the Franchise Tax Board discovered that during each audit year between 2013 and 2020, Toro was misrepresenting the number of employees at her company to legally lower her workers compensation insurance premiums.

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Man sentenced for grand theft, insurance fraud

Officials said the insurance carrier lost over $800,000 in income for coverage of workers compensation insurance as a result.

Investigators also found that Toro falsified her tax returns and avoided paying the taxes she owed from 2016 to 2020.

According to officials, in addition to her jail sentence, she was also sentenced to 2 years on formal probation for each violation and is required to pay restitution, fines and interest totaling $1,454,130, of which $848,370 will go to Markel Insurance and $605,760 will go to the Franchise Tax Board.

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JASPER COUNTY, Mo.  State level recognition could be the first step toward a high-tech way to keep Jasper County safe.

The Jasper County Sheriffs Office is among the first in the state Blue Shield Program. That means theyre meeting specific policing standards like crime-reduction, community policing, and officer retention.

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The Governor has proposed 10 million dollars in grants for those agencies that qualify.

In Jasper County, that could mean a new law enforcement app, for sharing crime tips, public notifications, and much more.

One of the things that in todays day and age, its different from law enforcement, than what it used to be, is that there is a kind of an expectation of real time sharing of information. And so, you know if thats what the communitys expectation is, I think we should work towards that if we can, and this would be a great opportunity for that, said Jasper County Sheriff Randee Kaiser.

Several other southwest Missouri agencies like Carthage and Joplin police departments are also considering applying for the program.

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Vice President JD Vance spoke on Wednesday about his meeting with Pope Francis shortly before the pontiffs death.

The thing that I will always remember Pope Francis for is that he was a great pastor. People on the margins, poor people, people suffering from diseases, they saw in Pope Francis an advocate and, I think, a true expression of Christian love, Vance said about the late pope in a press conference before he left India.

While on a trip to Italy last week with his family, the vice president was one of the last officials to meet with Pope Francis. Vance, who is Catholic, had formal talks with the Vaticans secretary of state and then had an informal meeting with Francis on Easter Sunday.

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The pope died less than 24 hours after he met with Vance. After leaving Italy, the vice president and his family traveled to India.

When asked about seeing Francis so soon before he died, Vance said its pretty crazy, adding that when they met I didnt know that he had less than 24 hours still on this Earth. I think it was a great blessing.

The vice president said he is not currently planning to attend the funeral for the pope and that the administration has not discussed which state officials will be attending.

Vance asked about popes views on Trump administration

Vance was asked about Francis views on Trump administration policies such as immigration and whether the popes death made him reflect on the policies in a new way.

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I think that obviously a lot of people, especially in the American press, want to make the Holy Father, his entire legacy, and even his death about American politics. I think he was obviously a much broader figure than the United States of America. He represents over a billion Catholics worldwide, the vice president said in response.

Vance said he was aware that the pope disagreed with some Trump administration policies, but added that were some he did agree with.

Im not going to soil the mans legacy by talking about politics, he said. I think he was a great Christian pastor, and thats how I choose to remember the Holy Father.

Vance was also asked by reporters whether he would prefer a new pope with similar views to Pope Francis or if he wants someone more traditional.

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I wont pretend to give guidance to the cardinals on who they should select as the next pope. Weve got plenty of issues to focus on in the United States, he said.

He added that he just hopes they will pick someone who will be good for Catholics around the world.
Its hard to remember now, but there was a time when people in Washington were positively giddy about Jeff Bezos new mansion on S Street.

In 2016, not long after acquiring The Washington Post, the Amazon founder set his eyes on a 17,000-foot former museum designed by the architect of the Jefferson Memorial. Soon after buying it for $23 million in cash, he set about renovating it to host parties, following in the footsteps of an iconic Post predecessor.

What hes going to do is revive the legacy of Kay Graham and her great socializing  bringing smart, interesting people together in a social context, Jean Case, who with her husband Steve was an old friend of Bezos and his then wife, said at the time.

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It was a prediction that a certain stratum of D.C. very much wanted to believe. The idea of a world-transforming industrialist running the political citys salon flattered establishment Washingtons perennial hunger for social validation: See, were not just a bunch of ill-dressed policy wonks!

The validation never arrived. While Bezos entertained a couple of times early on, the place is usually so lifeless that one Kalorama neighbor told me she still remembers the day there were three cars in the driveway. Almost all the time its dark, said Marie Drissel, another neighbor. My guess is hes there four or five nights a year. Shes only laid eyes on her famous neighbor once in nine years.

You get the same feeling across the Potomac in Arlington, Virginia. Thats where Amazon, which Bezos still chairs, was supposed to bring up to 50,000 jobs at a new headquarters that boosters said would herald an epic transformation of the entire region. Virginias victory in the high-profile competition for a new headquarters thrilled locals, in large part because it assuaged another perennial Washington insecurity: A bona fide capitalist headquarters would undercut the fear that this is nothing but a government town.

Eight years and one pandemic later, Amazons roughly 8,000 employees make it the countys largest private employer. But the epic transformation hasnt happened, and the iconic cylindrical headquarters building remains a vacant lot surrounded by ugly fencing. The Arlington County Board last month voted to use part of the Amazon space as a temporary location for an alternative high school. At a meeting in June, theyll consider granting the company yet another extension to start work on the building.

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Theres some disappointment, said Eric Cassel, president of the Crystal City Civic Association. Its a pretty cool building.

These days, of course, the lack of HQ2 architecture or Kalorama parties are the least of Bezos problems, at least in the eyes of Permanent Washington. Bezos standing in polite D.C. society has taken a tumble lately. At the Post, he abruptly squelched a Kamala Harris endorsement and then decreed that the paper would henceforth only publish pro-market opinions  making himself look nakedly ideological for the first time. And his ideological inclination, on display when he joined the cast of tycoons taking prime spots at Donald Trumps inauguration, began to look more self-serving than selfless. The man who once praised democracys guardrails has begun to look like hes just another rich guy trying to curry favor with a transactional president.

Which means that the same people who spent a decade admiring the billionaires reverential, respectful public statements about journalism and democracy are now mad at him for disrespecting his venerable newspaper and shamelessly sucking up to the administration.

Yet the early days of the regions romance with Bezos make clear that the dynamic always said as much about Beltway denizens as it did about Bezos himself. Which is worth keeping in mind when you get into the inevitable Washington conversation about just what the heck happened to the gentleman owner of The Washington Post.

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On the surface, at least, the differences between the Bezos of 2013-2023 and the Bezos of the last couple of years are striking.

The old Bezos embraced the Washington Posts heroic Watergate lore, nobly resisting political pressure against his journalists during Trumps first term. He endowed a $100 million award dedicated to that old favorite Washington-Village aspiration: civility. He joined the Alfalfa Club, one of the Beltways most venerable insider organizations. When he hosted a large dinner to celebrate a 2022 National Portrait Gallery exhibit, the guest-list was full of establishment stars like Hillary Clinton, Anthony Fauci and David Rubenstein. They found a house with masterpieces on the walls, heavy drapery, and various other dark, old-Washington aesthetics like what youd see in the Green Room of the White House, according to one guest. (A real estate source says the non-public areas are much more modern.)

The dinner happened to take place the same night as the 30th anniversary party of Cafe Milano, the Georgetown restaurant that is a favorite haunt of the political class. Many guests simply migrated to the chummy insider hangout after the dinner, according to one reveler. It was that kind of crowd.

Even after Joe Biden became president and Bezos felt moved to criticize him about taxes, he did so on his personal social media, leaving the pages of the newspaper to professional journalists. I would be humiliated to interfere. I would be so embarrassed. I would turn bright red, he had said in a 2018 interview with Mathias Dopfner, the CEO of Axel Springer, parent company of POLITICO. It would feel icky; it would feel gross.

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The more recent Bezos, on the other hand, overruled his editors to kill a long-planned endorsement of Harris and ditch the Posts tradition of bipartisan opinions  the latter of which he personally announced rather than letting it happen through ordinary Post channels. He joined the parade of tech moguls at Trumps inauguration. Amazon is paying Melania Trump for a $40 million documentary about her life, a project that was discussed over dinner during a December visit to Mar-a-Lago. It was quite a turn for the same man who once beamed as he took in the gala premiere of The Post, the film about Katharine Graham standing up to Nixon.

People say its Invasion of the Body Snatchers, said one Washington observer who had a close view of Bezos local forays. Something snapped with him.

The whiplash has caused chaos at the Post, which has seen an exodus of top talent and come under sharp criticism from onetime loyalists like former editor Martin Baron, whose memoir depicted Bezos as standing steadfast in the face of very real financial pressure from the first Trump administration. Baron has accused Bezos of being driven by cowardice in the face of White House intimidation. (A Bezos representative declined to comment for this story.)



Beyond the Post, the same dynamic has turned Bezos into the subject of a Beltway pop-psychology parlor game: What turned a guy who publicly revered Washingtons folkways into a man who seems eager to dis them?

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In some accounts, it was Bezos divorce from civic-minded Mackenzie Scott and subsequent engagement to glamorous Lauren Sanchez that turned him against the Beltway style (and motivated him to develop a physique thats more Channing Tatum than Bob Woodward). In this theory, he clocked us as small-timers and split for Miami.

According to another version, it was the Biden administrations business policies that prompted Bezos to join his fellow tech tycoons who soured on the D.C. graybeards who dominated the White House. And theres yet another theory that, like a lot of wealthy media owners, he just got sick and tired of what he came to see as pious, change-averse journalism lifers  and turned on the whole D.C. cast of characters as an extension of that dynamic.

I think the answer is something totally different: The core of Bezos didnt change. The rules of Washington did.



People who know Bezos say he actually never cared much for Washington. As a tech mogul, he shared the same leave-me-alone economic views and contempt for bureaucratic proceduralism as younger titans like Elon Musk  only he had better social skills and a more rounded education (plus a nerdy interest in history) that made him a lot more presentable in Beltway circles.

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On the other hand, hes also intensely practical  understanding that there are certain best practices about how to work with Washington, perhaps optional for a news magnate but essential for a business leader.

These qualities meant that when Bezos spoke up as an ambassador for the news organization he purchased, he did so in a way that didnt trash the place. He waxed reverential about civic heroes like Graham, buying a replica of a clothes-wringer for the newsroom to commemorate her defiance of Nixon administration threats that shed get her tit caught in a wringer for permitting aggressive coverage. He visited with legendary Post editor Ben Bradlee, then suffering from dementia. He acquired the lock that the Watergate burglars broke, which sold at auction for $62,000.





Of course, you could note that just about any owner would praise the iconic history of a venerable new property. But in Washington, particularly as the norm-busting first Trump administration took office, displays of respect for the old order touched yet another sweet spot for an anxious, needy Beltway establishment. Especially because Bezos, who may well have lost out on a multibillion-dollar Pentagon contract because Trump didnt like the Posts coverage, seemed to walk the walk. He was the one who came up with the Democracy Dies in Darkness slogan.

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But theres a less romantic way of explaining his bravery: It was also the smart move.

In those days, the betting was that the Trump term might just be a blip, and the old, institutionalist culture would reassert itself, perhaps stronger than ever. HQ2, after all, was being built not far from the Pentagon whose contracts were worth a mint to Bezos firms. For a tycoon with multiple interests, from Amazon to Blue Origin, being seen in Washington as someone who respected tradition remained the savvy play. This culture was a powerful restraint on a mogul who might otherwise have demanded to get his way.

Thats not the case any longer  and Bezos may have realized it before the Washington old guard.

Trumps reelection last year followed a sea change in perceptions about how to play the Beltway game. The Biden era never left a mark on the towns style and expectations, even when Trump was exiled to Florida. As it became clear in 2023 and 2024 that the supposedly disgraced 45th president really could become the 47th, it drove home a change in the culture of Washington respectability that dovetailed with a change in media.

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The old rules rewarded wealthy types who made their mark through nonpartisan philanthropy, traditional media ownership, and big business investments like HQ2. The new world is defined by ideological media and ostentatious displays of loyalty to the people in power. For the new cast of oligarchs putting in D.C. face-time its less about acting as the courtly bipartisan convener and more about making nice with the administration.

You see these new rules on display all over the place nowadays. Not far from Bezos mansion, a new cohort of moguls like Mark Zuckerberg and Peter Thiel have bought their own houses. As I reported earlier this month, Zuckerberg matched Bezos by buying his own $23 million home, which high-end realtors said is part of a trend of oligarchs buying in D.C. to cultivate Trumps favor. Theres little Washington-fantasy speculation about the mansions becoming new epicenters of bipartisan comity; their owners arent here to win over the book-party crowd. Likewise, in the media, prime interviews with administration figures, and potentially prime seats in the briefing room, are going to sharply partisan outlets. Theres little evidence that old-school rectitude is a way to boost influence.

Is it any wonder that a practical sort like Bezos, someone who has a multitude of diverse interests, would adjust his moves to this new set of conventions?

Thats the balance that has tipped. Trump 2.0 is different from the first term, said Cameron Barr, a former managing editor who earlier this year severed relations with the Post over Bezos announcement that he wouldnt run any opinion pieces that arent pro-market and pro-civil liberties. The power balance is different. The mechanics of how to work with Washington have changed.

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Barr is among the Post veterans who think it would be better if Bezos divested himself of the company. Yet he doesnt sound like that would guarantee a better outcome for someone who wants to see the publication thrive. I think its possible to have a worse owner, even now, than Jeff Bezos, so I say that with some trepidation.

Thats partly because the new rules of Washington mean that many of the deep-pocketed people who could buy it would wind up susceptible to the same set of pressures that enabled Bezos to defy the old norms.

Which brings us back to the early days of Bezos tenure and the exciting prospect that he might remake the capital in ways very different from what wound up happening. In retrospect, it all feels a bit like The Music Man. Smitten by a made-up image that suited the capitals various insecurities, perhaps we were too excited to note that he was just playing by the rules. Even worse, a lot of people only realized too late that the rules had changed.
TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11)  The Jones Road wildfire is prompting some Trenton lawmakers to speak up.

The biggest public safety and environmental crisis our State is facing today is wildfire, said Republican Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, who this week called on the Assembly Environmental Committee to convene for a hearing on wildfire preparedness.

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Whether you have an arsonist or an accidental fire, our forests should not be going up in flames to the speed and the degree that they are, said Inganamort (R-NJ 24th District).

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It wasnt long after the Jennings Creek wildfire along the New York-New Jersey border last November that Inganamort initially called for a hearing. He says hes also going to be introducing legislation to increase the amount of prescribed burns, which can help slow the spread of a wildfire.

I think we need to more proactively manage our forests and the best way to do that is through controlled prescribed burns by professionals who know what theyre doing, said Inganamort.

Republican State Senators Parker Space and Latham Tiver are also making a call for a hearing, a sentiment supported by Republican Assemblyman Greg Myhre, who represents Lacey, Barnegat, and Waretown.

Its more important than ever, said Myhre (R-NJ 9th District). We got unlucky and lucky at the same time with this one. So we dont want the next one to be worse than this.

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Meanwhile, Democratic Assemblyman James Kennedy expresses concerns about potential federal funding cuts impacting wildfire preparedness. He told PIX11 News in a statement, in part:

For the federal government to suggest a reduction to these critical firefighting resources is deeply concerning. These brave individuals face life-threatening situations. Now is not the time to scale back  every time an alarm sounds, we want to ensure that we give firefighters every possible tool and resource to protect both lives and property. -Assemblyman James Kennedy (D-NJ 22nd District).

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A 19-year-old New Jersey man has been accused of arson in connection to what could become the states largest wildfire in 20 years.

As the Jones Road fire, which started on Tuesday, has continued to grow to approximately 15,000 acres, a new map shows the expansive reach of its flames around Ocean County. Since the fires start, evacuation orders have been lifted for the approximately 5,000 residents who were affected in both Lacey and Ocean Townships.

While no injuries have been reported in connection with the wildfire, the blaze has closed the nearby Wells Mills Park. Several roads remain impacted by road closures in the area, including Bryant Road and Jones Road.

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The blaze started early this week and seemed to catch locals off guard

When I was coming down the parkway from Toms River it was super smoky, Lisa Sofsky told NBC 10. Thats when I realized it was a fire. So, I had no idea.

A map shows the boundaries of the Jones Road wildfire on Thursday morning. The 15,000-acre blaze is now 50 percent contained (New Jersey Forest Fire Service/Facebook)

While evacuation orders have been lifted, firefighters are still working to fight the more than 15,000-acre Jones Road fire. The blaze started in Ocean County, New Jersey. (AP)

Ocean Townships Joseph Kling, 19, has been accused of starting a massive wildfire in New Jersey this week. He was charged with arson (Ocean County Jail)

The fire now runs just west of Ocean Township, New Jersey, near Lacey Township. That is about an hours drive from Atlantic City. The map shows the fire is mostly in a preserve or park area away from major population areas.

New Jersey has some of the most volatile wildland fire fuels in the entire country, New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said, according to Asbury Park Press. Everybodys used to seeing California and things like that, that chaparral that burns up the hills and goes crazy. These Pine Barrens out here are the exact same type of fuel model. Theyre just like having napalm spread across the ground.

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The blaze has destroyed a commercial building and multiple outbuildings and vehicles. Eight other structures remain threatened, and a complete damage assessment is underway. Responding with fire engines, helicopters, and bulldozers, crews have since made progress, and the Jones Road fire is now 50 percent contained.

Bob Nosti, owner of Liberty Door and Awning, was one of the people that lost his building to the fire. He told the Park Press he initially thought the fire wouldnt impact him.

Earlier in the day  it was a couple towns south of here, all I know is that it moved pretty quick, Nosti told the outlet. Then all of a sudden, my building was gone an hour later, he said. Its gut-wrenching for sure, but well be all right. Well rebuild  and well build it bigger and better.

Smoke from the fire has since shifted north, toward New York City. Rain is expected to offer some relief to the tri-state area over the weekend.

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New Jersey Forest Fire Service continues to make progress containing a wildfire burning in Ocean and Lacey Townships, Ocean County, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said Thursday.

Fire officials said they would provide their next major update on the arrest and the wildfire at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Evacuation orders have been lifted for the approximately 5,000 residents - but the blaze continues to churn (AP)

The blaze has destroyed a commercial building and multiple outbuildings and vehicles. Eight other structures remain threatened, and a complete damage assessment is underway (REUTERS)

Joseph Kling, of Ocean Township, was charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection with the Jones Road fire, according to state authorities.

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office said the cause of the fire was determined to be an improperly extinguished fire.

Further investigation has revealed that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire - and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished, it said in a post on Facebook.

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Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township Police Headquarters before being transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the prosecutors office noted.
Every year, the Orlando Sentinel asks community members to help us identify the heroes who make the biggest difference in local lives: The ones whose leadership, innovation and courage provide an inspiration to others. And from these nominees, we choose a group, those whose talents and dedication demand recognition, to honor as Central Floridian of the Year finalists. Over the coming weeks, well introduce you to these remarkable individuals  and at the end, well introduce you to our choice for Central Floridian of the Year.

Every time JJ and Alison Holmes set off for Tallahassee, he says the same thing: This will be the last time.

Its a long trip, particularly at the crack of dawn. And JJ and his mother know that all this work  finding parking, negotiating their way into the Capitol, getting into the committee room where they intend to testify  will buy them each a minute or maybe three to make their sharpest and most focused pitch, to politicians who likely have no intention of doing what they ask. Its a trek theyve made at least five times in the current legislative session.

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Its a grueling trip. JJ, who has severe cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and has little use of his hands or his voice, communicating with words chosen by tapping a tablet with his nose. But that doesnt stop him from speaking out. And along the way, their combined voices  Alisons lilting Scottish accent and the mechanical voice that utters JJs chosen words  have made a powerful impact on state leaders.

They are incredibly well-regarded in Tallahassee, says veteran political consultant Steve Schale, who has known JJ since he was 12 years old. JJ understands he has a story, and if he leans into his story he can make change.

The pair were on point at an April 15 meeting of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, where Alison Holmes offered a statistic-packed condemnation of state services for Floridians with disabilities and her son providing the grand slam hit.

My name is JJ Holmes, he said.

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Im a 21-year-old college student and I spent almost my whole life sitting on a waiting list  not because I wanted to, but because Florida decided that services for people with developmental disabilities should be harder to get than front-row Taylor Swift tickets. But now, after finally getting the help I waited so long for, Florida wants to switch us all to managed care. Do you know that managed care companies actually get a bonus from the Legislature each year as long as they dont spend their whole budget? To me thats like paying firefighters a bonus if they use less water when theyre putting out fires, even if it means letting some of the houses burn to the ground.

I didnt wait nearly two decades just to get auctioned off to a managed care company that knows the more help I need, the less money they make.  Ive worked really hard to figure out a life for myself in a world that wasnt built for me. And Im here begging you not to take it away from me. When you let a managed care company decide what Im worth, theyre not looking at my potential, theyre just checking out my price tag  and if the numbers dont add up, theyll cut corners and contract with the cheapest providers they can find.

If you think the (health care program for people with disabilities) needs some improving, start by talking to the people living it instead of the ones trying to cash in on it.

On the four-hour trip home, Alison knows what to listen for. Maybe theyll make one more trip, JJ says.

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Every hero has an origin story, and for JJ Holmes, it started at the age of 12. Hed watched Donald Trump  at the time, campaigning for his first term as president  mocking a reporter with a physical disability. He heard Trump was coming to Tampa for a rally. He wanted to go.

And he did not intend to be polite. My teachers always taught me to stand up to bullies, he says. Whether its a fellow student or the president of the United States. So when he rolled into the rally, he was equipped with a Hillary Clinton sign and an anti-Trump message. What happened next made national headlines: Inside the rally, he was greeted with hostility. Trump himself singled him out for mockery and then called for both Holmes to be ousted. On the way out, Alison says, Trump fans jeered and jostled his wheelchair.

The story quickly got out, with a local reporter contacting people close to President Barack Obama  including Schale, who was one of the people who helped arrange a meeting between the Holmes family and Obama at an Orlando appearance the next day. Schale took a photo of the meeting, and its hard to say who was beaming the most  the president, or the boy he had his arm wrapped around.

Now JJ Holmes is a man, but his passion for advocacy hasnt abated. Hes studying political science, and says hes not ruling out a run for office himself. Thats a future local politicians  who have been listening to JJ and Alison Holmes for years  can easily foresee. Hes smart, hes funny, and hes not afraid to be critical, says state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando Democrat who accompanied JJ when he first registered to vote.

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Both JJ and his mother are worried about the future. Caring for her son has taken a toll on Alisons health, and it bothers him to see her in pain, he says. Cruelly, she is also denied access to affordable health care: She cant afford health insurance, but makes too much to qualify for Medicaid.

So thats their next big battle. Mother and son are actively supporting a proposed amendment to Floridas Constitution that would command state leaders to expand coverage for those who fall into that gap.

As with their legislative advocacy, they know this will be a challenge. Florida lawmakers have consistently raised the bar for citizen initiatives to make the ballot.

But the Holmes duo has faced barriers before. And they say they will keep fighting  as long as they can, any way that they can. I only have one life, JJ Holmes says. Why not live it in joy?

kfluker@orlandosentinel.com
A woman visiting Dallas told the cops she was randomly ambushed by a homeless man. The incident itself was shocking but the alleged motive behind the ambush was even more startling.

The woman, who identified herself as Kristin, told WFAA News she was in Dallas on April 18 when the incident occurred. Considering shes described to be an elite distance runner, Kristin set her eyes on the Katy Trail which runs through the city alongside the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad.

However, what was planned to be a simple morning jog to keep the muscles warm turned very quickly into a nightmare.

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Kristin tells the outlet around 8 a.m. she left the Adolphus Hotel. While waiting at the light on the corner of North Akard Street and Pacific Avenue, she said suddenly everything went dark. She opened her eyes moments later with a bloodied chin, bruised nose and scratched elbows.

Kristin immediately went back to the hotel to seek assistance. The report says police responded to the scene and managed to pull video footage to help her put the pieces together. They discovered a man was following her while her back was turned and randomly punched her in the face before fleeing down the street.

The police later identified the culprit as 29-year-old Kevin DeWayne Simmons, a local unhoused individual who is allegedly a known offender. Larry Gordon, the chief of public safety for Downtown Dallas Inc., told WFAA he was involved in a few assaults before this one but no one would prosecute him.

We dont have all the details of his prior run-ins with the law or why he allegedly has a pattern of being violent. However, this time, he gave police a reason behind the alleged assault.

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God told him to hit the lady, Simmons said, per an affidavit. Well, thats certainly a hard defense to prove.

He was slapped with a misdemeanor of assault with bodily injury. However, Kristin and her husband want more action to be taken.

We were shocked to learn that the assailant is currently being charged with only a Class A misdemeanor. The nature of this attack  the force, the physical disparity, the element of surprise, and the resulting loss of consciousness  clearly warrants a felony-level charge under Texas Penal Code  22.02 for Aggravated Assault. This incident could have killed her. And if the law allows unconsciousness to qualify as serious bodily injury, then justice must reflect the gravity of what occurred, wrote Kristins husband in a letter, via WFAA.

Simmons is currently being held in Dallas County Jail on a $1,500 bond.

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John Bolton, Donald Trumps former national security adviser, slammed the president on Wednesday after he claimed that he had no favorites in Russias war on Ukraine.

Well, of course hes got favorites and his favorite is not Russia, his favorite is Vladimir Putin, whom he thinks is his friend, said Bolton in an interview with CNNs Kaitlan Collins.

Bolton  a frequent Trump critic since the president pushed him out of his first administration  went after his former boss, who told reporters in the Oval Office that he doesnt care if a ceasefire deal would pressure Kyiv to recognize Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

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Look, I just want to see the war end. I dont care, Trump claimed.

If theyre both happy, they both signed an agreement, I have no favorites. I dont want to have any favorites. I want to have a deal done.

Collins reported that Trump, as his 100th day in office approaches next week, has grown increasingly frustrated that a peace agreement between the countries has proven to be so elusive.

The president told reporters that the U.S. has to get a deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that he thought it would be easier to deal with him, but it has instead been harder.

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Trump also took to his Truth Social platform on Thursday, where he criticized Zelenskyy for being very harmful to the peace negotiations due to his pushback toward the U.S. proposal for Kyiv to recognize Russias illegal seizure of the Crimean Peninsula.

Bolton noted that Trump has already made major concessions to the Russians.

He then pointed to the presidents rejection of the U.S. position on Ukraine, both in terms of recognizing its sovereignty and talk of the country becoming a member of NATO.

This basically lays down central elements of what Russia already wants and that has affected the negotiations, which, by the way, have been more about a ceasefire than a permanent peace settlement, Bolton said.

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A permanent deal is a long way away.

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Phoenix TV: Weve been hearing the U.S. say that China and the U.S. are having talks and even about to reach a deal. Can you confirm whether the two sides are in talks?

Guo Jiakun: None of that is true. For all I know, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal.

This tariff war is launched by the U.S. Chinas position is consistent and clear: We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors are open, if the U.S. wants to talk. Dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.

China News Service: Its reported that during the state visit to China by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, China and Azerbaijan signed a mutual visa exemption agreement. What is Chinas comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China and Azerbaijan are good friends who treat each other with sincerity and trust, and good partners who see each other as equals and pursue mutual benefit. Under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, the two countries have seen ever-deepening cooperation in various areas. During President Aliyevs visit to China, the two governments officially signed the agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports. This will further facilitate cross-border travel, build closer bond between the two peoples, and deepen the China-Azerbaijan comprehensive strategic partnership.

AFP: A U.S. army intelligence analyst was sentenced to seven-year imprisonment on Wednesday for providing sensitive defense information to China, including documents about weapon systems and military tactics. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: Im not familiar with what you mentioned.

Global Times: Its reported that in a recent statement, the Philippines asserted that no permission was sought from, nor granted by, China for the conduct of its resupply mission to Renai Jiao on March 4 and said that it does not recognize Beijings authority over Renai Jiao. Whats Chinas response?

Guo Jiakun: China has sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, which include Renai Jiao, and their adjacent waters. Chinas position on how to handle the current situation at Renai Jiao is clear and consistent. First, by keeping its warship grounded at Renai Jiao for decades running, the Philippines has been violating Chinas sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). We demand that the Philippines tow away the warship. Second, between now and when the warship is towed away, should the Philippines need to send living necessities, China is willing to allow it in a humanitarian spirit if the Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted. Third, if the Philippines were to send large amount of construction materials to the warship and attempt to build fixed facilities or permanent outpost, China will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with the law and regulations.

On the basis of the above principled position, last July, China reached provisional arrangement with the Philippines on humanitarian resupply of living necessities. Since then, based on the provisional arrangement, the Philippine side has conducted seven resupply missions of living necessities. The entire process was monitored by China Coast Guard. China had been informed of the resupply before it was carried out, and confirmed on-the-scene that the Philippine vessel carried only humanitarian living necessities.

The Chinese side will continue to firmly defend Chinas sovereignty and rights and interests. We urge the Philippines not to take for granted Chinas active effort to get the situation at sea under control, honor its commitments, and stop flip-flopping on them and creating troubles.

AFP: We are seeing reports that Manilas National Security Council today said that there were indications of Chinas possible interference in the Philippines elections in May. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries domestic affairs. We have no interest in interfering in Philippine elections.

Reuters: Is China planning to send anyone to the Popes funeral and if so, who will attend?

Guo Jiakun: I have no information to share at the moment.

Beijing Youth Daily: It was reported that giant pandas He Feng and Lan Yun arrived at Schonbrunn Zoo in Austria yesterday as a continuation of China-Austria cooperation on giant panda research. This is also the first international cooperation project on giant panda conservation launched in 2025. What is your comment?

Guo Jiakun: We learned that giant pandas He Feng and Lan Yun arrived at Schonbrunn Zoo in Austria on the afternoon of April 23, Beijing time, marking the start of a new round of China-Austria cooperation on giant panda conservation and renewing the 20-plus years of panda friendship between the two peoples.

As the first international cooperation project on giant panda conservation launched this year, China-Austria cooperation on giant panda conservation fully illustrates a sound cooperation mechanism built by the two countries and fruitful outcomes it has yielded. Giant panda is not only a national treasure of China but also emissaries and bridges for friendship. Giant panda conservation is not only a shining hallmark of Chinas ecological conservation and a successful story of global wildlife conservation, but also instrumental in enhancing people-to-people friendship. China is ready to work with international partners to continue our exchanges and cooperation in the protection of giant pandas and other endangered species, and make even greater contributions to global ecological conservation.

AFP: Boeing CEO confirmed on Wednesday that China had stopped accepting new aircraft due to the U.S.-China trade war. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm this and do you have a comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: Id refer you to competent authorities on that.

Reuters: The Peoples Bank of China governor and the Finance Minister are reportedly in Washington for the IMF meeting. Are there any meetings planned with members of the Trump administration while theyre in Washington?

Guo Jiakun: China has released information about the Chinese delegations attendance at the relevant meeting. As for your specific question, Id refer you to competent authorities.

Reuters: The South Korean government expressed concerns yesterday about the Chinese fishing structure in the Yellow Sea. Is there any comment from the Foreign Ministry?

Guo Jiakun: We have made clear Chinas position on this issue multiple times. As for the remarks made by the ROK that you just mentioned, I would like to point out that what China set up in the provisional measures zone (PMZ) are the aquaculture facilities. And relevant activities of China are consistent with Chinas domestic law and international law. They do not contravene the China-ROK Fishery Agreement and have nothing to do with maritime delimitation. China is ready to continue to strengthen dialogue and communication with the ROK to properly handle relevant issues.

NHK: I also have a question about tariffs. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration may reduce tariffs on Chinese imports in some cases by more than half. Additionally, President Trump said it depends on China how soon the tariffs can come down. What is your reaction to this news and statement?

Guo Jiakun: I just made clear Chinas position. Let me stress again that this tariff war is launched by the U.S., and Chinas attitude is consistent and clear. If a negotiated solution is truly what the U.S. wants, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing China, and seek dialogue based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.

AFP: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that Beijings export reliant economic model is unsustainable and harms both China and the rest of the world. What is the Foreign Ministrys comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: The truth, which is clear to all, is that the U.S. tariffs are seriously undermining the WTO rules and harming the common interests of all countries.

Reuters: South Korea said that DeepSeek is transferring user data and prompts without consent out of the country. Any comment from the Foreign Ministry?

Guo Jiakun: Im not familiar with the exact situation that you mentioned, but let me stress that the Chinese government takes data privacy and security very seriously and protects it in accordance with the law. We have never asked and will never ask any company or individual to collect or store data for the Chinese government against laws. China has all along opposed moves to overstretch the concept of national security or politicize trade and tech issues. Meanwhile, we will also firmly protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.
SEOUL, April 24 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's former President Moon Jae-in, serving as president between 2017 and 2022, was indicted by prosecutors over an alleged bribery charge, local media said Thursday.

According to the prosecution, Moon's former son-in-law, surnamed Seo, had worked for a budget carrier, Thai Eastar Jet, between August 2018 and March 2020 and had been paid about 150 million won (104,600 U.S. dollars) in salary and 65 million won (45,300 dollars) in residence benefits.

Former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik of the liberal Democratic Party was appointed as chief of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency before Seo's employment at the airline, established by the lawmaker.

Prosecutors saw the payment of Seo's salary and benefits as a bribe to the former president, who allegedly stopped providing financial support to his daughter's family, including the former son-in-law.

However, the prosecution suspended the indictment of Moon's daughter and former son-in-law.

It was rare for prosecutors to question salary for fair labor, even though there was no problem with Seo's recruitment process found yet.

Youn Kun-young, a Democratic Party lawmaker who worked in the presidential office for Moon, said that the former president described it as an "outrageous and absurd" indictment.

Moon was quoted as saying that it was a political revenge following the removal of former conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, a prosecutor-turned-politician, from office earlier this month.

On April 4, the constitutional court upheld a motion by the parliament to impeach Yoon over his short-lived martial law imposition last December.

With the court's decision, Yoon officially lost all presidential power, and a snap presidential election was scheduled for June 3. 
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  National organizations like the Moose Lodge have been around for decades. Theyve been a key place to go to socialize and participate in projects to help the community throughout history.

As numbers dwindle, Moose Lodge #1831 in Johnson City has found itself in dire straits. Members want to continue their projects, but need help to stay above water.

Now they are trying to stay afloat, and theyre welcoming others to help.

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The Moose Lodge in Johnson City is going through some changes. What was once a bustling club has come upon hard times. But members say they love coming to a familiar place with familiar faces and look forward to meeting new members.

Its really great because they interact with everybody, and everybody is friends, Member Eric Huskins said. We try to introduce our staff to everybody that comes in to make them feel friendly and at home here.

The members wanted to keep the charter and continue their community projects. Moose Lodge #1831 President Kathy Hutton said the members voted to sell their current space on Lakeview Drive to downsize and save money.

We have decided to sell the building to find something smaller, but we dont want to lose our charter, she said. So thats what were working for, to make sure we can find a smaller building, and just maybe we can find something that fits our needs. But that doesnt mean were getting rid of the moose.

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Lodge #1831 Vice President Norman Stevens said they welcome new members as they continue to raise money for their different projects, including providing stuffed animals for children in traumatic situations like the floods and helping veterans.

(Money) has gone down a lot trying to help the people in the neighborhood and all that, he said. We have a veterans place right across the street. We serve them meals and things like that. So its without all the help of the community. Its really hard to support the local causes like we do.

A legacy organization that needs a little help, so it can continue to help others.

The Moose Lodge says they always welcome new members. Everyone is welcome to fill out a form and pay the $60 yearly fee.

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The lodge is hosting a 50th anniversary celebration and fundraiser on Friday at the lodge on Lakeview Drive in Johnson City. You do not need to be a member to attend, and they are welcoming new members.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.  The Johnson County Clerks Office sent a letter to hundreds of residents, apologizing for an issue on the property taxes.

During the tax roll certification process, the county told FOX4 found that the School General Fund Levy had not been included in statements for properties in the Blue Valley School District.

During the tax roll certification process, it was determined that for 254 properties in the Blue Valley School District, the School General Fund levy was not included in the original tax statement for tax years 2023 and 2024, said Andy Hyland, Assistant Director of Public Affairs and Communications for the County Managers Office, in a statement.

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This was omitted in error, and we apologize for the issue. We have completed a thorough review of the process and identified additional opportunities to review and verify the data.

Still, residents are frustrated with the lack of organization.

I just feel outraged that they cannot get it together to figure out they didnt charge this money in the first place, resident Marcy Nemeth said.

One shot, killed in front yard of Northland home; KCPD searching for suspects

Nemeth has lived in the county for 25 years and pays her property taxes every six months. When she checked her December statement, it didnt include the School General Fund.

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This week, she got the letter that shows she now owes $1,100 in taxes for 2023, and more than $1,000 for 2024. Thats all on top of $5,300 in annual property taxes.

The letter says the payment is due on June 3.

How do you expect us to pay $2,200 in one month or two months? Neel Seshan asked.

Seshan claims he got the same letter yesterday, which says he owes around $2,200.

Its going to be a big burden for me right now, he said.

The county said the money adds up to around $350,000 for each of the two years. It represents about 0.2% of the $1.7 billion collected in real estate and personal property taxes countywide.

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Still, Nemeth says she plans to dispute it.

I dont think its right, she said.

Dont mind paying taxes, I paid what they sent me. They sent me a bill, I paid the bill, but when they sent me this stuff from two years ago, I dont think its fair.

The Blue Valley School District said the error wont impact the budget. The districts general fund is fully funded by the state through a formula, so the state used other tax revenue to make up the difference.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Author Russell Shorto often visited St. Marks Church in-the-Bowerys cemetery when he lived in New York Citys East Village neighborhood a quarter-century ago.

It was home to the remains of Peter Stuyvesant, governor of New Netherland, who died in 1672. His presence got Shorto thinking about the Dutch colonys founding and the days of New Amsterdam, which eventually became New York City.

I tend to be drawn to origins, said Shorto, a Johnstown native and current Cumberland, Maryland resident, during a presentation at Heritage Johnstowns Heritage Discovery Center Wednesday.

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From that beginning, the subjects of Dutch history and culture have frequently appeared in Shortos work throughout the years. His most recent book, Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America, was released earlier this year. His other writings on the Dutch include Amsterdam: A History of the Worlds Most Liberal City and The Island at the Center of the World, a predecessor to Taking Manhattan.

His latest book tells the story of when in 1664, Richard Nicolls, a military officer, was sent by the king of England to gain control of the colony. Both sides pointed cannons at each other, ready to fight.

But a compromise that Shorto described as a bill of rights was reached instead between Nicolls and Stuyvesant.

The Dutch had argued for these terms that they would keep their homes, they would keep their families, their businesses, their trade networks all over the world, Shorto, a knight of the Netherlands Order of Orange- Nassau, said. The only thing that would change is the city would become English and Nicholls would become its governor.

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And that was how New Amsterdam became New York City.

The agreement preserved the tolerant and multicultural society established by the Dutch, along with its economic base, all of which Shorto said was the secret sauce that Nicolls wanted. Those two things  a mixed society and this capitalistic economic support  are kind of the recipe for New York, and not just for New York, but for America, because ,eventually New York would become powerful enough that it would influence America, Shorto said.

That created two distinct English centers in the colonies  New York City and the more theocratic, puritanical society in New England.

These two ideologies in a way, if you think about it, are competing with each other throughout all of American history, even to where we are today, Shorto said. I think frankly  this is just my editorializing  I think the country needs both, but it needs to figure out how they can work together.

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When the country has functioned at its best has been times when they can figure out ways for those two to compromise, the way Stuyvesant and Nicholls did in creating something.

The presentation was the latest event in which Shorto has collaborated with Heritage Johnstown.

Certainly, hes been a great friend to our organization over the years, said Shelley Johansson, Heritage Johnstowns director of marketing and communications.

To have an author of his caliber from Johnstown and he writes books that have to do with history, of course its a natural we would want to present him with his newest book any time the opportunity presents itself.
Ottawa County Judge Bradley Knoll | Official court portrait

GRAND HAVEN  An Ottawa County district court judge is facing disciplinary action from the state Judicial Tenure Commission after pleading guilty to a charge of domestic violence last year.

Bradley Knoll was arrested in December 2023 and charged with domestic violence against his wife after an argument escalated over a young relative not getting ready for school.

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Knoll eventually pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor in March 2024.

In a complaint against Knoll filed April 22, the JTC said Knolls guilty plea violated the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct, which requires that all judges follow the law and avoid conduct that erodes public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary.

A second charge in the JTC complaint alleged that Knoll treated the police with disrespect.

FC 107 Knoll Complaint

According to the complaint, Knoll threatened the Grand Haven police officer who responded to the scene, saying that if he was not subsequently prosecuted, an officers ass would be in a sling for a false arrest.

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The complaint requires Knoll to respond by May 6.

The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission investigates complaints of judicial misconduct and incapacity, and can recommend discipline to the Michigan Supreme Court, which has the ability to censure, suspend, retire, or remove a judge from office.

Knoll was first elected in 2002. He was most recently re-elected in November 2020, when he ran unopposed for another six-year term running through December 2026.

He serves as the chief judge of the 58th District Court, after being re-appointed to a two-year term in that role in January 2022.

This will be Knolls last term as judge, because state law requires candidates be under 70 years of age at the time of the election. Knoll turned 70 in 2021.

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  A federal judge in California on Thursday barred the Trump administration from denying or conditioning the use of federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions, saying that portions of President Donald Trump's executive orders were unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge William Orrick issued the injunction sought by San Francisco and more than a dozen other municipalities that limit cooperation with federal immigration efforts.

Orrick wrote that defendants are prohibited from directly or indirectly taking any action to withhold, freeze, or condition federal funds and the administration must provide written notice of his order to all federal departments and agencies by Monday.

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One executive order issued by Trump directs Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to withhold federal money from sanctuary jurisdictions. The second order directs every federal agency to ensure that payments to state and local governments do not abet so-called sanctuary policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation.

At a hearing Wednesday, Justice Department lawyers argued that it was much too early for the judge to grant an injunction when the government had not taken any action to withhold specific amounts or to lay out conditions on specific grants.

But Orrick, who was nominated by President Barack Obama, said this was essentially what government lawyers argued during Trumps first term when the Republican issued a similar order.

Their well-founded fear of enforcement is even stronger than it was in 2017, Orrick wrote, citing the executive orders as well as directives from Bondi, other federal agencies and Justice Department lawsuits filed against Chicago and New York.

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San Francisco successfully challenged the 2017 Trump order and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the lower court that the president exceeded his authority when he signed an executive order threatening to cut funding for sanctuary cities.

Plaintiffs were pleased with the judge's order.

At a time when we continue to see tremendous federal overreach, the Courts ruling affirms that local governments can serve their mission and maintain trust with the communities they care for," said Tony LoPresti, counsel for Santa Clara County, in a statement.

It's unclear if federal agencies will abide by the order. On Thursday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a reminder to recipients of federal transportation funding that they are expected to follow federal law, including on immigration enforcement, or face potential consequences.

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The department did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

There is no strict definition for sanctuary policies or sanctuary cities, but the terms generally describe limited cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE enforces immigration laws nationwide but seeks state and local help in alerting federal authorities of immigrants wanted for deportation and holding that person until federal officers take custody.

Leaders of sanctuary jurisdictions say their communities are safer because immigrants feel they can communicate with local police without fear of deportation. It is also a way for municipalities to focus their dollars on crime locally, they say.

Besides San Francisco and Santa Clara County, which includes a third plaintiff, the city of San Jose, there are 13 other plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which include Seattle and King County, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota; New Haven, Connecticut; and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline camp north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 3, 2016, outside Cannon Ball, N.D. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A federal judge has ordered the United States government to pay North Dakota nearly $28 million dollars, finding that the executive branch abandoned the rule of law in its response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests of 2016 and 2017.

In the lawsuit, filed in 2019, North Dakota requested $38 million in damages from the United States government  the total sum it claims it paid for policing and cleaning up the demonstrations.

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In a long-awaited decision filed Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor sided with the state, finding the Corps at fault for negligence, public nuisance and civil trespass claims.

More Dakota Access Pipeline coverage

While North Dakota was drowning in the chaos of the protests, the United States dropped an anvil into the pool and turned up the turmoil, he wrote in a nearly 120-page order.

Thousands came to south-central North Dakota to protest the construction of the crude oil pipeline in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which views the project as a looming environmental hazard and an encroachment upon Native territory. It has also accused the pipeline of disrupting sacred cultural sites.

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Demonstrators set up camp near where the pipeline crosses beneath Lake Oahe  a reservoir on the Missouri River managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers less than a half-mile upstream from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Opponents urged the Army Corps of Engineers  and later, the federal courts  to deny the pipelines developer, Energy Transfer, the land easement necessary to cross Lake Oahe.

The largest demonstration camp was located on land managed by the Corps.

The protests lasted from spring of 2016 to February of 2017, when former Gov. Doug Burgum ordered protesters to evacuate the land.

Traynor wrote the Army Corps was legally required to enforce its property rights as soon as it became aware of the protests  either by requiring the demonstrators to obtain a permit to use its land or forcing the protesters to leave.

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Early on in the demonstrations, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe was in talks with the Army Corps about obtaining a special use permit, but those negotiations fell through, witnesses testified during the trial last year.

In September 2016, the Corps published a press release stating the permit had been granted, despite that the tribe never completed the application process.

Had the Corps followed through with the permit, the agency could have prevented millions in damages to the state, Traynor continued. Such a permit could have required demonstrators to handle cleanup, incentivized protest leaders to prevent damage to the land and prohibited protesters from establishing permanent structures at the campsites, he reasoned. He said the agency could have closed its land if protesters refused to comply with these requirements.

The Wednesday ruling expands on a prior order published in December 2023, in which Traynor held that the Army Corps had violated its own permitting procedures by not requiring protesters to obtain the permit.

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Traynor found that the Corps decision to allow protesters to use its land  coupled with the press release, which he characterized as an endorsement of the demonstrations  prolonged and intensified the movement.

The United States argued other factors were responsible for the protests rise in popularity, like the Corps pending decision on the pipeline easement, the tribes historic claims to the land and national media attention. Winona LaDuke, an Indigenous environmental activist, testified during the trial that the Corps actions surrounding the permit and press release did not affect her decision to be at the camp, for example.

Traynor in his Wednesday order called these elements red herrings and immaterial to the Corps fault in the protests.

Certainly, protesters had their own independent incentives for why they protested, Traynor wrote, but as discussed above, the facts as adduced at trial show protesters were supported, enabled, and encouraged by the Corps granting of the de facto special use permit that gave protesters a refuge from which they could conduct repeated illegal and illicit activities.

The United States has argued that the Corps responded the best it could in an extraordinary situation, and that it did not know the protests would unfold the way they did.

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Traynor in his decision rejected this claim, finding that evidence presented at trial showed that the U.S. government knew early on that the demonstrations could balloon in size and become unruly.

North Dakota on multiple occasions asked for federal law enforcement to assist with managing the demonstrations, which Traynor said indicates the United States was aware that the protests posed a safety threat.

The United States also said that it cannot be held liable for the damages because the protests were protected speech.

Traynor said that while some protesters engaged in protected speech, the damages at issue in the lawsuit are not covered by the First Amendment since they resulted from violent behavior. He also noted the United States cannot use the First Amendment protections as a defense when no protesters are party to the case.

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The damages here were caused by tumultuous, unsanitary, and otherwise horrific conditions that caused significant violence to the land and responding law enforcement officers, he wrote.

Participants in the protest, including those who testified during the trial, emphasized that not all were violent. Demonstrators also objected to the response of law enforcement in riot gear and tactics of private security personnel.

Traynor reduced the award to North Dakota by $10 million, since the U.S. government had already awarded the state a grant of that size to offset the cost of its emergency response to the protests.

The state also received a $15 million donation from pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners in connection to the protests.

Traynors decision comes more than a year after the case went to trial.

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During the four-week trial, which kicked off in February 2024, the court heard from a wide-ranging cast of witnesses  including Burgum and former Gov. Jack Dalrymple, Native activists, federal officials and law enforcement.

It was not immediately clear whether the United States government would appeal Traynors decision. The Corps did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Attorney General Drew Wrigley called the decision a major win for North Dakota taxpayers and the rule of law.

As outlined in trial testimony and Judge Traynors ruling, decisions made by the Obama administration emboldened protesters and ultimately caused millions of dollars in damage to North Dakota, while endangering the health and safety of North Dakota communities, families and law enforcement officers who responded to the protests, Armstrong and Wrigley said in a joint statement.

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Lake Oahe is the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes primary source of water. The pipelines path also includes unceded land recognized as belonging to the Sioux Nation under an 1851 treaty with the U.S. government.

The Dakota Access Pipeline has been in operation since 2017. In a lawsuit brought against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by Standing Rock in 2016, a federal judge found that the Army Corps had violated the law by granting DAPL an easement without first conducting a full environmental review of the pipeline, which is required under the National Environmental Policy Act.

The judge vacated the easement and ordered the pipeline to be drained of oil until the Army Corps could complete an environmental impact study. A higher court in 2021 upheld the decision to pull the easement but ruled that DAPL could remain in operation, concluding that Standing Rock had not shown it is likely to suffer irreparable harm if the pipeline is not shuttered.

The environmental impact study is still in progress.

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A separate legal challenge brought by Energy Transfer against environmental group Greenpeace related to the DAPL protests went to trial in February. A nine-person jury of Morton County residents found Greenpeace liable for more than $660 million in damages.

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Opponents of the Dakota Access Pipeline camp north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on Dec. 3, 2016, outside Cannon Ball, N.D. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A federal judge has ordered the United States government to pay North Dakota nearly $28 million, finding that the executive branch abandoned the rule of law in its response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests of 2016 and 2017.

In the lawsuit, filed in 2019, North Dakota requested $38 million in damages from the United States government  the total sum it claims it paid for policing and cleaning up the demonstrations.

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In a long-awaited decision filed Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor sided with the state, finding the Corps at fault for negligence, public nuisance and civil trespass claims.

While North Dakota was drowning in the chaos of the protests, the United States dropped an anvil into the pool and turned up the turmoil, he wrote in a nearly 120-page order.

Thousands came to south-central North Dakota to protest the construction of the crude oil pipeline in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which views the project as a looming environmental hazard and an encroachment upon Native territory. It has also accused the pipeline of disrupting sacred cultural sites.

Demonstrators set up camp near where the pipeline crosses beneath Lake Oahe  a reservoir on the Missouri River managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers less than a half-mile upstream from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. Opponents urged the Army Corps of Engineers  and later, the federal courts  to deny the pipelines developer, Energy Transfer, the land easement necessary to cross Lake Oahe.

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The largest demonstration camp was located on land managed by the Corps.

The protests lasted from spring of 2016 to February of 2017, when former Gov. Doug Burgum ordered protesters to evacuate the land.

Traynor wrote the Army Corps was legally required to enforce its property rights as soon as it became aware of the protests  either by requiring the demonstrators to obtain a permit to use its land or forcing the protesters to leave.

Early on in the demonstrations, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe was in talks with the Army Corps about obtaining a special use permit, but those negotiations fell through, witnesses testified during the trial last year.

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In September 2016, the Corps published a press release stating the permit had been granted, despite that the tribe never completed the application process.

Had the Corps followed through with the permit, the agency could have prevented millions in damages to the state, Traynor continued. Such a permit could have required demonstrators to handle cleanup, incentivized protest leaders to prevent damage to the land and prohibited protesters from establishing permanent structures at the campsites, he reasoned. He said the agency could have closed its land if protesters refused to comply with these requirements.

The Wednesday ruling expands on a prior order published in December 2023, in which Traynor held that the Army Corps had violated its own permitting procedures by not requiring protesters to obtain the permit.

Traynor found that the Corps decision to allow protesters to use its land  coupled with the press release, which he characterized as an endorsement of the demonstrations  prolonged and intensified the movement.

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The United States argued other factors were responsible for the protests rise in popularity, like the Corps pending decision on the pipeline easement, the tribes historic claims to the land and national media attention. Winona LaDuke, an Indigenous environmental activist, testified during the trial that the Corps actions surrounding the permit and press release did not affect her decision to be at the camp, for example.

Traynor in his Wednesday order called these elements red herrings and immaterial to the Corps fault in the protests.

Certainly, protesters had their own independent incentives for why they protested, Traynor wrote, but as discussed above, the facts as adduced at trial show protesters were supported, enabled, and encouraged by the Corps granting of the de facto special use permit that gave protesters a refuge from which they could conduct repeated illegal and illicit activities.

The United States has argued that the Corps responded the best it could in an extraordinary situation, and that it did not know the protests would unfold the way they did.

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Traynor in his decision rejected this claim, finding that evidence presented at trial showed that the U.S. government knew early on that the demonstrations could balloon in size and become unruly.

North Dakota on multiple occasions asked for federal law enforcement to assist with managing the demonstrations, which Traynor said indicates the United States was aware that the protests posed a safety threat.

The United States also said that it cannot be held liable for the damages because the protests were protected speech.

Traynor said that while some protesters engaged in protected speech, the damages at issue in the lawsuit are not covered by the First Amendment since they resulted from violent behavior. He also noted the United States cannot use the First Amendment protections as a defense when no protesters are party to the case.

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The damages here were caused by tumultuous, unsanitary, and otherwise horrific conditions that caused significant violence to the land and responding law enforcement officers, he wrote.

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Participants in the protest, including those who testified during the trial, emphasized that not all were violent. Demonstrators also objected to the response of law enforcement in riot gear and tactics of private security personnel.

Traynor reduced the award to North Dakota by $10 million, since the U.S. government had already awarded the state a grant of that size to offset the cost of its emergency response to the protests.

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The state also received a $15 million donation from pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners in connection to the protests.

Traynors decision comes more than a year after the case went to trial.

During the four-week trial, which kicked off in February 2024, the court heard from a wide-ranging cast of witnesses  including Burgum and former Gov. Jack Dalrymple, Native activists, federal officials and law enforcement.

It was not immediately clear whether the United States government would appeal Traynors decision. The Corps did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Attorney General Drew Wrigley called the decision a major win for North Dakota taxpayers and the rule of law.

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As outlined in trial testimony and Judge Traynors ruling, decisions made by the Obama administration emboldened protesters and ultimately caused millions of dollars in damage to North Dakota, while endangering the health and safety of North Dakota communities, families and law enforcement officers who responded to the protests, Armstrong and Wrigley said in a joint statement.

Lake Oahe is the Standing Rock Sioux Tribes primary source of water. The pipelines path also includes unceded land recognized as belonging to the Sioux Nation under an 1851 treaty with the U.S. government.

The Dakota Access Pipeline has been in operation since 2017. In a lawsuit brought against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by Standing Rock in 2016, a federal judge found that the Army Corps had violated the law by granting DAPL an easement without first conducting a full environmental review of the pipeline, which is required under the National Environmental Policy Act.

The judge vacated the easement and ordered the pipeline to be drained of oil until the Army Corps could complete an environmental impact study. A higher court in 2021 upheld the decision to pull the easement but ruled that DAPL could remain in operation, concluding that Standing Rock had not shown it is likely to suffer irreparable harm if the pipeline is not shuttered.

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The environmental impact study is still in progress.

A separate legal challenge brought by Energy Transfer against environmental group Greenpeace related to the DAPL protests went to trial in February. A nine-person jury of Morton County residents found Greenpeace liable for more than $660 million in damages.

This story was originally published by the North Dakota Monitor. Like South Dakota Searchlight, its part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@northdakotamonitor.com.
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enacting certain changes to how federal elections are run, which included proof of citizenship in order to register to vote.

In an order Thursday, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly granted a preliminary injunction to stop the citizenship requirement from being implemented immediately while the lawsuit carries on.

The proof of citizenship portion of President Trumps order is similar to the GOP-led Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which requires documentary proof of citizenship when people go to register to vote.

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The order has sparked backlash among critics who argue large numbers of voters will be disenfranchised.

The judge also blocked part of Trumps order that required people enrolled in public assistance programs to have their citizenship assessed before receiving access to the federal voter registration form.

Kollar-Kotelly refused to block part of the order that tightens mail-in ballot deadlines and Trumps order for the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to compare immigration databases and state voter rolls.

Late last month, Trump signed an executive order that said it was his administrations policy to enforce federal law and to protect the integrity of our election process.

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A group of organizations sued the administration to block Trumps order, calling it unconstitutional. The group of plaintiffs, represented in part by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argues that the order violates the Constitutions clause that says states have the authority to determine election procedures, not the president.

This executive order is part of a broader attack on our democratic elections by promoting baseless nativist conspiracy theories, the ALCUs director of its Voting Rights Project, Sophia Lin Lakin, said in a statement. Today, the court blocked a key strategy of this attack. And we will keep fighting to ensure every eligible voter can make their voice heard without interference or intimidation.

The groups noted that the order would complicate lives for many people who are unable to secure a passport but should still be allowed the right to vote. They called for the order to ultimately be struck down.

Michael Gates, who represents the Trump administration, said during an April 17 hearing that a preliminary injunction from the court was not necessary since the order had yet to be implemented and the proof of citizenship requirement would not be part of the process for many months, The Associated Press reported.

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A federal judge on Thursday blocked parts of President Donald Trumps executive order expanding proof-of-citizenship requirements for people registering to vote, saying the president has no constitutional authority to regulate elections.

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly granted a preliminary injunction against some elements of Trumps order after voting rights groups and the Democratic Party brought complaints against it, saying their challenge is likely to prevail.

Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the States  not the President  with the authority to regulate federal elections, she wrote. Consistent with that allocation of power, Congress is currently debating legislation that would effect many of the changes the President purports to order. ... And no statutory delegation of authority to the Executive Branch permits the President to short-circuit Congresss deliberative process by executive order.

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Trumps team has offered almost no defense of the Presidents order on the merits, she continued. Instead, they argue that these suits have been brought by the wrong plaintiffs at the wrong time.

Kollar-Kotelly also granted an injunction on a part of Trumps order requiring federal agencies that register people to vote to assess a persons citizenship before giving them a voter registration form.

A voter fills out a registration card inside the Chicago Early Voting Loop Supersite in downtown Chicago on Oct. 24. via Associated Press

The complaint against Trumps order does not call upon the court to rule on whether Trumps efforts would be legal if implemented, only on whether he has the authority to dictate the policy.

The League of United Latin American Citizens, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, celebrated Thursdays ruling as a major win.

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Todays ruling is a victory for voters across the country - particularly voters of color - and our democracy, its national president, Roman Palomares, said in a statement. Efforts to silence the voice and votes of the U.S. electorate must not stand because our democracy depends on all voters feeling confident that they can vote freely and that their vote will be counted accurately.

Trump signed the executive order in question last month, in part directing federal agencies and officials to change the federal voter registration form to require proof of citizenship. That would require people to present a passport or Real ID when registering to vote.

During the signing ceremony, White House staff secretary Will Scharf called the order the farthest-reaching executive action taken in American history.

The overhaul is based on Trumps false claims that voter fraud is rampant in U.S. elections. In reality, it is very rare, as evidenced by dozens of lawsuits that failed to surface any evidence of widespread fraud after the 2020 presidential election.

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Kollar-Kotelly declined to issue injunctions on other elements of Trumps executive order, including a provision that punishes states for counting some ballots received after Election Day, noting that other courts are reviewing similar lawsuits.

Related...
by Ada Zhang

UNITED NATIONS, April 24 (Xinhua) -- At a UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting on Wednesday, representatives from more than 80 countries expressed their concerns over unilateralism, punitive tariffs and their potential impact on the international economic system.

The Global South voiced its united opposition to unilateral trade measures, stressing that developing countries will be disproportionately impacted by such measures.

The increasing use of unilateral trade measures, including tariffs, is a new form of "economic and political coercion," said Samuel Moncada, Venezuela's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), on behalf of 19 members of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations.

"We strongly caution that in the current context, tariffs will have a severe impact on both targeted nations and on the international trade system, particularly on the right to the development of countries from the Global South, while calling on all responsible members of the international community ahead of these," said Moncada.

Ernesto Soberon Guzman, Cuba's permanent representative to the United Nations, expressed firm opposition to unilateral coercive measures, commercial wars and punitive tariffs, saying that they "violate international law and the UN Charter and impact trade and the global economy."

"These measures are not just unfair, but they make it difficult to achieve Agenda 2030 and the right to development for our peoples. The commercial war could lead to a global recession and worsen the growing threats to the international order, and it will negatively impact primarily developing countries," said Guzman.

European countries echoed similar concerns, warning that the expanded use of tariffs could undermine the rules-based international trade system.

Ioannis Stamatekos, deputy permanent representative of Greece to the United Nations, emphasized the vital role that the multilateral trading system plays in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Stamatekos called for "a recommitment to the principles of transparency, accountability and reciprocity in global trade relations."

Troels Grabow Bay, political coordinator at Denmark's UN Mission, said the expanded use of tariffs has "significant negative effects on the global economy, raises prices for consumers, and disrupts international supply chains."

The Danish representative said that lowering barriers and fostering open markets would encourage innovation, reduce poverty, and provide consumers with more choices at lower prices.

"An open international trade system is not only an economic instrument or model, it is the embodiment of our shared commitment to multilateralism," he said.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, presided over Wednesday's meeting. He warned, "Unilateralism is on the rise, and bullying practices run rampant."

"They seriously impact the UN-centered international system, blatantly challenge the international order underpinned by international law, erode the foundation for sustainable development, and threaten world peace and stability," said Fu.

Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization, believes the high tariffs, economic sanctions, technological blockades and decoupling measures by the United States are severely squeezing the trade space of developing countries, and undermining global progress on poverty alleviation, education and healthcare.

Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, said the U.S. imposition of tariffs "violates multilateralism" and "violates the U.S. Constitution."

"There is no excuse for these unilateral tariffs," Sachs said. "They violate multilateralism, and in my view, they also violate the U.S. Constitution, which gives the power to impose tariffs to Congress, not the president." 
MASURY, Ohio (WKBN)  A Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas judge has denied a motion for a temporary restraining order in a civil complaint filed by Brookfield Township against a business building a gas station and convenience store in Masury.

Judge Ronald Rice denied the temporary restraining order and set the matter for a final pretrial next year  on April 8, 2026.

The townships motion, filed last Friday, asked for an order that the company, Amira Omran, LLC, stop using or allowing others to use Dutch Lane to access the property at 900 Irvine Ave.

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Dutch Lane is a narrow road that runs behind Circle K, between Addison Road and Roberts Street.

According to the court filing, access to and from the property to Dutch Lane is prohibited due to restrictions made when the property was divided. The Trumbull County Engineer testified that there were high accident rates at the intersection of Dutch Lane and Addison Road, court filings stated. Trustees also contend that the road is not constructed for heavy traffic and is creating an immediate danger to the public.

The townships attorney, Cherry Poteet, said the township plans to continue pursuing its case for a permanent injunction.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The third day of witness testimony in Karen Reads retrial came to an abrupt and unexpected end shortly before noon on Thursday after Judge Beverly Cannone said there was confusion over special prosecutor Hank Brennans witnesses.

Read is accused of striking her Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe, with her SUV in January 2022 and leaving him to die alone in the snow outside of a house party in Canton. She has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence, and leaving the scene.

Before Cannone sent the jurors home for the day, Brennan played interview clips that showed Read discussing her alcohol consumption on the night of Jan. 28, 2022, in the hours before the death of OKeefe. She was also shown talking about drinking and driving.

I had like a normal amount, like a vodka tonic every 40 minutes, Read said in one of the clips. In a separate clip, Read described the drinks at C.F. McCarthys as weak.

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It was just a really weak pour, she told one interviewer.

Read said she felt like I was buzzed when she and OKeefe left C.F. McCarthys for the Waterfall.

She also admitted to driving after drinking, saying in a clip played by Brennan, I was fuzzier than I would have been if I had no alcohol.

Read also claimed, I know I wasnt driving recklessly.

Upon completion of the clips, Read and her legal team asked Cannone for permission to approach her bench, and the courtroom camera panned out of view.

When Read and her team sat back down, Cannone told the court, Jurors, there was some confusion with counsel regarding witnesses. Those were the witnesses for today, so were done for today.

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Cannone added, Counsel assures me that wont happen again. More importantly, were on track, were on schedule, and the rest of the day wont interfere with our schedule.

Cannone also announced that jurors will be going on a view on Friday, which means theyll be bused to see sites relevant to the murder case.

Massachusetts State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino also returned to the stand Thursday. As part of the murder investigation, he was tasked with examining Read and OKeefes cellphone data, as well as phones belonging to other witnesses in the case.

Guarino scrutinized call logs between Read and OKeefe, and he read dozens of text messages the couple exchanged in the hours before OKeefes death.

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The texts read aloud by Guarino referenced smoothing things over from something that happened that morning and making plans for the rest of the night. Read and OKeefe texted back and forth about whether or not to meet up, with Read also indicating that she was having problems with her hot water that required help from a plumber.

In one text exchange, OKeefe said he was getting off his phone because Read still hadnt decided if she was going to meet him at C.F. McCarthys in Canton.

Read, referencing their mutual friends Curt Roberts and Michael Camerano, responded, I think the four of us together is toxic to this relationship. Would like to limit it...You said so yourself for probably a year now.

Before Guarino returned to the stand, Brennan questioned Camerano, who testified that he didnt notice any friction between Read and OKeefe at C.F. McCarthys.

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On Wednesday, Johns mother, Peggy OKeefe, was called to the stand, marking the first time that she had spoken publicly since her sons death.

OKeefe did not testify in Reads first trial and has never given any interviews. She was one of four people who took the stand for the prosecution on Day 2 of testimony.

OKeefe described how Read spoke to her over the phone at Good Samaritan Hospital, where her son was pronounced deceased.

As Im walking down, I hear Karen Read yell, Peg, is he dead? Is he dead, Peg? OKeefe testified. I asked her what happened, and she said I. We went to a party. I left him there. I said, You just left him there. She said, Yes"

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Highlights from Day 2 of witness testimony

When leaving court earlier this week, Read expressed confidence in her team of lawyers to reporters.

I feel great, today went well. We prepped hard, and Im just proud of my team. I cant be prouder, and we have the truth, so we forge ahead, Read said.

Prosecutors allege Read intentionally backed into OKeefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense has claimed that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that OKeefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party.

A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.

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The biggest difference in the current trial is the lead prosecutor, Brennan. Brought in as a special prosecutor after the mistrial, the former defense attorney has represented a number of prominent clients, including notorious Boston gangster James Whitey Bulger.

Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

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State biologists examine a manatee that starved to death during the big die-off. (Photo via FWC)

Back in the 1990s, when I was on the criminal court beat, I sat through more murder trials than Perry Mason and Ben Matlock combined.

Every case concerned a tragedy, but occasionally there were moments of comedy. One case involved two hitmen who were so inept, they got lost trying to find their target in St. Petersburg. They were so lost, they wound up in Tampa.

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There was another murder trial of sorts recently that involved inept killers. In April, it reached its startling conclusion.

Criminal trials are always called The State v. The Alleged Killer. Not this one. In this one, the state wasnt the prosecutor. It was the defendant.

The case didnt involve just one death, either, but nearly 2,000. The victims did nothing to deserve their fate. They were manatees, and they starved to death because the seagrass they depend on for food was wiped out by the consequences of human pollution.

The case was styled as Bear Warriors United v. Lambert. Thats as in Alexis Lambert, whom Gov. Ron DeSantis recently appointed as secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Prot well, you cant really say Protection, can you? The agency utterly failed to protect the manatees.

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Because of the DEPs failure, a federal judge ruled on April 11 that the agency had violated the Endangered Species Act. Nobody shouted out Guilty, guilty, guilty!! as in a famous Doonesbury cartoon, but they sure could have.

Katrina Shadix of Bear Warriors United via subject.

In a state where its so hard to ever win anything for the environment in court, said Katrina Shadix, founder of Bear Warriors United, this is a big victory.

The question is: What happens next, in the penalty phase?

We are going to be compelling the state of Florida to care about the Endangered Species Act, predicted Jessica Blome, one of the attorneys who represented the Bear Warriors.

Sewage apocalypse

The scene of the crime for these many manatee murders was the Indian River Lagoon, once considered the most biodiverse estuary in North America.

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The lagoon stretches for 156 miles along Floridas Atlantic coast. It was once blanketed with mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass. In those days, the lagoon boasted more than 600 species of fish and more than 300 kinds of birds, not to mention dolphins and manatees galore.

Marine scientist Peter Barile holds up some of the macroalgae, Caulerpa, that has replaced most of the seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon. (Photo via Peter Barile)

Peter Barile via subject

The water used to be clear and the seagrass abundant, said Peter Barile, a marine scientist who grew up near the shores of the Indian River Lagoon. Now the lagoon is dominated by harmful macroalgae.

He said one particularly bad species called Caulerpa has taken over.

What went wrong? For years, the state and local governments allowed pollution to flow into the lagoon, fueling a series of toxic algae blooms that killed nearly all of the seagrass.

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Leaky septic tanks were a major contributor to the blooms, according to Barile. It didnt have to be that way. In 2010, the Legislature passed a law requiring septic tank owners to get an inspection every five years to make sure they werent polluting the states waterways.

But septic tank owners rebelled, and two years later legislators repealed the inspections  a move the sponsor of the repeal later conceded was a mistake.

Once the algae blooms wiped out their seagrass, the manatees suffered, especially when the weather turned cold and they sought refuge in the warmth of the lagoon. Thats how hundreds of manatees became malnourished. The starvation situation grew so dire, biologists began tossing lettuce out for the hungry manatees to feed on  an unprecedented step.

Despite multiple warnings about what would happen if the seagrass disappeared, Barile said, the state let things go on for decades and let builders and the septic tank industry continue dumping waste, and we got a Sewage Apocalypse.

A state biologist tosses lettuce to feed starving manatees near Cape Canaveral, via FWC

Broken promise

One of the people issuing those warnings over the years was Barile. Among his many attempts to convince decision-makers to do something, he met with a gubernatorial candidate named Ron DeSantis in 2018.

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The candidate seemed open to what Barile was saying. He definitely grasped who would gain from reining in the pollution and promised to fix it.

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If youre doing this right and youre solving the problem, the community stands to reap benefits far in excess of that because youre talking about the fishing industry, youre talking about tourism, youre talking about property values, DeSantis said at the time.

Then, after he was elected, the governor opted NOT to solve the problem.

DeSantis did convene a panel of respected scientists to recommend ways to prevent toxic algae blooms. But when they turned in their recommendations, he ignored nearly all of them.

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Instead, he hired an Israeli company to dump a hydrogen peroxide mixture into our waterways to chase the blooms away temporarily.

But the algae keep coming back because he didnt do anything to stop the pollution that fuels it.

Not even after the manatees started dying.

No smoking gun

In most of the murder cases I covered, the accused presented what attorneys call the SODDI defense. Thats short for Some Other Dude Did It.

Similarly, the DEPs defense in this suit was: Hey, this wasnt OUR fault.

While the death of so many manatees was undeniably tragic, DEP communications director Alexandra Kuchta said in an emailed statement to me this week, the state of Florida has responded with unprecedented investments to improve water quality and restore habitats, especially in critical ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon.

Jessica Blome via Linkedin

In court, their argument was, We complied with the Clean Water Act, therefore we are immune from being found to have violated the Endangered Species Act, Blome told me.

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To me, thats like saying, I was obeying the speed limit when I ran over that pedestrian, so I cant possibly be held responsible for the tire marks on his face. One doesnt have anything to do with the other.

U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza apparently felt the same way.

U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza via U.S. Courts X account

Compliance with the Clean Water Act  is just one piece of the regulatory puzzle the state must solve, he wrote in his 21-page order.

Manatees were dying because of the consequences of the pollution the DEP allowed to flow into the lagoon. Thats why, even though its actions may comply with the Clean Water Act, the DEP has repeatedly violated the Endangered Species Acts protection of that threatened marine mammal, the judge ruled.

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Dont assume the judge was a pushover for environmental groups. Just last year, he rejected a lawsuit filed by the Save the Manatee Club and its allies that attacked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the DEP for setting inadequate standards for water quality.

The Endangered Species Act legal argument was a novel one, Shadix told me, but it proved effective.

The DEPs attorneys apparently didnt know how to counter the Bear Warriors complaint. They failed to call as a witness any scientists like Barile to testify, Blome told me. Instead, they called DEP regulators to talk about their water quality rules and enforcement, both of which have proven to be inadequate.

In fact, they conceded that, with the DEPs current level of cleanup efforts, restoring the lagoons seagrass beds would likely take another 12 to 17 years. Thats a loooooong time to put up with dirty water, repeated algae blooms, and manatees going hungry (and dolphins too).

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It sounds to me like DEP missed the point of the case. At one point during the hearing, Blome told me, the lead attorney for the DEP stood up waving a letter and dramatically announced that the manatee die-off had officially ended.

The judge didnt think much of that move.

Defendant believed this letter was a proverbial smoking gun establishing that manatee takings were no longer occurring, he wrote. But even assuming the [die-off] has ended, that would not move the needle in FDEPs favor.

Thats because the conditions that caused the die-off havent changed much. There was a previous manatee die-off in 2013, and there could be another one this year or next or some other time before full seagrass restoration.

Is there an ongoing risk of manatee takings in the northern Indian River Lagoon? the judge wrote. The answer is clearly yes.

Meanwhile, the lack of seagrass beds has affected everything from the manatees reproduction rate to their feeding behavior  another violation of the Endangered Species Act, which forbids humans from altering either one.

As for the DEPs bragging about its recent efforts to clean up the lagoon at last, the judge noted that those efforts were perhaps not so much admirable as legally required.

An appropriate penalty

Id like to point out that Florida had a hand in creating the law that the DEP violated.

Nathaniel Reed in 1969, via Florida State Archives

A major co-author of the Endangered Species Act was a Florida man named Nathaniel Reed  a Republican, I might add. Reed was a birder and a butterfly collector, and he loved fishing so much his mother joked he emerged from the womb with a fly rod in his hands.

The first endangered species list included quite a few Florida animals, including not just the manatee but also the panther, Key deer, and alligator.

The alligators have bounced back so strongly that theyre now in every single body of water larger than a mud puddle. That proves that listing a species as endangered doesnt have to be the final word on their future. With hard work and planning, some species can be restored.

But this case marks the second Endangered Species Act case in the last two years that showed Florida officials under DeSantis havent been taking the law seriously.

Last year, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled that the DEP was doing an end-run around the act to speed up issuing permits for developers to wipe out wetlands.

The judge ordered the DEP to stop issuing those permits, in effect halting a lot of wetlands-destroying development all over the state. That includes a pair of new towns in Lee and Collier Counties expected to generate so much traffic theyre likely to kill off our recovering panther population.

In that case, the DEPs defense was to say, basically, that they broke the law because protecting endangered critters is reeeeeeally haaaaaaard. Imagine a teenager complaining about homework and youve got the right tone.

Its hard is NOT a reason to not comply with federal law, an Earthjustice attorney told me after the judges ruling, enunciating what I think is one of the bedrock principles of the law.

The DEP is appealing that case, and my guess is that it will wind up appealing this decision as well. Our state officials would rather keep arguing than admit that they disregarded the death of an iconic Florida animal in favor of helping big-money campaign donors keep fouling our waterways.

By the end of this week, Bear Warriors United is scheduled to submit to the judge its proposed punishment for the DEP. Shadix and Blome told me theyre considering asking the agency be required to spell out how its going to speed up cleaning the lagoon and regrowing the seagrass.

If I were the judge, Id make the penalty even tougher. I would require that everyone from DeSantis on down to the lowliest bureaucrat to march down and line up next to the lagoon. Then I would require each and every one of them to issue a public apology for not fixing this problem sooner.

Then, to really bring it home to them, Id require them to do the apology right at lunchtime, and tell them they werent allowed to eat anything for the next six hours.

I dont want this punishment to seem cruel and unusual, but I think making them feel a little of the desperation of the dying manatees would go a long way toward doing justice.

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April 24 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Maryland on Wednesday granted the Trump administration's request to delay answering questions about the illegal deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis issued her brief order after reviewing both the Trump administration's request for more time and Abrego Garcia's response.

Xinis gave the Trump administration until April 30 at 5 p.m. EDT to file discovery in the case.

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The order came a day after Xinis accused the Trump administration of purposely trying to evade revealing details about Abrego Garcia's illegal deportation to El Salvador amid ongoing litigation on the matter.

The Trump administration deported Abrego Garcia, along with hundreds of others accused of being affiliated with gangs, to El Salvador, where they have been detained in the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center.

Amid the ongoing litigation over Abrego Garcia's deportation, which some have described as an abduction, the Trump administration admitted it erroneously sent the Maryland resident to El Salvador.

Both the Supreme Court and a Maryland court judge have demanded that the United States "facilitate" Abrego Garcia's return home. However, the Trump administration has tried to publicly smear the man, arguing online and in press conferences that he is an MS-13 gang member and that they will not secure his release from the Central American nation.

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Despite its use of social and traditional media to try and frame Abrego Garcia as a gang member, the court has asked for proof, which the Trump administration has objected to provide on several grounds -- many of which Xinis rejected Tuesday while accusing it of willful obstruction.

"Defendants have failed to respond in good faith, and their refusal to do so can only be viewed as willful and intentional noncompliance," she said in her order.

The Trump administration has objected to discovery by questioning the courts' rulings, making assertions of privilege and simply objecting to doing so.

Xinis, in order, said, "This ends now."

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"For weeks, Defendants have sought refuge behind vague and unsubstantiated assertions of privilege, using them as a shield to obstruct discovery and evade compliance with this Court's orders. Defendants have known, at least since last week, that this Court requires specific legal and factual showings to support any claim of privilege. Yet they have continued to rely on boilerplate assertions," she said.

"If Defendants want to preserve their privilege claims, they must support them with the required detail. Otherwise, they will lose the protections they failed to properly invoke."

She had given the Trump administration until 6 p.m. Wednesday to respond, but granted them another week.
Marshall University, located in Huntington, W.Va. (Lexi Browning | West Virginia Watch)

A judge has issued a temporary restraining order allowing a Marshall University graduate student to stay in the country after the Trump administration said it was canceling his student visa.

The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia filed the lawsuit against administration officials on behalf of S.V., who is a citizen of India. S.V. was weeks away from graduating with a data science degree when he got word that the Trump administration was revoking his student visa. He later learned that he was identified in a criminal records check, an ACLU news release said.

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More than 1,000 international students at 160 colleges and universities across the country have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since March, according to a report by the Associated Press. That includes students at colleges and universities in West Virginia.

S.V. was sentenced to probation in 2020 in Indiana for operating a vehicle under the influence, a misdemeanor, according to the ACLU. He left the United States and returned in 2023 to study at Marshall. The ACLU argues that having been identified in a criminal record check is not legal ground for terminating a visa.

In the order Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers ordered the Trump administration to restore S.V.s F-1 student visa status and prohibit officials from arresting, detaining or transferring him out of the courts jurisdiction.

ACLU-WV wont stop fighting until his status is permanently restored, the organization said in a statement.

The judge has set a hearing in the case for 10 a.m. May 7 at the federal court house in Huntington.

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A judge ruled Thursday that prosecutors can pursue the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger if he is convicted of murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022, despite the defendant's recent autism diagnosis.

Kohberger, 30, is charged in the stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022.

Prosecutors have said they intended to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted at his trial, which is set to begin in August.

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But his attorneys asked Judge Steven Hippler to remove the death penalty as a possible punishment, citing Kohbergers diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. They have also filed several other motions challenging the death penalty, including one based on purported violations by the state in providing evidence.

Mr. Kohbergers autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reduces his culpability, negates the retributive and deterrent purposes of capital punishment, and exposes him to the unacceptable risk that he will be wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death, defense attorneys wrote in court papers.

They argued that executing someone with autism would constitute cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Prosecutors argued that under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, the only mental disability that precludes imposition of the death penalty is an intellectual disability  and Kohbergers diagnosis was of mild autism without accompanying intellectual ... impairment.

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The judge agreed.

Not only has Defendant failed to show that ASD is equivalent to an intellectual disability for death penalty exemption purposes, he has not shown there is national consensus against subjecting individuals with ASD to capital punishment, Hippler wrote. ASD may be mitigating factor to be weighed against the aggravating factors in determining if defendant should receive the death penalty, but it is not (a) death-penalty disqualifier.

Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University, in Pullman, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Moscow, at the time of the killings. He was arrested in Pennsylvania weeks later. Investigators said they matched his DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene.

Autopsies showed the four victims were all likely asleep when they were attacked, some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times.

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Following Kohberger's arrest, his attorneys had him examined by a clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Rachel Orr, who diagnosed him with with Autism Spectrum Disorder, level 1, without accompanying intellectual or language impairment.

In a separate ruling Thursday, the judge agreed that jurors will likely be able to hear much of the 911 call made from outside the house by two surviving roommates roughly eight hours after the killings, as they realized one of their roommates wasnt waking up.

However, statements made during that call by an unidentified woman who relayed information she had not observed first-hand will be barred from the trial, Hippler said.

Jurors will also be able to see text messages the two surviving roommates sent around the time of the attack, after 4 a.m., when one reported seeing a masked man in the house, the judge said, assuming prosecutors can lay a foundation for the admission of the evidence.
A federal judge in Maryland has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a 20-year-old Venezuelan man deported to El Salvador, whose removal violated a previous court settlement, according to an order issued on Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, a Trump appointee, also ordered the government not to remove other individuals covered by the settlement.

The class action case from 2019 was filed on behalf of individuals who entered the U.S. as unaccompanied minors and later sought asylum.

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MORE: El Salvador prison holding alleged Venezuelan gang members has been criticized for alleged abuses

The group sued the government to be able to have their asylum applications adjudicated while they remained in the United States. The parties settled in 2024.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs say the Trump administration, in breach of the settlement agreement, removed one of the class members -- referred to using the pseudonym "Cristian" in court records -- to El Salvador on March 15 when it deported three planeloads of alleged migrant gang members to the CECOT mega-prison there.

In an opinion filed Wednesday, Judge Gallagher referenced the case of wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and said that "like Judge [Paula] Xinis in the Abrego Garcia matter, this court will order Defendants to facilitate Cristian's return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under the parties' binding Settlement Agreement."

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The judge's order was first reported by ABC News.

PHOTO: A Salvadoran soldier stands guard at the CECOT prison, in Tecoluca, El Salvador April 4, 2025. (Jose Cabezas/Reuters)

Judge Gallagher said that facilitating Cristian's return requires the defendants "making a good faith request to the government of El Salvador and to release Cristian to U.S. custody for transport back to the United States to await the adjudication of his asylum application on the merits by USCIS."

Gallagher called the deportation a "breach of contract."

"At bottom, this case, unlike other cases involving the government's removal of individuals under the Alien Enemies Act, is a contractual dispute because of the Settlement Agreement," attorneys for the plaintiff said, referring to the 18th century wartime authority used to remove noncitizens with little-to-no due process.

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The Trump administration, according to the order, contends that the removal of Cristian did not violate the settlement because "his designation as an alien enemy pursuant to the AEA results in him ceasing to be a member."

In a sworn declaration, an official for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that Cristian was arrested in January for possession of cocaine.

"On January 6, 2025, ["Cristian"] was convicted in the 482nd District Court at Harris County, Texas for the offense of possession of cocaine, a Texas state jail felony," said Robert Cerna, the Acting Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations.

MORE: Timeline: Wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador

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Cerna said that following the invocation of the AEA, ICE determined that Cristian was subject to removal.

"On March 15, 2025, ["Cristian"] was removed under the Alien Enemies Act, 50 U.S.C. Ch. 3, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 10,903, as a Venezuelan citizen 14 years of age or older who is a member of TdA," Cerna said, referring to the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua.

"Allegations that Class Members, like Cristian, are subject to the AEA do not exclude those individuals from the Class under the plain terms of the Settlement Agreement," attorneys for the plaintiff argued.

Counsel for the class of migrants also alleged in court filings that another Venezuelan man, identified as an 18-year-old named Javier in the court records, was in imminent danger of being deported earlier this month.

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Judge Gallagher determined that Javier was covered by the settlement agreement and entered a temporary restraining order prohibiting the government from removing him from the United States.

Trump-appointed judge orders return of 2nd migrant deported to El Salvador originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A federal judge in Maryland ordered the return of a second man deported by the Trump administration to a Salvadoran prison, saying his removal violated a court settlement she approved in 2019.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, an appointee of President Trump, ordered the return of a Venezuelan man referred to in court documents only as Cristian, while blocking the administration from removing anyone else protected by the settlement.

Gallagher said that 20-year-old Cristian was among those who entered the U.S. as an unaccompanied minor, protected from removal while they were permitted to seek asylum.

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Defendants are hereby ORDERED to facilitate Class Member Cristians return to the United States to await the adjudication of his asylum application on the merits, she wrote in the Wednesday order.

The decision comes after U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man and Salvadoran national who had also been protected from deportation to El Salvador.

The Justice Department has been fighting that order as well as a Supreme Court decision upholding it that ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return.

That has prompted Xinis to order depositions and written questions between the parties to determine whether to hold any Trump officials in contempt.

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The Trump administration has argued facilitating Abrego Garcias return requires only sending a plane if the Salvadoran government agrees to release him. President Nayib Bukele has said he will not do so.

Gallaghers order appears to nod to that struggle, writing that facilitation includes, but is not limited to, a good faith request by Defendants to the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody for transport back to the United States.

For immigration advocates, the second case is a sign there could be more men among those sent to a notorious Salvadoran prison whose removal was in defiance of various protections.

The second deportee thats being required to be returned, but I think thats incredibly important, because it is clear to those closely following the Garcia case that it doesnt appear to be isolated, Krish OMara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge, told The Hill.

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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 The Hill.
A second federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from withholding federal funds from schools that participate in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Hours after a New Hampshire judge issued a similar order on Thursday, a federal judge in Maryland appointed by Trump issued a broader ruling that prohibits the Department of Education from using federal funding to end DEI initiatives within public schools.

"This Court takes no view as to whether the policies at issue here are good or bad, prudent or foolish, fair or unfair," wrote U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher of Maryland. "But this Court is constitutionally required to closely scrutinize whether the government went about creating and implementing them in the manner the law requires. The government did not."

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Judge Gallagher wrote that the group that brought the lawsuit -- the American Federation of Teachers, American Sociological Association and a public school in Oregon -- successfully proved they would be irreparably harmed and the Education Department letter at issue likely violated the Administrative Procedure Act.

"This Court ends where it beganthis case is about procedure," she wrote. "Plaintiffs have shown that the government likely did not follow the procedures it should have, and those procedural failures have tangibly and concretely harmed the Plaintiffs. This case, especially, underscores why following the proper procedures, even when it is burdensome, is so important."

Earlier, a judge in New Hampshire said the Trump administration's attempt to make federal funding to schools conditional on them eliminating any DEI policies erodes the "foundational principles" that separates the United States from totalitarian regimes.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump holds an executive order relating to education in the Oval Office of the White House, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)

In an 82-page order, U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty partially blocked the Department of Education from enforcing the memo issued earlier this year that directed any institution that receives federal funding to end discrimination on the basis of race or face funding cuts.

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"Ours is a nation deeply committed to safeguarding academic freedom, which is of transcendent value to all of us and not merely to the teachers concerned," Judge McCafferty wrote, adding the "right to speak freely and to promote diversity of ideas and programs isone of the chief distinctions that sets us apart from totalitarian regimes."

"In this case, the court reviews action by the executive branch that threatens to erode these foundational principles," she wrote.

MORE: A look at what DEI means amid Trump executive orders

Judge McCafferty stopped short of issuing a nationwide injunction, instead limiting the relief to any entity that employs or contacts with the groups that filed a lawsuit challenging the DOE's memo.

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Education groups sued the Department of Education in February after the agency warned all educational institutions in a letter to end discrimination based on race or face federal funding consequences.

The lawsuit criticized what it said was an unlawful "Dear Colleague" letter which will "irreparably harm" schools, students, educators, and communities across the country.

"This vague and clearly unconstitutional memo is a grave attack on students, our profession and knowledge itself," American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said in a statement at the time.

MORE: With threats to diversity in schools, are Black male teachers in jeopardy?

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In justifying her preliminary injunction Thursday, Judge McCafferty called out the DOE for taking a position on DEI that flatly contradicts its own policies from a few years ago.

"Prior to the 2025 Letter, the Department had not indicated a belief that programs designed to promote diversity, equity, or inclusion constituted unlawful discrimination. Nor had it taken the position that schools necessarily behave unlawfully when they act with the goal of increasing racial diversity. In fact, the Department had taken the opposite position," the judge wrote.

In addition to finding the policy is likely unconstitutional and illegal, Judge McCafferty also criticized the Department of Education for making funding conditional on DEI programming, though the judge said the memo "does not even define what a DEI program is," pointing to "vague and expansive prohibitions" in the DOE's letter from February.

The Department of Education has not yet commented on the rulings.

2 federal judges block Trump's effort to ban DEI from K-12 education originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
CARACAS, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan Attorney General's Office said on Wednesday it will investigate a possible case of the forced disappearance of a Venezuelan citizen in the United States.

"The Public Ministry reports that it has begun an investigation into the forced disappearance of Venezuelan citizen Ricardo Prada, who was detained in late January 2025 in Michigan and subsequently held at a maximum-security center in Texas," the Attorney General's Office said in a statement.

According to Venezuelan authorities, Prada worked in the city of Detroit, Michigan, and was detained for deportation.

"At the end of March, Prada informed a friend that he was being held at a maximum-security detention center in Texas, after which his whereabouts remain unknown," the authorities said.

The statement cited an article in The New York Times that said Prada did not appear "among those deported to El Salvador," though U.S. authorities claimed he was deported.

A specialized human rights prosecutor has been appointed to conduct the investigation.

Authorities here have described the deportations of Venezuelan migrants in the United States to third countries or without due process as violations of international law. 
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Constitutional Clash Is On Hold

Apparently the Trump administration is finally doing enough to facilitate the release of the mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia to satisfy his lawyers  at least for now. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis of Maryland on Wednesday night ordered the case paused for a week at the agreement of the parties. Her order came after dueling filings earlier in the day, with the government asking for the pause and Abrego Garcias lawyers initially opposing it. Both filings were under seal so its not clear precisely what was initially in dispute, what has been agreed to, or what the government revealed that convinced the judge the delay was not just more gamesmanship from the Trump DOJ.

As Morning Memo described in some detail yesterday, the Trump administrations request for a pause would be a plausible move in a normal world where it was acting in good faith to secure Abrego Garcias release and didnt want the details of its efforts to become public yet in court filings. But the Trump administration has consistently acted in bad faith throughout these proceedings, and a request for delay was consistent with its numerous other efforts to stonewall in the case.

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Were left to speculate about what exactly is happening, but its fair to say that neither the trial judge nor Abrego Garcias attorneys would have been likely to accede to a delay without concrete and verifiable representations and assurances from the Trump administration.

To this point, the administration has played fast and loose in the case. Despite court orders to the contrary, it has gone so far as to take the position in court that if Abrego Garcia somehow got himself released from detention in El Salvador and showed up at the U.S. border or at a U.S. embassy, he would be taken into custody and either removed to a third country or returned to El Salvador.

In parallel with defying court orders, including from the Supreme Court, the administration has launched a full-scale propaganda campaign against Abrego Garcia that has included the participation of the President, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and top White House officials. In one episode, the Department of Homeland Security  apparently seeking to impugn Abrego Garcia  posted on social media an application for a domestic violence restraining order that his wife had once sought. The court filing included their home address, forcing his wife to move to safe house.

For the time being, the constitutional clash that was playing out in this case is in abeyance. But the administration is still playing fast and loose elsewhere, as the next item shows 

Trump Administration Does The Ol Switcheroo!

In a case out of Massachusetts that has flown mostly below the radar, the Trump administration revealed last night that it sidestepped a court order barring removals of migrants to third countries without notice and an opportunity for review  by purporting to transfer custody of detainees from DHS to DOD and letting the Pentagon transport them to El Salvador. The government is taking the extremely dubious legal position that because DOD wasnt party to the case it was not subject to the court order. Ryan Goodman has the details on this latest defiance of court orders.

In Related News 

Citing the Abrego Garcia case, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher of Maryland has ordered the return of a Venezuelan man deported to El Salvador on one of the notorious March 15 flights in violation of a 2024 settlement agreement.

Marisa Kabas: Rwanda, which agreed to receive U.S. deportations of third-country nationals, has apparently received its first detainee, an Iraqi national.

Judd Legum: U.S. citizen wrongly detained by Border Patrol says government account is false

Federal Judges Poised To Rule On Trumps Law Firm EOs

The Trump administration was forced to defend two of President Trumps executive orders targeting major law firms in back-to-back hearings Wednesday in front of federal judges in D.C. It did not go well for the White House.

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The Perkins Coie case was a particular bloodbath for the White House. In batting around a hapless DOJ attorney, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell seemed convinced that the executive order targeting the firm was unconstitutional, though she hasnt ruled yet.

In the WilmerHale case, U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon said he would rule in the coming weeks.

Trumps Attack On Higher Ed: College Accreditors

President Trump signed a new executive order targeting university accreditors.

As part of an apparent Trump-driven investigation under the guise of fighting anti-semitism, the EEOC sent a text to Barnard College employees asking if they are Jewish.

Ed Martin Watch

Stat News: The New England Journal of Medicine is the second scientific journal known to have received one of acting D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martins threatening missives.

TPMs Khaya Himmelman: Trumps DOJ Is Taking Cues From MAGA Influencers And Conspiracy Theorists

ProPublica: The Untold Story of How Ed Martin Ghostwrote Online Attacks Against a Judge  and Still Became a Top Trump Prosecutor

Bloodbath In DOJs Civil Rights Division

New reporting from Reuters, NBC News, and others in recent days show how far off the rails the DOJs Civil Rights Division has already gone under Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for civil rights.

Will SCOTUS Spare The Fed From The Ravages Of Trump?

Todd Phillips: There is simply no principled way for the Supreme Court to retain the Feds removal protections while overturning Humphreys Executor.

Drip, Drip, Drip

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the installation of Signal on a desktop computer in his Pentagon office, the WaPo reports.

The Corruption: $TRUMP Edition

President Trump is offering top buyers of his memecoin a private dinner with him at his Virginia club and a tour of the White House.

The Courage To Be Decent

Radley Balko: The Trump administration wants to make us too afraid to look out for one another. Dont let them.

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A judge in San Diego has issued a temporary halt on a recent federal order that requires money services businesses in 30 ZIP codes across California and Texas to report all transactions over $200.

On March 11, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) under the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a geographic targeting order (GTO), which went into effect Monday, April 14.

PREVIOUS: Money services in some California and Texas areas required to do additional reporting under new order

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Under the order, money services businesses located in 30 ZIP codes were required to file currency transaction reports with FinCEN for any transactions between $200 and $10,000. Transactions over $10,000 were already subject to money reporting prior to the GTO in accordance with existing law.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino in San Diego put a pause on enforcement of the new reporting rules in ZIP codes under her jurisdiction within the Southern District of California.

She cited concerns by plaintiffs challenging the legality of the GTO, saying it violates the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution in addition to provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, and alleged it was issued without sufficient statutory authority.

The judge set a hearing for Thursday, May 15 to decide whether to issue a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the GTO in Southern California.

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Seven ZIP codes in San Diego County were affected by the GTO: 91910, 92101, 92113, 92117, 92126, 92154 and 92173.

Those encompass neighborhoods like San Ysidro and Otay Mesa as well as Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Chula Vista, Clairemont and Mira Mesa.

In addition, four ZIP codes in Imperial County and 19 others across five counties in Texas were listed in the order. A full list of the impacted ZIP codes can be found here.

According to FinCEN, the GTO was issued to uncover money laundering and prevent financial transactions by foreign drug cartels, including those located south of the border in Mexico.

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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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A federal judge temporarily blocked parts of President Trumps executive order demanding that proof of citizenship be added to some federal voting forms Thursday.

In her lengthy ruling, U.S. district judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly dismissed the administrations argument that the power of the presidency entitles him to tinker with voting requirements.

The President has no constitutional power over election regulation that would support this unilateral exercise of authority, Kollar-Kotelly wrote. The Constitution vests that power in the States and Congress alone.

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She blocked the two sections of the order numerous voting groups had challenged: one requiring that the Election Assistance Commission, an independent executive branch agency, add the proof of citizenship requirement to the federal voter registration form, and one requiring the various agencies that dispense public assistance to assess each individuals citizenship before giving them voting forms.

A coterie of national Democratic organizations also challenged other parts of the order that Kollar-Kotelly did not enjoin, including the order that the EAC cut off federal funds for states that accept ballots sent before but delivered after Election Day, and the mandate that the attorney general enforce the executive order.

On the former, she wrote that states were the more natural plaintiffs in that claim (many of which have challenged the order in a parallel, separate case). On the latter, she questioned the feasibility of the attorney general taking action under the Election Day statutes, and reasoned that she could comply with the order and the law with lower-level enforcement, like sending states letters urging compliance.

In Kollar-Kotellys order, she bolstered the independence of the EAC, writing that the President lacks the authority to direct the outcome of the rulemaking process that Congress has assigned to the EAC.

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She also dinged the administration for making misrepresentations to court. In a revelation shortly before a hearing earlier this month, the voting group plaintiffs produced proof that the head of the EAC was already reaching out to state election officials for guidance about how to put the citizenship requirement into effect  despite claiming to the Court that implementation of the order had not yet begun.

The order is part of a bundle of actions Trump and Republicans in Congress have taken that, if successful, could suppress voting in the 2026 elections. House Republicans have also passed voter restrictions in the SAVE Act (Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has vowed that the bill, which would need Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster, will not pass in the upper chamber). And Trump has signed a different executive order targeting the Federal Election Commission, which is also being litigated.

Read the ruling here:
WASHINGTON (AP)  A federal judge nominated by President Donald Trump ordered his administration to facilitate the return of a man who was deported to El Salvador last month despite having a pending asylum application.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland ruled Wednesday that the government violated a 2019 settlement agreement when it deported the 20-year-old man, a Venezuelan native identified only as Cristian in court papers.

Gallagher cited another federal judge's order for the government to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had been living in Maryland and was accidentally deported to his native El Salvador on March 15, the same day as Cristian.

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Gallagher, who was nominated by Trump in 2019, said she recognizes that her ruling in Cristian's favor puts this case squarely into the procedural morass that has been playing out very publicly, across many levels of the federal judiciary, in Abrego Garcia's case.

Gallagaher said she was guided by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis' ruling that Trump's Republican administration must facilitate Abrego Garcia's return.

Standing by and taking no action is not facilitation, Gallagher wrote. In prior cases involving wrongfully removed individuals, courts have ordered, and the government has taken, affirmative steps toward facilitating return.

Gallagher said her order requires the government to make a good faith request for the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody.

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A group of immigrants who entered the U.S. as unaccompanied children and had been living in the U.S. illegally sued in July 2019. Their class action lawsuit claims the government unlawfully modified policies governing asylum applications by unaccompanied children.

Gallagher signed off on a settlement last year in the lawsuit. The judge said Cristian and anyone else covered by the settlement must be returned to the U.S. to await a decision on the merits of their asylum applications by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Justice Department attorneys argued that Gallagher doesn't have the jurisdiction to review Cristian's removal or compel his return to the U.S. They also deny that his deportation violates the 2019 settlement.

As a threshold matter, the Court should reject Plaintiffs blatant attempt to recast the parties filed and ordered settlement agreement to include claims and disputes never before raised in the litigation, government lawyers wrote before Gallagher ruled.

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Cristian and dozens of other people were flown from the U.S. to El Salvador the day that Trump issued a proclamation calling for the arrest and removal of Venezuelan gang members under the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 wartime law. Cristian had been transferred into federal custody from a jail in Harris County, Texas, in January.

Plaintiffs attorneys said the Trump administration is trying to circumvent the settlement agreement because they no longer wish to be bound to its terms.

Simply put, the AEA does not allow Defendants to disregard the binding commitments it made, they wrote.

Government lawyers said Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act because they determined that members of the Tren de Aragua gang are part of an invasion and pose a threat to the U.S.

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Given the strong public interest in ensuring the national security of the country from foreign invasion and terrorist organizations, any contract that purports to limit the Presidents ability to invoke and apply the AEA in support of such public interest must be treated as void, they wrote.

Gallagher said the government has presented no evidence that Cristian poses a threat to public safety.
April 24 (UPI) -- A federal judge has ruled the U.S. government must pay North Dakota nearly $28 million in damages stemming from the Dakota Access oil pipeline protests in 2016 and 2017.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor issued his ruling Wednesday, siding with North Dakota's claims of negligence, gross negligence, civil trespass and public nuisance against the United States in connection with the protests.

"This is a major win for North Dakota taxpayers and the rule of law," North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Attorney General Drew Wrigley, both Republicans, said in a statement in response to the ruling.

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"As outlined in the trial testimony and Judge Traynor's ruling, decisions made by the Obama administration emboldened protesters and ultimately caused millions of dollars in damage to North Dakota, while endangering the health and safety of North Dakota communities, families and law enforcement officers who responded to the protests."

The protests by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe against the pipeline garnered wide public and political attention from August 2016 through March 2017, as they erected encampments on land near the confluence of the Cannonball and Missouri rivers.

The state's claims focused on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers use of a Special Use Permit to allow the protesters to demonstrate on Corps land.

In his ruling on Wednesday, the President Donald Trump appointee said the Corps had not officially granted the SUP despite saying one had been issued, and this so-called de factor permit prevented law enforcement from taking action against the protesters.

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Traynor described this action as the Corps having "invited and encouraged the DAPL Protesters and their violent and tumultuous behavior," leaving North Dakota to clean up the mess.

"The State of North Dakota needed the power of the federal government to protect its citizens from danger. The federal government abandoned its duty," he said.

He added that the damage caused by the protests was "unfathomable," highlighting there human excrement pits, makeshift housing structures and violent clashes with law enforcement.

"The bottom line: United States had a mandatory procedure, it did not follow that procedure, and harm occurred to the state of North Dakota," Traynor said.
A judge closed the book Wednesday on a particularly shocking episode of teenage gun violence in the Bronx, sentencing a teen gunman to 10 years to life in prison for killing an 11-year-old girl with a stray bullet meant for a 13-year-old boy.

Young Kyhara Tay, 11, was waiting for friends outside a nail salon in 2022 on the corner of Fox St. and Westchester Ave. in Longwood on May 16 when she was hit in the abdomen by an adolescent shooter, Matthew Godwin of Bronx Park South, who was 15 years old when he fired several rounds at a rival from the back of a scooter.

One of his bullets sailed half a block down Fox St., hitting the young 6th grader in the stomach, mortally wounding her.

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The incident was said to have been sparked by an escalating gang war involving players not much older than the victim who was killed.

Godwin, now 18, pleaded guilty to the murder that outraged the city, offering an apology for the shooting.

Dear family of Kyhara Tay, Im so sorry for what Ive done and the pain I caused you. Im also very disappointed in myself for what Ive done and the pain Ive caused and take full responsibility for my actions. I was only 15 year old and didnt understand the consequences of what I was doing. As I got older I understand I took the life of an innocent young girl. At night I cried myself to sleep thinking of what Ive done. Not a day goes by when I dont feel regret and remorse, Godwin said before being sentenced.

Judge Joseph A McCormack weighed in on the incident, scolding Godwin for taking a life and terrorizing a community.

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You took out a gun on a public street in Bronx county and miscellaneously sprayed bullets of death randomly across the sidewalks and you took that poor little girls life, McCormack said. But you also affected the feeling of safety that every New Yorker and every Bronx citizen that walks our streets.

You cant change whats happened to all of these people. You cant change what affect you had on society. Your only option here is to make the best of your life going forward, McCormack continued.

Kyhara and one of her pals ducked behind a car for cover at first, but when she tried to run into a nearby salon, the errant round hit her.

Kyhara slumped into one of the salon chairs, then passed out on the floor, a witness told the Daily News.

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She was trying to run away from the shots, she said. She was holding her stomach. She kept saying, Ow, it hurts! Her friend was freaking out, nail salon customer Lillian Johnson told the Daily News in 2022. They had just gotten out of school. They had their book bags and everything.

EMS transported Kyhara to Lincoln Hospital where she died that same day.

Police arrested Godwin and the scooters driver, Omar Bojang, then 18 years old, days later. At the time, cops revealed another sad detail  both teenage suspects had also been the victims of gun violence before Kyharas shooting.

Godwins defense attorney Michael Anthony Marinaccio said his client was a victim of a drive-by shooting prior to the Kyharas murder, which Godwin suffered injuries to his left leg.

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ADA John Miras contested the incident and said that NYPD found no evidence of a drive-by shooting as the shot spotter did not detect a shooting at the location where Godwin claimed he was wounded. At the hospital where Godwin was treated, both he and his mother were extremely uncooperative and NYPD believed the gunshot wound was self inflicted, Miras said.

The defendant shot himself inside his own apartment while his mother and friends were present, said Miras. I wanted to make that clear as far as NYPD is concerned there was no drive by shooting that injured the defendant.

Bojangs sentencing was delayed until May 17th so he can complete an interview with the NYPD department of probation. Once the interview is completed, it is expected Bojang will be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the incident.

[Kyharas parents] wont be able to escape the thoughts of what could have been, what might have been, what the future would have brought for their daughter, McCormack said to Bojang. Yes your co-defendant did pull the trigger from the back, but thats why you are facing such a long prison sentence, because you were complicit.

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Bronx DA Darcel Clark weighed in on the sentencing calling it a culmination of justice and that the family for young Kyhara will continue to be activists against gun violence.

Kyhara never had the chance to grow up, said Clark. She was an innocent 11-year-old girl who was killed when the defendant, 15 years old at the time, started shooting at a 13-year-old boy. Her death is a profound tragedy, especially considering the ages of everyone involved. Todays sentence is the culmination of justice, but this is not the final chapter of Kyharas life story. Her family turned their pain into purpose by speaking out against gun violence. Through their voice, Kyharas legacy will live on.

Kyharas mother, Yahisha Gomez, expressed her ongoing grief and outrage in a victims impact statement, calling out Godwin and his accomplice over the senseless shooting that stole her young girls life.

A mother should never feel this pain. An innocent child should never be taken away from a mother like this, Gomez said in the statement. We know that this sentence will never bring back Kyhara but it will take 2 reckless individuals off the streets, and that will give us some comfort.
An Osceola County judge could deal a deathblow to the sex crimes trial of Stephan Sterns as he weighs whether detectives illegally seized a cellphone containing evidence of yearslong abuse of 13-year-old Madeline Soto.

This comes after a three-hour hearing Wednesday where Sterns public defenders argued Orange County investigators coerced him into giving up his phone without a warrant in the investigations early days. Prosecutors said the warrantless search was valid since Sterns consented to it and as law enforcement found inconsistencies regarding his whereabouts the day Madeline was reported missing in February 2024.

Sterns is accused of murdering her  and faces the death penalty if convicted  in addition to being charged with numerous sex crimes ranging from sexual battery since she was 11 to dozens of counts of possessing images and videos of the abuse. Despite being handled separately, the outcome of the sex crimes case is expected to influence the murder trial scheduled to begin in September.

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Judge Keith Carsten, expected to rule before June, heard from three detectives who interviewed Sterns the day after Madelines disappearance.

According to their testimony, Detective Maira Tagler first asked for Sterns phone to check the settings on his Google account but continued to look through his call history and travel logs as he stood close by.

At no point did Sterns, who entered his passcode to unlock his phone, ask her to stop looking through it, Tagler said.

So its your basis that he has to say no  you can just keep digging until he says stop? asked Alex Johnson, a public defender who led arguments on Sterns behalf.

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She replied, Correct. He was standing next to me and saw what I was doing on his cellphone.

During her search, Tagler discovered the phone had undergone a factory reset, a process that requires several steps despite Sterns insisting it was accidental.

Assistant State Attorney Danielle Pinnell said investigators had to move quickly to avoid evidence on the device possibly being destroyed.

Pinnell further pointed to license plate reader logs showing where Sterns actually was the day Madeline went missing: traveling to and from St. Cloud, contrary to his initial claim that he last saw the teen after dropping her off near Hunters Creek Middle School. Her body was later found beneath a pile of brush a on property in the city.

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Those logs coupled with the phone reset provided investigators the probable cause to conduct a deeper search of the device without a warrant, she said.

Courts have found this exception particularly compelling when youre dealing with digital evidence, Pinnell added. The search of his phone later yielded a warrant for the data in his Google account. That evidence is now the basis of the sex crimes trial.

The hearing came a day after Alesha Smith, another of Sterns public defenders, sought to delay the proceeding after obtaining confidential information she said could have changed how arguments were presented.

Carsten ruled against her after she refused to reveal that information in open court or even to him privately. Prosecutors said they were not made aware of any new evidence by the defense.

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Its been more than a year since Madelines body was found. Sterns told investigators he slept in bed with her the night before her disappearance while her mother, who he was dating, slept in another room of their apartment in Kissimmee. That arrangement was common in the household, according to law enforcement reports.

The investigation was initially handled by the Orange County Sheriffs Office before being turned over to the Kissimmee Police Department after detectives found video purportedly of Sterns tossing the teens belongings while her body sat limp in the passenger seat of his car.

Sterns, who sat in the courtroom Wednesday, has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Madelines mother, Jennifer Soto, has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  An out-of-town jury is being selected as the ex-officers accused in the beating death of Tyre Nichols are set to go to trial Monday.

Jury selection began on Wednesday across the state in Chattanooga at a courthouse in Hamilton County.

Attorneys, alongside the three former officers, Taddarius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith, are all there now.

Shelby County Sheriff deputies also made the trip east. The deputies were seen guarding the jury assembly room.

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The three officers are facing state charges of second-degree murder.

MORE ON TYRE NICHOLS

Late last month, a judge granted a motion for a change of venue. The trial will still be held here in Memphis, but the jury will be brought in from Chattanooga.

The motion claims that pretrial publicity has infected potential jurors within the county.

Ex-officers face separate state trials in Tyre Nichols case

Nichols mother, Rowvaughn Wells, has been vocal throughout the federal trial and hopes this upcoming state trial will bring them some justice.

Were still waiting for the state trial to see how thats going to come about, and hopefully, theyll get more time from that. And then, we can just move on and heal because we really just want to heal right now, Wells said.

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The trial is expected to last two to three weeks. WREGs April Thompson will have gavel-to-gavel coverage.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  A truck crashed into the wall of a townhome, leaving one person in the hospital and a big mess behind.

It happened just before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday on East Colorado Boulevard and 35th Avenue. Fortunately, none of the three people who lived at the home were inside when the scary situation happened.

Stolen vehicle rams Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office cruiser after traffic stop

Im not even sure. I dont know, said Daniel Aragon as he tried to find the words. Its just crazy to think about.

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He was shocked to come back home and see a truck inside the place he and his two roommates had called home for the last eight months.

This is my roommates room right here and it looks like his entire room is in our front yard right now. Im assuming everything in his room is destroyed, said Aragon. Under the stairs, we had a closet under there where we kept our skis and snowboards, vacuum. Just whatever we can fit in there. Im assuming its all gone.

A pickup truck drove into the side of a townhome on Wednesday, April 23. (KDVR) A pickup truck drove into the side of a townhome on Wednesday, April 23. (KDVR) A pickup truck drove into the side of a townhome on Wednesday, April 23. (KDVR)

Fire crews were on scene for hours investigating and cleaning up the mess, making it safe.

A Denver fire spokesperson told FOX31 they had to extricate one of the three people inside the vehicle while it was still inside the home. They said trying to get the person out of the tight space while ensuring the safety of the firefighters was the biggest challenge.

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One person was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A mattress, debris and the vehicle doors could all be seen in the front yard of the townhome.

I rarely decide to go on runs. I just decided to go on a run today, said Aragon.

Pushback over the Denver police chiefs plan to add Education-Based Discipline

He believes thats what saved him. He left moments before the crash happened.

I guess ten minutes before this happened, I decided to go on a run with all my workout clothes, Aragon said. Then I came back home 45 minutes later and it was a truck through the house.

He is grateful no one was inside at the time.

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Around this time, I would be in the hallway behind the room and so would be my roommate; its not uncommon for us to be in that area, said Aragon.

He and his other two roommates are now trying to figure out their next steps and where they are going to sleep.

Second measles case confirmed in Denver

Police say the driver of the vehicle, a woman, was cited for careless driving resulting in injuries. They dont believe drugs or alcohol were factors. Right now, the crash is still under investigation and the traffic investigation bureau is looking to see if speed may be a factor.

Most of Aragon and his roommates belongings were destroyed. A GoFundMe has been created to help recoup their losses.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China and Cambodia are ironclad friends who have always stood by each other through changing international circumstances, upholding trust, mutual support and shared progress, a Chinese defense spokesperson said on Thursday.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular press conference that the Chinese military is committed to elevating its relations with Cambodia to a new level.

He noted that China is ready to work with Cambodia to make good use of the newly established "2+2" strategic dialogue mechanism between the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries.

The Chinese military is also willing to expand practical cooperation with the Cambodian side in areas such as education and training, joint exercises and drills, military medicine and health services, and equipment and technological exchange, Zhang said. 
The Department of Justice on Wednesday cut millions of dollars in grants from nonprofits across the country that Attorney General Pam Bondi deemed wasteful at the recommendation of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Among the hundreds of programs cut, according to a partial list obtained by Reuters, were: grants that supported crime victims; hotlines used by crime victims; grants to fight human trafficking; programs to curb juvenile delinquency and safeguard incarcerated youth; and funding for state-run hate-crime reporting.

In an email to the Office of Justice Programs, the DOJ office that awards the majority of grants, the DOJ said it was terminating grants that no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities.

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The memo instructed the office to shift its focus to supporting certain law enforcement operations, combatting violent crime, protecting American children, and supporting American victims of trafficking and sexual assault, and better coordinating law enforcement efforts at all levels of government.

Thats news to the National CASA/GAL Association for Children, a national nonprofit that supports court-appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children. The organization was among those that had its grants abruptly terminated.

Since [protecting American children] is in fact the mission of the CASA/GAL program, we strongly disagree with the decision to terminate the grants, the organization said in an emergency appeal Wednesday.

Without these funds, the work of CASA/GAL programs across the country will be impacted along with more than 200,000 children involved in child abuse and neglect proceedings.

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As a result, CASA/GAL said it had no choice but to suspend all services and support for state and local programs across the country on Thursday.

Bondi announced the cuts on social media late Wednesday and was immediately applauded by DOGE, the Elon Musk-helmed agency responsible for many of the Trump administrations dumbest missteps.

A DOJ spokesperson told HuffPost:

This Department of Justice is focused on prosecuting criminals, getting illegal drugs off of the streets, and protecting American institutions from toxic DEI and sanctuary city policies. Discretionary funds that are no longer aligned with the administrations priorities are subject to review and reallocation.

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Another nonprofit, LiveFree OKC, focuses on reducing gun violence in Oklahoma City by focusing on high-risk individuals who are most likely to engage in violent crime.

The groups CEO, Jess Eddy, told KOCO it lost a $2 million DOJ grant this week with little explanation.

I cant understate the difficulty itll cause for our staff, our employees, our clients, our families that we support, our schools that we support, Eddy told the station.

He added that most people that engage in criminal conduct  who are making poor decisions  are doing so out of trauma, out of unmet needs, diapers that they cant buy for their child.

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Other groups, meanwhile, saw their funding mysteriously reinstated.

The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence told NBC News its grants were terminated, then reinstated, all within 24 hours.

I have no idea what changed, but we are grateful, spokeswoman Jennifer Pollitt Hill told the outlet. All I can say is chaos, confusion and whiplash!

The Justice Department didnt respond to questions from HuffPost about how many grants were being reinstated. However, in a statement to NBC, it claimed that all the grants were meticulously reviewed to ensure that services to victims would not be impacted.

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It also said its opened a 30-day appeal window for groups to prove the opposite.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A juvenile allegedly shot a man who was assaulting his mother on Wednesday night, Memphis Police say.

Officers responded to a call at a rooming house in the 1000 block of Cella Street in Orange Mound around 10 p.m., where a woman claimed her son had shot her childs father.

The victim was taken to Regional One in critical condition with gunshot wounds to his buttock and thigh, reports say.

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South Memphis teen assaulted, suffers seizure after attack

The mother reportedly told police that she was at the victims house because he had asked her to bring him food, but he began arguing with her because she was on the phone with her son. While she was on the phone, the man allegedly began choking her.

Reports say the suspect, her son, then walked to the house to meet her. The man and woman were still struggling with each other when her handgun fell from her waistband.

The suspect then picked up the handgun, and he and his mother tried to walk away.

The woman told police that her son shot the man when he tried to approach them outside the house. The suspect then ran from the scene.

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While with officers, the woman called her son, who allegedly admitted to shooting the man because he was assaulting her.

Officers tried to find the juvenile at a home in the 1100 block of Tunstall after the shooting. He was not at home, but they were able to locate the gun used in the crime.

The MPD was later informed that the juvenile returned to the home. They detained him, but he was released to a family member.

Man found shot dead on Shannon Avenue: MPD

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It is unclear at this time if any charges were filed against the juvenile. We will provide updates as information becomes available.

Police say the woman had red bruises on her neck from when she was choked by the man, and a separate domestic assault report was taken. It is also noted in a police report that the victim has a history of assaulting the woman and had a warrant for domestic assault from an incident in March of this year.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Johnson & Wales University (JWU) has expanded its new initiative that offers free tuition to eligible undergraduate students.

The JWU Pledge was initially only available to qualifying Rhode Island, North Carolina, Connecticut and Massachusetts students. But it is now also open to students from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and South Carolina.

The scholarship, which goes into effect this fall, covers up to 100% of tuition for students and families with an annual household income of less than $80,000. The initiative will cover at least 60% of tuition for students with a household income thats below $200,000.

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JWU Chancellor Mim Runey said there has been great interest from prospective students since the scholarship was first announced back in January.

Runey said JWU is committed to creating pathways to make higher education more affordable, accessible and attainable for students of all means and backgrounds.

To be eligible for the JWU Pledge, students must:

Be a resident of Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine

Have a high school GPA of 3.2 or higher

Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and requisite forms

Live on campus

Be eligible for a Pell Grant (for those seeking 100% tuition coverage)

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The JWU Pledge covers tuition only, meaning it does not include lab fees, supplies, books or room and meal plans.

Though current students are not eligible to receive the scholarship, JWU explained that it has increased need-based aid significantly over the past few years.

LEARN MORE: The JWU Pledge

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TOPEKA, Kan.  Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that $14.5 million will be distributed to fund 47 aviation infrastructure projects across Kansas.

Officials say the investment comes through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), which officials claim supports the planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports.

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The Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our states economy, Governor Kelly said. Keeping our aviation infrastructure in optimal condition is a large part of that economic growth and job creation, allowing local businesses and communities to prosper.

Administered by the Kansas Department of Transportations Division of Aviation, the KAIP received 81 applications requesting a combined total of more than $42 million. Officials say projects were selected from communities across the state, with a focus on pavement preservation, safety upgrades, and enhancing air ambulance accessibility in remote areas.

Combining state and local funds to provide vital improvements to general aviation airports has helped to create a statewide aviation network citizens can depend on, said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. This offers more services, like air ambulance accessibility, that can help support transportation needs in all areas of Kansas.

Funded through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), KAIP receives $15 million annually. Each project requires a local match between 10% and 50% depending on its scope. With local contributions included, the total project value for this years round of grants is $22.9 million

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly directed flags on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities to be flown at half-staff now until sunset on the day of interment, April 26, in honor of Pope Francis.

As one of the most influential leaders of our time, Pope Francis was a beacon of light. His wisdom inspired countless people to treat others with compassion and generosity, Gov. Kelly said in a statement Thursday.

May his legacy of selflessness and humility be instilled in each of us and continue to live on.

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Francis died Monday morning at the Domus Santa Marta hotel, where he lived at the Vatican. His death came almost a month after he returned to the Vatican after being hospitalized for double pneumonia. The Vatican said that Francis suffered a stroke that led to a coma and heart failure.

The public mourning period will end on Friday at 7 p.m. local time, and the funeral will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peters Square.

The popes state funeral is expected to draw world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and dozens of official delegations.

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TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW)  Flags across Kansas will fly at half-staff this week in honor of Pope Francis, following a directive issued Wednesday by Governor Laura Kelly.

In accordance with the order, flags on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities are to remain at half-staff until sunset on Friday, April 26, the day of interment. The gesture honors the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who Kelly described as one of the most influential leaders of our time.

Kansas Catholics react to the death of Pope Francis

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Pope Francis was a beacon of light. His wisdom inspired countless people to treat others with compassion and generosity, Kelly said in a statement. May his legacy of selflessness and humility be instilled in each of us and continue to live on.

The public can sign up for future flag status notifications on the governors official website at governor.ks.gov.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Gov. Laura Kelly greets 11-month-old Brynn, daughter of Sen. Tory Marie Blew, before speaking about the importance of creating the Office of Early Childhood. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Surrounded by the shouts and chatter of children playing, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed legislation consolidating the states early childhood services under one department and supporting creation of more child care openings.

When I ran for governor in 2018, I often said that, should I leave a legacy, I wanted to leave behind the most comprehensive early childhood system in the nation, so that our children, their families, our businesses and our communities could thrive, Kelly told a crowd gathered at the Kansas Childrens Discovery Center in Topeka.

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Kelly signed House Bill 2045, which creates the Office of Early Childhood, effectively consolidating more than 20 Kansas programs having to do with children, child care and other issues under one banner. In addition, the bill is expected to increase availability of much-needed child care slots, although critics have voiced concerns that it softened licensure requirements.

The bill allows fewer education requirements for some workers in a child care facility and changes ratios of the number of adults to children. It also matches vaccination requirements to those currently in place for children attending school.

Rep. Kirk Haskins, a Topeka Democrat, said he worked on the bill for three years and that the final product, while not without its costs, was effective and good.

We do have a day care gap that we have to address, he said. But we have to be careful to make sure were not changing so much that it harms our children.

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Kelly said some concerns raised about the bill were misguided because people didnt understand that much of the language included in HB 2045 was already in statute elsewhere.

Some of the concerns, like the wording on certain provisions within that, those are things that were already in statute, she said. They were just sort of put into the child care conversation, but were already existing. But I felt very comfortable that what we ended up with addressed a lot of concerns.

Kelly said objections to the vaccination language in HB 2045 was one of those misunderstood issues.

That language already exists in state law, and we just put it into child care regulations, she said.

Gov. Laura Kelly called the creation of a new Office of Early Childhood through House Bill 2045 one of the legacies will she leave behind. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)

Sen. Tory Marie Blew, a Great Bend Republican, spoke to the crowd while holding her 11-month-old daughter, Brynn. She said she and her husband put their names on a child care wait list in 2020, and then it took them longer than expected to have a child. A spot didnt come open until just after their daughter was born in May 2024, she said.

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Many folks are not working because either they cant afford it or they dont have access to it, Blew said. The thing about child care is its an issue across every state. Hopefully more states will look to Kansas on what were doing here.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, equated the legislation to a promise to Kansas families.

By establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood, this bill takes a transformative step toward making child care in Kansas more accessible, more affordable and more effective, she said.

Kansas will now have a centralized, accountable agency with an executive director focused entirely on those early childhood services, Sykes added. This means more coordination, less confusion and better results.

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Kelly said it had been clear for some time that the current system in Kansas wasnt meeting the needs of providers, communities and businesses. This legislation ensures a stronger, more comprehensive and flexible system for providers, she said.

We know the earliest years of childhood are crucial in determining the trajectory of ones entire life, including economic health and social outcomes, Kelly said. A robust, flourishing early childhood system not only benefits our children, but its also critical to our states economic growth and well-being.
Cynthia Lane, director of the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, says the decision of the 2025 Legislature to not enhance funding to the reading initiative after earmarking $10 million one year ago won't halt the plan to retrain all elementary school teachers and change instruction of college students preparing for careers in teaching. In this image, Lane joins with Blake Flanders, president of the Kansas Board of Regents, in a 2024 Kansas Reflector podcast interview. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  The 2024 Kansas Legislatures commitment to intervene on behalf of 33% of Kansas students not meeting fundamental levels of reading and to elevate literacy as an economic imperative throughout the state was celebrated as a bipartisan achievement.

There was $10 million in the state budget to develop instructional expertise through the Blueprint for Literacy. The idea was to enroll all Kansas elementary school teachers in graduate courses in the science of reading. Public and private universities would offer new classes to equip undergraduates with skills to implement a structured literacy curriculum useful to all students. The bottom-line objective: Significantly improve language arts skills of students in 3rd through 8th grades.

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Senate Bill 438 roared through the Legislature on votes of 34-3 in the Senate and 98-22 in the House.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who signed the bill in April 2024, said the legislation placed Kansas at the forefront of nationwide efforts to reform reading instruction.

By aligning the efforts of K-12 and higher education to train our educators in the science of reading, we intend to end the literacy divide for our students once and for all, said Melanie Haas, a member of the Kansas State Board of Education responsible for K-12 schools.

Cynthia Lane, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents with oversight of state universities, said the Blueprint for Literacy would prove to be one of the most important bills enacted by the Legislature and governor in 2024. She felt so strongly about the cause that she took a job as the first director of the literacy initiative.

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And then, as the 2025 legislative session unfolded, the Republican-led House budgeted $2 million in next years budget to the literacy program. The GOP-controlled Senate deleted that earmark by sweeping all House appropriations of interest earned on one-time federal funds. The state budget bill eventually passed with bipartisan support and signed by Kelly contained no new funding of Blueprint for Literacy.

That financial setback wont close the book on Blueprint for Literacy  at least not now while the program remained in its infancy.

The blueprint is not ending, Lane said. Were not done.

In the beginning

Lane said several million dollars unspent from the original $10 million allocation would be relied upon to stick with plans to enroll certified teachers in a pair of three-credit-hour graduate courses on the science of reading. State funding was allocated to cover tuition costs of teachers in graduate-level courses and to provide each with a $500 stipend.

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Kansas college students seeking degrees in education must enroll in two new courses in reading instruction. Those courses should be available this fall at seven public universities and at least five private colleges in Kansas.

She said the original plan to establish literacy centers of excellence at universities to bring instruction closer to teachers would be idled due to financial restraints.

The decision by the Legislature not to allocate additional resources for the Blueprint for Literacy was associated with skepticism the initiative had yet to show results or might not deliver on its promise, Lane said. Some critics of the Blueprint for Literacy also suggested it might be duplicative of a program developed by the Kansas State Department of Education with federal grants issued in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the 2024 state law, the Blueprint for Literacy would take all elementary teachers through a graduate curriculum to attain a micro-credential in reading instruction by 2030. Student academic goals in Senate Bill 438 would have 90% of 3rd through 8th graders achieving Level 2 on the states four-level assessment scale. In addition, 50% of 3rd through 8th grade students would achieve Level 3 or Level 4 on the state assessment by 2033.

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Its going to be hard to do when funding is removed and teachers cant get trained, said Lane, who was a superintendent of public schools in Kansas City, Kansas. This is about our children. Its about supporting our teachers.

Easy chop

Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said the $2 million offered by the House would have been derived from interest income on the states share of American Rescue Plan Act allotments from the federal governments economic stimulus program in 2021.

Waymaster said the offer by the House was a reduction from earlier projections of what might be needed to operate Blueprint for Literacy, but would have made certain the initiative had financial support to continue on a limited basis.

He said advocates of the literacy program came to the Capitol to object to pulling the funding after less than one year of implementation. Critics of the Blueprint for Literacy countered the spending hadnt turned the dial on student achievement in reading, he said.

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Senate pulled it out, because they had different ideas on what they wanted to do with the ARPA interest, Waymaster said. I also heard, around the halls, the results were not there. Some didnt like it last year and, so, where we were at as far as looking at the budget, I think it was a easy chop.

Eager, hungry, interested

Molly Baumgardner, who championed the Blueprint for Literacy before leaving the Kansas Senate after not seeking reelection in 2024, said success of the initiative was vital to the future of Kansas school children as well as the states economy.

We have too many kids in our state that cant read, Baumgardner said.

She said the $10 million originally invested in the program wasnt available to organizers of the reading blueprint until July 1, 2024. A task force responsible for managing the initiative nevertheless meet program development deadlines set by the Legislature. Literacy instruction courses open to college students were in operation by August 2024 as mandated, she said. The state law had attached an unusual financial penalty for noncompliance  $1 million for three state universities and $500,000 for three regional state universities.

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A Washburn University pilot program started in March to extend literacy-education instruction to teachers in Topeka proved popular enough to expand to three sections of 30 educators each, Baumgardner said.

Thats how eager, hungry, interested our teachers in the classroom were, she said. There is tremendous interest.

Baumgardner said the 2024 elections added members to the House and Senate unfamiliar with the reading blueprint. The compressed 2025 legislative session and changes to how the budget was prepared limited opportunities for literacy advocates to speak with lawmakers about how the state could benefit of additional funding, she said.

Baumgardner said she looked forward to sharing with the 2026 Legislature in January emerging evidence of how the Blueprint for Literacy influenced teachers and students.
LIBERAL, Kan. (KSNW)  A southwest Kansas law enforcement team was honored as the 2024 Drug Unit of the Year by the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association for their work against drug trafficking.

Seward County Sheriff Gene Ward lauded the group in a news release, highlighting the teams history and accomplishments.

The task force, comprising deputies from two county sheriffs offices, was established last year. In its first year, the unit seized more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine combineddrugs that were intended for distribution across the area.

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Trump signs executive orders on school discipline, education reform

One notable case highlighted by Ward involved a narcotics investigation that led to the removal of three childrenages 9, 6, and 5 monthsfrom a home where drugs were being stored and packaged.

During the search, methamphetamine and cocaine were found in the childrens bedroom, and residue was even detected on the nipple of the infants bottle. All three children tested positive for methamphetamine exposure and were placed in protective custody.

Ward praised the task force for its dedication and effectiveness.

There is no doubt in my mind the efforts by the Southwest Kansas Drug Task Force saved the lives of these children who were subject to a horrific environment, he said.

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For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
The Karen Read murder case has attracted thousands of people from across the country to pay attention to her trial every day.

People have gravitated to the case, in part, because theyve read about or heard from the defendant directly so consistently in magazine stories, TV interviews and in documentary series  a rare move for someone facing such a high-stakes trial.

Doing this film is my testimony, Read, 45, said in a docuseries by Investigation Discovery and streaming on Max.

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Her interviews allowed her to put out her version of the story in the court of public opinion. Its paid off so far as shes got hundreds, if not thousands, of supporters who believe what her defense team says: that shes been framed for killing her Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe, in January 2022.

Those supporters have contributed $885,949 to a defense fund to date.

But as the trial is getting underway, its clear that the new prosecutor, Hank Brennan, is using those very same interviews and Reads own words against her. Some of the interviews were done before the first trial last year. But they were not played for jurors then.

Brennan has played four videos so far after two days of testimony, and they are often played after meaningful testimony to drive home certain points to jurors  who wont be hearing from Read since she is not expected to testify.

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Brennan used some of Reads own words during his opening statement. He said that Read clipped OKeefe and left the scene because he didnt look mortally wounded.

A few minutes later, he played a video of an interview she gave to Dateline that aired on Oct. 18, 2024, where she said:

Read: I mean, I didnt think I hit him, hit him. But could I have clipped him? Could I have tapped him in the knee and incapacitated him? He didnt look mortally wounded as far as I could see. Or could I have done something that knocked him out and in his drunkenness and in the cold, didnt come to again.

Interviewer: This would have been the moment you dropped him off at the party?

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Read: Yeah. Yeah. It would have had to.

Then, later on Monday, after a back-and-forth cross-examination of Canton firefighter Timothy Nuttall, where lawyers argued about whether he really heard Read say, I hit him, I hit him, I hit him, Brennan rolled the tape.

This time, from Reads interview with ID Docuseries, dated June 15, 2024. In it, she says she did say, I hit him.

Read: I remember it, but I question do I remember it because its been relived so much?

I mean, when I see the video of me driving from the Waterfall, like what I just described  tapping the brakes when I crossed the intersection, Washington over Sherman street  do I actually remember that I kind of slowly proceeded through that green light? No, I dont actually remember that, but Ive seen the video so many times that you then question, did I remember on my own, or was my memory jogged?

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But I also wondered, did I say that I hit him? Or was it told to me that I said I hit him? And I knew I never could have said that, so the closest I must have said was, did I hit him? I know I said I hit him, but did I really say it as many times as law enforcements claiming I said it?

On Tuesday, Brennan played audio from an interview with the journalist Gretchen Voss dated June 20, 2023.

In it, she described what she saw the morning of Jan. 29, 2022, before she and two other women discovered OKeefes unconscious body in the snow:

KR: When my car was seized, there was a few small pieces of tail light missing that I had picked out at Johns at quarter of six before we drove over to Fairview. Im showing to Kerry, look what I just did to my light. And Im worried that its gonna  theres gonna be some kind of electric short circuit. The bulb is showing and some of the red plastics missing. So I picked pieces out of the light housing that had kind of collapsed within the light and dropped them in Johns driveway.

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He played that video after OKeefes close friend, Kerry Roberts, testified about meeting up with Read before they found his body in the snow.

The timing of when that taillight was cracked, where it was cracked and when the taillight pieces were found at 34 Fairview Road is a huge contention point in the trial.

The second video played on Wednesday came after emotional testimony from OKeefes mother, Peggy OKeefe.

She recounted what happened the morning she saw her son at the hospital, and she said Read and her father visited John OKeefes house briefly, but that Read never gave her condolences.

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In an interview with 20/20, aired on Sept. 27, 2023, Read talked about when she went to John OKeefes house on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022, after he died.

Peggy OKeefe and her grandchildren were in the house:

Read: They had pulled into the driveway before me. So I was presuming she saw my cracked taillight and was thinking, did you hit my son? I could sense from her that she was looking at me very warily. And then when Johns nephew came along, I just wanted to see him and squeeze him. It was quite uncomfortable. I sit down upstairs in the master bedroom. I said, I think I need to leave because I think Johns mother thinks I did something to John.

Brennan said in court that the video goes to his argument that Read showed a consciousness of guilt the morning that OKeefe died.

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Alan Jackson, one of Reads lawyers, said he disagreed with the characterization, but did not object to having the video shown to jurors.

A fifth video that Brennan plans to show jurors was not allowed on Wednesday, and Judge Beverly Cannone said she would decide Thursday morning whether it will be played for jurors.

Jackson objected to this video, however, and argued it would villify Read if allowed.

Read is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death in connection with OKeefes death.

Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck with her SUV while driving intoxicated and then fled the scene in January 2022.

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Reads lawyers have contended for years that her SUV never struck OKeefe, and on Tuesday, Jackson said, There was no collision, and repeated it three times to emphasize for the jury.

Reads trial continues Thursday with testimony.

Heres a recap of Wednesdays testimony.

More about the case

Read the original article on MassLive.
WELLINGTON, April 24 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wrapped up a productive three-day visit to Britain, reinforcing the bilateral relationship, said a New Zealand government statement on Thursday.

Luxon met with King Charles III and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with both sides committing to deepening cooperation in a rapidly changing world, the statement said.

In a joint statement, they reaffirmed their support for the international rules-based order and pledged to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

"Export growth will be critical to improving our economic prospects in the coming years so our businesses can create more jobs and lift incomes for Kiwis," Luxon said, citing a 20 percent rise in New Zealand exports to Britain over the past year under the free trade agreement.

Luxon also hosted an investment roundtable with British business leaders, promoting New Zealand as a prime destination for investment, with his visit seeing over 120 million NZ dollars (71.42 million U.S. dollars) in new commercial deals between British and Kiwi companies, according to the statement. 
The mother of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, whose body was covered in snow after a blinding blizzard, took the stand with emotional testimony in the retrial of her son's girlfriend Karen Read, who is charged with killing him on Wednesday.



In the second day of the blockbuster trial, Peg O'Keefe said she saw Read, who was brought to the same hospital where her son's body had been transferred for a mental health evaluation, in a hallway. O'Keefe said Read shouted at her, "Peg, is he dead?"



O'Keefe, who was raising his niece and nephew after he lost his sister to a fatal brain tumor just months before her husband died of a fatal heart attack, was found dead after a night of partying with Read and other law enforcement officers in the early morning hours of Jan. 29, 2002. Those children, who were devastated by his death, are now living with Peg and her husband John O'Keefe Sr., she said on the stand.

Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe was found dead in a snowbank on Jan.29, 2022. His girlfriend Karen Read's retrial is underway in connection with his death in Massachusetts. Boston Police Department

The officer's mother's testimony came after she heard heartbreaking details about her son's body being found covered in snow, which his friend Kerry Roberts testified she dug away from his face. She then performed CPR by performing chest compressions as Read tried to give him mouth-to-mouth, she told the court.



In her sometimes teary testimony, Roberts told the jury that Read called her at 5 a.m., a little more than an hour before finding O'Keefe's body, and screamed Kerry! Kerry! Kerry! Johns dead! and hung up. Roberts then went to OKeefes house with Read to search for him and then to another home at 34 Fairview Avenue in Canton, which had been owned by a now-retired Boston Police Officer Sgt. Brian Albert.



Albert had invited a group of law enforcement officers and friends to his home after leaving a neighborhood bar in the town on Boston's south shore where the group had been drinking. Read claims she dropped him off at the house and left him there when she couldn't reach him by phone or text.



Roberts recalled it was still dark and snowing when they went on the search. Roberts testified that she couldnt see anything when they pulled up on Fairview Avenue, but then heard from Read: There he is." She then jumped out of the car and onto the lawn. She ran right over to the mound of snow, Roberts said. Once she got to it, you could tell it was a mound of snow the length of a body.

Read's Los Angeles defense attorney Alan Jackson told jurors during his opening statements that O'Keefe died in a warm place, likely after being brutalized in some way inside the Fairview Ave home that had belonged at the time to Sgt. Brian Albert, a now retired Boston police officer, a charge he and others assembled at the home steadfastly deny. Jackson told jurors the entire case against Read was tainted with errors, bias, and incompetence.



We prepped hard, and Im just proud of my team. I cant be prouder, and we have the truth, so we forge ahead, Karen Read said after Jackson's opening argument Tuesday as she left court and was met by throngs of supporters in hot pink T-shirts, part of what is known as the FKR or "Free Karen Read," movement.



Special prosecutor Hank Brennan, who was hired from the private sector by Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey, argued in his opening statement that Read, 45, a former adjunct professor and finance analyst, smashed into O'Keefe in a drunken rage after a booze-fueled argument.
The second murder trial of Karen Read, who is accused of causing the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, entered Day 2 as witness testimony resumed Wednesday.

Prosecutors say Read backed her SUV into John OKeefe in 2022 after dropping him off at a party and returned hours later to find him dead. Defense attorneys say she was a victim of a conspiracy involving the police and they plan, as they did in the first trial, to offer evidence pointing to the real killer.

Read has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and leaving the scene. A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse.

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The second trial has thus far looked similar to the first. It is being held in the same courthouse before the same judge, and dozens of Reads passionate supporters are again rallying outside. The primary defense lawyers and many of the nearly 200 witnesses will also be the same.

New evidence to be offered

Prosecutors are relying on witnesses from the scene in the early days of the trial, counting on testimony from police officers and firefighters who recalled Read making comments that implicated her in the killing.

They are also introducing evidence of a broken taillight on Reads SUV that prosecutors argue was damaged when she hit OKeefe and possible DNA from OKeefe found on her vehicle.

The defenses goal is to raise doubts about the prosecution case and plant the seed that she was framed. They are expected to suggest that a hair found on the taillight was planted and the police investigation was marred by a conflict of interest.

Kerry Roberts testifies on Wednesday. - Greg Derr/Pool/The Patriot Ledge/AP

OKeefe friend testifies about taillight damage

Kerry Roberts, a close friend of OKeefes, was one of two women with Read when she found the officer lying lifeless in the snow.

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The prosecution questioned Roberts on Tuesday about her memories of the discovery of OKeefes body, including damage to the taillight of Reads vehicle.

Roberts, back on the stand Wednesday, testified that Read pointed out the taillight damage and confirmed that Read said, Do you think I hit him? in reference to the damage. Roberts also testified about receiving a panicked phone call from Read on the morning OKeefe was found dead.

When she first called she said, Johns dead, Kerry, Kerry, and she hung up, Roberts said.

The defense also questioned Roberts on Wednesday and sought to portray her as having changed her story and made false statements to a grand jury.

John O'Keefe's mother Peggy recounts hearing about her son's death on Wednesday. - Greg Derr/Pool/The Patriot Ledge/AP

OKeefes mother gives tearful testimony

OKeefes mother, Peggy OKeefe, gave emotional testimony Wednesday about her discovery that her son was dead.

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Peggy OKeefe lost her daughter, Kristen, to a brain tumor in 2013, and Kristens husband, Stephen Furbush, died of a heart attack shortly thereafter. The pain of losing another child at a young age was devastating, she said.

She cried on the witness stand while relaying the story of seeing her son in the hospital after he was found lifeless in the snow.

He was bruised up. His eyes were closed. Just not a good scene, she said.

OKeefes mother also briefly testified about her interactions with Read. She said Read told her she had left her son at a party.

A rocky relationship comes under scrutiny

Read had worked as a financial analyst and a Bentley College adjunct professor before being charged in the death of OKeefe, who was 46. The 16-year police veteran was found unresponsive outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer.

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After a night out drinking, prosecutors say Read, who is 45, dropped OKeefe at the house party just after midnight. As she made a three-point turn, prosecutors say, she struck OKeefe before driving away. She returned hours later to find him in a snowbank.

As at the first trial, prosecutors will try to convince jurors that Reads actions were intentional. They are expected to call witnesses who will describe how the couples relationship had begun to sour before OKeefes death, including his brother and sister-in-law, who testified that Read told her the couple had argued in Aruba after she caught OKeefe kissing another woman.

The defense blames a third party for OKeefes death

The defenses approach has been to portray the investigation into OKeefes death as shoddy and undermined by the close relationship investigators had with the police officers and other law enforcement agents who were at the house party.

Among the key witnesses they will call is former State Trooper Michael Proctor, who led the investigation but has since been fired after a disciplinary board found he sent crude and sexist texts about Read to his family and colleagues. He is also on the prosecutions witness list.

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Proctors testimony was a key moment during the first trial, when the defense suggested his texts about Read and the case showed he was biased and had singled her out early in the investigation, ignoring other potential suspects.

They also are expected to suggest Read was framed, saying OKeefe was actually killed inside the home during a fight with another partygoer and then dragged outside. In the first trial, defense attorneys suggested investigators focused on Read because she was a convenient outsider who saved them from having to consider law enforcement officers as suspects.

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Karen Reads second trial in connection with the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, continues Thursday in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court before Judge Beverly Cannone.

This story will be updated throughout the day with the latest testimony.

A Canton firefighter who responded to the scene of OKeefes death is expected to continue his testimony Thursday.

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People to know:

Hank Brennan, special prosecutor for the Norfolk County District Attorneys office

David Yannetti, lawyer for Read

Daniel Whitley, Canton firefighter/paramedic

Michael Camerano, friend of OKeefe

Nicholas Guarino, Massachusetts State Police digital forensics expert

10:20 a.m. - Cannone calls morning recess

As Brennan meticulously introduced OKeefe and Reads calls and texts into evidence with Guarino on the stand, Cannone called for the morning recess.

Guarino has yet to testify about the substance of any of those communications.

10:03 a.m. - Brennan recalls Guarino

After Cameranos testimony concluded, Brennan called Guarino back to the stand. Guarino testified on Wednesday and is the State Police trooper who conducted extractions of both Read and OKeefes phones.

9:58 a.m. - Do you know if there was any jealousy?

On re-direct from Brennan, Camerano testified that Read didnt want other women around OKeefe.

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He said he didnt know what was going on behind closed doors.

9:50 a.m. - Yannetti cross-examines Camerano

On cross-examination from Yannetti, Camerano testified about his daughters relationship with Read.

He confirmed his kids went on vacation with Read and OKeefe and that his daughter occasionally visited Read at her home in Mansfield.

Yannetti asked Camerano if OKeefe ever suggested he wanted to break up with Read. Camerano said he hadnt.

Camerano testified that in the month leading up to OKeefes death his relationship with Read appeared normal and affectionate.

9:47 a.m. - Camerano testifies about morning of OKeefes death

On the morning of OKeefes death, Camerano said he woke up to several missed calls from his wife and from Read.

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He said he went to OKeefes house that morning to pick up OKeefes niece.

She looked distraught, Camerano said.

A couple hours later, he received a phone call from OKeefes brother, Paul. At that point, he said he knew OKeefe had died.

Camerano teared up as he recalled driving OKeefes niece home. He said he returned to the home the next day.

9:40 a.m. - Camerano takes the stand

Camerano, a friend of OKeefes, was the next witness called by the prosecution.

He said he grew close to OKeefe and his family when his children began playing sports with OKeefes niece and nephew.

Camerano testified about meeting up with OKeefe on the night of Jan. 28, 2022. The pair went out to C.F. McCarthys to celebrate his daughter and OKeefes niece getting into Bishop Feehan for high school.

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While they were at the bar, they met up with another friend, Curt Roberts, and Read. Camerano left the bar around 9:30 p.m., he said.

9:35 a.m. - Brigid Meehan takes the stand

Meehan works at the Waterfall Bar and Grille in Canton, another bar visited by OKeefe and Read.

She confirmed the bar has video surveillance cameras inside and that she turned over footage to the Massachusetts State Police.

Brennan played a video clip from inside the bar on Jan. 28, 2022 and asked Meehan if it was accurate. She confirmed it was and concluded her testimony.

Yannetti did not cross examine her.

9:30 a.m. - Jean DeMulis takes the stand

The next witness to take the stand, Jean DeMulis, said she had been the general manager at C.F. McCarthys, a restaurant and bar in Canton, for six years. McCarthys is one of the bars OKeefe and Read visited before his death.

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Brennan began his direct examination by asking DeMulis about the bars video system. She recalled two detectives coming to the bar seeking video footage from Jan. 28, 2022.

DeMulis said she remembered Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik downloading videos from the bar. Brennan then played a video clip from inside the bar, which DeMulis confirmed was an accurate depiction of its interior.

Brennan ended his questioning of DeMulis there, and Yannetti declined to cross examine her.

9:25 a.m. - Brennan conducts re-direct of Whitley

On re-direct examination, Whitley said he distinctly remembered the conversation with Read where she asked if a person could survive in the snow for many hours without a jacket.

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Whitley said he and other paramedics were telling stories to Read to try and give her hope. He said such a remark would not be typically included in a report.

Brennan asked Whitley if he had secret meetings with Kerry Roberts, another witness and a neighbor, to corroborate some conspiracy at a block party.

Whitley chuckled and said he hadnt.

Canton firefighter and paramedic Daniel Whitley on the witness stand during the second murder trial of Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)AP

9:15 a.m. - Whitley pressed on grand jury testimony

Yannetti forcefully questioned Whitley about his testimony before a grand jury in April 2022.

Before the grand jury, Whitley did not say Read repeatedly asked first responders if a person could survive outside in the snow for many hours. He mentioned the remark both at the first trial and under direct examination Wednesday.

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On Wednesday, Whitley testified Read asked if a person who was sitting outside could survive in the snow without a jacket.

Was that the first time that you testified under oath that Ms. Read said or asked about him sitting outside? Yannetti asked.

Whitley appeared confused by the line of questioning, and said he was not quoting Read verbatim.

It couldve been a different word, he said.

9:10 a.m. - Yannetti resumes cross-examination of Whitley

When Whitley returned to the stand, Yannetti questioned him about Reads behavior when she arrived at the hospital on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022.

Specifically, Yannetti pressed Whitley on his perception that Read was unwilling to give a urine sample. Yannetti asked Whitley if he was aware Read was on her period. Whitley said he was.

9 a.m. - Cannone allows prosecution to play clip

Before bringing the jury in Thursday morning, Cannone allowed Brennans request to play a clip of an interview Read conducted for a docuseries covering the case.

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In it, Read appears to mock OKeefes mother, Peggy, and describes a conversation she recalls having on the morning of OKeefes death.

Jackson had argued against the introduction of the clip, saying its only purpose was to vilify Read.

8:30 a.m.

Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of OKeefe, who was found outside the home of a fellow Boston police officer in Canton on Jan. 29, 2022.

Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated. Reads attorneys say her car never struck OKeefe and that others are to blame for his death.

Karen Read murder case

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.
Kate Middleton and Prince William are celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary in just a few days on April 29, and they'll be taking a cute trip together. Though, technically it's more of a "work trip."

According to People, William and Kate are traveling to Scotland (where they met at St. Andrews in 2005) for two days of official engagements starting on April 29. The couple will visit seaside towns, farms, and local communities, and will likely be asked about their anniversary by literally everyone they meet...so stay tuned for that!

Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

While Wills and Kate are clearly spending their special day in public, they'll likely celebrate in private and exchange gifts. Back in 2023, William showered Kate with sentimental presents, including jewelry belonging to his late mother, Princess Diana. According to an insider who spoke to Us Weekly, William wanted to surprise Kate with a family heirloom and gave her a stunning diamond ring that belonged to Diana.

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He also gave his wife "a replica of the bouquet of flowers that she walked down the aisle holding on their wedding dayto symbolize their love, unity and friendship, while Kate gave her husband "a framed sketch of the two of them from an old photograph taken during their St Andrews years."

TBD on this year's gifts, but according to The Sun, William has been dialing up their relationship with "more romantic dinners, more long walks and more holidays." Apparently, they're "also looking to take a romantic hideaway holiday just the two of them, and even talking about going back to the Seychelles where they honeymooned."

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas took to social media this week to share a glimpse of soon-to-be legislative efforts to crack down on predatory towing, all to ensure stronger penalties and enforcement.

Legislation is likely to be introduced on Thursday at City Council, that means it would be up for a hearing next week, he shared. We would hope that if everything works by probably June 1, after Memorial Day, we will be in a position where we can do that better enforcement that I think is going to be necessary to make sure people have some level of accountability.

Mahomes on building back the deep ball, new haircut, O-line issues

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Predatory towing practices can cost hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars in fees to those impacts.

We are going to try and do all we can to not just to enforce and regulate, but to get peoples money back to the fullest extent possible, Lucas added. This is a serious offense and one that is going to get our serious attention.

Lucas also wants people to know there is a resource to call: 311 or the myKCMO app.

You can also report your issue to city department, Regulated Industries, by calling (816) 513-4561 or by emailing regulatedindustries@kcmo.org.

Working with KCPD, looking at fines and penalties for those who are found in violation and businesses that are recidivists, doing it again and again, seeing that they either have licenses pulled not called as often for towing. Those are the very serious things we think are important that we address, Lucas shared Wednesday.

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Regulated Industries, a division of the City, takes in calls and emails about problems with towing practices.

Its a huge issue, not only in Kansas City, but the state of Missouri, Regulated Industries Manager, Jim Ready, shared with FOX4 Wednesday. Research shows that.

R.I. oversees towing regulations in the City and related fees, in regard to tows within private lots only.

Sometimes, vehicles are being towed from private lots where there is no signage. A lot of times weve seen where a vehicle was towed, but they didnt follow the rules, Ready said.

Ready said few complaints have been sent in.

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Of the ones we get in, I would say about 50% of the time, theres a problem. Thats a high high, high, complaint rate where the complaint was right, and the law wasnt followed.

Ready breaks down some rules in regard to towing companies and steps that need to be followed.

If you are going to tow somebody from a private lot, first of all, theres gotta be a sign that says if you park here, you are subject to being towed, he said. Second of all, the property owner, or security manager, or property manager, has got to be there to sign off of the tow in the act when it actually happens. Thats gotta occur. The person thats going to tow it, the company, they have got to call KCPD before that ever happens and theyve got to report where they are being towed from and which lot it is being taken to and what is going to happen next, Ready said. Wherever it is being held, its got to be open 24 hours a day. Theyve got to be able to call and get somebody. Theyve gotta answer it.

Along with following regulations set forward with appropriate fees, Ready says its all about following the law and reaching out when theres a problem.

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See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

We welcome the complaints. I want them, because if this doesnt get out in the open, its going to continue to happen.

KCPD says, since the inception of their predatory towing email, the department has received over 100 emails along with numerous calls.

You can read more on maximum applicable towing fees for certain instances here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
By Julie Ingwersen and Karl Plume

GLENDALE, Kentucky (Reuters) - Kentucky farmer Drew Langley got an early start planting soybeans this spring, hoping to boost yields to help soothe the sting of slumping prices after U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with China put demand from the world's top importer in doubt.

Then the rains came.

Up to 15 inches fell on farms along the southeastern edge of the U.S. Midwest farm belt from April 2-6, flooding Langley's fields and swamping thousands of acres across the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State where farmers contribute a small but meaningful portion of the nation's soybean, corn and winter wheat crops. Grain elevators on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, which mark Kentucky's northern and western borders, offer farmers there access to the nation's largest export outlet at the Gulf Coast.

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The one-two punch of historic floods amid a damaging trade war comes at a challenging moment for farmers in Kentucky, where planting delays are costing them precious time in a year when low prices leave them little margin for error as they struggle to remain profitable.

Farmers across the country are facing similar dilemmas as planting is under way and growers face last-minute decisions about what to plant as global agricultural markets have been upended by tariffs and trade uncertainty.

Nearly 65% of deep red Kentucky's voters cast ballots for Trump last November, up 3 points from four years earlier, and many farmers, a core constituency for the president, remain supportive of his policy goals.

"We are antsy and we are ready to get going," Langley said as he gazed across the flooded landscape of his Glendale-area fields that would normally be half-planted by mid-April.

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"I am itchy to get more of my beans in the ground," he said.

The U.S. trade war with China, the world's biggest soybean buyer, has diminished export prospects for U.S. soybeans, the nation's top farm export by value, restricting farmers' ability to make a profit in 2025. Soybean exports to China never fully recovered after a U.S.-China trade war during Trump's first term, but some relief may be on the way. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters he would be "very nice" in negotiations with China, and that tariffs on imports from the country would fall significantly following a deal, but not to zero.

Just 12% of Kentucky's corn crop was planted as of Sunday, well below the 23% seeded by this time on average, according to the USDA. Soybean plantings stood at 7%, compared with 9% on average.

TIMING IS CRITICAL

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Flooding across the Ohio River Valley, which spans far southern Illinois to western Pennsylvania, hit farmers particularly hard in western Kentucky, where many follow a highly coordinated rotation of corn, winter wheat and so-called "double crop" soybeans that allows them to grow three crops in two years on the same fields.

The timing of each phase is critical, and this spring's flooding has forced farmers to spend time filling in ditches, repairing furrows hammered by flood runoff, clearing fallen trees and branches  leaving fewer days for planting corn.

Farmers here, along with others across the United States, had hoped to add corn acres this year as their best chance for profits in a tough farm economy due in part to Trump's disruptive trade war.

Kentucky farmers intend to plant 17% more corn acres this year while slashing soybean seedings by 10%, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in its latest forecast, which was based on a survey of 73,700 farmers conducted during the first two weeks of March.

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The state's projected plantings shift is more drastic than farmers nationwide, with total U.S. corn acreage seen up 5% in 2025 while soybean seedings were expected to fall 4%, according to the USDA. Grower returns for corn are expected to be better than soybeans this year.

Depending on how soon the floodwaters retreat, Kentucky farmers might have to switch some corn acres to soybeans, which can be planted later in the spring.

Although Kentucky farmers grew just 1.5% of U.S. corn and 2.2% of soybean supplies last year, their crops, and those from the flooded Ohio River Valley, represent crucial flows for exporters that draw from supplies loaded on river barges bound for Gulf Coast terminals.

Hodgenville-area farmer Ryan Bivens slowly drove across a flooded road to survey one of his waterlogged fields, his red truck leaving a small wake in murky water still standing on the area's saturated red clay soils.

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Bivens, 46, a first-generation farmer and newly sworn-in state lawmaker, should be spending the first weeks of April planting corn and soybeans and readying equipment to harvest his once-promising winter wheat crop.

"I estimated first that we probably lost 200 to 300 acres of wheat out of the 2,600 that we have got planted," he said in an interview near one of his machine sheds.

"I'm mighty afraid I am probably low."

'WE DON'T HAVE ANY ROOM TO GIVE'

At Micah Lester's 7,000-acre farm near Cadiz, Kentucky, 15% of his fields remained unplantable nearly two weeks after three days of storms dumped 14 inches of rain on his once-tidy rows of winter wheat and rye, a cover crop on fields where he intended to plant corn.

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Lester hopes that Washington's trade war will eventually lead to better crop prices. But if his fields remain waterlogged into May, Lester fears he will have to shift acres earmarked for corn to soybeans despite demand concerns stemming from Trump's tariffs on China.

"I'm optimistic but also very nervous. It's not like we are in a great ag economy. We don't have any room to give," he said in an office behind his house. Just outside, his crews moved huge planters and other equipment into place to start seeding corn.

A few miles away, farmer Barry Alexander has spent hundreds of dollars per acre on labor to clear corn fields of debris after heavy flooding. Alexander said that some of the fields on his 13,000-acre farm may be unsuitable for planting this spring.

He has circled May 5 on his calendar. That's the day he will begin to seriously consider shifting corn acres to soybeans.

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To what level global markets remain open to either crop amid Trump's aggressive trade policies remains unclear. China has already slapped a 125% duty on U.S. goods in retaliation for Trump's tariffs, effectively halting its imports of American farm products. Other nations facing Trump's tariffs are weighing their responses.

Soybean and corn farmer Langley remains optimistic that Trump's policies will yield a trade deal that would lift soybean prices well above their current $10-a-bushel levels.

If soybeans continued to fetch $10 per bushel, Langley said, "we can live to fight another day."

If as a result of the trade war prices fall, however, "then you can say, well, Drew has got an auction sign in his yard," Langley said.

(Reporting by Julie Ingwersen in western Kentucky and Karl Plume in Chicago; Editing by Emily Schmall and Anna Driver)
By Julie Ingwersen and Karl Plume

GLENDALE, Kentucky (Reuters) - Kentucky farmer Drew Langley got an early start planting soybeans this spring, hoping to boost yields to help soothe the sting of slumping prices after U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with China put demand from the world's top importer in doubt.

Then the rains came.

Up to 15 inches fell on farms along the southeastern edge of the U.S. Midwest farm belt from April 2-6, flooding Langley's fields and swamping thousands of acres across the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State where farmers contribute a small but meaningful portion of the nation's soybean, corn and winter wheat crops. Grain elevators on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, which mark Kentucky's northern and western borders, offer farmers there access to the nation's largest export outlet at the Gulf Coast.

The one-two punch of historic floods amid a damaging trade war comes at a challenging moment for farmers in Kentucky, where planting delays are costing them precious time in a year when low prices leave them little margin for error as they struggle to remain profitable.

Farmers across the country are facing similar dilemmas as planting is under way and growers face last-minute decisions about what to plant as global agricultural markets have been upended by tariffs and trade uncertainty.

Nearly 65% of deep red Kentucky's voters cast ballots for Trump last November, up 3 points from four years earlier, and many farmers, a core constituency for the president, remain supportive of his policy goals.

"We are antsy and we are ready to get going," Langley said as he gazed across the flooded landscape of his Glendale-area fields that would normally be half-planted by mid-April.

"I am itchy to get more of my beans in the ground," he said.

The U.S. trade war with China, the world's biggest soybean buyer, has diminished export prospects for U.S. soybeans, the nation's top farm export by value, restricting farmers' ability to make a profit in 2025. Soybean exports to China never fully recovered after a U.S.-China trade war during Trump's first term, but some relief may be on the way. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters he would be "very nice" in negotiations with China, and that tariffs on imports from the country would fall significantly following a deal, but not to zero.

Just 12% of Kentucky's corn crop was planted as of Sunday, well below the 23% seeded by this time on average, according to the USDA. Soybean plantings stood at 7%, compared with 9% on average.
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Kenyan President William Ruto at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. Xi held talks with Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing on Thursday, with the two sides agreeing to elevate their ties to a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era.

Noting that the move is a strategic choice for both sides, Xi said that in response to the historical trend and the trend of the times, China is willing to work with Kenya to create an example in the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and lead the development of China-Africa relations and the forging of solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries.

China and Kenya should continue to firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, firmly support each other in exploring development paths that suit their respective national conditions, and deepen exchanges of experience in state governance, Xi said.

He called on the two sides to enhance regular policy communication, build connectivity at a higher level, promote sustainable trade, explore diversified financial integration, carry forward the friendship forged through generations, and be leaders in advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Xi said China's supersized market has always kept its door open to high-quality products from Kenya, adding that China encourages more capable Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Kenya.

As important members of the Global South, China and Kenya should take concrete actions to firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, promote extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit in global governance, and practice true multilateralism, Xi said.

Xi said China is willing to work with African countries, including Kenya, to achieve more early results of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to better benefit the African people, and promote high-quality China-Africa cooperation to lead Global South cooperation.

Stressing that there are no winners in tariff and trade wars, Xi said China is willing to work with other countries to address various challenges through solidarity and cooperation, safeguard legitimate rights and interests, uphold international trade rules, and maintain international fairness and justice.

Ruto said Kenya and China have always adhered to sincere treatment and mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Kenya firmly adheres to the one-China policy and insists that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

Ruto expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their selfless assistance to Kenya's efforts in improving infrastructure and responding to natural disasters, adding that Belt and Road projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway have effectively promoted Kenya's national development.

He said Kenya is willing to work with China to build a community with a shared future, comprehensively strengthen the synergy between their economic and social development strategies, strengthen cooperation on trade, investment, infrastructure construction and science and technology, and enhance exchanges in education, culture and tourism.

Cooperation between Africa and China is conducive to Africa's peaceful development, and Kenya is willing to closely coordinate and cooperate with China to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Ruto added.

Ruto said that trade wars undermine the existing international rules and order, and that Kenya appreciates China's role as a stabilizer in the current volatile situation and China's efforts to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, new and high technology, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, economy and trade, and media.

The two sides issued the Joint Statement Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Kenya on Creating an Inspiring Example in the All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

Prior to the talks, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, held a welcoming ceremony for Ruto and his wife, Rachel Ruto, at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People.

Xi and Peng also hosted a welcoming banquet for Ruto and Rachel in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People at noon on Thursday. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Kenyan President William Ruto at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. Xi held talks with Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Kenyan President William Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Kenyan President William Ruto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. Xi held talks with Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a group photo with Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel Ruto in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. Xi held talks with Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Kenyan President William Ruto at the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. Xi held talks with Ruto, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
A man died Wednesday morning after a truck bed fell on him, the Boone County Sheriffs Office told our news partner WCPO.

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The sheriffs office says the 28-year-old man, later identified as James McSwiney, was working on a hydraulic line on the trucks bed when the line failed and the truck bed fell on the worker and killed him, WCPO says.

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Crews on scene reported a large police and fire department presence as well as the Boone County coroner, according to WCPO.

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BEIJING (AP)  Kenyan President William Ruto pledged to build closer ties with China on Thursday, a day after saying a global trade war triggered by Washington could deal a death blow to the current world order.

Ruto is on a five-day visit to China, his third trip to Beijing since taking office in 2022. The visit comes at a time when both Kenya and China are seeking to expand ties amid a tariff fight between Washington and Beijing.

Kenya wants to learn from Chinas remarkable journey of transformation in governance, economic development and global leadership, Ruto said. He thanked Chinese leader Xi Jinping for tens of millions of dollars in support for health, education and disaster relief, as well as for the planned construction of a new complex for Kenyas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Ruto, an evangelical Christian from a modest background, was elected on promises to help Kenyas poor in a country struggling with debt. Earlier in his presidency, Ruto favored the West and the United States over China. But as U.S. President Donald Trump pulls back from engagement with Africa and slaps tariffs on trade partners, Ruto is making overtures to Beijing.

Xi told Ruto that China attaches great importance to China-Kenya relations and that Beijing would work with Kenya to develop the unity and cooperation of the global South. Xi is looking to shore up partnerships and find solutions for the high trade barrier that the U.S. has imposed on Chinese exports.

Kenya is a key participant in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, the ambitious plan that aims to connect Africa, Asia and Europe through massive infrastructure and energy projects. China has funded billions of dollars worth of Kenyan roads, ports and a railway that runs from the coastal city of Mombasa through the capital, Nairobi.

During a keynote speech at Chinas prestigious Peking University on Wednesday, Ruto criticized the U.N. Security Council and the current world order, calling it broken, dysfunctional and no longer fit for purpose, and said the tariffs imposed by Trump may be its final death blow.

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Many African nations face uncertainty over the tariffs, which threaten key industries that export to the United States. The U.S. is one of Kenyas largest export destinations, while China is Kenyas top supplier.

After the meeting, the two countries signed security, technology, and economic agreements, as well as agreements on railways and the establishment of a new Kenyan consulate in Guangzhou.
MBTA General Manager Phil Eng pledged Thursday to hold commuter rail operator Keolis accountable for staffing problems that caused a string of deflating service disruptions on the brand-new South Coast Rail extension.

Several weekend trains have been canceled on the Fall River/New Bedford Line in the month since it launched, in some cases prompting reports of stranded passengers or lengthy shuttle bus rides to replace trips.

A representative for Keolis, the private company contracted to operate the commuter rail, attributed the upheaval to problems with train crew availability.

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Eng said Keolis officials communicated to the T before the extension opened that they were ready to deliver this level of service.

Its their responsibility to address these issues. Its their responsibility to ensure that we can deliver that level of service and what theyre going to be doing going forward, Eng told MBTA board members at a Thursday meeting. Were going to hold them accountable for that.

A T spokesperson said Thursday that the MBTA has imposed $51,541 in fines against Keolis for the disruptions so far.

Keolis Commuter Services CEO Abdellah Chajai joined Eng at the public meeting, where he faced several pointed questions from board members.

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Chajai said commuter rail staff need to receive federally mandated qualifications, calling the process quite complex. He insisted that Keolis had the right level of staffing for South Coast Rail but didnt have enough resilience about the training.

We had enough qualified people from day one. Its just a lack of resilience, Chajai told MBTA board members.

Keolis began training and qualifying crews in early January, the company said. By the time the Fall River/New Bedford Line launched, the company had 44 conductors qualified for the 32 shifts per week required.

As of Thursday, 54 conductors qualified, and Keolis is pushing to reach 65 by early June, the company said.

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Asked if he was satisfied by Keoliss explanation and response, Eng said his team has made it clear that [Keolis leaders] need to address the qualifications of employees and they need to accelerate the qualification of employees.

The vacancies that they encountered, that should have been addressed in advance. Unfortunately, it wasnt, he said. But they are working right now to accelerate qualifications of not only conductors and engineers, but also managers, to have the ability to backfill some of those positions.

Going forward, the directive is that they need to qualify and train every conductor [and] engineer on the whole south side to ensure that they have more than enough, ample employees to cover these shifts, Eng added. Because southeastern Massachusetts and everywhere else, they deserve the same level of robust train service that was scheduled.

South Coast Rails first phase launched on March 24 to major fanfare, reviving train service between Boston and the region for the first time in more than six decades. Scores of elected officials attended the ribbon-cutting, where Gov. Maura Healey said the $1.1 billion extension would be transformative.

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Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, a member of the Ts board, on Thursday recalled the vibrancy he observed at the projects opening day.

People of the South Coast were so hopeful about what was occurring, and they were so excited, and I think they felt respected in some ways, Koutoujian said. Thats almost the most heartbreaking part of how this has fallen off track, so to speak.

The T initially planned to make South Coast Rail trips fare-free on weekends through April, and the agency announced last week that it would extend that period through May amid the challenges.

Keolis has been under contract to run the commuter rail network for more than a decade, and after several extensions, the agreement is set to expire in mid-2027. MBTA officials are weighing whether to change the contract model for the next procurement.

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MAGAs Canadian darling Kevin OLeary lost it with a fellow CNN guest for not backing his proposal to slap 400 percent tariffs on imports from China.

The Shark Tank star appeared on Laura Coates Live Wednesday after Ken Griffin, the Republican megadonor and Citadel CEO, slammed President Trump for trashing the American brand. Griffin added that, using the euro as a reference, [the U.S. has] become 20 percent poorer in four weeks.

.@GinaChon: Is there any space where you see room for optimism or opportunities?



Ken Griffin: "If you use the Euro as a reference currency, [the US has] become 20% poorer in four weeks. There's not a lot of money to be made in that environment." #WorldEconomySummit pic.twitter.com/nEwqeadcTa  Semafor (@semafor) April 23, 2025

Trump stoked truly historic market losses when he ramped up his trade war with China earlier this month, but OLeary still thinks he should kick the tariffs into overdrive. Lets just level the playing field. The [Chinese] government cheats, steals, robs and does not play by any rules. I dont think 125 percent is enough400 percent! he demanded.

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He sparred with Ross Gerber, president and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management. Like Ken Griffin, Gerber thinks that the tariff war is tarnishing the U.S. brand globally and urged caution.

This earned him scorn from OLeary, who ranted that he is weak for not wanting to press ahead with supercharged levies.

Have some backbone, my friend. Show some strength. That is the American brand. That is the American entrepreneur. Youre weak! OLeary said.

The outspoken businessman has bandied the 400 percent figure around before. When tariffs sat at 104 percent on all Chinese imports, he argued that was not enough to move the needle.

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Speaking on the same CNN show on April 8, he suggested 400 percent levies and added: Its time to squeeze Chinese heads into the wall.

On Wednesdays show he butted heads with Gerber throughout, despite the fact that Gerber agreed that China was belligerent towards American businesses.

He simply urged caution in how that should be dealt with, questioning Trumps abrasive style of burning bridges.

Wealth management CEO Ross Gerber taking it in the neck from O'Leary on Laura Coates Live. / CNN

Gerber increased the temperature of the interview when he made the argument that the tariff warfare with China, and OLearys native Canada, has tarnished the U.S. brand globally.

This isnt just about China. Youre Canadian. And the Canadians couldnt be more angry at us, he began, with OLeary getting twitchy. He said Canadians are no longer visiting his native California because the economic war with our northern neighbors has eroded the American brand.

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He then added a warning about incoming cost hikes that will kick back to the consumer. I can tell you this, were about to see a dramatic increase in costs across America, he said. Americans have never had things disappearing from the shelves since Covid.

Firebrand MAGA acolyte OLeary was keen to set the record straight on his heritage. First of all, lets set the record straight. I have multiple nationalities. My whole family is American, he said.

China is Donald Trump's top tariff target / Carlos Barria / REUTERS

He then branded Gerber weak, ranting: In America, youre weak when you say we cant deal with this. Now be strong and get ready for the fight of your life.

He added: To settle this issue with China. Cheating, stealing, ripping off American IP. Enough is enough. Its time to deal with it now. Have some backbone, my friend. Show some strength. That is the American brand. That is the American entrepreneur. Youre weak!

Coates had to end the interview at that point, saying: I know this conversations not over.
Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko early on Thursday said that a new Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian capital killed two people and injured a further 54.

Klitschko wrote on Telegram that several districts had been targeted, with residential buildings and cars hit and set alight.

One residential building had been destroyed, trapping people under the rubble, Klitschko said, urging residents to stay in shelters for safety.

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Ukrainian media also reported airstrikes across other parts of the country.

"Ukraine is under massive Russian ballistic missile attack right now," online news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported, adding that "very loud" explosions had been reported in multiple cities across the country.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for over three years.
St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican was reopened on Thursday morning after remaining open through most of the night to allow the masses of people wanting to do so to pay their last respects to Pope Francis.

After only a short break in the early morning, thousands of people were once again filing past the late pontiff's open coffin.

Before 8 am (0600 GMT), a queue of believers about 1 kilometre long had already formed in front of St Peter's Square and the security checkpoint.

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The queue partly zigzagged across adjacent squares and side streets. Security forces and volunteers were managing the flow of people around the area.

At 7 am, security personnel finally began allowing the faithful back into the massive church in central Rome, located at the spiritual and historical centre of Catholicism.

The body of the late head of the Catholic Church, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, lies in an open coffin in front of the main altar in the basilica.

Pope Francis is due to remain there until Friday evening, before his coffin is sealed for the funeral service and burial on Saturday.

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The Holy See had originally planned to keep St Peter's Basilica open only until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday. However, due to the large crowds, the authorities decided to allow people into the basilica even after midnight.

A livestream from the basilica showed that people were still being admitted into the early morning hours, having waited for hours for entry.

People queue to pay respects as the body of Pope Francis lies in state inside St. Peter's Basilica. The Argentine pontiff, who led the Catholic Church from 2013, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, leaving a lasting legacy and a profound impact on millions around the world. Michael Kappeler/dpa
This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com

Public health officials in King County are closely monitoring measles cases in Washington, emphasizing the importance of vaccination amid rising concerns globally, saying the disease is having a field day in other parts of the country.

There have been five confirmed measles cases in Washington so far this year. The latest case involved an infant in King County who had traveled internationally.

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When we take these numbers in context of the national situation with measles and globally, absolutely, there are concerns, said Debra Berliner, a program manager in the immunization branch at Public HealthSeattle and King County.

Locally, an outbreak has not been declared, as cases have primarily been linked to international travel rather than community spread, Berliner said. She added that the majority of King County residents are vaccinated, which helps prevent widespread transmission.

Despite no outbreak here, we need to stay on guard





But we have to stay on guard because, as were seeing across the nation, measles is on a rager. Measles is having a field day, Berliner said.

Berliner attributed the rise in measles cases to declining vaccination rates following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Access to vaccinations declined globally during the pandemic, and lots of children fell behind, and that caused more outbreaks on nearly every continent, Berliner said. Similarly, here in the United States, the pandemic led to declining vaccination rates for routine vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.

With lower vaccination rates, measles has more opportunities to spread, she said, pointing to recent outbreaks in states like Texas and New Mexico.

If youre measles, things are really looking up for you right now, Berliner said. Thats why its so important that we continue to stay up to date on vaccination rates here in King County and elsewhere.

While some cases in Washington have involved infants, Berliner said there have also been adult cases, including one in a vaccinated traveler whose risk of spreading the disease was low. She said cases in vaccinated people are rare.

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She encouraged people traveling internationally to check for current measles outbreaks on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization websites. Officials say people traveling domestically should do the same, especially if they visiting areas experiencing potential outbreaks.

We recommend that anybody traveling abroad have two doses of MMR vaccine if theyre eligible prior to travel, Berliner said. When you are traveling internationally, often youre in crowded places like airports and other transit hubs where you might encounter people from all over the world. And so, measles exposure is always a possibility, even if your final destination is a place where measles is not endemic.

For most people, two doses of the MMR vaccine provide lifelong immunity, Berliner said. Those born before 1989 who only received one dose should get an additional dose before traveling internationally.

If you were born in the 90s or later and you had two doses as a child, you dont need any additional doses, she said.

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Children typically receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months, followed by a second dose before kindergarten at age 4 to 6, Berliner said. Infants between 6 and 11 months who will be traveling internationally should receive an early dose to provide some protection abroad.

That early dose can give them some protection while theyre abroad, she said. We also recommend that anybody ages 12 months and older get two doses spaced 28 days apart before traveling abroad.

Berliner urged parents to plan ahead and ensure vaccinations are up to date at least two weeks before departure.

It your body some time to develop an immune response, she said.

Tips for traveling with infants

But what about traveling with a baby who is six months old or younger?

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If you do travel, certainly making sure that everyone else in your party is vaccinated and everyone on the destination side that youre going to visit is vaccinated, Berliner said. Wearing masks when you travel, using good hand hygiene, washing your hands if you are able to, she said. She added that there is always risk.

She emphasized the importance of vaccination, calling the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remarkably effective.

Two doses of MMR vaccine prevent infection in about 97% of people. And that protection usually lasts a lifetime, Berliner said.

The United States has considered measles eliminated for the past 25 years, meaning there has been no routine transmission.

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We really, really want to keep that status, Berliner said. And we can do that because we have an outstanding vaccine.

Asked how close the U.S. was to losing measles elimination status, Berliner said she did not want to take the risk.

I strongly recommend that if you have not been vaccinated, you go out and go to your pharmacy today, go to your doctor, she said.

She encouraged people to visit go here to locate vaccination clinics.

Its quick, its easy, its relatively painless andcompared certainly to getting a measles infectionit can make a tremendous amount of difference not only for your personal health, but for your whole community, Berliner said.

King County health officials point out that people born before 1957 are typically considered immune to measles. They say measles was so common before the measles vaccine was available that it is assumed everyone alive before 1957 already had measles.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Here are the top headlines from this morning.

City leaders in North Sioux City are taking on flood recovery projects in the McCook Lake neighborhood.

North Sioux City City Commission discuss ordinances, McCook Lake short-term mitigation plan

The first Sioux City artwalk takes place this evening.

Sioux City ARTWALK returns for the 2025 season

Milford, Iowa, city officials are preparing their town to host thousands of RAGBRAI riders.

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Milford getting ready for RAGBRAI

A popular summer camp is returning at the Mid-America Museum of Aviation and Transportation in June.

Mid America Museum announces upcoming events

Check out these headlines and more in the video above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
The chain-saw attack on trees in and around downtown Los Angeles came with multiple mysteries.

One: Who did it? Two: Just how many trees were lost in this rampage? Three: What was the motive for such a bizarre crime?

I have 35 years on the Los Angeles Police Department, and I have never seen anyone go and attack trees, especially around the time of Earth Day, LAPD Cmdr. Lillian Carranza said.

On Wednesday, authorities announced that Samuel Patrick Groft, 44, had been arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism, and that they had connected him to 13 downed trees in five locations across the city  and more were possible. He was arrested on Earth Day, which was Tuesday.

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He has an extensive criminal history, and once posted on social media that he believed his mind was being controlled by "electronic weapons."

Groft and his attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.

The felling of at least 13 trees on public sidewalks over more than a week has sparked outrage across the city, with some suggesting the wanton vandalism marked a new low for a city that has been struggling with manifold social and economic crises.

Before the arrest, some indignant residents took to social media to speculate about a possible motive  alleging without proof that unscrupulous developers or even the city itself may have orchestrated the acts.

Why attack trees?

When surveillance images of a bald and goateed suspect dressed in black and pedaling a BMX-style bicycle, toting a dark backpack and large duffel bag, were released by the Los Angeles Police Department, many wondered what could move a person to attack city trees.

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Groft, who law enforcement sources say bears a tattoo of the Roman numerals 666 on the back of his head, was later taken into custody at a homeless encampment on Sunset Boulevard and Custer Avenue in Chinatown.

He was in possession of an electric chain saw when he was arrested, police said Wednesday. Groft spoke to detectives, LAPD officials said, but they declined to say what he told them. Any possible motive remains unknown at this point.

On Thursday, Groft was charged with eight counts of felony vandalism, related to the loss of eight of the trees, according to Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman. Those trees were worth an estimated $347,000, officials said.

What took years to grow only took minutes to destroy, Hochman said in a statement. Trees not only provide shade and comfort but nourish those who live and work in our communities. Selfish and senseless acts that strip away a vital piece of our ecosystem are profoundly disturbing and my office will prosecute anyone who engages in such criminal conduct to the fullest extent of the law.

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Groft pleaded not guilty and was held in lieu of $350,000 bail, authorities said.

Groft has previously been convicted of and served time for assault with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence, felony vandalism and a hit-and-run, according to court records. LAPD officials declined to comment further on his criminal history, but detectives said they were aware of him from prior cases.

'That ain't normal'

One person who spends time in the neighborhood where Groft was taken into custody told The Times they had seen the suspect using a chain saw on a metal pole.

There was sparks and s flying everywhere, said the person, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons. That aint normal.

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In 2023, Groft told a student journalist from Cal State L.A. that hed been living on the streets for several years, ever since he had completed a mental health court diversion program, which provides residential mental health treatment to people facing jail time as an alternative to incarceration.

LAPD officials declined to comment on whether Groft was currently dealing with mental illness or substance abuse.

A LinkedIn account that bears Groft's name and photograph includes a signed 2017 letter that states, "I have been constantly followed slandered and even mind controlled through electronic weapons which are trying to lure me into a massive setup of some sort."

A peculiar crime

Groft is accused of severing the first tree trunk on April 13 and the most recent on Tuesday, the day he was arrested, police said. Detectives said they are still confirming the exact dates and times of all the incidents, but said some occurred in broad daylight and others in the middle of the night.

A map showing where trees were cut down.

One tree was cut in the 500 block of North Broadway; three were sawed near 1550 W. 8th St.; five were downed near 350 S. Grand Ave.; three were cut near 717 W. Temple St.; and one was taken out near 300 Treadwell St., according to LAPD officials. Additional locations of fallen trees are still being investigated.

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Were getting more leads, LAPD Det. Robert Gutierrez said Wednesday.

Many people who live near the affected trees brought up not only their safety concerns after the incident, but also the environmental loss of important shade, stormwater management and habitat.

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that the situation is truly beyond comprehension and that public works crews are working to replace the trees as soon as possible.

Trees provide many benefits to urban areas. They clean the air, replenish the groundwater, capture stormwater runoff, slow the deterioration of streets and have been shown to reduce crime.

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Times staff writers Clara Harter and David Zahniser contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Trump administrations aggressive aim at Harvard University and other higher education institutions is being quietly spearheaded by a Justice Department-led task force under the leadership of former Fox News personality and civil rights lawyer Leo Terrell, in conjunction with top Trump official Stephen Miller and others.

The administration says its Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, created following a February executive order, is intended to crack down on antisemitism on campuses amid the Israel-Hamas war. But even prominent Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and Harvards chapter of the Hillel student organization, have publicly questioned the administrations broad attacks on the university.

The task forces early actions against the nations most elite academic institutions underscore the power and influence that Miller has amassed in Trumps second term  implementing an agenda years in the making that extends far beyond the issue of combating antisemitism.

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Months after its formation, the task force sent demands for policy changes to Harvard president Alan Garber, which the university rejected. Several days later, the federal task force announced a $2.2 billion funding freeze on Harvard, setting up a major clash over academic freedom, federal funding and campus oversight. The Ivy League university sued the Trump administration on Monday.

But the administration has recently signaled that its open to making a deal with Harvard, with one White House official comparing conversations around federal funding for higher educational institutions to Trumps tariff policies  subject to negotiation.

Heres what we know about the task force, its goals and its leaders:

Whos in the task force  and whos driving it

It is led by Terrell, senior counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights. Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service at the General Services Administration, and acting Health and Human Services general counsel Sean Keveney are among its members. Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for the civil rights division of the Department of Justice, is also involved.

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The task force meets weekly and includes representatives from the Departments of Justice, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Treasury, and the GSA, according to the White House official and a March Fox News interview with Terrell.

The White House declined to provide a full list of the names of its members. Terrell declined to comment to CNN.

But Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, and other key White House officials involved in domestic policy are the driving force behind the presidents efforts, sources said, including senior policy strategist May Mailman and Domestic Policy Council director Vince Haley.

Miller is guiding this task force and other aligned efforts after four years away from the White House. They came prepared  they took transition planning from the policy and operational perspectives very seriously, a source familiar with the efforts said.

Leo Terrell leaves the stage, after speaking alongside President Donald Trump and golfer Tiger Woods, during a Black History Month reception in the East Room of the White House on February 20. - Win McNamee/Getty Images/File

Who is Leo Terrell?

Terrell, a former civil rights attorney and Fox News commentator, was appointed to his post at the Justice Department by Trump in January.

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A former Democrat, Terrell announced in 2020 that he would be voting for Trump, whom he says he considers a friend.

He has made his position and goals for the role clear: We are suing every one of these universities guilty of antisemitism. Were taking away their money, he told Fox News Mark Levin during a March 8 appearance on Life, Liberty & Levin.

Terrell continued, Were gonna bankrupt these universities. Were going to take away every single federal dollar. That is why we are targeting these universities.

Terrell made his intentions known even before Trump won the election, warning in an October 2024 post to social media that Harvard will lose much more effective January 2025. America will no longer fund Jew Hating Schools!

What institutions are being targeted

The task force has a preliminary list of higher educational institutions to target. In addition to Harvard and Columbia, there are discussions underway between the task force and Northwestern University, Cornell University and the University of Michigan.

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But this marks just a first iteration of the task forces efforts, the White House official said, with the hope and expectation that other institutions will preemptively take steps to end discrimination.

Theres no university thats off limits, but there are some that are the most egregious, low-hanging fruit that make it easier for us to start directing action, the official said.

A Justice Department press release also identified George Washington University; Johns Hopkins University; New York University; the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Minnesota; and the University of Southern California as campuses that have experienced antisemitic incidents since October 2023.

Garber told NBCs Lester Holt in an interview on Wednesday that the Trump administrations recent actions are an overreach, noting that antisemitism, while a real problem, has nothing to do with university research.

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I would say that at Harvard, we have a real problem with antisemitism. We take it very seriously, and were trying to address it, Garber said. We dont really see the relationship to research funding at Harvard and other universities. They are two different issues.

Opening the door to a broader debate

While the task forces messaging has ostensibly centered around the administrations efforts to crack down on antisemitism on campuses, the official acknowledged its also helped drive a larger political point.

This is the presidents priority; this is not a showboating exercise, the official said. But, they added, it has (reawakened) the Republican Party and this administration to say hey, lets look at how the taxpayers are funding these universities and say wait  we want to end antisemitism, but shouldnt we also stop funding these universities that hate us that arent doing the work of the American people?

There is a belief inside the White House that targeting the nations most elite institutions is a winning political strategy.

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Trump is putting Democrats in the space to defend the countrys most unpopular institutions - higher education, the media, the bureaucracy, the source familiar with the efforts said.

Protests around the Israel-Hamas conflict on college campuses in the wake of Hamas October 7, 2023, attack opened the door to a larger debate, the White House official said.

And Terrell has suggested that his efforts wont stop at higher education.

The academic system in this country has been hijacked by the left, has been hijacked by the Marxists. They have controlled the mindset of our young people, and they havent stopped there, he told Levin in March. Theyre going to the schools, the public schools  the K to 12. We have to put an end to it.

Demonstrators rally on Cambridge Common calling on Harvard leadership to resist interference in the university by the federal government, on April 12. - Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters/File

Subject to negotiation?

As CNN has reported, administration officials reached out to Harvard representatives three times last week in an effort to restart talks, a person familiar with the outreach said. The nations oldest university indicated it was not interested in negotiating, the person said.

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But it is the administrations hope, the White House official said, that Harvard comes to the table and corrects course.

This is an easy thing to resolve if the other side wants to play ball, the official said, pointing to similar agreements between the Trump administration and some law firms it has targeted.

But Terrell offered a warning to those like Harvard who might not be willing to get in line, telling Fox News last month, If these universities do not play ball, lawyer up  because the federal government is coming after you.

Terrell also previewed actions the administration has ultimately initiated against Harvard, saying that the task force is going to go after their 501c3 status. Earlier this month, CNN reported that the Internal Revenue Service was making plans to rescind Harvards tax-exempt status.

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When asked on Wednesday if Harvard can win the fight against the federal government, Garber told Holt, I dont know the answer to this question, but the stakes are so high that we have no choice.

What we do know, he added, is that we cannot compromise on basic principles like defense of our First Amendment rights.

CNNs Amanda Musa contributed to this report.

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Visitors look at an Xpeng G7 on display during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A Hongqi flying car is exhibited during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Visitors look at an Audi E5 Sportback during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A Chery flying car is exhibited during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Visitors talk beside an iCAR V23 at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A robotic arm helps charge a car by IM Motors during a demonstration at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A journalist records a Volkswagen ID.AURA on display during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept car is seen during its world debut at the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Visitors look at a Mercedes-Benz all-electric CLA on display during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A visitor introduces a Chery flying car via live-streaming during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

A visitor takes photos of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

A visitor poses for photos with a car on display during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

A visitor takes photos of an off-road vehicle on display during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. Themed "Embracing Innovation, Empowering the Future," the exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2025, kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting nearly 1,000 noted enterprises from 26 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A challenger has announced a bid to unseat Justin Biggs as the Knox County Trustee. The news comes as the office is under investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

Knox County Register of Deeds Nick McBride said Wednesday that he will run for Trustee in 2026.

Document identifies Knox County Trustees employee fired amid investigation

Knox County citizens are facing a crisis of confidence in an office where absolute trust is the most important attribute to have, McBride said in a statement to 6 News. For almost eight years I led and continue to lead a Register of Deeds office that sets the gold standard for transparency and accountability, and I will bring that same level of excellence to the office of the Trustee.

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Biggs officially kicked off his reelection campaign on Tuesday at an event at Covenant Health Park that was closed to media members. He released a statement on April 14 that he was cooperating with the Comptrollers Office following a Knox News report first revealed that his office was under investigation for the use of taxpayer funds for expensive hotels and improper use of county vehicles.

The investigation began after the countys fraud hotline received a tip in November 2024. One employee of the Knox County Trustees Office has been fired.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

Biggs was elected as trustee in 2022. He won an at-large seat on the Knox County Commission in 2018. McBride was elected to serve as the Knox County Register of Deeds in 2018.

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The Trustees Office collects the countys property taxes and plays a key role in the management of Knox Countys budget. Primaries will be held on May 6, 2026 ahead of the general election in August 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Question : The city is in Phase 9 of the Kalapawai Roundabout project. How many more phases are there after this ? When will this project be completely finished ? Weve suffered long enough with road closures and detours.

Answer : Construction is in its final phases (2A and 9 ) and should wrap up within a few months. The entire project is set to be done by the end of summer. However, the roundabout itself is completed and functioning. The remaining work includes sidewalk and utility improvements /relocations,  Travis Ota, a spokesperson for Honolulus Department of Transportation Services, said in an email Wednesday.

Work on Phase 9 of the Kalapawai Roundabout Improvement Project began Wednesday, with construction scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 :30 p.m. Monday through Friday along South Kalaheo Avenue between Kailua Road and Kuukama Street. This section of South Kalaheo Avenue will be closed 24 /7 in both directions, although the roundabout will remain open.

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Lanikai inbound traffic along South Kalaheo Avenue is detoured at Kuulei Road to South Kainalu Drive to Kailua Road and then through the roundabout to resume travel on South Kalaheo Avenue, according to the Phase 9 map at. Its the reverse for Lanikai outbound traffic (roundabout to Kailua Road, to South Kainalu Drive to Kuulei Road to South Kalaheo Avenue ), it shows.

Visitors are encouraged to explore other beaches along O ahus east shore or use TheBus Route 671 from Kailua Town for convenient access to Lanikai,  DTS said in a news release Tuesday.

Phase 9 is tentatively expected to be completed by mid-June, it said.

Don 't miss out on what 's happening !

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Meanwhile, construction work on Phase 2A is on hold because a previously undocumented waterline alignment was discovered that conflicts with planned drainage infrastructure in front of Kailua Beach Center, the news release said. Work will resume after a new design solution for the utilities is finalized, it said.

The overall projects drainage infrastructure, meant to reduce stormwater ponding that is a problem in the area, includes permeable pavements, trench drains and pre-treatment tanks.

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An interim traffic roundabout at South Kalaheo Avenue and Kailua Road fronting Kalapawai Market was first built in 2018, to improve the flow of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to and from Kailua Beach and Lanikai. Work on the permanent version began in 2022, with the broader project also including new sidewalks, raised pedestrian crossings and upgrades to improve drainage.

Q : Has Social Security made all the retroactive payments to people hurt by WEP /GPO ? I did not get a payment by the end of March as expected.

A : No. The Social Security Administration says it has processed 82 % of known cases affected by the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. These provisions had reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million people who get a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security. Although the agency did say in February that many of those affected would receive retroactive payments by the end of March, it also said that complex cases that must be processed by hand would take much longer (early November is the target for 100 % processing ) and that some eligible people must apply for the benefitthey wouldnt be paid automatically. See ssa.gov for details.

Mahalo On Friday I did a very dumb thing in a parking space near Foodland Kahala. I could not get the car out of the space, which was a nightmare. Luckily, three kind men came and offered their help. I was so very grateful and appreciative. Again, thank you so much for your help.Sincerely, a desperate senior------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that the deployment of Western peacekeeping forces on Ukrainian territory is "absolutely unacceptable" to Russia, as he believes that it poses a threat to global security.

Source: Radio Mayak citing Peskov; Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, in an interview with Kremlin-aligned news agency TASS

Quote from Peskov: "As for the discussion about the placement of so-called military contingents on Ukrainian territory  yes, this is absolutely unacceptable for us. This poses a critical danger to the entire European and global security."

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Details: Peskov made his statement amid comments from Sergei Shoigu, Russia's former Defence Minister and now Secretary of the Security Council.

In an interview with TASS, Shoigu stated that the deployment of peacekeepers onto "historically Russian territories" could lead to a direct clash between Russia and NATO, as well as to World War III.

Quote from Shoigu: "Rational politicians in Europe understand that implementing such a scenario could lead to a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia and, subsequently, to World War III."

Details: Additionally, Shoigu claimed that Western countries were supposedly preparing for war against Russia.

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"An open campaign is unfolding in Europe to prepare for a military conflict with the Russian Federation. At various levels, the possible timelines for such a confrontation are being discussed  from three to five years. By 2030, European politicians and military personnel want to be ready to fight us," he said in the interview with TASS.

Background:

On 14 April, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that the European Union is considering sending military advisors to Ukraine to assist in training Ukrainian forces.

Earlier, it was reported that the UK is considering the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine with the primary goal of assisting in the training and rebuilding of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to deter future Russian offensives.

The France and UK-led coalition of the willing also stated it is working on a plan to send a mission to Ukraine to ensure a future ceasefire.

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HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT)  Kentucky State Police have arrested and charged a Webster County man on charges related to child sexual abuse material.

KSP says Joseph Kellems, 32, was arrested on Tuesday as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation.

Officials state the KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after reportedly discovering Kellems procuring a minor online.

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Officials say the equipment was taken to KSP forensic laboratory for examination.

Kellems is being charged with two counts of promoting/procuring use of a minor by electronic means. He was booked in the Webster County Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing.

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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  In the aftermath of recent severe weather and flash flooding, the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) is asking residents to report any damage to their homes using the Damage.LA.Gov self-reporting tool.

This statewide platform through the Louisiana Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) allows homeowners to quickly and easily share the extent and location of residential damages with parish, state and federal emergency officials.

If your residence has sustained damage, visit Damage.LA.Gov to begin the reporting process.

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Floodwaters submerge cars in Lafayette, Broussard, and Youngsville

Tips for Reporting Damage Effectively:

Submit multiple photos from different angles  include both close-ups of specific damage and wide shots of the whole structure.

Ensure your photos are clear and well-lit.

Use the comments field to describe what happened and provide context.

Double-check that your address and map pin are accurate.

Do not submit reports for: Non-residential structures (sheds, barns, carports, etc.) Businesses Vehicles The same residence more than once



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Lafayette Parish OHSEP urges all residents with storm-related home damage to fill out the Damage.LA.Gov survey as soon as possible. The faster the information is gathered, the quicker emergency management agencies can work toward coordinated recovery efforts for the community, officials said.

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Workers install fiber optic cables for a school in Harrisburg, Pa. The Trump administration is extending the deadline for states to submit their final proposals for a federal broadband program thats still largely in the planning phase after more than three years. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The Trump administration is extending the deadline for states to submit their final proposals for a federal broadband program, further delaying an effort thats still largely in the planning phase after more than three years.

States will have an additional 90 days to submit their final plans for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, known as BEAD, a federal grant program meant to expand broadband access to underserved areas across the country.

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The extension comes as the Trump administration prepares to make changes to the BEAD program, according to a notice from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The department is currently reviewing the program to remove unnecessary rules and mandates, to improve efficiency, take a more technology-neutral approach, cut unnecessary red tape, and streamline deployment, the notice said.

The $42.45 billion program, created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, began falling behind schedule in part because of inadequate federal mapping of where broadband is most needed and a lengthy challenge process to the maps. As a result, the slow-moving program has some local officials and experts questioning its efficiency.

They anticipate that federal officials might change an affordability requirement, which mandates states include a low-cost service option for low-income households, or the type of technologies given preference under the program. That shift likely would be away from fiber-optic internet toward satellites or other technology.

Earlier this month, more than 100 state lawmakers from 28 states sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick requesting that any changes to the BEAD program be optional rather than mandatory. They argued that mandatory changes could undo their BEAD plans and delay broadband deployment by a year or more.

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The BEAD program originally had required states to submit their final proposals to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration within a year of their initial plans approval. Citing extraordinary circumstances, however  the new federal review  deadlines for states final proposals will be moved, according to the notice.

NTIA declined to comment for this story.

All 50 states have had their initial BEAD proposals approved, unlocking a portion  often 20%  of the money the feds will provide. As of April 14, Delaware, Louisiana and Nevada are the only states to have submitted their final proposals for public comment, according to the NTIAs BEAD Progress Dashboard.

Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina and Texas are the only states that have not made any progress beyond having their initial proposal approved, according to the tracker.

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Stateline reporter Madyson Fitzgerald can be reached at mfitzgerald@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.
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A Lake City woman allegedly turned in more than $86,000 worth of altered medical bills to an insurance company, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said.

Jennifer Antoinette Graham, 47, submitted bills totaling $86,057 to the Guardian Insurance Company on Jan. 9, 2024, claiming that a person was hurt in an all-terrain vehicle accident in September 23, according to warrants obtained by SLED.

Graham also claimed that the person was hospitalized for 11 days at the Medical University of South Carolina in Florence, the warrants said. The hospital told authorities it had no record of the person being a patient during that time period.

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According to the warrants, Graham admitted that she submitted the altered bills in a voluntary statement to authorities. SLED investigated the case at the request of the South Carolina Department of Insurance.

Graham was arrested on Tuesday and charged with forgery and presenting a false claim for insurance payment. She was released from the Florence County Detention Center after posting a $20,000 personal recognizance bond, according to online booking records.

* * *

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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Large brush fire sparks in the Florida Everglades

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)  Multiple crews were fighting a large brush fire that broke out in the Everglades Wednesday.

Aerial footage from NBC 6 South Floridas helicopter showed flames and thick smoke rising in the air. Fire rescue crews were also dousing the flames with water from an engine truck.

Small plane crashes in Myakka City

The fire was also impacting traffic in the area. Officials said southbound traffic on U.S. 27 was being re-routed just south of Interstate 75.

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As of 5:30 p.m., there were about 15 acres burning and the fire was 0% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

No other information was immediately available.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

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OXON HILL, Md. (DC News Now)  Last Friday, Prince Georges County police said they had to kick out more than 400 kids at National Harbor who had planned to meet up there in the area.

Bryan Perez, a spokesperson with the police, told DC News Now that one citation was issued, but there were no other issues.

On Friday, there was a large social gathering and we had an increased patrol of officers to be cautious and luckily everyone was cooperative, and we had no incidents, and we issued one citation out of the 400-plus kids we saw, said Perez.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Curfew in place for youth at National Harbor to combat disorder

Despite the large gathering, some businesses and shoppers, and police still believe the curfew is working to help keep everyone safe.

Antonio Gaskins works at the Potbelly Sandwich Shop and supports the curfew.

I think it is a good assertion because it keeps the businesses safe, and keeps our customers safe, and keeps us as employees safe, said Gaskins.

We want to make sure our community feels protected and feels safe, and the curfew is one way to do that, Perez agreed.

The curfew restricts anyone under 18 from being at the National Harbor on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by an adult.

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Police, residents say National Harbour youth curfew is working

An identical curfew was in place in 2024 due to problems with minors. Prince Georges County Police Department officials said minors had been caught shoplifting and fighting.

Shopper Melissa Champion supports the curfew and believes it is working.

I believe children need to have supervision, and it makes it better for a safer environment for visitors like myself and it keeps it clean and also protects the children as well.

There are exemptions for teenagers who are on the sidewalk in front of their home or a neighbors home, or if they are returning home from school or a religious activity.

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Parents and businesses that break the curfew can be fined up to $250.

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SHANGHAI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, has underscored China's strategic importance to the German automaker during his visit to the Shanghai auto show.

Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the event, which commenced on Wednesday, Zipse said that China is not only BMW's largest single market but also a vital hub for innovation.

Highlighting China's growing role in innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), Zipse said BMW is deepening its partnerships with Chinese tech companies to integrate advanced AI features into its vehicles for the Chinese market.

He added that BMW will begin integrating AI technology from Chinese tech startup DeepSeek into its latest models in China later this year.

"The BMW has become a 360-degree AI-driven company," Zipse said. "We take full advantage of this new technology."

Capitalizing on China's tech boom, BMW has been steadily strengthening its collaborations with leading Chinese technology firms.

Last week, BMW announced plans to deepen its collaboration with ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, to enhance AI applications in marketing and customer service. In March, the automaker teamed up with Alibaba to integrate large language model (LLM) AI into its next-generation vehicles and partnered with Huawei to further develop a smart in-car digital ecosystem tailored to the Chinese market.

"This country is so innovative that we really enjoy putting all the technology into the cars for China," Zipse said.

At the auto show, BMW showcased more than 30 car models, highlighting the technological innovations of its next-generation intelligent vehicles, known as the Neue Klasse.

China is pivotal in driving technological innovation for BMW's next-generation intelligent vehicles, Zipse noted, adding that the first Neue Klasse models produced in China will roll off the line at the company's Shenyang plant in 2026.

According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, China's auto output and sales remained the first globally in 2024, both exceeding 31 million units. Industry observers say China's auto sector is projected to maintain its growth momentum in 2025 following the implementation of a series of supportive measures.

Noting that China is "the largest global market" for BMW, Zipse said the company will further expand its presence in China. "We have a very strong foothold in China, and we are here to stay."

Currently, BMW operates research and development (R&D) centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Nanjing, forming its largest R&D network outside of Germany. The Shenyang facility, which combines research, development and production, is the carmaker's largest production base in the world.

With approximately 460 local supplier partners in China, the company has expressed strong confidence in the resilience of the country's supply chain.

"The supply chain here is not only about China for China, but it's also China for the world," Zipse said. "We have an ever-growing purchasing team here, who looks for opportunities that we can also deliver parts for our other global sites from China."

Boasting the world's largest manufacturing system with the most complete industrial chains and supporting facilities, China holds a pivotal position in global industrial and supply chains.

The 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, running from April 23 to May 2, has attracted nearly 1,000 companies from 26 countries and regions.

In addition to BMW, leading automotive manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Ford and Toyota are also participating in the event, demonstrating their strong commitment to the Chinese market despite global trade challenges and growing protectionist trends.

Zipse's visit to the Shanghai auto show marks his third trip to China in just 30 days. Emphasizing the importance of connectivity of the world, he said that BMW always advocates free trade and open markets.

"Economic growth thrives through opening, not closing," he said. "In this world, everything is connected; there is no one who can be completely independent from other countries." 
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE)  Las Cruces police are starting a crime reduction operation in honor of an officer who died in the line of duty last year. In February 2024, Officer Jonah Hernandez was stabbed to death while responding to a trespassing call.

Alleged Venezuelan gang member arrested at Dona County judges home

Next week, Las Cruces officers will be joining New Mexico State Police and Dona Ana County deputies to create a larger presence in violent crime hot spots. Operation Not in Vain runs through August.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A driver who punched and dragged a woman after a minor car crash last year pleaded guilty Monday to a lesser charge.

Jose Soriano, 43, initially faced charges including coercion, malicious destruction of property, and robbery, documents said. He pleaded guilty Monday to a single charge of attempted battery with substantial bodily harm.

Police in Virginia took Soriano into custody in August. A jail there later released him over a paperwork issue. He was arrested again in October.

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A neighbor on Rainbow Boulevard near Spring Valley Parkway took cellphone video of what occurred after the crash. It showed a man, later identified as Soriano, punching and dragging Sarah Goolsby before fleeing the crash scene.

Goolsby later spoke with 8 News Now amid the search for Soriano. He remained in custody on $25,000 bail as of Wednesday.

A judge will sentence him on May 14. It was not immediately clear Wednesday if Soriano agreed to a specific sentence or if there was a specific plea entered. The charge carries a potential sentence of 1-4 years.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A grandmother accused of misusing fentanyl around her 2-year-old grandson, causing his death, may soon be released from jail.

Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Rebecca Saxe issued a release order for Lashana Graham, 45, with high level electronic monitoring. Graham, who faces a second-degree murder charge, will not have to pay bail money, according to Saxes April 22 order.

The toddler, DaCorrius Perine, died on Oct. 23, 2024, after ingesting fentanyl, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. Just a few grains of illicit fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid 50-to-100 times more potent than morphine, can kill.

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The child lived in the same home as Graham, who was caring for him while his mother was out of state, police said.

Graham must comply with drug monitoring and have no supervised contact with minor children after she is released from jail, Saxe ordered.

Police interviewed Graham a week after her grandsons death. During the interview, she admitted she buys powdered fentanyl several times a week and that any drug that DaCorrius ingested would have been hers, documents said.

Graham told police that while her doctors have prescribed her pain pills, she supplements the prescriptions with powdered fentanyl, according to documents. While searching Grahams home, police said they observed foil and pipes in her bedroom. Detectives located other drug paraphernalia throughout the home, they said.

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Police tested Grahams blood after the childs death, finding it tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine, they said.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for July 30.

Graham has a criminal history, including a 1998 arrest for possession of cocaine with intent to sell, according to court records, which show a conviction for a less serious drug charge. She was also convicted of a domestic battery charge in 2023, records show.

Graham remained in custody as of Wednesday evening. Saxe ordered a house-arrest-review hearing before Grahams release.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man will serve the rest of his life in prison after he killed another man, dismembered him and disposed of his body in a barrel, a judge ruled Thursday.

In February, a jury returned a guilty verdict against Ryan Bentley, 46, on charges of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit murder.

In court Thursday, Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones sentenced Bentley to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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At the time of his arrest in 2022, police accused Bentley of killing Rene Enriquez, 39, at a home near Washington Avenue and Jones Boulevard. A county worker later discovered Enriquezs remains in a barrel near Quail Avenue and Palm Street.

In February, a jury returned a guilty verdict against Ryan Bentley, 46, on charges of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit murder. (LVMPD/KLAS)

In court documents, prosecutors and detectives alleged Bentley shot Enriquez for snitching on him and his friend group. Enriquez was described as Bentleys friend of a friend and was planning to move into Bentleys home, documents said.

The coroners office identified Enriquezs remains from his tattoos, documents said.

Bentley made several phone calls about the murder from the Clark County Detention Center, documents said.

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Has the house been cleaned up? Bentley said in one call, which was entered into evidence.

Prosecutors originally charged a second person in connection with the homicide, but they later dropped the case. The case did not go to the death review committee, meaning Bentley was not eligible for the death penalty.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Duane Keffe D Davis missed a filing deadline by one day in his request for a new trial amid allegations of potential juror misconduct, prosecutors said Wednesday.

On April 9, a Clark County jury found Davis, 61, guilty for fighting with another inmate at the Clark County Detention Center. The one-day trial involved two charges. Davis is in custody on accusations that he orchestrated the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur.

In documents filed Friday, April 18, Davis attorney alleged several jurors discussed about inmates fighting about how the little guy has to work harder to preserve his reputation while awaiting lunch during a break.

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At least one person alerted a court marshal to the discussion before the jury deliberated, however, Davis attorney did not find out about the discussion until after the verdict was read, documents said.

Clark County District Court Judge Nadia Krall repeatedly told the jury not to discuss the case during any break until jury deliberations.

Nevada law requires a motion for a new trial to be filed within seven days of a verdict, prosecutors said Wednesday. That deadline for Davis was April 17. Davis attorney filed the request the next day.

Prosecutors also cited a Nevada Supreme Court decision reaffirms the seven-day requirement, adding: The only time juror misconduct can be considered new evidence is if it could not have been known before the expiration of the 7-day jurisdictional time period.

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It took the jury 90 minutes to come to its guilty verdict. A sentencing was scheduled for the end of May. Both charges carry prison time.

A hearing on Davis request for a new trial was scheduled for April 29. The trial on the murder charge was not expected to start until 2026.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  President Donald Trumps tariffs are impacting small businesses throughout the Las Vegas valley, though their effects on tourism have yet to fully materialize.

Earlier this month, the president announced tariffs  taxes on imports, which essentially end up as taxes on the American consumer  as part of a Liberation Day. The president later pulled back after financial markets crashed, calling for 10% tariffs and a 90-day pause for negotiations.

The 10% rate affected all other countries except China, where the president instituted a 145% tariff.

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It means several things, said Monica Taher of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning. No. 1, an increase in price when it comes to our supplies and equipment. No. 2, it might mean less consumer spending.

President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled Make America Wealthy Again at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Taher employs about 50 people and buys supplies and equipment directly from companies in China.

They alerted us and told us that we were going to get a 10% increase on everything started the second week of April, Taher said, adding that increase instigated unexpected costs. And it also means that, unfortunately, because we are spending more on supplies and equipment, that we need to raise our prices.

The growing trade war has led to a drop in consumer sentiment, an economic factor tracking how confident American consumers feel about spending money, according to the University of Michigan.

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Facing a possible economic slowdown, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) projected a 5% drop in revenue for the year. The number does not equate to a 5% drop in tourists, but the amount of money collected through hotel room taxes.

What were seeing is early, LVCVA CEO Steve Hill said. Were seeing some level of decreased visitation from Canada and internationally, generally.

General views of the Las Vegas Strip on April 14, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

That decrease, however, may involve intentional visitors dissatisfied with Trump. In February, then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told his citizens to cancel their U.S. trips amid the trade war.

In 2023, 1.4 million Canadians visited Las Vegas, according to the LVCVA. That accounts for about 30% of all international tourism to the valley. The projected decline in Canadian tourism to the U.S. could mean more than $4 billion in losses to the economy, the U.S. Travel Association (USTA) estimated that same month. A 10% reduction in travel could put 140,000 hospitality and retail jobs in jeopardy, according to USTA metrics.

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One in eight visitors to Las Vegas last year was an international tourist, according to the LVCVA.

Economists warn that one of the first things people cut in uncertain economic times is discretionary spending.

In 2023 and 2024, amid the first running of the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII, Las Vegas set several records in terms of gaming revenue and airport-passenger volume.

Were starting to see things like airline bookings and future hotel bookings starting to drop somewhat internationally and domestically, Hill said, adding it was not clear yet if the tariffs, economic concern or both were responsible.

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Just the fact that we have 50 employees, that means that we have 50 families who are depending on us providing a stable job, a stable salary, and I think whats happening right now with this situation is pretty problematic, Taher said.

Trump said Wednesday that he intended to lower the tariffs on China amid possible trade negotiations. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Wednesday found 53% of respondents disapproved of the presidents handling of the economy.

Toronto residents Douglas Bloomfield, left, and his son Phoenix, right, who are on vacation in Washington, hold a Canadian flag and an ice hockey stick to show their support for Canada regarding trade tariffs as they pose with with another visitor to the city wearing a mask of President Donald Trump in front of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Data from Harry Reid International Airport showed a 3.9% decrease in passengers arriving and departing from Las Vegas from March 2024 to March 2025. WestJet, which serves Canada, showed a 14.5% decrease.

The 8 News Now Investigators asked Las Vegas top five hospitality and gaming companies for a comment on the tariffs. Several representatives declined to comment.

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Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Cumberland) rallies outside the State House to voice her support for the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the Maine Constitution on March 4, 2025. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

The latest attempt to add an Equal Rights Amendment to the Maine Constitution has all but failed, though a procedural move on Thursday technically leaves it in limbo until appropriations are settled at the end of session.

Constitutional amendments are ultimately decided by the voters but first need to receive the support of two-thirds of the Maine Legislature. On Wednesday, the House voted 74-65 to enact the measure, failing to meet that threshold.

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The reason Republicans were opposed: gender identity.

The question before us is not whether equality matters, Rep. Jennifer Poirier (R-Skowhegan) said on the House floor on April 17. Its whether this amendment helps or harms that cause, and I submit that it does more harm than good.

The proposed amendment would prohibit the denial or abridgment by the state or any political subdivision of the state of equal rights based on the actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical or mental disability, ancestry or national origin of an individual.

Echoing prominent opposition to the federal Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s, several of the Republicans who voted against the measure claimed it was a threat to womens rights because of the protections it would afford against discrimination based on gender identity, which is a protected class under the Maine Human Rights Act.

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Gender identity has become a major flashpoint in Maine since President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funding unless the state complies with his executive order banning transgender girls from playing in girls sports.

The state is currently being sued by the Department of Justice and has been the subject of several probes and funding cuts that have been widely interpreted as retaliatory. The Legislature is also considering a few individual bills to restrict transgender students access to sports, bathrooms and locker rooms.

Despite this new context, state efforts to pass an ERA are longstanding.

LD 260, proposed by Rep. Holly Sargent (D-York) and more than 90 Democratic and independent co-sponsors, continues the work of the late state Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt, who pressed for a state ERA for five decades, with the last attempt failing to pass in 2023 during her final term in the Maine Legislature.

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On the House floor on April 17, Sargent argued constitutions are not static documents.

Our Constitution began with a narrow vision of to whom equal rights were given, Sargent said. But our national and state constitutions are living evolving and expanding pronouncements of what Americans believe throughout our history. Our constitutions have gradually redefined who is worthy of all of the rights to be bestowed and who can be excluded, who is viewed as less than human.

Lawmakers are not considering with this bill whether to enshrine rights in the Constitution, said Rep. Amy Roeder (D-Bangor), but rather whether to let the voters decide.

I, for one, am not afraid of the will of the people, Roeder said, and I hope the rest of this body will join me in that.

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The Democratic majority in the lower chamber did. But instead of casting an enactment vote on Thursday, the Senate sent the legislation to the Appropriations Table. This is typical for constitutional amendments, as they will have fiscal notes associated with election costs.

If bills arent explicitly funded in the state budget, they need to be paid for using remaining unappropriated money, which is divided up usually near the end of session when the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee runs the table.

While bills placed on the table can still pass, precedent shows that most will die, left on the table without final action by the time the Legislature adjourns. Regardless, initial votes in both chambers and the enactment vote in the House signal the two-thirds threshold will not be reached even if appropriators do eventually decide to take it off the table.

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MIAMI  When Jorge Alfredo Zoulalian received a call from his daughter in Buenos Aires on the morning of April 21, she was in tears over the death of Pope Francis.

"I told her to take it easy," Zoulalian said, "because (the pope) was sick."

But he, too, was trying to contain his sadness while at work. So were other South Americans who live in South Florida, who took pride in the first pope from the Americas.

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Zoulalian, an Argentinian from Buenos Aires, moved to Miami about two years ago. His 22-year-old daughter, Camila, still lives in his home country, just 30 minutes away from the neighborhood of Flores, where the pope grew up.

"The country is in mourning," Zoulalian said. "(Monday) is going to be a very memorable date, for the rest of my days, the rest of those of my children, my mother, my brother, my friends, the whole country. Not even just the country, but I also think South America as a whole."

RELATED: 'He was such a loving man': Catholics in Palm Beach County mourn death of Pope Francis

Francis died at age 88, just weeks after an extended hospital stay spent battling bilateral pneumonia, among other health issues.

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His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday on April 20, delivering the traditional blessing to tens of thousands of people from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City. Still recovering from pneumonia, he had a Vatican aide deliver his final papal address  traditionally given at Easter and Christmas.

That speech focused on global conflicts, reiterating the pope's call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It also included a message of hope, particularly for marginalized and migrant communities, for whom Francis was a strong advocate.

Jorge Alfredo Zoulalian, of Miami, and his 22-year-old daughter, Camila, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, at Bayside Marketplace in Miami, Fla.

RELATED: Francis widely seen as progressive in world lurching toward political right, authoritarians

Roxana Londono of Miami initially heard the news of Francis' death in a WhatsApp group she's part of. But then she saw the notifications pour in from media outlets.

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"I think he brought a distinct perspective to the Vatican," Londono said. "He was much more focused on humility, the social environment and on compassion for people in need. It makes me think, what comes next?"

She said she didn't know if it would be another Latino pope.

"As Latinos, we identified with him," Londono said. "Well have to see what comes now. I hope its someone who brings the same perspective."

Londono, 51, is from Barranquilla, Colombia. When she was 8, she was one of the few students selected to meet Pope John Paul II, when he visited the city as part of a larger apostolic journey to the country.

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"Pope Francis saw the Church as a 'field hospital' called to tend to the wounded on the battlefields of life, offering her medicine of mercy to all," wrote Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, the leader of the church in Florida, in a prepared statement.

"The Church, Pope Francis insisted, is not only to teach but to act  to embrace those on the periphery and to bring the light of Christ to the darkest corners of society," the statement read.

Wenski wrote that the pontiff's legacy would be defined by a series of "firsts." He was the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, the first pope to address a joint session of Congress and the first pope to appoint women to high positions in the Roman Curia, the church's central governing body.

"Pope Francis leaves this world as a 'pilgrim of hope,' " Wenski wrote.

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RELATED: Pope Francis' message of tolerance was an inspiration to this lapsed Catholic | Opinion

St. Joseph Catholic Parish, in North Miami Beach, Fla., also known as 'Little Buenos Aires' for its large Argentine community, on April 21, 2025.

Zoulalian, 60, had hoped to one day meet Francis in Argentina. But the pope never returned to his home country after his papacy began in 2013.

"A large part of me is very supportive of him," Zoulalian said. "Because he seemed like a very sincere person to me, a very honest person when it came to Catholicism."

He hopes to see the same values in the next pope.

"No to violence, no to war," he said. "Yes to honesty, to speaking well and handling things with caution."

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RELATED: Cathedral of St. Ignatius marked news of Pope Francis' death

A framed photo of Pope Francis at the entrance of St. Joseph Catholic Parish, in North Miami Beach, Fla., also known as 'Little Buenos Aires,' for its large Argentine presence.

Londono, similarly, hopes to see someone as brave as Francis was, she said.

"Someone who not only speaks about change, but who pushes for real reform within the church," Londono said. "Someone who is also close with the people and who listens to newer generations, especially on topics like human rights, the role of women within the church and the abuse there has been."

Zoulalian lives in North Miami Beach, also known as "Little Buenos Aires" for its large Argentine presence. He believes the pope left a lasting impression for Argentinians around the globe.

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"Not only did he leave us well-represented, but he left all of South America well-represented," he said.

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: In 'Little Buenos Aires,' Miami Catholics mourn death of Pope Francis
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze has said that Russia's recent nighttime missile attack is yet another indication of Vladimir Putin's willingness to continue the war rather than seek peace.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Braze's statement on X (Twitter)

Quote: "Only peace through strength can work: Russia needs to be forced into peace, while Ukraines self-defence has to be strengthened. Tonights massive attacks on civilians in Ukraine prove that the butcher in the Kremlin [Putin] is committed to war; there isnt a single indication for peace."

Only peace through strength can work: Russia needs to be forced into peace, while Ukraines self defence has to be strengthened.



Tonights massive attacks on civilians in Ukraine prove that the butcher in kremlin is committed to war, there isnt a single indication for peace. https://t.co/wcVyNGFaTc pic.twitter.com/5Jz0KnIhWD  Baiba Braze (@Braze_Baiba) April 24, 2025

Background:

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Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that the latest attack clearly shows Russia's real intentions, and that it can only be stopped by force.

After the nighttime attack, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed that in attempts to end the war, pressure should be put on Moscow, not Kyiv.

A total of 9 people were killed and more than 70 injured in the attack on Kyiv. The clearing of the rubble is ongoing. The attack on Kharkiv caused casualties as well.

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TALLAHASSEE  House lawmakers are ending their probe into Gov. Ron DeSantis Hope Florida Foundation without hearing testimony from the organizations lawyer or leaders of two groups that got $5 million grants from the charity.

Rep. Alex Andrade, the Pensacola Republican who has been spearheading the investigation, said Thursday that he believed Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and the charitys lawyer, Jeff Aaron, committed criminal acts when they moved $10 million from a Medicaid overbilling settlement to the foundation.

The foundation gave the money to two other nonprofits, which then gave $8.5 million to a political committee controlled by Uthmeier.

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But Andrade said his committee wouldnt be the ones to prosecute them. The legislative session is scheduled to end next week.

While Im firmly convinced that James Uthmeier and Jeff Aaron engaged in a conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud, and that several parties played a role in the misuse of $10 million in Medicaid funds, we as legislators will not be the ones making the ultimate charging decisions, Andrade told lawmakers Thursday.

I believe our work on this topic in this capacity as a subcommittee will be concluded, he added.

The $10 million came from the state Medicaid contractor Centene as part of a $67 million legal settlement for overbilling for prescription drugs. State officials directed the company in September to donate the money to the Hope Florida Foundation.

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Over the next three weeks, the foundation board held a secret meeting to award $5 million of it to a 501(c)(4) overseen by Florida Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Wilson, and the boards chairperson awarded another $5 million to St. Petersburg-based Save Our Society from Drugs. The groups dont have to disclose their donors.

Both those groups then sent nearly all the money to a political committee overseen by Uthmeier, who was then the governors chief of staff. The committee was created to defeat Amendment 3, the failed ballot initiative that tried to legalize recreational marijuana.

Text messages showed Uthmeier told the leader of Save Our Society from Drugs, Amy Ronshausen, to apply for the money.

Theres no question that these were Medicaid funds steered by the governors chief of staff through secret and clandestine actions to his own political committee, Andrade told lawmakers Thursday.

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Andrade said earlier this month that he was going to issue a subpoena to Uthmeier, but backed off the threat the next day. He still has numerous requests for records, including text messages and call logs, outstanding with DeSantis agencies.

The Governors office WANTS this to become a spectacle to distract from the real issues, Andrade said in a text message afterward. I know what I need to know as a legislator, and its up to the FBI and DOJ (Department of Justice) to care about fighting public corruption.

He added that next session Ill be working on policy fixes to address the obvious public corruption exhibited by James Uthmeier.

Aaron responded by threatening to file a defamation lawsuit and a complaint with the state bar against Andrade, who is a lawyer. Uthmeiers spokesperson called the statements defamatory.

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These ridiculous accusations are false and not based on any judicial finding or evidentiary record, Uthmeiers spokesperson, Jeremy Redfern, said in a statement.

The Representative should bear in mind that hes a member of the Florida Bar and must adhere to professional and ethical canons, Redfern added. And those canons generally discourage the wild, defamatory accusations he has lobbed at the Attorney General.

Andrade responded to both by refusing to retract his statements.

I wont be threatened or intimidated into silence by James Uthmeier, he said in a statement. I have an obligation to call out and fight corruption, even from him.

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Wilson and Ronshausen said they would testify before Thursdays committee, but both backed out minutes before it began, Andrade said. Aaron initially said he could attend a hearing Friday, but he, too, backed out.

Each cited legal or confidentiality issues.

Aaron wrote Andrade that not all Hope Florida Foundation board members had waived their attorney-client privilege.

Wilson wrote Andrade that further inquiry into his organizations involvement in using the money to fight the legalization of recreational marijuana would infringe bedrock associational rights, undermining the organization and chilling its constitutionally protected conduct.

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Ronshausen wrote she wanted to preserve all privileges on behalf of her organization, legally or otherwise.

Doing so is even more necessary now as, the one time I was asked to speak off the record with a member of this Committee, I was assured it would remain confidential, Ronshausen said in her 7:47 a.m. email to Andrade.

Andrade told reporters after the committee that the parent organization of Save Our Society From Drugs  Drug Free America  feels misled by Jeff Aaron and James Uthmeier.

Theyve activated their insurance policy. Theyre concerned about liability. Theyre taking steps to rectify that, and theyve already provided some documents in response to our request for documents, Andrade said.

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Andrade could convene a special committee to compel Ronshausen and Wilson to testify, but he said the record already showed the $10 million was funneled to Uthmeiers political committee to fight Amendment 3. He spent several minutes Thursday reciting the timeline of the scandal.

I gave a summary just now thats pretty succinct and backed up by facts, Andrade said. Ill leave the rest of the investigation up to the FBI and Department of Justice.

Rep. Debra Tendrich, a Lake Worth Democrat who serves on the committee, said she had hoped to ask basic questions about the money, such as who told Wilson to request the $5 million.

Tendrich, who runs her own nonprofit, noted the grant was never advertised, and she said she wondered why Wilsons organization wrote on its grant application that it would not voluntarily disclose that it received the money. Both are highly unusual for nonprofits.

She said taxpayers deserved to have answers about what was done with the money.

Not showing up, it implicates them that they had some wrongdoing in this, Tendrich said.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council announced the appointment of several new officials on Thursday.

Liu Zhenguo has been appointed vice minister of civil affairs, replacing Tang Chengpei.

Han Dong has been named deputy director of the National Radio and Television Administration.

Qi Zhuquan has been appointed vice president of the China Media Group.

Li Liangsheng has been named political commissar of the National Fire and Rescue Administration. Li is no longer vice minister of water resources.

Zhang Zi is no longer deputy head of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense. 
Republicans in Tallahassee are ending an investigation into Hope Florida, even as some vow their push for accountability will continue.

Hope Florida is overseen by Gov. Ron DeSantis and first lady Casey DeSantis.

The pause in the republican-led investigation is happening because witnesses did not show up when they were supposed to testify Thursday.

This means the governor and his wife are temporarily relieved of attacks from fellow Republicans and the investigation.

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Lawmakers set off a bomb earlier this month when they accused the DeSantis administration of using Hope Florida to siphon money owned to taxpayers from Medicaid settlements. They compared it to a slush fund that the governors allies then used to launch political attacks against marijuana legalization and loosening abortion laws.

The Republican leading the charge says it will not go away, even if witnesses dont cooperate.

If someone defrauded the state or a charity out of $10 million, they would go to prison. That occurred, said Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola.

One of the people who had agreed to testify serves as the attorney for the Orlando Airport Authority. Lawmakers blasted his reasoning of attorney-client privilege as bogus.

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Indiana lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Mike Braun to rein in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, known as DEI, and allow individuals to sue publicly-funded schools or government entities over alleged violations.

House lawmakers voted 64-26 and senators voted 34-16 on April 24 to send Senate Bill 289 to Braun's desk. The governor is expected to sign the bill, as he signed an executive order in January prohibiting DEI initiatives in state government and closing the former Office of the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer.

SB 289's passage also follows executive orders from President Donald Trump in January rolling back DEI initiatives in the federal government. Earlier this year, concerns about the bill and federal actions led some state colleges to preemptively shutter diversity-related offices and trainings.

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The bill, titled "unlawful discrimination," prohibits public institutions from taking actions based on an individual's "personal characteristic," such as race, religion, color and sex. It allows individuals to bring lawsuits over alleged violations, but plaintiffs would only be able to receive court costs, attorney fees and actual damages.

But SB 289 has drawn tense and sometimes emotional debate over the course of the legislative session, specifically in the Senate. On April 24, Senate Democrats condemned the bill as "a step backward" for diverse communities in Indiana who face discrimination in the state.

"When we introduce legislation that claims that we want everyone to be treated equally, I love that. I have yet to meet a person on this Earth who said we should not treat people equally," said Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis. "But what this legislation ignores is that people have different starting points in their lives."

But Republican Sen. Gary Byrne, who authored the bill, said the bill improved through the legislative process.

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"You can't fix discrimination with discrimination," Byrne, of Byrneville said. "This bill is good for Indiana and everyone should be judged by how hard you work. That's what this bill is about."

Senate Bill 289's path to the governor

The session's landmark DEI bill started out as a blanket ban on DEI concepts, trainings and even offices within state institutions, including colleges, roughly mimicking Braun's similar executive order. It closely resembled a bill from 2022 attempting to rein in Critical Race Theory.

More: The CRT debate is back at the Indiana Statehouse, but this time, it's DEI

In the House, the bill scaled back significantly, focusing no longer on offices or curriculum and instead on prohibiting "actions"  hiring and firing, enrolling and providing or denying aid, rewarding or penalizing a person, granting or denying a license.

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The bill says a public educational institution or employer cannot take actions that are "based on a personal characteristic" of the person. Those personal characteristics already defined in Indiana's Civil Rights law include race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry or status as a veteran, but the final version of SB 289 excluded "disability" and "status as a veteran" from this list.

SB 289 also provides an avenue for injured parties to sue over alleged violations. While an earlier version of the bill controversially entitled the plaintiff to liquidated damages worth $50,000 to $100,000, the final version limits the potential cost to the defendants to just actual damages, court costs and attorney fees.

In the House, language was also added to the bill to save teaching scholarships for minority students that would have been eliminated in the original version of SB 289. Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, led the push for the language in the House to preserve the scholarships, which are named after former state lawmakers Earline S. Rogers and William Crawford.

"We're trying to save the scholarships, that's what Rep. Harris was trying to do," Byrne said on the Senate floor.

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But the bill carved out five counties  Allen, Marion, Lake, St. Joseph and Vigo  as "underserved communities" eligible to apply for the scholarships, rather than specifying the scholarships re for minority students. Some Senate Democrats on Thursday objected to limiting the scholarships to those counties, saying it enables discrimination.

"Why didn't we use the phrase underappreciated or undervalued or underrecognized or underheard or underseen versus underserved?" said Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington. "I just don't understand how you settled on that phrase, and then these five counties, because if you look in research for the state of Indiana, the top 10 poorest Indiana counties, are not these five counties."

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @kayla_dwyer17.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Lawmakers send anti-DEI bill to Gov. Braun. Here's what it does
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Senate Majority Leader Val Lawson and Senate Labor Committee Chairman Frank Ciccone have struck a deal to try and take over leadership of the chamber following the death of Dominick Ruggerio, Target 12 has learned.

Lawson, 58, would serve as Senate president and Ciccone, 77, would serve as majority leader, the pair confirmed late Thursday afternoon. Their plans had previously been revealed to Target 12 by a half-dozen State House insiders familiar with the discussions.

It remains unclear if the pair have locked down the votes necessary to win. Lawson, D-East Providence, and Ciccone, D-Providence, claimed they had commitments of support from a majority of senators, but declined to release a list of those names.

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Our goal in coming together as a team is to unite the very diverse membership of the Democratic caucus in the Senate, they said in a joint statement.

The Lawson-Ciccone alliance is facing a serious challenge from former Majority Leader Ryan Pearson, D-Cumberland, who has been putting together his own coalition of senators and is said to see an alternative path to the presidency.

This is a time for us to bring the Senate together and have us working as a unified team for the people of Rhode Island, Pearson, 36, said in a statement. I am seeking my colleagues support based on my past record of working with each of them as Finance chair and majority leader delivering on their priorities and meeting the diverse needs of their districts.

As for the suggestion by Lawson and Ciccone that they had already won the support of a majority of senators, Pearson replied simply: False.

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Top senators had been hesitant before Thursday to go public about the behind-the-scenes machinations regarding the presidency out of respect for Ruggerio, who died Monday at age 76 after an extended battle with cancer. But there has been a nonstop flurry of phone calls, text messages and leaks all week among those involved.

No formal action is expected to be taken until after Ruggerios funeral Mass is celebrated Monday morning. The winning candidate will need 19 votes to become president.

Ruggerio ousted Pearson and replaced him with Lawson last fall after the Senate president took offense when Pearson broached the subject of the leaders health at a private meeting. The rupture culminated in a tense caucus meeting, where a group of Senate Democrats tried unsuccessfully to remove Ruggerio from the top job.

The pairing of Lawson, a more liberal senator, with Ciccone, a more conservative one, could create tensions around some legislation. Ciccone, who has worked as a gun dealer, has opposed the proposed Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act that has significant support among senators.

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Both senators have deep ties to organized labor. Lawson, a former East Providence teacher, is the current president of the National Education Association Rhode Island teachers union. Ciccone was a longtime official with the powerful Laborers International Union.

One of the biggest outstanding questions about Lawsons candidacy is whether she will step down as president of NEARI. John Marion, executive director of the good-government group Common Cause Rhode Island, said it would be difficult for her to avoid conflicts of interest if she were to serve simultaneously as both Senate president and head of a powerful union.

Unlike the other 37 members of the Senate, the president has unilateral agenda-setting and appointing power, Marion said in an email. The previous two Senate presidents have stepped away from their day jobs when they assumed that role, making potential conflicts easier to avoid.

However, he added, given that our part-time legislature does not pay a living wage, not everyone can afford to give up their day job when they become Senate president or speaker of the House.

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Ciccone has survived negative headlines in the past, as well.

In 2012, he lost his committee chairmanship after a police report revealed he tried to intimidate Barrington police officers while they were arresting Ruggerio on suspicion of drunk driving. Referencing retirement benefit reductions enacted the prior year, Ciccone reportedly told the officers: You think you got pension problems now?

Ciccone was also fined $1,500 by the R.I. Ethics Commission in 2008 for failing to report all the information required on his annual financial disclosure form.

Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook.

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CHEYENNE  Laramie County School District 1 refrained from putting out a draft gun policy for public comment this week after the districts lawyer said she hadnt had enough time to consider its legal implications.

Per legislation passed earlier this year to repeal gun-free zones across the state, any adult with a concealed-carry permit can lawfully carry on school district campuses as of July 1. The statute allows districts to make policies that set training and conduct standards; however, those policies would only affect staff and volunteers.

Following the boards last meeting, two drafts of the policy, meant to comply with the provisions of House Bill 172, were sent to the districts Policy Advisory Committee for feedback.

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This is a tight, tight timeline, from the end of the session to July 1, LCSD1 attorney Amy Pauli told the board. ... Our goal was to have a draft ready for you to vote on to put out for 45-day public comment tonight, and unfortunately we just werent able to make that.

Public concerns

Regardless of whether the policy is ready for the public to review, a few concerned residents took the opportunity to address broader concerns about guns in schools with the board.

One teacher in the district told the board that, as a person born and raised in Wyoming with ample experience with schools and extensive exposure to guns, she hoped the district would develop a policy that would protect kids.

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The teacher acknowledged that changing these processes was beyond the scope of the board. However, she did endorse safety measures in line with Cheyenne Teachers Education Association (CTEA) recommendations.

These recommendations included: metal detectors at large events; biometric locks for staff access; capping ammunition amounts and regulating the type of weapons allowed by staff; and requiring specific holsters with trigger guards and fasteners to keep firearms secure.

She also echoed the need for staff to receive high-intensity training.

One of the policies presented was by local parent and Moms for Liberty Laramie County Chapter Chairwoman Patricia McCoy. The other was a committee policy.

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McCoys policy was presented via petition signed by several community members and is not affiliated with Moms for Liberty, according to McCoy.

McCoy commended the board for its efforts on the policy. Although she prepared remarks regarding the draft policy, a draft policy was not presented at Mondays meeting.

Dylan Ford, president of the CTEA, expressed concern from teachers about their own safety working under the new law. Ford echoed CTEA recommendations for safety.

Ford spoke on behalf of some concerned CTEA members, a few of whom have already resigned and are seeking other employment because of the new law.

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The district was unable to confirm that any district employees had resigned due to the law. Ford echoed the need to take serious safety precautions.

The likelihood of an actual shooting is fairly low, Ford said. However, there are some things that are absolutely certain. False alarms are absolutely certain. In fact, East (High School) alone has already had multiple this year, and just the general chaos of the classroom. When you get groups of kids together, theres going to be a little bit of chaos.

At the end of the meeting, Trustee Barbara Cook took a moment to acknowledge the fears that some community members have.

I think its appropriate that we acknowledge that at least I have  and I know many people have  heard trepidation and fear, from parents, students, teachers, principals, Cook said. So know that as trustees. We get that, we hear you, we know that theres some real concerns out there. Also, we will follow the law. No matter what the policy is, we need to follow that law.

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Policy concerns

The draft policy will have to include training requirements, per statute, which contributed to the lack of a draft policy at Mondays meeting.

The district also has to determine how the policy will impact its insurance and how the policy will apply to Freedom Elementary, which sits on federal lands leased to the district by the U.S. Air Force, according to Pauli.

The district is exploring options for general liability insurance that would cover incidents involving firearms, LCSD1 Community Relations Director Mary Quast said.

Even if the district requires individuals to have their own insurance, an option Quast says has been considered, the current liability policy does not cover incidents involving firearms.

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Staff has been working with our insurance, and we are not covered, Pauli told the board. No district in the state, unless youve already had an existing policy, is covered. Most insurance companies are handing out declarations that say, Youre not going to be covered.

Another major concern is Freedom Elementary, since its on federal property.

We (might) need to put in language that basically says Freedom is only included in this policy if specifically approved by the United States Air Force, Pauli advised the board. We dont want to put anything that would contradict what the Air Force expects of us or that would jeopardize potentially our lease of that property.

To accommodate for concerns around insurance, training requirements and Freedom Elementarys status on federal property, Pauli said the policy would at best be ready by early May.

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A major concern is the required public comment extending past July 1 due to continued edits to an incomplete draft.

What I dont want to have happen is we put forward something for a 45-day public review and we end up changing it, either based on public comment or further conversations with our law enforcement officials, Pauli said. And changing the training requirements and then needing to go out for a second 45-day review, because that puts us out 90 days.

The next school board meeting is May 5, at which time the board hopes to see a draft policy.
PROVO, Utah  When a future apostle and a future U.S. Supreme Court nominee learned that the Chicago law firm where they worked did not plan to hire a qualified law school graduate they knew because it had a policy against hiring Jewish people, the young attorneys went together to the firms managing partner.

The policy was discriminatory and short-sighted, said President Dallin H. Oaks, now first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the late Robert Bork, who served as U.S. solicitor general and acting U.S. attorney general.

The firm changed its policy and hired the man, causing other law firms to change their policies, BYU President Shane Reese said Thursday at the universitys 2025 commencement exercises.

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, waves as he exits after Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

President Oaks presided and spoke briefly to honor Judge J. Clifford Wallace, whom BYU leaders gave an honorary doctoral degree for law and public service.

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Speakers encouraged the 7,194 BYU graduates of the 2024-25 school year to commit similarly to faith, family, community engagement, service and professional excellence during graduation ceremonies at the Marriott Center on campus.

You entered to learn, now go forth to serve, said Reese, paraphrasing the sign at the entrance to campus on Cougar Boulevard.

The commissioner of the Church Education System, Elder Clark G. Gilbert, was the commencement speaker. He said the hope and charge church leaders have for BYU graduates is that they will Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world, an instruction Jesus Christ gave disciples in the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 18:24).

Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and commissioner of the Church Educational System, gives the commencement address during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

As you leave today, we invite you to be that light on the hill, he said.

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Elder Gilbert, who is a General Authority Seventy, said BYU is the hope of the church and the flagship of the Church Educational System.

Church leaders want BYU graduates to influence the world for good by balancing professional and academic distinction with the integrity of their faith, he said.

You might consider these dual responsibilities a simultaneous call for excellence with a call for discipleship, he said.

Elder Gilbert urged students to avoid isolating themselves to preserve faith or apologizing for their faith.

If you let the call for excellence supersede your call to discipleship, you will risk mimicking the world and eventually apologizing for your faith, he said. If you let the call for faithfulness cause you to isolate yourself from the secular world, you may preserve your faith, but you will miss the opportunity to be a light to the world.

Connor Crandall, graduating with a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, rings an alumni bell outside the Marriott Center after Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Elder Gilbert said BYU graduates become lights to the world when they live their beliefs confidently and courageously even as they learn from others and engage in their community. They build friendships with others of differing beliefs and invite them into their lives, always representing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with courage, faith and dignity.

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Reese noted that years after President Oaks and Bork stood up for their Jewish colleague, President Oaks was subpoenaed to testify at the U.S. Senate hearings for Borks Supreme Court nomination. There, President Oaks learned that the man they stood up for had become the firms managing partner.

The commencement exercises included several other examples of inspiration.

President Oaks said he was assigned to deliver the congratulations of church President Russell M. Nelson to Wallace, the longest-serving federal judge in the United States, according to Reese.

Brian Stewart, graduating with a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, holds his daughter, Sophie, 4 months, as his wife, Catherine, of Springville, boops Sophies nose after a photo after Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Wallace said he was the son of an immigrant who was an abusive alcoholic with a third grade education. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ because of four friends he had in high school, where he had been a C- and D+ student. He served in the Navy and then went to college on the GI Bill, eventually becoming the editor of the law review at the University of California, Berkeley.

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Wallace was the first Latter-day Saint to serve on a U.S. Court of Appeals and the first to serve as a chief judge of a Court of Appeals. He served on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for 26 years.

For half a century, he spent his vacations traveling the world to help 72 countries enshrine the rule of law in their systems.

President Oaks said the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints well knew of Wallaces powerful impact.

Internationally, his leadership and teaching to advance the rule of law and the administration of justice in the legal systems of 72 nations is unique among the judges of the world, President Oaks said. Speaking from our commitment to the divinely inspired principles of the U.S. Constitution, which applies to all men, we believe in the rule of law. We honor Judge Wallace as a worthy example of that rule of law and commend his example to lawyers, judges and citizens worldwide.

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Wallace told graduates that he put family and faith first and then balanced his work as first a trial lawyer and then a judge.

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I found that if I carefully and prayerfully made the most important parts of my life consistent with their eternal worth, I accomplished much more of the real value in my lifes endeavors, Wallace said.

God bless you as you go out, he said.

The student commencement speaker was Amy Ortiz, who said her family immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was 9, and that her degree in journalism is a miracle for someone who once found speaking, reading and writing English so difficult.

Student speaker Amy Ortiz Sanchez gives remarks during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

All of us, no matter who we are or where we are from, have an underdog story, said Ortiz, a Church News intern.

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She encouraged her fellow graduates, who now join nearly 460,000 BYU alumni, to launch a lifetime of consecrated service.

Let us place our trust in the Savior  the single greatest underdog and miracle the world has ever seen  knowing that through him, we too will rise to victory."

Marea Glade, left, graduating with a bachelors degree in communication disorders, poses for a photo with Jenna Mathews, graduating with a degree in geospatial intelligence, at block letters after Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Davis Hunter, graduating with a bachelors degree in applied computational mathematics, looks up during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and commissioner of the Church Educational System, gives the commencement address during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Jake Retzlaff, graduating with a bachelors degree in exercise and wellness, claps during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

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Judge J. Clifford Wallace is hooded by Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese, right, and Academic Vice President Justin M. Collings after Wallace received an honorary doctorate of law and public service during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Members of the platform party make their way onto the stage during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Elder Patrick Kearon, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, smiles with his wife, Sister Jennifer Kearon, during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Judge J. Clifford Wallace speaks after receiving an honorary doctorate of law and public service during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

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Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese speaks during BYUs commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Elder Clark G. Gilbert, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and commissioner of the Church Educational System, gives the commencement address during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

A graduate listens during Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Graduates walk away from the Marriott Center after Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony, held in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

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Cameron Banks, graduating with a masters degree in accounting, poses for a photo with his wife, Mikayla, and their children, Paisley, 11 months, and Emmett, 2, as Banks mother, Nicole, takes a photo by the welcome sign after Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

From left, Carrie Jones takes a selfie with her daughter, Tatum, graduating with a bachelors degree in art and a minor in graphic design, her husband, Eric, and daughter Hayden, 13, of Buckeye, Ariz., after Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony held at the Marriott Center in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Grace Manning, graduating with a bachelors degree in elementary education, poses for a photo with her dad, Tom, and mom, Stephanie, as her sister, Claire, takes the photo after Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

A graduate cheers by signage after Brigham Young Universitys commencement ceremony in Provo on Thursday, April 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
The League of Women Voters of Idaho will host two public forums to enable voters to hear from candidates running for Ada County Free Library District and Meridian Library District board of trustees seats in the May 20 election. (Catherine McQueen/Getty Images)

The League of Women Voters of Idaho will host two public forums to enable voters to hear from candidates running for Ada County Free Library District and Meridian Library District board of trustees seats in the May 20 election.

The Ada County Free Library District forum will be held from 6-8 p.m. April 30 at the Star River House, 960 S. Main St. in Star.

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The Meridian Library District forum will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. May 7 at the Meridian Library, 1326 W. Cherry Lane. The Meridian Women in Action organization will join the League in sponsoring that event.

Every candidate running for a board seat in the two districts has been invited to the events, according to a Leauge of Women Voters of Idaho press release. Campaign materials and information about voting in Idaho will also be available at the events.

As a non-partisan organization, the League has a long history of hosting respectful, informative candidate forums, said Jean Henscheid, co-president of the Idaho League, in the press release. We are pleased to offer the public these opportunities to interact with the people who seek to oversee nine of the Treasure Valleys libraries.

To view candidate profiles, go to Vote411.org and enter your home address to access the Leauge of Women Voters of Idahos voter guide.

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The deadline to preregister to vote for the May 20 election is Friday. Mailed paper preregistrations must be postmarked by Friday or by midnight on Friday for online applications. Residents may also preregister at their local county elections office by 5 p.m. Friday.

Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the May 20 election, and residents can also register to vote the day of the election with a valid form of ID and a proof of residency. To get more information on what qualifies for those requirements, go to the Secretary of States Offices website at VoteIdaho.gov.

To check your registration status, click here.

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April 24 (UPI) -- One student was killed and at least three people were seriously hurt in a stabbing at a school in France on Thursday.

The 15-year-old suspected attacker was arrested at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides school in Nantes after the student held by a teacher.

According to witnesses speaking to local media, students were running through the school and some were confined to classrooms after an alarm sounded during the attack.

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Euronews, citing police sources, said the attacker was a student, but the motive for the stabbings wasn't immediately known.

The attacker allegedly stabbed a female student following an argument on the high school's second floor before stabbing three other people on the school's first floor.

"A knife attack took place this afternoon at a private school in Nantes. I'm going to the scene... to express my solidarity with the victims and my support for the educational community," French Education Minister Elizabeth Borne said on X.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau also planned to visit the school Thursday.

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The school is part of a complex that includes a primary and middle school as well as the high school where the attack happened.

In February one person was killed and multiple police officers injured in a knife attack in the eastern French city of Mulhouse.

The mayor called it a "terrorist attack" as passers-by were assaulted by a man with a knife.
A Quad-City funeral home is helping mourners pay their respects after the death of Pope Francis.

(Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory)

Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory, 701 12th Street, Moline, has a guestbook that people sign and leave condolences. They will receive a prayer card in remembrance of Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88. The guest register and prayer cards will be available at the funeral home weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 2 and online. The guestbook and condolences will be forwarded to the Vatican and the Trimble family will donate to local Catholic charities for each condolence made in person or online.

We are providing this service, as we did at the time of Pope John Paul IIs death, so our community can join the world in mourning the loss of this great man who touched the lives of millions of people of all faiths, said Reid Trimble.

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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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
(Reuters) - Lebanon's foreign ministry reprimanded Tehran's ambassador to Beirut on Thursday over comments alleging that plans to disarm Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah were a "conspiracy".

Hezbollah is under mounting pressure to relinquish its arsenal after a 2024 conflict with Israel badly weakened it and left much of southern Lebanon in ruins.

President Joseph Aoun is expected to begin talks with the group on disarmament, seen for years as a taboo subject because of the group's sway over the Lebanese state.

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On April 18, Iran's ambassador to Beirut Mojtaba Amani posted on X that "the disarmament project is a clear conspiracy".

"We in the Islamic Republic of Iran are aware of the danger of this conspiracy ... we warn others not to fall into the trap of enemies," he wrote.

On Thursday, Lebanon's foreign ministry said it had summoned Amani "due to his recent public stances" and that top ministry official Hani Shmaytelli "informed him of the need to adhere to diplomatic protocols ... on the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs".

Amani told Lebanese broadcaster Al-Jadeed on Wednesday that he had been summoned specifically over the X post, but that he had missed that first appointment - resulting in him being summoned again on Thursday.

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Criticism of Iran by top Lebanese officials was unusual for years, particularly given Tehran's sponsorship of Hezbollah.

Last year, then-prime minister Najib Mikati made a rare rebuke to Iran and said Amani should be summoned over reported comments by a senior Iranian official.

(Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Alison Williams)
Palestinians wait to receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

GAZA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities.

Mohammed Abu Hajar, a 50-year-old resident of Gaza City, returned recently to what remains of his neighborhood in Tal al-Hawa. He told Xinhua that for many in Gaza, peace represents the end of hostilities and a chance to rebuild their lives.

"Before the conflict, I worked in a small photography studio. Now, nothing is left -- only broken concrete and destroyed equipment," the father of seven said. "Like any people who have endured conflict, Palestinians want stability and a normal life."

Abu Hajar believes peace is not just the absence of violence, but the restoration of fundamental rights and services.

"When we speak of peace, we mean the ability to send our children to school without fear, to go to the market without hearing drones overhead, and to visit hospitals with medicine and doctors," he said.

He added that a just peace must include recognition of the Palestinians' right to live in dignity. "If a real peace comes -- one based on justice and international law -- it will be significant for all of us. I support any initiative that respects our rights and allows us to live as human beings," he said.

Sameh al-Rafati, a 45-year-old from Gaza City, expressed similar views. A father of six and former civil servant, al-Rafati has been living in a UN-run shelter for three months following the destruction of his home in an airstrike.

"My children haven't slept in their own beds in weeks. We share a classroom with three other families," he said. "People here are exhausted; physically, emotionally, financially. We are tired of losing everything over and over again," he said.

"There is a real hunger for peace. Not just a temporary ceasefire, but peace that enables us to return home, rebuild, and live with dignity," he added.

Al-Rafati also expressed concern over the international community's response. "The silence of the world is louder than the bombs," he explained. "We hear statements from distant capitals, but we see little action to alleviate our suffering."

He emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes people's needs.

"We need leaders who speak for the people, who understand what it means to wait in line for clean water or worry whether their child will have a meal the next day," he said.

These testimonies come amid renewed diplomatic activity involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which are seeking to broker a long-term truce between Israel and Hamas.

A senior Hamas official, who requested anonymity, told Xinhua on Thursday that a delegation from the movement is preparing to travel to Cairo on Friday for discussions on the ceasefire initiative.

"Hamas is flexible and willing to engage with all efforts aimed at bringing peace and calm to the people of Gaza," the official said, noting that "this does not mean accepting any Israeli proposal that would allow a resumption of hostilities."

Currently, the two sides remain divided on key issues, including Hamas' demand for a complete end to the war and Israel's insistence on Hamas' disarmament as a condition.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip, home to over 2.2 million people, has been subjected to a large-scale Israeli military campaign, launched in response to a sudden attack carried out by Hamas on Israeli communities near Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have caused widespread destruction across Gaza. The Gaza-based health authorities reported on Thursday that 51,355 Palestinians have been killed and 117,248 others injured since the start of the conflict. 

Palestinians receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Palestinians wait to receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Palestinians wait to receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Palestinians wait to receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Palestinians wait to receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Palestinians receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Palestinians wait to receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Palestinians wait to receive free food from a food distribution center in Gaza City, on April 24, 2025. As regional and international mediation intensifies to reach a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, many Palestinians are expressing cautious hope that current diplomatic efforts will result in sustainable peace and relief for their war-affected communities. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)
A long-awaited ban on a cancer-causing chemical commonly found in household products and groundwater is facing serious delays  and could be rolled back entirely if new legislation passes, Newsday reported.

What's happening?

The Environmental Protection Agency's rule to phase out trichloroethylene, or TCE  a toxin linked to kidney cancer, liver cancer, and other major health problems  was announced in December. But the measure has since been challenged in court, paused for some industries, and now faces a direct rebuke in Congress.

Advocates say that blocking the rule would not only stall progress toward a safer future but also actively endanger workers, families, and communities already exposed to TCE.

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The EPA rule bans most uses of TCE, a toxic solvent found in everything from spot cleaners and adhesives to degreasers and aerosol sprays. It also sets workplace safeguards for industries with extended phaseout periods.

But since its announcement, the rule has hit multiple roadblocks  including a suspension triggered by litigation from industrial groups and a Republican-led push to overturn the ban through the Congressional Review Act.

One of the lawsuits comes from the Alliance for a Strong U.S. Battery Sector, which claims that replacing TCE would "cripple" its operations. The group is seeking a 20-year exemption. Meanwhile, state officials on Long Island, New York, have been managing the aftermath of decades of TCE pollution, including chemical drums unearthed at Bethpage Community Park, a known contamination site, per Newsday.

Why is this concerning?

TCE is a potent carcinogen. In addition to multiple forms of cancer, the chemical is linked to nervous system damage, reproductive harm, and even fetal heart defects. Despite this, it continues to be used  and in some places, it still contaminates drinking water.

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Roughly 68,000 U.S. workers are estimated to be exposed to TCE annually. Joseph Marino, a former worker at Brookhaven National Laboratory, is one of many plaintiffs suing over long-term health damage. "These companies don't care about workers' health, they just care about their bottom line," he told Newsday.

Delaying or rolling back the ban means prolonging exposure for thousands of workers and residents  and passing the cost of inaction on to communities.

What's being done about it?

The EPA has until May 27 to respond to the legal challenges. Meanwhile, over 170 environmental and public health groups are urging lawmakers to uphold the ban. Advocates say that phasing out TCE is both possible and overdue. The chemical was banned in Europe in 2016, and safer alternatives exist.

Do you worry about companies having too much of your personal data? Absolutely Sometimes Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"We need corporations to partner with the public in protecting our health and stop fighting every regulation that is well grounded in science, like this one," Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign Fund for the Environment told Newsday. "It might add a little cost to industry, but it's to protect the public from cancer and serious diseases. ... Disease also costs a lot of money."

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.
(Photo via Getty Images)

Courts could more quickly resolve lawsuits meant to silence critics or media outlets under legislation that went to the governors desk Thursday after years of being stalled in the Legislature.

Douglas Burns, former co-owner of an Iowa newspaper that was nearly bankrupted by such a lawsuit celebrated the bills passage.

This is a big day for Iowa, its a big day for democracy, its a big day for community newspapers, Burns said in an interview. And most of all, its a big day for the truth.

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House File 472 deals with strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPP lawsuits, a term referring to civil lawsuits filed by organizations, businesses or individuals against news organizations or activists because they have published articles or made statements about a topic the plaintiff does not want them to publicize. The entities filing these lawsuits do not necessarily expect to win in court, but aim to stop individuals or groups from continuing to report or talk about the topic by engaging them in a legal battle that costs them significant time and money.

The issue came to Iowa lawmakers attention when a Carroll police officer sued the Carroll Times Herald in 2018 for reporting that he had sexual relationships with teenagers, which the officer had confirmed was true. The judge dismissed the lawsuit, but the legal fees, totaling more than $100,000, nearly caused the paper to go out of business.

The bill seeks to prevent similar situations by allowing courts to grant expedited relief in cases involving First Amendment rights, including freedoms of speech and press.

As of January 2025, 35 states and the District of Columbia have similar anti-SLAPP laws in place. Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, has been the main proponent of Iowa joining these states. During floor debate on the bill Thursday, he said he began having conversations about anti-SLAPP legislation in 2018.

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This is the fourth or fifth time weve passed anti-SLAPP legislation, Holt said.  We passed this numerous times, never advanced in the Senate. This year, it did advance in the Senate.

The measure came back to the House with an amendment removing the ability to grant expedited relief for a cause of action asserted in a civil action. The amendment striking this provision would mean anti-SLAPP protections cannot be applied retroactively, a situation Holt said rarely occurs.

This amendment really does nothing in terms of the fact that were this to be signed into law, it will be on the books going forward, which will be  a tremendous victory in trying to protect our small town newspapers and media outlets from being put out of business, Holt said.

The amendment was approved unanimously, and goes to Gov. Kim Reynolds for final approval.

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Holt said he corresponded with Burns, the former co-owner of the Carroll Times Herald, who he said spent $140,000 defending himself in court after telling the truth and basically lost his newspaper as a result, about the bill earlier Thursday.

Speaking with the Iowa Capital Dispatch, Burns said the bills passage proves that the ashes of a business can be the foundation for something durable and meaningful in Iowa.

He thanked Holt for his tenacity and determination in advocating for the bill for years in the Legislature, and praised the bills passage with bipartisan support.

It just shows that sometimes the truth can be apparent to all, and the truth can prevail, Burns said. With this legislation in place, assuming the governor will sign it, it should secure more truthful outcomes to a variety of stories and scenarios in our state for generations.

Note: Douglas Burns is a guest columnist for Iowa Capital Dispatch.
There is nothing more important to Shari Redstone at this moment in time than her fight against rising antisemitism. I know because shes told me. I know because she said so just this week.

Ive been fighting racism and antisemitism for a long time, but after Oct. 7, it became my life, the executive chairwoman of Paramount Global said at a screening for a heart-rending new documentary, Children of October 7, airing on Paramount+ and one of her networks, MTV. It became the most important thing that I can do with my time  that I can teach my children, that I can bring people together to not just watch this movie but to share this with people they know, to tell the truth, to tell the stories.

Noble words. Noble intentions. But if Redstone is not careful, her efforts will backfire. She will fail both at combating antisemitism and at preserving the credibility of her CBS News division.

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Shes already done significant harm. What many who are angry with Redstone in the wake of 60 Minutes chief Bill Owens resignation this week do not understand is that her frustration and alleged interference in CBS News is rooted less in a knee-jerk response to Donald Trumps naked bullying and more in her concern over coverage of Israel and antisemitism.

Redstone broke with her news division last fall, when CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil was disciplined for asking pointed questions of Ta-Nehisi Coates over his new book about the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Black intellectual admitted that he was not interested in exploring the Israeli side of the conflict, but felt Palestinians were treated like Black Americans under Jim Crow; Dokoupil said his views would not be out of place in the backpack of an extremist.

After internal criticism of Dokoupil, a CBS News review of the interview found that it failed to meet the organizations editorial standards, as TheWrap then reported, wagging a finger over the journalists questioning without saying precisely what was wrong with it. We will still hold people accountable. But we will do so objectively, which means checking our biases and opinions at the door, said CBS News executive Adrienne Roark in her statement to the staff. The implication was that Dokoupil was biased.

In a rare move two days later, Redstone broke publicly with her news team to disagree. I think they made a mistake here, she said. I frankly think Tony did a great job with that interview. And she added that Paramounts three co-CEOs agreed with her: I think we all agree that this was not handled correctly and we all agree that something needs to be done.

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Something was done, after another bump over Israel in January. 60 Minutes aired a segment about Gaza in which former State Department officials discussed the Biden administrations support for Israels push against Hamas. The segment was accused of failing to point out the terrorist nature of Hamas; the Anti-Defamation Leagues CEO Jonathan Greenblatt called the segment a biased and one-sided piece.

Nancy Spielberg and Shari Redstone attend the NYC Screening of The Children of October 7 on April 22, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

The blowback came as Redstone was on a plane on her way back from Israel. Within 48 hours co-CEO George Cheeks had placed former CBS News President Susan Zirinsky as a new executive editor, overseeing standards and journalistic practices, reviewing highly complex, sensitive issues like the war in the Middle East, as Cheeks said in a memo sent to CBS News staffers.

Roark, meanwhile, exited the company in February.

In the midst of all this hangs the deal for Redstone to sell Paramount Global to Skydance, backed by billionaire Larry Ellison, which has been pending federal approval since last July. Since winning the election, Trump has determined to bring the media to heel, and took aim at the biggest broadcast target with the most exquisite point of vulnerability: CBS News.

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He sued for $10 billion, and then upped it to $20 billion, over an absurd allegation that CBS had deceptively edited an interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris. The lawsuit, as everyone who knows anything about fair news practices and the mechanics of TV news recognizes, is nonsense.

But it is leverage. And Trump likes leverage.

It is this pressure  Redstones need to settle this lawsuit, while her news leaders like Owens have refused to apologize, retract or admit error  that led to his resignation, citing interference from corporate.

This is a lose-lose situation. If Redstone caves to Trump she may get her Paramount deal, but at what cost? She undermines CBS News, a key asset. She damages the credibility of the organization, chases out talent and loses the trust of her news division.

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The lawsuit is baseless, keened a top CBS News executive, who is normally a supporter of Redstone, speaking on background. What makes it so difficult  to capitulate and settle when the lawsuit is baseless  is this puts the corporation in a horrible position.

This person continued: Maybe Shari doesnt appreciate the depth of destruction of the First Amendment in settling Youre blinded by things. Theres no doubt she understands that everyone in the news division feels capitulating is such a serious blow to the First Amendment.

But  has anyone said this directly to Shari Redstone? I dont think anyone has. Instead shes clearly leaning toward giving in.

We might be in a position  if we can reach a reasonable settlement  we might have to do that, an individual close to Redstone told me. As a news organization, having this litigation makes it impossible to function as a company over time.

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Thats nonsense. Of course Paramount Global can litigate a federal lawsuit over time and still function in its news division. Its the company sale that is at stake if Trump doesnt get what he wants.

So Shari, if no one at CBS or Paramount will tell you, I will: your fears over antisemitism, your concerns over the tilt against Israel in news coverage, are real. They are legitimate. They are valid. But they are not a reason to betray your news organization and give in to Donald Trump. That will only hurt your company, hurt freedom of the press and harm the legacy of CBS News built over decades.

Fight for your freedom and the right of those at CBS News  and for all of us  to report, to criticize, to challenge and, sometimes, to mess up. That is the fractured beauty of this thing we cling to called democracy. For your children and grandchildren, I hope you choose courage.

The post Letter to Shari Redstone: Youre Conflating the Antisemitism Fight With Press Freedom, and You Will Lose Both appeared first on TheWrap.
To the editor: I found the article quite intriguing, informative and amusing ("Trump named Gibson, Stallone and Voight as special ambassadors. Hollywood is still waiting for a call," April 22). Its ironic that many individuals in the film industry who labeled Trump a modern Hitler or a fascist leader are now seeking federal assistance and financial support from him. I believe that approximately 90% of people in the film industry did not vote for him in the recent election. Hollywood appears to have forgotten the adage, "Dont bite the hand that might someday feed you."

Norman Eagle, Palos Verdes Estates

..

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To the editor: The presidents middle initial should be H, as in hypocrite. He is denying universities money because they have not cracked down on antisemitism, yet he has named Mel Gibson, known for making antisemitic remarks to a Jewish sheriff's deputy in 2006, a special ambassador. So whats next?

Pearl Dietz, La Quinta

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LEVEL PLAINS, Ala (WDHN)  A man residing in Level Plains who police say is in the country illegally has been arrested on sexual assault charges.

According to Level Plains police, on Wednesday, the LPD received a call from a resource officer at Daleville High School, reporting that a teen girl was claiming she had been sexually assaulted in Level Plains.

Chief John Summers says officers interviewed the victim and her family, and identified the suspect as 20-year-old David Sis-Suarez.

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After a search throughout the night in Level Plains, the chief says Sis-Suarez was found and arrested around Highway 84, near the SOS Animal Shelter.

Chief Summers tells WDHN that Sis-Suarez is an undocumented immigrant from Honduras.

Jail records show Sis-Suarez was booked into the jail on one count of Sex offense-force and he could face the charge of rape in the first degree.

Chief Summers says that once Sis-Suarezs case is over in Dale County and any possible prison sentence is served, should he be found guilty, he will be held for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and be deported.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
LIBERAL, Kan. (KSNW)  Police in Liberal are investigating a series of violent acts they say are carried out by a group of teens who may be organizing themselves as a gang. The incidents, which involve kidnapping, assaults, and other crimes, police say, are raising serious concerns within the community.

County settles lawsuits over ex-deputys sex crimes

In a public safety announcement published on social media, Liberal police say the group may meet the legal definition of a criminal street gang under Kansas law.

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Police cited reports and video evidence show juveniles being ambushed, shot with Orbeez guns (water pellet guns), restrained with duct tape  including over their mouths  and even shocked with jumper cables.

These are not harmless pranks, the Liberal Police Department said in a statement. They are criminal acts and will be treated accordingly.

Anyone with information or who has been affected by these incidents is urged to contact police at 620-626-0141.

The case remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  A former correction officer said there were dangerous working conditions, horrible policies, and retaliation against staff who held the line at Collins Correctional Facility.

Cain Luther, who served as a CO for over ten years, said the problems that they were standing up for had been happening years before the wildcat strike. In his view, there was a toxic culture, ineffective discipline, and the state was unreceptive to their complaints inside New York State Prisons.

The former CO said everything changed once the HALT Act was implemented. The act was a testament to reforming solitary confinement practices. While state officials argued the law was a step towards more humane treatment for the incarcerated, Luther claimed the inside of NYS facilities is anything but that.

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The first letter in HALT stands for humane, Luther said. But theres nothing humane about whats happening in there. Guys are overdosing in front of you, flopping on the ground, puking on themselvesand theres no meaningful discipline anymore. Five years ago, that would have been a violation. Now? We carry them to the infirmary, and theyre back on the unit later that shift.

According to Luther, the HALT Act has stripped COs of their ability to enforce rules, even with minor consequences. He explained that when inmates would smoke before the HALT Act, it would be a violation. But that has changed.

Now they laugh at you, Luther said. You write the misbehavior ticket, they say, waste your ink. Thats what were dealing with.

He described the inside of the facilities being filled with thick smoke in housing units. Luther also said there were unknown chemicals in the air, which have caused him symptoms such as headaches, eye irritation, and dizziness  all hitting within minutes of stepping into a unit.

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Weeks after the strike, Luther shared that the conditions for current COs are still awful, with them being locked into 12-hour shifts, and the common practice of shift swapping has been eliminated.

Many corrections officers who participated in a recent strike, according to Luther, are now being punished for it. He is one of several former employees who claim theyve been blackballed from future employment, denied unemployment benefits, and cut off from programs like SNAP and HEAP.

Theyre doing whatever they can to make things hard for us, he said.

One former officer, Dave Hilberger, who was a friend of Luthers, passed away on April 9 in the Groveland Correctional Facility. Luther believes his death could have been prevented.

Dave had been feeling sick for a week, but he couldnt call out. Theyd mark you AWOL, Luther said. And this was someone whod been asking for help publicly for months, saying were tired, we need help. But no one listened.

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More than 2,000 New York State correction officers were terminated after the wildcat strike that ended March 10 earlier this year. Now, many are claiming that they were wrongfully terminated.

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In the midst of ongoing legal struggles and time spent behind bars, Lil Durk is reportedly finding solace and strength in his faithand using it to inspire others.

According to his father, Dontay Banks, better known as Big Durk, the Chicago rapper has embraced a spiritual leadership role during his incarceration, helping to guide fellow inmates toward Islam, the faith both father and son practice.

(FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Lil Durk attends the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 22, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Big Durk recently appeared on The Breakfast Club, where he shared a candid update on his sons mindset and spiritual growth while incarcerated. While acknowledging the challenges that come with federal imprisonment, he also emphasized the positive influence Durk has had on those around him.

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[Being locked up] is always gonna have its effect on you. But, you know, you always bounce back and look at the greater picture, Banks said. Hes definitely in their building. He was telling me that when he came in, it was four Muslims on the block. He said now its 17 Muslims on the block. So, hes in there converting.

(EDITORIAL USE ONLY  For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) Lil Durk attends the Givenchy Menswear Spring Summer 2023 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 22, 2022 in Paris, France.

Durks growing influence in prison underscores a dramatic shift in the rappers approach to adversityone that is rooted in resilience, spirituality, and community. His father, who has also served significant time in prison, explained the emotional weight of watching his son endure a similar experience.

From being in there and knowing what hes up against now, you run right there, so I can be with him to help him through this, Banks explained. Cause being in the feds aint no small task, this is a big thing. They dont give no room, they just snatch you up and put you in a hopeless situation.

Lil Durk at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

It hurts to know that he has to go through what I just went through, he continued. It hurts real bad. First losing the older son to the streets, and now losing him to the government. Thats why Im there hands on with lawyers, hands on with him, telling him every step of what to do now and how to fight this.

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Durk has been charged in a sweeping indictment stemming from a murder-for-hire plot in vengeance of his late childhood friend and artist King Von, who was murdered in 2020 during a physical altercation with rival rapper Quando Rondo and his entourage.

Durk is alleged to have ordered a hit on Rondo that ultimately led to the death of Rondos cousin, Lul Pab, in 2022.

See Big Durks The Breakfast Club interview below.

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GAFFNEY, S.C. (WSPA)  Limestone University is launching a fundraising campaign aimed at sustaining campus operations and supporting the long-term viability of the school.

The school announced its Together for Limestone campaign which they called an urgent and essential effort to secure immediate, unrestricted financial support to keep the institutions nearly 180-year mission alive.

This campaign is not just about preserving Limestones campus  its about fighting for the future of our students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, said Nathan Copeland, president of Limestone University. The response so far has been encouraging, but we must act quickly and boldly to ensure Limestones legacy continues.

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According to the university, the donations are crucial to sustaining campus operations, academic programs, and vital student services.

Were asking everyone who believes in the power of education to join us now, Copeland said. When you give to Limestone, youre investing in students, in families, and in the future of this entire region.

Hours after announcing the fundraiser, Limestone received a $1 million commitment from the Fullerton Foundation.

Our board of directors understands how important Limestone is to her students and our shared community, said Chris Steed, executive director of the Fullerton Foundation. We make this gift in the hopes that Limestone continues to nurture and educate future leaders and continues to be an integral part of the local economy and culture.

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The Fullerton Foundations relationship with Limestone University goes back to our inception in 1954, Steed explained. Alma Fullerton learned to love Limestone at the feet of her father Dr. Wylie Hamrick. Dr. Hamrick was an ardent board member and financial supporter of the institution and modeled servant leadership at Limestone to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Limestone University announced on April 16 that the school was facing financial uncertainty and needed $6 million in immediate financial support or it would face the possibility of moving fully online or closing altogether.

During a more than three-hour meeting Tuesday, Limestones Board of Trustees discussed options for the future of the school.

University officials identified a possible funding solution which would allow the school to continue operations. That funding source was not named.

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This possible funding solution has us all cautiously optimistic about the future of Limestone as both an in-person and online educator, Randall Richardson, chair of the Limestone University Board of Trustees, said after the Tuesday meeting.

Copeland announced at that time that the board intended to have an answer on the schools future no later than April 29.

Nearly 500 employees could be laid off if the school closes.

Graduation ceremonies are still scheduled to be held on May 3 at Fullerton Auditorium.

Anyone interested in donating to Limestone University can do so on their website.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Time is ticking to get your Real ID. With the deadline on May 7, many Arkansans are lining up at revenue offices as they will be required to show their ID to fly or enter a federal building.

To receive a REAL ID, the federal government requires Arkansans to confirm proof of residency, legal presence and identity and Social Security number through these forms of documentation:

Passport or birth certificate

Two proof of address documents such as utility bills or bank statements (dated within the last six months)

Proof of identity (Current Drivers License, School or Work ID card, etc.)

Social Security card

Name change justification (Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Court order, etc.)

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For those waiting at the revenue office in downtown Little Rock, they say the process was long because of the wait time in line.

The same people who were first in line when I got in line are still in line, Avery Thomas-Wells said. It shouldnt be an hour to two-hour event.

Can you fly without a REAL ID after the May deadline?

Catherine Harris said she waited in line for around two hours, but she still wasnt able to get her Real ID because she didnt have all the required documentation.

Thats probably my fault, I cant find my Social Security number anywhere, Harris said.

While James Williams says this was his second time coming back to the revenue office to get his Real ID after not having all of his documents.

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This is my second time coming back so I want to tell everyone make sure you have all your paperwork I didnt have mine, Williams said.

Some suggested for others who havent got their Real IDs to show up once their Revenue Office opens, double-check for all their documents and make sure they pack their patience.

Will you need a REAL ID to fly in 2025?

Betsy Kemp said after two hours of waiting, she was elated when she was finally able to get her Real ID.

I have a trip coming up soon and I wanted to make sure I had it, Kemp said.

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Reading boom transforms libraries into urban "third space"

Xinhua) 08:39, April 24, 2025

Students study at a library on Laoshan campus of Ocean University of China in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- By 8 a.m. on a Saturday, Shanxi provincial library in the northern Chinese city of Taiyuan was besieged not by silence, but by backpacks, strollers, and retirees quietly queuing under the dawn light, a scene once reserved for museums and concert halls.

"I've recently gotten into psychology and wanted to study it systematically," said Ma Jiaqi, a resident. While screen reading dominates daily life, he added, physical books help him focus.

Like many Chinese urbanites, he now spends weekends "soaking up" time at libraries, a sight that has become routine nationwide.

Libraries are no longer silent sanctuaries but vibrant "third spaces" blending learning, leisure and community, reflecting a shift fueled by rising literacy demands and government campaigns.

At the provincial library of Shanxi, visitor numbers jumped 70.52 percent year-on-year in 2024, with over 3.1 million attendees at 3,500 reading events. To meet the demands, the library expanded seating by 43.6 percent, adding 2,034 seats, said Fu Jingjing, the library's deputy publicity director.

As of the end of 2023, China hosts 3,246 public libraries holding 1.44 billion books, per 2024 cultural statistics. In 2023, visits to these libraries soared 46.9 percent to 1.1 billion.

The transformation is stark in Shanghai, where the renovated Shanghai Book City draws crowds not just for books but author talks, photo exhibitions and concerts. "Every new feature here ties back to books, but in ways that fit modern urban lifestyles," said Zhao Feng, deputy general manager of Shanghai Xinhua Media.

Technology also plays its part. Hefei City Library in east China's Anhui Province uses an AI librarian powered by DeepSeek's language model to recommend books via social media.

As Wednesday marks World Book Day, Beijing's National Library blended subway themes and digital tech in its "Reading as a Journey" initiative, while Shanxi hosted 43 classical literature programs, showcasing reading's enduring relevance.

"Libraries today are about open, smart, inclusive sharing," said Chen Chao, director of Shanghai Library. "They're places where people happily spend entire days."

As Fu put it, "Bookishness is an atmosphere. We want that scent of pages to permeate everyday life."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust, 2025

NEWS PROVIDED BY

The White House

April 23, 2025

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2025 /Standard Newswire/  The White House releases the following:

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and during this week of solemn remembrance, we honor the blessed memories of the six million Jewish men, women, and children who were viciously slaughtered by the genocidal Nazi regime and their collaborators  one of the bleakest hours in human history. We also remember the Roma and Sinti, peoples of Slavic and Polish ancestry, persons with disabilities, Soviet prisoners of war, Jehovahs Witnesses, persons targeted based on their sexual orientation, and countless other innocent victims of this tragedy.

Earlier this year, our Nation solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, during which we memorialized the lives of the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, grandmothers, and grandfathers whose futures were barbarically ripped away in Nazi-occupied Europe. During these Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust, we once again honor every Holocaust survivor who has imparted their wisdom to younger generations. Today and every day, we commit to preserving their stories.

The price to humanity of the lives lost during the Shoah can never be fully grasped or understood. Yet, even in the wake of the Holocaust, a self-determined Jewish homeland rose from the ashes as the modern State of Israel.

Sadly, our Nation has borne witness to the worst outbreak of anti-Semitism on American soil in generations. Nearly every day following the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Jewish Americans were threatened on our streets and in our public square  a reminder that the poison of anti-Semitism tragically still exists.

For that reason, my Administration is proudly upholding the basic truth that anti-Semitism has no place in a civilized society. As President, I signed an Executive Order directing the Federal Government to use all available and appropriate legal tools to combat the explosion of anti-Semitic harassment in our schools and on college campuses  including through the removal of resident aliens who violate our laws. We are also steadfastly committed to investigating and swiftly punishing all anti-Semitic discrimination in leftist, anti-American colleges and universities.

During these Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust, we reflect upon the dark affront to human dignity posed by Nazis. We cherish the eternal memories of all those whose lives were lost to the deadly scourge of anti-Semitism. Above all, we vow to never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust. We declare that never again means now.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby ask the people of the United States to observe the Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust from April 20 through April 27, 2025, and the solemn anniversary of the liberation of Nazi death camps with appropriate study, prayers, and commemoration and to honor the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution by remembering the lessons of this atrocity so that it is never repeated.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

SOURCE The White House

CONTACT: www.whitehouse.gov/contact
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday denounced Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for soliciting U.S. support to seek "Taiwan independence."

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media inquiry regarding the military collusion between the United States and Taiwan.

"We firmly oppose any form of military collusion between the United States and Taiwan," Zhang said.

To embolden and support "Taiwan independence" separatists is to ruin peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Zhang said, urging the U.S. side to stop stirring up troubles on the Taiwan question, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and deliver on its promise of not supporting "Taiwan independence."

"We solemnly warn the DPP authorities that those who solicit U.S. support for 'Taiwan independence' will be stabbed in the back, and be abandoned as a useless pawn," he said. 
If a fight is what the president wants, hes poking at the right bear! Much of the nations powerful entities are complying with President Donald Trumps efforts to censure history, control teachings in schools and even deport university students. But Harvard University is taking a stand.

The Ivy League school became the first and only college to sue the president. In the suit, Harvard called out the administrations ongoing attacks amid concerns of institutional oversight, independence and federal funding, according to CNN. In response to Harvards defiance, Trump continues to threaten to revoke federal funding from any college going against him. Now, Harvard stands as a lone wolf, and theres one clear reason why.

According to the universitys website, the Ivy League school has an endowment worth $53.2 billion... thats billion with a B. If youre unaware, an endowment is the rainy day fund schools have in order to help sustain college life. The federal budget helps to contribute to endowments nationwide, but thats already on top of donations from sponsors, outside organizations and alumni.

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Now, get your calculators out... Harvard received more than $4.4 billion in federal funding since 2017, the start of Trumps first term, according to FOX News. But thats barely a dent in Harvards wallet. If the government never gave Harvard federal funding over the last seven years, the schools total endowment wouldve still been $366 billion.

Harvard has the biggest endowment of any college in the U.S., and as you can expect, with more money comes more freedom. You know who doesnt have the same privilege...? Our historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which rely heavily on the federal government for financial assistance.

Any threat to their funding would have astronomical consequences for the thousands of Black students chasing their degree, which is presumably why no HBCU has joined in on Harvards efforts. With that in mind, The Root is taking a look at the endowments of Black colleges and comparing the risks to that of Harvard, the nations oldest and richest university.

North Carolina A&T University - $202 Million

In 2024, the university made history becoming the top public HBCU with the largest endowment. Standing at $202 million, according to the schools website, NCATs endowment helps to support campus facilities, educational programs and day to day living. In total, the school has 14,311 students, making NCAT the HBCU with the highest enrollment.

Morehouse College - $275 Million

Photo: Elijah Nouvelage (Getty Images)

The all-male HBCU has produced countless greats like Martin Luther King Jr. and Spike Lee. Morehouse College uses its endowment of $275 million to support programs at the college which directly benefit students and campus life, according to its 2023 endowment report.

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In order to attract and retain young men worthy of the Morehouse experience, we will need to grow our endowment to $1.5 Billion, according to President David Thomas. If Morehouse is to continue remaining competitive with other elite private, liberal arts schools, we need to be able to ensure that we have the scholarships, support services, and academic resources.

Spelman College - $500 Million

Photo: Paras Griffin (Getty Images)

Ranked as the best HBCU in the nation, Spelman College is dedicated to the success of Black women. The institutions endowment averages around $500 million each year, according to Spelmans board chair, Lovette Russell. The university, like Morehouse, has a five-year plan to raise its endowment 100 percent, in order to actively compete with white colleges and universities across the country.

Meharry Medical College - $179 Million

The medical school located in Nashville, along with all other HBCUs, educates half of all Black doctors in the U.S., according to the schools website. In early 2024, their endowment was listed at $179 million. But after a sizable donation from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Meharrys endowment nearly doubled it.

Norfolk State University - $81.5 Million

Photo: Mark Wilson (Getty Images)

Small but mighty Norfolk State University is gradually increasing its endowment. By the end of 2022, the school announced its endowment stood at about $81.5 million. This was a 140 percent increase from the year before, according to Data USA.

Howard University - $1.03 Billion

Photo: Drew Angerer (Getty Images)

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Maybe its no mistake that both Harvard and Howard University are both HU. Howard, which is located in the nations capital, is also called the Mecca after their well-known efforts to preserve Black history and provide spaces for intellectual conversations. Out of all 107 HBCUs, Howard is the only whose endowment reaches over $1 billion, according to Pensions & Investments. Despite Howard University making history, Harvards endowment is still 50 times larger than the HBCU.

Virginia State University - $101 Million

In 2024, Virginia State University ranked no. 7 on the list of highest HBCU endowments, according to the schools website. This exceeded the national average of endowment funding per HBCU student, which was $22,903. On the flip side, the richest university in the country, Harvard, spends average $7 million per student each year, according to FOX News.

Florida A&M University - $358 Million

Photo: Win McNamee (Getty Images)

Last year, Florida A&M University received a donation almost double that of its previous endowment of $121 million, according to the Capitolist. It was with this $237 million gift from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust and its CEO Gregory Gerami that catapulted the school into newer heights. Now, the FAMUs endowment sits at $358 million.

Hampton University - $349 Million

Photo: Tasos Katopodis (Getty Images)

Ever since being founded in 1868, Hampton University previously Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute has remained a pillar for Black excellence. According to a 2023 report by Inside Higher Ed, Hampton University previously had an endowment worth $349 million. The university, which is located in Virginia, has received several donations over the years to contribute to its growing endowment.

Morgan State University - $101 Million

Photo: Tasos Katopodis (Getty Images)

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In 2020, the university reported its endowment was almost $40 million. Since then, a pandemic and President Joe Bidens term have both passed. Now, Way Maker Journal reports Morgan State Universitys endowment is around $101 million. This increase could partially be attributed to the across the board HBCU endowment increase of 2020 to 2022.

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Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys has said that recognising Russia's encroachment on Crimea undermines the international legal order and encourages the aggressor to maintain control of the occupied territories.

Source: European Pravda; LRT, Lithuanian public broadcaster

Quote from Kestutis Budrys: "There can be no discussion about it [Russia's encroachment on Crimea], it is a dangerous place, because it sends a message that if you occupy a territory and keep it for some years, you can claim its legal ownership."

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Details: Commenting on possible talks between the US and Russia to end the war in Ukraine, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Budrys stressed that the situation remains uncertain.

"There are various ways of looking at it, but until there is a final agreement, I would still classify it as speculation," Kestutis Budrys said.

The Lithuanian foreign minister also responded to reports that US President Donald Trump is allegedly considering recognising Russia's rights to Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.

Kestutis described such intentions as "considerations outside the framework of international law" and expressed concern about the potential consequences.

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"By questioning the principles of international law, by questioning the issue of Crimeas status, we are opening a hell from which devils will crawl out that no one will contain," Kestutis Budrys said.

The minister believes such actions could seriously weaken the US authority in the world.

"This will mean that the US influence and ability to set certain rules, which derive from its enormous hyper-power, will be dramatically diminished," Budrys concluded.

Background:

Earlier reports indicated that President Trumps administration handed Ukraine a one-page document in Paris last week, presented as a "final" offer for peace  the key points of that proposal are outlined in this news.

Among other things, the US is reportedly ready to recognise Russian control over Ukrainian Crimea and to ease sanctions against Moscow as part of a potential peace agreement.

Zelenskyy recently reiterated that Ukraine does not recognise Russias occupation of Crimea, which is internationally acknowledged as Ukrainian territory.

Trump criticised Zelenskyys statement, saying that "Crimea was lost years ago" and that Zelenskyy's words "hurt peace talks".

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President Trump is meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, a vocal supporter of Ukraine, at the White House Thursday after denouncing Russias overnight strikes on Kyiv.

The president railed against Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday morning as the U.S. seeks to help broker a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV, Trump posted on Truth Social. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

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Former NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, who now serves as the finance minister of Norway, is also expected to join Stre in the Oval Office for talks with the Trump administration.

The president has long expressed skepticism of the NATO alliance, urging European allies to increase defense spending as he threatens to roll back support for Ukraine amid tough negotiations.

Earlier this month, several European countries, including Norway, vowed billions of dollars in military support for Ukraine.

The Thursday meeting with Norwegian leaders also comes as the trade partners reel from Trumps sweeping tariff agenda.

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The administration hit Norway with 15 percent tariffs earlier this month before issuing a 90-day pause to foster negotiations.

Trump and Stre in their afternoon meeting will likely discuss the trade alliance between the two nations.

Follow along for the latest updates in Washington.

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WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Walton County Commission Chambers Annex was filled with anticipation Wednesday as community leaders and stakeholders gathered to see which economic development projects would secure approval for Triumph Gulf Coast funding.

We brought three projects to the board for consideration in Bay County, said CEO of Bay EDA Becca Hardin. Two are related to aviation, and one is tied to port expansion. Theres a lot of momentum in our region right now.

The first project to receive approval was Project Clear, a commercial and residential glass company planning to expand its operations to the Port of Panama City. The company is requesting up to $3.7 million in grant funding to support the move.

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Theyre currently at capacity at their existing facility, Hardin explained. They already use our port to import raw materials from Mexico, and theyve been looking to expand. Fortunately, we found a suitable buildingironically, one owned by the Bay County Commission.

Also moving forward is Project Spinner, a major aviation initiative with a three-part expansion plan.

The company recently acquired a building in the City of Lynn Haven and is set to build an engine maintenance center at the local airport. In addition, they will invest $70 million into a cutting-edge engine testing facility, also at the airport. The project is expected to create 500 jobs and represents a $107 million capital investment, making it one of the largest projects ever announced in partnership with the Bay County Airport Authority.

Rounding out the approvals, Floridas Great Northwest strategic plan, United Forward, is advancing to the next stage.

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This is a two-pronged approach to economic development and market activation, said Floridas Great Northwest CEO Jennifer Connelly. Over five years, well see $4.7 million invested in amplifying Northwest Floridas business brand. Its a transformative step forward for our regions economic strategy.

Triumph board members could give the projects final approval at their May meeting. The government established Triumph Gulf Coast as part of the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Triumph has $20 billion to support economic development projects in the eight coastal counties from Escambia to Wakulla.

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A local nonprofit gave Trumbull County lawmakers a first-hand look at its work.

House Majority Whip Nick Santucci and Representative David Thomas toured St. Vincent de Pauls facilities on Thursday morning. The lawmakers were able to learn about the programs that St. Vincent de Paul offers, including its CARES clothing room and dining hall, where its free meal distributions are served.

The goal of the visit was to show area lawmakers what the organization does to serve those in need.

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Great to see their services. Obviously, theres a big need. Nice to hear that they dont just serve this local area; they serve all of Trumbull, parts of Ashtabula and other surrounding areas, too, so excited to see what the opportunities might be for us to be able to help at the state level, Rep. Thomas said.

From what weve seen, it looks like their resources are tight as well, so theyre looking to build a building that will allow them to impact more people, Rep. Santucci said.

Santucci said both he and Thomas are going to see if they can help support St. Vincent de Paul with a capital budget request.

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  At the end of Passover, a man, upset about the plight of Palestinians, allegedly firebombed the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Virginia Beach-based Rabbi Israel Zoberman is following the news of a dangerous trend.

You know, we live in very dangerous, unsettling times, Zoberman said. It is really a blemish upon our great nation that something of this nature can take place.

Previously: Local Rabbi shares his story on Holocaust Remembrance Day

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On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Zoberman is concerned ugly elements of history have found a safe harbor in America.

Obviously, its a reflection of anti-Semitism that has been on the rise in the United States and around the world, Zoberman said. And that cannot happen again. I know that America is better than that.

Scores of his loved ones perished in a war on Jews that was launched by a former democracy.

I often reflect upon it and speak about it, Zoberman said. And I must tell you that democracies are very fragile institutions. No democracy is immune from collapsing from within.

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Nationwide, Americans have filled streets in protest, as some say the Trump Administration has challenged the rule of law, the separation of powers and freedom of speech.

These are very, very serious issues, Zoberman said. And we have to respect the separation of the branches of government. And I pray and hope that America will rise to fulfill its destiny, to be a model of democracy, not just for us, but for the entire world.

May 1 is another date of concern, as it is the 77th anniversary of the state of Israel. Zobermans home country remains at war with Hamas following the attack on Oct. 7, 2023

It was the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A number of local runners are fueling up for a unique fundraiser.

Lance Smith isnt afraid to lace up the running shoes, logging hundreds of miles every month. The Sioux Falls resident enjoys longer distances and is always on the lookout for one particular business.

Headstone statues stolen in Watertown, police look for owners

All the gas stations kind of have all the amenities that you might want, food and water, use the restroom, Sioux Falls runner Lance Smith said.

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Smith has made pit stops at more than 50 gas stations over the past four years, and Kwik Star is next on his list.

There are seven Kwik Star locations in town, were starting at the one on East 57th Street, were running on a continuous loop to all seven locations, Smith said.

He calls it the Kwik Star 50K.

Well stop at each location, they range in distance from six miles apart, to five, to four-and-a-half, to two-and-a-half, Smith said.

Its more than 31 miles total, and its all in support of Feeding South Dakota as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary.

When I mapped it out, it was 50K and all a sudden I see a commercial and its 50 years for Feeding South Dakota. I feel like there is some divine intervention here going on, Smith said.

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Theres a suggested donation of $50 to run, with Kwik Star matching up to the first $5,000.

To me, its just a way that I can use my passion for running and get other people along beside me who also have that passion and want to help people, Smith said.

Theres obviously a need and its a great organization, Sioux Center, Iowa, runner John Brantsen said.

Its just good to interact with a lot of people that are on the same page as being positive folks and want to do something positive for the community and using running as a tool to do that, Brantsen said.

If you dont want to run 30+ miles, youre encouraged to join the group at the East 41st Street location for the final 2.3 miles and help take a bite out of hunger.

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Ive just found that by getting started, by taking off with an idea, finding the right people who also have that passion, you know it will build, Smith said.

The run will start at 7 a.m. Saturday morning at the Kwik Star on East 57th Street, while the final leg will leave the East 41st Street location around 1:45 p.m.

If youd like to help support the cause with a donation, click HERE. You can also drop off non-perishable food items at 605 Running Company.

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NEW YORK  A man who directed rapes and murders during the 1994 Rwanda genocide lied to U.S. immigration officials about his role in the 100-day massacre and started a new life as a Long Island beekeeper, federal prosecutors allege.

The feds on Thursday arrested Faustin Nsabumukunzi at his Bridgehampton home, accusing him of making false statements in his applications for a visa, green card and for U.S. citizenship.

I know Im finished, he told federal agents during his arrest, according to court filings.

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The genocide started April 7, 1994, a day after the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi died in a missile attack on their aircraft, when moderate Hutu prime minister of Rwanda, Agathe Uwilingiyimana, and her husband were killed by Rwandan soldiers. In the 100 days that followed, Hutu extremists slaughtered and raped hundreds of thousands of minority Tutsi and Hutu moderates.

Nsabumukunzi was a sector counsilor in Kibirizi, in the Butare Prefecture in Southern Rwanda, where he held a leadership position and oversaw the violence and killing of Tutsis, according to the feds.

He assured Tutsis at public meetings that theyd be protected at the start of the genocide, then went into private Hutu-only meetings and urged them to start killing, the feds allege.

He set up roadblocks, including one near his house, to stop Tutsis from fleeing, and directed armed Hutus to kill them, the feds allege. On April 21, 1994, he ordered the slaughter of a group of Tutsis on the grounds of an administrative office, hitting some of them in the head with a club himself as part of the violence, the indictment alleges.

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He also ordered the killers to remove the bodies from the office grounds, referring to their bodies as trash or garbage, sent an armed group to kill Tutsis in other spots where they were hiding, the feds allege, and encouraged them to rape Tutsi women.

Witnesses alleged that the defendant, as a leader, encouraged Hutu men to rape Tutsi women as a genocidal tool, federal prosecutors wrote.

Nsabumukunzi applied for refugee status in the U.S. in 2003, denying his involvement in the genocide, according to the indictment. He was allowed to enter the U.S. as a refugee in 2004, and received his Green Card in 2007. Hes been trying to become a naturalized citizen ever since, repeatedly lying under oath or penalty of perjury that he took part in the killings, the feds allege.

Since coming to the U.S., he made a name for himself as a beekeeper, and was featured in a 2006 New York Times article and other media accounts, according to law enforcement sources.

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Numerous eyewitnesses who observed the defendants conduct in Rwanda in 1994 described him as one of the leaders of the genocide in Kibirizi. Many of these witnesses, who were both Hutu and Tutsi, knew the defendant before the genocide and lived with him as neighbors and friends, federal prosecutors wrote in a letter to U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert Thursday.

He was arraigned Thursday in Central Islip Federal Court on charges of visa fraud, attempted unlawful procurement of naturalization and attempted procurement of naturalization when not entitled.

Prosecutors asked Seybert to hold Nsabumukunzi without bail, but the judge ordered him released to home detention on $250,000 bond. Hes allowed to continue working as a gardener for the private equity investor who co-signed his bond.

The federal crimes carry maximum 10-year prison terms and he faces deportation back to Rwanda, where he could end up locked up for life.

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In 2008, a community-based Rwandan court tried and convicted him in absentia and gave him a life sentence, prosecutors wrote. In 2014, the Public Prosecutor of Rwanda indicted him for crimes related to the genocide, and in 2016, Interpol Rwanda issued a Wanted Person Diffusion Notice against him for genocide, the feds wrote.

As alleged, Nsabumukunzi repeatedly lied to conceal his involvement in the horrific Rwandan genocide while seeking to become a lawful permanent resident and citizen of the United States, U.S. Attorney John Durham said Thursday.

For over two decades, he got away with those lies and lived in the United States with an undeserved clean slate, a luxury that his victims will never have, but thanks to the tenacious efforts of our investigators and prosecutors, the defendant finally will be held accountable for his brutal actions.

_____
UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  An Indian Trail home thats reportedly been the source of years of trouble has officially been shut down by law enforcement.

The Union County Sheriffs Office, in partnership with NCs Alcohol Law Enforcement Nuisance Abatement Team, declared the house a public nuisance and ordered it closed.

Located along Enderbury Drive, the sheriffs office said the property has seen years of police activity, including 18 overdoses since 2019, two of which were fatal.

Photos: Union County Sheriff Photos: Union County Sheriff

Neighbors and emergency services have dealt with everything from repeated EMS calls to assaults and criminal activity tied to the home, the sheriffs office said.

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After gathering evidence and listening to residents concerns, authorities brought the case to a Union County Superior Court Judge, who ruled the property could be shut down under North Carolinas nuisance abatement law (Chapter 19).

Under the court order, the residents must vacate the home within 60 days and are not allowed to have visitors at the property during that time. Once they leave, theyre barred from living within five miles of the home and prohibited from engaging in similar behavior anywhere else.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity in the area by calling 911.

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The longtime town clerk in Winchester has pleaded guilty and been sentenced in Keene District Court to one Class A misdemeanor count of notarial misconduct, the Attorney Generals Office said Thursday.

James Tetreault, 60, of Winchester, was arrested earlier this month on one count of vital records fraud and a Class A misdemeanor count of notarial misconduct for signing a marriage certificate without actually performing the wedding, officials said.

Tetreault, a New Hampshire justice of the peace, signed a marriage license stating he had performed a marriage between Wendy Leedberg-Snow and Eric Leedberg on Sept. 14, 2023.

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Tetreault fully cooperated with the states investigation into the matter and he did not officiate or attend the marriage on Sept. 14, 2023, or any other date, officials said.

As part of a negotiated plea, Tetreault pleaded guilty to the notarial misconduct charge, and the state chose not to pursue the vital records fraud charge.

Tetreault was sentenced to 90 days in the house of corrections, all suspended for a period of two years on condition of good behavior, and he was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine with a $240 penalty assessment.

Tetreault also resigned his justice of the peace commission and his bail commissioner position, and agreed not to be recommissioned as a justice of the peace or notary public during his two-year suspension period.

Tetreault has served as town clerk in Winchester for more than 19 years.

pfeely@unionleder.com
ISTANBUL, April 24 (Xinhua) -- More than 100,000 Istanbul residents spent the night outside their homes for fear of aftershocks after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the city on Wednesday, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul on Thursday, Yerlikaya said a total of 101,000 citizens were provided temporary shelter in mosques, schools, and dormitories across the city. He added that meals were distributed through mobile catering units and tents to support those affected.

A total of 266 aftershocks have been recorded in the city as of 9:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) on Thursday. According to Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, no residential buildings in the city collapsed, except for one abandoned building in the Fatih district.

Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu reported that 60 people are currently receiving treatment in hospitals for injuries sustained in panic or from jumping from buildings during the quake. He had earlier stated that a total of 236 individuals had been injured, and no fatalities had been reported.

The earthquake's epicenter was located in the Marmara Sea, just off the coast of Istanbul. 
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced the 2025 Central Mississippi Employment Expo will take place on Tuesday, April 29.

The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson.

MDES, through the Governors Job Fair Network, partnered with the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District, the City of Jackson, The Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, local community colleges, and other local chambers of commerce for the expo.

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USACE, YMD team up to restore Big Sunflower River ecosystem

The Central Mississippi Employment Expo is a great opportunity for any Mississippian seeking employment, said Gov. Tate Reeves (R-Miss.). Mississippi businesses need you! If you are interested in entering the workforce or finding a career, I encourage you to attend this job fair.

Attendees are recommended to dress for success and review the list of participating employers before the event. Copiers and scanners will not be available at the job fair, so attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes.

For more information about the job fair and a complete list of participating employers, click here.

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Two men have been arrested on suspicion they were part of a criminal enterprise to steal, move and sell stolen cargo in the Los Angeles area valued at over $3.9 million.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Departments Cargo Theft Unit partnered with the Los Angeles Port Police, Union Pacific Police Department and the Los Angeles World Airport Police to make the arrests, according to a news release Tuesday by the LAPD.

Oscar David Borrero-Manchola, 41, and Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos, 25, were arrested by detectives after a long investigation with various search warrants at storage unit facilities in the San Fernando Valley.

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The release stated that the two men are prominent members of the South American Theft Group.

Detectives recovered over $1.2 million in stolen tequila, speakers, coffee, clothing, shoes, body wash and pet food. They also recovered a stolen shipment of bitcoin mining computers, valued at $2.7 million, from LAX airport as the shipment was about to be loaded onto a plane headed to Hong Kong.

Photos published by LAPD show six storage units filled with boxes containing the stolen cargo.

Both suspects were booked at the LAPDs Van Nuys Jail. Borrero-Manchola was arrested on a charge of receiving stolen property and was cited then released. Martinez-Ramos was arrested on a no-bail warrant.

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This case highlights the ongoing collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies to combat cargo theft and protect the integrity of commercial transport operations, the release stated. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests may follow.

The post Los Angeles police recover over $3.9M in stolen cargo appeared first on FreightWaves.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A bill that would prohibit the addition of fluoride to public drinking water in Louisiana was approved in the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare Wednesday.

Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Sen. Mike Fesi (R-Houma), would repeal the Louisiana Department of Healths water fluoridation program and explicitly ban the fluoridation of any public water system in the state. Amendments to the bill in committee added that no naturally occurring fluoride in water systems would be required to be removed, and the date the bill would become law was changed to Jan. 1, 2026.

Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham told lawmakers there have been studies that show a link between fluoride and lower IQs in children. A report last year from the federal National Toxicology Program noted a potential connection between fluoride and lower IQ scores in children, but emphasized that the findings primarily applied to regions with much higher levels of natural fluoride than found in U.S. water systems.

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We are putting a chemical in the water without the patients consent is problematic for me as a physician, Abraham said.

The American Dental Association (ADA) said in an April 7 release that fluoridation is a proven, cost-effective tool that reduces dental decay, especially in children and low-income communities.

Why water fluoridation is under scrutiny in US

On the national level, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending water fluoridation. Kennedy, who has called fluoride a dangerous neurotoxin, recently announced that he is forming a task force to study fluoridation and provide new guidance.

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If passed, Louisianas bill would make it the second state in the nation to ban fluoridation at the state level. Utah, the first state to enact the ban, got praise from Kennedy for being a leader in the Make America Healthy Again initiative.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

How will RFK Jr.s autism data collection work?

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A proposed bill that would crack down on companies that book and resell restaurant reservations without the restaurants permission was passed by the Louisiana House unanimously Thursday.

House Bill 90, sponsored by Rep. Troy Hebert (R-Lafayette), would prohibit third-party platforms from listing or selling restaurant reservations unless they have a written agreement with the food service establishment.

Hebert told lawmakers during the April 15 House Commerce Committee meeting that the bill was created after complaints from restaurants about AI-powered bots and booking services getting high-demand reservations and reselling them for a high price.

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Under the bill, the Louisiana Attorney General would have the authority to fine violators up to $1,000 per violation, per day. All fines collected would go into the states consumer protection fund.

The bill now heads to the Louisiana Senate. If passed, the law would add a new section titled the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy provision to the states consumer protection statutes.

Michelin Guide expands to Southern US, includes Louisiana

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Years after a tragic ambush claimed the lives of four law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, state lawmakers are taking steps to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

On Wednesday, the Louisiana Senate Transportation Committee approved a resolution to honor Corporal Montrell Jackson, Officer Matthew Gerald, Deputy Brad Garafola Sr., and Sergeant Nick Tullier  all of whom were ambushed and killed on July 17, 2016, during a targeted attack on police officers. The resolution proposes the designation of a section of Airline Highway in East Baton Rouge Parish as the Jackson, Gerald, Garafola, Tullier Memorial Highway.

The deadly shooting occurred amid heightened tensions following the killing of Alton Sterling, which sparked national outrage and local protests. The attack on officers sent shockwaves throughout the city and across the country.

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All of us in our communities have days that are forever etched in our soul, said State Senator Rick Edmonds, who spoke in support of the resolution.

A family member of Sergeant Nick Tullier shared emotional remarks during the committee meeting, expressing the importance of public remembrance.

To some, this name designation might seem insignificant, but to us, we continue to worry that as time goes by, the remembrance of what happened that day to our blue family members would fade away, they said.

If approved by the full Senate, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will be directed to install memorial signage along the designated portion of Airline Highway.

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Were trying to take a step to honor the families, the wives, the children  the ultimate sacrifice, said Edmonds. They gave their lives for this community and for Baton Rouge.

The resolution now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A Louisiana Senate committee approved two bills Wednesday that would pave the way for the creation of an independent school district and board in the newly incorporated city of St. George.

Sen. Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge) authored the legislation, Senate Bill 234 and its companion measure, Senate Bill 25both of which cleared the Senate Committee on Education. SB 234 outlines the structure and transition for the proposed St. George Community School System, while SB 25 is a constitutional amendment that must be approved by voters statewide to grant the district full authority.

St. George Mayor Dustin Yates told the committee the proposal fulfills one of the citys core promises: providing stronger educational options for families. This has always been about putting our kids first, he said.

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SB 234 would create the legal framework for a new school system and school board within the city limits of St. George, which became Louisianas fifth-largest city after winning a 2024 Louisiana Supreme Court decision to incorporate. If passed, the school system would begin operations on July 1, 2027, following a multi-year transition process.

The bill proposes the governor appoint an interim superintendent and a seven-member interim school board, drawn from local nominations by legislators. That board would draft district maps and establish governance plans before the first election of board members.

Louisiana released school scores. Did your local schools make the grade?

SB 234 also outlines how students, buildings, school buses, funding, and other resources would be transferred from the East Baton Rouge Parish School System to the St. George system. The two systems would be required to enter agreements allowing continued access to magnet and charter programs and ensuring state and local education funding follows the student.

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SB 25, the constitutional amendment, would appear on the Nov. 15, 2025 statewide ballot. If approved by voters, it would give the St. George district the same constitutional authority granted to parish school systems, including the ability to collect property taxes and receive state education funding through the Minimum Foundation Program.

But not everyone supports the move. Dadrius Lanus, who represents District 2 on the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, warned of the potential financial blow to EBR Schools. He said the system could lose $140 million in local revenue to St. George.

We have done everything possible to fix a lot of concerns and the problems that youve heard today for the very reason why St. George wants to break away, Lanus said, pointing to the districts ongoing realignment plan that includes school closures and consolidations affecting over 10,000 students. The plan is scheduled to go before the school board in May for final approval.

The St. George school system proposal has been years in the making. A similar plan was proposed more than a decade ago but failed to move forward due to challenges with funding and the inability to pass a constitutional amendment. The latest proposal resolves many of those past concerns, according to Edmonds, including issues with district boundaries.

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A small modular nuclear reactor is shown in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Last Energy)

The Louisiana Legislature is working to speed up the permitting process to allow small nuclear reactors to be added to the states portfolio of energy production. Although the technology is not yet in use in the United States, proponents see it as a low-emissions option to provide electricity in areas that struggle to get reliable power.

Energy analysts say there are reasons why what are known as small modular reactors (SMRs) have not caught on yet in America  chief among them is the cost.

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Senate Bill 127, by Sen. Adam Bass, R-Bossier City, would allow the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to create an expedited environmental permitting process for building small modular reactors. That would position the state to be ready when the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission allows the projects to move forward. The bill advanced out of the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality and heads next to the full Senate.

You have companies in states like Texas that are starting that process, LDEQ Secretary Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto said Tuesday at the State Capitol after the Senate committee hearing on Bass bill.

Supporters of the proposal hope SMRs can be used by not only utilities but also industrial facilities that need an exclusive, on-site power source. Gov. Jeff Landry has included nuclear energy as part of an all of the above approach he supports to meet the states power needs.

Sizing up SMRs

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, small modular reactors range from one-tenth to one-fourth the size of a standard nuclear reactor. They can produce between 10-300 megawatts of power. Thats compared to an estimated 2,142 megawatts Entergy reports its two nuclear plants in Louisiana generate combined.

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The cost to build small nuclear reactors is steep. A study last year from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis found the cost to construct an SMR averaged $25,000 per kilowatt generated as of 2023  more than double the rate in 2015.

For a 10-megawatt reactor  the power level for the smallest SMR  the total cost comes to about $250 million.

Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety for the Union of Concerned Scientists, said that in order for utilities to buy into small nuclear reactors, it will take government subsidies and tax credits to make the cost worthwhile.

If youre trying to make them smaller, theyre gonna be less economic unless you come up with some way to compensate for this penalty for making them smaller, Lyman told the Illuminator in a phone interview.  Theres no one in the world thats ordering SMRs in the amounts that would be needed to start to see the benefit of central manufacturing.

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Lyman noted there are two current applications to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for new nuclear reactors in the U.S, and both are half-funded by the federal government and the other half funded by rich people like Bill Gates.

So theres actually a lot less going on that meets the eye, and again, the bottom line is cost  he said. Utilities and users know how expensive these things are.

After a strong of nuclear power plant shutdowns in recent decades, there has been a push to bring them back online to address increasing energy needs. This momentum has carried over to introduce SMRs in the United States.

LSU mechanical engineering professor Manas Gartias said there is industry interest in placing SMRs near petrochemical plants to reduce their carbon footprint by using nuclear power to run the plants and offset some of their emissions. Although nuclear plants do not produce carbon dioxide, their critics note their environmental impact in the form of uranium mining and waste storage.

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Gartias also said that if SMR models become standardized, it will bring down the price and time to build them.

Waste and billing questions

The Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based consumer advocacy group, is not taking a stance on the Bass bill but wants more answers on who will pay for small modular reactor projects  and whether those costs will be passed down to ratepayers.

We stopped building nuclear for a long time, but now there are really vague and not very recent examples of us building nuclear on time and on budget, Jackson Voss, the alliances climate policy coordinator, told the Illuminator.

When asked by committee member Sen. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero, what would happen to the waste created by small modular reactors, Bass did not give a clear answer. He said some companies use the waste to generate more power. Connick said he wants more information about the waste before the next vote on the bill on the Senate floor, which has not been scheduled yet.

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There are no current proposals to place SMRs in Louisiana. A few projects in other states are under licensing review with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the first are projected to be built within the next 10 years.

Louisiana recently joined several states in suing the federal government to loosen its regulations around nuclear power. The lawsuit claims blanket rules are not equal for reactors that vary in size. SMRs are safer and create less nuclear waste, so they should have different regulations from the full-sized reactors, the plaintiff states argue.

Ultimately, if youre looking at what we are doing on the legislative side, see what we are doing when it comes to litigation, that puts in companies eyes that Louisiana is a desirable state for nuclear power, Giacometto said.

Giacometto said the governor is onboard with the lawsuit.

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BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition and Congressional Commendations were announced at an awards ceremony on Wednesday.

United States House Speaker Mike Johnson was on hand to announce the artists whose work embodied The Spirit of Louisiana.

We just had an extraordinary event  we love to do this annually. We give out awards for people who really represent our communities well and do a lot of extraordinary work in all of our 20 parishes around the 4th Congressional District, which is the greatest district in America. There is of honor to give, and it is due, Speaker Johnson said. It was a great day, and we love to do this event.

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2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners:

1 st Place: Craw-Fever by Grace Rougeau, Faith Training Christian Academy

2 nd Place: Glow of the Magnolia by Ava Agee, Airline High School

3 rd Place: Serene by Samirah Etienna, South Beauregard High School

4 th Place: Bayous Serenity by EMantyi Mosby, Airline High School

Staff Pick: Beauty of the Swamp by JareiYuana Adams, Homer High School

Staff Pick: In Loving Memory by Angela Smith, Simsboro High School

Among those who received commendations are Natalie Davis, a Haughton High School student, who worked to get girls wrestling sanctioned by the LHSAA. Those who received commendations were submitted for consideration by constituents in Louisianas Fourth Congressional District for their efforts to better their communities.

2025 Congressional Commendation Recipients:

Allen:

Patsy Cavenah, Founder and Director of Lighthouse Ministries

Beauregard:

Kenneth Harlow, DeRidder Fire Chief (30 years of service)

Bossier:

Natalie Davis, Haughton High School student, worked to get girls wrestling sanctioned in Louisiana

Brad Zagone, Bossier City Fire Chief (30 years of service)

James Trey Morriss, Mission Operation Squirrel, Director of Staff, Eighth Air Force & Joint-Global Strike Operations Center

Warren Ward, Mission Operation Squirrel, Executive Director, Louisiana Tech Research Institute

Lane Calloway, Barksdale Air Force Base Historian

Caddo:

Laurie Boswell, CEO of Holy Angels

Jacob Schneider, Caddo Magnet High School student, Eagle Scout, led a team from Shreveport to Tumutumu, Kenya to train 72 students in livestock management, farming skills needed to increase the yield of their family farms by 60%, and financial skills to market their produce and manage their money.

Bienville:

Deanna Curtis, Bienville Court Appointed Special Advocate, Chamber President, Victims for Youth Justice Board Member, and DART volunteer

Claiborne:

Pat Abshire, Claiborne Chamber President

Grant:

Bonita Armour, created an after-school program for Grant Parish youth

Jackson:

Wilda Smith, Secretary and Treasurer for the Jackson Parish Museum Board, Jackson Parish Tourism, Jackson Parish Cancer Board, Jonesboro Hodge Lions Club Board, Secretary Jackson Parish Industrial District Board, and the Treasurer Jackson Parish Study Guild

Lincoln:

Sam Mattox, the oldest-living WWII veteran in Louisiana, is turning 106 this year

Ouachita:

Roy Heatherly, Ouachita Chamber President

Sabine:

Crystal Hable, dedicated to service and organization of events in community

Blake Byles, organizes hunting trips for disabled children and veterans

Union:

Axton Nolan, 2025 U.S. Service Academy Appointee, United States Air Force Academy

Vernon:

Melinda Granger, School teacher of 36 years at Rosepine High School

Webster:

Jerry Madden, Minden Lion, veteran, past Minden Man of the Year

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The first-place winner in the art contest will have her art displayed in the Capitol, and the second-place artists work will adorn Speaker Johnsons congressional offices.

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SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD)  Low water levels have forced a replica topsail sloop to cancel its trip to Holland for Tulip Time.

Officials with the Michigan Maritime Museum say low levels in the South Haven Harbor have forced the Friends Good Will to stay at its home port. The ship was set to be on display at the Holland festival from May 2 through May 10.

Dredging set to start this week on Holland Harbor

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The Friends Good Will is a replica of a sloop built in 1810. The actual ship was captured by the British during the War of 1812.

Visitors will learn about the history of the fur trade and commerce on the Great Lakes during Friends Good Wills active days and its role in the War of 1812, the Tulip Time website says.

People can still tour and learn about the Friends Good Will but will have to travel to South Haven to do it.

Tulip Time announces grand marshals

Were disappointed not to bring Friends Good Will to Holland this year, but safety always comes first, Patti Montgomery-Reinert, executive director of the Michigan Maritime Museum, said in a news release. Were excited to invite visitors to our waterfront campus in South Haven to experience the ship where it lives year-round.

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On the days the ship was supposed to be in Holland, the museum is offering special dockside tours of the sloop. It will be included as part of the museums admission fee during normal operating hours.

Tickets can be purchased at the museums website.

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PHNOM PENH, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent state visit to Cambodia has produced fruitful outcomes, drawing a strategic blueprint for long-term, multifaceted win-win cooperation between the two countries, a Cambodian expert has said.

Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told Xinhua in a recent interview that Xi's state visit to Cambodia yielded substantial and far-reaching outcomes, ushering in a new chapter in the iron-clad friendship between Cambodia and China.

A landmark highlight of the visit was a joint statement by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Xi to upgrade bilateral ties to an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

"The outcomes of the visit have not only reinforced strategic political trust, but also mapped out a practical and forward-looking roadmap for comprehensive bilateral cooperation," he said.

The outcomes also aimed to continuously enrich the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework and forge greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy.

Phea said the outcomes have offered concrete steps to implement China's three major global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative.

He said that under the GDI, the visit's outcomes fast-tracked key initiatives such as the Industrial Development Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, both essential to Cambodia's economic transformation.

"These outcomes have also given strong support to Cambodia's ambitious goals of becoming an upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050," he said.

Xi's visit resulted in the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents.

"These fruitful results have injected more vigorous momentum into the development of trade, infrastructure, digital economy, green growth, security, education and health," Phea said.

According to the joint statement, the Chinese side supports Cambodia in developing Funan Techo Integrated Water Resources Management Project under the principle of feasibility and sustainability.

Phea said Cambodia expresses deep appreciation to China for supporting the project, which has long been seen as Cambodia's century-old dream.

Phea said China also pledged to help strengthen Cambodia's clean energy capabilities, including hydropower, solar and wind energy.

On the security front, the two countries stress their commitment to upholding the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and adhering to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Phea said the two countries emphasized peaceful dispute resolution, regional stability and concrete cooperation under the GSI, which would reinforce Cambodia's growing role in regional peace-building and multilateral diplomacy.

Phea said cultural ties between the two countries have achieved fruitful results, notably the celebration of the China-Cambodia People-to-People Exchange Year in 2024 and the designation of 2025 as the China-Cambodia Year of Tourism to revitalize tourism and deepen people-to-people bonds.

"Ongoing efforts to restore Cambodia's cultural heritage -- such as at Angkor and Preah Vihear -- reflect a strong civilizational partnership," he said. "Further cooperation in education, vocational training, Chinese language teaching, healthcare and traditional medicine illustrates the multifaceted scope of bilateral engagement."

Phea said that more importantly, both countries reaffirmed the value of think tank cooperation and pledged continued support for the Cambodia-China Think Tank High-Level Forum.

This initiative aims to deepen scholarly collaboration and provide informed policy dialogue to support long-term bilateral development, he added.

"The outcomes of President Xi's visit not only laid a solid foundation for deepening bilateral ties, but also elevated Cambodia's developmental aspirations and global profile," he said.

"By integrating global initiatives with Cambodia's national strategy, the visit has opened new avenues for shared prosperity, sustainable development and regional peace," he said. "It stands as a testament to the enduring iron-clad friendship between Cambodia and China and offers a model for constructive South-South cooperation in the new era." 
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Thursday became the first of what is expected to be many candidates to launch bids for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.

Strattons quick move  announcing her plans in a video posted on social media at 5 a.m. and less than 24 hours after Durbin declared his intent not to run for a sixth term  was designed to position herself as an early front-runner in what is expected to be a highly competitive race.

A former state lawmaker, Strattons decision isnt a shocking one. The states two-term lieutenant governor under Gov. JB Pritzker since 2019, Stratton announced in late January her interest in Durbins seat if he decided not to run and formed a federal political action committee called Level Up. Stratton has also sought to increase her public visibility and boosted staffing in recent weeks as she awaited Durbins decision.

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In her two-minute video, Stratton portrays herself as an atypical politician who will challenge President Donald Trump differently than others in Washington.

My story isnt the story of a typical senator. Then again, typical isnt what we need right now, Stratton said, appearing inside a home with a mess of papers and other debris on the floor. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are trying to distract us, to create such a mess that we dont even know where to start. But in Washington, theyre still doing the same old things theyve always done. And that old playbook isnt working.

Describing herself as a mother of four and the daughter of a teacher and Navy veteran from Chicagos South Side, Stratton said she was drawn to run for state representative while caring for her mother, who had Alzheimers, and then-Gov. Bruce Rauner was trying to cut healthcare for seniors.

Stratton makes several mentions of Pritzker in her promotional video, saying after she became his running mate, the two worked to improve the lives of people across Illinois, noting passage of a state law hiking the minimum wage, the states infrastructure program Rebuild Illinois, gun safety laws and abortion rights, among others.

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They like to talk, weve actually gotten things done, she said. Now Im running for Senate because the only way out of this mess is to bring new energy, new voices and new leaders who understand the lives of working people.

Other potential contenders for the seat are U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, Robin Kelly of Matteson and Lauren Underwood of Naperville.

Later Thursday, Krishnamoorthi is scheduled to launch from Chicago a tour to central Illinois to warn of the impact of Trumps tariffs on small businesses and families. And Kelly is set to hold an afternoon town hall on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, in the heavily GOP congressional district of far-right U.S. Rep. Mary Miller.

Three-term Democratic state Treasurer Michael Frerichs said this week he is weighing a bid for Durbins seat and other Democrats have floated the names of first-term Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, state Sen. Robert Peters of Chicago and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who has been looking for a reentry into Democratic politics and policy.

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Emanuel, a former congressman, White House chief of staff and ambassador to Japan, prefers an executive rather than legislative post and is unlikely to seek Durbins seat, those close to him say.

For statewide officeholders like Stratton, a run for the Senate creates a disadvantage since money in their state campaign funds cannot be converted for use in a federal campaign, which has stricter fundraising restrictions. Strattons Level Up campaign fund reported no contributions last week. The lieutenant governor has been spending down her state campaign fund by doling out more than $98,000 in digital advertising in recent weeks.

Among the potential U.S. House Democrats considering a Senate contest, Krishnamoorthi, who has served five terms, had a federal campaign war chest of $19.4 million as of April 1. Kelly, who has served in the House since 2013, had more than $2 million in her campaign bank account as of April 1. And the four-term Underwood has $1.1 million in cash on hand at the start of April, records show.

While the eventual Democratic nominee is expected to have the advantage in a state where party members have held all statewide elected offices since 2019, Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria acknowledged Wednesday he was considering a Senate bid.

LaHood, the son of former longtime GOP congressman and Obama transportation secretary Ray LaHood, had nearly $5.9 million in his federal campaign fund as of April 1. One of only three House Republicans in Illinois congressional delegation, LaHood has served since 2015 in Congress and has been a strong supporter of President Trump.
Dear Gill,

On February 7, I flew with Lufthansa from London to Singapore via Frankfurt. The flight to Frankfurt was on time but boarding for the onward flight to Singapore was cancelled due to a technical problem. Lufthansa arranged dinner, bed and breakfast and I flew out at 3pm the following day.

As the delay was well over four hours, I filled in Lufthansas online fast compensation form to apply for the 520 compensation. My request has been refused  twice.

Lufthansas response says: EC Regulation 261/2004 applies to flights departing from EU member states and flights arriving in EU member states from third countries. As your journey starts in the United Kingdom and ends in Singapore, we cannot accommodate your request.

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Is the airline correct or should I be requesting compensation under a different scheme?

- Stephen Hanton

Dear Stephen,

Well done for not giving up. Lufthansa is being disingenuous here. When the UK left the European Union, EC Regulation 261/2004, which covers compensation for cancellations of delays depending on the distance being travelled and the length of the delay, was adopted into British legislation as UK Regulation 261/2004.

I checked with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which told me that under the UK Regulation, Lufthansa is responsible for compensating you for your delay. It suggested trying Lufthansa again quoting the UK Regulation and, if that didnt work, the CAA itself would take up your case with the airline.

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The delay/cancellation clauses of the Regulation say that if you are travelling more than 3,500 kilometres and are delayed in reaching your final destination by over four hours when using a through-ticket (a series of connecting flights issued as one ticket under the same six-digit PNR code) you can claim compensation, even if the delay is not on the ex-UK flight.

I contacted Lufthansa and asked them to review Stephens case. The airline has now capitulated and said his claim was valid. The sum of 520 is being paid by bank transfer into his UK account.

However, I am sure that inexperienced customer service agents will continue to refuse similar claims. To avoid this happening, Lufthansa has suggested appending a note to its compensation claim form (available on its website under the Help tab). Where the form asks for evidence to be uploaded, submit a note (saved as a PDF or JPEG) saying that you are claiming compensation under UK 261/2004.

Between them, the UK and EC Regulations cover all international airlines flying from the UK to or through Europe. However, they do not cover the return sectors. For example, if you fly American Airlines back from the US, there is no compensation for delays under this Regulation as it is not a UK or EU airline.

Your travel problems solved

Gill takes on a different case each week  so please send your problems to her for consideration at asktheexperts@telegraph.co.uk. Please give your full name and, if your dispute is with a travel company, your address, telephone number and any booking reference. Gill cant answer every question, but she will help where she can and all emails are acknowledged.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Lynn Haven voters have rejected raising taxes to build a new $2 million public library. However, they like the idea of partnering with the Northwest Florida Regional Library System to create a library in an existing city building.

The referendums, decided Tuesday, were non-binding.

City officials just wanted to know how to act.

Lynn Haven Mayor Jesse Nelson says he plans to put the issue on next months meeting agenda.

One possible location is the Lynn Haven Senior Center.

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Lynn Haven includes referendum questions on ballot to ask voters about rebuilding city library

Nelson says a library nearby is an asset for community members.

It will keep in touch with what were offering our citizens in the community. This is excellent service within a very close time proximity. What I discovered about libraries in regard to cities is that the library is the cultural centerpiece of the city. You get a chance to learn about the citys history, its beginnings, its transformation, is progression. And you also get an opportunity for a gathering place to take care of your kids, your students, Nelson said.

Nelson says they will consider community input in making a final decision. We wanted to ask Northwest Florida Regional Library officials how the partnership would work and what they could bring to the table.

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Bay County officials declined to comment, saying it has more to do with Lynn Haven.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of lying after a deadly Russian overnight strike on Kiev.

"When President Putin talks to American negotiators, he tells them: 'I want peace.' When he talks to the whole world, he says: 'I want peace,'" Macron said during a visit to Madagascar.

But, the French president said, Putin "continues to bomb Ukraine."

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Macron said Putin should finally stop lying, adding that the world was waiting to see if the Russian leader would agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

The United States has proposed one, the Europeans have supported it and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said "yes," he said. "If President Putin says 'yes,' the weapons will fall silent."

The French president said he had also told Trump during a telephone conversation two days ago that a peace deal depended entirely on Putin.

"American anger should only be directed at one person, President Putin," he said.

His comments came after an overnight Russian strike on the Ukrainian capital killed at least 12 people and injured more than 90 others.
Following Russias large-scale missile strike on Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the international community not to forget who is truly to blame for the war. He stressed that "US anger must be directed solely at Putin".

Source: European Pravda, citing French news agency BFMTV

Details: Macron emphasised that there is only one aggressor in the current situation  and that is Russia.

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Therefore, he said that "Americas anger should be directed at only one person: President Putin". [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president  ed.]

Macron added that "Frances position is unchanged and will remain so".

"We stand for sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with international law. We will continue to defend the Ukrainian peoples right to live in peace on their land and within their internationally recognised borders," he stated.

The French president also urged Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to "stop lying".

"He says I want peace, while continuing to bomb and kill people in Ukraine. If he says yes, we will have a ceasefire tomorrow," he added.

Background:

On the night of 23-24 April, Ukraine came under a large-scale combined Russian attack. In total, Russia launched 215 missiles and drones of various types at Ukraine, with the main strike targeting Kyiv. Ukrainian air defence downed 112 Russian aerial targets.

Following the overnight attack, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasised that any effort to end the war must focus on pressuring Moscow, not Kyiv.

After the large-scale Russian strike, US President Donald Trump called on Putin to "stop".

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Donald Trumps destabilizing trade tariffs have had a variety of drastic consequences, including discouraging international visitors from coming to the United States. As MSNBCs Chris Hayes put it, the White House has effectively launched a war on tourism.

The question is what the administration intends to do about it. The answer is, not much.

Nearly two weeks ago, for example, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, instead of making clear to the world that the U.S. is open for business and eager to welcome visitors, wrote an online op-ed for Fox News that was unmistakably hostile toward would-be tourists. Visiting America is not an entitlement, the nations top diplomat wrote. It is a privilege extended to those who respect our laws and values.

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A welcome mat it was not.

Eleven days later, a reporter reminded Trump about the steep drop-off in international travel to the United States and asked the president why he believes fewer people suddenly want to travel to American soil.

Its not a big deal, he replied.

I can appreciate the political motivations behind the Republicans apparent indifference. After all, if the president acknowledged his role in repelling visitors, he might have to consider solutions that he has no interest in implementing.

But Trumps rhetoric notwithstanding, there are plenty of reasons to believe the recent shifts are a big deal. Theres unambiguous evidence of a sharp decline in travel to the U.S. from practically every part of the planet, and, as NBC News reported, this is likely to cause real economic consequences.

The combination of President Donald Trumps trade policies and hostile rhetoric toward much of the rest of the world is creating a chill in international travel to the U.S. That shift might have a significant economic impact, with one Wall Street firm projecting U.S. revenue could collapse by as much as $90 billion this year when combined with reduced travel and U.S. product boycotts.

Theres no reason to believe conditions will improve anytime soon, especially given the number of countries  many of which are longtime and traditional allies of the United States  that have issued travel advisories of late, warning of potential difficulties for those considering American visits.

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The domestic travel industry undoubtedly wants to see the Trump administration take a smarter approach. Evidently, the president and his team have a different plan in mind.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
One week before Donald Trumps second inaugural, The Washington Post reported on a rash of ugly infighting among prominent MAGA voices. Roughly 100 days later, things are vastly worse.

After the IRS lost its fourth commissioner in three months  the most recent tax agency chief only lasted a few days on the job  the public quickly learned that the developments were the result of a power struggle within the administration. The New York Times reported, and NBC News confirmed, that the acting commissioner was ousted after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent complained to the president that Elon Musks choice to lead the IRS was installed without Bessents knowledge.

This week, Axios advanced the story with some behind-the-scenes details, including a chest-to-chest clash between two of the more powerful figures in the presidents orbit, who were in each others face.

Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent got into a heated shouting match in earshot of President Trump and other officials in the White House last week during a dispute about the IRS, two witnesses and three sources briefed on the matter tell Axios. ... They were not physical in the Oval, but the president saw it, and then they carried it down the hall, and thats when they did it again, the first witness said. Said a second: It was quite a scene. It was loud. And I mean, loud.

NBC News has confirmed that the shouting match happened, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt made no effort to deny the developments, saying the dispute was part of a healthy debate process.

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But therein lies the point: This isnt healthy. When things are going smoothly in an effective and well-run White House, the treasury secretary and one of the presidents most powerful advisors do not scream at each other during chest-to-chest clashes in the West Wing.

If this were simply a matter of two officials blowing off some steam amid a myriad of administration failures and scandals, itd be easier to overlook, but its not nearly that simple. The Associated Press reported this week, The infighting and backstabbing that plagued President Donald Trumps first term have returned as a threat to his second, with deepening fissures over trade, national security and questions of personal loyalty.

Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are at odds with White House trade advisor Peter Navarro. Musk has also clashed with Navarro, with the former calling the latter a moron and dumber than a sack of bricks.

Musk has also had notable disputes with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Rubio has found himself at odds with officials in the West Wing.

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As weve discussed, throughout American history, there have been administrations with rival factions, but those divisions usually take time. On Team Trump, the cracks are bursting into view just three months after Inauguration Day.

In theory, a strong president could intervene, resolve differences, unite his or her own team and establish a clear vision for his or administration to follow. In practice, however, Trump appears content to play the role of President Bystander, watching these divisions get even worse.

There's an old expression: A fish rots from the head down. I mention this because these kinds of failure of leadership have a tendency to spread  and amid reports of tumultuous infighting at the Pentagon, there's reason to believe it's already spreading.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Todays edition of quick hits.

* Donald Trumps claims about Vladimir Putin wanting peace keep looking worse: Russia overnight Thursday launched one of the most devastating bombardments on Ukraines major cities since the war began, killing at least twelve people.

* The White Houses latest legal setback: A federal judge in California issued an injunction Thursday blocking President Donald Trumps efforts to halt federal funds from going to several cities and counties considered sanctuary jurisdictions.

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* Another White House legal setback: A federal judge in Washington today blocked the Election Assistance Commission from following through on two key portions of Trumps executive order on election policies.

* Yet another White House legal setback: A federal judge today directed the Department of Education to pause its enforcement of the anti-DEI initiatives it outlined in a February letter sent to schools that receive federal funding instructing educators to comply with anti-DEI teachings or risk losing their federal funding.

* Still more White House legal setbacks: A Trump-appointed federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a Venezuelan man who was deported to El Salvador last month, saying his deportation violated a prior court settlement.

* In case you were interested in another White House legal setback: "Federal immigration officials must transport Rumeysa Ozturk back to Vermont, a federal judge ruled Thursday after the government continued to fight to keep the Tufts PhD candidate in Louisiana as she faces deportation proceedings."

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* Pay particular attention to the word after in this sentence: President Donald Trumps administration moved a Venezuelan man who had worked in construction in Philadelphia to Texas for possible deportation after a federal judge had issued an order blocking his removal from Pennsylvania or the United States, according to court records.

* A case worth watching: Twelve states filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the legality of President Donald Trumps broad tariff agenda, arguing it unlawfully undermines Congress constitutional authority to regulate foreign commerce.

* The way in which Elizabeth Oyer was treated continues to be interesting: Three congressional Democrats are demanding answers from the Justice Department over its reported attempt to block a former pardon attorney from participating in an oversight hearing earlier this month.

* Why do this? The Trump administration has begun dismantling a small independent agency that aids the economic development of poor but stable nations, according to five people familiar with the matter. Employees for the agency, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, were told in an email that they would be offered early retirement or deferred resignation after visits last week from Elon Musks government cost-cutting team, according to a copy reviewed by The New York Times.

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* Wall decor is a running theme in this administration: The Army has suspended a Wisconsin training bases first female commander after discovering portraits of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had been flipped around to face a wall.

* A prediction: This wont end well: The White House is partnering with a prominent conservative Christian college in Michigan to produce videos ahead of the United States 250th anniversary. ... The White Houses rapid response team announced a partnership with Hillsdale College on a video series related to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States independence, in a post to X this week that included the first installment of the project.

See you tomorrow.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As Wednesday got underway, many looked to peace talks that were scheduled to take place in London, as diplomats continued to work on a possible solution to Russias war in Ukraine. The negotiations were thrown into disarray, however, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff pulled out of the talks.

Around the same time, JD Vance sketched out his vision for ending the devastating conflict. When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the American vice presidents plan was a nonstarter, Donald Trump renewed his rhetorical attacks on his counterpart, accusing him of derailing negotiations to end the war.

All of these developments were quite notable, though lets not miss the forest for the trees: More than three years into the most devastating war in Europe since World War II, the public is just now getting a sense of what the White House has in mind for a proposed resolution. And what, pray tell, has Team Trump put on the table? The New York Times reported:

President Trump and his top aides demanded on Wednesday that Ukraine accede to an American-designed proposal that would essentially grant Russia all the territory it has gained in the war, while offering Kyiv only vague security assurances. The American plan, which would also explicitly block Ukraine from ever joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was rejected by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. ... The proposal also appears to call for the United States to recognize Russias 2014 takeover of Crimea, a region of Ukraine.

The plan (Im using the word loosely) might as well have been crafted by the Kremlin. Indeed, one NATO official, when asked for a reaction to the plan, replied, Did Putin write this for him?

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If implemented, Russia would get to keep the Ukrainian land it seized by force  an extraordinary reward for launching an unprovoked invasion on its neighbor  while Ukraine would be prohibited from joining NATO, further cementing one of Moscows principal goals.

Complicating matters, such a resolution would be at odds with American law: As a Politico report noted, in 2022, Congress barred any U.S. recognition of Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia.

The measure was written by a Republican senator from Florida named Marco Rubio  three years before he became Trumps secretary of state.

If recent history is any guide, the White House will continue to suggest that Zelenskyy, by brushing away the Trump administrations one-sided solution, is standing in the way of an agreement. But no one should be fooled, the American president and his team presented an offer that Ukraine had no choice but to refuse.

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Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California characterized the proposal as Trumps latest surrender to a murderous dictator, adding, More peace in our time, from the Neville Chamberlain of our time.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
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In fewer than 100 days, the Trump administration has ignored judges, extorted law firms, and fired lawyers deemed insufficiently loyal to its cause. But one front in this war on the rule of law has received little attention, and its an important one: Brad Bondi, the brother of Attorney General Pam Bondi, is running to become president of the District of Columbia Bar. The bar is involved in administering the admission and discipline of some 120,000 attorneys in and out of government. If he were elected, would Bondi try to suspend or disbar those lawyers who stood in the presidentsor his sistersway?

Brad Bondi has assured us that this is not the case. This isnt about politics, he said in a statement. His candidacy, he has promised, began months before the federal elections and has no connection with national politics at all. Bondis campaign platform is, admittedly, apolitical: Hes proposed to expand free online continuing legal education programs, and to stop charging members for certificates of good standing.

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These are perfectly fine goals, but would they really inspire a man like Brad Bondi to run for office? Bondi is the global co-chair of Paul Hastings white-collar practice groupa weighty joband in an interview last year he explained that he now allow[s] others to handle the business-as-usual legal matters so that he can focus on defending against the true existential threats to clients. The issues he is running on seem somewhat beneath his conception of himself. And while Bondi may be truly passionate about the breadth of online continuing legal education courses, it appears to be a newfound passion: Bondi has served in leadership roles in the bar, but according to his opponent, Diane Seltzer, has never actually served on the committee on continuing legal education.

Moreover, there are good reasons why an ally of the Trump administration might want to run the D.C. Bar. The organization doesnt directly investigate and punish bar members, but it does play a supporting role. For instance, the bar nominates candidates to the board that adjudicates lawyers misconduct, and helps to set the boards budget. And while decisions to punish lawyers are ultimately made by the D.C. Court of Appeals (the Districts equivalent of a state Supreme Court), the bar could simply ignore those orders, keeping on its rolls those members that it liked, and purging those that it did not.

Brad Bondi could not do this alone, though; he is joined by Alicia Long, who is running for bar treasurer. Long is a deputy to Ed Martin, who is President Donald Trumps interim D.C. U.S. attorney and, among other things, a frequent guest on Russian state media. While Bondi and Long would be far from forming a majority on the bars board, those allied to Trump have shown that when it comes to reshaping institutions, they are willing to play a long game. If Bondi did get control of the bars board, it could be a step toward changing the entire legal profession.

So one possibility is that Bondi is lying about why hes running. Another possibility is that hes telling the truth. The Bar has a non-partisan mission, which I intend to vigilantly protect against any push to politicize it, Bondi wrote. This could be a promise to protect the bar from becoming a voice for the Trump administration; it could just as easily be a promise to protect the bar from becoming a voice against it. In countries facing illiberal or outright authoritarian governments, bar associations have often stood as credible, independent advocates for the rule of law. Under dictatorships in Spain and Brazil, for instance, bar associations channeled democratic ambitions and defended political prisoners. Here in America, mandatory bar associations have some limits on their right to advocate. But they ought to be able to speak out on issues germane to the legal profession, such as threats to the rule of law that people like Brad Bondis sister pose.

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Seen this way, Bondis candidacy may be less about using the bar to silence enemies of the administration, but to silence the bar itself. This fits with the ambitions of Trump and those who surround him. The administration has, most prominently, attacked universities and law firms, but also medical journals, nonprofits, and, in fact, bar associations. These are institutions with the credibility to challenge the president, and for that reason, they pose a threat. Those surrounding the administration have telegraphed what they intend here. Curtis Yarvin, the court philosopher of Vice President J.D. Vance, complains that civil society is a form of distributed Orwellian despotism. Randy Barnett, who is often on the vanguard of the conservative legal agenda, recently tweeted that banning nongovernmental organizations must be the new constitutional crusade to preserve our republican form of government. People like Yarvin and Barnett aspire to hobble the institutions that might stand in the presidents way. The president in turn is acting on those aspirations.

Fortunately, even if Bondis candidacy is in fact part of a larger threat to civil society and democracy, neither civil society nor democracy are dead yet. Bondi and his ally Alicia Long both have opponents in the D.C. Bar election. And voting is open until June 4.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Brunei welcomed the arrival of MS Insignia, a luxury cruise ship operated by Oceania Cruises as part of its Southeast Asia itinerary recently, local media reported on Thursday.

According to local daily Borneo Bulletin, the cruise ship, with 548 passengers and 404 crew members, discovered the attractions of Brunei, namely the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Royal Regalia Museum and a scenic boat cruise along the Brunei River.

The arrival of MS Insignia further highlights Brunei's growing appeal as a cruise destination. As more cruise operators include the sultanate in their itineraries, Brunei is positioning itself as a distinctive and welcoming destination in Southeast Asia. 
MAGOFFIN COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentucky State Police has asked the public for help finding a man last known to be in the Royalton community of Magoffin County.

KSP announced Wednesday on Facebook that Gary Blanton, 35, is wanted on a sodomy charge.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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Officials described Blanton as 6 feet tall with brown eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Kentucky State Police Post 9 at 606-433-7711

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Apr. 24Maine's Education Department will not sign a letter certifying to the federal government that it has removed diversity, equity and inclusion programs from school in compliance with Title VI.

In a message to school districts Thursday, Maine's education leaders said that they would not sign the letter, and asked that superintendents also not sign it.

"After consultation with the Office of the Maine Attorney General, it was determined that signing the new certification would bind the Maine DOE to language of executive orders or other federal guidance without the force of law, and that lacked clarity regarding what was, or was not, prohibited," the message said. "These were critical considerations, given the potential consequence of a loss of federal funding."

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The directive stems from a February "Dear Colleague" letter from the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights that gave all states 14 days to remove DEI programming to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, and the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which banned affirmative action in college admissions.

The deadline for that letter passed without consequence, and on April 3 the department issued a new memo that gave states and districts 10 more days to sign.

Because of a lawsuit against the directive in New Hampshire federal court, that deadline was extended to April 24. A judge ruled Thursday that the directive overstepped the executive branch's legal authority, and said the administration did not provide an adequate definition of DEI. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the ruling.

The Maine DOE said that while it declined to sign the compliance certification, it did issue a letter to the federal department saying that the state and individual school districts already comply with Title VI.

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The directive from the Department of Education is based on a belief, outlined in the "Dear Colleague" letter, that the Students v. Harvard ruling can be broadly applied to any educational programing that treats people differently based on race, including scholarships, financial aid, administrative support, housing and graduation ceremonies. The agency said it would vigorously enforce that interpretation and that states and districts that did not comply could lose federal funding.

Some states have signed the letter, about a dozen have declined and others, like Vermont, have certified compliance but told the administration they disagree with the premise.

Maine is also facing the loss of its federal funding through an ongoing disagreement with the Trump administration over transgender athlete policies and Title IX. The Justice Department sued the state last week, seeking to stop athletes from competing, and said it was beginning the process of terminating federal education funds to the state.

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(WHTM)  A majority of Pennsylvanias 67 counties are at a high risk for wildfire on Thursday.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 61 counties face a high risk for fire.

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Erie, Crawford, Warren, McKean, Forest, and Elk counties in the northwest are at a moderate risk.

The warning from DCNR comes as a wildfire burns across hundreds of acres at Michaux State Forest in Cumberland County. The fire was reported in the Shippensburg area on Wednesday night.

The Michaux State Forest fire is being blamed on dry conditions

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Traffic is restricted on Shippensburg and Thompson Hollow roads for operational needs and public safety.

A wildfire also spanned over 600 acres in Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, this week.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  An Elizabethtown man has been accused of taking photos of women inside Mall St. Matthews dressing rooms.

Around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, officers with the St. Matthews Police Department (SMPD) were dispatched to Old Navy in response to a caller who said a man was taking pictures of women over the wall of the dressing room, per a citation.

Fayette County inmate accused of jailhouse stabbing

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Hearing the callers description, law enforcement was reportedly able to recognize the man. This description sounded familiar to officers, who were told about a man also taking photos of women on Monday inside Forever 21 at Mall St. Matthews.

Officers arrived on the scene and were directed to the womens dressing room area as Yogi Wilson, 30, was leaving.

Court documents indicate that Wilson was taken to the SMPD station, where he allegedly admitted to taking photos of at least five women on Tuesday and recording at least one girl in Forever 21 the day before. Law enforcement said that the victim in Forever 21 was 13 years old.

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Wilson was lodged in the Louisville Metro Detention Center on Tuesday and charged with six counts of video voyeurism.

According to arrest records, Wilson was arrested in July 2015 and charged with voyeurism when police allegedly saw him peering into the window of an occupied home.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
RELATED VIDEO  EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Law enforcement arrests Oklahoma man accused of double homicide at Fort Smith bar

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  An Oklahoma man accused of killing two people outside of a Fort Smith bar on April 9 has entered a not guilty plea.

Nephesh Ruach, 45

(Courtesy: Fort Smith Police Department)

Nephesh Ruach, 45, is facing two counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated assault with a firearm and one count of possession of firearms by certain persons.

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He is also charged as a habitual offender and with failing to comply with sex offender reporting requirements.

Case background

According to a probable caused affidavit, a witness waiting outside the bar heard five gunshots and saw a man, later identified as Ruach, running with a handgun.

A witness recognized him only by the nickname T-Bone. Ruach allegedly pointed the gun at the witness before fleeing. The witness then found one victim, 51-year-old Todd Jewell, and alerted others in the bar.

Springdale man sentenced to 40 years in prison for rape, sexual assault

Police later found a second victim, 42-year-old Brian Jones, collapsed near the clubs entrance. Both men were transported to a hospital where they died from their injuries.

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Ruach was located the next day hiding in a home on North 38th Street. He attempted to flee on foot but was arrested.

Criminal history

His criminal history includes prior rape convictions in Oklahoma and a 2015 battery case in Arkansas. He is listed as a Level 2 sex offender.

A trial date for Rauch has not been set as of the morning of April 24.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Accused killer Jay Blodget was held without bail without prejudice while standing before a judge on Thursday to face two counts of murder.

Blodget, 30, who is homeless, is accused of murder in the deaths of two men whose bodies were found in the woods near a Walmart in Salem on Wednesday, according to the court.

The men who were found dead have not been identified.

Wearing a black hooded jacket with red lettering, Blodget, with long red hair and a beard, spoke briefly during his arraignment in Salem District Court when asked by a court employee whether he had an attorney or whether he would represent himself.

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Sir, from my understanding, Ive already been appointed a lawyer, this gentleman here, Blodget said, nodding to his defense attorney, Michael Phelan, who stood next to him.

Investigators later interviewed Blodget, who made a statement implicating himself in the two murders, the prosecutor said in court.

When asked by Boston 25 Reporter Bob Ward if he knows anything about these incriminating statements, Phelan, Blodgets defense attorney, said, I dont.

I know theyll provide me with a 90-minute interview that he had a chance to speak to police, Phelan said.

The court entered a not guilty plea on Blodgets behalf regarding the criminal complaint for murder filed Thursday.

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Prosecutors filed a motion to impound the documents in this case, including the application of criminal complaint, citing an ongoing investigation that is less than 20 hours old.

There is information that would be potentially put out into the public when we havent even talked to all the witnesses, the prosecutor said in court.

Judge Randy Chapman allowed the motion to seal the documents.

On Wednesday afternoon, officers responded to a call from a dog walker who reported stumbling upon a human body in a wooded area near the Walmart on Highland Avenue in Salem just before 2:30 p.m., according to prosecutors.

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Investigators from Salem Police and State Police assigned to the district attorneys office eventually found two people with apparent blunt force trauma and stab wounds who were dead.

They were hidden in the woods by various items and dirt, the prosecutor told the court.

Investigators later interviewed Blodget, who made a statement implicating himself in the two murders, the prosecutor said.

Blodget is due back in court on May 28.

Since the beginning of March, several bodies have turned up across New England, fueling online chatter that a serial killer could be on the prowl.

Some of the bodies, including unidentified remains, have been found in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

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In Massachusetts, a woman was found dead near a bike path in Springfield on Tuesday, a human skull was uncovered in the woods of Route 3 in Plymouth on March 6, and skeletal remains were located along the Massachusetts Turnpike in Framingham on April 10.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Apr. 23ADA  The U.S. Marshals Service, with assistance from the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ada Police Department, took a man into custody Monday who was wanted on a federal probation violation.

Officers surrounded a home at 530 Liberty St., Ada, to serve an arrest warrant on Craig Sutherly, according to a spokeswoman with the marshals service. He initially refused to exit the home but was eventually taken into custody without further incident.

The surrounding portion of Ada was evacuated during the incident as a precaution, according to the Ada Police Department.

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Sutherly was indicted in 2023 for the possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to records from the U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio, on April 30, 2023, the Ada Village Police arrived at Sutherly's father's residence on Liberty Street in Ada to serve an arrest summons. Sutherly answered the door while possessing a loaded 12-gauge shotgun. He was then arrested on a probation violation, according to court records. During a search of the residence, officers located two AR-style rifles, a lever-action long gun and a shotgun.

In January of this year, Sutherly pleaded guilty to the federal weapons charge and was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. He will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until his case is resolved in federal court, according to the marshals office spokeswoman.

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A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of two people in Salem, whose bodies were found in the woods near a Walmart on Wednesday.

Jay Blodget has been charged with two counts of murder and is scheduled to appear in Salem District Court for his arraignment on Thursday morning, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office.

Blodget was arrested after two men were found dead in the woods on Wednesday afternoon, according to the district attorneys office.

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Salem police had been called at around 2:20 p.m. to 450 Highland Ave. when a man walking his dog discovered one of the bodies.

Officers soon found the bodies of two men, the district attorneys office said.

Anyone with information about the deaths was asked to call Massachusetts State Police at 978-745-8909 or Salem police at 978-744-1212.

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Apr. 24A Decatur man arrested Friday following a vehicle pursuit through Hartselle and Decatur was charged with trafficking meth after investigators, using a GPS tracker placed on his vehicle, tracked him making the purchase and later found the drugs inside the car, according to an affidavit from a Morgan County sheriff's deputy.

The Decatur Police Department received multiple community complaints in March and April about narcotics distribution within city limits and Steven Devon Bush, 39, was identified as a subject, police said.

The deputy's affidavit said an agent with the Sheriff's Office was asked to assist the Decatur Police Department's Vice and Narcotics Unit with the case. An investigator with the Police Department told the agent they had placed a GPS tracker on Bush's vehicle and noted his vehicle was traveling west on Interstate 20 toward Atlanta.

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The investigator said Bush had made the same trip two weeks prior to Friday and "it was believed that Bush was picking up a large quantity of methamphetamine." He said when Bush returned on that trip, he exited Interstate 65 at mile marker 328 in Hartselle.

"(The agent) suggested to (the investigator) that Morgan County deputies could initiate a traffic stop if the vehicle again exited the 328 exit on the trip," the affidavit said.

It was agreed that deputies would be on standby if Bush returned to Hartselle, according to the affidavit, and agents with Decatur's Vice and Narcotics Unit monitored the GPS tracker throughout the night. It was discovered that Bush's vehicle stayed at a residence west of Atlanta for approximately 14 minutes and then headed back toward Alabama.

"Once the vehicle was near the I-20 and I-65 interchange, (the agent) and investigators went to the Cullman County exits along I-65 in an attempt to locate Bush's vehicle," the affidavit said.

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A deputy then was posted south of the exit at mile marker 299 and Decatur investigators were posted on exits at mile markers 304, 305, 308 and 310. According to the affidavit, the deputy then spotted Bush's silver 2014 Chevy Impala as it passed the 299 exit.

"(The deputy) allowed the vehicle to get a little ways north of the exit before entering I-65," the affidavit said. "Once on I-65, (the deputy) obtained visual contact with the vehicle and advised investigators of lane position and location updates. As the vehicle passed each exit that investigators were located at they entered I-65 to assist in following Bush's vehicle into Morgan County."

Bush's vehicle crossed into Morgan County and passed the 318 exit and he "slammed on his brakes slowing down from approximately 75 mph to around 50 mph," after he noticed a law enforcement vehicle with blue lights assisting with a wrecked vehicle. Bush then sped up to 80 mph and made a lane change without using a turn signal and when he turned onto Alabama 36 westbound, according to the affidavit, deputies attempted a traffic stop on his vehicle.

"Once (the deputy) initiated emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle failed to stop, and began eluding law enforcement," the affidavit said.

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The affidavit said both Decatur's Vice and Narcotics investigators and the Morgan County Sheriff's Office Patrol Division were involved in the pursuit.

The pursuit continued through downtown Hartselle, crossing U.S. 31, and continued west on Highway 36. According to the affidavit, Bush was traveling at speeds between 90 and 120 mph at this point and continued to Danville Road "with the vehicle crossing into the opposing lane of traffic numerous times."

A Morgan County sheriff's corporal noted Bush appeared to throw narcotics out of his vehicle during the pursuit.

"As the vehicle approached Decatur city limits, dispatch advised there was a female on 911 advising she was in the vehicle begging Bush to let her out, but he would not stop to let her out," the affidavit said.

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Bush finally came to a stop at Tammy Street Southwest and Tanglewood Drive Southwest and he fled on foot behind some residences, according to a deputy. The affidavit said Decatur police located Bush in the wood line walking toward Tammy Street Southwest and law enforcement then placed him in custody.

Dispatch said Hartselle police officers located a plastic bag containing possible narcotics near Ironman Road, according to the affidavit, and results from a field test revealed it was cocaine.

Law enforcement then interviewed Bush and his wife at the Decatur Police Department.

"After interviewing both subjects, (an agent) advised Bush he was being arrested for felony attempting to elude and reckless endangerment," the affidavit said.

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Morgan County Sheriff's Office spokesman Mike Swafford said Bush was charged with felony attempting to elude, reckless endangerment, and two counts of drug trafficking. Swafford said he was released Friday, the day of his arrest, after posting a $15,300 bond.

 wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442.
by Misbah Saba Malik

ISLAMABAD, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Muhammad Tanveer Zahid, an agricultural entomologist from the southern Rajanpur district of Pakistan's east Punjab province, is pinning high hopes on a three-month training course in China, where he is learning advanced seed production and processing technologies to help improve the financial condition of farmers in his village, including his own family.

"I am learning about seed production and processing technology as per-acre yield of various crops, especially cotton, which once produced bumper harvests, is now underperforming due to pest attacks and climate change, so I am eager to learn about better seed options and methods to plant them for better yield," Zahid told Xinhua.

The expert added that farmers in his area have been struggling season after season, facing financial losses as locally available seed varieties and outdated farming methods fail to meet modern agricultural challenges.

"I applied for the training program in China to equip myself with new knowledge and techniques, so I can help the farmers of my district overcome these hardships," he said.

Zahid is one of 300 Pakistani trainees sent to China under a government initiative launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at strengthening the country's agriculture and livestock sectors. After returning home, the trainees are expected to pass on their knowledge to local government officials and farmers, helping to introduce modern techniques and Chinese-style solutions to Pakistan's farming practices.

The training program is structured to send 1,000 agriculture experts to China to focus on areas such as irrigation improvement, livestock disease diagnosis and monitoring, livestock breeding, modern genetics, and seed preparation and processing, in three batches, Sharif said while addressing the sending off ceremony of the first batch in Islamabad last week.

He also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and universities for their cooperation, describing the training initiative as a vital step in modernizing Pakistan's agriculture sector and addressing food security challenges.

Currently training at Northwest University in Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Zahid commended the university's advanced facilities and the dedication of Chinese instructors. "The teachers are doing their best to transfer knowledge, even with the language barrier. The environment here is incredibly supportive," he said.

In Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, Nazeer Ahmad Bandija is pursuing similar goals. A lecturer at Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Sciences, Bandija is focused on livestock development, an area central to the province's economy.

"Nearly every household in our villages owns livestock, but due to poor feeding and lack of modern practices, milk and meat production remains low," Bandija told Xinhua, adding that many farmers can't afford proper feed, and their animals graze on barren land. "I'm here to learn affordable solutions that suit our local context."

The collaboration between China and Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has already led to several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Chinese and Pakistani universities, including institutions in Balochistan's Gwadar region, he said, suggesting that further cooperation could be established by including Lasbela University in future partnerships.

"Our university is the only institution in the province that specializes in livestock. I hope Chinese universities will consider signing MoUs with us as well. It would be a meaningful step to empower the people of Balochistan through technical cooperation and capacity-building under CPEC," Bandija added.

He expressed optimism that with Chinese support, the livestock sector in Balochistan could be modernized, contributing to greater food security, economic stability, and rural development in the region.

From the country's northwest, Nadia, a PhD scholar in agronomy, is also in China to explore modern farming techniques with a focus on empowering women farmers in her province.

"There are countless hardworking women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who depend on traditional farming. I want to help them adopt more efficient and sustainable practices," Nadia told Xinhua.

"China's agricultural advancement has far exceeded my expectations. This exposure will allow me to bring meaningful change," she added.

She emphasized that women's involvement is key to strengthening food security and boosting agricultural productivity at the grassroots level. "By sharing what I've learned here, I hope to uplift rural women and their families," she added.

All three professionals believe that by combining China's experience with local needs, they can help modernize agriculture in Pakistan and contribute to long-term food security, economic resilience, and rural development. 
A man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of two men whose bodies were found in the woods near a Walmart on the North Shore of Massachusetts on Wednesday.

Jay Blodget, 30, is slated to be arraigned Thursday morning in Salem District Court on two counts of murder, according to the Essex District Attorneys Office.

Officers responding to a call from a dog walker who reported stumbling upon a human body in a wooded area near the Walmart on Highland Avenue in Salem just before 2:30 p.m. discovered the bodies of two dead men, the DAs office said.

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The identities of the deceased men havent been released, and its not clear how long they had been in the woods for.

There were no additional details immediately available.

Since the beginning of March, several bodies have turned up across New England, fueling online chatter that a serial killer could be on the prowl.

Some of the bodies, including unidentified remains, have been found in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

In Massachusetts, a woman was found dead near a bike path in Springfield on Tuesday, a human skull was uncovered in the woods of Route 3 in Plymouth on March 6, and skeletal remains were located along the Massachusetts Turnpike in Framingham on April 10.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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JACUMBA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A man suspected in a series of residential burglaries in Jacumba was arrested last week.

Miguel Sua, 31, faces multiple counts of residential burglary, Lt. Jeff Ford with the San Diego County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Wednesday.

On Thursday, deputies spoke to Sua about multiple burglaries in the area and arrested him on suspicion of possession of burglary tools and stolen property.

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San Diego County Fair adds three more shows to concert lineup

Then on Monday morning, deputies served a search warrant at Suas home in Jacumba where they found several firearms, ammunition, more than a quarter pound of fentanyl and multiple items stolen during other residential burglaries, per SDSO.

Several of the recovered stolen items have been returned to the victims. Other victims are still being identified, Ford said.

Authorities are seeking other charges for Sua, including felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of fentanyl for sale and additional counts of residential burglary.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man faces charges after police said he shot and killed a dog in the east Las Vegas valley.

On April 23, at around 11:15 p.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a report of a dog shot in the 6000 block of Halehaven Drive, near East Bonanza Road and North Sloan Lane.

Arriving officers found a man, later identified as Kevin Hoskins, 34, standing in the street. Police said the dog was dead from apparent gunshot wounds inside a kennel inside the house.

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Hoskins was taken into custody and animal cruelty detectives responded to the scene.

Through investigation, detectives learned that Hoskins was upset with the dog and made threats that he was going to kill it.

Other people tried to intervene and get the dog out of the kennel and away from Hoskins, but before they could, Hoskins allegedly shot the dog several times.

Hoskins was booked into the Clark County Detention Center for one count of willful/malicious torture/maim/kill dog and thirteen counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Detectives with the Birmingham Police Department have obtained an arrest warrant in connection to a shooting that occurred on Thursday, April 17.

The suspect has been identified as Micah Buchanan, 42, of Birmingham.

Officers investigated a shooting that occurred in the 6400 block of Georgia Road on Thursday, in which Buchanan and another adult male were shot.

REAL ID enforcement starts May 7

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BPD investigators determined that both men were involved in a physical altercation involving a gun, and both men shot each other. The BPD says that Buchanan was the aggressor. Both men sustained serious injuries.

Birmingham Police Felony Assault detectives presented case information to the Jefferson County Magistrates Office, and Buchanan was issued with warrants for Attempted Murder and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm.

Buchanan is in police custody at an area hospital. He will be transported to the Jefferson County Jail with a $76,000 bond.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The ATV driver who allegedly ran over a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer is now facing charges.

Kendall Coleman is charged with first-degree assault, armed criminal action and aggravated fleeing a stop, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced Wednesday.

One shot, killed in front yard of Northland home; KCPD searching for suspects

According to court documents, Kansas City police officers were conducting a traffic stop on Saturday, April 12, around 7 p.m., for a group of ATVs and motorcyclists at Truman Road and Main Street.

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During the stop, a KCPD officer attempted to stop an ATV driver, later identified as Coleman, and take him into custody.

Court documents say Coleman reversed the ATV, causing the officer to fall to the ground. While the officer was crouched down, Coleman lifted his ATV into a wheelie then dropped the front wheels of the vehicle onto the officer, running him over with all four tires before leaving the scene.

Its a miracle: KCPD chief says officer run over by ATV now home recovering

Officers later located Coleman near 31st Street and Southwest Boulevard, but he fled again  eventually ending up on I-35 where he was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of traffic, weaving between the lanes.

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Court documents say an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip led to the identification and apprehension of Coleman.

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We will not permit reckless driving and attacks on our law enforcement officers or any member of our community, Johnson said in a news release Wednesday. I am proud our community came forward to help us reveal the identity of the defendant, allowing officers to apprehend him.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man charged with felonious assault for allegedly punching a woman and stuffing her head in a toilet in August was taken into custody Wednesday.

Police picked up Vincent Hudson, 37, at the Summit County Jail and booked him into the Mahoning County jail for felonious assault, a second-degree felony; as well as an additional charge of aggravated menacing, a first-degree misdemeanor.

He is expected to be arraigned Friday in municipal court.

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A warrant was filed Aug. 21 after a woman told police Aug. 12 she was assaulted by Hudson, who she said was her ex-boyfriend.

The woman told police the two were arguing over their breakup at her home on North Evanston Avenue when Hudson punched her in the face several times, hit her with a large piece of wood, tried to stuff her head in a toilet and threatened to shoot her after pulling a gun.

The woman reported the assault at the police station. Reports noted she had swelling and bruising on her face, and she gave paperwork from an emergency room where she had her injuries treated to the officer who was taking her report.

Reports do not say why Hudson was in the Summit County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
BOONE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  A man is dead after an accident on Wednesday in Boone County.

The Boone County Sheriffs Office said he was working on a dump trucks hydraulic line when it failed, causing the truck bed to fall on top of him.

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It happened on Galileo Boulevard in a residential neighborhood.

Union fire crews freed the man, but he died at the scene.

The Boone County Sheriffs Office is still investigating.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A Washington, D.C. man faces up to 18 years in prison for fatally shooting a man at the Navy Yard Metro Station over two years ago.

Tyriq Williams, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on April 23.

Shortly before 8 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2023, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the report of a shooting in front of the Navy Yard Metro Station entrance in the 1200 block of Half Street SE.

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Police: 2 officers shot during traffic stop in Fairfax County, suspect in custody

There, they found 20-year-old Terry Clark suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

He was not conscious and not breathing and was pronounced dead by first responders.

Investigators said Williams and his girlfriend encountered Clark on the escalators leaving the Metro station. At the time, the two did not know each other.

As both men left the station, Williams turned around and shot Clark once, killing him.

2-vehicle crash in Prince Georges County leaves 1 dead

Williams went back into the station, took the train to the Congress Heights Metro Station and boarded a bus to his workplace. He called a friend and asked for a ride, who later picked him up.

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According to court documents, Williams was seen on surveillance video right before and after the shooting. During a search of his home, MPD said they found distinctive clothing he wore on the night of the shooting.

He was taken into custody on Jan. 20, 2023, and has remained incarcerated since.

As part of his guilty plea, Williams faces between 14 and 18 years in prison, followed by a period of supervised release. Hes scheduled to be sentenced on July 19.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A man is facing charges after an older couple was caught in the middle of a suspected street race and killed in south Kansas City last year.

The Jackson County Prosecutors Office this week charged Cortez Hamilton, of Kansas City, with two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter for the deaths of 91-year-old Verne Zugenbuhler and 72-year-old Diana Zugenbuhler.

The crash happened just before 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2024, at Carondelet Drive and Wornall Road. An initial report from Kansas City police said that a Chrysler 300 and a Dodge Charger were racing south on Wornall Road from 99th Street.

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At the same time, the Zugenbuhlers Honda HRV was turning left onto Carondelet Drive. The Chrysler struck the front right corner of the Honda, causing it to spin out of control and killing the couple.

The Dodge car did not stop. It is unclear if police ever located the vehicle or contacted the driver of the Dodge.

The driver of the Chrysler, identified in charging documents as Hamilton, was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

In an interview with Kansas City police the next day, Hamilton said he was trying to get away from another vehicle that he thought was chasing him.

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Hamilton told police he was driving 50 to 60 mph when he crashed the car, though witnesses said that it appeared the cars were going faster than that and weaving in between other vehicles.

KCPDs Accident Investigation Section later found that the Chrysler was recorded going 104 mph prior to the collision, and at the impact of the crash, it was recorded at 79 mph in a 40 mph zone, according to charging documents.

The prosecutors office filed the charges on Wednesday, and a warrant has been issued for Hamiltons arrest.

No court date has been set as of Thursday afternoon.

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A homicide investigation is underway after a mans body was found in a former UPMC hospital.

New Castle Police said a 51-year-old man was found dead inside the Former UPMC Jameson South/St. Francis Hospital building on 1000 S. Mercer Street at 11:44 a.m. on Thursday.

He was identified as Brian Kenneth LeGault by the coroners office.

His death has been ruled a homicide.

He was a pretty nice guy. He was cool, LeGaults neighbor Jordan Wise said. The two lived next to each other, about a mile and a half from the old hospital. Hearing hes gone really got me a little bit.

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LeGaults name is still on the mailbox at the duplex next door. Wise said he lived there with someone else, but no one answered when we knocked on the door. Other neighbors said they may have moved.

Meanwhile, neighbors next to the old Saint Francis Hospital told Channel 11 they are fed up.

Theres a lot of people going in and out there all the time, Kayla Perschka said. They do all sorts of stuff in there. They go in there for copper. Theyre probably doing drugs.

We see people all around there all the time. A lot of homeless people hang out there. For someone to be dead there and all the stuff in the building thats unsafe, its sad, Cynder Shields said.

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They called it a nuisance and said they hope to see it demolished soon.

Anyone with information is asked to call 724-656-9300 or 911.

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JIUQUAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- In the boundless expanse of space, Chen Zhongrui is on the brink of realizing a childhood dream, one inspired by the pages of martial arts novels, where legendary Kungfu heroes defy gravity to "soar across rooftops."

According to the 40-year-old Chinese astronaut, the space station's near-weightless embrace will offer him the exhilarating sensation of soaring freely, just as he once imagined in his childhood dreams.

Chen, a former fighter pilot, embarked on the Shenzhou-20 crewed mission this Thursday, joining two fellow astronauts on a journey to China's space station in low-Earth orbit.

Born in 1984 in central China's Huaxian county, Chen's journey to becoming an astronaut began with a deep fascination for mechanics, eventually leading to a distinguished career as a fighter pilot.

"Since childhood, I've been fascinated by the workings of machines," Chen said. As a toddler, he wanted to try driving tractors to thresh wheat, but his parents, worried about his safety, forbade it, leaving him in tears. By junior high, his passion had shifted to the sky, and the exhilarating thrill of aircraft cockpits beckoned him.

After intense physical training, Chen's dedication paid off in 2003 when he was accepted into a military flying academy, where he began his journey as a cadet pilot. Over time, he honed his skills, becoming a seasoned fighter pilot and a skilled instructor.

"I have a natural aptitude for flying, and my passion has driven me to delve deeper, constantly striving to be the best I can be," Chen said.

BEYOND THE BLUE SKY

Now, Chen has soared beyond his childhood dreams, breaking through the atmosphere and venturing into the vast expanse of space.

He fondly recalls his first encounter with Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut in space, who visited his academy shortly after completing the country's historic first space mission in 2003. "That was my first time meeting an astronaut," Chen said.

In 2013, he once again found himself connected to China's manned spaceflight program. During an airborne training mission, he received an unexpected order to clear the airspace to make way for the return of the Shenzhou-10 astronauts. Those two experiences planted the seed of becoming an astronaut in his heart.

When the selection notice arrived in 2018, he submitted his application without a second thought. By September 2020, his determination bore fruit as he was chosen as part of China's third batch of astronaut candidates.

The path to becoming an astronaut was fraught with challenges. Mastering complex theoretical concepts -- many of which he had never encountered before -- proved mentally taxing. "Courses like thermodynamics and orbital mechanics were completely unfamiliar to me," Chen admitted.

As a pilot, Chen was accustomed to memorizing entire manuals before taking the controls. But life as an astronaut called for a different kind of discipline, one that required unwavering adherence to detailed procedures, executed step by step, and in flawless coordination with his crewmates. He had to unlearn old habits, retrain his muscle memory, and adapt to a whole new operational mindset.

Whether in the cockpit of a fighter jet or aboard a spacecraft, Chen still feels the same childlike thrill when engaging with machinery. "It's something innate," he said. "The more complex the machine, the more exhilarated I am."

NEW TASKS

The Shenzhou-20 mission will involve complex extravehicular activities, precise experimental operations and routine maintenance tasks.

"Our main task is to install protective panels, along with perhaps a robotic arm end-effector, and a cable adapter. The adapter works to save time in future storage work," Chen explained.

Chen said that when he and fellow rookie astronaut Wang Jie began training, he felt a tinge of anxiety, worried they might fall behind their seasoned mission commander, Chen Dong, a veteran of two spaceflights.

He sought to close the gap by striving for perfection in every training session, pushing his limits, drilling relentlessly, and honing each detail until it met the highest standard.

A China Central Television video captured how the Shenzhou-20 astronauts overcame challenges through underwater simulation training, replicating the conditions of space to enhance their skills.

Under the mission commander's guidance, Chen was seen installing tool brackets near the model node cabin. "Exiting and entering the model node cabin was difficult due to the bulky extravehicular suits, which were prone to scraping," Chen recalled.

"He's calm, approachable, and always wears a smile, staying composed in any situation," said mission commander Chen Dong, praising Chen's demeanor. "As a former pilot, he has strong operational skills and can quickly master new tasks."

His crewmate Wang described him with three words: responsible, thoughtful, and sincere.

Pledging his full commitment to the mission's success, Chen Zhongrui expressed his excitement: "I am eager to behold our magnificent Earth from space and sense the boundless expanse of the cosmos."

"I'm equally thrilled to experience weightlessness and fulfill my dream of flying like a Kungfu master," Chen added. 
Doug Ruch, 55, of San Antonio, received news earlier this year that he has stage 4 prostate cancer

He has since embarked on a mission to volunteer in all 50 states

"I plan on continuing this mission even if I complete ALL 50 states as long as I have the strength to do so," Ruch tells PEOPLE

A Texas man with terminal prostate cancer is spending the remainder of his life helping others all over the country.

Doug Ruch, of San Antonio, is currently on his "Dying to Serve" tour, in which he plans to volunteer his time to help others in all 50 states.

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"This volunteer mission has already made a huge difference in my life in just over a month," Ruch, 55, tells PEOPLE. "Ive met and helped so many wonderful people and organizations who have left a profound impact on me and my state of mind."

"Tomorrow isnt guaranteed for any of us and now I get to live like there isnt one which everyone should get to experience before they move on to whatevers next," he adds.

Related: When a Young Soldier Needed a Match for a Life-Saving Bone Marrow Transplant, Thousands of People Showed Up

In 2021, Ruch was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had been fighting the disease ever since. Speaking with The Washington Post, Ruch said that over the years, he has spent approximately $80,000 on treatment, which included external beam radiation therapy.

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Then, earlier this year, he received news that the cancer had progressed to stage 4 and had metastasized. Doctors gave him 12-18 months to live.

"I thought to myself, I have two choices. I can sit at home and wait to die, or I can go out and live," Ruch told ABC affiliate KGO. "So I decided I was going to go out and live  and that's why I planned this 50-state tour."

Ruch established a GoFundMe to help finance his endeavor. My dying wish is to help as many people going through tough times as I can before I go, he wrote in the fundraiser's description.

Unfortunately, due to the broken United States healthcare system, I have spent my life savings just trying to survive these last few years, he added. Thats why Im asking for your support. I realize its a big ask as we all have our own burdens to bear but I truly believe that I can and will do much good with the time I have left.

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As of Thursday afternoon, April 24, the fundraiser has generated $67,000 in donations.



Related: Teen Born Weighing Less Than 2 Lbs. Is Now Volunteering at Same Hospital Where She Spent 77 Days in the NICU

Since the start of the tour last month, Ruch has already volunteered his time in a number of states, bagging potatoes at an Idaho food bank and serving seniors at an Oregon community center, NBC News reported.

Next on the tour, the San Antonio man will prepare and serve pay-as-you-can meals in Montana and assist a community cafe in South Dakota. Along the way, he has invited others to join him for each mission.

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I dont want to be some pseudo-celebrity, because Im not, Ruch told The Washington Post. Im just a guy that needed to balance the scales and do some good in his life.

Related: Teen Volunteer Plays Piano for N.Y.C. Shelter Pets to Help Keep Them Calm  And She Takes Requests! (Exclusive)

In his latest GoFundMe update, Ruch wrote that the donations have allowed him to purchase a new vehicle to take him across the country for the tour. So far, he has driven over 4,000 miles, according to the paper.

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.

Ruch hopes that his actions will motivate others to give back.

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If I can inspire hundreds or thousands of people nationwide to volunteer, even if its three or four hours a month, he told the Post, adding,then I can die happy.

. Speaking with PEOPLE, Ruch believes the tour has already extended his life.

"I feel the happy hormones and extra energy on the days I have a volunteer shift scheduled," he says. "I plan on continuing this mission even if I complete ALL 50 states as long as I have the strength to do so."



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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  A man has been hospitalized following a shooting that occurred in the St. Roch neighborhood of New Orleans.

According to the New Orleans Police Department, the shooting, which occurred in the 2800 block of North Dorgenois Street, was first reported at 4:24 p.m. with confirmation at 5:40 p.m.

Burglary investigation turns drug bust in St. Tammany Parish

On scene, a man was found having been shot at least once. He was taken to a local hospital by EMS for treatment.

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No further information was provided.

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STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  A man was stopped in his tracks while fleeing from deputies after a Toyota worker intervened, tackling him in a parking lot Wednesday night, the Stafford County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) said.

This comes after the man tried paying for his food at Panera with counterfeit bills.

At around 7:15 p.m., SCSO deputies responded to the Panera Bread at Stafford Market Place after receiving reports about a fraud. Staff members told police that a man tried paying with a counterfeit $50 bill.

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When deputies got to the restaurant, they saw 28-year-old Shane Williams, who matched the description of the suspect, not far from the home of the bread bowl. When officials tried to make contact with him, he ran.

West Potomac High School students return to new security measures after teen stabbed

Williams ran across Garrisonville Road and into the Sheehy Toyota parking lot, while deputies were close behind, SCSO detailed. While running between vehicles, a Sheehy Toyota staff member appeared out of nowhere and tackled the suspect.

Deputies were able to detain him from there.

Williams was found to have a fake ID and two $50 bills. The bills had the same texture as common printer paper, and both had the same serial number. They were immediately identified as fakeand the same kind of bills as used at Panera Bread.

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Williams was charged with possession of forged currency, use of forged currency, obstruction of justice and other related charges. He was held at the regional jail without bond.

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Chris Brookes-Smith, 28, thought he was "going to die" from his nut allergy when he went into anaphylactic shock after accidentally eating peanuts 10 years ago

He now eats them every day as part of a clinical trial, which helped him overcome his nut allergy

In the trial, people with nut allergies were given small supervised doses of the nut, and the "average tolerated dose of peanuts increased 100-fold"

A man with a life-threatening allergy to peanuts overcame it through a new clinical trial that exposed people to small, supervised doses of the allergen. Now, he eats peanuts for breakfast.

Chris Brookes-Smith, 28, struggled with a lifelong allergy to peanuts, telling the BBC that 10 years ago, "I thought I was going to die" after accidentally eating peanuts.

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"I knew I was in trouble after one bite," he told the outlet. "Within seconds, there were spots on my lips. Within minutes, I was vomiting. I could feel my throat closing up, hives forming in my armpits, then over my whole body ... My face going all puffy with the swelling."

He ended up in the hospital, comparing his appearance to a plucked turkey because my skin had blistered so much.

Kings College London Participants were given slowly increasing portions of peanuts, under medical supervision. Participants were given slowly increasing portions of peanuts, under medical supervision.

Related: 25-Year-Old Dancer with Severe Peanut Allergy Dies After Eating Incorrectly Labeled Cookies

Peanut allergies can often be fatal, causing a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. It can cause a variety of symptoms, the most dire being a narrowing of airways that causes difficulty breathing, according to Mayo Clinic. Patients are typically administered epinephrine, an adrenaline treatment. If the condition isn't treated immediately, it can be fatal.

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However, thanks to a clinical trial led by Kings College London and Guys and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, Brookes-Smith can safely eat the peanuts  not whole handfuls, but he has four nuts a day at breakfast, as advised by his doctor to keep the allergy managed.

The results of the successful trial, called Grown Up Peanut Immunotherapy (GUPI), were published in the journal Allergy. Trial participants were slowly given increasing doses of peanuts, from 0.3 to 300 mg.

Kings College London Chris Brookes Smith took part in the peanut therapy trial Chris Brookes Smith took part in the peanut therapy trial

Related: Graduate Student, 25, Frantically Texts Mom Before Nut Allergy Puts Him in a Coma

"The first time I went there and I ingest this stuff, my heart's going a million miles an hour," Brookes-Smith, who hails from the English county of Northamptonshire, told the BBC. At first, he ate yogurt with a small amount of peanut powder mixed in  strictly supervised, of course.

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"The big jump in fear was going from peanut dust to half a whole nut," he told the outlet.

As a result of the trial, 67% of participants  all adults  can now consume the equivalent of five peanuts.

Kings College London Increasing portions of peanuts were administered under medical supervision.. Increasing portions of peanuts were administered under medical supervision..

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.

Constant fear of life-threatening reactions place a huge burden on people with peanut allergy. The only way to manage a peanut allergy is strict avoidance and treatment of allergic reactions, including with adrenaline, Chief Investigator Professor Stephen Till, Professor of Allergy in the School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, said in a press release.

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The average tolerated dose of peanuts increased 100-fold over the course of the trial," Till explained. "Although peanut immunotherapy is known to be effective in children, this trial provides preliminary evidence that adults can also be desensitized and that this improves quality of life."

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man pleaded guilty to 2024 carjacking and shooting charges on Wednesday.

According to the United States Attorneys Office, Western District of Tennessee, on April 15, Jaylen Simpson, 23, pleaded guilty to carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury and the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Jaylen Simpson (MPD)

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16, and he will face a minimum of 10 years to life in prison for the discharge of the firearm.

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Last year, he was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Especially Aggravated Robbery, Theft of Property $2,500 or less to wit a Firearm, Reckless Driving, Evading Arrest in a Vehicle, Evading Arrest on Foot, and Employment of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.

Man shot during car theft, suspect detained

On May 16, 2024, Simpson was hiding in the backyard in the 3400 block of West Horn Lake Road, and the resident confronted him outside.

Reports say the suspect shot the victim in the stomach before he took off in the victims Kia Cadenza.

Officers responded to the shooting at the residence just before 8 a.m. The victim was located on the scene and transported to Regional One Hospital in critical condition.

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Three juveniles charged for mobile home fires in Crittenden County

A little before 9 a.m., the car was found in the area of Kimball and Pendleton. Officers saw the car and tried to stop it, but Simpson reportedly sped off.

The car came to a stop in the 2200 block of Lamar Avenue. Simpson fled the scene on foot with his backpack.

According to reports, officers caught Simpson on Arlington Road. When they searched his backpack, they found a loaded gun that was stolen from a car on May 4, 2024.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who court documents say is a significant supplier of narcotics in Mahoning County pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to having 88 pounds of methamphetamine.

Jeffrey Battle, 37, of Phoenix, Ariz., pleaded guilty before U.S. Judge J. Philip Calabrese in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Sentencing is set for July 31 before Judge Calabrese.

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Battle was indicted Sept. 5 by a federal grand jury after he was arrested about 12 p.m. Aug. 14, following a high-speed chase that started in Liberty and ended at Shields Road and Dorado Beach Drive in Canfield. He has been in the Mahoning County jail since his arrest.

An affidavit accompanying the criminal complaint in the case said a source told investigators that Battle distributes significant quantities of narcotics in the Mahoning County area and he often travels here from Arizona, staying two to three weeks at a time.

The affidavit said the FBI and the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force started an investigation in April into Battle, and he was under surveillance Wednesday before investigators tried to pull over a car he was driving in Liberty.

The affidavit said the source told investigators that Battle often uses commercial trucks to smuggle cocaine and that he sells drugs in Akron, Youngstown and Erie, Pa.

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Battle was spotted at a clothing store in Boardman, a Walmart, and then at a home in Austintown before authorities tailed him to a truck stop in Hubbard, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit said Battle drove to the spot reserved for commercial trucks and parked next to a truck. He was spotted walking back to his vehicle carrying a large duffel bag, the affidavit said. After he left the truck stop, he was spotted making a traffic violation and investigators tried to pull him over, but he would not stop, instead driving from Liberty to Canfield, where his truck was found unoccupied.

As officers from several departments who became involved in the chase searched for Battle, agents searched his vehicle and found the methamphetamine in two large duffel bags, including a bag that was similar to a bag Battle was seen carrying earlier in the day, according to the affidavit.

When Battle was found in a wooded area, he was shirtless, and police found the key to the vehicle he was driving in his pockets, the affidavit said.

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Charges in state court for the chase and drugs were dropped after Battle was charged in federal court.

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Apr. 23A Wilmington man who was accused of shooting a contractor in the face at a house in Miami Twp. before fleeing to Clinton County was sentenced to prison after entering a plea agreement.

Spencer C. Skalski, 30, pleaded guilty Wednesday to felonious assault with a three-year firearm specification, and was sentenced the same day by Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge Dennis Adkins to five to six years in prison. He was also ordered to forfeit the firearm used in the shooting, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office.

Skalski's charges stem from Oct. 20, 2024, when Miami Twp. police were called to a report of a shooting at 1:08 p.m. in the 9900 block of Ainsworth Court.

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Investigators said that a private contractor who bought the house had come to complete work in the basement, and was let inside by Skalski, according to an affidavit filed in Miamisburg Municipal Court.

After about an hour, Skalski asked how the work was going, and as the contractor was climbing the steps from the basement Skalski reported started shooting, hitting the contractor in the face, the affidavit said.

Sgt. Paul Neinhaus of the Miami Twp. Police Department said, "The contractor received a cheek wound, but luckily (and amazingly) avoided any major injury."

The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office said that Skalski was not living in the home at the time of the shooting.

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Skalski fled in his vehicle and was later stopped by the Ohio State Highway Patrol in Clinton County.

The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office said that Skalski was not living in the home at the time of the shooting.
SHANGHAI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The China National Space Administration (CNSA) revealed Thursday that the Chang'e-8 lunar probe is scheduled for launch around 2029, and will carry payloads from 11 countries and regions and one international organization as part of international cooperation.

The announcement was made at the opening ceremony for 2025 Space Day of China, which is celebrated annually on April 24.

The Chang'e-8 mission will target the Leibnitz-Beta Plateau near the lunar south pole region, working with the earlier Chang'e-7 mission to conduct scientific exploration and in-situ resource utilization experiments. These efforts will lay the groundwork for the future International Lunar Research Station.

According to CNSA, the 10 selected collaborative projects include a multi-functional robot designed by researchers in Hong Kong, a lunar rover developed by Pakistan and the International Society for Terrain-Vehicle Systems (ISTVS), an exploration rover made by Turkiye, and radio astronomical instruments by South Africa and Peru.

The projects also include Italy's laser retroreflector arrays, Russia's plasma and dust analyzer and high-energy particle detector, Thailand's neutron analyzer, Bahrain and Egypt's lunar surface imaging system, and Iran's lunar potential monitor.

Shan Zhongde, head of CNSA, said China will work closely with international partners to achieve new scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs that will ultimately benefit all of humanity.

CNSA announced in October 2023 international cooperation opportunities for Chang'e-8 lunar mission, which offered 200 kilograms of payload resources for global partners. A total of 41 cooperation proposals were received. 
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A man accused of fatally shooting a teenager after a road rage incident in southwest Columbus pleaded guilty Thursday in court to murder charges.

Skyler Burley changed his plea from not guilty in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and attorneys agreed on a life in prison sentence with the possibility of parole after 18 years. Burley, 30, shot 17-year-old Gage Anderson on Aug. 13, 2024, in a United Dairy Farmers parking lot on Clime Road.

Anderson was taken to an area hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead at 8:40 p.m. Witnesses told police a vehicle had left the scene and a CPD helicopter quickly located the vehicle in question. Officers stopped Burley at the intersection of Lynward Road and Maurine Drive where he was taken into custody.

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Troopers hunting for pickup truck that struck 2-year-old boy in Jackson County

Police said the shooting stemmed from a road rage incident after the victims father said Burley got out of his black Kia and shot his son. Court documents stated that Burley told police he shot Anderson in self-defense after the two exchanged words before Anderson lunged at him.

Burley, who was charged with murder, aggravated murder and tampering with evidence, pleaded to one count of murder with a firearm specification.

Members of Andersons family spoke on the tragedy of his death, while Burley also offered his apologies before the judge handed down the sentence.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for possession of a machine gun and 121 grams of Fentanyl, the United States Attorneys Office of the Western District of Tennessee announced.

Christopher Young, also known as Christopher Minnis, 35, was charged with possession of a machine gun, possession of 121 grams of Fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

On Jan. 6, 2025, Young pleaded guilty to his charges. On April 10, he was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

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Loved one remembers gentle giant killed during candlelight vigil

On December 9, 2021, Memphis Police saw Young driving a black Chevrolet Corvette near Cottonwood Road and Cherry Road with fake tags that had expired in October.

According to the press release, when Young parked the car, officers tried to conduct a traffic stop, but Young fled the scene on foot.

The attorneys office says Young was arrested, and police found 121.81 grams of fentanyl and a handgun with an extended magazine, which makes the gun an automatic.

Police found the gun was loaded with one round and 23 rounds in the extended magazine.

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(FOX40.COM)  A man in northern California was found guilty and sentenced to four months in county jail for grand theft and insurance fraud, according to the San Joaquin District Attorneys Office.

Video Above: How to report a scam to the Better Business Bureau

Officials said Stacy Johnson conspired with other assailants to stage a robbery of the Amazon delivery truck that he was driving for his employer, Amazon.

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The man then filed a fraudulent workers compensation claim from the fake robbery, stating he was left with psychological injuries and stress.

Johnson pleaded guilty to two felonies and was sentenced to four months in county jail, two years of felony probation. He is also required to pay $3,000 in investigative costs restitution and $2,000 in restitution to Amazon, officials said.

Officials said the loss on the workers compensation claim would have been estimated up to $35,000, which would most likely have affect consumers.

Renting far cheaper than buying in Californias largest metro areas, report finds

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Workers Compensation Fraud is NOT a victimless crime, it affects all of us, said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. It leads to increased costs on our local businesses, and increased costs for the goods we purchase on a daily basis. Combined with our ongoing Workers Compensation Fraud outreach campaign, we are making a point of making sure criminals know that San Joaquin County is not a safe haven for Workers Compensation Fraud, we will prosecute.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  An Austintown man who pleaded guilty last week in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to a gun charge was sentenced Thursday to one year in prison.

Tirone Moore, 28, received the sentence from Judge R. Scott Krichbaum following an April 15 plea to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a third-degree felony.

The charge stems from an Oct. 19 arrest by Campbell police, who were investigating a burglary call and found Moore inside an Oxford Street home where officers found a gun on him.

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The homeowner did not wish to pursue burglary charges, but the gun charge was filed by prosecutors.

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A 30-year-old man who shot a contractor in the face in Miami Township has learned his sentence.

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Spencer Skalski, 30, pleaded guilty to felonious assault, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court records.

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Skalski was sentenced to a total of five to six years in prison and ordered to forfeit the gun used in the shooting.

He will also be on parole for up to three years after he is released from prison.

As News Center 7 previously reported, the shooting occurred at a home in the 9000 block of Ainsworth Court around 1:15 p.m. on Oct. 20, 2024.

A contractor working on the house when the suspect, later identified as Skalski, shot him in the face.

The contractor suffered a non-life-threatening cheek wound.

According to police, Skalski was visiting the house at the time of the shooting and had never met the victim before.

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Skalski allegedly left the scene after the shooting but was stopped and arrested by an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper in Clinton County, according to a previous News Center 7 report.

He was later transferred and booked into the Montgomery County Jail.

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Vermont State Police have identified the man they say shot and wounded a Milton police officer responding to a fire at a Main Street apartment.

Police said Aaron LaRoche, 38, who lived in a unit at 78 Main Street, was found dead late Wednesday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to Vermont State Police, local agencies dispatched to the fire were met with gunfire around 7 p.m. Sgt. Paul Locke, who has served with the Milton department since 1999, was wounded. He was taken to UVM Medical Center for treatment of non-threatening injuries.

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Police said LaRoche barricaded himself inside his apartment after the shooting. Attempts to communicate with LaRoche were unsuccessful, police said. At about 11 p.m., troopers sent several flash-bang devices into the apartment, followed by a drone. Police said video from the drone showed LaRoche apparently deceased.

State police say no police officers are known to have fired a weapon during the incident. No other injuries have been reported.

LaRoches body will be brought to the Chief Medical Examiners Office in Burlington to confirm identity and determine the cause of death.

The Vermont State Police thanks the numerous law-enforcement, fire and rescue agencies from throughout northwestern Vermont that responded to this incident, and the Milton community for their patience and understanding as the situation unfolded.

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A man previously convicted of attempted murder and assault charges has been accused of shooting a woman during a dispute between neighbors in Bristol in October 2024, according to court documents.

Jose Cruz-Rosa, 47, currently of Middletown was arrested on April 15 on charges of first-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the Bristol Police Department.

The warrant affidavit supporting the charges said officers on Oct. 9, 2024 at 7:02 p.m. responded to Conlon Street on the report of shots fired and found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her leg. Police applied a tourniquet and gauze to her wound to control the bleeding before she was taken to Hartford Hospital.

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The victim, who resides in an apartment on Conlon Street, told officers she had been having issues with some neighbors across the street and that one of them had tried fighting with her family members, the warrant affidavit said. During the dispute, she said, a man with poofy hair and a white T-shirt took out a gun and shot her, according to the warrant affidavit.

Responding officers found shell casings in two different areas of Conlon Street and would later learn from witnesses that the dispute took place between a group of about three to four people in a residential driveway and a larger group of people in the street, the warrant affidavit said.

During the incident, in which multiple individuals could reportedly be heard yelling at each other, someone in the smaller group allegedly fired off about two to three shots at the larger group in the street, witnesses told police. Witnesses said a man in the larger group then allegedly took out a firearm and returned gunfire, according to the warrant affidavit. Witnesses identified the second shooter as a man who lived on the street at the time, who investigators have identified as Cruz-Rosa, the warrant affidavit said.

After the second series of shots were fired, the two groups scattered, creating a chaotic scene as officers arrived, according to the warrant affidavit. Police received reports that two vehicles and possibly one person on foot had left the area as patrol officers were responding. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division later responded to investigate.

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Detectives who combed the scene for evidence immediately believed gunshots were fired from two different locations, the warrant affidavit said. Investigators at one point suspected that the woman who was shot may have been the first person to fire off shots during the dispute, though forensic testing later found no evidence that she had shot a gun, the warrant affidavit said.

While investigators were still at the scene, Cruz-Rosa returned in a black Nissan Maxima and agreed to speak with an officer. He told police he checked on his family after learning that they were involved in a shooting and, after making sure they were OK, headed out to buy cigarettes, the warrant affidavit said.

Police at the scene performed a gunshot residue test on his hands. Investigators also performed tests on the hands of the gunshot victim and her son as well, the warrant affidavit said.

A day after the shooting, authorities obtained a search warrant for the gunshot victims home, the warrant affidavit said. When the search was carried out, police allegedly found a box of gun ammunition and a gun box but no firearm inside, police wrote. The ammunition which was seized matched a shell casing found near the injured victim, the warrant affidavit said.

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During a subsequent interview with detectives, Cruz-Rosa reaffirmed his initial statement to police and provided additional details as to what he said he was doing when the shooting happened. He told investigators he was cooking dinner when he heard family members outside arguing with someone, the warrant affidavit said. As he was making his way outside he said he heard gunfire, which he described as pop, pop, pop, according to the warrant affidavit.

After checking on his family, Cruz-Rosa told police he left to buy cigarettes as officers converged on the area. Detectives questioned his account, saying it would not be normal behavior for someone to head out to buy cigarettes if they just learned that their family had been shot at, the warrant affidavit said. He allegedly told detectives that, despite his prior criminal history, he was scared, according to the warrant affidavit.

if you see my record, I used to be bad, Cruz-Rosa told police, the warrant affidavit said. I never shoot on nobody, you know what I mean? I never been in that type of life.

Forensic testing of the residue test performed on Cruz-Rosas hands reportedly produced strong evidence indicating there was gunshot residue present, the warrant affidavit said.

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The test performed on the gunshot victims hands came back negative. Testing reportedly showed that the her son likely had gun residue on one of his hands, according to the warrant affidavit. Court records reviewed Wednesday indicated he has not been charged.

According to the warrant affidavit, investigators found that Cruz-Rosas prior criminal history includes a 1999 conviction on an attempted murder charge as well as other convictions on charges of sale of a hallucinogen/narcotics, possession of narcotics and second-degree assault. He is being held on a $250,000 bond and is next scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on May 6.

Court records show Cruz-Rosas bond can only be posted at the courthouse and that, should he be released, he will be subject to Intensive Pretrial Supervision that will include GPS monitoring and 24/7 house arrest. He has not entered a plea to the charges.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  A 15-year-old boy was arrested after a school resource officer (SRO) was assaulted at Osbourn Park High School in the Manassas area on Wednesday.

The student was described as being in crisis, the Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) noted.

Teens arrested for robberies, assaults in Arlington, police say

While students were entering the school, the suspect struck the officer in the head with a metal water bottle before trying to grab the officers gun in his holster, police detailed.

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The SRO was treated at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and the boy was arrested.

He was charged with assault & battery on a law enforcement officer and attempted disarming of a law enforcement officer.

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Update: The child later admitted to investigators that no one tried to abduct her while waiting for the bus.

Deputies in Hall County are currently searching for a suspect who they say tried grabbing a 12-year-old girl from a bus stop.

Investigators say there is a heavy law enforcement presence near Old Cornelia Hwy. and East Main Street in Gainesville.

Deputies say the man came out of the woods and grabbed the girls arm. When she snatched her arm away and started running, he began to chase her down the road.

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When a car came down the road, deputies say the man ran off toward an old railroad overpass on Old Cornelia Hwy.

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The child is safe, according to deputies.

They added that the suspect, whose name has not been released, is not believed to be armed.

We had investigators, deputies, drone assets in the air for quite a while. We had a large canine team present, several dogs and several teams were in the area searching through the morning, Derreck Booth with the Hall County Sheriffs Office said.

He is described as being about six feet tall with a slender build. They say the man was missing his upper teeth and had facial hair. He was wearing a black T-shirt and jeans.

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Investigators say he did not have known weapons, but could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Anyone who sees someone matching his description should call 911.

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YANGON, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation of Myanmar has advised fish farmers to protect their fish from extreme heat, the state-owned daily The Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Thursday.

Summer heat is hazardous to fishponds by increasing evaporation and reducing water levels, the report said.

In addition, uneaten feed, feces, and metabolic waste can pollute the water, making fish more vulnerable to disease. To maintain water quality, fish farmers are advised to provide appropriate amounts of feed and supplements, the report added.

The department also advised that any unusual changes in fishponds should be promptly reported to the nearest fisheries department, the report said.

April and May are the hottest months in Myanmar. Most cities across the country recorded temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology reported. 
DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  A Margaretville teen has been charged with multiple counts of rape, and is accused of recording separate sexual encounters without consent, totaling seven felony charges, Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced Thursday.

18-year-old Mason A. Kowatch, of Margaretville, is being accused of raping an underage girl on October 22, 2024. He is also being accused of recording an underage girl during sexual intercourse on multiple occasions in June and July 2024.

Kowatch is officially charged with:

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Rape in the First Degree, a Class B Felony

Rape in the Third Degree, a Class E Felony

Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class D Felony

Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a Class D Felony

Three counts of Unlawful Surveillance in the 2nd Degree, a Class E Felony

As with all cases involving minors, the identity of the victim is being withheld.

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Indiana lawmakers took action on marijuana policy during the 2025 legislative session, just not in the direction Hoosiers who favor legalizing weed in the state may hope.

State lawmakers voted 81-9 on April 23 in the House and 31-19 in the Senate on April 24 to ban the advertising of marijuana products "by any medium" within Indiana. The ban language is tucked into House Bill 1390, which is generally a bill with directions for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

The ban applies to signs on the interstate and flyers sent to mailboxes, both types of advertising that had already been popping up in Indiana as companies in neighboring states try to entice Hoosiers to cross state lines.

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The approval of the advertising ban follows a renewed push from Republicans for marijuana legalization, especially as Indiana is surrounded on its borders by states that have legalized it in some form. There were some signs of movement in that direction. A new Republican-led lobbying group, Safe and Regulated Indiana, formed earlier this year. Gov. Mike Braun on the 2024 campaign trail also signaled support for medical marijuana.

But, as they typically do at the Statehouse, the bipartisan bills filed about legalization died without movement in either chamber. The advertising ban language stuck.

Similar proposals banning advertising appeared in three different bills at the start of the legislative session: Senate Bill 166, from Republican Sen. Spencer Deery, House Bill 1327, from Republican Rep. Timothy Wesco and House Bill 1026, from Rep. Joanna King. All three bills died earlier this year after not receiving hearings in legislative committees.

Language banning marijuana advertising hopped from bill to bill at the end of the legislative session. The language was added to HB 1390 and then removed and placed in Senate Bill 73. It was later eliminated from SB 73 and then added back to HB 1390 before lawmakers signed off on the final version of that bill.

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HB 1390 now heads to Braun's desk, where he can either sign or veto the bill.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana lawmakers approve marijuana advertising ban
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  A Marshall University graduate student who had his visa revoked by the Trump administration a few weeks ago will now be allowed to stay in the country thanks to a temporary restraining order.

According to court documents shared by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) West Virginia, Shival Vyas, an Indian citizen and Marshall student who is set to graduate on May 10, received an F-1 student visa to study in Huntington. When Vyas applied for this visa, he disclosed that he had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor in the United States.

Court documents said his conviction placed him under additional scrutiny before being allowed to enter the country, but he was still granted his visa. He has also not been arrested, charged with a crime, or even issued a speeding ticket since entering the country in 2023.

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Despite his clean track record for the past two years, on April 8, 2025, court documents said Vyas received an email from the U.S. Consulate General in India informing him that his visa had been revoked due to additional information that became available after his visa was issued.

Randolph County Board of Education votes to fire 33 staff members

Marshall University also informed Vyas the following day that his SEVIS record had been terminated on the grounds that he was identified in criminal records check and/or has had [his] VISA revoked. The university said he must leave the country or he would be subject to immigration enforcement and deportation. He has also been barred from attending in-person classes on campus.

After receiving these notifications, court documents said Vyas filed an official complaint under the Administrative Procedure Act and the Fifth Amendment, emphasizing that the Trump Administration has no grounds to terminate his visa. He also requested a temporary restraining order against the administration to give him a chance to complete his degree, which was granted Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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A preliminary injunction hearing in Vyas case is scheduled for May 7 in Huntington. You can read the full order issued on Wednesday below:

Vyas-court-caseDownload

This case comes a couple of weeks after many international students and alumni from across the country, including some at West Virginia University, saw their visas revoked by the Trump Administration on the grounds of their names being found in a criminal records check.

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MARSHALL, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  America 250, a celebration of the upcoming semi-quincentennial, will host events across the country until July 4, 2026.

More Harrison County 250 news

The first events took place over the weekend with Two Lights for Tomorrow, ceremonies and tributes to Paul Revere and the rest of the Midnight Riders. One of the most unique events took place in Marshall. Marshall was the only city in Texas to host a re-enactment.

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Harrison County America 250 chair Steven McFarland planned to do a ceremony like everyone else. Talk about the history, read speeches, and praise Revere and other participants until someone on the committee pitched an idea. To have a re-enactment. With some trepidation, McFarland agreed to try.

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This idea led to many issues. How to format a re-enactment? Where to get a horse? Who to play Paul Revere? His story was immortalized in a poem by Longfellow, making him one of the most well-known figures of the American Revolution. A poorly done re-enactment could be disastrous.

Enter Longview resident Pepper Stuart, a 12-year-old with a love of history and a horse. Steven contacted the family, and Pepper had one condition: she wanted to yell, The British are coming.

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The story of the Midnight Riders is more complicated than that, and as Steven and Pepper talked, they devised a plan. What if she researched multiple riders and wrote speeches from each perspective? McFarland readily agreed. One of the most creative events to commemorate the Midnight Riders was largely the brainchild of a 12-year-old.

On performance night, Pepper read her first essay as Revere, then rode around the square as McFarland explained more of the history. Then she performed as Isaac Bissell, a rider who delivered mail during that time. She rode off again and returned to perform as Sybil Ludington, a 16-year-old credited with making her own ride to raise the alarm for an ongoing attack. America 250, like Pepper, was officially underway.

For information on more events, visit America 250 or Harrison County America 250.

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (DC News Now)  Maryland Gov. Wes Moore brought promising news for western Maryland after his recent trip to Japan.

More than 400 direct jobs and another 1,300 spinoff jobs are in the works at Hitachi Rail in Hagerstown  an area factory nearing completion of construction.

Moore just returned from his Far East trip, where he met with Hitachi executives about their $70 million investment to make rail cars for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

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Sandy Spring Friends School saved by $15 million fundraiser

Hitachi has been a wonderful partner for us in the State of Maryland, specifically western Maryland, said the governor at a State House briefing on Wednesday. When I met with them in Japan, I not only thanked them but explored with them further expansion plans.

Along with Metro in the D.C. area, Hitachi is also building rail cars for the Maryland Transit Authority (MTA).

We are really excited about the growth potential for Hitachi and other companies with which I met in Japan and South Korea, Moore said. There is tremendous opportunity for employment growth here and other entrepreneurial endeavors.

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The governors deputy chief of staff, Manny Welsh, traveled overseas with him to prospect for investment in the state.

The governor had a very productive meeting with Hitachi, said Welsh. He looks forward to future expansion opportunities here in Maryland.

Crossing the Pacific was important to securing the overseas investment in Maryland, Moore noted.

They were happy with the fact that we showed up, he said. These types of relationships matter to those companies.

Hitachis first order to WMATA is 256 rail cars, followed by 20 new rail cars per month.

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A federal judge in Maryland has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a 20-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker deported to El Salvador, ruling the removal violated a court settlement protecting some young migrants with pending asylum claims, according to an order issued Wednesday.

The person deported was part of a class action case filed in 2019 on behalf of individuals who arrived in the US as unaccompanied minors and later sought asylum. A settlement in that case determined they could not be removed from the United States until their claims were fully adjudicated.

US District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, who was nominated to the post by President Donald Trump, issued the order directing the government to work with Salvadoran authorities to return the man to the United States. The man is referred to only as Cristian in court filings. Gallagher also barred the removal of other individuals covered by the settlement agreement, which was finalized in November 2024. According to the plaintiffs attorneys, Cristian was removed on March 15 and sent to a prison in El Salvador.

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The judges ruling marks a second order directed to the Trump administration to secure the return of a man from El Salvador to the US and illustrates an increasing showdown between the administration and the federal judiciary over how much power courts have in resolving disputes concerning immigration.

Citing the precedent of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the government admitted was wrongly deported, Gallagher wrote in her opinion: Like Judge (Paula) Xinis in the Abrego Garcia matter, this Court will order Defendants to facilitate Cristians return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under the parties binding Settlement Agreement.

Gallagher directed the government to make a good faith request to the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to US custody for transport back to the United States to await the adjudication of his asylum application on the merits by USCIS. She characterized the deportation as a breach of contract.

The Trump administration, according to the order, has argued Cristians deportation did not violate the settlement, asserting his designation as an alien enemy pursuant to the AEA results in him ceasing to be a member of the class action. The government invoked the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century wartime authority, on March 15 to deport alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan Trump accuses of perpetrating an invasion of and predatory incursion into the United States.

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A sworn declaration from Robert Cerna, the ICE acting Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations, said Cristian had been arrested in Texas in January.

On January 6, 2025, (Cristian) was convicted in the 482nd District Court at Harris County, Texas, for the offense of possession of cocaine, Cerna stated in the filing. Cerna added that Immigration and Customs Enforcement determined Cristian was subject to removal following the invocation of the AEA.

Wednesdays ruling to facilitate the return of Cristian puts into question the level of compliance from the Trump administration as its engulfed in another high-stakes immigration battle with the Abrego Garcia case.

The Trump administration has insisted that it is not required to work with officials in El Salvador to secure the return of Abrego Garcia, despite Xinis ordering the administration to take all available steps to facilitate his return and the Supreme Court requiring the administration to facilitate his return.

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Xinis has stepped up her criticism of the Justice Departments handling of the wrongly deported mans return in recent days. She accused officials on Tuesday of intentional noncompliance with their obligation to produce information and said the Trump administration is not acting in good faith as part of the expedited fact-finding process unfolding in the case.

The Trump administration has attempted to portray the Maryland man as a gang member with a violent history who they say is never coming back to the US. US. Abrego Garcias family and lawyers have denied hes a gang member.

Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland flew to El Salvador last week to lobby for the release of his constituent. The Trump administration slammed the senators visit and criticize the media and Democrats for presenting what they described as an overly rosy picture of Abrego Garcia.

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BALTIMORE  Jill Carter, a Baltimore Democrat who served in both the state Senate and House of Delegates, sponsored police reform bills throughout her 20-year political career, including a bill that failed mere weeks before Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old Black man, died of injuries he sustained while in police custody.

In Carters opinion, had the Legislature not turned a blind eye to the nature of police reform in 2014 and 2015 it is quite possible Freddie Gray might not have been killed, she said.

Ultimately, Black women like Carter took the lead on passing substantive police reform policy  six years later.

Due for some changes

Late House Speaker Michael E. Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., both Democrats, convened a 20-member Public Safety and Policing Work Group in the months after Grays death to study law enforcement training resources, hiring and recruiting practices and community engagement policies.

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Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh served as the workgroups Senate chair. Pugh, who was a state senator at the time of Grays death, declined to be interviewed for this story.

The work group was also tasked with reviewing the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights.

Enacted in 1974, the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights provided procedural due process protections for investigations into officers who were facing potential disciplinary action, demotion or job loss based on internal or external complaints.

Under that law, police officials had to wait 10 days before interrogating an officer regarding the substance of the complaint against them. Officers would then be subject to an administrative hearing to determine if they were guilty. If the board, which was composed of other law enforcement members, determined that the officer was guilty, it would make a disciplinary recommendation to the agencys chief, who had the ultimate authority over punitive outcomes.

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For officers to face potential disciplinary action, complaints had to be filed within 90 days of the incident in question.

Maj. Neill Franklin, a retired police officer and the former executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, said in an interview with The Baltimore Sun that the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights was necessary when it came about in the 70s, but had outlived its time when it was under review in this millennium.

During that time, police officers did have problems with being persecuted by some of their administrators  and so the protection came about regarding hearings, how they had to take place, what protections they had  basically their rights having a representative, so on and so forth, said Franklin, who testified in Annapolis in favor of reform of the law. But where we are now, needing significant reforms of policing, the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights was due for some changes.

To Franklin, it came down to civilians needing transparency and power regarding disciplinary actions for the officers who patrol their communities. He said they believed the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights provided too much protection for police who were abusing their power and, in some instances, were actually using force to the level where it was an actual assault and battery.

A push for reform

But Carter said there was a public appetite for police reform legislation at the start of the 2015 session, months before Gray died in police custody.

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Before Grays death, the movement for police reform was ignited in the United States by a series of nationally highlighted use-of-force incidents, including the 2014 police killings of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri; Tamir Rice in Cleveland, Ohio; and Eric Garner in New York.

Franklin said that the advent of camera phones, allowing civilians to provide evidence of use-of-force incidents, brought forth a new push toward reform.

I remember the appetite from the public for police reform has always been there, he said. The Black community was saying, This is what weve been trying to tell you over the past few decades.

Carter, who was serving in the House of Delegates at the time, sponsored legislation during the 2015 session to alter several provisions.

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Under her bill, the 10-day waiting period for officer interrogations would have been stricken. Civilians would have been allowed to sit on administrative hearing boards, which would convene upon the officers request after the police chief issued a decision of guilt and proposed disciplinary action. The board would have then either affirmed or overturned the chiefs decision. Complaints could have been filed for up to a year after the offense was committed.

Carters 2015 legislation was ultimately quashed in the House Judiciary Committee, but she recalled people sleeping in the halls of the House Office building, waiting for their chance to testify in favor of her bill that year.

Dayvon Love, the director of public policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, said his organization partnered with other local institutions to bus people to the State House in support of the legislation.

The movement started in Annapolis in the legislative session, Carter said. That laid a foundation for why people were primed and ready to go with Freddie Gray.

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In 2016, the General Assembly passed legislation based on recommendations from the Public Safety and Policing Work Group. That bill amended the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights to require police agencies to allow two civilians to serve as non-voting members on administrative hearing boards and to allow complaints to be filed within one year of an offense, among other measures.

In a July 2015 interview on WBAL Radio, Carter called the Public Safety and Policing Work Group a play group, saying she didnt believe it was designed to create serious reform.

I believe that the motivation was to ensure that the status quo was maintained, and that no real reforms were produced, she said.

Love called the workgroup a very typical, liberal Democratic Party approach. He said he doesnt believe legislative leadership intended to address racism and the dehumanization of Black people at the hands of law enforcement, but rather to appear to do something on the issue of police brutality without upsetting the power balance.

Weve got to do something

While other reform bills were introduced after 2016, the Legislature did not take serious action to reconstruct policing in Maryland until after George Floyd was murdered in May 2020 by Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer who knelt on Floyds neck for more than nine minutes.

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Chauvin was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder in April 2021.

Following Floyds death, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, a Democrat and the first woman and Black person to head her chamber, convened the House Workgroup to Address Police Reform and Accountability in Maryland. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee held a rare series of bill hearings during the Legislatures interim to workshop legislation it planned to debate when the General Assembly reconvened the following January.

Carter, who was then serving in the Senate, recalled a cultural shift. In a Democratic Caucus meeting, Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat, asked Black senators to share their experiences with law enforcement.

Every Black person in the Senate at the time talked about a personal experience they had being mistreated by law enforcement, Carter said as tears welled in her eyes. For the first time, I felt like our colleagues were really beginning to see this as an issue and humanize it. All of a sudden, theyre like, Weve got to do something.

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They could see George Floyd. They could see the thing on video, and they heard from some of the people right here, she said.

When the 2021 session convened, Jones, Carter and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Vanessa Atterbeary  all Black women  led the charge to transform Maryland policing standards.

After 90 days and dozens of hours of debate, the Legislature passed a sweeping package of police reform bills, including legislation that largely repealed the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, provided for more community participation in police discipline and allowed certain law enforcement personnel records to be reviewed under the Maryland Public Information Act.

A long way to go

Though the 2021 repeal of the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights was a step in the right direction, Love and other advocates lamented its limitations on community participation.

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The pinnacle of the work around police accountability is community control and oversight of institutions of law enforcement, he said. What we got in 2021 is we got more community, non-law enforcement participation in the internal disciplinary processes of law enforcement. That is better than what we got in 2016. What we got in 2016 is basically nothing.

Why did it take Floyds death at the hands of law enforcement for the Legislature to act when Maryland police have killed other Black people since Grays 2015 death?

William Green was killed by a Prince Georges County police officer in 2020. Emanuel Oates was killed by Baltimore County police in 2019. Anton Black was killed by police on the Eastern Shore in 2018.

Police have too much political power, Franklin said, singling out the Fraternal Order of Police. Thats the main reason.

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Franklin pointed to political donations and the unions ability to organize people to vote representatives out of office. He said its the typical game of politics  while some lawmakers attempt to maintain power, others focus on the impact of their policy.

Thats why [Carter] and others like her have such a rough time with the old guard in the Legislature, because theyre about the work and the other ones are about getting elected, said Franklin.

Carter said that Floyds death was more in-your-face than Grays, but noted that it was emotionally debilitating for her to watch Maryland families suffer the consequences of police brutality.

This isnt going to be a popular thing to say, but its the truth: White people began to organize and protest, Carter said of the reason gains were made after Floyds murder. All of a sudden, there were white allies on this issue.

She also credits the shift in legislative leadership seen in Ferguson, a white millennial, and Jones, a Black woman, as well as younger membership in the General Assembly.

I hate to say this, but what they could get away with in 2015, they wouldnt be able to get away with that  in 2021, said Carter.

Franklin is concerned about gains made in police reform backsliding under President Donald Trump, who deactivated the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database run by the U.S. Department of Justice via executive order. He said he fears it will embolden police unions and create pushback to existing policy.

We still have a long way to go in regard to police reform, Franklin said. I just think were in trouble.

_____
Maryland schools are not required to sign a certification of compliance with the U.S. Department of Educations demand to cut diversity, equity and inclusion, a federal judge ruled Thursday. But Maryland sent its own version of a certification anyway.

The judges ruling temporarily blocked the Trump administrations mandate against DEI efforts in public schools, which the administration argues is illegal based on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the U.S. Supreme Court case, Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.

Still, the Maryland Department of Education today sent the U.S. Department of Education a document to affirm their commitment to full compliance with Title VI, signed by all 24 Maryland local Superintendents, according to a statement from the department.

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In February, the Department of Education sent a letter to the state demanding that schools remove DEI from all aspects of student life or lose all federal funding. This year, the Maryland State Department of Education received $285.6 million in federal funds.

That letter was followed up on April 3 with a letter insisting that all local school superintendents sign the certification, setting a deadline to return the document by Thursday.

Other states, including Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Wisconsin, refused to sign the certification point-blank. Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright asked local superintendents to sign an alternative certification.

State officials revised the certification to say only that school districts are in full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and do not discriminate based on race, color and national origin.

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The federal governments proposed certification letter goes further than Wrights alternative.

It requires schools to acknowledgecompliance with the below  apparently referring to a section later in the document that says, any violation of Title VI  including the use of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) programs to advantage ones race over another  is impermissible, and the use of certain DEI practices can violate federal law.

In the memo to Maryland superintendents obtained by The Baltimore Sun, Wright appeared to question whether the federal departments original certification would hold up in court.

I disagree with the [U.S. Department of Educations] current interpretation of Title VI and its view of SFFA v. Harvard University and the certification required, Wright wrote. While [the Maryland State Department of Education] is unaware of any legal authority obligating it to comply with USDEs request, MSDE is reaffirming its commitment to complying with Title VI and other relevant federal laws.

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Wright wrote that the federal memo does not clearly outline the purpose or legal authority of the request. The state department advised districts to consult with their attorneys before signing the certification or taking other action.

The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by the National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union, which accused the Republican administration of violating teachers due process and First Amendment rights.

It is unclear whether the federal government will accept Marylands modified version. The Department of Education did not respond to questions on Thursday.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205. Contact Mary Carole McCauley at mmccauley@baltsun.com and 410-332-6704.
A Millbury man died last week after a fire tore through his home, rendering it a complete loss, with an investigation into the fire underway, State Fire Marshal Jon Davines office said Thursday

At around 11 p.m. on April 17, firefighters battled a fire at a home on 3 Fink Road, the Telegram & Gazette reported. Crews fought the fire until early the following morning, Jake Wark, spokesman for the Office of the State Fire Marshal, told the Telegram.

The fire caused catastrophic damage to the home and the exact point of origin remains undetermined, Wark told MassLive. One person, a man in his 60s, was located deceased at the scene and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death.

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The man was identified by his family to the Telegram as Wayne W. Wunschel.

I dont even know where to begin, wife Karen Wunschel told the newspaper on Wednesday. I was in South Carolina visiting our son.

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An Ashland man was charged in connection with carrying child sexual abuse material on his phone on a flight from Iceland to Logan International Airport, United States Attorney Leah Foleys office said.

Brent Vreeland, 36, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with one count of transportation of child pornography, Foleys office said in a statement. He was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Vreeland was flagged for a secondary screening at Logan after he arrived from Reykjavik in October 2024, Foleys office said. During a review of his phone, images and videos showing child sexual abuse material were found on his Telegram messenger app.

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A follow-up examination found about 30 files depicting child sexual abuse material in direct messages with unknown Telegram users, the statement read. He received and distributed three videos, which showed children between the ages of 4 and 10 years old, in October 2021.

One of Vreelands exchanges showed him asking another to trade some of these files for the youngest [they have], Foleys office said.

The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

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A Palestinian man carries the body of a victim killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 23, 2025. At least 51,305 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since the offensive began in October 2023, according to an update from Gaza's health authorities. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians mourn over victims killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 23, 2025. At least 51,305 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since the offensive began in October 2023, according to an update from Gaza's health authorities. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians carry bodies of victims killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 23, 2025. At least 51,305 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since the offensive began in October 2023, according to an update from Gaza's health authorities. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians mourn over victims killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 23, 2025. At least 51,305 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since the offensive began in October 2023, according to an update from Gaza's health authorities. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A Palestinian woman carries the body of a victim killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on April 23, 2025. At least 51,305 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since the offensive began in October 2023, according to an update from Gaza's health authorities. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
April 24 (UPI) -- Robert Crimo III, who pleaded guilty to 21 counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of attempted murder in connection to a mass shooting in Highland Park, Ill., in 2022, was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences Thursday without the possibility of parole, plus 50 years in prison for each person injured.

Seven died in the shooting and more than 40 others were injured.

Crimo did not appear in court either Thursday or Wednesday during the sentencing hearing, when several survivors and relatives of those who he killed spoke about how he affected their lives.

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Marcia Moran, whose husband was murdered by Crimo, spoke over Zoom and explained how her family has since moved out of Highland Park, and that she remains in therapy due to the trauma of her spouse's death.

"The shooter doesn't get to take anything more from me," Moran said."

Leah Sundheim, daughter of victim Jacqueline Sundheim, said, "I hope you wake in the middle of the night, gasping air you don't deserve," and also read a statement on behalf of her father, who said Crimo destroyed their lives.

Crimo wore women's clothing and used makeup to hide his facial tattoos in an attempt to blend into the crowd when he opened fire from a rooftop during an Independence Day parade in Highland Park on July 4, 2022. He was arrested later that day and confessed to firing more than 80 rounds into the crowd from a nearby rooftop.

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Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., pleaded guilty in 2024 to reckless conduct, after having signed the Firearm Owner's Identification card for his then 19-year-old son to apply for gun ownership. At the time, the state of Illinois required people between the ages of 18 and 20 to have parent or guardian authorization.

Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., posted to X Thursday that, "The sentencing of the Highland Park shooter is one more step of healing for our community. The wounds from that terrible day run deep [and] will never fully heal."
A mother-of-four has died after falling 75 feet in Purgatory Chasm state park while hiking with her children.

Carolyn Carrie Sanger, from Topsfield, Massachusetts, was out with three of her kids when the tragic accident occurred on Wednesday.

Sutton Police Department received a 911 call at around 2 p.m. reporting that the 49 year-old had fallen approximately 50-75 feet on the state reservation. Multiple medical professionals were reportedly hiking the Chasm at the same time as the incident, who provided medical attention immediately.

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However, Sanger had succumbed to the injuries sustained during the fall and was pronounced deceased a short time later, police said. The department added that the investigation is ongoing, but the incident does appear to be accidental.

Police have said that the incident appeared to have been an accident (Google Maps)

A GoFundMe page, started on behalf of her family, described Sanger  who had recently left her career as an Oncology nurse to pursue her passion for wellness  as a bright light; a wonderful, selfless mother who has raised four incredible, respectful, responsible kids.

She was a friend to all and her smile and kind spirit will be greatly missed. She passed too early- but she left the earth doing what she loved, with the ones she loved.

So far the appeal has raised more than $108,000. Further tributes have been paid from friends mourning her loss on Facebook.

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Catheryn Schoenfarber wrote Carrie was a radiant presence, an extraordinary mother, nurse, healer, teacher, and friend whose compassion and skill touched countless lives.

 Her passion for this work, and the kindness she brought into every room, left an imprint on everyone lucky enough to know her.

She gave so much of herself to her family and to the people she cared for. We are holding her family, friends, and all who loved her close in our hearts. Carrie, you will be so dearly missed.

Tributes have been paid to the mom-of-four (Facebook)

More information on the investigation will be released from the Worcester County District Attorneys Office, the SPD said in a statement that went on to thank other local agencies.

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"There are trails above the chasm you can go along, [and] dangerous overhangs if youre going to the edge to look down," hiker Andy Spears told WCVB. "It's really sad that it had to happen at a place like this."

Purgatory Chasm is described online as a unique natural landmark offering exciting adventure. Trails on the reservation include rock formations such as The Corn Crib, The Coffin and Lovers Leap.
A 49-year-old mother of four died on Wednesday after she fell about 50 to 75 feet from a cliff while hiking at Purgatory Chasm in Massachusetts.

The woman, Carolyn Sanger from Topsfield, Massachusetts, was hiking at the Purgatory Chasm State Reservation in Sutton just before 2 p.m. when the incident took place, according to local police and the Worcester County District Attorney's Office. She was hiking with three of her children and other family members when she fell, authorities said.

PHOTO: A 49-year-old mother of four died on Wednesday after she fell about 50 to 75 feet from a cliff while hiking at Purgatory Chasm in Massachusetts. (WCVB)

"There were multiple medical professionals in the area hiking the chasm at the same time, and were able to provide medical attention right away," Sutton police said. "However, she had succumbed to the injuries sustained during the fall, and was pronounced deceased a short time later."

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The chasm, a popular hiking destination about 20 minutes south of Worcester, is closed in the winter due to slippery conditions. However, the weather was warm and dry on Wednesday.

MORE: 2 hikers rescued after being stranded on snowy mountain for 3 days

The fall remains under investigation, but appears to be accidental, police said.

The Sutton Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police, Northbridge Police Department, LifeStar and others were involved in the rescue efforts, according to Sutton police.

PHOTO: A 49-year-old woman fell to her death hiking with her children at Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, Mass., on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (WCVB)

"There are trails above the chasm you can go along, [and] dangerous overhangs if youre going to the edge to look down," hiker Andy Spears told Boston ABC affiliate WCVB. "It's really sad that it had to happen at a place like this."

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"Lastly, the Sutton Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the family during this very difficult time," the department said.

Massachusetts mother falls about 75 feet to her death while hiking with her children at Purgatory Chasm originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  Mayor Yemi Mobolade plans to celebrate military children on Friday, April 25, with a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as the Month of the Military Child and Purple Up! Day in Colorado Springs.

Purple Up! Day is designed to honor the strength, resilience, and contribution of the citys military-connected children and their families. The color purple was chosen as it is a combination of colors representing all branches of the military.

On Friday, Mayor Mobolade will sign the proclamation at Douglass Valley Elementary, located on the U.S. Air Force Academy.

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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 FOX21 News Colorado.
Two years ago, I moved to the United States to found a think tank devoted to defending global free expression. What better place to launch than America, which is, according to the law professor and First Amendment expert Lee Bollinger, the most speech protective of any nation on Earth, now or throughout history?

Despite being Danish, Ive always found Americas civil-libertarian free speech tradition more appealing than the Old Worlds model, with its vague terms and conditions. For much of my career, Ive been evangelizing a First Amendment approach to free speech to skeptical Europeans and doubtful Americans, who are often tempted by laws banning hate speech, extremism, and disinformation. That appreciation for the First Amendment is something I share with many foreignersGermans, Iranians, Russianswho now call America home. For some of us, that tradition has become a kind of secular article of faiththe realization of which not only offers a sense of identity, but also a rite of passage into American ideals. Indeed, many of us noncitizens nodded in agreement in February when Vice President J.D. Vance said that European speech restrictions are shocking to American ears.

But the very ideal that so many of us noncitizens cherish as Americas first freedom is now being curtailed. The administration is invoking a clause of the Immigration Nationality Act of 1952 that allows the secretary of state unfettered discretion to deport aliens, including anyone he believes would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States. This new scheme has begun with the detaining of foreign studentsincluding visa and green card holdersfor allegedly antisemitic speech.

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Combating antisemitism is an important and legitimate government interest, and both Americans and noncitizens are safer when bigotry is confronted. But for six decades America has prohibited censorship and relied on counterspeech as the main bulwark against hatred, not least because leading Jewish and black civil rights groups have long recognized the danger of giving the government power over speech. Had the administration focused on noncitizens engaged in illegal or seriously disruptive conduct targeting Jewish studentswhich clearly occurred on some campuses after the October 7 terrorist Hamas attacksfew could have objected.

But its now clear that the government is targeting noncitizens for ideas and speech protected by the First Amendment. The most worrying example (so far) is a Turkish student at Tufts University, apparently targeted for co-authoring a student op-ed calling for, among other things, Tufts to divest from companies with ties to Israel. One report estimates that around 1,700 students from universities across the country have had their visas revoked so far.

Instead of correcting this overreach, the government has doubled down. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that it would begin screening the social media posts of aliens whose posts indicate support for antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity. Shortly after, the X account of USCIS posted about a robust social media vetting program and warned: EVERYONE should be on notice. If youre a guest in our countryact like it. And four days later, White House homeland security adviser Stephen Miller promised to deport anyone who preaches hate for America. What that means is anybodys guessand seems to depend entirely on subjective assessments.

This has created a wave of self-censorship among the millions of noncitizens who live, study, and work in the U.S. Conversations among expats now center on how many have stopped posting political content or canceled travel abroad, fearing they wont be let back in. Noncitizens in think tanks and public policy roles I have spoken to are using burner phones and keeping immigration lawyers on speed dial. Universities are advising foreign students and faculty not to publicly criticize the U.S. government or officials. Students are complying, even going so far as to ask to have their bylines removed from articles, refraining from peaceful protests and scrubbing their social media accounts. Even more surreal: People, including me, are receiving constant pleas from friends and family to come home, fearing what might happen if we stay. After all, this is America, not Russia.

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As a green card holder, I understand why so many foreign students, faculty members, and other legal residents who live in and love this country might prefer to stay silentafter all, they came here for a reason, whether to study, work, or start a life with loved ones. But silence would be a betrayal of the very values that brought many of us here in the first place. In fact, I can think of few things more un-American than having to self-censor out of fear of being targeted by the government.

This isnt the first time America has targeted foreign dissenters. In 1798, President John Adams signed the Alien Act, giving himself sweeping power to deport any noncitizen from a friendly nation deemed dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States, or merely suspected of treason or secret machinations against the government. In response, James Madison warned the laws vague language can never be mistaken for legal rules or certain definitions and subvert[ed] the general principles of free government. Thomas Jefferson called it a most detestable thing  worthy of the 8th or 9th century. Their concerns were vindicated when Americans handed Adams Federalists a catastrophic defeat in the 1800 election, and the Alien Act expired under Jefferson.

During the Red Scares of the 20th century, waves of government paranoia led to the surveillance, detention, and deportation of subversive noncitizens. McCarthyism has been roundly criticized in the decades since, and few have likely imagined that a McCarthy-era statute would not only survive but be revived and aggressively expanded in the 21st century.

The late British-American journalist Christopher Hitchens is a more recent testament to the long tolerance of America toward foreign dissent. Before becoming a U.S. citizen in 2007, Hitchens spent decades as a legal residentand as one of Americas most acerbic public intellectuals. He accused Ronald Reagan of being a liar and trickster, called Israel Americas chosen surrogate for dirty work and terrorism, lambasted Bill Clinton as almost psychopathically deceitful, and accused the George W. Bush administration of torture and illegal surveillance. If a student can be deported for writing a campus op-ed critical of Israel, any of Hitchens views could have been used to justify deporting him.

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Those applauding the recent crackdowns should remember how quickly the target can change. An overzealous administration focused on countering Islamophobia rather than antisemitism might have barred Ayaan Hirsi Ali or Salman Rushdie before they became citizens. The next might decide Douglas Murray crosses the line.

Surely Secretary of State Marco Rubio knows this. In a recent interview, he warned that if Americans are denied entry to or face consequences in Europe for their online speech, it would undermine one of the pillars of our shared valuesfreedom of expression. Yet his own department now targets foreign nationals in the U.S. for the same online speech he was ostensibly protecting.

Had America been known for deporting, rather than welcoming, dissent, I would never have made it my home. That might not have been much of a loss. But consider this: 35 percent of U.S.-affiliated academic Nobel laureates are immigrants, and nearly half of all American unicorn startups have founders born outside the country. How many of these brilliant minds would have chosen the United States if they risked exile for crossing the speech red lines of the moment?

As a European who owes my freedom in life thus far to the America that fought Nazism and defeated communism, I feel a responsibility to speak out when this country strays from its founding ideals. I came to America for its freedom, not just to enjoy it, but to defend iteven if that puts me at risk.

Update, April 24, 2025: This article has been updated to reflect a more recent count of the number of students who have lost their visas.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
ERLANGER, KY.  President Donald Trump's tariffs are hurting Kentucky businesses, employees, and consumers. That's according to Sen. Mitch McConnell, the state's longest-serving senator and former top Republican in the U.S. Senate.

He spoke alongside Northern Kentucky business owners April 24 during an afternoon press conference at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, where he said his goal is to educate voters about the consequences of Trump's tariffs.

"We're sitting here today in a state that is extremely dependent upon the international trade, whether it be price coming in or trade going out," he said.

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In Kentucky, 16.3% of the state's gross domestic product is reliant on exports, the third largest percentage in the country, according to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors. And imports into the state are equal to 32.3% of the state's GDP, the highest percentage in the nation.

Trump's implementation of tariffs has been widely criticized by world leaders and a dozen states announced April 23 that they're suing the president for the impact tariffs have had on economies and residents.

'Small business should not be collateral damage'

Alongside McConnell, business owners talked about how the uncertainty and sudden implementation of tariffs are crushing small or mid-sized businesses.

Richard Field is president of Post Glover Resistors in Erlanger, Kentucky. The company manufactures equipment for infrastructure and vehicles.

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Some of the orders placed with his company aren't due for two years so the company offers fixed-firm prices. Tariffs have made that unmanageable.

For instance, one product purchased from China used to cost the company $200. Now it's $400. In any other country, the product is $600. It's not made at all in the United States.

"I'm selling for $200 whether I like it or not," he said, which means he's investing less in expansion efforts.

Rick Ross, president and CEO of Galerie Candy in Hebron, Kentucky, said he agrees that American business needs to undergo changes. But that shouldn't come at the expense of what he calls the backbone of America.

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"Small business should not be collateral damage to the bigger agenda," he said. "The closures are going to happen, layoffs are going to happen, and that's just not right. We've got to find a better solution."

McConnell suggested that Congress should have the ability to have at least some say-so when it comes to the president's tariff levies.

He said, "It's not an anti-Trump thing, in my opinion, but a structural thing. Should the president have 100% of the authority in this particular area?"

He added that elected officials want to see Trump's administration be successful, but added that he doesn't think the president is getting alternate viewpoints about the tariffs from his administration.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Trump's tariff's are hurting Kentucky business, Sen. McConnell says
With measles outbreaks across the country, misinformation about the vaccine is spreading.

A new poll that came out Wednesday shows people are seeing or hearing false posts.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Most Americans have heard false claims about the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, known as MMR.

KFF conducted a survey earlier this month.

It found that 63% of adults are aware of the myth, theres a link between the vaccine and autism.

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One in three people say theyve heard the myth that MMR is more dangerous than the illness itself. Thats 15% higher than last year.

Another 20% have heard the myth that Vitamin A can prevent measles.

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More than half of those surveyed expressed uncertainty about whether to believe the false claims.

Infectious disease experts recommend MMR to protect our families and communities.

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(The) measles vaccine is very safe. Its very effective, but it is the key tool and the reason that we have basically eradicated measles in the United States,  Dr. Alexandra Yonts said.

The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) numbers, published last week, show at least two unvaccinated children have died of measles this year. There have been at least 800 confirmed cases across 25 states.

For perspective, there were 294 total cases last year and 59 cases in 2023.

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MMR vaccines provide lifelong immunity.

However, if youre immunocompromised or have concerns, the experts Channel 2 Action News spoke with say you can always check with your doctor about whats right for you.
Ron DeSantis is still the governor of Florida for well over a year, but the question of who will replace him in the purple-turned-red state is already one of the biggest political questions for the Republican Party in 2025.

Now, a scandal involving the states Medicaid payments could upend the political career of one GOP rising star before she even announces her campaign.

Casey DeSantis, Floridas first lady and a former local newscaster, has long been one of the names floated as a possible successor to her husband. The speculation about her own political ambitions grew after she won a 2023 Stateswoman of the Year award from the Sarasota County Republican Party, an award that other ladder-climbing politicians have sought in the past  including the current governor.

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She has denied any plans to seek political office but remains the obvious favorite among her husbands most vocal supporters in the state.

On X, the first ladys supporters (many of whom supported her husband in the 2024 primary) frequently trash not only Republicans in the Florida legislature who defy the governor, but the Trump administration, too. Wounds from last years Republican presidential primary remain raw, and some fans of the third-place contender in his home state have no issue with picking apart the chaos and dysfunction reported in the second Trump presidency.

This war is not one-sided, however, and the president struck a blow early this year.

In February, Trump backed Congressman Byron Donalds, floated occasionally as a contender for House leadership and a favorite of MAGA Republicans. The Naples-based representative began his campaign for governor with Trumps endorsement this winter  and has scared off most would-be challenges with the presidents support. Casey DeSantiss supporters have naturally launched an all-out social media assault.

Florida Republican Representative Byron Donalds announced his campaign for governor in February. ((AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson))

Now, a growing scandal over a court settlement involving state Medicaid funds could force Casey DeSantis would-be voters to back Donalds by tanking her run before it even begins.

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Hope Florida, a nonprofit organization run by the first lady, was the recipient of $10 million resulting from that settlement, finalized last fall. The settlement, $67m in total, was hammered out after state officials accused the Centene Corporation of overcharging the state for prescription drugs covered by Medicaid.

Though Hope Florida is a group that coordinates welfare organizations and does not provide healthcare services, the settlement agreement directed Centene to make the donation in 2024  which it did, to the Hope Florida Foundation. The Foundation, a separate organization, promotes the work of Casey DeSantiss organization while also supporting the states Department of Children and Families.

But that money never made it back to helping taxpayers in any form. Instead, it was funneled by the Hope Florida Foundation to two political action committees (PACs), which then, according to Alex Andrade, a state Republican lawmaker investigating the money, donated the exact same sum to a third PAC controlled by Ron DeSantis former chief of staff James Uthmeier. That final PAC would go on to battle a ballot initiative aimed at legalizing marijuana in the state last fall.

The convoluted chain of money transfers were probably illegal, according to state Representative Alex Andrade, a Republican whose district includes Escambia and Santa Rosa. He grilled top officials from the agency overseeing the states Medicaid funding, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), at a hearing in the legislature earlier in April.

Governor Ron DeSantis with his wife Casey DeSantis at a campaign event (AP)

Earlier this month the governor repeated a denial that any wrongdoing had occurred, while laying blame for question-raising story on Democrats, the media, and especially opponents of his wifes potential bid in the upcoming primary. A conservative culture warrior, DeSantis has leaned heavily on GOP mistrust of established media outlets in his state, like the Miami Herald, as he seeks to paint the numerous Republicans raising concerns about the foundation as liberal operatives.

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Some people feel threatened by the first lady. Lets just be clear about that, said the governor in early April at a press conference in Sweetwater. [I]f youre looking at 2026 and youve got some horse [in the race], you dont want her anywhere near that.

Ron DeSantis, the term-limited governor of Florida, attends an executive order signing ceremony at the White House in March. (REUTERS)

The governor also held to the defense that the $10 million allocated in the settlement was not tied to Medicaid prescription drug overcharging. DeSantis called it a cherry on top, while the AHCAs counsel would go on in his own letter to claim the $10 million covered other damages and was meant to incentivize a settlement.

That explanation took a serious blow on Tuesday. Local media outlets in Florida including the Herald and the Tampa Bay Times reported on a three-year-old draft of the settlement agreement identifying the full $67 million total as over-billed Medicaid charges.

Andrade, in an interview with The Hill on Tuesday, blasted the first lady as incompetent with Hope Floridas finances.

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The fact that AHCA knew they were steering $10 million in Medicaid funds to this foundation is a serious issue, Republican state Representative Alex Andrade told The Hill.

He added of Uthmeier, now the states attorney general (after a DeSantis appointment): Its just galling. Its shocking to me that he was that sloppy and that brazen to do what he did with that money.

There are plenty of questions remaining as the legislatures investigation into Hope Florida continues, including how much knowledge Casey DeSantis had of Hope Florida Foundations dealings  given that she was not listed as an officer on the nonprofit, as first flagged by the investigation.

But one thing is certain: she and her husband are trading insults with the same Republicans shell need to win over if she does enter the governors race next year. That includes Florida state House Speaker Daniel Perez, who endorsed DeSantis for president in 2024 but now says that the settlement agreement involving his wifes charity as one that could be illegal.

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The governor learned the consequences of not making sufficient allies in his home state last year.

The 2024 primary was a Trump landslide made no harder by the fact that many Floridian members of Congress endorsed the former-and-current president over DeSantis. Should the governors mud-slinging continue, Florida could be in for an encore.
The Medical College of Wisconsin has lost about $5 million in research grants, frozen some hiring and halted development of a new physician assistant program, amid funding uncertainty driven by Trump administration policies, the college's president said.

The details, outlined in an April 23 panel discussion, shed more light on how cuts at the National Institutes of Health, a federal agency that awards billions of dollars annually to universities, are affecting the Medical College, the second-largest research institution in Wisconsin.

John Raymond Sr., the Medical College's president and chief executive, also condemned the cuts, warning that if continued, they would have a "profound" impact on lifesaving research at the Medical College and beyond.

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"We will all need to shrink our research enterprises," Raymond said at the event, hosted by Wisconsin Health News. "It's not good for the country to choke off discovery science."

John R. Raymond, Sr.

The Medical College receives over $100 million a year in research funding from the NIH, which supports student researchers, faculty who lead research labs and the rest of the college's research enterprise.

The Trump administration has canceled eight research grants to the Medical College, Raymond said, among hundreds of NIH grants canceled nationwide and related to transgender issues, COVID-19 or diversity, equity and inclusion  issues that the Trump administration sees unfavorably or as discriminatory.

But the bigger impact, Raymond said, has been from delays at the NIH that have slowed the issuing of new research grants or thrown existing ones into limbo.

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"We're tightening our belt across the board," Raymond said at the panel discussion.

Medical College has a 'soft' hiring freeze for some positions, students

In response to funding uncertainties, the Medical College has implemented a "soft hiring freeze" on non-clinical faculty and staff and has capped the number of PhD students admitted, Raymond said.

"We had to do it on very short notice, because we're trying to make a commitment to people who are here now," he said of the cap.

The Medical College is still hiring clinical faculty, he said, but "we put a pretty hard pause on everyone else."

Also, the Medical College has ended plans to launch a new master's program to train physician assistants, also known as physician associates.

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The Medical College had been developing the program, which Raymond said was slated to open in 2027.

The cuts to NIH funding have prompted a slew of lawsuits against the Trump administration.

In one of the lawsuits, a judge blocked a plan to cut all new and existing NIH grants to a 15% indirect cost rate, down from the 50% or more most institutions receive to fund the administrative overhead associated with research. The Trump administration has appealed the decision.

Another lawsuit, filed in April, is challenging the funding delays, cancellations and cuts at the NIH, where the process for issuing grants to universities has been disrupted by layoffs, meeting cancellations and delays in scheduling meetings to review grant applications.

'A punch to the stomach:' HIV researcher at MCW loses grant

One of the Medical College's eight canceled grants was supporting a PhD student who has dedicated the last decade to studying HIV prevention.

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Andrew O'Neil was awarded the NIH grant last year to study ways to increase use of an HIV prevention medication among vulnerable populations in rural states hard-hit by the HIV epidemic.

He spent the last year laying the groundwork for the project, including months building relationships with community organizers in those states who work with people infected with HIV or at risk of contracting the lifelong disease.

Then, on March 18, he was notified the grant  supporting his dissertation and his salary  was canceled.

In the notice canceling the grant, the NIH said the project was "antithetical to the scientific inquiry," that it provided "low returns on investment" and ultimately did "not enhance health, lengthen life or reduce illness."

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"Worse, so called diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) studies are often used to support unlawful discrimination," it went on.

The same or similar language has been used in cancellations of grants nationwide.

"It was a punch to the stomach," O'Neil said in an interview in March.

Forced to abandon the research project he had already sunk months and years into, with no results to show for it, he had to adjust his dissertation and instead is using already available data collected by others.

The tumult has led O'Neil to rethink his future plans and question his research focus.

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"I was wanting to stay (in Wisconsin) but now wherever I can get a job is where I'll be," he said last month. "That might mean moving out of state or looking somewhere different or potentially not being in academia."

Raymond worries about losing the next generation of scientists, he said, if the research funding isn't there to support them.

"We're going to lose our momentum," he said. "We're going to lose our edge, and we're going to lose the best and brightest."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MCW has frozen some hires, lost $5 million in grants under Trump cuts
TOKYO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher on Thursday with the benchmark Nikkei index closing at a three-week high above 35,000, as export-oriented auto and electronics shares climbed on a weaker yen.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 170.52 points, or 0.49 percent, from Wednesday at 35,039.15, its highest closing level since April 2.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 8.24 points, or 0.32 percent, higher at 2,592.56.

On the stock market, export-linked auto and electronics shares were widely sought on a weaker yen, while heavyweight technology issues tracked advances by their U.S. counterparts overnight.

Meanwhile, investors locked in gains after the Nikkei index topped the 35,000 threshold and sat on the sidelines ahead of talks between Japanese and U.S. finance ministers in Washington on Thursday, analysts said. 
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Memphis woman has been sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for healthcare fraud and making false statements in connection with loan applications for the COVID-19 Relief Program.

Memphis daycare owner accused of PPP loan, insurance fraud

A federal judge also ordered Nakita Cannady, 49, to pay more than $540,000.00 in restitution to the victims, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced Tuesday.

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According to the original federal indictment in the healthcare fraud case, Cannady owned and operated What About Us In-Home Healthcare, a home healthcare services business that purported to provide custodial healthcare services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to mostly elderly patients.

Memphis correctional officer sentenced to prison for bribery

From May 29, 2017, through December 23, 2019, Cannady fraudulently billed Cigna Insurance for 24 hours a day of home healthcare, despite knowing that the patients had actually received only eight or 12 hours a day of home healthcare.

Cannady was ordered to make restitution to Cigna Insurance in the amount of $193,508.10.

What About Us Childcare Center What About Us Childcare Center. WREG photo

From June 17, 2020 through April 15, 2021, Cannady also submitted six fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications for four purported businesses she controlled, specifically: What About Us Childcare, What About Us Foundation, What About Us Adult Daycare, and What About Us In-Home Healthcare.

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Spray all of yall, Man threatens to shoot staff and customers at Midtown restaurant: MPD

Cannadys loan applications contained false information regarding the dates of operation, gross revenues, costs of goods sold, number of employees, and payroll amounts related to the businesses.

Cannady was ordered to make restitution to the Small Business Administration in the amount of $346,882.13.

Those who exploit health care programs for personal gain will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Nashville Field Office. Health care fraud is a priority for the FBI, and we will continue to work with our partners to investigate those who prioritize greed over the well-being of others.

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Cannadys federal sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Memphis Federal Correctional Institution officer was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for bribery on Wednesday, says the United States Attorneys Office, Western District of Tennessee.

According to the United States Attorneys Office, Western District of Tennessee, in December 2022, Bryan Miller, 32, smuggled contraband into FCI Memphis while employed as a correctional officer for that facility.

Reports say that after four months, Miller had received $19,500 as payment for his unlawful activities.

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Spray all of yall, Man threatens to shoot staff and customers at Midtown restaurant: MPD

The attorneys office says that in January 2024, Miller pled guilty to a one-count information alleging that, as a public official, he accepted money in exchange for smuggling contraband items, including narcotics, into FCI Memphis.

On April 10, Miller was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day of federal imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The sheriff of Menard County has identified the individual who was shot after he allegedly drew a high-powered rifle following a chase that occurred on April 23.

Menard County Sheriff Burl Hagler told Concho Valley Homepage that the man has been identified as 49-year-old Mark Minyard.

According to the Menard County Sheriffs Office, the agency received a call at approximately 2:55 p.m. on April 23 regarding a domestic disturbance. The caller advised law enforcement that a local man beat up his wife and left in a vehicle at a high rate of speed headed South on U.S. Highway 83 through Menard.

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RELATED: Man shot on a high-speed chase

The office stated that the Sheriff and Deputies along with Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden were in pursuit when the vehicle turned around headed back to town turning onto U.S. Highway 190 West. The vehicle eventually left the roadway and came to a stop on the north side of the highway about five miles West of Menard.

The agency reported that the suspect pulled a high-powered rifle, which led to shots being fired at him. The man was struck by gunfire and was later transported to Shannon Medical Center for treatment.

Hagler shared that Minyard has since been transferred from Shannon Medical Center to a hospital in San Antonio for further treatment.

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The office said that no officers were injured during the incident and that Texas Department of Public Safety Rangers are conducting an investigation. Hagler stated that Minyard would be charged out of Menard County for evading arrest and family violence.

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Mercyhurst University has named a new executive director of the Thomas J. Ridge Department of Intelligence Studies program.

Veteran Intelligence Leader Ted Stanich is taking the reins of Mercyhursts nationally recognized program.

PA sees increase in cyber crimes  Heres how you can avoid getting scammed

Illustrious background includes military service, law enforcement, national security, and emergency response. Intelligence Leader Ted Stanich can now add academia to that list.

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Mercyhurst University has named Stanich the new executive director of the nationally recognized Thomas J. Ridge Department of Intelligence Studies program.

Why Mercyhurst? Mercyhurst really is a gem of a program. It was the first and its the one thats known throughout the intelligence community, Stanish said

Stanich said he was also drawn to the interdisciplinary strengths of this liberal arts university.

New signage seen around Liberty Park, Highmark Amphitheater takes new name

The intel community right now, the development of the skills and the breadth of threats are contingent to emphasize that we need people with additional skills that can pivot to a new area, he continued.

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The programs namesake, Erie native and former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, was present for the announcement. Ridge, who served as the nations first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, said both the public and private sectors need digital intelligence professionals.

I think the digital world offers opportunities and challenges to the proportion of which we are not aware, Ridge said.

The universitys VP of strategic initiatives thinks Stanich can prepare students for this critical work.

New Waldameer ride Time Twister in process of being built

Hes worked in all different areas from cyber threat to crime investigation. I think he fits for what were looking to do in the program, John Olszowka, VP of strategic initiatives at Mercyhurst University, went on to say.

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Stanich will begin his new position at Mercyhurst in August.

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NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez announced on Wednesday that he is joining 10 other states attorneys general in a lawsuit to block the Trump Administrations tariffs. The lawsuit argues that Congress alone has the authority to implement tariffs and that emergency powers used by Trump to implement tariffs were used incorrectly.

Oregon, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, and Vermont all joined in the lawsuit.

In a statement on Wednesday, AG Torrez said:

The American people will pay more at the checkout line because of these unlawful tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. We were promised that prices would go downbut instead, these tariffs are driving up the cost of everyday goods for families across the country. Without a legitimate state of emergency, the President does not have the authority to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs that hurt working Americans. Our communities should not have to shoulder the burden of bad policy decisions, and I will see this lawsuit through to ensure the American people are protected from unnecessary and unjustified financial strain.

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Apr. 23New Mexico and 11 other states filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the Trump administration's authority to impose tariffs and arguing that the "ever-changing" policies have damaged the U.S. economy.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, contends that the U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to collect tariffs.

President Donald Trump's tariffs, issued by executive orders, have "upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the American economy," the suit alleges.

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The suit adds to a growing list of legal actions New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez has filed or joined in challenging Trump administration policies.

"These edicts reflect a national trade policy that now hinges on the President's whims rather than the sound exercise of his lawful authority," the suit contends.

The new lawsuit asks a three-judge panel to find that the tariffs are unlawful and block their implementation.

A message sent by The Associated Press to the Justice Department for comment was not immediately returned.

Torrez said in a statement Wednesday that the tariffs will increase prices nationwide.

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"We were promised that prices would go down  but instead, these tariffs are driving up the cost of everyday goods for families across the country," Torrez said. "Without a legitimate state of emergency, the President does not have the authority to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs that hurt working Americans."

The new lawsuit challenges Trump's ability to impose tariffs based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The 1977 act gives the president authority to regulate some foreign transactions in response to an "extraordinary threat" from abroad.

States other than New Mexico listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit were Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New York and Vermont.

Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, sued the Trump administration in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California over the tariff policy, saying his state could lose billions of dollars in revenue as the largest importer in the country.

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White House spokesperson Kush Desai responded to Newsom's lawsuit, saying the Trump administration "remains committed to addressing this national emergency that's decimating America's industries and leaving our workers behind with every tool at our disposal, from tariffs to negotiations."

New Mexico has now joined at least four lawsuits to block policy actions by the Trump administration.

Those suits have sought to block: an executive order limiting birthright citizenship for all U.S.-born children; Trump's freeze on federal grants and loans pending a review of the program; and actions by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  A New Mexico State Police Officer is taking home a national award after being seen on camera saving an infants life. Officer Ismael Perez was announced as a winner in the 2025 Axon RISE Awards.

Story continues below

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The honor comes after Officer Perez responded to an emergency call on July 24, 2023. Officer Perez responded to an emergency call regarding a mother in distress who had given birth on the way to the hospital. After arriving at the hospital, Officer Perez went up to a vehicle and saw the baby was unresponsive and still attached to the umbilical cord. Officer Perez provided medical aid until the babys cries could be heard, NMSP said. Perez is just one of four officers across the nation who received the award.

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is named as a defendant in a complaint filed in federal court by a New Mexico Tech student challenging her agency's decision to terminate his student status. (Photo by Manuel Balce Ceneta-Pool/Getty Images)

A graduate student from the Republic of Ghana studying in central New Mexico says the U.S. governments termination of his student status violates federal law and his constitutional right to due process.

The doctoral student and research assistant, identified only as K.O.D. in court records, moved to Socorro in August 2023, where he has been studying petrochemical engineering at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, according to court records. He received his bachelors degree at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in his home country and his masters at the Politencnico di Torino in Italy, his attorneys wrote.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on April 9 abruptly terminated the students status in the Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) system, court records state. This means he faces potential immigration detention and deportation, his attorneys wrote.

Losing my F-1 status puts my education, research, and career trajectory at risk, and I fear being forced to leave the country before I can complete my Ph.D. program, the student wrote in a sworn statement included in court records. This sudden disruption has made me feel vulnerable and anxious, not only about my immediate situation but also about the stability and direction of my life in the years to come.

The student is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and Shayne Huffman, an Albuquerque-based civil rights attorney, who on Wednesday filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico.

Both filings name Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons as defendants.

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The motion for a temporary restraining order asks the court to block Noem and Lyons from terminating the students F-1 student status under the Student and Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) system.

At the most elemental level, the United States Constitution requires notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard, his attorneys wrote. No such process was provided here with respect to the termination of student status.

Huffman told Source NM the government hasnt put forward any evidence to justify terminating his clients student status.

We believe that there can be no more egregious violation of someones due process than what has happened to our client, and for the other students that this has happened to as well, Huffman said.

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As of Thursday, the U.S. government has changed the legal status of more than 1,800 international students at more than 280 colleges and universities, including at least 10 in New Mexico, according to Inside Higher Ed.

DHS didnt notify the New Mexico Tech student or his school, his attorneys wrote. He learned about the agencys action against him when the schools international programs coordinator informed him that they had discovered his student status had been terminated.

The reason given on the record of termination was OTHER  Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked, according to a copy included in the restraining order motion.

However, the student has no criminal record, without even minor infractions such as a traffic or parking violation, has shown no violence in the U.S. or elsewhere and hasnt participated in any protest either in-person or online, his attorneys wrote. Huffman said he has never faced any disciplinary action from the school whatsoever.

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Its entirely unclear to us as to why he was targeted, Huffman said.

Source NM left a voicemail for a New Mexico Tech spokesperson, and we will update this story as necessary.

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DHS has effectively disenrolled the student from his Ph.D. program and he can no longer work as a research assistant, which puts him in financial jeopardy because his financial aid, which is contingent on participation in the Ph.D. program, has been suspended, Huffman and ACLU-NM Senior Staff Attorney Becca Sheff wrote.

The status termination also prevents him from making progress in his doctoral program and obtaining his Ph.D., his attorneys wrote.

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Twelve days after the student learned about DHS action, the school gave him a notice of Graduate Contract Change or Cancellation, saying his graduate contract was being terminated due to immigration status currently revoked by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

His attorneys wrote he likely accrues unlawful presence in the U.S. each day, which threatens his chance of reinstating his F-1 student status in the future.

The student is not challenging the revocation of his F-1 visa but, rather, is challenging DHSs unlawful termination of his F-1 student status in the SEVIS system, his attorneys wrote. An F-1 student visa refers only to the document an immigrant student receives to enter the U.S., while F-1 student status refers to students formal immigration classification in the U.S. once they enter the country, they wrote.

The student lawfully obtained a visitor visa to attend a petroleum engineers conference in the U.S. in 2016 but customs officials didnt let him in for five years.

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Just as the 2016 denial did not prevent Plaintiff from lawfully obtaining an F-1 visa in 2023, it cannot now serve as a legitimate basis for terminating his current status, his attorneys wrote.

The students research is his passion and he has dedicated his entire life for the last two years to it, Huffman said, having authored or co-authored at least half a dozen publications and traveled the country to present at academic conferences.

Were a state thats so reliant on energy, and hes pushing forward the research in an area that directly impacts the state, Huffman said.

Huffman said there are other Ghanaian students at New Mexico Tech. The school in October 2023 entered into an agreement with the students former school in Ghana to strengthen their petroleum engineering programs.

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With all the students that this is happening to, international students ultimately are a net positive for this country, Huffman said. Theyre here to contribute in meaningful ways. Theyre here to push research forward in the sciences or any other field. Our country and our state are better off with these international students here making their contributions.

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SOCORRO, N.M. (KRQE)  A New Mexico Tech student from Ghana is suing the Department of Homeland Security and ICE after he said his visa was revoked. According to the lawsuit, the student, identified in court filings as KOD, learned about the revocation from university officials two weeks ago. The visa was not set to expire until 2028.

Judge allows New Mexicos lawsuit against Snapchat to move forward

The lawsuit says the student, who was pursuing a doctorate in petroleum engineering, had never been arrested or charged with a crime, nor had he participated in any protests. The students attorney said he was denied due process. If the government is going to take any action against you or revoke something like your F-1 student status, they have to give you some sort of process, they have to notify yo,u and tell you the reasons why they are doing that. That didnt happen in this case, said Attorney Shayne Huffman.

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Several other international students at the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University have also had their visas revoked. The American Civil Liberties Union said more lawsuits may be filed.

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Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg thinks its about time we got our act together on the climate fight. During a speech at the TIME Earth Awards in Manhattan on April 23, the U.N. Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies mentioned some recent climate disastersfrom the Los Angeles fires to record breaking storms in the Caribbean and the Southeastand called the widespread destruction results of us not paying attention.

This is the mistakes weve made for many, many years, coming back to haunt us. And unless we get our act together, its going to get a lot worse, he said. We are part of the environment. Without the environment, we are nothing.

He noted thatthough the Trump Administration has rolled back many major environmental rules and policies since taking officeit doesnt mean the fight is over. Most of the past two decades, leadership on climate change in the U.S. hasnt come from Washington, he said. It has come from the bottom up, from cities and states, activists and grassroots groups, businesses and investors and philanthropists.

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Weve got to just roll up our sleeves, team up together, and get to work here, he said. Its a call to action he does not take lightly: The former mayor has helped close more than 300 coal-fired power plants in the U.S. and reduced New York Citys emissions by nearly 20%. And, after President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Agreement, his foundation Bloomberg Philanthropies stepped up along with other funders to cover the gap.

Bloomberg said the climate fight is not a partisan one. We have a responsibility to leave a better world for our children and grandchildren. And thats not a Democrat or Republican idea. Its not even an American idea, he said. Its a value that stretches across political ideologies and national boundaries. And in this time when some people seem more divided than ever, it ought to be something that really unites us.

TIME Earth Awards was presented by Official Timepiece Rolex and Galvanize Climate Solutions.

Write to Simmone Shah at simmone.shah@time.com.
Founder of 'Crowned with Purpose Ministries' Iris Delgado, PhD, Guides Believers on How to Win the Spiritual Battle for Their Emotions

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Charisma Media

April 24, 2025

LAKE MARY, April 24, 2025 /Standard Newswire/  Iris Delgado, PhD, urges us to regain control over our emotions from the hands of the enemy.

In her book, Satan, You Cant Rule My Emotions, Iris Delgado, PhD, warns that the enemy is actively attempting to rob us of our joy, sanity, and peace. Even with the enemy waging spiritual warfare on us, there is hope (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641480-5)!

Sometimes, youve been in that condition so long, you cant find your way out, Dr. Delgado said. But the Lord says, I want to restore you. I want to heal your mind and your emotions. I want to set you free from distress, and Ill give you peace and comfort.

Satan, You Cant Rule My Emotions teaches that you no longer have to live in mental, spiritual, or emotional bondage. Throughout the book, you will not only identify the source of your mental attacks, but you will also obtain the necessary tools to break free. Wear your spiritual armor proudly and equip the greatest weapon God has ever given you: the Word of God.

When difficult moments come remember that: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

Negative emotions and thoughts are not from God; they are from the devilthe enemy of our souls. Even when the world is against us, God was and is and forever will be for us. By exposing the lies of the enemy, you will have the ability to break free from generational strongholds and curses as well as experience peace and emotional healing every day.

Iris Delgado, PhD, is the founder of Crowned with Purpose Ministries and a dynamic speaker with a doctoral degree in Christian counseling from Vision International University. Iris has traveled the globe with her husband, John Delgado, for over fifty years, teaching and ministering to thousands of men and women. She is the author of Destroy the Works of the Enemy, as well as a series of books that include Satan, You Cant Have My Children; Satan, You Cant Have My Marriage; Satan, You Cant Have My Promises; Satan, You Cant Have My Miracle; and Powerful Prayers to Protect the Heart of Your Child. The Delgados live in Dallas, have been married for over fifty years, and have two daughters and two grandsons.

Keep in touch with Delgado

Facebook: @CrownedWithPurpose

X (formerly Twitter): @irisdelgado

Title: Satan, You Cant Rule My Emotions: The Spiritual Warfare Guide for Inner Healing and Peace of Mind | Release Date: May 6, 2025 | Retail: $16.99 | ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-480-5 | E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63641-481-2 | Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 5 x 7 x 0.40 | Page Count: 160 | Hometown: Dallas, TX | BISAC Category: RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Warfare, RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Growth, & HEALTH & FITNESS / Mental Health

To interview Delgado or for a review copy, please contact media@charismamedia.com.

SOURCE Charisma Media
UNITED NATIONS, April 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday that China's newly announced commitment to cutting emissions goals is "extremely important" for global climate action.

Guterres made the remarks after the virtual summit, the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition, aimed at accelerating global climate ambition ahead of COP30, which will be held in Belem, Brazil, later this year.

The UN chief and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gathered 17 leaders of large economies and small islands to discuss stronger commitments for their 2035 emission goals.

"It was among the most diverse meetings of heads of state focused exclusively on climate in some time. Yet I heard a unifying message" toward action, Guterres said during a press conference after the online meeting.

He said many leaders pledged to deliver ambitious new climate plans, formally known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), as soon as possible, in what he called a "strong message of hope."

When asked about any progress made in the meeting, Guterres said that China has not only announced that it would produce its NDCs, but that those NDCs would cover all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases.

"It's the first time that China clarifies this point, and this is extremely important for climate action," he added.

The meeting was part of effort to sustain political momentum during a pivotal year for combating climate change, according to a senior UN official. This year is the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the upcoming deadline for countries to submit new climate plans.

Noting that the world faces massive headwinds and a multitude of crises in combating climate change and energy transition, the UN chief said, "but we cannot allow climate commitments to be blown off course."

He urged global leaders to step up efforts to submit the strongest possible national climate plans well ahead of COP30, and scale-up support for developing countries, which face the most severe impacts of climate change despite contributing the least to global emissions.

Guterres also announced a high-level UN event to be held in September, just weeks ahead of COP30, to assess progress on climate plans and finance.

"Renewables are the economic opportunity of the century. Dissenters and fossil fuel interests may try to stand in the way. As we heard today, the world is moving forward. Full-speed ahead. No group or government can stop the clean energy revolution," he stressed. 
Actress Lindsay Lohans dad, Michael Lohan, has been sentenced to nine months behind bars for violating his probation earlier this year, in connection with allegedly assaulting estranged wife Kate Major.

A judge sentenced the 64-year-old Lohan, whose domestic disputes with Majors date back to at least 2011, on Wednesday in Florida, TMZ reports. Lohan will receive 38 days credit for time served.

Lohan was arrested last month in Palm Beach County for violating probation in connection with a February arrest in Texas when he was charged with Continuous Violence Against the Family for allegedly assaulting 42-year-old Major.

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The Harris County Sheriffs Office told People that Major reported at the time that Lohan flipped her out of a chair at her home in February and then appeared in the parking lot of a building where she had a medical appointment. Major reportedly said she was concerned he was following her.

Insiders with direct knowledge told TMZ this week that Lohan pleaded guilty to violating probation and that his wife appeared in court via Zoom.

In 2022, Lohan was sentenced to four years of probation in Florida after he pleaded guilty to five counts of patient brokering, or scoring illegal kickbacks for the patients he referred to a rehab center.

Lohan was arrested in 2011 for battery on Major, his then-fiancee, at their Tampa home. The pair, who share two young sons, wed in 2014, with Major filing for divorce four years later and requesting sole custody.

________
Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Twp., right, speaks at a moderated discussion hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce in Lansing, Mich., on April 23, 2025. The discussion was moderated by Andrea Bitely. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) is defending Gov. Gretchen Whitmers meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

The speaker told the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday that Michigan is better poised to work with Trump than other states with Democratic governors as a result of Whitmers approach to his second term.

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The governor got a lot of criticism for the way she handled some things, but I think we should applaud the fact that she was there and she was engaging and helping us build a bridge with President Trump, Hall said.

Whitmer was photographed during the meeting holding up folders to cover her face.

But Hall said her overall approach to working with Trump is one of the smartest things she has done.

Whitmer is embracing Trump, shes complimenting Trump, shes investing time in building a bridge with Trump, Hall said. And I think as a result of that, our state is going to benefit, because were going to be in a position we were not in in the first Trump administration, where Whitmer can be an asset to help us get things done with President Trump.

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Whitmer has defended her Oval Office visit, saying she stayed in the room because I needed to make the case for Michigan, and thats my job.

Whitmer wasnt the only Democrat praised by Hall; he also said he has good working relationships with Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is currently running for governor as an independent.

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But when he was asked about his approach to working in a bipartisan manner with those leaders, Hall went on a three minute tangent attacking Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), state Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel.

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All Sarah Anthony does is try to wake up and say what can I do for Lansing? Hall said. And I know you guys all like her because of that, but me, Im the opposite. The problem is, when you get outside of here, theres not a lot of common sense in Lansing.

Hall said that Senate Democrats have a negative governing philosophy.

We decided that we were going to actually try to have a positive vision, Hall said. Rather than just complain about the other side, like Winnie Brinks and Sarah Anthony and the Democrats in the Senate, we said what if we compared that with actually doing positive governing.

Hall said one priority he shares with Schor is getting state employees back into the office in Lansing.

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He committed to using the budget to get state employees back to Lansing.

Were going to do some things to get that going, Hall said. I think were going to push pretty hard on that to get the state workers back to work in person.

Hall pointed to California Gov. Gavin Newsom as an example of states requiring government employees to return to working in-person five years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lisa Hile of the Rural Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party speaks to the Michigan state House Government Operations Committee on April 24, 2025 to testify against legislation to ban sanctuary cities and limit social services to those of legal citizen status. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

Republican lawmakers in Michigan are advancing legislation to ban sanctuary cities and counties that shield noncitizen residents from federal immigration enforcement, as well as bills barring those residents from receiving social welfare services.

As bill sponsors in the Michigan House Government Operations Committee argued Thursday that sanctuary statuses threaten public safety and social welfare and housing funds should go towards only legal citizens, immigration stakeholders argued the proposals are dehumanizing and destructive.

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All of the bills presented Thursday cleared the Republican-controlled committee without support from the two Democratic members, though the bills would not likely gain enough support in the Democratic-led state Senate to make it to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, also a Democrat, to be signed into law.

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Bills the committee heard testimony for, House Bills 4338 and 4339, would ban local governments and counties from creating or enforcing sanctuary city or county policies, ordinances or laws. Municipalities with existing sanctuary city policies would have 60 days after the bill goes into effect to remove the policy.

Additionally, Rep. James DeSana (R-Carleton) is sponsoring House Bill 4342 to penalize any municipality that doesnt cut its sanctuary policies by withholding state revenue sharing dollars, which fund local police and fire departments, as well as road repairs and sewage systems.

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My goal in speaking here today is to stress how reckless sanctuary policies are and how they shield criminals and put them before Michigan residents who want to raise their families in safe communities, DeSana said. Communities that choose to ignore our federal immigration laws are putting lives at risk and its time we hold them accountable.

Official sanctuary cities are nearly non-existent in Michigan, with some cities like Lansing operating as unofficial sanctuary municipalities, instructing law enforcement not to inquire about a persons immigration status unless necessary. Some municipalities like Detroit and Bay City have adopted welcoming statuses to welcome individuals of all immigration statuses.

Amongst the organizations that wrote in their opposition to the bills was the Michigan Sheriffs Association.

With the strains that are already on public safety agencies, Yvonne Navarrete, policy director for We the People Michigan, said the last thing they should be prioritizing is dedicating any time or resources to complying or helping federal immigration officials. And with individuals already being detained and deported without due process under President Donald Trumps administration, further opening the door to federal agents will only further weaken the systems of justice in the U.S., Navarrette said.

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Im begging for competenceYou cant even define what a sanctuary policy is, Navarrete said. All Im asking is that if you are so bold enough to take my public tax dollars and be a policy maker, at least be competent and write coherent policies that are efficient, that dont waste our public tax dollars and actually do the thing you want them to do.

Other bills the committee considered were House Bills 4340 and 4341, which would amend Michigans Social Welfare Act and State Housing Development Authority Act to prohibit non U.S. citizens from receiving services or grants provided under those acts.

Downriver Reps. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile) and Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown), who are sponsoring the bills, asserted that these policies would allow limited state services to go to lawful citizens who are struggling.

There is a lot of suffering in Michigan, Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) said, from food insecurity, homelessness and in general, barriers to family prosperity. However, the bills before the committee appear to leave the most vulnerable individuals in the state left out of life-saving services, Fitzgerald said, asking if noncitizens who are survivors of domestic violence or children who have experienced violence would still be allowed access.

Michigan state Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) asks a question about legislation to limit social services to those of legal citizen status in Michigan state House Government Operations Committee on April 24, 2025. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

They would absolutely be eligible for services if they are legal Americans, if they came here legally, Thompson said, offering her concern for the people in her district that cant find affordable housing amidst Michigans housing crisis.

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It is important that we prioritize those who are here legally and are actually American citizens before we move on to anything else, Linting said. These bills are showing compassion to the veterans living on the streets who served our country, families that are struggling, and ultimately, it is a slap in the face to immigrants who have come here legally, waited in line and now they are struggling and need help, for us to put someone here illegally, to put them ahead of them.

Theres a presumption that Michigans noncitizen community doesnt contribute to the states economy, Lisa Hile of the Rural Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party said. But immigrants are the backbone of Michigans agricultural industry, a top industry in the state, Hile said, and beyond that, they are valued members of communities all over Michigan.

Theyre not taking anything from you, Hile said. Youre turning people on each other for absolutely no reason whatsoever. Im tired. Youre trying to get people to believe theres problems thats not here.

A 2024 study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimated that undocumented immigrants in Michigan contributed more than $290 million in state and local taxes in 2022.
The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at April 23, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Daily 3 numbers from April 23 drawing

Midday: 8-9-8

Evening: 9-7-1

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from April 23 drawing

Midday: 1-8-4-7

Evening: 0-7-2-5

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from April 23 drawing

08-14-15-23-24, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from April 23 drawing

3D-4D-6D-7D-9D

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 23 drawing

06-07-08-15-24

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04-16-23-24-28

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from April 23 drawing

01-04-08-13-16-18-23-33-38-44-47-48-53-55-61-64-67-68-70-72-75-78

Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Classic Lotto 47 numbers from April 23 drawing

13-25-30-35-38-46

Check Classic Lotto 47 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from April 23 drawing

12-14-19-20-21-35

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 23, 2025
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland woman is facing multiple felony charges after police say she intentionally hit a man with her car, assaulted him, and brought a controlled substance into the Midland County jail.

According to the Midland Police Department, officers were called to a reported disturbance around 6:24 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at a business on the 1300 block of S Midland Drive.

The 911 caller alleged that 44-year-old Jacqueline Monique Rios attempted to kill her brother by running him over. When officers arrived on the scene, they observed Rios and the alleged victim screaming at each other in what they described as a heated argument. The mans shirt had reportedly been torn off during the altercation.

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Despite officers attempts to separate the individuals and de-escalate the situation, Rios and the man continued yelling and provoking each other. As a result, officials placed Rios in the back of a patrol vehicle to prevent further escalation.

The male victim told police he had just been released from jail earlier that day, and Rios had picked him up in Lubbock. During the drive back, he said Rios admitted to using narcotics, which prompted him to exit the vehicle, saying it had upset him. He claimed Rios then drove off with his belongings, prompting him to call a relative to pick him up and return to Midland.

The victim said that they later decided to go to Rioss workplace and retrieve the belongings, but another confrontation reportedly occurred after Rios refused to give his belongings back.

The man told officers that when he stood in front of Rioss car to prevent her from leaving, she accelerated, hitting him and causing him to fall onto the hood. He said Rios drove northbound on Midland Drive with him clinging to the hood before circling through a convenience store parking lot and returning to her workplace, where he jumped off.

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Reports showed the victim sustained visible injuries, including bleeding scratches to his face and head, which he claimed Rios inflicted. At the scene, the man and his relative both accused Rios of physically attacking them during the incident.

An eyewitness later confirmed seeing Rios driving at a high speed with the man on the hood. The witness also provided cellphone video that allegedly shows Rios assaulting the man while he tries to escape her grasp. When asked who appeared to be the primary aggressor, the witness identified Rios without hesitation.

Police said Rios showed signs of stimulant use and admitted to using THC but denied other drug use. Officers noted that Rios appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine. After initial irritation and hesitation, officers said Rios eventually admitted to driving off while the man was on her hood and confessed to assaulting him after he took her phone.

She was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. However, additional charges were added after an officer discovered a THC vape pen in the back seat of the patrol car, an item not present prior to Rios being placed there. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Rios dropping and attempting to hide the vape pen beneath the cage in the car.

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Rios was then additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance and bringing a prohibited substance into a correctional facility.

She was transported to the Midland County Detention Center, where she remains in custody as of Wednesday afternoon and does not have a set bond.

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While the South grew the most in absolute numbers of rural population, the largest percentage growth was in the Interior Northwest, made up of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. A biker rides along the Big Hole River in southwestern Montana. (Photo courtesy of Bill Schneider/Daily Montanan)

Thousands of people moved to rural America last year, causing the fourth year of continual growth in rural areas, according to a Daily Yonder analysis of 2024 Census estimates.

Nonmetropolitan, or rural, counties grew by 134,000 residents between 2023 and 2024, reversing a decade-long trend of population decline that happened between 2010 and 2020.

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Since 2020, in-migration has been the primary force behind rural population gain. If it wasnt for people moving to rural America, nonmetro counties would have lost more than half a million residents over the past four years.

Thats because deaths have been outnumbering births in rural places, a phenomenon demographers refer to as natural decrease. (Natural increase, on the other hand, occurs when births outnumber deaths).

Between 2023 and 2024, rural America lost 104,600 residents to natural decrease. But because the number of people who moved to rural counties was greater than the number of people who left, rural America saw a net migration of 240,000 residents.

(Nonmetropolitan, or rural, counties in this analysis are the counties not on the list of metropolitan areas in the 2013 Office of Management and Budget database.)

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A similar trend occurred in smaller metropolitan areas. Metro counties with populations fewer than 250,000, referred to simply as small metros in the table below, lost just over 2,000 residents to natural decrease in 2024. These counties, however, also gained an additional 226,200 residents by people moving in.

In medium-sized suburbs of cities with populations between 250,000 and 1 million, natural decrease resulted in a drop of 10,300 residents. But in-migration added 203,600 residents to those counties, resulting in a net gain of 193,100 residents in 2024.

But in the nations largest counties, population growth happened through a combination of both natural increase and in-migration. In the major metros with populations exceeding 1 million residents, both natural change and positive net migration resulted in a growth of almost 1 million residents. The suburbs of those cities gained about 1.2 million, primarily through migration.

In medium-sized metros, or cities with populations between 250,000 and 1 million, increases in migration and births resulted in a net gain of more than half a million more residents.

The South as epicenter of rural growth

In 2024, America gained population across every type of geography, from the nations largest cities to the countrysides smallest towns. But that growth was more pronounced in some regions over others.

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About two-thirds of the national rural population growth happened in the South, for example. Home to nearly 18 million rural residents in 2024, the South is the largest region in the United States in terms of population size, so it follows that the most drastic fluctuations in raw numbers happened there.

Like the rest of rural America, population growth in the South was a direct result of people moving in. The South gained an additional 130,100 residents in 2024.

Simultaneously, these counties lost 41,800 residents through natural decrease. The resulting net change in population in the rural South was a growth of 88,200 people.

In terms of percent change, however, the largest growth last year happened in the Interior Northwest. Between 2023 and 2024, the Interior Northwest, which includes the states of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, grew by 12,000 residents, a 0.68% increase.

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Population growth in the Interior Northwest happened because of a mix of natural increase and migration. In-migration accounted for an additional 10,000 residents, while natural change resulted in about 2,000 new residents.

The Mid Atlantic region, which includes states like Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland, among others, was the only region that saw rural population declines in 2024. But that decrease was relatively minorabout 3,100 residents, a 0.07% drop since 2023.

This article is republished from The Daily Yonder under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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The U.S. military is aiming to develop new geothermal energy solutions for government applications in a project that has just been preapproved, according to Interesting Engineering.

Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace recently announced the preapproval of this initiative, titled Project GeoForce. The collaborating organizations involved in this project are Los Alamos National Laboratory, Anthem Energy Partners, New Era Advisors, Homestead Resources, Texas A&M University, and Power Planet.

Geothermal energy is the heat that comes from the Earth's core and can be used to generate electricity or provide direct heating. It's great for the environment because it produces low planet-warming pollution and relies on a renewable source of energy.

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However, geothermal energy is underutilized in the United States. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, it accounts for less than 1% of the country's energy production.

Organizations nationwide have been launching initiatives to harness geothermal energy, and Project GeoForce is the latest in this trend.

Los Alamos National Laboratory, which is leading this project, has a history of geothermal research dating back to the 1970s with the Fenton Hill Observatory.

The work done by Los Alamos in the 1970s and 1980s paved the way for advancements in geothermal technologies we use today.

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The lead for Project GeoForce at Los Alamos, Luke Frash, explained that this initiative will be great for energy sustainability, telling Interesting Engineering, "This opportunity allows us to help a wider audience secure access to affordable energy."

Kirk Phillips, the director of the Air Force Office of Energy Assurance, noted the importance of working with innovative American companies to develop geothermal energy technologies rather than being funded by the government.



"Using private capital instead of taxpayer dollars, we can build the next generation of energy solutions," he said, per Interesting Engineering.

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FABIUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Chobanis plans for a $1.2 billion campus in Rome not only promises the companys future, but is also expected to protect the future of family farming because of all the milk the factory will need.

Projections show Chobani will need the milk from one of every four cows New York has today.

We cant do this on our own, said Kevin Burns, Chobanis chief operating officer. Were going to need upwards of 10 to 12 million pounds of milk a day to support this facility. Were not in the dairy business. We dont own farms or cows. Were going to need our ecosystem partners.

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Partners, like Venture Farms. Nearly 80% of the Fabius farms milk from its herd of 1,300 cows goes to Chobanis plant in Chenango County.

Joel Rhielman, the owner of Venture Farms, said modern expansions of milk processing is what will help family farms like his make it to the next generation.

He cant say for certain yet, but suspects he could expand his farm and herd of cows if Chobanis needs come to fruition. Hes also working to make sure his farm stands above the competition.

If you have a lower carbon footprint than your neighbor or other parts of the country, Rhielman said, you cant tell me Chobani cant run with that, market that.

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I want to be a on the forefront of that, said Rhielman.

Once given the go-ahead, farms might have to move fast to meet Chobani demand. The company begins construction on the Rome facility this summer and hopes to be churning yogurt out by the end of 2026.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
Millcreek Township has received a $250,000 grant from Erie County and supervisors already have set plans.

This is an attempt to keep residents in a west Millcreek neighborhood dry after a long-standing flooding issue.

Millcreek Twp. supervisors give updates on flooding, Zem Zem projects

Erie County Executive Brenton Davis announced that $250,000 has been given to Millcreek to address stormwater issues in the township.

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These funds are American Rescue Plan dollars that the executive is spreading throughout the county to improve infrastructure.

This $250,000 unlocks nearly $2 million for this project, so its nearly a 10 to 1 return here, Davis said. This is how we can really leverage outside of our weight class strategically invest these funds and save taxpayers money because without this money, this $2 million project would have fell solely on the back of the taxpayers.

The township plans to make repairs on an underground storm sewer line thats 700 feet long.

Bayfront construction wrapping up, business owners ready

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It runs underneath the west Millcreek neighborhood, where there have been plenty of flooding incidents like including one in September of 2022.

The 36-inch storm sewer is made of corrugated metal, and according to Supervisor Dan Ouellet, its deteriorated.

He says they are going to use a lining process that will make the pipes smoother, improving flow and keeping out debris.

They charge the pipe itself with steam, and it cures the liner against the wall of the pipe, Ouellet said. Where these issues are theyre usually in lower areas that dont have a lot of drainage benefits to them, the ground is pretty level.

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Supervisors said once the lining is installed, it will alleviate one of their most affected flooding areas along West 28th and Contessa Lane.

Ouellet said most of the issues can be pinpointed at the way these areas were constructed, a lot did not have a real stormwater plan.

One nearby business owner that has seen this flooding firsthand said this project is going to be great for the neighborhood.

Quite a few houses have been flooded, and one time I heard one basement just caved in, some people got hurt, said Joe Orengia, owner of Joes Gym. Its been going for many, many years, so now its time to get it done.

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UPMC Hamot offering RN apprenticeships in first-of-its-kind program

Tuesday night, the supervisors approved the contractor who will be working on the project. You can read a member of Erie County Councils response to the funding here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Apr. 24Maine residents are deeply divided in their opinions of Gov. Janet Mills and President Donald Trump, even as Mills has a stronger approval rating here than her antagonist in the White House.

Survey results released this week by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center show Mills with a positive net approval rating (+6 points). Overall, 52% of respondents said they approve of her performance, while 46% do not and 2% said they weren't sure.

Trump, on the other hand, has a -15 approval rating in Maine. Overall, 42% of Maine residents surveyed last week said they approve of his performance, while 57% disapprove and 1% aren't sure, the survey found.

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Both leaders have strong support from members of their own parties, and intense disapproval from members of the opposing parties.

Among Democrats, 92% approve of Mills, compared to 43% of independents and only 4% of Republicans.

On the other hand, 96% of Republicans surveyed said they approve of the president, while 39% of independents and only 1% of Democrats agreed.

Neither Mills nor Trump saw a significant change in their approval ratings in Maine from a month ago, even as the Trump administration continues to clash with the state over federal funding cuts, transgender athletes, tariffs and other things.

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But Mills' public defiance of Trump, which first made national news in February, is clearly fueling strong opinions of her, for better or worse.

Among those who approve of Mills' handling of her job, the governor's opposition to Trump was by far the reason cited most often. More than half of the respondents, 56%, said it was the biggest reason for their support. Leadership in general was the next most frequently cited reason and was mentioned by 10% of her supporters,

Among those who disapprove of Mills, 51% cited her handling of LGBTQ issues, the same issues that prompted Trump to personally call out Mills at the White House in February and move to cut off federal funding to the state.

Of those who disapprove of Mills, 11% cited her handling of finances and 9% mentioned her opposition to Trump as the reason.

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The intensity of voter polarization in Maine has held steady through the first three months of the Trump administration and a steady flow of legal clashes over executive orders and funding cuts, historic tariffs and trade disputes, volatile markets and economic uncertainty.

Republicans have been nearly unanimous in their support of the president, according to the monthly surveys and interviews with voters.

Maine Republicans continue to strongly support the president's actions, including his handling of the economy and immigration.

While 54% of respondents overall said they disapprove of Trump's handling of the economy, 97% of Republicans said they approve.

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And while 52% overall also said they oppose Trump's tariffs, 90% of Republicans support them.

Both Republicans (67%) and Democrats (98%) said they think the tariffs will raise consumer prices.

However, 96% of Republicans said they believe the tariffs will result in more domestic manufacturing, while only 12% of Democrats agreed.

Two-thirds of the respondents overall said they think a recession is likely in the next year.

Democrats are much more pessimistic, with 98% expecting a recession, while only 31% of Republicans think a recession is likely.

The results are based on a survey of 911 Maine residents who make up part of a representative panel to track opinion trends in Maine. The latest survey was done April 17-21.

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The UNH Survey Center created what it calls the Pine Tree State Panel by recruiting about 2,850 randomly selected residents and then asking them to participate in periodic online surveys. The membership changes over time as people drop out and get replaced. Data from each survey is then weighted according to sex, age, education and party registration to reflect the state's population.

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Maine is among a dozen states suing the Trump administration to stop its tariff policy

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BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Riding the wave of innovation and globalization, China's private enterprises are demonstrating robust growth and vitality, playing a crucial role in the country's economic landscape.

In the first quarter of 2025, China's major private industrial firms saw their value-added output rise by 7.3 percent year on year, outpacing the overall industrial sector, official data showed.

In terms of investment and trade, private investment registered a 0.4 percent growth year on year in the first quarter, reversing a full-year decline in 2024, while private enterprises recorded a 5.8 percent increase in import and export value, with their share of total foreign trade rising to 56.8 percent.

Westwell Technology, a Shanghai-based autonomous driving developer, reported a 300 percent surge in revenue in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.

"We have truly felt the government's support and expectations for private tech companies, which has strengthened our confidence in driving technological innovation going forward," said Tan Limin, chairman of Westwell, who joined the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

Founded in 2016, Westwell has grown from a startup to one of the global leaders in smart logistics. Its driverless heavy trucks, once featured in the Chinese sci-fi blockbuster "The Wandering Earth II," now operate in 28 countries and regions.

From competitive electric vehicles and DeepSeek, a rising star in artificial intelligence, to Unitree Robotics, a pioneer in humanoid robot development, private enterprises have been at the forefront of China's economic advancement.

Official data shows that the share of private enterprises among China's high-tech firms has risen from 62.4 percent in 2012 to over 92 percent today. These companies now account for 70 percent of the country's technological innovation achievements.

Speaking at the roundtable, Liu Min, deputy head of the private economy development bureau under the National Development and Reform Commission, said she is impressed by the trailblazing and innovative spirit of Chinese private entrepreneurs, who have steered the integration of sci-tech and industrial innovations.

"Their innovative achievements are mushrooming with expanding applications and a growing market," Liu added.

Innovation has also been highlighted at a high-level symposium in February, attended by China's top leaders and representatives from private enterprises. The meeting reaffirmed the Party's steadfast support for the private sector and urged private firms to unswervingly pursue high-quality development.

Liu Yonghao, chairman of New Hope Group -- one of China's leading agricultural conglomerates -- was among the private entrepreneurs who attended the symposium.

Speaking on the roundtable, he said, "In the new era, private enterprises must take on new roles, and traditional industries can be empowered by new quality productive forces."

According to Zhu Min, a member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, Chinese private firms have vast potential to tap into areas such as globalization, intelligent operations, tech-driven manufacturing, green development and innovative services.

He emphasized that private enterprises are set to become pioneers in building new industrial chains globally and are expected to play a particularly vital role in advancing artificial intelligence software.

"This will greatly enhance the production efficiency, product quality, and product development of private enterprises," Zhu said at the roundtable.

Tan from Westwell said the company has aimed to build a global brand since its inception, aspiring to deliver more smart, made-in-China products as well as China's new quality productive forces to the world.

Zhu also expressed optimism about the future of China's private sector, despite the challenges posed by external uncertainties triggered by tariffs and trade barriers.

"Over the past more than 40 years, China's private firms have risen from the ground up to become a powerful force," he said. "They are adept at seizing new opportunities in times of crisis and thriving through competition." 
(Reuters) -At least 10 people were killed in a gold mine collapse in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the rebel-appointed governor of South Kivu province said on Thursday.

M23 rebels have seized east Congo's two biggest cities since January in an escalation of a long-running conflict rooted in the spillover into Congo of Rwanda's 1994 genocide and the struggle for control of Congo's vast mineral resources.

Congo's government and M23 pledged in a statement released on Wednesday after talks in Qatar to work towards peace, raising a glimmer of hope in the latest cycle of violence.

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Douglas Dunia Masumbuko, the M23-appointed South Kivu governor, told Reuters on Thursday that the death toll at the Luhihi mine had reached 10 "and could rise given the number of injuries."

He blamed the incident on "uncontrolled construction and poor maintenance of gold wells" in the area.

Mining accidents are rife in the giant Central African country, especially at small, artisanal sites.

Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, who was governor of South Kivu before M23 took over, confirmed there had been a collapse at the mine but did not provide a death toll.

(Reporting by Ange KasongoWriting by Anait MiridzhanianEditing by Robbie Corey-Boulet)
Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion makes two "zero" gestures to illustrate the amount of money he says he was paid for legal work for Rev. Jerry McAfee during a Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct meeting for an advisory opinion regarding a possible conflict of interest concerning legal work Senate President Bobby Joe Champion did for Rev. Jerry McAfee Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

The Senate ethics committee on Thursday recommended that Senate President Bobby Joe Champion in the future disclose any appearance of a potential conflict of interest to Senate committees when he chief authors a bill, following Reformer reporting that hed spearheaded a lucrative legislative grant for a legal client.

Champion requested an advisory opinion from the Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct after the Reformer reported that Champion in 2023 spearheaded a $3 million grant to violence prevention nonprofit 21 Days of Peace, run by north Minneapolis Rev. Jerry McAfee, but didnt disclose that McAfee was his legal client. Champion says he did the work pro bono.

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The committee also found that Champion had no financial conflict of interest when he advocated for an additional $1 million in funding for 21 Days of Peace earlier this year.

Champion has insisted that because his legal work for McAfee was pro-bono and concluded just prior to the start of the 2023 legislative session, he didnt need to disclose it.

The committee Thursday made no findings of Champions ethical conduct for his spearheading of the $3 million grant to McAfees group in 2023.

The ruling is unenforceable. Under Minnesota law, legislative conflicts of interest are narrowly defined and only exist when the official does something to benefit themselves financially. Minnesotas part-time Legislature creates many opportunities for conflicts of interest, as most lawmakers have another job.

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In a final written statement to the ethics committee, Champion said recent media coverage about him was an attack on his integrity.

We have had media outlets go from saying there was a conflict of interest requiring disclosure without reading the conflict-of-interest statute, Champion wrote. Unfortunately, there has been loose use of facts that attempts to erode Senator Champions integrity.

After the hearing Thursday, Champion criticized reporting about his connections to McAfee.

I am always a high integrity person, Champion said. Ive been a committed community person  I hope that when you all are reporting these things that you take a different approach.

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He disputed the characterizations of the $3 million grant to 21 Days of Peace.

You report it as if theres a direct appropriation that is presented and then we as legislators sign a check, Champion chided reporters. Thats unfair and thats untrue.

McAfee received funding through the practice of legislatively named grants, meaning lawmakers directly named the nonprofit in legislation. That means the nonprofit doesnt have to go through an onerous bidding competition run by a state agency. The Office of Legislative Auditor has repeatedly found that agencies failed to provide adequate oversight for these legislatively named grants compared to competitive grants. The OLA has recommended lawmakers refrain from allocating funds through legislatively named grants since 2007.

Sen. Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, who chairs the ethics subcommittee, said that the committees guidance could be applicable for all senators, not solely Champion.

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If its of interest to the committee for us to reveal that we did some volunteer work, or we served on a board in the past, I think thats a very positive thing, Pappas said.

Senate Republicans Thursday attempted to remove Champion as Senate president, but Democrats moved the motion to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

Senate Republicans also filed an ethics complaint against Champion, and the ethics subcommittee will meet on May 5 to discuss it.
MINT HILL, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A daycare that has been around for decades has been given notice to leave a church campus in Mint Hill.

Blair Road School has been like a second home to Lauren Blackshaws 3-year-old daughter.

This schools a big part of the community, its been around for 40 years, said Blackshaw.

But now the daycare and after-school program it runs are at a crossroads.

Crash, charges, and controversy: Wanted woman arrested after car crashes into Charlotte home

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Its really stressful. I think all parents like to have a plan, said Blackshaw.

Until recently, the school rented its building from the church next door, Blair Road United Methodist Church.

The church shared a letter with Queen City News, telling the school to vacate the property by June 13.

The church claims its lease with the school ended in 2023, but theyve allowed the school to stay in good faith, while repeatedly trying to renegotiate the lease.

The church also claims the school wont pay its fair share of expenses for utilities and janitorial services.

But in a letter to parents, the school claimed the church tried to up its rent by 900 percent.

Lauren Blackshaw has a child who attends Blair Road School in Mint Hill.

Its really unexpected, it feels unfair, said Blackshaw.

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Now parents like Blackshaw are left paying the price, scrambling to find their kids care.

Very anxiety-inducing to try to figure out whats going to happen next, said Blackshaw.

The school says it does not want to close and hopes to be able to find another location.

The schools attorney sent QCN the following statement Wednesday evening:

As you likely have seen shared among social media posts and email blasts from Blair Road UMC (UMC), a conflict has arisen between BRS and UMC that has sparked public discourse regarding payment sought by UMC from BRS. At this time, BRS has no intention of closing down. This is, at its core, a conflict between a Landlord and its Tenant. BRS is actively seeking an alternative location for its daily operations so it can continue to provide daycare, afterhours, and summer school options for its many wonderful families. BRS is grateful for those who, on their own initiative, started a GoFundMe campaign with the best intentions to help BRS through these times. Ms. Heimbach and BRS thanks everyone for their outpouring of love and support and hopes to continue providing services for years to come.

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The church sent QCN a statement Wednesday:

The Church remains steadfast in our commitment to serve and support our community with integrity and care. Blair Road School is an independent legal entity from the Church. Originally, the School was established to maintain a close and collaborative relationship with the Church. This included having church leadership represented on the Schools Board of Directors, following shared bylaws agreed upon by both parties, and operating in a way that reflects the mission and values of the Church. Regrettably, the School no longer maintains that close and collaborative relationship, and we are deeply saddened that the connection has deteriorated. The Churchs legal counsel has attempted to resolve the matter in full with the attorney for the School. Unfortunately, these attempts have not been met with meaningful or substantive engagement. Please refer to the attached letter from our attorney for more details regarding the current situation. Given that our attorney continues to uncover significant and pertinent information, we continue to examine every avenue available to ensure the welfare of the children, families, community, school and their staff, and church are honored and protected. Blair Road United Methodist Church remains committed to being a place of grace, service, and faithfulness to our community as we move forward. Rev. Rick Schilling, pastor of Blair Road UMC

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Apr. 23After two years of legal proceedings, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is now allowed to release official ratings for the 2022-2023 school year. The 2023 Accountability Ratings are now official and eligible for release. In August of 2024, Midland ISD was one of four districts at the time to release its projected 2023 and 2024 ratings in an effort to be transparent with the community. The 2024 projected A-F ratings were verified by TEA. With the official release of the 2023 ratings set to be made available to the public April 24, the district is pleased to report that no school action plans are required at this time.

As part of the release of 2023 ratings, TEA also plans to share "what if" ratings for 2022 which were presented to the public at a June 2023 special board meeting. In 2023, state testing and the accountability system underwent drastic changes that introduced significantly higher performance standards, leading to broad expectations that many districts across Texas may see a drop in their overall scores. Ratings are determined using several key indicators, including STAAR results, graduation rates, and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR). The "what if" ratings offer an estimate of how schools and districts would have performed under the revised accountability framework implemented in 2023 if 2022 accountability metrics would have been in place, a news release said.

Despite the delay and changes to the assessment and accountability system, MISD continues to make strides, the release said.

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When students took the 2023 STAAR assessment, Stephanie Howard had been serving as superintendent for just three months. Although the 2023 ratings were withheld due to the pending litigation, MISD immediately leveraged available data to realign priorities, launch targeted improvement efforts, and implemented a strategic plan based on the needs in the district. MISD, and the majority of other districts across the state, saw a decline in ratings from 2022.

Based on its internal projections that have been verified by TEA, and a result of the early school improvement actions, 2024 projected ratings are showing 66% of campuses improved or maintained their overall rating. Fifteen campuses are projected to be A/B rated campuses  up from seven in 2023.

Sixteen campuses improved at least one letter grade, and five campuses improved by two or more letter grades.

Accountability ratings offer a roadmap for continuous improvement, helping us stay focused on what matters moststudent success," Stephanie said in the release. "We remain committed to our North Star Goal of ensuring that 70% of MISD students attend an A or B-rated school by 2028. We are proud of the progress we have made and even more determined to keep moving forward."
By Tom Balmforth

(Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday the Russian missile that struck a residential building in Kyiv overnight and killed 12 people was supplied by North Korea, confirming an earlier Reuters report.

A North Korean KN-23 (KN-23A) missile hit a residential block in the Sviatoshynskyi district west of Kyiv's centre during a major aerial attack by Russia, a Ukrainian military source told Reuters.

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"According to preliminary information, the Russians used a ballistic missile manufactured in North Korea. Our special services are verifying all the details," Zelenskiy said on X, without providing further details.

Russia made no comment on Zelenskiy's remarks. Russia and North Korea have denied weapons transfers that would violate U.N. embargoes.

Russia's military cooperation with North Korea grew rapidly as Moscow became internationally isolated after invading Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine says North Korea has supplied Russia with vast amounts of artillery shells as well as rocket systems, thousands of troops and ballistic missiles, which Moscow began using for strikes against Ukraine at the end of 2023.

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By the start of 2025, Pyongyang had supplied Russia with 148 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles, Ukraine's military spy agency says.

KN-23 (KN-23A) missiles are armed with warheads of up to one tonne, which is more powerful than the Russian equivalent missiles, the Ukrainian source said.

In the initial readout after the Russian attack, Kyiv said seven ballistic missiles were used in total, identifying them broadly as Iskander-M/KN-23.

North Korea's involvement in Ukraine has alarmed not only European capitals but also South Korea and its allies in Asia, who fear that lessons learned from war could be unleashed on them one day.

(Reporting by Tom Balmforth; additional reporting by Sergiy Karazy and Yuliia Dysa; editing by Alex Richardson, Philippa Fletcher and Cynthia Osterman)
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4)  A local family is asking for help in the search for a 15-year-old girl who is believed to have run away.

Alisa, 15, is said to be about 53 tall and weigh about 122 pounds. She was dropped off for school in American Fork on April 21, but family members said she boarded a train toward Provo. Family members said UTA security footage shows the teenager walking away, and she hasnt been found since.

Courtesy: Nikolai Petrov

Courtesy: Nikolai Petrov

Courtesy: Nikolai Petrov

Officials with the South Jordan Police Department told ABC4.com that Alisa had a phone and iPad with her, and police are investigating to see if the location data is turned on for those devices.

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Police said the case is being considered as a runaway case. The case was originally being handled by American Fork officials but has been transferred to South Jordan.

Any knowledge of her whereabouts should be reported to Law Enforcement, South Jordan police said.

Anyone with information can contact the South Jordan Police Department at 801-840-4000 and reference case #SJ25-11568.

LEARN MORE: What should you do if someone goes missing?

What to do when speaking to law enforcement about a missing person

Here are some suggestions to keep in mind if someone you know goes missing. Utah officials suggest taking notes on interactions with law enforcement to keep track of details such as officer names, dates and times of interactions, the case number, and what the officers say.

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When working with local law enforcement to report a missing person, it is recommended one shares as much information as possible about the missing person, including but not limited to:

Full name or nicknames.

Recent photos.

Date of birth and age at the time they disappeared.

Gender/sex.

Detailed physical description (including unique scars or tattoos).

Date of disappearance.

Medical conditions.

Last known location.

Social media accounts.

Sorina Trauntvein contributed to this report.

Additional resources

For more information, the Department of Public Safety has a page on its website dedicated to resources for missing persons, as well as pages to view missing persons from Utah.

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Additional hotlines and resources originally compiled in a 2021 guidebook are available below:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  After four days of searching, the Broome County Sheriffs Office found Joseph Maine safe and sound in Binghamton Thursday morning.

The Office says police were alerted to Maines location in the early hours of Thursday, April 24. Maine was interviewed by BCSO and voluntarily went to UHS Wilson Hospital for evaluation.

According to BCSO, Maine left his house in Endicott late Saturday, April 19, and went to a friends house in Binghamton early Sunday, April 20. He stayed there for several days without contacting his family.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Child care providers and advocates urged the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) to use the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program for the Child Care Payment Program.

As of April 1, MDHS paused new and renewal applications for families who do not fall into the following categories:

TANF families and families transitioning away from TANF assistance

MDCPS foster care children

Teen parents

Families that have special needs

Deployed military families

Homeless families

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Child care challenges limit Mississippi workforce: MEC

However, the agency is honoring all the certificates that were in place before April 1. MDHS currently converts $25.9 million (30%) of the TANF state grant to the CCPP, which is the maximum allowed under federal policy.

The Mississippi Low-Income Child Care Initiative is grateful for the funding, but officials believe child care can be funded from TANF and the Child Care Development Fund.

What were asking is, in addition to the transfer, that the state use some of that prior year unspent money theyve allowed to accumulate to a large unspent balance of $156 million. Take money out of that pot and put it into the Child Care Payment Program, just like they put the Federal Child Care Assistance block grant money into the Child Care Payment Program, said Carol Burnett, executive director of the Mississippi Low-Income Child Care Initiative.

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As of March 31, MDHS said they have more than 36,000 children receiving child care certificates. Of that 36,000, officials said 10,000 dont fit within the six priority populations. The agency said its too early to project when the pause will be lifted.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
ST. LOUIS  The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a plan to increase rates for more than a million Ameren Missouri customers, starting this summer.

On Wednesday, the Public Service Commission announced that it approved two agreements to set new rates for the utility company. This moves follows a request filed by Ameren Missouri last year.

The approved increase will raise around $355 million more in annual revenue for Ameren Missouri, nearly $91 million less than the utility initially requested, according to the Public Service Commission.

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Eight people injured in north St. Louis crash

The change is expected to increase bills by nearly $14 per month for the average St. Louis-area household, according to FOX 2s news partners at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The rate increases are scheduled to take effect in June.

Ameren proposed the rate hike last summer, citing the need to ensure cleaner electricity, strengthen grids, and recover costs from major electric system upgrades. Key components of the plan include power line upgrades, new smart technology substations, and improvements to utility poles to better withstand severe weather.

The approved rates follow a series of public hearing and come months after Ameren Missouri updated its preferred resource plan, a roadmap the company says will help expend renewable energy resources while maintaining reliability and affordability.

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Ameren Missouri serves around 1.3 million customers across 60 counties and more than 500 communities, including much of the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
UNITED NATIONS, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Rising unilateralism and economic protectionism are undermining global development and threatening the stability of the international order, said a prominent Chinese think tank leader during a UN Security Council Arria-Formula meeting on Wednesday.

Speaking as the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary, Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation, saying that the UN Charter's principles remain vital to peace and stability. He warned, however, that a surge in unilateral actions is undermining decades of progress.

"High tariffs, economic sanctions, technological blockades, and decoupling measures - particularly those led by the United States - are severely squeezing the trade space of developing countries and undermining global progress on poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare," Wang said.

Wang pointed to the latest WTO report released on April 16, which forecasted a 0.2 percent decline in global merchandise trade volume in 2025, cautioning that if current trends persist, the contraction could deepen to 1.5 percent.

He also cited World Bank President Ajay Banga, who linked escalating trade tensions to slowing global economic growth, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who recently warned that trade uncertainty is at an "unprecedented level," prompting the Fund to significantly lower global growth expectations.

"These data reflect our grave concerns about the future economic outlook," Wang said.

He noted that since its establishment, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has overseen massive trade expansion: global trade has grown from 5 trillion U.S. dollars in 1994 to over 33 trillion dollars in 2024, marking a sixfold increase. But current trade wars, he said, jeopardize this progress.

Challenging U.S. trade complaints, Wang argued that America's goods trade deficit is only part of the picture. In services, the United States posted a 300 billion dollar trade surplus, with total service trade exceeding 1 trillion dollars. Moreover, the United States benefits immensely from the global role of the U.S. dollar, which accounts for about 60 percent of global foreign exchange reserves, and enjoys a dominant position in attracting global capital.

"The United States has selectively offshored sectors like polluting and labor-intensive manufacturing - an intentional economic transformation that enabled its shift to high-value industries," Wang said.

Highlighting the broader economic cost, Wang referenced 2018 U.S. tariffs on 250 billion dollars of Chinese goods, which forced American consumers to pay an additional 57 billion dollars annually.

"The U.S. now accounts for only 13 percent of global goods imports, down from nearly 20 percent two decades ago - hardly sufficient to dictate global trade alone," Wang said.

He emphasized that developing countries, deeply integrated into global value chains as suppliers and manufacturers, are particularly vulnerable to trade disruptions.

Despite mounting challenges, Wang stressed that economic globalization remains an unstoppable force. He pointed to China's zero-tariff policy for over 40 least developed countries and the growing influence of initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area as signs that multilateral trade cooperation is far from over.

"The global consensus is not to abandon globalization, but to make it more inclusive and equitable," he said.

Wang concluded with a strong appeal to reinvigorate multilateral mechanisms, placing the United Nations at the center of global governance.

"The world is facing unprecedented challenges. We must strengthen cooperation and return to multilateral dialogue. Only then can we safeguard peace and promote sustainable development," he said.

Wang is leading a CCG delegation on a week-long U.S. visit, with stops in New York, Washington, and Boston to engage with American think tanks, business leaders, and media outlets. 
MISSOURI  Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is weighing in on potential cuts to Head Start.

The presidents federal budget proposal calls for the elimination of Head Start funding. But, if that happens, the governor wants to keep it going in Missouri and has made the call to use state surplus dollars.

The head of southwest Missouri Head Start programming told us Thursday it would be crucial.

Im really excited about the intervention from the governor  what he said in support of us. That means a lot to hear. And I think it will mean a lot to our families, who right now are concerned about what might happen in the future, said Leisa Harnar, Head Start Director.

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President Trump has submitted his proposed budget to Congress. No final decision has been made when it comes to Head Start funding.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
State Board of Education appointee Tom Prater, an eye surgeon from Springfield, listens to questions about his time on Springfield Public Schools' board during the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee hearing Wednesday morning (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe withdrew the nomination of Tom Prater to the State Board of Education on Thursday after concerns circulated from a national advocacy group and a state senator.

Prater, a Springfield eye surgeon who donated $21,000 to Kehoes political action committee last year, was appointed in an interim capacity following the retirement of 33-year board member Peter Herschend. He was reappointed by Kehoe this year alongside three new board members.

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But in the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee hearing Wednesday, his selection was singled out by Republican state Sen. Mike Moon.

Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, said his constituents had complained about Praters appointment. He asked Prater about his role in United Springfield, a committee that has donated to candidates on both sides of the aisle in local elections.

Prater said the group didnt look at political affiliations but asked questions about education issues.

Moon told The Independent on Thursday he spoke to Kehoe about his concerns but didnt want to talk more about Prater or the reasons his nomination was withdrawn

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If the Senate had voted Praters nomination down, he would have been banned from serving on the board for life. Instead, the nomination was withdrawn shortly after the Senate convened Thursday and the other education board nominee, Republican Brooks Miller, was confirmed on a voice vote.

A spokeswoman for Kehoe said he was confident in (Praters) qualifications.

Given the short amount of time left this legislative session and the obstacles presented during Praters confirmation, the governor did not want to ask the Missouri Senate to use valuable floor time on this appointment at the expense of other critical legislation awaiting action, she said in a statement.

The State Board of Education, by law, cant be dominated by a political party. Prater was nominated as an independent, with the maximum number of Republicans already in office or appointed.

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Prater has a history of donating to both Republican and Democratic candidates, with the majority of his contributions benefiting those on the political right.

These donations came under scrutiny from the American Accountability Foundation, a D.C.-based nonprofit committed to the American First conservative agenda, according to its social media.

If you want a pro-tax, anti-voucher, pro-teacher union voice on the State Board of Education, then Tom Prater is your guy, the organizations founder, Thomas Jones, said in an email to state officials Wednesday. But if you want reform-minded conservatives, youre going to need a new nominee.

Jones noted Praters donations to ActBlue, which received $250 from Prater last year, and donations to local Democrats often below $1,000.

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Jones told The Independent Thursday that any donations to blue candidates are terrible.

He shouldnt be on the board at all, he said. He has donated to a bunch of terrible liberals in your state. He is going to be a toxic influence on the Board of Education.

Missouri-based groups Freedom Principle MO and MO Education Watch celebrated the withdrawal on social media.

The people won, MO Education Watch said on X, formerly Twitter.

Prater did not respond to a request for comment.

This story has been updated at 1:20 p.m. Thursday to include a statement from Kehoes office.

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ST. LOUIS  A Missouri woman is accused of stealing $174,000 in disability payments over 14 years, according to a new federal indictment.

Starr Lumos, 54, of Franklin County, Missouri, was indicted April 16 on one count of theft of government money and one count of concealing information from the Social Security Administration regarding her eligibility for benefits.

Lumos, who also goes by the name Starr Rodrigue, turned herself in Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

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Helicopter training crash in Illinois; crews on scene response

The indictment alleges that Lumos received disability payments from Oct. 1, 2009, to March 1, 2024, while concealing her full physical abilities, along with her involvement, income and ownership of multiple businesses.

The indictment claims Lumos fraudulently collected $174,391 in disability payments over nearly a decade and a half.

If convicted, Lumos faces up to 15 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.

Officials with the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General assisted with this investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  After a months-long investigation based on a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Metro Nashville Police Department announced the arrest of a man allegedly in possession of more than 500 images of child sexual abuse material.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Last November, the NCMEC told the MNPD that the NCMEC received reports that an online messaging account belonging to 24-year-old Brandon Bracero had both uploaded and shared inappropriate images starting in September.

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On Wednesday, the MNPD executed a search warrant on Braceros Lincoya Creek Drive residence; Bracero was found to be in possession of more than 500 images of child sexual abuse, police said. Additionally, Bracero allegedly shared those files through online accounts.

Bracero has been charged with four counts of aggravated child sexual exploitation of a minor. As of publication, he remains in custody on a $100,000 bond.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

If you or someone you know is a victim of exploitation, you can follow this link to report any incident to the NCMECs CyberTipline. The NCMEC also has resources if your nude, partially nude or sexually explicit photos taken before the age of 18 end up on the internet  you can follow this link to take steps with the centers Take It Down program.

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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.
A Missouri mother is suing her sons school district after it suspended the teenager for posting a photo of cans that he arranged to look like an AK-47 on social media.

Riley Grunden, the mother of the unnamed 13-year-old boy, has sued the Mountain View-Birch Tree School District in Howell, Missouri, alleging that the school infringed on her sons First and 14th Amendment rights when it issued him a three-day suspension last September.

The boy, identified as W.G. in the lawsuit, had posted a photo of Dr. Pepper cans that he glued together to resemble an AK-47 on Snapchat. The Snap also included a song called AK-47, which the boy attached using the in-app feature.

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Grunden says in the lawsuit that her son was participating in a can-art trend. She argues the photo was non-threatening because her son was never holding the cans as though he was holding a gun; he just posted a photo of the glued cans on the ground.

The teenagers mother says her son was not trying to make a threatening post nor was he aware it would be perceived that way. (Getty Images)

But school officials said they were made aware of the post after it caused fear in at least one student.

Out of caution, school authorities asked Grunden to come in with her son the following day to be searched. The school claimed Gurden violated its rules against cyberbullying by making the post because it communicated a threatening message.

But Grunden says that her son was not trying to make threats against anyone, nor was he aware that the photo could be perceived as threatening.

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I get there is a lot of concern with all the school shootings in this world, Grunden wrote in a Facebook post. However, my children have no access to our guns or weapons. They are in our locked safe that only I have the code to. Parents concerned that hes going to bring a gun made out of soda cans is absolutely absurd.

Even though school officials understood Grundens son was not trying to make a threat and did not pose a risk to other students, they suspended him for three days, which Grunden says caused him harm.

She notes the three-day suspension will appear on her sons permanent record and could impair his ability to get into top colleges and universities. But Grunden also contends that her sons rights were violated when the school took action against him.

The First Amendment does not permit the Defendants to punish W.G. where Snap itself shows that there is no suggestion that W.G. was aware the Snap could be regarded as him making a threat against anyone, Grunden wrote in the lawsuit.

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The Missouri mother argues the school also failed to provide a clear understanding of unacceptable behavior in its off-campus rules, thus violating the 14th Amendments declaration concerning vagueness, which prohibits lawmakers from making laws that would be too vague for an average citizen to understand.

Grunden is asking a district court judge to expunge her sons record, prohibit the school from taking similar action in the future, and award damages.

Mountain View-Birch Tree School District said in a statement to McClatchy News that it was aware of the lawsuit that was recently filed but could not comment because a student is involved.

The School District is aware of the lawsuit that was recently filed. Unfortunately, because the lawsuit involves a student, we are significantly limited in what we are legally permitted to share publicly, the district said. For now, we can only say that we have legal counsel, who will present our side of the story and defend against these allegations.
An aerial view from a drone shows a combine being used to harvest the soybeans. (Photo by Joe Raedle | Getty Images)

The Montana Farmers Union on Monday filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit brought by four Blackfeet Nation tribal members seeking an injunction against the Trump administrations tariffs on Canada.

The organization, which has been around since 1912, said that joining the case was a way to continue fighting on behalf of family farmers and ranchers.

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The executive branch has overstepped its constitutional and statutory authority on these tariffs. Montana farmers and ranchers cant afford any more uncertainty or any more financial stressors  especially not random tariffs, MFU President Walter Schweitzer said in a press release.

Plaintiffs State Sen. Susan Webber and Jonathan St. Goddard, both enrolled members of the Blackfeet Nation, originally filed the lawsuit in federal court earlier this month against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the United States of America, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, arguing that the tariffs levied by the administration against Canada violates Indigenous treaty rights and exceeds presidential authority.

The suit claims the tariffs violate a 1794 treaty exempting tribes along the United States-Canadian border from being taxed or levied on goods between the nation. It also challenges the Trump administrations ability to use emergency powers to bypass Congress to impose tariffs. Trump has declared that the fentanyl drug crisis at Americas borders constitute a national emergency, though Customs and Border Patrol have only seized 19 kilograms of fentanyl coming from Canada compared to 9,600 kilograms coming from Mexico.

Mondays step to intervene was taking action for Montana family farmers and ranchers who are facing dire financial and mental impacts if the tariffs remain in effect, according to the release.

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MFUs members rely on a predictable and stable trade market and the tariffs imposed by the President not only exceed the Presidents constitutional and statutory authority, theyve wallop[ed] the agricultural community in Montana, as no one can plan or prepare, the proposed complaint states.

Because of the Presidents tariffs, their goods will be more expensive to export, which will result in reduced profits and lost customers. Even worse, farms and ranches that have been in families for generations must be sold simply because the Presidents isolationist and unlawful approach is incongruous with the international market with which these farmers and ranchers have been dealing and relying upon for decades. MFUs members do not have robust markets in the United States for the crops they grow and those markets cannot be developed overnight, according to court filings.

According to the Office of United States Trade Representative, Montanas largest market is Canada, with $869 million in goods exported to the states northern neighbor in 2024  37% of total exports.

The top agricultural exports to Canada in 2024 included $113 million in live cattle; $106 million in dried legumes, $25 million in brewing and distilling dregs, $10.2 million in barley, and $10.1 million in cigarettes, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

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The complaint from MFU mentions several members who have been impacted by the tariffs.

One member, John Wicks, a fourth generation farmer from Liberty County, said he was in contractual discussions with a cross-border trading partner for his organic lentils, but was told they could not enter into a contract due to the instability of the trade market before the tariffs were imposed. Specifically, if American tariffs were going to be implemented, the partner would not take the crops, harming Wicks financially, according to court filings

Our Canadian partners either wont buy our crops or are offering significantly lower prices than our partners in the United States. Our partners in the United States know that our Canadian partners are doing this and are capitalizing on it by offering lower prices, so were getting squeezed, Wicks wrote in a declaration of support for MFUs filing.

As of Wednesday afternoon, District Court Judge Dana Christensen had not issued a ruling on whether he would allow Montana Farmers Union to intervene. A hearing for the preliminary injunction will be held next Thursday at the Missouri River Federal Courthouse in Great Falls. Attorneys for the federal government have filed a motion to move the case to the Court of International Trade in New York, arguing the District Court doesnt have jurisdiction over tariffs, but attorneys for the plaintiffs responded that case can be rightfully heard at the District Court as the lawsuit is over the constitutionality of executive orders.

Farmers and ranchers have invested decades in developing reliable markets for our products, Schweitzer said in the press release. Overnight, these random tariffs have destroyed markets that will take decades to rebuild. This is why the authority to impose tariffs resides in Congress because it provides a forum for public debate and input and ensures the benefit outweighs the harm.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Pennsylvania State Police say a third property was targeted in a string of shootings last month, where multiple cows and horses were shot.

Last month, State Police said cows were shot on Schoolhouse Road in Colerain Township and South Vintage Road in Sadsbury Township on March 15.

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Today, State Police confirmed that multiple animals were also shot on Usner Road in Salisbury Township in the early morning hours of March 15. State Police say several cows died from their injuries as a result of the shooting.

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Usner Road is about four miles from S. Vintage Road.

More than 100 construction equipment items, tools seized from home; Cumberland County man charged

Im an animal lover, Colerain Township supervisor Scott Shoemaker told abc27 last month regarding the shootings. I hate to see this, and Ive seen it before. I do not understand why these people do this, but they do it. Its a shame. Its cruelty to animals.

Anyone with information on these shootings is asked to call Pennsylvania State Police at (717) 299-7650.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Russia on Thursday accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of being wholly incapable of brokering an end to the war, while egging on US President Donald Trump in his stance that Kiev must accept the loss of Crimea to reach a settlement.

Zelensky only ever wanted to conduct negotiations on his own terms, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in Moscow.

"This schizophrenic approach shows Kiev's absolute inability to negotiate and its irresponsibility, which is striving to continue the slaughter to the last Ukrainian regardless of the victims," she said.

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"Zelensky has categorically rejected any concessions and declared that he does not legally recognize the incorporation of Crimea into Russia [in 2014]," continued Zakharova.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin praised Trump for his lecture to Zelensky that Ukraine had already lost the Black Sea peninsula, which was seized in a Russian military operation a decade ago before the outbreak of separatist fighting in East Ukraine.

According to Russian news agencies, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Trump's position was fully in line with Moscow's.

Trump also warned Zelensky that he was threatened with the complete loss of Ukraine if he did not enter into a peace agreement.

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The Ukrainian leader has consistently refused to give up annexed territories for peace with Russia in the now more than three-year-long war.

Zelensky is 'cause of failure of London talks'

Zelensky is torpedoing every peace process, emphasized Zakharova. This was also the reason for the failure of the negotiations in London on Wednesday, said the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.

The talks were downgraded from ministerial to expert level after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for example, cancelled his participation.

Zakharova and Kremlin spokesman Peskov said that Russia would continue its talks with the US side on a solution to the Ukraine conflict.

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Russia is also expecting US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for a new visit, although Peskov did not specify a date. At the same time, he stressed that Russia is interested in a peaceful settlement.

Shortly beforehand, the Kremlin spokesman said in an interview that Russia was adhering to its demand for a complete withdrawal of the Ukrainians from the four territories illegally annexed by Moscow in 2022 - Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhya.
Members of China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) pose for group photo at Macao International Airport in Macao, south China, April 24, 2025. At the invitation of the World Health Organization (WHO), the China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) departed for Myanmar on Thursday to carry out a 14-day mission focused on post-earthquake emergency medical coordination and technical support. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

MACAO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the World Health Organization (WHO), the China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) departed for Myanmar on Thursday to carry out a 14-day mission focused on post-earthquake emergency medical coordination and technical support.

On March 28, a 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing mass destruction. According to the Macao Health Bureau, the deployment of the medical team was made at the invitation of the WHO, with the consent from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, under the coordination of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao SAR, and with the support of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR and the Macao SAR government.

The team's main tasks include assessing medical resource gaps in the affected areas, optimizing data coordination processes, providing standardized protocols for trauma care and infectious disease control, and evaluating the feasibility of Myanmar establishing its emergency medical teams, the Macao Health Bureau told Xinhua.

"This mission represents a collaborative effort between the WHO, the Myanmar government, and our team to explore feasible solutions for medical support in the aftermath of the earthquake," said O Leong, team coordinator and head of international cooperation at the Macao Health Bureau, noting it is the first time Macao has participated in international cooperation in this format.

The China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) was certified by the WHO in 2019. In 2020, the team joined China's national emergency medical rescue team in missions to Algeria and Sudan to assist in the COVID-19 response. 

Members of China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) check in at Macao International Airport in Macao, south China, April 24, 2025. At the invitation of the World Health Organization (WHO), the China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) departed for Myanmar on Thursday to carry out a 14-day mission focused on post-earthquake emergency medical coordination and technical support. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Members of China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) check in at Macao International Airport in Macao, south China, April 24, 2025. At the invitation of the World Health Organization (WHO), the China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) departed for Myanmar on Thursday to carry out a 14-day mission focused on post-earthquake emergency medical coordination and technical support. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Members of China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) transport luggage at Macao International Airport in Macao, south China, April 24, 2025. At the invitation of the World Health Organization (WHO), the China International Medical Emergency Team (Macao) departed for Myanmar on Thursday to carry out a 14-day mission focused on post-earthquake emergency medical coordination and technical support. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Most Americans expect higher prices due to President Trumps tariff policies, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Research Center.

In the survey, 76 percent of respondents said Trumps tariff policies are going to raise the price of consumer goods in the U.S. either a lot or somewhat. Meanwhile, 12 percent said they believe the tariff policies are not going to change the price of consumer goods, while 11 percent said they are going to drop prices somewhat or a lot.

On Wednesday, Trump looked to cool a trade war with China, calling the tariff rate he put on the country very high and suggesting it would be lowered as part of a deal with Beijing.

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Were dealing with a lot of countries right now and could be with China, but maybe well make a special  you know, a deal  and we will see what it will be. Right now, its at 145 percent, thats very high, Trump said Wednesday.

China said Thursday it is not actively engaged in the negotiating process over tariffs with the U.S., contradicting Trump, who has said talks with Beijing are underway.

Trump also met with CEOs of U.S. retailers including Walmart and Target earlier in the week, with the CEOs sharing their fears surrounding broken supply chains and higher prices for consumers, a source told The Hill.

The presidents recent tariff actions have strained his relationships with trading partners across the globe, including with allies like the European Union and Canada.

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Following Trumps unveiling of sweeping tariffs earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told fellow Europeans she knew that many of you feel let down by our oldest ally.

Lets be clear-eyed about the immense consequences. The global economy will massively suffer, she said at the time of the steep American tariffs.

In the AP-NORC poll, 40 percent said they believe tariff policies from the president are going to cause the number of jobs in the U.S. to go up a lot or somewhat. And 20 percent said the policies are going to result in no effect on jobs while 38 percent said they think the policies are going to bring down the number of American jobs somewhat or a lot.

The AP-NORC poll took place April 17-21, surveying 1,260 people with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The most and least hospitable states for electric vehicle ownership

The number of people purchasing and using electric vehicles in the United States reached record levels in 2024, thanks to a combination of federal, state, and local incentives and growing awareness about the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change. However, recent moves by the Trump administration to curb incentives to buy EVs, such as tax credits, pause federal fleets' adoption of EVs, and implement tariffs on EV parts is threatening continued growth.

EVs occupied approximately 8.6% of the new vehicle retail market in the country in 2023, according to consumer research firm J.D. Power. The firm projects that number to plateau at about 9.1% in 2025. While California continues to hold the top spot for EV adoption, the largest growth was recorded in New York, Florida, and Colorado.

Stacker analyzed data from the Department of Energy and the nonprofit Tax Foundation to determine which states are the most hospitable for EV owners.

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Scores were determined by calculating the number of charging stations per EV, excluding plug-in hybrids (30% of the overall score), the number of laws and incentives for owning an EV (10%), and the annual in-state cost of owning an EVincluding yearly registration fees minus the maximum tax credits offered.

Data on registration and charging stations is accurate as of April 2025.

Three types of EVs are available in the American market: battery EVs, powered solely by electricity from rechargeable battery packs; plug-in hybrid EVs, which, along with batteries, also have an internal combustion engine to supplement electric power for longer ranges; and fuel cell EVs, which convert compressed hydrogen gas into electricity.

Widespread EV adoption benefits the environment, the average consumer, and the nation's energy independence. EVs produce lower emissions, are more efficient, and have better fuel economy than their gas-powered counterparts. EVs can cost more off the lot, but consumers typically pay less for using them than they would for nonelectric vehicles.

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Electricity in the U.S. is produced by a diversified mix of sources, including natural gas, wind energy, coal, nuclear energy, hydropower, and solar energy. Therefore, the widespread adoption of EVs will make the U.S. consumer automobile market less susceptible to shocks in the global fuel market.

However, the growing adoption of EVs has hurt states in unintended ways. It has decreased their revenues from gas taxes and caused lost money in tax credits. States have adopted or are considering policies to increase fees associated with using EVs to recover some of the lost revenue. Vermont, notably, is evaluating a miles-traveled fee to regain some of the lost funds.

Map showing which U.S. states are the most and least hospitable for electric vehicles, with Midwestern states being the least EV friendly. - Stacker

Urban areas with additional clean vehicle tax credits are the most friendly for EVs

Nebraska, Louisiana, Iowa, and Arkansas have regulations that make it difficult for car manufacturers to sell EVs directly to consumers. Electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla rely on a direct-to-consumer sales model that excludes dealers as the go-between, saving consumers' and manufacturers' expenses. Prohibitions on direct sales make purchasing EVs difficult for consumers, especially by making the process more expensive than direct purchases.

By contrast, California, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Oregon score as some of the most EV-friendly states in the country. These states also have high urbanization rates, with California at 94.2% urbanization, New Jersey at 93.8%, Connecticut at 86.3%, and Oregon at 80.5%.

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EVs tend to be popular in big cities and urban areas that tend to have denser charging networks, shorter commute times, and local EV adoption and use incentives.

However, rural areas' lower population density disincentivizes companies from building extensive charging networks as in urban areas. The insufficient EV infrastructure has been a critical barrier to EV adoption in the rural parts of the U.S.

States with large swaths of rural areas make up some of the least EV-friendly states. Some of the lowest EV-friendly scores in the nation belong to South Dakota with 57.2% urbanization, Nebraska with 73%, Louisiana with 71.5%, Iowa with 63.2%, and Arkansas with 55.5%.

Residents of rural areas also take on longer commutes and travel more often than their urban counterparts, contributing to consumer anxiety about vehicle range and the need to make stops for charging.

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California, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Connecticut, and Oregon are the top five EV-friendly states in the U.S. In addition to the $7,500 tax credit available for EV buyers in all states, these states offer additional EV tax credits ranging from $4,000 to $7,500. They also have high numbers of registered EVs.

The top five least EV-friendly states, South Dakota, Nebraska, Louisiana, Iowa, and Arkansas, have no additional EV tax credits, few EV charging stations per vehicle, and few registered EVs.

Story editing by Shannon Luders-Manuel. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns and Kristen Wegrzyn.
Three siblings have reached plea deals resulting in their convictions for killing a Las Vegas man in a dispute over $1,000.

Janet Juarez, Juan Juarez, and Christian Juarez all took Alford pleas after each facing multiple charges related to the fatal shooting of Anthony Rivero.

By taking Alford pleas, the siblings acknowledge that there is enough evidence to convict them on the charges they face, but they are not making admissions of guilt.

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Janet and Anthony were the parents of an 8-month-old infant at the time of the murder but were never a couple, according to prosecutors.

That child, who is now 5 years old, has no father and his mother is headed to prison.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by PEOPLE, prosecutors cited an eyewitness and multiple text messages as key evidence in their case.

Among the eyewitnesses was Maria Rivero, the mother of the victim, who the warrant says watched as her son was shot dead on Dec. 8, 2020, at 2:06 p.m. in front of her home

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Maria told police that she heard an argument happening in front of the home and went outside to look, at which point she saw "a Hispanic male trying to get into Anthony's car," the warrant says.

She also observed a woman in the car that the Hispanic male had been driving, with her hair in a bun  similar to how Janet wore hers, according to the warrant.

"The male suspect kept trying to get into the vehicle," the warrant reads. "Maria yelled out at the suspect and as he looked up at her Anthony started to drive away but as he did, he was shot."

Anthony made it to the end of the road before he lost consciousness and crashed the car, according to the warrant. At the same time, Maria said she watched as the male and female sped off in a white GMC Yukon Denali, which the warrant notes was the same make and model of car owned by a woman with ties to Juan.

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Prosecutors also had a series of text messages and calls between Janet and Anthony in the days before he was shot dead in which Janet demanded money from her ex, and said that if he could not provide the money she would have her brothers kill him, according to the warrants

Those messages continued until just minutes before Anthony's death

I need my money or Ima pull up my Bullet," read one message sent by Janet to Anthony on the morning of the shooting. The warrant says that "Bullet" is a reference to Janet's brother. The warrant includes a second text in which Janet writes of "Bullet": He hot he wanted to pull up on you last night u lucky he was working.

An hour before the shooting, Janet texted that she was on her way to Anthony's home, and seven minutes before, a male left a voicemail for Anthony saying: "I'm outside your house how you wanna handle this?"

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In the end, Janet received a four to 10 year sentence for voluntary manslaughter with use of a deadly weapon as well as an additional four to 10 years for the deadly weapons enhancement. Those sentenced will be served consecutively and mean she could be released in eight years.

Juan Juarez could also be released from prison in eight years after receiving consecutive sentences of four to 10 years for both voluntary manslaughter and conspiracy to commit murder.

Christian Juarez received a sentence of 10 to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder because he was the person who fired the fatal shots.

Lawyers for the siblings did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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During the sentencing, the lawyers apologized to the victim's family.

Maria Rivero responded by saying: How much [does] a life cost? $1,000? I dont take your apology. I dont take it. My sons life cost much more than $1,000. Much more."

Read the original article on People
WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI)  Police are investigating after a motorcyclist was injured in a fiery highway crash Wednesday evening.

12 News spotted the crash on I-95 South near Exit 31B in Warwick, where a motorcycle was on fire in the breakdown lane.

It appears the rider was thrown from the motorcycle several feet away from where the bike skidded to a stop and caught fire.

The motorcyclist was brought to the hospital with unspecified injuries. Witnesses told 12 News only one other vehicle was involved in the crash.

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It took firefighters roughly an hour to knock down the flames and remove the motorcycles remains from the highway.

Its unclear whether anyone else was injured in the crash. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.

12 News has reached out to Rhode Island State Police for more information but has not yet heard back.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A motorcyclist was killed in a crash Wednesday on U.S. 50 in Johnson County, Missouri, according to the highway patrol.

The crash was reported just before 5:30 p.m. in the westbound lanes of U.S. 50 near NW 1421 Road.

Fairway woman concerned roofing company scammed her

According to a crash log from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a woman in a GMC Acadia was changing lanes when she struck a 1987 BMW motorcycle.

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The motorcycle overturned and the driver was thrown from the bike.

The motorcyclist, identified as a 63-year-old man from Knob Noster, died at the scene. His name has not been released.

The Johnson County Sheriffs Office assisted in the investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Memphis Police Department has increased its presence in Downtown Memphis with a new command center.

The Memphis Police Department and Downtown Memphis Commission held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Downtown Command Center on Thursday afternoon. The command center is housed at 250 Peabody Place.

Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis spoke at the event. Davis called the new command center an example of a proactive, transparent, community-driven approach to policing.

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Davis touted new initiatives and tools the police department has employed to fight crime, including an expanded homicide unit, a new domestic violence unit, the use of drones, and K-9 units that will soon have gun detection capabilities.

The police chief acknowledged that the city has had a rough couple of weeks in terms of crime. The city has experienced numerous shootings, including two mass shootings.

Deadly Frayser shooting sends family hiding for cover in house

The pain of these tragedies is being felt by all of us, Davis said, but we remain committed to doing everything in our power to stop the senseless loss of life and bring those responsible to justice.

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Davis said the new command center serves as an example of public and private partnerships working together.

This is about all of us. Residents, businesses, law enforcement working together to protect what matters. You, Davis said.

Downtown Memphis Commission President & CEO Chandell Ryan called the new command center a moment to tell a new story about Downtown Memphis.

Ryan said the command center will strengthen the downtown security network, and that network will have its own communications channels that will be plugged directly into the command center.

Ryan also announced that in a few weeks, the Downtown Memphis Commission will expand the Blue Suede Brigade Hospitality and Safety Team.

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Ryan said the DMC will be partnering with Kentucky-based company Block by Block, which Ryan describes as a national leader in safety and hospitality, to keep downtown safe, attractive, and welcoming.

So today, for me and for all of us actually, is not just about cameras, Ryan said. Its about a commitment to building a downtown where everyone feels safe and welcome, and this is our moment to make that happen.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A Mt. Juliet police dog was scheduled for emergency surgery after being seriously injured in a crash on April 23.

The dog, named Aksel, was riding with police officer and partner Reese Harper and responding to a report of a domestic-related shooting when the crash occurred, according to the Mt. Juliet Police Department.

Harper was not injured.

It wasn't immediately clear on the morning of April 24 if the dog had undergone surgery yet.

Mt. Juliet police dog

"Our primary concern today is his ongoing medical care, the well-being of his partner Officer Harper and our shared hope and prayers for the best possible outcome," Mt. Juliet Police Deputy Chief Tyler Chandler said on April 24.

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No other medical updates were immediately available.

Aksel is a one-year-old Belgian Malinois and Shepherd mix who began service with the Mt. Juliet Police Department in March, Chandler said.

The crash occurred around 4:40 p.m., as the officer was driving northbound on North Mt. Juliet Road and entering the intersection at Old Lebanon Dirt Road with lights, siren and the enhanced "rumbler" siren activated, according to police.

A juvenile driver initially stopped and then unexpectedly accelerated into the intersection, hitting the police vehicle on the drivers side rear wheel area, according to the Mt. Juliet Police Department.

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The impact caused a loss of steering control and the patrol vehicle collided with the rear of a pickup truck that had pulled over to yield to the police vehicle.

The officer was initially trapped because of damage to the driver's side door but was later able to exit through the passenger side.

Aksel was taken to Avenue Animal Hospital, where his leg injury was stabilized. The dog was then transferred for emergency surgery at a specialized Middle Tennessee veterinary facility.

Aksel was demonstrating "strong promise in his role with the department," as he moved toward the process to gain official certifications, according to the city's news release.

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The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

The Tennessean will provide additional information as details become available.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mt. Juliet K-9 cop Aksel seriously hurt in crash, to undergo surgery
This photo taken on March 21, 2025 shows a card bearing the Chinese pinyin phrase "Ni Hao, Huan Ying!" (meaning "Hello, welcome!") printed using German printer Johannes Gutenberg's printing technique in Mainz, Germany, March 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

WUHAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- In a workshop in Yingshan County, central China, German scholar Fabian Schrodt carefully pressed paper onto inked clay blocks, recreating an 11th-century innovation from ancient China -- Bi Sheng's movable-type printing.

"Although his methods cannot match today's digital efficiency, they nonetheless revealed the brilliance of modular design long before standardized manufacturing came into existence," said Schrodt, a Wuhan University professor, as characters from a Chinese poem emerged on the page.

His hands-on experience at the Bi Sheng Memorial Hall brought to life the ingenuity of the Song Dynasty inventor, whose clay-type system predated German printer Johannes Gutenberg's metal press by 400 years.

Thousands of miles away in Mainz, Germany, visitors to the Gutenberg Museum have also encountered a similar sense of historic innovation.

While Gutenberg's 15th-century metal-type printing press famously revolutionized Europe, Ulf Solter, director of Mainz's Gutenberg Museum, acknowledges an earlier pioneer: "The connecting idea between Gutenberg and the invention of Bi, who came up with the idea long before Gutenberg -- namely, to break down individual works into their individual components -- is a great parallel," said Solter.

Solter emphasized that while Bi and Gutenberg's inventions were conceptually similar, the technologies differed and emerged in very different cultural and communicative contexts.

According to Lin Chunjie, director of German language department at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Bi's invention was the earliest recorded movable type printing in human history. "The technology spread westward along the Silk Road, and about 400 years later, Gutenberg created metal movable type printing," Lin added.

Gutenberg's version, with its metallurgical refinements and oil-based ink, had an enormous impact on European media, enabling the Reformation and later the Enlightenment.

Both the Bi Sheng Memorial Hall and the Gutenberg Museum serve not only as custodians of history but also as active educators, offering visitors hands-on experiences with these centuries-old techniques.

For Schrodt, who spent an afternoon learning from Wang Kui -- an intangible cultural inheritor of Bi's movable type printing -- such preservation is essential.

"It is regrettable that technological advancements can lead to a degradation of collective knowledge," Schrodt noted. "Wang's dedication to preserving Bi's legacy serves a crucial purpose: ensuring that humanity does not reach a point where we possess the technology for interstellar travel but cannot rebuild it once lost, simply because no one knows how."

Centuries later, China is once again shaping the future of printing. At the Drupa Exhibition 2024, the latest edition of the world's premier printing expo held every four years, over 400 Chinese firms participated, nearly double the tally of the previous edition, making China the top exhibitor, ahead of Germany.

"Today, China remains at the forefront in multiple fields, including digital printing and post-press processing," said Marius Berlemann, regional head of Messe Dusseldorf for Asia. Messe Dusseldorf is the organizer of Drupa.

Highlighting China's growing influence, Berlemann said: "For me, three aspects define China's contribution: efficiency, innovation, and value. China skillfully combines all these elements."

According to Gu Yan, general manager of Messe Dusseldorf in China, China's printing market has shown great growth momentum in recent years, with its total output value surpassing 1.43 trillion yuan (about 198.3 billion U.S. dollars) by 2024, firmly securing its position as the global leader.

"Currently, China's printing industry has achieved outstanding accomplishments in digitalization and intelligentization while actively spearheading the development of green printing technologies. We'll remain unwavering in driving the sustainable advancement of the industry," she noted.

Reflecting on the broader impact of printing, Schrodt emphasized that its value lies not only in spreading knowledge but in democratizing it -- a power shared by both Bi and Gutenberg.

"The standardization of text production made texts more affordable and mass-produced, more critically, it disseminated ideas at an unprecedented speed and scale," he said. 

People attend the "Bi Sheng Forum for Cooperation in the Printing Industry -- Drupa Dialogue" in Dusseldorf, Germany, May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

(250424) -- YINGSHAN, April 24, 2025 (Xinhua) -- ABOVE: This photo taken by Xinhua photographer Xiao Yijiu on April 2, 2025 shows inked clay blocks exhibited at the Bi Sheng Memorial Hall in Yingshan County, central China's Hubei Province;

BELOW: This photo taken by Xinhua photographer Zhang Fan on March 21, 2025 shows traditional Gutenberg printing blocks at the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany. (Xinhua)

(250424) -- YINGSHAN, April 24, 2025 (Xinhua) -- German scholar Fabian Schrodt (R) experiences and recreates Bi Sheng's movable-type printing at the Bi Sheng Memorial Hall in Yingshan County, central China's Hubei Province, April 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

(250424) -- YINGSHAN, April 24, 2025 (Xinhua) -- ABOVE: This photo taken by Xinhua photographer Xiao Yijiu on April 2, 2025 shows the Bi Sheng Memorial Hall in Yingshan County, central China's Hubei Province;

BELOW: This photo taken by Xinhua photographer Zhang Fan on March 21, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany. (Xinhua)

(250424) -- DUSSELDORF, April 24, 2025 (Xinhua) -- A staff member of a Chinese company introduces a product to a French visitor at Drupa, an international exhibition in the printing industry, in Dusseldorf, Germany, on May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

(250424) -- YINGSHAN, April 24, 2025 (Xinhua) -- LEFT: This photo taken by Xinhua photographer Xiao Yijiu on April 2, 2025 shows a statue of Bi Sheng at the Bi Sheng Memorial Hall in Yingshan County, central China's Hubei Province;

RIGHT: This photo taken by Xinhua photographer Zhang Fan on April 7, 2025 shows a statue of Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany. (Xinhua)

Ulf Solter, director of the Gutenberg Museum, attends an interview at the museum entrance in Mainz, Germany, March 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

Christoph Suender, Print Shop Workshop Manager of the Gutenberg Museum, showcases the Gutenberg printing technique in Mainz, Germany, March 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)
DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Dorchester County has launched a new artificial intelligence chatbot to help better connect its residents with civic services.

The countys website features a 24/7 virtual chat assistant called Mani that residents can use to ask questions, submit service requests, and access various resources.

Mani, developed by Charleston-based company Citibot, can communicate in 75 languages and is designed to handle routine inquiries, according to the county.

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This partnership underscores Dorchester Countys commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its community with innovative, efficient solutions, a news release stated.

Summers Corner community raises concerns about pedestrian safety

To access the feature, navigate to the countys water and sewer webpage and click on the chat icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. The bot will prompt users to submit questions and will answer with as much information as possible.

Users can request additional support from county staff members directly through the chat or by calling customer service at 843-832-0075 or 843-563-0075 during normal business hours.

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A growing number of counties nationwide, including Charleston and Berkeley, have adopted AI-powered messaging platforms to help streamline communication with their residents.

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Muscatine invites the public to celebrate Fire Chief Jerry Ewers and his 36-plus years of dedicated public service at an Open House reception on April 29 from 4  6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Muscatine City Hall, 215 Sycamore Street. Ewers recently announced his retirement effective April 30, 2025.

Muscatine Fire Chief Jerry Ewers (City of Muscatine)

Ewers was the eighth Fire Chief since the Muscatine Fire Department became a paid department in 1916. His predecessors include 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), and Steve Dalbey (1991-2009).

Ewers spent his entire career with the Muscatine Fire Department, starting on July 18, 1988, and advancing through every rank: Firefighter, EMS Coordinator, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and finally Fire Chief in 2009. He holds an associate of arts degree in Fire Science, a bachelors degree in Fire Administration, is a credentialed Fire Officer and graduated from the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. He was named Firefighter of the Year by the Muscatine Journal and Career Individual of the Year by the Iowa EMS Association. He also contributed to the International Association of Fire Chiefs document, Enhancing Fire-Based EMS.

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He also served as Interim City Administrator and Interim Deputy City Clerk for the City of Muscatine from October to December 2019 and as Interim Emergency Management Agency Manager for Muscatine County from June to October 2018. He has been a member of the Iowa EMS Association Board since 2008 and served two terms each as President and Vice-President, as well as Immediate Past President. He also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Iowa Association of Professional Fire Chiefs from 2017 to 2020.

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MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. (WHNT)  The City of Muscle Shoals released a statement regarding the city firefighter placed on administrative leave following their arrest.

The announcement came at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday. At this time, the name of the firefighter and the reason he was arrested have not been released.

You can read the full statement from the city below:

The City of Muscle Shoals is aware of the recent arrest of a firefighter employed by the Muscle Shoals Fire Department. We take matters of public safety and employee conduct very seriously and are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability within all city departments. Currently, this is an ongoing legal matter, and we are cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation. We recognize the impact such incidents may have on our community and value the trust placed in our public safety personnel. At the same time, we respect the due process owed to all of our citizens in serious matters such as these. In accordance with city policies and procedures, the firefighter involved has been placed on administrative leave pending further review. The City of Muscle Shoals remains dedicated to transparency as well as the security and welfare of its residents. We appreciate the communitys patience and understanding as we navigate this evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as appropriate. City of Muscle Shoals

News 19 has reached out to law enforcement in the area and the fire department for more information, but have yet to hear back.

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Elon Musks social platform X filed a lawsuit Wednesday over a Minnesota law prohibiting the sharing of deepfakes to influence an election, alleging it violates free speech.

In the complaint, filed in federal court in Minnesota, X argues the law will lead to blanket censorship, including of fully protected, core political speech.

The law, passed in 2023, defines a deepfake as videos, audio recordings or photos created with artificial intelligence (AI) tools to realistically impersonate a person without their permission or knowledge.

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Anyone who widely shares the deepfake within 90 days of an election could face criminal action.

By threatening criminal action against social media platforms, X argues platforms are more likely to err on the side of removing content, even when it is a close call on whether it is a deepfake.

Under this enforcement system, platforms that keep up content presenting a close call under the statute run the risk of criminal penalties, but there is no penalty for erring on the side of too much censorship, the complaint stated.

This system will inevitably result in the censorship of wide swaths of valuable political speech and commentary and will limit the type of uninhibited, robust, and wide-open debate on public

issues that core First Amendment protections are designed to ensure, it continued.

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The suit urges a federal judge to rule the law is a violation of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, along with the Minnesota Constitution, and seeks a permanent injunction to block the enforcement of the law.

The Hill reached out to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D), the listed defendant, for comment.

Minnesota is one of more than two dozen states in the U.S. to pass legislation related to the regulation of deepfakes in elections, according to a tracker from Public Citizen, a progressive consumer rights watchdog nonprofit.

Lawmakers have increasingly raised concerns deepfake technology risks spreading disinformation and manipulating voters during an election.

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Musk, who purchased X, then known as Twitter, in 2021, has touted himself as a champion of free speech. Shortly after the purchase, he pulled back a number of content moderation policies on X, defending the move as a protection of free speech.

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Discovered last year near Cardiff Airport in Wales, a rare 6th or 7th-century site revealed dozens of skeletons in unusual positions alongside several surprising artefacts - leaving archaeologists scratching their heads.

Now, recent findings deepen the mystery as research shows most of those buried were women, with their bones showing signs of manual labour, yet also evidence of wealth and luxury.

A particularly surprising discovery is the body of a woman tossed into a ditch, contrasting with the others buried with great care.

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"Every time we think we understand something, something else crops up and the picture gets more intriguing," Andy Seaman from Cardiff University, told the BBC.

Excavation of about half the site, located in a field at Fonmon Castle, has uncovered 39 adult skeletons, nearly all female except for one. Dr. Seaman remains unsure of the significance, suggesting it may represent a particular community or a specific section of a larger cemetery.

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A team of archaeologists excavating the cemetery near Cardiff Airport. - Credit: Andy Seaman/University of Cardiff

Two children's skeletons were also found, an unexpectedly low number given the high infant mortality rate of the time. Their graves have peculiar features, including darker, more organic backfill, hinting at a delay between their burial and that of the adults.

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Artefacts found at the site included shards of pottery and fine etched glass. The glass, likely imported from the Levant and Southern France, suggests the community held significant status.

Each person was buried with care, some laid flat, others crouching, all facing east to west. The woman in the ditch remains an anomaly, possibly an outcast or criminal. Her bones are to be researched at the lab at Cardiff University.

"We're hoping to tell the story of the individuals within the cemetery, but also the broader community," Seaman told the BBC. "We know a lot about the lives of kings and queens, but much less about everyday people. And never before really have we been able to explore a single community in so much detail and all the interesting inter-relationships."
The State Bar of Texas has rescinded an invitation to NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in light of a lawsuit brought against the Trump administration by the civil rights organization.

Johnson was set to speak at the bars annual meeting in San Antonio on Juneteenth, which commemorates the day in 1865 when the last of the enslaved learned they were free.

The bar rescinded Johnsons invitation after it learned about the NAACPs challenge to an executive order the president issued that month that seeks to dismantle the Department of Education, according to a statement from the group.

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Trey Apffel, the state bars executive director, said in a statement to The Hill that the lawsuit violates regulations under the judicial branch of state government that limit political speech.

The State Bar is under the oversight of the Supreme Court of Texas, which has directed that the State Bar must avoid even the appearance of politics in everything it does, he said, in response to a request for comment.

The State Bar of Texas is following these directives by choosing keynote speakers for its Annual Meeting who are not involved in active, high-profile political battles because to do otherwise could imply endorsement of their political views, Apffel added.

Johnson has pushed back against the bars claims, according to The Associated Press.

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They have decided to censure free speech on notions of being political when its not political, Johnson told the AP. This is the State Bar of Texas. These are lawyers who are sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States. And nothing about our actions is contrary to the very principles that they have sworn to uphold.

And so, I find it ironic to say the least that a lawsuit would generate a rescission of the invitation, he added.

The NAACP chief also criticized the bar for canceling his invitation, even though the group allowed former U.S. Attorney General William Barr to speak at the 2023 meeting.

We are in an intersection point in our democracy, Johnson told the newswire. Are we going to uphold the Constitution and ensure that this speech is something that we value, or are we going to take a different approach?

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Apffel, per the AP, contended that with the new rules in place, Barr would not have been permitted to speak.

The group has selected former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson to speak in Johnsons place. Jefferson, appointed by Gov. Rick Perry in 2001, was the states first Black Justice and Chief Justice.

The NAACP did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Georgia NAACP has released a statement regarding the Whites Only water fountain incident that occurred on Wednesday at Honey Creek Elementary School in Rockdale County, Georgia.

The statement read in part:

The Georgia NAACP and The Rockdale County NAACP are appalled and heartbroken by the deeply disturbing incident at a Rockdale County school, where a water fountain was defaced with a sign reading White Only. This isnt just an act of ignoranceits a chilling echo of our nations darkest chapters. It is a stark reminder that the legacy of segregation is not history for manyit is still a lived reality.

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In a letter to parents and guardians, Honey Creeks Principal Adriene Lanier called the incident a social studies activity based on a historical figure in American history that was not approved.

The school lesson was reportedly about Ruby Bridges, the first African-American child to desegregate an all-white public school in the south.

The Georgia and Rockdale County chapters of the NAACP say they stand in solidarity with every student who felt devalued, every parent who felt betrayed, and every educator who believes in justice.

The incident is still under investigation from the school district.

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WINDHOEK, Namibia (AP)  New Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced Thursday that her government will introduce free higher education at state universities and technical colleges starting next year.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was sworn in as Namibia's first female leader last month, made the announcement while delivering her State of the Nation speech to Parliament.

I am pleased to announce that from the next academic year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100% subsidized by the government, she said.

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Namibia already provides free education in public elementary and high schools, though parents still typically have to pay for school uniforms, stationery, books and hostel fees.

The new policy would remove tuition and registration fees at universities and colleges. There have been calls for years for all levels of education to be subsidized by the government in the country of around 3 million people in southern Africa.

We have heard your cries, Nandi-Ndaitwah said. She said the policy was aimed at improving opportunities for young people amid problems of youth unemployment and poverty. Around 2.1 million Namibians are under the age of 35, according to official figures.

Two of Namibia's seven universities are state run and will offer free education under the policy. All of its seven vocational training centers are government-run and will also no longer charge tuition fees.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
On April 24, 1990, all 24,000 pounds of the Hubble Space Telescope were tucked away inside the Discovery space shuttle when it launched into space. Thirty-five years later, NASA says Hubble has proven to have "opened a new window to the universe," with more than 1.6 million observations to date filled with compelling and surprising images of galaxies, planets and our own solar system.

To celebrate the anniversary milestone, NASA has released stunning photos taken by the telescope in its decades among the stars.

Among them is an image of Mars, taken 61 million miles from Earth.

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"Thin water-ice clouds, revealed by Hubble's unique ultraviolet capability, give the Red Planet a frosty appearance," Hubble said along with the photo on social media.

A photo of Mars taken by Hubble / Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI; Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)

In a news release commemorating Hubble's decades around the sun, NASA said the telescope "is a glowing success story of America's technological prowess, unyielding scientific curiosity, and a reiteration of our nation's pioneering spirit."

"Its stunning imagery inspired people across the globe, and the data behind those images revealed surprises about everything from early galaxies to planets in our own solar system," said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "The fact that it is still operating today is a testament to the value of our flagship observatories, and provides critical lessons for the Habitable Worlds Observatory, which we plan to be serviceable in the spirit of Hubble."

Another image captured by Hubble shows the nebula NGC 2899, which NASA's Hubble account on X described as being "sculpted by the outflow of radiation and stellar winds from a 40,000-degree-Fahrenheit dying star at its center."

An image of planetary nebula NGC 2899 taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. / Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI; Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)

Hubble has looked at roughly 55,000 astronomical targets during its time in space, resulting in over 22,000 scientific papers as of February. Aside from the James Webb Space Telescope, it has contributed to the biggest dataset for a NASA astrophysics mission, with over 400 terabytes of data. Among the observations it has captured are planetary seasons, black hole jets traveling at nearly the speed of light, stellar convulsions, asteroid collisions and expanding supernova bubbles.

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One of those observations, a portion of the star-forming Rosette Nebula, shows dark clouds of hydrogen gas laced with dust.

An image showing a small portion of the Rosette Nebula taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. / Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI; Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)

Hubble's ability to capture the cosmos isn't just visually stunning, but has provided numerous scientific breakthroughs. Before the telescope's launch, telescopes grounded on Earth couldn't see as far into space, limiting estimates for the age of the universe and knowledge of space in general. Hubble was able to capture deep field images that showed galaxies dating back to the early universe, allowing scientists to precisely measure the universe's expansion.

Using the telescope, scientists were also able to determine that supermassive black holes are common among galaxies and measure the atmospheres of exoplanets  and it even contributed to the discovery of dark energy.

An image of barred spiral galaxy NGC 5335 taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. / Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI; Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)

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MIDDLESEX, N.C. (WNCT)  The Nash County Sheriffs Office conducted a search at a house on Stokes Road for suspected narcotic activity and a wanted sex offender.

Corey Carrington, a 52 year old male with an extensive history of narcotic and weapon charges, stepped outside of the residence and was taken in custody without incident. Carrington is being held under a $385,000 bond. Dakita Wright was hiding in a back bedroom. Wright, aged 26, is a sex offender with an active warrant for failing to register her address and possession of cocaine charges. She is being held on a $435,000 bond.

Charges against these individuals include:

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Trafficking methamphetamine

Trafficking opiates

Possession with Intent to sell cocaine

Possession of marijuana

Possession of a firearm by a felon

Possession of a stolen firearm

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Failure to change address for a registered sex offender and maintain a vehicle/dwelling for keeping or selling a controlled Substance.

Both individuals are being held at the Nash County Detention Center.

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SHANGHAI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Thursday that scientists from institutions in France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (U.S.) have been granted the opportunity to borrow lunar samples collected by the Chang'e-5 mission for scientific research.

At a ceremony for China's Space Day in Shanghai, the agency announced that seven institutions from six countries have been authorized to borrow the lunar samples.

The authorized institutions include the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP) in France, the University of Cologne in Germany, Osaka University in Japan, the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), the Open University in UK, Brown University in U.S., and the State University of New York at Stony Brook in U.S..

In 2020, China's Chang'e-5 mission retrieved samples from the moon weighing about 1,731 grams.

Shan Zhongde, head of the CNSA, said China's lunar exploration program has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual benefits, peaceful utilization and win-win cooperation, sharing achievements with the international community.

He added that CNSA will continue to accept international applications for lunar sample research, expressing hope that global scientists will make new discoveries that expand human knowledge and benefit humanity.

In November 2023, CNSA opened applications for international researchers to borrow Chang'e-5 lunar samples. By the end of December 2023, it had received 24 applications from 11 countries and international organizations. 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Nashville man with prior convictions, including attempted murder, has been charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, officials announced Thursday.

We will not permit those who have committed violent crimes to carry firearms, especially when they are on release in our community, said acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. Our Operation Bond Watch program works every day with our law enforcement partners to keep violent felons from carrying guns and hold those who do accountable for their actions.

Former Fort Campbell soldier accused of selling information to China sentenced

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According to court documents, on April 17, detectives from the Metro Nashville Police Department were using Metro Development and Housing Agency cameras to conduct surveillance in the area of South 6th Street and Summer Place. Authorities reportedly noticed some people gathering and identified one of them as 28-year-old Latreavias Burns, who had active state warrants.

Detectives responded to the area and tried to make contact with Burns, but he allegedly ran away. After catching Burns, police searched him and found a Smith and Wesson, Model: SD9; Caliber: 9mm pistol loaded with 19 rounds of ammo in his left pant leg, as well as a digital scale with marijuana residue, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Officials said Burns has multiple prior felony convictions in Davidson County, including attempted second-degree murder, assault resulting in death, and accessory after the fact. According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, Burns had absconded from his community corrections program prior to this incident.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

If convicted, the DOJ said Burns faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

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This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone, officials said in a statement. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

No additional details have been released about this case, which is being investigated by MNPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  This Saturday, officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies will be hosting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

National Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity to safely and conveniently dispose of unneeded prescription drugs.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a great opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinets and remove the temptation for experimentation or misuse, DEA Omaha Division Acting Diversion Program Manager Summer Schwab said. We encourage you to make Take Back Day a family event. Use this time to talk with your children about the risks of prescription drug misuse and lead by example by bringing your expired or unused medications to a Take Back Day site.

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Drugs that can be dropped off at Take Back centers include tablets, capsules, patches, and any other prescription drugs. Liquid medicines must be tightly sealed in their original containers, and any sort of vaping devices or cartridges will be accepted if the lithium batteries are removed. Syringers, sharps, and illicit substances will not be collected.

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Prescription drugs can be dropped off at the following Sioux City metro locations, according to the DEA website:

Hy-Vee on Hamilton Boulevard in Sioux City

Hy-Vee on Gordon Drive in Sioux City

Drilling Pharmacy on Morningside Avenue

Hy-Vee on Cornhusker Drive in South Sioux City

The Dakota County Law Enforcement Center on Broadway Street in Dakota City

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You can find a full list of Drug Take Back sites here.

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VERMILLION, S.D. (KCAU)  The National Music Museum announced they have received a $1 million gift from South Dakota businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford for the ongoing exhibit renovation project.

Museum officials said the money will help advance the music museums second-floor galleries. When the project is done, the galleries will explore the contributions of innovators and inventors in the world of music, highlighting how technology and craftsmanship have shaped the sound of instruments in history.

People will be able to experience the convergence of art and science with exhibits showcasing the innovation behind some of the most iconic musical instruments in the world.

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This significant gift marks a milestone in the museums efforts to enhance our offerings and expand our educational impact, said Scott Lawrence, NMM board chairman. It provides essential momentum toward the completion of our exhibit renovation project, ensuring that the NMM will continue to inspire and educate future generations.

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The generosity of Mr. Sanford is pivotal for the future of the National Music Museum, said Dwight Vaught, executive director of the NMM. We have been working for some time to bring the museum alive with renovated galleries and exhibits. With this gift, we are one step closer to realizing that goal.

We are grateful to Mr. Sanford for his generous support of the National Music Museum, said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. This gift will benefit generations of USD students, increasing their access to world-renowned instruments and music history. As the museum continues to evolve, so will the opportunities for our students and our community.

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The museum completed the renovation of its first-floor exhibits in 2023. That floor features seven galleries exploring many ways people are shaped by music using interactive displays, sound, and stories.

The National Music Museum is located on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

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Virginia State Capitol. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury)

From building party infrastructure and strengthening candidate recruitment pipelines to supporting current candidates with tens of thousands in cash, both the Democratic Party of Virginia and candidates running in this years pivotal House of Delegates election are getting fresh infusions of funds and energy from national organizations.

Thursday, the Democratic National Committee announced that it will transfer more than $1 million per month to its state and territorial parties over the next four years. Meanwhile the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee announced its spotlight investment on a slate of Democrats who are challenging Republican incumbents in Virginias statehouse.

Those include women candidates who are facing a rematch this year against Republican incumbents they nearly ousted last time around. Those races are expected to be tight again as Republicans try to hold the line and Democrats hope to flip the districts.

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House District 82 challenger Kimberly Pope Adams lost to Del. Kim Taylor, R-Petersburg in 2023s election by just 53 votes and will face the delegate again with DLCCs backing.

As will House District 41 challenger Lily Franklin who nearly beat Del. Chris Obenshain, R-Montgomery, and House District 71 challenger Jessica Anderson who nearly ousted Del. Amanda Batten, R- James City County. Both women will step up to bat again in November.

DLCC also announced support for House District 22 challenger Elizabeth Guzman, a former state delegate looking to get back into the legislature by ousting Del. Ian Lovejoy, R-Prince William, in the competitive district.

During Guzmans previous tenure in the General Assembly she was tapped to deliver the Spanish language response to Donald Trumps first State of the Union address during his first term in the White House.

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Now that hes earned a second term and Republicans control both chambers of Congress, Virginias House of Delegates and state executive branch elections this year represent an opportunity for Democrats to hold onto their seats and claw back power at the state level.

With $350,000 already invested in Virginia specifically as one of its priority states, DLCC plans to build on that number.

State Democrats in Virginia and across the country are holding the line against extremism in Washington, DLCC president Heather Williams said in a statement. All eyes should be on the commonwealth as competitive campaigns ramp up and voters prepare to hold Republicans accountable for their extremism this November.

The focus on state-level gains is paramount for the partys national apparatus as well.

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When we organize everywhere to compete everywhere, we can win anywhere, DNC chair Ken Martin told the media during a virtual call Wednesday morning.

As part of the new investment strategy, he said that each state party is set to receive a minimum of $17,500 per month  up $5,000 from the current baseline. Republican-controlled states can also expect a total of $22,500 per month with a boost from the DNCs Red State Fund.

A politically purple state, this doesnt apply to Virginia this time around, as the threshold for that funding source entails meeting at least two of three criteria: no Democratic governor or Democratic U.S. Senator; one-quarter or less of the states congressional delegation being made up of Democrats; and Republicans holding supermajorities in both state legislative chambers.

Those factors are in flux, Martin and former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who was also on the call, emphasized, saying theres no such thing as a perpetual blue state or a perpetual red state.

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But in order to build Democratic gains within the D.C. beltway, Martin said, the DNC can help support states as they recruit and support candidates in bodies like state legislatures and city councils.

The role of political parties is to build infrastructure everywhere, Martin said.

With the fresh boosts from the DNC and DLCC, Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Lamont Bagby is ready to put the resources to work in this years elections.

We are committed to investing in every corner of the Commonwealth and mobilizing every voter to elect Abigail Spanberger as Governor, a Democratic Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, and expand our majority in the House of Delegates, he said in a statement to The Mercury.





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Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee on Thursday won the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) in the special House election for Texass 18th Congressional District.

Menefee, the youngest county attorney in Houston history, will face off against a crowded slate of largely young, progressive Democrats vying to represent one of the states most populous districts following the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner (D) in March.

Christian is the proven fighter Texass 18th district needs. We are proud to back his campaign, Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC members Reps. Greg Casar (D-Texas), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said in a Thursday statement.

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They pointed to Menefees history of multi-million dollar settlements holding corporations accountable and his legal fights against Texas Republicans.

Menefee, they wrote, has a demonstrated record of standing up to Republican overreach and delivering results for working families.

Menefee told The Hill that Texas progressives occupy a critical role in a national party seeking to claw its way out of the wilderness.

He added that decades under far-right rule have given Texas Democrats something the national party needs: the ability to be scrappy and fight against tough odds.

The states Democrats have been cast aside by party members nationally who dont believe that Texas has the ability to flip, Menefee said.

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But faced with Republican control of all three branches of state government, he argued, Harris County Democrats  and the county attorney specifically  have repeatedly fought the state GOP to a standstill.

Were resourceful. We know what it looks like to be in a situation where you feel like your back is up against the wall, where the only thing protecting communities you love and the people you serve is your ability to fight, he said.

We can show national Democrats how to leave no stone unturned when it comes to trying to advocate for the people we care about, he added.

With a lead in endorsements and funding, Menefee opened the race with a position as front-runner, University of Houston political analyst Brandon Rottinghaus told The Houston Chronicle last month.

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The endorsement from the CPC, an alliance of 100-plus Democrats focused on issues like securing more pay and less pollution for workers, adds weight to Menefees pitch that he is part of the partys vigorous new face.

Menefee, who grew up in the district, and credits his current success to social democratic programs like free school lunches, Pell Grants and the G.I. Bill  a kind of programming he now sees being threatened by the Trump administration.

Ive seen how effective the government can be when it works the right way, he told The Hill.

And I know that if our government works for regular working class people, instead of the wealthy and the well connected, that if there are programs in place that ensure that nobodys left behind, every single person can have a fair shot at the American dream.

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Under Menefee, the Harris County Attorneys Office has repeatedly pushed back against state attempts to constrict the powers of Harris County, from defending a pilot program that would guarantee basic income to select county residents to fighting against deregulation that his office has argued would increase deadly pollution in the county.

For example, Menefee sued the state environmental regulator over a concrete crushing plant in the middle of a neighborhood. He has also dueled with far-right Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R)  who has announced a run for Sen. John Cornyns (R) seat  in state and federal court, challenging Paxton last year, for instance, on an attempt to loosen federal standards for pollution from, among others, Harris Countys vast fleet of more than 200,000 petrochemical plants.

Menefees 300-person team also won an $18 million settlement against Volkswagen after suing the company for allegedly manipulating emissions monitoring in its vehicles and $20 million from e-cigarette maker Juul over accusations that it targeted marketing toward minors  wins that put the county budget in the black.

Menefees pushback against the state government also played a role in making the upcoming special election happen. Turner, a former Houston mayor, won the seat in November but died in office just two months into his term. Following his death, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) took weeks to authorize a special election to replace him  until Menefee threatened to sue him.

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But Menefee also last year announced his willingness to work across the aisle with Paxton in investigations of CenterPoint Energy, the Houston-area utility that saw millions of customers lose power during last years Hurricane Beryl.

Beyond the Texas GOP, Menefee has scored victories against the Trump administration as well: For example, a lawsuit from his office resulted in the administration unfreezing $10 million in funding for refugee health care last month.

Texans can have political differences from a policy perspective, but what youre seeing out of like modern MAGA Republicans in elected office is much different, Menefee told The Hill.

For his courtroom opponents, he said, its not about making the best policy, its about proving a point.

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He told The Hill he believes MAGA Republicans and many national-party Democrats have left a lane open for their future opponents.

The base is crying out for a fight from their elected leaders. Theyre tired of seeing Donald Trump and Elon Musk run roughshod over their rights, he said.

And at the same time that elected Democrats have thrown their hands up and saying, theres nothing we can do here, he said, in Harris County, we have done a case study on how to fight back against Republicans  zealously, courageously  in the face of what would appear to be insurmountable opposition.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Three former service members-turned Democratic House lawmakers are demanding answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about recent staffing upheavals at the Pentagon.

In a letter sent to Hegseth on Tuesday and led by former Navy intelligence officer Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), the group expressed deep concern regarding the turmoil taking place at the Department of Defense under your leadership.

Hegseth in the past week has ousted his deputy chief of staff, a senior adviser, and the chief of staff to the deputy Defense secretary, with his chief of staff reassigned to a new position within the department and a top spokesperson choosing to leave.

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Certainly it is the prerogative of every Secretary of Defense to choose his or her own staff, but the scale of these firings is simply staggering, the letter reads, as first reported by Semafor.

Whats more concerning, they write, is that the staffing shake-up follows wider unacceptable and dangerous behavior at the department, including the revelation last month that Hegseth shared sensitive attack plans on the U.S. military operation in Yemen against Houthi militants in a Signal group chat that mistakenly included the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

It also was reported Sunday by The New York Times that Hegseth shared the same details about the Yemen airstrikes in a separate Signal text chain that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer.

This lack of judgment is dangerous and has already put American lives at risk, wrote the group, which also includes Reps. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a Marine Corps veteran; Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), who served in the Air Force; and Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.).

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The lawmakers request details related to Hegseths front office staff and the functions they handle. Such roles are greatly important as they are meant to help the Pentagon chief make timely life or death decisions on matters including missile defense of the homeland, whether to shoot down a civilian airliner threatening the President or the Capitol, for example, and nuclear command and control, they wrote.

The group also wants to know whether there are any members of Hegseths immediate office on any Signal chats related to operational matters, and if improvements to communications have been made since the Signal scandal broke.

Hegseth has been in hot water for more than a month in the wake of his sharing Yemen war plans via the Signal messaging app, though President Trump has said he still stands behind his Defense secretary.

Speaking to the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., on Wednesday, Hegseth alluded to ongoing controversies.

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When President Trump called me to take this job, he told me two things: The first was Pete, youre going to have to be tough as s. Tough. Boy, he was not kidding on that one, Hegseth told students and staff.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
RICHMOND, Va.  Commissary officials are getting close to awarding a contract for the doorstep delivery of groceries, said John Hall, director of the Defense Commissary Agency.

We need this. Our customers want and need this contract, Hall said during a meeting of the American Logistics Association in Richmond, Virginia, on Tuesday. Im really excited about this.

Hall did not provide a specific timeline for the broader rollout of the service, which is currently limited to select pilot locations.

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There are some hurdles left, he said. Were going to work really hard to get over it.

According to the contract solicitation documents, delivery service would be available to eligible customers living within a 20-mile radius of commissaries in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The solicitation requires the service to start initially at 70 locations, but gives the Defense Commissary Agency the ability to add any of the remaining 108 commissaries at any time.

Commissary officials arent considering doorstep delivery for overseas commissaries, due to overseas regulatory constraints.

There are about 3.4 million eligible households living within a 20-mile radius of those 178 commissaries, which sell discounted groceries as a benefit to active duty, Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients and their authorized family members. Veterans with any Department of Veterans Affairs-documented, service-connected disability rating also have commissary privileges.

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Officials launched a pilot program in 2022 for deliveries at eight commissaries, including Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; Fort Bragg South, North Carolina; MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; Fort Belvoir and Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Naval Base San Diego in California.

Delivery costs has been an issue in the service rollout. Officials are trying to keep delivery costs for customers as low as possible, Hall said.

We want it comparable to what they would pay at a local grocery chain [for delivery], he said.

When the pilot first launched in 2022, most delivery fees hovered around $4 per order. Customers pay the fee in addition to the cost of groceries, the 5% commissary surcharge, and, if desired, a tip for the driver. But those low delivery fees made it financially difficult for the two companies handling the deliveries to cover operating costs like gas prices and drivers salaries.

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One of the companies, ChowCall, took over all the deliveries at the eight commissaries in March 2023, and was allowed to set prices to cover its costs. The cost depends on the miles driven, ranging from about $16 to about $30. ChowCall has delivered more than 28,000 commissary orders from the eight pilot locations, according to Todd Waldemar, founder and CEO of ChowCall.

Information is not yet available about whether the delivery fee will be subsidized in some way by the commissary system under the new contract.

Customers using the delivery service at the eight pilot stores buy nearly three times as much per order as customers shopping in person at commissaries, according to Hall. The average shopping basket is about $185 for customers using the delivery service, compared to the average basket of about $65 per trip for those shopping inside the stores. For those using the curbside pickup service available at all commissaries, the average order is about $120, according to Hall.

Think about how much more benefit we can deliver to our customers, how much more we can combat food insecurity when we get this delivery contract in place, Hall said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to use his visit to Washington on April 24 to urge the U.S. not to pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace agreement that favors Moscow, the Financial Times (FT) reported, citing three officials briefed on the trip.

According to the publication, Rutte is scheduled to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

His message will focus on the risks of brokering a deal that disregards Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the broader threat such a move would pose to European security.

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Rutte will reportedly emphasize that any settlement imposed on Kyiv  especially one aligning with Kremlin demands  would only embolden Russian aggression and further destabilize the region, the sources said.

The visit comes as Ukraine faces mounting pressure to respond to a controversial U.S. peace proposal reportedly presented in Paris on April 17.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the plan includes U.S. recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO  two core Russian demands.

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Ukraine has categorically rejected any settlement involving territorial concessions. "This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 22.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has denied that Ukraine is being forced to accept the Crimea clause. However, he has criticized Zelensky's refusal to consider the issue as "harmful to the peace negotiations."

The proposal has sparked backlash even from Trump's supporters. Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the plan on April 24, calling it a reward for Russian aggression and warning that it risks allowing Russia to regroup for another assault.

On April 24, Russia launched deadly missile strikes on Kyiv, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 90. Trump responded by saying he was "not happy" with the attack, calling it "not necessary" and poorly timed, but stopped short of issuing a condemnation or threatening consequences.

Ukraine has already accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire first introduced on March 11. Russia has so far refused to agree, continuing offensive operations across Ukraine's front lines.

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Rutte is also expected to discuss NATO's long-term defense posture in Europe, including transferring more of the alliance's military burden from the U.S. to European forces, according to FT sources.

Read also: Impossible to believe  in Kyiv, Trumps stance on Russia stuns after yet another deadly attack

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BRUSSELS (AP)  NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday urged the 32 member nations to devote more funds, equipment and political energy to the worlds biggest military alliance, as the United States steps back from its leading security role in Europe.

In 2025, we need to significantly increase our efforts to ensure NATO remains a key source of military advantage for all our nations. Our continued freedom and prosperity depend on it, Rutte wrote in his annual report.

NATO has been in disarray since February, when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Americas security priorities lie elsewhere - in Asia and on its own borders - and that Europe would have to look after its own security and that of Ukraine, in future.

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Ruttes report was posted on NATOs website without any obvious publicity. In previous years, secretaries-general have promoted their annual reports with news conferences and press releases. NATO did not respond when asked why the approach has changed.

Rutte was in Washington on Thursday for meetings with senior U.S. officials, two months before hes due to chair a summit of U.S. President Donald Trump and his NATO counterparts in the Netherlands.

The leaders are expected to set on a new NATO guideline for defense spending. In 2023, as Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine entered its second year, they agreed that all allies should spend at least 2% of gross domestic product on their military budgets.

Estimates in the annual report showed that 22 allies had reached that goal last year, compared to a previous forecast of 23. Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain did not. Spain does expect to reach the goal this year, but the new goal could be over 3%.

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The United States is now estimated to have spent 3.19% of GDP in 2024, down from 3.68% a decade ago when all NATO members vowed to increase defense spending after Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula.

While its the only ally to have lower spending as a percentage of GDP than in 2014, the U.S. still spends more in dollar terms than the others combined. The report estimated that total NATO military spending last year reached around $1.3 trillion.

In a sign of just how dominant the United States is within NATO, Hegseth told the Europeans and Canada in February that Ukraine would not get all its territory back from Russia and would not be allowed to join their military alliance.

NATO support for Ukraine remained strong in 2024, Rutte wrote in the report, even as doubts surround the Trump administrations commitment to the country as ceasefire talks falter.

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Looking to the future, NATO allies are united in their desire for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, Rutte wrote. It was a low-key assessment of backing compared to that of his predecessor Jens Stoltenberg just a year ago.

Ukraine must prevail as an independent, sovereign nation, Stoltenberg wrote in his last annual report. Supporting Ukraine is not charity, it is in our own security interest.
KIEV, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Nine people were killed and over 70 injured in an overnight Russian drone and missile attack on Kiev, said the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Thursday.

The assault caused extensive damage to residential buildings and ignited fires in garages, non-residential structures and administrative buildings.

Rescue operations are still underway in the western Sviatoshynskyi district, where a missile strike partially destroyed an apartment building.

In total, emergency teams have responded to 13 locations across Kiev to address the damage.

In addition to Kiev, the attack also targeted eight other regions across Ukraine. Two people were reported injured in the eastern Kharkiv region, while one person was wounded in the northern Zhytomyr region. 
Two Swedish fighter jets under NATO command were scrambled Thursday over the Baltic Sea to escort away a Russian reconnaissance plane that was approaching Polish airspace, Sweden's armed forces said, marking at least the third time in about a week that Russian aircraft had been intercepted in the region.

"The plane was close to Polish airspace so we went up to signal our presence, make a visual identification and escort it out of the area," Swedish air force spokeswoman Therese Akerstedt told AFP.

The Swedish jets, based in Malbork, Poland, under NATO command, identified the aircraft as a Russian IL-20 Coot reconnaissance plane. The mission took place in international airspace, Swedish officials said.

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NATO Air Command released images of the operation on social media.

Tva svenska Jas 39 Gripen har genomfort det forsta skarpa uppdraget inom ramen for @NATO forstarkta incidentberedskap. Stridsflygen lyfte fran basen i Polen och gjorde en visuell identifiering av ett ryskt signalspaningsflygplan av typen IL-20 Coot.#WeAreNATO#AirPolicing https://t.co/o6ZDdHaGb7  Forsvarsmakten (@Forsvarsmakten) April 24, 2025

Sweden joined NATO in March 2024.

The incident unfolded just days after Britain said it had dispatched two of its fighter jets to intercept Russian warplanes over the Baltic Sea. Britain's defense ministry said in a statement that Typhoon fighters were scrambled to intercept a Russian IL-20 Coot reconnaissance plane last Tuesday, and two days later, the jets intercepted an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space.

"With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security," Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said in a statement.

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Tensions over the Baltic Sea have heightened since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called for European countries and Canada to make a "quantum leap" in boosting their contribution to the alliance.

Rutte, who is visiting Washington for talks with U.S. officials, wrote in an annual report published Thursday that European NATO allies and Canada invested 19.4% more in defence in 2024 than the previous year in real terms but that these efforts should be accelerated in 2025.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said NATO allies should spend 5% of gross domestic product on defence  a level that no NATO country, including the United States, currently reaches.

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"European Allies and Canada must make a quantum leap when it comes to the contributions and capabilities they bring to bear. To do so, it will be essential to invest substantially more," Rutte wrote.

The United States accounted for an estimated 64% of the alliance's defence expenditure in 2024, while European NATO members and Canada made up 36%, according to the report, which also noted that last year 22 out of the alliance's 32 countries met NATO's target of spending 2% of GDP on defence.

(Reporting by Lili Bayer; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was travelling to Washington on Thursday for talks with senior members of the US administration, the NATO alliance and the US State Department announced.

Rutte was scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Discussions are expected to focus on efforts to end the war in Ukraine, where peace negotiations remain stalled.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that a deal with Russia was within reach, while claiming that dealing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been "harder" than with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump has demanded that Kiev cede the Russian occupied Crimean peninsula and drop its bid for future NATO membership.

NATO leaders are due to gather on June 2425 at a summit in The Hague.
Patrick Lohmann

Source New Mexico

Advocates from across the Navajo Nation gathered in front of the nations council meeting hall in Window Rock, Arizona on Monday, hoping to tell Navajo President Buu Nygren how frustrated and disappointed they are by his abrupt endorsement of Donald Trumps executive order aiming to reinvigorate the nations coal industry.



But Nygren was in Washington, D.C. As part of his engagement with our federal partners, his office said on social media, so he couldnt address the Navajo Nation Council for its first meeting. That left advocates even more frustrated, they said, that they couldnt speak to Nygren about their concerns.



Advocates in speeches Monday pointed to the Nygren administrations recent confidential agreement with uranium company Energy Fuels,, which allows the company to transport uranium ore across the Navajo Nation for a price and in exchange for the companys promise to clean up abandoned uranium mines across the Navajo Nation.



Because of the late January agreement, several trucks carrying uranium ore and other material traverse the western side of the Navajo Nation most days, carrying the material from a mine near the Grand Canyon to a mill in Utah.



The agreement would also apply to the eastern side of the Navajo Nation, which falls in New Mexico, if a proposed massive uranium mine near Mount Taylor is ever approved for operation. That project, called the Roca Honda Mine, is now a priority project at the Cibola National Forest, thanks to Trumps executive order seeking to boost domestic energy production.



In addition to the uranium transport agreement, advocates on Monday also noted that Nygren last week endorsed Trumps Reinvigorating Americas Beautiful Clean Coal Industry executive order and took a selfie with him during the signing ceremony.

Cheyenne Antonio, right, with the Dine C.A.R.E., at the rally Monday. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

Advocate Percy Deal spoke at the rally Monday in English and Navajo, saying Peabody Energys coal mining operations beginning in the 1960s have drained an untold amount of water from aquifer vital to in his community on the Black Mesa plateau in northeast Arizona for generations, plus contributed to climate change.



So he was surprised and alarmed that Nygren, whom he called Hastiin Bichah Lizhinigii in Navajo or the man in the black hat in English, would endorse executive orders boosting coal production from Trump, Mr. yellow hair, without consulting people like him who have been so harmed by coal extraction.

President Buu Nygrens selfie with President Trump during the coal executive order signing ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Navajo Nation Presidents Office)

All these things probably are now in the hands of Mr. yellow hair. The sad thing is that Hastiin Bichah Lizhinigii never spoke to any of us. Never did, Deal told attendees. Hes got a vehicle here furnished by the tribe. He could have gone out to, for example, the Black Mesa and talked to us.



Nygrens spokesperson, Alastair Bitsoi, noted in an interview with Source New Mexico on Tuesday* that uranium mining is still banned on the Navajo Nation and that cleanup efforts are ongoing. Bitsoi also deferred comment on the transport agreement to the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, which Bitsoi said was in charge of the Nations negotiations with Energy Fuels. Also, Nygren in a letter published Monday on social media defended his endorsement of Trumps energy executive orders.



I accepted the invitation [to the White House] because the three executive orders that President Trump signed are intended to advance Americas dominance in energy, Nygren wrote. The Navajo Nation shares the goal of American energy dominance because the Navajo Nation has for 100 years been a part of the energy framework of the United States.



Our lands have natural resources and transmission lines, also known as the grid. We will forever be part of the American energy framework and therefore Navajos voice and involvement in these discussions is required, he wrote.



Advocates said that Nygrens latest endorsements are a stark contrast from language on his website listing his priorities for the environment, which begins by saying, Mitigating the effects of climate change on Navajo land is our responsibility, and the Nygren Administration will ensure Navajo community voices are empowered in protecting our water, air and land.

Larry J. King stands in front of Window Rock in the Navajo Nation capital on Monday. He says President Buu Nygren has gone back on promises he made during the campaign in his recent endorsements of Trump executive orders. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM)

Larry J. King, who grew up in Church Rock, said at the rally that he once worked in uranium mines in New Mexico and in 1979 he witnessed the United Nuclear spill there, which is the largest accidental release of radiation in United States history. He told Source New Mexico that Nygren, who took office in January 2023, repeatedly promised during his election to clean up uranium mine waste from his community at Red Water Pond but then ignored his calls.



Thats one reason King said he does not believe Nygrens promises that the new transport agreement will result in the cleanup of legacy uranium mines in areas like Red Water Pond. For one thing, hes skeptical of high-pressure slurry ablation, which Navajo Nation officials have touted as an emerging treatment method for the cleanup process.



King noted that Nygren endorsed Kamala Harris and traveled with the Democratic delegation to the Democratic convention last year. He said he sees Nygrens latest endorsements as a betrayal of his promises and his constituents.



Hes just making a turnaround, and in support of all this industry wanting to come and desecrate, he said. A repeat of what weve been through trying to remedy the situation from the last 30 to 40 years. Hes just, hes going back.



Correction 4/22/25 at 11:36 a.m.: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of President Nygrens spokespersons first name.



*Update 4/22/25 at 2:31 p.m.: This story has been updated to include comment from spokesperson Alastair Bitsoi.
The oft-maligned Littoral Combat Ship, or LCS, may have found its true calling: chasing down smugglers.

USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, a Freedom-variant LCS, recently stopped two suspected drug smuggling operations within 72 hours through a combination of air and surface operations while deployed to the Caribbean, according to the Navy.

A Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment that is embarked aboard the ship and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50, Detachment Three helped the Minneapolis-Saint Paul seize nearly 1,279 pounds of cocaine worth about $9.5 million along with 2,480 pounds of marijuana worth roughly $2.8 million, according to an April 17 Navy news release.

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The successful operation is one of several examples in recent years of an LCS nabbing drug smugglers. In 2020, USS Gabrielle Giffords stopped a vessel in the Eastern Pacific that was carrying $106 million worth of suspected cocaine. In 2021, USS Wichita and USS Sioux City seized $17 million and more than $20 million worth of suspected cocaine, respectively in the Caribbean Sea.

Not a bad haul for Littoral Combat Ships, vessels long beset by problems, including a serious design flaw in the Freedom-variants propulsion system, prompting the Navy to decommission some of the ships after a short lifespan. The Sioux City was mothballed in 2023 after only five years of service.

The LCSs reputation was so bad four years ago that then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday suggested to lawmakers that the service give the ships to other countries that would be able to use them effectively.

But the LCS is almost perfectly made for operations against drug smugglers, said Brian Persons, who previously served as the civilian chief engineer and executive director of Naval Sea Systems Command and later became deputy chief of naval operations for warfare systems.

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Eventually, these ships, they find their place and niche in the warfighting world, said Persons, who is currently a senior management scientist with the RAND Corporation.

The Navy selected two different hull designs for Littoral Combat Ships: The Freedom- and Independence-variants. Freedom-class ships are among the smaller warships in the Navy. At 387 feet long, they are more than 100 feet shorter than an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and displace less than half of the total tonnage, 3,400 tons to a destroyers 8,400.

But Littoral Combat Ships are fast, carry embarked helicopters and are brimming with air- and surface-search radar, all of which are helpful for nabbing drug smugglers, who tend to use go-fast boats and rudimentary submersibles, Persons told Task & Purpose.

The ships are also armed with missiles, though they are unlikely to use them against drug smugglers due to the costs of the munitions, he said.

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Of all the Navys warships, the LCS is probably the best choice for counternarcotics missions, said Persons, who explained that destroyers and cruisers are expensive ships that are designed for high-end combat, such as ballistic missile defense.

Also, drug smugglers tend to focus on speed in hopes of eluding detection rather than fighting back against pursuers, unlike military forces in China and Russia, which have advanced anti-ship weapons, Persons said.

It would be extremely overkill for a destroyer or cruiser to go do counternarcotics missions, Persons said. They could do it, but the Littoral Combat Ship system would be a better employment of assets for the U.S. Navy.

While drug cartels currently do not pose a serious threat to U.S. Navy ships, that may not remain true forever, said James Holmes, the J. C. Wylie Chair of Maritime Strategy at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

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If the Russia-Ukraine war and the operation in the Red Sea have shown anything, its that naval warfare has been democratized, Holmes told Task & Purpose. Capabilities once available only to great powers are becoming available to many contenders.

Ukraine has managed to inflict losses on Russian ships using shore-launched missiles and drones, even though it does not have a significant navy itself, Holmes said. And Houithi rebels in Yemen have used missiles and drones to challenge Western navies, even though they have not hit any warships so far.

Now, I doubt drug cartels will ever field antiship cruise or ballistic missiles, but they could well deploy cheap surface, air, or even subsurface drones against littoral combat ships, Holmes said. LCS has been doing pretty well now that it has found its niche, but these are very lightly armored warships. The trimaran variant, the Independence class, even has an all-aluminum hull and a legacy of hull cracking. These are not rugged ships. So, I hope we arent getting complacent during drug interdiction operations.

The latest on Task & Purpose
Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower provides details on the shooting at FSU on April 17, 2025. (Photo: Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)

Last Thursday, April 17, 2025, two people were killed and five others wounded in a mass shooting at Florida State University, in Tallahassee.

I am a professor at North Carolina State University, In Raleigh. We have, fortunately, not had a mass shooting on our campus, or perhaps I should say we have not yet had a shooting. We have come close. Last November an NC State student was charged with multiple shootings at vehicles near Interstate 40 in Raleigh.

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We are, ironically, fortunate that the alleged shooter manifested his rage away from our campus. And then, of course, there was the graduate student who shot and killed a professor at UNC Chapel Hill in August 2023, and the mass shooting at UNC Charlotte in 2019.

University campuses are open and welcoming spaces, as we want them to be. But this places our campus communities at some risk. Professors feel responsible for our students. We want to keep them safe, if (or when) there is an active shooter on our campuses.

I am a member of NC States faculty Senate (and its incoming chair). In 2023, we asked our university administration if classrooms, especially the large lecture halls that might offer appealing soft targets, could have locks installed on their doors, so that we could safely lock down and shelter in place if (or when) there is an active shooter on our campus. We were given many reasons why this was not feasible, but they all boiled down to this: the locks would cost too much.

In February, our faculty Senate returned to this issue. We wrote a memo to our university administration respectfully asking:

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For a commitment that all classrooms in new or renovated buildings be lockable from the inside.

For a review of campus lecture spaces, to identify those large spaces that are most vulnerable

That a plan be developed and implemented by the University to provide inside locks for all campus teaching spaces by August 2030, prioritizing the most vulnerable spaces.

That the design specifications for future buildings consider safety in addition to aesthetics.

So far, no action has been taken, and we have received no response.

Apparently, university leadership is not very worried about the prospect of a mass shooting on our campus.

What are they worried about? Protesters!

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In February, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors enacted a system-wide policy that imposes new restrictions on campus protests, most notably requiring 36 hours advance notice for any mass gathering.

Apparently, according to our university campus and system leadership, its not bullets that will kill and maim my students and me. Its free speech.

I note that I am, and I look like, a Jew. I have never felt that my safety was compromised by any protest on my campus, including those addressing the war in Gaza.

Under the guise of safety our system leaders signal their disregard for the First Amendment rights of our students. And under the guise of cost and feasibility, they express their disregard for the authentic safety of the campus community.
Bins full of absentee ballots await Wake County Board of Elections review. (Photo: Lynn Bonner)

Chris Marshall took care to cast a ballot last fall while in France tending to his business, and was surprised to find months after the 2024 election that Judge Jefferson Griffin wanted his vote thrown out.

Griffin challenged Marshall and thousands of other military and overseas absentee voters who did not provide photo ID with their ballots. The State Board of Elections did not require it. Most military and civilian overseas voters cast ballots using a special portal that does not provide a way to include a photo.

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Griffin worked to have their votes in the Supreme Court race tossed, but the state Supreme Court said they should have a chance to submit IDs.

Now back home in Durham, Marshall and his wife Moira Smullen tried to address the problem by checking to see if they could submit photos using the same electronic portal they used to vote. They couldnt.

Right now, its just wait and see what happens, he said.

Phoebe Zerwick, director of the Journalism Program at Wake Forest University, was teaching in Venice when she voted last year. She researched ways to vote before she left North Carolina. She cast her ballot electronically, relieved that she didnt have to depend on the Italian postal system. She didnt know her vote was being challenged until after Christmas.

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Marshall, Zerwick and other voters  its still unclear how many  are trapped in electoral limbo. Theyre waiting on the sidelines while court fights with more twists and hairpin turns than a rollercoaster run through state and federal courts.

The outcome will determine whether they or any of the military and overseas voters whom Griffin is challenging will have to provide a photo ID in order for their votes to count in the Supreme Court race.

Its been a long ride.

Where things stand

Nearly six months after the election, major questions remain unanswered. Its not certain that overseas voters will have to provide photo ID.

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Griffin, a Republican Court of Appeals judge, is trying to unseat Democratic incumbent Justice Allison Riggs for a place on the states high court. He trails by 734 votes and tried to convince state courts to throw out more than 60,000 votes in his attempt to win.

Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin (File photo)

The state Supreme Court decided earlier this month that the biggest stack of votes Griffin challenged for what he said were incomplete voter registrations should be counted. But the court majority said overseas and military voters should have provided photo ID last fall, even though the state Board of Elections said they didnt need to.

The North Carolina law covering military and overseas absentee voters is patterned on a federal law that exempts them from photo ID requirements. But the Supreme Court majority agreed with Griffin that the state voter ID law applies to all.

Those voters would have 30 days from the point the elections board sends them notices to provide ID or submit a form stating why they cannot, the court ordered.

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The court majority also decided that a few hundred voters whom Griffin classified as never residents should not have their votes counted in the race. These voters were described as people who have never lived in the state but are connected to North Carolina through their parents.



However, a reporter writing for The Assembly found that some of the voters on Griffins never residents list live in North Carolina.

Immediately after the April 11 state Supreme Court decision, Riggs appealed in federal court. Federal District Court Judge Richard Myers II told the state Board of Elections to prepare to follow the state order, but this Tuesday a Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals panel approved Riggs request for a stay and told the board to stop what it was doing, at least temporarily.

The Board of Elections last week told Myers it would instruct only Guilford County to contact its 1,409 military and overseas voters about providing a photo ID. The only Griffin protest of overseas and military absentee voters submitted by the legal deadline concerned Guilford, a lawyer for the board wrote.

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The board is working with a vendor to adapt the electronic portal to accept IDs, its lawyer told the judge.

The 260 never residents registered in 53 counties in Griffins protests would get the chance to prove that they had lived there, the boards lawyer told the judge.

Griffin doesnt like the boards plan. He wants military and overseas voters from six counties  Durham, Forsyth, New Hanover, Cumberland, and Buncombe, along with Guilford  to be required to provide ID and asked the state Court of Appeals to make the state Board do it. In a court filing, Griffins lawyers said the protests were filed on time, even though they didnt have voter names. Griffin also objected to the state board giving never residents a chance to prove that they lived in the state because the court did not say those voters could cure their ballots. Griffin wants never resident votes from all 100 counties deleted.

No official notice to individual voters yet

While the court fight occupies both state and federal courts, the State Board of Elections told county elections officials to sit tight. Local administrators were told not to contact overseas or military voters about IDs because the litigation is ongoing. The board does, however, have information for voters on its website.

NC Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs (Photo: www.nccourts.gov)

Voters may choose to submit copies of their IDs or ID exception forms to their county board offices. Counties were instructed to store them in a secure place.

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The state Democratic Party is not waiting. It plans to start calling voters on Friday, according to an email to supporters and posts on X.

Zerwick is considering a trip to her county elections board with her husband, whose vote is also being challenged, to show their IDs.

Im uneasy waiting for whatever the process is going to be, she said. Id like to get that over and done with.

Zerwick has been following the lawsuits and appeals, but shes worried about Wake Forest students and students from other universities who voted while they were studying abroad.

Most of the counties where Griffin is challenging overseas and military absentee voters are home to major universities. In a few weeks, most students will be leaving school for the summer.

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Students dont check email over the summer to receive instructions, Zerwick said.

Duke University students studying abroad last fall had detailed instructions on how to vote. Nevertheless, 264 Duke students face challenges for not showing ID.

Olivia Schramkowski, a Duke University junior, created a voting guide for Duke students studying abroad last year as part of her work with the Student Voting Rights Lab at Duke and NC Central University. The state Board of Elections told her, through an email to university administration, that they did not need photo ID.

Schramkowski herself voted last year while studying abroad. She heard about the Griffin challenges, but a search for her name on his original challenge list came up blank. I thought I was good to go, she said.

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Later, she Googled her name as part of a class assignment. It popped up in a Wake County court case she knew nothing about. She clicked on a list of challenged voters and found her name.

Schramkowski spoke to someone on Wednesday who didnt know their vote was being challenged. She too worries about students leaving campus without knowing their votes may be in jeopardy.

Although shes heard that third parties are trying to track down students, there are massive gaps in communication, she said. Theres a big concern on my part that students votes wont count if we wont be in the state over the summer.

A voter assistance hotline (888-687-8683) is already getting calls and texts from folks with questions about where Griffins challenges stand and what they can do to make sure their votes count.

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Katelin Kaiser, policy director at Democracy North Carolina, said parents whose children are overseas have been calling for advice on how to protect their childrens votes.

People need help navigating this really complicated  unfairly complicated  situation, she said.

Marshall will be traveling back and forth to Europe this year, all the while waiting for instructions.

Its important that our vote counts, he said.

Its fascinating and interesting and scary all at the same time, these games that theyre playing, Marshall said. Its really shocking and just blatantly disregarding the law.
College graduates are calling their degrees worthless. According to new data from Indeed, piling student loans and fears of AI reshaping the workplace are to blame. While experts say higher education is still important, Gen Z should constantly prioritize upgrading their toolkit to be successful.

College is often advertised as the best four years of ones life, but many Americans now have regrets.

More than a third of all graduates now say their degree was a waste of money, according to a new survey by Indeed. This frustration is especially pronounced among Gen Z, with 51% expressing remorsecompared to 41% of millennials and just 20% of baby boomers.

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Overall, a growing share of college-educated workers are questioning the return on investment (ROI) of their degree, Kyle M.K., a career trend expert at Indeed, told Fortune. Its something thats not all too surprising considering that the average cost of a bachelors degree has doubled in the last two decades to over $38,000, and total student loan debt has ballooned to nearly $2 trillion.

Another 38% feel student loans have limited their career growth more than their diploma has accelerated it, M.K. said. Together, these realities are nudging universities and employers to shift focus from pedigree to practical skill. In fact, 52% of U.S. job postings on Indeed don't list any formal education requirement.

However, for many young people, this realization is coming too late. Already, some 4.3 million Gen Z have been left behind as NEETsnot in education, employment, or trainingwith no clear direction on how to restart their early careers.

The long road to finding value in a degree

For young people in particular, who are navigating a less than ideal job market, it can be difficult to see the long-term ROI of college. This is especially true when, for some subjects, like psychology, philosophy, or English, it can take over 20 years in the workforce for the degree to pay for itself, according to the Education Data Initiative.

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However, Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, warns against valuing a degree from a purely quantitative standpoint.

It's shortsighted to focus only on immediate employment, as that makes the assumption that the value of higher education is only to get your first job, Cruzvergara told Fortune. When in reality, higher education contributes to career advancement opportunities, exposure to a variety of fields, aids in self-discovery, and develops management and leadership skills.

While nearly 70% of young graduates believe they could do their job without a degree, they may have not been exposed to their network without it. Cruzvergara says that universities are failing to promote that theyre more than just a piece of paper thatll open doors after graduation day, but a hotbed for learning and meeting like-minded people while on campus.

For example, Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard during his sophomore year to focus on building Facebook into the social media empire it is today. But he couldn't have done it without the four cofounders he met at university.

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Gen Z faces a particularly uncertain job market, and there's a need for a better connection between education investment and outcomes, she adds.

AI has spooked college graduates into a cynical spiral

The spread of artificial intelligence into all parts of education and the workplace has made college graduates question their degree even more, with some 30% feeling AI has outright made their degree irrelevanta number that jumps to 45% among Gen Zers.

This is despite efforts from thought leaders in the space to calm fears about AI replacing workers. AI is not going to take your job, Netflixs co-CEO Ted Sarandos said last year. The person who uses AI well might take your job.

While M.K. admits that skill areas like routine programming, basic data analysis, and templated content creation have become highly exposed to AI, fields like nursing, advanced project management, and creative strategy are relatively insulated.

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AI is more of an amplifier than a pink slip, M.K. said, adding that above all else, those who prioritize lifelong learning and have open conversations with their employer about AI will be able to soar in the wake of technological advancements.

AI won't invalidate a solid education, but it will reward those who keep upgrading their toolkit.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack, who has become close to Patrick Lyoyas family, sat next to Lyoyas father for part of the jury selection in the murder trial of former Grand Rapids Police Department Officer Christopher Schurr.

Womack was part of the protests and marches after Lyoya died in April 2022. Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton spoke at Lyoyas funeral, demanding justice and police reform. Lyoya was Black; Schurr is white.

An undated photo of Patrick Lyoya courtesy family.

Womack said he grew worried when he didnt see any African Americans being called into the Kent County Circuit Court jury box for questioning. For a long stretch, one white face after another.

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Then on Wednesday morning, a woman who identified herself as biracial joined the nearly all-white jury.

Jury seated in former GRPD officers murder trial in death of Patrick Lyoya

The makeup of the jury seated Wednesday includes 10 whites, three Hispanics and the woman who said her father is Black.

At least by the end, they had one African American on there, Womack said outside the courtroom. Just want to make sure theres some representation on the jury. Ive always questioned the jury pool for years, making sure that its representative of the whole community.

The court randomly picks prospective jurors from a list of licensed drivers and those with state ID cards across the county, not focused on any single community.

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In Kent County, about 10% of the population is Black, compared to 18% of the Grand Rapids population.

You have incidents happening in the heart of Grand Rapids urban area, and the majority of the people who you might put on a jury may come from as far away as Cedar Springs, Womack said. They may come from anywhere in Kent County, so its definitely going to be a challenge, but were going to trust the jury system.

In this case, the initial jury pool was 200. About 50 were sent home on Monday for one of three reasons: health issues, scheduling conflicts or if they knew witnesses in the trial.

It was a very diverse group, defense attorney Matthew Borgula said. And then theyre chosen at random to come on up.

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They came up, one at a time, to sit in the jury box for questioning by the prosecution and defense and for possible selection or rejection until the jury was seated. Each side was allowed a dozen peremptory challenges  excusing jurors without giving a reason  but not all were used.

Its hard to tell what the racial makeup is, Borgula said. I dont question people on what their racial makeup is. You have eyes, you can see what the racial makeup is. But its really not a concern. It shouldnt be a concern for either side.

Whether theyre Black or white doesnt matter as much as what their answers were, he said.

He said the case is not race-based.

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Obviously race is always an issue as part of the fabric of our society, but its not going to be an issue in the case, other than what the personal experiences of the jurors are, he said.

Lyoya death: What led up to murder trial for ex-GRPD officer

The 14-member jury, which includes two alternates, is made up of four men and 10 women.

They include three nurses, a graphic designer, two janitors, a code enforcement officer and a retired bank teller, among others.

Both Prosecutor Chris Becker and the defense told Judge Christina Mims they were satisfied with the jury.

Were pleased with the jury and well be ready to present evidence, Borgula said outside the courtroom.

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Becker wouldnt comment after jury selection.

It was around 8:10 a.m. on April 4, 2022, when Schurr stopped a car driven by Lyoya, 26, on Grand Rapids southeast side. The plate didnt match the car, according to Schurr. Video released by police shows Lyoya running away, with Schurr in pursuit, and the two struggling over Schurrs Taser. Ultimately, Schurr, who was on top of Lyoya trying to hold him down, shot him in the back of the head. Schurr was charged with second-degree murder in June of that year.

The prosecution must prove the shooting was not justified.

The defense said Schurr was in fear for his life and fired the shot in self-defense.

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The prosecution says it plans to call 11 witnesses, while the defense lists more than 40 potential witnesses, most of them Grand Rapids police officers.

The trial, expected to last up to two weeks, starts Monday.

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BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship Thursday, continuing efforts to advance space technology for all humanity -- a vision long championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Over the past years, Xi has addressed the importance of international cooperation in peaceful space exploration and development on multiple occasions.

During the meeting with the Shenzhou-12 astronauts in 2021, Xi said that progress in space science and technology will benefit people around the world, and China wants to use space exploration achievements to create a better future for mankind.

When meeting representatives of the Chang'e-5 mission in 2021, Xi stressed actively conducting international cooperation and making more contributions to humanity's well-being.

According to the China Manned Space Agency, China is in discussions with other nations regarding potential foreign astronaut participation in the country's future space station missions.

China welcomes international applications for acquiring lunar samples brought back by the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 probes for scientific research. Scientists from various countries have taken part in researching the Chang'e-5 lunar samples.

Moreover, Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 lunar probes to be launched in the next three years will offer international payload capacity, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

China has also signed cooperation agreements with 17 countries and international organizations on the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) construction, offering various levels and forms of collaboration opportunities.

In a congratulatory letter to the First International Summit on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Applications in 2021, Xi said China is willing to share the achievements of the BDS with all parties, promote the progress of the global satellite navigation industry and make the BDS better serve the world and benefit humankind.

To date, BDS services have been used in precision agriculture and smart ports in ASEAN countries, South Asia, West Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa to serve local economic and social development.

Within the BRICS framework, China will continue advancing the development of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation to enhance disaster emergency data sharing.

China will also provide satellite services to the Belt and Road Initiative partner countries, fostering their sustainable progress in agriculture, disaster prevention, and smart city initiatives.

When he met with representatives of space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and development of the Chang'e-6 lunar mission last year, Xi called for deepening various forms of international exchange and cooperation in the field of space, sharing development achievements with other countries, improving outer space governance, and making space science and technology achievements more beneficial to all people.

Outer space is a domain shared by humanity, and space exploration is humanity's common cause, Xi said. 
LINCOLN, Neb. (KCAU)  Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order on Wednesday to issue a statewide burn ban.

The governor said the persistent dry conditions continue to plague the state. The burn ban is set to last through April 30.

Its way too dry in Nebraska right now, and it only takes one burn, one mistake and then you have a situation like we have in Plum Creek. The risks are too significant, said Gov. Pillen.

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Officials said the fire has now burned at least 6,600 acres, killed 45 cattle, and destroyed a cabin. The governors office said other structures have been threatened by the Plum Creek Fire and were boxed in with heavy equipment to be protected from the flames.

Iowa town hall attendees turn on each other as Sen. Grassley faces heated questions

The cause of the fire have been credited to a permitted burn that got out of control.

Gov. Pillen said he authorized the Nebraska National Guard to mobilize 29 airmen and soldiers to help out volunteer fire departments in Brown County. Firefighters have been battling the Plum Creek Fire near Johnstown since April 21.

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The governor said he also allowed the Nebraska Army National Guard to use their aerial resources to assist in tackling the flames. The states Army National Guard is providing two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and a 16-member ground crew to help with fire suppression.

Authorities said the helicopters left for their mission on Wednesday morning and made 70 water drops throughout the day.

The governors office said more than 60 partners on the local, state, and federal levels are responding to the Plum Creek Fire.

To read the full executive order on the statewide burn ban, see the picture below.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order establishing the statewide burning ban in all areas of the state through April 30. Courtesy: Nebraska Gov. Pillens Office

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WEBSTER COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT)  Historic flood waters have displaced families in Kentucky but the community of Onton is coming together, helping those across county lines.

There are boundaries and I know theres bylaws and boundaries and laws and things you have to do, says Lisa Preston. But in my opinion, were neighbors, and that comes first, and as long as we can help our surrounding neighbors, thats what we want to do.

Flooding has caused damage in both Webster and Hopkins county. Jesse Breedlove deputy director of the Hopkins County EMA says 50 to 75 homes have been damaged making it difficult to reach everyone immediately.

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Not knowing where everyones living at the time, its hard to reach out to them, says Breedlove. You know to see what they need. I mean, even when the flooding was out, the judge executive himself was out in a boat, trying to go door-to-door to make sure nobody was there, didnt have any needs and stuff like that. SO thats just a miscommunication that if were not there, when theyre there, they think were not around. But I assure you, all you have to do is contact the phone numbers they have here and well get the resources to you as quick as we can.

But the community of Onton is working to change that being so closely located to Hopkins County the Onton United Methodist Church is a distribution site allowing residents of Webster and Hopkins to stop by. Lisa Preston is helping facilitate the resources knowing exactly what her neighbors need.

They dont have any place to live, let alone put clothing, says Preston. So right now, we need the basics. We need mops. We need the bleach. A lot of the local people are taking care of gift cards or it may be a walmart card. Theres some that have offered to help pay the water bill or in some assistance like that. So, weve got all kinds of assistance coming in. Is it big? No. Its little, but when it comes together, its a lot and so a little bit that we can do to help all the families.

Community members can donate to the Onton United Methodist Church to help those impacted. Webster County EMA Director Jeremy Moore says disaster clean up can be dangerous.

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Residents need to know as theyre cleaning up from the flood waters make sure they dont touch anything that was actually in the flood waters without using gloves, says Moore. Make sure they disinfect properly. Make sure theyre drying out their homes so that mold doesnt build up into their homes. And just if you havent had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years, make sure you get a tetanus shot.

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The developers of a controversial Atlanta BeltLine project said they expect the Amsterdam Walk redevelopment to be completed by 2029 or 2030.

The Atlanta City Council voted eight to six on Monday to approve the zoning for the Amsterdam Walk in northeast Atlanta in the Virginia Highlands and Morningside neighborhoods. It will be one of the largest developments along the Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park.

Its a project thats been years in the making.

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Im just glad we finally have a decision, said William Campbell, the owner of Piedmont Bark. It was announced in December of 2020 that they were looking into redeveloping the property, so weve kind of been in limbo.

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Piedmont Bark has been a business in the shops at Amsterdam Walk for 23 years. The redevelopment will tear down the current buildings to make way for what renderings show will be residential units and retail space. The plans show up to 1,100 apartment units, with 20% of them reserved for affordable housing.

We are excited to finally get back to what drew us to this property, which is how important this particular 10-acre piece of property is being right on the BeltLine, right on Piedmont Park, said Michael Greene, the Senior Vice President of Development for Portman Holdings.

Greene told Channel 2s Eryn Rogers theyll take about a year and a half to iron out the design before construction begins. Theyll also give business owners at least a years notice before they must vacate.

Greene said the vision is a combination of restaurant, bars and neighborhood stores.

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Things you need to do, things that enhance your life, and then food and beverage, places that you like to hang out, look at the skyline, be on the beltline, enjoy yourself, Greene said.

The project drew a lot of criticism from neighbors in the area who are especially concerned about the added traffic on the already tight and crowded Monroe Drive.

Charlie Kaften, who lives near the development, said he and his neighbors are disappointed with the city councils vote. They would like to see fewer units in the final design plan and hope Portman will continue to work with them, considering their concerns.

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The issue is what makes sense, what keeps our neighborhood safe, what fits in with the surrounding community, Kaften said.

As for Campbell and Piedmont Bark, he said there will be growing pains, but he wants to stay part of Amsterdam Walk.

I have full intentions to be part of the new development, what that looks like at this point, and how that ends up playing out, is TBD, to be determined, but Im optimistic for the future, Campbell said.

Portman is working with the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. to create affordable retail space.

A portion of that retail will be offered to local, minority owned, entrepreneur business that really cant afford the beltline retail space anymore, a big chunk of it will be available to them, so if there are people that are worried that they cant afford the new rent, like the current tenants, then thats an option, too, Greene said.

Greene said the Atlanta BeltLine will oversee the application process for the affordable retail space.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has selected the architect for its expansion and transformation project.

The art museum unanimously selected Weiss/Manfredi as the lead architect for the museums $170 million expansion project.

Campsites, recreation areas across Kansas and Missouri to close in May, Army says

In March, the museum asked for the publics help deciding which of the six finalists had the best design. The six finalists were selected after the museum launched a worldwide architectural competition.

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Weiss/Manfredis concept is aligned with the museums goals for a dynamic, open and inviting design that will create more spaces to present all forms of art, as well as new opportunities for immersive and creative experiences, the museum said.

The museums Architect Selection Committee made the recommendation, and the choice was ratified by the Board of Trustees shortly thereafter.

The museum will now begin the months-long process of turning the concept into more specific and detailed plans to meet the long-term needs and goals of the community.

Weiss/Manfredis concept absolutely blew us away as it captured the spirit of the museum while offering a bold vision for our future, said Julian Zugazagoitia, Director & CEO of the Nelson-Atkins.

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Central to our competition was the need to respect the Nelson-Atkins original, neoclassical building, as well as our beautiful Bloch building, while also bringing something new to our campus. This concept delivers all of that, and we look forward to working with Marion, Michael, and their team to collaborate on an expansion design that keeps our commitment to great experiences with art and forges a deep sense of belonging and connection within our community.

The competition process was led by an Architect Selection Committee formed of current and former Trustees and Zugazagoitia.

Lawrence Police recover mans stolen guitar after burglary spree

Weiss/Manfredis design, which the firm refers to as a connected tapestry, re-establishes a front door for the museum on the north side, opens up the west side with an events and learning lobby along Oak Streetand, through new gateways and paths, makes the northern and southern perimeters more welcoming to the community.

Photo credit: Dana Anderson and WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism and Malcolm Reading Consultants

The events lobby will open out to a commons space and a new photography center, allowing glimpses of the original building and landscape.

Photo credit: Dana Anderson and WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism and Malcolm Reading Consultants

We are deeply honored to work with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on this transformative project, said Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, Design Partners at Weiss/Manfredi. We look forward to collaborating with the museum and community to create a more transparent and welcoming cultural campus.

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The international competition announced in spring 2024 resulted in nearly 200 entries from architects in 30 countries on six continents. The six finalists were chosen to present at the museum in late 2024, and the public was asked to give their input.

It is anticipated that the expansion will be privately funded, the museum said. Now that an architect has been chosen, design development will commence and will be closely monitored by museum and Board of Trustees leadership.

Kansas City tattoo artist helps self-harm survivors find beauty in brokenness

The museum said it will continue to keep the community involved in the process, in particular the many students who visit Nelson-Atkins for its programs and classes.

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The museum will host a free, public celebration of the announcement on Thursday, April 24, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Kirkwood Hall.

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MIAMI, Okla.  NEO Student Support Services hosted its annual Honors Banquet on Wednesday.

NEO officials say, this year, 40 graduating SSS students were honored for their work throughout their academic career at the school. The event was attended by students, faculty, staff, and guests, whom officials say gathered to commemorate the accomplishments of future alumni.

NEO representatives say the highest honor given during the event was the Norse Pride Award, which was awarded to Jiro Cardenas-Bedford and Sakyrah Hill, both sophomores who school officials note as having demonstrated exceptional academic achievement.

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In addition to student honors, the following awards were handed out:

Staff of the Year: Bobbie Pennington, Director of the Success Center and Honors Co-Coordinator

Faculty of the Year: Dr. Jim Hight, English Instructor

Administrator of the Year: Ryan Orcutt, Executive Director of Development

NEO officials state they are proud of all graduates who have been part of the SSS program and wishe them the best in their future endeavors.

For more information, please contact NEO Coordinator of Public Relations and Marketing, Jonah Fabian, at jfabian@neo.edu.

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NEOSHO, Mo.  Neosho High School has a state award winner.

Senior Arabel Standingbear has been named the 2024 Youth Leadership Award winner by the GCD. It stands for Governors Council on Disability.

Standingbear deals with HAEa rare genetic condition, characterized by recurrent episodes of severe swelling.

Shes worked with state senators and representatives to advance legislation supporting individuals with disabilities, including a childcare bill aimed at providing critical resources for families.

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Im really happy that I got this opportunity, because in, like, just doing that gives me enough, like, it gives me the ability to advocate on another level. Because of that awareness, I get to use that to keep advocating, to keep talking about itand on alike, in a louder way, said Standingbear.

Standingbear is active in numerous clubs and activities both in and outside of schooland also runs a small art business with her mother, who also lives with HAE.

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The restored nephrology and dialysis unit has been reopened at the Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv. It used to be located in a building hit by a Russian missile in July 2024.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda.Zhyttia

Details: The repair work lasted 5 months, from November last year to March 2025, as reported by the hospital on Facebook.

The German government allocated funds for the restoration and modernisation of the department.

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The renovated department of the hospital has been equipped with:

water treatment system;

technical rooms and bathrooms;

dialysis room for six people with the latest dialysis machines;

two places for the procedure in the peritoneal dialysis room;

resident room for doctors.

In addition, solar power panels were installed on the medical facility's roof in case of power outages.

"The hospital also renovated the premises of the One Day Surgery operating unit and purchased 30 items of medical equipment for it. In particular, we are talking about a modern multifunctional electric X-ray transparent surgical table and an anaesthetic MRI machine.

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In addition, the first medical lift for transporting patients on beds has been installed," Okhmatdyt reported.

Renovation work is still underway in buildings on the hospital's main campus, with the financial support of the German government. They are scheduled to be completed this autumn.

"As a result of the Russian attack on our children's hospital, the toxicology unit suffered the most. The intensive and efferent therapy departments for acute and chronic toxicity were completely destroyed.

Our team did everything possible to resume treatment for needy children immediately. The support of our German partners and joint efforts to save the health and lives of children are very valuable in these difficult times," said Oleksandr Urin, Acting General Director of the Okhmatdyt childrens hospital.

Background:

On 8 July 2024, Russians fired a missile on the Kyiv Okhmatdyt childrens hospital. The attack killed two adults, including 30-year-old doctor Svitlana Lukianchyk.

Earlier, the hospital said that more than 50 people were seriously injured and more than 300 suffered minor injuries.

The toxicology building with the department of chronic and acute toxicity, where children were receiving dialysis, was completely destroyed. It is beyond repair.

"Almost all the windows in the old surgery building were shattered, with two surgical and two somatic departments, an intensive care unit and an operating unit sustaining significant damage. In the new, recently built building, 13 departments were damaged, including eight surgical units, five oncology units, two intensive care units, an operating unit, and the radiology and radiotherapy departments. Part of the country's only oncohaematology lab was also damaged," the Kyiv City Military Administration said.

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Police and FBI raids at three homes April 23 are part of an investigation into a string of vandalism cases involving pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel and antisemitic graffiti, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said April 24.

An attorney for several pro-Palestinian protesters told the Free Press on April 23 that the raids appear to target several University of Michigan students and others for their political activism.

Pro-Palestinian graffiti covers the sign Monday outside a Jewish-owned law firm in Southfield.

Nessel denies that, saying they were part of an investigation into a dozen cases of vandalism stretching from Chelsea to Huntington Woods.

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"Due to the many, evidently coordinated and related, criminal acts occurring across the jurisdictions of several local law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities, the Department of Attorney General is conducting this unified investigation with the aid of local authorities," Nessel said in an April 24 news release. "In all cases, the crimes were committed in the middle of the night and in one case upon a residence wherein children were sleeping and awoken. In multiple instances windows were smashed, and twice noxious chemical substances were propelled into homes. At every site, political slogans or messages were left behind."

The Gaza War has prompted widespread protests across metro Detroit and on the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan. Pro-Palestinian activists have accused U-M of funding genocide against Palestinians and demanded it divest its endowment holdings from companies that do business with Israel.

The Board of Regents has rejected calls to divest.

Among the vandalism cases Nessel's office is investigating are two targeting U-M Regent Jordan Acker, who is Jewish. In one case, vandals spray-painted his car in his driveway and smashed a window at his home while he and his family slept inside.

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More: Bagels returning to Detroit's Core City: Ann Arbors Bevs Bagels to open

More: Activists say southeast Michigan police raids are targeting pro-Palestinian protesters

In another, they spray-painted pro-Palestine messages on the front of the Southfield law firm where Acker is a partner.

Other acts of vandalism include damage at the homes of U-M President Santa Ono, Provost Laurie McCauley and Chief Investment Officer Erik Lundberg.

Jewish institutions like the Jewish Federation in Bloomfield Township and Knollwood Country Club in West Bloomfield have also been targeted, as have businesses in Plymouth, Novi and Romulus, Nessel said.

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Nessel's Office estimates the total damage exceeds $100,000. No arrests have been made in any of the vandalism cases.

Vandals at the different locations used similar verbiage with words like divest and free Palestine. Most of the vandal sites included inverted triangles, some of them painted in red.

The Palestinian flag includes a red triangle and it has been used as an emoji online to signal support for the Palestinian cause. Some Jewish groups consider it a hate symbol, noting that red triangles were used to denote political prisoners in World War II concentration camps.

Contact John Wisely: jwisely@freepress.com. On X: @jwisely

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Nessel says 12 anti-Israel vandalism cases appear coordinated
Net zero policies harm human lives and undermine health, wealth and opportunity, Donald Trumps trade envoy has told Sir Keir Starmer, in a direct attack on Labours energy plans.

Tommy Joyce, Americas assistant energy secretary, told a conference in London set to be attended by the Prime Minister and opened by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband that climate zealotry is a threat to economic and national security.

There is no national or economic security without energy security, and energy security is not possible without access to secure, affordable and reliable access to energy, he said.

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Unfortunately, the focus during the last [US] administration was on climate politics and policies leading to that scarcity. These policies have been embraced by many, not just the United States, and harm human lives.

His warning came after Mr Miliband opened the summit with a declaration that home-grown, low-carbon power is our nationally chosen route to energy security, warning that reliance on gas cost Britain dearly when international prices surged following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Joyce highlighted Americas exports of liquefied natural gas to countries including the UK and stressed the importance of cheap energy to prosperity.

He said: Energy is essential to absolutely everything that we do. Its the one industry that undergirds all of the others we know.

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A highly energised society raises people out of poverty and brings health, wealth and opportunity, wherever its found in abundance. When and where their energy is scarce or restricted, humans suffer.

Mr Joyce also stressed the dangers of depending on China for the rare earth metals used in wind turbines, warning against trading one form of dependency for another, putting abstract emissions goals  in the interest of our adversaries  first, and the security of our people last.

Mr Miliband was this week forced to restrict GB Energys use of Chinese solar panels over slave labour fears, following a rebellion from MPs.

He is also expected to push through zonal pricing changes that would mean households in the South pay more for electricity than those in Scotland and the North.

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Mr Joyce made the comments at the International Energy Agencys Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London, attended by world leaders and officials.

It is not the first time a Trump official has criticised Britains energy policies. Chris Wright, the US energy secretary, in February argued that the UKs rollout of wind farms and solar panels had pushed up prices, undermined manufacturing industries and not delivered any benefits.

Net zero is being used as a justification to expand government power and shrink human freedom, he said.

Mr Trump has promised to roll back green energy policies adopted by Joe Biden and expand the US fossil fuel industry, campaigning under the slogan drill, baby, drill.

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PARIS  The Netherlands plans to buy a torpedo-killing torpedo as early as 2029, replace the armed forces standard assault rifle starting this decade and equip its heavy infantry brigade with tracked armored general-purpose vehicles, as part of 17 equipment projects for the coming years.

Total spending on the planned projects will be at least 1.45 billion (US$1.65 billion), based on the lower end of the budget range for each project, according to a so-called A letter from the Dutch Ministry of Defense sent to parliament on Wednesday outlining equipment requirements.

Its essential that the Ministry of Defense has the necessary defense equipment at its disposal in good time to increase our deterrence and be a reliable NATO ally, State Secretary of Defence Gijs Tuinman wrote. With this omnibus A letter, the Ministry of Defense is taking the next step toward greater flexibility and less internal bureaucracy in the procurement process.

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The Netherlands lifted its 2025 defense budget to 22 billion, after spending 21.4 billion last year. The country is in the process of renewing its fleet of air-defense frigates, anti-submarine warfare frigates and submarines, and on land is beefing up its 43 Mechanized Brigade into a heavy infantry brigade with a full-fledged tank battalion and mobile air-defense systems.

The Dutch plan to equip the future frigates, submarines and new amphibious transport vessels with a hard-kill system to defend against unmanned underwater vehicles such as drones and torpedoes. The first platform to be fitted with the anti-torpedo torpedo (ATT) system will be the anti-submarine warfare frigates, according to Tuinman.

Development of the anti-torpedo weapon from a demonstration model to a production-ready design will continue within the European Unions Permanent Structured Cooperation through to 2028, according to the Dutch MoD. Subsequently, the Netherlands expects to acquire a qualified ATT starting in 2029, when the first new Dutch ASW frigate is scheduled to become operational.

The investment for the anti-torpedo torpedo is 250 million to 1 billion for the 2025-2039 period, the ministry said. Potential international military cooperation through PESCO will reduce the technical development and financial risks, according to Tuinman.

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European navies chase the white whale of torpedo-busting torpedoes

Other Navy investment projects include a replacement for the Mark 48 torpedoes for the new Orka-class submarines to be built by Naval Group, with delivery of the new torpedoes planned in the early 2030s. The Netherlands also plans to invest in unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned surface vessels for maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and to contribute to anti-submarine warfare. Both projects are in the 50 million to 250 million range.

For the land forces, the Netherlands plans to buy an estimated 100 to 150 tracked armored vehicles for use by the heavy infantry brigade in roles including transport, command, ambulance, engineering and troop transport, for between 250 million and 1 billion.

The MoD plans to buy the tracked vehicles through a negotiated procedure without tender from a single source, buying systems that are already known and have been acquired previously, Tuinman said. This ensures that contracting can be done quickly, which benefits delivery time.

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While Tuinman didnt provide details on the model the Dutch plan to buy, the 43 Mechanized Brigade operates the CV90 infantry combat vehicle from BAE Systems Hagglunds, alongside Leopard 2 main battle tanks. The CV90 exists in an armored-personnel carrier version that is the base for other non-turreted variants.

Sweden, Finland, Norway and Lithuania are preparing a joint purchase of the CV90, the Swedish government said earlier this week.

The Dutch list of projects also includes replacing the armed forces Colt C7 standard assault rife and C8 carbines, with a budget of 250 million to 1 billion for the 2027-2041 period. The existing rifles have been modernized since 2009 and will reach the end of their technical lifespan in 2030, and the ministry targets the first deliveries of the new arms before the end of the decade.

The MoD plans to buy multiple variants of the same weapon from a single supplier, and is looking for a possible purchase in cooperation with partner countries to increase interoperability. The Netherlands said several partners and allies either use similar weapons or are planning to acquire them in the short term.

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The Netherlands will also buy around 200 multi-barrel machine guns that will equip helicopters and ships, for between 50 million and 250 million. The speed of engagements has increased, and the MoD said its looking for a weapon with a higher rate of fire than the current MAG 7.62 mm and Browning .50 machine guns.

Technical improvements on a multi-barrel machine gun make it less likely to malfunction than current weapons, and the improved combat capabilities increase the survivability and operational availability of platforms including naval vessels and helicopters, the ministry said.

The ministry said the Dutch F-35 jets need a tactical armament that can be deployed against well-defended targets, with high survivability to avoid anti-munition weapon systems, and the ministry has budgeted 50 million to 250 million from 2027 to 2032 to acquire such a weapon.

The current weapons for tactical deployment equipping the Dutch F-35 fleet are precision-guided and short-range, free-fall munitions with low survivability due to lack of speed or because of high radar reflectivity. They are limited in their deployment due to vulnerability to weather conditions, camouflage, deception and jamming, the ministry said.

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The Netherlands has changed its defense procurement to cut red tape and accelerate the process, doubling the threshold that requires notification to parliament to 50 million and lifting the investment amount that needs parliamentary approval to 250 million from 100 million.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Defense has taken new measures to increase agility, speed up processes and reduce internal bureaucracy, Tuinman said.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China is implementing a series of targeted measures to foster a favorable environment for private enterprises and promote growth in the private sector, said an official with the country's top economic planner.

These initiatives focus on easing financing constraints, boosting investment, promoting trade, enhancing talent development and encouraging innovation, said Liu Min, deputy head of the private economy development bureau under the National Development and Reform Commission, during the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

The private sector plays a key role in China's economy, making up more than 90 percent of all businesses nationwide and contributing to over 70 percent of the country's technological innovation. In February this year, the country held a high-level symposium on private enterprises, signaling strong support for the sector.

Liu said China is taking concrete steps to strengthen legal protection for its private sector, with legislative work on the private economy promotion law accelerating. This draft legislation, set to become China's first fundamental law dedicated to the private sector, has already undergone two reviews by Chinese lawmakers.

China also encourages greater private sector participation in major national projects and programs, Liu added. To address the issue of overdue payments, the country will tighten punitive measures against defaulters, with a particular focus on payments owed to private enterprises.

Liu highlighted efforts to strengthen communication with private enterprises. A comprehensive service platform for private sector development, launched in December, has recorded 180,000 visits over the past four months. By the end of March, the platform had received nearly 2,000 submissions from private firms, raising matters such as policy recommendations, access to production factors, overdue payments and intellectual property disputes.

Each submission is dealt with via a structured workflow process of collection, handling, feedback and follow-up, in an effort to respond to the concerns of private companies, Liu said. 
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Iran's ambassador to the Netherlands was summoned on Thursday after the Dutch intelligence agency said it suspected Tehran of being behind two assassination attempts in Europe, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

The Dutch general intelligence agency, known as the AIVD, said in its annual report published on Thursday that two men were arrested in June 2024 in the Dutch town of Haarlem after an assassination attempt there on an Iranian residing in the country.

One of the suspects is also suspected of the failed assassination attempt on Spanish politician and Iran critic Alejo Vidal-Quadras in Madrid in November 2023, it said.

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"The two assassination attempts fit into the modus operandi that Iran has been using for years: using criminal networks in Europe to silence purported opponents of the regime. Based on intelligence, it is likely that Iran is responsible for the two liquidation attempts," the AIVD said.

Several months after surviving the shooting attack, Vidal-Quadras, who co-founded the Spanish far-right party Vox, said he believed that Iran's government had hired hitmen to assassinate him over his links to an Iranian dissident group, without providing evidence of the assertion.

(Reporting by Anthony Deutsch and Benoit Van Overstraeten; Editing by Mark Porter)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A bill cracking down on puppy mills is heading to the Nevada Senate. Assembly Bill 487 would prohibit pet stores from selling dogs and cats for profit. The bill passed in the Nevada Assembly by a 32-9 vote.

Advocates for the bill said it would allow retail pet stores to work with animal shelters or rescues for adoption purposes, with no compensation provided.



We have a number of shelters in our community, both in northern Nevada and southern Nevada, that are bursting at the seams with wonderful, adorable, and adoptable pets, Nevada State Director of Humane World for Animals Rebecca Goff said.



AB 487 would prohibit a pet store from selling, offering to sell, bartering, auctioning, or transferring ownership of any dog or cat with certain exceptions for animal shelters and rescue organizations.



This is really important for the state because what it would do is it would end that puppy mill to pet store pipeline thats trucking in all these puppies from Midwestern puppy mills into Nevada, Goff said. Those animals are raised in deplorable conditions. Even puppy mills that meet the USDA standards, those standards are bare minimum at best.



The bill is often referred to as Cindy Lous Law, named after a Havanese puppy who was left in the back room of a puppy boutique and later died of liver failure. The health and safety of animals and owners is a concern among advocates for AB 487.



I bought a puppy from Petland in Boca Park, Owner of Paws on Point Christine Miller said. Six months later, she died.



Retail pet sales bans/restrictions limit consumer protections and choice while doing nothing to actually help dogs.  American Kennel Club, an opponent of the bill, said in a statement.



However, Goff said there is a middle ground for both sides.

[Retail pet stores] can still partner with rescues, have pet adoptions to bring people into the stores, but just sell products and services instead of live animals, Goff said.



For people looking for a new furry friend, Miller said adoption is the way to go.



I would prefer people to adopt from the shelter since theyre completely booked out and full, Miller said.



If youre looking for a specific breed, the Humane World for Animals recommends seeking out a reputable breeder.

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Special Program will include Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Leaders of the Democratic Party

NewsNation will present CUOMO Town Hall: The First 100 Days on Wednesday, April 30 at 8 p.m. ET, featuring President Donald Trump. Moderated by anchor Chris Cuomo, along with authors and commentators Bill OReilly and Stephen A. Smith, the town hall will include a live phone interview with the President.

Originating from New York City, the two-hour event will showcase additional members of the Trump administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., alongside leaders of the Democratic Party and a variety of notable guests, such as former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. The town hall will be held in front of a live studio audience comprised of Democrats, Republicans, and Independent voters.

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Prior to the town hall, the network will host a one-hour live preshow entitled, Countdown to the Town Hall. Moderated by NewsNation Nows Anna Kooiman, the special program will include contributions from political editor Chris Stirewalt and The Hills Blake Burman. As part of the special programming, Decision Desk HQ will release an exclusive poll regarding how Americans feel about President Trumps first 100 days in office. The results will be released on The Hill at 6 p.m. ET, April 30.

The town hall will be simulcast live on the CW and will then be available on demand on NewsNationNow.com and the free NewsNation app.

Leading up to Trumps 100th day in office, the network will provide special programming beginning Sunday, April 27th. Coverage will kick off with a new series entitled, Driving the Vote: The First 100 Days, featuring senior national correspondent Brian Entin who will travel across the country to speak with everyday Americans about what they think of the new administration. The four-part series will spotlight voters living along the U.S. Interstate 80 talking about what they are celebrating, what they are frustrated by, and how their lives have been affected by the new policies and executive orders put in place by President Trump.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
A federal judge in Concord issued a ruling Thursday temporarily blocking the Trump administration from acting on threats to withhold funds from K-12 public schools that defy his orders forbidding diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The 82-page ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty granting a preliminary injunction is the latest development in a lawsuit filed March 5 by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of New Hampshire, the ACLU of Massachusetts, the National Education Association, and the National Education AssociationNew Hampshire.

Also joining the case is the Center for Black Educator Development.

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DEI ruling

The lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department of Educations Feb. 14 Dear Colleague letter, which threatened federal funding cuts for schools nationwide if they engage in DEI efforts and imposed a 14-day window before appropriate measures would be taken.

The suit argues the Education Department overstepped its legal authority by imposing unfounded and vague legal restrictions that violate due process and the First Amendment, limit academic freedom, and dictate what educators can teach and what students are allowed to learn.

In her ruling, McCafferty wrote the ban on DEI embodied in the Dear Colleague letter leaves teachers with a Hobsons choice, defined as an apparently free choice when there is no real alternative.

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If they fail to abide by the ill-defined standards set forth in the letter, they leave themselves open to their schools decision to terminate their employment or curb their work in order to preserve essential federal funding, public ostracization based on one persons view of what DEI is, or potential disciplinary proceedings that put their license at risk, McCafferty wrote.

But even if they endeavor to abide by the 2025 Letters requirements, they risk failing to comply with certification requirements necessary for retention of their professional credentials. All while not being afforded a reasonable opportunity to know what the 2025 letter even requires of them. The Constitution requires more.

ACLU reacts

The lawsuit argues the Education Department has no authority to dictate curriculum or educational programs, and that federal law protects educational institutions ability to shape their own curricula, including programs that reflect and celebrate diversity.

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The preliminary injunction issued Thursday prevents the the department from enforcing the directive while litigation continues.

Gilles Bissonnette, legal director of the ACLU of New Hampshire, called Thursdays ruling a victory for academic freedom, the free speech rights of educators, and for New Hampshire students who have a right to an inclusive education free from censorship.

Every student, both in the Granite State and across the country, deserves to feel seen, heard, and connected in school  and that cant happen when classroom censorship laws and policies are allowed to stand.

National Education Association President Becky Pringle said the ruling allows educators and schools to continue to be guided by whats best for students, not by the threat of illegal restrictions and punishment.

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In her ruling, McCafferty mentioned a middle school social studies teacher in New Hampshire whose classes include lessons on the American Civil War, the Reconstruction Era, and their aftermath  including discussions of race and how race and perceptions toward different racial groups has shaped American history.

But given the 2025 letters prohibition on teaching students that America is built upon racism, this teacher now fears being accused of engaging in discrimination for doing no more than teaching historical facts, McCafferty writes.

The case will now continue as the court considers whether to permanently block the Education Departments directive.

pfeely@unionleader.com
Niagara Falls and 12 other state landmarks will be illuminated orange tonight for Go Orange Day and to commemorate National Work Zone Awareness Week.

Safety for all New Yorkers is my top priority, especially those who have dedicated their careers to ensuring that our roadways are well maintained and safe for motorists, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. This year, I encourage all New Yorkers to do their part by reducing speed, eliminating distractions and staying vigilant in work zones so that our hard-working and dedicated roadside workers are safe.

On Monday, Hochul highlighted April 21-25 as National Work Zone Awareness Week. Throughout the week, the New York State Thruway Authority and State Department of Transportation will be hosting awareness events, lighting digital highway signs with safety messages and sharing important safety reminders on social media platforms. it continues Hochuls commitment to traffic safety, from launching the public awareness campaign, Slow Down, Move Over and signing a bill to expand the Move Over law in 2023.

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Hochul has proposed making the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program permanent and increasing penalties for repeat violators in her Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, in addition to expanding the program to include Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Bridges and Tunnels and New York State Bridge Authority properties. Additionally, the Governor has proposed enhancing penalties for assaults against transportation workers, extending protections similar to those provided to many MTA and retail workers. These actions will improve safety for both highway workers and drivers.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, The lighting of state landmarks as part of Go Orange Day is a fitting tribute to the highway workers across New York who work every day in dangerous conditions to make our roads and bridges safe for all New Yorkers. I thank Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to protect our state highway workers by supporting the work zone speed camera program and encouraging all motorists to exercise extreme caution in work zones across New York state.

Landmarks to be lit include:

 Niagara Falls

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 1WTC

 Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

 Kosciuszko Bridge

 The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building

 Alfred E. Smith State Office Building

 Empire State Plaza

 State Fairgrounds  Main Gate & Expo Center

 The Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge

 Albany International Airport Gateway

 MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station

 Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal

 Moynihan Train Hall
A Nigerian man has pleaded guilty to involvement in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain at least $10 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced Wednesday.

Yomi Jones Olayeye, aka Sabbie, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release. Olayeye was arrested in August 2024 upon arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City and remains in federal custody.

Between March and July 2020, Olayeye and his co-conspirators defrauded three pandemic assistance programs administrated by state unemployment insurance agencies, the U.S. Attorneys office said. The group used personal information purchased from criminal internet forums to apply for the programs by falsely representing themselves as Americans in several different states  including Massachusetts  whod lost their job as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Olayeye and his co-conspirators used the same fraudulently obtained information to open U.S. bank accounts and prepaid debit card accounts to receive the assistance payments, the U.S. Attorneys office said. The group then recruited U.S.-based account holders to receive and transfer the money via cash transfer apps, and ultimately used the money to purchase Bitcoin.

Olayeye and his co-conspirators concealed the conspiracys connection to Nigeria by leasing IP addresses of computers located in the U.S., the U.S. Attorneys office said. In total, the group applied for at least $10 million in fraudulent unemployment benefits from eight states  including Massachusetts  and ultimately received more than $1.5 million.

The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the total gain or loss, forfeiture and restitution, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Olayeyes sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13.

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OCEAN COUNTY, N.J. (PIX11)  The Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, forced thousands to evacuate Tuesday night, many of whom returned home Wednesday.

We left late last night, said Charlene Sherriff of Forked River. The traffic was ridiculous. By the time we finally got to our hotel, it was midnight.

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Sherriff returned home Wednesday to no power and spent the afternoon in search of ice to save whatever food she has left.

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Nikki Esposito was working at Tractor Supply in Waretown when the store was forced to close down early. She drove home on Route 9, right as portions of the highway were being shut down.

It was the most terrifying thing Ive ever seen, said Esposito. Just watching the wind bring the flames closer to the actual highway, it was pretty wild. It was insane. And you could actually feel it. Like, you could feel the heat on the car. It was that close.

New Jersey wildfire smoke to impact NYC and NJ air quality

James Herbst of Lacey Township said he watched as Liberty Door & Awning burned to the ground. He worked at the family-owned business for more than 20 years.

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The building just engulfed in five minutes, said Herbst. It went to the right side of the building, to the roof, to all the material inside, to everything. And it came down quick.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (PIX11)  The wildfire ravaging parts of New Jersey has now scorched more than 13,000 acres and has the potential to burn for at least several more days, according to the states Forest Fire Service.

Officials said the Jones Road Wildfire, which started in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, is roughly 50% contained. A state of emergency was declared on Wednesday as the Forest Fire Service waged a wide-scale effort, teaming with local fire and rescue agencies to knock back the inferno-like blaze.

Around 5,000 residents of Ocean County were forced to evacuate from their homes on Tuesday but have since been allowed to return.

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I was really scared. I was crying. I didnt know what was going to happen, Aubreigh Novak told PIX11 News. I had to ride my bike home fast, and I just threw stuff in bags and just left and I had to get my cat, my rabbits, and two dogs.

There were also sweeping power outages for 25,000 customers as firefighters battled the blaze. The power was restored on Wednesday, officials said.

One business, The Liberty Door and Awning, was destroyed by the wildfire. At least 12 more structures are still threatened, according to the forest fire service.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Officials are assessing the damage and investigating the cause of the fire. Rain is in the forecast for parts of New Jersey this weekend, which may help with ongoing efforts to fight the fire.

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An air quality alert is in effect for parts of New York and New Jersey on Thursday due to smoke from the wildfire. The air quality index is expected to reach 101 in New York City, according to AirNow.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Apr. 23SANTA FE  For years, New Mexico voters who decide not to affiliate with a major political party have faced challenges  if not outright barriers  when it comes to voting in primary elections.

But that is set to change next year, after lawmakers approved legislation during this year's 60-day session allowing roughly 310,000 registered independents to cast a ballot in the primary election without having to change their party affiliation.

For Rodzaiah Curtis, a 20-year-old independent voter who lives on the Navajo Nation near Shiprock, the change has been a long time coming.

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Curtis, who attended a committee hearing on the bill during this year's session, said many younger Native American voters feel disillusioned by the current political system, which he said has divided tribal members.

"We don't want to be forced into choosing Republican or Democrat," Curtis told the Journal. "We are independent because of the division."

While about 23% of registered New Mexico voters did not state a party affiliation as of March, that figure is even higher among younger voters.

Roughly 35% of currently registered voters between the ages of 18 to 25 are independent, according to Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver's office. And the number of unaffiliated voters within that age group outpaces the number of registered Democrats or Republicans.

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Supporters of the semi-open primaries bill celebrated its approval during a Wednesday news conference in Santa Fe, with backers saying the change could increase voter turnout rates in primary elections.

However, some political pundits and election officials are taking a wait-and-see approach to the new law.

Longtime New Mexico political observer Brian Sanderoff said the number of independent voters has grown over the last several decades despite the state's closed primary system.

He said most independents are disenchanted with both primary political parties, adding that particularly applies to younger New Mexicans.

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"They don't have a burning desire to join one of the parties because they're less partisan," said Sanderoff, who is the president of Albuquerque-based Research & Polling Inc.

But Sanderoff also said independent voters also tend to turn out at a much lower rate in general elections than registered Democrats or Republicans.

In the 2024 general election, for example, about 75% of registered Republicans and 71% of Democrats cast a ballot, compared to just 50% of independent voters.

Looking ahead, Sanderoff said independent voters could be more attracted to moderate candidates than extremists on either side of the political spectrum. However, he also said it could take years for many independents to become regular primary election voters.

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He also predicted the number of unaffiliated voters will keep rising, saying, "I think over time a higher percentage of people will register as independent as a result of this law."

Push to open New Mexico's primaries a long slog

The push to open New Mexico's primary elections has faced opposition from Democrats and Republicans alike in recent years, including some top-ranking legislators.

After a group of independent voters filed a lawsuit seeking to open New Mexico's closed primary system, lawmakers in 2020 passed a bill allowing such voters to participate in primaries, but only if they agreed to register with a political party immediately before casting their ballot.

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But few independent voters utilized that option in the 2022 and 2024 primary elections, with critics describing it as a charade that led to more work for county clerks.

Only about 2,100 independents  or less than 1% of those registered at the time  changed their party affiliation to vote in the 2022 primary election.

Meanwhile, New Mexico's primary election turnout rate has fallen short of 30% in three of the last five primaries going back to 2016.

Mike Michalski, an independent voter who lives near Cochiti Lake, said the current law has forced voters like him to "jump through hoops" in order to participate in primary elections.

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"I'm one of those that have never felt comfortable in either party," Michalski said Wednesday.

Sila Avcil, the executive director of New Mexico Voters First, a group that pushed for the semi-open primaries law, said backers of the new system plan to raise awareness through social media, visits to college campuses and tribal meetings.

She predicted that making it easier for independents to vote in primary elections could have unexpected implications.

"Because more people will turn out, we think elections will be more representative of the population in New Mexico," Avcil said in a recent interview.

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But she also said she's expecting some candidates to blame semi-open primaries for their defeats in future years.

With the change, New Mexico will join other states like Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and North Carolina that already have semi-open primary elections, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

2026 candidates preparing for new law

The new law technically takes effect in mid-June, but will first be utilized in the June 2026 primary election.

All statewide offices are up for election next year, and several candidates have already announced campaigns in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

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The campaigns of Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman, who are both Democrats, provided statements to the Journal about the new semi-open primaries system.

"With the passage of open primaries, we feel it's an opportunity to engage those voters on the issues that matter the most to them in their daily lives," said Bregman campaign press secretary Joanie Griffin, who cited crime, education, economic opportunity and health care access as among those issues.

"Independents, like all New Mexicans, are looking for common sense solutions to these critical issues and we are eager to talk to them about our plan on how to address them," Griffin added.

Meanwhile, a Haaland campaign spokeswoman said the former U.S. Interior secretary has focused on similar issues since launching her campaign in February.

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"Her launch tour took her to rural areas and counties that have often been overlooked," the Haaland spokeswoman added. "Deb's record of changing the system and her actions demonstrate that she'll be a governor for all New Mexicans."

Toulouse Oliver, the state's top election official, said she's caught flack from some fellow Democrats for supporting the push to open New Mexico's primary elections.

But she said research has shown such a system does not benefit candidates from one particular political party over another.

The secretary of state also said all registered voters  including independents  will receive a mailer in advance of next year's primary election alerting them of their ability to vote.

She said Wednesday she previously opposed the idea of open primaries, but changed her mind after having to turn away unaffiliated voters while serving as Bernalillo County clerk.

"To me as an election administrator, that is one of the most heartbreaking experiences you can have  telling someone they can't vote," said Toulouse Oliver.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN)  First responders from several jurisdictions conducted a search in a busy Washington Township area Thursday afternoon.

Crews were called to the area of West Alex Bell and Rahn roads at 11:21 a.m. after someone allegedly called authorities to report an alleged plane crash.

According to a Montgomery County Sheriffs Office spokesperson, officials searched the area, but reportedly found nothing.

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Crews from Dayton, Kettering and Miami Township police departments, Miami Valley Fire District, Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Washington Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.

WDTN.com has reached out to entities for additional information. We are waiting to hear back.

This story is breaking.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Finance said on Thursday that it has allocated 47.1 billion yuan (about 6.54 billion U.S. dollars) to support water conservancy projects across the country, including those to enhance flood and drought prevention.

Of the total, 22.1 billion yuan will be used to support the management of small and medium-sized rivers with a basin area of 200 to 3,000 square kilometers, the treatment of flood control channels, and the maintenance of water conservancy projects, according to the ministry.

A total of 9.8 billion yuan will be allocated to support rural water supply and agricultural water conservation projects.

Some 15.2 billion yuan will be used for projects including lake and river management and soil and water conservation, according to the ministry. 
Liudmyla Kapatsii, 75, and her daughter lingered in their apartment for a couple of extra minutes, doubting whether to go to the shelter after the air raid alarm woke them up around 1 a.m. on April 24, warning of a potential Russian missile attack.

Though they were tired of near-everyday shelter runs, Kapatsiis daughter insisted they should go. As they opened the door, everything around them exploded.

"You couldn't see anything. The window frames and glass from the corridor flew right into our door," Kapatsii told the Kyiv Independent later in the morning after the attack, sitting on a swing in a playground in front of her half-destroyed apartment building.

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The debris from the explosion blocked their exit, trapping the family inside. Kapatsii had no way of knowing if her son-in-law was safe, as he was in another room at the time.

"We just hugged each other with my daughter and screamed: Lord, save us. We don't need anything else, just save us'," Kapatsii said.

Overnight on April 24, Russia launched a mass missile attack on Ukraine, sending a combined 215 missiles and drones at the country. Many of the missiles and drones targeted Kyiv, where the attack killed 12 people, including two children from the same family. At least ninety more people were wounded as the strike damaged dozens of apartment buildings, a school, and a kindergarten.

During the attack, a Russian missile hit Kapatsiis two-story residential building in Kyivs quiet Solomianskyi District  an area filled with blooming lilacs signaling the arrival of springtime in Ukraine.

A woman looks at the destruction after a Russian missile strike on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine (Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

The day before the missile strikes, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was the main obstacle to peace in Ukraine amid negotiations to end Russias more than three-year full-scale invasion.

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Karpatsii says big glass shards and pieces of concrete littered her buildings corridor, which narrowly missed them because of their delay in deciding to seek shelter. First responders managed to get through their apartment door about 20 minutes after the explosions.

"We went outside, and I looked around, and there was no home there," Karpatsii said, referring to the building hit by the missile.

"There were people screaming all over the yard; it was terrible. An old lady I knew came running from the second floor. (People) were running around the building, screaming."

Similar to Karpatsii, Maria Rumiantseva, 40, was stuck in her wrecked apartment with her son, wheelchair-bound mother, and two dogs after debris blocked them from getting out.

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"It's a nightmare, really. Our neighbor died in the building. I don't have an apartment anymore," Rumiantseva told the Kyiv Independent.

Personal belongings were scattered across the site of the missile strike on a residential building that killed at least 12 people and injured at least 90 others, on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos via Getty Images)

"I understand that there was an agreement (with Russia and the U.S.) not to touch us during Easter. Well, why are you touching us now, after Easter?" she said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putins 24-hour Easter ceasefire that the Ukrainian government says was violated by Russian troops over 3,000 times.

"A father and a child are left alone, a mother has died. These negotiations, I don't know, there is no point in negotiating here. With whom?" Rumiantseva added. "(Putin) wont leave us alone."

Facing Rumiantsevas balcony, Oleksandr Yefymchuk, 44, was checking the sky for any signs of an incoming attack from his second-floor balcony when the missile hit the building behind him.

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It was his familys second near-death experience in the war, Yefymchuk said.

"The first one was in Peremoha, when (the Russians) were killing people. It must mean something (that we escaped death twice)," Yefymchuk said, referring to Russias occupation of the Peremoha village in Kyiv Oblast in 2022.

After Peremoha was liberated, a torture chamber with human remains was found in the village. Dozens of people were killed or went missing in Peremoha during Russia's month-long invasion.

When the missile hit, Yefymchuks wife was getting ready to go to the shelter with their 17-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter. They didnt manage to make it on time before the explosions began. Instead, all three of them, together with their two dogs, managed to huddle together in a small, one-square-meter space in the corridor behind a sturdy mirrored wardrobe.

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"The mirror is made in Germany. Its the only thing left intact," Yefymchuk told the Kyiv Independent, sliding the door of the closet open and pulling back the coats on their hangers.

The wardrobe, its backboard and the wall behind it missing, had turned into a portal to the neighboring apartment, whose outside wall had completely collapsed, leaving the destroyed building and rescue efforts in full view.

"My friend lived in the building behind mine, and friends of my children. What were they hit for?" Yefymchuk asked, his face crumpling in sorrow.

Rescuers and residents of neighboring houses pull a pregnant woman out of the rubble in the aftermath of a missile strike that killed at least 12 people and injured 90 others on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Among the injured were six children. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos via Getty Images)

"We, as citizens, need a safe place for our children all over Ukraine. Donetsk, Luhansk, Sumy, Odesa oblasts. It is very important for us," Yefymchuk said, referring to regions of Ukraine where the fighting has been the most intense or that have witnessed mass attacks on civilian centers.

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"I'm just asking our president, I'm asking our guys (in the army)  we only need victory. Nothing else will save us. We are already beginning to realize this in Kyiv," he added.

At the playground where volunteers erected several tents to provide urgent aid, Polina Levytska, 30, stood in line to collect thick plastic film to cover her windows. A resident of one of the damaged buildings, the attack left her with several bloodied cuts on her face and legs.

Asked by Kyiv Independent reporters about Trump's peace proposal, she couldnt resist irony.

"It's a great proposal, very reasonable. And it will work 100%. We are all convinced," Levytska said, nodding to the scene of destruction and people around.

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"Trump has his own agenda, which is absolutely bulletproof. He likes Putin. He doesn't like Ukraine," she added.

"I've been following the news myself, but when you go through this on your own, you understand everyone," Levytska said as she recounted her and her mothers escape.

"I understand all the border towns. We have always thought about them, and about the occupied areas, but when you experience it yourself, it's just" Levytska said, trailing off. "These are our people (in occupied territories). How can we give our people to these monsters?"

"Trump has his own agenda, which is absolutely bulletproof. He likes Putin. He doesn't like Ukraine."

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"I would like to tell Trump that... I'm sorry, but there is no way to deal with Russians, except with weapons," Levytska said.

Into the late afternoon, dozens of first responders continued to go through the debris by hand and with heavy machinery. Red-and-white tape enclosed the site from both onlookers and residents who were waiting to return to their destroyed apartments.

A first responder was hugging a big tabby cat as a woman in a pink nightgown asked him whether he had seen two white cats. Only the grey one, the man replied.

A middle-aged man in dusty black clothes shouted a request to one of the first responders clearing the upper floors not to throw out a stroller through a hole in the wall left by a missing window.

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About twenty teenagers stood in groups close to the tape throughout the day, looking out for anyone first responders might pull out from the wreckage. Several girls were hugging each other or quietly crying alone.

Next to them, a purple stuffed toy and a bouquet of yellow flowers on the ground signified the first makeshift memorial for those killed in the attack.

By early evening, the State Emergency Service confirmed it had found another body  that of a 17-year-old boy who was killed in the attack.

"He was my best friend. Yesterday he took my dog for a walk. And now he's just gone. It's hard to believe," one of the boy's friends, 17-year-old Viktoria, told UNICEF after his body was found.

"There is nothing to run from anymore. We just need to believe in our victory. And we do believe," Yefymchuk said outside his wrecked home.

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Natalia Yermak, I reported this story for you. It's always heartbreaking to meet and talk to people that have just survived the worst experience of their lives, but it feels worse to see attacks like this one happen amid the "peace talks."

Please consider supporting the Kyiv Independent so that we can continue covering such on-the-ground stories. Thank you.

Read also: Vladimir, stop!  Trump not happy with Russias deadly attack on Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
As Russias invasion of Ukraine continues into its third brutal year, and the U.S. government presses for a resolution to the conflict, it is worth taking a step back and considering the lens through which we view the war itself.

Proxy war is a term invoked by government officials, analysts, pundits, and scholars to describe the conflict in Ukraine. The label was notably used by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his criticism of U.S. policy as early as December 2022. While Putin was trying to influence American and global audiences by conveying a specific message, the term has long been used in serious analysis and policy discussion, perhaps most often by well-intentioned thinkers seeking to understand and describe the nature of war.

This creates the questiondoes this accurately describe the war in Ukraine, and is the term proxy war at all useful in the first place?

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The answer is no. The term proxy war is unhelpful in regards to the Ukraine war specifically, and can lead us astray when thinking about other conflicts as well. It misses the mark in two ways: It deprives the parties involved of their agency, and it oversimplifies the often-complex relationships among all sides. From a practical perspective, these mistakes can translate into ineffective policies with bad outcomes.

What does proxy war even mean?

Proxy war means different things to different people. In the lexicon of international relations, it can refer to a country taking an actionsuch as going to warat the behest of another country. It can also refer to a group that acts on behalf of another country. The term is generally used to describe situations where one country is providing military support to a country or group engaged in a military conflict. While this is exactly what the United States and its allies are doing with regard to Ukraine, labeling the conflict as a proxy war, however, mischaracterizes both the nature of that support and the larger dynamics of the conflict.

The term proxy war carries a principal-agent connotation. Principal-agent theory describes how one actor (in this case, a country) delegates a task to another actor (a country or a group). Each has its own interests that are to some extent aligned with the others. The agent, however, may choose to diverge from the principals wishes. The principal can invest only so much in controlling the choices of the agent to keep the relationship cost-effective. Both, therefore, will stay within certain bounds while the agent gets away with as much as they can while still reaping benefits.

When we apply this lens to an international conflict, we can come away with the mistaken impression that one actor is the client of another. In some cases, there is a real power dynamic between the two. The country providing military support is doing so for a certain set of interests. The country receiving the support may share only some of those interests. Each country may try to leverage its role in the relationship to achieve some of its goals. In this respect, the term proxy war has some utility in the case of Ukraine and in other instances. Iran, for example, provides support to Yemens Houthis, as well as a broad range of other actors. In some cases, the relationship between Iran and terrorist groups that it sponsors is close (such as Hezbollah) or less so (such as Hamas). Russia, for its part, supported the insurgency in Ukraines east. To be sure the separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk are responsive to Russia.

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Despite the fact that there may be a principal-agent dynamic in play in any such relationship, it is rarely the only or even the most important aspect of the conflict. The term proxy implies a strict sponsor-client relationship, or that one group is acting as an extension of another. This is not the case in most wars, as scholars such as Vladimir Rauta, Reinoud Leenders, and Antonio Giustozzi have argued.

First of all, all actors in a conflict have agency. Just because a country or group is receiving military support from another actor does not mean that it automatically adopts all of their interests and preferences, a case that Barbara Elias has expertly argued with regard to the U.S. militarys many partnerships around the world. Secondly, when we use the term proxy, we forget that external actors can intervene in conflicts for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. Rather than oversimplifying the conflict as a proxy war, we should look carefully at these particular relationships.

A historical example: The Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War offers an example of a conflict that is often mischaracterized as a proxy war. The war started in 1936 when the Spanish military launched a coup against the democratically elected government. The Spanish Army provided the mainstay of a Nationalist force, which consisted of a broad right-wing coalition of fascists and monarchists, each with their own ideological and political goals. These groups coalesced into a relatively cohesive force and maintained support from Italy and Germany throughout the war. On the other side was the Spanish Republic. The left-wing government consisted of everything from moderate liberals to radical socialists. The war also saw a broad left-wing uprising of anarchists, communists, and even federalists seeking regional autonomy within a democratic nation. This side received support from Stalins Soviet Union, which persisted until 1939 when the Nationalists eventually won and dictator Francisco Franco began his 36-year rule.

The war is often described as a binary ideological struggle of fascism against communism, or as a power struggle between Germany and the Soviet Union. What this misses is that the Nationalist force was never a proxy of Hitler, nor was the Republic a proxy of Stalin. Using proxy war as shorthand prevents serious thinking about the roots of the conflict, as is reflected in Antony Beevors excellent history.

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For example, if one does not understand how the military class (with its own institutions and interests) came to launch a coup against the government and why monarchists joined their coalition, they lose a sense of how the balance of military power may have influenced these groups to align as they did. They might also overlook the right-wing populist narrative that led many working-class Spaniards to fight in the Nationalist army, and how they coalesced around an ethno-religious narrative. One might fail to understand how communists influenced Republican forces, who at the beginning of the war included moderate liberals steadfastly opposed to communism.

Focusing on the tension between the Soviet Union and Germany also overlooks the differences between these two powers in why and how they intervened in the war. As historian Robert H. Whealey describes it, Germany may have pursued economic and diplomatic interests ahead of ideological ones. While the Soviet Union did seek to check Hitlers expansion, it had other goals in mind, namely a modus vivendi with other European powers after its own civil war. Both countries provided arms, advisers, and even air forces, throughout the war. After the civil war, Francos Spain did not fight alongside the Nazis in World War II.

At the time, many international audiences saw the conflict as one of democracy against fascism. This was only partially true, as both belligerents were ideologically diverse and only partially influenced by their external backers. During the civil war, for example, the splintering of Basque communities among multiple factions had a lot to do with a desire for local autonomy.

Those in the United States that saw the war primarily through the lens of Germanys power struggle with the Soviet Union, or who viewed the Nationalists and Republicans simply as clients of their backers failed to understand the war. In reality, the Spanish Civil War was fought by coalitions pursuing their own interests. External backers shaped the conflict, but were never fully in control.

Why Ukraine is not a proxy war.

This brings us back to the war in Ukraine, a very different situation from the Spanish Civil War. Most obviously, it is a war between two states rather than a civil war. Still, some refer to it as a proxy war as the United States continues to provide support, along with NATO, the European Union, and other allies. Russia, for its part, also receives economic support from China, weapons from Iran, and soldiers from North Korea. The broad coalition supporting Ukraine generally shares a belief in democratic values and norms regarding state sovereignty. To one degree or another, they also wish to deter future Russian aggression and foster an international system more conducive to their national and collective security. Those supporting Russia share very different goals, that may involve countering U.S. influence. At first glance, one could conclude that the war is really about a power struggle between one faction led by the United States and another led by Russia. As was the case with Spain, this is an incorrect characterization.

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First, to call this a proxy war deprives all parties of agency, most of all the Ukrainians. To refer to Ukraine as a proxy would suggest that they entered into the war at the U.S.s direction, or that they are acting as a stand-in for the United States. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ukraine is fighting because Russia invaded its territory, seeking to overthrow the elected government and erase its existence as a nation. In this case, Ukraines only real option is to fight for survival. It also implies that the United States has a high degree of control over Ukraines choices. While U.S. military support undoubtedly creates a power dynamic between the two nations, they are both very much independent actors.

Secondly, it misses the different dynamics among all the actors involved. China likely has a different reason for acting as Russias economic lifeline than North Korea does in providing troops. Iran, for its part, operates in a very different strategic context from the other two nations. Each is willing and able to provide a different kind and level of support based on their interests, which are loosely aligned in opposition to American power. In this way, there is a different set of factors shaping the actions of each country involved.

If the idea of proxy war is discarded, the situation in Ukraine comes into clearer focus. Such labeling emphasizes an adversarial dynamic between the United States and Russia, neglecting that the U.S. objective in Ukraine for the last three years has been not to weaken Russia but defend Ukraine. Prior to 2014, the United States had largely sought to improve relations with Russia. Even after the seizure of Crimea, U.S. support to Ukraine increased in a way that suggests a desire to avoid escalation, with lethal arms sales not beginning until 2017. Emphasizing Ukraines dependency on U.S. support similarly ignores the reality that Ukraine is fighting of its own accord. While the United States is enabling Ukraine in important ways, the Ukrainians would have to fight regardless. American support, although perhaps vital, is not the only support Ukraine is receiving.

If the war is not primarily about a power struggle with Russia, nor U.S. leverage over Ukraine, then U.S. policy should focus on the challenge at hand: supporting Ukraines independence and territorial integrity. Three years into a terrible war, it may be time for the United States to develop an approach focused on the Russian invasion itself. The first step would be to take stock of the operational situation within Ukraine, and then develop a clear strategy as to how American diplomatic, economic, and military power can be matched to Ukrainian needs in a way that renders Russia incapable of achieving its military objectives. Such an approach could be coordinated with the Ukrainians, and possibly a broader network of allies, who may be positioned to provide niche capabilities, share the resource burden, and leverage their unique strengths.

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The idea of proxy war usually falls short of characterizing the complex dynamics of any military conflict. Academics and analysts should exercise caution when thinking of one country or group as a proxy for another, or of a conflict as a proxy war between two powers. Policy makers, especially, should beware of adopting this lens. Whether confronting Russias invasion of Ukraine or Irans support of terrorism, the United States should always be aware that every party in a conflict has their own interests and the agency to pursue them. With this in mind, U.S. policy makers can begin to untangle the complex relationships that shape the course of war. Only then can the United States act in a way that promotes its values and advances its national security interests.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  The New Orleans Police Department is investigating a series of unrelated bicycle thefts. The cases are the latest ones to roll on the Wheel of Justice.

One theft happened in the Lakeview neighborhood in the 6000 block of Louis XIV Street. Police also released some security camera footage of the suspect. In the video, the suspect is seen removing a bicycle, reported to be a 15 speed Ozone brand mountain bike, from the backyard of a home.

New Orleans police investigate lawn equipment heist at City Park

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Police also released video in a second investigation in the 2700 block of Hudson Place in Algiers. But in this case, police say the suspect is accused of the attempted theft of a bicycle.

Our report includes two other cases, including the name and photo of a suspect in one of them.

Werewolf burglary suspect recently booked on similar charge, released without bond

To see the latest Wheel of Justice report, including the footage of the suspects, watch the video at the top of this story. If you have information that could help police close any of the cases, call CrimeStoppers at 504-822-1111. You dont have to reveal your name or testify in court, and you could be eligible to earn a cash reward.

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So far, more than 475 people have been booked after their cases rolled on the Wheel of Justice.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
MACEDONIA, Ohio (WJW)  Nordonia Hills High School students are rallied to generate support for the Nordonia Hills operating levy after major cuts were made in February.

The superintendent is also sounding the alarm for support at the Ohio Statehouse.

Close to two dozen students rallied Thursday after school at 2:11 p.m. in front of the high school.

See the new taxes on May 6 ballots in Northeast Ohio

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The levy will create an additional, continuing 5-mill levy to generate $7.39 million per year for school district operations. It would be a $175 tax increase on every $100,000 of taxable property, according to the district.

I saw the courses and the teachers that I truly care about at our school that arent going to be there next year, and I felt that it what was necessary to take action, Nordonia Hills High School sophomore and Phase 10 President Olive Wilson said.

Wilson organized the rally because she feels the districts future is on the line if this issue fails.

Im aware that taxpayers are concerned about the increase in money and how money is tight, but education is important. Its something that we should invest in because this is our future generation, Wilson said.

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Nordonia Hills Superintendent Casey Wright said his district has already made major cuts, eliminating more than 40 positions to save more than $1.8 million against the operating budget.

We have laid off or not replaced 24 1/2 teachers in the last in the last two years, Wright said via phone. What that is equating to is that is actually closing an elementary building without closing an elementary building.

Wright spent Thursday in Columbus at the Ohio Statehouse pleading for a change of heart after Gov. Mike DeWines state budget proposed cuts to education funding by $103 million statewide.

Decisions theyre making in Columbus are affecting local communities, Wright said. And heres what happens when they make decisions that cut school funding: It forces schools to go back to the community they ask for additional funding measures, which put a strain our relationship with our community. And Im asking them, Im begging them to change your mind about that to help us out.

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14 tax levies, bond issues on May 6 ballots in Summit County

Across Summit County, there are 14 tax levies and bond issues on May 6 ballots. These students and their superintendent hope voters will show up to support education on Election Day.

Know what is happening, Wilson said. Know that we care and that we want to do something and vote yes on Issue 10.

The proposed education cuts to the 2026-27 state budget must be passed by the legislature and signed into law by DeWine by July 1, 2025, to take effect at the start of the next fiscal year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  In the the not too distant future, you might be able to grab a bite to eat or shop at a local business before you catch a flight out of Norfolk International Airport.

In the coming weeks, the airport authority plans to release a request for proposals for two new concessions operators at the airport to oversee all of the terminals food, beverage and retail options.

Currently, Avolta, a Swiss-based travel retailer oversees all the airports offerings  none of which carry the name of local businesses known throughout the Hampton Roads community.

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Mark Perryman, the airports executive director and CEO, said with so many people getting their first impression of the region through the walls of the terminal building, that should change.

We have such a great local restaurants scene, local shops and artisans and all that, Perryman said. We want that represented in the airport.

ORF begins $1 billion worth of redevelopment projects

Norfolk International Airport, also known as ORF, has experienced three straight years of record passenger traffic, with more than 4.86 million passengers flying in and out in 2024. A study by Old Dominion Universitys Dragas found the airport accounted for $2.2 billion in economic impact for Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina in 2023.

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With all that in mind, the airport has embarked on a $1 billion modernization program, which by 2029 will result in a new experience for the traveler.

Perryman said the timing has worked out that the longtime airport concessions contract is expiring in June 2026, aiding in that process.

It worked out very well actually, because now that weve got the plans for the redevelopment and now we merge all that together, Perryman said.

Wednesday, more than 50 members of both national firms, as well as local restaurants, breweries and retail stores, spent much of the day inside the main terminal building learning about airports vision for future concessions.

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Currently, the airport is home to 13 dining options and nine retail shops. Four carry the name of national chains: there are three Starbucks and one Burger King. There are four sit-down restaurants whose names pay homage to the culture and natural surroundings of Hampton Roads: including The Local @ORF, Heres To The Heroes, James River Grill and Back Bay Bistro.

However, Perryman said that is not what he is talking about when he means local.

Not just called The Local, but actual local restaurants and that we all know and love here in Hampton Roads, Perryman said.

Instead, Perryman wants new operators to work with local businesses like Taste Unlimited, CoVa Brewing and Town Center Cold Pressed. All three had members present at the workshop Wednesday.

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Aviation consultants John DeCoster and Dan Benzon explained to the prospective concessionaires that two separate operators would ultimately be selected to split the space available for shopping and dining. Giving each operator 8-10 spaces.

Of their spaces, 40% of their tenants would be local business.

Its going to be a mix so that nobody has one corner of the airport to themselves, Perryman said. And its going to be a mix of retail, food and beverage, (an airport) lounge is in this mix as well, food court is in the mix  we want those recognizable brands but we also want to offer the local flair and the local color that we get excited about.

We could fill two airplanes a week to a European destination: Norfolk airport to make push for international flights

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Scott Bateman, co-owner of CoVa Brewing Company and Coffee House in Norfolks East Beach community, said he and his partners are definitely interested in expanding their presence to the airport.

Were actually, just a few miles away, and we get a lot of folks waiting for flights, Bateman said. Our brewery has been open for about five years, so were known in the community for being a big part of the community and this airport is an extension of that.

Tiffany Nieves, who helped to co-found Town Center Cold Pressed, feels her companys offering of local craft coffee, cold pressed juices and smoothie bowls would excel in the travel environment.

Were on the horizon to look for new opportunities, Nieves said. And (my team) was like the airport. We got to do it.'

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All potential vendors would have to agree to keep prices of their products no higher than 10% of the price youd find in traditional brick-and-mortar retail shops in Hampton Roads, according to Perryman. This allows a balance to be struck between the extra overhead of operating in an airport and the consumer.

Here, you have to get your product and employees past TSA each day, Perryman said, adding that the new concessions will be mostly behind the TSA checkpoint.

The the revenue per square foot for concessions post security is two to three times that of pre security, Perryman said. So, with the new package and the new reconfiguration, instead of 50-50 its going to be 90% post security and only about 10% for the meters and greeters and people who are grabbing something as they leave.

Not only might new concessions enhance the experience for the traveler, but Perryman said it could help make your next airline ticket cheaper as well.

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They love that our concession revenues are doing well because that offsets their costs to a degree, Perryman said. The lower their costs are, the cheaper it is for them to operate here, the greater chance we have to get more routes, more frequency and more destinations  Im very excited about this. Ive been waiting on this.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Norfolks School Board voted 5-2 Wednesday night to reject signing the U.S Department of Educations certification letter to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools.

The board voted to instead change the letter to say theyll comply with what state and federal courts have and will establish as law and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Trump administrations executive orders surrounding DEI are currently being litigated.

By not signing it, we represent and we speak for Norfolk, said Vice Chair Alfreda Thomas.

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The Department of Education put out a notice on April 3 asking schools to certify that they werent using DEI policies in their schools or risk losing federal funding. Its part of the Trump administrations wider restructuring of education, combatting past practices focused on racial and gender identity. Schools had until April 24 to sign the letter as directed by federal and state education departments, an extension from the original April 11 deadline.

Board member Jason Inge pushed the motion for Superintendent Sharon Byrdsong to not sign the compliance letter. Most board members agreed, maintaining that that most city residents wouldnt want such programs ended. Board members Adale Martin and Kenneth Paulson opposed the idea, with losing federal funds top of mind for Martin.

As elected officials we swore, when we took our oath, to do no harm, said Martin.

Federal funding is used for Title 1 schools and free and reduced lunch programs, which help vulnerable students access education and nutritious meals. Norfolk Public Schools has 26 Title 1 schools, including 23 elementary schools, and all students are free and reduced lunch eligible in the division, according to state data. In their proposed budget for next fiscal year, the division planned to receive over $5 million in federal dollars.

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The meeting comes after Virginia Beachs school board meeting on April 22, where over 100 speakers signed up to speak, largely expressing dissent against the boards actions to comply with federal guidelines without properly notifying the public. Other school divisions in the region, including Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Hampton, have all signed their certification letter.

Now were sitting in 2025 where now we have to vote on dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion and the federal government is forcing us to do that? No, said Inge.

Toni Odejimi, adetoni.odejimi@virginiamedia.com
ARKADELPHIA, Ark.  Officer Tommy Norman faced a loss last week of someone he was close with, whom he and those who follow his social media are mourning.

If there was a Lois in every community, this world would a better place, Officer Norman stated

Normans Neighborhood: Officer Normans late 101-year-old friend lives on through 12-year-old kid

Deloris Jean Hickmon, better known as Lois, passed away.

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There are people all over the world in tears, Officer Norman said, speaking at her funeral.

For those who dont follow Officer Norman on social media, Lois is a lady with a feisty no-nonsense attitude that made many people smile with her close friendship with Officer Norman.

Lois produced many laughs as she referred to Officer Tommy Norman as Tony.

Tony is nowhere on my birth certificate, laughed Norman during his speech.

Over the years, Norman says he and Lois got really close.

So close that the two even started dating, even though it was all Lois idea.

I was not about to argue with this lady and tell her I wasnt her boyfriend.

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Normans Neighborhood: Officer Normans platform helps 11-year-old get recognized by Rihanna

This relationship wasnt always roses and kisses.

I never broke up with her, she always broke up with me probably in the hundreds if not thousands of times, Norman said.

Lois hard outer shell was nothing compared to the love she had on the inside.

On April 17th, Officer Norman stopped by to see Lois, but when he got there, she had already passed away.

I feel like if Lois had her way. She would want her Tony to find her, Norman said.

If you didnt know her, you mightve been on edge.

Normans Neighborhood: Officer Norman forms unbreakable bond with Davey who cant talk

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But all those who did understood that thats just Lois

Lois if you are watching this, I promise to never find another Lois. Officer Norman concluded.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
RALEIGH, North Carolina  North Carolina trial judges on Wednesday threw out another Republican attempt to strip the governor of his authority to appoint State Board of Elections members, declaring that a law shifting the task to the state auditor is unconstitutional.

One registered Republican judge and one Democratic judge on the three-member panel sided with Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who with his predecessor Roy Cooper sued over the law finalized by the GOP-dominated General Assembly in December. The third judge, a Republican, dissented.

The governor picks the five board members, three of whom are traditionally members of the governors party. Appointments are made from candidates provided by the two major political parties.

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The latest law would have given the responsibility to new GOP state Auditor Dave Boliek starting May 1, with the expectation that Republicans would assume a majority on the board.

Superior Court Judges Edwin Wilson and Lori Hamilton said the law would interfere with the Governors constitutional duties. Other elected executive officials assist the governor in executing state law, but the governor bears the ultimate duty of faithful execution, they wrote.

Their decision also cited rulings on previous unsuccessful attempts by the General Assembly to strip powers from the governor. Since late 2016, the Republican-dominated legislature has sought to erode or eliminate a governors authority to appoint the board that administers elections in the ninth-largest state.

Four previous laws targeting Cooper were blocked by courts  including a 2023 law declared unconstitutional by the same three-judge panel that ruled Wednesday. Voters in 2018 rejected a constitutional amendment that would have forced the governor to pick members recommended by legislative leaders.

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Republicans have complained that a governor has too much control over elections, resulting in one-party decision-making and a lack of voter confidence. But Democrats say the laws are a GOP power grab designed to give Republicans an unfair advantage in elections in the battleground state. The boards importance has been apparent in the still-unresolved election for a state Supreme Court seat.

Dissenting Superior Court Judge Andrew Womble argued that the General Assembly does have the constitutional authority to assign new powers to the state auditor. When it comes to allocating certain powers in the executive branch, the legislature is the final authority, he wrote.

Steins lawyer argued in court last week that the auditors historic role in state government has nothing to do with elections. Its best known for issuing reports uncovering waste and fraud in state government. Upholding the law, he said, would have given the legislature the go-ahead to move other gubernatorial powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution to other statewide elected officials who would be inclined to carry out laws as GOP lawmakers wanted.

The North Carolina Constitution puts the Governor in charge of executing the law. Thats what the voters elected me to do, so thats what Ill do, Stein said in a post to X after the ruling.

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Attorneys for Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall contend the constitution disperses executive-branch power in North Carolina government to many statewide elected leaders including the auditor, who can be tasked with carrying out elections and other laws. The board of elections isnt mentioned in the constitution, which says the auditors duties shall be prescribed by law.

Boliek, who joined with GOP legislative leaders in the case, said late Wednesday that he would appeal the ruling. Republicans hold the majority of seats on both the state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.

We are taking immediate steps to rectify this constitutionally corrosive and misguided ruling, Berger said in a statement. The Board of Elections functioned in a highly partisan manner during the Cooper administration, with handpicked partisan Democrats running elections and rewriting rules. Theres no indication it will change under the Stein administration.
Roundup has been a popular herbicide with farmers and for residential use. (Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

North Dakota is poised to be the first state in the nation to implement a law that provides legal protections for pesticide manufacturers  an issue that has been debated in legislatures across the country in the face of large payouts to cancer victims.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Wednesday signed House Bill 1318 that specifies that a label approved by the Environmental Protection Agency acts as sufficient warning to users about the hazards posed by pesticides and herbicides such as Roundup.

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Georgias General Assembly passed its version of the pesticide protection bill but it has yet to be signed. The National Agricultural Law Center has been tracking the status of similar legislation in Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wyoming.

Elizabeth Burns-Thompson is the executive director of the Modern Ag Alliance, a national group backing the legislation in North Dakota and other states.

This law sets the standard for states across America to pass legislation similar to HB 1318 and, ultimately, stand up for our farmers, Burns-Thompson said Thursday in a statement.

A sprayer rolls across a field of soybeans in Burleigh County, North Dakota, on July 11, 2024. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

Ag groups have lined up behind the pesticide legislation, saying it ensures farmers will have access to chemicals they need to control weeds and insects.

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Critics have said the bill will make it harder for people harmed by chemicals to win lawsuits against the manufacturers of chemicals.

Germany-based Bayer, maker of the popular herbicide Roundup, has been ordered to pay out billions of dollars to plaintiffs who claim the product has caused cancer.

The EPA has never determined that Roundup causes cancer. Plaintiffs have still prevailed, in part on the argument that they were not adequately warned.

Brigit Rollins, attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, wrote earlier this year that almost every pesticide injury lawsuit filed in the past 10 years has included a claim that the pesticide manufacturer failed to warn the plaintiff of the health risks associated with the product.

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Rollins was unavailable for comment Thursday, but wrote earlier this month that it was not clear how pesticide laws might affect pending lawsuits, which number in the thousands nationally.

Bayers website says it is also hopeful for a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of laws such as the one being implemented in North Dakota.

A Bayer executive said in an April 14 Wall Street Journal article that the company may have to shut down U.S. production of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.

The pesticide bill in North Dakota sailed through the House of Representatives, where it was introduced, passing unanimously in January.

Protesters opposing a bill that would raise the standard for proving liability for lawsuits involving pesticides peer through the windows of the Capitol on April 14, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

It faced more debate in the Senate, but was amended and returned to the House. A small group of protesters gathered outside the Capitol the day of the Senate vote, urging members to reject the bill.

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Its second vote in the House was much closer, passing 51-40.

As the debate on the bill wrapping up, Rep. Donna Henderson, R-Calvin, said, If we have learned anything, it is that we dont know all the answers. We dont know what this bill does.

She noted that similar legislation has been pushed in other states.

If its just a simple labeling bill, why did 35 other states vote it down? she asked.

Leaders of North Dakota farm groups expressed their appreciation for the bill Thursday.

This monumental step forward helps ensure our farmers have the certainty they need to make long-term planning decisions and stay productive in the field, Justin Sherlock, president of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association said.

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While the debate focused on Roundup, the law applies to other pesticides registered with the state Department of Agriculture.

The North Dakota law will take effect Aug. 1. If signed, the Georgia law would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Armstrongs office declined to comment on his decision to sign the bill.

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This article was updated to correct when the law takes effect.
Roundup has been a popular herbicide with farmers and for residential use. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

North Dakota is poised to be the first state in the nation to implement a law that provides legal protections for pesticide manufacturers  an issue that has been debated in legislatures across the country in the face of large payouts to cancer victims.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Wednesday signed House Bill 1318, which specifies that a label approved by the Environmental Protection Agency acts as sufficient warning to users about the hazards posed by pesticides and herbicides such as Roundup.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Georgias General Assembly passed its version of the pesticide protection bill but it has yet to be signed. The National Agricultural Law Center has been tracking the status of similar legislation in Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wyoming.

In Iowa, the bill passed the Senate this year but did not have sufficient support to pass the House, House Speaker Pat Grassley told reporters last month.

Elizabeth Burns-Thompson is the executive director of the Modern Ag Alliance, a national group backing the legislation in North Dakota and other states.

This law sets the standard for states across America to pass legislation similar to HB 1318 and, ultimately, stand up for our farmers, Burns-Thompson said Thursday in a statement.

A sprayer rolls across a field of soybeans in Burleigh County, North Dakota, on July 11, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

Ag groups have lined up behind the pesticide legislation, saying it ensures farmers will have access to chemicals they need to control weeds and insects.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Critics have said the bill will make it harder for people harmed by chemicals to win lawsuits against the manufacturers of chemicals.

Germany-based Bayer, maker of the popular herbicide Roundup, has been ordered to pay out billions of dollars to plaintiffs who claim the product has caused cancer.

The EPA has never determined that Roundup causes cancer. Plaintiffs have still prevailed, in part on the argument that they were not adequately warned.

Brigit Rollins, attorney for the National Agricultural Law Center, wrote earlier this year that almost every pesticide injury lawsuit filed in the past 10 years has included a claim that the pesticide manufacturer failed to warn the plaintiff of the health risks associated with the product.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Rollins was unavailable for comment Thursday, but wrote earlier this month that it was not clear how pesticide laws might affect pending lawsuits, which number in the thousands nationally.

Bayers website says it is also hopeful for a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of laws such as the one being implemented in North Dakota.

A Bayer executive said in an April 14 Wall Street Journal article that the company may have to shut down U.S. production of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup.

The pesticide bill in North Dakota sailed through the House of Representatives, where it was introduced, passing unanimously in January.

Protesters opposing a bill that would raise the standard for proving liability for lawsuits involving pesticides peer through the windows of the North Dakota Capitol on April 14, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

It faced more debate in the Senate, but was amended and returned to the House. A small group of protesters gathered outside the Capitol the day of the Senate vote, urging members to reject the bill.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Its second vote in the House was much closer, passing 51-40.

As the debate on the bill wrapping up, Rep. Donna Henderson, R-Calvin, said, If we have learned anything, it is that we dont know all the answers. We dont know what this bill does.

She noted that similar legislation has been pushed in other states.

If its just a simple labeling bill, why did 35 other states vote it down? she asked.

Leaders of North Dakota farm groups expressed their appreciation for the bill Thursday.

This monumental step forward helps ensure our farmers have the certainty they need to make long-term planning decisions and stay productive in the field, Justin Sherlock, president of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

While the debate focused on Roundup, the law applies to other pesticides registered with the state Department of Agriculture.

The North Dakota law will take effect Aug. 1. If signed, the Georgia law would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Armstrongs office declined to comment on his decision to sign the bill.

This article was updated to correct the North Dakota laws effective date.

This story was originally published by North Dakota Monitor, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@northdakotamonitor.com.
By Akbar Novruz

The slow but steady dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group appears to be reaching its inevitable conclusion. Once seen as the primary international mechanism for resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the Group has long lost its relevance  plagued by paralysis, geopolitical biases, and inaction.

Armenia, having once clung to the Minsk Group as a diplomatic shield, is now showing surprising signs of alignment with Azerbaijans peace agenda. This shift is perhaps best reflected in recent events, including the visit of OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlio?lu to Yerevan and his meeting with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry, the talks addressed both the peace negotiations with Azerbaijan and the normalisation of Armenia-Turkiye relations  a dual-track approach that directly echoes Bakus regional vision. For your information, it is important to say that, Secretary General is expected to visit Azerbaijan on Friday.

Foreign Minister Mirzoyans remarks following the meeting highlighted that finalising the peace agreement with Azerbaijan is now considered a priority for Yerevan  a message that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

However, contradictions remain at the heart of the Armenian leaderships messaging. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in a recent address to parliament, oscillated between reassurance and alarmism. While stating that Armenia and Azerbaijan have recognised each others territorial integrity and that there will be peace, not war, he also warned of groups inside and outside Armenia allegedly preparing for renewed conflict. This duality points to the ongoing internal fragmentation within Armenias political establishment.

It raises a critical question: Is Yerevan still trying to delay the dismantling of the OSCE Minsk Group, fearing the final loss of a diplomatic crutch? Or is it simply struggling to balance conflicting pressures from its domestic opposition, diaspora, and foreign sponsors?

In an effort to assess the true direction of the peace process, Azernews spoke to two renowned experts.

British expert Neil Watson called the Minsk Group a non-entity, stressing that it failed for nearly three decades and that its co-chairs  Russia, France, and the U.S.  no longer hold any moral authority to mediate. He suggested that Armenia is starting to realize that true sovereignty cannot be achieved through dependency on third parties, especially those driven by their own geopolitical agendas.

Watson also noted that Pashinyans inconsistency stems not from a lack of intent, but from his politically impossible position  caught between peace-seeking civilians and war-weary elites. Nevertheless, Watson expressed optimism, emphasizing that a bilateral peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with Turkiyes strategic backing, is closer than ever.

Former U.S. Ambassador Matthew Bryza offered a more structural view, pointing out that Pashinyans remarks were likely directed inward  a warning to domestic actors within Armenias political system who profit from continued hostilities. He stressed that both leaders  Pashinyan and Aliyev  want peace, but internal spoilers must be overcome for it to materialize.

In the end, the future of peace in the South Caucasus depends less on international organizations and more on the political maturity of its regional actors. The OSCE Minsk Groups expiration is not a loss  it is a long-overdue correction. And if Armenia truly commits to bilateral negotiations, a historic opportunity for lasting peace may finally be within reach.
ABUJA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate overhaul of national security strategies to address escalating armed attacks in the country.

"Enough is enough," Tinubu told a meeting of the country's security chiefs in Abuja, the capital, on Wednesday.

He condemned recent attacks, particularly those in the central states of Benue and Plateau and the northeastern Borno state.

"President Tinubu is insisting that we work harder to restore security in the country," National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu told the media after the high-level meeting.

He said that Tinubu has ordered a new approach to tackling the security challenges.

At least 52 people were reported killed in the Bokkos local government area of Plateau in the past two weeks, while the death toll of attacks by suspected armed herders in Benue has risen to at least 72 since last Thursday.

There have also been recurring incidents of livestock rustling and armed banditry in the country. 
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  A $22 million loan will enable Greater Johnstown Water Authority to add a new spillway and other updates at North Fork Reservoir to mitigate the risk of major flooding.

And separately, more than $8 million in support from the states infrastructure authority will enable Scalp Level to add new sewer lines and adapt older ones to reduce stormwater flows.

North Fork

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority said Greater Johnstown Water Authoritys project was designed to ensure North Fork can manage a probable maximum flood event expected from the most severe weather conditions reasonably possible in the area.

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State Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., R-Richland Township, and state Rep. Frank Burns, D-East Taylor Township, issued the announcement in a joint media release Wednesday.

Needed upgrades include a rigid, erosion-resistant roller- compacted concrete spillway, a new crest wall, a spillway cap and auxiliary spillway training walls, they wrote.

Flood gates will also be added at the crest, along with other ancillary improvements to strengthen the reservoirs overall flood resilience.

The Greater Johnstown Water Authority serves the City of Johnstown as part of 16 other municipalities in Cambria and Somerset counties.

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Efforts to upgrade the dam have been in the planning stages for years, with North Fork Reservoir deemed a High Hazard Dam under state standards.

Investing in critical water infrastructure upgrades is a matter of public safety, economic development and responsible stewardship, Langerholc said.

As a Board member of Penn- VEST, Im pleased to see this funding support the replacement of outdated systems while ensuring local facilities meet modern standards without placing an undue burden on ratepayers.

Burns said the low-interest loan secured to do the work will help ease the burden of the project on ratepayers.

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The project wont just increase North Forks reservoir capacity, he added.

This low-interest loan will (also) increase reliability of the water supply to North Forks service area, he added.

Scalp Level

PennVEST awarded a $5.1 million grant and a $3.3 million low-interest loan to the community to cover the stormwater projects costs, Langerholc and state Rep. Jim Rigby, R-Ferndale, announced Wednesday.

Undertaking vital safety upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure is key to safeguarding public health, promoting economic growth, and ensuring long-term sustainability, Langerholc said.

Langerholc serves on the 13-member PennVEST board and said he was pleased to see a support package approved to modernize Scalp Levels aging infrastructure, while addressing issues caused by excess stormwater.

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As planned, 8,200 feet of new gravity sewer line will be installed for collection from Scalp Level residences.

The existing sewer line will be converted to a stormwater line, and 1,876 feet of new stormwater line will be constructed to accommodate the flows that will be removed from the sanitary sewer system, state lawmakers said in a media release.

Sen. Langerholc and I are proud to have worked together to secure this much-needed funding for the borough and its residents, Rigby added.

The existing infrastructure has outlived its usefulness and is stressed beyond capacity during extreme wet weather events.

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Scalp Levels sewer lines transport its flows from the borough toward Windber Area Authoritys Ingleside Sewage plant for treatment.

PennVEST is a financing authority that provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater and stormwater problems that impact public health, safety, the environment and regulatory compliance issues statewide.

Somerset

Dozens of other projects across the state also received funding.

The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Somerset received a $10,724,921 grant and a $7,975,079 loan to upgrade its sanitary sewer and stormwater systems.

The project includes the replacement or rehabilitation of approximately 41,650 feet of sanitary sewer piping and 195 sanitary sewer manholes, the installation or replacement of approximately 11,350 feet of stormwater pipe and 104 stormwater drainage inlets.

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These system upgrades are proposed in locations where illegal sanitary sewer connections are known to exist; illegal connections to the sanitary sewer system will be removed and connected to the storm water system, PennVest officials wrote, noting the resulting work will reduce storm infiltration into Somersets system by at least 20%.

In doing so, that will lower the Somerset agencys overflow related system operational and maintenance costs.

Clearfield project lands support

The Clearfield Municipal Authority will receive a $10.2 million low-interest loan and a $15.6 million grant from PennVEST to build a new treatment plant.

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Clearfield Municipal Authority serves more than 5,000 customers across Clearfield Borough and nearby Lawrence Township.

Langerholc and state Rep, Dallas Kephart, R-Clearfield, said itll add a building equipped with a membrane filtration system and updated service pumps and additional components.
A north Georgia man has been indicted on 76 counts after being accused of artificial intelligence to make images of minors appear naked.

Ronald Richardson, 48, was arrested in January after investigators found evidence that he was using AI to make normal photos into child porn.

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A student at Gilmer High School told a school resource officer on Dec. 3 that Richardson, who filled the vending machines at the school, had asked her to send him pictures through a social media app. She told the SRO she felt that was inappropriate.

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According to deputies, the student told the SRO that she would talk to Richardson regularly when he was at the school and had done so for a year. She said Richardson would often give her free soft drinks, but this was the first time she had been asked to send him pictures.

Sheriff Stacy Nicholson told Channel 2s Bryan Mims this is the first case where AI has been a component of an investigation for the sheriffs office.

Unfortunately, I doubt it will be the last, Nicholson said. All of the sexually explicit (nude) photographs of the minor children that Richardson is alleged to have possessed are actually normal snapshots, which he captured from various social media pages and then altered (or had altered) using AI to make the images appear nude.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia requested that the DeKalb County District Attorneys Office to serve as the prosecutor in this case.

A date has not been set for Richardsons arraignment hearing.

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By AJ Vicens, Anton Zverev and James Pearson

DETROIT/LONDON (Reuters) - North Korean cyber spies created two businesses in the U.S., in violation of Treasury sanctions, to infect developers working in the cryptocurrency industry with malicious software, according to cybersecurity researchers and documents reviewed by Reuters.

The companies, Blocknovas LLC and Softglide LLC were set up in the states of New Mexico and New York using fake personas and addresses, researchers at Silent Push, a U.S. cybersecurity firm, told Reuters. A third business, Angeloper Agency, is linked to the campaign, but does not appear to be registered in the United States.

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This is a rare example of North Korean hackers actually managing to set up legal corporate entities in the U.S. in order to create corporate fronts used to attack unsuspecting job applicants, said Kasey Best, director of threat intelligence at Silent Push.

The hackers are part of a subgroup within the Lazarus Group, an elite team of North Korean hackers which is part of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, Pyongyangs main foreign intelligence agency, Silent Push said.

The FBI declined to comment specifically on Blocknovas or Softglide. But on Thursday an FBI seizure notice posted to the website for Blocknovas said the domain was seized as part of a law enforcement action against North Korean Cyber Actors who utilized this domain to deceive individuals with fake job postings and distribute malware.

Ahead of the seizure FBI officials told Reuters that the bureau continues to focus on imposing risks and consequences, not only on the DPRK actors themselves, but anybody who is facilitating their ability to conduct these schemes.

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One FBI official said North Korean cyber operations are perhaps one of the most advanced persistent threats facing the United States.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

These attacks utilize fake personas offering job interviews, which lead to sophisticated malware deployments in order to compromise the cryptocurrency wallets of developers, and they also target the developers' passwords and credentials which could be used to further attacks on legitimate businesses, Best said.

Silent Push was able to confirm multiple victims of the campaign, specifically via Blocknovas, which is by far the most active of the three front companies, the researchers said in a report shared with Reuters ahead of publication.

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SANCTIONS

Reuters reviewed registration documents for Blocknovas and Softglide filed in New Mexico and New York, respectively. Reuters was unable to locate the persons named in the registration documents.

Blocknovas' registration listed a physical address in Warrenville, South Carolina, that appears on Google Maps to be an empty lot. Softglide appears to have been registered by a small tax office in Buffalo, New York.

The activity represents the continuing evolution in the sprawling North Korean efforts to target the cryptocurrency sectors in a bid to raise cash for the North Korean government.

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In addition to stealing foreign currency via hacks, North Korea has dispatched thousands of IT workers overseas to bring in millions to finance Pyongyang's nuclear missile programme, according to the United States, South Korea and the United Nations.

The presence of a North Korean-controlled company, registered by the RGB, in the United States is a violation of Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions. OFAC is part of the Treasury Department. It also violates United Nations sanctions that prohibit North Korean commercial activity designed to assist the isolated countrys government or military.

The New York Department of State told Reuters it does not comment on companies registered in the state. The New Mexico secretary of states office told Reuters in an email on Thursday that the company was registered in the state's online Domestic LLC system. "The filing was in compliance with state statute, using a registered agent, and there would be no way our office would know its connection to North Korea," an office representative said.

The hackers sought to infect applicants for fake jobs with at least three strains of known malware previously linked to North Korean cyber operations. The malware linked to the campaign by Silent Push can be used to steal information, facilitate access to networks and load additional forms of malware.

(Reporting by A.J. Vicens in Detroit, and Anton Zverev and James Pearson in London; Additional reporting by Raphael Satter in Washington, Andrew Hay in New Mexico and Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Chris Sanders and Daniel Wallis)
The ballistic missile that struck a residential building in Kyiv on April 24 and killed at least 12 people was made in North Korea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Facebook, citing preliminary data.

Twelve people were killed and 90 civilians, including six children, were injured in a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on April 24, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said.

"If the information that this missile was made in North Korea is confirmed, it will be further proof of the criminal nature of the alliance between Russia and Pyongyang," Zelensky said.

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Zelensky accused both countries of using their cooperation to advance deadly technologies and wage war on civilians.

They kill people and destroy lives together, this is the only purpose of their partnership, he said.

According to Zelensky, more than 200 missiles and drones were launched by Russia in the latest large-scale assault across multiple Ukrainian cities on April 24.

A Ukrainian military source told Reuters on April 24 that the missile which struck the residential building in Kyiv was identified as a North Korean-made KN-23 ballistic missile.

The KN-23, capable of carrying a one-tonne warhead, is reportedly more powerful than its Russian equivalent. In November 2024, CNN reported that these missiles have Western-made components.

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The attack comes as Russia and North Korea expand their military ties. Kyiv estimates that more than 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russias war effort, primarily in Russias Kursk Oblast.

The South Korean Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA) reported earlier in April that North Korea had earned over $20 billion from its military support to Moscow, including weapons and manpower. Between August 2023 and March 2025, North Korea reportedly shipped more than 15,800 containers of munitions to Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described North Korea as a partner and confirmed that a 2024 defense treaty between the two nations is in force. He has also suggested the idea of including Pyongyang in future negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Read also: Kyiv doesnt rule out North Korean participation in Russias assault on Sumy, Kharkiv oblasts

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP)  A neighborhood of Northampton residents is voicing their opposition to a proposed apartment development.

Multiple residents on Phillips Place and adjacent streets voiced their concerns over the proposed building, saying the plans have changed drastically from what was approved.

Unemployment recipients now eligible for 30 weeks of benefits

Neighbors in a historic Northampton neighborhood are at odds with the city and the OConnell Development Group, fighting a proposed 54-unit apartment building.

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This lot was originally planned, without opposition, to have six duplex condos that would meet the Comprehensive Northampton Plan for providing some more density housing, said Colin Hoffmeister of Northampton. Nobodys against that, we welcome new neighbors.

The development is part of a larger project for the property of the old St. Johns Cantius Church. The church was saved by the community, and in turn, the city granted the development company half a million dollars to restore the interior to add housing.

The city changed the zoning of the parking lot, allowing a much larger project. Not only did Colin Hoffmeister say the plans changed through the years, but he also said the newest plan will impact their way of life.

Theres gonna be 44 windows facing me, 15.5 feet away, Hoffmeister said. Therell be virtually no privacy. I have concerns about the airflow with my heating system venting in here, and theres gonna be downdraft issues.

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OConnell Development Group, which proposed the apartment building, provided 22News the following statement

Regarding the zoning that is mentioned in the article, lot 32A-170, which makes up two thirds of the existing parking lot, the portion closer to Hawley Street, was re-zoned as Central Business in 2012, this was prior to OConnell Development Groups involvement in the project but it was advertised publicly by the city. The back third of the parking lot was changed to Central Business Side Street as part of the larger Form Based zoning that was implemented by Northampton in 2022. ODG is a local developer; we are based in Holyoke and we have owned and operated multi-family housing in Northampton continuously since 1982. As outlined in Northamptons 2021 Comprehensive Plan and more recently in Governor Healeys Comprehensive Housing Plan, there is a need for housing at all price points across Massachusetts, including market rate rental units. The proposed development provides units at a range of sizes and prices  it is in a location that is walking distance to many businesses and public services in Northampton. We look forward to sharing more about the development with the Planning Board and the community at the Public Hearing scheduled for this evening. OConnell Development Group

The hearing is Thursday night for the builders request for a special permit. Neighbors say they arent opposed at all to development, but within reason, something that will fit into their neighborhood, not tower over it.

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.
By Jose Luis Gonzalez

JULIMES, Mexico (Reuters) -Dead animals lie scattered across the planes of this cattle ranching town in northern Mexico, victims of a long-term drought that is forcing farmers here to consider uprooting their lives to look elsewhere for land and water.

More than 64% of Mexico's territory is experiencing some level of drought, according to government data. Northern states are the hardest hit, particularly Chihuahua, with most of its territory engulfed by the most extreme levels of drought.

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The struggles of farmers come as Mexico and the U.S. are in tense negotiations over Mexican delays in delivering the quantities of water laid out in a 1944 treaty.

President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs and sanctions if Mexico does not increase water deliveries which U.S. officials say have devastated Texan farmers. The Mexican government says drought has ravaged its ability to comply.

In the agricultural town of Julimes in Chihuahua, farmers are wondering how much longer they can survive.

"I don't think we'll be able to hold out much longer," said cattle farmer Leopoldo Ochoa, 62, as he rode with his granddaughter on horseback behind his herd.

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Farmers in northern Chihuahua have already had to move their herds out of the mountainous areas where they typically graze due to a lack of water and grass. Ochoa lives in Valle de Zaragoza, which is dependent on the strained La Boquilla Dam.

"If there is no more water, we will have to leave this ranch and look elsewhere. Imagine leaving here at my age, where I have lived all my life," said Manuel Araiza, 60.

"It is sad, but it is the reality that all of this is coming to an end," he added.

As diplomats negotiate water deliveries from Mexico to the U.S., farmers in Chihuahua consider their own futures.

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"My children tell me this is no longer profitable and that I should sell the animals," said cattle rancher Estreberto Saenz Monje, 57. "The truth is, we've never seen anything like this before."

(Reporting by Jose Luis Gonzalez, writing by Cassandra Garrison, editing by Sandra Maler)
LOWELL, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank has received a $200,000 grant from Feeding America, funded by Tyson Foods and Cargill, to enhance its Protein Pack Room operations.

The funds will be used to purchase a quick thaw unit, a piece of equipment designed to accelerate the preparation of protein products. Kent Eikenberry, President and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank said the new equipment will help reduce turnaround time and increase efficiency in distributing protein to families in need.

Were able to take product from suppliers that is packed in large packages, such as 40-pound boxes or 2,000-pound totes, and repackage that product in more user-friendly sized packaging, said Tim Owen, Director of Operations. This allows us to distribute a more usable product, with less waste, to people that need it.

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4-course blindfolded dinner in Fayetteville to raise money for World Services for the Blind

The Protein Pack Room allows the Food Bank to repackage bulk quantities of protein into smaller portions. According to the organization, it is one of only 13 such operations in the Feeding America network.

The protein gap in our country and communities is a real thing, David Bentley, Food Safety Manager said. With the Protein Pack Room, we can narrow that gap by repacking bulk quantities of poultry products into family-friendly size portions.

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank is part of the Feeding America network, which includes over 200 partner food banks nationwide.

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For more information about the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, visit their website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Its not just Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Another federal judge ordered the Trump administration to facilitate another persons return from El Salvador.

The new ruling comes amid unusual activity on the Abrego Garcia docket. After lambasting the governments failure to comply with court orders in that case, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis agreed Wednesday to halt the discovery information-gathering process for a week. The reasons for doing so were litigated in nonpublic sealed motions, so we dont know why exactly.

We know, however, that the pause was agreed to by the judge and both parties, raising the question of whether the government is taking serious steps to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. after resisting doing so at all levels of the court system.

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But whatever happens in Abrego Garcias case, hes not the only person the government must return.

Thus, like Judge Xinis in the Abrego Garcia matter, this Court will order [government] Defendants to facilitate Cristians return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under the parties binding Settlement Agreement, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher wrote.

The pseudonymous Cristian was part of a class action lawsuit from 2019 brought by people who came to the U.S. as unaccompanied minors and later sought asylum. They wanted their asylum applications decided while they remained in the U.S. There was a settlement in the case, but the government still sent Cristian to El Salvador last month before his asylum application was decided.

The government argued that Cristian was subject to President Donald Trumps Alien Enemies Act proclamation. Trump invoked the 18th century wartime law to summarily send alleged Venezuelan gang members not only out of the country but to a notorious Salvadoran prison, where the U.S. funds their detention. The ultimate legality of Trumps invocation has not yet been determined in court, but it has prompted litigation in several cases, including possible contempt proceedings against Trump administration officials in a case thats on appeal.

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Declining to rule for the administration on public safety grounds, Gallagher wrote that the government provided no evidence, or even any specific allegations, as to how Cristian, or any other Class Member, poses a threat to public safety.

Noting that her ruling puts this case squarely into the procedural morass that has been playing out very publicly, Gallagher wrote that facilitating Cristians return includes, but is not limited to, [government] Defendants making a good faith request to the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody for transport back to the United States to await the adjudication of his asylum application on the merits by USCIS, referring to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The judge noted that both parties agree that this is just a breach of contract case. It is not a habeas case, or a case assessing the propriety of the governments recent invocation of the Alien Enemies Act. She wrote that under the plain terms of the Settlement Agreement and fundamental tenets of contract law, removal from the United States of a Class Member, including but not limited to Cristian, without a final determination on the merits by USCIS on the Class Members pending asylum application violates the Settlement Agreement.

Gallagher was appointed to the bench by Trump after her nomination by President Barack Obama expired. Her nomination was supported by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., who recently visited Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, where hes been detained without having been convicted of any crime.

Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Editor's note: The article was updated with the latest casualty figures.

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 24 criticized Russia's strike on Kyiv that killed at least nine civilians and injured 87, calling it "not necessary."

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, Stop!" Trump said on the Truth Social platform, addressing the Russian leader by his first name.

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Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "get the peace deal done," stopping short of further criticism.

Russia launched the deadly attack amid Trump's effort to broker a peace deal in Ukraine and Kyiv's calls for an unconditional ceasefire, which Moscow continues to reject.

Trump's diplomatic outreach has largely favored Russia, with his reported peace proposal offering U.S. de jure recognition of Russia's control over Crimea, a ban on Ukraine's membership in NATO, and closer economic cooperation.

After President Volodymyr Zelensky ruled out formally ceding the occupied peninsula to Russia, Trump criticised him at length and called his position "harmful to the peace negotiations."

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Peace efforts stand on shaky ground as the planned ministerial talks between Ukraine, the U.S., and European allies in London on April 23, which were meant to hash out a united position on a peace deal, were postponed after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped the meeting.

The meeting was instead held on a technical level, with the parties praising it as "positive" but announcing no breakthrough. Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is also expected to visit Russia on April 25 for his fourth meeting with Putin.

Read also: Russian peace in all its glory  Mass Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv kills 8, injures 77

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
After a long and controversial career in politics, Michael Gove drew many admirers from the Conservative Party. But one of his biggest blunders is only now coming to light, and could well end up costing the Tories crucial votes next time Britain goes to the polls.

The Tories Mr Fixit served continuously in the Cabinet for 14 years under four prime ministers. Though (tellingly), he never held one of the Great Offices of State, he was unusually effective, particularly in reforming the education system and seeking to end the scandal of leasehold property ownership.

Highly intelligent and full of can-do energy, he is the kind of politician who actually gets things done, rather than serving up endless platitudes like most MPs.

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But his eagerness for change was also his weakness (see his disastrous public betrayal of Boris Johnson), and second home owners are now feeling the ill-effects.

Im not convinced he fully understood the powers he handed to local councils as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act. Perhaps Im being too generous, but the powers go against everything the Conservatives should stand for.

Thousands of people across Britain have been shocked to receive demands for double council tax on second properties under powers granted by Mr Gove that took effect in April.

Back in 2023, the Government said one of the outcomes of the reforms would be to rebalance the housing and land markets. It would do this by giving local councils the power to increase council tax on empty homes.

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That statement was misleading. The fine print of the Act makes it clear this is an increase on second homes, no matter how well used they are, not simply empty properties wealthy investors are hoarding with no intention of ever using.

Councils have already had the power to charge extra tax on empty homes since 2013. These were unfurnished properties that had been unoccupied for at least two years, and the premium was set at 50pc to encourage owners to rent them out or sell up. That seems fair enough.

The changes that Mr Gove brought in attack boltholes, often owned by families for generations. These are often in places where there is actually little demand for year-round housing.

Several writers at The Spectator, the august organ that Mr Gove now runs as editor, agree.

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Matthew Lynn, also of this parish, notes that second homes account for just 3pc of our housing stock, compared to 10pc in France and 54pc in Sweden. He argues that, rather than penalising owners, we should be encouraging people to buy one.

In the same magazine, Ross Clark makes the obvious point that the real issue is we are not building enough of the kind of the houses in the places we actually want them. Branding second homers as evildoers who need to be bled dry, doesnt fix that one jot.

What does Mr Gove make of all this?

Does he regret giving councils free rein to extort property owners, some of who have invested in these homes in lieu of pensions and other savings to support themselves in old age, or painstakingly restored dilapidated homes no one else wanted?

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We dont know what he thinks because he has been strangely quiet. To his credit, he is not stopping others from criticising his second homes raid, but we deserve to hear his side of the story.

Telegraph Money reader, Sue, is spot on when she says that the only people it seems to be popular with are the local councils, who cant believe their luck.

She added: At a stroke, the Tories lost many of their hardcore voters (including me), some of them probably never to return (very probably me).

He was a mercurial politician of rare skill but he has opened pandoras box. The least we deserve is an apology and his help in reversing a wrong-headed raid on aspiration.

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The Telegraph is campaigning to abolish the second homes council tax raid. Mr Gove, if you are ready to join us, my email is below.

Email me at: sam.brodbeck@telegraph.co.uk.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
WASHINGTON, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that it will shut down the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a foreign aid agency known for funding infrastructure projects in developing countries, according to media reports.

Employees were informed during a staff meeting that the agency is "coming to an orderly close," and that all ongoing programs will be discontinued. The announcement followed a staff-wide memo stating that the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, had mandated a "significant reduction" at the MCC.

Established in 2004, the MCC has invested approximately 17 billion U.S. dollars in development assistance across developing countries that met its governance criteria. Over the years, the agency has signed numerous contracts and overseen major infrastructure projects around the world.

The exact timeline for the agency's closure has not yet been disclosed. 
French President Emmanuel Macron believes that now is "not the right time" to discuss the status of Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula currently under Russian occupation.

Source: BFMTV, a French news broadcast television and radio network, citing Macron, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Macron made the comments following yesterdays post on Truth Social by US President Donald Trump, in which he claimed that Crimea had been lost many years ago and argued that Zelenskyy's statements were detrimental to peace talks.

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The Kremlin expressed full agreement with Trump's remarks.

Macron responded by noting that Trump "describes the situation de facto".

"Does this mean we should give Russia free rein? No. This is not the time to discuss the status of the peninsula and it is not for us to decide," he emphasised.

Background:

The Trump administration is reported to have presented Ukraine with a one-page document, described as a "final proposal" for a peace settlement, in Paris last week. Among other provisions, the US is reportedly prepared to recognise Russia's control over Ukrainian Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine does not recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea, which remains internationally recognised as Ukrainian territory.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  In the wake of a weekend on-campus shooting, Norfolk State University said it will add more foot patrols by campus and Norfolk law enforcement agencies, as well as add patrol vehicles and cameras around campus. Other security measures are also in the works.

Two men hurt in shooting on Norfolk State campus

The university said its facilities management would also begin installing an exterior fence to surround most of the campus before the end of the year, and, as it moves into the next academic year, its police department plans to hire more officers, add trainings for current staff and buy two more mobile police surveillance cameras.

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A NSU Senior, Jalen Freeman, said he is feeling uneasy with the recent incidents.

Now as things progress, Im starting to feel a little more uneasy, Freeman said. We received an email saying to practice our run-hide-fight safety protocols and thats a little bit concerning.

Two men were hurt in a shooting on Presidential Parkway around 11:30 p.m. on the Norfolk State campus late Saturday night, according to law enforcement officials. Both men who were shot were taken to the hospital, where police said one man was treated for life-threatening injuries and the other was expected to survive.

Police: Norfolk State University student stabbed on campus

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I was shocked, but not shocked at the same time, Freeman said. Its scary because that could be anyone of us. I like to go on my nighttime walks and things of that nature, I walk within that area and just thinking that could have been me is very, very nerve-wracking.

In another incident in February, a university student was stabbed on campus and seriously injured, Norfolk Police said.

Unfortunately, it is a sad reality in this nation that we live in violent times, the university said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. In the past week, several higher education institutions across the country have responded to serious incidents due to gun violence. This is not acceptable, and we must do better as a society to de-escalate conflict peacefully.

2 food service employees killed in FSU shooting

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The universitys leadership is calling for faculty, students and staff to follow and understand the protocols in place while on campus. They include:

Student and employee identification cards must always be present and visible in campus facilities

All vehicles must have proper decals to enter and park on campus

All visitor parking must have proper decals/signage via the NSU parking office

Entry to campus gates will be limited to Gate #1 from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Review all campus announcements

The university also said its police department has increased the frequency of its walking patrols, with help from Norfolk Police and the Norfolk Sheriffs Office. It has also held safety meetings with students and Student Government Association leadership,

In addition, to maintain safety across campus, the NSU Police Department has taken the following measures:

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NSU Police have increased the frequency of walking patrols with assistance from the Norfolk Police Department and Norfolk Sheriffs Office

Held safety meetings with students and Student Government Association leadership

Plan to install additional cameras across campus grounds

Deployed officers on off-road vehicles and bike patrols

Added additional vehicles to the Norfolk State University Police Department patrol fleet

Re-disseminated active shooter/run-hide-fight protocols to the campus community

Re-disseminated and encouraged students, faculty, and staff to download the NSU Safe app

As we move into the next academic year, the campus police department plans to hire additional officers, provide additional training opportunities for current personnel, and purchase two additional mobile police surveillance cameras. In addition, NSU facilities management will begin the installation of an exterior fence that will surround most of the campus before the end of the year.

The safety of the NSU community is our top priority, the university said. However, safety also begins with each of us individually.

The Norfolk State University Police Department can be reached anytime at 757-823-8102.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert wants Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency to reevaluate potentially billions in federal funding for the construction of the Front Range Passenger Rail project.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis office, however, said that funding does not really exist.

FOX31 broke down what each lawmaker said and where they got the numbers for their claims.

Boeberts letter to DOGE, USDOT

In a Tuesday press release announcing a letter sent to DOGE and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Boebert said she was calling for a reevaluation of the federal funds currently scheduled to go towards construction of the project, which will connect Pueblo to Fort Collins with a passenger rail line, with plans for interstate connections to New Mexico and Wyoming.

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The Republican congresswoman who represents parts of the Front Range said she had heard from constituents in Douglas County about concerns over the plan and the potentially billions in federal taxpayer funding that could go towards the project.

Uber warns it may leave Colorado if rideshare safety bill passes

I write to express concerns regarding the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) project in Colorado and to request an inquiry into the potential misuse of federal taxpayer dollars. Given the significant financial burden the project places on American and Coloradan taxpayers, the threats it poses to private property rights, and the lack of transparency in its development, I urge the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to evaluate support for the FRPR and, pending further review, immediately halt all federal funding. U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert in the letter to DOGE and the Department of Transportation

Cost estimates of the Front Range Passenger Rail

According to the letter, Boebert said the projected costs of the rail project have skyrocketed to estimates of more than $14 billion. Meanwhile, the Front Range Passenger Rail Districts website says costs are estimated to be around $3 billion to $3.5 billion.

FOX31 has inquired with the FRPR District and Boeberts office about the difference in estimates, and while the district has not yet responded, Boeberts office cited reporting from Colorado Public Radio on a 2020 analysis of the project. That analysis estimated capital costs to be between $8 billion and more than $14 billion.

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However, that same CPR article also says planners are focused on a more bare-bones estimate with the $3-$3.5 billion range. That estimate came from a financial model developed by Ernst & Young introduced in a March 2024 FRPR district board of directors meeting.

How the federal government is contributing to FRPR

Poliss office said in a statement that the federal government to date has provided less than $2 million for a study on the rail plan, and his office does not expect any federal funds to be used for the construction of the rail.

Pushback over the Denver police chiefs plan to add Education-Based Discipline

The State of Colorado and CDOT are forging a Colorado way forward to provide the lowest cost option using existing freight lines, particularly focused on freight lines that are underutilized due to changes in coal transportation and where there is broad community support, his office said.

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Boeberts office again cited a CPR story on the federal government looking into expanded national rail connections through the Front Range, such as Houston to Denver and El Paso to Billings, Montana via Denver. That study, while it did estimate billions for the project, was for long-distance Amtrak routes that would only utilize the pre-existing Front Range Passenger Rail.

The Front Range Passenger Rail specifically was not included in that study.

Additionally, the state did receive a more than $60 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant from the Federal Railroad Administration for Modernizing Rail on the Front Range, not for the Front Range Passenger Rail itself. The grant will go toward track improvements, collision prevention and railroad crossings.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 National Weather Service says there is an elevated risk of wildfire spread on Thursday, extending into the evening hours.

According to NWS, a combination of very warm temperatures, low relative humidity, dry fine fuels and leaf litter and a moderately gusty southerly breeze has created an elevated risk.

The risk extends to 27 counties across the portion of Central Pennsylvania  including all four local counties  from Interstate 80 south to the Maryland Border.

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The period of greatest potential for wildfire spread will be between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, officials said.

Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes or matches, according to NWS.

NWS wildfire
Escandalo!

Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was accused Wednesday of using artificial intelligence to fake his Spanish-language prowess for a campaign ad  but the Democratic socialist laughed off the claims as totally loco.

A Spanish-language ad posted to social media earlier this week showed Mamdani making his campaign pitch to Latino New Yorkers inside and outside of Bronx Latin food staple Three Way Restaurant, with commenters even complimenting his pronunciation and apparent fluency.

Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was accused of using AI to create a Spanish-language campaign ad. TikTok / @zohran_k_mamdani

The ad features Mamdani campaigning around the Bronx. TikTok / @zohran_k_mamdani

But state Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz couldnt believe his ears  and said he had an independent analysis conducted on Mamdanis speech. Blumencranz, a Long Island Republican, filed a formal complaint to probe whether Mamdani, who is also in the state Assembly, violated campaign laws.

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First ten seconds in Spanish language ad shows smoothness across frequencies that is uncharacteristic of natural speech, Blumencrazs analysis said.

This audio in question is likely not natural human speech due to its lacking formant structure and limited pitch variation. This becomes particularly evident when compared to genuine recordings of Assemblyman Mamdanis voice.

Candidates for public office are allowed to use artificial intelligence technology in campaign ads, but under state law they must issue a disclaimer or notice at the end of the ad.

Mamdani laughed off the accusation, and forwarded a two-minute Spanish Ad Blooper Reel of him practicing and mangling the language as he tried to get his lines right.

State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz filed a formal complaint to probe if Mamdani violated any campaign laws. YouTube / Zohran Mamdani for NYC

Only a Long Island Republican would think something thats genuinely NY is actually AI, Mamdani said.

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But Blumencranz said hes serious and has filed complaints with state Attorney General Letitia James office and the state and city boards of election over the bilingual boost.

The advertisement in question, which purports to feature Assemblymember Mamdani delivering a message in Spanish, demonstrates sufficient indicators of digital alteration and artificial intelligence-generated voice synthesis, said the assemblyman, the ranking Republican on the committee on science and technology.

Mamdani visited Three Way Restaurant. TikTok / @zohran_k_mamdani

Mamdani released a blooper video after the accusation. TikTok / @zohran_k_mamdani

This isnt just a technicalityif indeed manipulated absent a disclaimer, its deception: plain and simple. New Yorkers deserve truth in their elections. And taxpayers shouldnt be forced to fund campaigns that mislead them, the Hicksville Republican said.

Mamdani is running in the crowded June Democratic Party primary for mayor, and polling second behind frontrunner and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

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Current Mayor Eric Adams is planning to run as an independent in the general election, but in deeply blue New York City the Democratic primary winner is nearly a shoo-in come November.

Mamdani has already received over $6.6 million in public matching funds, with more expected in May.
NEW YORK  The ailing and jailed film producer Harvey Weinstein was once a titan of industry who preyed upon young women in a profoundly psychological manner while holding their dreams in his hands, a jury heard in opening statements Wednesday at his Manhattan rape and sexual assault retrial.

Five years after Weinsteins landmark conviction  last year overturned by an appeals court due to errors at the first trial  a prosecutor unveiled new allegations against the disgraced producer involving a minor victim.

Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey told jurors in Manhattan Supreme Court that over the course of the trial, they would hear from that woman, Kaja Sokola, a native of Poland who is now 38, about Weinstein allegedly molesting and sexually assaulting her multiple times starting when she was 16, and two others who allege they were raped and sexually assaulted by Weinstein, Jessica Mann and Miriam Haley.

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Describing Weinstein as now a frail man in a wheelchair, Lucey said evidence would make clear that he was for a long time larger than life and one of the most powerful men in show business who enjoyed unfettered power in the industry for more than 30 years.

Who was so used to getting what he wanted when he wanted, Lucey said. Even when the women he wanted told him no and resisted him.

The fallen moviemakers landmark 2020 conviction and subsequent 23-year prison sentence were thrown out last year by New Yorks Court of Appeals, which found that the trial court judge, James Burke, erroneously permitted a jury to hear testimony concerning incidents for which Weinstein was not charged. He had been convicted on counts stemming from allegations involving Haley and Mann, both set to testify again.

In his opening statement, Weinsteins lawyer, Arthur Aidala, accused the alleged victims of lying and said they engaged in yearslong, mutually beneficial relationships with Weinstein.

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He gets them jobs, and in return, they fool around  consensually, Aidala said, adding the casting couch was not a crime scene and had been going on since the beginning of time.

Was it immoral? 100%, Aidala said. Immoral on both ends.

The defense attorney said Mann, Haley and Sokola had four million reasons to lie, due to their collecting a total of $4 million in civil matters for Weinsteins abuse.

Sokola is expected to testify about Weinstein first molesting her when he was in his fifties, and she was 16, visiting the city for the first time for a modeling job. Four years later, in 2006, he would subdue her in a Manhattan hotel room and forcibly perform oral sex on her while she cried and said, Please dont do this, the prosecutor alleged.

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Lucey told the jury theyd hear from Haley about how Weinstein began preying upon her after getting her a job in production on Project Runway, which was paid in cash as she was undocumented, and forcing oral sex on her after luring her to his SoHo loft in 2006.

Lucey said Mann would testify about a toxic relationship with Weinstein, who was nearly twice her age, that began after she moved to Los Angeles from a poor upbringing in an evangelical family as she sought to make it as an actor.

Mann, who first met the Pulp Fiction producer at an event with her roommate, dodged Weinsteins advances successfully until she didnt, the prosecutor said, acknowledging several of their sexual encounters were consensual.

Lucey said jurors would hear from Mann and an expert about the confusing dynamic she had with her abuser and a disturbing incident at the DoubleTree hotel on E. 51st St. and Lexington Ave. in 2013 when Mann said no and Weinstein didnt listen, raping her against will.

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She will explain in her own words why she attempted human connection with a man who was abusing her, the ADA said.

Weinsteins downfall came in 2017 when more than 80 women accused him of sexual misconduct in exposes in The New Yorker and The New York Times, supercharging the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment in the workplace.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the case being retried by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who was not yet in office when Weinstein last went on trial in New York.

In December 2022, Weinstein was convicted a second time at a separate Los Angeles trial and sentenced to another 16 years in prison, a term hes set to continue serving regardless of the outcome of his retrial.

_____
ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  The states commissioner of transportation was in Endicott today to remind drivers that construction season is ramping up, and they need to slow down in work zones.

Its National Work Zone Awareness Week, and New York States Commissioner of DOT, Marie Therese Dominguez, held a news conference this afternoon alongside highway workers. Dominguez says youll be seeing a lot more road crews working now that the weather is warmer.

She says last year alone, there were 322 work zone intrusions throughout the state, leading to two fatalities and 138 injuries. Dominguez says the bottom line, is slow down when youre in a work zone, and get over if you can.

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They should be able to do their jobs without fear of being harmed. You go to an office, you get to sit down in the comfort of a desk, know that its a safe environment. Their work environment is the roadway, its a high speed area. Imagine a car going by at more than 65, 75, 85 miles per hour. Imagine the force of the winds, Dominguez said.

Operation Hard Hat, a partnership between DOT and generally unmarked police cars, is continuing this construction season to catch destructive drivers in work zones. The commissioner also reminds drivers that even if you dont see a cop, there are unmanned cameras recording violations.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
(KRON)  An Oakland man was sentenced Tuesday to nearly six years in federal prison for illegally owning hundreds of rounds of ammunition and several guns  including two loaded assault rifles, two guns with high-capacity magazines, and a stolen firearm, said prosecutors.

Piedmont Cybertruck crash victims family demands answers

Michael Tatum, 35, pleaded guilty on Jan. 23, 2024, to being a felon at the time of the incident, said prosecutors. During a search of his home in Feb. 2022, authorities seized five loaded firearms and approximately $148,531.05.

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In addition to the 70-month prison term, Tatum was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to relinquish the recovered guns, ammunition, and cash. His sentence begins July 22, 2025.

Prosecutors said Homeland Security Investigations and the California Highway Patrol assisted in the investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
SYDNEY, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A teenager has been arrested and charged over the alleged assault of an elderly man outside a Sydney voting center for Australia's general election.

Police in the state of New South Wales said in a statement on Thursday that emergency services responded to reports of an assault outside an early voting center in the inner-Sydney suburb of Ashfield at about 1:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

Ambulance paramedics arrived and treated a 79-year-old man for head injuries after he was allegedly punched by a 17-year-old boy.

The 79-year-old was hospitalized in a serious condition.

Police officers attending the scene arrested the 17-year-old and took him to a nearby police station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Ashfield is within the electorate of Grayndler. The incumbent Member of Parliament for Grayndler is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Early voting for the May 3 federal election opened on Tuesday. Approximately half of Australia's 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their mandatory ballots early either by post or at hundreds of early voting centers administered by the Australian Electoral Commission. 
(KRON)  There were some tense moments at Wednesday nights school board meeting in Oakland, where board members voted to remove the superintendent, sparking a heated response from one member against the plan.

San Joses Christmas in the Park needs money

After years of serving as Oaklands school district superintendent, Kyla Johnson-Trammell is now on her way out. The school board voted to end her contract.

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The board did not explain why theyre ousting the current superintendent. However, efforts to remove her started two weeks ago, during the meeting on April 9 when school board member Mike Hutchinson announced that after eight years on the job and a recent contract renewal, the board majority was trying to get rid of Johnson-Trammell.

Other members of the board, including its president, refused to comment on what happened in closed session, citing a violation of the Brown Act. On Wednesday night, they only described the decision as a voluntary separation agreement. The announcement prompted outrage from community members attending the meeting.

Johnson-Trammell did not attend the meeting. However, she did publish a thank-you letter on the districts website which said, As I prepared to step away from my role as your superintendent on June 30, I do so with immense pride in what weve accomplished together. The last eight years have brought some of the most challenging and most defining moments in our districts history. Through it all, Oakland has shown whats possible when we stay grounded in our mission and vision and work in partnership for our students.

Watch the full report in the video player above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
OAKWOOD, Ohio (WDTN)  The Oakwood City School District has laid out their plan on cell phone usage for students in school.

This comes as part of the statewide response to House Bill 250, which requires school districts to establish rules by July 1 regarding personal communication devices. Oakwood Schools are the most recent school in the Miami Valley to adopt new cell phone usage policies.

Gov. DeWine shares model policy for school cell phone use

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Some in the Oakwood community believe the policy to be too restrictive, while others say it will be beneficial for students.

I think its kind of hard for people to put their phones down, said Sully Clark, Oakwood student.

Local students like Clark say that phones can be a negative distraction in class. He says he wants to see more be done to help students focus in class, and state leaders agree.

HB-250 was signed into law last May, calling for the implementation of policies to address the use of phones in schools. Districts must establish these policies in time for the 2025-2026 school year.

Last week, the Oakwood Board of Education voted to enact their new cell phone usage rules.

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Oakwoods new police will only allow phone usage during lunch, school-related functions and while riding in school vehicles for students in grades 7 through 12.

In a statement to 2 NEWS, the Oakwood City School District superintendent says, We believe that limiting cell phone use during the school day will reduce distractions and allow students to be more present in their learning and more connected to those around them.

Momentum grows for cell phone bans in schools

This plan is already in place, and some students say they believe it can be effective.

People are so addicted to their phones and youre kind of there to learn, said Clark. And when youre on your phone, youre not really paying attention.

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Schools across Ohio are still working to finalize rules regarding personal devices in class. Other local districts like Beavercreek, Kettering and Centerville have already laid out new rules for student use of personal communication devices during instructional time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The attorney representing Steven Aldrich, 66, said an initial competency evaluation report done by Travis County shows Aldrich was found not to be competent.

That evaluation came back last Saturday and we filed a modified motionyou can see that Ive stated he was found not to be competent [in that evaluation], said William H. Russell, who has been representing Aldrich for a decade on various weapons and explosives charges.

A hearing still needs to occur to determine whether or not Aldrich is competent enough to move forward in the legal process.

Mugshot of Steven Blake Aldrich (APD Photo)

Police took Aldrich into custody last week after explosive materials were allegedly found and detonated by law enforcement at a home in south Austin. The home was owned by Aldrichs mother, where he lived, Russell said.

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Russell said he spoke to Aldrich for roughly an hour after the arrest last week, and has taken several additional calls from Aldrich since the alleged explosives were found.

I dont think the intent is to harm anybody, I dont think thats the point. Its a hobby for him, Russell said.

Completed explosives, guns and ammunition found

At a news conference last week, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said APDs bomb squad, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) all arrived at the scene after receiving a 911 call about possible explosives.

Davis said the first officers to arrive at the Vintage Stave Road home discovered possible homemade bombs and bomb-making materials. Bomb squad officers realized the amount of explosive material posed a threat to neighbors and temporarily evacuated the surrounding area, Davis said.

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According to a federal affidavit filed by ATF Special Agent Daniel Mueller, a search of the home resulted in the discovery of precursors for explosives, completed explosives, three firearms and 1,195 rounds of ammunition.

Aldrich faces a components of explosives charge and a possession of a firearm by a felon charge, according to court records. The latter is a federal charge.

I dont want to sit here and say, yeah, hes guilty of these charges. I have not, because its so new, we havent gotten to see the evidence. But I will say in the past, that has been  in my opinion  the problem. Its an obsession with this, Russell said.

Aldrichs history with explosives, firearms

Aldrich has a history with explosives and firearms, according to court documents, previous KXAN reporting and a federal affidavit.

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On or about November 24, 2018, ATF responded to Aldrichs residence in Leander, Texas, where an accidental explosion occurred while Aldrich was illegally making homemade explosives in possession of explosive destructive devices, an ATF agent wrote in that affidavit.

Suspect in south Austin explosives incident was on parole for related charges: APD

Aldrich was sentenced to six years in prison in 2019 for a prohibited weapon charge, the document said.

Its not like you or me where we understand, OK, Ive been charged with this crime, I cant have a gun in my house. I thinkpreviously he had a lot of guns in the home, there was a lot, so to remove them all was extremely difficult, his attorney said.

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Davis said Aldrich was still on parole related to that conviction, with only two weeks left. According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Aldrich was released on parole in August 2022 and had no parole violations.

Russell said he  and Aldrichs family  believe Aldrich suffers from serious mental illness, but said Aldrich didnt receive any mental health treatment for his previous offenses.

This guy has an issue he cant control and its not like these other people that have a mental break or whatevers going on, this guy has not been there since day one, Russell said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Apr. 24Odessa College announced Thursday the successful conclusion of its 2025 Student Success Scholarship Campaign, which officially wrapped on April 17 after nearly a month of fundraising momentum and campus-wide enthusiasm, a news release said.

The campaign launched on March 20 with the goal of 100% employee participation and $90,000 in donations to support student scholarships. OC employees rallied behind the cause with overwhelming generosity and a deep belief in the college's mission  achieving 100% participation and surpassing the fundraising goal, bringing in a record-breaking $127,471.50.

"This campaign is more than a number  it's a testament to the heart and commitment of our OC family," Allisa Cornelius, Vice President for Advancement, said in the release. "When we say 'Our mission is their future', this is what we mean. Every dollar raised helps break down financial barriers for our students and paves the way for their success."

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Donations came from a united front of Odessa College employees, the Board of Trustees, and the Odessa College Foundation Board of Directors, showcasing a powerful community commitment to student opportunity and educational access.

Odessa College extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this effort, reinforcing the college's longstanding dedication to student achievement and community support, the release said. For more information about scholarships or to contribute, visit www.odessa.edu.
NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH)  In the early morning hours of April 5, the timestamp on the surveillance video reads 3:28 a.m., a Jeep Grand Cherokee drove onto the Ocean Beach Park boardwalk, and then continued down toward the boardwalks west end.

The Jeep was later found in the sand on the beach, where it apparently got stuck.

Plainfield woman arrested after leaving scene of crash on Green Hollow Road

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The back wheels were buried up to the axles, New London resident Thomas Trombley said. So it looked like they struggled to get out.

The not so joyous ride could be costly.

The boardwalks a little warped looking, New London resident Reandra West said.

The city says the damage is to the structure underneath the boardwalk, which is now lined with orange cones marking the vehicles path.

Well yeah the boards are a little rickety and they definitely werent the last time I was here and that was just a couple of weeks ago for my birthday, said Alexis Haggerty, who came from Chicopee, MA with her family.

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Ocean Beach is owned by the city of New London, but is run by a private company, Sodexo Live, and the hope is the insurance companies for Sodexo Live and the driver of the Jeep will cover the more than $100,000 in damage.

New Londons Chief Administrative Officer Steve Fields also reached out to the citys insurer writing in an email Due to the complexity of issues, we may need your support to ensure that our beach (considered one of the best beaches in the country) is fully compensated for this damage, as we prepare for the hectic beach season.

Last year Ocean Beach Park was named as one of the best beaches in the country by Travel + Leisure and just last month the boardwalk was voted as the second best boardwalk in the country in a USA Today poll.

It gets packed here, West said.

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For now the boardwalk remains open until repairs are made. The cones have been fastened to the boardwalk so people walking along it know to be a little bit more careful in those areas.

A lot of people come down here in the summer so they should probably get on this, West said.

Police continue to investigate this incident and the damage.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Officials gathered at a state park in York County Wednesday to celebrate a milestone of conservation in Pennsylvania.

The 30th public solar array in Pennsylvania, installed at Gifford Pinchot State Park, reinforces the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) commitment to clean energy and cost-saving innovation, according to DCNR officials.

This project uses clean energy from the sun and provides shade for cars in the parking area, modeling a practical way we can take climate action and serve visitors, Secretary Cindy Dunn said. For 30 years, DCNR has been managing Pennsylvanias natural resources with sustainability at the forefront. With leadership from Governor Shapiro, we continue to focus on the stewardship that strengthens communities and enhances our quality of life.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) marked a major sustainability milestone  celebrating 30 years of conservation leadership by unveiling its 30th solar array on public lands. Installed at Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County, the project reinforces DCNRs commitment to clean energy and cost-saving innovation, as well as the Commonwealths progress as a national leader in renewable energy. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) marked a major sustainability milestone  celebrating 30 years of conservation leadership by unveiling its 30th solar array on public lands. Installed at Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County, the project reinforces DCNRs commitment to clean energy and cost-saving innovation, as well as the Commonwealths progress as a national leader in renewable energy. Officials unveil a solar array at Gifford Pinchot State State Park. Photo from PAcast Officials unveil a solar array at Gifford Pinchot State State Park. Photo from PAcast

The solar array at Gifford Pinchot State Parks Quaker Race Day Use Area is 342 kW and provides shade for ADA-accessible picnic areas and parking while generating clean energy, officials say.

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The park now operates at net-zero energy due to the new solar array and another one installed by the parks sewage treatment plant. Taxpayers are expected to save up to $45,000 each year on electricity, and the DCNRs carbon footprint may be reduced by over 163 metric tons each year, with the solar array installed.

The project supports Governor Josh Shapiros PA PULSE initiative, which aims to power 50% of state government operations with renewable energy by 2026.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Officials on Thursday identified the Topsfield mother of four who fell to her death while she was hiking with several of her children at Suttons Purgatory Chasm on Wednesday.

49-year-old Carolyn Sanger was with three of her four children inside the state park when she fell between 50 and 70 feet, the Worcester County DAs office said.

State police troopers responded to the 100-acre state park just after 2:00 p.m. for the reported fall and pronounced Sanger dead at the scene.

Her kids then ran and alerted park rangers, Sutton police said.

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We offer our condolences to the family and loved ones of the decedent, a Massachusetts State Police spokesperson said in a statement.

Troopers secured the scene, and the incident is under investigation by the State Police Detectives with the Worcester County District Attorneys Office.

Its absolutely tragic, said Alexis Claudio at Purgatory Chasm State Reservation Wednesday. I honestly cant even believe something like this would happen, especially so close. Its absolutely insane.

Makenna Mancuso told Boston 25 shes been hiking the area since she was a child.

She added, I know these trails, and like, to think somebody got hurt here is upsetting.

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Boston 25 crews spoke with Sangers brother, who said he was at the reservation to retrieve her belongings just hours after she fell.

The reservation holds a .25-mile-long, 70-foot-deep chasm that splits granite bedrock.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A man was arrested on Monday after he admitted to having suspected heroin in his vehicle during a traffic stop, Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office said.

AUTOPSY: No foul play suspected after body recovered in Kurth Lake

Mugshot of Cedric Earl Thompson, courtesy of Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office

A member of the Van Zandt Countys Criminal Interdiction Team pulled over Cedric Earl Thompson for committing multiple moving violations, officials said. According to Van Zandt County Sheriffs Office, a deputy began questioning Thompson when he admitted to possessing heroin in his vehicle, leading the deputy to request a K9 unit from Wills Point PD and conduct a search.

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The K9 alerted the Deputy and Officer to the presence of illegal narcotics, resulting in a search of the vehicle, officials said. During the search, suspected heroin was located inside the vehicle.

2 arrested after Tyler apartment shooting, police say

Thompson was arrested and booked in the Van Zandt County Detention Center for possession of a controlled substance. The sheriffs office said the investigation is still ongoing.

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Residents of Waukegan, Illinois, have secured a major environmental and public health victory that could reshape their waterfront and protect their drinking water after more than 10 years of community pushback. The Illinois Pollution Control Board ordered Midwest Generation, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, to remove leaking coal ash ponds from the city's lakefront.

"For too long, toxic coal ash has posed dangerous environmental and health risks to our community. Today's announcement is a major victory for everyone in our community who simply wants to protect our lakefront and live in a clean, healthy community," local Illinois state Rep. Rita Mayfield said, according to Lake and McHenry County Scanner. "Our hope is that this will increase the health and wellbeing of our residents, but also our environment."

The publication reported that state officials had denied the company's request to leave the coal ash behind. Since closing in 2022, the old coal plant has been contaminated with coal ash, a dangerous byproduct of burning coal over decades. The denial means the company must dig up and safely relocate the remaining coal ash to a lined storage site designed to prevent leaks.

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The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency reported that the closed sites are still contaminating groundwater with harmful toxins. After the plant closed, NRG requested permission to leave the coal ash in place. This "adjusted standard" would have allowed the company to abandon a site with a history of health risks and safety concerns.

Coal ash is a huge industrial problem in the U.S. It can carry toxins such as mercury and arsenic, which may leak into soil, water, and, in some cases, air.

The panel's decision follows a broader push across the country to hold polluters responsible and give old industrial sites a new purpose. In West Virginia, a former coal site now hosts a solar farm, while Tennessee's old K-25 nuclear facility has been turned into a hub for clean energy innovation.

Celeste Flores, co-chair of Clean Power Lake County, acknowledged that "community members have been at the forefront" of this major victory. She said the group will keep working with local leaders and residents to make sure the cleanup moves forward and that the community is supported through the transition.

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.






KIEV, April 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people were injured in Russia's airstrike on the Ukrainian capital of Kiev early Thursday morning, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

"Sviatoshynskyi district suffered the most from the enemy attack," said the mayor on Telegram, adding that all the victims have been hospitalized.

Debris from intercepted projectiles damaged non-residential buildings in the central Shevchenkivskyi district and western Svyatoshynkyi district, and rescuers have headed to the scene, the mayor added. 
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A provision folded into an over 5,000-page budget bill would eliminate elections for county coroners, with industry professionals citing concerns the proposed change could impact the integrity of death investigations.

House Bill 96, Ohios proposed budget for the next two years passed by the House earlier this month, included a section that would get rid of elections for coroners in the state and instead allow county boards of commissioners to appoint the position.

Statehouse effort to repeal HB6 moving forward

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Coroners investigate and certify the causes of death for people who die within their jurisdiction, primarily under unnatural or suspicious circumstances. Currently, coroners are elected in almost all of the states counties. Summit and Cuyahoga counties alternatively have appointed medical examiners, who typically have more extensive forensic pathology training.

David Corey, executive director of the Ohio State Coroners Association, said his organization was unaware the House was going to include the provision in the budget.

The provision was a total shock to us, Corey said. To make such a massive change like this without any proper debate is very disappointing.

Five coroners in the Cincinnati area expressed similar sentiments in a letter sent to legislators. The letter said burying the provision in a budget bill without contacting individually elected coroners or the state association was unprofessional and reckless. It also said appointing the position removes a layer of democratic oversight and risks consolidating investigative power in less accountable, potentially politicized hands.

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We feel the best system for the state of Ohio and for all Ohioans is to elect the coroner to preserve the impartiality, the integrity and the independence of death investigation in the state, Corey said. By being appointed corner, youre beholden to the people or the person that appoints you, versus trying to just find out the truth and serving the county electorate.

Columbus launches multi-lingual, video enhanced 911 system

The County Commissioners Association of Ohio has long lobbied for the change, with a spokesperson saying that many counties have difficulties recruiting candidates for the role. The group also believes the change would allow for commissioners to share, combine or reorganize the duties of the coroner across a larger geographic area for a more efficient system.

Coroners are licensed professionals bound to ethical standards, and we would expect that they would continue to operate in an ethical manner regardless of whether they are elected or appointed, the spokesperson said.

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In Ohio, coroners must, at a minimum, be licensed physicians with two years of experience. Commissioners already have the authority to appoint a coroner if no one elects to run, according to Corey. Under the proposal, appointed coroners, like elected coroners today, would serve four-year terms.

In 20 states, including Ohio, a majority of counties have elected coroners. In 23 states and Washington, D.C., a majority of counties use medical examiners, who are generally appointed. Six states mostly use other county officials for death investigations, such as law enforcement personnel.

In Ohio, the coroner is among a handful of countywide elected positions, alongside the offices of county commissioner, sheriff, prosecuting attorney, treasurer, recorder and clerk of court.

Central Ohio biotech firm shuts down, with over 200 employees laid off

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As coroners fight to keep this system, Corey said his organization is looking forward to working with the Senate, where lawmakers will have the chance to negotiate changes and hear public input. A completed version of the bill will be sent to DeWines desk for approval by June 30.

As with all spending bills, DeWine can reject certain provisions within the legislation. If the provision passes, appointments for the position across the state would begin in 2029.

The primary sponsor of the budget bill, Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), did not respond to NBC4s requests for comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Apr. 24Ohio employers will soon be allowed to forego displaying certain state labor notices in the workplace and instead display them online.

Senate Bill 33 was signed into law Monday by Gov. Mike DeWine and will go into effect 90 days thereafter on July 20. The bill passed the Ohio House and Senate with ease in early April despite opposition from some Democrats.

The law will not impact federal labor notice requirements, but it will change how Ohio employers post the state's laws on minimum wage, prevailing wage, overtime, civil rights, workers compensation, and public employment risk reduction laws.

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And, while employers won't have to display Ohio's Minor Labor Law in the workplace anymore, they will still have to put up a list of the minors employed by the company.

The bill was cosponsored by state Sen. George Lang, R-West Chester, who told this outlet that the law will cumulatively save Ohio's businesses tens of millions of dollars on yearly printing costs.

"That is money they can use to reinvest back in their business, hire more people, or for those owners that want to, they can put it in their pocket in the form of higher profits," said Lang.

Lang said Ohio will be the first state in the country to do away with physical state labor notices. "I encourage every other state to follow suit, and the federal government," he said.

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Greater Dayton Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Stephanie Keinath described S.B. 33 as "common sense legislation that recognizes how differently workplaces look today than they did five or ten years ago."

"Posting notices on break-room bulletin boards doesn't fit what many modern workplaces require," Keinath said.

State Rep. Desiree Tims, D-Dayton, was one of 23 lawmakers to vote against the bill. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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A pair of Ohio game wardens who cracked one of the biggest poaching cases in state history  the CJ Alexander buck  have been honored for their work by the Pope and Young Club. Isaiah Gifford and Matt Roberts, both wildlife officers with the states Department of Natural Resources, received P&Ys Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Award at the clubs Arizona convention this month. P&Y gives out the award once every two years to an officer (or in this case, officers) for their outstanding work related to wildlife violations.

We started [an award] back in 1995 to recognize wildlife biologists for their work, and I started thinking we need to something [similar] for conservation officers, P&Y conservation chair and retired game warden Doug Clayton tells Outdoor Life. You look at all the work these officers do and its [mostly] behind the scenes. So the general public doesnt see this, and even the hunting community, they know poaching goes on but they dont really know the extent of it.

Gifford and Roberts are the first-ever co-recipients of the award as well as the first Ohioans, according to the agency. Giffords, 26, has worked for the DNR since 2023, while Roberts has more than 20 years with the agency. The two officers were selected for the award because of their roles investigating the now-notorious poaching case involving CJ Alexander.

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After using a crossbow to poach what would have been Ohios new No. 1 all-time typical whitetail, Alexander made up an elaborate story to cover up the fact that he committed more than a dozen related crimes, including repeated trespassing. He then shared that fabricated story to promote himself and the deer with multiple media outlets  which included interviews with Outdoor Life and selling his story to at least one other hunting outlet.

This was an excellent case, Clayton says. A lot of wildlife cases are cut and dry, but then you have these big ones that just spiderweb out  you find one thing that leads to something else, and sometimes youre dealing with multiple jurisdictions or the Feds. A lot of people just dont realize how involved some of these cases are, and what it takes to bring them to fruition.

Gifford and Roberts conducted a careful investigation for a full year. Although Alexander repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and doubled down on his innocence, the two wardens eventually cracked the case wide open by securing his cell phone records. The texts, GPS location data, and other evidence therein revealed Alexanders long history with the buck he nicknamed Megatron, along with his true intentions for killing the deer.

In Alexanders own words, texted to his fiance just a few weeks before he poached the 200-plus-inch buck: Im gonna get offered stupid money for this deer head babe . Like buying house type money  This deer is gonna make us money.

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Read Next: CJ Alexander to Serve Time, Pay $43K for Poaching Giant Ohio Buck and Trying to Cover It Up

In October 2024, Alexander pleaded guilty to 14 charges related to the poaching. He was sentenced in December to 90 days in jail, along with $43,000 in fines. Of that, $39,696.73 went directly to the Ohio Wildlife Fund to reimburse the state for the loss of such an incredible buck. (Like some states, Ohio calculates a special restitution fee based on total inches of antler of an illegally-taken deer.) Alexanders accomplices, his sister Kristina and his friends Corey and Zachary Haunert, also pleaded guilty and were charged separately.

The last recipient of P&Ys Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Award was Lt. Stacey Lewton of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 2023. Lewton and the NGPC were instrumental in the Hidden Hills Outfitters bust, which spanned multiple states and involved more than 30 other individuals, including the Bowmars.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine hosted the states annual Holocaust Commemoration Wednesday, where memorial candles were lit and stories were shared.

Best-selling authors, elected officials, and retired U.S. Army members spoke during the commemoration. They all said that no matter how much time has passed, its important to always remember that point in history to be sure it is never repeated.

Today is more of a remembrance, it is a warning and a reminder that antisemitism did not fall with the fall of the Nazi regime, Deputy Consul General of Israel in New York Tsach Saar said. The Holocaust was a result of hatred and silence in the face of growing evil. Today that hatred resurfaces on campuses and social media.

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There is also a pop-up memorial in the Ohio Statehouse, featuring Ohio veterans who served in units that liberated concentration camps at the end of World War II. It will be on display through May 16.

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Stock photo from Getty Images.

The law firms targeted by President Donald Trumps executive orders deserve our professions unwavering support as they defend the Constitution. Every lawyer and bar association across America should stand with them in this fight for judicial independence (the Cleveland Metro Bar was among the first to take a stand).

Yet, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: many of these same firms helped create the environment that made Trumps rise possible.

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Before becoming victims of Trumps transparently corrupt attacks, these prestigious firms participated in the culture of behind-the-scenes influence peddling that eroded public trust in our institutions. Their lobbying practices and the revolving door between government service and private practice fostered a two-tier system of justice that alienated working-class Americans and drove them toward dangerous populist alternatives like Donald Trump. The massive donations from these firms to candidates and parties helped corrupt both Democrats and Republicans.

Most attorneys in America dont earn their living through influence pedaling. While we must defend these targeted firms, we should recognize that they serve the wealthiest individuals and corporations in America, charging four-figure hourly rates that place them beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

The brazen nature of President Trumps executive orders against Paul Weiss, Perkins Coie, Covington and Burling, Jenner and Block, and Wilmer Hale was shocking. These orders prohibited these firms from representing the federal government, canceled contracts with their clients, revoked necessary security clearances and barred their personnel from federal buildings  a clear unconstitutional assault on the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.

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Even more disturbing has been the capitulation weve witnessed. Paul Weisss surrender was followed by similar settlements from Skadden Arps and Wilkie Farr and Gallagher and five other firms. These once-respected institutions abandoned their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments and pledged millions of pro bono hours to Trump-endorsed causes. The rest of the top law firms in the country by revenue joined the hall of shame by refusing to sign a brief in support of Perkins Coie,

These lawyers have chosen profit over principle when given the chance to defend our professions independence and the Constitution itself.

With these elite firms either fighting for survival, capitulating to presidential pressure, or hiding under their desks, the rest of the bar must fill the void. Those of us who charge far less than $1,000 per hour must step forward to protect democracy and prevent authoritarian overreach.

Here in Ohio we can educate the public, represent immigrants facing deportation, defend wrongfully terminated federal employees, represent the defunded nonprofits and local governments that are literally saving lives and providing vital services to our communities, and bring constitutional challenges against authoritarian policies that usurp congressional authority.

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Over my 38 years in practice Ive worked with great consumer, personal injury, domestic, bankruptcy, criminal, government, and transactional lawyers representing working and middle-class Americans and small businesses.

These lawyers courtroom and analytic skills are every bit as strong as our tall building lawyer counterparts. Lawyers in every community need to organize and collaborate to make sure that every attack on individual liberty and constitutional protection is challenged as the administration continues to flood the zone with their efforts to break historic legal precedents to consolidate power and to enrich themselves and their friends at the expense of the rest of us.

As some of our professions most powerful institutions retreat from the field, the burden falls on us the everyday lawyers of America  to champion individual rights and defend constitutional boundaries. The future of our republic may well depend on our willingness to answer this call.

Marc Dann is the founding partner of Cleveland based consumer law firm DannLaw and a former Attorney General of Ohio .

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio States University Senate Faculty Council voted to join a Big Ten alliance to respond to any legal, financial and political attacks from President Donald Trumps administration.

Faculty Council voted 35-11 in a special meeting on Thursday to join the Mutual Academic Defense Compact, a coalition of schools in the Big Ten Academic Alliance. The MADC seeks to encourage action against perceived attacks on academic freedom. Faculty Senate Chair Sara Watson said the group had a thorough conversation, agreeing to sign with a few small changes.

We then had a very thoughtful discussion about the resolution itself, Watson said. One of the questions that came up was about the scope of the resolution. Here the question was: Why ask just Big Ten institutions to work collaboratively, why not make a broader call for collaboration?'

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With 46 of the 71 faculty senators in attendance, Watson said the conversation moved toward a broader call to action and the council opted to add some language to the resolution. Under Ohio States resolution, Faculty Council urges university President Ted Carter to not only establish the MADC, but a larger coalition of any other universities willing to work on the issue.

The movement began at Rutgers and invited participation from faculty groups from all 18 universities in the Big Ten Academic Alliance. The MADC aims to be a coalition of resources where a threat to funding or programs at one school can rely on the support of many. OSU now joins Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Indiana, Rutgers and Washington in the alliance.

The preservation of one institutions integrity is the concern of all, and an infringement against one member university of the Big Ten shall be considered an infringement against all, the founding resolution reads.

Big Ten faculty senates have varying levels of authority. Ohio States is part of the larger University Senate, which helps the university function but cannot dictate how university legal resources or funds are used without support from administrators or the Board of Trustees. Instead, these resolutions urge action from higher administrators.

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Faculty leaders are now working to schedule a conversation with President Carter and Provost Bellamkonda to discuss constructive steps for moving forward, Watson said.

Ohio State spokesperson Chris Booker said the university respects Faculty Council and shared governance, but it is not legally permissible for the university to participate in a common defense fund.

The Big Ten Academic Alliance has 18 universities, and Ohio State is the seventh to vote to join the MADC. University of Minnesota faculty are also meeting Thursday to determine if they will become the eight signatory.

The move comes the same week at least six other Ohio university presidents signed a letter formally condemning Trumps overreach in higher education. Carter was not among the signatories. See previous coverage of this letter in the video player above.

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ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH)  As public universities prepare for changes under Senate Bill 1, Ohio University is taking a community-centric approach.

Ohio University President Lori Gonzalez has penned multiple letters to students, faculty and staff addressing Senate Bill 1, which will limit faculty union powers, ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs on campus, and adjust discussions of controversial topics. As many Ohio universities ask students and staff for patience, Gonzalez has publicly addressed concerns from students and staff. See previous coverage of S.B. 1 in the video player above.

Most of the questions, as you would imagine, were about how what we are required to do by law will impact what and how we teach, Gonzalez said at a university update meeting on Tuesday. Im just going to make it clear  we remain wholly committed to academic freedom as the cornerstone of the academy, critical for educating students.

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Ohio college presidents sign letter against federal overreach

Ohio University published a page for legislative updates to provide up-to-date information for students and staff, as did Ohio State University. However, Ohio University has not announced any major changes under SB 1 yet, a stark difference from Ohio State, which dissolved its diversity, equity and inclusion offices before SB 1 was signed into law.

Gonzalez said they will always comply with state and federal law, but they dont want to over comply. Instead, university spokesperson Dan Pittman said Ohio University is working carefully to accurately and fairly interpret the law while trying to remain transparent.

University leadership has sought student and faculty feedback through an online portal for questions and university update meetings. Gonzalez was able to assure students and staff that they do not anticipate any changes to courses that cover controversial topics.

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As evidenced by our interactions, OHIO deeply values transparency with our community, and we will continue to further these efforts in the days ahead with additional updates, university spokesperson Dan Pittman said.

Ohio professors trying to repeal anti-DEI law

Ohio University Provost Donald Leo is assembling six academic work groups to prepare for various SB 1 requirements. All six groups responsibilities and timelines are clearly defined online, and the groups membership will be published this week as well, allowing some insight into the universitys process:

Low Conferral Program Working Group : Implementing a review process for a new requirement to sunset majors that confer fewer than five degrees per year over a three-year period.

American Civics Literacy Course Working Group: Developing a plan for a new course to satisfy SB 1s required three-credit American civic literacy class.

Student and Peer Evaluations of Teaching Working Group: Developing policies for peer and student evaluations for SB 1s mandatory written faculty evaluations.

Publicly Accessible Course Syllabus Working Group: SB 1 requires all syllabi to be publicly available, so this group is developing a plan and template for doing so.

Intellectual Diversity in Course Approvals Working Group: Under the new law, universities must demonstrate intellectual diversity for course approval, so this group will implement a process to do so for current and future courses.

Annual Evaluations and Post-Tenure Review Working Group: Developing a policy for annual evaluations and post-tenure review as required for faculty under the law.

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Most groups will meet weekly over the summer to develop a plan for their assigned concepts, with proposals due Aug. 16, 10 days before classes will begin in the fall semester. The American Civics Literacy Course group will work more quickly, submitting a plan in May for review at the June Board of Trustees meeting. The syllabi group has a bit more planning time, as that requirement does not go into effect until the following school year.

We understand that this is a new process, our goal, of course, is to comply, as the president says, but we want to minimize the burden on the faculty, Leo said.

Columbus receives F grade for air quality

Leo said the groups will include representatives from the Presidents Council and Cabinet, the University Curriculum Council, the Office of Civil Rights, deans of colleges and appointees from the Faculty Senate.

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Still, some faculty members want more support from the administration. The newly founded faculty union at Ohio University called on Leo and Gonzalez on April 7, asking them to be better advocates for academic freedom and for faculty expertise.

Professors have been largely against Senate Bill 1, and Ohio Universitys Faculty Senate passed a resolution strongly opposing the bill in an emergency meeting on March 17. Leo said the university is trying to include them in the decision-making process without burdening them.

So far, Ohio University has only postponed or canceled two events because of DEI concerns: the Black Alumni Reunion and a Celebrate Women Conference at the Lancaster campus. The former still occurred without university support after alumni rallied the community in just weeks.

Senate Bill 1 will go into effect on June 26, and Gonzalez said the university will provide more updates within the next week.

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OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  At Owensboro High School, Emergency agencies came together on Wednesday to remind students of the consequences of drunk driving. A Ghost Out program was held ahead of the schools prom on Friday.

Leaders say every 30 minutes someone dies from an alcohol related car crash. Statistics show approximately one-third of alcohol-related teen car crash deaths occur during prom season, or between April and June.

Officials continue to monitor sinkhole in Evansville

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With Owensboro High Schools prom scheduled for April 25, what looked like a scene from a horror movie, was intended to make an impact.

The Ghost Out is designed to feel real. First responders responded to the scene of a mock crash caused by impaired driving. Students, some playing victims, watched it all unfold.

from simple abrasions to actually cutting somebody out of the vehicle. The students can then see how they are treatedhow they are transported, says Adam Johnson, whos been leading the simulation for around a decade and is a former Owensboro Police Officer.

None of the students were notified beforehand. One by one, a dozen students were picked as suddenly passing away, before being staged as actors.

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The grim reaper came through and pulled me out of class. I was sent a text message of my obituary, says Trevor Delacey, an OHS senior.

The surprise that they were gone all of a sudden is exactly like it would be if it was in real life, says Johnston.

Delacey later appears as the drunk driver. Emergency agencies and law enforcement spared no steps as Delacey was given a field sobriety test and put in handcuffs.

its a very impactful experience because in this instance, I was responsible for my fellow classmates, says Delacey.

The grim reaper lurks in the parking lot as the Owensboro Fire Department, American Medical Response, and even Air Evac worked quickly to save lives.

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As injured students are airlifted from the scene, students traveled to Owensboro Health Regional Hospitals trauma bay. They watched as, just like in the real aftermath, distraught family members got the news of their injured loved one.

The full E.R. Staff also reenacts and acts just like this is a real deal. They see how the treatment goes, the process, all the hands on deck to see how intense it is, says Johnston.

Officials say the last time the school hosted Ghost Out was in 2018. Johnston says a life saved makes it all worth it. 5 schools are chosen and rotated out each year, so by the time the cycle returns an entirely new student body is walking the halls.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
State Superintendent Ryan Walters, center, speaks at the head of the table where the Oklahoma State Board of Education meets on Feb. 27 in Oklahoma City. Three of the board members said they were unaware significant changes had been made to proposed academic standards before they took a vote on the measure. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Three members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education said they werent aware of last-minute rewrites before they voted on proposed academic standards for social studies classes in public schools.

Board members Chris Vandenhende, Mike Tinney and Ryan Deatherage said during a meeting Thursday that state Superintendent Ryan Walters, who leads the board, had not informed them of significant changes made to the social studies standards before the board approved them Feb. 27. The approval vote sent the changed draft to the state Legislature for review.

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Walters said he is responsible for new language added to the standards, some of which suggest there were discrepancies in 2020 presidential election results, but he rejected allegations that the board members werent provided the updated version in advance. If approved, the standards will dictate what topics public schools must teach to students in social studies courses.

Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday encouraged state lawmakers to take action on the proposed social studies standards while raising doubts about the integrity of the approval process. Deatherage has said he wants another chance to review and vote on the standards.

Vandenhende, Tinney and Deatherage, whom Stitt appointed in February, said they felt deceived and described the last-minute changes as a bait and switch. They complained they didnt receive a copy of public comments on the standards nor were they given a red-lined draft showing what had changed in the text.

Oklahoma State Board of Education member Mike Tinney said he wasnt informed of any changes to proposed academic standards for social studies before voting to approve them. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

It would have never dawned on me somebody would have changed them without telling the board whose duty it is to adopt them, Tinney said during Thursdays meeting.

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Walters denied allegations the governor made Wednesday that the Oklahoma State Department of Education emailed the board members a different version of the standards from what the board ultimately passed. He called the matter a fake controversy.

This was created by board members saying things outwardly, publicly that are simply not true, Walters told the board, setting off a back-and-forth argument with the three new members.

Records the state Education Department provided indicate the board members were emailed the final version of the standards at 4 p.m. the day before their Feb. 27 meeting, which started at 9:30 a.m.

Deatherage was the only board member to vote against the standards, saying during the February meeting he didnt have enough time to review the lengthy document. He suggested delaying the vote by a week, but other board members disagreed.

Oklahoma State Board of Education member Ryan Deatherage raises his hand during a Feb. 27 meeting at the Oklahoma State Department of Education in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

I really had no idea whats in there, Deatherage said Thursday. I was not given time to go through those standards at that board meeting. Im not a speed reader by any means.

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Walters said his administration provided the updated version in advance but he couldnt make the board members read it. Delaying the February vote, he said, would have limited the time the state Legislature would have to review the standards.

Tinney said he read the original draft of the standards that the state agency posted in December for the public comment period. He said he didnt know until after the Feb. 27 vote that the final draft was considerably different from the original version.

Vandenhende said if he were aware of what he knows now, he would have voted against the standards.

The process is not a good process, Vandenhende said.

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The proposal would have failed to pass from the six-member board if Tinney and Vandenhende had joined Deatherage in voting against it in February.

Although public comments routinely inspire adjustments to agency proposals, the Education Department didnt acknowledge any changes had been made to the standards after the public comment period nor did it publicly post the final draft until weeks after the board meeting.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters, pictured Jan. 28, said he made the decision to add new language to proposed standards for social studies. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

The updated version suggests there were discrepancies in election results in 2020, including the sudden halting of ballot-counting in select cities in key battleground states, sudden batch dumps, an unforeseen record number of voters and the unprecedented contradiction of bellwether county trends.

Walters said the language isnt intended to support or deny the outcome of the 2020 presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, but rather to encourage students to come to their own conclusions.

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The original version of the standards made headlines by introducing Bible stories and teachings of Jesus that influenced the American founders and culture. The states current standards, enacted in 2019, make no mention of the Bible or Jesus.

Academic standards are reviewed and updated on a six-year cycle. They impact the topics taught in Oklahoma classrooms and the textbooks the state approves.

GOP majority in state Legislature unlikely to reject the standards

Despite the controversy, the standards appear to be on track to pass as written through the state Legislature. Leaders of the state House and Senate said their Republican majorities are unlikely to reject them.

Lawmakers have the option to approve, deny or amend the standards. If they take no action by May 1, the standards pass as written.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, votes in favor of a bill during a House Education Oversight Committee meeting March 5 at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

It doesnt look likely that lawmakers will take a vote on the standards, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said Thursday.

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Weve certainly had members digging into it and looking at it, but ultimately when you look at the standards themselves, we didnt have consensus on items that we would want to revise or send back, at least not not at this point, Hilbert said.

Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said the GOP majority in his chamber also is unlikely to reject the proposal.

Democrats in both chambers have filed resolutions to deny the standards in full.

Hilbert said he spoke with Walters on Wednesday night for an explanation of whether the board members received the final draft of the standards before approving them. He said Walters gave proof they received the updated version before voting.

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We vetted it pretty heavily, and we cannot find distinction between what the board received and what was ultimately voted on, Hilbert said.

While raising questions about the inner workings of the standards approval process, Stitt alleged the Education Department emailed board members a different version from what their physical board packets contained.

I think ultimately, Im not saying those (standards) are good or bad, Stitt said during a news conference Wednesday. The Legislatures going to have to make a decision on that, but the mechanics of how it came about really just feels  it feels like somebody needs to look into it, and were trying.

Reporter Emma Murphy contributed to this report.

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The Oklahoma House legislative chamber sits empty. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Two Democratic candidates will vie to represent part of Oklahoma City in the state House after the last representative resigned.

JeKia Harrison and Aletia Haynes Timmons filed to run in the special election for House District 97. The seat became vacant when Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, resigned April 7 to serve as an Oklahoma County commissioner.

JeKia Harrison is one of two candidates in the special election. (Photo provided)

The special primary election will be held on June 10. As no Republican or independent candidates file, the winner of the Democrat primary election will win the legislative seat.

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Harrison, 35, works as a legislative assistant for Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa, at the state Capitol. She previously worked as child welfare specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and on a few political campaigns.

She owns Pen 2 Paper Consulting, a political campaign consulting and management firm, and has worked in leadership for organizations like Young Democrats of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action, which advocates for stronger gun laws. Harrison earned a bachelors degree in psychology from Fisk University in Nashville.

Her priorities include increasing funding for public schools, growing affordable housing, accessible health care, criminal justice reforms and raising the minimum wage for working Oklahomans, according to her campaign website.

Aletia Haynes Timmons is one of two candidates in the special election. (Photo from the Oklahoma County District Court)

Aletia Haynes Timmons, 64, retired from her position as district judge in Oklahoma County in March. Prior to her 2014 judicial election, she worked in civil rights and employment law at two separate firms and worked in the Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office.

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Timmons priorities include criminal justice reforms, government accountability, strengthening the economy and finding common ground and working for real solutions, according to her campaign website.

Shes received several awards and recognitions for her dedication to justice, community service, and diversity. Timmons is also one of the founders of Jamming Hoopfest, a program in Northeast Oklahoma City addressing food insecurity, and has worked as an adjunct instructor at Langston Universitys Oklahoma City campus.

Timmons earned her bachelors degree in political science from Oklahoma State University and her law degree from University of Oklahoma College of Law.

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This photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows books at the Xinhua-Kirmizi Kedi Chinese Culture Corner in a bookstore in Istanbul, Turkiye. Turkiye's prominent publishing house, Kirmizi Kedi, on Wednesday unveiled a dedicated section in its Istanbul stores showcasing books that introduce Chinese culture.(Xinhua/Liu Lei)

ISTANBUL, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye's prominent publishing house, Kirmizi Kedi, on Wednesday unveiled a dedicated section in its Istanbul stores showcasing books that introduce Chinese culture.

The initiative is part of the partnership between Kirmizi Kedi and China's largest bookstore chain, Xinhua Bookstore, aimed at promoting cultural exchange through literature.

"We agreed that this partnership between the two bookstore chains would be significant in strengthening cultural ties between our two countries," Haluk Hepkon, owner of Kirmizi Kedi, told Xinhua.

"As of today, we have brought that vision to life," he added.

Many books from China have been translated into Turkish. Similarly, Kirmizi Kedi will introduce sections featuring its own publications and books that showcase Turkish culture to Chinese readers in Beijing in June, according to Hepkon.

He also praised Xinhua Bookstore's long-standing legacy and extensive network of over 11,000 branches across China.

Yuan Hu, assistant general manager of Xinhua Bookstore's Head Office, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration with Kirmizi Kedi.

"Together, we launched a Xinhua-Kirmizi Kedi Chinese Culture Corner here. So that Turkish readers could get to know our culture through our books," Hu told Xinhua.

He mentioned that they are looking forward to welcoming Kirmizi Kedi's presence in their bookstores in China.

Over the past year, Kirmizi Kedi has consistently hosted events bringing together poets and writers from both China and Turkiye for thought-provoking discussions on literature. 
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Governor Stitt voiced his disapproval on Wednesday over the Social Studies Standards switch that happened at the last school board meeting.

There was a different standard that was sitting on the desk that they actually voted on. Well, that seems thats very, very odd, said Gov. Stitt.

As first reported by NonDoc, changes were made to the social studies standards after the board approved them, which now directs teachers and students toward debunked theories of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election and to Old Testament Bible stories and how they influenced American colonists.

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NonDoc found that revisions were made following a December and January public comment period that received no acknowledgment or discussion at the Feb. 27 OSBE meeting.

On Wednesday, new State School board member Ryan Deatherage was in the crowd at Gov. Stitts presser. He is still asking for lawmakers to send the standards back to the board.

Democratic lawmakers have been pleading for the last few weeks for Republican lawmakers to act.

Essentially, if lawmakers dont act on them, then they will automatically go through. The last day for them to act is Monday.

OK School Standards with 2020 election theories going to take effect

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We will waste a year of my and teachers time and students time, said Senator Mary Boren, D-Norman. We should not be spending taxpayer money to fund the propaganda of election deniers or teach their conspiracy theories.

Republican lawmakers hinted last week that the standards will more than likely pass. If they do go into effect, they will be the standards Oklahoma schools have for the next six years.

So hopefully that does go through. Hopefully, politics doesnt get in the way, and the pro tem will get that done, said Gov. Stitt.

News 4 reached out to Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxtons communications team to see if they plan on acting on the standards, but didnt hear back by Wednesday evening.

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The legislature will allocate millions of dollars to provide new social studies. Textbooks for our schools and local school districts will also chip in their own local funds for textbooks, said Sen. Boren.

This is our second time calling on Republican leadership to listen to the concerns of everyday Oklahomans, said Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City.

The governor didnt answer when asked if he had urged republican lawmakers to act; he instead insisted that the standards be sent back to him.

News 4 reached out to the OSDE spokesperson to see if they had changed their minds and would listen to board members who said they want the standards back. The spokesperson did not respond.

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OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  A Cherokee, Oklahoma, man accused of making a bomb threat toward the S.S. United States in March has been arrested.

Baldwin County Public Schools looking to fill 200+ job openings before next school year

According to a news release from the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office, investigators looked into a bomb threat made on the internet against the vessel on March 28.

Further investigation led OCSO officials to believe Trey Everts Roots to be the suspect, News 5 has learned. He has been arrested and is accused of making a bomb threat and violating Oklahoma Statute with a computer.

Trey Everts Roots. (Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office)

Investigators learned Roots did not possess materials to make a bomb, and he wasnt in Okaloosa County, according to an OCSO news release.

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Pensacola traffic operation leads to DUI and drug arrests, other citations: FHP

This investigation also included the Cherokee Police Department and the Alfalfa Sheriffs Office in Cherokee, Oklahoma.

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OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  An Oklahoma man is being charged with making a bomb threat involving a future Okaloosa County tourist attraction.

Cherokee Police and Alfalfa County Sheriffs deputies arrested Trey Everts Roots on Wednesday.

Okaloosa County Sheriffs investigators said Roots made a bomb threat over the internet back on March 28th.

Authorities said Roots was apparently upset over Okaloosa County officials buying the Oceanliner S.S. United States and future plans for the ship.

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Local economic projects pursue Triumph Gulf Coast funding

Authorities did not release the nature of the threat or exactly what Roots were supposedly targeting.

The ship is currently in Mobile, Alabama, and wont be delivered to Okaloosa County for about a year.

OCSO officials confirmed Roots did not have the components to make a bomb and had never visited Okaloosa County.

Roots is in jail in Cherokee, Oklahoma, charged with making a bomb threat and violating Oklahoma statutes via computer.

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EDMOND, Okla.  Oklahoma Missing Persons Day will allow families to report missing loved ones and provide additional investigative leads.

The event will be held at the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to raise awareness of missing Oklahomans.

Families may bring photographs, dental, medical records, and other pertinent information to help locate their missing person. Family members can also enter the missing person into NamUs and provide a family DNA sample. NamUs is a national repository for cases of missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons.

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The event is free, and breakfast and lunch will be provided.

In a related action, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummonds office has been awarded several federal grants related to helping solve cold cases in Oklahoma.

A $500,000 Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant will fund the creation of a Cold Case Unit to support cold-case prosecutions across Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma has 3,838 unmatched forensic DNA profiles within the Combined DNA Index System.

The grant will partially fund one full-time agent, one part-time agent, and one full-time criminal intelligence analyst for three years. Unit staff will create a comprehensive inventory of all violent crime cold cases in Oklahoma where a suspects DNA profile has already been established. The inventory will include both known and unknown DNA profiles. Staff will investigate violent cold case crimes, testify in court, and submit suspect DNA for further genetic testing.

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The unit is expected to generate an increase in both the number of suspects identified through forensic genetic genealogy and in successful prosecutions of violent crime cold cases in Oklahoma.

A second Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant, totaling $300,482, will fund new equipment to help the Digital Forensics Unit improve its processing time for evidence used in prosecutions. The unit is one of only two fully equipped digital forensics units in the state. In addition to supporting prosecutions by the Attorney Generals office, the unit is utilized by 29 other entities. Since the units creation a year ago, its case load has increased by more than 100 percent.

MISSING OKLAHOMANS

Cheryl Taylor

Cheryl Denise Taylor, 12, of Picher, was last seen on July 20, 1978, standing on the sidewalk in or around a Picher grocery store between 7:15 and 7:30 p.m.

Johnnie Ball, 60, was last seen on Sept. 27, 1988, in a green Dodge vehicle in the Twin Oaks and Siloam Springs, Ark. area. A search in 2005 turned up parts of a shoe or boot and an empty brown billfold. Ball was declared legally dead in 1996.

Barbara Ann Johnson-Willard, 29, of Colcord, was reported missing on June 17, 1996. Days later, her red Mercury Cougar was found in a ravine on a farm in southern Delaware County. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents recovered skin tissue from the trunk of the vehicle and cigarette butts from the ashtray. Delaware County investigators announced in 2024 that the case had been solved, but continued to look for Willards remains.

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Peggy A. Sweeten, 52, of Grove, has been missing since Jan. 17, 1998.

Peggy Sweeten, missing person, suspected dead. Recent tip led police to do some digging in her former husbands property. ORG XMIT: KOD

James Sweeten filed for divorce on Feb. 9, 1998, three weeks after his wifes disappearance. Cold case investigators said James Sweeten was the only suspect in the disappearance and presumed death of Peggy Sweeten.

Divers found disintegrated and rusted-out pieces of the barrel in May 2023. James Sweeten, who lived with his second wife, Debbie, monitored the investigation from his home in Weslaco, Texas. Three days after authorities pulled the barrel from the lake, Jim took his own life.

Delaware County investigators announced the case was solved, but continued to look for Sweetens remains.

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Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman went missing on December 30, 1999.

Authorities believe the teens were kidnapped in the early morning hours of Dec. 30, 1999, and for around two weeks, they were tortured, drugged, raped, beaten, and ultimately killed in a Picher mobile home belonging to Phil Welch, Jr.

Investigators continued to look for the girls remains.

Misty Dawn Faulkner, 29, Eucha, was last seen on January 14, 2011, in Eucha.

Misty Faulkner

After work, Misty contacted her grandmother to tell her that she would go pick up groceries from a Walmart in Jay, Oklahoma, before heading home. Her purse, cell phone, and groceries were left in the vehicle, still parked in her grandparents driveway. Authorities administered several lie detector tests on a few persons of interest, but they have not released the findings from those tests.

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Timur Mardeyev, 27, of Grove, was last seen on Nov. 29, 2011, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

According to published reports, Mardeyev left his Grove home alone to travel to Tulsa. His car was parked in front of the Riverspirit Casino for an hour, then left and was parked again at the Batman Convenience Store. On December 9, his car was towed from the convenience store parking lot where it had been abandoned.

Mardeyevs keys were in the ignition, and his GPS and expensive sunglasses were inside the car, along with a bottle of Coke and an open bottle of whiskey. His Bible and some paperwork he was filling out for his visa were missing.

When he went missing, he was carrying his wallet, passport, and approximately $3,000 to $5,000 in cash.

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Mardeyev was born in Kazakhstan, a Central Asian nation that was then part of the Soviet Union. In 2011, he came to the United States on a work visa and lived with his sister and brother-in-law.

He was due to fly to Russia for Christmas but never made his flight.

Michael Shane Chapman was last seen alive on January 27, 2013. His boat was recovered near Sail Boat Bridge, but no body has been recovered.

Dustin Ray Carver was last seen alive on March 03, 2014. The state Medical Examiners office has bones retrieved from a site in Oaks, but they have never identified them as belonging to Carver.

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Thomas William Barkfelt was last seen alive on October 12, 2015. On Oct. 24, 2015, the Oklahoma State Game Wardens towed Barkfelts vehicle from the Wildlife Management Area west and south of Eucha Lake Dam.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
If you recently received a text message about unpaid turnpike charges, it's probably a scam.

Americans across the country have reported getting the fake message, which claims that the receiver has an outstanding balance and threatens legal action. While some messages claim to be from E-ZPass, or another state's toll collection agency, Oklahomans have also reported receiving texts that mention the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, PlatePay or PIKEPASS.

Law enforcement authorities call this type of scam "smishing."

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While E-ZPass is a legitimate service used in 20 states, it's not used here. In Oklahoma, the cashless turnpike toll system is called PlatePay. Drivers who frequently use turnpikes can also sign up for the cheaper PIKEPASS service.

What is 'smishing'?

"Smishing" is a social engineering attack that uses fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to hackers, according to IBM.

The term is a combination of "SMS" or "short message service" and "phishing," an umbrella term for social engineering attacks.

"The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads. The agency is encouraging customers to remain vigilant about any messages they receive via text," PIKEPASS said in an alert posted to its website.

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As of noon April 23, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority security personnel working in conjunction with other tolling authorities nationally had identified 264 scam websites and 146 websites had been deactivated in the past week, Executive Director Joe Echelle said.

"The problem is that we're seeing multiple fake websites go up at a time including 100 new websites in the past 24 hours alone to continue this egregious targeting of consumers," he said. "We want to reassure turnpike customers that their personal information remains secure with OTA as these false text messages are not related to actual turnpike travel."

Some of the smishing texts claim consequences that are not possible. The OTA cannot impound vehicles or garnish wages, as examples.

What to do if you get an turnpike collection text

Federal Trade Commission reports say that scammers are pretending to be toll agencies from coast to coast and sending text messages demanding money, often with a link to pay the said toll.

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By clicking the link, however, you may lose money and accidentally give scammers personal information.

If you haven't taken an Oklahoma toll road lately or haven't been to one of the 20 states where E-ZPass is used, just delete the message without clicking any of the links. You can also report the message as "junk" to help improve spam filters. On its website, E-ZPass warns that if you've never had an account with them, any message purporting to be from E-ZPass is probably a scam.

The scammers generally try to impersonate the toll service in your state, but Oklahomans have been hit with the fake E-ZPass messages. The texts will include links to a dupe website with a URL and a webpage designed to look like the real thing. NBC News reported that it's "the end result of an elaborate online syndicate of Chinese-speaking scammers selling ready-made cybercrime kits" meant to steal credit card information and other personal details.

Last April, the FBI reported receiving more than 2,000 complaints reporting similar scams representing toll road collection services. The FTC warned that the scam had spread from "coast to coast."

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If you did click the link or provide any information, the FBI recommends making efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. This includes tracking and disputing any unfamiliar charges. Victims should also file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center including the phone number where the text originated and the website listed in the text.

How to pay an Oklahoma turnpike toll

If you think you might owe toll charges, it's best to independently check that entity's website.

There are two ways that Oklahoma collects tolls. Regular turnpike users can sign up for PIKEPASS, which gives a discount on charges and can be used in Colorado, Kansas, Texas and Florida. Any charges are deducted from the customer's prepaid balance.

More: Oklahoma bill targets unpaid tolls from owners of vehicles with tribal tags

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For one-off trips that take you down one of Oklahoma's turnpikes, an invoice will be mailed to the registered vehicle owner from PlatePay, the state's relatively new cashless tolling system. It's more expensive, but doesn't require a prepaid service.

To check whether you owe a toll charge in Oklahoma, visit the PlatePay website and enter your car's license plate number or the account number listed on the mailed invoice.

Josh Kelly contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Scammers launch fake Oklahoma PIKEPASS, PlatePay text messages
Oklahoma REAL ID takes effect May 7

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Service Oklahoma is reminding Oklahomans beginning May 7, travelers age 18 and older must present a REAL ID or passport at airport security as federal enforcement starts May 7.

We want people to be prepared, not panicked, at the airport, said Diedra ONeil, Chief Executive of Strategy & Operations at Service Oklahoma. A paper ID wont get you through security, and applying just days before your trip may not leave enough time for your REAL ID to arrive. If youre flying in May, dont wait. Visit service.ok.gov/REALID for all the information on how to get a REAL ID in Oklahoma.

TSA officials say, those without the accepted identification could face delays, extra steps or denied entry. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR will also require REAL ID documentation to enroll.

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OTA: PIKEPASS scam targeting thousands of Oklahomans, FBI involved

REAL ID by the Numbers (as of April 21) according to Service Oklahoma:

Total REAL ID credentials issued: 2,173,908

Active REAL ID-compliant credentials (all types): 1,527,248

Total active credentials (all types): 3,490,056

Statewide compliance rate: 43.8%

Oklahomans can still apply for a REAL ID after the May 7 date, but are reminded that the temporary paper ID provided is not accepted for air travel. Check your current license for a gold star in the upper right corner. If its not there, visit service.ok.gov/REALID or check the live wait map to check in online andyour place in line.

Evening Hours Available by Appointment:

Appointments are available from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through the end of the year at the following locations:

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Chickasha (1701 Frisco Ave.)

Hinton (1802 N Broadway St.)

Muskogee (1806 N York St.)

OKC Classen (6015 N. Classen Blvd., Building 4)

Stillwater (701 East 12th Ave.)

Tulsa Eastgate (14002 E 21st St.)

For more information, visit service.ok.gov/REALID.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Marnie Taylor, the president & CEO of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, recently explained how nonprofits that often receive support from federal grants, are contributing critical services for families, schools and our social infrastructure. However, due to presidential executive orders, they could face a sweeping funding freeze for nonprofit work. In partnership with other organizations, the National Council of Nonprofits  of which the center is a member  filed an injunction to pause the funding freeze.

In my opinion, it would be impossible to stabilize and then improve our states urban schools without the holistic, research-based contributions from nonprofits. That is one reason why I admire the Oklahoma center, and the National Council of Nonprofits, for resisting the funding freeze.

I also would be surprised if high-challenge school districts took the risk of standing up for what works for children. Not surprisingly, but understandably, the Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) will be reducing its partnerships that provide essential services for its poorest children of color, in order to focus on critical grade-level benchmarks.

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For instance, Tulsa will be reducing high-impact tutoring, even though it is far more effective than the approaches, like benchmark testing, that Tulsa seems to be prioritizing.

Dwayne Dicksen teaches a Black history class to high school students Feb. 8 during Black History Saturdays in Tulsa. Black History Saturdays is a community education program with Black history classes for all ages.

In other words, the Tulsa district seems to be giving into pressure to jack up test scores, regardless of whether those scores reflect real, long-term learning.

At a time when chronic absenteeism is out of control, the Tulsa district will reduce the number of campuses served by City Year by 50%, thus shifting away from tackling learning loss, and Growing Together, which coordinates and manages wraparound services for students. It will cut the Whole School-Whole Child program, which provides targeted supports for students who are identified by teachers and school staff as at risk for dropping out.

Yes, Tulsa has to struggle with managing multiple initiatives in order to effectively promote student achievement metrics. But why would it cut proven policies in order to expand policies that are likely to improve accountability metrics but are much less likely to increase meaningful student learning?

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I agree with school board member Jennettie Marshall that these changes will reduce both teacher and student retention in high-challenge schools.

We should also note that while the Tulsa district is reducing its investments in Reading Partners, Union Public Schools in Tulsa, which is praised across the nation for its full-service community schools, has no plans to reduce its relationships with them.

More: Poor math and reading skills in our public schools must improve  and quickly | Opinion

I also agree with James Heckman, a Nobel Prize laureate in economics at the University of Chicago, who grew up in Oklahoma City. In 2013, Heckman warned against the standardized test-driven policies that had been taking off across the nation, especially in Tulsa. As I explained in 2014, in "The Myth of Achievement Tests," Heckman, and his co-authors, John Eric Humphries and Tim Kautz, showed that "faith in tests deceives students and policy makers and conceals major social problems. Instead of test-driven school improvement efforts, they call for programs to support families and parenting.

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In 2025, Heckman and his co-author, Alison Baulos, published "Instead of Panicking over Test Scores, Lets Rethink How We Measure Learning and Student Success. They urge us to pause some tests and redirect resources toward more meaningful ways to promote and assess student learning. They dont oppose the use of tests as one measure when used for diagnostic purposes; those metrics may be valuable for tracking large-scale trends  such as monitoring recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the current overreliance on tests is costly in many ways and is not an effective strategy for improving education as a whole. And, standardized tests often conceal more than they reveal.

Heckman and Baulos explain that each year, America spends roughly $2 billion on standardized achievement tests at the national and state levels. Testing consumes millions of hours of school time and produces waves of stress, as well as increasing students skepticism regarding school, and burnout. And, they often prompt low student motivation.

Moreover, this focus on standardized testing reduces education to a technocratic exercise, overlooking the complexity of how students truly learn and grow. And they crowd out curiosity, engagement and socioemotional development.

Again, I dont want to be too critical of Tulsa and other districts who are reluctant to resist state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Trump administration in a meaningful way. When the Tulsa district, and to a somewhat lesser extent Oklahoma City Public Schools, complied with teach-to-the-test mandates, I didnt know anyone in OKCPS who didnt expect that high-stakes testing would cause more harm than good. In my frequent trips to Tulsa, almost every expert and teacher who I met had deep misgivings about their teacher evaluation tests, driven by Value-Added Models (VAMS) that used invalid and unreliable metrics to punish or even fire teachers.

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Sure enough, research documented the failure of those VAM models.

There was hope that benchmark tests, especially in the early years, could be used for diagnostic, not accountability, purposes. But by increasing the number of tests, benchmark testing could further undermine learning cultures; they also might jack up test scores while undermining reading for comprehension, even lowering long-term outcomes.

And that brings me back to the need for all of us to stand with nonprofits. In my experience, only they can bolster the confidence of leaders in the Tulsa and OKC districts, so they could commit to the team efforts required to improve schools with intense concentrations of extreme poverty, as opposed to low-incomes, who have endured multiple traumas, and come from neighborhoods that lack social capital.

More: Let's celebrate what's right with Oklahoma's public schools

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I understand todays schools face a combination of challenges: years of failed corporate reforms, the legacy of COVID, the rise of social media, underfunding, and right-wing attacks.

Some say todays urban schools may be facing challenges that are as intimidating as those we faced in the crack-and-gangs era in the 1980s.

But at some point, education leaders must openly join with nonprofits, and treat the poorest children of color as students, not test scores.

John Thompson

John Thompson is a former Oklahoma City Public Schools teacher.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: School programs essential despite threats of federal cuts | Opinion
The Oklahoma State Board of Education voted to delay the approval of minutes from its earlier meetings after board members questioned the accuracy of the board's records, particularly concerning a vote to approve a new set of social studies standards.

Minutes are the official record of any action taken during a meeting and are usually approved the next time a board convenes.

It is incredibly rare for a public body to spend time debating minutes, but there has been tension within the board and state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters since Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed three new members in February. Draft minutes from the board's February meeting  the first meeting with the new members  erroneously described how the social studies standards vote occurred.

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The newest members, Ryan Deatherage, Chris Van Denhende and Mike Tinney, raised objections to approving minutes from that meeting, as well as minutes from the board's January meeting. Their complaints ranged from inaccuracies in the record to a lack of context about the board's discussions.

"I feel like I can't vote because I don't know the context. Even if I listen to the discussions, I don't know the details behind those discussions," Van Denhende said when asked to approve the minutes of the January meeting, which happened before he was appointed. "It creates a bit of a pickle, and I'd like to know what our legal remedy is to that pickle."

More: Walters' office slips 2020 presidential election dispute into Oklahoma social studies standards

Deatherage complained that he didn't feel comfortable approving the February minutes because of an inaccuracy first reported by The Oklahoman. Deatherage was the only "no" vote on the standards, which marked the first time in Walters' two-year tenure that a board member voted against him.

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However, the minutes said Deatherage made the motion to approve the standards. Deatherage pointed out the error and noted that the minutes also did not reflect his comments that there wasn't enough time for the new members to review the social studies standards.

"I would like to see that reflected in our minutes that there was discussion about that, that I asked for more time. Some of the stuff I just don't feel is truly representative of what happened that day," he said.

Tinney said he mistakenly thought he was voting on an earlier version of the standards that had been posted online for public comment. Walters said board members had actually been provided an updated version of the standards ahead of the vote, which board member Sarah Lepak agreed with.

The standards have come under fire because they include several late additions, including requirements to teach about "unprecedented" discrepancies surrounding the 2020 presidential election.

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Tinney said he wanted it to make clear that he and board members weren't aware that the standards hadn't been updated before they cast their votes.

"I would like minutes to reflect that board members when voting on standards, did not know they were voting on changed standards from what was posted for public comment," Tinney said.

Ultimately, the board voted to table approval of the January and February minutes to the next meeting, which is scheduled for May 22. Walters was the sole vote against the motions.

The standards are now being considered by lawmakers.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters, OSBE members clash on vote to clarify official record
Utah homeless leaders celebrate the ribbon cutting for Utah's first Family Interim Non-Congregate Housing Facility, or FINCH, in South Salt Lake on April 23, 2025. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch)

Tears welled in Michelle Flynns eyes as she told a crowd of onlookers how for years Utahs only family homeless shelter in Midvale has operated at max capacity  at times having to turn parents and their kids away.

Our team members know better than anyone what it means to tell a family with children that we dont have any room for them, said Flyyn, executive director of The Road Home, one of the states largest homeless shelter operators.

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Until recently, the 300-bed Connie Crosby Family Resource Center in Midvale has been the only emergency shelter in the state exclusively for families with children. The dorm-style facility has been overrun  unable to keep up with the growing number of Utah families experiencing homelessness. Since 2022, upwards of 75 families at a time in the Salt Lake area have been on waiting lists to get into emergency shelter, resorting to living with relatives, friends, or in cars or tents, according to The Road Home.

But soon, there will be another place for struggling families to go.

Unveiling FINCH

Michelle Flynn, executive director of The Road Home, speaks during a ribbon cutting celebration for Utahs first Family Interim Non-Congregate Housing Facility, or FINCH, in South Salt Lake on April 23, 2025. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch)

On Wednesday, Flynn and other state and local leaders celebrated the ribbon cutting for the Family Interim Non-Congregate Housing Facility, or FINCH for short.

The new facility  expected to begin housing families in early May  marks the states first ever emergency shelter offering private rooms for families. Previously, the property at 315 W. 3300 South in South Salt Lake functioned as a Motel 6. Now, it will house up to 85 families, and has a maximum capacity of up to 400 people  though on average, depending on family sizes, its expected to house an average of 72 families and 340 people.

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I want to make sure that everyone knows that the FINCH is not just a facility. Its a reflection of our community values and ensuring that children and families are not on the street, said Laurie Hopkins, executive director of Shelter the Homeless, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing homelessness in Utah and the owner of the property.

In 2023, the number of Utahns in families experiencing homelessness increased by a striking 27% in three years up from 5,520 individuals in 2020 to 7,033. That included 3,748 children, according to a 2024 report by the Utah Office of Homeless Services.

Emily Wegener, general counsel for Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems and a member of The Road Homes board, said that during her time volunteering at the Midvale family shelter, shes seen firsthand some of the challenges that congregate shelter poses for families.

Some families are able to face that challenge of congregate shelter better than others, she said. In some cases, it causes families to bounce back and forth out of shelter to friends couches, other shelters, and creates even more instability for children.

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So Wegener said shes thrilled to see FINCH open to fill an unmet need for Utahns and their kids experiencing homelessness.

Each family staying at FINCH will have their own private room with beds, a bathroom, a mini microwave and a fridge. The main building also offers common areas, including a dining room  providing three meals a day  a play room, laundry room, and an outdoor area for pets. It also offers on-site case workers to help connect families with resources including schools, jobs, health care, and other needs while providers work to find them a solution for permanent housing.

Wegener said FINCH is needed now more than ever, not just because the Midvale shelter is full, but because Utahs high housing prices continue to squeeze families.

Its really difficult to afford a place to live in Utah, she said, adding that a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,390 a month. For one person making minimum wage of $7.25, that is the same as 148 hours a week, or 3.7 full-time jobs. So even for two parents, its pretty much impossible to have a two-bedroom apartment if youre paying market rate.

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Families, according to The Road Home, will be admitted to the facility on a referral basis through Salt Lake Countys coordinated entry process, which is managed by the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness.

A family room is pictured during a ribbon cutting day tour of Utahs first Family Interim Non-Congregate Housing Facility, or FINCH, in South Salt Lake on April 23, 2025. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch)

How Utahs newest family shelter came to be

Its been a long road for FINCH, taking years of financial and political wrangling to become a reality.

Shelter the Homeless purchased the former motel all the way back in April 2023 for $14 million, which included $10 million from the state, plus another $1 million in state funding for remodeling, according to Hopkins. She said another $1 million from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, plus other private donors and money from Salt Lake County, made up the rest

Last December, the South Salt Lake City Council voted to approve FINCHs zoning, one of the last hurdles for the shelter to open. It wasnt until earlier this year that the Utah Legislature set aside $3.9 million in ongoing funding to pay for its operations. Thats still short of the $5.8 million needed to fully fund it year to year, but Hopkins said Shelter the Homeless will be looking to fill that gap with other public funds and private donations, which she said shes confident will come through.

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The philanthropic community, I think, will step forward and has indicated theyre interested in supporting us. I think Salt Lake County is another possible avenue for us, Hopkins told Utah News Dispatch, though she added that shes grateful for the money the Utah Legislature appropriated.

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Really, theres been so much government funding that came into this project to get it up and running, and that was really important, Hopkins said. The state, city, county, they all had to invest in this to help us with getting families off of the street.

South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood joined Wednesdays ribbon cutting ceremony for the FINCH. As did billionaire Gail Miller, owner of Larry H. Miller Company and Utahs wealthiest person. She serves on Shelter the Homeless board, along with Josh Romney, CEO of The Romney Group, a development company.

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Romney, who shared remarks during Wednesdays celebration, said two women in particular were instrumental in making the FINCH a reality. He pointed to Wood  for being willing for her city to host another homeless shelter  and Hopkins, for urging state and local leaders to recognize the need for another family shelter.

Two years ago, (Hopkins) came to our board and said, We need another family shelter, and we need to find it now, said Romney, who is also the son of former Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah. She worked tirelessly to find the site and work to put the funds together to make this happen.

Also crediting Wood, Romney said its always a challenge when you have a homeless shelter in your city.

Most cities say no. Mayor Wood is one of the few mayors in this state who says yes, and she makes things happen, Romney said.

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Wood called the FINCHs opening exciting.

This new shelter demonstrates whats possible when people come to the table with yes in their heart, and we figure out hard things, the mayor said.

Wayne Niederhauser, state homeless coordinator, also attended the ribbon cutting. He joked that when Gov. Spencer Cox appointed him to the role four years ago, I thought things would happen faster, drawing laughs from the crowd.

He said facilities like FINCH are very complicated and challenging.

But theyre worth it.

Utah's first Family Interim Non-Congregate Housing Facility, or FINCH, is pictured in South Salt Lake on April 23, 2025. (Katie McKellar / Utah News Dispatch)

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Beijing on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that as firm supporters of multilateralism and free trade, China and Switzerland should work together to address the challenges of deglobalization, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, and maintain the international economic and trade order, as well as the basic norms governing international relations.

China welcomes more Swiss enterprises to invest and start businesses in China, and looks forward to Switzerland continuing to provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese-funded enterprises, Wang noted.

Cassis expressed a willingness to strengthen cooperation with China with a rational and pragmatic attitude, and to accelerate the negotiations on upgrading the bilateral free trade agreement. The international community should join hands to defend multilateralism and free trade, he said.

The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on issues such as the Ukraine issue and the situation in the Middle East. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
Editors Note: This story has been updated to correct which organization is leading the project and an estimated timeline for a decision on funding. We regret the error.

AUSTIN (KXAN)A coalition of Austin area neighbors is making a final push to get the City of Austin to commit to funding some or all of the so-called caps that would run over the interstate. Its a part of the I-35 Cap and Stitch expansion project.

The city would need to pay for the caps, also known as green spaces, and pedestrian access over the road.

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Now, a coalition comprised of neighborhood association leaders and nonprofits is spreading awareness to get more people to speak up ahead of a city vote at the end of May. That vote would determine whether the caps are included in the Texas Department of Transportations I-35 expansion project.

Artist rendering of a cap over I-35 between Cesar Chavez and Fourth Street looking north (Photo: Austins Cap and Stitch Project vision plan)

We have one chance, Adam Sparks, Cherrywood Neighborhood grassroots organizer, said.

Sparks created the FUND the CAPS website, breaking down TxDOTs project and the citys responsibility to fund structural elements needed, in order for TxDOT to build the caps.



We have a chance of getting 26 acres of public land in the center of Austin, Sparks said. And it seemed like most Austinites did not know that the funding for caps was at risk.



The caps are in other cities, like Dallas, according to the city of Austins 2024 vision plan.

Klyde Warren Park in Dallas is a well-known example where a sunken freeway has been transformed into a vibrant community hub. (Photo: Austins Cap and Stitch Project vision plan)

In February 2025, the city said its waiting to see whether any of its federal funding that would be used for the project is at risk due to the Trump Administrations nationwide cuts.

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$105M federal grant for Austins I-35 cap and stitch project on shaky ground

The truth is that there are also other federal funding sources that the city is looking into those, those decisions take time, but the state right now is asking for a decision by the end of May, Tom Wald, executive director at Red Line Parkway Initiative, a part of the neighbor coalition said. If we delay this decision, the next opportunity will be in the year 2100. We wont have this opportunity again for 70 years. This council is pretty much never faced with that sort of decision.

From the beginning of the City of Austins cap and stitch project, there have been a number of concerns, including how much it costs.

Austins full capped I-35 vision plan could cost over $1B

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But those in support of the project in its entirety maintain say its worth the investment.

The Downtown Austin Alliance supports the Cap and Stitch project as a transformative opportunity to convert I-35 from a longstanding barrier into a community connector. Reconnecting East and West Austin will enhance the citys economic and cultural vitality by supporting small businesses, creating new community public spaces and new development opportunities. With intentional design and strong public-private-philanthropic partnerships, Cap and Stitch can deliver lasting value. Klyde Warren Park in Dallas is proof that when infrastructure is designed for people, it can reshape a city and spark new life around it. To realize this vision, full funding to future-proof the caps will be essential. This is a pivotal moment to invest in infrastructure that supports Austins future. Downtown Austin Alliance

The city said it was set to find out about whether its federal funding for the project was cut on April 20. Staff provided KXAN with a statement.

After hearing feedback from the community, the city created a vision plan for all the capping opportunities and presented cost estimates to council in 2024. On May 6, staff will present updated information at Austin City Councils work session. City council is then scheduled to consider an advanced funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation on May 22 for roadway elements. City staff are still in negotiations with the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the awarded $105 million Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant for the Cesar Chavez Street-Fourth Street cap. As of now, no final decisions have been made regarding that funding.  City of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department

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DELHI, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  One Otsego County man has been charged with manslaughter, and one woman charged with multiple felonies following the investigation into a vehicle crash in Delaware County that left one dead, Sheriff Craig DuMond announced Thursday.

According to Sheriff DuMond, the crash that occurred on May 14, 2024, in the Town of Harpersfield was caused by the driver, 25-year-old Isaiah Caballero, of Oneonta. It is believed he lost control of the car, leaving the roadway and rolling over into a tree, which killed one of the four people in the car, 25-year-old Nyheim Golden-Williams of Binghamton.

During the investigation, the crash reconstruction team located a quantity of cocaine as well as a loaded and fully functional Glock style pistol that did not have a serial number, DuMond said in the release.

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On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Caballero was arrested by DCSO and charged him with one count of Criminal Possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B Felony, one count of Criminal Possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C Felony, one count of Criminal Possession of a weapon the third degree, a class D Felony, and one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the second degree.

Caballero was arraigned at the Town of Delhi Court and taken to the Ulster County Correctional Facility on $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 secured bond. Caballero remains in the custody of New York State Department of Corrections on unrelated charges.

Later that same day, Delaware County Sheriffs Deputies arrested 21-year-old Alexis Lotterman of Walton. Lotterman was charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third Degree, a Class B Felony, one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree, a Class C Felony, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree,e a Class D Felony.

It is alleged that Lotterman was a passenger in the vehicle and was also in possession of the drugs and gun.

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Lotterman was arraigned in CAP Court and taken to the Delaware County Correctional Facility instead of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 secured bond.

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SOUTH PEKIN (WMBD)  Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley has identified the two killed after a shooting in South Pekin on Thursday.

Chase Rhodes, 21, of Pekin and Dawson Reese, 21, of rural Pekin were both pronounced dead on the scene, he said.

Hanley initially responded to the scene near the 11000 block of Illinois Route 29 sometime after 4:44 a.m. on a report of two dead.

Autopsies for both men will be performed on Friday.

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This incident remains under investigation.

One person has been taken into custody. Memphis Rue was booked into the Tazewell County Jail on charges of first-degree murder. He could appear in court as early as Friday to be formally charged.

_________________________________________________________________________

Sheriff identifies alleged shooter in South Pekin double homicide

A 21-year-old man is in jail Thursday afternoon, hours after he allegedly shot and killed two people at a South Pekin home.

Memphis S. Rue was booked on charges of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting deaths, said Tazewell County Sheriff Jeff Lower.

The names of the victims will be released later by the Tazewell County Coroners Office.

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The sheriff said Rue would likely be in court on Friday to be formally charged in connection with the shooting deaths. He declined to release further information, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATED: Two dead in South Pekin shooting; suspect arrested

SOUTH PEKIN (WMBD)  Two people are dead and one person is in custody after an early Thursday morning double shooting in South Pekin.

Dispatchers were notified about the double shooting off South Illinois Route 29 shortly after 4:44 a.m., said Tazewell County Sheriff Jeff Lower.

Two people were found dead at a residence which was in the 11300 block of Route 29. Thats just south of the Pekin Municipal Airport and near the Pekin Riding Club. A person was taken into custody, the sheriff said.

The sheriffs office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services and the Tazewell County Coroners Office, Lower said.

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Additional details will be released as they become available. No further information is being released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.

This story will be updated.

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Update 10:56 a.m.: The Shawnee County Sheriffs Office said it was notified of a stolen gray Hyundai Sonata around 8 a.m. at 10th Avenue and Lane Street. Officers were called to the area, and a deputy spotted the vehicle before it crashed at 17th Street and McAlister Avenue.

Shawnee County Sheriffs Office Spokeswoman Abigail Christian said multiple occupants of the vehicle ran away and she said gunshots were fired.

Christian said there are currently K-9s, drones and air support from the Kansas Highway Patrol assisting.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Police are on the lookout for a person who got away after a chase and crash in west Topeka.

At 8 a.m., law enforcement ran the tags on a vehicle and found it was reported stolen. The officer started following the vehicle and heard multiple gunshots. According to Shawnee County Sheriff Brian Hill, law enforcement didnt witness the shooting and said that nobody was injured. The sheriff said the shots werent necessarily directed at police.

A 27 News reporter at the scene says there is a car that crashed at the intersection of 17th and McAlister.

Are there public tornado shelters in NE Kansas?

The sheriff told 27 news that a woman and a man are in custody and that law enforcement is still on the lookout for another suspect. He said schools in the area were temporarily put on lockdown.

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For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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A knife attack at a private secondary school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday has left one pupil dead and three others injured, French media reported, citing police sources.

Police arrested the perpetrator, who the newspaper Ouest France said was a student at the school. The motive for the attack remains unclear. Le Parisien newspaper also reported on the incident.

Education Minister Elisabeth Borne confirmed the attack and expressed her sympathy for the victims.

The attacker reportedly entered two classrooms in the school and stabbed four students, the newspapers said.
One student was killed and three others injured in a knife attack at a private secondary school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday, French media citing the police reported.

The newspapers Le Parisien and Ouest France reported the attacker was a 15-year-old student at the school. He is said to have entered two classrooms and stabbed four students.

One victim died of her injuries, while one of the three wounded is in a serious condition.

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School staff overpowered the attacker before police took him into custody, the reports said.

In a post on X, President Emmanuel Macron praised the "courage" of those who intervened while expressing condolences for the victims' families.

The motive for the attack remains unclear.

According to broadcaster BFMTV, the suspect emailed a 20-page message to classmates earlier in the day, outlining a bleak view of society.

Authorities said the teen was previously unknown to police and security services.

Students who were initially confined to classrooms have since been released.

Education Minister Elisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau attended the scene on Thursday afternoon.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  Its been nearly one week since a suspect shot and killed two people and injured six others at Florida State University.

Local campus police share how they are working to ensure safety for students and staff.

The fear of hearing a gunshot while being on campus may leave a student to wonder about their safety maybe thinking they can take security into their own hands. But here at Augusta University, campus law enforcement work to make sure that isnt a thought that has to cross your mind.

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We patrol, actively patrol our campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week Augusta University Police Department Capt. Harry Smith said.

But when incidents like the Florida State University shooting takes place, it makes both staff, and students a bit more apprehensive.

I try to keep that, um, how do you say paranoid or scary thoughts despite the news, because its everywhere in the news to what were seeing and whats happening all around America right now Augusta University Senior Mia Dickens said.

Under Georgia State law, students and staff are allowed to carry a concealed weapon on college campuses through the Campus Carry Law.

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That meant that people could carry on campus without a license concealed, it has to be concealed, but heres the other thing, there are a lot of exceptions to that law, Capt. Smith said.

Exceptions Capt. Harry Smith says you should know if you carry.

For instance, you cant carry it into a residence hall, you cant carry it at a sporting event, you cant have it be in an office of a faculty member, you cant carry in a place that has any childcare or if theres a co-enrolled high school student in the classroom

Students like Mia Dickens, tell me shes grateful for the resources campus police provides like the blue emergency poles around campus and even self-defense courses offered to women.

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I am so thankful for all that AUPD does for us. Ive never had an instance where they havent pulled through every time whether thats me locking my keys in my car, which Im notoriously known for doing. They come as fast as they can, so it doesnt I dont doubt the fact that these apps or these resources are very helpful, and I trust it 100%.

You can download the free app Rave Guardian which will allow you to call 911, schedule a timed virtual escort, text campus police and more.

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A social media influencer livestreaming his visit to the Grand Canyon is now facing federal charges for defacing a historic archeological landmark while he broadcast the alleged crime to thousands of viewers.

Kick.com personality Thanh Cong Ngo  who goes by Crazytawn online  used a rock to etch KICK.COM into an ancient sandstone formation at Horseshoe Bend, a revered attraction near Page, Arizona, according to a probable cause affidavit first obtained by The Independent.

The crude graffito measured 36 inches long by six inches tall, and was dug into the soft stone by as much as a quarter-inch, states the affidavit, which was unsealed Thursday. It was done purposefully and with blatant disregard for the preservation of natural resources, according to the affidavit.

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The damage caused by carving this inscription into the rock is permanent and cannot be undone, it says, noting that Ngo livestreamed his entire interaction with the National Park Service (NPS) ranger who later caught up with him at a local motel.

Horseshoe Bend is an ancient sandstone formation in Grand Canyon National Park (Getty Images)

Horseshoe Bend is described by local tourism authorities as a mesmerizing geological wonder that showcases the incredible forces of nature at work.

Ngo was unable to be reached for comment. His public defender, Sarah Kosnoff Erlinder, was out of the office on Thursday and did not respond to an emailed request.

On his Kick channel, Ngos bio invites viewers to [d]ive into the world of IRL streaming with me as I navigate carlife in my trusty Prius. Explore the wonders of our beautiful planet, one stream at a time. Ngo has more than 30,000 followers on the platform, where he hit an all-time record in December 2023, clocking in at 525,000 viewers. Last year, Ngo was taken to task by outraged viewers after he claimed he had been abusing his dog.

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Ngos alleged wrongdoing at Horseshoe Bend first came to the attention of law enforcement by way of an anonymous tip submitted to the NPS online portal on January 5, according to the affidavit.

Horseshoe Bend is within the Grand Canyon National Park (Getty Images)

The tipster said they had watched Ngos livestream from the Grand Canyon, and that at about seven hours in, he could be seen scratching KICK.COM into a sandstone outcropping, the affidavit states. An NPS ranger located the footage as part of a stream titled, ROADTRIP HORSESHOE BEND > GRAND CANYON > SEDONA \ STARLINK, it says.

In it, Ngo could be seen walking down a trail at Horseshoe Bend, throwing rocks, the affidavit goes on. He then approached a portion of sandstone and carved the words KICK.COM into it, the affidavit says.

The video clearly shows the suspect by himself, vandalizing the sandstone resource by hand using a small rock, the affidavit continues. The suspect used significant effort to deepen the inscription into the rock by going over the area multiple times with force and friction This crime was recorded via video and livestreamed onto KICK.COM The crime was viewed by approximately 3,600 people at the time I reviewed the video footage.

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One of Ngos other streams showed him traveling to a Best Western in Page, Arizona, according to the affidavit. It says the NPS ranger rendezvoused there with local police and quickly spotted Ngo in the parking lot.

Defacing the natural features in national parks is explicitly prohibited (Getty Images)

Ngo was packing up his car, preparing to leave the area, the affidavit states. The NPS ranger conducted what the affidavit describes as a short interview with Ngo while Ngo streamed the conversation.

Ngo admitted to defacing and vandalizing the natural resource located at Horseshoe Bend and stated that he did not know it was illegal, according to the affidavit, which says Ngo was cooperative in answering the rangers questions. He also stated that due to there being other vandalism in the area[,] he thought it was ok to do.

The National Park Service takes misconduct complaints extremely seriously. In 2020, three men were permanently banned from Yellowstone National Park after they were caught cooking chickens in one of the parks famed thermal hot springs. Earlier this month, a pair of tourists were found guilty of damaging 140-million-year-old sandstone formations in Nevadas Lake Mead National Park.

Ngo was issued a citation for vandalism, a misdemeanor. If convicted, he faces up to a year behind bars and a $100,000 fine. He is due to make his initial court appearance on Friday.
Pope Francis chose a life of unworldly simplicity, but in death he has unwittingly brought the glittering circus of global diplomacy to Rome  and all its sordid machinations. His funeral will be one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in history.

Presidents Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky head a list of dignitaries that will include scores of heads of state and government from every continent.

Funeral wakes are often occasions for family rows. Fortunately, neither Vladimir Putin nor Xi Jinping will be in Rome, saving the papal obsequies from morphing into an East-West standoff. After Trumps hostile remarks about Zelensky this week, there will be no informal Ukrainian peace conference either.

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The UK will be represented by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and the Prince of Wales. Having visited the ailing Pope only a few weeks ago, the King and Queen wisely felt that his funeral was an opportunity for Prince William to step up onto the international stage.

The spectacular baroque architecture of Berninis St Peters Square will provide the grandest of backdrops for the timeless Latin liturgy of the pontifical Requiem Mass. Even the most self-important statesmen are dwarfed by St Peters Basilica. And the square will have standing room only for up to a hundred thousand of the faithful, themselves a tiny fraction of the worlds 1.4 billion Catholics.

Which brush-past conversations will take place among the VIPs will depend partly on the seating arrangements, masterminded by the camerlengo, or papal chamberlain  the Irish-born American Cardinal Kevin Farrell  who is acting head of the Vatican until a new pontiff is elected.

The camerlengo will doubtless take advice on the placement from the outgoing secretary of state, Cardinal Parolini, who acted as foreign minister for the late Pope. The Vatican diplomatic service has a claim to be the oldest (some would say most machiavellian) of all.

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It would be in character for president Trump to have ignored protocol and demanded a say in who would be his seating companions. No doubt he would have liked to sit between Giorgia Meloni, the comely Italian prime minister (who knows how to flatter him), and Javier Milei, the Argentinian president and Trumps ideological soulmate, who represents Franciss homeland.

But the Vatican City  uniquely among sovereign states  is indifferent to the whims of even the most powerful politicians. When in Rome, even the Trumps must do as the Romans do. They will have to sit where they are told.

Who can forget how, at the late Queens funeral in 2022, the then president Joe Biden was placed quite far back from the front row in Westminster Abbey. He, too, had to accept protocol, which dictated that Commonwealth heads of state took precedence over what was then still our closest ally.

Indeed, the British Royal Family and the Roman Catholic Church are probably the most ancient institutions to survive into the modern era. And the funerals of popes and British monarchs have occasioned the most prestigious diplomatic get-togethers of all time.

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Some 500 heads of state and other foreign grandees attended the late Queens funeral, including 18 monarchs, 55 presidents and 25 prime ministers.

This was only surpassed by the last full-scale papal funeral, that of St John Paul II in 2005, which was attended by 10 monarchs, 80 past and present presidents and 75 prime ministers.

It is expected that the funeral of Pope Francis will, at his request, be on a smaller scale than that of St John Paul II, whose 27-year pontificate was one of the longest and most dramatic in ecclesiastical history.

However, Francis died in office and so his funeral will be treated as a major diplomatic event  unlike that of Benedict XVI, his immediate predecessor, in 2023. A decade earlier, Benedict had become the first pope to resign for more than five centuries.

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Papal funerals have not always been such star-studded occasions. In 1978  the year of three popes  St Paul VIs funeral had 105 delegations, but the then US president, the late Jimmy Carter, was only represented by his wife Rosalyn and senator Edward Kennedy.

A quarter of a century later, St John Paul IIs funeral was attended not only by president George W. Bush, but by two former presidents (his father George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton), senators and other officials.

For Franciss funeral, president Trump will be accompanied by Melania, the First Lady  unlike Bush in 2005, who brought secretary of state Condoleeza Rice with him lest a chance encounter required a diplomatic heavyweight.

This illustrates the contrast between the two Republican presidents: Bush, a man who knew his limitations, and Trump, whose bombastic self-confidence is boundless.

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Though popes usually die in office, their advanced ages usually mean that their funerals happen relatively often. By contrast, it is rare for a US president to die in office. But the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963 turned his funeral into what was then the greatest gathering of global grandees in American history. The 19 heads of state and government included the French president Charles de Gaulle and British Prime Minister Sir Alec Douglas-Home.

Before Kennedys funeral, the most famous occasion for funeral diplomacy had taken place when Edward VII died in 1910. The King-Emperors obsequies brought nine monarchs together, plus numerous crown princes and grand dukes: all the ruling dynasties of Europe were there. Edwards state funeral was the last display of imperial glory before the First World War signalled the twilight of the emperors.

Journalists will observe, and historians chronicle, the antics at this Roman carnival of diplomacy: chainsaw-wielding Milei, mini-Napoleon Macron, pocket-battleship Meloni, bullet-headed Scholz and nasal knight Starmer. With so many jokers in the pack, it is hard to believe that the worlds farewell to Francis will pass without incident  even without adding Trump to the mix. What, Cardinal Farrell must be wondering, could possibly go wrong?

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A military band performance is held to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy at the memorial hall of the PLA Navy's birthplace in Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 19, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Xinhua/Li Yun)

An aerial drone photo shows people participating in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Li Jinbiao/Xinhua)

People participate in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Ma Yubin/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows people participating in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Ma Yubin/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on April 21, 2025 shows a light show marking the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Feng Menglong/Xinhua)

An orchestra is held to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Taizhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 18, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Huang Yuqiao/Xinhua)

People participate in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Wang Guangjie/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows people participating in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Ma Yubin/Xinhua)

Soldiers participate in a ceremony to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 23, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Shi Weikang/Xinhua)

Soldiers participate in a ceremony to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 23, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Wang Yuanfang/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows people participating in a naval vessel open day event to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in east China's Shanghai, April 22, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Ding Liang/Xinhua)

Soldiers participate in a flag-raising ceremony to mark the 76th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, April 23, 2025. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy marked its 76th anniversary on Wednesday, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a world-class naval force dedicated to safeguarding both national security and global peace. (Photo by Wang Guangjie/Xinhua)
TORONTO  Ontario Premier Doug Ford is warning that Donald Trumps recent remarks in the Oval Office are a reminder that the U.S. president really does have designs on Canada.

Its not just words. He wants to do it, Ford told an audience of policy leaders in Toronto on Thursday afternoon. He wants to destroy our auto sector. He wants to destroy our manufacturing sector. He wants to try to take over Canada.

Trump told White House reporters Wednesday that without the U.S., Canada would cease to exist. He also said he was pondering a further hike on the 25 percent tariffs hes imposed on Canadian autos. They took a large percentage of the car making, and I want to bring it back to this country, he said. I really dont want cars from Canada.

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Canada is in the homestretch of a snap election campaign thats obsessed with one issue: the American president and the threat he poses to Canadas economy and sovereignty.

Trumps return to the White House upturned the political landscape in Canada where, until January, the next election had been expected to oust a three-term Liberal government in favor of a Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre.

He wants to break us so America can own us, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has warned since the start of the 37-day election campaign, which ends Monday. The former central banker is new to politics, but has been making the case to Canadians that what the country most needs now is a crisis manager.

"The president's comments yesterday  just underscore how important the choice that Canadians have on Monday is: Who can stand up to President Trump, who can build Canada strong, who has the experience in order to do that?" Carney said Thursday while campaigning in British Columbia.

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With four days until Election Day, the Progressive Conservative premiers comments serve to reinforce Carneys case. Ford told the audience at the Canada Growth Summit 2025 that its pretty scary that a single sentence from the president can send global markets reeling.

I think the cheese slips off the cracker with this guy, the premier said. He wakes up in the morning and even people around him are not too sure what he's going to do, or what he's going to say.

Ford won a third consecutive landslide in a February snap election he argued was necessary to win a mandate to fight Trumps trade war  the same reasoning Carney used when he kicked off a federal election nine days after taking over from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The premier has not endorsed a candidate in the federal race, though 10 days ago he needled Poilievre for being down in the polls.

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At the end of the day, the people will decide which way they want this country to move forward. But sometimes the truth hurts," Ford told reporters on April 14, as Poilievre faced criticism from his own party that he wasnt pivoting fast enough to address Trump. Fear of the current White House is alive in Canadas most populous province, where Ford has warned that tariffs threaten 500,000 jobs.

He's openly taking aim at Ontario's economy  threatening tariffs, disrupting supply chains, putting all of us at risk, including the American people, Ford told Thursdays think tank audience.

The premier said that Republican politicians behind closed doors agree that Trumps trade war hurts Americans. But I guess he has put the fear of God into these people, he added.


The government is looking to break up Google's monopoly over the internet  and OpenAI is ready to swoop in.

As Ars Technica reports, OpenAI product head Nick Turley affirmed in the Justice Department's landmark antitrust case against Google that his employer would, if given the chance, purchase the search giant's flagship internet browser, Chrome.

"Yes, we would [be interested], as would many other parties," Turley said when asked if OpenAI would ever buy Chrome.

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The DOJ proposed the potential sale of Chrome during hearings this week for the remedy phase of the agency's case against Google, which last year was ruled to be an illegal monopoly by a federal judge.

That judge, Amit Mehta, was purportedly skeptical about the DOJ's suggestion to sell off Chrome  but the DOJ argued, per Ars, that the browser is a key part of Google's monopoly and would restore some competition should it no longer be under its umbrella.

OpenAI has mused in the past about creating its own web browser and even hired a few Google developers to that end. Buying Chrome would not only make the company more visible, as Turley suggested during the hearing, but also give it a staggering amount of data to train its AI models  in the form of its billions of users, whose use of the browser could be used to develop AI agents that will compete against them in the job market.

That's not all that OpenAI has its eye on, either. Along with the proposed divestment of Chrome, the Justice Department has also suggested that Google be forced to share its search index with other companies to level the playing field  and during the trial, Turley revealed that OpenAI had attempted to get access to it already.

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"We believe having multiple partners," Turley told the search giant in emails presented as evidence, "and in particular Google's API, would enable us to provide a better product to users."

As Turley told the court, Google ultimately rebuffed OpenAI because it believed that such a deal would harm its leading edge in search.

As of now, it remains to be seen how the government will break up the Google monopoly  and with OpenAI's hat in the ring, there's a future in which ChromeGPT could plague our browsing experiences.

More on OpenAI's expansion: OpenAI Is Secretly Building a Social Network
President Trump is rightly prioritizing two of the most urgent threats to our nations security: fentanyl poisoning and human trafficking. But border security is a multidimensional issue. To dismantle the criminal networks flooding our communities with deadly drugs and exploiting our vulnerable citizens, we must also secure our financialborders.

Drug cartels and trafficking organizations dont just rely on smuggling routes; they depend on financial systems that allow them to launder massive amounts of illicit profits with little oversight. The Trump administration recently took a bold step by designating certain drug trafficking organizations as foreign terrorist organizations. This significant move signals a clear recognition: stopping traffickers means following the money.

For one, it raises the stakes for financial institutions to take their anti-money laundering responsibilities seriously  TD Bank got hit last year with a historic $3 billion in U.S. fines, in part for contributing to the fentanyl and synthetic drug crisis. Additionally, the new designation will give U.S. law enforcement a stronger political mandate to follow the money to stop the cartels. Canada is now following suit.

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Yet even as we raise the stakes abroad, the United States has held the door open to the worlds dirty money. For years, our nation has been one of the easiest places on the globe to set up anonymous shell companies, making it a prime destination for drug traffickers looking to hide their profits. Ample evidence shows that fentanyl networks and trafficking cartels have relied on anonymous U.S. companies to perpetrate their lethal schemes. Even Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted in a recent interview that in some cases, traffickers and their money launderers set up shell companies, to hide their profits and be able to distribute the funds they have.

Congress took action to address money laundering entities in 2021 by passing the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which requires certain companies to disclose their true owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This law, passed under the first Trump administration, marked the most significant update to U.S. anti-money laundering law in two decades.

Most notably, if implemented correctly, federal, state and local law enforcement would have access to vital information on the beneficial owners of these formerly anonymous companies. Prior to this, law enforcement investigations into the financing of these trafficking and drug networks were derailed by layers of corporate secrecy.

But today, enforcement of this critical anti-trafficking tool is at risk, facing opposition from some business groups and lawmakers who want to weaken its implementation. Worse still, the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced it will notenforce key parts of the CTA. This is an alarming reversal that directly undercuts law enforcements ability to fight trafficking and fentanyl distribution.

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At a time when traffickers are growing more sophisticated, we cannot afford to let them exploit loopholes in our financial system. Effective efforts to stop fentanyl and traffickers require fully implementing the CTA and fully funding FinCENs efforts to track the illicit financial flows fueling the fentanyl crisis. Whats more, this law assists the administration in continuing its work building robust relationships with our neighbors to support law enforcement cooperation and information sharing to dismantle these transnational crime operations.

Our government recognizes the need to work with Canada and Mexico to crack down on the financial enablers of drug and human trafficking. Failing to enforce the beneficial ownership information requirements of the CTA, as announced by the Department of Treasury last week, is a significant step back in our fight to improve public safety.

Other nations are stepping up. Canada already requires disclosures similar to the Corporate Transparency Act, Mexico has anti-money laundering measures that generate crucial financial data ripe for analysis.

With proper enforcement, the United States can lead a regional effort to choke off the flow of criminal proceeds and dismantle these dangerous transnational networks. But if we abandon our own enforcement tools, we make America the soft target. We invite cartels and traffickers to hide their profits here, undermining the very border security and law enforcement efforts we claim to champion.

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Stopping trafficking means going after the money. It means equipping our law enforcement agencies with every available tool  including the CTA. Tariffs alone wont stop trafficking. Increasing border security alone wont stop fentanyl. But making it harder for criminals to both profit and move their money? Thats where it hurts. Follow the money. Secure Americas financial borders and bring these criminals to justice.

Frank Russo is vice president of Modern Fortis Public Safety Strategies and the director of the CPACs Center for Combating Human Trafficking. Nelson Bunn is the executive director of the National District Attorneys Association.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
As the United States conducts critical negotiations on a nuclear deal with Iran, the Iranian authorities will continue to stall, bluster, negotiate and renegotiate. In short, they will seek to run out the clock until President Trumps attention is diverted elsewhere to some more immediate crisis at home or abroad.

If they do sign a deal, the Iranian regime will seek to water down the conditions, just enough so that Trump can declare victory and walk away. Then they can turn their focus to what they consider the most serious threat to the regime  their own people.

The swift demise of the Assad regime in Syria provides a cautionary tale for the Iranian regime. Its fall came about not from any external power, but from within.

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The same popular resistance exists inside Iran, where more than 80 percent of the country oppose the Islamic regime. Protests have rocked the country over the last few years, in which activists and ordinary people regularly chant Death to the Islamic Republic and Death to the dictator.

Worse still for Irans leaders, there is unease and uncertainty among the foot soldiers, the rank and file who carry out the regimes orders. They have watched the once vaunted Islamic Republic incur serial humiliations, and as Israel and the U.S. have gutted one after another of their vaunted ring-of-fire proxy forces.

Amid external and internal strife, the Iranian regime will seek, in the words of a prominent professor inside Iran who prefers to stay anonymous for security reasons, to hibernate until Donald Trump has left the stage. In the meantime, the regime has already ratcheted up domestic repression in an effort to contain ever-growing popular discontent.

The success of the Iranian regimes strategy will depend on whether the administration expands conditions in any grand bargain to consider its impact on the Iranian people. As currently proposed, the agreement focuses exclusively on Irans military capabilities  providing sanctions relief in exchange for stringent restrictions on Irans nuclear program.

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If pressed to make such a deal, the Islamic Republic will likely agree. After the attention of the world has moved elsewhere, the Iranian regime, flush with cash from sanctions relief, would move quickly to crush internal dissent and consolidate its control of the country.

There is a precedent to follow. In 1988, exhausted after eight years of war with Iraq, Iran struck a deal to end the war it had pledged to fight until victory, then went back home to regroup and rebuild. Repairing economic ties with the world was paired with the violent suppression of domestic dissent  kicked off by the mass murder of some 5,000 political prisoners  and massive investments in its malign proxy forces, Hezbollah, Hamas and Syria.

A grand bargain that focuses solely on Irans military capacities would enable the regime to emerge unscathed from the looming crisis posed by the Iranian people, who overwhelmingly oppose the regimes policies of confrontation with the U.S. and Israel and its support for regional proxies. The nature of the Islamic Republic would remain the same, and it would retain its doctrine of strategic patience in its confrontation with the West. Ignoring precedent, the Trump grand bargain would simply kick the can down the road, leaving another U.S. administration to deal with the inevitable backsliding of a recidivist regime.

In the interests of U.S. national security, the Trump administration should seek to empower the one actor that poses the greatest long-term threat to the Iranian regime: the Iranian people.

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The administration can do so by incorporating a parallel track in negotiations that seeks to provide maximum support for the Iranian people, building on the bipartisan congressional Maximum Support Act that seeks to protect citizens access to online communications. This support should involve conditions that put constraints on the Iranian regimes ability to lash out at Iranian protesters and political prisoners after an agreement is signed. Such conditions could include an immediate halt to political executions, United Nations inspections of Evin and other prisons in which political prisoners are housed, the cessation of the use of lethal force against protesters, and an end to prosecutions for peaceful dissent.

Initially, Iran would reject such conditions, but it might reconsider if its economy continues to crumble, the drums of war beat louder, or their foot soldiers start shedding their uniforms to blend in with the regular population.

The Trump administration would make a grave mistake to bail out the Iranian regime while allowing them to consolidate control by crushing popular resistance. In order to forge a truly historic agreement, Trump should seek not only to disarm Iran but also to defend and empower the Iranian people who will and have fought bravely to change the nature of the Iranian regime.

Standing by the Iranian people is not just a moral imperative. It is in the national security interests of the United States to do so.

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Michael Eisner is general counsel of the Center for Human Rights in Iran, and Saeid Dehghan is a prominent Iranian human rights lawyer and director of the Parsi Law Collective.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Can schools tell parents they cannot direct how their children are taught about sensitive topics in public schools, even when the law gives parents that right? The U.S. Supreme Court held oral arguments in a case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, that raised that question on Tuesday morning. The court should now clarify that depriving parents of a widely recognized right is the type of burden the Constitution is intended to prevent.

The questions asked during the argument suggest that the justices are inclined to do that.

The case involves a dispute between parents and their local school district in Maryland. The parents are motivated by different religious faiths but share a conviction that they are responsible for how their children are taught sensitive topics about sexuality and gender. When their local school district introduced books about gender identity in early grades, the parents asked to excuse their children from this instruction. The district initially agreed. But later, the district announced it would no longer honor the parents requests to opt their children out, citing concerns about administering the opt-outs, possible absenteeism and risks to other childrens feelings.

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This case raises the question of whether revoking parents ability to direct how their children are taught about sensitive topics burdens their religious beliefs. The divided federal court of appeals panel which previously heard this case said no.

The judges on that panel needed to differentiate the current case from a prior precedent. In the prior case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Amish parents have the right to excuse their children from attending school after 8th grade. This ruling was based on the belief that children at that age should focus on preparing for a religious vocation, which secondary education would interfere with.

In reality, it is pretty simple to see how the districts actions in the Maryland case significantly burden the religious practice of the parents seeking accommodation of their beliefs. A brief filed in the Supreme Court by Sutherland Institute explains how by pointing to a remarkable consistency in the states laws.

The state of Maryland and virtually every other state (there are three possible exceptions) recognize the right of parents to excuse their children from instructions about sexual topics. Typically, the laws require schools to notify parents of the planned teaching, to allow parents to review curriculum materials, and to empower parents to excuse their children from the discussions for religious or other reasons. Most states will teach the children unless the parents object (opt-out), but others require the parents to give affirmative consent before including a child in the instruction (opt-in).

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This broad consensus among the states, including Maryland, makes the burden clear. The parents simply ask for the ability to fulfill their religious obligation to direct their childrens education on these sensitive topics. The district is unlawfully denying an accommodation available to nearly all other parents nationwide.

That near-universal consensus also illustrates why the districts excuses for not honoring the parents wishes are not compelling. Maryland and nearly all other states recognize this accommodation is feasible and desirable. Whatever extra work it requires for the school pales in comparison to the burden it places on the religious practice of children and their parents.

State and local laws and practices designed to accommodate the religious practices of citizens, like those of the states described in our brief, should be encouraged. They can prevent expensive and time-consuming lawsuits and assure religious organizations and people of faith that their rights are secure.

In this case, the districts actions have the opposite effect. They signal that the accommodations elected representatives adopt cannot be counted on when they run contrary to ideological preoccupations. That sets a precedent with wide-ranging negative implications. The Supreme Court should prevent this result by vindicating the rights of the parents against the burdens the school district has placed on the exercise of their religion.
Since their partys huge loss in November, Democrats in the House and the Senate have been counting down the days till the 2026 midterm elections present them the chance to swing control back in their favor. A new poll from Harvards Institute of Politics makes it clear, though, that Democrats have a lot of ground to make up with the young Americans whose votes theyd need to flip either chamber.

The Harvard Youth Poll, released Wednesday, is filled with troubling statistics about how 18- to 29-year-olds feel about the state of the country broadly and politics in particular. Congressional Democrats should be especially worried at how few of those surveyed have positive views of their work. Only 23% of young Americans approve of congressional Democrats job performance, and almost three times as many  66%  disapprove. (The survey overall reported a margin of error of +/- 3.21%.)

Those numbers are even more dire relative to previous iterations of the Youth Poll. In spring 2017, during the opening days of the first Trump administration, 42% of those surveyed approved of what congressional Democrats were doing. That approval rating jumped to 48% in fall 2020, more than double where it stands today. (In the fall 2020 poll, 49% of those surveyed disapproved of the Democrats job performance.)

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Even worse for Democrats? Self-identified Democrats  not Republicans and independents  are dragging down Dems approval ratings. In the fall 2020 survey, 79% of young Democrats polled approved of their partys representatives in Congress. Only 47% do now. Even wilder and more distressing for Democratic politicos: Only 23% of the young Americans polled who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris approve of congressional Democrats performance.

Democrats in each chamber have their own challenges in trying to win back these disillusioned voters. Its tough even in the best of years for Democrats to find a one-size-fits-all message for 468 campaigns. A legislative strategy that wins votes for a purple states senator might dampen turnout for a typically safe blue seat. Add to that the ongoing debate inside the party over how to respond to President Donald Trumps lawlessness. The Democratic base is itching for a fight, but more timid lawmakers worry about how a confrontational approach will play out in a general election.

And while the nationalization of politics continues apace, theres still a patchwork of constituencies that senators and congresspeople serve. That means its unlikely that theyll all turn into carbon copies of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. And not just because the GOP is eager to make her the next Nancy Pelosi; i.e., a member who can be used as a national symbol for the lefts supposed decadence. (I personally say bring it on in both regards, but Im admittedly not who Democrats should worry about being turned off by that approach.)

Complicating matters further, the normal dividing line within the party has shifted. Most recent primary seasons have seen challengers to incumbents waging ideological fights from the left. Now the division appears to be between those who would rather be on offense against Trump versus those whod rather act defensively. To wit: Democratic activist David Hogg, who at 25 is still eligible to be included in Harvards Youth Poll, last week announced that he plans to spend $20 million on primary challengers to incumbents who arent sufficiently combative. Party luminaries and House Democrats exploded with outrage at Hogg, a recently elected Democratic National Committee vice chair, promoting intraparty warfare.

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There are some comforting bits of data within the Harvard poll. As respondents have soured on Democrats, there hasnt been a corresponding surge of support for Trump or Republicans in Congress. Most of Trumps signature policies also remain deeply unpopular across the age group, with none receiving majority support. And, fortunately, theres a lot of time between now and November 2026 for Democrats to right the ship.

The only problem is trying to decide which direction to turn the boat. Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who are leading their respective chambers campaign arms, have the tough task of figuring that out. Along with DNC Chair Ken Martin, theyll be the ones deciding whether to talk to voters about the price of eggs and tariffs, due process violations and corruption or all the above. What this poll should tell them, though, is that theres no time to waste in trying to convince the increasingly disaffected and jaded members of Gen Z that there are still institutions that can make the country better. The Harvard poll makes it clear that young people have seen little evidence of that so far.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Earlier this month, the federal government withheld billions in funding from Harvard. Last week, the IRS considered whether the school should even keep its tax-exempt status.

Harvards response? Theyve labeled these moves as somehow unlawful. But they cant explain how, because theyre wrong.

First, as it relates to funding, no institution is simply entitled to billions of taxpayer dollars. The federal government has the absolute right to attach conditions to the programs it pays for, especially when it comes to compliance with applicable civil rights laws.

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Contrary to what Harvards leadership may believe, this isnt a First Amendment issue. The government is not suppressing free speech but exercising its own speech. And the Supreme Court has been crystal clear about this.

In Walker v. Texas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans (2015), for example, the court explained that when government speaks, it is not barred by the Free Speech Clause from determining the content of what it says. In fact, the court has persistently refused to hold that the government unconstitutionally discriminates on the basis of viewpoint when it chooses to fund a program dedicated to advance certain permissible goals, because the program in advancing those goals necessarily discourages alternative goals.

In short, there is no First Amendment issue here because the government is not telling Harvard what to do: Harvard is free to keep on discriminating to its own hearts content  just not on the governments dime.

Second, the IRS has full authority to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status, and it is not a close call.

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Over 40 years ago, the Supreme Court in Bob Jones University v. United States (1983) ruled that the IRS could (and should) revoke a universitys tax-exempt status because its racially discriminatory practices violated public policy. In fact, in some ways, this case is even easier, because not only is discriminatory antisemitism in this context against public policy, it is also actually unlawful under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

The fight against antisemitism has never been about Jewish exceptionalism, but rather Jewish equality, and while some talking heads might laugh at the idea of taking anti-Jewish hate just as seriously as other forms of discrimination, thankfully, the government is not laughing.

The real story here should not be that Harvard is losing some funding, or that it might forfeit its taxpayer-subsidized preferential treatment. The focus should be on how hard and how openly the University is willing to fight for its self-given right to continue violating civil rights laws with impunity.

Shame on them.

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Shame as well on those public figures who somehow find their voices only just in time to criticize those finally imposing accountability where it is so desperately needed.

Where were they when Jewish students were being attacked on campus? Silent. But when the Trump administration started deporting anti-Israel protest organizers like Mahmoud Khalil, these same politicians rushed to whitewash his violent behavior and paint him as a misunderstood peacenik.

If only they had fought so hard to protect the rights of those who were harassed for over a year, or even the innocent non-Jews caught in belligerent crossfire, it might not have come to this.

These are the same folks who would theatrically jump on a plane to El Salvador to visit a deported accused wife-beater and alleged gang member who entered our country illegally, but dont appear to have any time left to advocate for a Jewish American citizen, Edan Alexander, still held captive for over 18 months in a Hamas terror tunnel under Gaza.

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The bottom line is this: We are living at an inflection point in our countrys history, and it is time for everyone to take a long, hard look in the mirror to see where they stand.

If you are fine with protesters using their free speech to incite anti-Jewish hate, but not with the government using its free speech to stand up for the Jews; if you are okay with the IRS revoking tax breaks for racist institutions, but not for ones who ignore antisemitism; if you romanticize leaders of groups that endorse the murder of Jews, yet call it unlawful when the government enforces civil rights; and if you care so much about illegal detentions that you simply must get on a plane and act, but only when the person being held is not Jewish, well, there is a word for that, and it isnt pretty.

Lets hope Harvard and its supporters realize what theyre actually defending before its too late. Their blind hatred for President Trump is leading them to actually openly fight for the right to discriminate  and frankly, its disgraceful.

To paraphrase Vice President J.D. Vance: Harvard, do you hear yourself?

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Mark Goldfeder, J.D., is a law professor and CEO of the National Jewish Advocacy Center.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Head Start is the poster child for public spending. The 60-year-old program and its newer offshoot, Early Head Start, currently provide preschool and child care for roughly 800,000 children in low-income families. Studies find that the programs boost kids health and school readiness, increase their earnings in adulthood and their chances to attend college and reduce their likelihood of crime. These programs are so popular that many centers have long waitlists, and theyre so successful that Head Starts $12 billion-a-year budget effectively pays for itself.

So why does the White House have Head Start and Early Head Start on the chopping block? Especially given that The New York Times reports that advocates of boosting the birthrate have been meeting with White House aides, according to four sources.

The problem with Head Start is that its success counters the administrations narrative of waste, fraud and abuse in government spending and disrupts its efforts to create a highly precarious class of people to exploit. The gutting of Head Start would force vulnerable people to labor in more difficult or demeaning conditions for the benefit of big corporations, billionaires and other privileged people.

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Consider, for example, what eliminating Head Start would do to mothers. Without Head Start, hundreds of thousands of these women would likely have to settle for less-than-ideal partners, less-than-ideal child care or less-than-ideal jobs.

Unlike other anti-poverty programs, like welfare and food stamps, Head Start recipients arent burdened with counterproductive work requirements. So, rather than have to take the first low-paying, entry-level jobs they can find, mothers often use their childrens enrollment in Head Start as opportunities to develop their parenting skills and get more involved in their communities. Many even go back to school themselves, gaining the knowledge and credentials they need to set themselves up for better jobs long term.

Head Start also connects mothers with other government services, facilitating enrollment in programs like welfare, food stamps and Medicaid. This helps to ensure that families receive all the assistance for which they qualify, lessens the stigma around government support and reduces pressure on mothers to find ways to make ends meet financially or to find partners who can provide that financial support.

To understand the consequences of eliminating Head Start, its useful to examine what happens under the current system to families who need but cant access Head Start services, whether because they live far from the available Head Start centers, they get stuck on waitlists that prioritize households facing even more hardship or they make just a little bit too much money to qualify.

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Take, for example, a mom I interviewed in my research for my recent book. For privacy reasons, Ill call her Tara. Tara, who grew up in a rural community in Indiana, got pregnant in high school in 2013. Her white, evangelical Christian family persuaded her to have the baby and marry her high school boyfriend, rather than finish her degree. Tara and her husband both found full-time jobs at a manufacturing facility, and their combined income was roughly $40,000 a year.

That income wasnt high enough to afford market rates for child care, but it was too high to qualify for Early Head Start. Though, even if Tara qualified, the nearest Early Head Start Center was more than 15 miles away, and in the opposite direction from work.

Ultimately, then, Tara asked her mother to care for her daughter, paying her what money she could. That choice, though, came with its own complications, because Taras mom struggled with drug addiction and alcohol abuse. Those struggles eventually led to a falling-out between Tara and her mother when Tara learned that her mother had sold her dog for money for drugs. Tara decided that she could no longer trust her mom to provide child care and opted to leave the workforce and stay home full time, instead.

That transition, plus the stress of living on one income, took a toll on Taras relationship with her husband. They divorced in 2019, just before Tara gave birth to their third child. The following year, though, Taras ex-husband lost his job at the manufacturing facility during the Covid-19 pandemic. He ended up moving back into Taras 500-square-foot mobile homeand, like many men, leaning heavily on her for emotional support.

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All of this has exacted a cost on Taras mental health. She told me that she frequently suffers from panic attacks but that she hasnt sought treatment, because shes worried about paying the out-of-pocket costs. Instead, she tries to find a quiet place to hide for a minute  not an easy feat in the mobile homes tight quarters  and use breathing techniques to calm herself down so she can be patient with her ex-husband and their kids.

Eliminating Head Start and Early Head Start risks pushing more families into this kind of precarity. And, arguably, that kind of precarity is the point. Because precarity limits peoples choices, and limited choices make people easier to exploit. Sadly, it seems this White House may be just fine with that.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Despite President Donald Trumps attempts to spin his first 100 days as a shining success, he is more unpopular today than at any point in his first term, when his ratings were notoriously dismal. A batch of new polls released this week suggests Trump may be in even more political trouble than Republicans initially feared.

Only 37% of voters approve of how Trump has handled the economy, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey. Worse still, Reuters/Ipsos found that a majority of Americans oppose Trumps handling of immigration, his signature issue. Trumps growing unpopularity is fueling a wave of Democratic overperformance in recent special elections. Even Trump-aligned pollster Rasmussen Reports found Democrats now enjoy a 4-point lead in the generic congressional ballot.

None of those gains seem to matter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who spent the week bashing the Democratic Party as a directionless mess that should work harder to meet MAGA extremists halfway.

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I dont know what the party is, Newsom told The Hill on Monday. Im still struggling with that.

Newsoms pessimism about Democrats future isnt new, but it is consistently misguided. The governor clearly wants to position himself as a politician willing to speak tough truths to the party ahead of his presumed 2028 presidential campaign. Thats great! Democrats certainly need to have honest conversations about where we struggled in 2024. But those conversations should be based on data and discussions with our voters  not on Newsoms chats with MAGA influencers like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk.

Thats especially true when Newsoms so-called strategy required Democrats to bash the transgender community and write off Trumps illegal deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had protected status to reside in the U.S., as a distraction from real issues. Newsom seems to think that Democrats can only win in 2026 and 2028 if they abandon the justice principles that are the foundation of our party. The polls say otherwise.

During the rough few months that followed Kamala Harris general election loss, Newsom crystallized his dim view of the party when many Democrats were questioning how the party could have possibly lost to Trump. He was joined in his pessimism by some Democratic elites like strategist James Carville, who blamed Harris loss on woke politics and urged the party to split from its progressive wing.

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With the partys favorability among voters scraping record lows in March, plenty of Democrats were willing to believe that the party needed a ground-up rebuild. But then a funny thing happened: The more voters saw Trumps incompetence and cruelty on display, the more they told pollsters that Democrats were right on issues ranging from the economy to protecting Social Security to defending due process from Trumps unlawful deportation scheme.

Central to Newsoms argument is the idea that Democrats lost their core demographics in 2024 because they focused too heavily on social issues. Its understandable that he would think that, because California saw a disproportionately large number of Latinos and younger voters shift toward the GOP last year. For Newsom, those 2024 shifts are Democrats new normal, and the only way for the party to survive is to shed its political skin in favor of something more center-right.

In fact, that shift might not be so permanent after all. An Economist/YouGov poll released last week found that Trump has already given up nearly all of his gains among young voters, where he boasts an impressive 57% disapproval rating. Trumps support also cratered among Americans ages 30 to 44 (58% disapproval) and even among his base of older Americans. For the first time in his political career, a majority (52%) of Americans 65 and up dislike him.

The numbers are even worse among Latino voters. A Pew Research poll released Thursday found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of Latino voters disapprove of Trumps job performance, compared to just 27% who support him. Thats a staggering drop-off from November, when Trump won a GOP record 45% of the Latino vote.

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Most of the Latinos Pew surveyed said they disapproved of Trumps economic chaos and his draconian deportations of men like Abrego Garcia  the same distraction Newsom was all too eager to abandon just a few weeks ago. As it turns out, what voters wanted wasnt for Democrats to soften their edges and make peace with the GOP. They simply wanted Democrats to fight back.

Newsoms rush to the center-right looks out of place amid the positive polling coming Democrats way, and it highlights the real moral hazard that comes from being too quick to sell out your principles because of a few bad polls. That doesnt mean Democrats should rely on Trump to fumble his way into a Democratic Congress in 2026. They will still need to make the case for Democratic leadership. But unlike Newsom seems to think, they dont need to abandon their Democratic bona fides to get there.

As congressional Democrats gear up for an all-out fight to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid from sweeping GOP cuts, it will be critical to ground that economic argument in our values as Democrats. Voters are wary and weary of Trumps nonstop chaos and open defiance of the rule of law. The data shows those voters are already rewarding the Democrats who have been courageous enough to draw sharp contrasts between our values and the GOPs rotten circus.

A few months ago, Newsoms strategy of making nice with MAGA and scolding the left might have seemed like the path forward. Now its woefully out of step with what voters say they want. Newsom says Democrats need to move beyond the guy or gal on the white horse thats going to come save the day. Its time Democrats moved beyond Newsoms self-sabotaging, defeatist view of the party he hopes to lead.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Vice President JD Vance shocked many across the Atlantic when in a recent interview with UnHerd he argued that Europe should have done more to stop the war against Saddam Hussein more than two decades ago. According to the vice president, standing by the United States when it was in particular need had been a mistake.

This offers an important signpost for U.S. allies charting their futures.

Much of Europe was rightly skeptical of the idea that democracy could be introduced by armed intervention in Iraq, believing war could only turn a rogue state into a failed state. Although a failed state is better than a rogue state that has weapons of mass destruction, Baghdad did not, as it turned out, possess such weapons. This upended all earlier calculations. Especially when the world learned that the new failed state had become a breeding ground for pathologies such as terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration.

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Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld contrasted the old Europe, which under the leadership of French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder was building an anti-American alliance, with the new Europe, which supported the United States. The French president said at the time that Poland had wasted an opportunity to sit silent  and Vance has now agreed with him.

Although Polish public opinion viewed the intervention in Iraq dimly, Polands political elite saw it as a way to strengthen the alliance with the U.S. and the countrys international standing. An instinctive Atlanticism prevailed, regardless of which party was in power. Defense Secretary Rumsfeld was not far from the truth when he labeled Poland the most pro-American country on the globe, including even the United States.

Poland sent a contingent of 2,500 troops to Iraq in 2003. After Denmarks refusal, the Poles took command of the Multinational Division Central-South  MND-CS, taking responsibility for the South-Central-Zone, inhabited by nearly 4 million Iraqis. The Polish-led sector included 8,500 troops from 22 countries. Nor did Polish forces in Iraq avoid losses: 28 Poles lost their lives and 150 were wounded.

Participation in the Iraq operation was assessed by the Polish establishment as a military success, a political draw and an economic failure. The experience gained in logistics, operations and command over a significant multinational force was applied to the reform of the armed forces and the introduction of a professional army. Polands political independence and agency on the international stage were also strengthened. However, hopes for economic benefits in the form of lucrative contracts for Polish companies did not materialize.

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Thus, until recently we believed that  in the overall  we had been right to support the United States at the time. Vice President Vance, however, argues that we joined the wrong side: that by engaging militarily in Iraq as a U.S. vassal we contributed to a strategic disaster. In other words, we were suckers: we should have opposed Washington along with old Europe.

But the vice presidents take is ahistorical. In 2003 no force existed that could have prevented the administration of President George W. Bush from invading Iraq and removing Saddam Hussein. The U.S. would have launched military operations even without its allies, no matter the diminished legitimacy of such a war. It was not until years after the invasion of Iraq that the enormous costs (human, financial, political) became apparent and turned the American public against the whole enterprise.

The vice president suggests to Americas allies that they should actively oppose those U.S. moves they deem questionable or misguided. If they fail to do so, they will be declared co-responsible for the strategic disasters of U.S. policy such as the one in Iraq. But was this in fact JD Vances intended message?

Jacek Czaputowicz was Polands foreign minister from 2018 to 2020. He is professor at the University of Warsaw.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Wednesday, with the two sides exchanging in-depth views on the latest progress of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the friendship between China and Iran has stood the test of the international situation, and that developing China-Iran relations is a shared strategic choice for both sides.

In recent years, China and Iran have deepened political mutual trust through mutual support, tightened the connection between their interests through practical cooperation, and united and collaborated in the fight against unilateral bullying, Wang said.

"Today's world is full of turbulence. The United States' abuse of tariffs has lost people's support and isolated the country itself from the international community. The international community needs to stand united more than ever to uphold multilateralism and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations," Wang said.

He said that China is willing to work with Iran to implement the important consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries, and to continuously consolidate coordination and collaboration in deepening friendly cooperation in various fields of international and regional affairs. China is also ready to work with Iran to promote the greater influence of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS mechanism and other multilateral frameworks, and to make more efforts to safeguard the common interests of the two countries, as well as efforts to promote regional and world peace and stability.

Araghchi said that Iran attaches great importance to developing its relations with China, abides by the one-China principle, and supports China in safeguarding its core interests. Iran will continue to work with China to provide firm mutual support, oppose unilateralism and hegemonism, and safeguard multilateralism.

Wang emphasized that China has always been committed to a political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, and opposes the abuse of force and illegal unilateral sanctions.

China appreciates Iran's commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, respects Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, supports Iran in conducting dialogue with all parties -- including the United States -- and in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests through consultation and negotiation, Wang said, adding that it will help safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and promote regional peace and stability.

Araghchi praised China's important, positive role in promoting the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, and expressed willingness to maintain close communication and coordination with China. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, capital of China, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
Several major polling outlets are beginning to release survey research data to examine President Trumps first 100 days in office. The numbers are to put it as nicely as possible, not good for the Trump team. To put it more bluntly: The bottom has fallen out of Trumps job approval ratings.

In research released yesterday by the Pew Research Center, 59 percent of respondents disapprove of Trumps job as president while 40 percent approve. Much of the anti-Trump sentiment is driven by his tariff policy (59 percent disapprove, 39 percent approve). Only in relative terms does Trump do better on the question of cuts to federal agencies and departments (55 percent disapprove, 44 percent approve).

Sixty-two percent of women and 55 percent of men disapprove of Trumps job as president. A modest majority of white voters (51 percent) approve of Trumps work, but Black (82 percent disapprove), Hispanic (72 percent disapprove) and Asian respondents (69 percent) all give decidedly negative scores.

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In a trend that must be worrisome to the White House, 55 percent of voters with a high school education or less now give Trump failing marks, although Republican respondents at least somewhat confident that Trump can handle the major issues facing the country.

The economy is a real vulnerability for Trump. His rating on this number has plunged from 54 percent very or somewhat confident in Trump to make good economic decisions to just 45 percent today. Pew notes that his is lower than Trumps rating on the issue throughout 2019 and 2020.

Trumps weakness on the economy is also evident in polling released by Reuters this week, which shows his overall approval rating at 42 percent. Just 37 percent of respondents to the six-day poll approve of Trumps handling of the economy, down from 42 percent in the hours after his January 20 inauguration, when he promised to bring about a Golden Age. The reading is lower than at any point in his first term, when it ranged from the mid-40s to mid-50s.

Reuters also found that 75 percent of respondents were worried that a recession is coming and 56 percent, including one in four Republicans, find Trumps economic policy to be too erratic.

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Is there a silver lining for Trump in these numbers? Well, a 42 percent approval rating is at least better than what Joe Biden had for most of his term. Also, the public is less than impressed with the Democratic Party, of which only 38 percent have a favorable impression, compared to 43 percent for the Republican Party. Significantly, only 75 percent of Democrats have a favorable impression of their own party.

One hundred days into Trump 2.0, Americans generally disapprove of Trumps job performance  particularly on economic issues. The only thing working in Trumps favor is the fact that voters disapprove of Democrats as well.

Martin Burns, a Democratic campaigner for former Vice President Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, has worked as a congressional aide, journalist and lobbyist.

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The rise of social media and online gaming has transformed how children interact, learn and play. While platforms like Roblox, Discord, TikTok and Instagram offer opportunities for connection and creativity, they also present serious risks, as online predators, traffickers and exploitative individuals increasingly use these platforms to groom, exploit and manipulate minors.

A 2023 study by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported 32 million instances of child sexual abuse material being flagged across social media and gaming platforms. Interpol has also warned about the rising number of cases where predators use these platforms to groom children through manipulation, coercion and deception.

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A recent lawsuit charging that Roblox and Discord facilitated the criminal victimization of a 13-year-old child highlights the systemic vulnerabilities that make young people easy targets. Despite Robloxs safety and moderation policies, which cite frequent audits and improvements to its algorithms to detect and block behavior that violates its Terms of Use, the lawsuit says loopholes allowed inappropriate content and predator interactions to persist. Discord, known for its private, invitation-only servers, has been cited multiple times for hosting unmoderated spaces where illicit activities thrive.

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In fact, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children found that platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok were responsible for over 80% of online grooming cases in the U.K. With children spending an average of four to seven hours daily online, exposure to potential harm is greater than ever.

While no single group or entity can solve this crisis alone, social media, gaming and tech companies must prioritize user safety. Rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence have unlocked vast opportunities for implementing safeguards in a way that is more streamlined and automated than ever. But its not solely about technology enhancements; a multi-pronged approach that leverages technology, human oversight and accountability is necessary, with changes such as:

Stronger content moderation: AI-powered filtering is helpful but flawed. More human oversight is needed to identify harmful content and shut down predator accounts.



Improved reporting mechanisms: Users should have an easy, one-click way to report inappropriate content, with clear follow-up actions.



Age verification enhancements: Current systems are easily bypassed. More stringent ID-based verification should be mandatory.



Proactive predator detection: Platforms should use behavioral analysis to flag predatory activity before harm occurs.



Increased transparency and accountability: Lawsuits like the one against Roblox and Discord prove that self-regulation isnt enough. Social media companies must be held legally responsible for failing to protect children.

With so many stakeholders  tech companies, parents, lawmakers and law enforcement  its easy for the legal and ethical responsibility for protecting minors to become blurred. But any crisis as large as this cannot be solved by solely one party, because no single entity can fully prevent these incidents.

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Parents and guardians must start having conversations with their children about online safety  not tomorrow, but tonight. They must realize they are the first line of defense in protecting young people from online predators, so extra vigilance, open dialogue and education are critical. Minors must also be taught about red flags, processes for reporting inappropriate content and the importance of talking to a trusted adult when put in a difficult or inappropriate situation, so they can navigate online spaces safely.

Related

Texas Weighs Social Media Bans for Minors as Schools and Police Face Challenges

But while all must share some responsibility, accountability is paramount. As governments worldwide grapple with how to balance child protection and internet freedom, legislators must push for stricter regulations and penalties for tech companies that fail to safeguard children. And tech companies must begin upholding a safety-by-design standard that invests in better detection of harmful content, grooming patterns and suspicious behavior.

Protecting children in the digital age requires constant vigilance, policy enforcement and education. Its time to turn the tide against online exploitation to create a safer digital world where children can explore, play and learn without fear of exploitation.
When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina last fall, Blue Ridge Public Radio leapt into action. When cell service went down, they kept reporting. When power went out, they switched to a backup generator. When other reporters needed a place to work, they opened their doors.

Broadcasting for 12 hours or more each day and constantly updating their website, Blue Ridge Public Radio became a crucial source of information for a devastated community.

At Knight Foundation, where Im president and CEO, we know that a well-informed public is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. Its why the free press is guaranteed in our Constitution, so that citizens have the information they need to make informed choices. And its why proposals to defund NPR and PBS  and by extension, thousands of public media stations across the country, which deliver reliable news to their communities  are not just misguided but dangerous.

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Public media is one of the few civic institutions that still commands broad trust in an age of division and disinformation. Nearly twice as many Americans support continued federal funding for NPR and PBS as oppose it, according to a study conducted by Pew Research Center just last month.

The two public broadcasters  and the local stations that bring their programming to communities large and small  serve a unique and essential role: delivering free, fact-based news and educational content to everyone, regardless of income or ZIP code.

Like Blue Ridge Public Radio, they provide the important, sometimes life-saving, information a community needs.

In communities across the country, public radio and television stations are reporting on the happenings at city hall, holding school boards accountable, spreading the word of local triumphs and helping residents understand the issues that affect their lives.

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Critics argue that public broadcasting is biased. But year after year, surveys show that PBS is the most trusted source of news in America  more trusted than cable networks, newspapers or social media. And Pews recent research showed that twice as many Americans trust NPR as distrust it.

Both broadcasters are guided by strict editorial standards and bipartisan governance, and they operate with remarkable efficiency. The entire budget of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which oversees both PBS and NPR, costs each American about $1.60. Thats less than one cup of coffee per year for an essential public service.

By law, about 70 percent of CPBs budget goes directly to local stations through annual community service grants. Nearly half of those grant recipients are classified as rural stations.

PBS reaches 89 percent of lower-income families, offering trusted educational programming that commercial networks wont touch. NPRs member stations reach more than 40 million listeners each week, including in communities that are otherwise news deserts.

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And in an emergency  from hurricanes like Helene to wildfires to health crises  its often a public station that stays on air and delivers critical updates.

Federal support helps make this possible, but it also acts as a force multiplier: every dollar Congress allocates to public media helps generate about eight more in private and philanthropic support. That kind of leverage is rare for any federal program  and its part of what makes public broadcasting so resilient and responsive.

But federal support matters most in small and rural communities, where corporate and philanthropic support can be harder to come by, and government funding keeps those stations on the air.

At a time when many local news sources are closing, a public station is in some places the last truly local newsroom. Eliminate the funding, and you silence local voices. You shrink civic space. You take away access to trusted information in communities that need it most.

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This moment requires us to see clearly whats at stake. The crisis in local journalism, the erosion of civic trust, the proliferation of misinformation  all of it points to a need for more investment in fact-based, public interest media, not less.

The federal government cannot fix the information crisis alone, and philanthropies like Knight are actively engaged in finding solutions. But the government can  and should  continue to play a vital role in sustaining a media ecosystem that serves all Americans.

Public media is not perfect. But it is irreplaceable. At a time when Americans are desperate for institutions they can trust, public broadcasting continues to deliver  with integrity, with reach, and with deep community roots.

Congress should reject calls to defund NPR and PBS. Not as a partisan statement, but as a commitment to democracy itself.

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Maribel Perez Wadsworth is the president and CEO of the Knight Foundation. Wadsworth was formerly the president of the USA Today Network and publisher of USA Today.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff opted out of the London peace talks Wednesday with Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

They are taking their ball and going back to Washington. Rubios decision was triggered when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the Trump administrations proposal to recognize Crimea as Russian territory in violation of international law.

But it was not just Zelensky. European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas also said Europe will never recognize the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula as legally Russian.

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Team Trump is making good on its petulant threat to walk away from efforts to broker a Russia-Ukraine peace deal unless there are clear signs of progress.

The situation in Ukraine remains critical and the future uncertain, thanks to Team Trumps U.S.-first approach to the ceasefire. Walking away permanently is not an option. It would create the same risk of starting World War III as the White House has accused Ukraine of creating.

As we cautioned last week, Trump wont force Russia to stop attacking; rather, he is trying to leverage Ukraine and its European supporters to give up on resisting.

Mondays attack on Odesa should be proof enough. Russian President Vladimir Putin resorted to his familiar tactic of striking civilian targets. At least three civilians were injured in a massive attack that struck a residential building in a densely populated urban area, civilian infrastructure and an educational facility.

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On Monday Putin acknowledged authorizing strikes on civilian targets in Sumy on Palm Sunday, which killed 35, two of whom were children, and wounded more than 120.

Without providing any proof, he proclaimed that the site was being used by the Ukrainian military, stating Strikes on civilian objects are carried out if they are used by the Kyiv military. He added, These are the people we consider criminals who should receive a well-deserved retribution for what they have done in the border region  They got this retribution. This was done precisely to punish them.

Despite his dubious gesture to engage in direct negotiations with Ukraine and offer to halt his full-scale invasion of Ukraine along the current front line, Putins actions answer Rubios question from April 4 as to whether or not Russia is serious about peace. It is not, of course.

The latest concessions offered to Russia for a ceasefire being forced upon Ukraine for approval were: Washington recognizing Moscows 2014 annexation of Crimea and barring Ukraine from NATO. Two red-line issues for Zelensky.

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Ukraines deputy prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko said that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with the U.S., but is not willing to surrender, which is basically what the Trump administrations seven-point plan calls for.

According to The Telegraph, the plan provided no clear security guarantees for Ukraine and provided formal recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea by the U.S. Furthermore, it implied de facto recognition of the other four partially occupied territories  Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

It also mandated that Ukraine abandon its pursuit of NATO membership and requires the transfer of control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to the U.S. Ukraine would also have to sign the minerals deal allowing U.S. companies access to the countrys natural resources.

The final point raises the alarming possibility of a new relationship between the U.S. and Russia, saying that all U.S. sanctions would be lifted, and the two countries could begin to co-operate on energy. The same Russia Team Trump is warning Europe to up its GDP defense spending to defend against.

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Team Trump has practically given Putin everything it has demanded short of the keys to Kyiv  though the conditions are certainly set for that to happen in the next five to ten years. As Witkoff stated last week, a possibility to reshape the Russian-U.S. relationship through some very compelling commercial opportunities that I think give real stability to the region too. Partnerships create stability.

What does Ukraine get in return? It can join the European Union, regain unhindered access to the mouth of the Dnipro river, and have Russian troops withdraw from a second area of the Kherson province. European countries could deploy an assurance force to deter Putin from invading again. But such deterrence seems unlikely without U.S. support.

This plan does not hold Russia accountable. It ignores war crimes prosecutions, restitution for damages, the return of prisoners of war and kidnapped children.

This is a losing hand. Ukraine would be the bill payer, as would security for Europes NATO members, virtually ensuring an arms race in preparation for what many believe would be a Russian assault on NATO.

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Strategically, surrendering Crimea back to Russian authority not only cedes control of the entire Black Sea region back to Russia but potentially allows Russia to shut down the Port of Odesa for commercial trade, further threatening their security. As retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges has stated repeatedly over for three years, Crimea is decisive terrain. Why would the U.S. or NATO ever provide Russia that advantage?

The Danish Defense Intelligence Service believes Russia could be ready to wage a large-scale war in Europe within five years.

According to a jointly produced assessment by the Federal Intelligence Service and the Bundeswehr, German security officials believe the Kremlin is laying the groundwork for a potential large-scale conventional war with NATO by the end of the decade.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has warned that Russia could be ready to attack Europe by the end of the decade if Ukraine is forced to surrender.

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It does not matter if the Trump administration is tired of the war, as retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg stated last weekend. What has become inconvenient for the U.S. is a matter of survival for Ukraine  and security for NATOs European members.

No one is more tired of the war than Ukraine  its Soldiers, citizens and leaders. Yet they continue to fight because they simply refuse to be subjugated again by Russia. The cost to the U.S. has been measured in dollars, in Ukraine the cost is measured in lives.

As we recently urged, Trump needs to adopt a new approach to Russia. Rubio, Witkoff, and Kellogg are pursuing a ceasefire under unrealistic terms. Until U.S. negotiators address Ukraines requirements  Team Trumps peace process is dead on arrival.

Tragically, however, as evinced by Trumps Truth Social post blaming Zelensky, he is instead doubling down.

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Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as an Army intelligence officer. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy.

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If I learned anything during a trip to China a few years ago, it was that anti-family policies can be awfully hard to reverse once they take hold.

My wife and I were there with our sons family, which included three small children. This was not long after China had lifted its one-child-per-family policy, which had been in place 35 years. China, like many nations today, was beginning to come to grips with the realization that it faced a demographic catastrophe if it couldnt reverse a child-limiting trend that had become part of the nations psyche. But after 35 years, it appeared many young Chinese didnt want children. Meanwhile, large families were, and likely remain, as rare as unicorn sightings.

Chinas population problem

We went to an ice cream parlor in Beijing. The servers seemed as nervous around the children as if we had come in with wild animals. It didnt help that one of the children dropped a bowl, which shattered on the floor.

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With its national birthrate far below the accepted replacement rate of 2.1 children per woman in childbearing age, some local governments in China have begun offering cash bonuses to parents who have babies that, the Global Times reported, increase in amount for every child born.

Other countries have tried this and more, yet none has found a scheme that works in the long term. Birthrates remain low globally.

And now the Trump administration is about to try its hand.

Children seem to be much more readily accepted in the United States than in China, and yet the birthrate here is  or rather ought to be  as big of a concern as anywhere else.

A dwindling birth rate

A new CDC report this week said the fertility rate in the United States rose last year by 1% above what was a record low in 2023. The 24 rate was 54.6 births per 1,000 women of childbearing age.

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CNN said experts cautioned that the uptick does not signal a change in what is now a long downward trend that gained momentum during the great recession of 2008. Traditionally, birthrates have tracked economic growth, but that trend has not held in recent years.

Economic catastrophe?

President Trump has talked about the need to create a new baby boom. He has good reason to be worried, as do the leaders of other countries. As the New York Times put it this week, a broad coalition of concerned people warn of a future in which a smaller workforce cannot support an aging population and the social safety net. If the birthrate is not turned around, they fear, the countrys economy could collapse and, ultimately, human civilization could be at risk.

As Ive written before, capitalism requires a steady population growth in order to maximize outputs and increase markets through competition. While the population isnt yet shrinking, the current trend makes it inevitable, and that would make government deficits and the national debt harder to address. The nations military would be harder to sustain as recruiting pools shrink along with the number of taxpayers available to support them.

Far from bringing peace, dwindling nations worldwide are more likely to engage in adventurism against smaller and weaker foes with rich resources.

What other countries do

Business Insider last year reviewed what other nations are trying to do about this. South Korea gives new parents a monthly stipend until their baby is a year old. Kazakhstan hands out medals to women  silver for six children, gold for seven or more, plus a lifelong financial allowance.

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In Russia, President Vladimir Putin a few years ago offered $17,000 to people with 10 or more kids.

Other countries have tried public service ads on television urging young people to procreate. None seem to have made a dent in the problem. Money doesnt seem to get to the root of the issue, which some identify as a lack of desire to sacrifice a career for parenthood.

Trumps plan?

Its unclear what the Trump administration has in mind, although some have suggested making in vitro fertilization easier to obtain. The Times said the president is considering reserving a share of Fulbright scholarships for applicants who are married or have children, or bonus checks payable to each mother after delivery.

Those sound like warmed-over policies that have failed elsewhere.

In the Beijing ice cream parlor, the staff adapted quickly to the broken bowl, sweeping up the mess and giving the children plastic bowls instead. Solving the global issue of a shrinking population, however, wont be nearly so easy.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration escalated its assault on immigrants rights by reporting living people as dead in the Social Security Administrations death master file, even though those people had lawfully obtained Social Security numbers. Such falsehoods by a government agency are outrageous and unconscionable  and theyre a clear violation of federal law.

Being declared dead by the Social Security Administration not only cuts off access to Social Security and government benefits but can also destroy peoples ability to find work, rent apartments, get utilities or access credit or insurance. This appears to be the intent of the Trump administrations action.

The big three credit bureaus  Equifax, Experian and TransUnion  rely on data from the death master file to mark individuals as dead. Because credit reports and credit scores are used in screening people to open bank accounts, get credit, rent an apartment or get a job, marking someone as dead can cost them access to a range of ordinary activities.

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When a bank, creditor, debt collector or, in this case, the Social Security Administration, knowingly reports false information to the credit bureaus, that is a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Using information from an unreliable source like Trumps Social Security Administration breaks the Fair Credit Reporting Acts requirement to use reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy. Credit bureaus are not following the law if they use information from a source they know is providing false information.

Theres also a pretty big risk that the administration will end up tagging the wrong people. Thats what happened when the Office of Foreign Assets Controls list of Specially Designated Nationals in and around 2011. Scores of innocent consumers were mistakenly tagged as potential terrorists or drug traffickers, leading to a Supreme Court case.

Theres a lot of evidence, including from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, that credit bureaus already too often label people as dead who are not. Its nearly impossible for people to get those errors fixed.

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The administrations corruption of the Social Security death master file will multiply those problems, and a majority of the impact will likely be felt by Arab, Latino, Muslim and Black communities, as well as other non-white communities.

The harm from falsely reporting someone as dead wont just end with shutting down their credit reports. Mortgage companies, for example, use the death master file to determine when to collect on a reverse mortgage. Government agencies, including state and local agencies, reference the file when distributing assistance funds.

Incorrectly labeling living people as dead raises all sorts of questions: Can spouses and children start collecting survivors benefits? Will creditors file a claim against their estates?

The administration is claiming that the people it has reported as deceased are terrorists and criminals. But as we have seen repeatedly, it is using that label indiscriminately and inaccurately to target people who express a contrary political opinion.

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Moreover, even people accused of terrorism are entitled to due process before the government declares them dead. And polluting our credit reporting system with junk data helps no one.

Finally, for anyone who finds themselves on the receiving end of a false report that they are deceased, you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You can challenge the lie with a dispute to the credit bureaus and the Social Security Administration.

You might need to file a dispute a few times. If that doesnt work, consider seeking legal assistance.

Despite the flurry of confusion in the Capitol, we are still a nation of laws, and consumers falsely reported as deceased still have rights.

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Chi Chi Wu is a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center.

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The Trump administration is pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war in the least diplomatic possible way. On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance laid down an American peace proposal in stark take-it-or-leave-it terms. Weve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, he said, and its time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the proposals, which would involve deep concessions on issues ranging from future Ukrainian neutrality to accepting Russian annexation of Crimea. According to a report by The Associated Press, these proposals were initially presented last week in Paris as just ideas that could be changed. Now, they seem to have hardened into an ultimatum. When Zelenskyy balked, President Donald Trump lashed out on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing that the Ukrainian president can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.

Trump isnt wrong to emphasize that its long past time for a negotiated settlement to end the war. Ukraine has far less diplomatic leverage now than it would have had a year ago  or two years ago  when its battlefield position was far better. Given that its likely the war will end at the bargaining table sooner or later and that any deal will involve painful concessions, theres an obvious case for moving toward a settlement now rather than waiting until another 50,000 or 100,000 Ukrainian and Russian men have died at the front. But its difficult to overstate how unusual Trumps approach has been.

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It may be useful here to consider an analogy to the war in Gaza. The rough equivalent in the Middle East to how the U.S. is approaching diplomacy in eastern Europe would be if, in advance of any direct talks between the parties, Trump demanded that Israel diplomatically recognize the state of Palestine and immediately evacuate all of the settlements in the West Bank. Try to imagine that happening and then Trump and Vance telling Netanyahu that if he doesnt immediately go along with the program, the U.S. will have to walk away from this process.

Whether or not you think this is what should happen, this tale of two wars is striking because its impossible to imagine Trump (or any other American president) approaching Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy in this way, even though Israel is the occupying power in the Palestinian territories and Ukraine is the victim of an invasion, fighting to keep its territories out of the hands of a foreign occupier. The double standard is galling. Even so, a utilitarian case could be made for the administrations approach, if it were likely to work.

The war in Ukraine has led to an immense amount of human suffering in the region, and at times it has seemed terrifyingly close to spiraling into a wider war. According to a report in The New York Times, at one point in 2022, the CIA estimated that there was a 50% chance of Russias using nuclear weapons if Ukraine looked like it was on the verge of retaking Crimea. Later the same year, a missile of unknown origin hit Poland, where it killed two people. At the time, Ukrainian sources blamed Russia.

Poland is a member of NATO, and a Russian missiles hitting its territory would have raised grave questions about Article 5 of NATOs charter, which commits the alliances members to go to war when any member is attacked. It turned out to have been a stray air-defense missile fired from Ukraine, but the incident underscored the always-present danger of the regional conflicts becoming global. And theres an obvious case for diplomacy even without this danger.

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Even relatively conservative estimates show hundreds of thousands of deaths so far, and the use of cluster munitions makes it highly likely that Ukrainians will continue to be blown up by leftover ordnance for many years after the fighting is over. Disturbing videos that have gone viral on social media have shown Ukrainian men being conscripted for the front literally having to be bodily picked up and wrestled onto military buses. Similarly, many Russian men have fled to neighboring countries to avoid being fed into the meat grinder. If these peoples lives could be saved, Trump and Vances blunt approach could be justified.

The problem is that, as much as Id love to be wrong about this, theres every reason to think it will backfire. Trump and Vance have often acted as if Zelenskyy were an employee who would fall into line as soon as he were given his new orders, not an independent actor who has to worry about his own local politics and who needs to be coaxed to the negotiating table with actual diplomacy if theres any chance of making a deal.

The predictable effect of all of this scolding and browbeating will be to increase his popularity in his own country as hes seen standing up for the dignity of Ukraine against foreign bullying and even to harden Ukrainian public opinion against the concessions that are always involved when two countries make a peace deal after neither are in a position to decisively settle things in their favor on the battlefield.

Good-faith mediation to bring about a diplomatic settlement is desperately needed. Whatever this is, its not that.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As President Trump renews talks with Iran over its nuclear program, confusion has emerged over what kind of deal the administration wants.

The presidents special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has given mixed messages on how hardline the U.S. negotiating position will be, stating in an April 14 interview with Fox Newss Sean Hannity that capping Irans uranium enrichment to 3.67 percent was an option (90 percent is required for a nuclear weapon). Yet the following day, Witkoff announced on X that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.

Which position the administration takes may determine whether the talks succeed or fail.

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Hawks are salivating at the prospects of the latter.

One reason the failure of these talks seems not to bother the foreign policy hawks in Washington is because they believe there is a relatively easy and low-cost alternative to forestall Irans nuclear ambitions: bombing. In January, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham dismissed the idea of restraining Iran through diplomacy, giving it a one in trillion chance of succeeding. Military action, he said, had a 90 percent chance.

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton recently downplayed concerns over the risks of a conflict as hysteria. Even Pennsylvanias Democratic Sen. John Fetterman said he would support a bombing campaign against Iran.

All of these statements share a common thread  the assumption that striking Iran to stop its nuclear program is a viable option. But it isnt.

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The presupposition that the U.S., with its imposing military power, can easily pummel a middling state like Iran is an understandable one. In many respects it is true. Irans military relies on outdated equipment  especially its air force, which operates many Cold War-era U.S. aircraft, the replacement parts for which are obviously not forthcoming from their country of origin. Against the power of the U.S. military, one could reasonably conclude Iran has no chance.

However, the victory Trump would be pursuing in such a war would be strategic, not just operational. An Iranian battlefield defeat means nothing unless its nuclear program is permanently dismantled. Is that possible to do from the air? Likely not, and most policymakers dont seem to appreciate what this would involve.

Irans nuclear program relies on a variety of facilities scattered across a country with a land area of 640,000 square miles. A U.S. or joint U.S.-Israeli campaign would require nationwide, sustained and round-the-clock sorties to hit not only nuclear sites but first air defense systems, radar installations, airfields, command and control nodes, and other key targets to hamper the regimes response. Israel hit some of Irans S-300 air defense systems in its October strikes, leading some to conclude Iran had been defanged. However, the extent of the damage is unknown and its not clear how Iran is reconstituting its losses.

In addition to this challenge, the nuclear sites themselves are not nearly as easily neutralized as one would think. The most important are hardened, subterranean enrichment sites that may be invulnerable even to the GBU-57 bunker buster, the U.S. weapon designed to destroy such targets. It could require several sorties to disable just one site. The priority targets for such a campaign would likely be the Fordow and Natanz enrichment facilities and the Isfahan reactor, all located within the heart of Irans air defense coverage.

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Even if these sites and their accompanying defenses are neutralized, that isnt the end of the matter. The likelihood of Iran rushing to rebuild and weaponize its nuclear program if attacked is high. A sustained air campaign would likely be required to keep Irans nuclear program down, with periodic bombing whenever sites are reconstituted.

The impermanence of this solution could naturally lead some to conclude that only a U.S. ground presence will do the job. Such an effort would be titanic in a country almost thrice as populous as 2003 Iraq, with one estimate putting the necessary U.S. force to occupy the country at 1.6 million  nearly triple that at the height of the Vietnam War.

Attempts to launch a limited war to neuter Irans nuclear program could easily morph into a quagmire that would overshadow Iraq, which is why the presidents apparent skepticism of the idea is a positive sign.

Still, Trump and his Cabinet should understand how catastrophic the military option is. A deal is the best alternative, but even muddling around in the uncertain status quo is infinitely preferable to inflicting on Americans another disastrous war in the Gulf. When it comes to war with Iran, the cure would be worse than the disease.

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Scott Strgacich is a research associate at Defense Priorities.

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PORTLAND, Ore (KOIN)  Wine researchers from Oregon asked New Zealanders to help answer a flavor question: What do you think of the wine from the grapes affected by the 2020 wildfires?

Oregon State University Professor Elizabeth Tomasino and her team worked with the University of Massey in New Zealand and sent them wine made from Oregon pinot noir grapes  both smoke-impacted grapes and untainted grapes.

Oregon State research finds some drinkers like smoke-tainted wines

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They know pinot noir very well, but they dont have, say, the experience of having to live through 2020 on the West Coast, Tomasino told KOIN 6 News. We do know in sensory science that consumers can be different from experts. So we really wanted to see a group of consumers what their thoughts were.

Oregon State University Professor Elizabeth Tomasino, April 2025 (KOIN)

Winemakers already do similar work. But she said the perspective from the average consumer was lacking.

So in New Zealand, 197 people took part in the research study, and 110 liked the smoke-impacted wine. But researchers also found that of those who didnt like it, labels describing a lightly smoky wine boosted their approval.

People do actually enjoy the wine, Tomasino said. You dont have to sort of be like, There was smoke, we cant do anything with this. Its like, no, particularly at those lower levels, there are people that really do enjoy this product.

Pinot noir from the Adelsheim Vineyard in Oregon, undated (KOIN, file)

There are more studies planned. Tomasino and her group will look at whether wine consumers have a bias with the smoky wine if they live in an area impacted by wildfires.

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They will compare tasting panel results from New Zealand, Oregon and Ohio.

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Channel 9 is continuing to follow the extremely dry conditions throughout Central Florida.

Smoke and flames surrounded several parts of Brevard County Wednesday. Inhaling that smoke could affect your lungs.

Some people are more vulnerable than others, said Dr. Jay Ladde, an emergency medicine physician at Orlando Health. But yes, anyone is susceptible to the side effects of wildfire smoke.

Ladde is urging residents to proceed with caution this spring. He said people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease are most vulnerable, but the elderly, pregnant women, children and even healthy people can suffer from smoke exposure too.

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He said it can affect the eyes, throat and lungs.

The most common things youll see is irritated eyes, sore throats, cough, kind of feel like allergies or coming down with a virus, Ladde said.

Cellphone video captured wind whipping, smoke billowing and ashes falling Wednesday in Palm Bay. Flames were close to homes.

It looked like the whole backyard was fire, resident Joseph Cortez said. It was just a real, really nerve-racking experience.

For residents like Cortez, Ladde recommends keeping house doors and windows shut, as well as utilizing air filters.

These particles are pretty fine, Ladde said. They get deep into the lung tissue therefore causing irritation. Using the air conditioner is one way of filtering our air.

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If you have minor symptoms from wildfire smoke, Ladde recommends over-the-counter medication. But if symptoms are more severe or persisting, he said to contact your doctor.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
People attend an event marking the International Girls in ICT Day in Windhoek, Namibia, on April 24, 2025. Namibia on Thursday marked the International Girls in ICT Day with a call to empower girls to pursue careers in information and communication technology (ICT). (Photo by Musa Kaseke/Xinhua)

WINDHOEK, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Namibia on Thursday marked the International Girls in ICT Day with a call to empower girls to pursue careers in information and communication technology (ICT).

At an event held in Windhoek, Namibia's capital, Emilia Nghikembua, chief executive officer of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), delivered a keynote address highlighting the pivotal role of girls and young women in shaping the global digital future.

"This year's theme, 'Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,' resonates deeply with our collective goal, which is to foster an environment where every girl, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive in the digital economy," she said.

The event, which brought together students, educators, industry leaders, and government representatives, saw an engaging panel discussion designed to foster a two-way dialogue, allowing students to exchange ideas, aspirations, and concerns with industry professionals.

Nghikembua acknowledged the underrepresentation of women in the global ICT workforce, where they constitute less than a third of technology-related roles.

"This disparity is even more pronounced in Namibia, where societal stereotypes and lack of access to opportunities continue to hinder girls' participation," she noted, adding that the focus of the event was to challenge these barriers.

"We want our girls to see themselves not only as consumers of technology but as innovators, creators, and leaders," said Nghikembua.

CRAN also announced its commitment to leveraging its communication channels to amplify the message of Girls in ICT Day, which included circulating specially designed posters across various media platforms.

Calling on young girls to believe in their potential and embrace opportunities in ICT, Nghikembua stressed that creating an inclusive digital transformation requires collaboration among governments, the private sector, educational institutions, and civil society.

Observed annually during the fourth week of April, the International Girls in ICT Day serves as a platform to inspire girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields and to challenge stereotypes that often hinder their participation. 
NEW ORLEANS, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Zydeco is a musical style firmly rooted in Louisiana, and Clifton Chenier is known as the undisputed king. The New Orleans Jazz Museum, with support from the Gia Primia Maione Foundation, is honoring him as such during Jazz Fest.

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The King at 100: Clifton Chenier debuts Friday, April 25, in the Grandstand at the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. The exhibition presents the visual and musical story of Cheniers life. Rare photographs, archival materials, and personal artifacts, from his outfits and King of Zydeco crown to his accordion. Director of the New Orleans Jazz Museum Greg Lambousy says, This exhibit celebrates his life, his music, and his deep Louisiana roots. Were proud to bring his legacy to life during his centennial year.

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Chenier was born in 1925 outside Opelousas, Louisiana. As a French-speaking Afro-Creole artist, he combined French folk songs, jump blues, rhythm and blues, and Creole la-la. The result became known as Zydeco. Zydeco is dance music typically featuring accordion, guitar, fiddle, and washboard, but may include saxophone, keyboard, and bass.

FILE  Tailgaters dance the cajun two step to the Gino Delafose and French Rockin Boogie zydeco band as a kickoff for the annual Festival Acadiens et Creoles in Lafayette, La., Oct. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Chenier recorded his first hit, Ay-Tete_Fee, in 1955. In 1964, he signed with Arhoolie Records, and his career took off. Touring the country with his Red Hot Louisiana Band, he became a popular regular on the Gulf Coast chitlin circuit. Ass time went on, the band played for broader audiences. From the Fillmore in San Francisco to Carnegie Hall in New York, the King of Zydeco played virtually everywhere, and acclaim came with it. In 1983, he won a GRAMMY, and in 1984, he was named a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Heritage Fellow. In his life and posthumously, he won many other awards from groups worldwide.

The exhibit draws from collections by Philip Gould, the Chris Strachwitz Collection at the Arhoolie Foundation, The Historic New Orleans Collection, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  One man was arrested after being accused of stealing motorcycles in Gonzales.

According to the Gonzales Police Department, detectives began investigating three separate thefts of high-end motorcycles, starting on April 16 from an apartment complex in Gonzales.

During the investigation, detectives identified a suspect and a suspect vehicle, both connected to an address in New Orleans. GPD and the Louisiana State Police found the suspect vehicle that was believed to be used in the theft.

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Authorities conducted a search of a home on North Galvez Street, which resulted in the recovery of one stolen motorcycle. A second stolen motorcycle was recovered after a search was conducted on Werner Drive.

LSP arrested David Williams, 28, of New Orleans, on illegal possession of stolen things and was booked into the Orleans Parish Corrections Center. Williams will be extradited to Ascension Parish for booking on three counts of theft of a motor vehicle.

This case demonstrates the power of collaboration between local and state law enforcement, said GPD Chief Sherman Jackson. Thanks to the persistence of our detectives and the support of Louisiana State Police, we were able to recover stolen property and bring accountability across parish lines. Our department remains committed to protecting our community and following every lead  wherever it may take us.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is warning Oklahomans about a pervasive smishing text scam that many have likely been receiving on their phones over the past several days.

As of noon Wednesday, the OTA says its IT security personnel, working with other tolling authorities nationally, have identified 264 scam websites and 146 websites that have been deactivated in just the past week. News 4 has been following several cases of text message scams for the past several months.

Dont click: Text message scam targeting Oklahoma drivers

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Texts that News 4 employees received Wednesday said they were an official final notice about an unpaid PIKEPASS toll that was due the same day.

The messages came from odd email addresses and claimed that the recipient could face fines, suspension of their vehicle registration, vehicle impoundment, or legal action if they dont follow a link and pay.

Its just terrible what theyre doing, said OTA Executive Director Joe Echelle. I really feel bad for Oklahomans that are falling for it right now.

Echelle said the agency will never directly text Oklahomans about unpaid tolls, but does have a collection agency, Harris & Harris, that will send out some texts. He says if Oklahomans receive something they think is legitimate, they can visit Pikepass.com and look up their statement.

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Echelle also says OTA will always mail customers an actual paper invoice to their registered vehicles address.

Were not sending stuff out from a Gmail account or any of these other sites, especially from phone numbers that dont start with a one.

Echelle says texts theyre hearing about are linking to foreign-hosted websites. He says his agency has contacted the FBI and that the FBI is actively trying to take down the websites.

News 4 reached out to an Oklahoma City-based FBI spokesperson for comment and requested an interview. The spokesperson was unavailable but provided the following advice for Oklahomans:

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Do not click on any links or provide personal information

Forward the message to the FTC at 7726

Verify account status by visiting pikepass.com or by contacting OTA

Report the message to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

Echelle says the OTA has been overwhelmed with calls, making it difficult for Oklahomans in need of help with other services to get it without longer-than-normal wait times.

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, weve received more than 20,000 phone calls into our customer service center from these fraudulent text messages, said Echelle.

The OTA has ramped up alerts on social media and is running advertisements, but is encouraging Oklahomans to make sure their loved ones are aware of the scams.

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Please check on your parents and grandparents, said Echelle. Make sure theyre not also receiving it and then clicking on the links that are in those scam texts.

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When the Anti-Tariff Declaration was published on Friday, more than 150 economists signed on to oppose President Donald Trump's trade policy. Less than a week later, the number of signatories increased by an order of magnitude. Reason spoke with five of the economists who signed the declaration about what motivated their decision.

N. Gregory Mankiw, professor of economics at Harvard University, tells Reason the most important takeaway from the declaration is that "economists are really united in opposition to the Trump international economic policy, [which] seems to be founded on a variety of very fundamental misconceptions about economics and economic history."

Michael Munger, professor of economics and political science at Duke University, says he signed because "tariffs are bad domestic policy, and bad foreign policy." Munger explains that the argument for free trade is unilateral: "If another country manipulates its currency, or has trade barriers, that is a harm to THEIR consumers. 'Wealth' is the ability to obtain high quality, low cost products."

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Munger hopes the declaration can play a role similar to a letter signed by 1,028 economists urging then-President Herbert Hoover to veto the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. The letter did not succeed in persuading Hoover to veto the bill, but it did help steer the U.S. toward free trade when its predictions were proven right, explains Munger.

Munger also identifies Trump's inconsistent rationales for tariffs as being particularly catastrophic: "Almost ANY consistent policy, even a bad one, can be worked around. But a policy of inconsistency is a disaster in the making."

Mankiw shares Munger's concerns about uncertainty. It's "not healthy for people to think the president on any given day is going to completely upend a set of economic arrangements," he says. One consequence of this uncertainty, he explains, is that business managers delay large fixed investments, such as building a factory, which in turn depresses aggregate demand and employment.

David Henderson, professor of economics at the Naval Postgraduate School and research fellow at the Hoover Institution, warns that Trump's tariffs jeopardize 80 years of progress toward free trade. He also fears that even if Trump rolls back tariffs, "increased uncertaintywill show up in reduced investment" and not all those "countries that retaliatewill cut back their tariffs all the way to their prior relatively low level."

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Deirdre McCloskey, professor of economics emerita at the University of Illinois at Chicago and distinguished scholar at the Cato Institute, is pessimistic that the declaration will succeed because people focus on "the seen"the help given to protected industriesand ignore the "the unseen"higher prices borne by everyone else.

Henderson also acknowledges that the declaration will not have a huge effect right away but, "even if the effect is small, it will be in the right direction."

Nonetheless, Mankiw believes it's useful for the world to know when the economic profession has a consensus and for economists to speak with one voice when they can. Benjamin Powell, professor of economics and executive director of the Free Market Institute at Texas Tech University, agrees with Mankiw. He tells Reason that the Trump administration's haphazardly imposed tariffs are "completely at odds with the standard mainline understanding of virtually all professional economists."

"Tariffs will harm the well-being of average Americans while failing to achieve the stated and often mutually contradictory objectives of their advocates," says Powell. McCloskey adds that it's the perennial task of economists "to persuade people that trade is mutually beneficial, when you buy an ice cream cone just as much as when you buy a Chinese-made hammer."

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Powell, like the four other economists Reason interviewed, hopes that the declaration increases public understanding of the harms of tariffs and "influence[s] the administration to change course."

The post Over 1,500 Economists Agree: Trump's Tariffs Are Terrible appeared first on Reason.com.
MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4)  More than 100 dogs were evacuated from a dog daycare facility in Millcreek after a caller claimed they placed bombs inside the building.

At approximately 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, officers responded to DogMode  a dog daycare and boarding facility  informing employees of a bomb threat and saying they needed to evacuate the building immediately, according to the Unified Police Department and daycare employees.

Weekend Event List: Japanese festival, outdoor markets, marathons and more

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Salt Lake County Animal Services helped staff evacuate and transport more than 100 dogs to the Humane Society in Murray while officers and K-9s swept the daycare center. Police cleared the building after no bombs were found and the animals were brought back to DogMode by 5:30 p.m. Police said no humans or pets were injured in the incident.

Emily Allen, DogModes general manager, told ABC4 that when police arrived, they all jumped into action to get the dogs on leashes and load them in employee cars and animal control trucks. She said the dogs stayed in the Humane Societys run areas until the building was cleared.

Every year, we have to submit an evacuation plan with animal services to renew our kind of license. Never did I think we would ever have to use it, Allen said. We were ready whether we wanted to be or not.

Allen said there were about 110 dogs in the building and 12 employees. With the help of UPD and county animal control officers, they were able to evacuate all the animals in about 15 minutes. She said having an evacuation plan made all the difference.

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Allen said while the situation felt violating and scary, the evacuation process went well and she was proud of how the team was able to stay calm and work efficiently under pressure.

I grew up near the Washington, D.C. area, so threats like this are just something I was around growing up. So I think I was just equipped to stay calm, she said. But it felt extra personal having all of the dogs here and knowing that our clients put so much emphasis on the care that we give to their animals.

After the incident, Unified Police helped staff coordinate with the pet owners so they could assure them their pets were safe.

There was no way we were going to leave any of them behind, Allen said.

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Sgt. Aymee Race with UPD told ABC4.com that detectives are actively investigating the threat, calling it a very serious matter.

She said these kinds of calls cause a lot of safety alarms and anyone who is convicted of making such threats will face serious repercussions. While there is no indication that this was done by a minor, Race wants to remind parents to educate their children on the seriousness of making threats, emphasizing that it is not something to joke about.

Both Race and Allen complimented the facilitys staff and the officers involved, with Allen adding that the authorities helped significantly in the effort of keeping everyone safe.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  Local officials gathered on Thursday to highlight the continued efforts to remove illegal guns from the streets, and to demonstrate a machine theyve dubbed a gun chipper.

Over 3,500 seized illegal firearms, including semi-automatic weapons, revolvers, and pearl-handled guns, were destroyed.

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These are weapons of destruction, weapons of pain, weapons of chaos that we are removing off our streets, said Mayor Eric Adams. Every one of these guns is going to be destroyed, never to be used again to threaten, kill, or injure someone. Each illegal gun we destroy will save a life, if not more than one life.

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Students at the School of Cooperative Technical Education will use the metal from the gun scraps to create a memorial to honor the victims of gun violence.

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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Over 300 animal abandonment complaints made to Clark County in 2025; rescue advocates call for awareness

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police arrested a man accused throwing a dog into a dumpster and abandoning it. Local rescue advocates are calling for change as over 300 animal abandonment complaints were made to Clark County in 2025.

Hes completely shaken up, Lindsay Pinapfel said. And obviously he has more fear towards male individuals.

Pinapfel, Marketing Coordinator for Vegas Pet Rescue Project, was speaking about Atrayu, the dog that was thrown into a dumpster near Jones Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue.

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Alexis Flores, 30, was later arrested in connection to the case and faces three counts of an animal-abuse-related charge.

Atrayu was safely placed into a foster home, but Pinapfel told 8 News Now this isnt the first case like this the rescue has seen and it wont be the last.

While Id like to say its surprising, she said. Its not and its a shame.

So far in 2025, Clark County Animal Protection Services received 336 calls for abandoned animals; thats nearly three per day.

The same time in 2024, 352 calls were received, according to county officials. In all of 2024, Clark County received 1,061 calls for abandoned animals.

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These numbers represent complaints, not actual animals found. They also refer to animals abandoned on properties.

We see it tied to people just leaving animals in their home, Pinapfel said. People just going to a park and tying a dog to a fence to leave them there.

Therefore, how can Southern Nevada stop this from happening? There is no specific answer, according to Pinapfel, but awareness is key.

Wed like people to start educating themselves better, she explained. Educating themselves with the resources that they have in the community.

Its also crucial for people to share shocking stories like Atrayus to raise awareness, according to Pinapfel. She also encouraged others to step in and help when something seems wrong.

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We need to treat pet abandonment as the serious community issue that this is, Pinapfel concluded.

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(Reuters) - Combined overnight missile and drone attacks killed nine people in Ukrainian capital Kyiv and injured 63, local emergency services said.

"There has been destruction. The search is continuing for people under rubble," the emergency services wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Rescue operations were continuing in five districts of the city.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
Two weeks after the roof of a popular nightclub collapsed and killed more than 200 people in the Dominican Republic, the venues owner acknowledged that the ceiling was made of plaster tiles that frequently fell and said the venue never received a structural review from Dominican authorities.

Businessman Antonio Espaillat, who co-owns the establishment with his mother, said in an interview with CNN affiliate Telesistema that aired on Wednesday that the tiles were frequently replaced after they were damaged by water leaking from the air conditioning units positioned on the roof.

Espaillat said that this happened regularly throughout all the years that he has operated the venue  even on the very day of the collapse.

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More than 300 people were inside Jet Set nightclub in the capital of Santo Domingo when the roof collapsed around 1 a.m. on the morning of April 8 during a performance of merengue artist Rubby Perez and his orchestra, authorities said.

Espaillat said that the number of people in the club that night was likely more than 500.

Espaillats own sister was among those trapped under the rubble, he said.

The disaster left at least 232 dead, including Perez, and more than 180 injured, according to official figures.

Espaillat stated that in the nightclubs 30 years of operation, the venue was never subjected to a structural review by authorities during routine safety and health inspections, nor did he discuss the buildings structural integrity with private engineers.

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The structure only received checks from firefighters and the departments of Labor and Health, he said.

He said that he did not know the exact weight of the air conditioners located on the roof or if they affected the structure of the building.

Espaillat asserted that he had never received any formal warnings about the risks posed by having a ceiling in disrepair and that he is the first one who wants to know what happened.

Since this happened, I have had no life, he said, I am completely devastated.

Espaillats legal team declined to comment to CNN about the statements he made during the interview.

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Espaillat said he was informed about the collapse by his sister Maribel, who called him while trapped under the rubble.

She said: Antonio, something incredible has happened we heard an explosion, and the entire roof has collapsed, Espaillat told Telesistema.

Maribel later told local newspaper Diario Libre that her husband, Daniel Vera Pichardo, covered her with his body to protect her from the falling roof. The two survived the incident.

Espaillat, who was in Las Vegas for a business conference, said he flew to Santo Domingo the next day.

I had no idea and couldnt believe it was something of this magnitude, he said.

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The relatives of Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte, who died in the collapse, have filed a civil suit against the nightclub owners and local authorities, claiming the disaster was the result of structural negligence and failures in state supervision, Felix Portes, the plaintiffs lawyer, told CNN.

Espaillat has not commented on the case.

Two days after the tragedy, the Dominican government pledged to form a technical team to forensically investigate what caused such a disaster.

CNN has asked Dominican authorities for an update on the investigations progress.

Espaillat has said that he has been in contact with the families of employees who are deceased or injured and intends to accompany them in this process.

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I am here, and I am going to face everything. I am not going anywhere; I will be here, and everything that is within my reach and everything I can do, I will do, he emphasized.

When questioned about whether this could have been avoided, Espaillat said he felt powerless.

If there had been something that caught my attention or that they (my staff and private contractors) had told me: look, we need to check this, that, or the other, I would have gladly done it, he said.

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SYDNEY, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A man was shot dead during a late-night fight on Wednesday at a beach north of Sydney in Australia's state of New South Wales (NSW), police said on Thursday.

In a statement, NSW Police said that emergency services were called to the car park at Bar Beach in the city of Newcastle, over 100 km north of Sydney, at 11:40 p.m. local time on Wednesday and found a man with a gunshot wound.

He was treated by ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. NSW Police said that the male has not yet been formally identified but was believed to be aged 18.

According to the police, a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white vehicle drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired the gun and fled the scene in the vehicle.

A crime scene has been established at the car park and detectives from Newcastle have commenced an investigation with assistance from the state homicide squad. 
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ)  A Pennsylvania lawmaker is proposing a solution to SEPTAs ongoing budget woes, handing over part of its operations to the private sector.

House Republican Leader Jesse Topper on Wednesday filed a co-sponsorship memo signaling his intent to introduce legislation requiring the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to privatize its bus operations through a public-private partnership. The proposal comes amid mounting financial challenges for the agency.

Topper said SEPTA has made efforts to address its budget problems through fare increases and operational efficiencies but warned those steps alone arent enough to avoid asking taxpayers for more money.

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His plan would require SEPTA to partner with a private company to operate at least its bus network. The partnership would be reviewed by the states Public-Private Partnership Board and subject to legislative oversight.

Topper pointed to privatization successes in cities like Denver and in Marylands commuter bus services, adding that many Americans now rely on private ride-share services for daily transportation.

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While SEPTA has yet to formally respond to the proposal, the legislation is expected to spark debate among transit advocates, labor groups, and urban planners concerned about the implications for service quality and job security.

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A pair of tuition-free schools started by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will close at the end of this school year. The Primary School, which operates both locations, did not give a reason for the closure. Mark Zuckerberg has become increasingly close with Donald Trump, who has cracked down on DEI programs in schools and government.

In 2016, the foundation started by Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, launched a pair of tuition-free schoolsone elementary, one middlefor low-income students.

At the end of the school year, both will closeand the reasons are unclear.

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This was a very difficult decision, and we are committed to ensuring a thoughtful and supportive transition for students and families over the next year, the Primary School said in a statement on its website.

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a nonprofit established by the billionaire couple, said it will invest $50 million over the next five years in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and the East Bay to help families navigate the transition, with a focus on education savings accounts, early childhood programs, and family engagement services.

We have been deeply humbled by the support of so many during our journey. Our community and partners have made a lasting impact on children and families, and helped us demonstrate what is possible when we think and operate differently, Jean-Claude Brizard, chair of the Primary School board, said in a statement.

The majority of the schools 443 students are Latino and receive special education or health services, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

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In 2015, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded following the birth of the couples first son. At the time, the two pledged to give away 99% of the value of their Facebook stock. In recent months, though, Zuckerberg has grown increasingly close to Donald Trump, who has cracked down on DEI programs in both the government and at several U.S. universities.

The Primary School, meanwhile, has prioritized diversity efforts, even establishing a DEI task force in 2020.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Pakistan has threatened war after being blamed by India for a deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir.

On Tuesday, 26 people were killed in a gun attack at a tourist spot in the Indian part of Kashmir, the disputed region that borders Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and China.

The attack, for which no group has credibly claimed responsibility, was the worst on civilians in the country for nearly two decades. All bar one of the victims were Indian.

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India has blamed Pakistan, accusing it of backing cross-border terrorism and threatening to cut off its water supply in response.

Indian police said the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group was responsible for the attack and offered a 2,000,000 rupee (17,600) bounty for information leading to arrests.

On Wednesday, New Delhi said India would immediately suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

The treaty, mediated by the World Bank, divides the Indus River and its tributaries between the neighbouring states and regulates the sharing of water. Both countries rely on the rivers flowing from the Himalayas for irrigation. It has so far withstood even wars between the neighbouring states.

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On Thursday, Islamabad reacted to the suspension of the treaty with alarm.

Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an act of war and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of national power, Pakistans government said after a meeting of its national security committee, headed by Shahbaz Sharif, the prime minister.

Pakistan also said it would reconsider all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement, which governs diplomatic and military protocols between the two countries.

Relatives of Indian tourists killed in the terrorist attack grieve in Kolkata - Dibyangshu Sarkar/AFP via Getty

India has ordered the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, shut a key border crossing, and asked Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.

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Diplomatic ties between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours were weak even before the latest measures were announced. But since the Kashmir attack, they have worsened drastically, with ominous provocations from both sides.

Rajnath Singh, Indias defence minister, said on Thursday: The perpetrators of such acts will receive a fitting response, and that response will be clearly seen in the near future.

Khawaja Asif, Mr Singhs Pakistani counterpart, accused India of plotting terror attacks in his country, saying: India is planning more terrorist attacks in Pakistan cities. We warn them, if our citizens are not safe, then yours wont be either.

On Thursday morning, an Indian soldier was killed when fighting broke out between security forces and a group of militants near Basantgarh in Kashmirs Udhampur district.

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Pakistani nationals have begun leaving India, heeding New Delhis 48-hour expulsion order. Many, cutting short family visits, condemned the attack on Indian civilians as they departed through the now-shuttered Attari-Wagah border crossing in Punjab.

Protesters in Jammu, in Indian-administered Kashmir, burnt car tyres in a demonstration on Wednesday - Rakesh Bakshi/AFP via Getty Images

The escalation has revived memories of the 2019 Balakot crisis, when a suicide bombing in Pulwama, Kashmir, killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.

India responded then with air strikes on Balakot, deep inside Pakistan, claiming to have killed hundreds of militants, a claim never independently verified. Pakistan retaliated the next day, dropping bombs near Indian military sites, bringing down an Indian fighter jet and capturing its pilot, who was later released.

India has since boosted its military, acquiring French Rafale jets and Russias S-40 air defence systems.

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Experts have warned that a similar crisis now risks spiralling further out of control. This government thrives on polarisation, said Parveen Donthi, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group.

Theres immense pressure on Modi to respond  not just to punish Pakistan, but to meet domestic expectations. A symbolic strike wont be enough. Theres an appetite to outdo Balakot.

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A Pakistani astronaut will become the first foreign national aboard Chinas Tiangong space station, as Beijing steps up space diplomacy amid a burgeoning battle with the United States for supremacy in orbit.

The mission of the Pakistani astronaut  who is yet to be selected  tightens already close space ties between Beijing and Islamabad. Last year, Pakistan sent a satellite to the Moon aboard Chinas lunar explorer, alongside payloads from the European Space Agency, France, and Italy, according to Chinese state media.

Tiangong is one of two currently operating space stations, alongside the International Space Station, launched in 1998. Since it started operating in 2021, it has only hosted Chinese astronauts.

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The mission is a significant step in the internationalization of the Chinese space station, said Quentin Parker, an astrophysicist and professor at the University of Hong Kong.

When you internationalize things properly, you build something greater than the sum of the parts, and thats true in the internationalization of the space station, he said.

During a press conference on Wednesday, the China Manned Space Agency announced the astronaut selected will be a payload specialist, handling daily tasks during the mission, as well as scientific experiments for Pakistan.

Amjad Ali, deputy director of Pakistans space agency SUPARCO, lauded the news as a milestone for the South Asian nation, whose government is taking a renewed interest in its more than 60-year-old space program.

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It is very important for Pakistan, being the first foreign country whose astronauts are entertained by China and taken by the Chinese mission, he told Reuters news agency on Wednesday.

Ali said Pakistan space bosses will compile a list of five to 10 candidates for the mission over the next month, for China to then shorten to two.

The pair will then go through training in China for six months to a year, with one eventually being sent to space as early as October next year, while the other acts as a reserve, Ali said.

Strategic partnership

The two countries growing space ties coincide with their increasing economic collaboration and trade on Earth.

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Under Beijings China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a major project within its broader Belt and Road Initiative, China has invested heavily in infrastructure in the north and south of Pakistan, including a deep-water port in the southwestern city of Gwadar, as well as multiple technological projects between the two countries.

An agreement signed in February between the two countries on space cooperation was a precursor the mission announced Wednesday.

On Tuesday, a delegation from Chinese space tech company Galaxy Space met with Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement from Sharifs office.

The delegation expressed a keen interest in investing in Pakistans space technology industry and joint ventures with Pakistani space technology institutions and private telecom companies, the statement added.

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Sharif, calling China his countrys most reliable friend and strategic partner, said that Pakistan was looking to increase cooperation with China in the fields of space technology, space satellites and satellite internet.

Amer Gilani, who oversees human spaceflight cooperation at SUPARCO, told CNN that the experiments to be conducted during the planned mission were still being selected, but will have high scientific, industrial and social impact.

China has rapidly advanced its space power in recent decades through ambitious lunar and deep-space exploration programs, as well as expanding its space station.

On Thursday, another manned mission will launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, carrying three astronauts to Tiangong.

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The Shenzhou-20 crew is scheduled to blast off at 5:17 p.m. on Thursday local time (5:17 a.m. ET), state media reported on Wednesday. It will be the ninth crewed mission headed for Chinas space station since it was fully assembled in 2022.

The main purpose of the mission is to complete the in-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-19 crew, which is scheduled to return to earth on April 29, China Manned Space Agency officials said at a press conference.

While in space, the astronauts will conduct science and application experiments, install a space debris protection device, as well as extravehicular payload and equipment, and perform recovery tasks, according to the agency.

The mission will also carry small animals and organisms for life-science experiments at the space station. They will include zebrafish, flatworms known as planarians, and streptomyces bacteria.

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China has signed nearly 200 intergovernmental space cooperation agreements with foreign countries and international organizations, covering fields from satellite development and lunar exploration to manned space flight, state media reported in December.

Chinas space administration announced Thursday it has also approved loans of lunar samples collected by Chinas earlier moon exploration mission to seven institutions across six countries, including Pakistan.

Parker, from the University of Hong Kong, emphasized the importance of international space cooperation.

The way that things are in the world at the moment is increasingly complex  but its important that this outreach and collaborative spirit is maintained, he said.

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A Palestinian student at Columbia University who was arrested at an interview for US citizenship will remain detained in Vermont after a judge ordered his attorneys and the Department of Justice to provide additional briefing papers to the court.

Attorneys for Mohsen Mahdawi and the Department of Justice presented oral arguments at a hearing before US District Judge Geoffrey Crawford on Wednesday as a large crowd of supporters gathered outside the court in Burlington, Vermont.

Mahdawi, who was born in the West Bank and helped organize protests against the Israel-Hamas war on Columbias campus last year, is one of a handful of students who have been targeted for deportation as part of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown.

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He is the second Palestinian student at Columbia with a green card who has been detained by immigration authorities for removal. The other is Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent US resident who was one of the lead negotiators of the pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia; he was arrested March 8 and is being held at a detention facility in Louisiana.

Federal immigration officers arrested Mahdawi, a legal permanent US resident for the past 10 years, on April 14 during an appointment he had previously scheduled to complete his citizenship application.

After Mahdawi took the citizenship oath and signed documents  which are some of the final steps to becoming a US citizen  armed and masked officers entered the office and arrested Mahdawi inside the US Citizenship and Immigration Services building, put him in handcuffs and shackles and drove him away, according to court documents and his attorneys.

Mahdawi has not been charged with a crime.

This image taken from a video shows Mohsen Mahdawi being detained at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Colchester, Vermont, on April 14. - Christopher Helali/AP

Mahdawis attorneys are seeking his release, arguing his detention is unconstitutional and retaliatory. The government has said Mahdawi should be deported under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which gives the secretary of state broad authority to decide whether a person should be removed from the country.

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According to court documents, the government is arguing Mahdawis detention is a constitutionally valid aspect of the deportation process, The Associated Press reported.

The government is also challenging the courts jurisdiction, saying it is barred from hearing challenges to how and when deportation proceedings are held.

District courts play no role in that process, wrote Michael Drescher, Vermonts acting US attorney, adding the court has no jurisdiction in Mahdawis case.

In a letter written from inside the Northwest State Correctional Facility in Vermont, Mahdawi described his arrest as a kidnapping set up to take place during his naturalization interview. A copy of the letter was obtained by CNN.

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The Department of Homeland Security orchestrated a honey trap, offering me a long-awaited appointment for citizenship, Mahdawi wrote.

Attorneys for Mahdawi wrote in court documents that immigration officers attempted to remove Mahdawi to Louisiana following his arrest, part of a pattern by the government to transfer detainees away from their home districts. Mahdawi, however, was stopped from being transferred after his attorneys quickly petitioned the court seeking his release.

A judge issued an order preventing his transfer across state lines approximately three hours after his detention.

Mahdawi described it as the flight that was supposed to steal me away like thieves in the middle of the day from Burlington, in my home state of Vermont, to Louisiana.

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According to Mahdawis attorneys, Crawford may rule later this week on whether the court has jurisdiction over matters that fall under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The judge directed the parties to file additional briefs in the coming days and scheduled a hearing on the motion seeking Mahdawis release for next week, on April 30.

We intend on being back in one weeks time to free Mohsen, Luna Droubi, an attorney for Mahdawi, said after the hearing. The government has provided no basis, whatsoever, other than an admission that they (detained Mohsen) on the basis of his speech.

Mohsen Mahdawi, center, looks on during a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University on October 12, 2023, in New York. - Yuki Iwamura/AP

In the meantime, court documents show Mahdawi received a notice to appear for a hearing in immigration court in Louisiana on May 1.

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The notice says Mahdawi is removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act because the secretary of state has determined his presence and activities would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences and would compromise a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest.

Democratic Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont met with Mahdawi on Monday and posted a video on X of them sitting together. Mahdawi, wearing a green prison uniform, thanked Welch and said his visit reassured him.

Im staying positive by reassuring myself in the ability of justice and the deep belief of democracy, he said when Welch asked how he is doing. This is the reason I wanted to become a citizen of this country because I believe in the principles of this country.

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RAMALLAH (Reuters) - The Palestinian leadership approved the creation of the position of vice president of Mahmoud Abbas, and possibly his successor, on Thursday, a step widely seen as needed to assuage international doubts over Palestinian leadership.

A statement published by state news agency WAFA said 170 members of the Palestinian Central Council, the Palestinians' highest decision-making body, voted in favour of the decision, while one member voted against it and another abstained.

They have not immediately appointed someone to the role. According to the statement, Abbas has the right to assign tasks to the deputy, relieve him of his post, or accept his resignation.

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Abbas, 89, has headed the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) since the death of veteran leader Yasser Arafat in 2004 but has for years resisted internal reforms, including the naming of a successor.

The Western-backed Palestinian Authority exercises limited rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and has not governed Gaza since fighting a civil war with Hamas in 2007.

(Reporting by Ali Sawafta and Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
A 74-pound cabbage grown by Keevan Dinkel of Wasilla is displayed on Sept. 2, 2018, at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Thirteen years ago, Palmer farmer Scott Robb set a world record with a 138-pound cabbage he brought to the Alaska State Fair.

Not long afterward, Palmers local visitor center dedicated a statue to the cabbage and the other colossal world-record vegetables grown in the area.

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Now, at the urging of a leading visitor center volunteer, a state legislator from Palmer is proposing to enshrine Alaskas giant cabbages in state law as the official state vegetable.

If adopted by the House, Senate and Gov. Mike Dunleavy, House Bill 202 would declare that Giant cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is the official vegetable of the state.

Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer, speaks on the House floor on Feb. 21, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer, introduced the bill, but it picked up bipartisan support almost immediately with the co-sponsorship of Rep. Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage.

This is the third time Johnson has suggested honoring the giant cabbage. In 2020 and 2022, she introduced bills that would have declared it the state vegetable. Neither bill received a hearing despite bipartisan support.

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It might be viewed as silly, but Johnson said that the bill serves a legitimate tourism and economic development purpose.

Just like you have a state salmon, its a fun fact and a way to point out something unique about Alaska, she said. People throughout the world do not ever think about the fact that we have this amazing place to grow vegetables.

At the Palmer Visitor Center and Museum, Richard Estelle frequently fields vegetable-related questions from tourists.

He suggested the bill to Johnson, who introduced it at his request.

The son of a vegetable farmer, Estelle said he was looking up various state symbols and got a little incensed when he realized that Alaska doesnt have a state vegetable.

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New Mexico has got two of them. Theyve got red chili and a green chili. And Idaho has the potato, he said.

Those vegetables are symbols of the states agriculture industry, he said. Alaska recognizes mining with a state mineral, and fishing with a state fish. Why not agriculture?

I thought agriculture in Alaska ought to get something. Its an important industry, and so we probably ought to have a state vegetable, he said.

After considering carrots and other options, he settled on the world-record cabbage.

While the Alaska State Fair has plenty of big vegetables, the cabbage takes center stage, Johnson said.

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The cabbage was the first one that became the big icon. And its the iconic vegetable at the Alaska State Fair, she said.

Theres never been any other place in the country thats ever surpassed (the world record), and we will hold the record forever, Johnson said. Now, there is someone in Wales currently that is trying to beat us, and they cant do it, but Im keeping my eye on them.

Competitors sit by their cabbages as spectators gather to watch on Aug. 30, 2019, during the Alaska State Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

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On Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi hosted an inaugural meeting of a task force consisting of other members of President Donald Trumps cabinet, to discuss its mission to eradicate alleged anti-Christian bias within the federal government.

The task force is an initiative born out of a February executive order by Trump, in which the president accused former President Joe Bidens administration of fostering an anti-Christian weaponization of government. Bondi quoted a part of Trumps order at the beginning of Tuesdays meeting, saying, The Biden administration engaged in an egregious pattern of targeting peaceful Christians, while ignoring violent anti-Christian offenses.

Among the severalexamples of supposed anti-Christian bias Trump listed in his executive order, was the mention of federal cases in which anti-abortion activists had been convicted of violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act.

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He referenced the federal indictment of 11 anti-abortion protesters who were indicted for violating federal law by physically blocking the entrance of a reproductive clinic outside of Nashville, Tennessee, in 2021. Six were later convicted on felony conspiracy charges  and some sentences included prison time. Trump pardoned them in January.

Trump also falsely suggested in his executive order that Biden declared 2024 Easter Sunday, which fell on March 31 last year, as Transgender Day of Visibility.

International Transgender Day of Visibility has been recognized on March 31 since it was created over a decade ago by trans activist, psychotherapist Rachel Crandall Crocker  and Easters date changes every year. Biden first recognized Transgender Day of Visibility with a proclamation on a Wednesday in 2021.

The U.S. Department of Justice has additionally released a press release outlining a slew of examples that supposedly show anti-Christian bias, like past COVID-19 vaccine mandates for federal workers.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a member of the task force, shared allegations that federal employees have faced retaliation for opposing DEI/LGBT ideology that violated their religious conscience, the release stated.

But Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance and an ordained Baptist minister, joins the chorus of those who have taken issue with the Trump administrations apparent messaging that Christianity, the largest faith group in the U.S., is under attack.

If youre not acknowledging as a Christian that youve got a lot of privilege in this country, youre out of your mind, he told HuffPost, emphasizing the privilege particularly associated with white Christians. (Raushenbush was formerly the executive editor for HuffPosts Religion section.)

Raushenbush said that while there may be real Christian persecution that exists in other parts of the world, the Trump administration is speaking into an echo chamber where some conservative and Christian media platforms are fueling concerns about Christian persecution in the U.S.

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Its always about, Theyre coming for us, he said about the messaging on those platforms. He said efforts like the anti-Christian bias task force is the current administrations way to communicate that theyre coming in and saving the day.

Raushenbush said he believes, if anything, hostility toward Christians has come from the White House. He referenced Trumps attacks on The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde earlier this year, after she made a plea for him to have mercy on people in the country who are fearful about the future, as well as Vice President JD Vances clashes with Catholic bishops helping immigrants, among other examples.

Trumps executive order and task force is creating a distraction, and an avenue, to fight political ideologies that the Trump administration doesnt agree with, and using religion to further those aims, he said.

Raushenbush also charged that much of what the Trump administration really means when they say anti-Christian bias, is anti-Christian bias against the Christian nationalists who most fervently supported them.

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These are largely white protestant groups that insist that America is a Christian nation, and that everyone else whos here is a secondary status, he said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Marco Rubio photographed during a meeting for the Trump administration's task force for eradicating "anti-Christian bias" in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. OLIVER CONTRERAS via Getty Images

The Trump administration is trying to speak for Christianity  but American Christians hold diverse views.

Trumps executive order cites the First Amendment protection of religious liberty as its guiding principle, but in fact the order itself is a remarkable incursion against the separation of church and state, said Brian Clites, Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan Professor in Catholic Studies II at Case Western University.

In crafting the First Amendments separation clause, our nations founding fathers were most concerned that the government not intervene in disputes between and among Christians themselves, he added.

Clites, whose expertise includes the separation of church and state, and the history of Christianity within the U.S., said its with the humble recognition that there is no fixed point that represents Christianity as a whole.

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He said he believes George Washington and Thomas Jefferson would cringe in horror at Trumps executive order since it directly inserts the government into disputes between and among various Christian groups.

By calling out the protection of womens rights as anti-Christian, the administration is uplifting the views of some Christians over and against the views of other Christians, he said, later pointing out that research has shown that a majority of American Catholics think abortions should be legal.

American Christians hold diverse views about reproductive justice and Transgender rights, Clites said, adding that the administrations actions surrounding its task force is a clear violation of the separation of church and state, rather than it being a protection of religious liberty.

And speaking about the indictments of anti-abortion protesters that Trump mentioned in his executive order, Raushenbush emphasized that those convicted were breaking the law.

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If they were treated differently than anyone else that was breaking the law, then of course, it would be important to look into that. Because no one should be prosecuted more because theyre operating out of Christian faith, he said, before he added: But its also not a get out jail free card.

Raushenbush said the Trump administration has been vague about the criteria that constitutes anti-Christian bias, and that their examples  like Bidens proclamation honoring International Transgender Day of Visibility  is them showing their hand.

He said he believes the messaging communicates a resistance to treating LGBTQ people with dignity and equality. But as a public employee of the government, you have to treat everybody the same.

Everyone has a right to their beliefs  and they have a right to have accommodations... [but] make it a welcoming space for everyone, he later said. Dont privilege one rather narrow sect of Christianity over all the other people. Thats against the Constitution.

Related...
By Nazrin Abdul



On April 23, Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Finance and Member of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), held a meeting with Ms. Rachel Thompson, the Executive Director representing Azerbaijan on the ADB Board of Directors.

The meeting highlighted the importance of long-term successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ADB. The two sides discussed the ADB Country Partnership Strategy for 20252029, which is currently under review, and future lending programs aligned with the governments priorities.

Minister Babayev emphasized the value of ADB's support for government projects based on the country's development needs and reaffirmed Azerbaijans commitment to being an active participant in the ADB's social initiatives and poverty reduction efforts.

The meeting also covered future cooperation areas, such as the expansion of the Baku Metro, transport infrastructure projects, drinking water supply, water loss reduction, stormwater management in Baku and its surrounding areas, and railway infrastructure modernization.

In a separate meeting with Ms. Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Head of ADB's Permanent Mission to Azerbaijan, Minister Babayev praised the bank's mission for its role in identifying the country's needs and coordinating cooperation. Ms. Durrani-Jamal reiterated ADB's readiness to further expand cooperation with Azerbaijan and support the nations development priorities as an important and reliable partner.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Minister of Development Haji Muhammad Juanda Rashid met with President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) Tetsuya Watanabe on Monday.

The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to tackling the urgent challenges of climate change and advancing energy transition through deeper regional cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Watanabe was in Brunei to attend the ASEAN Center for Climate Change (ACCC) workshop, co-organized by the ERIA and Brunei's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Watanabe shared key updates from the workshop and discussed the potential of the ACCC to evolve into a regional knowledge hub on climate change.

The two sides also discussed global climate developments, including major takeaways from recent Conference of the Parties negotiations and the shifting international landscape of climate policy. 
CARTHAGE, Mo. (KSNW)  A Missouri couple is facing felony charges, accused of starving a 1-year-old child.

KSNs sister station, KSNF/KODE in Joplin, Missouri, reports Braxton Blevins and Emily Katz of Carthage have been charged with one count of child abuse and one count of child endangerment. The investigation began back on March 1, when Carthage police were called to Childrens Mercy Hospital, where a child was suffering from severe malnutrition, starvation, recurrent infections, and failure to thrive.

The hospital noted that the baby, who has a central line and a GI feeding tube, has been hospitalized multiple times since his birth for similar issues. The hospital told investigators that they had been working with Blevins and Katz on a home feeding plan.

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The couple is alleged to have told police they had been following that plan. However, a search of their home refrigerator showed 10 to 20 days worth of unused food intended for the baby.

Coffeyville man charged with attempted murder

Police say the hospital reported that scans showed the baby had missed multiple feedings. Investigators allege the couple eventually admitted to missing feedings and not properly caring for the babys central line and GI tube. Court records show that Blevins allegedly blamed smoking marijuana and falling asleep for missing feedings.

The court records show he also allegedly told investigators that he knew that he couldnt take care of the babys medical care, but was worried about losing custody of his other child if he sought help.

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The hospital reportedly told police that the baby consistently gained weight while under the care of Childrens Mercy staff. However, during the three months under the care of Blevins and Katz, the baby lost 5 pounds.

The probable cause affidavit states that Katz stopped talking to investigators when she was notified of the charges they would be seeking against her. The couple is currently out of jail on bond and under order not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18.

Their next court appearance is scheduled for the end of May.

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Little kids are being indoctrinated in public schools through readings from LGBTQ+ books ... and parents should have the power to prevent their kids from consuming that content ... according to a lawyer on a case being heard by the Supreme Court.

Eric Baxter is representing a group of Maryland parents who are objecting to books about gay and transgender characters being read in elementary schools, and he joined us on "TMZ Live" Wednesday to lay out their argument.

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The case went before SCOTUS this week and Eric says all parents want is the right to have their kids opt out of readings from books where some controversial topics are explored ... like sexuality, same-sex marriages and gender identity.

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Eric says the books are way too sensitive for elementary students .... and he says the rules are backwards because high schoolers can opt out of sex ed, but little kids are being forced to sit through book readings about LGBTQ+ issues.

Stars Celebrating Pride 2023 - Click image to open gallery

He says parents are objecting on the basis of religion ... and he says the problem is limited to book readings, not history lessons.

It's a peek into a big SCOTUS case ... with a ruling set to come down soon.

Catch the full interview today on "TMZ Live."
A Georgia elementary school is facing furious backlash from parents after their students were subjected to signs on campus reading whites only and colored only.

Students reported seeing the signs above water fountains and in the cafeteria at Honey Creek Elementary in Conyers, Georgia, southeast of Atlanta, according to local outlet WSB-TV.

School officials said a teacher put up the signs as part of a history lesson on Ruby Bridges, the first Black student to desegregate a U.S. school in 1960 at just six years old.

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The district provides teachers with curriculum documents that include recommended and vetted resources and activities, Principal Adriene Lanier wrote in a message Wednesday to parents. In this instance, the teacher did not adhere to the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district.

The schools principal said the teacher who hung the signs did not adhere to the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district (Google Maps)

While we do not believe there was any ill intent, the activity was not included in the teachers submitted lesson plan and was not approved by school administrators, Lanier added.

But parents and community members called the move unacceptable.

My son was over a water fountain drinking, and there was a for colored only sign above and he was made fun of by the other children, one parent told WSB-TV. To me, thats not a history lesson.

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Things can be taught in a way that doesnt inflict trauma on children, another parent told the outlet.

That parent asked WSB-TV to keep her name private over concerns about racist backlash: [Im] trying to limit as much backlash as I can, because I know there are racist individuals in this world unfortunately, the parent added.

The Rockdale County and Georgia NAACP chapters have both condemned the teachers signs, calling it an act of racial hostility that reopens wounds still felt by generations of Americans who have fought, and continue to fight, for equality and dignity.

This moment demands more than outrage  it demands action," the chapters said in a joint statement. Accountability is non-negotiable. But accountability alone is not enough. This moment must spark comprehensive, systemic change.

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The chapters called on the Rockdale County School District to implement changes to their training and education programs, including mandatory anti-racism education rooted in historical truth, mandatory anti-racism education rooted in historical truth, and transparent engagement with parents and stakeholders, rooted in trust, equity, and repair.

The Independent has contacted the Rockdale County School District for comment.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ)  Some parents got a chance to voice their concerns about State College Area School Districts safety and communication directly to administrators.

State High received a credible threat a week ago, prompting the district to put up metal detectors out of caution. Now those same detectors are nowhere to be found. Some parents felt this choice was made too quickly and without enough community input.

What I really saw as lacking, is an opportunity for families, guardians and parents to ask questions in real time and understand the reasons behind the multiple decisions that kept happening, Zoubeida Ounaies, a concerned community member, said.

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SCASD hosted an event April 23 to give the public a chance to meet with administrators face-to- face. A group of concerned parents attended to voice their concerns over safety and the districts communication. Superintendent Curtis Johnson says the districts communication has been consistent for this issue.

Since that incident occurred, we have been sending out communications on a daily basis, sometimes twice, to inform the parents about the things that we are doing, he said.

Steve Carpenter, a concerned parent, says the issue is not so much how many emails are going out, but more so the content within  or lack thereof.

I think the districts communication works really well in the number of communications that go out and the modality that they use, Carpenter said. But the clarity and the because or the why certain decisions are made or certain reasoning  that piece is missing.

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But in his mind, it would not be a tough issue to fix.

I think that could easily be addressed if there was a group of parents who said, okay, well volunteer to proofread or give you feedback on some key communication,' Carpenter said.

Johnson says this type of feedback is very important to the administration.

This provided that opportunity for them to voice their concerns to the board and administration, which we very much appreciate, he said. And well take that feedback and see what we can do to make changes in the future.

When asked, Johnson said the best way for these concerned parents to ensure their voices are heard in the future is to reach out to State Highs principal Laura Tobias at lst13@scasd.org, the board of directors or himself at cej12@scasd.org.

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Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith closes the voting machine for legislation making Indiana school boards partisan on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indiana is set to join the handful of states running partisan school board elections after a squeaker of a final vote Thursday  pending a decision from Republican Gov. Mike Braun.

All 50 members of the Senate rushed to participate in the 26-24 concurrence tally, with one straggler bursting into the chamber just before Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith closed the voting machine. The GOP supermajority barely nabbed the constitutional minimum of 26 to avoid a tie-breaking vote from Beckwith, who presides over the Senate.

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My gosh, the wokeness they have in these school boards, even in Republican areas, remarked Sen. Mike Young, R-Indianapolis. If you dont believe this harms our kids, look at our scores.

We dont know who the best people are with the best philosophy and why shouldnt we know that? he asked. He was among those supporters who believe school boards are too liberal.

Forty-one states provide for nonpartisan school board elections, according to Ballotpedia. Five allow for either, depending on the district, and four do partisan elections.

Senate Enrolled Act 287 would add Indiana to the latter group by requiring partisan designations on general election ballots.

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Opponents argued the changes would introduce or exacerbate partisanship in schools.

We heard the quiet part out loud: this bill is about fear of  diversity of thought, fear of challenging the status quo, said Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington. Why else would we turn school board elections into party primaries? To push out the independent thinker, to challenge or to silence the community member who doesnt check the right partisan box but knows how to lead with expertise, experience and integrity.

Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, asserted the legislation attempts to fix a problem that doesnt exist in my community.

Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, speaks against legislation making Indiana school boards partisan on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

My four school boards  I can tell you probably within 90% certainty what I think their political affiliations are  but its never an issue, she said.  Those school board members focus on the policy and how to get our K-12 kids to where they need to be to be successful.

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Author Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville, said it actually gives the voters what they want.

If youre getting your phones lit up from the school board association or maybe the superintendents  the voters want this, he told his colleagues just before the vote.

The measure would require nominating petitions to state the candidates political party affiliation, that the candidate is independent of a party, or that the candidate choses to be listed as nonpartisan. Partisan hopefuls would have letters next to their names on general election ballots, while independent and nonpartisan candidates would get blank spaces. Straight-ticket voting  in which voters can choose a partys entire slate of candidates with a single ballot mark  wouldnt apply.

But thats not how the proposal originally accomplished its goal. It wouldve required school board candidates to run in partisan primary elections until House lawmakers stripped that out and resurrected their own pared-back language.

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The Senate seemed inclined to agree to the Houses overhaul when it filed a concurrence April 1, but that was withdrawn April 10. Senators then voted to dissent. A conference committee, tasked with drawing up a compromise, met Monday  but on Tuesday, the dissent was rescinded and replaced with another concurrence.

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That motion sat on the Senates calendar for two days. Byrne skipped it multiple times as lawmakers key to the vote were absent.

Much of the opposition, particularly among Republicans, centered on federal employees.

Sen. Eric Bassler feared the legislation would disqualify many of his constituents  his district hosts a U.S. Navy base  from running in partisan school board elections by implicating the federal Hatch Act.

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These are the exact people that this body should want to run for school board, Bassler, R-Washington, said. These are engineers. These are scientists. These are experts in finance.

Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville, defends his legislation making Indiana school boards partisan on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

But the Hatch Act is already in play today, Byrne said.

He cited a January U.S. Office of Special Counsel opinion, which finds that an election labeled nonpartisan becomes partisan if a single candidate is endorsed by or acts in concert with a party.

When Brown asked him if the Hatch Act has already forced Hoosier federal employees off their school boards or out of races, he replied, I cannot tell you that.

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He said the legislation may bring attention to the Hatch Act so that maybe it will come into play now more often.

Indiana judicial staff could also be blocked from school board service under state rules.

The proposal retains another partisan feature.

A candidate claiming affiliation with a political party would have to meet Indianas two-party rule: the candidates most recent two primary votes must match the party sought to represent. If not, a county party chairs O.K. is required. That could block thousands of Hoosiers from running under specific party designations.

A provision allowing for higher school board member pay remains. It nixes the current $2,000 maximum and instead ties compensation to 10% of starting teacher salaries. The state-mandated $40,000 salary floor would double school board pay  but legislation headed Brauns way would set a $45,000 minimum and further boost compensation for school board members.

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The partisan school board bill passed the Senate by one vote and heads to Gov. Mike Brauns desk.

The Senate voted 26-24 on Thursday to give final legislative approval to Senate Bill 287, which will require school board candidates to declare a political party when running in a general election.

Bill author Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville, said Thursday school boards should be partisan because school board races see lower voter turnout because voters dont know the political party of the candidates. Further, school boards are already partisan, Byrne said.

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Like it or not, this is something that voters want to know about the candidate, Byrne said. Some people who are against this bill say school boards shouldnt be partisan. I dont think this bill makes them partisan, I think that they already are partisan.

Senate Bill 287 was amended in the House Elections and Apportionment committee to reflect House Bill 1230, authored by Rep. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City, which removed the primary election requirement and states that in the general election a school board candidate can choose to be listed as a Republican, Democrat, independent or nonpartisan.

When the bill was heard by the House, it was amended further to state that if a candidate chooses to be nonpartisan, then a blank space will appear on the ballot where party affiliation would be listed.

If the board member who leaves the board was a Republican or Democrat, then a caucus should be held to replace that member. Independent or nonpartisan candidates can be replaced by the sitting school board members, according to the bill.

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Under the bill, board members would see a pay increase from $2,000 to 10% of the lowest starting salary of a teacher working in the district.

Initially, the Senate filed a motion to dissent from the House amendments to the bill, but the dissent was rescinded Tuesday and a concurrence was filed. That allowed the bill, as amended by the House, to advance for final consideration by the Senate.

A concern with the bill, Byrne said, has been that it would trigger the Hatch Act, a federal law that prevents federal employees from running in a partisan election. But, Byrne said the Hatch Act already impacts school board candidates because once a candidate includes political language on campaign literature or is endorsed by a political party then the race becomes partisan.

Further, Byrne said the House amendment allows for nonpartisan candidates to be placed on the ballot. Byrne suggested that it could help federal employees running in a school board race.

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According to the Hatch Act, even if a federal employee ran as a nonpartisan candidate, if other candidates declare a party then the race becomes partisan and the federal employee couldnt run.

Sen. Eric Bassler, R-Washington, said assuming all the school board candidates run as a nonpartisan candidate then a federal employee could run in the school board race. But, once one candidate declares a party, then a federal employee couldnt run, he said.

Bassler said the legislature should want federal employees to run for school boards because they have expertise in engineering, science, finance, management and leadership.

I would hope that we would be begging these kinds of people to run for our school boards, Bassler said. This bill does a significant disservice to our young people. We should be striving to have the best people run for school board not eliminating some of the best people from running for school board.

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Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, asked Byrne if the Hatch Act has impacted school board races under current law, and Byrne said he hadnt heard of such an impact. Brown said the Hatch Act will have a greater impact under Senate Bill 287 because it will make all school board races partisan on the ballot.

Brown said she was concerned about the loss of talented school board members if the bill becomes law. In her district, Brown said a school board members political beliefs arent an issue because they focus on the policy and how to get our K-12 kids to where they need to be to be successful citizens of the world.

I cant support this bill because it unnecessarily eliminates so many candidates, so many current school board members quite frankly, that we need because of the expertise to stay on these boards, Brown said.

Sen. Michael Young, R-Indianapolis, said wokeness on school boards harms our kids, and he pointed to student test scores as an example of the harm done.

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Do nonpartisan school board elections hurt us? Yeah, it does. We dont know who the best people are with the best philosophy, Young said.

Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, said he voted against the bill because he didnt like that it removed the primary process.

Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, said after the vote that she strongly opposed the bill because it doesnt help a single child learn to read; it wont solve the teacher shortage; it wont fix the crumbling facilities or raise wages for our bus drivers or cafeteria workers.

This bill directly injects politics into one place that it absolutely does not belong, and that is in our public schools. We heard the quiet part out loud. This bill is about fear of difference, fear of diversity, fear of diversity of thought, fear of challenging the status quo, Yoder said.

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Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, said today is a sad day in the history of the state of Indiana with the passage of the bill.

Today, we placed politics above students, above parents and above our educational system, Qaddoura said. Its extremely disappointing that today we decided to do what is politically expedient over what is courageously right.

akukulka@chicagotribune.com
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Beijing on Thursday.

Han said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Venezuela has continuously reached new levels.

China firmly supports the Venezuelan government and people in pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions, and is willing to work with Venezuela to deliver on the common understandings between the two heads of state, consolidate and develop the traditional friendship, and continuously improve bilateral cooperation, Han added.

Noting that China is playing a key role in maintaining world peace and development under the current international situation, Rodriguez said Venezuela is ready to consolidate and deepen cooperation with China in various fields. 

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
A Georgia pastor is calling for a full Target boycott over the companys decision to end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

The Rev. Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Ga., said his goal is to convince the corporation to reinstate policies geared toward advancing racial equity, including supporting career development for Black employees and bolstering the use of Black-owned brands and businesses.

Target was one of the first companies to expand DEI initiatives in 2020 after George Floyds murder by police in Minneapolis, where the business is headquartered. The company set an objective to spend $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by 2025, which it fell short of achieving.

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They said they were going to invest in Black communities. They said it  not us, Bryant said during a town hall in the churchs sanctuary, according to The Washington Informer.

Now they want to break those promises quietly. That ends tonight.

Target CEO Brian Cornell recently asked to meet with Al Sharpton, who leads the National Action Network (NAN), after Sharpton reportedly urged Black consumers to avoid shopping at companies that have ended their DEI initiatives.

Bryant first launched a 40 day fast of Target for Lent in March, hoping to gain the companys attention. But he says results did not materialize and is calling on other Black leaders to encourage people to protest the companys new policies.

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Target also told The Hill they are working to create a welcoming environment for team members, guests and suppliers.

We remain focused on supporting organizations and creating opportunities for people in the 2,000 communities where we live and operate, a spokesperson wrote in a statement to The Hill.

Former NAACP President Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., U.S. Black Chambers President Ron Busby and others have joined in the fight urging the company to uphold their promise to Black communities.

They played on our sympathies in 2020. But now we know better, Bryant said during the town hall. And now, we move.

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The pastor has also launched a website for those interested in following their call to action.

Silence and delay are no longer acceptable. Our communities deserve action, not platitudes. Our demands are not radical  they are righteous, reasonable, and long overdue, Bryant wrote in a statement on the site.

It is vital to remember: this boycott is a coalition effort. It is not about any single individual, personality, or public figure. It is about people. It is about power. It is about principle.

This story was updated at 3:42 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(The Hill)  A Georgia pastor is calling for a full Target boycott over the companys decision to end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Rev. Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, said his goal is to convince the corporation to reinstate policies geared towards advancing racial equity, including supporting career development for Black employees and bolstering the use of Black owned brands and businesses.

Target was one of the first companies to expand DEI initiatives in 2020 after George Floyds murder by police in Minneapolis, where the business is headquartered. The company set an objective to spend $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by 2025, which they fell short of achieving.

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They said they were going to invest in Black communities. They said it  not us, Bryant said during a town hall in the churchs sanctuary, according to the Washington Informer.

Now they want to break those promises quietly. That ends tonight.

Most expect higher prices from Trump tariffs: Survey

Target CEO Brian Cornell recently asked to meet with Al Sharpton, who leads the National Action Network (NAN), after Sharpton reportedly urged Black consumers to avoid shopping at companies that have ended their DEI initiatives.

Bryant first launched a 40 day fast of Target for Lent in March, hoping to gain the companys attention. But he says results did not materialize and is calling on other Black leaders to encourage people to protest the companys new policies.

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Former NAACP president Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., U.S. Black Chambers President Ron Busby and others have joined in the fight.

They played on our sympathies in 2020. But now we know better, Bryant said during the town hall. And now, we move.

The pastor has also launched a website for those interested to follow their call to action.

Silence and delay are no longer acceptable. Our communities deserve action, not platitudes. Our demands are not radical  they are righteous, reasonable, and long overdue, Bryant wrote in a statement on the site.

It is vital to remember: this boycott is a coalition effort. It is not about any single individual, personality, or public figure. It is about people. It is about power. It is about principle.

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Target did not respond to The Hills request for comment.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A spokesperson with Tennova Healthcare told 6 News they are experiencing an outage of Cerner systems.

The company Cerner was doing maintenance work when an engineer accidentally deleted critical storage resulting in an outage, the Tennova spokesperson said. The outage didnt affect any patient data, and they are working to restore the systems, according to Tennova.

Document identifies Knox County Trustees employee fired amid investigation

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Patient care is our top priority, Tennova wrote. Our team has transitioned to downtime procedures that are used in the event of a system outage.

Hospital services are continuing without disruption for patients, the spokesperson said. They clarified that the outage was not related to any cyberattacks or security issues.

Oracle Corporation, which owns Cerner, described it as a provider of digital information systems used within hospitals and health systems.

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PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA)  Paxtons Clayton Hale Bridge is closed to pedestrians while the Illinois Department of Transportation makes structural repairs to the approaches on the bridge.

WCIAs partners with the Ford County Chronicle talked with Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold about the project.

Road construction to begin on IL Rt. 115 in Ford County

Every four years, IDOT requires inspections of [the] bridges at Pells and Holmes [Streets], Ingold said. This year I asked for an inspection of the [Orleans Street] walk bridge, as well. The returned findings show the bridge structure is in good condition, but the approaches on [its] east and west [sides] have some issues. Our engineers are looking into repairs for the approaches, but until those repairs can be made, the walk bridge will be closed.

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The Clayton Hale Bridge sits over the Canadian National Railroad tracks in downtown Paxton.

In a post to Facebook, the Paxton Buckley Loda CUSD 10 alerted the community to the bridge closure. The school district said that the crossing guard normally stationed near the bridge will be moved to a new location.

Due to safety concerns with the Clayton Hale Bridge, the crossing guard currently stationed near this bridge on Route 45 will be relocated to the intersection of E. Patton and S. Railroad Streets. This change will take effect this afternoon and will remain in place until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Paxton Buckley Loda CUSD 10

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As she continues to build on her assignment of working with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership on bolstering new shopping and dining in the Golden Triangle, Catherine Timko shared an anecdote of talking with a retail prospect who had dropped any plan of considering the city.

We got the guy on the phone and he said they passed on downtown Pittsburgh, said Timko of a prospecting call she made with Cate Irvin, the PDPs senior director of economic development.

She further explained, Interestingly enough, he said it was the bridges that led him to decide not to consider Pittsburgh.

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Timko, the founder and CEO of Washington, DC-based The Riddle Co., explained an asset of downtown that can be easy to miss: Its student population.

The thing I like about students is nobody knows that theyre there, she said, adding they dont show up on Census data and often represent considerable spending power, often supported by access to their parents credit cards.

It was a more nuanced understanding of the potential of downtown Pittsburgh she added that lead the retail prospect to reconsider.

Click here to read more from our partners at the Pittsburgh Business Times.

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Pedro Pascal took a strong stance against Harry Potter author J.K. Rowlings support for anti-LGBTQ legislation in the UK on Wednesday. The star of The Last of Us responded to a Reel shared on Instagram by Tariq Raouf that stated that awful disgusting st, that has consequences. Pascal commented that Rowlings position is heinous LOSER behavior.

On April 17 Rowling, who has expressed strong anti-trans beliefs in recent years, made it clear she supported the U.K. Supreme Court ruling on trans women that the words women and sex in the U.K.s Equality Act specifically refer to biological women and biological sex.

I love it when a plan comes together, Rowling wrote on X alongside the hashtags #SupremeCourt and #WomensRights and a photo of herself smoking a cigar, an apparent reference to A-Team character and master tactician John Hannibal Smith.

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Rowlings support of the legislation is some serious Voldemort villain st, said Raouf. The author is just so proud of all the work that shes been doing over the last few years to stoke hatred and fear into the general public about a very small minority population thats already some of the most misunderstood people on the earth, he added.

Awful disgusting ST is exactly right, Pascal responded. Heinouse LOSER behavior.

Raoufs words echo Pascals from February 2025 when he commented, I cant think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorizing the smallest, most vulnerable community of people who want nothing from you, except the right to exist.

Pascal has made his support for the transgender community clear for years, and most recently wore a t-shirt reading Protect the Dolls to the U.K. premiere of Thunderbolts* in London on Tuesday, April 22. His sister, Lux, came out as a transgender woman in February 2021.

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Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan also spoke out against Rowling this week. On Sunday Coughlan shared an article in her Instagram Story from The Cut condemning Rowlings response to a recent U.K. Supreme Court ruling on trans women and added, Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldnt touch it with a 10 foot pole.

The post Pedro Pascal Slams J.K. Rowlings Celebration of Anti-Trans Bill: Heinous LOSER Behavior appeared first on TheWrap.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A playground in San Francisco is back open after winter storms in 2022 forced a closure and years of damage repairs.

Another major upscale retailer to close Union Square store in San Francisco

Peixxoto Playground is located in the Corona Heights section of the city at Roosevelt Way and 15th Street, near the Randall Museum.

San Francisco Recreation & Parks said project repairs included removing the debris and installing safety netting on the hillside, as well as repairing an exterior water leak at the clubhouse, renovating a large area of the play structure and repainting the clubhouse and play structure.

Photo courtesy of SF Recreation & Parks.

Playground officials thanked its maintenance, park services and property management teams for their diligent and amazing work on this park.

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Residents are encouraged to plan their next trip here.

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PELZER, S.C. (WSPA)  An Upstate town is trying to preserve one of the last few historic buildings, with hopes to turn it into a space for families.

Built nearly two centuries ago, the Pelzer Community Building is filled to the brim with history.

This [area] was originally constructed as an open air skating rink  if you can believe that. The Victorians loved to skate, said Will Ragland, the mayor of Pelzer. It used to be green, so all of this trim work might return to that original color.

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The goal is to bring the building back to its roots.

To pursue historic tax credits in the process, which is going to be great for the town of Pelzer, because we do not have property taxes here in town, Ragland added. So with those historic tax credits, up to 45% of our investment can come back to the town.

When finished, the building could accommodate 500 people.

Ragland hopes the community is excited about having a restored space to rent for events.

All of these windows are coming back. We are looking to see what colors they might have used back then. Weve uncovered some, some green in there. Thatll be fun to see. Were also adding another addition to the left here, which will house a new kitchen, storage space, and brand new restrooms, Ragland continued. Its going to be a giant open room with very tall windows and lots of natural light.

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The building, located at 3-5 Park St, is one of the last original pieces of Pelzer.

Many of our beautiful old buildings were torn down over the years, Ragland said. The town owns three historic assets that were trying to save and restore, and this is one of them.

Construction is expected to start in the summer and will be completed no later than December 2026. American Rescue Plan Act funding is financing the buidling restoration.

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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ)  A 20-year-old man is facing multiple charges after State College police said he trespassed on fraternity property and ran from officers while drunk, according to a criminal complaint filed by the State College Police Department.

Braeden Grant Davis, of State College is charged with resisting arrest, evading on foot, defiant trespass, underage possession of alcohol, and public drunkenness stemming from a March 29 incident outside a fraternity house on Prospect Avenue. According to gopsusports.com Braeden Davis is a wrestler at Penn State University.

According to the criminal complaint, police were dispatched to the frat around 1:35 a.m. after a private security employee reported two men trespassing and causing a disturbance. The employee, hired by the fraternity to control access to the property, told the suspects to leave multiple times but said they refused, according to the criminal complaint.

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When officers arrived, they observed two men, including one later identified as Davis, returning to the property and arguing with the security team. The complaint states Davis and his friend both appeared to be intoxicated, with bloodshot, glassy eyes and the odor of alcohol on their breath.

After Davis asked if he was good to leave, an officer told him he could not leave until he was identified. At that point, Davis allegedly attempted to run and used his friend as a shield. The officer grabbed his jacket, but Davis broke free and ran about 10 yards before being tackled.

During the struggle, Davis allegedly resisted arrest and tried to wrestle out of the officers grip, breaking several items of police equipment, including a wristwatch, radio earpiece, and body-worn camera, which was later recovered from the ground.

Eventually, with the help of two other officers, Davis was handcuffed and taken into custody. He was transported to the police station, where a breath test identified alcohol in his system, according to the criminal complaint. Emergency medical services later took Davis to Mount Nittany Medical Center for what police said was an alcohol overdose.

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Davis is currently not in custody but is awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 21 before Magisterial District Judge Donald M. Hahn, according to court documents.

According to the affidavit, a search warrant for Davis medical records showed a blood alcohol content of .225% at the time of treatment, nearly three times the legal limit for drivers.

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WTAJ has reached out to Penn State Athletics and are awaiting a comment regarding Daviss current status with the Penn State wrestling program and whether there has been any disciplinary action in light of the charges filed.

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Guest speakers exchange views at the recording site of the 15th episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency. (Xinhua/Li He)

* China's private sector has supported overall national economic growth with a solid performance in the first quarter of 2025.

* Newly established private firms in the country numbered nearly 2 million in the period, rising 7.1 percent year on year amid supportive government measures.

* Guest speakers joining in the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable are optimistic about the sector's development prospects, saying that the huge Chinese market with over 1.4 billion people represents ample business opportunities for private enterprises.

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China's private sector saw robust industrial output growth in the first quarter of 2025, with its investment in manufacturing and innovation-driven development also accelerating.

The sector, constituting more than 90 percent of enterprises in the world's second-largest economy, has forged ahead with steady expansion as the country reaffirms unswerving support for the sector's growth amid challenges and difficulties.

In the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, guest speakers focused on the important messages from a high-level symposium on private enterprises held in February, sharing insights on the private sector's challenges and opportunities. Their discussions also shed light on the sector's broad development prospects and immense potential.

This photo taken on April 2, 2025 shows a digital workshop of Yongchang Electric in Wuxing District in Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

UNSWERVING SUPPORT FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Guest speaker Liu Min, deputy head of the private economy development bureau under the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, told Xinhua that China's private sector has supported overall national economic growth with a solid performance in the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, the symposium -- attended by top Chinese leaders and representatives of private enterprises -- has demonstrated the firm determination of the Party and the country to promote the private sector's development.

"A clear message from the meeting is that the importance of the private sector in the Chinese economy cannot and will not be changed," according to guest speaker Zhu Min, a member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges. He said the meeting has conveyed the message that full support from all levels of government is to be provided to promote the sector's healthy development.

Staff members handle businesses related to private enterprises at the government service center of Dongsheng District in Ordos City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, April 16, 2025, (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

Official data shows that in the first quarter of 2025, the value-added industrial output of private enterprises increased 7.3 percent year on year, outpacing the growth rate of all industrial enterprises; private investment grew 0.4 percent year on year, shifting from a decline in 2024. Notably, private investment in the manufacturing sector grew by 9.7 percent. Meanwhile, the import and export volume of private enterprises rose 5.8 percent in the first quarter.

As a representative of private entrepreneurs who spoke at the symposium, Liu Yonghao, chairman of New Hope Group, a leading agricultural conglomerate in China, said at the roundtable that he felt deeply encouraged by the support the country has pledged for the private sector, saying that private firms must strive for new achievements by tapping into new quality productive forces and advanced technologies.

Tan Limin, chairman of Westwell, a Chinese tech firm engaged in AI applications and autonomous driving solutions, said the symposium has also shown the importance the government attaches to tech companies in the private sector, which would encourage private firms to continue with more investment in technological innovation.

An unmanned heavy-duty truck Q-Truck (front) of Chinese tech firm Westwell undergoes a dynamic test at an unmanned commercial vehicle joint laboratory in east China's Shanghai on Sept. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

PRIVATE ECONOMY EXPANDS AMID SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

Private enterprises in China continued to expand steadily in the first quarter of 2025 amid government efforts to spur growth in both the private sector and the broader economy. Newly established private firms numbered nearly 2 million during the period, marking an increase of 7.1 percent year on year, official data showed.

Over 40 percent of the newly established private firms during the January-March period were related to new technologies, products, business forms and models, the data showed. Currently, private enterprises contribute 70 percent of technological innovation in the country.

Liu Min said the government has intensified efforts to strengthen and optimize the supervision mechanism related to administrative charges levied on enterprises, address overdue payments owed to private enterprises, and continue efforts to ensure fair private sector access to competitive infrastructure and major national scientific research facilities. The government on Thursday published a new version of the market access negative list, which further reduced the number of items on the list from 117 to 106, a decrease of 11 items.

"Legislative work regarding the private economy promotion law is being accelerated, with the draft law expected to be submitted to lawmakers for a third reading," she said. The proposed legislation, set to become China's first fundamental law dedicated to the private sector, explicitly defines the private sector as a vital pillar of China's socialist market economy, with observers expecting it to boost entrepreneurial confidence and encourage long-term investment.

People take photos of a Unitree's G1 humanoid robot at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center in Beijing, capital of China, March 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

Zhu said that Chinese private enterprises are highly competitive. He observed that over the past few years, Chinese private enterprises have sought to reduce costs and improve quality, with their share in the country's total import and export volume having increased to over 56 percent, demonstrating resilience.

However, in the face of high tariffs, it is important that the country offer multi-pronged support for private enterprises through boosting domestic demand and providing financing support to help them navigate the challenge, said the economist.

People visit the Xpeng booth during the Brussels Motor Show 2025 in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe)

BROAD DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

Guest speakers have voiced optimism in the Chinese private sector's development prospects, believing that the huge Chinese market with over 1.4 billion people represents ample business opportunities for private enterprises.

Liu Min said that Chinese private enterprises are stepping up technological and industrial innovation efforts, as traditional industries are steadily evolving to high-end, intelligent and green, and strategic emerging industries such as AI, embodied robotics, commercial aerospace, and biomedicine, as well as the cultural sector, are thriving.

Liu Yonghao said there is great potential for traditional industries to upgrade by developing new quality productive forces. He gave an example of his firm's investment in digitization and smart technologies applied in cold chain logistics, which have greatly helped protect the quality of perishable food products and mitigate waste. He made the company a leader in this business segment in the country.

Ni Mincheng, an employee of technology firm BrainCo who lost both his forelimbs, uses a smart prosthetic arm to compose a calligraphy work at the 135th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

Tan of Westwell said that by sticking to technological innovation for a decade, his company's AI and autonomous driving technologies and solutions have entered the markets in 28 countries and regions, helping revolutionize container logistics with its AI-empowered digital and intelligent services.

According to Zhu, over the past 40-plus years, China's private enterprises have grown rapidly, and there will be great opportunities in areas such as AI software development, new manufacturing, green development, and the service industry going forward. "I am very optimistic about the prospects of Chinese private enterprises." 
(WHTM) The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bill that aims to increase aid for affordable housing in Pennsylvania.

House Bill 643, introduced by State Representative Sean Dougherty (D-PHILA), would allow for an increase in funding for the Pennsylvania Housing and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund.

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According to Rep. Dougherty, an increase in funding enables more Pennsylvanians to have access to safe and affordable housing. Additionally, the PHARE revenue from Pennsylvanias Realty Transfer Tax reaches a statutory cap of $100 million in the 2027-2028 fiscal year.

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The bill would raise the cap to $110 million in 2028, helping PHARE keep up with demand, Dougherty said.

Affordable housing is a necessity that all Pennsylvanians deserve easy access to, said Dougherty, D-Phila. This bill takes a very necessary step to making more affordable housing options a real opportunity for many Pennsylvanians who are in need of it.

The bill now advances to the Pennsylvania Senate.

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(WHTM) Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an agreement to bring Pennsylvania into a shared multi-state gaming agreement for online poker.

According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), Pennsylvania will be the sixth member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement for poker. Pennsylvania is now the largest state in a market shared by 38 million Americans.

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The agreement will allow the PGCB to work with online market operators to ensure that Pennsylvania players are offered the same assurances as those provided through other online gaming options, according to the PGCB.

Online players in Pennsylvania will be allowed to participate in multi-state games on April 28, 2025. The PGCB says BetMGM and PA Borgata Online are already slated to participate, with others expected to join.

Fetterman calls on Trump to strike and destroy Irans nuclear facilities

An estimated 150,000 Pennsylvanians play online poker, which would expand the pool of online players by more than 50%. The five other states in the shared pool include New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, West Virginia, and Michigan.

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The PGCB says that adding Pennsylvania players will allow for larger prize pools without increased buy-in amounts.

This is a commonsense step to support hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, grow our economy, and bring in more revenue to support our schools, our seniors, our small businesses, and more, said Governor Shapiro. Three of our neighbors are already part of this agreement  and with this action today, were making sure Pennsylvania remains competitive in a rapidly growing online market.

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PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG)  Pensacola kindergarten teacher Emerald Barton has been named a semifinalist in Americas Favorite Teacher contest with a chance to win $25,000 a trip to Hawaii and appear in Readers Digest.

Okaloosa County hiring lifeguards  how to qualify and apply

Voting is now open and will close at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Barton has been teaching for over 10 years, having spent her last nine years at Navy Point Elementary School in Pensacola. She said she couldnt love her 21 kindergarten students any more than she does.

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Funny thing is I was going to teach literally anything but kindergarten, but this was the only position that was open 10 years ago, and I fell in love, Barton said.

Barton shares the semifinalist honor alongside 127 other teachers across the country.

Barton poses in front of her class before a field trip. (Courtesy of Emerald Barton)

It means a lot because it goes to show that all of the work that I have put in, there is a reward for that, and to have the support that Ive had during this contest has been absolutely fantastic, she said.

She believes her communication and organization skills inside the classroom shine through most authentically to her students.

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I talk to them as a human being because they are a human being, Barton said. Sometimes, when you do the super baby talk with them, they can see right through that.

I think we always become a family, and I think because we become a family that really help the dynamics of the classroom, she said.

Barton feels its important that kindergarten teachers are represented through this contest.

Lucedale voters said yes to liquor sales. Heres what happens next.

I think to have the country represented by a kindergarten teacher would be fantastic, Barton said. Im teaching not only academic skills but life skills, social skills, emotional skills, and I dont think people really realize how impactful kindergarten is in general.

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The Pentagon will resume gender-affirming care for transgender service members, according to a memo obtained by POLITICO, an embarrassing setback to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths efforts to restrict their participation.

The memo says the Defense Department is returning to the Biden-era medical policy for transgender service members due to a court order that struck down Hegseths restrictions as unconstitutional. The administration is appealing the move, but a federal appeals court in California denied the departments effort to halt the policy while its challenge is pending.

As a result, the administration is barred from removing transgender service members or restricting their medical care, a priority of President Donald Trump and Hegseth. The administration insisted its restrictions were geared toward people experiencing medical challenges related to gender dysphoria, but two federal judges said in March that the policy was a thinly veiled ban on transgender people that violated the Constitution.

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The Trump administration on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to allow the Pentagon to ban transgender servicemembers while legal battles continue to play out.

Both judges ordered the military to refrain from forcing out more than 1,000 transgender troops and to resume providing for their medical care, including surgical procedures and voice and hormone therapy. The memo is the latest move by the Pentagon to comply with those orders.

But it presents another headache for Hegseth, who has made culture war issues  such as changing recruitment standards and reinstating the ban  a key piece of his effort to make the military more lethal. Hegseth has emphasized this theme as hes sought to defend himself amid multiple scandals, including texting sensitive details of military operations in Yemen to multiple Signal group chats and a vicious brawl between his top advisers.

Service members and all other covered beneficiaries 19 years of age or older may receive appropriate care for their diagnosis of [gender dysphoria], including mental health care and counseling and newly initiated or ongoing cross-sex hormone therapy, Dr. Stephen Ferrara, the Pentagons acting assistant secretary of Defense for health affairs, said in a memo dated April 21.

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Trump signed a long-expected order banning transgender people from serving in the military at the outset of the administration, just as he had done in 2017. But LGBTQ+ advocacy groups quickly pounced, calling the order discriminatory.

So far, the courts have rejected the Pentagons arguments that including transgender troops reduces the militarys ability to fight. U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle ruled in March that there is no evidence that transgender troops harm military readiness, and ordered the Pentagon to return to the status quo.

A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday became the first appellate court to hear arguments on Trumps transgender military policy but gave little indication of how it might rule.

Defense officials acknowledged in a March memo sent to Pentagon leadership that the agency would comply with the court order, but did not detail the steps the department would take to follow it. Hegseth has openly attacked one of the judges, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, for her order, labeling her Commander Reyes in a pejorative post on X.

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Hegseth has faced pressure from Democrats to follow the court order, suggesting he was undermining military recruitment needs.

Given the unwillingness or inability of 99.6 percent of the U.S. population to serve in our military, the last thing our nation should be doing is rejecting patriotic Americans who are ready and willing to serve our country, a group of 14 Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), an Iraq veteran, wrote Tuesday to Hegseth. The Trump administrations repeated attacks on the transgender community reveal an ideological obsession rooted in a poor understanding of science.

The Pentagon referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A February memo signed by then-acting undersecretary for personnel and readiness Darin Selnick  who was fired by Hegseth last week  said service members or potential recruits interested in the military who have "a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria" are "incompatible" with U.S. military service.

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Hegseth, in a Wednesday speech at the Army War College, celebrated the first 100 days of the Trump administration by telling the assembled officers that there is no more social engineering  no more gender confusion, no more pronouns, no more excuses, within the military.

Some officials saw the move as a capitulation by the administration, which was settling for a loss in court while continuing to wage a public relations war to keep transgender service members out of the military.

Theyve scared all of the trans people off, said one person close to the Pentagon familiar with the conversations, granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive issue. Whats to be gained by continuing to fight with the courts? It seems pretty easy to stop getting crazy with it. You won. You got what you wanted.
The share of employees in U.S. and Canada who say they are personally thriving in their lives saw a marked decline in 2024, according to a Gallup report published Wednesday.

The State of the Global Workplace: 2025 Report, which includes data for 2024, shows 52 percent of employees from the U.S. and Canada region say they are thriving in their lives, down from 56 percent in 2023.

The 4-point drop represents the largest decline since at least 2011, when Gallup first included data on thriving employees from the region.

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From 2011 to 2019, the share of thriving employees in the region hovered between 59 percent and 62 percent, never changing more than 1 percentage point in a given year.

In 2020, the share of thriving employees dropped 3 points to 58 percent. In 2021, it stayed at 58 percent; in 2022, it dipped to 57 percent; in 2023, to 56 percent; and in 2024, to 52 percent.

The report indicated that, among U.S. and Canadian employees, 44 percent are struggling in their lives  a 3-point increase from the previous year  and 4 percent are suffering, a 1-point increase from the previous year.

The report includes data from around the world, as well as from distinct regions.

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The U.S. and Canada region placed third among the regions with the highest percentage of thriving employees, even as the region saw a dip from previous years.

In first place, Australia and New Zealand saw 56 percent of its employees thriving, despite seeing a 4-point dip from 2023. In second place, Latin America and the Caribbean saw 54 percent of its employees thriving, a 4-point increase from the previous year.

Globally, 33 percent of employees report thriving in their personal lives, 58 percent report struggling and 9 percent report suffering. The share of thriving employees globally had been steadily increasing from 2017 to 2022, but it dropped 1 point to 34 percent in 2023 and another point to 33 percent in 2024.

The survey asked respondents to evaluate their lives by imagining a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom to 10 at the top, with 10 representing the best possible life for you. Gallup asked respondents to indicate which step of the ladder they feel they currently stand on and which step of the ladder they expect to be standing on in five years.

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Those who rate their current life a 7 or higher, in addition to rating their future life an 8 or higher, get classified as thriving. Those who rate their current and future lives at a 4 or below are suffering. All others are struggling.

The total number of global employed respondents included in the 2024 data is 227,347.

The surveys were conducted from April 2024 to December 2024. For global results, the margin of error ranged from 0.05 percentage points to 0.08 percentage points. Per country, the margin of error ranged from 0.26 percentage points to 2.36 percentage points.

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In a dramatic exchange on day 2 of the Karen Read murder trial, the judge turned to a key prosecution witness and asked, Did you lie?

The witness looked away from the judge, startled by the question, and replied, I did. Not intentionally.

The admission by Kerry Roberts, a close friend of John OKeefe, came during intense cross-examination by Reads attorney, Alan Jackson, on Wednesday. It also marked a significant difference from the first trial since the defense decided not to cross-examine Roberts last year.

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Roberts admitted to telling a false statement to a grand jury in 2022 before Reads indictment. Jackson asked if she realized she made the false statement under oath and penalty of perjury, to which she said, I did.

Attorney Alan Jackson gives his opening statement at Karen Read's second murder trial at Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Dedham, Mass. (Stuart Cahill /The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)AP

The exchange went viral and set social media and YouTube commentators ablaze with questions around whether Roberts admitted to committing perjury during her testimony.

A retired Massachusetts judge isnt so convinced. He said the admission amounted to a prior inconsistent statement, but perjury?

If they prosecuted this person for a prior inconsistent statement, there would have to be hundreds and hundreds of perjury cases, said Jack Lu, a mediator and adjunct law professor at Boston College who served as a Massachusetts Superior Court judge for 16 years.

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Perjury charges are fairly unusual, Lu said, and they are difficult to prove.

State law makes it a crime for someone to wilfully give false statements in a material matter while under oath. In other words, to make intentional, material misstatements  to intentionally lie under oath, according to Lu. Those misrepresentations must be consequential.

In a recent case of convicted perjury, a Worcester County man was found guilty following a three-day trial after prosecutors argued he lied to protect himself and his girlfriend, who was convicted of murder in November 2021.

Heres how Wednesdays testimony in the Read trial compares.

What did Kerry Roberts say?

Roberts was with Read and another witness when they found OKeefes unresponsive body in the snow in front of a Canton home on Jan. 29, 2022.

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The cross-examination by Jackson delved into whether Roberts personally heard Read ask the other witness, Jennifer McCabe, to Google search hypothermia after they discovered OKeefe in the snow. The Google search will become more significant later in the trial, since the defense contends that McCabe also searched ho(w) long to die in cold at 2:27 a.m. based on cell phone records.

Roberts agreed she told a grand jury in April 2022 that she heard Read ask McCabe to make the Google search, but she later told Massachusetts State Police investigators that she did not personally hear that.

I did not hear her ask that. I was told she (McCabe) was asked that, Roberts said on Wednesday.

Jackson, however, read what Roberts told the grand jury: At one point she (Read) asked her (McCabe) to Google hypothermia and how long  Google hypothermia.

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Roberts explained she told the grand jury that statement because she wrote out a timeline of events with McCabe before speaking to investigators. Roberts denied that McCabe influenced her testimony, however.

Not an Earth-shattering score

Asked whether Wednesdays testimony rose to potential perjury, Lu said, No, that is not perjury.

I wish the defense all the luck, but that is not an Earth-shattering score, Lu said. If I were analyzing legal merits, I would hope that the defense has more than that.

The retired judge said that Roberts made some mistakes during her testimony, but pointed out that she likely does not have meaningful experience in courtrooms.

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He said she seemed eager in trying to convict Read, but added that in civil or criminal cases, its a terrible idea to jointly come up with timeline with another witness.

She shouldnt have done that, Lu said. If shes losing sleep for claims of perjury, (however) they should sleep well, since he said there needs to be more than her misstatement for perjury.

Another legal expert, Daniel Medwed, is a professor at Northeastern University. He said he could not weigh in on Robertss specific testimony, but described perjury more broadly.

Accidents, mistakes, or slip-ups about minor things typically dont rise to the level of perjury, Medwed said.

Cases of perjury in Massachusetts

The Worcester County man convicted on a single count of perjury last year, Jonathan Lind, was convicted of lying to a grand jury investigating the death of Brandon Chicklis. He was sentenced to seven to nine years in prison.

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Linds girlfriend, Julia Enright, was convicted of killing Chicklis and disposing of his body after she stabbed him to death in an Ashburnham treehouse in 2018.

After killing Chicklis, Enright enlisted Linds help in disposing of the body. The pair wrapped Chicklis in trash bags and drove his body to Rindge, New Hampshire, where they dumped him in a wooded area along the side of Route 119.

Prosecutors said at trial that Lind failed to tell the grand jury about his role in disposing of Chicklis body.

In 1997, Suzanna DAmour, a woman from South Hadley, was convicted of perjury and sentenced to 10-12 years in prison in connection with a plot she hatched to kill her husband to collect a $3.3 million life insurance policy. The killer, Alex Rankins, was convicted and sentenced to a life sentence.

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DAmour was convicted of lying to a grand jury about communications she had with Rankins. Knowing that Rankins was the prime suspect in her husbands murder, the defendant lied about the true nature of her relationship with Rankins to hinder the investigation of the murder of her husband, according to court filings.

Lu said the DAmour is a good example of a perjury case because it describes the materiality requirement, meaning it had meaningful consequences.

(It) gives a good feel for the gravity of the alleged crime to satisfy materiality and constitute perjury, Lu said. (It) shows that in DAmour, there were false statements about communications with a witness made to avoid a prosecution for murder. Yikes.

Read, 45, is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death in connection with OKeefes death.

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Norfolk County prosecutors say Read struck OKeefe with her SUV while driving intoxicated and then fled the scene in January 2022.

Reads lawyers contend that her SUV never struck OKeefe, and on Tuesday, Jackson said, There was no collision, and repeated it three times to emphasize for the jury.

Reads trial continues Friday with testimony and a site visit where OKeefes body was found.

Heres a recap of Thursdays testimony.

Karen Read murder case

Read the original article on MassLive.

Read the original article on MassLive.
CHICAGO  Chicago police are questioning a person of interest in connection with the fire that killed a Chicago fire captain Wednesday morning.

A criminal investigation is underway in the death of 54-year-old David Meyer, who was nearing retirement.

Black bunting hangs over the entrance of the West Side firehouse where Captain Meyer spent most of his nearly 30-year career.

The garage fire broke out around 4 a.m. Wednesday in the 5500 block of West Crystal in the Austin neighborhood.

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A sad day: Chicago fire captain dies after battling garage fire on West Side

Officials said the fire had been extinguished when the garage collapsed, injuring Meyer.

The fire was put out and the companies were outside the garage starting salvage and overhaul when the garage collapsed, injuring Captain Meyer, CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said

A Mayday call went out, and firefighters were able to get to him quickly and rush him to Stroger Hospital, where he later died.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but there is evidence that suggests it was initially set. Crews have since torn down the remains of the structure.

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Witnesses report that the fire originated in the alley, possibly in trash cans, and then spread to the garage.

CPD said a person is being questioned in this case. No charges have been filed.

According to CFD, Meyer joined the department in 1996. His last assignment was Truck 29, and he leaves behind his wife, daughters, and a son.

Procession carries body of fallen fire captain

A procession on Thursday carried the body of Chicago Fire Captain David Meyer from the medical examiners office to the funeral home where he will be mourned.

Members of the nonprofit 100 Club of Illinois say they are providing resources to the captains family.

There are a lot of people out there saying he was their mentor. He just sounds like a really wonderful man surrounded by a great family, said Caitlyn Brennan, CEO of the 100 Club.

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Brennan said the organization helps grieving families by providing a guide of whats to come.

Were there with them through the rest of time, she said. Were there for the memorials. Were there for all of the next steps in their journey.

Brennan praised the fallen first responder for his dedication and ultimate sacrifice.

A career public servant who touched a whole lot of lives, she said.

Visitation for Meyer will begin Monday, April 28, at 3 p.m. at Malec & Sons Funeral Home. Meyer will be laid to rest the following day, with funeral services held at Saint John Brebeuf Parish in Niles.

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NEW HAVEN, CT.  When Megyn Kelly was the featured guest at fellow Fox alumni Tucker Carlsons live show in Kansas City last year, thousands showed up, including Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.

Carlson, like Jordan Peterson, has shown that he can draw a paying crowd, and Kelly herself is used to speaking before a multitude, whether its on her eponymous podcast or at a Trump campaign rally.

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But she arrived on the campus of Yale University April 16 to find an auditorium with plenty of vacant seats, even though the event had been advertised as open to the public. There were no protestors of the kind that Charlie Kirk always seems to attract, and there seemed to be one law enforcement officer for about every 10 people in attendance  which may be why everyone was so well-behaved.

The Buckley Institute, which sponsored the event, says its mission is to promote intellectual diversity and freedom of speech at Yale while providing a home for enlightened conservative thought. Given that, the liberal students on campus failed themselves in not taking the opportunity to hear, and to challenge, one of the most prominent voices in conservative media today.

Podcaster Megyn Kelly answers questions posed by Buckley Institute President William Barbee at Yale University at an event sponsored by The Buckley Institute on April 16, 2025. | Bill Morgan

Kelly was invited to speak on the subject of The New Media Revolution and she talked about why she believes that legacy media is gasping its last breaths, replaced by long-form podcasts and a new form of media in which people get news from individuals that they trust, rather than media conglomerates like the ones she used to work for, NBC and Fox.

It might not be the sexiest of topics  and certainly was not as controversial as Ben Shapiros speech last year on How Oct. 7 broke Americas college campuses. About a thousand people were turned away from that event, the Yale Daily News reported.

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In contrast, the student newspaper didnt even cover Kellys conversation with Buckley Institute president William Barbee, even though the topic was equally important, having arguably influenced the results of the 2024 election and upended how Americans consume news, possibly forever.

It had to happen, because the old system was so corrupt and so broken. And the people demanded alternate options, said Kelly, who has moderated six presidential debates. The revolution began, she said, with the success of Fox News and radio commentators like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin, and exploded with the advent of social media, streaming and podcasting.

Digital media, Kelly said, is the future of news. Young people do not sit in front of cable news hour after hour the way we used to, the way my mom will. They just dont consume news that way. And so the futures going to be digital. Its going to be a direct relationship between you and a trusted few who you believe will tell you the truth.

Kelly argued, as she did in a recent interview with The New York Times, that the old way of the media, with journalists and media companies presenting themselves as objective, is untenable because its unbelievable  so often, bias creeps out in reporting. In new media, she says, You will know their political biases, and you will factor that into what theyre telling you. ... Its just such a more useful, truthful, honest way of getting your news.

Podcaster Megyn Kelly speaks at Yale University at an event sponsored by The Buckley Institute on April 16, 2025. | Bill Morgan

She also told the audience that Trump didnt deliver a fatal blow to legacy media by repeatedly calling out fake news, a strategy which she said was necessary. Trump didnt kill cable news, but he was like a Kevorkian. They killed themselves, but he helped. He set them up, gave them the machine, and they were like, lets press the button, she said, adding that Trump had no choice but to try and undermine the credibility of all these news organizations because of their relentless negative coverage of him. It was a brilliant strategy, she said.

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It was also a dangerous one. Now that some in the media have tried to course-correct and be more representative of conservatives, they face a subset of Americans who are openly hostile to anyone who identifies themselves as a reporter. (Ask me how it went when I tried to interview people at a Ron DeSantis campaign rally in the deep South. I might as well have been selling timeshares.) But Kelly is smart and influential, and Yale students cant understand America as it is without listening to, and engaging, with people like her. You can watch the full conversation here.

Words of wisdom from Billy Graham

I recently traveled to Boone, North Carolina, for a conversation with Franklin Graham, the eldest son of the famed evangelist, who now heads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the international humanitarian organization Samaritans Purse.

Heres a tidbit that didnt make it into my story.

When Billy Graham first invited Franklin to be on his board of directors, the father told the son, Franklin, dont say anything. Just sit there and listen  for the first 10 years, I dont want you to say nothing. Then you can speak.

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It wasnt hyperbole, or at least Franklin Graham didnt perceive it as such. He obeyed.

I sat there quiet for 10 years, he told me. But I watched. And I learned. He set the example.

You arent learning anything when youre talking, President Lyndon Johnson and others have said. Billy Graham seemed to know that, too. Heres the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey would say.

The prodigal son no more: Inside the world of Franklin Graham

Recommended Reading

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have often focused on race. But they have value in exposing people to religious diversity as well, writes Jazmin Kreimer.

People of faith may also play meaningful roles in shaping DEI programs that transcend these concerns and which can be appreciated across the political spectrum. Believers bring distinct capacities to these conversations.

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Want to Make DEI Programs More Effective? Focus on Religion

Jay Evensen has a funny and interesting take on the Great Penny Debate: what are the unintended consequences of doing away with that coin?

The Federal Reserve lost $85.3 million last year by minting pennies. But without pennies, experts say it would need to begin producing more nickels, because it would be the least valuable form of currency.

Forget Pennies; Do We Really Need Nickels?

As the battle between the Trump administration and Harvard University intensifies, Jacob Hess looks at the religious schools that have long been reluctant to receive federal funds. Action Trump takes against schools like Harvard and Columbia is being eyed warily by conservative campuses  aware that similar steps could be taken by future Democratic administrations against their own schools.

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Its Not Just the Religious Conservative Schools Wondering Now If They Need to Forgo Federal Funding

Endnotes

When Jordan Peterson launched his online university, with annual tuition set at $500, Princeton Universitys Robert P. George told me that was an astonishingly low fee given the quality of professors and the courses Peterson Academy offered. But then again, many online courses, including some at Princeton and Stanford, are available for free, and $500 can be a heavy lift for young Americans struggling to make rent.

Not sure how much it helps, but Peterson Academy just lowered tuition to $399, saying its because of incoming funding that wont compromise its mission. Theyre promising four new courses a month, in addition to 43 offered now, as well as live events in the future. Maybe stay away from New Haven? Just a suggestion. As always, thank you for reading and being part of the Right to the Point community. You can reach me at Jgraham@deseretnews.com or on X, @Grahamtoday.
Once a television host, always a television host.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spent thousands of dollars to turn a Pentagon room into a makeup studio earlier this year, according to CBS News.

He made the seemingly costly renovation to the green room immediately next to the Pentagon press briefing room while enacting deep cuts to department programs and staff, part of the Trump administrations efforts to root out wasteful spending.

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The Pentagon defended Hegseths decision to install the makeup studio Tuesday, calling the renovation routine.

Changes and upgrades to the Pentagon Briefing Room are nothing new and routinely happen during changes in an administration, a Defense Department spokesperson told CBS News.

One source said that the room was originally sparsely furnished with a table, chairs, a mirror on the back of the door, a TV, and photos of former defense secretaries on the wall.

An in-house construction crew then came in and removed everything, replacing the previous furniture with a new directors chair and a large mirror with makeup lights, another source said.

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The improvements, which reportedly cost thousands of dollars, came at a time when the administration was looking to cut costs, resulting in thousands of federal workers losing their jobs and major budget cuts across many programs and departments.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth walks away after being interviewed in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. / ANNABELLE GORDON/AFP via Getty Images

Hegseth himself has played an important role in these cuts, signing a memo in March titled Continuing Elimination of Wasteful Spending at the Department of Defense, which terminated over $580 million in wasteful spending on the departments contracts and grants.

In a video posted to X, he said how these contracts and grants were not a good use of taxpayer dollars.

Ultimately thats who funds us, and we owe you transparency and making sure were using it well, he added.

Another round of @DOGE findings here at the Department of Defense. pic.twitter.com/PSrHn8Zjlq  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) March 20, 2025

The Defense Departments spokesperson told CBS News that they ensured the renovations would not be too costly.

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For this upgrade we were deliberately conservative and opted for several less expensive, on-hand material solutions, they said.

According to them, the new items came from existing inventories and the new countertop was built by facilities services staff.

The upgraded green room will only be available to senior leaders and VIPs to use before press calls or TV appearances.

Former Fox News and CBS News producer Tami Radabaugh, who is currently the deputy assistant to the secretary for strategic engagement, was the one to suggest these renovations.

According to a source, she got the go-ahead from Hegseths wife, Jennifer, and the chief Pentagon spokesman, Sean Parnell.

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Hegseth has been under scrutiny ever since Signalgate in March, and faces yet another data security scandal after it was revealed that he shared sensitive information about upcoming military strikes in Yemen in another group chat with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer, among others.

He also ousted three handpicked top aides from his department and reassigned his chief of staff, Joe Kasper, last week.

Access to the Pentagons press briefing room has been restricted since February, with reporters losing one of the few spots where they could connect to Wi-Fi and film on-camera reports or file their stories. Now, no one is able to enter until an official is speaking inside.
Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., on Thursday joined a small group of Senate Republicans who have held in-person town halls in their states -- bucking directives from GOP leadership that they hold these events virtually where there is more control.

In small-town Kearney, Nebraska, Ricketts fielded questions from fiery constituents about topics such as cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency to the state's federal workforce, tariffs and congressional budget plans, among other issues.

Ricketts was often interrupted during the roughly hourlong event, similar to what his fellow GOP senators who have held town halls have experienced, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas.

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"Tax the rich!" was one notable chant.

"So you're anti-veteran?" another audience member cut in after the senator repeated that he was focused on "controlling spending" when asked about cuts to veterans programs.

MORE: GOP Sen. Grassley gets another earful at Iowa town hall

Republicans have largely avoided holding in-person town halls during the current, two-week congressional recess, but Ricketts is planning on holding two more on Friday in addition to the Thursday town hall: one in Valentine and one in Scottsbluff.

He largely took a defensive tone during his event on Thursday, highlighting how he's put up defenses for his constituents against the Trump administration while also maintaining his support for most of the White House's current policies.

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"I know some of the decisions being made are going to be tough. We've got to get our spending on control as we talk about some of those issues," Ricketts said. "So if somebody has an issue, contact our office and we'll review those. We do that all the time. As I mentioned before, we are having conversations with administration behind the scenes."

PHOTO: Sen. Pete Ricketts speaks at a town hall meeting in Kearney, Neb., April 24, 2025. (Josh Funk/AP)

On standing up to the White House

Ricketts was asked if he will "step up" to the president and say that some of the spending cuts are "too much."

He responded that he is having conversations with the White House behind the scenes in objection to some of its moves, such as sweeping tariffs and cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development, though he was interrupted by boos.

"I've already done that on things like tariffs. When he first announced his tariffs, I had conversations with a number of Cabinet members about, hey, here's how it's going to impact [Nebraska]," he said. "It's an $100 million impact. Lay off people -- that's a problem. You're hurting Americans, and specifically Nebraskans, if you don't fix this.

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"Or on the stuff with USAID, I said there's obviously things that we don't want to spend money on," he added. "There's also good things we do do that help promote U.S. interests around the world. So I talk specifically about those. So those conversations are ongoing with regard to different issues about what they're doing and how we're, you know, what the right way forward."

MORE: Democratic Party 'doubling down' on town hall meetings targeting Republican-held districts

Ricketts was also asked if he is scared of retaliating against Trump.

He repeated that he has stood up to the president by reaching out to Cabinet members in the White House.

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"I used a couple of examples how when I was concerned about his policy, I reached out to the appropriate Cabinet members say, hey, here's what's going to happen, the consequences of what your decisions are. To say, you guys need to be thinking about these things as you're going through decision-making process," Ricketts said.

"So the answer is, I will continue to be who I've always been," he said. "You've seen me eight years as governor. You see me for two years as a senator. That's what I'm running on as I look forward to [the next election]."

On tariffs

Ricketts said a number of times that Trump wants to "level the playing field" with his implementation of tariffs.

"It's going to be a process. It's going to create some disruption. The idea is to get this done so we can get beyond it and end up on the playing field," Ricketts said.

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"And one of the things the president wants to do is level the playing field on tariffs. The world charges us four times the level of tariffs on an average weighted value basis that we charge the rest of the world."

PHOTO: Sen. Pete Ricketts speaks with Kearney, Neb., Mayor Jonathan Nikkila before holding a town hall meeting in Kearney, Neb., April 24, 2025. (Josh Funk/AP)

On Social Security, Medicare and spending cuts

When asked about the Senate's plan for protecting entitlements, Ricketts said Congress is engaging in conversations about the subject.

"Protecting Social Security is one of the priorities President Trump has already talked about," he said, to big rounds of boos. "Figuring out a solution to protect Social Security is not going to be an easy thing.

"One thing I do want to say, though, is there's been a lot of talk about, you know, cutting Social Security through the reconciliation process. By law, you actually can't touch Social Security through the reconciliation process," he added.

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MORE: Democrats launch billboards asking public to demand town halls from GOP representatives

Ricketts claimed the Senate will probably go "beyond" the House's goals for cutting spending.

"That's just make sure we hit that target, we will be going far above that. In fact, I expect that, you know, if you look familiar with the House's goals for cutting spending, we'll probably go beyond what the House does," he said.

On the timeline for reconciliation, Ricketts said he expects the process to "take a while"-- maybe getting worked out in the fall.

"The tax cuts expire at the end of December, so we've got a hard deadline there, but this is going to be a lot of work between now, over the next several months, to get this all kind of place," he said.

Republican Ricketts defends himself at Nebraska town hall, says he told White House it's 'hurting Americans' with Trump tariffs originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BEIRUT, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon signed a 250 million U.S. dollar loan agreement with the World Bank on Thursday to support critical reforms in its struggling electricity sector, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA).

The agreement was signed by Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and World Bank Regional Director Jean-Christophe Carret, both describing the loan as a significant step toward improving Lebanon's power infrastructure and governance.

"This loan represents a strong boost to the structural reforms Lebanon is implementing in the electricity sector," Jaber said, highlighting long-delayed efforts to establish regulatory frameworks and operational oversight.

Carret called the agreement a "turning point" in the World Bank's cooperation with Lebanon, noting it marks the first loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for the country's power sector.

According to NNA, the project will fund the creation of a national control center, improvements in accounting and billing systems at the state-run utility Electricity of Lebanon, and the development of scalable solar energy farms. The first phase of solar projects is expected to generate 150 megawatts and save around 40 million dollars annually in fuel costs.

Lebanon's electricity sector has faced chronic outages, financial mismanagement, and infrastructure decay for decades, becoming a central focus of reform in the country's recovery plans. 
Communities in Schools Petersburg president Wanda Stewart discusses the phlebotomy healthcare specialty with Vernon Johns Middle School students on April 23, 2025. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods / Virginia Mercury)

PETERSBURG  Vernon Johns Middle School eighth grader Jonathan Phillips already knows hes interested in a career in physics. With his interest in science, he was especially happy to witness the unveiling of his schools new medical-focused classroom on Wednesday, a space made possible through a unique partnership between a Virginia health care system, an education nonprofit and Petersburg Public Schools.

It seems like a very interesting learning opportunity, he said.

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Phillips was one of a handful of middle school students to attend a formal ribbon cutting for the classroom opening where they were able to physically interact with various medical instruments and models. As he lingered near a model used for CPR practice, he noted how hed taken a course and was excited at the prospect of brushing up on the life skill. Some other students expressed interest in phlebotamy, the specialty of drawing blood for testing or delivering intravenous medicines, while exploring the room.

Phillips said the classroom may stir up his classmates curiosity about working in medical fields.

I think some other people might have their interest piqued, he said.

Petersburg superintendent Yolanda Brown said that the lab will be part of Vernon Johns Middle Schools career investigation courses, offering hands-on experience that will encourage students to further their studies in health care. The school also aims to include guest lecturers in the classroom from different healthcare specialties.

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Next door, Petersburg High School,offers a curriculum for certified nursing assistant career paths, which students could explore and plan to pursue or that might inspire interest in other medical professions. As Virginia mirrors national trends in a shortage of workers for critical health professions like various types of nurses and primary care providers, Petersburgs new medical classroom can help inspire future professionals who could stem the tide.

We thought that starting early, at least at middle school, introducing them to those careers, those tracks and what they might need for their ninth grade start of high school, would be a place to start, said Communities in Schools Petersburg president Wanda Stewart.

Stewarts organization is part of a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting local schools and students around the country. Communities in Schools Petersburg facilitated conversations with HCA Virginia Health System and the school division that led to a $25,000 grant that helped set up the classroom.

We are excited about our students being able to learn in a way that is a little different from just normal classroom settings, Stewart said.

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HCA awarded the grant to the school in order to inspire future health care workers, HCA associate vice president of academic affairs Yvette Dorsey explained at the unveiling.

A CPR training for students at Petersburg High added to the health-related learning Wednesday morning. The training stemmed from a collaboration between Petersburg schools, the local emergency services and health departments, and HCA.

With new state laws requiring public elementary and secondary schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans, the training was timely. The legislation was carried by Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virignia Beach, in this years General Assembly session and, after passing the legislature, was signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin March 24.

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MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippine Navy said a Chinese aircraft carrier battle group had passed near its northern maritime boundaries in the run-up to a six-day maritime exercise with the U.S. that began on Thursday as part of their annual Balikatan military drills.

The coordinated naval drills, focused on enhancing interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and regional security, would be carried out within Philippine waters, spanning from the vicinity of Subic Bay up to the Northern Luzon, the Philippine military said.

Japan and other regional partners are increasingly taking part in Balikatan, which means "shoulder-to-shoulder," amid tensions with China over its activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. A Japanese navy ship is joining the exercises.

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Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the South China Sea, on Thursday confirmed the sighting of the Chinese naval formation early Tuesday about 100 nautical miles off Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

Led by the aircraft carrier Shandong (CV-17), the battle group consisted of six warships, including frigates and destroyers, and two support vessels, Trinidad said. The flotilla reportedly came within three nautical miles of the Philippines' northern islands.

"This is quite close, but these are allowed under UNCLOS, under the right of innocent passage provided that it is continuous and expeditious," said Trinidad, adding that the vessels were nearly outside the country's exclusive economic zone by Wednesday night.

The Philippine Navy said the sighting, while closely monitored, is not considered alarming. Still, the timing of the Chinese passage underscores the strategic weight of the ongoing Balikatan drills, which have grown in scale and complexity in recent years.

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"We do not speculate on the intention of their warships in our waters," Trinidad said. "What we do is we challenge them, we monitor them, to ensure that they traverse continuously and expeditiously."

More than 14,000 Filipino and American soldiers are participating in this year's Balikatan exercises, which run from April 21-May 9, for a "full battle test" between the two defence treaty allies in the face of shared regional security concerns. China has said the drills are provocative.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Phones have been heard ringing from under the rubble of a building destroyed by the Russians in the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv. The search and rescue operation is ongoing. Two children are among those being searched for.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Quote: "Tragic aftermath in the Sviatoshynskyi district. The rubble of a destroyed building is still being cleared. Specialist rescue teams, State Emergency Service climbing teams and search and rescue dogs are involved. The sound of phones ringing can be heard from under the rubble. The search operation will continue until it is confirmed that everyone has been recovered. There is information about two children who have not yet been found at the scene."

Emergency workers

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Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: As of 07:30, nine fatalities were confirmed in Kyiv due to the Russian strike. Over 70 people have suffered various injuries.

Search and rescue operation ongoing

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Emergency workers have been operating at 13 locations across the capital.

Background:

Ukraine came under a large-scale combined Russian attack on the night of 23-24 April. Air defence systems were responding.

As of 06:00, nine people had been killed and 63 injured in the city of Kyiv, including six children and a pregnant woman. Hits on civilian infrastructure were also recorded.

Two people were injured and several five-storey residential buildings, shops, warehouses, a public transport stop and cars were damaged in a combined Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast.

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(KRON)  The family of Krysta Michelle Tsukahara, a 19-year-old college student who was killed in a Tesla Cybertruck crash in Piedmont, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Alameda County court.

Four college students were trapped inside the Cybertruck after it crashed and burst into flames at 3 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2024. Soren Dixon, 19, Jack Nelson, 20, and Krysta Tsukahara, 19, died from smoke inhalation and severe burns, according to an autopsy report by the Alameda County Coroners Bureau.

The lawsuit seeks to uncover more about what led to the deadly collision and to gain access to the Cybertruck. The mangled vehicle has remained unavailable to the familys legal team since the crash occurred, attorneys said.

Soren Dixon, left, Krysta Tsukahara, center, and Jack Nelson. (Images provided by the City of Piedmont

Krysta was a beautiful, bright young woman with her whole life ahead of her, her father, Carl Tsukahara, wrote in a statement released by attorneys. Weve had to endure not only the loss of our daughter, and our son the loss of his sister, but we have had to suffer through the silence of those who were with her that night. Our family is seeking additional information regarding all aspects of this tragedy.

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Krysta Tsukahara, Nelson, and Dixon were recent graduates of Piedmont High School who were home for Thanksgiving break at the time of the tragedy.

California Highway Patrol investigators released a preliminary report stating that Dixon was driving when the Cybertruck crashed. The CHP report states that a combination of alcohol intoxication, drug impairment, and unsafe speeds caused Dixon to lose control.

Krysta Tsukahara (Photos courtesy Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP)

Dixons estate is named as a defendant in the new lawsuit. Charles Patterson, who reportedly owned the Cybertruck, is also named as a defendant.

Krysta Tsukahara was a backseat passenger in the Cybertruck. She was not seriously injured in the impact, but she was trapped inside the vehicle as it burned, attorneys said.

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This young woman suffered the most horrifying death one could imagine. Her death was caused by her inability to get out of the car and being consumed in the fire that engulfed the vehicle, said attorney Roger Dreyer of law firm Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora.

Krysta Tsukahara (Image courtesy City of Piedmont)

The family still doesnt know what the course of events were that evening that led to this crash and why this vehicle caught fire. The family wants and deserves answers to those questions, Dreyer said.

Krysta Tsukahara, a sophomore at Savannah College of Art and Design, had only trace amounts of alcohol in her system when the crash occurred, attorneys said. Dixon had cocaine in his system and a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.195, according to a coroners report.

(KRON4 Photo)

Krysta Tsukaharas parents want to know how, and why, Dixon had access to the Cybertruck. They said filing a lawsuit was their last resort to find out the truth. Why did this have to happen? Carl Tsukahara asked. She was a good kid.

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Dreyer said, Our clients dont want to speculate as to who is to blame. They want answers and additional information in order to see who is accountable for this tragedy and who played a role in their daughters death.

(KRON4 Photo)

A fourth college student who was a passenger, 20-year-old Jordan Miller, was the sole survivor. A witness was able to break window using a tree branch and pull him out of the burning Cybertruck.

The witness told CHP investigators, I went back to the broken window and yelled for them to try and get out at this window. Krysta tried to come up, sticking her head from the back. I grabbed her arm to try and pull her towards me but she retreated because of the fire.

Police officers and firefighters attempted to vain to extinguish the flames before Krysta Tsukahara, Nelson, and Dixon died.

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Krysta Tsukahara was a graduate of the Piedmont High School Class of 2023.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
A coffee company that has been quietly roasting in north Sumner since 2019, selling also at recurring events including the Puyallup Farmers Market, will close on Friday.

Larry and Michelle Kuhns hosted a final farewell party and warehouse sale at their Kabaty Coffee, tucked into an industrial park just east of state Route 167, April 19. They offered deals on beans and equipment, including the sale of a commercial grinder, cold-brew equipment and a laser printer.

Loyal customers from around the South Sound beyond Pierce County made the trip, according to their recap post on Thursday, including from Mukilteo, Kirkland, Port Orchard, Woodinville, Kirkland and even up from Portland, they wrote.

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The owners did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision.

The couple has operated Kabaty Coffee (Mount Peak Roasting LLC) since 2019 under the mantra, Love the Earth. Embrace its people. The idea blossomed when they returned to the United States in 2017 after years abroad, according to the company website.

Larry was a teacher, and the family lived in Saudi Arabia, Sumatra, Poland and the United Arab Emirates. Kabaty is named after the Polish forest near their one-time home, and it was in Dubai that Larry purchased his first home-roasting machine. After retiring, they turned to coffee.

In a 2022 TNT Diner poll, Kabaty landed several tallies in a heavily split-vote category of some two-dozen roasters. The brand shipped beans directly to customers nationwide, roasting to order, and offered custom wholesale roasts and personalized labels for wedding gifts and party favors, according to its Yelp page and listings on wedding websites The Knot and Wedding Wire. The couple also hosted private events at the roastery.

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On April 9, they shared on social media that the business  especially in prioritizing fair-trade purchasing and managing higher costs all around  was no longer sustainable for them.

Sustainability, for both our customers as well as everyone in the coffee supply chain, has always been a part of our core values, they wrote. Its a mix of providing a high quality product at an affordable price, while making sure that everyone else is receiving a sustainable and fair wage. With all the newer cost increases associated with the roasting business, we feel we can no longer provide our product at a competitive and sustainable price.

They thanked longtime customers for choosing them when there are copious coffee roasters, many local, on shelves and available via mail subscriptions today.

The online shop will shut down at noon on Friday, April 25.
As Duke Energy continues to face pushback from local leaders and residents about rising utility costs, Pinellas County made a move this week that would loosen its ties to the energy company.

Pinellas County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday that will end the countys participation in Dukes Clean Energy Connection program, through which subscribers help pay for solar power plants across the state in return for future savings on monthly bills.

Commissioner Vince Nowicki added the resolution to the countys agenda and noted during the meeting that Dukes electricity rates continue to climb, but the percent returned for monthly credits doesnt.

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This isnt about putting clean energy to bed, he said Tuesday. This is about removing from a program, looking at other options.

Duke representatives were at the commission meeting and answered a slew of questions from board members regarding the cost of staying in this program. The utilitys representatives maintained that the long-term benefits are worthwhile.

Starting no later than Oct. 1, Pinellas County will end its participation in the program. The county is spending millions of dollars a year on the program, which requires a monthly fee of $8.35 per kilowatt of energy used.

When the county initially voted to participate in the program, Duke Energy estimated the county would save $15.18 million over 33 years and break even on its payments within five to seven years. Now, estimates show it wouldnt break even until its 12th year and wouldnt start seeing a return until the 20th year.

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Subscribers receive a credit to their bill based on how much energy they generate multiplied by a set rate, which increases annually after the first three years.

The county joined the program in 2022. In its second year in the program, it spent $1.3 million in subscription fees and generated $1.0 million in credits. This past year, it paid $3.7 million and generated $3.2 million in credits.

Commissioners said the amount of money the county is paying is too high for such little return.

I just see a cash flow thats going out, Commissioner Chris Scherer said, citing how much money the county would be paying over the next several years. We might want to call it quits, and this is a great opportunity to do so.

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Pinellas isnt the first local government to express concern with this program. Last year, St. Petersburg City Council member Richie Floyd said it sounded like a corporate black box that we dont really have any control over, and it has faced legal challenges at the state level.

Nowickis resolution also placed a restriction on the purchase of electric vehicles for the countys fleet unless a financial analysis is presented to the board that demonstrates the purchases fiscal benefits.

Also under the resolution, commissioners will work to realign the countys clean energy goals and redirect funding that previously went toward the program.

Although Nowicki said the resolution has been on the countys agenda for two weeks and was discussed in a previous workshop, commissioners said they wanted a more in-depth discussion about clean energy goals and where to redirect the money that was to go toward the Duke program.

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Rene Flowers was the sole no vote Tuesday. She shared concerns about changing direction at the federal level on clean and solar energy and said she isnt sure that this will stop here.

Before I could support anything that would take a step back, I would like for us to have, not just a soft conversation, but a true conversation, about the directions that were going, she said.

Commissioner Dave Eggers voted to approve the resolution, but said he was also concerned about following the pendulum swings happening at the federal and state levels.

He said he did not want to signal that the county is closed off to clean energy or to having conversations about it. Commissioners are planning to meet again in the coming months to continue the discussion about alternative energy sources.
Pittsburghs police union is refusing to take part in contract negotiations until the citys Chief Operating Officer is removed from the citys negotiation team.

Per a letter Robert Swartzwelder, President of Pittsburghs Fraternal Order of Police, sent to Mayor Gainey, the request for Lisa Franks removal comes amid difficulties in starting 2026 contract negotiations.

Swartzwelder says in a letter dated Feb. 6, the mayor agreed to begin negotiations as soon as possible, and the first meeting was set for April 23. But, he claims the FOP was notified Monday that a meeting which required 97 days to take place was cancelled without explanation.

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Then, on Wednesday, the day the meeting was originally scheduled, Swartzwelder said the FOP learned of horrible tweets from Frank.

Screenshots of Franks social media posts or comments from 2020 are included in the letter. In one post, she writes when we defund the police... then suggests other jobs they should consider. In another, she asks why do we continue to fund these police departments?

A plain reading of these tweets clearly indicates that the incremental defunding and staff reductions of the police department by your administration follow this strategic plan outlined by Ms. Frank in her very public tweets, Swartzwelder says in the letter.

Swartzwelder says the FOP will not negotiate with a Mayoral designee who thinks so poorly of the police. He asks Mayor Gainey to appoint a new designee for negotiations, or the FOP will begin planning for arbitration.

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As stated in the January 15, 2025 letter the FOP looks forward to negotiating a successor agreement in good faith, with respect, representing the hard-working women and men of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police who are members of the FOP. These officers tirelessly perform a thankless job while facing the inherent dangers of a severely understaffed and poorly funded police department for which, it seems, your Chief Operating Officer has successfully orchestrated under your watch, Swartzwelder wrote to close the letter.

Frank issued a statement stating the tweets in question were made at the height of protests following the murder of George Floyd, and that her views have evolved since then. The full statement reads:

These are tweets from five years ago made at the height of the protests following the murder of George Floyd. Since then, and especially since beginning my service to the City of Pittsburgh, where I have had the opportunity to work closely with the Bureau of Police, my views have evolved in response to first hand experience, as weve been able to rebuild trust through community policing and significantly reduce homicides and gun violence in our community.

Channel 11 contacted Mayor Gaineys office about this request, and we were told that theyre looking into the issue.

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Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo discusses what's ahead for the Florida Legislature after a Capital Tiger Bay Club forum in Tallahassee on Jan. 24, 2024. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix)

The superminority status of the Florida Democratic Party in the state Legislature just got smaller on Thursday when Democratic Senate Leader Jason Pizzo stunningly announced that he was leaving the party and would become a political independent.

Democrats already had just 11 members in the 40-member chamber, after Orange County Sen. Geraldine Thompson died just weeks before this years legislative session began. They are now down to just 10 members.

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The Democratic Party in Florida is dead, he said while speaking on the floor of the Senate following the conclusion of the chambers business for the day. But there are good people that can resuscitate it, but they dont want it to be me.

He went on to say that the Democratic Party that his father volunteered for when John F. Kennedy ran for president in 1960 was not the same party today.

It craves and screams anarchy and then demands amnesty, and thats not okay, he said. Ive always been criticized by the far left and the far right, but you know what the small businesses and the hard-working families and the teachers and the cops and the firemen want us to do? Be public servants, not politicians.

A former assistant states attorney in Miami-Dade County, Pizzo has had a reputation as a centrist Democrat since his election to the Senate in 2018, and at times has angered the more liberal parts of the party, particularly regarding criminal justice issues.

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Hes also one of the wealthiest members of the Legislature, with an estimated worth of $59 million, based on his 2023 financial disclosure forms.

Whether this will affect his putative plan to run for governor is uncertain at this point. He has previously said he was considering the possibility, although he said in January that he would not run as a political independent.

Some of the partys top leaders reacted with anger to Pizzos announcement.

Jason Pizzo is one of the most ineffective and unpopular Democratic leaders in recent memory, and his resignation is one of the best things to happen to the party in years, said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried in a statement.

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His legacy as leader includes continually disparaging the party base, starting fights with other members, and chasing his own personal ambitions at the expense of Democratic values, Fried continued.

Jasons failure to build support within our party for a gubernatorial run has led to this final embarrassing temper tantrum. Id be lying if I said Im sad to see him go, but I wish him the best of luck in the political wilderness hes created for himself. The Florida Democratic Party is more united without him.

Hillsborough Democrat Fentrice Driskell, the partys leader in the House, similarly made blistering remarks about her now former Democratic colleague.

The party needs strong Democrats who are ready to stand up to Trump, not big egos more interested in performative outrage than true leadership. Legislative Democrats will be fine without him, she said in a statement. The Democratic Party is not dead, but if it was Jason Pizzo should consider the fact that he has been a party leader and would bear some responsibility.

Stunned

Pizzos Democratic Senate colleagues seemed stunned  and more charitable about Pizzos bombshell.

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Its a surprise to us, said South Florida Democratic Sen. Shevrin Jones.

We need to process all this information, added Palm Beach Sen. Lori Berman. He is certainly independent and he did what he felt was right for himself, and like Sen. Jones said, I think hes not going to become a far-right wing Republican by any means, and he will continue to be an effective voice here in the Florida Legislature and hopefully a voice of reason, as he has been.

Pizzo is the third state Democratic lawmaker to leave the party in the past half-year. In December, Hillsborough County Rep. Susan Valdes switched to the GOP immediately after losing a bid to lead the Hillsborough County Democratic Party. Weeks later, Broward County Democrat Hillary Cassel did the same, saying the party no longer represented her values.

Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power responded in a statement that Pizzo could have waited until the end of the legislative session, but its clear he could no longer tolerate the direction of the party.

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Powers comment does lead into the question of why Pizzo chose Thursday, just eight days before the legislative session is scheduled to end, to make his announcement (although Senate President Ben Albritton announced earlier in the day that the session would go beyond next Friday due to an impasse regarding the state budget).

Earlier in the day, former Florida GOP Congressman David Jolly announced that he was switching from being a non-party-affiliated voter and was now a registered Democrat, fueling speculation that he in fact will run for the partys nomination for governor in 2026.

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BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday said the United States should discard its "persecutory delusion" about the Chinese military.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the comments in response to recent remarks by U.S. military and defense officials warning of China's growing military capabilities, including U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who reportedly said China's hypersonic missiles could destroy all U.S. aircraft carriers in 20 minutes.

"We have a sober understanding of our own development and hope that the U.S. side will cast away its 'persecutory delusion' and stop using others as excuses," the spokesperson said.

"Some people in the United States always view the Chinese military through tinted glasses of bias, cooking up the so-called 'Chinese military threat.' I believe this is precisely what obstructs exchanges between the two countries' militaries," Zhang said.

The spokesperson stressed that non-conflict, non-confrontation and peaceful coexistence are the most fundamental common interests between China and the United States, as well as a shared expectation of people around the world. 
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

A slow road trip along mainland Greeces coastline takes you from one idyllic site to another, from whitewashed villages tucked alongside sea fortresses to quiet beaches just a short drive from ancient temples. There are plenty of opportunities to stop off for a seafood lunch and a quick swim, and chances to end each day with a sundowner overlooking the sea.

Day 1

Start in Kalamata in the southern Peloponnese, where Greece dips its toes into the gulf linking the Ionian and Aegean Seas. The surrounding groves offer some of the countrys tastiest olives. Clamber up to the 13th-century kastro (castle) for a view over the city, then take a coast-skimming drive west past mellow towns and one enticing beach after the next, including crescent-shaped Agia Triada and gold-sand Zaga. Stop at the whitewashed town of Koroni and climb up to its clifftop Venetian castle, before heading to the medieval sea fortress at Methoni. The road then detours inland to the exquisitely preserved Mycenaean palace of Nestor in Pylos, described in Homers Odyssey. End your first day with sunset drinks in the hilltop old town of Kyparissia.

Slow your pace for the day by hanging out in harbour cafes or traditional tavernas with delicious mezzes. Photograph by StockFood; Jan Wischnewski

At the Methoni Fortress, one can see the fortified tower of Bourtzi, which dates back to medieval times. Photograph by Getty Images; Ankarb

Day 2

Rise with the sun for an hours drive along the coast, swinging inland to Olympia to arrive at 8am when the site opens. Immerse yourself in the ruins and myths of Olympic legend in peace for a couple of hours, before the crowds descend. As the heat rises, head north along the coast to Skafidia beach, a soft scoop of golden sand, where you can swim and snorkel. At the Mercouri Estate in nearby Korakochori, you can stroll through vineyards and olive groves before sampling their wines and oils. Riveting views of the Ionian Sea and its islands unfold as you edge north past low-key seaside towns, ruined castles and turquoise bays like Kalogria. From here, its another pretty drive for an hour to fort-crowned Patras, which traces its history back 3,000 years.

Day 3

Get a crack-of-dawn start for an uplifting drive north, crossing the Charilaos Trikoupis (Rio-Antirrio) Bridge, one of the worlds longest cable-stayed bridges, in the soft morning light. Push on east past the curving, pine-brushed bays, jewel-coloured waters and rippling mountains of the Gulf of Corinth to the pretty seaside town of Galaxidi, where a domed church rises above a huddle of terracotta-roofed houses that cast reflections into the water. Slow your pace for the day by wandering along flower-draped lanes, hanging out in harbour cafes or swimming off nearby pebbly coves. For dinner, try booking a table at O Bebelis, a tiny, old-school taverna with checked tablecloths, a heartfelt welcome and delicious mezze.

Messolonghi Lagoon is Greece's largest wetland and attracts almost 300 species of bird, including flamingoes and Dalmation pelicans. Photograph by Getty Images; Ivo The Editors

Day 4

Retrace your route west to stop at Nafpaktos, gathered around a beautiful fortified harbour and topped by a Venetian castle. Swim from one of the two beaches or grab a coffee before the drive west to Messolonghi. The showstopper here is Messolonghi Lagoon, Greeces largest wetland, which attracts almost 300 species of bird; including flamingoes and Dalmatian pelicans. A 15-minute hop north brings you to Aitoliko, an alley-woven island town between two lagoons. Dubbed Greeces little Venice, it charms with its pelades (wooden stilt houses) and gaitas (flat-bottomed fishing boats). Local specialities include caviar-like avgotaraho, made from grey mullet roe. Try it in a local taverna like family-run Monomatos.

Day 5

The sea unfurls like a sheet, beaded with the Echinades islands, as you drive north on the final day. In a deep bay at the foot of 3,048ft Mount Veloutsa, the fishing town of Astakos makes an alluring stop. From here, continue north for 30 minutes to pretty Mytikas, where 19th-century stone villas command front-row views of Kalamos island. The wild limestone Acarnanian Mountains ramp up the drama as you head to Preveza, a town with Italianate flair and a lively marina. Nearby Nicopolis is one of Greeces best-preserved Roman cities; take an uncrowded spin of its odeon, stadium, theatre and Byzantine churches. Round off your trip with drinks and a seafood dinner in chilled Parga, a vision in bright pastels, with a Venetian castle posing on the hillside.

Published in the April 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)



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A new cocktail bar from a seasoned bartender is now open in the Eastern Market district.

Nelson Kazan, well known in Detroit's bar scene, opened Pocket Change, which is billed as an intimate spot focusing on craft cocktails paired with classic cocktails and more. Pocket Change is in the space formerly occupied by Collect Beer Bar, which moved last year to Detroit's West Village area.

"I wanted to create a fun, upbeat bar where you can mingle, go on a date, meet friends, or connect with new people, all while enjoying a quality drink without having to wait for a table," Kazan said in a news release. "Were all about a free-flowing, energetic environment driven by great music and great drinks."

Pocket Change is a new bar opening offering craft and classic cocktials in Eastern Market district on Gratiot Avenue.

Kazan is known around Detroit for his bar work and expertise at Detroit hot spots like SheWolf, Flowers of Vietnam, and the Apparatus Room.

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This second-floor cocktail bar, with its notable red neon Cocktails sign, is on Gratiot, steps from the Eastern Market district.

Signature drinks, according to a news release, include a spicy tequila cocktail called Bingo Bango.

Pocket Change is a new bar opening offering craft and classic cocktials in Eastern Market district on Gratiot Avenue.

Pocket Changes wine list, described as approachable, includes wines selling for around $60 or less from Italy, France, Slovenia, and Austria

Within Pocket Changes 1,200-square-foot space, there are deep red walls and lush curtains amid a candlelit space, according to a news release. It seats 49 people, with more available, weather permitting, on its third-floor rooftop patio.

Pocket Change has a third-floor rooftop patio with views of the Eastern Market district. Provided by Mark Kurlyandchik, Booth One Creative

Designed in collaboration with designer Colin Tury, Kazan's inspiration for Pocket Change came from the cocktail culture of New York City nightlife, with elements of Japanese hi-fi bars blended in.

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Plans are for seasonal pop-ups on the rooftop patio, such as the recent Corktowns Mink oyster collaboration with Sarah Welch and Cameron Rolka.

Brothers Kris and Fred Lelcaj are business partners with Kazan in Pocket Change. The brothers and Kazan met while working at Savas Restaurant in Ann Arbor.

Fred Lelcaj (L), Nelson Kazan (C) and Kris Lelcaj, business partners in Pocket Change, a new bar opening offering craft and classic cocktials in Eastern Market district on Gratiot Avenue.

Kris Lelcaj is the proprietor of Babo Detroit breakfast and brunch on the ground floor of the Park-Shelton in Midtown. Fred Lelcaj ran Freds in Ann Arbor, a health cafe. Plans are for a version of Freds on the ground-floor space, and the previous home of Bunny Bunny restaurant.

"The timing just lined up perfectly," Kazan explained. "Kris bought this beautiful building, and he and Fred approached me right when I was ready to do my own thing. It feels great to collaborate again, building something truly special."

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Now open at 1454 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, Pocket Change hours are 7 p.m.-midnight, Thursdays, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Sundays.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pocket Change bar opens in Detroit's Eastern Market
WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland has begun exhuming the remains of Poles killed by Ukrainian nationalists during World War Two in the former Polish village of Puzniki, after long-standing demands from Warsaw over the issue, which has caused friction between the close allies.

A succession of Polish governments has demanded access to the sites in western Ukraine once part of Poland and where Polish officials say more than 100,000 people were killed.

Donald Tusk's pro-EU government was given a green light by Kyiv to carry out search and exhumation of the remains of Polish victims in November last year.

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The National Remembrance Institute, whose head is running against a Tusk-backed candidate in a presidential election in May, welcomed the move.

"This is definitely a positive signal that the Ukrainian authorities have granted the first permission for this type of work," institute spokesperson Rafal Leskiewicz told Reuters.

Ukraine has rejected Poland's description of what are known as the Volhynia killings as 'genocide', saying that thousands of Ukrainians were also killed in events that were part of a wider conflict between the two nations.

The killings, which took place between 1943 and 1945, have been a sore point in relations in recent years even as Poland has strongly backed Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion, taking in almost a million refugees and supplying weapons.

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The work at the Puzniki site is aimed at exhuming the remains of the victims, identifying them and burying them, the Polish Ministry of Culture said.

A group of around 20 specialists will be working on the site, and around 50 scientists will conduct genetic research.

Poland's deputy prime minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz called on Ukraine to allow further such work.

(Reporting by Barbara Erling, Pawel Florkiewicz, Alan Charlish; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
30-year-old Jay Blodget, according to court records, a homeless man, was arraigned in Salem District Court on Thursday on two counts of murder.

On Wednesday afternoon, a dog walker called police after finding a body in woods next to a Salem Walmart.

Investigators soon found a second body, both buried in dirt debris.

And both murdered.

We eventually found two individuals with apparent blunt force trauma and stab wounds, prosecutor James Gubitose told the court.

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The prosecutor also said Blodget made statements implicating himself in the double murder.

Do you know anything about these incriminating statements? I asked Blodgets defense attorney, Michael Phelan.

I dont, Phelan said. I know theyll provide me with a 90-minute interview that he had a chance to speak to police.

Not much is known about Jay Blodget right now, but we know, about a week ago, he was arrested for breaking into a storage unit just across the street from where the double murder happened.

Salem Police allege Blodget used a hacksaw to cut open the unit in an attempt to move himself in.

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Police say they recovered nearly $1,000 in cash, and that Blodget said he earned the money panhandling.

Blodget was arrested and later released on personal recognizance.

Tonie Singh, the owner of the storage unit, said that he is shocked over the new murder charges.

I made a decision to hide my Easter Basket there and knowing that I sent my kids there on Sunday was just even more shocking, Singh said.

Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller said the two murders are an isolated case and that the perpetrator is behind bars.

Jay Blodget was ordered held on no bail.

He is due back in Salem District Court on May 28 for a probable cause hearing.

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HAMPTON  Following an investigation of a fatal vehicle crash that happened at the intersection of West Mercury Boulevard and Martha Lee Drive, police have made an arrest.

Ajani Wiggins, 32, of Hampton faces multiple counts, including involuntary manslaughter and driving on a suspended license, according to a Hampton Police Division statement. Involuntary manslaughter is a felony in Virginia.

On April 8, first responders were called to the intersection, near the Briarfield community, and found three involved vehicles. Investigators said one of the vehicles traveling westbound on Mercury struck two vehicles in the rear. The vehicles came to a stop in the eastbound lanes.

One of the involved drivers, 73-year-old Lucille McPherson of Newport News, was declared dead at the scene, the police statement said. Another person was taken to a hospital and a third was treated and released at the scene.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (WKBN)  The New Castle Police Department is asking anyone with any knowledge of a mans death to come forward.

According to a release from the department, officers were sent to the former UPMC Jameson South/St. Francis Hospital building at 1000 S. Mercer St. for reports of a dead man inside.

There, police located a man who has been identified as 51-year-old Brian Kenneth LeGault.

The coroners office was contacted to respond, along with the Pennsylvania State Police Recognizing and Identifying team to process the crime scene. LeGaults death is being investigated as a homicide.

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NCPD and Lawrence County Detectives are working on this active investigation. If anyone has information about this investigation, officials ask that you call dispatch at 724-656-9300 or 911.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA)  A man was arrested Saturday after officers say he was drinking a beer inside his vehicle while it was still running, according to The Lakeland Police Department.

In a post on social media, Lakeland PD said that officers responded to the 600 block of Bay Street around 3:50 a.m. after receiving reports about a black truck that appeared to have struck another vehicle in the parking lot.

Credit: The Lakeland Police Department

At the scene, officers found the driver sitting in the truck drinking a beer while the vehicle was still in drive.

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Lakeland police identified the driver as Juan Francisco and reported that he did not open the door when they approached him but instead continued to drink his beer.

According to officers, after gaining access to the truck they put it in park and proceeded to search the vehicle. During the search, police said they found five empty beer bottles inside the truck.

Francisco confessed to the officers that he already had three previous DUI convictions which officers were able to verify.

Police observed that Francisco had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and smelled of alcohol, but he refused to comply with a sobriety field test.

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The Lakeland Police Department arrested Francisco and charged him with a DUI, refusal to submit to DUI tests after license suspension, and knowingly driving while his license was suspended.

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Apr. 23State Police has identified the driver who was killed when her sport utility vehicle was struck by a Rail Runner train Tuesday evening in Los Lunas.

Audrey Gonzales, 52, of Los Lunas, died in the collision that happened around 7 p.m. at the Elaine Drive crossing  essentially across the highway from the Allsups on N.M. 314.

It's unclear what led to the crash.

The commuter train was carrying only employees at the time, and none of them were injured, said New Mexico State Police spokesperson Wilson Silver.

The incident remains under investigation, he said.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- At Hunan Provincial Library in central China, 41-year-old Yan Sheng meticulously repaired fragile pages of ancient books under a microscope, surrounded by stacks of restored manuscripts.

His work embodies a nationwide effort to transform China's vast literary heritage -- once confined to dusty shelves -- into accessible, digital treasures for modern audiences.

With an estimated 200,000 titles and 500,000 editions, China's ancient texts are a cornerstone of its 5,000-year civilization. Today, these cultural gems are regaining their luster, blending cutting-edge technology and meticulous craftsmanship.

Yan, part of a seven-member restoration team, uses microscopes and analytical tools to study paper fibers, thickness and acidity, ensuring repairs "preserve every original detail" without altering the faded ink.

"Our goal is physical restoration, not artistic renovation," he explained.

This revival coincides with a growing public passion for literature. During the 30th World Reading Day on Wednesday, crowds flocked to Shanghai's revamped Ancient Books Bookstore, while young students in Sichuan recited classics at a historic temple. At Zhejiang Library's Zhijiang branch, visitors tried their hands at recreating rare Siku Quanshu (The Complete Library of the Four Treasuries) editions using traditional woodblock printing.

Behind such initiatives lies a silent army of over 1,000 restoration specialists, up from fewer than 100 more than a decade ago. Supported by training programs at over 40 universities and institutes, this workforce is increasingly young and tech-savvy.

Digital innovation is unlocking texts once accessible only to scholars. In Tanghe County in central China's Henan Province, a modest library with 11,000 rare volumes has digitized and published online 354 volumes, including local chronicles and medical texts.

"The online database has received over 1 million views," said Liu Qinggong, the curator.

Nationwide, 130,000 digitized ancient works, 80 percent hosted by the National Library's Chinese Ancient Books Resource Database, are now freely accessible.

The next frontier lies in artificial intelligence (AI). The newly launched smart ancient books platform by the National Library uses AI to auto-punctuate, translate and annotate classical Chinese, highlighting figures, dates and locations in color.

"AI models are evolving to interpret context and cross-reference texts, turning complexity into clarity," said engineer Xia Enshang.

Government documents, including the "2022 guidelines on advancing ancient books work" and the "14th Five-Year Plan," underscore China's commitment to merging tradition with modernity in the preservation, research and utilization of ancient texts.

"Technology has injected vitality into conservation, while public engagement ensures these treasures endure -- not as relics, but as living wisdom for future generations," said Zhang Zhiqing, former executive deputy director of the National Library. 
DENVER (KDVR)  Police in Breckenridge are looking for a suspect after he was seen on video physically attacking another person at the Breckenridge Ski Resort.

The alleged assault happened on March 9 at around 1:45 p.m. at the Breckenridge Ski Resort Peak 8 terrain park, police said in a Thursday Facebook post.

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Police described the suspect as a Hispanic man about 6 feet tall with a wide build. He was wearing a white hoodie with black sleeves, black snowpants and no helmet.

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Anyone who may have information about the identity of this suspect can contact the Breckenridge Police Department at 970-668-8600, referencing case number 2025-02641.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The Vermont State Police have released an update regarding an ongoing emergency situation in the town of Milton.

Police say that around 7 P.M. on Wednesday, first responders were dispatched to 78 Main Street to a report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, first responders, including members of the Milton Police Department, were met with gunfire from the burning building.

One officer was hit and transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Additional officers from Chittenden and Franklin counties, including Vermont State Police, were dispatched to the scene to help contain the situation.

At this time, Main Street is closed between U.S. Route 7 and the intersection with East Road/North Road, as a large police presence remains on scene.

Officers are advising the public to avoid the area.

The situation remains active and no arrests have been made.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  One person has died after a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at a Virginia Beach intersection Wednesday evening, police said.

Police said a pedestrian died as a result of the crash at the Holland Road/South Plaza Trail intersection, which the Virginia Beach Police Departments Traffic Safety Unit is investigating, according to police.

Traffic heading east on Holland Road is being diverted at the South Plaza Trail intersection, and police advise there may be delays.

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Check with WAVY.com for updates.

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NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI)  The discovery of human remains in several locations around Southern New England has sparked fear of a potential serial killer in the area.

Since the beginning of March, remains have turned up in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Rumors started circulating in a Facebook group called New England Serial Killer, which has since changed its name.

While some people have suggested these discoveries could signify theres a serial killer, state and local police stressed that theres no indication at this time that any of the incidents are connected.

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RELATED: Body found in Foster identified as missing Warwick woman

During the past week, Narragansett police were made aware of posts in the Facebook group claiming that multiple bodies may be buried in the Black Point area of Scarborough Beach.

Due to the rumor, police went to the ruins of Windswept Mansion on Wednesday. Narragansett detectives and cadaver K-9s from Rhode Island State Police conducted an extensive search of the area with negative results for any clandestine graves.

Police said they were also in contact with the FBI.

A couple dozen people reached out to police with tips after seeing the posts on the Facebook page, according to Detective Sgt. Brent Kuzman. He said police contacted the Facebook group and it was obvious that someone was trying to get a desired reaction.

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The anonymous poster commented numerous times in the group about it being a metaphorical and literary work, police wrote in their own Facebook post. The user also posted that they were working on a novel and that users were overanalyzing a work of fiction.

No charges are pending at this time.

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The Monroe Police Department has arrested a suspect who was considered armed and dangerous.

Police said 49-year-old Clary Gene Doster, Jr., was wanted in connection with a shooting Wednesday night near Boyte and Adams streets.

He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury and possession of a firearm by a felon.

ALSO READ: Deputies arrest armed and dangerous shooting suspect in Rowan County

Thursday evening, police announced that Doster had been taken into custody.

VIDEO: Deputies arrest armed and dangerous shooting suspect in Rowan County
CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  Circleville police are asking for the publics help in finding a woman first reported missing more than two weeks ago.

Police said Darlynn Buehler, 58, was last seen on April 1 by her co-workers at about 6:30 p.m. at her workplace on Thoroughbred Drive in Columbus. Since that time, police said she has not been in contact with friends, family, or her employer.

Darlynn is 5-feet, 3-inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. She has brown/gray hair and blue eyes.

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Darlynn may be driving a 2013 red Ford F-150 with Ohio license plate 049ZVH.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Circleville Police Department at 740-474-8888 or the investigations bureau at 740-214-8071.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Apr. 24A Warren County sex offender is accused of breaking into a house last month and performing a sex act on himself while standing over two people as they slept in Turtlecreek Twp.

Timothy Dale Creech, 47, of Waynesville, was arraigned Tuesday before Warren County Common Pleas Judge Donald Oda II for burglary and misdemeanor charges of public indecency and voyeurism.

On March 18, Creech went inside a house on Bendel Street that was occupied by four people, according to a criminal complaint filed in Lebanon Municipal Court. Two of the occupants awoke from a nap to find Creech "masturbating with penis exposed, standing over them up against the bed."

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Creech remains held in the Warren County Jail.

Following a June 2009 conviction in Warren County after pleading no contest to a reduced charge in a rape case, Creech was designated a Tier III sex offender, which requires him to register his address every 90 days for life, according to court records.
TORONTO (AP)  A 30-year-old man was shot dead by police outside Torontos Pearson Airport on Thursday morning, officials said, in what was described as an isolated incident with no further threat to public safety.

Peel regional police officers were investigating a man in distress in an SUV at the Terminal 1 departures level just before 7 a.m. local time, Ontarios police watchdog said.

Officers located the man and early information received indicates he produced a firearm, the Special Investigations Unit said in a statement. It said three Peel regional police officers shot at the man.

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Following the shooting, police tape and evidence markers could be seen near a dark SUV with its trunk open. A yellow sheet appeared to cover a body on the sidewalk.

There was no known threat to the public and no police officers were injured, said the SIU, which investigates all police shootings in the province.

Police had previously described the shooting as an isolated incident. There were no reports of any other injuries.

In a passenger advisory on its website, Pearson Airport said flights continued to operate normally despite the ongoing investigation. The airport was rerouting passengers to enter and exit the terminal through the arrivals area, it said.
New information is coming to light seven weeks after a child was killed by a runaway car outside of Washington Middle School.

The department has issued four parking violations to the owner of the vehicle, including for parking in a no-parking zone, near a hydrant, and for failing to properly park and secure the vehicle.

Detectives say they spoke with multiple people during the investigation, including family, witnesses, school administrators and prosecutors, but they havent been able to determine any applicable criminal charges at this time.

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Seattle police say 12-year-old Arsema Barekew was hit on the afternoon of March 6. She was on the sidewalk at the time.

Police say she was with multiple students, and the runaway car hit three students, but Barekew didnt survive.

Seattle Public Schools told KIRO 7 that it happened shortly after second lunch while walking to recess.

Police said the car, which didnt have a driver inside, rolled about 75 yards backward on 20th Place South.

SPD officials have declined to provide more information, so KIRO 7 asked Crime Stoppers of Puget Sounds Jim Fuda to weigh in. Fuda has more than three decades of law enforcement experience.

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The prosecutor looks at this, Could we win this case? Could we find this person guilty of that? And they thought not, he said.

Despite the lack of criminal charges, Fuda said the person who parked the vehicle may face other consequences.

Theres obviously the civil liability side of this that Im sure is going to be extensive, he said.

KIRO 7 spoke with Barekews family about a week after her death. They said they had no idea their daughter would be walking around the school outside.

On Friday, the department said the investigation is active and ongoing.
A Dunwoody woman lost nearly $200,000 because of a computer popup alert.

Now, police want you to be on the look out for them to protect your bank accounts.

Alerts that pop up on computers across the United States are telling people their computer has been locked up and tell them to call a support line for help.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

But making that call could put you at risk of losing money, sometimes a lot of money.

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Thats exactly what happened to a Dunwoody woman in December when she was scammed out of about $200,000.

Sgt. Michael Cheeks at the Dunwoody Police Department said that when the woman called the number, she thought she was calling Microsoft support. She was told her bank account had been compromised.

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They are very good, Cheeks told Channel 2s Karyn Greer. They just catch people off guard and they are very good at making things seem real, making things seem legitimate that are not real at all.

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She was convinced to withdraw $25,000 and use it to buy Bitcoin, then wire nearly $280,000 for gold bars, which she then handed to a man who told her he was a federal agent.

In the years that Ive done this, thats the first time Ive seen this, Cheeks told Channel 2 Action News.

According to a police report, several questions on the paperwork signed by the banks manager should have raised alarms that this was not a legitimate transaction.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to Fifth Third Bank and were told they are investigating and cannot comment, saying in a statement that they take the security of their customers accounts and confidential information very seriously.

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Cyber threat researcher Willis McDonald said the crooks bank on fear.

Its a psychological thing. And they know that if they can create urgency and they can create just a small bit of panic in you, McDonald said. They can turn that into causing you to take action and take the action they want.

The woman who was a victim of the gold and cryptocurrency incident filed a fraud case with Fifth Third Bank, where the transaction took place, but was told there was nothing they could do to help and said she needed to file a police report.

While alerts like the one she got look and feel real, Most of the time, if you can, you know, think about taking that pause before you take action. That will stop you from being a victim, of really many types of scams, Cheeks said.

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Its important to remember that companies like Microsoft will never contact you with a pop up and they arent going to ask you for money.

Theyre not going to ask you to call a number to get something fixed, McDonald said.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, schemes like this can come from a virus on your computer or an infected website. If you get one of these pop ups, do not call the number.

Instead, reach out to your computers manufacturer directly.

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This photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Political Parties Forum in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The forum opened here on Wednesday. During the two-day forum, over 200 representatives of more than 60 political parties from SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners will discuss the role of political parties in promoting the sustainable development of the SCO. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

URUMQI, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A forum of political parties from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) opened on Wednesday in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

During the two-day forum, over 200 representatives of more than 60 political parties from SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners will discuss the role of political parties in promoting the sustainable development of the SCO.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the past 24 years of vigorous development of the SCO have marked a significant period of deepening exchanges and cooperation among major political parties and organizations within the SCO family.

Noting that the CPC maintains regular communication with over 130 political parties and organizations from the SCO, Liu said China proposed holding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Political Party Forum on a regular basis to expand communication channels, enrich exchanges, and further consolidate the SCO political party network.

The event was an initiative proposed at last year's SCO Astana Summit, and its successful hosting marks an important milestone ahead of the SCO Tianjin Summit this fall, under China's rotating presidency, said SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev.

"This year has been declared the Year of SCO Sustainable Development, a designation that carries particular weight in an era defined by socio-economic disparities and environmental challenges," said Yermekbayev.

Under the SCO framework, a series of multi-sectoral initiatives are underway to advance regional sustainable development, with a focus on areas such as poverty alleviation, food security, public health, climate change, and transport connectivity, according to Yermekbayev.

"Political parties are crucial in shaping policies that ensure inclusive growth, protect the environment, and promote social equity," said Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan, senator of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

Emomali Rahmon, president of Tajikistan and head of the People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan, said in his congratulatory message to the forum that political parties of the SCO should work together to create favorable conditions for regional and international cooperation, including expanding inter-party exchanges.

The forum was co-organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee. 

Guests attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Political Parties Forum in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The forum opened here on Wednesday. During the two-day forum, over 200 representatives of more than 60 political parties from SCO member states, observer states, and dialogue partners will discuss the role of political parties in promoting the sustainable development of the SCO. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)
OSWIECIM, Poland (AP)  The Polish and Israeli presidents joined thousands of Israeli youth and others in an annual march Thursday at the former Auschwitz death camp on Israels Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The group included Holocaust survivors and former Israeli hostages who were captured by Hamas and held in the Gaza Strip, organizers said.

Every year young Israelis, many with their national flag around their shoulders, are among those making the March of the Living to remember the victims of the Holocaust. It is part of a larger educational effort to instill in them an appreciation for Israel, a haven for Jews after the genocide in Europe during World War II.

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The marchs traditional 3-kilometer (2-mile) route leads from Auschwitzs infamous Arbeit macht frei (works sets you free) gate to Birkenau, a site with the ruins of crematoria where Jews and others were murdered.

Polish President Andrzej Duda and his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, spoke to reporters ahead of the march, describing their presence as part of an effort to stand against antisemitism.

The Nazi German forces ran the camp in occupied Poland during World War II. They killed some 1.1 people there, the vast majority of them Jews from across Europe, but also Poles, Roma and others.

The camp was liberated by the Soviet Red Army on Jan. 27, 1945. The 80th anniversary was marked at the site earlier this year.
When he began his second term, Americans responded positively to President Donald Trumps handling of immigration.

As of April, however, polls are now presenting a picture where voters are starting to sour on Trump and his administrations handling of immigration.

A poll from The Economist/YouGov conducted between April 19 and April 22 found that 50% of respondents disapproved of Trumps handling of immigration versus 45% who approved.

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The poll had a sample size of 1,625 adult U.S. citizens and a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3%.

The last Economist/YouGov poll that tracked the presidents handling of immigration found that 50% of voters approved Trumps management of the issue, compared to 44% who did not.

The poll was conducted between April 5 and April 8 with a sample size of 1,741 U.S. adult citizens and a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%

In total, Trump saw an 11% drop in approval on the issue he has heavily prioritized in his three campaigns for president and his first and second terms.

Other polls found more Americans disapproving than approving of Trumps handling of immigration.

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A Reuters/Ipsos poll, which was conducted between April 16 and April 21, found that 46% of respondents disapproved of Trumps handling of immigration compared to 47% who approved.

The polls sample size was 4,306 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of 2%.

The previous Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted between March 31 and April 2, found that 48% of respondents approved of Trumps actions on immigration versus 44% who did not.

The poll had a sample size of 1,486 U.S. adults and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7%.

A Quinnipiac University poll conducted between April 3 and April 7 found that 50% of respondents disapproved of Trumps handling of immigration, compared to 45% who approved.

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The poll had a sample size of 1,407 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6%.

Trumps immigration approval numbers from the recent Quinnipiac University poll are worse than the previous one the university conducted between March 6 and March 10.

In that poll, 49% of respondents expressed disapproval of the 47th presidents handling of the issue compared to 46% who said they approved.

The polls sample size featured 1,198 self-identified registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8%.

For Trump, the topic of immigration  more specifically, restricting immigration from certain countries  has been a major priority during his campaigns and his terms as president.

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In 2016, Trump famously said that he would build a massive border wall to keep out illegal immigrants from Mexico, falsely claiming that the southern neighbor of the United States would pay for its construction.

He also expressed support for banning people from certain countries from coming into the United States.

During his first term, Trump signed an executive order that banned travel to the United States for 90 days from seven countriesIran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. These countries are predominantly Muslim, which led to the executive order being called The Muslim Ban.

During his second term, Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act, which he accused of being a member of the Venezuelan street gang Tren de Aragua.

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Before Trump invoked the 1798 law, the act had been used only three times in U.S. history. It has also been used during periods of declared war.

The U.S. Supreme Court, however, ruled that those who are subject to the law must be allowed to challenge their removal.

Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court also ordered the administration to facilitate the return of a Salvadoran man living in Maryland who was deported because of an administrative error.

The court ordered the White House to facilitate the return of the man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, so that he could go through the United States legal system.

Recently, Trump has butted heads with the judicial branch, posting on Truth Social that he hopes the courts will cooperate with his administration in conducting massive deportations.

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He also said that undocumented immigrants should not have the right to a trial before they are deporteda belief that goes against the Constitutions guarantee for due process.

The president has also infused the issue of immigration into other topics, such as housing.

At a September talk to the Economic Club of New York, Trump claimed that housing prices were going up because of undocumented immigrants and proposed banning mortgages for immigrants who are not American citizens.

We also cannot ignore the impact that the flood of 21 million illegal aliens has had on housing costs, Trump said.

Trumps claim that there are 21 million unauthorized immigrants in America is false. As of 2022, there are about 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the country, according to a July report by the Pew Research Center.

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As for Trumps overall approval rating, polls have shown the 47th presidents approval continues to drop.

The Economist/YouGov poll, released between April 19 and April 22, found Trump to have an approval of 41% and a disapproval of 54%, leaving his net approval at -13.

This marks a drop in overall approval compared to the previous poll conducted by Economist/YouGov between April 13 and April 15. That poll found that Trump had 45% approval and 53% disapproval.

The poll had a sample size of 1512 U.S. adult citizens and a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4%.

A poll from Fox News released on April 23 found that Trump had a disapproval of 55% and an approval of 44%.

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The Fox News poll was conducted between April 18 and April 21 with a sample size of 1,104 registered voters and a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

The Fox News poll results mark a sharp jump in Trumps disapproval compared to its previous poll in March.

That poll, which was conducted between March 14 and March 17, 51% of respondents said they disapproved of Trumps handling of the presidency, compared to 49% who said they approved.

The March Fox News Poll had a sample size of 994 registered voters and a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

More on Politics

Read the original article on MassLive.
During his papacy, Pope Francis was an outspoken supporter of organ donation, the medical term meaning when a person signs paperwork so that after they die, their organs can be used in transplants to save the lives of others.

The practice "means looking at and going beyond oneself, beyond one's individual needs and opening oneself generously to a wider good," he said in 2019, adding that "organ donation is not only an act of social responsibility, but also an expression of the universal fraternity which binds all men and women together."

But ironically, the former pontiff  who passed away this week at age 88  appears to have been unable to be an organ donor himself, at least after becoming the head of the worldwide Catholic Church in 2013.

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We know that because the topic came up in relation to his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, years before his death in 2022.

As CBS reported back in 2011, the debacle began when a German doctor had been advocating for organ donation by correctly pointing out that then-Pope Benedict had volunteered as an organ donor decades prior.

But the campaign drew the ire of the Vatican, which ended up issuing its own announcement saying that the pope's organs would not be donated upon his death.

Their reasoning? The pope's body belongs to the Church, and thusly, so do his organs. In interviews with The Guardian, several Vatican insiders suggested that the pope's body would need to remain intact for postmortem veneration rituals, which could be made more complicated if his organs lived on in other bodies.

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The matter didn't come up again during Benedict's time as pope because he ended up stepping down from the papacy due to poor health in 2013, making him the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign rather than die in the position. (He ultimately passed away at the age of 95 in 2022.)

While it's somewhat unclear whether the de facto rule against papal organ donation was ever formally announced or enforced prior to the outcry in 2011, a pope's organs weren't historically kept with the remains of deceased holy fathers until the turn of the 20th century.

Until 1903, when Pope Pius X took charge of the Holy See, a pope's organs were routinely removed after death and kept as relics at Rome's Church of Saints Anastasio and Vincent near the Trevi Fountain. A traditionalist and doctrinaire, Pius X banned the removal of papal organs, and subsequent popes haven't had theirs removed since.

As Euronews reports, Pope Francis' body has already been preserved for display using a technique called thanatopraxis, which is considered less invasive than embalming and has been practiced by the Catholic Church for centuries. After his funeral this coming Saturday, Francis is slated to be buried, per his wishes, at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome where he  and his organs, seemingly  will lie for eternity.

More on remains: Florida Woman Arrested for Selling Human Remains on Facebook Marketplace
By Joshua McElwee

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis died quickly on Monday morning from an unexpected stroke without suffering undue pain, and there was nothing that doctors could have done to save his life, the head of the pontiff's medical team said in interviews published on Thursday.

Sergio Alfieri, a physician at Rome's Gemelli hospital, oversaw the pope's treatment there during a five-week stay when Francis was fighting double pneumonia earlier this year.

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Alfieri said he got a phone call at around 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT) on Monday morning to come quickly to the Vatican and arrived about 20 minutes later.

"I entered his rooms and he (Francis) had his eyes open," the doctor told Corriere della Sera newspaper. "I ascertained that there were no respiratory problems. And then I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me."

"In that moment I knew there was nothing more to do," said Alfieri. "He was in a coma."

In a separate interview with La Repubblica, Alfieri said some officials who were present with the pope suggested moving him immediately back to the hospital.

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"He would have died on the way," said the doctor. "Doing a CT scan we would have had a more exact diagnosis, but nothing more. It was one of those strokes that, in an hour, carries you away."

Francis was 88 and had nearly died while fighting pneumonia, but his death came as a shock. Just the previous day he appeared in St. Peter's Square in an open-air popemobile to greet cheering crowds on Easter Sunday, suggesting his convalescence was going well.

POPE KEPT WORKING

After Francis returned to the Vatican on March 23 after a 38-day hospital stay, Alfieri and the pope's other doctors had prescribed him a two month period of rest to allow his ageing body to heal.

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Francis, known to push himself hard, kept working. He met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday, and had visited a prison in Rome on April 17, Holy Thursday, to offer well wishes to the inmates.

Alfieri said the pope listened to his doctors' advice and didn't push himself too hard. "He (was) the pope," the doctor told Corriere. "Going back to work was part of his treatment and he was never exposed to danger."

The doctor said he last saw Francis on Saturday afternoon. "He was very well," said Alfieri, who said he gifted the pope some pie, in a flavour he knew the pontiff liked.

He recounted the pope saying, "I am very well, I have started working again, and I like it."

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"We knew that he wanted to go home to be pope up until the last moment," said the doctor. "He didn't let us down."

In the Repubblica interview, Alfieri said Francis had shared one final regret with him. While he was happy to have visited the prisoners on April 17, he wished he had been able to perform a foot-washing ritual for the Church's celebration of Holy Thursday.

"He regretted he could not wash the feet of the prisoners," said the doctor. "'This time I couldn't do it' was the last thing he said to me."

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Frances Kerry)
Pope Francis decided in the weeks before his death to forgo artificial ventilation, his personal physician told an Italian newspaper in a story published on Thursday.

"During his last stay in hospital, he explicitly requested that under no circumstances should intubation be performed," Dr Sergio Alfieri, the pope's chief physician during his 38-day stay at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome earlier this year, told La Repubblica.

Francis had already made a similar request during a previous hospitalization in 2021, asking that "futile treatment in the event of an emergency" be avoided.

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During an intubation procedure, a tube is inserted into the trachea, through which a patient can be artificially ventilated.

The pope's final hours

Francis was provided with oxygen through a nasal tube and occasionally wore an oxygen mask on his face due to pneumonia, but he was not intubated. Even shortly before his death, he still had the tube, known as a nasal cannula.

The Argentinian pope passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 from the effects of a stroke in his Vatican residence, Saint Martha's House. His body is currently lying in state in St Peter's Basilica.

In the newspaper interview, Alfieri also described the pope's final hours on Monday. "At 5 am [0300 GMT], the Holy Father woke up to drink a glass of water. He turned onto his side, and the nurse noticed something was wrong," the doctor recounted.

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The pope then "struggled to respond. The Vatican's on-call doctor for resuscitation was summoned. They called me at around 5:30 am, and I arrived within 15 minutes. I found him with oxygen and an IV."

Pope died "athome" as he wished

Alfieri said he listened to the pope's lungs. "They were clear, without any rattling sounds. His eyes were open, but he did not respond to questions or to the pain of pinching. He was already in a coma. His pulse slowed, and his breathing became increasingly shallow."

There was brief consideration of transferring Francis to the hospital again. "But he would have died during transport." His death was officially pronounced at 7:35 am.

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The pope's life ended "without pain and at home," as he likely wished, Alfieri said. "At the Gemelli Hospital, he did not say, 'I want to go back to Saint Martha's.' He said, 'I want to go home.'" Regarding the stroke that ultimately caused Francis' death, the doctor explained: "It was one of those strokes that takes a person within an hour."

The doctor speculated that "perhaps a blood clot formed and blocked a blood vessel in the brain. Perhaps there was also bleeding. Such things can happen to anyone. But older people are at greater risk, especially if they are not very active."
By Angelo Amante

ROME (Reuters) - From patrols on the River Tiber to surveillance drones and snipers deployed around St. Peter's Square, Rome is preparing to throw a thoroughly modern security shield around the ancient rituals of a papal funeral and its attendant huge crowds.

More than 200,000 people are expected to attend Pope Francis' funeral, taking place on Saturday in the huge Vatican square that sits in front of the Basilica of St. Peter, Rome's public transport company said.

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Among them will be dozens of world leaders - including heads of state such as U.S. President Donald Trump and royals from Spain, Sweden and Belgium.

"The most complex aspect is the arrival of many dignitaries from all over the world, who will converge on Rome to go to a single point," Rome's police chief, Roberto Massucci, told RTL 102.5 radio on Thursday.

Some 2,000 local police officers will be on duty, joined by thousands more officers from the national security forces. Security measures will include patrols on the Tiber, drones, an army device to neutralise hostile flying objects and snipers, a police source told Reuters.

Streets will be closed to traffic around the Vatican on Saturday and authorities are assessing the best route for the procession that will take the coffin from the funeral to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), where Francis chose to be buried.

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He died on Monday aged 88, and tens of thousands of people have filed past his open coffin since it was laid out in St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday. Security officers patrolled St. Peters Square on Thursday as people queued to get into the basilica.

The funeral will start at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Saturday. Fabio Ciciliano, head of the national Civil Protection Department, said people might gather not only in St. Peter's Square but also along the 4 km (2.5 miles) separating the Vatican from Santa Maria Maggiore, on the other side of the Tiber.

Authorities, who on Monday announced a no-fly zone over the capital for this week, will have to juggle a steady flow of VIP jets and state planes landing at Rome's airports for the event.

"Some delegations will want to stay in Rome for some time, others, the vast majority we are registering at this moment, will leave immediately after the funeral," Ciciliano said, stressing the difficulty of handling so many arrivals and departures.

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He said the military airport of Pratica di Mare, south of Rome, will be a backup to the two city airports of Fiumicino and Ciampino in case of need.

The national railway company will add some 260,000 seats to its trains to the capital, the Civil Protection Department said, while city airports operator ADR expects up to 20,000 more people to arrive in Rome compared to previous estimates made for the Easter holidays.

Rome's turn in the spotlight will not end with the funeral. Huge crowds generally gather to wait for the outcome of the secret conclave of cardinals that elects a new pope. That is not expected to start before May 6.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Frances Kerry)
The funeral of Pope Francis, who died this week at 88, will be livestreamed Saturday on YouTube, available for free in multiple languages.

Vatican News, the official news outlet of the Holy See, will provide comprehensive coverage of Pope Franciss funeral this Saturday, April 26, starting at 10 a.m. CET/4 a.m. ET. The livestream of the funeral and related events will be available on its official YouTube channel in English and also available in Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese and German.

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Pope Francis funeral Mass will take place Saturday in St. Peters Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient tradition of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of the late popes soul, according to Vatican News.

The popes funeral, according to strict protocol, is to be followed two to three weeks later by the secretive conclave, in which 135 cardinals from around the world gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. The conclave is expected to begin sometime between May 5 and 10.

Pope Francis, a native of Argentina who the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21, a day after he emerged from convalescence and taking a surprise popemobile ride to bless thousands of people in St. Peters Square on Easter Sunday. According to the Vatican, the late pontiff died after suffering a stroke that put him in a coma and led to heart failure.

Following the popes death, streaming of 2024 film Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini and John Lithgow has soared, as has interest in Netflixs 2019 drama The Two Popes.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)Pope Francis appointed Bishop Francis Malone to the Shreveport Diocese, which covers the Northern Territory from Texas to Mississippi.

Malone said, I have a fondness for him for granting me the dignity of becoming a bishop in the church. I had the privilege of actually meeting him in Rome and having the opportunity to speak with him after becoming Bishop here.

Bishop Malone says he believes Pope Francis will be remembered for his welcoming attitude towards everyone. Going on to say, He had a great love for people on the margin, the people who are poor, the people who are ignored and when you see that kind of example and you see how wahts lived in the life of this particular Pope you have to edified by that and sad that he is no longer with us.

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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 KTALnews.com.
It was quite sickening to watch J.D. Vance visit Pope Francis, just hours before he passed away. This poor pope is dying, and who comes crawling in with a rosary in one hand and a toddler in the other? None other than Vance. It was a PR stunt wrapped in a crucifix. He went for a picture with a famous person. In my opinion, he went for a selfie.

So, Pope Francis, God bless him, gave Vance some chocolate Easter eggs for his kids and a theological spanking for everybody else. This is the same pope who tore Vance a new tabernacle when Vance sent his letter to the American bishops, because he was twisting the document for the divine order to love. And did Pope Francis ever give it to the vice president: Deporting people fleeing war, poverty, and climate disaster is an act that damages dignity, and makes people defenseless.

More: JD Vance visits the Vatican for Easter weekend. Did he meet with Pope Francis?

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Pope Francis pontificated his disdain for Trump, citing that a person who thinks only about building walls is not Christian. This year, when Trump ordered mass deportations, the pope called him out, calling it a disgrace. And yet on his final day, he still met with Vance. Why? Because he walked the walk, and talked the talk, to love your enemies, welcome the sinner, and he still gave Vances kid a chocolate egg.

Vice President JD Vance meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Easter Sunday.

The pope wasnt just battling policy, he was battling the heresy of Christian nationalism, this disgusting idea that you can be cruel and call it righteous. You can wield a cross, and weld it to a gun, and take it to a border wall, and call it salvation.

More: 'May God rest his soul': JD Vance reacts to Pope Francis' death day after Vatican meeting

Pope Francis spent his last breath fighting the idea that Christianity was supposed to be cruel. Hes going to go down as the best pope we've ever had. In his final Easter sermon, he called for a cease-fire in Gaza and Ukraine, and an end to all war.

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I believe the American right hated him because he followed the gospel that stated, care for the poor and welcome the stranger. He said that this earth is not yours to ruin; the migrant is not here to be jailed and deported; the gay kid is not yours to persecute. And Jesus didnt die just so you can get a bigger tax refund.

More: When is the funeral for Pope Francis? Where will Francis be buried? How to watch, stream

So, rest well, Pope Francis. Thank you for being the anti-MAGA pope.

Mel Shuller, Montgomery

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Pope Francis met Vance with compassion not condemnation | Letter
by Neak Chandarith

PHNOM PENH, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent state visit to Cambodia represents a milestone moment in bilateral relations, ushering in the all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era.

This strengthened cooperation stands as a global model of equitable international partnership.

Forged through strategic alignment and mutual trust, this partnership counters hegemonic unilateralism, offering a robust paradigm for regional stability, economic resilience and inclusive prosperity in a multipolar world.

The visit yielded multiple bilateral cooperation documents, epitomizing the seamless integration of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy.

Over the past years, China-Cambodia cooperation has already yielded fruitful results. The Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone (SSEZ), a flagship BRI project, hosts over 200 enterprises, generating tens of thousands of jobs and establishing Cambodia as a manufacturing hub.

Emerging projects, such as the Industrial Development Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, synergize Cambodia's industrial modernization and agricultural productivity with China's technological expertise and financial resources, fostering sustainable development and fortifying economic resilience.

The China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) significantly boosts Cambodia's exports, including rice, mangoes and bananas.

Infrastructure projects, such as the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, will enhance Cambodia's connectivity, positioning it as an important node in regional logistics and tourism networks.

These developments can help Cambodia better weather global economic disruptions.

Meanwhile, through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Cambodia accesses markets in Japan, South Korea and Australia, capitalizing on flexible rules of origin to export high-value goods like garments and footwear.

The synergistic convergence of the CCFTA, RCEP and BRI establishes Cambodia as an important part in Southeast Asia's supply chain ecosystem. The CCFTA drives demand in the Chinese market, RCEP diversifies export destinations and the BRI infrastructure -- exemplified by the SSEZ and planned corridors -- streamlines logistics, embedding Cambodia in the just-in-time supply chains important to global trade.

The Fish and Rice Corridor strengthens food security and attracts investment from RCEP partners, enhancing Cambodia's agricultural competitiveness.

This triad, resonant with the historical Maritime Silk Road, revitalizes Cambodia's legacy as a trade nexus, drawing multinational firms seeking alternatives to tariff-burdened markets.

Beyond its economic contributions, Cambodia emerges as a major conduit for ASEAN-China collaboration, amplifying regional cohesion and stability.

By facilitating high-level dialogues, Cambodia bridges ASEAN and China, promoting a vision of open regionalism rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity.

Cambodia's resolute support for the one-China principle and its opposition to external interference uphold ASEAN's foundational principle of non-interference in another's internal affairs, fostering a stable regional environment through platforms like the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism.

Meanwhile, the designation of 2025 as the Cambodia-China Year of Tourism and collaborative efforts to preserve Angkor's cultural heritage foster people-to-people ties.

The Cambodia-China partnership transcends bilateral ties, offering a replicable model for nations seeking to balance sovereignty with global integration.

As Cambodia advances toward upper middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050, the shared-future paradigm illuminates a pathway for inclusive globalization that prioritizes equity and sustainability.

The outcomes of Xi's visit -- ranging from trade agreements to cultural initiatives -- equip Cambodia with the tools to enhance its state capacity, foster inclusive growth and contribute to regional stability.

In an era defined by multipolar contestation and economic uncertainty, Cambodia's strategic cooperation with China not only safeguards its national sovereignty but also propels ASEAN's emergence as a unified and resilient force.

This partnership, enriched by historical depth and forward-looking vision, redefines the contours of international cooperation, demonstrating that mutual benefit and collective progress can prevail over division and rivalry.

By contributing to Southeast Asia's economic and political architecture, the Cambodia-China cooperation heralds a transformative vision for global equity, resilience and prosperity, setting a radiant example for the Global South and beyond.

Editor's note: Neak Chandarith is the founding director of the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Center of the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.
Although he was a pontiff well-attuned to the concerns of ordinary Catholics, Pope Francis had a surprising blind spot when it came to the abuse crisis. He did not talk very much about the issue in his first months in the Vatican, and when he did, in 2014, appeared on the defensive, saying no one else has done more to root out abuse than the church.

His election took place at a time when the problem of sexual abuse of minors by clergy was well known, and after more scandals had emerged during the papacy of Benedict XVI. While important steps had been taken to address the abuse scandals during his predecessors tenure, there was still much more the church needed to do.

Survivors of church sexual abuse say the next pope needs to do more to tackle clergy guilty of abuse and hold bishops accountable when they mismanage cases.

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The biggest mistake for Francis came when he initially refused to believe that a Chilean bishop, Juan Barros, had covered up for a notorious abuser. The pope then defended Barros publicly, dismissing the allegations as slander.

Later, the pope commissioned an investigation into the matter and made a heartfelt apology, admitting to survivors that he, too, was part of the problem. His willingness openly to admit failings and reverse earlier decisions was remarkable, given that historically popes have been believed infallible.

The turning point for Francis came when Chilean abuse survivors stayed with him for several days in April 2018 at his home in the Vatican, the Casa Santa Marta. He later took the dramatic step of ordering every bishop in Chile to offer their resignation, replacing a large section of the hierarchy.

Juan Carlos Cruz poses for a photo in Manhattan in February 2018. - Andres Kudacki/AP

One of those survivors was Juan Carlos Cruz, who went on to advise the pope on anti-abuse measures.

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I think he has done more than any pope has ever done. But I think there is a lot more to be done, Cruz told CNN in 2024. What frustrates me is people in the curia (the churchs central administration) and bishops around the world who are not on the same page. What infuriates me is that survivors are walking this earth without justice Its like someone having cancer and no one doing anything.

In a statement issued Monday after news of Francis death, the Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP) called for whoever succeeds him to institute a zero tolerance law for sexual abuse.

The survivor advocacy group wants abusive clergy  and church leaders whove covered up their crimes  to be ejected from the ministry. It also wants more oversight of bishops. (The next pope) must use his authority to enact fundamental, institutional changes to end the systematic practice of sexual abuse and its concealment.

Steps to end secrecy

Francis diagnosed clericalism, the wielding of power within the church by an unaccountable few, as being at the heart of the crisis. As he sought to get to grips with the problem, he held an unprecedented four-day summit on the issue at the Vatican, where survivors addressed cardinals and bishops and made a series of recommendations.

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The 2019 gathering led to the pope issuing new norms for handling abuse, including procedures to hold bishops accountable for cover-ups, and the removal of secrecy obligations from abuse investigations.

He made it a legal obligation for Vatican officials to report abuse and ordered sweeping changes to the churchs canon law to recognize that vulnerable adults can be victims of abuse and that lay people in official positions can be held responsible.

I would like to see his legacy and what he stood for continued, Cruz added. He said the church had to find justice for survivors, to care for and support them and to seek to repair the damage that was done. Its frustrating that something so simple can be so complicated, he said.

But Father Hans Zollner believes more consistency is needed when handling cases. Zollner, who runs a safeguarding institute in Rome, is considered one of the churchs most respected voices in calling for action on the abuse crisis. He resigned, however, from a papal commission tasked with child protection saying that more needed to be done on responsibility, compliance, accountability and transparency.

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Speaking following Francis death, the German priest and psychologist told CNN said the late pope brought to attention the systemic issues involving abuse in the church and met with many survivors.

He (Francis) made important reforms in a journey that is far from over, especially when it comes to the churchs need for consistency in engaging with victims, holding perpetrators to account and in applying the established norms and laws when dealing with abuse, he said.

Sex abuse survivor Alessandro Battaglia, center, marches alongside other survivors and advocates in Rome in February 2019 as Pope Francis hosts a four-day summit on preventing clergy sexual abuse. - Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Francis had established the Holy Sees first pontifical commission for the protection of minors early on in his reign. But the commission, led for many years by a former Boston archbishop, Cardinal Sean OMalley, struggled to find its place within the churchs central administration and to become truly effective.

Marie Collins, a survivor and safeguarding expert from Ireland who served on the commission in the early years, resigned in frustration at the slow pace of change.

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Collins told CNN last year that Francis had made some positive moves and started out well with the right intentions but that the old guard in the Vatican had diluted those intentions and provided him with bad information. When it came to the abuse crisis in Chile, Francis admitted that he had made serious mistakes due to a lack of truthful and balanced information.

Collins also lamented the lack of transparency around the accountability of bishops and how new policies are being applied.

There is change, there is advancement, but its been far too slow, she said. We are not getting the transparency we were promised. Collins said she hoped that the next pope would bring complete transparency over the handling of abuse.

Systemic failings

Pope Francis prays inside St. Mary's Pro Cathedral during his visit to Dublin in August 2018. - Stefano Rellandini/Pool/Reuters

The crisis widened during the Francis pontificate to include not only minors but also the sexual abuse of nuns and me too-style instances of abuse. In 2019, Francis publicly acknowledged the problem of the sexual abuse of nuns by priests and bishops and also warned against psychological and spiritual abuses of sisters.

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He showed, too, that he was willing to take action against groups within the Catholic Church where abuse had occurred, and brought in rules to try to prevent new groups being set up without proper oversight. He took time to meet victims and looked for ways to help them find justice.

The abuse crisis in the Catholic Church exposed deep cultural and systemic failings. Francis renewal efforts, including his convening of worldwide synod assemblies, sought to build more accountability and transparency.

Despite his mistakes, Francis took some vital steps in tackling the scourge of abuse.

But it will be up to his successor to ensure the necessary reforms are implemented as the Catholic Church continues to grapple with the most damaging scandal it has faced in centuries.

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Pope Francis, who died on Monday after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, will be laid to rest this weekend.

Tens of thousands of worshippers have been waiting in line to see the late pontiff as he lies in state in St Peters Basilica.

What time is the Popes funeral?

The funeral of Pope Francis will take place at 9am (10am local time) on Saturday in the square in front of St Peters Basilica, the Vatican has announced.

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Tradition dictates that a popes funeral must take place between four and six days after their death, except in the case of unspecified special reasons, according to rules established in 1996.

There is an official nine-day period of mourning from the day of the pontiffs death.

At least 200,000 people are expected to pack into St Peters Square on Saturday for the Popes final farewell, according to Italys Department of Civil Protection.

Nuns and worshippers gather in prayer at St Peters Basilica, where the body of Pope Francis lies in state - Alessandra Benedetti - Corbis

Lying in state

The body of Pope Francis was carried from his Vatican residence to St Peters Basilica in a solemn procession on Wednesday.

The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff will lie in state until his funeral to allow Catholics from across the world to pay their respects in person.

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Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vaticans Camerlengo, or chamberlain, will then preside over the rite of the sealing of the Popes coffin on Friday evening.

What to expect from the funeral service

The funeral mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old Dean of the College of Cardinals.

He will be joined by patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops and priests from around the world. The funeral will also mark the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient tradition of nine days of mourning and masses for the repose of the late Popes soul.

Among the world leaders who have already confirmed their attendance are Prince William; Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister; Donald Trump, the US president; and Emmanuel Macron, the French president.

How to watch the Popes funeral

Viewers in the UK will be able to watch the Popes funeral on The Telegraphs livestream, which will appear at the top of our live blog on Saturday.

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Live coverage of the ceremony will also be accessible on the Vaticans YouTube channel and across all main TV news services. A BBC News Special will begin from 8.30am, while Sky News will broadcast from 7am.

Where will the Pope be buried?

Pope Francis revealed his last wishes in his will, asking to be buried in a simple, unadorned tomb inside his beloved Roman basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore.

In the document, which was dated June 29 2022 and published by the Vatican on Monday, he wrote: Feeling that the sunset of my earthly life is approaching and with lively hope in eternal life, I wish to express my testamentary will only as regards the place of my burial.

Pope Francis asked to be buried in a simple, unadorned tomb inside Santa Maria Maggiore - Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

It continued: I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of the resurrection in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

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Francis also specified exactly where his tomb should be placed, even including a diagram of the basilicas side nave, and confirmed that burial expenses had been arranged in advance.

The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus, he added.

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ROME (AP)  Pope Francis doctor has recounted the pontiff's final moments in a pair of newspaper interviews published Thursday, saying the pope had his eyes open but was unresponsive after being stricken by illness early Monday morning. "He died without suffering, at home,'' the doctor said.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri coordinated Francis five-week hospital treatment for double pneumonia and continued to oversee the popes treatment after the pontiff returned to the Vatican on March 23 for two months of rest to allow a full recovery.

Alfieri was alerted at 5:30 a.m. Monday by Francis health care assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, that Francis had been stricken and needed to be taken to the hospital. The doctor told the Milan daily Corriere della Sera that he arrived 20 minutes later.

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I went into his room, and he had his eyes open. I noted that he did not have respiratory issues, so I tried to call him but he did not respond, Alfieri was quoted by Corriere as saying, adding that his lungs were clear and he was receiving supplemental oxygen. He also did not respond to stimuli, even painful ones. In that moment I understood there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma.

Alfieri said it was too risky moving Francis back to the Gemelli hospital, where he was treated for a complex respiratory infection that nearly killed him twice.

Two hours after falling ill, the pope died, having suffered a stroke.

He died without suffering, at home, Alfieri told the Rome daily La Repubblica.

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Cardinal Pietro Parolin arrived and said the rosary over the body, accompanied by the papal household staff, Alfieri told Corriere. I gave him a caress, as a farewell, the doctor said.

Vatican News has reported that the pope managed a gesture of farewell to Strappetti after falling ill.

Alfieri became the pope's surgeon when he needed treatment for diverticulitis in 2021. Alfieri tried to get him on a diet after the surgery.

He had a big sweet-tooth, and sometimes would go to the kitchen at the Santa Marta hotel for a midnight snack. He put on a dozen kilograms (nearly 30 pounds) too many. At times I came off as too rigorous, because he told me, Remember to live with irony. "

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After the pope suffered several severe respiratory crises in the hospital that required decisive treatment, the surgeon said, We knew he wouldnt return to his former condition, and that the infection had left another scar on his lungs.''

Still, he improved with physical therapy. I saw him on Saturday, and I found him in good shape. I didnt think it would be the last meeting,'' Alfieri told la Repubblica.

Though Francis was ordered to rest and avoid crowds for two months to recover, Alfieri expressed understanding for the pope's desire to return to work. Going back to work was part of his treatment, and he never exposed himself to dangers, Alfieri told Corriere.

Francis couldn't resist appearing in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, which culminated with a long drive through the Easter crowd of 50,000 on the pope mobile, with several stops to bless children. He also insisted on inviting health care workers from the Gemelli hospital to the Vatican before Easter, even though the doctor suggested they wait until the end of the two-month convalescence in June.

I have the clear sensation now that there were a series of things he felt he had to do before dying, Alfieri told Corriere. We knew he wanted to return home to be pope until the last instant, and he didn't disappoint us.''
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As Portland City Administrator Michael Jordan announced more cuts to core services across the city, union workers gathered outside City Hall Wednesday night, hoping to push forward their first contract with the city in a rally and practice picket.

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The City of Portland Professional Workers Union has worked with the city on its first contract for a year. The union represents 800 workers, including victims advocates, technology specialists, crisis communicators, grant managers, community safety workers, equity professionals, financial analysts and more.

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We are out here today to ask the mayor and city administration to settle our contract and let us get back to business, said CPPW Union President Karli Koch.

City representatives told KOIN 6 News some tentative agreements have been reached on a number of things between the union and the city, but organizers said theres still more to be done.

Union workers rally outside Portland city Hall amid ongoing negotiations and possible cuts. April 23, 2025 (KOIN). Union workers rally outside Portland city Hall amid ongoing negotiations and possible cuts. April 23, 2025 (KOIN).

Weve been the first on the chopping block when it comes to layoffs, to pay cuts. And what were looking for right now is stability, Koch said. The city is going through a lot of chaos with the  with the transition  and with the restructuring and reorganization. Our members deserve protections from that chaos.

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This practice picket comes as Portland City Administrator Michael Jordan threatens to cut 20% of core services across the city.

One of the many services on the chopping block is victim advocacy with the Portland Police Bureau. Jessica Irvine is a victim advocate specialist with PPB. She said this is critical work.

We provide a vital role that really helps you investigate, proceed, and also help somebody understand what the heck theyre doing in the criminal justice system and how-how are they going to get through it and navigate it, she said.

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Irvine said she knows the mayor is facing difficult cuts but shes hoping he will figure out some happy medium that works for everyone.

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My goal here is to help negotiate or help do what I can so that the our contract gets negotiated and we have a more sustainable tenure with the city, she said.

Mayor Keith Wilson is set to release his proposed budget in early May. The CPPW Union is set to begin mediation at 9 a.m. Thursday morning.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man faces nearly six years in prison on multiple charges after committing a shooting at a Northeast Portland strip club that injured one person two years ago, authorities said.

Tyree Deonte Scott was convicted by a jury on the charges related to the shooting outside The Lounge strip club on Northeast Columbia Boulevard on May 23, 2023, the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office said.

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That night, Tyree Scott was cut off from drinking by the bartender because he was becoming belligerent, the DAs office said in a press release.

The man who was shot was out with a friend and two family members. As the group of four exited The Lounges parking lot, Scott pulled out a gun and fired a single shot at the victim from about 70 feet away, breaking the drivers side window glass and hitting the victim in the left hand, officials said.

The injured person later drove himself to Salmon Creek hospital.

Scott was found guilty of two counts of second-degree assault with a firearm, two counts of second-degree unlawful use of a weapon (one for firing at a car and another for firing at a person) and discharge of a firearm in the city.

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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 KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As Portland grapples with tough budget cuts, some residents are making it clear that crime has been a growing issue for years. On Wednesday night, a packed crowd gathered downtown to push public safety leaders for answers.

The event, hosted by the community group Future Portland, brought together top officials like Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and Portland Police Association President Sgt. Aaron Schmautz to discuss crime, safety, and possible solutions  Future Portland is a political organization with a PAC and charged $55 for entry.

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Vikki Payne, an organizer with Future Portland, voiced frustration about the citys homeless crisis.

Were just wondering where the moneys going and why these people arent getting help? she said.

Though data shows some crime has decreased, Payne stressed that homelessness continues to be a major problem.

Portland has been adding unarmed crisis teams and expanding mobile mental health units to reduce police involvement in non-violent situations. While these moves could be seen as a step forward, Vasquez acknowledged that real change will take time.

As much as anyone else, I would love to snap my fingers and feel safe every day, but real progress takes time, he said.

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The city is also facing a $93 million budget shortfall, which could affect funding for public safety programs, including housing and police. A new city poll shows mixed opinions, with 42% of people surveyed saying they support cuts to police funding, especially in Southeast, North, and Northeast Portland.

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In response, Sgt. Schmautz emphasized the need for teamwork across the citys safety systems. Its critical that we weave all of our public safety systems together so we can make sure were providing the outcomes people are looking for.

Portland Police Chief Bob Day was originally scheduled to speak but backed out due to concerns over the events political nature.

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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 KOIN.com.
A widespread claim that U.S. President Donald Trump would require the U.K. to get rid of laws protecting LGBTQ+ people before agreeing to a trade deal circulated on news outlets and social media in late-April 2025.

The claim came from an article in the British online newspaper The Independent that relied on a single, anonymous source. The source claimed U.S. Vice President JD Vance, not Trump, was "obsessed by the fall of Western civilisation" and the supposed fall of free speech in Europe. According to the source: "No free speech, no deal. It is as simple as that."

Vance said in a much-discussed speech at the Munich Security Conference in February 2025 that he feared free speech was "in retreat" in Britain and across Europe. Vance repeated the accusation weeks later during an Oval Office meeting with Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying there were "infringements on free speech" in the U.K. British officials said free speech was not a "material feature" of trade deal talks.

The U.K. has multiple laws governing hate speech against individuals based on race, religion and sexual orientation. At the time of this writing, there were no indications that the Starmer government intended to roll back these laws.



In late April 2025, as U.K. Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepared to meet her U.S. counterpart, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, for further U.S.-U.K. trade deal talks, claims (archived) circulated online that U.S. President Donald Trump would require the U.K. to get rid of laws protecting LGBTQ+ people before agreeing to a deal.

A Facebook user wrote: "The Trump administration is aggressively pressuring UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to gut hate speech protections for LGBTQIA+ communities and minorities, framing it as a non-negotiable condition for a U.S.-UK trade deal."

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The claim circulated across X (archived), Threads (archived) and Bluesky (archived). Snopes readers also emailed to ask whether the claim was true.

The claim came from a report by the British online newspaper The Independent that relied on an unnamed "Washington source." According to The Independent's report, Vice President JD Vance  not Trump specifically  was "obsessed by the fall of Western civilisation" and the supposed fall of free speech in Europe. The source said: "No free speech, no deal. It is as simple as that," implying that the U.K. would have to conform to American standards for free speech if it wished to secure a trade deal.

Snopes does not rely on anonymous sources, and it was not possible to independently verify The Independent's source. It was unclear whether the source specifically said protections for LGBTQ+ people had to be removed, or whether that was The Independent's reporting. In the U.K., stirring up or expressing hatred  actions known as hate speech  on the basis of sexual orientation, race and religion is an offense under the Public Order Act of 1986.

We reached out to Vance's office and 10 Downing Street, the office of the prime minister of the U.K., to ask whether the claims made by the anonymous source were true and await a reply. According to The Independent's report, a spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said free speech "is not a feature of the talks."

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The connection to LGBTQ+ rights seemed to come mainly from The Independent's headline. The article, titled "Starmer told UK must repeal hate speech laws to protect LGBT+ people or lose Trump trade deal," mentioned LGBTQ+ rights only once in the body text to say that, according to the anonymous Washington source, Vance would "demand" that the U.K. government "rolls back laws against hateful comments, including abuse targeting LGBT+ groups or other minorities, as a condition of any deal."

Vance's reservations about 'infringements on free speech'

A potential trade deal between the U.S. and the U.K.  countries that frequently cite their "special relationship"  has been in the works for years. Recently, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed U.S.-U.K. trade while visiting the White House on Feb. 27, 2025.

During a Oval Office press gathering, a reporter asked Vance about "free speech violations" in the U.K. Vance said: (time stamp 1:57:16):

I said what I said, which is that we do have, of course, a special relationship with our friends in the U.K. and also with some of our European allies. But we also know that there have been infringements on free speech that actually affect not just the British  of course what the British do in their own country is up to them  but also affect American technology companies and, by extension, American citizens, so that is something that we'll talk about today at lunch.

Vance was referring to his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14, 2025, during which he said: "In Britain, and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat."

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During the Feb. 27 Oval Office meeting, Starmer replied (time-stamp 1:57:41):

We've had free speech for a very, very long time in the United Kingdom and it will last for a very, very long time. No, I mean, certainly we wouldn't want to reach across U.S. citizens, and we don't, and that's absolutely right. But in relation to free speech in the U.K., I'm very proud of our history there.

Starmer's reply, however, didn't seem to have affected American willingness to enter a deal. When asked during an UnHerd interview in April 2025 about the possibility of U.S.-U.K. trade deal, Vance said:

We're working very hard on a trade deal with the Starmer government. I don't want to prejudge it, but 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.

Vance did not mention specific U.S. requirements for a potential trade deal during that interview.

U.K. Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, who was also a party to negotiations about a potential U.S.-U.K. trade deal, said during a Bloomberg interview on April 3, 2025, that though free speech was discussed between the nations it wasn't a significant factor (time stamp 4:29, emphasis ours):

Those issues have been raised by the U.S. diplomatically more widely, those references that you have given, but they haven't been part  a material part  of the trade negotiations that we have been having, I will obviously say, and I think I can defend this pretty strongly: the U.K. is a place that has always had a proud record on free speech.

Vance's Feb. 27, 2025, remark about "infringements on free speech" in the U.K. that affected "American technology companies" was likely a swipe at the U.K.'s Online Safety Act of 2023.

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This law meant that internet services regulated by the act, a list including online giants like Meta, X and Google, must "identify, mitigate and manage" the risks of harm from "illegal content and activity" and "content and activity that is harmful to children" or face large fines.

The law applies only to services that have "links" with the U.K, for example, a significant number of users based there.

When asked whether he thought the act amounted to censorship, Starmer said:

No, we don't believe in censoring speech but of course we do need to deal with terrorism. We need to deal with ped*ph*les and issues like that. But I talked to the vice president about it today and we had a good exchange about it. And, of course, he's right to champion free speech. We champion free speech in the United Kingdom.

Starmer is willing to regulate free speech

In the U.K., while the right to freedom of expression is secured under the Human Rights Act of 1998, successive U.K. governments have enshrined extra protections in legislation for certain groups against hate speech.

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For example, the Public Order Act of 1986 made stirring up or expressing hatred on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation an offense. Offenses under the Public Order Act can be punished by fines and up to seven years' imprisonment.

Starmer, formerly the head of the Crown Prosecution Service that charges and prosecutes criminal cases in the U.K., has previously shown his willingness to use the Public Order Act of 1986 to regulate the right to freedom of expression.

Police arrested more than 400 people in September and August 2024 after an 18-year-old man killed three girls in Southport, in the north of England, and rumors that the suspect was an asylum-seeker resulted in days of riots and disorder.

Following the riots, the CPS convicted people who admitted to inciting racial hatred or violent disorder, both offenses under the Public Order Act.

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The U.S. does not have hate speech laws like the ones in the U.K. due to the Constitution's First Amendment that protects freedom of speech. According to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a civil liberties group, the U.S. Supreme Court has "repeatedly rejected government attempts to prohibit or punish hate speech."

There was no indication, at the time of this writing, that the U.K. planned to roll back existing legislation on hate speech or internet content regulation. Likewise, according to officials from 10 Downing Street and the U.K. Department for Business and Trade, free speech in the U.K. was not a "material feature" of trade deal discussions.

Sources:

12-Year-Old Convicted for Violent Disorder after Taking Part in Southport Unrest | The Crown Prosecution Service. https://www.cps.gov.uk/mersey-cheshire/news/12-year-old-convicted-violent-disorder-after-taking-part-southport-unrest. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Ahmari, Sohrab. "Transcript: UnHerd's Interview with JD Vance." UnHerd, 16 Apr. 2025, https://unherd.com/2025/04/transcript-unherds-interview-with-jd-vance/.

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"Article 10: Freedom of Expression." Equality and Human Rights Commission, 3 June 2021, https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/human-rights/human-rights-act/article-10-freedom-expression.

"First Amendment." Constitution Annotated, https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/.

Human Rights Act 1998. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/introduction. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Is Hate Speech Legal? | The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/hate-speech-legal. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Lu, Christina. "The Speech That Stunned Europe ." Foreign Policy, 18 Feb. 2025, https://archive.ph/rhkuW#selection-3217.0-3222.0.

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Online Safety Act 2023. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/50#:~:text=illegal%20content%20and,the%20regulator%2C%20OFCOM. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

"Prime Minister Says UK Guards Free Speech 'Preciously' after Vance Criticism." Yahoo News, 28 Feb. 2025, https://uk.news.yahoo.com/prime-minister-very-proud-uk-194115620.html.

Public Order Act 1986. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/64#:~:text=(3)-,A%20person%20guilty%20of%20an%20offence%20under%20this%20Part%20is%20liable,months%20or%20a%20fine%20not%20exceeding%20the%20statutory%20maximum%20or%20both.,-Textual%20Amendments. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

"Starmer Told to Accept Trump 'Free Speech' Agenda to Win Trade Deal." The Independent, 16 Apr. 2025, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/trump-jd-vance-trade-deal-free-speech-b2733806.html.

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The Pulse with Francine Lacqua. "UK's Reynolds Believes 10% Tariffs Can Be Removed." Bloomberg, 3 Apr. 2025, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-04-03/uk-s-reynolds-believes-10-tariffs-can-be-removed.

The White House. "Vice President JD Vance Delivers Remarks at the Munich Security Conference." YouTube, 14 Feb. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/live/pCOsgfINdKg?t=466s.

Times News. "LIVE: Keir Starmer Meets Donald Trump at the White House." YouTube, 27 Feb. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/live/VTdlH8kSKzk?t=7036s.

"UK Disorder: Keir Starmer Says Communities 'will Be Safe' in Face of Riots." BBC News, 6 Aug. 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2nnj8301yo.

UPDATED WITH SENTENCE: Childminder Admits Inciting Racial Hatred over Social Media Post | The Crown Prosecution Service. https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/updated-sentence-childminder-admits-inciting-racial-hatred-over-social-media-post. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Updated with Sentence: Man Admits Violent Disorder after Southport Police van Attack | The Crown Prosecution Service. https://www.cps.gov.uk/mersey-cheshire/news/updated-sentence-man-admits-violent-disorder-after-southport-police-van. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Walker, Peter, and Peter Walker Deputy political editor. "Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden Sign 'Atlantic Declaration' but Hope of Trade Deal Ends." The Guardian, 8 June 2023. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jun/08/rishi-sunak-joe-biden-landmark-deal-uk-us-cooperation-washington-declaration.

"Why Are There Riots in the UK and Where Are They Taking Place?" BBC News, 7 Aug. 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg55we5n3xo.


President Donald Trump has pardoned a former Las Vegas City Council member and one-time Nevada gubernatorial candidate who was found guilty of fraud last year, the latest example of the president using his pardon power to reward allies.

Michele Fiore  who has occasionally been dubbed Lady Trump  was convicted in October of using $70,000 she solicited to build a memorial for two fallen police officers on personal expenses, including political fundraising bills and rent payments. Last week, a judge dismissed her request for a new trial and scheduled her sentencing for May 14.

Trump pardoned Fiore Wednesday, according to court documents filed Thursday by Fiores attorneys.

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Trump has extensively wielded his pardon power in his second term, using it to spare political allies and those he feels were dealt with unfairly by federal law enforcement.

In March, he granted clemency to two former Hunter Biden associates who assisted Republicans during their failed impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

He pardoned ex-Illinois governor and former "Celebrity Apprentice" guest Rod Blagojevich in February after commuting his sentence in 2020. And in January, shortly after retaking the White House, Trump issued sweeping pardons for 1,500 people who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Fiores pardon.

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Fiore served in the Nevada state Legislature from 2012 to 2016 and in the Las Vegas City Council from 2017 to 2022. She launched a brief run for governor in 2021 before switching to a state treasurer run. She narrowly lost the November 2022 general election.

She was convicted in October of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud, and faced a maximum penalty of over 100 years in prison
Polish President Andrzej Duda has said that Ukraine will have to make certain compromises in peace talks with Russia.

Source: European Pravda; Andrzej Duda in an exclusive interview with Euronews

Quote from Andrzej Duda: "It has to be a compromise. I mean, de facto this peace should, in my personal opinion, come down to the fact that neither side will be able to say that it won this war, because each side in some sense will have to step down."

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Details: The president of Poland said that Ukraine will also "have to step down in some sense, because that's what will probably happen".

"To what extent? It is difficult for me to answer at this stage," Andrzej Duda said.

Duda also noted that the war is harmful to both countries.

The Polish president stressed that "it is only this American pressure that can really bring this war to an end and help forge a peace that will not be comfortable for either side".

Background:

Earlier reports indicated that President Trumps administration handed Ukraine a one-page document in Paris last week, presented as a "final" offer for peace  the key points of that proposal are outlined in this news.

Among other things, the US is reportedly ready to recognise Russian control over Ukrainian Crimea and to ease sanctions against Moscow as part of a potential peace agreement.

The Financial Times writes that some European officials fear that disagreements over the Trump administration's unilateral draft "peace deal", which would see the United States recognise Crimea as part of Russia, will undermine transatlantic security and even disrupt the NATO summit in late June.

Unnamed European officials say they will stick to their long-standing position: they will not accept anything that affects Ukraine's sovereignty, which is something that Volodymyr Zelenskyy opposes.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
On Wednesday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unveiled an installation in New York City.

The installation highlighted the dangers of social media for children.

Harry said at the event that he and Meghan were glad their kids are too young for social media.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are already considering how social media could impact their children.

On Wednesday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Archewell Foundation Parents' Network unveiled the Lost Screen Memorial in New York City.

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Part of the foundation's "No Child Lost to Social Media" campaign, the installation consisted of 50 art pieces designed to look like large cellphones. Each featured a lockscreen photo of a child who died because of harms related to social media.

As part of the unveiling, Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, attended a private vigil with the parents of the children depicted in the display.

During the event, which Business Insider attended, the Duke and Duchess also shared their thoughts on the dangers of social media  and how it might impact their children.

Helping parents feel less alone

The Archewell Foundation officially formed The Parents' Network in August 2024 after first testing it in 2023. Today, the network supports parents who have lost children because of harms related to social media, offering them resources and a place to connect with families with similar experiences.

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The Lost Screen Memorial is a culmination of that work, both as a physical representation of those who have died and as a place for many members of the network to come together in person for the first time. The installation will be up in New York for only 24 hours, though it's also available to view online.

The Lost Screen Memorial in New York City. Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

Amy Neville, whose son Alexander Neville died in 2020 of a fentanyl overdose, described The Parents' Network as "an amazing home" for parents like her at the vigil.

"When this type of thing happens in your life, you feel like you're alone. You feel like you're an enigma," Neville said at the event. "We can come into this space and be around these families and just feel normal."

"It's been a place for us to be able to recharge," Todd Minor said of The Parents' Network's role in his and his wife Mia's life after their son Matthew died.

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"We've been advocating, and year after year trying to get bills passed at the state and federal level," he said. "We're able to go to The Parents' Network to recharge and just share. It's just an additional family to us."

Meghan Markle at the Lost Screen Memorial. Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

Harry and Meghan have been active in The Parents' Network since its inception, and they greeted many of the families at the vigil on Wednesday as old friends.

Several parents who attended told BI it was gratifying how knowledgeable the couple was about the dangers of social media.

"It's nice to know that somebody who has maybe some influence is actually paying attention and is going out there," Neville said of the duke and duchess.

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Researchers are still studying how social media harms youth and how to address it. In June 2024, the surgeon general proposed putting government warning labels on the platforms.

The Sussexes have struggled with social media

Harry and Meghan have seen the darker sides of social media firsthand, becoming the targets of coordinated harassment during their time as senior royals. Harry has also said that online bullying and the amplification of harassment from UK tabloids contributed to his and Meghan's decision to step back from the monarchy in 2020.

They stopped using their joint Instagram account the same year and have been largely absent from social media since then.

"Life is better off of social media," Harry said while speaking to BI and other outlets on Wednesday. He added that he and Meghan were glad their children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, hadn't aged into social media yet.

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"We're just grateful that our kids are too young to be on social media," he said.

Prince Harry at the Lost Screen Memorial. Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

But the prince also said he realized that, given our digital world, that likely wouldn't always be the case.

"The easiest thing to say is to keep your kids away from social media," he said. "The sad reality is that the kids that aren't on social media normally get bullied at school because they can't be part of the same conversations as everybody else."

Harry said he hoped social-media companies would do more to make their platforms safe for children.

"While social-media companies claim to be taking action, most still withhold critical data from grieving parents  data that could provide answers and accountability," Harry said. "This is a growing crisis. Social media is quietly taking our children, and those with the power to make change are failing to act."

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Meghan, who also spoke at the Time100 Summit on Wednesday, returned to Instagram in January before launching her company, As Ever, and her Netflix show "With Love, Meghan." She made her first post on New Year's Day, sharing a video of herself running on the beach.

Meghan at the Lost Screen Memorial. Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

The duchess has mostly posted about her business endeavors on her new page and doesn't allow comments on her posts, limiting trolls' access to her content.

Meghan shares small snippets of her personal life, including photos with Harry and videos of her cooking at home with her kids. But she keeps Archie's and Lilibet's faces off her page, highlighting her and Harry's focus on their children's privacy.

"I think for those who do choose to be online and to be in social media as adults that we get to set the example and really put as much good and joy into the world as we can," Meghan said on Wednesday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SEOUL, April 24 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's biggest carmaker Hyundai Motor logged a single-digit growth in its first-quarter profit thanks to solid sales of eco-friendly vehicles and favorable currency rates, the company said Thursday.

Revenue gained 9.2 percent from a year earlier to 44.41 trillion won (30.9 billion U.S. dollars) in the January-March quarter, representing the highest first-quarter figure in the automaker's history.

Operating profit grew 2.1 percent to 3.63 trillion won (2.5 billion dollars) in the cited quarter, and net income added 0.2 percent to 3.38 trillion won (2.4 billion dollars).

The profit beat market expectations of about 3.46 trillion won (2.4 billion dollars), with operating margin hitting 8.2 percent.

The profit expansion was attributed to strong sales of hybrid models and the favorable exchange rate environment.

Hyundai sold 1,001,120 units across the world in the first quarter, down 0.6 percent compared with the same quarter of last year.

Sales of electrified models, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles, surged 38.4 percent to 212,426 units.

Hyundai's domestic automotive sales rose 4.0 percent to 166,360 units, but sales outside South Korea retreated 1.4 percent to 834,760 units.

The won/dollar exchange rate has hovered above 1,400 won per U.S. dollar since December last year. 
Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, unveiled a memorial to children who died due to the effects of online harm. Gotham via Getty Images

NEW YORK  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined families in mourning on Wednesday evening as they unveiled a powerful memorial in New York City that calls for urgent reform of social media.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a private vigil for a temporary installation called The Lost Screen Memorial, which features 50 smartphone lock screens.

Each lock screen is in a lightbox, which displays the image of a child whose life ended too soon as a result of social media.

"The Lost Screen Memorial" features 50 smartphone lock screens, each one displaying the image of a child whose life ended too soon as a result of social media. Carly Ledbetter/HuffPost

The parents of the children featured in the installation are all part of Harry and MeghansArchewell Foundation Parents Network and its No Child Lost to Social Media campaign.

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Parents submitted these deeply personal images of their children to call attention to the urgent need for safer online spaces, according to a statement from Archewell.

At the memorial, the affected parents gathered to view the installation and meet with other parents, as well as the duke and duchess, who spent nearly two hours connecting with each person at the event.

It is a universal truth that our children are in harms way by whats happening online, Meghan told reporters, including HuffPost, at the event. No matter how polarized the world is or what people may or may not agree on, one thing that we can all agree on is that our children should be safe.

It is a universal truth that our children are in harms way by whats happening online, said Meghan. Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

Prince Harry got visibly emotional while talking about the harrowing stories hes heard from parents over the last several years about their children who lost their lives due to cyberbullying or other dangers on social media.

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When asked what parents could do to try to navigate the challenges that come with social media, Harry explained why its such a difficult situation.

The easiest thing to say is to keep your kids away from social media, Harry told HuffPost at the event. The sad reality is that the kids that arent on social media normally get bullied at school because they cant be part of the same conversations as everybody else.

Life is better off of social media, Harry continued. I say that as a parent, and I say that as someone whos spoken to many of the kids here tonight who are not on social media because theyve lost a brother or a sister to social media. But clearly, enough is not enough. Enough is not being done.

Meghan added that one of the most important things to do is to maximize the global messaging of the stories the from the parents.

Harry said, "Life is better off of social media." Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

During the emotional unveiling of the installation, many people wept when they first saw their childs photo.

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Families were able to place flowers in front of their childs lightbox, and some parents described the overwhelming feeling of seeing their child on the screen.

As the evening progressed and the sun set, the photos became even brighter, illuminating the entire space, which overlooked the city.

That moment of coming around the corner and seeing it was a touch overwhelming, and thats probably where I cried the most, Amy Neville, who lost a son named Alexander, told HuffPost on Wednesday.

But then going to my sons lightbox, hes cremated in his bedroom and so we dont have a place to go, she continued. And so, that feeling came over me when I got over there  Im like, Oh wow, this is kind of like visiting the gravesite  and so that was a feeling I didnt anticipate.

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Joanna Bogard, who lost her son Mason, said that Any time you lose someone, a child, someone you love dearly  just having something tactile, something to look at, something to touch, something to say they were here and they were so important, its just such a gift. And this is such a gift.

In addition to the lightboxes, some of parents recorded their memories of their child in a digital version of the memorial.

They were remembered for who they were, and not so much how they passed, Bogard said. And this gave us a chance to connect as a community of grieving parents  to talk about our kids in a way we dont typically talk about them.

So many of us [parents] advocate through education, state legislation, federal legislation. Were on Capitol Hill; were in the state lobby offices. Were just doing so much. And were telling how they passed, but its not very often that we get to say, this is my child, Bogard continued.

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Bogard said Mason loved to fish and hike, and that he was adventurous.

He loved so much about the world, and he was loved and he loved, she said. And this gives us that chance to exhale and focus on who Mason was and who our kids were, and then it gives us a chance to say thank you for giving us this opportunity to connect.

As the sun set, the photos became even brighter, illuminating the entire space, which overlooked the city. Emil Cohen for The Archewell Foundation

One parent, Tammy Rodriguez, said that her daughter Selena always loved the city.

And now, with the exhibit, shes right in the middle, and shes overlooking it.

Just seeing that really meant a lot to us, said Rodriguez, who attended the memorial with her daughter Destiny.

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Its been an absolute honor and pleasure just to be able to be here and exist with everyone and just kind of feel that mutual love and kind of grieve as well, she added.

Both Tammy and Destiny Rodriguez spent time with Harry and Meghan, whom they described as so down to earth and so sweet.

Harry and Meghan have made the dangers of social media, especially as it concerns children, one of their core initiatives.

HuffPost previously reported on a panel on behalf of the Archewell Foundation Parents Summit in New York City in October 2023, where parents of children who died by suicide spoke about their experiences.

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The parents told audience members about how certain social media algorithms led their children down dangerous digital rabbit holes, and how tech companies and platforms outpaced parents who would consider themselves well-versed in social media.

James Holt, one of the executive directors of the Archewell Foundation, told HuffPost that using the lock screen in the installation "is so powerful because that's something we look at every day." He said that with all parents, "the thing that they love the most is the picture on the phone screen, yet it is also the sort of the window to all of this pain. Carly Ledbetter/HuffPost

Meghan said she found it just devastating to hear from the parents Archewell worked with, and said it was impossible to not be in tears when they shared their stories.

The Duchess of Sussex has spoken out about being the victim of cyberbullying on a global scale. In March 2021, she told Oprah Winfrey she was suicidal while living in the United Kingdom because she felt so isolated by royal life.

Im told that in 2019, I was the most trolled person in the entire world  male or female, Meghan said during a joint interview with Harry on the Teenager Therapy podcast in 2020.

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Eight months of that, I wasnt even visible. I was on maternity leave with a baby, the royal shared. But what was able to be manufactured and churned out  its almost unsurvivable.

Thats so big you cant even think of what that feels like, the royal added.

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

Related...
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unveiled a temporary memorial in New York City on Wednesday, honoring children lost to social media-related harms.

Established by the couples Archewell Foundation, The Lost Screen memorial features 50 illuminated smartphones, each displaying the lock screen photo of a child whose life was cut short because of social media. The images were shared by parents in the Archewell Foundation Parents Network, many of whom came to New York to lay flowers at the display. The project calls for stronger online safeguards to better protect children.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined a group of approximately 50 affected families at the memorial for a private vigil on April 23. The memorial, located at the The Perch in midtown Manhattan, will be open for 24 hours.

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Life is better off of social media," Prince Harry said at the unveiling on Wednesday afternoon, according to People. "I say that as a parent, and I say that as someone who's spoken to many of the kids here tonight who lost a brother or a sister to social media. But clearly, enough is not enough. Enough is not being done.

After piloting the initiative in 2023, Prince Harry and Meghan launched the Parents Network in August 2024 for parents in the U.S, the U.K, and Canada. "Our kids are young. They're three and five. They're amazing," Meghan told CBS News last year. "But all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see what's happening in the online space, we know that there's a lot of work to be done there, and we're just happy to be able to be a part of change for good."

Prince Harry spoke further about the Parents' Network in a speech at the Clinton Global Initiative in September 2024. Through trauma-informed practices, our Network helps parents come together to forge strong bonds, offering healing support through community, the Duke of Sussex said at the time. This safe and free-to-access peer-support not only offers invaluable resources and advice, it is guided by a licensed facilitator, ensuring that no one has to navigate this journey alone. Our platform provides opportunity for parents to turn their pain into purpose, ultimately changing the very system that stole their child.

A virtual edition of the memorial will also be available online, featuring each childs story, with some parents contributing personal voice messages for visitors to hear.

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Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in New York earlier in the week to attend the 2025 Time100 Summit at Lincoln Center, where Meghan appeared for an on-stage interview with Time CEO Jessica Sibley.

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Things have been a little complicated for the British Royal family lately. King Charles is still battling cancer. Kate Middleton just went through her own cancer battle, one she emerged from in good health. Meanwhile, Prince William is stepping up in his duties to help his father, as is expected from the heir to the throne. And rumors of a deepening feud between King Charles and his younger son, Prince Harry, continue. The feud has reportedly gotten even worse during the past few days, as Harry continues to appear in court in the case over the removal of his security.

For now, this is all about Charles and Harry, but it might soon fall to William. And Prince Williams next move is set to strengthen his position as heir. The Prince will travel to the Vatican to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on behalf of the British royal family later this week. Why William? Its what protocol dictates.

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Related: Did William really cheat on Kate?

Royal expert Katie Nicholl explained to Vanity Fair that King Charles will not travel to the Vatican, in accordance with protocol and precedence which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. In 2005, Prince Charles attended Pope John Paul IIs funeral instead of Queen Elizabeth.

The King did release a statement about the Popes passing. My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis, Charles said. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.

The Kings message following the death of Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/tnwvSoXcMh  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 21, 2025

All of this comes amid reports that succession planning is already underway in Britain The people Ive spoken to have said that the succession planning, as they call it, began even before Charles diagnosis, royal author Tom Quinn told Harpers Bazaar recently. I mean, hes the oldest Prince of Wales to become king in history, so succession planning had begun before Charles came to the throne simply because of the age issue.

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Reports have also surfaced that, when William takes the throne, he plans to strike a much harsher tone with his brother, Prince Harry. Its no secret William wants Harry more harshly dealt with. He thinks he has betrayed the family from top to bottom, which is the ultimate Windsor crime. It wouldnt take much to provoke him to flex his muscles when he is king, a palace insider told The Daily Beast.

Those reports have indicated some of the moves Prince William is planning when he takes the throne include taking Harry and Meghans titles away, which King Charles had allowed them to keep. A couple of weeks ago, Prince Harry told reporters they would be shocked to hear whats being held back in the case of his security being taken away, adding that his worst fears have been confirmed by the whole legal disclosure, adding, and thats really sad. The Prince, however, gave no more information about it. Perhaps, if his titles are taken away, we will finally learn the whole story about this entire family drama. We will just probably have to wait until theres a new King to get it.

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The York girls were out an about yesterday, visiting a cancer unit at at University College Hospital in London supported by the Teenage Cancer Trust. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, was joined by her two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who spent time meeting with young patients and caregivers at the unit.

The event had special meaning for Ferguson, known widely as Fergie, who not only serves as an honorary patron for the Teenage Cancer Trust, but also underwent her own battle with back-to-back cancer diagnoses for both skin and breast cancer in recent years. The duchess recent wrote an essay for the Times on the organization, explaining, Its incredibly important to me to seek to amplify the voices and experiences of people with cancer who receive less attention, whose voices are not listened to and who can be overlooked. One group consistently neglected by those developing health plans and policies is teenagers and young adults with cancer.

Aaron Chown - PA Images - Getty Images

The royal ladies kept their style casual yet smart for the day, with Beatrice opting for a navy shirtdress with a pleated hem and black booties, while Eugenie wore a cream sweater, sage green slip skirt, and brown boots. Their mother, meanwhile, chose a navy skirt suit with a white blouse and dark pumps.

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It wasnt the trios only outing this weekBeatrice and Eugenie joined their mother and father, Prince Andrew for the royal familys annual Easter services at St. Georges Chapel. Andrews appearance was a rare public sighting for the prince, who stepped back from royal duties in 2019 after a disastrous Newsnight interview about his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Though Andrew has been seen since then at family events, he and Sarah skipped the traditional Christmas festivities with the royal family at Sandringham following outcry over his connections to alleged spy Yang Tengbo in December.

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has ordered agencies in his state to boycott work with El Salvador amid the detention fight over Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Abrego Garcias detention in a Salvadoran prison has become a major focus as Democrats look to criticize the Trump administration for skirting his constitutional right to due process.

The United States Constitution guarantees due process. We are witnessing Donald Trump erode our fundamental Constitutional rights in real time, and we must fight to restore the balance of power, Pritzker said in a statement on Wednesday. The State of Illinois will stand up for the Rule of Law and do everything in our power to stop the Trump Administration from ripping apart our most basic rights.

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Pritzker said he was requesting that the Illinois State Board of Investment, the State Universities Retirement System and the Teachers Retirement System review their investments to identify any fund investments that are wholly or partially managed, owned or controlled by the Salvadoran government or has ties to business in El Salvador.

The governors office also directed the state Department of Central Management Services to launch a review to identify contracts awarded to companies affiliated with El Salvadors government or Salvadoran businesses.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has also been directed to conduct an analysis of trade between the state and El Salvador, including the scale and nature of imports and the extent to which Salvadoran goods are in the supply chain of products manufactured in the state.

Pritzkers order comes just days after a group of House Democrats traveled to El Salvador and were denied a meeting with Abrego Garcia.

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The Maryland mans detention has become a flashpoint in the Trump administrations deportations. The administration previously admitted to mistakenly deporting Abrego Garcia but has since said it would not help bring him home.

The Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate his return to the U.S., but it has left wiggle room for the administration to say that the responsibility for Abrego Garcias release lies with El Salvador.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has said he would not be returning Abrego Garcia.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) also traveled to El Salvador and was able to successfully meet with his constituent. Van Hollen said he informed Abrego Garcia of the political and legal battle playing out in the U.S. over his deportation and criticized the Salvadoran government for fabricating better conditions for him.

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Abrego Garcias deportation has been the latest in a string from the Trump administration. He was given deportation protection in 2019 because he was facing threats on his life in his home country of El Salvador. The administration has said hes part of the MS-13 gang, but he and his family deny the accusation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A wealthy New York City private equity executive raped and tortured at least six women over a five-month period and prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorney's office said Thursday they fear those women are only the "tip of the iceberg."

Ryan Hemphill was charged in a 116-count indictment with multiple counts of predatory sexual assault, rape and other offenses that accused him of subjecting women to a "multi-hour ordeal of grotesque physical and sexual violence," including electric torture with shock collars and cattle prods, psychological torture and forcing women to ingest various controlled substances.

Hemphill has been incarcerated since March 3, but the indictment was unsealed Thursday as Hemphill appeared in court in shackles and a beige smock to plead not guilty.

PHOTO: Ryan Hemphill was charged in a 116-count indictment and is held without bail. (Curtis Means/Pool)

MORE: Harvey Weinstein retrial underway in New York over sex crime allegations

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His attorney said he is no flight risk, but Judge Anne Scherzer remanded him without bail, as prosecutors requested.

"The conduct in this indictment is truly shocking to the conscience," assistant district attorney Mirah Curzer said.

PHOTO: Photos released by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office show what is reported as Ryan Hemphill's apartment. (Manhattan District Attorney's Office )

Curzer said Hemphill met his victims on websites like Seeking, Sugardaddy and Craigslist, forced or tricked some of them to ingest various controlled substances and made some of his victims confess their past sexual traumas so he could purposefully reenact them.

"He enjoyed their pain and fear," Curzer said.

Prosecutors said investigators found the defendant's apartment "full of cameras" and some of the images depicted women who were waterboarded with duct tape wrapped around their heads and faces. "He kept the videos as trophies," Curzer said.

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Prosecutors also said detectives recovered video footage that suggests there may be dozens, if not hundreds, of women who were victimized. "We have reason to believe there may be additional victims," District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.

PHOTO: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announces 116-count indictment of lawyer Ryan Hemphill, April 24, 2025, in New York. (Manhattan District Attorney's Office)

MORE: Actor and comedian Russell Brand charged with rape, UK police announce

Hemphill allegedly told women he was "untouchable" because of law enforcement and organized crime connections, but Bragg said there's no evidence he had either.

"He told them he had deep connections that made him untouchable," Bragg said. "Clearly, he was wrong." Bragg said Hemphill demonstrated a "consistent, salient theme" -- subjecting women to hours of sexual violence.

Private equity executive charged in 'grotesque' sex case: 'Tip of the iceberg' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
NEW YORK (AP)  A private equity executive turned his New York City apartment into a torture chamber of grotesque sexual violence," Manhattan prosecutors said Thursday. He is accused of raping six women over five months in a depraved rampage in which he allegedly punched, waterboarded and shocked victims with a cattle prod and kept recordings of the assaults as trophies.

Ryan Hemphill, who remains jailed after his arrest last month, pleaded not guilty to a 116-count indictment charging him with predatory sexual assault and other crimes dating to last October. The 43-year-old, who is also a lawyer, threatened to have victims arrested or disappeared in a bid to keep them silent, prosecutors said.

The defendant told these survivors that he was untouchable, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. The indictment makes clear that he was wrong.

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Hemphill sat quietly in a khaki jail suit, his cuffed hands clutching a cross behind his back, as a prosecutor described his alleged crimes in gruesome detail.

If convicted, Hemphill could spend the rest of his life in prison. He was previously acquitted in 2015 of choking and holding a knife to his ex-girlfriends throat after testifying that he enjoyed strangling her during sex.

We have reason to believe these six victims are only the tip of the iceberg, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Mirah Curzer told Judge Ann E. Scherzer.

Hemphills apartment, near the Empire State Building, was outfitted with numerous surveillance cameras, and investigators have recovered images showing dozens, if not hundreds, of other women, many of them naked and blindfolded, Curzer said.

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Investigators also found hundreds of bullets and high-capacity magazines, and a large amount of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, and fentanyl, prosecutors said.

Hemphill met the six women through websites, including some that specialize in sugar daddy arrangements for women seeking wealthy romantic partners, Curzer said.

He told the women he was into role play and dominance and offered them large sums of money in exchange for sex and companionship, though he ended up not paying some of the women or giving them fake cash instead, Curzer said.

As Hemphill got to know the women, he convinced them to confide their past sexual traumas, which he then deliberately reenacted as he assaulted them, Curzer said. He took advantage of some victims' inexperience, the prosecutor said, or crossed boundaries that victims had clearly articulated.

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Hemphill is accused of tricking victims into ingesting substances that rendered them unable to fight back, using handcuffs and other restraints on them, wrapping their heads and faces with duct tape, slapping and punching them, and torturing them with a cattle prod and shock collar.

Hemphill kept one victim shackled to a bed for hours while she begged him to let her go, Curzer said.

Hemphills alleged conduct is truly shocking to the conscience, and he has made clear that he has no regard for the law or the courts, Curzer said.

To keep women quiet, Hemphill boasted about connections to law enforcement and organized crime, prosecutors said, and claimed that because the women had accepted offers of money, it was them who would be arrested.

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Hemphill is charged with bribing a witness and, according to prosecutors, drew up a contract in which he agreed to pay a woman $2,000 in exchange for dropping a complaint she filed with police. He is also accused of forcing some victims to record videos in which they stated that they had consented to being abused.

The power imbalance in his predatory acts could not be more clear, Bragg told reporters. He wielded his law degree and money as both sword and shield, coercing and silencing survivors.

The arraignment happened down the hall from disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinsteins rape retrial.

Scherzer ordered Hemphill to remain jailed without bail after prosecutors raised concerns that his predicament, combined with his wealth and connections  including a history of philanthropy and family real estate holdings  could give him the means and incentive to flee the country.

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Hemphills lawyer, a public defender assigned to represent him at least through his arraignment, had urged Scherzer to move him to a rehabilitation facility to deal with substance abuse issues.

Scherzer ruled that, given the fact pattern laid out by prosecutors, including efforts to dissuade by force and threats to witnesses from testifying against him, jailing him was the only way to ensure Hemphill would return to court.

Hemphills alleged behavior, the judge said, shows his extent to which hes willing to go to protect himself from facing these charges."
The Texas Senate voted on Thursday to send legislation creating a statewide private school voucher program to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk to be signed into law, all but concluding an ugly intraparty battle that has dominated state politics for much of the last two years.

Abbott has already said that he plans to sign Senate Bill 2, a $1 billion proposal allowing families to use taxpayer dollars to fund their childrens private school education. Similar legislation has historically run into opposition from Democrats and rural Republicans. But that changed last week, when the Texas House gave its stamp of approval to SB 2, a vote that included support from Republicans who opposed similar legislation in 2023.

Upon Abbotts signature, the program will officially launch at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

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SB 2 would initially put $1 billion over a two-year period in taxpayer dollars toward education savings accounts that families could use for private school tuition and other school-related expenses, like textbooks, transportation and therapy. Notably, up to 20% of the program could go to wealthier families who earn 500% or more of the poverty rate, which would be about $160,000 or more for a family of four.

Passing this bill sends a message to all of Texas; it tells the next generation of Texas leaders: Your path should fit your purpose, your path should fit what's best for you and your family, and your ambition will always be greater than any system or any institution, Sen. Brandon Creighton, the Conroe Republican education committee chair who sponsored the legislation, said during closing remarks Thursday.

Senate Democrats made a final rallying cry before the bills approval, raising concerns about the bills exclusion of undocumented Texans, while questioning whether a voucher program strips public schools of funding and resources to the benefit of children already enrolled in private schools.

Sen. Molly Cook, D-Houston, at one point proclaimed that Democrats did not vote for this, while also criticizing the GOP-dominated Legislature for not allowing voters to decide whether the state should have a voucher program. Last week, the House rejected an amendment that would have placed vouchers on a statewide ballot in November.

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This is my message to the public of Texas: A Republican Legislature is passing this policy, and it is statewide Republican leadership that wore you down, Cook said.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who controls the Senate, dismissed Cooks remarks and said the first-year legislator crossed the line by making such a political statement.

Well forgive you  youre a freshman, Patrick said. And we do fully fund public education, and many people in your district support school choice.

Patricks response to Cook fell in line with the message echoed by Senate Republicans on Thursday  that parents should have the right to choose the form of schooling best suited for their child and that the state will continue investing in public education. Both the House and Senate are considering a multibillion-dollar public school funding package that includes additional money for, among other things, teacher salaries and special education.

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Texas ranks 38th among states in per-student funding, according to a 2024 report from the National Center for Education Statistics. A Texas Tribune analysis found that the states share of the funds that schools receive for each child significantly decreased in the last decade until more recently.

Schools also missed out on $7.6 billion last legislative session, which Abbott held hostage when vouchers failed to gain the support needed to pass. School officials have called attention to the hard choices districts all over Texas have had to make since then  from adopting budget deficits and hiring uncertified teachers to closing schools  as evidence that the state has not invested enough in public education.

Most families participating in the voucher program would receive an amount equal to 85% of what public schools get for each student through state and local funding  roughly somewhere between $10,300 and $10,900 per year for each child, according to a recent legislative budget analysis.

Children with disabilities would be eligible for the same funding as other students, plus up to $30,000 in additional money, an amount based on what the state would regularly spend on special education services for that student in a public school. Home-schoolers could receive up to $2,000 per year.

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Almost any school-age child eligible to attend a public school  including those already enrolled in a private school  could participate in the program. Only U.S. citizens or people lawfully in the country could receive funding under the initiative.

The proposal would limit the state to spend no more than $1 billion on the program during the first biennium. If public demand exceeds the funding available, the bill would give priority eligibility to students with disabilities and families it considers low income. The measure would also prioritize students who exit public schools over those already enrolled in private schools.

Unlike public schools, which are generally required by law to educate every child in their community who seeks admission, the bill would not require private schools to accept certain students who do not meet their admissions standards. That means private schools can still deny any child the state places first in line for eligibility. Higher-income families whose children were already attending private schools have primarily benefited from the large-scale voucher programs enacted in other states.

SB 2 also does not require that participants take the same state standardized tests administered to public school students each year  the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. Some voucher critics and school officials have said that distinction creates an unfair playing field because the state often uses those exams to judge the effectiveness of districts and educators.

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The voucher bill does require that participating students take a nationally recognized exam. It also mandates an annual report from the state that would include data on participating childrens demographics, testing results, and preparedness for college, career and the military.

Studies in multiple states have shown that vouchers do not consistently lead to improved scores for low-income students, the group many Texas lawmakers say they want to help most. Such programs have even resulted in steep academic declines.

Three academics in 2017 wrote in the Journal of Economic Literature that some evidence suggests that as competition from voucher programs increases, test scores in public schools slightly improve. But, they said, more research was needed to fully understand the programs impact. Voucher advocates often note that the benefits of the programs are best measured through parental satisfaction.

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Get the data and visuals that accompany this story 
The Central State University campus. Photo from the Central State website.

Professors at Ohios only public historically Black university are worried a new controversial higher education law will have a chilling effect on their campus.

Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio was originally the Normal and Industrial Department within Wilberforce University, the nations oldest private Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and a prominent stop on the Underground Railroad. In 1941, the department began to offer four-year degrees, and in 1951 it became independent from Wilberforce as Central State College. In 1965, Central State achieved university status.

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Members of Central State University American Association of University Professors chapter recently talked to the Ohio Capital Journal about their concerns with Senate Bill 1, which is set to take effect at the end of June. Lawmakers quickly passed the bill and Gov. Mike DeWine signed it into law on March 28.

The new law will ban diversity efforts, prohibit faculty strikes, regulate classroom discussion of controversial topics, create post-tenure reviews, put diversity scholarships at risk, create a retrenchment provision that block unions from negotiating on tenure, shorten university board of trustees terms from nine years down to six years, and require students take an American history course, among other things.

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Even if its not stopping me from teaching something on a practical level, it could make me think twice about something, said J. Brendan Shaw, president of the Central States AAUP chapter.

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He said he has been in meetings before the bill passed where English faculty have proposed classes about specific ethnic groups, but other faculty have said, Are you sure you want to do that?

Even if the letter of the bill does not say that, it still creates that chilling effect of making people think twice about something that our students might benefit from, Shaw said.

Wilberforce University is Ohios other HBCU, but it is a private university. S.B. 1 only applies to Ohios public universities and community colleges.

Sarah Siff, an assistant professor of history, is concerned about the chilling effect on peoples speech and the potential damage to academic freedom.

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Its quite stark to think that someones response to that might just be, well, then I wont teach that part, or Ill toss that out and keep myself safe, she said. As a person who does not have tenure, I really have to think about that.

Central State students are reportedly worried about being able to access scholarships and grants that are specific to Black students.

Those are just lost opportunities for our students to have the same opportunity that their peers would at a different institution, especially their white peers, Shaw said.

A little more than 5,400 students attended Central State in Fall 2022  33% were Black, 26% were white and 12% were Hispanic, according to the universitys Fact Book.

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Central State faculty said they have heard Black students say the bill is not for them.

This bill is enlisting white students to let the authorities know when they become uncomfortable in class talking about racial history, talking about racial equity and justice, Siff said.

Anthony Arment, a biology professor, said the law will impact the humanities the hardest.

Its basically putting faculty in the position where theyre being bullied into self-censoring, he said.

He is also worried the law is taking effect over the summer when faculty are supposed to be off.

All of these changes and policy changes are going to be done largely without faculty representation, Arment said.

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Jeremy Holtgrave, an associate professor of physics, said the principle of academic freedom seems to be under assault.

I think thats foundational to our university system or at least I believe it should be, he said.

Siff said the soon-to-be law does affect how she thinks about teaching her history classes.

It does change the way that I, at least, think about events of the civil rights movement, and I no longer assume that its self-evident why activists would make sure that the schools got integrated, she said.

Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky.

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The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

JIUQUAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission.

The spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

About 10 minutes after the launch, the spaceship separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. The astronauts are in good condition, and the launch of the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship is a complete success, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The spaceship will then perform a fast, automated rendezvous and docking with the Tiangong space station complex, and the Shenzhou-20 crew will conduct an in-orbit handover with the Shenzhou-19 crew.

The space station complex has entered the docking orbit, with good working conditions that meet the requirements for the rendezvous and docking with the spaceship and the entry of the astronauts, the CMSA said.

The Shenzhou-20 crew, consisting of mission commander Chen Dong, and astronauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, will undertake a range of tasks, including space science experiments, application tests, extravehicular activities, and cargo handling.

Their mission also involves installing protective devices against space debris, and deploying and retrieving extravehicular payloads and equipment. They will also participate in science education, public outreach, and other onboard experimental activities.

LIFE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

The new life science experiments to be carried out by the trio will involve zebra fish, planarians and streptomyces.

Notably, the Shenzhou-20 mission marks China's first space-based investigation into the regeneration of planarians, an organism known for their extraordinary ability to regrow organs, said Lin Xiqiang, spokesperson for the CMSA, at a pre-launch press conference on Wednesday.

"This project will enhance our understanding of fundamental mechanisms of regeneration at the individual level and could provide insights into human health issues related to space-induced injuries," said Lin.

He added that the Shenzhou-20 mission will further zebra fish experiment based on the zebra fish-hornwort co-cultivation ecosystem established during the Shenzhou-18 mission, and seeks to clarify how protein homeostasis regulates bone mass decrease and cardiovascular dysfunction caused by microgravity.

As for streptomyces, which can serve as critical players in soil health and plant resilience, the related experiment will study the expression patterns of microbial active substances and enzymes in space environments to lay the foundation for developing microbial technologies and products utilizing space resources, he added.

In addition to the three biological experiments, the crew will also conduct 59 space science experiments and technology tests, covering fields such as space life science, microgravity physical science, and new space technologies. Breakthroughs are expected in areas like the cultivation of vascularized brain organoid chips, and the study of preparing high-temperature superconducting material in space.

China's space station has now hosted over 200 scientific projects, with nearly 2 tonnes of scientific materials and applied equipment sent to orbit and nearly 100 experimental samples returned to Earth.

"Currently, we are conducting space science experiments according to plan, with all projects progressing smoothly," said Lin.

ASTRONAUT TRAINING

Lin told the press that the country's fourth group of astronauts are being trained in fundamental spaceflight theory and a range of exercises, including psychological training and training on adapting to the space environment, along with specialized training sessions.

Among this group, astronauts from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions selected as payload specialists are expected to make their first spaceflight as early as 2026.

According to Lin, China will select and train two Pakistani astronauts for space missions, and one of them will serve as a payload specialist on a future Chinese space station flight.

China is also discussing with other nations regarding potential foreign astronauts participating in the country's future space station missions.

Shenzhou-20 is the 35th flight mission of China's manned space program and the fifth manned mission during the application and development stage of China's space station.

It also marks the 571st flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series and the 20th flight mission of the Shenzhou spaceship. 

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Bei He)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Bei He)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Bei He)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)

The Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 24, 2025. China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on Thursday, sending three astronauts to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  Hundreds of students will be able participate in an after-school program in Vermilion County once again  two years after it was shut down.

WCIA previously reported that the nonprofit had to eliminate activities at some schools because of a state funding budget mistake. But last month, those programs were back up and running something organizers, teachers and parents are all happy to see.

Danville school bus collides with pickup truck; no one hurt

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Parents from Oakwood calling us for two years like, When are you going to open back up?' CEO of Project Success Kimberly David said. You know, they really value and need the program for their students. A lot of Danville families calling, [asking us] Are you open back at these schools?'

David said it impacted nearly 300 students. The schools impacted were Meade Park, Mark Denman and South View Upper Elementary, North Ridge Middle School, Oakwood Grade School and Oakwood and Westville High School.

It was a hard idea to come across the desk and we had to think about what we were going to do, what were we going to respond with when our parents asked like, What do I, what can I do now?' Meade Park Elementary Principal Tanner DeLaurier said.

Vermilion County welcomes mobile market operated by Carle Health

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DeLaurier was part of one of the six schools that had to terminate their after-school programs.

DeLaurier and David both said it was a struggle at the time, and all because the Illinois State Board of Education made a budget mistake.

So it was very difficult for the families that we serve not to have a safe place for their kids after school. We have a lot of single parents, a lot of kids that just need extra supports, help with homework, that maybe theres no one home to help them with that, David said.

To keep the after-school and summer programs running at all six schools, they needed more than a million dollars.

It goes into funding our site coordinators, into having all of our part time staff across the county, David said. It goes into all of the supplies for our students, field trips, paying for our credit recovery classes so our students can graduate on time or graduate at all at our high schools.

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Westville Village President set to retire

Now that they have the money again and all the programs are back, theyve introduced some new programs like educational family events, parent support groups and helping parents connect with community resources.

David said theyre just excited to continue serving the community.

You know, kids are getting a lot during the school day, but a lot of them just need more; they need more support, David said. So were just very happy to be able to offer that.

Project Success runs 21 kindergarten through 12th grade after-school programs across the country and serves more than 1,500 students a year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
The Kennesaw Police Department is warning residents that there are some fake bills running through the area.

In a Wednesday announcement, KPD told city residents that theyd gotten a report of counterfeit $100 bills being used.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

"These fakes are often prop money, designed for movies or training, and can look very convincing," the department said.

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To make sure you know your money is real, the department provided recommendations on how to spot a fake:

Look for phrases like For Motion Picture Use Only or foreign characters.

The back may read IN PROP WE TRUST instead of the real motto.

No security thread, color-shifting ink, or watermark = its fake.

Real bills have a distinct textureprop money feels different.

Hold it up to the light: Real bills have security features you can see.

Additionally, police told those doing private sales, small business transactions or dealing with people they dont know to be extra careful.

If you do get a counterfeit bill, police say not to accept it and to try to remember any details you can about who gave it to you.

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Kennesaw police asked the public to help them get the word out about the fake $100 bills.

Stay alert, protect your money and share this warning with friends, neighbors and local businesses, police said.

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AUSTIN (Nexstar)  A plan to cut property taxes for senior citizens and disabled Texans is moving forward at the State Capitol. The Texas Senate voted 30-1 Wednesday to approve Senate Bill 23, which raises the homestead exemption for those 65 and older.

Ive heard about aging in place and wanting to stay in your home, and thats what this bill will do, State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said before the vote.

Senate approves $140K homestead exemption to increase property tax relief

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The bill raises the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000. Thats on top of the current $100,000 exemption for Texas homeowners. The homestead exemption is the amount of a homes value that is not subject to property taxes.

Earlier this session, senators passed SB 4, which calls for raising the homestead exemption for all homeowners from $100,000 to $140,000. That could save the average Texas homeowner nearly $500 annually in taxes.

Bettencourt estimates that the increased exemption will save the average over-65 or disabled homeowner more than $950 annually in taxes. That would be on top of the savings from SB 4, should it pass into law and win approval from voters in a constitutional amendment election.

This is $1.2 billion well spent, well focused on 2.08 million homeowners that need it the most because theyve paid a lifetime of taxes, or B, theyre on fixed income and have the most difficulty staying in their homes, Bettencourt said.

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The legislation now moves to the Texas House for consideration. If it passes, it would require voter approval of an amendment to the Texas Constitution for the increased exemption to take effect. Senators also passed a resolution to put the issue before voters in November.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
This week, National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya sent shockwaves through the autism community by announcing the creation of a disease registry to track autistic people. Nazi Germany used such a list to identify possibly hundreds of autistic children to be killed in experimental euthanasia clinics.

Until the 1970s, numerous U.S. states used registries to identify disabled people to be subjected to forced sterilization and institutionalization. A number of states still maintain lists of autists.

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The history there is deeply, deeply disturbed, says Larkin Taylor-Parker, legal director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. It doesnt usually end well for us. It has ended in murder  industrial-scale incarceration and murder.

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In a presentation given to NIH leaders April 21, Bhattacharya said the registry will draw from an unprecedented compilation of public and private databases to be used for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s controversial new study of autism. In addition to information collected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the registry and research database will include pharmacy records, private insurer claims, lab and genetic testing information, treatment records from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Service  even data from smartwatches.

A slide from NIH Directors Update on April 21, 2025. (NIH.gov)

Though the plan described is still too vague for advocates to know for sure, NIH might also tap state records that identify neurodivergent children who receive special education services. In the 2022-23 school year, almost 1 million autistic students attended U.S. schools.

Bhattacharya promised state of the art protections to guard patient confidentiality, explaining that 10 to 20 groups of outside researchers would be allowed to use the data but not download it. It is unclear whether this meets any legal standard for privacy safeguards.

As The 74 has reported, the man tapped to lead Kennedys study was found to have practiced medicine on autistic children without a license, prescribing a dangerous drug not approved for use in the U.S. and improperly giving them puberty blockers.

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Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaxxer, intends the study to find a link between autism and vaccines. More than two dozen studies have discredited the notion of any connection.

Related

Head of New RFK Jr. Vaccine Study Practiced Unlicensed Medicine on Autistic Kids

With few details released about how the NIH will compile data  some of which is subject to privacy restrictions at various federal agencies its unclear how patient confidentiality will be maintained.

NIH researchers are not bound by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, the main law that restricts who can access private medical information, and under what circumstances. Instead, the institutes must adhere to the Privacy Act of 1974, which protects records that can be retrieved by personal identifiers such as a name, Social Security number or other identifying number or symbol and, with limited exceptions, prohibits disclosure of personally identifiable records without the written consent of the individual(s) to whom the records pertain.

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The privacy law was enacted in large part to stop federal agencies from sharing damning information about people singled out by former President Richard Nixon and former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover as political enemies. Since President Donald Trumps second inauguration, privacy law experts have expressed alarm that Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency has gone into sensitive government records systems without legal authority to do so. Some courts have ordered a stop to the practice.

The thought of a federal registry of autistic people that includes incredibly personal data that makes us very easy to find deprives us of the privacy that other citizens enjoy, says Taylor-Parker. It taps some of my communitys deepest fears and the specters of some of the most horrifying episodes in our history.

In the 1930s and 40s, German and Austrian public health officials reported the names of malformed children to the Third Reichs Ministry of the Interior for a list of those targeted for sterilization or death. Among those supplying names was early autism researcher and Nazi collaborator Dr. Hans Asperger. He identified nearly 2,700 children, most commonly citing education problems as the reason.

Until 2013, Aspergers Syndrome was a diagnosis given to autistic children who were believed to be higher functioning  Asperger himself called the visibly intelligent children he experimented on little professors.

The Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger gives a speech at the opening of the 13th International Congress for Pediatrics in Vienna on Aug. 29, 1971. (Votava/brandstaetter/Getty Images)

Most advocates now recognize efforts to distinguish higher- and lower-functioning autists as false and harmful. In his presentation to NIH staff, however, Bhattacharya said the new research will consider the perceived severity of subjects autism.

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I recognize, of course, that autism, theres a range of manifestations ranging from highly functioning children to children that are quite severely disabled, he said, according to CBS News. And of course, the research will account very carefully for that.

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Isolation & Neglect: Disability Advocates Fear Return to a Bleak Past Under HHS

This, too, terrifies Taylor-Parker, who notes that autistic people who are nonverbal or also have a developmental disability have historically been involuntarily placed in asylums and other facilities and are still often excluded from general education classrooms.

We already have a societywide problemwith ignoring the support needs of people who can hold down a job, can drive a car and maybe score well on an IQ test, she says. On the other hand, we ignore the capacities, the capability, the humanity of people who dont do those things.

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Further, she points out, compiling as much diagnostic and prescription information on autistic individuals as possible is likely to uncover other private information that people fear could end up on future disease registries.

Im very concerned about this becoming a slippery slope, says Taylor-Parker. There is very good research demonstrating that [autistic people] are trans and gender-nonconforming at above-average rates.

In the interest of establishing the prevalence of autism and in some cases understanding which services are helpful, several states and two national philanthropies already maintain registries. With a goal of ensuring that as many children as possible are offered early intervention services, at least two contain identifying information.

Good intentions notwithstanding, many autistic people oppose the existence of any registry, citing the historical danger they pose for disabled people in general. Indeed, recognizing this last year, New Hampshire lawmakers eliminated the states autism registry.

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Since Kennedys appointment, autistic people have repeatedly decried his plan to again attempt to link autism to vaccines, despite dozens of credible studies that have ruled out immunizations as a cause. His plan, they charge, would divert resources from research into therapies and services that can improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Says Taylor-Parker, That discussion sucks the oxygen out of the room when it comes to making life better for autistic people who are already here and who will be born in the near future.

According to the NIH, video of Bhattacharyas presentation will be posted in the coming days.
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 Alabama Legislature began its 2025 session on Tuesday. His bill to ban drag performances in schools and libraries may also effect theater production, but he says he is working with an unnamed senator on an amendment to protect theater productions. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill last week that would ban drag performances in schools and public libraries.

But it could also impact theater productions statewide.

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HB 67, sponsored by Rep. Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, defines drag performances as a performance in which a performer exhibits a sex identity that is different from the sex assigned to the performer at birth using clothing, makeup, or other physical markers.

According to the Alabama Educational Theatre Association (ALEdTA), with fewer boys participating in theater in high school, girls often play boys roles to fill the cast. The association said the legislation could impact school theater productions.

We all know that in the current environment where boys are not participating as much in theatre (that) this will have a negative impact on educational theatre, ALEdTA wrote in a Facebook post Monday.

Historically, the opposite was true. In Ancient Greece, women were considered inferior to men and unfit for the stage, so female roles were played by men. The same was true in the Elizabethan era for plays by William Shakespeare. Premature boys often played female roles because of womens limited social status.

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The association is calling on its members to advocate for an amendment to the legislation in the Alabama Senate that would exempt theater productions from the restriction on drag performances. The association provided a letter template on the post for its members to send to their senator.

This bill without needed amendments will force teachers to provide less performance opportunities for students. It will also heavily reduce the plays and musicals that we can perform in Alabama, the letter said.

Stadthagen said in an interview Wednesday the legislation was not meant to impact theater and that he is working on an amendment for the Senate to make that explicit.



It does not pertain to that at all, he said. The intent is not to harm theater or anything like that. The intent, of course, is to eliminate drag.

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Huntsville High School this fall planned to stage Peter and the Starcatcher, a Tony-award winning play based on the backstory of Peter Pan but switched productions due to the possible implications of the legislation.

This change was made thoughtfully and early in the planning process before casting occurred to ensure the production aligns with any legal and logistical considerations that may arise, Craig Williams, a spokesperson for the school system, wrote in an email Wednesday.

Stadthagen said in an interview Wednesday that he had not heard of any theater productions being cancelled and said that was not necessary.

They dont need to be cancelling anything at all, he said. They have nothing to worry about, I promise you.

The bill awaits consideration from the Senate Education Policy Committee, which did not have its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday.

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(NewsNation)  Colorado state lawmakers are considering legislation that would compel retailers to put labels on fuel pumps warning consumers that the product contributes to air pollution and global warming. Noah Rothman, senior writer for National Review, joins On Balance to discuss a recent column he wrote about the initiative.

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Krystal Emerson testified before the Maine Legislature's Education Committee about her son's experience being repeatedly restrained and put in isolation by staff at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School on April 23, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star)

When he was in second grade, Krystal Emersons son was physically restrained by a staff member or put in a small, isolated room at least 18 times over seven months during the 2023-24 school year at Ellsworth Elementary Middle School. He no longer attends school in person after the trauma of those experiences deepened his anxiety and emotional dysregulation, Emerson told Maine lawmakers during a public hearing on Wednesday.

A mother of five, Emerson has been speaking out for months against the practices of restraint and seclusion, which can include immobilizing students, dragging them down hallways, and confining them in closet-sized rooms. These measures remain legal in Maine, but under specific conditions.

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But four years after the state passed a law limiting their use, some educators and administrators are now pushing to loosen those restrictions in order to give staff more flexibility to address what appears to be an increase in student behavioral crises.

Encouraging lawmakers to reject a proposal that would lower the legal threshold for restraint and seclusion, Emerson told members of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee that her son is still reeling from his experiences. Even driving past the school building or hearing it mentioned visibly unsettles him.

It broke me, and it broke him, she said.

Districts, teachers back changes to law

The proposal before the Legislature, LD 1248 introduced by Rep. Holly Sargent (D-York), would make several changes to the text of a state law passed in 2021.

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For example, in the section outlining when a restraint may be used, the bill would change the threat level from imminent danger of serious physical injury to imminent danger of injury.

It also removes the word voluntary when describing how staff can move a student. Under the proposal, involuntary movement of a student would no longer count as a physical restraint that would need to be reported, according to Audrey Bartholomew, associate professor and coordinator of Special Education Programs at the University of New England, who said she was drawing from her experience as a substitute teacher in Portland-area schools in testifying against the bill.

Proponents, which included several teachers, administrators, and the Maine Education Association, the states largest teachers union, framed the bill as a minor but necessary change that will provide, as Sargent put it, clarity and flexibility for educators.

Teachers and support staff are under siege from violent, out of control students, said Rep. Will Tuell, (R-East Machias), who co-sponsored the bipartisan bill.

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One district leading the push is MSAD 11 in the Gardiner area, whose administrators met with lawmakers to ask for the more flexible language, arguing it would give them more tools to be able to handle increasingly frequent violent outbursts.

After consulting with attorneys from Drummond Woodsum, MSAD 11 Superintendent Patricia Hopkins told Maine Morning Star she was concerned by their interpretation of the statute, which they took to mean that school staff could only restrain a student if they are about to cause harm dire enough to send someone to the hospital.

During the hearing, lawyers from Disability Rights Maine and Lives in the Balance, a Maine-based national nonprofit working to reduce restraints and seclusions, argued thats an extreme interpretation of the law.

That is a striking interpretation. It is not one that I have seen case law support, especially in Maine, Disability Rights Maine staff attorney Jeanette Plourde told the committee.

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I have not seen that interpretation being followed by schools, by the mere virtue of the fact that we continue to receive calls from parents of childrenwho have been subjected to restraint and seclusion, she added.

Ellsworth Superintendent Amy Boles declined to comment on Emersons testimony but said she believes relaxing the statutes language will help protect her staff.

Our staff are getting beat up on the daily now, and it is getting harder and harder to find people that are willing to put themselves at risk, she said in an interview with Maine Morning Star. Changing the language from serious physical, which is very narrow, to a broader imminent danger, I believe were supportive of, because we have to protect our staff.

Ben Jones, director of legal and policy initiatives for Lives in the Balance, told the committee that the key to reducing violent events is providing school staff with more training to deescalate those behaviors.

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A recent report released by the Maine Policy Research Institute about student behavior said fewer than half of the 3,400 educators surveyed reported receiving classroom management training.

Its very difficult for me to understand why more restraint and seclusion would lead to more safety for either party, Jones said. But Ive heard the pleas from the schools, saying we need something. And Im saying that something doesnt have to be more force. It can be more training.

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Silvery star-shaped balloons danced along the edge of the Merrimack River on Wednesday afternoon, lifted by a breeze as boats full of Lowell police and firefighters scoured the water below for a missing toddler.

I just hope that they can find this little baby boy ... its just devastating, said Silvette Koziol, 41, a 23-year Lowell resident.

She stood near a memorial set up on the river walk behind the Tsongas Center for UMass Lowell, where 4-year-old Azriel Lopez is believed to have slipped into the river four days earlier.

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Beneath the floating star balloons, a small yellow toy truck  with Azriel etched on in red marker  rested gently among wilted dandelions. Around it, tiny cars, bright candles and superhero figures formed a collection of tributes.

Azriel was last seen around 5:45 p.m. on April 19, when a 911 caller reported the child was in the water by the Western Canal near 300 Arcand Dr., according to Lowell Police. Authorities believe the little boy was quickly pulled into the river by the current.

Lowell residents have been heartbroken by the news, and several community members have taken it upon themselves to help law enforcement in their search efforts over the past days.

Along the Merrimack River in Lowell, a memorial has been set up for a missing 4-year-old boy, believed to have been swept away by the current on April 19. Search efforts continued on April 22, 2025.Irene Rotondo

Koziol searched in bushes along the riverbank earlier in the week with her family, she said, and had returned Wednesday to keep looking.

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She and dozens of other locals watched from the walk at around 2 p.m., as at least eight law enforcement officials in two boats, including a diver, combed the water behind the Tsongas Center for hours  a team part of the increased, massive search across the river announced by Lowell Police that morning.

Everybody around has been crying, devastated for this little boy, Koziol said.

I cant imagine how these poor parents ... Its just, my heart goes for them. Its terrible, she said.

Koziol called the Merrimack River unsafe, pointing out that its part of a larger issue that families with children face in Lowell.

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Its not the first little boy or girl that has been lost in this river, she said, referencing the death of 7-year-old Anna Mburu, whose body was pulled from the Merrimack River in July 2023, one day after she went missing.

Along the Merrimack River in Lowell, a memorial has been set up for a missing 4-year-old boy, believed to have been swept away by the current on April 19. Search efforts continued on April 22, 2025.Irene Rotondo

Koziol also mentioned 3-year-old Harry Kkonde, who went missing in June 2022 and was found dead in a pond at Rollies Farm, about 5 miles west of Geana Street. In the same month, a mother, Boua DeChhat, died trying to save her 6-year-old child, who was swept into the Merrimack River.

As a mother of six, Koziol believes that while Lowell has plenty of public spaces, many arent designed with children and families in mind.

Theres nowhere to feel safe around here, unless youre in the local programs, Koziol said.

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The city should have more [activites] to involve children that are safer, instead of just us bringing them out here. Anything can happen, Koziol said.

She also feels that areas like the Merrimack River could be updated for public safety.

I dont think they should let anyone fish in the Merrimack at this point ... in these areas, its not safe for children. We need to protect our babies, she said.

Along the Merrimack River in Lowell, a memorial has been set up for a missing 4-year-old boy, believed to have been swept away by the current on April 19. Search efforts continued on April 22, 2025.Irene Rotondo

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ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRQE)  Protesters blocked an entrance to Holloman Air Force on Wednesday. voicing their opposition to the militarys drone program. Activists with Shut Down Drone Warfare descended onto the base in Alamogordo for nearly an hour.

New Mexico Tech student sues DHS, ICE after visa revoked

They called out the military for providing drones to Israel to aid in its war against Hamas. 15,000 children killed in Gaza. Stop the genocide now. The U.S. is sending weapons to Israel thats committing a horrible genocide, said a protester.

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One protester who lay on the pavement was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing. Holloman Air Force Base has the largest drone training program in the country, where more than 700 pilots and operators are certified annually.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Dozens gathered outside Rhode Island Hospital Thursday afternoon to protest the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Providence.

June Rose, Providence City Councils chief of staff, told 12 News an ICE agent shocked a man with a Taser in a neighborhood off Parade Street near Dexter Park.

Rose described the ICE agents actions as unconscionable.

Its inhumane and its unjust, Rose said. Its against the spirit of Providence and our country of immigrants.

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Rose claimed that man suffered a medical episode as a result of being shocked and was brought to Rhode Island Hospital.

ICE agents followed them here, Rose said, referring to the first responders who treated and transported the man.

Rose stressed that the Providence City Council is standing by their immigrant neighbors and will support them.

ICE does not belong in Providence without judicial warrants, Rose said.

Kelvin Santos, the attorney representing the detainee, told 12 News he was not allowed to speak with his client despite having the proper paperwork in hand.

Santos wouldnt confirm whether a Taser had been used on his client. He said hes in the process of notifying the mans family about what happened.

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Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed ICE does have someone in custody, but hes unsure exactly why the detainee was brought to the hospital.

The demonstration, organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation Rhode Island, lasted roughly an hour and dispersed peacefully.

State Rep. David Morales was among the crowd of demonstrators.

In Providence, we show up and defend our immigrant community, Morales wrote in a social media post.

12 News has reached out to ICE regarding the incident but has not heard back.

In a statement following the protest, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos emphasized that she is closely monitoring reports of ICE refusing a Rhode Islander their right to due process.

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We are still learning all of the facts  and I cannot speak with certainty about every detail of this incident, Mato said. However, there are no circumstances under which we can tolerate the erosion of the Constitution.

If this man is being prevented from speaking with his attorney, then I call on ICE to immediately to allow him access to counsel, she continued. The rights enshrined in our Constitution, especially the right to due process, are our only safeguard against authoritarianism. If we do not immediately and vocally protect the first people to be stripped of those rights, then eventually all people will be stripped of those rights.

Brown University Health spokesperson Kelly Brennan said Rhode Island Hospital was not impacted by the demonstration.

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By Laman Ismayilova



Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva visited the Chinese National Human Genome Center in Beijing on April 24.

The center, established with the approval of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, is one of the national genome research institutions in China.

The Chinese National Human Genome Center promotes the commercialization of scientific research results and the creation of a genomic industry in China.

The center implements projects in the fields of fundamental and clinical research, population genetics and bioinformatics. It was noted that the most advanced technological equipment is used in the work of the center.

Leyla Aliyeva viewed the laboratories and the biological sample bank of the center.

During the conversation with the leadership of the center, potential cooperation opportunities with relevant institutions of Azerbaijan were discussed, including the application of the methods of the Genome Center in the treatment of oncological diseases, cerebral palsy and other diseases.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Neil Bush, founder and chair of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations (Bush China Foundation), has called for deepened cooperation and broader exchanges between the two countries to jointly address global challenges.

Noting the myriad pressing issues facing humankind, Bush said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua that the world's top two economies need to deepen cooperation in areas such as public health, climate change and food security, and find more areas of collaboration.

Neil Bush is the son of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush. He was in Beijing to attend the preparatory meeting for the 2025 International Symposium on the Peaceful Use of Space Technology - Health, to be held in southern China's Hainan Province in December.

Bush told Xinhua that he hopes to see more bilateral exchanges at all levels between the United States and China to build mutual understanding, clear up misperceptions, and promote collaboration in more fields.

"We should encourage even more Chinese students to come to America, and I wish more American students would be open-minded about coming to China to be educated," he said.

On the U.S.-China economic ties, Bush stressed that bilateral trade has been a key driver of growth for both countries.

Official data showed that trade between the two countries has surged from less than 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in 1979 to nearly 688.3 billion dollars in 2024.

"It's been through globalization that we have received the benefits from each other and grown independently, but grown successfully in a win-win environment," he said.

He said the Bush China Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing U.S.-China relations, has been working to promote bilateral relations following George H. W. Bush's legacy of building relations through dialogue and empathy.

"My father was a big believer in bringing people together," Bush said. "So we created win-win relationships all over the world, including in China."

"The Bush China Foundation is built on that same thesis that we need to bring people together in respectful dialogue to establish better understanding that can lead to more collaboration," he added.

Besides his advocacy for more robust U.S.-China ties, Bush also shared with Xinhua his reflections on his long-standing connection with China and how he has witnessed the country's remarkable transformation over the decades.

In 1975, 20-year-old Bush visited China for the first time. He recalled that during his five-week trip in China, "everybody was very friendly," although the country was still poor.

That journey marked the beginning of his lifelong connection with China. Since then, he has been to the country "probably around 180 times."

On his recent visits, Bush has been particularly struck by China's commitment to green development.

"I'm impressed to see so many green tags on cars indicating electric vehicles," he said, adding that local Chinese officials often highlight the green initiatives and projects underway in their provinces and cities during the visits.

He has also observed steady progress in China's clean energy sector, as well as the technological advances in artificial intelligence and robotics sectors. "Industries supporting solar, wind, hydrogen, and other technologies are developing very maturely here in China, which could benefit the world."

Bush said that witnessing China's transformation into a major economic power has been "one of the most amazing experiences" of his life.

This "amazing transformation," as he pointed out, is also reflected in the international business community's confidence in the country.

He cited a recent report from the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, which showed that 58 percent of foreign companies surveyed ranked China among their top three investment priorities, while 76 percent of the companies intended to reinvest in China in 2025, with a notable 74 percent of the American companies planning reinvestments. 
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Protesters are lining Orange Street in New Haven Wednesday night in retaliation against an Israeli security minister speaking at a Jewish society.

Over 1,000 people protest Trump Administration outside State Capitol

Itamar Ben-Gvir is set to speak just a couple of blocks away from the Yale campus. The Jewish society has Yale students in it, but the university says that it isnt officially associated with them. Pro-Palestine protesters as well as Jewish protesters are out making their voices heard.

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New Haven police sent four bomb sniffing dogs to the building to make sure that it was clear before the gathering. Police said only one person has been arrested in relation to the protest.

Ben-Gvir is known to some as a far-right leaning politician. A local rabbi was in the mix of protesters.

Israel is a democracy and we Jews, we are American Jews, and Israelis, who want to support democracy in Israel and America, Itamar Ben-Gvir sort of worst aspects of it, and hes dangerous, and we want to say hes not welcome here, Rabbi Eric Woodward of the B.E.K.I Congregation said.

The Jewish Society of Yale said this is not an endorsement of him, it is just an open conversation and hearing all sides.

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POTTSVILLE  Nearly 50 people on Thursday gathered outside the local office of U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, to protest what they said is a lack of responsiveness to important questions and requests posed by his constituents.

The event, hosted by Schuylkill Indivisible and dubbed an Empty Chair meeting, gave people a chance to voice their frustration with Meuser after he apparently ignored a request to hold an in-person town hall meeting with local constituents in March. Many protestors carried signs criticizing Meuser and President Donald Trump administrations policies. Using a megaphone, some members of the group asked questions they planned to submit to Meuser later, touching on topics such as the economy, Ukraine, mass deportations, federal spending cuts, the White House Press meetings and funding for infectious diseases.

I have objections to Mr. Meuser because he never makes himself available to his constituents, said Kris Norton, Pine Grove. He never has. He did meet with our Indivisible group years ago when he was first elected, but it took us months to get a seating with him.

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Norton has used Vote Smart to track Meusers position on important policies. She said she found that Meuser consistently voted against measures during the Biden administration that would have boosted the local economy, employment and security in Schuylkill County.

He cant say that hes for the constituents and the people of (the 9th District) when he doesnt do anything, Norton said.

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Michael Schroeder chants and holds up signs in front of the Pottsville office of U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-9), Thursday, April 24, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Edward Zelonis speaks to the crowd in front of the Pottsville office of Rep. Dan Meuser (R-9), Thursday, April 24, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Claire Miller asks a question of U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-9) outside his Pottsville office on Progress Avenue Thursday, April 24, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Protestors gather in front of the Pottsville office of U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-9), Thursday, April 24, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Catherine Pasierb, Josephine Kwiatkowski and Rachel Keck sing Where Have all the Town Halls Gone? in front of the Pottsville office of Congress member Dan Meuser (R-9), Thursday, April 24, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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Michael Schroeder chants and holds up signs in front of the Pottsville office of U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-9), Thursday, April 24, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)

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The event also drew protestors from Berks and Lebanon counties, including members of Mondays with Meuser, a group that gathers weekly at the Lebanon County Courthouse demanding that Meuser meet with his constituents there in a town hall-like setting.

Laura Quick, a co-organizer of Mondays with Meuser, said she and other members of the group attended the event to show solidarity with their fellow constituents in the 9th District.

Claire Kempes, of Pottsville, said Meuser has not scheduled a meeting in response to Schuylkill Indivisibles request, but he did hold a telephonic town hall-style meeting. While he allowed callers to pose critical comments, he did not give them an opportunity to follow up on or dispute his talking points at that meeting, Kempes said.

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Among her many questions for Meuser, Kempes asked about President Trump defying the recent Supreme Court order on the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Why arent you advocating for the administration to take assertive steps in returning Kilmar Abrego Garcia? she wrote. Why wasnt he and all of the others provided due process?

Sue Leiby, of Hamburg, said the event was one of several protests shes participated in. She carried a sign with an ominous message for Meuser, stating that some of his MAGA followers will turn on him when Grandma loses her Social Security; their kids die from preventable illnesses; they lose their jobs and homes; no teachers are here to teach their kids; and food is unsafe because the inspectors were fired.

Many motorists passing through the demonstration on Progress Avenue honked their horns or gave a thumbs up in approval.

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No one from Meusers office staff was present at the demonstration Thursday. Josephine Kwiatkowski, a member of Schuylkill Indivisible, posted a note outside the office window, asking When will you answer your emails?

Kwiatkowski prepared a number of lengthy questions for the congressman. In one, she referenced Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vances recent statement that the U.S. should walk away from ceasefire negotiations if Ukraine and Russia do not sign a peace deal soon. Another question was about the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, proposing $880 billion in spending cuts. Kwiatkowski also noted the expensive aircraft and equipment used for mass deportations, asking Meuser if he would support an investigation into this fraud, waste and abuse.

Throughout the demonstration, the group occasionally made call-and-response chants, such as Tell me what democracy looks like / This is what democracy looks like.

The event concluded with a recitation of Where Have All the Town Halls Gone?, an original song accusing the congressman of avoiding or silencing his constituents voices.
Rep. Beth Bernstein, D-Columbia, speaks on April 23, 2025, during a press conference celebrating the new South Carolina-Israel Caucus. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  A pro-Palestine protest briefly interrupted a Statehouse news conference celebrating the formation of the new bipartisan South Carolina-Israel Caucus, which more than 20 legislators have joined.

Rep. Beth Bernstein, the states only Jewish legislator, had just finished highlighting partnerships between South Carolina and Israeli universities  such as Medical University of South Carolina and the Technion Israel Institute of Technologys joint research in cardiovascular medicine. She also spoke of Israeli-owned businesses across the technology, automotive plastics and agriculture sector that have set up shop in the Palmetto State.

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South Carolina shares a deep and abiding friendship with the people of Israel and welcomes all opportunities to deepen this relationship through cultural, academic and business endeavors, the Columbia Democrat said Wednesday.

The official announcement of the caucus came a day after the House adopted a resolution that Bernstein introduced recognizing the states friendship and partnership with Israel.

As Bernsteins caucus co-chair, Sen. Larry Grooms, stepped to the podium, a man in the crowd yelled out and threw fake money that he referred to as Zionist blood money.

Israel is guilty of war crimes, Martin Levisen of Charleston repeatedly shouted as law enforcement with the state Department of Public Safety pinned his hands behind his back and forcibly removed him from the second floor of the Statehouse.

Sen. Larry Grooms, R-Bonneau Beach, speaks on April 23, 2025, during a press conference celebrating the new South Carolina-Israel Caucus. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

This is exactly why we need to form the Israel-South Carolina Caucus, said Grooms, a Berkeley County Republican.

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Lt. Gov. Pam Evette apologized for the outburst to Jewish members in the crowd when it came her turn to speak.

That is not the sentiment of America; that is not the sentiment of South Carolina, she said.

(South Carolina was once home to the largest Jewish population in America. A historic Jewish synagogue in Charleston predates American independence by decades.)

Levinsen later told the SC Daily Gazette he was not arrested. Law enforcement called paramedics to Statehouse grounds to make sure he was OK after he had hit his head on the handrail as he resisted going down the stairs.

I am more than willing to sacrifice my freedom to speak for a people that have no voice and are being massacred, he said. It is imperative that people find their voices on this issue we must speak up.

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Other protesters from the Carolina Peace Resource Center, in a statement, called the formation of the South Carolina-Israel Caucus deeply troubling in light of the war that broke out between Israel and Palestine after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

About 1,200 civilians were killed in Israel and Hamas took some 250 hostages, 59 of whom are still being held. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called it Israels 9/11, referring to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in America, and pledged to destroy Hamas.

Israels air and ground war has killed over 51,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, The Associated Press reported Tuesday.

At a time when we should be holding all nations accountable to international norms and human rights, our lawmakers should prioritize the people of South Carolina, read the statement from the Columbia center. This is not a friendship; its complicity.

Bernstein said the caucus, which officially formed on April 8, has not voted on legislative priorities. But she highlighted several pieces of legislation she has sponsored that meet with the goals she hopes the caucus can achieve.

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The first is a bill signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster last year that codifies a definition of antisemitism into state law.

The second is legislation Bernstein introduced in March that would fund security improvements for churches, synagogues and other religious institutions in South Carolina.

South Carolina and Israel have long enjoyed a strong and mutually beneficial relationship, said Anat Sultan-Dadon, consul general of Israel to the Southeastern United States. Through this caucus, we will strive to further strengthen these ties, foster greater cooperation, explore new opportunities for growth in trade, culture, technology, education and beyond.

Its not the first time the Legislature has declared a bond with Israel. In 2011, the House adopted a resolution that was essentially a statement of support on Israels right to exist. It declared that Israel is neither an attacking force nor an occupier of the lands of others.

Four years later, then-Gov. Nikki Haley signed an anti-boycott measure aimed at barring state agencies from doing business with or investing in companies that boycott products or divest from Israel (though it doesnt actually reference Israel). At least three dozen other states have since passed similar policies opposing the so-called boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The six-story brick building that generations of Providence firefighters trained on will soon be no more.

Providence City Councilor James Taylor, a former firefighter, told 12 News the training tower off Dexter Street will be demolished on April 28.

Taylor trained on the tower in the late 80s and said the building evokes a lot of nostalgia.

We climbed up using pompier ladders, we repelled off it and we jumped out of the first floor into a life safety net, Taylor recalled.

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Taylor said the training tower has been out of service for roughly two decades due to safety concerns.

The west end skyline will change when this comes down, he added.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A Providence police investigation led to early morning raids Thursday in locations throughout Rhode Island, Target 12 has learned.

Providence Police Commander Timothy OHara confirmed the ongoing operation at five to six locations throughout the state, but he declined to provide details on the nature of the investigation.

Search warrants have been executed, OHara said. There is additional work that needs to be done.

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Providence Police Col. Oscar Perez told Target 12 that several people were in custody as a result, but exact charges were still being determined.

A neighbor at one of the locations in Pawtucket said they heard a blast at around 6 a.m. and saw a large police presence outside a neighbors home.

The person  who asked to remain anonymous  said they saw police officers carrying out items wrapped in blue blankets.

Sources told Target 12 that guns were seized in the raids.

Pawtucket police Detective Sgt. Theodore Georgitsis said in a press release that the departments Special Response Team along with police from Providence, East Providence and members of the Explosives Operations Division from the Office of the R.I. State Fire Marshal conducted a court authorized search warrant at an address on Harrison Street in our city as part of a multijurisdictional ongoing criminal investigation.

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East Providence police Deputy Chief Michael Rapoza told Target 12 that police were involved in a supportive role with their armored response vehicle in Pawtucket.

Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates told Target 12 that detectives and the departments tactical team helped to execute search warrants at two locations in the city.

North Providence Police Chief Alfredo Ruggiero Jr. told Target 12 officers assisted Providence police in a supportive role in town on Thursday morning.

OHara confirmed the operation is being led by the Providence police, and the case is being handled by the R.I. Attorney Generals Office.

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Tim Rondeau, a spokesperson for Attorney General Peter Neronha said in an email, the search warrants were authorized by state court were executed by detectives and investigators from multiple police departments operating across multiple jurisdictions under the authority of the Attorney General.

OHara said multiple police agencies were involved since the operation included communities outside their jurisdiction, but he declined to say where.

Tim White (twhite@wpri.com) is Target 12 managing editor and chief investigative reporter and host of Newsmakers for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.

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Rep. Stephen Casey, a Woonsocket Democrat and chair of the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing, gets up from his chair as the committee begins a recess before returning to hear testimony on a bill to raise Providence's tax levy cap. Some people waited over two hours to testify. (Screencap/CapitolTV)

Some people waited two hours to speak at Tuesday nights meeting of the Rhode Island House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing. Some people couldnt wait and left before they had their chance.

Rep. Stephen Casey, the Woonsocket Democrat and committee chair, shuffled the six sign-up sheets in his hands, each page filled with the names of Providence residents who wanted to testify at a hearing on a bill that would raise the the citys levy, or total collected tax revenue, above the statewide 4% cap in fiscal year 2026. The hearing room and overflow area were packed with about 100 people.

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As the meeting stretched past 7 p.m., Casey opted for speed over procedure, and told people to leave the microphones on when they came up to testify.

Dont anybody touch anything. Just get up there and talk, he said.

Providence residents had a lot to say about the bill sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Kislak, and three other Democratic reps in the city: Scott Slater, Edith Ajello and Nathan Biah. The bills 27-word amendment to the states municipal tax law would authorize the capital city to hike its levy on owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied residential properties, commercial properties, tangible properties, and natural growth, or the increase in value of properties over time.

Kislaks bill would allow Providence to go up to 8% more than last year. Mayor Brett Smiley is proposing a 7.5% increase, announced April 16 in his proposed fiscal 2026 budget.

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The impact would hit property owners depending on the kind of home they own and if they live there. The average tax bill for owners who live in their single-family homes or condominium units would go up 4%. But the increase would be 16% for homes with two to five families, whether owner-occupied or not.

We think that this is, in fact, an extraordinary ask, Smiley told lawmakers. But its because there are extraordinary circumstances. The last time the city of Providence was at the State House to ask for this was over 15 years ago during the 2008 financial crisis.

The budgeting maneuver is meant to cushion city finances for fiscal year 2026 against an expensive settlement with the state education department to resolve past underfunding of Providence public schools. But compliance with that November 2024 settlement, which accounts for $11 million in the upcoming fiscal years budget and additional investments in subsequent fiscal years, depends on state lawmakers approval.

There are a lot of reasons that Providence has this need to increase the levy, Kislak said in her introduction of the bill, citing the agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Education as the most immediate.

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We will be fixing30 years of underfunding of our schools in just three years, Kislak said. We should do it. Its painful, and its so important to the city.

No Plan B

Without the General Assemblys approval, Smiley has said his budget will need to return to the Providence City Council and substantial revisions made. The council is still engaged in the budgeting process with a final version emerging in June. Ahead of Kislaks April 2 introduction of the bill, the council voted to affirm up to an 8% increase.

Democratic Rep. David Morales of Providence  a 26-year-old lawmaker whos floated the idea of running for mayor himself one day  wondered why no Plan B was in place.

Has your administration prepared an alternative budget in the case that the committee does not move forward with this levy proposal? Morales asked Smiley.

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No, we have not, the mayor replied.

We will be fixing30 years of underfunding of our schools in just three years. We should do it. Its painful, and its so important to the city.

 Rep. Rebecca Kislak, a Providence Democrat and sponsor of the bill authorizing the capital city to exceed state tax levy cap

Morales also asked Smiley if he would stay for the entirety of the hearing, because we have dozens of working people across the city of Providence that are here to share their perspective, Morales said.

Smiley replied: I appreciate that. Ill stay as long as I can.

In a phone interview Thursday, Morales said Smiley left before residents had their turn to testify but encountered residents outside the committee hearing room. A WPRI-12 report on Tuesday confirmed that Smiley spent time talking to residents for some time in the State House rotunda, explaining his budget in detail.

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Mayor (and also in a different spot I) stayed for hours talking to people in the hallway, Kislak said via text message Wednesday. We should pass this bill plus additional revenue bills that will give the city council and mayor additional flexibility in their budget negotiations.

Some of the additional revenue bills Kislak previously mentioned include taxes on parking lots and Airbnbs.

Josh Estrella, a spokesperson for the mayor, said in a statement Wednesday, Mayor Smiley has been attending community meetings in every ward of Providence collecting feedback from neighbors and explaining the critical importance of this legislation and he was glad to have stayed at the State House last night to answer every question community members had.

Morales was disappointed in Smileys showing before the committee, he said. I think he was dismissiveHe opted to talk about the complex formula as to how ones property taxes are calculated, which I think was an easy cop-out from actually answering any questions.

A threatened speck of green

Many people testifying Tuesday were addressing lawmakers for the first time, Morales said, and some spoke through Spanish interpreters. Residents worried about tax hikes being passed to renters, making apartments unaffordable and ultimately leading to displacement.

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Charles Pinning, a landlord and part-time writing professor at the University of Rhode Island, explained how the levy hike would affect his tenants: These people who have spoken, Oh, yeah, when I rent the apartment, I will pass it on to them. Theyre absolutely correct.

Providence residents viewed the committee as an important blockade against the tax hikes passage, arguing that the City Council will likely approve the measure. But the House committee emphasized its role is to merely allow the levy hike to happen. The venue for resisting the hike itself, they suggested, was at City Council hearings instead.

Casey, the chair, at times told public testimonies to stay on track, and not stray into discussions of the citys housing market or general critiques of Smiley. He told one man his testimonys content was better suited to a Facebook post.

This bill has been held for further study, Casey said. Everybody needs to relax. Were not going to vote on it today.

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Fixed-income homeowners, including senior citizens, said a 25% additional property tax exemption for senior citizens under Smileys budget was insufficient. Sandra Lee, a low-income senior citizen and 25-year resident of the Mount Hope neighborhood, said her property assessment went up 100% in the most recent valuation, and her lot 521%.

I own a little home there, and I own a little speck of green, Lee said. My right to quiet enjoyment is being threatened, and I dont know what to do. I feel completely powerless.

City councilors host community meetings

The bill was held for further study, as is standard practice on an initial hearing. Based on conversations with his colleagues before and after Tuesdays hearing, Morales thinks the committee vote will not be unanimous.

Morales said Thursday he was proud of the people in his city who showed up to be heard, and hoped his fellow committee members were listening closely.

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I hope that they recognize that these stories of hardships are going to become reality if were not conscientious about our own decisions when we vote on this, Morales said.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley testifies on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, on a bill he requested that would increase the citys tax levy in fiscal year 2026. (Screenshot/CapitolTV)

At the hearing, Rep. Jose Batstia of Providence told fellow Democrat Smiley that he understands how the city has been wedged between a multimillion dollar rock and the hard place of a tax increase. But he said he would not support the levy hike, because he thinks the city is not doing enough to extract money from the citys wealthy nonprofits like Brown University.

Smiley, in part, agreed. Nearly half of the citys property is tax-exempt, he said, adding the city is burdened with a hugely disproportionate share of the tax-exempt properties in Rhode Island: the colleges, the hospitals, government, churches and certain nonprofits.

It is, I know, very popular, and certainly the size of their endowment makes it eye- popping. But it is not just Brown, Smiley said.

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Morales thinks the city has not explored all its options, citing industrial, waterfront properties on the citys south side. They can certainly afford to pay more in their taxes, Morales said, an alternative to what he described as the overly broad taxation in Smileys strategy, in which owner-occupied, multifamily homesare going to feel the brunt of this increase.

Meanwhile the budgeting process chugs along on the city side. In an email Thursday, Marc Boyd, a City Council spokesperson, said individual councilors have been holding community meetings over the past month with residents in their respective wards to hear concerns about revaluations, property taxes, the levy overall, and the budget process broadly.

Now that the mayor has proposed his budget, the Finance Committee will review, vet, and, if necessary, amend the mayors proposal as part of the normal budget process which, as usual, will include public hearings, the first of which is scheduled for May 6th, Boyd said.

Boyd added that on Saturday, May 3, several Spanish-speaking councilors will be hosting a Latino Town Hall to discuss the same issues with Spanish-speaking residents. English translation will be available, and the event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Providence Career and Technical Academy on Fricker Street.

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A view of the Snake River at the stateline of Idaho and Oregon in Hells Canyon. (Getty Images)

Last week the Andrus Center at Boise State University and the McClure Center at the University of Idaho held a conference to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The conference focused on the legislative miracle that led to the preservation of the deepest canyon in North America.

This stunning canyon, used by jet boaters, rafters, hikers, hunters and many more, could not have been saved from the construction of a large dam if it werent for many persistent Idahoans who opposed the dam.

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But it also took the strong bipartisan and visionary leadership of political leaders who came together to pass the legislation that became the Hells Canyon Recreation Area  namely Democratic U.S. Sen. Frank Church and Republican U.S. Sen. Jim McClure of Idaho and Oregon Republican U.S. Sens. Bob Packwood and Mark Hatfield.

It also could not have been protected without the leadership of Idahos Democratic Gov. Cecil Andrus, and Oregons Republican Gov. Tom McCall, and Washingtons Republican Gov. Dan Evans. Their personal relationship and political collaboration on Hells Canyon and other issues led the press to dub them the three Musketeers.

Many of the conference speakers, including me, concluded that if another major, regional issue like Hells Canyon arose today there is not the bipartisan and deep personal relationships that could resolve it like the ones 50 years ago.

But in retrospect, there is one thing that could potentially create the kind of leadership these amazing leaders provided in the early 1970s  saving our public lands from being auctioned off to the highest bidder. But, even then, it would require a change of heart from most of our current lawmakers or the election of more pro-public land political leaders.

Public lands facing greater threat than any other time in U.S. history

Today we are facing the greatest threat to our public lands than at any time in history. The feeling of dread was demonstrated a few weeks ago when an estimated 2,000 Idahoans rallied at the Statehouse demanding that the Trump administration and Congress keep their hands off our public lands.

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Their concern is real.

Politico recently reported that Congressional Republicans are looking at selling off public lands around the national parks to help finance President Donald Trumps domestic agenda, including a $5 billion income tax cut.

On April 3, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced that the Trump administration plans to make 16 sites on federal lands available to private companies to build artificial intelligence data centers. One of those sites is the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls.

Last Sunday an opinion writer for The New York Times suggested that federal lands near cities could be used to expand badly needed housing. He cited Boise as one of those cities. Of course, he wrote there should be sideboards to prevent this land from just being used to build the kind of McMansions we see cropping up across the West.

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Idaho Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo recently voted against an amendment that would prevent the selling of public land. It failed on a 48-51 vote, meaning Risch and Crapos votes sank it. Meanwhile, Congressman Mike Simpson split from the rest of the Idaho delegation supporting the bipartisan Keep Public Lands in Public Hands legislation.

Utah last year sued the federal Bureau of Land Management to force the agency to turn over 18 million acres of so-called unappropriated lands to the state. The word unappropriated is the kind of misleading buzzword privatizers have used to advance other efforts such as privatizing public schools.

In this case, unappropriated implies that these lands are not being used, and the state should take them back. The truth is that these lands are used for grazing, mining, wildlife habitat, recreation, and many other uses.

The U.S. Supreme Court last year rejected the Utah case. But Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is on a mission to make the transfer happen, even threatening to file a lawsuit in federal district court.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox gives an interview at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Cox has also launched a $1 million public relations campaign called Stand for Our Land, implying that somehow these lands owned by all Americans are under threat. His message has appeared on billboards, in TV commercials and in The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, hoping to build public support for the idea.

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And if you think this is just a threat from Utah, consider that Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador joined Cox last year by filing a brief to get these unappropriated lands transferred to the states.

Plans to gut federal agencies like BLM, Forest Service under Trump administration

Meanwhile, President Trump and Elon Musk are gutting the federal agencies responsible for managing the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and national park lands. Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins was quoted in Government Executive News recently as saying department employees, including those in the U.S. Forest Service, should expect significant layoffs in the coming weeks. She said the layoffs will make the Forest Service more efficient.

Plans include reducing the regional Forest Service offices from 10 to as few as three. It also includes laying off workers in the Forest Services research division, including employees conducting fire suppression, reforestation, and water research. And it includes reducing the number of national forests by consolidating them.

President Trump has already issued an executive order declaring an emergency situation on national forests. The plan is to bypass environmental laws and cut 25 percent more timber. If you look at a map of the land mass that will be impacted by this executive order, it covers Idaho like a blanket from north of Boise to the Canadian border.

These expected layoffs in the Forest Service will make it more difficult for the remaining employees to manage the extensive public lands in the West. No doubt the so-called emergency will lead to a denigration of the land and a reduction in service to the millions of Americans who hike, fish, hunt, snowmobile, and graze livestock on these lands.

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This denigration of the lands and the negative service citizens experience from these staffing cuts will set the table for the privatizers to come in with the solution to the very problem they created. That solution will be turning our public lands over to the states or selling them outright to wealthy elites who can afford them.

This playbook is the same one that has been used to privatize public education in our country. For years billionaires and their mis-named front organizations like Besty DeVos American Federation for Children and Charles Kochs Americans for Prosperity have declared that our public schools are failing our children. Then they come in with the solution  privatize education by providing vouchers to private and religious schools.

Heres how Christopher Rufo, a far-right thought leader, explained the playbook to an audience at Hillsdale College: First attack the credibility of the institutions. Then create the conditions for fundamental, structural change. For example, he said, to get universal school choice, you really need to operate from a position of universal public-school distrust.

In other words, if Cox and Labrador and congressional Republicans are going to get the public lands transferred to the states, they must convince the public that the lands are under threat. That explains Coxs expensive Stand for Our Land propaganda campaign.

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The truth is that the states cannot afford to manage our public lands. The Legislature would have to appropriate millions more to expand the state Lands Department. A major fire alone would cost millions of dollars, stressing the state general fund budget.

Under state management and privatization, the most beautiful, valuable parts of Idaho will be auctioned off

Furthermore, the Idaho Constitution mandates that state lands be managed for maximum economic gain, not for multiple uses like outdoor recreation. Thats why state-owned home sites around Payette Lake and Priest Lake have been auctioned off to the highest bidder in recent years.

If the state gets its hands on BLM and Forest Service land, it will have to sell some of it off to cover the cost of management and fire suppression. And you can bet that it will be the most beautiful and valuable parts of Idaho that will be auctioned off. And you can also bet your last dollar that it wont be average Idahoans who can afford to bid  it will be billionaires from Texas, California, and hedge funds back East that will gobble up our land.

And, if you think that is far-fetched, remember the billionaire Wilks brothers from Texas who bought hundreds of square miles of Idaho from private interests and soon closed it to the public which previously had access to the land. One of those brothers, Farris Wilks, knows how the privatization game works. Last year Wilks teamed up with another Texas billionaire, Tim Dunn, to defeat anti-private school voucher Republican legislators in Texas, according to ProPublica and other news outlets.

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Recent Idaho political history shows that out-of-state billionaires like DeVos have outsized power and bottomless bank accounts to change our Legislature and advance their school privatization agenda. They could use the same strategy and bank accounts to advance the privatization of our public lands.

We cannot let the wealthy privatizers, or their complicit politicians do that. We need visionary leaders like Idahos Sens. Frank Church and Jim McClure and governors like Andrus, McCall, and Evans more now than ever.

Our public lands are what makes Idaho special and different from states like Kansas where there is no public land or wild and scenic rivers. Or Texas where one must pay to play. Or some eastern states where there are more concrete slabs than wild forests and valleys.

Our public lands are what makes Idaho, Idaho. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to protect our public lands and give them and their children the same opportunities to renew their spirits under the bluebird skies of our great state.

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MANHATTAN (KSNT)  Working for you, 27 News reached out to emergency management departments in northeast Kansas metro areas to see if they have any public tornado shelters.

27 News contacted Riley County Emergency Management Assistant Director Laurie Harrison, Lyon County Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell and Shawnee County Emergency Management Services Deputy Director Scott Garcia to see if their counties provide shelters.

According to Riley County Emergency Management Assistant Director Laurie Harrison, there are no public tornado shelters in Riley County. She said that building public tornado shelters in a community of over 70,000 people spread across 650 square miles would be nearly impossible.

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Kansas budget could run a deficit for years

Unmonitored shelters can become targets for vandalism or misuse, Harrison said. Keeping them clean, stocked, and safe for public use would represent a significant undertaking for any jurisdiction.

Lyon County Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell said the county does not have public tornado shelters. He said it is challenging for local governments to set up tornado shelters.

There are numerous challenges that make it difficult for local governments to obtain this capability, Fell said. Some of these challenges include, funding to build and maintain hardened structures, ensuring 24/7 access for the public, and staffing requirements 24/7 during severe weather.

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Why did the tornado sirens sound across Shawnee County?

Last year, 27 News spoke to the City of Topeka and the Shawnee County Department of Emergency Management Scott Garcia about tornado shelters. According to city and county officials, neither the city nor the county provides tornado shelters.

Not in my professional career timeframe (mid 80s to present) do I recall there being public shelters, Garcia said. Any organization (government or private) having a 24-hour a day open, unmanned, unmonitored shelter is not a viable option.

Garcia had some tips for those without access to tornado or storm shelters:

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Act early. Dont wait until the warning. Have multiple ways to get the warning. Have a plan for where you are (home, shopping, work, etc.). Dont rely on businesses to keep you safe. Get under something sturdy, such as a heavy table or use a mattress to protect yourself from flying debris.

One meteorologist, Craig Ceecee, Ph.D, has been building a user-friendly map of storm shelters in the United States. Dr. Ceecees website shows where to find the closest storm shelter. Here is a direct link to the map.

Topeka nonprofit rescues kittens abandoned in ditch

27 News reached out to the state Kansas Department of Emergency Administrative Services Coordinator on April 22, but has yet to receive a formal response.

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For more Kansas 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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PULASKI, Tenn. (WKRN)  A daycare worker in Pulaski faces nearly 200 counts of various charges, including child abuse, following an investigation, officials said.

On March 5, officers with Pulaski Police Department were reportedly sent to Kids City USA to investigate allegations of child abuse. That same day, charges were filed against 52-year-old Erica Monique Coleman for simple assault.

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After receiving the initial complaint, an investigator conducted a follow up investigation to make sure there were no additional victims related to the incident, according to authorities.

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Police said an extensive investigation revealed that multiple victims were related to similar incidents involving Coleman. As a result, officials called for a special session of the Giles County Grand Jury.

Hitting, slapping and even throwing a child across a room are just some of the incidents Coleman is accused of.

It was a challenge, you know, as law enforcement officers we are involved in tough cases all the time. But when its involving children, it just makes it that much more tough, said Investigator Jordan Ramsey with the Pulaski Police Department.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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According to law enforcement, findings presented to the Grand Jury resulted in Coleman facing the following charges: 94 counts of assault (threat of bodily injury), 97 counts of child abuse/neglect/endangerment (8 years or less), one count of aggravated assault, two counts of attempted aggravated assault, and three counts of attempted child abuse/neglect/endangerment (8 years or less).

In my career, I have not seen that many charges with one case, its a pretty extensive amount, said Ramsey. We wanted to make sure we went through surveillance video and found every incident that happened to a child at that daycare and made sure those teachers and Ms. Colemans going to be held accountable for what shes done.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Ramsey added the investigation involves at least 14 children from a class of three and four year olds.

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Coleman was arrested and taken to the Giles County Jail on Thursday, April 24. The incidents remain under investigation.

No additional information was released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Gunfire rang out at the end of a police pursuit in Willowbrook on Wednesday, and though details remain scarce, the Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that at least one shot came from an LAPD officer.

Police confirmed they were in pursuit of a suspect  no information was provided as to the alleged crime  and shots were fired, though officers would not say who fired shots except that at least one officer shot their gun at least one time.

A large number of officers were searching the area near South Central Avenue and the 105 Freeway shortly before 2:30 p.m., aerial footage from Sky5 showed.

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Nancy Fontan and Nidia Becerra contributed to this report.

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Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) central Committee, meets with Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, vice president and secretary general of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, also a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, vice president and secretary general of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, on Thursday in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese president, made a state visit to Vietnam this month, outlining a grand new blueprint for the construction of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

China is willing to work with Vietnam to earnestly implement the outcomes of the state visit and solidly advance the construction of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, he added.

The CPPCC National Committee stands ready to work with the VFF Central Committee to make further contributions to promoting the China-Vietnam friendship and to enhancing exchanges between the two peoples, Wang said.

Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, also a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, said that Xi's state visit to Vietnam is of historic significance and will surely lead to greater development in bilateral relations.

The VFF Central Committee is willing to take advantage of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and China to strengthen exchange and mutual learning with the CPPCC National Committee, and play a positive role in promoting the construction of a community with a shared future between the two countries, she said. 

Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) central Committee, meets with Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, vice president and secretary general of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee, also a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Russia launched one of the most devastating bombardments on Ukraine's major cities since the war began overnight Thursday, killing at least 12 people, hours after President Donald Trump said he believed he had struck deals with both sides to end the war.

Vladimir, STOP! Trump wrote on Truth Social after the attacks, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing, Trump said. 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

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Trump told reporters Thursday he believed Putin would listen to his plea to halt strikes on Ukraine. He said that while there was a lot of hatred, bad blood and disgust between Ukraine and Russia, they both wanted peace, but they have to get to the table. He said he believes both sides will ultimately reach a peace agreement and added that he wants it to happen quickly.

At a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office later Thursday with Norway's prime minister, Trump said he "didnt like last night. I wasnt happy with it, and were in the midst of talking peace, and missiles were fired, and I was not happy with it."

Asked whether he would consider additional sanctions on Russia if it keeps bombing Ukraine, he said: "I'd rather answer that question in a week. I want to see if we can have a deal. ... No reason to answer it now, but I wont be happy. Let me put it that way  things will happen.

Trump said the United States is putting pressure on both sides, especially Russia, saying, You have to have two to tango.

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Asked whether Ukraine would have to give away some territory to secure a peace deal, he said: "It depends what territory they've been fighting. Theyve lost a lot of territory, and well do the best we can, working with Ukraine, well do the best we can, but they lost a lot of territory."

Trump said it would be "very difficult" for Ukraine to get back Crimea, the peninsula that Russia took control of during the Obama administration, which he falsely claimed President Barack Obama to Russia.

Trump said Russia has offered concessions in the talks, including "stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country," which he described as a "pretty big concession."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was in the Oval Office with Trump, said that the United States has shown a "pathway forward" and that negotiations will continue over the weekend. "We've shown them the finish line. We need both of them to say yes, but what happened last night with those missile strikes should remind everybody of why this war needs to end."

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The missile strikes caused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cut short a trip to South Africa. He said he would return home immediately to deal with the destruction in his country.

Russia continues to kill people and avoid tough pressure and accountability for this, he said Thursday. Unfortunately, there is a lot of destruction. Rescue operations are ongoing; the rubble of buildings is being cleared.

The capital, Kyiv, was pummeled with 70 missiles, 48 of which were shot down, and 140 drones, 64 of them shot down, Ukraines air force said. It was a particularly horrible and loud night, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a statement.

The death toll has risen to 12, Ukrainian officials said after they recovered two bodies from under the rubble. Ninety people were injured.

Emergency workers sift through the rubble after the overnight Russian attack.

Yevheniia Sobolieva, 23, an interpreter and event manager in Kyiv, told NBC News that the overnight explosions shook her walls and slammed the doors shut in her apartment, sending her and other panicked residents into the corridor as more missiles fell.

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Outside, the air was filled with smoke and ash, and the street was scattered with broken glass. Sobolieva ran to take shelter at a nearby metro station, which she said was so full of people that it was like the first days of the full-scale invasion.

Bombs also fell in the countys second city, Kharkiv, where Mayor Ihor Terekhov urged residents to be careful!

The attacks follow the latest conflicting and often contradictory statements in the U.S.-brokered peace talks.

On Wednesday, Trump said in the Oval Office that I think we have a deal with both sides  before he suggested that an agreement with Ukraine was still pending.

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I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy, he said. So far, its been harder.

Earlier in the day, Trump launched his latest criticism of Zelenskyy on Truth Social, accusing him of making inflammatory statements  a reference to a Wall Street Journal interview in which Zelenskyy pushed back against Washington's peace plan  and said of a deal that Zelenskyy needs to GET IT DONE.

The White House is trying to push Ukraine to accept a deal with Russia even though it would set terms that Kyiv deems deeply unfavorable. High-level talks in the United Kingdom disintegrated this week after Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff pulled out, leaving lower-level ministers to meet, instead.

Trumps special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt Gen. Keith Kellogg, who was part of the talks, told NBC News that talks in London yesterday were candid, constructive and productive.

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Visiting South Africa, Zelenskyy said at a news conference that a document drafted at the talks is on President Trumps table. He again lamented Thursday that we do not see strong pressure on Russia and new sanctions for its aggression.

Witkoff is set to travel to Moscow this week to speak with Putin about the talks, the White House said Tuesday.

An injured woman sits near her house following a Russian airstrike in Kyiv on Thursday.

Gauging Russian support for the war is difficult given the brutality with which Putins regime silences dissent and political opposition. Even so, a running survey by Moscows Levada Center pollster found the overwhelming majority  80% as of February  support the invasion in some capacity.

Canvassing opinion on the streets of Moscow found some differences of opinion.

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No deals. Let them get what they deserve, said Evgeniy, 66, a retiree. Tatyana, 50, said she was in favor of ceasefire because so many people are suffering. Both declined to give their last names in Russia's repressive atmosphere.

For Ukrainians and their supporters abroad, Thursday's attacks symbolized the hypocrisy of Russias position. Putin continues to make extreme demands  his conditions for a deal essentially resemble a Ukrainian surrender  while he continues to prosecute the invasion he launched three years ago.

Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday that Kyivs inability to negotiate is becoming increasingly obvious.

Zelenskyy and members of his government say they will never accept Russian control over Crimea, a key demand of the Kremlin's.

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Yesterdays Russian maximalist demands for Ukraine to withdraw from its regions, combined with these brutal strikes, show that Russia, not Ukraine, is the obstacle to peace, said Sybiha, the Ukrainian foreign minister. Moscow, not Kyiv, is where pressure should be applied.

Alexander Smith reported from London, Rebecca Shabad from Washington, Daryna Mayer and Artem Grudinin from Kyiv and Keir Simmons from Dubai.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Quad Cities community has a chance to see history from a different perspective.

Learning history is not something that is static, said Trevor Meyers, Muscatine Community Colleges student engagement and residential life coordinator.

Muscatine Community College is offering the Journey Back: A Virtual Reality Experience exhibit, which is open to the public.

I thought that was pretty neat that we have technology like that now, said Karlee Harris, a Louisa-Muscatine High School student.

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Journey Back is an exhibit made possible through virtual headsets provided by the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

In total, there are five different films that cover the stories of various Holocaust survivors.

It brings something to life and preserves these stories for posterity for years to come for when there are no more people that survived the Holocaust, Meyers said. In each of these five films, it is a 360-immersive technology so you can look up, down, left, right, and all around you. You will see a video, pictures, or film.

For Harris, the virtual reality experience was eye-opening.

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I thought it was pretty interesting that we were actually able to see it and visually learn, since not everyone is a textbook reader and can be like, Oh, thats what happened,' Harris said. We can see it now, we can see how people felt, how they acted, and how basically their lives were transformed by this one event in history.

All of these survivors are at least 80 years or older, and so unfortunately that means every day we are losing these stories because they are passing away, Meyers said. (By learning) from a survivor you become a carrier of their legacy.

Muscatine Community College will continue to host the exhibit until May 2, and it is free to attend.

To learn how to get tickets, click here.

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State Rep. Darin Chappell of Rogersville speaks in March 2024 during Missouri House debate (Tim Bommel/Missouri House Communications).

Disagreement over two competing versions of legislation designed to protect ideological perspectives in college campus-based organizations surfaced during a Senate committee hearing Wednesday.

Both bills were created to prohibit public institutions taking adverse action against belief-based organizations. As defined in the bills text, belief-based organizations are, any political or ideological student association or any religious student association.

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There is not a single student association in existence that is not protected by this bill, said state Rep. Darin Chappell, a Republican from Rogersvilleand sponsor of the bill. This bill just simply says that freedom of association is one of the premier fundamental rights of this country, and you do not lose that simply because you enrolled in a higher institution.

But critics say Chappells bill could force schools to support groups that discriminate against students who werent allowed to join such groups, such as LGBTQ+ students who could be prohibited from joining certain religious-based groups. They prefer a Senate version of the bill that includes an anti-discriminatory provision.

Both bills prohibit enforcing any policy that denies certain benefits to these organizations that are readily available to other student associations.

Benefits, as described in the bill, are any type of recognition, registration, use of facilities for meetings or speaking purposes, communication channels that are sanctioned by a public institution of higher learning, other assistance and aid.

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The House approved the bill in late February with a vote of 108-47.

Most of the discussion Wednesday centered around the protection of free speech and funding these organizations with student fees.

Were not discriminating against anyone, said state Sen. Brad Hudson, a Republican from Cape Fair. Were wanting everyone to have equal protection under the First Amendment as it should be.

Sharon Jones, who testified in opposition on behalf of the Missouri NAACP State Conference, requested the committee look at the language added to the Senate version of the legislation. It is an anti-discriminatory clause stating that if there is evidence that an organizations viewpoint would cause campus disruption or interfere with the rights of others, the protections would not apply.

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If included, Jones said it would, make us neutral on the bill.

That sentiment was shared among other witnesses who testified in opposition Wednesday.

Its something we think balances the needs of all groups on campus and doesnt do anything to impact the underlying intent of the two bills, Jones said.

Another concern brought up by those in opposition was that leadership in university-sanctioned student groups could be restricted to leaders who shared the ideology of those groups.

Chappell said this bill doesnt mean students cant choose their leaders.

It means that students cannot be compelled by the university to choose leaders that do not represent their views and desires, Chappell said. Not just in religion, but politically, economically (and) sociologically.

This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.
Rachel Maddow returned to nightly weekday broadcasts on MSNBC this year in order to cover President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office. And as that milestone approaches next week, the anchor is unimpressed by what shes seen over these last three months.

If there is something to learn about what Trump in power is going to be like, I think the first 100 days have given us one very clear lesson, right? We know hes trying for the whole dictator thing  no elections, no courts, no resistance, rule by terror, Maddow began her Wednesday night segment. We know the people of this country arent having it. But I think what we should also know, what we just lived through in these first 90-plus days thus far, is him screwing up. Its him absolutely blowing it.

Its one thing to understand the gravity of his intentions, but I think it is equally important to recognize that hes really bad at everything he tries to do. I dont know if hes bad at good stuff he tries to do, because hes not trying to do much that seems good, but the bad stuff hes trying to do, hes been real bad at that, she added. It hasnt been funny, exactly. Its too disgusting for that. But it has been the proverbial comedy of errors.

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Maddow then launched into 12 straight minutes of headlines and stories that showcase Trump and his cabinets penchant for hypocrisy and general recklessness. Examples included cutting programs by mistake, misreading official reports and, mostly, constant reversals of their majorly impactful decisions.

Of course, Trump still has a week to course-correct before his first 100 days are up. To celebrate the occasion, his administration will be holding a rally in Michigan on Tuesday.

The story of these first 100 days of Donald Trumps presidency is sometimes a very scary movie, because of what he really does seem to be trying to do and what he has already done to some people and some parts of our government and some elements of our country, Maddow then explained. It is sometimes also an action movie, with people all over the country springing into action and standing up to stop him from doing those things as best they can.

She continued, But the one thing it has consistently also been from the moment he got back to Washington is an unfunny farce, a slapstick mess of reversals and mistakes and Oops, lets pretend we didnt do that. Lets try to undo it. Lets hope no one notices just how dumb it was when we really did do it and we cant even really defend it.

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The one word that most sums up Donald Trumps term in office thus far, heading to 100 days in is Oops. Just because theyre trying to do really, really bad things doesnt change the fact that theyre also just really bad at everything they try to do  which for this country is definitely a curse, but also, in some ways, a blessing, Maddow concluded. Were heading towards 100 days. Theres going to be a lot of look-backs at what Trump has done. Whatever you hear, what anybody says, dont let anybody tell you, this time around, that they are competent.

The post Rachel Maddow Recaps Trumps First 3 Months of Absolutely Blowing It as President | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is urging the Trump Administration to delay sending back refugees from Afghanistan amid persecution by the Taliban.

Raffensperger sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, asking for them to hear the asylum claims of Afghan Christian refugees living in the United States.

The refugees face persecution and even execution by the Taliban for their Christian beliefs, Raffenspergers office said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

After celebrating Easter on Sunday, Raffensperger said he learned that several Afghan Christian refugees currently residing in the United States were told they had to return to Afghanistan. Many of these Afghan Christians had risked their lives for religious freedom and democratic values in service of American forces in-country, and we should make sure we hear their asylum claims before sending them back to a government that is known to persecute Christians.

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As a result, Raffensperger is asking President Donald Trump and his administration to ensure a full and fair vetting of asylum claims of Afghan Christians before initiating their removals.

He said doing so would align with both Georgias and the U.S. longstanding commitment to religious liberty and the values enshrined in our Constitution.

Channel 2 Action News has reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for comment on Raffenspergers letter and is waiting for their response.

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Drenching rain will continue to move through parts of the Northeast through Saturday, AccuWeather meteorologists say. However, some areas could miss out on the heaviest rain and with dry winds expected to follow, wildfire risk may ramp up again next week.

Very light winds from Tuesday to Thursday morning gave firefighters the chance to gain significant containment on the massive Jones Road Fire tearing across New Jersey. There were other fires in the region, including a pair in south-central Pennsylvania that blossomed.

Smoke fills the sky as an inferno rages from a wildfire in Lacey Township, New Jersey, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection via AP)

During the first part of the weekend, higher humidity levels may keep some fuels moist as a storm swings through with sporadic rainfall ranging from spotty showers to a thorough soaking.

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Areas from Upstate New York to northern and central New England will likely be the greatest beneficiaries of the rain, with a general 0.50 inch to 1.50 inches in store.

Behind the rain or sporadic showers into Saturday night, winds will kick up.

"While it will be much cooler on Sunday, when compared to Friday, the gusty winds and very dry air will quickly dry out the brush and fallen leaves once again," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said. "That could boost the wildfire risk, depending how much rain fell on local areas from the storm earlier in the weekend."

Monday will likely be similar to Wednesday with light winds, sunshine and dry air. In much of New Jersey, highs will range from the mid-60s to the low 70s.

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By Tuesday, however, warmth will build over the region on a quickening southwest breeze.

"Even though humidity levels are likely to rise on Tuesday, the combination of warmth, sunshine, a breeze and dry brush may lead to a rising wildfire risk," Anderson said.

Yet another storm will swing through on Tuesday night, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the Northeast. Once again, the showers could be sporadic, with some areas in the mid-Atlantic missing the rainfall.

April has brought little rain to parts of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, southeastern New York and southern New England. In some cases, rainfall has only been 25-50% of the historical average for the month that typically brings between 3 and 4 inches.

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While drought conditions are not exceptional in the Northeast, many locations are experiencing abnormally dry soil conditions. Some areas are in the throes of a moderate to severe drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor.

You can check the air quality in your area anytime-for free-on the Accuweather app.

Our air pollution forecast models have been enhanced to provide you with superior accuracy - before, during and after wildfires - to help keep your family, friends and your business better prepared and informed.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Rainn Wilson is voicing his opinion on the current state of political media.

During a conversation with MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle on his Soul Boom podcast last Thursday, the pair discussed the differences in the way the media covers Donald Trumps presidency versus Joe Bidens time in the Oval Office.

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Ruhle argued theres a current concerted effort to destroy the media that stemmed from a lot of people tuning out the news following Trumps second win and the Elon Musk media machine. Continuing, she said, what we need to do is just cover whats happening in America.

Wilson did not agree. This is where I would push back when I see this kind of insight and passion being directed at the current administration, and the lack of this insight and passion being directed at the previous administration, he said.

Im talking about left-leaning news media organizations [who] were kind of like, La la la la la everythings fine, look the economys great, la la la, immigrations not that much of a problem, and really being Cleopatra Queen of Denial, he added. Ruhle argued the media was critical of Bidens approach to immigration while corroborating Wilsons sentiment.



What Republicans have been successful at  and they have not solved any of these issues for the American people  but theyre willing to talk about some of the unpleasant things that people feel that when people say those things out loud theyre immediately called xenophobic or racist, Ruhle said.

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Wilson agreed, adding, A large majority of people who have a problem with the current immigration crisis are not racist but [are] often kind of tarred as racist by the liberal left.

The Emmy nominee has been an avid environmental activist throughout his career and told The Hollywood Reporter he was greatly disappointed in the fact that so few celebrities speak up about climate change because essentially theyre afraid of turning off a large portion of their fan base.

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Developers plan to cap some of the height on a controversial plan to rezone land that would allow building up to 30 stories on downtown Raleighs edge.

More than 100 people  many wearing red  packed into NC State Universitys McKimmon Center Wednesday night for a neighborhood meeting to learn more about the plan to rezone 2.5 acres at the intersection of West and Peace streets. Many came with signs, ready to object to the proposal from developer Raleigh Development Co.

The property in the Glenwood-Brooklyn district is zoned for up to 12 stories and for industrial uses. Developers would like to see the zoning changed to allow up to 30 stories and to downtown mixed-use, which makes up a majority of downtown Raleighs zoning.

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But, unlike a failed attempt two years ago, developer Raleigh Development Co. came to residents with some concessions.

Developers would limit a portion of the propertys height to 240 feet, allowing about 20 stories. The remainder would be capped at 360 feet, allowing about 30 stories. The developers also are offering to add $1.2 million to the citys affordable housing funds.

The plan for the property is mixed-use commercial on the first floor with market rate rentals on the following floors.

Jason Barron, the attorney representing Raleigh Development Co., said he didnt hear any comments he wasnt expecting.

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My expectation was folks were going to be concerned with building height, he said after the meeting. Folks were going to be concerned with density. And folks we going to be concerned with affordable housing. And so those are things that were going to have to continue to be attuned to as we work our way through the zoning process.

The 2.5 acres borders the future Smoky Hollow Park and is across from a 12-story high-rise that includes a Publix grocery store.

The neighborhood meeting was originally scheduled earlier this month but was postponed to move to a larger space. A neighborhood meeting is required for developers before plans can be submitted to the city. Now the rezoning request will go to the citys planning commission and the Raleigh City Council.

An aerial view of the Smoky Hollow district in Raleigh shows the site where a construction of 30-story tower is being proposed across from a 12-story high-rise that currently houses apartments and Publix near the historic Glenwood-Brooklyn neighborhood bordering the northern edge of downtown Raleigh.

Neighborhood concerns

While some residents asked questions, most wanted to express their concerns and dislike for the proposed plan.

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There are already several zonings in downtown Raleigh allowing up to 40 stories that have yet to be developed, said Benjamin Kuhn.

The city is building a park thats going to be the backyard for 850 luxury units, and you see who else is going to be living next to it? Nobody, he said. Its going to be their park. And its not going to be a passive park. Its going to be their backyard.

Zoning the property up to 30 stories would be a gift to the owners, said Matthew Brown.

The city would be giving them a gift of millions of dollars in the value of their property and damaging the property of everybody around them because of crowding, Brown said. I mean these streets being impassable, its just already getting ridiculous. Its taking away from all the people around it and giving them a million dollars (for affordable housing). Its just not righteous. Its not fair. Its not just.

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Height was the primary concern among community members, but some were also concerned about affordable housing.

Im a city employee, said Alex Lafond, speaking at the meeting. I dont meet the minimum threshold from a salary income in order to rent at a place like this. How are you going to contribute back to the citys citizens as a developer in order to let city employees like myself rent at a place like this?

Barron confirmed they intended to put a one-time contribution of $1.2 million to the citys affordable housing fund but the units planned at the site itself would be market-rate.

Lafond, the co-founder of the Raleigh Political Accountability Community, said he came to Wednesdays meeting to make sure his voice was heard.

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To make sure that developers know the city workers and working class citizens of Raleigh themselves are watching, he said. And they need to understand that there are people that need a place to live. And $1,800 studio apartments are not it.

Signs dot streets near the Glenwood-Brooklyn Historic Neighborhood against a proposed rezoning at the intersection of Peace and West streets.

City Council denied first rezoning

The Raleigh City Council did not rezone this property two years ago. While its common for zoning applications to be negotiated and changed through the rezoning process, its rare for plans to be outright rejected.

In 2023, some council members said they were caught off guard by the decision.

Only two council members supported the rezoning request at the time: then-Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and council member Jonathan Melton-Lambert.

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But the councils make-up changed in the last election, and this February, the council changed the rules.

City leaders agreed to waive the two-year waiting period before applicants can submit a rezoning request for a piece of property that was denied. Council members Christina Jones, Megan Patton and Harrison voted not to waive the waiting period.

I know this was one of the more controversial cases from the last administration, said Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell in February. This is one of the most strategic pieces of land in the city.
SANTEE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A rally was held outside Rep. Darrell Issas office in Santee Wednesday to protest potential cuts to Medicaid funding.

The demonstrators aimed to persuade Issa to oppose up to $880 billion in cuts to health care programs like Medicaid proposed as part of Congress budget reconciliation.

Medicaid funding is an umbrella to so many of our local supports and services that people depend on for their lives and for their life quality, said Diana Pastora Carson with Disability Voices United.

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Organizers of the rally emphasized that the proposed cuts could disrupt critical care the millions of people on Medicaid who have physical and mental disabilities.

Angela Van Austin, a teacher from Santee who uses Medicaid, said, My ability to do what I want and volunteer in the community and do things in the community, teach in the community is all reliant on these services that I use.

The protest was part of a broader statewide effort to draw attention to the nine Republican members of Congress from California who previously voted to advance a plan that opened up the door to steep Medicaid cuts.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Thursday he will meet soon with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss relations between the two countries.

Ramaphosa said he had spoken to Trump and the two leaders had also agreed to discuss the peace process in Ukraine and the end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

"We both agreed that the war should be brought to an end as soon as possible to stop further unnecessary deaths. We both agreed to meet soon to address various matters regarding U.S.-South Africa relations,'' Ramaphosa said in a post on social media platform X.

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We also spoke about the need to foster good relations between our two countries," he added.

Ramaphosa did not indicate when the meeting with Trump was likely to take place.

Relations between South Africa and the U.S. have deteriorated since Trump took office earlier this year.

Trump has criticized South Africa's stance on the Israel-Hamas war, which has seen the country take Israel to the International Court of Justice and accuse it of committing a genocide in Gaza.

Trump has also signed an executive order stopping all financial aid to South Africa and has also slapped South Africa with 37% trade tariffs on its exports to the U.S., which he subsequently paused for 90 days.

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The cuts were an additional blow to the country after it also lost U.S. funding for its key health programmes including the fight against HIV.

Trump has also falsely accused South Africa of illegally seizing farms owned by white Afrikaner farmers after it enacted the Expropriation Act which empowers the government to expropriate land for public use.

He has offered to facilitate the resettlement of white Afrikaner farmers who wish to leave South Africa and move to the U.S.

Last month, the U.S. expelled Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador to the U.S., over his criticism of Trump, who has hinted that he may not attend the G20 summit of world leaders scheduled to take place in Johannesburg in November.

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Ramaphosa revealed his conversation with Trump as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was on an official visit to South Africa.

Zelenskyy held a planned meeting with Ramaphosa at the governments Union Buildings in Pretoria.
BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The People's Republic of China and the Republic of Kenya on Thursday issued a joint statement on creating an inspiring example in the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Please see the attachment for the full text of the statement.

Full text: Joint statement between China and Kenya on creating an inspiring example in the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump on Thursday offered rare criticism of Vladimir Putin, urging the Russian leader to STOP! after a deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

Russia struck Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones. At least 12 people were killed and 90 were injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July.

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Trumps frustration is growing as a U.S.-led effort to get a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia has not made progress.

The comments about Putin came after Trump lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday and accused him of prolonging the killing field by refusing to surrender the Russia-occupied Crimean Peninsula as part of a possible deal. Russia illegally annexed that area in 2014.

With his assertion that Putin demonstrated very bad timing" with the massive attack, Trump appeared to suggest that the Russian leader was doing himself no favors toward achieving the Kremlin's demand that any peace agreement include Russia keeping control of Crimea as well as Ukrainian territory in the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions it has seized since invading in February 2022.

Later Thursday during an Oval Office meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, Trump said that Crimea was taken from Ukraine without a fight. He also noted that annexation of the Black Sea peninsula happened under President Barack Obama's watch.

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Asked what Putin is doing now to help forge a peace deal, Trump responded, stopping taking the whole country, pretty big concession.

But the notion is one that Ukraine and much of Europe have fiercely pushed back against, arguing that Russia pausing a land grab is hardly a concession.

Zelenskyy has repeated many times that recognizing occupied territory as Russia's is a red line for Ukraine. He noted Thursday that Ukraine had agreed to a U.S. ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as a first step to a negotiated peace, but that Moscow's attacks had continued.

Trumps criticism of Putin is notable because Trump has repeatedly said Russia is more willing than Ukraine to get a deal done.

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I didnt like last night, Trump said of Russias massive attack on Kyiv. I wasnt happy with it.

In his dealings with Zelenskyy and Putin, Trump has focused on which leader has leverage. Putin has the cards and Zelenskyy does not, Trump has said repeatedly. At the same time, the new Republican administration has taken steps toward a more cooperative line with Putin, for whom Trump has long shown admiration.

Trump in his meeting with Norway's Gahr Stre discussed the war in Ukraine, U.S. tariffs and other issues.

Norway, a member of NATO and strong supporter of Ukraine, shares a roughly 123-mile (198-kilometer) border with Russia.

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Gahr Stre said both parties have to know that they have to deliver." He also suggested that Trump is pushing the two sides to come to an agreement.

To move towards an end of this war, U.S engagement is critical, and President Trump made that possible," he said. "That is clear

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said Putin should stop lying when he claims to want peace while continuing to bomb Ukraine.

There is only one answer we are waiting for: Does President Putin agree to an unconditional ceasefire? said Macron during a visit to Madagascar. Macron added that the Americans anger should focus on just one person: President Putin.

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The French Foreign Ministry also offered measured pushback on Trump's criticism of Zelenskyy over the Ukrainian's stance on Crimea.

During talks last week in Paris, U.S. officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal, according to a European official familiar with the matter. The proposal was discussed again Wednesday during talks with U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials.

The principle of Ukraines territorial integrity is not something that can be negotiated, Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine said. This was the position taken last week and reiterated yesterday in London in a meeting of a similar format.

Asked whether France agreed with Trumps comments that Ukraines position was to blame for prolonging the war, Lemoine said Ukrainians showed they are open to negotiations while Russia continues its strikes.

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We rather have the impression that it is the Russians who are slowing down the discussions, he said.

The White House announced Tuesday that Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, would visit Moscow this week for a new round of talks with Putin about the war. It would be their fourth meeting since Trump took office in January.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met on Thursday with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who also held talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's national security adviser, Michael Waltz.

Leaders from the 32-member alliance are set to meet in the Netherlands in two months. Trump has pushed them to significantly step up defense spending.

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In 2023, as Russias invasion of Ukraine entered its second year, they agreed that all allies should spend at least 2% of gross domestic product on their military budgets. Estimates in NATO's annual report released Thursday showed that 22 allies had reached that goal last year, compared with a previous forecast of 23.

But clearly with 2%, we cannot defend NATO territory, Rutte told reporters at the White House following the meeting. It has to be considerably higher.

___

Petrequin reported from Paris. Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.
After a whirlwind journey around the world, during which they were nabbed, rescued and quarantined, eight critically endangered Fijian iguanas have finally arrived at their new home at the San Diego Zoo.

The iguanas will fit right in at the zoo, which is home to the largest captive colony of these reptiles and is leading genetic research efforts that will hopefully help pave the way for their future survival, officials said.

Zoo staff were thrilled to finally meet the long green additions, which were seized by Spanish authorities in a 2017 bust of more than 600 illegally trafficked reptiles.

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Read more: Shocked by earthquake, zoo elephants form 'alert circle' to protect their young at San Diego Zoo

"Confiscations of trafficked wildlife happen a lot more frequently than people realize, and reptiles are especially susceptible due to their high demand in the illegal pet trade, Brett Baldwin, curator of herpetology and ichthyology at the San Diego Zoo, said in a statement. "This transport of Fijian iguanas from Spain to the San Diego Zoo was several years in the making, but is a testament to our commitment and dedication to saving wildlife and getting these iguanas the best possible care."

While in Spain, the iguanas were in the care of the Foundation for Research in Ethology and Biodiversity near Madrid. Their move to San Diego was authorized by the Fiji government as part of an international effort to help restore the endangered species.

"Wildlife smuggling is a real problem that threatens Fijis endangered iguana populations that are already facing pressures from expanding human activities and invasive alien species," National Trust of Fiji Council Chairman Setoki Tuiteci said in a statement. "Therefore, we appreciate the actions of security authorities and organizations like San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance."

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Baldwin traveled to Spain to help prepare for the iguanas flight to the United States. When the reptiles arrived safely in Los Angeles, they were escorted to the zoo's Jennings Veterinary Hospital for in-depth health assessments and quarantine.

Once cleared from quarantine, the iguanas will be ready to meet the rest of their long-lost family at the zoo.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has assisted with more than 20 reptile seizures in the last 28 years and was one of the first zoos to begin receiving Fijian iguanas. Their conservation breeding program that was established in the 1990s has successfully produced over 100 hatchlings.

The zoo has analyzed DNA samples taken from nearly 200 iguanas on 30 islands as part of its effort to learn how to best conserve the species. The results showed that native Fijian iguana populations have much greater genetic diversity than previously thought  possibly pointing to an entirely new species of iguana.

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Zoo geneticists will work with the eight new iguanas to determine whether they were poached directly from the wild or bred illegally, and which island they may have originally come from. Fijian iguanas are found on 10% of Fijis around 330 islands and most populations are threatened.

The lizards are around 21 inches long and feast on leaves, fruits and flowers in the coastal swamps and rainforests of their native islands. They spend most of their lifetime living in trees  descending only to lay eggs.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A resurgence of measles cases in the U.S., including one in Texas that recently infected more than 620 people and killed at least two children, is connected to a continuing decline in childhood vaccination rates. And if they continue to drop, warns a new study, it could pave the way for a measles comebackand for rubella and polio, too.

But even if vaccine rates stay at current rates, measles could again become endemic (circulating in the U.S.) within two decadesand happen more quickly even with another small decline in immunization rates. Just a small increase, though, would prevent this.

So say the researchers of the Stanford Medicineled study, published on April 24 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Weve seen a worrisome pattern of decreasing routine childhood vaccinations, senior author Nathan Lo said in a news release. There was a disruption to health care services during the pandemic, but declines preceded this period and have accelerated since then for many reasons. People look around and say, We dont see these diseases. Why should we vaccinate against them? Theres a general fatigue with vaccines. And theres distrust and misinformation about vaccine effectiveness and safety.

A thought leader in that area has been Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now Health and Human Services secretary, who founded the nonprofit Childrens Health Defense in order to examine the link between routine childhood vaccinations and chronic disease in this country. Last week, he publicly vowed to get to the bottom of which toxins are causing autism, specifically, though he referred to one of the possible culprits as medicines rather than vaccines.

Researchers behind the new studywhich also included scientists from Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, and Texas A&M Universityembarked upon their investigation because they were curious about when the impacts of the decline in vaccinations would be felt.

Specifically, said Lo, we wanted to look at some key diseases that have been eliminated from the U.S. through vaccination, which means theyre not spreading within the country on an ongoing basis. These include measles, polio, rubella, and diphtheria, which can have awful complications, like lifelong paralysis, birth defects, and death.

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To do that, they used a large-scale epidemiological model to simulate all Americans, and then simulated how infections would spread under different vaccine conditions.

Eventually, said Lo, you see sustained, ongoing transmission, meaning these diseases become endemicthey become household names once again.

With measlesone of the most infectious diseases that exist, and more infectious than the others looked at in this studyresearchers found that the U.S. is already on the precipice of disaster, said Lo.

If vaccination rates remain the same, he explained, the model predicts that measles may become endemic within about 20 years. That means an estimated 851,300 cases over 25 years, leading to 170,200 hospitalizations and 2,550 deaths. Measles is also more common globally, so travelers are most likely to bring it back, and the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is one of the most controversial, partly due to a history of fraudulent medical research that raised safety concerns, said Lo. And more and more Americans are hearing about such misinformation, a just-released KFF survey found.

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The other diseases, the researchers found, are not likely to become endemic under current vaccination rates.

If vaccination rates were to fall even further, though, things would look more dire.

Measles cases would skyrocket to 11.1 million over the next 25 years if vaccine rates fell even by 10%, said lead author Matthew Kiang. And if those rates were cut in half, he said, wed expect 51.2 million cases of measles, 9.9 million cases of rubella, 4.3 million cases of polio, and 200 cases of diphtheria over 25 years, all of which would lead to 10.3 million hospitalizations, 159,200 deathsand an estimated 51,200 children with post-measles neurological complications, 10,700 cases of birth defects due to rubella, and 5,400 people paralyzed from polio.

Measles would become endemic in less than five years, and rubella would become endemic in less than 20, warned Kiang. Under these conditions, polio became endemic in about half of simulations in around 20 years.

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In such a scenario, researchers note, those most at risk would be unvaccinated individuals, including babies not yet eligible for a first MMR dose (which is given at 12 months), as well as people who are immunocompromised.

Lo encouraged vaccine-hesitant parents to discuss the issue with their pediatrician and believe in our health care providers.

Added Kiang, Its worth emphasizing that there really shouldnt be any cases at this point, because these diseases are preventable. Anything above zero is tragic. When youre talking about potentially thousands or millions, thats unfathomable."

More on measles:

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If you care about U.S. due process, start here

Port Jefferson, L.I.: Sen. Chris Van Hollens El Salvador crusade for Kilmar Abrego Garcia (photo) reeks of political opportunism. While he grandstands about due process for a non-citizen who entered illegally, faced domestic violence allegations and had suspected gang ties, millions of American citizens suffer constitutional violations without Van Hollens notice. Where is his outrage when 90% of American citizens waive their Sixth Amendment rights in plea bargains, pressured by prosecutors and unable to afford defense costs? His righteous indignation is nowhere to be found as 60% of jail inmates are un-convicted Americans awaiting trial  citizens detained solely because they cant afford bail, losing jobs and families before any guilt is determined.

The senator remains silent as public defenders handle hundreds of cases simultaneously, giving Americans just minutes of representation  Missouri defenders averaged nine hours per felony case. He launches no international campaigns when qualified immunity shields officials from accountability, dismissing more than half of police misconduct claims against citizens. Van Hollens selective indignation reveals his true priority: political theater, not constitutional principle. His international advocacy tour, complete with press conferences and social media updates, serves his image while ignoring the daily reality facing so many American citizens. If due process matters to Van Hollen only when it generates headlines for a non-citizen, its not principle  its posturing. His moral preening is particularly hollow when actual citizens receive lesser protections than he demands for someone who violated our laws.

Americans deserve representatives who champion their constitutional rights with the same fervor shown for non-citizens. Until Van Hollen shows equal passion for reforming these systemic injustices, his crusade stands exposed as cynical political theater draped in constitutional rhetoric. Todd L. Pittinsky

Well said

Staten Island: To Voicer Tom Saracco: You captured my thoughts, and I could not have written them any better. Democrats, I believe, do not use common sense due to the fact that they have a blatant hatred for President Trump. I also believe that most Democrats do not go along with the radical far left, Bernie Sanders and others of that ilk. Michael Modafferi

Racially motivated

Manhattan: To Voicer Tom Saracco: I didnt think you guys could go lower and then you do. Every single item you listed is because youre a proud racist. You openly listed your racism and hatred for the world to see. Im so glad you did it so you can all stop lying about being hateful bigots and racists. A little honesty goes a long way. Thank you for doing that so we can treat you like the pariah you ought to be. Do your kids even call you anymore? What I think you need: a lesson about Italians and where we really come from. You remember that scene in True Romance, right? Check your DNA, Tom. And dont forget, the hate you give is the hate you will get, and boy is there a tsunami headed your way. T.S. Fallani

Pipe down

Easton, Pa.: Every day, I read the letters in the Daily News  orange man bad, ICE agents bad, illegal aliens good, were having a constitutional crisis, Trump is a threat to democracy. After four years, we finally have a guy in the White House with an actual pulse. He was elected. Lets give him a chance! Barbara Cusano

Get tough on outsourcing

Middle Village: Instead of putting tariffs on goods coming into America, why dont we put a tax on companies that have shipped jobs overseas in order to bring those jobs back? Im certain Americans would love to have customer service jobs here rather than overseas. John Puglisi

Enthusiastic apathy

Hallandale, Fla.: Whatever can be said concerning Trumps foibles and liabilities, few should excite more outrage than his surrender to the Israeli government on the subject of Gaza. Does he express outrage at Israels turning Gaza to near total rubble, its refusal to allow food, water or medicine into the enclave for more than two months, its relentless attacks on hospitals, ambulances, aid workers and journalists, and now its daily attacks on fragile tents that house women and children, resulting in cold-blooded slaughters? Instead of excoriating Israel over its villainy and barbarous pursuits, he invites Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu here to assure him of even more money and weapons, including 500- and 2,000-pound bombs to continue the carnage. This is the state of our government, a moral turpitude of unprecedented proportions. Sid Sussman

The road not taken

San Mateo, Calif.: Suppose Israel had actually taken the directions of the UN and not retained the territories of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, which condemned it to rule over a non-Israeli population? What would todays reality be if this was now a Palestinian state? The Arab states could normalize relations with Israel as they are currently promising, provided the territories to be the UNs 194th sovereign nation. This state and Israel would be free to trade and develop unhindered, allowing for major benefits for all concerned. Most especially, we would have tens of thousands of people alive today and among us, enjoying this reality rather than being photo reminders of the needlessly deceased. Compare that with our sad state of affairs today. The land of milk and honey could have easily been todays reality. Mike Caggiano

Mere mortal

Medford, L.I.: Regarding Bramhalls cartoon about Trump becoming pope: The pope was not infallible. He was a person just like every other person in the world  a sinner. The only person who never sinned was Jesus Christ. The teaching that the pope is sinless is a misconception made up by man. Joseph Miserendino

Thats me!

Holliswood: I want to express my astonishment and appreciation for Voicer Frederick R. Bedell Jr.s remembrances of Queens Village, and to the Daily News for publishing a circa 1950 photo of my house and those of my neighbors. I moved into the first house on the right with my parents in 1958. The tiny spruce in the front yard is now 75 feet tall, and there are two others on the other side of the driveway. My parents are gone but I still own the house, and just like Bedell, can tell you all about the comings and goings of neighbors, stores and neighborhoods. I was confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Francis Lewis Blvd. and 100th Ave. and graduated from Woodhull Day School off Jamaica Ave. across from St. Gabriels Episcopal Church. We were allowed to come outside and watch as a huge crane raised the steeple onto the rebuilt church in the early 1960s. Karen Downen

Making money

Brooklyn: Its difficult to understand why Con Edison subscribers in New York are being squeezed with higher utility rates and are forced to sacrifice while this utility is scoring huge profits. From Con Eds 2024 Earnings Report: [Con Ed] today reported 2024 net income for common stock of $1,820 million or $5.26 a share compared with $2,519 million or $7.25 a share in 2023. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) were $1,868 million or $5.40 a share in 2024 compared with $1,762 million or $5.07 a share in 2023. Its price-gouging demands an independent investigation. David I. Goldstein

Weak case

Manhattan: The mayors objection to Andrew Cuomos running against him is that Mayor Adams was here already and that Cuomo is running in Adams house. Really? Instead of running on his record or showing how he is better qualified, all Adams can come up with is that he was here first and Cuomo is a mere intruder in his house? If thats the best Adams can do to convince New Yorkers to vote for him a second time, its pretty pathetic. Scandal-ridden Adams should go back to his former home before becoming mayor and let someone more qualified and less ethically challenged take over. While Cuomo, with his own past scandals and questionable ethics, may not be the ideal person for the job, there surely must be someone else among the candidates who is and will stand up to Trump. If not, New Yorkers are in big trouble. Chana Schwartz
Despite the multiple extensions for the Real ID deadline, there are still many Americans who don't have one and face the final deadline next month.

If you are among those who don't have the new identification or have yet to apply for one, here's what you need to know about getting it as soon as possible and being able to travel domestically until you do.

The Real ID Act, approved by Congress in 2005, was meant to improve security and minimize fraud in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by establishing a nationwide standard for identification.

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The original deadline to have a Real ID to allow Americans to travel domestically or enter federal facilities such as military bases or federal courthouses was May 2008. The new deadline is May 7.

Funding challenges, concerns over travel interruptions and the pandemic delayed the government from implementing the Real ID requirement for almost two decades.

Even though people have had plenty of time to apply for their Real ID, a recent CBS News data analysis conducted from April 7-18 found that at least 30 states are less than 70% compliant. That means in more than half of the country, about three in every 10 travelers may not be able to pass through an airport checkpoint starting May 7.

Twelve states and the District of Columbia reported compliance rates above 90%, CBS reported.

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As of Jan. 1, more than 18.5 million California residents now have their Real ID, compared with last year's January count of 16.9 million according to recent data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The CBS analysis said California has reached nearly 55% compliance.

There's still a long way to go for the state to reach complete compliance. More than 35 million Californians have either an ID, both an ID and a driver's license, or an ID for people under the age of 16.

Read more: SoCal immigrants, allies can learn what to do when ICE shows up. Here's how

Can I travel domestically without a Real ID?

If you don't have a Real ID or you applied for one but it won't arrive by the May 7 deadline, the Transportation Security Administration will accept other forms of identification at TSA checkpoints.

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The TSA accepts:



U.S. passport

U.S. passport card

Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

Permanent resident card

Border crossing card

An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards.

HSPD-12 Personal identity verification card

Foreign government-issued passport

Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

Transportation worker identification credential

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Veteran Health Identification Card

Travelers who do not present a Real ID or another acceptable identification can "expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint," according to the TSA.

Currently, 81% of travelers at TSA checkpoints present an acceptable identification, including a state-issued REAL ID, the TSA stated in a news release.

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Read more: California lawmaker announces ballot initiative campaign after voter ID bill fails

Do I still have time to meet the May 7 deadline?

To get a Real ID, you have to apply for it through your local Department of Motor Vehicles office.

From now until June 27, 18 DMV offices will open at 7 a.m., an hour earlier, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays to serve only people with appointments to obtain a Real ID.

To start the process, you should visit the DMV website and review the document checklist for what youll need to prove your identity and residency. You can fill out an application online, upload the required documents and schedule an appointment at your local DMV office.

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These DMV offices will open an hour early:



Pleasanton (6300 W. Las Positas Blvd.)

Fremont (4287 Central Ave.)

Folsom (323 E. Bidwell St., Suite A)

Carmichael (5209 North Ave.)

Thousand Oaks (1810 E. Avenida de los Arboles)

Van Nuys (14920 Vanowen St.)

Arleta (14400 Van Nuys Blvd.)

Glendale (1335 W. Glenoaks Blvd.)

Pasadena (49 S. Rosemead Blvd.)

Culver City (11400 W. Washington Blvd.)

Westminster (13700 Hoover St.)

Costa Mesa (650 W. 19th St.)

San Clemente (2727 Via Cascadita)

Rancho Cucamonga (8629 Hellman Ave.)

San Diego Clairemont (4375 Derrick Drive)

San Marcos (590 Rancheros Drive)

El Cajon (1450 Graves Ave.)

Poway (13461 Community Road)

The DMV recently announced that 11 offices will be open May 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accommodate customers who want to get the Real ID. before the deadline. No other services will be provided on this date at these locations.

The offices listed below will be open by appointment only:



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Concord (2070 Diamond Blvd.)

Fullerton (909 W. Valencia Drive)

Glendale (1335 W. Glenoaks Blvd.)

Oakland (5300 Claremont Ave.)

Poway (13461 Community Road)

Riverside East (6425 Sycamore Canyon Blvd.)

Roseville (7200 Galilee Road)

San Clemente (2727 Via Cascadita)

San Jose (111 W. Alma Ave.)

Thousand Oaks (1810 E. Avenida de los Arboles)

West Covina (800 S. Glendora Ave.)

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Starting May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements at its airport security checkpoints. You won't be able to fly with a regular driver's license.

Still need to obtain a REAL ID? Here's how to get one in Ohio before the deadline.

Ohio BMV to hold extended hours for REAL ID on April 26 and May 3

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced on X that it will extend its regular hours of operation in the weeks leading up to the May 7 deadline, on Saturday, April 26, and Saturday, May 3, so Ohioans can acquire their REAL IDs.

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The BMV will stay open until 3 p.m. both Saturdays to accommodate Ohioans wanting to get a REAL ID ahead of the enforcement date. To contact the BMV, visit the website or call them at (844) 644-6268.

More than 50% of Ohio licenses and IDs are now REAL ID-compliant, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

In anticipation of the REAL ID enforcement on May 7, 2025, BMV locations across the state will have extended hours for service until 3 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2025 and on Saturday, May 3, 2025. pic.twitter.com/orcw48WZ6u  Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (@Ohio_BMV) April 23, 2025

What do you need to bring for your REAL ID? Documents for Ohio BMV

To get a REAL ID from the Ohio BMV, Ohioans must present documents to prove the following:

Full legal name

Date of birth

Social Security number

Ohio street address (two documents, from different sources proving Ohio street address that are listed on the Acceptable Document List are required for proof of Ohio residency.)

Proof of name change (if applicable)

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, to go through airport security and enter federal buidlings.

No REAL ID? Here are the TSA-approved alternatives

TSA will also accept other forms of identification like a passport to get through airport security.

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U.S. passport

U.S. passport card

DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

Border crossing card

An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe

HSPD-12 PIV card

Foreign government-issued passport

Canadian provincial drivers license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

Transportation worker identification credential

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

What is a REAL ID? Why is it required to travel?

The Real ID Act is 20 years in the making. Passed by Congress in 2005 and signed into law by former President George W. Bush, the REAL ID was designed to improve security measures after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but it has seen delays over the years.

By May 7, REAL IDs will be required to get through airport security and federal facilities like nuclear power plants.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: You need a REAL ID. How to make an appointment in Ohio before May 7
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The aunt of a North Shore girl who died after authorities said she was severely abused told KHON2 she thought the girls adoptive parents were the perfect fit and the girl would be safe. Instead, shes left with so many questions.

Relatives of 11-year-old Azaeliyah Pili Ah You cant believe shes gone and wish they had done more.

Judge denies bail for woman accused of beating adopted daughter to death

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We werent in the best place to take her at the time, like she could have struggled with us and still been alive, said Hai Acevedo, Azaeliyahs aunt. You know, like we would have been able to make it happen.

Azaeliyah died in December 2023. Her adoptive mother, Sina Pili, is charged with manslaughter, accused of beating her to death.

I really thought that she was safe, said Acevedo. I never would have thought any of this would have happened.

Hai Acevedo is Azaeliyahs aunt. Cousins with her biological mom, who passed away a few years ago. Shes also related to Pilis husband, Davis Pili, who has not been arrested or charged in connection with this case.

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Even Acevedo admits that on paper, the Pilis were the perfect fit.

Davis Pili is a bailiff whose family is well-known in the community. Sina Pili was a teacher in the DOE and was working on her PhD while raising Azaeliyah and four other adopted children.

During her bail hearing, Pilis attorney, Miles Breiner, asked the court-appointed guardian about Pilis relationship with her four other adopted children.

Is there any evidence whatsoever that the children have ever been abused? None, replied Sheri Ritter, attorney/guardian ad Litem. Any evidence that the children have ever been malnourished? None. Tortured? No. Are the kids, based on you being the GAL, would you describe them as thriving? Absolutely.

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If you couldnt handle her after you took her in, why adopt her? asked Acevedo. Why even take those steps to keep her if you couldnt handle it, like, I just dont. She would have been better off waiting for us in the system until somebody was ready to take her.

Acevedo currently lives on the Big Island, but lived near Azaeliyah for years. She said her oldest daughter and Azaeliyah were like two peas in a pod growing up. Now, she has to explain why her cousin is gone.

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Its just so sad because kids are so innocent, and you try to preserve the innocence in them, you know, and having to tell them that their cousin died like that was the hardest thing that I had to do, said Acevedo.

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Pilis trial is scheduled for May.

What do you hope the outcome is? I hope she goes to jail, said Acevedo. I hope she gets stuck in jail. I do, I hope justice is served.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
A Southern California police department is having a little fun at the expense of a theft suspect they are trying to locate and arrest.

As part of its Wanted Wednesday series, Irvine police released security camera photos of two men accused of recently stealing a persons wallet from Trader Joes at 4225 Campus Drive.

They later used the victims credit card to buy a phone at a nearby Best Buy, police said.

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One of the individuals was sporting indoor sunglasses and a mullet, bold fashion choices, Irvine PD noted in a social media post captioned, Do you recognize this mullet?

Weve got questions: Is the mullet making a comeback? Is it still business in the front, party in the back if you commit a crime? the post said. And most importantlydo you recognize this duo?

Police are asking anyone with information to email authorities at svoigt@cityofirvine.org.

Help us bring justice and maybe a new hair stylist into this situation, police joked.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A child in the Head Start program at the Cranston Child Development Center plays on an oversized xylophone on April 23, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

For 60 years, Head Start, a program designed to support the nations youngest and most economically challenged children, has given children and parents a real opportunity, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said outside the Cranston Child Development Center Wednesday.

But now a recently leaked document from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) suggests Head Start, which falls under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), could see its funding cut entirely as part of an agency reorganization.

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The prospect of eliminating Head Start funding surfaced in a leaked, 64-page budget document first shared by Inside Medicine, a Substack-hosted publication, and later verified by the Washington Post and other major news outlets. The document comprises President Donald Trumps suggestions for the HHS budget in the fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1.

Our job in government is to create opportunities, not to deny it, Reed told the crowd gathered. We know that investing in early education for children, especially comprehensive, high quality Head Start, pays for itself many times.

Since its inception, the program started under President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of larger anti-poverty initiatives has served newborns through 5-year-olds, subsidizing child care, preschool and other early learning supports for families with incomes up to the poverty line. The Early Head Start program also offers services to pregnant women. Enrollment data from 2023 showed 1,610 Rhode Island kids in Head Start, and 675 kids in Early Head Start.

The whole premise of Head Start is to have children going into kindergarten equally with children that have parents who can afford to pay for child care or send them to private schools, said Stacy Del Vicario, vice president of child development at the Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), the parent organization of the Cranston center, in an interview after the press event.

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HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

According to the leaked document, Trumps proposed HHS budget does not fund Head Start. This elimination is consistent with the Administrations goal of returning education to the States and increasing parental choice. The Federal government should not be in the business of mandating curriculum, locations, and performance standards for any form of education.

Losing this program would make it so that wed have hundreds of thousands of children that will not have access to early child care, which means that then you have parents that arent able to work, Del Vicario said. Because how are you affording child care?

Its possible that Trumps budget proposal might not inform the congressional budget at all  it serves more as an executive branch wishlist, rather than a concrete spending plan. But since Trump took office, Rhode Islands congressional delegates have hosted a flurry of press conferences designed to preempt and publicize the potential and ongoing threats to certain spending programs.

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On Wednesday, it was Reed alone who came to Cranston to speak in defense of the program which received around $12 billion in fiscal year 2024. Surrounded by Head Start providers and a few parents, Reed emphasized the program as a means of preparing kids for kindergarten and elementary school regardless of their background. The program, the senator said, makes school readinessa family affair.

Losing this program would make it so that wed have hundreds of thousands of children that will not have access to early child care, which means that then you have parents that arent able to work. Because how are you affording child care?

 Stacy Del Vicario, vice president of child development at the Comprehensive Community Action Program

Now is the time to raise our voices and push back against these proposals that will undermine one of the most effective programs we have for children, Reed said. The Trump administration says they want to empower parents and send education to local communities. But Head Start is already a local program.

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Storm Brooks is a mother of two boys who attended Head Start and Early Head Start at the Cranston center.

I wanted to start off the speech by mentioning how unexpected life is, Brooks told the crowd, then recounted how her finances turned upside down when the pandemic hit in 2020.

Head Start allowed her young boys in a trusted facility that not only meets my financial needs, but also gives me the surety that my children are safe, protected and cared for by trained professionals, Brooks said. She added her kids have shown improvements in cognition, school and sociability since they entered the program.

Reed zoomed out a bit further to consider Head Start as a way to build up young minds for future accomplishments. If you dont have that stimulation as a child, you wont develop your full potential, and you wont be able to give as much as you could to this country, he said.

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Brooks offered a more specific example: a mother of two girls she often sees bringing her kids to the Cranston center.

I see her Uber and Lyft her way here every morning and every afternoon, transferring her car seats to and fro from the building, making sure that her children get here safely, Brooks said, adding that she wonders what this mother would do without Head Start.

How much more difficult would it be for her to save up to have that vehicle for her children? Brooks said. Because of Head Start, that mother is out working today to be able to do just that.

While the Head Start funding cuts may be hypothetical at the moment, the closure of regional Head Start offices is not. On April 3, Head Start providers nationwide received an email from the HHS Administration for Children and Families that five regional offices  Boston, New York, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco  would be closed and consolidated starting on April 1.

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We were very caught off guard. Probably not as much as they were, because they literally walked to work and then it wasnt available, Del Vicario said of the people working in the shuttered Head Start offices.

Storm Brooks, a mother of two boys who attended Head Start and Early Head Start at the Cranston Child Development Center, speaks during a press event at the child care center on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed is seated at right. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Not just babysitting

Proponents of Head Start say the program has long been underfunded at both the state and federal level, leaving a limited number of eligibility slots for families.

Del Vicario has worked in Rhode Island Head Start for 16 years, but said she has never seen cuts of the same magnitude as the ones in the OMB proposal. Rhode Islands delegation has always been so forward thinking with early childhood, she said, but added that many states are not so lucky.

There are a lot of states and people out there, unfortunately, that dont realize that early childhood is not just babysitting or not just putting a kid in a rocking chair, Del Vicario said.

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But she also acknowledged that people who arent raising young children might be unaware of the inner workings of the program, which she described as being tailored to community needs, offering a comprehensive spectrum of child care from between four and six hours of classroom time plus access to social workers, mental health supports, nutritionists, nurses and more.

CCAPs Head Start grants run on a five-year cycle, Del Vicario said, with the most recent starting in November 2024. So far the organizations funding has not been imperiled. But the closure of the regional office is troubling, she said, because its become harder to access information. Federal contacts for technical assistance and training have remained intact, Del Vicario said, and theyve been helpful in communicating what they know about the programs status.

Other questions remain unanswered.

Who do we report into? Who do we turn our grants into? Who do we ask questions? Del Vicario wondered. Because we really havent been given any names yet. Theyve given us this generic email kind of thing.

The lack of higher-up oversight has introduced concerns about grant compliance, Del Vicario said, as providers are still being monitored.

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KIGALI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda received 137 asylum-seekers evacuated from Libya late Wednesday, according to the ministry in charge of emergency management.

The latest batch of asylum-seekers to arrive in Rwanda includes individuals from Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, but most of them are from Sudan, the ministry said in a statement.

The evacuees will be temporarily hosted at the Gashora transit center in eastern Rwanda, from where they will wait for processing to be relocated to other countries.

The evacuation to Rwanda is done under a 2019 memorandum of understanding Rwanda signed with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the African Union, under which a transit mechanism was set up to provide lifesaving protection, assistance and long-term solutions to vulnerable individuals trapped in Libya.

Since 2019, 2,760 individuals have been evacuated, with over 2,100 already resettled to third countries, according to the latest UNHCR data. 
VIRGINIA BEACH  U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans recently met with leaders from Dominion Energy, Virginia Natural Gas and other Hampton Roads business representatives to discuss how clean energy investments are growing the local workforce and bringing long-term economic growth to the region.

During a Wednesday roundtable event, hosted by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, she also discussed efforts to drum up more support for clean energy among Republicans.

Its really important that we use our voice even more loudly now, she said, noting the small Republican majority in the U.S. House, the Senate and a Republican in the White House. There are those of us in districts like this one that really care about these renewable energy issues, clean energy, just the business side of it.

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Clean energy refers to power sources that curb greenhouse gas emissions or pollutants, which are primarily caused by burning fossil fuels, deforestation and agricultural activities.

Kiggans, a Republican who represents Virginias 2nd Congressional District, has been a supporter of offshore wind energy since her days as a state senator. Shes also an advocate for clean energy tax credits. The congresswoman said shes starting to see similar support from some GOP colleagues and is trying to amplify it.

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Shes a member of the House Conservative Climate Caucus, which launched several years ago and aims to educate House Republicans on climate policies and legislation consistent with conservative values, among other initiatives.

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Weve banded together, and were using our voices, and we are making sure that our leadership knows that these issues are important, she said, adding that they try to appeal to the fiscal conservative side of clean energy projects.

We know best how to speak that love language, right, to the people who are leading the country, she said.

President Donald Trump has taken steps to limit future offshore wind projects, and recently stopped construction of a wind farm off the coast of New York.

After the roundtable, The Virginian-Pilot asked Kiggans if she was concerned about potential federal cuts to wind energy. Dominion Energys Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project is under construction 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. The $9.8 billion project will generate energy to power up to 660,000 homes, according to Dominion, and is expected to be completed at the end of 2026.

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I am closely monitoring all new proposals and will continue advocating for responsible investments that strengthen our domestic energy independence and support skilled jobs and economic growth in Virginias 2nd District, Kiggans said.

During the discussion, Kiggans also gave a nod to Dominion Energy for a partnership with Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach. The East Coast master jet base in Kiggans district is providing utility easements to Dominion for onshore transmission of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project in exchange for technology upgrades, she said.

For me, energy security is national security, she said, adding that she had an eye-opening experience as a member of the House Armed Services Committee during a visit to Silicon Valley last fall.

Our defense industry doesnt have the energy sufficient to get the job done and supply the warfighter with the needs and the technology thats out there, said Kiggans, a former Naval helicopter pilot. We need to do better.

Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., a Yale Law graduate and member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, joins The Hill on NewsNation as the White House zeroes in on higher education. President Trump signed executive orders requiring universities to disclose foreign gifts and tying accreditation to academic merit. Meanwhile, Yale is facing backlash over a late-night, unauthorized anti-Israel protest and is under a second federal investigation into antisemitism. The protest comes as the Trump administration revokes billions in funding from Harvard and Columbia over similar concerns.

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Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) said he is cautiously optimistic after he met with new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Mills traveled to Damascus last week on an unofficial fact-finding mission, where he held talks with al-Sharaa about economic sanctions and peace between Syria and Israel, Bloomberg reported.

I am cautiously optimistic and look to maintain open dialogue, Mills, an army veteran, told the outlet of his visit.

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Mills, a close ally of President Trumps, told the outlet he plans to brief the president and national security adviser Mike Waltz when he returns to the U.S., as well as deliver a letter from al-Sharaa to Trump.

The Florida lawmaker took the trip with a group of influential Syrian Americans who are lobbying the U.S. government to lift the sanctions imposed on the former Syrian administration.

Mills told the outlet that he spoke with al-Sharaa to outline the Trump administrations expectations for the strict sanctions to be lifted, which the Syrian leader is hoping to facilitate to help his devastated economy and war-torn country via foreign investors. Qatar and Saudi Arabia have shown willingness to help Syria financially but are being blocked from doing so by the U.S. sanctions, Bloomberg noted.

Mills said part of the U.S. conditions would be that any chemical weapons left over from the administration of former President Bashar Assad must be destroyed, and the country would have to coordinate on counterterrorism initiatives with other U.S. allies.

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Assads regime fell in December to Syrian rebels, ending his nearly 30 years in power.

The country would also have to provide assurances to Israel, which does not trust al-Sharaa and is opposed to the U.S. lifting its sanctions, Bloomberg reported.

Millss visit comes just days after the U.S. announced it would be withdrawing hundreds of troops from Syria. The Pentagon argued the shift is a consolidation to reflect a changing security environment in the country and highlighted the success of the 2019 Trump-era ISIS defeat.

The Trump administration said the withdrawing of troops would bring U.S. forces down to less than 1,000 over the next few months, though it faces risks, as theres been an uptick of attacks on American bases in Syria over the last year.

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Mills noted to Bloomberg that once Germany and Japan were enemies of the U.S., but we have to move beyond this if we are to have stabilization with Syria.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)- US Representative Nathaniel Moran held a town hall meeting in Tyler on Tuesday with the goal of speaking with his constituents face-to-face.

I know folks want to engage personally, and thats why we set this up, U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran said. A lot of members of congress are not doing in-person town halls, but I think its a responsibility to the constituents.

The night took a turn when people began shouting and holding up signs with the words Lie and False written on them.

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They would ask a question, they yelled while the question was being asked, they yelled while he was answering the question, Smith County Republican Party chairman David Stein said.

Smith County Democratic Party Precinct 54 chair Mitzi Rusk claimed everyone just wanted their questions heard.

I actually thought that the signs were a way that we could be quiet, yet we could say, I disagree, Rusk said.

Ryan Nichols, who announced he would run against Moran in the upcoming May election, made an appearance before storming out. Nichols was pardoned by President Trump for his part in January 6th.

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Im sorry that I didnt get a chance to hear what he was having to say, but we were engaged in that question-and-answer time frame, and yelling from the back of the room just wasnt a constructive way to engage in that conversation, Rep. Moran said.

Moran says he isnt going to let this stop him from holding in-person townhalls in the future because it is important for him to engage with the voters.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Snow dusts the Organ Mountains, the remnants of an early January storm. (Danielle Prokop / Source New Mexico)

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in Las Cruces is one of six national monuments Interior Department officials have identified to lose federal protections, two sources told the Washington Post in a story published Thursday.

Those federal protections prevent private companies from exploiting the monuments for minerals, oil and gas or other commodities. In addition to the monument in Southern New Mexico, the Post names ones in Utah, Arizona and California, including Baaj Nwaavjo Itah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon, Ironwood Forest, Chuckwalla, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, on the list.

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Being added to the list means Interior Department officials are reviewing geological maps to analyze the potential for mining and oil production and to assess whether to revise their boundaries, one person told the Washington Post, which provided the person anonymity to discuss decisions that had not yet been made.

Members of the states congressional delegation also named Organ Mountains Desert Peaks as one of three national monuments in the state  along with Rio Grande del Norte and Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks  potentially on the chopping block in a letter earlier this week to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, which urged him to maintain protections.

Patrick Nolan, executive director of the Friends of Desert Mountains-Organ Peaks organization, told Source New Mexico that the Thursday report represents the clearest sign yet that the extremely popular monument could lose its protections.

These rumors have been percolating for a few months, and I think this is the most tangible, real thing that we have seen, he said in a phone interview. Right now, I have to assume that its real.

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Heinrich, in a post on social media, criticized the Interior Department for the prospect of selling off public lands to the highest bidder.

Stripping Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks of its protections would be a reckless abuse of power and a slap in the face to countless New Mexicans. We have a moral responsibility to future generations that supersedes any ultra wealthy executives desire to line their pockets, he wrote.

The report coincides with a leak of a draft strategy document at Interior first reported on by news organization Public Domain. The strategy document, which Source NM also obtained, lays out the messaging and objectives the department intends to use as it explores things like releas[ing] federal holdings to allow state and local communities to reduce costs and increas[ing] revenues from grazing, timber, critical minerals, gravel and other non-energy resources.

Nolan noted that Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks is a relatively new national monument, first granted federal protection in 2014 under President Barack Obama. During President Donald Trumps first term, his administration reviewed it and other Southwest monuments to potentially strip their federal protections.

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In that period, Nolan said, no mining or other private interest clamored to extract resources from the land now protected.

It makes it more confusing, he said. Because there is no known, at least to me and the general public, presence of these materials. So it really calls into question, what is the real intention behind these reviews and boundary redrawing?

Nolans best guess? They dont like protected public lands, he said.

In the decade since becoming a national monument, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks has become wildly popular and a major economic driver in the region, Nolan said. Businesses like Organ Mountain Outfitters have popped up, and its become a national destination for bicycle backpacking, he said.

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According to a study commission by the Las Cruces Green Chamber published last year, the designation of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks has resulted in a $234 million economic impact over the last decade. Visitation to the area increased from 183,900 in 2012, which was before it became a national monument, to 612,781 in 2022, according to the report.

The news of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks moving closer to losing its protected status drew rebukes across New Mexicos conservation interest groups. New Mexico Wild is one of them.

That this president would contemplate this action with zero consultation from our communities is exactly the kind of DC driven, top down, intrusive and unwanted government interference that he claimed as a candidate to be against, Executive Director Mark Allison said in a statement.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The FBI analyzed trends from more than 850,000 complaints of suspected internet crime last year and found that cryptocurrency fraud was one of the top cyber crimes in 2024.

The 2024 Internet Crime Report, published Wednesday by the FBI, revealed that the Volunteer State lost more than $82 million to cryptocurrency scams last year. Nationwide data revealed a 33% increase in losses from the year prior. However, the FBI isnt the only agency that has been tracking scams  so has the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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From the reports that weve seen, on average, its been about $5,000 lost to these types of scams, and usually the age group is 35 and up, said Lorneth Peters, vice president of marketing engagement for the BBB of Middle Tennessee. We are unable to track where the money went, [or] who you sent the money to; tracking that information is somewhat complex.

According to the FBI report, there are some popular ways the scams were carried out. They include extortion In one investment fraud tactic called pig butchering, scammers target victims online and develop relationships before introducing a fraudulent opportunity for cryptocurrency investment. Personal data breaches were also common.

FBI data also showed that people aged 60 and over submitted the most complaints to the agency. That age group also suffered the most losses after falling victim to cryptocurrency fraud.

When people are working with crypto and Bitcoin online, they often dont know who theyre talking to and theyre often, often targeted. Janet Gatewood, one of the owners of Bitcoin Bens Crypto Club Nashville, told News 2.

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Janet and Todd Gatewood said they set the business up to help educate the community on how to use cryptocurrency safely. They operate the business out of Brentwood and frequently assist senior citizens and other community members with information about how to navigate the digital landscape. They say its important to do your research.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

With the advent of AI and everything else, its going to get tougher, Todd said.

The FBI also has tips on protecting yourself:

Dont invest with someone you dont know and have only met online.

If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Confirm that what youre investing in is valid.

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If you believe youve been a victim of a cryptocurrency scam, you can follow this link to file a 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 WKRN News 2.
Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, speaks on the House floor in an undated photo. He was among the Republicans who walked out of a House Appropriations Committee meeting this week in protest of a bill that would close a facility in Pierce County for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services)

Republican lawmakers walked out of a committee meeting in the Washington Legislature on Wednesday to protest approval of a bill that would close a residential center for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We voted no on the bill first and, when it was apparent that the bill was going to pass, we were upset and we just decided to leave, said Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, the top GOP lawmaker on the House Appropriations Committee.

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Senate Bill 5393, which the committee voted out Wednesday, aims to close the Rainier School in Pierce County and relocate its residents by June 30, 2027. House Bill 1472 calls for the closure of both the Rainier School and the Yakima Valley School in Selah.

Republicans say the centers are crucial for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing paths to educational and employment opportunities. And they say that there are limited options for where people could end up if these closures occur.

But Democrats say the facilities are expensive to operate and that closing them could allow for resources to be shifted in a way that gives people improved options for services.

Failing pretty horrifically

The residential habilitation centers, operated by the states Department of Social and Health Services, have also faced scrutiny in recent years.

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Groups like Disability Rights Washington have documented extensive problems with abuse, neglect, and safety lapses. The group and other advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have called for the centers to be closed.

Washington is one of the states that had the highest investment in folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities, yet with the poorest outcomes, said Rep. Darya Farivar, D-Seattle.

When the RHCs were built, they were intended to be short-term placements, Farivar said. The intent was not for these to be permanent placements, and so the facilities we are using, the level of care that we are using, is failing pretty horrifically for these individuals.

She also explained how the Rainier School is in an isolated location, compared to Fircrest School, in Shoreline, which allows residents greater access to the surrounding community. A new 120-bed facility is under construction at Fircrest, Farivar later noted in an email.

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Including the Rainier and Yakima Valley schools, the state operates four residential habilitation centers. An analysis of the Senate bill says that the Rainier School has 58 long-term residents.

Farivar said she wants people to have the choice between a residential habilitation center and living in housing in the broader community, with support services.

Both Fircrest and Lakeland Village, near Spokane, have the capacity to house more people and can provide services at a lower cost than the Rainier School, Farivar said. At $775,625 per person annually, Rainier is the most expensive care setting in the state, she wrote in the email.

Farivar said she and others are pressing to ensure theres funding in the budget for the staff needed at Fircrest and Lakeland Village so people can transition out of the Rainier School.

Grind the brakes off of this place

Couture said closing the Rainier School would raise the odds of people with disabilities ending up in hospitals, jails, or living on the streets without access to care.

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And, he said, the amount of abuse and neglect that happens in community care settings is just as great, if not greater, than what has ever happened at some of these RHC facilities.

Couture said that if the bill to close the Rainier School makes it to the House floor for a vote, Republicans will grind the brakes off of this place and do every procedural motion in the book, we will throw the kitchen sink at defeating this. It has to stop.

He derided the bill as the most cruel and disgusting one introduced this year.

The walkout after the House Appropriations Committee vote was not pre-planned, according to Couture, but rather a decision after Republican committee members became frustrated. Most of us had tears in our eyes and theres only just so much you can put up with, Couture said.

It is unclear when the House could take up the bill for a floor vote. Only a short time is left until the session is scheduled to end on Sunday, April 27.
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing oversees nursing homes in the state of Iowa. (Photo via Getty Images; logo courtesy of the State of Iowa)

In the wake of a resident death caused by an untreated bed sore, an Iowa nursing home is continuing to accrue daily fines for failing to comply with federal regulations.

So far, those fines total more than $139,707, with an additional $2,200 in fines added each day the home remains out of compliance, according to state and federal regulators.

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State inspection records show that in January, the staff at Sanford Senior Care in Sheldon, a 70-bed nursing home affiliated with the Sanford Medical Center, found that a male resident of the home had developed a reddened area on his coccyx, or tailbone. The staff failed to assess and treat the situation or notify the mans family or physician  even after it developed into an open sore in February, according to inspectors.

The resident died on March 6. According to state inspectors, the immediate cause of death was MRSA cellulitis  a dangerous skin infection that stems from staph bacteria  caused by the open wound.

Sanford Senior Care is part of the Sanford Medical Center complex in Sheldon, Iowa. (Photo via Google Earth)

There was bloody skin on both sides of the buttocks and continuing down it looked like hamburger, a nurse aide reportedly told inspectors. The facilitys director of nursing allegedly informed inspectors that certain employees were disciplined as a result of the death, adding, We are trying to do everything possible to prevent this from occurring again.

Administrator Richard Nordahl referred all questions on the matter to Sanford Health, which then issued a written statement, attributed to Nordahl, that said, Due to privacy laws, we are unable to provide any comment on this inquiry.

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No state fines were imposed as a result of the death, although the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensings website indicated a federal fine of some sort was imposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

When asked, DIAL initially declined to disclose any information about the fine and referred the Iowa Capital Dispatch to CMS. A CMS spokesman then referred the Capital Dispatch back to DIAL. On Tuesday, a DIAL spokesman said the state agency had conferred with CMS and had obtained the federal agencys permission to release the information.

DIAL now says that after it was determined that regulatory violations had placed residents of the home in immediate jeopardy, a fine of $12,130 per day was imposed for the six days the jeopardy existed. The penalty totaled $72,780, but was reduced 35% by CMS, to $47,307, presumably because the home didnt appeal the fine.

After the immediate-jeopardy situation was resolved, other issues still remained and so the daily fines continued but at the rate of $2,220 per day beginning March 12, 2025, according to DIAL. That particular fine will continue to accrue, DIAL says, until the facility has made the necessary corrections to achieve substantial compliance with regulations.

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As of Tuesday, April 22, that $2,200 daily fine would have totaled $92,400. Combined, the two federal fines totaled $139,707 as of that date  although the second set of daily fines, like the first, remains subject to a 35% reduction if the home chooses to forgo an appeal.

On CMS five-star quality scale, the Sheldon facility currently has a one-star overall rating  the lowest possible score.
Cal Fire was able to contain a fire at a home in Templeton early Tuesday evening, but not before flames heavily damaged the building.

According to a post from Cal Fire on X, Cal Fire received a report of a fire at around 6:02 p.m. Tuesday at a residence in the 100 block of Spanish Oak Lane in Templeton.

Though around 75% of the structure was involved in flames when Cal Fire arrived, the single occupant of the home was able to get out of the building safely.

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By 7 p.m., the fire was fully extinguished and Cal Fire crews were overhauling the structure, according to the post.

Cal Fire public information office Ryan Grebe said the cause of the fire is unknown, with an investigation ongoing.

Grebe said the fire was extinguished with the combined efforts of Cal Fire and the San Luis Obispo County, Templeton, Atascadero and Paso Robles fire departments.
ABUJA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on world leaders to demonstrate unity, courage, and sustained commitment in addressing the worsening global climate crisis.

Addressing a high-level virtual dialogue on Wednesday, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria's dedication to forging a paradigm shift in which climate action and economic growth advance together.

"The global climate emergency demands our collective, courageous, and sustained leadership," said Tinubu. "For Nigeria, the urgency of this moment is clear: we view climate action not as a cost to development, but as a strategic imperative."

The event was co-organized by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to accelerate global climate ambition ahead of COP30, which Brazil will host in November.

Tinubu outlined Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan as a bold, pragmatic roadmap for reaching net-zero emissions by 2060. The plan targets five core sectors, including power, cooking, transportation, oil and gas, and industry, with a financing need of over 410 billion U.S. dollars.

Highlighting Nigeria's role as an anchor country in the Mission 300 initiative, implemented in partnership with the World Bank and the African Development Bank, Tinubu noted that the initiative aimed to deliver electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

He also recalled his participation in the Dar es Salaam Declaration earlier this year and Nigeria's presentation of its National Energy Compact, which outlines reform commitments, investment opportunities, and measurable targets to expand clean energy access and clean cooking solutions.

"We are working to position Nigeria as a premier destination for climate-smart investment through the development of a Global Climate Change Investment Fund, which will serve as a platform to blend public and private capital, de-risk green infrastructure, and finance clean energy solutions at scale," Tinubu said.

He added that the fund will support key national priorities such as green industrial hubs, e-mobility infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, and renewable energy mini-grids for underserved communities. 
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)  A new restaurant and bar brought to life by local hospitality group High Tide Provisions is opening in Mount Pleasant this summer.

Located at 1434 Ira Road next to Highway 17, the space combines work from several local businesses, including CB Elrod & Co. and Bello Garris Architects for construction and Hunter Floyd Williams of Hunter Studio for design, branding, and creative direction.

The spacious indoor restaurants menu will spotlight dishes created by High Tides Culinary Partner, Chef Jonathan Rohland. The bar will serve craft beers, creative cocktails, and a wine list.

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Custom banquette nooks, a wood-paneled bar lounge, and bright red accents throughout the furniture and ice cream shack highlight the design elements.

Frank & Jacks is more than just a restaurantits a celebration of community, said Stephanie Samuels, Project Leader at High Tide Provisions. With our spacious indoor and outdoor areas, its a perfect place for everything from casual happy hours to leisurely lunches to spirited dinners. Its designed to be a space where people come together to make memories.

Once open, Frank & Jacks will serve lunch, dinner daily, and weekend brunch. To see updates, follow the restaurant on Instagram. Creators said the team will start serving guests by late summer.

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ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY)  If youre looking for the perfect place for some dulces internacionalesor international sweetsMora Bakery is the way to go.

Mora Bakery of Elkins is bringing you the love of homemade sweets with an international twist, as mother-and-daughter duo Neyla and Vanesa Mora opened the bakery to bring the community something new.

The familys love for baking started when Vanesa was only 15, when her mother Neyla made her a birthday cake. Since then, the idea of a storefront has always been a dream of theirs.

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12 News spoke with Vanesa about their favorite aspect of owning a bakery.

Creating every single item, every time we make a new cookie and stuff like that, is really exciting, and we just love to be able to come up with ideas and create. It is just really nice to be able to share something that we love with the community, said Mora.

Restaurant Road Trip: Cafe Oliverio

(WBOY image)

Mora Bakery features fresh breads and pastries made daily, alongside a variety of different milkshake flavors, like chocolate-covered strawberries and dulce de leche.

Vanesa even took inspiration from her son and created a variety of different fruit drinks made from fresh fruits like pineapple, passion fruit, and peaches without any added sugar.

Mora also spoke with 12 News on some of the fan-favorite items within the bakery.

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We do have the tres leches as one of our biggest cakes. It is so moist, its a really rich cake. We also have our famous cookies. Theyre filled cookies. We do have pastries, we have pepperoni rolls, we do, like, ham and cheese. We try to bring different things every week, said Mora.

You can also find Argentine cookies and pastries at Mora Bakery, alongside custom cakes, cupcakes, and more. For those who are gluten-free, theyve even got some options for you, too.

Mora Bakery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located at 102 2nd Street in Elkins. You can keep up with the bakery through its Facebook page.

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Retirement, interrupted: Why those over 55 are a fast-growing segment of the workforce

Joan Madden-Ceballos, a 65-year-old health care administrator, has a working life in California many would envy. Her work is flexible, fulfilling, and something she enjoys going back to day after day. "I'm a baby boomer, so work is sort of ingrained in our lives," she told Vox.

While it may sound unusual for some to work past what many consider the "golden years" of retirement, Madden-Ceballos is among the increasing number of Americans who have stuck around the workforce longer as they age, according to federal data. Per 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 1 in 5 workers are 55 or older. Three in 20 working Americans are aged 55 to 64, while roughly 7 in 100 are older than 64.

From 2003 to 2023, there was a sizable jump in people 55 and older still in the workforcenearly a 74% increasebut there were also profound jumps in those working who are 65 and older. The number of workers aged 65 to 74 jumped 139%, and those 75 and older increased by 113%.

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Health Centers Near Me explored data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to examine why the aging workforce in the United States is working past the typical retirement age.

Arrow plot showing how the share of workforce 55 and over has grown nearly 8% from 2003 to 2023. Nearly one in four workers are 55 or over as of 2023. - Health Centers Near Me

With longer lives and better health, seniors are choosing to work

There are a few reasons why many seniors are choosing to work past their retirement age.

Older Americans today are living longer and maintaining their physical independence longer. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, the average 65-year-old was expected to live another 18.9 years in 2022, compared to just 17.6 years in 2000. A 2023 study of 5.4 million older Americans published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health also found that across 10 years, the number of people 65 and over with functional limitations had decreased significantly.

Work may be a way to stay active in society for some older Americans. Workers aged 50 and older told researchers their jobs have had a positive effect on their physical and mental health, according to the 2024 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. Nearly half said that work gave them a sense of purpose and kept their brains sharp. This reality is even more consistent for workers aged 65 and older, with 9 in 10 saying that working helped their overall well-being.

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The nature of jobs has also changed. Nicole Maestas, professor of economics and health care policy at the Harvard Medical School, noted that "many people have less physically demanding jobs in today's information economy, so for some, it is easier to continue working."

A survey of 2,000 individuals aged 50 to 79 published by the National Bureau of Economic Research also found that job characteristics affect people's decision to retire. According to researchers, nearly a third would likely keep working past 70 if their job offered flexible hours compared to just a sixth without that option. Job stress, the physical and mental demands of the job, telecommuting options, or commuting times were other factors that played into that decision.

Still, a sense of purpose and job characteristics are only part of the picture. When asked why workers aged 50 and older might keep working, the top reasons the University of Michigan poll respondents gave were related to finances. Nearly 4 in 5 (78%) workers said financial stability is what keeps them clocking in, followed by saving for retirement and access to health insurance.

Line chart showing Americans' retirement confidence is falling. As of 2023, two in five non-retirees expected to retire comfortably. - Health Centers Near Me

Some older Americans can't afford to stop working

On multiple surveys, people reported a bleak savings picture and perspective on retirement. For a 2024 AARP survey, 2 in 3 adults older than 50 reported not having enough savings to be "financially secure" in retirement. In 2023, 2 in 5 respondents told Gallup they expected "to live comfortably in retirement," down from 3 in 5 in 2002.

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Numerous factors could be driving this sentiment.

People could be working longer because a dollar does not stretch as far as it used to. Wages have stagnated, while the cost of goods, measured by the Consumer Price Index, has steadily increased. Renting or buying a home costs thousands of dollars more today than decades ago. Gen Z dollars could buy only about 86% of what baby boomers could in their 20s, according to Consumer Affairs.

A few decades ago, pensions were also more common. Employers managed the money for their employees' pensions, known as defined benefits plans, and paid employees for life after retirement. It was a guaranteed income benefit that typically started at a specific age, like 62, incentivizing older workers to plan for retirement. Benefit pensions became less common because of the unpredictable cost to employers.

Why older Americans are working longer

By the 1980s, defined contribution plans like 401(k)s became more widespread. These plans typically lack age-specific requirements, found Courtney Coile, a researcher in the economics of aging and health at Wellesley College, leading to a six-month increase in the average retirement age. A quarter of those return to work within six years in part- or full-time jobs.

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Researchers from the Georgetown Center for Retirement Initiatives also found that while current estimates use older generations with pensions as a basis for forecasts, newer retirees tended to draw down their savings at much faster rates, fueled in part because of longer life expectancies that increased the need for more funds to pay for health care and long-term necessities. Consequently, new retirees may exhaust their 401(k) assets by 85 years of age, likely outliving their savings.

Some older Americans may not even have enough to begin with. The Government Accountability Office found in 2024 that half of households did not have any retirement savings as of 2022, and a third of households with a worker 55 or older did not have any retirement or defined benefit plan set by an employer to fall back on.

People may be working longer to delay pulling Social Security benefits, even increasing their monthly payments. Yet the existing financial safety net for older Americans is fraying. Social Security may run out of money in less than a decade. The additional source of income for older workers, driven by a lifetime of workers' wages, is projected to be insolvent by 2033 without congressional action, stated the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds in its 2024 annual report. Social Security and Medicare alone are insufficient for people to make ends meet. Half of older adults living alone, as well as 1 in 5 older couples, "lack the financial resources required to pay for basic needs," according to a 2022 study led by three gerontologists from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

"There's a myth that Social Security and Medicare miraculously take care of all of people's needs in older age," Ramsey Alwin, president and chief executive of the National Council on Aging, told KFF Health News. "The reality is they don't, and far too many people are one crisis away from economic insecurity."

An older woman working as a florist. - BearFotos // Shutterstock

What can be done better?

Several reforms need to happen to help older Americansand the nationprepare for the future as aging workers participate more in the economy.

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Scholars from the AARP Public Policy Institute, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Brookings Institution are proponents of workers setting up dedicated emergency accounts that separate one's emergency savings from general savings, making it less likely to be spent for other needs. They also suggest that states explore putting employees into automatic individual retirement accounts unless they already have retirement plans. Vermont and 17 other states are already considering implementing these auto-IRAs, according to Time. They are also encouraging the government to explore ways to make it easier for employees to move their retirement balances from one plan to another, making their hard-won savings less likely to be abandoned or forgotten.

Employers can also take some proactive steps, knowing that older Americans will only be more present in the workplace. Employers can promote skills training for everyone, allow flexible work options, give workers a say in their schedules and work locations, and create an ergonomic workplace that addresses hazards more commonly faced by older workers, who may be more adversely affected by slips and trips. These changes may also benefit all generations in the workplace.

Strengthening financial security for an aging workforce

Leaders can also push back on harmful myths that affect older workers like their supposed opposition to change or decreased productivity. AARP research has found that almost 13 in 20 workers aged 50 and older reported seeing or experiencing age discrimination in the workplace.

Finally, older employees who may not have enough money can try to improve their retirement outlook with a handful of strategies, CNBC reported. The first step is to calculate how much they might actually need for retirement rather than guessing. The Elder Index, developed by the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, is a tool that can help older workers pinpoint how much they need.

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Some workers may also consider shifting to part-time work before retiring fully.

Workers should also take advantage of IRS tax incentives aimed at helping workers save for the future. The Saver's Credit could provide up to 50% of one's contribution based on a filer's adjusted gross income. There are also catch-up contributions workers aged 50 and older can make to add to their retirement savings beyond the plan type or IRA contribution limit.

By 2040, people 65 and older are expected to comprise nearly a quarter of the nation's population, according to the Administration for Community Living, an operating division of the Department of Health and Human Services. As the nation ages, the country will increasingly depend on older workers to fuel the country's economic activity. It would be ideal to have a working future, like Star Bradbury, the Gainesville, Florida-based author of "Successfully Navigating Your Parents' Senior Years."

"I know for myself that I am happier when I am working and happier when I am helping other people," Bradbury told the Mainstreet Daily News. She said that, at 75 years old, her job as an author and senior living strategist gave her "a sense of purpose and don't mind earning a little extra money. All those things add up to keep me working."

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Sofia Jarrin. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

This story was produced by The Data Project and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Kerry Kennedy will be honored Thursday in Dayton for four decades of work to protect human rights globally.

The University of Dayton Human Rights Center will award Kennedy its Oscar Romero Human Rights Award on Thursday, April 24. The ceremony will start at 4:30 p.m. in the Roger Glass Center for the Arts.

Kerry Kennedys leadership in the global human rights movement is genuine, thorough and impactful, said UDs Human Rights Center Executive Director, Natalie Hudson. Her long-standing solidarity with human rights defenders, like those that embody Saint Oscar Romeros legacy, fully expresses our Catholic mission and Marianist values, and makes her a deserving recipient of the Romero Award.

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Kennedy is a daughter of U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel. She is the president of the non-profit Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.

The University of Dayton Romero Human Rights Award is a powerful tribute to Saint Oscar Romeros unwavering courage and sacrifice in the fight for justice, said Kennedy. His fearless advocacy for the poor and disenfranchised continues to inspire us all to challenge oppression, amplify marginalized voices and uphold the dignity of every human being.

She said receiving the award is a personal honor.

This recognition is a personal honor and a reminder that the pursuit of human rights demands boldness, compassion and an unshakable commitment to justice for all, said Kennedy.

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Save a life: Donate blood at local drives this April

The award honors the ministry and martyrdom of Saint Oscar Romero. He was a Salvadoran archbishop killed in 1980 while officiating at a Mass because he defended the human rights of the poor and disenfranchised.

One year later, Kennedy began working as an intern with Amnesty International in El Salvador. In 2002, she joined UDs Distinguished Speaker Series to discuss her book Speak Truth to Power, which chronicled the struggles of 51 human rights defenders from 41 countries. Recently, she has partnered with the Human Rights Center on national and international human rights advocacy projects.

Kennedy is highly awarded and has received honors from the President of Poland, Lech Walesa, for aiding the Solidarity movement; the humanitarian award from the Congress of Nobel Peace Prize laureates; and honorary doctorates of law from both Le Moyne College and the University of San Francisco School of Law.

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Greater Dayton RTAs Flyer getting extended hours for NATO

After the ceremony, the Human Rights Center will host an opening reception for a new exhibit by the Moral Courage Project. At the Root: Policing and the Right to Protest, focuses on the Stop Cop City movement, which was started in Atlanta, Georgia, in opposition to a proposed police training facility. It will highlight photo essays, activists testimonies and a companion podcast, Moral Courage Radio. To learn more, click here.

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(NewsNation)  U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to collect the private health records of Americans with autism to create a database in order to help find the cause of autism, according to the head of the National Institutes of Health, CBS reported Monday.

NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a critic of COVID lockdowns and vaccine mandates, announced during a public meeting Monday that the health department would launch an initiative called Understanding ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder): Integrating diverse data enabling researchers to examine complex factors influencing ASD rates.

The idea of the platform is that the existing data resources are often fragmented and difficult to obtain. The NIH itself will often pay multiple times for the same data resource. Even data resources that are within the federal government are difficult to obtain, Bhattacharya said.

How will RFK Jr.s NIH collect autism data?

According to Bhattacharyas slide presentation, the data would come from private and public data, including lab testing, records from pharmacy prescriptions, data from fitness trackers and smartwatches, private insurance claims and genomics records of the patients from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Service.

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The head of the NIH said that while private data will be used for research, it will not be downloaded, and state-of-the-art protections will be put in place to ensure confidentiality.

Cutting federal Medicaid expansion funding could lead to 30k additional deaths: Analysis

What were proposing is a transformative real-world data initiative, which aims to provide a robust and secure computational data platform for chronic disease and autism research, Bhattacharya said.

Concerns about RFK Jr.s NIH autism data collection

Christopher Banks, CEO of the Autism Society of America, told NewsNation that his organization has deep concerns about NIH collecting and potentially misusing personal health data.

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The Autism Society emphasizes that robust safeguards must be in place to protect individuals privacy and stress that compliance with HIPAA laws and clear communication about how data will be used are essential. Our position strongly implies that the database, as currently proposed, risks breaching individual privacy, Banks said.

During Bhattacharyas confirmation hearings, Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican who chairs the Senate health committee, implored him not to use NIH dollars to reexamine whether there is a link between childhood vaccines and autism.

FDA milk quality testing program suspended after job cuts

Sofia Karstens, who was the treasurer of the Common Sense PAC which supported Kennedys bid for president, argued that gold-standard scientific study requires proper cohort studies and proper surveillance.

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Surveillance doesnt mean there is someone sitting in a room looking at your personal medical records; theyre not going to be violating patient privilege or privacy. It means capturing signals properly so we know where to look for potential environmental insults. We need to follow the uncaptured science, Karstens said.

RFK Jr. wants to find autism epidemic cause by September

Kennedy stated earlier this month that, By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic, and well be able to eliminate those exposures.

However, Bhattacharya tempered that expectation on Tuesday.

Were going to get hopefully grants out the door by the end of the summer, and people will get to work. Well have a major conference, with updates, within the next year, he said.

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U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told thousands of health care, law enforcement and business officials at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville how overcoming his 14-year heroin addiction informs his policy perspectives.

Kennedy filled a ballroom at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center for his speech April 24, near the end of the four-day convention that focused on finding multidisciplinary solutions to Americas drug addiction crisis.

The speech comes as Kennedy Jr. faces scrutiny for divisive views on the food industry, autism and vaccine skepticism. His speech was interrupted several times by individual hecklers who were escorted out of the room to cheers from the crowd.

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I know that the only way I stay sober is through taking responsibility for my daily actions, Kennedy said. I accept the things I cant control and try to practice gratitude for them. I can have control over my behavior, my daily conduct, but not the world around me.

RFK Jr. speaks at the 2025 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville , Tenn., Thursday, April 24, 2025.

His first experience with drugs came the summer after his father  the former U.S. senator and attorney general and brother of President John F. Kennedy  was assassinated. He took the hallucinogen LSD at a party. While walking home later, he was introduced to crystal meth by neighbors.

They said: Try this, and it was a line of crystal meth, he said. I took it, and all my problems went away. My addiction came on full-force. By the end of the summer I was shooting heroin, which was my drug of choice the next 14 years.

His recovery began after he was arrested in 1983 and sought treatment.

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I knew I needed a spiritual awakening, he said. I did not want to be that person.

Ultimately, he made an intellectual choice to lean on faith in God. But he struggled with the concept of religion until discovering psychoanalyst Carl Jungs perspective on spirituality.

I make the bed every day, which is insane, he said. I do it because what Im trying to do is build character. The wealth you build is illusory. Long-term sobriety requires staying in a posture of surrender. Surrender even when things are going well in our lives.

RFK Jr. speaks at the 2025 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville , Tenn., Thursday, April 24, 2025.

He said he found this magic through realizing that God is in every person, even people I dont particularly like. In fact, God talks to me most through those people.

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America, like the young Kennedy, is struggling with faith and hope, he said.

Solving the addiction crisis requires a variety of interventions including suboxone and methadone treatment, readily available Narcan intervention for overdose cases and fentanyl detectors, among other practical strategies, he said.

Ultimately, he said, those nuts and bolts strategies wont solve the opioid crisis in America.

We need to really focus on reestablishing historic ties to the community, he said. We have this whole generation of kids who lost hope in their future.

He said he supports banning cell phones in schools as a way to improve connections for young people in the community.

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The (Alcoholics Anonymous) 12 Steps are about overcoming isolation and reestablishing our connection with the community and dealing with your own character defects, even learning to love them," he said.

During the speech, he mentioned President Donald Trump once regarding his recent meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Trump asked her whether Mexico struggles with widespread addiction problems like the U.S.

She said: No, not really.' He asked: Why is that?, Kennedy said. She said: Because we have strong families in this country.'

Addiction is a source of misery and it is also a symptom of misery. Its also a source of grief, trauma, loneliness and alienation. By the way we live our own lives individually and through policy changes, we have to reestablish for those kids hope for the future, sense of connection and usefulness.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: RFK Jr. on recovery, hope for the future at Nashville drug conference
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic, called President Trumps trade policies erratic, unpredictable and harmful to people around the world.

In remarks to British news reporters, widely reported in numerous international outlets, the billionaire businessman issued a forceful rebuke of how the U.S. president has approached his second term, particularly with his economic and foreign policies.

The unpredictability is just awful for everybody around the world, Branson said. Its just erratic, unpredictable, which is very, very difficult for business to deal with.

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An unsettled world is not good for anybody. People delay decisions on investment and spending, he continued.

If he continues, hes in such danger of doing so much damage in the world, he added.

Trump has dramatically changed the U.S. approach to foreign policy and global alliances in just a matter of months. He announced various waves of sweeping tariffs before announcing a 90-day pause on some higher tariffs to allow time for countries to try to strike a deal with the U.S.

Branson criticized this approach and said he could foresee a situation in which the U.S. ends up excluded from trade deals.

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You can see a world where Europe, Australia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, China, all trade together and build a powerhouse in years to come, he said. There is a big market out there, which you could find America gets excluded from, a lot of imports and exports.

Branson said he doesnt think the majority of Americans support what Trump is doing.

I honestly think this is a fairly small elite [group] of people around Trump, he said. I dont think he is carrying the vast majority of Americans in what he is doing.

Most American people are decent individuals, Branson said. Im just sad, incredibly sad. And many, many, many Americans I know are just very sad.

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Sir Richard Branson has accused Donald Trump of bullying Volodymyr Zelensky by attempting to pressure Ukraine into handing over swathes of territory to Russia.

The Virgin entrepreneur said Mr Trump was giving in to Vladimir Putin by demanding that Ukraine hand Crimea over to Russia.

Writing on LinkedIn, Sir Richard said: As the US administration pressures Ukraine to accept a peace plan that gives Putin exactly what he asked for, and now blames Ukraine for being invaded, the world is at a tipping point. How incredibly sad that we are living in an age of bullies.

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Donald Trump on Thursday blamed Mr Zelensky for derailing his peace plan by refusing to accept the loss of Crimea.

The US president claimed the Ukrainian leader was prolonging the killing and warned Kyiv to accept US demands or risk a complete Russian takeover.

President Zelensky has argued that he is bound by Ukraines constitution, which prevents ceding territory to Russia.

Sir Richards criticism of Mr Trump comes a day after he claimed that the majority of Americans do not support the presidents actions.

He said: I honestly think this is a fairly small elite of people around Trump. I dont think he is carrying the vast majority of Americans in what he is doing.

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Most American people are decent individuals. Im just sad, incredibly sad. And many, many, many Americans I know are just very sad.

Awful for everyone

The Virgin Group founder said the consequences of the US presidents interventions in areas such as global trade, the war in Ukraine and climate change were awful for everyone.

In his message on Thursday, Sir Richard quoted a LinkedIn post written three weeks ago in which he compared Putin to Hitler.

Sir Richard wrote: Its difficult to find any historical precedent for a political about-face of this scale and significance. Imagine President Roosevelt changing his mind halfway through World War II, calling Winston Churchill a dictator and then seeking to befriend Hitler. And yet, this is the situation European powers are now faced with  their principal military ally suddenly switching allegiance.

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Meanwhile, Americans that continue to stand by Ukraine are now being slandered as traitors, as happened to Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona recently after he visited Ukraine.

President Trumps plan for peace reportedly involves freezing the frontlines at their current positions, allowing Putin to hold on to most of the territorial gains as well as international recognition of Russian control over Crimea.

Russia has expressed support for Trumps proposal on Crimea. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the US presidents comments fully conforms with our understanding and with what we have been saying for long.

Speaking in South Africa on Thursday, President Zelensky said: We are defending our rights. That is what is happening. And Russia understands that Ukraine is standing and putting pressure on our people, putting pressure on America.

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A tugboat is pictured during a launching ceremony at the South Red Sea Shipyard in the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, on April 23, 2025. Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has launched two domestically built tugboats as part of its strategy to modernize its maritime fleet using the latest global technologies. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

RED SEA, Egypt, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has launched two domestically built tugboats as part of its strategy to modernize its maritime fleet using the latest global technologies.

SCA Chairman Osama Rabie announced during Wednesday's launching ceremony that the two tugs, built at the South Red Sea Shipyard in the Red Sea governorate with a bollard pull of 90 tonnes each, will enable the SCA to keep pace with rapid developments in maritime transport and meet the waterway's operational needs.

The two tugboats are the first production of the Misr Factory of the South Red Sea Shipyard and are the first two of ten tugboats the shipyard will build for the SCA, Rabie revealed.

Rabie emphasized the SCA's ambitious plan to evolve into a multi-activity economic entity and a key platform for diverse maritime and logistics services.

"A significant partnership with China has empowered the SCA to bolster its fleet and enhance its shipbuilding capabilities," Rabie told Xinhua at the launch.

He said that the cooperation with China's Guangzhou Shipyard International Co., Ltd. was crucial in Egypt's decision to invest in domestic tugboat construction.

The partnership with China involved a contract for six 75-tonne bollard pull tugboats, with three built in China and the other three constructed at the Port Said Shipyard in Egypt through collaboration with Chinese experts, according to Rabie.

"The construction of these three tugboats in Egypt was successfully completed last year, and all six vessels are now operational within the Suez Canal," he said.

Building on the expertise gained from this collaboration, the SCA is now successfully constructing 90-tonne bollard pull tugboats in partnership with Egypt's South Red Sea Shipyard, he added.

"This signifies a major step forward in the SCA's ambition to become self-reliant in the manufacturing of its marine vessels," the Egyptian official stated, highlighting a "political decision" for all marine vessels used in the Suez Canal to be manufactured by the SCA.

Rabie further noted that the SCA owns three shipyards and six affiliated companies dedicated to manufacturing, maintenance, and repair.

"This strategic focus has already yielded significant results, with the SCA having manufactured 102 diverse naval vessels since 2019, including pilot boats, ferries, bridges, and tugs," he said.

Meanwhile, Mostafa El-Degishi, chairman of the South Red Sea Shipyard, described the launch of the two tugboats as a significant achievement resulting from successful cooperation with the SCA.

He said that the two new tugs have identical dimensions: a length of 32 meters, a width of 13.5 meters, and a draft of 6 meters, and can achieve speeds up to 12 knots.

El-Degishi also noted that these tugs are eco-friendly vessels, equipped with key engines designed to minimize harmful carbon emissions.

He underscored the shipyard's commitment to delivering high-quality marine unit construction and supporting the localization of this vital industry in Egypt. 

Workers take selfies in front of a tugboat during a launching ceremony at the South Red Sea Shipyard in the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, on April 23, 2025. Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has launched two domestically built tugboats as part of its strategy to modernize its maritime fleet using the latest global technologies. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

A tugboat is pictured during a launching ceremony at the South Red Sea Shipyard in the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, on April 23, 2025. Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has launched two domestically built tugboats as part of its strategy to modernize its maritime fleet using the latest global technologies. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

Chairman of Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabie receives an interview with Xinhua during a launching ceremony at the South Red Sea Shipyard in the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, on April 23, 2025. Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has launched two domestically built tugboats as part of its strategy to modernize its maritime fleet using the latest global technologies. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
(FOX40.COM)  California Highway Patrol South Sacramento announced River Road between Paintersville Bridge and Twin Cities Road will be closed temporarily to allow crews to remove a vehicle from the river.

 Video above: Metro Fire water rescue training

A spokesperson from CHP South Sacramento said that there was a report of a vehicle that went into the Sacramento River on Tuesday morning. CHP crews, along with the Courtland Fire Department, responded to the scene and were unable to find any signs of a crash or a vehicle in the river.

Union Pacific train collides with pedestrian in South Sacramento

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CHP South Sacramento stated later that day, when the sun was out, the Sacramento Sheriffs Department found evidence of a vehicle that could have gone off into the river.

At this time, crews are out on the scene providing traffic control while the Elk Grove Police Department is attempting to find the vehicle, said CHP. It is unknown if there is a driver in the vehicle.

This is a developing story.

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discusses autism at a news conference on April 16. - Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images

To assist him in his quest to determine the cause  or causes  of autism by September, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his hand-picked researchers will have access to a so-called disease registry of autistic people, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya announced on Monday.

Speaking at a meeting of NIH advisers, Bhattacharya also laid out plans for a soon-to-be-launched real-world data platform which will collect and compile private medical records from several federal and commercial databases to support Kennedys autism research program, CBS News first reported.

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All of this comes during Autism Acceptance Month, and less than a week after Kennedys inflammatory remarks at a press conference, where he said that autism destroys families, and that autistic people will never pay taxes, hold a job, write a poem, or go out on a date.

Later, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services clarified that Kennedy was referring to those that are severely affected by this chronic condition and that this was in no way a general characterization, but it still didnt sit well with members of the autism community, like parents, researchers, and advocacy organizations. Harmful rhetoric has real-world consequences, says Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America. Autistic individuals and their families are left feeling dehumanized, devalued, and blamed. (On Friday, HHS made an additional statement: We are not creating an autism registry. The real-world data platform will link existing datasets to support research into causes of autism and insights into improved treatment strategies.)

A disease registry for autism

The idea of a disease registry containing information about autistic people didnt sit right with members of the community.

An autism registry feels very much like being put on a list to be tracked without our consent or permission, says Shea Belsky, an autistic self-advocate.

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Parents of autistic children are also concerned. [Tuesday] we had parents call our center in a panic, asking if they could get their childrens medical records erased, says an autism researcher, who asked Rolling Stone for anonymity because in the current climate its unclear what the impact could be of speaking out. We had several people who had been waiting many months to get a diagnostic evaluation call to cancel because they are afraid that their children will be unsafe if they are on an autism registry. Because an autism diagnosis can unlock access to support and effective treatment, this could prevent families from getting the resources they need, she says.

For parents like Lauren Colley  whose seven-year-old son has autism  the notion of disease registries for autism are frightening. When I hear things like that as a parent, its terrifying, she says. It makes me feel as though my son is going to be subjected to all kinds of hatred and labels and othering that he does not deserve. It very much feels as though my son is in danger  that hes being almost hunted down in order to be somehow taken away or fixed or any other number of horrible things.

But registries like this arent uncommon. Autism registries are very important for research  especially on complicated neurodevelopmental disabilities like autism, the same autism researcher tells Rolling Stone. Some existing registries have been built up over decades, with families giving informed consent for their personal information to be used for research, she explains.

According to Bhattacharyas announcement, these disease registries  which will exist for other conditions as well, though he didnt specify which  will enable faster drug development, provide long-term data, and launch research programs. He didnt discuss how the data in these registries will be anonymized, what the consent process will look like, and what will happen to the data when the research is completed.

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Conceptually, registries can be great research tools and can really advance knowledge, but they come at great risk, and we have to be extremely careful, says Raymond Romanczyk, PhD, co-director of the Institute for Child Development at Binghamton University. When were discussing research plans like a government registry, you have to involve people with autism.

While surveillance is a recognized tool in health research, the current approach appears more retrospective than forward-looking, Banks says. The proposed registry is especially troubling given the recent dismantling of the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP), which historically upheld ethical standards for research involving human subjects. Many autistic individuals and community members are justifiably hesitant to disclose their diagnosis to government entities due to fears of data misuse, discrimination, or surveillance, he adds.

The real world platform

The registry isnt the only tool Kennedy will have at his disposal for autism research. Bhattacharya also announced that the NIH will create a real world platform with data from electronic health records, pharmacy chains, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health organizations, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Health Agency, and Indian Health Service. The platform will have access to labs, imaging, genomics, claims and billing data  which often provides detailed diagnostic information, he said.

Bhattacharya claims that the platform will preserve the privacy of patients by removing identifying information from the records, and that researchers will not be able to download the data. It will, however, be accessible to the between 10 to 20 groups of researchers that Kennedy selects to conduct his autism studies.

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But many people, including Belsky, are opposed to having their personal data used this way. Aggregating my private health data is a significant invasion of my privacy and those of other autistic people  especially those with complex medical needs, he tells Rolling Stone. I have already reached out to many of my medical providers to ensure that they would protect my medical information and not comply with any requests that violate HIPAA regulations.

According to Romanczyk, HIPAA permits the use of deidentified data. But we have to be careful about what we mean by deidentified, he says, as AI systems and machine learning can glean a lot of information about a person with very little context.

Responses to Kennedys comments on autism

Before news of the disease registry and NIH database broke, the focus was on the inflammatory remarks that Kennedy made at last weeks press conference. Zoe Gross  director of advocacy for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a policy advocacy organization run by and for autistic adults  had two reactions to Kennedys remarks about autistic people never paying taxes, having a job, or playing baseball. First, its not true  autistic people do all of those things, she says. But second, there are some people who cant do any of those things, and they deserve better than to be used as a rhetorical prop by the Secretary of HHS.

Parents like Ray Hemachandra  whose 24-year-old son Nicholas has autism and an intellectual disability  are pushing back against Kennedys declaration that autism destroys families. Nicholas did not destroy our family, Hemachandra tells Rolling Stone. Rather, he is the heart of it. He is a brave, kind hearted, and loving man.

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Similarly, Marla Bautista, the mother of a 15-year-old son with autism, is concerned that Kennedys comments will make life harder for autistic people. Im worried that RFK Jr.s actions are inciting greater prejudice and further stigmatization toward individuals with autism, she tells Rolling Stone.

For Colley, Kennedys comments about autism have been disheartening. Things like the press conference have been pretty earth-shattering and harmful and hurtful to those of us who are living this on a day-to-day basis, she says.

Andy Shih, chief science officer of Autism Speaks, says that the organization has heard a range of reactions from parents in response to Kennedys recent remarks. While some didnt appreciate how autism was portrayed, others  particularly those raising children with high support needs, including intellectual disabilities, limited communication, and needing 24/7 care  said his comments resonated with their lived experience, Shih says.

That was the case for Linda Moffitt, the mother of a 25-year-old son with severe autism who is nonverbal and requires constant care and supervision. RFK Jr.s comments about the limitations autistic people face reflect my sons reality, she tells Rolling Stone. While autism has not destroyed my familyit has put a strain on my family both financially and socially.

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But its important to keep in mind that autism exists on a spectrum, from extremely high-functioning individuals, to those with higher support needs. Kennedy, for the most part, has been speaking about autistic people as if they were a homogenous group and a burden, leaning into outdated stereotypes. When autism is framed only through the lens of hardship or loss, it can unintentionally overlook the joy, growth, and fulfillment that many autistic people and their families experience, Shih says.

Colley agrees. To say that autistic people are destructive towards a family or harmful for our world  that language is really ableist and doesnt encapsulate the amazing things that all autistic people can bring to our world, regardless of [their] levels of support needs, she says.

Kennedys research agenda

In theory, the more we learn about autism the better. But Kennedy has made it clear that he is approaching autism research with an agenda.

At his press conference last week, Kennedy downplayed the role genetics play in autism, noting that genes do not cause epidemics, and referring to studying genetic causes of the condition as a dead end. For this reason, his upcoming autism research initiative will focus on identify[ing] precisely what the environmental toxins are that are causing it, rather than genetic factors, or ways to support autistic people. Kennedy also promised rapid results, with some questions answered by September. Of course, its still unclear how realistic this is  the announcement about Kennedys research program comes after the Trump administration slashed funding for autism research across the Department of Education, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and NIH.

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Either way, this approach is a mistake, according to Romanczyk, who believes that when it comes to autism research, a multi-pronged strategy is preferable to putting all your eggs in one basket.

While its widely accepted that autism is caused, at least in part, by genetics, as Romanczyk put it, that doesnt mean its the whole story. The anonymous autism researcher agrees, and notes that for all the complexity of the genetics of autism, environmental factors are far more complicated and warrant research.

But theres also a need for research aimed at improving the lives of autistic people. Focusing on making lives better today is also urgent, she says. There has been significant progress in autism diagnosis, intervention, and support over the last 30 years, thanks in large part to the investment of the federal government in high-quality research, she notes. We need to make that investment count and work on ensuring autistic people and their families have access to diagnosis and effective supports, the researcher adds.

Kennedy has yet to reveal who will be conducting this research  and therefore have access to the database of private medical information  other than tapping prominent vaccine skeptic David Geier to oversee research looking into debunked claims that theres a link between vaccines and autism. Researchers are worried that Kennedys hand-picked researchers will ignore science and focus on their own agenda. Im all for research, as long as its objective and comprehensive and were not dealing with speculation [and] anecdotal information, Romanczyk says.

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And then theres Kennedys claim that hell have answers by September. We know that there is a strong genetic component of autism, but thats as far as weve gotten in the decades of studying the causation of autism, Gross tells Rolling Stone. To say that were going to finish the job in the next five months  and we know that for sure  is laughable, she says. It proves that what HHS intends to do is not undertake a serious inquiry with an open mind, looking for any possible cause of autism, and then find the cause, and study in a rigorous and legitimate way.

Timeline aside, given Kennedys misleading claims about autism and its causes, Colley isnt convinced that the findings of the research will actually benefit autistic people and their families. That, for me, is the part that is really difficult, because it very much feels like nobody asked us, she says. Nobody asked autistic people what they thought. Nobody asked what parents of autistic kids wanted.

Update, Fri. April 25, 4:15 p.m.: This story has been updated to include additional comment from autistic adults and from HHS.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Robert Bob V. Scheetz passed away peacefully at St. Elizabeth hospital in Youngstown, on Wednesday April 16, 2025, with his family at his side.

Bob was born in Youngstown on May 30, 1946, the son of the late Walter Joseph and Anne L. McGraw Scheetz and was a lifelong area resident.

Find obituaries from your high school

He attended St. Patricks school and graduated from Cardinal Mooney class of 1964. Bob graduated from the University of Detroit with a bachelors degree in English.

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Bob was a self-employed contractor, he was his own hardest worker, he felt he could fix anything and everything. Nothing was beyond reason for him to repair.

He enjoyed reading and especially loved a good debate. Bob was very passionate about Shakespeare and poetry.

Bob was a kind and gentle man, always very loyal and conscientious. Family was everything to him.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his sister Mary Scheetz of Youngstown, he also leaves his sister Kathryn Flesse of Madina, and brother Thomas (Alejandra) Scheetz of Buenos Aires.

Bob had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews Charles Kenny (Lisa) Flesse and Kristine (John) Korber and Thomas (Amanda) Flesse. And Erin (Kevin) Thies. Plus, several great nieces and nephews.

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Besides his parents Bob was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Charles Flesse.

Family and friends may call from 10:00  10:50 a.m. Saturday May 3, 2025, at St. Patricks Church 1420 Oak Hill Ave. Youngstown, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Very Rev. Thomas Kraszewski

The burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

The Scheetz family request material tributes be given in Bobs name to St. Patrick Church 1420 Oak Hill Ave. Youngstown, Ohio 44507.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fox Funeral Home, 4700 Market St. Boardman.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Bob V. Scheetz, please visit our floral store.

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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 WKBN.com.
Apr. 24OREGON  A Rochelle man was sentenced to three years in prison for again failing to register as a sex offender.

Hector Losoya, 57, was sentenced through a plea agreement April 16 after pleading guilty to a 2023 charge of not registering with the Rochelle Police Department.

Ogle County Assistant State's Attorney Matthew Leisten said Losoya had failed to reregister with the police department as part of the conditions of a 1989 criminal sexual assault conviction.

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In Illinois, a convicted sex offender must register with the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction where they reside.

According to the Illinois State Police, "An offender must register any and all places he or she resides for a period of three or more days in a calendar year. If an offender changes his or her address, he or she must inform the local law enforcement agency in which they reside of the move, and the law enforcement agency in which they are moving to within three days of that move."

"He [Losoya] has failed to register numerous times," Leisten told Judge Anthony Peska.

Court records show that Losoya was sentenced to four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after a 1989 conviction for sexual assault. Since his release, Losoya has faced numerous charges of failing to register as a sex offender.

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During Losoya's sentencing hearing, Ogle County Public Defender Kathleen Isley said a plea agreement had been reached where Losoya would serve three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and receive credit for 10 days served in custody on the current charge. She said he will have to serve at least 50% of that sentence, then be subject to 12 months mandatory supervision upon his release.

When asked by Peska if he had anything he wanted to say before being sentenced, Losoya replied "No, judge."
Apr. 23ROCHESTER  A Rochester woman is facing a drug-related charge after police found 101 fentanyl pills in her bag during a traffic stop.

Anna Lynn Adams, 38, is charged with first-degree drug possession after police found a container with over 100 pills that tested positive for fentanyl.

A first appearance is scheduled for June 26 in Olmsted County District Court.

According to the criminal complaint, Rochester police stopped a vehicle in northwest Rochester on March 8 after watching the driver make traffic violations and engage in a hand-to-hand transaction.

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Officers identified the vehicle's passenger as Adams. While speaking with Adams, an officer detected the smell of marijuana and saw a pipe with residue in a bag on her lap, the complaint said. While a K9 unit performed an open-air sniff of the vehicle, Adams told the officers there was a methamphetamine pipe in her black Nike bag.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found a black plastic container in the Nike bag with 101 blue M30 fentanyl pills.
DENVER (KDVR)  One person was sent to the hospital on Thursday morning after crashing and causing a rockfall onto Interstate 70, leading to several other damaged cars.

Just before 7 a.m., the Clear Creek County Sheriffs Office said several rocks fell onto I-70, west of Fall River Road, mile marker 236. In an update Thursday afternoon, the agency clarified that the crash was what caused the rockfall, instead of the rockfall causing the crash.

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The sheriffs office said the falling rocks caused one vehicle to crash and left several others with blown tires. Five vehicles were damaged in total. One person was sent to a local hospital. The agency has not provided details on their injuries.

There was a standstill on westbound I-70 while the rockfall and damaged cars were cleared. Heres what the traffic looked like at 7 a.m.:

I-70 MP 237.25 EB: 0.4 miles W of Fall Rover Rd (CDOT)

The sheriffs office said Colorado State Patrol is investigating the crash, while the Colorado Department of Transportation cleared the rocks.

The road was cleared and reopened before 7 a.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Rockford Police have announced an arrest in the 2021 killing of 15-year-old Malahki Lee, who was gunned down while walking home from school.

Police said Jeremiah Mondesir-Williams, 20, has been charged with First Degree Murder, and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (MDMA).

On Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021, Lee was found dead in the roadway around 3:45 p.m., in the 900 block of Ashland Avenue.

Jeremiah Mondesir-Williams. Photo: Winnebago County Jail

Investigators determined Lee had been dropped off by his school bus and was shot moments later while walking home.

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Mondesir-Williams was identified as a suspect in the case. He was arrested on April 23rd, 2025, after officers executed a search warrant on a house in which he was staying.

He was booked into the Winnebago County Jail.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  A Rogersville man has been sentenced on Thursday, April 24 in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm.

Llyod Eugene Mathis, 37, has been sentenced after pleading guilty in November for one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to a press release, Mathis had been on the run from outstanding warrants in Oklahoma. Mathis has had previous felony convictions for automobile theft, burglary, arson, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault, attempting to elude a police officer and driving under the influence of drugs.

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Barry County man charged with abandonment of corpse, tampering with evidence

On Feb. 21, 2024, United States Marshals Service deputies found Mathis in a strip mall parking lot in Springfield. When deputies tried to approach Mathis, he began to run away until he was tackled by police. During the struggle, deputies noticed that Mathis had a firearm strapped to his waistband.

Mathis resisted commands from deputies and threatened to headbutt the officers. Eventually, officers were able to arrest him and place him in their vehicle.

Mathis was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison without parole.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
By Luiza Ilie

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - A pro-European presidential contender in Romania's May 4 election has said defence spending should rise to 3.5% of GDP by 2030 from 2.5% and argued that maintaining support for Ukraine in its war with Russia is essential for Romania's security.

Nicusor Dan, the 55-year-old two-term mayor of Bucharest, is an independent running neck-and-neck with ruling coalition centrist Crin Antonescu and nationalist former prime minister Victor Ponta in a bid to reach a runoff on May 18, alongside the hard-right frontrunner George Simion.

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Dan is running on an anti-corruption platform, something also likely to find favour with European Union and NATO allies as Romania assumes growing importance as a bulwark against Russian influence on the border with Ukraine and Moldova, another state under pressure from Moscow.

"I want to underline that the war in Ukraine is essential for the security of Romania and Moldova," Dan told Reuters in an interview.

"I appreciate what the Romanian state has done so far, the direction ... was correct and must continue."

The election is being closely watched abroad after being cancelled in December, before the runoff, amid accusations of Russian meddling, which Moscow denies.

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The first round had been won by a far-right pro-Russia newcomer, Calin Georgescu, who has since been banned from running again as he faces a criminal investigation over his support for fascist groupings and campaign funding issues.

Dan said the Constitutional Court decision to cancel the election, which has been criticised by members of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, had been correct.

Concerns are growing that the U.S. is set to cut troop numbers across Europe, demanding that European countries take more of the burden of maintaining the NATO alliance's security umbrella.

Romania has donated a Patriot air defence battery to Kyiv, is training Ukrainian fighter pilots and has enabled the export of roughly 30 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain through its Black Sea port of Constanta since the war began in 2022.

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Around 1,700 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Romania, most at the Kogalniceanu air base on the Black Sea, into which Bucharest is investing 2.5 billion euros ($2.8 billion) to turn it into one of NATO's biggest European bases.

Dan said Romania could use the base as a lever to encourage the U.S. to maintain its presence:

"That American troops are using the Kogalniceanu air base is an advantage for them for the influence they want to have in the Middle East," Dan said.

"Beyond that, everything depends on technical discussions. If Romania can do something (to keep the U.S. troops) we want to do that."

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He also said Romania should continue to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports, but must consult with Romanian producers so they were not disadvantaged.

($1 = 0.8788 euros)

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Supporting Ukraine in its fights against Russia's full-scale war is essential for Romania's security, Romanian presidential candidate and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan said in an interview with Reuters published on April 24.

"I want to underline that the war in Ukraine is essential for the security of Romania and Moldova," Dan said. "I appreciate what the Romanian state has done so far, the direction... was correct and must continue."

Throughout the war, Romania, a NATO member, signed a security agreement with Ukraine, backed sanctions against Russia, and sent Kyiv a Patriot air defense system. Bucharest has also played a crucial role in the transit of Ukrainian agricultural exports amid Russia's threats to the Black Sea maritime trade.

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Dan believes that Romania should continue to facilitate the export of Ukrainian grain, but it should consult with Romanian producers to ensure they are not put at a disadvantage.

Romanian farmers asked the government last year to push for import limits on Ukrainian agricultural products, protesting the economic impacts of an EU free trade agreement that has sparked worries about uneven competition and risks to domestic production.

Dan, 55, was elected mayor of Bucharest in 2020 with support from center-right parties. Known for his background as a mathematician and civic activist, Dan founded the Save Bucharest Union, which evolved into the reformist USR party, a political movement with an anti-corruption platform.

Romania's presidential elections were scheduled for a re-run on May 4. The November vote was annulled due to allegations of Russian interference favoring far-right candidate Calin Georgescu.

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Georgescu was barred from participating in the presidential election re-run. George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), who is banned from entering Ukraine over "anti-Ukrainian activities," is currently leading the polls.

Opinion surveys show that Dan is competing for second place with Crin Antonescu, a centrist backed by the ruling coalition, and Victor Ponta, a nationalist ex-prime minister.

Read also: Presidential candidate Victor Ponta vows to end Ukrainian grain exports via Romania if elected

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
HANOI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Vietnamese government has set a deadline for the north-south high-speed railway line's groundbreaking by Dec. 31, 2026, Vietnam News Agency reported Thursday, citing a resolution issued on Wednesday.

The government has required the project's construction, procurement and equipment installation to be completed by 2035 for its official operation.

The Vietnamese National Assembly approved the investment policy for the north-south high-speed railway project last November, with a total investment of 1.7 quadrillion Vietnamese dong (about 65.2 billion U.S. dollars).

The railway line is scheduled to stretch roughly 1,541 km, pass through 23 passenger stations and five freight stations, and have a design speed of 350 km per hour. 
In 1968, a group of Latin American bishops gathered at Medellin, Colombia, to challenge the Roman Catholic Church to expand its definition of charity to include the advocacy of social justice for the poor.

Medellin became a symbol of one of the most important struggles of the church. The principle by which the bishops pledged to minister at Medellin and later Puebla, Mexico, became known as the "preferential option for the poor." It aligned the church against the region's military-backed oligarchies. In time, it would be consecrated by the blood of hundreds of priests, nuns and lay religious.

In 1977, the Jesuit Rutilio Grande, a parish priest from El Salvador, spoke out against the oppression of the poor and was machine-gunned to death as he drove through a sugar cane field on his way to celebrate Mass. Grande's assassination had a profound impact on his close friend, El Salvador Archbishop Oscar Romero. Though a conservative reluctant to confront the government, Romero took to the pulpit of the Cathedral in San Salvador and in his Sunday homily spoke out against the atrocities perpetrated by the military.

Ron DiNicola

The international press gathered as Romero called on President Jimmy Carter to end military support to the region. On March 24, 1980, after calling on Christian soldiers to stop carrying out the government's repression, Romero was gunned down by an assassin while saying Mass for a group of nuns at a small hospital called La Divina Providencia.

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Similarly, three American nuns and a laywoman ministering to the poor were abducted, raped and shot. Three Pallottine priests were murdered inside San Patricio Church in Buenos Aires. In 1989, six Jesuit scholars were massacred in a nighttime raid on the campus of the university in San Salvador by the elite Atlacatl Battalion of the Salvadoran army. This story of contemporary Christian martyrdom continued to play out across the killing fields of Central and South America.

Meanwhile, church leaders in North America and Europe were facing difficulties of a vastly different character. While Catholics in Latin America clung to the vestment hems of their pastors in the face of armed repression, the larger church seemed intent on casting the first stone on a wide array of polarizing social issues  divorce, contraception, reproduction and homosexuality  that plunged families into confusion and placed redemption beyond the reach of millions of Catholics. Like the sheep of John's Gospel who would not follow the stranger's voice, the faithful marked by sin fled the church in record numbers.

By March 2013, faced with emptying churches and widespread criminal inquiries ranging from child abuse to bank fraud, the College of Cardinals seemed poised to take the church in a new direction. The Holy Spirit divined that the cardinals would reach into the deep wells of Latin America and, through the election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis, seek to replenish Rome from the reservoirs of faith flowing from a half-century of religious struggle.

Bergoglio was, in effect, a descendant of the Latin church's long passion of the cross. Jesuit Father-General Pedro Arrupe first used the phrase "preferential option for the poor" in a letter to the Jesuits of Latin America in 1968. A few years later, Arrupe named the young Bergoglio provincial of the Argentine Society of Jesus. To mixed reviews, his tenure during Argentina's "Dirty War" provided an early test of his ability to assign church influence at a time of deep divisions. Bergoglio admits to making many mistakes. But, as Romero had changed the course of his ministry, Bergoglio as archbishop would evolve to a full-throated defense of the poor.

In this file photo, Pope Francis holds prayer for migrants and refugees, with the 'Angels Unawares' monument, dedicated to the world's migrants and refugees, behind him in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, October 19, 2023. Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025. Here, Erie lawyer Ron DiNicola reflects on the historical events that shaped his pontificate.

As pope, Francis set out immediately to find the sheep that had scattered to the hills. Choosing his words carefully to avoid triangulation from the left and the right, he vowed to place less emphasis on "small-minded rules" or the "disjointed multitude of doctrines" and more on the "endless possibilities of grace." He summoned his bishops to meet later that year to discuss pastoral challenges facing families, including sexual ethics, divorce, cohabitation and reproduction. His statement "Who am I to judge?" signaled all pastors to find the injured faithful. His message to Vatican priests was the same: "Sell your desk. You don't need it. Go out and look for the poor."

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The Vatican soon announced that the stalled sainthood cause of Archbishop Romero would again move forward. By embracing Romero's martyrdom, Francis gave sanctity to the church's commitment to the urgent moral claim of the poor enunciated by Arrupe, advanced at Medellin and Puebla, and for which Romero and his brethren had died.

In this handout image provided by Greek Prime Minister's Office, Pope Francis meets migrants at the Moria detention centre on April 16, 2016 in Mytilene, Lesbos, Greece. Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025. Here, Erie lawyer Ron DiNicola reflects on Pope Francis' commitment to the poor and migrants.

Romero was declared a martyr by Pope Francis on February 3, 2015, paving the way for his beatification on May 23, 2015. During Romero's beatification, Pope Francis declared that his "ministry was distinguished by his particular attention to the most poor and marginalized." Pope Francis canonized Romero on October 14, 2018.

More: How the next pope will be elected  what goes on at the conclave | Opinion

On Tuesday, February 12, 2025, as the faithful gathered in Saint Peters' Square to pray for the shepherd, Pope Francis issued a major rebuke of the United States' plans for mass deportations of migrants, warning that the forceful removal of people purely because of their illegal status deprives them of their inherent dignity.

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History's first Latin American pope long made caring for migrants a priority of his pontificate, citing the biblical command to "welcome the stranger" in demanding that countries welcome, protect, promote and integrate those fleeing conflicts, poverty and climate disasters. Francis also said governments are expected to do so to the limits of their capacity.

Ronald DiNicola, of Erie, is a lawyer who served as a volunteer with the Jesuit Refugee Service in Latin America, Africa and Asia in the 1980s. A portion of this column first appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2014. It has been updated to reflect events since then.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: DiNicola: How Latin American martyrdoms shaped Pope Francis | Opinion
A garage of a home on Ethel Street in Lake Charles lays in pieces after being destroyed by Hurricane Laura on Aug. 29, 2020. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would prohibit roofing contractors from assisting homeowners with insurance claims. It would also stop insurance adjusters from performing construction work in connection with the claims they handle.

House Bill 121, sponsored by Rep. Roy Daryl Adams, D-Jackson, unanimously cleared the House Committee on Insurance and goes next to the floor for consideration. The proposal is one of dozens that lawmakers have filed, with the backing of insurance companies, in an effort to try to lower coverage premiums in the state.

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The bill intends to prevent conflicts of interest with adjusters who are also residential contractors. It would also prohibit roofing contractors from providing, advertising or soliciting insurance claims handling services for their customers. Roofers would further have to end the use of contingency contracts in which they agree to perform work only if the homeowners insurance company approves the cost.

Adams said he hopes his measure will stop contractors from going door to door after a storm to talk homeowners into filing insurance claims for roof work.

Several committee members praised the bill and asked Adams to amend it so that it applies to all types of construction contractors and subcontractors. However, several roofers testified in opposition to the proposal.

Josh Lovell, a sales manager with Gator Roofing in Baton Rouge, said the bill would essentially make it illegal for him to help customers with a task they often want help with. Insurance companies will sometimes deny claims and leave homeowners unaware that they can challenge the denial or ask for a second opinion, which contractors can provide, he said.

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If we cant even talk about any of the process, then youre just giving all the power to the insurance company, Lovell said. And do you trust insurance companies like that?

Johnathan Davis, a board member with the Residential Roofing Association of Louisiana, said contingency agreements and working with insurance companies are a vital part of his profession.

I know there are good and bad companies just like every industry, Davis said. I think that this would hurt everybody  not just the bad actors.

Committee Chairman Gabe Firment, R-Pollock, who works as an insurance consultant, said its wrong for contractors to assist homeowners with insurance claims because its not within their area of expertise.

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That is outside of what youre licensed to do, Firment said. Theres other avenues for the homeowner to take if theres a dispute.

There is a big problem with shady contractors in the roofing industry who find damage where none actually exists, Firment added.

I think weve got to get back to roofers being tradesmen and not salesmen, he said.

Rep. Chance Henry, R-Crowley, who owns an insurance agency, echoed Firments statements, pointing out that homeowners can hire public adjusters to handle any disputes that might arise. Public adjusters are independent claims assessors whom policyholders can hire for a fee to represent their interests as opposed to adjusters who work on behalf of insurance companies.

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Davis with the roofers association challenged the lawmakers stance, saying adjusters are experts in interpreting insurance policies but are not generally the most knowledgeable on roof construction and damage assessments. Many homeowners are hesitant to hire a public adjuster because it can be costly, usually escalates the claim and adds another layer to the process, he said.

The bills provisions are so ambiguous, according to Davis, they could make it illegal for roofers just to send damage estimates to an insurance adjuster.

I dont want to be in court one day defending sending an  estimate to an adjuster, he said.

Lovell said he would be afraid to even say the word insurance in the presence of a customer if the bill becomes law.

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Hearing their concerns, Firment said the bill might need to be amended to better define some provisions so roofers arent blocked from offering some of their routine services.

Correction: State law does not allow public adjusters to charge a fee based on a percentage of the claim. A previous version of this article misstated that compensation structure. We apologize for the mistake.

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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Just before 8 a.m. Thursday, Tim Griffin parked outside the Chesterfield County Detention Center. A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) agent was also in the parking lot, waiting for Griffin to surrender.

Griffins arrest Thursday morning marks the end of a months-long SLED investigation into allegations Griffin took money from the Pageland Chamber of Commerce during his three-year run as the nonprofits president from 2021-2023.

Former Pageland Chamber of Commerce President Tim Griffin cups his ear to hear the judge during his bond hearing inside the Chesterfield County Detention Center on April 24, 2025. SLED charged Griffin with three counts of felony breach of trust with fraudulent intent stemming from his three-year term as chamber president. The charges are felonies under South Carolina law. (Source: WJZY/Jody Barr)

SLED Agent J.T. Cutchin sought and obtained three arrest warrants on Griffin on Feb. 13, 2025, but the warrants werent served until Griffin surrendered on April 24. In the middle of the SLED investigation into Griffin and the chambers finances, Griffin sold his house and Pageland and moved to Tulsa, OK.

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ROTTEN: Allegations of theft and corruption surround fmr. Pageland Chamber of Commerce president

We dont know whether SLED attempted to arrest Griffin in Tulsa in the two months since a Chesterfield County magistrate signed the three arrest warrants for breach of trust with fraudulent intent, a felony under South Carolina law.

It appears Griffin and SLED negotiated the date and time of Griffins surrender.

Chesterfield County Magistrate Judge John Davis reads Tim Griffin the charges against him and informs Griffin of his extradition waiver, meaning if he misses a court date, the State Law Enforcement Division would find him to serve a bench warrant on him. (Source: WJZY/Jody Barr)

Chestefield County Magistrate Judge John Davis signed a request from Queen City News Chief Investigative Reporter, Jody Barr, to allow Queen City News into the courtroom to video and audio record Griffins bond hearing. However, the Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office attempted to block QCN from recording the bond hearing.

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Chesterfield County Detention Center Administrator Troy Ellerbe met Barr and Judge Davis in the jailhouse lobby and commanded No images when Davis told Ellerbe he was escorting Barr to the courtroom. When Barr challenged Ellerbe about what authority he had to pull rank on a judges decision, Because I said so, Ellerbe told Barr.

Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office jail administrator Troy Ellerbe (right) attempted to prevent video recording of Timothy Griffins bond hearing on April 24, 2025, despite a judge granting formal permission to Queen City News to video record the proceedings by commanding No images during the hearing his reasoning for the command was Because I said so. The judge allowed our camera into his courtroom to record the proceeding. (Source: Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office)

Ellebe walked into the administration office doorway  the same doorway that leads to the judges chambers and courtroom. Davis allowed Barr and his camera into the courtroom under S.C. Appeals Court Rule 605, which gives South Carolina judges exclusive discretion to allow audio and video recording inside their courtrooms.

Griffin sat in a holding cell on the other side of a glass window separating Davis from Griffin. Davis set Griffins bond at $30,000, which was $10,000 for each of the three felony charges against the former nonprofit president.

The sheriffs office further attempted to protect Griffin from being video recorded by letting him out of a back door of the jail, inside a fenced, secured parking lot behind the jail. The jail releases all inmates from the front secured entrance when theyre released from custody.

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Griffin jumped into a silver Chevrolet Suburban, leaned over in the front passenger seat, and the woman driving Griffin away sped off from the jail.

The three counts against Griffin accuse him of wrongfully using at least $10,000 of the nonprofits money for each of the three years as head of the chamber.

The affiants belief is based upon witness statements, to SLED in recorded interviews, Griffins statements to SLED in recorded interviews, and Pageland Chamber of Commerce records obtained during the investigation, the arrest warrant states.

In July 2023, QCN published a news investigation titled Rotten, where Queen City News Chief Investigative Reporter Jody Barr obtained chamber banking records showing $50,000 in cash withdrawals from the nonprofits bank account between 2021 and 2023.

Former Pageland Chamber of Commerce President Timothy Griffin calls out on a two-way radio during the opening day of the 2023 Watermelon Festival in downtown Pageland, S.C. Griffin is accused of stealing from the nonprofit he ran for six years. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

Chamber member Ethan Foard, who owns multiple businesses in and around Pageland and who also holds a seat on the county council, sued the chamber in December 2023 and later obtained the chambers financial records. Foard accused the then-sitting chamber president of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from the nonprofit.

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During the civil lawsuit, Foard and his legal team obtained chamber spending records and years of banking statements, records Foard told QCN that Griffin refused to turn over to him in the months before Foard filed the lawsuit.

The lawsuit was Foards attempt to have the circuit court dissolve the chamber after Griffin left town, and Foard believed the members of the chamber board had resigned.

Tim Griffin, who court records show did not obtain an attorney in the Ethan Foard lawsuit, filed this handwritten answer to the Foard complaint on August 23, 2024, denying Foards allegations. The answer was not filed in the court docket before the deadline for a response, according to the South Carolina Public Index. (Source: SC Courts)

Judge Paul Burch granted Foard an injunction against the chamber and later allowed Foard and his legal team access to the chambers records. Foard turned over those records and a multiple-page statement to SLED in 2024 that led to the charges against Griffin.

Court records show the lawyer representing the chamber, as an entity, filed suit against Griffin seeking actual damages and interest, and punitive damages against Griffin.

READ: PAGELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE V. TIMOTHY GRIFFIN

07162024-PAGELAND-CHAMBER-OF-COMMERCE-V-GRIFFIN-COMPLAINTDownload

NOT THE FIRST RODEO

Our Rotten investigation also uncovered a 35-year-old arrest warrant out of Chehalis, Washington, for Timothy Griffin, who was known as Timothy Aldridge-Deane back then. The allegations against Griffin in Pageland mirror the theft case out of Washington state.

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Griffin pleaded guilty to felony theft during his tenure as the Executive Director of the Lewis County, Washington, chapter of the American Red Cross. Griffins boss accused him of forging checks, and an internal audit showed he used Red Cross checks to pay his own rent, utilities, child support, phone bill, purchase furniture, and multiple other expenditures marked as unknown in the case file.

Griffin also took the Red Cross Cadillac and pleaded guilty to one count of Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission, which carried a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

READ: Chehalis, WA police reports on the 1989 American Red Cross theft prosecution of its former Executive Director, Timothy Aldridge-Deane, now known as Timothy Griffin:

89B3775-RPTS_RedactedDownload

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Griffin pleaded guilty to felony theft from the 1989 case. After he was sentenced to pay more than $12,000 in restitution to the Red Cross and to report to his community supervision officer, the case file shows Griffin did not do what the judge ordered, and his community supervision officer couldnt find him. The judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest, and law enforcement entered Griffins name into the National Crime Information Center as a wanted man.

Chehalis Police confirmed to Queen City News in July 2024 that the warrant is still active today, more than 30 years after the Lewis County Superior Court issued it.

The warrant does not carry an extradition request, which means if Griffin ever returns to Washington state and law enforcement finds out, hell be arrested and will have to serve the jail sentence imposed on him in 1991.

Otherwise, Griffin may never be arrested on the Lewis County bench warrant.

This March 11, 1992, order was signed by a Lewis County, Washington, judge after Timothy Aldridge-Deane, now known as Timothy Griffin, failed to submit to the sentence imposed on him for stealing money and a car from the American Red Cross chapter in Chehalis, Washington, in 1989. (Source: Lewis County Superior Court)

Timothy Griffin would not communicate with QCN about any of the Washington state or Pageland allegations. Griffin said hed sent a statement the week before our Rotten investigation aired, but he never did.

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Hes now accused of using Chamber money to have his Porsche repaired, withdrawing $50,000 in cash from the Chambers bank account between 2021 and 2023, and making personal Amazon purchases using the Chambers debit card.

A civil filing clocked into the Foard lawsuit this week by an attorney representing the Pageland Chamber of Commerce accused Griffin of misappropriating tens of thousands of dollars of money held by a nonprofit organization and used said funds and assets for personal use and gain, according to the complaint filed on July 16, 2024, in the Chesterfield County courthouse.

The civil lawsuit in Chesterfield County is still pending, awaiting a decision by a special referee before a final adjudication can happen.

The Chesterfield County judge allowed Griffin to return to Tulsa while under bond. A future court date for Griffin has not been set.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
King Charles, Queen Camilla and members of the royal family will gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony as part of the upcoming events commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe.

Buckingham Palace announced on April 25 that the royals will join Prime Minister Keir Starmer and World War II veterans to watch a military procession and flypast on May 5, kicking off four days of events surrounding the milestone anniversary.

The British royal family last gathered in the iconic spot in June 2024 as the finale of Trooping the Colour, the annual parade celebrating the monarch's birthday. The King and Queen were joined on the balcony by Prince William, Kate Middleton and their three children  Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis  among other family members.

JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty The royal family at Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024 The royal family at Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024

Also on May 5, King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, will host a tea party for veterans and members of the World War II generation at Buckingham Palace. The following day, Queen Camilla is set to view a new display of ceramic poppies at The Tower of London.

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Members of the royal family will attend a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on May 7, and King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend a live celebratory concert from Horse Guards Parade to conclude the national VE Day commemorations on May 8.

In addition to national commemorations, members of the royal family will attend events to mark Liberation anniversaries on behalf of the King. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will attend the official commemoration of the Liberation of Denmark on May 4 while Princess Anne, accompanied by her husband Sir Tim Laurence, will visit the Channel Islands to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Guernsey and Sark on May 9 and 10.

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Nixon & Greaves/Mirrorpix/Getty Princess Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth, King George VI and Princess Margaret at the end of World War II at Buckingham Palace on May 8, 1945

The late Queen Elizabeth was a 19-year-old teenager when World War II ended, and the celebrations brought one of the most memorable nights of my life, she said. Having worked in the war effort in a reserve unit, she wore her uniform that evening and headed out among the crowds around the palace with her sister, Princess Margaret, to join the party.

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The Queen, who died in 2022, said in a recording released in 2015, We cheered the King and Queen on the balcony and then walked miles through the street. I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief.

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day in 2020, Queen Elizabeth gave an address on May 8 at 9 p.m.  the same time her father, King George VI, gave a radio message at the end of the war in 1945.

"At the start, the outlook seemed bleak, the end distant, the outcome uncertain. But we kept faith that the cause was right  and this belief, as my father noted in his broadcast, carried us through," the history-making monarch said. "Never give up, never despair  that was the message of VE Day."

Read the original article on People
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday denied that the U.S. is considering lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets as part of a deal with Ukraine, rejecting a report published by Politico.

In a statement posted on the social platform X, Rubio said neither he nor Steve Witkoff, Trumps point person for talks with Russia, had any conversations about lifting sanctions against Russia.

This is unequivocally false, Rubio wrote.

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Restrictions on Russias energy sector by the U.S. and democratic allies are one of the main efforts of sanctions imposed following Moscows full-scale invasion against Ukraine in February 2022, although Kyivs most ardent supporters say more can be done to bankrupt the Kremlins main source of revenue that fuels its military.

Politico reported the White House is considering lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets in Europe and the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, one of the most high-profile Russian energy projects to Europe. Trump sanctioned the pipeline during his first term. The Biden administration lifted those sanctions but reimposed them following Russias start of the war.

Politico cited Witkoff as the main proponent of easing U.S. sanctions on Russian energy. Witkoff has met face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin at least three times and is reportedly set to meet again Friday.

In March, Russia said it expected the U.S. to ease certain sanctions in exchange for accepting a U.S.-proposed partial ceasefire in Ukraine. The Russian presidents office said Moscow understood the U.S. as offering to help restore access for Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports to the world market and allowing certain banking transactions.

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The White House did not address Russias demands, which came after Russian negotiators met with U.S. officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

President Trump has called for Russia and Ukraine to show enthusiasm for American-led efforts to end the more than three-year war and has threatened to walk away as a mediator if progress is not made in short order.

Trump has lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying he is harming efforts at peace by rejecting U.S. proposals to recognize Russias occupation of the Crimean Peninsula. On Thursday, Trump also said he is not happy with Putin for deadly attacks against civilians in Ukraine that took place overnight.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The State Department is eliminating the Office of Global Change, which oversees international climate change negotiations for the United States.

Staff were told about the move verbally Thursday afternoon, according to three people who were granted anonymity to speak about the decision to avoid reprisal. The news thrust the office into chaos and raised questions among staff about when the office would be permanently shuttered.

This will hamstring international climate cooperation at the worst possible time, said one official, referring to the upcoming global climate talks called COP30.

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Its just strategically fucking dumb when it comes to China, that person added, saying the move would leave a leadership vacuum that China could fill.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the office is being eliminated to comply with President Donald Trump's directives to cease participation in international agreements.

"Consequently, this office  which supported the efforts of previous Administrations to hobble the United States through participation in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other agreements purporting to limit [or] prevent climate change, is unnecessary," the spokesperson said in an email.

The move comes on the heels of a planned reorganization of the State Department announced earlier this week by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

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The department said Tuesday that it had eliminated the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, which worked alongside the Office of Global Change, particularly at annual talks focused on meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Trump has moved to exit the agreement but not the United Nations treaty underpinning it. It was unclear whether the U.S. would send a delegation to COP30 in Brazil in November.

Mark Matthews contributed reporting.
The Trump administration officials are debating the possibility of lifting sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and other energy assets as part of peace efforts in Ukraine, Politico reported on April 23, citing five undisclosed sources.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for their fourth meeting on April 25, has reportedly promoted the idea. It has "not found much traction in the White House," and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has opposed it, Politico reported.

U.S. officials have refuted Politico's story.

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"This is unequivocally false. Neither Steve Witkoff nor I have had any conversations about lifting sanctions against Russia as part of a deal with Ukraine," Rubio said on X.

The news comes as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to broker a swift peace deal in Ukraine, warning he might drop the effort unless tangible progress is made soon.

Washington's latest peace proposal reportedly includes the U.S. de jure recognizing Russian control of Crimea and development of closer economic and energy cooperation with Russia.

Witkoff's proposal to ease energy sanctions has also been opposed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgun, who leads the White House Energy Dominance Council and wants to boost U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) sales, Politico reported.

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Restarting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which saw one of its lines damaged during an unexplained explosion in the Baltic Sea in 2022, would also require the EU countries to resume purchases of Russian gas.

The EU set the goal of weaning itself off Russian fossil fuels by 2027 in response to Moscow's all-out invasion of Ukraine.

Rubio has previously said that the U.S. will maintain its sanctions against Russia until a peace deal is reached, but said relief would likely be part of an eventual settlement. The final agreement would therefore have to include the EU, which has also slapped extensive sanctions on Moscow, he noted.

Read also: If Trump recognizes Crimea, the biggest losers are Ukraine  and the US, experts say

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(Reuters) -Russia and Ukraine traded new barbs over faltering peace efforts on Thursday, with Moscow accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of blocking diplomacy and Kyiv saying Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted the war to continue.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will walk away from trying to negotiate a settlement to end Russia's war in Ukraine if Kyiv and Moscow do not make a deal soon.

Control of Crimea, seized and annexed by Russia in 2014, has emerged as a major sticking point between Moscow and Kyiv, and Zelenskiy angered Trump by reiterating on Tuesday that he would not recognise the peninsula as part of Russia.

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Trump wrote on social media on Wednesday that Crimea was lost years ago "and is not even a point of discussion."

Asked about that remark on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a daily news briefing that Trump's position "completely corresponds with our understanding and with what we have been saying for a long time."

Peskov said Russia was continuing to work with the Americans to achieve a peace settlement that ensures Moscow's interests are taken into account.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a separate briefing it was becoming clearer by the minute that Zelenskiy lacked the capacity to negotiate a deal to end the war.

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She accused him of derailing talks on Ukraine on Wednesday in London involving U.S., Ukrainian and European officials, and said the Ukrainian leader was clearly ready to "torpedo the emerging peace process at any cost."

"Yesterday Zelenskiy categorically refused to make any concessions," Zakharova said, "and demonstratively expressed his desire to negotiate only a ceasefire - and even then on his own terms."

Ukraine says it wants a just peace and that Russia is dragging out talks and trying to win time to grab more Ukrainian land in addition to territory it already holds in Crimea and four eastern Ukrainian regions.

Ukrainian officials stepped up their criticism after an overnight Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv that killed at least eight people.

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"Yesterday's Russian maximalist demands for Ukraine to withdraw from its regions, combined with these brutal strikes, show that Russia, not Ukraine, is the obstacle to peace," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Syhiba wrote on X.

"Putin demonstrates through his actions, not words, that he does not respect any peace efforts and only wants to continue the war."

DIFFERENCES OVER CRIMEA

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 following a disputed referendum condemned by the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S., Ukraine and many other countries.

Putin said at the time that Crimea, which changed hands between Russia and Ukraine during Soviet rule in 1954, has always been and remains an inseparable part of Russia.

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Zelenskiy said recognising Crimea as part of Russia would violate Ukraine's constitution. Its annexation has been recognised by few countries.

Crimea is home to Russia's Black Sea fleet, and Russia has used the peninsula to launch missile and drone attacks on Ukraine during the war. Kyiv has also fired missiles at Crimea.

Ukraine says it is committed to seeking a full and unconditional ceasefire. After talks with the U.S, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day truce last month but Putin responded with a list of conditions and questions, saying such a pause would give Ukraine the chance to mobilise more soldiers and acquire more weapons.

Zakharova said decisions by European countries to continue supplying weapons to Kyiv were encouraging Zelenskiy to pursue the war, regardless of casualties, and that their attitude showed some European countries were frightened by the prospect of a Russian victory.

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European countries supplying arms to Kyiv say it needs weapons to defend itself following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 in which tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions have been displaced and towns across Ukraine devastated.

(Reporting by Moscow Bureau; Writing by Lucy Papachristou, Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Timothy Heritage)
Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has stressed that Russian forces carried out a deliberate attack on the civilian infrastructure of Kyiv on the night of 23-24 April, targeting a densely populated area of the Ukrainian capital.

Source: Ukraine's Interior Ministry, citing Klymenko

Details: Klymenko reported that at least 25 residential buildings, a school and a kindergarten had been damaged during the attack. He mentioned that law enforcement officers had conducted two inspections of the buildings, one at night and another in the morning, to ensure there were no injuries.

The aftermath of the Russian strikes on Kyiv.

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Photo: Ukraine's Interior Ministry

The police are accepting reports of damaged property from local residents, with approximately 40 investigators and 30 operatives deployed specifically to handle these reports. Additionally, around 100 district and patrol police officers are providing round-the-clock security for the damaged buildings and the surrounding area.

The process of documenting the Russian war crimes is ongoing jointly with the Security Service of Ukraine.

The aftermath of the Russian strikes on Kyiv.

Photo: Ukraine's Interior Ministry

Klymenko added that a residential building in the Sviatoshynskyi district had been struck by a ballistic missile. Experts have recovered the missile remnants. Further information will be provided after the examination.

The aftermath of the Russian strikes on Kyiv.

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Photo: Ukraine's Interior Ministry

The aftermath of the Russian strikes on Kyiv.



Photo: Ukraine's Interior Ministry

Background:

On the night of 23-24 April, Russian forces mounted a large-scale combined attack on Ukraine. Overall, Russia launched 215 missiles of various types and drones on Ukraine, with the main impact falling on the city of Kyiv. Ukrainian air defence units destroyed 112 Russian aerial targets.

As of 11:00, eight people were confirmed dead following the Russian strike on Kyivs Sviatoshynskyi district. One body part remains unidentified. A total of 77 people have been injured, with 26 adults and five children in hospital.

US President Donald Trump reacted to the large-scale attack on the Ukrainian capital on 24 April and called on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to conclude a peace deal.

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BANGKOK, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's exports rose for a ninth consecutive month in March, hitting the highest level in three years, driven by industrial shipments to key markets, official data showed on Thursday.

Exports, a key driver of the Southeast Asian country's economic growth, jumped 17.8 percent year-on-year last month to a record high of 29.54 billion U.S. dollars, surpassing a 14 percent increase in February, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The surge in exports was in line with ramped-up manufacturing among major trading partners as they managed potential risks, particularly in response to U.S. tariff hikes, the ministry said in a statement.

Industrial exports soared 23.5 percent in March, up from a 17.2 percent rise in the previous month, thanks to a significant expansion in sales of computers, gems and jewelry, and integrated circuits.

The data also indicated that imports grew 10.2 percent from a year earlier to a record peak of 28.57 billion dollars in March, resulting in a trade surplus of 973 million dollars.

For the first quarter of this year, exports climbed 15.2 percent to 81.53 billion dollars, while imports picked up 7.4 percent to 80.45 billion dollars, yielding a trade surplus of 1.08 billion dollars.

Thailand's exports in 2025 are expected to face headwinds from extensive U.S. tariff increases. These measures, alongside retaliatory tariff actions, have intensified concerns over the international trade landscape and could dampen global trade activity and slow investment flows, the ministry said. 
Russia "is a lot weaker than many people realize," Michael Carpenter, a former Biden official, said.

Russia has burned through much of its Soviet-era stockpiles and is increasingly reliant on new munitions.

Russian weapons are going straight to the front to be used within weeks, Carpenter said.

Russia "is a lot weaker than many people realize," Michael Carpenter, who served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia and Ukraine at the Pentagon between 2015 and 2017, told the Power Vertical podcast earlier this month.

As an example, Carpenter said that much of Russia's amped-up military production is going straight to the front lines of its war in Ukraine.

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"Although it has dramatically ramped up its military production, it is essentially using all of that production within weeks of it rolling out on the factory floor," he said.

Russia has gone through its vast Soviet-era stockpiles of equipment at a staggering rate since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In February, the International Institute for Strategic Studies estimated that Russia had lost 14,000 main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and armored personnel carriers since the start of the full-scale invasion.

A destroyed Russian tank on a roadside in Kursk. AP Photo

Pavel Luzin, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, predicted in January that "2025 will be the last year Russia can rely on its massive stockpiles of Soviet-era conventional arms, including artillery, main battle tanks and armored vehicles."

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If Russia's losses continue as they have done, he estimated that by mid-year, Russia will be reliant on newly manufactured arms.

Reliance on others

Russia is increasingly leaning on its allies like Iran and North Korea to cover any ammunition shortfalls.

Recently-released analysis by Reuters and the Open Source Centre research group found that up to 100% of munitions used by Russia in some engagements came from North Korea.

"There is no excess stockpile that the Russians have that they could use if somehow they were cut off from their Chinese sponsors, or also their Iranian and North Korean supporters," Carpenter said.

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Meanwhile, Ukraine's own supply issues are well documented, and could get worse as the Trump White House cools on its support.

Ukraine says its homegrown production of military drones  vital on the front lines of this conflict  is now the biggest in the world.

There's also been a historic boost to European defense funding through the ReArm Europe initiative, announced in early March, which aims to unlock about $840 billion in defense funding for both the continent and Ukraine.

However, there is no sign that Russia's military production  or fighting  efforts are grinding down.

In April, US Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Russia is on track to build a 155mm shell stockpile "three times greater than the United States and Europe combined."

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Moscow is also on track to replace most of its vital equipment lost in 2024, he added.

In a following Power Vertical episode, military analyst Michael Kofman said that after a winter lull, Russia "has renewed offensive intensity," with combined mechanized assaults that he described as a "Mad Max approach."

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 24 that Russia had expected the previous day's peace talks in London to unravel into a major scandal, but instead Ukraine and its allies showed a shared commitment to work towards peace.

The London meeting followed a summit in Paris on April 17, where senior Trump administration officials outlined a controversial peace proposal to Ukrainian and European delegates.

The plan reportedly includes U.S. recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and a ban on Ukraine's NATO membership  two central demands by the Kremlin.

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"Yesterday, there was a meeting in London, and European countries were present, including Ukraine, Britain, France, Germany, and the United States," Zelensky said during a press conference in South Africa on April 24.

"It was not easy, but it was constructive. It ended not with disagreements, but with a desire to work further."

Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine would not negotiate its territorial integrity under pressure.

"Russia does not like the alliance around Ukraine, because Ukraine, if it is alone, is an easier target for Russia," he said. "Even in the first days of the war, when we were almost at the end of our rope, we managed to survive. Believe me, we are much stronger now."

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According to Reuters, Kyiv submitted a document to European partners on April 22 reaffirming that it would not enter negotiations on territorial issues until a "full and unconditional ceasefire" is achieved.

The statement reportedly prompted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to pull out of the London summit, downgrading what was originally intended as a ministerial-level gathering.

Despite their absence, the U.K. Foreign Ministry said on April 23 that "significant progress" had been made and emphasized a unified commitment to U.S. President Donald Trump's stated goal of a "just and lasting peace."

Meanwhile, Trump has denied claims that the U.S. is pressuring Ukraine to accept the recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.

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"Nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory," he wrote on Truth Social on April 23, while simultaneously calling Zelensky's firm stance "harmful to the peace negotiations."

One day after the talks, Russia launched deadly strikes on Kyiv amid ongoing diplomatic outreach, killing eight civilians and injuring 77.

In response, Trump wrote on April 24 that he was "not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv."

He urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "stop" and "get the peace deal done," but stopped short of condemning the attack or threatening consequences.

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Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms.

So far, Moscow has refused.

Read also: After Russias deadly attack on Kyiv, Vance reposts denunciation of Zelensky

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Russian forces launched 215 missiles of various types and drones on Ukraine on the night of 23-24 April, with the main impact falling on Kyiv. Ukrainian air defence units have shot down 112 Russian aerial assets, while F-16 and Mirage fighter jets have been actively involved in repelling the Russian attack.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Details: Starting at 19:30 on 23 April, Russia launched a combined attack on Ukraine using air-to-surface, surface-to-surface and sea-to-surface missiles of various types as well as Shahed-type loitering munitions and various decoy drones.

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The Russians mainly targeted Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

Overall, 215 Russian aerial targets have been detected and tracked by air surveillance troops from Ukraine's Air Force:

11 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles (launched from Russia's Bryansk, Voronezh and Kursk oblasts);

37 Kh-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers (launched from Russia's Saratov Oblast);

6 Iskander-K cruise missiles (launched from the temporarily occupied part of Donetsk Oblast);

12 Kalibr cruise missiles (launched from the Black Sea);

4 Kh-59/Kh-69 air-to-surface missiles from tactical aircraft (launched from Russia's Belgorod Oblast);

145 Shahed loitering munitions/decoy drones of various types (launched from the areas of the Russian cities of Bryansk, Millerovo, Kursk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Chauda in temporarily occupied Crimea).

As of 10:00, 112 aerial targets are confirmed to have been shot down:

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7 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles;

31 Kh-101 cruise missiles;

6 Kalibr missiles;

4 Kh-59/Kh-69 air-to-surface missiles;

64 Shahed loitering munitions.

In addition, 68 Russian decoy drones have disappeared from radar (causing no adverse effects).

Ukrainian aircraft, particularly F-16 and Mirage fighter jets, actively participated in repelling the attack. Ukrainian pilots shot down dozens of aerial targets.

The Russian attack has affected Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia and Khmelnytskyi oblasts.

The Ukrainian Air Force noted that it continues to perform tasks to protect Ukraine's airspace.

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Russia overnight launched its deadliest strikes on Kyiv since the summer of last year, with missile and drone attack killing at least nine people and wounding more than 70, including six children, according to Ukrainian officials.

The barrage was the deadliest attack on Kyiv since July last year, and came hours after President Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, arguing he is damaging peace talks with the Kremlin.

After the attack, Zelensky said he would cut his trip to South Africa short, but Ukraine Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha would remain in the country as a sign of our respect and to carry out all the meetings that were scheduled.

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Trump hammered Zelensky on Wednesday, contending Kyivs leader is an obstacle in peace talks with Russia, objecting to him saying Ukraine will never recognize the Kremlins occupation of the Crimean Peninsula.

Thursday morning, Trump denounced the shelling in Ukraines capital and urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to focus on ceasefire negotiations.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying, Trump wrote in a Thursday morning post on Truth Social. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said people were trapped under the rubble and that several fires broke out in the city after the attack.

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The shelling in Kyiv and other parts of the country comes as both sides have been under pressure from Trump to come to an agreement that would end the war in Eastern Europe that has been raging for more than three years.

Trump and other top U.S. officials have warned previously that if no substantial ceasefire progress is made, Washington will move on from its role as the negotiation facilitator.

The meeting between the leading Western countries and Ukrainian officials in London achieved significant progress on getting on the same page on how to proceed next in the process. But the talks were downgraded after it was announced that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would not attend.

Trumps Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg represented the U.S. and later met with Ukraines delegation.

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The U.S. is looking to continue engaging with Russia.

Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Putin on Friday, a source familiar with the matter told The Hill on Wednesday evening.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Russia has returned the body of a Ukrainian journalist who was captured in occupied east Ukraine and later died in Russian custody, a Ukrainian lawmaker said Thursday.

Victoria Roshchyna, who died at age 27, disappeared in August 2023 on a reporting trip to the Moscow-held part of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region after travelling via Russian territory.

She remained missing until April 2024, when her father received a letter from Moscow's defense ministry saying she was being held in Russian detention.

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The circumstances of her arrest were not made public and Russia did not explain her death, first reported in October 2024.

People hold portraits of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna during a commemoration for Roshchyna who died in Russian captivity, on Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) on October 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. / Credit: Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

"Victoria Roshchyna's body is in Ukraine. The journalist's body was returned as part of an exchange at the end of February," Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Yurchyshyn said Thursday.

Officials chose not to reveal her body had been returned until they were absolutely certain it was her, Yurchyshyn said.

"Given the torture and the condition of the body, Roshchyna's family requested not one, but several DNA examinations," he added.

A joint investigation by Reporters Without Borders and Ukrainian investigative news outlet Slidstva found that she was arrested in Energodar in southern Ukraine, and later held for several weeks in the Russian-held city of Melitopol.

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From there, she was transferred to a jail in the Russian port city of Taganrog. The investigation said she stopped eating in prison and had "knife wounds" on her body, according to her cellmate.

Russia does not typically comment on the treatment of individual prisoners but says it investigates instances of torture in its penal system.

Thousands of Ukrainians opposed to Moscow's rule have been detained in occupied territories since Russia's invasion in 2022, many of whom face torture at the hands of security forces, according to rights groups. Last year, BBC Russia reported that thousands of Ukrainian civilians, including journalists, in Russian custody were being held without charges or access to legal counsel.

Roshchyna worked as a freelancer for various independent news outlets, including Ukrainska Pravda, and had collaborated with the Ukrainian service of U.S.-funded media outlet Radio Free Europe.

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In March 2022, Roshchina was detained by Russian forces for 10 days while reporting in southeastern Ukraine, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

In 2022, she was awarded the Courage in Journalism award by the International Women's Media Foundation for her reporting from east Ukraine.

"Victoria's passing is not just the loss of a remarkable woman, but of an intrepid witness to history," the group said in a statement after her death. "Regardless of her cause of death, we can say with certainty that her life was taken because she dared tell the truth. We hope her death will not be in vain: the international community must pressure Russia to cease targeting journalists and silencing press freedom."

The Committee to Protect Journalists also condemned Moscow for Roshchina's death.

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"Responsibility for her death lies with the Russian authorities, who detained her for daring to report the truth on the Russia-Ukraine war," CPJ's Europe and Central Asia program coordinator said in a statement. "Ukrainian and Russian authorities must do everything in their power to investigate Roshchina's death."

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Russia's ambassador to Germany, Sergey Nechayev, plans to attend another World War II commemoration, this time in the eastern German city of Torgau, where US and Soviet troops famously met on the Elbe river on April 25, 1945.

A Russian embassy spokesman told dpa that Nechayev would accept the city's invitation and take part in Friday's events.

Torgau officials said they had not issued formal invitations but had informed several embassies in February. Moscow also asked for speaking time, which the city declined, saying it did not wish to "provide a platform."

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Last week, Nechayev appeared at a memorial on the Seelow Heights east of Berlin, where the largest battle of World War II on German territory took place.

The event sparked controversy after Germany's Foreign Office issued a handout advising against inviting Russian representatives to commemorations by the federal, state and local governments.

The office fears Russia could use such occasions to justify its war against Ukraine.

The German parliament has decided to exclude Russia and Belarus from the main commemorative event marking the end of World War II in Berlin on May 8.
The city of Kyiv came under a combined Russian attack on the night of 23-24 April. As of 06:06, nine people have been killed and 63 injured, including six children and a pregnant woman.

Source: Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko; Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration

Quote from Klitschko: "Already 21 people injured have been hospitalised. Three children and a pregnant woman are among them."

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Details: As of 02:27, Klitschko reported that 12 people had been injured in the Russian attack on the capital. He added that the Sviatoshynskyi district had been affected the most. Fires broke out at six locations. There is damage. Emergency services are working at the scenes.

Earlier, Tkachenko reported that the following aftermath of the Russian strike had been recorded as of 01:40:

The Holosiivskyi district: two fires as a result of the enemy attack.

The Shevchenkivskyi district: four fires.

The Sviatoshynskyi district: early reports indicate fires at three locations.

Garages, houses and cars were affected. Information was received about five injured people, including a child.

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Hits on civilian infrastructure were recorded.

Emergency workers operating at one of the scenes

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

As of 03:38, one person was known to have been killed and 50 injured. Of those, 35 were hospitalised, including six children. Another 15 received treatment at the scene.

As of 03:53, the death toll had risen to two.

Quote from Klitschko: "Two people have been killed in the capital. A total of 54 people have been injured. Thirty-eight of them, including six children, have been hospitalised. The others received help at the scene."

Search and rescue dog inspecting the scene

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Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

: 

Rescue workers

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Updated: The State Emergency Service reported at 06:06 that, according to early reports, nine people had been killed, 63 injured and 42 taken to hospital, including six children.

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Russian attacks against Ukraine killed 13 people and injured at least 97 others over the past day, regional authorities said on April 24.

Ukrainian forces downed 64 out of the 145 Shahed-type drones and other drones, as well as 48 out of the 70 missiles, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.

Russia used ballistic missiles of the Iskander-M or the North Korean KN-23 model, Kh-101 cruise missiles, Kalibr missiles, and Kh-59/Kh-69 missiles.

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Sixty-eight drones disappeared from radars without causing any damage, according to the statement. Drones that disappear from radars before reaching their targets are usually decoys. Russia launches them alongside real drones to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense.

Russia's mass missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed nine people and injured at least 70, including six children, overnight, according to Ukrainian officials.

Fires have been reported in residential buildings, some of which were damaged due to the attack.

Rescuers and civilians work to pull victims from the rubble of a Russian missile strike on a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 24, 2025. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

Russia struck the city of Kharkiv with drones and missiles 24 times overnight, injuring one person, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. The attacks damaged multi-story residential buildings, a clinic, a school, a hotel, and industrial enterprises.

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Another four people suffered injuries due to Russian drone attacks near Kupiansk and Chuhuiv in Kharkiv Oblast, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

A first responder was injured in a Russian double-tap attack in Zhytomyr Oblast, the State Emergency Service reported.

In western Khmelnytskyi Oblast, a Russian attack injured two people, including a child, Governor Serhii Tiurin said. A gas distribution point, two residential buildings, and an apartment building were damaged, he added.

Two people were injured in the Nedryhailiv community in Sumy Oblast as a result of a Russian drone attack, local authorities reported.

Three people were killed in the cities of Kostiantynivka and Sloviansk in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Seven more people were injured in the region over the past day.

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In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 39 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson. An 81-year-old woman was killed, and 10 other people were injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Read also: If Trump recognizes Crimea, the biggest losers are Ukraine  and the US, experts say

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A combined Russian missile and drone attack on Kiev killed at least nine people and injured at least 70, Ukrainian authorities said on Thursday.

More victims were believed to be trapped under the rubble, as rescue efforts were under way in the early hours of Thursday.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko told the UNIAN news agency that phones could still be heard ringing from the rubble.

"The search will continue until we are sure we have everyone," he promised. Rescue teams were still searching for two missing children, he added.

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During the night, the Russian military carried out a massive airstrike on its neighbour. According to the authorities, drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles were used.

There were strikes in several locations in Kiev, with the district of Svyatoshyn in the north-west of the capital the worst affected. Several high-rise buildings were damaged, and garages and a large number of cars were destroyed.

There were casualties and damage in nine regions across the country. In addition to Kiev, the regions of Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya and Zhytomyr were among those affected.

In the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhya, a firefighter was injured while on duty when the Russians launched a second wave of attacks.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for over three years.
KABUL, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,127 Afghan families with 6,774 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.

The commission provides temporary shelters, nourishment, water, medical care, and transportation services to their respective provinces for the returnees.

Nearly 2 million Afghans have reportedly returned home from the said countries in the past year. The Pakistani government is set to deport 3 million Afghans to their home country in 2025, while Iranian officials have asked undocumented foreign nationals to put an end to their illegal stay and return to their homes.

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. 
Ivan Popov, a disgraced ex-commander of Russia's 58th Army fighting in Ukraine, was sentenced by a Russian military court to five years imprisonment over a large-scale fraud, Interfax news agency reported on April 24.

Popov was also stripped of his military rank as major general and fined 800,000 rubles ($9,600).

The ex-commander was arrested in May 2024 on suspicion of taking part in the theft of 1,700 metric tons of metal intended for building fortifications in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The fraud reportedly caused damages of 115 million rubles ($1.4 million).

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Popov's co-defendant, businessman Sergei Moiseyev, was sentenced to four years and fined 600,000 rubles ($7,200).

Popov has pleaded not guilty and plans to appeal the verdict. The Russian media reported that he sought to avoid a prison sentence by requesting permission to return to the front in Ukraine.

He was expected to lead one of the Storm-Z detachments, a front-line assault group largely composed of convicts and known for high casualty rates, Kommerstant's source in security services claimed.

The court has denied this request, Popov's lawyer Sergei Buinovsky said, according to Interfax.

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Popov was dismissed from his command in 2023 after he reportedly bypassed the command of Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov and attempted to directly appeal to the Kremlin over poor battlefield conditions.

Read also: If Trump recognizes Crimea, the biggest losers are Ukraine  and the US, experts say

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Russian forces attacked a commercial equipment manufacturing company in Kharkiv on the night of 23-24 April, causing no casualties.

Source: Ihor Humennyi, President of UBC Group, the affected company

Details: Six Shahed loitering munitions struck the plant, two of which failed to detonate. According to Humennyi, some of the Shaheds were equipped with thermobaric warheads, a type of weapon that creates large fires at the site of the explosion.

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Firefighters faced difficulties in extinguishing the fire immediately as the Shaheds came in rapid succession.

No company employees were injured in the attack. However, the explosions caused partial destruction of warehouses, a training centre, classrooms, a service centre, a mechanical shop, a metal painting shop and a polyvinyl chloride warehouse.

The targeted company manufactures umbrellas, tents, pavilions, bar furniture, global advertising systems, beer and beverage dispensing equipment, levers for beer taps and bar accessories.

The plant employs approximately 550 people and the total area of the premises is 75,000 m.

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Humennyi stressed that all UBC Group's orders would be fulfilled, adding that some orders had already been redirected to their Bulgarian subsidiary.

Background: On the night of 23-24 April, Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Kharkiv, delivering seven missile strikes.

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(Reuters) - A Russian journalist caught in a Ukrainian artillery strike last month died of his wounds in hospital, his publication said early on Thursday.

Nikita Goldin, who worked for the military's Zvezda Television, was part of a group that came under attack in a Moscow-controlled part of Luhansk region in northeastern Ukraine on March 24.

Six people died in the strike, including two other journalists and their driver.

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Goldin, who also wrote for the military daily Krasnaya Zvezda, was taken to a military hospital in Moscow, but died of his wounds nearly a month after the attack.

Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting the journalists in the attack.

Data provided earlier in the war by the Committee to Protect Journalists counted at least 15 journalists killed since Russia's February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Nearly all of the Luhansk region has been captured by Russian forces as Moscow drives to take control of the broader eastern Donbas region, one of Ukraine's most industrialised areas.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Sandra Maler)
The Russians have used 14 drones and 10 missiles to attack the city of Kharkiv, damaging high-rise buildings, a hospital, a school, houses and a hotel. Two people have been injured.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES); Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov

Quote from Terekhov: "According to our citys Situation Centre, Kharkiv was attacked 24 times during the night. Fourteen times by enemy UAVs and 10 times by missiles.

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High-rise buildings, a city clinic building, a school, houses, a production facility and a hotel complex were damaged. One person was hospitalised."

One of the damaged buildings

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: The SES reported that large-scale fires had broken out in the city. High-rise buildings and houses, an educational institution and infrastructure facilities were damaged.

"Early reports indicate that two people have been injured. SES units, municipal services and psychologists are working under the threat of repeat strikes. Firefighting measures and rubble clearing are ongoing," the SES summarised.

Psychologist operating at the scene

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Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Background:

Ukraine came under a large-scale combined Russian attack on the night of 23-24 April. Air defence systems responded to the attack.

As of 06:00, nine people had been killed and 63 injured in the city of Kyiv, including 6 children and a pregnant woman. Hits on civilian infrastructure had also been recorded. By morning, phones were heard ringing from under the rubble of a building destroyed by the Russians in the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv. The search and rescue operation is ongoing. Two children are among those being searched for.

Two people were injured and several five-storey residential buildings as well as shops, warehouses, a public transport stop and cars were damaged in a combined Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast.

A train driver in Kyiv and a conductor in Zhytomyr were injured in a Russian combined attack on the night of 23-24 April. In addition, service tracks and office and maintenance buildings were damaged in the city of Kyiv and in Kharkiv Oblast due to the attack.

Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, reported that firefighters had extinguished around 40 fires in 9 Ukrainian oblasts that had broken out as a result of Russian large-scale combined missile and drone attacks. A firefighter was injured in a double-tap strike on Zhytomyr Oblast.

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As a result of the Russian massive attack on the night of 23-24 April, one adult and one child were injured in Khmelnytskyi Oblast. Rescue workers came under a double-tap strike in Zhytomyr Oblast, and a number of other oblasts suffered damage but no casualties.

Source: State Emergency Service; Serhii Tiurin, Head of Khmelnytskyi Oblast Military Administration; Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration; Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration; Volodymyr Kohut, acting Head of Poltava Oblast Military Administration on Telegram

Quote from Tiurin: "Two people were injured as a result of a hostile Russian attack. One man sustained a light leg injury, he was taken to hospital. A child also suffered a glass cut to her leg. Her condition is satisfactory; she did not need hospitalisation."

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Details: Tiurin added that there was a fire in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, which has been extinguished. A gas distribution point was also damaged (without interrupting gas supply) as well as the roofs of two residential buildings, windows and doors in five apartments of an apartment building and a summer playground in a park of culture and recreation.

In Zhytomyr Oblast, the attack caused fires in private garages and damaged the windows of an apartment building. The fire has been extinguished.

Aftermath of the attack

Photo: State Emergency Service

"A rescue worker was injured in a Russian double-tap strike. Four pieces of SES equipment were damaged," the service said.

A damaged SES vehicle

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Photo: State Emergency Service

An injured rescue worker

Photo: State Emergency Service

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast also came under a large-scale Russian attack.

Quote from Serhii Lysak: "In Pavlohrad, an industrial company came under attack. Early reports indicate that there are no casualties. The aggressor targeted the Nikopol district with UAVs and artillery. The Nikopol and Marhanets hromadas were hit. People are unharmed" [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town along with their adjacent territories  ed.]

Two multi-storey buildings were damaged in Zaporizhzhia.

Aftermath of the attack

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Photo: State Emergency Service

In Myrhorod district, Poltava Oblast, a missile fragment damaged an outbuilding and a car. There were no casualties.

Aftermath of the attack

Photo: State Emergency Service

Background:

Ukraine came under a large-scale combined Russian attack on the night of 23-24 April. Air defence systems responded to the attack.

As of 06:00, 9 people had been killed and 63 injured in the city of Kyiv, including 6 children and a pregnant woman. Hits on civilian infrastructure had also been recorded.

By morning, phones were heard ringing from under the rubble of a building destroyed by the Russians in the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv. The search and rescue operation is ongoing. Two children are among those being searched for.

Two people were injured and several five-storey residential buildings as well as shops, warehouses, a public transport stop and cars were damaged in a combined Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast.

A train driver in Kyiv and a conductor in Zhytomyr were injured in a Russian combined attack on the night of 23-24 April. In addition, service tracks and office and maintenance buildings were damaged in the city of Kyiv and in Kharkiv Oblast due to the attack.

Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, reported that firefighters had extinguished around 40 fires in 9 Ukrainian oblasts that had broken out as a result of Russian large-scale combined missile and drone attacks. A firefighter was injured in a double-tap strike on Zhytomyr Oblast.

The city of Kharkiv was attacked by the Russians with 14 drones and 10 missiles, damaging apartment buildings, a hospital, a school, houses and a hotel and injuring two people.

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A train driver and a conductor have been injured and railway tracks and office buildings have been damaged in a Russian combined attack on the night of 23-24 April.

Source: Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways)

Quote: "The enemy once again targeted railway infrastructure last night. Two railway workers have been injured in a combined Russian attack on Ukraine: a conductor in Zhytomyr and a driver in Kyiv."

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Details: Ukrzaliznytsia noted that both workers are in a stable condition and are being examined by doctors.

In addition, service tracks as well as office and maintenance buildings were damaged in the city of Kyiv and in Kharkiv Oblast due to the attack.

"Trains are continuing to run on schedule," Ukrzaliznytsia concluded.

Background:

Ukraine came under a large-scale combined Russian attack on the night of 23-24 April. Air defence systems were responding.

As of 06:00, nine people had been killed and 63 injured in the city of Kyiv, including six children and a pregnant woman. Hits on civilian infrastructure had also been recorded.

Two people were injured and several five-storey residential buildings, shops, warehouses, a public transport stop and cars were damaged in a combined Russian attack on Kyiv Oblast.

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After a mass Russian missile attack on Kyiv that killed at least eight people, U.S. Vice President JD Vance on April 24 reshared a post denouncing President Volodymyr Zelensky and accusing him of being the main impediment to peace in Ukraine.

During the mass attack in Kyiv, eight people were killed and 77 injured, including at least six children, Ukrainian officials said.

Thirty-one people remain hospitalized, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, adding that a rescue operation was ongoing to retrieve victims stuck under rubble.

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At the time of writing, Vance has not condemned or commented directly on the strike.

Vance's post on X was a screenshot of a post on Truth Social by U.S. President Donald Trump that suggested Zelensky was the main obstacle to peace in Ukraine after he reaffirmed that Ukraine would never legally recognize Russia's control of Crimea.

"The statement made by Zelensky today will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field,' and nobody wants that! We are very close to a deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, get it done," Trump wrote in the post reshared by Vance.

"I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this complete and total mess, that would have never started if I were President!"

The attack on Kyiv came just hours after the Kremlin demanded Ukraine's full recognition of Russias claim over four Ukrainian oblasts it partially occupies, and Crimea that Moscow occupies in full, neutral status for Ukraine, and an end to all Western military support.

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Vance said during a visit to India on April 23 that the U.S. had submitted a "very explicit proposal" to both Kyiv and Moscow. Vance warned that unless the two sides move forward, Washington may abandon its mediation efforts.

The U.S. has been in talks with Ukraine and Russia to negotiate an end to Russia's war against Ukraine. A Russian strike on Sumy on April 13 killed 35 people and injured 119. Another Russian strike on Kryvyi Rih on April 4 killed 20 people, including nine children, and injured over 70.

Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms.

So far, Moscow has refused.

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Read also: Front-line situation not severe enough for Ukraine to be forced to accept Trumps deal, experts say

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RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  While the Rutherford County School Board negotiates a new contract with its bus drivers, board members are considering eliminating school bus transportation for some families who live close to campuses.

If the idea moves forward, students within whats called a Parent Responsibility Zone (PRZ) would need to walk or get a ride to school. The board considered PRZs last year, but the proposal wasnt implemented.

Rutherford County parent Erik Snyder told News 2 in 2024 the PRZ proposal gave him concerns over increased traffic and pedestrian safety.

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Metro Nashville Public Schools make changes to DEI program following Trumps executive order

However, some board members have argued that PRZs could address some inefficiencies in their current system. According to the school district, a PRZ with a 1-mile radius would eliminate the need for 15 school buses, saving the district more than $1 million.

Im not going to name the school, but you know the school that Im talking about that has an apartment complex on the premises and theyre busing the children across the parking lot, Rutherford County School Board Member Tammy Sharp said in a work session on Tuesday, April 22.

Director of Schools Dr. James Sullivan said schools in higher density areas  like Barfield, Blackman, La Vergne, and Smyrna  would feel the most impact of PRZs.

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We are running out of room: Lebanon Special School District evaluating ways to tackle growth

Board members are expected to continue this discussion at their next meeting, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24.

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New administrative rules proposed by the agency led by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters have had their first legislative hearing in an Oklahoma House committee, but any vote will have to wait until the state Senate develops a resolution, the committee chair said.

The House Administrative Rules Committee spent an hour and 45 minutes on April 23 discussing various rules proposed by state agencies. More than 40 minutes of that time focused on proposed rules developed by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

The most controversial of those rules is one that would allow the agency to not just ask for the immigration status of students, but of their parents, as well.

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Another proposed rule from Walters agency that has drawn strong opposition is one that would require Oklahoma teachers to take the U.S. naturalization test as a requirement for certification or renewal of certification, meaning even veteran teachers would have to take it.

Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, a former teacher, called such a mandate demoralizing. He also questioned the agencys statutory authority to create a good number of the rules on its proposal, particularly the one concerning immigration enforcement.

The proposed test and immigration rules also drew questions from GOP lawmakers. Rep. Michelle McCane, R-Tulsa, said she was a teacher until this past November and predicted it would drive veteran teachers away from the profession, calling it a slap in the face.

Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, seemed to agree, saying, To require career teachers to go back and take a test like this  is a bit of a reach.

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Rep. Clay Staires, R-Skiatook, said he would join Waldron in recommending disapproval of the immigration rule. Staires said he believed the subject should go through the statutory process instead of being included in an administrative rule.

Gov. Kevin Stitt has also criticized the state Education Departments proposed immigration rule, saying it amounts to Walters using children as political pawns. Stitt said hes going to do what I can to change that when the proposal comes across his desk.

How administrative rules will take effect in Oklahoma

The path for the rules to take effect is different than in 2024. That year, a set of administrative rules from Walters agency went into effect without receiving debate, or a vote, on either the House or Senate floors. Stitt then unilaterally approved the rules as part of a package that included all state agencies that had submitted rules proposals.

This year, the rules proposals were divided into six general categories by Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, who chairs the House Administrative Rules committee, and his Senate counterpart, Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair. The package of education-related rules proposals will start in the Senate Administrative Rules Committee, which will take information and objections shared during the House committee meeting and draft a resolution.

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That resolution, Kendrix said, theoretically would follow the traditional path of a regular legislative bill that originates in the Senate: committee approval, a Senate floor vote, a House committee hearing and then a House floor vote. If the resolution makes it through both chambers, then Stitt would have the authority to either approve each resolution in whole, or veto any of them in whole. He does not have line-item veto authority on administrative rules proposals.

If the Legislature takes no action, then its up to Stitt whether or not to approve the rules proposals.

Kendrix said he is working with Bergstrom to put the resolutions together with input from both chambers.

When they get drafted and put together, that will be because of the House and the Senate have come to an agreement, he said.

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The idea of submitting six separate resolutions is so if Stitt decides to veto one of the resolutions because of an objection to one agencys rules proposals, that those from other agencies wont also be wiped out, Kendrix said.

I respect the governor's opinion, Kendrix said. He's a part of this process. It's the way our government is set up, and I respect that, but I also know that our responsibility is to take these rules, look at the statutes, look at the intent, look at the process, and make the decision based on that.

Given that the Legislature  with the exception of a vote in Kendrixs committee  effectively punted the administrative rules proposals last year to Stitt, legislators asked in the House meeting if the Senate could be trusted to uphold its end of the current process. Kendrix assured them that Bergstrom had given his word the Senate would.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma lawmakers start considering Ryan Walters' rules proposals
ULAN BATOR, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The total population of Mongolian Saiga antelopes, a critically endangered species, has increased to 23,215, local media reported Thursday, citing the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Mongolia.

"Recent conservation efforts to mitigate impacts of environmental and human influences, such as law enforcement, habitat management, disease prevention and community engagement have aided to an increase in the Saiga population in Mongolia," the WWF-Mongolia said in a statement.

Currently, the Mongolian Saiga antelopes cover an area of 40,006 square km across 18 soums (administrative subdivision) of four provinces in Mongolia -- approximately 40 percent of its historical range. 
(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved a significant step in creating a new Mental Health Rehabilitation Center for adults on Tuesday.

According to a statement from Sacramento County, the board authorized a 30-year lease agreement and sublease with WellSpace Health for a new facility at 6790 Stockton Boulevard. The lease is scheduled to run from Jan. 1, 2027, to Dec. 31, 2056.

Motorcycle crash in Elk Grove disrupts traffic

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The proposed facility is about 24,700 square feet, with the completion date of completing being Dec. 2026, said authorities. The building is set to have a 32-bed, 24-hour residential program that is designed for individuals 18 years or older living with mental disorders.

Officials said the program will provide intensive support and rehabilitative services to help the residents gain skills to become self-sufficient and develop skills to increase and reintegrate back into society.

Photo by Sacramento County Press Release

WellSpace Health, a nonprofit organization, has partnered with Sacramento County to manage the facility to ensure it provides the best care for those who need it, authorities said.

Authorities said the $23.57 million that is needed for the MHRC will come from round three of the State of Californias Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program grant.

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Officials also said that Sacramento County will provide a required grant that matches $1.98 million, which will come from the Countys Patient Care Revenue, with the possibility of $1.5 million to overrun funding.

The new facility is an essential part of the Countys commitment to improving mental health services and addressing the growing need for mental health care across the region, said a spokesperson from Sacramento County. By providing a stable and supportive living environment for individuals in recovery, the County is helping to break down barriers to mental health treatment and support.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  As early voting is underway in San Angelo, supporters of San Angelo ISDs Bond 2025 proposal went door-to-door in neighborhoods within the city to advocate for the $397 million bond.

According to the SAISD website, the bond would be used to fund several renovation and new construction projects at multiple campuses, including renovations to Central High School and Lake View High School as well as the construction of a new Glenn Middle School campus.

The bond could allow for maintenance and repair of schools such as replacing air conditioning systems, roofing, electrical, and plumbing systems that are beyond their useful life, SAISD said. These repairs paid for by bond funds could help make school buildings more energy efficient and lower operating costs  allowing the district to allocate its annual maintenance and operations funds back into the classroom for other items like teacher salaries.

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One supporter who took part in a neighborhood walk shared that every vote will matter when it comes to the bond.

Our last bond that went up fell by just a handful of votes, the supporter said. Had just 10 more people showed up, it may have been a different story.

The supporter also stated that the failure of previous bonds to may be causing costs to increase over time.

Six of the seven last bonds that weve had have all fell, and so those costs incur more and more over the years, the supporter said. The cost of building a building last year is going to be less than it will be in the coming years.

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Early voting for the May 3 general election began on April 22 and will conclude on April 29.

KLST-TV will host a live forum about both the SAISD and CRC Roofers Coliseum renovation bonds on Monday, April 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tune in on TV or at conchovalleyhomepage.com to watch it!

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  San Angelo ISD has cited an error in reporting as a contributing factor to recently revealed accountability ratings following the Texas Education Agencys assignment of a D to the district and an F to Lake View High School.

In a statement issued to district parents, SAISD Superintendent Christopher Moran said that the TEAs 2023 school year accountability ratings were expected to be a D for the district and an F for Lake View High School. The TEA released its ratings on April 24, revealing that the expectations were correct.

According to the TEA, the A-F accountability system was established in 2017 by the 85th Texas Legislature through House Bill (HB) 22 to provide clear and consistent information on how schools are performing in three key areas: Student Achievement, School Progress and Closing the Gaps. The system was designed to drive continuous improvement and is used to help ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success after graduation.

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The release of 2023 ratings give families a much-needed and long-overdue opportunity to understand how their schools are serving students, the TEA said. The ratings also give districts valuable insights to strengthen instruction, close achievement gaps and support continuous improvement.

SAPD: No credible threat at Lake View HS, despite online claim

Moran said in the statement that a reporting error for the 2022-2023 school year led to incomplete data being submitted to the TEA. He specified that grade information from Lake View High School for the spring 2022 semester was dropped from our report during the electronic submission process, resulting in the assigned ratings.

Had the reporting error not occurred, the district rating would have been a C and Lake View High School would have been a D, Moran said.

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Moran stated that the district took precautionary measures after realizing that the error was made.

Upon discovering the error, the district implemented updated safeguards to include targeted checkpoints for data verification involving multiple departments, which now occur numerous times each year, Moran said.

Moran said that the district is now working to appeal the ratings to ensure the districts academic performance is accurately represented, a process he stated couldnt begin until the ratings were released.

While this data error is real and important, it does not fully capture the current state of San Angelo ISD, Moran said.

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Moran also said that the TEAs rating is reflective of 3-year-old data that the district obtained in the Fall of 2023 and used to make immediate changes at the time. He said SAISD has made significant adjustments since the 2022-2023 school year and has focused on academic growth at all campuses.

The TEA also reported that its 2022-2023 school year and 2023-2024 school year ratings were delayed due to legal challenges and that its 2022 ratings, while released, were heavily impacted by pandemic-related learning disruptions and a state law that prevented D and F ratings from being issued that year.

In a separate statement issued two days before the TEA released its ratings, Moran said that academic growth could be expected at SAISD in the coming years.

You should expect to see a significant academic turnaround in San Angelo ISD in the coming years as a result of the work our skilled teachers, academic support and curriculum and instruction department is engaged in, Moran said.

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The TEAs ratings for San Angelo ISDs campuses are as follows:

Fort Concho Elementary  A

Santa Rita Elementary  A

Central High School  C

San Jacinto Elementary  C

Glenn Middle School  C

Glenmore Elementary  C

Bonham Elementary  C

Lamar Elementary  C

Reagan Elementary  D

Lone Star Middle School  D

McGill Elementary  D

Lincoln Middle School  D

Bowie Elementary  D

Bradford Elementary  F

Lake View High School  F

Belaire Elementary  F

Crockett Elementary  F

Fannin Elementary  F

Goliad Elementary  F

Holiman Elementary  F

Carver Alternative Learning Center  Not rated

To view the TEAs 2023 ratings, visit txschools.gov.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  A San Angelo man accused of leading law enforcement on a chase that resulted in a traffic light being toppled and a car crash that hospitalized himself and one other person was indicted in April, according to court records filed within Tom Green County.

Daniel Perez, 24, was indicted on one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of evading arrest with a vehicle, as per an indictment record filed in Tom Green County. Stated in the record is that Perez is accused of threatening to shoot an individual with a gun and fleeing from a peace officer on Feb. 19.

The San Angelo Police Department reported on Feb. 19 that officers were dispatched to the 300 block of North Schroeder Avenue in response to a robbery in progress. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement located the suspect vehicle leaving the area.

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The vehicle fled from an attempted traffic stop, and a pursuit ensued. The chase came to an end at the intersection of South Abe Street and West Beauregard Avenue after the suspect, identified as Perez, was involved in a vehicle collision.

Perez was taken into custody and transported to the emergency room alongside the occupant of the other vehicle involved in the crash. The SAPD stated that both individuals had sustained non-incapacitating injuries.

The crash also resulted in a traffic light at the intersection being knocked over and debris being scattered into the roadway. A new traffic light has since been installed.

A photo of a crash that occurred on Feb. 19, 2025, following a police chase involving Daniel Perez. A photo of a crash that occurred on Feb. 19, 2025, following a police chase involving Daniel Perez. A photo of a crash that occurred on Feb. 19, 2025, following a police chase involving Daniel Perez.

An affidavit filed in relation to the incident stated that a Glock 20 10mm semi-automatic handgun was located in the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle driven by Perez.

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According to the affidavit, an investigator spoke with a woman allegedly targeted in the assault. The individual claimed that Perez held her against her will the day prior in a vehicle and at an apartment and had threatened her life with a handgun.

As stated in the affidavit, the woman also alleged that, on the evening of Feb. 18, Perez accused her of infidelity, broke her phone and produced a handgun from the rear of the vehicle and placed the handgun in his lap. She claimed he would not let her leave the vehicle and would not take her home, also stating that, when she attempted to leave the vehicle while at a red light, Perez struck her multiple times and made verbal threats while holding the gun.

The woman also alleged that Perez later took her to his relatives apartment but would not let her leave the apartment, as per the affidavit. She claimed that the following morning, Perez agreed to take her to her residence but again threatened her by allegedly telling her you better not say anything to anybody or Im gonna put a hole in your head.

According to the affidavit, the investigator observed redness on the womans left temple area.

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Perez is held in the Tom Green County Detention Center as of the time of publication with a posted bond of $235,000.

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SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego is rolling out a comprehensive Mobility Master Plan, laying the groundwork for a safer, greener and more efficient transportation network throughout the city.

After three years of development, this first-of-its-kind plan for San Diego highlights hundreds of projects and programs that aim to make getting around better for everyone.

Whether you walk, drive, take the bus or train, how you get around shapes your experience. San Diego City leaders agree a newly approved Mobility Master Plan is the way forward.

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Phil Throm, mobility planning, City of San Diego

Where people need to travel and want to travel is really important, and this plan addresses that and has this human or passenger-centered approach, explained Phil Throm, a leader in mobility planning for the city.

The city council unanimously approved the 132-page plan on Tuesday. It identifies nearly 400 projects that are prioritized based on need{sot: phil throm  mobility planning, city of san diego}

Improving sidewalks, we have transit access improvements, we also have bike lanes and theres a variety of different types of bike lanes, said Throm.

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Not so fast, California drivers  police say dont do this to you license plate

The plan zeros in on 11 focus areas, such as communities near El Cajon Boulevard and San Ysidro Boulevard. It also aligns with the citys climate action plan and vision zero, which aims to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.

Chloe Lauer with the countys Bicycle Coalition supports the plan and wants to see this a few things. She said, Definitely more quick-build projects to provide protective infrastructure for cyclists as well as for pedestrians, and really anything that slows down the speed of the vehicular traffic.

The city is also looking at more than a dozen mobility programs and incentives. Things like transit passes and slow streets, and even harden the public right-of-way, said Throm.

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An e-bike rebate program and carsharing is also a priority.

The foundation is in place, said Lauer. I think well see what theyre able to achieve in a fiscally constrained environment and, you know, thats where the best visions can sometimes be harder to realize.

The city is also emphasizing implementation and monitoring. Throm said, Safety at the back-end of the plan is also a key performance metric that will be used to track and evaluate the plan.

The plan also gives the city an opportunity to seek state and federal funding for projects mentioned, but ultimately this is a blueprint for years to come that could evolve as time goes on.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The AAC&U letter refers to the essential role that our colleges and universities play in our society in educating students to sustain our democracy," said former Gov. Brian Sandoval. (Photo: Richard Bednarski/Nevada Current)

Former Nevada Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval, who currently serves as president of the University of Nevada, Reno, is one of 435 university and college presidents and chancellors to sign on to a letter protesting the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American education.

The letter from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), which is clearly directed at President Donald Trump without mentioning him by name, opposes undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses.

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The AAC&U letter, Sandoval said via email, refers to the essential role that our colleges and universities play in our society in educating students to sustain our democracy, ensuring that faculty and staff have academic freedom and that our campuses in general remain places where the individual freedoms of all people are not curtailed or used as a means for punishment.

The message also affirms the multitude of benefits that further all segments of our world through the work that comes from public research funding, Sandoval said.

Last week, Trump froze $2.2 billion in research funding designated for Harvard University, which refused to capitulate to the presidents political demands, including federal audits of Harvards programs, agreements to screen international students for their beliefs, and the installation of administrators who will ensure the White Houses demands are carried out, the Harvard Crimson reported. Harvard is suing the Trump administration.

And earlier this week Trump signed a slew of executive orders on education, including one that aims to overhaul college accreditation.

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During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged to fire radical Left accreditors, claiming they have allowed our colleges to become dominated by Marxist Maniacs and lunatics.

We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight, says the AAC&U letter. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live, and work on our campuses. We will always seek effective and fair financial practices, but we must reject the coercive use of public research funding.

Four Nevada institutions  UNR, the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Nevada State University (NSU), and the College of Southern Nevada (CSN)  are members of AAC&U.

Late Thursday a spokesperson for NSU President DeRionne Pollard notified the Current that Pollard had signed on to the letter. UNLVs Interim President Chris Heavey signed on Friday, according to a spokesperson.

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CSN did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Nevada System of Higher Education said the System did not entertain signing the letter, and suggested it was for individual institutions only.

This story was updated to include officials from Nevada State and UNLV signing on to the AAC&U letter.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The San Angelo Police Department has issued a statement regarding a social media post circulating online in the wake of an incident that occurred at Lake View High School.

According to the SAPD, the agency received multiple calls in the morning of April 24 concerning a social media post about an incident at Lake View High School. The department assured citizens that, after coordination with San Angelo ISD administrators and on-site officers, there is no credible threat to the campus or public safety.

We understand the concern these types of posts can cause and appreciate the publics vigilance, the SAPD said.

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The SAPD said that the incident involved a student found in possession of a vape device who briefly fled from a school resource officer. It stated that the incident was quickly and safely resolved through the assistance of a second school resource officer.

We remain committed to working closely with our school partners to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff, the SAPD said.

The department clarified that at no time was a weapon involved and that there was no danger to students or staff.

The SAPD encouraged citizens to continue reporting concerns to law enforcement and school officials and to avoid sharing unverified information online.

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Thank you for your continued trust and partnership, the SAPD said.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Every year, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts Drug Take Back Day. This Saturday, April 26, agencies across Utah will be participating in safely disposing of prescription drugs.

Here are some of the locations in Utah where you can drop off your unneeded and expired prescription medication on Saturday. For locations not on this list, or to locate a drop-off near you, visit the DEAs website.

The event will run between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in most locations; events with a different time will be noted. No needles or sharp objects will be accepted.

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Received a call from SLCPD demanding money? Police say hang up

Salt Lake County

The Salt Lake City Police Department will participate in Drug Take Back Day at its Pioneer Precinct.

Salt Lake City Police Department Pioneer Precinct

1040 West 700 S, Salt Lake City, Utah

The West Jordan and Draper Police Departments Drug Take Back events will be held at Smiths.

Smiths Food and Drug

5710 W 7800 S, West Jordan, Utah

Smiths Food and Drug

212 E 12300 S, Draper, Utah

The South Salt Lake Police Department will be at Walgreens for their drop-off.

Walgreens

3250 S 700 E, Salt Lake City, Utah

The Sandy Police Department will be at Sandy City Halls east entrance.

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Sandy City Hall

10000 Centennial Pkwy, Sandy, Utah

Enforcement of REAL IDs go into effect soon, are you ready?

Utah County

The Utah County Health Department is hosting several Drug Take Back Day drop-offs as well. The locations are as follows:

Spanish Fork Police Department

789 W Center St, Spanish Fork, Utah

Walmart Supercenter

949 Grassland Drive, American Fork, Utah

Maceys

760 E Main St, Lehi, Utah

CVS

5326 W 11000 N, Highland, Utah

Payson Market Pharmacy

586 N Main St, Payson, Utah

Pleasant Grove Recreation Center

547 S Locust Ave, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Springville Public Library

45 S Main St, Springville, Utah

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Vineyard City Hall

125 South Main Street, Vineyard, Utah

Planned Parenthood of Utah to close 2 clinics following federal freeze on Title X funding

Davis County

The Davis County Sheriffs Office will oversee drop-off at the Smiths in West Point.

Smiths Food and Drug

217 N 2000 W, West Point, Utah

The Syracuse Police Department will host a Drug Take Back event at Walmart.

Syracuse Walmart

2228 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075

The Kaysville Police Department will also have a drop-off location at Smiths.

Smiths Food and Drug

1370 W 200 N, Kaysville, Utah

Weber County

The Weber County Sheriffs Office will have officers running Drug Take Back Day. Officers will be in Plain City, and note that you can turn in vape devices if the lithium-ion batteries are removed.

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Kents Market

3673 W 2600 N, Plain City, Utah

The Ogden Police Department will also be hosting two drop-off locations.

Smiths Food and Drug

4275 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, Utah

Smiths Food and Drug

1485 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, Utah

More than 200 intersections to close for Salt Lake City Marathon this weekend

Washington County

The St. George and Hurricane Police Departments will both be hosting drop-offs.

Bloomington Walmart Supercenter

2610 Pioneer Rd, St. George, Utah

Smiths Food and Drug

20 N Bluff St, St. George, Utah

Lins Market Hurricane

1120 W State St, Hurricane, Utah

Emery and Carbon Counties

Emery and Carbon Opiod and Substance Use Coalition are hosting a few Drug Take Back Day events. Between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on April 26, you can visit one of the following locations to drop off your prescriptions. A free swag bag and food truck will be provided while supplies last.

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Carbon County Sheriffs Office

240 W Main St., Price, Utah

OK Anderson City Park

100 Solomon Street, Green River, Utah

Stewarts Market

580 E Main St, Castle Dale, Utah

Utahns among those paying the most in housing costs, study says

Cache County

The Utah State University Department of Public Safety is hosting a drop-off in the basement of the student center on campus.

Glen L. Taggart Student Center

650 N 800 E, Logan, Utah

Uintah County

The Uintah County Sheriffs Office will be at Walmart in Vernal.

Walmart Supercenter

1851 U.S. Hwy 40, Vernal, Utah

Tooele County

The Tooele County Sheriffs Office will be in Stansbury Park for their Drug Take Back Day drop off.

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Soelbergs Market

6727 UT-36, Stansbury Park, Utah

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It's a modern real-life tale of David vs Goliath set to music. The activism of the people of the rural community of Covas do Barroso against a British lithium mining giant will be shared on the silver screens across Portugal this week

Paulo Carneiro's 'Savannah and the Mountain' centres on the northern mountainous Boticas community in Tras-os-Montes and their fight for their land after discovering that the firm plans to build Europe's largest open-pit lithium mine just a few metres from their homes.

Since winning high praise from critics at Cannes last year, where it premiered at the Director's Fortnight section, the film's release has been eagerly anticipated.

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Director's Cut

Its director Paulo Carneiro describes it as a documentary fiction, depicting activism and resistance in the form of a musical western.

"The people of Covas do Barroso were poorly represented by a documentary, because we needed to put them into action, we needed to take the struggle out of the office, out of the emails, out of the scientific papers that have to be read and re-read and analysed by specialists, and put the struggle into practice, show the struggle in practice," said Carneiro.

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"We live in one of the most isolated regions of the country, but in 2018 it was recognised as a World Agricultural Heritage Site because of the way we live, the way we work the land, the way we relate to nature," says Aida Fernandes, who is part of the film's cast, as well as being president of the local community of Covas do Barroso.

"When we see a project like this on our doorstep, which endangers everything we have, the way we live, we run the risk of having to leave our place... The film portrays exactly that, our pain," she added.

The struggle is amplified by the intervention of Carlos Libo's soundtracks and the authenticity that the inhabitants of Covas do Barroso bring to the film. The expectation, in the eyes of director Paulo Carneiro, is that it will fill cinemas and achieve success nationwide, not just in the major cities.

Lithium legacy

Portugal has the largest lithium reserves in Europe, with 28 million metric tonnes of high grade lithium. In recent years, Covas do Barroso has been in the news for its people's fight against the advancement of lithium mining by British company, Savannah Resources, which holds a concession there to exploit a total area of 542 hectares.

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The company is currently prospecting in Covas do Barroso after former Secretary of State for Energy Maria Joao Pereira eased some of the administrative processes and bureaucratic hurdles in December.

It is on the basis of the administrative easement map that Savannah Resources pays compensation for the use of the land for a year, the company's CEO, Emanuel Proenca, confirmed to Euronews in December last year.

At the end of March, the European Union made this exploration one of 47 strategic mining projects at a European level. The argument for betting on lithium, used in the production of batteries for electric cars, is its importance for the energy transition.

The residents are refusing to let up the fight. On 14 April, around 25 people gathered in the community in solidarity with a landowner who was allegedly asked by the National Republican Guard to remove a trailer from his land that's preventing Savannah Resources' machines from passing through.

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The man, Benjamim Goncalves, was reportedly 'requested' to do so against the backdrop of arrest. Aida Fernandes was one of the people present at this show of strength.

Goncalves, claims that the plot of land in question is not included in Savannah Resources' deal with the government, that authorises the mining company to work on private and public land. Others in the community also support his viewpoint.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  Heres the details for the four Tyler ISD schools hosting graduation ceremonies this May.

Winnsboro police chief announces departure

Tyler ISD will graduate more than 1,200 high school students from May 15-17. The Tyler ISD class of 2025 will consist of RISE Academy, Early College High School, Tyler Legacy High School and Tyler High School. Below are the dates, times and locations:

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RISE Academy  May 15, 6 p.m. at the Tyler High School Varsity Gymnasium. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Early College High School  May 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Tyler High School Varsity Gymnasium. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tyler Legacy High School  May 16, 8 p.m. at the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Tyler High School  May 17, 8 p.m. at the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Lake Livingston Water Supply Corporation issues boil water notice for 2 subdivisions

Each ceremony will air live on the Tyler ISD YouTube channel at youtube.com/tisdtv. For more information about Tyler ISDs graduation ceremony policy, visit this link: https://www.tylerisd.org/page/graduation-information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
By News Center

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat has announced that Turkiye will engage in constructive negotiations with the United States regarding customs tariffs, emphasizing mutual understanding and cooperation.

Initial contacts have already been made. Talks will also continue at the ministerial level in the coming days, Bolat said.

Speaking on the matter, Bolat criticized the global impact of former U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff decisions and the retaliatory actions taken by other nations, describing the situation as creating a cloud of uncertainty over the global economy.

Bolat noted that Turkiye has maintained a dynamic and coordinated approach throughout this period. Under the leadership of Vice President Cevdet Y?lmaz, ministers involved in economic matters remain in constant communication and consultation. Decisions are made collectively as government policy, he said.

He added that Turkiye neither expects nor deserves the additional 10% tariff imposed. Nonetheless, we will negotiate with the U.S. in a positive and constructive environment. The groundwork has been laid, and further talks are imminent.

Bolat also highlighted the importance of global trade developments and their impact on Turkiyes trade relations. Just as Turkiye-U.S. relations are vital, so too is our trade with other countries. We are taking proactive steps in this area, he stated.

He warned against Turkiye becoming a dumping ground for goods from competing nations. We will not allow this and are determined to act. Turkiye will fully utilize all rights granted under international trade rules, Bolat declared.

He acknowledged that the World Trade Organization is facing a challenging period. Unilateral decisions have inflicted serious damage on the rules-based multilateral system. We hope countries can reach a consensus before the cost of this uncertainty becomes too high, and that trade once again drives global growth, he said.

Syria Trade and Customs to Be Reorganized

Touching on developments in Syria, Bolat said efforts were underway, at President Erdo?ans direction, to cooperate with the new Syrian administration.

He stressed the importance of lifting sanctions on Syria and noted that the new government in Damascus has high expectations from Turkiye. We aim to work jointly for the establishment and sustainability of a strong, stable Syria, which will also reinforce our neighborly ties, Bolat said.

Under Vice President Y?lmazs leadership, biweekly coordination meetings are held to discuss key issues, with continuous and active engagement with Syrian counterparts.

To boost trade, Bolat emphasized the need to ease customs procedures. He revealed that agreements have been reached to transfer loading and unloading operations into Turkiye, which will relieve congestion at customs points.

Transport ministries from both countries are expected to finalize a deal within weeks, expediting commercial traffic between Turkiye and the Middle East.

Bolat also said Turkiye had proposed cooperation on trade in industrial goods, investment, and services under a comprehensive economic partnership. The Ministry of Industry and Technology will oversee the restoration of industrial zones and acceleration of mutual investment.

Crackdown on Price Gouging Amid Crop Damage

Bolat also addressed the recent frost event affecting Turkish agriculture, particularly hard-shell fruits. He said the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is working to assess the damage and identify salvageable areas.

He warned that while fruit prices might rise in the short term, authorities will not tolerate opportunistic pricing. We are determined to combat excessive pricing. Everyone knows that supply-demand imbalances, whether in agriculture or industry, lead to price volatility, Bolat noted.

He assured that the Trade Ministry, with its authority over imports and exports, is ready to take necessary measures in consultation with relevant ministries. We will protect both producers and consumers. No one will be left at the mercy of unfair pricing, he emphasized.

Regular inspections are being carried out across provinces and districts. The public should rest assuredwe are vigilant, Bolat concluded.
ISLAMABAD, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has expressed concerns over a gun attack in the restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing dozens of tourists and wounding several others, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Office Shafqat Ali Khan said in a response to media queries that "we are concerned at the loss of tourists' lives in an attack in Anantnag district of Kashmir."

Pakistan extends condolences to the near ones of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery, he added.

At least 25 tourists were killed and several others wounded on Tuesday after unknown gunmen fired at them in the Indian-controlled Kashmir, local police said. 
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Brook Andrews, left, along with Mike Tooley, an assistant special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, right, announced the indictment of three men on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Columbia, related to a $30 million money laundering operation with ties to Mexican drug cartels. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  Three men are facing criminal charges related to one of the largest international, drug-related money laundering operations South Carolina has ever seen, according to federal prosecutors.

A federal grand jury indicted Nasir Ullah, 28, and Naim Ullah, 32, both of Sumter, as well as Puquan Huang, 49, of Burford, Georgia, acting U.S. Attorney Brook Andrews announced Thursday. Each faces a charge of conspiracy to launder money, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Nasir Ullah, 28, of Sumter (Mugshot provided by Sumter County Sheriffs Department)

Lawyers for the men did not respond to messages from the SC Daily Gazette.

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The men stand accused of laundering more than $30 million in illegal drug proceeds, taking cash from known drug sales associated with two major Mexican cartels and using it to purchase and ship electronics to Hong Kong, China and the United Arab Emirates to be sold for a profit.

Money laundering is the backbone of criminal enterprise, Andrews said. It enables drug trafficking organizations to purchase and distribute fentanyl and other drugs to devastating effect. When we target those who launder drug money, we strike at the very heart of these operations.

Law enforcement alleges the men collected money from various locations in York, Richland, Sumter and Charleston counties, as well as from other states across the Southeast. They stored the cash at a pair of business properties in Sumter.

Naim Ullah, 32, of Sumter (Mugshot provided by Sumter County Sheriffs Department)

Police and federal agents raided those businesses in late January, as well as two homes, arresting Nasir Ullah, Naim Ullah and one other man in Sumter, multiple television news stations reported.

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They seized an estimated $230,000 in cash, three vehicles, 11 guns and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry in the raids.

Court documents also reference hundreds of millions of dollars seized during multiple traffic stops in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina between July 2021 and November 2024.

Police traced the money to the sale of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana and heroin.

Two milligrams of fentanyl, which is roughly the size of the tip of a sharpened pencil, is a lethal dose, said Mike Tooley, an assistant special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

By comparison, just one of the seizures involving $177,000 of cash would be enough to purchase seven kilograms of powdered fentanyl. That amount of fentanyl could kill 3.5 million people, or more than half the population of South Carolina.

We are using every authority and resource available to keep these dangerous networks, these criminals and the poison they distribute off of our streets, out of our community and out of our country, Tooley said.
From left to right, Margaret Scott, Barney Giese, Bryan Stirling, John Conrad and Stephen Lunsford talk to reporters following a trial Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at the Lee County Courthouse. (Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  The director of South Carolinas prisons agency is expected to be the states next U.S. attorney, sources have confirmed to the SC Daily Gazette.

Bryan Stirlings new job was first reported by The State newspaper, citing anonymous sources. The Gazette was able to confirm with two sources with knowledge of the move.

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The announcement, planned for Monday, comes two months after President Donald Trumps administration removed Adair Ford Boroughs as the states lead federal prosecutor, a role she had filled since July 2022. Boroughs assistant attorney Brook Andrews has been acting U.S. attorney since.

Stirling will begin as interim attorney Monday. The Trump administration is expected to officially nominate him as U.S. attorney after that, sources said.

Stirling, 55, has overseen the states 21 prisons since 2013, when then-Gov. Nikki Haley nominated him to the position. The Department of Corrections has more than 3,700 employees responsible for caring for more than 16,000 inmates.

As prisons director, Stirling has cracked down on contraband coming into prisons, including pushing for a change in federal law to make inmates illicit cellphones useless. He successfully asked legislators to raise pay for corrections officers in an effort to recruit and retain them. And he oversaw a number of programs meant to keep inmates from returning to prison after release.

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Stirling also led the department through a 2018 prison riot that left seven inmates dead and the restarting of executions after 13 years, including the first conducted by firing squad in state history.

As interim U.S. attorney, Stirling would be in charge of 140 employees responsible for criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits across the state.

Stirlings name was among those floated for the position during Trumps first term.

Trump eventually nominated Columbia attorney Sherri Lydon, who was in the position for less than two years. Her successor, Peter McCoy, was confirmed in June 2020 and stepped down eight months later at the request of the Biden administration.

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Stirling has a long background in South Carolina government.

Before becoming director of the states prison system, Stirling was Haleys chief of staff.

Prior to that, he was deputy attorney general during Gov. Henry McMasters two terms as attorney general.

A Boston native, Stirling received both his bachelors degree (1991) and his law degree (1996) from the University of South Carolina. He spent a decade working for private firms before becoming a public prosecutor.

Soon after Boroughs exit was announced, McMaster told reporters he thought Stirling would be a good choice to lead the U.S. Attorneys Office.

He really is an extraordinary man, McMaster said at the time. He would be excellent in any office.
COLUMBIA S.C. (WSPA)  When it comes to drafting a state budget in South Carolina the Governor, the House and the Senate each draft a budget proposal on their own deciding where they want taxpayer dollars to go. This week, the senates version is up for debate.

The South Carolina Senates general fund budget is $14.4 billion, and this years proposal differs significantly from previous years budgets.

In this proposal, there would be money for school resource officers to be placed in every school, the income tax would be lowered to a top rate of 6%, but there would be no money set aside for community projects.

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Senator Harvey Peeler (R  Cherokee) said as Finance Committee Chair, he thinks, lowering income tax is a top priority.

We need to give tax relief to our hardworking families in the state of South Carolina, and those are people that are paying income tax, he said.

Leaders on both sides of the aisle say they support the Senates proposal. Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto (D  Orangeburg) said he supports the idea but believes the senate should have funded earned income tax credits to target working families.

Could you just address the way that were just doing? We just chop it off. If theres no targeting those families that need extra money to get their children in daycare or those families that have medical needs, theyre going to get back a pittance, said Hutto.

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I dont see how you do it any other way. If you pay taxes, you get tax relief. If you dont pay taxes, you dont, said Peeler.

Hutto said it is really not a fair approach.

Theyre hard working, and they dont get paid enough, and they deserve tax relief, too. Theyre going to get enough, maybe to take their wife to Applebees, and other people who dont need the money are going to get enough to fund a European vacation.

In this discussion, Peeler said this income tax proposal is more fair than other plans presented recently.

After the budget is passed, it will most likely go to a committee of Senators and Representatives to compromise on several aspects. It will then be enacted on July 1st.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, N.Y. (WWTI)  St. Lawrence County Sheriffs Office has issued a warning to local residents via Facebook. Scammers are posing as Sgt. Brewer or other officers from the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility and asking for bail money on behalf of an inmate.

The Sheriffs Office says theyve received reports of fraudulent calls to members of the community posing as correctional staff. This is a scam.

Red Flags to know:

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The caller may have a foreign accent and claim to be law enforcement.

They use public inmate/family records to sound convincing.

They pressure you to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.

Caller ID may be spoofed to look like a real Sheriffs Office or Correctional Facility number.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriffs Office will never have a corrections officer or deputy call to request bail money on behalf of an inmate. Nor demand payment for an individual in their custody. Any legitimate bail request would come directly from an inmate.

The Sheriffs Office warns residents to never share personal/financial info. If you receive a scam phone call, you should hang up immediately. You can call the Sheriffs Office at 315-379-2222 and the Correctional Facility at 315-379-2367.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) are viewed by Senate insiders as the three lawmakers competing to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.) as Senate Democratic whip, the No. 2 member the Senate Democratic leadership.

Schatz, the chief deputy whip, appears to be a strong front-runner for the job because hes already performing some of the whips duties in helping to manage the floor, according to Democratic sources.

But the 52-year-old Schatz could face stiff composition from Klobuchar, 64, if she decides to aim to become the next Senate Democratic leader instead of running again for president in 2028.

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He could face another formidable opponent in Murray, 74, the Senate Appropriations Committee vice chair who previously held the No. 3 job in the Senate Democratic Conference.

Senate Democratic sources whisper that Klobuchar is less popular than Schatz among colleagues, but they acknowledge shes a talented leader and has an edge over her colleague from Hawaii when it comes to speaking at press conferences and putting together bipartisan legislation.

Schatz, Klobuchar and Murray are the ones that are angling for whip, said one person close to the Senate Democratic conference.

Schatz is really well liked and has a group of five or six young guns, Murphy, Booker, Heinrich and others  who are trying to get more say and get younger [leadership] in the caucus, the source said, referring to Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

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Schatz has got the money and the youth behind him, the source added.

Senate sources say any leadership race is tough to predict because it often comes down to the interpersonal relationships within the caucus and campaigning is done privately senator to senator.

You never can tell with leadership elections because its all done behind closed doors and the vote itself is private, but as far as I can tell, Sen. Schatz seems to be in a pretty good position if he wants to take the leap, said Jim Manley, who served as a senior aide to former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and former Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.).

Hes good on the issues. Hes articulate. He thinks well on his feet. Hes good interviews. A good solid, substantive senator, Manley said of Schatz.

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Anyone thinking about jumping in is going to be in a good position. Sen. Durbin has years of experience, which is going to be tough to replicate, but those that are being talked about should handle themselves quite well, he said.

Schatz would be helped in whips race by his chief of staff, Reema Dodin, who served in President Bidens office of legislative affairs and before that as deputy chief of staff and floor director for Durbin.

A Senate Democratic aide told The Hill that Schatz has been calling colleagues about replacing Durbin following his announcement Wednesday that he would not run for reelection next year.

The aide said Democratic senators view Schatz as very engaged, very savvy with social media and a good fit for the spot given his role as chief deputy whip.

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Klobuchar, however, outranks Schatz in the Democratic leadership. She holds the No. 3 position as chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee after succeeding Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), who retired at the end of 2024.

Murray right now is focused on this years government funding fights with Republicans, but shes not ruling out a future leadership run.

One Democratic aide described Booker, the fourth-ranking member of the Senate Democratic leadership, as having a lot of strength within the Democratic caucus.

But Booker is a good friend of Schatzs and therefore viewed as unlikely to challenge the Hawaii Democrat.

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That leaves Klobuchar as Schatzs toughest likely competitor.

Some Democrats view Klobuchar as a possible successor to Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) as Democratic leader.

Klobuchar has kept her plans close to the vest, but one longtime Democratic aide said the Minnesota senator has thought carefully about her potential path to becoming the next leader.

But that path would get more complicated if Schatz is elected to the whips position after the 2026 election.

Schumers fifth Senate term doesnt end until 2028, and the 74-year-old leader hasnt given any indication he would consider retirement.

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Klobuchar has several big advantages heading into any Senate leadership race.

She is the previous chair of the powerful Senate Rules Committee and played a key role in passing the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, an important accomplishment of the 117th Congress.

Congress passed the law to ensure future electoral votes for president reflect the will of the people in each state and to improve the process for certifying the Electoral College vote. It was passed to prevent another Jan. 6-style attack on the Capitol.

She now serves as the top Democrat on Senate Agriculture Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a top Democratic priority.

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And she is viewed by Democratic insiders as having more of a connection with voters than Schatz. They cite the surprising traction she gained with voters during her 2020 presidential campaign, which she memorably launched in the middle of a Minnesota snowstorm.

Klobuchar showed her toughness and determination as a candidate right at the start of her campaign by speaking while bareheaded to a warmly bundled-up crowd in Minneapolis as the snowdrifts collected.

Her best showing came in the 2020 New Hampshire primary, where she won nearly 20 percent of the vote, finishing third behind Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Pete Buttigieg.

Now, she has a tough decision to make.

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Should she challenge Schatz to become the next Democratic whip, which would put her in the pole position to someday succeed Schumer as Senate Democratic leader?

Or should she make another run for the presidency against a crowded Democratic field that is likely to include political heavyweights such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate colleagues such as Murphy and Booker.

Rodell Mollineau, a Democratic strategist and former Senate leadership aide, said Klobuchar did well in the 2020 presidential race, but its hard to predict how she would fare against a different field in 2028.

Heading into the 2020 Democratic primary, Klobuchar carved out a lane for herself as the Midwestern pragmatist who knew how to get things done, he said. But she might have more competition in that lane if other Midwesterners, such as Whitmer or Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, jump into the race.

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She did better than anyone expected in 2020. But I think part of that is the circumstance of who youre running against, Mollineau said.

There was a lane for her. She was the pragmatic, Midwestern, get-stuff-done United States senator, he added. It could certainly happen again but shes not going to be the only person in that lane.

If Klobuchar decides to run for whip, that could be a tough race as well.

Schatz has strong relationships with rising stars within the Democratic caucus and has already earned good grades from some Senate Democratic colleagues for helping to manage whip counts and letting vulnerable senators know when their votes are needed or not needed on critical amendments or nominees.

He has a strong relationship with K Street as an approachable and nice senator and is expected to be able to be a strong fundraiser for the Democratic leadership if he moves up the ladder.

Hes very popular with a lot of people, a Democratic strategist said of Schatz.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Many Americans say they fear the long-term repercussions of Donald Trump's second presidential term.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

In the r/politics subreddit u/Competitive_Ad291 presented a concern that several US scholars share, according to NPR, which is that the "US is swiftly sliding toward authoritarianism."

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

"In a competitive authoritarian system, a leader comes to power democratically and then erodes the system of checks and balances," one Princeton sociologist told NPR.

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Five hundred and twenty US-based political scientists have indicated their concerns in a Bright Line Watch survey since 2017. It asks professors to rate the performance of American democracy on a scale from zero (dictatorship) to 100 (perfect democracy). In November, after Trump's reelection, the rating was 67. However, weeks into Trump's second term it had fallen to 55.

Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

"There's certainly consensus: We're moving in the wrong direction," the co-director of Bright Line Watch, John Carey, told NPR.

Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images

Many of the political scientists surveyed indicated they "are deeply troubled by Trump's attempts to expand executive power," according to NPR. And a "vast majority" of them agreed he is "pushing the country toward autocracy." In the survey, experts cited examples of Trump encouraging the FCC to investigate major news organizations, such as CBS, for how it edited an interview with his former running opponent Kamala Harris. They also used Trump's threats to withhold funding from top universities that have yet to meet his demands on the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, as another example.

In response, people expressed concern and frustration:

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1."What part of 'I will be a dictator from day one,' did they not hear? Harsh perhaps, but now might not be the time for prevarication of words and deeds. That slippery slope is getting steeper."

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

u/Catymandoo

Editor's Note: Trump's direct quote referenced above came when speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity. We love this guy, Trump said of Hannity. He says, Youre not going to be a dictator, are you? I said: No, no, no, other than day one. Were closing the border, and were drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, Im not a dictator.

2."Part of the country thinks the real threat is the trans community and immigrants; others agree with the scholars, but are too complacent to do anything about it."

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u/ItsAProdigalReturn

3."We've been hitting tons of red flags on this for decades now, and it's not just Trump. It's pretty chilling seeing the same indicators and the same early-warning violence flags."

u/Sminahin

4."This will be America's biggest fight for survival since the Civil War."

Boston Globe / Boston Globe via Getty Images

u/invalidpassword

5."If only someone could have seen this coming before the elections. If only there was a sign, or some indication that he would be a 'dictator on day one.'"

u/Rambos_Magnum_Dong

6."Its staggering just how far weve fallen in such a short time. I never realized how many people were so ignorant and afraid."

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u/Kantsas

7."I strongly agree and dont dispute their conclusions. However, I disagree that Trump is doing it well, or competently, or in any way that will manage to stabilize."

Win McNamee / Getty Images

"The whole reason autocracies work and people stay silent is because they deliver the illusion of stability, but Trump isnt doing this. Hes causing unrest and a possible economic recession. His policies have already led to mass protests in the hundreds of thousands or millions."

u/iwefjsdo

8."We are there. The constant language of 'we are heading,' and 'this will make us...' No, we are there."

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u/NaptownSnowman

9."Political scientist here who contributes to the survey theyre citing. This panel survey has been ongoing for years now, but separately from the survey, many of us have been SCREAMING publicly about this since 2016. Some of us even wrote best-selling books about this (ex: How Democracies Die)."

ROBYN BECK / AFP via Getty Images

u/False-Bee-4373

BuzzFeed

10."Heading toward? The folks in El Salvador, including a mistakenly deported father, would argue we passed that point a while ago."

u/lonelliott

11."The MAGAs want this. They should move to Iran or Russia to live their dream out. Fuck MAGAs."

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u/ColorMeSchocked

12."The US has been authoritarian for quite a while. Even before Trump."

KIA RASTAR / Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

u/Vlongranter

13.And finally, "Write your congressmen and women. We need to be at a strike a month. The next best time is now."

Pacific Press / Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

u/Helpiamilliterate

What do you think about the situation? Let us know in the comments.

Responses have been edited for length/clarity.
The Frederick County Board of Education awarded a bid on Wednesday for its Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

The EAP provides a range of services to about 7,500 Frederick County Public Schools employees. The services can include legal guidance, mental health resources and financial resources.

The school board unanimously voted to award the bid to Chicago-based ComPsych Employee Assistance Programs for $85,500 annually.

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The contract is effective starting July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. There are two renewal options for two-year terms.

The current EAP model for FCPS is five sessions costing 91 cents per employee per month, totaling $81,900 annually.

Bill Meekins, the purchasing manager for FCPS, said at the school boards work session that the new contract would be for eight sessions. The annual price would increase by $3,600.

He said the school district hopes more sessions through the EAP will decrease the amount coming through our medical insurance and offsets those medical insurance costs.

FCPS recommendation to award the bid to ComPsych was reviewed and approved by the Insurance Council, made up of representatives from the district, the local teachers union, the support employees union and the administrators union.

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In total, the proposal was downloaded 38 times, and six companies submitted proposals.

The vendors received a technical score based on qualifications of the contractor, client references, the work proposal and general administrative capabilities. The company also received a fee score based on its pricing.

The six companies that submitted proposals, in order of their combined technical and fee score out of 100 points, were:

* ComPsych Corporation, 98.75

* Health Advocate Solutions of Plymouth Meeting, Penn., 86.12

* CuraLinc Healthcare of Chicago, 83.79

* Inova Employee Assistance of Largo, Md., 83.31

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* TELUS Health (US) of Canton, Mass., 79.95

* Lyra Health of Burlin

* game, Calif., 53.52

The total price for the EAP annually per company were:

* ComPsych Corporation, $85,500

* Health Advocate Solutions, $100,800

* CuraLinc Healthcare, $157,500

* Inova Employee Assistance, $144,900

* TELUS Health (US), $92,700

* Lyra Health, $729,000

Sarah Minnick, the senior manager of benefits for human resources for FCPS, said at the work session that there can sometimes be an automatic assumption that EAP only provides mental health services.

One of our main goals these next few years is to enhance our communications with our employees, so that the thought process, and perhaps, I hate to say, stigma, of EAP equals mental health is obliterated, she said.

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School board member Dean Rose said at the meeting that the EAP is amazing.

I think a lot of people overlook it in their benefit packages, and I think its one of the most valuable benefits that we offer, he said.
Apr. 24Only a few years after raising the threshold to physically restrain or seclude students in Maine schools, the Legislature is considering a bill to allow staff more latitude in dealing with student behavior.

School administrators say escalating student misbehavior cannot be properly handled under the current law, but disability advocates called the bill a step backward.

LD 1248 is sponsored by Rep. Holly Sargent, D-York, and would expand the situations in which teachers can use restraint and seclusion on students. Sargent told the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee at a public hearing Wednesday that she was inspired to file it after visiting four Maine elementary schools and hearing about instances of violence that teachers felt powerless to stop.

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"I was struck by the behavior that I witnessed, by the weeping of students, of teachers, who sought me out to speak to individually regarding the fact that they were being bruised, they were being bitten, they were being attacked, they were being sworn at," Sargent said. "They felt that there were no consequences, there was no way for them to get control."

Her bill would lower the threshold for using restraint and seclusion on a student from an "imminent danger of serious physical injury" to just "imminent danger of injury." It also makes a modification to allow teachers to escort students away involuntarily, and would expand the incidents schools are required to report to include minor injuries.

The bill has nine co-sponsors, mostly Democrats joined by one Republican and one independent.

In 2019, the advocacy group Disability Rights Maine sounded the alarm on a drastic increase in cases of seclusion and restraint in schools, which it said had jumped by 60% in four years. The group released a report that year that showed disabled students were disproportionately restrained and secluded, which led to the passage of a law in 2021 that raised the threshold for the use of those practices.

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Ben Jones, director of legal and policy initiatives with the Freeport nonprofit Lives in the Balance, said the passage of this new bill would undo the work that happened in 2021 to reduce Maine's use of restraint, which was the highest per-capita in the country at the time. He said what Maine educators need is better training on how to work with dysregulated students  those who are unable to control or regulate their emotional responses.

"It's very difficult for me to understand why more restraint and seclusion would lead to greater safety for either party," Jones testified.

But now, superintendents and education leaders are arguing those rules need to be revised again in order to make teachers' work safer and easier.

Patricia Hopkins, superintendent of Maine School Administrative District 11 in Gardiner, recounted several cases of students in her district who have disruptive or dangerous behaviors that don't meet the current threshold for restraint or seclusion.

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When students with emotional and behavioral issues punch, spit, kick, pull hair and scream at others, it affects the entire school community, said Victoria Duguay, principal of River View Community School in MSAD 11.

"Over time this erodes the sense of psychological safety that is critical for all students to thrive and learn," Duguay said. "When verbal interventions and environmental supports fail, a trained, calm and compassionate physical escort to a quiet and designated safe room allows staff to deescalate the student away from public view."

Gorham Superintendent Heather Perry submitted written testimony in strong support of the bill. She said Gorham schools are seeing a rising number of student behavior issues, including many situations where staff feel they cannot safely intervene because of the current law.

"These changes are not about increasing restraint  they are about giving staff the practical tools they need to keep all students safe," Perry said. "In Gorham, we always prioritize using the least restrictive approaches. But when those fail, it is essential that educators have the legal clarity and support to act in the moment to protect both the student in crisis and those around them."

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The Maine Education Association, the state's teacher union, the Maine Principals' Association, the group that oversees school sports, and the Maine School Management Association all supported the bill.

But disability advocates, and parents of students who have been restrained, said the bill is regressive and won't improve conditions for teachers.

"Deleting the phrase 'serious physical' throughout the statute would effectively permit unbounded use of restraint throughout Maine," said Jeanette Plourde, an attorney with Disability Rights Maine. She argued instead for the expansion of technical support for schools to implement the current law.

Ellsworth mother Krystal Emerson said that her son has been frequently restrained at school, an experience that has had long-term negative effects and amplified his anxiety and emotional dysregulation.

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"Almost two years after that first incident he is still visibly shaken by these events. Just yesterday he recounted that he was scared after being restrained or secluded, that every day he worried that it would happen again," Emerson said.

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ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A local man was arrested this week after investigators said he sexually assaulted a student. Maurice Devante McCoy, 31, has been charged with Sexual Assault of a Child and Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student.

According to a news release, investigators with the Odessa Police Department began looking into McCoy after a student made an outcry. OPD said McCoy was employed as a contract security guard at Harmony Science Academy; during his time there he became acquainted with a student. OPD said over the following weeks, McCoy sexually assaulted the student at his residence.

OPD said more charges are expected and the investigation is ongoing. They also said that officials with Harmony Science Academy have fully cooperated with the investigation and immediately removed McCoy from campus when they learned of the outcry.

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On April 23, McCoy was taken into custody at his home in Midland after a brief foot chase. We will update this story as more information becomes available.

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ULAN BATOR, April 24 (Xinhua) -- An event marking the 2025 International Chinese Language Day has been held in Ulan Bator, Mongolia's capital.

With the theme "Let's learn Chinese with Lanting Chinese Calligraphy Culture Salon," this year's event, which was held on Tuesday, aimed to allow more Mongolian people to have a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. It was part of a series of events to celebrate the United Nations Chinese Language Day in Mongolia.

The event featured a calligraphy exhibition, another exhibition of award-winning works from calligraphy competitions among local primary and secondary school students, and a special concert titled "Let's sing Chinese Songs with Ulan Tuya."

"Nowadays, many talented Mongolian students can write beautiful Chinese calligraphy and sing Chinese poems with emotion. The excellent results of my classmates made me feel that the people from China and Mongolia are close to each other and connected by heart," said Li Zhi, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Ulan Bator, during the opening ceremony.

"What is even more gratifying is that more and more young people in Mongolia are interested in learning Chinese as a stepping stone for future personal growth, and contribute their wisdom to promoting the common development and friendship between the two countries", said Li.

In the event, a promotional video showcasing the Glorious History of Calligraphy in China over 5,000 years in One Breath was shown.

After the event, the guests and students participated in calligraphy experience activities to deepen their understanding of traditional Chinese culture, especially the art of writing Chinese characters.

Gankhuyag Amira, a female student who won the first prize in the calligraphy and painting competition, said that she was honored to have the opportunity to show her results in learning the Chinese language.

"I would especially like to thank the teachers for their careful guidance, and also for my perseverance in learning Chinese and practicing calligraphy," she added.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, and China's Center for Language Education and Cooperation, and organized by the Confucius Institute at the National University of Mongolia and the Chinese Cultural Center in Ulan Bator. 
While most of us take the ground beneath our feet for granted, written within its complex layers, like the pages of a book, is Earth's history. Our history.

Research shows there are little-known chapters in that history, deep within Earth's past. In fact, Earth's inner core appears to have another even more inner core within it.

"Traditionally we've been taught the Earth has four main layers: the crust, the mantle, the outer core and the inner core," Australian National University geophysicist Joanne Stephenson explained in 2021.

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Our knowledge of what lies beneath Earth's crust has been inferred mostly from what volcanoes have divulged and what seismic waves have whispered.

From these indirect observations, scientists have calculated that the scorchingly hot inner core, with temperatures surpassing 5,000 degrees Celsius (9,000 Fahrenheit), makes up only 1 percent of Earth's total volume.

But a few years ago, Stephenson and colleagues found evidence Earth's inner core may actually have two distinct layers.

"It's very exciting  and might mean we have to re-write the textbooks!" Stephenson explained at the time.

The team used a search algorithm to trawl through and match thousands of models of the inner core with observed data across many decades about how long seismic waves take to travel through Earth, gathered by the International Seismological Centre.

Differences in seismic wave paths through layers of Earth. (Stephenson xxxxxx)

Differences in seismic wave paths through layers of Earth. (Stephenson et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2021)

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So what's down there? The team looked at some models of the inner core's anisotropy  how differences in the make-up of its material alters the properties of seismic waves  and found some were more likely than others.

While some models suggest the material of the inner core channels seismic waves faster parallel to the equator, others indicate the mix of materials allows for faster waves more parallel to Earth's rotational axis. Even then, there are arguments about the exact degree of difference at certain angles.

The study here didn't show much variation with depth in the inner core, but it did find there was a change in the slow direction to a 54-degree angle, with the faster direction of waves running parallel to the axis.

Earth's inner core may actually have two distinct layers. (alexlmx/Canva Pro)

"We found evidence that may indicate a change in the structure of iron, which suggests perhaps two separate cooling events in Earth's history," Stephenson said.

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"The details of this big event are still a bit of a mystery, but we've added another piece of the puzzle when it comes to our knowledge of the Earth's inner core."

These findings may explain why some experimental evidence has been inconsistent with our current models of Earth's structure.

The presence of an innermost layer has been suspected before, with hints that iron crystals that compose the inner core have different structural alignments.

"We are limited by the distribution of global earthquakes and receivers, especially at polar antipodes," the team writes in their paper, explaining the missing data decreases the certainty of their conclusions.

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But their conclusions align with other studies on the anisotropy of the innermost inner core.

Future research may fill in some of these data gaps and allow scientists to corroborate or contradict their findings, and hopefully translate more stories written within this early layer of Earth's history.

This research was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research.

An earlier version of this article was published in March 2021.

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SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT)  A Georgia man was arrested Wednesday after the Scottsboro Police Department said officers found fentanyl and crack cocaine in his vehicle.

According to SPD, officers pulled over 63-year-old James Psihogios, of Ackworth, Ga., in the 2100 block of Veterans Drive.

3 Indiana men facing multiple charges after being pulled over by Priceville Police

SPD said a search of the vehicle uncovered roughly 4.5 grams of a fentanyl mixture, 2.3 grams of crack cocaine, 58 individually wrapped marijuana blunts and one clear glass pipe.

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Psihogios was arrested and charged with drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is being held at the Jackson County Jail on a $53,500 bond.

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AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Sean Martin Chizmar, 27, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home in Austintown, Monday, April 21.

Sean was born in Youngstown, July 16, 1997, the son of Martin S. and Deborah K. (Hearrell) Chizmar.

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He was a bright light in his family and in the lives of all who knew him. Sean navigated the world with a unique perspective and a deep sensitivity, and his presence brought warmth and joy to his family and friends. Despite his health challenges, he faced every obstacle with determination and strength.

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Sean was a gentle giant who radiated sweetness, touching the hearts of many. He had a dry sense of humor that could crack a smile on any face. He loved animals, especially puppies, and children, especially babies. He loved holidays and looked forward to Halloween every year, because his favorite thing was passing out candy to the neighborhood kids.

A gifted artist, Sean had a passion for animation and comic books, in particular Batman. He dreamed of one day creating a cartoon or comic of his own.

He loved his family fiercely and enjoyed going to the drive-in theater with his father to see every new Marvel movie. Sean was highly competitive and loved playing Yahtzee with his mother. With his sisters, he enjoyed playing Mario Kart but he never needed to be too competitive, because he usually won anyway. His gentle nature was most clearly expressed in his love for his little dog, Bear, who he carried around like a baby.

Sean was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jeri Wick Hearrell, Edward Hearrell, Michael P. Chizmar and Margaret Meenachan Chizmar.

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He is survived by his parents, Martin and Debi; two sisters, Candace Hearrell and Jessica Chizmar and a large, loving extended family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. Though his time with us was far too short, his gentle and kind spirit will live on through those who knew him.

A celebration of Seans life will be held Monday, April 28 at the Lane Family Funeral Homes, Canfield Chapel, 65 N. Broad Street, Canfield, where friends and loved ones are invited to share memories and honor his journey. Friends will be received from 5:00  6:00 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 6:00 p.m.

A private ceremony to place Seans ashes in the family plot at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown, will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank Fresenius Kidney Care Cornersburg, and the cardiac team at the Cleveland Clinic for their dedicated care. Special thanks to the Angel Carriers staff and owner, Natalie Riley-Rodway. She would often pick up Sean on Fridays with her dogs and take him to Dairy Queen. It was a highlight of his week.

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In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Seans name to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sean, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Friday, April 25 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

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MUSCAT, Oman  In a search for new economic and military partners, Russia has turned its focus to Gulf countries, as Moscow carries on its three-year war against Ukraine.

On April 17, the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

During his visit, the two leaders announced the creation of a joint investment fund, to which each nation would contribute upwards of $1 billion, as first reported by Reuters.

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One of the sectors the deal will cover is technology, according to the Russian news agency Interfax, but details were scant.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Qatar Investment Authority launched their first investment platform in 2014  to date, the platform has facilitated investments in various projects across Russia in banking services, AI, metal production, transport, and logistics, the Interfax report quoted the RDIF as stating .

Only a few days after this announcement, the sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, became the first head of state of the Gulf country to visit Moscow.

Following his meeting with the Omani leader, Putin announced his intention to organize a summit with the Arab League group of countries later this year. The regional organization currently has 22 member states and is focused on promoting closer cooperation on matters of common interest.

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It would be the first time the Kremlin hosts such a summit. In the past year, Russia has sought to deepen its military cooperation with Iran, a country that many Gulf states are at odds with.

The sultans trip to Moscow was ahead of the meeting between top U.S. and Iranian negotiators, set to meet in Oman on April 26, to continue their negotiations on a possible nuclear pact.

Meanwhile, Iran, Russia and China held their fifth joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman last month.

Russian defense companies have attempted to get back into the global arms market, with state-owned companies banking on prominent displays of weaponry at recent trade shows organized in the Middle East.

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With well over a dozen Russian exhibitors, the setting of the 2025 IDEX and NAVDEX defense shows in February was markedly different than the 2023 edition, when Moscow-based firms were not even listed on the shows official website.

This time around, they were placed in one of the most central and busiest halls of the show, alongside key regional players, including Saudi Arabias Military Industries and Qatars Barzan Holdings.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A second case of measles has been confirmed in an Ingham County child.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) were notified late April 22 that measles was confirmed in a one-year-old boy who was exposed to the countys first case, which was confirmed last week.

Officials have identified a possible exposure site the Lansing Urgent Care location in Frandor between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15,

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Ingham County confirms first measles case since 1994

After they were notified that they could have been exposed, the boys family was contacted by the ICHD to properly monitor for symptoms. When symptoms appeared, the boy was tested and measles was confirmed on April 22.

The boy was vaccinated and experienced mild symptoms. Officials say that since he was isolated early, the risk of spreading it to the community is low.

Measles is a contagious disease that spreads through direct person-to-person contact and the air. It can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.

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If you were potentially exposed, monitor for the following symptoms for 21 days from the date of exposure:

High fever (potentially exceeding 104F)

Cough

Runny nose

Red, watery eyes

Tiny white spots inside of the mouth

Red, blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the body

If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.

The Ingham County Health Department is encouraging unvaccinated individuals or those unsure of their vaccination status to contact their health care provider. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is available through the departments immunization clinic located at 5303 S. Cedar St. in Lansing, Entrance 3 on the second floor.

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ATLANTA (WRBL)  Georgias Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, is urging the Trump administration to hear the asylum claims of Christian Afghan refugees.

The refugees, currently residing in the United States, will be facing religious persecution and even execution by the Taliban.

Raffensperger sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urging the Trump administration to ensure a full and fair vetting of the Afghan Christians asylum claims before any removal proceedings are initiated.

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In the wake of celebrating Easter, the most important event in Christianity, I learned that several Afghan Christian refugees currently residing in the United States were told they had to return to Afghanistan, said Secretary Raffensperger. Many of these Afghan Christians had risked their lives for religious freedom and democratic values in service of American forces in-country, and we should make sure we hear their asylum claims before sending them back to a government that is known to persecute Christians.

Secretary Raffensperger also reaffirmed Georgias and Americas shared tradition of defending human rights and religious liberty.

America has long stood as a beacon of hope to the oppressed and a defender of religious freedom. I respectfully request that DHS continue in that tradition in how they treat these Afghan Christian families, Raffensperger continued. Our nations moral leadership is defined not just by the policies we enact, but by the people we choose to protect.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Security and defense issues have made a surprise appearance in Canadas federal elections, which will be held on Monday, April 28. Neither had taken up much space in previous elections. But amid all the chaos and absurdity in U.S.-Canada relations since President Donald Trumps return to the White House in January, they have been front and center.

Upon taking office, Trump declared that [t]he fentanyl coming through Canada is massive and directed his administration to impose tariffs on Canada until the crisis is alleviated. He then paused the threatened tariffs after then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new border security measures, only to subsequently go forward with them because, he claimed, the new measures hadnt done enough to stem the flow of drugs. He later amended the tariffs to exempt most goods falling under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA .

Judging from Trumps rhetoric, one would be forgiven for thinking that Canada has become a major source of US-bound fentanyl. However, according to data released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, its agents only seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border in 2024. That represented 0.2 percent of the 21,900 pounds it seized overall, with most of the inflow coming from Mexico and China instead. Drug seizure data can be misleading in a vacuum, given that reported amounts of drugs seized may only account for a fraction of overall illegal flows, in addition to other reporting and methodological challenges. Yet contrary to Trumps claims, available evidence paints a very different and far more complex border security picture, including significant flows of illegal firearms coming from the U.S. to Canada and a sharp diversification of the synthetic drugs in circulation in both countries, which now go far beyond only fentanyl.

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But in addition to the fentanyl scare, Trump also created a broader sovereignty crisis for Canada, after he initially joked about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state in a private conversation with Trudeau, and then repeatedly pressed the point in public declarations. In addition to castigating Canada for what he portrayed as freeloading militarily on the U.S., Trump stated that he wants to renegotiate what he described as the two countries artificial border and unfair water-sharing agreements.

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As a result, a wave of patriotism and national unity has swept over Canada to a degree rarely seen in modern history. The perceived threat from Trump has also sparked the electoral resurrection of the Liberal party, which was considered doomed to lose the next election amid extensive popular resentment targeting Trudeau, the Liberal prime minister who had been in power from 2015 until last month. But with Prime Minister Mark Carney having now succeeded Trudeau atop the Liberal party and the government, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievres repeated personal criticisms of Trudeau no longer strike home. Nor has Poilievre found a coherent message in response to the looming threat now posed by the U.S. under Trump, with whom Poilievre had previously sought to draw some ideological parallels.

Having trailed in the polls for most of the past year, the incumbent Liberals now lead with 43 percent support, ahead of the Conservatives at 38 percent and the New Democratic Party, or NDP, which trails in a distant third with 8 percent. And having often been secondary issues in Canadian politics, crime, national security, and defense have been catapulted to the top of the political agenda.

Crime and Domestic Security

That is perhaps ironic, because when it comes to public safety and domestic security issues, Canada remains one of the least violent countries in the world, with a homicide rate of just under 2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023, or roughly a third of the global average. Yet since 2015, that rate has gone up by 13.5 percent, while the rates of firearm-related crime, extortion and motor vehicle thefts have increased by 92 percent, 307 percent and 30 percent respectively.

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Poilievre has repeatedly described the Liberals approach as soft on crime, hug-a-thug, and catch-and-release, while claiming that Canadians are living in terror. In fact, Canada ranked 49th out of 140 in the 2024 Gallup Safety Report, which measures perceptions of personal safety, and 11th out of 163 countries in the 2024 Global Peace Index report, which measures the state of domestic peacefulness. Nevertheless, the Conservatives have pushed for traditional tough on crime policies, including a three strikes and youre out law, despite the limited effectiveness and significant increases in incarceration rates for nonviolent offenses where these laws have been adopted in the United States. They have also called for reintroducing mandatory minimum sentences and introducing life sentences for serious trafficking offenses involving humans, guns and fentanyl.

Poilievre has pledged to add 2,000 additional border officers and other surveillance measures to secure our borders to keep the illegal guns out, while mocking the Liberals gun control proposals as an attempt to protect turkeys from hunters. The Conservatives electoral platform also includes measures that would crack down on tent cities and end the safe supply experiments instituted by several municipal and provincial governments during Trudeaus premiership, which they claim have flooded streets with taxpayer-funded addictive opioids, keeping people hooked instead of helping them heal. Instead they favor recriminalization, with all its attendant pitfalls.

By contrast, the Liberals announced they would strengthen gun control by continuing to implement a gun buyback program for assault-style firearms, though critics note that handguns account for nearly half of firearm-related violent crime across the country, with less than 5 percent involving a fully automatic weapon or sawed-off shotgun. The Liberals have also pledged to automatically revoke gun licenses for convicted violent offenders, increase gun tracking and tracing capacitya significant issue for decadesand toughen oversight of firearms licensing. And Carney announced he would increase the resources devoted to fighting crime, including an additional 1,000 Royal Canadian Mounted Police personnel to fight modern threats such as foreign interference, transnational repression, and cybercrime; and an additional 1,000 Canada Border Services Agency officersas well as border scanners, drones and K-9 teamsto crack down on trafficking in drugs, firearms and stolen vehicles.

He also pledged to: increase investment in Canadas public prosecutors, as the lack of prosecuting capacity is often touted by law enforcement officials as a crucial issue impeding progress on fighting crime; make it harder for violent offenders to get bail by establishing a reverse onus for these crimes; and implement tougher sentencing guidelines for both repeat offenders as well as violent and organized crimes. While much of this is laudable from a policy perspective, critics may point to the fact that not much progress has been made on these issues over the past 10 years the Liberals have been in power. Perhaps Carney, as a new leader placing greater emphasis on delivery, can help turn the tide.

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Of course, on both sides, these are all mere campaign promises for now, and as is often the case they lack the necessary level of detail and nuance to fully assess the extent to which they might help address important issues. For instance, the Conservatives plan to help 50,000 Canadians recover from addiction, which is budgeted at $200 million annually, does not include any detail on what that might entail.

Perhaps more importantly, among the traditional crime-fighting policies offered by both sides during the campaign, nowhere is there any acknowledgment of the minimal effectiveness law enforcement has historically had in reducing flows of illegal drugs. Nor do they offer alternative options to tackle the entirety of illegal drug supply chains, from decriminalization to strict, public health-led regulation, or indeed modernizing law enforcement strategies to offer more targeted, harm-focused solutions.

Defense and Autonomy

On the defense front, both sides pledged to increase the defense budget to meet the NATO spending target of 2 percent of GDP by 2030. The Liberals have notably announced the establishment of a Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Science, or BOREALIS, though limited details were offered to explain what that would entail in practice. They have also promised to overhaul defense procurement, which has long been criticized for its slowness, including through the establishment of a new Defense Procurement Agency, though it remains unclear whether this would be in addition to existing structures or as a replacement of them. And they pledged to boost Canadas domestic defense industries and production, including by buying Canadian whenever possible.

As Gordon Vennera former high-ranking Canadian Defense Department officialnoted, however, though both objectives are laudable and sensible, there seems to be an inherent tension between the need for expediency and streamlining procurement, given the urgency of some of the threats Canada faces, on one hand; and boosting the independence of Canadas defense industries on the other. Partnering with European allies and other likeminded states, which is also mentioned in the Liberals platform, may help strike a sustainable balance.

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Both parties have committed to strengthening Canadas military presence in the Arctic, including investments in infrastructure and surveillance capabilities. They have, however, offered relatively little detail on an overall defense strategy, though that is perhaps too much to expect during an electoral campaign. Much of the Conservatives narrative during this election has also focused on the need to reduce the deficit, though this is less likely to be applied to defense, given the growing popular consensus on the need to increase defense spending and dissociate Canadian defense policy from the United States.

The election is unlikely to be decided on the minutiae of policy proposals of course, and will instead largely rest on the top two candidates personalities and track records, and their perceived trustworthiness and ability to rally national unity, stand strong and astutely push back against Trump. Yet a comprehensive reassessment of Canadas security and defense strategies is very much in order, even if it will have to wait until after the election.

Benoit Gomis is a lecturer at the University of Torontos Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and a research consultant at the University of Bath. He focuses on the illicit trade in legal and illegal drugs, and terrorism.

The post Security and Defense Take Center Stage in Canadas Elections appeared first on World Politics Review.
BANGKOK, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Government leaders, city planners and development experts have gathered in Bangkok, calling for stronger regional cooperation to shape resilient and sustainable urban futures.

The call came from the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which is held in Bangkok from April 21 to 25.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana said that while cities have long been drivers of economic growth, the region's rapid urbanization is intensifying social and environmental pressures.

She underscored the urgency of rethinking how cities grow and function, transforming cities into hubs of innovation, resilience and equity.

In her speech, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said solving global challenges that cut across boundaries and regions requires strengthening of cooperation at all levels and good leadership, leading to inclusive and sustainable development.

Multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, ESCAP, ASEAN, as well as multilateral agreements, are more crucial than ever in the collective pursuit of these goals, she said.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Ma elaborated on China's position on U.S. arbitrary tariffs, stating that the recent imposition of the so-called reciprocal tariffs by the U.S. government on many countries is typically economic bullying featuring unilateralism and protectionism, and all Asia-Pacific countries are victims.

Ma said that China has taken resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and to uphold international fairness and justice as well as the international economic order. In the face of bullying and hegemony, there is no way out through compromise and concession; only unity and cooperation can bring a future.

Ma said that the ESCAP should firmly defend multilateralism, deepen openness and cooperation, cultivate new driving forces for innovative development, promote inclusive and sustainable development, and promote the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.

Ma said that China is willing to strengthen a synergy between the high-quality joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the ESCAP, injecting greater impetus into connectivity and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

The ESCAP is an important intergovernmental comprehensive economic and social development organization established by the United Nations in the Asia-Pacific region. 
UPDATE: As of 9:30 p.m., I-70 is open in both directions. Crews were on scene for several hours to remove the damaged pole and semi truck.

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Drivers needing to travel through Clark County on I-70 might consider rerouting.

The Springfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed troopers were called to the area of I-70 and Snider Road near Enon. OHGO cameras show the two left lanes on I-70 West beyond I-70/SR-4 split are closed. All eastbound lanes of the interstate are closed.

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The ODOT camera at I-70 and State Route 4 shows drivers in standstill traffic. As of 2:06 p.m., ODOT reports a 33 minute delay.

Just after 3 p.m., ODOT confirmed to WDTN that the interstate is remaining closed for the foreseeable future. During the crash, the median and overhead sign were damaged, which will need to be replaced.

I-70 at Snider Road | OHGO

ODOT camera at I-70 and State Route 4 | OHGO

Alternate eastbound route from Dayton to I-70E

I-675N to Dayton Springfield Road, head northeast In Enon, head north on Enon Road At interchange with I-70, head east

Alternate westbound route to I-70W from Columbus

With 20-minute delay

I-70 west to Enon Road Head south to Enon Road to Enon In Enon, head southwest on Dayton Springfield Road to I-675

Without delay, more roundabout

I-70 W to Routh 68 Head south on Route 68 to Yellow Springs In Yellow Springs, turn right onto Dayton Street Head west on Dayton Street, which becomes West Dayton Yellow Springs Road Connect to I-675

Avoiding I-70 altogether

Drivers needing to head from the Dayton area to Columbus might consider taking U.S. 35 to I-71.

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Need to commute from Clark County to Columbus? Consider utilizing U.S. 40.

The routes can also be used inversely for a route from Columbus to Dayton.

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U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado speaks during a town hall at Colorado Mesa Universitys Asteria Theater in Grand Junction on Wednesday. (Sharon Sullivan for Colorado Newsline)

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado held a town hall meeting Wednesday in Grand Junction, where he fielded questions regarding education, potential changes in voter registration, the wrongful deportation and imprisonment of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, and what Democrats in power are doing to rein in President Donald Trump.

Approximately 850 people registered for the event, according to Bennets deputy communications director Eric Jones. The event took place at Colorado Mesa Universitys Asteria Theater.

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Earlier this month the Democratic senator declared his candidacy for Colorado governor  which means there will be a primary race between Bennet and another prominent Democrat, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, for the partys nomination. Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, who has served as governor since 2019, is term-limited. Weiser announced his candidacy in January and is currently serving his second term as attorney general.

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Though personable and humorous at times, Bennet did not give direct answers to many of the audience questions, which were selected via raffle tickets offered to attendees as they entered the theater.

One woman expressed concern about funding for public schools  which is a top issue for Bennet, the former superintendent of Denver Public Schools. He circled back to the topic of education several times during the one-hour town hall. Bennet said there needs to be a serious conversation about improving teacher salaries, how the state Taxpayers Bill of Rights operates, and funding for both K-12 education and health care in the state.

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I think (education) is the most important issue we are facing, he said.

Another woman told Bennet how she was petrified that the SAVE Act could take away a womens right to vote. The U.S. House of Representatives this month passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Opponents of the bill say it would make it difficult to vote for women who have changed their name after marriage.

Women won the right to vote in 1920, with the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The women fighting for that right never gave up, Bennet said.

We have to keep (the suffrage movement) in our minds and be inspired by it, Bennet said.

A crowd of about 850 people turned out for a town hall with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet at Colorado Mesa Universitys Asteria Theater in Grand Junction on April 23, 2025. (Sharon Sullivan for Colorado Newsline)

Another person asked if the money spent on housing prisoners in El Salvador was approved by Congress, to which Bennet responded, No, to my knowledge Congress has not authorized money. The Trump administration is paying El Salvador to incarcerate prisoners like Abrego Garcia and Trump has suggested homegrown American citizens could be sent there, too.

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One man, who addressed the senator as Governor Bennet  eliciting a smattering of cheers and applause  asked Bennet why he is running for governor.

Like everybody else I am searching my conscience  and thinking about where I can make the biggest difference, Bennet said.

Bennet was also asked why Democrats have not been able to fight the Trump agenda.

Bennet responded that while there are many things he blames Trump for, getting elected is not one of them. He said he is frustrated with the Democratic Party for not articulating a compelling vision of what it stands for. Democrats failed to build a coalition that could win in November, he said. Plus, Trump tapped into Americans frustration regarding the economy.

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Rose Ericson, of Grand Junction, is a Republican who attended the town hall on Wednesday. She told Newsline that she was there because many people feel the Democrats are not doing enough to hold Trump accountable and that the U.S. Congress has the purse strings and has given away its control. Ericson did not vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020.

Theyve thrown away the checks and balances that were built into the Constitution, and its appalling, she said.

Some in the audience mentioned fears about Social Security, including the possible closure of the agencys offices and loss of the ability to communicate with a live person. Bennet said hes all for reforming the government, but sending Elon Musk and his young staff to do it is probably not a good idea. Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency has interfered with government agencies including the Social Security Administration, threatening its operations through cuts to the workforce and offices across the country.

Another person, who works in the trucking industry and is often at truck stops, asked Bennet how to combat what he characterized as lies put out by Fox News, to which Bennet responded that dealing with propaganda is a big worry  and not just from domestic sources, but also from China and Russia.

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Another woman told Bennet the authoritarian Trump administration is a nightmare and asked why Democrats arent doing more to stop the president. She also wanted to know what Bennet and other Democrats are doing to bring Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador. The Trump administration has admitted it made an administrative error when it deported Abrego Garcia, but thus far it has ignored a court order to facilitate his return.

Bennet agreed Abrego Garcia should be returned to the United States. He said he personally doesnt have the power to bring him back home but that Trump should obey the court ruling.

Bennet told attendees to resist, to push back against threats to democracy, which prompted one person to respond that people can only push back so much and that we need to know how you Dems are pushing back. What is going on?

Bennet replied, First of all, any ideas you have Ill take. But we have pushed back. Can I do a better job? Im sure of that. We all bear a responsibility.

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As Bennet was leaving the stage, shaking hands, greeting constituents, a reporter asked why he voted to confirm Doug Burgum as secretary of Interior.

Burgum issued an order last week that overhauls the organization of the Interior Department, turning over decision-making authority to a DOGE staff member.

Bennet said he voted for Burgum, former governor of North Dakota, because he was a successful Western governor and businessman.

We had a conversation about public lands in Colorado. I thought it was important to have with a few of these nominees a connection with Colorado. Theres a handful I voted for because I think in the long term theyll be good for Colorado, Bennet said.

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Both U.S. senators from Colorado  Bennet and Democrat John Hickenlooper  have disappointed some progressives for their votes in favor of confirming some of Trumps Cabinet nominees.

Colorado Newsline reached out to Weiser for comment regarding his own bid for governor of Colorado.

For the past eight years, Ive spent every day fighting for Coloradans and our way of life, Weiser said in an email to Newline. Senator Bennet has been in Washington on the front lines, which is where we need him to be, especially now. But I continue to be alarmed at Trumps cabinet choices  including those whom Bennet voted for. Doug Burgum, for instance, has said out loud his plans to sell off our public lands to the highest bidder. Now is not the time for picking our battles when it comes to Trumps all-out assault on our country and our Constitution.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Wednesday night was a room filled with thunderous applause.

Sen. Michael Bennet held a town hall meeting at Colorado Mesa Universitys Asteria Theatre to discuss many topics with the western slope community, such as education, securing rights for public lands, womens rights and many more.

Sen. Bennet states, Housing is something that I hear in every single county and every single community, every single neighborhood. Thats just one illustration of many. I mean, theres health care, theres energy, all kinds of issues that I think we need to address.

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Alex Austin, the president-elect for the Political Science Club at CMU, states, So coming to this, seeing your constituents and your, like, elected officials, is very important.

Austin says its important to discuss these topics with your legislators.

Austin states, Getting involved, realizing that you dont just need to have passion about one issue, but you can really affect the system more broadly, just by showing up, asking your questions and being there with your presence.

But some community members in attendance felt differently about Bennets answers addressing the situation.

Stephanie Dedduang, an attendee from Wednesdays Town Hall meeting, states, His answers. A lot of people asked, what can we do? What are you going to do? What do people in Congress plan to do? And the answers were very generic and very underwhelming. Its just that we need leaders right now.

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Sen. Bennet spoke about his announcement of his run for governor.

Sen. Bennet states, I look forward to having the chance to not just continue to have a fight like the one we talked about here tonight, but also to help build a positive vision for the future for Colorado.

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The Senate on Wednesday hit the brakes on proposals to increase speed limits on Florida highways.

Senators removed from a wide-ranging transportation bill (SB 462) a proposal that called for increasing the maximum speed on interstate highways and other limited access highways, such as Floridas Turnpike, from 70 mph to 75 mph.

Also removed was a proposal to increase the speed limit on divided highways with four or more lanes outside of urban areas from 65 mph to 70 mph.

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Another proposal would have allowed the Florida Department of Transportation to increase speed limits from 60 mph to 65 mph in areas deemed safe and advisable.

Bill sponsor Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, did not explain reasons for removing the proposals.

A House bill (HB 567), which is ready to go to the House floor, includes increased speed limits.

In 2014, then-Gov. Rick Scott, who is now a U.S. senator, vetoed a similar measure about speed limits, pointing to concerns raised by law-enforcement officers.

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Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

With another Senate Democrat announcing retirement plans, we explore the wave of younger candidates who are looking to replace them. Plus, Andrea Mitchell dives into the collapse of high-level talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here.

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Have a question for the NBC News Politics Desk about the Trump administrations latest tariff moves, what comes next for the GOPs big budget bill on Capitol Hill or the early developments of the 2026 midterm elections?

Send your questions to politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com and we may answer them in a future edition of the newsletter.

Senate Democratic retirements clear the way for a new generation

A growing number of Democrats in the Senate are stepping aside and clearing the way for the next generation of leaders as the party debates its path forward in the Trump 2.0 era.

The latest example came Wednesday, when Sen. Dick Durbin, of Illinois, the second-ranking Democrat in the chamber, announced he will not seek re-election in 2026 after having served in Congress for more than four decades, Sahil Kapur, Ben Kamisar and Bridget Bowman report. The decision will set off a scramble for his leadership posts in the Senate  hes the minority whip and the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee  as well as for his seat in solidly blue Illinois.

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Already, a bevy of prominent Democrats in the state have signaled their interest in replacing Durbin, 80. Reps. Lauren Underwood (age 38), Raja Krishnamoorthi (51) and Robin Kelly (68) and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (59) are all considering bids, according to sources familiar with their thinking. The winner of the Democratic primary would be a heavy favorite in the general election.

Durbin is the fourth Senate Democrat to announce retirement plans ahead of next years midterm elections, along with Gary Peters of Michigan, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Tina Smith of Minnesota, who have similarly seen a wave of younger candidates jump into the races to succeed them.

Michigan: The Democratic primary for the seat held by Peters (66) has quickly become crowded. Rep. Haley Stevens (41) is the latest candidate to jump in, joining state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (38) and former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed (40).

Its expected to be one of the most competitive Democratic primaries in the country next year. And it is likely to lead to one of the most competitive general election matchups, too, with former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers (61) running again after having narrowly lost the Senate race in the state last year.

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New Hampshire: Rep. Chris Pappas (44) is the early Democratic favorite in the primary to replace Shaheen (78).

Minnesota: After Smith (67) announced her retirement, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (45) and former state Senate Democratic leader Melisa Lopez Franzen (44) launched their primary campaigns, while Rep. Angie Craig (53) is considering a bid.

Those states will be more competitive in a general election than Illinois, so securing the Democratic nomination wont provide a glide path to the Senate. But the open-seat primaries could pave the way for the sort of youth movement some Democrats have argued is needed to reinvigorate the party ahead of the 2026 and 2028 elections.

Side note: Democrats will also aim to defend the youngest member of the Senate next year: 38-year-old Jon Ossoff of Georgia is expected to be Republicans top target on the map.

U.S. peace plan leaves Ukraine on edge

By Andrea Mitchell

U.S. peace talks to end the war in Ukraine appear to be near collapse, with President Donald Trump lashing out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not accepting a U.S. proposal that is widely viewed as favoring Russia.

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The U.S. plan would let Russia keep Crimea, Ukrainian territory that Russia occupied in 2014, and prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. In a one-two punch, Vice President JD Vance, traveling in India, threatened that the United States would walk away from the talks if the two sides didnt accept the U.S. terms, which would be a territorial and military victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy told The Wall Street Journal that giving up Crimea would violate Ukraines constitution. And he asked what concessions Russia would make if Ukraine gave up hopes of becoming a member of NATO. While Zelenskyy has agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, Russia has not.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff were to hold talks Wednesday with Ukraine, England, Germany and France in London, but Rubio and Witkoff canceled at the last minute. That led European foreign ministers to also drop out, downgrading the talks to a meeting of technical experts.

If at some point we determine that if were just too far apart and not enough movement is happening, we may need to move on to other priorities, because there are a lot of important things happening in the world, Rubio said. This is not our war. We didnt start this war.

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Trying to smooth over the impasse, Zelenskyy said later in a statement: Emotions have run high today. But it is good that 5 countries met to bring peace closer. ... The American side shared its vision. Ukraine and other Europeans presented their inputs. And we hope that it is exactly such joint work that will lead to lasting peace.

The White House says Witkoff will go to Moscow this week for his fourth meeting with Putin. Trump had promised he would end the war within 24 hours of taking office.





 Todays top stories

 Market watch: U.S. stocks ended the day higher but saw earlier gains evaporate as investors measured White House officials' softening tariff and trade stance against hard-line postures other countries continued to signal. Read more 

 Biden on the brain: Trump has continued to fixate on his former election opponent, mentioning former President Joe Biden, his family or his administration at least 580 times in remarks and on social media since he took office. Read more 

 Friendly advice: Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., a member of the Armed Services Committee, told CNN that he remains confident Pete Hegseth will be a great defense secretary but that he will need some help around him. Read more 

 Deportation fallout: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced he'll direct several state agencies to review their ties to El Salvador in the wake of what his office called "aiding the Trump administrations unlawful and unconstitutional actions." Read more 

 Incoming call: Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Trump called him over the weekend to discuss the recent arson attack on the governors home. Read more 

 DOGE days: Texas became the latest state to launch its own version of DOGE, with GOP Gov. Greg Abbott signing a bill to create a permanent state agency  called the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office  dedicated to streamlining government. Read more 

 Conspiracy corner: Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said he wants to hold congressional hearings on a debunked conspiracy theory about Sept. 11, saying there are "an awful lot of questions" about the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history. Read more 

Follow live updates 

Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner and Bridget Bowman.

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The Alabama Legislature has meet in the current Statehouse -- the old Highway Department Building -- since 1986. Amid deteriorating conditions in the current Statehouse, Alabama is pursuing what would be the nation's first new State Capitol in nearly 50 years. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama Senate passed a bill Thursday authorizing the demolition of the Alabama Statehouse.

SB 279, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, gives the Alabama Legislature permission to tear down the current building after relocating to the new Statehouse, anticipated in 2026. The bill passed unanimously and heads to the House for consideration.

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This is the one that deals with the destruction of this fine building right here, Givhan said to the Senate body.

Givhan said the legislation provides processes for liquidating property that wont be used in the new Statehouse. The bill states that parts or materials of the current building may be reused, recycled, upcycled, sold, or disposed of, as determined by the Legislative Council in a manner that is fiscally responsible.

The bill would also allow the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate to sell furniture that wont be used in the new building to members and employees of the Legislature.

It just deals with that, Givhan said.

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The bill passed without discussion.

Lawmakers have used the current Statehouse, the old Highway Department building originally intended as a temporary space during Capitol renovations, since 1986. Problems like mold led to the 2023 decision to build a new facility, which will be the nations first new statehouse since 1977.

The bill moves to the House for consideration

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Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez speaks on March 22, 2023. Behind her are, from left, Sen. Sharon Carson, Rep. Jess Edwards, and Joe Ribsman, the former head of DCYF. (File photo by Annmarie Timmins/New Hampshire Bulletin)

This story was updated at 1:51 p.m. April 24 to add a statement from Sen. Sharon Carson.

What was initially pitched as purely a cost-cutting measure has morphed into attacks on the New Hampshire Office of the Child Advocate.

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When state Rep. Dan McGuire originally proposed eliminating the Office of the Child Advocate  which serves as the states watchdog for its child welfare, juvenile justice, and youth care systems, and advocates for the best interests of New Hampshire children  he said it had to be done because the state needed to save money amid a challenging fiscal environment. However, the Epsom Republican has since altered his argument, saying the office is interfering with the Legislatures work.

McGuire, as chair of one of the three legislative subcommittees tasked with cutting hundreds of millions of dollars from the state budget, first publicly pitched eliminating the office  as well as the Commission on Aging and the Housing Appeals Board  during a March 17 work session.

Theres a number of these smaller things that are sort of nice-to-haves, but theyre not necessary, McGuire said that day. And so, we need the money. I dont know how to put it any blunter.

The work session came in the midst of the lengthy state budgeting process that began in February when Gov. Kelly Ayotte released her budget proposal. Soon after, the Republican-led House Ways and Means Committee deemed her revenue projections  which predicted a quick economic turnaround after years of lagging business tax revenues  too optimistic by hundreds of millions of dollars. Republicans on the Finance Committee, including McGuire, soon got to work cutting. McGuire was tasked with finding $200 million of savings, he said. Cutting the child advocate saves the state about $2.2 million.

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However, when the budget came to the full House for a final vote, McGuire said it wasnt just the need for cost-savings that warranted this elimination.

The Office of Child Advocate has interfered with rather than assisted needed legislation to reform child abuse and child welfare laws, he said on the House floor this month.

McGuire assessed the offices two main functions as advocating for and against legislation and serving in an ombudsman or conflict resolution-type role.

There are no end to people interested in legislation who have child welfare in mind, he said. We dont need to hire people to do that.

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McGuire added that the latter function was duplicative of that of the Division for Children, Youth, and Families, and if DCYF is poorly run, the solution is not to create yet another agency, but its to fix and change the leadership of DCYF.

McGuire did not respond to the Bulletins requests for an interview.

Cassandra Sanchez, the states child advocate and head of that office, said neither McGuire nor his colleagues spoke to her about the elimination or raised any of their concerns before they moved to eliminate her office. She also said McGuires floor speech was the first she heard that he was displeased with her work.

They did mention that there needed to be further cost-saving measures, but had not floated any idea of the potential of repealing our statute, she previously told the Bulletin. And given our office budget is so miniscule, I had not even thought of that as a potential option.

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Soon after McGuires statements on the House floor, the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved a roughly $15.36 billion budget  one that eliminated funding for the Office of the Child Advocate. That budget spends $643 million less than Ayottes proposal. Now, it will be considered by the Senate.

Ayotte, who included the office in her budget proposal, said she hopes to work with the Senate to restore the Office of the Child Advocate  as well as several other agencies, funds, and positions that House Republicans removed.

There are many things that Im going to be working with the Senate to prioritize and make sure that I get back in the priorities that were in my budget, Ayotte, who is also a Republican, said earlier this month around the vote.

She added that she is confident that the revenue numbers that I laid out in my budget are actually more accurate revenue numbers than the lower proposals made by the House.

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The Senate will now have the opportunity to either restore funding for the Office of the Child Advocate or keep it out of the budget. State Sen. James Gray, the Senates finance chair, said he wont say for certain what the Senate hopes to do until the Senate Ways and Means Committee has completed its revenue projections, but he noted that the Senate Finance Committee is being pulled in many different directions.

The Finance Committee has a lot of requests from a lot of different people to restore things from the House budget, he said. Before we can make any informed decision, we need to know what revenues are.

Gray said programs to keep children safe  like the Office of the Child Advocate  are a priority. Funding Medicaid for people with disabilities is also a priority.

I could go on and on, he said. Its just too many priorities and the funding is limited.

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Gray said he and his legislative colleagues are always communicating with the governors office, but wouldnt say whether theyd discussed the budget yet.

Senate President Sharon Carson said shes open to keeping the child advocate afloat, but expressed similar concerns about the offices advocacy.

I would support restoring the Office of the Child Advocate, but some changes may have to be made, she said in a statement to the Bulletin. We will see what entails once the budget process has played out. However, I do not support the office weighing in on political issues during said process.
Erik Dellenback addresses the crowd during the Tallahassee stop on Oct. 15, 2024, of the Florida Family Voice and Vote No on 4 statewide tour. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix)

The Senate voted Thursday to codify Gov. Ron DeSantis faith and community initiative amid scrutiny of the initiatives former leaders involvement in campaigning against the unsuccessful abortion-rights amendment.

Senators 27-9 vote to ensure that an office of faith and community would remain in the executive branch after DeSantis term ends came a week after it became known that the initiatives liaison had stepped down to lead an anti-abortion policy council.

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Although all Republicans voted for the bill, SB 820, two also supported an amendment from Boca Raton Democratic Sen. Tina Polsky prohibiting the liaison from participating in political campaigns while on duty and using the office to influence peoples votes.

Polsky read emails from Erik Dellenback, the former liaison, sent to faith leaders across the state advocating against the amendment to protect abortion access under the governors masthead. Polsky brought up Dellenbacks remarks framing the abortion-rights amendment as a biblical issue during an event held by Florida Family Voice, the group hes now CEO of.

Weve seen the abuse in this last election cycle of using the governors office, using state agencies, and using this office of faith and community to promote a particular viewpoint, and you cant say its not political, Polsky said. Her amendment failed.

Former Senate President Don Gaetz and Miami Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud voted for Polskys amendment.

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Dellenback left both his role with the faith and community initiative and as executive director of Hope Florida. News of the resignation emerged as the House deepened its probe into the Hope Florida Foundation, the charity associated with First Lady Casey DeSantis initiative.

Jacksonville Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough, whos sponsoring the proposal, said that the Florida Supreme Court dismissed a complaint over state officials involvement against the abortion-rights amendment. The court said the attorney who filed the suit lacked standing to do so as a civilian.

My opinion on the issue is not relevant to the bill thats before us, Yarborough said regarding how he felt about the emails Dellenback had sent.

However, Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo said that DeSantis influence makes it impossible for Floridians to file complaints against government officials, pointing out that the governor appointed his former chief of staff, James Uthmeier, as the new attorney general.

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Theres not even a lieutenant governor to try to reason with, Pizzo said. Right now, in the four corners of Florida, where is the ability to redress or have recourse of your grievance?

The House bill, HB 293, has cleared all of its committee stops but has not been scheduled for a House vote.

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RICHLANDS, VA (WVNS)  A roundtable discussion played host to personal stories being delivered, as well as remarks from Virginia Senator Tim Kaine.

An influential program, named Re-Engagement Opportunities and Pathways to Employment Success, supports those in recovery.

Reintegrating those with substance abuse history into society is an important goal for Senator Kaine.

The fact that they have a criminal record can get in their way of what we do at the federal level, what can we do at the state level to enable people who really know this to help others find a path to recovery, said Senator Kaine.

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Biden asks Congress for nearly $100 billion in disaster relief funding

Attendees at the discussion, from the R.O.P.E.S program to the Tazewell Probation Office had the chance to speak and share their experiences.

R.O.P.E.S participants spoke on their first-hand accounts of substance abuse all the way to recovery through the program.

Senator Kaine said that these stories are what help motivate the people in office to continue their hard work.

Meet the candidates for Virginias U.S. Senate seat

Its 1,000% better to come and actually hear from people. Because now I go back, Im on the health committee. I go back armed with good stories. Heres a program that works as Im talking to my colleagues, said Kaine.

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U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Jim Banks both worked hand in hand on the PEER Act, and hope to increase the more positive stories of recovery from programs like this.

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Chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development Li Hongzhong, also vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets with Boris Titov, chairman of the Russian side of the committee, in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongzhong, Chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development, met with his Russian counterpart, Boris Titov, on Thursday in Beijing.

Li, also vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said the Chinese side is willing to work with the Russian side to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and give full play to the unique role of the friendship committee.

The Chinese side is ready to carry forward the lasting friendship between China and Russia and continuously enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, said Li.

Titov, chairman of the Russian side of the committee, said the Russian side is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side for the further development of Russia-China relations. 

Chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development Li Hongzhong, also vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets with Boris Titov, chairman of the Russian side of the committee, in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Senator Thom Tillis recently introduced the Helene Recovery Small Business Act and the Loans in Our Neighborhoods Act of 2025, legislation that would provide much-needed relief to small businesses as they work to recover from the devastation of Helene.

Western North Carolinas small businesses are still reeling from the devastation of Helene, and we have a responsibility to help them rebuild stronger than before. These commonsense bills give business owners the tools they need, including greater access to capital and critical disaster aid, which will help them recover and grow. Im proud to introduce these critical bills to cut red tape and deliver real relief to those who need it most. Senator Tillis

The Helene Small Business Recovery Act would waive the duplication-of-benefits prohibition that currently prevents small businesses that receive SBA disaster loans from also accessing Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds.

This change would ensure that businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene can access the full range of federal aid needed to rebuild and recover.

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The LIONs Act amends the Small Business Act by increasing the maximum gross loan amount for section 7(a) loans. The LIONs Act seeks to raise the limit from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000, providing more significant financial support to small businesses.

The bill also includes a 75% guaranteed rate on loans of up to $10 million, providing a guarantee from the SBA and making the program more attractive for lenders.

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HURRICANE RELIEF

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Senator Jon Husted was in Trumbull County Wednesday, taking a tour of the Sheriffs Office and speaking with its newly elected leadership.

Senator Husted also went on a ride-along with a sheriffs deputy, after talking with Sheriff Mike Wilson to learn about the issues law enforcement face.

We also talked about the challenges in the community, the challenges with addiction and mental health issues and how we can all work together on those things, Husted said.

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We want to be able to provide addiction treatment. We want to be able to provide treatment for detoxing and we also want to be able to provide counseling and clergy, which we are all bringing back to our jail, Sheriff Wilson said.

Husted is a proponent of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which gives Customs and Border Control the authority to seize illegal drugs crossing the border and gives longer sentences for those caught with fentanyl-related substances.

There are a lot of drugs that come across borders. There are a lot of drugs that are manufactured in local communities but law enforcement needs the tools to be able to crack down on it, to hold people in jails, Husted said.

Wilson says he hopes a visit showed the senator the need for more funding for the Trumbull County Sheriffs Department.

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We need funding, you know. Funding makes a big difference. If we had more officers on the street, more officers in our jail, wed be able to do a lot more in fighting crime, especially the fentanyl epidemic that we experience, Wilson said.

Currently, the Sheriffs Office has 140 deputies and corrections officers on staff. Wilson would like to see more funding to hire more deputies.

Once we get the funding back and were ready to go, were ready to hire and get people trained so they can go out and fight the war on crime that we have here in Trumbull County, said Wilson.





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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Planning on participating in this years Shinnyo Lantern Floating Ceremony? Submissions for online remembrances are now open.

The public can submit online remembrances through April 30 on Lantern Floating Hawaiis website.

Lantern construction begins for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii

Volunteers will hand-transcribe the messages and place them on lanterns that will be set afloat at Ala Moana Beach Park on Monday, May 26.

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Remembrances submitted between April 30 and May 25 will be printed out and affixed to Collective Remembrance Lanterns.

Over the years, we have received remembrances, prayers, and affirmations from all over the world. While Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii physically takes place in Honolulu, it aims to unite our global community in generating hope and expressing a shared commitment to building a brighter future. Rev. Craig Yamamoto, community relations liaison of Shinnyo-en Hawaii

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Lanterns will also be available on the day of the ceremony on a first-come, first-served basis. A total of 6,000 lanterns will be set afloat.

This years theme for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii is Many Rivers, One Ocean to honor fallen service members and loved ones.

Following the ceremony, the lanterns will be collected and refurbished for next year.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

KHON2 and KHII will broadcast the ceremony starting at 6:30pm on Memorial Day. It can also be streamed on KHON2.com, KHON2+ and the KHON2 YouTube channel.

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DAKAR (Reuters) - Senegal's top court has rejected a move by lawmakers to revise an amnesty law that would have paved the way for possible prosecutions over the deaths of dozens of protesters during anti-government demonstrations between 2021 and 2024.

The West African country's parliament had approved revisions earlier this month to the law, which was passed in March 2024 under former President Macky Sall to pardon offences committed by both security forces and protesters.

Riots broke out across Senegal in the run-up to elections on March 24 last year, fuelled by concerns that Sall was muzzling his opponents and seeking to stay in power beyond the end of his mandate.

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At least 65 people were killed, mostly by bullets, according to Amnesty International, making it Senegal's deadliest violent episode since it won independence from France in 1960.

Sall's government and the security forces denied any wrongdoing, although witnesses at the time told Reuters that security forces fired on crowds.

Rights groups and lawyers called for the amnesty law to be repealed because it left families of the dead with no recourse for justice.

The proposed revisions, passed by lawmakers on April 2, would have removed the amnesty for specific crimes including murder, torture and forced disappearance unless those actions had "a link to the exercise of public freedom or a democratic right", according to the ruling by the Constitutional Court published on Wednesday.

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But the court found that such crimes violated the constitution and could therefore not be pardoned under any circumstances, including under the amnesty law.

Opposition coalition Takku Wallu Senegal welcomed the court's decision in a statement. Opposition lawmakers had previously voiced concerns that the proposed revisions were one-sided and would shield those protesters whom they accused of looting and stoking violence.

Senegal's ruling party Pastef also reacted positively to the ruling, saying that although the revisions it supported had been rejected, the Constitutional Court had affirmed that individuals could file complaints for serious crimes.

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko were both released from prison after the amnesty law took effect, shortly before the vote that swept them to power.

(Reporting by Diadie Ba; Writing by Sofia Christensen; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Gareth Jones)
A man suspected of killing and kidnapping cats in Orange County was arrested on Wednesday, police confirmed.

Officers served a search warrant at the suspects home on Wilshire Avenue to arrest the man that the Santa Ana Police Department described as a serial cat killer.

In an Instagram video posted on Wednesday, the department identified the suspect as Alejandro Acosta Oliveros, 45, of Santa Ana.

(Santa Ana PD)

Police confirmed to KTLAs Chip Yost that Oliveros has already confessed to what hes done, but that theyre still trying to figure out just how large this case is.

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As far as how many cats Oliveros has killed, detectives did not have a specific number or estimate available as of Wednesday afternoon, but said that they believe it was a lot.

Santa Ana residents had been speaking out for weeks, alerting the public  especially pet owners  of a man whos been caught on camera luring and grabbing cats out of their loving homes and taking off, leaving families devastated.

Police said that Oliveros is believed to be the man behind many, if not all, of these cat thefts  especially one that took place in Westminster last month.

Surveillance video taken on March 21 showed the moment a man, believed to be Oliveros, snagged Clubber, a 10-month-old Bengal Lynx cat.

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Clubber was eventually returned to his home, but Oliveros was not caught  until now.

As if the catnapping reports werent already tragic enough, neighbors started posting to social media sites such as Nextdoor, saying the cats were now being killed as well.

We saw our cameras, and this guy just grabbed a neighborhood cat, seemed like he tied his legs up and took him around 5 p.m., read one of the Nextdoor posts. He went walking on Shelton Street towards McFadden. The cat is black with light brown spots.

A person in another post said the man injected a cat that later died. Hello! Im near El Salvador park, and my neighbors cat was killed by a man who injected it with some sort of substance.

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Again, the investigation is ongoing, but police said they expect to get some charges filed, hopefully in the next few days.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
An Orange County man who police believe killed more than a dozen neighborhood cats after luring them to his property was arrested Wednesday, according to authorities.

Over several weeks, the Santa Ana Police Department has received multiple reports of suspected animal abuse and missing cats.

Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, 45, of Santa Ana was arrested Wednesday and booked at the Santa Ana City Jail on felony charges related to animal cruelty, authorities said.

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Yessenia Aspeitia, a media relations coordinator for the Santa Ana Police Department, said officials couldn't provide the exact number of cats the suspect is believed to have harmed, but it is over a dozen.

Read more: Suspect in dog abuse video in Long Beach arrested, police say

Authorities allege Acosta was positively identified by several victims and witnesses as the man who lured their cats away from their homes.

Officers from the Santa Ana and Westminster police departments, along with Santa Ana's Animal Control Division, searched Acosta's home in the 2300 block of West Wilshire Avenue on Wednesday morning and took him into custody. Aspeitia said the department could not provide any additional information about evidence collected from the home.

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Investigators are currently assembling a timeline of the alleged incidents, Aspeitia said. Officials are combing local social media groups for accounts of stolen or missing cats to incorporate alongside formal reports made to the department over the course of several weeks.

Read more: Shooting death of pet dog, Scooby, could cost Fresno County taxpayers $2 million

Local cat owners in recent weeks have shared photos on social media of their missing cats and home security footage showing a man luring them away from their homes.

Among them was Eva Corlew of Westminster, who posted that her 10-month-old Bengal Lynx cat, Clubber, was stolen from her driveway in March. Clubber was eventually reunited with Corlew, according to the Westminster Police Department.

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Aspeitia confirmed Acosta is being investigated regarding Clubber's abduction.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Police Investigative Specialist S. Guzman at (714) 245-8416 or SGuzman@santa-ana.org.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Apr. 24The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) seized seven firearms, ammunition, cocaine and more during the arrest of a Chehalis man on Wednesday, April 23.

JNET detectives served a judicially authorized search warrant at the Chehalis residence of Quincy E. Burton to search for guns and drugs, according to a news release from JNET.

A criminal investigation into Burton was initiated after he was identified as a low-level drug dealer in Chehalis who was always armed with a firearm, according to the release.

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As a convicted felon, Burton is prohibited from possessing firearms.

During the service of the search warrant, seven firearms were recovered along with ammunition, two vests with ballistic armor and gun parts.

Of the recovered firearms, two were pistols, four were rifles and one was a shotgun.

"It was discovered that one of the firearms had an obliterated serial number," JNET stated in the release. "Cocaine, scales and packaging material were also located, which is indicative of drug dealing."

Burton was booked into the Lewis County Jail.

This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible, according to JNET.

JNET is made up of detectives and agents from the Centralia and Chehalis police departments, the Washington state Department of Corrections and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Several people were treated for injuries after a Charlotte city bus crash on Beatties Ford Road Thursday afternoon.

According to Medic officials, they responded just after 3 p.m. on Beatties Ford at Slater Road, just north of Cindy Lane. Six patients were transported with minor injuries and one with serious injuries; Medics mass causality bus is on scene.

Officials with the Charlotte Area Transit System say five bus passengers and the driver was among those injured.

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The bus was reportedly struck by a privately owned vehicle, forcing it off the road. The bus then made contact with utility poles and a tree. A small SUV also was observed on scene.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police are investigating the crash.

Authorities are asking drivers to avoid the area. One lane of southbound Beatties Ford is still blocked.

This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Severe weather is possible next week, according to US National Weather Service. The Storm Prediction Center said there's a 15-29% for severe weather on April 29. The outlook covers the entire state with possible hazards including damaging winds, hail and tornadoes.

Meteorologists said there is considerable uncertainty about the storms and their severity, though.

"If there is a severe storm, it'll be very isolated," NWS Indianapolis meteorologist Matthew Eckhoff told IndyStar.

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What they do know is that a cold front could bring strong to severe storms later in the day on April 29. What remains in question are all of the hazards the system could bring, the exact timing, intensity and coverage of storms.

"We also just want to mention that we do not post graphics like this to overhype a potential severe weather event or upset people," NWS Service Northern Indiana posted Thursday morning on Facebook. "We do this to increase awareness so that you can be adequately prepared for severe weather. Although it is still 6 days away, severe weather is easier to see strong signals for this far out than other weather phenomena like winter weather or flooding."

That system will follow another moving into the area predicted to bring light storms this evening and going into Friday, April 25.

Indianapolis weather: A round of thunderstorms is expected going into the weekend. A look at the Easter forecast

How to sign up for weather alerts

Marion County residents can register for emergency alerts by texting MESAINDY to 67283. Those who prefer to receive notifications through voice calls or email can sign up at Smart911.com.

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The National Weather Service's Indianapolis office regularly updates its X feed with forecasts, alerts and other local weather information. Follow them @NWSIndianapolis.

Watch? Warning? Know the difference

How to tell the difference between a watch and a warning in Indiana

A weather watch means weather conditions are lining up in a way that could create hazardous weather. People should remain aware when a watch is issued.

A weather warning means the threat is likely in the area. A tornado warning, for example, is issued when rotation has been spotted via radar or a weather spotter.

 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories.

Indianapolis weather radar

Weather info you need

 Indiana power outage map: How to check your status.

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 Internet outages: How to track them.

 What you should and shouldn't do when the power is out.

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Weather Forecast: Severe Weather, Tornadoes, Strong Winds
WARSAW, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Jewish youth from various countries and Polish students gathered Thursday at the former Auschwitz concentration camp for the March of the Living, an annual event honoring Holocaust victims.

Participants walked the route from the "Arbeit macht frei" gate at Auschwitz I to the memorial at Auschwitz II -- Birkenau. Polish President Andrzej Duda and Israeli President Isaac Herzog led the march, accompanied by several dozen Holocaust survivors.

The Auschwitz camp was set up by Nazi forces in 1940. At least 1.1 million people were killed there. 
A controversial bill on its way to Gov. Mike Brauns desk would require Hoosier students in sex education classes to view video of an ultrasound and computer renderings of the stages of fetal development, which one national organization says is a tactic of anti-abortion groups.

The video language in Senate Bill 442 was added to the bill in early April by the House Committee on Education and has drawn condemnation from Democrats who have expressed concerns over whether medically accurate materials would be shown to students. The final version of the bill was approved by both the House and Senate April 23 and now heads to Braun.

SB 442 specifies that human sexuality courses in Indiana must include presentations on human growth and development during pregnancy, and states they must be a minimum three-minute, high-definition ultrasound video of fetal development and high quality computer renderings or animation of the fertilization of egg and stages of the growth of a fetus.

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Similar language requiring students in sex education classes to watch fetal development videos has popped up in statehouses around the country this year, including in New Hampshire and Florida. Stateline reported in February that other Republican-led states, including Arkansas, Iowa and Nebraska, were passing requirements aimed at having students watch a video anti-abortion group Live Action created titled Baby Olivia.

SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, a sex education nonprofit, in a March news release said the movement to show medically inaccurate fetal development videos and ultrasounds in classrooms are a tactic of anti-abortion extremists. Indiana passed a near-total abortion ban in 2022.

The language in SB 442 on ultrasound video and fetal development animations does not explicitly describe Live Action's Baby Olivia video. The bill says that the materials must be medically accurate and age appropriate. But Senate Democrats on April 23 questioned the reasoning behind the specificity of the language in the bill, down to the minimum three-minute timeline. The "Baby Olivia" video is just over three minutes long.

You can say that the House put it in there, but there has to be some reason why you kept it in there, Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, asked Republican Sen. Gary Byrne, who authored the bill. Is it based on some evidence that you have in terms of what is best practices with high-definition ultrasound videos on length of time?

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More: Indiana already banned abortions. Now, state lawmakers are eyeing abortion pills.

Byrne, of Byrneville, said he received several examples of videos that could apply to the requirement in SB 442. When Sen. JD Ford, D-Indianapolis, asked Byrne specifically if he knew about the Baby Olivia video, Byrne said he couldnt give the specific titles of the videos he watched.

Byrne stood firm that individual school boards would have to approve the video shown to students in sex education courses, which is the main focus of SB 442.

There's plenty of examples of videos, Byrne said. The school boards get to choose what video they would approve, and again, the parent would decide whether they want their child to participate in that, because that would be listed on the materials used.

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The video language is not the only controversy that has hit SB 442. During a conference committee meeting on April 21, Byrne said a he removed a requirement to teach consent to sexual activity from the bill. By April 23, Byrne shared in a statement that the language was added back to the bill.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.

Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar political and government reporters.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana sex ed bill heading to Braun requires fetal development video viewing
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A convicted sex offender admits to grooming a 13-year-old Meade County girl and convincing her to move away with him.

Wednesday, Sean Payne, 33, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, and bringing the girl across state lines for sex.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue recruiting new firefighters

KELOLAND News has been following this case since October. Thats when authorities arrested Payne in Wyoming.

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In the weeks leading up to his arrest, Payne admits to exchanging thousands of messages with the girl on Snapchat.

Payne has signed court documents detailing the illegal relationship.

He admits to grooming the victim and leading her to believe they were in a consensual relationship.

Payne told her they were moving across state lines so they could live together, and also told her he loved her.

When hes sentenced, Payne could face anywhere from 25 years to life in prison.

This wasnt his first run-in with the law.

Payne was convicted of sex crimes in Iowa in 2024. He is also wanted in Nebraska for assault charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
William Shakespeares marriage to Anne Hathaway may have been happier than previously thought, according to new research.

It has been long believed that the playwright left his wife behind when he moved to London, but new findings from the University of Bristol suggest that the couple were living together in London for some period of time between 1600 and 1610.

Shakespeare married Hathaway in 1582 and the couple shared three children. Experts have long thought that Shakespeare then moved to London from his home in Stratford-upon-Avon, leaving his family behind.

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Now, a long forgotten letter may turn that theory on its head, according to Matthew Steggle, a professor of English at Bristol University.

The fragments of the letter, addressed to good Mrs Shakspaire, (the names spelling at the time) were found sewn into the binding of a 1,000-page theological book in the city of Hereford, about 50 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Although the letters writer hasnt been identified, they refer to a fatherless apprentice called John Butts.

Steggle found just one person by Butts name who fit the criteria and lived in London at that time.

The reason you think its the Shakespeares is about the date and place of the letter  which you can establish largely by locating the boy at the center of it, Steggle told CNN Thursday.

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The letter writer accuses the husband of Mrs Shakspaire of withholding money from Butts and asks her for the funds. In what may be a reply from Hathaway herself, the recipient stands by her husband and refuses to settle the claim.

The letter also refers to a Shakspaire couple who lived in a place called Trinity Lane. Out of the four couples living in London with the surname, Steggle believes only the playwright and his wife could have afforded to live in the relatively prosperous area.

Steggle said the discovery opens the path to more revelations about the playwrights life.

We know so little about exactly where Shakespeare lives in London, so its another sort of data point for that, he said. Its another kind of anchor on where he might have been living, how he might have been, and how he might have been living in his London career.

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As for challenging views about Shakespeares relationship with his wife, Steggle credits a shift in attitudes towards women and greater academic work in this area.

Theres this narrative, like the film Shakespeare in Love, where hes got this wife whos this kind of distant encumbrance in Stratford, and (Shakespeare is) having all these romantic love affairs in London separately, he said, referring to the Oscar-winning 1998 movie.

The letter is a game-changer that suggests Hathaway was not absent from her husbands London life, but present and engaged in his financial and social networks, argues Steggle.

The reason its gone unnoticed for so long is that its not in London where theres been a lot of quite intensive searching for Shakespeare, Steggle said of the letters discovery.

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Looking outside the city  and in the binding of books printed by the Bards old friend  could point the way towards the possibility of more discoveries.

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Shannon Sharpe is electing to step aside temporarily from ESPN, he said on Thursday.

My statement is found here and this is the truth, Sharpe, formerly an NFL star and now a prominent media figure, wrote and posted to social media. The relationship in question was 100 percent consensual.

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At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties, his statement continued. I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me.

Sharpe said he plans to return to ESPN in time for the NFLs preseason.

I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues, Sharpes statement concluded.

This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannons decision to step away, an ESPN spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.

Sharpe is being sued for sexual assault by a woman who says he raped her twice in two months in her Las Vegas home last year.

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In a lawsuit filed on Sunday in Nevada state court, the Jane Doe is seeking $50 million. The lawsuit brings a claim for sexual battery, as well as one for intentional infliction of emotional distress for Sharpes alleged verbal abuse.

Sharpe violently sexually assaulted and anally raped Plaintiff two different times in Las Vegas, Nevada, blatantly ignoring her requests for him to stop, the complaint states. He did it again in January.

In a statement posted on X attributed to his lawyer Lanny Davis, Sharpe named his accuser and cited text messages that he says prove that the relationship was consensual. He called the womans suit an egregious attempt at blackmail.

Sharpe and the woman met in 2023 at a Los Angeles gym, according to the complaint. They soon entered into a relationship, which included consensual sex, the lawsuit says. The sex later turned violent, it alleges. The woman says Sharpe confronted the woman, demanded she take him to her house and, once there, he forced her to perform oral sex before penetrating her.

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Three months later in January, Sharpe allegedly assaulted her a second time, the lawsuit alleges. He grabbed herpulling her around and positioning her to perform oral sex, which lasted for roughly two minutes, the complaint states. Then, Sharpe repositioned her and roughly forced himself inside her.

Sharpe has also been sued in New York state court by an ex-girlfriend, who alleges he forced her to perform oral sex.

Last year, Sharpe inked a multiyear deal with ESPN that expanded his role on First Take, now the networks top show. See Sharpes Thursday statement here:

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HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Harlem grandmother and member of the National Action Network was shot and killed just feet from her doorstep, the apparent victim of a stray bullet.

The final moments of 61-year-old Excenia Mette  known in her community as Mama Zee  were caught on camera, showing her trying to confront the shooters. Her family is now speaking out.

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It was a sacrificial lamb that was sacrificed by someone she fed, would have run out that door for, took up arms for, someone who cared more than your own parents, Mettes sister, Pastor Diane London, said.

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A hail of bullets ripped through the Harlem street, killing Mette, a pillar of her community. On Tuesday night, fearing her grandson was in danger, she ran toward the gunfire at 113th Street and Lenox Avenue.

She loved this community with her everything, with her everything, said her grandson, Jarian Jordan.

Jordan, 24, survived the shooting, but is now mourning his grandmothers loss.

She put smiles on faces. She helped kids. She helped adults, he said.

The family says they tried to stop Mette from intervening when it meant putting herself in harms way.

Every time they got into something, she would try and de-escalate them. She was not afraid, said London.

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Around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, at least two gunmen opened fire at each other. One suspect was captured on exclusive video fleeing on a scooter.

Police later apprehended the 23-year-old wounded suspect and recovered a gun discarded nearby.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Officials say the area has been plagued by violence stemming from gang rivalries within city housing complexes. The suspect taken into custody has 18 prior arrests, according to sources.

Last year he was arrested for robbery, stabbing two people, and now back on the street involved in a shooting, said Mayor Eric Adams on PIX11 News, Wednesday evening.

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Community activists and Mettes sister, a Pennsylvania pastor, are vowing her death will not be in vain.

Her life was taken because she wanted to see change, said London.

Police say the 23-year-old suspect, identified as Darius Smith, was shot in the foot. He was charged with attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Authorities are still searching for at least one other gunman, believed to be the one who fired the fatal shots.

In a statement, the National Action Network said:

Our hearts, prayers, and support go out to the family and friends who loved Excenia Mette. Excenia was a special woman. This senseless violence has claimed another innocent life in our community. This time, a mother, a grandmother, a servant leader, an entrepreneur, and a friend. Her life mattered, and we will not let her life be in vain.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
UPDATE (April 25)  The Kern County Sheriffs Office said an 82 year old man reported missing earlier this week has been located.

The sheriffs office said Gus Seward was located Thursday evening just before 8 p.m. He was in good health and reunited with family.

Sewards family thanked the sheriffs office, CHP and other law enforcement agencies involved in the search.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Kern County Sheriffs Office is searching for a missing 82-year-old man last seen near Kern Canyon Road.

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Gus Seward, 82, was last seen at around 7 a.m. on April 23, according to Kern County Sheriffs deputies. Seward was last seen wearing a red 49ers sweatshirt, red 49ers slippers, black socks and tan pants.

Sheriffs deputies describe Seward to be 6 feet tall and 156 pounds. He has gray hair, brown eyes and a gray beard.

If anyone has information regarding Seward, please contact the Kern County Sheriffs Office at 661-861-3110.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
A teenager killed a fellow student and injured three others in a knife attack at a secondary school in the western French city of Nantes on Thursday.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, speaking at the scene, praised school staff for overpowering the attacker, likely preventing further casualties, as well as the police and first responders.

"This is a tragedy that has shocked the entire nation," Retailleau said.

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The accused attacker, a 15-year-old student at the private Catholic school, entered two classrooms around midday and stabbed four students.

He first attacked a female student, who later died from her injuries, before moving to a floor below to attack others.

According to media reports citing police sources, the school's IT officer confronted the attacker, pursued him and overpowered him. Two knives were found on the student.

The motive for the attack remains unclear.

Shortly before his stabbing spree, the assailant sent a message to all his classmates via the school's intranet, in which he painted a bleak picture of society, according to media reports.

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In the document, the student is said to have denounced environmental destruction, systemic violence and social alienation.

"My thoughts are with the families, the students and the entire educational community, whose shock and grief are shared by the nation," said French President Emmanuel Macron. "Through their intervention, the teachers undoubtedly prevented further tragedies. Their courage deserves respect."

Following a rise in youth violence and fatal knife attacks near schools, France has recently implemented bag checks at school entrances.

Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on Thursday called for even stricter checks and measures to curb knife violence among young people, including regulations on the purchase and transport of weapons.

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"This tragedy once again highlights the rampant violence that prevails among some of our young people," said the Prime Minister. "It forces us to ask fundamental questions about education, values and respect for human life."
CONTENT WARNING: This article contains information about alleged child sexual abuse material. Report child pornography to law enforcement by contacting the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency.

LAYTON, Utah (ABC4)  Parents are shocked after the director of a charter school in Layton was arrested for allegedly producing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

ABC4 visited the Leader Learning Academy campus in Layton, one of the locations that Jared Dallan Buckley, 40, oversaw. Buckley is currently being held without bail at the Davis County Jail, according to documents.

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Nancy Burns, a concerned parent, spoke with ABC4 over the phone about their experience with the director.

I saw the news of the arrest, I was  I mean  I was shocked, Burns said. I did a double-take, because I didnt know if I was reading that correctly thats something I would think would be totally out of character of what I knew of him and the interactions I had with him.

MORE INFO: Director of Utah charter school arrested for alleged production, distribution of child pornography

Burns had two children who attended the school a few years ago.

He actually came to my daughters Nutcracker performance in December of 2018 on a Friday or Saturday night. Super nice guy. My kids have always compared every other principal to him because he made school so fun, Burns stated.

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She stated that her children were very sad to find out the director had been arrested. They remembered him fondly, and his arrest has left her son at a loss.

Operation Hive Strike: 15 arrested in child exploitation sting in Utah

Theyre 14 and 15 now. They knew him back when they were in first, second, third grade. My son was  he had no words. He was very sad. And he was lost, Burns shared.

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force from the Utah Attorney Generals Office has been hard at work to find out who is behind cases like these. Between April 15 and 17 of this year, they arrested 15 individuals who allegedly sexually exploited children online.

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We are here to protect children. Were here to be the divider between children and offenders who choose to sexually exploit them online, Commander Sete Aulai from the ICAC Task Force stated.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons if faced with 'unfriendly actions,' Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu claimed in an interview with TASS state news agency on April 24.

Shoigu said Moscow was "closely monitoring" the "military preparations" of European countries, as they seek to ramp up defense spending and production in the face of the U.S. reducing its military presence on the continent.

"In case foreign states commit unfriendly actions that threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation, our country considers it legitimate to take symmetrical and asymmetrical measures necessary to suppress such actions and prevent their recurrence," he said.

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"Nuclear deterrence is carried out against states and military coalitions that regard Russia as a potential adversary, possess weapons of mass destruction, or have significant combat capabilities of general-purpose forces," he added.

Shoigu also said that any European future peacekeeping forces deployed to Ukraine to monitor a ceasefire would also be seen by the Kremlin as a provocation.

"Sensible politicians in Europe understand that the implementation of such a scenario could lead to a direct clash between NATO and Russia and subsequently to World War III," he said.

Read also: Front-line situation not severe enough for Ukraine to be forced to accept Trumps deal, experts say

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In November 2024, Russia updated its official nuclear deterrence policy. According to the changes, the Kremlin reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to aggression against itself or its closest ally, Belarus, even if the attack involves non-nuclear weapons.

Russia has repeatedly made nuclear threats against Ukraine and the West since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The threats have failed to materialize, and Russia continues to wage its all-out war without using its nuclear arsenal.

The statement came as U.S. Vice President JD Vance repeated warnings that the U.S. might drop its peace efforts if both sides refuse to accept a "very explicit proposal," which includes recognizing temporarily occupied territories as Russian.

Ukraine agreed to relinquish its nuclear arms after signing the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which also saw the country join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

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In exchange, Kyiv received security assurances from major powers, including the U.S., the U.K., and Russia. These guarantees failed to prevent Moscow's aggression in 2014 in Crimea and Donbas and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The Budapest Memorandum has been sharply criticized by today's Ukrainian leadership over its lack of strong security guarantees.

Read also: Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian

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By Brendan O'Brien and Doyinsola Oladipo

Chicago (Reuters) -An Illinois judge on Thursday sentenced a man to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a 2022 mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in a Chicago suburb that killed seven people, the states attorney's office said.

Robert Crimo III, 24, pleaded guilty to seven counts of first-degree murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery in March shortly before his trial was set to begin for the shooting in Highland Park that also injured over 40 people.

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Crimo was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Victoria Rossetti to seven consecutive life sentences, followed by 50 years for 48 counts of attempted murder. Anyone found guilty of committing two or more murders in Illinois receives an automatic life sentence in prison without possibility of parole.

"This court hopes this sentence brings a sense of justice and an end to the continued horror," Rossetti said, according to a Chicago Tribune report from the courtroom.

Crimo, who told investigators that he planned the attack in 2017 or 2018, was not present at his sentencing on Thursday nor during hearings on Wednesday when relatives of those killed described the impact of the crime, according to the state's attorney's office.

"Ive accepted, more or less, my dad's death and absence from my life, but I cant make peace with the way he died," the Tribune quoted Jonathan Straus as telling the court. Straus's 88-year-old father, Stephen Straus, was killed.

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Crimo is accused of climbing onto the roof of a building in downtown Highland Park, a suburb 25 miles (40 km) north of Chicago, and opening fire on spectators and participants at a Fourth of July parade in 2022.

Crimo's father pleaded guilty to multiple counts of reckless conduct in 2023 for helping him obtain a gun that he used in the attack. Robert Crimo Jr. was sentenced to two years of probation and 60 days in custody, as well as 100 hours of public service.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Diane Craft)
LONDON, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Talks between a Ukrainian delegation and officials from the United States, France and Germany held in London on Wednesday made "significant progress" toward a common position, said the British foreign office.

"The talks today were productive and successful, and significant progress was made on reaching a common position on next steps," a spokesperson for Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement.

"All agreed to continue their close coordination and looked forward to further talks soon," said the statement.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said the Ukrainian delegation had productive talks with U.S. special envoy for Keith Kellogg in London on Wednesday.

"We talked about our consistent position regarding a ceasefire, also about security guarantees. For my part, I believe the meeting was very productive and successful," Umerov said.

Kellogg said on Wednesday that there were positive talks in London with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak.

The planned negotiations in London were downgraded after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio abruptly cancelled his trip to Britain, underscoring the gaps between the United States and its European allies over how to end the conflict.

Earlier, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said it was time for Russia and Ukraine to either agree to a U.S. peace proposal or "for the United States to walk away from this process."

The proposal called for freezing territorial lines "at some level close to where they are today" and a "long-term diplomatic settlement that hopefully will lead to long-term peace," Vance told reporters during his visit to India. 
(WKBN)  Saturday marks an important day for some small local businesses  its Independent Bookstore Day. The national day of recognition spotlights the importance of indie bookstores and the role that they play in the community.

Read next: Local greenhouse still blooming after 30 years

April 26 marks the 12th anniversary of Independent Bookstore Day, celebrated by bookstores and booklovers alike. Its hosted by the American Booksellers Association, a 125-year-old non-profit trade organization that supports over 2,800 bookstores across the country, offering education regarding business practices, providing an e-commerce platform, and taking part in advocacy work.

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In many ways, its honoring the legacy of Record Store Day, which has been so popular in the record industry, and its really an opportunity for all of these independent bookstores across the country to have a day where they celebrate their communities and they celebrate their place in their communities, and their communities get to celebrate them, said Allison Hill, CEO of the association.

Two local participants of Indie Bookstore Day include Leanas Books & More and POP! Art Books Culture. Both are offering 20% sales on all products in celebration  with POP!s sale running Saturday and Leanas running both Saturday and Sunday. Over in Greenville, Boundless Books will host a soft-opening in recognition of the days importance. A complete map of participating bookstores is available on IndieBound.org.

While Leana Hillard, owner of Leanas Books & More, says its not easy running an indie bookstore, it is also great.

We try to give back to the community as much as we can, because thats the only reason were here: is because of the communities, Hillard said.

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When visiting local bookstores, shoppers are getting far more than simply a physical book.

One thing that separates the indie bookstores from the big box [stores] is we do a lot of things for the community, Hillard said. We have book signings; theres no charge for the authors. We set up the tables, [and] they sell their own books so they can make 100%, and our hope is theyre bringing in people to see our stores.

Both POP! and Leanas go beyond a physical store  theyre community spaces offering respective book clubs, hosting author groups and much more. And not only are shoppers supporting the local stores, but also local authors.

Theres a lot of really great authors that have come through here, and Ive yet to have somebody come back and say, You know what, I really didnt enjoy this book. All of the local authors are fantastic authors and weve had really, really good luck with them, said Craig Duster, owner of POP!.

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Over 1,200 indie bookstores have opened in the U.S. over the last five years, but Hill says despite the increasing number of stores and sales, its more challenging than it has ever been to be an indie owner, with thin margins paired with rising costs. But supporting local stores will help keep money in a shoppers own community, Hill said.

One thing is purely economic, that when you shop with an independent bookstore, about 29% of the revenue recirculates in the local economy, Hill said. So that compares to say, Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in that its about five times more than Amazon and over two times more than Barnes & Noble.

I think local big box stores have their purposes, and even online, major online retailers have their purposes, too, but for the most part, if you can shop local when you can, it keeps a lot of that money in the community, Duster said.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce states the sales tax shoppers pay at these local spots supports the communitys public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as funds public service workers, like firefighters.

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Hill said in current times, when a lot of communities are seeing cuts, that type of revenue is especially important.

I definitely think there are people who are very mindful of where theyre spending their dollars right now and what kind of values theyre supporting, Hill said. There are people who really want to support, say their neighbors who have returned to their community to share books and make a difference, versus supporting a billionaire or an algorithm or a hedge fund, which is sometimes the alternative in the book world.

Hill emphasized the importance of supporting local stores, or else risk losing them.

I think some of it is coming off the pandemic, too. I think we all lived through a period where we saw some of our favorite places close  and I think people really began to realize that we really have to support these local businesses or they wont be sustainable.

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For those who may not want to leave the comfort of their favorite reading chair or are looking for something niche, there is an alternative to visiting indie bookstores in person. Bookshop.org is a platform designed to support independent bookstores.

Its financially helping the stores, its raising visibility around shopping indie, its providing a buy button to a lot of media outlets who normally might have Amazon but now they have an indie alternative, Hill said.

Hill said in times where money is tight, its not just a matter of how much youre spending, but also where you are spending it.

I think theres a return to some values around supporting local and aligning your shopping with your values and connecting in a very human way that were all really hungry for, Hill said.

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Well, here at Senator Grassleys town hall meeting in the town of Northwood, he got asked many questions. One was a local one on the future of wind turbines.

President Joe Biden signed the production tax credit extension when he was president, so the question is, Will that be extended and will that be in the tax package?' an attendee asked.

Ill venture a guess that there will be some phase out of it, Grassley answered.

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The room got the most heated over Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who is being held in a South American prison, who the Trump administration has admitted was deported from Maryland in error, despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation to El Salvador due to fear of persecution.

Were paying that country money. Trump is paying money to keep the prisoners down there, one attendee complained.

Because the president of Venezuela did not keep his word, Grassley said. Take those prisoners back. We just want to get them out of the country because they shouldnt have been here.

During a dispute between two attendees about tattoos, someone from the crowd yelled, Shut up! Sit down!

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That did not sit well with the speaker.

No, I dont have to sit down. He called on me. You shut up and you sit down!

Sen. Grassley said that while it may seem like this is a new thing with all the dissension in meetings, he said you shouldve been around in the Obamacare meetings in 2009 and when Trump was first elected in 2016.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A judge set bail Wednesday at $1 million for a brother and sister accused of blackmailing and convincing a woman to record herself sexually assaulting a child.

Clark County District Court Chief Judge Jerry Wiese issued warrants Wednesday for Alexus Lery, 25; and Marcus Stewart, 26, after a grand jury voted to indict the duo Tuesday. Wiese ordered Lery and Stewart jailed on $1 million bail. Lery appeared in jail records as of Wednesday afternoon.

Each faces charges of conspiracy to commit sexual assault, sexual assault with a child, and lewdness with a child following incidents last summer. Police first arrested Lery in October. Stewart was incarcerated in California, prosecutor Jacob Villani said Wednesday.

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Police suspect Lery blackmailed Jaeden Choate, 22, who herself is charged with creating the child sex abuse material. Lery pretended to be a person Choate was familiar with at the time, Villani said, to try to sway her from testifying against Stewart.

Police reviewed the video and described it as a woman, later identified as Choate, with a child who was performing a sex act on her, documents said. The child was known to Choate and was not random.

These two are absolutely, morally bankrupt, Villani said. This is just evil on their behalf to do this to a child.

Choate told police she received random text messages from a phone number from a man who acted like her sugar daddy, documents said. Choate said the man asked her to make a video of her smearing feces on her body for $8,000. Choate made the video and sent it, later learning the person who requested the video was Stewart through Lery, prosecutors said.

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Mr. Stewart then told Jayden that it was him the entire time on the other side of those text messages, Villani said.

In one conversation, Lery reportedly said, That [expletive] will do anything for money. You cant trust [expletive] like that, documents said. In another conversation, a person told Lery to call the police and make an anonymous call.

In July, officers contacted Lery, who they said was the initial person who reported one of the videos. Police searched through Choates phone and obtained other evidence, finding conversations between Lery and another person where they talked about the alleged blackmail, documents said.

Following Lerys arrest in October, Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Rebecca Saxe set Lerys bail at $25,000, records said. Lery later posted bond and was released with an ankle monitor.

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It was not immediately clear if and when Stewart would return to Las Vegas to face his charges. A district court judge could reset Lerys bail following her arrest.

Choate was scheduled to go on trial this fall.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- A bill that would make buying, selling, or operating a signal jamming device illegal is now headed to Indiana Governor Mike Brauns desk.

Vanderburgh Deputies discover signal jammer during search, connects to alleged burglary

The bill was born from an incident in Vanderburgh County, in which a suspect allegedly used a jamming device during a robbery. Senate Bill 26 would make the manufacturing, sale, import, possession, and operation of a signal jammer a level 6 felony. This bill would also make the use of a signal jammer to disrupt a component of a critical infrastructure facility or communications of a public safety agency a level 5 felony. The bill was co-authored by State Senator James Tomes (R)- Wadesville. A previous version of the bill, co-authored by State Representative Wendy McNamara, was introduced in the Indiana Statehouse shortly after the incident in Vanderburgh County last year.

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If signed by Governor Braun, the law would go into effect later this year.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sioux City Art Center is hosting another ARTWALK series in 2025, with the first installment taking place the evening of Thursday, April 24.

The event series is a collaboration between the Art Center and several downtown galleries, including Gallery 103, 3 Rivers Art Gallery, Art SUX Gallery and Vangarde Arts.

Mid America Museum announces upcoming events

At the first installment, attendees will start at the Art Center at 5:30 p.m., where theyll be able to enjoy artwork, snacks and drinks to kick off the evening. From there, folks will be able to walk to the Ho-Chunk Centre and then to the other downtown galleries as the night goes on.

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If you cant make it to Thursdays event, the other ARTWALK sessions for the 2025 season will be held on July 11 and October 19.

For more information, you can visit the Sioux City Art Center online here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Israel commemorated the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust with the sounding of a nationwide siren on Thursday.

At 10 am (0700 GMT), public life came to a halt for two minutes: Drivers stopped their cars, and people paused their activities to stand in silent remembrance.

The central ceremony then began at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem. This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day takes place while Israel is at war.

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Since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, tens of thousands of people have been killed in the Gaza Strip.

Twenty-four Israeli hostages, as well as the bodies of 35 abductees, remain in the hands of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas militia.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew parallels between Hamas and the Nazis during his speech at Yad Vashem on Wednesday evening. He said both sought the destruction of the Jewish people. Netanyahu stated that the fight against Hamas would continue until all hostages were returned and the terrorist group was dismantled.

He also reiterated that Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

During the Nazi era, from 1933 to 1945, approximately 6 million Jews were murdered. Today, around 120,000 Holocaust survivors still live in Israel  about 13,000 fewer than a year ago.

Israelis stand still in Jerusalem as a two-minute siren sounds nationwide to mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Traffic stops and daily activity pauses in commemoration of the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. Nir Alon/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Israelis stand still in Jerusalem as a two-minute siren sounds nationwide to mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Traffic stops and daily activity pauses in commemoration of the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust. Nir Alon/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Russian forces launched three attacks on the city of Kharkiv on the night of 23-24 April, deploying Iskander and Kh-type missiles, alongside Geran-2 (Shahed-136) loitering munitions. The strikes have caused destruction and left six people injured.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Quote: "The Russian Armed Forces launched a large-scale missile attack on Kharkiv from approximately 01:10 to 01:30 on 24 April. Early reports indicate that the enemy fired three Iskander cruise missiles on the city, damaging business premises. A missile (likely of the Kh type) struck an area near a residential block in the Osnovianskyi district, damaging houses."

The aftermath of the Russian attack

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Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Details: The second wave of strikes took place around 03:00-03:30. The Russians attacked a company in Kharkiv using over 10 loitering munitions (early reports indicate that they were of the Geran-2 type).

"Around 05:00, the third wave of attacks began  another missile strike. A two-storey non-residential building belonging to a company was destroyed in the Slobidskyi district. A missile hit a stadium on the territory of a school in the Nemyshlianskyi district, causing damage to the educational institution and neighbouring apartment blocks," the prosecutor's office said.

The aftermath of the Russian attack

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Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Details: The second wave of strikes took place around 03:00-03:30. The Russians attacked a company in Kharkiv using over 10 loitering munitions (early reports indicate that they were of the Geran-2 type).

"Around 05:00, the third wave of attacks began  another missile strike. A two-storey non-residential building belonging to a company was destroyed in the Slobidskyi district. A missile hit a stadium on the territory of a school in the Nemyshlianskyi district, causing damage to the educational institution and neighbouring apartment blocks," the prosecutor's office said.

The aftermath of the Russian attack

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Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

More than 10 houses were damaged in the village of Bezliudivka in the Kharkiv district, and a 14-year-old girl suffered a contusion.

"The enemy is reported to have used Kh-type missiles during this series of attacks," the prosecutor's office said.

The aftermath of the Russian attack

Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Earlier reports indicated that Russian forces had attacked Kharkiv with 14 drones and 10 missiles, damaging multi-storey residential buildings, a hospital, a school, houses and a hotel and injuring two people.

Background: Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia had launched 215 missiles and drones on Ukraine. Ukrainian air defence units have destroyed 112 Russian aerial assets.

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Apr. 24A facility focused on improving mental health and addressing substance abuse took a major step forward this week as San Joaquin County supervisors approved millions in funding to get the project off the ground.

Supervisors approved the Be Well Campus' $261.8 million budget and awarded a $1.7 million service agreement to Oakland-based Herrero-McGuire Hester Joint Venture on Tuesday. The action marks the official launch of the project's first phase, which includes project validation and early design work, staff said.

The Be Well Campus will be located on 23 acres of county-owned land near San Joaquin General Hospital in French Camp, providing crisis stabilization, detox and sobriety centers, youth and family outpatient services, and substance use treatment.

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Supervisors said the campus will serve as the cornerstone of a more compassionate, coordinated, and effective behavioral health system in the county.

"This project is not just about building a facility  it's about investing in the future of health care for our growing community," board chair Paul Canepa said. "As our county continues to expand, we must ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our residents. By leveraging local resources and securing state and federal support, we're building a system of care that will address the mental health and substance use challenges our residents face, reduce homelessness, and offer long-term recovery options right here at home."

The facility will be the first in the region to consolidate mental health and substance services under one roof, which Health Care Services Agency director Geneveive Valentine said will improve access, reduce stigma, and help residents avoid hospitalizations or incarceration.

"Sixty percent of emergency room visits in our county are tied to acute substance use disorder," she said. "This project allows us to deliver the right care, at the right time, in the right setting  for everyone in our community."

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Construction is expected to begin in September, with the first phase to be completed by July 2027. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned later this year.

Funding will be made possible by a national opioid settlement that awarded the county $52.8 million over the next 18 years, as well as Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program monies and allocations from Assembly Bill 179. Funds from Health Plan of San Joaquin and private sector matches will also be allocated to the project, along with public health monies secured by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

To date, $66.29 million has been secured, with an additional $232 million identified through pending grants and local partnerships, the county said.

"This is a big win for our community," Supervisor Steve Ding said. "The Be Well Campus is going to change lives. It means people in Lodi and across San Joaquin County will finally have real access to behavioral health care  close to home, when they need it most. For too long, outdated rules have stood in the way of building the kind of treatment centers we actually need."
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI)  The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court will consider the legal effort to shed more light on why New Bedford District Courts top judge resigned under a cloud in 2023.

Earlier this month the states highest court granted a motion for a single judge  Associate Justice Serge George Jr.  to consider a request for discovery in the criminal case of Gerson Pascual-Santana, who was convicted in March 2023 of indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14.

Pascual-Santanas attorney, Jim McKenna, has been seeking a litany of investigatory material related to allegations against former New Bedford First Justice Douglas Darnbrough, who presided over Pascual-Santanas case. Darnbrough sentenced the defendant to more than three years in prison for crimes that McKenna has long argued his client didnt commit.

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The case was tried by a prosecutor with the Bristol County District Attorneys Office, who became the focus of a series of unsubstantiated anonymous letters. The letters alleged she and Darnbrough were engaged in an undisclosed sexual relationship at the same time he was presiding over her cases in court, and that Pascual-Santana was set up from the beginning.

They planned to be on that case ahead of time and discussed it before and after trial, the person wrote in one of the anonymous letters.

Darnbrough, who was appointed in 2019 by then-Gov. Charlie Baker, was quietly reassigned to Plymouth County District Court and then resigned as the anonymous letters were being sent to people throughout the legal community and the media.

Darnbrough submitted a letter of resignation to Gov. Maura Healey in November 2023. The reason for his resignation was initially redacted from the letter, but court documents later showed he cited health reasons.

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Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinns office has since pushed back at the anonymous allegations, saying the letter-writer was engaged in a longstanding harassment campaign, which they were investigating.

But McKenna wasnt convinced, and he asked that Pascual-Santanas case be reconsidered.

Massachusetts judicial officials assigned Cambridge District Court Justice David Frank to preside over the hearings in an effort to avoid the appearance of any conflict of interest. Frank ruled in 2024 against reopening the case, determining that while the claims outlined in the anonymous letters raised extremely serious issues, they were speculative, uncorroborated and conclusory in nature.

McKenna then appealed the matter to the SJC in April 2024, arguing his client should be released from prison while the matter was under consideration. He also said the Bristol County DA never provided details about its investigation into Darnbrough, which McKenna argued could include evidence showing his client was treated unfairly.

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The SJC ruled against releasing Pascual-Santana from prison, but it granted the motion earlier this month to move the case to a single justice and to hear McKennas request for discovery. McKenna is seeking any investigative reports in its possession concerning the relationship between the trial prosecutor and judge from the Bristol County DA.

Hes also asking the SJC to compel the DAs office to provide any information in its possession that identifies the author of the anonymous letters, along with any details about why Darnbrough resigned.

We can have no confidence that the Commonwealth has disclosed all information in its possession as to why Judge Darnbrough resigned, McKenna wrote in his motion for discovery. Given the exculpatory nature of that information, Mr. Pascual-Santana would respectfully request that this court order the Bristol County District Attorney to produce all such information.

In court documents filed with the SJC in July 2024, Bristol County assistant district attorney Shoshana Stern argued that if the DAs office had any investigatory reports that contained evidence of an inappropriate relationship between Darnbrough and the prosecutor, the office would have provided them already.

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Stern also pushed back at the credibility of the anonymous letters, saying, an anonymous claim warrants evaluation for whether it shows any indicia of reliability, but if it does not, it does not warrant further investigation into its substance.

Here, the anonymous allegations did not satisfy either the veracity or basis of knowledge tests, Stern wrote.

McKennas effort to find out more about Darnbroughs resignation has earned the backing of the Committee for Public Counsel Services and the ACLU of Massachusetts, which filed separate amicus briefs in the SJC case.

ACLU attorneys accused the DAs office of failing to demonstrate that it conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations, and they suggested that if the SJC didnt think the case warranted a retrial  it should grant a motion for discovery.

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Such a remedy is necessary not only to protect the defendants rights, but also to protect the integrity of the Commonwealths criminal legal system, ACLU attorney Danie McFadden wrote. The public must be assured that the Commonwealth will respond appropriately to allegations of misconduct that run against the powerful and powerless alike.

CPCS attorneys echoed the sentiment, citing an SJC ruling from 1998 that described the legitimacy of the judiciary as requiring an exacting compact between judges and the citizenry.

Surely it is arrogance for us to say to them that we may not seem impartial, but we know we are, and so they must submit, the SJC wrote at the time. Precisely because the public cannot witness, but instead must trust, what happens when a judge retires to the privacy of his chambers, the judiciary must behave with circumspection when in the public eye.

CPCS attorney Michaela Martin Strout argued in October 2024 that the SJC must uphold its end of this exacting compact by requiring transparency and solemnity when the fairness or impartiality of a jurist in the Commonwealth is seriously questioned.

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The SJC hearing on the motion for discovery is scheduled for May 14.

Eli Sherman (esherman@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and on Facebook.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Officials with the City of Slaughters are speaking up about train blockages in the city.

Officials with Webster County Dispatch say seasonal shipments are causing increased train traffic. The company CSX is asking people effected by the backups to log a formal complaint on their website. Click here to log a complaint.

Officials with the City of Slaughters have responded to the backups in a statement released on Facebook. Below is their full statement:

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The other day there was an accident at the intersection impending emergency personnel because of a train blocking the tracks, lets all stand together and let CSX know that blocking the tracks is an unacceptable problem that needs to be addressed.

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HELSINKI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Atria, a major Nordic food company operating in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and the Baltic countries, reported increased profit in the first quarter of 2025, driven in part by its entry into the Chinese market.

The Finnish group began exporting chicken meat to China in December 2024 after securing approval during Finnish President Alexander Stubb's visit to the country. "A giant opportunity," said Atria Finland's Managing Director Mika Ala-Fossi, highlighting China's large population and growing demand for imported proteins.

In its Q1 financial report released Thursday, Atria posted an operating profit of 12.8 million euros (14.55 million U.S. dollars), up from 8.0 million euros a year earlier. Net sales rose to 420.5 million euros from 416.8 million, while operating margin improved to 3.1 percent from 1.9 percent.

The company credited the rise to increased poultry production, streamlined operations at its new facility in Nurmo, and the expansion into Asia.

Despite the positive results, CEO Kai Gyllstrom warned of challenges ahead, citing global instability and noting that Atria does not expect to reach its 2024 full-year profit of 65.4 million euros. (1 euro = 1.14 U.S. dollar) 
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Beginning this week, the Salt Lake City Police Department has ramped up patrols and enforcement in Liberty Park.

This increased enforcement comes off the heels of the recent closure and patrol of portions of the Jordan River Trail. In the first three weeks of their operation, SLCPD made 82 arrests with 33 of them being for felonies. Its progress that they hope to see translate over to Liberty Park. Police say theyve heard criminal activity has made its way to the park.

SLCPD making progress in public safety along Jordan River Trail after closure

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Police Spokesperson Brent Weisberg detailed, We have heard from our community members their concerns about the crime that is happening in Liberty Park. So, we want to remain responsive and proactive to those needs of our community members.

Weisburg added that their efforts, which are steps taken to follow the citys public safety plan, hope to bring a feeling of safety to those who enjoy public spaces in the city, like Liberty Park. He explained, Liberty Park is such a popular place for people to come relax and enjoy the great amenities of our city. So as a police department, we have to make sure were doing everything we can to sustain that growth and that positivity.

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Often, the discussion around public safety has included overlap with crime and the issue of homelessness. It was a main focal point around the public safety plan released in January by Mayor Erin Mendenhall. Liberty Park, similarly to the Jordan River Trail, is no stranger to the unsheltered population.

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Thats why one Liberty Park neighbor is not a fan of the polices increased activity. Sarah Jolley called the patrols absolutely disproportionate to the neighborhood. Its disruptive to the neighborhood. And its corrosive to this community.

Over the last couple of years, Jolley has established what has become a sort of community resource center for her unsheltered neighbors from her front porch.

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Photos: Sarah Jolleys front yard has turned into a resource and donation center for the unsheltered in the Liberty Park neighborhood.

Neighbors Supporting Neighbors is exactly as it sounds. Jolley sees those who are unsheltered living in or near the park as her neighbors. She explained, You dont choose who your neighbors are. That is a word that only describes proximity of people who live next to each other. I live next to all these people. Theyre all my neighbors.

Jolley has made it her mission to know the names of everyone she can in the neighborhood, especially the unsheltered. She has lists of names and has taken their photos as they have become regulars at her donation stand and does not describe this group as transient. Jolley says they are an unsheltered community that has called the Liberty Park neighborhood home just like anyone else who may have a physical home.

Neighbors by proximity. Neighborly By choice.  Sarah Jolley on the mantra of her Neighbors Supporting Neighbors group

To me, I met them all two years ago, and theyre all still here. Two years is a long time to be neighbors of somebody, said Jolley.

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All of this has manifested itself over the years as a front yard full of donations that have come from neighbors and even local businesses. Her next plan is to build a food forest in her yard and public strip. The goal is to grow and share produce while continuing to build community.

Jolley said of the plan, Were building a food forest on my public strip and combating, you know, death with life. And whatever theyre trying to do in the park, were staying tight.

ABC4 asked police about efforts like these to help the unsheltered community. Wesiburg responded, We see the generosity from our community members here in Salt Lake City, and that is what makes Salt Lake City such a great place to live, work and visit is that generosity of our community members.

Wesiburg went on to describe the departments role in offering more than just enforcement. He described, We are focused on what is proven strategies. We want to make sure that we are offering wraparound services to individuals.

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He continued, We want to make sure that were doing everything we can to provide a larger, broader, more holistic response to making sure that were supporting these individuals with true wraparound services.

Police didnt provide a timeline for how long enhanced enforcement will continue in Liberty Park, similar to their efforts on the Jordan River Trail, saying they will continue to respond to where crime is.

As for Jolley, youll continue to see her at her daily meetings with people in the park discussing what everyone needs. Youll also see a growing crop of resources in her front yard.

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Rep. Matt Lehman, R-Berne, sits with his grandson on his lap before session April 23, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Among the bills sent to Gov. Mike Braun Wednesday was a Senate Republican priority measure to increase transparency  and scrutiny  around state government contracts.

Sen. Scott Baldwins Senate Enrolled Act 5 advanced for a final time from both the House and Senate with almost unanimous bipartisan support. Across both chambers, only Rep. Ryan Dvorak, D-South Bend, was opposed.

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Included in the final draft of the bill are new rules for contacts awarded by state agencies and offices  including a ban on non-public, no-bid deals  and steeper expectations for vendors paid with taxpayer dollars. It also mandates unfilled government positions be eliminated, and requires state offices to more closely monitor and publicly report on spending, as well as in-flow and out-flow of federal funds.

Last-minute conference committee negotiations carved out exemptions for agreements between the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) and private employers. Baldwin noted that some 1,300 offenders are currently employed through 13 DOC joint ventures with companies like Cummins, Goodwill, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indiana Pacers.

These are very difficult to bid out. Theyre very specialized, and so weve excluded them for that sole purpose, the senator said Wednesday morning. All other reporting requirements will still apply, though.

Another exception was made for child support contracting between Indianas Department of Child Services and local prosecutors.

Health care bills move to governor

Certain health care entities will additionally be required to report ownership information to the state as part of a transparency effort to detangle potential conflicts of interest under House Enrolled Act 1666.

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It passed the House on a 78-13 vote, with opposition from both Democrats and Republicans. The proposal had an easier journey in the Senate, where it had unanimous support.

Providers like hospitals, insurers, third party administrators and pharmacy benefit managers will need to detail ownership stakes to either the Indiana Department of Health or the Indiana Department of Insurance, depending on their services.

The Secretary of States Office will also be involved in collecting and reporting data.

Rep. Julie McGuire, R-Indianapolis, watches votes come in for her House Bill 1666 on April 23, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Senators urged their House counterparts to exclude owners with less than a 5% interest in the entity at the behest of small-time providers seeking anonymity  particularly dentists, who are no longer impacted by the bill. That language survived conference committee edits.

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But House authors disagreed with the Senates additional confidentiality provisions, though bill does give overseeing agencies some discretion when it comes to public reporting.

The Senate added so much confidentiality that it was no longer a transparency bill, author Rep. Julie McGuire, R-Indianapolis, concluded.

The proposal, along with Senate Enrolled Act 118, both head to the governor, who previously signaled his support for such transparency measures.

The latter moved with minimal opposition and would compel certain hospitals and health care providers to provide detailed reporting on their participation in the 340B drug program, which pairs drug manufacturer discounts with hospitals caring for underserved populations.

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Some critics say large health systems unfairly profit, prompting additional scrutiny from the state. The initial bill was amended to exclude certain Health Resources and Services Administration grantees.

When it came back from the House, there was a concern that it may have excluded some hospitals that we wanted to report, said author Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso. The conference committee report simply clarifies that.

The Senate approved the measure unanimously but it had two opposing votes in the House.

Casino, teacher pay bills also cross the finish line

Legislation to study relocating a poor-performing casino  or adding a new casino  will soon cross Brauns desk, too. Senators on Wednesday concurred with House changes in a 37-11 vote.

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Senate Enrolled Act 43 would require the Indiana Gaming Commission to contract out for a study to assess the top two regions, revenue-wise, for a casino license.

Author Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington, initially sought to relocate a failing casino operating near the Indiana-Kentucky border to the Fort Wayne area. When that effort failed, Zay overhauled an empty vehicle bill to create the study.

During its trip through the House, the legislation was narrowed from three regions, but expanded by striking relocation-specific language. The study would only take place subject to available funding, despite a new November deadline. As he introduced that amendment, Rep. Ethan Manning, R-Logansport, noted the biggest hole in the market is northeast Indiana. He indicated another possibility is Indianapolis.

Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, said Wednesday that hed heard a location has been earmarked for Fort Wayne. Zay rejected that.

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Nothing has been earmarked. And thats why were doing the study, to determine where the best locations might be  independent of any influences, Zay replied.

Randolph also suggested a set-aside for South Bend, but Zay said the city is already under compact with the Potawatomi tribe and its Four Winds Casino. Senate Enrolled Act 43s text mandates an impact assessment of a potential tribal casino in the region and consideration of the impact of a potential tribal casino on revenues.

Another measure seeking Brauns signature, Senate Enrolled Act 146, will raise minimum public teacher pay to $45,000 and bump the minimum percentage of tuition support that schools must spend on teacher pay.

The bill  part of the governors priority agenda  passed out of the House a final time in a 90-1 vote, and 47-0 from the Senate.

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The average teacher salary in Indiana during the last school year was recorded at $60,557, according to the latest state teacher compensation report. The lowest teacher salary reported was $40,000  the current state-mandated minimum. The highest was $110,000. Teacher pay is ultimately set by local school districts.

The original Senate bill, authored by Sen. Linda Rogers, would have additionally provided 20 days of parental leave to teachers who have worked for a school district for at least six months.

That provision was ultimately removed, however, due to budget constraints.

It was for fiscal reasons, not for policy reasons, said Rogers, R-Granger. Its something Im sure that we all want to work towards, but it is something that in local school corporations, they can still do today as part of the bargaining process.  I just dont think this is the right time. There are a lot of reasons to do it. Unfortunately, dollars play into it, and Im trying to be cognizant of the budgets of local school corporations.

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BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP)  Protesters rallied in Slovakias capital and several other cities Thursday to condemn legislation approved by Parliament that they say could curb free expression and hamper the work of nongovernmental organizations.

People who gathered at Bratislava's Freedom Square compared the measure to Russias foreign agent law, which has been criticized as repressive, before marching to the presidential palace to urge President Peter Pellegrini to veto the bill. No to the Russian law, they chanted, and Slovakia is Europe.

Parliament passed the measure on April 17 and it's supported by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has frequently attacked NGOs.

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Pellegrini, an ally of Fico, has not commented on the bill though he recently has questioned some of Fico's policies. He has until May 2 to consider the legislation.

The measure would require, among other things, that NGOs publish reports with details on their leaders and any donors who have contributed more than more than 5,000 euros ($5,700) a year.

The government says the measure will make the financing and functioning of civil groups more transparent.

An analysis by Via Iuris, a nonprofit organization, said the law violates the constitution, including the right to privacy, freedom of expression and the right to freely associate, as well as European Union rules.

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Its aim is to stigmatize and limit the activities of civic groups," the group says.

The rallies in Bratislava and five other cities are part of a wave of protests that was fueled by Ficos recent trip to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fico is planning to travel again to Moscow for a May 9 military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germanys defeat in World War II. No other European Union leaders have announced such a plan.

We have enough of Fico, and we have enough of Russia, the protesters repeated.

Protests in 20 other locations across Slovakia and abroad are planned for Friday, organizers said.

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Fico, who is a divisive figure at home and abroad, returned to power in 2003 after his leftist Smer (Direction) party won a parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform.

His government moved to overhaul public broadcasting to give the government control of public television and radio. That, along with an amendment to the penal code to eliminate a special anti-graft prosecutor, showed that Fico was leading Slovakia down a more autocratic path, following the direction of Hungary under populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
ST. LOUIS  Saint Louis University President Fred Pestello and hundreds of higher-education leaders have signed a public statement condemning President Donald Trumps administration.

The statement, titled A Call for Constructive Engagement, comes as higher education leaders warn of unprecedented government overreach and political interference, threats they say endanger the future of American higher education.

Pestello was one of more than 300 higher-education presidents to sign the statement.

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According to the Associated Press, the Trump administration is withholding billions in federal funding from universities in response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, urging schools to align more closely with the administrations political agenda.

We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight, the statement reads. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion in the lives of those who learn, live and work on our campuses.

The statement marks the first collective response from sitting university presidents since the beginning of Trumps second presidential term.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis again condemned Florida House Republicans and the news media over continued questioning into the beleaguered Hope Florida initiative of his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis.

The DeSantises, state officials and program participants appeared at St. Augustines Anchor Faith Church April 24 to defend and promote the program, billed as a conservative alternative to traditional welfare that connects needy Floridians with help from nonprofits and other charities.

A House panel and news organizations have been digging into a $10 million dollar donation that was connected to a $67 million legal settlement between the state and Centene, a Medicaid-managed care vendor, over alleged overbilling.

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They're trying to smear this program, DeSantis told the crowd in conservative St. Johns County, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 2 to 1. Some of them, some of these lefty journalists don't like it. They don't like you working with the faith-based community."

Funded by donations from individuals, private businesses, donations, grants, gifts and investments, Hope Florida serves as the support organization for the Florida Department of Children and Families. Its secretary, Taylor Hatch, accompanied DeSantis for the visit.

Referring to his wife, now said to be eyeing a run for governor in 2026 when he is term-limited, he added: "Some of these people view it as a way to attack the First Lady and all the great things she's done. They view her as a threat. That's whats motivating this."

What is the Hope Florida controversy about?

The entire settlement was $67 million but $10 million was directed to the Hope Florida Foundation in October.

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The foundation, which raises money for the Hope Florida program, then gave two $5 million grants each to two nonprofit organizations: Securing Floridas Future, chaired by Mark Wilson, who is also the chairman of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and Save Our Society from Drugs.

Those groups in turn gave $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political committee chaired by James Uthmeier, then DeSantis chief of staff. In February, DeSantis appointed him to be Florida's attorney general.

Keep Florida Clean was set up to oppose an amendment on the 2024 ballot to legalize recreational marijuana. The group has given $1.2 million to the Florida Freedom Fund, another political committee chaired by Uthmeier and used by DeSantis to fight both the marijuana amendment and an amendment that wouldve installed a right to an abortion into the states constitution.

During the events Q&A, DeSantis said the state's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) sent documentation to the House that totally debunks the bogus media narratives.

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Partisan journalists were told this was coming and they still tried to produce these phony narratives," DeSantis said, adding the documents show how AHCA negotiated the funds. So that debunks the phony narrative.

Hope Florida has done an enormous amount of good, and I'm proud of the program, soup to nuts," the governor said.

DeSantis under fire because of Hope Florida donation

DeSantis is facing criticism because under Florida law, money from settlements must be deposited into the state's general revenue fund and reported to the Legislature for oversight. The $10 million donation was not.

In an earlier press conference, DeSantis said the $10 million was not part of the $67 million agreement signed in September 2024, one not disclosed to the Legislature.

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"When you do settlements, you can try to get as much money as you can, but this was in addition to what they were getting," he told reporters at a press conference in Miami.

He described it as "kind of like a cherry on top, where they agreed to make an additional contribution, and so we were served well by what AHCA did.

Jim Rosica of the USA TODAY Network  Florida Capital Bureau contributed. This story also contains previously reported material.

This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: DeSantis defends $10M Hope Florida gift from House, media scrutiny
Montana State Auditor Troy Downing, the Republican nominee for Montana's 2nd Congressional District, speaks at a rally in Bozeman on Aug. 9, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Congress is now in recess through April, returning on May 3. This would be an ideal period for our Montana congressional delegation to meet with their constituents  wouldnt it?

Dont hold your breath. A check with the four Capitol Hill offices last week revealed not a one of them had plans for an event where he would take questions and provide answers  with the exceptions of Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy visiting a few high school assemblies to talk about service academy nominations they make.

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Some low-profile, personally selected appearances such as Sheehy at a Belgrade community event or what Rep. Troy Downings staffer said were small-group or personal visits will occur but there wont be advance notice to the public. Reporters arent welcome  Sheehy turned his back on a television crew after his talk in Miles City. It seems the best way to keep track of them is to get your own X account which each uses to boast of his activities.

Meanwhile, Montana voters have questions, and all four of our millionaire congressmen have pledged to represent all of us, not just those who cast ballots for them.

What if folks requested time of them by using congressional websites to fill out the online scheduling request form each has? Bear in mind that each request requires a lot of information such as name of the host, issue area, number of attendees, preferred dates and times, location and reason for meeting. Each also wants to know in advance the names and hometowns of meeting attendees.

As there is no information in the request forms for any of the four regarding how requests are accepted, we might assume that any topic about the congressmans work would be regarded as an opportunity to engage in good constituent interchange.

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I would like to suggest several topics for voters asking for a meeting or appearance as these questions are being raised across Montana:

Do you have input or prior notification into agency staff and funding decisions handed down by Department Of Government Efficiency?

Do you believe DOGE does enough research and verification before issuing its far-reaching judgments?

As each of you have had corporate experience and responsibility, would you have imposed draconian personnel and funding cuts without fully understanding employee roles and responsibilities in your organization?

Why are government agencies being dismantled without prior congressional involvement since it was Congress that enabled them in the first place?

What will be the role of the 200-some committees and sub-committees in re-forming our government agencies after staff and funding reductions demanded by DOGE?

What is your level of concern for DOGE infiltration in protected information areas held by the Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare and Medicaid programs and departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Interior, Treasury, and others?

Do you support the Supreme Court decision that undocumented immigrants must receive legal due process before being deported?

Here is my point: Our states congressional delegation is heeding the orders of the leaders of the House and Senate reelection campaigns to stop holding in-person town halls. We are not all radical leftists, Marxists, Socialists, deranged Democrats, America-haters and all the other insulting labels being attached to us, citizens who honestly questioning what is happening to our country.

If the delegation continues to hide from us  can we smoke em out?
A man set a bonfire using wooden pallets in New Jersey's Pine Barrens and left them without fully extinguishing the blaze, sparking a quick-moving wildfire with smoke affecting air quality in the New York City area, authorities said Thursday.

Authorities arrested Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown, New Jersey, and charged him with arson and aggravated arson in the fire that's still burning in southern New Jersey. The wildfire was described as starting with an improperly extinguished bonfire.

Judge James Gluck told Kling during a brief court appearance Thursday the state sought to have him detained pending trial and he wouldn't be released. Kling spoke briefly, only to clarify that his next court appearance was set for Tuesday. Thank you. Have a good day, he said when the judge dismissed him.

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A public defender representing Kling during the hearing told the judge she had nothing further when he asked.

Emails from the public defender's office said Thursday it could not comment on a pending case so early in the process. A voice message was left at a possible phone number for Kling.

Authorities first spotted the blaze Tuesday morning from a fire tower when a smoke column appeared amid the pines. Law enforcement said they used a GPS to plot the origin of the fire and determined the cause was a bonfire that hadn't been put out.

Speaking Thursday afternoon at a news conference, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said we can confidently say that we think the fire was set intentionally. He declined further comment on why authorities believe Kling was responsible and other matters related to the investigation since it remains ongoing.

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It's peak forest fire season in the vast pine wilderness that covers more than 1 million acres (405,000 hectares)  an area roughly as large as the Grand Canyon  and firefighters are contending with low humidity and the aftermath of a monthslong drought in the region.

Though large tracts of the Pine Barrens are uninhabited, New Jersey is the nation's most densely populated state and officials have warned the fire could threaten developments nearby. The fire had grown to more than 23.8 square miles (61.6 square kilometers) on Thursday, approaching what officials believe to have been the largest wildfire in the state in the last two decades.

Authorities had said there were no injuries or deaths in the fire, but a commercial building and some vehicles were destroyed. About 5,000 people had been evacuated but were permitted to return home on Wednesday, officials said.

This is still a very active fire, LaTourette said Wednesday. As we continue to get this under full control the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.

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Jim and Lenore Thoms, who own a business in an industrial park near the blaze, called the fire a very scary experience and praised the efforts of firefighters.

The firefighters were phenomenal, they saved this whole park. Jim Thoms said. If they werent around, the way things were going on, you might not have seen any buildings at all.

The effects of the fire are beginning to be seen beyond the state.

Higher-than-normal pollution levels were forecast Thursday in New York City, Rockland and Westchester counties, and in Long Islands Nassau and Suffolk counties, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said. The fire is roughly 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of New York City.

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It said going indoors may reduce exposure to problems such as eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath.

In New York, dry conditions across the state are resulting in a high fire danger rating in several regions including New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and portions of the North Country, according to the advisory. The rest of the state is at a moderate or low level of fire danger.

Officials said the fire is believed to be the second-worst in recent years, smaller only than a 2007 blaze that burned 26 square miles (67 square kilometers).

Acting New Jersey Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency Wednesday, and officials said Thursday that theyve contained about 50% of the wildfire. Gov. Phil Murphy is on an official visit in Poland for a Holocaust memorial. He's due to fly back home Friday.

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Video released by the state agency overseeing the fire service showed billowing white and black clouds of smoke, intense flames engulfing pines and firefighters dousing a charred structure.

The Pine Barrens sit between Philadelphia to the west and the Atlantic coast to the east. In the region with quick-draining sandy soil and trees with still-developing leaves, humidity remains low and winds can kick up, drying out the forest floor.

___

Bruce Shipkowski in Chatsworth, New Jersey; Hallie Golden in Seattle and Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.
Smuggling scheme busted at Rowan County jail; four arrested, one employee fired

SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  An alleged smuggling plot at the Rowan County Detention Center led to multiple arrests after a suspicious package sparked an investigation.

On April 1, detention officers reportedly found a package near the back entrance of the facility. Inside were suboxone strips, tablets, and tobacco  all items prohibited in the jail.

According to the Rowan County Sheriffs Office, inmate Justin Ray Webster became the focus of their case. Investigators said Webster worked with Amber Purser, Joseph Montgomery, and his father, identified as James Webster, to sneak drugs and tobacco into the jail.

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All four have been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony.

Photo: J. Montgomery via RCSO Photo: A. Purser via RCSO Photo: J. Webster via RCSO Photo: Ja. Webster via RCSO

Bonds were set at $2,500 each for Webster, Purser, and Montgomery. James Websters bond was set higher at $20,000 due to a probation violation, the sheriffs office said.

Authorities also said a food service employee, contracted through the jail, had accepted money from Webster to bring in the tobacco.

That employee has since been fired, and charges are expected.

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Rowan County

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(WJW)  Law enforcement will be looking for impaired drivers in Northeast Ohio this weekend.

The Ohio State Highway Patrols Elyria Post announced it would hold sobriety checkpoints in Lorain County Friday.

Security guard attacked at Power Cabaret in Cleveland; shot fired, woman injured

Based on provisional data, there were 13 OVI related fatal crashes last year in Lorain County, Lieutenant Ray Santiago, commander of the Elyria Post, said in a press release. State troopers make on average 25,000 OVI arrests each year in an attempt to combat these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.

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Man critically hurt after shots fired into vehicle

OSHP reports the checkpoint will also be held in conjunction with nearby saturation patrols.

The checkpoint will be held from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday on Grove Ave.

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Americans who had been wrongly declared dead after Elon Musks government-slashing force was granted access to the Social Security Administrations databases are being forced to prove that they are very much alive.

Musk has repeatedly peddled claims that as many as 20 million citizens over the age of 100 have been receiving Social Security checks, an impossibility, considering there are an estimated 101,000 centenarians in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center.

The worlds richest man and his Department of Government Efficiencys claims about dead people getting benefits have meant millions of names have been moved to the Social Security Death Master File: a database to keep track of those who should no longer receive payouts as they are no longer with us.

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However, Social Security claimants who are very much alive have cried foul and the SSA acknowledged that about 600 people a month are placed in the database by mistake, according to the Washington Post.

Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency is looking for potentially dead Social Security claimants

We have people who did not receive benefits come in every day with their ID and say, Im not dead, Im alive!, Rennie Glasgow, a technical analyst at the SSA, told the Daily Beast.

More than 70 million Americans rely on Social Security, including retirees, disabled individuals, and surviving family members. For many, the benefits are often their primary source of income, and even short delays could leave vulnerable people in dire financial jeopardy.

Glasgow, who handles the agencys most challenging cases at the Schenectady office, said that DOGE employees went into the system and they killed off people.

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About four million people, they marked them as dead, Glasgow said. But theyre not sure if those people were supposed to be marked as dead, so theyre sending us an email saying, If these people come into the office with their identification, you can reinstate them.

Musk and DOGE have faced a swathe of backlash after they were granted access to Social Security databases (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Glasgow explained that staff cuts have led to 12 hour working days for those that remain and inflated wait times at the systems payment center. The overall number of employees at the SSA has dropped from 57,000 to 50,000.

Now, Glasgow said, SSA staff have to go through a long and arduous process of resurrecting those mistakenly marked as deceased, which can take several days.

It stops their car payments, it stops their credit, it stops their ability to do anything, the SSA employee explained. Their identification gets flagged. And most times those things have to go to the payment center.

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In just one example Richard VanMetter learned he had mistakenly added to the Death Master File in February after he had been locked out of his bank account. The government took back his last Social Security check and shut off his retirement checks and Medicare.

DOGE's handling of federal workers has attracted protests (AP)

Hi, Im dead, VanMetter, who is still attempting to get his pension back, recalled to The Post after he arrived at the SSA office in Boca Raton, Florida.

Another one, a guard responded, he said.

A field worker created records for his bank to assist him in getting back into his account. It was like she was rebuilding my whole database, he said. It wasnt just unclicking the dead box.

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The Independent has contacted DOGE for comment.

When previously asked about the criticism, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said: A previous investigation revealed the SSA paid at least $71.8 billion in improper payments. "The Social Security Administration is now working to find even more waste, fraud, and abuse in the Administrations whole-of-government effort to protect American taxpayers.
HELSINKI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Public trust in the United States regarding security has plummeted in Finland, with a new survey showing that only one in six Finns now believe they can rely on the U.S.

The findings, published on Thursday, come from the latest edition of the NATOpoll research project. Last year, nearly 30 percent of respondents expressed confidence in U.S. support.

Only 25 percent of those surveyed believe that the defense cooperation agreement, signed last year between the two countries, will bring tangible benefits to Finland.

"There is deep disappointment toward the United States in Finland," said Hanna Wass, associate professor at the University of Helsinki and the project leader of the NATOpoll research.

Public support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has also seen a decline, dropping from 83 percent last year to 76 percent.

According to NATOpoll researchers, this trend is partly driven by recent geopolitical developments.

The survey was conducted by the University of Helsinki in collaboration with five other institutions and is based on responses from 2,900 Finns. It carries a margin of error ranging between 1.8 and 2.2 percentage points. 
Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits to help cover everyday expenses.

This includes not only retirees but also individuals with disabilities and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to low income.

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Unfortunately, recent changes at the Social Security Administration (SSA)  including staffing reductions and website modifications  have led to serious issues. One particularly alarming incident involved a large number of SSI recipients received a message informing them they were no longer receiving payments.

This message set off a panic among the 7.4 million adults and children who depend on SSI, a crucial anti-poverty program that provides income to some of the most vulnerable Americans.

Here's what caused the error, and what you can do if something similar happens to you.

What happened to cause panic

In March, a significant technical glitch caused widespread confusion and alarm among SSI recipients.

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They incorrectly received a notice informing them that they were "currently not receiving payments." At the same time, benefit data and payment histories disappeared from their accounts.

An internal email later confirmed the message was an error. The SSA identified and resolved the glitch by March 31, restoring access to accurate benefit information. Payments were also made on schedule, but the lack of immediate clarification left many recipients deeply unsettled.

While this was the most severe occurrence, its not the only one. President Donald Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which has been making sweeping changes to Social Security that have disrupted operations.

Notably, the Social Security website has experienced frequent outages  some lasting only 20 minutes, others stretching close to a full day. Users have reported trouble signing in, missing account data and slow site performance. Staff also been forced to cancel appointments when the system failed to process new claims.

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Many of these problems appear to be linked to a new anti-fraud system implemented by DOGE, which, according to The Washington Post, was not adequately tested. Contributing further to the chaos are the 7,000 eliminated jobs, including 800 positions responsible for managing Social Security databases. Thousands more jobs are expected to be cut in the coming weeks.

DOGE has also shuttered field offices and reduced telephone support, driving more people to the already overwhelmed website just as the new anti-fraud tools were rolled out.

Read more: This hedge fund legend warns US stock market will crash a stunning 80%  claims 'Armageddon is coming. Dont believe him? He earned 4,144% during COVID. Heres 3 ways to protect yourself

What to do if you received a message about your benefits

If you receive an alarming message from the SSA, try to stay calm. With ongoing policy changes and operational disruptions, many issues are likely due to temporary glitches.

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Heres what you can do:

Call your local SSA office: It may take time to get through due to long wait times, but speaking with an agent directly can clarify your situation.

Check for news updates: Major issues with benefits are usually reported by media outlets. You can also follow trusted Social Security-related forums or social media for similar user experiences.

Connect with others: if other recipients are reporting the same issue, its likely a widespread problem and not specific to your account.

Check your bank account: Even if the website shows incorrect information, your benefits may still be deposited. SSI recipients who received the erroneous notice were ultimately paid on time.

With changes at Social Security expected to continue for the foreseeable future, its important to stay informed. Be sure to monitor your account regularly, and keep the number of your local field office handy in case you need it.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  Solar energy systems are now up and running at six Connecticut state prisons.

Lawmakers propose bill that would reduce cost of electricity in Connecticut

The state says that the seven energy systems will collectively deliver more than eight megawatts of renewable energy to the correctional facilities, saving the state more than $11 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels and reducing carbon emissions.

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This is the way that we can reduce load upon our grid, hold down peak usage, hold down peak pricing, and make a difference for each and every one of you in your lives, Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn) said at a meeting about the energy panels.

Leaders say that because correctional facilities operate nonstop for 365 days a year, they are among the largest consumers of energy of all state-owned spaces.

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SUSSEX COUNTY, Va. (WAVY)  An Idaho-based company wants to put in a nearly $1.1 billion, 600 megawatt solar farm over a 4,800-acre area of Sussex County, but there is an organized effort to block the resubmitted project application, with a growing chorus of people saying not in our backyard.

That is what property owner Molly Dowless was saying when she was offered $2.4 million from the Idaho-based Clenera to put solar panels on 50 acres of her property as part of the Blackwater Solar project, which would be spread out over several sites across the proposed project area.

I was offered $2.4 million over the course of the 30-year project total, Dowless said in an interview on her Wakefield property. The number was tempting, I will admit. So obviously, I started doing a little bit of research. It didnt take long before I realized that what would be involved with industrial solar would have an environmental impact, not only on my land, on our land, but on land for acres and acres beyond.

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The solar farm has been proposed for a 4,800-acre project area with multiple sites, reduced from an initial proposal of 9,000 acres. The company said it would bring in nearly $5 million in revenue to Sussex County in its first year, and over its lifecycle, could bring the county upwards of $170 million in additional revenues, it said, without raising taxes.

We will be the largest taxpayer in the county, providing significant resources for the county to provide some of the essential services, said Ed Rumler, director of development for the Idaho-based Clenera.

He said the project would last more than 35 years, not the 30 years that had been previously proposed.

Signs of the solar spat

This is this is what I would call ground zero for this particular installation called Blackwater  the land you see here, Dowless said while standing on her farm.

Blackwater solar map (Courtesy: Clenera) Blackwater solar map (Courtesy: Clenera) Blackwater solar map (Courtesy: Clenera)

When you get to the town of Wakefield, there are overt signs of discontent  a pitched battle protest against industrial solar power.

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The farm was actually deeded to my grandmothers family, Dowless said. This land dates back to King George II in 1747  thats how long its been in our family.

A family cemetery has headstones from the late 1700s and 1800s.

The Blackwater Solar Project would mean the massive clear-cutting of tens of thousands of trees over thousands of acres in Sussex County.

Blackwater-Solar-FactsheetDownload

When you do that, youve changed the dynamics of the land, youve gotten rid of the root structures, the systems in place that keep erosion from happening, Dowless said. Think about the dust bowl, the topsoil was gone and what happened? The land was not productive anymore. Now these companies tell us they can put the topsoil back when the project is over and decommissioned. Im not sure any of us believe that.

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The company, however, said that the removal of the trees would happen whether or not the project happens.

The assertion that 5,000 acres of protected trees will be removed because of this project is categorically false, said Clenera public relations manager Jake Melder in a statement. The trees planted on the proposed project site are for commercial timber and are slated for removal regardless of our projects approval. For example, we note over 1,000 acres of commercial timber on our proposed site have recently been harvested. Instead, our proposal would protect over 3,000 acres of trees to serve as wildlife corridors and visual screens for people. Where trees would be removed, this project would plant native grasses and pollinator-friendly vegetation.

But theres a difference between how managed timber is cut and how trees are cut for solar projects.

I do think Cleneras assertion that the trees will be cut anyway intentionally leaves out that for managed timber, they are cut as various tracts mature (not all at once) and quickly replanted, Dowless said. For solar, the trees are cut, stumps removed, top soil removed, land graded. Theres a big difference.

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Sensing opposition to the project, Clenera scaled back a possible 9,000-acre project to 6,000 acres, and now, to the current proposal of 4,800 acres, or about 23% of Portsmouths land mass.

We have significantly shrunk the project in terms of acreage and actual megawatt size, Rumler said.

Clenera withdrew the original application, but not before the Sussex County Board of Supervisors voted down Blackwater by a 5-2 vote.

Rumler confirmed the company resubmitted the application last October, which reduced the solar project to the current 4,800-acre proposal.

We have also removed the battery portion of the project based on the feedback from the town of Wakefield  that it was too close to the town, Rumler said.

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Clenera eliminated a controversial battery energy storage facility, which if it were to catch fire, would be a difficult one to fight.

Dowless has other concerns, including the cutting down of 5,000 acres of trees and hauling them out to put in around 800,000 solar panels, down from the originally-proposed 1.4 million solar panels.

She is also concerned about anticipated construction traffic, which completely degrades the roads, Dowless said.

Rumler says Clenera considered that complaint.

Weve heard that, [and] we have agreed to not use heavy truck traffic through the town of Wakefield and immediately repair roads and using best practices for construction to make sure theres no damage to neighboring properties, Rumler said.

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However, many who oppose the project, including Dowless, would not support it under any conditions.

Reasons for solar support

Not everyone, however, is opposed to the solar project.

County Supervisor Rufus Tyler, who represents the Henry District in the county, was one of those two votes in favor of the project.

Those funds can be used to improve our infrastructure, Tyler said. Those funds can be used to improve public safety [and] education.

Tyler is referring to site funds under Virginia law which are given to localities that host a solar farm  in this case, an estimated $170 million over 35 years.

The $170 million would be both tax revenue and siting agreement revenue, Tyler said. They are separate, but the $170 million is the total pie of what would be to Sussex County.

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Thats why Tyler voted for the project, and he fears losing that $170 million.

Im thinking that we might be losing [this] opportunity, because if we can improve our infrastructure, we can attract more industry, and with more industry we can generate more jobs, Tyler said.

Tyler was asked whether he believes trees are important, in light of what would happen to many of them in the county as a result of the solar project.

After a slight pause, he answered.

I think there are times when you have to find the equilibrium, Tyler said. Whats important? What about the quality of life in the community? What about educating kids so that they can be competitive in the global economy? I think thats important. What about health care? I think thats important. What about public safety? You know, those things are important as well.

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Dowless acknowledges that point and noted it puts members of the countys board of supervisors in a tough spot.

We maybe need new buildings, new schools or something, Dowless said. It may be a tough decision for them, and I know I dont envy their position.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  The South African government on Thursday canceled a proposed tax increase that had threatened to collapse the unity government after a pushback from various political parties.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the government would no longer implement a 0.5% increase on value-added tax (VAT), payable on goods and services including food and electricity, that would have increased it to 15.5%.

The proposed VAT increase is the latest contentious issue faced by the unity government that was formed after the African National Congress party lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since coming to power in 1994.

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The decision to forgo the increase follows extensive consultations with political parties, and careful consideration of the recommendations of the parliamentary committees, said Godongwana in a statement early Thursday.

The government was looking to increase tax revenues through the VAT increase, and Godongwana said the estimated revenue would fall short by around $4 billion.

The Democratic Alliance, the second-biggest political party in the country and the coalition government, opposed the VAT increase and voted against the annual budget which initially proposed it.

The DA subsequently challenged the matter in court this week and claimed victory on Thursday, saying the cancellation of the tax increase was a win for all South Africans.

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We will continue to fight for all South Africans, especially the poor and the marginalized, in seeking responsible public spending so that the government does not keep on raising taxes to fund unlawful expenditure, corruption and sheer waste, said DA federal chairperson Helen Zille.

Opposition parties and civil society have also criticized the proposed increase as anti-poor.

More than 20 million people in South Africa rely on welfare grants, with the unemployment rate at over 32%, according to official statistics.

This is the latest disagreement between the two main parties after the formation of the unity government last year.

The ANC and DA have ideological differences on issues including foreign policy, land reform, education and health sector reforms.
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a post on social media platform X on Thursday that he had spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump on the Ukraine war and the need to foster good bilateral relations.

"We both agreed that the war should be brought to an end as soon as possible to stop further unnecessary deaths... [and] to meet soon to address various matters regarding U.S.-South Africa relations," Ramaphosa said.

Relations between South Africa and the U.S. have soured badly since Trump's return to the White House in January.

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Trump expelled South Africa's ambassador and cut financial aid, citing disapproval of the country's approach to land reform and its genocide case against Washington's ally Israel at the World Court.

(Reporting by Sfundo Parakozov;Writing by Bhargav Acharya and Tannur Anders;Editing by Alexander Winning)
CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The Southwestern College Sun student newspaper outdid other elite journalism programs for a prestigious award given by Columbia University.

Im still in shock because I cant believe that we won against these Ivy League schools when were a little community college here close south to the border, said Alexa Lima, the Southwestern Sun Newspapers editor-in-chief.

At first, I thought it mustve been another Southwestern College from somewhere else. I said the one in Chula Vista, right? Yes. So, I was astonished and very happy, said Max Branscomb, a journalism professor and the advisor for student publications.

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San Diego has a new official flower

Named North Americas best collegiate print newspaper by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Southwestern College Sun won the Gold Crown Award, Columbias highest award for student print and digital media.

It is and as far as I know its the first time Southwestern College has ever won this award in the 99 years theyve been giving it, said Branscomb.

This two-year community college newspaper has just one faculty advisor and wrestles with low funding. For the award, it competed with larger programs with better funding and three to five times the staff, but the stories theyre producing are superior.

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Lima explains how she quickly worked her way up to editor-in-chief.

They just took me under their wing, the leadership here, and they were like okay this is how you report, this is how you write, this is what we like to cover. We like to cover the community here in Chula Vista, said Lima.

That community coverage combined with their diverse staff is what sets them apart. The small but mighty staff consists of students from many different countries speaking a combined total of 11 different languages, allowing them to cover a wide range of topics in a diverse community, giving everyone a voice.

Some people that come to this newsroom were from other places in the world and they bring their points of views and they contribute to it and I think that they always pitch really good ideas, said Lima.

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We can send people to speak Tagalog, we can send people to Mexico to do stories in Spanish. So, we have a lot of power. Our diversity gives us power and strength, said Branscomb.

Lima says some of the pieces shes most proud of are stories that highlight the cultural diversity of the region.

I wrote a story about Rosie Hamlin, she was a local from National City, and she became the first female to go into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she said.

The work is done under the watchful eye of Professor Branscomb, who has been training and inspiring student journalists for nearly three decades.

Theres nothing more honorable than protecting democracy and protecting people that dont have a voice and telling the stories of underrepresented people, I cant think of a better way to earn a living, Branscomb said.

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The Sun received many other national awards in 2024, and the students behind the success say this is just the start.

It was a way to show that because of all the hard work we do here we are good enough to compete with all of these Ivy Leagues, but at the same time it just pushes us to be better and to continue to do great work here, said Lima.

To view the award-winning stories written by these student journalists, visit their website swcsun.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The heads of the agencies that promote tourism in the Sunshine State are contacting Florida legislators with a dire warning about a plan to provide property tax relief throughout the state: The plan will backfire, costing thousands of jobs and millions in lost revenue.

The Florida House and Senate are considering versions of a bill that would redirect money from the states bed tax, aimed at moving such funds from tourism-promoting agencies toward providing some homeowner relief.

That money  paid largely by out-of-state tourists staying at hotels to visit Floridas theme parks, beaches and historic sites  currently goes to organizations such as Visit Lauderdale in Broward County, Discover the Palm Beaches, and similar organizations in Tampa and Orlando.

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Part of the money goes to beach renourishment, our most important natural resource, said Milton Segarra, president and CEO of Discover the Palm Beaches. The organizations that currently benefit from the bed tax use the funds to spruce up the very features that attract tourists to visit the region, and to promote the region through national advertising.

Every dollar invested is $109 benefit to the county, he said.

And for the most part, the money comes from people who dont live in the region.

The taxes were investing are paid by visitors, not by residents, he said. I dont think the state wants the county to pass on that burden to residents instead.

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Under the Houses proposal, counties could use hotel tax revenue to continue paying debt for any projects started before July 1, or to fulfill contracts entered into as of Jan. 1. Beginning with the 2026-27 budget year, the revenue must be used to offset county property taxes, less any outstanding debt payments.

Peter Ricci, director of the hospitality and tourism management program at Florida Atlantic Universitys College of Business, predicted the measure, if passed would be counterproductive.

There is no business on earth that would eliminate advertising and truly expect the same level of sales revenue, he said. This applies identically to tourism and hospitality promotion efforts for the state of Florida. To think otherwise is simply ignorance.

According to Visit Lauderdale, Broward County saw $125.4 million in hotel bed tax revenue in 2024, with an overall economic impact of $11.69 billion. That translates into $818.6 million in state and local taxes supporting more than 125,000 jobs.

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The status of South Florida as a tourist destination is not an accident and does not happen without a sustained marketing effort, said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale.

The numbers are comparable in Palm Beach: a $10.5 billion economic impact, $92 million in bed tax and 90,000 jobs.

There are thousands of examples of organizations that benefit from visitor spending in Florida, Ritter said. Cutting the promotional dollars reduces our income, our taxes, our recognition, and in many ways our existence as the worlds leader in hospitality and tourism.

The state Legislature would have to pass the measure by the end of its legislative session, and the legislation would become law if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs it. The governor has made it clear he wants property tax relief to be a priority.

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Ritter and Segarra agreed this proposal would be the wrong way to cut property taxes.

If this moves forward, thousands of people will lose their jobs, Segarra said. Theres no other way to put it.

Information from the Orlando Sentinel was used to supplement this news article.

Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.
South Florida U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson holds a press conference outside of the Krome North Service Processing Center on April 24, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Alvaro Perpuly with Wilson's office)

South Floridas U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson said she saw a tent city that could hold hundreds of people at the Miami immigration detention center on Thursday.

Following her visit to the Krome North Service Processing Center, Wilson told reporters she saw a structure that officials at the center told her had been built in 14 days to house hundreds of detained immigrants.

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She referred to the structure as a tent city, but said the two-story building was made out of a harder material than cloth and that it had pipes for air conditioning.

Its going to get worse, so every time this facility gets crowded, in order to stay in compliance, theyre going to have to build another one, and it only takes 14 days, Wilson said during a press conference following her visit to Krome.

And so what they said to us was, as new detainees come in, they try to ship people out, but they cant keep up with the pace because of the Laken Riley Act.

The law Wilson mentioned requires immigration officials to detain immigrants arrested or charged with property crimes, among others.

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More people could soon enter Krome following the launch this week of a large-scale operation to detain approximately 800 people in Florida in cooperation between federal authorities and state police, according to the Miami Herald.

Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami. (Photo courtesy of Alvaro Perpuly with U.S. Rep. Wilsons office)

Democrat Wilson, who vowed to keep visiting the detention center, said she hasnt seen overcrowding. However, she believes accounts of detainees, their families, and attorneys.

This is not my first rodeo. I was down at Homestead when the children were there, and Ive been to Krome before, and Ive been to prisons all across Florida, especially female prisons, Wilson said. So, I know what they do. They take them on a field trip, so you wont see who is actually in there, but they did admit that they are building a tent city.

Miami-Dade Mayor Levine Cava wasnt allowed to join the visit, Wilson said. Cava requested a tour of the detention center in an April 4 letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

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Groups such as Americans for Immigrant Justice and the ACLU of Florida have called out conditions at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center, citing accounts of overcrowding, people sleeping on floors, poor sanitation, and two detainee deaths this year.

ICE did not respond to the Florida Phoenixs questions about the structure and whether any detainees had been moved out of the center on Thursday.

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Mayor of the City of South Fulton Khalid Kamau says he will not seek reelection.

During a city council meeting on Tuesday night, the mayor confirmed he would not seek reelection and that next months State of the City address will be his farewell address.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

In recent months, Kamau has been at the center of controversies surrounding his spending.

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He was brought under investigation for purchasing a pool table for his office, using city funds for a trip to Ghana and more. The city also garnished his wages for a mural in his office. He was briefly banned from City Hall.

During his announcement, Kamau said that being a full-time mayor with a salary of about $40,000 has led to financial difficulty, so he plans to spend his remaining seven months in office as a part-time mayor and make himself less available for public appearances.

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Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs and the citys first mayor, Bill Edwards, have both announced their plans to run for the mayors seat.

"I want to thank Mayor Khalid for his contributions to the City of South Fulton, from his time as a council member to his service as mayor. I wish him well as he explores new ways to serve our community and beyond" Gumbs said in a statement after Kamaus announcement.

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MEXICO CITY, April 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 members of the Indigenous Raramuri community, including children and adults, were killed and eight others injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday night in northern Mexico, local authorities said Wednesday.

The accident occurred at kilometer 27 of the Guachochi-Yoquivo highway when a pickup truck carrying the victims was struck by another vehicle that crossed into its lane, said the prosecutor's office of the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua.

The victims were en route from a municipal aid distribution event to the Somarachi community in Guachochi. Authorities said the driver of the other vehicle fled the scene, and armed individuals later arrived to remove the truck involved in the crash.

Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos expressed condolences on social media and said the state government is covering funeral expenses and supporting the injured.

"I have asked the Indigenous Communities Secretariat to accompany and assist the families, and instructed the state prosecutor to fully investigate and bring those responsible to justice," Campos said. 
SEOUL, April 24 (UPI) -- South Korea's economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter of the year, the country's central bank said Thursday, amid political turmoil at home and global uncertainty around the tariff scheme proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Asian export powerhouse saw its first-quarter gross domestic product decline by 0.2% from the previous quarter, according to preliminary data released by the Bank of Korea. GDP fell 0.1% compared to the same period last year.

In a forecast issued in February, the BOK had projected the economy to grow by 0.2% in the first quarter.

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The decline comes amid months of political chaos triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's shocking declaration of martial law in December. He was impeached and ultimately removed from office by the Constitutional Court earlier this month in a drawn-out process that sharpened political divides in the country and weakened consumer confidence.

The country continues to face a leadership vacuum until a snap election is held on June 3, with liberal opposition figure Lee Jae-myung seen as the heavy favorite.

At the same time, the 25% "reciprocal" tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump have added to the unpredictable environment and shaken the export-dependent country. Trump announced the tariffs on April 2 but quickly put their implementation on hold for 90 days. Tariffs on steel and automobiles, two key South Korean industries, are already in place.

"The prolonged domestic political uncertainty and the increased uncertainty in the trade environment due to the announcement of the U.S. tariff policy delayed the recovery of consumption and investment sentiment," BOK official Lee Dong-won told local media on Thursday.

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Lee added that deferred demand for high-performance semiconductors, the suspension of some construction projects and the large-scale wildfires that raged in the southeastern part of the country in March also exerted downward pressure on growth.

Exports shrank by 1.1% quarter-on-quarter due mainly to a decline in shipments of chemicals, machinery and equipment, the BOK said. Construction investment fell by 3.2% and facility investment dropped by 2.1%, fueled by a slowdown in machinery such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Earlier this week, the International Monetary Fund sharply cut its forecast for South Korea's 2025 economic growth as part of an overall global decline reflecting "effective tariff rates at levels not seen in a century and a highly unpredictable environment."

The April edition of the IMF's quarterly World Economic Outlook projected 1% growth for Asia's largest economy, down from a 2% forecast in its previous edition.
By Hyunsu Yim

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea has expressed "deep concern" over China erecting a sea structure off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The South Korean government's concerns were conveyed to Chinese officials during a maritime dialogue between the two countries in Seoul on Wednesday.

The Chinese side during the meeting had explained that the structure was fish-farming equipment and had nothing to do with territorial rights, the South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

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The structure in a disputed area of the Yellow Sea, known in South Korea as the West Sea, has raised alarm bells in Seoul over concerns China could be seeking to stake claims in the Provisional Maritime Zone, where the countries' exclusive economic zones overlap.

Both sides agreed to continue communication and with the understanding that the issue should not hinder bilateral relations, the ministry said.

China and South Korea agreed to continue strengthening communication and properly manage maritime differences, according to China's foreign ministry statement.

"Through diplomatic channels at various levels, it was decided to closely discuss the stable management of the maritime order in the West Sea and the expansion and deepening of tangible cooperation," the South Korean foreign ministry statement said.

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South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday that Seoul was considering its response, including proportional countermeasures.

"The structure is within both Chinese and international law and does not violate the China-South Korea fisheries agreement," the Chinese embassy in Seoul said in a statement last month.

Wednesday's bilateral meeting on maritime cooperation was attended by officials from the foreign ministries of both countries alongside other officials.

Kang Young-shin, South Korea's Deputy Director-General for Northeast Asian Affairs, and China's Director-General for Boundary and Ocean Affairs Hong Liang represented each side, according to Seoul's ministry.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee and Hyunsu Yim in Seoul; Additional Reporting by Liz Lee and Shi Bu in Beijing; Editing by Ed Davies and Jacqueline Wong)
By Joyce Lee and Ju-min Park

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean prosecutors indicted former president Moon Jae-in for alleged bribery on Thursday, making him the latest former leader of the country to face legal troubles in a case linked to the appointment of his then son-in-law at a Thai airline.

Moon, 72, was indicted for bribery, while in the same case former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik was indicted for bribery and breach of trust, Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office said in a statement.

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Prosecutors had been investigating whether Lee's appointment as the head of the SMEs and Startups Agency was in exchange for Moon's former son-in-law getting a job and receiving a salary plus living expenses at the Thai-based corporation that Lee controlled in 2018-2020, the statement said.

The prosecution alleges that the money Moon's son-in-law received as an executive director totalling 5.95 million baht ($177,506), was irregular and constituted a bribe to the then-president.

Prosecutors referenced previous bribery cases involving former presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, both of whom were convicted and jailed, as precedents for Moon's indictment.

Moon, Lee and their legal representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.

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Youn Kun-young, a lawmaker and a close aide to Moon, accused the prosecution in a Facebook post of setting Moon up through "ridiculous and groundless charges" without properly investigating him.

The liberal-leaning Moon, a lawyer and a civil rights activist, was president between 2017 and 2022.

Over the last two decades, a string of South Korean leaders have faced trials or scandals for the most part toward the end of their terms or after leaving office.

Moon's successor, Yoon Suk Yeol, was removed from office this month after being impeached over his short-lived imposition of martial law. The conservative former leader, who had denied wrongdoing, is now on trial on criminal charges of insurrection.

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South Korea is holding a snap election to pick a new leader on June 3, with the liberal-leaning Lee Jae-myung from the same Democratic Party as Moon the frontrunner in opinion polls to win the race.

Lee's campaign called Moon's indictment political retribution by the prosecution and a crackdown on the previous administration.

($1 = 33.5200 baht)

(Reporting by Joyce Lee, Editing by Ed Davies and Saad Sayeed)
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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission to orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on April 21, 2025. | Credit: SpaceX

South Korea sent its fourth homegrown spy satellite to orbit this week in an effort to bolster its ability to keep tabs on its neighbor and adversary North Korea.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched South Korea's 425Sat-3 satellite on Monday (April 21) along with two other spacecraft on the Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission. 425Sat-3 is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, a type of Earth-observation platform that can provide high-resolution imagery even at night or when cloud cover is present.

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The satellite will boost South Korea's "surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities against North Korea by securing additional reconnaissance satellites," the nation's Ministry of National Defense said in a statement (in Korean; translation by Google). The ministry added that the satellite will also "strengthen kill chain abilities" (the ability to locate, identify and strike targets such as missiles) by allowing for more timely and accurate observations of North Korean military activity.

South Korea and North Korea have been launching more satellites into orbit in recent years, to keep tabs on one another following decades of tense military standoff.

North Korea claims to have placed its first satellite in orbit in November 2023 and vowed to launch more. An attempt in May 2024 ended in failure when one of its rockets exploded with a satellite onboard.

After relying on U.S. space-based surveillance capabilities for decades, South Korea launched its first spy satellite in December 2023 atop a Falcon 9, just weeks after the North's first successful launch. The nation has a contract to launch a total of five satellites with SpaceX.

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Once its five-satellite constellation is complete, the South Korean military will be able to surveil its neighbor to the north every two hours, Yonhap News reports.

South Korea's own Nuri rocket launched eight satellites to orbit in May 2023, and another flight is expected this year, but the country is already looking ahead to the upcoming KSLV-III rocket, which will be much more capable.

The nation stood up its own space agency in 2024, with the goal of landing on Mars by 2045.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  The South Korean governments fact-finding commission suspended its groundbreaking investigation into the extensive fraud and abuse that tainted the nations historic foreign adoption program, a decision stemming from internal disputes among commissioners regarding which cases warranted recognition as problematic.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission confirmed human rights violations in just 56 of the 367 complaints filed by adoptees before suspending its investigation Tuesday evening, about a month before its May 26 deadline.

The fate of the remaining 311 cases, either deferred or incompletely reviewed, now hinges on whether lawmakers will establish a new truth commission through legislation during Seouls next government, which takes office after the presidential by-election on June 3.

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After a nearly three-year investigation into adoption cases across Europe, the United States, and Australia, the commission concluded in a March interim report that the government bears responsibility for facilitating a foreign adoption program riddled with fraud and abuse, driven by efforts to cut welfare costs and carried out by private agencies that often manipulated childrens backgrounds and origins.

However, some adoptees, and even members of the commission, criticized the cautiously-worded report, arguing that it should have more forcefully established the governments complicity. Disputes also arose after the commissions nine-member decision-making panel, dominated by conservative-leaning members appointed by recently ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol and his party, voted on March 25 to defer the assessments of 42 adoptee cases, citing insufficient documentation to conclusively prove the adoptions were problematic.

Commission officials havent disclosed which documents were central to the discussions. However, they suggested that some commissioners were hesitant to recognize cases where adoptees couldnt definitively prove falsification of biological details in their adoption papers, either through meeting their birth parents or verifying information about them.

On Tuesday, the panel resolved the standoff by unanimously agreeing to suspend, rather than completely drop, the investigation into the 42 cases. The approach leaves open the door for the cases to be reconsidered if a future truth commission is established. The panel also agreed to suspend investigations into the remaining 269 cases, citing insufficient time to complete the reviews before the deadline, according to three commission sources who described the discussions to the Associated Press on Thursday.

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No further investigations into adoptions for now

It was unclear if and when another commission will be established. Political attention is now focused on the early presidential election.

South Koreas constitutional Court formally removed Yoon from office on April 4, months after the opposition-controlled legislature impeached him over his brief imposition of martial law in December. The ruling triggered a snap presidential election set for June 3.

Park Geon Tae, a senior investigator who led the probe into adoptions, said the truth commission would be unable to produce any further investigation reports on adoptions before the end of its mandate, after the terms of five of the nine commissioners ended on Wednesday. This potentially paralyzes the decision-making process, which requires the support of at least five members. Most Korean adoptees were registered by agencies as abandoned orphans, even though many had relatives who could have been easily identified or located. This practice has often made it difficultor even impossiblefor them to trace their roots.

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The reluctance of some commissioners to accept cases in which adoptees have been unable to find information about their birth parents reflects a lack of understanding of the systemic problems in adoption and contradicts the commissions broader findings, which acknowledged the manipulation of childrens origins, said Philsik Shin, a scholar at South Koreas Anyang University. Shins analysis of government, law enforcement, and adoption records concludes that more than 90% of Korean children sent to the West between 1980 and 1987, when adoptions peaked, almost certainly had known relatives.

The commissions findings released in March broadly aligned with previous reporting by The Associated Press. The AP investigations, which were also documented by Frontline (PBS), detailed how South Koreas government, Western countries and adoption agencies worked in tandem to supply some 200,000 Korean children to parents overseas, despite years of evidence that many were being procured through questionable or outright unscrupulous means.

Military governments implemented special laws aimed at promoting foreign adoptions, removing judicial oversight and granting vast powers to private agencies, which bypassed proper child relinquishment practices while shipping thousands of children to the West every year. Western nations ignored these problems and sometimes pressured South Korea to keep the kids coming as they focused on satisfying their huge domestic demands for babies.

South Koreas government has never acknowledged direct responsibility for issues related to past adoptions and has so far not responded to the commissions recommendation to issue an official apology.

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Korean efforts to investigate past human rights violations

Modeled after the South African commission established in the 1990s to expose apartheid-era injustices, South Korea originally launched the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2006 to investigate past human rights violations. That ended its work in 2010.

Following the passing of a law that allowed for more investigations, the commission was relaunched in December 2020 under South Koreas former liberal government, with a focus on cases that occurred during the countrys military dictatorships from the 1960s to 1980s.

Foreign adoptions were a major subject of the second commission, along with the atrocities at Brothers Home, a government-funded facility in Busan that kidnapped, abused and enslaved thousands of children and adults deemed as vagrants for decades until the 1980s.

In January, the commission confirmed at least 31 cases in which children from Brothers Home were adopted abroad, which came years after The AP exposed adoptions from the facility as part of a vast, profit-driven operation.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korean prosecutors indicted former liberal President Moon Jae-in on bribery charges Thursday, saying that a budget airline gave his son-in-law a lucrative no-show job during Moon's term in office.

Moon's indictment adds him to a long list of South Korean leaders who have faced trials or scandals at the close of their terms or after leaving office.

Prosecutors allege that Moon, who served as president from 2017-2022, received bribes totaling 217 million won ($151,705) from Lee Sang-jik, founder of the budget carrier Thai Eastar Jet, in the form of wages, housing expenses and other financial assistance provided to Moons then-son-in-law from 2018-2020.

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South Korean media reported that Moon's daughter and her husband were divorced in 2021.

The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office said in a statement that Lee was also indicted on charges of paying bribes to Moon and committing breaches of trust.

The prosecutors office said Moons former son-in-law was hired as a director-level employee at Lees company in Thailand even though he had no work experience in the airline industry. The office said he spent only brief periods at the company's office in Thailand and carried out only minor duties while claiming to be working remotely from South Korea.

The prosecutors office said it had not found evidence that Moon directly performed political favors for Lee, but that Lee, who worked on Moons campaign, likely expected his assistance to be repaid.

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Lee was later named the head of the state-funded Korea SME and Startups Agency and was nominated by Moon's party to run for parliament while Moon was in office. A former Moon aide on personnel affairs was earlier indicted over Lee's agency job appointment, but prosecutors said she refused to testify during questioning so they were unable to find any direct evidence that Moon helped Lee win that position.

Moons indictment comes before South Korea elects a new president on June 3 to succeed conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over an ill-fated imposition of martial law in December. Yoon, a former top prosecutor, now stands a criminal trial on rebellion charges connection with his martial law decree.

Its unclear if Moons indictment will influence prospects for liberals to win back the presidency. But observers say liberal presidential aspirant Lee Jae-myung is heavily favored to win the vote as conservatives remain in disarray over Yoons ouster, although Lee also faces criminal trials on allegations of corruption and other charges.

There was no immediate response from Moon. But his political allies at the main liberal opposition Democratic Party criticized the indictment, calling it a politically motivated attempt by Yoon supporters at the prosecution service to humiliate the former liberal leader ahead of the election.

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Youn Kun-young, a Democratic Party lawmaker who worked at Moon's presidential office, accused prosecutors of trying to divert attention from Yoon's tragic end by putting Moon on trial to influence the election outcome. A Democratic Party committee separately warned it would hold the prosecution service to account for its indictment.

Most past South Korean presidents have been embroiled in scandal in the final months of their terms or after leaving office. In 2017, Park Geun-hye, South Korea's first female president, was removed from office and arrested over an explosive corruption scandal.

Park's conservative predecessor Lee Myung-bak was also arrested on a range of crimes, years after leaving office. Moon's friend and former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun jumped to his death in 2009 amid corruption investigations into his family.

Moon is best known for his push to reconcile with rival North Korea as he met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times and facilitated the start of the high-stakes nuclear diplomacy between Kim and President Donald Trump.

Moons supporters credit him with achieving now-stalled cooperation with North Korea and avoiding major armed clashes, but opponents say he was a naive North Korea sympathizer who ended up helping the North buy time to advance its nuclear program in the face of international sanctions and pressure.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) hosted leadership from the Gary, Indiana Police Department on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 as part of the U.S Department of Justices National Public Safety Partnership Program.





According to the SPD Facebook page, Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon and his team learned about some of the SPD initiatives like the Citizens Police Academy.



Both departments exchanged ideas which they say will make their communities safer and stronger.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Speaker of the House Mike Johnson says a lot is riding on Republican success in Congress.

During a press conference, the Speaker of the House addressed nationwide concerns as well as ongoing efforts to pass President Donald Trumps one big beautiful bill into law.

If we dont pass this bill, and were not successful in this mission, the American people will have the largest tax increase in U.S. history all at once, at the end of this year, because the Trump tax cuts from the first year will expire, said Johnson. We cannot allow that to happen. We have no margin for error.

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Bill limits unauthorized aliens suing for certain damages, advances

The bill has a domestic agenda of tax cuts, mass deportations, and a smaller federal government. Johnson addressed the ongoing trade war with China and tariffs.

Theres as many as 100 countries around the world who are seeking to negotiate new, much more fair-trade agreements with America, and that will be mission accomplished, Johnson said. I think that ultimately was the objective here.

However, Johnson says China has been an unfair trading partner for many years.

They have stolen our intellectual property, they have really manipulated the relationship, and we should not forget that we really are their largest consumer market for their goods around the world, said Johnson. They need us. In some ways, we need some of the things they produce. Its an important relationship. I hope that the president negotiates a good deal with China, I think he will, and I think that will happen in short order.

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Elder cruelty, exploitation bill advances in Louisiana criminal justice committee

Unrest in the Middle East was also a topic of discussion as President Trump ordered additional troops to Yemen. Johnson says the country will look to the president as Commander-in-Chief to bring back the principle of peace through strength.

We are the last great superpower on the planet, Johnson said. China is working hard to be a peer-to-peer advisory for us, but for now, we are still the defenders for what is good and right and the defenders of freedom. Having our troops strategically placed there in Yemen, I think, is going to be a big part of us trying to stabilize that region and keep the peace and restore it in that area so we can have it in a lasting way.

Mike Johnson then spoke on the future of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. He says the Democratic Party has been on a quest to mislead the American people.

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I have made clear, the president has made clear, virtually every American in Congress has made clear, that we are not going to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, said Johnson. Anyone who is a lawful beneficiary of those programs will continue to receive them. What were trying to do at the same time is root out fraud, waste, and abuse.

Louisiana lawmakers spar over attorney penalties in proposed insurance bill

However, the Speaker says that President Trumps bill is an effort to cut spending and reduce the deficit. Speaker Johnson says they will preserve the programs people rely upon, while getting back on a sound fiscal trajectory.

Speaker Johnson says his party is working hard on the bill, and he does not believe any support will come from the Democratic party. He adds that he only has a three-vote margin with the Republican party.

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We will get the job done, Johnson said. Were looking to try to get it done to the presidents desk for signature into law by Memorial Day,

Johnson says the timeline is essential due to the approaching debt ceiling, which could happen as early as June.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo  After residents and businesses expressed concerns, police have installed two speed bumps downtown, and more could be coming.

Springfield Police say the speed bumps are in front of the former Ernie Biggs location on South Street, and in front of Flame Steakhouse on Walnut Street. SPD spokesperson Cris Swaters explains that the feedback they have heard suggests the speed bumps are working.

In the short time they have been used, they have been really effective at slowing traffic and reducing noise which was a primary complaint of residents and business owners, Swaters says, adding that motorcycle noise was a particular issue.

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She says the locations where they are installed are where people visiting downtown can expect them for the spring and summer. However, they could be moved if necessary. They are portable speedbumps that can be quickly installed and removed. They are not a permanent installation, but for the summer they will be installed there downtown, says Swaters.

When asked if residents could eventually see more of these pop up downtown, Swaters says it is possible if the results of slowing traffic and cutting down noise proves to be successful long-term.

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SACRAMENTO, the United States, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Misinformation about measles and its vaccines was spreading rapidly across the United States, as the country was faced with the most serious outbreak of the disease in a decade, a new survey released by KFF Health News reported on Wednesday.

As of April 17, a total of 800 confirmed measles cases had been reported by 25 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most cases are centered in West Texas, where the outbreak has already claimed the lives of two unvaccinated and otherwise healthy school-aged children. Meanwhile, an unvaccinated adult has died in New Mexico.

"The most alarming thing about the survey is that we're seeing an uptick in the share of people who have heard these claims," said Ashley Kirzinger, associate director of KFF's Public Opinion and Survey Research Program.

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has shown limited urgency in addressing the outbreak. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called measles outbreaks "not unusual" while failing to emphasize vaccination in his public statements.

The survey also revealed stark partisan divides in awareness and beliefs about measles. About two-thirds of Republican-leaning parents were unaware of the current increase in measles cases, while two-thirds of Democratic-leaning parents were informed about the situation.

Among parents who believed at least one false claim, one in four reported skipping or delaying recommended vaccines for their children, more than double the rate of parents who rejected all the false claims.

Public health experts warned that this uncertainty created dangerous vulnerability to misinformation, especially as vaccine skepticism continued rising following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite measles being declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, declining vaccination rates have allowed the disease to make a concerning comeback, potentially threatening the country's elimination status. 
This story has been updated with a statement from restuarant management.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man allegedly threatened to shoot people with an AK-style rifle outside a Midtown restaurant on Saturday, Memphis Police said.

On April 19, at 6:30 p.m., officers responded to an aggravated assault at Fridas Mexican Restaurant at 1718 Madison Avenue.

Photo by WREG

Police were told that after a verbal altercation, a man with an AK-style rifle threatened to spray all of yall, indicating he would shoot employees and customers.

Courtesy of MPD Courtesy of MPD Courtesy of MPD

MPD says video footage showed that two women were with the man, and he was waving his gun around outside the restaurant.

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The woman, armed with a handgun, tried to get him to go back to the vehicle.

Reports say the suspects fled the scene in a newer model of a black Chevrolet Traverse, which may have had a CarMax tag on the front bumper. The male suspect wore a black hat, a black t-shirt, black shorts, and black and white shoes.

Man sentenced to 11 years for possession of fentanyl, machine gun

The general manager of Fridas sent a response to WREG by email and stressed that, contrary to the narrative provided by police, the incident outside the restaurant was not directed toward staff or customers.

To be clear: no firearm was ever inside Fridas Restaurante Mexicano. A private party was dining peacefully inside our restaurant. After the group left, an argument broke out among themselves in the parking lot. During that altercation, one individual retrieved a weapon from a vehicle and threatened others within his own group. At no time did he enter our restaurant with the weapon, nor was the threat directed toward any customer or staff member, the manager, Jesse Gonzalez, said.

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He said Fridas is a family-owned business that puts the safety of its guests first.

Police ask if you were a victim of this incident to contact the Crump Station at 901-636-4793.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  During April, local health organizations are working to spread awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donors.

Lauren Moreland, donation liaison supervisor for Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network of Peoria, said she was excited to bring attention to the issue.

She said more than 100,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ donation. While 95% of people in the U.S. said they believe in donations, only about 60% are registered.

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The importance is really to, throughout the month of April, to spread awareness, so people register their decision, they talk to their families, and they share with their families their decision to donate as well, Moreland said.

Moreland said they hope to get 25,000 registered in Illinois to become organ donors by the end of April.

Those interested in learning more can go to the Gift of Hope website.

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A Springdale man pleaded guilty to rape and second degree sexual assault of a minor on April 23 and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Pearson Patrick, 42,

Courtesy: Washington County Sheriffs Office

According to a press release from the Office of Washington County Prosecuting Attorney for the 4th Judicial District, Brandon Carter, Pearson Patrick, 42, was given a 40-year sentence with a 10-year suspended sentence for rape and 20 years for the second-degree sexual assault. Carter says the sentences run concurrently.

Tontitown man sentenced for imprisoning child in closet

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Patrick was arrested for the offenses in April 2022. After he was arrested, police found child sexual abuse materials on his phone, some of which he created himself. He was convicted of those crimes and sentenced to 33 years in prison.

As parents, grandparents, and guardians please be mindful who you leave your children with, said Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Denis Dean. It is not impolite to ask questions, seek advice, and conduct an amateur investigation in your childrens caregivers, even other family members. Be open with and talk to your children after they spend time with another adult. Do not be suggestive but listen and be aware of anything your child tells you about their visit that just doesnt seem right. We all must remain vigilant to protect our kids.

The release says the case was investigated by the Springdale Police Department with assistance from the Childrens Safety Center of Washington County.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  At a city council meeting on Tuesday, it was announced that Springfields CultureFest will be cancelled for the second consecutive year.

The festival, a city staple for nearly 30 years, was notably cancelled last year due to safety concerns.

City Manager Bryan Heck said last year that it was a regretful but necessary decision.

We deeply regret having to cancel CultureFest, as we know it is a beloved event for our

community, said City Manager Bryan Heck. However, the safety of our residents and visitors

must come first.

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At Tuesday nights council meeting, city leaders said that there werent sufficient resources to host the event at this time. The downtown plaza, where the fest is located, is also seeing renovations.

The City of Springfield will not be resuming the CultureFest celebration moving forward, said Logan Cobbs, Springfields community development director. While we remain deeply committed to honoring and celebrating the rich diversity that makes our community unique, organizing this event requires significant staff, time and resources, which are currently needed for essential city services.

Mayor Rob Rue said that the city would support private, community efforts to keep the festival going.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  The Springfield-Greene County Health Department (SGCHD) is reminding parents about the importance of vaccinations in infants and children.

April 21-28 is National Infant Immunization Week, and the Health Department says vaccines are one of the most effective tools for protecting infants and children against diseases that can be prevented by vaccines, such as measles.

There has been a recent spike in measles cases across the country, including one confirmed case in Missouri. Dr. Nancy Yoon, Chief Medical Officer at SGCHD, says low vaccination rates are contributing to the increase in cases.

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We want there to be 95% of the population to be vaccinated in order to prevent some of these diseases, Dr. Yoon said. And in Greene County, were lower than that, were about 90% vaccination for the MMR vaccine. And this is a big reason why were seeing the measles cases increase here as well as other states.

James River Church leaves Assemblies of God

Dr. Yoon says it is understandable for people to have concerns about possible side effects from vaccines or whether the vaccines are necessary.

With many decades of use and rigorous scientific studies, there has been evidence that these vaccines are safe. Dr. Yoon said. And its always important to weigh the risks and the benefits. So there may be a small amount of risk for side effects or adverse effects from the vaccines, but these are far more rare and less likely to occur than possible complications that can come from having some of these diseases.

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The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children stay on track and up to date with their vaccine series. Different vaccines are recommended for children at different ages, but Dr. Yoon says it is never too late for a child to receive a vaccine.

If you have any questions or concerns about vaccines and what is best for you and your children, Dr. Yoon says you should talk with your healthcare provider.

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April 24 (UPI) -- Vatican authorities kept St. Peter's Basilica open all night as an estimated 50,000 people lined up around St. Peter's Square and out of the Vatican City into Rome for a chance to view the body of Pope Francis as it lies in state in the 16th-century basilica.

The basilica had been scheduled to close for the night at midnight, but officials made the decision to keep it open so as not to have to turn away people waiting in line with about 13,000 people filing past Francis' coffin in front of the main altar between midnight and 5:30 a.m., the Vatican said.

St. Peter's then closed for around 90 minutes before reopening at 7 a.m. Francis' body is due to lie-in-state through 7 p.m. Friday, after which Vatican camerlengo Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the church and man in charge of funeral arrangements, will lead the closing of the coffin in preparation for Francis' funeral Saturday morning.

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On Thursday, the Holy See published the official order of service for Francis' funeral mass, an 88-page document, for the 88-year-old's final send-off in St. Peter's Square due to be attended by many world leaders and dignitaries and tens of thousands of members of the public.

Security is expected to be tight for the funeral, which will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, assisted by patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops and priests from across the Catholic global community.

Reports from journalists on the ground described tourists and Catholic believers from as far afield as Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Mexico and the United States waiting in orderly lines for four to six hours in the sun before being ushered inside into the cool of the cavernous St. Peter's Basilica.

"What's striking is how quiet it is in here given how many thousands of people there are. Occasionally, a baby cries. But by and large it's all very quiet, and very solemn," the BBC's reporter wrote.

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The funeral will mark the end of five days of national mourning in Italy, after which Francis' coffin will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.

Francis died Easter Monday at his official residence in the Casa Santa Marta building, where he lived, a day after going against doctors' orders to greet a huge Easter Sunday gathering of Catholics in St. Peter's Square whom he did not want to disappoint.
By Joshua McElwee and Giulia Segreti

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Mourners stood in line for hours on Thursday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, whose body is lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica ahead of his funeral on Saturday.

Huge queues snaked around St. Peter's Square and the surrounding roads, before being funnelled through the heart of the basilica in a single column leading to the central altar, where Francis' open-topped coffin is placed on a dais.

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The viewing started on Wednesday and the Vatican had expected to close the doors at midnight, but ended up letting the faithful in until 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT), before reopening again at 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT).

"After 3-1/2 hours in line, we had sore feet and tired legs. But we did see Francis, and the experience, while exhausting, was spiritually affirming," said Richard Lamb of New Jersey in the USA, visiting with his wife Peggy, both devout Catholics.

"We walked with groups from Italy, Spain, England, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Poland, the U.S., the Philippines ... it was a long, sublime experience," he said.

Francis died aged 88 on Monday morning in his rooms at the Vatican's Santa Marta guesthouse, ending an often turbulent, 12-year reign in which he sought to overhaul a divided institution, battling with traditionalists who opposed his many changes.

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"He was a wonderful pope," said Rome resident Alessandra Caccamo, as she queued outside the Vatican. "I'm going to miss him so much, because it's like I've lost a piece of me."

By 7:00 p.m. (1700 GMT) more than 90,000 people had paid their respects, Vatican officials said.

There was no stopping for a lingering view once the faithful got to the foot of the coffin, which was flanked by Swiss Guards in red-plumed helmets, as ushers swiftly moved people on.

Only clerics and special guests were allowed to sit for a while on pews set up on either side of the casket, including players from the city's AS Roma soccer team, all wearing matching dark suits.

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FUNERAL PLANS

More than 130 delegations, with 50 heads of state, including U.S. President Donald Trump, and 10 reigning monarchs are expected in St. Peter's Square for Saturday's funeral, the Vatican said, with millions more expected to watch on television across the globe.

Authorities in Rome started ramping up security ahead of the ceremony. A police source told Reuters snipers would be placed on rooftops, with drones watching from the sky and an army device readied to neutralise hostile flying objects.

A conclave to choose a new pontiff cannot start before May 6. Cardinals gathering in Rome have assumed temporary control of the Church, each taking an oath of secrecy not to reveal their discussions about a future pope.

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This does not stop the powerful prelates from talking to reporters about their vision for the 1.4-billion member Church.

"A chapter in the Church's history has been closed," Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Mueller told Italian daily La Repubblica in an interview published on Thursday.

Mueller is one of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote in the secret conclave. A former head of the Vatican's doctrine office, Mueller is known for his traditionalist views and often clashed with Francis.

The German cardinal said that there was "unanimous appreciation" for the late pope's work on migrants and the poor. However he said that the task was to choose a successor to St. Peter, the first pope, rather than Francis, indicating he favoured a change of direction.

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The Vatican said on Thursday a group of "poor and needy" had been invited to welcome the pope's casket to Rome's St. Mary Major -- a church some 4 km (2.5 miles) from St. Peter's where, in a break from tradition, Francis wanted to be buried.

"The poor have a privileged place in the heart of God," the Vatican said.

The heart of Rome is expected to be closed to traffic on Saturday to allow the funeral motorcade to make its way slowly to St. Mary Major, giving Romans a chance to say a final farewell.

His tomb will be in a niche in a side aisle of the basilica, with just the word "Franciscus", his name in Latin, engraved on the marble.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee, Giulia Segreti, Philip Pullella, Angelo Amante, Christine Uyanik and Lavinia Sdoga; Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Keith Weir and Frances Kerry)
SOUTH CAROLINA (WSPA)  South Carolina Congressman William Timmons (R-SC 4th District) is speaking out about a series of in-person town halls.

Rep. Timmons claimed the town halls are targeting him and other Republicans who have not held them.

These so-called town halls orchestrated by the SCDP are nothing more than staged political pep rallies for their left-wing agenda, Timmons said.

A recent billboard in Greenville claimed the last in-person town hall held by Timmons was more than three years ago.

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U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs hosts virtual town hall

On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC 6th District) held an in-person town hall at Wofford College.

People travelled from across the region to hear answers they feel they have not gotten from congressmen Timmons, who represents the district. Additionally, Clyburn criticized Timmons for not holding an in-person town hall.

I am focused on delivering President Trumps America First agenda, not performative gatherings, Timmons told 7NEWS.

Timmons did not share any plans to host a town hall.

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McALLEN  Nearly 10 years after SpaceX, Elon Musks effort to colonize Mars, began operating in a small community in Cameron County just a few miles inland of the Gulf Coast, employees who live there and other residents will vote next month to incorporate their Starbase community as Texas newest city.

If the majority of them vote yes on May 3, the leaders they elect at the same time will have the responsibility of creating a city from the ground up.

What does it take to have a fully functioning city?

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A few of Starbase's first steps as a newborn city can be anticipated because state law sets certain requirements for raising and spending public money and how governing bodies can operate.

Texas generally gives municipalities a lot of discretion on how to manage and govern themselves, according to Alan Bojorquez, an attorney who specializes in city governance.

The reality is, Texas cities under the law are not required to do much," Bojorquez said.

He emphasized that much of what the new city of Starbase will do will ultimately depend on what services and programs city officials and residents want the city to provide.

Day One

Before Starbase can officially incorporate, the election results must be certified by Cameron County. Incorporation will be effective on the day that Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino enters an order stating the community has incorporated, according to the Texas law.

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As a Type C municipality, Starbase will have a commission form of government  a mayor and two commissioners  who will be elected by the voters on the same day they vote to incorporate. Their terms in office last two years unlike the typical four-year terms held by officials in larger cities.

City leaders are required under Texas law to hold elections and public meetings at least once a month. The city is also required to archive records and provide them for public inspection under the Texas Public Information Act.

The mayor will be tasked with running the citys daily operations, unless voters later approve hiring a city manager. Many Texas cities and towns have a city manager who reports to elected leaders. They have broad responsibilities including hiring and firing other leaders like police and fire chiefs.

Leonardo Olivares, a former city manager to multiple cities in the Rio Grande Valley, including Rio Grande City, Weslaco, La Joya and Palmview, said the city commissioners must set priorities quickly.

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What are the needs of the community in terms of development, commercial, industrial development? Olivares said.

Cities also need a budget if they want to spend money, which they will have to do if they provide services such as water, sewer, police or fire.

"I think the initial challenge for the first commission of Starbase is going to be to share with the electorate what they are going to be doing," Bojorquez said.

SpaceX leaders have made no secret of their plans to grow Starbase.

In a letter to Trevino, the countys top elected official, submitted with the petition to incorporate, Starbase Manager Kathryn Lueders wrote that the community wished to incorporate so it could continue to grow.

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Incorporating Starbase will streamline the processes required to build the amenities necessary to make the area a world class place to livefor the hundreds already calling it home, as well as for prospective workers eager to help build humanitys future in space, Lueders wrote.

She added that through agreements with the county, SpaceX performs several civil functions such as management of the roads and utilities. They have also established a school and a medical clinic.

Incorporation would allow SpaceX to take over the management of those functions.

The company has already made moves to commercially develop the area as well. SpaceX is building a $15 million shopping center and restaurant there and a $100 million office facility and industrial factory.

Making money

The city has to figure out how to pay for the services it plans to offer.

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The major sources of revenue for cities are property taxes and sales taxes. City leaders can approve an initial assessment of property taxes but sales and use taxes must be approved by voters through another election.

There are limits. For property taxes, a Type C city is limited to $1.50 per $100 of valuation, depending on population.

For sales tax, cities are capped at two cents per dollar. They may allocate one cent toward general revenue, up to half a cent may go toward economic development and they could dedicate up to half a cent toward property tax relief.

There's going to be continual activity out there so I think it's a responsible thing to do  plan for that continued growth, Olivares said. Youve just got to manage it right. You've got to get some good people out there who know what they're doing.

Company town

In essence, Starbase will be a company town  an idea that evokes the image of early 20th century workers settling down around the coal companies or mills that employ them.

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One of the most well-known in Texas is Sugar Land, which was home to sugar plantations beginning in the mid-1800s that later became the Imperial Sugar Company. The city was incorporated in 1959.

Company towns have persisted and the SpaceX employees living in Starbase appear poised to establish the newest one. What they hope to accomplish through incorporation will likely have a lot to do with the companys activities, Bojorquez said.

Because this is a project that is closely affiliated with SpaceX, you can imagine that the goals for the municipality are probably in pretty close alignment with the needs of SpaceX," Bojorquez said.

There have already been signs of that, and, at times, those goals were incompatible with the regulations of the county.

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While Cameron County officials have welcomed SpaceX  touting investment and job creation  and allowed the company to conduct its operations with seemingly little pushback, there have been instances where the two have been at odds.

In November, SpaceX requested a variance for the countys lot frontage requirements to maximize what Starbase could build on four available lots at Boca Chica Village, a small residential neighborhood near the SpaceX offices where Elon Musk owns a home.

The hope, a SpaceX engineer told the county commissioners, is that they would be able to recruit more employees to live there. The county, however, denied their request.

In addition to being able to adopt more permissive rules, the city could also gain control over the closure of Boca Chica beach on weekdays for launches.

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The Texas Senate approved a bill that would transfer that authority to them from the county, a move that the county judge and the commissioners publicly opposed. The Texas House has yet to vote on the bill, which is needed for the proposal to become law.

Other benefits to becoming a city include the ability to acquire real estate through eminent domain, a process by which governmental bodies can force the transfer of property, for fair market value, if its for a public purpose.

Bojorquez said the process is often used to build roads, water infrastructure and drainage.

"I think it's clear in this example that most of the reasons are being provided by SpaceX," Bojorquez said of the possible motivations behind seeking incorporation. "I have no opinion about whether it's right or wrong. It's just unique."

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Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

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.
President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an delivered remarks at the TURKSAT 6A Commissioning Ceremony held in Ankara, highlighting Turkiyes growing achievements in space technology and warning against political distractions that could undermine national progress.

Today, we mark another milestone with the commissioning of our first domestically produced communications satellite, TURKSAT 6A, Erdo?an said. With this satellite, the number of our active satellites in space has risen to ten. We are now one of only 11 countries in the world capable of producing its own communications satellite.

A Leap Forward in Space Technology

Launched on July 9, 2024, and successfully completing its initial test broadcast on February 17, TURKSAT 6A is expected to operate for at least 15 years. The satellite significantly expands Turkiyes communications capacity, supporting everything from television broadcasting to emergency communications.

This is a major step forward for our nations space and communications sector, Erdo?an stated. With 84 components developed locally, and an 80% domestic production rate, TURKSAT 6A has positioned Turkiye as a key player in satellite manufacturing.

He praised Turkish engineers for their unwavering efforts: We refused to listen to the pessimists. With faith, patience, and determination, we proved we can do not only what others dobut better.

Turkiyes Market Share in Space Technology Will Grow

Erdo?an noted that with experience and technology gained through such projects, Turkiye is poised to capture a significant share of the global satellite and components market. Our satellite coverage will increase from 3.5 billion to 5 billion people globally, he said. This will strengthen our technological ecosystem and provide new opportunities for our institutions and engineers.

The TURKSAT 6A project, Erdo?an added, has led to the formation of a national satellite production ecosystem, involving numerous subcontractors and institutions contributing to the country's space industry.

Turkiye Is Now Among the World's Leading Space Nations

The launch and satellite operations were managed by TURKSAT, and the satellite now covers over 60% of the global population. Erdo?an emphasized that these accomplishments have brought Turkiye closer to creating its own national satellite brand and establishing a dedicated space company.

A Historic Opportunity for Turkiye

Looking ahead, Erdo?an stressed that the country stands before a historic window of opportunity. He warned that no one should be allowed to sacrifice this potential for personal political gain.

For too long, Turkiye was distracted by ideological battlesheadscarves, beards, religious imagery, and so-called internal enemies. While others surged ahead, we were held back, he said. Now, the global landscape is changing rapidly, with trade rules shifting and crises mounting. Turkiye must stay focused and not fall into old traps.

Attempts to Exploit Tragedy for Political Gain

Erdo?an also criticized attempts to sow chaos through street unrest, economic boycotts, and accusations against Turkiye abroad. He accused the opposition of trying to revive failed political narratives to destabilize the nation.

They even tried to gain political mileage from the suffering in Gaza, labeling Palestinians as terrorists while remaining silent for 18 months, Erdo?an said. But they fail to create the chaos they seek. Our government continues to deliver progress and development. We refuse to fall into their traps.

He concluded by expressing optimism: With God's permission, we will achieve far greater things. We will hand down a respected and powerful Turkiye to our youth.
Person hiking on the path in vineyard near Manarola village. Cinque Terre. Liguria, Italy. (Ivan Sedlak - Adobe Stock)



Cinque Terre, or Five Lands is a perfectly named UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area located along Ligurian Coast of northwestern Italy is made up of five fishing villages: Corniglia, Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore and Vernazza.

This unique landscape entices a surplus of visitors each year to hike through the national park and admire the pastel-colored homes nestled into the cliffside and ravines. While you can walk the entire route in one day (approximately six hours), taking your time is recommended to soak in all the beautiful area has to offer, including tasting the local cliffside-made wine that was once popular with royalty during renaissance times. Each of the five villages has something different to offer, from Monterrosos beaches and lemon groves to Riomaggiores sunset views.

When traveling to Cinque Terre it is best to leave your vehicle behind as the roads are difficult to navigate and parking is limited. Trains are the best way to get to the villages and from there, hiking is the best way to experience them. Luckily, there are two types of passes that the Cinque Terre National Park offers visitors to make both experiences smooth.

Vernazza village at sunset. Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria Italy. (Von SCStock - Adobe Stock)



1. Cinque Terre Trekking Card

This card grants access to the parks paid hiking trails, including the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path), which connects the villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. It also includes:

Unlimited use of ATC buses within the villages

Free entry to restrooms in railway stations

Guided tours (subject to scheduling and availability)

2. Cinque Terre Treno MS Card

This pass includes all the benefits of the Trekking Card plus unlimited second-class train travel on regional trains between Levanto and La Spezia (excluding high-speed or intercity trains).

Pricing and Fare Categories

The cost of the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card varies, depending on:

Time Period (Low, Medium, or High Affluence) Duration (1-day, 2-day, or 3-day pass) Age Group (Adults, Children, Seniors) High Visitor Influx Periods (Red Rate), when prices increase

The three seasonal pricing categories are:

Low Affluence (Green Rate) : March, weekdays in May and October

Medium Affluence (Yellow Rate) : April, June, September, and weekdays in July and August

High Affluence (Red Rate): National holidays (Easter, May 1st, August 15th, etc.) and weekends in July and August

Note: Children under four travel for free.

Cinque Terre Treno MS Card Prices (2025) (Katie Wells )



How to Purchase

Purchasing the Cinque Terre Card helps support, maintain and preserve the trails to ensure a sustainable experience at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are encouraged to check updated prices, trail conditions and to buy their Cinque Terre Card online at the official National Park website, parconazionale5terre.it.
NEOSHO, Mo.  A Stark City man has been sentenced to five concurrent 20-year sentences for rape, sodomy and molestation of three children when they all were under the age of 12.

Matthew S. Stewart, 32, entered Alford pleas to the charges and was sentenced Wednesday by Judge Kevin Selby in Newton County Circuit Court.

In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but admits that the prosecution had sufficient evidence for him to be found guilty.

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Prosecutor William Lynch reported that the crimes occurred in January 2024, when the children were ages 7, 8 and 10.

According to the charges, Stewart will not be eligible for parole until 85% of the 20 years is served, which would be at least 17 years in prison. In addition, he will be under supervision the rest of his life.

We take these cases very seriously, and always attempt to weigh the continued trauma that the criminal justice system can sometimes inflict on victims with our pursuit of justice and holding these abusers accountable, Lynch said in a statement. This particular defendant took advantage of these young victims after grooming them, and while no sentence feels sufficient, we hope this resolution provides closure for these children and their families.

This case was investigated by the Newton County Sheriffs Office with assistance from the Childrens Center of Southwest Missouri, according to the prosecutor. Assistant county prosecutor Mitchell Cross also worked on the case.
Sir Keir Starmer warned energy security is national security amid Russias weaponising of access to power.

The Prime Minister told an energy summit in London that the world has changed and that energy was at the heart of the global insecurity and local insecurity people were feeling.

He said: Every family and every business across the UK has paid the price of Russia weaponising energy.

When it comes to energy we are also paying the price for our exposure over many years to the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets.

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Energy security is national security and therefore a fundamental duty of government.

Sir Keir then invited Ursula von der Leyen to address the Summit on the Future of Energy Security at Lancaster House.

She said Europe is ready to share its experiences of attacks against infrastructure as part of its energy security strategy.

The European Commission president said the UK and Europe need to develop infrastructure together.

We need to build grids inter-connectors and cables, she said, before adding that nations must also work to protect the infrastructure from online and physical attacks.

Here we should use the cooperation we have with Nato. We have taken, with Nato, measures to better prepare and protect ourselves.

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We are taking measures to protect critical undersea cables  thats the new normal.

And as we know these cables cross countries and continents, we are absolutely open and ready to share our experiences and to cooperate on this with our strategic partners and friends.

03:50 PM BST

World at decisive moment on energy security, says von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen wrapped up her speech at the Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London by saying the world is at a decisive moment.

She said: Europe is ready to work with all of you. We are in close cooperation anyway but its a broader offer here.

As the saying goes, if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together, and we want to go far.

03:46 PM BST

Europe to share information on undersea cable attacks to protect infrastructure

Europe is ready to share its experiences of attacks against infrastructure as part of its energy security strategy, Ursula von der Leyen has said.

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The European Commission president said the UK and Europe need to develop infrastructure together.

We need to build grids inter-connectors and cables, she said, before adding we must also work to protect the infrastructure from online and physical attacks.

Here we should use the cooperation we have with Nato. We have taken with Nato measures to better prepare and protect ourselves.

We are taking measures to protect critical undersea cables  thats the new normal.

And as we know these cables cross countries and continents, we are absolutely open and ready to share our experiences and to cooperate on this with our strategic partners and friends.

03:40 PM BST

Tariffs make sourcing raw materials more important

The European Commission president said the UK and Europe need critical raw materials for energy security.

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This is all the more important in the context of looming trade restrictions and export bans, she said.

These minerals are the building blocks of the green transition and work is already underway.

03:36 PM BST

Europe must turn targets into concrete projects

Ursula von der Leyen said Britain and Europe need to turn targets into very concrete projects.

European funds are helping to build energy infrastructure to ensure that clean energy is available where it is needed the most.

03:33 PM BST

Von der Leyen calls for collective response to energy challenges

Ursula von der Leyen said the worlds energy challenges require a collective response.

We need greater cooperation across the entire energy value chain, she said.

She outlined five steps to increase collaboration to deliver energy security.

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We need to set a clear vision of the direction of travel and a determination to follow it.

She pointed to the global energy transition forum, which can help us deliver on the promises we made at Cop28 in Dubai.

So to achieve this, we need to keep track of progress. Because we all know the old saying: Only what gets measured gets done.

03:28 PM BST

Europe had become over reliant on Russia, says von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen said Europe had become over reliant on one single supplier for our energy needs.

She said Russia had supplied 45pc of gas, 50pc of coal and nearly third of the oil used by the Continent.

She said: We failed to recognise the cost that came with this dependence, the risk of blackmail, economic coercion, price shocks.

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That reality was exposed after the full scale invasion of Ukraine.

She added: As our energy dependency goes down, our energy security goes up.

03:25 PM BST

Von der Leyen calls for Britain and Europe to team up

Ursula von der Leyen said that investors had said for many years they are ready to start, urging Britain and Europe to offer the regulatory certainty, the predictability needed for energy investment.

Thank you for the UKs continued leadership on energy security and more generally for the excellent co-operation between the European Union and the UK, she said.

This is a powerhouse indeed for clean energy and the energy of the future. And the North Sea has it all.

03:20 PM BST

PM outlines vision for British energy powering British homes creating British jobs

Sir Keir Starmer outlined a vision for British energy, powering British homes, creating British jobs.

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He said that under a global green powerr alliance he would unblock and diversify clean energy supply chains.

The Prime Minister said it was key to harness the political leadership needed to make this happen.

In this moment of instability and uncertainty.. we are taking control, he said.

He has now introduced his friend Ursula von der Leyen, who has begun to speak.

03:16 PM BST

Starmer: UK and EU must improve energy interconnections

Sir Kier Starmer said Britain is doing more with the EU to improve interconnections and share fantastic partnerships with countries like the Netherlands and Norway.

The Prime Minister flagged again his 300m investment fund for green energy supply chains.

03:12 PM BST

Pictured: Starmer meets von der Leyen at summit

Sir Keir Starmer meeting Ursula von der Leyen in London - Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

03:11 PM BST

Starmer: Energy security is national security

Sir Keir Starmer said energy security is national security and said he wants to set out a path to clean power by 2030.

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He acknowledged some people do not agree with his plans but said we cannot try to turn the clock back to a world that doesnt exist.

He said: Do they think we can win the race for green investment by going slow?

03:07 PM BST

Starmer: Were paying price for over exposite to fossil fuel markets

Sir Keir Starmer said families were paying the price for our over exposure over many years to the roller coaster of fossil fuel markerts.

The Prime Minister said working people should not be exposed like this any more having been hit by Russia weaponising energy.

03:05 PM BST

Starmer: The world has changed

Sir Keir Starmer said delegates were in London because the world has changed as he took to the stage at the energy conference in London.

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He said: Old assumptions have fallen away and were living through an era of global instability.

03:03 PM BST

Countries urged to diversify energy supplies

The executive director of the International Energy Agency, which is co-hosting the conference, has urged countries to diversify their energy supplies.

Fatih Birol said the move would improve energy security and added that countries should not leave all their eggs in one basket.

He said nations must also cooperate, adding no country today in the world is an energy island.

He is now introducing Sir Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen.

02:57 PM BST

Starmer and von der Leyen to speak shortly

Were expecting the Prime Minister and the European Commission president to appear the summit any moment now.

02:56 PM BST

Net zero push is route to energy security, says Miliband

Energy secretary Ed Miliband told global energy ministers and company bosses that the UKs clean power push is about security as much as fighting climate change.

Speaking at a global energy security summit in London, he also read out a message from King Charles which said green energy would make countries power systems more resilient and secure.

Mr Miliband told delegates: As long as energy can be weaponised against us, our countries and our citizens are vulnerable and exposed.

Our vision of low carbon power goes well beyond the climate imperative, he said.

Ours is a hard-headed approach to the role of low carbon power as a route to energy security.

He added: Low carbon energy can play a critical role in delivering energy security for many countries around the world, and it presents a solution to the issue of energy security that simply wasnt true a decade-and-a-half ago.

Mr Miliband was speaking at the two-day summit in London co-hosted by the Government and the International Energy Agency.

Ed Miliband said the net zero push was about energy security as much as climate change - JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

02:49 PM BST

Miliband targets China with slave labour amendment to green energy bill

Ahead of todays conference, Ed Miliband introduced an amendment to the Great British Energy Bill, which means the state-owned energy company will have to ensure it does not source materials from slave labour when building new solar panels and wind turbines.

The amendment, introduced on Tuesday, is particularly aimed at eliminating forced labour linked to the Chinese states alleged mistreatment of minority groups from the supply chains of British clean power.

While the Energy Secretary acknowledged he felt queasy about dealing with other nations that have a record of using slave labour, he insisted the UK could not stop engaging with them entirely as multi-lateralism is needed to tackle the climate crisis.

China is the biggest global emitter, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme, adding: Weve got to engage with China. Weve got to persuade them to come on this journey, because this is a collective action problem.

Unless we do this together, were not going to tackle the issue we face, and we are going to be held in infamy, frankly, by future generations.

02:44 PM BST

Von der Leyen arrives at summit

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in London for the Future of Energy Security summit.

She was greeted at Lancaster House by Sir Keir Starmer, where the pair appeared to exchange some warm words.

02:41 PM BST

Starmer announces 300m for offshore wind

Earlier today, Sir Keir Starmer announced 300m in funding for domestic offshore wind supply chains as part of a push to secure clean energy investment in the UK.

The funding through publicly owned company Great British Energy, brought forward as an initial investment ahead of the spending review, will be invested in a domestic supply chain for components such as floating platforms and cables for the offshore wind industry, the Government said.

The Prime Minister, making the announcement ahead of todays energy security summit in London, said the fast-tracked funding would create jobs and strengthen UK security, as he called for international investment in British clean energy.

Sir Keir said: Delivering the plan for change means winning the race for the clean energy jobs of the future, which will drive growth and help us reach clean power by 2030.

That is why I am bringing forward much-needed investment in our domestic offshore wind supply chains, strengthening our security and creating good jobs for our welders, electricians, and engineers.

Let my message to the world go out: come and build the clean energy future in Britain.

02:36 PM BST

Net zero policies harmful and dangerous, says US official

Earlier today at the summit, a US government official claimed that clean power policies are harmful and dangerous.

Acting assistant secretary of international affairs Tommy Joyce criticised the USs push towards renewables under former president Joe Biden.

He said: The focus during the last administration was on climate politics and policies leading to that (energy) scarcity. These policies have been embraced by many, not just the United States, and harm human lives.

Speaking shortly after an address by UK energy secretary Ed Miliband, Mr Joyce stopped short of criticising Britains push towards clean power.

But he said: Some want to regulate every form of energy besides the so-called renewables, completely out of existence and in favour of a net zero. We oppose these harmful and dangerous policies. This is not energy security, and we know exactly where it leads.

He continued by claiming that building wind turbines requires buying rare minerals from China, adding: There are no wind turbines without concessions to or coercion from China.

02:31 PM BST

Starmer to address London conference

Good afternoon and welcome to coverage of Sir Keir Starmers speech at the Future of Energy Security in London.

The Prime Minister is expected to speak alongside Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission.

We will have coverage of their words and then later what it means for you.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
NEW YORK  In endorsing Council Speaker Adrienne Adams for mayor Wednesday, State Attorney General Tish James vowed to start stumping for her in the citys Black churches, where Andrew Cuomo, the front-runner in the race for City Hall, has been a dominant force so far.

Black congregations in the city, especially in the outer-boroughs, are known to vote in high numbers in local elections, and Cuomo has delivered speeches at such churches for months  starting even before he officially launched his mayoral run in early March.

Though she didnt call him out by name, James, a longtime political foe to Cuomo, suggested in a thinly-veiled reference to the ex-governor that he has given Black churchgoers a distorted view of his record while on the campaign trail.

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Im going to campaign with (the speaker), particularly in Black churches, because certain candidates have visited a significant number of Black churches in the city of New York, and I think its important to remind them of the history of individuals, James said, speaking at an afternoon press conference where DC 37, the citys largest municipal union, and two other local labor groups also endorsed the speakers mayoral run.

I dont think politicians should disgrace a house of faith and for me and for Adrienne, both women of faith, its pretty serious. You see, we dont go to churches just around election time, we go to church every Sunday  so I cant support someone who just shows up simply because they want votes.

Speaker Adams told the Daily News afterward she believes its especially important for her and James to highlight to African-American voters that Cuomo could have gotten out PPE and vaccines to Black communities much sooner than he chose to during the COVID pandemic.

In response to the comments from the speaker and James, Cuomos campaign provided a statement from Brooklyn Bishop Orlando Findlayter in which he said the ex-governor stood with the Black community during our most difficult days, in ways few elected officials ever have.

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It is deeply troubling when any leader choose to mislead our community for political gain, said Findlayter, who has endorsed Cuomos mayoral run. I hope Speaker Adams, as someone who understands the weight of leadership, will reflect on the importance of honesty and unity as we all work toward a better future for our communities.

Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual misconduct accusations he denies, has consistently polled as the favorite to win the Democratic June 24 mayoral primary.

Speaker Adams, who announced her mayoral run in early March, has struggled to gain momentum for her campaign, with relatively slow fundraising and little traction in the polls.

But shes hoping she can shake up the dynamic of the race with the new endorsements from James, DC 37 and the two other unions, the local chapters of UNITE HERE and the Communications Workers of America.

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In backing the speaker, the three unions bucked a recent trend of the citys politically influential labor groups lining up behind Cuomo.

DC 37 executive director Henry Garrido, whose union represents some 150,000 city workers and tens of thousands of more municipal retirees, said a big reason why his group went against Cuomo was because he as governor raised the states retirement age and cut some retirement benefits for public sector workers.

Endorsing against Cuomo could be risky for DC 37, whose leaders would have to negotiate a new labor contract with his administration if hes elected mayor.

Asked by The News whether hes concerned about Cuomo retaliating against his union in such labor negotiations, Garrido shot back: What you just said is the prime example of why hes not here, prompting cheers and applause from the audience of DC 37 members.

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Im not afraid  If the governor gets elected, then well deal with it, but until then, we are going to elect Adrienne Adams, Garrido said.

In pitching her mayoral candidacy to the DC 37 members, Adams described herself as a scandal free alternative to both Cuomo and Mayor Adams, who dropped out of Junes Democratic primary in favor of seeking reelection as an independent candidate in November amid continued political fallout from the controversial dismissal of his federal corruption indictment.

For years, I stood up to a mayor who made everything about himself, she said. I fought back in the budget and won for libraries, for children, for workers, and as mayor, I will keep on fighting for all of you.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans says the city is working together and moving Rochester forward together during his State of the City address Wednesday evening.

Mayor Evans stated that a growing network of community partners is taking on a bigger role in fostering a safer, fairer, and more thriving Rochester by instilling hope and providing opportunities for all.

Gun violence in Rochester drops 34%, still not at pre-pandemic levels

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Evans reported that crucial indicators of gun violence in the city have decreased by nearly 50% from their peak levels during the pandemic. According to city data, between 2021 and 2024, incidents of shootings dropped by 53%, injuries from shootings decreased by 51%, and the number of fatal shootings fell by 49%.

And the true signs of our momentum toward a safer Rochester are visible beyond the numbers, Mayor Evans said. As Rochesters streets become increasingly safer, residents and business owners feel increasingly empowered to contribute to the momentum.

Evans highlighted collaborations with the Rochester Police Department in local neighborhoods as a key factor in the decrease of gun violence. He also pointed out that fatal shootings involving individuals under 18 have dropped to just one in 2024, a significant decline from seven in 2022.

The city highlighted that areas with histories of segregation and redlining have experienced a decrease in blight due to landlords neglecting property maintenance, leading to vacancies.

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As it becomes increasingly evident that our zero-tolerance approach to housing quality isnt going away, were seeing more landlords make a choice, Evans said. They can either bring their properties up to code and open lines of communication with their tenants, and the City. Or they can do what some of them are already doing  sell off their properties and get out of the Rochester market, altogether.

Challenger Mary Lupien responded to Mayor Evans State of the City, saying Evans painted a rosy picture of Rochester.

When you look under the covers, its not as advertised, Lupien said. Too many families are struggling to pay for housing to make ends meet and to feel safe in their neighborhoods. The state of the city is not strong when housing costs are rising faster than wages, when gun violence continues to claim lives, and when millions of taxpayer dollars are wasted on projects that benefit developers and not us.

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The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) rolled out a slate of new target districts in Virginia ahead of Novembers House of Delegates elections.

The committee is targeting the 82nd, 22nd, 71st and 41st state House districts. Democratic candidate Kimberly Pope Adams is seeking to unseat state Rep. Kim Taylor (R) in the 82nd District, while Democrat Elizabeth Guzman is running against state Rep. Ian Lovejoy (R) in the 22nd state House District. In the 71st state House District, Democrat Jessica Anderson is seeking to unseat state Rep. Amanda Batten (R) in the 71st District, while Democrat Lily Franklin is running against incumbent Chris Obenshain (R) in the 41st.

The Hill was the first outlet to report on the new slate of target districts.

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These four returning Spotlight candidates are mounting strong challenges against unpopular Republicans who have rubber-stamped Trumps reckless agenda thats tanking the economy and threatening jobs, DLCC President Heather Williams said. State Democrats in Virginia and across the country are holding the line against extremism in Washington. All eyes should be on the commonwealth as competitive campaigns ramp up and voters prepare to hold Republicans accountable for their extremism this November.

Earlier this month, the DLCC announced it was investing seven figures in the battle to hold the Democratic majority in Virginias House of Delegates.

The committee made the announcement in its Roadmap to Victory in Virginia memo, which included its first batch of House of Delegates target races in 2025. The initial target list includes the 21st, 65th, 84th, and 97th House of Delegates races. Additionally, the committee announced it is adding the states lieutenant governors race to its target map. The lieutenant governor could play a pivotal role in casting tiebreaking votes in the state Senate, which this year is not on the ballot.

Democrats hold a 51-49 majority in the states House of Delegates, setting up a competitive race for the majority in November.

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School districts across Illinois are getting state funding to support libraries.

Over $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of States School District Library Grant Program. Districts can use the funds for library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

(AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

It is vital we continue to ensure our school libraries have the tools and staff they need to uplift Illinois students, said Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). Our childrens educations warrant access to the very best resources, reading materials and technology we have available. This money will bolster Western Illinois schools and help nurture bright young minds.

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These school districts in the 36th District received a total of $27,792:

Bushnell-Prairie City CUSD 170  $850

East Moline School District 37  $2,170

Silvis School District 34  $850

United Township High School District 30  $1,458

Galesburg CUSD 205  $3,217

Hampton School District 29  $850

Knoxville CUSD 202  $850

Macomb CUSD 185  $1,593

Moline-Coal Valley School District 40  $5,912

Monmouth-Roseville CUSD 238  $1,284

United CUSD 304  $850

Orion Community Unit School District 223  $850

Rock Island-Milan School District 41  $5,086

Sherrard CUSD 200  $1,118

Carbon Cliff-Barstow District 36  $850

The grants are awarded once every fiscal year and support school library services for over one million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade statewide.

(AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr., File)

Data from the Illinois Library Association shows 67% of children ages 6-17 find books to read from libraries and children from low-income families are more likely to get books from school libraries. Schools with librarians have seen increased standardized testing reading scores and school librarians are a critical component for teaching digital literacy, online citizenship and internet safety.

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Click here to see a list of the libraries that received funding.

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PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota State Library got some unexpected good news this week.

It will receive a half-year grant of about $632,000 from the federal government.

That means, for at least the next six months, the State Library can continue to function much as it previously had.

The email from the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services arrived on Wednesday.

It was a surprise, South Dakota Education Secretary Joe Graves said.

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March directing the head of that federal agency to cut operations to the maximum extent allowable by law. The grant funds roughly half of the State Librarys services.

Last week, Graves told the state Board of Education Standards that other states had received notices that their federal funding for library operations had been cut.

But on Thursday, Graves said that he and State Librarian George Seamon are now trying to determine more about how the the federal funding would be applied.

DSUs Noem choice gets mixed reaction

Seamon informed the State Library Board about the restoration of the federal funding during the boards final meeting Thursday. Seamon said he interpreted the email as a positive indication that the State Library will receive the second half of federal funding later this year.

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However, the State Library must still fulfill the down-sizing ordered by the Legislature through House Bill 1041.

Because of the new law that takes effect on July 1, the State Library no longer will be allowed to provide the public with specialized library services and materials not generally appropriate, economical, or available in other libraries of the state.

Nor will it any longer operate a state publications distribution program for other libraries throughout South Dakota.

The State Library also will stop maintaining appropriate collections of library materials to supplement the collections of other libraries in the state.

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Nor will it serve any longer as a research and informational center for the Legislature and state government employees.

The final version of the legislation, which Gov. Larry Rhoden signed into law last month, eliminates the State Library Board, too.

The governor-appointed advisory group met for the last time on Thursday in Pierre.

Seamon briefed the board on the transition under way to what he described as the new state library.

He said materials in the federal documents collection are being offered to other libraries and any unwanted ones will be disposed.

Books and documents in the State Librarys non-fiction collection have been offered to the State Historical Society and academic libraries, with public libraries next in line, according to Seamon. He said there might be a public sale of any of those remaining items.

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Restaurant owner donates 2,600 chickens to community

State government documents meanwhile are being moved into an area that has been used by State Library staff. He said the State Library will continue to collect and digitize state documents. At this point, the state-document collection is closed to the public, but Seamon said that could change.

The State Library plans to begin working on contracts for courier data services, according to Seamon. He said there also are plans to provide an in-person workshop in the Black Hills as well as online workshops for public and school libraries to comply with House Bill 1239.

In its original version, HB 1239 threatened librarians with jail for distributing to minors any books or materials that the childs parent considered obscene.

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The final version of HB 1239 sets up a more moderate process. It says a local public library board or a local school board must have a policy that allows for an individual to appeal to the board to determine whether any matter or material in the library is obscene. The new law goes on to say that any determination made by the board can be appealed in court.

Seamon was generally upbeat about what is now ahead for the State Library overall.

Its exciting to be shaping something new. We want to see what we can bring from our current situation, Seamon said.

The State Library staff however will still be reduced by 3.5 positions to comply with the Legislatures direction.

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Then-Gov. Kristi Noem, in her December budget recommendations, called for State Library funding to be substantially cut. Noem resigned as governor in January to become the new federal Homeland Security secretary.

State Library Board president Tom Nelson of Spearfish asked Seamon to describe the past few months.

It definitely has been an emotional ride. One thing I leaned on was my team, Seamon said.

Weve definitely leaned and cried and been emotional over a lot of things, he continued, saying they would be stronger from the experience.

Seamon said he was saddened by Noems December recommendation and the legislation that followed from her administration, but he chose to help move it forward.

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The South Dakota Library Association fought against the original legislation and eventually went along with a compromise worked out by Secretary Graves.

There was a huge outpouring, Seamon said about support that lawmakers heard from librarians and the public. He recalled walking into a local restaurant to meet with some of those supporters and was met with applause.

And that wasnt for me, that was for the State Library, he said.

Seamon praised Secretary Graves for his efforts and said it was a relief to receive the Wednesday email on federal funding.

Its been a roller coaster, but we had a lot of support, Seamon said. Its definitely been something I dont think I want to go through again.

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Board president Nelson praised the South Dakota Library Association. They grabbed this and hit it out of the park, he said.

Nelson spoke about a letter that he had sent to Gov. Rhoden. From my view, this should have been studied a little bit more, Nelson said, pointing out that the State Library works quietly and efficiently.

Theres nothing detrimental in it. I just wanted the governor to know my thoughts, Nelson said.

The state boards vice president, Jane Norling of Beresford, said the group functioned as a sounding board and as a voice for the patrons of the State Library and for small libraries throughout South Dakota.

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Norling acknowledged that she felt a little saddened that the board would no longer be there. She agreed with Nelsons suggestion that a smaller board might work better if there should ever be another.

Its important, she said about the State Librarys role in South Dakota.

Nelson wrapped up the meeting by telling Seamon and the half-dozen staff in the back of the room, You guys do a great job.

Then he called with a little bit of sadness for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Any objections? he asked.

Hearing none, the State Library Board is signing out, Nelson said. Were done.

The State Library staff in the back answered with a parting round of applause.

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Apr. 23Rio Arriba County Sheriff Billy Merrifield had been in a crash in his patrol vehicle hours before he was found unresponsive inside the vehicle at his home Sunday morning.

New Mexico State Police on Wednesday released details about Merrifield's final hours. The 50-year-old had served as sheriff of the northern New Mexico county since 2021.

State Police spokesperson Wilson Silver said in a news release that the agency is investigating "the possibility of the sheriff being under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drug." A cause of death for Merrifield has not been released.

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This is the latest in a series of sensational events involving a Rio Arriba County sheriff. In 2021, James Lujan received a three-year prison sentence after a jury convicted him of two felonies for helping a friend avoid arrest in 2017. In 2015, Tommy Rodella was sentenced to 10 years and one month for convictions on two federal counts related to a 2014 road rage incident.

Details on Merrifield's death had been slim before State Police began investigating and found a friend who had been with Merrifield in the hours before he died.

On Sunday morning, the friend told State Police that a woman called him around 3 a.m. and said she was with Merrifield while he was off duty, and they got into a "minor crash" in his patrol vehicle, Silver said.

The friend told police that he found Merrifield's vehicle about a half-mile from his Abiquiu home, Silver said. The friend said Merrifield told him he was OK.

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"The patrol vehicle and Sheriff Merrifield were taken back to his residence," Silver said, and "Sheriff Merrifield's friend and the woman left the residence, leaving Sheriff Merrifield in his patrol vehicle."

Around 10 a.m., the friend tried calling Merrifield several times before going to his home to check on him, Silver said.

"He found Sheriff Merrifield unresponsive in his patrol unit," the spokesman said. The friend and first responders attempted lifesaving efforts, but Merrifield was pronounced dead at the scene.

Silver said investigators are working to corroborate the account. Meanwhile, an autopsy was performed on Monday and results are pending.
CHEYENNE  District Court Judge Peter H. Froelicher said one of Wyomings school finance consultants of exercising bias during witness testimony in a lawsuit against the state filed by the Wyoming Education Association in 2022.

In February, Froelicher ruled in favor of the Wyoming Education Association and the eight school districts that joined as plaintiffs, including Laramie County School District 1, and found that Wyoming has unconstitutionally underfunded its public school system.

The state has since appealed Froelichers ruling to the Wyoming Supreme Court.

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In his decision, Froelicher found one of Wyomings school finance consultants for the Attorney Generals Office, Richard Seder, to be a biased witness during the trial. In a footnote, the judge clarified the court does not believe Seder was fabricating or being intentionally deceptive. Instead, the Court found his opinions to be tainted or influenced by his biases.

(Seder) demonstrated a strong bias in support of his position that Wyoming is overfunding public schools and personnel are overpaid, Froelicher wrote.

Seder has consulted for the state of Wyoming on many issues involving school finance since 2005. He provided guidance on the states funding model and consultants model for the last 20 years, according to court documents.

The state Legislature uses the funding model to calculate funding for its K-12 public schools, which includes funding components for teacher and non-teacher salaries, energy costs and classroom supplies.

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The consultants model is a separate calculation that sets the constitutional floor for public school funding. In other words, it sets the bare minimum for how much the state can fund its public schools without violating its own constitution.

The state has funded above the consultants model every school year from 2006 through 2020, with the exception of the 2018-19 school year. Since 2020, however, the state has increasingly funded below the consultants model, starting at a difference of $20.6 million in the 2020-21 school year.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle was unable to find a clear history of Seders involvement in the recalibration process outside of whats stated in court documents. Deputy Attorney General of School Finance Litigation Mark Klaassen said he could not provide comment on Seder due to the ongoing lawsuit.

A Legislative Service Office staff member confirmed to the WTE that Seder will not be contracted or utilized for this years recalibration process of the funding model.

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As a witness in the lawsuit, Seder said the states funding model creates a socialist utopia and that Wyoming does not know what kind of red state it is, according to court documents.

He, unreasonably, was unwilling to agree that there is a national teacher shortage, despite many witnesses, including several of the States witnesses, acknowledging the existence of a national teacher shortage, Froelicher wrote.

Froelicher said Seder repeatedly gave nonresponsive answers to straightforward questions during cross-examination. For example, when asked whether the salaries set in the original model were based on two named experts, he answered those analyses were done in 2001.

Froelicher concluded this demonstrated Seders strong motivation to testify in support of the States actions and inactions because he was opining on much of the advice and guidance he provided to the state for 20 years.

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Other consultants' diminished credibility

Froelicher also gave diminished weight to some of the opinions expressed by two of Wyomings top school finance consultants, Christiana Stoddard and Lori Taylor Loden, both of whom have extended contracts with the state through June 30.

Since 2010, Stoddard has generated monitoring reports and labor market studies for teachers in Wyoming. According to court documents, Stoddard generated these reports for the state in 2010, 2015, 2020, 2022 and 2023.

In 2020, Stoddard told the Legislature that teachers are leaving their careers for new positions that pay less, which suggests they are leaving teaching for reasons other than salary. She still concluded, though, Wyomings teacher pay, relative to other states, was not as strong as it had been.

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In 2022, Stoddard reported that exit rates for teachers close to retirement had risen significantly. In 2023, she found an increase in exit rates for teachers who are mid-career, which she said was a concern.

The 2023 report also found the ratio of teacher wages to comparable occupations in Wyoming has consistently eroded over the last several years and that teaching salaries have remained flat for the past several years, according to court documents.

Stoddard did not give an opinion as to whether teaching and nonteaching salaries in the funding model were sufficient to be competitive, according to court documents.

Taylor Loden was also hired by the state in 2010, 2015, 2022 and 2023 for guidance and/or to assist with recalibration. Her role included advising the state on recommended external cost adjustments (ECAs) to the funding model, according to court documents.

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Taylor Loden did agree an ECA must be applied annually and cumulatively to maintain the status quo, according to court documents.

Froelicher said Stoddards and Taylor Lodens analyses about personnel salaries were based upon actual salaries being paid by school districts and were not based on the salaries used in the funding model.

To determine whether the Funding Model is accurately and reasonably estimating the cost of personnel salaries, Dr. Stoddard and Dr. Taylor should have used the Funding Model salaries in all their comparisons, Froelicher wrote. The Funding Model salaries, not actual salaries, are used to calculate the Funding Models salary component of each school districts guarantee.

In support of this statement, Froleicher said Stoddard agreed her opinions could change if she had based her analyses on the funding model weighted salaries.

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Regarding the constitutionality of salaries, this Court must determine whether the Funding Model is accurately estimating the cost of personnel salaries, Froelicher wrote. The school financing system cannot be constitutional if the estimate of teacher costs does not reflect the actual cost of the teachers necessary to deliver the basket of goods.

Recalibration year

This year is a recalibration year of the states Funding Model. Froelicher ordered the state to modify its model in manners consistent with his order to assure the school financing system  (is) constitutional.

The Court notes, because 2025 is a recalibration year, there is an excellent window of opportunity to address these issues, Froelicher wrote in his decision.

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The state conducts a recalibration process of its funding model every five years, but the state hasnt adopted a recalibrated funding model since 2010. According to court documents, Seder has provided significant guidance on the funding and consultant models since 2005.

Consultants are charged with identifying the estimated cost to deliver Wyomings educational system and providing recommendations to add new components to the funding model. The Legislature's Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration has a majority of new members this year, including new co-chairmen.

Co-chairman Rep. Scott Heiner, R-Green River, told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle the committee will hold closed meetings this week to discuss the ruling.

So far, the Legislatures Management Council has only approved a renewed contract for Lawrence O. Picus & Associates to complete the 2025 recalibration of the funding model.

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During the 2020 recalibration, the Legislature considered pre-kindergarten, school resource officers (SROs) and nutritional programs as additional components to its funding model, but none of these were adopted.

According to court documents, consultants did not recommend adding SROs or nutritional programs. They did recommend adding a component for elementary mental health counselors, but to also reduce pupil support.

Froelicher found the state is unconstitutionally noncompliant with its school finance system by not including funding for elementary level mental health counselors, SROs, nutritional programs, and computers for every student, according to court documents.

Editor's Note: This article was updated to clarify Seder is confirmed to not be a part of the 2025 recalibration process, as stated by LSO to the WTE.
Lack of funding is playing a huge role in public transit decisions across the state. As some state funding has dried up, millions in revenue are needed to keep these agencies going.

Currently, the different transit agencies are not permitted to work together and cannot pick up riders on similar routes.

Thats inefficient. Thats what we are trying to develop: a place where these agencies can work together and craft routes that eliminate these inefficiencies, said Senator Jay Costa.

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In order to do that, all these transit agencies have to merge or work under one umbrella, similar to SEPTA in Philadelphia.

Thats why Costa is proposing creating a Southwestern Pennsylvania Transit Authority targeted at Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland Counties.

Westmoreland, a lot of stuff is going on in Beaver County right now. Washington County, you have Southpointe and things happening there. There are many opportunities for us to tie together, one single network, a whole series of economic opportunities to bring people to and from work and people want to do that, Costa said.

How it works is still being decided as he looks to his fellow state senators to get on board.

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It comes at a time when Allegheny County alone has over $100 million in revenue to make up, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit is proposing fare hikes and a 35 percent reduction in fixed routes.

We have a model to look at the SEPTA model, for example its one system but also has a participation with an appointee from each county on the board, Costa said.

We asked the six existing transit authorities in these counties about the proposal.

RELATED COVERAGE >>> PRT proposes major service cuts, fare increases due to lack of state funding

Pittsburgh Regional Transit CEO Katharine Kelleman said shes open to exploring the idea of a regional transit system to find efficiencies and reduce costs.

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RELATED COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh Regional Transit schedules public comment period about service cuts, fare increase

The Westmoreland County Transit Authority also commented on the legislation, saying in part:

At the same time, one-size-fits-all solutions pose a real risk to counties like ours. The transit needs of rural and suburban communities differ greatly from those in urban areas. Any proposed consolidation must respect those differences. Governance structures must guarantee fair representation for Westmoreland County to ensure that local voices and priorities are not lost in a larger bureaucracy.

The more connected we are in our counties in our economic redevelopment centers the better off we are as a region. it allows our region to grow, Costa said.

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Costa is already getting positive feedback from both sides of the aisle looking for a solution. He plans to formally introduce that bill to the Senate early next month.

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A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., March 9, 2020. Bryan R Smith

LPL Research said the S&P 500's long-term uptrend remains intact despite a 16% decline.

The benchmark index has been volatile lately, falling 2% yesterday before rallying 2% today.

Volatility may persist, with risks of the S&P 500 retesting its low around 4,835.

There's a lot of noise in the stock market right now.

From the trade tariffs to President Donald Trump threatening to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, investors are grappling with sky-high uncertainty that could fuel an economic downturn.

This noise has resulted in considerable volatility. After hitting a record high in January, the S&P 500 declined nearly 20% before rallying. On Monday, the index fell more than 2%, but has rebounded roughly the same amount today.

Here's a summary of key indexes as of 12:05 p.m. in New York:

During periods of significant uncertainty, technical analysis can be useful for investors, helping them cut through the noise and get a clear road map of the stock market's future direction.

"A multi-front trade war is by itself a lot for stocks to handle, so adding a Fed independence crisis on top of it has markets understandably jittery," said Jeff Buchbinder, chief equity strategist for LPL Financial, said.

So, what does the chart say?

LPL Research

1. The long-term uptrend is intact

The first big takeaway from the S&P 500 chart is that even after the S&P 500's 16% decline, the long-term uptrend "remains intact," evidenced by the index bouncing off of rising trend-line support defined by the lows of March 2020 and October 2022.

"This suggests the path of least resistance from here is likely higher, but not without near-term risks," LPL Research said.

2. The capitulation event probably happened

The intense selling in the stock market earlier this month likely marked a capitulation event, suggesting that the index's decline to around 4,835 could mark "the low" of this current sell-off.

Strengthening that case is the fact that the low occurred at two levels of support that converged: at the horizontal support line market by the S&P 500's peak in January 2022 and the rising diagonal trend line that began in March 2020.

"Several items on our checklist for a durable low were checked, including historically oversold conditions at the index and constituent level, washed-out readings across market breadth measures, peak fear likely being reached, and record-level trading volume," LPL Research said.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Ohio lawmakers are poised to repeal the remaining portions of a law that landed the states former speaker of the house in federal prison.

In 2019, House Bill 6 passed and was signed into law, but the process to get there was not clean, and it was ultimately discovered that the bill passed thanks to $60 million in bribes from FirstEnergy to former House Speaker Larry Householder. Since the scandal unfolded, the parts of the law most closely tied to the scandal have been repealed, but other portions are still in state law and costing ratepayers.

New Albany church leaders son charged with rape pleads not guilty

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I think ultimately the question is, Why should these things continue? and I think theres been a lot of debate, especially after the last four years, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said.

What do the remaining portions of HB 6 do? They subsidize two Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (OVEC) coal plants on the backs of Ohio ratepayers. One of the plants is in Ohio, the other in Indiana.

The Ohio Consumers Counsel estimates that the amount Ohioans have paid since January 2020 is more than $464 million to date. Ohio Republican leaders have been at odds since the scandal unfolded about the remaining portions of the law.

Now, Huffman said he is confident it can get done on or around April 30.

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Because now I can get the votes in both Houses to get it passed, he said.

Ohio college presidents among signatories against Trump administration overreach

If this bill does pass and is signed into law, the OVEC subsidies would stop as soon as the bill becomes effective, which is 90 days after the governors signature. Lawmakers considered a phase-out plan, but ultimately decided against it.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 6 into law. In January, when asked about repealing the OVEC subsidies, DeWine said he is OK with that.

That is not something that was part of the bill that I thought was necessary [at the time], DeWine said. I am fine if that is taken out.

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In April, when the legislature is one week away from likely sending it to his desk, DeWine had a different answer.

I have not looked at that at all, DeWine said. Ill tell you later.

Where the Pike County massacre case stands nine years later

Huffman said the repeal would help with the bigger picture of government staying out of the free market, if it does become a reality.

The bigger part of it is, going forward, the electric security plans, he said. Were not going to do that anymore. Now the free marketeers can say if thats not going to happen, we can now invest lots of dollars in Ohio.

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The repeal is part of both House Bill 15 and Senate Bill 2, two massive, bipartisan bills to reshape Ohios energy structure.

This is the most significant energy bill in the last 25 years, Huffman said. We truly are resetting the ground.

This is not Democratic energy policy, but I think that it does do some important things, Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said.

Kroger proposes new Canal Winchester grocery store, gas station

The bills are slightly different; Huffman said there are only a few tiny issues between the two.

It is important enough to us, enough that we find a swift resolution to it, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) said.

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Russo said that aside from repealing the OVEC subsidies, she thinks that while the bill could go further, it is good forward progress.

It does open the door to some renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, and for the first time in almost two decades, it actually opens up the books of utility companies and allows for real rate review, she said.

Huffman and DeWine said the crux of Ohios energy issues is that there simply isnt enough of it.

Manufacturers and other energy users came to me and said, Were going to be out of energy in (20)27 or 28, Huffman said. There was a potential data center coming to Lima, Ohio, that ended up going to Pennsylvania because [we] cant promise the energy.

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Columbus eager for new expansion of Peninsula development

Part of this challenge is caused by the fact that weve been highly successful in getting companies to come to Ohio, DeWine said. Some of these companies take a massive amount of energy, electricity, so yes, that is a big issue.

Lawmakers said by doing things like diversifying energy and reshaping storage, they hope it is a step in the right direction to help Ohio become more energy independent.

Huffman said he thinks the bill could have passed sooner, but the goal is to get it to the governors desk by April 30. McColley agreed that hed like to see it done at the end of April or start of May.

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned states Thursday that they will lose federal funding for roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects if they continue to foster diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs; impede President Trumps immigration enforcement efforts; or defy other directives from the administration.

Federal grants come with a clear obligation to adhere to federal laws, Duffy said in a statement released alongside a letter that he sent to all recipients of Department of Transportation (DOT) funding. It shouldnt be controversial  enforce our immigration rules, end anti-American DEI policies and protect free speech.

These values reflect the priorities of the American people, and I will take action to ensure compliance, he added.

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Duffy stressed in the letter that federal funding recipients, including states and local governing bodies, entered into legally enforceable agreements with the United States Government and are obligated to comply fully with all applicable Federal laws and regulations.

The Transportation chief specifically highlighted anti-discrimination laws and the Supreme Courts 2023 ruling against affirmative action as the basis for pulling funds from states with DEI programs, and he wrote that providing drivers licenses to migrants without legal status or hampering Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations also will be considered grounds for withholding funds.

DOT will award and continue to provide Federal financial assistance only to those recipients who comply with their legal obligations, Duffy wrote.

The letter comes as the Trump administration has moved to curtail state endeavors that go against the presidents agenda. Maine has faced threats of losing federal dollars unless the state bars transgender athletes from competing in girls sports. The Trump administration similarly has attempted to claw back money from schools and colleges with DEI programs, though a judge intervened Thursday to block that effort.

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Duffy encouraged states to seek guidance from his agency if they are unsure whether they are violating DOTs funding policies and underscored that proactive engagement is strongly advised to prevent inadvertent noncompliance.

DOT remains committed to advancing a transportation system that serves the public interest efficiently and unleashes economic prosperity and a superior quality of life for American families, he wrote.

This mission depends upon your strict adherence to the legal framework governing our partnership, and I trust you will take all necessary steps to comply with Federal law and satisfy your legal obligations, the secretary 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.
Handguns are displayed at the Glock Inc. booth at the 2024 Special Operations Forces Week conference in Tampa, Fla. The company has become the target of mounting lawsuits from cities and states accusing it of failing to prevent illegal modifications of its firearms. (Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)

More states are enacting bans on Glock switches, small devices about the size of a U.S. quarter that can turn semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute.

Gun conversion devices have become a rare point of bipartisan agreement on gun policy. Although firearm regulations often face pushback in Republican-led states, growing support from local law enforcement officials has helped these bans gain traction.

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Last month, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, signed into law a bill that made Alabama the 26th state to outlaw gun conversion devices, also known as auto sears. A sear is the part of the gun that holds the hammer or firing pin back until the trigger is pulled.

While there is a federal ban on these gun conversion devices, we needed a way to empower our own law enforcement here in Alabama to get these illegal and extremely dangerous Glock switches off our streets, Ivey said in a statement after signing the bill into law.

These devices, which can be 3D printed or bought online for as little as $20, have become closely associated with Glock handguns, which are often cited as some of the easiest to modify.

Georgia-based Glock Inc. doesnt manufacture, market or sell the devices, but the brand has become synonymous with them, fueled in part by frequent use of the term Glock switch in some genres of music and on social media platforms.

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The growing use of these devices in crimes  including mass shootings  has prompted lawsuits from several cities and states accusing Glock of failing to prevent illegal modifications and contributing to public safety risks.

The company did not respond to Statelines multiple requests for comment.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, signed an auto sear ban into law in February as part of a broader public safety package. New Jersey could become the 27th state to enact a ban, after its General Assembly approved the measure in late March.

Other states  including Virginia and deeply conservative Mississippi  also have recently enacted bans. In GOP-led Tennessee, lawmakers are considering a similar measure, but the bill is still in committee and is unlikely to pass before the legislature adjourns on April 25.

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Its a big deal to talk about places like Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, Indiana putting these laws on their books, Monisha Henley, the senior vice president for governmental affairs at the gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, told Stateline. There is a general consensus that we dont want a switch or device or auto sear to be able to attach to a firearm and turn into a weapon or war.

Recovered at crime scenes

The bans on auto sears are a response to a sharp nationwide increase in the number of modified firearms being recovered at crime scenes.

In 2023, law enforcement agencies recovered 4,530 machine gun conversion devices, or auto sears, at crime scenes across the country, according to the latest annual data from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, commonly known as the ATF.

The number of these devices recovered and traced by the bureau, a process that involves tracking a firearm or device back to its first point of sale or distribution, rose from 658 in 2019 to 5,816 in 2023  a 784% increase, according to a recent report. That total includes recoveries from all 50 states as well as U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

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Between 2019 and 2023, conversion devices made up nearly 13% of all privately made firearms recovered by police and traced by the bureau  11,088 out of 88,425 total.

Machine guns and conversion devices have been heavily restricted under federal law since 1934. While civilians can legally own machine guns made before 1986, those firearms must be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Newer machine guns and conversion devices are generally illegal.

There are exceptions for licensed dealers and manufacturers producing them for military or law enforcement use. Possession of an unregistered device carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, created by former President Joe Biden in 2023, quietly disappeared from the web on Jan. 21. Its website now returns a 404 error.

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Just days before President Donald Trumps inauguration, a task force within the office delivered a list of strategies aimed at cracking down on machine gun conversion devices.

Trump, who campaigned on loosening gun regulations, signed an executive order in February directing the U.S. Department of Justice to review all federal rules and guidance for potential infringements on Second Amendment rights, including those issued by the shuttered Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

In early April, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the creation of the Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force within the Justice Department. The announcement came soon after the rollback of the ATFs zero tolerance policy, which previously required the agency to revoke the licenses of firearms dealers found to have willfully committed serious violations, such as selling guns without background checks or falsifying sales records.

Under the Biden administration, the Justice Department also established a separate task force, known as the ANTI-MCD Committee, to coordinate efforts and provide guidance on reducing the spread of machine gun conversion devices. Federal restrictions on machine guns and gun conversion devices remain in effect for now, but could change under the Trump administration.

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Some gun rights groups argue state-level auto sear bans are unnecessary because the devices are already illegal under federal law.

The overwhelming majority of gun owners are law-abiding citizens and are not just going to illegally produce or purchase auto sears, Chris Stone, the director of state affairs for Gun Owners of America, told Stateline. When you make it doubly illegal, its not stopping any criminals who are purchasing auto sears on the black market.

Alabama and New Mexico

Alabamas ban on auto sears comes in the wake of a mass shooting in Birmingham last September in which the devices were used. The shooting left four people dead and 17 others injured.

The new law, which was sponsored in the Senate by Republican state Sen. Will Barfoot, makes it a felony to possess or sell any combination of parts intended to create an auto sear. Violators could face up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

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This wasnt about infringing on peoples gun rights. This was about making our community safer for everyone, Democratic state Rep. Phil Ensler, who collaborated with Barfoot on the bill, told Stateline. Ensler also pushed for an auto sear ban during the past two legislative sessions.

The legislation exempts law enforcement and individuals who register their firearms with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

This wasn't about infringing on people's gun rights. This was about making our community safer for everyone.

 emocratic Alabama state Rep. Phil Ensler

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 1,292 gun-related deaths in Alabama in 2023  the latest year for which data is available. Alabama had the fourth-highest gun death rate in the nation at 25.3 deaths per 100,000 residents. The District of Columbia, Mississippi and Louisiana had higher rates that year.

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New Mexico saw 530 gun deaths in 2023, placing it just behind Alabama with the fifth-highest gun death rate at 25.1 deaths per 100,000 residents.

Las Cruces, New Mexico, Police Chief Jeremy Story has expressed strong support for the new auto sear ban, which makes possession of a conversion device punishable by up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Story also raised concern over the rise in juvenile crime, particularly the increasing use of gun conversion devices by teenagers.

Supporters in both Alabama and New Mexico argue that making possession of the devices a state offense allows local authorities to prosecute cases without relying on the limited resources of the federal court system.

If this were not a state law  its completely unenforceable, Ben Baker, the senior public safety adviser in the New Mexico governors office, told Stateline. The federal government simply doesnt have the resources, nor do they generally prosecute juvenile offenders, said Baker, who has nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience.

Lawsuits against Glock

Several states and cities across the United States are taking legal and legislative action against Glock.

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Lawsuits filed by Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and the cities of Baltimore and Chicago argue that Glock has long known about the widespread use of illegal auto sears but has failed to redesign its firearms to prevent these modifications.

In a court filing requesting the dismissal of Chicagos lawsuit, Glock argued it should not be held responsible for illegal modifications made by third parties.

Beyond the courtroom, some states are weighing measures to prohibit the sale of firearms that can be easily modified with auto sears.

In California, such a bill has already passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee. A similar bill in New York has stalled in a Senate committee since January. Both states legislatures remain in session until September and June, respectively, leaving time for the proposals to advance further.

Maryland lawmakers also considered a similar measure this year, but the bill failed to make it out of a House committee before the legislature adjourned in early April.

Meanwhile, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, signed a bill into law in early April that added pistol converters, or auto sears, to the states definition of rapid-fire modification devices. Possession of these devices already carried strict penalties.

Stateline reporter Amanda Hernandez can be reached at ahernandez@stateline.org.

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A group is proposing to erect a statue of former Frederick Mayor Ron Young in Carroll Creek Linear Park, a park he helped create.

The proposal is for a 7-foot bronze statue of the former mayor in the Carroll Creek Park amphitheater on top of a 1.5-foot pedestal.

The proposal has been approved by the city's Historic Preservation Commission, Public Art Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission. All it lacks is approval by the City Council.

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Young was mayor from 1974 to 1990 and represented Maryland's 3rd District  made up mostly of the city of Frederick  in the Maryland state Senate from 2011 to 2023.

"Without the vision that Ron had for Carroll Creek, the city would be very different," said former Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner, a member of the 13-member Committee for the Ron Young Sculptural Tribute.

Ron Young Statue at Carroll Creek

An artist's rendition of the proposed statue of Ron Young at the Carroll Creek Linear Park

A 1976 flood damaged much of the downtown area during Young's first term as mayor, which prompted a flood mitigation project around Carroll Creek.

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Young oversaw the construction of the flood mitigation project, but he also envisioned the current park, Gardner said.

Though the project to turn the area around the creek into a park was not done during Young's term as mayor, eventually, his efforts came to fruition, she said.

Gardner in 2024 contacted sculptor Antonio Tobias "Toby" Mendez to create the statue and the committee has since commissioned him for the project.

Mendez is known for sculpting statues of Baltimore Orioles legends Earl Weaver and Jim Palmer, the statue of John Hanson in front of the Frederick County Courthouse, a statue of Thurgood Marshall in front of the Maryland State House and many others.

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Mendez said he got involved in creating the statue to help people learn about the history of Carroll Creek Park, for which Young helped provide the vision.

"So many people dont know how the Carroll Creek park started," he said. "They dont know how it basically went from being a disaster area to something that ended up being a great park."

Young was also an advocate for public arts and his efforts helped with the creation of both The Delaplaine Arts Center and the Weinberg Center for the Arts, Mendez said.

The project is not currently being funded by grants or other public money, Gardner said. Instead, it is being funded by private donations and sponsors like the Delaplaine Foundation, the Ausherman Family Foundation and more.

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Asked on Wednesday about the tribute, Young said, "I guess I'm flattered." Though he is not involved in the project, he has heard of it, he said.

Ron Young Statue at Carroll Creek

A photo of Ron Young taken during the late 1980s or early 1990s at Carroll Creek as the flood mitigation project was being constructed. Artist Antonio Tobias Toby Mendez was commissioned to create a statue of Young to go in Carroll Creek Linear Park based on the image. Committee for the Ron Young Sculptural Tribute member Jan Gardner said the photo might have been published in Frederick Magazine.

His idea for the creation of a park along Carroll Creek, along with other revitalization efforts across the city, was not just an effort on his part.

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"There were a lot of people that played a part and a lot of good aldermen that supported me," Young said.

Young said his goal as mayor of Frederick was to see it prosper, as it had when he was growing up in the city.

With the advent of shopping centers and new developments, Frederick's downtown area suffered, he said.

"That's why I ran for mayor," Young said. "I loved Frederick and wanted to see it vibrant again."

The statue

The plan is for the statue to go up in October 2026  50 years after the historic 1976 flood.

Mendez's design for the statue is based on a photo of Young from the late 1980s or early 1990s in which Young has his hands in his pockets and is standing near the in-development Carroll Creek flood mitigation project. Gardner said the photo apparently ran in Frederick Magazine.

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The image is very "humble," Mendez said.

"My hope is that [the statue] will just blend into the crowd," Mendez said.

The committee's website says the art will include "an interpretive wayside exhibit that will recount the Parks development, the downtown revitalization effort, and recognize the commitment of successive mayors who helped fulfill the vision."

City Council

The last step before the statue would be able to go up is approval from the City Council, Gardner said.

City Council President Katie Nash said she has not heard much about the project and was only informed about it recently.

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She said she needs to know more about it before she can say if she would support it.

She also said she wanted to make absolutely sure the city is using public art to honor those who have "done great things in our community."

Council Members Kelly Russell, Donna Kuzemchak and Ben MacShane did not respond to requests for comment.

Council Member Derek Shackelford said he could not comment until next week.

Gardner said efforts to put up a statue of Young in the park have been in the works for years. One of the main proponents of the statue was Elizabeth "Bettie" Delaplaine, who died in 2014, Gardner said.

Young said he has heard from many people over the years who have proposed the idea.

"I'd just hope they do it while I am alive, so I could see it," said Young, 84.
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller gave an outrageous ultimatum during a rant attacking U.S. federal judges for upholding the rule of law in the face of Donald Trumps mass deportations.

During an appearance on Fox Newss Hannity Wednesday, Miller railed against federal judges who told Trump that he couldnt suspend due process in order to deport undocumented immigrants who the government alleged are members of foreign gangs.

This is the choice facing every American: Either we all side, and get behind President Trump to remove these terrorists from our communities, or we let a rogue, radical left judiciary shut down the machinery of our national security apparatus, Miller ranted.

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Of course, the supposedly rogue judiciary is one that acts as a system of checks and balances on the executive branch, and the purported radical left lean simply refers to the courts independence from Trumps abhorrent immigration agenda. Miller likes to pretend that he doesnt understand what due process is, putting him at odds with the courts charged with upholding that, and other rights.

The Supreme Court has ordered the U.S. government to comply with a federal court order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador due to an admitted administrative error. On Wednesday, a federal judge ordered the return of another immigrant whose deportation to El Salvador violated a previous court settlement.

Earlier this week, Miller argued that birthright citizenship also presented a threat to national security, claiming that it had been used by foreign governments to conduct espionage against the United States. He provided no evidence for this claim but used it to defend Trumps executive order upending the right outlined in the Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court is expected to weigh the presidents bid to curtail birthright citizenship in May.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - An attack on tourists in India's Himalayan territory of Kashmir this week sparked a new crisis between nuclear armed South Asian neighbours India and Pakistan, with New Delhi blaming militants with "cross-border linkages" for the killings.

Here is a look at the tit-for-tat measures the two countries have announced in the aftermath of the violence.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Suspected militants opened fire in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist attraction in Kashmir's Pahalgam area, on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people and wounding several others before fleeing into the surrounding pine forests.

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WHY DOES INDIA SAY PAKISTAN IS INVOLVED?

The two countries both claim Kashmir in full, but rule it in part. India has long accused Pakistan of helping Islamist separatists who have battled security forces in its part of the territory - accusations Islamabad denies.

Indian officials say Tuesday's attack had "cross-border linkages". Kashmiri police, in notices identifying three people "involved" in the violence, said two of them were Pakistani nationals. India has not elaborated on the links or shared proof.

HOW HAS PAKISTAN RESPONDED?

Pakistan said India's accusations were made without any "credible investigation" or "verifiable evidence", saying they are "frivolous" and "devoid of rationality".

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It has also called on India to refrain from a "reflexive blame game" and to take responsibility for its "failure to provide security" to people.

WHAT MEASURES HAVE THE COUNTRIES TAKEN?

* Both countries have closed the only open land border they share, and suspended special South Asian visas that enabled people to travel between them.

* They have declared each other's defence advisors in missions in New Delhi and Islamabad persona non grata, and reduced the strength of their embassies.

* India has suspended a critical treaty that regulated the sharing of water from the Indus River and its tributaries. Pakistan has warned that any attempt to stop or divert the water will be considered an act of war and met with "full force".

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* Pakistan has paused all bilateral agreements and suspended all trade with India, including to and from any third country.

* Pakistan has closed its airspace to all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines.

(Compiled by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh and Sharon Singleton)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the opening of the Delta Air Lines storefront at the Paychex Junior Achievement Discovery Center on Wednesday.

The Paychex Junior Achievement Discovery Center is an educational experience for students to build financial literacy, work readiness, and career awareness skills.

Through the Delta Air Lines and 19 additional storefronts, students participate in lessons that allow them to become active citizens of a simulated city and utilize what they have learned in real-world scenarios.

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SOTA teacher in Americas favorite teacher semis

According to program organizers, Junior Achievement expects to serve 6,200 students for the 2024-2025 school year. Last year, they reported more than 4,800 students, including all seventh graders in the Rochester City School District.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A Tragedy Foretold: Flight 3054is a three-part docuseries, directed by Angelo Defanti, that examines the deadliest air disaster in Latin American history and its aftermath 18 years later. On a rainy night in July 2007, TAM Airlines flight 3054 skidded down the runway as it tried to land at Congonhas Airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It ended up crashing into a building owned by TAM Airlines, and exploded. A total of 199 people were killed: all 187 passengers and crew on the plane, and 12 people on the ground.

A TRAGEDY FORETOLD: FLIGHT 3054: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: A shot of a plane flying through rain clouds.

The Gist: In the docuseries, director Angelo Defanti talks to survivors of the accident, namely people who worked in the building the plane crashed into, as well as families of people who died in the crash. There are also CGI reenactments that depict how authorities believe the accident proceeded, including just how the plane briefly went airborne again before crashing into the building.

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But much of the docuseries focuses on how an accident at Congohas Airport was almost bound to happen. Congohas is situated in Sao Paulos city center, surrounded by city blocks with businesses and residences, and has a short runway with little room for pilots to course correct. While there is a newer international airport on the citys outskirts that was supposed to lighten the load on Congohas, the outmoded city airport was busier than ever by 2007, due to its central location. This caused overcrowded terminals, loaded planes and short tempers on the part of passengers and staff. The countrys air infrastructure in general was strained at the time, suffering from delays and accidents.

The victims families are angry about the accident to this day, and blame Brazilian transportation authorities and the airline for letting the situation at Conhogas continue to get worse over time. In the third episode, Denise Abreu, chairman of Brazils National Civil Aviation Agency (the Brazilian equivalent of the NTSB) at the time, is interviewed; she faced federal charges in the aftermath of the accident.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? A Tragedy Foretold: Flight3054 reminds us of another Netflix docuseries about an air disaster: MH370: The Plane That Disappeared.

Our Take: Given that were not at all familiar with the TAM flight 3054 crash, despite its horrific circumstances, A Tragedy Foretold: Flight 3054 was certainly informative, giving us more than enough context about the accident without getting into the weeds about everything that preceded it.

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In so many docuseries about mass casualty events, things plod along because the producers and director want us to get all the context surrounding the time period first, then move on to the stories of some of the victims. In this series, though, the crash is at the outset of the first episode, with the filmmakers goal to backfill information about the airports shortcomings, the aviation crisis in Brazil at the time, and other contextual information as the investigation is examined.

The tone of the storytelling from the first minute  even the title of the series  tells viewers that the idea of this accidents inevitability is going to be the major thrust of the show. Just the overview shots of Congohas, surrounded by city blocks, shows just how tenuous the situation was there  if youve ever flown in or out of Reagan National in DC, you know how tenuous that is. But it seemed like there was a perfect storm of events, no pun intended given the weather conditions the night of the crash, that made conditions ripe for an accident like this. Given the context about Brazils aviation crisis thats filled in as the investigation unfolds  and the really awful way that the airline handled things in the aftermath  its no wonder why the victims families are still so angry 18 years later.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

Sex and Skin: None.

Parting Shot: Clips of the second episode, where victims families accuse TAM of disregarding passenger safety.



Sleeper Star: The account of how Paulo Zani, who was working in the TAM Express building when the plane crashed into it, and a coworker escaped with their lives was harrowing to listen to.



Most Pilot-y Line: While were not huge fans of reenactments, we were impressed with the reenactments of the crash, likely done via detailed CGI.

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Our Call: STREAM IT. A Tragedy Foretold: Flight 3054 is an impressive recounting of the deadliest airline crash in Latin American history, with the context of missteps that led to the crash doled out in a way that mirrors the crashs investigation.

Joel Keller (@joelkeller) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesnt kid himself: hes a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com, VanityFair.com, Fast Company and elsewhere.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  The attorney representing Horry Countys second top police official at the time of a deadly road rage incident in 2023, spoke exclusively to News13.

Phone call recordings News13 recently obtained reveal conversations between the shooter, Weldon Boyd and his friend, Brandon Strickland, the countys former deputy police chief minutes after it happened.

News13 Investigates: Documents offer look into how Horry County authorities handled Scott Spivey case

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Strickland served in the Horry County police force for many years, up until his resignation last month.

He learned SLED and the FBI were looking into him for allegations of misconduct something his attorney believes stems from the phone call recordings.

Strickland: I didnt come there last night. I did that for you because I didnt want anybody to be able to come back and say like that other guys family or something say, Oh, hes friends with the deputy chief and he was out there directing the investigation.

An investigation his lawyer says he has nothing to do with.

Because we know what the ultimate conclusion is, attorney Bert Von Herrmann said. He didnt do anything wrong.

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Police reports state on Sept. 9, 2023, 33-year-old Scott Spivey attempted to run restaurant owner Weldon Boyd and his passenger off Highway 9 in Loris, and brake checked the two several times.

That led to a shoot-out once they turned onto Camp Swamp Road, Boyd following behind.

After Boyd shot Spivey dead, he called his friend Brandon Strickland.

Whats up, man? Brandon Strickland picking up the phone asked.

Brandon, where you at? Weldon Boyd asked.

Im at my house, Strickland said.

Can you come up Camp Swamp Road off of 9? Like, as fast as possible?

Yeah, whats wrong?

I had to shoot somebody.

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I got the right people, I got the people coming that need to come, Strickland later said.

Spiveys death was later deemed a self-defense case.

The South Carolina Attorney Generals office declined to prosecute Boyd because of insufficient evidence, but Spiveys family says the recordings they obtained through a civil suit against Boyd paint a different picture.

How in the world do these recordings exist, Spiveys sister Jennifer Foley asked. And the people that are supposed to protect and serve the community dont even act like theyre there.

Attorney Bert Von Herrmann says while Stricklands choice of words were poor, Strickland did tell Boyd he couldnt get involved.

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Strickland: I would talk to your attorney on that, make your decision based that way you know what I mean?

Boyd: Ok. Should I not have called you?

Strickland: Yeah. Dont put me in that position to answer that question.

Theres overwhelming evidence that he had nothing to do, with anything to do with this investigation, Von Herrmann said He recused himself the night of that investigation, did not go to the crime scene as he normally would have, did not have contact other than what he ordinarily would have to do to get the ball running.

Von Herrmann says any information related to the case went to former chief Joe Hill.

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He says as for the SLED investigation, neither he nor Strickland have heard from SLED or been interviewed.

In fact, Von Herrmann says Strickland wasnt aware the recordings existed until the day he was intimidated into resigning.

But there was certainly intimidation that took place where things were said that it was obvious that there was going to be a separation that day, Von Herrmann said.

Von Herrmann says hes concerned after letters were recently sent to SLED and Gov. Henry McMaster from top county officials hoping to learn who the lead agency is on his clients case.

He went as far as to have Strickland undergo a polygraph test, though not admissible in court.

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He was asked questions related to tampering or influencing the investigation. Results provided to News13 say he passed.

Von Herrmann says hes not aware of any communication now between Strickland and Boyd but says his client is disappointed he recorded those calls, supposed to be in confidence.

Strickland: And this is all me and you talking. This isnt county police talking to you, ok?

Boyd: Ok.

Von Herrmann says he and Strickland are and will cooperate with the investigation.

Everybody wants this investigation for Mr. Spivey, and theyve already decided the facts of it, he said. Why dont they want that same thing for the investigation of Brandon Strickland to figure out if he did anything wrong?

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The governors office says its aware of the investigation into Strickland and once concluded, Gov. McMaster will determine whether or not to re-open Spiveys case.

So far no agency has reopened it.

* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
The BBC should be led by a strong woman, Kirsty Wark has said.

Calling for a more adventurous choice as the next director-general (DG), she said some brilliant women had been overlooked in the past and should be in the running to be Tim Davies successor.

I want to see a female DG very soon. Im not saying, Tim, go now, but I think its time for a woman, said Wark, who stepped down from Newsnight last summer after 30 years.

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She is this years recipient of the Bafta Fellowship, the British Academys highest honour.

Asked why a woman had never been appointed to the top BBC role, Wark said: Its definitely not because there hasnt been anyone good enough. I can think of three women who would be brilliant.

Kirsty Wark stepped down from presenting Newsnight last summer after 30 years - Jeff Overs/BBC

She continued: Weve got brilliant women running departments and running programmes but I think we just need to be a bit more adventurous.

The BBC has so many other ways its on the front foot  technology, iPlayer, BBC audio and other things  and I would really love to see a woman take hold of that.

Wark, 70, who continues to work for the BBC as a presenter of Radio 4s Front Row and The Reunion, said that the corporation needed a charismatic leader who did more than appear in public at times of crisis. She cited Greg Dyke, the director-general from 2000 to 2004, who became a household name.

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I want the DG to be a really strong public figure, someone really out there. We often only hear from the DG when theyre firefighting. What we want to hear is the way theyre going to deliver the best for you.

For example, every DG is different but if you look at somebody who was really out there, Id say Greg Dyke. [The public] knew Greg Dyke and that was terrific.

I love the idea of walking the floor and being collegiate. Tim does that as much as possible but I do actually think we want somebody who is very open to conversations with staff all the time.

Tim has done a really good job but I just feel: why not a woman?

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Davie is expected to remain in post to negotiate the next BBC charter, which begins in January 2028. He has been the broadcasters director-general since 2020.

Wark will be presented with the Fellowship at the Bafta Television Awards on May 11, honouring her outstanding contribution to television.

She said: This is a wonderful surprise and a great honour. Television has been my home for 40 years, both at the BBC and in independent production, and I continue to learn every day from people with awe-inspiring skills who have become treasured colleagues and dear friends.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The U.S. is going to need a lot more electricity in the coming years. Demand drivers such as artificial inteligence (AI) data centers, the onshoring of manufacturing, and the electrification of everything will power a 55% surge in electricity demand by 2040, according to some estimates. Given the continued concerns surrounding climate change, this power will need to come from cleaner sources, including renewables, natural gas, and nuclear.

This forecast makes energy companies focused on supporting growing electricity demand look like no-brainer investments right now. Three leaders in the sector are Brookfield Renewable (NYSE: BEPC)(NYSE: BEP), Enbridge (NYSE: ENB), and NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE). Given their exposure to the power megatrend, they could produce strong total returns in the coming years.

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 

Powerful total return potential

Brookfield Renewable is a leading global renewable energy and sustainable solutions company. It has a diversified portfolio of renewable assets, consisting of hydro, wind, and solar, and investments in nuclear services, solar panel manufacturing, and biofuel production. Those assets produce very stable cash flow, giving Brookfield the funds to pay an attractive 5.5% dividend while investing heavily in growing its platforms.

The company expects its existing assets to grow its funds from operations (FFO) at a 4% to 7% annual rate through at least the end of the decade, powered by inflation escalation in its long-term contracts and initiatives to boost its margins. Meanwhile, Brookfield has a vast pipeline of renewable energy and sustainable solutions projects under construction and in development. This project backlog should add another 4% to 6% to its FFO per share each year. Add in accretive acquisitions, and Brookfield believes its annual FFO per share growth rate will be above 10% for the foreseeable future.

That earnings growth should give it the power to increase its already high-yielding dividend by 5% to 9% annually. This combination of growth and income positions Brookfield to produce total annual returns in the mid-teens in the coming years.

Visible growth through the end of the decade

Enbridge is a leading North American energy infrastructure company. It operates liquids pipelines, natural gas transmission assets, and natural gas distribution and storage businesses, and it has a renewable power platform. The company has been increasingly investing in cleaner energy infrastructure, including natural gas and renewables.
New research reveals that dolphins can mimic human vowel sounds, indicating their potential for interspecies communication

The study highlights a dolphin named Zeus and the marine mammal's intentional communication with humans

Google's AI model, DolphinGemma, is advancing human-dolphin communication, helping researchers identify mimicked sounds and better respond to dolphins' requests

Could humans have entire conversations with dolphins in the future? A new study found that the marine mammals already know part of the human language.

In a press announcement published on Tuesday, April 23, J & J Publishing, a dolphin-focused education and science publisher, released a research paper titled "Novel Dolphin Vocalization." It reveals the "intricate cognitive capabilities of dolphins and their sophisticated understanding of mimicry as a tool for interspecies communication."

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The study notes that dolphins have developed the ability to produce specific sounds, measured by complexity, frequency, amplitude, and duration, that mimic vocalizations resembling the human vowel sounds, "A, E, O, and U."

Related: Once-Extinct Bird Is Now Laying Eggs in the Wild for the First Time in Nearly 40 Years

Unlike humans, who auditorily communicate with their mouths and vocal cords, dolphins' vocalizations come from their blowholes and air sacs. The sounds emitted can create a range of octaves, some even too complex for the human ear.

Researchers from SpeakDolphin focused on a dolphin named Zeus for the study after noticing the animal's spontaneous vocalizations.

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"I missed it at first," confessed lead researcher Jack Kassewitz. "Because they live in aquatic environments, dolphins' brains have adapted to process sound much faster than humans. As researchers, it's often challenging to recognize dolphins' very fast-paced acoustic patterns while recording on location."

However, once the researcher caught on, he realized the vowel sounds were distinct from Zeus' normal dolphin vocalization. "I am convinced that some dolphins, Zeus in particular, are as determined to communicate with us as we are with them," said Kassewitz. "We have heard anecdotal reports over the decades of similar dolphin mimicry. Finally, we can analyze these specialized vocalizations with our advanced software."

Related: 'Extremely Rare' Hybrid 'Rockaroni' Penguins Caught on Camera Evolving 'Before Our Eyes' (Exclusive)

Getty A pod of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) A pod of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis)

Kassewitz explained the difference between the sounds dolphins make connecting with each other versus the sounds made towards humans above water. "When dolphins vocalize above the water surface, it is almost certainly to get the attention of nearby humans," he noted. "Zeus' vowel vocalizations  made with his head above water and directed at our research team  demonstrated how intentional his efforts were."

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The study comes only weeks after Google announced its progress in human-dolphin communication using AI.

On April 14, in celebration of National Dolphin Day, Google  in collaboration with researchers at Georgia Tech (led by Google DeepMind Research Scientist and Georgia Tech professor Dr. Thad Starner) and field researchers led by the Research Director and founder of the Wild Dolphin Project (WDP) Dr. Denise Herzing  revealed the developments made to their foundational AI model, DolphinGemma.

The AI model uses the SoundStream tokenizer, a Google audio technology, to recreate dolphin sounds to identify recurring sound patterns, clusters, and reliable sequences.

Related: New Details Emerge About the Seizure and Death of Pet Influencer Peanut the Squirrel

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From decades of underwater observations, WDP has analyzed specific sounds with behavioral correlations for dolphins. For example, signature whistles (or names) are used to call the calves back to them; burst-pulse squawks are used during fights; and clicking buzzes are heard during courting and shark chases.

WDP has furthered its communication exploration by creating the Cetacean Hearing Augmentation Telemetry (or CHAT) system, alongside Georgia Institute of Technology, to establish a more stable, more straightforward shared vocabulary with the marine mammals.

Researchers use the CHAT system to create synthetic dolphin sounds and then associate those sounds with objects that the dolphins theyre studying enjoy, including sargassum, seagrass, or scarves. From there, the CHAT system listens for the dolphins to mimic the sounds it creates, identifies which whistle was mimicked, and informs the researcher which object the dolphin is referring to. This allows the researcher to provide the requested item quickly, building the vocabulary and connection between the two.

With DolphinGemma, CHAT can anticipate and identify mimicked sounds faster. This increases the speed at which researchers can respond to the dolphins requests, allowing for a more fluid communication sequence.

Read the original article on People
HINTON, WV (WVNS)  Fifteen students signed with four different branches of the United States Armed Forces at Summers County High School.

Summers County LEPC making changes to emergency plans

The United States Army, United States Army National Guard, United States Marine Corps, and the United States Navy all received new members from Summers County Comprehensive High School.

Fifteen students made the choice to serve their country after graduation  though some have already completed their basic training.

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Senior Elijah Ward has signed on to join the Navy as a Machinists Mate Nuclear. After his training, he will be working on nuclear reactors and steam-powered propulsion plants.

Ward said this job made perfect sense for him as he has always liked working with his hands.

So, whenever they offered me to be a nuc and work on something so important, I thought, man, this is really great for me and I feel like this would suit me so well, said Ward.

Ward leaves for his basic training in June and after completing it will head to Charleston, South Carolina for his specialized training  which could take several years.

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Kimberly Cox, the 9th to 12th grade counselor and organizer of the event, said she is so proud.

I feel very proud. Mostly proud of our students and just thankful for the staff that helped put this event together. Theyre making a very admirable choice, were really, really proud of them, so we just want to take a day dedicated to honoring them and showing them how much we appreciate their choice, and how proud we are of them, and the decision they are making to join the Armed Forces, said Cox.

Bellepoint sewer project nearing its end

Cox was also honored with the Navy Talent Acquisition Group Ohio River Valley Influencer of the Year 2024 award for her part in bringing the students and recruiters together.

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United States Army: Michael Carr, Christopher Thompson, Alexis-Wade Adkins

United States Army National Guard: Christian Dillon, Dylan Galloway, Mackenzie Meadows, Evan McGuire, Lacey Reed, Jacob Smith, John Williams

United States Marine Corps: Grady Allen, Haley Ratliff

United States Navy: Ayden Gardner, Cheyenne Smith, Elijah Ward

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
As businesses and organisations grapple with the implications of last weeks Supreme Court ruling on sex meaning biological sex, one particular issue appears  once again  to be at the forefront of the gender debate: lavatories.

Which facilities should men who identify as women now use? What about trans men (women who identify as men)? Or even those who identify as non-binary?

Coincidentally, on Wednesday, a judge in Scotland ordered that Scottish schools should provide single-sex toilets, in response to a claim brought against Scottish Borders Council (SBC). The local authority had installed gender-neutral toilets at a primary school, to the chagrin of parents who believed that boys and girls should have access to separate loos.

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But campaigners fear that last weeks Supreme Court ruling, which led to the Government saying that trans women should use toilets according to their biological sex, will simply lead to a renewed push for gender-neutral or unisex lavatories, which have also proved highly divisive. Those facilities sometimes involve women sharing with men using urinals, or rows of cubicles used by both sexes.

What trans person will now use a public lavatory without fear of abuse, or worse? said Sir Stephen Wall, a former senior civil servant and LGBT activist. If the Government is serious about human rights, it should mandate the provision of gender-neutral facilities wherever separate provision is at present made for men and women.

Baroness Falkner of Margravine, who chairs the UKs Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has said that the ruling brought clarity and that facilities must be based on biological sex. But she suggested that many organisations may need to provide a third space for trans customers or employees.

Nightclubs in the late 1990s were the first to experiment with gender-neutral toilets - Charday Penn

There isnt any law saying 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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Only last year, the Conservative governments changes to building regulations meant that new restaurants, shopping centres, offices and public toilets would have to feature separate single-sex lavatories for women and men. The new legislation followed government consultation which found that 81 per cent of people agreed with the intention for separate single-sex toilet facilities.

Now it appears that last weeks Supreme Court judgment might lead to the return of gender neutral loos  if only as an additional, third space, and quite possibly at considerable expense to the companies responsible for each building. Last week, it emerged that one council had spent 13,400 making one public lavatory block gender neutral, in 2021.

Public lavatories have been available in Britain since around the mid-19th century but initially only for men. Victorian women had to campaign to be unshackled from the urinary leash which meant they could only go so far before needing to return home to relieve themselves.

Female-only toilets started to emerge in the first half of the 20th century, with Selfridges being the first department store to offer public toilets for women when it opened in 1909.

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But unisex toilets are a relatively recent invention, with nightclubs in the late 1990s being the first to experiment.

By the early 2000s, schools were beginning to introduce these unisex bathrooms. One of the first was Bramhall High School in Stockport, near Manchester, in 2000.

John Peckham, the head teacher at the time, suggested that the unisex cubicles opening into a shared washbasin area would prevent bullying, vandalism and smoking. But even then, parents expressed concerns that their child might be embarrassed using them or it would encourage sexual liaisons between the pupils.

The Department of Education (DfE) was also not in favour, stating that the time is not right for the introduction of unisex toilets in our schools. Yet just seven years later, it issued new guidance encouraging all new schools in England to fit unisex toilets.

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In January 2009, University of Staffordshire started trialling gender-neutral toilets in its nightclub. We do have transgender students here, but the new facilities are not just for them  they are for the androgynous students as well, said Fee Wood, the student union president at the time.

Over the next decade, more unisex toilets would be fitted into academic institutions such as Lancaster, Leeds and Sheffield Universities.

But protests continued. In 2014, parents complained after Harbour Primary and Nursery School in Newhaven, East Sussex introduced unisex lavatories at the start of the school year.

Three years later, the headmaster of the 26,000-a-year Highgate School in North London, which had installed the toilets, issued an apology to parents saying: Im aware this change has left a number of pupils, particularly Years 7 and 8 feeling less comfortable and happy at school.

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Tracy Shaw, of Safe Schools Alliance UK, which campaigns to uphold safeguarding in schools says that unisex toilets in schools create safeguarding risks.

Organisations are saying they need time to reflect on the Supreme Court ruling and review their policies but in the case of schools they should not need to, she says. Regardless of what it said in the Equality Act, schools should have been reviewing all guidance from a safeguarding point of view and resisting changes that put children at risk.

Girlss toilets are for girls. Gender neutral toilets that have no gap under the door are not as safe as toilets that do not have to be completely closed off to prevent voyeurism, because the lack of a gap means that collapse, self-harm or assault goes undetected. This is a safeguarding issue.

Maya Forstater, chief executive of the Sex Matters campaign group, says, It is absolutely fine to have single-user unisex options alongside dedicated male and female toilets - Iain Masterton/Alamy Stock Photo

The gender-neutral trend was not confined to academia. It also swept through Whitehall with the Home Office changing its ten single-sex toilets in 2018 to unisex at a cost of 40,000. Some female members of staff were so unhappy they began walking to the Ministry of Communities, Housing and Local Government to use the female toilets there.

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Reportedly, a note was pinned to one of the Home Offices new toilets which read: Polite notice: Could men using these toilets please use them with the door shut. Women are finding the use of these toilets quite distressing.

Venues such as the Barbican Centre and The Old Vic also followed suit. While some welcomed the change, again there was backlash.

In January 2022, a YouGov poll echoed the feelings of those who had publicly opposed the changes. It showed that 87 per cent of people wanted separate toilets for men and women with 35 per cent also supporting the idea of a unisex toilet. Only seven per cent of people wanted a unisex toilet option exclusively.

Heather Binning, director of the Womens Rights Network, says the campaign group supports the idea of unisex facilities  but not at the expense of women and girls.

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We have fought long and hard over recent years for the rights for women and girls and a specific battle has been the right to have female-only toilets, she says. We are the sex that copes with menstruation and pregnancy, and various problems associated with both.

Big Brothers India Willoughby, who was born male and underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2015, said she will continue to use toilets of preferred gender identity - Dave Benett

We use the facilities for longer and are often faced with long queues. However, just as important is the right to have our privacy and dignity respected at all times and particularly when we are in a state of partial undress.

Single sex facilities are mandatory in workplaces and schools, and whilst we support the addition of unisex toilets, these must not replace a single-sex space as they do not provide for the specific needs of women.

Yet until organisations are able to provide this third space, critics of the new ruling fear that trans people will be negatively impacted.

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Meanwhile some trans individuals on social media  including Big Brothers India Willoughby  say they will still continue to use the toilets of their preferred gender identity.

Maya Forstater, the chief executive of the Sex Matters campaign group, says that anyone using toilets designated for the opposite sex  apart from accompanied young children  is breaking rules that exist for everyones safety, dignity and privacy.

While its absolutely fine to have single-user unisex options alongside dedicated male and female toilets, she adds: Employers and service providers should not respond to the Supreme Court by replacing womens and mens toilets with gender-neutral facilities. This would result in worse facilities for everyone, and in many circumstances would constitute unlawful discrimination against women.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  After years of construction, the city of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday morning.

It is the citys first police-designated building in its history, which replaced the 102-year-old building that previously housed the department.

Elgin breaks ground on new police station to replace 102-year-old building

The building was under construction for a little more than two years. Elgins Chief of Police, Chris Noble, said the building upgrade was long overdue.

The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb) The City of Elgin cut the ribbon on its new police station downtown Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (KXAN Photo: Tim Holcomb)

The technology that is built into the facility far surpasses anything weve had in the past. And with regard to evidence storage, investigations, interviews, video and just about anything that we need, we have now, Noble told KXAN.

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The new building takes up 11,000 square feet in the heart of downtown Elgin.

The city is right on the outskirts of Austin and serves as a popular stopping destination for people traveling between the states capital and Houston. It is now becoming a place to find affordable housing as more people moving into Central Texas look for a place to live.

City officials said they expect the population of 12,000 people to grow by about 6,000 more people in the next few years.

In the last five years, the population has grown from a little more than 10,000 to more than 12,000.

Additionally, Elgin is a Texas Film Friendly Community. This allows the city to have movies, commercial photo shoots, music videos, commercials and more, according to the city website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Tony Hsieh left behind hundreds of millions of dollars after his accidental death caused by a house fire in 2020. But after years of his family, friends, and colleagues battling over his fortune in court, it looks like an original will, signed by Hsieh and five witnesses in 2015, has been discovered.

Tony Hsieh, cofounder and CEO of the shoe and clothing retailer Zappos, died in a house fire in New London, Conn., in 2020. While he struggled with substance abuse, medical examiners ruled his death an accident. Hsieh was just 46 years old.

Since then, Hsiehs inner circle has spent years fighting in court over his estate, which was worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Most of his fortune came from Hsiehs 2009 sale of Zappos to Amazon for $1.2 billion, and Hsieh had apparently left sticky notes all over his Park City, Utah, home, promising millions to friends and former colleagues.

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But in a surprise twist, it seems as though an original willsigned by Hsieh and five witnesses, dated March 13, 2015has been discovered.

According to a filing from the Clark Country District Court in Nevada, the document was found in February in the personal belongings of a man who suffered from Alzheimers disease, named Pir Muhammad. Its not clear how Muhammad and Hsieh knew each other, but the court filing says Muhammad (who did not know Hsieh had died) was given exclusive possession of the original will to prevent any tampering. Muhammad was also one of the five witnesses who signed the will; another witness, named Ishrat Daud, told the Wall Street Journal he indeed acted as a witness a number of years ago but had nothing more to say on the matter.

The recent court filing also mentioned a video recording was made, but its unclear if the video was also found, and whats even featured on the video. The next scheduled hearing for this case, on May 22, may shed more light on the matter.

As for the will itself, Hsieh left $3 million to Harvard University, his alma mater; $500,000 each to Unicef and the American Red Cross; $250,000 each to the Buffett Foundation, Americares Foundation, and the Gates Foundation; $1 million to his trustee, Muzammal Hussain, and STRYV365, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young people navigate and deal with trauma; and $500,000 each to his mother, Judy, father Richard, and brothers Andrew and David.

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The will also reportedly includes a no-contest clause that says if any of his four remaining family members fight Hsiehs wishes, none of them will receive any of his gifts.

I have structured my way of surprising and leaving essentially all my beneficiaries to experience the WOW factor in their life, the purported will says. I want my beneficiaries to live in the wow.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Apr. 23Eighty years ago, Allied troops moved across Europe and closed in on Germany, encountering thousands of concentration camp prisoners, many clinging to life because of the horrific treatment and conditions they endured.

Thirty years ago, Temple Beth Shalom on Spokane's South Hill started the Spokane Community Observance of the Holocaust to honor the 6 million Jews killed during the Holocaust, those who survived and others who assisted Jews during the war.

The annual tradition continued Wednesday night at the Jewish synagogue as a few hundred attendees remembered the murder of millions of innocent Jewish families and children during World War II.

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"That number, 6 million, is almost impossible to think about for most of us," said Mary Noble, of the Yom Hashoah planning committee. "The 3 million Jews in Europe who survived had endured an unimaginable time."

Noble said two out of three Jews in Europe had been killed by the end of the war, reducing the world Jewish population by one-third.

Some Jews fought or worked with resistance groups during the war while others hid in forests, churches, sewers and in the countryside with non-Jewish families.

"It took time, but the survivors gradually moved forward and created new lives," Noble said.

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The theme of this year's observance was "Survival and Life After the Holocaust," which was evident with artwork displayed in the church created by local middle and high school students.

More than 100 students from the Spokane area participated in the Jessica Stein Memorial Art Contest. The students highlighted survivors who went on to live productive lives after the Holocaust. Winners of the contest were announced during Wednesday's observance.

Noble said many survivors were not welcomed to their former homes and made new ones all over the world. Still, some stayed in Europe.

"Most had families and considered this their ultimate revenge, the continuation of the Jewish people," Noble said.

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Noble announced six individuals or groups who approached the stage and lit a candle of a Menorah during the candle-lighting ceremony.

Carla Peperzak, a Spokane resident and Holocaust survivor, lit the first candle. She was joined by Kristine Hoover and Clement Lye for the lighting.

Hoover and Lye are Gonzaga University employees who made the documentary "Carla the Rescuer" about Peperzak's journey as a Jewish member of the Dutch Resistance and her determination to educate and speak out against injustice.

The first candle honored the 6 million Jews who perished and the Jews who survived.

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The second lit candle honored the memory of "destroyed communities" as thousands of Jewish communities were wiped out, Noble said.

The third candle represented the 1.5 million Jewish children targeted and killed by Nazis in an effort to completely eliminate Jews.

The fourth candle honored the liberators of the concentration camps. Four daughters of four local servicemen, who have since passed and were previously honored at the inaugural observance, lit the candle. The four veterans liberated camps, Noble said.

The fifth candle recognized the "righteous among the nations," or those who fought for and protected Jews during the war and today.

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"Today, during a time of antisemitism that has been unprecedented since the time of World War II, Jews still rely on and appreciate the support of our non-Jewish friends around the world," Noble said.

Pastor Janet Ahrend of Plymouth Congregational Church in Spokane lit that candle for her and her congregation's decadeslong support of Israel and Jewish people, according to Noble.

"They've been steadfast despite attempts to instill fear and intimidation through repeated vandalizing of their property because of that support," Noble said. "It takes courage and commitment to stand up and speak up, and they are indeed among the righteous gentiles."

Aubrey Marquis, a high school senior who was studying in Israel during the fall of 2023 when the "horrific events" of Oct. 7 happened, lit the sixth candle to honor the "state of Israel," Noble said.

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The Gaza war interrupted Marquis' program, as well as the lives of everyone else in Israel.

"We pray for the release of the remaining hostages and for the establishment of a permanent and lasting peace in Israel and the surrounding region," Noble said.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have identified the man killed in a shooting last weekend and announced the arrest of a suspect in Virginia.

The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Jose Alexander Lara Hernandez. He was found with a fatal gunshot wound on Saturday, April 19, in the 5300 block of South Tryon Street. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Following an investigation, CMPD detectives named 22-year-old Danny Cardoza-Lara as a suspect. On April 21, CMPDs Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, working alongside the Alexandria Police Department, located and arrested Cardoza-Lara in Alexandria, Virginia.

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Detectives traveled to Virginia to interview Cardoza-Lara. Hes expected to be brought back to Charlotte, where he faces charges of murder and robbery with a deadly weapon.

The investigation remains open and active.

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Charlotte

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JONES COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A suspect has been arrested in connection to a teens death in Hamby.

Stephen Adam Angley, 37, was arrested for Manslaughter Thursday for the death of Alexander Lara, 17, according to the Jones County Sheriffs Office.

The exact circumstances surrounding Angleys arrest have not been disclosed, but it comes during an investigation that began after Lara was shot and killed at a property on CR 306 in Hamby last week.

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Lara was pronounced dead at the hospital and the Sheriffs Office stated the shooter, who was not identified as Angley until his arrest, was cooperating with the investigation.

The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division is providing assistance with this case.

No further information is available at this time.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The suspect who was arrested in Northeast Portland after a shooting Wednesday night was not involved in the shooting, after all, Portland police told KOIN 6 News in an update Thursday.

Someone was non-fatally injured early Wednesday evening following the shooting near the Hazelwood Neighborhood, after which the Portland Police Bureau advised residents within a few square blocks of the crime scene to remain indoors. The lockdown was lifted after a suspect was arrested.

Washington urges measles vaccines amid outbreaks

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Sgt. Kevin Allen, a spokesperson with the PPB, is now clarifying that the suspect who was arrested is not thought to be involved in the shooting but was instead taken into custody on other outstanding charges. Allen said:

An update: the Enhanced Community Safety Team (ECST) responded to the scene and is investigating this shooting. The investigation revealed that the person arrested (who was located hiding under a deck) was not believed to be involved in the shooting. However, he was booked on an outstanding arrest warrant and other charges related to eluding the police.

The area that went under lockdown and where police found the suspect  later revealed not to be involved in the shooting  was between Northeast Burnside Street and Northeast Glisan Street and between Northeast 122nd Avenue and Northeast 127th Avenue.

Police are still searching for the alleged shooter.

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Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Portland police or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

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The arrival of the first AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) card invitation is almost a rite of passage in American society. While it may signal you have become a person of a certain age, you can actually join the association as young as 18, though some benefits dont kick in until youre older.

Check Out: Avoid This Retirement Savings Mistake Thats Costing Americans Up To $300K

Read Next: 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines

For retirees, who are often living on a reduced income, the benefits of an AARP membership can be significant.

Here are just a few of the ways you can use this membership to save thousands over time.

Regular Users Benefit Most

According to Melanie Musson, a finance expert with Clearsurance.com, The most valuable benefits are for essentials that retirees have to spend money on every month.

For example, if you still need to carry car insurance, AARP can help you pay lower rates and get discounts on car insurance. The average person can save around $577 per year on car insurance alone.

The savings on insurance, phone service and groceries exceed the cost of membership, Musson said.

Find Out: 7 Things Youll Be Happy You Downgraded in Retirement

Health and Life Insurance

AARP offers a variety of insurance types, from supplemental vision and dental insurance to supplemental Medicare health insurance plans offered through United HealthCare. Taking advantage of these insurance supplements can make sure you dont find yourself with pricey out-of-pocket expenses or long-term care when you really need it.

Shopping Coupons and Discounts

Members also gain access to a variety of discounts and coupons on products, brands and services. For example, the website currently features a 20% off coupon for two pairs of Dr. Scholls brand shoes and 15% off Goodyear brand tires. You can search by your ZIP code to get personalized discounts that meet your needs in local stores and businesses.

Travel Discounts

Dont even think about booking travel without an AARP membership if you can help it  the website is full of offers with such deals as 35% off rental cars, hundreds of dollars off airfare and cruise packages.

Discounts Allow Your Retirement To Last Longer

Not only do these various discounts mean your retirement funds can last longer, that means you can benefit from the continued earnings and compound interest as they grow over time, making what you have saved last longer, Musson pointed out.

Financial Support

Retirement may seem like a simpler time in some ways because most people are no longer working, however, retirees may still find themselves needing financial advice. The most important consideration, Musson said, is that AARP specializes in senior citizens, and it has partnerships with banks and financial institutions that can directly advise seniors in a fiduciary capacity.
Update 04-24-2025: Portland police gave an update saying the person arrested during the search wasnt involved in the shooting, after all, and they are still looking for the suspect.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Police have arrested a suspect in East Portland after someone was shot and injured early Wednesday evening, authorities said.

Shots were fired in the vicinity of the Hazelwood Neighborhood. Shortly thereafter, a person with probable gunshot wounds was dropped off at a nearby hospital by private vehicle, said Sgt. Kevin Allen, a Portland Police Bureau spokesperson.

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Its unclear what the persons condition is but there is so far no indication the injuries are life-threatening, Allen said.

The scene of shooting that happened in East Portland near Southeast Stark Street. April 23, 2025 (KOIN). The scene of shooting that happened in East Portland near Southeast Stark Street. April 23, 2025 (KOIN).

Residents living from East Burnside Street to Northeast Glisan Street and from Northeast 122nd Avenue to 127 Avenue were asked to stay inside with doors and windows closed and locked, before the arrest was made.

KOIN 6 News crews are en route to the scene and we will update this story when more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Suspect wearing Hawaiian-style shirt sought in adult store robbery

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Authorities are asking for the publics help in identifying a suspect accused of robbing a business in the Midway District before fleeing the area.

The incident occurred shortly after 12:15 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Adult Superstore located at 3610 Barnett Ave.

According to police, the suspect approached the clerk, raised his shirt to simulate that he had a gun in his waistband, and demanded money.

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The suspect then left the store with an undisclosed amount of cash. He was last seen fleeing the area headed east on Barnett Avenue in a dark-colored sedan, police stated.

The suspect is described as a thin male in his 30s who stands about 6 feet tall. Surveillance footage shows him wearing a straw hat, a blue Hawaiian shirt with white flowers, dark jeans, black shoes with white soles and a white shirt wrapped around his face.

Images of the suspect captured by surveillance cameras can be found below.

Suspect wearing Hawaiian shirt accused of robbing Midway District business. (San Diego County Crime Stoppers)

Suspect wearing Hawaiian shirt accused of robbing Midway District business. (San Diego County Crime Stoppers)

People with more information about the location or identity of the suspect is asked to contact the San Diego Police Departments Robbery Unit at (619) 515-2772 or anonymously submit a tip at (888) 580-8477.

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Authorities are offering a monetary reward of up to $1,000 for anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  New details were released Wednesday regarding the student believed to be responsible for carrying out a deadly mass shooting at Florida State University.

Tallahassee police said 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner remained hospitalized with significant injuries Wednesday but is expected to survive.

Man armed with assault rifle on busy Brandon street killed by deputies: HCSO

According to officials, Ikner was shot once in the jaw after he refused to comply with officers commands.

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There was still no clear timeline for Ikners discharge from the hospital. However, he will be formally charged upon release.

Police could not speak to the specific charges but said they will be up to and including first-degree murder. The State Attorneys Office will make the official determination.

Two food service employees, identified as Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father of two, and Robert Morales, an FSU alum, were killed during the April 17 shooting.

Six others were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital with injuries. All but one of the patients have since been discharged, according to the hospital.

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A motive for the shooting remains unknown as Ikner has refused to speak with police.

Court records have revealed more about his past, including that Ikner had several physical and mental health issues.

Hes also the stepson of a Leon County deputy and is believed to have gotten access to her weapons.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
FBI agents have arrested two men, one of whom the agency says is a suspected MS-13 gang member wanted for homicide in his home country.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A spokesperson with the FBI Cincinnati told our news partners at WCPO that 33-year-old Salvador Hernandez-Solorzano was arrested on April 22 in Hamilton.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Hernandez is an illegal alien from El Salvador who is wanted in his home country on murder charges and is a member of the designated foreign terrorist organization MS-13, reads a statement from the FBI spokesperson.

The FBI also did not say whether the men lived in the area.

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[Watch in the player above: What happens when you call 911?]

WESTLAKE, Ohio (WJW)  A suspect is in custody amid an investigation into a woman found lying in the street in Westlake, the apparent victim of an assault.

Police Capt. Gerald Vogel confirmed to FOX 8 News that tactical officers on Wednesday went to the home in the 26000 block of Center Ridge Road. Thats near the Canterbury Road intersection.

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Police said they took one 22-year-old man to jail on assault charges. Police later identified him as Jahard I. Colon, of Westlake.

At about 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the police department received multiple 911 calls about a woman seen lying in the street at that intersection. One witness told police the woman appeared to have been assaulted.

Officers found the woman conscious but incoherent, with what appeared to be life-threatening injuries. She could not tell the officers what had happened to her.

She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical condition Thursday.

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Officers learned the woman had been at the nearby Time Warp Bar earlier in the night, Vogel said. They reviewed footage from nearby surveillance cameras.

Anyone with information is urged to call Westlake police at 440-871-3311. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Protection orders have been filed in the case, court records show.

No future court dates have been set.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Swedish Gripen fighter jets, which began patrolling NATO airspace from Poland in April, have been scrambled for the first time due to the presence of a Russian military aircraft.

Source: NATO Air Command on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Swedish Gripens, deployed for NATO airspace patrol from Poland and based in Malbork near Gdansk, carried out their first flight.

Quote: "For the first time under NATOs enhanced Air Policing, Swedish Gripen scramble in response to Russian aircraft close to NATO airspace."

For the first time under NATOs enhanced Air Policing  Gripen scramble in response to  aircraft close to NATO airspace



 are currently deployed to Malbork  alongside the RAF demonstrating seamless integration, safeguarding the integrity of Allied territory 24/7/365 pic.twitter.com/mwWO2gOtz6  NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) April 24, 2025

Details: NATO Air Command also added that the work of the Swedish pilots, who are on duty alongside British forces, demonstrates "seamless integration".

Background:

In April, Swedish fighter jets began patrolling NATO airspace from Poland for the first time since Sweden joined the Alliance.

On the morning of 24 April, Poland scrambled its air force in response to a Russian missile attack on Ukraine, which has become standard procedure in such situations.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
ANDALUSIA, Ala (WDHN)  A Covington County family is in disbelief after losing a relative, who died while doing something he loved most.

On Monday, emergency services were called to a local swimming area, just outside Andalusia, after reports of someone going under the water, but never coming back up. Hours later, emergency services were able to recover the body of 20-year-old Kentravious Likely.

Man drowns near Andalusia

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Everything is still just a blur; its a nightmare, said Kentravious aunt, Lucinda Likely.

The news sent a shockwave through the victims family.

No amount of words can express what we are feeling right now, what his mother is feeling right now. That was her only child, her baby boy. He was all of our baby; as close as we are as siblings, we will miss him, said Lucinda.

According to the River Falls police, Likely and a group of friends swam out to a buoy in the water. The group swam back to shore, but likely continued to hang on to the buoy.

A friend tried to help likely back to shore, but was unable due to strong currents.

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The victims family described him as a great athlete but a gentle giant who lived his life to the fullest. Lucinda says that her nephew spent plenty of his time in the waters, with the family calling him somewhat of a merman and a daredevil.

The family says that the nature of his death did not come as a total shock to them, but more so the fact that their dear loved one is actually gone. Leaving them with memories of the time they had with him.

We took a family trip to the mountains in Tennessee, and you talk about an experienceWe rode roller coasters. We rode go-karts; I cant express how happy I am that we had that trip, that we created those memories. Something that no one can ever take away, said Elliott Likely, Kentravious uncle.

The death of Likely not only took a toll on the family, but also the community as a whole, with many people coming to the familys aid when needed.

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The victims mom says the outreach from everyone just highlights the type of person her son was and the impact he left while on this earth.

20 years to make an impact like he did, its amazing. The outpouring of love and supportIt was an honor to be his mom, said Luquita Likely.

While the death of Kentavious will be incredibly difficult to process, the family wanted to thank everyone who has come to be there in their time of need, including the River Falls police department and the Covington County Sheriffs Office.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
(WSYR-TV)  For those who may be looking for something to do now that the weather is getting warmer, maybe consider getting your steps in to help you prepare for the Syracuse WorkForce Run in June!

This year, the Syracuse WorkForce run will follow the same standards as in the past but has added a special beneficiary for proceeds raised during the event.

Robert Barwick, owner and co-race director of the Syracuse WorkForce Run, stopped by Bridge Street to discuss the event and to also talk about the beneficiary.

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Barwick dropped the news of granting the Ronald McDonald House as a first-time beneficiary of the 2025 Syracuse WorkForce Run.

The Syracuse WorkForce Run will donate to RMH in honor of the race, and entrants can make private donations at their discretion through the WorkForce Run website from now through the end of the 2025 calendar year.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York has been working to help families with critically ill children receive comfort and support throughout their health care journey. The organization, which began in 1982, has since helped over 800 families receive the proper care and treatment that may not have been an accessible option for them before.

The Syracuse Workforce Run will begin at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10.

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The entry fee for the event is $43 for corporate participation and will include a $25 team creation fee as well.

The entry fee if you wish to participate as an individual, separately from an organization, is $55 per person.

Registration for the event closes for team creation on May 19.

Registration for team joining closes on May 23.

Individual registration closes June 10 at 6:30 p.m.

To register for the event and to learn more about the Syracuse WorkForce Run, visit SyracuseWorkForceRun.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
Syrian authorities requested Russia to extradite ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad, but were turned down, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said in an interview with the New York Times published on April 23.

Assad, a Moscow ally who had ruled Syria since 2000, was toppled in a surprise rebel offensive in December 2024 and subsequently was given refuge in Russia.

Al-Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda affiliate who led the offensive, was appointed interim president in January. The sudden leadership change cast doubt on Russia's military presence in Syria, namely the Tartus naval base and Khmeimim air base.

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Speaking to the NYT, al-Sharaa alluded to the possibility of continued military cooperation with Moscow, stressing Syria's long-standing reliance on Russian arms.

"Until now, we have not had offers from other nations to replace Syrian arms," which are primarily Russian-made, the Syrian leader told the news outlet. He also underscored a number of past food and energy agreements between Moscow and Damascus.

At the same time, al-Sharaa acknowledged that Russia was asked to hand over Assad as a condition for Russia's continued military presence. This request was denied, he said, without elaborating on how this affects future bilateral ties.

Al-Sharaa took office after 23 years of brutal civil war, which left the country's economy ravaged and diplomatically isolated from the West and several major players in the Middle East. The new leader has sought to carefully foster new international ties, leading to the U.S. and the EU easing sanctions imposed on the country.

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The Syrian government announced on April 20 that it had received its first shipment of 6,600 tons of wheat since Assad's fall. Reuters reported that the supplies came from Russia.

Ukraine has also opened dialogue with the new Syrian government. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus in December 2024, saying at the time that Kyiv and Damascus share similar views on Russia's continued military presence.

Read also: US tells Russia crimes it commits are acceptable  What recognition of Russias occupation of Crimea would mean for Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  ICT SOS received a major boost Wednesday as the nonprofit welcomed volunteers and a $15,000 donation from the T-Mobile Foundation in support of its growing prevention education efforts across Kansas.

The check presentation, part of T-Mobiles nationwide Magenta Giving Month, was held at the ICT SOS offices, where employees from T-Mobiles Customer Experience Center also spent the afternoon volunteering. Teams worked to paint the parking lot and assemble fresh start bags filled with essential items for families supported by the nonprofit.

Jennifer White, executive director of ICT SOS, said the donation will directly support the organizations Education Empowerment Rooma dedicated workspace for its education coordinator. That role oversees the delivery of prevention curriculum in middle and high schools and is currently developing a statewide program to expand the nonprofits reach.

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Were really excited to have the folks from T-Mobile out today, White said. Theyre not just donating, theyre showing up and putting in the work. As a small organization with only five staff members, having this group here today essentially tripled our workforce.

County settles lawsuits over ex-deputys sex crimes

White noted that, in addition to the donation, ICT SOS will receive further funds through T-Mobiles volunteer matching program, up to $30 per hour per employee who volunteers. Those dollars, she said, will go a long way in improving the physical space and expanding educational services.

This allows us not only to continue what were doing, but to dream about what else we can dohow else we can serve, she said.

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ICT SOS provides trafficking prevention education in schools and advocacy services for adult survivors. The organizations new building is helping to expand therapy and group services, areas that were previously limited by space constraints.

Jeff Elliott, the director of T-Mobiles Customer Experience Center, attended the event with Wichita employees, highlighting the companys commitment to local communities.

Giving back is part of our culture at T-Mobile, Elliott said. ICT SOS is doing life-changing work, and were proud to support their mission with our time and resources.

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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Adaptavate, a company specialising in the development of low-carbon and carbon-negative construction materials, has successfully raised 2.7m ($3.6m) in a pre-Series A funding round.

The round saw significant contributions from Asia-based Undivided Ventures and Skreenhouse Ventures by SigmaRoc, along with other industry stakeholders and existing investors.

Adaptavate's partnership with SigmaRoc, established as part of this funding round, is set to create a supply chain for calcium carbonate-based wallboards.

The collaboration will also explore opportunities for producing and distributing Adaptavate's products throughout Europe.

This financial boost is expected to accelerate 'Project Crystal', Adaptavate's industrial demonstrator facility, which aims to scale up the production of its low-carbon technology.

The investment will bolster the company's efforts to industrialise and globally adopt their products, including the flagship Breathaboard.

Adaptavate's proprietary technology is stated to transform the construction industry by introducing circular and healthier building materials.

The company's Breathaboard, a sustainable plasterboard alternative, is claimed to have the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 4kg per square metre.

Stated to meet international wallboard standards, Breathaboard is currently undergoing trials at UK commercial sites in collaboration with partners such as British Land, Royal London Asset Management Property, and Overbury.

According to Adaptavate, it has garnered nearly 9m through investments and public grants.

Adaptavate CEO and founder Tom Robinson said: This latest funding round marks another major step towards our vision of making planet-positive construction products an industrial and international reality. With Undivided Ventures' expertise and insights into the fast-growing South Asian market, alongside SigmaRoc's deep industrial knowledge and leading decarbonisation strategy, we are well-positioned to accelerate our impact.

We are also deeply grateful for the continued support of our existing investors, who have stood by us through key milestones on this journey. Project Crystal will demonstrate how the construction sector can transition from a major source of emissions to a net carbon sink, capturing and repurposing carbon to support global climate goals.

"Adaptavate raises funds to advance low-carbon construction technology" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




In the two years since it reopened in a historic building in downtown Tacoma, Cider & Cedar has become more than just an ambassador for the drinkable version of Washington states most important crop. Its also a watering hole in the true sense of the term  where regulars return to chat with owners Mia and Sterling Paradiso, dates stop for a space that feels special yet accessible, groups gather to discuss this months book club title, and anyone (of age) can catch frequent live music.

Even better for cider lovers and those who remain skeptical (but shouldnt be!): a brief but impressive menu of better-than-bar-food snacks  all air-fried.

This spring, the American Cider Association took note, naming the Tacoma bar the best cider-focused establishment in the Northwest. Cider & Cedar joins winners in five other regions  East, Midwest, Mountain West, Pacific Coast and the South  on the 2025 list. Other categories include best retailer, distributor and hospitality advocate.

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The awards purposely exclude the cideries themselves, instead drawing attention to those who have played pivotal roles in advancing the industry and who have been instrumental in introducing cider to new audiences, according to the trade groups website.

The winners were announced at the annual CiderCon, hosted in Chicago in February, but the Paradisos were unaware they had even been nominated until one day in March when a large envelope arrived in the mail.

For the Tacoma couple, the nod was an unexpected but appreciated recognition of a project many years in the making.

Cider & Cedar was named the best cider-focused bar in the Northwest by the American Cider Association in 2025. The downtown Tacoma space, adorned with 300-some plants, offers a lounge-like space that has attracted regulars, groups, dates and live-music seekers. Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com

Mia fell in love with the fermented beverage, which fell behind beer in the United States amid 19th-century industrialization and immigration, while living in Europe, which never let it go. Sterling owns rural property near the Hoh Rainforest. With troves of fallen, old-growth cedar, they built tables and fixtures, including the signature hunk of Western Red Cedar that doubles as the tap wall, and developed a business plan. The first edition of Cider & Cedar opened in 2021 on Tacoma Avenue South and Sixth, moving to this much bigger storefront two years later. (Medzo Gelato took over that space, with The Crafty Beaver Bar next door.)

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In their fifth year, they feel that maybe, just maybe, said Mia, This is our year.

In mid-March, they were invited to a food-and-cider pairing event hosted by the ACA, in conjunction with the Northwest Cider Symposium. The next day, hundreds of producers, packagers, ingredient suppliers, bartenders and writers gathered at the Tacoma Convention Center for geeky conversations about agri-tourism, soil health and easy-to-grow varietals  a near-impossible quest as microclimates and a changing climate mess with success. What languishes on Vashon might thrive as near as Puyallup, as the owners (and farmers) of Dragons Head Cider and Cockrell Hard Cider, respectively, outlined during one panel discussion.

The Northwest, reaching into British Columbia and Montana, is home to more than 200 cideries, according to the Northwest Cider Association. Producers still very much rely on their taprooms, often on their own orchards, to attract customers, as the golden drink remains a likely fourth-place behind beer, wine and cocktails nowadays. But a recent tap list at Cider & Cedar brought several ciders from both sides of the Cascades to the taps of Tacoma, from a luscious Kingston Black by Baumans in Gervais, Oregon, to a habanero-lime from Channel Marker in Seattle and a hop-biscus from Archibald James in Wenatchee.

A Kingston Black from Baumans in Oregon was one of several Pacific Northwest ciders on tap in early April. Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com

Plants, cider, bar food done right

At the bar, the Paradisos have leaned into live music, hosting local artists most weekend nights and a cozy open mic on Thursdays. Wednesdays often offer trivia, and they also started a book club that meets every six weeks for a casual discussion and, ideally, cider. Special events have ranged from a New Years Eve party to a Super Bowl hangout, and you can rent the space for your own special occasion.

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On sunny days, the patio features more pretty pieces of salvaged cedar; their next big to-do is to finally replace the leaning chain-link fence with more aesthetically pleasing wood. Any time of year, though, the lounge-like bar itself is verdant: Plants, some rare, soak in northwestern light, hanging in windows, twirling over pipes, surrounding the performance nook, emerging from more rescued wood. Ask Zack Stockert, one of Sterlings oldest friends, their chef and resident botanist, for an informal tour.

A brief but impressive menu of air-fried bar food includes wings, shown here in a house chipotle-lime sauce but also available in Carolina sweet-heat and Buffalo-style. Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com

There are easily 300 plants and almost as many species, including philodendrons, alocasias, some rare anthuriums, some really weird cactuses, lots of ferns, he explained on a Friday visit in early April.

Like Sterling, Stockert is a Jack of many trades. When hes not tending to the plants or pouring a pint, hes leading the kitchen.

We love spicy here, he said. Were trying to offer the food that weve all kinda grown up loving, but without the deep-fry. A lot of it is made from scratch.

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The commercial air fryer is similar to a convection oven in that it recirculates heat and doesnt require a hood. The technique really cuts down on the grease and lets the other flavors stand out, added Stockert.

Brussels sprouts are no joke, drizzled with hot-honey chili crunch and served over a bed of whipped lemon-garlic feta. Kristine Sherred/ksherred@thenewstribune.com

The Carolina sweet-heat wings are brined, rubbed with the Carolina spices, air-fried and at the end covered in a cherry, cranberry, habanero and lime glaze that lends an almost candied texture as they cool. The potato gets hit with a spicy homemade queso, and the Brussels sprouts  on a bed of whipped feta with garlic and lemon zest  a hot-honey chili crunch. The jalapeno poppers are an equally unexpected surprise, layered with chevre and wrapped, to order, with bacon.

The snacks complement the mostly Northwest, mostly dry ciders here  the kind that will swap your skepticism with affection for this inspiring beverage. You, too, can learn your Kingston Blacks from your Newton Pippins, your Foxwhelps to your Dabinetts.

CIDER & CEDAR

 744 Market St., Tacoma, ciderandcedar.com

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 Wednesday-Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday 4-11 p.m., Saturday 2-11 p.m.

 Details: Tacoma cider bar with primarily Northwest ciders and a couple beers on tap and bottle (retail growlers and to-go available), plus short menu of air-fried bar food

 Frequent events include live music, open mic, trivia and book club  check website for details
A former Tacoma resident accused last year of damaging electricity substations in the Portland area was indicted this month for conspiring to destroy energy facilities in Washington as part of a scheme to burglarize businesses and ATMs.

Zachary Rosenthal, 33, was indicted by a grand jury in U.S. District Court for Western Washington for conspiring to destroy energy facilities and six counts of destruction or attempted destruction of an energy facility, Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced Thursday.

Rosenthal has not yet entered a plea in the case, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Rosenthal is incarcerated at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton for vehicular assault.

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Between June and December 2022, Rosenthal allegedly conspired with others to damage six power substations in Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Cowlitz and Grays Harbor counties.

Rosenthal and his co-conspirators are accused of using gunshots, smashing equipment or heavy chains to cause short circuits at the facilities, resulting in power outages affecting 1,000-6,000 customers per substation.

According to a copy of the indictment filed April 9, federal prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of the proceeds Rosenthal gained from his criminal scheme, which appeared to have been an attempt to use the power outages to burglarize businesses and ATMs.

Damage to Puyallup Substation in Pierce County occurred Nov. 20, 2022, according to the indictment. Two days later, he allegedly targeted the Tumwater Substation in Thurston County.

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Around the same time, Rosenthal and Nathaniel Cheney of Centralia allegedly damaged a substation in the Portland area. Rosenthal was charged in federal court in Portland last year with three counts of damaging an energy facility for attacks on substations in Oregon City and Clackamas on Nov. 24 and Nov. 28, 2022. The U.S. Attorneys Office said a trial in that case is scheduled for Nov. 3.

Damaging an energy facility with intent to cause a significant interruption and impairment of the function of the facility is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and three years supervised release.

On Christmas Day 2022, attacks on four power substations in Pierce County put at least 15,500 people in the dark and caused $235,699 in damages. Two men, both from Puyallup, were charged in federal court and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to destroy energy facilities. Similar to the allegations in Rosenthals case, the men knocked out power to try to burglarize businesses.

Jeremy Crahan was sentenced Dec. 8, 2023 to 18 months in prison, and Matthew Greenwood was sentenced Jan. 19, 2024 to three years of probation, including one year of home confinement.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Tampa couple said they received the ultimate blessing: meeting Pope Francis after tying the knot.

The newlywed couple said their honeymoon took them to Rome last year, and after the popes passing, they reflected on a moment that has left a lasting memory.

Cardinals set Pope Francis funeral for Saturday morning, with public viewing starting Wednesday

Gabriel Bauer and his wife Francesca Bauer never thought when they traveled Vatican City, it would be a trip of a lifetime.

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It was a tremendous privilege of being able to actually see Pope Francis up close, Gabriel said.



The couple met the pope in November 2024. In a special moment captured on video, Pope Francis, in a wheelchair, shook the couples hands.

Hes treating me as his equal in this moment, Gabriel said. You know, he is a man of supreme importance and authority, but he is treating me with the love and the respect of an equal. And that was, in its own way, really, really cool to see that.

The couple said despite the popes declining health, he made it apparent to make everyone feel special.

No matter what was going on with his health, Gabriel said. He always put the people first, and I am astonished, considering the condition he was in.

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Francesca, a Catholic radio host, said the popes message was simple but powerful.

Because Pope Francis, all he wanted was for people to be kind to other people, for people to love other people, and to treat everyone that you meet with respect, Francesca said.

The couple said they will forever be grateful for the chance to meet Pope Francis, and they plan to live out the message he embodied, leading with love and treating others with compassion.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (AP)  Tanzanias main opposition party said Thursday that two of its senior officials were arrested on their way to court to attend the proceedings against their party leader who faces treason charges for calling for reforms ahead of October elections.

The opposition CHADEMA party leader Tundu Lissu, who returned to Tanzania last year after living on and off in exile since 2017 over threats to his life, was arrested on April 9 after a public rally where he called for electoral reforms. He was charged with treason, which carried the death penalty.

The party's spokesperson, Brenda Rupia, wrote on X on Thursday that CHADEMA's deputy chairperson, John Heche, and secretary general, John Mnyika, were arrested and that their whereabouts remain unknown.

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The authorities have not confirmed the arrests so far and The Associated Press could not reach government officials for comment.

Meanwhile, Lissu refused to appear in court virtually and the proceedings were subsequently postponed until April 28. He is being represented by a team of 31 lawyers, led by Mpale Mpoki, who filed an objection to the case being heard remotely.

Outside the court in the country's commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, violence erutpted as riot police beat opposition supporters, injuring dozens, Rupia said.

Human rights activists have accused the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan of heavy-handed tactics against the opposition, claims that the government denies.

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Hassan is serving out her autocratic predecessor John Magufulis term after he died in office in 2021. The next presidential and parliamentary elections are due in October.

CHADEMA has criticized the absence of an independent electoral commission, as well as laws that favor the ruling party, CCM, which has been in power since Tanzanias independence in 1961.
DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Tanzania has banned the importation of agricultural products from Malawi and South Africa, saying it was retaliation for similar hostile trade measures from both countries.

The three countries all belong to a regional economic bloc, the Southern African Development Community, SADC.

Tanzania had demanded that both countries rescind bans on imports of agricultural goods from Tanzania by Wednesday, but they had not done so, agriculture minister Hussein Bashe said in a video posted on his X account late on Wednesday.

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Malawi had recently banned imports of Tanzanian commodities like maize flour, rice, ginger, and bananas, among others, while South Africa has also proscribed the import of bananas shipped by Dar es Salaam.

"I would like to officially announce that from this night ... we won't allow any agricultural products from South Africa in our country," Bashe said, adding a similar ban was being imposed on Malawi.

Talks to resolve the trade impasse, however, would continue with both countries, he said.

He said Tanzania will start prohibiting the transit of agricultural goods from other countries through its territory to land-locked Malawi, and will also ban the export of Tanzanian fertilizer to Malawi.

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"We are taking this measure to protect our business. This is business, and we should all respect each other," Bashe said.

(Reporting by Nuzulack Dausen; Writing by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by William Maclean)
History may not perfectly repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Two protectionist episodesthe infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 and the Trump-era tariffs of todayoffer a striking example. Both emerged from economic nostalgia and fear of change. Both were politically attractive. And both were costly, backward-looking mistakes that undermined the economies they were meant to protect.

Smoot-Hawley was conceived in an America uneasy about economic transformation. In the 1920s, while the economy was otherwise booming, farmers were in crisis. Crop prices had collapsed and rural debt soared. About one-quarter of the labor force still worked in agriculture, down from one-half a few decades before. Many Americans longed for an earlier era when agriculture was dominant and prosperous.

Foreign competition was the scapegoat. Politicians seized on this frustration. Promising protection from cheap imports was an easy way to win votes. The result was a tariff that raised duties on more than 20,000 goods by an average of about 20 percent.

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Smoot-Hawley's intent was to reduce imports and raise domestic prices, especially for farmers. But the plan backfired quickly. U.S. trading partners retaliated as Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Britain, France, and others imposed their own tariffs. Exports plummeted, imports became more expensive, and global economic conditions deteriorated.

The timing couldn't have been worse. The Great Depression had begun and the stock market, which had been slowly recovering from the 1929 crash, dropped again when the bill became law. Instead of stabilizing, the country sank further into depression. Far from rescuing American farmers, the tariffs deepened their crisis. Between 1929 and 1934, global trade collapsed by 65 percent.

Today, Smoot-Hawley is widely regarded as a catastrophic error.

Now fast forward to the new wave of protectionist nostalgia, this time aimed at restoring manufacturing. President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign promised to revive the lost era of factory jobs and industrial strength. And like 1920s Republicans blaming foreign crops for the collapse of agriculture, Trump blamed imported manufactured goods.

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Never mind that America had long since shifted to a service-based economy or that manufacturing accounted for just 10 percent of jobs by 2016. The emotional appeal of "Make America Great Again" rested on a nostalgia-drenched longing for the age of smokestacks and assembly linesand a broad and homogenous middle classbefore globalization and automation transformed the economy.

When Trump took office again in January, he inherited a robust economy that had further improved after his election, based on investors' anticipation of pro-growth policies. Instead, the administration turned toward economic nationalism and shot the economy in the foot.

The culmination came on April 2, when Trump announced sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs of 10 percent on all imports and additional steep, targeted tariffs against counterparts like China, Japan, Vietnam, and the European Union. He pitched it as a patriotic effort to restore sovereignty and rebuild industry.

As we know, the fallout was immediate. Markets tanked and trade partners threatened retaliation, with some even taking action. Economists warned of rising costs, damaged supply chains, and diplomatic tensions. Australia, among others, condemned the move as economically hostile. Small businesses sued the administration, arguing that the tariffs exceeded presidential authority and inflicted serious harm.

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And just as Smoot-Hawley hurt the farmers it was meant to help, Trump's tariffs are hurting manufacturers. Far from delivering industrial renewal, they've led to layoffs at manufacturing plants.

In the end, despite its populist packaging, "Liberation Day" marked a dramatic escalation of failed protectionist thinking. It also revived 1930s-style nationalist rhetoric.

The two blunders have one more thing in common: cronyism. According to economic historian Douglas A. Irwin, Smoot-Hawley was not primarily about ideology. It was about interest-group politics: an ad hoc scramble driven by constituent demands, sectoral lobbying, and legislative bargaining.

In the same way, Trump's tariffs have revived the lobbying for tariff exemptions we saw in his first term. Apple got an exemption for the iPhone and now, understandably, everyone else wants one. As the Cato Institute's Scott Lincicome commented on X, "The cronyism buffet line is now open." National Review's Dominic Pino calculated that tariff lobbying spending is up by 277 percent.

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The lesson is clear: Economic nostalgia is a poor guide to sound policy. Smoot-Hawley and Trump's tariffs represent attempts to recreate a romanticized pastone of small farms or bustling factoriesrather than to embrace the reality of a changing world. But economies are dynamic. Trying to freeze them in place with trade barriers doesn't stop change; it just makes the transition harder, costlier and more painful.

History judged Smoot-Hawley harshly. The final verdict on Trump's tariffs is not yet written, but the early signs are familiar. If we want prosperity, we must look forward, not backward. The future belongs to those who embrace change and creative destruction, not those who resist it.

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

The post Tariffs Helped Wreck the Economy in the 1930s. Why Is Trump Making the Same Mistake? appeared first on Reason.com.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Taylor Swift may not be excluded from this narrative after all, and neither will Hugh Jackman.

As Blake Lively and Justin Baldonis legal battle continues, multiple outlets have reported that two of Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds closest pals could be served subpoenas.

The possibility comes months after Baldonis lawyer, Bryan Freedman, indicated whether Swift would be deposed as a part of the It Ends With Us directors ongoing legal battle with the Gossip Girl actress.

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I dont know that were going to depose Taylor Swift or not, Freedman posited on TMZs Two Angry Men podcast in February. I think that thats gonna be probably a game time decision.

However, Freedman emphasized that Baldonis legal team planned to leave no stone unturned amid his $400 million countersuit against Lively, Reynolds and their publicist. (Lively, who is suing Baldoni for mental anguish, loss of wages and emotional distress, has since filed to dismiss the lawsuit last month with Reynolds and the couples publicist also filing motions to be dismissed.)

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Anyone that reasonably has information that can provide evidence in this case is going to be deposed, Freedman said at the time. I mean, for sure.

While Swift nor Jackman have any direct involvement in the lawsuits between Lively, Baldoni and their respective associates, a subpoena could require them to take part in the legal proceedings. Jackman, for his part, has not been mentioned in the lawsuits, but Swifts name was dropped in an alleged text thread between Baldoni and Lively included in his lawsuit filed in January.

Hugh Jackman/Instagram

I really love what you did," Baldoni wrote to Lively in the alleged text over script rewrites for It Ends With Us. And I would have felt that way without Ryan and Taylor.

In documents filed later, Baldoni also alleged that Lively had made a veiled threat through an executive concerning Swifts song My Tears Ricochet being used in the movie and a trailer.

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As the document noted of the threat, it implied Lively might 'change her mind' about reaching out to Taylor Swift to secure the use of 'My Tears Ricochet' for the trailer if her demands are not met.

Dec. 20, 2024: Blake Lively Files CRD Complaint Against Justin Baldoni and His Wayfarer Associates

Four months after the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's book It Ends With Us debuted in theaters, Blake Lively filed a California Civil Rights Department (CRD) complaint against her costar Justin Baldoni and his associates on Dec. 20, according to The New York Times.



In the complaint obtained by E! News, Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios (Wayfarer), its CEO Jamey Heath, its cofounder Steve Sarowitz, Baldoni's publicist Jennifer Abel, her company RWA Communications, crisis communications specialist Melissa Nathan, her company The Agency Group PR LLC (TAG), contractor Jed Wallace and his company Street Relations Inc. were listed as defendants.



Lively alleged in her complaint that Baldoni and his Wayfarer associates "embarked on a sophisticated press and digital plan in retaliation" for her voicing her concerns about purported misconduct on setwith her saying she and other cast and crew members "experienced invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior" by Baldoni and Heath.



The actress added the alleged campaign against her caused "substantial harm" to her personally and professionally.



The accusations listed in the complaint include sexual harassment; retaliation; failure to investigate, prevent and/or remedy harassment; aiding and abetting harassment and retaliation; breach of contract; intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligence; false light invasion of privacy and interference with prospective economic advantage.





Dec. 21, 2024: The New York Times Publishes Report About the Alleged Smear Campaign Against Lively

The next day, The New York Times published a report about a retaliatory smear campaign Baldoni and his associates allegedly waged against Livelyciting her CRD complaint. In its article, the outlet quoted messages sent from Baldoni and his teamincluding publicist Abel and crisis communications specialist Nathanthat were part of her complaint. Readers could also scroll through the court documents on The New York Times' website.



I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct," Lively told the outlet, "and helps protect others who may be targeted. Reporting by Sara Ouerfelli





Dec. 21, 2024: Baldoni and Wayfarers Attorney Responds to Livelys CRD Complaint

After news of Livelys complaint broke, Bryan Freedmanthe attorney for Baldoni, Wayfarer and its representativesslammed Livelys allegations.



It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives, as yet another desperate attempt to fix her negative reputation which was garnered from her own remarks and actions during the campaign for the film; interviews and press activities that were observed publicly, in real time and unedited, which allowed for the internet to generate their own views and opinions, he said in a statement on The New York Times website. These claims are completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt and rehash a narrative in the media.



Freedman also defended Wayfarers decision to hire a crisis manager, saying this was done before the marketing campaign of the movie.



"The representatives of Wayfarer Studios still did nothing proactive nor retaliated, and only responded to incoming media inquiries to ensure balanced and factual reporting and monitored social activity, he later added. What is pointedly missing from the cherry-picked correspondence is the evidence that there were no proactive measures taken with media or otherwise; just internal scenario planning and private correspondence to strategize which is standard operating procedure with public relations professionals.





Dec. 21, 2024: Baldoni Is Dropped by Talent Agency

Talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME) dropped Baldoni after The New York Times article was published on Dec. 21, Ari Emanuel, CEO of the agencys parent company Endeavor, confirmed to the outlet.



However, WME denied that Lively's husband Ryan Reynolds was to blame for the agency's parting of ways with Baldoni, which the It Ends With Us director later allege in his lawsuit filed against The New York Times (more on that below).



"In Baldonis filing there is a claim that Reynolds pressured Baldonis agent at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere. This is not true, WMEwhich also represents Reynolds and Livelysaid in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter Jan. 1. "Baldonis former representative was not at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere nor was there any pressure from Reynolds or Lively at any time to drop Baldoni as a client."

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Dec. 21, 2024: It Ends With Us Cast Members and More Stars React to Livelys Allegations Against Baldoni



In the days following Lively's CRD filing and The New York Times article, several famous figures shared their reactions to her allegations against Baldoniincluding It Ends With Us author Hoover.



"@blakelively, you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met," she wrote on Instagram Stories Dec. 21, linking out to The New York Times. "Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt."



Jenny Slate, who played the sister of Baldoni's character Ryle, also noted she stood with Lively.



As Blake Livelys castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation, Slate said in a Dec. 23 statement to Today. Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her.



What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening," she added. "I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side.



In addition, Brandon Sklenara love interest for Lively's character Lily Bloomshared a screenshot of the complaint published to The New York Times' website and linked out to the outlet writing, "For the love of God read this."



Plus, Lively's Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costars America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn wrote they "stand with her in solidarity."





Dec. 23, 2024: Baldoni and Heath's Cohost on The Man Enough Podcast Leaves Show

Liz Plank also announced her departure from The Man Enough Podcast, which she cohosted with Baldoni and Heath, on Dec. 23.



"I'm writing to you today to let you know that I have had my representatives inform Wayfarer that I will no longer be co-hosting The Man Enough podcast," she wrote on Instagram at the time. "Thank you for trusting me with your hearts and stories, for holding space for mine, and for making this show what it was. I will miss you, the listeners, so much. I love what this community created together with every fiber of my being, and that's because of you."



While Plank did not give a reason for her exit from the podcast, it came days after Lively's complaint against Baldoni and his Wayfarer associates.



"As this chapter closed for me, I remain committed to the values we've built together," the author continued in her message to her followers. "Thank you for being here, for trusting me, and for being by my side for the last four years. We all deserve better, and I know that together, we can create it."



She added, "I will have more to share soon as I continue to process everything that has happened. In the meantime, I will continue to support everyone who calls out injustice and holds the people standing in their way accountable."









Dec. 24, 2024: Baldoni's Former Publicist Sues Him, Abel, Nathan and Wayfarer

Baldoni's former publicist Stephanie Jones and her agency Jonesworks LLC filed a lawsuit against him, his company Wayfarer, his current publicist Abel and crisis communications specialist Nathan in New York Dec. 24.



"Defendants Abel and Nathan secretly conspired for months to publicly and privately attack Jones and Jonesworks, to breach multiple contracts and induce contractual breaches, and to steal clients and business prospects," the lawsuit obtained by NBC New reads. "Behind Joness back, they secretly coordinated with Baldoni and Wayfarer to implement an aggressive media smear campaign against Baldonis film co-star, and then used the crisis as an opportunity to drive a wedge between Jones and Baldoni, and to publicly pin blame for this smear campaign on Joneswhen Jones had no knowledge or involvement in it."



Per Abel's LinkedIn profile, she worked at Jonesworks until last summer. The lawsuit alleges Abel and Nathan "continue to point the finger falsely at Jones now that their own misconduct is coming to light," and "defame and attack" her in the industry.



As for Baldoni and Wayfarer, who are no longer Jonesworks clients, the suit alleges they "repudiated their contractual obligations with Jonesworks and rebuffed Joness efforts to settle this dispute privately in arbitration."



E! News reached out to the defendants for comment.





Lively's attorneys told Variety in a Dec. 23 piece that they obtained the texts featured in The New York Times article via a subpoena to Jonesworks. Freedmanwho represents Nathan and Abel in addition to Baldoni and his Wayfarer associatesadded to the outlet none of his clients were subpoenaed over this topic and that he intends to sue Jones for releasing messages from Abels phone to Livelys attorneys.

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Dec. 31, 2024: Baldoni, Wayfarer & Others Sue The New York Times

Baldoni, Wayfarer, Heath, Sarowitz, Nathan, TAG, Abel, RWA Communications, Wallace and Street Relations filed a lawsuit against The New York Times Dec. 31.



In the lawsuit obtained by E! News, The New York Times is accused of libel, false light invasion of privacy, promissory fraud and breach of implied-in-fact contract for its article about a retaliatory smear campaign the plaintiffs allegedly conducted against Lively after she voiced concerns about purported misconduct on set.



Saying the report was "false" and based on Livelys CRD complaint, the plaintiffs denied the accusations and alleged messages cited in the article and complaint were taken out of context.



Despite its claim to have 'reviewed these along with other documents[,]' the Times relied almost entirely on Livelys unverified and self-serving narrative," the lawsuit says, "lifting it nearly verbatim while disregarding an abundance of evidence that contradicted her claims and exposed her true motives."



They also allege "it was Lively, not Plaintiffs, who engaged in a calculated smear campaign." She has denied this.



The New York Times said it plans to "vigorously defend against the lawsuit."



The role of an independent news organization is to follow the facts where they lead, it stated to E!. Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. It was based on a review of thousands of pages of original documents, including the text messages and emails that we quote accurately and at length in the article."





Dec. 31, 2024: Lively Files Lawsuit Against Baldoni and Wayfarer Associates

That same day, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer, Heath, Sarowitz, production entity It Ends With Us Movie LLC, Nathan, Nathan's company TAG and Abel in New York.



According to the court documents obtained by E! News, she is suing the defendants for sexual harassment; retaliation; failure to investigate, prevent and/or remedy harassment; aiding and abetting harassment and retaliation; breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence infliction of emotional distress and false light invasion of privacy.



The allegations in the lawsuit were first detailed in the CRD complaint Lively filed earlier that month.



In response to the lawsuit Baldoni and his associates filed against The New York Timeswhich does not list Lively as a defendanther attorneys noted in a statement to E! that "nothing in this lawsuit changes anything about the claims" in her CRD and federal complaints.



"This lawsuit is based on the obviously false premise that Ms. Livelys administrative complaint against Wayfarer and others was a ruse based on a choice 'not to file a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer,' and that 'litigation was never her ultimate goal,'" they continued. "As demonstrated by the federal complaint filed by Ms. Lively earlier today, that frame of reference for the Wayfarer lawsuit is false."





Jan. 2, 2025: Baldoni's Lawyer Expresses Intent to Sue Lively

In Baldoni and his associates' lawsuit against The New York Times, the plaintiffs expressed that they are not done.



"There are other bad actors involved," the court documents state, "and make no mistakethis will not be the last lawsuit."



In a Jan. 2 interview with NBC News, Baldoni and Wayfarer's attorney Freedman said they "absolutely" plan to sue Lively.





Jan. 7, 2025: Baldoni's Lawyer Calls Out Deadpool & Wolverine

The headlines about Baldoni and Lively haven't stopped there.



For instance, social media users have speculated that her husband Reynolds trolled Baldoni in his movie Deadpool & Wolverine through the character Nicepool.



Reynolds has not publicly commented on the rumors; however, Baldoni's lawyer Freedman shared his reaction.



"What I make of that is that if your wife is sexually harassed, you don't make fun of Justin Baldoni," Freedman said during an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show posted to YouTube Jan 7. "You don't make fun of the situation. You take it very seriously. You file HR complaints. You raise the issue and you follow a legal process. What you don't do is mock the person and turn it into a joke."

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Meanwhile, Lively's attorneys say there have been more "attacks" against her since her lawsuit.



"Ms. Livelys federal litigation before the Southern District of New York involves serious claims of sexual harassment and retaliation, backed by concrete facts," her lawyers said in a Jan. 7 statement to E! News. "This is not a 'feud' arising from 'creative differences' or a 'he said/she said' situation. As alleged in Ms. Livelys complaint, and as we will prove in litigation, Wayfarer and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against Ms. Lively for simply trying to protect herself and others on a film set. And their response to the lawsuit has been to launch more attacks against Ms. Lively since her filing."



"While we go through the legal process, we urge everyone to remember that sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and in every industry," they added. "A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to 'blame the victim' by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied. Another classic tactic is to reverse the victim and offender, and suggest that the offender is actually the victim."



Lively's lawyers said "these concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct." They also noted "media statements are not a defense" to her claims and that they'll prosecute her claims in court.





In response, Baldoni's lawyer Freedman told E!, "It is painfully ironic that Blake Lively is accusing Justin Baldoni of weaponizing the media when her own team orchestrated this vicious attack by sending the New York Times grossly edited documents prior to even filing the complaint."



"We are releasing all of the evidence which will show a pattern of bullying and threats to take over the movie," he added. "None of this will come as a surprise because consistent with her past behavior Blake Lively used other people to communicate those threats and bully her way to get whatever she wanted. We have all the receipts and more."



(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family).





Jan. 16, 2025: Baldoni, Wayfarer, Nathan & Abel File Lawsuit Against Lively, Reynolds & Others

Baldoni, Heath, Wayfarer, publicist Abel, crisis communication specialist Nathan and production entity It Ends With Us Movie LLC filed a lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, her publicist Leslie Sloane and Sloane's firm Vision PR in New York Jan. 16.



According to the suit obtained by E! News, the plaintiffs accused all the defendants of civil extortion, defamation and false light invasion of privacy. As for Lively and Reynolds specifically, she is accused of breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and they're both accused of intentional interference with contractual relations and economic advantage as well as negligent interference with prospective economic advantage.



In the suit, the plaintiffs denied Lively's allegations of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign against her. They also accused her of seizing control of It Ends With Us and working with Reynolds, Sloane, Jones and others to "tar and feather Plaintiffs in the press" after she received backlash for her marketing of the film. (Lively said in her filings she promoted the movie in accordance with Sony's marketing plan.) Plaintiffs allege in the lawsuit the defendants worked with The New York Times "to put out a blockbuster news report as devastating as it was false. The outlet stands by its report.



In part of a statement to E!, Freedman said, "Blake Lively was either severely misled by her team or intentionally and knowingly misrepresented the truth."









Jan. 16, 2025: Lively's Lawyers Slam Baldoni's "Desperate" Lawsuit

Lively's legal team called his lawsuit "another chapter in the abuser playbook," saying in a statement to E! News, "This is an age-old story: A woman speaks up with concrete evidence of sexual harassment and retaliation and the abuser attempts to turn the tables on the victim. This is what experts call DARVO. Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim Offender. " She further accused him of retaliating once she made allegations against him, saying Baldoni is trying to shift the narrative that Lively "seized creative control and alienated the cast from Mr. Baldoni." "The evidence will show," it continued, "that the cast and others had their own negative experiences with Mr. Baldoni and Wayfarer. The evidence will also show that Sony asked Ms. Lively to oversee Sonys cut of the film, which they then selected for distribution and was a resounding success." Her team went on to slam Baldoni's reaction to her allegations of harassment. "Their response to sexual harassment allegations: she wanted it, its her fault. Their justification for why this happened to her: look what she was wearing," her lawyers added. "In short, while the victim focuses on the abuse, the abuser focuses on the victim. The strategy of attacking the woman is desperate, it does not refute the evidence in Ms. Livelys complaint, and it will fail.

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Jan. 21, 2025: Behind-the-Scenes Footage of It Ends With Us Released

Baldoni's legal counsel released behind-the-scenes footage from the filming of It Ends With Us, saying that the actor's actions in the video "clearly refute Ms. Livelys characterization" of him. "The scene in question was designed to show the two characters falling in love and longing to be close to one another," Baldoni's attorneys said in a statement. "Both actors are clearly behaving well within the scope of the scene and with mutual respect and professionalism." However, Lively's legal team believes the video "corroborates, to the letter, what Ms. Lively described" in her lawsuit and that "every moment of this was improvised by Mr. Baldoni with no discussion or consent in advance." "The video shows Ms. Lively leaning away and repeatedly asking for the characters to just talk," they told E! News in a statement. "Any woman who has been inappropriately touched in the workplace will recognize Ms. Livelys discomfort."





Jan. 22, 2025: Lively and Reynolds Seek Gag Order on Baldoni's Lawyer

The couple issued a letter to the judge overseeing their case, requesting that Freedmanthe head of Baldoni's counselbe placed under a gag order amid their legal proceedings to "avoid improper conduct."





Jan. 27, 2025: Baldoni's 2 AM Voice Memo to Lively Revealed

A seven-minute voice memo Baldoni allegedly sent to Lively during It Ends With Us' production was published online. In it, the director appeared to reference the movie's rooftop scene Lively had rewrote and how the changes were presented to him during an alleged meeting with Reynolds and their pal Taylor Swift. "We should all have friends like that aside from the fact that they're two of the most creative people on the planet," he told Lively. "The three of you guys together, it's unbelievable." In the recording, Baldoni also seemingly apologized to the actress for his lukewarm reception to her script, saying, "I f--ked up. One thing you should know about me is that I will admit and apologize when I fail."





Jan. 27, 2025: Lively vs. Baldoni Trial Set

One month after Lively filed a formal lawsuit against Baldoni, a court date was set for March 9, 2026.

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Jan. 31, 2025: Baldoni Adds The New York Times to $400 Million Lawsuit

Baldonis team amended his Jan. 16 counterclaim to the U.S. District Court against Lively, Reynolds and Sloane to include The New York Times, according to documents obtained by E! News. In the amended document, Baldoni accused Lively and her team of spending months colluding and feeding falsehoods to the New York Times. The filingwhich is separate from the $250 million lawsuit against the NYTalleged that the newspaper cherry picked and altered communications stripped of necessary context and deliberately spliced to mislead.





Feb. 2, 2025: Baldonis Team Launches a Website

Baldoni created a website with information regarding his lawsuit against Lively containing the first amended complaint filed Jan. 31 by Baldonis team and a timeline of relevant events. Among the information in the latter document was alleged screenshots of texts exchanged between Lively, Reynolds and Baldoni. The websites launch came one month after Freedman said his team planned to release every single text message between the two. "We want the truth to be out there," Baldonis attorney told NBC News in a Jan. 2 interview. "We want the documents to be out there. We want people to make their determination based on receipts."





Feb. 18, 2025: Lively Files Her Own Amended Complaint

Livelys attorneys filed an amended complaint claiming that two other women who worked on It End had come forward feeling uncomfortable by Baldonis behavior on set. Ms. Lively was not alone in complaining about Mr. Baldoni, the complaint, obtained by E! News, claimed. The experiences of Ms. Lively and others were documented at the time they occurred starting in May of 2023. Importantly, and contrary to the entire narrative Defendants have invented, Mr. Baldoni acknowledged the complaints in writing at the time. He knew that women other than Ms. Lively also were uncomfortable and had complained about his behavior. The amended complaint did not name the two witnesses, whom Lively said would testify, due to the dangerous climate of threats, harassment, and intimidation fueled by the Defendants retaliation campaign. In a statement to E!, Freedman accused the complaint of being filled with unsubstantial hearsay and alleged that the unidentified persons were "clearly no longer willing to come forward or publicly support her claims.





Feb. 20, 2025: Lively and Reynolds Publicist Asks to Be Dropped From Lawsuit

After Baldoni accused Sloane of propagating malicious stories that portrayed him as a sexual predator as well as orchestrating a smear campaign under Livelys direction, Sloan filed a motional of dismissal from the lawsuit. In the documents obtained by E! News, Sloanes attorney alleged that there was no basis for the accusations made against their client and that she was simply dragged into the lawsuit as a smoke and mirrors exercise to distract from" Lively's accusations.

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KAUKAUNA, Wis. (WFRV)  A teacher at St. Ignatius Catholic School and Chesterton Academy was arrested on Wednesday after his devices were confiscated by authorities.

St. Ignatius Catholic School and Chesterton Academy Headmaster Drew Mulloy reported in a release that a 7th-12th-grade teacher was arrested by the Appleton Police Department.

Investigation into sexual assault in Kimberly leads to arrest of Manitowoc man

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According to the release, the Appleton Police Department is investigating further after the devices were confiscated. Preliminary reports indicate that no students have been identified in the situation.

Officials with the school are cooperating, and the teacher has since been placed on administrative leave. The release added that the teacher passed all background and reference checks when hired.

No additional details were provided.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
CHEYENNE  Educators rarely get into teaching for the awards. If anything, they teach and hope that their students are rewarded for their successes and let that speak for their teaching methods.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) challenges nominated educators across the country to reflect on their own values in the classroom, looking beyond the students.

These awards are bestowed by the U.S. government to K-12 STEM teachers annually, with up to two per state being recognized by the White House.

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This year, following a lengthy application process, Central High School mathematics teacher Julie Grant and East High School science teacher Jennifer Merriam have made it to the state finalist level for the PAEMST. Now both women are eligible to be recognized nationally.

The Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees recognized both women for their achievements Monday, as the district has two of the four state finalists being considered for the national awards.

What really is important, I think, in this community is that we, as educators, are giving back to the community in so many different ways, and that is what Julie does, Central Principal Karen Delbridge said. Day-to-day with our kids she puts her heart out there for every single kid, she mentors teachers along the way, and she just shows us what it means to be a true professional.

Merriam was recognized for her equivalent accomplishment in science education.

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I could go on and on and on about Jennifers contributions to East High School and what she does day in and day out to support science education at East High School, East Principal Marc Kerschner said. But I think its important to note that she played a really big role in bringing concurrent enrollment college classes to East High School, and that students will benefit from that now and for years into the future. I cant say enough about Jennifer.

Julie Grant

Though her career officially started 35 years ago, Grant said teaching is who she is.

I became a teacher in my basement at age 7, when we were playing school downstairs, Grant said.

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That childhood passion never left her. Throughout her career, she has had several opportunities to reflect on what makes her a good teacher, but she said it was difficult for her to focus her application on her own achievements when shes always been student-focused.

Teaching is really hard work, but it is amazingly rewarding, Grant said. And so it has been the honor of my life to impact students, to watch them grow, to see them go on and do great things, no matter what avenue they choose.

Grants student focus is a part of what makes her a great teacher. Another strength of hers is her mentorship of her peers.

I think what I learned is how my role has changed, Grant said. Ive really gone from being the one thats really learning new strategies to being more of a mentor in my department and one of the representatives in my department.

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Its not just the students that Grant has learned from, its her colleagues, as well, she said.

Grant noted that even though she has gained old-timer status, she still finds herself constantly learning from the younger generation of teachers. They have taught her about using new digital tools to enhance her classroom.

I think one of the things that I learned about myself is that Im really open to doing that, Grant said. Im not closed-minded to think that I cannot learn from the younger people. I have great relationships with those in my department, and thats why I can continue to grow.

She and her team also are big proponents of literacy strategies within mathematics, which she says has helped her students become strong and successful.

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Research shows that literacy is what helps students to master and retain content, Grant said. The more that students are reading, writing, listening and speaking about their math, the better retention theyre going to have.

Grant is the only math finalist in the state. Even so, she is not guaranteed national recognition. Her application still has to be reviewed and meet national standards to be recognized.

Regardless of the outcome, Grant said she was just grateful to be recognized.

Teaching is not a job, it is who I am, Grant said. I cant turn it on and turn it off, it is just who I am. I am so thankful for the opportunities that Cheyenne has given to me, to my family.

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Jennifer Merriam

Merriam echoed the difficulty in focusing on her own accomplishments, as opposed to the accomplishments of her many students.

She applied a few years ago after being nominated for the process, but didnt put in the same effort that she did this time around. She was encouraged to apply this year, and after three months of painstaking attention to detail, Merriam turned in an award-winning example of her teaching efforts.

I put a lot of time and reflection into the application this time, and that was great, Merriam said. I was just encouraged by so many people. And I think it is one of those things where, when you do that, you learn so much from the process.

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In her 23 years of teaching, Merriam has become known for her constant work to improve her curriculum with student success in mind.

She is such an amazing educator, Merriams colleague Michelle Upton said. She constantly is trying to reevaluate lessons and how they affect student learning.

Upton added that Merriam is skilled in giving students feedback that pushes them to learn without diminishing their confidence.

It actually can be a really tricky thing to do, Upton said. Kids sometimes can feel defeated if theyre missing something or another, but she has a really great way of just presenting that to them, to help them to continue to strive to reach (goals) without feeling disheartened about it.

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Merriam has also worked on developing new curricula and assessments at the school, district and state levels. This includes two high-quality chemistry performance assessments she helped develop through the governors Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education (RIDE) initiative.

Merriam had to choose one lesson to record and reflect on for her application. She chose a chemistry lesson in which students inquired about how reactive different metals are.

We all kind of have this idea that if we just mix chemicals together, somethings going to happen, and thats not actually true, Merriam explained.

The lesson challenges kids to systematically evaluate reactions and gives them the hands-on experience that Merriam believes helps them learn.

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This really exemplifies kind of how I think about science, in general. You have to do it in order to learn it, Merriam said. For me, its really key to get kids into the laboratory so that they can experience what theyre learning about and interact with the ideas and explore.

This method has also helped students realize how many real-world applications their passion for science has; whether its working in food sciences, agriculture, or oil and gas, theres a need for professionals trained in science everywhere.

A lot of what we do actually is to make the world a better place, Merriam said.

Merriam said sometimes students just need to know that a science-related career is an option.

Even just thinking about, How can I use what Ive learned in science, whether or not Im going to pursue like a super science career or just a science-related field, to make the world better? Merriam said. Giving them opportunities in the classroom to do that. Sometimes it can be as simple as pointing it out to them because they just dont realize it for themselves.

Merriam noted that while her focus is always on the quality of education she provides, even a nomination for an award like this is a nice reminder that shes on the right path.

When I got the email that said Youre a state finalist, I genuinely could not feel my legs, Merriam said. I think it is just kind of that realization of a job well done. Your efforts have not been in vain, they did not go unappreciated, and that was lovely.
Sister Genevieve stands in contemplation a few feet from the coffin where her friend of two decades lies in state

Vatican Media

They are the tears only shed for the closest of friends.

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An elderly nun sobbed just a few feet from the coffin of Pope Francis, an area normally reserved for cardinals, bishops and priests.

Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, 81, was permitted to break protocol because of the close friendship she shared with the late pontiff for over two decades.

Footage circulated on social media showed Sister Genevieve, dressed in a blue headscarf and navy habit, stepping towards the red rope surrounding the coffin, with the assistance of an official.

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Apparently overcome by emotion upon seeing her friends body, she was seen bursting into tears, her hands drawn quickly to her face as she took in the scene.

The French-Argentine nun, whom Pope Francis affectionately nicknamed Lenfant terrible, stood in contemplation with a plain green backpack hanging upon her shoulders.

Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, 81, was permitted to break protocol and stand just a few feet from the coffin of Pope Francis, an area normally reserved for cardinals, bishops and priests - Alessandro Di Meo/Pool Photo via AP

Just nine months ago, Pope Francis had visited Sister Genevieve in Ostia, Rome, to acknowledge her longstanding work in helping marginalised communities and those who are socially excluded.

The pair first met when the Pope was Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, in the early 2000s.

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As part of her work with the order of the Little Sisters of Jesus, Sister Genevieve served some of the most disadvantaged people in the Ostia area.

Yet while the nuns raw emotional response reminded many of the personal loss Pope Franciss closest friends and family will be experiencing, other mourners were criticised for posing by the dead pontiff.

A smiling Sister Genevieve is greeted by the Pope at an audience he granted her in 2020 along with members of the circus community she worked among in Ostia - Independent Photo Agency/Alamy Live News

The Vatican has released photographs of the 88-year-old in his simple velvet-lined coffin.

And on Wednesday, when worshippers were first welcomed to view the body, there was no official rule on mourners taking photographs.

However, some members of the public  and even some nuns  were seen taking selfies in front of the coffin, and a public outcry apparently sparked a change in position.

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By Thursday afternoon, guards inside the basilica were telling visitors that no photographs of the body lying in state were permitted.

Meanwhile, other worshippers were heading in droves on Thursday to Romes Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, about 2.5 miles from the Vatican, where Pope Francis will be buried following his funeral on Saturday.

It is a final resting place that marks a break from tradition, as the vast majority of popes have their final resting place inside the Vatican.

But the church was dear to Francis, and it was where he prayed before setting off on and returning from overseas trips.

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It is located on the Esquiline, one of the seven hills of Rome  an area previously used for the burial of slaves, the poor and those condemned to death.

A grand final resting place

Today, the Basilica is surrounded by busy roads, blaring traffic and the hustle and bustle of tourist shops, packed pubs and Romes Chinatown.

But inside, it still has notable grandeur.

Built in the 4th century, it is one of the oldest basilicas in the city and the first church to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to whom Pope Francis was particularly devoted.

Among its beautiful interiors and artworks is its 16th-century coffered ceiling, which is said to be gilded with gold brought by Christopher Columbus and presented to Pope Alexander VI.

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The basilica also houses the most important icon of the Virgin Mary, the Salus Populi Romani, a painting traditionally attributed to Saint Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of painters.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the Pope will be buried, was drawing crowds of visitors on Thursday - Jakub Porzycki/Anadolu via Getty Images

Pope Francis traditionally prayed to the icon for protection on his voyages, according to the basilicas website.

On Thursday, eyes that would normally be fixed on the glories of the architecture and artefacts were trained instead on plywood planks blocking a small part of the left of the basilica from view.

The wooden planks guarded from view the preparations for the external part of Pope Franciss tomb.

In his final testament, he asked to be buried in the earth, simple, without particular decoration and with the inscription only of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.

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However, curious worshippers were keen to find out what would mark the late pontiffs final resting place.

A tomb of Ligurian marble

Wearing a white mantilla, 17-year-old Phoebe Alpar was one of several visitors seen peeking into a gap in the temporary wooden structure.

The teenager, from Colorado Springs, who was with her friend Danni Suerdieck on pilgrimage, said: I think its pretty cool, I really am excited to see the final product.

Another visitor, Angela Soldo, took pictures of the structure with her phone. Ms Soldo had queued for two hours earlier that day to see the Pope lying in state.

By 7pm on Thursday, 90,000 people had paid their respects to Pope Francis during the day.

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And in the afternoon, the Vatican released images of the much anticipated tomb.

A statement said it was made of marble from Liguria, in north west Italy. Following his wishes, the inscription says simply Franciscus, and a reproduction of the cross the late pontiff wore on his chest is the only image.

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First jobs for college grads are becoming more elusive. Open roles for entry-level software engineers have dropped. Generative AI is writing more code, and Big Tech companies are boasting about how AI is making their workers more efficient. The number of entry-level management consulting and finance jobs began declining last year, and several big firms considered offering lower salaries  reasoning that AI would take on some of the workload.

Gen AI isn't Gen Z's only problem. Today's erratic economy has employees deeply worried about their jobs . That can mean fewer positions with new vacancies. Employers have been wary about bringing on fresh-faced hires in need of training.

All of these roiling changes have left many Zoomers extremely nervous. In a new survey of college seniors from the career site Handshake, 62% of those who said they were familiar with AI tools expressed at least some concern about how those tools would affect their job prospects, up from 44% in 2023. Computer science students seemed the most worried about their overall prospects; 28% said they were "very pessimistic" about starting their careers in the current economy, up from 18% a year ago. As of March, soon-to-be grads had submitted 21% more job applications on Handshake than seniors did the year before  all while job postings on the site declined by 15%. And according to Indeed, internship postings across all sectors, which peaked in 2022, have fallen to below 2019 levels.

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If AI replaces entry-level work, new grads will have to learn the skills they need to work some other way  and lots of those practical, workplace skills aren't taught in the college classroom. A collapse of the career ladder and increasing automation could create more inequalities in skills, pay, and job satisfaction, says Matt Beane, a professor of technology management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. There are already cracks beginning to form in some white collar industry pipelines. "It's too late for us to completely and perfectly avoid this problem," Beane says. "Some damage has been done."

Gen Zers are already deeply uncertain about the value of a college degree, with about half saying they felt higher education is a "waste of money" in a March survey from Indeed. In March, nearly 6% of college graduates 27 or younger were unemployed, compared with 2.6% of all workers with college degrees, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Four percent of all workers were unemployed, and nearly 7% of young people without college degrees didn't have jobs.

A Brookings Institution analysis of OpenAI data concluded that some entry-level jobs, like preparing legal documents and reviewing legal data, were at high risk of automation. About half of the tasks for a marketing research analyst were similarly thought to be at risk, compared with 9% of the work for a marketing manager. There were similar findings for sales representatives versus sales managers. AI tools may unevenly affect different industries: An Anthropic analysis of its tool Claude.ai found that 37% of queries were related to computer and mathematical work, like developing and maintaining websites or debugging computer systems, while other categories like education, business and finance, sciences, and administrative were less common.

Bosses might have their eye on the benefits of putting gen AI and agents into the workforce, but it's not a silver bullet for efficiency. Three in four workers surveyed last year by the freelancing platform UpWork said AI tools had made them less productive and put more work on their plate. "It seems like there's savings and productivity gains on the surface, but then when you really dig in, there's potentially longer review periods or more going back to double-check or correct mistakes that don't seem obvious," says Tim Herbert, the chief research officer at CompTIA, a nonprofit trade association for the US IT industry.

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"New grads are entering an environment where they are going to have to wait for the downstream implications to emerge" from the AI revolution , says Frank Fusco, the CEO of Silicon Society, a company focused on educating workers through job shadowing. He believes some roles will be destroyed or consolidated but new ones will emerge from AI  ones we can't yet envision or predict. Ultimately, companies will realize they can't render people obsolete. But for Gen Z, "the timing is very unfortunate," he says. "We are at the very start of that curve if we zoom out."

While they love young people, I think they love robots more. Maureen Wiley Clough, host of It Gets Late Early"

Meanwhile, companies are also more cautious about hiring workers as they face economic uncertainty and the prospect of a recession. "We're in a period where we're frozen," says Allison Shrivastava, an economist at Indeed. Workers and bosses are moving cautiously to see the fallout of President Donald Trump's tariffs . "We're all a little bit of a deer in the headlights, unsure of what's going on." But, she says, that can't last very long  companies eventually have to make moves, whether by laying people off, or as people quit and move jobs.

The tech industry in particular has faced uncertainty for the past two years, with the number of job postings falling from about 625,000 in January 2023 to 467,000 this past March, according to a data analysis performed by CompTIA. Entry-level jobs in early 2023 made up 24% of those roles, down to 21% now. Those looking for workers with seven or more years of experience have increased by 3% in that same time. These shifts come in part after tech companies rapidly hired during the pandemic and then laid thousands off in 2023 . But it's a tough reality for those starting their careers in an industry that was known for high salaries and trendy perks.

It's a hard pivot for tech, an industry that has long been accused of favoring young talent to move fast and break things over older, experienced workers. "While they love young people, I think they love robots more," says Maureen Wiley Clough, the host of "It Gets Late Early," a podcast about ageism in the tech industry. In a 2023 survey from Intelligent.com, a higher education research resource, nearly 40% of bosses across industries said they thought recent grads were not prepared for the workforce. In a 2024 survey of 800 HR leaders sponsored by Hult International Business School, 37% of HR leaders said they would rather have a robot or AI do a job than hire a recent graduate to take it on; another 30% said they would prefer to just let the job sit open.

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But it's not Gen Zers' fault that they don't fully get workplace etiquette and norms yet. Young workers graduating in the past five years have sometimes started their college courses or careers remotely. That can mean missed opportunities to find close mentors and learn the culture and norms of an office. Zoomers largely seem more likely to want to work hybrid schedules over remote when compared with older workers, and they're looking for in-person connection. "Those things have just left the equation," Wiley Clough says. "It's kind of like, well, good luck, sink or swim."

Some junior workers are teaching themselves to use AI , finding it helpful when looking for a job. Meelah Harkness graduated from Loyola University Chicago last May after studying communications and started applying for jobs. She filled out applications on LinkedIn for roles that already had more than 100 applicants, and upgraded her account to premium so she could send messages to people she didn't know.

Amid her frenzy of applications, Harkness spent a few weeks studying for a certificate in AI in advertising and public relations. She was wary of the rapidly developing tech, and wondered whether her newly minted marketing skills would be easily replaced by generative AI. Taking the course actually made her feel more confident. "A robot can't sell to a human the way a human can sell to a human," she says. About four months into her search, she landed a job as a marketing coordinator at Bartesian, the maker of a cocktail mixing machine, using some of what she learned in that AI course to generate mockup images in a sample work test.

Christine Cruzvergara, the chief education officer at Handshake, is more optimistic that young workers won't be pushed out easily. She says that while the tight job market and developments in AI are changing the world young people are graduating into, entry-level jobs are still out there and vital to companies. "You have to be able to actually grow your talent pipeline, and to be able to advance people into your midlevel or later on senior-level roles," Cruzvergara says. "To do that, you are likely to have to hire from entry-level, to have more flexibility and ability to shape that in the ways that you want." If automation truly took over entry-level work across an entire industry or among white-collar workers, Cruzvergara says, "there would be a recalibration of what is considered an entry-level job."

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The top college grads should look for work at firms where they'll get hands-on training, says Beane, who wrote the book "The Skill Code: How to Save Human Ability in an Age of Intelligent Machines." It will become a flex to work for companies that see the value and invest in educating young workers. And companies looking to hire will have to take on "promising but undertrained" applicants, he says. Without an entry-level role, it will fall more to midlevel and senior-level workers to train these workers like apprentices  or young people will be pushed to teach themselves. "The onus of the responsibility falls on both the employer and the employee to upskill in this new digital age," says Danielle Farage, a speaker and Gen Z work expert, who is also a Gen Zer. "There's no way you can keep up unless you make it part of your role to continuously be learning and upskilling."

Students are already taking notes. Julia Fedorin, a student at the University of Waterloo, decided to scrap the traditional job application process. She made a video and posted it to X last week, asking Shopify to hire her as a marketing intern  even though the role didn't exist. Her video was viewed more than 1 million times and also caught the eye of Shopify, which has already offered her an internship for the fall. "I think AI should 100% be a tool that you use," she tells me. But it can't write experience. "Now more than ever, we value authenticity," Fedorin says. "I think there's only so much that AI can show."

Amanda Hoover is a senior correspondent at Business Insider covering the tech industry. She writes about the biggest tech companies and trends.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Teddi Mellencamp is sharing a positive health update after learning she had multiple tumors and then undergoing emergency brain surgery earlier this year.

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star took to her Instagram on Wednesday with one update I couldnt wait to share!

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All tumors stage 4 (metastasized melanoma in my brain and lungs) shrunk or disappeared so I have 6ish more weeks of immunotherapy and doctors believe I will be healed if everything stays on course, she wrote in the posts caption. Thank you to everyone who has sent their love, prayers, and positivity.

Mellencamp added in a video (below) that she just finished with all my scans and my tumors have significantly shrunk, which doctors believe means that this all will work and that I will be back to myself and feeling good.

Last month, on her and Tamra Judges iHeartRadio podcast, Two Ts in a Pod, she got candid about her health journey, leading up to the moment doctors told her she had over seven tumors following a CT scan at the hospital.

Mellencamp then underwent a craniotomy with tumor resection, and doctors removed four tumors from her brain. She then went through immunotherapy because she had two more tumors in her lungs and three more in her brain that were too risky to remove during surgery.

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Something a lot of people have been confused by when they hear like brain tumors or lung tumors or anything like that, is theyre thinking its something other than melanoma, but what can actually happen is melanoma can metastasize and the organs to your other organs, and thats what happened to me. So all of my tumors and whatnot are melanoma, she explained at the time.

Mellencamp first revealed her Stage 2 melanoma diagnosis in 2022, before sharing in March, post-emergency brain surgery, that she still had cancer.

In her video update Wednesday, Mellencamp added that she has two more sessions of immunotherapy and is hoping to be cancer free after, adding, Im going to keep a positive outlook because thats what my doctor just spoke to me.

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Teddi Mellencamp is sharing a positive health update on her Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

The former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star, 43, revealed in an Instagram video post Wednesday that her tumors have "shrunk or disappeared" following treatment.

"One update I couldn't wait to share!" Mellencamp wrote in the caption. "All tumors stage 4 (metastasized melanoma in my brain and lungs) shrunk or disappeared so I have 6ish more weeks of immunotherapy and doctors believe I will be healed if everything stays on course. Thank you to everyone who has sent their love, prayers, and positivity."

PHOTO: Teddi Mellencamp attends iHeartRadio 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2024 Presented by Capital One at Intuit Dome on December 06, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

In her video, Mellencamp expanded on her "exciting news" and what her doctor told her.

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"Honestly, the crying is already done, but I just finished with all of my scans, and my tumors have significantly shrunk, which doctors believe means that this all will work, and that I will be back to myself and feeling good," she said.

Teddi Mellencamp opens up about Stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, how her kids are coping

"I have two more sessions of immunotherapy, and then hopefully, I am done, and I will be cancer-free," she continued. "I'm going to keep a positive outlook, because that's the way my doctor just spoke to me. He's like, 'You did this. You got this  you got that Mellencamp blood. So, you're good.'"

Mellencamp, a fitness company entrepreneur who also co-hosts the "Two Ts In A Pod" podcast with "Real Housewives of Orange County" cast member Tamra Judge, opened up publicly in February and March about receiving a diagnosis of Stage 4 melanoma, a type of skin cancer, which she said had spread to her brain and lungs.

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Teddi Mellencamp says she has 'multiple tumors': 'I will win this battle'

"I'm fighting for my life," Mellencamp told Us Weekly at the time. "But also for my family's life and all the people I love."

The mom of four said she underwent emergency surgery to remove four tumors in her brain and was undergoing immunotherapy and radiation treatments.

"I'm going to fight really hard. I can't imagine my life without [my kids], so I'm going to do everything I possibly can ... I can't imagine any of them living without me," she added at the time.

Teddi Mellencamp shares positive news amid cancer diagnosis: 'I couldn't wait to share!' originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A 16-year-old has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy earlier on Easter Sunday.

Memphis Police say the teen was arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder and First-Degree Murder in the Perpetration of a Robbery in the death of Michael Aguilar on Sunday.

Family identifies 15-year-old in fatal shooting in Nutbush

Aguilar died at an area hospital after he was shot during what police believe to have been an attempted robbery on Grahamdale. His family told WREG after his death that he was a shy kid and was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Michael Aguilar (Photo courtesy of victims family)

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN)  Murfreesboro authorities evacuated a church after an online bomb threat was reported. Although no bomb was found on the churchs premises, police arrested two teens for their connection to the incident.

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The Murfreesboro Police Department said that the Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department responded to the threat against New Vision Church shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday.

(Courtesy: Murfreesboro Police Department)

(Courtesy: Murfreesboro Police Department)

Police advised drivers of a significant presence of first responders near Thomspon Lane.

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The executive pastor at New Vision, Greg Freeman, told News 2 that the church safety team was made aware of a potential threat and took it very seriously, immediately evacuating the church and activating safety protocol in conjunction with area law enforcement.

We are thankful for the swift response of our team and all first responders, Freeman said in a statement. We will continue to cooperate with the police department in any way we can as they continue their investigation.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Murfreesboro and Rutherford County

There were reportedly nearly 600 middle school-aged students at the church attending a weekly youth night when the threat was made.

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All remaining activities for the evening were canceled as a precaution, according to Freeman.

Murfreesboro police provided an update in the search shortly before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, stating that no bomb had been found inside the church. However, a teen was detained and questioned in connection with the threat.

Officials said the teen was identified by church security shortly after the online threat was made. The teen was reportedly taken to police headquarters to be interviewed with his parents. At some point during the investigation, authorities identified a second teen involved in Wednesdays incident.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Both teenswho have not been identifiedwere charged with filing a false report and were taken to the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center, according to Murfreesboro police.

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MPD takes threats of this nature seriously, said Public Safety Information Director Larry Flowers. We want to remind young people that engaging in these acts is not a harmless prank; its a criminal offense that has consequences.

No additional information was immediately released.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Authorities in Chicago are asking for help in the search for a teen girl who has been missing for over a month.

Police say 17-year-old Kaylin Murphy, who was last seen in the 8200 block of South Green Street, in Auburn Gresham on the Far South Side, has not been contacted since March 20, 2025.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Murphy, who has black hair and brown eyes, stands 5-foot-6 and weighs around 140 pounds.

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The missing teen was last seen carrying a pink purse while wearing a white t-shirt, light blue jeans and a black hoodie.

Photo provided by Chicago police shows 17-year-old Kaylin Murphy, who has not been contacted since March 20, 2025.

A photo provided by Chicago police shows the teen with long braids, though officers say she had a black ponytail at the time of her disappearance.

Authorities offered details about the teens disappearance in a news release shared on Wednesday afternoon.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 17-year-old Kaylin Murphy is asked to contact the CPD Area Two SVU at 312-747-8274 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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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A 16-year-old indicted as an adult for a shooting that left another juvenile partially paralyzed was sentenced Thursday to at least six years in prison.

Read next: YSU Police arrest second suspect in apartment burglary

Derrick Darrington entered pleas before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to second-degree felony charges of felonious assault and aggravated robbery along with a firearm specification.

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Judge Krichbaum sentenced Darrington to six to seven and a half years in prison, which was the sentence recommended by the attorneys in the case.

Darrington was originally charged in juvenile court for a July 27 shooting at a Woodcrest Avenue apartment. His case was bound over to common pleas court Jan. 15 following a probable cause hearing in juvenile court.

Assistant Prosecutor Steve Maszczak told the judge the 17-year-old victim was shot in the chest. The bullet also hit his spine and left him partially paralyzed.

Maszczak said Darrington and the victim were with several other juveniles in the apartment, and both of them had guns.

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The two were showing each other the guns before something went wrong, and Darrington and another juvenile were demanding the victims gun at gunpoint.

Maszczak said the victims gun was never found.

The victims mother told Judge Krichbaum her son was in the hospital for eight months, and not only is he paralyzed from the neck down, but immediately after he was shot, he lost oxygen to his brain.

Her son was in a coma for several months, and he now has trouble talking and with his memory, she said.

All the plans I had for him changed, she said. Im still speechless. I shouldnt be standing here in front of you.

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Her son is undergoing therapy, and it is not known if he will walk again.

To Darrington, she said: You all were supposed to be his friends.

Defense attorney Mark Lavelle said the case comes down to one simple factor: This is kids and guns, which is a horrible recipe. There was no master plan here. It was just kids and guns.

In a barely audible voice, Darrington said he did not plan to shoot the victim.

Judge Krichbaum told the victims mother he could understand why she was so upset.

The law just doesnt satisfy someone who has this happen to them, Judge Krichbaum said. The law is inadequate in that regard.

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The judge also told her that the state must feel they have problems with their case to make the plea offer that they have. He said they could take the case to trial, but there is always a risk they will lose, and then no punishment at all will be meted out.

The judge said the case will linger for a long time because of the victims injuries.

In the flash of a second, everyones life changes forever, Judge Krichbaum said. It is inevitable when guns are involved, someone is going to get hurt.

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Andersen, a US-based provider of tax, valuation and related consulting services, has appointed Randolph Smith and Douglas Wood as managing directors in its Commercial practice.

Smith and Wood will help the company expand its operations in the Carolinas and support service delivery in the region.

Smith brings more than 35 years of tax advisory experience to Andersen, with a focus on privately owned companies, pass-through entities and high-net-worth individuals and families.

He specialises in flow-through taxation, tax accounting methods, credits and structuring matters.

Smith previously served as the national managing partner for the Transportation and Logistics practice at Grant Thornton in the US.

Andersen said that his background will support the companys work with clients in the transportation, logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Wood, who has more than 30 years of experience, specialises in global tax and transfer pricing matters.

He has worked with a diverse range of clients, including those in alternative investments and private equity.

Previously, Wood served as the national managing principal for Grant Thornton's combined International Tax Services and Transfer Pricing practice and was a member of Grant Thornton International's Global Transfer Pricing leadership team.

Andersen US country managing director Dan DePaoli said: Both Randolph and Doug are well-known within our Andersen family.

Doug has a proven track record in client service and technical excellence. For Randolph, this is truly a homecoming as he was a leading partner in the domestic business tax practice at Arthur Andersen. Their deep expertise, strong leadership skills and shared vision for expanding our presence in Charlotte will be instrumental in achieving our regional strategic objectives.

"Andersen appoints two new managing directors" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




CHICAGO -- Sixteen-year-old Momin Ahmed, a member of Hinsdale Central High Schools Model UN Club, is finding great satisfaction in using his own experiences and advantages to help others find similar success.

Near the end of his sophomore year, Ahmed, now a junior, started Model UN Academy, a free online resource that has helped more than 10,000 students from about 150 high schools  reaching almost all 50 states and more than 30 countries  enhance their own Model UN experiences.

Model UN is a simulation of the real United Nations that takes place in schools around the globe and teaches students how the international organization works while challenging the youths to tackle real-world issues with diplomacy.

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Ahmeds Model UN Academy website instructs students on how to navigate the general assembly and different committees, offers tips and tricks for conferences and serves as a guide to help win awards.

Ahmed, who lives in Hinsdale, created the academy with the goal of sharing his expertise. He started by building the website then sent it to a few local Model UN programs last summer to get feedback, which he said was really good and supportive.

People were telling me its a great resource for our newer delegates and the awards section is great for even experienced delegates to become the best delegates they can be, Ahmed said.

Over the next few months, he got the website in front of more and more people, and a few even began to offer their own contributions for how-tos and the dos and donts, he said.

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Ahmed, who recently joined the executive board of Hinsdale Centrals Model UN Club, used Google translate to send the website to schools around the world, and Model UN Academy is now available in over 100 languages.

Its been such a cool way to impact the global Model UN community, Ahmed said. Its a really beneficial experience for students professionally but also personally.

Ahmed, who also plays violin and runs cross country and track, said Model UN is what he is most passionate about.

Ive met a lot of people through it, and I have some of my closest friends from Model UN, he said.

Ahmeds involvement with Model UN started the summer of sixth grade, he said, when his mom signed him up for a weeklong Model UN camp that had high schoolers working with younger students to teach the basics and practice discussions. Ahmed said the experience helped him grow as a public speaker and communicator. He knew by the end of the camp that this would be something he wanted to continue.

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He participated in the Model UN summer camp for the rest of middle school and joined the club right when I got to high school, he said. His public speaking and communication skills soared, he said, along with his ability to think on his feet and collaborate with large groups of people.

The coolest thing to me about Model UN is how different people from different backgrounds and different perspectives can come together, disagreeing on things and agreeing on other things, and they come together to make solutions that are really creative and innovative and real world, Ahmed said.

Sanskruti Patel is a social studies teacher at Hinsdale Central and a faculty sponsor of the schools Model UN club. She said Ahmed stood out from the get-go.

As for Ahmeds Model UN Academy, she said its really impressive how hes led this as a grassroots initiative.

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She said the academy makes Model UN more approachable when the club may feel daunting at times to newcomers.

Model UN Academy is so incredible because of the way that its accessible, Patel said. And if youve never done Model UN before its a great way to not just be introduced to it but really get skills that are going to help you be successful in and outside of the club.

Ahmed said hes been to 10 conferences and qualified four times for international conferences.

Conferences typically consist of one or two topics to be discussed, such as world hunger, nuclear weapons or refugee crises. Each student or delegate is assigned a country to represent at the conference and must relay that countrys opinions and interests. Throughout the conference, delegates deliberate with each other and their committees, give speeches and ultimately come up with solutions for the assembly as a whole to vote on.

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Thats my favorite part: coming up with the solutions and everyone working together, Ahmed said. Even if you have different perspectives, you know that, just like in the real United Nations, you need to work together to make progress on the problem.

Conferences take place throughout the school year and range from smaller, local events to state, national and international events with anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand students. Ahmed said he has met students from across Illinois, the country and the world  and still keeps in touch with some of them.

His first conference in high school was an international one in Chicago, and he recalled meeting people from around the world, from Florida and New York to Jamaica and Japan.

One of Ahmeds most memorable experiences was at an international conference at the University of Chicago during Ahmeds sophomore year, when he was representing Timor-Leste, a country in southeast Asia. It was his first time having been assigned a country he didnt know about, and he said he kind of panicked while doing his research leading up to the conference because he thought no one would take him seriously for representing a smaller country.

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I realized that even in the real United Nations, similar things happen, like the smaller countries get overshadowed by larger powers; but in the end it all worked out, Ahmed said. I was able to align myself with stronger countries and use that to propel myself to the front of the room and get speaking positions.

Ahmed ultimately received an honorable delegate award at the conference, placing second overall.

Even though I was worried at first, I enjoyed the process of learning how to be a small fish in a big pond and learning how to move up and be heard, Ahmed said, even if I wasnt set up to be heard; and earning that award was really a great moment for me.

Brad Donaldson, a social studies teacher at Addison Trail High School, is faculty sponsor of his schools Model UN club. He said he first heard about the academy during the fall and found it to be an amazing resource for us.

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For those who arent familiar with politics and government and how that all works, I think having a resource that lays out how things operate and how each part works makes kids more comfortable, Donaldson said.

Other resources similar to the academy are out there, he said, but some require payment to use and are too complex. Donaldson said he will continue using Model UN Academy as a resource for his club.

Its dialed in to what the point of Model UN and the (real) UN are about in terms of trying to problem solve and share the wealth and lift everyone up instead of using your own advantages to your own advantage, Donaldson said. Its very laudable.

Ahmed said that, in the beginning when he was creating Model UN Academy, it was very laborious and he wasnt hearing back from people right away. He considered abandoning the project at times and focusing on himself, but chose to push through.

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Now, when I get emails thanking me and telling me how much its helped the students and telling me about the awards students have gotten or how well they did at a conference, that feedback is one of the most motivating things, Ahmed said.

A lot of Ahmeds work still consists of outreach and trying to widen the net as much as possible, he said. As he continues his academic journey, he hopes to grow the academy, he said. He also wants to expand to the college level.

If anything, the community just grows as I get older, he said.

Its a pretty cool journey that Ive had going from the kid who just got signed up by their mom for a middle school summer camp to someone teaching other students how to do Model UN and be successful, Ahmed said.

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I think its super important, especially in todays era with everything going on, that young people  are educated about worldly topics and just have a general understanding of whats going on, he said.

___
Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an elderly couple died in a house fire.

Stan Rickman, 91, and 88-year-old Roma Rickman were found dead following the fire at their home in Alton, Hampshire, on April 14.

Emergency services were called to the property at 4am and the Rickmans were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said two 15-year-old boys and a 16-year-old old boy were arrested on suspicion of murder, and later released on bail.

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The Rickmans family said in a statement: The family would like to thank everyone who has left flowers and kind messages but please respect our privacy at this difficult time.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: A 15-year-old boy from Bordon [Hants] has been arrested on suspicion of murder. A 15 year-old boy from Alton has been arrested on suspicion of murder. They have both been bailed with conditions whilst enquiries continue.

A 16 year-old boy from Alton who was arrested on suspicion of murder has also been released on police bail with conditions.

Det Supt Danielle Daltrey, the senior investigating officer, added: Investigating this incident remains a top priority and we are continuing our work to establish the circumstances.

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We would still like to speak to anyone who may have information which could assist our investigation.

Did you witness anyone behaving suspiciously in the area between midnight and 5am on 14 April? Do you have any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which may show anyone behaving suspiciously in the area around this time?

If you have any information which could assist, please report this to us.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The mother of a 3-month-old boy who died more than four years ago has pleaded no contest to child cruelty, court records show. The babys father remains facing charges including murder.

Sabrina Martinez, 31, accepted a plea bargain on Wednesday, according to court records. Charges including murder, assault of a child under 8 and multiple other counts of child cruelty were dismissed.

She faces six years in prison.

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Mister Bailey, 32, is scheduled for trial in August and faces a life term in prison if convicted.

Mister Bailey, file image.

The couple are charged in the death of Major Bailey, who died on Dec. 22, 2020, after being taken to a hospital. An autopsy found bruising on his forehead and bleeding on the brain.

Ring videos captured multiple incidents where Mister Bailey assaulted three young children in the couples Tehachapi home, according to court documents.

In one, dated the night of Dec. 19, 2020, Mister Bailey picks up the baby, yells in his face then throws him across the bed, where he lands face first, documents said. Martinez stood in the doorway and laughed.

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In other videos, Mister Bailey can be heard cursing at the children. He tells one child, Im about to (expletive) you up bro, I really (expletive) should! documents said.

Mister Bailey is listed as 6-foot-6 and 236 pounds.

Martinez is also seen in videos hitting and swearing at the children, according to the documents. Shes scheduled to be sentenced in July.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Diversity, equity, and inclusion, school vouchers, and illegal immigration may have been the main focuses this legislative session, but lawmakers passed other, quieter bills that could have a big impact.

The Preventing Deepfake Images Act is a bipartisan bill that passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. The bill would make it a felony to share an intimate, artificial intelligence-generated image of a person without their consent and create a pathway for victims to sue.

Nashville meteorologist Bree Smith testified in a House subcommittee about being the subject of such fake images and the negative impact it had on her life.

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I dont know whose body my face was placed on. I dont know if it was an AI-generated body. I dont know if it was a real person. I dont know if that person gave consent, Smith said. I dont even know if the body my face was placed on was a minor, and that strikes my chord as a mother. Knowing I had no recourse to stop this means I have no recourse to stop this if it happens to my kids.

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A bill creating the offense of human smuggling, making it a felony to harbor, hide, or encourage someone else to harbor or hide an illegal immigrant for financial gain, passed the House and Senate along party lines.

Most of these victims are children, and they are human smuggled and sold into sex slavery, Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) said. We ought to be doing everything we can to try to catch these kids before they are sold into sex slavery.

During the final Senate floor vote, Democrats said they were worried about potential, unintended consequences.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

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Im also concerned about the average farmer who might have someone in their district. They might do seasonal farming work, they might live on the property, and they could be guilty of a felony, Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) said. I think that it is a bit of a stretch to say that someone who may employ someone who is undocumented, which is one thing, to say that they also potentially would have no problem sex trafficking a child. That is a big difference.

A bill to further protect gun manufacturers and dealers from civil lawsuits passed the House and Senate.

Republicans argued these lawsuits threaten the jobs of the more than 8,000 Tennesseans employed by these gun companies.

The nation of Mexico has currently filed suit against Smith & Wesson and other domestic manufacturers. Theyre blaming them for the violence they have in Mexico, which I find ironic, but our manufacturing jobs are at risk to these vicious types of lawsuits, Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston) said.

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I just struggle to be okay with allowing corporations to be immune from the citizens being able to get justice for a bad product, Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) said.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Lawmakers filed almost 3,000 bills this legislative session and passed nearly 600 bills. Gov. Bill Lee has already signed several.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE)  The Tennessee General Assembly approved $3.2 million in funding for a Civil Rights monument honoring the Scarboro 85.

The monument is planned to go in A.K. Bissell Park. The funding was included in the state budget for 2025-2026. Of the $3.2 million, $2.7 million will go toward design and construction.

Scarboro 85 who desegregated Oak Ridge Schools to be added to TN academic standards

(Scarboro85Monument.com)

The Scarboro 85 were a group of Black students who went to Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High School in 1955, marking the first public schools in the Southeast to be desegregated. This happened one year before the Clinton 12 desegregated Clinton High School in 1956.

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Community rallies behind Hamblen County deputy, wife after house fire

This year marks the 70th anniversary of these historic first steps toward school integration in 1955. The project is backed by Governor Bill Lee.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Drilling for oil is essential to the Permian Basin and across the country by powering the economy and providing workforce jobs.

ABC Big 2s Chris Talley spoke with one company specializing in innovative ideas when it comes to drilling for oil.

WWT International is looking to bring those cost saving measures to businesses in the Permian Basin.

We specialize in torque and drag reduction tools for drilling applications, and we also have our coil tubing for extended reach applications as well, said Jonathan Vecseri with WWT International.

But what is Torque and Drag?

Torque is a twisting force that causes something to rotate, like the tire on a car or the power used to open a door. The same force is used when drilling for oil that could result in stuck pipes and increased wear and tear of equipment.

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Drag refers to the resistance that happens when moving the drill string up or down the wellboreespecially in directional or horizontal wells. This is essentially friction between the drill pipe and the wellbore walls underground.

There are two types called Pick-up drag which is the resistance when pulling the pipe out and Slack-off drag which is resistance when lowering the pipe into the hole.

High drag can slow down the drilling progress and it can indicate issues like wellbore instability, tight spots.

Vecseri tells us their non-rotating drilling protector can help reduce these types of problems.

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This is a clamp-on-style standoff device typically installed a couple feet above the tool joint. This sleeve rotates independently of the drill pipe so the drill pipe can rotate while this stays stationary, explained Vecseri.

Vecseri continued you get your torque reduction, and this low-friction rich material also reduces drag, and you also get reduced wear on your drill pipe and reduced wear on your casing for cased hole applications.



How does vibration affect the drilling process?

Many oil companies face material related issues in the drilling stage including corrosion, erosion, material fatigue, supply chain delays, and compatibility issues.

Vibration is another obstacle companies can face.

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Vibration can cause serious impact performance and cause the life of drilling equipment to wear and tear faster than methods that can reduce this Directional problems and material fatigue can also play a role.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed legislation Wednesday creating the Lone Star States own cost- and regulation-cutting agency styled after tech billionaire Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative for the federal government.

Texas DOGE will lead to spending cuts, regulation cuts and a more user-friendly government, Abbott said during a bill-signing ceremony in Austin on Wednesday. It will ensure that Texas is operating at the speed of business, and it will make it easier for our fellow Texans, average Texas, to deal with their own state government.

Texas Senate Bill 14, which received broad bipartisan support in both chambers of the Republican-controlled Legislature, establishes the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, tasked with helping state agencies root out unnecessary and ineffective rules and improve public access to information regarding state agency rules, forms and filings.

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According to the new law, the Texas DOGE will also guide agencies in cutting back state-mandated training hours, fees, forms, and other requirements deemed inefficient.

Its projected to cost taxpayers about $22 million over the next five years, according to a legislative fiscal note.

We want to have a clear review of all of our agencies, where we can trim, how we can save businesses money, how we can save taxpayers money, so that they will continue to come here and create jobs and add to our economic viability and competitiveness, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) said during the ceremony.

In Texas, we like to keep things simple, so Texas DOGE will make us more transparent than ever to every citizen [and] cut all the red tape  or most of the red tape, making us as efficient as possible, attracting more businesses, creating more jobs and saving taxpayer money.

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Texas is among more than two dozen mostly GOP-led states that have rushed to adopt regulatory bodies modeled after the federal DOGE program that Musk has effectively led since President Trump returned to the White House in January. Many have done so through executive action and the creation of tasks forces.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced the creation of a one-year Florida State Department of Governmental Efficiency task force in February.

But critics have questioned whether the efforts are merely ploys for Trumps attention, including the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute (EPI), which published a damning review of the efforts earlier this month.

Several states have proposed DOGE-labelled legislation that will radically restructure government in favor of governors and their appointees at the expense of career civil servants, EPIs researchers wrote. Such efforts have also targeted the independence, authority, and staffing of state agencies.

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Despite the novel branding, these initiatives are part of the longstanding right-wing mission to capture and consolidate government in service of the wealthy, they added.

On the federal level, the Trump administrations DOGE has also faced pushback from Democrats and others who have raised issues over potential threats to federal programs, DOGEs handling of sensitive information and the effectiveness of the endeavor.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Republican-authored proposal in the Texas Legislature seeks to open up state funds aimed at encouraging fossil fuel development to a form of renewable energy.

The bill, which passed unanimously out of committee in the Texas House late Wednesday and now heads to the floor for consideration, could provide a runway for state incubation of next-generation geothermal energy, which uses oil and gas drilling methods to extract heat from the earth to provide low-carbon, round-the-clock energy.

Along with another bill still in committee, the legislation could also serve as a lifeline for the flagging Texas Energy Fund (TEF), a $5 billion low-interest loan program originally aimed at encouraging more fossil fuel generation.

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The fund was created in 2023 to incentivize the building of new gas plants, with a stated aim of shoring up the grid by bringing on flexible power generation that could be turned on and off as needed.

But at least seven companies have withdrawn their applications from the TEF since the beginning of the year, largely citing an inability to procure gas turbines in time to meet the terms of the loan. The fund has so far failed to develop the 10 gigawatts of power it was intended to add to the Texas grid.

Republican lawmakers are now seeking to change two major criteria of the TEF: that projects it covers have capacity to produce at least 100 megawatts (enough to power about 100,000 houses), and a de facto requirement that they be fossil-fuel powered.

The most recent piece of legislation, authored by state Rep. AJ Louderback (R) and voted unanimously out of a Texas House committee Wednesday night, would take a step toward opening up the program to geothermal projects by officially classing them as dispatchable. It now heads to the floor of the House.

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Another proposal under discussion would allow the board overseeing TEF to make loans to geothermal projects in the 10- to 100-megawatt range  enough energy to power about 10,000 to 100,000 homes  which would allow the current generation of geothermal projects (which are smaller capacity than gas plants) to apply for funding.

These efforts come amid an attack on wind and solar power by a different faction of Texas Republicans. Over the past two months, the state Senate has passed bills seeking to drastically restrict where wind and solar can be built, and to require every watt of new solar that is brought online to be accompanied by a watt of new gas.

The same evening that Louderbacks geothermal legislation passed out of the House State Affairs Committee, members of the panel also narrowly passed another bill, H.B. 3356, which would force wind and solar companies to buy fossil-fuel based power to cover the time periods that theyre not operating.

Critics of these bills argue they will hamstring the Texas economy for the same reason that gas companies are leaving the TEF: There arent enough gas turbines, or enough interest from utilities in building new gas plants, to meet Texass skyrocketing energy needs or deliver the power the TEF was meant to incentivize.

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A report for the Texas Association of Business found that if just one of those anti-solar bills, H.B. 3356, is passed, it would cost state ratepayers $5 billion, while increasing the threat of rolling blackouts  the kind of outcomes that TEFs creation was theoretically intended to help the state avoid.

Geothermal isnt the only form of dispatchable power state lawmakers want to incentivize. Yet another bill being weighed by the Legislature would make an additional $2 billion available to nuclear developers under similar terms to the TEF.

Because lawmakers excluded battery storage projects  which, along with solar, make up the fastest growing part of the Texas grid  from consideration for the TEF, and because no nuclear projects are anywhere near ready to apply, the fund has in effect amounted to a subsidy for fossil fuels. The timeline for nuclear projects could prove to be an issue for the nuclear proposals as well.

Geothermal advocates, however, argue that power plants that tap the subterranean heat in Texas also offer dispatchable power  and that the energy funds can speed the growth of geothermal in the state, which is emerging as a key hub for the industry.

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While Texas doesnt have the red-hot shallow rock or circulating underground geyser systems of the Mountain West or Pacific Rim, recent maps produced by the advocacy group Project InnerSpace show considerable geothermal resources beneath the state.

And Texas also has something perhaps even more important than those resources: a vast and increasingly underutilized oil and gas workforce, whose job skills  from mapping underground reservoirs to drilling and encasing wells  are a close match to geothermals needs.

The field also has allies in the Trump administration. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, a skeptic of renewables and the concept of clean energy writ large, has thrown his support behind geothermal.

And President Trump himself, in an Earth Day message largely focused on touting the presidents accomplishments in opening up the nations lands and waters to more logging, fishing, mining and drilling, emphasized the administrations commitment to next-generation geothermal.

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US pesto-to-pasta maker Armanino Foods of Distinction has named ex-Bonduelle and Beyond Meat executive Deanna Jurgens as its new CEO and president.

Jurgens, whose appointment takes effect on 12 May, will also join the board of directors of the manufacturer of Italian foods.

She succeeds Tim Anderson, whose departure was first announced in January. Anderson, who joined the company in March 2020, stepped down in February.

In a statement, Armanino Foods described Jurgens as a proven leader with deep experience in growing branded businesses.

These experiences position her to lead Armanino Foods into its next phase of growth and expansion, the statement read.

Prior to joining Armanino, Jurgens served as chief sales officer at Bonduelle's business in the Americas.

Before her time at Bonduelle, Jurgens was the president of North America and global chief growth officer for Beyond Meat. Jurgens career also includes 16 years at PepsiCo.

Armanino Foods board chairman Douglas Nichols said: Jurgens extensive food industry experience speaks for itself  her leadership roles at Bonduelle Americas and Beyond Meat have consistently delivered growth, innovation, and strong customer partnerships.

Her strategic vision and proven ability to scale brands globally make her exceptionally well-suited to lead Armanino Foods into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Jurgens said: This company has an incredible foundation of growth, and I look forward to working with our talented team, suppliers and customers to further broaden our company, build on the Armanino tradition and extend our success well into the future.

Armanino Foods produces frozen Italian specialty food products, supplying foodservice, retail, and industrial markets.

Its product range includes a variety of pestos and sauces, as well as frozen pastas, cheese shakers, and meatballs.

In 2024, Armanino Foods generated net sales of $69.4m, a rise of 9% year-on-year. Net income for 2024 was $14.4m, compared to $8.8m in 2023.

"Armanino Foods of Distinction appoints Deanna Jurgens as new CEO" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




Texas released long-awaited grades for school districts on Thursday. Its the first time scores for underperforming schools have been made public in five years.

Under the states school rating system, all districts and campuses got a letter grade for the 2022-23 school year. Of the nearly 1,200 districts evaluated in the state, 10.4% got an A, 73% got a B or a C, and 16.6% got a D or an F. Fort Worth ISD is at risk of shutting down a school or facing a state takeover because of failing grades.

[1 in 5 Texas schools got a D or F rating under new performance standards]

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The 2022-23 school year ratings had been held up in courts after several districts sued the state to challenge changes to rating standards. But the 15th Court of Appeals earlier this month cleared the Texas Education Agency to release the ratings, ruling Commissioner Mike Morath had the authority to make those changes.

TEA still cannot release the ratings for the 2023-24 school year because of a separate lawsuit.

Before then, schools went without ratings for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They got partial ratings for the 2021-22 school year.

Public education advocates celebrated the release of the ratings, which they say can help parents see how successful their local school districts are, businesses decide which communities to invest in and school boards identify areas for growth. Critics of the A-F system say it harms districts that serve poor communities, which are more likely to get failing grades and face state sanctions for them.

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Districts and each of their campuses are graded on an A-F scale based on three categories:

Student achievement: How well their students perform on state standardized tests and whether they are ready for college and careers. The state imposed higher standards to get an A under the new rules.

School progress: How much students are improving on state tests

Closing the gaps: How well schools are boosting scores for specific groups of children like as students with special needs and English language learners

Each category is weighted differently. Seventy percent of the overall grade comes from the better score between the student achievement and school progress categories; the remaining 30% is based on the closing the gaps category.

Search for your district or school to see how they did below:

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.
Texas lawmakers could soon decide whether to repeal a 24-year-old state law allowing students without legal authorization to be in the U.S. to access in-state tuition at public colleges and universities  potentially affecting 20,000 students.

In 2001, state lawmakers with bipartisan support passed House Bill 1403  the Texas DREAM Act  which made access to higher education easier for thousands of students without legal status if they graduate from a Texas high school and have lived at least three years in the Lone Star State. These students are also required to sign an affidavit asserting their intent to pursue U.S. citizenship at their first opportunity.

Texas was the first state to pass such a law, and, like the current proposal to repeal it, legislative committees have in the past considered calls to do away with the provision. But as the Trump administration steps up efforts to deport people living in the U.S. illegally and international students who participate in pro-Palestinian advocacy or who have criminal violations, Florida has reversed its in-state tuition for students without legal status, and the Texas proposal's author, Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, has said the state must follow suit.

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Senate Bill 1798 addresses the long-standing concern of subsidized higher education benefits and free tuition being granted to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States, Middleton said at a Senate K-16 Education Committee hearing on the bill Tuesday. This ensures that public funds are reserved for students with legal standing in the United States and reinforces the importance of lawful status in accessing state benefits.

Currently, 24 states, including Texas, grant students without legal status access to in-state tuition and 19 states, including Texas, also allow such students to access state financial aid. Students who are in the U.S. illegally do not have access to federal financial aid.

SB 1798 would bar students without legal status from accessing in-state tuition and from receiving state financial aid. Middleton said it's a necessary measure to ensure the state is fiscally responsible.

He estimates that Texas lost $150 million per year from the roughly 20,000 students without legal status that pay in-state tuition as opposed to out-of-state tuition. According to Every Texan, a social justice advocacy nonprofit, students without legal status accounted for less than 3% ($17.3 million) of the state's total $579 million dispersed in financial aid and grants in 2021.

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A study by the American Immigration Council, however, found that Texas could lose $461 million each year if residency standards are changed. This is because having a bachelors degree increases such students earning potential by 57%, helping the state through taxes, buying power and filling workforce needs, it states.

Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, who questioned the bill's purpose and warned of its potential effect, said SB 1798 would make it impossible for many people without legal status to attend and afford college despite such students in his district having often only known this country as their own and having attended local schools and worked in and helped their communities.

By all measures, theyve established residency in this state, Menendez said. I dont agree with the premise that we lost $150 million because they should have been paying outside tuition because of the fact that they were living here.

Implications for Texas

Several people who benefited from the states DREAM Act testified Tuesday about how the bill transformed their lives, allowing them to pursue paths to education, successful careers and U.S. citizenship.

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In-state tuition for public colleges and universities and in-district tuition for community colleges is designed to charge students from tax-paying families lower education costs, said Sarah Keyton, deputy commissioner for administration and operations at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, who testified as an expert witness.

The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center states that persons in the U.S. regardless of immigration status pay taxes, with those without a Social Security number using an individual taxpayer identification number to do so, but they receive less in government benefits.

Testimony in the Senate hearing on SB 1798 lasted nearly three hours, with representatives for the Intercultural Development Research Association, Texas Civil Rights Project, ACLU of Texas, and the Council of Islamic-American Relations Texas testifying against the proposal and representatives from Texans for Strong Borders, True Texas Projects and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility for it.

Supporters of Middletons bill emphasized how Texas must use discretion with its public money and argued that the existing law encourages or rewards unlawful residence. Those against the proposal said it would hurt the state economically and unjustly punish students who dream of opportunities as they find a path to citizenship.

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One student, who expects to graduate in May from a UT System institution, testified against the bill in his cap and gown, saying he would not have been able to graduate without it.

In response to Menendez's concern that this bill will stop students without legal status from attending higher education institutions and cost Texas money, Middleton retorted that our citizen constituents are going to fill those spots and tuition wont go unpaid.

If we had a secure border this whole time, this wouldnt be an issue, Middleton said.

SB 1798 was left pending in committee Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Senate hears bill to end Texas DREAM Act, restrict in-state tuition
AUSTIN (Nexstar) The only thing left to create a $1 billion education savings account (ESA) program in Texas is a signature from Gov. Greg Abbott after the Texas Senate agreed to the changes made by the Texas House on Senate Bill 2 in a 19-12 vote. The ESA program will set aside taxpayer dollars to help families pay for private education or homeschooling.

It became our amendment  Attempt to revive conflict of interest clause

One of the biggest revelations in the Houses version of SB 2 was a conflict of interest amendment the Texas House stripped from the bill. The amendment, which was first proposed last session by State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, prevents lawmakers who passed the bill from participating in the program.

Fast forward two years, that amendment was no longer called the Gutierrez amendment because Senator (Brandon) Creighton (R-Conroe) thought it was a good idea, and thank you for that Senator Creighton. It became our amendment at that point, Gutierrez said. In the dark of the night in the committee substitute that was stripped out. Dont need to get into who stripped it out and why, but it was stripped out. House Democrats tried to put that amendment back in to no avail.

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While closing on his bill, Creighton said, you may be surprised and we could suspend (the rules) on Monday and bring that policy back in a separate bill, so stay tuned on that.

Nearing the end of a long road

The decision to concur with the Houses changes on SB 2 was announced last Friday on X by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

Getting an ESA bill through the legislature is the culmination of two-and-a-half years of full-court press from Abbott. He first declared the proposal an emergency item in the 2023 legislative session, but couldnt get it through the Texas House of Representatives. Later that year, he called four special sessions  two of them with the specific intent to create ESA legislation  but could never get enough support.

He then funded the campaign for 15 challengers to Texas House Republicans who voted against ESA legislation, successfully ousting 11 incumbents.

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His last challenge early last week, as reports suggested, the Texas House might amend SB 2 to send the proposal to a public vote in November. However, the Texas House voted along party lines to pass the bill, with State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, accusing Abbott of threatening lawmakers to kill the amendment.

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.

However, a comment from State Rep. Jeff Barry, R-Pearland, on his social media post said, 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.

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When the bill passed the House, Abbott said in a statement, For the first time in Texas history, our state has passed a universal school choice bill out of both chambers in the Texas Legislature. 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. Texas could not have accomplished this without the hard work and unwavering support from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Chairman Brandon Creighton, and Chairman Brad Buckley. 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.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Textron Aviation officially opened its $40 million Career & Learning Center in Wichita on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing workforce development in the aviation industry. The center consolidates hiring, training, and educational outreach to support talent development.

The 75,000-square-foot facility features four zones, each designed for a specific stage of employment, ranging from job applications and onboarding to technical training and student engagement. The aviation company says that the center demonstrates a commitment to attracting and developing skilled professionals in aviation manufacturing and support roles.

This facility is an important investment in building the next generation of aviation talent, Ron Draper, Textron Aviation president and CEO, said. Recruiting, hiring, and training a world-class workforce is vital to our ability to provide the best aviation experience for our customers.

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Kansas Governor Laura Kelly praised the facility as a model for workforce partnerships.

This new career and learning center is way more than just a buildingits a partnership, she said during Wednesdays ribbon-cutting event. Textron is training and hiring the next generation of Kansas workers.

Wichitas coming Broadway season brings unique tour debuts

The project received $3.3 million from the ALOFT grant program to support apprenticeships, manufacturing training, and K-12 aviation education, featuring spaces for flight simulators and STEM activities.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran also spoke at the event, highlighting the federal commitment to promoting aviation as a national strategic asset.

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I hope that everyone who has a dream to do something with their lives finds this facility available to them, Moran said. We want the bright future we envision for Kansas to be built here.

Rep. Ron Estes added that the new center reinforces Wichitas reputation as the Air Capital of the World.

Textron continues to lead in education and workforce preparation. This facility will not only help train aviation workersit will strengthen our national economy and defense, he said.

For more information or to apply, visit txtav.com/careers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
There's growing fear of a serial killer in a region of the United States after another person was found dead this week.

A woman was found dead off of a bike path in New England this week. The woman was found unresponsive off of a bike path in Springfield, Massachusetts on Tuesday. Police are now investigating the death.

Springfield Police Department spokesperson Ryan Walsh announced the sad news.

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"The SPD Homicide Unit under the direction Captain Trent Duda is conducting an unattended death investigation in conjunction with the @HampdenDA Murder Unit, pending an autopsy by the Medical Examiner," Walsh said.

The woman was found near a bike path at the 1500 block of Hall of Fame Avenue.

Police tape. (Photo by Yu Ruidong/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images) China News Service/Getty Images

Following the latest death, there's growing fear of a serial killer in the New England region.

There have now been eight deaths of mostly women between March and April in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The bodies - four of which are reportedly women - have been found in New Haven, Norwalk, Groton and Killingly, Connecticut; Foster, Rhode Island; and Framingham, Plymouth and now Springfield, Massachusetts.

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Talk of a "New England serial killer" is growing online.

"Is it just me or has everyone in New England been acting weird lately?? Now theres talk of a serial killer. There must be something in the Dunkin Donuts," one person wrote.

"Why isnt this getting more attention? Two potential serial killers are active in New England right now, and it feels like its being swept under the rug. We need answers," one person added.

"I been taking walks through the woods and trails for the past month and I just found out theres a serial killer targeting female hikers in New England??" another person wrote.

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For now, though, authorities say there's no evidence of a serial killer existing. It's not believed that there is any connection between the deaths.

Connecticut State Police told Fox News Digital that "there is no information at this time suggesting any connection to similar remains discoveries, and there is also no known threat to the public at this time."

Still, those in the New England region remain fearful. There is an official New England Serial Killer Facebook group and it's growing. The group has 65,300 members, including more than 15,000 new members this month.

Stay safe out there, everyone.

Related: New England Serial Killer Fears Grow Despite Police Hesitance
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Illinois Senator Dick Durbin spent more than half of his life serving in Congress, but he said hes ready to move along to retirement.

On Thursday, he reflected on his career in Congress and the current political climate, all while standing in the same place he launched his first campaign for Senate  his backyard in Springfield.

WCIA footage of Durbin announcing his run for Senate in 1995 in his backyard

WCIA footage of Durbin announcing his retirement in 2025

Illinois advocates concerned about proposed cuts to care hours for developmentally disabled

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He addressed reporters for the first since his retirement announcement. Durbin said while he feels fit to represent the state today at 80 years old, he has to look ahead eight years: two years on the campaign trail and six years in office.

I didnt think at this point it was the right thing to do, Durbin said. I think it is the right thing to pass the torch on to another generation.

Durbins retirement announcement kicked off a mad dash to replace him. Durbin himself said he has had many conversations with people interested in the job.

Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton announced she will run for his seat Thursday. She was the first to announce her candidacy, but others are expected to do the same, too.

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Durbin said he will also not endorse any candidate to replace him. He did give advice to candidates choosing to run for his seat: campaign in the entire state.

Discover downstate if you dont know it, he said. Discover the suburbs and the surrounding counties. Discover Chicago and these wards and precincts. Thats been one of the real blessings of this job.

Durbin also reflected on his time, including passing legislation to ban smoking on airplanes and public transportation. Durbins wife, Loretta, worked for the American Lung Association.

Pritzker goes to Jacksonville to announce money for downtown revitalization projects

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Getting things done to make to a difference in the lives of people I represent makes all the difference in the world, the senator said.

He also was grateful for serving alongside members of Congress who have made American history like Ted Kennedy and John McCain.

Now with an end date in sight, Illinois senior senator said he will lobby his Republican colleagues to stand up against Trumps administration, including his tariffs and trade policy.

Im gonna beg them to stand up and fight with us to protect the constitutional authority of the United States Senate, Durbin added. We cant give this away In an emergency situation, [the Constitution] would delegate [trade] to the president. This president is declaring an emergency that doesnt exist.

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12 states sue Trump administration to stop tariff policy

He also said he isnt giving up on the DREAM Act. He wants to pass the bill that would protect children and young adults with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival status before he leaves in early 2027. He first introduced the bill in 2001.

These are innocent kids who came to the United States as infants and toddlers; their parents made the decision to cross the border, they didnt, Durbin added. They grew up here and did everything right, pledged allegiance to the flag in their classrooms every morning, thought they were part of America and learned when they were 13 or 14 that theyre undocumented.

Now this president wants to deport them if he can, he added. I hope he doesnt get by with that; Im going to fight him.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV)  U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) condemned the decision to remove AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members from their service at the Vicksburg campus.

AmeriCorps NCCC informed volunteers on April 15 that they would exit the program early due to programmatic circumstances beyond your control, according to an email obtained by The Associated Press.

Mississippi River expected to crest next week in Vicksburg

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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.

This is a shameful decision driven by politics, not policy, said Thompson. President Trump and his allies at DOGE have chosen to dismantle a program that has provided real, tangible support to communities in needespecially in Mississippi. The Vicksburg campus has been a cornerstone of national service for years, and this move is an attack on the values of sacrifice, service, and community.

In a letter to Thompson, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs, Jr., said the action was disruptive and disrespectful to the AmeriCorps members who were nearing the completion of their service.

Congressman-Thompson-AmeriCorps-Letter-From-Mayor-FlaggsDownload

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AmeriCorps NCCC, which completed its 30th year last year, employed 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 were 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.

Wolf Lake in Yazoo County closed due to flooding

The agency paid 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.

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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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Thousands of believers waited in line on Thursday outside St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican to pay their last respects to Pope Francis as cardinals pressed ahead with plans to elect his successor.

St Peter's Basilica remained open through most of the night to allow visitors to file past the late pontiff's open coffin. The church closed for just a short break in the early morning.

Before 8 am (0600 GMT), a queue of believers about 1 kilometre long had already formed in front of St Peter's Square and the security checkpoint.

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The queue partly zigzagged across adjacent squares and side streets. Security forces and volunteers were managing the flow of people around the area.

At 7 am, security personnel finally began allowing the faithful back into the massive church in central Rome, located at the spiritual and historical centre of Catholicism.

"I've been standing here with my group since half past five," said Anja Donaubauer, a German pilgrim. "We tried a second time. Yesterday evening between 6 pm and 7 pm, nothing was moving at all," she said.

The head of the Italy's Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano, said almost 50,000 people came to St Peter's Basilica in the first 24 hours after Francis' body was transferred there.

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The body of the late head of the Catholic Church, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, lies in an open coffin in front of the main altar in the basilica.

Pope Francis is due to remain there until Friday evening, before his coffin is sealed for the funeral service and burial on Saturday.

Controversy over convicted cardinal

On Thursday morning, cardinals held their third official meeting since Francis' death. Behind closed doors, they are expected to discuss, among other things, a date for the start of the conclave, expected in early May.

A controversy is brewing over the participation of convicted Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was stripped of his privileges by Pope Francis in the wake of a financial fraud scandal.

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Despite being listed on a Vatican register as a non-voter, Becciu has insisted on participating in the vote.

In an interview with the Sardinian newspaper L'Unione Sarda, published on Tuesday, Becciu said the list of cardinals circulated by the Vatican had "no legal value."

Francis stripped Becciu of his "rights associated with the Council of Cardinals" in 2020 after the Sardinian cardinal was accused of being involved in a loss-making property scandal concerning questionable multimillion-euro deals.

At the end of 2023, Becciu was sentenced to five years and six months in prison by a Vatican Court, becoming the first convicted cardinal in the history of the Catholic Church.

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However, the cardinal's status is not entirely clear. In 2022, the pope invited Becciu to an assembly of cardinals. The Italian saw this step as a sort of rehabilitation into the church, but the Vatican has not confirmed this.

High security planned for funeral

Extensive security measures are planned for the pope's funeral service on Saturday - to safeguard not just the throngs of faithful in and around the Vatican, but also the influx of world dignitaries.

Above all, the arrival of many world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, will entail an unprecedented deployment of police, military and other security entities.

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Further complicating matters, Francis' coffin will be driven across Rome to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the burial will take place, following a funeral service in St Peter's at the Vatican.

The authorities are expecting tens of thousands of people to line this route, which is around 6 kilometres long.

"It's extremely complex," Rome's police chief, Roberto Massucci, said in an interview.

Ciciliano said more than 200,000 people were expected for the funeral service around St Peter's Square: "But we need to look at these figures again."

Rome is expecting delegations and leaders from around 170 countries to attend.

At the request of Pope Francis, a group of poor people will also attend the funeral, a Vatican spokesman said on Thursday. "The poor have a special place in God's heart," he said.
President Donald Trump called Harvard University a threat to Democracy and a liberal mess on Thursday, amid his administrations ongoing battle with the university after it defied orders from the White House.

Harvard has become Trumps main target for his administrations campaign to pressure powerful institutions  from major law firms to elite colleges and universities  to fall in line with the White Houses agenda. In recent months, the Trump administration has frozen billions of dollars in federal funding and launched investigative probes into American universities over allegations of antisemitism on campuses.

Harvard is an Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution, as are numerous others, with students being accepted from all over the World that want to rip our Country apart, Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social on Thursday.

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He added: The place is a Liberal mess, allowing a certain group of crazed lunatics to enter and exit the classroom and spew fake ANGER AND HATE. It is truly horrific! Now, since our filings began, they act like they are all American Apple Pie.

While some institutions have ceded to Trump  Columbia University cut a deal with the Trump administration, and some of the countrys biggest law firms have agreed to provide pro bono legal services  Harvard rejected a list of demands from the White House earlier this month regarding broad changes to the universitys governance and policies. That same day, the Trump administration pulled over $2.2 billion in federal funding to the university.

Harvard has since taken legal action against Trump, saying his administrations demands would impose unprecedented and improper control over the university.

Trumps social media tirade also takes aim at Harvards legal counsel  which includes an attorney with strong ties to Trump.

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Harvard is a threat to Democracy, with a lawyer, who represents me, who should therefore be forced to resign, immediately, or be fired, Trump wrote, seemingly referencing William Burck. Hes not that good, anyway, and I hope that my very big and beautiful company, now run by my sons, gets rid of him ASAP!

Burck, a longtime Republican insider, recently began working as the outside ethics adviser for the Trump Organization. Eric Trump, who is a trustee and executive vice president of the global real estate empire, touted Burcks hiring in January.

Burck did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via his law firm.
The Palm Beach County School Board voted Wednesday night to repeal the district's diversity, equity and inclusion rules and statements, heeding a threat from the Trump administration to pull federal funds from districts, colleges and universities that don't drop them.

Board member Edwin Ferguson blasted the push for anti-DEI changes, calling the administration's actions "child-like" and "bullying" and castigating as an "idiot" those who might unwittingly back threats forcing the district to scrap policies that help women as well as minorities.

Because the changes were approved on an emergency basis, they will go into effect immediately and remain so for 90 days. During that time, the district will get input from the public and from district staff, which can suggest alterations. Board members would need to take a second, final vote before the changes become permanent.

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Palm Beach Post Editorial: Federal DEI threats are a tough lesson for Palm Beach County schools

Palm Beach County schools Superintendent Mike Burke signs a letter saying DEI could discriminate

Staff recommended the emergency changes because the Trump administration demanded that state education leaders across the country have school districts in their state sign a "reminder of legal obligations" acknowledging that some DEI programs could  in the view of Trump administration officials  violate anti-discrimination laws and subject a district to the loss of tens of millions in federal funding. Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz forwarded that reminder to the Palm Beach County School District on April 10, and Superintendent Mike Burke signed it a week later.

The district got $300 million from the federal government in fiscal year 2025 and is using the money to recruit, train and retain teachers working in schools with a high percentage of poor students. The money is also being used for student meals and to educate special needs students as well as those still learning English.

In addition to the threatened loss of federal funding, the district could have its fiscal year 2026 state funding cut by as much as $47 million, which would make it more difficult for high schools to continue offering AP, IB and AICE programs.

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Ferguson was alone in opposition during a series of 6-1 votes Wednesday night as the board repealed district language calling for racial diversity in hiring and promotion and business utilization. He launched an impassioned, prolonged verbal assault on repealing the provisions, repeatedly likening the Trump administration's threats to "children leading the adults."

"My 7-year-old comports herself in a much more forward-thinking and professional manner than some of our leaders in D.C.," Ferguson said.

None of the board members spoke at length in support of the anti-DEI changes, though Gloria Branch told Ferguson she thought that scrapping the district's policy on diversity in business practices was a good idea. And she rejected the notion that she was only voting in favor of the anti-DEI changes because of the threat to the district's federal funding.

"I just want to be clear," she said. "I'm not voting in fear on any of these policies."

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Board members were otherwise silent as Ferguson continued to blast away at the proposed changes and urged his colleagues to shrug off fear and call the administration's bluff. Burke said he understood the difficulty of voting for what his staff was recommending.

Edwin Ferguson on ending DEI programs: 'This is a tough vote for everyone'

"I respect your position as a board member," Burke told Ferguson. "I know this is a tough vote for everyone. We're trying to navigate this to the best of our ability. I'm not a real fearful person myself, but I can't look at just my own personal situation. I need to look at the district and their finances. I felt like the threat was real."

The Trump administration has already withheld billions in federal funding from some universities, actions that are being challenged in court along with attention-grabbing administration moves in the areas of immigration, staffing and law. Many of the early court rulings in those cases have gone against the administration, and it is possible  likely even  that some school districts, following the lead of Harvard University, will contest the threat to their federal funding.

Jane Tierney, a board member for the Coalition for Black Student Excellence, urged school board members to delay the implementation of any changes "until such time as the legal questions are resolved."

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Tierney said the policies the district had in place "did not create excellence or equity."

"Black students are still disporportionately undereducated," she said. "Black educators do not have an equal chance at promotion. Black businesses still do not get their fair share of contracts from the school district."

The district, the largest employer in the county, has had a program in place to certify and track contract work awarded to businesses owned by women and minorities. Unlike other local governments, the district does not require large firms to share some of the work with firms owned by women or minorities. The district moved away from that program in 2017 in favor of one aimed at helping small businesses, many of which are owned by women and minorities.

The district said it "will be evaluating over the next few weeks" whether to continue with the certification of women- and minority-owned fims and the tracking of contract work awarded to them.

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"We acknowledge that continuing to track this information is important for the district and the public to know," a district spokesman said.

While much of the focus of DEI programs is on their benefit to racial and ethnic minorities, they are often a boon to women.

Ferguson said those who oppose DEI programs and are happy to see the Trump administration push for their demise "will soon realize, 'Oh, shoot. That was something that could have benefited my daughter. I have dreams and aspirations for my daughter. You mean I'm stopping that from happening?' Yeah, idiot, you are. Yes, you are."

Trump and other Republicans have described DEI programs as as a form of reverse discrimination against whites that put minorities in positions of authority without merit. They also argue that the programs violate federal laws against discrimination. Democrats counter that the programs are a necessary tool to ensure that women and minorities are included in job candidate pools and that the views of people in marginalized communities are taken into account as policy is crafted.

School board member Edwin Ferguson (second from the left) stands by Congresswoman Lois Frankel as she speaks in March about the dismantling of the federal Department of Education.

Ferguson told his colleagues that the administration's threat to pull the district's federal funding over DEI is an empty one.

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"If you're fool enough to pull our federal funding, guess what's going to happen?" he said. "Those same persons who put you in office are going to see you out of office because  guess what?  they have a fair number of people who are receiving (federal) funds. All those monies that we rely on to make this machine hum? A lot of their children are going to be suffering if you pull that $300 million."

Ferguson's faith in electoral consequences for Trump if he pulls federal funding from school districts doesn't square with the president's political history. Many of Trump's most ardent supporters are low- and middle-income workers who back him and other Republicans despite their opposition to unions, expanded access to Medicaid and a higher minimum wage.

Still, Ferguson told board members they should not fear the administration's threat to pull the district's federal funding.

"We should let them do it and see what happens," he said. "I promise you they'll flip flop just like the silly tariffs that are implemented one day and then flipped off the next. It's the exact same thing. You know who you're dealing with."

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Many of those who have spoken out against Trump have subsequently faced political and physical threats from the president and his supporters. Ferguson indicated he understood that reality.

"I'm willing to stand on the line in this regard," he said. "I may be making a target of myself, but I didn't expect to be here forever anyway. I'm going to do what I was asked to do by my constituents while I can do it. This foolishness that we're having to capitulate to, I can't tacitly support."

Wayne Washington is a journalist covering education for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County School Board to end DEI programs heeds Trump threat
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The largest domestic automotive groups say higher tariffs on auto parts will cost U.S. carmakers billions of dollars while scrambling the global supply chain, hiking consumer prices and lowering sales.

In a signed letter to the Trump administration, leaders from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the American Automotive Policy Council, the American International Automobile Dealers Association, Autos Drive America, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association and the National Automobile Dealers Association said tariffs on auto parts slated to begin May 3 will be detrimental to an industry that supports 10 million U.S. jobs and has a $1.2 trillion annual impact on the nations economy.

Automotive leaders also expressed that while the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement has benefited the industry by supporting U.S. jobs and preserving vehicle affordability, additional tariffs would create disruption, especially to global supply chains that are critical to domestic production.

Most auto suppliers are not capitalized for an abrupt tariff induced disruption, the letter says. Many are already in distress and will face production stoppages, layoffs and bankruptcy.

If one supplier is disrupted, it could lead to a shutdown of an automakers production line, according to the letter. When this happens, as it did during the pandemic, all suppliers are impacted, and workers will lose their jobs, the letter reads.

In the letter, automotive leaders commended the administrations openness to reconsidering its 25% tariff on imported automotive parts, saying it would be a positive development and welcome relief.

However, they warned of the possible consequences if the tariffs go into effect next month.

The global auto industry has already been in upheaval since the Trump administration implemented assorted tariffs, including a 25% duty on all vehicles made outside the U.S, save for those compliant with the USMCA.

Automotive industry analysts say the uncertainty caused by tariffs has led organizations like Cox Automotive to revise their full-year domestic production forecasts.

Increased tariffs are also driving some automakers to rethink U.S. production, including Nissan Motor Co.. The company recently reversed a plan to reduce operations of its Rogue SUV at a Tennessee plant from two lines to one. The carmaker will now maintain both lines to circumvent the tariffs.
GREER, S.C. (WSPA)  Three people have been charged in connection to the shooting that left a man dead.

Officers with the Greer Police Department responded to shooting on April 15, on Seaboard Drive, where a man was found dead. The victim was identified as Ishear Tylik Warren.

Police said that 46-year-old Laura Ann Chapman and 52-year-old John Corey Chapman had fled South Carolina and were found in Wood River, Illinois. They were arrested on Tuesday.

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Warrants said that John had shot Warren during an argument. He was charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and pointing and presenting a firearm at a person.

Laura and 62-year-old Richard Lee Howard Jr. were charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Howard Jr. was arrested Friday.

John and Laura Chapman are currently being held in the Madison County Jail and Howard Jr. is being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center, without bond.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Three juveniles are accused of setting two mobile homes on fire in Crittenden County.

The Crittenden County Sheriffs Department said two 14-year-olds and one 10-year-old were arrested and charged in connection with the fires in Marion, Arkansas.

Photo by WREG Photo by WREG

According to the sheriffs departments Facebook post, two trailer houses caught fire on Morrison Cove and Johnson Drive in the Lake Shore trailer park area.

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Spray all of yall, Man threatens to shoot staff and customers at Midtown restaurant: MPD

Investigators said one of the trailers was a total loss after the fire. No word on damage estimates.

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Video: Van Buren community voices concerns after being without water over the weekend

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Three bills passed during the current legislation session and signed into law by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders mark an investment in Arkansas water.

Sanders said in a statement that the states access to safe and reliable water infrastructure was necessary for the state to grow and thrive.

I was proud to work with the legislature to support this legislation and invest more than half a billion dollars in Arkansas water issues, and I will work closely with the Department of Agriculture to ensure we provide assistance to the communities that need it most, the governor said.

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Arkansas largest water plant set to be renovated; Central Arkansas Water customers paying for it

Senate Bill 420, now Act 736, allows more private entities to convert to public water authorities, allowing them to apply for additional state funding.

House Bill 1681, now Act 812, establishes the Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program, providing $25 million from interest earnings per year over the next three years to water and sewer facilities, with 20% earmarked for rural systems serving 1,200 people or fewer.

Multiple north Arkansas counties face water issues after pump station was lifted off ground by system break

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Senate Bill 421, now Act 578, creates a ballot initiative for the 2026 election that, if approved by voters, would provide $500 million in water and wastewater project funding through 2043, currently set to expire in 2027, paid for through loan repayments and no increase to state general revenue.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri indicted three men in separate cases this week for illegally re-entering the United States after they were previously deported.

According to a superseding indictment returned this week, Erik Santana-Garcia, aka Erik Cayetano, 33, of Mexico, was charged with transporting a 15-year-old minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, being an alien in possession of a firearm, illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien and possession of child pornography, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Ex-Army intelligence analyst sentenced to prison for selling military secrets to Chinese national: DOJ

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Romeo Perez-Bravo, 42, of Guatemala, was charged with one count of illegal re-entry by an alien previously convicted of a felony. His previous charges of aggravated identity theft and misuse of a Social Security number were also included in a superseding indictment.

The indictment alleges Perez-Bravo had been living under the stolen identity of a U.S. citizen since 2009.

The Social Security Administrations Office of the Inspector General received a referral from the St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department that a man had been fraudulently living and working under a Minnesota mans identity. SSA-OIG identified him as Perez-Bravo, who had previously been removed from the United States three times and did not have permission to return.

Due to his illegal alien status, he stole a Minnesota mans identity and used it to work for local area employers for several years. The DOJ said Perez-Bravo had previously been convicted of multiple felonies in Minnesota, including terroristic threats and identity theft.

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Andres G. Angel-Martinez, 25, of Mexico, was found on or about April 15 after having been removed on November 11, 2019.

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This case was referred by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

According to the DOJ, these cases are part of Operation Take Back America, established back in March and is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the DOJ 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.

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WEST PLAINS, Mo.  On Tuesday, law enforcement arrested three people from West Plains for drug trafficking in and near Howell County.

According to the Howell County Sheriffs Office (HCSO), their SWAT team and West Plains Police Officers joined with state and federal officers with the Operation Relentless Pursuit Task Force in an arrest and narcotics search operation at a home on County Road 4000 in West Plains.

The probable cause statement says 48-year-old Jason Laird, 40-year-old Melissa Collins and 58-year-old Shelby Gutierrez were driving back to the home with lots of methamphetamine, and the officers arrived shortly after the suspects arrived at the residence.

Jason Laird (Courtesy: Howell County Sheriffs Office)

Melissa Collins (Courtesy: Howell County Sheriffs Office)

Shelby Gutierrez (Courtesy: Howell County Sheriffs Office)

Laird ran from the scene after seeing law enforcement, but officers were able to find him lying on the ground north of the home and arrested him. The other two suspects were arrested at the residence.

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Ozark County couple charged in shooting report

In the search, law enforcement seized approximately 3/4ths of a pound of methamphetamine and multiple firearms from the residence, HCSO says. Additional methamphetamine was also found in the suspects vehicle and on Gutierrezs person.

Court documents state that in a post-Miranda interview with law enforcement, Laird said he had been using meth daily and that he ran from the scene because he was scared and wasnt sure what was going on. Laird also had an active warrant from the Missouri Department of Corrections for being a Parole Absconder on multiple felony charges, according to HCSO.

Gutierrez also interviewed with law enforcement. She admitted to driving Laird and Collins to St. Louis to buy meth and that this was the third or fourth time she drove them. She also received 20 grams of meth as payment for the trip, which she intended to sell for money.

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Collins declined to speak with law enforcement.

All three individuals were charged with first-degree drug trafficking and are being held in Howell County Jail with a $50,000 bond.

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Dom Tychsen is a midshipman in the University of Utahs Naval ROTC program. He also served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, laboring in New Mexico and Brazil.

So Wednesdays announcement that the university would soon be awarding college credit hours to eligible students with prior learning and service experience was welcome news to Tychsen on multiple fronts.

Ill always take free credits, the mechanical engineering student told the Deseret News, laughing. If the (credit award) program helps me (satisfy) some classes, Id totally apply for it.

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Tychsens wife and fellow University of Utah student Sarah Tychsen also served a full-time religious mission and is working toward an elementary education degree. Shes already earned an associates degree, but if I could get some credits for my (elementary education bachelors degree) that would be awesome.

On Wednesday, University of Utah leadership announced that it would soon offer college credit for prior learning and service for eligible students who have performed some sort of service in the global community.

Such prior learning and service credit criteria is both broad and open  and could include students who have served religious missions, military vets and students on active military duty, participants in programs such as the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, or other forms of humanitarian and community service.

Starting in the fall 2025 semester, University of Utah students can receive up to 12 hours  the equivalent of one semester  for what they have already learned and put into practice across the globe.

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Consider the program a credit-earning nod to the value of prior learning experiences as an invaluable benefit to the universitys campus community.

University of Utah President Taylor Randall noted Wednesday that students acquire much from, say, serving a religious mission in a distant country or wearing the uniform of the armed forces.

They learn leadership skills. They learn intercultural skills.

The Prior Learning and Service credits could be awarded in multiple forms  including general education credits or credits that apply specifically to a students degree.

Academic credit, according to the university, will be awarded based on the type and duration of the students experience and will be determined on a case-by-case basis  up to the equivalent of one semester of credits.

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Students will pay a $50 fee for each portfolio-based petition for prior learning credit assessments.

Students who served at least 181 cumulative days of U.S. active-duty military service and were honorably discharged or are currently on active duty will also be eligible to receive four lower-division credit hours of basic training.

According to the university, students may test out, be given credit for military training or demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the course material gained through experience via portfolio-based assessment.

The University of Utah has more than 1,600 students with military connections and there is, no surprise, a sizable community of students who have served religious missions.

University of Utah student Nayra Green talks on campus in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, about hearing the news that the school will soon be offering academic credit to returned missionaries, active duty military and veterans, and other eligible students who have performed humanitarian service in their communities and beyond. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Credit for experiential learning

The universitys Salt Lake City campus was unusually quiet Wednesday afternoon after news broke of the Prior Learning and Service credit award initiative.

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Its days before graduation, and students are busy preparing for the spring 2025 final exam period. But those who took a quick break from their studies to discuss the new credit program were, like Dom and Sarah Tychsen, generally supportive.

It sounds like an exciting program, said Nayra Green. I definitely think that more students should have experiential learning.

Green has participated in a study abroad program and performed service through the universitys Bennion Center. Those have been important learning experiences for the political science and Middle East studies student.

Green wondered aloud if some of the away-from-campus activities that might secure university students a few free credit hours are maybe only accessible to very privileged people. But she hopes it will prove to be accessible to a wide range of students.

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Ryan Barrie, a kinesiology student from Vail, Colorado, called the program a good option for people who have taken time away from the classroom to, say, serve a religious mission.

His friend, Sawyer Blair, added that a credit-for-service-experiences option is a good opportunity for students with military or mission experiences to satisfy general education requirements while helping them focus on their degree majors.

And Jefferson Roberts, a university student from Temecula, California, said he has friends who are joining the military and others who are leaving on religious missions.

Anything that we can do to help those people, once they come back from maybe the military or the mission, to adjust to college is important.

The universitys new Prior Learning and Service credit program, added Roberts, is an opportunity to help them.
Myanmar authorities have arrested a popular TikTok astrologer who allegedly falsely predicted that the country would suffer a strong earthquake  spreading panic online.

John Moe The, whose TikTok following numbers more than 30,000 people, predicted that on April 9 there would be a very strong earthquake that would hit every city in Myanmar in 12 days time, CBS reported, citing state media.

People should not stay in tall buildings during the day, John Moe The wrote in the caption of the video, which was viewed 3.3 million times, the outlet reported. Take important things with you and run away from buildings during the shaking, he wrote.

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Last months earthquake that hit central Myanmar had more than 140 aftershocks, some as large as a 5.9 magnitude, killing at least 3,700 people and injured 4,800 more, according to the United Nations.

Frequent strong aftershocks continue to shake central Myanmar almost daily, increasing fear and uncertainty, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs wrote in a statement on April 18, adding that some people in Myanmar fear aftershocks could persist for months.

Related: Massive 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Thailand, Causing a 30-Story Building to Collapse as Seen in Terrifying Video

The 21-year-old astrologer was arrested Tuesday in a morning raid at his home in central Monywa city, CBS reported, citing a statement by Myanmars military government.

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We got a tip-off about fake news being spread through a TikTok account that a severe earthquake will hit, the statement said, according to the outlet. Action will be taken effectively against him according to the law. Likewise, we will also take action effectively against those who write or spread or share fake news.

In Myanmar, theres a law that prohibits publishing fake news online through social media which can lead to prosecution, according to Article 19, a human rights organization, who wrote about the media law.

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.

Nan Nan, a local resident in Yangon, the largest city of Myanmar, told AFP she did not believe the social media post when she saw it, but many neighbors had.

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Most of my neighbors dared not to stay in their apartments and lived out on the street that day, Nan said to the AFP. My friend even hired a small house outside Yangon in preparation.

On John Moe Thes TikTok, he predicts other weather disasters, the release of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi  who was arrested during the countrys 2021 coup d'etat  and American airstrikes on Myanmars soil, per CBS.

According to the United States Geological Survey, no scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. They can only calculate the probability that a significant earthquake will occur in a specific area within a certain number of years, USGS wrote on their website.



Read the original article on People
The last time Tina Brown spoke to The Telegraph, in April 2022, the interview was left on a cliffhanger: what would happen when the Queen died?

Brown, the waspish former editor of Vanity Fair, The New Yorker and The Daily Beast, had just published The Palace Papers, her rollicking book about the recent travails of the Royal family.

Based on interviews with more than 120 sources in and around the palace, the book portrayed a family at their most precarious moment since the death of Diana, rocked by Prince Andrews involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case  and subsequent kamikaze interview with Emily Maitlis  and the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

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I do think the country is going to have the most enormous national nervous breakdown when the Queen dies, Brown told interviewer Allison Pearson. Losing the Queen will be a shattering blow, but I am actually more of a Charles optimist than many.

Within months, Brown was able to put her theories to the test. When Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral on 8 September, the nation did indeed go into convulsions, but it was perhaps short of the full emotional breakdown she had predicted.

The Queen managed her own death with such aplomb; every CEO should figure out how to go like she went, Brown says, reflecting on events three years later. She planned her entire exit so there would be minimum bad drama. I wouldnt be at all surprised if she didnt think: Ill see in Liz Truss, Ill kiss off Boris Johnson and Ill stop taking my meds. Because it was just so perfect. Everything about that managed death reassured the public: the procession of that coffin, the way it was flown back, the sight of Princess Anne with it.

The Queen managed her own death with aplomb. It was a beautiful transition... Charles is the most senior, measured statesman in Europe, pictured at his coronation in 2023 - Getty

Charles impeccably took over. God knows the man had been in training for 50 years. He was flawless, except for a tiny slip over his fountain pen, you couldnt fault it. Because of that, the country changed eras. It was a beautiful transition. He had a lot of luck, because the whole debacle of Boris Johnson and Truss left him as the great statesman of England. Suddenly Charles was the most senior, measured statesman in Europe. He has become seen as that. Everybody wanted to say the House of Windsor was going to blow up, but compared to a great many things, the House of Windsor is on a pretty steady footing.

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We meet in Browns adopted hometown of New York, in the offices of Hellman & Friedman, a gigantic American private equity fund. It is a highly Brownian setting, in a boardroom on the 30th floor of a large tower with views down Fifth Avenue. Even the sunshine beaming in through the floor-length windows has an expensive, rarefied quality. In a royal blue coat, blonde hair closer cut than during its cockatiel pomp, at 71 Brown has a smattering of Princess Diana  another of her recurring subjects  about her.

She is here to give a talk to inspirational female business leaders. She has done a lot of inspirational talking over the years, informally and through her Women in the World platform, which she founded in 2010 to discover and amplify the unheard voices of global women on the front lines of change. Browns connections and gusto brought together a dizzying array of leaders: Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Barbra Streisand.

Covid put paid to Women in the World, but since 2023 Brown has organised another annual conference, Truth Tellers, in memory of her late husband Sir Harry Evans. The third edition takes place on Wednesday, 7 May. Speakers including Alastair Campbell, Mishal Husain and the CNN boss Mark Thompson will gather in central London to thrash out the future of journalism.

I dont think he did one shabby thing in his life... I miss him every day: Brown with her late husband Sir Harold Evans at a New Yorker party in 1994 - Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Evans, who died in 2020 aged 92, was a giant of British newspapers, the editor of The Sunday Times from 1967 to 1981, who led the investigation into thalidomide babies, among other groundbreaking stories. They met in 1973, when Brown was 20 and Evans was 25 years her senior. They married in 1981 and were together until Evans died.

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I miss him every day, Brown says. We were both such news junkies. And he was a walking compendium of points of view, and so passionate. He was the archetypal resister. He despised cowardice. He was very benign as a person and convivial, so people would not realise that he was also tough when it came to moral stands. He was the most tenacious person Ive ever met. He could not be deterred. I dont think he did a shabby thing in his life, actually. How many people can we say that of?

These are high times for news junkies. We meet days after it has been revealed that the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, had been erroneously added to a group chat with members of the US cabinet, including JD Vance and the defence secretary Pete Hegseth, to discuss the bombing of Houthi rebels. It is only the latest story in Donald Trumps shock-and-awe approach to his second term as president. Fellow Republicans have been typically slow to attack the president for what is an obvious security breach.

Theyre all so tepid and timid, she says. Why are they all so frightened [of Trump]? I think with all these Republican congressmen and senators, is their job really so great that they will just eat worms all the time? There has to be something you would quit for.

Donald Trump has taken a shock-and-awe approach to his second term as president - Anna Moneymaker/Getty

If the UK-based Royal family members have enjoyed a surprisingly solid few years, the Duke of Sussexs trajectory since Queen Elizabeths death has been less fortuitous. Where the King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales have looked dignified, managing illness and responsibility with grace, Harry has cut a lonely figure in California, reduced to the Invictus Games and bit-part appearances in his wife Meghans curious TV programmes.

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There is still a Harry-shaped hole [in the Royal family], but I dont think that holes going to close, Brown says. Its a pity, because thats all they lack, that bit of sizzle coming out. The side-sizzle Margaret provided for the Queen is actually very good for a Royal family because it takes the pressure off William and Catherine to have to be perfect, which is very boring for them. Whats unfortunate is that Harry is the most talented in the family at human relations, like his mother.

She believes that in his role as roving celebrity, Harry has ironically rediscovered that he likes being a prince.

He really knows how to play the role of the prince, she says. I think he really likes it. Thats whats so ironic. For a bit he thought he didnt because the Palace is boring and oppressive and so on. Now hes had a few years doing it without them, I think he really misses being a prince because he was good at it. He and Meghan talk about doing good but what good are they doing? The good you can do as a royal is so much more potent. When Diana shook the hands of the Aids patient without gloves, when royals always wore gloves before, how much more potent was it that she was a princess than if shed simply been a celebrity?

The relationship between the brothers sounds like its very hard to repair. I think Harry would make it up, but I dont think William can - Getty

The difference was obvious after the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles in January, when Harry and Meghan paid a visit to meet victims. You become a disaster tourist, Brown says. I think Harry feels it keenly. But hes obviously loyal to his wife. Three years ago, Brown wondered if the death of Queen Elizabeth might bring Harry back into the fold, but instead the rift has only grown deeper, exacerbated by Harrys tell-all memoir, Spare.

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Unfortunately, his appetite  their appetite  for money made him make disastrous decisions, she says. The disastrous decision of the book was very hard to return from. I think the Oprah [Winfrey] interview was the most gratuitously stupid move. There wasnt any money in it. The relationship between the brothers sounds like its very hard to repair. I think Harry would make it up, but I dont think William can.

What did she make of Meghans feather-light lifestyle programme, With Love, Meghan? Shes back in 2013, doing the Tig, Brown says, referring to Markles earlier feather-light lifestyle website. I think Suits and the Tig was the last time she felt successful. Its all been hellish ever since. Every week she announces a new project. Stop announcing projects! Shes almost compulsive about announcing things and they dont really happen. They fade and she looks ridiculous. I feel sorry for her, because shes so lost. I think Harrys a talent thats worth more than that. I hope he gets a life back.

She says Queen Elizabeths in or out rule might not have helped. In todays world, there probably was a way they could have been in Montecito six months of the year and the rest of the year he could do his gigs. He should do foreign tours. He ought to be able to be sent as an emissary of youthful England for the next 10 years.

The Telegraph review of With Love, Meghan said that maintaining this hostess with the mostest act must be as exhausting for Meghan as it is for us watching at home - Netflix/AP

Although you could happily talk to Brown about the ins and outs of the Royal family for days, possibly years, she says she has found herself less interested in it since The Palace Papers came out. They have been too competently run. Besides, there is other news to feast on. Already a journalistic prodigy when she was at Oxford, Brown started on The Sunday Times and The Telegraph before becoming editor of Tatler when she was just 25, and Vanity Fair in New York when she was 29.

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I was always very excited by America, she says. Harry was even more so. I would have gone back to London after Vanity Fair but Harry wouldnt. He loved America because he was a train drivers son, he hated the English class stuff. When he came to America he felt the sky was the limit. I love America too. But I see Europe with much more nostalgia now. I dont know how happy I would be moving back to London to live, but I think about it more. Im happy I have two passports. You get tired of the ugly American-ness. It has become so much nastier. Theres so much rancour and thuggery. Its not attractive.

She stayed at Vanity Fair for eight years before being poached to make the venerable New Yorker something akin to a modern magazine. The magazine recently celebrated its 100th anniversary; the occasion for an entertaining post on Browns Substack newsletter, Fresh Hell.

I enjoyed writing that, she says. You only know youre in a golden era when youre out of it. I realised how lucky I had been to have this fabulous pool of talent to work with. It was such a lucky moment.

She has always kept pace with the new media. In 2008 she founded The Daily Beast, which gave her rigour and eye for a story a social-media-friendly online spin. It merged with Newsweek in 2010; she stepped down three years later. The Daily Beast continues in diminished form. Now her attention is on her Substack, where readers pay a small monthly fee for regular emails from her. I like to be an early adopter, she says. Not that Im especially early with Substack. But I like being in this community. It took a year for me to agree to it. Shes making money from it. Im doing rather well, which is rather addictive. There are times I miss the structure [of a newspaper or magazine] but on the other hand if we keep growing we can bring in a few other people as well. Im taking it very experimentally.

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It doesnt sound like she has plans to retire, or even slow down. I cant help myself, she says. Im such a news junkie. Its a terrible addiction. I see these stories all the time and I think I cant stop. There are so many great writers around who dont have a home. So anything that helps to give them a home and an audience is gratifying.

The New York minute is up. The female CEOs are waiting for Brown to come and have a drink with them. As chance would have it, she is heading back to London after we speak, a flying visit for the historian Simon Schamas 80th birthday party. By the time she gets back Trump will have sent the markets spinning yet again by announcing sweeping global trade tariffs. Brown will be there, watching, writing, documenting, at the same pace she has kept up for half a century.

Its a strange thing, she says, articulating the journalists paradox of living in such chaotic times. Well all be writing about it for decades. Its great copy, if you can keep up.

Truth Tellers: Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit is in London on 7 May; sirharrysummit.org

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Fast-growing Rutherford County and its cities should gain state shared revenues thanks to new law to update populations.

State Rep. Robert Stevens, R-Smyrna, and Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, sponsored the legislation that won Tennessee General Assembly approval Monday.

Stevens said the new state law will mean local cities such as Murfreesboro, Smyrna and La Vergne would be able to skip pursuit of any costly special census. This is because the state would be able to obtain data from the University of Tennessee Boyd Center of Business and Economic Research.

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Local governments have sought new population estimates to prove growth from the U.S. Census Bureau official counts in 2020 to increase state shared revenues expected by the 2026-27 fiscal year.

"This legislation is a major win for Rutherford County and our municipalities," Stevens said in an email to The Daily News Journal.

"With the rapid growth in our community, we will begin to receive an increased amount of state shared revenue annually instead of waiting for the federal census every 10 years or incurring the expense of a special census in the interim.

Robert Stevens

Stevens said the UT Boyd Center has the software and expertise to provide the Tennessee Department of Revenue with updated population estimates for all the state's local governments, Stevens said.

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Crafting legislation: See how your TN House lawmakers' bills could impact budget and schools in Rutherford County

Murfreesboro cancels special census because of legislation

Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland told The Daily News Journal that the city recently cancelled a special census because of the expected passage of the law from House Bill 780 and Senate Bill 875.

"Every time you do a special census, it gets tougher and tougher to get people to respond," McFarland said.

Shane McFarland

The Murfreesboro in-house special census efforts included using on-duty firefighters during non-emergency situations to gather information from residents, McFarland said.

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"Its a very time consuming and an expensive process," said McFarland, who praised the work of Rep. Stevens to get the law passed.

Smyrna Town Manager pitched idea for law

Stevens said the idea for the bill came from Smyrna Town Manager David Santucci, a former city manager with Deerfield Beach, Florida. Santucci's former state used a similar process to update local government populations for Florida shared revenues.

The email from Stevens to The Daily News Journal provided the following additional comments:

The significant additional funds received by our local governments will help them offset the cost of growth while continuing to provide necessary services to our residents," Stevens said.

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Simply put, over time the legislation we passed will bring in millions of additional dollars to our county and municipalities while also saving them the costs and efforts required to do a special census. This truly is a substantial reform that will benefit our residents."

Carr praises lawmakers: 'We are grateful for their efforts'

Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr said he's pleased with the legislation from the sponsoring lawmakers.

"We are grateful for their efforts," said Carr, who's a former state representative for District 48.

The Revenue Sharing Bill, HB780, has the great potential of being a game changer for the county getting its fair share of state revenue apportioned by population. A huge thanks to Rep. Robert Stevens, Sen. Shane Reeves and our county lobbyist Will Denami for their work in getting this bill passed into law. It is this kind of cooperative work between state and local governments that will continue to allow Rutherford County to meet the growing demands of growth. The county is grateful for their leadership.

Joe Carr, alumnus, Rutherford County mayor

Reeves says law had overwhelming support from lawmakers

The email to The Daily News Journal from Stevens included comments from Sen. Reeves.

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"The bill passed overwhelmingly in the House and the Senate," Reeves said.

"Cities and counties are having to pay unnecessarily for special census efforts when the data is already available, which seems wasteful. This will save cities and counties that currently do special census projects millions of dollars."

Shane Reeves

Reeves said the reapportionment of state shared revenues will be more equitable each year based on where people reside throughout the state.

"No one's taxes go up," Reeves said. "No new taxes are imposed. It just reapportions the pool of shared funds based on current population data."

Smyrna mayor responds to new law

The Smyrna government provided the following comment from Mayor Mary Esther Reed about the legislation:

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"This legislation is a significant advancement for Tennessee's municipalities, Reed said.

I want to thank our Town Manager David Santucci for bringing this idea to Representative Stevens, and I appreciate Representative Stevens for getting this bill passed in just one session.

"By allowing the use of existing data to estimate population growth, we can allocate resources more effectively and continue to provide essential services to our residents. The benefits of the bill extend beyond individual cities; by streamlining the process of updating population figures, the legislation promotes an equitable distribution of state funds across Tennessee, ensuring that all communities have the resources they need to thrive.

Mary Esther Reed

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: New TN law to help growing governments save money on special census
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The restaurant with the failing score serves sandwiches and salads. The inspector checked multiple critical violations.

The Subway in Englewood, just east of Athens, received a failing score of 59. A score of 69 and below is considered a failing grade.

Subway, 10 N. Amhurt, Englewood  Grade: 59, Follow-up: 94

To begin with, food temperatures were a problem. Sliced tomatoes on the prep line were too warm. 41 and below is the correct cool temperature. The tomatoes were thrown away to prevent the possibility of foodborne illness.

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On the steam table, the meatballs at 69 degrees were not hot enough. 135 and above is the correct hot temperature. In addition, there was no thermometer present to monitor the temperature of foods on the prep line.

Potential developer selected to repurpose Smokies Stadium in Kodak

The inspector watched an employee talking on his cell phone, then he proceeded to touch kitchen equipment without washing his hands first. The manager was observed drinking from an open cup. He then placed it on the food preparation table. Its okay for employees to sip drinks, but the cup must have a top and a straw to prevent any accidental spills onto your food.

Finally, the inspector wrote that the person in charge did not have managerial control because he could not answer basic food safety questions. The inspector returned to the Subway in Englewood. He checked to see if the critical violations were corrected; they were. The new re-inspected score is a 94.

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Food-For-Thought-4-24Download

Top Scores of the Week

The French Market, 412 Clinch Ave, Knoxville  100

Brother Wolf, 108 W. Jackson St, Knoxville  100

Arbys, 7000 Maynardville Pk, Knoxville  100

Cm Chicken, 115 Brooklawn St, Knoxville  100

Shoneys, 4032 Broadway, Knoxville  100

Big Kahuna Wings, 12828 Kingston Pk, Knoxville  99

Patches BBQ & More, 5200 Rutledge Pk, Knoxville  99

Arbys, 7122 Strawberry Plains Pk, Knoxville  99

Gourmet Cafe, 271 West Ave, Crossville  99

Hardees, 1612 N. Broad St, Tazewell  99

D&B Hotdogs & Ice Cream, 8909 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville  99

Cracker Barrel, 1510 Cracker Barrel Ln, Knoxville  98

SECOND HELPING: Miss a Food for Thought segment? See them all here.

Restaurants are inspected every six months and the reports are supposed to be posted inside where you can find them.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

(Reuters) -Autodesk said on Thursday it will add two newcomers to its board and settle one of the year's most high-profile proxy fights after activist hedge fund Starboard Value mounted a boardroom challenge at the software-design company last month.

Jeff Epstein, an operating partner at Bessemer Venture Partners who has served as chief financial officer at several public and private companies, and Christie Simons, who has expertise in auditing tech, media and telecommunications companies and sits on the board of Micron Technology, will join Autodesk's 12-member board, the company said.

The company said the two new directors bring expertise in financial operations, public board service and a deep understanding of the technology companies which will be useful to Autodesk as it executes its industry cloud, platform and artificial intelligence strategies.

The settlement ends a fight with Starboard, the second in two years, where the hedge fund sought to persuade investors to elect three people, including its founder Jeff Smith, to the board.

Starboard has criticized Autodesk for underperformance but the company has said that its strategy is working and noted that it took steps to refresh the board last year.

While Autodesk's stock price has fallen roughly 10% this year, it has gained 23% in the last 52 weeks. On Thursday, it gained 1.64% in early trading to $268.76.

Last year, Starboard urged Autodesk's board to explore a CEO change and cost cuts, after it lost a legal fight against the company to delay its annual meeting and reopen the window for director nomination, failing to appoint its candidates due to missed deadlines.

This year, Starboard, which has a $500 million stake in Autodesk, came back in time with its nomination and criticisms the company should be realizing more margin improvements.

The hedge fund has also been among the busiest activist investors exerting pressure on consumer health company Kenvue, where Smith was handed a board seat last month, and on chipmaker Qorvo, which added two newcomers to its board earlier this month.

The activist firm had some support for its battle at Autodesk with T. Rowe Price Investment Management, one of Autodesk's biggest investors, planning to vote for Smith and the two other Starboard candidates.

But proxy fights are generally considered time consuming and expensive, especially now as unpredictable economic policies are sparking sharp market movements that make it even tougher to predict how investors will vote in a boardroom fight, lawyers and bankers said.
PARIS (AP)  The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) sided Thursday with three women who said they were raped when they were aged 13, 14 and 16 and argued that French authorities did not do enough to protect them.

The ruling will likely fuel the debate on the inclusion of consent in the law for sexual offences that was reignited by the drugging-and-rape trial that riveted France last year. France has taken steps to toughen punishment for rape and sexual misconduct, including a 2021 law stating that a child under age 15 cannot consent to sex with an adult, but the notion of consent has yet to be introduced into the legal definition of rape.

In all three cases examined by the ECHR, the applicants argued that their age and their vulnerability at the time should have been better considered.

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The ECHR ruled that the people in charge of investigating the alleged crimes and French courts did not do enough to protect the women who said they were raped. In two of the cases, the Court said that criminal proceedings were not handled quickly or with due care.

The court condemned France for violating articles of the European Convention on Human Rights that prohibit torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, as well as the womens right to respect for their private lives.

"The Court considered that the domestic courts had not properly assessed the impact of all the circumstances surrounding the events; nor had they taken sufficient account, in evaluating whether the applicants had been capable of understanding and of giving consent, of the particularly vulnerable situations in which they had found themselves, particularly in view of their ages," the ECHR said.

The court also noted the lack of promptness and diligence in the conduct of the criminal proceedings in two of the three cases.

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The first concerned a teenager who complained that she had been raped in 2009 by two 21-year-old men who were firefighters stationed in barracks near her home. The girl described herself as psychologically fragile and bullied at school, which had led to her taking medication and being hospitalized in a childrens psychiatric ward on several occasions.

She stated that she had sexual relations with one of the firefighters on several occasions. She added that her contact details had subsequently been circulated among other firefighters at several fire stations, who had contacted her by text or Facebook.

A second plaintiff reported being raped by two men aged 21 and 29 when she was 14. The third woman reported being raped at the age of 16 by an 18-year-old man at her home after a party.

In the case of the girl who said she was assaulted by firefighters, the court also found that French authorities failed to protect the applicants dignity, by permitting the use of moralizing and guilt-inducing statements, which propagated gender stereotypes and were capable of impairing victims confidence in the justice system.

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The court said that it was not asked to decide if the people who were accused of committing the crimes were guilty, and that its findings cannot be seen as an opinion on the guilt of the accused in the respective cases.

The way rapes are defined and prosecuted in criminal law still varies widely across Europe. Although some countries use consent-based definitions, many others still require the use of force, or threat, to mete out punishment.

French law considers that a rape can be considered to have occurred when an act of sexual penetration or an oral-genital act is committed on a person, with violence, coercion, threat or surprise or on a minor under 15 when the adult perpetrator is at least 5 years older.
Brit Hume mocked President Donald Trumps comment that its been harder to deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy than Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Watch the video below.)

Im not exactly sure what the presidents talking about, Hume, whos Fox News chief political analyst, said on Wednesday.

Fox News colleague Bret Baier aired a snippet of Trumps remark regarding Zelenskyys refusal to cede territory to Russia in peace negotiations.

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I think we have a deal with Russia, Trump said. We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy. I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy. So far its been harder.

Putins troops invaded Ukraine more than three years ago. Trumps solution has been to strong-arm Zelenskyy, whom he said has no cards to play, into surrendering territory to the autocrat who started the war. A reported final offer from the U.S. to Ukraine includes the U.S. officially recognizing that Crimea is part of Russia and unofficially recognizing Russian occupation of areas seized in the latest conflict.

He keeps pounding Zelenskyy and saying its harder to deal with him than it is with Putin, Hume said. Putin, so far as I can tell, hasnt agreed to much of anything except, yes, hed love to annex Crimea, which is part of the proposal thats before him now. Thats no concession. All that is, is taking a gain.

Zelenskyy resists that because Crimea, up until the Russians invaded it 10 years or so ago, was part of Ukraine, Hume continued. So, Im not exactly sure what the presidents talking about when he says that Zelenskyy has been more difficult to deal with than Putin.

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Theres been a series of ceasefire proposals, Hume added. Putin either hasnt agreed to them or has immediately broken them. Im not sure what concessions Putin will ever be willing to make.

Trump repeatedly claimed on the campaign trail that he could end the war in 24 hours if he were to become president again.

Fox News Chief Political Analyst Brit Hume: "[Putin would] love to annex Crimea which was part of the proposal that's before him now. That's no concession...Crimea, up until Russia invaded it...was part of Ukraine. So I'm not exactly sure what the president is talking about." pic.twitter.com/EWUQaOyB1T  The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) April 24, 2025

Related...
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP)  The top international official in Bosnia on Thursday cut all budgetary financing for ruling political parties in the Serb-run part of the country, increasing the pressure on the entity's pro-Russian president who is wanted over his separatist policies.

Christian Schmidt, a German diplomat tasked with overseeing peace in Bosnia, accused the leadership of the Serb-run Republika Srpska entity of undermining the Dayton accords that ended the 1992-95 war in the country.

Schmidt announced his move a day after Bosnian state police officers attempted to detain Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska, but were prevented by armed Bosnian Serb police.

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Schmidt's Office of the High Representative has the authority to change and impose laws in Bosnia.

Dodik is wanted for undermining Bosnia's constitution with a series of laws boosting the independence of the Serb-run half of the country. Bosnian courts issued an arrest warrant for Dodik in March after he failed to appear for questioning.

Schmidt said his decision on Thursday supports the efforts by institutions of Bosnia-Herzegovina to counter the ongoing flagrant attacks ... against the fundamental principles of the Dayton peace agreement and the constitutional and legal order.

Dodik has repeatedly called for the separation of the Serb-dominated territory from the rest of Bosnia, fueling fears of instability. He has faced U.S. and British sanctions for his separatism, but has had the support of Moscow.

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The suspension of budgetary funds for Dodik's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats and allied United Srpska parties applies to all levels of government in Bosnia, Schmidt said. Those who fail to apply it will be held accountable, he added.

Dodik on Thursday rejected Schmidt's moves as illegal, threatening to arrest the German official if he came to Republika Srpska. It is impossible to accept this. Republika Srpska will not accept it, Dodik said.

Wednesday's botched attempt to detain Dodik reflects ongoing tensions in Bosnia years after the war which killed more than 100,000 people and displaced millions. The country is formally seeking European Union entry but progress has been stalled.

The Bosnian State Investigation and Security Agency, or SIPA, said its officers gave up on their attempt to detain Dodik at a Republika Srpska government building east of the capital Sarajevo on Wednesday to avoid any incidents with the Serb armed police.

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Dodik left the building on Thursday under heavy security.

The Bosnian war erupted in 1992 after Serbs staged an armed rebellion against the country's independence from the former Yugoslavia and moved to unite with neighboring Serbia.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Topeka Police Department (TPD) released information on a deadly stabbing that happened on April 23.

According to the TPD, police were called around 12:43 a.m. to the area of 2nd and California on reports of a possible stabbing. Officers found one person suffering from life-threatening injuries. The person was taken to an area hospital for treatment but later died from their injuries.

The TPD identified the victim as Donald C. Eteeyan, 48, of Topeka.

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61st year for biggest car part swap meet in Kansas

As a result of the investigation, Paul J. Gladney Jr., 36, of Topeka was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on one charge of murder in the 1st degree, intentional and premeditated.

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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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Update 5:57 p.m.: The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Osage County until 6:15 p.m. Residents could experience one-inch size hail.

Update: The tornado warning expired at 5:15 p.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Douglas, Osage and Shawnee Counties until 5:45 p.m.

Country music festival coming to the Little Apple

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Tornado warnings have been issued for several counties in northeast Kansas Wednesday afternoon.

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Just after 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued tornado warnings for multiple northeast Kansas counties. Tornado warnings for Jefferson, Shawnee and Jackson Counties are in effect until 5:15 p.m.

Residents should be aware of half dollar size hail, according to the NWS.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
You may feel that we all have enough to worry about, and thus have no need for the spectre of zombie-like reanimated bacteria or viruses in thawing permafrost that set off a story straight out of a sci-fi flick. Unfortunately, it's a looming reality thanks to climate change.

Luckily, scientists tell us that while it's high time we thought carefully about how we are going to manage the vast numbers of microbes being released along with equally vast quantities of melting ice and thawing permafrost as a result of global heating, there is no need to panic nor to sensationalize the issue.

When Salon spoke with microbiologist Luis Andres Yarzabal, an associate professor at the Universidad Catolica de Cuenca in Ecuador, he was indeed careful to avoid sensationalizing the problem. But he noted that we've been aware since the '80s of dramatic quantities of microbes found in even the most pristine of Antarctic ice sheets or on top of mountains, such as the Andean glaciers, and in permafrost. The host of life on ice includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, even microscopic animals like nematodes, some dead and some alive in suspended animation.

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Yarzabal actually started studying the microbiology of the Andean glaciers, beginning in Venezuela 17 years ago, because he and his team were interested in the biotechnological potential of cold-loving, or psychrophile, microorganisms.

"They can be used, for instance, for agricultural purposes, to improve agriculture in cold regions, in mountainous regions." But the country's glaciers melted, and as they did, it revealed huge numbers of pathogens in the melting ice. Some of these disease-causing bugs may be so old, human immune systems are totally naive to them, which means unleashing them could infect millions, maybe even trigger another pandemic. The odds of such an event may be remote  we don't actually know how likely this all is  but we do know the likelihood isn't zero and it will increase as the world's ice retreats.

"Venezuela is now the first country in the modern world to have lost all its glaciers, and there were many, many pathogens," Yarzabal said. Some are very similar to modern human pathogens. From bioprospecting beneficial microbes, he was now forced to consider less cheery possibilities. After all, Venezuela's lost glaciers were far from the only ones releasing water that has been frozen for tens or hundreds of thousands of years. Newly published research in Nature suggests that between 2000 and 2023, the world's glaciers lost some 275 gigatonnes, give or take, in mass annually, with the rate of melting increasing substantially more recently.

"The rate at which we lost ice during these 23 years is approximately the amount of water contained in four Olympic pools, per second. So that's a lot of microbes that will disperse around the ecosystems, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems," said Yarzabal, who published a 2021 review with two colleagues exploring existing literature regarding the consequences of such a large store of microbes being steadily released back into the environment. And that's just glaciers. There are still the thawing permafrost and melting ice sheets to take into account. All of these, however unpolluted, contain their own microbial worlds. Worlds with between ten and 100 million microbes per milliliter of ice, depending on the kind of ice, Yarzabal said.

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"We are talking [altogether] about an amount of microorganisms which has been estimated between 10^25 and 10^28 microorganisms enclosed, entrapped in ice prisons ... So it's a huge amount of microorganisms ... Consider that there are 10^23 stars in the universe," Yarzabal told Salon.

And, he said, while many of these captive microbes are dead, plenty of them are not.

"In this group of viable microorganisms, there are some ancient ancestral pathogens, which can also reactivate ... and they can disseminate in different ecosystems and they can, of course, infect animals, plants and other microbes," Yarzabal said. Any of these could pose a problem, whether it's because we're talking about a virus that is deadly for humans, or a bacteria that infects livestock, or a type of fungus, say, that can blight plants. Disrupting the ecological equilibrium always has the potential to cause hazards to human health directly, or to risk altering or damaging the environment we depend upon or merely appreciate for its intrinsic value.

"This is a fact," said Yarzabal. "So we can see it as a threat, and we can anticipate this problem by studying these pathogens or these microbes, by studying the ecology of glaciers and permafrost. It's a fact, so we must be prepared for what can happen."

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Already we've had a warning of what could happen: in 2016, Siberia had an extremely hot summer. The permafrost melted, exposing in the process the frozen carcasses of reindeer who had died an estimated 150 years before thanks to an epidemic of anthrax. While the animals were dead, some of the bacteria in them had remained alive, and when curious living reindeer came into contact with the remains of their frozen ancestors, they became infected with the spore-forming bacteria, Bacillus anthracis. As Yarzabal told Salon, almost 2,500 animals died and many hundreds of people (who, in this area, are in close contact with reindeer, relying on them as a source of protein for food and commerce) became infected, with at least one small human child dying as a result.

Permafrost under the layer of soil

While Yarzabal is at work in the Southern hemisphere, in the far North, Dr. Emilie Andersen-Ranberg, senior veterinarian at the Department for Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, has been studying Arctic pathogens that are zoonotic, meaning they cause illnesses that can spread between animals and humans.

Not all zoonotic pathogens in the Arctic are frozen, mind you, and not all frozen pathogens in the Arctic are zoonotic. But about three quarters of all human infectious diseases are zoonotic, including the majority of novel epidemics and pandemics in recent years, and there's overlap with the issue of thawing permafrost. In a paper published in December, Andersen-Ranberg and a host of co-authors describe zoonotic viruses, bacteria and parasites of concern in the Arctic, arguing that "the Arctic represents a changing world where pollution, loss of biodiversity and habitat, and maritime activity are likely driving forward occurrence of infectious diseases", with thawing permafrost being one factor among many.

How concerned should we really be about thawing zoonotic infections? In an email interview, Andersen-Ranberg told Salon that's not exactly clear.

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"We simply dont exactly know. There is, however, a clear theoretical risk since glaciers and permafrost are melting and they store millennia old microbes and some of these organisms have been found to revive and re-function after thawing," she said. "For example, a wide array of both RNA and DNA viruses have been detected in thawing permafrost and have been able to re-activate, [such as] RNA viruses that are highly similar to viruses that today infect mammals. On the other hand, we are constantly exposed to potentially pathogenic viruses from various natural sources, and there is not necessarily grounds to fear that the viruses in the frozen environment are more pathogenic."

She did note, however, that thawing permafrost could re-introduce ancient pathogenic viruses that are now extinct, or where today's strains have evolved to have such a different genetic makeup that our (or other mammals') immune systems are less able to detect and fight off the ancient strains.

Such pathogens would be unknown to our immune systems, as smallpox was to the immune systems of the Indigenous people who encountered it as a result of European colonizers who brought the virus to the Americas, Australasia and elsewhere, leading to mass deaths from succeeding waves of the disease.

It's not just the resurgence of ancient diseases, but the fact that pathogens can and will trade genetic information if they come into contact with one another, a process known as viral recombination. Bacteria are also "promiscuous," easily exchanging genetic material. This could allow them to acquire genes from frozen pathogens that confer antimicrobial resistance or greater virulence. As it's common for hosts like humans or other animals to harbor more than one infection at once, there can be plenty of opportunities for gene transfer to occur. Therefore, infectious agents released from melting ice "represents an even greater pool of genetic viral diversity to be introduced in already circulating viral populations," Andersen-Ranberg explained.

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"This for example means more potential ways to avoid the immune system of the host, or an increased ability to infect a variety of hosts," Andersen-Ranberg added. "Moreover, this melt-induced introduction of potential pathogens occurs simultaneously with other great changes to disease dynamics worldwide currently occurring due to climate change and changing human activities. Put simply, it's a lot happening all at once."

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So what can or should we be doing about it?

"I don't know," Yarzabal acknowledged soberly. That is, beyond what he already recommended  we must do far more to anticipate potential disease outbreaks or reoccurrences and to understand the specific pathogens we're likely to encounter. The microbiologist is not sure what other action we might take, practically-speaking, as vast areas of ice and permafrost unleash the microorganisms they've been hanging onto all these years. Unless we reduce emissions enough to keep some of those frozen pathogens in ice.

Aerial view above the glaciers melting into the permafrost of Jostedalsbreen National Park

Beyond that, this is a genie that can't be put back in its bottle, only monitored and managed as it plays its tricks. But that monitoring and containment of potential disease outbreaks will be absolutely critical to protect us. In 2019, the European Academies Science Advisory Council issued a report that noted that pathogen release of infectious disease from thawing permafrost was one among various ways climate change could affect human health in Europe. And that same year, EASAC along with the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and InterAcademy Partnership, a global network of science, engineering and medicine societies, brought researchers and public health officials together from North America, the European Union and Russia to assess the current state of knowledge and gaps in knowledge relating to the risks similarly posed by infectious agents in thawing Arctic permafrost and ice.

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But we really need much more scientific investigation to understand the degree of threat such pathogens may pose to human, animal and ecosystem health, Yarzabal said. Meanwhile, the Arctic Council, which brings together Arctic countries and Indigenous Arctic communities to share knowledge and discuss policy affecting the region, has been weakened in recent years by political divisions, and different nations' territorial ambitions.

"To me, there is a mind-blowing gap between the knowledge and worries of scientists and the opinions and aims of decision makers, i.e. an incongruent relationship between knowledge and political realities," Andersen-Ranberg told Salon. "I find this most noteworthy, because there is such relatively little emphasis on and monitoring of zoonoses as well as emerging/reemerging disease in the Arctic  an area subjected to the greatest degree of climate change in the world which currently drastically changes disease dynamics."
New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez says hes going to launch a comprehensive and wide-ranging investigation into how the Children, Youth and Families Department fails children. Allow me to save him some time. I can just write the report now  and Ill throw in the news story that will follow. The story will go like this:

The beleaguered Children Youth and Families Department and its embattled leadership are plagued with a shortage of foster parents and high turnover among demoralized, overworked and understaffed caseworkers, according to the blistering conclusions in a scathing report released today.

We know this is what the report will say for a couple of reasons. First, almost (but not quite) all of that is true. Indeed CYFDs performance is every bit as awful as Torrez says it is. Second, its what scathing reports on embattled child welfare agencies all over the country always say, particularly when those issuing the reports show no interest in real solutions.

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Real solutions have been in short supply in New Mexico. Instead, theres an endless appetite for rearranging the deck chairs on the child welfare Titanic: Create an ombudsman office! Take the agency out of the control of the governor! Move some functions to another agency! None of that ever works.

Real solutions involve a single urgent first step: Viewing those who are investigated by CYFD and who lose their children to foster care as fully human  and worth talking to. Thats not for the sake of the parents; its for the sake of the children. Because its the families needlessly investigated and the children needlessly taken who overload the system. That leads to tragedies ranging from children warehoused in hideous institutions or makeshift spaces to children in real danger overlooked in their own homes.

Its not easy to rethink the stereotypes. We know the horror stories about brutally abusive or hopelessly addicted parents; but theyre nothing like most of the parents caseworkers see.

In 2022, the most recent year for which data are available, 78% of cases in which children were thrown into foster care in New Mexico did not involve even an accusation of sexual abuse or any form of physical abuse. Nearly two-thirds did not involve even an accusation of parental drug or alcohol abuse. In contrast, more than two-thirds involved neglect. Sometimes that can be extremely serious; more often it means the family is poor. Indeed, CYFD admits that in 19% of cases, it took away children because of issues involving housing.

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So its no wonder study after study finds that in typical cases children left in their own homes typically do better in later life even than comparably-maltreated children placed in foster care.

In part, thats because of the enormous emotional trauma inherent in tearing a child from everyone loving and familiar. But theres also the high risk of abuse in foster care itself. Multiple studies find abuse in one-quarter to one-third of family foster homes; the rate in group homes and institutions is even worse. But when you overload the system with children who dont need to be there you create an artificial shortage of foster homes  so more children are institutionalized, with all the horrible outcomes New Mexicans have seen.

At the same time, all those false allegations, trivial cases and poverty cases overload workers, leaving them less time to investigate any case properly. Thats almost always the real reason some children in real danger are missed.

Real solutions demand doing more to ameliorate the worst hardships of poverty, and providing families with high-quality defense counsel; not to get bad parents off, but to provide alternatives to the cookie-cutter service plans often dished out by CYFD.

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But understanding that requires that first basic step: treating parents as fully human. Attorney General Torrez doesnt seem ready for that. As Source NM reported:

Torrezs agency is also calling on current and former case workers, foster families, and youth impacted by the system to come forward with information 

Hes right to do that. But notice whos missing. He expresses no interest in hearing from birth parents who have lost children to the system because their poverty is confused with neglect. He shows no interest in hearing from the lawyers who represent them. He shows no interest in reaching out to anti-poverty organizations to ask them what they see when their clients interact with CYFD. He shows no interest in speaking to civil rights groups about whether they see all races treated equally when they encounter CYFD.

Thats a shame. Because, to paraphrase Torrez, I think we have all grown tired of waking up and hearing about another grandstanding politician holding another news conference to announce another investigation of CYFD that will solve nothing  because it avoids the problem at the root of all the rest: The only way to fix foster care is to have less of it.
Relations between India and Pakistan are cratering following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that has sparked tit-for-tat reprisals and raised fears of another military escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals.

India and Pakistan both control parts of Kashmir but claim it in full, and have fought three wars over the mountainous territory. In 2019, Indian jets bombed targets inside Pakistan after a cross-border militant attack killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary personnel in its part of Kashmir.

All but one of the 26 tourists massacred in the attack on April 22 were Indian citizens. New Delhi swiftly pointed the finger at Pakistan, downgraded ties and suspended its participation in a crucial water-sharing treaty.

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Pakistan has denied involvement and said that any attempt to stop or divert water belonging to Pakistan would be considered an act of war.

As tensions escalate, Indias navy said it launched test missile strikes in a show of strength.

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue the attackers to the ends of the earth, while the United Nations has called on the neighbors to exercise maximum restraint.

Heres what you need to know.

What happened in Pahalgam?

Gunmen opened fire on sightseers in a popular travel destination in the mountainous destination of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir.

At least 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national were killed in the massacre, which unfolded in a valley only accessible by foot or on horseback.

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Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as the gunmen approached, opening fire on tourists from close range.

Some recalled how the men among the group were singled out and shot at. Other survivors told local media the gunmen accused some of the victims of supporting Prime Minister Modi.

Modis Hindu-nationalist government revoked Muslim-majority Kashmirs constitutional autonomy in 2019, bringing it under the direct control of New Delhi, sparking widespread protests.

Whats the story with Kashmir?

Kashmir has been a flashpoint in India-Pakistan relations since both countries gained their independence from Britain in 1947.

The two nations to emerge from the bloody partition of British India  Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan  both claim Kashmir in full and, months after becoming independent, fought their first of three wars over the territory.

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The divided region is now one of the most militarized places in the world.

For decades, several domestic militant groups, demanding either independence for Kashmir or for the area to become part of Pakistan, have fought Indian security forces, in violence that has killed tens of thousands. India says those groups are supported by Pakistan, which Islamabad denies.

Modis government has said that militancy has declined since the revocation of Kashmirs autonomy in 2019. Analysts say the Pahalgam massacre has shattered that message.D

The wife of Atul Mone, who was killed in the Pahalgam attack, mourns as she stands near her husband's body at Dombivali, near Mumbai, India, on Wednesday, April. 23, 2025. - Rajanish Kakade/AP

Who has claimed responsibility?

It is not clear who is responsible for the Pahalgam attack.

A relatively new militant outfit called Kashmir Resistance, also known as The Resistance Front (TRF), initially claimed responsibility on social media but it has reportedly since walked back that claim, according to multiple local media reports.

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CNN could not independently verify the initial claim, nor the subsequent withdrawal, and has reached out to the Indian army and police in Indian-administered Kashmir for comment.

India has classified TRF as a terrorist organization and linked it to the outlawed Islamist group Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), which was behind the deadly Mumbai attacks in 2008 and has a much higher profile.

Two days after the massacre, police in Indian-administered Kashmir published notices naming three LeT suspects allegedly involved in the attack. Two of the three are Pakistani nationals, according to the notices.

They did not say how the men were identified.

An Indian Border Security Force soldier gestures as Pakistan citizens return to Pakistan through the India-Pakistan Wagah Border Post on April 24, 2025, one day after New Delhi took a raft of punitive diplomatic measures against Islamabad. - Narinder Nanu/AFP/Getty Images

How have India and Pakistan responded?

India has justified its retaliatory moves as a response to Pakistans alleged support for cross-border terrorism.

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New Delhi has closed a key border crossing and further restricted already limited visas for Pakistani citizens. It also expelled military, naval and air advisers from the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.

Additionally, it suspended its role in the Indus Water Treaty, an important water-sharing pact between India and Pakistan that has been in force since 1960 and is regarded as a rare diplomatic success story between the two fractious neighbors.

The enormous Indus River system, which supports hundreds of millions of livelihoods across Pakistan and northern India, originates in Tibet, flowing through China and Indian-controlled Kashmir before reaching Pakistan. The vast volume of water is a vital resource for both countries, and the treaty governs how it is shared.

A Pakistan government statement said any attempt to stop or divert water belonging to Pakistan would be considered an act of war.

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Following Indias move, Pakistan said it was suspending trade with India, closing its airspace and expelling Indian diplomats, calling New Delhis measures unilateral, unjust, politically motivated, extremely irresponsible and devoid of legal merit.

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on April 26 accused New Delhi of leveling baseless allegations against Islamabad and said it was open to participating in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.

The next day, Indias navy said it conducted anti-ship firings to revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems and crew for long range precision offensive strike, in a statement on X.

What is the situation like in Kashmir?

Tensions are heightened in Kashmir as Indian security forces continue to search for the suspects in the attack. Indian forces were engaged in a gunfight with militants in Bandipora district north of Srinagar during the search, the Indian army corps in Kashmir said on X.

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Meanwhile, Indias army chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi visited Kashmir on April 25 to to assess the security situation in the region.

Arshad Najam, 48, a school teacher who lives in Pakistan-administered Kashmir close to the line that divides the territory, said he was on edge.

We have cleaned our bunker, he told CNN. There is fear among people anything can occur at any moment.

Thousands have flocked to the streets in recent days to condemn the deadly attacks as business owners express concerns over the impact it has already had on the popular tourist destination during peak season.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference members attend a protest after tourists were killed, in Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on Wednesday, April. 23, 2025. - Mukhtar Khan/AP

We all could not just sit by and watch. We came out to show emotion, solidarity, and condemn the killings, said local resident Umar Nazir Tibetbaqan.

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Meanwhile, anti-Pakistan protests have erupted in Indias capital Delhi and several other cities, raising fears of fueling anti-Kashmiri and anti-Muslim sentiment.

What happens next?

All eyes are now on how New Delhi and Islamabad will respond, with analysts fearing the potential for military escalation.

Modi will have a very strong, if not irresistible, political compulsion to retaliate with force, said Arzan Tarapore, a research scholar from Stanford Universitys Center for International Security and Cooperation.

We dont know what that would look like, and its somewhat meaningless to speculate at this point, but I think the 2019 Balakot crisis provides some cues on what to watch for in Indias response, Tarapore said, referring to New Delhis response to a militant attack on Indian troops which killed at least 40 paramilitary personnel in Indian-administered Kashmir.

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New Delhi retaliated by launching airstrikes on Pakistan, the first such incursion into its territory since a 1971 war between the two.

The key question will be will they seek to impose more meaningful, tangible costs on terrorist groups, including by targeting their leadership or headquarters facilities? Or will India go even further, crossing the threshold to attack the Pakistan army? Tarapore said.

Esha Mitra contributed reporting. This story has been updated with additional information.

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By Alimat Aliyeva

China is preparing to send the next group of astronauts into space as part of the Shenzhou-20 mission, where they will contribute to ongoing work on the countrys space station, Azernews reports.

The astronauts selected for this mission are Chen Dong, Chen Congrui, and Wang Jie, who will journey into space as part of the Shenzhou-20 crew.

Following the launch ceremony, a launch vehicle will take off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, placing the astronauts into orbit. They will replace the crew of the Shenzhou-19 mission and remain on the space station for six months. During this time, they will perform a variety of scientific research and technical tasks, including biological and physical experiments, as well as technological trials. This mission will mark Chinas 15th manned spaceflight.

It's important to highlight that the space station itself is a significant milestone in China's ambitious space program. The station consists of three main modules: the Tianhe core module, which houses the command center and the living quarters for the astronauts, and two laboratory modules, Wentian and Mengtian. Tianhe was launched and installed in April 2021, while Wentian and Mengtian were launched and installed in 2022on July 24 and October 31, respectively.

The space station, with a total mass of 70 tons, operates in low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 340-450 kilometers. It is designed for a service life of over 15 years, offering China a long-term platform for space research and international cooperation.

In addition to its role in advancing scientific knowledge, the space station is a symbol of Chinas growing prowess in space exploration. With regular missions like Shenzhou-20, China continues to make significant strides in expanding its capabilities in space technology, including advancements in spacecraft design, life support systems, and space-based research.

As the space station becomes more operational, it will not only support Chinas own space research but also provide a platform for international collaboration, with scientists from various countries contributing to its projects and experiments.
OBB-Technical-Service has signed a two-year enterprise agreement with 3D Spark on additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D-printed parts.

This agreement is intended to enhance the integration of 3D Sparks technology into OBBs digital warehouse and SAP system, focusing on the management of spare parts and the optimisation of procurement processes.

As part of the new agreement, 3D Spark will deploy rail-specific artificial intelligence models that can analyse 2D technical drawings to promote increased automation and support data-driven decision-making throughout the supply chain.

OBB application engineer Patrick Klein said: 3D Spark combines technical expertise with a strong understanding of the rail industry.

Theyve consistently delivered results and remained responsive to our needs. This long-term agreement reflects our confidence in them as a partner in advancing our spare parts and procurement strategy.

The extension of this partnership comes after OBB successfully implemented 3D Sparks software, which facilitated automated decision-making regarding spare parts procurement.

The software has been instrumental in generating immediate supplier quotes, providing real-time pricing, and enabling extensive screening of spare parts.

A recent case study demonstrated that OBB realised substantial operational efficiencies and cost reductions by using this platform.

3D Spark CEO and founder Ruben Meuth said: OBBs continued trust is a clear sign of the impact our solutions are making.

By combining detailed manufacturability assessments with real-time supplier pricing, were enabling more informed Make-or-Buy decisions and helping strengthen supply chain resilience in the rail sector.

The platform is already utilised by leading operators and original equipment manufacturers, including Deutsche Bahn, Alstom, and Siemens Mobility.

In August 2024, OBB announced the renovation of four stations on the Pannonia Railway line as part of a 4m ($4.4m) modernisation project.

The stations include Schutzen am Gebirge, Donnerskirchen, Breitenbrunn, and Winden am See.

"OBB-Technical-Service and 3D Spark sign agreement on AM & 3D printed parts" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




(Above: Nexstar Media Wire video on class action lawsuits)

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A South Bay towing company has agreed to settle allegations that it auctioned a car owned by a U.S. Navy lieutenant while he was deployed at sea.

Before leaving for deployment in November 2022, U.S. Navy Lt. Jonathan Liongson placed personal items in his 2011 Mazda 6 and parked the car at a friends house.

The Chula Vista Police Department impounded the car because its registration was expired, according to the complaint. The car was then towed to Tonys Auto Center in Chula Vista.

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Navy SEAL Museum slated to open in San Diego this fall

Two months later, the auto center sold Liongsons car at an auction through its agent without the authorization of a court order as required by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Liongson was deployed at sea aboard the USS Bunker Hill during this time.

In March 2023, Liongson returned home and learned that his car had been towed and sold.

Tonys Auto Center agreed to settle the allegations. Under the settlement agreement, the company is ordered to implement new policies to prevent future violations of the SCRA, the U.S. Attorneys Office stated.

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Meanwhile, Liongson will receive $7,500 in damages and the United States will also receive a $2,000 civil penalty.

The SCRA is a federal law that protects military members and their families while they are actively serving.

Members of our armed forces should not have to worry about their cars being auctioned off while they are deployed on missions defending our freedoms, liberties and rights, said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. This settlement should send a strong message to other towing companies that they should not take advantage of our servicemembers while they are keeping Americans safe.

The Justice Department has obtained more then $481 million in monetary relief for more than 147,000 servicemembers through the SCRA since 2011, according to the attorneys office.

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[Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage in the player above.]

WEST SALEM, Ohio (WJW)  Town & Country Fire District officials shared more Thursday on the death of Lt. Paul Mickolick, who was struck and killed by a car Friday while assisting another motorist.

Mickolick, 43, responded Friday night to a report of a pickup truck that was stuck in a ditch along Stratton Road, just south of Jeffrey Road, in Congress Township, Wayne County, FOX 8 News previously reported.

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Security guard attacked at Power Cabaret in Cleveland; shot fired, woman injured

WJW photo

Mickolick responded to the crash from his home, in his own vehicle, which he had parked with headlights on to illuminate the crash scene, according to the patrols Wooster post commander Lt. Cristian Perrin.

While at the scene, a Cadillac CTS driven by a 64-year-old West Salem man went off the roadway and struck the pickup truck, as well as Mickolick and the trucks driver, who were outside their vehicles, Perrin said.

Mickolick was transported to a nearby hospital by paramedics. He was later pronounced dead.

The driver of the pickup truck, a 33-year-old West Salem man, was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, then flown to another hospital.

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The driver of the Cadillac was uninjured, Perrin said.

Hory said Mickolick joined the department as a volunteer in 2020 and was hired on full-time in June 2022. He is survived by his wife and two children, as well as his father and brother.

Paul was a very proud father and husband. He loved vacations and was always looking for his next adventure for him and his family to go on, Fire Chief Adam Hory said at a Thursday morning media briefing at the fire hall along Lincoln Street.

Paul was a phenomenal paramedic and an amazing teacher, he continued. Im sure we can line the streets with people who are still alive today because Paul responded to their emergency.

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Man critically hurt after shots fired into vehicle

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is now investigating the crash. The case will then be forwarded to Wayne County prosecutors for possible charges.

Any loss of life is a tragedy that weighs heavy on the hearts of everyone involved, said Perrin. Not only does the loss of a first responder affect his friends and family and fellow firefighters, it also affects the communities they serve.

Calling hours are set for this Saturday, and Mickolicks funeral is set for Sunday, according to a Facebook post from the fire department.

A GoFundMe established for Mickolicks family had raised more than $26,000 as of Thursday morning. Donations to Mickolicks family can also be made in-person at the fire hall, 60 N. Lincoln St.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A southern Dutch municipality said Thursday it "most likely" accidentally dumped 46 precious artworks including one by Pop Art master Andy Warhol during a town hall renovation last year.

The Maashorst municipality said the works, including a rare 1980s Warhol silkscreen print of the country's former monarch Princess Beatrix, disappeared during work on the town hall in Uden, when that borough was incorporated into a new local administration.

"It's most likely that the artworks were accidentally taken away with the trash," the Maashorst municipality said in a statement.

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The artworks were stored in a basement during the renovations "but researchers concluded that they were not handled with care," local broadcaster Omroep Brabant reported.

Princess Beatrix of The Netherlands opens the exhibition

When the new Maashorst municipality wanted to take an inventory of the paintings, it was found that dozens were missing.

Criminal charges were laid and the municipality employed an independent investigations agency to try to found out what happened to the artworks.

The agency concluded there were several reasons why the artworks could have landed in the dustbin.

"Ownership was not properly established, no policies and procedures were established regarding the renovation and insufficient action was taken when the artworks turned out to be missing," it said.

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"Nor were there any guidelines for the registration, storage, conservation and security of the artworks," it added.

The Maashorst municipality said it was unlikely that the artworks will ever be found.

"This is not how you treat valuable items," Maashorst's mayor Hans van der Pas told Omroep Brabant.

"But it happened. We regret that," he said.

The Maashorst municipality said the investigation of the missing artworks was conducted from November to March and submitted its final report this month. The findings will not be made fully public to protect the privacy of the interviewees.

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Last November, officials said thieves used explosives to steal four works by Warhol  including a print of Queen Beatrix  from a different gallery in the south of the Netherlands, with two of the screenprints being abandoned nearby. Gallery owner Mark Peet Visser told The Associated Press that the thieves attempted to make off with all four works from Warhol's 1985 series called "Reigning Queens."

The works depicting Queen Beatrix and Queen Ntombi Tfwala of Swaziland were found abandoned on the street.

Sneak peek: The Detective's Wife

Judge halts own order demanding Kilmar Abrego Garcia updates

St. Louis woman says family decimated by cancer after living near toxic creek for decades
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) Its a new school opening up in the metro area, promising to make more students into top-tier welders, carpenters, and other trade professionals. Its an effort to boost New Mexicos future workforce; the new career technical education high school called RioTECH is promising to give teens skills in trade fields such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, and even cybersecurity.

Story continues below

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Today not only marks a celebration in progress in partnership, but a powerful step forward for our community, students, and the future of education and workforce development here in New Mexico, said Dr. Kristopher Johnson, Principal at RioTECH.

The $55 million school in Rio Rancho has been in the works since 2017, a partnership with Central New Mexico Community College. Some teaching is already happening there, but by fall, 150 high school students will take part in regular courses taught by CNM instructors. Theyll also enroll more than 100 adult trade students.

As they graduate, theyre going to have to learn to work with all different walks of life and people from everywhere, so its important to start them now and working with the industry that theyre going into, said Johnson.

Saying that 93% of businesses in New Mexico are Career Technical Education-related, the Rio Rancho Chamber said the school fills a big need in the states workforce.

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Right now, what we have is a shortage of our workforce, we have an aging workforce. This allows these students to gain those skills that are necessary to move forward, said Jerry Schalow, President and CEO of Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Its more interactive and youre actually doing the stuff hands-on, said Josiah Lopez, future RioTECH student.

This place will be better because it has more resources for me to utilize and theres more people that can help me out to achieve my goals, said Jasmine Lam, future RioTECH student.

RioTECH is expected to finish construction and be fully open by the fall. Theyre already making a waiting list, and more information can be found on their website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
TOWN OF FRANKFORT, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  The Town of Frankfort Police have announced a traffic advisory due to bridge work in the town.

The advisory  posted on the Departments Facebook page on Thursday, April 24  is to help facilitate the bridge project on West Main Street in the area. According to Frankfort Police, the westbound lane of West Main Street will be accessible up to Lock Street and Mill Street. The eastbound lane will be accessible up to Cemetery Street.

Frankfort Police are encouraging motorists to use State Route 5S to and from either Cemetery Street or Acme Road to circumvent the project. Police say the detour route mapped out below has the potential to bring a high volume of traffic through Grand View Avenue, which is very narrow.

The current detour route through the town of Frankfort due to construction on West Main Street. (Photo provided by the Town of Frankfort Polices Facebook page)

For that reason, the village has installed four new stop signs, which will be in place throughout the project. According to police, the signs are an attempt to slow down traffic, with the hopes that it will divert traffic to State Route 5S.

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Westbound traffic toward Utica is advised to take West Main Street to South Litchfield Street to Mollys Way. From there, they can take Grand View Avenue to Cemetery Street past the Herkimer County Fairgrounds or go north on Cemetery Street to West Main Street.

Eastbound traffic toward Ilion is advised to take West Main Street to Cemetery Street to Grandview Avenue. From there, they are advised to take Mollys Way to South Litchfield Street.

The project is estimated to take several months to complete.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Imports at the Port of Los Angeles are expected to plunge in the next two weeks, even as negotiations over the final tariffs that China and other countries must pay are still being negotiated by President Trump.

That was the sobering message that port Executive Director Gene Seroka had Thursday for the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners during an update on port activity.

"It's my prediction that in two weeks' time, arrivals will drop by 35% as essentially all shipments out of China for major retailers and manufacturers have ceased, and cargo coming out of Southeast Asia locations is much softer than normal," Seroka told the board.

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Figures from Wabtec Corp., which tracks port cargo, predict the slowdown in container volume hitting as soon as next week. That's when 17 vessels are scheduled to arrive with 85,486 20-foot-equivalents (TEUs) of goods, down 28.6% from this week and 10.5% from last year.

Read more: As a center of global trade, L.A. could be in for a bumpy ride after Trump tariffs

The decline will continue the following week, when 16 vessels are supposed to arrive carrying 74,925 TEUs, down nearly 33% from last year, according to Wabtec.

The drop-off follows a period of higher import volume as companies tried to get ahead of the tariffs.

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Seroka pointed to the current 145% tariff rate on Chinese goods and the 10% across-the-board tariffs that apply to nearly all nations as suppressing demand from U.S. retailers and manufacturers.

And even though Trump on April 9 announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs many nations may have to pay, Seroka said, "that's not a lot of lead time for the industry to make decisions on procurement, manufacturing, locations or sourcing."

"Many major retailers have told us they've got about a six-to-eight-week supply of inventory in their systems now that will quickly dry up," he said. "United States consumers and manufacturers alike will find difficult decisions in the weeks and months to come if policies don't change."

Read more: Trump's tariffs threaten Southern California's $300-billion trade industry, report says

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Seroka said he expects exports to be hit even harder. In March, the port moved 123,000 TEUs, down 15% from a year earlier  the fourth straight month of decline on a year-over-year basis. He said retaliatory tariffs are hitting agriculture, heavy duty manufacturing and the information technology and services sectors.

"In March, China bought more soybeans from Brazil in one month than ever in their history. Favorable exchange rates and no tariff barriers led to that procurement behavior," he said.

The slowdown is expected to have a ripple effect at the port, though Seroka said he didn't envision "mass layoffs."

"But if you're a trucker and you're hauling four or five containers today, you may haul two or three in the future. If you're a dock worker who's been getting OT... or getting a full workweek, that may be dialed back as well," he said, with casual workers being hit the hardest.

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Seroka's assessment follows the release of a report earlier this week by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. that found the tariffs threaten Southern Californias critical trade and logistics industry.

The industry, including the Port of Long Beach, transportation workers and far-flung warehouses, contributed nearly $300 billion in direct economic output and an estimated $93.3 billion in tax revenue in 2022, according to the report.

The sector supported nearly 2 million jobs, directly employing more than 900,000 workers with an average salary of more than $90,000, which was 26% higher than the average annual wage across Southern California, the report said.

Read more: Wall Street surges after Trump pauses many of his tariffs

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Carol Schleif, chief market strategist at BMO Private Wealth, noted that executives from Walmart, Amazon and Home Depot visited the White House this week to plead their case against tariffs.

She said that while the tariffs may get negotiated down, the port numbers suggest that some companies may be easing off purchases in advance of the critical holiday shopping season  even if the China tariffs are reduced.

"I'm hearing anecdotal evidence that some smaller and mid-sized retailers flat out can't afford it," she said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
While an investigation of a Topsfield mothers death at Purgatory Chasm State Reservation on Wednesday remains underway, police said on Thursday that it appeared to be accidental.

Sutton police received a 911 call at around 1:47 p.m. about a woman who fell 50 to 75 feet at Purgatory Chasm, the department said in a statement.

The woman, a 49-year-old mother of four, was hiking with three of her children and other family members when tragedy struck, police said.

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There were multiple medical professionals in the area hiking the chasm at the same time, and were able to provide medical attention right away, the statement read.

The woman, whose name has not been released, died from her injuries and was pronounced dead, police added.

This is currently an active investigation, but does appear to be accidental, the department said.

Sutton police thanked the following agencies for their quick response and professionalism during these very difficult circumstances: the Sutton Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police, the Northbridge Police Department, Sutton MedStar Teams, Department of Conservation and Recreation rangers, District 7 Technical Rescue Team, District 7 Re-Hab 78 Unit, Massachusetts Environmental Police and LifeFlight.

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Lastly, the Sutton Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the family during this very difficult time, the statement concluded.

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Tourists planning a trip to Thailand will be required to submit a digital arrival card starting 1 May, following a tourism boost sparked by HBOs drama series The White Lotus.

It has now become mandatory for all non-Thai nationals entering the country by air, land, or sea to fill the Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online from 1 May, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said.

The TDAC is a digital replacement for the paper-based TM6, a document that foreign travellers needed to fill out for entering or leaving Thailand, after it was suspended for air arrivals in 2022 and in 2024 for land and sea entries.

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The process will now be digitised with TDAC replacing the TM6 form to keep an official record of a visitor's entry into and exit from the country.

The form will require travellers to fill in their personal information as well as details about the period of stay and accommodation arrangements.

This comes as the newest and third season of The White Lotus drove a wave of new tourism to the country as fans gear up to live out their own versions of the dark comedy.

Koh Samui: The view from the Four Seasons over the Gulf of Thailand (Four Seasons)

After season one and two, locations Hawaii and Sicily saw a 300 per cent year-on-year surge in tourism, thanks to the White Lotus Effect, the island's tourism industry braced for a tide reminiscent of the show's previous filming locations.

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The third instalment of the Emmy-winning HBO show takes viewers to the stunning landscapes of Koh Samui, where most of the episodes are shot, as well as to popular destinations like Bangkok and Phuket.

The Koh Samui island saw a 44 per cent rise in hotel reservations and 88 per cent increase in searches, according to the Bangkok Post.

The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui saw a 40 per cent spike in booking interest, according to Hotels.com.

Searches for linked to Thailand travel significantly increased in the US, UK, Germany, France and Israel with searches for Koh Samui accommodations up 65 per cent since January 2025.

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand reported that the country welcomed over 35 million international travellers in 2024, generating more than 1.8tn baht ($53.5bn) in tourism revenue.

This year, it aims to attract 39 to 40 million international visitors and generate 3tn baht in revenue  a target that would mark a return to pre-pandemic arrival levels.
Apr. 24RIO GRANDE  Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel brought together business, education, and community leaders from southeast Ohio on Thursday for a roundtable discussion on the region's workforce strengths and its needs.

Held at the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College, the roundtable marked the latest stop in Tressel's ongoing series of community conversations to inform the development of Ohio's Workforce Playbook.

"As we continue to travel across Ohio, it is inspiring to see firsthand the incredible work being done to train and grow our workforce at places like the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College and beyond," Tressel said. "This is an exciting moment in our state's history. So many businesses and opportunities are moving into or expanding in Ohio. We need to make the most of this moment."

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Tressel's office said that, under the leadership of DeWine, the state has attracted a variety of economic development projects in recent years, which are bringing tens of thousands of new jobs to Ohio.

To ensure the state's workforce is trained and ready to fill these jobs, DeWine announced in his recent State of the State Address that Tressel would lead the administration's effort to create Ohio's Workforce Playbook.

By examining the needs and circumstances of Ohio's various regions, Ohio's Workforce Playbook will develop a plan to retain existing talent, recruit new talent to Ohio and rally Ohio's existing workforce to greater productivity.

"That's why we're traveling around the state and holding roundtables and community conversations," Tressel said. "We need to make sure we're working together as a business and education community  aligning all of our efforts to not only prepare Ohioans for these amazing jobs, but to inspire them to stay and build their futures right here in Ohio."

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During the roundtable, representatives from the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College and major employers discussed workforce needs and strategies for strengthening Ohio's talent pipeline.

Following the roundtable, Tressel joined Rio Grande President Ryan Smith for a tour of Davis Career Center.
Unilever has sought to have the court case dismissed and is challenging Ben & Jerrys boards legal standing. It also denies the meritless allegations from the Independent Board of Ben & Jerrys, the company told Fortune in a statement. The facts presented in court will show that Unilever has worked constructively with the Independent Social Mission Board over the past 24 years, and that we remain committed to Ben & Jerrys having a social mission.

In court filings, the board accuses Unilever of silencing the ice cream makers attempts to make statements about the war in Gaza, and President Donald Trumps policies. The complaint goes on to allege that Unilever neglected to make payments to certain suppliers and left-leaning philanthropic partners, too, all of which the board says were violations of previous agreements. The board further claims that along with the fact that it should have been consulted about Stevers ouster, he was pushed out because he sided with Ben & Jerrys board over several social media posts that Unilever opposed, according to the complaint.

For years, this unheard-of arrangement worked fairly well. Late last year, however, the independent board launched a lawsuit against the company over perceived breaches of the merger agreement, and last month it added allegations about Stevers ouster to an amended complaint.

But Unilever did more than just promise to allow the company to continue mixing lefty activism and ice cream sales: The two parties labored over a lengthy merger agreement that allowed Ben & Jerrys to have an independent chair and board to oversee the companys activities around its promotions and political campaigns, according to a recent lawsuit.

Unilever, the London-based firm behind products like Axe deodorant, Dove shampoo, Talenti ice cream, and Hellmans mayonnaise, bought the famously progressive ice cream maker in 2000, triggering alarm at the time among allies like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and the states then-governor Howard Dean , along with customers and believers in the notion that businesses can be a force for good in the world. How could Ben & Jerrys sell out ?

The troupe was protesting what Ben & Jerrys has called the firing of its CEO David Stever by the companys parent, Unilever , one of the worlds largest conglomerates, with a market cap of about $150 billion. Stever had only been CEO since 2023 , but he had worked for the company for 34 years.

Under overcast skies on a brisk Wednesday last month, more than two dozen Ben & Jerrys employees at the ice cream companys global headquarters in Vermont walked out and stood silently in front of their office building. Some bowed their heads and others stared straight ahead as the wind whipped flagsBlack Lives Matter, Pride, and the stars and stripeson a nearby pole. Almost hidden in the back row was company cofounder Ben Cohen, who started the ice cream franchise in 1978 with his pal Jerry Greenfield.

Story Continues

The company also says it had been discussing a broader, global role at Unilever for Stever, but that he decided to step down instead. According to Unilever, it spent weeks trying to discuss potential changes to the CEO role with the board, as its expected to do, but the board declined to engage with the company on this topic. Then, Unilever said, the board went public about its conversations with Stever.

Cohen and Greenfield declined to be interviewed for this story. Stever declined to comment.

The legal scuffle is taking place as Unilever prepares to spin off its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerrys, to create a new company, while the independent board worries that its authority to make bold calls to protect the companys social missiona right that should survive through any sale or restructuring according to the agreementwill be eroded or ignored.



And while Cohen is trying to buy back the company, he himself has admitted its a long shotafter all, the company could be worth several billion dollars. On one level, the legal showdown is a wonky corporate spat over boardroom power and an unusual governance plan. But Ben & Jerrys board chair Anuradha Mittal argues that its more than that. Instead, she sees it as a battle over the soul of a storied American ice cream company, and an important test of corporate principles in an era when major companies are actively throwing away their previous beliefs to appease a new political climate.

This is a David and Goliath story, she said, and instead of rolling over, here is David saying No.



Unexpected match

There were signs from the very beginning that the marriage was doomed. Twenty-five years ago, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield were candid about their misgivings when they sold their ice cream enterprisethen a public companyto the multinational firm in a deal that the board approved in 2000.

In a statement issued after the $326 million acquisition was announced, Cohen and Greenfield let the world know that they would have preferred to have maintained control of the brand. That had been their plan before Unilever bested competing bids for the company, including their own. At the time, the going thought was that the smaller brands noble ethos would influence how Unilever operated.

Cohen separately issued a statement that opened with lyrics from a Grateful Dead song:

Once in a while, you get shown the light

In the strangest of places if you look at it right.

The lyrics were a weird touch, but fitting for two famous Deadheads and ex-hippies. Since Ben & Jerrys was founded, the Long Islandborn longtime Vermont residents have voiced their progressive opinions on everything from the military-industrial complex to racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, the criminal justice system, climate change, and CEO pay. At Ben & Jerrys, they instituted a rule that the CEO could not earn more than five times the wages of the lowest-paid worker.

Ben & Jerry's and Unilever spent more than a year negotiating the merger, and there were other buyers interested in buying the ice cream company, says Shahmeer Halepota, a Houston-based attorney who is representing the brand in its legal battle. The only reason we went with Unilever is because they specifically promised to protect the social mission, he told Fortune. Whats more, the whole reason Unilever wanted to buy Ben & Jerrys, the lawyer added, was that its authenticity resonated with consumers.

To be fair, Unilever had already built its reputation as a climate-sensitive company by 2000. Descriptions of its sustainable agriculture program impressed the Ben & Jerrys team during their initial negotiations. Whats more, the Dutch businessman Paul Polman, who was CEO of the consumer goods company from 2009 to 2019, made sustainability a core focus of the business, burnishing Unilevers reputation, and his own, as a climate leader.

Over the years, Ben & Jerrys brand established itself as a feisty semi-sovereign state within Unilever by advocating for things like the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011 and creating a product flavor, Pecan Resist, to protest Trump policies in 2018.

There were also signs of harmony between the companies. In 2020, Cohen told the New York Times that Ben & Jerrys politics seemed to be rubbing off on Unilever. Following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis that year, Ben & Jerrys was among the first brands to pull advertising from Facebook and Twitter over the platforms failure to control hate messages, and Unilever followed the smaller brand days later. Continuing to advertise on these platforms at this time would not add value to people and society, it said.

Business was also booming, and Ben & Jerrys became a revenue-driving property for Unilever. The conglomerate told Fortune in a statement that Ben & Jerrys has thrived under Unilever since the acquisition 25 years ago, growing revenues 500% and expanding its footprint from four to nearly 40 countries. That success, it said, has also enabled many millions of euros investment into Ben & Jerrys social mission activities.

Israel-Gaza conflict and the Trump presidency

The troubles that culminated in the current lawsuit began in 2021, when Ben & Jerrys said it would no longer sell its products in disputed settlement territories occupied by Israel. Selling ice cream in those areas would not be aligned with the brands core values, the company said. (A Unilever representative was part of the committee that approved the resolution, according to Halepota and the complaint filed by Ben and Jerrys.) The policy triggered a backlash and accusations of anti-Semitism against Ben & Jerrys and Unilever.

It was a charge that Greenfield and Cohen found absurd, Cohen said in a TV interview, adding they were both Jewish. Cohen and Greenfield had all but stepped away from the company after the sale, but the pair remained its symbolic leaders, and both are still employees.

Facing calls for boycotts, Unilever issued statements to groups like the Anti-Defamation League to say it rejects completely and repudiates unequivocally any forms of discrimination or intolerance.

A year later, Unilever sold the rights to distribute Ben and Jerrys products within Israel and the occupied territory to its Israeli distributor, who would use only Hebrew and Arabic on its packaging. In a legal filing, it called this a response to a legal and public relations crisis created by Ben & Jerrys 2021 decision and said that public outcry was accompanied by the divestment of hundreds of millions of dollars in Unilevers stock.

The Ben & Jerrys board, shocked by what it saw as a betrayal, launched litigation against Unilever, settling with the company months later when Unilever recommitted to giving Ben & Jerrys the right to control the brands mission, the complaint states. But the lawsuit claims that agreement didnt last. Instead, it says, Ben & Jerrys was thwarted in several attempts to speak out on public issues.

Despite its contractual commitment to [r]espect and acknowledge the Independent Boards primary responsibility over Ben & Jerrys Social Mission and Essential Brand Integrity, Unilever has silenced each of these efforts, the complaint reads, quoting the original agreement.

One example, the board alleges in court filings, is a message that Ben & Jerrys wanted to make in 2023 during the Israel-Hamas conflict that read: Ben & Jerrys calls for peace and a permanent and immediate ceasefire. In response, Unilever threatened to dismantle the Independent Board and sue directors individually if they went through with it, court documents allege. The lawsuit notes that over 140 countries around the world (including England, France, and Canada), Doctors Without Borders, and the Pope had called for a ceasefire by this time.

In a court filing, Unilever said it was resistant to issue a statement at that time without also condemning terrorism and calling for the release of hostages.

Other alleged examples described in the lawsuit include Ben & Jerrys calling on the U.K. to create a special visa for Palestinians, a statement decrying attempts to quell student protests, and an endorsement of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders resolution calling for the U.S. to stop sending weapons to Israel, citing civilian deaths. The independent board also alleges that it was muzzled when it came to issuing statements about Trump on inauguration day earlier this year, and prevented from posting about Black History Month in February.

Parts of the lawsuit pull back the corporate curtain to reveal tension that was evident between the five-person independent board and Unilevers ice cream president, Peter ter Kulve. In one exchange, the Unilever executive explains to the board that, to his understanding, a Ben & Jerrys post calling for a special visa for Palestinians was pulled because of poor timing. [I]t coincided with the Iranian missile attack on Israel, he wrote in an email, the court document says. When the matter was escalated to me, I expressed concerns about the continued perception of antisemitism that is a persistent issue.

Mittal sent a pointed response, per the filing. Other than your clairvoyant intuition, she asked, could you please point to any objective data pointsuch as a market study or third-party evaluationthat objectively confirmed your unilateral judgment that calling for safe passage of all refugees, including from Gaza will be viewed as antisemitism?

According to the lawsuit, Unilevers head of ice cream did not respond. The executive did not respond to Fortunes request for comment.

In a court document, Unilever described Ben & Jerrys Gaza-focused proposed messages as one-sided company statements related to the highly divisive Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. Unilever said in a legal filing that it sought to work with the board to ensure that its message about the student protests was balanced, and that it offered to work with the Board to craft an appropriate statement focused on substantive issues without personal attacks on President Trump. It also said in a court filing it had concerns about the timing of the message about special visas.

Unilever does not make these decisions lightly, as they consider a myriad of factors such as: geopolitical tensions, country-specific election advocacy laws, employee and customer safety, and public reception, the court filing said.

Unilever told Fortune that it had discussions with the Board about only a small fraction of social media posts over the yearsaround 2%.



Leadership changes

In some ways, the new lawsuit is a continuation of a debate that has entangled companies across the globe over whether they ought to be advocates for political change.

During the pandemic and at other periods in the past few decades, companies faced pressure from employees and some investors to take a stand on fraught topics like police brutality, abortion, and immigration. Over the past few years, however, the pendulum has shifted, with more leaders voicing opinions opposing corporate activism.

Among the titans who have been clear about this issue is Nelson Peltz, the billionaire activist investor behind Trian Partners, who took a seat on the board at Unilever in 2022. Peltzs influence has been cited by business watchers as the source of several leadership changes at Unilever, including the ousting of the previous CEO. And Peltz also took issue with Ben & Jerrys advocacy work in 2024, as he explained to the Financial Times last March.

Youve got to get these politics out of the boardroom, he said. Ben & Jerrys job is to sell ice cream, not to make political statements. And these people use anything for a soapbox that they have no right to do.

Peltz also said of the conflict in Israel: I have my own feelings about a ceasefire. Israel has got to get a few things squared away before they get a ceasefire because what happened to them was despicable.

Peltz declined to comment for this story.

Unilever is planning to spin off Unilever Ice Cream by the end of 2025. The new company will include the Ben & Jerrys, Talenti, Breyers, and Magnum brands, and will be called the Magnum Ice Cream Company, Unilever said.

But Ben Cohen is seizing the moment to step into the spotlight and make it known that he wants his company back. In the year 2000, Unilever loved us for who we were, Cohen told the Wall Street Journal earlier this month. Now weve gone separate ways in our relationship. We just need them to set us free.

Cohen also acknowledged in that interview that the odds were against his quest.

Unilever told Fortune that Ben & Jerrys is not for sale, adding that its ice cream division remains fully committed to the companys mission.

The deal that Ben & Jerrys struck with Unilever 25 years ago to maintain an independent, socially focused board should still be effective after the sale, according to its original terms. But Halepota fears that Unilever is paying lip service to the deal and questions whether the board will be empowered after the spinoff.

He adds, however: "What I do trust is the independent board's fortitude to never give up the fight.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
JACKSON, Ohio (WCMH)  The Ohio State Highway Patrol is searching for a red, or possibly maroon Dodge Dakota after an alleged hit-skip in which a 2-year-old child suffered severe injuries.

The crash occurred Tuesday night just after 8 p.m. in Jackson County, near the 6100 block of State Route 93 in Madison Township. Troopers from the Jackson Patrol Post of the OSHP responded to a residence where a 2-year-old boy was struck by what is believed to be a red Dodge Dakota.

Police searching for Circleville woman missing for more than two weeks

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The Dodge was traveling southbound and continued off the right side of the road before coming to a stop after it struck the boy in front of his home. As the father of the child tended to his son, the vehicle drove away, continuing southbound.

The victim was taken to Adena Regional Hospital in Chillicothe before being flown to Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus.

Troopers said the fleeing vehicle is a 2005-2011 crew-cab, 4-door pickup truck, but the identity of the driver is unknown. Anyone with information regarding the vehicle or the driver is asked to call the OSHP Jackson Patrol Post at 740-286-4141.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Apr. 23A northern New Mexico man is accused of fatally shooting his father during an argument Sunday.

Ricky Romero, 18, of Truchas, is charged with an open count of murder in the shooting death of Fernando Romero, 44.

Ricky Romero is being held at the Rio Arriba County Adult Detention Facility.

At 4:28 p.m. Sunday, New Mexico State Police received a call of a shooting in the 100 block of County Road 77, near the High Road to Taos, in Truchas.

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Officers learned Fernando Romero had been shot in the chest and wasn't breathing, according to an affidavit for arrest warrant filed in Rio Arriba County Magistrate Court. He was pronounced dead at the scene, New Mexico State Police spokesperson Ricardo Breceda said in a news release.

As officers arrested Ricky Romero, they found blood on his hand, Breceda said.

Fernando Romero's friend told police Ricky Romero suffered from mental issues and he and his father frequently argued, according to the court document.

Earlier that day, the friend told police, Fernando Romero's mother told him Ricky Romero was chasing his father when she heard gunshots, the affidavit states. The friend told police she said, "Ricky killed my son! Please come!" police said.

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On Sunday, Ricky Romero told police he and his father got into an argument about Ricky Romero being disrespectful to his grandmother before being told to leave, according to the affidavit. After he locked his father out of the home, Ricky Romero told police, Fernando Romero pointed a revolver at him through a small window above the door and yelled, "I am going to kill you," police said.

After Fernando Romero re-entered, Ricky Romero got a pistol and Fernando Romero told his son, "Do it you (expletive) punk," the document states. The father then charged at Ricky Romero who shot him in the chest, police said.

Ricky Romero told police he "intended to shoot him in the belly," the affidavit states, adding that he did not see his father carrying any weapons.

Ricky Romero also told police Fernando had been abusive to him, his sister and mother, police said.
The Trump administration must seek to return a second man who was improperly deported from the U.S. to El Salvador in violation of a previous court order, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, a Maryland-based Trump appointee, ruled that the administration deported a 20-year-old Venezuelan man last month in violation of a legally binding, court-approved settlement agreement reached in a lawsuit last year. Under that settlement, the U.S. agreed not to deport migrants who arrived as unaccompanied minors until their asylum claims are fully adjudicated.

The man, identified in court papers only as Cristian, arrived in the U.S. as an unaccompanied minor and sought asylum in December 2022. That claim was still pending when he was deported last month.

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The newly revealed improper deportation, which was first reported by ABC News, resembles the high-profile case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran man who was living in Maryland before being deported to El Salvador despite a 2019 immigration court order that barred the U.S. government from sending him there.



The Supreme Court called Abrego Garcias deportation illegal and upheld a district judges order requiring the U.S. to facilitate his return. The Trump administration has resisted doing so, claiming that it has no authority to bring him back, although it recently said the State Department engaged in appropriate diplomatic discussions with Salvadoran officials about his case.

Gallagher cited Abrego Garcias case in her ruling.

Both Cristian and Abrego Garcia were among hundreds of immigrants loaded hastily onto planes on March 15 and sent to a notorious anti-terrorism prison in El Salvador.

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Many of them  including Cristian  were deported under Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used 1798 law that gives the president the authority to swiftly expel foreign invaders during wartime. The Trump administration, often with little public evidence, accused the deportees of being members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and deemed them alien enemies.

The Justice Department argued that Trumps invocation of the Alien Enemies Act superseded the 2024 settlement that protected Cristian from deportation while his asylum claim proceeded.

But Gallagher rejected that argument, ordering the Trump administration to facilitate Cristians return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to.

The Biden administration reached the settlement in a class-action lawsuit that challenged a change to asylum policy during Trumps first term. The settlement applies to a nationwide class of migrants who entered the U.S. before they were 18.

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Unlike Abrego Garcia  who has never been charged with any crime  Cristian was convicted in Texas of possessing cocaine, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement official Robert Cerna. After his conviction, immigration officials detained him in January 2025, during the final days of the Biden administration.

In the Abrego Garcia case, the Trump administration has argued that it could comply with the order to facilitate his return without actually asking the government of El Salvador to release him from custody and send him back to the U.S.



Gallagher explicitly rejected that technical and narrow reading of the word facilitate in her order on Cristians deportation.

Standing by and taking no action is not facilitation. In prior cases involving wrongfully removed individuals, courts have ordered, and the government has taken, affirmative steps toward facilitating return, Gallagher wrote. She directed the Trump administration to make a good faith request to the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody.

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The judge presiding over the Abrego Garcia case, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, agreed Wednesday to a one-week delay in an intensive fact-finding inquiry she authorized into the Trump administrations improper deportation. Her reasons for the move were not made public.

The administration is also facing scrutiny over a potential violation of court orders from a third judge, who has barred all deportations to countries not listed in a migrants final removal order. On Wednesday night, the administration acknowledged sending four people to El Salvador on March 31 despite the judges order, saying the deportations were carried out by the Pentagon, which government lawyers contend was not covered by the court order.

Lawyers who obtained the settlement reached last year for asylum seekers who entered the U.S. as children complained in a court filing that the Trump administration has refused to say whether Cristian is the only person covered by the settlement who has been deported.

If other Class Members have been removed to El Salvador, they too should be returned, the attorneys wrote.


April 24 (UPI) -- The Trump administration Thursday called on the Supreme Court to allow enforcement of a ban on transgender people serving in the military.

Benjamin Settle, a federal judge in Washington state, issued a sweeping, nationwide injunction March 27 on the Trump administration's ban on military service by transgender people, but Solicitor General D. John Sauer filed an emergency application Thursday with the high court seeking to overturn Settle's injunction.

The injunction "cannot be squared with the substantial deference that the department's professional military judgements are owed," Sauer wrote in his application. The Trump administration has said it based its decision to bar transgender people from the military on a decision by the Pentagon during President Donald Trump's first term that said people with gender dysphoria represent a threat to "military effectiveness and lethality."

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The policy "generally disqualifies from military service individuals who have gender dysphoria or who have undergone medical interventions for gender dysphoria," Sauer wrote in his Thursday application.

Critics of Sauer's application say keeping transgender people out of the military violates the Constitution's 14th Amendment, which guarantees that all people be treated equally under the law.

The Supreme Court has asked challengers to Sauer's application to file a response by May 1. Until the high court rules on the case, transgender people will continue to be allowed to serve in the military, effectively upholding Settle's March 27 ruling.

U.S. Navy Commander Emily Shilling, the lead plaintiff in the case to overturn the Trump administration's ban, is a transgender woman and a 19 year Naval fighter jet pilot. She has flown 60 combat missions, including two in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following combat duty, she became a test pilot.

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"I have been at the pinnacle of naval aviation," she told CNN in January. "I think I am proof that we are qualified to serve."

"This case is not about politics," she continued. "It's about the right of every qualified American to serve. For nearly a decade, transgender troops have proven time and again that we are just as committed, courageous, and honorable as those we serve with."
The Department of Justice has for the first time charged an alleged high-ranking Tren de Aragua gang member with terrorism-related crimes, officials announced Wednesday.

As part of its immigration crackdown, the Trump administration has targeted the Venezuelan gang for months  designating it a foreign terrorist organization in February following an executive order issued on President Donald Trumps first day in office.

The Department of Justice alleges Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, 24, is a high-ranking Tren de Aragua  or TdA  leader in Bogota, Colombia, and is part of the inner circle of senior gang leadership, according to a Wednesday news release. He also allegedly caused the delivery of cocaine for international distribution to further the gangs criminal goals, the department said.

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Flores, who is detained in Colombia, was arrested by Colombian authorities on March 31 after the US issued a provisional arrest warrant. On April 8, a Houston federal grand jury filed a superseding indictment. It is not yet clear when he will be extradited to the US.

Flores was charged with one count of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization as well as another count of conspiracy to provide material support, according to the indictment filed in a Texas federal court.

Flores, a Venezuelan national, was also charged with one count of international drug distribution conspiracy and two counts of international drug distribution.

CNN is working to determine whether Flores has legal representation.

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The terror-related charges come over a month after the administration invoked the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act to deport hundreds of alleged members of the gang from the United States to a maximum security prison in El Salvador. Both the Supreme Court and a federal district court temporarily blocked the administrations ability to deport migrants under the wartime law.

TdA is not a street gang  it is a highly structured terrorist organization that put down roots in our country during the prior administration, Attorney General Pam Bondi said. Todays charges represent an inflection point in how this Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle this evil organization, which has destroyed American families and poisoned our communities.

Starting around February 20, Flores allegedly conspired to provide, provided and attempted to provide material support or resources, to the gang in the form of services and personnel, according to the indictment.

And starting about a year ago, Flores allegedly conspired with others to manufacture and distribute a substance containing cocaine, having reasonable cause to believe that such substance would be unlawfully imported into the United States of America, the indictment said.

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Beginning in November 2024, Flores allegedly manufactured and distributed about 10 kilograms of a substance containing cocaine intended for distribution in the US. Then, about a month ago, Flores allegedly distributed about 14 kilograms of a mixture containing cocaine intended for US distribution, according to the indictment.

The criminal gang originated in a Venezuela prison and has slowly spread both north and south in recent years. It now operates in the United States, US Customs and Border Protection and the FBI have said.

TdA is a direct threat to our national security, to our communities, and to Americans, FBI Director Kash Patel said in the news release. Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI continues in our pursuit to eliminate this violent terrorist organization from our streets, and todays announcement makes it clear that these criminals, especially the leaders of these cartels, have no place in our country.

For years, Tren de Aragua not only terrorized Venezuela but also countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Chile and Peru. The gang has engaged in criminal activities including human trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering and drug smuggling, according to the US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control.

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Flores faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine if convicted.

CNNs Jamiel Lynch, Ray Sanchez and Rafael Romo contributed to this report.

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Join Chris Cuomo, Bill OReilly and more big-name guests Wednesday for NewsNations CUOMO Town Hall, with a live studio audience and virtual audience across America, to discuss the first 100 days of President Donald Trumps administration. Find out how to watch on TV, or catch NewsNation live on NewsNationNow.com, the free NewsNation app or on the CW Network. Wednesday at 8p/7C.

(NewsNation)  President Donald Trump began his second term with a flurry of executive orders designed to advance key priorities for his campaign.

But many of those actions are being challenged in court, with federal judges issuing rulings to stay some actions while legal challenges proceed or demanding a reversal of certain actions.

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Here are some of the key areas facing legal challenges:

Michelle Obama breaks her silence on skipping Trumps 2nd inauguration

Deportation actions

Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport people who are in the U.S. illegally without going through typical deportation proceedings, which include hearings. On Apr. 20, 2025, the Supreme Court ordered a halt to deportations under that act after an emergency appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union.

An earlier ruling from the court had allowed deportations to continue but only if those being deported had an opportunity to have their case heard, something both sides tried to spin as a win. Lawyers from the Department of Justice have also been in the crosshairs, with one judge ruling there was evidence they acted in contempt of court by sending deportation flights in violation of a judicial order.

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Judge blocks implementation of Trumps transgender military ban

The administration has also been told to bring back two men who were wrongly deported to El Salvador. The Trump administration has been fighting efforts to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had a court order preventing his removal to El Salvador, with a federal judge ordering expedited discovery to evaluate whether the administration was complying with court orders.

On Wednesday, another judge ruled the administration must return another wrongly deported man. That man, identified only as Christian in legal papers, was deported while his asylum case was still pending.

Birthright citizenship

The Trump administration has moved to eliminate birthright citizenship, directing federal agencies not to recognize the citizenship of those born in the U.S. unless they have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.

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Federal injunctions have been ordered by lower courts as opponents argue the order violates the Constitutions 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, grants citizenship to those born in the U.S. Presidents do not have unilateral authority to change the Constitution, which requires the support of two-thirds of Congress or agreement of three-fourths of states.

Immigration lawyer in Utah ordered to self-deport

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the case starting May 15.

Foreign aid payments

As part of its efforts to dismantle USAID, the Trump administration imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign aid that had already been approved in congressional budgets.

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In March, the Supreme Court ruled the administration could not withhold payments for work already performed and ordered the release of those funds.

Firing federal workers

Trump has signed executive orders that make it easier to fire federal employees, targeting thousands of career employees who have been previously protected from political firings. He has also sought to eliminate the heads of watchdog agencies and remove those on boards, such as the National Labor Relations Board.

Cutting federal Medicaid expansion funding could lead to 30K additional deaths: Analysis

The administration is facing multiple legal cases challenging its authority to fire those employees, with judges in some cases blocking it from immediately letting people go.

Eliminating the Department of Education

Trump signed an order to shut down the Department of Education, ordering key programs transferred to other departments and eliminating others.

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He is being sued by a coalition of advocacy groups representing educators, families, students and school employees who say the order exceeds the authority given to the executive branch.

That litigation is still ongoing.

Investors on edge amid Chinas tariff talk denial

Overhauling federal elections

Another executive order mandated that states require proof of citizenship during voter registration and said all ballots must be received by election day. It would also require states to hand over voter rolls to the Department of Government Efficiency for review.

There have been multiple lawsuits filed over the legislation, and a judge Thursday blocked the portion of the order requiring proof of citizenship, noting that the power to oversee elections is granted to Congress and the states, not the executive branch.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
April 24 (UPI) -- Federal prosecutors have announced the first terrorism-related charges filed against an alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang, which the Trump administration has been targeting amid his nationwide crackdown on immigration.

The five-count superseding indictment was returned by a Houston grand jury April 8 but was unsealed Wednesday in a Southern District of Texas courtroom, charging Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, 24, with conspiring to provide and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, as well as with drug-related offenses.

President Donald Trump designated Tren de Aragua as a foreign terrorist organization in February, a move he used last month to invoke the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador -- a move that has since been blocked by the courts, halting further deportations.

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Federal prosecutors have accused Flores, who also goes by "Chuqui," of being a high-ranking member of the Venezuelan gang. He was arrested in Colombia at the request of the United States on March 31.

The charging document alleges that he was involved in the delivery of approimately 11 pounds or more of cocaine for international distribution. The Justice Department said he "is part of the inner circle of senior TdA leadership."

He is currently in Columbian custody, though he is expected to be extradited to the United States, despite the Trump administration's efforts to deport those accused of being affiliated with the gang.

"Today's charges represent an inflection point in how this Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle this evil organization, which has destroyed American families and poisoned our communities," Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement announcing the charges.

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If convicted, Flores faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The indictment was unsealed Wednesday after the Justice Department charged 27 alleged members and associates of the Venezuelan gang with a slew of offenses, including human smuggling, armed robberies and sex and drug trafficking.
GREENBELT, Md. (DC News Now)  The Trump administration has been granted a seven-day extension to provide detailed information on how its facilitating the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia after admitting he was wrongfully deported from Maryland, where he lived with his wife and kids.

Federal District Judge Paula Xinis granted the stay until April 30, after setting an initial deadline of 6 p.m. on Wednesday. However, the requirement for the administration to provide Judge Xinis with daily updates remained in place.

Attorneys for the Trump administration have argued that the information surrounding Abrego Garcias case contains state secrets that are protected under attorney-client and government privilege.

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PREVOUS COVERAGE | Federal judge temporarily halts order for details on any efforts to return Abrego Garcia to US

Abrego Garcia has been stuck in El Salvador since March 12, when he was rounded up with scores of others believed to have MS-13 gang ties. He was held for over a month at the notorious CECOT prison and has recently been moved to another facility.



The Trump administration has already admitted to deporting Abrego Garcia by mistake, but has refused to bring him back to the U.S.

Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters Wednesday, I just disagree with the idea that he hasnt been offered due process. He had a couple of immigration hearings. He had a valid deportation order. I think this idea that somehow, that we couldnt deport an MS-13 gang member, and he was an MS-13 gang member, is preposterous.

Despite the Vice Presidents claim, the Trump administration has provided no evidence to back up their claim that Abrego Garcia is a member of MS-13.

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More Democratic lawmakers are visiting El Salvador on Abrego Garcias behalf

El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele also said he has no intention to release Abrego Garcia. But Senator Chris Van Hollen, who traveled to El Salvador last week, said the Salvadoran government has no legal grounds for keeping Abrego Garcia detained.

When I met with the vice president of El Salvador, it was very clear that the Trump administration was doing nothing, nothing to try to get Abrego Garcia out, said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) on Wednesday, during a panel conversation with Semafor. Theyre not charging him with any crime. Nobody has charged him with crime. They say theyre holding him because theyre being paid by the Trump administration. In other words, this is a fee-for-service deal.

Van Hollen said El Salvador received $15 million from the Trump administration to hold deportees in prison. Hes called the situation a constitutional crisis.

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If only the pronatalist turn in American politics were confined to one bespectacled, self-promoting husband and wife team starring in countless profiles over the last handful of years. Meet the elite couples breeding to save mankind, is how the The Telegraph introduced Simone and Malcolm Collins in 2023. Americas premier pronatalists, as The Guardian dubbed them, want to make America procreate again, per The Washington Post. What Simone and Malcolm Collins call their pronatalist program is consistent and undisguised: They extoll the virtues of big families engineered through compulsory motherhood, restrained through patriarchal gender roles, and with children isolated from any outside influence that might challenge the familys worldview.

In recent decades, people who obsess about birth rates in the Western world have tended to do so from the fringes, rubbing elbows with conspiracy theorists panicked about the great replacement of white peopleuntil they find their way to weirdo billionaires willing to repackage eugenics as a remedy. Now, however, the Collinses believe they have allies in the White House, who are even trying to sell pronatalism as public policy: As The New York Times recently reported, the Trump administration is apparently entertaining proposals ranging from government-funded education about menstrual cycles to so-called baby bonuses of $5,000 for each child an American woman bears. (It seems safe to assume they mean only cisgender women who are not immigrants.) The Collinses themselves have been drafting executive orders, including one to award a National Medal of Motherhood to mothers who have given birth to six or more children.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is cutting, if not outright eliminating, womens health research. They are freezing federal funds for family planning, meaning pregnant people will lose critical care. Trump claims to support in vitro fertilization and jokes that hes the fertilization president one week, and the next he eliminates the team at the Centers for Disease Control working on IVF. Trump celebrates the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade as a personal victory, and after Dobbs, maternal mortality spiked. Hes breaking up families, jailing mothers and fathers and leaving their children alone to defend themselves before immigration judgeswithout their parents, without lawyers. The men he surrounds himself with openly lean into eugenic thinking: lackeys like Elon Musk, who believes that a collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who complains that teens arent fertile enough and that autism destroys families, and more importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children.

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There is a continuity from the pseudo-valorization of motherhood to policing people through reproductive coercion. One of the fastest ways to trap a woman in precarity is to push her into pregnancy, Jessica Calarco, University of Wisconsin-Madison sociologist and author of Holding It Together: How Women Became Americas Safety Net, told me this week. After our conversation, it felt like these pronatalist policies are really more like DOGE, but for reproductive labortaking a chain saw to what few supports exist for peoples pregnancies and families, making peoples lives more chaotic and unstable, and calling it making America great again. As ever, we have to ask: great for who, and at whose expense?

With pronatalism, Calarco told me, the goal is not to make raising children easier for everyonereally, its about providing a reward for families who do childrearing the right way. What that often looks like among the pronatalists is breadwinner/homemaker families, Calarco explained: men being the breadwinners, women being the homemakers, and women rearing the children, typically large numbers of children, perhaps homeschooling them. Hence policies that reward women for having many children, and education to steer them away from contraception and family planning and into monitoring their fertility.

While the proposals coming from the pronatalists are a bit thin, you can see this worldview reflected in the Heritage Foundations Mandate for Leadership, also known as Project 2025, which stipulates that government policies should restore the family as the centerpiece of American life. To do this, they advocate expanding government, telling policymakers to elevate family authority, formation, and cohesion as their top priority and even use government power, including through the tax code, to restore the American family. If restoring the family requires making government bigger, then so be it. To the extent that government offers people any resources, they will be contingent on one vision of the family. Project 2025 may deem these pro-family policies; in truth, they are pro-patriarchy. If they give women more resources, contingent on having more children, is that offering women choices or exerting power over their choices?

When the goal is about dictating which families get support, Calarco said, it helps to explain why were not seeing investments in things like paid family leave or universal childcare. At bottom, its not about making childbirth or parenting more accessible but about just a reward system for those who do it their way.

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What the pronatalists regard as their way may seem quite extremethis motherhood medal could be lifted from Nazi Germanybut at the same time, its aligned with the American history of reproductive control. Calarco described better baby contests that arose at the turn of the twentieth century, coinciding with anti-immigrant panic about race suicide among whites. Such contests, she said, were enormously popular at state fairs and other types of events and communities across the United States, and they helped set standards for what made for better babieswhat we might think of as a sort of Aryan baby, in the sense of blond hair, blue eyed, conservative Protestant, typically a child being raised by a very conservative, oftentimes religious familyas well as what made for ideal mothers.

The chain saw maneuverscutting family planning funding, or Head Start, and other programs people rely on to keep their families afloatare there to help make something like getting a baby bonus attractive. As Calarco told me, by shrinking and eliminating womens other options, they are creating the conditions under which women will be more dependent on men. The combination of precarity and dependence can set women up for abuse, for violence, for manipulation, for being forced into additional pregnancies that they didnt plan for or dont want, Calarco added. The goal is to really quite literally trap women in marriage.

Pronatalism is a bit of a mess: Its both an extreme ideology of reproductive control and an ethos that comports with what were once mainstream ideas about reproduction and racism. And here it is again, elevated along with so many other fringe ideologies that have moved to the center, with open white nationalists getting a hearing from Trump, and with conspiracy theory promoters, such as Jack Posobiec, now afforded access to the White House. The Collinses schtick draws on all these strains: Malcolm told Politico that American schools are dedicated to cultural genocide. Simone acknowledged to Mother Jones that her Puritan tradwife attire is meant in part as trolling, but also not. Now someone who shares the pronatalist worldview finds himself one heartbeat from the presidency: Vance campaigned on his opposition to childless cat ladies.

If we have arrived here, its because the core project of pronatalism has been quite successfully laundered into more neutral-sounding policy proposals. And that, in turn, is because the pronotalist platform is not so outside the patriarchal norm. Its similar to the empty idealization of motherhood that has long been used to sugarcoat a lack of actual material support for mothers. Pronatalism only seems new or disruptive when we forget that fact.
In Fords telling, it used to be relatively easy to undervalue ASIC shipments  CBP would rarely check. But things started changing around November 2024 after Trump won the election, Ford said, while another source with an expertise in shipments, which spoke to CoinDesk on condition of anonymity, said that CBPs recent investigation into whether imported mining rigs were breaking chip-related sanctions may have led the agency to take a deeper look at the mining sector as a whole.

Its fraud. It is definitely illegal. But a lot of people rolled the dice and did it, and I don't condone it, Ford said. If my client wants to do that, that's on them  We ask, What do you want to declare your package as? What amount? And if they're like, Just declare it as $300, then that's what we'll do. But if it gets stuck in customs, then it's really on them.

Yet even before the tariffs were ever conceived, miners regularly under-reported the value of their shipments to U.S. customs, Ford and other sources said.

The Trump administrations new trade policy, unveiled on April 2, threatened to impose significant tariffs for Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. A week later, the White House announced a 90-day moratorium on some of these tariffs to negotiate new trade deals. The resulting uncertainty has caused chaos for bitcoin miners located in the U.S., who now have to grapple with the possibility of paying huge taxes on their ASIC shipments.

Firms like BitFord tend to act as a middleman between manufacturers and miners, though they can also acquire ASICs on the secondary market. The largest of these brokers provide all kinds of hardware and power infrastructure that miners may need.

Bitcoin mining has flourished in the U.S. in recent years, especially since China  once the epicenter of Bitcoins mining activity  banned the practice in 2021, creating an industry exodus to jurisdictions like Texas. But the $30 billion application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) market is dominated by Bitmain and MicroBT, two Chinese companies that manufacture the majority of these bitcoin mining machines in Southeast Asian facilities.

[Industry members] usually have ways around [tariffs] by declaring lower value on packages, Jill Ford, the founder of BitFord Digital, a firm that specializes in procuring equipment to miners, told CoinDesk in an interview. That's risky, and I'm not suggesting it, but that is truly what they're doing to bring them in.

Now that the Donald Trump administration is raising tariffs on most goods brought from around the world, these attempts at avoiding paying import charges are becoming more relevant than ever before.

Some members of the bitcoin (BTC) mining industry are in the habit of routinely undervaluing mining rig shipments with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in order to reduce customs duties, multiple people familiar with the practice told CoinDesk.

Story Continues

Before, a mining rig that was maybe worth $3,000, we would declare that it was worth $300. It would just pass on through. Now it's like they're looking it up on the internet to see what the value really is, Ford said. There really isn't any way around it. I mean, you could under declare it by 20% or 30%, but not like we used to be able to do.

The size of the shipment matters. Importing one or two machines will usually escape scrutiny, Ford said, but its when miners bring in machines in bulk that CBP takes a closer look. Hundreds of thousands of mining rigs are imported into the U.S. every year.

However, CBP appears to be stricter in some states than in others, because these controls have not been tightened uniformly across the country, according to Ford.

I have a client in Oregon who has no problem under-declaring packages and bringing them right in, but I have another client in Kentucky who [had] 100 machines worth $9,000 apiece stuck in customs, Ford said.

What ultimately happened in Kentucky is that we had to return the goods back to Hong Kong, and now we're like, Well, where do we ship it through to get it in? And I was like, We should probably just go through the CBP in Oregon or California, because it is just a nightmare to try to bring it into Kentucky.

Imports are also impacted by which carrier is used. DHL is easier to get through than UPS in Kentucky, while UPS tends to be less strict on the West Coast than the East Coast, Ford said  and that is common knowledge among her suppliers.

The discrepancy in enforcement is likely temporary, the shipments expert told CoinDesk. In their view, CBP likely decided to take a closer look at mining rig imports, but the enforcement of the new directive is simply being implemented at a varying speed from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

CBP did not answer a request for comment.

In a subsequent email to CoinDesk, Ford appeared to qualify her comments, shifting blame away from operations based in the U.S.

Just to be clear it wasnt a miner-driven practice. For years, many Chinese mining suppliers routinely underreported the value of shipments  often declaring machines at the lowest possible value. This wasn't a scheme driven by miners, but a widespread, supplier-controlled practice that became the norm due to lax enforcement. It was just the normal course of business  and largely ignored by regulators, she wrote.

Weve always recommended declaring shipments properly  even when that has meant losing business to competitors. Now, with tighter enforcement, more partners are realizing why that approach matters, she wrote.

BitFord is a relatively new enterprise in the bitcoin mining scene. Ford, who pled guilty to bank fraud and money laundering charges related to a COVID-related loan, was sentenced to 20 months in prison and had to pay $250,000 in restitution; she came out in August of last year and launched BitFord in October. The company has made over $20 million in sales since then (not all of which was from imported machines).

"I went to prison because I misspent a COVID loan," she said, adding that she was "orange-pilling" fellow prisoners while behind bars.

From a legal perspective

Shipments to the U.S. are assigned their value by an importer of record, meaning an entity entrusted to move the cargo through customs, a trade lawyer, who requested anonymity to speak frankly about the matter, told CoinDesk.

The importer of record can be one of three entities: the supplier, the broker or the end-client. All three of these scenarios are relatively common.

CBP is in charge of auditing, and can potentially fine or demand back duties from importers that have mischaracterized the value of their shipments. The Department of Justice (DOJ) also has a unit charged with enforcing the False Claims Act (FCA) and going after parties that have defrauded the U.S. government.

Penalties on the civil side can be as much as three times the damages incurred by the U.S. government, while on the criminal side they can include incarceration, though thats a rare occurrence.

Up until recently, penalties were usually seen as a sort of cost of doing business, the trade lawyer said, but with the Trump administrations increased vigilance on the topic of tariffs, that may no longer be the case.

The effect of tariffs

The combination of tariff uncertainty and CBPs increased vigilance is forcing some mining operations to reconsider their plans. Ford said that roughly 50% of her clients were still forging ahead, while others were hitting the pause button. One of her clients, she said, is holding a container coming from China in the hopes of not having to pay exorbitant tariffs on his shipment.

Tariffs will likely cause a material slow down, if not halt in new projects and force projects being deployed currently to likely be reduced, or halted to re-evaluate capital needs and costing, Taras Kulyk, co-founder and CEO of mining hardware provider Synteq Digital, told CoinDesk.

Other jurisdictions that had previously looked higher cost [will] become sought-after targets for new infrastructure and capex deployment, he added. Canada, in particular, will likely be a benefactor to the implementation of the global tariff regime thats been put in place by the White House.

UPDATE (April 22, 15:10 UTC): The article was updated to remove a quote.
The Trump administration is acknowledging it deported four noncitizens to El Salvador despite a court order barring the removal of people to countries other than their place of origin without an opportunity to raise concerns about their safety.

In a series of court filings overnight, Justice Department lawyers argued that the court order was not violated because the removal of four alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua was carried out by the Department of Defense -- not the Department of Homeland Security, which is a defendant in the lawsuit.

U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy issued a court order on March 28 requiring that anyone with a final order of removal must have an opportunity to raise concerns about their safety before they are deported to a so-called "third country" that is not on their order of removal or their country of origin.

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MORE: Judge blocks administration from deporting noncitizens to 3rd countries without due process

Three days after Judge Murphy's order, the four men -- who are originally from Venezuela -- were flown from U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to El Salvador, according to a sworn declaration from Tracey Huettl, a unit chief for field operations with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Huettl said that each of the four men were identified as members of Tren de Aragua by federal law enforcement, and had extensive criminal records.

According to her declaration, one man admitted he was a member of the gang and that he recruited prostitutes for the organization, and another was charged with multiple crimes including discharge of a firearm and theft.

PHOTO: Salvadoran prison guards escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the MS-13 gang recently deported by the U.S. government at the CECOT prison, in Tecoluca, El Salvador April 12, 2025. (Secretaria de Prensa de la Presidencia via Reuters)

Another man is allegedly a sex offender who was charged with human smuggling and convicted for domestic assault, and the last was arrested for possession and use of drug-related objects.

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None of the men had orders of removal to El Salvador before they were deported to that country on March 31, according to the filings.

Judge Murphy set an April 28 conference earlier this month to learn more about what he described as the "potential violations of the temporary restraining order."

Last Friday, the judge issued a preliminary injunction requiring the Trump administration to give noncitizens the chance to raise concerns about their safety before they are removed to third countries.

Trump administration says it sent 4 alleged migrant gang members to El Salvador despite court order originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
In March, in a thunderous op-ed in Power Magazine, a trade publication covering the electricity industry, Republican senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee called for President Donald Trump to make some major institutional changes in the Tennessee Valley Authority, Americas biggest public utility.

A couple months earlier, TVAs CEO Jeff Lyash had announced his retirement. When the board of directors, whose seats are appointed by the president, chose Lyashs successor, they selected someone from among the utilities current staff  Don Moul, who had been the executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2021. Blackburn and Hagerty expressed concern over the utilitys direction and leadership, saying a new direction was needed if it was to move quickly on building nuclear technology and lead Americas Nuclear Renaissance.

With the right courageous leadership, TVA could lead the way in our nations nuclear energy revival, empower us to dominate the 21st centurys global technology competition, and cement President Trumps legacy as Americas Nuclear President, the senators wrote.

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As it stands now, the senators continued, TVA and its leadership cant carry the weight of this moment.

Blackburn and Hagerty called for Mouls replacement, intimated a need for reframing the focus of the board, and demanded a stronger focus on development of small modular nuclear reactors, which are purported to be safer, easier to build, and cheaper to run than larger nuclear plants, though only China and Russia have successfully built SMRs to date.

If we, as a nation, fail to meet this moment, they wrote, American leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, and the ability to win conventional wars will be put at risk. If we choose to lead, a Golden Age lies ahead.

About a week after the op-ed was published, President Trump fired two members of the board  including the chair. It appeared as though the senators were getting what they wanted. But the move may end up backfiring.

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Under its prior leadership, the TVA was already moving toward an expansion of nuclear power. During the Biden administration, which touted nuclear as a key ingredient of its decarbonization plans, the TVA marketed itself as a clean energy leader, pointing to its massive fleet of hydroelectric dams and nuclear plants. Lyash was a proponent of nuclear power. He sat on the board of the Nuclear Energy Institute and oversaw plans to build a new small modular reactor in TVA territory.

Now, though, according to Simon Mahan, the executive director of the Southern Renewable Energy Association, the recent changes could slow down any movement toward new nuclear plants rather than, as Blackburn and Hagerty hope, speed it up. The TVAs board is operating without the quorum it needs to make major decisions, including electing a new board chairperson and approving new energy projects  like, for instance, a nuclear plant.

There are some real concerns that TVAs plan is not matching up with their implementation, and it will be even harder for that to be synced up without a full functioning board, Mahan said.

Some observers say that such concerns have to do with an inability to learn from TVAs own history.

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Tennessee has a long and troubled history when it comes to nuclear energy, said Stephen Smith, director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, which opposes nuclear energy, preferring renewables as a cheaper and more quickly deployable option.

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In the 1960s, about 30 years after the TVA was founded, it planned to build 17 nuclear power plants. Compared to the private utilities, the TVA seemed like a natural fit for the development of nuclear energy: It was easier for a public utility to take on the risk of the long, expensive construction periods without the need for immediate profit. But during the oil crisis of the 1970s and after the Three Mile Island disaster, the political support for nuclear power dissipated. Only seven of the plants that TVA planned for were completed  three of which are active today. The utility is still paying off billions in debt from the partially completed construction of reactors that simply never came online.

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Nuclear plants are extremely expensive to build, they are risky investments for the private sector, and they require huge trained workforces and the coordination of many players with different interests, including reactor designers, construction firms, utility companies, regulators, and customers. For nuclear advocates, its an open question whether the Trump administrations energy officials recognize the scale of the state-led effort that would be required to achieve their purported ambition for a nuclear revival  so far, there are few indications that they do. Aside from the personnel troubles at the TVA, firings at the Department of Energys Loan Programs Office and President Trumps newly announced tariffs could also hobble an expansion of nuclear plants in Tennessee and throughout the country.

Despite the growing bipartisan political consensus in favor of nuclear energy, only two new U.S. plants have been built in the last three decades  two Westinghouse AP1000 reactors at Plant Vogtle in Georgia, which were completed last year, after long delays and at a cost so enormous they contributed to the bankruptcy of their designer. A $9 billion project in South Carolina to build a pair of the same reactors was abandoned in 2017 before its completion. Multiple project executives were convicted of fraud and sent to prison.

The completion of the Vogtle expansion project cemented a belief among some nuclear advocates that the primary obstacle to a nuclear build-out was perhaps no longer the environmental regulations many had long seen as the main roadblock, but rather a problem of the decline of American industrial capacity. Now that Vogtle is completed, though, some in the nuclear industry hope that the ingredients are in place for that projects knowledge and workforce to kick-start similar projects in other states.

The costs, however, may still just be too high. I see a lot of people who want to somehow find a way to get around the cost problem, said John Parsons, an economist at MIT who studies investment in energy markets. But he suggested that pinning hopes for a nuclear revival on individual states willingness to shoulder the burden and risks of paying for another reactor ignores the necessity of state-driven funding and coordination of the kind that TVA could be particularly well positioned to administer  if its returned to its roots as a national incubator for energy innovation.

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TVA spokesperson Scott Brooks told Grist that the agencys plans for a new small modular reactor are moving forward. The utility plans to apply for additional Department of Energy funding for the project, supplemented with private funding.

Among the main vehicles that the Biden administration used to defray costs for nuclear investment  notably including billions in loan guarantees for the new reactors at Plant Vogtle  was the Loan Programs Office, or LPO; under Trump, staffing at that office is being decimated. The news outlet Heatmap reported that about half of the LPOs staff have requested to take a buyout in anticipation of future layoffs orchestrated by Elon Musks initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency.

Added to the high costs of nuclear development are the economic uncertainties caused by President Trumps tariffs, which are likely not only to drive up costs for imported materials like steel, but also to dissuade private-sector investment.

We might be moving into an environment where people are shy about investing in major infrastructure projects because theres so much uncertainty now about what the inputs are going to be for such a project, said Emmet Penney, an energy researcher at the Foundation for American Innovation, a right-leaning think tank.

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In that case, the fact that the LPO can get long-term, low-interest loans for these projects is going to be vital to getting people comfortable getting to the table and agreeing to build these projects, Penney continued. If there isnt that guarantee, we could see even private capital dry up for both traditional nuclear and for small modular reactors.

According to Brooks, the TVA spokesperson, President Trumps tariffs will not have much of an effect on the utilitys current operations. The majority of TVAs economic activity, Brooks said, is domestic  most based within the Tennessee Valley. He preferred not to speculate on the tariff situation a decade from now, when the first of TVAs new SMRs is set to be complete.

But developing nuclear power plants does tend to require an international supply chain. Even if the TVA is all set for now, much of the nuclear supply chain is deeply tied in with international markets. A 2022 DOE report shows connections between the U.S. nuclear industry and manufacturers in countries like Japan, China, France, and Germany. There is also a continual need for critical minerals, most of which are mined outside the United States  China once again being among the dominant suppliers. Uranium and a large number of critical minerals may be exempted from Trumps tariffs currently, but other materials, such as basic construction components like steel, are not.

State Representative Aftyn Behn, a Democrat, supports diversifying the utilitys energy portfolio, but, looking toward the future, is more concerned about transparency and accountability.

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Theres some bipartisan interest in advanced nuclear, Behn told Grist. But, she continued, the Republican supermajority isnt interested in a good-faith energy debate. Theyre interested in handing TVA over to big utilities and fossil fuel donors, locking us into expensive, inflexible systems with no public oversight.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline The Trump administration says it wants a nuclear renaissance. These actions suggest otherwise. on Apr 24, 2025.
Harvard University took the extraordinary step of suing the Trump administration on April 21, 2025, claiming that the pressure campaign mounted on the school by the president and his Cabinet to force viewpoint diversity on campus violated the Constitutions guarantees of free speech.

Defendants actions are unlawful, Harvards lawsuit states. The First Amendment does not permit the Government to interfere with private actors speech to advance its own vision of ideological balance.

Yet in his first term, President Donald J. Trump declared that free speech mattered.

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Trump issued the Executive Order Restoring Free Speech and Ending Federal Censorship on March 21, 2019. In it, he expressed the importance of free inquiry and open debate to education and directed federal officials to use the federal governments funding of higher education to ensure that universities promote free inquiry.

Channeling free-speech champions Benjamin Franklin and James Madison, Trump wrote that free inquiry is an essential feature of our Nations democracy.

As a professor of constitutional, criminal and comparative law, and as a citizen who enjoys his liberty, I agree.

Free speech is fundamental to human progress. Scientific, medical, technological and social advancements all rely on the free flow of information. Robust discussion and disagreement are equally important to maintaining a healthy constitutional republic.

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In the words of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson, If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein.

The First Amendments free speech and press clauses protect all forms of expression  oral, print, digital and artistic  from governmental interference or punishment.

Of the many types of speech, political speech is the most protected.

On the first day of his second term in office, Trump issued another free speech executive order. It affirms the administrations commitment to free speech, directs that tax money is not used to abridge free speech and instructs federal employees to identify and take appropriate action to correct past misconduct by the Federal Government related to censorship of protected speech.

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In a vacuum, Trumps orders appear to bode well for free speech.

But what is important is free speech reality, not rhetoric. Three months into his second term, where does Trump stand?

The many interconnected orders, letters, statements and actions of Trumps White House make an assessment of any positive effects difficult. On the other hand, the Trump administration has clearly violated and chilled free speech on many occasions.

Repression and retaliation

Attempts to silence the presidents adversaries are developing as a pattern.

Law firms and attorneys who have sued or prosecuted Trump, or represented his adversaries, have been targeted for retribution and concessions. It began with an executive order on March 6, 2025, directed at the U.S.-based global law firm Perkins Coie, which had once represented Trumps opponent in the 2016 presidential race, Hillary Clinton. A second order was issued on March 14, 2025, against Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison because it once employed an attorney who investigated Trump. Subsequently, at least six other prominent law firms were also targeted.

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Several law firms acceded to the presidents demands, agreeing to accept clients without regard to political beliefs, to eliminate DEI practices, and to perform pro bono work valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars for causes Trump supports.

The firms that didnt accede to the presidents demands had their security clearances removed, access to federal buildings restricted, and were banned from working for federal agencies. A few of the firms that didnt relent have won temporary injunctions barring the administrations actions against them.

The nonpartisan free speech advocacy organization Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression decried the orders as threatening the foundations of justice and free speech. In one of several challenges to these orders, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell wrote on March 12, 2025, that Trumps order appeared motivated by retaliatory animus and concluded that it runs head on into the wall of First Amendment protections. Two other federal courts reached similar conclusions.

In the first three months of his second term, Trump withdrew Secret Service protection of several prominent critics who are former federal government officials, including John Bolton, a former Trump national security adviser. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, his top aide, Brian Hook, and former high-level health official Anthony Fauci also lost their security protection.

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It is hard to imagine that these decisions wont have a profoundly chilling effect on potential critics of the president, especially since the revocations were publicly announced and each individual has been the subject of credible threats resulting from their governmental service.

Targeting the press

A similar pattern exists for journalists, where Trump is using his power to punish organizations whose reporting he doesnt like.

AP journalists were banned from the White House and Air Force One on Feb. 11, 2025, for refusing to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, the new name Trump had ordered for the body of water. On April 9, 2025, this ban was found to violate the First Amendment by a judge nominated by Trump during his first term.

Denouncing CNN and MSNBC as illegal and claiming they are paid political operatives, Trump suggested they should be investigated during a speech at the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Trump effectively closed Voice of America, after 83 years of continuous broadcasting, for being anti-Trump and radical in its views. By charter, the broadcaster represents America, not any single segment of American society, with accurate, objective, and comprehensive news and a balanced and comprehensive projection of significant American thought and institutions through television, radio, internet, social media and satellite broadcasts to peoples around the world.

The Federal Communications Commission has initiated regulatory actions against the licenses of several television stations for broadcasts that have been accused by the President of being anti-Trump or biased in favor of Kamala Harris. Early in the process, the outcomes of these actions are to be determined.

Protesters in Somerville, Mass., on March 26, 2025, demand the release of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student at Tufts University, whose recent arrest by federal agents is seen as an assault on free speech. AP Photo/Michael Casey

Pressuring universities and students

Other administration actions, I believe, raise serious free speech issues.

Harvard isnt the only university feeling pressure.

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The administration is threatening to withhold federal money from universities as a way to coerce many of them to comply with administration policies in ways that implicate free speech and in some instances violate legal processes for the withholding of federal support.

Some of the Trump administrations recent immigration enforcement efforts have targeted international students who are in the U.S. lawfully but who participated in Palestinian rights protests and disagreed with Israels actions during the war in Gaza.

The administration claims that some students whose visas have been revoked were either Hamas supporters or violated criminal laws. The administration has also said that many students are being deported under broad authority the secretary of state has to deport those deemed a danger to national security.

Democracy and free speech

In the past decade, the U.S. has fallen in press freedom, rule of law and democratic governance, resulting in the classification of a flawed democracy by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a democratic watchdog. Unsurprisingly, there has been a simultaneous rise in public support for authoritarianism. These changes make support for free speech increasingly important.

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On March 4, 2025, Trump declared in a speech before a joint session of Congress that he stopped all government censorship and brought free speech back to America.

The record doesnt support this claim.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Daniel Hall, Miami University

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Daniel Hall 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.
President Donald Trump agreed to sit for an interview with journalist Jeffrey Goldberg on Thursday despite his famous feud with the Atlantic editor who broke the story about top officials use of Signal chat to discuss U.S. attacks on the Houthis.

Conceding its a surprising choice to meet Goldberg, Trump said he wants to gauge whether the journalist will write a fair piece after what he called a string of unfair stories.

I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if its possible for The Atlantic to be truthful. Are they capable of writing a fair story on Trump? he wrote on his social media site.

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Trump said Goldberg will interview him at the White House along with fellow Atlantic scribes Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker, whom he has also derided for critical coverage in the past.

The president said the trio wanted to interview him for an article titled The Most Consequential President of this Century.

The way I look at it, what can be so bad  I WON! Trump wrote.

Goldberg didnt immediately comment on Trumps claim or the forthcoming story.

The president accused Goldberg of writing fictional stories about him, including the scoop that Trump called slain U.S. troops suckers and losers during his first term. Trump denies saying that, though former chief of staff John Kelly confirmed he actually did make the offensive statement.

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Goldberg stumbled into one of the worst U.S. security lapses in recent memory when he was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat to discuss a strike on the pro-Iranian rebels in Yemen.

Goldberg initially revealed the existence of the chat group, which could have exposed military secrets to foreign hackers. When Trump administration officials suggested he mischaracterized the nature of the discussion, Goldberg published screenshots of the chat in full.

Trump appeared to give grudging praise to Goldberg for the Signal scoop, calling it a story he was somewhat more successful with.

_____
A federal judge has ordered Donald Trumps administration to facilitate the return of a Venezuelan asylum seeker deported to El Salvador, marking the second time the government has been directed to secure the release of an immigrant imprisoned in that countrys jails.

Maryland District Judge Stephanie Gallagher  who was appointed by Trump in 2019  found that the governments removal of a 20-year-old Venezuelan man named in court documents as Cristian violated a court settlement intended to protect young immigrants who have pending asylum claims.

Another court order striking at the president's deportation agenda underscores the growing tension between the judiciary and the administration, accused of defying court orders and teeing up a constitutional showdown.

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In her order on Wednesday, Gallagher directed the administration to facilitate Cristians return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under that settlement.

A second federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to return another immigrant deported from the United States to El Salvador following a growing legal battle over whether the government must facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcias release (via REUTERS)

She further ordered the administration to make a good faith request to the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody for transport back to the United States to await the adjudication of his asylum application.

Her order references the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant living in Maryland who was deported to a brutal prison in his home country despite an immigration judges 2019 order preventing removal from the United States for humanitarian reasons.

Like Abrego Garcia, Cristian was among dozens of immigrants who were put on three flights to El Salvador on March 15 after Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act to swiftly remove alleged Tren de Aragua gang members. Abrego Garcia was not removed from the country under that wartime law.

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According to a sworn statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement official Robert Cerna, Cristian was arrested in Texas for cocaine possession in January.

The Trump administration has argued that Cristians removal did not violate the settlement because his designation as an an alien enemy under the Alien Enemies Act results in him ceasing to be a member of the protected class in the settlement.

The administration argues that anyone alleged to be a member of the gang is no longer eligible for asylum.

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and the Trump administrations refusal to bring him back to the United States, has galvanized protests over fears of a growing constitutional crisis (AFP via Getty Images)

Government lawyers admitted in court documents that Abrego Garcia was removed to El Salvador due to an administrative error. On April 10, a unanimous Supreme Court wrote that 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.

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The justices, appeals court judges and a district judge presiding over his case ordered the administration to facilitate his return. The Supreme Court said an order from Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis properly requires the Government to 'facilitate' Abrego Garcias release from custody in El Salvador and to ensure that his case is handled as it would have been had he not been improperly sent to El Salvador.

Judge Xinis has reprimanded administration officials for doing nothing since then and has ordered attorneys to report what steps, if any, they are taking to secure his release.

After he was sent to El Salvador, administration officials sought to justify his detention by publicly raising allegations of criminality, including membership in MS-13 and involvement in human trafficking. Critics have argued that the administration should return him to the United States and raise those claims in court to support his removal rather than deny him due process by summarily deporting him.

On Tuesday, Judge Xinis said the government cannot simply accuse him of being a member of the international gang without providing evidence to the court. Defendants cannot invoke the moniker of MS-13 as responsive to the Courts previous order  then object to follow-up interrogatories seeking the factual bases for the same, she wrote.

At some point after he was detained inside San Salvadors brutal Terrorism Confinement Center, which human rights groups have labeled a tropical gulag and concentration camp, Abrego Garcia was moved to Centro Industrial prison in Santa Ana. Administration officials told Judge Xinis that he has a room of his own with a bed and furniture and is not in a cell.
A Trump-appointed federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of a Venezuelan man who was deported to El Salvador last month, saying his deportation violated a prior court settlement.

The 20-year-old migrant, who goes by the pseudonym "Cristian" in court filings, was deported to an El Salvador prison on March 15.

The deportation came after President Donald Trump's "Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act Regarding the Invasion of the United States by Tren de Aragua" proclamation, known as the AEA proclamation.

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Maryland District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher, however, ruled Wednesday that Cristian should not have been deported because he is part of a class action settlement that bars his removal pending his asylum application adjudication.

Cristian was part of a class action lawsuit filed in 2019 by a group of undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. as unaccompanied children and later sought to remain in the U.S. as their asylum applications were adjudicated on the merits by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A settlement in the case was reached in 2024.

Despite the settlement, Cristian was deported.

Counsel for the class plaintiffs filed an emergency motion on April 14 to enforce the settlement agreement.

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Following the judge's ruling, the attorneys said in a statement they are grateful he and others can pursue their asylum claims "safely."

The attorneys said they filed the motion to hold the government "accountable to the promises it made to the Court and to the thousands of young people whose futures depend on the integrity of this process."

But the defendants  including the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement  argued that Cristian's removal didnt violate the settlement agreement because "his designation as an alien enemy pursuant to the AEA results in him ceasing to be a member" of the class group.

A declaration filed by Robert L. Cerna, an ICE acting field office director for Enforcement and Removal Operations, said Cristian was arrested in January for cocaine possession in Harris County and ERO later placed a detainer on him. Cerna said ICE determined Cristian was subject to the AEA proclamation.

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Gallagher ordered that he be returned to the U.S. under the settlement agreement.

"Therefore, under the plain terms of the Settlement Agreement and fundamental tenets of contract law, removal from the United States of a Class Member, including but not limited to Cristian, without a final determination on the merits by USCIS on the Class Members pending asylum application violates the Settlement Agreement," Gallagher wrote in a memorandum.

Her memorandum also mentioned the high-profile deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was deported to a Salvadoran prison in March.

"Thus, like Judge Xinis in the Abrego Garcia matter, this Court will order Defendants to facilitate Cristians return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under the parties binding Settlement Agreement," Gallagher said.

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She went further to say that "facilitating" includes "defendants making a good faith request to the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody for transport back to the United States to await the adjudication of his asylum application."

Her order directed the Trump administration not to remove any members of the class settlement, noting that once USCIS adjudicates a class members asylum application on its merits, the individual is no longer a class member.

NBC News has reached out to the attorneys representing the class group, as well as the Trump administration, for comment on the order.

CORRECTION (April 24, 2025, 10:55 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article misspelled the subjects pseudonym. He is Cristian, not Christian.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A federal judge in Maryland has ordered the Trump administration to return a second migrant who was deported to El Salvadors notorious prison system despite a previous court settlement barring their removal.

It might be hard for the president and his officials to argue the ruling is the work of a radical left, activist judge, as Trump appointed her.

According to ABC News, Maryland District Judge Stephanie Gallagher ruled on Wednesday that the Trump administration must facilitate the return of a man referred to as Christian in court records. Christian was one of hundreds of migrants deported to El Salvador and imprisoned in the notorious CECOT mega-prison without due process. Christian was previously party to a 2019 class action lawsuit that reached a settlement with the U.S. government allowing adults who entered the United States without documentation as unaccompanied minors to remain in the U.S. while their asylum claims were adjudicated.

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In her ruling, Gallagher referenced the case of Kilmar Abgrego Garcia, a Maryland man who has also been sent to El Salvador by the Trump administration, despite a protective order barring his deportation to the country over fears for his safety.

Like Judge [Paula] Xinis in the Abrego Garcia matter, this court will order Defendants to facilitate Christians return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under the parties binding Settlement Agreement, Gallagher wrote in her ruling determining that the government had violated the conditions of the 2019 settlement.

The Trump administration has countered that because they have deemed Christian an alien enemy under the Alien Enemies Act  an archaic wartime law that grants the president powers to deport citizens of nations the United States is engaged in armed conflict with without due process  he is no longer protected by the settlement.

Gallagher determined that the government must make a good faith request to the government of El Salvador and to release Christian to U.S. custody for transport back to the United States to await the adjudication of his asylum application on the merits by USCIS.

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Gallaghers decision came after Maryland District Court Judge Paual Xinis issued a sharp rebuke of the Trump administrations defiance of the courts, accusing it on Wednesday of engaging in a willful and bad faith refusal to comply with orders related to the Abrego Garcia case.

The Trump administration is not pleased with their series of losses in court. In a Wednesday interview with Fox News, White House Deputy Chief of Staff called for radical left wing judges to be removed from the bench.

Either we all side and get behind President Trump to remove these terrorists from our communities or we let a rogue radical left judiciary shut down the machinery of our national security apparatus, Miller screamed at Fox News Host Sean Hannity. President Trump will make this nation safer than ever before and do it over the fighting and opposition of the communist left-wing judges.

Someone should let Miller know that in the case of Christian, the communist left-wing judge ruling against their attempts to ignore the rule of law is a Trump appointee.

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Boeing is selling a portion of its aviation software business units to private equity software firm Thoma Bravo for $10.55 billion, the company announced Tuesday morning.

The businesses in the deal include Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData and OzRunways, covering their assets, software and applications that service Boeings commercial and defense customers, according to the press release.

The deal is expected to close by years end. The pending agreement will allow Boeing to retain core digital capabilities that control aircraft and fleet-specific forecast data on maintenance, diagnostics and repair services, the company said.

Approximately 3,900 employees work in Boeings digital aviation solutions unit, and the company said a portion of workers will remain with the company, while another portion will fall under Thoma Bravo. The aircraft maker said it is working with Thoma Bravo to ensure a smooth transition for all impacted employees, but did not disclosed how many will stay with Boeing.

Boeings divestiture is part of the companys plan to streamline its portfolio in areas that are not core to the aircraft manufacturers operations, as it works to improve its finances after losing approximately $12 billion last year.

The company is also working to finalize its $4.7 billion acquisition of supplier Spirit AeroSystems, which is also facing financial issues after reporting a $2.1 billion loss in 2024.

Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems were hit hard last year after the Alaska Airlines 737-9 Max plane door plug blowout incident. Boeing spent billions fixing its manufacturing and safety quality issues at its Washington and Oregon facilities and Spirit AeroSystemss plant in Wichita, Kansas.

The two companies also dealt with a financial blow from Boeings 53-day workers strike, which halted operations and cost tens of millions of dollars per day in lost productivity.

President and CEO Kelly Ortberg told senators at a hearing earlier this month that Boeing is spending a significant amount of its capital to acquire Spirit AeroSystems.

Im very hopeful that once we get the acquisition closed, well find opportunities to do actually even more work, Ortberg said about the Wichita plant.

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A federal judge ruled Wednesday that a second man must be returned from the El Salvador megaprison where he was hastily deported by President Donald Trumps administration in March.

The man, referred to in court documents by the pseudonym Cristian, was among those swept up by immigration officials and flown to a brutal facility where inmates are told they will never leave. Cristian, age 20, is a native of Venezuela.

The Trump administration has already been ordered to facilitate the return of another man who was on the flights, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, although he has remained in El Salvador while the administration fights to keep him there.

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In Cristians case, Trump-appointed Judge Stephanie Gallagher nodded to Abrego Garcia and said this Court will order Defendants to facilitate Cristians return to the United States.

Her order came in response to an emergency motion made in a class-action suit originally filed back in 2019 against the Department of Homeland Security, which included Cristian among its plaintiffs. The parties reached a settlement in 2024 stipulating that they could remain in the country while their individual asylum claims were processed in the courts. All had been brought into the country as children.

Gallagher wrote that facilitating Cristians return includes, but is not limited to, ... a good faith request to the government of El Salvador to release Cristian to U.S. custody for transport back to the United States to await the adjudication of his asylum application on the merits by USCIS, or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

She further ordered the administration not to remove any other individuals covered under the settlement agreement.

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Gallagher noted, however, that all parties involved viewed the challenge to Cristians removal as a breach of contract, rather than a challenge to Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport immigrants he views as dangerous.

The Justice Department is likely to fight the order. Cristian had been convicted in Texas on a drug possession charge in January and swiftly transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where he might have remained while his asylum claim was processed. He was instead flown out of the country on March 15 as the Trump administration branded him a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

The presidents controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 involved claiming that Tren de Aragua gang members are functionally at war with the United States and can be removed as alien enemies.

Trump and administration officials have already been issuing taunting messages in defiance of the orders surrounding Abrego Garcia, saying that he will never come back to the United States. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Vice President JD Vance and others have misleadingly claimed Abrego Garcia to be a member of a gang  although they say he is part of MS-13, not Tren de Aragua.

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Abrego Garcia had been protected from deportation to his nation of origin, El Salvador, by a 2019 court order that determined he could face persecution by the gangs there.

By continuing to defy the courts, the Trump administration is teeing up a constitutional crisis that pits executive powers against those allocated to the judiciary.

Last weekend, the Supreme Court made the unusual move of issuing a late-night order barring the Trump administration from conducting any more deportations under the Alien Enemies Act  for now.

Related...
National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan abruptly resigned Thursday afternoon, more than a year before the end of his term.

"I believe that I have done all I can to advance the mission of the agency and feel that it is time for me to pass the baton to new leadership," Panchanathan said in an all-staff memo obtained by POLITICO's E&E News.

Brian Stone, the director's chief of staff, will lead the agency on an interim basis.

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Panchanathan didn't fully explain the reason for his exit. But his departure comes amid a governmentwide downsizing effort that has seen the scientific research funding agency lay off staff, cancel grants and sharply restrict travel.

"This is a pivotal moment for our nation in terms of global competitiveness," he wrote in the staff memo. "A thoughtful approach to efficiencies and investments is incredibly important."

Panchanathan has also been juggling those changes while caring for his ailing mother, according to several people at the agency.

NSF declined to respond to questions about the leadership change, instead sending an abbreviated version of Panchanathan's internal memo.

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House Science, Space and Technology ranking member Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) praised Panchanathan for his work implementing the CHIPS and Science Act, responding to Covid-19 and curbing sexual harassment at the agency but lamented the circumstances of his departure.

"Director Panchanathans contributions to the scientific enterprise in the first five years of his tenure are vanishing before our eyes thanks to President Trump's anti-science crusade, and the damage will take decades to undo," she said in a statement.

Panchanathan was originally nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate in June 2020 to a six-year term. He previously served as Arizona State University's chief research and innovation officer.

Reporter Robin Bravender contributed.
President Trumps approval rating on immigration has dropped by 5 percentage points since the beginning of the month, according to a new poll from The Economist/YouGov.

In the poll, 45 percent said that when it comes to the way Trump is handling immigration, they strongly or somewhat back it. A poll from earlier this month found 50 percent of respondents backed the approach.

Fifty percent in Thursdays poll said they viewed Trumps handling of immigration unfavorably, with 5 percent saying they had no opinion.

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In his first few months back in the White House, Trumps administration has followed through on his campaign promise to crackdown on immigration. On Day 1, Trump signed a handful of executive orders seeking to challenge birthright citizenship and militarize the border to curb illegal immigration, among other actions.

The administration has also moved to deport individuals under an emergency law from the 18th century, which is being challenged in court. More than 200 Venezuelan and Salvadoran men have been removed from the country by the administration to a Salvadoran prison over alleged gang ties.

Fifty percent in the Thursday poll supported the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongly deported to a Salvadoran prison last month.

Abrego Garcias situation has become a point of pushback for Democrats against the Trump administration and its immigration agenda, with multiple lawmakers traveling to El Salvador to press for his return to the U.S.

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A group of House Democrats who made their way to the Central American country Monday were denied a meeting with Abrego Garcia and said they were urging for daily proof of life.

The Economist/YouGov poll took place from April 19-22, featuring 1,625 people and a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to allow enforcement of a ban on transgender people in the military, while legal challenges proceed.

Without an order from the nation's highest court, the ban could not take effect for many months, Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote, a period far too long for the military to be forced to maintain a policy that it has determined, in its professional judgment, to be contrary to military readiness and the nations interests.

The high court filing follows a brief order from a federal appeals court that kept in place a court order blocking the policy nationwide.

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At the least, Sauer wrote, the court should allow the ban to take effect nationwide, except for the seven service members and one aspiring member of the military who sued.

The court gave lawyers for the service members challenging the ban a week to respond.

Just after beginning his second term in January, Trump moved aggressively to roll back the rights of transgender people. Among the Republican president's actions was an executive order that claims the sexual identity of transgender service members conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life and is harmful to military readiness.

In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a policy that presumptively disqualifies transgender people from military service.

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But in March, U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle in Tacoma, Washington, ruled for several long-serving transgender military members who say that the ban is insulting and discriminatory and that their firing would cause lasting damage to their careers and reputations.

The Trump administration offered no explanation as to why transgender troops, who have been able to serve openly over the past four years with no evidence of problems, should suddenly be banned, Settle wrote. The judge is an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush and is a former captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps.

In 2016, during Barack Obamas presidency, a Defense Department policy permitted transgender people to serve openly in the military. During Trumps first term in the White House, the Republican issued a directive to ban transgender service members, with an exception for some of those who had already started transitioning under more lenient rules that were in effect during Obama's Democratic administration.

The Supreme Court allowed that ban to take effect. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, scrapped it when he took office.

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The rules the Defense Department wants to enforce contain no exceptions.

Sauer said the policy during Trump's first term and the one that has been blocked are materially indistinguishable.

Thousands of transgender people serve in the military, but they represent less than 1% of the total number of active-duty service members.

The policy also has been blocked by a federal judge in the nations capital, but that ruling has been temporarily halted by a federal appeals court, which heard arguments on Tuesday. The three-judge panel, which includes two judges appointed by Trump during his first term, appeared to be in favor of the administration's position.

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In a more limited ruling, a judge in New Jersey also has barred the Air Force from removing two transgender men, saying they showed their separation would cause lasting damage to their careers and reputations that no monetary settlement could repair.

___

Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this report.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.
President Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to allow the Pentagon to immediately enforce his plan to ban transgender people from the military while lawsuits challenging the plan move forward.

Two federal judges have barred the administration from expelling any transgender troops, ruling that Trumps policy change is likely unconstitutional because it was motivated by discrimination and was not justified by valid military needs. Only one of those rulings, issued by a judge in Tacoma, Washington, is currently in effect.

Solicitor General John Sauer filed an emergency appeal with the high court Thursday arguing that the Tacoma judge, U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle, overstepped his authority. His ruling cannot be squared with the substantial deference that courts should show toward the Department of Defenses professional military judgments that transgender troops pose risks to military readiness, Sauer wrote.

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The Constitution does not authorize courts to second-guess the approach to gender transition adopted by the 2025 policy, Sauer added.

In 2019, the Supreme Court split 5-4 as it ruled that the first Trump administration could proceed with a narrower ban that sought to exclude transgender people who had undergone gender transition and those unwilling to serve in their biological sex from the military.

President Joe Biden reversed that ban and allowed most transgender people to serve openly in the military. But shortly after returning to office, Trump revoked Bidens policy and issued an executive order reinstating an even stricter ban.

Justice Elena Kagan, who initially handles emergency appeals arising from Washington state, gave the individuals challenging the ban until May 1 to file a response to the administrations appeal.

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Settle is a George W. Bush appointee. The other judge who blocked Trump from implementing the ban, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes of Washington, D.C., is a Biden appointee. Both judges said the Trump administration distorted data to justify the ban and ignored the recent history of transgender servicemembers meeting and exceeding military standards.

While both judges agreed that military leaders have significant latitude to set standards for troop readiness, lethality and cohesion, they emphasized that the Pentagon must still obey constitutional boundaries  and that the Trump policy had crossed them.

Only Settles ruling is currently in effect, however, because the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary block of Reyes ruling while the appeals court weighs the issue further.

Sauer asked the Supreme Court to put Settles ruling on hold, which would allow the ban to take effect while litigation proceeds in the lower courts.

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The request is the latest in a string of emergency matters the Trump administration has brought to the Supreme Court on an expedited basis. In recent weeks, the administration has sought emergency intervention from the high court on a number of signature Trump issues, including: two cases involving deportations to El Salvador; Trumps bid to summarily fire board members of independent federal agencies; and Trumps effort to lift nationwide injunctions that have blocked his executive order ending the guarantee of birthright citizenship.

Sauers submission in the transgender troops case also objects to the nationwide aspect of the injunction that Settle ordered. If the high court is inclined to leave any part of it in place, the Trump administration is arguing that it should be limited to the eight servicemembers who filed that suit.


President Donald Trumps administration on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to allow enforcement of a ban on transgender people in the military, while legal challenges proceed.

Without an order from the nations highest court, the ban could not take effect for many months, Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote, a period far too long for the military to be forced to maintain a policy that it has determined, in its professional judgment, to be contrary to military readiness and the nations interests.

The high court filing follows a brief order from a federal appeals court that kept in place a court order blocking the policy nationwide.

Advertisement Advertisement

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At the least, Sauer wrote, the court should allow the ban to take effect nationwide, except for the seven service members and one aspiring member of the military who sued.

The court gave lawyers for the service members challenging the ban a week to respond.

Utter chaos: Amid confusing ban rollout, trans troops fight to serve

Just after beginning his second term in January, Trump moved aggressively to roll back the rights of transgender people. Among the Republican presidents actions was an executive order that claims the sexual identity of transgender service members conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life and is harmful to military readiness.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a policy that presumptively disqualifies transgender people from military service.

But in March, U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle in Tacoma, Washington, ruled for several long-serving transgender military members who say that the ban is insulting and discriminatory and that their firing would cause lasting damage to their careers and reputations.

The Trump administration offered no explanation as to why transgender troops, who have been able to serve openly over the past four years with no evidence of problems, should suddenly be banned, Settle wrote. The judge is an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush and is a former captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps.

In 2016, during Barack Obamas presidency, a Defense Department policy permitted transgender people to serve openly in the military. During Trumps first term in the White House, the Republican issued a directive to ban transgender service members, with an exception for some of those who had already started transitioning under more lenient rules that were in effect during Obamas Democratic administration.

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The Supreme Court allowed that ban to take effect. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, scrapped it when he took office.

The rules the Defense Department wants to enforce contain no exceptions.

Sauer said the policy during Trumps first term and the one that has been blocked are materially indistinguishable.

Thousands of transgender people serve in the military, but they represent less than 1% of the total number of active-duty service members.

The policy also has been blocked by a federal judge in the nations capital, but that ruling has been temporarily halted by a federal appeals court, which heard arguments on Tuesday. The three-judge panel, which includes two judges appointed by Trump during his first term, appeared to be in favor of the administrations position.

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In a more limited ruling, a judge in New Jersey also has barred the Air Force from removing two transgender men, saying they showed their separation would cause lasting damage to their careers and reputations that no monetary settlement could repair.

Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this report.
The Trump administration has made a new emergency request of the U.S. Supreme Court seeking an immediate stay of a nationwide injunction blocking the ban on openly transgender military service members.

Solicitor General John Sauer said the injunction, issued by a district court in Washington, usurps the authority of the president in determining who can serve in the nation's armed forces and runs counter to the high court's own decision in the first Trump administration to allow the ban to move forward.

PHOTO: The U.S. Supreme Court is seen, April 7, 2025 in Washington. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

MORE: Transgender US service members will be separated from military, Pentagon memo says

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The Trump administration's policy on transgender soldiers would be a "de facto blanket prohibition" that seeks "to eradicate transgender service," 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Benjamin Settle, a George W. Bush nominee, wrote when issuing the preliminary injunction in the case, Trump v. Shilling, on March 27.

The case was filed by a group of seven transgender service members and one transgender person who wishes to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.

Settle became the second federal judge to block the policy, which he described as discriminatory and disconnected from the goals of "military readiness, unit cohesion, lethality, or any of the other touchstone phrases long used to exclude various groups from service." There is a separate nationwide injunction in place in a case out of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The ban was introduced as part of a Feb. 26 memo in a court filing for a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's rolling back of policies in an executive order on Jan. 27 that allowed transgender people to serve in the military.

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"Military service by Service members and applicants for military service who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria is incompatible with military service," the Feb. 26 memo said. "Individuals who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria are no longer eligible for military service.

"The Department only recognizes two sexes: male and female," it added. "An individual's sex is immutable, unchanging during a person's life. All Service members will only serve in accordance with their sex."

While the Trump administration had argued that the judiciary should defer to military leadership and allow the ban, with DOJ lawyers writing in a filing to the D.C. Circuit last week that "plaintiffs offer no sound basis for concluding that the line the military has once again drawn falls outside constitutional bounds," Settle said at the time that he was unable to condone an "unsupported, dramatic and facially unfair exclusionary policy."

"The government falls well short of its burden to show that banning transgender service is substantially related to achieving unit cohesion, good order, or discipline. Although the Court gives deference to military decision making, it would be an abdication to ignore the government's flat failure to address plaintiffs' uncontroverted evidence that years of open transgender service promoted these objectives," he wrote.

PHOTO: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Pentagon, April 24, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

MORE: Pentagon ban on transgender service members draws skepticism from appeals court

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The group of seven active-duty service members who brought the lawsuit argued that the policy "purposefully discriminates" soldiers based on their gender identity -- an argument that Department of Justice lawyers attempted to rebut by reframing the issue as medical, affecting only people who suffer gender dysphoria. Settle was unconvinced, writing that the policy "uses gender dysphoria as a proxy to ban all transgender service members."

"The government's arguments are not persuasive, and it is not an especially close question on this record," he wrote, finding each of the plaintiffs would be irreparably harmed by the policy, which would curtail their service to the country.

Cmdr. Emily Shilling, one of the transgender soldiers who brought the case, is a naval aviator with 19 years of service and flew 60 combat missions before becoming a Navy test pilot.

"There is no claim and no evidence that she is now, or ever was, a detriment to her unit's cohesion, or to the military's lethality or readiness, or that she is mentally or physically unable to continue her service. There is no claim and no evidence that Shilling herself is dishonest or selfish, or that she lacks humility or integrity. Yet absent an injunction, she will be promptly discharged solely because she is transgender," Settle wrote.

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Cmdr. Blake Dremann, who oversees hundreds of people who maintain Marine Corps aircraft and repair submarines, also was part of the suit, as well as another senior officer, three enlisted Army and Air Force service members and Matthew Medina, who wants to be a Marine "in order to serve his country and simultaneously escape generational poverty."

Of the about 2.1 million members in the U.S. military, 4,240 active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a defense official said in February.

ABC News' Luis Martinez contributed to this report.

Trump asks Supreme Court to lift block on transgender military ban originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
By Andrew Chung

(Reuters) -Donald Trump's administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to allow implementation of his executive order banning transgender people from serving in the military, one of a series of directives by the Republican president to curb transgender rights.

The Justice Department in a filing requested that the court lift Seattle-based U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle's nationwide order blocking the military from carrying out Trump's prohibition on transgender service members while a legal challenge to the policy proceeds. Settle found that Trump's order likely violates the U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment right to equal protection under the law.

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The Justice Department said Settle had usurped the authority of the executive branch of government - headed by Trump - to determine who may serve in the armed forces. The judge's injunction "cannot be squared with the substantial deference that the (Department of Defense's) professional military judgments are owed," the Justice Department said in the filing.

In the case before Settle, seven active-duty transgender troops, a transgender man seeking to enlist and a civil rights advocacy group sued over the ban. The Supreme Court directed the plaintiffs to file a response to the administration's request by May 1.

The administration's request "represents an attempt to reinstate discrimination in our armed forces before the judicial process can run its course," LGBT rights group Lambda Legal, which is helping to represent the plaintiffs, said in a statement.

"Transgender service members have been openly serving our country with honor and distinction for almost a decade and have met and are meeting every neutral service-based standard," it added.

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Trump in January signed an executive order that cast the gender identity of transgender people as a lie and asserted that they are unable to satisfy the standards needed for service in the American armed forces.

"A man's assertion that he is a woman, and his requirement that others honor this falsehood, is not consistent with the humility and selflessness required of a service member," Trump's order stated.

The directive reversed a policy implemented under Trump's Democratic predecessor Joe Biden to allow transgender troops to serve openly in the American armed forces.

The Pentagon later issued guidance to implement Trump's order, disqualifying from service current troops and applicants with a history or diagnosis of gender dysphoria or who had undergone gender-transition steps. Gender dysphoria is the clinical diagnosis for significant distress that can result from an incongruence between a person's gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth.

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The guidance allowed people to be considered for a waiver on a case-by-case basis if their service would directly support "warfighting capabilities."

'MILITARY EFFECTIVENESS'

The Defense Department has "rationally determined that service by individuals with gender dysphoria would undermine military effectiveness and lethality consistent with similar, longstanding determinations for a wide range of other medical conditions" such as asthma and hypertension, the Justice Department's filing on Thursday stated.

The Supreme Court previously weighed in on Trump's targeting of transgender troops during his first term in office, allowing the Defense Department in 2019 to enforce a more limited restriction that had let certain personnel diagnosed with gender dysphoria after entering the military continue to serve.

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In blocking Trump's current ban, Settle called it an "unsupported, dramatic and facially unfair exclusionary policy" and that the administration had provided no evidence of any harm that had resulted from the presence of transgender people in the armed services.

The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined the administration's request to put Settle's order on hold pending an appeal.

In a separate case, Washington, D.C.-based U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes also issued a nationwide injunction blocking Trump's ban while that litigation proceeds. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has placed that injunction temporarily on hold.

Trump has targeted the rights of transgender Americans in a series of executive orders including one stating that the U.S. government will recognize only two sexes, male and female, and that they are "not changeable." Trump also signed an order to end federal funding or support for healthcare that aids the transition of transgender youth and another one attempting to exclude transgender girls and women from female sports.

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The Supreme Court is expected to rule in an unrelated case involving transgender rights by the end of June - a challenge to a Republican-backed ban in Tennessee on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Additional reporting by John Kruzel in Washington; Editing by Will Dunham)
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  President Donald Trump on Wednesday lashed out at Ukraines president, saying Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prolonging the killing field after pushing back on ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace plan.

Zelenskyy on Tuesday ruled out ceding territory to Russia in any deal before talks set for Wednesday in London among U.S., European and Ukrainian officials. There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people, Zelenskyy said.

During similar talks last week in Paris, U.S. officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal, according to a European official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

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Trump called Zelenkyys pushback very harmful to talks.

Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? he wrote on social media.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after sending troops to overrun it. Weeks later, Moscow-backed separatists launched an uprising in eastern Ukraine, battling Kyivs forces.

Trump also asserted they were close to a deal and that Ukraines leader can have peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country, adding that Zelenskyys statement will do nothing but prolong the killing field, and nobody wants that!

A very fair proposal

Wednesdays meeting was pared back at the last minute, while Vice President JD Vance said negotiations are reaching a moment of truth.

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Weve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and its time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process, Vance told reporters during a visit to India.

He said it was a very fair proposal that would freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today, with both sides having to give up some territory they currently hold. He did not provide details.

Trump, who is set to travel to Rome for Pope Franciss funeral on Saturday, told reporters later on Wednesday that he did not know if he would meet with Zelenskyy or other European leaders to discuss the war while in Italy. He also said that has found dealing with Zelenskyy harder than dealing with the Russians.

Trump who is set to travel to the Middle East next month said it was possible that he could meet with Putin while in Saudi Arabia, but that it is more likely he will meet with the Russian leader soon after that trip.

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A senior European official familiar with the ongoing talks involving the American team said a proposal the United States calls final was initially presented last week in Paris, where it was described as just ideas  and that they could be changed.

When those ideas surfaced in media reports, Ukrainian officials were surprised to find that Washington portrayed them as final, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Zelenskyy said Wednesday that Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations that might bring a ceasefire and open the door to full peace negotiations, as he mourned nine civilians killed when a Russian drone struck a bus earlier in the day.

We insist on an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire, Zelenskyy wrote on social media, in accordance with a proposal he said the U.S. tabled six weeks ago.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) via Associated Press

Ukraine and some Western European governments have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet on that proposal as his army tries to capture more Ukrainian land. Western analysts say Moscow is in no rush to conclude peace talks because it has battlefield momentum.

Doubts over negotiations

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the talks in London to find an end to the more than three-year war would involve only lower-ranking officials, after the U.S. State Department said Tuesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was unable to attend because of a scheduling issue.

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Rubios abrupt cancellation raised doubts about the direction of negotiations. He had indicated that Wednesdays meeting could be decisive in determining whether the Trump administration remains engaged.

Commenting on those attending the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that as far as we understand, they so far have failed to bring their positions closer on some issues. He said the Kremlin was still in consultations with American officials but wouldnt publicly discuss details.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow again later this week, according to Russian officials.

Even achieving a limited, 30-day ceasefire has been beyond the reach of negotiators, as both sides continue to attack each other along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line and launch long-range strikes.

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A Russian drone struck a bus carrying workers in Marganets, in eastern Ukraines Dnipropetrovsk region on Wednesday morning, killing eight women and one man, regional head Serhii Lysak wrote on social media. More than 40 people were injured, he said.

Lysak published photos of a bus with windows blown out and shards of glass mixed with blood spattered on its floor.

A Ukrainian delegation in London

Trump has pushed for an end to the war and said last week that negotiations were coming to a head. That comment came after Rubio suggested the U.S. might soon back away from negotiations if they dont progress.

Those still attending Wednesdays meeting include retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trumps envoy for Ukraine and Russia.

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Andrii Yermak, the head of Ukraines presidential office, said on social media that a delegation including him, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had arrived in London for the talks despite the alterations.

The path to peace is not easy, but Ukraine has been and remains committed to peaceful efforts, Yermak said. Officials would discuss ways to achieve a full and unconditional ceasefire as the first step toward a comprehensive settlement and the achievement of a just and lasting peace.

Several hours later, Yermak said that he, Sybiha and Umerov met with national security and foreign policy advisors from the countries participating in the coalition of the willing and emphasized our commitment to the U.S. presidents peace efforts.

He asserted on social media that Russia continues to reject an unconditional ceasefire, dragging out the process and trying to manipulate negotiations.

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) via Associated Press

Trump frustrated with both sides

Trump said repeatedly during his election campaign last year that he would be able to end the war in 24 hours upon taking office. But he has expressed frustration with Zelenskyy and Putin. Russia has effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate and full 30-day halt in the fighting by imposing far-reaching conditions.

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Some European allies are wary of the American proposal for Ukraine to exchange land for peace. But an official said theres also acknowledgment by some allies that Russia is firmly entrenched wholly or partially in five regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

If the goal is to obtain a ceasefire immediately, it should be based on the line of contact as it is, said the senior French official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with French presidential policy.

___

Novikov reported from Kyiv and Madhani from Washington. Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv, Ukraine and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed.

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___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Related...
By Makiko Yamazaki

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese banks must monitor various risks associated with high levels of uncertainty over global trade policies, the Bank of Japan said on Wednesday, as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs have rocked financial markets in recent weeks.

"Japan's financial system has been maintaining stability on the whole," the BOJ said in a semi-annual report.

But since the beginning of April, "uncertainty has heightened regarding the formulation of trade and other economic policies in each jurisdiction, geopolitical risks, and developments in global financial markets," the BOJ said.

Trump announced his tariffs on most of the U.S.' major trading partners on April 2.

"Financial institutions need to be vigilant against the materialization of various risks" it said, noting that the prices of their stockholdings could swing while the potential for defaults at their client firms could increase.

A moderate economic recovery has led to a slowdown in the rise in bankruptcies and defaults, but greater uncertainty over global trade policies could hurt firms' financial positions, the BOJ said in the report.

The latest report also pointed out Japanese banks' growing exposure to foreign non-banks through investment trusts and loans to private equity and debt funds, while overseas hedge funds are also stepping up investments in Japanese stocks and bonds.

The stronger link between Japanese banks and overseas non-banks suggests that Japan's financial system may have become more susceptible to fluctuations in global financial markets and the influence of the foreign non-bank sector, both directly and indirectly, the report said.

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Hugh Lawson)
A federal judge ruled Thursday to block parts of Donald Trumps executive order last month attempting to overhaul elections and voting processes.

U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly granted a preliminary injunction to halt several of the orders initiatives, including requiring proof of citizenship on voter registration forms and requiring people on public assistance to have their citizenship checked before they can register to vote.

Late last month, Democratic Partyaffiliated organizations, as well as several other nonprofit groups, filed two lawsuits seeking to halt the executive order, calling it unconstitutional. Kollar-Kotelly, a Clinton appointee, left other parts of the order intact, such as narrowing mail ballot deadlines.

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Trump claimed in the order that the U.S. fails to enforce basic and necessary election protections, unlike other countries.

Many American elections now feature mass voting by mail, with many officials accepting ballots without postmarks or those received well after Election Day, the order states.

The ruling temporarily puts a roadblock against one right-wing attempt to disenfranchise voters. But another attack on voting rights, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, also seeks to require proof of citizenship to register to vote.

Unlike Trumps order, though, the SAVE Act goes even further in potentially making it harder for some married women to vote, as it would require the name on a registration form to match that on proof of citizenship documents, such as birth certificates. That bill has already passed the Republican-controlled House, aided by four Democratic votes.

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Republicans have long attacked the legitimacy of any election in which they have not performed well, led by Trump. In the run-up to the 2024 presidential election, Trump attacked the electoral process as rigged, pushing lies that noncitizen voters would skew the results. These claims seemed to miraculously disappear after Trump won, but conservatives are determined to right this imagined travesty.

This story has been updated.
Three federal judges blocked key parts of Donald Trumps agenda in courtrooms across the country on Thursday, all within roughly 90 minutes of one another.

First, Trumps executive orders targeting so-called sanctuary cities were deemed unconstitutional attempts to coerce local officials into enforcing the presidents immigration policies.

Next, the presidents attempts to withhold federal funding from schools that engage with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives were labeled textbook viewpoint discrimination that likely violate the First Amendment.

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And another judge blocked parts of the presidents sweeping executive order targeting election administration and voting rights, including a requirement that voter registration forms ask for proof of citizenship.

Three federal judges on April 24 temporarily blocked the Trump administration from freezing funds over DEI and sanctuary cities as well as a provision of an executive order on election administration that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote (AFP via Getty Images)

The latest setbacks to the Trump administrations agenda, which has faced an avalanche of lawsuits, arrived in the middle of the presidents increasingly volatile position with a federal judiciary now confronting the administrations routine defiance of the courts.

California District Judge William H. Orrick, who was appointed by Barack Obama, blocked the administration from withholding or freezing funding from 16 cities and counties it labeled sanctuary jurisdictions, landing a significant blow to Trumps aggressive anti-immigration agenda.

In his order granting a preliminary injunction, Orrick cited Trumps similar executive action from 2017  which Orrick also blocked  that was found unconstitutional nationwide.

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Here we are again, Orrick wrote Thursday. Their well-founded fear of enforcement is even stronger than it was in 2017.

One executive order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to withhold federal funds to so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, while another order directs every federal agency to screen funds to state and local governments with sanctuary policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation.

The orders likely violate the separation of powers and Fifth and Tenth Amendments, among other statutes, because they impose coercive condition intended to commandeer local officials into enforcing federal immigration practices and law, Orrick wrote.

In her 82-page order blocking a key part of Trumps anti-DEI crusade in education, New Hampshire District Landya B. McCafferty, another Obama appointee, found that a letter from the Department of Education threatening federal funds would cripple the operations of many educational institutions.

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A professor runs afoul of the 2025 Letter if she expresses the view in her teaching that structural racism exists in America, but does not do so if she denies structural racisms existence, she wrote. That is textbook viewpoint discrimination.

The ruling, stemming from a lawsuit from the National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union, accused the administration of violating teachers due process and First Amendment rights.

She declined to issue a nationwide pause on the administrations policy, limiting her ruling to schools that employ or contract with at least one member of the groups that sued.

A judge is blocking Trumps executive order that voting rights advocates fear creates significant barriers for millions of eligible voters by requiring documentary proof of citizenship when registering (AP)

Last month, Trump issued an executive order that voting rights advocates and legal scholars warn could disenfranchise millions of voters with sweeping changes to rules for election administration, including requirements that proof of citizenship be presented when registering.

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Republicans in Congress introduced parallel legislation that passed in the House of Representatives earlier this month.

In her 120-page ruling, Washington, D.C. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly pumped the brakes on parts of Trumps order.

"Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the States  not the President  with the authority to regulate federal elections, wrote Kollar-Kotelly, who was appointed by Bill Clinton. [N]o statutory delegation of authority to the Executive Branch permits the President to short-circuit Congresss deliberative process by executive order.

The president is free to state his views about policies he supports in Congress and across federal agencies, but in this case, the President has done much more than state his views: He has issued an Order directing that an independent commission shall act to require changes to an important document, the contents of which Congress has tightly regulated, she added.

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The Trump administration is facing dozens of legal challenges across the country in response to his executive orders and policy maneuvers that opponents argue are flatly unconstitutional or flying in the face of a system of checks and balances.

Several cases have reached the Supreme Court, including challenges to Trumps attempt to revoke birthright citizenship for children of certain immigrants, mass firings of federal workers and agency officials, and deep cuts to foreign aid.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  President Donald Trump has ordered sharper scrutiny of Americas colleges and the accreditors that oversee them. Its part of his escalating campaign to end what he calls wokeness and diversity efforts in education. Chief Legal Analyst Khalif Rhodes discusses the legal challenge of removing funding for schools and colleges.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Donald Trump encouraged News Corp founder Rupert Murdoch to start making changes at Fox News and the Wall Street Journal in a furious Truth Social post after the news organizations offered negative coverage of the administration.

In the angry post, the president flexed his influence over the conservative news groups by touting his relationship with Murdoch, who was also the former CEO of News Corp, which owns Fox News and the Journal.

The post comes a day after Fox News released a poll that found that voters are generally displeased with Trump on most issues. The Journal, meanwhile, has released an editorial criticizing Trumps tariff agenda.

Trump was openly critical of the Wall Street Journals coverage as its owner, Rupert Murdoch, sat in the Oval Office. (AFP via Getty Images)

Rupert Murdoch has told me for years that he is going to get rid of his FoxNews, Trump Hating, Fake Pollster, but he has never done so. This pollster has gotten me, and MAGA, wrong for years, Trump wrote.

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He added, Also, and while hes at it, he should start making changes at the China Loving Wall Street Journal. It sucks!!!

The Independent has asked Fox News and the Wall Street Journal for comment.

Trumps anger toward the Journal is nothing new, he has been highly critical of the newspaper in recent months due to its negative editorial coverage of his administration. When the president invited Murdoch to join him in signing an executive order, he openly criticized its coverage in front of Murdoch.

In the past, the president has relied on conservative news organizations, many of which belong to News Corp, to support him and amplify his agenda positively as he battles legacy media, which are typically highly critical.

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The Trump administration has clashed with legacy media during his first 100 days back in office. This includes banning the Associated Press from certain events over its use of the term Gulf of Mexico, shaking up press briefing room seating and inviting new, often conservative, media outlets to press briefings.

Although he maintains a working relationship with Murdoch, the two have sparred in the past. Notably, after Trump left the White House in 2021, Murdoch was largely unsupportive of the presidents election fraud claims.

While Murdoch is the founder of News Corp, he stepped down as CEO in 2013 and executive chairman in 2023.

Trump has launched his fair share of hits at Murdoch, such as when Fox News was embroiled in a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for spreading lies about the integrity of the 2020 election.

Now, the president is taking another swing at the 94-year-old media mogul in the hopes of influencing change at the news groups.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The Trump administration has changed its message on China.

President Donald Trump says hes optimistic the U.S. can make a deal with China.

It basically means Chinas not doing any business with us, essentially, because its a very high number, said Trump.

At 145% President Trump says tariffs mean the U.S. and China arent in business.

President Trump says the tariffs could come down if the U.S. and China make a deal.

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Were going to get along great with China. I have no doubt about it, said Trump.

The shift in tone comes after the stock market took a hit on Monday and President Trump met with CEOs of major U.S. retailers on Monday. They told him theyre worried about higher prices for consumers around the holidays.

Stocks rallied on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Were going to make deals, but theyre going to be fair deals. Theyre not going to be rip off deals, said Trump.

A survey released by S&P Global says tariffs have slowed U.S. business activity to a sixteen-month low.

U.S. car manufacturers warn President Trumps 25% tariff on imported cars will raise prices.

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The president says those tariffs are intended to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.

We dont really want Canada to make cars for us. To put it bluntly. We want to make our own cars, said Trump.

Twelve states have sued the Trump administration arguing the policy is unlawful and its brought chaos to the U.S. economy. The lawsuit says only Congress has the power to impose tariffs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 took questions after his meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. Mr. Trump also took questions on tariffs and repeated his claim that the U.S. has been negotiating a trade deal with China.
Days before Canada votes in a national election, President Donald Trump is talking again about its status as a 51st state  an Oval Office aside almost certain to boost the three-term Liberals in their quest for a fourth mandate.

Trump told reporters Wednesday that Canada would cease to exist without the U.S. He also suggested he could further raise the 25 percent tariffs hes imposed on Canadian autos.

They took a large percentage of the car-making, and I want to bring it back to this country. I really dont want cars from Canada, so when I put tariffs on Canada  theyre paying 25 percent  but that could go up in terms of cars, the president told reporters. I'd rather see them made in Michigan and made in South Carolina and made in other states, Tennessee.

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Trump has been front and center in Canadas 37-day campaign that overlaps with the opening days of a trade war that could decimate the Canadian economy.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has said that if he wins on Monday, hell have the president on the horn in a hurry.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney, the current prime minister, has warned repeatedly that Trump is out to change the world economy. What hes trying to do to Canada  hes trying to break us, so the U.S. can own us, hes said repeatedly on the campaign trail.



For most Canadians, the ballot box question is which leader is better to take on Trump.

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If Liberals pull it off, Carney says a meeting with Trump would happen "within days."

The president said Wednesday that hes spoken with the Liberal leader: He was very nice, very nice. We had a couple of good conversations. The two had a public call on March 28, but its unclear what further conversations Trump was referring to.

Carney called the snap election on March 24, arguing that he needed a mandate from Canadians to take on Trump. Earlier this week, Liberal incumbent and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly told a rally outside of Montreal that the party is now hoping for a majority mandate.

Asked about these aspirations, Carney replied: Having a clear mandate will put the country in a better position.

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When invited to speak about Canadas election Wednesday, Trump said its not for him to weigh in.

Look, I love the Canadian people. I like Canada, he told reporters. But I don't think it's appropriate for me to get involved in their election.
Speaking to journalists, US President Donald Trump has said that Russia is supposedly ready to conclude a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, he noted that reaching an agreement with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had proved more difficult than he had expected.

Source: Trump in the Oval Office

Details: Trump said that he believes Russia is ready for negotiations. However, he believes it is difficult to find a common language with the Ukrainian president to achieve a peaceful settlement of the situation in Ukraine.

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Quote: "I will say that I think Russia is ready, and a lot of people said Russia wanted to go for the whole thing. I think we have a deal with Russia, we have to get a deal with Zelenskyy. And I hope that Zelenskyy I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy but so far its been harder. But thats okay, its alright. But I think we have a deal with both. I hope they do it because we spend a lot of money. But this is about a lot of humanity."

Details: Trump has once again criticised the Joe Biden administration for its large-scale spending to support Ukraine.

"We are spending hundreds of billions of dollars through Biden. Biden should have never let that war happen. Were spending hundreds of billions, maybe US$350 billion weve given to Ukraine, and we could use that money right here," he said.

Background:

US President Donald Trump has said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's position on non-recognition of Crimea as Russian is detrimental to peace talks.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States had a better understanding of Russia's position on its war against Ukraine because "we finally talked to them after three years of silence".

It was reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump handed over a one-page document to Ukraine last week in Paris, which was presented as a "final proposal" for a peaceful settlement, and the main points of this proposal are outlined here.

Among other things, the US is ready to recognise Russia's control over Ukrainian Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow as part of a potential peace deal.

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When pressed by reporters on April 23, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to weigh in on whether he wants Ukraine to recognize occupied Crimea as Russian territory, calling instead for the end to hostilities.

"I just want to see the war end, I dont care," Trump told reporters. "If theyre both happy, they both sign an agreement, I have no favorites. I dont want to have any favorites. I want to have a deal done."

Earlier in the day, Trump claimed in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the U.S. is not forcing Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian, following reports that a U.S. peace plan includes the U.S. formally recognizing Moscow's illegal annexation of Crimea.

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"Nobody is asking (President Volodymyr) Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory, but if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?" Trump wrote on April 23.

Zelensky reaffirmed on April 22 that Ukraine would never legally recognize Russia's control of Crimea.

"There is nothing to talk about. This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine," Zelensky said at a briefing in Kyiv.

"Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution, and we are fully confident that our partners  particularly the United States  will act in line with their strong decisions," another statement from Zelensky on April 23 stated.

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While Trump appeared to frame the proposal as something Ukraine could reject, he notably did not deny that the U.S. might move forward with formally recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, something Russia had wanted for years.

Recognition of the annexation would contradict a decade of bipartisan U.S. policy and a 2014 United Nations General Assembly resolution, in which 100 member states declared the seizure illegal.

Trump's claim that Crimea was taken without force is false. During Russia's 2014 annexation, armed Russian troops in unmarked uniforms seized Ukrainian government buildings, military installations, and blockaded bases.

Read also: Trump says nobody is asking Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
One sign read Let the Wind Power Our Future. Others displayed nothing more than the giant gold seal of Americas largest electrical workers union. These logos and slogans stood out among the 100 or so people crowded on top of the marble steps of the Nassau County Executive and Legislative Building in New York on Tuesday, as they called for the right to continue building offshore wind turbines near the Long Island coast.

That right had just been revoked.

On April 16, the Trump administration issued a stop-work order that paused the construction of Empire Wind 1. The 810-megawatt wind farm was two weeks into at-sea construction. Its also the anchor project of an in-progress effort to build an offshore wind staging terminal in South Brooklyn, which has been celebrated as a major economic win for the local, mainly working-class community.

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It was time to demonstrate the diverse support for offshore wind, said Adrienne Esposito, rally organizer and executive director of the nonprofit group Citizens Campaign for the Environment. She said the group includes retirees, union workers, young people in job training, a charter boat captain, and a whale expert.

Theyre emblematic of the broad array of stakeholders who stand to lose from President Donald Trump's ongoing war on offshore wind, which started with a pause on new permitting and has in recent weeks escalated to attacks on projects already underway. These projects are central to the climate goals of many East Coast states, the economic development plans of neighborhoods and towns, and public health concerns of those who have lived for decades in the shadow of dirtier, air-polluting industries.

Betting on wind to revive a community

Empire Wind 1 is a critical component of New Yorks strategy to address climate change and achieve a 70% renewable energy share by 2030. Its the largest energy infrastructure project the state has undertaken in the last 50 years, according to a top state official who lambasted the Trump administration's stop-work order as doing irrefutable harm.

This project underwent extensive and robust federal reviews  and is already under construction with strong support from the local Sunset Park community and more than 1,500 construction workers currently employed, Doreen Harris, president of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, said in a statement last week.

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Since early April, vessels had been laying rocks roughly 20 miles offshore from New York City in preparation for attaching 54 wind towers to the seafloor in May. The project was supposed to go online in 2027. All at-sea work is now halted.

The Trump administrations order didnt impact the massive terminal being built along a Brooklyn waterfront to support the installation. About 1,500 people have been constructing the 73-acre offshore wind hub since June. But local supporters now worry what the order means for all the green jobs promised by the Empire Wind project.

Offshore wind, if done properly, gave us a real shot at creating economic opportunities for a neighborhood and region that has carried the weight of environmental racism for too long. It meant good jobs and local investment for our local residents, Elizabeth Yeampierre wrote in a statement issued Tuesday, the same day as the rally. She is executive director of the grassroots nonprofit organization, UPROSE, and a longtime resident of Brooklyns Sunset Park neighborhood.

For the past decade, Yeampierre has led efforts in her community to advocate for redevelopment of Sunset Parks industrialized waterfront, a stretch of which has sat vacant since the 1990s. At one point, city officials considered plans to rezone the area for apartments and retail shops. Yeampierre pushed officials instead towards plans to rebuild a working waterfront that would generate jobs and place Sunset Park residents at the center of the energy transition.

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That vision, the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, is becoming a reality. The offshore wind hub, once completed by the end of 2026 if its not interrupted, will be used for storing and assembling wind turbines. Equinor, the Norwegian energy giant building Empire Wind, was planning to use it as a staging ground for not just Empire Wind but for a sprawling array of already-approved wind projects being built across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic by various developers.

The previous administration gave some level of approval to nearly a dozen offshore wind farms. But only nine projects, including Empire Wind, managed to get all of their permits before Trump took office. Another one of those approved projects  Atlantic Shores in New Jersey  has already been shelved, thanks in part to the Trump administrations decision to claw back a previously issued Clean Air Act permit.

A spokesman for Equinor told Canary Media, We will not comment about the potential consequences until we know more. He said the company is engaging directly with the Department of the Interior to understand the questions raised about its federal permits, which were issued in 2024.

Equinor signed its federal lease for Empire Wind during the first Trump administration in 2017. Its project took over eight years to go from proposal to full approval, though President Trumps interior secretary, Doug Burgum, who oversees the core offshore wind permitting process, recently suggested in a post on X that the Biden administration rushed through its approval without sufficient analysis.

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That leaves Sunset Park community members to wonder what's next.

Unfortunately, that door of what is beautifully possible and necessary is being shut on our knuckles, wrote Yeampierre in response to Trumps interference.

Defending the dream

Offshore wind promises cleaner and more reliable energy for New York and the East Coast. But for residents of Sunset Park in particular, these projects  and the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal that relies on them  offer benefits beyond that.

Whats also at stake is a real shot to revive Sunset Park, a mainly working-class neighborhood of Asian, Latino, and immigrant communities. Equinor has already given $5 million in grants to help local community groups, like UPROSE, build education and job-training programs around a new wind-power economy.

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Maintaining Sunset Parks industrial character is key to keeping housing affordable in the area, Eddie Bautista, executive director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, told Canary Media in 2022. Many envision Sunset Park as a place where people have job training and good salaries without the air pollution that spewed from the port during its 20th century heyday.

We were building a whole industry  and the problem with shutting down the project is that it really sends a signal to the developers in the market  like, what certainty is there? said Lara Skinner, executive director of the Climate Jobs Institute at Cornell Universitys New York City campus.

She fears that developers like Equinor may pull out, not for lack of commitment, but for lack of certainty that Trump will honor the federal governments permits and approvals. And if the offshore wind turbines dont get installed, she said, the wind hub in Sunset Park is in jeopardy.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has expressed similar fears about the stop-work order and vowed last week to fight this every step of the way.

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Meanwhile, some local Republican officials are pleased. Speaking at a press conference last week, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman sided with the Trump administrations view that Biden-era permitting was insufficient: We think there [were] shortcuts. We think there was false information. And a lack of public input.

Esposito, the organizer of Tuesdays rally, said politics should not be part of the Empire Wind debate.

Look, offshore wind is not a Republican issue and not a Democratic issue, said Esposito, who noted the threats of a warming planet and rising seas. At the end of the day, we all live on an island.


US-based Bowman Consulting Group has secured a construction engineering contract from the Will County Board of Commissioners in Illinois.

The $4.2m contract involves providing engineering support for a road improvement scheme in Homer Glen. It specifically covers upgrades at the junction of Bell Road and 143rd Street.

This project is part of a wider infrastructure programme valued at $24m and stretches across 1.8 miles. It includes complete road resurfacing and the construction of five retaining walls using both cast-in-place and block methods.

Modern traffic signal systems and substantial enhancements to storm drainage, including underground storage, are part of the works.

Bowman will oversee project execution through construction management, supervision and record-keeping duties. The company is also tasked with ensuring compliance throughout the delivery of key transport improvements.

New pedestrian walkways and accessibility-compliant kerb ramps are also planned.

The company has experience in handling large-scale transport infrastructure in Illinois.

Its past projects include work on the Mile Long Bridge and enhancements along the I-80 and I-55 roadways. Bowman stated that it continues to support development efforts across the state's major corridors.

Bowman chairman and CEO Gary Bowman said: Our work in Will County reflects Bowmans strong resume in the transportation market and the confidence the market has in our ability to deliver on high-value, public-sector infrastructure projects.

We value the opportunity to further showcase our construction engineering capabilities and expand our large-scale infrastructure portfolio in Illinois.

As we continue to achieve scale through integration and growth through operational synergies, strategic wins like this drive long-term shareholder value.

Earlier this year, Bowman Consulting Group was awarded a contract by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) to provide on-call preliminary engineering services.

"Bowman secures construction engineering contract in Illinois" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




The clock is ticking on President Trumps two-month timeline to reach a deal with Iran over its nuclear program, with the president signaling optimism ahead of a third round of talks later this week.

But its still unclear if Trump and Irans leaders can find common ground between eliminating Irans nuclear program, the maximalist U.S. demand, and returning to something more like the Obama-era nuclear agreement that restricted Tehrans ability to create a weapon, but left much of its nuclear infrastructure intact.

Trump has long trashed the Obama deal as weak, and both hawkish Republicans and Israel are likely to oppose any deal with similar terms. But Iran is certain to reject any deal that eliminates its nuclear program completely.

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The stakes are high. Trump has suggested he may greenlight an Israeli military offensive on Irans nuclear facilities if the talks fail.

Technical experts from the U.S. and Iran are expected to meet in Oman on Saturday.

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told reporters on Wednesday both Iran and the Trump administration appear committed to reaching a deal.

I think these are negotiations that are very, very serious. Are very, very serious, he said during a visit to Washington, following meetings in Tehran last week. I dont see any improvisation here, not at all.

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Both sides have incentive to reach an agreement, least of which is avoiding deadly, destructive, conflict. Irans economy is suffocating under sanctions, and Trump, focused on expanding any lucrative business opportunities, is keen to avoid escalating military action in the Middle East.

Im not speaking for President Trump, but I believe President Trumps position is that he wants to exhaust all options short of military force first, before he considers any type of military action or possibly a naval blockade of Iran, said Fred Fleitz, vice chair of the America First Policy Institute and former chief of staff of Trumps first National Security Council.

He has always taken the approach to national security, to keep our nation out of new and unnecessary wars, if at all possible.

Trump reportedly sent a letter to Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in March, laying out a two-month deadline for reaching a new nuclear deal. He has offered vague threats if no deal is reached.

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Something is going to happen very soon. I would rather have a peace deal than the other option, but the other option will solve the problem, he said last month.

Experts say, given the short time frame, a narrow framework is more achievable than a full-fledged deal aimed at being more robust than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. But even that has its challenges.

The closest fish to the boat is clearly the nuclear piece, but Im not sure how you get there in 60 days, said Christopher Ford, who served as assistant secretary of State for international security and nonproliferation in Trumps first term.

Ford, speaking on a panel hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) on Monday, said while Iran may be willing to ship out its stockpiles of enriched uranium  the fuel needed for a nuclear weapon  it is unlikely to give up its capacity to enrich completely.

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Ali Vaez, the International Crisis Groups Iran project director, said Iran may be open to compromise on issues beyond the nuclear file because of the reality on the ground  Israel has greatly weakened its proxy forces of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and destroyed its air defense systems in an October strike.

They will not go for full dismantlement, they will probably go for restrictions and trust-building measures, Vaez said on the CEIP panel.

Iran is also facing an October deadline of even harsher international sanctions if it fails to reach an agreement.

Under the terms of the Obama-era JCPOA, European signatories can petition the United Nations Security Council to snap back sanctions on Iran. The only way to block the reimposition of sanctions would be through passage of a resolution in the Security Council, a move that the veto-holding powers of the U.S., France and U.K. could invoke.

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My impression from talking informally with European interlocutors is that the Europeans are actually potentially willing to invoke snapback, but probably only if they feel that the U.S. is approaching this with a serious negotiating strategy, said Ford.

I dont think theyre very eager to sort of roil their own relationships with Iran by doing snapback unless it contributes usefully to a negotiating answer.

But Iran still holds leverage with the scope of its nuclear program, with Tehran assessed to be able to make enough fuel for one bomb within a week. Experts say its nuclear infrastructure is far more advanced and expansive compared to what it was in 2018, when Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Obama-era deal, and has only sped up since Trump was reelected last year.

They [Iran] havent taken any measure to reduce its enrichment production, its enrichment production since November 2024 has increased at a pace of sevenfold, said Grossi.

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The IAEA chief said Iran has moved from producing 60 percent enriched uranium at a rate of approximately 6 to 7 kilograms per month, to now 40 kilograms per month. Grossi also pointed to Iranian public statements of adding new cascades of centrifuges  increasing its capacity to enrich uranium.

And nuclear inspectors are being stonewalled from accessing sites under construction near its nuclear facility of Natanz, where more advanced centrifuges are expected to be placed.

Since it is obvious it is in a place where numerous and important activities related to the program is taking place, were asking them, What is this for? And they are telling us its none of your business,' Grossi said.

Its a bit of a pingpong, but the dealing continues, the building continues, and we are looking into this and well continue looking into this.

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Grossi said that the IAEA is standing by to verify any deal that may emerge between Washington and Tehran.

Trump and his top negotiator, Steve Witkoff, say they want to eliminate Irans ability to enrich uranium and weaponize its nuclear material. But those statements came after Witkoff suggested Iran could maintain enrichment to 3.67 percent, the amount accepted in the JCPOA  with the mixed messages raising concern in Israel.

For us in Israel  our red line was always not Iran actually rushing to the bomb, but developing the capacity to rush to the bomb in short order. And thats why Israelis are concerned about Iran maintaining its nuclear infrastructure, Israels former ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, said in a discussion with the Jewish Institute for National Security of America on Monday.

I dont know exactly where the U.S. administration is headed in this respect. The fact we hear different statements may indicate that there is still an internal argument within the administration.

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(The Hill)  President Donald Trump went on a rampage on Thursday against Harvard on his social media platform Truth Social, calling Americas oldest university a threat to democracy.

Harvard is an Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution, as are numerous others, with students being accepted from all over the World that want to rip our Country apart, the president posted.

The place is a Liberal mess, allowing a certain group of crazed lunatics to enter and exit the classroom and spew fake ANGER AND HATE. It is truly horrific! Now, since our filings began, they act like they are all American Apple Pie, he added.

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The post alludes to the Ivy League schools ongoing legal battle against the administration, with Trump saying it has hired an attorney who also works for the Trump Organization.

Harvard is a threat to Democracy, with a lawyer, who represents me, who should therefore be forced to resign, immediately, or be fired. Hes not that good, anyway, and I hope that my very big and beautiful company, now run by my sons, gets rid of him ASAP! he said.

Harvard wont compromise in fight against Trump, president says

Harvard sued the administration for taking away $2.2 billion in funding after it refused to bow to Trumps demands, which included changes to its hiring and admission practices as well as eliminating its diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

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Trump has also sought to target Harvards tax-exempt status, and his Department of Homeland Security has threatened to eliminate its ability to enroll international students.

His post denouncing the school came after its president, Alan Garber, gave an interview to NBC News in which he said he will not compromise on certain issues.

We are defending what I believe is one of the most important lynchpins of the American economy and way of life  our universities, Garber said.

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President Donald Trump will make his first visit to Michigan of his second term in office on Tuesday, April 29, as he heads to Macomb County for a rally.

Trump is expected to make the stop in metro Detroit to commemorate the passing of the first 100 days into his second term, which comes on April 30. Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20.

No other details about the event, including the time, venue or public availability of tickets were immediately available.

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the visit on social media platform X, with a statement saying, "President Trump is excited to return to the great state of Michigan next Tuesday, where he will rally in Macomb County to celebrate the FIRST 100 DAYS!"

U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, whose district includes much of southern Macomb County also posted about the visit on X, saying, "Macomb County is honored to welcome President @realDonaldTrump back to MICHIGAN to celebrate the first 100 days of Americas New Golden Age."

Macomb County is honored to welcome President @realDonaldTrump back to MICHIGAN to celebrate the first 100 days of Americas New Golden Age.



Together, we will Make Michigan Great Again.  pic.twitter.com/Hs1GDXj1cy  John James (@JohnJamesMI) April 23, 2025

"Together, we will Make Michigan Great Again," said James, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor next year. James' post included a photo of him and the president together.

The Detroit News first reported the presidential visit on Wednesday evening ahead of Leavitt's and James' postings, citing Republican sources.

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The visit will be the first by Trump since beginning his second, nonconsecutive term, as well as his first since winning Michigan in last November's election, when he defeated Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, 49.7% to 48.3%. Trump also won Michigan in 2016 en route to securing his first term in office and lost it in 2020 to Democratic former President Joe Biden.

Trump won Macomb County in all three elections and was a regular visitor throughout all three campaigns: In the 2024 race, he spent no fewer than 17 days barnstorming Michigan and held a rally in Grand Rapids just ahead of the balloting as he had in his other campaigns.

Trump is coming to Michigan at a time when his job approval ratings have been slipping nationally amid his pursuing an aggressive agenda to remake the federal government and institute a wide range of import tariffs on goods that have fueled worries they could spark a recession. Detroit automakers are especially worried that tariffs on autos and auto parts could result in snarling supply chains, spiking prices and tanking sales.

The president, who has also seen the stock market ride a roller-coaster of abrupt losses in recent weeks, has argued that tariffs will lead to more investment in auto manufacturing and that several automakers are already announcing plans to expand U.S. operations to avoid paying them. Trump, however, has teased the possibility of giving automakers a break on some tariffs, though no announcement to that effect has been made.

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on X @tsspangler.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump to visit Macomb County on April 29 to mark 100 days
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Michigan on Tuesday to celebrate his first 100 days in office, the White House said.

Trump, who took office on January 20, won the battleground state in the November 5 presidential election. His last campaign rally was in Grand Rapids hours before polls opened on Election Day.

"President Trump is excited to return to the great state of Michigan, where he will rally in Macomb County to celebrate his first 100 days in office," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Chris Reese)
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  President Donald Trump will mark his first 100 days in office next week with a rally in Michigan, his first since returning to the White House earlier this year.

Trump will visit Macomb County on Tuesday, the White House press secretary said. The region is just north of Detroit, known as an automotive hub.

President Trump is excited to return to the great state of Michigan next Tuesday, where he will rally in Macomb County to celebrate the FIRST 100 DAYS! Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday on social media.

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The rally will take place on Trumps 100th day in office  a traditional early milestone in which a president's progress is measured against campaign promises. Michigan was one of the key battleground states Trump flipped last year from Democrats on his path back to the White House.

Trump has not traveled much since taking office outside of personal weekend trips. The Republican president's only other official trip in his second term was during the first week, when he visited disaster zones in North Carolina and California and held an event in Las Vegas to promote his plan to eliminate taxes on tips.

But later this week, Trump will travel to Pope Francis' funeral in Rome, the first foreign trip in his second term.

Trumps upcoming trip to Michigan follows a series of meetings and phone calls with the states high-profile Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer. Once a sharp critic of Trump, Whitmer has said that she hopes to find common ground with the president in his second term.

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A key area of potential cooperation that Whitmer has pointed to is Selfridge Air National Guard Base, long a concern for Whitmer and Michigan lawmakers amid uncertainty over its future as the A-10 aircraft stationed there are phased out. The base is located in Macomb County, where he is set to appear Tuesday.

Trump mentioned Selfridge during an April 9 executive order signing in the Oval Office, an event that Whitmer was present for, saying he hoped to keep the base open, strong, thriving.

I think were going to be successful, Governor. I think well be very successful there, Trump said about Selfridge.

Whitmer  whom Trump praised during his remarks  later said she was unexpectedly brought into the Oval Office during her visit. A photo captured her trying to shield her face from cameras with a folder.

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Asked Wednesday if Whitmer would appear with the president in Michigan, a spokesperson for the governor said they don't have anything to share at this time."

Whitmer and other Michigan officials have long advocated for a new fighter mission to replace the outgoing A-10 squadron at Selfridge.

In a 2023 letter sent during President Joe Bidens administration, Whitmer urged the secretary of the Air Force to act, writing, I repeat and reiterate what I stated in November and many times before over the past year: a fighter mission at Selfridge to recapitalize the A10s is the right path forward for the State of Michigan, the Air Force, and the nation."
President Trump is set to visit Michigan to hold a rally and celebrate his first 100 days back in office.

President Trump is excited to return to the great state of Michigan next Tuesday, where he will rally in Macomb County to celebrate the FIRST 100 DAYS! White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a post on the social platform X.

Rep. John James (R-Mich.), who represents Macomb County, welcomed Trump in a post online.

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Macomb County is honored to welcome President @realDonaldTrump back to MICHIGAN to celebrate the first 100 days of Americas New Golden Age, James said. Together, we will Make Michigan Great Again.

Trumps rally will be held Tuesday, his 100th day in the Oval Office after being inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Its his first visit to the battleground state since he won it in the 2024 election; his last visit to the state was a rally in Grand Rapids the night before Election Day.

His rally comes after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) visited with the president twice at the White House. Whitmer has discussed jobs and Trumps tariffs. She was swept up in a social media frenzy after she hid her face from reporters during a surprise photo opportunity in the Oval Office.

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The first 100 days of a presidents time in office is a traditional marker for how the president plans to move through the next four years of their administration. The actions taken, often bold, within the first 100 days of a new administration are viewed as an evaluation of the performance of the president.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Donald Trump issued an array of executive orders promising a more conservative approach to K-12 instruction and university funding  including some moves that are almost certain to invite fresh political resistance to his agenda.

The executive orders he signed Wednesday that are most likely to rattle college leaders include new threats to cut off federal funds from schools that do not disclose the money they receive from foreign entities. He also kicked off an attempt to purge diversity practices from universities by leaning on the independent entities that certify whether they can accept federal money.

Trump further demanded new federal guidance on school discipline that rejects the stances of his Democratic predecessors. He also signed directives that carve out new training for American students on artificial intelligence, update federal workforce programs and launch a new White House initiative on historically Black colleges and universities .

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Taken together, the suite of Trumps orders represent significant maneuvers to squeeze the finances of many higher education institutions and expand his already sweeping federal intervention into the countrys education industry.

Todays Executive Orders pave the way for critical innovations  inviting more competition in the higher education accreditation system, ensuring transparency in college finances, supporting new technologies in the classroom, and more, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a social media post .

Federal law already requires colleges and universities to disclose gifts or contracts worth $250,000 or more from foreign entities, though the enforcement of those requirements and related regulations have prompted scrutiny and criticism of the Biden administration from conservative lawmakers.

This time, Trumps order on foreign funds says certain federal grants for universities could be revoked if schools do not comply with the administrations latest disclosure requirements. That pronouncement holds considerable weight in the weeks since the administration has frozen billions of dollars in federal grants to Columbia University, Harvard University and other schools over their handling of pro-Palestinian protests.

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The order further directs McMahon to reverse or rescind any actions by the prior administration that permit higher education institutions to maintain improper secrecy regarding their foreign funding.

The order would also have McMahon require universities to disclose the source and purpose of foreign funds  while working with Attorney General Pam Bondi and other agencies to pressure institutions that do not comply with audits, investigations and other enforcement actions.

Trumps move to reshape the college accreditation system  to address what the administration considers ideological overreach  is another front education leaders will be watching closely.

Trump authorized McMahon and Bondi to suspend, monitor or terminate the recognition of accreditors that use diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The order targets the American Bar Association's law school accreditation program, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

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Federal recognition will not be provided to accreditors engaging in unlawful discrimination in violation of Federal law, the order said.

Accreditors are independent, nongovernmental organizations that evaluate universities and higher education programs to ensure they meet a certain level of quality before receiving federal financial aid funding. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump described them as the secret weapon to weed liberal influence out of higher education.

The accreditation order , the contours of which were reported by POLITICO earlier this month , calls for making it easier for new accreditors to enter the market, and requires institutions to collect student outcome data to improve such outcomes, without reference to race, ethnicity, or sex. It also calls for prioritizing intellectual diversity among faculty.

The order echoes Trumps direction in January for federal agencies to end indoctrination in K-12 education, launch investigations into campus protests and enact a federal school choice initiative. Last month, he signed a long-expected directive to begin shutting down the Education Department.

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Although accreditors do not agree with characterization, they said they are willing to work with the administration.

While we firmly reject President Trumps mischaracterization of accreditors role in the nations postsecondary education system, we stand ready to work with the Secretary of Education on policies that will advance our shared mission of enhancing quality, innovation, integrity, and accountability, said Heather Perfetti, President of Middle States Commission on Higher Education and Chair of the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions.

Trumps order on school discipline also stands to reshape how schools address policies that once sparked an Obama-era effort to crack down on suspensions, expulsions and other practices that had a disproportionate impact on students of color.

The president ordered a report that includes an analysis of school discipline and called for his administration to propose model school discipline policies that are rooted in American values and traditional virtues while criticizing warnings from Biden administration civil rights authorities that schools needed to address the continuing urgency of racial disparities in discipline .

Todays executive orders make clear that despite their mantra of local control, the Trump Administration really does want to be in the business of education after all, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said in a statement. They just want to pick and choose who they help and who they hurt, rather than build on six decades of bipartisan efforts to improve public education."
President Trump on Thursday knocked China for refusing to accept Boeing aircraft amid the ongoing trade war with the United States, calling the rejection another example of China taking advantage of the U.S.

Boeing should default China for not taking the beautifully finished planes that China committed to purchase. This is just a small example of what China has done to the USA, for years And, by the way, Fentanyl continues to pour into our Country from China, through Mexico and Canada, killing hundreds of thousands of our people, and it better stop, NOW! Trump said on Truth Social.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told CNBC on Wednesday that China stopped taking delivery of aircraft because of the tariffs, adding that some 737 Max planes that were heading to China are being flown back to the U.S.

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The U.S. has maintained a 145 percent tariff on China while implementing a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs on other trading partners, setting a 10 percent rate.

Trump this week acknowledged the additional 125 percent tariff he slapped on China earlier this month  paired with the existing 20 percent one  was very high, and he signaled a shift in tone about striking and deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump also said his administration has been in direct talks with China on trade every day.

China said Wednesday it is not actively engaged in the negotiating process over tariffs with the U.S., contradicting Trumps comments.

Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said Thursday that any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis.

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The White House did not respond to a request for comment on China denying talks are taking place.

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When French President Emmanuel Macron jetted into Washington for meetings at the White House in February, President Donald Trump was emphatic: I can solve the three year-long war in Ukraine. I do deals. My whole life is deals, Trump said during a joint press event with Macron. Thats all I know, is deals. And I know when somebody wants to make it and when somebody doesnt.

Two months later, however, and Trump faces not just one deal either on life support or six-feet under, but three.

Trumps highest profile foray into the world of diplomacy, of course, has been Ukraine. The president campaigned on ending the conflict in 24 hours, a boast that might always have been ridiculous but underlined his urgency to do what he thought Joe Biden should have done long ago: pressure the Russians and Ukrainians into a peace settlement. To his credit, Trump came out with a bang as soon as he took the oath of office, scheduling calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and dispatching his top foreign policy advisers to foreign capitals in an attempt to establish short-term ceasefires.

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Yet even the canniest mediators can only achieve so much if the conditions for a lasting peace arent there. Ultimately its those directly involved in the conflict that will determine success or failure.

The 30-day unconditional truce that Washington and Kyiv accepted in mid-March was blocked by Putin, who riddled the process with so many technical questions that it crumbled before the ink was signed. The Black Sea truce negotiated weeks later ran into a similar wall, with Zelensky and Putin eventually walking away from the process with different interpretations of what the deal actually said. It died on the table after the Kremlin insisted that Washington and Europe re-connect Russian banks to the Swift system as a prerequisite.

Trump, always impatient, seems to have just about had it with these antics. A seven-point draft peace plan tabled by the Americans, which freezes the current battle lines and hands Moscow de-jure control over Crimea, is thought to be a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. Trumps exasperation with Putin  he repeated his criticism of the Russian leader in the Oval Office on Thursday for launching strikes against Kyiv while peace talks were ongoing  and Zelensky suggests that both sides are minded to leave it.

If peace efforts over Ukraine are at deaths door, then the corresponding process over Gaza is non-existent. Not so long ago, Trump and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, managed to jam a three-stage ceasefire down the throat of a reluctant Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli prime minister accepted, not because he wanted to but because he had to; the last thing Netanyahu needed was to get off on the wrong foot with a president who doesnt forget slights, real or perceived.

Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump meet in the Oval Office on April 7 - SAUL LOEB/AFP

Netanyahu, however, clearly never bought into the deal, partly because his coalition allies believe that military force will be more effective than negotiations in defeating Hamas and getting all of the hostages back. Trump, meanwhile, appeared to lose interest. When Netanyahu doubled down on military force after the end of Phase 1 of the ceasefire agreement, Trump didnt seem bothered, even if it made a mockery of the very deal he helped negotiate weeks earlier.

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Trumps trade talks might politely be described as a work in progress, too. While its almost certain that Washington will reach new agreements with close partners such as the UK, Japan, South Korea and India, China is showing few signs of being willing to compromise. The 145 per cent US tariffs on Chinese goods havent brought President Xi Jinping to the table. If anything, they have pushed him away. Xi, who has built much of his political legitimacy on transforming China into an international heavyweight, is about as likely to cave under US pressure as Putin is.

Now, it is Trump, not Xi, who seems to be practically begging for a deal. We are going to have a fair deal with China, he told reporters this week, a day after he said US tariffs would be substantially reduced. Whether this was meant to be a carrot to bring Beijing into formal discussions or a preview of what a possible new agreement would look like, Trump didnt say. Either way, the Chinese are likely to interpret the comments as a walk-back of Trumps previous position and evidence that their hardball strategy is working.

It would be easy to place the blame for the failure of Trumps approach thus far solely on his shoulders. He is the president, after all. And unlike past presidents, Trump doesnt seem to be interested in details, wants quick wins he can brag about, and often appears more concerned with buttressing his reputation as a dealmaker than he is with actually negotiating good deals.

But it is also a reflection of the USs relative power today. The United States is still the worlds most formidable military and economic force, with a bevy of alliances and overseas relationships that other countries can only dream of. But no state, not even a superpower, can bend the rest of the world to its will, solve every dispute, or bear any burden. At risk of stating the obvious, every country possesses its own fundamental interests, agendas, preferences and red lines. For Russia, the red line is losing in Ukraine. For Israel, it is ensuring that Hamas cannot preserve its influence in Gaza. And for China, the red line appears to be disrespect and economic subjugation.

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Good presidents have to learn how to operate within the realities of the international system. Otherwise you risk coming away empty-handed, aggrieved and disappointed.

Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities

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The emergence of the Death Cross signal on the technical chart turns out to be not as scary as perceived by the masses  empirical research shows that the broader market is actually expected to post a positive return of 1% over the 50 days, following the crossing of the 50 daily simple moving average below the 200 daily one, which already occurred on April 11. We dont claim that history will repeat itself this time; we want to illustrate that this widely discussed and feared event does not have much substance behind it.

The growth factor has underperformed year-to-date as the entire US stock market has retracted by more than 15% since its early 2025 highs. The growth stocks performed worse than the market because capital flows to safety assets such as defensive value stocks and gold; the latter is up more than 30% this year, and its price returns actually exceed those of the entire US stock market over the last 10 years. Such situations are rare, and the truth is, by the time growth stocks become cheap enough, many retail investors are no longer willing to buy. This is exactly whats happening now, as the CNN Fear & Greed index shows a value of 20/100, showcasing an Extreme Fear in the markets. This public fear is amplified by the tariff turmoil, especially as the broader market is showing a Death Cross on the technical charts. Similar to Warren Buffetts teachings to be greedy when others are fearful, we maintain our optimistic stance for the long-term financial and economic health of the US and its stock market.

Growth stocks are companies that grow their revenues and earnings at a faster rate than the overall market does. To identify the true growth stocks, we believe it is important to use a high enough benchmark over a long enough period. In this case, we define growth stocks as companies that managed to achieve a 5-year revenue compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of at least 20%. It is obvious that all else equal, investors would prefer growth stocks, but the truth is that their high valuations and perceived expensiveness may often make them less attractive. It is not rare that high-growth companies end up underperforming simply because their initially high forward P/E ratio gradually contracts over time, partially or entirely offsetting the contribution of high earnings growth. So, the ultimate grail of investing consists in identifying undervalued growth stocks that would continue to grow rapidly and at the same time maintain or even expand their trading multiple.

We recently published a list of 10 Most Undervalued Growth Stocks to Buy Now . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) stands against other most undervalued growth stocks to buy now.

Story Continues

Moreover, the US economy remains resilient, all while President Trump removed his foot off the tariff gas pedal and is gradually granting exemptions to key consumer products like electronic devices. Employment data has been one of the most reliable indicators of recessions, and the latest US data shows that March employment did not show any sequential decline compared to February and is only marginally below the 2023-2024 level. Most of the decline compared to 2023-2024 comes from the public sector and only impacted a minority of workers, which is not enough to trigger a widespread economic slowdown.

The US administration is hinting towards a possible agreement between Ukraine and Russia, which could lead to a ceasefire and a gradual return of US businesses to Russia. Such an event would induce a one-time positive shock to the market. Russia represents a giant 150 million consumer market that is significant for many US businesses. Second, the end of the conflict could very likely provide relief for energy prices around the globe, and especially in Europe. Lower energy prices are congruent with more consumer purchasing power and wider business profitability  both these factors should drive corporate earnings and valuations higher.

With that being said, the key takeaway is that markets currently reflect close to peak pessimism, all while the economic situation in the US and around the world isnt materially worse than it was last year. Such a scenario is highly favorable for growth stocks  not only does the currently depressed market offer more undervalued candidates to invest in, but also hints towards a potential economic acceleration if Russia and Ukraine do reach a deal under the supervision of the US administration.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of most undervalued growth stocks, we used a stock screener to filter for companies that have at least 20% revenue CAGR in the last 5 years, and that trade below 15x forward P/E. Then we compared the list with our proprietary database of hedge funds ownership and included in the article the top 10 stocks with the highest number of hedge funds that own the stock as of Q4 2024. The stocks are ranked in descending order of their forward P/E ratio.

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 Builders FirstSource, Inc. (BLDR) the Most Undervalued Growth Stock to Buy Now?

A crane lifting a truss during the construction of a new building.

Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR)

Forward P/E ratio: 10.64

Revenue CAGR last 5 years: 27.08%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59

Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) is a supplier of building materials and manufactured components to professional homebuilders, remodelers, and commercial contractors in the US. The companys large scale of operations makes it a key supplier to the construction sector, with the product portfolio including lumber, engineered wood, windows, doors, and roofing, among others. BLDR also provides value-added services such as design, estimating, and installation.

Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) demonstrated resilience in 2024 with strong financial performance, achieving a mid-teens adjusted EBITDA margin and nearly 33% gross margin despite market challenges. The company invested over $75 million in value-added facilities, opened two new truss manufacturing facilities, upgraded 19 truss facilities, and enhanced 13 millwork locations. Digital platform adoption showed progress with $134 million in incremental sales in 2024, and the company expects additional incremental sales of approximately $200 million in 2025. The company also completed 13 acquisitions in 2024 with aggregate prior year sales of roughly $420 million, demonstrating continued execution of its growth strategy.

Looking ahead to 2025, Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) faces headwinds from continued weakness in multifamily construction and affordability challenges in single-family housing. However, the company maintains a strong financial position with a healthy balance sheet, consistently strong cash flow generation, and multiple paths for value creation through organic growth, acquisitions, and share repurchases. Management forecasts net sales between $16.5 billion to $17.5 billion, representing a 4% YoY growth at the middle of the range. BLDRs ability to grow even during soft construction markets, coupled with an affordable 10.64 forward P/E, makes it one of the most undervalued stocks on our list.

Overall, BLDR ranks 5th on our list of most undervalued growth stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of BLDR to grow, 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 BLDR but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
From immigration fights to defending President Donald Trumps federal government cutbacks, the Justice Department has responded to more than a hundred emergency lawsuits in the first hundred days of the presidency with surprising consistency.

The approach: Defend whatever Trump wants. And when thats not working, muddy the waters.

At times, that includes skipping or fast-tracking the established order of when cases can be appealed in federal civil cases, with the Justice Department pushing some ongoing disputes from trial-level courts up to the Supreme Court or other appellate courts as soon as it can.

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At other times, its included an approach filled with fallacy, or a very selective reading of a court order, as Judge Paula Xinis of the federal court in Maryland wrote recently in an immigration case.

In the Xinis case, regarding the mistakenly deported immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the administration was told by the Supreme Court that Xinis at the trial level could order the US to facilitate his return. Xinis has said the way the Justice Department interpreted that order  by doing nothing except stating they would be willing to send a plane to Latin America to retrieve him  is redefining facilitate contrary to law and logic.

The administration appears to be driven not by any legal theory but by a theory of power, one former Justice Department official from Democratic administrations told CNN.

The Supreme Court has said the Trump administration must give notice to detainees who are being sent to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act so they have the opportunity to challenge their deportations. But courts are now questioning whether the administrations notice is enough.

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The ACLU, representing the detainees, has alleged they may not even get 24 hours notice of removal. The group has also raised the concern that the notices are being given in English rather than the detainees first language, Spanish, though a Justice Department lawyer denied this in court on Friday.

A refrain in court from administration lawyers since Trump took office has been to argue that the power of the president is nearly irreproachable  a theory that is likely to be tested by Trump at the Supreme Court.

At times, this means the administration has argued  in public and in court  that Trump may derive more power than judges because he was elected president. This argument of a mandate from voters most recently came up this week during court arguments on Trumps aggressive immigration program.

The president was elected on this exact program, and it remains his most popular policy, despite the medias attempts to turn it otherwise, Justice Department attorney Tiberius Davis told a federal judge in New York.

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Judge Alvin Hellerstein responded, Were not talking about popularity. I understand the desire to remove but theres also due process of law.

That argument has also arisen as Justice Department lawyers have defended the data-seeking and funding-slashing efforts of Trumps adviser Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, the attempts to shutter agencies including USAID and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the firing of federal appointees and career civil servants.

It also came up as the Justice Department defended a Trump executive order targeting a law firm that represented his political opponent. At a hearing, a top DOJ official told the judge that courts could not second guess decisions made by the president, in the name of national security, to revoke lawyers security clearances or take other actions that undermine their ability to their jobs.

In response to an inquiry about legal strategy, a Justice Department spokesman said, This Department of Justice will continue to vigorously defend President Trumps agenda and Article II authority in court.

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Ty Cobb, who represented Trump during his first term in the special counsel investigations, said on CNNs Erin Burnett OutFront that the Justice Department lawyering in the immigration case before Xinis was filled with obfuscation and bad faith.

He added that the bolder Justice Department lawyers become in difficult-to-defend cases, they may lose credibility in court.

This is the first judge who has so far in the Trump world cases finally abandoned the presumption of regularity that normally attaches to the representations of government lawyers, Cobb said on Tuesday. She doesnt believe them. She doesnt trust them.

This is a losing proposition all around, Reagan-appointed judge says

In some cases, this administrations actions wouldnt have been approved by legal checks within the executive branch, several former officials say.

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One former Justice official, who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, pointed to how the administration has ordered restrictions on law firms for political reasons, which multiple judges already have said are unconstitutional.

Those unprecedented executive orders against firms like Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale were unlikely to have been approved by lawyers in the White House counsels office or the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel under any previous administration of either party.

An executive order signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 dictates how the Justice Department must look at presidential proposals to clear them legally. Historically, administrations use the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel to form legal opinions on policies and executive action, and the White House counsels office also plays a role in examining whether and how presidents prerogatives can be done.

That balance is really out of whack here, a Biden-era Justice Department official told CNN.

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The current administration is asking a different question than previous ones internally in their approach to the law, the former employee of multiple administrations said. Its not, can we do this, but, is anyone going to stop us?

A federal appellate judge this month, J. Harvie Wilkinson III, who has been on the bench in Richmond, Virginia, since the Reagan administration, sounded this alarm as well in a recent opinion. Wilkinson wrote about President Dwight Eisenhowers willingness to set aside his opinions when the Supreme Court ordered the desegregation of schools in 1955.

Now the branches come too close to grinding irrevocably against one another in a conflict that promises to diminish both. This is a losing proposition all around, Wilkinson wrote. The Executive will lose much from a public perception of its lawlessness and all of its attendant contagions  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.

I just dont have that information

In the case where Perkins Coie is suing over Trumps retaliation, a Justice Department lawyer on Wednesday highlighted another approach in some of the cases, where the administrations lawyers are unprepared and cant or wont give answers to factual questions.

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This has both hurt and helped the administration at times, such as in DOGE privacy cases and immigrant deportation battles.

On Wednesday, the Justice Department lawyer, Richard Lawson, sparred for several minutes with federal Judge Beryl Howell over whether there are even written agreements between the administration and some law firms to provide free legal work in line with Trumps priorities, and he couldnt answer whether Perkins Coie would have been spared from an executive order if it had agreed to pledge pro bono work.

I cant speak to it, Lawson told the judge repeatedly. I wasnt coming briefed for the matters outside of Perkins Coie  I just dont have that information.

Similarly, Justice Department lawyers have struggled to provide answers when judges have asked point-blank questions about who at DOGE was in charge, and the role there of Musk.

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And in the immigration cases, administration lawyers have stumbled rather than giving answers on who was involved in setting the controversial immigrant removal policies, and in one case taking several days to muster Cabinet official declarations that some publicly available flight data and other details were so-called state secrets.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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Trump thinks that Russia not completely colonizing Ukraine is a concession on the path to peace.

Mr. President  what concessions has Russia offered up thus far to get to the point where youre closer to peace? a reporter asked Trump, during a meeting with the Norwegian prime minister in the Oval Office on Thursday.

Stopping the war. Stopping taking the whole country. Pretty big concession, Trump replied dryly.

Trump says that Russias concession to Ukraine is not taking over the entire country pic.twitter.com/n6NbQArmP6  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 24, 2025

Promising to not invade a neighboring country is not a concession, especially not when youve already bombed said neighbor for over two years. Just hours before, Trump had resorted to Truth Social to beg Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop bombing Ukraine, after the worst assault on Kyiv in months.

The Trump administration continues to reveal that the so-called peace deal it wants to broker between Russia and Ukraine is just a way to force the latter to give up more land and resources. Its not a deal, its not a ceasefire, its a shakedown.
President Donald Trump on Thursday said he has granted an interview with The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg set for later in the day.

The sit-down stands out, considering Goldberg was infamously added to a group chat last month among several Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Goldberg was inadvertently added to the chat, in which strikes against the Houthis in Yemen were discussed, on the messaging app Signal by national security advisor Michael Waltz.

That mistake led to a media uproar and had many questioning whether Hegseth and Waltz should remain in their roles. President Trump has since downplayed the incident, saying it was old and boring and part of the Radical Lefts Witch Hunt.

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Later today I will be meeting with, of all people, Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic, and the person responsible for many fictional stories about me, including the made-up hoax on Suckers and Losers and, SignalGate, something he was somewhat more successful with, President Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The Trump-Goldberg interview comes as the two have been publicly grappling for years. The president, in his post, was referring to a 2020 Atlantic story by Goldberg that said Trump called those in a military cemetery suckers and losers. Goldberg said his reporting was based on four people with firsthand knowledge of the presidents comments. President Trump has denied ever making those comments on multiple occasions, including during his 2024 debate with Joe Biden, when the former president referenced the report.

Jeffrey is bringing with him Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker, not exactly pro-Trump writers, either, to put it mildly! the president continued. The story they are writing, they have told my representatives, will be entitled, The Most Consequential President of This Century. I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if its possible for The Atlantic to be truthful.'

He concluded: Are they capable of writing a fair story on Trump? The way I look at it, what can be so bad  I won!

The post Trump Grants Interview to Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg Out of Curiosity After Signal Scandal appeared first on TheWrap.
President Trump says he plans to meet with Jeffrey Goldberg, the journalist who was mistakenly added to a group chat with several top intelligence and defense officials in his administration where plans for an attack on terrorists in Yemen were discussed.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social site he would meet with Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic, who the president said was responsible for many fictional stories about me, including the made-up HOAX on Suckers and Losers and, SignalGate, something he was somewhat more successful with.

Trump said Goldberg plans to bring two top reporters at The Atlantic with him, Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker, whom the president called not exactly pro-Trump writers, either, to put it mildly!

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Goldbergs team told White House officials the story they are writing will be titled The Most Consequential President of this Century, Trump said.

I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if its possible for The Atlantic to be truthful,' he added.

Trump has repeatedly attacked Goldberg and The Atlantic over its coverage of him, and he dismissed the bombshell report published last month as fake news.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, one of the officials in the group chat, is now embroiled in another controversy over a second group chat that reportedly included sensitive information.

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Trump has offered support for Hegseth.

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President Trump has taken steps to nullify a key component to the Civil Rights Act as he works to remove diversity, equity and inclusion policies from the federal government.

One of the executive orders issued Wednesday, dubbed Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy, would dismantle disparate impact liability  a legal theory codified in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that holds agencies accountable for practices that have an outsized discriminatory effect on protected groups, even when there is no intent to discriminate.

The theory allows a plaintiff to sue without fulfilling the burden of demonstrating intentional bias by pointing to practices that disproportionately affect protected groups. Some of these practices include educational requirements, criminal history policies and even physical fitness.

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But conservatives have long argued the disparate impact clause punishes employers, an argument Trumps latest action echoes.

Trump describes disparate impact liability as part of a pernicious movement that endangers the bedrock principle that all American citizens are treated equally.

Disparate-impact liability all but requires individuals and businesses to consider race and engage in racial balancing to avoid potentially crippling legal liability, the order reads. It not only undermines our national values, but also runs contrary to equal protection under the law and, therefore, violates our Constitution.

The memo adds that disparate impact liability has, in some cases, made it impossible for employers to use bona fide job-oriented evaluations when recruiting.

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Because of disparate-impact liability, employers cannot act in the best interests of the job applicant, the employer, and the American public, Trump wrote in the order.

The presidents executive actions also direct federal agencies to identify and roll back regulations related to disparate impact and review all current lawsuits, investigations and consent decrees currently based on disparate impact claims. It also calls for departments to work with the attorney general and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to change the interpretation of Title VI and Title VII.

The order falls in line with Trumps attempts to create a colorblind society based on meritocracy.

During his inauguration speech, the president vowed to forge a society that is colorblind and merit-based.

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Just two days later, he signed an executive order to restore merit-based opportunity to federal agencies.

But civil rights leaders have pushed back on the administrations meritocracy-based arguments, saying it overlooks systemic biases that leave little room for people of color, LGBTQ people, women and people with disabilities to access resources and opportunities.

Now, civil rights groups are already vowing to fight back against Trumps latest order.

Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Womens Law Center, accused the White House of trying to roll back decades of protection in an effort to clear a path for a government ruled not by and for the people, but by and for one man.

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This order is part of Donald Trumps ongoing efforts to dismantle our freedoms and roll back our rights, Graves said in a statement. He hates that civil rights laws give us the power to stand up to bullies like him.

But a president does not have the power to take away core civil rights protections from the people of this country with a flick of his wrist, she added.

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President Trump suggested that Russia stopping short of taking over all of Ukraine counts as a concession. Trump's comments come after Russia unleashed new strikes overnight on Kyiv. NBC News Senior White House Correspondent Gabe Gutierrez reports more. Former Senior State Department and CIA official Ned Price joins Chris Jansing to weigh in on Trumps negotiating tactics.
President Donald Trump said he was not happy with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as his administration presses forward with its campaign to persuade Russia and Ukraine to accept a U.S. ceasefire proposal.

Trump condemned Putin for launching an attack on Kyiv early Thursday, which killed at least eight people, urging the foreign leader to agree to a peace deal to end the three-year conflict in Ukraine that his country started. The Trump administration recently put forward a ceasefire plan that would involve a freeze of most territorial lines, Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday, and reports of ceding to Russias annexation of Crimea. Ukrainian officials have previously dismissed calls to compromise on territorial integrity.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV, Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social on Thursday. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!



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Trumps chiding of Putin is a change from his usual targeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has been the main outlet for Trumps frustration over the war. The leaders tensions culminated in public sparring in the Oval Office earlier this year. But in recent weeks, Trump has sometimes placed blame on both foreign leaders.

On Wednesday, Trump bashed Zelenskyy, suggesting Ukraine hadnt tried hard enough to take control of Russian-occupied Crimea.

Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday.

Trumps remarks also follow increased threats from the president and other administration officials to abandon ceasefire negotiations if Russia and Ukraine dont come to the table soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff pulled out of a meeting with European allies Wednesday to discuss proposals to end the war.

Trump, who pledged to end the war in 24 hours on the campaign trail if elected, has struggled to broker a deal to end the war as Russia restarted its offensive earlier this month.
(The Hill)  President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed frustration with Russia after it launched deadly strikes on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv hours after Trump had lashed out at Ukraines president.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV, Trump posted on Truth Social. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv early Thursday morning, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens of others, according to multiple reports. It marked the deadliest attack on the Eastern European nations capital city since last summer.

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Trump hammers Zelensky for Crimea red line in peace talks

The Trump administration has been pushing for a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, but top officials have in recent days signaled they are prepared to walk away from negotiations if the two sides dont reach a deal soon.

Fighting has been ongoing in Ukraine since Russian forces invaded in February 2022 after amassing troops near the border.

Trump has vacillated between criticizing Russia for its continued assault on Ukraine and lashing out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump on Wednesday ripped the Ukrainian leader after he said Kyiv would never recognize Russias occupation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. Russia seized Crimea in 2014.

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Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory, Trump wrote Wednesday on Truth Social, adding that Zelenskys inflammatory statements  makes it so difficult to settle this war.

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In his latest controversial environmental decision, our fearless leader has made what seems to be a highly flippant, off-the-cuff executive order to open the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing, Honolulu Civic Beat reported last Thursday, with every major news and environmental publication worth its salt following suit shortly thereafter.

The Monument was created by President Bush in 2008 with an initial 80,000 square miles and more than sextupled by President Obama in 2014 to cover more than a 490,000-square-mile swath (and extended restrictions from 50 nautical miles out to 200) of big blue sea between Hawaii, American Samoa, and the Marianas Trench National Marine Monument. Met with largely bipartisan support, the regional commercial fleet has been understandably up in arms over the decision.

Intended to improve economic opportunities for our domestic fishing fleet. With some 90% of U.S. seafood currently being imported (according to NOAA Fisheries)and much of that sourcing ranging from questionable to highly problematicits certainly understandable that our fishing fleets feel left out. But whats the conservation cost?

This undermines more than a decade of bipartisan conservation efforts, a wide-eyed Maxx Phillips, Director and Staff Attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity in the Hawaii and Pacific Islands told Khon2. Its a direct slap in the face to science, to the ocean, to the generations of Pacific Islanders who have fought long and hard to protect these sacred waters, Phillips also told Hawaii News Now.

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These marine protected areas (MPAs) have been designed so that we can conserve our fragile marine ecosystems, she offered, arguing, Its hard to say what the purpose will be other than to make some people a lot richer at the expense of our environment.

Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz immediately responded, issuing the following statement in a press release: We should be protecting the Pacifics unmatched ecology and biodiversity for future generationsthis order does the opposite.

The Hawaiian monk seal, Monachus schauinslandi now Neomonachus schauinslandi, is an endangered species of earless seal in the Phocidae family that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.They are solitary animals. The Hawaiian monk seal is one of two remaining monk seal species. Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument, Midway Island, Midway Atoll, Hawaiian Islands. Getty Images

Its so, so horrible, and so stupid. Its so stupid. Were talking about a massive ocean, and theyre forced to travel four to seven days to go and fish in an area thats not as good and is probably a little more dangerous, came the explanation over the signing in the Oval Office last Thursday, flanked by a gleefully singing delegation from American Samoa, which had been lobbying the executive branch for the change.

The 490,000 square miles spans several atolls from Wake Atoll NWR (National Wildlife Refuge) on the western edge to Jarvis Island NWR to the east, and considering the decade-plus of commercial fishing restrictionsrecreational sportfishing is exemptits likely rebounded and, in turn, become some of the most fertile fishing grounds in any tropical U.S. territory.

But what happens when our fleets begin harvesting there to prosper again? Our commercial-fishing surfing brethren may find themselves with sparkling new quivers, cars, and homes a little closer to their favorite peaks, but how long can the freshly flourishing bounty support them?

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That is the million-dollar question that neither I, nor you, nor any fisher folk, politician, or conservationist can truly answer until a vacant sea answers for us.

Related: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Among Vital Agencies Hit by Tide of NOAA Layoffs

The order will likely land before a judge before the order is enacted. The President simply cannot do what he tried to do todayonly Congress can, EarthJustice Attorney David Henkin told Hawaii News Now over a video call. The executive order does, however, require Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to enact new rules to allow the fishing, and circumvent any rulings a court may make.

For now, there remain four other Marine National Monuments, with many conservationists holding their breath for the fate of nearby Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which at 582,578 square miles is not only the largest fully protected conservation area in the U.S., but the largest MPA on earth.

Related: Olympic Surfing Comes to America's Largest Nuclear Waste Dump
Investors who allocate capital to the financial services space will likely be familiar with industry heavyweights such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Visa, Mastercard, and Charles Schwab. I'm sure younger and digitally native companies such as Robinhood Markets and SoFi Technologies come to mind as well.

However, you might not know about Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU), a fintech enterprise that's making a splash in Latin America. It has already grown into a sizable business, with a market cap of $55 billion. And with shares currently 31% off their peak and trading for less than $12, it deserves a closer look.

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 

Winning over customers

Nu shares are volatile, but investors shouldn't let that distract them from the quality of the underlying business, which continues to fire on all cylinders. Growth is the most important variable to focus on.

Nu's revenue rose by 43% in 2024. That kept an impressive streak of monster gains going. The average estimate among Wall Street analysts covering the company is for its sales to rise at a compound annual rate of 32% during the next three years.

The company's digital banking platform, which offers an array of financial services, is resonating strongly with people in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, the three markets where Nu currently operates. Its success in finding significant product-market fit is understandable when you consider how many people in those countries are (or were) either unbanked or underbanked. As of Dec. 31, Nu had 114 million customers -- more than twice as many as it had just three years earlier.

It's encouraging to see Nu generating rising profits. Demonstrating the business model's scalability is the fact that the net profit margin went from negative 9.7% in 2021 to 17% in 2024. Robust unit economics helped. Because it does not have the overhead expenses of operating physical bank branches, Nu's bottom line should keep expanding at a healthy clip.

Understand the risks

Bullish arguments don't paint the whole picture about any company. It's important to understand a stock's key risks, and Nu certainly has some.

Any bank that wants to do well must have effective risk management, and on that front, the executive team plays a crucial role. If leadership wants to push for more growth at a faster pace, for instance, it can loosen lending standards -- but this does increase the probability that a larger percentage of borrowers will default. With that in mind, investors should keep an eye on Nu's credit loss allowance expense. It was up 39% in 2024.
By Mike Scarcella

(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday lashed out at a lawyer for the Trump Organization who is also representing Harvard University in its lawsuit against his administration, saying the company should fire him.

Trumps post on his social media platform Truth Social did not name the attorney, but it appeared to describe prominent Washington lawyer William Burck of law firm Quinn Emanuel.

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The Trump Organization is run by Trump's sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. Asked whether Burck still worked for the Trump Organization, Eric Trump said in a statement on Thursday: "I view it as conflict and I will be moving in a different direction." He did not elaborate.

Burck is a lead attorney for Harvard in a lawsuit filed this week accusing the Trump administration of illegally moving to freeze more than $2 billion in federal funding as part of a pressure campaign against the research institution and other schools.

In January, the Trump Organization said it retained Burck, a longtime Republican insider, as an outside ethics adviser to help develop and maintain internal policies to ward against conflicts of interest.

Burck and Quinn Emanuel did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In Trumps Truth Social post, the president accused Harvard of being a hotbed of antisemitism and hate.

Harvard said in announcing its lawsuit against the Trump administration this week that it will "continue to fight hate with the urgency it demands as we fully comply with our obligations under the law."

A representative for Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Burck, a former White House lawyer for former Republican President George W. Bush, has also represented Steve Bannon and other Trump backers. Quinn Emanuel, with more than 1,000 lawyers, is a longtime law firm for Tesla CEO and Trump ally Elon Musk.

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Harvard's lawsuit is not the firm's only case opposing the administration. Quinn Emanuel is separately representing wrongly deported man Kilmar Abrego Garcia in his lawsuit seeking his return from El Salvador to the United States.

A hearing is scheduled for Monday in Boston in Harvard's lawsuit against the Trump administration.

(Reporting by Mike Scarcella and Jeff Mason in Washington; Editing by David Bario and Matthew Lewis)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  President Donald Trump has pardoned former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore weeks before her sentencing for wire fraud, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

In October 2024, a jury convicted Fiore, suspended in July 2024 from her position as justice court judge in Nye County, after deliberating for two hours. The panel convicted her on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud for taking money meant for fallen police officers memorials and spending it on herself.

Last week, Fiore lost her bid for either an acquittal or a new trial, a judge ruled. Fiore was scheduled to be sentenced on May 14. The White House confirmed the pardon but did not comment further.

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An executive grant of clemency with a full and unconditional pardon was posted to Fiores court docket Thursday. The president signed it on Wednesday.

An executive grant of clemency with a full and unconditional pardon was posted to Fiores court docket Thursday. The president signed it on Wednesday. (KLAS)

Vanessa, you need to get on your knees, a little more girl, Fiore texted 8 News Now Investigator Vanessa Murphy, who reached out to Fiore for confirmation.

Today, I stand before you  not just as a free woman, but as a vindicated soul whose prayers were heard, whose faith held firm, and whose truth could not be buried by injustice, Fiore said in a statement. I am deeply and eternally grateful to President Donald J. Trump for granting me a full and unconditional pardon. This act of mercy is not just a correction of a legal record  it is the restoration of a life, a reputation, and a mission long targeted for destruction.

On June 8, 2014, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers Alyn Beck and Igor Soldo were gunned down while they were on their lunch break in northeast Las Vegas. Fiore claimed to raise money for statues for the fallen officers, and some of the high-profile citizens from whom she collected donations were Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo and the Local 872 union boss Tommy White, both of whom testified at trial.

Former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore refuses to take questions after reading a statement to the news media outside the Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse in Las Vegas after pleading not guilty to federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy Friday, July 19, 2024. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The jury returned those guilty verdicts less than two hours after the case went to deliberation following an eight-day trial at the federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas. Court documents said she fleeced donors out of tens of thousands of dollars.

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In court documents seeking a new trial or acquittal, Fiore claimed there was insufficient evidence to convict her. Evidence presented at trial showed that a development company paid for the statue for which Fiore claimed to be raising money, and not a dime of the money that Fiore raised was used for that purpose, Judge Jennifer Dorsey wrote in her opinion. Instead, each check was quickly converted to cash and spent on Fiores expenses like rent, cosmetic procedures, and her daughters wedding.

Fiore had argued in her motion that her trial attorney was ineffective, and that the trial judge should have stricken controversial testimony from Fiores daughter, Sheena Siegel. Siegel ultimately testified in court, invoking her constitutional right not to incriminate herself for any role she might have played in Fiores criminal wrongdoing.

On Monday, I will walk back into my courtroom as the elected Justice of the Peace  not because man permitted it, but because God ordained it, Fiore said. To those who weaponized the justice system against me: I dont need to return fire. The truth already has. To my supporters who never stopped believing: this victory is yours too. Thank you for all your prayers.

The Nevada Attorney Generals Office declined to comment on whether it would move forward on state charges.

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Donald Trumps blatant disregard for law enforcement is sickening, and pardoning someone who stole from a police memorial fund is a disgrace, Democratic Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford posted on his personal X account. As Nevadas top cop, I believe theres no room for reprieve when it comes to betraying the families of fallen officers. I will continue to stand with our men and women in uniform.

Lombardo declined to comment.

Interim U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah, who sat behind Fiore during the trial, declined to comment through a spokesperson. Chattah remained listed on Thursday on the Nevada Republican Partys website as the national committeewoman for Nevada, a position Fiore once held.

There isnt a shred of law and order left in the Republican Party after Trump pardoned Michele Fiore who was found guilty of stealing from a charity benefiting a fallen officer to pay for her rent and plastic surgery, Nevada State Democratic Party executive director Hilary Barrett said in a statement. Donald Trumps blatant disregard for our men and women in uniform is yet another slap in the face to those who put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe. Joe Lombardo and Nevada Republicans should have enough respect for our law enforcement to condemn Trumps reckless pardons, including his pardoning hundreds of violent January 6th rioters who assaulted police officers. Democrats will continue to stand up for law enforcement even when Republicans wont.

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I am glad the president looked at Micheles case and saw what we saw  that Micheles actions were not criminal, said Michael Sanft, Fiores trial attorney. We showed at trial that Michele did not live beyond her means, that whatever money she had was used to further her service as a city councilwoman for Las Vegas Ward 6. Thats all this case was about. And as such, I am ecstatic for Michele and her family, and happy that the president saw the same thing and took the right course of action with his pardon.

Attorney Kristina Wildeveld told the 8 News Now Investigators she filed the petition with the Department of Justice on Fiores behalf.

Wildeveld noted the pardon is obtained through a political process, and not a legal process.

Wildeveld said many people followed Fiores case, and she is very well-known and very well-liked.

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Fiore, first elected as a Republican Nevada assemblywoman in 2012, later served as Las Vegas mayor pro tem and unsuccessfully ran for governor and treasurer as a Republican. Nye County Commissioners appointed her to her judgeship in late 2022. Last June, voters re-elected Fiore to that position.

A representative for the United States District Court for the District of Nevada deferred questions to Washington, D.C.

8 News Now Investigator Vanessa Murphy can be reached at vmurphy@8newsnow.com. 8 News Now Investigator David Charns can be reached at dcharns@8newsnow.com. 8 News Now Investigator Kyle Paine can be reached at kpaine@8newsnow.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 KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  President Donald Trump has pardoned a Nevada Republican politician who was awaiting sentencing on federal charges that she used money meant for a statue honoring a slain police officer for personal costs, including plastic surgery.

Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas city councilwoman and state lawmaker who ran unsuccessfully in 2022 for state treasurer, was found guilty in October of six counts of federal wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was out of custody ahead of her sentencing, which had been scheduled for next month.

In a lengthy statement Thursday on Facebook, the loyal Trump supporter expressed gratitude to the president while also accusing the U.S. government and select media outlets of a broad, decade-long conspiracy to target and dismantle" her life.

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The White House confirmed Fiore had been pardoned but did not comment on the presidents decision.

The pardon, issued Wednesday, comes less than a week after Fiore lost a bid for a new trial. She had been facing the possibility of decades in prison.

Federal prosecutors said at trial that Fiore, 54, had raised more than $70,000 for the statue of a Las Vegas police officer who was fatally shot in 2014 in the line of duty, but had instead spent some of it on cosmetic surgery, rent and her daughters wedding.

Michele Fiore used a tragedy to line her pockets, federal prosecutor Dahoud Askar said.

FBI agents in 2021 subpoenaed records and searched Fiores home in Las Vegas in connection with her campaign spending.

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In a statement, Nevada Democratic Party Executive Director Hilary Barrett called the pardon reckless and a slap in the face to law enforcement officers.

Fiore, who does not have a law degree, was appointed as a judge in deep-red Nye County in 2022 shortly after she lost her campaign for state treasurer.

She was elected last June to complete the unexpired term of a judge who died but had been suspended without pay amid her legal troubles. Pahrump is an hours drive west of Las Vegas.

In her statement Thursday, Fiore also said she plans to return to the bench next week.

Nye County said it is awaiting an update on Fiore's current suspension from the state Commission on Judicial Discipline, which told The Associated Press in an email that it was aware that Fiore had been pardoned but that it didn't have further comment on her situation.

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AP also sent an email seeking comment from Fiore's lawyer.

Fiore served in the state Legislature from 2012 to 2016. She was a Las Vegas councilwoman from 2017 to 2022.

While serving as a state lawmaker, Fiore gained national attention for her support of rancher Cliven Bundy and his family during armed standoffs between militiamen and federal law enforcement officers in Bunkerville, Nevada, in 2014 and Malheur, Oregon, in 2016.
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Its no coincidence that President Donald Trump caved to the Kremlins demands for peace-through-surrender, and insisted that Kyiv do the same, on the same day that Russia launched its deadliest attack on Ukrainian civilians in nearly a year.

Then, one day later, deepening the delusions that he has long displayed about the war and his own power to affect its course, Trump called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to his senses and stop the killing.

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Vladimir, STOP! Trump posted on Truth Social. I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing.

Quite aside from the bone-chilling familiarity (has Trump ever addressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by his first name?), theres the presumption that the Kremlin leader has ever regretted blowing up civilian apartments or cared what Trump or anyone else might think about his murderousness. Trump had complained once before about Russian bombingand then, just minutes later, he resumed blaming Ukrainians for starting the war (and, of course, Joe Biden for failing to stop it). Certainly the peace plan that Trump had just laid on the table should have signaled that the Russians can get away with whatever levels of violence theyd like to commit.

Trumps plan, according to European sources who have seen the one-page outline, calls for the following:

 Russian and Ukrainian troops cease fire at their current positions on the battlefield. That means Moscow would control about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including the bulk of its four easternmost (and, before the war, industrial-rich) provinces in Donbas.

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 The U.S. also lifts all economic sanctions that it imposed on Russia as a result of the February 2022 invasion.

 Russia is recognized as controlling Crimea (which the Soviet Union had handed Ukraine as a gift in 1954, until Putin reannexed the peninsula in 2014).

 The U.S. is barred from stationing peacekeeping troops in Ukraine after the ceasefire, and Ukraine is forbidden from ever joining the Wests NATO military alliance.

 In exchange for all this, Russia is obliged to concede  well, it seems, nothing. In fact, Russian spokesmen continue to demand that even a temporary ceasefire be preceded by a settlement of all the wars root causes, which it blames entirely on Ukraine.

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As one NATO official told a reporter from Politico when asked what he thought of Trumps proposal: Did Putin write this for him? Another diplomat responded with an exploding head emoji.

Russias state-controlled media certainly understood the gist of the deal, writing, Its practically a foregone conclusion the U.S. will pull out of Ukraine talks, and The unity of the West is gone. Geopolitically its no longer an alliance. Trumpism has destroyed the Atlantic consensus confidently and quickly.

If that isnt Trumps aim as well, then one can only ask: What is his aim?

A case could be made that some of these elements might be woven into a peace deal after both sidesRussia and Ukraineare ready, or can both be pressured, to stop fighting. However, to accede to Russias position at the start of negotiations, with pressure only on Kyiv and no concessions from Moscow, amounts to Ukrainian surrender.

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Short of such pressure or desire, a ceasefire, under Trumps terms, would simply give Putins army a chance to regroup, remobilize, and at least threaten to resume an offensive toward Kyiv. Anyone who believes Putin would hold the line at Donbas, leave Kyivs government in place, or refrain from threatening other former Soviet republics hasnt been paying attention to what Putin himself has been saying about his goals the past yeare.g., that Ukraine is a fiction, its people dont exist as a separate culture, and that Russia has a legitimate interest in not only carving out a sphere of influence but re-creating the old Russian empire in the space of what was once the Soviet Unions Warsaw Pact.

As for NATO, shortly after the 2022 invasion, Zelensky said he had cooled off on membership in the Wests military alliance as a trade-off for peace. He repeated the point this week. However, on both occasions, and several times in the interim, he has demanded some form of security guarantees from Western countries, asked what they might entail in the absence of a NATO slot, and heard nothing in return.

Zelensky also pointed out that, whatever Crimeas checkered history, Ukraines constitution prohibits just letting it go. Trump waved away the legal niceties. If the Ukrainians want Crimea, he asked, Why didnt they fight for it 11 years ago when Russian troops stormed and annexed it without a shot being fired?

There are a few good answers to this question. First, its worth noting that Zelensky wasnt president until 2019, five years after the Crimean annexation and the subsequent incursions into eastern Ukraine by Russian special forces. Second, at the time of the annexation, Ukraines army had pretty much dissolved. (It would begin to rebuild, with the help of U.S. assistance and some European armies, during the Donbas wars preceding the 2022 invasion.) Third, the annexation seemed, at the time, to be a one-off eventPutins attempt to halt Kyivs pro-democracy movements from making an alliance with any Western organizations, especially the European Union.

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As Putin stretched his war into an invasion of all Ukraine, the terms and stakes of the war changed. Even in the early part of the war, many residents in Donbas and Crimea regarded themselves as Russians; in a hypothetical war, they might have sided with Moscow. But once Moscow started bombing their apartments, hospitals, and other targets, sympathies shifted. Ukrainians have fought over Donbas and Crimea in the battles since.

It is worth noting that, back in 2018, during his first term as president, Trump said the U.S. would not recognize Crimea as Russian territory. As a Republican active on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Marco Rubio also called for a similar policy. Now he has joined Trump on the switch to Moscow. So have most of the Republicans who were on Zelenskys side not so long ago.

Rubio was scheduled to attend the next round of peace talks along with Trumps all-purpose emissary and fellow real-estate tycoon Steve Witkoff. But when Zelensky rejected the offer out of hand, they copped out. There would still be a U.S. delegation, but one consisting of midlevel officials who would haveand be seen as havinglittle to no influence on the proceedings.

This is what Rubio meant when he said earlier this week that, if one side or the other rejected peace talks, the U.S. would just move on. Two things stand out in that still-somewhat-ambiguous comment. First, Trump has inveighed against only Zelensky for rejecting the specific deal. (To Putin, who not only rejected it but killed dozens of Ukrainian civilians as a sign of showing what he thought of it, Trump sent only a beggars pleaVladimir, STOP!)

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Second, will Trump now move on by taking a merely passive stance toward the war, turning his attention to diplomatic possibilities elsewhere? Or will he take further steps toward a geostrategic alliance with Moscow, in the course of which he will likely halt further military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, possibly letting Kyiv fall and the U.S.-European alliancewhich is most challengingly focused on the fate of Ukrainecrumble?

This is probably a distinction without a difference. Trumps favoritism toward Russia has been clear for a long time. His hostility toward Ukraine has taken on a darker intensity. The events of the past 48 hours may have hardened these trends irreversibly, making the days of even-handednessmuch less a return toward alliance with Ukraineimpossible.
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and the Easter Bunny greet guests at the White House Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on April 21, 2025. Credit - Anna MoneymakerGetty Images

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Dont look now, but Donald Trump is in some of the worst polling territory of his time in power. And thats saying something, as hes never been on terribly firm ground.

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For most of his first term, Trump leaned heavily on his solid footing as a steward of the economy and defender of the border to offset his erratic day-to-day antics. But his support on those twin policy pillars are showing signs of weakening in a series of new polls pegged to his first 100 days back in power. In fact, theyre dragging him down as he adopts more extreme policies.

All of the latest polls show Trump doing terribly on his handling of the economy. Reuters, in fact, found Trump at his lowest marks for the economy everjust 37% approval. On immigration, Trumps polling isnt quite as dire, but hes just about completely erased his edge amid a deportation spree that's included U.S. citizens and others in the country legally.

His unfavorable numbers have been on a steady climb since he came back to the Oval Office, reaching as of Thursday 52% in a New York Times aggregate analysis. Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush were all faring better at this point in their terms. And Trump 2.0 takes little solace in the fact hes still doing better than Trump 1.0 was faring eight years ago at this point in the presidency. (That excludes a brutal Fox News poll, released Wednesday, that has him under his first-term numbers by a single point, but still within the margin of error.)

In this century, no U.S. Presidents polling has fallen off as sharply as Trumps, either. And its not like he had much padding there, either; he started his second term with the second-worst numbers of any President in the modern era, again only saved by his first time coming to Washington. You have to go back all the way to 1953 to find a first-time President with worse numbers. (For those who cannot tick through the White House occupant list, that would be first-time politician Dwight D. Eisenhower.)

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The latest polling for The Economist and YouGov give Trump an approval rating of negative 13 pointsa three-point hit from just a week ago. (At this point in his presidency, Biden was up 11 points.)

Drilling down into the latest polling from Pew, Trump is in negative territory in every single demographic group save two: Republicans and those people who voted for him. Men, women, persons of color, college educated and notthey all have net negative views of him. On exactly zero issues is he in net-positive territory. Not immigration. Not trade. Not public health. Not the economy. Not foreign policy or tax policy.

Theres no single answer why voters have started to sour on Trump, but its impossible to set aside the economy. Trumps tariff tiff with friend and foe alike has left markets rattled. His escalating trade war is giving Wall Street major buyers remorse. His mass deportations have left employers scrambling for low-cost labor and courts jammed with cases. His gutting of governmentand lurching rebootsdoes little to project steadiness, either. Gallups polling, also new this week, finds the country exhibiting the worst economic confidence since 2001 when it started asking the question.

What started as a net-12 point advantage on the economy for Trump at the start of his term three months ago has become a 12-point deficita massive shift marking about a quarter of the electorate, according to the Economist/ YouGov data.

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Its a similar rot in the same polls question on immigration. What started as an 11-point net positive there has since become a net-negative prospect of 5 points in that Economist/ YouGov survey.

In the new Pew data, immigration ranked as the most liked thing Trump has done so far, ranking up there with about 20% of all Americans. Its the lone area where Trump is above water, although the Fox numbers hint at trouble, with just 47% giving him good marks on that topic, and 48% disapproving.

But when asked what they like the least about his work so far, his approach to governing is equally as strong, with 22% of adults telling Pew its their biggest criticism of time back in power.

The fading shine of Trump is far from a salve for the wound hes gashing on Washington, but it does give hope for Democrats, who have been open about their lack of strategy for pushing back on just about any of his moves undermining the rule of law, the economy, or even the government he leads. Politically independent votersthe bread and butter of electionshave been the biggest crack in Trumps coalition: in January, according to Quinnipiac polling, 46% of indie voters said they disapproved of Trump; today, that number stands at 58%. A 12-point swing with independents is the entire ballgame, and should give Republicans a reason to reconsider if Trumps halo is enough to save them when they face voters next year.

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Among Republicans, there are also signs of trouble. The Fox poll asked GOP voters about their prospects for this second term, and 75% of the group said they were encouraged about the next four years. Good, sure. But recall that 84% of those partisans said the same when asked that question at this point during Trumps first term.

If this trend continues, there might be reason for the groundskeepers at the Capitol to ready the Speakers suite for a new occupant, especially given Democrats strong fundraising so far this cycle. Republicans currently have a tiny seven-seat majority in that chamber. So far, GOP lawmakers have shown deference to the belief only Trump could protect them from a loss in the next primary. These latest numbers show he may actually be piling on the pain.

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Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com.
Donald Trumps honeymoon period is over  if it ever existed at all.

The presidents often disjointed efforts aimed at reorganizing the architecture of global trade coupled with furious (and growing) opposition to the rollout of his mass deportation strategy have left him in a tight spot. With the House and Senate still just around the halfway point in the months-long budget reconciliation process and yet to cast a final vote on a bill that may need his political capital to get over the finish line, Trump is bleeding support from voters on several fronts.

Its a rough spot to be in, given the GOPs ultra-slim majorities in the House and Senate and the continued likelihood that the Republican Party will have to reckon with a fight over Medicaid in the weeks ahead.

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A slew of new approval polling this week finds the president underwater with voters in terms of his overall job performance and popularity of his efforts to address individual issues, including immigration  the area where hes longest held an advantage over Democratic opponents.

In a Reuters/Ipsos poll published Wednesday, nearly two thirds of Americans said uncontrolled migration was an issue of concern for them. Yet the share of respondents who approved of Trumps actions was just 45 percent, lower than the 46 percent opposed to them. The rest were undecided. For context: the president enjoyed a double-digit advantage on this issue in Reuters polling taken over the final two weeks of the election.

His drop is largely thanks to the bizarre fight his administration continues to pick over Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvadoran man whom the federal government deported despite a judges ruling that he could not return to El Salvador due to credible fears for his safety. Various administration officials have been unable to keep their explanations straight with each other or the Justice Departments own court filings, while El Salvadors president, eager for Trumps approval, falsely accused Abrego Garcia of terrorist offenses. Hes never been charged with a crime.

Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House as he continues a trade dispute with numerous foreign countries and implements a mass deportation program (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The administrations very public inability or refusal to acknowledge its own mistakes comes as media reports have detailed the consecutive failures of the Department of Homeland Security to adhere to Trumps campaign promise to target violent criminals. The White House has publicly flouted a Supreme Court order requiring the US to facilitate Abrego Garcias retrieval.

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A YouGov poll released Wednesday found that 50 percent of American adults believe that Abrego Garcia should be returned home, in line with a Supreme Court ruling ordering that the administration facilitate his retrieval. The share of Americans who took the White Houses position was just six percentage points higher than the share who had no opinion.

Meanwhile, a DDHQ/The Hill poll put out on Thursday indicates that Trumps overall approval has dropped from above 50 percent in January to 44.7 percent today.

And in case after case, Trump officials have turned to bluster and disinformation rather than acknowledging errors or handing it to their critics.

The presidents attorney general, Pam Bondi, stormed off from a press briefing after being pressed on the stat that the clear majority of Venezuelan deportees to El Salvador did not have criminal records

Speaking of bluster: Trumps trade agenda has caused his popularity to erode as well. On economic issues, the president is seeing the same drop in support even as a shaky stock market mounts a recovery. Economists are warning of a wave of capital flight and impending recession resulting from the on-again-off-again reciprocal tariff announcements, as well as the 10 percent duties the US slapped on all imports.

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Trump has dropped 5 percentage points on this issue since January in the Reuters/Ipsos poll, and he now hovers just a few points above where Joe Biden was at the end of December 2024.

The incumbent president, who unveiled a Trump 28 hat in his campaign merchandise store on Thursday, is legally barred from running for president himself again. Barring an extraordinary attempt to subvert the Constitution, he has no more campaigns to worry about winning.

But the same cant be said for the Republicans he will need on his side to see his legislative agenda through Congress this year. Its looking less and less likely that the administration will have the opportunity to see Elon Musks DOGE cuts codified into law.

If Trumps polling trends continue, his second term may end up being an example of a presidency fueled by policy-through-executive-order, with the president having failed to achieve anything meaningful through Congress.
Donald Trump is targeting a massive Democratic fundraising tool in an upcoming presidential memorandum banning foreign donations in U.S. elections, according to reporting from Politico.

Donations platform ActBlue, which almost all Democratic candidates use in both primary and general elections, has often been criticized by Republicanswithout evidencefor what they see as fraudulent donations from foreign actors. Republican Representative Bryan Steil ordered ActBlue to turn over its records in October and found nothing of the sort. There was actually evidence of ActBlues new program for automatic rejections of donations from foreign nationals.

ActBlue raised $400 million in the first three months of 2025, and Trumps order would effectively choke off donations to the Democratic Party.

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Nothing will deter or interrupt ActBlues mission and work to enable millions of Americans to participate in our democracy. There is an ongoing and persistent effort to weaken the confidence of the American people in whats possible. This is the next version of the big lie, ActBlue CEO and President Regina Wallace-Jones wrote in an email on Wednesday. More than 28 million Americans participate in our democracy through our platform. We are not going to sit back idly and let their voices be silenced. It is time for us to unifyas Americansand create a powerful blue wall to fight against the creeping despotism of the Right, and to win back power in Washington D.C and the halls of government across the country.

Trumps presidential memorandum has yet to be released.


It has been startling to listen to President Donald Trump and his team suggest theres nothing they can do to retrieve Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man they admitted in court to mistakenly deporting to an El Salvador prison alongside other migrants.

Much of the Trump administrations image is built around the idea of strength, especially on the global front, so this display of impotence is off message. Hes the one, Trump likes to say, who holds the cards. It also contradicts Trump's notable record of freeing people wrongfully detained abroad. Hes managed to spring prisoners (usually Americans) even from adversarial nations such as Venezuela and Iran. In this case, El Salvadors leader, Nayib Bukele, is a Trump ally whom the U.S. is paying to hold Abrego Garcia and other migrants whose legal status Trump has challenged. Surely Bukele, who is palpably eager to please Trump, could be convinced to free Abrego Garcia.

The Trump administration may not want to facilitate Abrego Garcias return  which the Supreme Court ordered it to do  but its another thing to say the administration cant do anything.

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In fact, when I reached out to five current and former U.S. officials to discuss the matter, they assured me that I wasnt going crazy  that Trumps and Bukeles displays of helplessness were indeed absurd, if not Kafkaesque. Some of the officials were granted anonymity to avoid potential retaliation but most were eager to put their names down, and they provided a series of concrete moves Trump could make.

Ned Price, a former Joe Biden administration official, said Trump and his aides, for now, appear to care more about making the GOP political base happy by beating up on migrants instead of upholding the rule of law: They see this as a fight they want to have. Eliot Cohen, a U.S. diplomat in the George W. Bush era and frequent Trump critic, said that, for the U.S. and Salvadoran leaders, it amounts to a brutality, cruelty and lawlessness that are performative and part of the brand.

But lets play along with the performance.

Maybe Trump  who at times acts like he knows little about the Abrego Garcia case  has forgotten his own power in this realm. What cards does he actually have to play if he decides Abrego Garcia, and perhaps the other deported prisoners denied due process, need to return to the United States?

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The first step, current and former U.S. officials say, is to simply ask Bukele to hand the men back. Again, Bukele  who calls himself the worlds coolest dictator  wants to make Trump happy. Why deny the request?

But if Bukele resists for some reason, Trump can use incentives, pressure tactics or both to persuade the young leader to go along.

On the incentive side, Trump has numerous options. A few examples: He could offer more direct U.S. financial support for El Salvador, give it a break on tariffs or support some of its priorities in global forums.

Pressure tactics are more complicated but can go a long way.

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Trumps best immediate move could be to cut off the millions of dollars the U.S. is giving Bukele to run the notorious prison known as CECOT, where most of the deportees the U.S. has handed to El Salvador have been placed indefinitely. (Abrego Garcia, an El Salvador native whose case has received intense scrutiny, has, at least temporarily, been moved to another facility, but hes still a prisoner.)

Another step would be to impose visa bans. Those can be targeted, such as banning Bukeles immediate relatives from entering the U.S., or it can cover larger groups of people. In early April, the Trump administration issued a blanket visa ban on all South Sudanese citizens because the countrys government had refused to accept someone the U.S. was trying to deport. The South Sudanese government quickly agreed to accept the deportee, but theres no sign the visa ban has been fully lifted. (The State Department wouldnt directly answer my question about it.)

Then there are economic sanctions, which, like visa bans, can vary in scope, size and reach. During his first term, Trump was upset enough about the detention of an American pastor in Turkey that he imposed economic sanctions on two senior Turkish government officials. The move was so stunning  it targeted a NATO ally, after all  that Turkeys currency hit a new low. Turkey fairly quickly freed the pastor, Andrew Brunson.

Trump has also been willing to wield tariffs in ways similar to sanctions, using them as an attempted remedy for concerns that are not directly related to the economy. Hes pointed to the flow of drugs, especially fentanyl, and migrants into U.S. territory asan excuse to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico. That means a Bukele resistant to returning detainees could find his country slapped with higher tariffs.

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El Salvador relies heavily on remittances from its citizens living in the United States  another pressure point for Trump, who could ban such cash flow to the country.

Trump could also try diplomatic pressure, from expelling Salvadoran diplomats to teaming up with other countries to find a way to isolate the country. Sometimes, diplomatic negotiations can often yield results in themselves, as they did when Trump previously agreed to prisoner exchanges with hostile parties such as the Afghan Taliban and Iran.

Heck, the U.S. hasnt been above sending in its own troops to track down fugitives or retrieve hostages.

I sought comments and ran some of these suggestions by White House spokespersons but didnt get a reply.

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All of this could come down to whether Trump eventually decides the politics of bringing Abrego Garcia (and potentially other detainees) back are better than the politics of sticking with the status quo.

At the moment, despite what the Department of Justice has already admitted in court, Trump and his aides wont publicly say they mistakenly deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, the one country a judge had ordered he not be sent due to threats to his life. Theyre casting him as a terrorist gang member instead, despite a lack of evidence for such a claim and his having not been charged with a crime.

For now, the polls on Trumps handling of immigration show mixed results, though theres some evidence his numbers are slipping due to the Abrego Garcia case.

Democrats appear to believe that this is a political fight worth having, as evidenced by the growing number of themheading to El Salvador to see Abrego Garcia and other detainees. The Supreme Court also has directed a halt to the deportations, adding to the political tinderbox for Trump. Trumps hinting that he would send U.S. citizens to the El Salvador prison may have also given Democrats an opening to make the fight about the rule of law and due process as opposed to the sticky topic of immigration.

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The president  I think hes making a mistake, said Ivo Daalder, a foreign policy analyst and former U.S. ambassador to NATO. It would have been much better to have this guy back and then he could have just moved on.

Bukele, meanwhile, has proposed a deal akin to a prisoner exchange with Venezuela, many of whose citizens are among those Trump has sent to the CECOT prison. If he succeeds, it could be even harder to reverse Trumps deportations.

In recent years, some world leaders have increasingly sided with one political party  usually the GOP  in the United States. As Ive written before, thats a tactic that can work: If the party you choose wins power, they will help you, and if they lose, they will still make it hard for the winner to target you.

By siding so heavily with Trump, Bukele may be making such a bet. But there are still risks.

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If the backlash against Trump is severe enough in the coming years, Democrats may regain significant power. They would have the same carrots and sticks Trump has, from tariffs to remittances, and, who knows, maybe they would be less afraid to use them.

Bukele may want to remember this as he and Trump pretend theres no way they can send Abrego Garcia back to America.


(Reuters) -Brandon Lutnick, son of U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and chair of brokerage Cantor Fitzgerald, is partnering with SoftBank, Tether and Bitfinex to create a multibillion-dollar bitcoin acquisition vehicle, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

The vehicle, Cantor Equity Partners, will use the cash to create a new firm, called 21 Capital. It will receive $3 billion in bitcoin from the other cryptocurrency investors and trading firms, the report added, citing unnamed sources.

Tether would contribute $1.5 billion of bitcoin, while SoftBank and Bitfinex would contribute $900 million and $600 million, respectively, of the digital currency, according to the report.

FT said the announcement was likely to come in the next few weeks. However, it added that the deal could still fail and the numbers could change.

Howard Lutnick, the billionaire who was the CEO of Cantor for 40 years, stepped down last month to run President Donald Trump's commerce department. His sons, Brandon and Kyle Lutnick took over as chairman and executive vice chairman of the brokerage, respectively.

Trump has promised to be the "crypto president," the one who will popularize its mainstream use in America. He has said he backs crypto because it can improve the banking system and increase the dominance of the U.S. dollar.

Cantor, SoftBank, Tether and Bitfinex did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

(Reporting by Janaki Venugopalan in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
With federal funding already in flux, Indiana's public broadcasting stations are facing a funding threat from another angle: the state budget.

The final version of the state budget that lawmakers plan to vote on Thursday eliminates all funding for public broadcasting, all while President Donald Trump has floated plans to end federal funding for public media.

The public wasn't given a chance to testify on the 11th-hour change, quietly added to the 220-page budget bill just one day before lawmakers plan to vote on it and wrap up the 2025 legislative session.

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These public radio and TV stations, like PBS, National Public Radio and their local affiliates, depend on a combination of state and federal dollars, grants and individual donors. Those percentages fluctuate: Central Indiana's WFYI station, for example, collects 11% of its funding federally and 4% from the state; but stations in rural areas, where there are fewer donors available and where public media may be the only source of news due to broadband issues, often rely on government sources for up to half their budgets.

"This is a lifeline for a lot of people," said Mark Newman, executive director of Indiana Public Broadcasting. "Were here as a public service."

In the previous state budget and past budget proposals this legislative session, Indiana Public Broadcasting received $7.4 million to distribute to the state's eight television stations and nine radio stations. After last week's revenue forecast revealed a $2 billion gap lawmakers needed to fill, due in part to federal tariffs that affected the stock market, this line item was one of many that got the axe.

Public media has come under fire by conservatives who believe these outlets are overrun by liberal-leaning biases. These outlets dispute this, saying they represent diverse viewpoints in their coverage. Executives with PBS and NPR have been brought before Congress to testify on this.

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Earlier this month, national media outlets reported on a draft memo from the White House asking Congress to rescind the $1.1 billion already approved for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a nonprofit corporation that funds public media stations, over the next two years. Congress would then have 45 days to vote on the request.

In February, Indiana's own U.S. Sen. Jim Banks proposed a bill to defund National Public Radio, specifically.

Taxpayers shouldnt be forced to fund NPRs liberal propaganda," Banks said in a statement at the time. "If NPR cant stay afloat without government funding, that tells you all you need to know about the quality of their news.

Newman said he hasn't gotten the sense from state elected officials that they have the same motivation as federal lawmakers. He said IPBS has long had a respectful relationship with them, and that this seems to be a victim of the revenue shortfall  but the late-stage zeroing out came as a surprise.

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"To have learned about this at the 11th hour and, quite honestly, to have not had advanced indication this was going to happen, it hit the wrong way," he said. "We felt it. Its going to impact a lot of people."

It's unclear yet the precise impact, but if stations don't find ways to raise money to replace the state funds, programming could be impacted, he said  anything from financial literacy for seniors to early childhood educational programs.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X@kayla_dwyer17.

Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter,Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar political and government reporters.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana state budget eliminates funding for public broadcasting
Donald Trump pledged to end the war in Ukraine as soon as he returned to the Oval Officebut late Wednesday, amid a collapsing peace deal, Russia dropped more bombs on Kyiv.

By early Thursdaynearly 100 days into Trumps second termthe president had resorted to begging his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to stop the violence.

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV, Trump posted on Truth Social. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

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Russia barraged Ukraines capital with missiles and drones for 11 hours Wednesday night. The attack killed at least eight people and injured more than 70, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko told Reuters.

The Kremlin claimed the attack was aimed at Ukraines defense industry, allegedly targeting manufacturing plants that produced rocket fuel and gunpowder, but the targets it hit were instead in five different Kyiv neighborhoods.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy decried the attack as one of (Russias) most outrageous.

State Secretary Marco Rubio spontaneously pulled out of Ukraine peace talks Wednesday after Zelenskiy plainly rejected a U.S.-backed deal that would permanently hand over Crimea to Russia.

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Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea, Zelenskiy said, at a press conference in Kyiv Tuesday. Theres nothing to talk about here. This is against our Constitution.

Responding via a post on Truth Social Wednesday, Trump claimed that the territory was lost years ago and and is not even a point of discussion.

In a statement released later that day, Zelenskiy stressed that his country was dedicated to achieving peacebut that Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution.

The European Unions foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned Wednesday nights attack, denoting Russia and the countrys war aims as the obstacle to ending the war.

While claiming to seek peace, Russia launched a deadly airstrike on Kyiv, Kallas wrote on X. This isnt a pursuit of peace, its a mockery of it.
President Donald Trump poked the third-term bear again on Thursday when his personal store began selling Trump 2028 hats.

After teasing the media and public about running for president again in 2028, which the Constitution specifically forbids, Trumps online store launched the new campaign-style hat for $50.

The future looks bright! Rewrite the rules with the Trump 2028 high crown hat. Fully embroidered with a snap closure in the back, this will become your new go-to hat, the description for the hat reads.

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The hat, which comes in Trumps signature red, bears Trump 2028 in bold white font across the front. The website features a photo of the presidents son, Eric Trump, wearing it.

A "Trump 2028" hat featured on Donald Trump's store (Trumpstore.com)

Although Trump has refused to rule out running again and claimed people want him to, its extremely unlikely the rules of the Constitution would be rewritten to accommodate his desire.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate have shut down speculation that anyone is drafting serious legislation to amend the Constitution and Attorney General Pam Bondi has said that the next four years will be his last.

I wish we could have him for 20 years as our president, but I think he's gonna be finished probably after this term, Bondi said on Fox News Sunday.

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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has assured people that there is no serious move to allow Trump to run again.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that Trump was likely messing with the media and opponents by floating the idea. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Trumps suggestion was just to get people talking.

Trump has released an array of MAGA-style hats, including one that says Trump was right about everything (AFP via Getty Images)

That hasnt stopped Trump from riling people up by teasing that he will run anyway  a strategy that a New York Times analysis attributed to as a form of distraction.

A lot of people want me to do it, the president told NBC News. But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, its very early in the administration.

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Some Trump allies have said the president is serious about running for a third term and have already endorsed him to run in 2028. Steve Bannon, a former Trump senior adviser, said he is a firm believer that Trump will run again.

Hopeful Trump supporters can wear the new Trump 2028 hat, but its unlikely that will come to fruition.
Former President Donald Trump talks about his presidential campaign and the importance of turning out the vote in Michigan at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan before the polls open on Nov. 5, 2024 (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

President Donald Trump is slated to return to Michigan on Tuesday in his first visit to the state since he closed out his campaign last November in Grand Rapids in a rally that stretched into the early hours of Election Day.

According to a report Wednesday from the Detroit News, which White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed in a social media post, the President will return to Macomb County on Tuesday for a rally celebrating his first 100 days in office.

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U.S. Reps. Lisa McClain (R- Bruce Township) and John James (R-Shelby Township), whose Congressional districts each include the county, welcomed Trump back to the state on social media.

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There is no better place to celebrate Day 100 than Macomb County, McClain said.

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has sought to build inroads with Trump, visiting the Oval office on April 9, alongside Michigan Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) to discuss invasive carp in the Great Lakes and support for Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. However, she has also criticized Trumps tariff policies warning that they will harm Michigans economy, particularly the auto industry.

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During his campaign, Trump and his supporters made multiple stops in Macomb County, which is known as a major hub for automotive manufacturing and home to a large base of blue collar workers.

No details about Tuesdays visit, including the time or venue, were immediately made available.
President Trump said Thursday that Russia would be making a concession toward peace if it agrees not to take over Ukraine, as the U.S. president has struggled to negotiate even a limited ceasefire deal between Moscow and Kyiv.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office during a meeting with Norways prime minister, Trump was asked what concessions Russia has offered up thus far to get to the point where youre closer to peace.

Stopping the war, stopping from taking the whole country, pretty big concession, Trump responded.

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Ukraines military succeeded in stopping Russian forces from taking over the capital Kyiv in the first, fraught days of Moscows full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian military later oversaw a Russian retreat from suburbs around Kyiv and other areas in the north of the country, and it launched two major counteroffensives to retake some territory in the east and south of the country, but the front lines have been generally frozen for the past two years.

Trump has said he wants to quickly get to a deal between Russia and Ukraine, and both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have suggested the U.S. will give up on talks if that doesnt happen soon.

Its unclear whether the U.S. would stop providing military support or intelligence sharing to Ukraine, critical in its defense against Russia.

Lets see what happens; I think were going to make a deal; ask that question in two weeks, Trump said when asked about the future of U.S. support.

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Trump officials have suggested Ukraine should expect to cede some land to Russia in exchange for peace, as well as agreeing not to join NATO. Critics of the presidents approach say hes making concessions even before peace talks begin  and making few demands on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump said Thursday Russia is not an obstacle to peace, but he added he was open to increasing pressure on Moscow if a deal is not reached. Earlier on Thursday, Trump demanded Putin stop attacks on Ukraine following a major assault against the country Wednesday night.

Let me put it this way, things will happen, Trump said.

Were putting a lot of pressure on Russia, and Russia knows that, and people that are close to it now, or he wouldnt be talking right now.

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Trump has said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been harder to work with than Putin, but Ukraine has agreed to Trumps 30-day ceasefire proposal, while Putin has demanded various conditions for a deal.

The U.S. has focused its initial diplomatic efforts on a ceasefire deal on energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia, as well as protecting shipping lanes in the Black Sea. The U.S. and Ukraine are yet to sign a long-discussed mineral deal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday said Russia's willingness to not totally conquer Ukraine represents a "pretty big concession" by Moscow.

Speaking at a White House meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, Trump was asked by a reporter what concessions Russia has offered to advance a peace deal with Kiev.

Trump replied: "Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country."

The US president said he was confident that a peace deal would soon be in place.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 24 that both Russia and Ukraine "want peace," adding that he had set a deadline to finalize a deal aimed at ending the war.

"So we are thinking very strongly that they both want peace," Trump said during a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. "But they have to get to the table. Weve been waiting a long time. They have to get to the table. And I think were going to get peace."

Trump also said that he has a deadline for reaching a peace deal but did not elaborate.

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"I have my own deadline," he said. "... And after that, we're going to have a very much different attitude. But I think we have a very good chance of getting (a peace deal) done."

The remarks come as the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Trump warned earlier this week that the U.S. may withdraw from the mediation process if no progress is made in the coming days.

Ukraine is under pressure to respond to a controversial U.S. peace proposal, first presented in Paris on April 17. According to the Wall Street Journal, the plan includes U.S. recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and a permanent ban on Ukrainian NATO membership  both key Kremlin demands.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any deal involving territorial concessions. "This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine," he said on April 22.

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On April 23, Trump denied Ukraine is being forced to recognize Crimea as Russian, writing on Truth Social that "nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory."

The U.S. president claimed the U.S. had already reached a deal with Russia and now needed one with Ukraine. He added that Zelensky has been "harder" to deal with than expected.

On April 24, Russia launched missile strikes on Kyiv that killed at least 12 civilians and injured 90. Trump responded by saying he was "not happy" with the attack, calling it "not necessary" and "very bad timing," but did not condemn Russia or propose consequences.

Ukraine has already agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the U.S. on March 11, contingent on Russia's acceptance. Moscow has refused, continuing offensive operations across the front.

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While expressing frustration with Russia's refusal to de-escalate, the U.S. president has yet to impose new sanctions or take punitive measures in response to Moscow's aggression.

Read also: Boris Johnson blasts Trump peace plan after deadly Russian attack on Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
US President Donald Trump insisted on Thursday that trade negotiations with China were ongoing, despite statements from Beijing that his comments on talks were "fake news."

Responding to questions about negotiations with China during a White House meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, Trump said: "Well, they had a meeting this morning, and we met with China."

The latest comments came after a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday rejected Trump's assertion that talks with China were occurring "every day."

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"As far as I know, there have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the United States on the tariff issue  let alone an agreement," the spokesman said.

He added that reports to the contrary were "fake news."

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also told the media that both sides were waiting to talk to each other. He said he did not believe either country sees the current tariff level as sustainable in the long term.

The trade conflict between the two countries escalated in early April when Trump imposed special tariffs on numerous countries. He later ordered a 90-day pause on most increases.

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However, special tariffs of up to 145% remain in place on products from China. In response, Beijing imposed tariffs of 125% on goods from the United States.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the tariff war was initiated by the US and that China will fight to the end.

The door to negotiations remains open, he said, but talks must be conducted on an equal footing, with respect, and in a way that benefits both sides.
Nearing the 100-day mark of his administration, President Donald Trump is pushing Ukraine hard to accept the terms of a peace deal with Russia to end the three-year war by giving major territorial concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But he bristled at the suggestion that he wasnt pressuring Putin equally.

You have no idea what pressure Im putting on Russia, Trump snapped at a reporter in the Oval Office. Were putting a lot of pressure on Russia.

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Sitting alongside Norways prime minister, Trump insisted that Russia is serious about peace despite its overnight bombardment of Ukraines capital, which he said he didnt like. But when asked what concessions he was demanding of Putin, the president responded matter-of-factly:

Stopping the war, Trump said. Stopping taking the whole country  pretty big concession.

More than three years after its invasion, Russias military has remained bogged down in the eastern region of Ukraine, with the U.S. and NATO allies supporting Ukrainian forces with billions in aid. Trump is loath to consider any additional defense aid for Ukraine, and eager, he says, to end the carnage on both sides. But his impatient push for a major foreign policy achievement early in his second term is running into the reality that for Ukraine and Europe, the considerations at play are fundamental to short- and long-term security and quite possibly existential.

This isnt my war. This is [former President Joe] Bidens war, Trump said. He disputed a suggestion that his approach to peace talks has favored the Kremlin. I have no allegiance to anybody, he said. I have allegiance to saving lives.

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And Trump said that requiring Ukraine to give up territory Russia seized by force was the price of ending the conflict, which Putin began without provocation.

Well do the best we can working with Ukraine, Trump said. But theyve lost a lot of territory.

Later in the day, Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Rutte said he wasnt sure if Putin wants peace and that its up to him to move the process forward.

The Ukrainians are really playing ball and I think the ball is clearly in the Russian court.

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Despite expressing confidence that were going to get it done, Trump stressed that he has his own deadline for reaching a deal, though he did not specify it. We want it to be fast, he continued. "We have a deadline. After that, we will have a very much different attitude.

If anyone can sway Trump on Ukraines behalf, it might be former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg  who accompanied Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre to the White House on Thursday.

Stoltenberg, who was Norways prime minister before he led the NATO alliance for a decade in Brussels, attended Trumps inauguration in January and is thought to be among Europes most effective interlocutors with this administration.

The president really likes and trusts him, said one White House official, granted anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly about the relationship.

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Initially Rutte, Stoltenbergs successor, was scheduled to meet Rubio, Waltz and Hegseth at the State Department but later the meeting was moved to the White House, where he was granted a meeting with Trump.

Trump, seated across from Stre and Stoltenberg during a lunch in the Cabinet Room, said the former NATO leader did a great job leading the alliance, even as he suggested that Americas commitment to defending the other 31 member nations wasnt iron-clad.

Asked if he viewed NATO as sacrosanct, the president mused that it was an interesting question, suggesting that America is the key to the alliance but not, in his view, a main beneficiary. It's very important for Europe, Trump said. Without us, it wouldn't be nearly as powerful.

Stoltenberg likely played a key role in getting Stre face time with Trump, which comes as the presidents reciprocal tariffs are on a three-month pause and countries are racing to secure trade agreements with the U.S.

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Norway is not a member of the European Union and Stre is one of the few foreign leaders to meet with Trump directly since the trade war began three weeks ago.

The bigger matter for Stoltenberg and the rest of Europe is the war in Ukraine.

In an interview Wednesday evening, Stoltenberg previewed his message to Trump that defending Ukraine is very much aligned with security interests.

If Putin wins in Ukraine, if Putin gets what he wants, it will make the world more dangerous, he said. "It will demonstrate for him, but also for other authoritarian leaders, that when they use military force, when they violate international law, when they invade another country, they get what they want.

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Putin, he added, wont be the only one to absorb that lesson. "It will also be a lesson which [Chinas] President Xi learns, so it's in our security interest to support Ukraine," he said.

Beside Trump in the Oval with the press in the room, Stoltenberg chose his words carefully, expressing pride about Norwegian contributions to Ukraines defense.

Stre also praised Trump for being a catalyst for peace talks, while hinting that he and Stoltenberg see things somewhat differently.

It is a complex picture, but it needs political will and push, the prime minister said. And we have exchanged ideas on that. And I think the president and his team have been open to hear our perspective.

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Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have made clear their patience for foot-dragging by Ukraine and Russia is running short, with the U.S. backing out of scheduled peace talks with Ukrainian officials in London this week. Meanwhile, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet again with Putin on Thursday.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump again made clear that he is mostly frustrated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy . He wrote that Zelenskyys public opposition to a main plank of the proposed U.S. peace deal  recognizing Russias control of Crimea, which Putin annexed in 2014  was very harmful to negotiations with Russia.

If he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? Trump wrote  ignoring the fact that the Obama administration and allies in Europe, worried about antagonizing Putin, opted against enforcing the terms of the Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine had given up its nuclear weapons based on the promise of Western security backing.

Its inflammatory statements like Zelenskyys that makes it so difficult to settle this War, Trump continued. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire  He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.

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At the same time, the president has suggested that Russia has essentially agreed to a peace deal that, according to a person briefed on the proposal and granted anonymity to discuss it, would end the conflict along the current battlelines and give Russia control of approximately one-fifth of Ukraines territory. While Russia would also see economic sanctions lifted, Ukraine would be asked to rely on security guarantees that are not backed by American hard power, leaving it to Europe to provide future defense aid in the event of another invasion.

In the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump did blame former President Barack Hussein Obama for not responding to Russias seizure of Crimea. But he said satisfying Ukraines demand that Crimea be returned was going to be a very difficult thing to do.

Trump did voice his disapproval Thursday morning for Russias overnight bombing of Kyiv, Ukraines capital, but his social media post was far shorter than his screed a day earlier toward Zelenskyy. His stern response to Putin, in fact, was lightened with a plea:

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

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Asked upon greeting Stre outside the West Wing if he thought Putin was still serious about peace, Trump replied that he was. But in the Oval Office a couple hours later, Trump was asked if hed consider slapping more sanctions on Russia if it continued to escalate the war as he pushed the country toward peace.

Id rather answer that question in a week. I want to see if we can have a deal, Trump said. Theres no reason to answer that now.

Felicia Schwartz contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump on Thursday condemned Moscows deadly overnight attack on Kyiv, calling on Vladimir Putin to stop the killing, in a rare rebuke of his Russian counterpart.

The attack, which targeted at least five neighborhoods in the Ukrainian capital, killed at least 12 people and injured about 90, making it the deadliest assault on Kyiv since last summer, according to The Associated Press.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the attack as not necessary and ill-timed, while sending a direct message to Putin.

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I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV, he wrote. Vladimir, STOP!

Lets get the Peace Deal DONE! he continued.

The attack came hours after Trump said Russia is ready for peace as the Trump administration is pushing both sides to agree to end the three-year conflict.

I think we have a deal with Russia, he told reporters in the Oval Office. We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy.

I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy. So far, its been harder, he added.

Trump on Wednesday also condemned the wartime leader for outright refusing to cede Crimea to Russia as part of any potential peace plan.

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There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people, Zelenskyy said.

Trump described Zelenskyys words as inflammatory in a post on Truth Social.

The statement made by Zelenskyy [on Wednesday] will do nothing but prolong the killing field, and nobody wants that! Trump said. We are very close to a Deal, but the man with no cards to play should now, finally, GET IT DONE.

Trumps tone echoed the words he used against the Ukrainian president during their infamous Oval Office clash earlier this year, when Trump accused him of gambling with World War III.

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Dive Brief:

Caterpillar Inc. plans to commit $100 million over the next five years to upskill its workers to keep up with technological advancements and an evolving labor market.

The construction and mining equipment manufacturer is making the investment in a bid to train up its workforce with robotics, automation and artificial intelligence technologies, including digital twins and machine language models.

The pledge builds on Caterpillars efforts to close the growing manufacturing skills gap, including through STEM outreach for K-12 students and paid technician training programs for adults.

Dive Insight:

Over the next five years, the skill sets needed for the global workforce are set to evolve dramatically, driven by rapid technological advancements in AI, information processing, robotics and automation.

According to the World Economic Forums The Future of Jobs Report 2025, these trends are expected to fuel demand for technology-related skills, including in AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity and technological literacy. There will also be a need for more human-centered skills, such as leadership and social influence.

Workers on average can expect two-fifths of their existing skills to be transformed or outdated by 2030, the reports data show. This is not only a labor issue, but a barrier for businesses looking to remain competitive in a dynamic market. Recently, companies like Amazon and Siemens have looked to combat this through sizable investments in upskilling their workers as a recruitment and retention strategy.

As an industry leader, Caterpillar understands the urgency of preparing the next generation with the capabilities required for the jobs of tomorrow, Jaime Mineart, Caterpillars chief technology officer, said in a statement. This pledge, our first of its kind, reflects our dedication to collaborating with our global stakeholders to devise the best training solutions.

Caterpillar, founded in California in 1925, is making its workforce investment in honor of its centennial. The Irving, Texas-based company has 93 manufacturing facilities worldwide, including 37 across the United States, according to an investor filing.

Recommended Reading
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on April 23 that he may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "shortly" following his trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in May.

When asked by reporters whether Trump would meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia during his visit to the Middle East between May 13-16, Trump responded: Its possible, but most likely not."

"I think well meet with him shortly thereafter," Trump added, without providing a specific timeline.

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Despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Trump and Putin have yet to have direct contact, communicating only through their officials. Trump's last in-person encounter with his Russian counterpart was during the 2018 Helsinki Summit during the U.S. president's first term.

Trump's advisers have been insistent a conversation with Putin should take place only after Russia agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is again expected to meet Putin in Moscow on April 25.

Earlier in the day on April 23, Trump said that believes a deal between Russia and Ukraine to end Russia's war has been reached.

"I think we have a deal with both, I hope they do it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

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Trump has repeatedly proposed brokering a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia with concessions Kyiv has not put on the table. The U.S. is reportedly weighing recognizing Russian control of Crimea.

Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms. So far, Moscow has refused.

On April 23, Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine insists on an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire."

Read also: Kremlin spokesperson reiterates demands for Ukraine to give up territory in exchange for end to war

















Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Donald Trump on April 24 described Russias failure to seize all of Ukraine as a "pretty big concession," a comment that has sparked renewed criticism of his approach to the war.

During a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in the Oval Office, Trump told reporters that Moscows inability to fully occupy Ukraine reflects pressure he claims to be applying behind the scenes. "Stopping the war, stopping [from] taking the whole country," he said, framing Russian President Vladimir Putins unfulfilled invasion goals as a meaningful compromise.

Trump's remarks followed Russia's mass missile attack on Ukraine overnight on April 24, which sent a combined 215 missiles and drones at the country. Many of the missiles and drones targeted Kyiv, where the attack killed 12 people, including two children from the same family. At least ninety more people were wounded as the strike damaged dozens of apartment buildings, a school, and a kindergarten.

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Read also: Russian peace in all its glory  Mass Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv kills 12, injures 90

Trump insisted he is working to end the war through private diplomacy.

When asked what he was asking of Putin to match the extensive concessions Ukraine has been pressured to make, Trump said: "Im putting a lot of pressure. You dont know what pressure Im putting. Theyre dealing. You have no idea what pressure Im putting on Russia. Were putting a lot of pressure ... and Russia knows that and some people who are close to it know or he wouldnt be talking right now."

His claim that Russias failure to end Ukraines existence should be seen as generosity disregards the reality that it was Ukrainian military resistancenot restraint by Moscowthat blocked the Kremlins original aims.

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The full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022, was intended to dismantle Ukraine as a sovereign nation and expand Russias influence. On April 24, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was "not happy" about Russias latest deadly strike.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was in South Africa at the time, called for the world to recognize Russias continued aggression. "It is extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening," he said.

Trump, for his part, condemned the timing of the attack. I didn't like last night. I wasn't happy with it, and we're in the midst of talking peace and missiles were fired, that I was not happy with it, he said.

When asked whether he would impose more sanctions on Russia, he said: "Id rather answer that question in a week. I want to see if we can have a deal." He added that there is a deadline for peace talks: We want it to be fast... we have a deadline, and after that were going to have a very much different attitude. But I think there's a very good chance of getting done.

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Read also: No point in negotiating: Russias deadly attack on Kyiv sows distrust in Trump peace plan

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In exchange for Ukraine giving up substantial amounts of its territory to Russia in the ongoing peace talks to end the war there, President Donald Trump thinks Russia should not have to give up much at all.

When a reporter asked him what concessions Russia has offered so far to move the needle closer to peace, Trump said, Stopping the war. Stopping  taking the whole country.

Pretty big concession, he added.

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Russia has been attempting  and failing  to take the whole country since February 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ruled out ceding territory as part of the talks.

There is nothing to talk about, Zelenskyy said Tuesday. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people.

Trump has repeatedly failed to fault Russian President Vladimir Putin for the violence in Ukraine after his country invaded, continuing a longand bizarre streak of capitulation.

Instead, Trump has blamed his predecessor President Joe Biden and Zelenskyy.

The War between Russia and Ukraine is Bidens war, not mine, Trump said earlier this month. I just got here, and for four years during my term, had no problem in preventing it from happening. President Putin, and everyone else, respected your President!

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As a presidential candidate, Trump repeatedly said that, if he were elected, hed settle the war in one day.

On Thursday, after Russia bombed Kyiv overnight, killing 12 and wounding around 90 more, Trump was reduced to asking Putin to stop via social media: Vladimir, STOP!

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WASHINGTON (Reuters)  President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he thinks he has a deal with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to settle the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at the White House, Trump also said he found it harder than expected to work with the Ukrainian leader. Other administration officials said earlier in the day that a deal remained elusive and that the United States could walk away from peace talks in the absence of quick progress.

Elon Musk steps back from DOGE, refocuses on Tesla

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I think Russia is ready and a lot of people said Russia wanted to go for the whole thing. And I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelenskyy, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelenskyy. So far, its been harderBut, I think we have a deal with both. I hope they do it, because Im looking to save and, you know, we spent a lot of money, but this is about a lot of humanity, Trump said.

Asked about a U.S. proposal presented to Ukraine that would see Crimea recognized as de jure Russian territory, Trump did not directly address the matter, saying that he had no favorites between Ukraine and Russia and that he just wanted the war to end.

Vance: Ukraine, Russia need to reach a deal or US will walk away

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Trumps comments appeared to contradict those of some other high-ranking administration officials.

Just hours before, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump was frustrated with the pace of talks and that Zelenskyyseems to be moving in the wrong direction.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HONG KONG  China on Thursday directly contradicted President Donald Trumps claims that Beijing and Washington are actively discussing resolutions to a trade war that threatens to upend the global economy.

While Trump said Wednesday that the worlds two largest economies are actively talking, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson responded that China and the U.S. have not engaged in any consultations or negotiations regarding tariffs, let alone reached an agreement.

The spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, made the comments at a briefing in Beijing, saying that reports of ongoing talks were false. He added that while China is open to negotiations, if its a fight, we will fight to the end.

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At 145%, Trumps tariffs are higher on China than any other country. As he ratcheted up tariffs on Chinese goods in recent weeks, citing unfair trade practices, Beijing has responded in kind, bringing its total tariff on U.S. goods to 125%  levels that amount to a mutual trade embargo.

The prospect has raised fears of a global recession, sending markets whipsawing as trade tensions have done the same. Relations briefly appeared to improve Wednesday after the Trump administration signaled that it was discussing reducing tariffs with China.

Still, Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gave conflicting accounts of the state of negotiations Wednesday, with Bessent saying both sides are waiting to speak to the other, without providing further detail. The secretary reiterated remarks he made the previous day, predicting near-term de-escalation.

A container port in Shenzhen, China.

I dont think either side believes that the current tariff levels are sustainable, so I would not be surprised if they went down in a mutual way, he told reporters Wednesday in Washington.Trump, meanwhile, said that everybody wants to be a part of what were doing and that the U.S. and China had direct contact on trade every day.

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A senior administration official told NBC News on Wednesday that the U.S. is speaking with China on tariffs but at a low level that has not involved Cabinet officials.

The mixed messaging came a day after Trump made comments that were interpreted as a potential softening toward Beijing.

Rather than playing hardball with China, the U.S. is going to be very nice and the final tariffs will not be anywhere near the current 145%, the president told reporters Tuesday.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied Trump was softening his tone, telling Fox News that there will be no unilateral reduction in tariffs against China.

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Those comments poured cold water on U.S. stocks, which pared earlier gains Wednesday and slipped in premarket trading Thursday. Asian markets ended Thursday mixed, while European indexes fell in early trading.

The suggestion that tariffs could soon come down reflects the pain that these tariffs have imposed and are likely to impose on U.S. businesses and U.S. customers, if continued, said Lee Branstetter, a professor of economics and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University.

Talking about tariff reductions before winning any concessions from China or even starting serious talks looks like a climbdown, Branstetter said.

That, to me, is consistent with the view that the president did not really think through the consequences of his tariff decisions, he added. They have now become much more evident to him.

Growing impact

The impasse between the U.S. and China is causing growing anxiety as the implications become clearer. This week, the International Monetary Fund slashed growth forecasts for the U.S., China and most other countries, citing the effect of U.S. tariffs.

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The White House is also increasingly concerned about possible shortages on U.S. retail shelves as orders begin for the holiday season at the end of the year.

A spokesperson for Hapag-Lloyd, a Germain container shipping group, said Thursday that its customers had canceled 30% of shipments to the United States from China over concerns about their trade dispute.

After a similar battle over tariffs in Trump's first term, China  which has long been preparing for a second trade war with the U.S. president  has not rushed to offer concessions or set up meetings with U.S. trade officials.

Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange at the opening bell on Monday.

We dont care about what he wants, said Wu Xinbo, a government adviser serving in Chinas Foreign Ministry and a professor at Fudan University in Shanghai. The U.S. and China may exchange some information at the working level, but thats not negotiation, he said.

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Trump just wants to send some reassuring signals to the domestic market, suggesting that The Chinese are talking to us, dont worry. But thats not the case, Wu said.

In the meantime, China faces its own pressures, including a slowdown in its export-driven economy that would only be made worse by tariffs. If domestic demand doesnt pick up to compensate for the drop in exports, China may need to negotiate, said Gary Ng, senior economist for Natixis in Hong Kong.

Its quite hard to convince the rising Chinese middle class to once again accept a decline in their living standards, Ng said.

Other factors, such as the fact that Chinese President Xi Jinping doesnt have to answer to voters, may buy China some time.

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I think the Chinese have taken the measure of Donald Trump, Branstetter said. Theyve determined that he really cant afford the economic and political cost that high tariffs, even on China alone, would generate, that he would fold pretty quickly if pushed. And that seems to be exactly whats happening.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  President Donald Trump on Wednesday lashed out at Ukraines president, saying Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prolonging the killing field after pushing back on ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace plan.

Zelenskyy on Tuesday ruled out ceding territory to Russia in any deal before talks set for Wednesday in London among U.S., European and Ukrainian officials. There is nothing to talk about. It is our land, the land of the Ukrainian people, Zelenskyy said.

During similar talks last week in Paris, U.S. officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal, according to a European official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

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Trump called Zelenkyys pushback very harmful to talks.

Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didnt they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? he wrote on social media.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after sending troops to overrun it. Weeks later, Moscow-backed separatists launched an uprising in eastern Ukraine, battling Kyivs forces.

Trump also asserted they were close to a deal and that Ukraines leader can have peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country, adding that Zelenskyys statement will do nothing but prolong the killing field, and nobody wants that!

A very fair proposal

Wednesdays meeting was pared back at the last minute, while Vice President JD Vance said negotiations are reaching a moment of truth.

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Weve issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians, and its time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process, Vance told reporters during a visit to India.

He said it was a very fair proposal that would freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today, with both sides having to give up some territory they currently hold. He did not provide details.

Trump, who is set to travel to Rome for Pope Franciss funeral on Saturday, told reporters later on Wednesday that he did not know if he would meet with Zelenskyy or other European leaders to discuss the war while in Italy. He also said that has found dealing with Zelenskyy harder than dealing with the Russians.

Trump, who is set to travel to the Middle East next month, said it was possible that he could meet with Putin while in Saudi Arabia, but that it is more likely he will meet with the Russian leader soon after that trip.

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A senior European official familiar with the ongoing talks involving the American team said a proposal the United States calls final was initially presented last week in Paris, where it was described as just ideas  and that they could be changed.

When those ideas surfaced in media reports, Ukrainian officials were surprised to find that Washington portrayed them as final, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Zelenskyy said Wednesday that Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations that might bring a ceasefire and open the door to full peace negotiations, as he mourned nine civilians killed when a Russian drone struck a bus earlier in the day.

We insist on an immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire, Zelenskyy wrote on social media, in accordance with a proposal he said the U.S. tabled six weeks ago.

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Ukraine and some Western European governments have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet on that proposal as his army tries to capture more Ukrainian land. Western analysts say Moscow is in no rush to conclude peace talks because it has battlefield momentum.

Doubts over negotiations

U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the talks in London to find an end to the more than three-year war would involve only lower-ranking officials, after the U.S. State Department said Tuesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was unable to attend because of a scheduling issue.

Rubios abrupt cancellation raised doubts about the direction of negotiations. He had indicated that Wednesdays meeting could be decisive in determining whether the Trump administration remains engaged.

Commenting on those attending the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that as far as we understand, they so far have failed to bring their positions closer on some issues. He said the Kremlin was still in consultations with American officials but wouldnt publicly discuss details.

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U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Moscow again later this week, according to Russian officials.

Even achieving a limited, 30-day ceasefire has been beyond the reach of negotiators, as both sides continue to attack each other along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line and launch long-range strikes.

A Russian drone struck a bus carrying workers in Marganets, in eastern Ukraines Dnipropetrovsk region on Wednesday morning, killing eight women and one man, regional head Serhii Lysak wrote on social media. More than 40 people were injured, he said.

Lysak published photos of a bus with windows blown out and shards of glass mixed with blood spattered on its floor.

A Ukrainian delegation in London

Trump has pushed for an end to the war and said last week that negotiations were coming to a head. That comment came after Rubio suggested the U.S. might soon back away from negotiations if they dont progress.

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Those still attending Wednesdays meeting include retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trumps envoy for Ukraine and Russia.

Andrii Yermak, the head of Ukraines presidential office, said on social media that a delegation including him, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had arrived in London for the talks despite the alterations.

The path to peace is not easy, but Ukraine has been and remains committed to peaceful efforts, Yermak said. Officials would discuss ways to achieve a full and unconditional ceasefire as the first step toward a comprehensive settlement and the achievement of a just and lasting peace.

Several hours later, Yermak said that he, Sybiha and Umerov met with national security and foreign policy advisors from the countries participating in the coalition of the willing and emphasized our commitment to the U.S. presidents peace efforts.

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He asserted on social media that Russia continues to reject an unconditional ceasefire, dragging out the process and trying to manipulate negotiations.

Trump said repeatedly during his election campaign last year that he would be able to end the war in 24 hours upon taking office. But he has expressed frustration with Zelenskyy and Putin. Russia has effectively rejected a U.S. proposal for an immediate and full 30-day halt in the fighting by imposing far-reaching conditions.

Some European allies are wary of the American proposal for Ukraine to exchange land for peace. But an official said theres also acknowledgment by some allies that Russia is firmly entrenched wholly or partially in five regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

If the goal is to obtain a ceasefire immediately, it should be based on the line of contact as it is, said the senior French official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with French presidential policy.

Novikov reported from Kyiv and Madhani from Washington. Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed.
Ashley Dayer's dream of winning a National Science Foundation grant to pursue discoveries in bird conservation started when she was an early-career professor with an infant in her arms and a shoestring laboratory budget.

Competition is intense for NSF grants, a key source of funding for science research at U.S. universities. It took three failed applications and years of preliminary research before the agency awarded her one.

Then came a Monday email informing Dayer that President Donald Trumps administration was cutting off funding, apparently because the project investigating the role of bird feeders touched on themes of diversity, equity and inclusion.

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I was shocked and saddened, said Dayer, a professor at Virginia Tech's department of fish and wildlife conservation. We were just at the peak of being able to get our findings together and do all of our analysis. Theres a lot of feelings of grief.

Hundreds of other university researchers had their National Science Foundation funding abruptly canceled Friday to comply with Trumps directives to end support of research on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as the study of misinformation. Its the latest front in Trumps anti-DEI campaign that has also gone after university administrations, medical research and the private sector.

The NSF's director, Sethuraman Panchanathan, defended the agency's priorities but then quit on Thursday, saying he had done all I can to advance the critical mission of the agency.

More than 380 grant projects have been cut so far, including work to combat internet censorship in China and Iran and a project consulting with Indigenous communities to understand environmental changes in Alaskas Arctic region. One computer scientist was studying how artificial intelligence tools could mitigate bias in medical information, and others were trying to help people detect AI-generated deepfakes. A number of terminated grants sought to broaden the diversity of people studying science, technology and engineering.

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NSF, founded in 1950, has a $9 billion budget that can be a lifeline for resource-strapped professors and the younger researchers they recruit to their teams. It has shifted priorities over time but it is highly unusual to terminate so many midstream grants.

Some scientists saw the cuts coming, after Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz last year flagged thousands of NSF-funded projects he says reflected a woke DEI or Marxist agenda, including some but not all of the projects cut Friday.

Still, Dayer said she was incredibly surprised that her bird project was axed. A collaboration with other institutions, including the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, it tapped into Project Feederwatch, a website and app for sharing bird observations.

Dayers team had collected data from more 20,000 Americans on their birdwatching habits, fielding insights on how outdoor feeders were affecting wildlife, but also people's mental well-being.

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The only mention of the word diversity in the grant abstract is about bird populations, not people. But the project explicitly sought to engage more disabled people and people of color. That fit with NSFs longtime requirement that funded projects must have a broad impact.

We thought, if anything, maybe wed be told not to do that broader impacts work and to remove that from our project, Dayer said. We had no expectation that the entire grant would be unfunded.

DOGE says wasteful DEI grants cut as NSF head quits

On the day the grants were terminated, Panchanathan, the NSF's director since 2020, said on the agency's website that it still supported research on broadening participation but those efforts should not preference some groups at the expense of others, or directly/indirectly exclude individuals or groups. Less than a week later, Panchanathan had announced his resignation.

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The NSF declined to share the total number of canceled grants, but Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, run by billionaire Elon Musk, posted on X that NSF had canceled "402 wasteful DEI grants amounting to $233 million. It didn't say how much of that had already been spent. Grants typically last for several years.

Caren Cooper, a North Carolina State University professor of forestry and natural resources, said she expected her work would be targeted after it made Cruz's list. Her grant project also sought to include people of color and people with disabilities in participatory science projects, in collaboration with the Audubon Society and with the aim of engaging those who have historically been excluded from natural spaces and birdwatching groups.

One doctoral student had left her job and moved her family to North Carolina to work with Cooper on a stipend the grant helped to fund.

Weve been trying to make contingency plans," Cooper said. "Nonetheless, its an illegal thing. Its violating the terms and conditions of the award. And it really harms our students.

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Cutting misinformation work

Along with eliminating DEI research, NSF said it will no longer support research with the goal of combating misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation that could be used to infringe on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States in a manner that advances a preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate.

Several researchers said they werent sure why their funding was terminated, other than that their abstracts included terms like censorship or misinformation.

The lack of transparency around this process is deeply concerning, said Eric Wustrow, an engineering professor at the University of Colorado Boulder whose grant aims to study and combat internet censorship in countries like China and Iran. Did they just Ctrl+f for certain words, ignoring context?

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NSF said on its website that there is not a list of words to avoid, but that misinformation research is no longer aligned with NSF's priorities.

Wustrow said his research supports free speech and access to information around the world, and he plans to appeal the decision to terminate the funding. Meanwhile, hes looking at potentially working for free this summer without a grant to fund his salary.

Even for those who did intend to address misinformation, the cuts seemed to miss the point.

Casey Fiesler, of the University of Colorado Boulder, had a project focused on dispelling AI misconceptions and improving AI literacy  also a priority of Trump's education department. Cornell University's Drew Margolin said his work set out to help people find ways to combat social media harassment, hate speech and misinformation without the help of content moderators or government regulators.

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The irony is its like a free speech way of addressing speech, Margolin said.

Are more cuts coming?

The NSF declined to say if more cuts are coming. The terminated funding mirrors earlier cuts to medical research funding from the National Institutes of Health.

A group of scientists and health groups sued the NIH earlier this month, arguing that those cuts were illegal and threatened medical cures.

The cuts at NSF so far are a tiny portion of all of the agency's grants, amounting to 387 projects, said Scott Delaney, a research scientist at Harvard University's school of public health who is helping to track the cuts to help researchers advocate for themselves. Some received termination letters even though their projects had already ended.

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It is very chaotic, which is very consistent with what is happening at NIH," Delaney said. "And its really unclear if this is everything thats going to get terminated or if its just the opening salvo.

Dayer is still figuring out what to do about the loss of funding for the bird feeder project, which cuts off part of summer funding for four professors at three universities and their respective student teams. She's particularly worried about what it means for the next generation of American scientists, including those still deciding their career path.

Its just this outright attack on science right now, Dayer said. Its going to have lasting impacts for American people and for science and knowledge in our country. Im also just afraid that people arent going to go into the field of science.



Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report.
States worry that an executive order and federal funding cuts could weaken their cybersecurity efforts. (Photo illustration by seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Getty Images)

For the first half of his career in law enforcement, working as a police officer in South Florida, Chase Fopiano did not think cyberattacks on police agencies were a serious threat.

Many of his law enforcement colleagues were under the same impression  that since they were the most likely to investigate the attacks, there was no way cybercriminals would go after them.

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By about 2015, as technology advanced and hackers became more creative, that changed, Fopiano said. Now, from the U.S. Secret Service to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there are thousands of attempts to compromise networks or organizations every day, he said.

A lot of those [attempts] are toward government or even police, especially because they know that were not as prepared as we should be, said Fopiano, who now oversees cybersecurity as part of a regional task force.

Spanning health care facilities to court systems, states and local communities are facing a rise in cyberthreats. They include threats to critical infrastructure, increased activity from foreign actors, continued ransomware attacks and more, according to a recent report from the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

But President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order shifting some of the responsibility from the federal government to states and localities to improve their infrastructure to address risks, including cybercrimes. And federal cuts have reduced resources for state and local officials, including a cybersecurity grant program and a key cybersecurity agency.

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States and localities are taking steps to address the problems, such as establishing new penalties for tampering with critical infrastructure, centralizing state IT personnel and setting standards in areas from elections to health care.

But the Trump order and federal funding cuts, a shortage of IT experts at the local level and an overall lack of preparedness could weaken their efforts.

In December, a major cyberattack forced Rhode Island to take down its online portal used by residents to obtain Medicaid benefits and SNAP, commonly known as food stamps. The personal data stolen from Rhode Islands public benefits network  including Social Security numbers and banking information  was later found on the dark web.

In February, a sophisticated cyberattack hit the office of Virginia Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, which led agency officials to shut down computer systems and resort to paper court filings.

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The notion that the federal government could just withdraw and expect states and localities to step in is just not realistic.

 Samir Jain, Vice President of Policy at the Center for Democracy & Technology

Last week, hackers also breached the computer network of the Fall River School District in Massachusetts. The school district is working with third-party experts and law enforcement to determine if anyones personal information was targeted, according to MassLive.

In 2023, of the 48 states that participated in the Nationwide Cybersecurity Review, a voluntary self-assessment conducted by federal agencies that examines how well governments are prepared to respond to cyberattacks, only 22 states reached or surpassed the recommended levels of security in their systems.

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Cybersecurity has become increasingly important over time because more government services and data are digitized, said Samir Jain, the vice president of policy at the Center for Democracy & Technology, a nonprofit that advocates for digital rights and freedom of expression.

But a national shortage of people with that expertise  especially at the local level  creates a challenge.

The federal government has traditionally played at least some role in trying to fill some of those gaps, Jain said. And so the notion that the federal government could just withdraw and expect states and localities to step in is just not realistic.

Local governments and law enforcement agencies also have other priorities, Fopiano said. The police need cars, guns, shields and other resources that generally take precedence over cybersecurity.

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Today, Fopiano is the cybersecurity chair of the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force in Florida, overseeing cyber activity from South Florida to the Florida Keys. The attacks continue to rise, he said.

Terrorist groups are getting into cybercrime, cartels are getting into cybercrime, you have kids just learning about hacking and just fooling around, he said. The audience of whos doing it has definitely expanded and led to that rise in overall cybercrime.

Cuts to federal resources

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a first-of-its-kind cybersecurity grant program, providing more than $1 billion in funding for states, localities, tribes and territories to address cybersecurity risks and threats.

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, awarded $279 million to states and localities in fiscal year 2024. The Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program awarded another $18 million for tribes in its first year.

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But the grant program is set to expire in September, with no current plans to renew it. At a hearing this month, several state and local officials urged Congress to reauthorize the program. But U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who refused the federal aid during her tenure as governor of South Dakota, questioned the programs efficacy.

The Trump administration is also cutting as many as 1,300 employees from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, which administers the grants alongside the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The program has allowed states to assess the security of their networks, develop cybersecurity training, implement multi-factor authentication features  which requires users to provide more than one form of verification to access a site or service  and much more, said Alex Whitaker, the director of government affairs at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers.

This has been a really great program because were seeing a lot of great evidence for how states and their counterparts in local government are improving their cyber defenses, Whitaker said.

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Counties also rely on a number of federal resources to strengthen their defenses, including services provided by CISA, said Rita Reynolds, the chief information officer at the National Association of Counties and managing director for County Tech Xchange. NACo is an organization that represents county governments across the United States.

The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, for instance  a key collaboration between CISA and the Center for Internet Security to help state and local governments with cybersecurity operations  lost some of its federal funding for certain programs last month, Reynolds said.

In trying to keep up with emerging threats, counties are still trying to find resources to help them implement multi-factor authentication, convert government pages to .gov domains and other methods of protecting their infrastructure, she said.

Are counties prepared? Reynolds asked. I would say theyre not as prepared as theyd like to be. And in some cases, they are looking at how to strategically approach this now that resources are disappearing.

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In a statement, CISA spokesperson Jared Auchey said Trumps executive order empowers state and local governments to make risk-informed decisions and investments to improve their preparedness. The agency will work with state and local officials to ensure they have the information and support they need, Auchey added.

Lawmakers step up

In 2024, 33 states adopted resolutions or enacted legislation regarding cybersecurity, according to a database from the National Conference of State Legislatures, a nonpartisan public officials association.

Many of those measures sought to protect states critical infrastructure, including water systems, government services, health care and more. Florida, Louisiana, West Virginia and other states created new criminal and civil penalties for people who attempt to tamper with critical infrastructure.

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In Minnesota and Washington state, lawmakers passed measures allowing or requiring state and local governments to invest in cybersecurity protections related to election administration. Connecticut and Florida also passed legislation to secure health care facilities from cyberattacks by having hospitals create plans or by supporting investments in new technologies.

Other states are looking for solutions from outside vendors. South Dakota has set aside $7 million for a company to examine local governments for vulnerabilities to hackers.

With attacks occurring at every level of government, New Mexico Democratic state Sen. Michael Padilla, the Senate majority whip, sponsored legislation in 2023 to create the states office of cybersecurity. As chair of the Senate Science, Technology and Telecommunications Committee for 10 years, he plays a significant role in most of the states cybersecurity legislation.

Through the committees work, Padilla says New Mexico is in good shape to fend off cyberattacks  and the states cities and counties are joining in.

I think New Mexico is in a very good position because what we decided to do by creating that office is to ensure that any transactions that occur with state government here [in New Mexico] have to meet a minimum set of security standards, he said.

In Indiana, Republican state Sen. Liz Brown filed legislation that would encourage state agencies and groups to develop cybersecurity policies. The bill was approved by both chambers, with the Senate agreeing to changes sent from the House.

You have to protect your infrastructure, Brown said. We dont want utility systems to be shut down. We dont want wastewater or freshwater treatment plants or even the water supply being contaminated or harmed in some way. Our systems all have backups, but even so, we know there are bad actors.

Some states are also preparing to reshuffle their offices or create new ones to centralize their cybersecurity efforts. Arkansas, for example, enacted legislation this month to create a new state cybersecurity office, which will monitor the states computer networks and respond to cyberthreats.

In Alabama, rather than having information technology people scattered throughout the government, Republican state Rep. Mike Shaw wants cybersecurity personnel centrally managed.

Shaws legislation, which passed the House and is currently in the Senate, would give the Alabama Office of Information Technology central authority to maintain the needs of all of the states departments.

The centralization would make it easier to pursue cybersecurity initiatives in the future, Shaw said.

The federal government is really big, and its really hard to come up with a one-size-fits-all solution for things like cybersecurity, data privacy and technology in general, Shaw said. So, in some sense, its good that the states are coming up with their own.

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.
President Trump signed multiple executive orders on Wednesday targeting the countrys education system, from discipline in K-12 schools to how universities are accredited.

Regarding school discipline, Trump signed an order in the Oval Office intended to undo policies from former Presidents Obama and Biden that Will Scharf, White House staff secretary, said created issues in the classroom for teachers and students alike.

Behavioral issues have been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is unclear how much influence the federal government will be able to have over individual school policies on this issue.

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President Trump is taking historic and commonsense action to boost school safety standards. Disciplinary decisions should be based solely on students behavior and actions, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said.

Another Wednesday order seeks to further integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into American classrooms.

The basic idea of this executive order is to ensure that we properly train the workforce of the future by ensuring that school children, young Americans, are adequately trained in AI tools, so that they can be competitive in the economy years from now into the future, as AI becomes a bigger and bigger deal, said Scharf.

In a potential hit to higher education, Trump signed an executive order targeting the college accreditation process.

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College accreditation ensures a university can access financial aid, but, Scharf said, many of those third-party accreditors have relied on sort of woke ideology to accredit universities, instead of accrediting based on merit and performance.

Accreditors have pushed back on these accusations, as colleges in states that have bans on diversity, equity and inclusion have had no problems getting accreditation.

But if a school does not have accreditation, it would have devastating effects, likely increasing concerns among higher education institutions who have seen Trump is not afraid to mess with their finances.

Thats especially true of Harvard University, which had $2 billion in federal funding revoked in retaliation for not changing its policies based on Trumps demands. The Ivy League member has sued over the action.

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Another order sought to highlight an existing law about foreign gift disclosures.

There are currently laws on the books requiring certain disclosures of universities when they accept large foreign gifts. We believe that certain universities, including, for example, Harvard, have routinely violated this law, and this law has not been effectively enforced, Scharf said.

Another Trump order was signed to create a White House initiative to help historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) do their job as effectively and as efficiently as possible

The Department will work with the Initiative and HBCUs to expand partnerships and share best practices for institutions to become hubs of opportunity and economic engines for local industries and employers, McMahon said.

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Lastly, an executive order was signed regarding workforce development, looking to increase the total number of apprenticeships in the country.

The Trump administration will support communities across the country that are offering career-aligned programs like apprenticeships and dual enrollment to best meet the needs of their workforce, McMahon said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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President Donald Trump is meeting Thursday with the journalist responsible for one of the highest-profile revelations yet of his second term.

Trump said he will sit for an interview with Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic, who last month dragged the White House into Signalgate after he was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat with top administration officials as they discussed war plans, and later published the messages after the White House downplayed them.

I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if its possible for The Atlantic to be truthful, Trump said Thursday on Truth Social. Are they capable of writing a fair story on TRUMP? The way I look at it, what can be so bad  I WON!

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Goldberg will be joined by Atlantic staff writers Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker, Trump said. Last month, in response to their request to interview him, Trump said Parker has been as terrible as is possible for as long as I have known her and claimed she is not capable of doing a fair and unbiased interview. Scherer, he said, has never written a fair story about me, only negative, and virtually always LIES.

The president has repeatedly slammed The Atlantic as a failing magazine (it said it was profitable as of March 2024) and, in the middle of Signalgate, called Goldberg a sleazebag whose reporting is bad for the country. The Atlantic declined to comment.

He said Thursday the magazine would run a story about him called The Most Consequential President of this Century.

Gregory Svirnovskiy contributed to this story.
By Akbar Novruz



The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will be held this year in Khankendi, according to Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mirzayev made the announcement during an event hosted by the Center for Analysis of International Relations, titled Azerbaijan and the Economic Cooperation Organization: Opportunities and Prospects.

Highlighting Azerbaijans active engagement within the ECO, Mirzayev said:

Azerbaijan's economic potential has created opportunities for establishing broad cooperation relations with member states. Azerbaijan will organize the 17th meeting of the ECO Summit in Khankendi this year.

He added that the theme of this years summit will focus on sustainable development and climate-resilient economic cooperation, underscoring Azerbaijan's growing leadership role in regional and global sustainability agendas.
We recently published a list of EV Penny Stocks List: From $10 to Under $1. In this article, we are going to take a look at where ChargePoint Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CHPT) stands against other stocks in EV penny list: from $10 to under $1.

The global electric vehicle (EV) market is on a roll despite the ever-growing tariff turmoil triggered by US President Donald Trump. That was clear as EV sales increased by 29% in the first quarter, to 4.1 million on the sale of 1.7 million units in March.

China, which continues to lead the world in EV adoption, reported a 36% year-over-year increase in EV sales in Q1, with sales in March alone topping 1 million units, a record last seen in August 2024. Due to the minimal cross-border EV sales, China is unlikely to experience significant impacts from the US-China tariff dispute. While North American EV sales were up by 16% in the first quarter, adding to the 7.3% increase in 2024, the markets long-term outlook remains unclear. Thats in part to Trumps imposition of substantial tariffs on auto parts and other equipment that automakers need to ramp up the development of EVs.

The 25% tax imposed in February on cars imported from Canada and Mexico and a larger levy imposed in March on all auto imports is anticipated to trigger a significant increase in EV prices. The impact on affordability and market dynamics is probably substantial, given that about 40% of US EV sales are imported from nations like Mexico, Korea, and Japan.

Approximately two-thirds of the electric vehicles sold in the US last year were manufactured domestically, but, like all contemporary cars, the necessary parts and components are procured from various countries worldwide. The ongoing, intense trade conflict with China, the leading global supplier of materials for EV batteries, will further complicate the market.

Additionally, there is substantial speculation that the new administration may undo the electric vehicle sales incentives established during the Biden administration, casting a shadow over the outlook for EV sales in the second quarter and beyond.

Consequently, the remainder of 2025 is expected to be a tumultuous period for electric vehicle sales in the United States, even with the launch of new products and appealing incentives. Should the new automobile tariffs remain in place, they will create a significant obstacle for numerous automakers, mainly because of the tariffs applied to steel and, crucially for EVs, aluminium.

Amid the headwinds, analysts expect 2025 to be a strong year for EV sales in the US, building on the positive momentum in 2024. Likewise, the stocks of companies exposed to the electric vehicle spectacle should be the biggest beneficiary, especially penny stocks trading at highly discounted valuations.
President Donald Trump on Thursday said Russias failure to forcibly seize and occupy the entirety of Ukraines territory amounts to a pretty big concession to Kyiv as he continues to push for Russia and Ukraine to come to a settlement to end the war Moscow started three years ago.

Speaking in the Oval Office during a bilateral meeting with Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Stre, Trump insisted to reporters that he is putting pressure on Russian president Vladimir Putin behind the scenes as reporters asked him what he would ask the Russian leader to give up to match the massive territorial concessions he has asked Ukraine to make as a way to find an end to Europes bloodiest conflict since the end of the Second World War.

Trump replied: Stopping the war, stopping [from] taking the whole country.

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He added that not seizing all of Ukraines sovereign land  the goal Putin had laid out when he launched the war in February 2022 and which was foiled by Ukraines military resistance  was a pretty big concession in his view.

Trumps bizarre and nonsensical comment glossed over the fact that Putin had always wanted to occupy and control Ukraines land and erase it from the map as an independent nation, thereby reassembling a large portion of the former Soviet Union and Russian empire. The reason Russia has not succeeded in that aim isnt because Moscow has magnanimously declined to carry out an occupation, but because Ukrainian forces have kept Russian troops from advancing through most of the country.

Asked whether his administration was putting any pressure on Russia to accept the terms of a proposed peace deal, as it has been very publicly on Ukraine, Trump replied: Im putting a lot of pressure. You dont know what pressure Im putting. Theyre dealing. You have no idea what pressure Im putting on Russia. Were putting a lot of pressure ... and Russia knows that and some people who are close to it know or he wouldnt be talking right now.

His claim that not ending Ukraines existence as a free nation was a generous concession came just hours after he issued a rare and pointed criticism of Putin in response to Moscow unleashing the deadliest airstrike on Kyiv since last year, killing at least 12 people.

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In a Thursday post on his Truth Social website, Trump said he was not happy with the Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital, which came less than 24 hours after he baselessly accused Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyof starting and working to prolong the war that began in 2022 when Putin ordered Russian forces to invade Ukraine.

The strike was described by the Ukrainian defense ministry as massive and consisting of attacks by cruise missiles, drones, [and] ballistic weapons in what the ministry called yet another strike on peaceful cities and Ukrainian homes. Zelensky, who was traveling in South Africa when the attack hit, said it was extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening in his country.

Trump called the Russian attack on Ukraines capital not necessary and slammed the very bad timing of the attack, which Ukrainian officials say left at least 90 people  including six children  injured.

He then exhorted the Russian leader to halt the attacks and get to the negotiating table, writing: Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

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While greeting the visiting prime minister of Norway at the White House on Thursday afternoon, the president was asked whether he believes Putin will heed his call to stop attacking Ukraine. Trump replied, I do.

Trump later told reporters that he believes both Putin and Zelensky want peace, but they have to get to the table.

Theres a lot of hatred, theres a lot of very bad blood. A lot of stress, but I think were going to  I hope were going to get there  for the sake of a lot of young people that are dying, he said.

Trump insisted he was putting pressure on Russia, while citing Putins failure to conquer the whole of Ukraine as an example of a concession by the Russian president (AFP via Getty Images)

When asked how long it would take for a peace deal to be completed, Trump replied that he had set his own deadline for talks.

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We want it to be fast ... and I think everybody ... in NATO, they want to see this thing happen. So we have a deadline, and after that were going to have a very much different attitude. But I think theres a very good chance of getting done, he said.

Trump was asked about his decision to address Putin so directly in his Truth Social post and whether it was an indicator of growing frustration with the Russian leader. He replied: I didnt like last night. I wasnt happy with it, and were in the midst of talking peace and missiles were fired ... I was not happy with it.

Pressed on whether hed consider additional sanctions against Moscow, Trump did not explicitly rule it out but said he wanted to take a bit more time for a peace deal to be struck.

Id rather answer that question in a week. I want to see if we can have a deal, he said before adding that he wont be happy and things will happen if there isnt an accord by that time.

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The presidents extremely rare criticism of Russia marks a head-spinning reversal from what he was saying less than a day ago when he appeared to have fully adopted Moscows position on at least one outcome of the war: The status of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula.

Russian forces illegally seized the Ukrainian territory in 2014 and up until now the American government had steadfastly refused to even consider recognizing Russias unlawful annexation.

But Trump, who appeared upset about Zelensky refusing to recognize Russias theft of his countrys territory as part of a Trump-brokered peace deal where Russia would end the war in exchange for having their wartime gains legitimized, said Crimea was lost years ago to Ukraine and said it was not even a point of discussion in a separate Truth Social post.

Trump also taunted Zelensky in the same post, writing that Zelensky had no cards to play and accusing him of making it so difficult to settle this war.

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He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire  He can have Peace or he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country, he said.

Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE! Trump wrote on Truth Social after the attack (AP)

Trump, who has had a rocky history with Zelensky dating back to his attempt to blackmail the Ukrainian leader into announcing sham investigations into then-former vice president Joe Biden and his son ahead of the 2020 presidential election, has repeatedly  and falsely  accused Zelensky of having started the war while pressuring him to make broad concessions and asking nothing of the sort from Putin.

He, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have threatened to walk away from efforts to broker a settlement between Moscow and Kyiv over what they describe as Zelenskys intransigence, even though it is Russia that has repeatedly broken previously announced ceasefire agreements.

The presidents criticism of Putin comes just a day after British, American and European officials met in London for what were described as substantive technical discussions as Vance again suggested that the U.S. would abandon the process unless Kyiv agreed to massive territorial concessions of a scope not seen since the 1938 Munich agreement that legitimized Nazi Germanys annexation of part of what was then Czechoslovakia.

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Rubio, who had been set to attend the London talks, backed out and left the task of attendance to Trumps special envoy for Ukraine, retired U.S. Army general Keith Kellogg.

Yet at the same time, Trumps longtime friend and fellow real estate developer turned special presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to meet with Putin in Moscow this week.

According to Bloomberg News, Witkoff is understood to be conveying notice of conditions that Russia would have to adhere to in any peace settlement.

Those conditions include Moscows acceptance of Ukraines sovereign right to maintain an army and an independent defense industry  a rejection of Putins oft-repeated demand for Ukrainian demilitarization  and for Russia to turn over control of Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to the United States so it can be used to generate electricity for both Russian and Ukrainian energy grids.

Witkoff is also expected to state that Washington wants Moscow to allow Ukrainian access to the Dnieper River and hand back control of occupied territory in Kharkiv.
Donald Trump has said that hes serious about running for a third term as president, and now hes got the merch to prove it.



The official TrumpStore.com website is now selling TRUMP 2028 hats, unofficially launching the campaign. Available in the classic MAGA red, the hats are on sale for $50 each. Trumps son, Eric, is even pictured wearing one of the caps on the Trump Store listing.

In a March 30 phone interview with NBC News, Trump, 78, insisted he was "not joking" about considering a third term.

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A lot of people want me to do it, he said at the time. I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, its very early in the administration.

Related: Trump Says 'There Are Methods' for Running for a Third Term  Here's What the Law Says

Trump, who will be the oldest president in U.S. history by the time his second term ends in January 2029, also said during the interview that there are "methods" by which he could subvert the rules and serve a third term.

The 22nd Amendment, which was added to the U.S. Constitution in 1951  following Franklin Delano Roosevelt's historic four terms in office  states that a president cannot be elected to more than two terms.

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Trump didn't expand on the "methods" by which he could serve a third term, but supporters have proposed a few different possibilities.

The most straightforward would be amending the Constitution, either by a two-thirds vote in Congress or by two-thirds of U.S. states agreeing to call a constitutional convention to propose the changes  both of which are considered highly unlikely.

A third method would entail Vice President J.D. Vance winning the 2028 election on a Vance-Trump ticket and then resigning.

Several of Trump's political allies have also spoken publicly about the possibility of him serving another term. Three days after the president was sworn into office for a second time, Tennessee congressman Andy Ogles introduced a House Joint Resolution to amend the Constitution and allow for a third term.

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In a March 18 interview with Chris Cuomo on NewsNation, Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon said he was "working on" ideas to get the president elected again.

"I think well have a couple of alternatives, Bannon said. Well see what the definition of term limit is.



Im a firm believer that President Trump will run and win again in 2028, he added. Weve had greater long shots than Trump 2028.



Related: Steve Bannon Thought Trump Had Early Dementia and Pushed to Remove Him, '60 Minutes' Producer Claims

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.

Trump first floated the possibility of a third term in November 2024, while speaking at the House Republican Conference in Washington, D.C.

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"I suspect I won't be running again, unless you say, 'He's so good, we've got to figure something else,' " he said at the time  seemingly in jest  to laughs from the crowd.



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Donald Trump has said he is suing a law firm that helped Hillary Clintons 2016 election campaign acquire a dossier of claims about his alleged links to Russia.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the US president vowed to sue Seattle law firm Perkins Coie for egregious and unlawful acts, which he attributed to an unnamed member of the firm.

Perkins Coie is one of Americas largest law firms and was previously targeted by Mr Trump over its links to Ms Clintons 2016 campaign.

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The law firm paid more than $1m to an investigations firm for a dossier compiled by former MI6 agent Christopher Steele on Mr Trump.

The 35-page report, which came to be called the Steele Dossier, alleged Russia helped Trump win the 2016 elections, including by hacking the Democratic Partys emails and leaking them to WikiLeaks.

Mr Trump denied the reports claims at the time, calling them false and fictitious and made up, phony facts. Russian officials dubbed it pulp fiction.

Christopher Steele, the former head of MI6s Russia desk, alleged Mr Trumps 2016 presidential campaign was supported by Vladimir Putin - Victoria Jones/PA

Perkins Coie was contacted for comment.

The president also hit out at US District Judge Beryl Howell, who Mr Trump said had been assigned to the Perkins Coie case.

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He said: The Judge assigned to this case is Beryl Howell, an Obama appointment, and a highly biased and unfair disaster. She ruled against me in the past, in a shocking display of sick judicial temperament, on a case that ended up working out very well for me, on appeal.

Ms Howell previously oversaw Robert Muellers investigation into claims Russia interfered in the 2016 elections. The Washington DC judge separately condemned Mr Trumps decision to pardon his supporters who participated in the January 6 riots at the Capitol.

Mr Trumps post said: I could have a 100pc perfect case and she would angrily rule against me. Its called Trump Derangement Syndrome, and shes got a bad case of it. To put it nicely, Beryl Howell is an unmitigated train wreck. NO JUSTICE!!!

The post on Truth Social comes just weeks after the president signed an executive order against Perkins Coie that effectively banned the law firm from working for Americas federal government.

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The order, which was signed into law on March 6, accused Perkins Coie of undermining democratic elections by acquiring the false dossier on behalf of Ms Clintons campaign from investigations firm Fusion GPS.

Mr Trump also accused Perkins Coie of having worked to judicially overturn popular, necessary, and democratically enacted election laws, on behalf of activists including hedge fund billionaire George Soros.

The executive order separately claimed Perkins Coie racially discriminates against its own staff through its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which include race-based and sex-based quotas.

Perkins Coie has filed a legal challenge to Trumps order, with a spokesman for the law firm saying the edict violates core constitutional protections, including the rights to free speech and due process.

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A federal judge subsequently issued a temporary block on vast swathes of the order.

The presidents order against Perkins Coie marked the start of a wider campaign against some of Americas biggest law firms that has now seen the Trump administration sign executive orders against five major firms including Wilmer Hale and Jenner & Block.

Mr Trump had earlier signed a memorandum against lawyers at Washington DC law firm Covington & Burling, which directed federal government agencies to suspend the security clearances of lawyers including Peter Koski, one of its former partners.

Top law firms including Paul Weiss and A&O Shearman have, meanwhile, struck deals with Trump that will see them provide free work for his administration to avoid being hit with an executive order.

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A federal judge has ordered that a Venezuelan immigrant deported to El Salvador should be returned to the U.S.

On Wednesday night, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, appointed by President Trump, ruled that a 20-year-old Venezuelan mans removal violated a previous court settlement, and that the government should facilitate his return. Gallagher also ruled that the government should not deport anyone else covered by the settlement.

In 2019, a class action lawsuit was filed by immigrants who came to the U.S. as unaccompanied minors and sought asylum in order to have their applications processed while they stayed in the country. The government and the plaintiffs settled the case in 2024. But the Trump administration broke the agreement by sending one of the immigrants, known under the pseudonym Cristian in court records, to El Salvador last month as part of three deportation flights to the country.

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At bottom, this case, unlike other cases involving the governments removal of individuals under the Alien Enemies Act, is a contractual dispute because of the Settlement Agreement, the attorneys for the plaintiff said, referring to the eighteenth-century wartime authority Trump used to justify deporting noncitizens with little to no due process.

In her ruling, Gallager mentioned the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the government mistakenly deported to El Salvador, saying that like Judge [Paula] Xinis in the Abrego Garcia matter, this court will order Defendants to facilitate Cristians return to the United States so that he can receive the process he was entitled to under the parties binding Settlement Agreement.

The Trump administration said that Cristian was arrested in January for possession of cocaine and that his designation as an alien enemy pursuant to the [Alien Enemies Act] results in him ceasing to be a member of the class in the lawsuit. This may be moot now, though, as a federal judge ruled last week that any deportations under the 1798 law require the government to provide advance notice and a court hearing.

But the White House has shown a flippant disregard for court orders that go against its wishes, and they arent likely to respond favorably to Gallagers ruling. Each day, the administrations deal with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele to send immigrants to the country is looking more and more legally questionable, but nothing appears to be changing, despite rebukes from multiple judges.
The Trump administration tapped senior State Department official Michael Anton to lead technical talks with Iran as the United States continues discussions with Tehran over its expanding nuclear program.

The administration tapped Anton, who is the State Departments policy planning director, to lead the technical delegation in discussions with officials in Tehran this weekend, two U.S. officials confirmed to The Hill.

Anton was in Rome on Saturday with President Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for the second round of nuclear talks with Iran. A U.S. official said they made very good progress with their Tehran counterparts.

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During Trumps first White House term, Anton served on the National Security Council. He later worked as a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute.

The U.S. is getting closer to the two-month timeline Trump set for forging a new nuclear deal with Iran.

Trump, who in his first term pulled out of the deal former President Obama negotiated, has signaled military strikes on Tehrans nuclear sites are on the table if negotiations go sideways. Iran is likely to shoot down a deal that would include eliminating its nuclear program entirely.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after the Saturday talks in Italy that both sides made progress on principles and objectives of a potential deal, adding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is no longer good enough for us.

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International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said both sides seem committed to hammering out an agreement.

I think these are negotiations that are very, very serious. Are very, very serious, Grossi told reporters Wednesday during his visit to Washington. I dont see any improvisation here, not at all.

Grossi met with Witkoff in Rome before the second round of nuclear talks, The Hill reported Saturday. The two also met on Wednesday in Washington, a U.S. official confirmed to The Hill on Thursday.

Washington is open to an agreement that would permit Iran to bring in enriched uranium fuel, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

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The U.S.s top diplomat also stressed the U.S. is a long ways away from any sort of agreement with Iran.

We recognize its difficult and hard. Oftentimes, unfortunately, peace is, Rubio said in an interview with The Free Press that was published Wednesday. But were committed to achieving a peaceful outcome thats acceptable to everyone. It may not be possible, we dont know.

Antons selection for the post was first reported by Politico.

Updated at 3:37 p.m. EDT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive memorandum ordering the Justice Department to investigate a major Democratic fundraising group.

Trump reportedly has his sights on the Democrats dominant national fundraising platform, ActBlue, as the organization has been standing by for the White House to take possible action against it.

Trumps memorandum directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate allegations regarding the unlawful use of online fundraising platforms to make 'straw' or 'dummy' contributions or foreign contributions to political candidates and committees, and to take appropriate action to enforce the law.

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Donors have given more than $400 million to Democratic candidates through ActBlue over the first three months of the year, according to the Associated Press.

The memorandum names ActBlue as an online fundraising platform that is used "to improperly influence American elections."

An ActBlue spokesperson branded the move by the White House as a "brazen attack on democracy in America."

"Todays escalation by the White House is blatantly unlawful and needs to be seen for what it is: Donald Trumps latest front in his campaign to stamp out all political, electoral and ideological opposition, the group stated.

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This Administration continues to weaponize the instruments of federal power in an unprecedented assault on our democracy," the statement read, calling the administration's claims against it "baseless."

ActBlue says it plans to challenge the executive order in court.

The president is said to be preparing a presidential memorandum singling out a Democratic group and it could be signed later today. ActBlue has been on the receiving end of accusations and criticism from Republicans and prominent MAGA figures. (AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier on Thursday, ActBlue said it strictly abides by all federal and state laws.

We will always stand steadfast in defending the rights of all Americans to participate in our democracy and ActBlue will continue its mission undeterred and uninterrupted, providing a safe, secure fundraising platform for the millions of grassroots donors who rely on us, the group said in a statement.

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ActBlue has faced accusations and criticism from Republicans and prominent MAGA figures over how it verifies donations. Elon Musk last month blamed ActBlue without evidence for orchestrating and funding the Tesla protests that have ignited across the U.S. He named ActBlue funders, including liberal philanthropist George Soros and billionaire foe Reid Hoffman.

Something stinks about ActBlue, Musk also said in a post on X in March as other GOP lawmakers piled on.

Charlie Kirk, a key Trump ally who founded the conservative group Turning Point USA, called for the FBI to investigate ActBlue.

ActBlues CEO and president, Regina Wallace-Jones, emailed Democrats Wednesday and warned about possible action coming down the track from the White House. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

I think the FBIs going to do something on ActBlue soon, Kirk said at a political event last month in Wisconsin.

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California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa also asked the Treasury to investigate allegations that the group processed payments to terror-linked organizations, the Associated Press reported.

Separately, fellow Republican Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona sent a letter to the FBI last month claiming that ActBlue is being used to to skirt the integrity of federal campaign finance laws by allowing foreign nationals to contribute to campaigns, among other allegations of criminal wrongdoing, the agency reported.

ActBlues spokesperson Megan Hughes dismissed the claims. ActBlue has always dealt with attacks and baseless claims from the Right that are designed to undermine the power of the small-dollar donors who rely on our platform, Hughes said in a statement at the time.

Last year Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, a Republican who oversees the House Administration Committee, wrote to ActBlue in October demanding it hand over documents about how it verifies donors in light of potential vulnerabilities that foreign actors may exploit to illegally participate in the U.S. political process.

ActBlue complied and Steil later acknowledged the company had implemented updated policies to automatically reject donations that use foreign prepaid/gift cards, domestic gift cards, are from high-risk/sanctioned countries and have the highest level of risk as determined, Politico noted.
Hong Kong Supermarket looked exactly as it always had. When I visited the store in Manhattans Chinatown last week, buckets of live crabs were stacked precariously next to bags of sweet-potato starch and shrink-wrapped boxes of dried shiitake mushrooms. The instant noodles took up two walls, where I quickly found my beloved and gloriously weird cheese-flavored kind. The aisles were packed with the usual staples: black vinegar, bags of vermicelli, sacks of jasmine rice big enough to body-slam a man.

But the product labels gave away that something was wrong: Product of China, many of them read in Mandarin. Almost everything at Hong Kong Supermarket is imported from China, and, because of tariffs, they could soon get more expensive. President Donald Trumps 145 percent tax on goods imported from China affects everything from sofas to socks. Starting tomorrow, the fast-fashion giants Shein and Temu will hike their prices. And for some Americans, sticker shock from tariffs might mean skipping a new pair of jeans or squeezing a few more months out of a wheezing vacuum cleaner.

But the tariffs are especially tough on Chinese grocery stores and their customers. Unlike retailers that just happen to sell Chinese-made clothes and gadgets, stores like Hong Kong Supermarket are stocked with Chinese products because they are made in China. After all, Ive yet to come across American brands that make my cheese-flavored noodles. Chinese grocery stores are a lifeline for millions of Americans like me. Theyre where you can always count on basic ingredients that youll never find in Trader Joes or Whole Foods. In a world of tariffs, the Chinese grocery store has gone from a space of security to one of low, simmering dread: the kind that comes from watching the small constants of your life get a little more expensive, a little more distant.

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At Hong Kong Supermarket, the prices havent gone up yet, but customers are bracing for hikes. Theres more pausing at price tags. More sighing. Aunties in quilted jackets crowd the produce bins, where their shopping carts tell the story of careful calculation: one bunch of scallions instead of two, a single pork bun where there might have been three, the occasional wistful glance toward the $13.99 fresh durian in the cardboard barrel. In the dried-snacks aisle, the shopper beside me stared wistfully at a jar of salted plums. Anna Chen, a slight 50-year-old woman holding an empty green shopping basket, told me that tariffs were on her mind. I really hope the prices dont get higher, she said.

They will, Wille Wang, a manager at Hong Kong Supermarket, told me. The store hasnt had to increase prices much at the moment, he said, but its only a matter of time if the tariffs remain in effect. What can we do? Its not our fault; we cant control tariffs. Unless we sell at a loss, which isnt sustainable. He expects that cheap products might go up a little, but that the big jumps will be on premium goods and hyper-specific varieties. I thought of fermented bean curds, a hot-pot favorite; black-yolked century eggs, found in so many congees; and the sea cucumbers gifted to every grandparent. When existing inventory runs out, store owners will face hard choices: Eat the costs and risk going under. Raise prices and risk losing customers, as some businesses with Chinese suppliers are already doing. Seek alternative suppliers and risk altering the flavors that define their communities.

Everyone loses. Shoppers who frequent Chinese grocery stores may have few alternatives but to shell out more money for their food. You cant swap out the Pixian bean paste for something generic from the international aisle for your mothers mapo tofu and hope she wont notice. You cant trade out Shaoxing wine for dry sherry. Substitutions only go so far before the dish falls apartone missing ingredient, and youre eating a sad memory of something else. Western grocery stores dont have the groceries I need, Chen said. If prices keep going up, I cant do anything about it.

At some point, a work-around becomes a compromise, and a compromise becomes a resignation. These stores are where people can keep up how theyve always eaten. Many people go to them not for novelty, but for continuity. Im thinking of stockpiling things like soy sauce and condiments, said Fred Wan, a shopper whom I approached near the fish department. Hes a 34-year-old who moved from Beijing to New York eight years ago; he and his wife recently moved closer to Chinatown partly to have better access to Chinese grocery stores. Im definitely worried.

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Chinese grocery stores are under pressure in more ways than one: Not only do they stock lots of products that are now subject to steep tariffs, but they already tend to run on thin margins. Small, independent grocery storesespecially those catering to ethnic communitiesare particularly vulnerable, David Ortega, a food-economics professor at Michigan State University, told me. If Trumps full slate of tariffs goes into effect in a few months, the pain wont stop at Chinese grocers. Vietnam is facing some of the steepest proposed tariff hikes. South Asian grocers might see seasonal delicacies like Alphonso mangoes get more expensive, if they can get them at all. (Crying in H Mart may soon take on a new meaning.)

If the costs of cultural foods keep rising, well all feel it. More and more non-Chinese shoppers frequent these stores because theyre the only places that carry ingredients now in many kitchenschili crisp, black vinegar, dumpling wrappersor at least sell them cheaply. Food media, emphasizing that authenticity is a virtue, have popularized the idea that a visit to H Mart or the corner Chinese grocer will help you cook better. Big retailers have picked up brands popularized by smaller Chinese stores, such as Kikkoman, Lee Kum Kee, and the pantry favorite Lao Gan Ma chili crisp. The irony is that even as Asian groceries have become more mainstream, more cross-cultural, more popular than ever, tariffs are casting doubt on Americans ability to actually buy them. Tariffs shape and reinforce whats affordable, whats available, and, ultimately, whose cultures get priced out of reach.

After leaving Hong Kong Supermarket, I headed to Po Wing Hong, the grocer down the street. The store smelled like herbs and floor cleaner. A little boy was crouched in front of a stack of Jin Jin lychee jellies, squeezing each one to figure out which had the most juice. I overheard two teens calculating how many instant-noodle packs they can buy. (Answer: fewer than theyd like.) I passed a big box of packaged nuts and grains slapped with a bright yellow sign. On it, prices had been crossed out and updated in black pen. Peeled mung beans: formerly $1.75 a bag, now $1.99. Dried chestnuts: formerly $9.99, now $11.55. On my way out of the store, I walked past a stack of discarded cardboard boxes, all still marked with Chinese shipping labels.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
President Donald Trump speaking at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 22, 2025. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

A dozen Democratic attorneys general, led by the AGs in Arizona and Oregon, filed a lawsuit Wednesday arguing that President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs were illegally implemented and will cause irreparable harm to their constituents.

In the 38-page filing, attorneys general for Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Vermont urged the U.S. Court of International Trade to find that the presidents tariffs were issued illegally.

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In the past three months, Trump has at various times declared and withdrawn the financial penalties on multiple countries. For now, the White House has settled on a 145% tariff on most products imported from China, 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods and 10% base tariffs on the rest of the world.

Another 57 countries were subject to reciprocal tariffs that were actually based on trade deficits, not existing tariffs that those countries had applied to American goods.

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The attorneys general argued that the whiplash of constantly changing tariff rates has injected uncertainty into the countrys economy and said the presidents misuse of his strictly defined powers violates the U.S. Constitution.

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These edicts reflect a national trade policy that now hinges on the Presidents whims rather than the sound exercise of his lawful authority, reads the lawsuit. By claiming the authority to impose immense and ever-changing tariffs on whatever goods entering the United States he chooses, for whatever reason he finds convenient to declare an emergency, the President has upended the constitutional order and brought chaos to the American economy.

Arizona AG Kris Mayes, who has mobilized her office to challenge the federal governments actions in thirteen different lawsuits, called the tariffs economically reckless in a news conference announcing the latest lawsuit.

As Arizonas chief law enforcement officer, I will not stand by while the federal government imposes policies that harm our economy, violates the constitution and ignores the limits of executive power, she said. This lawsuit is about protecting Arizonans and businesses large and small, it is about defending our constitutional system and reminding this administration, yet again, that no one  not even the president of the United States  is above the law.

The attorneys general argue that only Congress has the power to impose tariffs, and that Trumps bid to circumvent that by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act is unlawful. The act, they wrote, makes no mention of tariffs, and only empowers the president to regulate, investigate or block trade while an investigation is ongoing.

And, they argue, the requirements for Trump to act during peacetime havent been met. The act grants the president the ability to regulate trade between the United States and other countries if there is an unusual and extraordinary threat that poses a risk to national security, foreign policy or the countrys economy.

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To satisfy that, Trump has justified his tariffs by accusing Canada and Mexico of not doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl and China of failing to intercept the chemical precursors that are used to manufacture fentanyl. And while Trump relied on IEEPA to greenlight 10% tariffs against the rest of the world, he provided no reasoning that might comply with the acts requirements.

The lawsuit also notes that applying tariffs to every product from Canada, Mexico and China violates IEEPA, because not every product that is imported from those countries is related to the presidents purported goal of addressing the fentanyl crisis.

The Plaintiff states agree that the fentanyl crisis requires urgent government action, but the imposition of tariffs is neither an effective nor a lawful response to that crisis, the AGs wrote in the lawsuit. The (tariff orders for China, Mexico and Canada) lacks any rationale for the tariff rates imposed and bears no relationship between the goods subject to the Order and the claimed emergency.

During Wednesdays news conference, Mayes highlighted the damage the tariffs risk causing to the Grand Canyon States business community and government agencies.

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The Democrat, who previously served on the Arizona Corporation Commission, said she has discussed the possibility of increased rates with utility companies in the state, and while they havent committed to avoiding doing so, they also havent ruled them out. Mayes pointed out that some utility companies depend on lumber from Canada to erect telephone poles, and others use solar panels, which are largely made in China, or transformers, which come from Europe, China and South America.

Likewise, the Arizona Department of Transportation is already seeing prices rise, and Mayes said that will ultimately increase the cost of highway and road construction.

Bill Sandweg, the owner of Copper Star Coffee in central Phoenix, said that his business depends on ingredients that are grown in other countries, with climates that cannot be replicated in the United States, and specialty equipment that isnt manufactured in the country. He said that he buys around $5,000 worth of spices from India every year, but the new tariffs have increased that cost to $7,500.

Sandweg called the tariffs taxation without representation and warned that, if they arent reduced, his costs will eventually be transferred to consumers.

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This isnt the first lawsuit the White House has had to contend with in the wake of its tariff policies. Last week, California launched its own legal challenge in federal court that similarly attacked the presidents use of his emergency powers to impose tariffs. And a Florida woman who owns a stationary business went to court to contest the fact that her voice, and those of other U.S. citizens, was ignored because the tariffs werent subject to congressional debate.

A group of small businesses also filed a lawsuit against Trumps use of the IEEPA in the U.S. Court of International Trade on April 14. On Wednesday, a panel of judges overseeing the case decided against freezing the tariffs while litigation continues. A hearing is scheduled on May 13 for the court to consider the issue.

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That said, the rapidly expanding sector has suffered a serious setback since the beginning of the year, primarily due to President Trumps global trade war and his reversal of the Biden-era energy and climate policies. The current administration wants to refocus efforts on the fossil fuel sector, while conservatives push Congress to wipe out tax incentives for clean energy. As a result, over half of the nearly $30 billion in clean technology factories that were scheduled to come online this year  including manufacturing facilities for solar, wind, batteries, and electric vehicles  are now predicted to face delays or cancellations, according to a report by BloombergNEF.

A significant growth opportunity for the sector has emerged in the form of the ongoing AI boom and its accompanying data centers. According to a study by the American Clean Power Association, electricity demand in the US is expected to surge by 35-50% by 2040, driven by domestic manufacturing growth, data centers, and mass electrification. Solar power is a primary candidate to fill this supply gap, since it can be built faster and more affordably than any other technology.

So it doesnt come as a surprise that the United States installed a record-breaking 50 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity in 2024, the largest single year of new capacity added to the grid by any energy technology in over twenty years. Moreover, a recent report by Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association revealed that solar and storage accounted for 84% of all new electric generating capacity added to the grid last year.

Solar energy has emerged as a leading candidate in the current global green transition, thanks in large part to its cost, reliability, availability of supply chain, and speed of construction. Moreover, a significant increase in battery power over the last few years and reductions in battery costs have helped drive solar powers growth by delivering firm power even during early morning and evening peak power conditions.

The overall energy industry has fallen by almost 8% since the beginning of the year, weighed down by the slump in crude oil prices and the prospects of a global economic slowdown. On the other hand, the clean energy sector has largely remained flat, posting YTD gains of 0.6% at the time of writing this piece.

We recently published a list of the 11 Best Solar Energy Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN) stands against other best solar stocks.

Story Continues

Solar investors are also fretting about the increasing uncertainty amidst the global tariff war, as the majority of US solar panel imports were coming from Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. While the President has imposed a 90-day pause on imposing reciprocal levies, it is clear that no country is safe from his tariffs. However, this troublesome geoeconomic landscape has granted a significant advantage to companies that are manufacturing domestically. However, they still must import parts, increasing their costs.

To give an example of how tariffs can impact the industry, let us remember Donald Trumps last tenure as president, when he imposed a 30% tariff on imported solar cells and panels in 2018. This policy led the countrys renewable energy companies to cancel or freeze investments of over $2.5 billion in large-scale installation projects, resulting in thousands of lost jobs.

Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWEN): Among the Best Solar Energy Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds

A field of well-maintained solar panels reflecting the sunlight.

Our Methodology

To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkeys database of 1,009 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the solar energy sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors in Q4 2024. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by their market cap as of the writing of this piece. The following are the Best Solar Energy Stocks According to Hedge Funds.

At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with 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).

Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN)

No. of Hedge Fund Holders: 32

Next on our list of the Best Solar Energy Stocks is Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN), a leading integrated clean energy company with the 5th largest renewable operating fleet in the US. The companys portfolio comprises approximately 11.8 GW of gross capacity in 26 states, including approximately 9 GW of wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems.

Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN) had a tough Q4 2024 as its revenue of $256 million fell below estimates by $43.73 million, despite a slight uptick from the year before. The companys adjusted EPS of $0.03 also missed expectations by $0.3. That said, CWEN continues to expand and is committed to approximately $450 million of new long-term corporate capital investments in 2024, while bringing online over 1 GW of renewable power generation and energy storage capacity. The company reported Cash Available for Distribution (CAFD) of $425 million at the end of FY, exceeding its guidance of $395 million. Moreover, Clearway remains committed to its shareholders, raising its dividend by 1.7% to $0.424 and with expectations to annually increase its dividend by 5% to 8% in the coming years.

It was revealed this month that Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN) has struck an equity deal with AIP Management for a 300MWac solar PV and 200MW/400MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Texas. AIP will acquire a 49.99% equity stake in the project from Clearway with a total investment of approximately $200 million.

Overall, CWEN ranks 5th on our list of the best solar energy stocks to buy according to hedge funds. While we acknowledge the potential of CWEN as an investment, 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 CWEN 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.
Donald Trumps administration moved a Venezuelan immigrant living in Philadelphia to a Texas detention facility for possible removal from the United States despite a court order blocking his removal from Pennsylvania and the country.

On April 15, Trump-appointed District Judge Stephanie Haines blocked the government from moving a man named in court documents as A.S.R. from her western Pennsylvania judicial district.

But roughly 30 minutes after her order, a plane carrying the man took off for Texas, according to filings from the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents him.

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A.S.R. is detained at Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas, a state holding more than 12,000 people facing removal from the country.

Haines did not accuse the administration of violating her order, but A.S.R.s removal marks yet another instance of administration officials acting in apparent defiance of the federal judiciary to implement the presidents anti-immigrant agenda.

A Venezuelan immigrant was moved from Pennsylvania to the Bluebonnet Detention Center in Anson, Texas despite a judges order that blocked his removal from the state and the country (REUTERS)

Reuters first reported the latest filings in A.S.R.s removal.

The government has tried to deport A.S.R. under the presidents use of the Alien Enemies Act, which the administration has used as legal justification to summarily deport alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang from the United States. He is believed to be among immigrants at a Texas facility where the government was allegedly preparing flights to deport alien enemies.

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On April 19, the Supreme Court blocked those removals.

In his proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act for only the fourth time in U.S. history, Trump stated that all Venezuelan citizens 14 years of age or older who are members of [Tren de Aragua], are within the United States, and are not actually naturalized or lawful permanent residents of the United States are liable to be apprehended, restrained, secured, and removed as Alien Enemies.

The administration has admitted in court filings that many of the people sent to a notorious prison in El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act did not have criminal records, and attorneys and family members say their clients and relatives  some of whom were in the country with legal permission and have upcoming court hearings on their asylum claims  have nothing to do with Tren de Aragua.

On April 7, a divided Supreme Court agreed to lift a judges order that temporarily blocked the presidents use of the wartime law to swiftly deport people from the country, but justices said immigrants marked for removal are still entitled the ability to challenge their removal in front of a judge in the jurisdiction where they are jailed.

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Following that ruling, lawsuits challenging immigrants deportations under the Alien Enemies Act have been filed across the country. Federal judges in Manhattan, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Texas have all issued similar rulings that temporarily block immigrants removal from the country or their district while their legal challenges play out.

But attorneys argue the administration has tried to get around those court orders by moving immigrants to the detention center in a northern Texas judicial district they believe would be more favorable to Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act.

Federal judges across the country are temporarily blocking summary deportations under the Alien Enemies Act after the Supreme Court determined that legal challenges to removals under the wartime law must play out within the jurisdictions where immigrants are detained (US ARMY/AFP via Getty Images)

On April 17, Texas District Judge Wesley Hendrix declined to block Alien Enemies Act removals from his district. The following day, at least 28 immigrants were loaded onto buses headed to an airport within that district, according to the ACLU.

Those buses reportedly turned around after the Supreme Court blocked the government from removing targeted immigrants in Texas until further order of this court.

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What the government was doing was finding Venezuelan men, rounding them up and shipping them to the Northern District of Texas, ACLU lawyer Tim Macdonald said during a recent federal court hearing in Colorado.

A.S.R. entered the United States in November 2023 with his wife, child and two stepchildren, according to his attorney. He has been working in construction in Philadelphia since December.

He was arrested on February 26. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers reportedly told him that a neighbor labeled him a Tren de Aragua member, A.S.R.s attorney wrote in court filings.

Government lawyers have argued that A.S.R. was already in the process of being moved from Pennsylvania and Texas before Judge Hainess ruling and before A.S.R.s attorneys filed a petition with the court.

Our purpose here in this discussion is not to say that the government purposely avoided your courts jurisdiction, but just to get to the bottom of it, ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt told the court this month.
A combined Russian missile and drone attack on Kiev killed at least nine people and injured at least 70, Ukrainian authorities said on Thursday, prompting US President Donald Trump to tell Russian leader Vladimir Putin to "STOP!"

"Vladimir, STOP!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, one day after he sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his refusal to accept the Russian occupation of Crimea and accused him of prolonging the war.

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing," the US president wrote, calling for a peace deal to be concluded.

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The attack came after Trump called for Russia to keep Crimea, which it illegally annexed in 2014 - a proposal Zelensky immediately rejected.

In Kiev, more victims were believed to be trapped under the rubble as rescue efforts continued. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko told the UNIAN news agency that phones could still be heard ringing from the rubble.

"The search will continue until we are sure we have everyone," he promised. Rescue teams were still searching for two missing children, he added.

During the night, the Russian military carried out a massive airstrike on its neighbour. According to Ukrainian authorities, drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles were used.

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There were strikes in several locations in Kiev, with the district of Svyatoshyn in the north-west of the capital the worst affected. Several high-rise buildings were damaged, and garages and a large number of cars were destroyed.

Casualties and damage were reported in nine regions across the country. In addition to Kiev, the regions of Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya and Zhytomyr were among those affected.

In the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhya, a firefighter was injured while on duty when the Russians launched a second wave of attacks.

Russia blames Ukraine for intransigence

In Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday accused Zelensky of being wholly incapable of brokering an end to the war, while backing Trump's insistence that Kiev must accept the loss of Crimea to reach a settlement.

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Zakharova accused Zelensky of only wanting to conduct negotiations on his own terms.

"This schizophrenic approach shows Kiev's absolute inability to negotiate and its irresponsibility, which is striving to continue the slaughter to the last Ukrainian regardless of the victims," she said.

"Zelensky has categorically rejected any concessions and declared that he does not legally recognize the incorporation of Crimea into Russia [in 2014]," continued Zakharova.

The Kremlin praised Trump for his lecture to Zelensky that Ukraine has already lost the Black Sea peninsula, which was seized in a Russian military operation a decade ago before the outbreak of separatist fighting in eastern Ukraine.

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According to Russian news agencies, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Trump's position was fully in line with Moscow's.

Zakharova and Peskov said that Russia would continue its talks with the US side on a solution to the Ukraine conflict.

Russia is also expecting US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for another visit, although Peskov did not specify a date.

Shortly beforehand, the Kremlin spokesman said in an interview that Russia was adhering to its demand for a complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the four territories illegally annexed by Moscow in 2022 - Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhya.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for over three years.
A combined Russian missile and drone attack on Kiev killed at least 12 people and injured at least 90, Ukrainian authorities said on Thursday, prompting US President Donald Trump to tell Russian leader Vladimir Putin to "STOP!"

"Vladimir, STOP!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, one day after he sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his refusal to accept the Russian occupation of Crimea and accused him of prolonging the war.

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing," the US president wrote, calling for a peace deal to be concluded.

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The attack came after Trump called on Wednesday for Russia to keep Crimea, which it illegally annexed in 2014 - a proposal Zelensky immediately rejected.

Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least six children were killed in the overnight strikes, which included ballistic missiles and drones.

Emergency services were continuing to search for survivors under the ruins, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko told the UNIAN news agency.

The Russian military carried out a massive airstrike on its neighbour overnight, with Ukrainian authorities saying that ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones were all used.

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Zelensky later said that the ballistic missiles may have been of North Korean origin, writing on Telegram that "if the missile's production in North Korea is confirmed, it will serve as further evidence of the criminal alliance between Russia and Pyongyang."

There were strikes in several locations in Kiev, with the district of Svyatoshyn in the north-west of the capital the worst affected. Several high-rise buildings were damaged, and garages and a large number of cars were destroyed.

Casualties and damage were reported in nine regions across the country. In addition to Kiev, the regions of Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya and Zhytomyr were among those affected.

Macron accuses Putin of lying about peace deal

Trump was not the only Western leader to condemn the attack on Kiev, with French President Emmanuel Macron accusing Putin of lying over the strikes.

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"When President Putin talks to American negotiators, he tells them: 'I want peace.' When he talks to the whole world, he says: 'I want peace,'" Macron said during a visit to Madagascar.

Nevertheless, Putin "continues to bomb Ukraine," the French president said.

Macron said Putin should finally stop lying, adding that the world was waiting to see if the Russian leader would agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

The United States has proposed one, the Europeans have supported it and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said "yes," he said. "If President Putin says 'yes,' the weapons will fall silent."

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The French president said he had also told Trump during a telephone conversation two days ago that a peace deal depended entirely on Putin.

"American anger should only be directed at one person, President Putin," he said.

But Trump later said Russia's willingness to not totally conquer Ukraine represents a "pretty big concession" by Moscow.

Speaking at a White House meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, Trump was asked by a reporter what concessions Russia has offered to advance a peace deal with Kiev.

Trump replied: "Stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country."

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In Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday accused Zelensky of being wholly incapable of brokering an end to the war, while backing Trump's insistence that Kiev must accept the loss of Crimea to reach a settlement.

The Kremlin praised Trump for his lecture to Zelensky that Ukraine has already lost the Black Sea peninsula, which was seized in a Russian military operation a decade ago before the outbreak of separatist fighting in eastern Ukraine.

According to Russian news agencies, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Trump's position was fully in line with Moscow's.

Zakharova and Peskov said that Russia would continue its talks with the US side on a solution to the Ukraine conflict.

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Russia is also expecting US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for another visit, although Peskov did not specify a date.

Shortly beforehand, the Kremlin spokesman said in an interview that Russia was adhering to its demand for a complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the four territories illegally annexed by Moscow in 2022 - Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhya.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for over three years.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday condemned Russia's overnight strike on Kiev.

"Vladimir, STOP!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing," the US president wrote, calling for a peace deal to be concluded.

On Wednesday, Trump sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his refusal to accept the Russian occupation of Crimea and accused him of prolonging the war.

The Russian military launched a massive missile and drone strike on the Ukrainian capital during the night, killing at least nine people and injuring over 50 more.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 23 he believes a deal between Russia and Ukraine to end Russia's war has been reached.

"I think we have a deal with both, I hope they do it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Trump has repeatedly proposed brokering a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia with concessions Kyiv has not put on the table. The U.S. is reportedly weighing recognizing Russian control of Crimea.

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Trump noted President Volodymyr Zelensky has been "harder" to deal with, but that "it's all right."

"I thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky. So far its been harder," Trump claimed.

Trump said the U.S. has reached a deal with Russia and must reach a deal with Ukraine, despite in the same address claiming he thinks the U.S. has a "deal with both."

"I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with Zelensky," Trump said.

Earlier on April 23, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that the U.S. presented a "very explicit proposal" to Ukraine and Russia on a peace deal.

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Vance repeated warnings that the U.S. might drop its peace efforts if both sides refuse to settle a peace deal. White House officials have warned that Washington would abandon the peace efforts if a deal is not reached soon.

Moscow has shown signs it is unwilling to move forward on a peace deal with Ukraine. Russian authorities have listed maximalist demands in ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine and the U.S.

Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms. So far, Moscow has refused.

On April 23, Zelensky reaffirmed that Ukraine insists on an "immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire."

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"That was the proposal put forward by the United States on March 11 of this year  and it was absolutely reasonable," Zelensky said.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: US expects territorial concessions from Russia, Ukraine in potential peace deal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Donald Trump may be the most famous person on the planet and leader of the free world, but he could be deeply disappointed when he sees the seating plan for the funeral of Pope Francis.

The US president is hardly accustomed to playing second fiddle, but the arcane world of Vatican protocol suggests that he will not be in the front row of dignitaries when he arrives at St Peters Basilica on Saturday morning.

He might not even be in the second row.

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As delegations from about 130 countries, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs, make their way to Rome for the funeral, details are emerging of the seating arrangements and Mr Trump may have to settle for row three.

The Vatican has not released official details yet, but clues can be gleaned from the last funeral of a sitting pope  that of the Polish pontiff John Paul II in 2005.

Foreign dignitaries will be seated in a large block to one side of Franciss coffin, while archbishops, bishops, patriarchs and cardinals  the red-robed princes of the Church  will be seated opposite them.

The Holy See will give precedence to Catholic royalty, who will take pride of place in the front row of seating.

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Next come non-Catholic royals such as the Prince of Wales, who will attend the funeral on behalf of King Charles III, along with the King and Queen of Sweden and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Norway.

Then come world leaders, heads of state and other foreign dignitaries, including Mr Trump, as well as Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president ; Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister; and Javier Milei, the president of Argentina  Pope Franciss home country.

For the funeral, the world leaders will be seated in alphabetical order according to the name of their country in French  as it was the traditional language of diplomacy when the protocols were made.

Also in the mix will be Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, with whom Mr Trump has a deeply fractious relationship. Only this week, the US president said that his Ukrainian counterpart was an obstacle to peace in the war against Russia.

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For the funeral of John Paul II, Catholic European royalty, such as the King and Queen of Spain and those of Belgium were given priority and seated at the front, said Catherine Pepinster, a former editor of The Tablet and a commentator on the Catholic Church.

Next came the non-Catholic royalty  so Prince Charles, representing his mother, Elizabeth II, along with the Scandinavians and the Dutch.

Then came the foreign dignitaries such as the US president, who at the time was George W. Bush.

Mr Trump was one of the first world leaders to say that he would attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who died of a stroke on Monday. He is expected to fly into Rome late on Friday night.

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He will be joined by Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron of France, King Felipe VI of Spain and the president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Mr Trump mocked his predecessor, Joe Biden, for where he was seated during Queen Elizabeth IIs funeral, claiming it was a sign of Americas diminished stature on the world stage, and insisting he would have been placed much farther forward if still in office.

Mr Biden was seated on row 14, such was the protocol that governors-general of the realms that retain the monarch as their head of state, were seated first with and elected Commonwealth leaders behind them.

No respect

Mr Trump posted on social media: This is whats happened to America in just two short years. No respect. However, a good time for our president to get to know the leaders of certain Third World countries.



If I were president, they wouldnt have sat me back there  and our Country would be much different than it is right now.



In real estate, like in politics and in life, location is everything.

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The funeral will be the most prominent gathering of world leaders since Mr Trumps inauguration  and may throw up considerable diplomatic awkwardness.

One of the interesting aspects of a ceremony such as this is that the Holy See has diplomatic relations with countries such as Russia and Iran, which may mean that world leaders who would not usually meet, would encounter one another in Rome, either the night before the funeral or at the actual ceremony, said Ms Pepinster.

But it can cause embarrassment, such as in 2005 when Prince Charles was seated close to Robert Mugabe.

Mugabes attendance was controversial because at the time he was subject to an EU travel ban. He was able to sidestep it because it did not apply to the Vatican City State.

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He had just won an election in Zimbabwe in which he railed against Britains colonial legacy and the government of Tony Blair, the then prime minister.

The Prince, who was seated just one place away from Mr Mugabe, ended up shaking hands with him.

Clarence House had to put out a clarification, saying that the then heir to the throne had been caught by surprise when the Zimbabwean president leaned over to greet him.

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Harvard has only a few more days to meet a deadline set by the Department of Homeland Security to submit detailed records about foreign students or lose a key certification that allows international students to attend the institution.

Whether the institution is going to respond to the demands or pursue litigation remains to be seen.

However, to many, the threat of revoking the certification was a surprise to begin with. The certification isnt frequently taken away, and, when it has, it is due to some sort of fraudulent activity, said Jonathan Grode, managing partner at immigration law firm Green and Spiegel.

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" I think in a normal world, theres absolutely no chance that Harvard would lose its SEVP program certification, especially considering its stature within the global perspective as a leading institution in the world," Grode said.

A Harvard spokesperson didnt respond to a request for comment about whether the institution had responded to the department and if it has plans to pursue legal action.

About 27% of Harvards undergraduate and graduate students are international, according to 2024 to 2025 data.

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Specific regulations give the federal government leeway to determine if an institution  in this case, Harvard  is not complying, Grode said.

" Whether or not theyre an overreach, a misinterpretation, these are things that the courts would decide," Grode said.

So what does this mean for Harvard?

What is the certification?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program, also known as SEVP, allows higher education institutions to issue visa application forms to prospective international students after admitting them. The forms are used to apply for a visa to enter the United States.

The certification requirements include that the school is operational and instructing students, has the necessary facilities and adequate finances to operate, provides instruction to a degree or objective and meets state requirements to operate, according to the Department of Homeland Security website.

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Institutions are recertified every two years, but can be evaluated at other points in time if they have information suggesting that it isnt complying with regulations.

If the certification is taken away, an institution isnt allowed to enroll international students. Current students would have to choose between transferring to another institution, leaving the U.S., or changing their immigration status, according to the ICE website.

An example of the certification being stripped occurred at Herguan University in California in 2016 after its CEO pleaded guilty to providing fraudulent documents to the Department of Homeland Security, according to East Bay Times.

What is being asked of Harvard?

In a letter to Harvard last week, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said having foreign students attend Harvard is a privilege and not a guarantee.

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Noem directed Harvard to submit eight pieces of information to the department on or before April 30, 2025. They include:

Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders known illegal activity, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders known dangerous or violent activity, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders known threats to other students or university personnel, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders known deprivation of rights of other classmates or university personnel, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information on whether any student visa holders have left Harvard University due to dangerous or violent activity or deprivation of rights, and whether the activity occurred on campus. Provide relevant information on whether any student visa holders have had disciplinary actions taken as a result of making threats to other students or populations or participating in protests, which impacted their nonimmigrant student status. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders obstruction of the schools learning environment. Provide relevant information regarding each student visa holders maintenance of at least the minimum required coursework to maintain nonimmigrant student status.

If Harvard doesnt comply with the request, Noem said it will be treated as a voluntary withdrawal and the SEVP certification will be automatically taken away from Harvard without subject to appeal.

The list of eight is seemingly innocuous, Grode said, adding there is a lot of room for the federal government to determine that the institution didnt respond sufficiently, if they do respond to the demands.

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" Harvard could respond ... that we have no knowledge of any of this stuff. To the best of our knowledge, none of this is happening. But what if the administration has a video of a protest, and what if they say that that protest is in support of terrorism, and therefore, because you failed to identify this activity, then you have not responded to this letter truthfully?" Grode said.

A lot of the demands are an attempt by the government to change the way the university functions and its independence, he said.

The requests are part of an all-out government attack on Harvard, where anything that touches the federal government and the university is being looked at, said Sarah Spreitzer, from the American Council on Education.

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Spreitzer said she doesnt see, in the listed regulations, a clear reason why the certification would be taken away.

If Harvard, for some reason, sees their certification revoked, thats basically limiting the students that they can admit, which starts to walk the line with academic freedom, Spreitzer said.

What can Harvard do?

The letter sent by the Department of Homeland Security last week requires that Harvard respond to their letter by the end of the month.

Harvard could reply without responding to the demands set forth by the department and legally challenge it, Grode said.

If the department does take away the certification, they have to provide Harvard with a notice of their intent to withdraw it.

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Harvard would then have 30 days to respond and could seek an injunction to temporarily stop it from occurring and challenge it in court, Grode said.

Harvard is already in the process of suing the Trump administration after it froze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants. The institution is arguing that its constitutional rights have been violated.

The federal freeze came hours after Harvard re j ected demands from the Trump administration, claiming that the demands by the federal government went beyond its authority.

Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government. Accordingly, Harvard will not accept the governments terms as an agreement in principle, a letter from two attorneys representing the school read.

More higher ed

Read the original article on MassLive.
Employee Jericho Talatala assembles a forensic computer workstation used in police investigations at the Sumuri LLC plant in Magnolia, Del., which could be hurt by tariffs and reduced government spending. Tariffs meant to encourage U.S. manufacturing could have the opposite effect because many materials are imported from China. (Courtesy of Sumuri LLC)

Steve Whalen loves his home state of Delaware and hes proud to manufacture computers there that police officers use to catch bad guys. He said tariffs on imports from China and other countries, along with sharp cuts to government spending and the winding down of a program for small manufacturers, will make it harder for him to do that.

We got into business to keep costs low for the good guys, but tariffs or anything else that raises prices keeps us from doing that, said Whalen, co-founder of Sumuri LLC in Magnolia, Delaware, which makes computer workstations for police and government investigations. Whalen has to buy materials overseas, often from China, and he said the tariffs could force him to triple his price on some workstations to $12,000.

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Tariffs are the main tool President Donald Trump is wielding to try to boost manufacturing in the United States, calling the achievement of that goal an economic and national security priority. But the higher levies have led to retaliation and suspended shipments, and Whalen said they are just one of several Trump administration actions squeezing his small manufacturing business.

The wave of federal spending cuts, which has affected grants to state and local governments, could make his customers put off purchases. And the administration has moved to cut off funding for a $175 million state-based program that provides expert advice to smaller factories like his.

The Delaware version of that program, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, helped Sumuri fit expanded product lines into the limited space in its small-town factory.

We were really having a tough time trying to figure out how to utilize our space efficiently, Whalen said. They came here and helped us organize and optimize, and it made a huge difference.

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On April 1, the Trump administration cut off funding for 10 such manufacturing programs that were up for renewal in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota and Wyoming. Other state MEP programs will expire over the next year.

The administration gave a reprieve to those 10 states until the end of the fiscal year after objections from Democrats in the U.S. House and Senate. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, which manages the program, extended funding for the 10 states after further review and consideration and will continue to evaluate plans for the program, said agency spokesperson Chad Boutin.

The program has come under fire from Republicans since the George W. Bush administration first tried to end it in 2009, and again during the first Trump administration, but Congress has continued to fund it. The conservative Heritage Foundation said in a 2023 book that MEPs functions would be more properly carried out by the private sector.

Dots dont quite connect

Buckley Brinkman, executive director of the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity, which works with his states MEP program, said it didnt make much sense for the administration to shutter the program as it seeks to boost the number of U.S. manufacturing jobs.

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Its one of those things where the dots dont quite connect, Brinkman said. I mean, jeez, heres a part of government that doesnt cost a whole lot, in the grand scheme of things  less than $200 million a year  thats returning 10-to-1 to the national treasury, working on a priority for the president.

A 2024 Upjohn report found an even higher return: 17-to-1 on $175 million in the 2023 fiscal year, creating $3 billion in new federal tax revenue.

In Wisconsin, which has lost more than 138,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000, some parts makers report that business is booming as manufacturers seek to avoid tariffs by finding U.S. alternatives to Chinese manufacturers, Brinkman said. But more broadly, he doubts that the tariffs will spark a manufacturing boom in the state.

Do we want all this manufacturing back? Do we have the will to get it back? The answer to both those questions is no, Brinkman said. Even without the tariffs we dont really want Americans doing a lot of those jobs that are in Chinese factories right now.

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I mean, jeez, heres a part of government that doesn't cost a whole lot, in the grand scheme of things  that's returning 10-to-1 to the national treasury.

 Buckley Brinkman, director of Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity

In Delaware, the MEP helped Sumuri manage its expansion, but unpredictable tariffs and budgets are now a bigger danger, said Jason Roslewicz, Sumuris vice president of business development. Hes had to devote two employees to monitoring supply lines, tariff news and competitor pricing to stay afloat.

We went from putting things together in a basement to a 19,000-square-foot facility, doing exactly what were supposed to do here in the U.S., and its all in danger of coming apart because of this problem, Roslewicz said.

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Other small manufacturers express similar concerns. TJ Semanchin, who owns Wonderstate Coffee in Madison, Wisconsin, said his business roasting and distributing coffee is in crisis because of the tariffs.

Wonderstates costs have almost doubled between tariffs on imported coffee and packaging materials from China, plus a cyclical rise in coffee prices. Im borrowing money to pay for this and at some point well have to raise prices. Well have no choice, Semanchin said.

An employee roasts coffee beans at Wonderstate Coffees facility in Madison, Wis. Owner TJ Semanchin said his costs to produce coffee have almost doubled between tariffs on imported coffee and packaging, and cyclical high prices for coffee. (Courtesy of Wonderstate Coffee)

But many Republican state officials, and even some Democrats, have backed Trumps tariff push, including Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who credited the Trump administration with reshoring manufacturing and restoring this middle class which has been eviscerated over the last 20 years.

Theres dislocation in the short term, theres long-term opportunity, Youngkin said in an April 15 interview on CNBC. He said his state is hearing more interest from manufacturers looking to build or expand local factories since Trump took office. For instance, Delta Star recently announced a plan to add 300 jobs building power transformers in Lynchburg.

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The president has been clear that there will be some level of tariffs, and folks are coming, and thats good for Virginia, Youngkin said in the CNBC interview.

Virginias MEP program, called Genedge, claims successes in streamlining production and quality control for local factory products including TreeDiaper, an automated tree watering device made in Ashland, and for advising EDM, a Lynchburg plastic product assembler that needed more efficient production to keep overseas competition at bay. But Virginias MEP is one of the state programs slated to expire in the next year.

Long-term trend

The slide in U.S. manufacturing jobs has continued on and off since 1979, and many experts say tariffs will not bring them back. Despite a modest bounce back under the Biden administration, the number of manufacturing jobs has declined from nearly 20 million in 1979 to less than 13 million today, even as the total U.S. workforce has grown from 89 million to 159 million during that period.

Manufacturing faces labor shortages, with many factories operating below capacity because they cant find enough workers, according to Jason Miller, a professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University.

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That doesnt bode well for a mass reshoring of factories from China and other countries, but Miller doesnt expect that to happen anyway.

Firms are not planning on reshoring much of the work that was offshored 20 to 25 years ago, Miller said. Im not concerned about having enough workers for manufacturing jobs that would be reshored because this isnt going to happen.

In a 2024 survey by the libertarian Cato Institute, 80% of Americans said America would be better off if more people worked in manufacturing, but only 25% said they personally would be better off working in a factory. The Chinese government has poked fun at the idea with memes of American workers struggling to make Nike sneakers with sewing machines.

Joseph McCartin, a labor historian at Georgetown University, said the idea of a manufacturing rebirth is a mirage being conjured to attract the support of workers who have been underpaid in an increasingly unequal economy for the last 40 years, and are desperate for some hope of renewed upward mobility.

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Manufacturing isnt the magic wand to make that happen, McCartin said.

What we need is to raise workers wages and make the economy less prone to producing inequality, McCartin said. That mission is not at all what Trump is about. He is dealing in stale nostalgia.

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@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.

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Dive Brief:

A shareholder lawsuit filed this week alleges Constellation Brands misled investors by wrongly boasting about the momentum of its wine and spirits business, which saw net sales decline 7% in the last 12 months.

According to the suit filed in New York by shareholder Jeff Mason, Constellation made false and misleading statements that failed to disclose material adverse facts about the dire state of its wine sales between April 2024 and January 2025.

This month, Constellation sold off several of its lower-priced wines with an aim to focus solely on premium offerings. The shareholder allegations claim the company conspired to inflate its performance in the category ahead of the sale.

Dive Insight:

Constellation thinned out its wine portfolio as demand drops with consumers moderating alcohol consumption or moving to ready-to-drink libations outside traditional wine and beer categories. Its wine and spirits segment could see a sales drop of 17% to 20% in its current fiscal year, the company reported.

The lawsuit alleges that, before the sale, Constellation misled investors with earnings statements that suggested the company's wine holdings were set for growth. CEO Bill Newlands told investors in an earnings call in April 2024 it was working to boost the price mix and media spending on its wine brands, which the lawsuit claimed was materially false and misleading.

The suit also alleged the company spent over $668 million on stock buybacks at an artificially inflated price and accused five company executives of enriching themselves through bonuses, stock options or similar compensation from Constellation.

Mason, the shareholder plaintiff, is seeking damages as well as a change to Constellations corporate governance structure that would give shareholders more of a say over company policies.

Constellation did not respond to a request for comment.

Scrutiny into Constellation's wine segment comes as the alcohol giant faces uncertainty in its main business, beer. President Trumps tariffs are weighing on the category as the majority of its brews, like Corona and Modelo, are imported from Mexico.

In the companys most recent earnings call this month, Newlands said threats of deportation and layoffs among Hispanic consumers, who make up about half of its consumer base, are eating into the companys bottom line.
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to lift an injunction on its controversial transgender military ban as challenges against it go forward.

Solicitor General John Sauer wrote to the high court that an injunction cannot be squared with the substantial deference that the departments professional military judgements are owed.

In January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order banning trans troops from serving in the military and proclaimed, without evidence, that their false expression of their gender identity made them unfit for service.

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The order claimed that these soldiers could not meet the high standards for readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity, and integrity.

That executive order kicked off a series of lawsuits from transgender service members  many of them decorated and one in an active combat zone  who claimed the administration was openly and unconstitutionally discriminating against them.

The troops also argued that a memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in February to enforce Trumps order relied on blatantly inaccurate, irrelevant or outdated information to oust them.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington, D.C., agreed to block the ban from going into effect nationwide in March. Acknowledging that an appeal on her order was almost certainly to follow from the White House, she minced few words when calling Trumps ban unabashedly demeaning and soaked in animus against trans troops.

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She noted that while the Pentagon highlighted clinical depression and suicidal ideation in one study as grounds to exclude trans troops, it failed to note that the same study found that when compared to non-transgender members, transgender troops actually deployed longer.

A week after Reyes ruling, U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle in Washington state issued a second nationwide injunction on the ban. This was tied to litigation filed by another group of trans service members.

Settles opinion also found that trans troops had served in the military for years without imposing burdens on military readiness and that the administration lacked evidence to support its ban.

The administrations unrelenting reliance on deference to the military as a reason for the court to let the ban go forward was unconvincing, Settle wrote, especially since the constitutionality of the ban was still being debated.

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During oral arguments on April 22 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, this point was underlined during an exchange between Judge Cornelia Pillard and an attorney for the trans troops suing in D.C.

The trans military ban was extraordinarily unusual, said the servicemembers attorney Shannon Minter. (Minter is also the legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.)

You just dont see  ordinarily  the government openly [and] just with complete transparency, expressing animosity towards a group of people and openly relying on that as a justification for a policy, Minter said.

The Trump administration claims that it is merely focused on how the medical conditions of transgender troops impact readiness and has denied expressing animus or prejudice towards trans troops.

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But, Minter told Pillard, the military doesnt dare suggest people who have other medical conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, are implicitly dishonest and unable to serve.

This isnt just an ordinary medical policy, Minter argued.

Troops with medical conditions go through a medical review process where it is determined whether they can still do their job. If the administrations policy was really about medical issues, Minter told Pillard, then the government would have a plan for individualized assessments in place or standards hashed out for exactly how these assessments on trans troops would be made.

Instead, the government has only repeatedly stated that being transgender is incompatible with honesty, selflessness, discipline and integrity, Minter said.

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Up to now, because of the injunctions on the ban, the Pentagon has been barred from discharging transgender troops from service until further notice. Policies that forced trans service members to dress or meet other standards set for their assigned birth sex have been put on hold, too.

Voluntary and involuntary separation agreements between trans troops and the military after Trump announced the ban are also on hold until the courts rule.

Before the administration petitioned the Supreme Court, Democrats in the Senate called on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to answer questions about some of the transgender troops that were dismissed under the order and what the administration would do to ensure there wasnt stigma or backlash resulting from the Trump administrations targeted attacks against them.

On Thursday, Sauer told the high court that without a stay, the district courts universal injunction would go on for a period far too long for the military to be forced to maintain a policy that it has determined, in its professional judgment, to be contrary to military readiness and the Nations interests.

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At minimum, he argued, the court should limit the scope of the injunction to just just the eight trans service members who had sued originally.

Related...
Ed Martin, President Donald Trump's nominee for the next U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., apologized in a new interview for his past praise of a Jan. 6 rioter who had a lengthy history of antisemitic statements and infamously posted photos of himself dressed as Adolf Hitler.

"I'm sorry," Ed Martin said in an interview with the Jewish publication Forward. "I denounce everything about what that guy said, everything about the way he talked, and all as Ive now seen it ... At the time, I didnt know it.

Martin's comments come as his nomination faces headwinds in the Senate over his public praise for Jan. 6 rioter Timothy Hale-Cussanelli at a 2024 event at Trump's Bedminster club in 2024.

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MORE: Interim US attorney for DC likens Jan. 6 cases to Japanese internment

At the event, one of several fundraisers held at Trump's private clubs to benefit Jan. 6 rioters, Martin described Hale-Cussanelli as an "extraordinary man" and "extraordinary leader."

PHOTO: Interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward Martin is shown during an Anacostia Coordinating Council monthly meeting at Martha's Table, in Washington, D.C., on March 25, 2025. (The Washington Post via Getty Images, FILE)

It's unclear how Martin, vying to be the top prosecutor in one of the nation's most important U.S. attorney's offices, could claim to be unaware of Hale-Cussanelli's past anti-Semitic statements and praise for Hitler -- much less as late as 2024.

A Google search of Hale-Cussanelli's name turns up the series of now-infamous selfies that surfaced following his arrest that show him donning a Hitler mustache and holding his hand over his chest.

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Hale-Cusanelli's antisemitic views made him one of the more prominently covered Jan. 6 defendants. At his sentencing hearing, the Trump-appointed judge overseeing his case, Trevor McFadden, said, "Statements and actions like yours make [Jewish people] less safe and less confident they can participate as equal members of our society.''

Prosecutors further surfaced antisemitic statements he made to his coworkers at a naval weapons station that Hitler should have finished the job and babies born with any deformities or disabilities should be shot in the forehead.

Martin was also previously asked about Hale-Cussanelli's antisemitic views in a recently posted interview with the Washington Informer, and didn't denounce him directly.

"When someone says, 'Hey, do you understand that of the January 6 defendants, there were some really rotten actors, and there were people that said terrible things in their lives, or even did terrible things?' then, fair enough," Martin said in that interview. "But I feel pretty good about the fact that we try to make ourselves better every day, and we try to get people give people a break, going forward, and I've got a pretty long career of fighting, I think for the right causes."

Trump US attorney nominee distances himself from antisemitic Jan. 6 rioter he once praised originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Trump signed an executive order aimed at changing the college accreditation process.

Accreditors review colleges to determine if they are eligible to receive federal student aid.

Trump's order said that some accreditors are signing off on colleges that teach woke ideologies.

One of President Donald Trump's latest executive orders leverages what he called his "secret weapon" to crack down on DEI initiatives at colleges and universities.

Of the seven executive orders related to education that Trump signed on Wednesday, one was aimed at changing the college accreditation process. Accreditors are independent agencies that review colleges every few years to determine if they meet the necessary standards, including student achievement and diversity on campuses, to continue receiving federal aid.

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If a college meets the accreditor's standards, it is eligible to receive some of the billions of dollars of student loans and federal grants for low-income students that the Department of Education disburses each year.

Trump's executive order said that some accreditors have granted schools federal funding based on their DEI standards and have "abused their enormous authority" by accrediting schools that engage in "ideological overreach."

"America's higher education accreditation system is broken," Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement, adding that accreditors push schools "in ideological directions when they should be focused on core subjects."

"The result is more bureaucracy, less innovation, sprawling DEI administrative complexes, and burdensome oversight by unaccountable accreditors rather than state education leaders and duly appointed governing board members," McMahon said.

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The order directs McMahon to monitor and potentially terminate accreditors who she deems as violating civil rights law by granting accreditation to colleges with DEI initiatives. It also directs McMahon, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, to investigate DEI programs at medical schools that receive federal funding.

Trump has previously called college accreditation his "secret weapon" to overhaul higher education in his vision. In a campaign video from 2023, Trump said that he will "fire the radical Left accreditors that have allowed our colleges to become dominated by Marxist Maniacs and lunatics."

"We will then accept applications for new accreditors who will impose real standards on colleges once again and once and for all," he said.

It's unclear how McMahon will implement the executive order. It was accompanied by six other orders related to education, including one to boost the number of apprenticeships in the US and another aimed at educating students on artificial intelligence.

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The move comes amid Trump's broader plans to reshape the US education system. He has launched dozens of investigations into both K-12 and higher education institutions over practices that don't align with the administration's beliefs, particularly those focused on diversity. More broadly, Trump signed an executive order calling for the entire Department of Education to be eliminated.

Education advocates have criticized Trump's moves to reshape accreditation. Todd Wolfson, the president of the American Association of University Professors, said in a statement that Trump is "weaponizing the accreditation process to gain the leverage he seeks."

Have a tip? 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
Donald Trump said he'll start setting tariffs in two to three weeks on nations that won't negotiate.

His tariffs are on a 90-day pause, having been postponed earlier this month.

"If we don't have a deal with a company or country, we're going to set the tariff," Trump said Wednesday.

President Donald Trump has said he'll start imposing tariffs on countries that don't reach trade deals within "two, three" weeks.

In a press conference on Wednesday in the Oval Office, Trump said he thought the US would get "great deals" in its trade negotiations.

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"If we don't have a deal with a company or country, we're going to set the tariff," he added.

Trump said his administration had spoken with 90 countries about trade deals thus far.

"That will happen, I'd say, over the next couple of weeks, wouldn't you say? I think so, over the next two, three weeks. We'll be setting the number," he added.

On April 2, a day he dubbed "Liberation Day," Trump announced a baseline 10% tariff on goods from all countries. Some regions, like the European Union with 20% and Vietnam with 46%, would be subject to even higher tariffs.

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However, on April 9, he announced a 90-day delay on the "reciprocal" tariffs. He said levies would drop to 10% for goods from most countries.

In a Truth Social post on April 9, he said he was granting the pause because more than 75 countries had reached out to the US to negotiate solutions, and they had not retaliated in any way.

He did not extend the same offer to China. The US now has a 145% tariff on goods from China, which has retaliated with a 125% tariff on US-made goods.

From the start, Trump has used tariffs as a negotiation strategy . On April 3, he said he would be open to reducing tariffs on countries willing to give the US "something that's so phenomenal."

Representatives for Trump did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Donald Trump welcomed Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre to the White House Thursday to discuss the war in Ukraine, tariffs and other issues. Trump said he believes Vladimir Putin will listen when he urged the Russian leader to stop the attacks.
Controversy has emerged within the Donald Trump administration over a potential lifting of energy sanctions against Russia, despite public denials of such discussions from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

Source: European Pravda, citing Politico, a Brussels-based politics and policy news organisation

Details: Five sources familiar with the matter told Politico that the White House is in the process of discussing the possible lifting of sanctions, particularly against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and certain Russian assets in Europe.

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This is being considered in the context of potential agreements to end hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.

Witkoff plays a key role in promoting the idea of lifting the restrictions, according to sources close to the negotiation process.

He is said to have instructed his team to compile a full list of energy sanctions imposed by Washington against Moscow.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement released by the White House, both Rubio and Witkoff denied any discussions regarding the easing of sanctions pressure on Russia.

"This is false. Neither of us have had any conversations about lifting sanctions on Russia as part of a peace deal with Ukraine. This is just totally fictitious and irresponsible reporting from Politico, a fifth-rate publication. If they have an ounce of journalistic integrity they will fully retract this piece of fiction," the statement said.

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One source indicated that while Witkoff has floated the idea of lifting energy sanctions against Russia, the proposal has yet to gain substantial backing within the White House. Rubio is reportedly pushing back against the initiative, working to prevent it from advancing.

Sources familiar with the matter say that opposition to the idea comes not only from Rubio but also from Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who also chairs the White House Energy Dominance Council. Their stance points to significant internal divisions over the administration's sanctions policy.

In addition, some US officials suspect that Russia may have misled Witkoff about the potential economic gains for the US if commercial ties with Moscow were restored, according to another source familiar with the matter.

"There is an internal White House debate between the energy dominance people  Burgum, who wants markets for US LNG [liquified natural gas]  and Witkoff, who wants to be closer to Russia," a source told Politico.

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The person added that the restoration of Russia's status as the main energy supplier to Europe would be a "bloodbath for American [oil and gas] producers".

Background:

Earlier media reports indicated that Matthias Warnig, a German associate of Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin from their time in the Stasi secret police in East Germany, is lobbying the US to restart Nord Stream 2.

Commenting on this report, the European Commission noted that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project is not of common interest to the European Union.

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TORONTO (AP)  U.S. President Donald Trumps trade war and annexation threats have upended Canadas election and improved the fortunes of the Liberal Party, which could win a fourth consecutive term in power next week.

The Liberals and the country's new prime minister, Mark Carney, looked headed for a crushing defeat in Monday's election until the American president started attacking Canadas economy and even threatening its sovereignty, including suggesting it should become the 51st state.

Trumps dumping on Canada has infuriated its people and stoked a surge in Canadian nationalism that has helped the Liberals flip the election narrative.

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Trump has immersed himself into our lives and has defined the ballot question, former Quebec Premier Jean Charest said.

What Trump has done is shed light on who we are, he said.

Even separatists in French-speaking Quebec are very much aligned with other Canadians in defending the country and responding very firmly to the fact that were not going to be the 51st state, Charest said.

The opposition Conservative Partys leader, Pierre Poilievre, hoped to make the election a referendum on former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity declined toward the end of his decade in power as food and housing prices rose and immigration surged.

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But Trump attacked, Trudeau resigned and Carney, a two-time central banker, became the Liberal Partys leader and prime minister.

We were looking at a scenario where the Conservatives were going to rake in a huge majority, said Charest, a Conservative. Here we are months later in another world.

Trump's trade war and attacks have led Canadians to cancel trips to the U.S. and refuse to buy American goods. And it might have contributed to record early voting, with 7.3 million Canadians casting ballots before election day.

Carney said the 80-year period when the U.S. embraced the mantle of global economic leadership and forged alliances rooted in trust and respect is over.

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The key question in this election is who is the best to respond that. Who will stand up to President Trump? he said.

Poilievre, a career politician and firebrand populist, has campaigned with Trump-like bravado, even taking a page from the America First president by adopting the slogan Canada First. But his similarities in style to Trump might cost him.

In a mid-January poll by Nanos, Liberals trailed the Conservative Party by 47% to 20%. In the latest Nanos poll that ended April 23, the Liberals led by 4 percentage points. The January poll had a margin of error of 3.1 points while the latest poll had a 2.7-point margin.

Until a few months ago, Poilievre was seen as a shoo-in to become the next prime minister and shepherd the Conservatives back into power for the first time in a decade.

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Ian Brodie, a former chief of staff to Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said it's frustrating that this year's Conservative campaign plan had to change so drastically.

At least 40% of the electorate is just petrified about the continued existence of the country, Brodie said. "... In a sense, it is a once-in-a-lifetime lineup of forces that works against everything Pierre been doing since he got himself into politics.

Brodie said a Conservative win will be tough and that the party's situation might not improve anytime soon, noting support for a small progressive party, the New Democrats, has been shrinking for years, making it a two-party struggle.

If you are into two-party competition for the foreseeable future, then you have to be much closer to the center of the political spectrum than the Conservatives have been, Brodie said.

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That means there is going to be a deeper rethinking of Conservative campaign strategy, including choice of leader.

Whoever the next prime minister is will face challenges.

Both Carney and Poilievre said that if elected, they would accelerate renegotiations of the countries free trade deal in an effort to end the uncertainty hurting both of their economies.

Carney, in particular, has notable experience navigating economic crises, having done so when he ran Canadas central bank and when he later became the first non-U.K. citizen to run the Bank of England since its founding in 1694.

The problems are really inconceivable, worse than any Canadian prime minister has had to face, I think ever," said Robert Bothwell, a University of Toronto professor of Canadian history and international relations.

Not only is Carney the luckiest guy alive and came in at absolutely the right moment, but once he actually starts having to administer the country, the Trump problem, the American problem, is just inconceivable," he said. "Its like being handed a sack full of rabid beavers.
Donald Trumps attempt to get Vladimir Putin to stop the killing in Kyiv, Ukraine, seems to have been ignored by the Russian president.

Its also made Trump a worldwide object of ridicule on social media.

The overnight attack on the Ukrainian capital killed at least 12 people and injured about 90, according to The Associated Press.

After news of the attack broke globally, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to tell Putin to cease the attack:

I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

Donald Trump Truth Social post to Vladimir Putin: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114392923237368367 TruthSocial,com

Although Trump possibly thought sending a message to a fellow world leader on his own social media platform was the height of global statesmanship, Putin hadnt responded to Trumps fiery post as of Thursday afternoon.

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However, many people on social media did, and most thought Trumps post was whiny and ineffectual  especially since the attack on Kyiv came after the president predicted a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

How it started: Trump says he can end the Russian invasion of Ukraine on his first day in office



How its going: Vladimir, STOP! pic.twitter.com/7KWvQkzpuy  max seddon (@maxseddon) April 24, 2025

Vladimir, STOPyou sound like youre asking him to stop tickling you. And when would be better timing for bombing innocent civilians? pic.twitter.com/FsCwRiHt75  Alex Cole (@acnewsitics) April 24, 2025

BlueSky post: https://bsky.app/profile/walshfreedom.bsky.social/post/3lnkwcrcw2c2d BlueSky

A Vladimir, STOP! post on Truth Social appears to be Trumps secret plan revealed to end the war. We have never looked more foolish and pathetic. pic.twitter.com/F4vR3EjNrx  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 24, 2025

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BlueSky post: https://bsky.app/profile/blackholeentropy.bsky.social/post/3lnl4gsdwz22d BlueSky

BlueSky post: https://bsky.app/profile/eyesontheright.bsky.social/post/3lnkrarv33k2o BlueSky

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If Biden or Obama had posted Vladimir, stop, right-wing media would have run mockery of such weakness on a loop for a week. https://t.co/Tq7IlnxYZw  Niall Stanage (@NiallStanage) April 24, 2025

BlueSky post: https://bsky.app/profile/wartranslated.bsky.social/post/3lnkrbldgns2s BlueSky

Who can forget the immortal words of FDR in 1940: Adolph, STOP!



Trump writes Vladimir, STOP! after Russia launches deadliest strikes on Kyiv since last summer https://t.co/m5phWgvaA3  Charlie Sykes (@SykesCharlie) April 24, 2025

Trump: I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!



VLADIMIR: pic.twitter.com/yrdAPoULu2  Maksym Borodin (@adnashmyash) April 24, 2025

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Vladimir, STOP! is objectively embarrassing and hilarious https://t.co/EvxCNje59S  Adam Johnson (@adamjohnsonCHI) April 24, 2025

BlueSky post: https://bsky.app/profile/schooley.bsky.social/post/3lnkzrgspck2v BlueSky

Although many people are skeptical that Putin will stop bombing because Trump asked him to, the president doubled down when a reporter asked if he thought the post would really work.

Today you told Vladimir Putin to stop with the attack. Do you think theyll listen?



I do. pic.twitter.com/TVpXB4iszT  Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) April 24, 2025

Related...
That said, the rapidly expanding sector has suffered a serious setback since the beginning of the year, primarily due to President Trumps global trade war and his reversal of the Biden-era energy and climate policies. The current administration wants to refocus efforts on the fossil fuel sector, while conservatives push Congress to wipe out tax incentives for clean energy. As a result, over half of the nearly $30 billion in clean technology factories that were scheduled to come online this year  including manufacturing facilities for solar, wind, batteries, and electric vehicles  are now predicted to face delays or cancellations, according to a report by BloombergNEF.

A significant growth opportunity for the sector has emerged in the form of the ongoing AI boom and its accompanying data centers. According to a study by the American Clean Power Association, electricity demand in the US is expected to surge by 35-50% by 2040, driven by domestic manufacturing growth, data centers, and mass electrification. Solar power is a primary candidate to fill this supply gap, since it can be built faster and more affordably than any other technology.

So it doesnt come as a surprise that the United States installed a record-breaking 50 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity in 2024, the largest single year of new capacity added to the grid by any energy technology in over twenty years. Moreover, a recent report by Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association revealed that solar and storage accounted for 84% of all new electric generating capacity added to the grid last year.

Solar energy has emerged as a leading candidate in the current global green transition, thanks in large part to its cost, reliability, availability of supply chain, and speed of construction. Moreover, a significant increase in battery power over the last few years and reductions in battery costs have helped drive solar powers growth by delivering firm power even during early morning and evening peak power conditions.

The overall energy industry has fallen by almost 8% since the beginning of the year, weighed down by the slump in crude oil prices and the prospects of a global economic slowdown. On the other hand, the clean energy sector has largely remained flat, posting YTD gains of 0.6% at the time of writing this piece.

We recently published a list of the 11 Best Solar Energy Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) stands against other best solar stocks.

Story Continues

Solar investors are also fretting about the increasing uncertainty amidst the global tariff war, as the majority of US solar panel imports were coming from Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. While the President has imposed a 90-day pause on imposing reciprocal levies, it is clear that no country is safe from his tariffs. However, this troublesome geoeconomic landscape has granted a significant advantage to companies that are manufacturing domestically. However, they still must import parts, increasing their costs.

To give an example of how tariffs can impact the industry, let us remember Donald Trumps last tenure as president, when he imposed a 30% tariff on imported solar cells and panels in 2018. This policy led the countrys renewable energy companies to cancel or freeze investments of over $2.5 billion in large-scale installation projects, resulting in thousands of lost jobs.

Is Daqo New Energy Corp. (DQ) the Best Solar Energy Stock to Buy According to Hedge Funds?

A production line of solar cells, the lifeline of the corporation.

Our Methodology

To collect data for this article, we scanned Insider Monkeys database of 1,009 hedge funds and picked the top 11 companies operating in the solar energy sector with the highest number of hedge fund investors in Q4 2024. When two or more companies had the same number of hedge funds investing in them, we ranked them by their market cap as of the writing of this piece. The following are the Best Solar Energy Stocks According to Hedge Funds.

At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with 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).

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ)

No. of Hedge Fund Holders: 19

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) is a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry. Based in China, the company has a total polysilicon nameplate capacity of 305,000 metric tons and is one of the worlds lowest cost producers of high-purity polysilicon.

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) posted a loss of $65.3 million in Q4 2024, marking the first quarter in over a year that the companys polysilicon production outpaced its polysilicon sales. Still, the company beat forecasts as its adjusted EPS of -$2.56 was above market expectations by $0.99. Its revenue of $195.36 million also topped estimates by $41.82 million, despite being down by over 59% YoY. Even with almost $213 million of losses in 2024, DQ maintained strong liquidity and ended 2024 with a balance of quick assets of $2.2 billion, which can be readily converted to cash if required.

Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) achieved an annual polysilicon production volume of 205,068 metric tons in 2024, meeting its guidance and up 3.7% compared to 2023. The Chinese company is one of the most efficient polysilicon producers in the world, having achieved its cost advantages through innovation and disciplined management. Moreover, DQs robust balance sheet enables the company to strategically position itself to weather the current industry trough while its competitors struggle to stay afloat.

Overall, DQ ranks 9th on our list of the best solar energy stocks to buy according to hedge funds. While we acknowledge the potential of DQ as an investment, 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 DQ 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.
Star Card for Idaho

Starting May 7, Transportation Security Administration officers will no longer accept state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID compliant. (Courtesy of Idaho Transportation Department.)

Idaho Transportation Department officials are urging Idahoans to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Idaho Star Card before enforcement begins at airport security checkpoints May 7.

Starting May 7, Transportation Security Administration officers will no longer accept state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID compliant, Idaho Transportation Department officials said in a press release.

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The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles offers the Idaho Star Card, which is compliant with the new REAL ID regulations, transportation officials said.

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If passengers dont have a Idaho Star Card, they can use another form of federally-accepted identification at airport security checkpoints, including a U.S. passport, Global Entry card, U.S. Department of Defense ID, military ID or an acceptable photo identification card issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe.

If you arrive at an airport without a Star Card or another acceptable document, you may be delayed and undergo additional examination, Idaho Transportation Department officials said in a press release. This can cause passengers to miss flights.

What do you need to provide to obtain an Idaho Star Card?

To obtain the Idaho Star Card, Idahoans need to provide their Social Security card and two documents proving Idaho residency, such as current utility bills or a mortgage statement. (A list of the documents required to obtain an Idaho Star Card is available online.)



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Have a news tip?

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Even though the Real ID/Idaho Star Card enforcement begins May 7, time is already tight. Idahoans who need a Star Card are required to visit an Idaho drivers license office in person and present a series of documents to obtain the Idaho Star Card. Many Idaho drivers license offices operate by appointment only, and availability may be several weeks out.

Additionally, it may take up to two weeks for the physical Star Card to be mailed to Idahoans.

Due to the tight timeline, state transportation officials are offering a couple of tips.

First, they said Idahoans can visit any county drivers license office in the state to obtain an Idaho Star Card. If the local office in their county is not accepting appointments in time, transportation officials encourage Idahoans to check with another county drivers license office for faster service.

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Second, Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles officials are encouraging other Idahoans who dont need an Idaho Star Card or who already have an Idaho Star Card to free up space at physical county drivers license offices by using online Idaho DMV services. Idahoans can free up space at county DMV offices by going online to handle other tasks, like renewing their vehicle registration, changing their address or renewing an existing drivers license.

Online renewals help reduce in-office wait times at locations that allow walk-ins, making it easier and more efficient for those who need a REAL ID (Star Card) to complete their transactions, Idaho Transportation Department officials said in a press release issued Tuesday.

If Idahoans dont obtain an Idaho Star Card by May 7 enforcement deadline, they can use the following federally-approved IDs at airport securIty checkpoints

State-issued Enhanced Drivers License

U.S. passport

U.S. passport card

DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

Permanent resident card

Border crossing card

An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).

HSPD-12 PIV card

Foreign government-issued passport

Canadian provincial drivers license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

Transportation worker identification credential

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Source: Idaho Transportation Department



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A judge on Thursday denied the governments request to pause the transfer of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, who is fighting deportation after she co-wrote an essay about Israel and the war in Gaza, back to Vermont.

U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions ruled that the federal government is now obligated to ensure that Ozturk, who is being held in Louisiana, is moved to Vermont by May 1. The Justice Department appealed Sessions previous order to transfer Ozturk to Vermont, where her habeas corpus petition challenging her detainment was filed. Federal officials had also asked Session to pause the order from taking effect while it was on appeal.

Rumeysa Ozturk is arrested March 25 in Somerville, Mass.

Brett Max Kaufman, a senior staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents Ozturk, criticized the governments attempts to pause her transfer.

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For four weeks, the government has been detaining Ms. Ozturk for writing an op-ed, Kaufman said in a statement Thursday afternoon. And now, it is doing everything within its power to avoid having to justify what it has done, including filing a hail-mary appeal hoping to stop the district court from deciding her claims.

The Justice Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In his order, Sessions said any delay of Ozturks transfer could prolong the very detention that is at the heart of this case.

Last week, Sessions ordered the administration to transfer Ozturk back to Vermont while her habeas petition plays out in federal court. Her deportation case in immigration court in Louisiana would also proceed while she is detained in Vermont.

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The government appealed the order days later to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has yet to weigh in. Soon after, Ozturks attorneys opposed the governments request to pause Sessions previous order.

Only one party  Ms. Ozturk  would suffer any harm from a stay, and that harm is irreparable, Ozturks attorneys wrote in court filings. By contrast, the government suffers no harm at all by holding Ms. Ozturk in detention in Vermont instead of Louisiana and being compelled to justify her continued detention.

Homeland security agents grabbed Ozturk, a doctoral student in the United States on a student visa, off a Massachusetts street in late March. DHS accused her of engaging in activities in support of Hamas.

Last year, Ozturk co-wrote an op-ed in the student newspaper that called on Tufts to acknowledge the Palestinian genocide and divest from companies with ties to Israel. Tufts has said the essay did not violate its policies.

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Ozturk was moved to three locations, including Vermont, before she ended up in Louisiana, despite an order from a district court that said she could not be moved out of Massachusetts without notice.

For nearly 24 hours, Ms. Ozturks attorney was unable to locate her, the ACLU said in a news release.

A senior official with the Department of Homeland Security on THursday called allegations about Ozturks detainment "unequivocally false."

"Ms. Ozturk was in communication with legal counsel within hours of her arrival at the facility in Basile. On the day of her arrival, one of her attorneys contacted the facility and was informed that she was already engaged in a meeting with her other attorney. Since then, she has had four attorney visits," the official said.

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Facilities in rural Louisiana have been the subject of human rights criticisms, and immigration advocates say the Trump administration has sent students to a jurisdiction that is more aligned with its immigration goals.

Theyre being placed in facilities that have pretty horrendous conditions, a lot of difficulties with access to counsel and in what is really a more hostile legal jurisdiction to fight their case for the right to remain in the United States, Mary Yanik, the director of the Immigrant Rights Clinic at Tulane Law School in New Orleans, has told NBC News.

The DHS official rejected allegations about the condition of the facility.

" Daily inspections are conducted by the facility administrator, and there have been no reports or documented complaints of rodent activity. In accordance with the Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS), the facility maintains regular pest control services. ICE has also provided Ms. Ozturk with prompt medical care and services, and she has not filed any grievances regarding delayed medical care," the official said.

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On Tuesday, a congressional delegation led by Rep. Troy Carter, D-La., visited ICE facilities in Louisiana. The members met with Ozturk and Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and green-card holder who was arrested and detained in early March.

From our communications with these individuals, theyre frightened, theyre concerned. They want to go home, Carter told reporters after the visit. Theyre happy to see that members of Congress are here to listen, to take good notes, to go back to Washington to ensure that due process is granted, health care is provided and fairness is the rule of day.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
CRAB ORCHARD, WV (WVNS)  Employees of the West Virginia Parkways Authority took time out of their day to say their final goodbye to a beloved coworker who was recently killed.

Beckley man identified as worker killed on I-77, one man arrested and charged

April 14 was supposed to be a regular day for James Harper. Go to work, fill potholes, and end the day at home with his wife and newborn baby.

Instead, his newborn baby will go her entire life without a father, his wife is now a widow, and his family no longer has their beloved son and brother due to a driver allegedly looking down while navigating a work zone.

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Harpers fellow coworkers with the West Virginia Parkways Authority striped the Lester Square Shopping Center parking lot to say their final goodbyes as Harpers funeral procession passed.

He was a real good guy. [He] loved his family, just had a newborn baby, I mean  he thought the world of her, said Eric Brewer, one of his coworkers.

His coworkers Eric Brewer and Brian Barnabi remember exactly where they were when the news broke.

I just happened to be on the roller ahead of him. I moved out of the way of the tractor trailer myself. [It was] traumatic. I mean, it was just disbelief, said Barnabi.

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Brewer was not at the same section as Harper and Barnabi, but he was just up the road from the accident.

The second thing came across the radio and said that they was doing CPR on him. It just floored me. I was asking who it was. The guys who were at the scene, they told me and that slammed me, said Brewer.

The message that Harpers mother wishes to send to everyone driving the roadways is, Slow down for them now, or slow down for them later. The cost of his life was way too high!

I am going to miss you, brother. Prayers for your family, said Brewer.

Fly high brother. Fly high, added Barnabi.

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When you go to drive, please put the phone down. These workers and their families are depending on you.

Governors Highway Safety Program encourages drivers to drive safely during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

You can find Harpers obituary 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 WVNS.
Entergy Arkansas' White Bluff power plant near Redfield is one of two generating stations in the state to be granted exemptions to a new air toxics emission standard. (Source: Entergy Arkansas)

Two coal-fired power plants in Arkansas are exempt from revised air pollution rules under a Trump administration rollback of environmental standards adopted last year, leaving some former EPA officials and environment groups concerned about prolonged exposure to unhealthy emissions.

The exemptions will last for two years, long enough to keep one plant already slated to stop burning coal from having to install equipment required by the new rules.

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As part of its deregulation efforts, the Trump administration put out a call earlier this year for companies to request exemptions to several environmental rules finalized in Bidens last year in office. The Clean Air Act allows the president to exempt pollution sources from compliance with any part of section 112 of the CAA if the technology to implement the standard is not available and it is in the national security interests of the United States to do so.

Entergy Arkansas White Bluff 1 power station near Redfield and the Plum Point Energy Station near Osceola, which is owned by a consortium of utility companies, applied for the exemption.

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Had President Donald Trump not directed the Environmental Protection Agency to provide the exemptions, the plants would have been required to install continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) to measure the amounts of particulates released into the air. The plants also would have been subject to stricter regulations for how much particulate matter they could release through their stacks.

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Instead, the plants will only be subject to the version of the rule prior to the 2024 revisions. The plants now have until 2029 to comply with the requirements finalized last year  that is, if they remain in effect.

The Mercury and Air Toxics (MATS) rule is one of more than two dozen environmental and pollution regulations being targeted for rollbacks by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. In a statement announcing the deregulation targets in March, Zeldin said the move was a push back against destruction and destitution caused by EPA rules enacted in the previous administration.

The White Bluff plant is scheduled to stop burning coal in 2028, an Entergy Arkansas spokesperson said.

White Bluff 1 is the only affected unit in Arkansas that may require the installation of additional equipment to meet new MATS requirements coming into effect in 2027, and that same unit is also subject to a requirement to cease burning coal at the end of 2028 under a consent decree, Matt Ramsey said in an emailed statement. This exemption will avoid the need to make additional MATS-related investments that increase costs to our customers so close to the cessation of coal date.

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White Bluff 1 will continue to operate under the current MATS standards, which the EPA has determined to be protective of public health with an adequate margin of safety, Ramsey added.

MATS matters

The MATS rule was first issued in 2012 to reduce the amount of mercury and other toxics being emitted by coal power plants. Those rules were revised in 2024, during the final months of the Biden administration, requiring all facilities subject to the rule to install CEMS monitoring while tightening the amount of filterable particulate matter that a coal power plant could emit.

The revised requirements slashed the amount of particulate matter a coal plant could emit by two-thirds. A fact sheet issued by the EPA last year said that 93% of existing coal plants that were not already set to close already met the revised particulate matter standard.

Particulate matter is used as a surrogate for emissions of mercury, a heavy metal, and other pollutants designated as air toxics under the federal Clean Air Act. Heavy metals can be toxic to humans, and inhaling them can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma.

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Fine particulate matter in the rule and in the science is a proxy for these heavy metals, explained Sierra Club attorney Tony Mendoza. So if youre limiting fine particulate matter to a certain level, EPA found youre reducing your emissions of mercury and arsenic and nickel.

Mendoza said he had been surprised that the Plum Point and White Bluff facilities had requested exemptions, saying that documentation put forth by the EPA during the rulemaking process led them to believe it would not be difficult for either plant to comply with the revised rule.

It seems that they should have been able to comply and there is some non-public reason why theyre seeking that exemption, Mendoza said. We were frankly a little surprised to see them on that list.

Frustration and concern

The chair of the Sierra Clubs Arkansas chapter expressed frustration and concern over the Trump administrations move. The Sierra Club was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that resulted in the consent decree that requires Entergy to stop burning coal at White Bluff and its Independence coal plant within the next ten years.

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Environmental issues tend to work kind of like co-morbidities, where air quality issues on their own might not be causing huge issues for the average Arkansan, Erica Kriner said, but then you add poor drinking water from hog farms disposing waste into the Buffalo River; then you add an uptick of diseases that threaten agriculture; and suddenly all of these issues start to snowball with each other.

Kriner said it was important that Arkansas communities understand the larger context of what these actions can mean. She compared the attempts to roll back regulations to a car in need of repair  perhaps it could continue to run at first, but it would eventually stop working.

Chipping away at our clean air protections may not feel like it will lead to dire consequences, but the Trump administration, the [Sarah] Huckabee Sanders administration, they rely on people not understanding the long-term consequences of dismantling these regulations, Kriner said.

The exemption from complying with the revised rule was particularly concerning for Joe Goffman, who oversaw the 2024 revisions as the head of the Environmental Protection Agencys air office during the Biden administration and helped author the section of the Clean Air Act that gave the EPA the authority to regulate so-called air toxics, such as mercury, in 1990.

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Goffman said the MATS rule exemptions for coal-powered plants would allow these facilities to continue using less frequent testing to demonstrate compliance with the pre-2024 version of the standards, which they are still subject to, if they had not already begun using CEMS.

Goffman said this leaves room for inaccuracies and potentially even manipulation.

I can say from my many decades of experience in this area  if there was one pollutant that Congress decided to regulate, the pollutant to target is PM [particulate matter], because thats the most dangerous pollutant that makes people sick, Goffman said.

Thats because harmful substances  like mercury  ride on fine particles.

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A lot of these substances are carried by fine particles, Goffman said. In other words, you dont have these free floating nickel molecules or other heavy metal molecules. They ride on fine particles. Thats what makes them particularly lethal.

Without a CEMS monitoring mandate for all coal plants, Goffman said, there could be a lot of particulate matter that is being emitted that isnt necessarily reflected in reporting.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to specify that the White Bluff facility will stop burning coal in 2028.

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Russian forces launched a combined attack on Kyiv on the night of 23-24 April. The strikes have killed siblings, 21-year-old Nikita and 19-year-old Sofiia.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

Quote from Zelenskyy: "This morning, our country faced a new, large-scale Russian attack, with over 200 aerial targets: missiles, including ballistic ones, and kamikaze drones.

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Sadly, there is destruction and loss in our capital, in other cities, and in all regions of Ukraine. More than 80 people were injured in these strikes. A brother and sister are among the dead in Kyiv. The boy was 21 years old; the girl was 19."

Details: Later, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU) clarified that the two people killed in the Russian attack were the son and daughter of Yaroslav Kozlov, a neurologist at the University Clinic of KNU.

Nikita was a student at the National Transport University, while Sofiia had graduated from the Professional College of the Kyiv National University of Technology and Design.

"The family of the Shevchenko University expresses its sincere condolences to Yaroslav Volodymyrovych [Kozlov]," a statement on the KNU website reads.

Background:

Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russian forces had launched 215 missiles, including ballistic ones, and drones on Ukraine on the night of 23-24 April.

The main impact fell on Kyiv, damaging an entire residential area.

The Russian attack has affected various regions, particularly Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhzhia and Khmelnytskyi oblasts.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office reported that as of 11:00 on 24 April, eight people are confirmed to have been killed.

The State Emergency Service noted that the remains of the ninth person, previously reported dead, are currently undergoing forensic examination. In total, 90 people were injured, with 44 being in hospital.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv, where there are concerns that people may still be trapped under the rubble. Emergency workers and canine teams from the State Emergency Service are actively working at the scene.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Two people are dead after a shooting near a school in South Memphis.

Memphis Police responded to a shooting on Mississippi Boulevard near South Lauderdale Street, steps away from Booker T. Washington High School, at 3 p.m. Thursday.

According to Deputy Chief Webb Kirkdoffer, two males were pronounced dead on the scene. Memphis Police did not give the ages of the victims.

Booker T. Washington High School was placed on lockdown. Kirkdoffer says that police were able to communicate with the school, and the lockdown was later lifted.

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Kirkdoffer says homicide investigators are canvassing the area for video surveillance footage and other evidence that can lead them to the suspects responsible for the shooting.

A witness told WREG he saw three men in ski masks with automatic rifles chasing someone. Shots were fired, and a crowd scattered.

The witness said the suspects shot the individual six to 10 times, then came back and fired more shots. The witness called 911.

Brian Didlake, WREG

A blue tarp can be seen on the grass next to a residential building.

The witness also told WREG that both were males who were shot were teens, and that there were at least three gunmen. They also believe that there may have been others wounded.

Bullet holes in nearby apartment building

Police said that at Full Park South City apartments, there were shell casings found in connection with the incident.

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The whole community ought to be hurt, were losing every day, and enough is enough, said Mary Trice, CEO of Ride of Tears. We say that every day, but until organizations come together as one, we will never win.

Ride of Tears is a group that honors child victims of gun violence, claiming that both victims in the shooting were seniors in high school.

Trice says she spoke with one mom who had just bought her sons tuxedo for his prom.

Man pleads guilty in 2021 Walgreens shooting, gets 25 years

She bought the suit for prom, but really she brought the suit for a funeral, said Trice. Thats how serious it is out here, thats why I walked away because she got to dress her baby for the last time.

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WREG reported five people died earlier this week in at least five separate shootings in a matter of seven hours.

It takes a toll on everybody, but rest assured, we will make sure we do everything possible to get those who committed this act, said Kirkdoffer.

Memphis police have not released information about the suspects at this time.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Two men were found dead in a wooded area near a Salem Walmart Wednesday afternoon, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office.

Salem police were called to 450 Highland Ave. shortly after 2:20 p.m. after a man walking his dog discovered one of the bodies, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Officers soon found the bodies of the two men.

At this point, an investigation led by the Essex County District Attorneys Office, along with the Massachusetts State Police and the Salem Police, is underway to determine the cause of death and if foul play was involved, the district attorneys office wrote.

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Anyone with information about the deaths is asked to call Massachusetts State Police at 978-745-8909 or Salem police at 978-744-1212.

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The Texas Education Agency on Thursday morning released two-year-old academic accountability scores for school districts and campuses statewide after an appeals court lifted a temporary block on the release of performance ratings earlier this month.

Due to several pandemic-related exemptions, the data the TEA released Thursday is the first time since 2019 that families across the state have access to a complete suite of information detailing how the state is grading campuses and districts. It is also the first glimpse into the results of the states 2023 refresh to the accountability systems rubric.

Seventy-three percent of campuses received a passing accountability rating in 2023, compared with 87% in 2022, according to the TEA data.

Children enter Menchaca Elementary School for the first day of school Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.

The agency rates districts and campuses on an A-F letter grade scale, in which a C or higher is passing, or at least a 70 out of 100.

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Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told reporters in a call that if the updated 2023 rubric had been applied to the 2022 accountability scores, about 85% of campuses would have passed.

The 2023 scores also show a dip in campuses that passed compared with 2019 when 82% of schools received an A, B or C.

Morath said the 2022 scores had been unusual because students showed unusual levels of growth  one of the factors on which students and campuses are graded  upon exiting the pandemic. Students didnt show the same levels of growth in 2023, he said.

That is not inherently because of the refresh," Morath said. That is because academic growth for students was way down.

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The new grading system also gives less weight to high schools than previous performance measures, he said.

The A-F accountability ratings score campuses on how students perform on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, their growth or performance relative to other similar schools, college and career readiness, and the performance of certain high-needs student groups.

Comprehensive A-F scores havent been released publicly since 2019.

The state didnt score schools and districts in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and it exempted the lowest scoring schools from ratings in 2022.

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In 2023, the TEA rolled out a newly designed version of the STAAR test, which students in grades three through eight and high school students take. The new test features an online format, more short written responses and reading passages that reference information students should have learned in their classes.

Although the test was administered in 2023, the state has been blocked from releasing its accountability ratings due to it updating its measuring system. A group of about 100 districts sued the TEA in 2023, accusing the agency of unfairly recalibrating the rubric, delaying communication of changes, and alleging that the adjustments would result in lower scores.

A smaller group of districts filed a similar suit in 2024.

Earlier this month, the state's 15th Court of Appeals  created in 2023 by the Texas Legislature  ordered the TEA to release the 2023 scores, but the 2024 ratings are still blocked from becoming public.

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Thats not all that helpful for a family trying to make a decision in the summer of 2024, and so unfortunately, parents have been denied access to this benefit for a long time now, Morath said in the call.

If districts had been scored using the new 2023 system in 2022, about 58% of the total 1,188 public school districts in Texas would have maintained the same score, 14% would have increased their scores and 29% would have seen their scores go down, according to TEA data.

In response to the lawsuits, Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, has filed Senate Bill 1962, which would allow the state to appoint oversight over districts that use public money to sue the TEA over accountability measures. The Texas Senate on April 16 approved Bettencourt's proposal by a 20-11 vote. The measure has been assigned to the House Public Education Committee but it has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

The release of the TEA scores coincides with the Austin district weighing options for Dobie Middle School, which administrators project will receive a fourth consecutive F rating this year. If the school receives five Fs consecutively, the state is required by law to either close the school or take over the entire district.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Education Agency releases 2023 A-F accountability scores
Photo: Michael M. Santiago (Getty Images)

Shares of major U.S. defense contractors tanked Tuesday, with Northrop Grumman (NOC) and RTX (RTX) ranking among the S&P 500s steepest decliners after earnings reports flagged cost overruns, shrinking margins, and rising tariff exposure  even as revenue remained strong.

RTX, for its part, warned that if current trade policies remain in place, tariffs could slash its 2025 operating profit by as much as $850 million, amplifying investor concern across the sector.

Northrop Grumman dives 13%

Northrop Grumman led the sector selloff Tuesday, tumbling 13% after posting a steep 49% decline in first-quarter profit. The blow came largely from a $477 million charge tied to surging manufacturing costs on its next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber program.

Net income fell to $481 million, or $3.32 per share, down from $944 million, or $6.32 per share, a year earlier. Revenue slid 7% to $9.47 billion. While the company reaffirmed its full-year sales outlook, investors were clearly spooked by margin compression and trimmed earnings guidance.

RTX slides 9% on $850 million tariff threat

Shares of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) dropped 9% after the company posted solid results  but delivered an unwelcome warning. First-quarter revenue rose 5% to $20.3 billion, while adjusted net income climbed to $1.99 billion, or $1.47 per share, from $1.79 billion, or $1.34 per share, a year ago.

Despite the headline beat, executives said continuing tariffs could shave more than $850 million from 2025 profit, citing exposure to metal tariffs and cross-border trade disputes. The company held its full-year guidance but acknowledged that doesnt yet fully reflect the potential impact of trade policy uncertainty.

Lockheed up just 1% despite strong demand

Lockheed Martin (LMT) held up better, climbing 1% after reporting stronger-than-expected earnings. First-quarter revenue rose 4% to $18 billion, powered by continued demand for its missile systems and F-35 fighter jets.

Net income rose to $1.7 billion, or $7.28 per share, up from $1.5 billion, or $6.39 per share, a year earlier. Lockheed reaffirmed its full-year outlook and pointed to long-term support from rising global defense budgets.

GE Aerospace climbs 5%

In contrast, GE Aerospace (GE) rallied nearly 5% after delivering a beat. The company reported $9.94 billion in revenue and $1.49 in adjusted EPS, both ahead of analyst expectations.

CEO Larry Culp cited continued strength in maintenance demand as airlines keep older aircraft in service amid persistent Boeing and Airbus delivery delays.
The Russians launched a second missile attack on the city of Kharkiv on the night of 23-24 April. Early reports have indicated that two people have been injured in the attack.

Source: Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov

Details: Russia attacked Kharkiv with cruise missiles for the second time at night. Two explosions were heard in the city at around 05:00.

Quote: "Kharkiv came under a second cruise missile attack last night. Two explosions were heard.

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One of the latest strikes hit a densely populated residential area. Windows were shattered in several high-rise buildings. Two people have been injured there. The inspection of the scenes is ongoing."

Background:

The Russians conducted a large-scale attack on Kharkiv on the night of 23-24 April, launching seven missile strikes.

At 03:00 on the night of 23-24 April, Kharkiv came under a large-scale Russian drone attack after the missile strike. Explosions were heard in the city.

Russia launched a combined strike on Ukraine on the night of 23-24 April, using drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.

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By Lizbeth Diaz

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Gunmen on a motorcycle shot and killed two members of a civil search organization that discovered a now-infamous site known as Mexico's "ranch of horror," the group and authorities said on Thursday.

The two victims, Carmen Morales and her son Jaime Ramirez, died after they were shot by two men on Wednesday night, the Jalisco state prosecutor's office said in a statement. The suspects have not been identified.

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Morales and Ramirez were members of the citizen search group Guerreros Buscadores, in the western state of Jalisco, which was instrumental in the discovery of what local media dubbed the "ranch of horror" in March.

Searchers found hundreds of items of clothing and skeletal remains at the site in Teuchitlan, a rural area outside Guadalajara, the state capital. Officials have said the site was a cartel training camp.

"Unfortunately, (Morales) had already been threatened several times. ... It's sad and painful that these things are happening. All we families want is to find our loved ones," said Raul Servin, a representative for the group.

The Jalisco state prosecutor's office, however, ruled out a connection to the search group in its statement.

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Morales and Ramirez had been searching for a relative who disappeared in February 2024.

Their deaths follow the killing of another member of the search group. Teresa Gonzalez, who had been searching for her missing brother, was killed earlier this month, according to the group.

Members of search groups for missing family members often receive threats, which rights groups allege largely come from the criminal groups responsible for their disappearances.

Jalisco is one of the states with the highest number of reported missing persons, according to official data. It is the home base of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which authorities have accused of forcibly recruiting young people.

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More than 124,000 people are missing in Mexico, according to government data. Most cases are never solved, breeding a deep mistrust of authorities among those searching for the missing.

(Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz; Writing by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Kyle Davidson

Michigan Advance

As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or USACE, continues to prepare the draft of its long-awaited environmental review of the Line 5 tunnel project; the Corps confirmed on Wednesday that its evaluation would move forward on a shortened timeline following an executive order from President Donald Trump.

The project would replace a four-mile section of the pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac with a new segment located in a concrete-lined tunnel beneath the lakebed, intended to contain any potential spills from the pipeline.

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However, Native American Tribes and environmental activists have long argued the pipeline poses too much of a threat to continue operating in the Straits  where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet  as tribal nations and environmental organizations have brought forth several legal challenges against the project, raising concerns about the impacts of both constructing the tunnel and allowing Line 5 to continue operating.

In order to move forward with construction, Enbridge Energy, the Canadian company that owns the pipeline, must secure permits from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the Michigan Public Service Commission and the Army Corps of Engineers.

As part of its permitting review, the Corps must issue an environmental impact statement examining the natural, cultural and human environment before making its permitting decision. In 2023, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it would extend its review for the statement, with plans to issue a draft statement in 2025 and a final decision expected in early 2026. However, a decision could come much sooner following an order from President Trump instructing the United States Army Corps of Engineers to exercise emergency permitting power to facilitate the nations energy supply.

Following Trumps Jan. 20 executive order which declared a national energy emergency in order to boost fossil fuel production, many Line 5 opponents warned that the order could impact the Corps review of the tunnel project.

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After several indications that the Line 5 tunnel would receive expedited processing, members of the Corps confirmed on Wednesday that the project would be reviewed under emergency procedures.

While members of the Corps could not offer an updated timeline for the project, Shane McCoy, the regulatory chief for the USACEs Detroit District told reporters on Wednesday the draft environmental impact statement would most likely be released in June.

Though the timeline for the project has been shortened, McCoy said the emergency procedures would not eliminate any steps from the review, later telling reporters, We have full confidence that we will be making the decision based on the best information available.

The truncated process will result in a very legally defensible and very well informed decision in our record of decision, McCoy said.

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McCoy also emphasized that the decision on whether to permit the project would not be determined prior to the completion of its analysis and all required consultations and coordinations. However, Whitney Gravelle, president of the Bay Mills Indian Community, said she didnt believe that.

On March 21, the Bay Mills Indian Community alongside the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi, and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi sent a letter to the USACE, withdrawing their participation as cooperating agencies in drafting the environmental impact statement due to the expectation that the project would soon receive permitting due to Trumps executive order. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians similarly withdrew from talks with the USACE on March 26.

While USACE Lt. Col. Wallace Bandeff said tribal input helped shape and refine cultural resource surveys and reports and the consideration of cultural resources in the Corps of Engineers review, Gravelle said the process was inherently flawed, and that they had repeatedly submitted comments, data and scientific fact that was ignored.

Despite the departure of the seven tribes participating as cooperating agencies, the USACE told reporters it continues to consult with them, as well as 13 other tribal nations.

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While the Corps determined Enbridges permit request met the definition of Trumps emergency order, Gravelle said shed like to know where the emergency is.

Emergency measures are in place for things like flooding or wildfires or loss of life and property, and how would Line 5 impact anyone in any way, Gravelle said pointing to the Edenville Dam failure and Enbridges 2010 oil spill in the Kalamazoo River as recent examples of emergency permitting within the state.

Should the project move forward, it would have detrimental harm to an already vulnerable population of white fish and lake trout in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, which would reduce tribal fishing in the Straits, Gravelle said.

In 1836, the Anishinaabe signed the Treaty of Washington, ceding nearly 14 million acres of land to settlers. In return, Anishinaabe peoples would retain the right to hunt, fish and gather within the ceded territory.

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Weve shared evidence with them. Locations of, you know, fish spawning beds in both of the lakes, weve shared with them cultural historic properties, both on the North and the South Shore. were trying to not only prevent future harm, but were also trying to protect and preserve what we have now, Gravelle said.

And nobody hears that right? Like nobody can understand the importance of tribal treaty rights, because when they think of treaty rights, they just think of someone going out and catching a fish. And they dont realize that this is tied to teachings that you get from your parents on where to fish and how to fish, and then, you know, teachings that you get from your elders when you have fish at ceremony, or teachings on how to interact with the landscape, or like, why do we fish during these seasons, but not during the other seasons. Its all interwoven into our Indigenous way of life, Gravelle said.

In a statement responding to the USACEs notice, Gravelles message was simple: We will continue to defend the rights of the Great Lakes. See you in court.

Thats exactly how I feel, Gravelle told the Michigan Advance. We have been setting ourselves up and positioning ourselves now that we will fight for our rights before the court, and we will do it not only on behalf of tribes, but on behalf of the rest of the Great Lakes.

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When asked what the community was looking to challenge, Gravelle said all options were on the table, down to the executive order and the determination that the project meets emergency permitting criteria.

When you are threatening tribes and tribal people and our communitys way of life, theres nothing to do, but left to fight and to fight, so that we can continue to exist, Gravelle said.

As the Army Corps of Engineers moves forward with its review, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Michigan Public Service Commission have already granted the project its necessary permits.

However, the The Bay Mills Indian Community, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi alongside Environmental Law and Policy Center and the Michigan Climate Action Network have sought leave to appeal the Public Service Commissions decision to the Supreme Court, after a previous court upheld the Commissions decision. The Great Lakes water advocacy group For Love of Water  or FLOW  has filed a separate application aiming to appeal the case.

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Additionally Enbridge must redo its water resources permit as part of a legal agreement with EGLE and the Bay Mills Indian Community. EGLE Strategic Communications Advisor Scott Dean told the Michigan Advance on April 3 that EGLE is currently reviewing two applications for construction activities related to the tunnel, including a joint permitting application covering its Wetlands Protection and Great Lakes Bottomlands permits.

EGLE is also considering Enbridges National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, with its current permit set to expire on Oct. 1, 2025. The permit aims to protect water quality by limiting the amount of pollutants that can be discharged into a body of water.

Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy referenced a previous statement when asked about the USACEs shortened permitting pathway, calling the pipeline critical energy infrastructure

In 2021 the State of Michigan issued its environmental permits for the tunnel project, and in 2023 the Michigan Public Service Commission approved placing the new pipeline segment in the tunnel as Line 5 crosses the Straits of Mackinac. However, the project still awaits action by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on an environmental impact statement and a permitting decision, Duffy said, adding that the company had reapplied for permits from EGLE which were set to expire in 2026.
For Wednesday, April 23, WGNs Ben Bradley and Lourdes Duarte have the latest on new medical information, including:

More Coverage: WGNs Medical Watch

U.S. fertility rates hover near record low

According to a newly released report from the CDC, the U.S. fertility rate continues to hover near record lows. Statistics show just over three and a half million babies were born in the U.S. last year.

Thats only a one percent increase from 20-23, when birth rates hit a record low.

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The CDC report also shows a shift toward older mothers.

President Donald Trump has called for a baby boom, and Vice President J.D. Vance has notably criticized childless young Americans.

Experts say the U.S is facing a maternal health care crisis, pointing to the high maternal mortality rate and the maternal health care deserts in more than a third of the country.

Smoking rates fall, other cancers on the rise

The American Cancer Society reports that smoking-related cancers in the U.S. have dropped.

In its latest report, the agency attributes the decline to decreasing smoking rates. But it also warns that cervical cancer screenings have dropped among women ages 21 to 65, leaving them at risk of not detecting the disease early.

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In addition, rates of HPV vaccination, which prevents cervical cancer, have stalled.

The report also says cancers linked to excessive weight, like kidney, colon, and pancreatic cancers, are on the rise.

Misinformation about measles vaccine spreading online

Misinformation about measles is spreading fast.

A new poll reveals that parents are uncertain about the safety of the measles vaccine.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has amplified some misconceptions about a link between the vaccine and the diagnosis of autism.

An estimated 6 out of 10 adults have heard a false claim about the measles vaccine.

Uncertainty has led some parents to delay or skip vaccinating their children.

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There have been 800 confirmed measles cases across 24 states in the United States so far this year.

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With summer slowly but surely approaching, the United States government has issued travel warnings for three countries in just the past few days.

Travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State can vary from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel). On Monday, a Level 1 warning was issued for anyone traveling to the Kyrgyz Republic, especially if you're near the border region with Tajikistan.

That same day, a Level 2 advisory was announced for Morocco. The U.S. government is asking those traveling to Morocco to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorist attacks.

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Roughly 48 hours after these two advisories were issued, the State Department issues a Level 3 (reconsider travel) warning.

Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-300(WL) at Brussels Airport, IATA: BRU, ICAO: EBBR, also informally called Brussels-National Airport or Brussels-Zaventem Airport during a rainy day with dark clouds as seen parked next to an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a TUI 787 Dreamliner. The Boeing 767 wide-body passenger plane with winglets of Delta Airlines carrier has the registration N191DN and is powered by 2x PW jet engines. Delta or DAL is a major airline of the United States, a legacy carrier with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia member of SkyTeam aviation alliance. Delta is the second largest airline in the world by passenger traffic and fleet size. The current Boeing 767 docked at the airport terminal is preparing for departure to New York, USA with flight number DL141 while airport workers load luggage and cargo. Brussels, Belgium on September 2023 (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto/Getty Images

On Wednesday, the U.S. government urged those traveling to Uganda to reconsider their plans.

"Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and laws targeting persons on the basis of sexual orientation," the travel advisory states. "Exercise increased caution due to potential security risks and the unpredictable nature of public demonstrations. This includes demonstrations by political groups leading up to the January to February 2026 elections."

Crime in Uganda is more common in the following areas:

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Kampala

Jinja

Entebbe

Karamoja region

Ugandas western and northern borders

Earlier this month, the U.S. government announced a Level 3 warning for those traveling to Colombia. Additionally, a Level 4 (do not travel) warning was issued for Burkina Faso, a country in West Africa.

"Terrorists may attack anywhere with little or no warning and may utilize various tactics including the use of common, commercially available items or the use of kidnapping for ransom," the U.S. Department of State said.

You can view the full list of updated travel warnings here.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  The Virginia International Tattoo kicks off Thursday night at Norfolk Scope Arena, and its a magnificent display of military precision requiring three things  practice, practice, practice.

More than 800 performers from six nations will showcase their talents to hundreds of people, including the U.S. Navy drill team.

Wednesday, they were getting in their last practice before they take to the floor for their multiple performances.

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I am super excited, very anxious, said Stephen Schmitt with the U.S. Navy drill team. [Its a] big crowd, big stage, but I think were going to crush it.

Chief Matthew Theis is the commander of the troops for the tea and has been to more than 10 Tattoos. But instead of being in the crowd this time, he is in the show.

I told all my guys theyre helping me fulfill one of my own personal dreams, Theis said.

In a sneak peek of its performance, the U.S. Navy drill team showcased some of the many things it will showcase.

Lots of spins, lots of throws, lots of stunts, everything, Schmitt said.

Its a whole new performance, and they have been working hard to wow the crowd.

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Its definitely a thank you for the support to be able to come out, show up, show out, and show what we do and represent the Navy, Schmitt said.

David Torrance said its his first Tattoo, but he is ready to put on a show.

I get nervous for every performance, Torrance said. I believe all the guys do, too, because we have to do this all the time. But the person that we perform for only gets to see this one. So we want to give them a good performance. I think thats what were anxious about, not dropping or looking funny. Its more about making sure that they get what they came for.

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Apr. 24---- Just over two months after protesters who gathered outside U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach's office in Willmar called on her to hold a town hall meeting to hear their concerns, one of the Republican congresswoman's Democratic colleagues in the U.S. House is planning exactly that.

Democrat and 2nd District U.S. Rep. Angie Craig hosted town halls in Grand Rapids on Monday and St. Cloud on Wednesday. She is hosting a town hall Thursday evening in Willmar, which represents her third out-of-district town hall in the past week. She is scheduled to be in Mankato on Friday.

"I just wanted to show you what it might look like for a representative to actually show up and do their job of representing their constituents," Craig told about 80 people attending her meeting Wednesday at Ritsche Auditorium on the St. Cloud State University campus, according to

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Craig's Minnesota Republican colleagues in the U.S. House sent a letter to the House Committee on Ethics and the Committee on House Administration urging them to review potential violations of House rules by Craig, according to a news release.

In the release, Fischbach, Congressman Tom Emmer, Congressman Brad Finstad and Congressman Pete Stauber say that House ethics rules "prohibit members of Congress from using official resources to promote political events." They argue that Craig is "using her taxpayer-funded congressional office to further her political ambitions by publicizing campaign-sponsored events and soliciting donations for political fundraising."

Craig answered by telling reporters Wednesday evening in St. Cloud that none of this is being paid for by a single taxpayer dime, St. Cloud Live's Trent Abrego reported. Craig said the letter only provides her with "another opportunity to talk about the fact that they won't come talk to their constituents," according to St. Cloud Live.

Protesters had gathered outside of Rep. Fischbach's office in Willmar in frigid weather Feb. 19 to voice concerns about President Donald Trump's federal budget cuts and immigration actions, and they urged Fischbach to oppose them. They also called on her to hold town hall meetings in her district.

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Fischbach hosted a telephone town hall meeting on March 25, according to an announcement from her office, and said that some 14,000 people participated.

Local members of the Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party said Thursday afternoon that they are expecting a good turnout for Craig's visit later in the day.

Fernando Alvarado, of Willmar, a DFL Party leader in Kandiyohi County and former state legislative candidate, told the West Central Tribune that he expects the main topics in Willmar to be what he described as the "chaos in Washington" and concerns about the potential of cuts to Social Security, Medicaid, and programs for veterans, along with tariffs.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Even with the threat of federal funds being frozen, officials at an area food bank said they are able to provide for the community.

And that made one federal lawmaker who represents the area feel grateful that such an organization exists.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, a Rockford Democrat, visited Midwest Food Banks Peoria warehouse and met with staff there to hear more about how the facility works with schools, food pantries, and community organizations to serve families facing food insecurity.

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I feel good today, knowing that we have something like the Midwest Food Bank. Not every community does. It goes all over the state but it is headquartered right here. It has the ability to do so many great things, he said.

And he said, given the uncertainties that are occurring in Washington, he feels better knowing that the food bank is here in Peoria and is able to be a safety net.

We are in a caring community that takes care of one another, Sorensen said, noting there were thousands of volunteers and volunteer hours at the food bank. He urged people to come and help, volunteer, so they could feel like they were making a difference and helping others.

He noted that the food bank sprung to action after national events like the California wildfires.

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Eric Hodel, Midwest Food Banks CEO, said it was good to have the congressman at the Peoria facility to showcase what the food bank does as well as to field any questions.

I think he knows and understands the food bank, Hodel said. Its the community coming in to serve the community, he said, noting the organization is fueled largely by volunteers. He understands our model and the community impact that Midwest Food Bank provides.

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Fifteen international students at the University of Central Florida have had their visas terminated in the last month, and one was detained by law enforcement.

Courtney Gilmartin, a UCF spokesperson, confirmed the revocations, saying the 15 students in the United States on F-1 student visas have had their visas revoked since March 25 according to records from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

They were flagged for criminal records or otherwise failing to maintain their visa status but no additional information was available on their cases, including why the one student was detained, Gilmartin said.

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UCF notified each student of their visa termination and advised them to leave the country, she said. As a public university that receives state and federal funding, UCF will continue to comply with all state and federal laws, she added.

The university, Floridas largest by enrollment, enrolls about 5,000 international students, according to its website.

The Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration has led to the revocation of thousands of international students visas nationwide, apparently in some cases because students took part in campus protests against the war in Gaza or in others because of minor run-ins with law enforcement, including traffic infractions.

As of Thursday, more than 1,700 international students nationwide have had their visas revoked, according to Inside Higher Ed, including eight at the University of Florida, three at Florida State University and 18 at Florida International University.

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At UF, Felipe Zapata Velazquez was deported to Colombia following a traffic stop where police found he was driving with a suspended license and registration, according to the student news publication Fresh Take Florida. His family said at the time he was renewing his student visa, but it was not clear he had a currently valid one.

Talat Rahman, UCFs faculty union president and physics professor, said a student in her department was notified of their visa termination and has already returned to India.

Rahman, who came from Pakistan to study in the U.S. on a student visa, said the visa cancellations have never been done before on this scale. Now a U.S. citizen, Rahman said the revocations worry her since students had no due process and might be forced to leave the country because of a traffic ticket or for exercising their First Amendment rights.

And it makes all international students fearful, she said.

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Its essentially saying, Hey, youre not welcome,' Rahman said.

On social media, the visa revocations prompted some outcry.

These are our friends, our classmates. Theyre a part of our community. And theyre being treated with unjust cruelty, one person wrote in a high-rated comment in UCFs Reddit community.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.
Mario Tama / Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Bank of America analysts said the auto industry will likely report positive results this quarter, but the future is far less certain.

Companies could suspend or pull their guidance due to tariffs, the analysts said.

If auto tariffs stay at or near current levels, BofA analysts predict that production and sales volumes will decline by nearly 3 million units.







Economic uncertainty remains a key factor in the outlook for the auto industry.

Bank of America analysts wrote Tuesday that they anticipate positive auto industry results this quarter, though uncertainty around tariffs and other factors could cause some companies to pull or suspend their guidance.

The first quarter of the year has likely shaped up better than expected for auto companies' production and sales, the analysts wrote. Americans are panic buying cars so they can beat the heftier price tags that many expect in the wake of auto-specific tariffs.

However, the results may be less important as investors will likely be paying close attention to outlooks and increasing conversations around tariffs. The bank cut price targets across multiple carmakers, parts, and dealer stocks. One example is Tesla (TSLA), which reported weak deliveries earlier this month and missed Q1 earnings estimates on Tuesday.

Analysts said it will be hard for companies to provide expectations beyond the first quarter amid tariff uncertainty. The bank predicts that production and sales will decline by about 3 million vehicles if auto tariffs stay at or near current levels. This could lower operating earnings for General Motors (GM) by 11%, by 7% for Ford (F), 10 to 15% for suppliers, and 3% to 5% for dealers, they estimate.

Read the original article on Investopedia
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  Cyprus will receive free-of-charge portable desalination plants from the United Arab Emirates to cover the tourism-reliant island nations water needs this summer as reservoir deposits are nearly depleted, officials said Thursday.

Agriculture and Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou told the state broadcaster that the UAE agreed to provide Cyprus, at no cost, an undetermined number of desalination plants that will produce a combined 15,000 cubic meters (530,000 cubic feet) of potable water daily.

Panayiotou didnt disclose exactly when the units will arrive and become operational, but she said UAE authorities are aware the need is immediate as the summer tourism season kicks into high gear and water needs reach their peak.

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She said the deal is the result of secret negotiations over the last few months to cover Cyprus water needs that became acute when a fire knocked out one of its five static desalination plants, resulting in cuts to agricultural water supply. Each onshore unit produces 235,000 cubic meters (8.3 million cubic feet) of fresh water daily.

The plant wont be back in operation until August and the portable units from the UAE will cover that lost water capacity, said Panayiotou.

Technical staff are still trying to work out exactly where the portable units will be placed to maximize their utility, Panayiotou said. She didnt say when those units will be returned to the UAE.

Apart from its own desalination plants, Cyprus continues to rely on an extensive reservoir network with a total capacity of 330 million cubic meters. Water levels across the 108 reservoirs  the most relative to population than any other European country  are less than a quarter of their capacity following the second-driest winter in a decade. Reservoirs were at 47.2% capacity in 2024, official figures show.

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Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides disclosed the UAE deal during an interview with local TV station ANT1, hailing the agreement as the result of Cyprus expanded diplomatic outreach and the friendly relations it has developed particularly with the Emirates and other countries in the region.

Panayiotou said irrespective of the UAE assistance, the governments medium- and long-term planning to permanently alleviate the islands water shortages is moving ahead.

The planning includes the procurement of four additional mobile desalination plants expected to begin operating in late autumn, each capable of producing 30,000 cubic meters (1 million cubic feet) of drinkable water daily.

Another two static desalination plants will be built over the long term, each with a 140,000 cubic meter (5 million cubic feet) daily output.

Panayiotou unveiled last month a government plan to subsidize construction of private desalination plants at hotels. Tourism accounts for 13.5% of Cyprus gross domestic product. Tourist arrivals last year exceeded 4 million people, setting a new record.
LONDON (AP)  The British government said Thursday it was lifting sanctions against a dozen Syrian entities, including government departments and media outlets, to help the country rebuild after President Bashar Assad was toppled from power in a lightning rebel offensive in December.

The U.K. had put the sanctions in place against those who supported Assad's repressive rule, helped violently suppress civilians and spread misinformation.

The Syrian people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their country and economy, and a stable Syria is in the U.K.s national interest, Hamish Falconer, minister for the Middle East, said in a statement explaining the purpose of lifting the sanctions.

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Syrias new leaders have struggled to begin rebuilding the countrys decimated economy and infrastructure after nearly 14 years of civil war. The new authorities in Damascus have made a push for harsh sanctions imposed by western countries on Assads government to be lifted, with limited success.

Financial sanctions and asset freezes were lifted on several government agencies, including the ministries of interior and defense, the Foreign Office said.

Sanctions were also dropped against the General Organization of Radio and TV, a state-run agency that allegedly spread propaganda for Assad and incited violence against civilians. The Foreign Office said it also lifted sanctions against Al Watan, a newspaper, Cham Press TV, and Sama TV, for spreading misinformation.

Sanctions imposed against Assad and associates remain in place and legislation was amended to allow the former leader and others to be held accountable for atrocities committed against Syrians.

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In March, the U.K. dropped sanctions against two dozen Syrian businesses, mostly banks and oil companies.

The Trump administration in the U.S. has yet to formally recognize the new Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, an Islamist former insurgent who led the offensive that ousted Assad. The militant group al-Sharaa led, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, remains a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, and the sanctions imposed on Damascus under Assad remain in place.

However, Washington has eased some restrictions. The U.S. Treasury in January issued a general license, lasting six months, that authorizes certain transactions with the Syrian government, including some energy sales and incidental transactions.

The European Union, meanwhile, has begun to ease some energy and transport sanctions and banking restrictions against Syria, suspending measures targeting oil, gas and electricity as well as transport, including the aviation sector.

___ Abby Sewell contributed to this report from Beirut.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain said on Thursday it would support efforts to rebuild Syria's financial system by removing sanctions to encourage investments in financial services, energy production and other sectors.

London also lifted asset freezes on Syria's Defence and Interior Ministries and a range of intelligence agencies, reversing penalties imposed during Bashar al-Assad's presidency.

The West is rethinking its approach to Syria after insurgent forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ousted Assad as president in December after more than 13 years of civil war.

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"The Syrian people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their country and economy, and a stable Syria is in the UK's national interest," Hamish Falconer, Minister for the Middle East, said in a statement.

Later on Thursday, Syria welcomed the lifting of the sanctions, the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that the step is a "constructive move toward normalizing international relations".

A notice posted online by the British finance ministry said the Syrian Interior Ministry, Defence Ministry and General Intelligence Directorate were among 12 entities no longer subject to asset freezes.

In March, the government unfroze the assets of Syria's central bank and 23 other entities including banks and oil companies.

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The British government said the amendments to its sanctions legislation would allow it to hold Assad and his associates accountable for their actions when in power.

The Foreign Office said Britain was committed to an inclusive political transition in Syria, including the protection of human rights, unfettered access for humanitarian aid, safe destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles and moves to combat terrorism.

"We will continue to press the Syrian government to ensure it meets the commitments it has made," the Foreign Office added.

(Reporting by Catarina Demony; Writing by William James; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Sandra Maler)
By Andrew MacAskill, Alistair Smout and William Schomberg

LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Britain is edging towards a new defence agreement with the European Union that officials on both sides hope will help to improve post-Brexit ties following U.S. President Donald Trump's upending of security and trade alliances.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been trying to reset ties with the EU since his centre-left Labour Party won last year's national election, and his government has focused on security and defence first - an area of strength for Britain.

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That could pave the way for closer cooperation elsewhere, but Starmer needs to avoid appearing to move too closely towards the 27-nation EU as his government is also seeking an improved economic deal with Washington to lower some U.S. import tariffs.

"In a world which seems increasingly unstable with an uncertain future, it is so good that we are working so closely together on so many issues: defence and security... but also on trade and the economy," Starmer said at the start of talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, adding the reset would be of "huge benefit" to both sides.

Von der Leyen praised the "excellent cooperation" between Britain and the EU, and British and European officials are confident they will be able to strike a defence agreement at a planned summit next month.

Earlier, Germany's ambassador to London, Miguel Berger, said the "very difficult geopolitical situation" made it all the more important that the EU and UK co-operate as much as possible, adding that agreement on a defence pact was expected.

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The May summit will likely produce a communique setting out a timetable for negotiations on other areas where Britain and the EU could work together more closely, including energy, fish, food standards and youth mobility, Berger added at a UK Trade and Business Commission event.

GEOPOLITICAL FALLOUT

Britain, which left the EU in 2020 after a landmark 2016 referendum vote, is trying to navigate the geopolitical and economic fallout from Trump's imposition of worldwide tariffs and questioning of U.S. security protections for allies.

A global slowdown caused by the uncertainty over tariffs could also hamper Starmer's efforts to generate growth.

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Seeking to improve UK-U.S. trade ties and secure a reduction on some U.S. tariffs, British finance minister Rachel Reeves is expected to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington on Friday.

Reeves said on Thursday she was confident a U.S. trade deal could be done, despite differences between the countries.

Ministers have said Britain will not lower standards in sectors such as food or autos in pursuit of a deal with the U.S. but that it is open to seeking a reduction in trade barriers between the two sides.

As an example of the tightrope facing Britain, the U.S. could demand greater market access for those food producers which are already relatively aligned with UK standards, but London would not want to grant anything that either harms its own farmers or the prospects of greater UK-EU alignment on food.

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Britain could also lower its tariffs on U.S. cars.

In Washington, Reeves also met EU finance ministers and called for greater defence co-operation on the sidelines of meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Britain is hoping to be able to access the EU's new 150 billion euro rearmament fund, both to enable its companies like BAE to win contracts and to potentially do joint defence projects with EU countries.

Starmer said earlier this year that he hoped for closer ties in areas including improving military mobility and logistics, protection from sabotage, developing military technology and deepening industrial collaboration.

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Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform party, told reporters on Thursday he was worried that a deal that involved military alignment and intelligence sharing could "fundamentally damage our relationship with NATO and America".

(Reporting by Alistair Smout and Andrew MacAskill in London; additional reporting by William Schomberg in Washington, Elizabeth Piper in Dover and Muvija M in London; writing by Kate Holton; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Gareth Jones)
LONDON (AP)  Britain announced a major investment in wind power Thursday as it hosted an international summit on energy security  with Europe and the United States at odds over whether to cut their reliance on fossil fuels.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said renewable energy would help countries get off the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets as he pledged 300 million pounds ($400 million) to boost Britains capacity to manufacture components for the offshore wind industry. His center-left government hopes that will encourage private investment in the U.K.s renewable energy sector.

Homegrown clean energy is the only way to take back control of our energy system, Starmer said.

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That was at odds with the message from Tommy Joyce, U.S. acting assistant secretary of energy for international affairs, who called policies that push for clean power over fossil fuels harmful and dangerous."

Joyce told participants they should be honest about the worlds growing energy needs, not focused on net-zero politics. Building wind turbines requires concessions to or coercion from China because it supplies necessary rare minerals, he claimed.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright did not attend the conference.

Surging energy prices and the Russia-Ukraine war have made European leaders think hard about global energy security an their reliance on Russian natural gas. Ukraine halted Russian gas supplies to European customers through its pipeline network in January.

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As long as energy can be weaponized against us, our countries and our citizens are vulnerable and exposed, U.K. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told delegates.

He said low-carbon power was a route to energy security as well as a way to slow climate change.

Britain now gets more than half its electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar power, and the rest from natural gas and nuclear energy. It aims to generate all the U.K.s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The last U.K. coal-fired power plant closed last year, ending 142 years of coal-generated electricity in the nation that sparked the Industrial Revolution.

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Other European nations including Germany and France have committed to more wind energy production, and some are also phasing out coal.

The Trump administration is doing the opposite  prioritizing fossil fuels, including boosting coal, canceling financing for clean energy and climate-friendly projects, and targeting the wind industry.

Hosted by the British government and the International Energy Agency, the two-day summit brings together government ministers from 60 countries, senior European Union officials, energy sector CEOs, heads of international organizations and nonprofits to assess risks to the global energy system and figure out solutions.

___

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Associated Press writer Jennifer McDermott contributed to this story. ___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

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EFG (Middle East) Limited in Dubai (EFG Dubai), part of EFG International, has named Soha Nashaat as its new executive chair, effective 1 May 2025.

In her new role, Nashaat will concentrate on driving sustainable growth for EFG in the region and expanding the bank's operations into new markets.

She will collaborate with the senior management team of EFG International to align with the group's strategic objectives and positioning.

She will be stationed in Dubai and will report directly to Patrick Ramsey, head of the Continental Europe and Middle East Region at EFG. She will also work in conjunction with EFG Dubai CEO Ali Sandila.

Nashaat said: I am honoured to have been appointed to this important role to further elevate the profile of EFG in this dynamic market. I very much look forward to working with Patrick Ramsey, Ali Sandila and the board of directors of the Dubai entity and the Group to take the business in the Middle East region to the next level.

In a career spanning over three decades in the wealth management sector, Nashaat has held senior executive and non-executive positions with a focus on Middle Eastern markets.

Earlier, she was CEO of Barclays Wealth Middle East, offshore middle east head at Merrill Lynch, and member of the board of directors of Barclays Bank Suisse.

Ramsey said: I am delighted to welcome Soha Nashaat as our new Executive Chair for Dubai. I am convinced that with her vast leadership experience from renowned banking groups and the strategic board positions she has held in the region, she will succeed in driving the further growth of our business in this market and beyond.

Since its inception in Dubai in 2019, EFG has established a significant presence, with assets under management exceeding SFr6bn ($7.26bn) at the end of 2024.

In February this year, EFG International unveiled plans to acquire 100% of Swiss private bank Cite Gestion.

"EFG appoints Soha Nashaat as executive chair of Dubai subsidiary" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement by Yurii Belousov, head of the war crimes department at the Prosecutor General's Office.

The body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died after torture in Russian captivity, was brought back to Ukraine in late February, Deputy Interior Minister Leonid Tymchenko said in an interview with Censor.net published on April 24.

"She was identified through DNA testing," Tymchenko said.

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Roshchyna, 27, disappeared in August 2023 while reporting from Ukraine's Russian-occupied territories, with Moscow admitting her detention the following year.

Ukrainian officials confirmed Roshchyna's death on Oct. 10, 2024, but said that the circumstances were still under investigation. Russia did not hand over her body for about five months.

According to Russia, Roshchyna died on Sept. 19, 2024.

Yurii Belousov, head of the war crimes department at the Prosecutor General's Office, said the condition of the journalist's body made it impossible to determine the exact cause of death.

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"At the same time, numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment were found on the victim's body," Belousov said during a briefing in Kyiv on April 24.

The Media Initiative for Human Rights, a Ukrainian NGO, reported that Roshchyna had been held in at least two notorious Russian prisons: the penal colony n. 77 in Berdiansk in occupied Ukraine and the detention center n. 2 in Russia's Taganrog.

Both facilities are known for the use of torture against prisoners.

Roshchyna was tortured with electric shocks while in Russian captivity, Ukrainian investigative journalism outlet Slidstvo.Info reported in early March, citing an unnamed witness in the Taganrog detention center.

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There were also cuts on Roshchyna's arms after interrogations, the witness said. The journalist lost weight and weighed up to 30 kilograms, according to the source.

Previously, in March 2022, Roshchyna was detained for 10 days by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers while leaving Berdiansk in the direction of Mariupol. As a condition of her release, she was forced to record a video saying Russian forces had saved her life.

Although Roshchyna's body is said to have been returned in late February, Ukrainian journalists said in March that her body had not yet been retrieved at the time.

Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, a lawmaker and chair of the parliamentary committee on freedom of speech, said on April 24 that the body's return was not announced for so long due to uncertainty about the identity.

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"Given the torture and the condition of her body, Roshchyna's family requested not one, but several DNA examinations," Yurchyshyn wrote on Facebook. "As far as I know, the examinations were carried out not only in Ukraine but also abroad to ensure that it was Viktoriia."

Read also: Journalist Viktoria Roshchyna receives posthumous human rights award

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine will have to make some compromises to reach a peace deal with Russia, Polish President Andrzej Duda said in an interview with Euronews on April 24.

It has to be a compromise, he said. De facto this peace should come down to the fact that neither side will be able to say it won this war. Ukraine will also have to step down in some sense, because thats what will probably happen.

Dudas remarks come amid renewed diplomatic activity following a deadly Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv that killed at least 12 people and injured 90 on April 24. The strike took place just a day after the Kremlin reiterated its demands that Ukraine cede occupied territory and that the West end its military aid to Kyiv.

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Duda believes that only the U.S. has the power to bring Russias war in Ukraine to an end.

Today my conclusion is absolutely unequivocal: there is no one outside the United States who can stop (Russian President) Vladimir Putin," he said. Thats why I believe that President Donald Trump, with his determination, can bring this war to an end.

Duda defended Trumps negotiating style, describing it as shaped by a hard-edged business approach.

He used to own casinos, so this is a man who is taught a specific business game and has his own hard business methods that have been developed for decades. He transfers them to politics and plays very hard, Duda said. You have to negotiate hard with him.

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The Polish leader also said pressure on Russia is the only thing that could forge a lasting peace, though he warned it will not be comfortable for either side.

Ukraine is under pressure to respond to a controversial U.S. peace proposal, first presented in Paris on April 17. According to the Wall Street Journal, the plan includes U.S. recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and a permanent ban on NATO membership for Ukraine  both key Kremlin demands.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any deal involving de jure recognition of occupied territories as Russian. "This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine," he said on April 22.

Read also: Trump hopes to end war this week. Heres what you need to know

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Ukraine has urged the U.S. Treasury to find a mechanism to use $300 billion in frozen Russian assets for reconstruction and defense, Andriy Pyshnyy, head of the National Bank of Ukraine, said on April 24, Reuters reported.

The Ukrainian delegation raised the issue with U.S. Treasury officials during negotiations on April 23, according to Reuters. Ukraine intends to continue lobbying for the initiative at an upcoming meeting with the International Monetary Fund, Pyshnyy said.

Is there a mechanism to get access to these assets, to turn them into the source to cover the losses and damages of Ukraine and to fuel its resilience? The answer is very simple, yes, Pyshnyy said at the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group.

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In October 2024, the Group of Seven (G7) approved nearly $50 billion in loans for Ukraine that will be repaid by interest generated from frozen Russian assets.

On April 10, the European Union announced it would allocate 2.1 billion ($2.4 billion) in revenue generated from frozen Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine's defense industry. EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova said the funds would help provide air defenses and ammunition.

Read also: US senators push Trump administration to seize Russian assets for Ukraine, Reuters reports

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During a very turbulent day in which the Trump administration saw its plans to end the war in Ukraine sputter, Vice President JD Vance said Kyiv would have to give up territory now held by Russia in any such deal. He also said Ukraine would have to accept the annexation of Crimea by Russia and a prohibition on joining the NATO alliance.

It was the first time a U.S. official had publicly laid out a plan to end the war that favors Russia in such stark terms, The New York Times reported.

The current lines, or somewhere close to them, is where youre ultimately, I think, going to draw the new lines in the conflict, Vance told reporters in India. Now, of course, that means the Ukrainians and the Russians are both going to have to give up some of the territory they currently own.

What a disgrace



"Vance Outlines U.S. Plan for Ukraine That Sharply Favors Russia "https://t.co/dX51fgs1Mc  Anthony Clark Arend (@arenda) April 23, 2025

Vance did not specify what territory in Ukraine would be given up by Russia, which currently occupies about 20 percent of it. Under those terms, Ukraine would have to surrender huge swaths of land. Vance also said both sides need to come to the table or the U.S. would walk away from further negotiations.

JD Vance threatens to abandon Russia, Ukraine peace negotiations with Trumps final offer on the table https://t.co/AmTiuQMyHt pic.twitter.com/WLiUZX0pYL  New York Post (@nypost) April 23, 2025

The vice presidents comments came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed back on any plan that would call for him to legally recognize Crimea as territory of Russia, which illegally annexed the peninsula in 2014.

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Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea, Zelensky said at a press conference on Tuesday in Kyiv. Theres nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution.

In the wake of Zelenskys comments, a planned high-level summit in London on Wednesday was downgraded after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, a key American player in negotiations with Moscow, opted to stay home. That set off a chain reaction leading to lower-level U.S., Ukrainian and European diplomats replacing foreign ministers in meetings to find a way to cease the fighting and end the war.

Zelenskys comments also drew the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that the Ukrainian leaders stance was a threat to his own nation.

This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion, Trump said Wednesday afternoon on Truth Social. Its inflammatory statements like Zelenskyys that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire  He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.

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https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114388111141848447

Later on Wednesday, Zelensky took a more conciliatory tone, thanking the U.S. and European allies for continuing to negotiate, even if at a lower level.

Emotions have run high today. But it is good that 5 countries met to bring peace closer. Ukraine, the USA, the UK, France and Germany. The sides expressed their views and respectfully received each others positions. Its important that each side was not just a participant but pic.twitter.com/lDFV5WK8tw  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 23, 2025

Meanwhile, in Moscow, a Kremlin spokesman on Wednesday welcomed the terms outlined by Vance.

The United States is continuing its mediation efforts, and we certainly welcome those efforts, the spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, said. Our interactions are ongoing but, to be sure, there is a lot of nuances around the peace settlement that need to be discussed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already offered to halt his invasion of Ukraine at the current front line as part of efforts to reach a peace deal with Trump, The Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

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During a meeting in St. Petersburg this month, Putin told Witkoff that Moscow could relinquish its claims to areas of four partly occupied Ukrainian regions that remain under Kyivs control, three of the people said, the publication explained. That includes parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

 Putin offers US to freeze Ukraine war along current front line, FT reports.



This could be the first formal indication from Russian President Putin since the full-scale war began in 2022 that Russia may consider scaling back its territorial demands.https://t.co/tsI8TMIz1C  The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) April 22, 2025

Despite Trumps efforts, peace remains elusive. And the fighting continues as both sides seek to get a better bargaining position ahead of any deal.

The Latest

On the battlefield, fighting rages on in both Russia and Ukraine but little territory has changed hands. Here are the key takeaways from the latest Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessment.

Kursk: Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast. Geolocated footage published on April 22 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced along the 38H-609 Sudzha-Guyevo highway south of Oleshnya (southwest of Sudzha), according to ISW.

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Belgorod: Fighting continued in Belgorod Oblast but there were no confirmed gains by either side.

Sumy: Russian forces continued offensive operations in northern Sumy Oblast on April 22 but did not make confirmed advances.

Kharkiv: Russian forces continued limited offensive operations in northern Kharkiv Oblast on April 22 but did not advance.

Luhansk: Russian forces continued ground attacks in the Borova, Lyman and Kupyansk directions on April 22 but did not make confirmed advances.

Donetsk: Russian forces advanced in the Toretsk direction, but made no gains toward Chasiv Yar, Kurakhove, Novopavlivka, Pokrovsk or Siversek or Velyka Novosilka.

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Zaporizhzhia: Russian forces continued offensive operations in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast on April 22 but did not advance.

Kherson: Russian forces conducted limited ground assaults along the Dnipro River on April 21 and 22 but did not advance.

NEW: The Financial Times (@FT) reported that Putin is willing to end the war in Ukraine on the current frontlines. Kremlin officials, including Putin, have repeatedly and explicitly emphasized that Russia maintains its territorial demands over all of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, pic.twitter.com/WK3NOTl1VZ  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) April 23, 2025

Russia launched a wave of drone attacks on Ukraine overnight, killing at least nine and wounding scores of others, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The biggest toll came from a strike on a bus in the city of Marhanets, transporting workers from a mining and processing plant, said Zelensky.

1/2

 At night, Russian occupiers attacked the Dnipropetrovsk region



A fire broke out at an agricultural enterprise as a result of an enemy UAV strike in the Synelnyky district. 2 people were injured. pic.twitter.com/TJelEvYwIJ  Lew Anno Support#Israel #Ukraine 24/2-22 (@anno1540) April 23, 2025

 A wave of Russian drone strikes overnight left destruction across Ukraine, killing civilians, injuring dozens, and damaging homes, businesses, and infrastructure in multiple regions, including Dnipro, Odesa, Poltava, Kharkiv, and the Kyiv area.



(1/6) pic.twitter.com/gyCsospmbl  UNITED24 Media (@United24media) April 23, 2025

Ukraine carried out a drone attack on the Alabuga Shahed drone factory in Russias Tatarstan region, according to Ukrainian and Russian media reports. The facility is located about 760 miles from Ukraine.

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It is unclear whether there was any damage inflicted.

Russian officials claim that four drones were shot down and that there was no damage or injuries. However, the nearby Kazan airport was temporarily closed as a result of the drone activity, according to the Mash media outlet.

The Tatarstan drone assembly plant was established by Russia in April 2023, but that manufacturing effort initially used exclusively Iranian components. According to the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security, by August of the same year, the Russian plant had reassembled drones provided by Iran but  itself manufactured only drone bodies, and probably for not more than 300 of the UAVs.

The factory is said to have transitioned to largely using Russian components.

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It was previously struck in April 2024 by Ukraine using a light aircraft converted to a drone. At the time, it was the longest-range attack on Russian soil.

Video emerged on social media showing the drones attacking the facility on Wednesday and at least one being shot down.

Unknown friendly drones are striking Yelabuga in Tatarstan, where Iranian-Russian drones are being assembled. pic.twitter.com/PnX1X9rwNH  WarTranslated (@wartranslated) April 23, 2025

  Yelabuga, the moment of the fall of UJ-22 Airborne pic.twitter.com/PX2skqHlz4  MAKS 24   (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) April 23, 2025

 /1. Right now, Yelabuga in Russia is under drone attack. Yelabuga is a known location where Russians assemble their Geran/Shahed kamikaze drones. pic.twitter.com/0YSMVmRqXJ  Special Kherson Cat   (@bayraktar_1love) April 23, 2025

One of Russias largest ammunition depots was heavily damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack on Tuesday, satellite imagery shows. A before-and-after comparison using Sentinel SAR imaging shows that much of the 51st Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry was destroyed by the attack and resulting explosions. The facility is located about 37 miles from Moscow.

Before and after the recent explosions at the 51st GRAU arsenal near Moscow, as seen in Sentinel SAR imagery made available through Copernicus Browser. The images come from April 17 and 23 of this year. pic.twitter.com/644x0pEaOS  Misty Prowler (@MistyProwler) April 23, 2025

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The facility was still burning a day later, according to data provided by NASAs Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS).

FIRMS

ESA's Sentinel-2 satellite just passed over Russia's 51st GRAU Arsenal, still burning today after yesterday's series of massive explosions.



Several major fires can be seen on IR imagery as multiple areas of the munition dump, one of Russia's largest, burn. pic.twitter.com/OzoPwPYWJU  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 23, 2025

The facility stores about 105,000 tons of munitions, including significant reserves of artillery shells, missiles of various types, including Iskander, Tochka-U, Kinzhal, ammunition for the Pantsir-S1, S-300, S-400 complexes, as well as Grad, Smerch, and Uragan, Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraines Center for Countering Disinformation, said on Telegram. It is considered one of the most challenging targets to strike, given the level of security around it, according to Kovalenko. It had a designed capacity of 264,000 tons of various munitions and was protected by Russias most concentrated air defense system, Defense Express noted.

Videos emerged on social media showing massive explosions and huge fires said to have resulted from the strike.

This is epic.



51st GRAU depot pic.twitter.com/w7BWJR5ZZx          (@TheDeadDistrict) April 23, 2025

 51. Grau Arsenal east of Moscow last night pic.twitter.com/d2LZasxPUM  C4H10FO2P  (@markito0171) April 23, 2025

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Long video of secondary explosion sounds from the Russian 51st Arsenal. https://t.co/ULHsfkUJC1 pic.twitter.com/RK5fKaqyAO  Special Kherson Cat   (@bayraktar_1love) April 22, 2025

An image emerged on social media showing the inside of the facility, with stores of missiles and ammunition.

The sheer brutality of war was captured in a recently released video showing a Ukrainian soldier use his rifle butt to repeatedly pound the head of a Russian soldier during hand-to-hand combat in a trench. The Ukrainian removed the Russians helmet and continued striking. Finally, after the Russian appeared to be dead, the Ukrainian shoots him.

Ukrainian forces released a rare image of a U.S.-donated Special Operations Craft-Riverine in service with Kyivs special operations forces. The vessel was equipped with a pair of M134 Miniguns, a 40mm Mk.19 grenade launcher, and an M2 Browning HMG.

Rare look at a US-supplied Special Operations Craft  Riverine in Ukrainian SOF service.



Seen here carrying a load of Ukrainian operators from the 144th Fire Support Center, a pair of M134 Miniguns, a 40mm Mk.19 grenade launcher, and an M2 Browning HMG. pic.twitter.com/KmvVPtU0we  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 22, 2025

Russia showed off its first-person view (FPV) drone skills, flying one with fiber optic cables into the basement of a monastery in Kursk containing Ukrainian troops. Though shortened here, the full video shows a Ukrainian soldier hiding in a vain attempt to avoid being struck.

Video of a Russian fiber optic cable FPV flying into the basement of a building reportedly in the Nikol'skiy Belogorskiy monastery in Kursk oblast targeting soldiers. I cropped the end of the video.https://t.co/jiQaaTU43v pic.twitter.com/pnTx0BI4v8  Rob Lee (@RALee85) April 22, 2025

Moscows forces also showed one of their fiber-optic controlled FPV drones striking the turret roof of a donated Leopard 24A tank that was hiding in a make-shift shelter. Though it was a direct hit, the crew survived unhurt.

A Russian fiber-optic drone struck the turret roof of a Leopard 2A4 in cover. The cumulative jet hit the gunners periscope near the PERI-R17 sight. The crew emerged unscathed. pic.twitter.com/3Nh0PneYTL  WarTranslated (@wartranslated) April 20, 2025

Not to be outdone, Ukraines Birds of Magyar drone unit released a new video compilation of its FPV drone attacks. Perhaps most impressive is at the 29-second mark, where an FPV drone is seen flying into a barn, then into the open hatch of an armored vehicle parked inside.

In an apparent race to the death, a Russian soldier on a motorcycle tried to outrun a pursuing Ukrainian FPV drone. As you can see from the following video, he could not escape.

A russian on a Motorcycle Loses the Race to DIU FPV Masters



A deadly front-line rally was captured by the FPV drone operators of DIU special unit Kabul 9 in the Zaporizhzhia region. pic.twitter.com/4gO1lSrkQu  Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) April 22, 2025

Earlier this year, we told you about how Russia had erected a mile-long mesh net tunnel to protect its forces against Ukrainian drone attacks. Well, it turns out that these tunnels, which Ukraine has also started using, have a potentially huge downside. Used largely to protect logistics movements, the netting can be easily spotted, giving a clear indication of troop and equipment movements.

Russian take on how protective CUAS nets along the roads can also be dangerous, since " this defensive architecture is clearly visible from the air  from the same UAVs from which it is designed to protect. Each stretched net, especially on flat terrain or in a gray zone, pic.twitter.com/UncniUujyO  Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) April 21, 2025

Finally, a U.S.-donated M1117 Guardian armored personnel carrier was recently spotted in Ukraine sporting a custom up-armor kit with a large amount of so-called cope caging. Of the more than 400 Guardians delivered to Ukraine, only at least 11 have been lost, according to the Oryx open-source tracking group. That figure could be higher because Oryx only tabulates losses for which it has visual verification.

US-supplied M1117 Guardian APC in Ukrainian service, sporting a custom up-armor kit with extensive drone cages. pic.twitter.com/XADqlv4SN8  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) April 21, 2025

Thats it for now.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
(Reuters) - Ukraine said on Thursday it identified the body of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who had died in Russian captivity, and a forensic medical examination revealed signs of torture and ill-treatment.

Viktoria Roshchyna died at the age of 27 last September after spending months in captivity.

The Russian defence ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The journalist, whose first-hand reports provided a glimpse into life under Russian occupation early in Moscow's invasion, went missing in August 2023 during a reporting trip to Russia-held eastern Ukraine.

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The body of the journalist was discovered among bodies that Russia handed over to Ukraine in February, Ukraine's prosecutor general's office said on Thursday.

"A tag with the surname Roshchyna was found on one of them," it said in a statement. The DNA tests showed that chances the body belonged to Roshchyna were over 99%, and additional tests are being carried out with the help of French specialists, it said.

Roshchyna's family learned about her death last year from a letter from Russia's defence ministry, Reuters previously reported citing the campaign group Reporters Without Borders. It said she had died on September 19.

Ukrainian forensic experts were unable to determine the cause of death, but found signs of injuries and possible torture, Yurii Bielousov, head of the war crimes department for Ukraine's prosecutor general, said on Thursday.

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"According to the results of the forensic medical examination, numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment were found on the victim's body, in particular, abrasions and hemorrhages on various parts of the body, and a rib was broken," he said in a video released by Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda.

(Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova and Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Ukraine and the U.S. agreed to start working on a free trade zone between the two countries, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on April 23 after meeting U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington.

Ukraine and the U.S. launched initial talks on a free trade zone back in 2021. Earlier, Shmyhal said that Kyiv seeks to boost bilateral trade and an agreement with the U.S. to allow "everything except for the fixed exceptions."

Ukrainian trade with the U.S. has dropped in recent years, with only $874 million of exports and $3.4 billion of American imports last year. But the knock-on effect could be a global trade war that hits Ukraine too, Oleksandra Myronenko from the Center for Economic Strategy (CES) in Kyiv, told the Kyiv Independent.

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In early April, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all Ukrainian goods, except metal products, which had already been subject to a 25% tariff in March.

According to Shmyhal, the parties also discussed "important political aspects" of the long-debated future minerals deal between Kyiv and Washington, which was reaffirmed in a recently signed memorandum. Further details on the ongoing negotiations are expected by April 26.

"Ukraine's government undoubtedly supports the conclusion of an agreement on economic partnership between the American and Ukrainian peoples and the creation of a Reconstruction Investment Fund," the prime minister said.

Shmyhal also called on the U.S. to strengthen energy sanctions against Russia due to the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

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Politico reported on April 23, citing undisclosed sources, that the Trump administration is discussing the possible lifting of sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and other Russian energy assets in Europe.

Read also: Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Key developments on April 24:

'Russian peace in all its glory'  Mass Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv kills 12, injures 90

Europe rejects US push to recognize Russian occupation of Crimea, FT reports

NATO chief to reportedly urge US not to force Russia-friendly deal on Ukraine

US to demand Ukraine's right to maintain sufficient army in talks with Russia

Ukraine brings back body of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna tortured in Russian captivity, official says

Twelve people were killed and 90 civilians, including six children, were injured in a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on April 24, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said.

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A series of explosions rocked the capital around 1:00 a.m. local time on April 24, Kyiv Independent journalists on the ground reported. Additional explosions were later heard around 4 a.m. local time.

Russia launched attack drones, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, the Kyiv City Military Administration said.

"We were at home and there were explosions," Maria Rumiantseva, a 40-year-old resident of one of the buildings damaged in the attack, told the Kyiv Independent.

"Then I heard the Shahed. We just went out into the corridor, went to open the door, and that was it  an explosion."

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Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that six children, as well as a pregnant woman, were among the injured. Ukraine's State Emergency Service said that at least two children are not accounted for.

Fires were reported in residential buildings, Kyiv City Military Administration chief Tymur Tkachenko said, adding that cars and commercial buildings have been impacted as well.

Fallen debris was found around the city, Tkachenko added, describing the attack as "Russian peace in all its glory."

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The mass attack came just hours after the Kremlin demanded Ukraine's full recognition of Russias claim over four Ukrainian oblasts it partially occupies, neutral status for Ukraine, and an end to all Western military support.

Earlier on April 23, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that President Volodymyr Zelensky was the main obstacle to peace in Ukraine.

Later in the night, Russia launched missiles targeting various regions of the country.

Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts were also targeted in the "massive combined strike," though Kyiv was hit the hardest, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

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In response to the attack, Poland's Air Force scrambled allied fighter jets to protect the country's own airspace from missiles that may stray into Polish territory.

Trump later criticized Russia's strike on Kyiv, calling it "not necessary."

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, Stop!" Trump said on the Truth Social platform, addressing the Russian leader by his first name.

The U.S. president urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "get the peace deal done," stopping short of further criticism.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance did not condemn the attack, but reshared a post denouncing Zelensky and accusing him of being the main impediment to peace in Ukraine.

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Russia has regularly targeted civilian infrastructure since the onset of its full-scale war against Ukraine in February 2022.

The U.S. has been in talks with Ukraine and Russia to negotiate an end to Russia's war against Ukraine.

Ukraine has already agreed to a U.S.-proposed full 30-day ceasefire, saying on March 11 that Kyiv is ready if Russia also agrees to the terms.

So far, Moscow has refused.

Read also: No way to deal with Putin except for weapons: survivors of deadly Russian attack on Kyiv doubt Trump peace plan

Europe rejects US push to recognize Russian occupation of Crimea, FT reports

Europe will not support any U.S. move to recognize Russian control over occupied Crimea and will not pressure Kyiv to accept it, the Financial Times (FT) reported on April 24, citing undisclosed Western officials.

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The Trump administration's final proposal for ending Russia's all-out war against Ukraine reportedly included U.S. de jure recognition of Moscow's control over Crimea, along with de facto recognition of its partial occupation of other Ukrainian regions  Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 23 that Washington is not forcing Ukraine to recognize Crimea as Russian. He then blamed Ukraine for not fighting back when Russia illegally seized the peninsula in 2014.

An unnamed senior European official told the FT that the Trump administration had already been informed that European countries would not recognize Crimea as Russian. Major European NATO powers should "discourage" the U.S. from doing so unilaterally, according to the official.

Earlier this week, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said that the European Union will never recognize the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula as legally Russian.

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Recognition of the annexation would contradict a decade of bipartisan U.S. policy and a 2014 United Nations General Assembly resolution, in which 100 member states declared the seizure illegal.

Trump's claim that Crimea was taken without force is false. During Russia's 2014 annexation, armed Russian troops in unmarked uniforms seized Ukrainian government buildings, military installations, and blockaded bases.

Following the U.S. president's remarks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 23 that Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution, sharing a 2018 U.S. declaration denouncing Russian occupation of Crimea and reaffirming Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Read also: If Trump recognizes Crimea, the biggest losers are Ukraine  and the US, experts say

NATO chief to urge US not to force Russia-friendly deal on Ukraine, FT reports

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to use his visit to Washington on April 24 to urge the U.S. not to pressure Ukraine into accepting a peace agreement that favors Moscow, the Financial Times (FT) reported, citing three officials briefed on the trip.

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According to the publication, Rutte is scheduled to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

His message will focus on the risks of brokering a deal that disregards Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the broader threat such a move would pose to European security.

Rutte will reportedly emphasize that any settlement imposed on Kyiv  especially one aligning with Kremlin demands  would only embolden Russian aggression and further destabilize the region, the sources said.

The visit comes as Ukraine faces mounting pressure to respond to a controversial U.S. peace proposal reportedly presented in Paris on April 17.

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According to the Wall Street Journal, the plan includes U.S. recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO  two core Russian demands.

The proposal has sparked backlash even from Trump's supporters. Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the plan on April 24, calling it a reward for Russian aggression and warning that it risks allowing Russia to regroup for another assault.

Rutte is also expected to discuss NATO's long-term defense posture in Europe, including transferring more of the alliance's military burden from the U.S. to European forces, according to FT sources.

Read also: Territories are first and foremost people: Zaporizhzhia, Kherson residents anxiously watch Witkoff debate the land they live on

US to demand Ukraine's right to maintain sufficient army in talks with Russia, Bloomberg reports

The United States will demand that Russia recognize Ukraine's sovereign right to maintain its own adequately equipped armed forces and defense industry as part of any peace agreement, Bloomberg reported on April 24, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

The issue is expected to be raised by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 25.

The demand would directly challenge one of the Kremlin's war aims  Ukraine's demilitarization  and is part of a broader push to secure guarantees for Kyiv.

The U.S. also reportedly wants Russia to return the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukrainian control. The plant, occupied by Russian forces since 2022, would then be placed under U.S. oversight to supply power to cities on both sides of the front line.

Other points include providing Ukraine with a secure passage across the Dnipro River and restoring Russian-occupied territory in Kharkiv Oblast to Ukrainian control. Russia currently holds around 200 square kilometers (about 77 square miles) of the region.

The negotiations come as Ukraine remains under pressure to respond to a broader U.S. peace plan first presented in Paris on April 17. According to the Wall Street Journal, that plan includes recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO  two long-standing Kremlin demands.

Witkoff, the Trump administration's Middle East envoy, has met Putin multiple times this year and has faced criticism from both U.S. and Ukrainian officials for supporting proposals seen as favorable to the Kremlin, including trading territory for peace.

Ukraine brings back body of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna tortured in Russian captivity, official says

The body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died after torture in Russian captivity, was brought back to Ukraine in late February, Deputy Interior Minister Leonid Tymchenko said in an interview with Censor.net published on April 24.

"She was identified through DNA testing," Tymchenko said.

Roshchyna, 27, disappeared in August 2023 while reporting from Ukraine's Russian-occupied territories, with Moscow admitting her detention the following year.

Ukrainian officials confirmed Roshchyna's death on Oct. 10, 2024, but said that the circumstances were still under investigation. Russia did not hand over her body for about five months.

According to Russia, Roshchyna died on Sept. 19, 2024.

Yurii Belousov, head of the war crimes department at the Prosecutor General's Office, said the condition of the journalist's body made it impossible to determine the exact cause of death.

"At the same time, numerous signs of torture and ill-treatment were found on the victim's body," Belousov said during a briefing in Kyiv on April 24.

The Media Initiative for Human Rights, a Ukrainian NGO, reported that Roshchyna had been held in at least two notorious Russian prisons: the penal colony n. 77 in Berdiansk in occupied Ukraine and the detention center n. 2 in Russia's Taganrog.

Both facilities are known for the use of torture against prisoners.

Roshchyna was tortured with electric shocks while in Russian captivity, Ukrainian investigative journalism outlet Slidstvo.Info reported in early March, citing an unnamed witness in the Taganrog detention center.

There were also cuts on Roshchyna's arms after interrogations, the witness said. The journalist lost weight and weighed up to 30 kilograms, according to the source.

Previously, in March 2022, Roshchyna was detained for 10 days by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers while leaving Berdiansk in the direction of Mariupol. As a condition of her release, she was forced to record a video saying Russian forces had saved her life.

Although Roshchyna's body is said to have been returned in late February, Ukrainian journalists said in March that her body had not yet been retrieved at the time.

Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, a lawmaker and chair of the parliamentary committee on freedom of speech, said on April 24 that the body's return was not announced for so long due to uncertainty about the identity.

"Given the torture and the condition of her body, Roshchyna's family requested not one, but several DNA examinations," Yurchyshyn wrote on Facebook. "As far as I know, the examinations were carried out not only in Ukraine but also abroad to ensure that it was Viktoriia."

Read also: Journalist Viktoria Roshchyna receives posthumous human rights award

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
After the liberation of Kherson from Russian occupation, Ukraines special services discovered that the Russians had illegally exported almost 360,000 documents from the National Archival Fund.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU)

Details: "These actions constitute a gross violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict of 14 May 1954," the DIU said.

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Employees of DIU and the State Archival Service of Ukraine have added the names of individuals and organisations "involved in the illegal export of Ukrainian archive materials from the temporarily occupied territories and their subsequent integration into the Russian archive infrastructure" to the official register in the Stolen Heritage section of the War & Sanctions portal.

These individuals include:

Andrei Artizov, Head of the Russian State Archive;

Oleg Lobov, Head of the so-called "State Archive Service of the Republic of Crimea";

Irina Krasnonos, Director of the so-called "Sevastopol City Archive";

Vitaly Semionoff, founder and head of the NGO Archive Watch;

and employees of the so-called "State Archive of the Republic of Crimea" who in 2022 were directly involved in the illegal export of state archives of Kherson Oblast.

The full list of Russian thieves is available on the War & Sanctions website.

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DIU reports that since 2014, more than five million documents of the National Archival Fund of Ukraine (NAF), which are an integral part of the national and world cultural heritage, have been under Russian occupation. A significant part of these archives have been illegally removed from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and Kherson Oblast.

Problems affecting the preservation of Ukrainian collections and museums

There is nowhere to evacuate items of cultural heritage belonging to the State Museum Fund. Deputy Culture Minister Halyna Hryhorenko drew attention to this on 11 April at a briefing at the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.

The displaced cultural property requires extensive storage space  19,000 cubic metres  and the ministry has only a 500-cubic-metre room at its disposal.

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Hryhorenko also noted that there are six million movable cultural heritage items in the frontline areas.

The ministry is negotiating with the State Property Fund to secure the necessary premises. It is also negotiating with regional administrations regarding the allocation of salaries for the people who will service the premises.

The Culture Ministry is convinced that museum workers and government officials are afraid to conduct evacuations in order not to "spread panic" among the population.

The Culture Ministry organised this briefing shortly after an op-ed by Olha Sahaidak, Head of the Coalition of Cultural Figures, was published in Ukrainska Pravda. Sahaidak stated that the Culture Ministry believes it is not responsible for evacuating museum property from frontline areas. The ministry provided this response to a request from the Coalition of Cultural Figures.

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A letter signed by Deputy Minister Serhii Beliaev states: "Those responsible for preserving and evacuating cultural property are the oblast and Kyiv city military administrations, local governments, and the heads of companies, institutions and organisations. The evacuation is carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Culture." This letter is at the disposal of UP.Kultura.

The ministry also said in the letter that it does not draw up lists of items to be evacuated. This, they say, should be done by the museums where the collections are kept.

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Ukraine's willingness to enter negotiations with Russia following a potential ceasefire is already a "big compromise" by Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a press conference in South Africa on April 24.

Asked about the territorial concessions Ukraine is ready to make, Zelensky said that during a London meeting on April 23 between Ukrainian, European, and U.S. officials, a document with a multi-point strategy was developed and likely passed on to U.S. President Donald Trump.

"Anything that contradicts our values and our constitution cannot be in any agreements," Zelensky said in the joint press conference beside his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa.

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His remarks follow reporting that the U.S. is proposing its de jure recognition of Russian control over Crimea, which Russia has occupied since 2014, as part of a potential peace deal.

"I believe that we were attacked; our territories were occupied. Tens of thousands of people were killed, many children and adults were buried alive," Zelensky said.

"And the fact that Ukraine is ready to sit down at the negotiating table after a full ceasefire with the terrorists who organized all this on our land is a big compromise."

Increased international pressure on Moscow, such as through Western sanctions, will bring Ukraine and Russia closer to a full, unconditional ceasefire, Zelensky said. He also named the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and an all-for-all prisoners exchange among Kyiv's key priorities.

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While Kyiv has repeatedly expressed its support for a full, unconditional ceasefire, Russia has rejected this proposal.

Read also: Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian

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Ukrainian soldiers from the 6th Ranger Regiment of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) have engaged in close combat with a larger unit of North Korean troops fighting for Russia, wiping out an entire platoon.

Source: Ukrainian Special Operations Forces Command on Facebook

Details: Ukrainian forces have released details of an operation last month in which 25 North Korean fighters were killed.

Reports indicate that eight Ukrainian rangers in an armoured Humvee infiltrated behind Russian lines last month. Supported by reconnaissance drones, they reached direct fire range and took up advantageous positions in enemy trenches.

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From there, they engaged in close combat with a 25-man platoon of North Korean troops. Despite being outnumbered and under artillery fire, the Ukrainian operatives held their ground.

"Despite the numerical superiority of the enemy and enemy artillery fire, the SOF soldiers proved the superiority of quality over quantity and did not leave the entire North Korean platoon a chance during the contact," the military reported.

After completing the mission, the Rangers successfully withdrew. One SOF soldier sustained a shrapnel wound and was evacuated. His life is not in danger.

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The European Investment Bank (EIB) has entered a new loan agreement amounting to 450m ($516m) with PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK SA), aimed at the modernisation of a significant rail line in southern Poland.

This investment will enhance 120km of railway infrastructure, aligning with the European Union's (EU) objectives for cohesion and climate policy.

The planned enhancements by PLK SA will take place along the rail corridor connecting Skarzysko-Kamienna, Kielce, and Kozlow.

The project includes the construction of new train platforms, the implementation of an advanced traffic control system, and the refurbishment of power lines.

Additionally, the project will feature the development of both overground and underground passages, which is anticipated to improve safety and increase the capacity for both passenger and freight transport on this vital rail link.

PLK SA CFO Malgorzata Kuczewska-Laska said: We have recently launched public tenders amounting to around 7bn and are actively reaching for external funding to leverage these investments, with the new EIB agreement serving as a case in point.

In 2024, the EIB Group allocated more than 1.3bn ($1.46bn) towards transport infrastructure projects across Poland, representing more than 20% of the total new funding in the country for that year.

Future funding for PKP Group, Polands national railway holding company, is expected to exceed 1.3bn ($1.46bn).

Last year, EIB granted PLN1bn ($250m) to Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE), a utility company, to enhance the power systems of the countrys railway network.

EIB vice-president Teresa Czerwinska said: Promoting modern transport infrastructure in Poland is the EIBs bread and butter, and we have to date provided more than eight billion euros to that end in the country.

Its particularly important to invest in rail connections as they serve both mobility and regional development, while also benefiting climate and the environment.

In 2022, EIB signed a financing agreement worth PLN165.9m ($41.47m) with Miejskie Przedsiebiorstwo Komunikacyjne in Wrocaw (MPK Wrocaw) to purchase new tram rolling stock aimed at improving tram transport in Poland.

"EIB funds another $516m rail modernisation in Poland" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The University of Michigan Health-Sparrow honored community volunteer Deborah Ginsburg with the 2025 Founders Award for her contribution to the mid-Michigan community.

Deborah Ginsburg with the 2025 Founders Award (UM Health-Sparrow)

Sparrow reports that Ginsburg has supported the hospital for decades. She began her work as a part-time team member in 1979.

She was a longtime member of the Sparrow Hospital Guild, where she served as Chair, and joined the Sparrow Womens Board of Managers in 2016, leading the board as Chair from 2021 to 2022.

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Ginsburg also served two-year terms on the Sparrow Foundation Board and the Sparrow Hospital Board.

She and her husband, Ira Ginsburg, the former senior vice president of operations and the 2012 Founders Award recipient, are members of the Sparrow Foundations Philanthropist League.

We often encounter people in what is often a stressful time in their lives. To me, volunteering and supporting the many selfless people who help our patients and their families is what influences me, and I hope, in some small way, influences others too, said Deborah Ginsburg in a news release sent to 6 News.

Sparrow says Ginsburg currently serves on the Eles Place Board of Directors, supporting children and young adults as they navigate grief in a safe and compassionate environment.

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The Founders Award is presented by the Sparrow Womens Board of Managers to a volunteer, community member, retired team member or physician who has made a positive impact on the health of the Mid-Michigan region through their involvement with University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, said Sparrow in a news release sent to 6 News.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Apr. 24The federal government has directed the University of Maine to halt activity on $15.8 million in offshore wind research projects, including a floating turbine that is over a decade in the making and weeks away from a final launch off the coast of Castine.

The University of Maine System received a letter from the U.S. Department of Energy on April 11 saying it was suspending the projects for "failure to comply" with the terms of the award, but did not specify what those failures were.

The notice came just hours after contractors had deployed an important piece of the university's major project, a 375-ton concrete floating hull, into the waters off Searsport, according to university spokesperson Samantha Warren. And researchers and contractors were just weeks away from finalizing the installation of the floating offshore wind turbine.

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Now, officials are rushing to figure out why the funding was rescinded, and what they should do next. The letter "makes no specific allegations, nor is UMaine aware of any previous concerns or investigation into its compliance," Warren said.

The Department of Energy also suspended two related offshore wind projects earlier this week, Warren said. In total, the department has halted the remaining $4.5 million for all three projects.

The funding halt is one of the many that the Trump administration has made against in Maine since February, when Gov. Janet Mills and President Donald Trump began arguing over the state allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls sports. The UMaine System was briefly investigated by the Trump administration for Title IX violations, during which the system "clearly communicated its compliance," Warren said.

Some, like Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, see it as continued retaliation against the state.

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"Current evidence suggests this issue specifically targets Maine without justification," Pingree said in an emailed statement.

But the suspension also aligns with Trump's stance on offshore wind development. And unlike the steps Maine's congressional delegation has taken on other funding cuts, there might not be much to do about a change in policy.

"The new administration clearly has different energy priorities than the previous administration," a spokesperson for Republican Sen. Susan Collins said in an email Wednesday.

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A spokesperson for the energy department said the suspension is a standard procedure, as the agency reviews all projects to ensure they follow the law and align with the administration's priorities. The department said it is following through on Trump's promise to "unleash 'American Energy Dominance.'"

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Others in Maine see the freeze as a win. Many fishermen and their advocates are concerned that offshore wind will hurt their industry on many fronts. And they hope this suspension is the start of a new pattern.

"This isn't just about one turbine off Castine," said Dustin Delano with New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association. "It's about setting a precedent for industrializing our oceans without fully understanding the long-term impacts on fisheries, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities."

ENDING OFFSHORE WIND

The administration's new platform leaves Maine in a predicament. The state has committed to leading the country  and world  in offshore wind development as a clean-energy alternative, identifying offshore wind as a tool in meeting its goal of 100% renewably produced power by 2040, according to the 2023 Maine Offshore Wind Roadmap.

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The day he took office, Trump issued a memorandum temporarily halting offshore wind lease sales in federal waters and pausing approvals, permits and loans for onshore and offshore wind projects. He also launched a review of federal wind leasing and permitting practices.

That immediately put Maine projects at stake, including commercial offshore wind leases in the Gulf of Maine; a state research site, also in the Gulf of Maine; and plans to build a terminal on Sears Island to assemble turbines.

Trump had written that the withdrawal did not affect the rights under existing leases, but directed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Attorney General Pam Bondi to conduct comprehensive reviews of existing wind energy leases to identify "any legal bases for such removal."

Trump has for years attacked wind power as harmful to wildlife, instead promising to increase production of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal which he says will provide lower cost energy and electricity.

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Days after the UMaine System received its notification, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management also halted all construction on a massive, multi-billion dollar offshore wind farm off the coast of Long Island, New York.

BUYING TIME OR NO TIME TO WASTE?

Pingree said this suspension stands to "sabotage" the state's growth in the offshore wind industry.

"The economic future of our state, our environmental commitments, and the livelihoods of hardworking Mainers depend on a robust commitment to renewable energy innovation," she said.

And Collins, whose office said she has supported the university's innovative research in alternative energy, noted the "the direct impact" Trump's shifting priorities will have on the university's research funding opportunities.

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"If the state government wants to continue some of this work, it will have to provide more of the funding than it has in the past," her office said in an email.

But Rep. Jared Golden, D-2nd District, said the suspension is necessary  offering an opportunity for researchers to better understand the impacts that offshore wind will have on Maine's fishing industry.

"For years, I've been elevating the voices of Maine fishermen who have been asking valid questions about the effect offshore wind would have on fish populations, marine ecosystems and the future of coastal communities," Golden said. "Until we know for certain that fishing families and communities would be held harmless by the placement of wind turbines in the Gulf of Maine, I welcome this freeze."

Fishermen have long worried that installing offshore wind turbines in prime fishing waters will affect the state's catch. And many believe that researchers don't properly evaluate the impacts offshore wind has on the endangered North Atlantic right whale, instead saying the blame is wrongly put on the fishing industry for the right whale's dwindling population.

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Industry groups are applauding the decision to pause the University of Maine's project  and the White House's overall shift away from offshore wind.

"The fishing industry has been adamantly opposed to offshore wind. We are happy and thankful for the suspension," said Virginia Olsen with the Maine Lobstering Union. "Maine's lobster industry can not fish around offshore wind. These projects prioritize energy production over harvesting a food source."

But Jack Shapiro, with the Natural Resources Council of Maine, said that this specific research project will actually help the fishing industry answer questions about how offshore wind can impact marine resources, the fisheries and the environment.

"Groups like NEFSA, their message has been, 'we need more we need more data,'" Shapiro said. "Well, they should be supporting this project, because that's exactly what this project will provide."

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Apr. 24Brandy D. Scheuermann, 47, of Murray, was taken into custody April 19, at her residence on the charges of eluding  speed over 25 mph over limit, interference with official acts, driving while suspended, reckless driving and operating a vehicle without an interlock.

According to Union County reports, at approximately 9:24 p.m. a traffic stop was initiated on a 2015 Jeep Cherokee at Yellowrose Avenue and 120th Street for a traffic violation. The Jeep did not stop.

The Jeep proceeded to a residence in the 1100 block of Shore Street in Murray, reaching speeds of 80 mph in a 50 mph zone. The driver, later identified as Scheuermann, exited the vehicle and ran inside the residence.

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Deputies knocked on the door multiple times and announced themselves but no one answered the door. The PA system was used to order those inside the home, to exit, but Scheuermann and other occupants did not comply.

Scheuermann later admitted to hiding in the residence and to speeding up to elude law enforcement after seeing emergency lights and hearing sirens due to her license being suspended.

Scheuermann is required to have an interlock device installed on any vehicle operated by her. The Jeep did not have a device installed.

Scheuermann was transported to the Adams County Jail and held on $5,000 cash or surety bond.

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Joshua L. Jones, 34, of Creston, was taken into custody April 20 at the Union County Law Enforcement Center on a Union County warrant for the charge of failure to appear on the original charge of harassment, third degree.

According to a Union County District Court document, Jones was ordered to appear Aug. 3, 2021, for a pre-trial conference on the original charge and did not appear.

Jones was transported to the Union County Jail and held on $300 cash-only bond.
On Tuesday, the Union County Sheriffs Office shut down a home known to cause trouble in Indian Trail.

The department said it was part of a joint effort with the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Nuisance Abatement Team.

After collecting evidence, including affidavits from multiple neighbors, a Superior Court judge signed an order yesterday declaring the home a public nuisance.

A no trespassing sign was then placed in the front yard of the residence.

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In the midst of well-manicured yards, people in the Bent Creek Neighborhood said they have been subject to years of chaos.

Neighbors like Paula Whitcomb, along with the sheriffs office, said the culprit of that chaos has been a family living in a home on Enderbury Drive.

Ive watched a drive-by shooting, said Whitcomb. Just a few months ago, a young man died in the driveway from another drug overdose.

ALSO READ: Lengthy history: Home tied to criminal activity ordered to be sold within 30 days

Deputies said there have been repeated law enforcement and EMS calls to the home for criminal activity, assaults, and at least eighteen drug overdoses since 2019, two of which were deadly.

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Im surprised they could, and I think its fantastic, because its been over ten years, said resident Verona Ducey. If you heard the police or the ambulance, you knew where they were going.

Through state law that allows law enforcement and the courts to address properties that repeatedly foster criminal activity, the sheriffs office was able to close and sell the home under nuisance abatement laws.

The family living in the home will have 60 days to vacate the premises.

Ducey has lived in the area for 25 years and said one of the homes residents has been intimidating to those who spoke out.

The gentleman of the house would get on the neighborhood Facebook page if anybody would say anything, and he would send private messages; hes done it to me and to other women, Ducey explained.

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State law does allow for public nuisance declarations, and orders for abatement can be appealed.

The owner has ten days to file a written request for a hearing before the Union County Land Use Board.

VIDEO: Lengthy history: Home tied to criminal activity ordered to be sold within 30 days
(NewsNation)  The United Arab Emirates will become the first nation in the world to rely on artificial intelligence to write new federal and local laws and review and amend existing legislation and other procedures.

The move to digitize the Gulf state comes as a new cabinet unit of the UAE government, the Regulatory Intelligence Office, was approved to help streamline the legislative process, several media outlets, including The Telegraph, reported.

The office will be responsible for designing, implementing and coordinating the AI regulatory system in a partnership with federal and local officials, according to reports.

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As part of the shift, government officials said that laws, judicial rulings, executive procedures and public services will all be written by computers, the Telegraph report indicated.

Elon Musk steps back from DOGE, refocuses on Tesla

This new legislative system, powered by artificial intelligence, will change how we create laws, making the process faster and more precise, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the Dubai ruler and UAE prime minister and vice president, said, according to state media.

The UAE plans to use AI to track how its laws affect the countrys population and economy by creating a database of federal and local laws, the Financial Times reported.

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The use of AI to write new legislation comes eight years after the UAE named the worlds first AI minister, Omar Sultan al-Olama. The appointment came shortly after the launch of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, The Telegraph reported.

The report indicated that by 2030, Gulf state officials estimate that AI will have a global market value of $15.7 trillion, which will reduce government costs by 50% and boost the UAEs gross domestic product by 35%.

Government officials expect AI to speed up lawmaking by 70%, the Financial Times reported, citing a cabinet meeting transcript. Sheikh Mohammed also said that AI would regularly suggest updates to current legislation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MONTEVALLO, Ala. (WIAT)  University of Montevallo Police report a student was sitting in their car in the Carmichael Library parking lot when an unknown man came up to their door, opened it and confronted them around midnight Tuesday.

Theres been nothing like that thats ever happened, said University of Montevallo Freshman Kyson Dibble.

Dibble said he was feet away from the altercation walking back to his dorm.

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I didnt really see anything crazy and thats whats scary about it, said Dibble.

Thousands flock to Talladega, bringing millions in business

University of Montevallo student Ashlynn Romines said she was walking around campus Tuesday night as well, saying she was surprised, as safety hasnt been a concern for her.

Thats why it was kind of a shock when I got back to my room around 12 a.m. I saw the message from police saying this incident had happened and I was shocked because I was over there on the other side of campus, said Romines.

According to the University of Montevallo Police, the man pulled out a knife, but no one was stabbed.

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Police said the man dropped the knife and fled the parking lot. The student was taken to the hospital and eventually released back to campus.

REAL ID enforcement starts May 7

Im hoping that it doesnt happen again. Im hoping that it was just an isolated incident. I hope that since campus is so small its going to be easy to patrol it. Ive always felt safe on campus, said Dibble.

The university said they are increasing patrol in the area as a result.

With no arrest made at the time of this reporting, Romines said she is on alert in hopes the person is caught.

I already dont walk at night by myself, but I do have a Taser so I might need to start bringing that around now that Ive heard that something has happened and it can happen again, said Romines.

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UMPD said they are still investigating this incident.

If you have any information, you are encouraged to call the number 205-665-6155.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The University of Tennessee, Knoxville celebrated the five-year partnership with Volkswagen Group of Americas first North American Innovation Hub at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm on Thursday.

The program began in 2020 but the relationship between UT and Volkswagen began when the company opened a plant in Chattanooga about a decade ago. The research focuses on advanced automotive lightweight structures, using more sustainable metals and increasing the companys electric mobility.

$700M Knox County Schools budget proposal includes additional $19.7M for staff

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This partnership has been outstanding. Its tied in the strength of the university, the innovation and leadership of Oak Ridge Lab on the government lab side, to industry. And thats been critical to take some of the inventions and the research projects and bring those to a production level where we can actually put those in our products that our customers can see and benefit from, said Lyndon Lie, EVP of Engineering for North America for Volkswagen.

It is a chance for students to create something that could help consumers immediately and UTs unique partnership with the Oak Ridge National Lab helps elevate this program to the next level.

These are inventions that are really innovative and creative using common tools and common processes that people are just putting together in new ways and thats why this collaboration with the university and with Oak Ridge Labs is so critical, said Lie.

While President Trumps 25% tariff on imported cars has not yet been implemented, Lie said this programing his helping Volkswagen do more production within the United States.

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Tomatoes tossed at McMinn County sandwich restaurant during health inspection

Everything we can do in the US is definitely an advantage, especially right here in Tennessee. Its great for the local economy. But if you, if we cant do it here, at least do it in the US. And the tariff situation, were just waiting to see, right? Nobody knows how thats going to end up. But we also know we have to do more in the US. So these are great opportunities that we have to partner with local suppliers, take these inventions and turn them into reality, said Lie.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
STRASBURG, Colo. (KDVR)  An unspecified number of staff members in the Strasburg school district have been placed on administrative leave, according to an email sent to parents.

FOX31 later received tips from parents who say a student may have been assaulted, although the district has not stated that any such case has occurred. FOX31 obtained a police report showing a complaint listed as a sexual assault involving a child was filed on April 11.

Uber warns it may leave Colorado if rideshare safety bill passes

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One parent showed FOX31 the email from the districts superintendent, which read:

The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority in Strasburg School District 31J. Upon becoming aware of a situation that warrants further investigation, we have placed the staff members involved on administrative leave in accordance with district policy. This necessary step allows us to conduct a thorough and fair investigation while maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all. We understand that situations like this can be concerning to our families and community. We want to assure you that we are taking this matter seriously. Strasburg School District 31J Superintendent Kelle Bongard

A parent told FOX31 she represents others who want reassurance that the case will be thoroughly investigated. She says she is not revealing her identity because she fears retribution from some in the community.

We dont know what students are involved, nobodys saying anything and so thats nerve-wracking and us as parents, were like we moved out here for something smaller, like this isnt Denver and Im not dogging on Denver, but a lot more incidents happen there than here, you know, but it seems that now theyre happening more so, she said.



FOX31 reached out to the district but did not receive a statement.



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HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Upset with their mayor, Hendersonville firefighters and their supporters packed into the citys council meeting on Tuesday to push for pay raises.

The police deserve what they had [a raise], but so does the fire department, said one speaker.

Yes, this is what we signed up for, but we also came to this job thinking the city of Hendersonville had our back and would pay us a fair living wage so we dont have to work another job, said a Hendersonville firefighter.

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PREVIOUS | Hendersonville firefighters call out mayor, claim personal vendetta toward their department

Four other fire associations showed up to support HFD on Tuesday: Wilson County, Dickson County, Murfreesboro and Gallatin.

Public comment lasted over an hour and, in the end, Mayor Jamie Clary took the microphone and apologized for the recent drama.

Weve got an exceptional fire department, one of the best in the state. I had more to say and, honestly, some corrections to make. But I want to move forward. I appreciate the firefighters, I really really do. Im prepared to respond to everything thats been said, but I think I need to say nothing more than: Im truly sorry, said Clary. I want peace, we all want peace, and I will work harder and more deliberately for peace.

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This tension between Mayor Clary and the Hendersonville Fire Department has been building for some time, boiling over after the mayors State of the City address earlier this month.

MARCH 2025: Hendersonville approves pay raises for entire police department

While stating their support for Hendersonville police and the raises they recently received, Hendersonville Fire believes they deserve more respect from the city.

An apology from the mayor is a good first step.

Its so uplifting for the morale of our firefighters association, said Matt Elliott, vice president for Hendersonvilles Firefighters Association. Theres still a lot of work to be done, and we plan to hold [Clary] to that. But we appreciate the mayor validating our anger were looking forward to where it goes from here.

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Where it goes from here is, likely, budget discussions with the city to sort out how HFD can see a raise in the next year. Hendersonville has their next budget workshop in early May.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

One key figure who has remained silent throughout this funding feud: longtime fire chief Scotty Bush.

Ive been the fire chief for 10 years in May, and my focus has always been on my staff and the citizens of the City of Hendersonville. And I will never stray from that, Chief Bush told News 2.

Bush did not speak in direct response to Mayor Clarys apology. Instead, he praised his department for their continued professionalism and integrity.

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We got 122 in the department, counting myself. I would match their skills, their interpersonal skills, their abilities to do their jobs, against anybody in the state, Bush said.

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SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A man was arrested and charged in connection to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

34-year-old Charlie Jaw Pettigrew was charged with three counts of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Investigators stated that they received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led them to Pettigrew. Pettigrew allegedly distributed files of child sexual abuse material.

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Pettigrew was arrested on April 22.

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Some US allies are highly alarmed by the framework the Trump administration is pushing to end the Ukraine war and Europeans are bracing for the outcome of another round of high-level talks between the US and Russia, multiple diplomatic sources told CNN.

The administrations framework, presented in Paris last week, proposes significant sacrifices from Kyiv, including US recognition of Crimea as Russian territory and Ukraine ceding large swaths of territory to Russia, according to an official familiar. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday called to freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today.

Asked what concessions Russia was offering on Thursday, Trump replied, stopping the war, suggesting that not taking the whole country is a pretty big concession.

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Multiple allied diplomats said they are rattled by what the Trump administration is proposing, because they believe such a framework sends a dangerous message to Russias Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, including Chinas Xi Jinping, that illegal conquest could be rewarded, multiple diplomats said.

This is about the fundamental principles of international law. This is very much about our own existence and the weakening of any safeguards that my or other countries have for our own independence, an Eastern European diplomat told CNN. They and other sources spoke on background to discuss sensitive diplomatic matters.

If one country in Europe is currently under pressure or being forced to give up parts of its own legal territory, territory that has been that has been recognized as part of Ukraine  if one country in Europe is forced to do that, no country in Europe or elsewhere can feel safe, NATO or no NATO, the diplomat said.

The proposal for a de-facto US recognition of Crimea as part of Russia would reverse years of US policy affirming that, despite Russian occupation, Crimea is Ukrainian territory. European officials say they would not follow suit  leaving the US isolated.

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Asian allies too are growing concerned about an end of war agreement that would reward Russia after the deadly conflict.

In private discussions with US partners, Asian diplomats have clearly articulated their concerns about the global implications of a settlement that violates Ukraines borders.

China is watching. We have told the Trump administration that. We are worried about the message they might take away from any end to the war that appears to award Russia for the bloodshed, said one Asian diplomat.

All eyes are now on the expected meeting between special envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin on Friday, which comes after sources say progress was made in talks with European, Ukrainian and US officials in London Wednesday. However, many Europeans fear that the progress might not be fast enough to satisfy Trumps ambitions for a quick end to the war.

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There are also concerns about what kind of additional promises Putin may make to Witkoff to garner favor with the US as European leaders warn that the Russian president is not to be trusted.

Officials are wondering what level of pressure will be applied on Witkoffs fourth trip to Russia given the US desire for a quick end to the war and the US envoys past echoing of Putins arguments.

Trump on Thursday morning expressed dissatisfaction with the Russian leader after a deadly barrage of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, saying that they were not necessary, and very bad timing.

Trump airs his frustration

Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!, he wrote on TruthSocial.

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Hours later, however, the US president said he believed both Russia and Ukraine want peace.

However, Trump has lashed out at Ukraines leader Volodymyr Zelensky, on far more occasions using much stronger language than when he has criticized Putin.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 4. - Alina Smutko/Reuters

Meanwhile, even though the framework on the table has many allies deeply uneasy, negotiators have touted progress in the high-stakes diplomatic talks this week, including steps taken by the Ukrainians.

We got [the Ukrainians] to a point where there will be conversations about territory, said a European official familiar with the discussions, following the full day of meetings on Wednesday in London attended by senior officials from Ukraine, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the US envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.

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Just that evolution in thinking was progress, the official said, noting they managed to convince the Ukrainians to convince themselves to get in a more US administration-friendly position.

Kellogg believed the talks to be candid, positive and productive, he told CNN.

Kellogg was the highest-ranking US official at the table for the talks, after the Trump administration pulled back plans for Secretary of State Marco Rubio to attend with the expectation that the meetings were not going to be decisive.

The Germans, French, and British said in a joint statement that significant progress was made on reaching a common position on next steps.

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The Ukrainians are coming around and understand the situation, even though they have red lines they cannot cross, said a German official when asked how flexible the Ukrainians are being on territorial matters.

The British government has been working with the Ukrainians to try to move forward on the US framework, a second European official said, noting that it would be backed by security guarantees that are regularly being discussed by European allies, including potential troops in Ukraine. Russia has rejected such a prospect and Trump has said no American forces would go to Ukraine.

There is a realpolitik reality: any deal that can get Russia on board will look unfavorable to the Ukrainians. But within reason the Ukrainians will have to come to terms with something that may be second best to a deal they would have wanted two years ago, another European diplomat said. That is just where we are.

However, even if Zelensky were to get on board with a painful proposal that sees significant land concessions  a move that one Ukrainian lawmaker said would be political suicide  it would not be accepted by Ukrainian parliament, the lawmaker said.

A member of the 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fires a RPG-7 grenade launcher which is mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle during a training, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine on April 9. - Reuters

Some have noted that there doesnt seem to be a US strategy for implementing a potential deal and Washington may be barreling past the idea of a ceasefire in order to simply end the conflict as quickly as possible.

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The American position is clear: take it or leave it, this is where we are, the first European official said. The Ukrainian position  and to some extent ours  is we accept there needs to be territorial negotiations but when does that come?

What exactly the US administration is arguing for at the moment, beyond a halt to the fighting, remains unclear. More than a month after calling for an immediate ceasefire  which Russia rejected  it appears to be trying to leap-frog ahead to the far more complicated prospect of nailing down the contours of a permanent peace.

At this juncture, we judge that getting agreement on key terms now is the most expeditious way to achieve the core objective said one US official familiar with the months-long back and forth who criticized the administrations lack of strategic approach, calling it somewhat directionless, rudderless, confused.

The diplomacy has been very ad hoc. The confusion over who does what on the file is as pronounced as ever, said the official. People seem to accept the chaos.

CNNs Fred Pleitgen contributed reporting.

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The United States' frustration over stalled peace talks on the war in Ukraine should be aimed solely at Russian President Vladimir Putin, not Kyiv, French President Emmanuel Macron said on April 24, the French television network BFM TV reported.

His remarks came after a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed at least 12 people and injured 90 others, including at least six children. The April 24 strike, described by local officials as one of the deadliest in recent weeks, came a day after Moscow demanded Ukraine's formal recognition of Russias claim to four partially occupied regions and a halt to Western military support.

Macron added that France continues to welcome the efforts made by American diplomacy but emphasized the need to recall the facts.

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The position of France is clear and will not change. We stand for sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law, Macron said. We will continue to defend the Ukrainian peoples right to live in peace on their territory and within their internationally recognized borders.

French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine told reporters that Russias ongoing strikes were undermining diplomatic efforts. With more strikes on Ukraine, it seems more like Russia is slowing down peace efforts, he said on April 24, according to Reuters.

The principle of Ukraines territorial integrity is not a point that can be negotiated, Lemoine added, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to cede Crimea.

The U.S. has been actively pushing a ceasefire, with Trump saying the April 24 attack on Kyiv was not necessary, and asking Putin to get the peace deal done. His proposals, which reportedly include U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian and barring Ukraine from NATO, have been met with concern in Europe and resistance in Kyiv.

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Peace talks remain stalled. A ministerial meeting on April 23 between Ukraine, the U.S., and European allies in London was downgraded after Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped the session. Meanwhile, Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Moscow on April 25 for further discussions with Putin.

Read also: Europe rejects US push to recognize Russian occupation of Crimea, FT reports

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)  Three people accused of laundering tens of millions of dollars in illicit drug money through South Carolina are now facing federal charges.

28-year-old Nasir Ullah, 34-year-old Naim Ullah, and 49-year-old Puquan Huang were indicted on federal charges in what prosecutors called one of the largest professional money laundering operations in state history.

They offered their services to drug dealers across the southeast from whom they would purchase large amounts of cash, said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Brook Andrews. They would then use those drug proceeds to purchase and ship electronics to destinations in China and the Middle East, and use those transactions to conceal the illegal source of their funds.

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The defendants collected drug money from Charleston, Richland, Sumter, and York counties and stored it in two business properties in Sumter County. More than $30 million was successfully laundered through this scheme, Andrews said.

The three individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Federal court records show both Ullahs pleaded not guilty to the charges and were each given a $25,000 bond during an April 23 hearing. Information regarding Huang was not immediately available.

Money laundering is the backbone of criminal enterprise, said Andrews. It enables drug trafficking organizations to purchase and distribute fentanyl and other drugs to devastating effect. When we target those who launder drug money, we strike at the very heart of these operations.

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Money laundering is the backbone of criminal enterprise. It enables drug trafficking organizations to purchase and distribute fentanyl and other drugs to devastating effect. When we target those who launder drug money, we strike at the very heart of these operations.

The scheme was uncovered through an ongoing investigation into the leadership elements of two Mexican drug cartels, which began in September 2024.

Over the course of this investigation, agents identified a large scale and complex money laundering network operating throughout South Carolina and elsewhere to launder millions of dollars in drug proceeds which have been traced to the sale of multi kilogram quantities of both fentanyl and cocaine, as well as both marijuana and heroin, said Mike Tooley, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge.

The illegal operation began in April 2019 and continued through at least November 2024, according to a copy of the federal indictments.

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The United States will demand that Russia recognize Ukraine's sovereign right to maintain adequately equipped armed forces and a defense industry as part of any peace agreement, Bloomberg reported on April 24, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

The issue is expected to be raised by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 25.

The demand would directly challenge one of the Kremlin's war aims  Ukraine's demilitarization  and is part of a broader push to secure guarantees for Kyiv.

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The U.S. also reportedly wants Russia to return the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukrainian control. The plant, occupied by Russian forces since 2022, would then be placed under U.S. oversight to supply power to cities on both sides of the front line.

Other points include providing Ukraine with a secure passage across the Dnipro River and restoring Russian-occupied territory in Kharkiv Oblast to Ukrainian control. Russia currently holds around 200 square kilometers (about 77 square miles) of the region.

The negotiations come as Ukraine remains under pressure to respond to a broader U.S. peace plan first presented in Paris on April 17. According to the Wall Street Journal, that plan includes U.S. recognition of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO  two long-standing Kremlin demands.

Read also: Boris Johnson blasts Trump peace plan after deadly Russian attack on Kyiv

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President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any deal involving territorial concessions. "This violates our Constitution. This is our territory, the territory of the people of Ukraine," he said on April 22.

U.S. President Donald Trump has denied Ukraine is being forced to accept the Crimea clause, though he criticized Zelensky's refusal to negotiate on the matter as "harmful to the peace negotiations."

Russia launched deadly missile strikes on Kyiv on April 24, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 90. Trump responded by calling the attacks "not necessary" and "poorly timed," but did not condemn Russia or threaten consequences.

Ukraine has already accepted a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire introduced in March, contingent on Russia's agreement. Moscow has refused so far.

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Witkoff, the Trump administration's Middle East envoy, has met Putin multiple times this year and has faced criticism from both U.S. and Ukrainian officials for supporting proposals seen as favorable to the Kremlin, including trading territory for peace.

Read also: NATO chief to urge US not to force Russia-friendly deal on Ukraine, FT reports

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By Jeff Mason and Jarrett Renshaw

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump asserted on Thursday that trade talks between the U.S. and China are underway, pushing back against Chinese claims that no discussions have taken place to ease the ongoing trade war.

"They had a meeting this morning," Trump told reporters, declining to say to whom he was referring. "It doesn't matter who 'they' is. We may reveal it later, but they had meetings this morning, and we've been meeting with China."

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China on Thursday said it had not held trade talks with Washington despite repeated comments from the U.S. government suggesting there had been engagement.

"China and the United States have not conducted consultations or negotiations on tariffs, let alone reached an agreement," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters at a news briefing, calling reports of such information "false news."

A White House official said lower level in-person talks as well as a phone call between U.S. and Chinese staff had taken place this week.

The conflicting statements from Washington and Beijing underscore the strained communication and uncertainty defining the current trade war, adding volatility to global markets and prolonging economic pain on both sides.

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American businesses face soaring import costs while Chinese exporters are squeezed by falling U.S. demand.

Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week indicated there might be an easing in tensions with China.

On Wednesday, Bessent said excessively high tariffs between the U.S. and China will have to come down before trade negotiations can proceed and that de-escalation was necessary for the world's two largest economies to rebalance their trading relationship.

The White House earlier this month imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to respond with duties of its own and increased restrictions on critical minerals exports to the United States.

(Reporting By Jeff Mason, Jarrett Renshaw and Nandita Bose; Editing by Leslie Adler and Diane Craft)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The head of the Democratic National Committee on Thursday issued a warning to a senior party official to back away from plans to help finance progressive primary challenges to Democratic incumbents running for re-election in the 2026 midterm elections, according to media reports.

"No DNC officer should ever attempt to influence the outcome of a primary election, whether on behalf of an incumbent or a challenger," newly-elected DNC Chair Ken Martin told reporters.

Martin's broadside was aimed at DNC Vice Chair David Hogg, who has said that he would raise money through an outside group, "Leaders We Deserve," to foster such challenges.

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That message came with the warning that Hogg could get involved in Democratic primary campaigns -- but not while holding down a DNC job.

The party is weighing a possible rules change that would facilitate the firings of DNC officials for such outside activities.

Hogg, 25, gained national attention after surviving a 2018 mass shooting at his high school in Parkland, Florida. He became a voice for tighter gun control and has evolved into a political activist.

Since then he has been active in progressive causes and in February won one of five DNC vice chair spots, as the party intensified its efforts to appeal to more progressive voters.

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The Democratic Party is engaged in a roiling battle over its future, which has progressives insisting on more aggressive responses to President Donald Trump and Republican initiatives, ranging from U.S. immigration and border security policies to tax cuts for the wealthy and the future of the Social Security retirement program.

Many Democratic establishment figures instead want to steer the party toward expanding the Democratic base by appealing to more moderate rural and working class voters that have abandoned the it over the past several years.

Martin also unveiled an "organize everywhere, win anywhere" strategy that he said will see $1 million a month being transferred from the DNC to Democratic organizations in all 50 states.

"I'm done with Democrats myopically focusing on just a few battleground states every few years," he added.

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Republicans won control of both chambers of Congress in addition to the White House in November, which has left Democrats with almost no ability in Washington to limit Trump's policies, and sparked a wave of intra-party recriminations.

Democrats hope to regain control of at least one chamber of Congress in next year's election, with the House of Representatives seen as competitive, though they face a tough path to recapturing control of the Senate.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan;Editing by Alistair Bell)
U.S. applications for jobless benefits rose modestly last week as business continue to retain workers despite fears of a possible economic downturn.

Jobless claim applications inched up by 6,000 to 222,000 for the week ending April 19, the Labor Department said Thursday. Thats just barely more than the 220,000 new applications analysts forecast.

Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered a proxy for layoffs, and have mostly stayed in a healthy range between 200,000 and 250,000 for the past few years.

Even though President Donald Trump has paused or pulled back on many of his tariff threats, concerns remain about a global economic slowdown that could upend what has been an historically resilient labor market.

Early Thursday, the head of the International Monetary Fund urged countries to move swiftly to resolve trade disputes that threaten global economic growth.

IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said the unpredictability of Trumps aggressive campaign of taxes on foreign imports is causing companies to delay investments and consumers to pull back spending. Georgievas comments came two days after the IMF downgraded the outlook for world economic growth this year.

Like his pledge to institute tariffs, Trumps promise to drastically downsize the federal government workforce has occupied much of the early weeks of his presidency and is still in motion.

Its not clear when the job cuts ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency  or DOGE, spearheaded by Elon Musk  will surface in the weekly layoffs data. However, the federal government staff reductions are already being felt, even outside of the Washington, D.C. area.

Federal agencies that have either announced layoffs or are planning cuts include the Department of Health and Human Services, IRS, Small Business Administration, Veterans Affairs and Department of Education.

Despite showing some signs of weakening during the past year, the labor market remains healthy with plenty of job openings and relatively few layoffs.

Earlier this month, the government reported that U.S. employers added a surprisingly strong 228,000 jobs in March. While the unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%, thats still a healthy figure by historical standards.

Some high-profile companies have announced job cuts already this year, including Workday, Dow, CNN, Starbucks, Southwest Airlines and Facebook parent company Meta.

Thursday's report also showed that the four-week average of applications, which evens out some of the week-to-week volatility ticked down by 750 to 220,250.

The total number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for the week of April 12 declined by 37,000 to 1.84 million.
By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -A federal judge on Thursday blocked Donald Trump's administration from withholding federal funding from more than a dozen so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that have declined to cooperate with the Republican president's hardline immigration crackdown.

U.S. District Judge William Orrick in San Francisco issued the injunction at the request of 16 cities and counties nationally. San Francisco, which led the lawsuit, in its complaint filed in February argued that the Trump administration was unlawfully trying to force local officials to cooperate with federal immigration arrests.

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The jurisdictions include the cities of Minneapolis; New Haven, Connecticut; Portland, Oregon; St. Paul, Minnesota; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Seattle, which have laws and policies that limit or prevent local law enforcement from assisting federal officers with civil immigration arrests.

Supporters of such laws have said that cooperation with federal immigration enforcement would discourage immigrants who are living in the U.S. illegally from coming forward as victims or witnesses to crimes.

The lawsuit challenges an executive order Trump signed that threatens to cut off federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions that limit or refuse to cooperate with federal immigration law enforcement, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"The threat to withhold funding causes them irreparable injury in the form of budgetary uncertainty, deprivation of constitutional rights, and undermining trust between the Cities and Counties and the communities they serve," Orrick said.

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During his first term as president, Trump in 2017 signed a similar executive order targeting sanctuary jurisdictions. San Francisco sued then, too, leading Orrick to block the policy in a ruling that was upheld by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

"Here we are again," Orrick, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, wrote on Thursday.

Orrick said a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of Trump's latest executive order was likewise warranted as the local jurisdictions had established that Trump's order likely unconstitutionally imposed conditions on federal funding without congressional authorization and ran afoul of the localities' due process rights.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice, which is defending Trump's policy, in a statement said it "will continue to fight in court to defend President Trumps agenda to crack down against policies that benefit criminal illegal aliens."

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The 16 localities brought their lawsuit a day after the Department of Justice sued the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago, seeking a court order blocking sanctuary laws that the Democratic-led jurisdictions adopted that the Justice Department said were interfering with Trump's agenda.

The Justice Department has also filed a lawsuit challenging a New York law that bars the Democratic-led state from sharing vehicle and address information with federal immigration authorities.

Orrick cited those two lawsuits as a key reason why the 16 jurisdictions that sued have an even stronger reason to fear the administration will enforce Trump's order than they had during his first term in office.

"We are pleased the court stated the Trump administration cannot coerce plaintiffs into joining their reckless and illegal mass deportation efforts," San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, a Democrat who pursued the lawsuit, said in a statement.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Will Dunham, Alexia Garamfalvi and Leslie Adler)
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has reported a 1.9% decline in new EU car registrations in Q1 2025 compared with Q1 2024.

March 2025 figures show a 0.2% year-on-year decrease.

According to the industry body, this decline reflects the challenging global economic environment impacting automakers.

ACEA represents 16 major Europe-based vehicle manufacturers, including BMW, Daimler Truck, Ford, Stellantis, Volkswagen, and Volvo.

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 15.2% of total EU market share in Q1 2025, up from 12% in the same period the previous year.

A total of 412,997 new BEVs were registered, marking a 23.9% increase in volume.

Growth was largely driven by three of the EUs largest marketsGermany (+38.9%), Belgium (+29.9%), and the Netherlands (+7.9%). In contrast, France recorded a 6.6% decline in battery-electric registrations.

Hybrid-electric vehicles maintained their position as the most popular powertrain type, capturing 35.5% of the market.

Registrations rose by 20.7% year-on-year, with strong growth in France (+47.5%), Spain (+36.6%), Italy (+15.3%), and Germany (+10.5%). This amounted to 964,108 units registered in the first quarter.

The combined market share of petrol and diesel cars fell to 38.3%, down from 48.3% in the same period in 2024.

Plug-in-hybrid electric car registrations grew by 1.1% in Q1 2025, totalling 207,048 units.

Germany and Spain contributed to this growth, resulting in a 7.6% market share for plug-in-hybrids, up from 7.4% in Q1 2024.

March 2025 saw a year-on-year increase of 17.1% for BEVs, 23.9% for hybrid-electrics, and 12.4% for plug-in-hybrids.

Petrol car registrations declined by 20.6% in Q1 2025, with France experiencing the steepest drop at 34.1%.

Germany, Italy, and Spain also saw declines.

The petrol market share fell to 28.7%, down from 35.5% the previous year.

Diesel car registrations decreased by 27.1%, resulting in a 9.5% market share. March 2025 year-on-year figures showed a decline of 20.7% for petrol and 25.5% for diesel.

"EU new car registrations dips 1.9% in Q1 2025: ACEA" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -Federal judges in Maryland, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., on Thursday blocked Republican President Donald Trump's administration from following through on threats to cut off funding to public schools that engage in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

The trio of rulings - two by judges whom Trump appointed during his first term in office - came in lawsuits by teachers unions and civil rights groups that sued to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from cutting funding to K-12 schools and universities that did not cease what it called "discriminatory" DEI initiatives.

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The Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the administration is likely to appeal the decisions.

The policy at issue was outlined in a February 14 "Dear Colleague" letter from the Education Department that the administration said was intended to remind schools that receive federal funding of their obligations to comply with existing civil rights law.

The letter said schools in recent years had embraced "pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences" and "toxically indoctrinated" students by teaching about the history of systemic racism.

The letter said DEI proponents had been "smuggling" such practices into everyday training, programming and discipline, and the department advised schools that it would take action if they did not ensure their practices followed the law.

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But U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty in Concord, New Hampshire, sided with the National Education Association, the largest teachers' union, and two other groups in finding the policy was unconstitutionally vague and violated educators' free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.

McCafferty, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, said that while the letter made clear the department's view that DEI programs violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it never defined what a "DEI program" even was.

"DEI as a concept is broad: one can imagine a wide range of viewpoints on what the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion mean when describing a program or practice," she wrote.

She said the policy infringed the First Amendment rights of university professors, also by targeting their speech based on viewpoint if they, for example, teach students about structural racism in America.

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Shortly after McCafferty ruled, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Baltimore issued an order similarly halting the Education Department's policy at the behest of the American Federation of Teachers, the American Sociological Association and others.

Gallagher, a Trump appointee, said the Education Department failed to follow proper rulemaking processes and lacked the authority to adopt the policy under the Department of Education Organization Act of 1979.

That law bars the Education Department from directing or supervising a school's curriculum, instructional program, administration or personnel, or its selection of instructional materials like textbooks.

In the Washington, D.C., case, Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich agreed with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which brought the case, that the policy was too vague.

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Her ruling blocked the department from enforcing a requirement it adopted on April 3 mandating that state educational agencies certify compliance with the February policy by Thursday or lose federal funding.

Skye Perryman, whose liberal-leaning legal group Democracy Forward represented the plaintiffs in the Maryland case, in a statement said the ruling "affirms what we have always known: this administrations attempts to censor schools, teachers, educators, colleges, and universities is unlawful."

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Chris Reese, Cynthia Osterman, Alexia Garamfalvi, Aurora Ellis and Leslie Adler)
By Daniel Wiessner

(Reuters) - A federal judge has ordered the administration of President Donald Trump to facilitate the return of a second man sent to a prison in El Salvador back to the United States, saying his deportation violated a court settlement.

Late Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Baltimore said the settlement agreement that she approved in November on behalf of thousands of migrants required immigration authorities to process the asylum application by the 20-year-old Venezuelan man, identified only as Cristian, before deporting him.

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The ruling could set up another showdown between the Trump administration and federal courts over immigration enforcement. The administration has also been ordered to facilitate the return of a Salvadoran man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who it acknowledged was deported in error, but a judge has said that the government is doing little to comply.

The administration claims that Abrego Garcia, Cristian and more than 250 other people who were sent to a Salvadoran prison beginning last month are gang members and that it has the power to remove them under the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law adopted in 1798.

Gallagher considered only whether Cristian's deportation violated the settlement and not whether the law was properly invoked, which is at issue in Abrego Garcia's and other migrants' cases. The settlement applies to thousands of migrants who came to the United States unaccompanied as children and have applied for asylum.

"A core purpose of the Settlement Agreement would be nullified if Class Members with pending asylum applications could be summarily removed from the United States and thus rendered ineligible for asylum," wrote Gallagher, a Trump appointee.

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The White House, the Department of Homeland Security and lawyers who represent the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday.

Cristian is a class member in the 2019 lawsuit, which claimed that immigration authorities were deporting migrants before they received a final determination on their applications for asylum.

Asylum is a form of humanitarian protection extended to people who are in the U.S. illegally but would likely face persecution if sent back to their home countries.

The Trump administration argued that deporting Cristian did not violate the settlement agreement because he had been deemed an "alien enemy" under the wartime law, making him ineligible for asylum.

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Gallagher on Wednesday said the settlement applies to anyone with a pending asylum application, and not only those who are eligible for asylum.

The judge ordered the Trump administration to make "a good faith request" to the government of El Salvador, seeking Cristian's release to U.S. custody so he could return to the United States. She also ordered the administration not to deport other migrants covered by the settlement.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele on Sunday proposed sending 252 Venezuelans deported from the U.S. and imprisoned in his country to Venezuela, in exchange for taking political prisoners held by that country.

(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Lisa Shumaker)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Department of State policy planning director Michael Anton will lead a team of about a dozen U.S. government officials to negotiate with Iran in upcoming nuclear talks, a U.S. official said on Thursday.

Expert-level Iran-U.S. talks will take place on Saturday, Tehran's foreign ministry spokesperson said, with a third round of high-level nuclear talks due on the same day in Oman.

Iran and the United States agreed last Saturday to begin drawing up a framework for a potential nuclear deal, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said after the talks in Rome that a U.S. official described as yielding very good progress.

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Politico first reported the choice of Anton.

Anton was a spokesman for the White House National Security Council during Trump's first term from 2017-2021. He also worked for former President George W. Bush's NSC and is a former BlackRock managing director,

(Reporting by Steve Holland and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
The Trump administration has named senior State Department official Michael Anton to lead the U.S. technical team in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, according to two U.S. officials granted anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic discussions.

Anton, the State Departments policy planning director, is leading a team of about a dozen, largely career officials from across the government to hash out the details of an agreement that would place significant constraints on Irans nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

He is set to lead the first round of expert talks with Iranian officials over the weekend before special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meet again in Rome next week. Anton accompanied Witkoff to the last round of talks in Rome.

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He is the perfect man for the job given his experience and intellect. Most importantly, he will ensure that President Trumps agenda on this file is followed through, an administration official said.

Anton is a low-profile and increasingly powerful administration official who worked on the National Security Council in the first Trump administration and later served as a fellow at the conservative Claremont Institute. He has not yet staked out a public stance on the Iran file, which has long stoked intense and divisive debate in Washington.

The talks are advancing as the Trump administration is split over whether to pursue diplomacy or resort to military strikes to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Close ally Israel would like to see the U.S. attack now when Iran is weakened from previous strikes and with the hobbling of its main proxies.

President Donald Trump, however, has said he prefers a diplomatic solution.

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It is unclear whether the U.S. will demand that Iran fully dismantle its nuclear program, which it asserts is only being used for civilian purposes, or work towards an arrangement that would allow Tehran to preserve some facilities subject to strict verification measures.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with the Free Press released Wednesday that the U.S. was pursuing an arrangement that would allow Iran to import enriched uranium fuel so that Tehran could have a civilian nuclear program.

Theres a pathway to a civil, peaceful nuclear program if they want one, he said. But if they insist on enriching, then they will be the only country in the world that doesnt have a weapons program, quote-unquote, but is enriching  thats problematic.

Witkoff has publicly shifted his stance on the talks since last week. After telling The Wall Street Journal and Fox News last week that the U.S. would focus on verification in any agreement, Witkoff later said the U.S. would not allow Iran to enrich uranium at all.
The United States intends to demand that Russia recognise Ukraine's right to maintain its own armed forces and defence industry as part of a broader peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.

Source: Bloomberg with reference to sources familiar with the matter, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The sources revealed that US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will raise the issue of Ukraines Armed Forces and defence industry during his meeting with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

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The agency emphasises that agreeing to properly equipped and staffed Ukrainian military forces, as demanded by Ukraine and its European allies, would require Putin to abandon one of the key goals of his full-scale invasion  the demilitarisation of Ukraine.

The sources also state that the United States wants Russia to return control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukraine.

Under the Trump administrations plan, the plant would then be transferred to US oversight to provide electricity to cities under both Ukrainian control and Russian occupation, according to the sources.

Washington is also seeking to secure Ukraines access across the Dnipro River and to return to Kyiv's control the territories in Kharkiv Oblast currently occupied by Russia.

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The US National Security Council, the State Department and Witkoffs office did not respond to requests for comment.

Background:

The Trump administration is reported to have presented Ukraine with a one-page document, described as a "final proposal" for a peace settlement, in Paris last week. Among other provisions, the US is reportedly prepared to recognise Russia's control over Ukrainian Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine does not recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea, which remains internationally recognised as Ukrainian territory.

The FT says some European officials are concerned that differences over Trumps unilateral peace proposal  which includes US recognition of Crimea as part of Russia  could undermine transatlantic security and even derail the NATO summit scheduled for late June.

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By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday it had upgraded Thailand's air safety rating to "Category 1" a decade after a downgrade, paving the way for direct U.S.-Thailand flights to resume.

Thai airlines could not launch or expand services to the United States, either directly or as a code-share partner, under the International Aviation Safety Assessment "Category 2" rating the FAA had assigned in 2015 due to a shortage of technical officers and certification problems in transporting hazardous goods. The top rating shows compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards.

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In 2017, Thailand resolved a significant safety concern identified through the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program in 2015, the agency said on Thursday.

Prior to late-2015, Thai Airways flew direct between Bangkok and New York and Los Angeles.

In 2017, Thailand said it aimed to get an air safety rating upgrade by 2018. Bangkok is a regional airline hub and Thailand had more than 35 million foreign tourists last year.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese and Richard Chang)
CHICAGO  Longtime U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky will announce whether she plans to seek reelection at an event in early May, she wrote Wednesday in a social media post that indicated she hasnt yet made up her mind.

I will make that decision in the coming weeks and announce on May 5, Schakowsky wrote in a post on the social media platform X that went up shortly after Politico, citing unnamed sources, reported Schakowsky, 80, planned to announce her retirement after 14 terms in the House.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, another Washington veteran representing Illinois on the national stage, announced earlier Wednesday that he wont seek a sixth term, instantly sparking renewed speculation about who will run for his seat in 2026.

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While Schakowsky has yet to make her announcement, theres already at least one person vying for her seat. Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old progressive political influencer and newcomer to Illinois, raised more money than Schakowsky during the last quarter, according to campaign finance records.

Schakowsky, whose district stretches from the northern edge of Chicago into the suburbs, still appeared to be fundraising in recent weeks, and in an email to supporters in late March referred to Abughazaleh as my new opponent.

On May 5, the date of the expected announcement, Schakowsky is hosting a Womens Power Lunch charging guests $150 to $7,000 for tickets, according to a web page for the event. Gov. JB Pritzker, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland are slated to attend, the page said. Previous guests to the lunch event have included Schakowskys ally and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California.

Schakowsky was first elected to the seat in 1998 after beating Pritzker in the Democratic primary election.

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If Schakowsky decides to follow Durbin, who also is 80, into retirement, shell open a rare opportunity for Democrats in and around her north suburban district. Schakowskys successor, like Durbins, would likely mark a generational change in who represents Illinois in Washington.

Among candidates observers have said are strong contenders for the safely Democratic seat are Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and two state lawmakers, Sen. Laura Fine and Rep. Kelly Cassidy.

Abughazaleh has proven to be a formidable fundraiser with a promise to focus on small-dollar donations, though the vast majority of her contributors appear to live outside the district, according to Federal Election Commission filings. During the first quarter she raised about $379,000, while Schakowsky took in only a little bit more than $213,000.

Schakowsky, however, has far more cash on hand, $877,000, than her potential opponent, whose bankroll totaled $364,000.

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Abughazaleh is best known for her social media content criticizing Republicans and their policies, and has said in media reports that shes new to the Chicago area.

Schakowsky serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and represented the 18th District in the Illinois General Assembly prior to her time in Congress. In the House, shes advocated for health care legislation including the Affordable Care Act under President Barack Obama.

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CHICAGO  With his announcement Wednesday that he would not seek reelection next year, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois set into motion an upheaval of Democratic politics involving current officeholders looking at the potential risks and rewards of seeking a coveted U.S. Senate seat and its potential for long-term job security.

Even before Durbins long-awaited decision, a behind-the-scenes Democratic primary was underway by at least four current elected officials. But now that Durbin has made it official, additional contenders are likely to surface after they scrutinize their chances.

U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, Robin Kelly of Matteson, Lauren Underwood of Naperville and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton have been adding political staff, making contacts and creating schedules to take them around the state to gain much-needed name recognition as they awaited Durbins decision.

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On Thursday, one day after Durbins announcement, Krishnamoorthi is scheduled to launch from Chicago a tour to central Illinois to warn of the impact of President Donald Trumps tariffs on small businesses and families. And Kelly is set to hold an afternoon town hall on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, in the heavily GOP congressional district of far-right U.S. Rep. Mary Miller.

Three-term Democratic state Treasurer Michael Frerichs said he is weighing a bid for Durbins seat, and other Democrats have floated the names of first-term Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, state Sen. Robert Peters of Chicago and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who has been looking for a reentry into Democratic politics and policy.

Emanuel, a former congressman, White House chief of staff and ambassador to Japan, prefers an executive rather than legislative post and is unlikely to seek Durbins seat, those close to him say.

For statewide officeholders, a run for the Senate creates a disadvantage since money in their state campaign funds cannot be converted for use in a federal campaign, which has stricter fundraising restrictions. That means starting a fundraising operation anew.

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Frerichs, who formerly lived in Champaign but now lives in Chicago, hailed Durbin as an important mentor and friend and said he was considering how I can continue to best serve the people of Illinois. That, he said, included having conversations with my family.

Stratton, the lieutenant governor, has been spending down her state campaign fund by doling out more than $98,000 in digital advertising that could be viewed as a way to increase her name recognition for a Senate run.

In a social media post, Stratton hailed Durbins career while vowing to work hard to carry on his legacy of delivering real solutions for the middle class.

Giannoulias made an unsuccessful run for the Senate against Mark Kirk in 2010, the last Republican to hold the office. Kirk was defeated after one term by Democrat Tammy Duckworth, who was reelected in 2022. Giannoulias proved to be a strong fundraiser in his Senate bid but he is also considering making a bid for Chicago mayor in 2027.

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Among the potential U.S. House Democrats considering a Senate contest, Krishnamoorthi, who has served five terms, had a federal campaign war chest of $19.4 million as of April 1.

A champion for everyday families and an unyielding advocate for the underdog, Sen. Durbin represents the true meaning of public service, Krishnamoorthi said on social media. Over the next two years, I know he will continue to fiercely advocate for our state, and I will be honored to fight alongside him as we continue to deliver for Illinois.

Kelly, who has served in the House since 2013, had more than $2 million in her campaign bank account as of April 1.

Sen. Durbin has always served with integrity and common sense, and I am one of millions of Illinoisans who are grateful for his leadership during challenging times, she said on social media.

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The four-term Underwood has $1.1 million in cash on hand at the start of April, records show. She called Durbin a generous and thoughtful leader.

As a steady force for good, Sen. Durbin always dedicates himself not just to our state, but the country, she said. Im so grateful for his decades of service which has made life better for millions of people.

If the prospective congressional candidates and statewide elected officers ran for Durbins seat, that, in turn, would create a chorus of candidates from the General Assembly and elsewhere seeking to run for open U.S. House seats.

While the eventual Democratic nominee is expected to have the advantage in a state where party members have held all statewide elected offices since 2019, Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria acknowledged Wednesday he was considering a Senate bid.

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LaHood, the son of former longtime GOP congressman and Obama transportation secretary Ray LaHood, had nearly $5.9 million in his federal campaign fund as of April 1. One of only three House Republicans in Illinois congressional delegation, LaHood has served since 2015 in Congress and has been a strong supporter of President Trump.

A statement from Jake Ford, LaHoods political director, said Durbins retirement was long overdue and that the senator served as the face of Washington dysfunction.

Illinoisans are ready to turn the page. Voters are tired of out-of-touch liberal policies that have failed working families, and prioritized illegal immigrants and far-left ideological agendas over hard working American taxpayers, Ford said in touting LaHoods strong support from voters. LaHood has benefited by congressional maps drawn by legislative Democrats that sought to pack Republicans into as few GOP-majority districts as possible while maximizing Democratic representation from Illinois in the House.

As the 2026 election approaches, congressman LaHood remains focused on delivering conservative leadership for all Illinoisans that offers a clear alternative to the failed liberal policies driving families and businesses out of Illinois, Ford said.

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By Akbar Novruz



The modernization of the Astara terminal and the construction of a cross-border bridge are nearing completion, according to Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department at Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mirzayev made the remarks during a Q&A session following the panel discussion titled Azerbaijan and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO): Opportunities and Prospects.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan continues to prioritize the Trans-Caspian transport route, while also promoting the North-South Transport Corridor as a key strategic direction.

There are minor problems in financing the Astara-Rasht road, and negotiations are underway between the parties in this direction, he added, noting that efforts are ongoing to overcome these financial hurdles.

The development of the Astara terminal and bridge is seen as a critical component in enhancing Azerbaijan's role as a regional logistics hub and strengthening economic ties with neighboring countries, particularly Iran and other ECO members.
March 2025 was another strong month, with inflows of 24.4 billion for the European ETF industry. These flows drove the overall flows for the first quarter of 2025 up to 87.1 billion. Even as the estimated inflows for March were the lowest monthly inflows into ETFs for the year so far, this level showcases the strong demand for ETFs from European investors.

In fact, if the European ETF industry is able to maintain net inflows at the same level as the first quarter for the rest of the year, it would hit an all-time high for annual inflows.

European ETF Drivers

The inflows in the European ETF industry for the first quarter were driven by equity ETFs (+71.3 billion), followed by bond ETFs (+9.3 billion), money market ETFs (+5.5 billion), commodities ETFs (+0.7 billion) and mixed-assets ETFs (+0.3 billion). On the other side of the table, alternatives ETFs (-0.1 billion) were the only asset type facing outflows during the first quarter.

One might be surprised that ETFs witnessed such high inflows within the negative and volatile market environment this year. But, generally speaking, it is not unusual to see strong inflows into ETFs when the markets are in limbo because investors seem to prefer liquid and transparent products in turbulent market environments.

When it comes to the above, the high estimated net flows in the equity segment might look like business as usual upon first viewing, as Equity Global (+19.9 billion) dominated the table of the 10 best-selling Lipper Global Classifications for the month.

A closer look at the 10 best-selling Lipper classifications, however, shows that the negative trend, with outflows from Equity Europe (+9.9 billion) and Equity Eurozone (+5.1 billion), has broken in 2025, as investors consistently bought into ETFs from these two classifications over the course of the first quarter.

In other words, it looks like European investors are returning to the old continent after underweighting it over a long period of time. It was even more surprising to see Equity Sector Industrials as the fourth-best-selling classification.

Attention Returns to the Real Economy

This may signal a change in the general asset allocation since investors preferred information technology over other sectors until January 2025. One could interpret this by saying that the launch of DeepSeek in China drove European investors' attention back to the real economy.

Talking about China, European investors have not been bullish on China since the COVID-19 pandemic, as they saw China as an economy with structural challenges, especially in the real estate sector and with the achievement of the projected economic growth, as the population of China is aging at a relatively fast pace compared to other emerging economies.
By Nancy Lapid

(Reuters) -The United States is at a tipping point for the return of endemic measles a quarter century after the disease was declared eradicated in the country, researchers warned on Thursday.

At current U.S. childhood vaccination rates, measles could return to spreading regularly at high levels, with an estimated 851,300 cases over the next 25 years, computer models used by the researchers suggest.

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If rates of vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, shot were to decline by 10%, an estimated 11.1 million cases of measles would result over 25 years, according to a report of the study in JAMA.

Measles has not been endemic, or continuously present, in the United States since 2000.

With vaccination rates dropping for MMR shots as well as for other childhood vaccines, outbreaks of preventable infectious diseases are increasing. There have been 10 reported outbreaks and at least 800 measles cases in the U.S. so far in 2025, including 624 cases and two deaths in one Texas outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Total U.S. measles cases through April 17 represent about a 180% increase over the 285 cases reported in all of 2024 - the second highest annual U.S. case count in 25 years, the CDC said on Thursday in its weekly report.

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The cases in the ongoing outbreak in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma have occurred among close-knit communities with low vaccination rates, according to the report. Overall, 96% of cases were in people who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.

Many state and national policies are being debated that may substantially reduce childhood vaccination even further, said Nathan Lo of Stanford Medical School who led the JAMA study.

The decline in vaccination among U.S. children in recent years has been fueled by promotion of theories - contrary to scientific evidence - that childhood vaccines are a cause of autism and other health risks.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who now heads the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has for decades helped sow such doubts, which accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic with politicizing of vaccines for that virus.

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Drawing on state vaccination, birth and death data and historical data on measles infections, researchers simulated a population that mirrors the U.S. population at national and state levels. Then they estimated how measles would spread under various scenarios if imported from a traveling U.S. citizen who gets infected abroad.

If routine childhood vaccinations declined by 50%, the country would see 51.2 million measles cases, 9.9 million rubella cases, and 4.3 million poliomyelitis cases over the next 25 years, Lo said.

Under this scenario, Lo said, there would be 51,200 patients with lasting neurologic side effects of measles, 10,700 birth defects resulting from congenital rubella infections, 5,400 cases of paralysis from polio, 10.3 million hospitalizations, and 159,200 deaths.

Small increases in vaccination rates of around 5% could keep measles from becoming endemic, the researchers models suggest.

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TROUBLING TREND

Under current levels of vaccination, vaccine-preventable diseases other than measles are unlikely to become endemic, Lo said. But if vaccination rates drop by 35%, rubella will likely become endemic, while polio, which has long been eradicated in the U.S., has a 50-50 chance of making a comeback if vaccination drops by 40%.

No one can forecast exact vaccination and infection numbers, but the precise numbers dont matter, said Dr. Mujeeb Basit, associate director of the Clinical Informatics Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center, who was not involved in the research.

What matters, Basit said, is the trend revealed by the study: as the vaccination rate declines, the rate of increase in measles cases speeds up.

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"If vaccination rates go 5% lower, you'll have tens of thousands of infected patients," he said.

"Rates just have to be 15% less and you're at millions of cases," he added. "The trend is what people need to know.

(Reporting by Nancy Lapid; additional reporting by Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
US Vice President JD Vance visited a US Air Force base in south-western Germany on Thursday during a stopover on a flight home from India.

Media images showed the Republican politician pouring draft beer for US military personnel and toasting them with a beer glass.

According to reporters traveling with him, Vance's Air Force Two plane landed at the huge Ramstein Air Base near the city of Kaiserslautern to refuel.

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Many high-ranking US representatives have made brief stops at the facility, mainly to refuel.

In December 2023, Vance's predecessor as vice president, Kamala Harris, landed in Ramstein on a flight home from the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai.

More recently, the base has also been the venue for several conferences on Western arms supplies to Ukraine.
The U.S. issued a warning that any country or individual involved in Russia's plans to establish a naval base in Sudan could face "serious consequences," including sanctions, a State Department spokesperson told Fox News on April 24.

The statement marks a sharp departure from the typically measured tone of recent U.S.-Russia exchanges and signals Washington's concern over Moscow's expanding military footprint in Africa.

"We encourage all countries, including Sudan, to avoid any transactions with Russia's defense sector," the spokesperson said. "Moving forward with such a facility or any other form of security cooperation with Russia would further isolate Sudan, deepen the current conflict, and risk further regional destabilization."

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Russia has long sought a strategic Red Sea outpost.

A draft agreement to build a naval base in Port Sudan first surfaced in 2020, outlining a 25-year deal allowing up to four Russian warships and 300 personnel. In exchange, Russia would supply Sudan with weapons and military support.

Though the original agreement was never ratified, talks resumed this year.

In February 2025, Sudanese Acting Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Al-Sharif and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that both sides had "reached an understanding" regarding the base's construction.

The former U.S. President Joe Biden's administration had previously accused Russia of supporting both sides in Sudan's internal conflict  the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

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Until now, President Donald Trump's administration had avoided taking a firm stance.

Sudan, located in Northeast Africa and bordered by seven countries, has become a focal point in the geopolitical contest between Western and Russian influence. In March 2024, the Wall Street Journal reported that small Ukrainian military teams helped Sudanese forces repel Wagner Group-backed RSF fighters.

Read also: Vladimir, stop!  Trump not happy with Russias deadly attack on Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration said on Thursday states could lose transportation funding over a failure to cooperate on federal immigration enforcement efforts or for maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told states and other grant recipients in a letter that recipients of Transportation Department financial assistance must ensure personnel practices are "merit-based."

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"If you receive government grants, you must follow federal laws," Duffy said in the letter. "Enforce our immigration rules, end discriminatory DEI policies, and protect free speech."

Duffy noted that some states that have received financial assistance have declined to cooperate with federal immigration investigations or issued drivers licenses to individuals present in the United States in violation of federal immigration law.

In March, a U.S. appeals court said the Trump administration could temporarily ban DEI programs at federal agencies and businesses with government contracts.

The Transportation Department annually awards more than $50 billion in grants in addition to formula funding for highways to states.

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Government agencies like the Federal Communications Commission and the Labor and Education Departments have sought to crack down on DEI practices after President Donald Trump issued an executive order seeking to ban the practice.

A senior Democratic lawmaker criticized the letter.

"This latest missive from the Trump Administration injects more unnecessary chaos into infrastructure projects underway all around the country" said Representative Rick Larsen, the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Culture wars have no place in transportation policy. Secretary Duffy should reverse course and allow projects around the country to be completed without ideological interference."

In January, Duffy signed a memo giving preference for transit grants to communities with higher marriage and birth rates and to bar Transportation Department grant recipients from imposing vaccine or mask mandates.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Leslie Adler)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  North Carolina farmers are getting an influx of new federal aid in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

U.S. Department of Agriculture officials announced Tuesday that $25 million will be allocated to rural towns and local producers whose operations were impacted from last falls storm.

The funding is part of a $340.6 million USDA disaster assistance package going to ranchers, farmers and rural communities across the country.

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Federal officials said the money is intended to rebuild infrastructure, restore clean drinking water and waste disposal operations, and bring technical assistance to municipalities.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the department she oversees will roll back regulations on the Rural Development Disaster Assistance. She announced rollbacks of population limits and income requirements, opening opportunities for more homeowners, businesses and communities to apply.

Officials with the U.S. Small Business Administration say they approved more than $350 million in federal disaster loans to support North Carolina businesses as of April 17.

Queen City News spoke with farmers in Yancey County who said recovery initially seemed daunting, but have spent the past six months removing debris and rebuilding their operations.

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HURRICANE RELIEF

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The Trump administration is withdrawing a Biden-era proposal that aimed to reduce Salmonella in raw poultry products, arguing the new rule would have imposed significant financial and operational burdens on American businesses and consumers," the Agriculture Department said Thursday.

The proposed rule, which the Biden administration unveiled last year, would have created new safety standards in an effort to prevent the sale of raw chicken and chicken parts contaminated with certain levels or types of Salmonella. It would have also overhauled safety procedures and testing for poultry slaughterhouses to prevent Salmonella contamination.

Salmonella bacteria is a leading cause of foodborne illness and causes about 1.35 million infections in the U.S. every year, most commonly through contaminated food, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Do you have a news tip youd like to share about food safety or outbreaks of foodborne illness? You can message Suzy Khimm on Signal: SuzyKhimm.42 or contact NBC News securely here.

The Meat Institute, a trade group representing meat and poultry processors, had appealed to President Donald Trump to withdraw the proposal and put forward a different one, describing it as among the costly and burdensome steps taken by the Biden administration.

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The Department of Agriculture, which oversees the meat and poultry industry, said the proposed rule did not address the pathogen effectively.

The USDA said that the decision was made in light of public comments on the proposed rule, which it said required more consideration, and that it would evaluate whether an update to standards was warranted. USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) listed it as withdrawn on the Federal Register Thursday.

The USDA said in a statement the agency prioritized public health "and is committed to further assessing its approach for addressing Salmonella in poultry products in ways that will yield results that protect consumers, not just impose regulatory burdens on American producers and consumers."

The National Chicken Council, another industry group, praised the Trump administration's move, saying in a statement that the Biden-era proposal would have increased costs for consumers while having no meaningful impact on public health.

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We remain committed to further reducing Salmonella and fully support food safety regulations and policies that are based on sound science, robust data, and are demonstrated to meaningfully impact public health, the group added.

But Sandra Eskin, a former USDA official who helped work on the proposal, said the decision to retreat was a mistake that could significantly delay and derail critical food safety reforms.

The bottom line is that thousands of people every year get Salmonella infections from poultry products, some life-threatening or worse, said Eskin, now CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness, an advocacy group. My concern is that we will not see a reduction of illnesses from Salmonella soon enough.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer held a productive virtual meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart in which they agreed on the importance of making swift progress on reciprocal trade, his office said in a statement on Thursday.

Greer and Vietnam's Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien spoke on Wednesday and "instructed their teams to engage in technical discussions in the coming days to discuss efforts to expand market access and address unfair trade practices," it said.

"Both sides agreed on the importance of making swift progress towards reciprocal and balanced trade between the United States and Vietnam," the statement said.

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Vietnam has the fourth-largest trade surplus among all U.S. trading partners, worth $123.5 billion last year.

It faces a whopping 46% U.S. tariff under reciprocal measures announced by U.S. President Donald Trump early this month.

The U.S. has paused imposition of the tariffs until July to allow for negotiations, although a flat rate of 10% still applies. A 46% tariff could severely undermine growth in Vietnam, which relies on exports to its top market, the United States, and large investments by foreign manufacturers.

Vietnam is an important Southeast Asian industrial hub and has been an increasingly important security partner for the United States in standing up to China's growing power.

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Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday instructed officials to combat trade fraud, counterfeiting and other issues of concern for the United States. He has also said Vietnam will buy more American goods, including defense and security products, and seek faster deliveries of commercial planes Vietnamese airlines have ordered from the U.S.

Under U.S. pressure, Vietnam is tightening controls on some trade with China to make sure goods exported to the United States with a "Made in Vietnam" label have sufficient added value in the country to justify that.

China's President Xi Jinping visited Hanoi last week and called for stronger ties with Vietnam on trade and supply chains.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Katharine Jackson and Daniel Wallis)
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Despite ruling the Utah Fits All Scholarship was unconstitutional, a Utah judge has decided not to halt the program while the case likely makes its way to the Utah Supreme Court  meaning the program can continue as normal until theres a ruling from the states high court.

Utah Fits All is the states school choice, or school voucher program that allows parents to get up to $8,000 in public funds to put towards home school or private school expenses. A group of education stakeholders sued over it claiming the legislature created an educational program that was not free nor open to all, as the Constitution requires for use of Income tax funds.

Lawyers for the state, the Utah Education Association, and the manager of Utah Fits All, ACE, each joined a status hearing Wednesday, where the parties agreed that the case would ultimately be decided by the Utah Supreme Court.

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I will not impose a remedy at this point. Ill issue the final ruling [of all four claims], it will go up on appeal, there will be no injunction in place, said Judge Laura Scott. My understanding is that would mean things would just proceed as normalunless and until we have a decision by the [Utah] Supreme Court, she said.

Judge Scotts April 18 ruling only decided two of the UEAs four claims, that the scholarship was unconstitutional under Articles X and XIII of the states constitution, rendering the other two claims as moot.

Teacher salaries, scholarship families in limbo after court strikes down Utah Fits All

Judge Scott said that if there was clarity that the parties needed, they could ask for it in her new order on all four claims that she plans to issue by May 15.

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It is in everyones interest to move as expeditiously as possible into the Supreme Court, said the lawyer for UEA, Raymay Ravindran.

If we could have the matter presented before the Supreme Court with simply having the ruling itself stayed and have the entry of the remedy postponed until we get that guidance, that would be the states preference, said Scott Ryther, who represents the state.

The main question from the parties was whether scholarships could continue to be paid out for the current school years recipients despite the ruling being deemed unconstitutional. The Utah State Board of Education is also in the middle of picking a new program manager, something lawyers said was supposed to happen this week. Theres also a May 1 deadline for new recipients to apply for next school years money.

My client wants to make sure what its obligations are under the order, said Tyson Langhofer, who represents ACE. There is still a significant amount of money that needs to be paid out under the current year, because not everyone has drawn down on [their scholarship] and we want to make sure we understand what their obligations are.

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ACE has been terminated by the Utah State Board of Education and said that theyre currently applying to run the program again.

Their management of the current UFA program ends May 15, Langhofer said.

Teachers also stand to lose some of their salaries that are tied up in the Utah Fits All Scholarship because the law that created the program said it had to be in effect for that money to be realized.

Since 2023, funding for the scholarship has more than doubled from $40 million to over $100 million, which could reportedly fund about 10,000 students. The program offered a scholarship of up to $8,000 for eligible K-12 students, but thresholds were changed in the 2025 legislative session to $8,000 for private school, $6,000 for homeschoolers age 12-18, and $4,000 for those age 5 to 11.

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We are grateful for the courts consideration of this important issue and are glad that parents and teachers will be able to continue to rely on the law while the underlying legal and constitutional questions at issue in this case are resolved, said Attorney General Derek Brown.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Last year, the Utah Food Bank distributed 65.5 million pounds of food to Utahns facing hunger. Many of those meals were delivered directly to those who needed them by individuals like Bob Barr, who has been making monthly deliveries for 30 years.

ABC4 joined Bob and his wife Jane during one of their deliveries. Going through a section of the Salt Lake City warehouse, the couple gathered groceries for the people they would visit. Its the basics  bread, milk, cheese  but its the basics that are needed.

No matter what neighborhood you live in, no matter what part of the state you live in, you dont have to look very far to find somebody who can use a little help. We should all do it, give them a little help, Bob said.

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While Jane was Bobs co-pilot this trip, sometimes a neighbor, or grandchild, instead will sit in the passenger seat during these deliveries.

Bob explained why he likes to bring his family with him to deliveries.

You need to show them thats a part of life. Its something that I hope many people would not consider optional. It simply is something that has to be done, he said.

If you ask Bob, he will tell you these deliveries arent that big of a deal, its the least he can do, but for the people he visits, its a great service.

Bob thinks all of us can and should help, saying, If 20% of the population gave 1% of their time to donate  99% of the problems on the Earth will be resolved. I feel its an obligation.

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If you would like to help the Utah Food Bank they will take your food, time, or money. You can donate at the Utah Food Bank website.

To share stories of kindness in your community, email us actsofkindness@abc4.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 ABC4 Utah.
By Yantoultra Ngui

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Singapore's PSA International (PSA) is exploring the sale of its 20% stake in CK Hutchison's ports business, two people with knowledge of the matter said, joining the Hong Kong conglomerate in its controversial plans to sell.

Tycoon Li Ka-shing's CK Hutchison (0001.HK, CKHUF, CKHUY) announced last month it would sell its 80% holding in the business which includes two ports along the strategically important Panama Canal to a BlackRock-led consortium. The holding has an equity value of $14.2 billion.

U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the deal as a "reclaiming" of the canal. Chinese state media, however, have criticised it as a betrayal of China's interests and the country's market regulator has launched an antitrust review.

Whether PSA, a ports operator wholly owned by Singapore state investor Temasek, ultimately decides to sell will depend on whether CK Hutchison goes ahead with the transaction, the two people said. CK Hutchison and the BlackRock-led consortium have agreed to exclusive talks for 145 days.

The people, who were not willing to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue, declined to comment on a potential sale price for PSA's stake.

PSA declined to comment. CK Hutchison did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The deal between CK Hutchison and the BlackRock consortium encompasses 43 ports in 23 countries. The business has an enterprise value, which includes debt, of $22.8 billion.

Overall the Hong Kong conglomerate has interests in 53 ports. Ports in Hong Kong and mainland China were not included in the deal.

PSA bought its 20% stake for $4.4 billion in 2006 and has looked at selling previously. Reuters reported in late 2022 that PSA weighed a potential sale. But the two sources said it put the process on hold months later after global shipping activity weakened.

Outside of its stake in CK Hutchison, PSA has 70 terminals in 45 countries, including its two flagship ports in Singapore and Belgium, according to its website.

(Reporting by Yantoultra Ngui; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Edwina Gibbs)
Glen Canyon Dam holds back the waters of Lake Powell near Page, Arizona on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

With Utah facing a drier year, Gov. Spencer Cox issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in 17 counties due to drought conditions.

The counties covered by the order include southern and rural areas of Washington, Iron, San Juan, Kane, Juab, Emery, Grand, Beaver, Garfield, Piute, Millard, Tooele, Uintah, Carbon, Sevier, Sanpete and Wayne counties.

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The governors executive order comes after the Drought Response Committee recently recommended he act due to drought conditions.

Weve been monitoring drought conditions closely, and unfortunately, our streamflow forecasts are low, particularly in southern Utah, Cox said in a prepared statement. I urge all Utahns to be extremely mindful of their water use and find every possible way to conserve. Water conservation is critical for Utahs future.

Coxs emergency declaration also comes after he told reporters last week he was working on issuing one due to worsening drought conditions in southern Utah, which has seen a weak snowpack this winter.

Though the governor said last week its been a pretty normal year for most of the state, there are some areas that are worse off than others.

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Currently, severe drought covers 42% of the state, and 4% is in extreme drought, according to the states website.

This year, Utahs snowpack peaked at 14.3 inches on March 23, which is equal to the states typical annual peak, according to state officials. However, southwestern Utahs snowpack was only about 44% of normal. Plus, winter temperatures were 2 degrees Fahrenheit higher than normal.

The states reservoir storage levels are at 84% of capacity, which will help the state weather drought, the governors office said in a news release. However, drought is unpredictable, and taking proactive measures to prepare is critical.

Coxs order reflects the U.S. Department of Agricultures disaster classifications, which are informed by the U.S. Drought Monitor and NRCSs water supply report.

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The state partners closely with federal agencies to share critical water supply and drought updates, Joel Ferry, executive director for the Utah Department of Natural Resources, said in a statement. Proactive planning is essential. We ask all Utahns across all sectors to use less water to help stretch the water supply.

Its been almost exactly three years since the governor declared a drought declaration. The last time he did so was April 22, 2022, when 65% of the state was in extreme drought, and more than 99% of the state was experiencing at least severe drought conditions.

As part of his order, Cox urged Utahns to watch their water use, both inside and outside their homes.

Water-saving tips listed by SlowTheFlow.org include:

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Wait to water your lawn until temperatures are in the mid-70s for several consecutive days, and check the Weekly Lawn Watering Guide for other tips on how to optimize water use.

Fix leaks.

Run full loads for dishwashers and washing machines.

Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving, soaping up, doing dishes or rinsing vegetables.

Shorten your shower time by at least one minute.

Participate in water-saving programs like water-smart landscaping, toilet replacement, and smart sprinkler controllers.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Its time for you to leave.

That was the opening line of an email sent to Carlos Trujillo  a naturalized U.S. citizen working as an immigration lawyer in Salt Lake City  on April 11, ordering him to self-deport within seven days.

I know the laws of this country, Trujillo told ABC4.com. I am not leaving. I am not deportable. But I do want everybody to know that these kinds of things are happening.

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Trujillo said the threatening language of the email bothered him. Trujillo encouraged the immigrant community to be aware of the changes in the laws and to know their rights. He said many people who received the email are in the country under legal circumstances.

Trujillo isnt the only one across the nation receiving letters from the Department of Homeland Security saying its time for them to leave  a similar email was sent to hundreds of thousands of people across the United States.

International Utah students records being reinstated, lawyer confirms

The Associated Press reported it was an apparent glitch in the Trump Administrations move to end a Biden-era policy that allowed people to live and work in the country temporarily. However, Trujillo came to the U.S. about 24 years ago, and has been a naturalized U.S. citizen for roughly a decade.

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I have gone through all the processes that I needed to go through to become a naturalized citizen, Trujillo said. And I have been around my community and the needs that they have, and thats kind of why I decided to be there for them and help them out in this journey.

Trujillo told ABC4.com that he has been an attorney for about 13 years, and has been specializing in immigration law with Trujillo Acosta Law for about 11 years.

I dont want to believe or draw conclusions that this is something personal against me or because of the work that I do with the community, Trujillo said. Its just simply a mistake.

International students at several Utah universities had their visas revoked  Heres what we know

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Trujillo said Utah has very respectful judges and officers involved with immigration cases, but much of the recent guidance over immigration status has come from the national level.

Were seeing all these uniform characterizations that make no sense because our communities are diverse, Trujillo said. Our communities are respectful of the law. Our communities are hardworking people.

Other lawyers perspectives

The laws do not require a person to self-report, or to self-deport. You dont have to buy a plane ticket, immigration attorney Christopher Vizcardo said. You have to have a deportation order from a judge for you to leave the United States. And 98% of the people that were in this program are not in that boat.

Vizcardo works at Trujillo Acosta Law and said the emails are being sent as a fear tactic. He advised those who get similar emails not to panic and talk about what legal options they may have.

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The government promises that people that would be deported would be those that would be a danger to our society, Vizcardo said. And instead, they seem to be deporting anyone and everyone.

Another Utah attorney, Adam Crayk, told ABC4.com that the recent messages being sent to immigrants and international students may be the result of faulty technology. Crayk said that he would recommend responding to the email and asking for clarification.

We are relying way too much on technology and not vetting it with our own actual, personal eyes, Crayk told ABC4.com.

Its unfair: International PhD student at BYU speaks after his student visa was revoked

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Crayk said that Trujillo is not actually required to leave because he is a naturalized citizen. However, if he were not a citizen, Trujillo may have to file a stay for relief, file for asylum, file a lawsuit, or take another similar course of action.

Technology has its place. It does, Crayk said. But we cant let it run rampant. We cant let it make every decision for us. We actually have to intervene at some point and look and see if its making correct decisions.

Crayk previously spoke to ABC4.com about immigration issues and concerns over BYU PhD student Suguru Ondas visa being revoked earlier this month. Ondas visa was reinstated the same day a lawsuit was filed against the Department of Homeland Security by several international students in Utah.

Other immigration concerns in Utah

I have a ton of work to do for my community, Trujillo said. All I want to do is just keep up the good fight.

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Universities and educational institutions across the Beehive State have reported that international students visas had been revoked and their immigration status had been changed.

Additionally, several families in Millcreek, Utah, also reported receiving letters ordering them to self-deport within seven days. The letter threateningly warns the federal government will find you if they fail to leave to the United States in time.

The emails come as the Trump Administration continues its efforts to fulfill a campaign promise on mass deportations. However, Jim McConkie, a lawyer representing some of the Millcreek families, said they were in the United States lawfully.

The part of this that really is unimaginable to a lawyer whos practiced for 50 years, and some of those years in the Justice Department The United States government has sent out a letter to people who are lawfully in our country, making it seem as though theyre not. Its a letter which misrepresents whats actually going on and is intended as a scare tactic to get out of the country, with threats of fines and incarceration. Its wrong morally, its wrong legally, and it needs to be challenged.

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The Associated Press and McKenzie Diaz 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.
SALT LAKE CITY (KTVX)  Its time for you to leave.

That was the opening line of an email sent to Carlos Trujillo  a naturalized U.S. citizen working as an immigration lawyer in Salt Lake City  on April 11, ordering him to self-deport within seven days.

I know the laws of this country, Trujillo told Nexstars KTVX. I am not leaving. I am not deportable. But I do want everybody to know that these kinds of things are happening.

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Trujillo said the threatening language of the email bothered him. Trujillo encouraged the immigrant community to be aware of the changes in the laws and to know their rights. He said many people who received the email are in the country under legal circumstances.

International students are having their visas revoked  Heres what we know

Trujillo isnt the only one receiving a letter from the Department of Homeland Security saying its time to leave  a similar email was sent to hundreds of thousands of people across the United States.

The Associated Press reported that the phenomenon was an apparent glitch in the Trump Administrations move to end a Biden-era policy that allowed people to live and work in the country temporarily. However, Trujillo came to the U.S. about 24 years ago, and has been a naturalized U.S. citizen for roughly a decade.

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I have gone through all the processes that I needed to go through to become a naturalized citizen, Trujillo said. And I have been around my community and the needs that they have, and thats kind of why I decided to be there for them and help them out in this journey.

Trujillo told KTVX that he has been an attorney for about 13 years, and has been specializing in immigration law with Trujillo Acosta Law for about 11 years.

I dont want to believe or draw conclusions that this is something personal against me or because of the work that I do with the community, Trujillo said. Its just simply a mistake.

Trujillo said Utah has very respectful judges and officers involved with immigration cases, but much of the recent guidance over immigration status has come from the national level.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Were seeing all these uniform characterizations that make no sense because our communities are diverse, Trujillo said. Our communities are  respectful of the law. Our communities are hardworking people.

Other lawyers perspectives

The laws do not require a person to self-report, or to self-deport. You dont have to buy a plane ticket, immigration attorney Christopher Vizcardo said. You have to have a deportation order from a judge for you to leave the United States. And 98% of the people that were in this program are not in that boat.

Vizcardo works at Trujillo Acosta Law and said the emails are being sent as a fear tactic. He advised those who get similar emails not to panic and talk about what legal options they may have.

The government promises that people that would be deported would be those that would be a danger to our society, Vizcardo said. And instead, they seem to be deporting anyone and everyone.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Another Utah attorney, Adam Crayk, told KTVX that the recent messages being sent to immigrants and international students may be the result of faulty technology. Crayk said that he would recommend responding to the email and asking for clarification.

We are relying way too much on technology and not vetting it with our own actual, personal eyes, Crayk said.

Its unfair: International PhD student at BYU speaks after his student visa was revoked

Crayk said that Trujillo is not actually required to leave because he is a naturalized citizen. However, if he were not a citizen, Trujillo may have to file a stay for relief, file for asylum, file a lawsuit, or take another similar course of action.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Technology has its place. It does, Crayk said. But we cant let it run rampant. We cant let it make every decision for us. We actually have to intervene at some point and look and see if its making correct decisions.

Crayk previously spoke to KTVX about immigration issues and concerns over BYU PhD student Suguru Ondas visa being revoked earlier this month. Ondas visa was reinstated the same day a lawsuit was filed against the Department of Homeland Security by several international students in Utah.

Other immigration concerns in Utah

I have a ton of work to do for my community, Trujillo said. All I want to do is just keep up the good fight.

Universities and educational institutions across the Beehive State have reported that international students visas had been revoked and their immigration statuses had been changed.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Additionally, several families in Millcreek, Utah, also reported receiving letters ordering them to self-deport within seven days. The letter threateningly warns the federal government will find you if they fail to leave to the United States in time.

The emails come as the Trump Administration continues its efforts to fulfill a campaign promise on mass deportations. However, Jim McConkie, a lawyer representing some of the Millcreek families, said they were in the United States lawfully.

The part of this that really is unimaginable to a lawyer whos practiced for 50 years, and some of those years in the Justice Department.  The United States government has sent out a letter to people who are lawfully in our country, making it seem as though theyre not. Its a letter which misrepresents whats actually going on and is intended as a scare tactic to get out of the country, with threats of fines and incarceration. Its wrong morally, its wrong legally, and it needs to be challenged.

The Associated Press and McKenzie Diaz contributed to this report.

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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.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Utah Supreme Court struck down two appeals filed by state prosecutors and defense attorneys, challenging jury selection and the jury pool in the murder trial for Kouri Richins.

The trial for Richins, the Kamas mother accused of using a lethal dose of fentanyl to kill her husband before writing a childrens book on grief, was previously scheduled to take place beginning next week on April 28. However, the trial was continued, and all pretrial hearings were postponed as the appeals were heard by the Utah Supreme Court.

On Thursday, April 24, the Utah Supreme Court unanimously rejected the requests from the state and defense attorneys, ruling that the jury pool would be limited to Summit County and selection could be done virtually.

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Utah immigration lawyer, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, ordered to self-deport

Attorneys for both the state and defense had argued to expand the jury pool to include Salt Lake County, arguing the prolific nature of the case would make it difficult to find a fair and impartial jury in Summit County alone. They further argued that because of the extensive media coverage of the trial, there were extraordinary circumstances that would allow for an in-person only questioning of prospective jurors.

In their arguments, the attorneys said both Trial Judge Richard Mrazik and Presiding Judge Laura Scott abused their discretion when denying their original requests. The Justices of the Utah Supreme Court, however, disagreed.

For the request to expand the jury pool to include Salt Lake County, the Justices ruled that the judges correctly determined there were no extraordinary circumstances to expand the pool. They also struck down the attorneys claim that, because Utah law allows for a criminal defendant to be tried by jurors from a county other than the one where the trial is being held, prospective jurors from multiple counties could be summoned.

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We disagree, determined the Utah Supreme Court. Importantly, there is a difference between summoning jurors from a county other than the one in which the trial will be held and summoning jurors from two counties for one trial.

Finally, the Utah Supreme Court said Presiding Judge Scott had provided multiple reasons why the extensive media coverage would not present extraordinary circumstances that would impact jury selection.

The ruled, [The attorneys] have not demonstrated that the Presiding Judges decision is one that no reasonable person would adopt. The Presiding Judge did not abuse her discretion, and we affirm her order.

A new trial date for Richins, who has been held in custody since her arrest in May 2023, has not been set as of noon on Thursday, April 24.

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The full opinion from the Utah Supreme Court can be found below:

State-v.-Richins20250424Download

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A group of utility companies  including the operators of a coal plant considered the deadliest in the United States  is trying to avoid cleaning up millions of tons of toxic waste by claiming that groundwater isn't a liquid.

Yes, really.

What's happening?

As Columbus Underground and the Ohio Capital Journal reported, the operators of several coal-fired plants  including Gavin Power and the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation  asked the Environmental Protection Agency to exempt them from coal ash cleanup requirements. A 2015 rule requires utilities to prevent toxic ash from contaminating groundwater.

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The companies say the rule is too expensive to follow and they already comply with other federal laws. In court, they've even argued that groundwater shouldn't count as a liquid under the EPA's rule, which prohibits coal ash from sitting in groundwater since it can contaminate the environment.

"So this whole absurd effort to define liquids as not including groundwater is essentially to prevent them from having to either excavate the coal ash and get it out of the groundwater or figure out some other measure by which they can prevent groundwater from flowing in and out of the coal ash forever, basically," said Gavin Kearney, an attorney for Earthjustice. "The motivation is to avoid the cost or accountability for decades of polluting groundwater."

Why is this important?

Coal ash contains heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, and it causes health problems including cancer, lung disease, heart damage, reproductive issues, birth defects, and more.

The Gavin plant alone, located near Cheshire, Ohio, contains a 300-acre impoundment with more than 8 million cubic yards of ash. That pit, according to Kearney, is already intermixing with groundwater that flows into wells and the Ohio River  drinking water sources for locals.

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Not only are these companies trying to reinterpret the rule to get out of protecting communities from coal ash contamination, but some of them also previously received millions of dollars in subsidies that were tied to a massive money laundering scandal.

What's being done about it?

Environmental groups such as Earthjustice and the Sierra Club are working to hold companies accountable in court. Federal judges have already ruled that coal ash can't be stored in contact with groundwater, and any rewriting of the rules would set a dangerous precedent.

Meanwhile, scientists are working on long-term solutions. At RMIT University, researchers have found ways to use coal byproducts as replacements for cement in concrete. Individuals can help by voting for candidates who will take action on the climate and push for stronger environmental policies. On the local level, it starts with education and exploring critical climate issues.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.




A view from inside the open house at the Loudoun County Office of Elections on April 23, 2025. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

Loudoun Countys elections office hosted an open house Wednesday, one of several localities inviting voters behind the scenes to learn more about the election process and combat disinformation about ballot security and election integrity as Virginia prepares for high stakes state and local elections in November.

Colleen Regan, a Loudoun County voter and former election worker of five years, said she was impressed with the presentations at the event, calling it an ideal example of being transparent about how our voting system works.

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Americans have waded through a flood of disinformation about the election process and political candidates for the past five years, a trend that ramped up with then-presidential candidate Donald Trumps repeated false claims that he, not Joe Biden, won the 2020 presidential election.

Election officials nationwide also encountered attacks, threats and harassment about election security, including in Buckingham County, Virginia, where in 2023 the countys registrar and election staff resigned due to relentless, and baseless, allegations of voter fraud.

There are some people who are so entrenched in their belief systems that they cannot be swayed even by getting behind the scenes, said Alicia Slook, a Democrat and an election officer in Loudoun County, whose goal is to educate voters and increase transparency about how the election process works.

Openness and transparency is what its all about, said state Del. Geary Higgins, R-Loudoun, So when people can go in and look at the system and kick the tires and see how it works, then it removes, potentially, some of the misunderstandings or things that somebody might have questions about. Its good to open the doors and let folks come in and see how the whole thing works.

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Virginians will elect the next governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, House of Delegates members and local officers in November, many of whom will first face primaries. Early voting for primary elections begins May 2.

Come in and have a look

Loudoun County Office of Elections Wednesday open house was the first part of a two-day event giving the public a birds eye view of the many processes that unfold during an election cycle, the security of Virginias election technology and what happens after an election.

Loudouns open house also included details on how the office prepares and trains election officers and uses technology to help people to vote, and how the office reports election results.

We want to show our community through transparency, what actually goes on during an election and all of the details that go into putting on an election, said Samatha Alfaro, communication manager for the Loudoun County Office of Elections.

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Slook said the average voter doesnt see the time spent testing equipment and the measures employed to ensure security, which makes the extra effort to host the open house worth it.

The office doesnt have to do this. This is more work for them, but they are doing it because they know theres nothing to see here, and they want that to be clear to the public, Slook said. This is your process. Come in and have a look at it.

The Loudoun County Office of Elections shared what it takes to be an election officer during an open house on April 23. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury)

Regan, the former election worker who participated in Loudouns open house, said the office did well in breaking down the complexities of elections operations into bite sized pieces. She encouraged other voters to take advantage of similar opportunities across the commonwealth to help increase their knowledge and confidence of the election process.

Democratic state Dels. David Reid and Sen. Kannan Srinivasan, all from Loudoun, and other leaders attended Wednesdays open house. The two state lawmakers all serve on their respective election committees in the General Assembly.

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Although this is the first time the county is hosting an open house for voters, this is not the first time it has hosted guests.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin visited Loudouns elections office for logic and accuracy testing two years ago, which shed light on the security of the offices election technology.

Prince Williams successful pilot

Prince Williams elections office hosted its first open house last year, an event so popular that the office ran out of available visitor slots, elections director Eric Olsen said.

Open houses are a great way to give the public more information about the electoral process, Olsen said, instead of them getting their information through 15-second video clips on social media.

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I think we have an obligation to provide those opportunities for people. I think its a little bit of a recognition of where we are as a society and how we learn about things, and needing to do more beyond the information thats just kind of provided to us through our phones or through an algorithm that looks at what we always look at, Olsen added.

Reassuring voters about the security, accuracy and fairness of the process was also a timely response to voter fraud allegations against the county registrar, lobbied by Attorney General Jason Miyares Election Integrity Unity in 2024.

In a lawsuit, Miyares office claimed former county registrar Michele White was tampering with votes, WVTF reported. However the case was dropped because a key witness against White said the evidence used to show Whites alleged malfeasance was flawed and her actions were in line regular vote maintenance.

White is suing the attorney generals office.

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Last week, the Prince William elections office won its first award from the Election Assistance Commissions (EAC) Annual Clearinghouse for innovative practices in election administration for posting the results tapes online. The tapes provide the overall election results, which contain vote tallies for every candidate in every race, and votes on ballot initiatives.

Olsen said the award represents the offices commitment to transparency and providing an excellent voting experience for PWC voters.

He told Mercury that his office is planning a second open house after the events success last year.

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LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE)  New Mexico State University officially inaugurated its 32nd president. NMSU President Valerio Ferme was honored with an inauguration ceremony Thursday morning after beginning his tenure in January.

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Before arriving in Las Cruces, Ferme served as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Cincinnati. Before Cincinnati, Ferme served as dean of the College of Arts and Letters at Northern Arizona University and divisional dean for the Arts and Humanities at the University of Colorado. Fermes hiring followed the 2022 resignation of former NMSU president John Floros.

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VATICAN CITY  They came from far and wide, the U.S., the U.K. and South America among other places, all united in their desire to pay their last respects to Pope Francis.

Outside St. Peters Basilica, thousands of people lined up for hours, some waiting in the cold twilight of Thursday morning to catch a glimpse of the pontiffs body as it lay in a simple wooden coffin, dressed in red liturgical vestments, his hands folded and holding a rosary.

Nuns and priests were among the mourners who lined up to pay their respects.

Thousands lined up outside St. Peter's Basilica.

Closed for just an hour for cleaning, the holy place was reopened as hushed mourners including nuns, priests and members of the public started to file past Francis, who died Monday after he suffered a stroke.

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California native Sonia James, 20, described him as an extremely influential leader, as she waited in line Wednesday. I think its important and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

A nun kneels next to Pope Francis' coffin.

Magdalena Kiwondo, from Kenya, holds a statue of the Virgin Mary.

She was joined by her friend Molly Dorman from Fair Port, Alabama. I can stand in a line for three or four hours. I think that its important to do that, Dorman said.

Dorman, 19, said it was her first visit to Rome and thought it would be solemn and surreal to see Francis' body close up.

One of the first to pass by the coffin was Liza Massachi, who said the basilica was very crowded when she entered after lining up for around hour inside.

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She likened losing Francis to losing your grandfather, your very wise grandfather.

Visitors, pilgrims and the faithful walk next to the coffin.

She added that she said her last goodbyes.

On Friday, a holiday in Italy, the crowds lined up outside the basilica at St. Peter's Square were even larger as the last of the faithful lined up for the final day to view the pope before the coffin is sealed shut.

Francis' funeral will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. (2 a.m. ET) in St. Peters Square, after which the Vatican press office is expected to release details of the conclave that will elect the next pontiff.

Heads of state, including President Donald Trump, are expected to attend Francis' funeral.

Molly Hunter and Claudio Lavanga reported from Vatican City and Max Butterworth from London.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
An immigrant from Venezuela tried to take his life by hanging himself while in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) last month, an official and advocates said this week.

The incident, which took place in the second week of March, illustrates what immigrant advocates say are poor conditions that detainees in the custody of federal immigration agencies in Detroit are facing as the U.S. toughens immigration enforcement. Advocates are concerned that immigrants are disappearing into a system where they lack access to counsel. In many cases, the detentions are happening after immigrants accidentally take the wrong lane onto the bridge or tunnel that leads to Canada.

More: Activists say southeast Michigan police raids are targeting pro-Palestinian protesters

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But CBP said their officers saved the man's life by acting swiftly to stop the attempted suicide and transported him to a hospital. A spokesman in Michigan for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the man who attempted suicide was a citizen of Venezuela and was later turned over on March 15 to a detention facility that contracts with the Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It's unclear where he is currently and his name was not provided.

The man was allegedly a member of the gang Tren de Aragua, a group in Venezuela labeled by the U.S. as a criminal organization, CBP officials told U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, according to the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. Tlaib had visited a CBP facility on March 21, meeting with CBP leaders who sought to reassure her that their detainees are treated humanely.

The suicide attempt had taken place at a detention facility near the Detroit-Windsor tunnel the week before Tlaib's visit, said Christine Sauve, manager of policy and communication at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.

"At the time of (Tlaib's) visit, there had just been a suicide attempt the previous week," Sauve said. "There's also a detention site at the tunnel, and so what CBP told Rep. Tlaib was that a Venezuelan man, they claimed from Tren de Agua, was in a holding cell and officers observed him trying to hang himself, and they intervened."

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Sauve said the Venezuelan man "was at that tunnel port of entry detention site for three days. We don't know what happened to that person. We actually are quite concerned about the conditions of the tunnel."

In a statement to the Free Press on April 23, a spokesman for CBP in Michigan explained what the agency said happened.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, visited on March 21, 2025, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at a detention facility near the entrance to the Ambassador Bridge in southwest Detroit. Many immigrants are ending up in detention after accidentally entering a lane that leads to the bridge that connects the U.S. and Canada.

"CBP officers are trained to observe, respond to, and take action to thwart any attempt at self-harm, and at no time was a detainee in our custody able to follow through with an attempt on their life," he said. "In fact, due to the quick actions by CBP officers, the detainee in question was transported to a local hospital, where he was observed, evaluated, and cleared by medical professionals to return to custody at the port of entry, prior to being transferred into ICE custody."

He was then transferred on March 15 to an ICE detention center, the spokesman said.

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The Venezuelan citizen was one of 213 immigrants who were detained in Detroit by U.S. Customs and Border Protection over a two-month period after President Donald Trump took office in January, according to data the agency provided to Tlaib. Tlaib provided the data to the center, who shared it with the Free Press this week. Tlaib did not return a phone call and message April 23.

About 90% of the 213 immigrants detained from January 20 to March 21 were people who accidentally took the wrong lane in southwest Detroit onto the Ambassador Bridge, which connects the U.S. to Canada, Sauve said. Some also had mistakenly tried to cross through the Detroit-Windsor tunnel in downtown Detroit. About 100 of the 213 cases were first-time encounters with CBP, said officials with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.

CBP told Tlaib that 40 of the people detained were gang members with Tren de Aragua, which the Trump administration has said is a growing threat and is part of the reason they're toughening immigration enforcement.

CBP disputed some of the data provided by Tlaib to the center, saying it's not completely accurate.

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More: Amid immigrant anxiety, Detroit's oldest Catholic parish gets new owner, $50M in support

"While CBP did encounter just over 200 aliens from Jan. 20 to March 21, only approximately half of those were detained and turned over to ICE/ERO (Enforcement Removal Operations branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) after CBP secondary processing was complete," the CBP spokesman said. "When Rep. Tlaib visited the Port of Detroit in March, there were no individuals being detained at our facilities."

The data reveals for the first time the frequency of immigrants being detained in Detroit after taking a wrong turn onto the bridge and tunnel.

The immigrants were detained in a CBP facility in a building in southwest Detroit that is near the entrance to the Ambassador Bridge. CPB told the Free Press the facility is at the Port of Detroit. A managing attorney with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, Ruby Robinson, raised questions about conditions in the facility, saying detainees in some cases are being held for prolonged periods, not getting access to counsel, and lacking proper food and sanitary supplies like diapers for children. Tlaib visited the facility on March 21, meeting with CBP officials.

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Marty Raybon, director of field operations at the Detroit Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, defended the facility in a post on X after Tlaib's visit, saying immigrant detainees are "treated with dignity and respect."

"We hosted @RepRashida today to highlight our safe/secure facilities in #Detroit and discuss the realities of our ongoing immigration enforcement mission," Raybon said. "Make no mistake  those held in our custody are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of immigration status."

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, (2nd from right in photo) visited on March 21, 2025, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at a detention facility near the entrance to the Ambassador Bridge in southwest Detroit. Many immigrants are ending up in detention after accidentally entering a lane that leads to the bridge that connects the U.S. and Canada.

Tlaib was "shown a supply rooms that had diapers, clothes, toys, and the food that's available, like ramen and microwave pasta," Sauve said.

But in one recent case, an immigrant mother named Sarahi and her children were not given diapers and a child who developed a fever and cough was not given medication, said Robinson, her attorney.

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What CBP told Tlaib last month "conflicts with ... what our client shared with us previously," Sauve said. "In that case, they did not have access to diapers or clothing" and medicine.

More: Wrong turn at Ambassador Bridge exit leads to detention for Detroit immigrant mom, kids

A CBP spokesman said the facility that's being criticized "was established by CBP at the Port of Detroit in the event aliens including family units with no legal status in the U.S. needed to be temporarily housed, while they awaited transfer to ICE custody. This facility has seldom been utilized as there has not been an influx of family units encountered at our ports of entry."

Immigrants are 'disappearing'

Immigrants being detained while accidentally entering the bridge are not new and took place in previous administrations, Robinson said. But what's different now is that CBP is holding them in their own facility for long periods of time even though the agency is not equipped traditionally to house inmates. In the past, the detainees would be released and put on a tether or asked to appear for a court hearing at a later time, Robinson said. Now, they are detained and then deported with little transparency, advocates said.

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"People make a wrong turn and then they end up disappearing into CBP custody," Sauve said. "There's the lack of transparency and oversight, and the other big problem here is just the overall curtailing of due process, the fairness that we hold so dear, guaranteed under our constitution to make sure that people have access to counsel and the opportunity to have their case heard in court."

Tlaib and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center are expected to speak out about these challenges at a news conference April 24.

"These numbers seem high and unsettling," Robinson said of the 213 immigrants detained over two months in one center. He doesn't have the data for previous years and has been trying through FOIA requests with CBP to get more information.

Robinson also questioned how CBP decided that 40 of the immigrants detained were members of Tren de Aragua

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In the case of Sarahi, the immigrant mother from Guatemala who lives in Detroit with two girls who are both U.S. citizens, ages 1 and 5, the family was detained after accidentally entering the lane to the Ambassador Bridge while on their way to Costco for some weekend shopping, Robinson said. GPS directions routed them toward a Costco in Windsor, Canada, instead of in Michigan.

For five days, the woman and her family were stuck in a detention center, confused and scared about what was happening to them and where they were, and unable to get access to a lawyer. The woman's brother, who was traveling with them to Costco, also was detained.

CBP defends policies and detentions

CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham defended the agency in a statement last month to the Free Press, released by a spokesman for CBP in Michigan.

"When individuals violate immigration laws, their choices make them subject to detention and removal," Beckham said. "In this case, an illegal alien was encountered at the Detroit Ambassador Bridge after driving into Canada without travel documents."

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Regarding the issue of wrong turns onto the bridge and tunnel, CBP said that they are following a "routine procedure" when they check on the legal status of people who want to cross back into the U.S. There are many signs on the highways in metro Detroit alerting drivers they will enter Canada if they're in a particular lane, CBP said.

"CBP is aware of instances where individuals, including illegal aliens, have made unintended entries into Canada from Michigan ports of entry, or attempted to re-enter the United States without proper documentation," the CBP spokesman said Wednesday. "All individuals seeking to enter the United States at a port of entry are subject to inspection by CBP officers for compliance with immigration, customs, and agriculture regulations as a matter of routine procedure."

The spokesman described the procedures that border officers do in deciding whether to detain or allow drivers back into the U.S.

"CBP officers determine a travelers admissibility based on the inspection process, which includes a review of the travel documents presented," he said. "If an alien cannot provide valid documentation or establish a lawful basis to enter or remain in the United States, they may be deemed inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and subject to removal proceedings following due process."

Most people who cross borders don't encounter any problems, the CBP said. The U.S. is no longer releasing unauthorized immigrants when they encounter them and instead move to transfer them to ICE for deportation, officials added.

Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo

This story was updated to add a gallery.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Venezuelan immigrant detained in Detroit tried to take life
New and Expanded Partnerships Announced Across Advertising, Travel Technology, Supply and Travel Agents

SEATTLE, April 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Expedia Group today announced a series of strategic travel partnerships aimed at expanding its footprint to additional markets in the Middle East, spanning advertising, technology and supply partnerships, alongside the launch of its travel agent program, Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP), part of the companys B2B network, into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The partnerships underscore the companys commitment to empowering Middle Eastern partners with access to its global traveler audience, increasing their visibility, and driving incremental revenue growth.

Expanding the Travel Agent Footprint in the UAE

Expedia TAAP  part of the companys B2B network, Private Label Solutions  is launching in the UAE, unlocking its intuitive booking platform for travel agents in the Middle East region to meet the rising demand in the region.

Expedia TAAP empowers travel agents to boost their earnings with access to its vast travel inventory and a seamless booking experience. Travel agents earn commission on total booking value and grow their business with user friendly tools, marketing materials, and more.

Other areas of Expedia Group's B2B network have operated in the Middle East for more than 10 years with key partnerships including Rezlive, Halalbooking and Blackrock Technologies.

Advertising the Middle East to a Global Audience

Expedia Group Media Solutions, the worlds travel media network, provides travel partners, brands and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) with targeted solutions to reach, engage, and convert hundreds of millions of travelers worldwide through innovative advertising products. For partners in the Middle East, the media network offers a powerful platform to connect with travelers through compelling content wherever they plan and book their journeys. With industry-leading measurement and reporting tools, advertisers can optimize campaigns and maximize impact. New partnerships include:
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A man from Venezuela has admitted guilt to federal sex trafficking charges. This case involves the illegal transport and exploitation of women for prostitution in Baton Rouge.

Josmar Jesus Zambrano-Chirinos pleaded guilty in a deal with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Louisiana. Court documents said he admitted to one count of sex trafficking using force, fraud, and coercion.

Court documents say Zambrano-Chirinos and a female associate lured women from outside the U.S. with false promises of opportunity. Once the women arrived, they forced them into prostitution to pay off made-up debts.

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Prosecutors said Zambrano helped two women enter the U.S. illegally in early 2024. Then, he took them to a rented apartment in Baton Rouge. Once there, they were forced to engage in commercial sex acts.

In April 2024, authorities discovered the operation after a victim called 911. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office responded to the scene. They found cash, condoms, sexual devices, and cell phones with messages from clients. Deputies also found ledgers that tracked the womens earnings and debts.

Zambrano was arrested in May 2024 at a Baton Rouge hotel alongside another man. In the plea deal, he admitted to helping the victims travel. He also managed their expenses and made money from their exploitation, court documents said.

As part of the agreement, the government will drop more charges after sentencing. However, Zambrano faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could receive up to life in prison. He also faces potential fines, restitution, and a minimum of five years of supervised release following his prison term.

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Zambranos plea also comes with immigration consequences, including separation, court documents said.

The court will determine the sentencing at a later date.

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In a move reflecting Caracas long-standing fears of foreign intervention, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused the United States of conspiring to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro to gain control over the resource-rich Essequibo region, a territory long disputed between Venezuela and Guyana.

Speaking during a televised address on Tuesday, Padrino Lopez claimed that plotters aim to turn the Florida-sized Essequibo into a spoil of war for U.S. interests, using regime change as leverage.

The threat constantly evolves, but one thing remains unchanged: the conspiracy to surrender our homeland, he said during a graduation ceremony at the Bolivarian National Guard command. They want to convert the Essequibo into a spoil of war  part of a plot to deliver our territory in exchange for regime change imposed by U.S. imperialism.

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Earlier this month, the Venezuelan military raised its alert level, citing an alleged U.S. plot to fabricate an incident involving an ExxonMobil offshore platform in contested waters, potentially justifying military intervention.

The Defense Ministry issued a statement accusing foreign actors of seeking to provoke conflict in the long-contested region, which has been administered by Guyana since an 1899 arbitration ruling  a decision Venezuela has never recognized.

On the eve of the ministrys announcement, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez echoed these allegations, accusing the United States, the Guyanese government, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and Blackwater founder Erik Prince of conspiring to launch a military operation against Venezuela. Rodriguez claimed the plan included a false flag attack on the ExxonMobil platform.

This plot is intended to stage an attack on an ExxonMobil platform operating in the yet-to-be-demarcated Essequibo waters, providing justification for hostile actions against our country, Rodriguez said during a televised speech.

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Tensions over the ExxonMobil site escalated in late February, when a Venezuelan warship entered the disputed area, triggering a warning from Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded firmly during a recent visit to Georgetown.

It would be a very bad day for the Venezuelan regime if they attacked Guyana or ExxonMobil, Rubio said. We have a large navy, and it can reach almost anywhere in the world. We are committed to Guyana.

The Essequibo border dispute, which dates back more than 180 years, has significantly intensified in recent months. In December 2023, President Maduro held a controversial referendum that claimed 98% public support for asserting sovereignty over the region  a vote widely criticized for alleged fraud and lack of transparency.

Since then, Maduro has doubled down, declaring Essequibo a new Venezuelan state, bolstering military presence near the border, and planning regional elections to install a local governor  moves condemned by the international community.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22 FOX44)  Advocacy groups are calling for the release of eight migrant workers arrested at Vermonts largest dairy farm Monday.

On April 21, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents near Richford, Vermont, responded to a report from a concerned citizen who observed two individuals carrying backpacks exiting a wooded area and crossing a cornfield into private farmland approximately 2.5 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border, a spokesperson from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection wrote in a statement.

Agents apprehended one of the individuals on scene, while the second fled. During the ensuing search of the area, agents located and apprehended additional individuals determined to be illegally present in the United States, they concluded.

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This is one of the largest immigration arrests in recent Vermont history the arrest of workers on a farm in Vermont that weve seen, so obviously this is generating a lot of fear and concern in the community. At the same time what Migrant Justice is hearing for our members is a message of resilience and resistance, said Will Lambek, a staff member with non-profit Migrant Justice.

The advocacy group called for the release of all eight people, writing in a press release Tuesday that all of the individuals, which they listed by name, were working at Pleasant Valley Farms. Farm owner Amanda St. Pierre confirmed the arrests in an email writing, we do not know the details or reasons at this time our employees were hired following the federal and state employment requirements.

Lambek says the organization will seek to provide legal aid to the detained workers.

It takes a few before a person detained by immigration will have access to bond hearing, so we dont expect it to be soon, but the more pressure thats put in this case the faster farm workers can win their release,

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A flurry of elected officials have been releasing statements since Tuesday condemning the arrest including Governor Phil Scott, State Senator Peter Welch, Representative Becca Balint and Senator Bernie Sanders, who called it, exactly the wrong approach.



Migrant Justice is planning to hold a community rally at Burlington City Hall on Thursday calling for the workers release. The non-profit has also launched a petition directed at an immigration judge which received over 1,500 signatures as of Wednesday evening.

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MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  The Vermont Department of Labor will honor Workers Memorial Day with the rest of the United States Monday, April 28.

Dirk Anderson, Director of Workers Compensation and Safety at the Vermont Department of Labor said that Since this time last year, one worker has lost their life on a Vermont job site.

This represents a decrease from the prior year, which is good news, but even one death is too many. On this Workers Memorial Day, we hope that employers and employees alike take a moment to remember that safety should always be their priority.

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U.S. officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and more will speak during this years Workers Memorial Day ceremony at 1:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C.

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RUNNELS COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Constructed in 1999, the Runnels County Jail has seen decades of wear. County Judge Julia Miller expressed that repairs and upgrades will be needed in the coming years if the facility remains open and in compliance with the Texas State Code.

Miller said that much of that repair has been done over the past two to three years through county funds and grant money. However, with that grant money running out, the county is going to the voters for approval of a $3,900,000 bond spread out over the next 20 years. That bond focused on upgrades and upkeep in the remaining key areas.

The jail is 26 years old, and over the years, there are some major repairs that have kind of been just not addressed. Over the past couple of years, weve used grant money and county money out of our general fund to deal with a little over a million dollars in repairs. But we are down to some really big ticket items, such as the HVAC, our plumbing, additional electrical work, and dealing with replacing cell doors. All of those items are just astronomically expensive; we cannot do it in our budget. So that is what has prompted us to go out for this bond election, Judge Miller said.

Miller said if passed, the bond would equate to about a $28 per year increase for a home valued at $100,000. That amount would be paid out over the next 20 years.

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A couple of months ago, the state came in to do those random inspections, and we passed with flying colors. However, we still have these issues, and if we do not address them, theyre going to become really big issues, said Miller.

KTAB/KRBC spoke with residents in the Ballinger area, where the jail is located, many of whom are conflicted. While some feel there is no need for repairs at this time, others see the bond as necessary to keep the jail within state compliance and ensure it doesnt decay further in the coming years. Ballinger homeowner Hugh Edmonson said, I have positioned myself to be able to pay the taxes if they happen to go up. Considering the other citizens in the community, its not going to be an easy proposition for them, especially homeowners or anybody on a fixed income.

A similar jail bond issue failed in Runnels County just three years ago. Judge Miller says that at that time, voters voiced doubt in the countys commitment to maintenance, unwilling to put more money into the facility given its condition. That is why Miller says the county has spent the last few years doing the work.

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We know 20 years is a long time, but weve hired a full-time maintenance personThe jail is so far from where it was just two years ago, and were committed to making it last, Miller said.

Even with the reassurance of progress so far, Edmonson says he is still wary of what the next 20 years might hold and whether or not state compliance might change.

So, we spend the $3,000,000 and get it up to specs until we get some kind of specification or edict from the state that says, okay, youre out of compliance again. And then, what will that be? I dont know if we know that. I dont know if anyone knows that, said Edmondson.

Miller says that with the current reality facing the county, the bond measure is the only recourse they feel could lead to progress, adding that if the bond were to fail, We might be able to limp along for a while. But if something really major comes up were at a very critical point, and we do not want to have to shut the jail down, Miller said.

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Miller explains that closing the jail would necessitate transferring inmates to another facility. However, since there is no single detention center that can accommodate all the inmates from Runnels County, the population would be spread across neighboring counties. Miller points out that this arrangement would create additional challenges regarding transportation for court dates, medical visits, and other law enforcement procedures. Moreover, Runnels County would still need to maintain a 72-hour holding facility for individuals arrested within the county.

If the bond does pass, well move forward. If it doesnt pass, were still good for the time being; I dont know how long we will be, though, said Miller.

Early voting will end on Tuesday, April 29. Election Day is on Saturday, May 3.

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VATICAN CITY (WGN)  Thousands of people from across the world have lined up to say their goodbyes to Pope Francis.

The lines were so long on Wednesday night that the Vatican chose to keep its doors open until 5:30 a.m. when it was originally scheduled to close at midnight.

They reopened at 7 a.m. and the lines continued. People waited for hours, even those who are not Catholic.

Related: Vatican keeps St. Peters open all night for public viewing of Pope Francis

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I think he was very special, especially to the poor people who had a tough life. This pope is really the peoples pope, Ruben Ettes, from the Netherlands, said.

Attendees say the mood shifted once they walked through the doors.

For me, it was a bit, not like overwhelming, but it was a bit much, Matej Mozini, from Germany, said. I think its nice to see that many people cared about this one person even though they didnt know him personally, but he was a huge figure for their religion.

A woman from California was on vacation with friends in Portugal. She knew she had to fly to Rome to honor Pope Francis, a man she says preached about a world she wants to see, where kindness and goodness prevail.

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We woke up at 6, got here by 6:45. We waited about two hours, it wasnt horrific, Susana Huant, from Orange County, California, said. Its very overwhelming when you walk in just because the feeling of everybody walking in, you see their emotions.

Even though people are focused on honoring, praying over, and saying goodbye to Pope Francis, they cant help thinking about a new pope and potentially, a new direction for the Catholic church.

The Vatican has not announced a date for the conclave. The visitation will continue through Friday at 7 p.m.

Pope Francis coffin will be sealed during a liturgical ceremony held in St. Peters Basilica on Friday at 8 p.m.

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WGN Full Coverage: Remembering Pope Francis

There will be live coverage of Pope Francis funeral this Saturday on WGN TV beginning at 2 a.m.

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Authorities have identified the woman killed in a grisly murder at an Allston apartment building on Monday night.

77-year-old Peggy Yousef of Allston was found dead at 82 Glenville Avenue after officers received a radio call for an unknown domestic incident around 7:48 p.m., according to Boston Police.

Investigators allegedly recovered a bloody sword and bat from the scene.

Very scary: Sword-wielding accused killer tries to steal college students car in Allston

Officers located and arrested 26-year-old Omar Riaz of Allston shortly thereafter when he allegedly tried stealing a car on Quint Avenue.

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He was charged with murder, armed carjacking and resisting arrest.

Prosecutors alleged Riaz killed Yousef, who was a family member, in her bedroom while his girlfriend was in the other room.

His girlfriend was transported to the hospital after the killing, but prosecutors said she does not have serious injuries.

Investigators say he has a criminal record that includes three prior restraining orders, a pending case in Quincy District Court involving malicious destruction of property, and an 18-month suspended sentence in Fitchburg for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon involving a knife.

Investigation Update: Victim Identified in 82 Glenville Avenue Homicide https://t.co/jAYhzVWgB1 pic.twitter.com/DA0z6VQJxs  Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 24, 2025

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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By Joshua McElwee

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Advocates for Catholic clergy sexual abuse victims are criticising the appointment of a retired U.S. cardinal who has been accused of mishandling abuse cases to a ceremonial role in helping seal Pope Francis' casket and entomb his remains.

Roger Mahony, archbishop of Los Angeles from 1985 to 2011, denies any wrongdoing. He will be one of nine cardinals and dozens of other officials overseeing two special rites on Friday and Saturday, the Vatican said on Wednesday.

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The rites include the pope's interment at Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major on Saturday, following his funeral in St. Peter's Square.

"Shame on him for participating in the public rites for Pope Francis, and shame on the College of Cardinals for allowing him to do so," said Anne Barrett Doyle of the group Bishop Accountability, which has tracked Catholic clergy abuse for decades.

David Clohessy, a former director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said the role "sends the signal to complicit bishops that... they will still be protected and honored by their peers."

The current archbishop of Los Angeles, Jose Gomez, initially removed Mahony from all "administrative or public duties" over the mishandling allegations in January 2013, in a rare public rebuke by one Church official of another.

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Gomez backtracked weeks later and said Mahony was a priest "in good standing" with the archdiocese, but did not explain the change of status.

The Los Angeles archdiocese said on Thursday that Gomez's first statement had been "misinterpreted" at the time. "We are blessed to have Cardinal Mahony represent our Archdiocese in Rome for the funeral of our Holy Father," said the statement.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Thursday that the cardinal participants in the two events were determined by the individual prelate's length of tenure as a cardinal.

Mahony, who is 89, is one of the most senior-ranking among the world's cardinals.

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HIGH-PROFILE GROUP

Others taking part in the same ceremonies include Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is temporarily in charge of the Vatican in the time between popes; Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State; and the late pope's secretaries.

In 2013, release of Church files related to a lawsuit suggested Mahony and another official had shielded several accused priests in the 1980s by sending them for treatment to psychiatrists known as friendly to the Church.

Mahony apologised after the release of the files "for my own failure to protect fully the children and youth entrusted into my care." But he said many Catholic officials did not understand how to handle clergy suspected of abuse at the time.

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The Los Angeles archdiocese, which serves 4 million Catholics, reached a $660 million civil settlement in 2007 with more than 500 victims of child molestation. Mahony at that time called the abuse "a terrible sin and crime."

Mahony will be unable to vote in the coming papal conclave. He is beyond the age limit of 80 for cardinals to vote for the next pope.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Two suspects have been arrested in connection with two unrelated but similar cases of carrier schemes in Prince Georges County, police said Thursday.

Between the two cases, victims lost nearly $740,000.

In the first case, Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) detectives arrested 25-year-old Parmveer Parmveer of Grove City, Ohio. Victims had been scammed out of nearly $700,000 in cash and gold bars after a pop-up alert appeared on the victims laptops.

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The alert urged the victim to contact Apple security and gave a false number. Individuals posing as security personnel and a representative from the Federal Trade Commission convinced them to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM, saying their account wasnt secure. The scammers also convinced the victims to take out more money and purchase gold from a local dealer, PGPD detailed.

West Potomac High School students return to new security measures after teen stabbed

An organized carrier came to pick up the gold from the victims home multiple times. Detectives were able to arrest Parmveer when he went to a home for one of the arranged pickups. The victims in this case were defrauded of nearly $700,000 in cash and gold bars, police said.

In a similar, but unrelated case, detectives charged 47-year-old Gyoung Lee of Flushing, N.Y. The victim also received a pop-up on his computer  this one advising him to contact Microsoft Support to discuss a security issue using a provided number. PGPD said the scammers posed as a tech support agent and a representative from the U.S. Treasury Department.

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The victim made cash withdrawals and gave the money to a carrier at the victims home. PGPD investigators arrested Lee when he arrived at the victims home to pick up cash. This victim lost $40,000 to the scammers.



The PGPD reminds all residents to never give money, gold, gift cards or anything else of value to someone you do not know, even if they are posing as representatives from legitimate businesses, banking institutions or government agencies, police said.

PGPD encourages anyone who believes they are a victim of a scam to contact detectives at 301-516-1464.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  It has been 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. To honor the soldiers who served there, this weekend, KELOLAND TV will air Nexstars latest special, Vietnam War: A Lost Generation.

A group of Vietnam veterans got to watch an early screening of the film Wednesday afternoon at the Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls. Afterward, KELOLANDs Don Jorgensen hosted a panel discussion with four veterans who detailed what they faced while serving in the war.

As a room full of Vietnam veterans and their loved ones watched the 45-minute special, memories of the war started flooding back.

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Whats in South Dakotas settlement with the NCAA

I look at this film, and some of the things came back really quick, Vietnam veteran Gene Murphy said.

They say it painted a good picture of what happened there.

As they said in the film, everything we did wasnt necessarily shown back in the United States the way it really was. It was based on what the media wanted to show, so this was very much realistic of what we saw. They did a great job putting this film together, Vietnam veteran David Rowe said.

During the panel discussion following the film, Hawk Mayer got a little emotional while talking about the seven South Dakota Vietnam veterans who are still unaccounted for. Tommy Callies of Howard is one of the seven.

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Six years ago, when we had the wall here, his mother came down from Howard. She turned 90, and two years ago, she passed away, and all she said that day was, I want to know what happened to my son,' Mayer said.

There were also veterans who opened up about how difficult it is to process what they experienced during the war.

Like everybody else, I never talked about it when I got home, Rowe said.

So its important for them to find someone who knows exactly what theyre going through.

You find that if you want to talk about Vietnam, you have to find somebody that served there because anybody else doesnt have a clue of what youre talking about, Rowe said.

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That keeps you going. Its the camaraderie, Mayer said.

Many Vietnam vets were not thanked for their service when they came home, but theyre grateful for that attitude shift.

When we travel the country, or even when Im out and I go into the supermarket, I have people that will come up and tap me on the shoulder because of this hat and say, Thank you for your service,' Mayer said.

Along with Mayer, the four-person panel also included Gene Murphy, David Rowe and Bill McGinnis.

The special they discussed on Wednesday will air this Saturday on KELO-TV at 7 p.m. You can also watch a special Inside KELOLAND, where we introduce you to local Vietnam veterans and show you KELOLANDs trip to Vietnam in 1988. It airs on Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 10:30 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Fintech and payments company Fiserv has signed a definitive agreement to buy Brazilian fintech firm Money Money Servicos Financeiros.

This acquisition is expected to extend Fiserv's offerings in the Brazilian market, supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

The acquisition is contingent on standard closing conditions including regulatory clearances, with completion anticipated in the second quarter of 2025.

Money Money has developed a specialised financing engine that interfaces with the receivables registry system overseen by the Brazil Central Bank.

This technology enables the provision of working capital and other financial solutions to SMBs, based on a detailed analysis of each business.

The acquisition is intended to support Clover's strategy, which is aimed at aiding the growth of Brazilian businesses by addressing their payment processing, business management, and cash flow challenges.

Clover Capital fuelled by Money Money will be integrated with the Clover platform, Fiserv said in a statement.

This will involve leveraging risk analysis technology alongside predictive analytics of client business performance to tailor financial offerings with competitive terms.

The service will offer advances to businesses, with repayment plans secured against future sales receivables.

Launched in Brazil in December, Clover delivers a payment solution, cash flow support, and a suite of native applications.

It also provides a marketplace featuring tools and systems from Fiserv's network of independent software vendors (ISVs).

Fiserv Brazil general manager Jorge Valdivia said: "By adding this service to our portfolio, we take an important step to boost the growth of our acquiring clients, facilitating their access to the necessary resources to invest in improvements and processes. Our continued investment in the Brazilian market demonstrates our commitment to advance our clients business objectives by expanding our local capabilities.

Earlier in the month, Fiserv acquired Pinch Payments, an Australian payment facilitator that operates the PayFac enablement platform "Glassbox" and serves a merchant base in Australia and New Zealand.

"Fiserv to take over Brazilian fintech Money Money " was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Flight testing of Chinas two new next-generation fighter designs is continuing apace and offering new insights into both aircraft. The latest imagery of the larger of the two designs, commonly  but unofficially  called the J-36, offers the clearest look to date at the exhausts for its three engines and a new angle into its possible two-seat cockpit. Additional views of the second type, referred to as the J-XDS and J-50, show the interesting bay configuration on the side of the fuselage immediately behind the air intake and highlight other distinctive features like its swiveling wingtip control surfaces.

TWZ has previously published a highly detailed analysis of both the J-36 and J-XDS/J-50, which readers can find here.

There are no clear indications that the latest pictures and videos of the J-36 and J-XDS/J-50 have been fabricated, but this remains a possibility, albeit a very small one. Versions of some pictures of the aircraft that have been deliberately enhanced using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to try to glean more details are known to be circulating online. Many phone cameras now produce images that are similarly smoothed by default, as well.

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The newest views of the J-36 in a video and associated still images are seen in the social media posts below, which are said to have been shot in the city of Chengdu. The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, which has its main plant there, is responsible for the aircraft.

Finally got my hands on this video! Crystal-clear footage of Chengdu's 6th-generation fighter jet soaring over Chengdu Airport. Absolutely amazing!  #Chengdu6thGenFighter#MilitaryTechpic.twitter.com/Mmuz8kQA9h  GaoFrank     (@gaofrank75) April 23, 2025

Wow! I hope this latest image of the J-36 is legit but usually @2022 on Weibo is quite credible!  pic.twitter.com/zkPLBZaku4  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 23, 2025

As noted, the new rear aspect view of the J-36 gives the clearest look weve seen at the engine exhausts for its trio of engines, which is already a highly unusual feature of the aircraft. As seen below, we can now see petals extending out over the top of the exhaust trenches that sit inward of the aircrafts tailing edge. This only underscores TWZs previous analysis about the J-36s exhaust configuration and its major similarities in form and function to that found on Northrops YF-23. The YF-23 also notably featured an exotic intake design with boundary layer pores to help improve airflow, as you can learn more about here.

Chinese internet capture via X

A top-down look at Northrops YF-23 offering a good view of its exhaust configuration, including the trenches that sit inward of the tailing edge and the petals that extend out over the top of a part of them. USAF

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As we have previously written about the J-36s exhaust arrangement in general:

This is a clear low-observable play both for radar and infrared signature management. Recessing the engine exhaust before the aircrafts upper trailing edge is a classic low-observable design element that Northrop largely pioneered with Tacit Blue, B-2 Spirit, and YF-23. The ejected exhaust is spread out and has the potential to be actively cooled by this upper deck area. Above all else, this provides very limited line-of-sight to the engine exhausts themselves, which helps significantly in minimizing infrared signature, as well as radar cross-section, from most aspects.

The J-36 video also offers a new view into the aircrafts cockpit. Since the aircraft first emerged publicly, there has been speculation that it may have a two-seat cockpit with side-by-side seating. The imagery we have now is still inconclusive on this detail, but the possibility that two distinct heads-up displays may be visible has been raised by Andreas Rupprecht, a longtime Chinese military observer and contributor to this website.

No, it clearly looks like two HUDs pic.twitter.com/SCvVvfc2DS  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 23, 2025

Additional pictures and videos of the J-XDS/J-50 from the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation have also been circulating online in the past week or so.

And the same one in cut-out form 



(Images via @Captain on Weibo by OPPOFind 8) pic.twitter.com/15axXJCbc8  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 23, 2025

Another set of images showing SACs J-XDS prototype with its landing gear down and from the side  unfortunately still very small & blurry!



(Images via @2022 from Weibo) pic.twitter.com/L1FeFV6b6s  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 23, 2025

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A test flight of  Shenyangs sixth-generation aircraft took place today. It is clearly visible that the aircraft's swiveling wingtips are rotating. https://t.co/ROHRjHAo1Rpic.twitter.com/PFKFSUffPs   (@lfx160219) April 23, 2025

As mentioned, most interestingly, a bay of some kind with a pronounced bulge at the front is now plainly visible on at least the right side of the fuselage behind the air intake. It is also positioned right in front of the main landing bay on that side of the aircraft.

A close-up look at the J-XDS/J-50s bay on the right side of the fuselage. Chinese internet via X

Whether or not the J-XDS/J-50s bay may be for weapons or intended to serve some other purpose is unknown. Questions have already been raised about whether there is enough internal space in this part of the aircraft to hold a relevant munition. It is worth noting here that Chinas J-20 stealth fighter has weapons bays in roughly the same location, which also have a novel configuration wherein the missiles inside pop out fully along with their launch rails before firing, as you can read more about here.

We also have much clearer views of the J-XDS/J-50s unique swiveling wingtip control surfaces. TWZ has previously assessed that these wingtips most likely help provide additional stability for the tailless aircraft, and we have explored the advantages and disadvantages of such a design decision in detail.

No idea yet, but also interesting what looks like massive actuators  pic.twitter.com/9fGMn1GbY6  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 23, 2025

Though any new details about the J-36 and J-XDS/J-50 continue to draw particular attention, they represent just a portion of significant military aviation development efforts known to be ongoing in China, as well as additional work assumed to be going on outside of the public eye.

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Also today, a satellite image available through Google Earth began circulating online showing a curious object with a stealth fighter-like appearance, including a modified diamond-like delta platform, canards, and twin vertical tails, on the apron in front of the passenger terminal at Jining Qufu Airport in Shandong Province in eastern China. Additional satellite imagery from Planet Labs that TWZ reviewed shows that it has been there since at least September 2024. This is all doubly curious given that Jining Qufu Airport, which had been collocated with the Peoples Liberation Army Air Forces (PLAAF) Jining Air Base, was officially closed in December 2023.

A look at the object seen in the March 2025 image of Jining Qufu Airport available through Google Earth. Google Earth

A wider view of the main terminal at Jining Qufu Airport and the apron in front as seen in the March 2025 satellite image. Google Earth

While the airframe is unclear, it seems very likely to be a mock-up of some kind. It shows some rough similarities, but also significant differences to the Baidi Type-B, also known as the White Emperor, an entirely fictional space fighter design that the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) displayed at the 2024 Zhuhai airshow.

Comparisons have also already been drawn to vaguely J-20-esque shapes that emerged at the remote Lintao Air Base in north-central China in 2022. However, the structure of the wings and the nose of the object at Jining are distinctly different from those previously seen at Lintao, which may also be mock-ups or decoys.

The still unidentified shapes seen at Lintao Air Base in 2022. PHOTO  2022 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

A side-by-side comparison of one of the Lintao shapes and the object that has emerged at Jining. Google Earth

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A video is also now making the rounds on social media that has prompted questions about whether yet another new Chinese advanced military aircraft has emerged. What can be gleaned from the video is limited given how far away the aircraft is in the footage and its overall quality. Its provenance is also not immediately clear. What can be seen does not immediately appear to directly align with any known Chinese designs. Its overall shape also does not fit with a still-unidentified tailless fighter-like airframe that emerged at Shenyangs main plant in January, which TWZ was first to report on.

China is reportedly testing a third platform in northern China, according to the latest visuals that have emerged on social media.



The aircraft appears to be different from the two previously known tailless designs currently undergoing testing.



It is still too early to pic.twitter.com/9SsfoHPsAi  International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) April 23, 2025

Yes and as I noted here I'm confused   https://t.co/s5MNby9ZBl



However it is so much blurry. The best guess would be some sort of UAV/UCAV. We simply need to wait for more. pic.twitter.com/SqHTBwxf8J  @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) April 23, 2025

At the same time, it would hardly be the first time a new advanced Chinese aircraft design has emerged suddenly. The dramatic appearance of the J-36 and J-XDS/J-50 flying on Dec. 26 last year, despite no imagery having previously emerged of either aircraft, is a prime example.

Ongoing testing of the J-36 and J-XDS/J-50 is certainly continuing to reveal new details about those designs. We had previously predicted that reasonably high-resolution images of the two aircraft would emerge by early summer in line with the pattern of past Chinese rolling leaks.

If other advanced Chinese military aircraft are now flying or are otherwise progressing into the latter stages of development, additional details may well begin to emerge about them, as well.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
An emotional vigil that drew family, friends and community activists was held Wednesday for a beloved Harlem grandmother, businesswoman and community leader killed by a stray bullet in the crossfire of a shooting.

The vigil took place near the home of Excenia Mette, 61, who was gunned down Tuesday night trying to make sure her grandson was safe amid a senseless brawl.

According to cops, Mette, while inside Tamaras Beauty Bar, a salon on Lenox Ave. near W. 113th St., heard a loud argument between two groups about 10:20 p.m. Tuesday. The salon is on the first floor of the apartment building where Mette lived.

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Knowing her grandson was outside, Mette called out to the group as the commotion grew, demanding the quarrel stop and for her grandchild to leave, sources said. Her grandson, who was not involved in the fight, warned her to stay in the salon.

Not only did she run out for her grandson, she probably ran out for the very bullet from the person that shot her, Mettes sister, Diane London  a pastor in Allentown, Pa., who lives in Harlem  said at the vigil, calling her sister an anchor for the community who would run into a fire to help others.

She ran out for you too, because she cared enough about that, no matter how many times we begged her not to come out here, when you got in trouble, she came anyway. We could not stop her for helping you. And I want to tell you today that the power of God is going to rectify this situation, London said.

Mettes grandson, Jarian Jordan Jr., 24, also spoke at the vigil, recounting that I heard the shots go off downstairs and then I came downstairs.

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The last thing I remember, she was downstairs, he said, still shaken by the violence. She was actually making dinner, and she was organizing the front of the store. She periodically checked on the store.

According to cops, the two gunmen wrestled with each other, with one of the men pulling a gun and opening fire. The other man then drew his own weapon and fired back  just as Mette stepped outside, cops said. Mette was struck in the head by the stray bullet. Medics rushed her to Mount Sinai Morningside hospital, but she could not be saved.

The first shooter, identified by sources as 23-year-old Darious Smith, was blasted in the left foot by his rival and was transported to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital in stable condition, cops said. The other gunman, who ran off and has not been caught, fired the bullet that killed Mette, according to a police source.

Jordan Jr. referred to his grandmother, who went by the name of Zeenie, as a pillar of the community who served as a longtime member of the National Action Network, headed by the Rev. Al Sharpton. She owned and operated Momma Zees Food to Plez on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., which Jordan Jr. noted made her the first Black woman to own and run a bodega in New York City since 1987. The bodega closed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I dont even have the words. My mother was an advocate for the community. She wouldnt leave, said her 40-year-old son Jarian Jordan Sr. I tried to extract her from the community, but she loved it. She gave everything to this community and in the end she gave all.
Village FD training spotlights gaining access when seconds count

VILLAGE, Okla. (KFOR)  On Thursday, firefighters with the Village Fire Department sharpened their training regarding forcible entry.

Fire officials say gaining access when seconds count is one of the most critical skills in their toolbox when addressing entry into a structure.

Village Fire Department train with demonstrations in return for forcible entry, Image courtesy Village Fire Department Village Fire Department train with demonstrations in return for forcible entry, Image courtesy Village Fire Department Village Fire Department train with demonstrations in return for forcible entry, Image courtesy Village Fire Department Village Fire Department train with demonstrations in return for forcible entry, Image courtesy Village Fire Department

From a working house fire, a medical emergency behind a locked door, or a welfare check with no response, the ability to gain access quickly is what makes the difference between life and death, said Village fire officials.

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OTA: PIKEPASS scam targeting thousands of Oklahomans, FBI involved

Firefighters say the technique combines tool familiarity, building construction knowledge, and teamwork with training highlighting the following :

Rapid access during emergencies

Minimal property damage when possible

Safety for both victims and firefighters

Adaptability to different layouts and setups

With any emergency, Village firefighters say they train like its real, because one day, it will be.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Apr. 23AUSTIN  The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces two of Texas' 10 Most Wanted Fugitives are off the streets following their recent arrests in South and North Texas. Fugitives Hector Padilla Jr. and Rondarrius Evans  who was just added to the list earlier this month  were taken into custody on April 20 and 22, respectively. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in either case.

According to a DPS news release, Hector Padilla Jr., 35, was arrested by DPS Special Agents at an apartment complex in Laredo on Sunday. Padilla has a lengthy and violent criminal history out of Webb County, including multiple convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Padilla had been wanted out of Webb County since December 2024 for a probation violation stemming from a prior conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. More information on Padilla's capture can be found here.

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Rondarrius Davon Idae Evans, 21, was taken into custody in Downtown Dallas on Tuesday. Working off investigative information, DPS Special Agents, in coordination with DPS' Special Response Team (SRT), the Mesquite Police Department, the City of Dallas Fire Marshal's Office and the Dallas County Marshal's Office, located and arrested him, the release said.

Evans had been wanted out of Bowie County since August 2024 for two counts of capital murder for his alleged involvement in a double homicide that occurred on July 6, 2024, in New Boston. Additionally, on March 14, 2025, a warrant was issued out of Titus County for his arrest for failure to appear in court for a prior drug-related offense. More information on Evans' capture can be found here.

Funded by the Governor's Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas' 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. So far in 2025, DPS and other agencies have arrested 25 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including six sex offenders and nine criminal illegal immigrants  with $25,000 in rewards being paid for tips that yielded arrests.

To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:

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 Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).

 Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about, then clicking on the link under their picture.

 Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the "SUBMIT A TIP" link (under the "About" section).

All tips are anonymous  regardless of how they are submitted  and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants Lists. You can find the current lists  with photos  on the DPS website.

Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous.
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  A Virginia Tech student was killed in a car accident in Raleigh County.

According to information on Virginia Techs website, 19-year-old Jose Bautista, a Chesterfield, Virginia native and first-year student in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, died in a car accident in the Beckley area of Raleigh County on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Jose was an incredible child  kind, respectful, and loving, as all his friends and family describe him. We were blessed to have him for 19 years and will miss him dearly. We can never express enough how extraordinary our son was. Thank you for all your prayers and displays of affection for Jose. Bautista Family

Bautista was seeking an engineering degree, and was a part of the Galileo living-learning community in Pritchard Hall, which was known for helping create a sense of belonging between the engineering students, as well as academic excellence.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
"Oh, give me a home, where the buffalo roam, where the deer and the antelope play," goes the venerable Western folk song "Home on the Range."

Fences strung throughout the western United States to corral cattle and other livestock, however, block buffalo from roaming and restrict the play of deer and antelope. The deployment of virtual fencing may free wildlife to prance unfettered by barbed wire across the vast landscapes of the American West. Ranchers will also benefit from this cheaper and more flexible tool for managing the grazing of their herds.

How does virtual fencing work? "Animals (primarily cattle) wear GPS-enabled collars that emit sound, vibrations, and mild electric pulses to guide their movement to encourage them to stay withinor deter them from enteringdesignated areas," explains a November 2024 policy brief from the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) in Bozeman, Montana. Virtual fencing software and collars communicate through cell networks, base stations, or satellites.

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By one estimate, more than 620,000 miles of fences crisscross the western United States. These barriers present significant challenges to the movement of wildlife such as mule deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and sage grouse. The Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks service has estimated that on average, one ungulate (hoofed mammal such as a deer, elk, or pronghorn) was found tangled for every 2.5 miles of fence. A 2023 study reported that half of radio-collared pronghorn, along with thousands more from the herd, died in deep snow when fencing stymied their migration to warmer pastures.

Livestock are trained for several days to respond to the signals emitted by the collars before being set loose to graze. Ranchers can keep track of the location of each animal, manage their herds, and even encourage them to graze on undesired or invasive species by adjusting virtual boundaries through apps on their cellphones or computers. Virtual fencing can also prevent overgrazing and protect ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands, riparian zones, erodible soils, and wildlife corridors.

Researchers at Cornell University, with the support of the Bezos Earth Fund, are working to extend the benefits of virtual fencing to farmers and ranchers in low- and middle-income countries. Instead of collars, the Cornell team is developing a rugged small ear tag that incorporates geolocation, behavioral sensors, and boundary-setting stimuli.

PERC has launched a virtual fence conservation fund that will distribute $250,000 to encourage ranchers and conservationists to adopt this technology on public and private lands. Deploying virtual fences that enable buffalo to roam and antelope to play is a win-win for both ranchers and conservationists.

The post Virtual Fencing Can Help Buffalo Roam and Antelope Play appeared first on Reason.com.
Visitor pulls gun on valet attendant at Tampa hospital building: officials

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Multiple law enforcement officers responded to the AdventHealth hospital in Tampa after a visitor drew a gun on a valet attendant, according to an alert sent out Thursday.

The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. at one of the facilities on the hospital property, a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office said.

Suspects accused of kidnapping, dismembering Gulfport teen submit not guilty pleas

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An alert sent out by the hospital Thursday said security personnel were posted at all hospital entrances while deputies worked to de-escalate the situation.

The alert also indicated that the incident happened outside the Lifehope Medical Offices Building.

A suspect was taken into custody. However, authorities did not state whether any charges would be filed, nor what may have led up to the altercation outside the medical building.

The sheriffs office said the investigation was ongoing Tuesday afternoon, and no further information was immediately available.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

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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.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Even in the realm of Donald Trump's long-preferred style of punch-through-the-static communication, this was quite something.

On Thursday morning, a post on his Truth Social account exhorted Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end military strikes on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.

Vladimir, STOP!

Or, as the entire post went: I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!

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The Republican president was reacting to Russia attacking Kyiv with an hourslong barrage of missiles and drones. At least 12 people were killed and 90 were injured in the deadliest assault on the city since last July. For Trump, trying to propel a U.S-led effort at a peace agreement, frustration is growing. He upbraided Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week as well, though that was not on Truth Social.

Immediate analysis of Trump's social post focused on the geopolitical implications of the moment and the notion that Trump was talking tough to Putin, a leader to whom he has been accused of being overly deferential.

Other dynamics are at play as well.

He used Putin's first name

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Heads of state and government are typically called Mr. President or Madam Prime Minister  even, in public, even often by their equals. Trump's callout to simply Vladimir in a public forum stands out, although it is not uncommon for Trump to use first names when talking with world leaders. What Putin would think of such an approach is not clear.

He used succinct, social-post-style language

Diplomacy's language has evolved over time into a mannered, workshopped machine. Part of Trump's brand and appeal has been to break out of such conventions.

He used social media as a diplomatic tool

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Diplomacy was once conducted through formal letters and rare visits. No longer. But have we gotten to the point where social media  which on its face tends to feel more personal, more immediate, less like a diplomatic apparatus doing its work  is a legitimate tool for one leader to reach out to another? For Trump, it's often the opening move.

For years, Trump has used social media platforms  Twitter, X, Truth Social  to amplify his opinions, often through capital letters for emphasis. He has been banned, then reinstated from at least two platforms. He persists.

Finally, there's this: Odds are that not too many people in the world are telling Vladimir Putin to, simply, STOP! in such a casual way. But much of the world has been shouting versions of that message, without success, for the three-plus years since he sent Russian troops into Ukraine. Will this time be different?
Russia launched its worst attack on Kyiv in months overnight. This comes just hours after President Trump said he thought he had a deal with Russia to end its war in Ukraine. NBC News International Reporter Matt Bodner reports more. USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins Ana Cabrera to discuss the political impact of the conflict on Trump.
We recently published a list of Goldman Sachs Defense Stocks: Top 12 Stock Picks. In this article, we will take a look at where General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) stands against other top defense stock picks from the Goldman Sachs Portfolio.

After a subdued start to the year, American defense stocks are beginning to see improved returns. Investors are buoyed by President Trumps plans for a $1 trillion defense budget for fiscal 2026, adding to the momentum from last months unveiling of the F-47 and announcement to resurrect the countrys shipbuilding industry.

READ ALSO: 10 Best Mid Cap Defense Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 10 Best Performing Defense Stocks So Far in 2025.

The sector has received another boost after market chatter that tariff negotiations to address trade imbalances could include commitments from foreign countries to buy weapons from the US. In a statement released on April 8, Vietnams prime minister asked for a 45-day delay in the imposition of tariffs and stated his country would buy more American goods, including weapons, to tackle the trade gap.

On April 11, Goldman analyst Noah Poponak adjusted his ratings and price targets for defense stocks, and the most notable adjustment was a prominent Navy shipbuilder receiving a double upgrade on the back of an executive order signed by Trump to revitalize the sector. Poponak expects the stock to benefit, with shipbuilding expected to be a high priority within the defense budget.

The firm is known for its expertise in stock recommendations, helping investors identify high-potential companies. GS boasts a vast network of analysts, covers a wide range of stocks. It also has a research team led by analysts and economists from around the world, offering insights on the economy and the broader market.

In a report released in March this year, Goldman Sachs Research projected a significant increase in defense spending by EU member nations. Military expenditure in the euro area accounted for 1.8% of the GDP in 2024, and is projected to rise to 2.4% by 2027. The firms analysts estimate the increased spending to positively impact GDP growth, with every 100 spent on defense to boost GDP by approximately 50.

Defense stocks have rallied in Europe this year, as regional capitals unlocked billions to supercharge their militaries. While recent tariffs have sparked a major plunge in shares over the past couple of weeks, this has been a year to remember for several European defense contractors, with significant returns so far in 2025.

With that said, lets head over to the list of the top defense picks from the Goldman Sachs stock portfolio.
It was a night of mixing food and politics on Parade Street Wednesday night.

A political forum was held at the Anna Purna Kitchen on Parade Street on Wednesday evening

The event was part of an effort for new immigrants to the city to get a chance to speak with those running for office in this years primary.

Included in Wednesday nights discussion were Democrats Daria Devlin running for mayor, Jim Wertz running for county council, and Perry Wood running for Erie County Executive.

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Organizers said among those groups were Bosnians, Afghans and Iraqis, among others, with questions for the candidates.

Got to make sure we talk to everybody, and these are people who are part of the community, who have lived in the community, started businesses in the community, and to make sure that Erie is a part of their lives, said Preston Nouri, the event moderator and organizer.

Nouri told us candidates from both parties were invited, but only Democrats showed up.

According to Kim Hunter, Republican candidate for Erie city council, the four GOP candidates for council and Jeremy Markham, candidate for Erie County sheriff, never heard about the event despite claims they had been invited.

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Boeing machinists take to the picket line in front of Boeings Paine Field facility as thousands of IAM District 751 workers began their strike on Friday, Sep. 13, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Photo by Ryan Berry/Washington State Stadnard)

Lawmakers in the Washington House and Senate have struck an agreement to provide up to six weeks of unemployment insurance for striking workers.

Both chambers approved Senate Bill 5041 this year to open the safety net program to striking workers, but they set different limits for the amount of time people could receive benefits. The Senate approved a 12-week limit, the House four weeks.

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Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, said the six-week compromise hits a sweet spot, addressing concerns from businesses while leveling the playing field for low-wage workers.

Labor unions and Democratic lawmakers have pressed for the bill, arguing the benefits will help striking workers afford necessities such as food and rent when negotiating for better wages and working conditions.

When the bill passed the Senate last month, an amendment that would have restricted unemployment benefits to four weeks failed by one vote. Then, in mid-April, the House amended the bill ahead of a floor vote to add the four-week limit.

Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, has not publicly taken a position on the bill.

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Under the bill, workers would become eligible for unemployment benefits on the second Sunday after a strike begins, plus a one-week waiting period. Typically, unemployment insurance is offered for up to 26 weeks a year.

If a strike is determined to be prohibited by state or federal law, benefits would have to be repaid.

Workers affected by employer-initiated lockouts would also be eligible for the benefits. Labor advocates point to lockouts as a tactic businesses can use to put pressure on workers during contract negotiations.

New Jersey and New York are the only states that provide unemployment insurance for striking workers.

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Republicans opposed the bill.

They, along with business groups, argue it could incentivize workers to strike and result in higher costs for businesses that could spill over onto employers not involved in labor disputes.

If employers arent healthy, you dont have workers and when we dont have healthy employers, were not going to have a healthy economy, said Rep. Suzanne Schmidt, R-Spokane Valley.

The bill would also require the states Employment Security Department to submit annual reports to the Legislature with data on the prevalence of strikes in the state and the cost of benefits for striking workers for Washingtons unemployment insurance trust fund.

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If passed, the bill would take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and is set to expire Dec. 31, 2035.

Both chambers have to wait 24 hours before putting the bill up for a vote, which means it could gain final approval from the Legislature as early as Friday. The session ends Sunday.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  Communities around the globe marked World Book Day on Wednesday, April 23, celebrating the joy of reading and the transformative power of literacy.

World Book Day has been observed annually since 1995 and promotes the value of books and reading in building knowledge, culture, and connection. The event highlights the critical importance of literacy at every stage of life.

As a former childrens librarian, I can tell you that beyond taking care of your childrens physical and emotional needs, the next most important thing you can do is read to them and share language with them, said Kelli Beggs, branch manager at the East Waco Library.

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Beggs emphasized that fostering a love of reading early in life often translates into a lifelong passion, You can gain information and share your values and your culture with your children. It opens up new worlds for you.

That sentiment rings true for Sharla Cassady. A lifelong reader, she now shares her love of books with her son, KJ.

I love to read, Cassady said. So Im constantly trying to find any book that will bring me to a new adventure, but also enhance my vocabulary.

Local libraries, including branches across Waco, offer free storytimes to encourage children and families to engage with books from an early age.

These programs are so important, Beggs said. They help children develop a love of reading that will benefit them in school, in life, and as lifelong learners.

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World Book Day stands as a global reminder that reading not only educates but empowers, offering readers of all ages a gateway to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities.

As Dr. Seuss once wrote: The more you read, the more things youll know. The more that you learn, the more places youll go.

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In a speech before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature on Wednesday night, Gov. Tim Walz defended his proposed cuts to human services and education, and contrasted what he called responsible state government with chaos at the federal level under President Donald Trump.

Walz delivered his seventh State of the State address as a divided Legislature works to pass the next two-year state budget with a significantly smaller surplus than in past years, and a multibillion-dollar deficit expected at the end of the decade.

To prepare for a worsening fiscal picture, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor governor and legislative leaders are proposing billions in cuts, with much of the focus on controlling growth in reimbursements for long-term disability care funding and special education.

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After my budget is passed, we will still be the most generous state in the nation when it comes to these programs and services  and because of the efficiencies weve proposed, well be able to continue being the most generous state in the nation for many years to come, Walz said in his speech to state officials and lawmakers gathered in the House chamber of the Capitol in St. Paul.

Walz is asking the Senate and House to pass his $66 billion budget proposal, and around $5.5 billion in cuts over the next four years. Most of that would be by controlling costs at the Department of Human Services, where state budget officials warn reimbursements for disability services could grow to consume half the state budget by the 2030s.

The governors approach would leave intact new programs created in the 2023 legislative session, such as paid family and medical leave and universal free school meals.

Republican leaders have said theyre skeptical of reimbursement cuts, saying it would place a greater burden on local governments. And this year they have a little more sway over state government than they did two years ago when the DFL had the trifecta  the Senate, House and governors office. So far, however, they havent identified where they hope to see cuts big enough to address shortfalls expected in 2028-29.

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Gov. Tim Walz points to people in the Minnesota House chamber gallery after his State of the State address at the State Capitol building in St. Paul on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) State Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-MInneapolis, shakes Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, before Gov. Tim Walz State of the State address in the Minnesota House chambers at the State Capitol building in St. Paul on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) Gov. Tim Walz acknowledges the applause as his introduced in the Minnesota House chamber before his State of the State address at the State Capitol building in St. Paul on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) DFLers give Gov. Tim Walz a standing ovation as he speaks in the Minnesota House chamber during his State of the State address at the State Capitol building in St. Paul on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) Gov. Tim Walz speaks in the Minnesota House chamber during his State of the State address at the State Capitol building in St. Paul on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press) Show Caption1 of 6Gov. Tim Walz talks with lawmakers as he enters the Minnesota House chamber before his State of the State address at the State Capitol building in St. Paul on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)Expand

Republicans have a tie with the DFL in the House  where both parties have 67 seats  giving them a bigger role in the budget process this year. Walz acknowledged that in his speech, but said his proposal was the best attempt at a compromise to help ensure the state can preserve services.

This budget wasnt written to please everyone. It was written to bring everyone to the table. And when we get there, no doubt well have some disagreements, Walz said, noting progressives might want fewer cuts and that conservatives might want more.

But thats how government is supposed to work, he continued before taking a swipe at Trump. Its not supposed to be one old man sitting in the Oval Office sending out middle-of-the-night tweets that shock markets into freefall.

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Walz contrasted what he said was Minnesota leaders ability to cooperate to keep the state functioning with the great uncertainty caused by the second Trump administrations shifting tariff plans and haphazard government cuts, all of which have been done through executive orders rather than by acts of Congress.

That isnt servant leadership. Its not any kind of leadership, he said. Its small. Its weak and its petty. It takes the awesome power of the federal government and turns it into a crude weapon, wielded by a man who wants to be king.

Walzs Wednesday night State of the State speech was his first since his failed bid to become vice president with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris last year. Hes recently held a series of townhalls in other states, including Iowa and Wisconsin, to counter Republicans on the national stage.

Walz will soon have to decide whether he will run for an unprecedented third consecutive term as governor. He is also seen as a potential 2028 White House candidate.

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A good portion of Walzs address focused on federal issues, such as potentially massive cuts to Medicaid under GOP-backed proposals in Congress.

House Floor Leader Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis, told reporters that while that wasnt typical of the State of the State, I think it is clear to all Minnesotans that you cant talk about the state of the state right now without talking about the impact that the federal chaos is having, he said, noting issues like tariffs and arrests of international college students by immigration authorities are so present in peoples lives.

GOP calls speech finger-pointing

At a news conference following the speech, Republicans said Walz was engaging in a strategy of deflecting the states problems toward the president. House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, described it as finger-pointing to Washington, rather than reckoning with the fact that Minnesota significantly grew spending under DFL leadership in 2023.

Back then, the state had a historic $18 billion surplus, and the Legislature increased spending nearly 40% in a $72 billion two-year budget. Some of that spending was one time, but two years later, the state has a bleaker fiscal outlook, something Demuth called unsustainable.

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I was very, very pleased to hear, though, that the governor has realized that we are heading toward a deficit and he wants to make cuts, Demuth said. What we do know, though, is cuts on the backs of our students, or our seniors, those that are really struggling, those are really off the table.

One part of the speech where both parties applauded Walz? When the governor called for more efforts to combat waste, fraud and abuse in state government. Minnesota lost hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years to fraud schemes, including those taking advantage of pandemic emergency aid, where many of the alleged organizers now face federal prosecution.

Weve made strides in catching the bad actors, stopping their schemes. Weve sent a lot of crooks to prison. But we can do more, said Walz, calling for a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to misuse of state money, and pointing to an executive order he made earlier this year aimed at strengthening state fraud investigations.

Republicans praised Walz for railing against fraud and said they think tackling the issue would be one of the best ways for the state to address its looming money trouble. But they also said Walz should have acted sooner.

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After two years, when they run out of money.  Then they come to Republicans, said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks. Its two years too late.

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) criticized President Trump in his 2025 State of the State address, saying the president has unleashed chaos on the world.

During his speech Wednesday evening, Walz pledged to protect Minnesotans from the impacts of Trumps policies. He highlighted the states strength but called today a moment of great uncertainty for our nation.

Lets be honest. This uncertainty, this chaos, is no accident, Walz said. The president of the United States has chosen. Chosen to destroy the federal governments ability to help people.

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Walz, who ran alongside former former Vice President Kamala Harris against Trump and Vice President Vance, sharply criticized Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk and his role in scaling back federal spending by cutting jobs and programs.

He argued that people in Minnesota previously could seek help from the federal government, but now, the government has switched sides and aids corporations over everyday people.

Walz also highlighted the recent detention of international university students who protested for Palestine as well as the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

In the land of the free and home of the brave, they have yet to receive due process from the Trump administration, he said.

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I want to be real clear about this. If you say you love freedom, but you dont believe freedom is for everybody, then the thing you love isnt freedom, its privilege, Walz added, prompting a standing ovation from Democratic state lawmakers.

The State of the State was Walzs first statewide address since the 2024 campaign. He has yet to say whether he will run for a third term as governor, but he said he would decide after the legislative session, The Associated Press reported.

In 1958, Minnesota adopted an amendment that allowed governors to serve four-year terms without a term limit. No candidate has ever won three consecutive terms.

Walz has been eyed as one of the next leaders of the Democratic Party after the election loss. He became a nationally known candidate and has since held town halls in various GOP congressional districts to speak about DOGEs impact on Americans.

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During his address, Walz highlighted the economic turmoil Trump has thrown the country into with his sweeping tariff agenda.

As governor, I will continue to do everything in my power to protect Minnesotans from getting hurt, he added.

While Walz has been an advocate against the administrations policies, he noted in his speech that its not enough to simply speak out.

We need to prove to the people of Minnesota and to the American people, there is a better way to govern, because the truth is, this current administration in Washington, theyre not forever, Walz said. These small, petty men will disappear into the dustbin of history, and when they do, there will be an opportunity, and an obligation, to actually rebuild government so that it works for working people.

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In a statement to The Hill, the White House noted Walz ran with Harris, saying she was part of one of the most chaotic administrations.

Its rich of Tim Jazz Hands Walz to decry chaos when he let his largest city burn to the ground while his wife opened their mansions windows to savor the fumes, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement.

Updated at 2:42 p.m. EDT

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(KRON)  A driver and fugitive passenger in a car reportedly stolen from Oakland rammed into a Kensington Police Department patrol vehicle when trying to flee the scene, said police. No was injured in the collision.

87-year-old woman seriously hurt in hit-and-run: SFPD

The incident unfolded Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. after police were alerted by community safety cameras of the wanted vehicle traveling through Kensington.

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When police located the driver in the area of Lake Drive and Kenyan Avenue, the suspect allegedly drove into the police vehicle  severely damaging both cars.

Photo courtesy of Kensington Police Department.

Police said they arrested the suspect on multiple felony warrants and the passenger was confirmed as a fugitive with two outstanding warrants. KPD said it recovered the stolen vehicle.

A search of the car located methamphetamine, burglary tools, stolen property, checks belonging to other people, and other incriminating evidence, said police.

In a social media post, KPD praised the community camera system and officers attentiveness for the arrests. The Flock Camera program is performing well, and the alert notification, along with KPD officer diligence, prevented further theft-type crimes in Kensington today, said Kensington PD. Kudos to the officers who handled this event!

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WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Warren man could spend his life in prison after pleading guilty to 18 felony counts in a rape and child sex abuse material case.

Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas Judge Ronald Rice sentenced Jeremy Ruble, 48, to 11 years to life in prison.

Rice said he would go along with the terms of the plea deal reached by the attorneys in the case, but he said, I cant think of a more despicable act that you can do to a minor, according to a news release from the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office.

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He added that he would help the prosecutors office to make sure Ruble didnt get parole, the release stated.

Ruble will have to register as a Tier 3 sex offender, which requires him to register every 90 days with the sheriffs office, if he is released on parole.

The victim in the case, who is now 14, appeared in court but did not speak. Instead, Assistant Prosecutor Gabe Wildman read a statement that she wrote, detailing her nightmares from the crime and saying, He took away my innocence, the release stated.

Prosecutors say the crimes took place when the victim was 12 or younger and that Ruble forced her into sexual activity, which he captured on video. Prosecutors say Ruble also had nude photographs of a young girl.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Washburn University is having its 10th annual EcoBod Plant Sale to raise money for the EcoBods Club, a student-led club that focuses on sustainability.

Students are encouraged to stop by and pick up a plant on campus. Club members use mother-plants from the greenhouse to grow individual succulents for the sale. The plants are free, but donations are encouraged.

Kansas budget could run a deficit for years

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Donations go towards sustainability efforts on campus.

Helping the community and the campus with sustainability and helping to be more aware of how do we recycle and how can we reuse these things, EcoBods Club President, Taryn Emery said. Instead of just throwing them in the trash.

The fundraiser will continue all day Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25.

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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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Washington State Department of Health is urging Washingtonians to get vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella amid a nationwide outbreak, the agency announced Thursday.

According to the state health department, childhood immunization rates in Washington have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic, risking an outbreak in local communities.

The measles outbreak in the United States has surpassed 800 confirmed cases in 24 states, with a fifth case reported in Washington state this week, according to the DOH.

DONT MISS: Texas passes 600 cases of measles. Heres what to know about the US outbreaks

Now, the department is encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are protected against the disease with two doses to the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Adults are also urged to verify their own vaccination status online or with their health care provider.

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Im worried that some data show that Washington kindergartners have lower rates of MMR coverage than Texas or New Mexico  both of which are struggling with a measles outbreak, said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, DOH State Health Officer. Besides causing fever and rash, measles can sometimes cause life-threatening pneumonia and brain inflammation. The MMR vaccine is our best defense against measles, and we need to get more people up to date on vaccination to prevent a similar outbreak in Washington.

According to DOH, children should receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between the ages of four and six.

Some measles cases have occurred in infants who were too young to receive the MMR vaccine and have traveled with their families to countries where there is a higher risk of measles, officials noted.

Police seize enough fentanyl to kill everyone in Portland twice, arrest 46 in multi-agency trafficking crackdown

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DOH recommended that parents planning to travel with children six months to 11 months of age should ask their health care provider if an early dose of the MMR vaccine can be given to prevent infection during travel. They add that the dose must be given at least two weeks before departure for the best protection. From there, the infant will need to start the regular two-dose series between 12 and 15 months of age.

Adults with two documented doses of the MMR vaccine do not need additional doses, according to DOH, noting its especially important for high-risk adults  including healthcare professionals, college students, people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or those prepping for international travel  to confirm they have received both MMR doses to be fully protected.

The warning from DOH comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared measles was eliminated from the United States in 2020 because high vaccination rates stopped the spread of the disease, with cases only being contracted from abroad.

But officials warn a drop in vaccination rates in recent years is now helping measles spread across the U.S.

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BERLIN (Reuters) -Business activity in Germany's private sector has contracted this month, hurt by service sector woes and trade-related uncertainty, although manufacturers are showing some resilience, a survey showed on Wednesday.

The HCOB German flash composite Purchasing Managers' Index, compiled by S&P Global, fell to 49.7 in April from 51.3 in March, its lowest point since December and back below the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from contraction.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a reading of 50.4.

The downturn was primarily driven by the service sector, which saw business activity decline at its fastest rate since February 2024, dropping to a reading of 48.8.

Manufacturing output grew for the second consecutive month but at a slower rate, giving a reading of 51.6. New orders also saw slight growth. This was partly attributed to frontloading of orders and stockbuilding. But the overall manufacturing PMI index fell to 48.0 from March's 48.3.

"You could say Germany's export-driven growth model is facing some serious challenges, but the U.S. tariff policy has not caused a major slump in manufacturing just yet," said Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank.

Businesses have been reeling from the uncertainty unleashed by President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs on nearly all the United States' trading partners.

The German government is set to revise down its economic forecasts again later this week, a source told Reuters, forecasting stagnation in 2025 after two consecutive years of contraction.

(Reporting by Miranda Murray and Rachel More; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Following the August 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the Afghan alliesincluding interpreters, government professionals, media members, and military personnelwho supported U.S. efforts to bring democracy to their country have lived in fear of Taliban reprisal inside their homeland. Hundreds of thousands applied for visas or sought other forms of legal status in the U.S. and began the process of finding safety.

Over three years later, up to 140,000 primary applicantsand their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21were mired in slow-moving processing pipelines when a pair of January 20 executive orders from President Donald Trump suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 90 days and canceled the foreign funding that supports Afghans in transit from overseas processing hubs. A January 24 stop-work order from the State Department dealt a further blow, ending resettlement assistance for new arrivals in the U.S.

On March 14, The New York Times published a draft copy of a State Department travel ban that would end all travel to the U.S. from about a dozen countries, including Afghanistan. Three days later, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce denied that such a list existed. However, at a press briefing on March 31, Bruce responded to questions about the travel ban by saying, "Because there's not a date, it doesn't mean that it's not being worked on."

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Afghans who arrived in the U.S. after 2021 are also experiencing immense strain as news has spread of deportations, parole revocation, and a pause in green card issuance.

Further complicating their struggles, on April 11, Department of Homeland Security officials announced the end of temporary protected status (TPS) for Afghans. An estimated 9,000 Afghans have used TPS to find safety in the U.S. while applying for asylum or another status. When the TPS designation runs out in May, they will be under threat of forced return to a country where the Taliban have stripped women of basic human rights and continue to target their former enemiesour alliesfor death.

These moves have signaled a marked change in the posture toward our allies, not only impacting their futures but also affecting the Americans who supported them.

The USRAP Suspended

Afghan allies who are known to the U.S. government can be submitted to the USRAP by the entities that employed or can vouch for them. These include Afghans in the Priority 1 and Priority 2 categories who worked for the Afghan military and government, media institutions, or judicial staff.

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Afghans who were separated from their families during or after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan have reunification cases that may be classified under the Priority 1 or Priority 3 categories, according to founder and president of the #AfghanEvac coalition, Shawn VanDiver.

Trump's January 20 executive order suspended resettlement under each of those categories.

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) quickly challenged the USRAP suspension, filing Pacito v. Trump on behalf of refugee resettlement groups and individual clients on February 10. A judge ruled in IRAP's favor on February 25, placing an injunction on the suspension. The judge later ordered the federal government to provide updates demonstrating its compliance with the injunction.

IRAP is embroiled in legal battles over the government's failure to comply with injunctions. Megan Hauptman, litigation fellow at IRAP, tells Reason that "the government's recent actions not only demonstrate non-compliance with court orders, but open defiance," which "wreaks daily harm on refugees and the organizations that serve them."

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On April 11, Whitehead granted in part IRAP's motion to enforce the preliminary injunction. However, on April 21, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued clarifications about whom the government is required to process under the injunction, limiting the scope to approved refugees who already had their travel scheduled before Trump's executive order blocked their arrival.

A State Department spokesperson would not comment on the status of the USRAP "as a matter of policy," given ongoing litigation. They stated the department "continue[s] to comply with relevant court orders."

All movement for USRAP applicants is halted due to the program's suspension. However, one applicant and her family have been able to use the injunction to enter the U.S., thanks to a global boarding letter issued by the State Department in December.

"The Department is actively considering the future of our Afghan relocation program and the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts," a State Department spokesperson says, adding that "no final decisions have been made."

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The State Department would not enumerate how many USRAP cases are currently open, citing "policy" and "protection of those individuals," but in August 2024, the State Department said that of the 56,000 Afghan applicants referred to the USRAP, 28,000 primary applicants were still undergoing processing.

That creates uncertainty for Afghans awaiting resettlement in other countries, including Pakistan, where an estimated 700,000 Afghans fled in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal. Pakistan announced plans to expel "up to 3 million [Afghan] migrants by the end of the year," reported Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Pakistan says this includes Afghans in resettlement pipelines. Thus far, 80,000 Afghans have been deported. It is unclear whether this includes Afghans with a path to resettlement in the U.S.

A State Department spokesperson says the department is in "close communication with the Government of Pakistan on the status of Afghan nationals in U.S. resettlement pathways."

There is a particularly acute pain for Afghans in the U.S. who have waited over three years to be reunited with their families through the USRAP. John Moses, co-founder of the Massachusetts Afghan Alliance, says he is following several dozen reunification cases in Massachusetts and works directly on three cases in his own town.

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Moses explains that a local Afghan high schooler has managed to become "one of the top wrestlers in the state" despite also supporting his father, who "is having nervous breakdowns" while his wife and daughters are "thousands of miles away."

The young man's father arrived in the U.S. because he drove a bus through Hamid Karzai International Airport to ferry our allies to safety. When U.S. operations ended, American military personnel told the driver that he could not be safely released into the crowds for fear that he might be killed by the Taliban. "He helped, and this is how we repaid him," Moses laments.

Moses says that Trump's executive orders harm not only Afghans but "all the Americans that support them," particularly in reunification cases in which "the trauma spreads, because it's continuous."

"I don't have the luxury of being hopeless," Moses explains. "I just get to keep working."

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Nasrullah is a medical doctor who entered the U.S. through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program after supporting the U.S. mission in multiple capacities. Nasrullah's family was submitted to the USRAP program on account of his prominent position with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Nasrullah's family had cleared several stages of the process and was awaiting final travel arrangements when the USRAP was suspended. In the interim, Nasrullah was one of many USAID employees to lose his job when 5,200 of the agency's 6,200 programs were cut. He explains that he now has no source of funds to help his parents pay their rent, and his parents risk deportation in Turkey.

"My hope to see or visit my parents is fading away," Nasrullah says.

Nonprofit Steps in for SIV Applicants

The largest number of Afghans still in the processing queue for admission to the U.S. are applicants to the SIV program, designed to assist interpreters or employees of the U.S. government or U.S. contractors with at least a year of "faithful and valuable employment." Per the latest Afghan SIV quarterly report, there were more than 128,000 primary applicants still in the processing pipeline as of October 2024. Not all applicants will qualify for an SIV. About 80,000 applicants remain in the first hurdle of processing, of whom an estimated 37 percent typically receive approval.

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A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the program's Chief of Mission approval, visa adjudication, consular interviews, and security vetting are ongoing.

Unlike applicants in USRAP pipelines who cannot leave third countries for transportation to the U.S. due to their program's suspension, SIV applicants can continue moving to the United States. However, because of the freeze in foreign funding, the U.S. government no longer pays for their travel, and the resettlement funds they once received on arrival are no longer available.

Among the organizations that have filled this void is the nonprofit No One Left Behind. Its executive director, Andrew Sullivan, tells me that the organization "immediately saw what was in the pipe."

An unforeseen challenge to getting "up and running" was the spending limit on the organization's corporate credit card, which fell far short of the funds required to book flights for hundreds of Afghan SIV holders at worldwide processing hubs. To make up for the shortage, Sullivan says that he and other members of the organization used personal credit cards to pay for travel.

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"At one point, I had $70,000 in credit card debt," Sullivan recalls. "Thankfully, we've all reimbursed ourselves again because of the incredible generosity of everyday Americans."

Sullivan's team first traveled to Tirana, Albania, where they helped around 200 SIV holders leave for the United States. Next, they went to Doha, Qatar, where conditions were "starkly different." It "reminded me of every military base that I ever went to on my way to Iraq," Sullivan says.

According to Sullivan, the State Department Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) team on the ground in Doha was "doing their absolute best, doing incredible work to try and support our wartime allies," despite numerous services being impacted by the foreign aid pause.

In Qatar, No One Left Behind moved over 350 SIV holders, though Sullivan says that there remains "a major population of refugees" whose futures are yet to be determined.

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Sullivan encountered some "incredibly sad cases," including a family in Qatar who were unable to bring their 19-year-old daughter with them to the U.S. because she had signed a contract when becoming engaged to a man in Afghanistan. Though the marriage was never performed, the U.S. government considered the paperwork proof that a marriage had transpired, leaving the daughter stranded in Qatar.

The case illustrates "why the refugee programis so important" Sullivan says, explaining that it supports family members in unique situations or who have aged out of visa-dependent status, Afghans who are shy of the time-in-service requirement for an SIV, and Afghans who "were paid by the government of Afghanistan because they were a special operator or female tactical platoon member."

No One Left Behind also encountered SIV applicants whose struggles illustrate Taliban brutality. One Afghan who spent years working with a West Coastbased SEAL team during a violent period of the war was arrested by the Taliban after the U.S. withdrawal. Sullivan says the man was imprisoned and "tortured for a week" before village elders secured his release.

Another story came from an SIV-eligible mechanic who logistically supported Americans and refused to heed the Taliban's warnings to stop working for the United States. After being shot twice in the chest by the Taliban, the SIV applicant "is a paraplegic and he will be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life," Sullivan explains.

"There's this idea that somehow you have to have beenworking directly alongside counterterrorism forces or a tactical interpreter to be at risk of reprisal from the Taliban," Sullivan says. "That's just not true."

If Afghans in our visa programs were returned to their country, Sullivan continues, "they would have to go through a Taliban-controlled immigration checkpoint where they could potentially see that they had a U.S. Special Immigrant Visa in their passport." The repercussions for these individuals would be "everything up to torture and murder," Sullivan says. "That's why it's so important that we are able to continue moving these folks and protecting them."

On April 8, No One Left Behind announced that it has booked flights for a total of 1,000 allies since February 1.

Unfortunately, other difficulties plague the SIV process. There were approximately 13,600 visas remaining for the Afghan hopefuls in the pipeline as of October 2024. A recent provision in the House Budget Committee's continuing resolution to fund the government would have added 20,000 SIVs to this total. But the provision was removed on March 11.

Sullivan urges Americans "to raise the issue with their member of Congress, with their senators, to tell them that we have to keep the promise" to our allies.

Living in Fear

Since the start of Trump's second term, Afghans in the U.S. have been on tenterhooks about their legal status. An unknown number of Afghans were among the migrants deported to a Panamanian hotel in February. That same month, I reported for Reason about an asylum-seeking ally who was detained during a routine check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the lead-up to his asylum hearing. The parole he received on entering the country was revoked at the time of his detention.

"Thousands of Afghans are living in the United States in legal limbo," explains immigration lawyer Alison Tabor. "They arrived here seeking safety and stability but instead find themselves facing prolonged uncertainty." Tabor says she's "seen Afghan allies detained, asylum seekers turned away at the border, and even expulsions to Panama."

According to Tabor, "green card processing has paused for many eligible Afghans," leaving them to face "an uncertain waiting period" for stability. "My clients tell me they're anxious about their futures and unsure if the country they believed would protect them will truly allow them to stay and rebuild their lives," she explains.

An estimated 8,100 Afghans have arrived in the U.S. through the southern border since 2021. Most have accomplished this by procuring humanitarian visas to Brazil, traversing the deadly Darien Gap, being ferried to Mexico by cartel members, and claiming asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Those who are still waiting for asylum adjudication are especially concerned, particularly since the Trump administration announced on April 8 that it was revoking parole for all Afghans who entered the country via the CBP One app, introduced in January 2023. A number of Afghans in this situation, including Christian Afghans, received letters from the Department of Homeland Security informing them that they had seven days to depart the country by April 18Good Friday.

Nasrin has been sharing her story since December 2021. After trying to evade her abusive former husband for years, she ultimately fled to the U.S. in late 2024 to avoid his threats to marry their daughter to a Taliban member.

Nasrin and her daughter were released from ICE custody soon after arrival in the U.S. and now await asylum hearings. Her two adult sons have remained in a southern ICE facility for five months with no word about their future. "My little son calls every day, crying," Nasrin tells Reason.

One former interpreter, Mahmud, arrived in the U.S. in 2014 through the SIV program. His brother, Fawad, applied to the SIV program based on his work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After being beaten by unknown strangers in 2022, the same year that his half-brother was murdered, Fawad escaped to Pakistan. He followed a path to Mexico in 2024.

Mahmud says that Fawad waited eight months in Mexico for SIV approval or an appointment to request asylum through the CBP One app, but received neither. Fearful of dangerous conditions in Mexico, Fawad fled to the port of entry in San Diego last month and requested asylum. ICE detained him.

Fawad has not received an asylum interview or a court hearing and has not had the opportunity to request bond. Mahmud says that his brother "is under immense pressure and stress" and explains that Fawad believes that he is in deportation or removal proceedings, but ICE has not informed him of his fate.

"If he is deported to Afghanistan, it will be a death sentence for him," Mahmud says.

ICE did not respond to my questions about parole revocation, the outlook for detained Afghans, or the prospects for Afghans who have sought protection through another pathway: humanitarian parole.

Over 52,870 Afghans applied for the status, which provides a pathway for those with "urgent humanitarian" needs. Afghans who applied for humanitarian parole between March 2021 and 2022 spent $19 million in $575 per-person filing fees. As of January 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had conditionally approved just 1,860 applications.

USCIS did not respond to questions about how many humanitarian parole applications remain open and how many have been conditionally approved.

Congress Speaks Up

In the tumultuous early months of the second Trump administration, a few congressional leaders have spoken out about our allies' uncertain future.

In February, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (DMinn.), Richard Blumenthal (DConn.), Dick Durbin (DIll.), Mark Kelly (DAriz.), and Chris Coons (DDel.) implored leaders in the Trump administration "to provide Congress with information on howexecutive orders and directives affect our Afghan wartime allies." Their open letter also requested information from the departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security about policies impacting Afghans.

On March 4, Reps. Michael Lawler (RN.Y.), Michael McCaul (RTexas), and Richard Hudson (RN.C.) addressed a letter to the president, noting that shutting down the CARE and Operation Enduring Welcome platforms "would abandon over 200,000 wartime allies and have lasting consequences for America's global credibility, military operations, and veterans."

Citing "over 3,200 documented killings and disappearances of former Afghan military personnel, interpreters, and U.S. government partners," the representatives defended our allies as among "the most vetted immigrants in U.S. history having undergone extensive screening by DHS, DOD, FBI, CIA, and the State Department."

Among the serious consequences the representatives outlined should we abandon our allies are a loss of trust in the U.S. military and intelligence communities, the empowerment of American adversaries who will propagandize the country's failures, and an immediate threat to the "over 3,000 spouses, children, and parents of active-duty U.S. service members" trapped in Afghanistan.

On March 6, Reps. Jennifer McClellan (DVa.) and Doris Matsui (DCalif.) penned a letter signed by 47 House Democrats urging Trump "to fully restore humanitarian and refugee protections for our Afghan allies and all refugees."

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (DN.H.) addressed a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 18 expressing concern for the SIV program, and in particular for the Afghans stranded in U.S. processing platforms with "no clear path to travel to the United States."

National security adviser Michael Waltz, a former Army Special Forces officer, was often an advocate for Afghans as a Florida representative, co-sponsoring the Support Our Afghan Partners Act in July 2022 and introducing a resolution supporting the people of Afghanistan against the Taliban's human rights abuses in July 2023.

Waltz told 60 Minutes in July 2021 that his interpreter "was often more important to me than a heavy machine gun or a radio to be able to talk to the Air Force because without that asset, I was basically deaf and in many ways culturally blind." Waltz's interpreter was discovered by the Taliban at a checkpoint while awaiting SIV processing and was beheaded along with several of his relatives.

Waltz did not respond to my questions about his stance on our allies' plight.

Silence from the Trump administration about our allies has allowed an atmosphere of mistrust to grow among immigration hawks, like the Center for Immigration Studies' Phillip Linderman. In a series of questionably sourced pieces for The American Conservative, Linderman makes damning and often inaccurate statements about our Afghan allies' qualifications for safety in the U.S. and the veterans and volunteers who stepped up to fill the shoes of the federal government by providing support for our allies as they awaited seemingly interminable processing for pathways to safety.

Linderman not only wrongly insinuates that our allies are poorly vetted and "may bring the next terrorist attack," but he implies that the #AfghanEvac coalition, which fought tooth and nail to support allies, is in bed with the "open-border lobby."

VanDiver rejects the notion, explaining that the #AfghanEvac coalition "has insisted that advocates in our ecosystem only work to move Afghans to safety through legal and durable mechanisms. Coming through the southern border, for refugees, results in loss of eligibility for that status."

Breaking Promises to Veterans

In the course of nearly four years covering newsworthy developments in Afghanistan, I have interacted with dozens of selfless Americans from both civilian and military backgrounds who have been involved in supporting Afghans since the withdrawal. Several sent me their thoughts about the meaning of their accumulated years of efforts and the difficulties our allies are currently facing.

One anonymous veteran told me that the efforts have "been massively traumatic" for volunteers, especially those with post-traumatic stress disorder. "Leaving SIVs behind will absolutely eviscerate our reputation," he says. "We cannot break this promise."

Another veteran who spoke on condition of anonymity says that the uncertainty of the last few months brought back her "nightmares of friends dying and others being killed." She says she wonders "if it was all worth it, [or if] maybe our allies should have just protected themselves and not stuck their neck out for people like me." In the end, she feels that the betrayal is not just "of our allies butagainst us as well."

Another veteran, who missed the birth of his daughter during his Afghanistan deployment, says of the 20-year effort, "I guess it wasn't that important." He explains that he went to the steps of his state's capitol building multiple times to try to drum up support for our allies. In the end, he says, he "had to quit going.You sometimes feel like a fool for having gone there because of how people look at you as if you are making the whole thing up."

Kate Kovarovic, formerly the director of resilience programming for the #AfghanEvac coalition, has talked to me over the last several years about fielding calls from overtaxed volunteers with suicidal ideation in the aftermath of the withdrawal. She says she began receiving similar calls again after executive orders threatened long-awaited successes.

The nonprofit Operation Recovery's Impacts of War initiative found that volunteers who assisted Afghans in the aftermath of the withdrawal spent over $2.2 million, selling homes, cashing out pensions, or taking on debt in order to support Afghan allies. Volunteers were found to have donated 59,330 hours of labor to the cause, with 78 percent of respondents saying that "the track of their life has drastically changed" as a result of their efforts.

House Resolution 4517, the Ensuring Voluntary Actions Are Compensated Act of 2023, intended to have the State Department draw up plans to reimburse Americans who helped Americans and Afghan allies evacuate from Afghanistan. Introduced in the House in July 2023 and co-sponsored by Waltz, it never passed.

The Path Forward

To truly understand the impact of the Trump administration's pauseand possible closureof the USRAP and the tenuous future of the SIV program, we must look at the incredible variety of humans they impact. This includes the populations of Afghan allies who believed in the promises of the U.S. government, and the American legal professionals, refugee resettlement teams, civilian volunteers, and veterans who have supported them.

The frustrations that came along over three and a half years of dawdling bureaucracy and a general sense of neglect from the Biden administration have been compounded by the early efforts of the Trump administration to realign American priorities. Preserving our national security and our moral standing on the world stage are paramount, but both require that we deliver on the promises we made to our partners.

The post Washington's Broken Promises Leave Afghan Allies in Limbo appeared first on Reason.com.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA)  A newly released video shows more than a dozen bystanders stepping in to stop a man from driving off with a mother and her two children in Florida.

An arrest affidavit revealed that a man and woman were on their way to a Jacksonville DMV on March 12 when he had struck her in the face while driving. Once at the DMV, the man became even more frustrated because they were late to their appointment.

Florida mom stabbed 3-year-old daughter 20 times with large kitchen knife, affidavit says

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The woman got out of an SUV and grabbed one of her kids. As she went to unbuckle the second child, the man, identified as 26-year-old Yanni Human, drove off as she desperately tried to pull the other child out. Human drove off against the mothers will, dragging her and one of the kids through the parking lot, as she hung onto the back of the seat.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, the children involved were a 2-year-old and a 6-month-old.

The video captured the moment the Human began to drive off, as more than a dozen good Samaritans rushed toward the vehicle to help the victims. Bystanders were able to get the second child out of the vehicle, bringing the mother and her children to safety before Human fled, the affidavit said.

Good Samaritans stepped in during a dangerous situation, potentially saving a mother and two children from serious injury or worse, the sheriffs office wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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Deputies later tracked down Human outside of a shopping center, where they pinned him to the ground and arrested him.

Man armed with assault rifle on busy Brandon street killed by deputies: HCSO

What did I do? Human repeatedly asked the deputies.

After taking the suspect into custody, deputies located two fully loaded magazines containing 45 caliber live rounds in the center console, along with loose marijuana in the passenger seat.

Human is facing several charges, including child abuse, false imprisonment, battery, possession of marijuana, and resisting an officer without violence.

The affidavit revealed that the woman had been experiencing domestic violence worsening over the past six months, telling officials she has video evidence of Human threatening to kill her.

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This situation could have ended in tragedy, the sheriffs office said. Your JSO is grateful for the quick action and bravery of the Good Samaritans who stepped up and helped bring the suspect to justice.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled to take place Saturday morning in St. Peters Square in Vatican City, capping off a week of mourning following the Catholic leaders death on Easter Monday.

President Trump and the first lady are among dignitaries from around the world planning to join the service, which begins at 10 a.m. local time in the Vatican City, or 4 a.m. EDT.

The proceedings will be livestreamed on the Vaticans YouTube channel while cable networks, including NewsNation, BBC, MSNBC and NBC News, provide live coverage of the event.

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As pope, Francis altered the burial rites for pontiffs, which will simplify the process for his own funeral. Instead of three coffins, Francis will have one wooden casket lined with zinc.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin for Pope Francis on Friday night, ahead of the papal funeral Saturday morning, according to the Vatican.

It estimated more than 50,000 people have filed past the Altar of the Confession in the 24 hours since the Vatican Basilica opened for public viewing Wednesday morning.

Franciss body, which currently lies in St. Peters Basilica for public viewing, is also not elevated, as has been traditional for deceased popes.

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Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over his funeral liturgy.

At the conclusion of the services, Franciss body will leave the Vatican to be transported to his final resting place, a tomb at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major. He will become the first pope in a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

Soon after he is laid to rest, 135 members of the College of Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the papal conclave to determine the next pope. Only those under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the process.

Pietro Parolin, the cardinal secretary of state, and Luis Tagle, the archbishop of Manila in the Philippines, are among the contenders for the role.

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SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON)  A Bay Area wildlife conservation photographer said all our dreams came true after he and a friend recently captured a mountain lion with her cubs on a remote camera in the South Bay.

Vishal Subramanyan and Cynthia Cross had spent three years working to film and photograph mountain lions in the Diablo Range, according to Subramanyan. In February, one of their cameras set up with a motion sensor in the East Foothills of San Jose captured not only a mountain lion, but a mom with her three young cubs.

Study reveals ranging diet of San Francisco coyotes

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The precious video shows the mom nursing her cubs as well as picking one up while the two others prance around the wooded area. The mountain lion family appeared in front of the camera for 20 minutes in total, Subramanyan said, calling it one of the most special moments weve ever captured.

Mountain lions are obviously an incredible species, Subramanyan told KRON4. As an apex predator in the Bay Area, they play a really important role in top-down ecological effects. So seeing a healthy, thriving breeding population of mountain lions gives me a lot of hope, especially with a lot of negative news we see about our environment today.

Mountain lion mom and cubs (Credit: Vishal Subramanyan and Cynthia Cross) Mountain lion mom and cubs (Credit: Vishal Subramanyan and Cynthia Cross) Mountain lion mom and cubs (Credit: Vishal Subramanyan and Cynthia Cross)

Subramanyan is a UC Berkeley graduate with degrees in ecology and statistics, and has worked with organizations such as the California Academy of Sciences, Peninsula Open Space Trust, and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.

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Approximately 4,500 mountain lions are roaming across the state, according to the UC Davis California Mountain Lion Project.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  Three trails in downtown Des Moines known for fishing and boating are getting a facelift through an ICON Water Trails project.

ICON Water Trails is a conservation program that builds recreational areas for people to fish, boat, and enjoy the water while preserving the area. ICON has made over 80 improvements to 150 miles of central Iowa rivers and creeks.

Rendering courtesy ICON Water Trails

The group is currently working on improvements to make the Scott Avenue dam safe for boat passage. The project also adds a cascade feature and fish passage, and a wave feature for water sports. Scott Avenue is a premier spot for fishing in downtown, something ICON says they were sure to preserve.

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Every project that we do has water quality components to it, so stabilizing the stream, improving the flow, improving the habitat opportunities. Until recently, with the work that weve done, fish and other aquatic species have not been able to pass the dam easily. But were putting in this great habitat channel that will allow all sorts of fish and aquatic species to travel farther up the river, said Stephanie Oppel, ICON Water Trails Executive Director.

Several thousand gallons of sewage entered Saylor Creek in Ankeny, DNR says

The project broke ground in 2023, and despite high waters causing temporary delays, the project is on track to finish by the end of 2026.

Principal Point is just one of several projects taking place in downtown, including the Harriet Street site. The site originally hosted a boat ramp with minimal parking.

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After breaking ground in 2023, ICON aimed to expand the area to be more family-friendly and provided more amenities for expanded water engagement.

An improved inclusive kayak and canoe access there and nice parking lot structure with some private and public support, said Oppel. We are putting in a wetland there as well, that will filter some of that water that comes off of downtown before it reaches the river.

Construction at Harriet has been completed with just signage and amenities left to go up at the site. ICON says the site should be open by the end of spring.

ICON will break ground on the Fleur Drive project this summer, where improvements are planned for the dam, including the addition of fishing and boating passages. The area will feature similar wave features and fishing opportunities to the Principal Point project.

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Keep up to date on these projects and learn about ICON Water Trails mission here.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, people are getting smarter with its use too. AI tools allow bad actors to create realistic messages, clone voices and produce deepfake videos  all to deceive and defraud.

Heather Massey with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) spoke with KXAN about how artificial intelligence is being used to trick people and how to protect yourself.

Well, AI is awesome, we love our new technology, but theyre also getting really better at the scams, Massey said.

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Massey said one of the most alarming trends is the rise of deepfake videos.

One of the ones we see happening quite a bit are what we call deep fake. These are the deep fake videos that really take someone that is possibly well known, Massey said. I know we had a big celebrity here recently that they did a deep fake, they were in the hospital, theyre reaching out to their fans asking for money, and they were using the peoples names, first and last names. It seemed very believable. These were going out to their instant messages and just really trying to convince them that this person needed their help. They were so good until you really took a deep dive and looked at the video, you realized it was fake.

But deepfakes arent the only concern. AI-assisted fraud now includes a wide range of tactics including: voice cloning, phishing emails and texts, fake customer service chats and romance or investment chats.

So theyre targeting a lot of people, when you think about it, on social media. We put so much stuff out of there and with AI they can actually go in there and copy your profiles, run them through some of the software and really create likenesses to your face, your voice and even some of the content you have to really personalize those messages, so you think its specifically for you, Massey said.

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To help consumers stay safe, the BBB shared the following tips, also featured in their campaign graphic titled:

Outsmart AI Scams: Stay One Step Ahead

Pause before you respond

Verify voices and videos

Use a family safe word

Dont click suspicious links

The BBB has more information on its website on how to further protect yourself from AI fraud.

We offer great tips and tools on there to really go through and help educate us better on AI. While technology is really great, the less we know about it its really harder to detect these scams and scammers use that as an opportunity to take advantage of us, Massey said.

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If you or someone you know falls victim to AI-assisted fraud, Massey recommends reporting the incident through the BBB website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC)  What a day! Warmth and sunshine (unless youre on the lake) made for a beautiful Thursday. Clouds will start creeping in overnight as lows stay in the 50s.

Clouds will start to cover more of our skies starting on Friday morning. Temperatures, again, are expected to climb up into the low to mid 70s. A chance of an isolated rain shower is possible throughout the early afternoon hours. The more predominant rain looks to enter the region later during the afternoon/evening hours and lasts through the overnight hours. A few rumbles of thunder and lightning are possible as it moves through the region. Temperatures fall into the upper 40s for overnight lows.

Rain looks to linger through the morning hours on Saturday before eventually clearing out. Temperatures will feel noticeably cooler  only reaching the upper 50s for highs. Clouds will eventually clear out throughout the overnight hours. Blue skies and sunshine will return to Rochester for Sunday. Temperatures get up into the upper 50s once again.

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8-Day Forecast

Well start off dry and warmer for next week. Temperatures are back into the 60s for Monday and then the 70s for both Tuesday and Wednesday. It surely will be a warm way to end April here in Western New York!

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Wedding season is here, and according to the local Better Business Bureau, that means big businessand big opportunities for scams.

From planning the big day to finding the perfect gift, choosing the right business can make all the difference.

Group of jewelry scammers being kicked out of the country

Better Business Bureau sees a lot of small new businesses that dont have qualifications  maybe they have good intentions, but they prove not to be up to the challenge of delivering on the high expectations and promises made regarding the big day. Something we see a lot of complaints about is wedding photographers, said Better Business Bureaus Cameron Nakashima.

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A wedding photographer scam can cost you more than moneyit can cost memories and make the time following the wedding a stressful one. BBB has seen reports of people paying hundreds or thousands of dollars upfront for a photographer who does not deliver photos at all, or delivers blurry, AI-generated images, or simply does not show up for the wedding. Before you book, check BBB.org for reviews, complaints, and whether the business has a track record and if it is BBB Accredited.

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Another area BBB is seeing complaints about is when shopping for wedding-related clothing, decorations and gifts  especially online.

Whether you are attending a wedding or hosting one, its smart to be on the lookout for fake retailers trying to take advantage. BBB gets reports of fake dress websites, poor-quality knockoffs, or items that never arrive. Stick to trusted retailers, read return policies, and research the company before giving them your information, Nakashima said.

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BBB has dedicated a portion of its website to wedding-related buying guides.

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Whether youre looking for venues, caterers, florists, or wedding-related travel services, BBBs Wedding HQ is your free guide to finding trustworthy businesses, Nakashima said. You can explore top tips, get scam alerts, and connect with BBB Accredited Businesses that meet BBBs Standards for Trustso you can plan your big day with peace of mind.

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General Motors (GM) plans to ramp up transmission production at its Toledo facility in Ohio, a move that marks a shift from its earlier focus on electric vehicle (EV) drive unit manufacturing, reported Reuters.

The shift is aimed at supporting the production of light-duty trucks assembled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and other locations.

The decision to increase production in Ohio follows reports in early April about GM's plans to boost output at the Indiana assembly plant.

This development came after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on auto imports.

A spokesperson for the automaker said the GMs Toledo production shift is not related to US tariffs.

The spokesperson was cited by the news agency as saying: General Motors will revise production plans at Toledo Propulsion to support additional capacity of ICE (internal combustion engine) propulsion units in alignment with current market demand and manufacturing resiliency.

Earlier, GM announced a $760m investment to convert the Toledo facility into a hub for EV drive unit production, positioning it as the company's first US powertrain factory repurposed for EVs.

However, to date, no retail drive units have been produced at the site.

Toledo plant director Rob Morris was cited by Reuters as saying in a memo shared with workers: To align with current market demand and manufacturing needs, leadership has made the decision to add capacity to support propulsion units currently built at Toledo for ICE (internal combustion engines) products.

According to an internal memo, one of the drive unit production lines is planned to be transformed into a transmission line, with no current updates on the second drive unit production line's future.

Furthermore, the automaker has made other adjustments to its EV strategy, including delaying the start of EV truck production at its Orion Assembly plant in Michigan.

GM's target to produce and wholesale 200,000 EVs in 2024 in North America fell short, with the actual figure reaching 189,000 units wholesale.

"GM to boost transmission production at Ohio plant" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




Six in 10 nursing home residents count on Medicaid for the long-term care they need  thats 5.6 million older Americans. (Getty Images)

I lost my 92 year old mother after a long illness last month.

My mother passed away peacefully in her home at The Havens, an assisted living facility where she resided for a little more than the last five years of her life. I helped her make the transition from her home to The Havens in December of 2019 immediately prior to the public health emergency of COVID that forever changed life in America.

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Initially reluctant, my mother was persuaded by the 24-hour access to personalized care services. Prior to the move, she began experiencing episodes of uncontrollable blood pressure spikes that landed her repeatedly in the emergency room in the middle of the night. She lived alone and was scared and vulnerable. The on-site personalized care my mother received at The Havens unequivocally extended her life, as well as its quality. The nursing staff were able to monitor and control her blood pressure, eliminating visits to the ER.

Thanks to the living situation and options available to her, she was able to share more time with me and her granddaughter.

Unfortunately, the majority of West Virginians cannot afford access to such care. My mother had the foresight  and resources  to purchase long-term care insurance over 20 years ago. She watched the health crises of her mother and siblings and did not want to experience the same fate.

Today, 76% of nursing homes residents in West Virginia are covered by Medicaid: Thats over 49,000 residents in just one state. Medicare beneficiaries rely on Medicaid for assistance with services not covered by Medicare, particularly long term care.

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There is an unprecedented and unnecessary attack on one of the largest health insurance programs in the country. The GOP has plans to rip Medicaid from our seniors  and every other person assisted by Medicaid  in the current budget process. Under the current proposal, West Virginia stands to lose over a half a billion federal dollars. And we all saw a few weeks ago how eager West Virginia Republicans are to throw tens of thousands of their constituents under the bus if Congress cuts the program. They didnt even wait for their Congressional delegation. They preempted them by attempting to sneak in a Medicaid trigger bill signaling the message: Hey, its OK, we dont care if you gut Medicaid. We are ready and willing.

The only thing that stopped them was you and all of us. You responded. We showed up. We all said no. And it was not with a whisper but with one concerted voice: Hands off our health care.

Life according to the GOP is they have theirs  we are on our own to figure out how to pay for health care, irrespective of our age, vulnerabilities or circumstances.

Do you have a mother or father or grandparent who may soon need assisted living or skilled nursing? The average cost of assisted living in West Virginia is $5,500 per month. The average cost of a semi-private room in a West Virginia skilled nursing facility is $11,619 per month.

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Medicaid helps pay for many of these costs. Medicaid provides health care for over 70 million Americans, including 7.2 million seniors. It provides essential coverage for expenses like long-term care, medical equipment, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. As the single largest payer to long-term care services in the country, middle-class families depend on Medicaid to help take care of their loved ones. Six in 10 nursing home residents count on Medicaid for the long-term care they need  thats 5.6 million older Americans.

West Virginians for Affordable Health Care urges lawmakers to look out for the best interests of their fellow West Virginia residents. We urge you to protect our health care and reject yet another tax cut that only benefits billionaires.

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By Christine Chen

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia will hold an election on May 3, and energy security has become a key issue as voters face rising power bills and the prospect of gas shortages.

The stakes are high for households, manufacturers, energy producers and climate action, as Australia is the world's No. 2 liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, with sales of A$69 billion ($44 billion) last year, and the highest polluting country per capita in the OECD.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's ruling centre-left Labor party and the conservative Liberal-National coalition, led by Peter Dutton, have both pledged to keep prices down for households and boost domestic gas supply.

Both sides favour using gas to back up weather-dependent renewables. However, Labor is pushing for a majority-renewables grid, while the coalition wants to build a nuclear industry, currently banned in Australia, to help replace coal-fired power.

The Greens party, who are also expected to win seats and could become kingmakers if either of the two main parties fall short of forming a majority government, are opposed to nuclear energy and all new gas and oil production.

Here are the details of the energy and climate policies in play:

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LABOR

Albaneses key energy package aims to address living costs and the climate by committing A$2.3 billion to subsidise household batteries to store solar power. Labor has also pledged to extend energy bill relief for households and small businesses.

To help reach its target of 82% renewable generation by 2030, the party has announced an A$2 billion increase in clean energy technology funding through its green bank.

It wants to cut carbon emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050, replacing coal-fired power stations with wind and solar, backed up by gas, hydropower and energy storage.

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The government last year released a long-term strategy that committed to gas as an energy source to 2050 and beyond. The strategy also assured trading partners that "Australia is, and will remain, a reliable trading partner for energy," including LNG.

During his term, Albanese has intervened in the domestic gas market with emergency price caps and a code of conduct for producers.

LIBERAL-NATIONAL COALITION

Dutton has released a plan promising "Australian gas for Australians", aiming to bring down gas and electricity costs. In a stark shift in policy, the coalition has proposed to require the country's east coast LNG exporters  mainly Shell's QCLNG and Australia Pacific LNG operated by ConocoPhillips  to sell a portion of their uncontracted gas into the domestic market, with fines for non-compliance.

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LNG importers in Japan, which relies on Australia for about 40% of its supply, have expressed concerns about the proposed policies.

At the same time, the coalition has said it will support the gas industry by cutting red and green tape for new projects, including halving approval timeframes and fast-tracking a decision on extending the life of Woodside's North West Shelf LNG plant.

It has also pledged to increase investment in gas power generation, pipeline and storage projects and "strategic basins" including the Beetaloo and Narrabri for eastern Australia.

To help replace coal-fired power, the coalition wants the government to build seven nuclear plants across the country. It says a first small reactor could be built by 2035 or a larger plant by 2037, with the rest by 2050.

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Small modular reactors are not yet commercially available.

GREENS

The Greens party proposes phasing out fossil fuels by banning all new coal and gas projects, cancelling exploration permits and blocking expansions of current projects, including the North West Shelf LNG plant.

LNG export terminals would be transformed into hydrogen and ammonia hubs to free up domestic gas supply and support the transition to net-zero emissions, which the party wants to achieve by 2035 or sooner.

Households would be given grants and low-interest loans to disconnect from gas and install electric appliances.

The Greens have also been critical of the gas industry's low tax payments and said they would close "loopholes" and hike levies for big corporations.

($1 = 1.5716 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Sonali Paul)
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Wheres the beef? That is the question one New Mexico organization is working to answer by connecting consumers with local farmers, ranchers and butcher shops

The New Mexico Beef Council, which provides promotion, education, and research programs relating to cattle and beef products, created a directory that lists local purveyors across the state that sell beef directly to the public.

Beef prices expected to stay high in New Mexico as cattle growers deal with inflation

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We just want to find more ways for you to buy beef. And we really believe that its safe, wholesome, and nutritious no matter where youre buying it, said Carollann Romo, executive director for the New Mexico Beef Council.

The Local Beef Directory is available online at nmbeef.com. Romo said the council was inspired by directories in other states, such as the one created by the California Beef Council. So the local beef directory came originally from our friends at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. They have extensive lists and information about whos selling items direct to the public, Romo explained.

The directory officially launched in early 2025, and the New Mexico Beef Council started promoting it recently. As the word gets out, Romo explained producers have reached out to the council to get their information added to the directory.

I think every time we tell somebody, eyebrows go up and excitement is there because its neat to see, you know, businesses, and whether youre a producer and you see your name on the list, or youre someone thats choosing to look for a local place to source their beef, said Romo.

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So far, the directory has contact information for 85 local beef sellers from all four regions of the state. On the list, you will also find information on whether the beef is Beef Quality Assurance Certified, natural, USDA organic, grass fed, and/or grain-finished.

Additional comments under each seller may also specify which types of cuts are available for purchase, such as wholes, halves, or individual cuts. Some of the sellers also specified that they sell beef jerky.

The New Mexico Beef Council encourages anyone who would like to be added to the list to reach out to them. We live in a time, we live in a nation where we have the opportunity to choose our own food. And so if someone wants to make that choice of buying locally, I know a lot of people feel good about that. And so we have that resource, Romo said.

Note: The New Mexico Beef Council collects $1 per animal sold pursuant to the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985, known as the Federal Beef Checkoff, and $1 per animal sold pursuant to the State Assessment as passed in 2019 with state law. The Federal Beef Checkoff is split between the Cattlemens Beef Board (50 cents) and the New Mexico Beef Council (50 cents).

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The White House is debating whether to lift sanctions on Russias Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline and potentially other Russian assets in Europe as part of discussions on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, five people familiar with the discussions told POLITICO.

Lifting the sanctions currently in place on one of Russias main pipelines connecting its natural gas fields to western Europe would be a sharp reversal in the U.S. policy first put in place during President Donald Trumps first term. President Joe Biden waived those sanctions early in his term, but reimposed them after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Restarting Nord Stream 2 could provide a financial windfall to Moscow, but only if the EU agreed to accept buying Russian gas via the pipeline again  a prospect that seems unlikely given the EU's campaign to wean itself off Russian energy imports. But lifting the sanctions would amount to a diplomatic coup for Russia and a major concession from Trump.

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White House special envoy Steve Witkoff has been the main proponent of lifting sanctions, people familiar with the talks told POLITICO. Witkoff, who has said he has developed a friendship with Putin in his role as Trumps envoy to Moscow, has directed his team to draw up a list of all of the energy sanctions that the United States has placed on Russia as part of the effort, two people familiar with the matter said.

In a joint statement issued by the White House, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Witkoff denied the discussions about easing sanctions had taken place.

This is false. Neither of us have had any conversations about lifting sanctions on Russia as part of a peace deal with Ukraine," their statement said. "This is just totally fictitious and irresponsible reporting from Politico, a fifth-rate publication. If they have an ounce of journalistic integrity they will fully retract this piece of fiction.

One of the two Nord Stream 2 pipelines built to deliver gas via the Baltic Sea to Germany is still operable despite a 2022 explosion that destroyed one line, as well as the pair of pipelines that were part of its companion, Nord Stream 1. The blast in September 2022 that halted shipments of gas remains under investigation, though reports have linked the explosion to Ukrainian nationals.

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The Biden administration also placed sanctions on Russias Arctic 2 liquefied natural gas project, which could deliver up to 13.2 million tons of gas a year if those sanctions were lifted.

Trump criticized Nord Stream during his first term and on the campaign trail. He attacked Biden for waiving sanctions on the project in 2021 before later reimposing them.

Witkoff and Rubio had been expected to participate in peace settlement talks scheduled Wednesday in London but bailed at the last minute. Included in the administrations settlement plan was a recognition of Russia's illegal 2014 annexation of Crimea and a lifting of sanctions  two things Ukraine said it would not agree to. The European Commission may suggest a ban on member countries from signing new contracts with Russia for oil and gas.

A second person said that while Witkoff has raised the idea of lifting energy-related sanctions, the idea so far has not found much traction in the White House and that Rubio has tried to derail it. This is not a cake in the oven being baked, though the ingredients are being assembled, this person said.

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Among the people against the idea are Rubio and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who is also head of the White House Energy Dominance Council, people familiar with the debate said. Some in the U.S. government think that Witkoff has been misled by Russia about the extent of the economic opportunity for the U.S. in restoring business ties with Russia, according to another person familiar with the matter.

There is an internal White House debate between the energy dominance people  Burgum, who wants markets for U.S. LNG  and Witkoff, who wants to be closer to Russia, one of the people told POLITICO. Russia regaining its status as Europes top energy supplier would be a bloodbath for American [oil and gas] producers, this person continued.

The State Department did not respond to questions. The Interior Department did not reply to an email with questions for Burgum.

Allowing Russia to resume shipments of gas via Nord Stream 2 or Arctic 2 LNG would depress global gas prices and put U.S. LNG exporters like Cheniere Energy and other companies in direct competition with Russia, said Laurent Ruseckas, executive director a market analysis firm S&P Global Commodity Insights.

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If you bring Russian gas back into the market, that would reduce the appetite of potential buyers of U.S. LNG, Ruseckas said in an interview.

The U.S. natural gas industry had made major inroads into Europe as Germany and other countries turned away from Russia as an energy supplier following its invasion of Ukraine. But oil and gas companies are now reeling from the administrations trade war and its tariffs on imported steel. The White Houses generally opaque trade policy has also made companies scale back their investing plans.

Multiple outsiders are lobbying the administration to lift the sanctions, two of the people said. One of the wooers is Stephen Lynch, a Miami-based head of global private investment firm Monte Valley Partners.

Lynch has made a specialty of buying energy infrastructure assets that had previously belonged to Russia. He and his partners in 2007 purchased parts of the Russian oil company Yukos at a steep discount. More recently, he purchased the Switzerland-based branch of Russian financial firm SberBank. He has applied for a license from the U.S. Treasury Department as part of his efforts to buy the pipeline.

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A Monte Valle representative did not reply to questions.

Matthias Warnig, a former spy and close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin who is under U.S. sanctions, has also been working on an effort to restart the pipeline with the backing of U.S. investors. He has reached out to the Trump team through American business representatives and his effort is understood to be separate from Lynchs consortium.

The Biden team was not interested in Lynchs efforts to buy the pipeline last year.

Robbie Gramer contributed to this report.
The White House praised healthy debate after multiple outlets reported a shouting match between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week.

There are disagreements amongst the presidents staff and Cabinet sometimes, but we think thats part of the healthy debate process, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday to reporters. And everybody knows that, ultimately, President Trump is the decision-maker.

On April 16, Trump named the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service as Gary Shapley, Musks pick for the role. Shapley is a former IRS supervisor who is known as a whistleblower in the Hunter Biden tax investigation in 2023.

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On April 17, Musk and Bessent reportedly argued over who they wanted in the IRS role.

Then, on April 18, Trump ousted Shapley. The role now belongs to Bessents deputy, Michael Faulkender.

The New York Times reported that there was a power struggle between Bessent and Musk ahead of Trump replacing Shapley with Faulkender. Musk went over Bessents head to get Shapley in the role, even though Bessent oversees the IRS in his capacity as Treasury Secretary, a source told the Times.

Then on Wednesday, Axios cited multiple witnesses that the alleged power struggle was actually a screaming match, during which one said the F bombs started to fly.

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It was two billionaire, middle-aged men thinking it was WWE in the hall of the West Wing, one person told Axios about the dispute between Musk and Bessent.

They were not physical in the Oval, but the president saw it, and then they carried it down the hall, and thats when they did it again, another person told Axios.

It was quite a scene. It was loud. And I mean, loud, a third witness described.

The New York Post also reported on the argument on Wednesday, with one source close to the White House telling the outlet, Elon was shouting and rambling and Scott just wasnt putting up with it.

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In a statement to the New York Times last week, Leavitt didnt directly address the details of Musk and Bessents disagreement. Her statement on Wednesday mirrored what she said previously.

Its no secret President Trump has put together a team of people who are incredibly passionate about the issues impacting our country, she said, according to the outlet.

Disagreements are a normal part of any healthy policy process, Leavitt continued. And ultimately, everyone knows they serve at the pleasure of President Trump.

Musk has also clashed with other Trump administration members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

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The Treasury Department, Musk and the White House did not, respectively, immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Related...
Media outlets celebrated Earth Day on Tuesday with a flurry of forced optimism: reasons to be hopeful, how to feel useful by taking a plalk (picking up litter as you walk) and not reproducing, data showing that climate policy is globally very popular, and why were still winning the climate fight. Climate groups spent the day breathing a collective sigh of relief that the Trump administration did not, contrary to rumor, mark the day by stripping green groups of their nonprofit tax status.

The White House instead laid off hundreds more staffers in the Environmental Protection Agency and issued a press release worthy of The Onion.

On Earth Day, We Finally Have a President Who Follows Science, the statement declared of an administration that has cut so much funding for science that 75 percent of 1,200 scientists responding to a survey by the journal Nature said they were considering leaving the country. The Trump administration has also laid off thousands of researchers, sidelined climate research, frozen all new grants from the National Science Foundation, appointed noted anti-scientific kooks who praise discredited measles treatments, and reportedly plans to completely eliminate the EPAs science and research arm.

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The release further listed eight key actions President Trump is taking on the environment. Hes promoting energy innovation for a healthier future, the release announced, as Trump attempts to revive coala fuel so old its use predates the birth of Christwhile cutting black lung programs for coal miners. Hes championing sound forest managementan odd way of describing rolling back forest protections while firing so many U.S. Forest Service workers that their ability either to fight fires or administer logging contracts has come into question.

The third item on the list says, President Trump is ending the forced use of paper straws, which can contain PFAS and are probably not much if at all better than plastic ones. This is more accurate than the last two statements, but technically Trump only signed an order reversing federal purchasing policies that favor paper over plastics. And the idea that he did this to protect people from PFAS (known as forever chemicals) is risible, given that the administration has reversed a plan to limit PFAS in industrial wastewater, is trying to reverse bans of PFAS in consumer goods, and just canceled about $8 million in grants for research on how to prevent PFAS from accumulating in crops and the food chain, according to reporting this week from The New York Times.

President Trump is cutting wasteful regulations that stifle innovation and raise costs, the release continues. It explains that this means pausing restrictive emissions rules for coal plants and revising the National Environmental Policy Act implementation, which will save American families thousands annually on energy bills and [prove] that a strong economy and a healthy environment go hand-in-hand. In reality, energy prices are spiking, in part due to Trumps tariffs; the administration is dead set against renewables, which are cheaper than fossil fuels; and the wasteful regulations the administration is targeting were projected to save 200,000 lives over the next 25 years.

President Trump is protecting public lands, the release says, explaining that this means opening more federal lands and waters for oil, gas, and critical mineral extraction. Also, the first Trump administration invested in conservation, the release insists. (In 2020, one conservationist described the last four years of Trump conservation policies as gleefully taking a meat cleaver to our national monuments and land protections.)

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Then come two desperate attempts to include some positive spin on tariffs, which are tanking the economy: President Trump is pushing back on unfair trade practices that harm the environment and undercut U.S. producers and exporters, and Trump is cracking down on Chinathe most prolific polluter in the world. The release denounces, specifically, Chinese overfishinga practice the Trump administration is encouraging at homeand ocean plastic pollution. Trumps election is widely perceived to have torpedoed the worlds best chance for a global treaty to limit plastic pollution.

The release concludes by saying that Trump is protecting wildlife, specifically by pausing certain wind projects. Last week, the administration proposed a rule change that would gut the Endangered Species Act by claiming that destroying habitatthe primary driver of endangerment and extinctiondoesnt count as harming wildlife.

Anyway, go ahead and take that plalk. Earth Day comes but once a year.





Stat of the Week

100 million asthma attacks

Thats the effect the Trump administrations rollback of just 12 EPA rules could have, E&E News reports.





What Im Reading

Meet the Trump supporters who love wind energy

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We arent going to do the wind thing, Trump told supporters at a rally on inauguration weekend. But in Iowa, a state that has backed Trump in three out of three of the last elections, wind energy is huge, generating a majority of the states energy. Voxs Benji Jones talks to some of the people benefiting from renewables:

Its a real blessing for us, said Dave Johnson, a livestock farmer in northern Iowa who leases his land to a utility that installed four turbines on his property. He earns about $30,000 a year from the four turbines combined, he told Vox. Johnsons son also has turbines on his farm. Johnson, a Republican who says he voted for Trump, had the turbines installed primarily because he wanted his farmwhere he raises cattle and hogsto generate more value. I never had a 401(k), he said. I farmed and stuck everything back into the farm. This is the 401(k) that I never had.

Read Benji Joness full report at Vox.

This article first appeared in Life in a Warming World, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by deputy editor Heather Souvaine Horn. Sign up here.
All public schools in Los Angeles and Glendale are closed on Thursday to observe Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

The somber day marks the anniversary of the 1915 deportation of several notable Armenian scholars and community leaders from the Ottoman capital of Constantinople. In the eight years that followed, approximately 1.5 million Armenians were systematically killed by the Ottoman Empire in a campaign of religious persecution.

The Los Angeles area is home to the largest Armenian population in the United States and one of the largest in the world.

People join in the Resist Genocide Denial Now protest on the 107th anniversary of the mass murder of Armenians, outside the Turkish consulate on April 24, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) Armenian Americans and supporters gather for a march to commemorate Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Hollywood on April 24, 2021. (KTLA) Thousands of members of the Armenian community march towards the Turkish Consulate on April 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, marking the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide. (Credit: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images) Armenian service members lay flowers at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial on the Genocide Remembrance Day in Yerevan, on April 24, 2025 (Photo by KAREN MINASYAN/AFP via Getty Images) 1915, World War I, The massacre of the Armenian populations in Turkey, an encampment of Armenian refugees on the deck of a French cruiser that rescued them. (Photo by Photo12/UIG/Getty Images)

Glendale has closed schools for Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day since 2013, and the Los Angeles Unified School District followed starting in 2020. They are believed to be the only public school districts in the nation to observe the anniversary.

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Community events, including religious ceremonies, rallies and tributes, are planned throughout the Southland, including a demonstration outside the Turkish Consulate in Beverly Hills.

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We came across a bullish thesis on Hallador Energy Company (HNRG) on Substack by Multibagger Monitor. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on HNRG. Hallador Energy Company (HNRG)'s share was trading at $14.47 as of April 23rd. HNRGs trailing P/E was 13.83 according to Yahoo Finance.

Aerial view of an opencast coal mine, its vastness conveying the magnitude of its operations.

Hallador Energy (HNRG) is a small-cap energy company based in Indiana, historically known for its coal mining operations through its Sunrise Coal subsidiary. But today, Hallador is in the midst of a high-stakes transformation. Its pivoting from being a pure-play coal miner to an integrated power producer (IPP)  a transition that, if successful, could significantly rerate the stock. Currently trading around $13.50, Hallador offers investors an asymmetric setup with a defined near-term catalyst and meaningful long-term optionality.

The heart of this transformation lies in Halladors 2022 acquisition of the Merom Generating Station, a 1,080 MW coal-fired power plant in Sullivan County, Indiana. This deal not only gave Hallador a second business line  Hallador Power  but also handed it something far more valuable: the plants MISO grid interconnection rights, which are increasingly scarce and strategically vital. These rights are a prerequisite for delivering power to large data center clients in the region. In the words of Halladors management, theyre the new oil.

Hallador is currently in an exclusivity period with a major hyperscaler, and negotiations are advanced for a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA)  potentially locking in 1015 years of stable cash flow. The company also recently cleared the final regulatory hurdle, receiving Expedited Project Review (EPR) approval from MISO, a critical milestone that allows Hallador to fast-track its generation upgrades and load modifications to accommodate the data center. Yet the market, by all appearances, has not priced in any of this upside.

The implications of a signed PPA are massive. Based on management commentary and industry comps, a successful agreement could bring in $200250 million in annual EBITDA  nearly 40% of the companys current market cap in one year alone. That doesnt even factor in the upside from multiple expansion: if the market begins valuing Hallador more like a utility than a coal miner, its earnings multiple could rise from ~2.5x EBITDA to 810x, pushing the stock well into the $2025 range near-term, with a potential path toward $4050 as the new model gains investor attention.
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL)  In a world where political campaigns often devolve into mudslinging and division, Opelika is showing the nation theres another way.

When longtime City Council President Eddie Smith announced his candidacy for mayor, he did so with a vision of continued growth, community unity, and servant leadership.

Smith retired as president of the AuburnBank Opelika branch on March 31, 2025, to fully dedicate himself to the campaign. Days later, he received a cancer diagnosis.

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I think to be fair to the people of Opelika, I need to make this known, he told WRBL. And we will continue to give God all the credit and now join cancer survivors in their fight. Its going to be our fight as well.

His wife of 44 years, Dawn Smith, said the diagnosis only confirmed what their familyand their cityalready knows about Eddie.

Hes powerful, hes strong. He cares about the people, she said. At his retirement party, they called him a warrior. And I think he is.

Rather than retreat, Smith pressed forwardtrusting his medical team, his faith, his family, and his deep love for Opelika. He gave WRBL the honor of sharing the news with the community. The article, Eddie Smith wont back downfrom cancer or the Opelika mayor campaign, resonated deeply, including with his opponent, Raven Harvis.

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Harvis, the only other declared candidate in the raceand a respected businesswoman and community advocateresponded with compassion, not calculation.

I was saddened to hear about my dear friend Eddies recent cancer diagnosis, she shared on social media. My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with him and his family during this challenging time. As we both remain committed to uplifting our community, I believe Opelika will continue to be strengthened by our shared love for this city.

There was no spin. Just kindness, empathy, and unitysomething far too rare in politics today.

This is why we love Opelika.

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Here, public service is still about community. Opponents on the ballot dont have to be enemies. You can disagree on policy and still recognize each others humanity.

You can run hardbut run fair.

Eddie Smith and Raven Harvis bring different life experiences and some differing ideas about how to move Opelika forward. But they also share core values: a love for their city, a desire to serve, and a vision grounded in dignity, progress, and hope.

Both want to lift people up. And both are proving that grace in leadership isnt just possibleits powerful.

Smiths cancer is curable. Hes begun treatment, and his spirit remains unshaken. His commitment to Opelika is stronger than ever.

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WRBL is working to bring you more about Harvis background and priorities in an upcoming interview. Much of her story is already reflected in the piece we published on Smithbecause this race is about more than one person. Its about the way Opelika shows up for each other.

In a time when division often feels like the norm, Opelika is offering a masterclass in compassion and civility. Its not weaknessits strength. And its the kind of leadership America needs more of.

Because where the rubber meets the road, we are more alike than we are different.

This is the example.

This is the idea of America.

This is the Opelika way.

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Lets carry it forward.

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Mecklenburg Countys air quality has worsened since last year, according to the American Lung Associations annual State of the Air report.

The report analyzes and documents high ground-level ozone and particle pollution days over a three-year period, based on the green to purple standards set by the EPA.

Between 2021 and 2023, the report says Mecklenburg County experienced four days with high particle pollution, meaning the air quality was in the orange level, unhealthy for sensitive groups like children, pregnant people or anyone with chronic illnesses, or worse. For this, the report issued the county a C for particle pollution.

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Mecklenburg County also experienced eight days with high ozone pollution over those three years. The American Lung Association awarded the county a D in ozone air quality.

Danna Thompson, North Carolinas director of advocacy for the association, said the culprits were a mix of local highway pollution and wildfire smoke drifting in from miles away. Across the country, she said wildfires in particular have been a growing issue.

Smoke from wildfires can harm anyone nearby and many miles down when you know breathing that smoke can shorten lives, she said. It can cause heart attacks, asthma attacks, and other dangerous health side effects.

While the grades for Mecklenburg County may seem harsh, Thompson said the county is ahead of most when it comes to data collection. Only 34 of 100 North Carolina counties have monitors that can provide enough daily data for the American Lung Association to analyze.

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She said its important for other counties and communities across the country to advocate for increased monitoring efforts from the EPA to provide day-to-day data that can keep people safe.

Thompson also called for anyone concerned about the State of the Air to sign a petition asking the EPA to continue its mission to protect public health from the impacts of air pollution, by maintaining strict regulations on air pollution from industry and tailpipes.

(VIDEO: Air quality concern due to fires)
Power lines extend through heavy wildfire smoke in Estacada, Ore., in 2020. Utilities in Oregon and elsewhere are pushing lawmakers to pass liability protections, giving them legal immunity in exchange for following safety plans. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

As climate change drastically increases the frequency and severity of wildfires, power companies say theyre facing growing risk for payouts that could bankrupt them or require massive rate hikes on customers.

Across the West, electrical utilities are pushing state lawmakers to grant them legal immunity or limit damage payouts if their equipment sparks a blaze.

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Theyre backing bills, which have passed or been proposed in at least eight states over the past few years, that would require the utilities to follow plans to limit their risks of causing a fire, such as trimming trees or burying power lines. In exchange for taking those steps, lawmakers would give utilities protection from lawsuits that could expose them to billions of dollars in damage claims.

Were only one wildfire away from bankruptcy, said Shawn Taylor, executive director of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association, a group that represents electrical cooperatives. Even if we avoid bankruptcy, wed have huge rate increases to cover the cost of a lawsuit.

Already, utilities are facing soaring insurance premiums because of the magnitude of claims they would face if they caused a fire. Taylor and other industry leaders argue that power companies should be granted relief if they take actions to limit their risk.

In 2019, Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California declared bankruptcy over its roughly $30 billion liability from a series of wildfires caused by its equipment, including the devastating Camp Fire. And in Oregon, PacifiCorp is facing billions of dollars in damage claims due to its role in the states 2020 Labor Day fires. PacifiCorp has been a key player backing liability bills in five states, the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported.

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The proposals face strong opposition from wildfire victims, insurance companies and trial lawyers. Those groups say the bills dont do enough to protect residents from dangerous electrical infrastructure. And insurers say their own customers could pay the price if lawmakers protect utilities.

When you push in one side of the balloon, it comes out somewhere else, said Greg Van Horssen, a representative for State Farm Insurance, delivering testimony before the Montana House Judiciary Committee in February. If we have a problem with recovering costs for burnt-down houses in Montana, from an insurance companys perspective, we only have one option, and thats to raise the rate of homeowners insurance.

Utah became the first state to limit utilities liability when it passed a law in 2020. The law protects companies from negligence charges if they have a wildfire mitigation plan in place, and it puts limits on the damages victims can collect, using a fair market value figure that can fall well short of the full cost to rebuild.

This year, Idaho and Wyoming have enacted similar measures, and lawmakers in Montana and North Dakota have sent proposals to their governors. A bill in Arizona has cleared the House, and an Oregon measure is still in committee. Alaska has also considered liability legislation in recent years.

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Utah state Rep. Carl Albrecht, a Republican who sponsored that states liability law, said it has compelled power companies to trim trees, bury lines and take other steps to ensure they are complying with their safety plan. He said utilities are frequent targets of litigation.

People look at the utility as deep pockets that can pay out a lot of damages, he said. Its whoever has the best attorneys and can sell their case in court.

Michele Beck, director of the Utah Office of Consumer Services, serves as an advocate for Utah energy customers. She said its difficult to protect electrical customers and wildfire victims at the same time.

The costs for ratepayers are substantial, and its reasonable to try and find a balance between these extremely high jury awards, she said. I admit, its a devastating loss for people who are impacted [by wildfires], but somebody is also paying on the other side.

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In Oregon, consumer advocates are similarly torn.

It is a difficult place to be, having utilities close to bankruptcy and unable to make investments that are necessary to provide service, said Bob Jenks, executive director of the Oregon Citizens Utility Board, a nonprofit representing ratepayers. At the same time, the principle that customers shouldnt be bailing out utilities for bad practices is a critical standard.

PacifiCorp says it faces more than $45 billion in liabilities, much of that driven by the 2020 Labor Day fires in Oregon. Multiple juries have found the company liable for failing to cut power to its lines. The massive costs PacifiCorp is facing have limited the companys ability to invest in its infrastructure and clean energy, Jenks said. PacifiCorp did not grant a Stateline interview request, but the company has been involved in shaping legislation across several Western states.

Oregon state Rep. Pam Marsh, a Democrat, said her bill would not give utilities legal immunity. It would establish a certification process to ensure utilities are mitigating wildfire risk.

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The utilities need somebody else to help them identify the risk theyre carrying, she said. We never meant that if you got a safety certification in April that youre bulletproof over the next year for any sort of wildfire liability.

But some legal experts told the Oregon Capital Chronicle that utilities would likely use their compliance with the certification process in a legal defense against wildfire claims.

In Arizona, a liability measure has passed the House and advanced in a Senate committee. The bill would protect companies from lawsuits if they follow mitigation plans. Utility leaders say its necessary to ensure they can continue providing service.

Unlike other businesses that might stop doing business in an area where risk has grown too high, we have an obligation to serve customers, said Joe Barrios, senior media relations specialist with Tucson Electric Power. Wildfire liability costs and higher insurance costs are passed along to customers through the rates that they pay. [This bill] helps to maintain service affordability.

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But state Rep. Alex Kolodin, a Republican, believes the proposal violates a state constitutional provision that bars the state from limiting residents right to sue. And he said that limiting utilities liability will reduce their incentive to take safety measures.

I wouldnt want to be the legislator who voted for this, and then the utility causes a fire that burns down 200 houses in my district, he said. Then I have to explain to my constituents why they cant recover any damages. Sorry, guys, its because your legislator is an idiot.

Brandon Vick, a regional vice president with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies trade group, said utility groups have made a coordinated push across several Western states this session. He noted that more and more residents in fire-prone areas are going without insurance coverage, leaving them with no recourse if they cant seek damages from a utility.

Utilities are rightfully concerned that theyre gonna do something that causes a catastrophic wildfire, he said. The question weve been posing is, who should be responsible when that ultimately happens? [These bills] are really pushing that liability onto the people who can least afford it.

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Several states are also considering a wildfire fund similar to the one California enacted in 2019. Such measures allow utilities to set aside money, funded by a mix of rate increases and shareholder contributions, which they can later tap into to help cover damages caused by wildfires.

Marsh, the Oregon lawmaker, said her proposal would allow wildfire victims to quickly access funding to rebuild their lives. Residents would still have the option to forgo payouts from the fund and sue utilities for full damages. The bill died in committee amid opposition from wildfire victims who characterized it as a bailout for utilities.

Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org.

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If elected to Woodsboros Town Council in May  whether as burgess or a commissioner  David Williams wants to encourage residents to get involved with their local government and not be bystanders.

Burgess Heath Barnes, who is on the ballot seeking another term, said the town has never had someone run for both a commissioner seat and the burgesss seat, and won both positions.

If that were to happen, he said, the town will cross that bridge if it comes to that.

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Williams moved to Woodsboro 31 years ago from Walkersville with his wife, who was pregnant, and three children. With another child on the way, the family needed a bigger house.

Williams, a graphic designer, said his family has had fun here  Woodsboros small-town character made it a great place to raise his family and to live in general.

For most of his time in Woodsboro, Williams hasnt been active in municipal government operations or elections.

He said he was like the majority of the towns approximately 1,100 residents: Most didnt vote in municipal elections and were complacent with the way things have been.

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Williams started attending town meetings regularly since January after reading an article about a confrontation between the current burgess and a resident.

He is one of three candidates running for two commissioner seats on Woodsboros Town Council. He is also campaigning as a write-in candidate for burgess.

The commissioner seats up for election are currently held by Jesse Case and Bud Eckenrode. Case is running for reelection, while Eckenrode is not.

The other candidate running for a commissioner seat is Denise Hahn.

Barnes was the only person officially nominated to run for the position during Woodsboros nominating convention at its April 1 town meeting.

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The towns election will be on May 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saint Johns United Church of Christ. The winners will be sworn in at the town meeting on June 10.

Residents can vote early at Woodsboros town office until close of business on May 2.

Message to non-voters

Williams said he only decided to run for a commissioner seat after his wife and friends convinced him to.

He was surprised Barnes was the only person nominated for burgess  so a few days after the official nominations, he decided to campaign as a write-in candidate for burgess.

He believes its important that the residents have multiple choices for who to vote as the towns leadership.

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I just want the people to know why Ive chosen to be a write-in candidate and why I think its important for us to be less complacent on May 10 and take it a little bit more seriously, Williams said.

... I know I can lower their taxes. Thats the message that I really want to get out to the folks who habitually dont vote.

Williams said his main goals if elected are to bring down Woodsboros tax rate and to stabilize the water rate.

In May 2024, the Town Council announced that Woodsboros property tax rate would increase from 14 cents per $100 of assessed value to 18 cents for the fiscal year 2025 budget.

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The towns water and sewer rates were also increased. The flat fee for water increased from $17 to $22, and the flat sewer fee increased from $125 to $140.

The cost per thousand gallons for water rose from $4.60 to $5.75, and the cost per thousand gallons for sewer increased from $6.44 to $8.05.

Barnes said during the Town Councils budget workshop on April 1 that before the water and sewer rate increases for fiscal year 2025, the rates had only been raised once or twice before in the past 20 years.

Williamss campaign flyers state that his property taxes have increased by 68% since the 2021 election, and his water and sewer bill has gone up by 46%.

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I just dont want this trend of increased taxes to continue, which is what Im afraid will happen if we continue to be complacent, Williams said.

Even when property rates remain the same, property tax bills increase as property values increase. Maryland reassesses all properties every three years; one-third are reassessed per year.

... Im getting very close to retirement, so Im getting very close to having a fixed income, and if I can do anything to improve my cost of living, then thats my objective right now. If I can improve my cost of living, then I can improve everybody elses cost of living in town.
Could Wisconsin become a cryptocurrency hub?

A proposed bill authored by state Sen. Dora Drake, a Democrat from Milwaukee, announced last week aims to position Wisconsin as a leader in financial technology innovation.

Dubbed the Wisconsin Innovation Network, or WIN, bill, the legislation aims to create a regulatory framework for the use and integration of virtual currencies such as bitcoin in the state while ensuring consumer protection.

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The bill also creates a two-year pilot program to educate the public about cryptocurrencies and provide grants for entrepreneurs to establish cryptocurrency-related businesses.

This is literally a new frontier of innovation where you can really set up business owners, entrepreneurs and everyday people to win, Drake said.

The bill would establish a financial services innovation program under the Department of Financial Institutions. The program would allow entrepreneurs, businesses and financial institutions to test, innovate and implement products, services or delivery mechanisms without the need for immediate licensing, but under the approval and scrutiny of the DFI, for a two-year test period. Entrepreneurs must apply to be part of the program and have no financial crimes in their background.

The DFI would oversee the pilot project, which would help businesses adopt cryptocurrency as a payment method and help support fintech entrepreneurs launch or expand crypto-related businesses. The bill allocates $2 million in grants to achieve those efforts.

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We understand it is a new issue. The industry is very nuanced, Drake said. I do see this as an opportunity for people to just understand what it is.

Drake has more altruistic reasons for introducing this bill. She serves on the governors council for financial literacy and noted that many people are victimized by AI and cryptocurrencies scams, with little recourse. These people are scammed in calls from someone pretending to be a relative in dire need, asking for money to be sent in cryptocurrencies.

There are legitimate opportunities for people to invest in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, but they must be educated about verifiable and reliable sources to do so, she added. And while there are concerns about cryptocurrency fraud, it is here to stay.

Instead of avoiding the issues, we should educate folks on what it is, Drake said.

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About 14% of Wisconsin adults own cryptocurrency, according to Stand with Crypto, an advocacy group. And the states pension system already has millions of dollars invested in a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund, or ETF.

Wisconsin residents can buy Bitcoin, but theres no clear roadmap for businesses or individuals to create or innovate using cryptocurrency, said Christopher Perceptions, an advisor to the WIN bill and owner of TwentyOneSociety, an educational and consulting firm focused on cryptocurrency.

The two-year test period for innovative financial businesses could provide that, Perceptions said, creating a kind of "sandbox" for entrepreneurs to try out new products and services.

Drake said people may want to provide a service using Bitcoin, but dont know what they can legally can and can't do.

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Perceptions leaned on his own experience. He wanted to incorporate his Bitcoin-based business in Wisconsin, but couldnt. Instead, he went to Wyoming. Other states, he said, are more welcoming to this business model. The DFIs website, he noted, has a small blurb on virtual currency, but doesn't provide much guidance.

We dont want the brain drain to affect Wisconsin, Perceptions said of businesses seeking friendlier states open to cryptocurrency-based businesses.

About 40 states have cryptocurrency legislation in varying stages, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Perceptions said most Americans investing in digital currency like Bitcoin hoard it. But around the world, it's used in different ways. This legislation provides a window for people in Wisconsin to do the same.

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Likewise, he said business owners need to be armed with knowledge about cryptocurrency, including how to accept it as payment.

They could be on the cutting edge of this, but it needs to be a soft landing," Perceptions said. How do we protect consumers while welcoming innovations?

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: WIN bill aims to boost cryptocurrency business, education in Wisconsin
Apr. 24WINONA, Minn.  The biological mother of the dead newborn found floating on the Mississippi River in 2011 is facing criminal charges.

Jennifer Nichole Baechle, 43, is facing two counts of second-degree manslaughter for allegedly placing her newborn in a white tote bag and sending it down the Mississippi River in 2011.

The charges, which were filed in Winona County District Court on Thursday, April 24, revealed that law enforcement connected her DNA to the DNA samples collected from the objects found inside the bag.

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The newborn was found concealed in a white tote bag on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi River on Sept. 5, 2011, by boaters. The 7-pound baby was found swaddled under a green T-shirt inside two plastic bags that also contained four small porcelain angels, a seeing eye bracelet and incense.

The infant became known as "Baby Angel" in the Winona community.

Six months after the discovery of the infant, more than 150 residents honored the newborn in Winona's St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Baby Angel was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery, where her gravestone stands today. A community-wide effort in Winona funded the grave marker, and members of the sheriff's office often replace the flowers near her grave.

Nearly a decade after the infant's death, Winona County deputies sought the assistance of a forensics genealogy company that has a history of helping law enforcement identify unidentified human remains. When Baby Angel was initially discovered, forensic genealogy was not well known. Law enforcement attempted to follow leads connected to the figurines found in the bag with the newborn, but none led to finding Baby Angel's parents.

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Firebird Forensics Group provided the Winona County Sheriff's Office with a possible lead to a 41-year-old woman living in Winona in March 2023, the Post Bulletin previously reported. Deputies searched the woman's trash. According to the Minnesota BCA test, a DNA sample from the trash shows the woman is a possible biological match with a blood sample taken from the infant.

In a search warrant filed in March 2024 , investigators narrowed their search for the identity of the baby's mother. The sheriff's office was using the warrant to ask for permission to obtain a DNA sample directly from Baby Angel's suspected mother.

Deputies submitted Baechle's DNA for testing around March 19, 2024. The results indicated there was strong evidence to support the biological relationship between Baechle and the newborn, the criminal complaint said.

After receiving the DNA test results, the sheriff's office spoke with members of Baechle's family, who told law enforcement they did not have personal contact with Baechle in 2011. When deputies showed photos of the items found with the newborn in the white tote bag, Baechle's family members "immediately recognized" the blue pendant. According to the complaint, her family members also said Baechle was gifted an angel ornament every Christmas. Baechle collected the angel ornaments.

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The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) concluded on March 17, 2025, that the DNA on the incense stick matches in the bag matched the DNA of Baechle.

Her first appearance is scheduled for later Thursday, April 24.

A press conference is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. in Winona, where authorities are expected to release more information about the case.

An autopsy was conducted on Sept. 6, 2011, the day after the infant was found. The medical examiner determined the infant was likely born within a day or two of her discovery. Part of the umbilical cord attached to the infant appeared to be cut by someone with a sharp-edged instrument. The complaint said it was not cut by a medical provider. The medical examiner also found bleeding on the infant's brain and fractures on the front and side of her skull, the complaint said.

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In 2024, an updated autopsy review revealed that the infant "sustained injuries of the head while alive." The injuries would not have occurred if a medical professional had assisted with the birth. The medical examiner concluded it did not appear that the infant received medical treatment during or after birth.

"As the biological mother of the infant, Defendant had a duty to seek medical care on behalf of the infant during pregnancy, birth, and immediately after birth," the complaint said.

In 2023, after the forensics genealogy company provided law enforcement with a possible lead to Baechle, deputies asked Baechle to provide a DNA sample. Baechle asked for more time to consider giving them a sample and to research Firebird Forensics Group.

Soon after her second request for additional time, a criminal defense lawyer sent a letter to the sheriff's office requesting that any future contact with Baechle be made through the attorney.

Check back later for more on this developing story.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A local community college and a car club came together on Wednesday to start their engines and showcase the horsepower.

The Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) Automotive Technology and Auto Body program and the Tri-State Cruisers hosted the 15th Annual Car Show and Shine. The event was free and open to the public.

Milford getting ready for RAGBRAI

Car enthusiasts rolled their cars or motorcycles of all makes and models into the 2B parking lot on the WITCC campus. Visitors were also able to see the student project cars.

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The auto body professor at WITCC said the event was a way to bring the community together and enjoy everyones taste in hot rods.

Anybody that thinks their car is worthy of the show is welcome and its just an opportunity for all of us car guys to get together and kind of talk cars, said Shane Sampson, automotive technology instructor at WITCC.

Officials said for anyone who missed out the event or are interested in showing off their ride, next years event will be held in WITCCs 2B parking lot on the Sioux City campus.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A woman accused of assaulting the manager of a Baton Rouge motel was arrested in Opelousas.

An affidavit states Yushika Vallian, 31, confronted the manager on April 22, asking about information related to a shooting at the motel. A man was killed after an exchange of gunfire with officers early Sunday morning at Super 6 Inns and Suites on Gwenadele Avenue.

Police documents said Vallian became irate and tried to force her way into the motel by throwing an object and kicking the secured glass front door. Vallian and other unknown subjects are accused of attacking the manager in the incident.

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Vallian was arrested in Opelousas by deputies and charged with unauthorized entry of a business and simple battery. BRPD said she would be extradited to Baton Rouge, where additional charges would be added. Police said the additional charges are in connection with terroristic threats made to the department via phone, email, and social media.

Child found alone at Baton Rouge motel, police searching for parents

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A woman accused of using a stun gun on her adult autistic son is scheduled for a preliminary hearing next month at which a judge will determine whether theres enough evidence for the case to proceed.

Tisa Armijo is charged with felony counts of allowing or causing injury to a dependent adult and false imprisonment with violence, and a misdemeanor count of being a felon in possession of a stun gun. Shes out of custody on $30,000 bail.

At a hearing Thursday morning, Superior Court Judge Elizabet Rodriguez set the preliminary hearing for May 2. That date may change as a different prosecutor was recently assigned the case, which was filed almost 10 months ago.

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In July, security guards and a nurse at Kern Medical reported Armijo used a stun gun on her son while he was in a pre-operating room. Police detained her in the hospitals parking lot and found the weapon in her purse.

Armijo told investigators she previously pepper-sprayed her son and kept him locked in his bedroom, releasing him only to eat, bathe and use the bathroom, according to a court filing. A defense attorney previously involved in the case has said the son is strong and has the mindset of a 2-year-old.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
David Paul Morris / Bloomberg via Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Options pricing suggests traders expect Tesla stock to move roughly 11% in either direction after reporting first-quarter results after markets close on Tuesday.

Over the past four quarters, the stock has averaged a post-earnings move of 12.3%.

Tesla's first-quarter deliveries came in well below expectations, and as of Monday's close, the stock had lost more than 40% of its value this year.







Tesla (TSLA) is set to report first-quarter earnings after the bell, and investors are hoping results can jolt the stock out of its recent malaise.

Options pricing suggests traders are expecting Tesla stock to move roughly 11% in either direction in the days after Tuesday's report. Based on Tuesday afternoon's share price of about $241, that would put Tesla stock between $212 and $269 on Friday.

A double-digit post-earnings move wouldn't be out of the ordinary for Tesla, one of the more volatile mega-cap stocks. After its four most recent quarterly reports, the company has seen its stock move 12.3% on average. Shares soared nearly 22% in October when the company beat earnings estimates and CEO Elon Musk said the company was "on track" to begin producing a model costing less than $30,000 this year.

A lot has changed since October. President Donald Trump's tariffs could derail Musk's low-cost model plans. Trump's 25% duty on all foreign cars and car parts is expected to significantly increase the cost of all automobileseven Tesla's, which are assembled in the U.S. with some foreign parts.

Musk may have to answer to investors concerned that his involvement with the White House is both distracting him from leading Tesla and damaging the brand. Tesla dealerships have become a regular target of anti-Trump protests, and international sales have plummeted amid a global backlash to Musk's political interventions.

Tesla's first-quarter deliveries fell short of analysts' estimates, which had already been lowered since the start of the year.

Trump's tariffs are expected to loom large over this round of corporate earnings reports. Analysts are expecting a slump in the number of companies issuing earnings guidance. According to a recent JPMorgan analysis, traders are also expecting the most post-earnings stock volatility since the first quarter of 2020, when companies reported earnings at the height of Covid uncertainty.

Read the original article on Investopedia
A woman was charged in a nearly 14-year-old cold case of a baby found dead in Minnesota floating down the Mississippi River as investigators say DNA evidence shows she was the infant's mother.

Jennifer Nichole Baechle was charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter in the death of a newborn girl investigators have dubbed "Baby Angel," Winona County officials announced Thursday. Baby Angel was found floating inside a bag on the Mississippi River on Sept. 5, 2011, 7 miles south of Winona.

The bag also contained a pendant, incense and several angel figurines.

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Winona County Sheriff Ron Gandrude told reporters that the baby's death "has weighed heavily on the hearts of the Winona community."

The Winona County, Minn., Sheriff's Office.

"She deserved better than a watery grave," Gandrude said. "She deserved more than a life cut short."

According to a criminal complaint, an autopsy determined she was born just a day or two before she died. A 4-inch section of the umbilical cord was attached to the baby, and it did not appear that the cord was cut by a medical provider.

"The medical examiner noted several fractures on the front and side of the infants skull," the complaint said. "There was bleeding on the brain. There was no evidence of medical intervention on the infant."

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Evidence showed that the baby sustained the skull fractures while she was still alive and that they did not appear to have occurred during birth, according to the complaint.

The sheriff's office worked with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to look into every lead at the time, but authorities were unable to obtain answers about the newborn's identity or what happened to her.

The sheriff's office held a burial for the baby in 2016, NBC affiliate KARE of Minneapolis reported at the time.

More than a decade after Baby Angel was found, investigators reached out to Firebird Forensics Group to see whether genetic genealogy might uncover a relative.

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Firebird identified Baechle as a possible lead in March 2023, the complaint said. Gandrude told reporters that authorities asked Baechle whether she would offer a DNA sample voluntarily but that she refused.

According to the complaint, investigators searched her trash and found "discarded female hygiene product" that was sent for DNA testing to compare with Baby Angel.

Officials said that testing, conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, confirmed Baechle could be the baby's mother.

Deputies obtained a warrant last year to collect Baechle's DNA to be officially tested by the bureau. The report found "very strong evidence" that Baby Angel was Baechle's daughter, the complaint said.

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Investigators spoke with members of Baechle's family, who said they had not maintained contact with her since 2011. The relatives said she was living in her van in Winona at the time, according to the complaint.

Shown pictures of what else was found in the bag with Baby Angel, the family members "immediately recognized the blue pendant" as belonging to Baechle, the complaint said.

They also said she collected angels and described giving her an angel ornament every Christmas.

Winona County Attorney Karin Sonneman told reporters that other, less serious charges were considered but that they were outside a statute of limitations. Baechle is the only person charged.

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At this time, she is the only parent that came up, Sonneman said. Obviously theres a father out there somewhere, but at this time the forensics only identified her.

Sonneman said Baechle had lived in Winona for several years and was married with two children. She is not considered a danger to the public, though Sonneman argued in court that she was a flight risk.

Baechle appeared in court Thursday for a bail hearing, Sonneman told reporters. A judge set unconditional bail at $200,000, and a lower, conditional bail was set at $20,000.

Conditions of the bail were that Baechle wear a GPS monitoring device and that she not leave Minnesota. If she is convicted, Baechle faces a presumptive sentence of 48 months.

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Court records for Baechle were not immediately available, and NBC News was unable to identify an attorney in her case. Sonneman was not available Thursday for more information.

The sheriff's office said Baechle was booked into the Winona County Jail on Thursday, but county inmate records did not list her in custody Thursday afternoon.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  A woman currently living in the suburbs of Chicago has been arrested in connection to the death of a two-year-old in Danville that happened almost six years ago.

The Danville Police Department announced via Facebook that, through diligent and continuous investigation, investigators requested and received an arrest warrant for Tatiana C. Neustadter of Plainfield on April 4. They believe she was responsible for beating the child to death on June 4, 2019.

Another Danville school bus rear-ended; no one hurt

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On that date, detectives responded to Camaro Drive for a report of a severely injured child, who died a few weeks later.

After the warrant was issued, Neustadter was arrested in Joliet on Monday and has since been transported back to Vermilion County. She was booked into the Vermilion County Public Safety Building on four counts of murder and two counts of aggravated battery to a child.

Officials said Neustadter will remain in custody as she awaits trial.

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CHICAGO (WGN)  A woman has been charged in the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old man in Lincoln Park earlier this month.

Chicago police announced Thursday 25-year-old Josalyn Fowler of Thornton, Illinois, has been charged with multiple felonies including first degree murder and attempted robbery.

Previous Coverage: Police seek suspect in fatal shooting Wednesday night in normally quiet Lincoln Park neighborhood

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Authorities said Fowler was arrested in Thornton on Tuesday by Chicago police and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Task Force, after being identified as the suspect wanted in the April 16 shooting of 28-year-old Kevin Patel.

Kevin Patel (Photo credit: GoFundMe)

On that evening, officers responded to the 800 block of West Lill Avenue to a call of a person shot. They located Patel on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the chest.

He was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A GoFundMe Fundraiser set up by Patels family has raised over $19,000 as of Friday morning.

Fowler is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

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A woman is facing charges, including attempted murder, in a New Hampshire stabbing that left the victim critically injured

Manchester police officers responded to a stabbing at a home on Temple Court around 1:35 a.m. and found a victim suffering from serious stab wounds.

Monica Josephson, 26, of Manchester, was taken into custody at the scene.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and remains in critical but stable condition.

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Josephson is scheduled to appear in Manchester District Court Thursday on attempted murder and first-degree domsetiv violence assault charges.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A woman from western Mahoning County will now have to repay more than $100,000 to dozens of victims who were caught up in a puppy-selling scheme.

Read next: Teen sentenced in Youngstown shooting that paralyzed victim

April Waidman was back in court Thursday for sentencing. She was placed on five years of probation with the first 12 months under house arrest with privileges to work so she can pay restitution to her victims  about $100,000. The last six months of her sentence will be spent in the county jail.

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Waidman is also banned from selling animals or animal products during her probationary period and cannot have any contact with her victims. She also has to submit to random drug testing and mental health assessments and maintain full-time employment.

Earlier this month, Waidman entered guilty pleas to more than 80 theft counts for taking money from victims who thought they were buying puppies, but in nearly every case, animals were never delivered. In court Thursday, a number of Waidmans victims asked for harsh sentences.

Weve all been scammed by Miss Waidman, and she needs to pay restitution in full and spend time in jail. Jail time will give her time to reflect on what her actions and decisions have subjected all of her victims to for the past years, said Debbie Saluga, a puppy scam victim.

The judge warned Waidman that if she fails to fulfill her sentence, she could face 35 months in state prison.

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April has been doing this for years, stealing thousands and thousands of dollars from hardworking people all across the states, and I wholeheartedly believe she will go right back to doing that again if she does not face real punishment, said Kassandra Maillis, a puppy scam victim.

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This article has been updated to include a statement from Gov. Maura Healey.

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-2nd District, announced on Thursday the death of his daughter, Molly McGovern.

McGovern, his wife Lisa McGovern, and their son Patrick McGovern confirmed Molly McGoverns death in a statement.

The family said Molly McGovern had just finished a semester abroad in Australia and had died unexpectedly in Italy while visiting a good friend and his family, according to the statement.

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She was 23-years-old.

Molly radiated pure joy. She lit up every room with her beaming smile full of laughter, endless warmth, and a sharp wit that could disarm you in an instant, the McGovern family said in its statement. She was unbelievably funny, fiercely loyal, and wise beyond her years. Molly had a rare gift: She made everyone feel special, because she genuinely believed everyone was special. "

McGoverns daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, according to the statement. She was a fan of the Boston Bruins but it was no match for the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.

Molly will always be the soul of our family. We are so proud of her, and so glad that so many people were touched by her incredible life, the McGovern family said. We love you, Molly. We miss you already.

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In a statement, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said she was heartbroken for the McGovern family over the loss of their beloved Molly. Molly was a light in her familys lives and the lives of so many. She was a kind, smart and compassionate young woman who touched the lives of many.

We are all feeling the sadness of her being taken too soon, Healey said. Joanna and I are sending all of our love and support to Congressman McGovern, Lisa, Patrick and all of their loved ones during this difficult time.

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Demand for workplace mental health clinics is booming amid an unsustainable rise in claims of depression, anxiety and stress.

Bupa is to launch mental health centres across the UK to deal with an exponential rise in demand from stressed workers.

Its 70 mindplace centres will focus on corporate clients and their family members.

Bupas chief executive said businesses were crying out for more help, with sick leave rising and productivity falling. The company has seen demand for access to mental health treatments rise by 20 per cent year on year since 2020.

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It comes as a report by the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) tells of an unsustainable rise in mental health conditions, warning that over-diagnosis and distorted financial incentives may be fuelling the trend.

The study highlights a 168 per cent increase in depression, anxiety and stress among those aged 16 to 24 in the two decades ending in 2019, with a 42 per cent rise seen across all age groups.

It also points to a doubling in ADHD medication since 2018/2019, while noting that mental health health conditions are the most common reason that people are on long term sick leave.

The report suggests that the NHS and welfare system have the wrong financial incentives to get people back to work.

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It quotes a report by the Department for Work and Pensions which found half of those out of out-of-work individuals on health and disability benefits feared they would be unable to reclaim their benefits if a job did not work out.

Dr Charlotte Refsum, Director of Health Policy at TBI said the rising pressures on health, education and welfare budgets were not sustainable.

Whether this is a true increase in mental ill health, or if there are issues with incentives in the system, it is vital we understand what is driving the increase so the root causes can be addressed, she said.

It comes as the Government prepares to strengthen the hand of employees who claim illness in its Workers Rights Bill. The new law will give employees a string of full rights from day one in a job, including maternity and paternity leave, sick pay and protection from dismissal.

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Across the country, mental health claims have fuelled a surge in benefits payments post-Covid, while overall spending on working age sickness and disability benefits have risen by 20 billion.

One in four pounds paid in income tax is expected to go towards sickness benefits by the end of this decade, unless the trajectory changes.

On Thursday, Bupas chief executive announced plans to launch 20 mindplace centres this year, starting in Guildford, Reading and Bristol  the areas identified as having the highest demand. In total, 70 such facilities will be opened by the end of 2027.

Carlos Jaureguizar, the chief executive of Bupa Global, India & UK, said mental health was now one of the biggest challenges facing businesses, with the new centres aimed at providing help quickly, before individuals reach crisis point.

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He said: Since 2020, demand for mental health services has grown exponentially for the workforce and their wider family unit, particularly young people. There is an increasing need for mental health support across the UK and fast access to services has never been more important.

When we talk to our big corporate clients and our SMEs [small to medium sized enterprises], this trend is really impacting their employees, their capacity to work, their sick leave and the productivity of the country, so we need to do something to solve that.

He said the centres would ensure clients received fast access to face-to-face care, with a focus on prevention.

The service will be offered to individual customers, as well as corporate clients, and later be made available for self-pay customers.

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Mr Jaureguizar said: Mindplace facilities will help people get fast access to face-to-face care. They reflect our commitment to prevention, identifying urgent needs amongst our customers where early intervention can lead to better health outcomes.

Major driver of youth worklessness

Last month, a report by PwC suggested that Generation Z were giving up on work, with almost four in 10 considering leaving their job and ending up on benefits.

It warned that a generation of workers was now in danger of permanently drifting out of the jobs market and identified mental health conditions as a major driver of youth worklessness.

PwC said economic inactivity, where people are neither in work nor looking for a job, was on course to rise further, with 4.4 million workers  one in 10 of the overall workforce  now on the brink of leaving the labour market.

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In a stark warning, the Big Four accountancy firm, which employs roughly 26,000 people in the UK, also said many employers were wary of taking on people who had been out of work for an extended period.

Research by benefits provider Unum suggests that one in three UK employees experience some form of mental health concern annually, with a quarter saying their mental wellbeing has worsened in the past year.

Meanwhile, analysis by accounting firm Deloitte found that mental health problems are costing UK companies 51 billion each year.

It also noted that while cost of living, job security and personal or family finances were top priorities among working adults, childrens mental health was one of the greatest concerns for almost half of working parents.

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The centres will be accessible to Bupas four million UK insurance customers, many of whom have corporate accounts.

The mindplace facilities will offer access to face-to-face talking therapies, including counselling, psychology, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Mindplace facilities will become available to self-pay customers shortly after.

A survey this year found that one in three young workers have taken sick days because of mental health issues triggered by stress.

Some 35 per cent of employees aged 18 to 24 reported feeling so unwell as a result of stress that they had to take time off from work last year, according to charity Mental Health UK.

Many men are dying too young

On Thursday, Mr Streeting will promise action to prevent and tackle the biggest health problems facing men, and to close the life-expectancy gap, which sees men die almost four years earlier than women on average.

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Every day, men across England are dying early from preventable causes. Men are hit harder by a range of conditions, while tragically suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50.

Our Plan For Change means we will tackle these issues head on through a mens health strategy, and todays call for evidence is the crucial next step in understanding what works, what doesnt, and how we can design services men will actually use, he said, urging the public to share their views.

The call for evidence will be open for 12 weeks on the Department of Health and Social Care website.

Amy OConnor, from the mens health charity Movember, said: Too many men are dying too young. The mens health strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in positive change for men and their loved ones.

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Julie Bentley, the chief executive of Samaritans, said: Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 so its critical that suicide prevention is front and centre of this strategy. With men making up 75 per cent of all suicides, this strategy is a real opportunity to prevent thousands of deaths.

Earlier this year, Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, rejected the suggestion that a minister for men was needed after calls were made for a government position specifically addressing issues such as behaviour, education and poor mental health.

Massively over-diagnosing

On Thursday, Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, claimed that the UK had created a class of victims by massively over-diagnosing people with mental health problems.

Asked about the strain on local services for children with special educational needs and disabilities, he said: Its a massive problem. I have to say, for my own money, when you get to 18 and you put somebody on a disability register, unemployed, with a high level of benefits, youre telling people aged 18 that theyre victims. And if you are told youre a victim, and you think youre a victim, you are likely to stay as a victim...

And I think we are massively  Im not being heartless here, Im being frank  I think we are massively over-diagnosing those with mental illness problems and those with other general behavioural disabilities. And I think were creating a class of victims in Britain who will struggle ever to get out of it.

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- Sam Kelly/WSJ, iStock (2)

The business worlds tariff problem is turning into a real world price problem.

From industrial giants like GE Aerospace to luxury brands like LVMH and Hermes to the telecom outfit Verizon, companies say they are making plans to pass along at least some of the cost of tariffs to consumers.+

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Birkin handbag maker Hermes last week said it would raise its prices in the U.S., making American buyers swallow the entire cost of tariffs on European goods. Five Below, which sells a range of goods from clothes to toysmany of which cost $5 or lessplans to round up or down to whole numbers. For instance, a $1.75 bottle of Sally Hansen long-wear nail color could cost $2.

It will not be one-size-fits-all, LVMH finance chief Cecile Cabanis said. It can be very different depending on the brand, depending on the categories within the brand.

The decision of how much to jack up the price is as much of an art as it is a science: Pass along the tariff cost entirely to the consumer and risk turning off customers for periods that could last far beyond this moment. But if companies decide to swallow the tariffs themselves, they could destroy profits.

Hyundai imports about 60% of its U.S.-sold vehicles mainly from South Korea. - David Zalubowski/AP

Some companies are holding steady for now. Hyundai Motorwhich is facing a 25% tariff on imported vehicleshas pledged to keep prices steady until June lest rising sticker prices for Sonata sedans and Tucson SUVs scare buyers off.

You may not know the price of a bag, you may not know the price of a jacket, you might not know the prices of shoes, but everybody knows the price of cars, said Hyundai Chief Executive Jose Munoz. If I simply pass on the incremental cost to the consumer and I dont sell cars, Im out of business.

Currently, the South Korean automaker imports about 60% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. mainly from Korea. Munoz wants to lower that to 30% in the coming years. He said he would re-evaluate prices in June.

Kimberly-Clark cut its profit forecast for the year in anticipation of $300 million in new costs from the global trade war. But the maker of Kleenex tissues and Huggies diapers doesnt plan to raise prices.

Its not as simple as, well, tariffs are in, so you price it all away, right? Kimberly-Clark CEO Michael Hsu said. Hsu said the company is looking to change where it sources some of its products. The problem with the sourcing is it takes longer.
The record-breaking Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) has captured another stunningly close look at the surface of our sun. DKIST has collected incredibly detailed images of the sun from its perch on the Haleakala volcano in Maui since 2022, but the largest observational tool of its kind only managed its latest look thanks to a recent major milestone described as its technical first light. Using its newly installed spectro-polarimeter visible tuner filter (VTF), DKIST has offered a stunningly close look at the suns surface photosphere featuring a gigantic sunspot.

The instrument is, so to speak, the heart of the solar telescope, which is now finally beating at its final destination, VTF project scientist Matthias Schubert said in a statement.

Each pixel in the original version of the image corresponds to 10 km (or 6.2 miles) on the Sun. Credit: VTF / KIS / NSF / NSO / AURA

VTFs primary goal is to image the sun at the absolute highest spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions possible. Doing so will help experts gain a better understanding of the suns dynamic and complex behaviors, particularly the powerful particles, solar energy, and stellar radiation it ejects across the solar system. These solar storms routinely produce colorful atmospheric auroras on Earth, but especially intense events can wreak havoc on satellites and global communications systems. Studying the suns photosphere and chromosphere will allow researchers to examine how plasma flows and shifting magnetic fields interact to trigger surface eruptions.

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DKISTs VTF is specifically designed to help determine attributes like magnetic field strength, temperature, pressure, and plasma flow velocity. It is a massive addition to what is already a giant observational installation. At around the size of a small garage, the 5.6 ton instrument occupies two floors at the National Solar Observatory.

The VTF was developed and constructed at Germanys Institute for Solar Physics over the last 15 yearsnearly as long as the time spent on DKIST itself. The painstaking installation process began at the beginning of 2024, and took months of work to complete before it could be utilized for the first time.

VTFs first public image also showcases one of our stars ever-changing sunspots, which are linked to comparatively strong magnetic fields that prevent plasma from escaping the stars interior. To record the event, the VTF relied on sunlight with a wavelength of 588.9 nanometers, and also depicts the sunspots penumbra over a region measuring approximately 15,535-square-miles.

The Inouye Solar Telescope was designed to study the underlying physics of the Sun as the driver of space weather, said Christoph Keller, Director of the National Solar Observatory, which is responsible for operating DKIST. In pursuing this goal, the Inouye is an ideal platform for an unprecedented and pioneering instrument like the VTF.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Wichita Police Department asked for the publics help in locating a 9-year-old boy with autism on Wednesday. He has since been located.

The boy was last seen at 7:30 p.m. in the area of 37th Street and Rock Road.

WPD requested the publics assistance in locating the boy at 8:52 p.m. The boy was found safe an hour later.

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DETROIT (AP)  A woman from Guatemala says she and her two U.S.-born children were held for nearly a week by customs agents in Detroit after a phone apps directions to the nearest Costco led them to an international bridge connecting the city to Canada.

She now faces removal proceedings in June in immigration court, according to Ruby Robinson, senior managing attorney with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.

On Thursday, Robinson, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, and the ACLU of Michigan called for more accountability and transparency by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on detentions along the nation's northern border with Canada.

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Our neighbors and families should not be disappearing because they made a wrong turn, Tlaib said.

Though the northern border sees far fewer encounters with migrants than the U.S.-Mexico border, the woman's case is not uncommon, according to Tlaib.

The Michigan Democrat said she was told on March 21 by CBP that about 213 people had been detained at the same location since January, with more than 90% mistakenly driving onto the bridges toll plaza. Tlaib also said she was told 12 families had been detained in the same building where Robinsons client was held.

We dont know what exactly is happening. Theres a lack of transparency, she said, adding that similar detentions likely are occurring elsewhere along the 5,525-mile (8,891-kilometer) northern border.

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But Customs and Border Protection said agents encountered just over 200 undocumented people from Jan. 20 to March 21 at crossings in Detroit. About half were detained and turned over to ICE after secondary processing was complete, according to a CBP spokesman.

The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center is representing the Guatemalan woman. Robinson declined to release her name or age, only confirming that she has been in the U.S. about six years, but has no legal status. Her daughters, ages 5 and 1, were born in the U.S. Their father lives in Detroit.

She lives in Southwest Detroit, a neighborhood with a large Hispanic population that sits in the shadow of the Ambassador Bridge and just across the Detroit River from Windsor, Ontario.

On March 8, the woman and her daughters were in a vehicle being driven by her 19-year-old brother. She used a phone app to find the nearest Costco and didn't realize the closest store was on the Canadian side of the bridge, Robinson said during a Zoom call with reporters.

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They drove onto the bridge's toll plaza, but didn't go past the toll booths. They were stopped by CBP agents and taken to a nearby building where she was questioned and fingerprinted. She also signed a form stating she entered the U.S. illegally.

She said agents told her she was going to be deported and encouraged her to take her daughters with her back to Guatemala, according to Robinson.

They were held in a small, windowless room, slept on cots and given microwaveable food like ramen noodles and oatmeal. They were only allowed to leave the room to use the restroom and shower, she said.

By Monday night, March 10, her youngest daughter began developing a fever. The woman said agents told her they had no medication for the child. The older daughter would soon come down with a cough.

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While going to the restroom that Tuesday, the family finally saw her brother in a hallway. The woman said he was in shackles. Her brother also has no legal status in the U.S. and works as a roofer with the father of her children, she said.

On Wednesday night, the girls were turned over to the woman's sister-in-law. She was released the next day.

When individuals violate immigration laws, their choices make them subject to detention and removal, CBP Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs Hilton Beckham said in a statement. She admitted to unlawfully entering the U.S. in 2018. Per policy, CBP worked to find a suitable guardian for her U.S. citizen children. However, she initially chose to keep them with her, prolonging the detention period. Once the children were placed with a guardian, she was transferred to ICE.

Such detentions are part of a pattern where short-term facilities are being used long-term by CBP, said Tlaib, who serves on the U.S. House Oversight Committee.

The erosion of due process is a threat to all of us  no matter your name, no matter immigration status, Tlaib said. A wrong turn should not lead to a disappearance and an erosion of someone's due process.
Several people are in custody after an extremely treacherous attempt to flee police by driving in the wrong direction without headlights on several Southern California freeways Wednesday night.

Its unclear exactly what the man, who was behind the wheel of a red pickup truck, was originally wanted for, but officers with the Los Angeles Police Departments Foothill Division initiated the pursuit in the Pacoima area just before 10 p.m.

Preliminary reports suggested that the suspect was wanted for being armed with a gun, though the chase took a turn when the suspect began driving the wrong way on the 118, 5 and later the 170 freeways with no headlights.

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Police terminated the pursuit and began tracking the suspect, who eventually exited the freeway onto Lauren Canyon Boulevard, from the air.

L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA) L.A. police were tracking a pursuit suspect who was driving the wrong way on several SoCal freeways on April 23, 2025. (KTLA)

The driver made his way to an alleyway off Roscoe Boulevard and Webb Avenue, stopped the truck and ran into the backyard of a nearby home where someone appeared to open the back door for him.

Police, with guns drawn, quickly swarmed the back of the home as two people from inside the house came out and were quickly detained by police.

It is unknown if either of those people was the suspect.

By the time Sky5 was forced to leave the scene, police said that as many six other people were possibly inside the home and officers were staging in the area before clearing the residence.

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In an update just before 11 p.m., police told KTLA that the pursuit suspect had been taken into custody.

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YANKTON, S.D. (KCAU)  Many organizations in the U.S. are still waiting after the Trump administration froze federal funding a couple months ago. One South Dakota organization was set to close due to the freeze, but the community is rallying to keep them open.

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is a pillar for the Yankton community, and residents are helping to ensure the organization stays open. LSS helps immigrants navigate their new lives in the U.S. by helping people get jobs and teaching them how to sign their kids up for school.

We cant build and grow our community and the workforce within our community without strong partnerships, Rita Nelson with Yankton Thrive said. And LSS is a very strong partner for individuals who are here working to develop their skills and grow their careers and create their life.

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Due to the Trump administrations federal funding freeze earlier this year, the organization was set to shut down.

Yankton nonprofit celebrates 50 years serving the community

Which is, I believe, a quarter of their budget. So therefore, they were losing federal funds, which resulted in them needing to close our Yankton office, Nelson said.

However, many in the Yankton community arent willing to let the organization go down without a fight.

It actually gave the community a rallying cry, I think, said Bernie Hunhoff with Muddy Mos Coffee House.

Muddy Mos has been rallying people to make donations to keep Lutheran Social Services open a bit longer.

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We put a jar up at the coffee shop here, just put a jar out with a little sign and said that your neighbors need help, Hunhoff said. And immediately the jar just filled up, I think, just a couple of thousand dollars in there. And I just got, Im just walking in here and somebody gave me I think a $200 check just walking down the street.

However, residents arent the only people wanting to keep LSS open.

What American Foods [Group] has offered us is half the monthly request to keep the doors open, Nelson said. So theyre doing $1,500 per month for the next three months. And that requires that we need to find a match for the other $1,500.

Lutheran Social Services would have closed its doors in March. However, due to these donations, the organization will stay open until June.

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Yankton, S.D. April 8 Municipal Election results certified

Residents say theyre wanting to fight for folks to be able to live the American Dream.

Every person that Ive run into, they really want to be here, they want to be part of the American Dream and they want to experience the goodness of what this place can offer and they dont want to move away, said pastor Jeff Otterman with Trinity Lutheran Church. So even if they worked at [Cimpls Meats] or other places, they want to know that theres a community there behind them.

We actually had a baker, while he worked at Cimpls as he was a baker, and he came in and he showed us his cakes, he did really good, said Jalyssa Dion, a barista at Muddy Mos. So a lot of those people are very talented coming from simple, you know, they just need the opportunity to be able to do what they want to do.

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Nelson wants to emphasize that the donations are only a temporary solution, as officials are working hard to get a permanent funding source.

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YANKTON, S.D. (KCAU)  A Yankton, South Dakota organization is celebrating half a century of helping the local community.

The Yankton Contact Center not only operates as the towns only free food source, but also helps residents with temporary housing and managing social security payments. This January marked 50 years for the organizations, and executive director Rebecca Meier says that last year, they assisted more than 3,000 people.

North Sioux City holds last council meeting and first commission meeting

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Its been a staple in the community for so long that people just know, like if they know someone in need, they can send them our way and well try to help them, Meier said. And even if its our mission that cant help them, well make sure that theyre connected to someone who can get them in contact with people.

The Yankton Contact Center will hold two 50th anniversary events this year. The first will be on Friday, April 25 at the Yankton County Government Center, and the other will be on July 31.

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A beekeeper living in the United States for two decades was a participant in the Rwandan Genocide, prosecutors claim.

Faustin Nsabumukunzi, 65, of Bridgehampton, New York, was a local leader with the title of Sector Counsellor in Rwanda in 1994, according to documents made public by the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

The defendant participated in the commission of heinous acts of violence abroad and then lied his way into a green card and tried to obtain US citizenship, said Matthew Galeotti, head of the DOJs criminal division.

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No matter how much time has passed, the department will find and prosecute individuals who committed atrocities in their home countries and covered them up to gain entry and seek citizenship in the United States, he continued.

Mr Nsabumukunzi was arrested on Thursday and scheduled to appear before a judge. It is not clear if Mr Nsabumukunzi has a lawyer or has had a chance to enter a plea.

An image published by the New York Post, purportedly of Mr Nsabumukunzi, showed him standing outside a house with an American flag flying from a post.

The newspaper said when Mr Nsabumukunzi was arrested in the Long Island area of New York, he allegedly told the authorities: I know, Im finished.

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During just 100 days in 1994, members of the majority Hutu population persecuted the minority Tutsis, committing acts of violence including murder and rape.

An estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed.

The killings were triggered by the death of the Juvenal Habyarimana, the Rwandan president, who was a Hutu, when his plane was shot down above Kigali airport on April 6 that year.

In 2006, a French judge claimed Paul Kagame, the current Rwandan president, at the time the leader of a Tutsi rebel group and his associates were involved in the attack, something he has always denied.

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The DOJ said Mr Nsabumukunzi applied for refugee status in in 2003, and denied any involvement in the genocide.

He was allowed to enter the US as a refugee in 2004, and received a green card in 2007.

In New York, he worked as a beekeeper with the Hamptons Honey Company. He has been featured several times in the media.

They are my activity, he said of the bees, in a 2006 interview with The New York Times. Beekeeping is my life.

According to the DOJ, the documents unsealed this week allege Mr Nsabumukunzi used his leadership position to oversee the violence and killings of Tutsis in his local area and directed groups of armed Hutus to kill Tutsis.

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It added: He is alleged to have set up roadblocks during the genocide to detain and kill Tutsis and to have participated in killings.

Darren McCormack, a senior agent of US immigration and customs enforcement homeland security investigations division, said: This defendant has been living in the United States for decades, hiding his alleged horrific conduct, human rights violations, and his role in these senseless atrocities against innocent Tutsis.

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YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A York County man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for distributing crack and powder cocaine.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania says Glenn Jerome Bradley, of New Park, was sentenced on April 22 to 46 months in prison.

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On February 27, 2020, police observed Bradley travel from his York County home to a location in Maryland for a drug transaction. Police stopped Bradleys vehicle and discovered crack and powder cocaine.

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A search of Bradleys home found more than $20,000 in cash, additional powder and crack cocaine, a loaded handgun, and drug paraphernalia, all in his master closet.

Five puppies stolen from Lancaster County Amish farm

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security

Investigations agency, the Baltimore County Drug Task Force, and the Pennsylvania State

Police

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Trump says Zelensky's statement "very harmful to the peace negotiations with Russia"

Xinhua) 08:54, April 24, 2025

WASHINGTON, April 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying the Ukrainian leader's statement on Crimea is "very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia."

Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social that "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"

"It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about," wrote Trump, adding that "The situation for Ukraine is dire - He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country."

Trump also noted that the statement made by Zelensky would do nothing but prolong the "killing field" and "nobody wants that!"

"We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE," he noted.

Zelensky said Tuesday that Kiev is prepared to engage in talks in any format once a potential ceasefire with Russia is established, the government-run Ukrinform news agency reported. But he stressed that Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea by Russia as it contradicts the nation's Constitution.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Hino Motors Company, the commercial vehicle unit of Toyota Motor Corporation, and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) are moving forward with their merger plans, according to reports in Japan citing sources close to the deal.

The two Japan-based commercial vehicle manufacturers originally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to merge their operations under a single equally-owned holding company in May 2023, with plans to integrate their commercial vehicle development, production and component procurement operations. The aim was to create a globally competitive Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer capable of taking on the challenge of Chinas fast-expanding commercial vehicle industry.

The two companies had aimed to complete the merger by the end of 2024, but in early 2024 they jointly announced that the merger would be postponed indefinitely.

According to local reports, the merger talks are back on, with the two companies now planning to establish a jointly-owned holding company and list it on Tokyos main stock exchange in April 2026.

The two companies have agreed to keep their respective global sales operations separate, while their R&D and production operations and supply chains will be integrated to improve manufacturing efficiency and enhance overall economies of scale.

Details of the new merger plans are now expected to be officially released in May, to allow time for the necessary regulatory and legal processes to be completed. According to reports, the Japan Fair Trade Commission is close to completing its fair-trade review.

Both Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso have denied that they have reached a final agreement on the deal, including their respective shareholdings and timing of the listing.

Hino delivered a total of 125,556 commercial vehicles globally in 2024, most of which in Asia, while Mitsubishi Fusos parent company, Daimler Truck, reported 125,234 commercial vehicle sales by its Asia Truck division  mostly comprising vehicles sold by its Japanese subsidiary.

"Hino, Fuso move forward with merger plans  reports" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




The New York Times has found not one, but two new co-hosts who will join Michael Barbaro on its flagship podcast The Daily, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The Times will add Natalie Kitroeff and Rachel Abrams as co-hosts of the podcast, per a memo to staff sent Thursday morning. Kitroeff has been the Times Mexico City bureau chief for the past five years. Her perspective on trade, border politics and immigration laws will be invaluable to The Daily during crucial news moments, per Thursdays memo.

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Abrams, meanwhile, established herself as one of the reporters covering the #MeToo movement, including reporting on the likes of Harvey Weinstein and Les Moonves. Abrams also recently co-wrote the book Unscripted: The Epic Battle for a Media Empire and the Redstone Family Legacy, alongside James B. Stewart.

Abrams will begin at The Daily immediately, with Kitroeff joining in June so that she can help with the transition in the Mexico City bureau.

Rachel and Natalie are both sharp, creative journalists who run toward big stories and who have shined during their recent stints guest-hosting the show, wrote deputy managing editor Sam Dolnick, director of audio Paula Szuchman, Daily executive producer Ben Calhoun and editor Paige Cowett in their memo. Over the last year, weve found that having multiple hosts allowed the team to experiment and innovate in ways that will make the show even stronger.

Kitroeff and Abrams succeed Sabrina Tavernise, who announced her intention to leave the show last year. Tavernise had co-hosted the show alongside Barbaro since March 2022.

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The Daily deepens peoples understanding of the most important stories we cover and produces original journalism that is best in class in the audio world, said New York Times editor Joe Kahn in a statement. Having Natalie and Rachel join Michael as hosts will strengthen the team that makes the show so compelling to listeners.

Each stage in the Dailys history has been a lesson in how much better and more creative the show can be when we expand our roster of hosts, Barbaro added. Natalie and Rachel are the perfect journalists to take us into this new chapter. Both are fearless reporters and passionate believers in the power of audio storytelling. I cant wait to see what the three of us can do together.

You can read the full memo, below.

Natalie Kitroeff and Rachel Abrams Join the The Daily as Co-Hosts

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Byline: Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Ben Calhoun, Paige Cowett

When we set out to find the Dailys next co-host, we needed to find a journalist who could guide millions of listeners through the biggest news stories of our time. We needed someone who could represent the newsroom, who was quick on their feet, who could summon both steeliness and empathy, and was comfortable discussing every topic under the sun.

We didnt find one such journalist. We found two.

We are thrilled to announce that Natalie Kitroeff and Rachel Abrams will be joining Michael Barbaro as co-hosts of The Daily.

Rachel and Natalie are both sharp, creative journalists who run toward big stories and who have shined during their recent stints guest-hosting the show. Over the last year, weve found that having multiple hosts allowed the team to experiment and innovate in ways that will make the show even stronger.

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The Daily became even more vibrant when Sabrina Tavernise joined Michael as co-host in 2022. Now that Sabrina has decided to go back to reporting, were confident that Natalie and Rachel will each bring deep and varied experiences that will add new dimensions to the show.

The Daily deepens peoples understanding of the most important stories we cover and produces original journalism that is best in class in the audio world, said Joe Kahn. Having Natalie and Rachel join Michael as hosts will strengthen the team that makes the show so compelling to listeners.

Each stage in the Dailys history has been a lesson in how much better and more creative the show can be when we expand our roster of hosts, Michael said. Natalie and Rachel are the perfect journalists to take us into this new chapter. Both are fearless reporters and passionate believers in the power of audio storytelling. I cant wait to see what the three of us can do together.

Natalie has spent the past five years as Mexico City bureau chief, where she led courageous reporting on the cartels drug trade and corruption at the highest levels of power. Her perspective on trade, border politics and immigration laws will be invaluable to The Daily during crucial news moments.

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Before Mexico, Natalie was already an award-winning reporter covering the American economy. . Anyone who has ever spoken to Natalie recognizes her electric enthusiasm and endless curiosity for every range of story. She has already proven her ability to bring many topics to vibrant life on the show  as both a host and a guest. Natalie has been the beating heart of episodes on everything from global trade to Kendrick Lamar.

Rachel was part of the 2018 reporting team that won a Pulitzer Prize for exposing sexual harassment and misconduct. She first crossed paths with the Daily team when we made an episode about one of her sources from her MeToo reporting. That was during her time on The Timess Emmy award-winning television documentary series The New York Times Presents.

From the start, Rachel proved to be a natural at The Daily  comfortable interviews with newsmakers and colleagues alike. Like Natalie, Rachel brings a wide breadth of editorial experience and interest, and a passionate appetite for what she wants to hear on the show  jumping into everything from a conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg during Signalgate, to illuminating episodes on the courts, Elon Musk and cosmetic surgery.

Rachel will begin immediately. Natalie will join the team in June after transitioning out of her role as bureau chief.

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Please join us in congratulating them and celebrating their new roles.

 Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Ben Calhoun, Paige Cowett

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The New York Times announced two new co-hosts for its popular The Daily podcast news show: former Variety staffer Rachel Abrams and Natalie Kitroeff, the papers Mexico City bureau chief.

The duo will split hosting duties for The Daily with Michael Barbaro, the political journalist who has been with the show since it launched in January 2017. Sabrina Tavernise, who was a foreign correspondent for the Times before joining as co-host of the podcast in 2022, is returning to a reporting role at the newspaper.

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The Times, in announcing the new appointments, said that over the last year they found that having multiple hosts allowed the team to experiment and innovate in ways that will make the show even stronger.

The Daily deepens peoples understanding of the most important stories we cover and produces original journalism that is best in class in the audio world, Times executive editor Joe Kahn said in a statement. Having Natalie and Rachel join Michael as hosts will strengthen the team that makes the show so compelling to listeners.

Barbaro commented, Each stage in the Dailys history has been a lesson in how much better and more creative the show can be when we expand our roster of hosts. Natalie and Rachel are the perfect journalists to take us into this new chapter. Both are fearless reporters and passionate believers in the power of audio storytelling. I cant wait to see what the three of us can do together.

Kitroeff has spent the past five years as an international correspondent and Mexico City bureau chief, where she led reporting on the cartels drug trade and corruption at the highest levels of power. She previously was a reporter covering the U.S. economy.

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Abrams most recently has served as senior producer and reporter for The New York Times Presents, the documentary series for Hulu and FX. Before joining the Times in 2013, Abrams was a reporter at Variety covering the film and media business. Abrams was part of the 2018 reporting team at the Times that won a Pulitzer Prize for exposing sexual harassment and misconduct.

Abrams has already hosted several episodes of The Daily, including segments with The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg during Signalgate and shows on Elon Musk and cosmetic surgery.

Abrams starts as an official co-host of The Daily immediately, and Kitroeff will join the team in June after transitioning out of her role as bureau chief.

Pictured above (l. to r.): Rachel Abrams, Natalie Kitroeff, Michael Barbaro

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VATICAN CITY (AP)  Peruvian nun Alba Socola waited in line for almost five hours with thousands of other Catholics on Wednesday to enter St. Peters Basilica and give her final farewell to the late Pope Francis. She believed the special moment of prayer was well worth the wait.

Its like praying for our church and asking the Lord, through the intercession of the pope, to continue guiding us, the 27-year-old said while waiting in line to enter the basilica.

People began filing through to pay their final respects on the first of three days of public viewing ahead of the funeral on Saturday.

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The Vatican said it may keep the basilica open past midnight due to high turnout.

Socola said Francis encouraged young people to play a more active role in the church.

The nun said the moment when she stood in front of Francis coffin was a moment to pray for the entire Catholic Church and call for much-needed peace around the world.

It was a great thrill to be there. And the most important thing is that it invites you to pray and be silent, Socola said, before posing for a photo with other nuns and leaving St. Peters Square.

Francis died on Monday at age 88, capping a 12-year pontificate characterized by his concern for the poor and a message of inclusion, but also some criticism from some conservatives who felt alienated by his progressive push.
Democratic party leaders Thursday morning admonished officers not to take sides in primaries, addressing a situation involving activist David Hogg, a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.

"Let me be unequivocal: No DNC officer should ever attempt to influence the outcome of a primary election, whether on behalf of an incumbent or a challenger," DNC Chair Ken Martin said on a media call. "Voters should decide who our primary nominees are, not DNC leadership. Our role is to serve as stewards of a fair, open and trusted process, not to tilt the scales."'

As of now, however, the DNC does not have the power to remove Hogg if he refuses to stand down on funding primary challenges through a separate PAC  unless the body changes its rules, a senior DNC official told NBC News.

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Under the present bylaws, there is no action that can be taken against David Hogg without changing the bylaws to extend that policy of neutrality to all primaries," DNC Finance Chair Chris Korge said. "There is no codified, legal way to remove an officer for doing what David Hogg has done because it only extends to the presidential race. "

Korge said that, as of now, the situation will be addressed at a future meeting, most likely in August.

Korge said he believed it was imperative for the body to formally change its bylaws because the party division the Hogg situation has caused harks back to an old ghost Democrats don't want to revisit.

It smells like 2016, when progressives said the DNC had it in the bag for Hillary Clinton," Korge said, referring to angst in the party that the DNC had its thumb on the scale to block Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., from the presidential nomination. "No party official, no officer of the DNC, should do anything that would result in the division that was created by the perception that existed back in 2016."

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Martin said Thursday that he had spoken to Hogg about what he perceived as a conflict, but he didn't expound on whether he gave him an ultimatum.

"I understand what he's trying to do," Martin said on the call. "As I've said to him: 'If you want to challenge incumbents, you're more than free to do that. But just not as an officer of the DNC, because our job is to be a neutral arbiter. We can't be both the referee and also the player at the same time. You have to make a decision.'"

In pushing back Thursday, Hogg cited Trump's power clashes with institutions in saying the party needed to take more aggressive actions. He added that he hadn't violated any DNC bylaws.

"Theyre trying to change the rules because I'm not currently breaking them. As were seeing law firms, tech companies, and so many others bowing to Trump, we all must use whatever position of power we have to fight back. And thats exactly what I'm doing," Hogg said in a statement.

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"The role of the DNC is to set the Presidential primary calendar, set the Presidential debate schedule, to help strengthen our state parties, play a key role in building our data infrastructure for the party, and to be the campaign in waiting for whoever the next Democratic nominee is. Nothing I'm doing is at odds with any of that," he added.

Hogg set off a firestorm among Democrats last week when he said his political action committee would fund a $20 million effort to challenge ineffective incumbents in primaries.

Hogg is a vice chair of the DNC, and his comments reverberated through party circles, prompting a throng of angered Democrats to complain  including to DNC officials  that he shouldnt put his thumb on the scale as an officer of the committee.

Since last week, Hogg has appeared on just about every cable news show and digital outlet, advocating for a party reset of sorts  not just because it lost the White House to Donald Trump, but also because, he said, it lost faith among voters.

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Now the party is grappling with what to do with him.

David Hogg, who became nationally known for his anti-violence activism, is causing strife in the Democratic Party for his plan to fund primaries involving some incumbents.

Martin and others on the call didn't discuss what next steps they'd take with Hogg. And Hogg maintained in an interview Thursday that he wasn't in violation of current bylaws.

At 25, Hogg has emerged as a potential disruptor to a party still trying to find its way forward after a bitter loss in November. Since former Vice President Kamala Harris' defeat, the party has struggled to find its footing against a Republican trifecta in Washington and is still searching for a leader and a message.

Jane Kleeb, a DNC vice chair and the president of the Association of State Democratic Committees, said she backed neutrality, and it was also something that Martin also ran on.

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Kleeb noted that enshrining DNC neutrality was something that Sanders "and many other Dems across the ideological spectrum have repeatedly asked us to codify into our bylaws."

Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at his high school in Parkland, Florida, and now a national anti-violence activist, is advocating to oust what he calls ineffective candidates from solid-blue districts. He wants to usher in fresh blood and generally younger candidates as part of a new effort from his PAC, Leaders We Deserve.

There are old people who are great, there are young people who suck and vice versa. And Im trying to explain to people that this is not an ax. Were not just saying, Screw all of them, lets run against everybody, Hogg said. Were trying to be a scalpel here. And its not just, its not about being out with the old and in with the new. Its about being out with the ineffective and in with the effective.

Hogg often points to Democrats losing ground with voters. Last month, a CNN poll found Democrats hitting a record low 29% voter approval. A Harvard Youth poll this week found congressional Democrats had a 23% approval rating among young voters, a 19-point drop since 2017.

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Hogg hasnt hesitated to hit back at the incoming vitriol, including swiping at some sacred cows in the Democratic Party, among them veteran strategist James Carville, who last week called him a twerp. Hogg has dismissed many of the criticisms, pointing to the presidential loss as evidence that perhaps a new approach should be welcomed.

When Scripps asked Hogg about Carvilles insult, he responded that Carville  who made his name as a key strategist for Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign  hadnt won an election since before Hogg was born.

Hogg argues that the fallout over his proposal proves his points. The internal hubbub is a sign of a party in need of a jolt, and an effort to place a requirement for neutrality into the DNC bylaws illustrates that it isnt there now  and therefore he hasnt gone against rules dictating his duties, he said.

Its certainly a possibility, Im sure, Hogg told NBC News on Wednesday before news emerged that the DNC would discuss neutrality Thursday. But that goes to the point that Im saying how this is not a violation of the bylaws.

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What I see here is that I am not in violation of the bylaws, and there is precedent for vice chairs being involved in primaries previously, Hogg said, arguing that former vice chairs have backed incumbents in the past.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., has voiced strong backing for Hogg, including on X, where he recently said Hogg was doing incredible work. He is supporting every frontline Dem & dems for state rep while also giving new candidates a chance to run in safe seats where we need change. Dems should embrace a new generation of leadership & competition!

Another DNC member, labor leader Randi Weingarten, has also been outspoken about Hoggs intention to challenge incumbents in safe areas.

I support Davids efforts, Weingarten said in a text Wednesday.

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Hogg said that since all the attention last week, he has heard from hundreds of potential candidates who are interested in running. And he has seen an uptick in donations, though he didn't specify amounts.

Carville said Hogg's disparaging of the Democratic brand is overblown, saying the party's rank and file aren't happy with the direction of the last campaign.

"Of course people don't like the Democratic Party, because we lost an election. I don't like the Democratic Party  and I'm a Democrat  because I don't like parties that lose elections," Carville said.

Though he and Hogg have gone back and forth, mostly on TV, Carville said they probably do align on many issues. Carville, though, said that for all of Hogg's talk, he would be impressed if Hogg's efforts gained traction in battleground areas, like Virginia.

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"See if they invite you to come in or invite you to send out fundraising appeals," Carville said. "Don't wait by the phone."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Youngstown man was sentenced to probation and a community-based corrections program for his arrest during a home break-in earlier this year.

Robert Paxton, 43, was found hiding behind an American flag after police were called to investigate a reported break-in on Central Parkway in Warren on January 13.

Police had received a report that an unknown man carrying a book bag had entered the home.

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Paxton told officers he was there to make money. His bookbag contained a watch, two rings and two earrings, according to a police report.

Paxton pleaded guilty to an amended indictment of one count of breaking and entering, a fifth-degree felony, last month.

He received his sentence in Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas on Thursday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Every student needs to take a break from studying. Youngstown State brought in some furry friends to help them.

Its Relaxation Week on campus before finals begin.

On Thursday, there were 16 dogs at the Recreation and Wellness Center for students to mingle with and show some love, while taking their minds off of studying.

Called Puppy Palooza, the event is done twice a year to help reduce the students stress.

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Its something that we dont necessarily think about. I feel like relaxation, we think of morethe fitness and wellness realm, like yoga or meditation. But playing with dogs, youre not realizing you turned your brain off, and you get to just play and enjoy the time with them, said Dina Fabry, assistant director of fitness, wellness and special events.

The puppies were provided by New Lease on Life in Struthers. Students could donate money and dog food to help the shelter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Youngstown State University Police have arrested a second suspect charged in connection with a burglary at the Edge Apartments.

Read next: Youngstown police find squatters in abandoned Brier Hill church

Cliffton Scott is charged with two counts of burglary, second-degree felonies.

Scott was booked into the Mahoning County Jail on Wednesday and later arraigned. Bond was set with the condition that he have no contact with YSU or Edge Housing.

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Police arrested the other suspect, Corey Squiric, 19, on Sunday. He is also facing felony burglary charges.

According to police reports released on Thursday, police took two theft reports from the Edge Apartments  one on March 31 in which a wireless speaker and bottle of tequila were stolen, and another on April 9 in which a PS5 controller was taken. The reports state that the victims were gone overnight on March 29 and returned on March 30.

The report states that police were able to identify the suspects who had entered the unlocked apartment overnight.

Both suspects are expected to appear in court again on May 5 for a preliminary hearing.

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Erin Yudt contributed to the report.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A man who was reported missing in Zachary on Tuesday, April 22, has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.

Rohn Ashley was found deceased at his home on Wednesday evening, April 23. Officers with the Zachary Police Department responded to the residence around 7 p.m. after receiving information that Ashley had returned home. Upon arrival, officers found him armed near the back of the house.

After lengthy negotiations, Rohn Ashley succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, ZPD said.

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Ashleys death followed an extensive search effort that involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Baton Rouge Police Department, West Feliciana Parish Sheriffs Office, East Feliciana Parish Sheriffs Office, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office, the Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshals Office, and the Angola Tactical Team.

ZPD said friends and family members also played a key role in the search. Search efforts included the use of DCI chase team tracking dogs, drones, four-wheelers, helicopters, and ground crews.

The department extended its condolences to Ashleys loved ones and reminded the public that help is available for those in crisis. Anyone experiencing a mental health emergency is encouraged to call 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Baton Rouge woman reflects on grandsons death three years later

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he would cut short a trip to South Africa on Thursday and return to Kyiv following a Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian capital.

Zelenskiy, who has been trying to shore up international support for Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion, said he would immediately travel back to Ukraine after meeting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will hold all necessary meetings in South Africa to fully inform the country's political and public leaders about the situation," Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram app.

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Russia pounded Kyiv with missiles and drones overnight, killing at least eight people, wounding more than 70 and smashing buildings in the biggest attack on the Ukrainian capital this year.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash and Tom Balmforth; Editing by)
Editor's note: The article was expanded with Zelensky's comments on Russia's aerial attack on Ukraine.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in South Africa to meet his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, and other representatives of African countries, Zelensky said on April 24.

"It is crucial to bring a just peace closer. We are working to ensure that the G20 countries are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts," Zelensky said.

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"We count on South Africas meaningful participation in the International Coalition for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. We will also certainly strengthen our cultural and educational ties."

South Africa, the continent's largest economy that currently chairs the G20 group, has maintained a neutral stance in the war while deepening its economic and political ties with Moscow.

The country is a member of the BRICS group alongside Russia and China and conducted joint naval drills with both nations while resisting Western calls to distance itself from the Kremlin.

Kyiv has sought to bolster ties with African countries to engage them in the peace efforts and counter Russian influence on the continent.

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A day before Zelensky's visit, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said that a Ukrainian delegation of ministers and business leaders paid an official visit to South Africa for the first time, aiming to build business partnerships.

"Our trade relations with this region have enormous potential for development," Svyrydenko said.

"Last year, the total volume of bilateral trade in goods between Ukraine and South Africa amounted to $113.9 million," the minister continued, pointing out that these are small figures but adding that South African imports represent a "lion's share" of this sum.

Zelensky's visit to South Africa coincided with a massive Russian aerial attack against Ukraine that killed at least nine people and injured over 70 in Kyiv.

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Commenting on the strike, Zelensky announced he would cancel part of his program and "immediately" head back to Ukraine after meeting with Ramaphosa.

The Ukrainian president also said he instructed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to request additional air defense support from international partners.

Read also: Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Italys state-owned payments firm PagoPA has encountered disagreements over its valuation in the planned sale to the state mint and postal operator Poste Italiane, reported Reuters.

The transfer of PagoPA would keep it under state-controlled entities, with Poste Italiane acquiring a minority stake in the company.

State-backed Poste Italiane has diversified its operations, branching out from its traditional mail and parcel services into payments, broadband, and energy sectors.

Poste Italiane and the state mint have raised concerns about a 500m valuation of Treasury-owned PagoPA, set by Treasury adviser KPMG, the report said citing sources.

The state mint and Poste Italiane have reviewed PagoPAs financial data to assess whether its business plan justifies the proposed valuation, the report added.

The parties involved either declined to comment or were not immediately available for comment to Reuters.

PagoPA processed 33bn in public administration payments so far this year. It is expected to play a central role in the Italian governments plan to develop a digital wallet through the IO app.

The app allows users to store official documents, including digital identity credentials, and make payments for public services.

Last year, Italys Treasury appointed KPMG to conduct a valuation of PagoPA.

The companys electronic payment system allows citizens and businesses to pay public bodies through a standardised process, using both online and offline channels via participating payment service providers.

"Italys state-owned payments firm PagoPA sale hits valuation dispute " was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reminded the United States of its 2018 declaration rejecting Russia's annexation of Crimea, after US President Donald Trump had voiced criticism for his refusal to accept the Russian occupation of the peninsula.

"Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners in particular the USA will act in line with its strong decisions," Zelensky said on Wednesday in a statement posted on Telegram and X.

He attached the 2018 US statement on Crimea, which calls on Russia to withdraw from the peninsula, which belongs to Ukraine under international law.

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"The United States rejects Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until Ukraine's territorial integrity is restored," read the declaration, issued by then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo during Trump's first term.

Trump: Zelensky comments harm peace negotiations

Trump had criticized Zelensky earlier on Wednesday and said his refusal to accept the Russian occupation of Crimea was prolonging the war.

"This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

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"Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?"

"It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War," Trump added.

Russia continues to demand that Ukraine cede Crimea and four other occupied regions as part of any agreement to end the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the French magazine Le Point that Ukrainian forces must withdraw from all annexed territories if Kiev wants peace.

Trump: 'I think we have a deal with Russia'

Trump also told reporters on Wednesday Russia was ready to negotiate a solution to end the war in Ukraine.

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"I think we have a deal with Russia, we have to get a deal with Zelensky," he said, adding that he "thought it might be easier to deal with Zelensky. So far, it's been harder, but that's okay."

He did not clarify whether he would meet with the Ukrainian president at Pope Francis's funeral in Rome on Saturday. Both leaders were set to travel to Italy to attend the service.

The United States has been urging the warring parties to agree to a ceasefire for several weeks, so far without success. US media reported this week that the Trump administration wants Kiev to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea as a part of a peace framework with Moscow.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for over three years.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has handed over a list of 400 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zelensky said on April 24.

"Russia has abducted tens of thousands of children from the occupied territories. We must bring them all back," Zelensky said during a joint press conference with Ramaphosa in Pretoria.

"I really hope President Ramaphosa will help us bring them back."

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Russia has kidnapped over 19,500 Ukrainian children during its full-scale war against Ukraine, forcibly deporting them to Russia, Belarus, or other occupied territories, the Ukrainian government said. As of today, 1,284 children have been safely brought back home.

Moscow also continues to hold thousands of military and civilian captives "for years in inhumane conditions," Zelensky noted.

At the press conference, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to peace, highlighting its participation in the African peace initiative in 2023.

"South Africa believes that the only path toward peace is diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the principles of the U.N. Charter," he said. Ramaphosa also said that earlier this week, he discussed peace efforts with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.

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Zelensky's trip to South Africa marks the first official visit by Ukraine's head of state to the country. The president nevertheless announced he would cut the visit short in response to Russia's deadly aerial strike on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

South Africa, the continent's largest economy that currently chairs the G20 group, has maintained a neutral stance in the war while deepening its economic and political ties with Moscow.

Kyiv has sought to bolster ties with African countries to engage them in the peace efforts and counter Russian influence on the continent.

Read also: Russian peace in all its glory  Mass Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv kills 8, injures 77

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called for joint international action to increase pressure on Moscow to seek peace, as he visited South Africa on a trip cut short by the Russian missile attack on Kiev.

Zelensky met his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, calling on the country to use its tenure holding the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) to promote global stability and protect human life.

The Ukrainian leader handed Ramaphosa a list of 400 Ukrainian children allegedly abducted to Russia and asked for international support to secure their return to Ukraine.

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Ramaphosa said he recently spoke to US President Donald Trump about the peace process in Ukraine and plans to meet Trump soon for talks.

In a post on X, Ramaphosa also said he had a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week, saying they had "both committed to working together towards a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict."

"South Africa stands ready to continue to support all credible and inclusive multilateral efforts aimed at achieving a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace," he added.

Zelensky also wrote on X that he and Ramaphosa "discussed the importance of uniting global efforts as fully as possible now to apply the necessary pressure on Russia  pressure for the sake of peace."

The Ukrainian leader said he was forced to cut his visit short after Russia attacked Kiev overnight with missiles and drones.

At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured in the strikes.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 23 that Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution, sharing a 2018 U.S. declaration denouncing Russian occupation of Crimea and reaffirming Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Though Zelensky did not mention it explicitly, the statement seems to refer to the U.S. reportedly proposing its de jure recognition of Russian control over the southern Ukrainian peninsula, which Russia has occupied since 2014, as part of a potential peace deal.

"Russia, through its 2014 invasion of Ukraine and its attempted annexation of Crimea, sought to undermine a bedrock international principle shared by democratic states: that no country can change the borders of another by force," Mike Pompeo, the U.S. secretary of state during the first Trump administration, said in the Crimea Declaration in July 2018.

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"In concert with allies, partners, and the international community, the United States rejects Russias attempted annexation of Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until Ukraines territorial integrity is restored."

U.S. President Donald Trump's second term saw him adopt a more Russian-friendly policy as he seeks to restore bilateral ties and broker a peace in Ukraine.

Washington's latest peace proposal reportedly included not only de jure recognition of Crimea's annexation but also de facto acceptance of Russian occupation of parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.

Zelensky has previously ruled out formally ceding any territory to Russia, after which U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped London peace talks with Ukrainian and European officials on April 23.

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The White House also lashed out against Zelensky's statements on Crimea, saying that "nobody is asking Zelensky to recognize Crimea as Russian territory."

The London meeting still took place on a technical level, with Ukrainian delegates  Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov  stressing the need for a ceasefire as the first necessary step toward a peace deal.

"Emotions have run high today. But it is good that five countries met to bring peace closer. Ukraine, the U.S., the U.K., France, and Germany," Zelensky said.

"We are grateful to partners. Ukraine will always act in accordance with its Constitution and we are absolutely sure that our partners, in particular the U.S., will act in line with its strong decisions."

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Read also: Ukraine has no great options if Trump recognizes Crimea as Russian

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Kiev (dpa - Russia is believed to have used a ballistic missile of North Korean origin in an attack on Kiev that killed at least 12 people on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"If the missile's production in North Korea is confirmed, it will serve as further evidence of the criminal alliance between Russia and Pyongyang," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.

Ukrainian intelligence agencies are currently verifying the details, with the missiles origin still considered a preliminary assessment.

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The combined drone and missile attack struck the Ukrainian capital early in the morning, killing at least a dozen people and injuring around 90, according to local authorities.

Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least six children were among the dead.

The South Korean military leadership said earlier this year that North Korea had sent thousands of troops to Russia to fight in the Ukraine war.
On 24 April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with a list of 400 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia from the temporarily occupied territories.

Source: Zelenskyy at a joint press conference with Ramaphosa on 24 April

Quote: "Children are in Russia against their will. Sadly, we have this terrible problem because of the war. The Russians have abducted tens of thousands of children in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

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We have to bring them all back. Just like the thousands of prisoners, soldiers and civilians, who have been held in Russian prisons for years in inhumane conditions. South Africa is a co-leader in the coalition for the recovery of Ukrainian children. I very much hope that President Ramaphosa will help us get them back."

Background: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cut short his visit to South Africa and is returning to Ukraine following a large-scale Russian attack that caused numerous casualties. He has also directed Ukraine's Defence Minister, Rustem Umierov, to remind Western allies of Kyiv's request for air defence systems.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that the latest large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv and other cities is linked to the Kremlin's attempt to put pressure on the United States.

Source: Zelenskyy at a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy noted that the latest Russian attack was one of the most challenging for Ukraine.

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He stressed that Moscow is trying to put pressure on Ukrainians and the United States with such attacks.

"We're defending our rights; Russia understands this and is putting pressure on us. It's also pressuring America, which is also why I associate today's strike with that," Zelenskyy said.

Background:

On the night of 23-24 April, Russian forces mounted a large-scale combined attack on Ukraine.

Overall, Russia launched 215 missiles of various types and drones on Ukraine, with the main impact falling on the city of Kyiv. Ukrainian air defence units destroyed 112 Russian aerial targets.

Following the nighttime attack, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasised that pressure must be directed at Moscow, not Kyiv, if the war is to be brought to an end.

In response to the bombardment, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze referred to Putin as "the butcher in the Kremlin", while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy remarked that these are not the actions of someone seeking peace.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russia had anticipated the meeting in London on 23 April would result in a major scandal, but the conversation with Ukraines partners was constructive.

Source: Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on 24 April

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Yesterday was a meeting in London, with the participation of European countries, the United States, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France and Germany. There was a conversation yesterday. It was not easy, but it was constructive. It ended not with disagreements but with the desire to continue working Russia expected a major scandal yesterday, and even some emotional outbursts were reported by the media."

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Details: Zelenskyy added that "Russia does not like the alliance around Ukraine, because if Ukraine were to be left alone, it would be a much easier target for Russia".

"Although, let me be frank  over these three years of war, we have become strong enough. Even in the early days of the war, when we were on the brink, we managed to endure. Believe me, we are much stronger now. And still, we want the war to end more than anyone else," Zelenskyy stressed.

Background: On 23 April, high-level talks between the UK, the US, Ukraine, France and Germany took place in London on a peaceful plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

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The Italian economy grew by 0.7% in 2023 and 2024, below its 1% medium-term potential and the euro-area average (0.9% in 2024). The economy has proven relatively resilient since the end of the Covid pandemic, benefiting from its large and diversified industrial base and export sector. Economic output is almost 5% above pre-pandemic levels, comparing favourably with that of other large EU economies such as Frances (+4%) and Germanys (+0%), although weaker than the economies of Spain (+7%), Portugal (+9%) and the United States (+12%).

However, Italy is one of the most vulnerable countries in Europe to the potential consequences of a protracted trade war given its close trade relations with the US. The growing importance of the US as an export market for Italian manufacturers over the past five years has led to a substantial bilateral goods trade surplus, estimated at around EUR 39bn. Only Germany and Ireland have bigger goods surpluses with the US among euro-area countries.

Scope Ratings (Scope) estimates that a scenario involving US tariffs of 20% on EU goods imports and 125% on Chinese goods imports, plus retaliatory measures from China and, potentially, from the EU, could lower Italys economic growth by around 0.5-1pp of real GDP over 2025-27. The trade war would lead to slowdowns in industrial output, exports, and investment amid the heightened economic uncertainty.

Italys goods exports to the US amounted to EUR 65bn in 2024 (10.4% of total exports, 3% of GDP), with 7% of Italian manufacturing production destined for the US market. Key export sectors to the US include pharmaceuticals, transportation equipment, automotives, machinery, and luxury goods. Italy also exported an average of EUR 10bn in services to the US between 2021 and 2023 and invested EUR 5bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) on average over the same period (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Italys buoyant exports to the US, 2019-24

EUR bn (LHS), % of GDP (RHS)

Source: Eurostat, OECD, Bank of Italy, Scope Ratings. 2024 data only available for goods exports.

The full economic impact of tariffs on Italy remains uncertain, however, given the evolving US-EU trade regime and the heterogeneous elasticity of exports, which tends to be lower for patented pharmaceuticals but higher for cars, apparel, drinks and food except in high-priced luxury categories. Italys capacity to mitigate the adverse effects from US tariffs will also depend on its ability to diversify and access alternative export and import markets.

Recovery and Resilience Funds Should Support Growth Potential Despite Delays

Given global trade tensions, Italys efficient deployment of EU recovery funds becomes even more important for sustaining domestic economic growth. Of the EUR 194.4bn allocated to Italy under the Facility, the country has so far received EUR 122.1bn, equivalent to 63% of the total allocated resources.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the first step towards negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the war must be a full and unconditional ceasefire, which Russia is currently not prepared to accept.

Source: Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on 24 April

Quote: "This is step number one. And when we talk about compromises the ones you are asking about. I believe we were attacked, our territory was occupied, tens of thousands of people were killed and many children and adults were buried alive. And the fact that Ukraine is ready to sit at the negotiating table after a full ceasefire  with the terrorists who orchestrated all this on our land  is a major compromise."

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Details: Zelenkskyy stressed that Ukraine is more interested than anyone in ending the war. That is why all peace initiatives are important and can be considered. However, they must all begin with a complete and unconditional ceasefire.

"Everyone agrees to this, except for the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy added.

The second red line, according to Zelenskyy, is to bring back abducted Ukrainian children. In addition to that  an all-for-all prisoner exchange.

Zelenskyy also expressed hope that the United States might exert greater pressure on Russia to finally achieve a complete ceasefire.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cut short his visit to South Africa and is returning to Ukraine following a large-scale Russian attack that caused numerous casualties. He has also directed Ukraine's Defence Minister, Rustem Umierov, to remind Western allies of Kyiv's request for air defence systems.

Source: Zelenskyy on social media

Quote: "It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire and a halt to strikes. This was a proposal from the United States. And it has been 44 days of Russia continuing to kill our people and evading tough pressure and accountability for its actions."

Details: The Ukrainian leader emphasised the importance of the world seeing and understanding the true scale of the situation. Russian forces launched approximately 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and 150 drones on Ukraine last night.

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Ukrainian towns and cities have suffered extensive damage. Search and rescue operations are underway as rubble from buildings is cleared.

As of 10:00, over 80 people have been reported injured across Ukraine.

Zelenskyy added that he has instructed Defence Minister Umierov to urgently contact international partners regarding Ukraine's requests for enhanced air defence.

Quote: "Today, I will brief President Ramaphosa of South Africa, who currently holds the G20 Presidency, on the situation and our need to intensify global diplomatic efforts. The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally. We also count on support in humanitarian matters  in the return of our prisoners and Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. I am cancelling part of the programme for this visit and will return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the President of South Africa."

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Previously: On the night of 23-24 April, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 215 missiles and drones of various types on Ukraine, with Kyiv being the primary target, where an entire block was damaged. Ukrainian air defence units successfully shot down 112 Russian aerial targets, with F-16 and Mirage fighter jets playing an active role in repelling the attack.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the United States proposed its strategy regarding Ukrainian territories during talks in London, where discussions took place among Ukrainian, European and American teams. This strategy is now on the desk of his American counterpart, Donald Trump.

Source: Zelenskyy at a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as reported by European Pravda

Details: When asked about potential "compromises" regarding the Russian-occupied territories, Zelenskyy stated that the United States had proposed its vision on the matter.

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"There was a meeting in London. So, they proposed a strategy," he said.

The Ukrainian leader noted that the Ukrainian delegation, the European team and the United States representatives had a conversation and "the appropriate points appeared on paper".

"After the US proposal, another paper has appeared. And I believe that today this document is on President Trump's desk," he said.

Separately, Zelenskyy emphasised that any agreement contradicting Ukrainian values or the Constitution cannot be accepted.

Background:

Axios report suggests that the Trump administration provided Ukraine with a one-page document in Paris last week, described as a "final proposal" for a peaceful settlement. Among other provisions, the US is reportedly prepared to recognise Russia's control over Ukrainian Crimea and ease sanctions against Moscow.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine does not recognise Russia's occupation of Crimea, which remains internationally recognised as Ukrainian territory.

The Financial Times notes that some European officials are concerned that disagreements over the Trump administration's unilateral draft "peace deal"  which includes recognising Crimea as part of Russia  could undermine transatlantic security and potentially disrupt the NATO summit in late June.

Officials from unnamed countries have stated they will adhere to their long-standing position: they will not accept any agreement undermining Ukraine's sovereignty, a stance that Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly opposes.

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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson leaves House chambers after giving his inaugural address to a joint legislative session at the Washington state Capitol on Jan. 15 in Olympia. (Lindsey Wasson / The Associated Press)
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown joined with Oregon in filing a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's effort to impose new election procedures on the states. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times, file)
Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) started the year showing only modest growth in its first quarter, although that was largely attributable to a turnaround at its condensate processing facility, which is required only once every 10 years. Nonetheless, with this maintenance work comes lost profits from the plant being shut down.

Yet the pipeline giant continues to expect solid growth this year, noting that its business model is largely insulated against periods of economic instability. At the same time, the company remains bullish on natural gas demand and continues to add new projects in this area to its pipeline.

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The strength of its business model stems largely from its contract mix. Approximately 64% of its cash flows come from take-or-pay contracts. With these contracts, the company gets paid regardless of whether its customers use its pipelines or services. Another 26% of its cash flows come from volumetric fee-based contracts, where it is paid based on the volumes that run through its systems. The remaining 10% of its contracts have spread or commodity exposure, of which it hedges half of this exposure. Overall, only about 5% of its cash flows are exposed to commodity price fluctuations.

In its first-quarter presentation, the company also highlighted the strength and creditworthiness of its customers. During the last big energy downturn, some midstream companies felt pressure when their customers went bankrupt and contracts had to be reworked.

A natural gas giant

While Kinder operates a diversified midstream system, natural gas gathering, processing, storing, and transmission is its bread and butter. It transports around 40% of U.S. natural gas production through its 66,000 miles of natural gas pipelines. Natural gas accounts for approximately 65% of its business mix.

The company remains very bullish on the future of natural gas demand and volumes. It noted that over the past 20 years, natural gas demand in the U.S. has risen 80% from 60 billion cubic feet (Bcf) a day in 2005 to 109 Bcf a day in 2024.

Future growth drivers for natural gas include power demand stemming from artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, exports to Mexico, and increased residential demand. Kinder noted that many of its recent projects have been backed by long-term contracts with southeastern U.S. utilities, showing this growing electricity demand.

That said, it sees the biggest driver of future natural gas demand coming from increased LNG (liquified natural gas) exports. It estimates that LNG will add an additional 16 Bcf a day in demand by 2030, with most of that coming from facilities that are currently being built or where companies have made a final investment decision (FID) and are backed by long-term commitments. With all of the talk of tariffs and trade imbalances, it sees the European Union and Asia looking to boost U.S. LNG imports to reduce trade imbalances as part of their negotiations. It said that South Korea and Indonesia are already discussing this strategy. It also noted how it would benefit the E.U. to wean itself off Russian natural gas.
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.
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Dive Brief:

Newly-minted Lockheed Martin CFO Evan Scott is comfortable with the companys approach to mitigating tariff impacts, he said in an earnings call Tuesday. Scott also agreed with an analyst who asserted that the defense industry is more insulated from such impact than other industrial companies.

As with many executives on calls in the wake of President Donald Trumps April 2 tariff barrage that has rocked financial markets, executives on the Bethesda, Maryland-based company Q1 call Tuesday addressed the levies potential impact, with CEO Jim Taiclet asserting the company is well positioned in what he described as a dynamic environment.

The company also reaffirmed its 2025 financial outlook, with the caveat that it does not include evolving impacts of tariffs or related recoveries and assumes the companys programs are funded by and at levels consistent with the full year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 signed by Trump on March 15.

Dive Insight:

The earnings call comes just days after Scott was named to succeed Jesus Jay Malave, as the companys finance chief. Scott, who has been at Lockheed Martin for 26 years, took the role immediately, with Malave having advised the company that he was pursuing other opportunities.

The company reported sales rose 4% to $18 billion in the quarter year-over-year, with net earnings rising to $1.7 billion from $1.5 billion in the year-earlier quarter.

The strong profit we realized in the first quarter provides an increased confidence in our ability to absorb currently estimated 2025 profit impacts from tariffs and the end-get announcement, Scott said on the call. While it will take more time to complete a thorough business assessment of these dynamics, we're optimistic about achieving our profit targets for the year.

Scott also noted that the guidance includes several assumptions; for instance, the company continues to expect between 170 to 190 deliveries for its F-35 fighter jet production operation. Lockheed Martin also has a backlog of about 360 jets at the end of the last quarter, he noted.

He also said the outlook assumes a certain level of tariff impact, and that the company expects to work closely with its customers to mitigate potential cost increases and offset cash timing pressures. On the call, he also said that in many cases the company would have direct protection in its supply chain to avoid tariffs altogether, asserting for the vast majority of our external contracts, we've got mechanisms to recover impacts.
The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.
Discovering your host countrys cultural depth and identity is one of the real joys of living abroad. For expats living in Hungary, theres perhaps no better place to do this than at the Magyar Nemzeti Galeria, perched proudly atop Buda Castle Hill with sweeping views over the Danube and Pest.

This impressive museum is home to the most significant collection of Hungarian fine art in the world, covering everything from medieval religious relics to avant-garde modernism.



Set across several wings of the former Royal Palace, the building itself is worth a visit  naturally most especially when combined with the art it holds.



Whether you're a new arrival or a seasoned Budapest resident, here are 10 unmissable highlights to look out for at the National Gallery in this quick-read Insiders Guide to exploring the artistic heart of Hungary up in the castle.



1. Mihaly Munkacsys Christ Trilogy  A True National Treasure

One of the most celebrated sections of the museum, Munkacsys Christ Trilogy is a moving and monumental series of paintings that depict scenes from the Passion of Christ.

Even for visitors not particularly religious, the emotional intensity, scale, and masterful storytelling make these works unforgettable. Munkacsy was a 19th-century star on the European art scene, and his legacy still looms large in Hungary today.



2. Medieval Stone Carvings  A Glimpse into Gothic Hungary



Tucked away in the castles restored medieval wing, this atmospheric collection features carved altarpieces, Gothic sculptures, and early Christian relics.

Many of these were rescued from churches destroyed in past wars. The craftsmanship is extraordinary and offers a quiet, almost spiritual escape from the busier exhibition spaces.



3. Romantic-Era Paintings  Hungarys Heroic Age





The 19th century was a time of revolution and reform in Hungary, and its artists helped shape the emerging national identity.

Works by Bertalan Szekely and Gyula Benczur depict legendary Hungarian leaders, historical battles, and moments of national pride.

Their blend of romanticism and realism captures the countrys fight for independence - and provides an evocative crash course in Hungarian history.



4. Laszlo Paals Landscapes  Nature Meets Impressionism



A lesser-known but beautiful discovery awaits in the museums 19th-century wing: Laszlo Paal, a Hungarian painter heavily influenced by the Barbizon School in France.

His misty forests and atmospheric landscapes are deeply calming, making them a soothing pause in your gallery journey.



5. The Dome Viewpoint  See Budapest from High Above



Don't leave without ascending to the Dome of the Buda Castle Palace.

Accessible from within the museum, this viewing terrace offers 360-degree panoramic views across the Danube, Parliament, Gellert Hill, and beyond.

It's a great spot for a selfie, a moment of reflection - or just to admire your new home city from one of its highest points.



6. Jozsef Rippl-Ronai  Hungarys First Modernist







One of Hungarys most distinctive painters, Rippl-Ronai brought a decorative, symbolist flair to his deeply personal portraits and interiors.

His unique color palette and soft, almost dreamlike compositions helped usher in modernism in Hungarian art.

Rippl-Ronai's works are not just beautiful but emotional windows into an artist caught between two worlds - tradition and modernity.



7. The Avant-Garde Wing  Bold, Experimental, Thought-Provoking



For fans of 20th-century innovation, the Modern and Contemporary galleries dont disappoint.

From Lajos Kassak to Robert Bereny, this collection showcases Hungarys contribution to Cubism, Expressionism, and abstract art - often created in turbulent political times. Its intellectually stimulating and visually arresting.



8. Karoly Lotzs Frescoes  Art in Architecture



Before even diving into the paintings, be sure to look up. Karoly Lotz, famed muralist of Hungarys grand halls and theatres, left his mark on the National Gallery too.

His ceiling frescoes blend classical style with mythological storytelling, adorning the museums interiors with timeless elegance.



9. Sculptures of Ferenc Medgyessy  Hungarian Soul in Stone



Hungarian sculpture often gets overshadowed by painting, but Medgyessys work deserves your attention.

His robust, earthy figures reflect both folk art influences and modernist minimalism, creating a visual language thats uniquely Hungarian and surprisingly contemporary.



10. Temporary Exhibitions  A Reason to Keep Coming Back







The National Gallery regularly hosts special exhibitions, often pairing Hungarian masters with international icons or exploring specific movements in depth.

These shows are thoughtfully curated and frequently include English-language materials, making them ideal for expat visitors.

Previous exhibitions have featured the likes of Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Modigliani.



To Sum-Up



Overall, whether you're new to Budapest or have settled in for the long haul, the Hungarian National Gallery offers more than just a one-off art fix.

Its a beautiful way to understand the spirit, struggles, and creativity of the Hungarian people - from medieval kings to modern rebels.

And with its castle setting and ever-changing exhibitions, its a place you can happily return to again and again.



Pro Tip:

Take headphones to access the museum's free audio guide via mobile app.



Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday, 10:0018:00 (Closed Mondays).



Cafe & Shop:

Great for a scenic coffee break and high-quality gifts with artistic flair.



Address:

Szent Gyorgy ter 2, Buda Castle.



More:

www.mng.hu
New York: Uncertainty over tariffs and an unpredictable trade war is weighing heavily on companies as they report their latest financial results and try to give investors financial forecasts. Some tariffs remain in place against key US trading partners, but others have been postponed to give nations time to negotiate. The tariff and trade picture has been shifting for months, sometimes changing drastically on a daily basis. Those shifts make it difficult for companies and investors to make a reliable assessment of any impact to costs and sales.

On Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects a de-escalation in the trade war between the US and China, but cautioned that talks between the two sides had yet to formally start. Here's how several big companies are dealing with the tariff confusion:

Tesla

Tesla is in a better position than most car companies to deal with tariffs because it makes most of its US cars domestically. But it still sources materials from other nations and will face import taxes.

The bigger impact will be seen in the company's energy business. The company said the impact will be outsized because it sources LFP battery cells from China.

The broader trade war could also hurt the company as China, the world's largest electric vehicle market, retaliates against the US. Tesla was forced earlier this month to stop taking orders from mainland customers for two models, its Model S and Model X. It makes the Model Y and Model 3 for the Chinese market at its factory in Shanghai.

CEO Elon Musk, a member of Trump's administration, on Tuesday reiterated that he believes lower tariffs are generally a good idea for prosperity. But he added that ultimately the president decides on what tariffs to impose.

Akzo Nobel

The Amsterdam-based maker of paints and coatings for industrial and commercial use said the big risk from tariffs could come in the form of lower demand for its products.

The company said almost all sales of finished goods in the US were locally produced, with the majority of raw materials locally sourced.

Over the years, we deliberately localised both our procurement and production in the US, said CEO Gregoire Poux-Guillaume, in a conference call with analysts.

We also largely run China for China and use the rest of Asia instead as an export base. The company's products range from paints and coatings for the automotive industry to the do-it-yourself homeowner.
New Delhi: The Indian stock market ended lower on Thursday, as investors booked profits after a strong seven-day bull rally. Sentiments were also hit by the Pahalgam terror attack, along with the expiry of the April derivatives contracts on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

The Sensex opened slightly lower at 80,058 and briefly touched a high of 80,174 in early trade. However, selling pressure dragged the index down through the day. It fell to an intra-day low of 79,725 before settling at 79,801, down 315 points. With this, the Sensex snapped its seven-day winning streak, during which it had jumped 6,269 points.

The Nifty also saw a similar trend. It traded within a narrow range of 131 points, moving between a high of 24,348 and a low of 24,216. The Nifty finally closed at 24,247, down 82 points. Despite Thursdays fall, the Nifty managed to post a gain of 656 points, or 2.8 per cent, in the April futures and options series.

"Markets remained subdued, trading within a narrow range on the monthly expiry day of the April derivatives contracts, and ended slightly lower, said Ajit Mishra-SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd. He added that this phase of consolidation in the index is in line with expectations and may continue in the coming sessions.

Therefore, we recommend maintaining a focus on stock selection and using market dips as buying opportunities, Mishra mentioned. Among the top losers, Hindustan Unilever slipped 4 per cent after it reported a slight decline in its March quarter net profit.

Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank and Eternal (Zomato) also ended 1-2 per cent lower. On the other hand, IndusInd Bank was the top gainer, rising over 3 per cent. UltraTech Cement, Tata Motors and Titan also ended in the green.

In the broader market, the BSE MidCap index was down 0.2 per cent, while the SmallCap index closed flat. Sector-wise, FMCG stocks came under pressure, with the BSE FMCG index falling 0.8 per cent. Realty stocks were also weak, dragging the sectoral index down by 1.4 per cent.

Banking stocks saw mild selling, as the BSE Bankex lost 0.4 per cent. However, healthcare stocks saw buying interest and the index ended 0.6 per cent higher. Cement stocks were among the top performers in Thursdays trade.

Market experts believe some profit-taking was expected after the recent strong rally, and geopolitical concerns added to the nervousness. Investors will now focus on upcoming earnings and global cues for further direction, analysts noted.
Nagaland Board Result 2025: The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) has officially announced the date and time of the Nagaland Board Result of class 10th and 12th. In the official notice the board has mentioned that the result will be released on 25th April, 2025, Friday in the afternoon. However, the board has not mentioned the exact time for the release of the result.

Once released, all the students who have appeared for the Nagaland class 10th and 12th examination will be able to check their results from the official NBSE website, i.e. nbsenl.edu.in. This year, the NBSE HSLC examination took place from 12th February, 2025 to 24th February, 2025 and the HSSLC examination took place from 11th February, 2025 to 7th March, 2025.

Nagaland Board Result 2025: Steps To Apply

Step 1- Go to the official NBSE website- nbsenl.edu.in.

Step 2- On the homepage, find the section of Results and open it.

Step 3- Find the link of NBSE Class 10 or Class 12 Results 2025 or HSLC/ HSSLC Result 2025.

Step 4- Enter the required credentials of yours like roll number and date of birth and submit it.

Step 5- After submission, your result will appear on the screen.

Step 6- Check your scores and download the page.

Step 7- Print out your results for future reference.

Last year, the Nagaland result was released on 26th April, 2024 and the examination was held from 12th February to 6th March, 2024 for class 12th and from 13th February to 23rd February, 2024 for class 10th. Additionally, the overall pass percentage for class NBSE class 12th 2024 stood at 82.91 percent and the overall pass percentage of class 10th 2024 stood at 71.87 percent. Students who are not satisfied with their results can apply for re-evaluation by registering on the boards website. Those who do not meet the minimum passing marks can appear for supplementary exams. The dates for these exams will be shared soon after the final results are declared. All the students are advised to keep checking the official website for all the important updates.
This story was originally published on ESG Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily ESG Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Mastercard announced Tuesday it will build a solar array on a site expanding 40 acres that it acquired at its Missouri tech hub and will update the heating and cooling systems at its Purchase, New York headquarters with geothermal energy to help reduce its emissions.

The OFallon, Missouri tech hub is the global payments companys largest facility, while the Purchase headquarters currently consumes the most natural gas out of any of Mastercards global offices, the company said in an email to ESG Dive Monday.

Both sustainability-focused projects serve to help the company stay on track for its 2040 net-zero target and build climate resilience, Mastercard Chief Sustainability Officer Ellen Jackowski said in an interview Tuesday.

Dive Insight:

Mastercard announced in 2021 that it had accelerated its net-zero target date by a decade, from 2050 to 2040, with interim targets to reduce its scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 38% and its scope 3 emissions 20% by 2025. These targets, based on a 2016 baseline, have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, which confirms that corporate net-zero targets are aligned with leading climate science.

The payments company has sourced 100% of its global power needs from renewable energy sources since 2019, Jackowski said, but the latest projects will allow the company to take it a step further.

For us to stay on track to hit net zero, where we source our energy from, is increasingly important, she said. And for us, that means a commitment to using renewable energy.

Mastercard opted for solar power in Missouri and geothermal for its New York headquarters because they make sense for those areas, Jackowski said. The CSO added that the payments services company had been having a hard time sourcing renewable energy for its tech hub, before finding land nearby it could acquire. The company then worked to engage with the community to explain how the project could mutually benefit both the company and locality.

As more extreme weather events happen, having consistent access to energy is really important, Jackowski said. So part of this strategy is also about resilience. The resilience for ourselves when these extreme events happen, and then also for the surrounding community.

The acquisition of acreage for solar panels to power the tech hub will allow Mastercard to take the power intensive facility off of the local grid once operational. Construction on the facility has recently started, a company spokesperson said. The company said in the release that it will preserve half of the acquired land and restore all of the trees it removes to complete the project.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: While India and Pakistan are engaged in diplomatic battles, the Indian Air Force is carrying out military exercises with fighter jets like Rafale and Sukhoi. The Indian Air Force is carrying out Exercise Aakraman (Attack) over a large area in the central sector involving its mainstream fighter aircraft fleets led by the Rafale combat aircraft. Notably, the Indian Air Force operates two squadrons of the Rafale aircraft which are based out of Ambala in Haryana and Hashimara in West Bengal.

News agency ANI quoted defence sources as saying the fighter jets are carrying out complex missions involving ground attack and electronic warfare drills using cutting-edge technology. "The assets of the Indian Air Force have been moved from multiple airbases, including from the eastern side," they added.

Reports said that the Indian Air Force has been practising complex ground attack missions for operations in different terrains, including plains and mountainous areas. While the exercise sparked speculation on social media with people claiming that India is preparing for major action against Pakistan, the Indian Air Force pointed out that 'Akraman' is a routine training exercise and is held regularly.

The Indian Air Force holds an edge over its adversaries in the South Asian region with the induction of Meteor air-to-air missiles and the induction of long-range high-speed low-drag missiles like the Rampage and Rocks. The exercise is being closely monitored closely by the Air Headquarters. Top Gun pilots of the Indian Air Force are taking part in a rhetorical exercise under the close watch of highly qualified instructors.

The Indian Air Force was used in a big way to carry out the post-Pulwama attack strikes inside Pakistan in February 2019. The Indian Air Force has acquired the Rafale fighter jets since then and they have revived its edge over the readies in the region.

The Indian Air Force used the Mirage 2000 fighter jets in 2019 but has indicted many force multipliers like the S-400 air defence system, which can be very effective against the airborne early warning and control aircraft of the adversaries.
J&K Encounter: An army jawan was killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists following a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Thursday, officials said. The firing took place in Dudu-Basantgarh area during a cordon and search operation which was launched based on information about the presence of terrorists, they said.

"Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched today in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur," the White Knight Corps said on X. Contact was established and a fierce firefight ensued, it said. "One of our bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite best medical efforts," the army said. The operation was still underway when last reports came in from the spot, they added.

#OpBirliGali

Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with @JmuKmrPolice was launched today in #Basantgarh, #Udhampur.

Contact was established and a fierce firefight ensued.



One of our #Bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed pic.twitter.com/eojsj5PPuU  White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) April 24, 2025

The Udhampur encounter comes a day after a gunfight broke out between terrorists and security forces in J&K's Kulgam district. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Tangmarg area of Kulgam district following information about the presence of ultras there. An encounter broke out after the terrorists opened fire on the security personnel, they said.

No casualties were reported in the exchange of fire, the officials had said. Earlier on Wednesday, two terrorists were killed as an infiltration bid was foiled along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district. The security forces are on high alert after Tuesday's terror attack in Pahalgam left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.

A devastating terror attack rocked a popular tourist spot near Kashmirs Pahalgam on Tuesday, where terrorists opened fire at a town on Tuesday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 28 people, mostly holidayers from other states. The Tuesday attack was the deadliest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack on Tuesday afternoon.
By Ramakant Chaudhary

The ghastly and barbaric attack was not merely aimed at tourists or individuals; rather, it is seen as an assault and atrocity on humanity that has shattered the subtle fabric of cohesive society, as the terrorists selectively killed innocent people point-blank only after identifying their religion (Hindu). It appears that they have tried to create inflammatory narratives in India, which is currently fending off the kerfuffle caused by the Waqf Bill and communally charged Aurangzeb rhetoric.

The Resistance Front (TRF), a splinter group of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, is suspected of orchestrating Tuesday's terrorist attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran, which claimed 26 lives. The timing of the Pahalgam meadow massacre exposes the nefarious modus operandi of Pakistan, which has been the biggest enemy of normalcy in the Valley. The assaults were carried out when Prime Minister Modi was visiting Jeddah for diplomatic engagement and bilateral talks to boost the centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The attack unfolded while US Vice President JD Vance's ongoing four-day visit to India marked an important milestone for the diplomatic push to deepen bilateral dialogues during Trump's trade tariff global gung-ho. The Pahalgam terror attack, which mirrors former US President Bill Clinton's 2000 trip to India when LeT carried out a Sikh massacre in Chittisinghpora in Anantnag district of J&K, could be seen in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's reluctance to entertain Pakistan's Kashmir clamour.

The Pahalgam incident took place exactly a week after Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir made the most provocative comments filled with anti-India rants and called Kashmir Pakistan's "jugular vein." Pakistanwhich currently represents hunger, poverty, extremism, terrorism, and economic declineis at a crossroads as its military is reported to be facing the fire of internal rebellion. The terror attack in Pahalgam could be seen in the light of the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train by Baloch separatists in March, exposing the bluff and inability of the Pakistan army.

The failure of Islamabad in curbing the Baloch insurgency has caused great concern for China, which has significantly invested in several projects, including energy, transport, and infrastructure, in Pakistan. Pakistan's failure to engage with tribal communities has fueled the growth of armed separatist groups, targeting security forces, Chinese interests, and migrant workers. The growing alienation of the population, driven by the denial of democratic and economic rights, has fueled anger, especially among the youth.

The brutal attack on tourists, which rarely happened even during the heydays of militancy in the Valley, vividly shows the frustration and desperation of Pakistan-based terror outfits. The barbaric attack happened just ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, which attracts huge numbers of Hindu tourists and pilgrims. The perpetrators aimed at blunting the sole growing tourist-based economy of J&K and tried to dismantle the perception that the Valley is steadily marching towards stabilization after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

With peace limping back to the Valley in the face of a slump in terror attacks in the Valley, lakhs of tourists have made a beeline to the Valley. It prompted huge investment in the region to win the hearts of tourists. As tulips bloom and tourism boomsthis year Srinagar has witnessed huge footfalls of domestic and international tourists. The growing tourism endorses the success saga of the government and engagement of locals and Kashmiri youths for harvesting income, heralding normalcy in the Valley. So, the attack on tourism was the obvious choice of militants and "Mullahs."

The government response must be befitting and multi-dimensional to give a tight lesson to evil minds. The Pahalgam attack is the biggest since the Pulwama attack of 2019 in terms of casualties. India's past retaliatory actions are still echoing. The Uri surgical strikes (2016) and Balakot airstrikes (2019) have formed the foundation of India's punitive responses.

In its full-scale diplomatic retaliation, the PM Modi government took strongest stand: Keeping the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in Abeyance, Shutting of Attari Integrated Check Post, Stopping of SAARC Visa Scheme for Pakistanis, Cutting of High Commission Strength to 30, and Declaration of Military Advisors in the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi Persona Non Grata. The India's military response to the Pahalgam attack appears to be another defining moment in the turbulent history of Kashmir and could add a new chapter in dealing with terrorism.

A swift and strategic response will not only deter future attacks but also reinforce India's commitment to safeguarding its citizens and restoring peace in the Valley. By addressing the root causes of unrest and strengthening security measures, India can ensure that such heinous acts do not derail the progress towards stability and prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir. It is pertinent to mention a famous quote of Kofi Annan to end terrorism: "The only way to deal with the scourge of terrorism is to address its root causes and unite against it with unwavering resolve."

(Ramakant Chaudhary is a senior journalist. The views expressed in the article are his own.)
The Indian Navy Thursday stated that a surface-to-air missile had been successfully test-fired from its newest indigenous guided missile destroyer, INS Surat. The missile successfully intercepted and destroyed an approaching, low-flying target traveling quickly at sea level, which represents an important milestone in maritime defense capabilities of India.

Indian Navy has carried out 'precision cooperative engagement of a sea skimming target', says statement pic.twitter.com/wwfovis8gh April 24, 2025

Following the terror attack, tensions have been prevailing between India and Pakistan.

Strategic Timing In Face Of Regional Tensions

The test followed a few days after there was a fatal terror attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir that took 26 lives. The Resistance Front (TRF), who is said to be the proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has apparently taken responsibility for the attack. The attack has been reported to be the most deadly in the area since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

Missile Activity on Both Sides

The Indian Navy test also coincided with a maritime notice given by Pakistan, which has declared its intention to test a surface-to-surface missile from the Karachi coast between April 24 and 25. Indian defense authorities are keeping a close eye on events across the border, officials quoted by news agency ANI said.

India's Diplomatic Counteroffensive

India has initiated a series of robust diplomatic actions against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack:

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty

Shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari

Withdrawal of SAARC visa exemptions

Withdrawal of visas issued to Pakistani nationals

Moreover, Pakistani nationals living in India under the Special Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) have been directed to depart within 48 hours.
Akrit Pran Jaswal, a remarkably gifted child from Himachal Pradesh, gained international recognition when he performed a surgical procedure at the astonishing age of just 7. This groundbreaking feat earned him the title of the worlds youngest surgeon.

Though age is often considered just a number, accomplishing something so significant at such a young age is truly extraordinary. Akrits journey began in Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh, where he was born on April 23, 1993. From an early age, he demonstrated exceptional intellectwalking and talking by ten months and mastering reading and writing by the time he was two, leaving those around him in awe.

His rise to fame came when, at only 7 years old, he successfully conducted surgery on an 8-year-old burn victim. While most children his age were still learning basic math and science, Akrit was already immersed in English literature. By the age of 12, he had become Indias youngest university student, and at 13, he caught the worlds attention with an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, showcasing his astonishing IQ of 146.

Akrits passion for researchespecially in cancer studiesemerged early in his life. His insatiable curiosity and brilliance led to his association with Chandigarh University for scientific research at the age of 12 and later with the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he studied bioengineering.

He was mentored by the Chairman of Secondary Education in Dharamshala, a testament to his academic promise. By 17, he was already pursuing a masters degree in chemistry, further solidifying his status as a prodigious mind with an unwavering dedication to science and innovation.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: As authorities stepped up efforts to capture perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left several others injured, at least five terrorists, including three Pakistani nationals and two residents of Jammu and Kashmir, have been identified. The horrific attack near Pahalgam town was the worst terror strike to rock the region in nearly two decades.

According to news agency IANS, the investigation agencies identified three Pakistani nationals  Asif Fauji (code name Moosa), Suleman Shah (code name Yunus) and Abu Talha (code name Asif)  said people aware of developments.

Here Are Top Updates

1. Two other Valley-based operativesAdil Guri, a local from Bijbehara in Anantnag who went to Pakistan in 2018, and Ahsan, a resident of Pulwama who also went to Pakistan in 2018were also identified, said the people cited above.

2. The Kashmiri operatives recently infiltrated into India after getting years of training in Pakistan, but Fauji and Shah were operating in Jammu and Kashmir for some time and were involved in previous attacks as well, including in Poonch, said the investigators.

3. The terrorists involved in Tuesday's attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow asked civilians, particularly men, to prove their religion by reciting Islamic prayers or showing physical markers such as circumcision, according to a preliminary investigation by central agencies based on survivors' testimonies.

4. Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have already released sketches of three suspects and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh each for information on them. One of the attackers has been identified by central intelligence agencies as Moosa  a code name  who, the officer cited above said, was also most likely involved in the May 2024 attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Poonch.

5. There is no CCTV camera at any establishment in the close vicinity of the Baisaran meadow, which means investigators are largely relying on information shared by the survivors. It is suspected that the attackers fled to higher ranges of the Pir Panjal after the attack.

6. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team led by Inspector General Vijay Sakhare is stationed in Srinagar to conduct a thorough investigation. Officials said the federal anti-terror agency has already taken over the probe, with the J&K Police lending assistance.

7. The role of Saifullah Kasuri, one of the deputies of Lashkar-e-Toiba Chief Hafiz Saeed, is being investigated, officials added. In a video shared on social media, Kasuri can be seen saying on February 2 this year that "Kashmir will become 'land of the pure' by February 2, 2026" and that "in the coming days, Mujahideen will intensify their attacks and Kashmir will be freed."

8. Meanwhile, in response to the terror attack, India came down heavily on Pakistan and downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, announcing a raft of measures. The strict measures against the neighbouring country include expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post in view of the cross-border links to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

9. A day after the brazen attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, firmed up five specific retaliatory measures against Pakistan, directed the security forces to maintain "high vigil" and vowed to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice. At a late evening media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, announcing the decisions, said the overall strength of the Pakistani and Indian high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1.

10. The foreign secretary said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme (SVES), and any Pakistani national currently in India under the SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India. Misri said the cross-border linkages to the Pahalgam attack were "brought out" in a briefing to the CCS, following which it decided to take the measures against Pakistan. The new retaliatory actions shut down the few existing diplomatic mechanisms between the two sides, taking bilateral relations to yet another new low.

(With agencies Inputs)
Day after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people lost their lives, India has been taking several actions against Pakistan while the Narendra Modi government hinting at major retaliation. From Madhubani in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a stern message to Islamabad in pure Hindi on Thursday, declaring that this time, the punishment would be beyond imagination. He echoed this warning to the world in English, ensuring the global community grasped Indias intent. Modi, known for delivering his UN speeches in Hindi, chose English today specifically to make sure the message reached every corner of the globe. In a 30-minute address from Madhubani, the PM spent about five minutes in Hindi and nearly a minute and a half in English, outlining his action plan against terrorism. Referring to Pakistan as Terroristan, he warned of a punishment beyond imagination.

In today's DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, Zee News, analysed the developments that hint at something BIG:

Watch Full DNA Episode Here:

This phrase"punishment beyond imagination"has sparked speculation. India has defeated Pakistan in war four times and has twice conducted cross-border strikes in the last decade, including the 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 Balakot airstrike. It also played a key role in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. So, what could be even more severe?

Could this mean a potential fragmentation of Pakistan into Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab? Is India planning to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)? Or are targeted strikes being considered on terrorist leadership and ISI headquarters, potentially challenging Pakistan's very existence?

Whats clear is that if there is military action this time, it will be open and decisivenot covert.

There are several unprecedented signs pointing toward significant action:

For the first time, India publicly indicated a strong retaliatory move in advance.

A high-level all-party meeting was convened before any action, signalling national political unity.

The presence of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Chief at this meeting was also a first.

Ambassadors from 20 nations were briefed beforehand by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Home Minister Amit Shah met with President Droupadi Murmu, and two red files were placed on the tablefiles believed to outline Indias next steps.

India is operating at high speed both diplomatically and militarily. Meetings are happening at every level, both nationally and internationally. Lets decode the standard operating procedure (SOP) before a country heads into conflict:

First, full political support is crucial. Thats why the all-party meeting was held, and all political parties have reportedly expressed support for the governments stance.

Second, it's vital to have international allies on board. That explains why the MEA briefed ambassadors from G20 countries, including the US, Russia, France, Germany, and the UK. The European Union has also expressed support for India.

Third, neutralizing the enemys potential allies is part of the strategy. MEA officials also met ambassadors from China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Adding to the significance, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is scheduled to visit Kashmir tomorrow.

All signsfrom the IB Chiefs involvement in political meetings to back-to-back diplomatic briefingspoint toward a major operation in the making. India's high-level coordination suggests a plan Pakistan could never have imagined, as preparations unfold across all fronts.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: In a twist of fate, a Kerala-based tourist family narrowly survived the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, simply because their lunch was delayed owing to excess salt in the food.

The assault, killing 26 innocent people, has caused shockwaves within the nation. In reply, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security, leading to a decision to considerably lower diplomatic relations with Pakistan. As the country waits for the next move from the government and army, a miraculous survival account has emerged from the disaster.

How a Salty Meal Saved Lives

The 11-member family from Kerala was on a holiday trip in Kashmir and traveling to the tourist spot of Baisaran near Pahalgam when the attack occurred. Lavanya, one of the members of the family, told The Times of India about how a very ordinary incident turned their life upside down.

"That afternoon, we stopped for lunch, but the fried rice served had way too much salt," Lavanya recalled. "The taste was off, so we requested the restaurant to remake the food. That delayed our journey by nearly an hour."

If the family hadn't been delayed by the salty meal, they would have arrived at the location about the same time terrorists attacked, targeting tourists for their religion.

A Close Call

The familycomprising Elby George, his wife Lavanya, their kids, Lavanya's parents, cousins, and their kidshad traveled from Kochi on April 18 and gone to Gulmarg and Sonamarg before heading to Pahalgam on April 23.

As they ultimately made their way to the meadow outside Baisaran, they saw panic all around. "People were screaming, taxis were fleeing, and it was clear something terrible had happened," Lavanya said. Only from calls by relatives did they discover a terror attack had just taken place precisely where they had planned to go.

'God Added Extra Salt to Save Us'

The shaken family immediately returned to their resort, where they spent a sleepless night. "Looking back, it feels like God added that extra salt just to save us," Lavanya said, still reeling from the close call.

As the region remains tense and security is heightened, this miraculous escape has become a rare sliver of relief amidst a national tragedy.
Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: A chilling new video was released from the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, showing the ghastly moments leading up to when tourists were murdered.

The video, not aired here because of its graphic content, depicts the attackers making the victims kneel down and bow their heads before firing. Shrieks and terror can be witnessed as the attack is underway at a tourist destination in Baisaran, commonly referred to as the "Mini Switzerland" of South Kashmir.

Massive Anti-Terror Operation Underway

Following the attack, security forces have initiated one of the biggest search operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Suspected hideouts and forest areas are being searched, with aerial monitoring and mapping through helicopters. The Indian Army is reported to be ready for a more intensified crackdown on terror outfits operating in the region.

Pakistan Issues Warning After India's Outrage

After the attack, tensions have mounted with Pakistan. Indian anger over the merciless killings have been confronted by a strong warning from Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who stated that "Pakistan is Allah's nation, and only Allah will protect it." Asif further said that any Indian attack would be confronted with a "strong response," emphasising the increasing anxiety across the border.

Casualties And Impact

At least 26 individuals were killed in the attack, and several others were wounded. The attack on one of South Kashmir's most picturesque spots has shaken the nation, leading to immediate security assessments and heightened alertness in other high-tourism areas.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday denounced the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where Shubham Dwivedi, a Kanpur resident, was killed. Describing it as a "cowardly act," the CM stated that the incident indicated the desperation of terrorists and asserted that terrorism in India is coming to an end.

Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman from Kanpur, was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. He was cremated at his native village with full state honours on Thursday morning, officials said.

#WATCH | #PahalgamTerrorAttack | Kanpur: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, "On April 22, a terrorist attack took place in J&K's Pahalgam in which one person from Kanpur was killed. Shubham Dwivedi got married two months ago, and he was killed in the terror attack there. This pic.twitter.com/JCIPOCW4Ea  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

The cremation was attended by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet ministers Yogendra Upadhyay and Rakesh Sachan, who placed wreaths on Dwivedi's mortal remains and offered their condolences to the bereaved family. A guard of honour was also presented to the departed soul, officials said.

'Cowardly Act, Terrorism on Its Last Breath'

Speaking to the media, CM Yogi stated, "On April 22, there was a terrorist attack in Pahalgam where Shubham Dwivedi, who had just got married two months ago, was martyred. This cowardly act indicates that terrorism is on its last breath. Such things are not tolerated in a nation like India."

Centre Taking Strong Action, Says CM

Yogi Adityanath guaranteed that the central government is acting forcefully. "The Union Home Minister has already inspected the affected areas. Further action will be taken to eliminate terrorism from the region. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the nation will respond decisively," he continued.

'Support To Victim's Family'

The CM greeted the grieving family of Shubham Dwivedi and shared condolences. "Shubham was the only son of the family. The entire nation stands with them in this hour of grief. I assure them that the perpetrators of this horrific attack will not be spared. The final rites will be performed with full state support."

Zero Tolerance Policy Will Continue

Reiterating the government's position, he stated, "This double-engine government has a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, and we will work day and night to ensure national security."
By Kylie Madry

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Executives of Mexican lender Banorte said on Tuesday it would either sell or fuse year-old fintech Bineo, part of a larger overhaul of the bank's digital strategy to cut costs and simplify operations.

CEO Marcos Ramirez told journalists that Bineo, which lost 289 million pesos ($14.12 million) in the first quarter, could be brought under the Banorte umbrella or sold. A decision should be made this year, he added.

If Bineo were fused into Banorte, it would bring its clients and technology with it, Ramirez said, and could face a name change. He conceded that option would be the "most convenient" for the firm.

Alternatively, Banorte could sell Bineo's banking license for around what Banorte has invested in the fintech - some $100 million - Ramirez added.

"We've heard from a lot of people who've come knocking," he said, though he did not name any potential buyers.

Buying a license has become a common way for would-be banks in Mexico to cut through years of red tape. In 2022, Citi bought Deutsche Bank's license to continue operating its corporate and investment banking units in the country as part of its split from local retail unit Banamex.

Analysts at J.P. Morgan said the market could take the Bineo divestment favorably, given it "has been a headwind to earnings per share."

Going forward, the consolidation would mean Banorte's digital initiatives, including its Rappi credit card venture and Banorte Movil app, "act as a single highway instead of three separate lanes," Ramirez said.

Last week, Banorte bought out the remaining stake in RappiCard's holding company for $50 million. The deal also gives Banorte exclusive rights to offer Rappi cards for 15 years.

FURTHER GROWTH AHEAD

Ramirez said that Banorte would not back down from its expected loan book growth for the year, of around 10%, despite fears that Mexico could be hit with a recession. Banorte still expects Latin America's No. 2 economy to eke out some growth.

"Banorte has always bet on Mexico," he said. "In times of crisis, Banorte always grows."

Ramirez added that Banorte was "all in" on President Claudia Sheinbaum's calls for banks to lower their lending rates, and that the firm would adjust its rates in line with the central bank's monetary policy decisions.

In March, Mexico's central bank brought its benchmark rate to its lowest level since September 2022 with a 50-basis-point cut.

The outlook from Ramirez comes after Banorte reported first-quarter profits up 8% as internal demand boosted its loan book growth.
Pakistan Closes Its Airspace: In a move that could significantly impact Indian aviation, Pakistan on Thursday closed its airspace to Indian airlines, particularly affecting international flights departing from North India. As a result, westbound flights  those headed toward Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, Europe, the UK, and North America  will now require longer flight paths, leading to increased fuel consumption and potentially higher airfares. The decision to shut the Pakistani airspace in retaliation to India's measures following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

A review of recent flight routes from Delhi Airport suggests that Pakistans decision will disrupt the operations of several Indian carriers. Industry insiders told The Indian Express that although it's early to fully assess the implications, operational costs for airlines are bound to rise  and this could ultimately burden passengers. In contrast, international carriers from other countries may continue to use Pakistani airspace, giving them a competitive edge over Indian airlines.

The last time Pakistan shut its airspace for an extended period  following the Balakot airstrikes in 2019  Indian airlines reportedly suffered losses of around Rs 700 crore due to detours and increased fuel use. Air India, which operates most long-haul international flights to Europe and North America, was hit the hardest.

Low-cost carrier IndiGo, which has recently expanded its international network into the Caucasus and Central Asia, issued a travel advisory for passengers. The airline announced delays of up to 90 minutes for flights from Delhi to Baku and Tbilisi, while its Delhi-Almaty service was cancelled. IndiGo advised customers to request refunds via its website.

So far, Indian airlines have refrained from commenting on the potential financial impact. However, sources say carriers are currently evaluating the situation and working on realigning their flight paths. Flights from cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Amritsar may now be rerouted through Gujarat or Maharashtra before proceeding westward.

In the coming days, the full financial and operational implications are expected to become clearer. Major Indian carriers, including Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, operate international flights to various Western destinations, many of which regularly pass over Pakistani airspace.

To recall, Pakistan had completely shut its airspace on February 26, 2019, after Indian Air Force strikes in Balakot. It was only reopened in July 2019. By then, the estimated collective loss for Indian carriers had already exceeded Rs 550 crore and later rose to around Rs 700 crore. During that period, average flight durations increased by 70 to 80 minutes.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: In a stern warning to Pakistan, the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that those behind the heinous act will get a punishment beyond their imagination.

The Prime Minister, who was on a visit to Bihar, echoed his resolve to eradicate terrorism and said that India will identify and punish every terrorist and their backers. He also asserted that the time has come to raze the remaining territory of terrorists to the ground.

PM Modis warning came two days after the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people were killed and several others were left injured. Addressing people at National Panchayati Raj Day in Bihar's Madhubani, PM Modi said the entire nation is with him and the magnitude of the punishment will be so stringent that these terrorists would have never even thought about it.

"Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to make sure that justice is done, PM Modi said.

The entire nation is one in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us... The punishment will be significant and stringent, which these terrorists would have never even thought about," he further stated.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the Pahalgam terror attack while addressing a public meeting in Bihar's Madhubani



He says, "Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. pic.twitter.com/216kBwOryv  ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2025

During his address, months ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls, PM Modi said that the entire nation is saddened by the brutality with which terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.

"On April 22, terrorists killed innocent people of the country in J-K's Pahalgam... The country is in mourning and in pain following this incident. We stand with the families of the victims. Today, from the soil of Bihar, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the end of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is on our side. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders, who have stood with us in these times," the Prime Minister said.

"I want to say in very clear words that these terrorists and those who conspired towards this attack will get a punishment bigger than they can imagine. The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of the masters of terror," he added.

Earlier, PM Modi observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to those who were killed in the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack, in Bihar's Madhubani.

"Let us all stand together in this moment of grief and observe a one-minute silence. I urge everyone to observe silence for a couple of minutes to pay homage to the family members whom we lost in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also chanted 'Om Shanti'.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Centre has called for an all-party meeting in Parliament at 6 pm, where all aspects of security and the aftermath of the attack will be discussed by all. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the all-party meeting in Parliament, ANI reported, citing sources.

(With agency Inputs)
Pahalgam Terror Attack: With India grieving the loss of lives in the Pahalgam terror attack and the world expressing their condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a stern message to Pakistan, terrorists and the world that India won't bow down to terrorism. Addressing a rally in Bihar, Prime Minister Modi said that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers responsible for the attack in Pahalgam. PM Modi said that the punishment will be 'beyond their imagination'.

"Today, from the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world that India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished," Modi said.

India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers.



We will pursue them to the ends of the earth.



Indias spirit will never be broken by terrorism. pic.twitter.com/sV3zk8gM94  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 24, 2025

Prime Minister Modi, in his first public remarks after the terror attack in Baisaran in Pahalgam that left at least 26 persons dead on Tuesday, said that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served.

"Everyone who believes in humanity is with us. I thank the people of various countries and the leaders who have stood with us in these times," the Prime Minister said in his brief remarks in English.

Modi asserted that the terrorists who carried out the attack and its planners will be 'punished beyond their imagination'. He said the enemies of the country have dared to attack the soul of India.

Tensions are soaring between India and Pakistan with the two nations taking measures against each other. While India has suspended the Indus water treaty and SAARC visas for Pakistanis, Islamabad has shut its airspace for India while also suspending third-party trade connecting India.
Mumbai: Actor Mohit Malik has expressed his support for Kashmir and its people, saying that despite recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, he plans to visit Kashmir to promote peace, unity, and love.

Mohit took to his story section on Instagram and expressed his support to Kashmir and said that Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed, has always been on his travel list.

He wrote: I stand with Kashmir and its people. I havent yet seen Pahalgam, but it has always been on my travel list. I was planning a trip with my family, and despite the recent terrorist attacks, that plan still stands.

The actor condemned the terror attack, one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which occurred at Baisaran, a scenic meadow in Anantnag district accessible only by foot or pony.

My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and I condemn these acts of violence in the strongest terms, he said.

Mohit added: But lets be clearthese attacks are meant to spread fear and disrupt the peace and beauty of Kashmir. They aim to isolate and economically hurt the region by targeting one of its lifelines: tourism.

I refuse to let them win.

The actor said that the people of Kashmir are among the most warm-hearted and hospitable youll ever meet.

Anyone who has visited will tell you about their kindness, their resilience, and the breathtaking beauty of the valley they call home, he said.

Now more than ever, we must stand with themnot just in words, but in action.

The actor added: I will still go to Kashmir as a tourist, and I urge fellow Indians to do the same. Lets show the world that peace, unity, and love are stronger than hate and fear.
New Delhi: In a dastardly attack, The Resistance Fronta shadow offshoot of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) opened fire on tourists at the popular Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, killing over 26 and injuring many. The incident has scarred the nation and its people, as innocent tourists were attacked by the terrorists amid what was meant to be a peaceful outing.

Several world leaders including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack. Bollywood celebrities also took to social media and expressed grief over the killings.

Now, few Pakistani actors including Fawad Khan, Hania Aamir and Mawra Hocane have voiced their opinion against the terror attack in Pahalgam.

PAKISTANI ACTORS ON PAHALGAM TERROR ATTACK

Hania Aamir shared a story on her Instagram, writing, A tragedy anywhere is a tragedy for all of us. My condolences to the innocent people affected by the recent events. In pain, in sorrow and in hope, we are one. When innocent people die, the pain is not just theirs, it is for all of us. No matter where we are from, grief speaks the same language. We must always choose humanity.

Fawad Khan, who is soon going to be seen in an Indian film, Abir Gulaal along with Vaani Kapoor also took to his Instagram stories to express grief. 'Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack at Pahalgam. Our prayers and thoughts are with the victims.'

Sanam Teri Kasam actress, Mawra Hocane, also took to her Instagram to give condolences. 'An act of terrorism against one is an act of terrorism against all. What's happening to the world #Pahalgam,' read her caption.
Chennai: Actress Imanvi, who plays the female lead in director Hanu Raghavapudi's upcoming film, featuring actor Prabhas, has now issued a statement in which she has refuted rumors that claimed that her dad had served in the Pakistan military.

Imanvi, who is scheduled to make her debut in Telugu cinema through the upcoming film which is being tentatively referred to as #PrabhasHanu project, posted a statement on her Instagram timeline.

The actress began the statement by expressing her sincere and heartfelt condolences for the tragic event that took place in Pahalgam. "My heart goes out to all those who lost their lives and their loved ones. Any loss of innocent life is tragic and weighs heavy on my heart. I strongly condemn the violent acts. As someone whose mission has always been to spread light and love through art, I hope to see a day soon where we can all come together as one," she said before going on to refute rumors being spread about her identity and her family.

"I also want to address rumors and lies that have been falsely spread about my identity and my family via fake news sources and online media in order to create division and spread hate. Firstly, nobody in my family has ever been or is currently associated with the Pakistani military in any way. This and multiple other falsehoods have been fabricated by online trolls for the sole purpose of spreading hate," the actress said and expressed disappointment that even legitimate news outlets, journalists, and those on social media had failed to investigate these claims and had instead simply repeated these slanderous statements.

Imanvi said, "I am a proud Indian American who speaks Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati, and English. I was born in Los Angeles, California after my parents legally immigrated to the United States as youth. Soon after they became American citizens. Upon completing my university education in the USA, I pursued a career in the arts as an actor, choreographer, and dancer."

Stating that she was incredibly grateful to receive opportunities to work in the Indian film industry, the actress said, "This same film industry has been a great influence in my life, and I hope to add to the incredible legacy of the trailblazers that came before me. As someone who has Indian identity and culture running deep in my blood, I hope to use this medium as a form of unity and not divisiveness."

The actress concluded the statement saying, "As we mourn tragic loss of life, let's continue to spread love and uplift one another. Throughout history, art has been a medium that creates awareness, empathy, and connection across cultures, people, and experiences. I will work hard to ensure that this legacy carries on through my work and uplifts the experiences of my Indian heritage. Lots of love, Imanvi."
New Delhi: Meta, a multinational technology company is taking its smart glasses to more corners of Europe. The company on April 23 announced that its AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are now available in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finlandcomplete with voice-activated Meta AI to help users stay connected hands-free.

Launch Date & Price

For now, Meta hasnt announced the official launch date or price for the Ray-Ban Meta glasses in India.

New Features

The new rollout brings a bunch of handy features to make everyday life easier. Meta says users in these countries can now talk to the glasses to ask questions and get instant answers. One standout addition is the live translation tool, now available to more users. It supports real-time conversations in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Real-Time Info Coming to the EU

Users, starting next week across all supported EU countries will be able to get real-time info about what theyre looking at just by wearing the glasses. Meta first brought its AI assistant to Ray-Ban Meta glasses in France, Italy, Ireland, and Spain back in November 2024. This lets users ask questions with simple voice commands. Until now, the feature that gives information based on what you see was only available in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Coming to India

Meta also shared that its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses will soon be launching in India, Mexico, and the UAE. As part of a big software update, the live translation feature is now going global. Users can have real-time conversations in English, French, Italian, and Spanish even without an internet connection if the language pack is downloaded in advance.

Translation and Instagram Features Added

Translations are spoken aloud through the glasses, while a written transcript pops up on the paired phone. Just say, Hey Meta, start live translation, and you're good to go. And thats not allMeta is bringing Instagram into the mix too. Soon, youll be able to send messages, share photos, and even make audio or video calls straight from your glasses.
New Delhi: WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature called Advanced Chat Privacy to improve the security of your personal and group chats. Users with this new update wont be able to export chats or automatically download media. This adds an extra layer of protection. Plus, the feature also blocks mentions of Meta AI in chats which makes your conversations even more private.

WhatsApp shared the update in a blog post, explaining that the new setting is designed for chats that involve sensitive topicsespecially when the group includes people who may not know each other well. This new setting helps prevent others from taking content outside of WhatsApp for when you may want extra privacy, the company said on Thursday.

Once turned on for a specific chat or group, the Advanced Chat Privacy feature stops members from exporting messages, automatically saving media, or using messages with outside AI tools. WhatsApp says the goal is to give users more controlespecially in group chats where everyone might not know each other well.

WhatsApp already has features like disappearing messages and chat locks but this new setting is designed for semi-public or topic-based groups like health support forums or community organizing chats. These conversations are often private in nature, even though the members may not know each other personally.

This is just the beginning for the new feature. WhatsApp says more upgrades are coming soon, with even stronger privacy options on the way. The feature is currently rolling out worldwide and will be available to all users in the latest app update over the next few days.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Amid the heightened tension between India and Pakistan, the two nations are gearing up for possible escalation following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir. While India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, both nations have called off the SAARC visa program. The trade between the two countries has also been called off, including the third-party routes.

Pakistan On Attack By India

Amid the rising tension, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif alleged that instead of an all-out war, India is planning a widespread terror attack. "According to our information, India is planning widespread terror attacks across Pakistan, instead of all-out war. We are fully ready for the wave of that terrorism. However, if that happens, it will be tit-for-tat. If our citizens are not safe, if they are attacked, then the citizens of India won't be safe. Even if a single Pakistan citizen is killed due to an Indian-perpetrated/orchestrated attack that is proved, we will make India pay through their noses," said Asif.

Pakistan also said that any threat to its sovereignty, and security will be met with firm reciprocal measures in all domains. "India should refrain from its reflexive blame game and cynical staged, managed exploitation of incidents like Pahalgam to further its narrow political agenda...Such tactics serve only to inflame tensions and obstruct the path to peace and stability in the region," said a statement released after Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) meeting.

Indus Water Treaty Suspension

Pakistan also issued a statement saying that India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is an 'Act of War'. The announcements were made after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to formulate the country's response to India's move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and downgrade diplomatic ties after the Pahalgam terror attack. The statement said any attempt to divert water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty would be considered an 'Act of War'. Pakistan said it 'rejects' the Indian decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty and added that it's a lifeline for 240 million Pakistanis.

Blocked Air Space

Pakistan on Thursday blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, and suspended all trade with India including that route through third countries. Pakistan also closed the Wagah border crossing, reciprocating India's decision to close the Attari border.

In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan asked military advisers at the Indian High Commission to leave by April 30. Earlier on Wednesday, India has declared a military attache in Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata, asking them to leave the country within a week.

Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Kashmir valley witnessed an unprecedented terror attack in which 26 people, mainly tourists, were killed in Pahalgam on Tuesday. Among those killed were Indian Navy official, Intelligence Bureau officials and a Nepali national.
Simla Agreement Suspended: Following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mainly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan have significantly downgraded their bilateral relations. While India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan suspended the 1972 Simla Agreement reached between the two nations after the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. The agreement was signed on July 2, 1972 in Simla.

What Is the Simla Agreement?

The Simla Agreement was established with the goal of bringing peace and stability to the relationship between India and Pakistan, aiming to end hostilities and foster normalization. The backdrop of this accord was the 1971 war, which led to the separation of East Pakistan and the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent country, following India's involvement. The agreement was signed in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, by then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistans President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

According to the agreement, the relationship between India and Pakistan will be guided by the principles and objectives outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. Both nations have agreed to resolve all their disputes and differences through peaceful methods, primarily via bilateral dialogue or through any other mutually acceptable peaceful approach.

Other Key Provisions are

Until a final resolution is reached on any outstanding issue, neither country will attempt to change the existing situation unilaterally. Both sides also commit to refraining from supporting, organizing, or encouraging actions that could harm the peaceful and cordial relations between them.

The foundation for reconciliation, lasting peace, and good neighborly relations lies in a mutual pledge to peaceful coexistence, respect for each others sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in domestic affairs. This must be upheld equally and for the mutual benefit of both nations.

They have further agreed that all core issues and root causes of conflict, which have strained their relationship for over two decades, should be addressed only through peaceful means.

Each side will consistently uphold the national unity, territorial integrity, political independence, and sovereign equality of the other. Furthermore, in line with the UN Charter, both countries will refrain from threatening or using force against one another's territorial or political integrity.

The Simla Agreement provides for resolving disputes through bilateral negotiations, without involving third-party mediation. The agreement converted the 1971 ceasefire line into the Line of Control (LoC), thus establishing the current day border arrangement. Due to the agreement, India also returned over 13,000 km square of land captured during the war.

Suspension and Impact on LoC

Pakistans decision to halt the agreement comes amid an already tense phase in its relationship with India. Tensions escalated notably after India revoked Article 370 in August 2019, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. This move led to a diplomatic standoff, with Pakistan scaling back diplomatic relations and raising the Kashmir issue on international platformscontrary to the bilateral resolution approach outlined in the Simla Agreement.

Following this agreement, the Line of Control (LoC) between the two countries was established, creating a de facto border. If the Simla Agreement is annulled, India could potentially make a direct entry into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and expand its control there.

This suspension may signal a shift in Pakistans diplomatic strategy. Rather than relying solely on direct talks with India, it could now pursue external mediation, potentially involving entities such as the United Nations, China, or the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Such a course would run counter to the spirit and stipulations of the Simla Agreement.

The Line of Control (LoC) has consistently been a zone of heightened military activity, with frequent ceasefire breaches, shelling across borders, and infiltration incidents. Disregarding the commitment to uphold the status and sanctity of the LoC, as mandated in the Simla Agreement, risks triggering a new cycle of escalation between the two countries.
By David French

(Reuters) -Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners is exploring the sale of its majority stake in Brazos Midstream II, with a deal expected to value its holding at more than $2 billion including debt, three people familiar with the matter said.

Brazos moves natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil from the wellheads of five Texas counties to larger pipelines in the Delaware portion of the Permian Basin. The company also owns associated infrastructure including natural gas compression capabilities and crude storage.

Investment bankers at Jefferies Financial Group in recent weeks have been shopping MSIP's controlling stake in Brazos to potential buyers, including midstream companies and investment firms, the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private.

The sale process is ongoing and a deal, along with the price sought by MSIP, may not materialize, they cautioned. MSIP may also choose to hold onto its investment, they added.

Spokespeople for Morgan Stanley, Brazos, and Jefferies all declined comment.

Morgan Stanley's infrastructure investment arm first bought into Brazos Midstream II in 2018, purchasing the company for $1.75 billion. Later that year, a deal was struck with Williams Companies, in which Williams contributed assets in exchange for a 15% stake in Brazos.

Williams is not expected to bid on the MSIP majority stake, the sources said.

Williams did not respond to a comment request.

A transaction involving Brazos Midstream II would join the steady stream of midstream dealmaking in the last year involving privately-owned pipeline companies in the heart of the U.S. shale industry. Most are being bought by publicly-listed infrastructure operators seeking to boost scale.

Energy Transfer acquired WTG Midstream for $3.25 billion from a group led by infrastructure fund Stonepeak. ONEOK spent $2.6 billion to buy Medallion Midstream from Global Infrastructure Partners. And Kinetik purchased Durango Permian for $765 million from an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Energy Partners.

(Reporting by David French in New York; Editing by Joe Bavier)
Washington: US President Donald Trump has slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying the Ukrainian leader's statement on Crimea is "very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia". This time the Trump-Zelenskyy clash was over Crimea, with the US President convinced that the region should be considered as Russian territory, while Zelensky refused to agree with him, reiterating that Ukraine will stand firm on its core principles, Xinhua news agency reported.

Trump wrote on Wednesday in a post on Truth Social that "Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?" "It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about," wrote Trump, adding that "The situation for Ukraine is dire -- He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country."

As negotiators met for the latest round of talks in London, reports suggest that the US proposal that was laid out had two key points in agreement with Moscow's stand -- the first being Kyiv officially recognising Crimea as Russian territory, and the second -- that Ukraine can never become a NATO member.

Both these points were rejected by Ukraine, which infuriated President Trump, who had already threatened to withdraw the US from negotiations over Kyiv's obstinacy. Trump chided the Ukrainian President for not agreeing with him about Crimea now being a part of Russia. "Crimea was lost years ago and is not even a point of discussion," President Trump asserted. Trump also noted that the statement made by Zelenskyy would do nothing but prolong the "killing field" and "nobody wants that!"

"We are very close to a Deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE," he noted. Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that Kyiv is prepared to engage in talks in any format once a potential ceasefire with Russia is established, the government-run Ukrinform news agency reported. But he stressed that Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea by Russia as it contradicts the nation's Constitution.

The exchange led to President Trump scolding President Zelenskyy, saying that the US is trying to stop the killing in his country. "We are very close to a deal" for peace, Trump said, putting the blame on the Ukrainian President for being stubborn, as talks seem to be heading for a stalemate. President Trump took to social media to post a scathing attack on Ukraine's Zelenskyy.

"Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal that, 'Ukraine will not legally recognise the occupation of Crimea. There's nothing to talk about here.' This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Russia seized control of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 without any significant resistance from Ukraine at the time. The move was condemned by several nations, with only a handful of countries recognising Russia's claim to Crimea.

Meanwhile, echoing Donald Trump's sentiment, US Vice President J.D. Vance said it was time for Russia and Ukraine to either agree to the US peace proposal "or for the US to walk away from the process entirely".

Vance said that America's proposal called for freezing territorial lines "at some level close to where they are today" and a "long-term diplomatic settlement that hopefully will lead to long-term peace". He went on to say that "The only way to really stop the killing is for the armies to both put down their weapons, and to freeze this thing".

In response to the US Vice President, Zelenskyy's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, wrote in a post on X that he made it clear to US negotiator Steve Witkoff in London that Ukraine "will stand firm on its core principles during the negotiations" that relate to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Since taking office in January, Trump has sharply altered the US approach to the Ukraine war. Instead of punishing moves against Russia like his predecessor Joe Biden, Washington is now pressing Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, even if it is unacceptable to Kyiv. The US is seemingly in a hurry to broker a deal -- any deal -- irrespective of whether it may be a good one for Russia or a good one for Ukraine.

President Trump, who had pledged to "end the Russia-Ukraine war in days", wants to be seen as a power broker for peace globally. Meanwhile, ever since Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's phone call and Washington's foreign policy tilt towards Moscow, European nations have scrambled to find ways to support Kyiv, which finds itself staring at an increasingly uncertain future.
A steep fall in demand from China drove a 41% decline in MSD Q1 2025 sales of its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines Gardasil and Gardasil 9, marking a continued setback for the companys second-highest selling product.

During MSDs Q1 2025 earnings call on 24 April, chief financial officer Caroline Litchfield said MSD does not expect to resume Gardasil shipments to China before mid-year, following a suspension announced back in February.

Q1 2025 Gardasil sales totalled $1.3bn, down from $2.2bn in Q1 2024. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, the decline was 40%. Despite the setback in China, the company said the revenue drop was partially offset by stronger demand in the US and Japan. Outside of China, Gardasil sales grew 14%, or 16% on a constant currency basis.

Vaccine sales hit by China headwinds

Litchfield acknowledged that China would continue to be a hang heavy on the companys vaccine performance this year: As we look to Gardasil globally this year, we expect China to be a headwindexpect, given the current dynamics in China, that it is not so likely that we will ship further product in China.

The suspension in shipments came amidst a challenging environment in China, where a combination of regulatory scrutiny, growing local competition, and weaker discretionary spending hit foreign vaccine makers. MSD previously withdrew its $11bn Gardasil sales target in Q4 2024, citing the deteriorating outlook on the Chinese market.

Despite the pullback, Litchfield reiterated the companys focus on long-term opportunities in China, including plans to expand access to the vaccine for males, and emphasised strong double-digit growth potential elsewhere.

In January 2025, MSD secured approval for Gardasil for men aged 9 to 26, and on April 14, 2025, the Chinese regulator approved the more advanced Gardasil 9 shot for men aged 16 to 26.

Tariffs and manufacturing shift

MSD CEO Robert Davis also addressed growing concerns about trade policy, as the US government moved forward with a Section 232 investigation into pharmaceutical imports  a precursor to potential industry-specific tariffs.

Davis said the company is anticipating approximately $200m in tariff-related costs from existing duties involving the US, China, Canada, and Mexico. He emphasised that MSD is actively adapting its manufacturing strategy to mitigate future risks.

Many large pharma companies like Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (J&J) and Novartis have announced plans to increase manufacturing activity in the US against the backdrop of these tariff announcements, and MSD announced its own $1bn investment in the US in March 2025.
Nestle has stuck with its full-year outlook despite inferring that consumers are stretched and have yet to feel the impact of the group's most recent price rises.

CEO Laurent Freixe again refrained from pinpointing an actual organic growth target for the year, sticking to language for an improvement over Nestle's 2.2% pace in 2024.

He also said the Swiss giant was aiming for its underlying trading operating profit margin (UTOP) to be at or above 16% as the company plans to invest for growth.

Aside from the implications of the 2.1% pricing put in place in the first quarter on the back of still elevated cocoa and coffee costs, the impact of tariffs seems likely to be felt more from the general operating environment and the consumer, rather than on Nestle itself.

And strength in the Swiss franc amid a generally weak US dollar due to the uncertainly pervading markets around Trumps tariffs, is likely to weigh on the UTOP margin, CFO Anna Manz suggested today (24 April) as she discussed Nestle's first-quarter numbers alongside the CEO.

While Freixe reiterated that 90% of the KitKat makers production is carried out locally in Nestles largest markets of the US, Europe and China, insulating the company to some degree from the tariffs, the language around the guidance suggested some caution.

This is based on our assessment of the direct impact of current tariffs and our ability to adapt. The indirect impacts  on consumers and customers, as well as currencies and commodity prices  remain unclear at this stage, Freixe said with respect to the unchanged outlook.

The language used in todays results presentation and repeated on a call with analysts also suggested challenges will remain.

An environment of heightened macroeconomic and consumer uncertainty, is how Freixe framed the first quarter. Similar comments ensued for the Americas  a challenging macroeconomic environment with fragile consumer confidence  and for Europe too - an ongoing fragile consumer environment.

Overall, the situation continues to be dynamic, with heightened risks and uncertainty, Freixe said.

Nestle and pricing

Numbers wise, Nestle registered reported growth of 2.3% in the quarter and an organic print of 2.8%, taking group sales to SFr22.6bn ($27.3bn). Real internal growth (RIG), which strips out the effect from pricing on the organic numbers, was 0.7%.

The results commentary said RIG reflected short-term impacts of consumers and customers adjusting to price increases.

Manz told analysts RIG was dampened by soft consumer demand, with confidence fragile even before the increasing macroeconomic and political uncertainties.
A Nissan truck unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai motor show. The carmaker will be hit by 25% US import tariffs Photograph: PA

Nissan says it expects to lose as much as 4bn this year because a turnaround plan will be more costly than expected.

The predicted loss at Japans third-largest carmaker is almost 10 times the figure it had previously guided.

Nissan has been struggling for several years with leadership turmoil and falling profits. Its latest efforts to turn around the business include making deep cost cuts, but the car industry is facing deep uncertainty over the direct and indirect effects of Donald Trumps tariffs.

Nissan said it expected lower sales this year of 3.35m, down from 5m in 2019, blaming changes in the competitive environment and deterioration in sales performance. The company did not explicitly blame tariffs.

The profit warning is the first significant move by Ivan Espinosa, the Mexican who was named last month as chief executive after two decades at the company. His appointment was announced after Makoto Uchida was forced out when an attempt to merge with Japanese rival Honda fell through in February.

Espinosa said: We are taking the prudent step to revise our full-year outlook, reflecting a thorough review of our performance and the carrying value of production assets. We now anticipate a significant net loss for the year, due primarily to a major asset impairment and restructuring costs as we continue to stabilise the company. Despite these challenges, we have significant financial resources, a strong product pipeline and the determination to turn around Nissan in the coming period.

Nissan is pushing forward with plans to cut 9,000 jobs, even as it tries to launch electric models in a switch away from combustion engines.

The company said most of the losses stemmed from a 2.6bn impairment in the value of assets around the world. However, it insisted it remains in a solid cash position despite concerns over its debt. Moodys, a rating agency, downgraded Nissans debt to junk status in February, indicating that its analysts had doubts about the carmakers ability to repay.

The efforts to turn Nissan around will not be aided by Trumps tariffs of 25% on all car imports. Tatsuo Yoshida, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, told the AFP news agency that US tariffs would hit Nissan the hardest of the major Japanese carmakers.

If this situation goes on for ever, it can be a death blow for Nissan, in a sense that it will run out of cash and default, Yoshida said before the profit warning.

Nissan makes cars in Smyrna, Tennessee, giving it some protection from the tariffs. It produced 524,000 vehicles in the US out of the 924,000 it sold in the country in 2024. Reuters reported that Nissan had cut production of its top-selling US model, the Rogue SUV made in Japan, because of the impact of tariffs.
Finnish steel structure provider Nordec has secured a contract for the Lastaustie 7 project in Jyvaskyla, Finland.

The contract was awarded by construction company Peab.

The project scope includes the design and construction of steel structures and load-bearing sheets for a project building.

Nordec will deliver both the structural framework and associated sheet elements. Installation work is scheduled between weeks 15 and 26 in 2025.

In a press statement, Nordec said: Nordec is excited to embark on this journey, contributing to the advancement of Jyvaskylas industrial landscape. We look forward to sharing more updates as we move forward with this transformative project.

Jykia is the property investor behind the project and is renowned for focusing on long-term sustainability in various projects.

The company has established its presence in Jyvaskyla and aims to support regional economic growth. The Lastaustie 7 initiative aligns with its long-term investment strategy.

Last month, Nordec was awarded a contract by Nordic construction company NCC to design and build the frame and envelope structures for a new train depot in Hagalund, Stockholm, Sweden.

The Jernhusen-developed depot aims to modernise Swedens rail infrastructure and enhance the regions public transport network.

Nordecs responsibilities in the project include building the steel frame, prefabricated concrete slabs, walls, stairs, sandwich panel walls, and roof sheeting. NCC will handle the construction of a train hall with vehicle lifts.

"Nordec secures contract for Jykias Lastaustie 7 Project in Finland" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Maggie Fick

(Reuters) -European drugmakers are urging the EU to allow higher medicine prices, warning that without stronger investment incentives, the bloc would fall further behind the U.S., where tariff threats have triggered a wave of pharma investment announcements.

AstraZeneca Chief Executive Officer Pascal Soriot said that just like Europe has stepped up its defense spending, it now must do the same and invest more to protect its health sovereignty amid a shifting world order.

"Europe spends a substantially lower share of GDP on innovative medicines than the U.S. and, as a result, is falling behind in attracting R&D and manufacturing investments, putting its ability to protect the health of its own people at risk," Soriot said in a statement.

Soriot's comments came after the CEOs of Swiss pharma giant Novartis and French drugmaker Sanofi wrote in a letter published in the Financial Times on Wednesday that European price controls on medicines hurt innovation and make the region less attractive, while the U.S. and China were incentivising it.

They proposed a Europe-wide list price for new medicines, pegged "within range of U.S. net prices" and adjusted via rebates, going further than a previous letter they signed with over 30 industry CEOs, including those from AstraZeneca, Bayer, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.

That April 11 letter, addressed to EU President Ursula von der Leyen, urged EU support to the pharma industry amid U.S. tariff threats. It said Europe needed to rethink its pricing policies, but did not detail proposals.

The letter came days after von der Leyen met with pharma CEOs. In the meeting, Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson criticized European governments for underpaying for innovation, according to an industry source briefed on the session.

That source, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said matching U.S. list prices in Europe was unrealistic, but aligning with U.S. net prices might be feasible.

List prices are set by drugmakers before discounts. Net prices reflect what governments, insurers or U.S. pharmacy benefit managers actually pay after those discounts.

A European Commission spokesperson said on Wednesday that the EU executive was aware of the strategic importance of the pharma industry and wanted "to make the market more attractive" for these companies.

The U.S. pays more for medicines than any other country, often nearly three times that of other developed nations.

European governments negotiate directly with drugmakers for lower net prices, and final prices are often not disclosed.
Doug Clinton, the CEO of Intelligent Alpha, told CNBC recently that Nvidia (NVDA) is his "top AI pick." Intelligent Alpha uses AI to create its stock portfolio, Clinton noted.

Why Clinton Is Bullish on NVDA

"The bottom line is that Nvidia is changing hands for 21 times its forward earnings, and the earnings (estimates) are pretty solid," Clinton stated.

Is NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) the Best Stock to Buy According to Billionaire Chris Rokos?

That's because China is "derisked" at this point for Nvidia, while the large cloud-infrastructure players are going to keep spending huge amounts on AI "no matter what happens with the economy," Clinton explained. As a result, those firms will keep buying Nvidia's chips, he predicted.

And in general, the "huge demand" for AI is poised to keep "increasing and accelerating," enabling NVDA to continue selling more chips, the veteran investor contended. He added that these upcoming demand increases are not yet reflected in AI stocks.

More About NVDA

Analysts on average expect NVDA's earnings per share to reach $4.42 this year and $5.67 in 2026, up from $2.99 in 2024.

In the last month, the stock has fallen 18%, while it has plunged 30% in the last three months.

While we acknowledge the potential of NVDA, 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 NVDA 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.
Nordic company NYAB has entered an agreement with the Swedish Transport Administration to undertake the reconstruction and widening of a 15km stretch of the E4 road between Gumboda and Grimsmark in Vasterbotten County, Sweden.

The Skr409m ($42.8m) project encompasses the rebuilding of the E4 into a 2+1 road configuration, spanning a width of 14m.

The road will feature a central barrier for enhancing safety. The construction of five bridges is also planned along this route.

Construction is scheduled to start this month, with an anticipated completion date in October 2027.

NYAB business area manager Infrastructure Mattias Brostrom said: "Vasterbotten is an expansive region, and a safe and efficient infrastructure is important for residents, businesses, and industries across northern Sweden.

"We have strong experience from similar complex projects on heavily trafficked roads where traffic must continue to flow safely during construction. We also have an established and positive relationship with the Swedish Transport Administration and look forward to continuing to deliver safety and quality through cost-efficient production."

Headquartered in Lulea, Sweden, NYAB is a provider of engineering, construction, and maintenance services, focusing on infrastructure, industrial construction, and energy sectors.

The company operates primarily in Sweden, Finland, and Norway and has around 1,100 employees.

Last month, NYAB was awarded a Skr144m contract by the Swedish Transport Administration for the initial segment of the North Bothnia Line, with the project expected to conclude by the end of next year.

Furthermore, NYAB secured a Skr164m contract from Umea Hamn for the redevelopment of the Northern Quay at the Port of Umea in Sweden.

This project involves the construction of a new quay, the demolition of the existing structure, dredging works, and the creation of a ramp to facilitate loading and unloading operations.

"NYAB to undertake E4 road upgrade project in Sweden" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




We recently compiled a list of the Why These 15 Tech Stocks Are up the Most So Far in 2025. In this article, we are going to take a look at where OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. (NYSE:OCFT) stands against the other tech stocks.

Most tech stocks havent been doing well so far this year, but this isnt a problem that all tech stocks face. The technology sector is broad, and there are always some stocks that still do well regardless of the broader market environment.

Many of these companies are leading the way in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Their ability to adapt and launch new solutions has set them apart from the pack. For example, firms that reported robust growth in large customer contracts or unveiled breakthrough AI tools have seen their shares surge, even as industry giants have struggled with market volatility.

Its worth looking into these winners if youre looking for opportunities in this market.

Methodology

For this article, I screened the best-performing tech stocks year-to-date.

I will also mention the number of hedge fund investors in these stocks. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

Why Nebius Group NV (NBIS) Is Skyrocketing Today?

A close-up of a busy executive's hand tapping the screen of a digital device, signifying the development of a digital retail banking solution.

OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. (NYSE:OCFT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders In Q4 2024: 2

OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. (NYSE:OCFT) is a leading technology-as-a-service provider for financial institutions in China.

The most impactful news in 2025 was the receipt of a privatization proposal in early March, which caused the stock to jump over 21% in a single day and contributed to a 70% gain in the past three months. Trading in OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. (NYSE:OCFT) shares was also temporarily halted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange following the privatization news, adding to the volatility.

Earlier in April, the company completed the sale of its Ping An OneConnect Bank (Hong Kong) unit to Lufax Holding for HK$933 million, resulting in an estimated gain of RMB 262 million and streamlining its business to focus on core technology offerings.

OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. (NYSE:OCFT) stock is up 150.62% year-to-date.
By Mathias de Rozario

(Reuters) -OPmobility plans cost reduction measures to deal with the impact of U.S. tariffs, the French car supplier's CEO Laurent Favre said in a call with journalists on Tuesday.

The company, which supplies the three leading U.S. carmakers, General Motors, Stellantis and Ford, said it is trying to anticipate a potential volume decline from its clients in the second half of the year.

"That's all the savings in operating costs, [...] everything linked to external service providers, everything linked to travel, everything linked to non-essential expenditure, and also a very strong emphasis on flexibility in our plants in line with the evolution of volumes," Favre said.

He added the company will also slow down investments with a target of a 5% to 10% investment reduction compared to usual levels.

"This does not, in any way, affect our long-term strategy," Favre said.

He added that they will continue to invest in technology, to improve their regional balance, to invest all over the world with a stronger focus on America and Asia, and to diversify their customer base by developing new entrants such as BYD, Chery, Tesla and Rivian.

The group also confirmed its full-year outlook, backed by its cost reduction measures and by a 3.1% consolidated revenue growth in the first quarter of the year.

The group's quarterly consolidated revenue came in at 2.69 billion euros ($3.08 billion), up from 2.61 billion euros a year earlier.

It outperformed global automotive production according to the S&P Global Mobility forecasts published earlier this month, led by its European and Asian markets.

North America, which accounted for more than 27% of the group's economic revenue, however recorded a 4.1% revenue drop mainly due to a decline in module volumes assembled in Mexico.

"It's a question of seasonality [...], some of our customers are launching new models, others are discontinuing them, so this happened in the first quarter, but it will be offset in the rest of the year," Favre said.

($1 = 0.8741 euros)

(Reporting by Mathias de Rozario in Gdansk; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
Tobacco juggernaut Philip Morris International reported a strong quarter, including a 5.8% growth in revenue, in large part because of the soaring popularity of Zyn. U.S. shipments of the nicotine pouches reached 202 million cans in the first three months of 2025a 53% year-over-year increasedespite production constraints driving shortages.

Philip Morris International boosted its annual profit guidance on Wednesday, thanks in large part to the skyrocketing popularity of Zyn nicotine pouches.

The tobacco giant said it expects adjusted earnings of $7.36 to $7.49 per share for the year, an increase from its previous forecast of $7.04 to $7.17 per share.

Philip Morris reported $9.3 billion in revenue, a 5.8% growth year over year, as well as a 15% jump in revenue to $3.9 billion for noncombustible brands, with Zyn driving the growth. The companypledging to be smoke-free by having two-thirds of its business come from noncombustible products by 2030has continued to lean heavily on its smokeless products like nicotine pouches, as opposed to cigarettes and cigars.

Philip Morris is trading up at about 2% as of Wednesday morning.

"We remain confident in our ability to deliver superior results, despite an uncertain and volatile global economic environment, CEO Jacek Olczak said in the companys earnings report.

Zyns rapid, yet constrained growth

Zyn, in particular, has led Philip Morris smoke-free portfolio, as the discreet white pouches have become a fixture for Gen Z young professionalsand garnered popularity among politically conservative menfor being an odorless alternative to cigarettes and vaping, and having the reputation of fueling a workday boost or signaling social status. The product also had the benefit of FDA approval to be publicly marketed as of January, as the vaping industry has meanwhile been flooded with unauthorized products.

Zyn shipments in the U.S. have quadrupled since the first quarter of 2022, and reached 202 million cans shipped in Q1 2025. Its a 53% increase in shipments from a year ago, Philip Morris chief financial officer Emmanuel Babeau said Wednesday in the companys earnings presentation.

Zyns growth comes even as the company contends with shortages, as it works to ramp up production for the product. Philip Morris announced in August 2024 plans to invest $232 million to expand production at its Owensboro, Ky., plant. The month before, it announced a $600 million investment in a Colorado Zyn manufacturing facility.

Babeau said the company had limited advertising activities for the brand, trying to keep up with demand for existing Zyn consumers as opposed to attracting new users. The company is continuing to resolve out-of-stock situations at retail locations, predicting replenished stock by 2025s third quarter.
Shelby Knowles / Bloomberg via Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Philip Morris shares hit an all-time high Wednesday after the cigarette maker topped first-quarter estimates.

Strong sales of its smokeless products like Zyn nicotine pouches led the company to lift its profit forecasts for the full year.

The company also halted plans to sell or spin off its cigar business after a "thorough review and evaluation" of options in the "current environment."







Shares of Philip Morris International (PM) set an all-time high Wednesday after the tobacco giant topped first-quarter estimates and lifted its full-year profit outlook.

The maker of cigarettes and smoke-free tobacco products reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.69 on revenue of $9.30 billion, both above Visible Alpha consensus. Led by surging sales of its Zyn nicotine pouches, Philip Morris said its smoke-free business generated 42% of its Q1 revenue.

Shares were up more than 2% in recent trading at $167.55 after touching a record $171.63 earlier in the session.

Philip Morris Raises FY Profit Projection

Philip Morris lifted its full-year adjusted EPS profit projection to a range of $7.36 to $7.49 from $7.04 to $7.17. "We remain confident in our ability to deliver superior results, despite an uncertain and volatile global economic environment, and now forecast double-digit adjusted diluted EPS growth in dollar terms for the full-year," CEO Jacek Olczak said.

The conglomerate also said it has halted plans to sell or spin off its cigar business as part of its shift to a future focused on smokeless products, "following a thorough review and evaluation of strategic options taking the current environment into consideration."

Read the original article on Investopedia
Buying a home in the US could get harder, PulteGroup (PHM) warned on its post-earnings conference call. The culprit? Tariffs, of course.

"We're in the range of $5,000 on average, and it will impact every single price point and consumer group that we serve. There might be a few minor nuances, but it's pretty broad across the spectrum," the homebuilder's CEO, Ryan Marshall, told investors and analysts on the company's first quarter earnings call Tuesday morning.

That warning aside, PHM reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.57 for the first quarter, which surpassed the average analyst estimate of $2.43. PHM stock rose 6% in early trade on Tuesday following the results.

The news wasn't all good, however. Despite the earnings beat, Pulte reported a 7.3% year-over-year decline in net sales orders for its fiscal first quarter ending March 31. Bottom line: 7,765 homes, falling short of analyst estimates for 8,166. Home closings also fell 7.2% year over year to 6,583, missing the analysts' forecast of 6,595 homes.

The housing market continues to face increasing challenges, specifically trade tensions with Canada, Mexico, and China.

Read more: When will housing prices drop?

PHM is the first major homebuilder to highlight the potential cost impact of the new tariffs, estimating a roughly 1% increase in construction costs in the back half of the year.

The added expenses are expected to come from a range of materials, including plumbing fixtures, water heaters, porcelain, HVAC parts from China, tile flooring  which is subject to a global 10% tariff  and electrical components like circuit breakers and load centers.

"The world needs to be prepared for some disruptions as a result of things that are going on, tariff-induced," Marshall added.

Tariff warnings: a home under construction in Denver. (RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)  RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images via Getty Images

This projection echoes concerns raised by the National Association of Home Builders. (NAHB), which found that suppliers have raised prices by 6.3% on average in response to current, enacted, or anticipated tariffs. Those costs add an estimated $10,900 to the price of a new home, the NAHB calculated.

Still, tariffs are only one part of the equation.

As Marshall noted: "From high absolute selling prices of today's homes to the resulting high monthly mortgage payments, consumers are struggling with the affordability challenges when it comes to purchasing a home. These headwinds have only been exacerbated recently by growing concerns about the potential for a slowing economy."

In response, the company increased incentives by 8% during the first quarter. Despite the effort, new orders declined across various buyer segments  first-time buyer numbers are down 11%, move-up buyer stats dropped 4%, and active adult buyers fell by 5% year over year.
The emergence of the Death Cross signal on the technical chart turns out to be not as scary as perceived by the masses  empirical research shows that the broader market is actually expected to post a positive return of 1% over the 50 days, following the crossing of the 50 daily simple moving average below the 200 daily one, which already occurred on April 11. We dont claim that history will repeat itself this time; we want to illustrate that this widely discussed and feared event does not have much substance behind it.

The growth factor has underperformed year-to-date as the entire US stock market has retracted by more than 15% since its early 2025 highs. The growth stocks performed worse than the market because capital flows to safety assets such as defensive value stocks and gold; the latter is up more than 30% this year, and its price returns actually exceed those of the entire US stock market over the last 10 years. Such situations are rare, and the truth is, by the time growth stocks become cheap enough, many retail investors are no longer willing to buy. This is exactly whats happening now, as the CNN Fear & Greed index shows a value of 20/100, showcasing an Extreme Fear in the markets. This public fear is amplified by the tariff turmoil, especially as the broader market is showing a Death Cross on the technical charts. Similar to Warren Buffetts teachings to be greedy when others are fearful, we maintain our optimistic stance for the long-term financial and economic health of the US and its stock market.

Growth stocks are companies that grow their revenues and earnings at a faster rate than the overall market does. To identify the true growth stocks, we believe it is important to use a high enough benchmark over a long enough period. In this case, we define growth stocks as companies that managed to achieve a 5-year revenue compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of at least 20%. It is obvious that all else equal, investors would prefer growth stocks, but the truth is that their high valuations and perceived expensiveness may often make them less attractive. It is not rare that high-growth companies end up underperforming simply because their initially high forward P/E ratio gradually contracts over time, partially or entirely offsetting the contribution of high earnings growth. So, the ultimate grail of investing consists in identifying undervalued growth stocks that would continue to grow rapidly and at the same time maintain or even expand their trading multiple.

We recently published a list of 10 Most Undervalued Growth Stocks to Buy Now . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE:RCL) stands against other most undervalued growth stocks to buy now.

Story Continues

Moreover, the US economy remains resilient, all while President Trump removed his foot off the tariff gas pedal and is gradually granting exemptions to key consumer products like electronic devices. Employment data has been one of the most reliable indicators of recessions, and the latest US data shows that March employment did not show any sequential decline compared to February and is only marginally below the 2023-2024 level. Most of the decline compared to 2023-2024 comes from the public sector and only impacted a minority of workers, which is not enough to trigger a widespread economic slowdown.

The US administration is hinting towards a possible agreement between Ukraine and Russia, which could lead to a ceasefire and a gradual return of US businesses to Russia. Such an event would induce a one-time positive shock to the market. Russia represents a giant 150 million consumer market that is significant for many US businesses. Second, the end of the conflict could very likely provide relief for energy prices around the globe, and especially in Europe. Lower energy prices are congruent with more consumer purchasing power and wider business profitability  both these factors should drive corporate earnings and valuations higher.

With that being said, the key takeaway is that markets currently reflect close to peak pessimism, all while the economic situation in the US and around the world isnt materially worse than it was last year. Such a scenario is highly favorable for growth stocks  not only does the currently depressed market offer more undervalued candidates to invest in, but also hints towards a potential economic acceleration if Russia and Ukraine do reach a deal under the supervision of the US administration.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of most undervalued growth stocks, we used a stock screener to filter for companies that have at least 20% revenue CAGR in the last 5 years, and that trade below 15x forward P/E. Then we compared the list with our proprietary database of hedge funds ownership and included in the article the top 10 stocks with the highest number of hedge funds that own the stock as of Q4 2024. The stocks are ranked in descending order of their forward P/E ratio.

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 Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) the Most Undervalued Growth Stock to Buy Now?

An aerial view of a luxurious cruise ship, surrounded by the blue horizon.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL)

Forward P/E ratio: 10.98

Revenue CAGR last 5 years: 88.47%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE:RCL) is one of the largest global cruise companies, operating more than 67 cruise ships across five brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, serving tourists across the entire world. The companys strength lies in offering diverse and innovative cruise experiences and onboard amenities, which attract new travelers each year and continuously popularize the cruising holidays format. RCL ranked eighth on our recent list of 10 Best Economic Recovery Stocks to Buy.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE:RCL) delivered exceptional Q4 and full year 2024 results, with a record 8.6 million vacations delivered, 11.6% net yield growth, and over $5 billion in operating cash flow. The company achieved its trifecta financial goals 18 months ahead of schedule, returned to investment-grade metrics, and met its double-digit carbon intensity reduction target a year early. The latest Q4 specifically saw revenue yields up 7.3%, earnings per share exceeding guidance by $0.20, and a strong booking position for 2025 in terms of both pricing and volume. Despite strong growth momentum, RCL trades at a forward P/E ratio of only 10.98 and is therefore included among the most undervalued stocks on our list.

Looking ahead to 2025, Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE:RCL) announced significant strategic initiatives, including the launch of Celebrity River Cruises with an initial order of 10 ships starting in 2027, and the ordering of a sixth Edge-class ship for Celebrity Cruises. The company expects 23% earnings growth in 2025, with capacity growing by 5% through new ship introductions and yields projected to grow 2.5% to 4.5%. Booking momentum has been particularly strong as well, with the company reporting its best five booking weeks in history during the latest earnings call.

Overall, RCL ranks 6th on our list of most undervalued growth stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of RCL to grow, 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 RCL but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
(Reuters) -OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will step down as chairman of nuclear technology startup Oklo, paving the way for potential tie-up between the companies.

The announcement send shares in Oklo down more than 11% in extended trading on Tuesday.

Jacob DeWitte, Oklo CEO and co-founder, will take over the role of chairman, according to the company, which aims to develop its first small modular nuclear reactor by 2027.

The startup will continue to "explore strategic partnerships with leading AI companies, including potentially with OpenAI," Caroline Cochran, Oklo co-founder, said in a statement.

Oklo went public in the U.S. in May 2024 through Altman's special purpose acquisition company, AltC Acquisition Corp.

After decades of stagnation, interest in nuclear power has surged as a clean and reliable energy source as the generative AI boom has driven up power consumption and companies globally try to move towards net-zero carbon emissions.

In March, Oklo initiated a Pre-Application Readiness Assessment with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its Aurora Powerhouse reactors to address the first phase of Oklo's combined license application submission for the reactors.

In December, Oklo signed a non-binding agreement to provide power to Las Vegas-based data center operator Switch.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Alan Barona and Tasim Zahid)
New York University marketing professor Scott Galloway delivered a fiery takedown of President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, calling them a blackout drunk move that could derail the global economy.

It would be hard to think of a more elegant way to reduce prosperity this fast, Galloway said during an April 11 appearance on The View.

Taking aim at Trumps economic nationalism, Galloway defended the logic behind outsourcing low-wage manufacturing jobs.

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We want to wear Nikes. We dont want to make them, he said. We have outsourced low-wage jobs overseas, such that we can create more profits, more investments and create higher-wage jobs.

But its not just about labor. Galloway warned that Trumps tariffs could dramatically increase prices for everyday Americans.

If these tariffs hold, your iPhone is going to go from $1,000 to $2,300, he said. To make an iPhone in the U.S., it would cost $3,500.

The $3,500 figure Galloway cites likely comes from tech analyst Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities, who in early April estimated that would be the price of an iPhone made in the U.S.

Given how much of what Americans consume is produced overseas  especially China, goods from which face a minimum 145% tariff  Galloway says the impact on families could be severe.

Eighty percent of toys under the Christmas tree are from China, he noted, adding that steep tariffs could result in fewer holiday gifts. Multiple news outlets have cited industry group The Toy Association as stating nearly 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are sourced from China.

Beyond the toy aisle, broader stock market declines tied to tariff fears could set back retirement plans for millions of Americans.

We're talking about a disruption in shareholder value such that your parents cant retire as quickly, he said.

Galloway didnt hold back on where he thinks the blame lies: We finally need to acknowledge, we have someone at the wheel of the global economy that is blackout drunk right now.

Preparing for bad times

Galloway isnt alone in his feelings  Trumps tariffs have sparked serious warnings from some of the most powerful names in finance.
Photo: Sean Gallup (Getty Images)

A firm that has already downgraded Apple (AAPL) stock is keeping its Sell recommendation on the shares, saying in a new report that the stock still has a long way to fall.

In the report, MoffettNathanson Research cited a combination of geopolitical shifts, increased production costs due to tariffs, and the rising probability of a recession as weighing on Apple stock.

The firm said the worst-case scenario for Apple was, at least temporarily, taken off the table when the Trump administration exempted products including smartphones from its China tariffs earlier this month.

But Apple is nowhere near out of the woods, the report notes. As the Administration made clear, Apple imports from China will still bear 20% tariffs, a level that would have been unimaginable just a month ago.

The analysts are trimming their estimate, and lowering their Apple stock price target, from $184 per share to $141. They also are keeping their Sell rating in place.

Apple stock rose about 2% on Tuesday to about $198 per share. The stock is down almost 19% so far this year.

MoffettNathanson noted the thicket of issues that Apple has to navigate regarding tariffs  and that the company is caught in the middle because of Chinas importance in the global electronics supply chain.

Paying a fortune in tariffs or paying a fortune in rearchitecting supply chains only to finish with much higher costs is a lose-lose choice, the analysts said. Moving production to the U.S. for an ecosystem that employs as many as three million people in China at wage rates as low as $3 per hour is self-evidently a non-starter.

While Apple has shifted some production to nearby India, the analysts said that isnt a panacea. India has sufficient capacity to meet as much as half of U.S. demand for iPhones, their report said, but while the phones are generally being assembled in India, the parts are still from China. That raises the question of whether the phones would be subjected to Indian or Chinese tariff rates or some costly combination of both.

Even putting the tariffs aside, the researchers found plenty of reasons to worry about Apple, citing that they are behind other competitors in the AI space. And some seemingly tangential issues arent so tangential after all. For instance, the remedy phase of the Google (GOOGL) search monopoly case begins this month. The report noted that the royalties Apple collects from Google account for more than a quarter of Apples operating income, and the judge overseeing the case has already deemed those payments to be illegal, a premise the Trump administration is not challenging.
Shackleton, a UK-based chartered financial adviser and wealth manager, has created Personal Injury and Court of Protection division.

The move follows Shackletons acquisition of IM Asset Management (IMAM), including TWP Wealth, from the Irwin Mitchell Group. The deal is subject to approval by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The new division will provide specialised financial planning and investment advice to individuals who have suffered significant injuries, the company said.

Shackleton CEO Paul Feeney said: We are delighted to welcome the highly experienced IMAM and TWP teams to the Shackleton Group.

Indeed, we are excited to be creating a new division which brings additional skill sets to our bench of financial planning and wealth management capabilities, and strengthens our presence in Yorkshire and the North West of England.

The newly formed division will leverage the expertise of 20 advisers from IMAM and TWP, who collectively manage and advise funds totalling around 1.4bn ($1.9bn).

The majority of these funds are managed internally by IMAM, which has a presence in several UK cities including Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, and London.

TWP, a high-net-worth (HNW) independent financial planning firm, is situated in Alderley Edge, Manchester, and will continue serving its primary market under the Shackleton brand post-acquisition.

Upon completion of the acquisition, the IMAM/TWP team, consisting of 88 staff members, will integrate into Shackleton.

IMAM/TWP CEO Stewart Sanderson will lead the new division and will become part of the Shackleton executive committee.

Sanderson said: We are pleased to be joining a company that has an overarching ambition to grow its team, product offering, geographical footprint and subsequently its client base.

The work we do for our clients who have suffered such challenging circumstances is truly purposeful and we are excited to be creating a new division at Shackleton to support more clients who need this specialist advice.

Shackleton, headquartered in London, manages approximately 7.2bn in assets under advice and management.

The firm's team includes around 400 professionals, of which about 100 are advisers.

Shackleton now has a national footprint spanning 23 cities, including the IMAM offices in Sheffield and Leeds and the TWP office in Alderley Edge.

"Shackleton creates Personal Injury and Court of Protection division" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Trade hopes, decent economy, earnings boost stocks

Stocks were soaring this morning in a second huge rally as investors cheered President Donald Trump's comments that he hoped a trade deal with China could negotiated soon. And there was talk the United States might start cutting tariffs rates, maybe even unilaterally. He also said he did not plan to remove Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The major stock averages were up 2% to 3%. The Dow's gain was 911 points.

Boeing and Tesla move up

Boeing (BA) had relatively decent earnings, and Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk said he could be reducing his time with the Trump Administration and concentrate more efforts on the company. Shares of both companies were higher. Boeing was up 5.7% to $171.70. Tesla jumped 6.8% to $254.20.

Better economic news

There was surprisingly decent news on the economy. Purchasing managers reports from Standard & Poor's were showed the economy was still expanding in March. Meanwhile, a report on new-home sales in March were stronger than expected. The report said home sales rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 724,000 units. Sales were strongest by far in the South, which had been hit hard by bad weather in January and February.

Gold takes a breather

Gold hit $3,509 an ounce in early Tuesday trading and then fell back. The metal was falling again Wednesday, to $3,289 an ounce in New York, down $130. The runup to $3,500 had all the characteristics of a bubble waiting to burst, and it did. Gold stocks were lower. Newmont (NEM) , one of the biggest U.S.-domiciled producers was down 3.6% to $52.55.
Photo: Sean Gallup (Getty Images)

Teslas (TSLA) first-quarter earnings are out, and theyre not looking good for the automaker. The company reported late Tuesday that net income sank 71%, and its earnings are a double miss in both adjusted earnings-per-share and revenue. Total auto revenue fell 20% year-over-year during the period.

The EV maker reported $19.3 billion in revenue, which was down 9% compared with the same period last year ($21.3 billion). Net income plummeted to $409 million, or 12 cents a share, from $1.39 billion, or 41 cents a share, a year earlier.

Tesla said the drop in profits was a result of factory retooling needed to make a revamped version of its popular Model Y SUV, along with price cuts and sales incentives that put the brakes on the companys revenue.

President Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on auto imports  on top of 10% universal tariffs and tariffs on auto parts still to come. While Tesla manufactures the cars it sells in the U.S. in Texas and California, it relies on other countries for parts (Mexico supplies more than 20% of the automakers parts).

Tesla left a return-to-growth forecast out of its earnings report, saying it would revisit its 2025 guidance in a Q2 update.

It is difficult to measure the impacts of shifting global trade policy on the automotive and energy supply chains, our cost structure and demand for durable goods and related services, Tesla said in its earnings release. While we are making prudent investments that will set up both our vehicle and energy businesses for growth, the rate of growth this year will depend on a variety of factors, including the rate of acceleration of our autonomy efforts, production ramp at our factories and the broader macroeconomic environment.

Tesla stock was up 1% in after-hours trading and was settling down as the data provided people with about what they expected. Youd have to go back to October 2020 to find a post-earnings Tesla move that was under 1%. Four of the last five quarters saw double-digit swings.

The stock is down 37% so far this year.

CEO Elon Musk said in an earnings call Tuesday night that he remains extremely optimistic about Teslas future, saying he continues to believe that Tesla will be the most valuable company in the world by far  as valuable as the next five combined.

I encourage people to look beyond the bumps and potholes of the road immediately ahead of us and lift your gaze to the bright, shining citadel on the hill, Musk said.

Plans for new vehicles  including more affordable models  remain on track to start production in the first half of 2025, the company announced without providing many more details. Investors had been looking forward to an announcement of vehicles that would be able to compete with lower-cost competitors (such as Chinas BYD (BYDDY)) or with Rivian (RIVN).
STATEMENT OF SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN ON THE KILLING OF RIZAL, CAGAYAN MAYOR RUMA AND AIDES

I strongly condemn the brutal assassination of Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Joel Ruma and his two close aides. This cowardly attack, carried out in the midst of a campaign, is not only a vile act of violence against public servants--it is a direct assault on our democratic processes and the sanctity of fair elections. I urge law enforcers to immediately hold the perpetrators accountable.

Buong puso akong nakikiramay sa pamilya ni Mayor Ruma na isa ding personal na kaibigan. Asahang tututukan natin ito hanggang makamit natin ang hustisya.

STATEMENT OF SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN ON THE ROLLOUT OF SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAMS

I support the Department of Education's objective of boosting literacy and numeracy to strengthen the foundation of our learners. While four programs are set to roll out this summer, I urge the DepEd to ensure that these programs capture learners who need the most intervention. I am also urging the DepEd to make sure that these programs are cohesive.

Sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa para sa learning recovery, mahalagang matiyak na naaabot nito ang mga mag-aaral na higit na nangagailangan ng tulong.
We facilitate the connection of the Circulor platform to a customers plant by means of advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Weve partnered with Circulor, a leading provider of traceability and digital product-passport solutions for various industries, including the tyre industry, to combine our advanced automation offerings with Circulors digital traceability solutions that provide end-to-end visibility across the supply chain, helping manufacturers comply with evolving regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Our solutions cover the entire design, operate, and maintain lifecycle, and enable customers to keep a critical eye on sustainability, resilience, and employee empowerment.

We have a long track record of integrating our technology with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems to enhance monitoring, control, and optimization across industrial processes in the automotive industry.

Dominique Scheider (DS): Rockwell Automation is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, helping manufacturers optimise operations, improve efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. Our solutions integrate advanced technologies such as manufacturing execution systems (MES) and uptime optimization with artificial intelligence (AI), to enhanced quality through traceability and digital threads, and more efficient logistics with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

Just Auto (JA): Could you provide some background on both companies?

We spoke to Dominique Scheider, EMEA industry strategy and marketing manager for transportation, Rockwell Automation and Douglas Johnson-Poensgen, CEO of Circulor, to learn more about the upcoming EUDR regulation and why some within the industry are lagging behind.

The upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) represents a key shift for the tyre industry, demanding increased levels of supply chain due diligence. However, although the compliance deadline is fast approaching, many tyre manufacturers are far behind when it comes to implementing the necessary traceability frameworks.

Traceability is a key area of focus for Government organisations across the world who are conscious of reducing the carbon footprint produced by the automotive industry. One sector of the industry which may be overlooked by some for its environmental impact is the tyre industry. The tyre industry is at a key moment, facing growing regulatory pressures alongside an increasing need for efficiency, traceability, and sustainability to be optimised.

Story Continues

Douglas Johnson-Poensgen

Established in 2017, Circulor leverages technologies like blockchain and AI, to track raw materials from their origin to final products to verify provenance, production flow, material journey, and ESG credentials. This enables companies to make data-driven decisions to reduce risks inherent in todays supply chains; they can progress sustainable practices and support them in meeting growing regulatory obligations.

Circulor offers a comprehensive Digital Product Passport solution facilitating compliance with regulations such as the EU Battery Regulation and EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which mandate product passports in 2027.

Through our collaboration with Rockwell Automation, we are enabling manufacturers across auto, tyre, battery, metals, mining, and cement industries to address the regulatory challenges - for example the ones posed by the EUDR - while improving operational efficiency and brand reputation.

Could you discuss the upcoming EUDR and what this means for the tyre industry?



DS: The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a major regulatory shift that will significantly impact industries dependent on raw materials sourced from deforested or degraded land, such as the automotive industry.

The EUDR mandates that companies must prove the sustainability and ethical sourcing of materials, including rubber and other raw materials commonly used in tyre manufacturing. For the tyre industry, this means implementing robust traceability systems that can track materials from their origins, such as rubber plantations, through to their use in the final product.

This regulation presents both a challenge and an opportunity: automotive manufacturers must adapt to avoid penalties, but those who act proactively will position themselves as industry leaders in sustainability.

DP: Circulor provides the technology to support tyre manufacturers in meeting the due diligence requirements of the regulation through digital tools for end-to-end traceability and data verification for each product being placed on the market.

In general, a significant number of manufacturers need to identify where they currently stand

Circulor do this by tracking the flow of physical materials throughout production stages, not the paper trail as a proxy, as they change chemical and physical state from raw to final product. With traceability enabled at every production step it creates a reliable digital chain of custody. Its key that this is done digitally through industrial IoT applications  leaving no room for human error or manipulation and removes many of the paper-based traceability challenges.

Why are some tyre manufacturers falling behind when it comes to implementing tracing framework?



DS: Some tyre makers were ready on time to comply with EUDR before it was postponed, but indeed, others are taking longer to comply. Several factors contribute to tyre manufacturers falling behind in implementing tracing frameworks. The complexity of their global supply chains, the lack of visibility across the supply chain, the absence of standardised data, and the technological barriers of legacy systems can make traceability difficult to achieve.

In general, a significant number of manufacturers need to identify where they currently stand and what needs to be done to digitize their operations to have more insight into their production processes.

Through our digital service arm, Kalypso, we offer assessments of the digital readiness of manufacturers through which customers can create a roadmap to determine how to implement digital platforms into their existing processes and systems.

Kalypso specializes in digital transformation, leveraging advanced data science, AI, and enterprise technologies to drive innovation, optimize operations, and enable end-to-end connectivity across the industrial value chain.

As part of this approach, Kalypso will embed Circulors traceability solution into their suite of existing systems for tyre makers, leveraging the global agreement in place between both companies.

What more must tyre manufacturers do to make sure they adhere to regulation?

DS: Besides focusing on digitizing their operations by implementing digital solution such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), digital twins, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to enhance production efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, manufacturers need to keep a critical eye on their sustainability practices throughout the entire design, operation, and maintenance lifecycle. By means of smart technology, users can utilize data analytics to obtain real-time visibility of their operations to make data-driven decisions.

Cybersecurity is another important topic. To maintain compliance with regulations, manufacturers need to ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect sensitive data.

DP: Implementing traceability systems is key to complying with the EUDR and must form part of a companys wider risk-based due diligence processes.

In addition, the ESPR requires all tyres placed on the European marketplace to have a digital product passport in 2027 to provide transparency to customers, regulators and market surveillance authorities.

Our collaboration with Rockwell Automation empowers manufacturers to meet these new regulatory requirements through tools such as the Digital Tyre Passport and provides detailed records on material sourcing and production processes. This will help manufacturers streamline their traceability systems to stay ahead of regulatory deadlines, manage supply chain risks and gain a competitive edge.

What are the business benefits of supply chain transparency?

DP: Supply chain transparency is a powerful tool for enhancing business resilience and sustainability. By tracking every step of the supply chain, companies can identify risk and inefficiencies, optimise resources, and improve product quality.

Transparency also plays a key role in regulatory compliance, helping companies meet requirements like the EUDR while mitigating the risk of penalties and reputational harm. As regulations become stricter, early adopters of transparency will gain a competitive edge.

Beyond compliance, it also enables companies to identify inefficiencies within their operations, leading to cost savings and improved production processes. The real-time data provided by digital traceability systems allows for better decision-making and risk mitigation, leading to overall operational efficiency.

Additionally, it enhances brand reputation by showing consumers that a company is committed to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility, while consumers and stakeholders increasingly demand sustainable and ethically sourced products. By providing full visibility into their supply chains, manufacturers can differentiate themselves from competitors, strengthen their market position, and build consumer trust.

What do you see the future holding for this issue?

DS: Manufacturers are facing a plethora of uncertainties right now on a macro level and globally when it comes to supply chain sourcing and management. Ensuring production continuity will increasingly require operational agility and adaptability. Thats why the future of supply chain traceability in the tyre industry is digital, data-driven, and focused on sustainability.

At the same time, manufacturers are facing uncertainty over what type of regulations related to sustainability will be required or abandoned in the long run and how strictly they will be enforced - for example, the European Green Deal was rebranded to The Clean Industrial Deal (CID). It focuses on industrial decarbonization, supply chain transparency, and reducing carbon leakage.

Rockwell Automation helps customers accelerate industrial decarbonization and reduce CO2 footprints by offering pathways which include energy efficiency, extending asset lifespan, optimizing resources, faster response times to critical incidents, and reducing personnel in remote or sensitive locations.

Together with Circulor, we help customers integrate their existing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software systems with our MES to monitor performance along energy management, Process & Power and Smart Water Management.

Manufacturers who embrace these technologies will not only stay compliant with new regulations but will also establish themselves as leaders in sustainable manufacturing, gaining a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.

DP: Supply chains cannot be truly secure, reliable and resilient unless they are also sustainable and responsible.

Traceability plays an important role in supporting different types of policy goals, including on energy security, and ensuring sustainable and responsible supply chains are supported by strong due diligence processes. Therefore, the future of supply chain transparency will see even more industries embracing full digital traceability as a core business practice to drive sustainable growth and differentiation in a competitive market. As consumer demand for ethically sourced products increases and regulations become stricter, digital traceability will become the standard rather than the exception.

"Tracing tyres and the EU Deforestation Regulation" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




Global packaging company TricorBraun has named Kevin Weadick as its president and CEO, effective 5 May 2025.

In his new role, Weadick will be responsible for leading the company's international operations and executing its strategic priorities.

He will be taking over from Court Carruthers, who is stepping down after serving eight years in the role.

Commenting on the appointment, Weadick said: I'm honoured to join TricorBraun at such an exciting time in the company's journey. This business has a proud legacy, a strong culture, and an incredibly talented team.

As we look ahead, my focus will be to build on the great momentum already in place to drive strong, sustainable growth, deliver exceptional service to our customers, and keep investing in the development of the best team in packaging.

I'm energised by the opportunities ahead and excited to work alongside this team to shape the next chapter of growth and innovation for our team members and investors.

Most recently, Weadick held the position of CEO at FleetPride, a distributor of aftermarket truck and trailer parts.

He has also held senior positions with Grainger in both Europe and North America, as well as Zoro, a digital supply platform under Grainger focused on serving small and medium-sized businesses.

Meanwhile, Carruthers will remain with TricorBraun as vice-chair and continue to sit on the board. This is aimed at supporting a smooth leadership transition.

Since 2017, the company tripled both its revenue and EBITDA under Carruthers' leadership and completed 30 acquisitions. TricorBraun also grew its presence across Europe and the Asia Pacific region.

The company further entered new packaging sectors, including aluminium containers, industrial solutions, and flexible materials.

Carruthers said: It has been a privilege to serve alongside such an exceptional and dedicated group of 2,300 TricorBraun team members these last eight years.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Kevin for more than 15 years and look forward to supporting him and the entire TricorBraun team on this important next stage of the journey.

Founded in 1902, TricorBrauns offerings include glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and jars, metal cans, caps and closures.

Earlier this month, TricorBraun acquired Euroglas and Glaspack, distributors of rigid packaging in Germany and Austria.

"TricorBraun names Kevin Weadick as new president and CEO" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Agata Rybska and Jesus Calero

(Reuters) -Truck maker Volvo lowered its North America market outlook on Wednesday, pointing to increased uncertainty around tariffs and their impact on global trade, as it reported a bigger-than-expected fall in first-quarter profit.

The Swedish group said it now sees the North American heavy truck market at 275,000 new vehicles this year. Its previous forecast, from January, was for 300,000.

Volvo repeated a market outlook for 290,000 new heavy trucks in Europe, adding however that current market conditions meant forecasts were subject to significant uncertainty.

U.S. President Donald Trump this month announced sweeping tariffs on goods' imports fuelling concern about the impact on the global economy.

Truck makers have been signalling a slowdown in the North American market although some analysts have pointed to signs of orders picking up momentum in Europe.

"The divergence in trends between the U.S. and Europe is becoming more evident," Bernstein analyst Harry Martin said in a note, adding that the European truck order intake grew 25% in the quarter, while U.S. orders expanded well below the quarter's deliveries.

CEO Martin Lundstedt said uncertainty around trade tariffs and emissions legislation had prompted U.S. customers to adopt a wait and see approach.

He said it was too early to assess the full implications from the imposed tariffs and their impact on demand, but that Volvo was working to adapt production capacity and commercial terms to mitigate the effects.

Volvo said on Friday it would lay off as many as 800 workers at three U.S. facilities over the next three months due to the market uncertainty.

Volvo is better positioned than some of its peers because its trucks business has a complete U.S.-based production chain.

Lundstedt underlined this in an analyst call, but said the tariffs could still make an impact.

Operating profit was 13.3 billion crowns ($1.39 billion) against a year-earlier 18.2 billion and a mean forecast in an LSEG poll of analysts of 14.8 billion.

Shares in Volvo fell 1.7% in early trade, but reversed course and were trading up around 1.6% at 0903 GMT.

($1 = 9.5533 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Agata Rybska, Jesus Calero; Editing by Anna Ringstrom and Kate Mayberry)
By Suzanne McGee and Michelle Conlin

(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's social media firm, Trump Media & Technology Group, said on Tuesday it had reached a binding agreement to roll out an array of retail investment products, including crypto, in its latest bid to diversify into financial services.

The plan, including a series of exchange-traded funds aligned with Trump's America First policies, followed news of a preliminary agreement reached last month between Trump Media and Crypto.com, a digital asset platform with ties to broker-dealer Foris LLC, and Yorkville America Digital, an affiliate of Yorkville Advisors, a New Jersey-based investment advisory and asset management firm.

Trump Media, which runs the Truth Social streaming and social media platform, said the funds are expected to launch later this year, subject to regulatory approval, and will be widely available in the U.S. and abroad. So far, no ETF filings have been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission website.

"We look forward to bringing ETFs to the market for investors who believe both the American economy and digital assets are poised for tremendous growth," said Devin Nunes, CEO of Trump Media, in a press release.

On March 27, Crypto.com said the SEC had informed it that the agency had officially closed a 2024 investigation into the company and would file no enforcement action against it.

Trump Media, Crypto.com, Foris and Yorkville did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Trump family, long rooted in skyscrapers and country clubs, has opened multiple beachheads in crypto, quickly gaining hundreds of millions of dollars. Those other crypto forays include Trump NFTs, a meme coin, a stake in a newly formed bitcoin producer called American Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency exchange World Liberty Financial.

The Trump Organization announced in January that the president's investments, assets and business interests, including his $2.7 billion stake in Trump Media, would be held in a trust managed by his children and he would play no role in day-to-day operations or decision-making.

A handful of ETFs already offer products with investment strategies that align with Trump's policy objectives. The largest of these is the American Conservative Values ETF, which has $110 million in assets, launched in October 2022. The God Bless America ETF, launched the same month, describes itself on its website as "an investment for God-fearing, flag-waving conservatives" and has assets of $79.4 million.

(Reporting by Suzanne McGee; Editing by Richard Chang)
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon. Getty

David Solomon said a trade deal format would give investors clarity and help them plan for the future.

The Goldman Sachs CEO said investors were concerned about the level of policy uncertainty.

Solomon said a clear road map for deals would boost confidence and help stock markets.

David Solomon said it would be useful for the Trump Administration to start striking some trade deals to show investors how they could work.

The Goldman Sachs CEO told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Tuesday: "It would be good to see a deal or two put forward so there's a construct that people can understand, and people can say OK, so that's what these deals are going to look like, this is a framework that we can start to think about and we can start to plan as we look forward."

"The one thing I know for sure is that if you can create a road map and a clear understanding as to where we're going and what the desired result is, confidence will improve equity market prices," he added.

Solomon explained that financial markets tended to overreact in the short term because investors take time to digest macroeconomic changes such as President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs.

"If we don't get to a policy place of certainty, where people can trust and they can rely, it will have longer-term implications," he said.

Investors were concerned by the level of uncertainty and the pace of change, Solomon said: "We're in a very different macro environment than we were in just a few months ago."

Solomon used the words "certainty" and "uncertainty" more than five times in the interview.

As Trump's inauguration neared in January, there was optimism about the prospect of lower regulation, he said.

"Now we're a few months into the administration, and instead of policy becoming more certain, we actually have a greater sense of uncertainty broadly, and it's having a big impact on asset prices and markets," Solomon told CNBC.

"Markets are looking to reprice the value of things based on the uncertainty they have around what these policies will ultimately look like, and how they will ultimately be implemented, and that is therefore causing shifts in fund flows on a very significant basis."

IMF downgrade

On Tuesday the International Monetary Fund slashed its forecast for US economic growth this year by 0.9 percentage points to 1.8% compared with its January forecast.

The IMF did not expect a US recession, but now rated the odds at 40% compared with 25% in October.
By Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat

NAKHON PATHOM, Thailand (Reuters) -Thai farmer Daeng Donsingha was already worried for her family of nine when rice prices in the world's second-largest exporter of the staple crashed this year after India resumed exports.

Now, she's also fretting over the tariffs unleashed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which could slash demand for Thai rice in its most valuable foreign market and create turmoil in an export industry worth billions of dollars.

"The problem is that the price of rice is very low, while other costs such as fertilisers and farmland rent is higher," the 70-year-old farmer said, after selling her harvest at a rice mill in central Thailand. "I'm losing money."

Thailand is among Southeast Asian nations hardest hit by Trump's proposed measures, facing a 36% tariff on goods unless ongoing negotiations are successful before the U.S president's moratorium on the tariffs ends in July.

"If the U.S. imposes the tariff, our jasmine rice will be too expensive to compete," said Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.

Last year, Thailand shipped 849,000 metric tones of rice to the United States, mainly of its most expensive fragrant jasmine variety, worth 28.03 billion baht ($735 million), according to the association.

In all, Thailand exported 9.94 million tons of rice in 2024, worth 225.65 billion baht ($6.82 billion), with the U.S. as its third-largest market by volume, but most lucrative.

Potential U.S. tariffs would stall exports and hand the advantage to Thailand's main regional competitors, like Vietnam, where prices are significantly lower, said Chookiat, whose association is targeting exports of 7.5 million tons this year.

"From $1,000 per ton, the price would rise to $1,400 to $1,500," he said. "Importers will shift to Vietnamese jasmine rice, which is only $580 per tonne."

Rice from Vietnam is cheaper because production costs are lower, farmers grow different varieties of the crop and bring in multiple harvests.

'WON'T SURVIVE'

Farmers in Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, have already been on edge because of a 30% drop in domestic prices after India resumed exports in September. The country accounted for 40% of world rice exports in 2022 before the ban was introduced.

Analysts say there is no room for Thailand to cut prices to compete.

"Our production costs are high, while our yield is low," said Somporn Isvilanonda, an independent agricultural economist. "If we dump prices, farmers won't survive."
Unicoin has rebuffed the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC) attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement to close an ongoing probe into the Miami-based crypto company, its CEO Alex Konanykhin revealed in a Tuesday letter to investors.

SEC enforcement cases (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

In his letter, Konanykhin said Unicoin was given an ultimatum by the SEC to attend a settlement negotiation meeting last week, on April 18.

We declined to show up, Konanykhin told CoinDesk, adding that the SEC had made demands ahead of the meeting that he found unacceptable. He declined to share specifics, telling CoinDesk that the communication between Unicoins lawyers and the SEC was confidential.

Unicoin received a Wells notice  a sort of official heads-up from the SEC that it intends to file an enforcement action against the recipient  in December, shortly before former Chair Gary Gensler stepped down, alleging violations related to fraud, deceptive practices, and the offer and sale of unregistered securities. No official enforcement action has yet been filed.

Since President Donald Trump took office, the SEC has reversed its once-aggressive stance toward crypto regulation, backing off from many of its open investigations into crypto companies, including blockchain gaming firm Immutable and non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace OpenSea, and even some of its ongoing litigation, including against Coinbase and Cumberland DRW.

Other SEC enforcement cases against crypto companies, including its cases against Binance and Tron, have been paused while the parties attempt to negotiate a settlement. The agency recently reached a settlement agreement with Nova Labs, the parent company behind the Helium blockchain, that saw Nova Labs pay a $200,000 fine to settle civil securities fraud charges, and the SEC dropped its claims that Helium (HNT) and other related tokens were securities.

In his letter to investors, Konanykhin claimed that the SECs probe has caused multi-billion-dollar damage to the company and its investors.

We would likely be a $10B+ publicly traded company by now if the SEC had not blocked our ICO, stock exchange listing and fundraising, Konanykhin wrote, adding that the SEC had prevented Unicoin from acting on the very favorable market opportunities.

We were forced into a standstill, Konanykhin wrote.

The SEC did not respond to a request for comment.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. existing home sales fell more than expected in March, weighed down by higher borrowing costs, and further weakness is likely as growing concerns of an economic slowdown because of tariffs sap demand.

Home sales dropped 5.9% last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million units, the National Association of Realtors said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast home resales declining to a rate of 4.13 million units.

Sales fell 2.4% year-on-year in March.

Existing home sales are counted at the closing of a contract. Last month's sales likely reflected contracts signed in January and February when the average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage hovered close to 7%. The rate subsequently eased in March before rising to a two-month high last week.

A dimming economic outlook because of uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump's constantly shifting tariff policy and duties already imposed on a plethora of imports, including lumber, is seen dragging the housing market.

Government data on Wednesday showed new home sales surged to a six-month high in March, with the median price declining as builders offered incentives to reduce inventory, currently at levels last seen in late 2007 at the height of the global financial crisis.

"Home buying and selling remained sluggish in March due to the affordability challenges associated with high mortgage rates," said Lawrence Yun, the NAR's chief economist.

The inventory of existing homes jumped 8.1% to 1.33 million units in March. Supply shot up 19.8% from a year ago. The median existing home price increased 2.7% from a year earlier to $403,700 in March.

At March's sales pace, it would take 4.0 months to exhaust the current inventory of existing homes, up from 3.2 months a year ago. A four-to-seven-month supply is viewed as a healthy balance between supply and demand.

Properties typically stayed on the market for 36 days last month compared to 33 days a year ago.

First-time buyers accounted for 32% of sales, unchanged from a year ago. Economists and realtors say a 40% share is needed for a robust housing market. All-cash sales constituted 26% of transactions, down from 28% a year ago.

Distressed sales, including foreclosures, made up 3% of transactions, rising from 2% a year ago.

(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
Scandinavian contractor Veidekke has been tasked by housing developer OBOS Nya Hem to construct new apartments and rowhouses at Trakvista torg in Ekero, Stockholm, Sweden.

The Skr119m ($12.47m) design and build contract is for the Brf Aroma project, which is slated for possession in early 2027.

The project, in which Veidekke has been involved since the early stages, will see the creation of 42 new apartments and four townhouses across three buildings, ranging from three to four storeys.

This development is set to feature green courtyards, a new access road, and two-level parking.

The Brf Aroma project is expected to be certified in line with the Nordic Ecolabel standard, prioritising low climate impact and energy consumption.

The project is a key part of a new zoning plan for Trakvista torg, which encompasses a mix of residential homes, a nursing home, service facilities, and a brand new town square, all of which are situated close to the natural areas surrounding Lake Malaren.

The contract has been recorded in Veidekke's order book for the second quarter of 2025.

OBOS Nya Hem CEO Sofia Ljungdahl said: We are pleased to be taking the next step in the development of Trakvista torg. The Brf Aroma location represents the best of two worlds  small town peace and quiet in close proximity to Lake Malaren, combined with good commuting options with central Stockholm.

Veidekke Bygg Ost's Linus Wahlin said: We appreciate the clients confidence and look forward to starting the next phase of the project, with the construction of new Nordic Ecolabel homes at Trakvista torg.

Last month, Veidekke signed a contract with Bane NOR Eiendom for the Trondheim Station (Trondheim S) construction project in Norway, which comprises 234 apartments and a new terminal building.

"Veidekke secures residential construction contract in Sweden" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




This story was originally published on CX Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CX Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Verizon will continue leaning into customer experience as one of its major differentiators as it looks to improve customer retention, which fell in first quarter 2025 after it increased prices earlier this year, according to executives on a Q1 2025 earnings call Tuesday.

Verizon Consumer reported 356,000 wireless retail postpaid phone net losses in first quarter 2025, compared to 194,000 postpaid phone net losses in first quarter 2024.

The company plans to fight churn in part through the launch of AI-driven customer experiences in the second half of the year, according to Sowmyanarayan Sampath, EVP and CEO of Verizon Consumer Group. The company is already deploying AI in its mobile assistants for store associates and call routing tools in call centers.

Dive Insight:

Verizons recent customer experience investments, including MyPlan personalization and the Verizon Access loyalty program, are helping it fuel growth. The company plans to further develop its offerings in an effort to build loyalty.

Over the past few years, we have dedicated substantial resources to capital to enhance our customer experience through various initiatives, including AI for customer care and personalization, Hans Vestberg, CEO of Verizon Wireless, said during the call. Although the industry, including Verizon, still has room to improve, we have made great progress towards our goal of seamless customer interactions.

Verizon is on a growth trajectory despite the increased customer churn. Total wireless service revenue was up 2.7% year over year to $20.8 billion in first quarter 2025, according to a Verizon earnings report.

Sampath called the customer churn transitory and predicted that it would abate by the second half of 2025.

We want to be people's first choice, providing products, services and experiences they can't get elsewhere, he said.

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Executives attributed Verizons recent success to its MyPlan service, which suggests personalized offers and products for each customer and lets them customize their subscription. The company expanded the concept to businesses earlier this month with My Biz Plan.
Press Release

April 24, 2025 Tolentino exposes link between Chinese embassy and troll farms Senator Francis Tolentino today dropped a bombshell as he presented evidence linking the Chinese Embassy to the Philippines to the proliferation of troll farm operations in the country. At the third hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones regarding espionage and underwater drones, Tolentino presented a copy of a service agreement contract between the Infinitus Marketing Solutions Inc. and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippines for the provision of "keyboard warriors that will play a vital role in the overall effectiveness of the issue management project." This would reinforce reports from our security sector regarding the different hacking and spying activities conducted by Chinese nationals, he stressed. Tolentino who yesterday described the recovery of drones and espionage activities as "just the tip of the iceberg" said his revelations today uncover the breadth and depth of China's interference initiatives to the detriment of our country. Tolentino also presented a copy of a check issued by the Chinese Embassy to the order of Infinitus Marketing for the amount of Nine Hundred Thirty Thousand Pesos as payment for the activities mentioned in the service contract. "Ito mismo ang nagpapatunay na China mismo ang nagbabayad," he said. "These troll farms were engaged not only to openly provide information and convey the policies of the Chinese Government but also to act as a covert disinformation and influence operation against the Philippine government and the Filipino people," he added. Tolentino voiced disgust that such contracts threaten our national dignity. "Hindi po ito simpleng kontrata, ito pong kontrata at kabayaran na ito ay pagyurak sa mga Pilipino - pagyapak sa dignidad ng Pilipinas," the senator stressed. National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya supported Tolentino's revelations, saying that the latter is consistent with how the People's Republic of China operates. Tolentino, an international law expert, has stood fast in fighting for the Philippines' sovereignty and maritime rights and championed Republic Act No. 12064 or the Maritime Zones of the Philippines Act, and Republic Act No. 12065 or the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act in the Philippine Senate.
The Government of Victoria has opened the expanded and upgraded Maryborough and District Hospital facility in Australia.

The A$115m ($73.4m) facility provides Maryborough and the surrounding region residents with access to the latest healthcare closer to home.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett attended the facility's opening ceremony.

Allan said: Our massive upgrade of Maryborough Hospital means local families can continue to access the high-quality care and treatment they need  close to home.

The new facility is expected to accept its first patients next week following the announcement of additional funding.

An A$11.7m investment will support staffing, equipment installation, and operational readiness. This funding aims to bring the new purpose-built medical facility fully online.

The expansion will enable the hospital to treat 4,000 more patients annually than before.

New additions include an urgent care centre, an inpatient unit with 32 beds, and operating theatres. The site also houses a day medical centre offering oncology, dialysis, and pharmacy services.

Additionally, a new maternity unit has been introduced, equipped with dedicated birthing suites.

The upgraded design is expected to improve patient flow and staff safety. It also features new consultant suites, a reception area, and more car parking.

The redevelopment was delivered by Fairbrother Construction and the Victorian Health Building Authority.

At peak construction, the project created and sustained over 340 local jobs. The ongoing work continues on a logistics hub for hospital operations.

The A$4.3m logistics hub will increase storage capacity, enhance linen services, and modernise waste management.

Segregated spaces will improve infection control and clinical waste handling practices.

Victoria Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said: This massive expansion and redevelopment will help our dedicated doctors and nurses treat an extra 4,000 patients every year, ensuring Maryborough locals have access to the healthcare they need and deserve, when they need it.

"Victoria opens upgraded Maryborough and District Hospital facility in Australia" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Stephen Culp

(Reuters) -U.S. stocks rebounded on Tuesday as a spate of quarterly earnings reports and hints at the de-escalation of U.S.-China trade tensions brought buyers in from the sidelines.

U.S. stocks jumped further in extended trade after President Donald Trump said he has no plans to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stepping back from his recent rhetoric against the central bank chief.

In a sign that traders expect Wall Street to rally on Wednesday, S&P 500 futures jumped almost 2% following Trump's comments, while and Amazon.com and Nvidia were last up 3% each and Apple climbed 2% in after-hours trading.

During Tuesday's session, a broad rally boosted all three major U.S. indexes by more than 2.5%, as investors looked past Trump's attacks against Powell, who is widely considered a stabilizing force for the markets.

After being battered for weeks by the White House's erratic and multi-front tariff disputes, the S&P 500 at Tuesday's close was nearly 14% below its record closing high reached on February 19.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that while trade negotiations with Beijing will likely be "a slog," he believes that there will be a de-escalation of U.S.-China trade tensions.

"The roller coaster continues," said Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at Carson Group in Omaha. "Some thawing of the aggression (between) U.S. and China, thanks to Bessents comments, helped push things higher."

"Washington understands that the uncertainty around tariffs is hurting markets and maybe we can get some type of positive news going forward on the trade front," Detrick added.

Those uncertainties helped prompt the International Monetary Fund to slash its forecasts for U.S. economic growth to 1.8% in 2025, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs, now at 100-year highs.

First-quarter earnings season gathered steam.

So far, 82 of the companies in the S&P 500 have reported. Of those, 73% have beaten expectations, according to LSEG.

Analysts now see aggregate S&P 500 earnings growth 8.1% for the Jan - March period, down from the 12.2% growth forecast at the beginning of the quarter, per LSEG.

"Current earnings are showing a continuation of good fundamentals, which is not a surprise," said Bill Merz, head of Capital Market Research at U.S. Bank Wealth Management, Minneapolis, who added that investors are parsing corporate guidance for "clarity on what companies are planning to do in response to tariff policy."

Shares of industrial conglomerate 3M Co jumped 8.1% after the company posted better-than-expected first-quarter profit expectations, though it flagged a likely hit to 2025 profit from tariffs.
More people with prime credit scores are falling behind on their debts, a potential sign of trouble for the U.S. economy - ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

More borrowers with pristine credit have been falling behind on their bills, a warning shot for the economy under President Donald Trump.

A recent snapshot of quarterly household credit showed an uptick in seriously delinquent auto loans, credit cards and home-equity lines of credit at the end of 2024, according to the New York Federal Reserve.

Most Read from MarketWatch

Monthly data, however, suggests a worsening backdrop for top borrowers since Trump took office in late January. The finances of high earners will play a pivotal role in the next few months as Trumps tariff fight threatens to snarl supply chains and investors worry about their stock portfolios.

The first chart below shows the rate of seriously delinquent auto loans to prime borrowers climbing in April to its highest level since the 2020 pandemic, according to Intex data compiled for MarketWatch. These auto loans were packaged into bond deals and were at least 120 days overdue.

Delinquencies among prime auto borrowers are climbing. - Intex

The second chart shows delinquencies of at least 60 days past due returning to prepandemic levels, even though the U.S. unemployment rate in March was still a low 4.2%.

While the uptick in auto delinquencies isnt yet a crisis, it has Wall Street worried, given recent tumult in U.S. stocks and the prominent role that Americas most coveted borrowers now play in the economy.

Consumers are a key element because they do drive the U.S. economy, said Andrew Hsu, a portfolio manager at DoubleLine. For the past 10-12 months, the prime consumer has really been propping up the economy, and a lot of the reason for that is because the prime consumer continued to spend.

Prime trouble

Toxic mortgages to subprime borrowers played a major role in the 2007-08 global financial crisis. This time, investors worry about cracks among prime borrowers spelling trouble for the economy. Prime borrowers generally have a 660 to 719 credit score.

A recent retail-sales report suggested some front-loading by consumers looking to avoid tariffs, but prime borrowers already were increasingly falling behind on their car loans and other forms of credit.
Smith Collection / Gado / Getty Images





KEY TAKEAWAYS

Shares of Whirlpool gained in premarket trading Thursday, a day after the maker of home appliances said that it is a "net winner" of President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Whirlpool said it expects the new tariff policies to "level the playing field, better supporting American manufacturing."

Whirlpool's first-quarter results were mixed, with profit topping and revenue falling short of analysts' estimates.







Shares of Whirlpool (WHR) gained in premarket trading Thursday, a day after the maker of home appliances said that it is a "net winner" of President Donald Trump's tariffs.

"With 80% domestic production Whirlpool is a NET winner of new tariff policies!," the Benton Harbor, Mich.-based company said as it posted mixed results after the bell Wednesday. Whirlpool said it expects the new tariff policies to "level the playing field, better supporting American manufacturing."

The company said that since 2020, Asian producers had "exploited 'loopholes'" to skirt previous tariffs, "resulting in a significant cost disadvantage for U.S.-made products." Whirlpool added that "Asian producers 'loaded' U.S. industry in anticipation of tariffs, Q4 2024 and Feb year-to-date with >30% higher imports from Asian countries," and that the threat of retaliatory tariffs has started to affect its business in Canada and Europe.

For the first quarter, Whirlpool reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.70 on revenue that sank 19% year-over-year to $3.62 billion. Analysts polled by Visible Alpha projected $1.67 and $3.66 billion, respectively.

Whirlpool shares rose 3% shortly before the opening bell Thursday. They had lost nearly a third of their value in 2025 entering the day.



Read the original article on Investopedia
An unwelcome change in guidance was the development pushing down Kimberly-Clark's (NYSE: KMB) share price on Tuesday.

The sturdy consumer goods company released quarterly results that weren't awful, but the market was concerned about that adjustment. In mid-afternoon trading, Kimberly-Clark's stock was down by almost 3% as a result. Meanwhile, the bellwether S&P 500 index was rising by just under 2%.

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 

Declines in all three business segments

Kimberly-Clark's first quarter of 2025 saw the company earn $4.84 billion in net sales, a figure that was down 6% from the same period of 2024. Management attributed the decline to "impacts of currency and divestitures and business exits." Nevertheless, analysts were collectively estimating a higher figure of $4.88 billion.

On the other hand, non-GAAP (adjusted) net income came in slightly ahead of the consensus pundit projection. It fell by 4% year over year to $1.93 per share.

All three of Kimberly-Clark's business segments suffered declines in net sales. International personal care, the No. 2 in terms of total sales, saw a nearly 9% year-over-year slide in the quarter to $1.4 million. The No. 1, North America, declined by nearly 4% to $2.7 billion.

No investor likes a guidance cut

Compounding that, Kimberly-Clark cut its full-year guidance. It now believes adjusted earnings per share will be flat to slightly positive over the 2024 result, on the back of an anticipated $300 million in additional costs arising from the current international trade disputes.

Previously it was expecting profitability to rise by at least a mid-single-digit percentage rate.

Personally, I feel as if the current situation with trade is becoming something of an excuse for some underperforming companies. Kimberly-Clark isn't showing much vibrancy in any of its business, and it seems as if the company needs more than a calm trade environment to get its growth engine restarted.

Should you invest $1,000 in Kimberly-Clark right now?

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Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $532,771!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $593,970!*

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See the 10 stocks 
We recently published a list of Why These 15 Industrial Stocks Are up the Most So Far in 2025. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE:RYI) stands against other industrial stocks that are up the most so far in 2025.

Industrial stocks are sensitive to the economic cycle. Many of them have already fallen victim to the downturn and have reversed much of their earlier gains from the past few years. However, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakout year for industrial stocks elsewhere. The industrial sector is very broad, and youll always find winners that outpace expectations and draw the attention of investors who once overlooked these workhorse companies.

Manufacturing and industrial firms have doubled down on digital transformation and have poured resources into automation to boost efficiency. This investment is paying off as companies become more agile and better equipped to handle shocks, whether from geopolitical tensions, labor shortages, or shifting customer needs. Its worth looking into the biggest winners so far this year, as they could continue building on the momentum.

Methodology

For this article, I screened the best-performing industrial stocks year-to-date.

I will also mention the number of hedge fund investors in these stocks. 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).

Why Ryerson Holding Corp (RYI) Is Up the Most So Far in 2025

A factory worker examining the inner workings of a complex machinery.

Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE:RYI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders In Q4 2024: 14

Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE:RYI) is a value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, supplying carbon and stainless steel, aluminum, and specialty metals through a network of service centers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China.

The primary reason for the stocks strong performance in early 2025 is a rebound in industrial metals demand and positive sentiment around the companys recent acquisitions, including the purchase of Production Metals in August 2024, which expanded Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE:RYI)s reach in aluminum and specialty steels.

The consensus price target of $25 implies 11% upside.

Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE:RYI) stock is up 23.03% year-to-date.
In 2024, Tesla reported $2.3 billion in U.S. income yet paid zero federal income tax. Over the past three years, the company earned $10.8 billion domestically and paid only $48 million in federal taxes, resulting in an effective tax rate of just 0.4%, significantly below the statutory corporate tax rate of 21%.

Check Out: 2 Ways Elon Musks Access to the US Treasury May Impact Social Security

Read Next: How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region

How Tesla Legally Avoided Federal Taxes

Tesla utilized several legal tax strategies to minimize its federal tax liability:

Accelerated depreciation : By rapidly depreciating assets like factories and equipment, Tesla reduced its taxable income, saving approximately $500 million in 2024.

Stock option deductions : The company deducted $250 million by compensating executives with stock options, which are tax-deductible despite not being a cash expense. 

Unspecified U.S. tax credits : Tesla claimed $300 million in tax credits, potentially related to electric vehicle incentives or research and development, further reducing its tax burden. 

Net operating loss carryforwards: Tesla applied past financial losses to offset current profits, a common practice that can significantly lower taxable income.

See More: Elon Musk Asks For Reason US Cant Afford Healthcare  Mark Cuban Gives 7 (and a Solution)

The Role of Tax Legislation

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) played a pivotal role in Teslas tax strategy. The act reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and expanded provisions like accelerated depreciation, enabling companies to write off asset costs more quickly. 

Implications for Taxpayers

While Tesla legally minimized its tax obligations, the disparity highlights concerns about tax equity. The average American worker faces a higher effective tax rate, raising questions about the fairness of a system where highly profitable corporations contribute a smaller share. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for reforms, such as implementing a minimum corporate tax rate and closing loopholes that allow for such disparities.

Teslas case exemplifies how current tax laws can enable large corporations to significantly reduce their tax liabilities, prompting ongoing debates about tax policy and economic fairness.

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David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Tesla shares jumped Wednesday morning, despite the EV maker's first-quarter results missing analysts' estimates.

CEO Elon Musk said in Tuesday's earnings call that he will scale back his government work starting next month, and that plans for a cheaper Tesla model and fully self-driving vehicles remain on track.

Longtime Tesla bull Dan Ives of Wedbush raised his price target for Tesla's stock following what he called a "pivotal conference call for Musk to turn the corner from this dark chapter."







Tesla (TSLA) shares climbed Wednesday as investors focused on comments from Tuesday's earnings call rather than the electric vehicle maker's disappointing first-quarter results.

Tesla's earnings came in well short of estimates, with automotive revenue falling 20% year-over-year as Tesla's sales were hurt amid a political backlash to CEO Elon Musk's involvement in the Trump administration.

However, Musk said in Tuesday's earnings call that he will start scaling back his government work next month. Musk also said plans for a cheaper Tesla model and fully self-driving vehicles remain on track.

Longtime Tesla bull Dan Ives of Wedbush raised his price target for Tesla's stock to $350 from $315 following what he called a "pivotal conference call for Musk to turn the corner from this dark chapter." Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and Bank of America analysts reiterated their price targets of $410, $345, and $305, respectively.

Shares of Tesla were up nearly 6% at $251.41 in early trading Wednesday, amid broader market gains after comments from President Trump eased worries about tariffs and Federal Reserve independence. Still, the stock has lost over a third of its value since the start of the year.

Read the original article on Investopedia
Good morning!

Its no secret that companies are rushing to incorporate AI into the hiring process. KPMG, for instance, uses a recruiting chatbot to help cut back the time it takes to schedule interviews, and UPSs almost fully-automated process helps the company hire front-line workers in under 10 minutes.

But one top recruiter for Fortune 500 companies advises holding off on replacing all aspects of the process with AI. In fact, he says it could make it more tedious for HR professionals down the line. And he says that most large public companies he works with are increasingly finding that using technology to replace parts of the hiring process isnt working as well as intended.

With AI, recruiters are using keywords to target thousands of people on LinkedIn at once, all while applicants are using AI to tailor their resumes to exactly what hiring managers are looking for, says John Vlastelica, founder and CEO of Recruiting Toolbox, a hiring and training consultancy. Its hard to find the best candidate when they all have resumes that are perfectly written and perfectly tailored for the role."

Thats why many of the companies he works with are looking to take a more human approach to their hiring strategy, and going back to basics. That means having more live conversations, relying less on video, and doing final interviews in-person. It also means widening the search scope to candidates who may not seem perfect for the role at first glance.

Recruiters want the real image of the person theyre hiring, not an AI-created version of the candidates, says Vlastelica. He even suggests that recruiters actually look for candidates who have some slight flaws on their resumes, tiny typos or headshots that dont look overly Photoshopped. If its too perfect, it probably isnt real, he says.

Leaning into the more human elements of hiring is even more crucial given that some candidates are using false identities to apply to jobs, and deepfake AI to mask themselves during interviews. One survey published last month from career platform Resume Genius found that 17% of hiring managers have encountered job candidates using deepfake technology during interviews. Some of this cohort has even been revealed to be North Korean IT workers connected to organized crime groups.

That doesnt mean organizations should give up on using AI to recruit. In fact, Vlastelica recommends all companies adopt the technology in some way to keep up with the times. But in this new world of phony profiles and artificially enhanced CVs, he says, companies need to ensure that some traditional aspects of the hiring process dont get thrown out for the sake of efficiency. And he adds thats when mistakes, like hiring people under faulty identities, are more likely to happen.
On April 8, Mizuho Securities America healthcare sector strategist Jared Holz opined that managed care, particularly the government-centric names, are somewhat safe as they are insulated from tariffs as US-based companies. In fact, the economic slowdown is actually beneficial for them as they want less utilization and less patience through the system, which is how they typically beat numbers. He said that managed care is having a good day, and investors might think about owning some companies in the sector.

Some experts view medical, healthcare, and big pharma stocks as immune from trade carnage, making them a safe haven amid the uncertainty brought about by Trumps tariffs. Since Trumps tariffs and macroeconomic uncertainties are causing significant market volatility, we discussed the potential of healthcare stocks as a safe haven amidst the ongoing turmoil in a recently published article on the 10 Best Medical Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires . Here is an excerpt from the article:

Since the cost of in-person healthcare provision is increasing in the country, telehealth presents a significant opportunity in the healthcare sector. According to McKinsey, around $250 billion of the present US healthcare spending can be virtualized. This includes training for medical professionals, regular check-in appointments for chronic diseases, psychiatric care, and more, all administered and accessed through each individuals preferred device.

According to Grand View Research, the telehealth market size in the US was valued at $42.54 billion in 2024. It is expected to grow at a notable compound annual growth rate of 23.8% between 2025 and 2030. Some of the primary factors supporting this growth include the rising demand for remote healthcare services, large-scale penetration of connected home services, and high internet usage. In addition, the global adoption of smartphones, advancements in technology, and a surge in government initiatives to develop telehealth programs are also supporting market growth.

We recently published a list of 10 Best Telehealth Stocks to Buy Now . In this article, we are going to take a look at where UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE: UNH ) stands against other best telehealth stocks to buy right now.

Story Continues

Our Methodology

We sifted through stock screeners, financial media reports, and ETFs to compile a list of 25 telehealth stocks and chose the top 10 most popular among hedge funds as of Q4 2024. The list is ordered in ascending order of hedge fund sentiment. We sourced the hedge fund sentiment data from 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 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH): One of the Best American Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

A senior healthcare professional giving advice to a patient in a clinic.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 150

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) provides healthcare coverage, data consultancy, and software services. It operates through the OptumRx, OptumInsight, OptumHealth, and UnitedHealthCare segments, which have solid operations. UnitedHealthCare, its insurance division, added millions of customers during fiscal 2024 and is continuing to expand its operations. It offers members options for telehealth visits, with either local providers or through its preferred national providers.

In a report released on April 17, Andrew Mok, CFA, from Barclays, maintained a Buy rating on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) and set a $560.00 price target.

The company reported strong fiscal Q1 2025 results, with revenue reaching $109.6 billion and undergoing a $9.8 billion year-over-year increase. Earnings from operations touched $9.1 billion, and net margin improved to 5.7%. Its UnitedHealthcare segment reported $84.6 billion in revenue, attributed to an increase in consumers served. Optums revenue also increased to $63.9 billion, supported by growth in Optum Rx. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) returned nearly $5 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Vulcan Value Partners stated the following regarding UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) in its Q4 2024 investor letter:

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH), a company that we have owned several times in the past, is the largest health insurer in the United States. UnitedHealth Group also owns Optum, which is a rapidly growing healthcare services company. The environment for the health insurance business remains positive as growth in healthcare spending, driven by chronic diseases and an aging population, will continue to outpace overall economic growth. The insurance business benefits from powerful network effects as more members attract more providers and vice versa, which reinforces Uniteds value proposition and bargaining power with each side of the network. We respect UnitedHealth Groups management team and have been very pleased with their long-term vision and execution.

Overall, UNH ranks 1st on our list of the best telehealth stocks to buy right now. While we acknowledge the potential for UNH as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. 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 UNH 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.
Australian Party Calls for Recognition of Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides

The Family First Party recognises the 1915-1923 Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides and calls upon the Australian Government to join with dozens of other nations, including our ally the United States, to do the same.

The genocide began under the cover of the Gallipoli campaign and Australian PoWs were among the first-hand witnesses to the mass killing of some 2.5 million Christians.

Family First supports the aims of the Joint Justice Initiative, comprised of the peak public affairs bodies of the Armenian-Australian, Assyrian-Australian and Greek-Australian communities - the Armenian National Committee of Australia, Assyrian National Council Australia and the Australian Hellenic Council, to achieve recognition for one of the greatest atrocities of the 20th century.

This would help bring closure to the many descendants of genocide survivors who now call Australia home.

Family First is standing 100 candidates at the up-coming federal election, including Senate candidates in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and SA.

If elected, Family First Senators will push for Australian government recognition of the genocide.
We recently published a list of Why These 15 Industrial Stocks Are up the Most So Far in 2025. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:WOR) stands against other industrial stocks that are up the most so far in 2025.

Industrial stocks are sensitive to the economic cycle. Many of them have already fallen victim to the downturn and have reversed much of their earlier gains from the past few years. However, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakout year for industrial stocks elsewhere. The industrial sector is very broad, and youll always find winners that outpace expectations and draw the attention of investors who once overlooked these workhorse companies.

Manufacturing and industrial firms have doubled down on digital transformation and have poured resources into automation to boost efficiency. This investment is paying off as companies become more agile and better equipped to handle shocks, whether from geopolitical tensions, labor shortages, or shifting customer needs. Its worth looking into the biggest winners so far this year, as they could continue building on the momentum.

Methodology

For this article, I screened the best-performing industrial stocks year-to-date.

I will also mention the number of hedge fund investors in these stocks. 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).

Why Worthington Enterprises Inc (WOR) Is Up the Most So Far in 2025

A factory floor of a heavy industry with a view of industrial manufacturing being done.

Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:WOR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders In Q4 2024: 16

Worthington Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:WOR) designs and manufactures pressure vessels, steel cylinders, and a variety of consumer and building products.

The most significant event driving the stocks surge in 2025 was it reporting a strong third quarter for fiscal 2025, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.91, handily beating analyst expectations of $0.70, and revenue of $304.5 million, exceeding forecasts.

Earnings before taxes rose 30% and operating cash flow increased 14% to $57.1 million, despite a 4% drop in net sales due to the deconsolidation of the Sustainable Energy Solutions segment.

The acquisition of Ragasco and the launch of new products, such as the Halo Griddle at Walmart and Level5 drywall tools at Sherwin-Williams, contributed to the positive outlook. Worthingtons ongoing share buybacks and consistent dividend payments further signaled managements confidence in the companys trajectory.
Woodside Energy is evaluating the impact of US tariffs on its Louisiana liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, which is expected to strengthen the companys global LNG position.

The project, acquired from Tellurian for $1.2bn (A$1.88bn) last year, is expected to cost $16bn for its first development phase.

In a recent quarterly update, Woodside CEO Meg ONeill highlighted that the company is assessing the potential impacts of recent tariff announcements and potential further trade measures on Louisiana LNG.

She also mentioned that the plant's location in a foreign-trade zone offers some financial flexibility, allowing for the deferral of tariff payments until the completion of each LNG train.

Despite this, approximately half of the project's equipment and materials require importation, which could be subject to tariffs.

ONeill added: Around 25% of Louisiana LNGs estimated capital expenditure [capex] is equipment and materials, approximately half of which is currently expected to be sourced from the US."

Earlier this month, Woodside made a strategic move to enhance the Louisiana LNG project's financial outlook by selling a 40% stake in the export terminal to US investment firm Stonepeak.

Additionally, Woodside last week secured its first offtake agreement with Germany's Uniper for one million tonnes per annum.

ONeill said: We are pleased with the strong level of interest from potential strategic partners and are advancing discussions targeting further equity sell-down in Louisiana LNG.

We are progressing at pace towards a final investment decision on Louisiana LNG, positioning Woodside as a global LNG powerhouse.

The update coincides with Woodside reporting quarterly revenue of $3.32bn as of 31 March 2025, surpassing the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of $2.79bn and representing a 13% increase from the previous year's $2.95bn.

However, the company experienced a 5% quarterly revenue decline due to lower oil-linked prices, cyclone impacts on its North West Shelf project and unplanned outages at the Pluto LNG project.

Despite these challenges, Woodside's shares climbed 3.9% to A$20.470 in early trading, outperforming the broader energy sub-index's 3.1% gain.

The company has maintained its production and capex forecast for 2025.

Navigate the shifting tariff landscape with real-time data and market-leading analysis.

Request a free demo from GlobalDatas Strategic Intelligence here.

"Woodside evaluates tariffs impact on Louisiana LNG project" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
By Christine Chen and Roshan Thomas

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Woodside Energy , Australias top gas producer, said on Wednesday it was assessing the impact of U.S. tariffs and other trade measures on its Louisiana liquefied natural gas plant project as it inches towards a final go-ahead.

Woodside acquired the project, formerly called Driftwood, from Tellurian for $1.2 billion last year to position itself as a global LNG powerhouse. The first of four development phases is expected to cost $16 billion.

In a quarterly update, CEO Meg ONeill said the company was assessing the potential impacts of recent tariff announcements and potential further trade measures on Louisiana LNG, after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed universal tariffs on nearly all trading partners this month.

ONeill said the plant was in a foreign-trade zone which allowed it to defer payment of tariffs until each LNG train was completed.

However, around half of the equipment and materials needed to develop the project would need to be imported.

Around 25% of Louisiana LNGs estimated capital expenditure is equipment and materials, approximately half of which is currently expected to be sourced from the U.S., she said.

"If energy prices come under further pressure as a result of tariff-related growth pressures, it could make things trickier for Woodside down the track," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade Global.

To improve the projects economics, Woodside announced earlier this month it sold a 40% interest in Louisiana LNGs export terminal to U.S. investment firm Stonepeak, funding 75% of the projects spending in 2025 and 2026. It also signed its first offtake agreement with Germanys Uniper for 1 million tonnes per annum last week.

We are pleased with the strong level of interest from potential strategic partners and are advancing discussions targeting further equity sell-down, ONeill said.

We are progressing at pace towards a final investment decision on Louisiana LNG, positioning Woodside as a global LNG powerhouse.

The update comes as the company reported revenue of $3.32 billion for the quarter ended March 31 on strong gas hub-linked prices and the start-up of its Senegal-based Sangomar project.

The result beat a Visible Alpha consensus estimate of $2.79 billion and was up 13% from the $2.95 billion reported a year ago.

On a quarterly basis, the firm reported a decline of 5% in revenue, attributed to a fall in oil-linked prices, cyclone impacts at its North West Shelf project and unplanned train outages at its Pluto LNG project.
By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Given big cuts in development aid by Europe and the United States, think tanks and other groups are urging the World Bank to reduce the equity-to-lending ratio of its main lending arm to free up billions in additional lending capacity.

Reducing the equity to lending ratio of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to 17% from 18% would allow the bank to boost its lending capacity by $30 billion to $40 billion without burdening taxpayers or shareholders, or jeopardizing its capital reserves, said Eric Pelofsky, vice president of the Rockefeller Foundation.

He said a large portion of these new resources could be used to provide loans to help governments rapidly address actual or anticipated budget gaps and shore up health-care networks, water and sanitation systems, or other critical public systems impacted by foreign aid cuts.

The bank could also offer short-term, low-interest loans to non-governmental organizations facing program cancellations, layoffs, and even bankruptcy that would help them bridge to new long-term funding models, Pelofsky said.

The World Bank voted last year to change its internal lending guidelines and lower its equity-to-lending ratio by 1 percentage point as part of reforms recommended by an independent commission for the Group of 20 major economies. It took a similar step in 2023, dropping the ratio to 19% from 20%.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office in January for a second term, his administration has cut billions of dollars in foreign assistance in a review that aimed to ensure programs align with his "America First" foreign policy. European governments have also cut their foreign aid budgets.

"Inaction will have concrete consequences," Pelofsky said, citing studies which say U.S. foreign aid cuts could put millions of lives at risk.

Jubilee USA Network, a religious development group, said it backs the push, and it urged the World Bank to act quickly.

"The World Bank can and should make this decision as soon as possible," said Eric LeCompte, the group's executive director and a United Nations adviser. "With the significant cuts we've seen from the U.S. and Europe on development aid, this action by the World Bank can fill this aid gap."

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Leslie Adler)
A look at the 2020 U.S. recession gives us some insight into what happens to credit card sign-up bonuses and welcome offers during an economic downturn. Perhaps surprisingly, it was largely business as usual for some card issuers, like Chase, with many credit card offerings and bonuses still available.

Will this practice continue if we enter a new recession?

No one knows exactly what will happen in a recession. There are plenty of predictions, but too many factors to consider. Still, we often find comfort in looking at past events to see what might happen this time around. Its not a foolproof strategy, but it can provide helpful information and guidance.

Past signs and factors to consider

Credit card issuers cutting credit limits

If you see credit card companies start cutting massive amounts of credit limits, its an indicator that theyre trying to reduce their risk in case people default on their credit card loans.

A 2018 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) research paper shows that banks reduced the credit card limits of millions of people in the U.S. due to the 2008-2009 financial crisis (the Great Recession lasted from December 2007 to June 2009). Nearly a trillion dollars of available credit was slashed, reducing the average limit by about 40%.

Issuers pulling balance transfer offers

A Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia paper from 2021 shows that the credit card market was essentially in the grips of zero-APR offers by 2008, and 35% of credit card debt was on promotional terms with rates close to zero, with an average yearlong expiration of the promotional terms.

In other words, people were signing up for credit cards with 0% APR or similar promotional offers in massive numbers. Some borrowers signed up for new promotional cards to extend their low promo rates, effectively chaining offers to have a longer overall rate.

However, the same paper shows that mail-in offers and general promotional balance transfers took a nosedive, falling at least 70% during the Great Recession.

Similarly, the 2023 Consumer Credit Card Market Report from the CFPB shows balance transfers became significantly less common during the pandemic  in 2020, balance transfer volume fell 36% to $35 billion.

The drop in balance transfer offers was likely due to issuers attempting to manage their risk. However, access to balance transfer credit cards could have significantly benefited Americans fighting debt, especially with a spike in the U.S. unemployment rate from 3.6% in January 2020 to 14.8% by April 2020.

Credit card delinquency rate

Considering the hardships many Americans faced during recent recessions, it makes sense that people might leverage credit cards to pay for necessary expenses and then default on their loans  for one reason or another, such as loss of employment.

This is potentially reflected in credit card delinquency rates reaching 6.77% in the second quarter of 2009, the highest in over 30 years, before dropping to 2.11% by the first quarter of 2015. However, delinquency rates dropped during the most recent recession, starting at 2.69% in the first quarter of 2020, the highest in seven years, and continued to drop until the third quarter of 2021, reaching 1.53%.

While the rates drastically differ between the two recessions, the overall pattern is similar. The rates peaked in or around the recession and then experienced a sharp downward trend in the following months and years.

Related: Use the Yahoo Finance credit card payoff calculator to tackle your debt

Credit card sign-up bonuses during 2020

What does this all mean for credit card bonuses in a recession? The easiest answer is that credit card issuers likely feel the need to pull back on providing offers and credit during recessions. This has been shown when theyve slashed credit limits and removed balance transfer offers.

But what about your typical rewards credit card offers, where you have to spend a certain amount of money on your card to receive points, cash back, or miles?

From our research, we found plenty of these types of offers available in 2020. Out of dozens of Chase, American Express, and other card issuer offers, we put together a list of some notable past offers.

These are not current offers

Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card (issued by Bank of America): Get 40,000 bonus miles plus a $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of account opening.

Barclays JetBlue Business Card: Earn up to 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first 12 months of account opening.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles after spending $20,000 in purchases within the first 12 months of account opening.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.

CitiBusiness/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard: Earn 70,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening (annual fee of $99 waived for the first 12 months).

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: Earn 100,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of card membership.

United Business Card: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.

As you can see, various card issuers provided valuable sign-up bonuses during 2020, seemingly unaffected by the recession. And this is only a sampling of the research we collected, as there were dozens more offers throughout the year.

This doesnt mean credit card companies will always react the same way during economic turmoil, but this is at least a sign that you can still have credit card offers during a recession.

Read more: How to protect your money during economic turmoil, stock market volatility

Should I sign up for a credit card during a recession?

It depends on your situation, but theres generally no issue with using credit cards during a recession if you can continue to pay off your balances and stay out of credit card debt. The evidence shows that some card issuers have offered valuable sign-up bonuses during recession times, so its worth considering applying for a card if it makes sense for your financial situation.

Credit cards can also function as an emergency fund if you need money to cover unexpected or essential expenses. Just be aware that using credit cards without paying them off can be a slippery slope that may lead to uncontrollable debt. However, depending on the circumstances, you may qualify for assistance through a credit card hardship program.

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Credit card sign-up bonuses FAQs

How do I qualify for a credit card sign-up bonus?

You typically need to spend a certain amount on the card within a specific time frame to earn a credit card sign-up bonus. For example, spend $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening. Eligible purchases may not include balance transfers, cash advances, wire transfers, lottery tickets, and other similar purchases.

Are credit card sign-up bonuses worth it?

Credit card sign-up bonuses can be well worth it if youre able to meet the offer requirements. Consider a card with a $95 annual fee and a bonus offer of 60,000 points, worth at least $600. Without considering any other card benefits, the value of the bonus offer alone could offset the annual fee for over six years.

What is the best credit card company?

The best credit card company for you depends on multiple factors:

Nearby branches: If you prefer in-person banking, consider companies with nearby branches.

Types of credit cards: Do you prefer earning travel rewards or cash back? Certain issuers offer a wider range of rewards credit cards than others, giving you more opportunities to satisfy your preferences.

Available offers: Its worth comparing credit cards from different issuers to see whats available at any given time. You also might only qualify for certain cards depending on your credit score.

Mobile support: If banking on the go is important to you, consider companies with excellent mobile app ratings and support.

Other financial services: Major financial institutions, such as Chase, Capital One, and American Express, are popular banking options for credit card users because they offer various financial products and services, including credit cards and bank accounts.

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

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.
Soon after Fredericksburg resident Karen Stone became manager of four museums in southern Maryland, she heard a tragic story about soldiers who drowned in the Potomac River, days after the Civil War ended and as military forces searched for President Lincolns assassin.

Stone went to work at St. Marys County Maryland Museum Division in 2017 and met a local historian. He asked if she knew about the crash between a coal barge called the Black Diamond and a Union troop transport, the Massachusetts.

The two collided in the early morning hours of April 23, 1865, near St. Clements Island, also home to one of the museums Stone manages.

The crash sent 87 men to a watery grave.

The Black Diamond was part of the Potomac Flotilla, which was blocking the river to stop John Wilkes Booth from crossing into Virginia. The Massachusetts was carrying Union soldiers on their way to North Carolina to be discharged from the Army.

The men had survived service in the war as well as internment at Andersonville, a Confederate prison in Georgia that was notorious for starvation and disease.

Stone, 68, had studied the life and death of Abraham Lincoln since childhood and had no idea a tragedy of that scope happened in the wake of his assassination.

Her research has taken her from the shores of the Potomac to the records room of the National Archives Museum in Washington. The New England native has gone South to the Battle of Plymouth in North Carolina, where Union soldiers were taken prisoner and held in nearby stockyards until they were transported by train to Andersonville.

And shes gone back to her home state to visit graves and memorials to the Connecticut men who died in the Potomac. Stone also read accounts from their relatives, who fought desperately for answers to what happened to the men as well as for the military pensions their husbands and sons had earned.

She pored over letters and diaries from those who survived the naval crash, hoping to put together a complete list of the deceased.

Of the 87 men who perished, Stone has identified 33 names.

Its a terrible story, and it just got forgotten, she said. But Im still researching. I would like to identify all 87 men before I die, which may or may not be possible, but Im gonna keep trying.

Potomac peril

Stones efforts already have produced results. When she met an editor with Americas Civil War magazine and suggested he write about the incident, he said, You write it and well publish it.

Her story about the Peril on the Potomac appeared in November 2019.

Stone had more material than could fit in an article so she focused on writing a book, Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in Pursuit of Lincolns Killer. Its being released this weekend, April 26-27, on the 160th commemoration of whats known as the Black Diamond disaster. More information on the Maryland event is available at stmaryscountymd.gov/Recreate/Museums/Calendar.

During the upcoming ceremony at St. Clements Island Museum, Stones husband, Wes, a National Park Service historian, will dress as a Civil War chaplain and give the invocation, then escort dignitaries to the Potomac. Officials will lay a wreath in the river, Karen Stone will read the known names of the dead and a Navy bell will ring eight times in their honor.

On May 3, Karen Stone also will give a presentation at the Fredericksburg Branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, at 1201 Caroline St., from 1-4 p.m.

Stone hopes each appearance or discussion, in person or online, will lead to the discovery of another name. Thats already happened a few times as shes found a Maryland woman whose great-great-grandfather died on the Massachusetts and a New York man who had an identity tag  a 19th-century version of a military dog tag  from one of the victims. A photo of the artifact was included in a Civil War Trails marker.

I think thats what historians live for, Stone said, telling the stories and making the connections to modern times.

Lost to history

It was a moonless night when the Potomac Flotilla gathered on what initially was calm water the night of April 22, 1865. The atmosphere belied the turbulent times.

Gen. Robert E. Lee had surrendered April 9 at Appomattox Court House. President Lincoln had been shot April 15 at Fords Theatre.

As the boats lined up to stop his assassin, officials didnt know that Booth and accomplice David Herold, whod been hiding in the swamps of southern Maryland, had crossed into Virginia the night before.

The clock ticked past midnight, into April 23, when winds picked up, and the Potomac got rough. Stone isnt sure if the Black Diamond was anchored improperly or if it was in the channel and got swung around by a gust.

The Massachusetts hit the Black Diamond, almost splitting the Black Diamond in half, Stone said. The Massachusetts got a hole in the bow, above the water line, so it stayed afloat.

Chaos ensued on the dark water. The coal barge came around the side of the troop carrier, hoping to offload its passengers. Meanwhile, Stone said those on the Massachusetts thought their steamer, a much bigger vessel, was sinking and that the Black Diamond was a rescue boat.

All these men started jumping off, which sank the Black Diamond even faster, Stone said.

The water was cold, some soldiers probably couldnt swim and most were sickly, barely able to do anything after their imprisonment, she said.

In the days that followed, a paragraph or two about the crash appeared in newspapers as other news claimed the headlines. Lincolns funeral train made its way from Washington to major cities before it reached Springfield, Illinois. Booth was captured and shot.

The steamboat Sultana exploded on April 27, 1865 on the Mississippi River, killing an estimated 1,800 people.

What happened on the Potomac just got lost to history because it got overrun by bigger events, Stone said.

Two survivors said later, in an account published in the Atlantic Weekly in 1914, that no one seemed to care about what had happened to them.

Stone is doing everything she can to change that.

Her commitment to identifying all 87 victims is truly commendable and speaks volumes about her respect for the history and those impacted by this tragedy, said Andrew Ponti, the museum divisions marketing manager whos worked with her on the project. I can attest to her meticulous research and unwavering dedication to uncovering the full story of the Black Diamond disaster.
Democrats introduced two bills they say would protect Colorado renters by reigning in "price fixing" through the use of online algorithms and halt "deceptive" fees, even as the trade group representing apartments argue they're written so broadly the legislation would penalize prudent practices.
Assyrian, Greek, Armenian Genocides Remembered

Each year on April 24th, the Armenians, Syriac-Assyrians, and Chaldeans commemorate the Ottoman Empire's genocide of Christians in its lands during World War I. The genocide led to the displacement and killings of more than one and a half million Armenians and hundreds of thousands of Syriac, Assyrians, Chaldeans, and their transformation into minorities who are spread around the world.

April 24 was chosen specifically since this was the day when on April 24, 1915, approximately 250 prominent Armenian intellectuals were arrested and killed in Istanbul, marking the beginning of a strategy to genocide this people through systematic massacres aided by plunder, arson, displacement, and rape.

From the Hamidian Massacres to the Great Genocide: The Chronology of Ottoman Atrocities

The genocide committed by the Ottoman government against the Armenians, Syriacs, Assyrians, and Chaldeans was not an arbitrary act or a by-product of war but rather an organized process carried out under the auspices of the Ottoman state, with international complicity and silence at the time. Its catastrophic chapters have been recorded with incriminating numbers and testimonies of eyewitnesses, diplomats, and historians.

The Beginning of the Massacres: The Dark Years

The first phase of the massacres of the Armenians began in the late nineteenth century, between 1894 and 1896, when they demanded political reforms and constitutional rights. Sultan Abdul Hamid II unleashed his army to carry out what became known as the "Hamidian Massacres."

According to the data compiled by the German missionary Johann Lepsius, during these years approximately 88,243 Armenians were killed and 546,000 were wounded. 2,493 villages were pillaged, and 456 villages were forced to convert Islam. 649 churches and monasteries were destroyed, 328 of which became mosques.

One of the most terrible of these massacres occurred at Ruha (Urfa), where 2,500 Armenian women were burned alive in a single cathedral. The deaths were later estimated at more than 300,000 Armenians.

Systematic Genocide in World War I

The horror culminated in 1915, when the Ottoman administration began implementing their blue print to eliminate the Christians of Armenia, Syria, Assyria, and Chaldees from the East.

After declaring war in World War I, Turkey was engaged on several fronts with Germany. On the Russian and Iranian front, Ottomans committed gigantic atrocities against the Armenians. Through April 1915, 5,000 Armenian villages were pillaged and 27,000 Armenians and large numbers of Assyrian, Syriac, and Chaldean Christians were massacred.

In the Eastern Front, Enver Pasha, one of the leaders of Union and Progress, lost a disastrous battle to the Russians at the Battle of Sarikamish in January 1915. Enver Pasha, at the time, apprised the newspaper "Tannin" and the Vice-President of the Turkish Parliament that the defeat resulted from Armenian treachery and that the moment had come to deport the Armenians from the eastern zone. By this time, the Ottomans started to disarm 100,000 Armenian soldiers and rob Armenian civilians of their weapons that they had previously been permitted to carry in 1908. Once the Armenians were disarmed, the soldiers were slit at the throat or buried alive.

The American ambassador to Turkey at the time, Henry Morgenthau, characterized the Armenians' disarmament as an invitation to Armenians' permissiveness and extermination. During a meeting between Talat Pasha, the Turkish foreign minister, and the American ambassador, Henry Morgenthau, Talat Pasha uttered the following words: "We have managed to get rid of three-quarters of the Armenian people. There is no sign of them in Bitlis, Van, and Erzurum. The Armenians should be annihilated. If we do not do this, they will certainly take revenge upon us."

The Deportation Caravan. Death Caravans

Following the massacres, those Armenian and Syriac women, children, and elderly people who survived were forced to march in long caravans across desert deserts. They were neither given any food nor water, and were vulnerable to Bedouin attack or, if not able to continue marching, killed.

Mass executions of the Armenian men initially rounded up have been reported. Women survivors confirmed that children were left to dehydrate, whereas women were raped and killed in front of their families.

The Sayfo Massacres: An Open Wound in the Syriac, Assyrian, and Chaldean Memory

The Armenians were not only massacred, but the Assyrian and Chaldean Syriacs were also targeted by the Ottoman Empire. The Sayfo Massacres, or "Assyrian and Syriac Massacres," are regarded as one of the Middle East's most heinous crimes against Christians. It is believed that between 250,000 to 500,000 Syriac, Assyrian, and Chaldeans were killed during these periods.

The ferocity of the massacres included the mass murder of civilians, rape, plunder of goods, and pushing the population into the desert, where thousands starved to death, died from thirst, and from gang warfare. Horrible reports have been made of such actions by Ottoman forces, including slitting the pregnant women and aborting fetuses in their wombs.

The Outcome: Peoples Killed and Scattered

More than 1.5 million Armenians had been killed by the end of 1923, historians and international agencies estimated. Armenians, together with the Syriac, Assyrian, and Chaldean minorities, were reduced to minority refugee status that they had previously held as a fundamental part of Anatolia's demography. Hundreds of thousands immigrated to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and France, and the rest immigrated to the Americas. Entire villages and towns were destroyed, and cultural, religious, and historical landmarks were obliterated.

International Recognition. and Turkish Denial

Despite overwhelming strong evidence, Turkey still to this day refuses to accept the genocide. It makes it a crime to acknowledge it under Article 305 of the Penal Code, while 20 nations officially acknowledge the genocide, including France, Russia, Canada, Lebanon, and Greece. It is also acknowledged by 43 US states and municipal councils in Australia, Spain, and Canada, and also by the European Parliament, the United Nations, the World Council of Churches, and other global bodies.

Syria Today. A Repeated Tragedy

As Armenians are remembering the genocide, Syrians have been experiencing a similar disaster for over ten years. The current war in the country, Turkish occupation of some northern Syrian territories, demographic change, and systematic murder and displacement in Kurdish and Christian-majority regions evoke the same ominous specters faced by Armenians and Syriacs a century ago.

Displacing the indigenous people, settling foreigners at their expense, and aiming at the cultural and religious identity are nothing but the continuity of the very same policy of Turkification in Afrin, Serekaniye, and Gire Spi/Tal Abyad.

Self-Defense: A Safety Valve Against Genocide

The experience of the Armenians', Syriacs', Assyrians', and Chaldeans' past highlights a painful reality: "Peoples who lack means of self-defense are more vulnerable to genocide and persecution."

The North and East Syria people know this fact. The Autonomous Administration has managed to create a model based on the democratic state, which maintains the multiplicity of people and cultures and guarantees their rights and identities. One of the bases of this model is self-defense.

Without the ability to defend themselves, communities are at the mercy of control and extermination forces. Self-defense does not always mean bearing arms; it also means being politically aware, organizing in communities, defending culture, and having an independent education.

A Call from the Past to the Present: No to Recurring Disasters

Armenian Genocide and Sayfo massacres were not a crime against Christian countries alone, but also against humanity. They are a grim reminder that silence on crimes and turning one's back on self-defense encourages repeated tragedies.

Thus, the celebration of this anniversary is not just to commemorate the victims, but also to warn again: the dignity of peoples and cultures will not be preserved and defended unless they organize, resist, and build fair democratic institutions that preserve their diversity, as the populations of North and East Syria are trying to do today.
With the Sixth Amendment guaranteeing criminal defendants the right to a public trial, members of the Colorado Supreme Court grappled on Tuesday with a question that may have never arisen without a global pandemic: If a judge requires spectators to watch the trial remotely, is there a constitutional violation?
Colorado lawmakers on Monday gave their final approval to changes to the state's $44 billion budget for the next fiscal year.
Sen. Jessie Danielson (D- Wheat Ridge) speaks during a press conference about SCR-1, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for claims of child sexual assault victims.
A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the government from removing alleged "alien enemies" from Colorado pursuant to an 18th-Century wartime law, noting she is following the U.S. Supreme Court's requirement that detainees must be given notice and time to challenge their removals.
The Colorado Springs Police Department is hosting Drug Take Back Day Saturday in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration to help keep unwanted medication out of the wrong people's hands.

Police will have four locations set up throughout the city from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for people to safely dispose of medications they don't need:

Police Operations Center: 705 S. Nevada Ave.

King Soopers: 7915 Constitution Ave.

Memorial Hospital: 4050 Briargate Pkwy.

Widefield Parks and Recreation: 755 Aspen Dr.

Officers ask people to place all pills in a sealed zip-lock bag before they drop it in, discard any boxes or packaging, and remove or scratch out all personal information from pill bottles and throw them away separately.

Police say Drug Take Back Day is an initiative created for people to safely dispose of unwanted medication to prevent it from getting in the hands of drug abusers, people struggling with addiction, or children.

"Throwing unused medications into the trash, or flushing them down the toilet are not safe options as it leaves the medications available for those who might be looking for something in the trash, or pollutes the water supply," Colorado Springs Police Senior Public Communications Specialist Caitlin Blanco said.

Drug Take Back Day originated in 2010 to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, many Americans are not aware that medicines that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

"We are aggressively reaching out to individuals to encourage them to rid their households of unused prescription drugs that pose a safety hazard and can contribute to prescription drug abuse," said Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary G. Grindler.

Officers say there are year-round drop-off locations available and information on what types of medication can be dropped off provided by the city of Colorado Springs.
A man is facing assault, stalking and burglary charges after an altercation involving his ex-girlfriend in the early morning hours Thursday on the west side of Colorado Springs, according to an online police blotter entry.

Robert King, 31, allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's residence in the 400 block of St. Vrain Place and assaulted her.

Police responded to the scene at about 12:20 a.m. and found that King ran away following the home invasion. The woman was hospitalized with what police described as minor injuries.

King was found nearby and arrested, police said.

King is being held at the El Paso County jail with no bond.
Craig DeRoche is CEO of Family Policy Alliance, a national pro-family organization hosting 40 state organizations and over 50,000 church partners, reaching millions of Christians nationwide. He is also a former Speaker of the House of Michigan.
A candidate forum was held April 23 at the Lewis and Clark Library where possible future board members gave their perspective on various topics surrounding Helena Public Schools.

Four new candidates and two incumbents vying for three seats answered questions in a room of about 80 people regarding the possible closure of Hawthorne Elementary School, a budget crisis and their qualifications.

Hanna Warhank, Siobhan Hathhorn, Kay Satre, John Klein, Jenny Murnane Butcher and Carrie Jones are on the ballot for the May 6 election.

Warhank, a community member and Hawthorne parent who has attended numerous board and special meetings, said she felt the current board lacked transparency and said the district did not publicly notice certain meetings in the past.

"I do want to say that there were at least seven master facilities plan meetings that were closed to the public. My husband found his way into two of them by tracking people down," Warhank said. "And there was at least five budget consensus committee meetings that were closed.'

Hathhorn, current board chair and incumbent candidate, denied the claims and said she was sad that false accusations have come up.

"We have never had a non-published meeting. We have never broken an open-meeting law, that has never happened. There might have been confusion as to why you think that that is true," Hathhorn said.

Transparency remained the focus of Warhank's answers throughout the forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Hawthorne, 430 Madison Ave., has been a part of district and board discussions for months with the possibility of it closing at the end of this school year, next school year or remaining open.

Jones said she has not made up her mind on the possible closure because she wanted to evaluate data to make a "wise' decision and added the way the discussion has been handled was poor.

Hathhorn talked about when she moved to Helena in 1989 someone asked her when she was going to have kids because the school needed to stay open.

"This has been on the table for a very, very long time. I do not want to close any school. Every school in this district has a unique culture and parents love it, students love it and they are wonderful places to be," she said.

She cited the enrollment at Hawthorne totaling roughly 180 students and said there would be room to place those students at other elementary schools. The average school size in the district was 300 students, Hathhorn added.

Butcher said the decision was not something she took lightly and "as it's been presented to me, I don't see another option." She said for long-term financial stability tough decisions needed to be made now.

Klein added he would like to see the school open for at least one more year to allow teachers, staff, parents and students to prepare for events to come.

Satre, an incumbent, said "I think it's important to acknowledge this is a crummy decision to have to make."

"This is sad, but I also feel that even though this has been suggested over a number of decades as a possibility, we have made cuts across the district that have impacted kids across the district," she said.

Warhank said she did not want to see it close, but if the numbers show that it's what has to happen then it could be in the discussion.

"But at this point, it's been on the table for over 50 years and no one has done it. If it's that clear of a decision and it saves so much money then it would have been done long ago," Warhank said.

When candidates were asked about the budget shortfall many had different replies, but one candidate received a follow-up question to her intitial answer later in the meeting.

Jones, a parent, business owner and community member interested in data and spreadsheets, said she had five different revenue streams she wanted to investigate.

"One, I want to talk with our legislators because the federal government has not been funding us at levels that they've promised to, unfunded mandates, who knew?" she said. "I want to talk with the people who administer our trust lands.'

Jones said Wednesday night the lands have to be evaluated at a "certain point" and she heard from a community member they have not been evaluated correctly.

"Three we need to get into some collaboration. I spoke with someone at the Helena Indian Alliance who was writing grants for counselors and that grant has expired, but I think we should be chasing that funding stream as fast as possible," Jones said.

Her last two ideas were communicating with nonprofits that will help the district with maintenance at some of the older buildings and others that are looking into legislative responsibilities.

Butcher, a legislative advocate, substitute teacher and deputy director at Montanans Organized for Education, said through her knowledge the state only funds 80% of the school district, so taxpayers are then asked to make up the remaining 20% to become a fully funded district.

"While I plan to advocate to change that funding formula, I think we might need to plan as if nothing is going to change, unfortunately," Butcher said.

Satre, a former Carroll College professor, added that since funding from the state was not adequate, when cuts were made to the district teachers were asked to do more with less.

She cited the increase in students per teacher for elementary music and physical education and high school teachers teaching six out of seven periods per day.

Klein added his goal was to rebuild public trust in the district and said it could be helpful for public knowledge to present funding numbers and where they would be applied.

The May 6 election is for three open seats on the board within the elementary district and ballots must be turned into the county elections office by 8 p.m. that day.
A handful of grizzly bears continued to roam the edges of the Bitterroot over the past six months, state wildlife officials said Wednesday during a meeting to provide updates on the slowest-recovering ecosystem for the threatened species.

A grizzly bear population in the 44,000-square-mile area stretching from the Bitterroot Mountains west into Idaho has been contemplated since the 1990s. But the species has been slow to migrate into the region from its strongholds in the Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems, the latter including Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness.

Last week, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks confirmed a sighting of a grizzly not far from Interstate 90 near Alberton and Nine Mile, Bear Management Specialist Jamie Jonkel said during the semiannual meeting of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committees Bitterroot subcommittee.

Its probably the same one, (or) one of the two bears that was observed last year in the Nine Mile drainage, Jonkel said during the gathering at FWPs Region 2 office in Missoula. He was just a hop, skip and a jump away from the river. If he could get across I-90 he might be on the south side for all I know.

Another grizzly sighting was reported last week in the North Hills, he added. And FWP also confirmed a bear near Lost Trail Ski Area last fall, along with a radio-collared grizzly that was in the Sapphire Mountains.

Grizzly bear populations, once believed to have numbered 50,000 in the West, were nearly exterminated in the Lower 48 by white colonists, prompting the animals addition to the Endangered Species List in 1975. By then, their numbers had dwindled to an estimated 600 south of the Canadian border.

Despite no confirmed resident grizzlies, the Bitterroot Ecosystem has been visited sporadically by the bears over the past decade, particularly along its northern edge at the bottom of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. In October 2023, a 582-pound male grizzly was killed by a vehicle 3 miles north of Bonner on Highway 200.

That country is so thick and rugged, we dont get a lot of reports down there that we can verify, but its always been my feeling that its probably got more grizzly activity than we know about, Jonkel said of the Lower Clark Fork area.

Federal agencies in the 1990s proposed relocating grizzlies to the Bitterroot in an attempt to establish a stable population, but the plan languished for decades until environmental groups prevailed in federal court to force them to revisit the proposal.

That process is underway, with a court-ordered deadline of late 2026 to finalize a plan for federally managing the threatened species in the Bitterroot Ecosystem. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is tasked with the animals recovery, is in the process of finalizing a draft environmental impact statement.

Dave Wrobleski, a U.S. Forest Service employee brought in by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to oversee the environmental analysis, told the committee Wednesday that the draft had been completed internally but is still going through agency reviews.

It is scheduled to be published by late July, with a final environmental impact statement to follow in 2026.

But many federal agencies have been hobbled in recent months by widespread cost-cutting measures being implemented by President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk. Resource agencies in particular have been swept by a series of mass firings, buyout offers and hiring freezes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture fired more than 5,000 Forest Service workers nationwide  and about 300 in Montana  in mid-February, but a federal judge since ordered them reinstated. Land managers and other resource employees from the Department of the Interior have also been targeted by deep cuts, though its unclear how many employees have been affected.

Federal employees have been generally barred by federal leadership from speaking with the press about those developments. But speaking to the inter-agency team during Wednesdays meeting, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator Hilary Cooley nodded to the reality that theres a lot of uncertainty in store.

Right now were just kind of reacting to what were hearing. Things change weekly, she told the committee members. But definitely were going to have to reduce capacity.  Theres just things were not going to be able to cover.

She told the group that two of the employees in her group at FWS had voluntarily resigned, amounting to a 20% reduction at the program.

Cooley declined to comment to the Missoulian about the employment changes or how that could affect ongoing grizzly management work.

But in a story published earlier this month, former grizzly recovery coordinator Chris Servheen told nonprofit news outlet WyoFile that actions by the Trump administration were functionally destroying the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, a group of federal scientists that work closely with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
DECATUR  It's good to have a friend in Washington.

For Central Illinois government and community leaders who felt they'd found an ally in U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin during his 40-plus years representing the state in Congress, news that the 80-year-old will not seek reelection next year was somewhat bittersweet.

I just wish he would change his mind, said John Dunn, a former state lawmaker from Decatur who represented parts of the region in the Illinois House from 1975 to 1995.

Hes a steadfast Democrat and he had his head screwed on straight; hes been wonderful and will be very difficult to replace. I really think he was just the best there was.

"He truly cares about what happens here," said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, who said Durbin invited her to sit down for lunch once or twice a year even as he gained more political power and seniority.

"Even though he is one of the most powerful people in America, he has still made time for Decatur," she said, noting that he had pushed for the community to receive federal support for commercial air service and a number of major transportation infrastructure projects.

"He just has an incredible grasp on our needs," Moore Wolfe said. "He understands that we don't run to him with little things and that we're not asking for handouts. We are asking for help in building our own success story. And he's delivered."

Shelith Hansbro, a Decatur Park District commissioner who came to Decatur in 1990, said she would miss Durbin for his responsiveness.

If you have any issues, you can have a conversation with him, that has always been very important, said Hansbro, confidential assistant to the director of the Illinois Department of Corrections. (I appreciate) having my questions answered, and I've been able to be certain, after getting information from him, you know you've received his truth.

She said that her career, which includes time as a journalist and a run for city council, she could always count on Durbin.

It's important that we have folks who represent us on a national level as well as local and regional, that we can reach out and touch, she said.

Her hope is that whoever wins Durbin's seat after his retirement is someone like that, and she said the time to start looking for that person is now.

I just want to say congratulations to him, Hansbo said. His career has been one of service to people, and he's been someone that you had access to whenever you had an issue. I appreciate that."

The Rev. Courtney Carson, vice president of external relations at Richland Community College, described Durbin as a "thoughtful leader and trailblazer" who has worked for decades to help Illinoisans without forgetting those "who have historically been marginalized."

"It didnt matter which side of the aisle youre on. He wanted to help the country move forward," Carson said, adding a personal member of his own: "When I was young, I fainted in a press conference and he caught me. He is always catching those of us who have stumbled. I love him.

Michael T. Carrigan, a former Decatur mayor and Illinois AFL-CIO president from 2007 to 2019, described Durbin as an outstanding national leader for decades.

"Despite his rise to the position as the No. 2 Democrat in the country, he remains a humble, accessible individual who is always advocating for working people," said Carrigan, now a member of the Illinois Commerce Commission, in a statement. "We dont realize the tremendous personal sacrifice he and his family have had to make to carry out his responsibilities."

Macon County Republican Chairman Bruce Pillsbury is the first to acknowledge that he and Sen. Durbin dont agree about much in politics. But he also recognizes the ending of a remarkable career for the man from the other side of the political aisle.

I have known him for quite a while and hes done very well for himself, said Pillsbury.

And so I thank the senator for his service and his tenure and wish him well.

Richard Wandling, a retired EIU political science professor and member of the Coles County Democratic Party, said Durbin had a history of setting aside time to visit with downstate members of the party.

He recalled one occasion when the senator attended an informal, potluck-style gathering at a house in rural Coles County and went out of his way to socialize with everyone.

"But then history marches on, and his retail political skills unfortunately weren't enough to respond to a more politically progressive and younger Democratic voting base becoming increasingly unhappy with the party's aging leadership," he said in a statement. "Sen. Durbin certainly was fully aware of the changing political tide, and I'm sure he knew it was time to pass the torch."

Dunn, the former lawmaker from Decatur, said he also understands that all politicians, however successful, have to know when its time to take their final curtain call and make way for the next generation.

Age is the problem, he said. And we have to respect that.

Scott Perry and Allison Petty contributed to this story.
Feature: German ceramicist embraces East-meets-West experience in China's "porcelain capital"

Xinhua) 09:14, April 24, 2025

German ceramic artist Karin Flurer-Bruenger shows artwork at her studio at Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province, April 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Juanjuan)

NANCHANG, April 23 (Xinhua) -- As dusk falls on the "porcelain capital" of Jingdezhen in east China's Jiangxi Province, 69-year-old German ceramic artist Karin Flurer-Bruenger routinely walks slowly through the art-lined alleys.

Warm light spills over the red-brick walls and bustling artisan tents, casting a gentle glow on the eclectic creations that catch her gaze. Each art piece is a silent conversation between artist and clay -- and Flurer-Bruenger is one of the many voices shaping this dialogue.

This marks her third month in Jingdezhen, a city steeped in over a thousand years of porcelain history and now reinvented as a global ceramics hub.

"It was once a dusty industrial city, and now it's clean and modern," she said. "I have all the possibilities around me -- with kilns, places, and people who are really specialized in ceramics, in porcelain, and lots of nice exhibitions. So I'm very happy to be here."

Flurer-Bruenger is a participant in the Migratory Bird Program at Jingdezhen's Taoxichuan Art Center -- an initiative launched in 2015 to invite artists from around the world to live, create and exchange ideas in this city brimming with creativity.

More than 4,300 foreign artists from over 50 countries and regions have taken part, drawn by the opportunity to work in international studios, experiment with ancient Chinese techniques, and leave behind works that become part of the city's evolving cultural landscape.

Inside Flurer-Bruenger's studio, the shelves are filled with neatly arranged bowls and cups, each with a unique shape and glaze. Family photos adorn the walls, adding a personal touch to the creative space.

"This little girl likes to draw a lot," she said with a smile, gently holding up her granddaughter's artwork. "I printed her drawings and made them on my ceramics."

Though raised in a family of engineers, it was the texture of wet clay, not machinery, that captured her imagination early on.

As she recalled, her father was a mechanical engineer and inventor, who was always sketching his new ideas. That early exposure sparked her interest in handmade work. To pursue that interest, she apprenticed with a master potter.

"This great master has influenced my whole life since then. I have been fascinated by the possibilities of that material all my life," she said.

Decades later, her curiosity and compassion continue to fuel new ideas. At the moment, she's focused on two creative projects.

The first is about light and humanity. She aims to embody human personalities in her handmade ceramic lamps, each featuring both a rough and smooth side, just like people. The light inside is meant to illuminate them and make them shine.

Her second project is a mission of empathy. Her past experience of helping children in need made her deeply empathetic toward those who suffer from hunger. So she decided to create 150 bowls and sell them to raise money for children who didn't have enough to eat. "This is a charity project," she explained. "The bowl has always been a symbol for eating."

In Jingdezhen, where ancient craftsmanship meets global creativity, Flurer-Bruenger has found both inspiration and innovation. She's experimenting with thin-body and openwork porcelain techniques -- honed through local mentorship and supported by the studio's shared kilns.

"Even if every piece doesn't turn out, I learn something valuable," she said, gesturing with a laugh toward a test kiln. "And look -- this one was made in Germany!"

Her artistic journey reflects the broader China-Germany exchange sparked by porcelain, a connection that traces back several centuries.

In the early 1700s, German alchemist Johann Friedrich Bttger cracked the secret of making hard-paste porcelain, a technique long perfected in China. He called it the new "white gold."

In 1710, the first porcelain factory in Europe was founded in Meissen, Germany, marking the start of an over-300-year legacy. Meissen porcelain soon gained popularity in Europe and was hailed as its finest.

Later, between 1868 and 1872, German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen traveled through China. In his travel journals, he introduced the word "kaolin" to describe the white clay used in Jingdezhen's ceramics, a name derived from the place of its discovery, the nearby Gaoling Village.

Since then, porcelain made of kaolin has traveled the world along the Maritime Silk Road -- admired for its smooth, refined beauty. It became a symbol of Chinese craftsmanship and opened the door for cultural exchange with the West.

Now, centuries later, the exchange continues. Notably, Jingdezhen has established partnership ties with more than 180 cities in 72 countries. Through events like the Jingdezhen-Meissen White Gold Exhibition and live ceramic-making showcases in Berlin, this Chinese city is reviving and reinventing its legacy as a global ceramics capital.

In recent years, Jingdezhen has worked to create new platforms for international exchange, actively promoting ceramic culture through exhibitions, outreach and collaboration. At its busiest, the city is home to over 5,000 ceramic artists, designers and craftspeople from around the world, who come and go like migratory birds.

As China advances its modernization drive, cultural confidence has become a key focus. With strong government support, ceramic culture has evolved into an important symbol of the country's soft power.

In 2006, Jingdezhen's traditional handmade porcelain techniques were included in the first batch of China's national intangible cultural heritage, helping to protect and preserve this valuable tradition.

Places like Jingdezhen now serve as vibrant stages for global dialogue, where artists like Flurer-Bruenger are not just inheriting ceramic traditions, but also actively contributing to shaping a shared cultural future -- one that is passed down through generations and re-imagined by new hands.

With a strong desire to pass on these traditions, the German ceramicist was heartened to see promise in the younger generation. "I think it's good to see that there are lots of young people here. Also, young German people use social media, TikTok, or everything else. Maybe this is a way you can make that brilliant porcelain known," she said. "Young people are again interested in all handmade things, and this may be the future of ceramics."

"I love working with young people and teaching pottery. I believe it's an important craft for humanity, and I hope more people around the world will learn about it in the years to come," Flurer-Bruenger added.

German ceramic artist Karin Flurer-Bruenger is pictured at Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province, April 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Juanjuan)

German ceramic artist Karin Flurer-Bruenger works at her studio at Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi Province, April 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Juanjuan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
We often say that preparation is the difference between a crisis and a bad day, said American Dairy Association North East Director of Consumer Confidence Beth Meyer. If and when an issue arises, we need to unite our industry to act together and speak with one voice to benefit all farmers.



To start this preparedness discussion, American Dairy Association North East partnered with three other New York State ag organizations  Northeast Dairy Producers Association Inc., New York Farm Bureau, and New York Animal Agriculture Coalition  to host the New York Dairy Crisis Preparedness Meeting. The program was designed to bring dairy stakeholders together to discuss potential risks and crises in the states dairy industry.

More than 30 farmers and industry representatives participated, and the group first identified that a crisis is defined as, a time of intense difficulty when significant decisions must be made.

When a crisis hits, the last thing you want is to pause and waste valuable time thinking about who you can call to help, said Senior Director, Industry Affairs of fairlife Emily Yeiser Stepp. This meeting allowed for those within New Yorks dairy industry to put names, faces, and organizational roles together so that if a situation does occur, a response can be coordinated, swift, and effective.



The group hashed out what they believe are some of the issues that most affect the industry. Their list included, in order:

Labor/immigration policy Disease outbreak Major environmental disaster (to water and air quality) Animal welfare Natural disasters and the weather Public relations with consumers Team member safety on-farm Infrastructure failure Financial crisis Legislation and regulations

These items are likely most important to the dairy industry across the country  not just on the East Coast. The order of the list might change based on geographic regions, but the concerns are the same industry-wide, making it even more important that dairy organizations work together. Each of us has areas of expertise and resources that we can tap into depending on the issue.

The group then focused on the next steps to address each of the areas of concern and to discuss which organization(s) is best suited to lead a response. Theyre listed in this graphic:

Hopefully, the meeting sparked the farmers interest to develop a preparedness plan for their own farms and to empower industry representatives to help their customers, Meyer said. Were all in this together and we absolutely have to support each other when times get tough.

ADA North East created its own crisis plan so our staff is ready to support our farmers. We maintain a state of readiness through media monitoring and regular staff training, and we have a core team tasked with assessing and addressing potential issues to ensure a quick response.

To further discuss issues and crisis planning, contact Beth Meyer at bmeyer@milk4u.org.




Keeping calves healthy to create the best replacement possible is always a priority, but with current tight inventories and replacement heifer values continually skyrocketing, the return on investment of calf health has multifold benefits. Terri Ollivett, D.V.M., of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, provided advice for monitoring several conditions and symptoms in calves in a recent Dairyland Initiative podcast.



While ventilation can come to the forefront of a presumed respiratory problem in calves, noted Ollivett, that with better tools to diagnose, we are finding that many underlying conditions can lead to respiratory illness. While she stated improving air quality for calves is fully supported if there are underlying risk factors for calves, ventilation improvement is not the only management solution that should be explored.

Ollivetts key points to troubleshoot calf health challenges included three key focus areas.

Characterizing the condition or disease by keeping data. This key step includes keeping full documentation of which calves are getting sick. Noting age, sex, breed, location, weather conditions and looking at trends is a significant piece of the puzzle to identify disease patterns.

Noting the condition of the calf, and what the disease looks like initially. Many common bacterial pneumonia-causing pathogens can be subclinical early in the disease process. The calf may first develop lung lesions from pneumonia and look normal, later showing more clinical signs. Conversely, calves that show common pneumonia symptoms early, such as heavy breathing, fever, nasal discharge, and coughing, could be showing signs that mimic a pneumonia condition, such as septicemia or a salmonella infection. These diseases require different treatments to address, therefore using ultrasounding tools can help identify early lung lesions in pneumonia cases.



Watching and documenting manure patterns and other body functions. When looking at manure, preweaned calves from birth to up to 21 or 28 days of age should have pasty and sticky manure. Ollivett suggested thinking of the texture of manure if held in a paper cup and tipped. Normal manure should stick to the cup and not be easily spilled out. Abnormal manure would slowly run down the side of a cup, this manure could have signs of mucous. Severely abnormal manure would mimic liquid and water, without a sticky texture, and flow out easily. She emphasized that abnormal and severely abnormal manure contributes strongly to abnormal lung health, with most of those cases left undocumented until the calf is not eating and drinking. We dont know if gut health is contributing to respiratory health if we are not documenting manure patterns. Additionally, Ollivett recommended palpating and ultrasounding the calfs navel to evaluate umbilical infections. This can be an issue when the infection travels into the abdomen of the calf and further into the liver or bloodstream, leading to septicemia or liver abscesses.

Ollivett concluded by recommending watching all risk factors and focusing on management practices, cautioning hyper-focus on bovine respiratory disease (BRD), which can lead to missing underlying calf health issues, especially septicemia. Additionally, supporting materials for her wean clean program can be found at:

https://thedairylandinitiative.vetmed.wisc.edu/home/calf-health-module/
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Just about everyone knows that the birthplace of pizza is Italy. However, where can you find the most unique pizzas in the world? For many people, the answer is Japan! It may come as a surprise, but Japan is home to some of the most interesting pizzas you can find. Pizza shops in the country regularly feature what outsiders would probably consider to be some very unusual toppings. Like many other western food imports, Japan certainly puts its own unique spin on pizza, creating pies that are curiously delicious!

How did pizza come to Japan?

These days, pizza can be found almost anywhere in Japan: in restaurants, via delivery, or even in supermarkets. This wasnt always the case. It is said that pizza first graced Japans shores thanks to two crew members of an Italian navy ship who arrived in Kobe during the Second World War.

But it is said that the title Japans First Pizzeria belongs to a restaurant by the name of Nicolas. This pizza parlour was opened in Tokyos Roppongi, by Italian-American Nick Zapetti in 1954. A decade later, Japan began importing frozen pizza from America to be sold in supermarkets. By the 1970s, pizza could be found in cafes, family restaurants, and Western-style restaurants in locations all over the country.

A Delivery Boom

In 1985, Japans first home delivery pizza was established in Tokyos Ebisu neighborhood. The concept, which first began in America back in the 1960s, was a hit in Tokyo. Soon the practice of having "fresh out of the oven" pizza delivered right to ones door became a nationwide phenomenon. With the dawn of the millennium, pizza delivery chains began offering online ordering services, streamlining the delivery process even more.

These days, Japans pizza delivery business is more popular than ever, with several chains that operate all over the country, offering extensive menus that include not only a variety of pizzas, but sides, and desserts as well. Pizza chains have made their websites even more attractive, allowing customers to create their own online profile. The advent of the smartphone, which is often used for both ordering, as well as an easy means of using coupons, has made getting piping hot pizza a snap.

Fall Down the Rabbit-hole to a Wonderland of Pizza Flavors

While pizza has become commonplace across the world, what makes Japans pizza special are the incredible number of unusual toppings. Many of the pizzas in Japan have been crafted to cater to Japanese tastes. Japan is known for its robust variety of seafood cuisine, and this seafood culture has also influenced the way pizza is made in the country. However, by no means is the pizza limited strictly to Japanese flavors; many have taken inspiration from various world cuisine to make some unexpectedly tasty flavor fusions.

Teriyaki Chicken with Mayo Pizza

While chicken has become a popular topping in many countries, youre not likely to find this particular kind outside of Japan. Meat grilled with sweetened soy sauce, along with mayonnaise, corn, and shredded nori seaweed makes for a distinctly Japanese flavor.

Squid Ink Pizza

Dont be alarmed if you see a someone biting into a black pizza in Japanits not burnt, its just a squid ink pizza! Pitch black squid ink, combined with tomato sauce, and topped with squid itself, is an interesting treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Squid ink is used quite often in Japanese cooking, as well as in pizzas birthplace of Italy, so the combination of the two is less foreign than you may initially think.

Natto Pizza

If youve never imagined a pizza topped with fermented soybeans, youre far from alone. Natto is one of Japans most love it or hate it foods. While it enjoys its status as one of Japans healthiest traditional foods, its distinctive smell makes it one that many non-Japanese try to avoid. However, if youd like to give it a taste, you may as well try it along with a soft crust, melted cheese, and some nori and bacon.

[Movie] Love It or Hate It: How to Eat Japan's Infamous 'Natto'!

Chashu Pork Pizza

If youve eaten authentic Japanese ramen, and wished you could eat a whole dish featuring the barbeque pork slices it is often topped with, this is the pizza you must try! Based on Chinese char siu, chashu is an ingredient featured frequently in Japanese-style Chinese cuisine. However, it sometimes makes an appearance on Japanese pizza, for an Asian-Italian fusion you wont soon forget. Miso sauce and leeks complement the juicy pork slices on tomato sauce, creating a truly unique flavor combination.

Cod Roe Pizza

Cod roe, known in Japan as mentaiko, makes appearances in a variety of cuisine, eaten as a standalone dish, or in sushi or pasta. However, the most interesting use of these tiny eggs perhaps belongs to mentaiko pizza. This pizza has made appearances with various toppings, such as potatoes, nori, corn, mayo, and squid. Yet another seafood delight!

Try One of These Delicious Curiosities!

While pizza is certainly not the first food that comes to mind when Japanese cuisine is mentioned, it is nonetheless worth a bite for anyone visiting Japan. With a new varieties rolling out regularly, Japans pizza menu is constantly expanding, with unique toppings and tastes. Try one on your next visit and you just may discover a new favorite!

Via Live Japan
MATTOON  It's good to have a friend in Washington.

For Central Illinois government and community leaders who felt they'd found an ally in U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin during his 40-plus years representing the state in Congress, news that the 80-year-old will not seek reelection next year was somewhat bittersweet.

I just wish he would change his mind, said John Dunn, a former state lawmaker from Decatur who represented parts of the region in the Illinois House from 1975 to 1995.

Hes a steadfast Democrat and he had his head screwed on straight; hes been wonderful and will be very difficult to replace. I really think he was just the best there was.

"He truly cares about what happens here," said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, who said Durbin has continually invited her to sit down for lunch once or twice a year even as he gained more political power and seniority.

"Even though he is one of the most powerful people in America, he has still made time for Decatur," she said, noting that he had pushed for the community to receive federal support for commercial air service and a number of major transportation infrastructure projects.

"He just has an incredible grasp on our needs," Moore Wolfe said. "He understands that we don't run to him with little things and that we're not asking for handouts. We are asking for help in building our own success story. And he's delivered."

Paul Wieck, past chairman of the Coles County Democrats, said Durbin was an outstanding advocate for downstate interests and served the community well, with support from his longtime chief of staff, Eastern Illinois University graduate Bill Houlihan.

Quoting Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew," Wieck said Durbin's service exemplified the line, "Do as the lawyers do in the court of law. Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends."

"Sen. Durbin has always represented a true understanding of how democracy should function," he said in a statement, "that demonizing different viewpoints is counterproductive as opposed to respectful dialogue to, if not totally resolve issues, find resolution with those opposing viewpoints to make that problem better."

In Coles County, Durbin was heavily involved in advocating for the erstwhile FutureGen project, originally planned as an experimental coal-fired power plant incorporating carbon sequestration in the Mattoon area.

A location at the southwest corner of the intersection of Illinois Route 121 and Dole Road west of Mattoon was selected in 2007. County officials withdrew from consideration three years later, when federal officials revised the plan to have the coal plant in another location, leaving the sequestration in Coles County.

Angela Griffin, retired president of Coles Together, said Durbin's commitment to the county never wavered.

"I worked with many elected officials throughout my career, but his support, integrity, and honesty as we pursued the FutureGen project was unmatched," she said in a statement, adding, "The grace he showed the community when the project did not move forward was genuine and earnest."

Griffin said Durbin's efforts brought resources to the community, including support for its Amtrak station and for Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University.

"He was a thoughtful listener and always supported innovative ideas that led to job creation in the county," she said. "Above all, I will remember his kindness and wisdom when working with him. It was an honor and a joy."

The Coles County Democratic Party said in a statement that Durbin has been a champion of the working class, the environment and social justice while serving in the Senate from Downstate Illinois. The party noted that Durbin is originally from East St. Louis and has maintained residence in Springfield throughout his time as senator.

As chair and now ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, the party stated that Durbin has worked on criminal justice reform and he has fought for fairness and compassion while voting on judicial nominations.

"Durbins long history of support for rural Illinois will be greatly missed," the party stated.

Richard Wandling, a retired EIU political science professor and member of the Coles County Democratic Party, said Durbin had a history of setting aside time to visit with downstate members of the party.

He recalled one occasion when the senator attended an informal, potluck-style gathering at a house in rural Coles County and went out of his way to socialize with everyone.

"But then history marches on, and his retail political skills unfortunately weren't enough to respond to a more politically progressive and younger Democratic voting base becoming increasingly unhappy with the party's aging leadership," he said in a statement. "Sen. Durbin certainly was fully aware of the changing political tide, and I'm sure he knew it was time to pass the torch."

Dunn, the former lawmaker from Decatur, said he also understands that all politicians, however successful, have to know when its time to take their final curtain call and make way for the next generation.

Age is the problem, he said. And we have to respect that.

Scott Perry and Allison Petty contributed to this story.
From its beginnings in the 1960s, the physician associate (PA) profession has moved steadily up the terminal degree ladder. Although the profession was created utilizing a competency-based educational model, where in theory competence is more important than academic degrees, the profession's terminal degree requirements have steadily risen.

In the early 1970s, most PA programs conferred a certificate at graduation, and over the next 2 decades, the number of programs granting a bachelor's degree steadily increased. Although frequently debated in the 1990s by the Association of PA Programs (APAP), the bachelor's degree was never adopted as the profession's entry-level degree, and the terminal degree conferred by PA programs was not addressed in the accreditation standards of that era. The prevailing belief at that time was that since PA education was competency-based, the credential awarded at graduation was for the most part irrelevant. Moreover, it was felt that requiring a higher entry-level credential across the whole profession would financially and educationally disenfranchise potential students from diverse backgrounds as well as require higher academic credentials among PA faculty, creating a faculty shortage.

In the APAP 13th Annual Report that describes in aggregate PA educational programs in 1996 to 1997, of the 89 PA programs reporting, 23 (25.8%) awarded a master's degree, 47 (52.8%) awarded a bachelor's degree, 6 (6.7%) awarded an associate degree, and 13 (14.6%) awarded a certificate as the highest credential awarded.1 As several other healthcare professions adopted higher entry-level degrees (for example, the NP, pharmacist, and physical therapist professions), support increased for PAs to follow suit.

In 2000, an APAP task force recommended that the profession transition to the master's degree as the terminal degree, a recommendation that was subsequently approved by a vote of the APAP membership.2 The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) 4th Edition standards, which went into effect in 2010, required that all PA students matriculating into a program after 2020 be awarded a graduate degree. The 5th Edition of the ARC-PA standards, which went into effect in 2020, explicitly stated that all PA programs must confer a master's degree upon graduation. This requirement resulted in the closure of several PA programs at institutions, primarily community colleges, that were unable to award master's degrees.

While PA education was in the decades-long process of adopting the master's degree, interest in a PA clinical doctorate had been percolating under the surface for many years. An entry-level doctorate for the PA profession was directly addressed at the 2009 PA Clinical Doctorate Summit conducted by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). This resulted in both organizations endorsing the master's degree as the entry-level and terminal degree for the profession.3 The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) reported that in 2023, 2.4% of PAs possessed a doctoral degree, an increase from 1.8% in 2019, indicating a growing demand for doctoral degrees for PAs.4

Currently, although both the AAPA and PAEA maintain support for the master's degree as the entry-level and terminal degree for all PA programs and ARC-PA standards explicitly require it, demand is growing for doctoral education for PAs, particularly for those seeking PA faculty and leadership positions. The marketplace has responded with the establishment and expansion of PA postgraduate programs. Demand for PAs with a doctoral degree is currently concentrated in PA education and leadership positions; however, historical trends from other healthcare professions that ultimately transitioned to an entry-level doctoral degree indicate that demand for doctoral degrees will likely increase beyond these two employment options.5,6

With postgraduate degree programs currently the only practical route for PAs to earn a doctoral degree, the PA DMSc or DMS degree currently offered by a growing cadre of institutions has become a popular choice, likely because many PA DMSc/DMS degree programs are affordable and can be completed remotely while working full-time. The PA DMSc/DMS is offered in a variety of educational configurations, making these programs a viable option for many PAs who are considering obtaining a doctorate. The fast-changing landscape of PA DMSc/DMS programs can appear overwhelming to those investigating doctoral options. In this issue of JAAPA, you will find a description of the current PA DMSc/DMS educational landscape in The PA postprofessional doctorate, an original research article by McKenna and Hooker starting on page 35.7

The PA profession is currently divided over whether it should move to a doctoral entry-level degree, much like the divisions that presented over whether to move to the entry-level master's degree in the late 1990s. The profession has been engaged in similar discussions regarding the appropriate entry-level academic degree for most of the profession's history. The arguments supporting and opposing this decision involve important factors and values fundamental to the PA profession, including once again potentially contributing to a critical severe PA faculty shortage. The current rapid growth of PA DMSc/DMS degree programs is demonstrating in real time the growing interest of PAs in earning doctoral degrees and will accelerate the profession's move to an entry-level doctoral degree. However, the tipping point is likely many years in the future.
The physician associate (PA) profession was created more than half a century ago.1 PAs play a crucial role in an evolving effort to address physician shortages in American medicine.2 Since the profession's inception, a series of changes in the types of degrees that PA programs confer has occurred. In the early days, PA programs awarded their graduates either a certificate or a baccalaureate degree. In 1973, the University of Colorado was the first PA school to grant a master's degree to its graduates.3 Since the new century, the number of PA programs offering master's degrees has increased, whereas those awarding certificates or baccalaureate degrees have declined. By the end of 2001, 54% of PA programs awarded master's degrees, and by 2010, 91% of them did, although this criterion did not become an accreditation standard until 2021.4

The profession now faces the rise of PA-specific postprofessional doctorate programs. This trend is not unique; many US health professions require or encourage profession-specific doctoral training, with a rising number having introduced transitions from baccalaureate-to-master's or master's-to-doctorate pathways over the last 40 years.5-7 For instance, baccalaureate-trained registered pharmacists transitioned to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and physical therapists to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in the 1990s.8 In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing member schools recommended that Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) be the entry-level degree for graduate NPs.9 By 2021, 60,500 NPs had obtained their DNP, representing about 18% of the 355,000 NPs in the United States.10

In 2023, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) held summits to explore the role of PA doctoral education. Although the AAPA-PAEA committee opposed an entry-to-practice doctorate for PAs, it did support postgraduate doctorates such as the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc or DMS).11 There were 178,020 certified PAs at the end of 2023, and 2.4% held doctorate degrees.12 PAs represent one of the largest groups of licensed clinical practitioners in the United States who do not have doctoral degrees.13

Doctoral degrees for healthcare workers are organized into three main categories. Each academic field grants a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to individuals who complete 3 or more years of postgraduate study, culminating in creating, presenting, and defending an original research dissertation. In the healthcare sector, many professions require entry-level professional doctorates, including physicians (Doctor of Medicine [MD], Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine [DO]), optometrists (Doctor of Optometry [OD]), pharmacists (PharmD), and physical therapists (DPT), among others. The third and most recent category encompasses the postprofessional doctorate pursued by PAs, who seek advanced training and additional skills related to healthcare administration, organizational leadership, research, scholarship, education roles, and other positions with greater responsibility.14 Two primary options for PA-specific postgraduate training are a clinical fellowship, some of which award doctoral degrees, or a postprofessional doctorate.

Whether the new postprofessional PA-specific doctoral degree becomes an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) mandate, opinions about degree creep for entry-level PAs have been sharply divided. In one corner, the PA doctorate has been championed by some educators.15,16 Other scholars have advanced skepticism about its value to society.17,18 These debates center on the appropriate degree to be awarded before entering clinical practice. As of 2025, this discussion is theoretical, as it remains to be shown how holding a doctorate impacts PAs' clinical competence.19 A consensus within the profession regarding requiring a doctorate for entry to practice has not been reached.5 However, there is growing interest in these degrees among those who seek additional training as educators and managers to assume administrative and leadership duties that may benefit the workplace.20

In 2007, the US Army awarded the first Doctor of Science in PA Studies (DScPAS) through Baylor University to military PAs who completed an 18-month emergency medicine residency.21 The PA postprofessional DMSc was first conferred in 2017 through the University of Lynchburg, and other organizations followed in initiating postgraduate doctorates for PAs.22 Although some reports have addressed this doctoral degree from various perspectives, other considerationsincluding practice patterns, leadership roles, and career mobilityhave yet to be explored. A foundational understanding of PA-specific postprofessional degree programs' content, time, and expense is needed to inform and guide PAs considering them, as well as to document the field's state.

A census was undertaken to provide an overview of the 2024 DMSc landscape in an effort to guide future researchers and optimize understanding for individuals seeking a PA-specific doctorate. This census analysis describes the characteristics of PA doctoral programs and compares degree requirements.

METHODS

An Internet search for PA-specific postprofessional doctorate websites was conducted in 2022 and again in 2024. The authors were assisted in this process by networking with colleagues, students, and graduates of postgraduate programs and employing a backward citation searching technique to tally the PA-specific postprofessional doctorate programs. Doctorate degree programs not explicitly intended for PAs, such as PhD, Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), and Doctor of Education (EdD) programs, were excluded. Clinical fellowships and residencies that offered doctorates were acknowledged but not included. Using these criteria, PA doctoral degree education websites were reviewed for information. Descriptive statistics were applied.

RESULTS

As of 2024, 28 active PA-specific postgraduate doctorate programs were identified; 14 programs emerged between 2022 and 2024, a doubling effect. Most (n = 24) confer the DMSc or DMS, whereas one awards the DScPAS and another the Doctor of Physician Assistant (DPA). Table 1 provides a summary.

TABLE 1. - PA-specific postprofessional doctorate programs (August 2024) PA-specific postprofessional doctorate programs (August 2024) Institution Degree Credit hours Cost per credit hour Months to complete (minimum) Program URL A.T. Still University DMSc 36 $600 16 https://www.atsu.edu/arizona-school-of-health-sciences/academics/doctor-of-medical-science Butler University DMS 50 $700 24 https://www.butler.edu/pharmacy-health/doctor-medical-science/ California Baptist University^ DMSc 39 $795 12 https://calbaptist.edu/academics/programs/online-doctor-of-medical-science/ College of Idaho^ DMSc 36 $696 9 https://www.collegeofidaho.edu/academic-programs/graduate/doctor-medical-science George Fox University~ DMSc 36 $513 4 https://www.georgefox.edu/dmsc/index.html High Point University DMSc 44 $925 9 https://cwww.highpoint.edu/doctor-medical-science/ Lincoln Memorial University~ DMS 45 $835 17 https://www.lmunet.edu/school-of-medical-sciences/dms/about/index Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University DMSc 36 $926 24 https://www.evms.edu/education/doctoral_programs/doctor_of_medical_science/ Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences DScPAS 24 $1,275 16 https://www.mcphs.edu/academics/school-of-physician-assistant-studies/physician-assistant/physican-assistant-studies-doctor-of-science Northeastern University Bouve College of Health Sciences^ DMSc 36 $1,035 12 https://bouve.northeastern.edu/programs/doctor-of-medical-science-in-healthcare-leadership-dmsc/ Northern Arizona University^ DMSc 24 $635 12 https://nau.edu/physician-assistant/doctor-of-medical-science/ Pacific University (OR) DMSc 36 $921 16 https://www.pacificu.edu/doctor-medical-science Rocky Mountain College? DMSc 36 $833 12 https://www.rocky.edu/dmsc Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions DMSc 36 $805 16 https://rm.edu/dmsc/ Shenandoah University^ DMS 30 $779 10 https://www.su.edu/physician-assistant/doctor-of-medical-science/# South College^ DMSc 50 $632 24 (full-time) https://www.south.edu/program/doctor-of-medical-science/ Southern California University of Health Sciences^ DMSc 44 $652 16 https://www.scuhs.edu/doctoral-degrees/doctor-of-medical-science/ Southern Illinois University School of Medicine DMSc 37 $631 12 https://www.siumed.edu/dmsc Springfield College^ DMSc 37 $818 12 https://springfield.edu/graduate-programs/medical-science-dmsc Touro University Nevada DPA 24 $700 18 https://tun.touro.edu/programs/physician-assistant-studies/doctor-of-physician-assistant/ University of Lynchburg~ DMSc 37 $676 12 https://www.lynchburg.edu/graduate/doctor-of-medical-science/ University of Maryland~^ DMSc 60 $798 30 https://www.graduate.umaryland.edu/dmscpa/ University of Nebraska Medical Center^ DMSc 40 $710 28 https://www.unmc.edu/alliedhealth/academics/programs/pa/dmsc/index.html University of Pittsburgh DMSc 72 $480 12 https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/academics/pas/dmsc/ University of St. Francis^ DMSc 36 $750 24 https://www.sf.edu/programs/doctor-of-medical-science-dmsc/ University of Tampa^ DMSc 36 $790 12 https://www.ut.edu/graduate-degrees/department-of-physician-assistant-medicine/doctor-of-medical-science-dmsc University of the Pacific (CA) DMSc 27 $1,030 16 https://www.pacific.edu/healthsciences/programs/dmsc-dhsc Wake Forest University School of Medicine^ DMSc 35 $1,200 24 https://school.wakehealth.edu/education-and-training/pa-studies/dmsc-program Mean: 39; 95% CI: 35-42 Mean: $797; 95% CI: $730-$863 Mean: 16; 95% CI: 13-18 Hybrid with minimal online options ~Residency required ?Discontinued ^New since 2022

Most programs cater to employed PAs and offer 100% online attendance. The George Fox University (GFU) program is an exception, as it only admits graduates from its PA school and lacks an online component, except for those who graduated from the GFU PA school between 1 and 5 years before application. Lincoln Memorial University's online instruction uniquely includes synchronous and asynchronous elements; it and the University of Maryland require a 1-week residency on campus. The University of Lynchburg indicates its program is 100% online. However, graduates from the University of Lynchburg PA school who immediately enroll in their Advanced Professional Practice concentration complete a residential fellowship on campus, and the institution's Emergency Management and Global Health concentration culminates in a 7- to 10-day intensive, in-person experience. Otherwise, we found no other on-campus requirements.

The number of credit hours required to graduate from PA-specific doctorate programs ranges from 24 to 50, with an average of 39. The start dates for students in the 28 doctoral programs vary, and the number of cohorts each program enrolls annually ranges from one to six. The programs are 9 to 30 months in duration, with an average of 16 months. An enrollment period depends on the number of credits transferred from PA school and the number of courses taken each quarter or semester.

The median cost per credit hour was $785, ranging from $480 to $1,275. Additional fees for applications, labs, books, or other fee-based resources were noted but not computed due to inconsistencies in how they were cited. Considering the costs per credit hour and the varying number of credit hours required to complete each program, we estimate an average program duration of 16 months at an average tuition-only cost of $30,109 in 2024.

Admission requirements

Most programs require applicants to graduate from an ARC-PA-accredited PA program and to hold certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) for entry. However, the Northeastern University Bouve College of Health Sciences welcomes diverse healthcare professionals into its DMSc program. Nearly all programs require a master's degree from a PA school or a degree (for example, a Master of Public Administration [MPA] or Master of Public Health [MPH]) from another health-related program. Eight programs (28%) accept baccalaureate-trained PAs who meet specific criteria, such as years of experience, clinical residency or fellowship completion, or a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) from the NCCPA.

Fourteen programs (50%) accept transfer credits from graduates of ARC-PA-accredited PA programs, which can lower prospective students' costs and time. Of the 14 programs that accept transfer credits, 11 specify that they accept between 6 and 18, and 3 do not specify the number. Six programs (21%) will not accept transfer credits after specified time frames, with periods ranging from 6 months to 7 years; the remaining programs do not specify time limits. GFU will only accept transfer credits from graduates of its PA school within the past 5 years, and the University of Pittsburgh, whose graduates complete 72 credit hours, requires the transfer of 30 credit hours from the applicant's PA school. Table 2 lists these programs and, where specified, notes their maximum accepted number of PA school credits and the amount of time that they permit since PA school for enrollment.

TABLE 2. - PA postprofessional doctorate programs that accept transfer credits from PA programs (August 2024) PA postprofessional doctorate programs that accept transfer credits from PA programs (August 2024) Institution Permitted maximum time since PA school graduation for credit transfer/enrollment Maximum number of PA school credits accepted A.T. Still University 7 years 12 College of Idaho 24 months 12 George Fox University 5 years 12 High Point University 7 years 10 Lincoln Memorial University 9 months Unspecified Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University Unspecified 9 Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Unspecified 12 Shenandoah University Unspecified 14 Touro University Nevada Unspecified 6 University of Lynchburg Unspecified Unspecified University of Maryland Unspecified 9 (15 if graduate of institution's PA program) University of Pittsburgh Unspecified 30 (required) University of Tampa Unspecified Unspecified University of the Pacific Unspecified 9 foundational if course criteria met

Bridge programs

Four programs provide a bridge from PA school to a shorter, PA-specific doctoral program. Butler University accepts 36 credit hours from recently completed supervised clinical practice experiences for graduates from PA school within the last 6 months, which leaves 14 hours required for completion. GFU offers a dual-enrollment, in-person format that enables its current PA students to enroll in the doctoral program simultaneously and work toward finishing their doctoral degree within 4 months of earning their Master of Medical Science (MMS) from PA school. GFU alumni who enroll 1 to 5 years after graduation can earn their DMSc through an online program in just one semester. PAs who graduate within 12 months can take an accelerated path at High Point University, and Pacific University in Oregon has a one-semester program for PAs who have graduated within 24 months.

Curricula

Most programs offer core courses in evidence-based medicine and training in the skills necessary to produce peer-reviewed and practical scholarship. The most common concentration is PA/medical education, offered by 19 programs (68%). This is followed by concentrations in health administration, management, and leadership in 14 programs (50%), global and public health in four programs (14%), professional development in three programs (11%), and emergency/disaster management in two programs (7%). One program focuses on behavioral health program management; another focuses on disaster management and health informatics; and a third offers a concentration in entrepreneurship. Nine programs (32%) did not specify concentrations on their websites. Three programs (11%) concentrated on enhancing and applying medical knowledge in primary care, emergency medicine, internal medicine, psychology/behavioral health, or a field chosen by the student. Clinically focused programs differ from clinical fellowships. Students in clinically focused programs already work in their fields of study and apply didactic lessons learned to their daily patient-care duties, which are logged as part of their practicums. Figure 1 provides a summary of PA postprofessional doctoral program curricula.

FIGURE 1.: PA postprofessional doctoral program curricula (August 2024)

Accreditation

The six commissions that have accredited PA-specific postprofessional doctoral degree programs are the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. ARC-PA accredits none of the PA-specific doctoral programs in this report.

DISCUSSION

Our investigation into the PA-specific postprofessional doctorate landscape reveals that, as of 2024, obtaining an advanced degree generally requires 12 to 16 months beyond a master's degree program, with an average total tuition cost of about $30,000. Most programs are designed to accommodate working PAs, allowing them to pursue this degree during nonclinic hours; only a limited number require attendance at a specific campus. Assuming 3 credit hours equate to 9 hours of coursework per week for a 10-week course, the estimated time commitment for a PA doctoral student ranges from 10 to 20 hours each week, depending on their course selections.

Although curricula, credit hours, and time commitments may vary, most programs include a course in evidence-based medicine and medical writing or scholarship courses. These can lead to a capstone project or a scholarly research paper. This final experience typically involves researching, writing, and submitting a manuscript to a journal, followed by a peer review process.

Most programs include core courses that address the overall process of healthcare delivery. Organizational theory and leadership management are key components of these programs, with many offering electives that allow students to customize their course of study. All but nine programs provide multiple concentrations or tracks, the most common being PA education, designed to train faculty for PA schools. Another concentration focuses on healthcare administration, organizational function, and management skills to equip graduates for leadership roles in healthcare beyond one-on-one patient care. Three programs offer a curriculum aimed at enhancing clinical skills. The findings of our analysis mirror those of McQuillan and colleagues, who identified 22 PA doctorate programs offering 30 concentrations and, in analyzing their learning outcomes and mission statements, reported that they aligned with four of the seven competencies for the PA profession.23

One area of interest for college- or university-based PA programs is the potential influence of the institutional accreditation process on developing future entry-level professional doctorate degrees for PAs. The same six institutional accreditation commissions we identified were examined by Snyder and Miller, who found that most PA programs are housed within comprehensive or doctoral degree-granting organizations.24 This implies that these new programs are unlikely to encounter significant accreditation challenges should they choose to create entry-to-practice DMSc programs.

The number of PAs with doctorates increased slightly (by 0.6%) between 2019 and 2023, representing 2.4% of the 178,020 PAs certified by the end of 2023.12 We identified 79 tracks or concentrations of study across the 28 PA doctorate programs. Although we could not determine the annual number of DMSc graduates, assuming at least 10 graduates from each concentration annually suggests that there would be at least 790 newly trained doctoral PAs annually. In comparison, more than 11,000 PAs graduate each year with master's degrees. A 2023 survey of 1,323 of the University of Lynchburg's DMSc alumni (with a 19% response rate) noted that 17% received a promotion attributed to the new degree; most respondents (91%) stated that the new degree was associated with an increased leadership role; and 20% reported salary increases.22 As more information about the benefits of this degree emerges, we can expect continued growth in the number of these programs. Whether the PA-specific postprofessional doctorate will become the entry-to-practice degree for PAs remains to be seen.

Limitations

Omitted from this analysis are PA clinical postgraduate fellowship programs, which vary in length and are growing in number.25 A few of these programs award a doctorate upon completion, whereas others confer degrees in collaboration with the postprofessional programs included in our analysis. One benefit calculation for PAs who completed a clinical postgraduate fellowship suggests that the time invested in more education improves compensation by 10% compared with on-the-job training specialization after 5 years.26 An opportunity cost analysis for examining the PA doctorate is needed. Contemporary human capital theory indicates that education and training enhance a person's skills and knowledge, increasing productivity and resulting in higher earnings and greater economic benefits.27

We initially explored PA postprofessional doctoral websites in 2022 and then updated our findings in 2024. This revealed a significant change in the evolution and development of these degree programs over a short period, which is insufficient for predictions. The most significant limitation of this work is the lack of information from each program regarding alumni outcomes, the employment demand for advanced degrees, or their societal value.28

CONCLUSION

The postgraduate DMSc or DMS for PAs is emerging as an innovative way to enhance the profession's contributions to American society. As of 2024, at least 28 institutions offered PA applicants a DMS/DMSc, DPA, or DScPAS. Though the degree concentrations vary, most primarily focus on training PA educators and leaders, and some emphasize expanding medical knowledge of other healthcare-related fields. Instruction is mainly delivered asynchronously online and designed for working PAs. Tuition ranges from $15,240 to $47,880, and most programs require at least 12 months to complete, with credit hours varying from 24 to 60. Research is needed in several areas, including whether care outcomes improve with an advanced degree, the student's return on investment given opportunity costs, and the career and self-actualization benefits of such pursuits.
As the priority candidate to become the next chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Neal Schnoor said he's coming home.

A native of Norfolk, Schnoor graduated from Wayne State College as a first-generation college student, and later earned a master's and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He would go on to teach music in Wakefield, Kearney and at Lincoln Northeast High School before joining UNK, where he would serve on the faculty and eventually an administrator for more than two decades.

"My roots are in Nebraska," said Schnoor, who was named as NU President Jeff Gold's pick to lead the university system's comprehensive regional campus on Tuesday. "Nebraska, Kearney and UNK are home."

Schnoor, who has more than three decades of experience in higher education, would succeed former UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen if his hiring is approved by the NU Board of Regents at the end of a 30-day vetting period.

Regents will likely consider Schnoor's hiring at their June meeting.

Kristensen, a former state senator and speaker of the Legislature, retired in 2024 after 22 years as UNK's top administrator. Charlie Bicak served as interim chancellor following Kristensen's departure.

During an introductory press conference in Varner Hall on Wednesday afternoon, Gold said Schnoor rose to the top of a "broad and very deep slate of candidates" seeking to become UNK's next leader.

"Dr. Schnoor understands the mission of a regional public university campus, has a collaborative leadership style, and has proven his ability to deliver results," Gold said. "His prior service at UNK, combined with his leadership across multiple university systems, gives him a deep appreciation for what makes this campus and it's people so special."

Schnoor joined UNK as an associate professor of music in 1997 and later as the director of bands until 2010, when he was named Dean of the School of Education and Counseling at Wayne State.

He returned to UNK in 2012 and served as senior adviser to Kristensen until 2019, when he left Nebraska to become chief of staff to the president at California State University Long Beach for two years.

In 2021, Schnoor was named president of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, which has an enrollment of roughly 3,600 students.

At Northern State, Schnoor said he forged relationships with legislators to transform a World War I-era dormitory into a new Business and Health Innovation Center as well as a collaborative nursing program to serve the region, which was experiencing shortages in those areas.

"That's how we serve our region, one student at a time, one need at a time," Schnoor said.

As UNK's chancellor, Schnoor said one of his areas of focus would be recruiting future educators to serve in classrooms around the state, offering a callback to the campus's origin as the Nebraska State Normal School at Kearney.

Schnoor's wife, Teresa, is also a career educator and has been an elementary principal the last 18 years.

"We need more teachers, and she is going to help me recruit them," he said. "If she rounds them up like she rounds up elementary kids, we're going to have quite a bit more."

The chancellor-designee also said he would work to build on Kristensen's work expanding health education to students seeking to work in rural areas, and would champion other initiatives crucial to the region.

Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, whose district includes UNK, said Schnoor's familiarity with the campus and community will help him look to build on several ongoing initiatives that will provide a boost to central Nebraska.

"We're fortunate to have a candidate who is so familiar with what makes UNK truly a special place," Kenney said.

UNK Student Regent Sam Schroeder said Schnoor stood out among the candidates considered for being "not only an exemplary leader, but also someone who's student-centered."

"We had several students on the committee and we were all under the agreement that Dr. Schnoor has shown a great commitment to students," said Schroeder, who will represent UNK students for another year on the board. "We really appreciated that."

Schnoor said his focus on student success has been a constant throughout his long career in education, but was reinforced while he served as the chief of staff at Cal State Long Beach.

As "the inbox" for the university, Schnoor said he received an email from a student who was soon to graduate.

The student said his mother was in hospice care in the living room of their family home and wouldn't be able to make it to the commencement ceremony.

Speaking with the associate dean of students and the associate provost, the administrators donned robes, traveled to the student's home, and presented him with a degree in front of his mother.

It's a memory Schnoor said still brings back a rush of emotion.

"If a campus with 34,000 students can meet the needs of an individual student and family," Schnoor said. "We can do that at UNK. That's doing the ordinary thing extraordinarily, and we will do that."
Im a family medicine-trained doctor working in a rural ER. I drive 90 minutes to get there, and I do it because if I dont, no one will. The county I serve has seen its nearest hospital close. The OB unit is long gone. Specialist referrals are hit or miss. And the patients? Theyre sick. Sicker than they should be. Because when access to health care disappears, what follows is predictable: Late diagnoses, unmanaged chronic disease, preventable death.

We dont have enough doctors. We dont have enough nurses. And yet, policy experts and political think tanks are floating ideas like just replace them with volunteers. Thats what Project 2025 is proposing. Replace trained, credentialed physicians with well-meaning volunteers to fix the rural health care crisis. I almost laughed when I read ituntil I remembered that people with real power are pushing this. And people in rural Americamany of whom voted for the very leaders now gutting their careare going to suffer the most.

This isnt theoretical. Since 2010, over 140 rural hospitals have closed, and more than 600 are currently vulnerable. The cost to operate is higher, the payer mix leans toward Medicaid and uninsured, and reimbursement is unreliable. And yet the need is staggering. Nearly 80 percent of rural counties are designated health professional shortage areas. And while rural Americans are older, sicker, and poorer than their urban counterparts, only 4 percent of new medical school graduates plan to practice in rural areas.

Why? Because weve made rural practice a punishment. Its isolated. Understaffed. Underpaid. Politically volatile. In many places, dangerous. And yet, physicians like me keep showing up. We do it not for accolades, but because we know what happens when we dont.

Maternal care, in particular, is on life support. Over half of U.S. counties now have no OB/GYN. Between 2011 and 2021, more than 200 rural hospitals closed their labor and delivery units. Thats not just a service lossits a threat to life. Pregnant women are now traveling hours for care or going without it altogether. In a country with the highest maternal mortality rate among industrialized nations, this is unconscionable. For Black women, its even more deadly. We are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

Ive lived this firsthand. During my own first pregnancy, I developed pre-eclampsia. I was young, on Medicaid, and even though I was in medical school, I had to fight to be taken seriously. I essentially diagnosed myself and demanded action. In my second pregnancy, I carried twins while finishing residency. I knew it was high risk, and I had to navigate every step with hypervigilance. My training helped me survive. Most women dont have that advantage.

Today, in the ER, I see women hemorrhaging after birth who never had prenatal care. I see babies born in backseats of cars en route to hospitals two counties away. I see mental health crises, untreated hypertension, missed cancer diagnosesall because care is too far, too late, or just gone.

And Im exhausted. Not just by the clinical work, but by the policy landscape that treats rural health care like a charity project or worse, a political pawn. The Teaching Health Center GME programthe one that trains primary care doctors in underserved areasis at risk of losing funding. The proposed solution? Volunteerism.

With all due respect: You cant staff an emergency room with good intentions. You cant deliver a baby in a maternity desert with prayers alone. And you cant replace structural collapse with slogans.

We need real investment. Loan repayment programs. Residency slots in rural hospitals. Fair reimbursement for rural providers. Better pay for nurses and techs. We need legislation that values rural lives as much as urban ones.

Because when you defund rural care, youre not just cutting costs. Youre cutting lives short. And the people who suffer arent the ones making the decisionstheyre the mothers who die from preventable complications, the babies born too early and too far from help, the elderly patients with no transportation and no doctor within 50 miles.

I didnt become a doctor to write policy, but now I have to speak up. Because whats happening isnt just unsustainableits immoral. And if we dont change course, well look back and realize we didnt just lose hospitals. We lost whole communities.

Pamela Buchanan is a board-certified physician, speaker, and thought leader dedicated to transforming health care and championing mental well-being. With more than 20 years of medical experience, she is a TEDx speaker known for her powerful talk on Emotional Flatline, which explores the emotional toll of high-stress professions, particularly in emergency rooms during the pandemic. As the author of The Oxygen Mask Principle and Emotional Flatline, Dr. Buchanan teaches self-care as a revolutionary act for working mothers, health care professionals, and high achievers.

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In addition to her work as a physician advocate and ambassador with the Lorna Breen Foundation, her work extends to coaching and consulting, focusing on helping physicians navigate burnout and preventing burnout in medical students and residents. She strives to keep more physicians practicing. Dr. Buchanans mission is to help people break free from burnout, prioritize self-care, and live with purpose.

Dr. Buchanan is the founder of Strong Medicine and can be contacted for coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements. She can also be reached on TikTok and Instagram.
As American manufacturers and production companies are caught in the ongoing trade war, many concerns regarding tariffs and production have arisen.

Ahead of his virtual town hall on Wednesday evening, U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden met with La Crosse-area manufacturing and production business leaders to discuss the impacts of recent federal policy and the concerns of many constituents.

The big elephant in the room is, you know, whats going on right now at the federal level, and theres a lot of uncertainty for businesses, said Van Orden. Its been less than 100 days. There is a plan in place to get a level playing field for our manufacturers and farmers, and everybody here.

In attendance at the roundtable were a wide variety of local industry leaders, with representatives from 19 organizations in the community, from energy companies such as Dairyland Power Cooperative to manufacturing companies like Mid-City Steel.

Many raised concerns about uncertainty regarding federal trade policy.

There is uncertainty right now, and I understand it completely, said Van Orden. When America has a level playing field, we will dominate any industry  so thats whats taking place.

Van Orden said a framework is being established regarding foreign trade.

Seventy-seven individual countries have approached the executive branch to negotiate trade deals with the United States, and two days ago, they announced that there is a framework negotiation for trade with India, which is huge, said Van Orden. That framework is getting set up so we can export them dairy products, lentils, wheat.  I want to sell them Wisconsin cheese, I want to sell them cranberries, I want to sell them lentils, but right now, the Indian government has not been willing to open up their markets.

Your benefits will not be cut by a nickel

Van Orden also spoke out against many of the other concerns and fears that people have had since the Trump presidency began, such as cuts to federal programs, calling Democrats liars and accusing them of fearmongering.

The same people that told everybody during the last budget cycle that Republicans were cutting Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, WIC, SNAP and veterans benefits  they lied to you because none of those got cut, said Van Orden. The Democrat Party, they have nothing to offer policy-wise, so theyve been lying and fearmongering.

The fears for many American citizens regarding cuts to these programs stem from the federal budget, which anticipates major expenditure cuts from the agencies across the board, including the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The Republican House Budget resolution directed the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut $880 billion from its expenditures over the next decade. The committee oversees Medicaid, Medicare, and the Childrens Health Insurance Program, among others, and over the next 10 years is projected to spend $8.8 trillion funding those programs.

Republicans have said they are not interested in cuts to Medicare. However, without some impact on Medicaid or Medicare, it is unclear how the committee can find $880 billion in cuts.

Despite calls for massive cuts to the federal budget and to the agencies that distribute these funds, Van Orden said people should not be fearful about receiving benefits.

If youre an American citizen that is lawfully receiving benefits from the federal government, your benefits will not be cut by a nickel, said Van Orden. I dont appreciate people fearmongering with seniors, with our folks that have handicaps, with our hungry children  I dont appreciate that.

Elections and billionaire donors

In the beginning of April, the long-fought political battle for the Wisconsin Supreme Court between liberal judge Susan Crawford and conservative judge Brad Schimel came to an end.

The race was the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history, with Crawford raising about $28 million and Schimel raising about $15 million, but total spending on the race exceeded $100 million.

The Democratic Party hyper-focused on a Supreme Court race in the state of Wisconsin  because they want to influence the election, said Van Orden. They want to disenfranchise 77 million Americans and 1.7 million Wisconsinites that voted for Donald Trump to have four years to effectively govern.

The race was heavily influenced by billionaire donors, namely George Soros, who backed Crawford, and Elon Musk, who backed Schimel. Van Orden attacked billionaire donors who supported the liberal judge.

Elon Musk is a shiny object that everybody wants to poke with, said Van Orden, when asked about Musk giving million-dollar checks to Schimel and Trump supporters.

Musk spent over $20 million through the state Republican Party and through PAC money. Soros donated $2 million to the state Democratic Party.

Van Orden said he believes the effort to keep the states Supreme Court liberal majority was to disenfranchise 1.7 million Wisconsinites that voted for Donald Trump.

The win for Crawford could potentially pose a threat to Van Ordens hold over the 3rd Congressional District, as top Democratic figures have said congressional districts in Wisconsin could be redrawn through a court ruling, although Crawford has not commented on that herself.

Town halls

Van Orden has been highly criticized for not meeting with constituents in person, but has instead hosted virtual town halls.

Ive done six town halls in six weeks, said Van Orden. That tells me theres a lot of people that dont really care what the subject is or the questions that are going to be answered. They just want to muckrake because they have nothing to offer.

Over the past few months, groups and organizations have invited Van Orden to town halls to speak with concerned constituents, but he has declined the invitations.

Van Orden most recently declined an event invitation from the left-wing organization, Opportunity Wisconsin, in La Crosse on Tuesday, which 2nd Congressional District Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democrat, attended.

Opportunity Wisconsin is a dark money George Soros-funded organization, who one of the people that Im currently running against is on their board of directors, said Van Orden. What these people are doing is going around the country, agitating, and they really, truly do not want any answers. No one has ever taken me up and actually set up a personal phone call.
23:54 Top security brass discusses JK, internal security File image Top security officers of the country on Thursday closeted here for an hour at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, sources said. Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, R&AW chief Ravi Sinha and a few other senior security officials attended the meeting... Read more >

23:44 Pahalgam attack: Seema Haider under deportation fear Seema Haider, who made it to the headlines when she left Pakistan to marry her Indian lover, faces fresh scrutiny now that the Centre has ordered all citizens of that country to leave India before the month ends, in retaliation to Pahalgam attack. Seema, who was already married back home in... Read more >

23:33 Kolkata police arrest 8 with arms, ammunition The Special Task Force of the Kolkata police on Thursday arrested eight members of a gang following the seizure of firearms and ammunition from their possession in Anandapur area in Kolkata, an officer said. Acting on intelligence inputs, the sleuths of the STF along with Commando force of... Read more >

23:14 Manipur bandh called tomorrow over custodial death, prohibitory orders imposed File image The Manipur government on Thursday imposed prohibitory orders in parts of Imphal East district ahead of a 24-hour statewide bandh called to protest the alleged custodial death of a 27-year-old man earlier this month. A Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the custodial death... Read more >

22:56 More than 500 tourists from Maharashtra return from Kashmir More than 500 tourists from Maharashtra have returned to the state in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, officials said on Thursday evening, adding that another 232 tourists would arrive by a special flight on Friday. Six tourists from Maharashtra were among the 26 persons killed... Read more >

22:18 Kashmiri students in Dehradun receive threats Days after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, Hindu Raksha Dal on Thursday issued online threats to Kashmiri students living in Dehradun, asking them to leave the state immediately. Scared by the threats issued through videos floating on social media platforms, the... Read more >

22:07 Pakistan foreign minister postpones Dhaka visit The terrorist attack site in Pahalgam, J-K/ANI Photo Pakistan's deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has postponed his planned Dhaka visit next week amid escalation of tensions between his country and India following the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Owing to unforeseen circumstances, the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister... Read more >

21:55 IT professional beaten to death in Kolkata for resisting molestation of live-in partner An IT professional died after being allegedly beaten by anti-social elements in Kolkata's New Town when he confronted them for molesting his live-in partner, the police said on Thursday.Two persons have been arrested for their alleged assault that led to the death of Sanket Chattopadhyay, police... Read more >

21:52 Ambani offers free treatment to those injured in Pahalgam attack Billionaire Mukesh Ambani on Thursday offered free treatment to those injured in the barbaric terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, saying terrorism is an enemy of humanity. Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Ltd, in a statement said all injured will be offered... Read more >

21:08 Tourist from Bengal goes missing while trekking in Sikkim File image A tourist from West Bengal was missing while trekking towards Goechala, a popular high-altitude destination in West Sikkim, police said on Thursday.The tourist was identified as Sandeep Roy (31) from Kadamtala, Ranidunga, West Bengal. He was reported missing since April 21, they said.According to... Read more >

21:05 IAF carries out Exercise Akraman with Rafales, Su-30s File image The Indian Air Force is carrying out Exercise Aakraman (Attack) over a large area in the central sector involving its mainstream fighter aircraft fleets led by the Rafale combat aircraft. The Indian Air Force operates two squadrons of the Rafale aircraft which are based out of Ambala... Read more >

20:20 All-party meet underway, govt briefs leaders on Pahalgam PM Narendra Modi chairs a meeting of the CCS in New Delhi on Wednesday/ANI Photo The government on Thursday briefed leaders of various political parties on the Pahalgam terror attack and heard their views at an all-party meeting in New Delhi. At the beginning of the meeting, a moment of silence was observed for the victims of the attack. Defence Minister Rajnath... Read more >

19:52 Rape accused opens fire at police in UP's Sonbhadra, held A man, arrested for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl of the Scheduled Caste community, opened fire at the police on Thursday, officials said. The accused, Manjar Khan, was injured in the leg after the police fired in retaliation, they said. Circle officer Amit Kumar said that a... Read more >

19:40 Army chief Gen Dwivedi to visit Srinagar tomorrow Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi is travelling to Srinagar to carry out a comprehensive review of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Top Army Commanders will brief Gen Dwivedi on various... Read more >

19:20 AI flights to take alternative route due to Pak curbs Air India on Thursday said its flights connecting North America, the UK, Europe and the Middle East are likely to take an alternative extended route due to Pakistan airspace restrictions. Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan due to the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan on... Read more >

19:05 Rupee gains 16 paise to settle at 85.29 against US dollar After a two-day pause, the rupee gained 16 paise to 85.29 (provisional) against the US dollar on Thursday, on weak greenback and overnight decline in crude oil prices. Forex traders said the rupee strengthened on the weak US dollar and overnight decline in crude oil prices amid slowing US... Read more >

18:32 India briefs foreign envoys on Pahalgam terror attack India on Thursday briefed envoys of the US, the UK, France, China, Russia, Germany and several other countries on the Pahalgam terror attack and its link to cross-border terrorism, people familiar with the matter said. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri apprised the diplomats about various... Read more >

18:24 Odisha to initiate action against infiltrators staying in state: Minister Odisha law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan/Courtesy X Odisha law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Thursday said the government will soon initiate required action against infiltrators staying for long in the state. A discussion with the chief minister has already been made in regard to the presence of infiltrators and required action will be... Read more >

18:10 CISF takes over security of Mizoram Lengpui Airport The Central Industrial Security Force on Thursday officially took over the security of Lengpui Airport, Mizoram's lone domestic airport located about 35 km from state capital Aizawl. Mizoram being sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh, Lengpui airport is a vital link for India's Act East... Read more >

17:34 Pak detains BSF jawan who crossed over by mistake File pic Pakistan Rangers detains BSF jawan who accidentally crossed Punjab border; flag meeting on between two forces for early release: Officials.Pakistan on Thursday blocked its airspace for Indian airlines, closed the Wagah border crossing, suspended all trade with India, and said any attempt to... Read more >

17:23 Stock markets decline after 7-day rally Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Thursday amid profit-taking after a seven-day rally and disappointing earnings from Hindustan Unilever. Selling in blue-chips ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel and a largely muted trend in Asian and European equities also dragged the markets... Read more >

17:11 MEA briefs foreign envoys on Pahalgam The Ministry of External Affairs briefed selected envoys of G20 countries, including China and Canada on the Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes. Picture alongside shows ambassadors leaving from the office of the ministry. Read more >

17:02 Shah, Jaishankar meet Prez Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Read more >

16:58 Hero ponywallah was shot four times Ravisa, the sister of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who died in the Pahalgam terror attack while trying to save tourists says: Our family is devastated. I was in grief when I came to know about my brother. He earned Rs 300 per day. He used to give horse rides to tourists. That day, he said he was not... Read more >

16:57 Stopping water under Indus Treaty is act of war: Pak A Pahalgam attack victim's family grieves at his funeral Just in: Pakistan blocks airspace for Indian airlines, closes Wagah border crossing. Pakistan 'rejects' Indian decision to suspend Indus Water Treaty after Pahalgam terror attack, says it's lifeline for 240 mn Pakistanis. Any attempt to divert or stop water meant for Pakistan under Indus... Read more >

16:39 'Did Pakistan Army Chief's speech act as a dog whistle?' Family members of Sanjay Lele mourn his death Security analyst and journalist, Nitin Gokhale posts on X: Now that the first 48 hours after the Pahalgam massacre have elapsed and emotions have subsided a bit, it is time to convey some of the concerns felt by me and many of my followers, readers, viewers, acquaintances. 1. Was the... Read more >

16:29 'Terrorists took selfies, had head mounted cameras' Sushil Nathaniel is laid to rest A 25-year-old man from Indore, whose father was shot dead in front of his eyes during the terror attack in Pahalgam town of south Kashmir, on Thursday said the gunmen included minor boys who had cameras mounted on their heads. Terrorists attacked Baisaran, a prominent tourist spot in... Read more >

16:14 India suspends visas for Pakistanis with immediate effect Protests against Pakistan in Jammu Statement from the MEA: In continuation of the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Security in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Government of India has decided to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals with immediate effect. All existing valid visas issued by... Read more >

16:05 Owaisi to attend all-party meeting after Amit Shah's invitation AIMIM chief Assaduddin Owaisi will attend the all-party meeting on the Pahalgam terrorist attack at the parliament after Union Home Minister Amit Shah invited him over a phone call.Addressing the press conference, Owaisi said that Amit Shah has invited him to attend the meeting, and he will book... Read more >

15:39 For our tomorrows... GOC, WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks salute braveheart Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, who made the supreme sacrifice during a counter terror operation. His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of... Read more >

15:27 What remains in Baisaran Scattered shoes lie buried in wet mud on the track leading to Baisaran meadow in the aftermath of the horrific terror attack which took place there on the 22nd of April, claiming the lives of 26 people. Read more >

15:25 Pak nationals flock to Attari-Wagah border to return home This man and his wife were going to Pakistan to attend a wedding Several Pakistani nationals visiting India started returning home through the Attari-Wagah land route in Amritsar on Thursday, a day after the Centre set a 48-hour deadline for them to leave the country. The Centre on Wednesday announced a raft of measures, including expulsion of Pakistani... Read more >

15:20 He left for Kashmir with a smile: IB officer's dad grieves IB officer Manish Ranjan's wife with her children I don't want to speak please leave me alone, those were the only words Intelligence Bureau officer Manish Ranjan's father Manglesh Kumar Mishra could muster, his voice cracking under the weight of unspeakable loss.A retired school headmaster from Jhalda in West Bengal's Purulia district, he stood... Read more >

15:18 I heard gunshots, asked my father what it was: Survivor Protests in Jammu Two days after the Pahlagam terror attack, Arathi, an eye witness and daughter of N Ramachandran, a victim of the Pahalgam attack on Thursday gave details about the incident and mentioned that people had started running when they heard the gunshots and there was a chaos. On hearing a... Read more >

15:07 Kanpur man killed in Pahalgam terror attack cremated with full state honours Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman from Kanpur who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, was cremated at his native village with full state honours on Thursday morning, officials said. The cremation was attended by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet ministers Yogendra Upadhyay and Rakesh... Read more >

14:35 Not a single security person was present: Wife of victim People pay their respects to the victims in Mumbai Two days after the heartbreaking Pahalgam attack, Shital Kalathiya, wife of Shailesh Kalathiya, one among the 26 victims, remembering the details of the incident said that they had just reached the top of Mini Switzerland and had sat down for a meal when they heard the firing. We had just... Read more >

14:19 Pak actor's 'Abir Gulal' not to release in India: Sources Pakistani actor Fawad Khan starrer 'Abir Gulal' will not be allowed to release in India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, government sources said on Thursday. The action comes in the wake of boycott calls for the film, which was the comeback vehicle for Fawad Khan in Hindi films. The... Read more >

14:15 Attack masterminded by Pak, BJP exploiting it: CWC The Congress on Thursday said the 'cowardly' Pahalgam attack has been masterminded by Pakistan and is a direct assault on the 'values of our republic', even as it accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of exploiting the tragedy to promote discord and polarisation at a time when unity is most... Read more >

13:31 Punishment bigger than they can imagine: PM on Pahalgam More on what the PM is saying on the Pahalgam terror attack at a rally in Bihar: On April 22, terrorists killed innocent people of the country in J&K's Pahalgam. The country is sad and in pain after this incident. We stand with the families of the victims. I want to say in very clear words... Read more >

13:20 Will identify, trace, punish terrorists & backers: PM On the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 dead, PM Modi makes his first public statement: Today, on the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world, India will identify, trace and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be... Read more >

12:47 'My husband was the first to be shot at Baisaran' Shubham Dwivedi's wife As the nation bids farewell to its loved ones who lost their lives in the Pahalagam terror attack, survivors of the attack that took place in the Baisaran valley meadow on April 22 recollect the horrific ordeal.Eshanaay, wife of Shubham Dwivedi, one of the 26 victims, said that they had sat down... Read more >

12:21 Peak rush at Baisaran from 1-3 pm, attack was at 2:30 pm The body of Hemant Joshi being brought home The terror attack at the remote Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam on Tuesday was a calibrated strike with terrorists having already scouted the area and assessed when it would have the maximum number of tourists.Read more here. Read more >

12:12 Spandana Sphoorty CEO resigns; CFO takes over Shalabh Saxena, managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO), Spandana Sphoorty Financial Limited (SSFL) has resigned with immediate effect, even as the loss-making non-banking financial company working as a micro finance institution is battling the ongoing microfinance... Read more >

12:08 Former Tesla hand steers Zeno Motors into India's e-motorcycle race Ola Electric's e-motorcycle New York-headquartered Zeno Motors -- founded by ex-Tesla top executive Michael Spencer -- is set to challenge Ola Electric in the country's electric motorcycle market. The company, operating from Bengaluru, has already started the homologation process for its electric motorcycle, powered by... Read more >

12:04 BluSmart appoints Grant Thornton for forensic audit Electric cab service BluSmart has appointed Grant Thornton to conduct a forensic audit of its operations, following a regulatory probe into alleged financial misconduct by co-founder Anmol Jaggi, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The move comes after the Securities and Exchange Board of India... Read more >

11:58 Swiss visa rejection led Lt Narwal to nightmare honeymoon Jammu and Kashmir was not on the original list of honeymoon locations for Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and his wife Himanshi. The duo planned to go Switzerland, but when their visa was rejected, they ended up at Pahalgam instead. Six days after tying the knot, their idyllic holiday in 'mini... Read more >

11:46 Your voice is anyway too loud: Rijiju told Owaisi about not being called for meet AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on being snubbed for the all-party meeting today. Regarding the Pahalgam All Party Meeting, I spoke to @KirenRijiju last night. He said they're thinking of inviting only parties with 5 or 10 MPs.' When I asked why not parties with fewer MPs, he said that the... Read more >

11:30 'I brought Lt Narwal to ambulance, lied to wife he was OK' Irshad Ahmad President of Pahalgam ATV stand, Irshad Ahmad, on helping the security forces in rescue efforts following the Pahalgam attack: Initially, we took the bikes and went home. Then we received a call that the situation is normal and we have to go for rescue. We took all our bikes to Baisaran valley... Read more >

11:20 Omar in touch with state govts over harassment of Kashmiris Protests in Jammu over the Pahalgam terror attack. Pic: ANI Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said his government was in touch with governments of states where Kashmiris were allegedly being harassed in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.The J&K government is in touch with the governments of the states where these... Read more >

11:01 Army jawan killed in ongoing encounter in Udhampur Representational image A statement from the Army's White Knight Corps: Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched today in Basantgarh, Udhampur. Contact was established, and a fierce firefight ensued. One of our Bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial... Read more >

10:57 IB officer shot in Pahalgam wanted to take parents to Vaishnodevi Tourists board a train to leave Srinagar Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Manish Ranjan, who was killed in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, had planned to take his parents to the Vaishno Devi shrine after returning from this vacation, one of his friends recounted. Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, who was at the Ranchi airport... Read more >

10:48 Shaitan Singh's bride awaits him in Pakistan Shaitan Singh, a Rajasthan citizen, who was scheduled to cross the Attari border to enter Pakistan for his wedding today, says, What the terrorists have done is wrong. We are not being allowed to go (to Pakistan) as the border is closed. Let us see what will happen now. The Union Government... Read more >

10:35 Pak to carry out surface-to-surface missile test Pakistan has issued a notification to carry out a surface-to-surface missile test off its Karachi coast along its coastline within its Exclusive Economic Zone on April 24-25. Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close watch on all the developments: Defence sources. Read more >

10:13 Pune grandpa worked hard, then a rare trip to Pahalgam... People pay their last respects to the mortal remains of a Pahalgam victim Pune resident Kaustubh Ganbote worked hard all his life to set up and expand his snacks business, but his rare trip with his wife to Pahalgam in Kashmir to relax and enjoy family time in the lap of nature ended in a tragedy. Ganbote, who recently became a grandfather, and his close friend... Read more >

09:49 'Pak army chief just like Osama Bin Laden' Pak army chief Asim Munir Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, has called for the United States to officially label Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism. He also pointed to Pakistan's Army Chief, Asim Munir,... Read more >

09:43 'Said he was a Christian, was shot dead' A pall of gloom has descended on the Nathaniel household in Indore as the mortal remains of Sushil Nathaniel were taken for the last rites. A resident of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Sushil Nathaniel, who worked as a branch manager for LIC, was killed, with his daughter Akanksha sustaining bullet... Read more >

09:16 'We are ashamed,' Pahalgam Hotels and Owners' Association President of Pahalgam Hotels and Owners Association, Javeed Burza, condemned the April 22 dastardly attack by terrorists in which 26 people were killed in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed grief over the incident.Speaking with ANI, Burza said, I condemn this inhuman act. Innocent people... Read more >

09:04 Pahalgam attack: Centre to brief all-party leaders The Centre will brief leaders of various political parties on the Pahalgam terror attack and hear their views at an all-party meeting to be held on Thursday evening.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to brief the leaders, official sources said.Singh will... Read more >

08:55 Action should be so severe...: Pahalgam victim's father Sanjay Dwivedi, a resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is still grappling with the loss of his son, Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.According to Dwivedi, his son, along with his wife and sister-in-law, had visited a scenic spot known as... Read more >

02:31 Pahalgam victims cremated in Maharashtra Dilip Desale's cremation in New Panvel, Maharashtra Thousands of people on Wednesday evening attended the last rites of the three residents of Dombivli in Maharashtra's Thane district who were killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The mortal remains of Sanjay Lele (50), Hemant Joshi (45) and Atul Mone (43), who were cousins, were flown... Read more >

00:21 Over 500 tourists from Pune stranded in J-K, , many want to return immediately More than 500 tourists from Pune are currently in Jammu and Kashmir and efforts are underway to arrange special flights for those who wish to return in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the district administration said on Wednesday evening. Speaking to PTI from Srinagar,... Read more >
The Society of European Journalists & Communication Professionals in Asia (JOCPA) has condemned the detention of two journalists from All About Macau, calling the act a serious threat to press freedom and the right to information in Macau.

The journalists were detained last Thursday by the Public Security Police (PSP) after being denied entry to cover the presentation of the 2025 Policy Address by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Andre Cheong, on allegations of disrupting and obstructing the legislature and illegal filming.

In its official statement, JOCPA stressed that the reporters were fulfilling their professional duty by seeking access to a public legislative session, which it described as an event of clear public interest.

Josep Solano, president of the Society of European Journalists & Communication Professionals in Asia (JOCPA), described the incident as a grave attack on press freedom and a warning sign of growing authoritarianism in the region.

The group urges Macau authorities to drop all charges against the journalists, ensure their safety, and immediately restore full access to public institutions for all accredited media outlets, regardless of their format or frequency of publication. Staff Reporter
The Soviet Union has announced the catastrophic failure of its latest space mission, with the crash of Soyuz 1 and the death of the cosmonaut on board.

Colonel Vladimir Komarov, 40, is the first known victim of a space flight. He was an experienced cosmonaut, on his second flight, and had completed all his experiments successfully before returning to Earth.

But within seconds of landing, just after he re-entered the Earths atmosphere, the strings of the parachute intended to slow his descent apparently became tangled.

The spaceship hurtled to the ground from four miles up. It is likely that Colonel Komarov was killed instantly on impact.

A message of condolence from the Communist Party in Moscow described him as a loyal son of our motherland and a courageous explorer of space.

He has been decorated posthumously with a second Gold Star for heroism, and his ashes will be buried at the Kremlin wall  one of the highest honours accorded to a Soviet citizen.

News of the death of Colonel Komarov was greeted with regret and concern in the United States. The head of the US space programme, James Webb, called for greater cooperation in space exploration.

The team of 47 American astronauts working at Houston in Texas sent a telegram of condolence to their Russian rivals.

The announcement from Moscow gave few details surrounding events leading up to the disaster, and there remain a number of mysteries surrounding the last moments of the doomed flight.

The Soyuz 1 is known to be a new and heavier type of spacecraft, built as part of the Soviet attempt to land a man on the Moon, and Colonel Komarov was thought to be testing it when the disaster happened.

Correspondents in Moscow had indications that all was not well with the flight from as early as yesterday, when earlier reports on Moscow Radio suddenly stopped and there was no mention of the space flight for nearly 13 hours.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

It is now thought that the Soyuz 1 space flight had been dogged by problems from the beginning, and that the craft was not ready for manned flight.

But objections from the engineers were overruled by political pressures for a series of space feats to mark the anniversary of Lenins birthday.

The Soviet Union continued to dominate the space race for another two years, until the United States put the first man on the Moon with the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, Russia and the United States have increasingly pooled resources and technology in space.

The two nations now share a joint permanent home in space, the International Space Station, launched in 2000. It replaced the last symbol of the Soviet space programme, the space station Mir, which was allowed to fall back to Earth in 2001.
China announced yesterday the members of a three-person crew that will be launched to its space station as part of its growing exploration of space.

The Shenzhou 20 missions astronauts are Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, Lin Xiqiang, deputy director general of China Manned Space Agency. They will replace three astronauts currently on the Chinese space station. Like those before them, they will stay there for roughly six months.

The three will launch for space tonight in China, from Jiuquan, on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwestern China.

The three-person crew were sent in October last year and have been in space for 175 days, said Lin.

Chen Dong, who previously served on the Shenzhou 11 and Shenzhou 14 missions, is the group leader, while his two crewmates will be making their first trips to space. Chen Zhongrui was an air force pilot and Wang Jie, an engineer with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

I feel incomparable pride and accomplishment to go to space for my country again, Chen Dong told reporters yesterday. Each journey to space is unparalleled, Im looking forward to gaining more experience and more breakthroughs through this flight.

Chen Dong led construction of the space station during the Shenzhou 14 mission. MDT/AP
The Education and Youth Development Bureau, in collaboration with over 90 organizations, has organized a series of activities to mark the 106th anniversary of the May Fourth Movement, aiming to promote and preserve the spirit of May Fourth. A forum at the Macao University of Tourism will invite experts, scholars, and industry leaders to discuss the mission and future of local youth in preserving and innovating the May Fourth spirit. Campus seminars will be held in 10 to 15 schools across Macau from April to June, with approximately 1,000 students expected to participate.

Related
The government plans to launch a comprehensive vocational training platform later this year, allowing job seekers to access all necessary resources in one convenient location.

In a Q&A Policy Address of the Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip yesterday, lawmaker Ella Lei voiced her concerns about the governments strategy for implementing the local employment priority policy, a crucial focus of the current administration.

She questioned the effectiveness of the governments current mechanism in achieving this goal. She noted that earlier, when large construction sites opened, hundreds of workers left their jobs. Local workers who completed a site faced long waits for job applications, interviews, skills tests, and notifications, often taking several months.

In contrast, non-resident workers could immediately begin work on the next construction site with the same employer after finishing their previous assignment.

In response, Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) director Chan Un Tong stated that the employment of non-resident workers is a strategic policy aimed at addressing the shortage of local labor.

He emphasized that the carefully managed introduction of non-resident workers, particularly skilled professionals, is essential in the current economic landscape to support the growth of new key industries and provide valuable guidance.

From January of last year to last month, Chans bureau, in collaboration with various joint operations to combat illegal employment, conducted 741 inspections.

As a result, 738 individuals were penalized for illegal employment activities, and the employment permits of 10 non-resident workers were revoked.

To address concerns raised by several lawmakers about local employment, Secretary Tai announced that the government will launch a comprehensive vocational training platform this year.

This initiative aims to consolidate training resources from various sectors, including community organizations, tertiary education institutions, and government entities, along with a variety of training programs and certification exams.

According to Tai, the platform will prioritize employment quality by understanding the specific needs of Macau residents in their job search, particularly the positions they aspire to pursue.

During the job transition process, it will take into account the necessary qualifications and certifications, including those from local, international, and mainland China sources. By integrating resources through this platform, targeted courses will be provided for workers to enroll in, designed to accommodate their needs for flexible, continuing education, thereby enhancing their competitiveness.

Tai emphasized the need for stronger problem-solving skills among local youths: They have undergone a significant amount of theoretical training. Whether they spend four years in university, three years for a bachelors degree, add two years for a masters, or even pursue a PhD, it all amounts to theoretical knowledge.

This poses a challenge for young people and those in training regarding their problem-solving abilities. Regardless of their field of study, after receiving higher education, they often struggle to apply their knowledge to real-world situations, which requires practical experience.

He urged employers to offer relevant internship opportunities while the government provides corresponding training courses.

Chan added that a new round of career development internship programs for local residents and fresh graduates will be launched in June.
The government has announced plans to increase maternity leave and annual holidays, with these changes expected to be implemented this year.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip stated yesterday: We have established a timetable for implementing increases to maternity leave and annual holidays. This year, we aim to conduct research to accelerate progress in line with the governments overall Policy Address. Our focus will be on understanding citizens demands for improved labor rights and comparing the capacities of local small and medium-sized enterprises with those in other regions.

He emphasized that the unpredictable nature of the international situation requires ongoing observation and thorough analysis for effective planning.

The key priority is to focus on the capacities of local businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, he said.

The Secretary pledged during yesterdays Legislative Assembly (AL) Q&A session that the government will actively engage with legislators and all sectors of society, conduct a thorough assessment, and craft plans that reflect their insights and needs.

In line with the amendments to the Labor Relations Law in 2020, female employees in Macau are now entitled to 70 days of paid maternity leave. Employers who have provided or will provide eligible female employees with 70 days of leave between March 26, 2023, and December 31 this year, may apply for government subsidies. The maximum subsidy amount will be equivalent to 14 days of the employees basic salary.

As a supplement, Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) director Chan Un Tong reported that from the launch of the scheme on October 29 last year to last month, the bureau received 76 applications for subsidies for 14 days of maternity leave. Of these, 48 were approved, resulting in a total disbursement of MOP440,000.

He also announced that public consultations on increasing annual and maternity leave would be conducted promptly, seeking input from both employers and employees through the Standing Committee for the Coordination of Social Affairs.

Additionally, research will be undertaken to assess the sustainability of maternity leave subsidies.
The portfolio of the Secretary for Economy and Finance has taken over leadership of the governments revitalization projects for six community areas, building on the foundation established by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture last year, and will spearhead the revitalization efforts starting this year.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip emphasized during a Legislative Assembly (AL) Q&A session on the 2025 Policy Address that promoting appropriate economic diversification remains the top priority for the sector.

He went on to announce that, under his offices leadership, a task force has been established to oversee the implementation of commitments made by the citys six gaming concessionaires to actively develop non-gaming projects.

Among these commitments is the governments revitalization project, part of a broader agreement made by the concessionaires when they signed new 10-year contracts in 2023.

Over the past year, relevant public entities, particularly the Cultural Affairs Bureau, have led the efforts for the revitalization and development of the six districts, with support from the Secretary for Economy and Finances office. However, under this administration, it has been decided that the Secretary for Economy and Finances office will take charge of overseeing the development of these districts, coordinating and advancing related initiatives, said Tai.

He also noted that the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture will instead provide comprehensive assistance.

The changes are aimed at optimizing the overall business environment in the districts, according to the Secretary.

The government will initially partner with the six integrated resort (IR) operators to review the development initiatives carried out over the past year.

Tai stated that their goal is to enhance the positioning of community commercial districts, deepen the exploration of community humanities, culture, and memory, and effectively integrate these efforts with the governments top-level planning and multi-party participation.

In response to questions from several lawmakers, Tai emphasized that the government is an auxiliary body responsible for promoting and coordinating interdepartmental administrative procedures and approvals.

He expressed his hope that, in terms of community development, the government would leverage successful experiences from around the world and adopt a top-down approach, with local community organizations taking the lead.

Tai reiterated the governments goal of transforming the six districts into unique commercial hubs that attract residents and tourists, encouraging them to visit, spend, and enjoy themselves, thereby fostering local economic development.

He emphasized the importance of integrating efforts from all stakeholders, including small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to enhance district development and improve the citys overall appearance.
Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chiu Chui-cheng recently announced a new long-term residency option for residents of Macau and Hong Kong, accompanied by a heightened national security observation period.

Speaking at the Taipei Technology Run event, Chiu explained that the new residency track would allow Macau and Hong Kong residents to apply for long-term residency in Taiwan, similar to the permanent residency system available to other foreign nationals.

However, the application process will now include stricter national security evaluations to ensure Taiwans safety amid increasing political tensions.

The revised policy was made on the grounds of national security.

Chiu emphasized that the extended national security observation period is necessary to better vet applicants and monitor cross-border movement.

This policy revision follows the regions leader Lai Ching-tes 17-point national security strategy aimed at countering Chinese infiltration.

We have added a national security observation period to ensure comprehensive security. This provides an additional option for Hong Kong residents and offers greater protection for our citizens, said Chiu.

Additionally, the official warned about the risks of traveling to Macau, Hong Kong and China, and urging Taiwanese citizens to register with the MAC before departure due to ongoing security concerns.

Data from the MAC shows a 22% increase in the number of Hong Kong and Macau residents granted residency, rising from 1,659 in 2023 to 2,024 in 2024. Staff Reporter
Security has been beefed up across Indian-controlled Kashmir a day after an attack killed at least 26 people, most of them tourists, as Indian forces launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of one of the deadliest attacks in the restive Himalayan region.

As investigators began probing the attack, many shops and businesses in Kashmir closed to protest the killings following a call from the regions religious and political parties.

Tens of thousands of armed police and soldiers fanned out across the region and erected additional checkpoints. They searched cars and in some areas summoned former militants to police stations for questioning, reports said.

Police called the incident a terror attack and blamed militants fighting against Indian rule.

Kashmir Resistance, a previously unknown militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack in two messages on social media. The group said authorities had settled over 85,000 outsiders in the region and claimed that those targeted on Tuesday were not ordinary tourists but were linked to and affiliated with Indian security agencies.

The groups messages could not be independently verified.

Earlier this month, the local government told its legislature that 83,742 non-local Indians were granted domicile rights in Kashmir in the last two years.

Pakistan offers condolences and expresses concern

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi early yesterday.

Some Indian media and some commentators immediately blamed Islamabad for directing such attacks, while Pakistan extended condolences to the victims families.

We are concerned at the loss of tourists lives, Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Officials said 24 of the people killed were Indian tourists, one was from Nepal and one was a local tourist guide. At least 17 others were injured.

Separately, soldiers killed two suspected militants in a gunfight after they tried to cross into Indian side from Pakistan-controlled Kashmir in northwestern Baramulla district along the heavily militarized Line of Control dividing the region, the Indian army said in a statement on Wednesday. There was no independent confirmation of the incident.

Kashmir has seen tourism boom despite spate of attacks

Kashmir has seen a spate of deadly attacks on Hindus, including immigrant workers from Indian states, since New Delhi ended the regions semi-autonomy in 2019 and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms.

New Delhi has vigorously pushed tourism and the region has drawn millions of visitors to its Himalayan foothills and exquisitely decorated houseboats. Officials have claimed that as a sign of normalcy returning, despite the presence of ubiquitous security checkpoints, armored vehicles and patrolling soldiers. Until Tuesday, tourists were not targeted.

Following the attack, panicked tourists started to leave Kashmir.

Monojit Debnath, from the Indian city of Kolkata, said Kashmir was undoubtedly beautiful but his family did not feel secure anymore.

We are tourists, and we should think about what safety we have here for us, Debnath told the Press Trust of India news agency as he was leaving Srinagar, the regions main city, with his family.

Its heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterdays tragic terror attack, Omar Abdullah, the regions top elected official, wrote on social media. But at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave.

Indian home minister visits

On Wednesday, Indias powerful home minister Amit Shah attended a ceremony at a police control room in Srinagar, where the slain tourists were paid floral tributes. He also met families of several victims.

Shah vowed to come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences.

Later, Shah visited the site of the killing at Baisaran meadow, some 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the resort town of Pahalgam.

The meadow in Pahalgam is a popular destination, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dotted with pine forests. It is visited by hundreds of tourists every day.

Meanwhile, security officials intensified operations to search for the attackers and the Indian army said in a statement that its efforts focused on bringing the attackers to justice.

The military used helicopters to search the forested mountains for signs of the attackers. AIJAZ HUSSAIN, SRINAGAR.
The Vatican opened St. Peters Basilica to the general public yesterday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, with thousands of people filling the central aisle and Swiss Guards standing at attention.

Francis body will lie in state in the basilica until Saturdays funeral and burial.

Francis died on Monday at age 88.

Earlier, the bells of St. Peters tolled as his body was transferred from the Vatican hotel where he lived into the basilica, escorted by a procession of solemn cardinals and Swiss Guards through the same piazza where the pontiff had greeted the faithful from his popemobile just days before in what became his final good-bye.

Pallbearers carried the simple wooden coffin on their shoulders through the Vaticans archway gates, out into St. Peters Square and into the basilica, the cardinals in their scarlet cassocks, bishops in their purple robes and the Swiss Guards in their golden and blue uniforms processing slowly behind.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is running the Vatican temporarily until a new pope is elected, led the procession, with clouds of incense preceding him as the church choir began chanting the Litany of Saints hymn. In pairs, the cardinals approached the casket, bowed and made a sign of the cross, followed by small groups of bishops, ushers, priests and nuns.

Heads of state are expected for Francis funeral Saturday, but the three days of public viewing in the basilica will allow ordinary Catholics to grieve the 88-year-old pope, who died Monday after suffering a stroke. The basilica was being kept open until midnight to accommodate the crowds, a mourning period that will end on Friday at 7 p.m., when Francis casket is closed and sealed.

Mourners in the piazza watched as Francis casket passed them by, along the same path the pope had travelled just days before, on Easter Sunday, in what became his final popemobile tour through the faithful. It was a surprise salute, which Francis decided at the last minute after being assured by his nurse he could do it despite his continued frail health from pneumonia.

Simplified rituals reflect Francis wishes

Francis death and funeral inaugurates a carefully orchestrated period of transition in the 1.4-billion strong Catholic Church, with cardinals gathering over the coming week before entering into a conclave, the secretive ritual voting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. There are 135 cardinals under age 80 and eligible to vote in the conclave, and the new pontiff will likely come from within their ranks. The conclave is not expected to begin before May 5.

Francis first lay in state in the Domus Santa Marta hotel in a private viewing for Vatican residents and the papal household. Images released by the Vatican on Tuesday showed Francis lying in an open casket, wearing the traditional pointed headdress of bishops and red robes, his hands folded over a rosary. The Vaticans No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was pictured praying by Francis.

Once inside the basilica, Francis casket wasnt put on an elevated bier  as was the case with past popes  but was just placed on an inclined ramp the main altar of the 16th-century basilica, facing the pews, with four Swiss Guards standing at attention by its side. It was in keeping with Francis own wishes for all the rituals surrounding a papal funeral to be simplified and reflect the popes role as a simple pastor, not a world leader.

Look kindly, Lord, on the life and works of your servant, our Pope Francis, Farrell said from the altar. Welcome him into the dwelling of perpetual light and peace and grant that your faithful people may follow fervently in his footsteps, bearing witness to the Gospel of Jesus.

Italian police have tightened security for the viewing and the funeral, carrying out foot and horse patrols around the Vatican, where pilgrims continued to arrive for the Holy Year celebrations that Francis opened in December. The faithful who walk through St. Peters Holy Door are granted indulgences, a way to help atone for sins.

For me, Pope Francis represents a great pastor, as well as a great friend to all of us, said Micale Sales, visiting St. Peters Basilica from Brazil.

I think he spread a positive message around the world, saying there shouldnt be any violence, there should be peace around the world, said Amit Kukreja, from Australia.

Planning for the conclave is now underway

The funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peters Square, and will be attended by leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy.

Cardinals are continuing their meetings this week to plan the conclave to elect Francis successor, make other decisions about running the Catholic Church as world leaders and the ordinary faithful grieve the pontiffs death.

Historys first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated many conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change. He last appeared in public on Sunday with an Easter blessing and popemobile tour through a cheering crowd in St. Peters Square.

He had some reservations about looping through the square packed with 50,000 faithful, Vatican News reported on Tuesday, but overcame them  and was thankful that he had greeted the crowd. He died the next morning.

The death of a pope is not a small thing, because weve lost our leader, said Julio Henrique from Brazil. But still, in a few days, we will have a new leader. So  the thing of hope remains. Who will assume Peters throne? COLLEEN BARRY & NICOLE WINFIELD, VATICAN CITY, MDT/AP
The head of the Department of Administration and leaders of the Universities of Wisconsin system defended their use of diversity, equity and inclusion measures to ensure Wisconsin is a quality employer and educator of college students during a hearing Wednesday.

The four-hour, 40-minute hearing at a meeting of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, often heated and contentious between lawmakers and Department of Administration Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld, followed a legislative audit report published earlier this month. UW system President Jay Rothman and UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin also testified in person about diversity programs on public college campuses.

The audit found the UW system spent $40.2 million on offices that relate in some way to diversity efforts in 2024. But university leaders decried those numbers as being not only outdated but also too broad, as the audit bureau lacked a specific definition of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The executive branch spent far less on diversity programming, with $2.2 million spent on salaries and $705,300 on programming, but it took the brunt of the tense questioning.

The hearing was billed as an opportunity to ask questions about how those millions of dollars were spent. But as the hearing dragged on, it became clear there was a fundamental disagreement about what diversity, equity and inclusion means, mirroring the audit bureaus difficulty in narrowing down the definition.

Republican lawmakers defined those initiatives as people of certain races, biological sex or other immutable characteristics being automatically guaranteed jobs and preference over others. Democratic lawmakers, the executive branch and the UW system see diversity initiatives creating a sense of belonging or improving recruiting efforts to find people who had not considered working for state government before.

Audit committee co-chair Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto, said in his opening remarks the UW system and the executive branch have improperly imposed diversity, equity and inclusion on the state, and in doing so participated in veiled discrimination.

Throughout the hearing, other Republicans decried such efforts as disgusting and racist, and cited the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that prohibits universities from considering race in admissions practices. President Donald Trumps administration has expanded its interpretation of that ruling to apply to all facets of government.

In recent decades, activists in critical theories became dissatisfied with results from noble civil rights nondiscrimination efforts, Wimberger said. DEI abandons our pursuit of a colorblind society. Instead, DEI demands stereotyping so that the individual might properly interact with others in another group with cultural competency.

Democrats pushed back, defending the states attempts to create more equitable workplaces and campuses, and fighting the idea that diversity efforts are discriminatory in nature.

Diversity, equity and inclusion isnt meant to be racist, Rep. Sequanna Taylor, D-Milwaukee, said. It is meant also to address things that have been systematically racial within systems for years.

Audit came on the heels of a deal

The report comes nearly a year after legislative Republicans approved an audit of diversity positions in the UW system and other state agencies along partisan lines.

Lawmakers ordered the report a few months after Rothman and Assembly Speaker Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, struck a deal in December 2023 trading the reclassification of some diversity employees for the approval of UW system priorities, such as UW-Madisons new engineering building and a $32 million workforce development plan.

The audit cost $423,000 to complete, state Auditor Joe Chrisman said Wednesday. At the Department of Administration, staff spent 660 hours complying with the audit, Blumenfeld said; Rothman estimated that 80 people spent thousands of hours compiling data for the audit and felt asking them to calculate an exact number would be a waste of employee time.

The bureau estimated how much the UW system and the executive branch spent on diversity efforts because neither agency tracks those costs itself, and some expenses were included that arent directly related to what the UW system and executive branch leaders consider diversity efforts. For example, the audit includes spending on the UW systems telehealth mental health services and federally mandated health insurance programs for international students. The direct spending on activities related to diversity, equity and inclusion came to about $8 million, while about $12.5 million was spent on salaries.

As part of their report, auditors gave further recommendations to the executive branch on how the state could improve its efforts as required by Gov. Tony Evers executive order requiring each agency to produce an equity and inclusion plan.

The report comes almost two months after the Trump administration sent out a Dear Colleague letter warning colleges and universities they would lose federal funding if they did not rid their campuses of vaguely defined efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion. At the hearing Wednesday, Rothman told lawmakers he believed the UW system was in full compliance with Trumps executive order.

It also follows an internal report UW-Madison released last month showing its former diversity chief, LaVar Charleston, improperly authorized thousands in bonuses and spent lavishly on reimbursements for trips. UW-Madison leaders demoted him in January before the internal review was complete and have since tightened controls on spending across the board.

Lawmakers asked Mnookin whether Charleston was still employed; he is, in his backup appointment, she said, as stipulated in his contract.

Sides coming from very different angles

Republican lawmakers focused on how people could be negatively affected by inclusive recruiting or hiring practices, or affinity groups. Blumenfeld, Rothman and Mnookin contended their practices increase retention of workers and students in areas beyond race and gender, including people with disabilities, veterans, and people of diverse political views.

Lawmakers also quizzed Blumenfeld and Rothman on how they defined culture and systemic racism.

Republicans also questioned why the state was spending millions on diversity, equity and inclusion if the states and the UW systems efforts were simply about more robust recruiting efforts and instilling respect in the workplace.

Also at issue during the hearing were executive branch responsibilities to comply with employment law and the American Disabilities Act. Multiple times, Blumenfeld and department Legislative Advisor Cara Connors stated they were following state law.

Diversity initiatives have not always been the partisan lightning rod they are today. Blumenfeld pointed out a 2017 brochure from an agency committee that explicitly mentions diversity and equity, from Republican Gov. Scott Walkers tenure.

This brochure demonstrates the intertwining affirmative action work, nondiscrimination work and DEI practices is not a concept that originated with (Evers executive order), Blumenfeld said. As this audit and our response demonstrates, we are continuing to meet the letter of the law, as well as our responsibilities as a major employer and an employer of choice.
TWIN FALLS  A special prosecutor will not file charges against a deputy involved in a fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in December.

Twin Falls County deputies were dispatched at 4:45 p.m. Dec. 19 to a home near Filer in response to a 911 call regarding an aggravated battery with a weapon, according to the sheriffs office.

The 911 call, released by the sheriffs office, is tense and a boy can be heard telling an emergency dispatcher that his brother has a knife.

Yelling is heard in the background and, at one point, the boy says he is being stabbed. He and a woman, who was also stabbed, later retreat to a car in the driveway.

The suspect then attacked the vehicle with exercise weights and a shovel, smashing a window and puncturing tires, reports say.

Following the arrival of a deputy, dash-cam video released by the Twin Falls Sheriffs Office shows the teenager initially complying with a gun-wielding law enforcement officer and gets on the ground, but then quickly approaches the deputy who warns the boy to not move.

The deputy discharged his firearm, twice striking the suspect in the chest.

Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and the juvenile male was pronounced dead at the scene.

I find the actions of the involved officer to be justified in this incident, wrote Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Boyd. I further find that, based on the evidence presented and applicable law, there is no reasonable likelihood of proving the elements of any crime beyond a reasonable doubt against the involved deputy. Therefore, no criminal charges will be filed against the deputy involved in this incident.

Man pleads guilty in Twin Falls shooting that left man injured Witness said she saw him take a shooting stance over the hood of a car and fire shots across Second Avenue East, records say.

As is policy during officer-involved shootings, the Magic Valley Critical Incident Task Force was activated, led by the Twin Falls Police Department. The completed investigation was then submitted to the Canyon County Prosecutors Office for review.

The report from the prosecutor states it is not intended to take the place of an internal affairs investigation by the Twin Falls County Sheriffs Office. A video put out by the sheriffs office indicates a review board will evaluate the deputys tactics.

The sheriffs office declined to answer questions whether a less lethal weapon, such as a stun gun, was available to the deputy, although Boyds report says that although no knife was visible to the responding deputy, circumstances suggest that the deputy could not have been sure whether the knife that had previously reported was concealed on the subject.

Idaho law allows officers to use an amount of force  including deadly physical force  that is necessary and reasonable. The person confronted with such danger is not required to wait until he or she ascertains whether the danger is apparent or real, the report says.

After the shooting, a kitchen knife with a broken tip was found discarded in the nearby garage.

The two stabbing victims, one of them with serious wounds, received medical care for their injuries. No law enforcement officers were injured.

While we do everything in our power to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening, it is important that critical events such as this one be thoroughly investigated by outside, impartial agencies, Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson said. I know the loss of this young man will continue to be felt by his family, friends, and our community.

The release of information from the Twin Falls office comes shortly after a controversial officer-involved shooting in Pocatello, in which a 17-year-old autistic boy who suffered from cerebral palsy was shot by police officers nine times after a report that he was threatening family members.
The recent death of Pope Francis has dominated politics and the media in Italy this week. Amidst the unending chorus of Francis sycophants, however, the reformist left have been keen to make their voices heard, celebrating the life of this supposedly revolutionary, anti-capitalist figure. We publish below a translation of an article by the Partito Comunista Rivoluzionario  the Italian section of the Revolutionary Communist International  explaining the truth about Pope Francis and clearly stating the communist position on the reactionary institution of the Catholic Church.

[Originally published in Italian at rivoluzione.red]

Can the Pope calling for disarmament be enough to transform him from a bastion of reaction and obscurantism into a champion of the official left?

That is what is happening to Jorge Bergoglio, who ascended to the papal throne under the name Francis in 2013 and passed away a few days ago. No matter how much the Italian state professes to be secular on paper, newspapers, news outlets and the media are currently united in devoting their attention exclusively to the exaltation of the late Pope. World economic turmoil and political instability have been demoted to mere secondary importance in the Italian media.

The hypocrisy of the ruling class is also palpable in the statements of western governments, who are competing to thank the pontiff of Rome for his work to achieve peace and fight discrimination, even though they have often collided with the values preached by the Pope himself.

The Meloni government has seized the opportunity by declaring that the demonstrations planned for 25 April across the country, celebrating Italys liberation from fascism, must be sober and that the various municipalities may consider suspending them for national mourning  this will be music to their ears!

Added to all this are the delusional statements of various political and student groups  even those claiming to be anti-capitalist or even communist  in the name of the supposedly pacifist values that they share with comrade Francis, seemingly forgetting the arch-reactionary role that the Catholic Church has always played. Perhaps some will even agree to celebrate Liberation Day in a subdued and silent fashion in the name of mourning the Holy Father.

The Partito Comunista Rivoluzionario will not join this chorus of heartfelt gratitude.

We have not forgotten that the Church is a reactionary bastion that, for many centuries, has helped maintain the increasingly shaky capitalist system and is an important part of the Italian and international ruling class.

A progressive Church?

It could be noted that Pope Francis has distinguished himself by some stronger stances than his predecessors: the choice of a name inspired by the pauper lifestyle of the Saint of Assisi; the drafting of an encyclical dedicated to environmental emergency; the call for a ceasefire in Ukraine and Gaza.

We expect nothing progressive to come from one of the greatest conservative institutions that has ever existed / Image: Fczarnowski, Wikimedia Commons

No doubt the more conservative layers of the clergy did not look favourably on him. At the same time, however, certain statements by the ruler of the Vatican State  which have been given a revolutionary tinge by the official left  not only had a very different goal, but were elaborated by the Church of Francis for the specific purpose of giving an increasingly discredited institution a few crumbs of credibility, especially in the eyes of the younger generation.

According to the latest Demos polls, only 7 percent of those under 30 consider spirituality to be fundamental to them, and atheism among young people exceeds 28 percent in Italy. These unprecedented figures are also reflected in the increasingly high rate of abstention from the optional Catholic education programme in Italian schools. Today, in high schools, one in four students consciously decides not to avail themselves of this backward and unnecessary education in schools that are on paper secular. These Catholic programmes are a legacy of the Lateran Pacts between the fascist regime and their allies in the Church (1929), as well as the renewal of the agreements over ecclesiastical interference in schools under the Craxi government (1984), which both shifted the political landscape in an anti-communist direction and carried out important attacks on the sliding scale of wages.

As communists, we have always been opposed to the teaching of religion in schools. We expect nothing progressive to come from one of the greatest conservative institutions that has ever existed, which has been an obstacle in all the most important revolutionary junctures in European history from the Middle Ages to the present day. Let us not forget centuries of religious wars and bloody persecutions by the Inquisition, nor their support for the most heinous right-wing regimes from Mussolini to Salazar  the Catholic dictator of Portugal. The Church of Rome, on the other hand, has never made a secret of its fervent anti-communism, expressed to the highest degree in the post-war period with a militant campaign of propaganda and the excommunication of Catholics who came close to communist ideas. This was continued even until recently by popes such as Wojtyla (John Paul II) and Ratzinger (Benedict XVI).

Who was Bergoglio?

In the last few hours, effusive praise has come out for the late Francis, described as the last revolutionary and celebrated by leftist parties as a champion of peace and inclusiveness.

Even at the time of this pontiff's election in 2013, while he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, we already noted the shadows of his past. These included his passive silence in the face of the crimes of Videla's dictatorship in Argentina, including the torture of two priests deemed subversive, as well as the kidnappings of the babies of missing mothers. Collusion with the Argentine regime is not an unfounded accusation, if we remember that between 1973 and 1979 Bergoglio was not a country parish priest but the highest authority of the Jesuit order in the country.

Even after the end of the regime, he refused to expel priests convicted of pedophilia (such as Grassi or Bishop Storni) and never agreed to open the archives of the Argentine Church for trials relating to crimes against humanity.

Once he succeeded Ratzinger, the Pope had no problem mourning the death of working-class enemy Margaret Thatcher and shaking hands with heads of state such as the right-wing Zionist Netanyahu, the emblem of the conservative bourgeoisie Trump and the ultra-liberal Milei. The latter two leaders, who for months have directed frontal attacks at the pontiff's pacifist statements, are now flying to Rome for his funeral. The whole of the ruling class will gather to mourn at his grave, since for them he is not a class enemy.

Francis often tried to speak on a subject very dear to young people: the environment. The encyclical Laudato si' undoubtedly raised the issue of the need to change the economy for the survival of the planet, but he was unequivocal in saying that the Church defends the legitimate right to private property and that entrepreneurial activity is a noble vocation oriented toward producing wealth and improving the world for all.

The so-called Pope of the poor and marginalised, who out of humility will not be buried under St. Peter's Basilica, wasted no time over the years in shifting the College of Cardinals into his favour, such that 80 percent of currently electoral prelates were appointed by Francis.

The whole of the ruling class will gather to mourn at his grave, since for them he is not a class enemy / Image: public domain

On civil rights, it is enough to recall his definition of doctors who carry out abortions as hitmen, his visit to the so-called Cemetery of Fetuses  which includes the graves of aborted fetuses buried by the Catholic Church  and his claim that the Church needs to counter too much faggotry.

In short, to attribute the epithet revolutionary to the Church's highest exponent speaks volumes about the longstanding misery of the reformist left today. They cling to the papal cassock, thinking that with the empty slogan of peace and appeals to imperialist institutions, one can ask the wolf to become a lamb.

The Church is not an ally, but an enemy

As Gramsci observed almost a century ago, the Church has branches all over the world and is one of the greatest enemies of the revolutionary proletariat on an international scale. It is willing to join any reactionary alliance as long as its own interests are protected.

Today, the Vatican is one of the few existing theocratic states, an absolute monarchy emblematic of the survival of elements of the old feudal society within the capitalist system. The real estate holdings of the Catholic Church worldwide amount to more than 2 trillion and, in Italy alone, the value of its properties exceeds 42 billion. This is not to mention its ownership of countless artistic and architectural assets, which constitute 70 percent of Italy's cultural heritage. In Rome, one in four tourist accommodations belongs to the Vatican, as do more than 23,000 properties of various types, from vacant buildings to healthcare facilities.

The Holy Roman Church also acts as a bastion of reaction on the ideological level, calling for equality among men but discouraging the questioning of the capitalist order. For this institution, which is extremely hierarchical and governed by men alone, private property is sacred, hunger is solved by charity and almsgiving, poverty is to be accepted because it is a moral virtue, and the search for a more equitable society is postponed to Heaven.

A pontiff with less obscurantist rhetoric will not be enough to make him an ally of those who want to build a world free of inequality, free of superstition and the slavery of profit on this Earth.
A notable shift in South Africas diplomatic posture has been underscored by the official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Pretoria on Thursday April 24. For the first time since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began more than three years ago, South Africa has taken steps to clarify its stance by hosting the Ukrainian leader and supporting a United Nations General Assembly resolution critical of Russia.

Previously accused of ambiguity and neutrality in the face of global condemnation of Russias actions, Pretorias decision to welcome Zelensky has been interpreted by analysts as a recalibration of its foreign policy.

The invitation to President Zelensky was extended by President Cyril Ramaphosa in February, following increased criticism from Western allies over South Africas non-aligned position. That same month, South Africa supported a UN resolution affirming Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, a departure from its earlier reluctance to explicitly condemn the Russian invasion. Pretorias historical ties with Moscow, born from solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle, have long complicated its diplomatic balancing act. However, shifting global dynamics and diminished US engagement under former President Donald Trump have prompted South Africa to deepen cooperation with European partners, who have welcomed Pretorias evolving stance.

While the South African government has maintained that engagement with all parties remains its guiding principle, Zelenskys visit represents a broader Ukrainian diplomatic push across Africa. The Ukrainian leader is reportedly seeking an invitation to the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, part of an effort to expand Kyivs presence on the continent. Meanwhile, Ukraines ambassador has called for South Africa to issue a full condemnation of Russias actions, underscoring the need for unequivocal support for international law and national sovereignty. Despite its renewed outreach to Europe and Ukraine, Pretoria has simultaneously reaffirmed its close ties with Moscow, describing Russia as a precious friend in a recent government statement.
Namibia is aiming for an accelerated shift from its recent oil and gas discoveries to full-scale production, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stated on Wednesday, April 23, as the nation seeks to establish itself as a leading energy hub in southern Africa.

Speaking through Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare at the opening of the Namibia International Energy Conference in Windhoek, the President outlined a strategic vision in which the energy sector will play a central role in national development and economic diversification.

With significant discoveries made in the offshore Orange Basin and the recent launch of green industrial projects such as the HyIron Oshivela zero-emission iron facility, Namibia is now focused on value addition, employment creation, and inclusive economic growth. Emphasis was placed on the importance of local content, skills development, and technology transfer, with investors urged to align their efforts with the countrys long-term development objectives. The forthcoming phase of energy development, it was noted, would be essential in generating revenues needed to enhance infrastructure and public services.

The president also reaffirmed Namibias commitment to ethical governance and transparency, declaring that corruption would not be tolerated in the countrys energy journey. Institutional reforms and streamlined regulations are being prioritised to foster a conducive investment environment. As part of its broader energy strategy, Namibia is positioning itself not only as a regional energy player but also as a logistics and export hub with potential in critical minerals, solar, wind, and other renewable resources.
Kenyan President William Ruto has embarked on a five-day State visit to China, marking a significant pivot in Kenyas foreign policy as relations with the United States and some European partners become increasingly strained.

This is Rutos first State visit to Beijing since assuming office in 2022, and it is being seen as a clear indicator of Nairobis growing alignment with China amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

During his visit, President Ruto is expected to finalise funding arrangements for major infrastructure projects, including the long-anticipated extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba and the development of a key highway. Seven Chinese companies have already committed to investment agreements worth 750 million aimed at advancing Kenyas manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism sectors. Trade between the two countries continues to expand, with a reported 11.9 percent increase in the first quarter of 2025. China now stands as Kenyas largest trading partner and top source of imports, while Kenya leads as Chinas most significant trading partner in East Africa.

Analysts point to dwindling financial support and trade tensions with the United States, including recent tariff increases, as key drivers behind Kenyas recalibrated foreign relations. The visit is viewed as a diplomatic success for Beijing, reinforcing its position in Africa and within the Global South. Ruto has also expressed interest in joining the BRICS group of emerging economies. Meanwhile, Kenya has begun to distance itself from European financiers, with a 1.3 billion highway project initially awarded to a French-led consortium now expected to be reassigned to a Chinese contractor. Beijing has welcomed Rutos visit as a step towards deepened bilateral cooperation and greater solidarity among developing nations.
Several dozen bodies have been discovered near the Malian military camp in Kwala, Koulikoro region, western Mali, in what is being described as a deeply disturbing find.

The remains were uncovered during the night of 21 to 22 April by local residents searching for relatives allegedly arrested by Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner paramilitaries in Sebabougou on 12 April 2025. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, identification of the victims has not been possible.

Community sources and local residents confirmed the discovery to RFI. Witnesses described the harrowing condition of the remains, with some reduced to skeletons. Only the clothing might help in identifying them, one said, adding that fear forced them to flee the scene quickly, given its proximity to a military camp. Another local, searching for his brother and cousin arrested earlier in the month, expressed deep concern that they might be among the dead.

This discovery has heightened the anxiety of families of roughly 60 people reportedly detained on 12 April in Sebabougou and taken to an undisclosed location. Since their arrest, no official communication has been issued by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) regarding their whereabouts or the newly discovered bodies. The area in question borders Koulikoro, Nara, and Nioro du Sahel, and is known for ongoing conflict involving the Malian army and the Russian Wagner Group against militants from the Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), a group affiliated with al-Qaeda.
A message from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concerning the organizations role in supporting peace efforts in Sudan was conveyed on Wednesday April 23 to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council.

The message was delivered by UN Special Envoy Ramtane Lamamra during a meeting held in the eastern city of Port Sudan. The meeting was also attended by Sudans Acting Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Idris Ismail, according to a statement released by the Sovereignty Council.

Ismail said during a press briefing that the contents of Guterres message addressed the role being undertaken by the United Nations in Sudan amid both ongoing conflict and the pursuit of peace. Al-Burhans appreciation for the UNs involvement was reiterated, and assurances were given of Sudans readiness to assist in the facilitation of humanitarian assistance to those affected. Emphasis was placed on the importance of continued international cooperation in resolving the countrys challenges.

Expressions of optimism regarding Sudans future were shared by Lamamra, who highlighted the potential for peace and the rebuilding of national capacities once stability has been secured. The UNs commitment to supporting Sudan in its transition towards peace and development was reaffirmed. However, the statement issued failed to disclose details regarding the envoys arrival or the expected length of his visit. Since the outbreak of violence on 15 April 2023, Sudan has endured extensive human suffering, with over 20,000 lives reportedly lost and 15 million people displaced, though alternative research suggests the death toll may be significantly higher.
Egypt and China have discussed the potential conversion of a portion of Egypts external debt into interest-free loans for development initiatives.

The discussions were revealed by Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, Liao Liqiang, following a meeting held on Wednesday April 23 in Cairo with Egypts Minister of Investment and External Trade, Hassan El-Khatib.

The scheme under consideration would support essential projects while easing Egypts financial burdens. The initiative would follow a previous agreement signed in October 2023, in which similar debt-for-development arrangements had already been secured with China, as well as with Germany and Italy.

Economic cooperation between the two nations has been further underscored by Ambassador Liqiangs remarks on the growing interest shown by Chinese companies in expanding their footprint in Egypt. Particular emphasis was placed on joint ventures in advanced technology sectors, such as 5G infrastructure and satellite systems. These partnerships are being framed within the broader context of Egypts strategic alignment with China through multilateral platforms like BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative. Employment creation in the Egyptian market and the mutual transformation of economic challenges into opportunities have also been prioritized by China as part of its collaborative efforts.

Minister El-Khatib on his part called for deeper strategic cooperation in industries considered vital to Egypts long-term economic vision, including the automotive, battery production, and renewable energy sectors. The importance of institutionalizing economic dialogue through an annual business forum was stressed, with the aim of enhancing public and private sector engagement across both countries.

Additionally, it was confirmed that a high-level visit to China is being planned by the Egyptian side to present the nations investment roadmap and expand trade relations with key Chinese provinces.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The bottom panel shows DeepNeos classification: blue indicates non-analyzable regions, green marks homogeneous neointima, orange denotes heterogeneous tissue, and red highlights neoatherosclerosis. Credit: Helmholtz Munich / Valentin Koch

A research team from Helmholtz Munich, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the TUM University Hospital has developed DeepNeo, an AI-powered algorithm that automates the process of analyzing coronary stents after implantation.

The tool matches medical expert accuracy while significantly reducing assessment time. With strong validation in both human and animal models, DeepNeo has the potential to standardize monitoring after stent implantation and thus improve cardiovascular treatment outcomes. The research is published in Communications Medicine.

Each year, more than 3 million people worldwide are treated with stents to open blocked blood vessels caused by heart disease. However, monitoring the healing process after implantation remains a challenge.

If the tissue growing over the stent develops irregularlyeither becoming too thick or forming depositsit can lead to complications, such as re-narrowing or occlusion of the blood vessel. Currently, analyzing these healing patterns in intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) images is time-consuming and impractical for routine clinical practice.

A research team from Helmholtz Munich and the TUM University Hospital has now developed DeepNeo, an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that can automatically assess stent healing in OCT images. DeepNeo differentiates between different healing patterns with an accuracy comparable to clinical expertsbut in a fraction of the time. The AI tool also provides precise measurements, e.g., regarding tissue thickness and stent coverage, offering valuable insights for patient management.

"With DeepNeo, we can achieve an automated, standardized, and highly accurate analysis of stent and vascular healing that was previously only possible through extensive manual effort," says Valentin Koch, first author of the study introducing the algorithm. "DeepNeo is as good as a doctor, but much faster."

To train DeepNeo, researchers used 1,148 OCT images from 92 patient scans, manually annotated to classify different types of tissue growth. They then tested the AI algorithm in an animal model, where it correctly identified unhealthy tissue in 87% of cases when compared to detailed laboratory analysis, the current gold standard. When analyzing human scans, DeepNeo also demonstrated high precision, closely matching expert assessments.

"DeepNeo demonstrates how machine learning can support clinicians in making quicker, more informed treatment decisions. The next step is now to effectively integrate AI algorithms like DeepNeo into clinical practice," explains Dr. Carsten Marr, Director at the Institute of AI for Health at Helmholtz Munich.

His colleague Prof. Julia Schnabel, who leads the Institute of Machine Learning in Biomedical Imaging and is Professor of Computational Imaging and AI in Medicine at TUM, envisions DeepNeo as part of an AI-powered health care system that could offer unprecedented certainty for clinical decision-making.

The project has received a Helmholtz Innovation Grant, and a patent application has been filed. Ascenion, technology transfer partner in the life sciences, is supporting the DeepNeo team in identifying potential industry partners.

"DeepNeo facilitates and standardizes OCT imaging assessment after stent implantation and thus improves clinical decision-making," say PD Dr. med. Philipp Nicol and Prof. Dr. med. Michael Joner, cardiologists at the TUM University Hospital, who led the project from the clinical side. "This has the potential to not only reduce health care costs but pave the way for more effective and personalized cardiovascular treatments."

More information: Valentin Koch et al, Deep learning model DeepNeo predicts neointimal tissue characterization using optical coherence tomography, Communications Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43856-025-00835-5 Journal information: Communications Medicine
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Graphical Abstract. Credit: iMeta (2025). DOI: 10.1002/imt2.70014

Prostate cancer has distinct genetic properties in different groups of men that can be targeted to improve patient outcomes, UVA Cancer Center researchers have discovered. Based on new findings in Chinese men, the researchers are urging similar studies in other groups to advance precision medicine and better tailor treatments.

Published in iMeta, an international team of researchers co-led by UVA's Hui Li, Ph.D., looked at what are known as "chimeric RNA" in Chinese men and found both similarities and differences to those seen in Western men. These RNAs can contribute to the growth of cancer and are widely used as both indicators of cancer and targets for cancer treatment.

By targeting chimeric RNA specific to Chinese men, doctors may be able to develop better, more effective prostate cancer treatments for Chinese patients, Li says. He notes that Asian populations have the highest ratio of prostate cancer deaths to new cases (40%)higher than in Europe (18%), Northern America (10%) or even worldwide (25%).

But the findings also speak to the potential of the approach for improving cancer care for other groups.

"Prostate cancer is a worldwide problem. It is the most common cancer in men, with clear racial disparities," said Li, of the University of Virginia School of Medicine's Department of Pathology.

"More than 70% of Asian prostate cancer patients are in the intermediate or advanced stage at the first diagnosis. They are more prone to metastasis and drug resistance, which is consistent with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. Our findings may not only explain the racial disparity, but provide some handles we can use to tackle the disease."

Chimeras in cancer

Chimeric RNA combines operating instructions from two or more different genes; these fusions are found in both healthy cells and cancerous ones. In cancer, they can influence tumor formation and growth by producing particular proteins, for example, or by altering gene activity.

To better understand chimeric RNA in a specific patient population, Li and his team analyzed data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and the Chinese Prostate Cancer Genome and Epigenome Atlas. They found that Chinese men had several distinct chimeric RNA patterns, including in cancer epithelial cells as well as in macrophages and T cells, immune cells found in and around tumors.

The scientists then discovered how the chimeric RNA drives tumor growth and reshapes cellular communications surrounding the tumors. They also revealed how the chimeras contribute to the activity of stromal cells that play a crucial role in cancer's formation and progression.

"This is the first comparison between two prostate cancer populations focusing on chimeric RNAs," Li said. "It is also the first study to examine chimeric RNAs in different cell types within cancer."

Precise prostate cancer treatment

The new findings offer important insights into how prostate cancer develops in Chinese men. But the scientists also use their new paper outlining the discovery to highlight the potential of the approach to benefit all patients. By better understanding how chimeric RNA differs in various populations, doctors can target these distinct RNA profiles to develop more tailoredand more effectiveprostate cancer treatments.

Further, chimeric RNA isn't just found in prostate cancer but in cancer generally. So the approach could open doors in the battle against many forms of the disease.

"We were able to validate over 100 chimeric RNAs, the largest list in the field, with some having clear diagnostic and prognostic potential," Li said. "In addition, we have identified multiple chimeric RNAs that influence prostate cancer or tumor microenvironment, which contribute to the tumorigenesis [tumor formation]. Chimeric RNAs as such represent a hidden repertoire for biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets."

The research team consisted of Qiong Wang, Shunli Yu, Jirong Jie, Justin Elfman, Zhi Xiong, Sandeep Singh, Samir Lalani, Yiwei Wang, Kaiwen Li, Bisheng Cheng, Ze Gao, Xu Gao, Hui Li and Hai Huang. The researchers have no financial interest in the work.

More information: Qiong Wang et al, Profiling chimeric RNA in prostate cancer in Chinese cohorts reveals similarities and differences compared to Western populations, iMeta (2025). DOI: 10.1002/imt2.70014
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Medi-Cal, California's complex, $174.6 billion Medicaid program, provides health insurance for nearly 15 million residents with low incomes and disabilities. The state enrolls twice as many people as New York and more than three times as many as Texasthe two states with the largest number of Medicaid participants after California.

Enrollment is high because California goes beyond federal eligibility requirements, opening Medi-Cal to more low-income residents. The state also provides a broad range of benefits, such as vision, dental, and maternity caresome of which are largely paid for by federal dollars but which also affect state spending.

But lately, Medi-Cal has found itself in political crosshairs.

Democrats say the biggest threat to Medi-Cal is $880 billion in GOP budget cuts being mulled in Washington, D.C., which health experts say would require eligibility restrictions, such as work requirements, or program cuts to yield enough savings over a decade.

Republicans argue that Medicaid costs have spiked due to fraud and abuse and they criticize state Democrats for making the benefit available to immigrants regardless of legal status.

In March, Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration borrowed $3.4 billion to cover an unexpected overrun in Medi-Cal, and lawmakers in April appropriated an additional $2.8 billion for the rest of the fiscal year.

Although the Democratic governor acknowledged a need for adjustments, he has defended the state's efforts to get more people covered. In 2022, California's uninsured rate for residents under age 65 hit a record low of 6.2%, according to the California Health Care Foundation.

As lawmakers debate funding for the safety net program, here's what's at stake for California's largest health program.

Who's covered?

More than a third of Californians depend on Medi-Cal or the closely related Children's Health Insurance Program to see a doctor, therapist, or dentist. They rely on the program to get medicine and access treatment. It can also be a lifeline for families by allowing people with disabilities and seniors to stay in their homes and providing coverage to their caregivers. It also funds nursing care for seniors.

The overwhelming majority of enrollees qualify because they earn 138% or less of the federal poverty level: $21,597 annually for an individual person or $44,367 for a family of four. While that's low for a state where the median household income tops $96,000, it's far more generous than Alabama's family eligibility limit, which is 18% of the federal poverty level, or Florida's, at 26%.

Unlike Alabama or Florida, California extends coverage to low-income adults without dependents. The state also covers more people with disabilities who work, inmates, and other residents who wouldn't qualify for the benefit program if California lawmakers hadn't expanded the program beyond what the federal government requires.

According to state estimates, Medi-Cal covers about 7.3 million low-income families and an additional 5 million adults, most of whom don't have dependents. An additional million people with disabilities rely on the program.

Medi-Cal also picks up the tab for 1.4 million residents 65 and older for benefits not covered by Medicare, such as long-term care and dental, hearing, and vision care.

The majority of adult Medi-Cal recipients under 65 work, according to a KFF review of March 2024 census data. In California, about 42% of nondisabled adults on Medi-Cal work full time and an additional 20% work part-time. Those not employed were most commonly caring for a family member, attending school, or were ill.

Just over half of Medi-Cal recipients are Latino, about 16% white, 9% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 7% Black, according to state enrollment data. That differs from the nation as a whole, where about 40% of people under age 65 who use Medicaid are white, 30% Hispanic, 19% Black, and 1% Indigenous people.

Where does the money come from?

The federal government pays for about 60% of the Medi-Cal program. Of its nearly $175 billion budget this fiscal year, Washington, D.C., is expected to contribute $107.5 billion.

An additional $37.6 billion comes from the state's general fund. The final $29.5 billion comes from other sources including hospital fees, a managed-care organization tax, tobacco tax revenue, and drug rebates.

California receives 50% in matching federal dollars for core services, such as coverage for children and low-income pregnant women. But it gets a 90% match for the roughly 5 million Californians it has added to rolls under the Medicaid expansion authorized by the Affordable Care Act.

Where does it go?

On average, Medi-Cal costs $8,000 per recipient, but costs vary widely, according to a March analysis by the California Legislative Analyst's Office.

For instance, people with disabilities account for 7% of enrollees but 19% of Medi-Cal's spending, with an average annual cost of $21,626.

Meanwhile, the cost to cover seniors averages roughly $15,000. And senior enrollment, at 1.4 million, has skyrocketed, increasing 40% since 2020 as lawmakers eased the rules for how many assets people 65 and older could have and still qualify for the program.

California also foots much of the bill to cover about 1.6 million immigrants without legal statusroughly $8.4 billion of the $9.5 billion, Department of Finance program budget manager Guadalupe Manriquez said during a recent Assembly Budget Committee hearing.

What could get cut?

President Donald Trump in March said that he would not "touch Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid" but focus on getting the "fraud out of there." However, health experts say Medicaid services would be gutted if Congress follows through on massive spending reductions to pay to extend Trump's tax cuts.

Congressional Republicans have discussed implementing work requirements for nondisabled adults, which could affect at least 1 million Medicaid enrollees in California, the most of any state, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute.

Lawmakers also could roll back the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, which passed in 2010 and allowed more people to qualify for Medicaid based on income. California, 39 other states, and Washington, D.C., have chosen to adopt "Medicaid expansion," in which the federal government pays for 90% of coverage for those enrollees.

Such a move would cost California billions each year if it opted to continue coverage for the roughly 5 million additional enrollees who have gained coverage under the expansion.

Republicans could also make it tougher for states such as California to continue to draw federal aid through provider taxes such as the MCO tax, something the first Trump administration proposed but later dropped.

The tax on managed care plans brings in about $5 billion a year and was endorsed by voters in a ballot initiative last fall, but the federal government has been complaining for years about how states levy such taxes on insurance plans and hospitals. If it restricts how states collect these taxes, it would likely cause a funding gap in California.

If federal cuts occur, Newsom officials acknowledge, the state couldn't absorb the cost of existing programs. Republicans are pressuring Democrats who control the legislature to end Medi-Cal coverage of residents without legal statussomething neither Newsom nor Democratic legislative leaders have expressed a willingness to do.

State leaders also could be faced with cutting optional benefits such as dental care and optometry, trimming services aimed at enhancing recipients' quality of life, or reducing payments to managed care plans that cover 94% of Medi-Cal recipients.

That's what California lawmakers did during the Great Recession, cutting reimbursement rates to providers and eliminating benefits including eye and dental care for adults. The governor at the time, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, went a step further, chopping $61 million from counties' Medi-Cal funding in a budget bloodletting that he said contained "the good, the bad, and the ugly."

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels

Childhood vaccination rates have been falling in the United States, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower levels of immunity have resulted in a resurgence of measles cases, including a recent outbreak in western Texas that infected more than 620 people, leading to 64 hospitalizations and the deaths of two children.

If immunization rates drop further over a prolonged period of time, measles and even other wiped-out diseasessuch as rubella and poliocould one day make a comeback in the United States, according to a new study by researchers at Stanford Medicine and other universities.

The study, which was published in JAMA, used large-scale epidemiological modeling to simulate the spread of infectious diseases in the United States at various childhood vaccination levels.

Even at current immunization rates, researchers predict that measles may become endemic againcirculating in the U.S.within two decades; with small declines in vaccination, this could happen more quickly. However, small increases in vaccine coverage would prevent this.

Lead author Mathew Kiang, ScD, assistant professor of epidemiology and population health, and senior author Nathan Lo, MD, Ph.D., assistant professor of infectious diseases, hope the study will provide useful data for decision makers setting vaccine policy.

Stanford spoke with Kiang and Lo to learn more.

Why did you think this research was important?

Nathan Lo: We've seen a worrisome pattern of decreasing routine childhood vaccinations. There was a disruption to health care services during the pandemic, but declines preceded this period and have accelerated since then for many reasons. People look around and say, "We don't see these diseases.

Why should we vaccinate against them?" There's a general fatigue with vaccines. And there's distrust and misinformation about vaccine effectiveness and safety.

Mathew Kiang: As vaccinations decline, the effect won't be immediate. We wanted to know: when will we see the impact of decisions being debated and made now?

Lo: Specifically, we wanted to look at some key diseases that have been eliminated from the U.S. through vaccination, which means they're not spreading within the country on an ongoing basis. These include measles, polio, rubella and diphtheria, which can have awful complications, like lifelong paralysis, birth defects and death.

How did you model what would happen?

Lo: We used a large-scale epidemiological model to simulate all individuals living in the U.S. and assigned them an age, vaccination status, immunity, state of residence, etc. We then simulated how infections would spread under different vaccine conditions. The model assumes that diseases are introduced by someone who travels abroad and brings them back, most commonly a U.S. citizen who isn't vaccinated.

Right now, so many people are immune through vaccination that diseases don't spread far. But if vaccinations decline over a longer period, you start to see outbreaks increase in size and frequency. Eventually you see sustained, ongoing transmission, meaning these diseases become endemicthey become household names once again.

What is likely to happen with these diseases if vaccinations stay at current levels?

Kiang: For current rates, we took a conservative approach by using average vaccination levels between 2004 and 2023. With measles, we found that we're already on the precipice of disaster. If vaccination rates remain the same, the model predicts that measles may become endemic within about 20 years.

That means an estimated 851,300 cases over 25 years, leading to 170,200 hospitalizations and 2,550 deaths. The other diseases are not likely to become endemic under the status quo.

Why is measles likely to become endemic and not the others?

Lo: Measles is one of the most infectious diseases that exists, so the number of people who have to be immune to prevent it from spreading is extremely high. Polio, diphtheria and rubella are still far more infectious than COVID-19, for example, but measles is in a different ballpark, with one person infecting up to 20 others (though our model took a conservative estimate of 12) in a fully susceptible population.

Also, the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine has become particularly controversial, partly due to a history of fraudulent medical research that raised safety concerns; it has been conclusively shown that there is no link with autism. Measles is also more common around the world, so travelers are more likely to bring it back.

Kiang: Travelers importing a disease are like matches, and U.S. under-vaccination is the tinder. With measles, you're throwing a lot of matches in, and eventually something is going to happen.

What do you predict will happen if fewer people get their kids vaccinated?

Kiang: If vaccination were to fall by even 10% today, measles cases would skyrocket to 11.1 million over the next 25 years. If vaccination rates were cut in half, we'd expect 51.2 million cases of measles, 9.9 million cases of rubella, 4.3 million cases of polio and 200 cases of diphtheria over 25 years.

This would lead to 10.3 million hospitalizations and 159,200 deaths, plus an estimated 51,200 children with post-measles neurological complications, 10,700 cases of birth defects due to rubella and 5,400 people paralyzed from polio.

Measles would become endemic in less than five years, and rubella would become endemic in less than 20. Under these conditions, polio became endemic in about half of simulations in around 20 years.

What differences did you find at the state level?

Kiang: Massachusetts has high vaccination rates and was consistently low risk. Both California and Texas were at higher risk, even after accounting for larger population sizes, because vaccination rates in both have dropped and there's a lot of travel to those states. Our model assumed there was no spillover of infections across state lines, so the numbers could be an underestimate.

If these diseases become more widespread, who is in danger?

Lo: Folks who are unvaccinated are most at risk of infection and the awful complications. That includes babies, especially those between the ages of 6 and 12 months, who have waning antibodies from their mothers but are not yet eligible for their first dose of an MMR vaccine.

Others are also at risk. People who are immunocompromised, which is a sizable segment of the U.S. population, can also be at risk. While the effects of declining vaccination won't be immediate, we could eventually see the return of awful complications from diseases that most clinicians today have not encountered, thanks to decades of successful immunization.

Which of your scenarios is most likely to play out?

Lo: One that's conceivable is that vaccine coverage continues to drop, measles outbreaks become larger and more frequent, and eventually measles becomes endemic again. Hopefully, some fraction of the unvaccinated population seeks vaccination as a result, and state and local public health departments continue to do their vital work in outbreak response, allowing us to reestablish elimination.

We might get into that kind of pattern. If we start to see major changes to the childhood vaccination schedule and policy and coverage really drops, you get into a world where you worry about diseases like polio and rubella, but that would likely take well over a decade or more. If that were to happen, you can't just flip a switchonce these diseases get unleashed, it would take time to eliminate them again.

What should parents, providers and others do based on these results?

Lo: I would encourage parents who aren't sure about vaccination to discuss this with their pediatrician and believe in our health care providers. We hope our research also provides the data for federal and state officials, vaccine guideline committees, and others to understand what will happen if decisions are made that lead to declines in vaccination.

With measles, we're right on the cusp. Increasing vaccination levels by just 5% brings the number of measles cases down, safely away from returning to endemic levels. These are the kinds of small percentages that can really be a tipping point. It's empowering that a small segment of the population can make a difference here.

Kiang: It's worth emphasizing that there really shouldn't be any cases at this point, because these diseases are preventable. Anything above zero is tragic. When you're talking about potentially thousands or millions, that's unfathomable.

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, and Texas A&M University contributed to the study.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Journal of General Internal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11606-025-09381-1

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a graph worth? For doctors trying to determine whether a patient's blood pressure is within normal range, the answer may depend on the type of graph they're looking at.

A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how different graph formats can affect clinical decision-making. The research is published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Because blood pressure fluctuates moment to moment, day to day, it can be tricky for doctors to accurately assess it.

"Sometimes a patient's blood pressure is high at the doctor's office but normal at home, a condition called white coat hypertension," Victoria Shaffer, a psychology professor in the College of Arts and Science and lead author of the study, said. "There are some estimates that 10% to 20% of the high blood pressure that gets diagnosed in the clinic is actually controlledit's just white coat hypertensionand if you take those same people's blood pressure at home, it is really controlled."

In the study, Shaffer and the team showed 57 doctors how a hypothetical patient's blood pressure data would change over time using two different types of graphs. One raw graph showed the actual numbers, which displayed peaks and valleys, while the other graph was a new visual tool they created: a smoothed graph that averages out fluctuations in data.

When the blood pressure of the patient was under control but had a lot of fluctuation, the doctors were more likely to accurately assess the patient's health using the new smoothed graph compared to the raw graph.

"Raw data can be visually noisy and hard to interpret because it is easy to get distracted by outliers in the data," Shaffer said. "At the end of the day, patients and their doctors just want to know if blood pressure is under control, and this new smoothed graph can be an additional tool to make it easier and faster for busy doctors to accurately assess that."

This proof-of-concept study is the foundation for Shaffer's ongoing research with Richelle Koopman, a professor in the School of Medicine, which includes working with Vanderbilt University and Oregon Health & Science University to determine whether the new smoothed graph can one day be shown to patients taking their own blood pressure at home. The research team is working to get the technology integrated with HIPAA-compliant electronic health records to which patients and their care team have access.

This could alleviate pressure on the health care system by potentially reducing the need for in-person visits when blood pressure is under control, reducing the risk of false positives that may lead to over-treatment.

"There are some people who are being over-treated with unnecessary blood pressure medication that can make them dizzy and lower their heart rate," Shaffer said. "This is particularly risky for older adults who are more at risk of falling. Hopefully, this work can help identify those who are being over-treated."

The findings were not particularly surprising to Shaffer.

"As a psychologist, I know that as humans, we have these biases that underlie a lot of our judgments and decisions," Shaffer said. "We tend to be visually drawn to extreme cases and perceive extreme cases as threats. It's hard to ignore, whether you're a patient or a provider. We are all humans."

Given the increasing popularity of health informatics and smart wearable devices that track vital signs, the smoothed graphs could one day be applied to interpreting other health metrics.

"We have access to all this data now like never before, but how do we make use of it in a meaningful way, so we are not constantly overwhelming people?" Shaffer said. "With better visualization tools, we can give people better context for their health information and help them take action when needed."

More information: Victoria A. Shaffer et al, The Impact of an Enhanced Data Visualization Tool for Hypertension in the Electronic Health Record on Physician Judgments About Hypertension Control, Journal of General Internal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11606-025-09381-1 Journal information: Journal of General Internal Medicine
A proposal from two city councilors to continue funding for the Johnson Street Shelter met stiff resistance from the rest of the Missoula City Council on Wednesday, who questioned how the city can pay for the service.

Councilors Daniel Carlino and Kristen Jordan requested several changes to homelessness policy during the meeting, including funding the shelter, removing elements of the shelter's strategic wind down and requiring more public funding into the city's Johnson Street Housing Sprint.

The proposal appears to be a last-ditch response from the councilors to keep the shelter alive, arguing that the closure will move more people onto city property and into neighborhoods.

"The need for this shelter has become very apparent with the hundreds of hundreds of people in our community who used it this past year," Carlino said. "To sweep the rug under them and just close it without an alternative plan is going to cause a humanitarian crisis in this city."

The council voted down the resolution 10-2 in committee on Wednesday, with just Jordan and Carlino in support, but will take a final vote on the policy changes on May 5.

The Johnson Street Shelter cost $1.8 million to operate last fall. Those funds came from both federal COVID dollars and a one-time emergency levy after former mayor Jordan Hess declared a homelessness crisis.

Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis announced the closure of the shelter in March.

While Carlino and Jordan argued that the city could find cuts in other places, like the city's urban camping enforcement budget, other councilors said they doubt the city could find money to continue the shelter's operations.

"Yes, there is a lot of money being spent as a community on this topic, but it is not all money that you can move around back and forth," Missoula City Council President Amber Sherrill said. "It is not all things we can stop to fund a shelter for a year."

Sherrill noted that certain city dollars can only be used for specific purpose, like how road district funds can only be used for public infrastructure-related expenses.

Councilor Bob Campbell was sharply critical of the proposal, arguing that the cost of the shelter would fall on the backs of people paying property tax.

"As a taxpayer, how big a check do I need to write to you all?" Campbell asked ironically.

The meeting grew tense as councilors debated back the subject. A brief recess was called after decorum was lost in the council chamber.

The city spends roughly $900,000 per year on urban camping enforcements, according to city Community, Planning, Development and Innovation Director Eran Pehan. That includes paying for the city's vehicle permitting program, cleanup costs and staff salaries.

Carlino and Jordan floated the number of roughly $3.5 million that could be cut from urban camping enforcement and other related budgets, but it remained unclear what exact buckets of money that funding comes from.

Both said they plan to bring more specific numbers to the final meeting on the subject.

The resolution also called for the city to remove its requirement to incrementally lower the Johnson Street Shelter's bed capacity as the sprint moves forward and also called on the city to cover the portion of remaining money for the city's housing sprint.

The city set a goal of lowering the capacity at the shelter by 30 guests per month, Pehan said. Currently, between 100-125 people are staying there each night, but Pehan said no guest has been forced to leave yet.

Davis announced a housing sprint in March to rehouse the guests of the shelter with the goal of raising $400,000 to help pay for rental assistance, family reunification or access to treatment.

Pehan said on Wednesday that $200,000 has been raised so far and the city had confidence in reaching the final goal. Roughly $150,000 of that comes from the city and county, the Missoulian reported on Tuesday.

Carlino and Jordan said they are open to finding a compromise on some of the policy before a final vote is held, like allocating enough funding to open the shelter in the winter months.

Jordan said she appreciates Davis's housing sprint proposal, but argued the effects will be short term and will place more of the burden to address homeless on nonprofits and not the city government.

"We talk about the costs of how much it is going to cost to keep the shelter open, but we do not talk about the costs it will incur on us to not have this space," Jordan said, citing concerns of more costs in the criminal justice system and camp cleanups on public property.

The Missoula City Council will not meet for the week of April 28 and will hold its next meeting on May 5.
On Thursday, 2084 stocks advanced, 1871 declined and 151 remained unchanged on Bombay Stock Exchange with advance decline ratio of 1.11 indicating a positive closing in the broader market. The trend of the major indices on Thursday-s trading is given in the table below.

On NSE, 93 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 16 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. In sectoral indices, Nifty Pharma, Nifty Metal and Nifty Media were among the biggest gainers. Nifty FMCG, Nifty IT and Nifty Infrastructure were among the biggest losers.

India's steel industry is grappling with a soaring trade deficit, reaching $4.748 billion in FY25, a 330% increase year-on-year. This surge is primarily driven by a flood of low-priced steel imports, with nearly 30% originating from China. Domestic mills are struggling with price competition and reduced market share in export markets, further impacted by Europe's slowing demand.

World Bank also revised its growth forecast for India's current fiscal year downwards by 40 basis points to 6.3%. This adjustment mirrors the IMF's recent cut, citing benefits to private investment from streamlined regulations being offset by global economic weakness and policy uncertainties.

Indian non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) are projected to experience a deceleration in credit growth, ranging from 13-15% in fiscal years 2025-26, down from an estimated 17% in FY24, according to ICRA Ratings. While overall NBFC credit is expected to expand, retail loan growth is anticipated to slow to 16-18% from 23% due to base effects and concerns over borrower leveraging.

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) (+0.54%) had planned to invest Rs24,000 crore ($2.88 billion) to significantly expand its petrochemical production units at its Vadodara refinery in Gujarat. This strategic move aims to diversify IOC's revenue streams as demand for traditional fuels is expected to decline over the next 10-15 years. The investment will involve commissioning new units for manufacturing linear alkyl benzene (LAB), polypropylene, and butyl acrylate, increasing the refinery's petrochemical capacity from the current 1.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 8.055 MTPA.

Devyani International (+2.03%), the operator of quick-service restaurant chains like Pizza Hut and KFC in India, announced the acquisition of an 80.72% stake in Sky Gate Hospitality, the company behind the popular 'Biryani By Kilo' brand. The acquisition is valued at Rs420 crore ($50.4 million).

Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, GIC, will invest Rs752 crore ($90.24 million) to acquire a 35% stake in a portfolio of five hotels belonging to Samhi Hotels (+11.12%).

Biocon's (-2.67%) board approved an increase in the company's authorized share capital from Rs625 crore to Rs700 crore. The increase will be facilitated by raising the number of equity shares from 125 crore to 140 crore, with each share having a face value of Rs5. Its board also approved a proposal to raise funds up to Rs4,500 crore through the issuance of various securities, including equity shares, non-convertible debentures, warrants, or other convertible securities.

JSW Paints and a consortium comprising Advent International and Indigo Paints were reportedly in a competitive race to acquire Akzo Nobel India, the company that owns the well-known Dulux brand of paints.

Piramal Pharma (-1.68%) entered into a stock subscription agreement and loan conversion agreement to invest in its material step-down wholly-owned subsidiary, Piramal Healthcare Inc. (PHI). Under the agreement, PPL Pharma will subscribe to 1,903 optionally convertible redeemable preference shares (OCRPS) of PHI, each with a face value of $100,000, aggregating to $190.3 million. This investment will be made by way of payment of cash consideration of $40.1 million and by conversion of outstanding unsecured loan of $150.2 million owed by PPL Pharma to PHI. PHI, incorporated in the USA, is primarily engaged in the pharmaceutical industry and holds investments in the overseas subsidiaries of the Piramal Pharma group.

Lupin (+0.70%) received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Tolvaptan tablets. This approval positions Lupin as the exclusive first-to-file (FTF) for this particular drug in the US market. Tolvaptan is indicated for slowing the decline of kidney function in adults who are at risk of rapidly progressing autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

In Q4FY24-25, Persistent Systems (-0.14%) sales increased by 25.12% y-o-y to reach Rs3,242 crore, while operating profit increased by 28.63% y-o-y to reach Rs584 crore and Net profit increased by 25.71% y-o-y to reach Rs396 crore.

In Q4FY24-25, Refex Industries (-2.93%) sales increased by 81.31% y-o-y to reach Rs612 crore, while operating profit increased by 45.29% y-o-y to reach Rs63.2 crore and Net profit increased by 59.50% y-o-y to reach Rs57.1 crore.

In Q4FY24-25, Laurus Labs (-0.80%) sales increased by 19.5% y-o-y to reach Rs1,720 crore, while operating profit increased by 74% y-o-y to reach Rs421 crore and Net profit increased by 200% y-o-y to reach Rs234crore.

The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below:

The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below:
India has taken series of strong measures following Pahalgam terror attack including suspension of Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 and closing of integrated check post Attari with immediate effect. The Cabinet committee on security (CCS) reviewed the overall security situation in its meeting at prime minister Narendra Modis residence on Wednesday evening and directed all forces to maintain high vigil.

Briefing media in New Delhi last night, foreign secretary Vikram Misri says that Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme (SVES) visas. He further stated that any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. He said that any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

The foreign secretary informed that the defence or military, naval and air advisers in the Pakistani high commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata. He emphasised that they have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own defence or military, naval and air advisers from the Indian high commission in Islamabad.

Mr Misri stated that these posts in the respective high commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the service advisors will also be withdrawn from both high commissions, he added.

The foreign secretary says the overall strength of the high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions by 1st May.

The CCS chaired by PM Modi was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack that took place on Tuesday in Pahalgam. In the briefing to CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and its steady progress towards economic growth and development. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured.

India received strong expressions of support and solidarity from many governments around the world which have unequivocally condemned this terror attack. CCS recorded its appreciation for such sentiments which reflect zero tolerance for terrorism.
The Kolkata zonal office of the directorate of enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached 1,023 acres of land worth about Rs1,538 crore from across 16 cities in a sweeping move against the Sahara group, marking a significant escalation in the probe into alleged financial fraud and money laundering.

The attached properties, owned by Sahara Prime City Ltd, were allegedly acquired using diverted investor funds through benami transactions. The seizure, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, spans properties in cities across India, valued at 2016 circle rates.

The locations and area of land attached are as follows:

1. Anand (Gujarat)  22.8 acres

2. Bhubaneswar (Odisha)  2.76 acres

3. Sindhudurg (Maharashtra)  30.4 acres

4. Hubli-Dharwad (Karnataka)  123.5 acres

5. Jaipur (Rajasthan)  61.7 acres

6. Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir)  115.1 acres

7. Mysore (Karnataka)  73.8 acres

8. Roorkee (Uttarakhand)  51.3 acres

9. Shimoga (Karnataka)  29.9 acres

10. Solapur (Maharashtra)  125.5 acres

11. Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh)  6.63 acres

12. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)  107.6 acres

13. Behrampur (Odisha)  2.4 acres

14. Bikaner Bulk (Rajasthan)  168.5 acres

15. Bikaner-II (Rajasthan)  80 acres

16. Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh)  21.6 acres

ED initiated the probe following multiple first information reports (FIRs) registered by police in Odisha, Bihar, and Rajasthan against Humara India Credit Co-operative Society Ltd (HICCSL) and others. Over 500 FIRs have been filed against Sahara group entities, with more than 300 pertaining to scheduled offences under the PMLA.

According to ED, the Sahara group ran a large-scale Ponzi scheme through multiple cooperative societies and corporate arms, including Sahara Credit Cooperative Society Ltd (SCCSL), Saharayn Universal Multipurpose Cooperative Society (SUMCS), Stars Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd (SMCSL), and others. The group is accused of duping depositors with promises of high returns while siphoning funds to create benami assets and finance an extravagant lifestyle.

Depositors were allegedly coerced into reinvesting their maturity amounts, often without consent, and manipulated accounting was used to falsely reflect repayments. Fresh deposits were continually solicited, despite outstanding dues.

This latest action follows a prior provisional attachment of 707 acres of land in Amby Valley near Lonavala in Maharashtra, worth around Rs1,460 crore, as part of the same investigation. According to ED, this land was purchased in benami names using funds allegedly diverted from various Sahara group entities.

The attachment of land in the ultra-luxurious Aamby Valley  once a symbol of Saharas grandeursignals intensified efforts to recover assets tied to the alleged fraud. (Read: Sahara Scam: ED Seizes 707 Acres Worth Rs1,460 Crore in Aamby Valley Linked to Benami Deals

In February this year, the Indian government announced that Rs2,025.75 crore has been disbursed to 1.16mn (million) depositors of the Sahara group of cooperative societies as of 28 January 2025. It includes depositors of SCCSL, Saharayan Universal Multipurpose Society, HICCSL and SMCSL, Amit Shah, the Union minister of cooperation, informed the Lok Sabha.

The ongoing refund process follows a Supreme Court order dated 29 March 2023 in connection with an interlocutory application filed by the ministry of cooperation in case WP (C) No.191/2022 (Pinak Pani Mohanty vs Union of India & Others). The Court directed that Rs5,000 crore be transferred from the 'Sahara-SEBI Refund Account' to the central registrar of cooperative societies (CRCS) for distribution among legitimate depositors.

The disbursement is being carried out under the supervision of justice R Subhash Reddy, a former judge of the Supreme Court and assisted by advocate Gaurav Agarwal who has been appointed as amicus curiae. The process ensures that funds reach eligible depositors securely and transparently, the government says.

Moneylife Foundation has been tracking the troubles faced by investors of Sahara's various cooperative societies and has also hosted a Telegram group for aggrieved investors to coordinate and collectively find solutions to their problems. The group, which was formed during the pandemic, has over 600 members who regularly post about their experiences and share updates whenever one of them receives a refund. (Read: Sahara CRCS Refund Portal: A Year of Delays, Many Still Waiting for Payout

In 2023, the Supreme Court ordered a portion of the funds (Rs5,000 crore) retrieved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to be transferred to the Union ministry of cooperation to facilitate refunds to the investors. The apex court had ruled that the Rs5,000 crore should be paid to the legitimate depositors of the Sahara group of cooperative societies as soon as possible, but no later than nine months from the date of the ruling. Any remaining funds would then have to be transferred back to the Sahara-SEBI refund account.
China champions justice and equity amid global tensions

09:16, April 24, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily

Citizens of Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, pose for a picture on a train of the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line constructed by a Chinese company, the first metro line in the Vietnamese capital city. (Photo by Sun Guangyong/People's Daily)

From April 14 to 18, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. During the visits, Xi delivered a strong and principled message: China, as a major country, is committed to upholding free trade, opposing unilateral bullying, and building a community with a shared future for mankind. His remarks, framed around responsibility and mutual benefit, found a receptive audience across the region, reinforcing confidence in advancing unity and cooperation among nations.

Trade wars and tariff wars undermine the legitimate interests of all countries in the world, especially developing countries. "What we are witnessing today is not an honest reckoning with the imperfections of globalization, but a retreat into economic tribalism," Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said during Xi's visit, echoing a sentiment increasingly shared across the globe.

At a moment when many nations are seeking stability and predictability, rejecting unilateral bullying and the law of the jungle, Xi's visits sent a clear signal of China's firm commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international trading system. China is increasingly recognized as a staunch advocate of free trade, a defender of developing countries' interests, and a driving force for regional cooperation.

Amid rising global uncertainty, China has always been a rational, strong, and reliable partner.

An aerial drone photo shows the power plant built by China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. in Sarawak, Malaysia, with an installed capacity of 50 MW. (Photo provided by China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Power Design Institute Co., Ltd.)

In Vietnam, Xi emphasized that both China and Vietnam are beneficiaries of economic globalization, and the two sides should strengthen strategic resolve, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying practices, and work together to uphold the global free trade system and maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains.

In Malaysia, he 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. His message offered a clear sense of direction for navigating the headwinds and uncertainties of today's global landscape.

In Cambodia, Xi said that China and Cambodia, important forces in the Global South, should stick to the common values of peace, solidarity and cooperation. He called on both sides to oppose unilateral bullying and practice true multilateralism.

Aligning with the trend of the times and the common aspirations of nations, China's proposals are increasingly viewed not only as a source of stability, but as a blueprint for long-term cooperation and development.

Unilateralism and hegemonism receive no support of the people, and no country wants to return to isolation.

Photo shows a gate of the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone (SSEZ) jointly ventured by Chinese and Cambodian investors. (Photo by Cao Shiyun/People's Daily)

Vietnam said it is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China, uphold multilateralism and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and safeguard international trade rules.

Malaysia said that it values China's consistency and will remain an unwavering and principled friend to China, guided by the wisdom of history and the promise of the future. It noted that ASEAN will not endorse any unilaterally imposed tariffs, and will promote collective advancement through cooperation to maintain economic growth.

Cambodia also said that it is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to safeguard their common interests.

These converging voices and growing consensus reflect a shared determination to safeguard regional cooperation and uphold international fairness and justice amid mounting external disruptions.

In the face of global challenges, China remains a partner and enabler, demonstrating the responsibility of a major country committed to mutual benefit and common good. Amid rising protectionism, China continues to expand high-level opening up and work hand in hand with all countries - especially with neighboring countries - to advance modernization.

During Xi's visits, China's first-quarter economic data were released, showing a 5.4 percent year-on-year GDP growth. As a sign of steady momentum, the figure also underscores the broader opportunities for economic cooperation. China's vast domestic market remains open to its neighbors and welcomes more high-quality products from ASEAN countries - a gesture that bolsters regional confidence at a time of global economic uncertainty.

Among the tangible outcomes of Xi's visits was the launch of the China-Vietnam railway cooperation mechanism, which is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor. In Malaysia, both sides agreed to become a pacesetter for regional cooperation on new quality productive forces - part of broader efforts to advance each country's modernization goals. Responding to Cambodia's development needs, China put forward two cooperation plans, the Industrial Development Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, to support Cambodia's growth through tangible cooperation.

International observers note that China advocates for free trade and mutual respect, and maintains a stable and consistent foreign policy. Its engagement with other countries is never transactional, but is based on long-term partnership and mutual benefit. This approach has helped solidify its role as a stable economic partner and a key driver of growth across Southeast Asia.

Prosperity, to endure, must be shared. China is ready to work with regional countries to uphold fairness and justice, move forward by following the logic of historical progress, and develop by riding the tide of development of the times. They will navigate shared challenges through solidarity and cooperation, and safeguard the promising future of Asia. Faced with the complex and volatile international environment, China will firmly be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
In a significant step toward reforming healthcare delivery in Maharashtra, last week, several citizens, activists and healthcare experts formed the Medical Services Transparency Forum against the backdrop of Punes Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital issue wherein the delay in attending to an emergency patient had created an uproar.

The opaqueness with which hospitals offer their services, be it a government, private or a charitable onedespite the hospital managements coming under the RTI Acthas led to various kinds of medical malpractices, patient harassment and a lack of accountability and transparency in private and charitable hospitals.

Hence, it is pertinent to recall a comprehensive central information commissions second appeal order of 3 November 2014 regarding the request of documents relating to the death of the RTI applicants father who was admitted to Fortis Hospital. The then central information commissioner (CIC) Prof M Sridhar Acharyulu (Madabhushi Sridhar) had sternly ordered the directorate of health services, Delhi to furnish all the information sought by the grieving son/ RTI applicant Prabhat Kumar.

Mr Kumar, whose father, the late Shri Kailash Prasad Singh, was admitted to Fortis Hospital on 3 November 2012 and died a month later on 3 December 2012, had challenged the Hospitals medical documentation as vague and incomplete. Despite invoking the RTI Act, he did not receive sufficient details.

In his second appeal hearing, Mr Kumar stated that his father had been admitted with a complaint of constipation but was immediately placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and subjected to several tests that, he claims, were unnecessary. Despite incurring nearly Rs18 lakh in medical expenses, his father did not survive.

Mr Kumar argued, during the second appeal hearing, that, as a son, he had a legal and moral right to access full details of the diagnosis, treatment and prescriptions administered by the doctors involved. When the central public information officer (CPIO) contacted Fortis Hospital for the relevant details, the Hospital refused to provide the information. The FAA too upheld the reply of the CPIO.

Prof Acharyulu, in his CIC order, noted that he had to decide on three key issueswhether the information sought by the appellant qualifies as 'information' under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act; whether the CIC has the authority to enforce an individuals right to information against a private entity through a public authority using its regulatory powers and; whether private hospitals can be treated as deemed public information officers (PIOs) and held accountable under the RTI Act for denying access to patient-related information. He referred to several High Court decisions, one of them by justice Sanjeev Khanna (which extensively quoted various sub-sections of Section 4 of the RTI Act) and a CIC order which noted candidly that providing the patient and his/ her family with all the medical documents/ correspondence comes under suo motu disclosures.

During the hearing, Mr Kumar pleaded before the commission that health services includeprotection from medical negligence, punishment for medical negligence as a crime, compensation for damage caused by negligence and enforcement of contractual obligation coming under contract law.

He also pointed to the Consumer Protection Act, which aims to prevent negligence and deficient services, ensured the right to information about medical treatment and provides for compensation in case of violations.

CIC Prof Acharyulu ordered:

The Directorate of Health Services, Delhi, to compel Fortis Hospital with its regulatory power provided under the law to comply with the provisions of the Nursing Homes Registration Act or Clinical Establishment (Registration & Regulation) Act, MCI Act and RTI Act or any other rule or provision under any law, and provide the entire information to the appellant within 21 days from the date of receipt of this order.

That the Commission recommends the Government of India, states and Union territories, besides the respondent authority in this case, to take necessary steps to enforce the right to information, i.e., forcing the private hospitals to give medical records of the patients on day to day basis, because this daily disclosure will prevent undesirable practices of altering records after damage caused to patient.

That, the private hospitals provide dailywise medical records will also act as a check on some hospitals from resorting to extortionist, inhuman and ruthless business of prescribing unnecessary diagnostic tests, unnecessary surgical operations, caesarean deliveries, unwarranted angioplasties, inserting stents, without need, or of substandard nature, or putting low quality stent while collecting price of high quality stent, and several such malpractices amounting to medical terrorism, etc.

That hospitals should not be allowed to (follow) such malpractices with all impunity and get away without any legal consequences as if there is an absolute immunity.

That the Government, Medical Council of India and the health regulatory has to see that licence to practice medicine will not become licence to kill and extort and come to the rescue of helpless patients.

Public participation invited by the Medical Services Transparency Forum Anonymous complaints will not be entertained. The forum encourages citizens to report instances of medical malpractices, patient harassment, or inflated bills. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] with full case details and a contact number. Objectives of the Medical Services Transparency Forum 1. Monitor and address malpractices: Vigilance over medical malpractices and patient harassment in both government and charitable hospitals, and proposing actionable solutions. 2. Promote awareness of government schemes: Ensure that all patients benefit from government-provided healthcare schemes and facilities. 3. Enforce the Maharashtra Nursing Home Act: Advocate for strict and consistent implementation of the Act across the state. 4. Increase and audit healthcare funding: Demand greater allocation to healthcare in the state budget and ensure judicious expenditure. 5. Push for transparency in patient rights and CSR utilisation: Promote fair use of patient rights funds and corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions. Key demands to the state government: 1. Public disclosure of charitable hospital data: Daily online updates of free bed availability and poor patient funds in charitable hospitals. Strict action, including suspension, should be taken against negligent officials. 2. Regulation of hospital charges: Legally fix private hospital charges in line with Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and insurance company rates. Collaborate with the centre to reduce medicine prices. 3. Proper naming of charitable hospitals: Enforce the mandatory inclusion of the word "Charitable" in hospital names, with legal action for non-compliance. 4. State health policy: Declare a comprehensive state health policy through a committee of secretaries, health commissioners, and medical experts. 5. CSR fund utilisation: Ensure CSR funds are directed toward the treatment of poor patients in private hospitals. 6. Standard treatment protocols: Develop standardised treatment guidelines to prevent unnecessary tests and surgeries. 7. Increase budget allocation: Significantly enhance funding for the department of public health and the department of medical education. 8. Crack down on fake doctors: Identify and take action against bogus medical practitioners.
Accessibility in the Quad-Cities could be a little easier to navigate thanks to a new initiative spearheaded by Visit Quad Cities.

The Quad-Cities region has recently become a verified destination with Wheel the World, an online platform that provides senior travelers and those with disabilities with detailed accessibility information they need to book hotels, tours and experiences.

Sofia Bravo, head of customer success at Wheel the World, spoke at the presentation Wednesday morning at The Current Iowa, one of the newly sealed businesses. Wheel the World was started by Alvaro Silberstein, a wheelchair user who wanted to hike at Torres del Plaine in Patagonia.

With the help of friends, he was able to secure a wheelchair that could handle a rough terrain, and the group ultimately made a documentary about the process. It quickly went viral, Bravo said, and media outlets began asking for interviews.

Then, others with disabilities began asking for help.

"They wanted to do exactly the same trip. And how do I get there? Is it accessible? Is there a bathroom? How does it work? So people had so many questions that we didn't even know what to answer, because initially, we were just doing a trip with friends," Bravo said. "We were not thinking about doing much more than maybe leaving, blog post, and that's where we saw the real challenge around this."

Bravo said information about accessibility is not regularly available online. If it is, it can be extremely unreliable, especially because disabilities look different for every person, she said.

"There's no one size (fits all). We have ADA, but ADA is not enough. Some people that are in a power wheelchair and may need a high bed so they can actually transfer with a Hoyer lift. Some people need a lower bed so they can actually transfer themselves," she said. "If they don't have the information, they don't know if they will be able to sleep in the bed."

Even with current solutions, she said, they're not always available for those who need them. Even if someone books a disability accessible hotel room, for example, the hotel may shift rooms around and they will not end up with what they asked for.

With 30% of the world identifying as having a disability and 50% of people with disabilities saying they would travel more if they had more information, Wheel the World is providing a solution to a big problem, Bravo said.

She described the accompanying website, wheeltheworld.com, as a Booking.com or Expedia for those with disabilities. Multiple tabs allow users to search for hotels, activities, transpiration and more.

Users can then type in their city of choice and see what accessible options there are there. In the Quad-Cities, 11 have joined so far: The Axis Hotel, Barrel House, Channel Cat, Circa '21, The Current, Figge Art Museum, Foundry, The Half Nelson, John Deere Pavilion, Riverboat Twilight, and Whitey's Ice Cream.

Other businesses that are interested in becoming verified destinations can do so for free by signing up online, she said.

The process involves a Wheel the World employee coming to each location to measure each point of accessibility to provide the most accurate information for customers.

Partners will receive an assessment with guidance on how to improve and a seal of approval if the destination can access accurate accessibility information in relation to hotels, activities and restaurants in these destinations.
Though federalism promised power devolution, nearly a decade later, analysts say that it remains an idea rather than a reality.

Nepal's transition to federalism in 2015, when it ratified its new constitution. It was a culmination of politicized protest, civil strife, decade-long insurgency, calls for inclusivity, and desires for increased balanced, equitable development of the country's different regions. Federalism has indeed put an end to decades-long, deep-rooted centralization of power and provided a platform of inclusive politics.

After the approval of the constitution, the nation was structured into three layers of government: federal, provincial, and local. The constitution established seven provinces to ensure coverage of geographic, ethnic, and administrative grounds. The local elections in 2017 and 2022, following a gap of more than 20 years, brought back democratic representation at the local level, which is considered a significant achievement of federalization of the nation.

Notable Achievements

Following the adoption of the federal structure, several gains have been made. Local governments began handling health, education, road construction, and other infrastructure development. Provincial governments, too, launched major initiatives. For example, Karnali added over 200 km of paved roads, Sudurpaschim 550 km, and Lumbini more than 1,160 km. With rapid construction, several remote parts of hills and mountains have road networks while rural electrification and internet access has reached to more than 90 per cent of the population in over 70 districts.

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The federal government, meanwhile, has undertaken several health programs for the common good of the people. Airlifting pregnant women from remote areas and facilitating them with safer delivery services and free health services for the poor, elderly, and patients suffering diseases such as cancer, kidney-related problems, and many others are new gains for people. Health insurance at affordable premiums has also been carried out.

Fiscal decentralization also gained favor. Provincial and local authorities began to be allocated distinct shares of VAT, excise duties, and natural resource royalties. National natural resources and fiscal institutions were set up in a bid to ensure equity in the fiscal distribution. These measures were aimed at allowing local governments to raise revenues independently.

Donor-funded programs, including the Provincial and Local Governance Support Programme (PLGSP), also increased administrative and planning capacity. Delivery of services in many areas was improved as a result. Municipalities and rural municipalities across the country now have budgets of their own and have taken on significant roles previously centralized. The central government provides a significant portion of its GDP to provincial authorities. In 2020/21, provincial governments budgeted 6.2% of the GDP. This percentage can vary from year to year depending on the specific budget allocations.

Growing Frustration

Despite these positive changes, the sense that federalism has yet to take strong roots. In many quarters, frustration has grown over its pace and impact on federalism. Corruption at three layers of government too has been a matter of higher concern. Though federalism promised power devolution, nearly a decade later, analysts say that it remains an idea rather than a reality. There are still numerous provinces without the most basic administrative capacity. The majority of local units in Madhes, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces lack chief administrative officers, which has impeded administrative decision-making. Shortages of employees and insufficient technical expertise have weakened service delivery at several provinces and local units.

Meanwhile, central legislation, such as the Federal Civil Service Act and the Education Act, is still in abeyance. Their delay has left provinces at the mercy of federal diktats, limiting their autonomy. Similarly, provincial governments have not been authorized to administer police forces, undermining their authority over internal security matters.

More and more, there is a feeling that federalism has become a fiscal burden. Many say federalism has become expensive owing to provisions of three layers of government, several provincial ministers, and local and provincial representatives. Paying salaries, allowances, and perks to over 35,000 peoples representatives in a three-tier system has proven burdensome to the governments budget. Others argue that provincial governments have not demonstrated what they are meant for. Public dissatisfaction has grown in terms of corruption, nepotism, and waste in provincial government. It has led many, from politicians to civil society members, to question whether the model can be sustained. Critics say that federalism has become an economic burden rather than a medium for empowerment.

Furthermore, budgetary arrangements are often disregarded. Federal ministries continue to finance small local projects at the expense of provincial and local governments completely. This contradiction goes against the principle of decentralized decision-making. Meanwhile, power and resources, as well as decision-making between the local and provincial levels, have created the confusion. Local government has strong associations and lobby resources, whereas provinces have little voice.

To ensure federalisms effective outcome, a few rights and resources have to be guaranteed for the provinces. To begin with, they need more defined legal powers in education, health, local infrastructure, and security. Otherwise, provincial governments will continue to be weak and ineffective. They need sufficient budgetary support, which, however, must be tied to their performance. Delays or cuts in budget hinder planning and erode trust. Furthermore, provinces should be allowed to collect and retain some of their finances in the form of fees and taxes, reducing dependence on federal coffers.

Likewise, there should be legislation to better delineate the role and powers of each level of government to avoid duplication and institutional showdowns. Checks and balances must be established. Transparency in spending, public auditing, and citizens participation at all levels are also required to ensure the effectiveness of the federal structure.

Rays of Hope

While the federal parliament has set up a Federalism Committee to oversee implementation and look at issues, the Office of the Prime Minister is rethinking the responsibilities given to provinces and may alter them. The recent cabinets decision to form a good governance committee under the prime ministers coordination is a potential move in this regard. Talks are being held on capping ministerial terms and bringing professionals into executive positions, which reflect a shift in mentality towards deepening federalism.

In order for federalism to serve the people in real life, coordination between the three levels of government needs to be deepened further. The provinces must assert their rights and interests more strongly, and federal governments and officials must listen. Planning, budgeting, and rules of implementation must go hand-in-hand with ground realities. In addition, eliminating politicization of appointments and building local capacity through training and investment can get institutions to perform effectively. Our federalism will not prosper with the one size fits all approach. Nepal will need to adapt its federal model to its own socio-political context.

That being said, the success of federalism will be realized by continuous improvement, but not by hollow rhetoric. For now, the system offers significant potential for equitable development and increased inclusivity. However, what will happen next will depend very much on political will, institutional reform, and citizen participation. There are many in the country, from top leaders to a layman, who are still not supportive of federalism, who must be told that rather than ditching federalism altogether, improving its implementation for better outcomes is the way forward.


The government has clarified that it will not close all childrens homes in the country, but will instead target those that violate legal and operational standards. This reassurance comes as authorities step up efforts to remove vulnerable children from the streets and improve their overall wellbeing.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua delivered this message on Wednesday during a handover ceremony held at the ministrys Nairobi headquarters. The event marked the official transition of Caren Agengo Achieng into her new role as Principal Secretary of the freshly established State Department for Childrens Welfare Services.

CS Mutua emphasized that only childrens homes operating illegally or in violation of child welfare regulations would face closure.

Just yesterday, I approved certificates for 25 childrens homes. We are not shutting down homes that follow the law and care for children responsibly. However, those running illegal operations must be closed because we will not allow them to become hubs for child trafficking or other criminal activity, said the CS.

He further reaffirmed the governments commitment to supporting legitimate Child Welfare Societies across the country.

PS Achieng Vows to Fast-Track Childrens Cases

Now under the leadership of PS Achieng, the new State Department for Childrens Welfare Services will focus exclusively on childrens rights, protection, and welfareresponsibilities previously managed under the broader State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs.

Outlining her vision, PS Achieng promised to strengthen child protection systems, improve collaboration with the judiciary, and fast-track the resolution of childrens cases in court.

I will work with the judiciary to ensure case management is fully implemented, allowing us to monitor how childrens cases are handled, she said. We also plan to enhance infrastructure across the country, including child-friendly rescue centers at police stations and county-level facilities.

The formation of the State Department for Childrens Welfare Services comes at a critical time when Kenya is grappling with a rising number of missing childrenmany of whom go missing after fleeing abuse, being abducted, or getting separated from their families.

By prioritizing childrens needs under a dedicated department, the government hopes to create a more responsive and protective environment for Kenyas young and vulnerable.

This move reflects a renewed commitment to safeguarding childrens rights and ensuring that every child in Kenya has access to safety, justice, and proper care.
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has laid out a comprehensive plan to reform Kenyas healthcare sector, aiming to improve quality and accountability across the system.

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, during a meeting with the leadership of the Clinical Officers Council (COC), Duale, joined by COC Chairperson Samuel Kangethe, presented a series of regulatory measures designed to enhance healthcare delivery to all Kenyans.

As part of these reforms, Duale called for the full digitization of the COCs systems, aligning them with the Ministry of Healths Digital Health Strategy and the newly established Digital Health Agency. He emphasized that this move would allow for real-time oversight of healthcare practices, ultimately reducing malpractice within the sector.

To strengthen accountability, the CS also instructed the Council to carry out a comprehensive re-inspection of all licensed health facilities across the country and submit detailed reports to the Ministry of Health.

All health facilities will undergo re-inspection and be subjected to consistent, routine checks to ensure full compliance. Duale ordered.

Duale further stressed the importance of maintaining high standards in the healthcare profession. He urged the council not to license clinical officers trained in institutions that have not been properly inspected, audited, or accredited by the Council, ensuring that the training and professional practices uphold public health and safety.

In addition, the CS reassured the council of the Ministrys commitment to supporting the successful implementation of policy reforms and the rollout of the Taifa Care Model, a cornerstone of the countrys health strategy.
Mediheal Group founder Dr. Swarup Mishra has strongly denied allegations of involvement in organ trafficking and expressed his willingness to face legal consequences if found guilty. Speaking to the media in Eldoret on Wednesday, Dr. Mishra dismissed the claims as unfounded and announced that he intends to sue German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) over what he described as a defamatory expose.

This report is malicious and harmful to the integrity of our hospital. It is based on non-factual investigations, he stated.

Flanked by his legal counsel, Katwa Kigen, Dr. Mishra emphasized that Mediheal Hospital has conducted 476 kidney transplants since November 2018, all of which, he claimed, were performed legally and ethically. Among the procedures, 62 were carried out on Israeli patients.

These claims are entirely unfounded and are not supported by any credible evidence. We remain committed to delivering ethical, safe, and world-class healthcare to our patients and reaffirm our unwavering dedication to medical integrity, he added.

As public scrutiny intensifies, Mediheal has maintained that the hospital upholds the highest medical standards and has vowed to defend its reputation against what it considers irresponsible journalism.

Lawyer Katwa Kigen confirmed that Mediheal has already issued a demand letter to Deutsche Welle over the allegations, which he said misrepresented the hospitals activities.

We probably should just mention also that weve issued a demand letter to that German media outlet for false misrepresentation, Kigen told journalists.

Kigen also addressed reports that some kidney donors had voiced concerns for their safety following the expose. He firmly distanced the hospital from those claims.

We saw yesterday in some of the media outlets, some people, I think mainly donors, saying they feel threatened. We want to say that this has nothing to do with Mediheal, and we are happy to cooperate with any institution, he said.

He added that Mediheal launched its kidney transplant program after receiving full licensing and approval from the Ministry of Health.

We have a letter from the Ministry of Health to that effect, Kigen noted.

Since then, the hospital has performed kidney transplants for 371 Kenyan patients and 105 foreign nationals. According to Kigen, patients have traveled from countries including Israel, Germany, the United States, Burundi, DRC, and Somalia.

He said Mediheal maintains a 98 percent success rate, with less than two percent mortality among recipientsand no deaths among organ donors.
Mwalimu Mohammed Abduba Dida, a two-time Kenyan presidential aspirant, has been released from prison in the United States after serving three years of a seven-year sentence. U.S. prison authorities confirmed that Dida walked out of the Big Muddy Correctional Facility in Illinois on March 3, 2025, under parole.

The former presidential candidate was convicted for stalking and threatening his American wife, an offense that took place in a Midwestern state. Court documents show that Dida violated a restraining order when he visited a mosque located near the protected individuals residence.

Although Dida reportedly went to the mosque to pray, his presence in the restricted area violated the court order, triggering his arrest and eventual incarceration.

He went to a mosque nearby to pray, not knowing it was within an area he was barred from entering, as Mama Lila also frequently visited the same mosque, a family member explained.

The U.S. court had initially set Didas release for April 3, 2029. However, after serving nearly half his sentence, he earned an early release on parole. Under the conditions of his parole, Dida will complete the rest of his sentence outside prison but must comply with specific terms until the original release date.

As part of his post-release plans, Dida is shifting focus to philanthropy. He will continue running the Dida Foundation International, a nonprofit organization he launched in 2017 before his legal troubles began.

According to Amina Liban, one of Didas three wives, he has returned to his home in Minnesota and is now searching for an office space to resume operations.

He is living in his house in Minnesota. He had started the Dida Foundation International and had completed its registration just before he was arrested. He is currently looking for an office to rent in Minnesota, Amina told Daily Nation.
Kenya has secured a major financial boost for its development agenda after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi signed a Ksh9 billion (EUR 60 million) loan agreement with the OPEC Fund for International Development during his visit to the United States on April 22, 2025.

The funding will go toward supporting national priorities under the Vision 2030 strategy and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). In a statement released the following day, Mbadi confirmed the deal, saying, Signed a EUR 60 million financial agreement with OPEC Fund President Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa for the Economic Transformation & Green Recovery Support Programme. The policy-based loan will support the implementation of Vision 2030 & BETA programmes.

Several flagship initiatives are set to benefit from the loan, including the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Burns and Paediatrics Centre, rural electrification projects across five regions, the Bura Irrigation Scheme, the Kenya Electricity Expansion Programme, and the first phase of the Urban Roads Project in Wajir.

Shortly after signing the agreement, Mbadi, alongside Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, met with Ndiame Diop, the newly appointed World Bank Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa. Diop will now be stationed in Nairobi, where the World Bank is setting up its regional hub.

Mbadi praised the move as a strong endorsement of Kenyas leadership and commitment to regional development. The Banks decision reaffirms our growing stature in the region, he said. We remain committed to working closely with the World Bank to drive inclusive growth, expand opportunity, and uplift the lives of our people.

Mbadi and Kiptoo are in the U.S. for the 2025 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, where they continue to strengthen Kenyas global financial partnerships.
Commuters in Nairobi are stepping into a new era of public transport as the first phase of the citys ambitious Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system rolls out. With scheduled buses and fixed fares now available on Route 111, which connects the city center to Ngong Town, the pilot project offers a glimpse into what could soon become a major shift in how Nairobians move across the city.

Unlike the traditional matatus that wait to fill up before departing, the BRT buses operate on a fixed schedulebringing a much-needed sense of order, reliability, and efficiency. The Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA), which is spearheading the project, says Route 111 marks a turning point in the push to modernize Nairobis public transport.

The pilot comes just three months after international development partners injected 320 million (approximately Ksh43.4 billion) into the Nairobi BRT initiative. These funds will support the construction of the Clean Core BRT Line 3, starting with a 12-kilometre corridor from Dandora to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) along Juja Road. The second phase will extend the route, connecting Tala to Dandora and KNH to Ngong.

Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar believes strong collaboration with industry stakeholders is the key to long-term success.

The Route 111 Pilot Project proves that we can join forces as one people to deliver better services and tackle the daily challenges commuters and travelers face, he said.

Scheduled commuter services are expected to eliminate the unpredictability of matatu operations, while fixed fares promote transparency and help commuters plan their expenses better.

As part of the wider Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan, NAMATA has already gazetted five BRT lines, all at different stages of development. Line 1, dubbed Ndovu, will stretch from Limuru through Kangemi, the CBD, to Imara Daima, Athi River, and Kitengela. Line 2, Simba, runs from Rongai to Kenol via Bomas, Langata Road, and the CBD.

NAMATA reports that the Simba line is already 70% complete and will be rolled out in two phasesfirst from Kasarani to KNH, then from Ruiru to KNH.

To further support the system, construction is underway for 13 intermediate stations with 24 platforms, plus a new park-and-ride facility at Kasarani. This setup will allow motorists heading into the CBD to park their cars and hop on BRT buses, easing the citys notorious traffic congestion.
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado returned to the witness stand on Wednesday to continue his testimony in the high-profile trial where he faces charges in connection with the murder of university student Sharon Otieno.

Obado told the court that he had been open about his relationship with Sharon, confessing the affair to his wife, apologizing, and taking steps to end the relationship before Sharons tragic death in 2018. He said he took full responsibility for Sharons pregnancy and attempted to handle the situation with dignity and discretion.

At the same time, Obado revealed that his wife had even offered Sharon one of their housesa gesture he declined. He emphasized that he had no intentions of marrying a second wife and hoped to end the affair respectfully.

The court has already ruled that Obado has a case to answer, placing him at the center of a legal battle that has gripped the nation for years. Sharon Otieno was abducted and murdered in 2018, a crime that sent shockwaves across the country and led to Obado and his aides being implicated in the case.

As part of his defense, Obado detailed a private meeting in a boardroom where his wife, a journalist, and another man were present. His wife, he said, had already been informed about the affair by August that year. However, the man whose identity has been concealed, claimed to have received messages from journalist Lawrence Muller and sought direct confirmation.

Obado told the court that his wife momentarily stepped out to make tea, giving the man a chance to explain that Muller had approached him about publishing a story on the affair. Obado insisted that his wife was involved in addressing the matter, even assisting him financially.

My wife was in that meetingeven when I gave them money. It was actually my wife who loaned me the Ksh.30,000 I handed over to them, Obado testified.

He also recalled a separate meeting with Muller at the Heron Court Hotel in Nairobi. There, Muller conveyed Sharons request for housingeither in Nairobi or Kisumu. Obado said he rejected the urban options, instead proposing to buy land in Homa Bay and build a home worth Ksh.3 million.

Muller told me Sharon refused the Homa Bay option and insisted on a 50 by 100 plot in Kisumu town. But I was clearI only supported buying land in the rural area, he said.

Obado added that Sharons health during pregnancy had been discussed, and through Muller, he committed to supporting her, including providing medical insurance. He also testified that Sharon had agreed to move into a rental home while waiting for her house to be builtan arrangement she reportedly accepted.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has doubled down on his controversial proposal to extend Kenyas presidential term limit from five to seven years.

Speaking during a radio interview on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Cherargei backed the idea with both religious and practical arguments, despite facing strong resistance from his own party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Seven years is a holy number for us Christians, he said.

Beyond its religious significance, Cherargei argued that a longer term would give presidents the time they need to effectively implement development plans. He claimed that Kenyas five-year election cycle promotes a culture of endless politicking, which distracts leaders from delivering on their promises.

He voiced concern that the pressure of constant campaigning prevents presidents from focusing on long-term projects, limiting their ability to leave behind a meaningful legacy.

Cherargei also called out what he sees as unfair comparisons between President William Ruto and the late President Mwai Kibaki. He said critics often overlook the fact that Kibaki had a decade in office to achieve milestones such as the Thika Super Highway, while Ruto, now three years into his first term, is already being held to similar standards.

We have subjected this country to continuous campaigning. We barely give elected leaders enough time to work. People are already comparing President Ruto to former President Kibaki, who served for ten years. Ruto has only been in office for three years, but youll hear people saying, Kibaki alijenga Thika Super Highway, he added.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is intensifying its diplomatic efforts in China as it builds strategic international alliances ahead of Kenyas 2027 General Election. Led by Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, the party dispatched a high-level delegation to Beijing to strengthen its ties with the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Omar, who arrived in China last week ahead of President William Rutos official state visit, met with top leaders from the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee. The meeting, hosted by Guo Ningninga senior official in the CPC Fujian Provincial Committeecentered on deepening party-to-party relations, enhancing mutual understanding, and identifying key areas of collaboration between Kenya and China.

The CPC leaders shared insights into their governance model, including their approach to effective leadership, grassroots mobilisation, and sustainable urban development. UDA, keen to learn from one of the worlds most established political parties, welcomed the exchange.

Omar emphasized that UDA is focused on building a people-centred, ideologically grounded party. He pointed to the UDA Leadership Academy as a cornerstone of this effortan initiative aimed at grooming visionary leaders and strengthening institutional frameworks within the party.

Drawing parallels between the CPCs disciplined approach to leadership and UDAs aspirations, both parties expressed a shared commitment to fostering people-driven governance, read a statement from UDA.

Guo Ningning invited Kenya to participate in the upcoming World Maritime Equipment Conference, scheduled for October. Omar confirmed Kenyas participation, noting the countrys interest in expanding its role in global trade and maritime development.

The dialogue ended on a high note, with both UDA and CPC reaffirming their commitment to ongoing collaboration through joint training programs, regular knowledge exchange, and open political dialogue. The meeting laid the groundwork for a long-term partnership that spans national and grassroots levels.

UDA Visits Great Wall of China, Draws Inspiration for Visionary Leadership in Kenya

As part of the diplomatic visit, Omar also led the UDA delegation to the historic Great Wall of China. There, standing atop the ancient fortification, the team reflected on the Walls symbolism as a marker of national unity, resilience, and visionary planning.

Guided by local historians, the group explored the Walls multifaceted role in Chinese historynot just as a defensive structure, but as a powerful representation of national identity, built through the collective effort of diverse communities.

Omar remarked that Kenya could draw inspiration from the Great Walls legacy. He described it as a testament to strategic foresight, unwavering leadership, and the power of long-term planningvalues he believes are crucial for Kenyas continued growth and development.

Structures like the Great Wall remind us that progress requires vision, commitment, and unity. These are the very principles UDA is championing as we build the Kenya of tomorrow, Omar said.

After returning from the delegation mission in China, Hassan Omar hosted a team of Chinese developers at the partys headquarters, Hustler Plaza in Nairobi, on Wednesday.

Senator Omar held high-level discussions with Chen Zhita, Deputy General Manager of Fujian Construction Investment Group Company Limited. Zhita was joined by Jiang Zhiqiang, Head of the Business Development Department, and Chien Jiandong, who serves as both Board Secretary and General Manager of the Planning and Development Department.

The meeting focused heavily on advancing Kenya-China development partnerships. Luo Zicheng, Deputy General Manager at China Wu Yia subsidiary of Fujian Construction Investment Groupalso attended the talks.
In a review of Kevin Youngs 2018 collection Brown, the New York Times wrote that keeping up with Kevin Young is like trying to keep up with Bob Dylan or Prince in their primes. Even the bootlegs have bootlegs.

Emory audiences didnt have to settle for bootlegs on Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22, when the influential poet and former University Distinguished Professor shared his work as special guest poet at the 25th annual 12th Night Revel and the 20th annual Raymond Danowski Poetry Library Reading Series.

Young, poetry editor at The New Yorker, served as the Atticus Haygood Professor of English and Creative Writing at Emory and curator of Emorys Raymond Danowski Poetry Library from 2005-16.

Hes the author of 12 books of poetry, including Stones, Brown and Book of Hours, as well as Bunk: The Rise of Hoaxes, Humbug, Plagiarists, Phonies, Post-Facts and Fake News, a work of nonfiction. Another volume of poetry, Night Watch, is expected later this year. Young has also edited ten books, most recently, A Century of Poetry in the New Yorker, 1925-2005.

12th Night Revel: A party for poetry

For 25 years, the Emory community has gathered for the 12th Night Revel, an evening dedicated to poetry and raising funds to support the Rose Library.

From the welcoming toast by Emory President Gregory L. Fenves to the concluding wish from Chief Reveler Rosemary Magee, this years event delighted in that history  and the inspirational and challenging words of generations of poets.

Creating poetry is an act of courage, discovery and hope. And reading it together as we do tonight, nourished by the rhythm and weight of language, is an act of joy, Fenves told attendees. It reminds us of who we are, who we aspire to be and the power of our shared humanity.

As the evening got underway at the Emory Conference Center Hotel, Ron Schuchard, Goodrich C. White Professor of English Emeritus, recalled the very first 12th Night Revel before sharing a lilting recitation of W.B. Yeats Sailing to Byzantium.

Im one of the really old guys who was here at the turn of the millennium for the first gathering of poetry lovers from every corner of Emory, to drink, dine, recite favorite poems (many from memory), meet old friends and alumni and enjoy some tall tales and high laughter, he reflected.

While we never imagined that it would become one of Emory's permanent traditions  every merry-making reveler here knows that poetry is a slant rhyme for party, he quipped. The two work marvelously together.

And throughout the night, they did. Attendees ate, drank and made merry, inspired by students, faculty, staff, alumni and other guests who stepped to the microphones to read favorite poems from a wide range of poets  Nikki Giovanni, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Maya Angelou, Ada Limon, Timothy Donelly, Ezra Pound, Sylvia Plath, John Milton, Ilya Kaminsky and Billy Collins, to name a few.

Keeping the faith

The Rose Library is known for its expansive collections, with focus areas in African American history and culture; political, cultural and social movements; rare books; Southern history; and literary and poetry collections.

The Roses literary holdings include the papers of writers, poets and critics; the records of publishers and presses; and rare books and manuscripts. Its collections offer particular strengths in Irish literature, modern poetry, African American writers, Georgia and Southern writers, counterculture and the Beats.

In addition to Young, another celebrated poet who has entrusted his archive to Emory was on hand to help mark the 12th Night Revels 25th anniversary. Richard Blanco became widely recognized after reading his poem One Today at the second inauguration of President Barack Obama and served as Emorys 12th Night poet in 2019.

At this years event, he described how he chose Emory to house his papers based on the Roses commitment to being a living archive  available to researchers, students and the public  and shared his poem My Father in English.

Speakers stories also exemplified how Emory and the Rose Library have shaped their lives.

Magee, this years Chief Reveler, retired from Emory in 2018 after 40 years in a variety of roles, concluding with her tenure as director of the Rose Library  coming full circle from her first job at Emory, which was, as she recalled at 12th Night, filing catalog cards as a graduate student in the basement in the lowest level of the library.

Bettina Judd, acting associate professor of African American studies, introduced Young to the rapt audience, remembering how she first visited Emory while in graduate school to study in the Rose Library. Working on her dissertation, she was excited to get a first look at the papers of poet Lucille Clifton, whose archive is part of the Rose Librarys extensive poetry collection.

Before Young began reading, he reflected on his years as an Emory professor and Rose Library curator. I was here for 12 years, and this is such a special place for me, he said. It's the place where I learned that archives arent just about books and paper, theyre really about people.

Young opened and closed with his own poems, Ode to Greens and Rapture. In between, he treated revelers to a diverse selection of works by poets featured in the recently released A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker: 1925-2025, for which he served as editor.

Taking the stage one last time to bid the revelers farewell, Magee invoked the words of another former Emory professor and 12th Night poet  19th U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey  who has said that poetry is a kind of faith.

Lets keep the faith, Magee said.

First Danowski poet re-takes the stage

It was fitting for Young, the inaugural poet for the Danowski Reading Series, to stand at the lectern at Glenn Memorial Auditorium for its 20th anniversary. The free public reading is traditionally held the day after the 12th Night Revel.

From 2005-16, Young curated Emorys Raymond Danowski Poetry Library, a collection of rare and first editions of modern and contemporary poetry housed at the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, now numbering 85,000 volumes.

The collection was an effort by Raymond to collect every book of poetry published in the English language in the 20th century, noted Valeda Dent, vice provost of libraries and museum, after welcoming the community to the free event. Just think about that.

Elizabeth Ott, associate university librarian for special collections and director of the Rose Library, described how the Danowski collection filled four boxcar-sized shipping containers when the items were donated in 2004.

And its for that reason, she said, that Im so pleased today that we're going to be celebrating poetry in an equally expansive way by welcoming to the stage Kevin Young, who has had such a distinguished career in the classroom, in the archive, as a poet, as an editor and always as an advocate for poetrys capacious voice.

Geraldine Higgins, associate professor of English and director of Irish studies, introduced Young with stories about a mutual beloved connection, the late Irish poet Seamus Heaney, who was Youngs professor at Harvard.

The Rose Library holds the largest collection of Heaneys papers in the world. In 2013, at Youngs invitation, Heaney was the guest poet at that years 12th Night and Danowski Reading. Later that same year, Heaney passed away. The following year, Higgins curated Seamus Heaney: The Music of What Happens, a major exhibit at the Rose Library featuring his work and papers.

Kevin said that Heaneys poems showed him how to put your bucket down where you are, said Higgins, proving that you could write about your life, your family and your past, and that this could be noble and the stuff of poetry.

Poems of loss and life

Family and the past were certainly themes in the poems that filled the next hour, as were death and its counterpart, lifes ordinary pleasures we later grieve. The memories of many who have passed were also palpable; Young dedicated the reading to Pellom McDaniels, the Rose Librarys former curator of African American collections who died in 2020.

Young began with Aunties, a poem from his book Dear Darkness, whose lines include the following, juxtaposing loss with that which we savor most:

theres a way only

your Auntie can make it taste right

rice & gravy

is a meal if my late Great Aunt

Toota makes it

Aunts cook like theres no tomorrow

& theyre right.

Young then revealed that his aunt was being laid to rest that very day and went on to share his last memory of her from a visit to Louisiana.

We were getting ready to leave, and she said, Oh, are you coming over?

Young tried to beg off.

And she said, Oh, well, I made some gumbo, and I said, Ill be right over!

Over audience laughter, he continued, It was worth every moment.

Mentors and legacies

Young also reflected on the impact of Heaney.

I learned from him, not just in class, he said, but also thinking about how poetry brought him all over the world and brought the world to him, and it did much the same for me.

Young read Elegy for Heaney, from Blue Laws, which includes the following lines:

All my favorite poets

are dead, I said,

meaning you

& her & him whom I was lucky

I once knew. And still

maybe I do

though like most almost orphans,

I know how

alone we all

must learn to sing.

Young also shared poems from his 2021 collection, Stones, a book he dedicated to his son, Mac, who was in the audience.

The theme of lifes ephemeral yet enduring nature made an appearance in Lilies, which Young wrote about bringing his son to visit the grave of his namesake, Youngs father. The poem closes with these lines:

The lilies

we leave

will tip over in the wind near your name

my son doesnt yet know

though its his own.

Embracing life by letting go

Young closed with several poems from Night Watch, in which questions of mortality were never far from view.

But it was Russet, from Stones, that comprised a thesis statement for the reading, as wrestling with the inevitability of loss grants fresh gratitude for lifes fleeting glory.

Im done being In love with

what leaves

autumn gathers in the trees, russet,

then tries

not to fall asleep on the cold ground.

God, it is

hard being happy if you try

instead, be like

this slow yellow. Let go.

The audience gave Young a standing ovation before heading back out into the ephemeral green of a perfect spring afternoon.
Looking for ways to make your research  and your life  a bit easier as the semester comes to a close? Emory Libraries and the Emory Center for Digital Scholarship (ECDS) are here to help with two initiatives that make resources more available and accessible.

ECDS has established a website of digital courses where the Emory community can learn different skills on their own, such as digital mapping, video editing, 3D modeling and more. The Emory Preservation Department has completed a captioning and transcription project that makes audiovisual collections more accessible.

Emory student employees worked on both initiatives and were integral to their successes.

We are thrilled to provide opportunities for student employees to gain skills that help them flourish, says Lisa Macklin, associate vice provost and university librarian. The students contribute to our collections being accessible to a broader audience, so they also make a positive impact.

These are just two of the many initiatives Emory Libraries staff members and student employees have been working on to make resources more broadly available and accessible.

ECDS digital training courses

Want to learn new digital skills? ECDS is launching a new digital training website that offers free access to self-guided learning in mapping and spatial analysis, digital publishing and exhibitions, data analysis, video production and editing, website design, 3D modeling, artificial intelligence and many other topics.

The digital training site is open to students, faculty and staff and gathers all the training resources in one place for easy access. Users can choose from three types of resources: ECDSs catalog of recorded online workshops; LinkedIn Learning, which provides a wide library of video tutorials and courses free to Emory users; and ECDS-created open-source tools, such as Open Tour, with step-by-step instructions. The training website also directs users to relevant content from other academic units, like Emory Libraries LibGuides or materials selected by the Center for AI Learning.

It's asynchronous and it's self-paced, so you can either start learning from zero and do the whole course or jump in at whatever point you want to start learning from and go from there, says Alexander Cors, ECDS digital scholarship specialist and manager of the Digital Scholarship Training Program.

ECDS created its digital training website for two main reasons, Cors says. First, graduate students are frequently hired with little experience in specialized tools like web design, video editing, digital mapping, or data analysis, which prompted ECDS to develop a structured training program. As student employees and the wider Emory community grew more knowledgeable and eager to learn other skills, ECDS expanded its resources, ultimately building a comprehensive training library for a broader audience.

Additionally, the website enables ECDS to respond to the growing demand from faculty and student researchers for digital project support. Now, ECDS staff members can easily share specific lessons or guidelines with patrons before or after a consultation.

This way, we can give students and faculty the resources to easily learn and understand tools like digital mapping or video editing, and we can spend more time working directly on the projects, says Cors.

Undergraduate and graduate student employees were an integral part of developing the training website, Cors adds. They helped select learning materials, wrote some of the lessons (such as the Podcasting 101 and Video Essay lessons), formatted and updated the website, created the graphics and designs, and ran the user interface testing.

The training site is geared toward Emory undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, but members of the public can also use it. (There are a few areas that require an Emory login, such as the ECDS workshops.) For the LinkedIn Learning tutorials, Emory users with an active ID can login for free, and the public can access tutorials for free through their public library.

Making archived videos more accessible with captioning

The Emory Preservation Department, housed in the Robert W. Woodruff Library, has been tackling a project to make some of the Libraries historical and relevant audiovisual material more accessible.

The department won a Lyrasis Catalyst Fund grant to caption several collections of archived videos using Whisper captioning software and to evaluate the effectiveness of the software. Five collections were selected for the project, including surgical grand rounds lectures from the Emory School of Medicine records at the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library and interviews from the Underrepresented Voices oral history collection from the Emory Oral History Program. In addition, selections from the Rose Library were captioned, including press conferences and episodes of A Dialogue with Sam Nunn from the collection of former Georgia state congressman and U.S. senator Sam Nunn; episodes of the Atlanta-based variety program American Music Show; and radio programs from the Martin Luther King Speaks series from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference collection.

Over the past year and a half, a team of students captioned 361 audio and video recordings  more than 200 hours of content. With the Whisper software creating the initial caption text, the students reviewed the text for accuracy, made any necessary corrections and adjusted formatting and timestamps to ensure proper caption displays. The students corrected captions were then compared to the original Whisper text to determine Whispers accuracy and understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Through this project, Whisper was determined to be a useful tool in creating captions and transcripts for audiovisual materials in the Libraries, and the team is beginning to work on additional collections.

This is going to create greater accessibility for the content and expand options for searchability as well, says Nina Rao, head of media preservation and project lead. Even if you dont necessarily rely on captions, this will make it easier for people to find material thats relevant to what theyre looking for.

Its also important for web content accessibility. As web content accessibility guidelines become more widely adopted, captioning is something that users are going to expect more and more, and this will allow us to keep up with that changing expectation.

Students have enjoyed working on the project. They felt like it made it more interesting to do the work, because Whisper does the part that's really labor intensive, which is transcribing from scratch, Rao says. That allowed the students to focus on editorial decisions and ensuring that the captions are readable and accurate, so it let them focus on the more creative decisions involved.

For more information on these projects, please contact Alexander Cors regarding the ECDS Digital Training website or Nina Rao regarding the captioning project.
China and Kenya slam 'new hegemonic tactics'

China and Kenya said on Thursday they oppose "new hegemonic tactics" such as illegal unilateral sanctions, tariff barriers and technological blockades.



The declaration came in a joint statement issued during Kenyan President William Ruto's current visit to China.



Ruto pledged to build closer ties with China after saying on Wednesday that a global trade war triggered by Washington could deal a death blow to the current world order.



Ruto is on a five-day visit to China, his third trip to Beijing since taking office in 2022. The visit comes at a time when both Kenya and China are seeking to expand ties amid a tariff fight between Washington and Beijing.



Kenya wants to learn from Chinas remarkable journey of transformation in governance, economic development and global leadership, he said.



He thanked President Xi Jinping for tens of millions of dollars in support for health, education and disaster relief, as well as for the planned construction of a new complex for Kenyas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Xi told Ruto that China attaches great importance to China-Kenya relations and that Beijing would work with Kenya to develop the unity and cooperation of the global South. Xi is looking to shore up partnerships and find solutions for the high trade barrier that the United States has imposed on Chinese exports.



Kenya is a key participant in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, the ambitious plan that aims to connect Africa, Asia and Europe through massive infrastructure and energy projects. China has funded billions of dollars worth of Kenyan roads, ports and a railway that runs from the coastal city of Mombasa through the capital, Nairobi.



Ruto's "death blow" comment came in a keynote speech at Peking University in which he criticized the UN Security Council and the current world order, calling it broken, dysfunctional and no longer fit for purpose and saying the tariffs imposed by Trump may be its final death blow.



Many African nations face uncertainty over the tariffs, which threaten key industries that export to the United States.



The United States is one of Kenyas largest export destinations, while China is Kenyas top supplier.



After the meeting, the two countries signed security, technology, and economic agreements, as well as agreements on railways and the establishment of a new Kenyan consulate in Guangzhou. (Reuters/AP)
India's Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector has witnessed tremendous growth over the last two decades, according to a recent report by Motilal Oswal. The sector's market capitalization has increased more than 50 times, jumping from Rs 1.8 trillion in 2005 to Rs 91 trillion in 2025. This represents a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 22 per cent. While banks continue to be the backbone of the BFSI sector, their share in the total market capitalization has reduced from 85 per cent in 2005 to about 57 per cent currently. This shift is mainly due to the rise of new players such as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and fintech firms. The report said "The Indian BFSI sector has experienced a remarkable >50x surge in market capitalization.........While banks remain the backbone, their share in the total BFSI sector market cap has declined to approx. 57 per cent at present from 85 per cent in 2005". These emerging segments have benefited from rapid technological advancements and innovation, which have helped them gain a significant presence in the market. The fintech sector, which barely existed before 2015, now holds a combined market capitalization of over Rs 12 trillion, including both listed and unlisted companies. This clearly shows how digital technologies and changing consumer preferences are shaping the future of the financial sector. The report also highlighted the strong recovery in earnings for the BFSI sector after the COVID-19 pandemic. The sector's share in the Nifty-50 index earnings rose to 33 per cent in FY24, up from 16 per cent in FY10. This growth has been supported by improved asset quality, rising loan demand, and lower provisioning requirements. However, the sector has seen some earnings moderation recently due to narrowing net interest margins (NIMs) and higher credit costs. The report added, "Despite these challenges, banks with solid retail franchises and effective risk management strategies are well-positioned for long-term stability". The financial strength of the sector has also improved. In FY24, the net worth of banks reached Rs 26 trillion, while NBFCs had a net worth of Rs 12.4 trillion. This growth has further boosted investor confidence in the Indian BFSI sector, which continues to offer strong investment opportunities. (ANI)
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], April 24: This World Book Day, Third Wave Coffee, India's beloved homegrown coffee brand, and HarperCollins India, a leading global publisher, come together to launch 'Paperbacks & Pour Overs' - an initiative that brings the timeless love for books and brews to life. Thoughtfully curated, Paperbacks & Pour Overs aims to create warm, welcoming corners for readers and coffee lovers at select Third Wave Coffee cafes across the country. These cafes will feature a handpicked HarperCollins Discovery Set--an engaging collection of popular and bestselling titles from both local and international lists. Housed on dedicated bookshelves, the selection will be refreshed periodically, ensuring there's always something new to explore. These literary additions are designed to transform each cafe into a cozy reading nook--inviting comfort, sparking conversations, and offering a moment of quiet reflection for solo readers and book lovers alike, all while enjoying their favourite brews. "At Third Wave Coffee, we've always believed that our cafes are more than just places to grab a great cup -- they're where people pause, connect, and create. Coffee and books have always come together effortlessly, and with Paperbacks & Pour Overs, we're excited to give this natural pairing a place in our spaces. This partnership is a celebration of two rituals -- reading and brewing -- and we're proud to bring them to life for our community," said Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee. Coffee and books have always come together -- it's the most obvious and timeless pairing. This partnership simply gives that everyday magic a curated corner to thrive in. With this effort, Third Wave Coffee aims to seamlessly weave reading into everyday cafe culture, spotlighting the timeless connect between coffee and books. Speaking about this initiative, Shabnam Srivastava - GM Marketing, HarperCollins India, adds,"As we go ahead with our plan of building READ[er] communities, we are thrilled to have Third Wave Coffee as our partners to jointly build up on the bond between coffee and books as we endeavor to add another dimension to the coffee-lovers' experience by bringing them a list of curated books to read as they sip!" While the books are not for sale, customers are encouraged to pick up a paperback, read while sipping their favorite pour-over, and place it back for someone else to enjoy. The partnership also paves the way for a series of literature-led experiences, including author-led masterclasses, interactive workshops, book meetups, and co-branded merchandise--all thoughtfully designed for those who enjoy their books with a side of brew. Together, Third Wave Coffee and HarperCollins India aim to bring the cafe brand's literary vision to life: connecting readers with stories, and stories with spaces that inspire. With Paperbacks & Pour Overs, Third Wave Coffee and HarperCollins India are brewing a shared space for literature and lifestyle to meet -- one page, one pour, and one conversation at a time. This collaboration invites everyone to stop by, pick up a book, enjoy a cup of coffee, and become part of a growing movement where creativity, caffeine, and community come together. About Third Wave Coffee: Third Wave Coffee is a coffee and food QSR brand founded by Sushant Goel, Anirudh Sharma and Ayush Bathwal in 2015. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the homegrown coffee QSR chain has rapidly expanded to over 140 stores nationwide, earning a reputation as one of the fastest-growing coffee brands in the country. Third Wave Coffee is dedicated to providing a high-quality coffee-first experience to its customers across the country with a specific focus on high-quality beans, convenient locations and a technology-enabled consumer experience. Celebrated as a trailblazer in the industry, the brand was recognised as one of the ET Now Best Brands of 2024. For more information, visit Third Wave Coffee at https://www.thirdwavecoffeeroasters.com. About HarperCollins India: HarperCollins India publishes some of the finest writers from the Indian subcontinent and around the world, publishing approximately 200 new books every year, with a print and digital catalogue of more than 2000 titles across 10 imprints. Its authors have won almost every major literary award including the Man Booker Prize, JCB Prize, DSC Prize, New India Foundation Award, Atta Galatta Prize, Shakti Bhatt Prize, Gourmand Cookbook Award, Publishing Next Award, Tata Literature Live!, Gaja Capital Business Book Prize, BICW Award, Sushila Devi Award, Sahitya Akademi Award and Crossword Book Award. HarperCollins India also represents some of the finest publishers in the world including Harvard University Press, Gallup Press, Oneworld, Bonnier Zaffre, Usborne, Dover and Lonely Planet. HarperCollins India is also the recipient of five Publisher of the Year Awards - in 2021 and 2015 at the Publishing Next Industry Awards, and in 2021, 2018 and 2016 at Tata Literature Live. HarperCollins India is a subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2671355/Third_Wave_Coffee.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2105077/4665143/HarperCollins_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)
Exporters eyeing new opportunities in the US market amid high tariffs of up to 245 per cent on China must proceed with caution, warns a new report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The sharp rise in US tariffs on Chinese goods--up to 245 per cent--has opened a window for other countries like India, which has a much lesser tariff of 10 per cent at least till July 8, but the path is not without traps. The report said "With Chinese exports facing tariffs as high as 245 per cent, while most other countries continue to enjoy just 10 per cent duties, this sharp tariff gap as a major disruptor of global trade flows. This disruption is prompting companies to rethink sourcing strategies, giving rise to three distinct trade models, each with different implications for exporters". The report highlighted that simply rerouting Chinese goods through countries like India or Vietnam to avoid tariffs is risky and illegal. Such practices violate US sourcing rules and can lead to heavy penalties. US Customs checks whether a product has truly changed during manufacturing. If not, even goods assembled outside China can still be taxed like Chinese products. To benefit from the tariff gap--where most other countries face only a 10 per cent duty-- the report mentioned that the exporters must ensure that their products undergo "substantial transformation." GTRI also added that this means real value addition, such as integration, design, or programming. Basic assembly or repackaging is not enough. It said, "Simply assembling goods is not enough--true manufacturing transformation must occur". The most sustainable model, according to GTRI, is to build manufacturing hubs outside China. Countries like India, Vietnam, Mexico, and others are seeing interest from global companies looking to shift supply chains. These shifts are especially strong in sectors like garments, pharmaceuticals, toys, electronics, and chemicals. India, in particular, stands to gain in APIs, textiles, leather, and home goods--if it follows the rules. The report advised the exporters to track their supply chains closely, document each step, and even apply for a binding ruling from US Customs to avoid surprises. The report concluded that the export opportunity is real and significant--but shortcuts won't work. Long-term gains will come only to those who invest in genuine manufacturing, understand U.S. rules, and build transparent, compliant supply chains. (ANI)
Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal has joined the World Bank Group's Private Sector Investment Lab (PSIL) as it enters a new phase focused on scaling up solutions to attract private investment and create jobs in developing countries. According to a statement by Bharti Enterprises, Mittal joined other prominent global business leaders such as Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG; Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group; and Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels. The World Bank Group on Wednesday announced the launch of the next phase of its Private Sector Investment Lab, focused on implementing proven solutions at scale. This new chapter also expands the Lab's membership to include industry leaders with experience generating jobs in developing economies, aligning directly with the Bank's sharpened focus on job creation as a core driver of development. "With the expanded membership, we are mainstreaming this work across our operations and tying it directly to the jobs agenda that is driving our strategy," said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. He further added "This isn't about altruism--it's about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. It's central to our mandate." The Lab was first launched 18 months ago to identify the biggest barriers to private sector investment in developing economies. During that time, it brought together leaders from global financial institutions to test practical solutions. Now, the initiative is moving into its implementation phase, with a strong focus on job creation as a central strategy for development. "The World Bank Group is leading the way with initiatives to grow economies and create opportunities in emerging markets around the globe. As President Banga has said, the private sector will play a pivotal role in this transformation, and I am delighted to join the PSIL alongside other distinguished business leaders. I have seen firsthand the power of connectivity to transform lives by creating opportunities for businesses to grow and communities to thrive" Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair, Bharti Enterprises. This next phase centers around five key areas. First, the Lab aims to support governments in establishing stable and predictable regulatory policies. Second, the Lab has streamlined its political risk insurance offerings, resulting in a 30 per cent increase in guarantee issuance compared to last year, which boosts investor confidence. Third, it is working to scale local currency financing to reduce foreign exchange risk and deepen domestic capital markets. Fourth, the Lab has introduced the Frontier Opportunities Fund, which is designed to support high-risk, early-stage investments using initial capital from IFC income, with plans to expand through donor and philanthropic contributions. Lastly, the Lab is working with financial giants like S&P and BlackRock to develop standardized and securitized investment products. This move is intended to unlock large pools of capital from institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds. (ANI)
Gensol Engineering Limited on Thursday refuted reports claiming that the promoters of the company, Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, are likely to be summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Mahadev Betting app case. In its filing to the exchanges, the company said, "Please note that the company/any of its KMPs or directors, including Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, has not received any communication or notice from ED with respect to the appearance regarding the Mahadev book app case pursuant to the fresh probe done by ED on 16.04.2025." On April 21, several media platforms reported that the financial crime watchdog is likely to summon the promoters of Gensol Engineering. Although the reports clarified that the agency has not yet sent any notice to the Gensol Engineering promoters to join the probe. The financial watchdog recently confiscated more than 500,000 Gensol Engineering shares, which were previously held by Dubai-based entity Zenith Multi Trading DMCC, a firm linked to Hari Shankar Tibrewal, the prime accused in the Mahadev betting case. The company had informed the exchanges, adding that the shares of Zenith Multi Trading DMCC were attached by ED. The clarification in this regard was disclosed by the Company on the BSE and NSE on March 13, 2024. "We categorically state that the news item is factually incorrect, speculative, and misleading. We reiterate that the promoters of Gensol Engineering Limited have no association with the Mahadev Book app case or the alleged financial transactions cited therein," the company said in the filing. The company added in its filing that it urges all stakeholders to rely on information published through official communications made by the Company to the stock exchanges and not on speculative media reports. "The Company reserves its rights to pursue legal remedies against the dissemination of false or misleading information that affects its market standing. We request you to take the above information on your records and disseminate the same on your respective websites," the company further added in the exchange filing. (ANI)
PRNewswire Taipei [Taiwan], April 24: Asia Pacific threat intelligence leading brand TeamT5 detected that the China-nexus APT group exploited the critical vulnerability in Ivanti Connect Secure VPN appliances to infiltrate multiple entities around the globe. The victims include nearly 20 different industries across 12 countries. TeamT5 believes that the actor still maintained control over the victim's network at the time of analysis. We urge enterprises and organizations to take a comprehensive investigation. Ivanti High-Risk Vulnerability Exposes Systems to Potential Takeover by Attackers TeamT5's analysis assessed with high confidence that the actor was exploiting the vulnerabilities of Ivanti Connect Secure VPN appliances to launch attacks around the globe. The actor possibly exploited CVE-2025-0282 or CVE-2025-22457 to conduct initial access. Both CVE-2025-0282 and CVE-2025-22457 are stack buffer overflow vulnerabilities in Ivanti Connect Secure VPN with a CVSS score of 9.0. Successful exploitation allows the threat actor to achieve remote code execution, leading to intrusion of the internal network and malware implantation. In the attack, the actor deployed a shared weapon among Chinese threat groups, SPAWNCHIMERA. SPAWNCHIMERA is developed specifically for Ivanti Connect Secure VPN and has all the functionalities of the notorious SPAWN family, including SPAWNANT (installer), SPAWNMOLE (socks5 tunnler), SPAWNSNAIL (SSH backdoor), and SPAWNSLOTH (log wiper). Moreover, TeamT5's analysis suggests that other threat actors might also obtain the vulnerability information and start campaigns targeting Ivanti VPN appliances. We have observed massive exploitation attempts against Ivanti VPN appliances since April. Although most exploitation attempts failed, many Ivanti VPN appliances became paralyzed and unstable. Widespread Impact Across Countries and Industries Calls for Urgent System Review TeamT5 points out that the victim countries include Austria, Australia, France, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The targeted industries include Automotive, Chemical, Conglomerate, Construction, Information Security, Education, Electronics, Financial Institution, Gambling, Government, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), Information Technology, Law Firm, Manufacturing, Materials, Media, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Research Institute, and Telecommunication. TeamT5 strongly recommends that affected organizations conduct a thorough incident investigation. Given the versatile TTPs of the actor, such as multi-layers of C2 infrastructure, evasion of monitor mechanism, and the usage of log wiper, without additional technical support, it would be a challenge to detect the actor's malicious traces inside the network. About TeamT5 TeamT5 consists of top cyber threat analysts. Leveraging our geographic and cultural advantages, we have the best understanding of cyber attackers in Asia Pacific. TeamT5 is frequently invited to share insights at top cybersecurity conferences. Our threat intelligence research expertise and solutions are recognized as the 2023-2024 Company of the Year Award in Taiwanese Threat Intelligence by Frost & Sullivan. Based on our research in malware & Advanced Persistent Threat (APT), we provide cyber threat intelligence reports and anti-ransomware solutions to clients in the USA and Asia Pacific region. Clients include government agencies, financial business, and high tech enterprises. Website: https://teamt5.org/en/ (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)
PNN New Delhi [India], April 24: The International Academy of Fashion & Design (IAFD) is redefining creative education with its innovative approach to fashion, interior, jewelry, and textile design. Located in Thane, IAFD is a premier institute committed to nurturing a new generation of creative professionals equipped with both vision and real-world skills. With a strong foundation in design education, IAFD offers a wide spectrum of programs including Certificate Courses, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, and Bachelor's Degrees in Fashion Design and other related fields. Each course is carefully crafted to provide students with practical exposure, industry insights, and the creative freedom to express their unique style. "IAFD was founded with a clear vision--to bridge the gap between creativity and the professional world. We don't just teach design, we cultivate future leaders of the industry," says a spokesperson for IAFD. - Courses That Build Careers IAFD offers dynamic programs in: - Fashion Design - Interior Design - Jewelry Design - Textile Design Each program emphasizes hands-on training, portfolio development, and exposure to real client projects, preparing students to thrive in the fast-paced design industry. From trend forecasting and fashion merchandising to draping techniques and surface ornamentation, the curriculum is tailored to current industry demands. A Campus Built for Creatives Located in the heart of Thane, IAFD's campus is a vibrant space designed to spark inspiration. Equipped with modern design labs, creative studios, and technology-enabled classrooms, the campus fosters innovation and collaborative learning. Whether students are sketching in the fashion lab or building 3D models in the interior design studio, they're always learning by doing. What Sets IAFD Apart? - Experienced faculty with industry backgrounds -Live projects and internships with top brands -100% placement assistance and career mentoring -Flexible fee structures and scholarships for meritorious students -Personalized guidance and small batch sizes for focused learning IAFD also regularly hosts fashion shows, exhibitions, guest lectures, and industry visits, giving students a platform to showcase their work and network with professionals. Admissions Now Open for 2025 IAFD is currently accepting applications for the 2025 academic year. Students can schedule free counseling sessions, attend trial classes, or apply directly online. Whether you're fresh out of school or a working professional looking to switch careers, IAFD has something for every aspiring designer. Location & Contact Campus Address:Vardhaman Industrial Complex, 127-B, 1st Floor, Near Hotel United 21, Thane (W), Maharashtra - 400601 Phone: +91 7718056514Email: info@iafdacademy.com About IAFD IAFD Academy is a forward-thinking institute dedicated to providing cutting-edge education in the field of fashion and design. With an emphasis on creativity, professionalism, and industry readiness, IAFD stands as a trusted name in creative education in India. (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)
New Delhi [India], April 24 (ANI) Dreame Technology, a global leader in smart home technology appliances, has announced Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon as its first Indian brand ambassador. This collaboration marks a significant step in Dreame's journey to bring innovative and intelligent home solutions to the Indian market, redefining convenience and efficiency in daily household tasks. The partnership between Kriti and Dreame Technology represents a crucial milestone as the company intends to enhance its footprint in India, reinforcing its commitment to smart living solutions that simplify and enhance household chores and daily experiences. It aims to cater to Indian consumers seeking intelligent cleaning and personal care solutions that simplify daily chores, empowering them to focus on living their dream life. Manu Sharma, Managing Director of Dreame India, said, "We are extremely delighted to welcome Kriti Sanon into the Dreame family. Her keen interest in technology and forward-thinking mindset align with our vision of redefining Indian homes through intelligent solutions and products. As we continue to introduce cutting-edge innovations in India, her association will reinforce Dreame as the preferred choice for those who appreciate smart living and superior performance. India is an integral part of Dreame's global expansion strategy - it represents a high-growth market, driven by an evolving consumer base increasingly embracing modern, technology-first lifestyles." As the face of Dreame Technology, Kriti Sanon will champion the brand's expansive range of smart home cleaning appliances and grooming products. This includes intelligent robotic vacuums for hands-free home maintenance, high-performance cordless stick vacuums for seamless cleaning, versatile wet and dry vacuums that handle both spills and dust and grooming products including airstyle and high-speed hair dryers designed for effortless styling. Additionally, Dreame's advanced grooming products provide precision and efficiency, catering to modern lifestyles that demand convenience without compromise. All Dreame products are available on Amazon India. Expressing her excitement, Kriti Sanon said, "I am excited to be a part of Dreame Technology, a brand that resonates with my philosophy of blending innovation with convenience. My lifestyle is fast-paced, and having smart solutions that take care of everyday tasks makes all the difference. With Dreame's smart cleaning and personal care appliances, I can focus on what truly matters while the technology handles the rest." As the face for Dreame, Kriti will be featured prominently in digital, print, and TVC campaigns, representing the innovative spirit and stylish essence of Dreame products, which include robotic vaccums and grooming products. Dreame Technology started operations in India in early 2023. aiming to revolutionize daily life for their global consumers. Currently, the company offers products across robotic vacuums, wet and dry vacuums , cordless stick vacuums and grooming. All Dreame products are available on Amazon. Founded in 2017, Dreame Technology ("Dreame" for short) is an international tech firm constantly seeking innovation and delivering new levels of daily life convenience for its global consumers. Pushing tech boundaries lies at the very heart of Dreame. In 2015, the company's founding team pioneered high-speed digital motors, the building blocks of smart appliances. Subsequently, Dreame continued its journey by developing intelligent algorithms. This combination has granted our products distinctive edges. So far, Dreame has applied for up to 6,004 patents worldwide, 2637 already authorized and 2183 invention patents. Dreame's smart products aim to save individuals' time on household chores so they can focus more on pursuing their dream life through our major product lines: robotic vacuums, cordless stick vacuums, wet and dry vacuums, and high-speed hair dryers. The company's Robotic lawn mowers, cordless robotic pool cleaners, and commercial food delivery robots are under development, with more lineups in the pipeline. (ANI)
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], April 24: Livguard, India's leading brand in energy storage and solar solutions under the SAR Group, has announced the appointment of Sameer Nagpal as its new Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With over three decades of experience across industries, Sameer is set to drive Livguard's next phase of growth and innovation. As MD & CEO, Sameer will help accelerate the company's position in the energy storage and solar solutions industry. Livguard aims to lead the transition to sustainable energy that caters to the growing demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Before joining Livguard, Sameer held key leadership roles at renowned organisations such as Dalmia Bharat Ltd., Shalimar Paints, Trane Technologies, ZICOM Electronic Security Systems, and Carrier Corporation. He has a proven track record driving turnarounds, transformation, and growth across Indian and multinational organisations. With deep expertise in industries cutting across capital goods, consumer durables, and building materials, he has consistently delivered strategic shifts that enhance profitability and create long-term value for shareholders. The renewable energy sector, especially solar power & lithium-based energy solutions, is at the forefront of global conversations about sustainability and energy independence. As India continues to make strides toward achieving its clean energy goals, Sameer's leadership will be essential in propelling Livguard to the next level. "I am excited to join this dynamic and forward-thinking company at a time when the energy industry is undergoing a fundamental shift. Our commitment to providing cutting-edge energy solutions is unwavering. My vision for the future of energy solutions is rooted in Livguard's core values of innovation, reliability, and customer-centricity. I am committed to building strong teams that will make Livguard's innovative solutions more accessible to Indian households and businesses," said Sameer Nagpal, MD & CEO, Livguard. "We welcome Sameer Nagpal as our new MD & CEO," shared Rakesh Malhotra, Founder of SAR Group. "At Livguard, we have always believed in fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and long-term value creation. Sameer's exceptional leadership and proven ability to drive transformative growth align perfectly with our vision. A strong advocate of people-first leadership, Sameer's focus on nurturing a culture that inspires excellence, collaboration, and a shared purpose will enable Livguard to embark on a journey of sustainable success. His experience and strategic mindset make him an ideal fit to lead Livguard into its next phase of growth, as we continue to shape the future of energy solutions for customers around the world." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Jorhat (Assam) [India], April 24: NKPAYS PRIVATE LIMITED, an emerging fintech startup founded in Jorhat, Assam, has officially launched its advanced B2B digital exchange platform -- exchange.nkpays.in -- aimed at revolutionizing how businesses access and offer digital services like mobile recharges, DTH recharges, Google Play gift cards, and a wide range of branded voucher gift cards. Led by visionary entrepreneur Nironjan Kurmi, the CEO of NKPAYS PRIVATE LIMITED, the company is on a mission to empower businesses across India with AI-driven infrastructure that simplifies digital transactions, improves service delivery, and creates new revenue opportunities. This innovative platform allows companies to buy and sell a broad selection of digital services via robust, easy-to-integrate APIs, making it an ideal solution for fintechs, wallet apps, e-commerce platforms, and digital service providers. AI-Powered Transformation in a Rapidly Digitizing World As India continues to accelerate its shift toward digital services, the need for smart, reliable, and scalable digital infrastructure is at an all-time high. Businesses are increasingly looking to integrate digital recharges and gift cards into their offerings -- either as part of loyalty programs, consumer benefits, or new product lines. NKPAYS responds to this growing demand with a platform built on artificial intelligence, which powers real-time transaction processing, dynamic inventory management, fraud prevention, and intelligent routing. "Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional service models and modern business needs through technology," said Nironjan Kurmi, CEO of NKPAYS PRIVATE LIMITED. "We built exchange.nkpays.in to be more than just a marketplace -- it's a smart, self-evolving platform that gives businesses total control, speed, and security." Unified Digital Services for Seamless Integration The NKPAYS platform provides a one-stop-shop for various digital recharge and gift card services, all accessible via API. This eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple providers or manage fragmented systems. Core offerings include: * Mobile Recharge APIs for all major telecom providers across India. * DTH Recharge Services, including Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV, and others. * Google Play Gift Cards, ideal for game publishers, digital apps, and reward platforms. * Brand Vouchers & E-Gift Cards, including top retail and lifestyle brands, available in real time. Whether a business wants to resell services, run promotional giveaways, or integrate recharges into customer portals, NKPAYS delivers instant access to all of these through a streamlined API. B2B-Centric Model: Buy & Sell on One Platform Unlike conventional platforms, NKPAYS is tailored for B2B use cases and supports both purchasing and selling. Companies with existing inventories -- such as gift cards or recharge credits -- can list them on the platform, turning idle assets into revenue-generating opportunities. Highlights of the platform include: * Smart Wallet System for tracking and managing funds * Real-Time Dashboard for monitoring API activity and balances * Instant Settlements for transactions and sales * High Uptime APIs that can handle enterprise-level loads With comprehensive documentation and dedicated onboarding support, NKPAYS makes it easy for startups and large enterprises alike to integrate and scale. Putting Assam on the Fintech Map Headquartered in Jorhat, Assam, NKPAYS PRIVATE LIMITED is proudly contributing to the rise of Northeast India's tech ecosystem. By building a national-level platform from a Tier 3 city, NKPAYS is proving that innovation knows no geographical boundaries. "We're proud to build from Assam and showcase what this region can offer in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship," said Nironjan Kurmi. "Our aim is to make NKPAYS a trusted digital infrastructure partner for businesses across the country." Looking Ahead: A Smarter Future for Digital Services With demand for digital services at an all-time high and growing every day, NKPAYS PRIVATE LIMITED is well-positioned to lead the charge. Its AI-driven platform offers the intelligence, flexibility, and speed businesses need to thrive in today's competitive landscape. The company is actively onboarding partners, developers, and distribution networks who are looking to scale their service offerings, automate transactions, and leverage digital recharge and gift card economies. Get Started Today To explore the platform, register for an account, or access API documentation, businesses can visit https://exchange.nkpays.in/. NKPAYS also offers personalized onboarding assistance to help partners go live quickly and confidently. With NKPAYS, the future of recharges, digital cards, and business automation is not only fast -- it's intelligent, accessible, and built for scale. (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)
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 24: In a major step toward advancing digital security and compliance in India, Inspay Digital Private Limited has officially launched EKYCHub.in -- a next-generation digital verification and validation suite. This innovative platform is designed to help businesses prevent fraud, comply with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations, and streamline their customer and partner onboarding processes. As the digital economy grows at an unprecedented pace, so does the risk of fraudulent activities, including the use of fake documents, identity theft, and financial scams. EKYCHub.in addresses these challenges head-on by providing a centralized API-based system for real-time verification of individual and business identities. A Unified Platform for eKYC and eKYB EKYCHub.in is engineered to offer a comprehensive suite of APIs that cater to both eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) and eKYB (electronic Know Your Business) needs. Whether you are onboarding customers, verifying vendor details, or assessing risk profiles for partnerships, EKYCHub's robust tools offer accuracy, speed, and security. The platform currently supports a wide range of verification and data-fetching services including: * Aadhaar Verification (OTP-Based): Instantly verify the authenticity of Aadhaar numbers via OTP to ensure the user's identity.* Bank Account Verification API: Verify bank account ownership and prevent payment fraud in real-time.* GST Verification API: Validate GSTINs and associated business details directly from government databases.* PAN Verification API: Check the validity of PAN cards and detect potential document forgery.* PAN Verification 360 API: A comprehensive check combining name, DOB, and document validation for deeper fraud detection.* UPI Verification API: Confirm UPI ID ownership, especially useful for payment gateways and merchants.* Mobile Operator Fetch API: Identify telecom operator linked with a mobile number.* Mobile Plan Fetch API: Retrieve information on active plans, enhancing customer insights.* Driving License Verification API: Ensure driving license authenticity and eliminate fraudulent ID usage.* Passport Verification API: Verify Indian passports for accurate identity confirmation.* Voter Card Verification API: Validate voter ID details in seconds.* Vehicle RC Verification API: Fetch vehicle registration details to verify ownership.* Company CIN Verification API: Validate company details using Corporate Identification Number (CIN) from MCA records.* Card BIN Checker API: Identify issuing bank and card type to prevent card-related fraud.* DTH Plan Fetch API: Retrieve DTH subscription details for telecom integrations.* BBPS Bill Fetch API: Get utility bill data under the Bharat Bill Payment System.* Credit Card Bill Fetch API: Instantly fetch current credit card dues for bill payment apps and lenders. Solving Key Business Challenges The launch of EKYCHub.in addresses critical challenges faced by banks, NBFCs, fintechs, payment aggregators, insurers, e-commerce companies, and even government-backed programs. The platform provides these organizations with the tools they need to: * Prevent fraud and reduce onboarding risks* Ensure regulatory compliance with KYC/AML laws* Improve operational efficiency and reduce manual verification* Offer a faster, smoother onboarding experience for users Why EKYCHub.in? EKYCHub.in distinguishes itself through its speed, reliability, and developer-first approach. The platform boasts: * Real-Time Verification: All APIs are optimized for real-time data fetch and verification.* Bank-Level Security: Designed with enterprise-grade encryption and secure data handling practices.* Scalability: Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, the platform can scale to meet your verification needs.* User-Friendly Dashboard: Developers and business owners can manage requests, monitor API usage, and explore documentation with ease.* Affordable Pricing & Free Trials: EKYCHub.in offers transparent pricing and trial access, allowing businesses to evaluate the platform before full integration. A Vision for Safer Digital Ecosystems Speaking on the launch, the leadership at Inspay Digital Private Limited shared,"We built EKYCHub.in with a vision to simplify verification while empowering businesses to stay ahead of fraud and compliance risks. Our focus is on building a secure digital infrastructure where trust and transparency form the backbone of every transaction." With India moving towards deeper financial inclusion and more digital services, EKYCHub.in is poised to become a key enabler of secure and seamless onboarding and identity verification. About Inspay Digital Private Limited Inspay Digital is a technology-driven company focused on building secure financial infrastructure and compliance solutions for businesses. With a mission to foster trust and transparency in digital transactions, Inspay continues to innovate across identity, payments, and fraud prevention domains. To explore EKYCHub's features, access APIs, or request a demo, visit: * www.ekychub.in* Email: support@ekychub.in (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 New Delhi [India], April 24: Pristyn Care has turned its first hospital in South Delhi profitable in less than two months, challenging long-standing norms in the healthcare space where most hospitals typically take 12-24 months to break even. The hospital has achieved high double-digit profitability within weeks of launch. Even with this strong momentum, it still has capacity to accommodate 30% more patient inflow, offering significant headroom for growth while maintaining high standards of care. Establishing its own hospital infrastructure in the capital is helping the company go deeper into patient care and ensure tighter control over the end-to-end patient journey. This greater control is enabling consistent delivery, stricter adherence to safety protocols, and a more integrated care experience for every patient. Unlike most healthcare institutions where demand is doctor-driven, Pristyn Care has been generating its own patient flow -- even while operating out of partner hospital infrastructure. With its own setup now live, the company has already seen significant impact -- including a 10+ point improvement in its Net Promoter Score (NPS), placing it among the highest-rated healthcare providers in terms of patient satisfaction. "This milestone is a reflection of the trust patients place in us. With our own hospital, we're able to deliver more consistent, safer, and compassionate care -- every single day. We are also making major announcements in the coming weeks, as we continue our push into hospital infrastructure and scale a new model of surgical care in India," said Dr. Vaibhav Kapoor, Co-founder, Pristyn Care. A major driver behind this progress is Pristyn Care's proprietary technology platform, designed to handle doctor scheduling, patient coordination, and surgical journey optimization. This tech-led approach is helping streamline operations and elevate the patient experience across touchpoints. "In healthcare, trust is everything. By managing the full care continuum ourselves, we're earning that trust one patient at a time," said Harsimarbir Singh, Co-founder, Pristyn Care. Today, more than 60% of Pristyn Care's patient inflow is organic, reflecting strong brand equity and patient trust. Building on this momentum, the company plans to launch 50 hospitals across India in the next three years, with upcoming launches in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Patna, Chandigarh, and Coimbatore, among others. (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)
Penn Badgley opened up about the struggles he endured to differentiate himself from his famous 'Gossip Girl' character Dan Humphrey in real life after the show's success, reported Variety. In a recent appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, as quoted by Variety, Badgley admitted that it was difficult for him to "move on" from his role in 'Gossip Girl' after starring in the hit series for six seasons. "It was a struggle. When you do a film, you do it once and give it your all, and then you move on... When you do a television show, you're doing it constantly because of the nature of that show," said Penn Badgley in a podcast as quoted by Variety. The Gossip Girl began in 2007 and concluded in 2012. Badgley had a recurring role in all six seasons, leading his 'Humphrey' character to a global fandom. However, with time, the actor found it difficult to differentiate himself from his role in real life due to a lack of emotional maturity. "I was 20, 21, 22, so I didn't have the emotional maturity to understand how to differentiate myself in terms of self-worth. What people seemed to think of Dan seemed to be what people thought of me," said Badgley in the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, as quoted by Variety. The celebrity culture of the late 2000s also made it difficult for the actor to distance himself from his 'Gossip Girl' character. According to Variety, during the peak of 'Gossip Girl,' the 'Badgley said he was constantly being asked about his dating life, which made him feel like, "You're constantly needing to prove yourself in some manner, otherwise what are you doing?" 'Gossip Girl' ran for 121 episodes from 2007 to 2012. It starred Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, Kelly Rutherford, Matthew Settle and Jessica Szohr in the lead roles. The show followed a group of wealthy New York teens whose scandalous lifestyles are repeatedly disrupted by an anonymous blogger known only as Gossip Girl, reported Variety. Penn Badgley will be next seen in the fifth and final season of thriller drama 'You'. He plays the character of Joe Goldberg in the series, who is an obsessed lover and a bookworm. (ANI)
The popular Netflix series 'Stranger Things' is all set to come to an end with season five, and actor Noah Schnapp has hinted at a sad ending, stating that the final season will surely leave fans "devastated." While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the opening night of Stranger Things: The First Shadow Broadway show in New York, Schnapp said the finale of the show's last season will make people feel "truly devastated". https://www.instagram.com/p/CeReLSNOWzg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== "People are going to be truly devastated. As sad as it was, I'm so excited to see the world's reaction to watching the finale because there's not going to be a dry eye. It's going to be sad," he said. Earlier in December of last year, Netflix announced that the production of Stranger Things season 5 had officially wrapped. The cast of the show became teary-eyed as their journey for the final season came to an end. According to Deadline, season 5 will pick up in the fall of 1987, over a year after the devastating events of season 4, which concluded with the villainous Vecna opening a gateway to the sinister Upside Down, wreaking havoc on Hawkins. https://www.instagram.com/p/DCCZr4iSc3F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Since its debut in 2016, Stranger Things has captivated global audiences, becoming one of Netflix's most popular and enduring shows. The recent fourth season alone amassed a staggering 140 million views worldwide, underscoring its cultural impact and fan devotion. Stranger Things season 5 will stream later this year on Netflix. (ANI)
Actor Sara Ali Khan has shared her grief over the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, a place she described as serene and beautiful. The tragic incident, which took place at one of India's most picturesque tourist destinations, has left the country in mourning. On Thursday, Sara took to her Instagram Stories and posted a throwback picture from her past trip to Kashmir. Along with the picture, Sara also expressed her sadness, calling the attack an act of "barbaric brutality." "Heartbroken, shocked, and horrified by this barbaric brutality," she wrote. Sara also described Kashmir as a place that has always felt "serene, peaceful, and beautiful." "Heatbroken, shocked and horrified at this barbaric brutality. Our heaven on earth- a place that felt so serene, peaceful and beautiful. Praying for peace and justice," read her post. The dastardly terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam has left the nation shocked and has been strongly condemned by political parties, as well as world leaders. Even Bollywood celebrities came forward to express their sorrow and anger. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was among the first to speak up. In his message on X, he called the attack "sheer evil." Shah Rukh Khan took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to express his pain over the loss of innocent lives and urged people across the nation to stay "strong and united." "Words fail to express the sadness and anger at the treachery and inhumane act of violence that has occurred in Pahalgam. In times like these, one can only turn to God and say a prayer for the families that have suffered and express my deepest condolences. May we, as a nation, stand united, strong, and seek justice for this heinous act," SRK wrote in his post on X. The attack, which targeted tourists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, leaving several others injured. It is considered one of the deadliest terror attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, and among the most severe since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Actor Gajraj Rao has condemned the horrific terrorist attack on tourists that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which has left the nation in shock. While speaking to ANI, Rao expressed his deep concern over the attack and urged the people of India not to let such acts disrupt the progress and peace in the region. "This is a very painful incident. We must ask ourselves - who benefits from such attacks?" he said. "...Tourists had started returning to Srinagar and Pahalgam. The lives of local traders and shikara owners were getting back on track," he added. "When people meet, misunderstandings go away. This exchange was increasing and growing well. But maybe some people, on both sides of the border, did not like this increasing dialogue," Rao remarked. He urged the public to ensure that such forces do not stop the growing communication and peace. "I request the common people to ensure that the growing communication and peace are not stopped by such forces," he said. Rao further shared that he is certain he will visit Kashmir again once the situation returns to normal. "When I get a break from work in the coming months and when things are stable, I will definitely plan a trip to Kashmir. Because Kashmir is ours, the people of Kashmir are ours, the shikaras are ours, the chinar trees are ours. Kashmiriyat is ours. We should never forget this," he added. The attack that took place on Tuesday, April 22, was one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
While the nation is still mourning the death of 26 tourists killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, the mortal remains of the victims continued to reach their hometowns. The remains of Shubham Dwivedi, one of the innocent tourists killed in the assault, reached Lucknow on Wednesday night. In a heartbreaking response to the Pahalgam terror attack, the father of Shubham Dwivedi, one of the victims killed in the attack, has demanded the harshest possible action against the perpetrators, asserting, "Action should be so severe that their seven generations would never dare to kill anyone again." "Strict action should be taken against the terrorists. They (terrorists) said to my daughter-in-law that we are not killing you so that you can tell it to Modi. Action should be so severe that their seven generations would never dare to kill anyone again," said Sanjay Dwivedi, the father of the deceased, Shubham Dwivedi. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, along with other officials, paid tribute to the remains of Shubham Dwivedi from Kanpur and Sudeep from Nepal, killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, as their bodies were brought to Lucknow airport. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. India on Wednesday announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Addressing a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. The families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The Pahalgam terror attack has shaken people to the core. Citizens are outraged and are demanding the strictest possible action against the perpetrators. (ANI)
The mortal remains of two victims, residents of Karnataka, have been brought to Bengaluru Airport from Srinagar. To express solidarity, BJP MP Tejashvi Surya accompanied all the family members from Srinagar to Bengaluru. Bharat Bhushan from Bengaluru and Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga were killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Their family members are already present at the Bengaluru Airport. Speaking to reporters, Surya termed the Pahalgam terror attack as one of the "most dastardly" and "barbaric" attacks. The BJP MP further emphasised that the Union Home Ministry, the local administration and the state government worked in coordination to ensure the safe return of the mortal remains as well as the surviving family members to Bengaluru. "Three people from Karnataka were brutally murdered in a terror attack in Pahalgam. In coordination with the Union Home Ministry, the local administration, and the state government, we have ensured that the mortal remains and the surviving family members reach Bengaluru safely. I accompanied all the family members from Srinagar to Bengaluru. In recent memory, this is one of the most dastardly and barbaric attacks we have seen. Bharat Bhushan is survived by a 3-year-old son, who doesn't even comprehend what death means... Son of Manjunath has just completed his 12th and scored 96% in the examination. He told me that it was the first and the last flight that his father had taken with the family. His exceptionally strong mother has blood stains on the jackets she is wearing, and she said that she will not clean them as it is the last memory of his husband..." Surya told reporters. Reacting to the decisions of the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, Union Minister Veeranna Somanna said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the decisions to protect the country and its people. "Historical decisions have been made. PM Modi has taken the decisions to protect the country, and the people of the country are welcoming it..." He further said, "Our MP Tejasvi Surya is with them. I have talked to the family." As the residents of Shivamogga have called for a half-day 'bandh' (shutdown), Manjunath Rao's brother-in-law Pradeep stated that they don't want to trouble anyone because of their suffering, adding that they have to complete the final rites before sunset today. "...We don't want to trouble anyone because of our suffering, but I have heard that many people have called for a half-day 'bandh' and they will attend the final rites. All the preparations have been made for the final rites as today will be the third day, and as per our traditions, we have to complete the final rites before sunset today..." Pradeep told ANI. Rao's sister-in-law, Vinutha, reiterated the same. "We have made all the arrangements in Shivamogga, as it's the third day and we have to finish the final rites before sunset," she said. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. India on Wednesday announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security and said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. The families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao paid tributes to Dinesh Miraniya, a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack, as his mortal remains reached his residence. The Deputy CM was accompanied by other ministers and officials of the state. Reacting sharply to businessman Robert Vadra's remarks on the central government over the Pahalgam terror attack, a relative of one of the victims, Vinod Agarwal, alleged that the people were killed after asking their names. Vinod Agarwal, a relative of Dinesh, said, "This attack is on Hindutva and it has not happened because of Hindutva. People have been killed after asking their names. Congress has always done politics. The country understands the character of Congress. It has always been against Hindutva... this is not a matter of politics..." Earlier, Businessman Robert Vadra said, "I feel terrible and my deepest condolences are for the people who have died in this terrorist act...In our country, we see that this government will talk about Hindutva, and the minorities feel uncomfortable and troubled...If you dissect this terrorist act that took place, if they (terrorists) are looking at people's identity, why are they doing this? Because there's a divide that has come about in our country with Hindus and Muslims...This will make these kinds of organisations feel that Hindus are making a problem for all the Muslims. Looking at identities and then killing somebody, that's a message to the PM, because Muslims are feeling weakened. The minorities are feeling weakened...This has to be coming from the top that we feel secure and secular in our country and we will not see this kind of acts happening." As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. India on Wednesday announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Addressing a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. The families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The Pahalgam terror attack has shaken people to the core. Citizens are outraged and are demanding the strictest possible action against the perpetrators. (ANI)
Sanjay Dwivedi, a resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is still grappling with the loss of his son, Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. According to Dwivedi, his son, along with his wife and sister-in-law, had visited a scenic spot known as "mini Switzerland" in Pahalgam. Dwivedi said that Shubham's wife, who survived the attack, asked the terrorists to kill her as well. However, they spared her life to use her as a witness to convey a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The family had stopped at a restaurant 7 km before reaching the destination. While they were having snacks, terrorists arrived and asked about their religious identity. After learning that Shubham was a Hindu, the terrorists shot him in the head. Recounting the horror, Dwivedi told ANI, "...My son, his wife, and sister-in-law went to a place called 'mini Switzerland', which is at a high altitude, and we stopped at a restaurant, 7 km before that place. They were having some snacks when the terrorists came. They asked about whether you are Hindu or Muslin, and after that, they shot my son in the head. My daughter-in-law asked them to kill her as well, but they didn't. They told him that we are leaving you alive so that you can tell Modi about all this. We met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Srinagar, and we have told him what we want." In a heartbreaking response to the Pahalgam terror attack, his father demanded the harshest possible action against the perpetrators, asserting that "action should be so severe that their seven generations would never dare to kill anyone again." "Strict action should be taken against the terrorists. They (terrorists) said to my daughter-in-law that we are not killing you so that you can tell it to Modi. Action should be so severe that their seven generations would never dare to kill anyone again," said Sanjay Dwivedi, the father of the deceased, Shubham Dwivedi. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. India on Wednesday announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security and said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. The families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The Pahalgam terror attack has shaken people to the core. Citizens are outraged and are demanding the strictest possible action against the perpetrators. (ANI)
The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army has recovered several arms and ammunition from the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday. Taking to social media post on X, Chinar Corps stated that they have recovered two AK Series Rifles, five Magazines, one Pistol, ten Kgs of RCIED and other war-like stores from the district. "Update: OP TIKKA, Baramulla: Two AK Series Rifles, five Magazines, one Pistol, ten Kgs of RCIED and other war-like stores have been recovered from the site. Identity of terrorists is being ascertained," Chinar Corps posted on X on Wednesday. https://x.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1915033292266504374 In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the security forces had launched operations to eliminate terrorists across the Kashmir valley. In Baramulla, heavy exchange of fire took place between the security forces and terrorists during the counter-infiltration operation launched on Tuesday night. According to Brigadier Mayank Shukla, Commander of 161 Infantry Brigade, a counter-infiltration operation was carried out on Tuesday night. The security forces received information about the movement of Pakistani terrorists in the Uri sector. On the intervening night of April 22 and 23, the Indian army received the information about the presence of terrorists at a launchpad near the Uri Nallah. Terrorists' movement near the LOC was tracked, and when they crossed the LOC at around 3 am. After a continuous exchange of fire for two hours, the security forces ambushed and neutralised two terrorists. 2 AK rifles, one 9mm Chinese pistol, magazines and large quantities of ammunition were recovered from both terrorists. "Last night, we carried out a counter-infiltration operation. For the last few days, our security forces were continuously getting information about the movement of Pakistani terrorists in the Uri sector through our intelligence agencies... On the intervening night of 22 and 23 April, at around 1 am, the Indian army got to know about the presence of terrorists at a launchpad near the Uri nallah", Brigadier Shukla told reporters. "Our surveillance, drones, and ambush parties were redeployed and resited. Terrorists' movement near the LOC was tracked, and when they crossed the LOC at around 3 am, we ambushed and neutralised two terrorists after a firing that went on for two hours. Our security forces carried out sanitisation and search operations in this dense forest. The Jammu and Kashmir police are trying to identify them. Their weapons were recovered - 2 AK rifles, one 9mm Chinese pistol, magazines and large quantities of ammunition. Additionally, one 10kg IED has also been recovered...", he added. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
In the aftermath of Tuesday's terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 innocent lives, the Ministry of Tourism on Wednesday issued a statement to all tourism-related service providers requesting to offer assistance to affected tourists stranded in the Union Territory for their safe return. In the letter, V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, also called for the waiver of cancellation fees for tourists, emphasising the importance of supporting visitors during this tragic period. "This is in the aftermath of the recent incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. It is requested that all the tourist service providers, travel agents, tour operators, Online Travel Aggregators (OTAs), tourist transport providers, hoteliers and all other accommodation units may provide all possible assistance to the tourists, including waiving off cancellation fees. Your support is greatly appreciated," the letter read. Earlier, the Jammu railway authorities, in coordination with ticket checking staff, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Government Railway Police (GRP), have been facilitating the safe return of stranded tourists following the terror attack. Approximately 22 passengers were accommodated in train 22432 from Jammu on Wednesday. The helpdesk at Jammu railway station has been instrumental in assisting tourists, particularly those arriving from Srinagar. On Wednesday morning, around 10 tourists from Srinagar were accommodated on Train 12920, the Malwa Express, while nearly 40 others were settled on Train 22942 from Jammu. Additionally, approximately 35 stranded tourists were successfully accommodated on train 20434 through the efforts of Jammu ticket checking staff, the RPF, and the GRP. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Government has announced ex-gratia worth Rs 10 lakh each for the families of deceased victims and Rs two lakh for those who sustained serious injuries. "No amount of money can ever compensate for the loss of loved ones, but as a mark of support and solidarity, the J&K Government announces an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased, Rs two lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries," the J-K Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a post on X on Wednesday. "All arrangements for the dignified transport of the victims back to their homes have been made. The injured are being provided the best medical care," the CMO added. Some tourists have decided to cut their trips to the Kashmir Valley short in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, resulting in increased demand for flight tickets from Srinagar. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested airlines to increase the number of flights to and from Srinagar amid heightened tensions. "The airlines are also requested to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees and provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected circumstances and challenges during this difficult time," the advisory read. This has been one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
The Romeo Force of the Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) continued their joint operation on Thursday for the 10th consecutive day in the forest area of Lasana in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch to trace terrorists believed to be hiding in the region. The search operations started on April 15 following an exchange of fire between the security forces and terrorists on April 14. Security forces have cordoned off the area and are conducting extensive search operations in dense forest zones. According to officials, terrorists opened fire on the Romeo Force personnel, in which one of the security personnel got injured near the Lasana village located on the National Highway connecting Poonch to Jammu. Meanwhile, the security forces have heightened alertness on the Jammu-Rajouri-Pooch highway 144. Rajouri Traffic Police officer Ahmed Din said, "We are checking local cars by checking their licenses. We are not allowing a loaded truck as it may create a jam. Traffic Police are there, the District Police are there, and the Army is also supporting us. 24/7 nakas are there." Earlier on Wednesday, the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army recovered several arms and ammunition from the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Taking to social media post on X, Chinar Corps stated that they have recovered two AK Series Rifles, five Magazines, one Pistol, ten Kgs of RCIED and other war-like stores from the district. "Update: OP TIKKA, Baramulla: Two AK Series Rifles, five Magazines, one Pistol, ten Kgs of RCIED and other war-like stores have been recovered from the site. Identity of terrorists is being ascertained," Chinar Corps posted on X on Wednesday. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the security forces had launched operations to eliminate terrorists across the Kashmir valley. Terrorists' movement near the LOC was tracked, and when they crossed the LOC at around 3 am. After a continuous exchange of fire for two hours, the security forces ambushed and neutralised two terrorists. 2 AK rifles, one 9mm Chinese pistol, magazines and large quantities of ammunition were recovered from both terrorists. "Last night, we carried out a counter-infiltration operation. For the last few days, our security forces were continuously getting information about the movement of Pakistani terrorists in the Uri sector through our intelligence agencies... On the intervening night of 22 and 23 April, at around 1 am, the Indian army got to know about the presence of terrorists at a launchpad near the Uri nallah", Brigadier Mayank Shukla of 161 Brigade told reporters. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
After the government decided to close the integrated checkpost Attari with immediate effect, a businessman from Attari said that the closure of the border will definitely affect the business, but the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack, which happened, was also "wrong. A businessman from Attari said, "The closure of the Attari border will definitely affect the business here... but the incident that has happened is also very wrong." Another business said that the attack in Pulwama on innocent people was wrong. "The attack on the tourist was wrong. We stand with the nation. Jis hisab se Modi ji desh chala rahe hain, chalane do. We stand with the decisions of PM Modi," he said. Meanwhile, the security forces have heightened alertness on the Jammu-Rajouri-Pooch National Highway-144. Rajouri Traffic Police officer, Ahmed Din, said, "We are checking local cars by checking their licenses. We are not allowing a loaded truck as it may create a jam. The traffic police are present, the District Police are present, and the Army is also supporting us. 24/7 nakas are there." Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Wednesday that, in recognition of the seriousness of the terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took the following measures, which included five key decisions. "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Misri said. He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Other measures decided upon by the CCS include the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism". Misri also said that Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. "Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India." The Foreign Secretary said that the overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1, 2025. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the security forces had launched operations to eliminate terrorists across the Kashmir valley. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
President of Pahalgam Hotels and Owners Association, Javeed Burza, condemned the April 22 dastardly attack by terrorists in which 26 people were killed in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed grief over the incident. Speaking with ANI, Burza said, "I condemn this inhuman act. Innocent people were killed, and this is not justified in any way, and we are ashamed of such an incident." Terming the heinous attack as a "setback" for Kashmir, Burza said, "These were innocent people, they had no relation with politics or terrorism. They just came here to visit. It is heartbreaking. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. India has also decided to shut the integrated Attari Check Post with immediate effect. Further, the country has decided to cancel any visas provided SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. India declared Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered to leave India within a week. As a security measure, India has decided to withdraw its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effective by May 1, 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions in a press briefing on Wednesday after the CEC meeting. (ANI)
A pall of gloom has descended on the Nathaniel household in Indore as the mortal remains of Sushil Nathaniel were taken for the last rites. A resident of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Sushil Nathaniel, who worked as a branch manager for LIC, was killed, with his daughter Akanksha sustaining bullet injuries. Nathaniel had gone to Jammu and Kashmir on April 19 (Saturday) along with his wife, son and daughter. The wife of Sushil's brother, Vikas, Jema Vikas, spoke to ANI and shared that they received information about the matter on Tuesday night at around 9:30 pm, after Sushil's son, Ostin, called them. "Jenifer Bhabhi said that the terrorist asked Sushil bhaiya to recite Kalma on his knees, following which Bhaiya reciprocated that he was Christian, and Bhaiya told Bhabhi to move aside from there. In the meantime, the terrorist shot Bhaiya, and he died on the spot. Our niece, Akansha also sustained bullet injuries in her leg," Jema Vikas said. In Raipur, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai cut short his visit with textile and steel industry leaders in Mumbai, to attend the last rites of Dinesh Miraniya, who is one of the victims of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Dinesh Miraniya is one of the 26 victims in one of the deadliest attacks since 2019 Pulwama strike. The attack has drawn comparisons with past high-profile attacks and has reignited public outrage across the country. One of the relatives of Dinesh, Vinod Agarwal, called the terror attack an "attack on Hindutva." "This attack is on Hindutva, and it has not happened because of Hindutva. People have been killed after asking their names. Congress has always done politics. The country understands the character of Congress. It has always been against Hindutva... this is not a matter of politics," the relative told ANI. Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh CM was confident that the Union Government would give a befitting reply to Pakistan. "I went to Mumbai for a two-day visit but returned early to attend the last rites of businessman Dinesh Miraniya, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack," CM Sai said during a press conference after landing in Raipur," he said. Expressing confidence that India will be "giving a befitting reply to Pakistan," the CM added, "India has always given a befitting reply to Pakistan. This time too India will teach a lesson to Pakistan." Since the attack, India has taken multiple steps against Pakistan, such as suspending the Indus Water treaty, closing the Wagah-Attari border, and declaring certain Pakistani High Commission officers as Persona Non Grata. (ANI)
After the Centre decided to suspend the Indus Water Treaty following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kavinder Gupta said that bloodshed and water cannot go together. "We are getting immense support from our global allies, and Pakistan has been absolutely exposed... Bloodshed and water cannot go together that is why the 1960 Indus Water Treaty has been revoked. Pakistan will be taught a lesson... We do not need to threaten Pakistan anymore, we need to finish it, and this is the first step towards that," Gupta told ANI on Wednesday in Jammu. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Wednesday that, in recognition of the seriousness of the terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took the following measures, which included five key decisions. "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Misri said. He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Other measures decided upon by the CCS include the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism". Misri also said that Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. "Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India." The Foreign Secretary said that the overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1, 2025. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
A pall of gloom has descended on the Nathaniel household in Indore as the mortal remain of Sushil Nathaniel were taken for the last rites. A resident of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Sushil Nathaniel, who worked as a branch manager for LIC was killed, with his daughter Akanksha sustaining bullet injuries. Nathaniel had gone to Jammu and Kashmir on April 19 (Saturday) along with his wife, son and daughter. The wife of Sushil's brother, Vikas, Jema Vikas, spoke to ANI and shared that they received information about the matter on Tuesday night at around 9:30 pm, after Sushil's son, Ostin, called them. "Jenifer Bhabhi said that the terrorist asked Sushil bhaiya to recite Kalma on his knees, following which Bhaiya reciprocated that he was Christian, and Bhaiya told Bhabhi to move aside from there. In the meantime, the terrorist shot Bhaiya, and he died on the spot. Our niece, Akansha also sustained bullet injuries in her leg," Jema Vikas said. In Raipur, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai cut short his visit with textile and steel industry leaders in Mumbai, to attend the last rites of Dinesh Miraniya, who is one of the victims of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Dinesh Miraniya is one of the 26 victims in one of the deadliest attacks since 2019 Pulwama strike. The attack has drawn comparisons with past high-profile attacks and has reignited public outrage across the country. One of the relatives of Dinesh, Vinod Agarwal, called the terror attack an "attack on Hindutva." "This attack is on Hindutva and it has not happened because of Hindutva. People have been killed after asking their names. Congress has always done politics. The country understands the character of Congress. It has always been against Hindutva... this is not a matter of politics," the relative told ANI. Meanwhile the Chhattisgarh CM was confident that the Union Government would give a befitting reply to Pakistan. "I went to Mumbai for a two-day visit but returned early to attend the last rites of businessman Dinesh Miraniya, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack," CM Sai said during a press conference after landing in Raipur," he said. Expressing confidence that India will be "giving a befitting reply to Pakistan," the CM added, "India has always given a befitting reply to Pakistan. This time too India will teach a lesson to Pakistan." Since the attack, India has taken multiple steps against Pakistan, such as suspending the Indus Water treaty, closing the Wagah-Attari border, and declaring certain Pakistani High Commission officers as Persona Non Grata. (ANI)
Security outside the headquarters of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), where Mumbai attack accused Tahawwur Rana was kept in custody , was tightened on Thursday. Rana will be questioned in detail by NIA in order to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the deadly 2008 attack. Meanwhile, the Patiala House Court on Wednesday reserved its decision on a plea filed by the accused, seeking permission to speak with his family over the phone. Rana's legal counsel, Piyush Sachdeva, argued that as a foreign national, he has the fundamental right to communicate with his family, who are anxious about his treatment while in custody. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), however, opposed the request, citing the ongoing investigation and expressing concerns that Rana might divulge sensitive information. Special Judge Chander Jit Singh is expected to issue an order on the matter tomorrow. On Monday, the Delhi Patiala House Court issued a notice to the NIA in response to Rana's application for telephonic communication with his family. Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian accused of terrorism, is a former military doctor with an alleged history of involvement in terror-related activities. He was recently extradited from the United States to India. During a recent remand hearing, the court acknowledged evidence pointing to a large-scale terror conspiracy spanning multiple cities, with potential targets beyond India's borders. Emphasising the gravity of the charges, the court underscored their direct implications for national security and highlighted the necessity of confronting Rana with witnesses, forensic evidence, and seized documents, particularly those linked to reconnaissance operations. Given the seriousness of the case, the court authorised an 18-day police custody remand while mandating strict adherence to legal protocols, including medical evaluations every 48 hours. Taking into account Rana's reported health concerns and sovereign assurances provided during extradition proceedings, the court ordered that he receive appropriate medical care in accordance with established guidelines. Rana faces multiple charges under the IPC and UAPA, including conspiracy, terrorism, forgery, and waging war. The court noted that under extradition laws, he can only be prosecuted for offences explicitly sanctioned in the extradition agreement. Furthermore, since Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA apply, extended police custody beyond standard CrPC limitations may be permitted due to the terrorism-related nature of the case. (ANI)
In the wake of Tuesday's terror attack, which claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, protests have erupted in various parts of the country as people express their anger amid the nationwide mourning over the loss of innocent lives during the attack. In the national capital on Wednesday, workers of the Indian Youth Congress held a candlelight protest against the tragic incident and burnt down Pakistani flags while denouncing the attack and calling for strong action against the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Youth Congress in Telangana took to the streets, protesting against the attack and demanding accountability and action against such cross-border terrorism. In Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Hotel owners and shopkeepers held a candlelight protest against the attack, while in Srinagar, J&K People's Conference chief Sajad Lone carried out a protest march against the tragic incident. India on Wednesday announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. The families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Thursday, condemning the terror attack in Phalgam, expressed his support to the central government and said that terrorists should not be shown any sympathy. Addressing mediapersons, Siddaramaiah emphasised that terrorism must be "thrown away" from the country, and said the terrorists' attack in Pahalgam was a "cowardly act." "I strongly condemn the attack. Terrorists and terrorist activities must be thrown away from the country. We should not need to show them sympathy, we are with the central government, I demand central government to take stringent action to eradicate terrorism. Shooting before their wives and kids is nothing but a cowardly act," Siddaramaiah said. Siddaramaiah today visited the residence of Bharat Bhusan, a local who was killed in the Pahalgam attack. Urging the Centre to take action against terrorism, Siddaramaiah suggested that the attack might have happened due to "a lack of intelligence." "In the same state Pulwama incident also happened, 40 soldiers became martyrs. Again, it's repeated; it should not repeat, wherever these terrorists could be, they must be treated properly. Probably It's an intelligence failure, we lacked intelligence." Siddaramaiah said. Siddaramaiah further informed that Karnataka Minister of Transport Ramalinga Reddy will attend the last rites of Manjunath Rao, a resident who was killed in the attack. Madhu Bangarappa (State Minister of Primary and Secondary Education) visited Shivamogga, and Ramalinga Reddy will be here till cremation," Siddaramaiah said. The last rites of Manjunath Rao will be performed today in Shivamogga. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi will also attend the last rites. Siddaramaiah further expressed support to the victims' family and assured that the State Minister of Labour Department Santosh Laad have been sent to Kashmir for the safe return of people. "I have sent Santosh Laad and asked to bring back martyrs and 177 people who are in Kashmir. Its a responsibility and duty of the government." Siddaramaiah extended his support to the counter-measures taken by the Central government against Pakistan following the attack. "The central government have taken some actions already, and we are with the central government. We demand central government take strong action," Karnataka CM said. Meanwhile, BJP leader CT Ravi, who also paid his respects to Bharat Bhushan, said that a "Surgical strike" is needed as counter measure to this attack. "We talked to his family (Bharat Bhusan). His wife told us that they had begged (the attackers) to spare (Bhushan) as they had a small child. But he was not spared. He was asked to recite kalma, but he responded that since he was a Hindu, he did not know how to. So he was killed. When his wife asked (the attackers) to kill her too, she was told to go tell Modi about this incident... They (terrorists) consider people who don't follow Islam as kafir... Till this thinking does not change, there will be no peace in the world... Everyone knows where the terrorist training centre is in the world... The diplomatic steps were necessary as the first step. Now, a surgical strike is needed," Ravi said. The Karnataka government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each of the three tourists from the state who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong counter-measures against Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism. In the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. India has also decided to close the integrated Attari Check Post with immediate effect. Further the country has decided to cancel any visas provided SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. India declared Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered to leave India within a week. As a security measure, India has decided to withdraw its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effective by 01 May 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions in a press briefing on Wednesday after the CEC meeting. (ANI)
The mortal remains of Prashant Satpathy, who was among the 26 people killed in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir was on Thursday brought back to his residence in Balasore in Odisha. People gathered to pay tributes to Satpathy during his last rites at his native village. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid his last respects at Satpathy''s residence in Balasore. He also interacted with the grieving family. Satpathy, an accountant employed at the central undertaking CIPET (Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology), Balasore had gone on a holiday to Pahalgam with his wife Priyadarshini, and nine-year-old son was shot dead by terrorists. Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo and other leaders paid their tributes to Prashant Satpathy on Wednesday night at the Bhubaneswar airport, where his body arrived. Earlier on Wednesday, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo paid tributes to the mortal Satapathy, a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack. Deo informed that Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will visit Satapathy''s native village on Thursday morning. Condemning the incident, the Deputy CM stated that such incidents are not expected in a civil society and that they need to be dealt with in the strongest manner. The mortal remains of other victims have also been taken to their respective hometowns for the final rites. In the early hours of Thursday, the mortal remains of Indian Air Force Corporal, Tage Hailyang, were brought to Guwahati Airport. Hailyang, an IAF Corporal, was a resident of Ziro area of Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and Guwahati City Police Commissioner Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta paid floral tributes to the soldier at Guwahati airport. India, on Wednesday, announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Addressing a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The committee condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday paid his last respects to Prashant Satpathy, who was among the 26 people killed in the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir''s Pahalgam. Majhi visited Satpathy''s residence at the latter''s native village in Balasore. Satpathy''s mortal remains were brought to his residence here this morning from Bhubaneshwar airport. Odisha CM expressed his sorrow over the incident and said that financial aid worth Rs. 20 lakhs will be provided to Satpathy''s family . Additionally, according to Majhi, the state government will help the family further by offering a job to Satpathy''s wife and supporting his child''s education. CM Mahi also met with the bereaved family members of Satpathy and consoled them. "I express my deep condolences on the passing away of Balasaore resident Prashant Satpathy, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack," Majhi said, adding, "The state government stands with the family. The government will give financial assistance of Rs. 20 lakhs and a job to the deceased''s wife. We will also support the education of the child of the deceased." Satpathy, an accountant employed at the central undertaking CIPET (Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology), Balasore had gone on a holiday to Pahalgam with his wife Priyadarshini, and nine-year-old son, was among the 26 people shot dead by terrorists on Tuesday. Yesterday, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also paid tributes to the mortal remains of Prashant Satapathy at Bhubaneshwar. Condemning the incident, the Deputy CM stated that such incidents are not expected in a civil society and that they need to be dealt with in the strongest manner. "The mortal remains of Prashant Satpathy reached Bhubaneshwar airport a while ago. On behalf of the government, we received the mortal remains here, and the government has made arrangements for his mortal remains to be sent to his village. Tomorrow morning, the Chief Minister will be visiting his village, meeting the people there. This cowardly act has cost so many lives. This needs to be dealt in the strongest manner. Such kind of incidents are not expected in a civil society. I''m sure the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister will take the necessary action, the strongest action..." Deo told ANI yesterday. The mortal remains of other victims have also been taken to their respective hometowns for the final rites. In the early hours of Thursday, the mortal remains of Indian Air Force Corporal, Tage Hailyang, were brought to Guwahati Airport. Hailyang, an IAF Corporal, was a resident of Ziro area of Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. He was among 26 tourists killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and Guwahati City Police Commissioner Dr Partha Sarathi Mahanta paid floral tributes to the soldier at Guwahati airport. India, on Wednesday, announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued an order directing all the employees in Baramulla under the PM Package to work from home till April 27. The order has been issued by the chief education officer (CEO), Baramulla, to ensure the safety of the PM Package employees following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. The CEO has ordered that "all employees engaged under the PM Package are hereby directed to work from home for the duration of this week with immediate effect up to Sunday." PM Package was rolled out in 2008-09 for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants in the Kashmir Valley. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. India has also decided to shut the integrated Attari Check Post with immediate effect. Further, the country has decided to cancel any visas provided SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. India declared Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered to leave India within a week. As a security measure, India has decided to withdraw its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effective by May 1, 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions in a press briefing on Wednesday after the CEC meeting. (ANI)
After a group of people from Odisha's Puri returned safely to Bhubaneswar from Jammu and Kashmir, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sambit Patra thanked J-K LG Manoj Sinha and said that the whole world is shocked by the Pahalgam terror attack. "The whole world is shocked by the Pahalgam terror attack. Seven of our people who are part of our Panchayati Raj system were stranded in Pahalgam. Soon after the terror incident, they contacted us, and we got in touch with LG Manoj Sinha's office, which helped us arrange their travel to Jammu. From Jammu, they travelled to Delhi, and then to Bhubaneswar. Sadly, we lost one Prashant ji in the incident," Patra told ANI. Earlier, Bandipora police in Jammu and Kashmir arrested four overground workers and claimed to have busted a module of terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (Let), police said in a release on Thursday. As per the statement, Bandipora Police had received credible information that some OGW affiliated with terrorist outfit Let have hatched a criminal conspiracy on the directions of their handlers and are seeking a chance to attack the Police and Security Forces and non-locals. Meanwhile, the security forces have heightened alertness on the Jammu-Rajouri-Pooch Highway 144. Rajouri Traffic Police officer Ahmed Din said, "We are checking local cars by checking their licenses. We are not allowing a loaded truck as it may create a jam. Traffic Police are there, the District Police are there, and the Army is also supporting us. 24/7 nakas are there." Moreover, the Romeo Force of the Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) continued their joint operation for the 10th consecutive day in the forest area of Lasana in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch to trace terrorists believed to be hiding in the region. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the security forces had launched operations to eliminate terrorists across the Kashmir valley. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday paid tribute to Bharat Bhushan, who died in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and said that it is unfortunate that a well-educated youth fell victim to the terrorist attack. He also strongly condemned the terrorist attack as an inhuman act. CM Siddaramaiah also extended support to the central government, while calling the attack a "heinous" act. "It is the responsibility of the government to eradicate terrorists completely. Our government will fully support the Centre in completely suppressing terrorist activities in the country and defeating terrorists. Killing innocent people in broad daylight, in front of their families, is a heinous act. Pulwama and Balakot incidents have happened in Kashmir in the past, and such incidents have recurred." Siddaramaiah said. He added that the failure of the Centre's intelligence department may have led to such an incident. "A compensation of Rs 10 lakh each has been announced for the families of Kannadigas killed in the terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam." CM Siddaramaiah said that it is the government's duty to protect Kannadigas in distress. Kannadigas Bharat Bhushan, Manjunath Rao, and Madhusudan, who were based in Bengaluru, have passed away. Minister Ramalinga Reddy met with the families of Bharat Bhushan in Bengaluru and Manjunath Rao in Shivamogga and was instructed to provide support to them. CM Siddaramaiah said. Labour Minister Santosh Lad and a team of officials were immediately sent to make arrangements for the rescue of Kannadigas stranded in Kashmir and the bringing of the bodies of those who died in the incident to the state. 175 Kannadigas are being safely brought back to the state. He said it is the government's duty to protect Kannadigas in distress. "The central government has already taken some steps regarding the terrorist attack in Kashmir," Siddaramaiah said, adding that the state government will have full support for further steps to eliminate the terrorists. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism. In the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. India has also decided to close the integrated Attari Check Post with immediate effect. Further, the country has decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. India declared Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered to leave India within a week. As a security measure, India has decided to withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effective by 01 May 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions in a press briefing on Wednesday after the CEC meeting. (ANI)
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists and left many more injured, the Union government is likely to convene an all-party meeting on Thursday following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam with Congress stating that considering the extreme seriousness of the issue and the mood of the nation, the party expects that the Union government will "take all political parties into confidence" and "build a collective resolve". The all-party meeting is likely to discuss the situation in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1915253072609034446 In a post on social media platform on Thursday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "On the night of April 22nd itself the Indian National Congress had asked for an All-Party meeting to discuss the fallout of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack and the targeted killings of so many tourists. Considering the extreme seriousness of the issue and the mood of the nation, the Indian National Congress expects the PM to chair the All-Party meeting scheduled for 6PM today and take all political parties into confidence and build a collective resolve" According to the sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which lasted over two hours.PM Modi cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and returned to Delhi on Wednesday morning. "In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, chaired a meeting of the CCS at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg," PM Modi said in a post on X. The high-level meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other key officials. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Earlier, Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and vowed the government's determination to punish the perpetrators of the terror attack. He said those involved will soon see a loud and clear response. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also called for an all-party meeting on April 24 in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in the valley. As per the invite letter released by CM Abdullah, the meeting will be held at 3 pm at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday visited the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag to meet the injured victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Earlier , Shah visited the affected area of Baisaran meadow where the attack took place. The Union Minister first took an aerial stock of the region as he arrived at the site by helicopter, descending onto the meadow now bearing the scars of violence. (ANI)
As the nation bids farewell to its loved ones who lost their lives in the Pahalagam terror attack, survivors of the attack that took place in the Baisaran valley meadow on April 22 recollect the horrific ordeal. Eshanaay, wife of Shubham Dwivedi, one among the 26 victims, said that they had sat down for a meal when a man appeared from behind and asked them about their religion. "We gave an order for Maggi, then Shubham and I sat down. Dad was also in the bathroom. At that time, one person came from behind and he asked, ''Are you a Hindu or Muslim?'' If you are a Muslim, then you first read the Kalma''. We didn''t even know, we looked back to see what was happening," the wife said. "They asked me whether he is Hindu or muslim, I told them Hindu, they killed him. The first shot was on him." A pall of gloom descended on Kanpur when the body of Shubham reached his native village in Kanpur on Thursday morning. Sanjay Dwivedi, a resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is still grappling with the loss of his son, Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. According to Dwivedi, his son, along with his wife and sister-in-law, had visited a scenic spot known as "mini Switzerland" in Pahalgam. Dwivedi said that Shubham''s wife, who survived the attack, asked the terrorists to kill her as well. However, they spared her life to use her as a witness to convey a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The family had stopped at a restaurant 7 km before reaching the destination. While they were having snacks, terrorists arrived and asked about their religious identity. After learning that Shubham was a Hindu, the terrorists shot him in the head. Recounting the horror, Dwivedi told ANI, "...My son, his wife, and sister-in-law went to a place called ''mini Switzerland'', which is at a high altitude, and we stopped at a restaurant, 7 km before that place. They were having some snacks when the terrorists came. They asked about whether you are Hindu or Muslin, and after that, they shot my son in the head. My daughter-in-law asked them to kill her as well, but they didn''t. They told him that we are leaving you alive so that you can tell Modi about all this. We met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Srinagar, and we have told him what we want." In a heartbreaking response to the Pahalgam terror attack, his father demanded the harshest possible action against the perpetrators, asserting that "action should be so severe that their seven generations would never dare to kill anyone again." "Strict action should be taken against the terrorists. They (terrorists) said to my daughter-in-law that we are not killing you so that you can tell it to Modi. Action should be so severe that their seven generations would never dare to kill anyone again," said Sanjay Dwivedi, the father of the deceased, Shubham Dwivedi. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that Pakistan had an indirect hand in the attack. Further, he stated that despite being in the opposition, the party welcomed every decision of the government. Speaking to ANI, Raut said "The country has been attacked, so many people have been killed, Pakistan has an indirect hand in this attack because the way terrorist camps run in Pakistan and attacks on our country are carried out from there. There is a need to take tougher decisions than these decisions, and despite being in the opposition, we welcome every decision of the government." Speaking on the all- party meeting to be held later this evening, Raut said that he supported every decision the government would take in the meeting. "Today, there is an all-party meeting... We are with the decision that the government is going to take in the all-party meeting..." he further stated. The all party- meeting which has been called by the central government will be held at 6 pm today at the Parliament and will discuss the Pahalgam terrorist attack. According to the sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will represent the party at the meeting to discuss the attack in which 26 people were killed. Ekanth Shinde-led Shiv Sena released a statement informing of the participation of Shrikant Shinde and expressed "unwavering" support."Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will represent the party at the all-party meeting to be held today in New Delhi. In light of the recent developments in Jammu & Kashmir and the ongoing national security concerns, Shrikant Shinde will convey Shiv Sena's firm stand on national unity, security, and the unwavering support for every citizen affected by the Pahalgam attack," Shiv Sena said. (ANI)
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday met the family of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and reiterated Union government's resolve to give a befitting reponse. He also said that the world is supporting India is its fight against terrorism. Speaking to reporters in Karnal, the Union Minister condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. "It is really sad that Lieutenant Vinay Narwal lost his life in the Pahalgam terror attack... I strongly condemn the kind of heinous act committed by the terrorists... 26 more people have died, out of which 1 person is from Nepal... Nepal's Prime Minister has spoken to PM Modi... This incident is a matter of concern for all of us," Khattar said. He further said that the Ministry of External Affairs has taken very strict steps, like closing the Attari border and suspending the Indus Water Treaty. "The Attari border has been closed. No Pakistani citizen will be given visa and those who have already come to India on visa have been asked to leave India by May 1... The Indus Water Treaty has been suspended. Pakistan should not take it lightly... Today, the countries of the world are with us against terrorism. India will definitely do whatever it has to do to take revenge for this incident," he added. "Today, there will be an all-party meeting chaired by Rajnath Singh ji. Everyone has condemned this incident, this country is one," he said. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Wednesday that, in recognition of the seriousness of the terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took the following measures, which included five key decisions. "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Misri said. He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Other measures decided upon by the CCS include the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism". Misri also said that Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. "Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India." The Foreign Secretary said that the overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1, 2025. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) held a meeting on Thursday to discuss "all aspects of the serious attack" in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, party leader Pawan Khera said. Multiple top leaders of the party, including Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, party MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh and other Congress leaders are present in the meeting. Khera, while saying that the government accepted Congress' demand for an all party meeting, told reporters that he hopes Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also attend the meeting, looking at the seriousness of the matter. "Accepting Congress's demand to call an all-party meeting, the government has called an all-party meeting today. We hope that Prime Minister Modi will attend this meeting, considering the seriousness of the matter. This is a direct attack on the unity, security, and integrity of this country," he said. Khera added that the party will be discussing all aspects of the attack at the CWC meeting. "All aspects of this serious attack will be discussed in the CWC meeting. The important thing today is that the whole country is expecting justice for these unarmed tourists," he said. Earlier today, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh hoped for the Centre to "build a collective resolve" and "take all political parties into confidence" The party held the meeting following the Central government calling an all-party meet at 6 PM today in Parliament premises. In a post on social media platform on Thursday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "On the night of April 22nd itself the Indian National Congress had asked for an All-Party meeting to discuss the fallout of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack and the targeted killings of so many tourists. Considering the extreme seriousness of the issue and the mood of the nation, the Indian National Congress expects the PM to chair the All-Party meeting scheduled for 6PM today and take all political parties into confidence and build a collective resolve" According to the sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting. From one of the NDA allies, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will represent the party at the meeting to discuss the attack in which 26 people were killed. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Earlier, Shah visited the affected area of Baisaran meadow where the attack took place. The Union Minister first took an aerial stock of the region as he arrived at the site by helicopter, descending onto the meadow now bearing the scars of violence. (ANI)
The body of Madhusudan Rao, who was killed in the brutal attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, was brought home to his residence in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday. Rao, a resident of Kavali in Nellore district was on vacation with his family and was among the 26 tourists killed in the attack. The software engineer who had been residing in Bengaluru is survived by his wife and two children. His mortal remains were brought to Chennai earlier today and transported to Kavali by road in an ambulance. On Wednesday, YV Rao, the brother-in-law of the deceased urged for better protection of tourists by the Government. "When tourists travel to states with high tourism potential, those states must ensure the safety of visitors and implement special acts to protect them. Within 24 hours, the issue has gained international attention, with countries like Russia, several European nations, and the United States condemning the attack," Rao''s brother in law told ANI. Underlining the "immense pain" the four sisters of Madhusudhan Rao are going through, YV Rao continued, "Madhusudhan was a good human being who worked in Bengaluru and had gone on vacation to Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurred during the trip. He has four sisters, and they are affectionate. Just when life seemed to be going well, this unpredictable incident has caused immense pain." Ramesh, who has been a friend and neighbour of Rao in Bengaluru for the past 15 years told ANI that Rao had gone to J-K after the exams of his daughter had finished, adding, "The incident is truly heartbreaking. He has been a close friend of mine for the past 15 years. Last week, as soon as his daughter''s exams were completed, they went to Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday night. After that, we didn''t receive any calls from him." Ramesh said that Madhusudhan Rao succumbed in hospital of the severe injuries he had sustained in the attack. The day before yesterday evening, some friends informed me that he had been injured in the terrorist attack. That same night, the police took their friend to the hospital to identify the body of Madhusudan Rao, but he had already died due to severe injuries. Rao''s body arrived in Chennai on Thursday morning where various political leaders, including state''s Bharatiya Janata Party chief Nainar Nagendran and state Congress chief Selvaperunthagai paid a floral tribute. Visuals from the residence of Rao showed police officials, relatives, neighbours and friends gathered to attend the rituals of Rao. At least a dozen people carried his coffin, holding him up as he was taken inside his home. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also paid his last respects to the terror attack victim on Wednesday, and also announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the victim. This is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. India, on Wednesday, announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. This attack is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (ANI)
Amid tensions with India after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has issued a notification regarding the scheduled test of a surface-to-surface missile off its Karachi coast within its Exclusive Economic Zone, sources told ANI. The notification was issued by Pakistani agencies at around 2130 Hours (9:30 PM) Indian time, which is around the same time Indian leadership was holding the key Cabinet Committee on Security meeting to take steps against Pakistan for its involvement in the Pahalgam, they said. According to the sources, the missile test will take place between April 24 to April 25 and the Indian agencies concerned are closely monitoring the developments and keeping a close watch on the situation. The missile test was announced soon after Tuesday's terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba's proxy, the Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for the attack. In retaliation, India on Wednesday announced a series of steps to give a strong message to Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance and the integrated checkpost at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a special press conference after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security and said Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa Exemption scheme. The CCS meeting, which lasted over two hours, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS), which met on Wednesday, was briefed in detail on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were killed. The CCS condemned the attack in the strongest terms and expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hoped for the early recovery of the injured. In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. The families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Hubballi Airport was awarded in the category "Sustainable Energy at Airports" among airports handling less than 6 million passengers per annum, according to a release.

This prestigious honour was declared during the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition held in New Delhi on April 16, and the award was received by Rajesh Nilkanth Shinde, Executive Director (Technical), AAI, on behalf of the Chairman, AAI.

The recognition celebrates AAI's innovative 8 MW solar power plant project commissioned at Hubballi Airport in December 2022, which has been a pioneering step towards energy self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. The plant is the first of its kind in India to supply renewable energy to multiple airports within a state, including Hubballi, Belagavi, and Mysuru airports, with plans to extend to upcoming airport terminals in Karnataka, the release said.

The solar power plant is capable of generating over 11 million units of clean electricity annually, contributing to an estimated lifetime reduction of 215,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. This initiative aligns with AAI's strategic vision of promoting green and energy-efficient airport operations by adopting innovative practices across its airports, thereby strengthening India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

The Platinum Recognition by ACI stands as a testament to AAI's unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable infrastructure development, the release added. (ANI)
The mortal remains of Dinesh Miraniya reached his residence in Raipur, Chhattisgarh on Thursday, Multiple political leaders were seen arriving to pay their respects and attend the last rites of Miraniya who was among the 26 people, mostly tourists who were gunned down by terrorists in Phalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also cut short his visit with textile and steel industry leaders in Mumbai, to attend the last rites of Dinesh Miraniya. Visuals from the area showed the people chanting 'Dinesh amar rahe' (Immortal is Dinesh) and 'Bharat Mata ki jai' (Glory to India the motherland) while carrying Miraniya's coffin. "I went to Mumbai for a two-day visit but returned early to attend the last rites of businessman Dinesh Miraniya, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack," Chief Minister Sai said during a press conference after landing in Raipur. Expressing confidence that India will be "giving a befitting reply to Pakistan," the Chief Minister said, "India has always given a befitting reply to Pakistan. This time too India will teach a lesson to Pakistan." Apart from the Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Raman Singh who also paid his respects to Miraniya said the Pahalgam attack was an "an attempt to divide the nation." "This incident shows a distorted mentality and is an attempt to divide the nation. The way these forces are working on Pakistan's orders to breach the peace of the country, we condemn this. The whole world has shown its disapproval. The government will take all the necessary actions in the matter," the Assembly Speaker told reporters. On Wednesday, Deputy CM Arun Sao and other ministers paid tribute to Miraniya after his mortal remains reached Raipur. Dinesh Miraniya is one of the 26 victims in one of the deadliest attack since 2019 Pulwama strike. The attack has drawn comparisons with past high-profile attacks and has reignited public outrage across the country. One of the relatives of Dinesh, Vinod Agarwal, called the terror attack an "attack on Hindutva." "This attack is on Hindutva and it has not happened because of Hindutva. People have been killed after asking their names. Congress has always done politics. The country understands the character of Congress. It has always been against Hindutva... this is not a matter of politics," the relative told ANI. At the same time in Durg, Chattisgarh, Congress leader Bhupesh Bhagel condoled the loss of the family "How much ever condemnation of the attack which has happened is minimal. The civilians who were killed, twenty-six and more have been injured. I express my condolences to the whole family and wish the injured a speedy recovery. There is also a person from Chhattisgarh. One businessman has ended up here as well," Bhagel told ANI. He further criticised the government for broadcasting claims of government that terrorism has finished in the region, and urging for people to travel to the valley, calling them "empty promises." Bhagel told ANI, "The claims of the government that terrorism has finished in the region have proven to be empty now. There were no Army officers, nor were there police personnel. Hundreds of people were there but security personnel were not there, there was no security system and I don't know how many terrorists were there, but they were killing by asking questions. This means that they killed people very comfortably, so this is very painful." In response to the attack, foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Wednesday that, in recognition of the seriousness of the terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took the following measures, which included five key decisions. "The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Misri said. He also mentioned that the Integrated Check Post at Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Other measures decided upon by the CCS include the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism". Misri also said that Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. "Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India." The Foreign Secretary said that the overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by May 1, 2025. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)
Two days after the heartbreaking Pahalgam terror attack where 26 people were killed and several others were left injured, locals recalled the horror they witnessed. Sajad Ahmad Bhat, a shawl hawker from Pahalgam was seen carrying a tourist injured during the attack in a video that went viral on social media. Recalling the incident, Bhat said that he had received a message from the head of Pahalgam Poney Association, Abdul Waheed Wan, further stating that it was his duty to help the tourists, who were also their guests. "I was sitting at my home when I received a text from the Pahalgam Poney Association president, Abdul Waheed Wan about the incident in the Baisaran Valley. We went with him and reached the location around 3-3:30 p.m... We gave water to the injured and lifted those who could not walk.... Humanity comes before religion. It is our duty to help the tourists as they are our guests, and our livelihood depends on them. We brought many of them to the hospital... We did not care about our own lives because when we went there, people were pleading for help... When I saw the tourists crying, tears came to my eyes... Their arrival lights up the lamps in our houses. Our life is incomplete without them..." Bhat told ANI. President of Pahalgam ATV Stand, Irshad Ahmad said that he had been sent instructions on a call to rescue people from the Baisaran valley on ATV bikes. Ahmad further stated that he had rescued Navy Officer Vinay Narwal who had died on the spot. "We received a call that the situation is normal and we have to go for rescue. We took all our bikes to Baisaran valley since it is a non-motorable road. So we took our ATVs. We have been taking the force and the police on our ATVs to the valley for the last two days... I was the one who brought the Navy Officer (Lieutenant Vinay Narwal) and his wife to the ambulance. I checked his pulse on the way and realised that he had died. At the moment, I lied to his wife that he was alive and that she should not worry... When I saw the situation there, I cried four times... We don''t want such incidents ever to be repeated in our Kashmir," Ahmad said speaking to ANI. A local chef, who has spent 30 years serving visitors at a hotel in Pahalgam, shared his distress, noting that his livelihood depends entirely on tourists visiting the region. He expressed his anguish over the terror attack and stated that he now doesn''t know what he will do next. "I have been working as a chef in Pahalgam for the last 30 years. I have never seen such a huge incident here. I am poor, and my livelihood depends entirely on the tourists. Now, I don''t know what I will do. I don''t have enough property to get by. The tourism season was going well, and all hotels were at full capacity. But now, the loss will not just be in crores but in billions," he said. The ripple effect of this tragedy is already in the show, with many fearing that the damage could take years to recover from. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one from Nepal while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday paid his last respects to Pahalgam attack victim Neeraj Udhwani, at the deceased's residence in Jaipur. Sharma said that the central and state governments "stand with the family" of the deceased and that the wrongdoer will surely be punished. He said,, "This incident was a very unfortunate one, and the offender will definitely be punished. The central and state governments stand with his family. The Centre has taken tough decisions, but more such decisions are required." Several political leaders, including State Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, State Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Tikaram Jully and Govind Singh Dotasara also visited Udhwani's residence and offered condolences to the grieving family. While speaking about Robert Vadra's comments linking the Pahalgam attack to Hindutva, Neeraj's uncle, Dinesh Udhwani, said, "I don't want to get into politics, but there were more terror attacks before PM Modi became the prime minister. Back then, no one talked about Sanatan. Linking this attack to that idea is not right." He further added, "In politics, one should not just oppose, but also join hands to take strong steps against terrorism. Terrorism has no religion. If Pakistan's role is confirmed in this incident, I want India to respond with a surgical strike." Dinesh's statement came in response to businessman Robert Vadra's Wednesday remark condemning the attack in which civilians were selectively targeted and killed after having their identity cards checked "because they think that Muslims are being suppressed" in India. Vadra also called the incident a grim reminder of India's growing 'communal divide' "In our country, we see that this government will talk about Hindutva, and the minorities feel uncomfortable and troubled...If you dissect this terrorist act that took place, if they (terrorists) are looking at people's identity, why are they doing this? Because there's a divide that has come about in our country with Hindus and Muslims...This will make these kinds of organisations feel that Hindus are making a problem for all the Muslims," he said. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party's Ravinder Raina lauded the decisions including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty taken in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting held a day earlier following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists were killed and left many more injured The BJP leader stated that Pakistan creates bloodshed in Kashmir. "Very bold decisions have been taken in the CCS meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The biggest decision is to put a stop to the Indus Water Treaty... It's a big decision. Pakistan creates bloodshed in Kashmir and then the water from here goes to Pakistan, this is not acceptable. Now, Pakistanis will not get the SAARC visa. All Pakistanis who are in India should leave the country within 48 hours," Raina told ANI on Wednesday. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Following the attack, India has taken strong counter-measures against Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism. In the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. India has also decided to close the integrated Attari Check Post with immediate effect. Further the country has decided to cancel any visas provided under SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours. India declared Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission as Persona Non Grata and ordered to leave India within a week. As a security measure, India has decided to withdraw its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions. The overall strength of the high commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effective by 1 May 2025. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the decisions in a press briefing on Wednesday after the CCS meeting. (ANI)
In his address, CM Lalduhoma emphasised the significance of the north-east region in India's economic development and highlighted the need to enhance regional cooperation with other Asian countries to ensure faster and more inclusive growth.

"The establishment of the High-Level Task Force on NEEC is aimed at assessment of the existing economic, infrastructure and investment ecosystem in the north-eastern regions; highlighting critical sectors, to formulate strategies to attract public and private sector investment; and the objectives of North East Economic Corridor with the action plan to attain measurable targets for short term, medium term and long term milestones," the CM said.

The North East Economic Corridor (NEEC), under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), is focused on enhancing connectivity, trade, and economic growth in north-eastern India.

The initiative focuses on improving intra-regional connectivity through the development of ports, road networks, airports, railways, digital infrastructure, and power facilities. It also emphasizes promoting major sectoral clusters such as sericulture, agarwood, bamboo, rubber, tea, and agriculture, including high-value crops like kiwi and pineapple.

By establishing growth and border centres, the NEEC seeks to leverage local potential, assess existing industries, respond to market demand, and identify strategic zones for development--thereby also encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) into the NER.

Key members of the Task Force include Union Minister of DoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia; Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma; Assam CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma, and Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Lalduhoma was accompanied by Khilli Ram Meena, Mizoram Chief Secretary; Commissioner to CM, Vanlaldina Fanai; State Planning Secretary, Lalmalsawma Pachuau, among other senior officials. (ANI)
A day after Kashmir valley obserbed a complete shutdown to protest the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, said on Thursday that the entire community is grieving and termed the attack as an "act of cowardice". As many as 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, and many more were left injured in the attack. He stated that terrorism has nothing to do with Islam or any other religion "Our hearts are hurt. The entire community is grieving. They were our guests and whoever did this with them was wrong. We have announced the closure of markets today... We also condemn linking of terrorism to Islam as we believe that terrorism has nothing to do with Islam or any other religion... I hope that other people are not targeted because of this incident... I will be doing a press conference today in which I will be saying some important things... This was an act of cowardice, but we question why they (terrorists) were not traced using drones?..." Meanwhile, in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir had extended their support to the call for a Kashmir Bandh (shutdown) on Wednesday to condemn the attack and show solidarity with the victims' families. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) had appealed to the people to make the Bandh a "complete success" and join in condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. In a social media post on X, JKNC wrote, "On the instruction of the Party President, JKNC joins the collective call for a bandh in strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. We appeal to the people of J&K to ensure the hartal called by religious and social leaders is a complete success." The incident, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, sparked widespread outrage across the country. Several political leaders condemned the attack. Residents of Jammu and Kashmir turned up for a candlelight march at several places in the state against the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on Tuesday. Locals in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch and Kupwara held a candlelight march while Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu held a protest against the terror attack. Locals in the Khod village of Akhoor area of the territory also held candle march protest against the Pahalgam terror attack. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to those who were killed in the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack, in Bihar's Madhubani on Thursday. "Let us all stand together in this moment of grief and observe a one-minute silence. I urge everyone to observe silence for a couple of minutes to pay homage to the family members whom we lost in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22," PM Modi said, addressing the public at National Panchayati Raj Day in Bihar's Madhubani. The Prime Minister also chanted 'Om Shanti" Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and said that the entire country is united in the fight against terrorism. "Two days ago, a terror attack took place in Pahalgam of J&K, which claimed the lives of several people... This is a very sad incident, and we condemn this act. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims, and we stand strong with them...The whole nation is standing against terrorism, and I thank PM Modi for that, too," CM Kumar said. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people were killed by terrorists, the Centre has called for an all-party meeting in Parliament at 6 pm, where all aspects of security and the aftermath of the attack will be discussed by all. According to the sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the all-party meeting in Parliament. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that, in recognition of the seriousness of the terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took the following measures, which included five key decisions. 1) The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect 2) The integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect. 3) Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme 4) Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata. They have a week to leave India. 5) India will withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. (ANI)
The members of Anti-Terror Action Forum and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party protested near the Pakistan High Commission on Thursday in Delhi to condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Visuals from the protest showed people carrying placards with the message "Pakistan murdabad" (Down with Pakistan) and "Aatankwad ke aage nahi jhukenge" (Will not bow down before terrorism). The protests come a day after the Central government announced the reduction of diplomatic presence at both Indian and Pakistani High Commissions to 30 officials each. Multiple leaders of the BJP, including Delhi Assembly MLA Satish Upadhyay and party leaders Harsh Vardhan, were present during the protest. Party leader and former Union Minister Harsh Vardhan echoed the demands from the United Nations and the International community to declare Pakistan a terrorist state. "The BJP in Delhi is expressing the sentiments that are in the hearts of the 140 crore people of India today. We assure PM Modi that we stand with him. It is our demand from the UN and the international community that Pakistan should be declared a state which supports terrorism," Vardhan told ANI. At the same time, BJP MLA from Malviya Nagar, Satish Upadhyay, underlined the "anger in the hearts of people," and called the steps of suspending the Indus Water treaty and declaring certain Pakistan High Commission officers as 'Persona non Grata' as a "diplomatic surgical strike on Pakistan." "There is anger in the hearts of people of India. Pakistan could not tolerate how Kashmir joined the mainstream...Yesterday, the Modi government conducted a diplomatic surgical strike on Pakistan. The Indian government will take action in response to this incident. We want to tell Pakistan that it cannot continue to indulge in cross-border terrorism now. Indian government and our military give a befitting reply to Pakistan," Upadhyay told ANI. Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Ministry of External Affairs announced a series of strong measures in response, including the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty "with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irreversibly abjures its support for cross-border terrorism." The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, following nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan, with the assistance of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The negotiations were initiated by Eugene Black, a former World Bank President. Recognised as one of the most successful international treaties, it has endured frequent tensions, including conflict, and has provided a framework for irrigation and hydropower development for over 50 years. The Indus Waters Treaty was in the spotlight following the 2019 Pulwama attack. The treaty has been criticised for being too generous to Pakistan, even when it has continued to promote terror in India. Apart from this measure, the government announced the closure of the Attari ICP, cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme visas for Pakistani nationals, and reduction of diplomatic presence at both Indian and Pakistani High Commissions to 30 officials each by May 1. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) has extended its support to central government ahead of Thursday's all-party meeting to be held to discuss the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu Kashmir in which 26 people were killed. Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant informed Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju that he'll not be able to attend the all-party meeting. However, he extended support to the central government, saying "We stand firmly with the decisions and action initiated by the GOI to counter this cowardly, dastardly attack." "Received your message about today's all-party meeting, but regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend the meeting due to unavoidable circumstances. But assure you on behalf of Shivsena, Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Party, that at this crucial juncture and when 28 innocent tourists have been killed in the attack by terrorists, we stand firmly with the decisions and action initiated by the GOI to counter this cowardly, dastardly attack," Sawant wrote to Rijiju. According to the sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the all-party meeting. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will represent the party at the meeting to discuss the attack in which 26 people were killed. Ekanth Shinde-led Shiv Sena released a statement informing of the participation of Shrikant Shinde and expressed "unwavering" support. "Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will represent the party at the all-party meeting to be held today in New Delhi. In light of the recent developments in Jammu & Kashmir and the ongoing national security concerns, Shrikant Shinde will convey Shiv Sena's firm stand on national unity, security, and the unwavering support for every citizen affected by the Pahalgam attack," Shiv Sena said. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar led Janata Dal (United) will not be able to attend the meeting in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Madhubani in Bihar. However, the party expressed complete support for the government. JDU Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha, said, "All top JDU leaders are engaged in the Prime Minister's program in Madhubani district today, so we are not able to attend the all-party meeting. Whatever decision will be taken in the meeting, JDU will stand with the government decision and support the Government in the country's interest." Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (ANI)
The Prime Minister is participating in a programme marking National Panchayati Raj Day and presented National Panchayat Awards, recognising and incentivising best-performing Panchayats on the occasion.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of an LPG bottling plant with a rail unloading facility at Hathua in Gopalganj District of Bihar worth around Rs 340 crore. This will help in streamlining the supply chain and improving the efficiency of bulk LPG transportation.

Boosting power infrastructure in the region, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 1,170 crore and also inaugurated multiple projects worth over Rs 5,030 crore in the power sector in Bihar under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.

To boost rail connectivity across the nation, the Prime Minister flagged off Amrit Bharat Express between Saharsa and Mumbai, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Jaynagar and Patna and trains between Pipra and Saharsa and Saharsa and Samastipur.

He also inaugurated the Supaul Pipra rail line, Hasanpur Bithan Rail line and two 2-lane Rail over bridges at Chapra and Bagaha. He dedicated the Khagaria-Alauli Rail line. These projects will improve connectivity and lead to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

He handed over keys to some beneficiaries, marking the Grih Pravesh of 1 lakh PMAY-G and 54,000 PMAY-U houses in Bihar.

The Prime Minister also distributed benefits of around Rs 930 crore under the Community Investment Fund to over 2 lakh SHGs from Bihar under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY- NRLM).

PM Modi also handed over sanction letters to 15 lakh new beneficiaries of PMAY-Gramin and released instalments to 10 lakh PMAY-G beneficiaries from across the country. (ANI)
A high-level meeting was conducted at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday morning amid ongoing developments concerning the terror attack near Pahalgam town in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources said Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Tapan Deka, and the Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) Ravi Sinha were present in the meeting - a significant meet after the deadly attack carried out two days ago targeting a group of tourists in Baisaran meadow, which is located around five kilometres from Pahalgam town in Kashmir's Anantnag district. While the agenda of the meeting has not been officially disclosed, the presence of top security and intelligence officials suggests discussions on key national security or internal affairs issues. The meeting among these officials indicates planning on specific internal security measures just a day after some decisions were taken in a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. Amid the ongoing developments following the terror attack - which marks the worst attack on civilians in the restive region in the last two decades - India on Wednesday suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, downgrading bilateral ties and shutting down the Attari checkpost as it hit back at Islamabad over the brazen attack that killed over 26 civilians. The move followed as investigators identified five terrorists who carried out attacks on civilians, including three Pakistani nationals. The authorities also released three sketches of these Pakistani terrorists - Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah and Abu Talha. The other two Valley-based operatives were identified as Adil Guri and Ahsan. It is also learnt that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will soon be handed over the case by the Ministry of Home Affairs, considering the gravity of the case. The official decision in this matter is yet to be taken. Meanwhile, the NIA is assisting Jammu and Kashmir Police in the investigation and its one team led by a Deputy Inspector General-rank officer visited Baisaran on Wednesday a day after terrorists gunned down a group of tourists in the picturesque meadow near the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, where 26 tourists, including one Nepali national, lost their lives and over three dozen were injured. The NIA's assistance to J&K Police underscores a key role in the overall investigation, as Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba's proxy, the Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for the attack. The NIA team is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the attack site, collect forensic evidence, and help in identifying those responsible for the carnage. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Srinagar a few hours after the deadly attack, has vowed strict action and assured that the perpetrators "will not be spared". Meanwhile, security has been intensified across the Kashmir region. As per officials, gunshots were heard in the area, following which security forces rushed there. The incident occurred at around 3 pm on Tuesday when terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran valley and started firing at the tourists who frequent the place, which is often dubbed 'mini Switzerland' because of its long, lush green meadows. Authorities pressed a chopper into service for the evacuation of the injured persons. The attack comes at a time when Kashmir is experiencing a significant uptick in tourist arrivals after years of militancy. Notably, the 38-day Amarnath Yatra is set to commence on July 3. (ANI)
Asserting that India will not rest until "justice" is pursued, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued a stern warning in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and said that India will "pursue the terrorists to the end of the earth." Addressing people at National Panchayati Raj Day in Bihar's Madhubani, PM Modi said that the entire nation is saddened by the brutality with which terrorists killed innocent civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. "On April 22, terrorists killed innocent people of the country in J-K's Pahalgam... The country is in mourning and in pain following this incident. We stand with the families of the victims. Today, from the soil of Bihar, India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the end of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by Terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done. The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is on our side. I thank the people of various countries and their leaders, who have stood with us in these times," PM Modi said. "I want to say in very clear words that these terrorists and those who conspired towards this attack will get a punishment bigger than they can imagine. The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of the masters of terror," he added. Earlier, PM Modi observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to those who were killed in the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack, in Bihar's Madhubani. "Let us all stand together in this moment of grief and observe a one-minute silence. I urge everyone to observe silence for a couple of minutes to pay homage to the family members whom we lost in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also chanted 'Om Shanti" Following the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people were killed by terrorists, the Centre has called for an all-party meeting in Parliament at 6 pm, where all aspects of security and the aftermath of the attack will be discussed by all. According to the sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the all-party meeting in Parliament. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that, in recognition of the seriousness of the terrorist attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took the following measures, which included five key decisions. 1) The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect 2) The integrated checkpost Attari will be closed with immediate effect. 3) Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme 4) Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared persona non grata. They have a week to leave India. 5) India will withdraw its own Defence, Navy, and Air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. (ANI)
Locals in Amritsar have lauded the decision of the Indian government to shut the Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP), among other diplomatic measures in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. They also condemned the April 22 attack and supported the Government's decision even though some of them have had to delay or cancel their plans. A tourist from Rajasthan, Surinder Singh told ANI that they had come to Amritsar with the hopes of crossing through the border to attend a family wedding in Pakistan, but now the plans have been postponed. "I was going to Pakistan today for my brother's wedding, but it will be postponed now. My grandmother and her four sons stay in Pakistan, and her one son stays in India. The attack on tourists (in Pahalgam) was very wrong," he said. Shaitan Singh, a relative of Surinder expressed uncertainty about his plans. "What the terrorists have done is wrong...We are not being allowed to go (to Pakistan) as the border is closed...Let us see what will happen now," he told ANI. The Central government has also suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption scheme, giving Pakistani nationals 48 hours to return to their country. A Pakistani national, Mohammed Jammeel also condemened the attack, saying that "whoever's blood is shed is wrong." "Khoon kisi ka bhi bahe woh galat hai (Whoever's blood is being shed is wrong) even if it is mine, or someone else's, everyone's hearts beat the same," Jameel told ANI. At the same time, businessmen in Amritsar said that while their business will be affected, they stand with PM Modi regarding the decision/ A businessman from Attari said, "The closure of the Attari border will definitely affect the business here... but the incident that has happened is also very wrong." Another business said that the attack in Pulwama on innocent people was wrong, adding, "The attack on the tourist was wrong. We stand with the nation. Jis hisab se Modi ji desh chala rahe hain, chalane do. We stand with the decisions of PM Modi," he said. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The attack was one of the biggest terror attacks in the region after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. In response, the Central government announced on Wednesday the closure of Attari ICP, reducing the strength of High Commissions in India and Pakistan to 30 officials each, and suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India." (ANI)
Two days after the heartbreaking Pahalgam attack, Shital Kalathiya, wife of Shailesh Kalathiya, one among the 26 victims, remembering the details of the incident said that they had just reached the top of Mini Switzerland and had sat down for a meal when they heard the firing. "We had just reached Mini Switzerland when the firing had started. It happened twice, and after the second shot, everyone started running. They surrounded us and asked the Hindu men to separate from the Muslim men...We were all silent and were just hoping that they would go away. But everything just happened in a second. They watched all of them die... there was nothing I could do," the wife said speaking to ANI. Still in shock, Shital stated how she had only seen this happening in movies and also questioned the absence of security at the spot. "We had only seen this happening in movies, but when we saw this in real life, it broke us. What shocked us the most is that there was not a single security person present there. if they knew that such risks were present at that place, they shouldn't have let anyone go up there..." she said. Naksh, the son of the deceased said that they were a family of four who had gone on the trip. "We were four of us who went, including my father, my mother and my sister," he said. Locals also recalled the horror they witnessed. Sajad Ahmad Bhat, a shawl hawker from Pahalgam was seen carrying a tourist injured during the attack in a video that went viral on social media. Recalling the incident, Bhat said that he had received a message from the head of Pahalgam Poney Association, Abdul Waheed Wan, further stating that it was his duty to help the tourists, who were also their guests. "I was sitting at my home when I received a text from the Pahalgam Poney Association president, Abdul Waheed Wan about the incident in the Baisaran Valley. We went with him and reached the location around 3-3:30 p.m... We gave water to the injured and lifted those who could not walk.... Humanity comes before religion. It is our duty to help the tourists as they are our guests, and our livelihood depends on them. We brought many of them to the hospital... We did not care about our own lives because when we went there, people were pleading for help... When I saw the tourists crying, tears came to my eyes... Their arrival lights up the lamps in our houses. Our life is incomplete without them..." Bhat told ANI. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one from Nepal while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (ANI)
The Congress party on Thursday demanded that the Central government conduct a "comprehensive analysis into the security failures and lapses," following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, including a foreign national. Congress' General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal held a press meet in the national capital, where he put forth the party's demands following a meeting of the Congress Working Committe at their party's headquarters earlier today. "Pahalgam is known to be a heavily guarded area,there is a three tier security arrangement. It is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the security failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in the Union territory, an area directly under the purview of the Union Home Ministry. This question must be raised in the larger public interest," Venugopal said during the press meeting. "This is the only way justice will be truly be seen to be served for the families whose lives have been truly devastated," he said. Talking about the all party meeting scheduled in Parliament premises later today, Venugopal said that the party had called for it on the night of the terror attack itself. "In order to demonstrate the collective will of the nation, the Indian National Congress called on the night of 22nd itself an all-party meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, which is being scheduled for today," he said. Mentioning the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the Congress leader said that the safety of pilgrims should be a "national priority." "CWC also notes Amarnath Yatra is set to be commenced shortly, lakhs of pilgrims participate in the journey, their security must be a national priority. As well as the safety of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of who depend on tourism," he noted. The Central government is also set to hold an all-party meeting in Parliament premises today evening to discuss the aftermath of the attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be chairing the meeting, according to sources. Following Tuesday's the devastating terror attack in the tourist area in Pahalgam, the Central government announced a slew of diplomatic measures, such as closing down the Attari ICP, suspending SVES visa of Pakistani nationals, giving them 40 hours to return to their country, and reduced the strength of officers in the High Commissioners in either side. As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)
The Congress Working Committee (CWC) expressed its most profound shock and condemnation on Thursday, on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and left multiple others grievously injured. The party also hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party for "exploiting" the tragedy through official and proxy channels to "sow discord, mistrust, and polarisation." "The Congress Working Committee extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families. It stands with them wholeheartedly in this moment of profound anguish," the resolution by the party read. Calling it a "cowardly act of terror," the party blamed Pakistan for the "direct assault on values of our Republic," and appealed for maintaining calm in the face of provocation. "This cowardly and calculated act of terror, masterminded by Pakistan, is a direct assault on the values of our Republic. The deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to inflame passions across the country. We appeal for calm in the face of this grave provocation and reaffirm our collective strength in the face of adversity," the resolution read. The party also condemned the BJP, calling it "shocking" that the tragedy has been "exploited" through official and proxy social media platforms. "However, it is shocking that the BJP is exploiting this grave tragedy through official and proxy social media platforms to sow further discord, mistrust, polarisation and division at a time when unity and solidarity are most needed," the party said. The CWC also reaffirmed Congress's longstanding resolve to combat cross-border terrorism with determination and unity. The party paid a tribute to the local ponywallas and tourist guides, adding, "CWC also pays tribute to the local ponywallas and tourist guides, one of whom was martyred while selflessly trying to protect the tourist to uphold the idea of India." To demonstrate the nation's collective will, the Indian National Congress had, on the night of the 22nd itself, called for an all-party meeting chaired by the Prime Minister. This meeting has now been scheduled for today. Talking about the security in the region, the party also called for a "comprehensive analysis" into the "intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in a Union Territory." "An area directly under the purview of the Union Home Ministry. These questions must be raised in the larger public interest. This is the only way justice can truly be seen to be served for the families whose lives have been so brutally devastated," the resolution added. The CWC also noted that the Amarnath Yatra is set to commence shortly and called for the safety of pilgrims to be treated as a national priority. The party said, "Robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements must be put in place without delay. The safety of pilgrims, as well as the livelihoods of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom depend on tourism, must be protected with full sincerity and seriousness." (ANI)
Amid nationwide mourning and protests surrounding the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offered his full support to the concerned security officials to prevent such attacks. Speaking on the aftermath of the attack, Omar Abdullah stated that the relevant authorities should fulfil their duties to prevent such incidents. He emphasised the role of residents during such attacks, noting that it is the local people who are the first to assist. "To stop such incidents, those responsible for the security have to fulfil their duties. We will stand with them wherever they need us. Whenever such incidents have happened, the local people are the first to help," Abdullah said. He further expressed his confidence in the ongoing steps being taken by the government, adding, "The government of India has taken some steps; let's see how it turns out." Omar Abdullah also mentioned his efforts to gather political leaders for a meeting in the wake of the attack in the Union Territory, stating that he has spoken to several leaders, and none of them had refused to attend. Abdullah also pleaded with the people of the country not to be under the impression that Kashmiris are their enemies, expressing his solidarity with the victims of the attack and appealing to the people of the country to refrain from blaming Kashmiris for the incident. He acknowledged the efforts of the Kashmiri people, who condemned the attack and voiced their opposition to it, stating that it was an attack carried out by external elements, not the local population. "I would like to show solidarity towards the families of the victims who had to go through such a tragic incident... Be it our 25 guests who came here to enjoy their vacation, or that one person from our valley who sacrificed his life to save the people there... I am also thankful to the people of Kashmir who came out after the attack and condemned it," Abdullah said. His remarks came in the aftermath of the deadly terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people. The attack, carried out by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, is one of the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. Meanwhile, in retaliation against the terror attack, India on Wednesday announced a series of strong measures in response, including the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and closure of the Attari Border, as well as suspension of visas for Pakistani citizens. (ANI)
JDS leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy on Thursday paid last respects to Bharat Bhushan, who was gunned down by terrorists in the April 22 Pahalgam attack and said that India will definitely fight back. "This is the new India, we will definitely fight back harder, we will not silently mourn this and never forget it. The PM has taken some sincere steps, which will put an end to similar incidents from occurring in the future," Kumaraswamy said. Stating that Bharat Bhushan's widow is a very brave woman, Nikhil Kumaraswamy said that three Kannadigas have lost their lives in this unfortunate event. "Bharat Bhushan's wife is a very brave woman. I don't know how their three-year-old child will bear this loss. Three Kannadigas have lost their lives in this unfortunate event. The people involved in this incident are demons in human form," he said. Additionally, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra assured people that strict action will be taken against these terrorist groups and urged people to come together. "To disturb the peace and harmony was the main intention. Our PM and HM have taken this incident very seriously. Strict action will be taken against these terrorist groups... This is a time that every Indian should come together," Vijendra said. Vijendra further targeted Congress, blaming the "appeasement politics" of the party for not ending terrorism during their 60 years of rule. "The Congress party, which has ruled for more than 60 years, should introspect on why it could not end terrorism in this country. Because of the appeasement politics of the then ruling Congress... Intentions of terror organisations are very clear: things should not come to normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. "The decision taken by the central government yesterday is just a beginning... The entire world is watching this tragedy. Many more actions will be taken... Every political party has to come together in this tragic moment," he added. Meanwhile, the sister-in-law of Manjunath Rao, another Karnataka local who lost his life in the attack, said, "I pray to God to give strength to their family and Pallavi (wife of Manjunath), who has suffered a lot." The Karnataka government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each of the three tourists from the state who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (ANI)